THE MORNING SKATE FOR OCTOBER 11th
Notes from around Islander Country and the NHL
Here’s something new we’re going to try here and see how it goes. Occasionally on non-gamedays, we’ll post some interesting links and debate the big questions of the day in ‘The Morning Skate’. Feel free to leave some constructive feedback in the comments. Let us know what you like, or don’t, and most importantly — why. You’re learning, we’re learning, soon we’ll be one big, happy, internet based family.
WHO’S THE GOALTENDER NOW, DOG?
Al Montoya has had two solid starts and the Islanders don’t have any back-to-backs this week with Tampa Bay on Thursday and the Rangers on Saturday. Given those facts and that Capuano said he would go with the hot hand during training camp, I’ve got to think Montoya will be the starter for the time being. DiPietro will get his shot eventually but it may not be until the team hits the road next week (assuming Montoya doesn’t stumble on Thursday). As for Nabby, well, hopefully the food in the press box is tasty. I wonder if he is on the roster simply as insurance policy in case the others get hurt or don’t perform.
The Islanders are in the middle of a four game homestand which they can use to try and get the fanbase excited and get some positive momentum rolling. It’s always important to have a good start but for a team that hasn’t won much of anything the last few years and bombed out before Thanksgiving last year, it’s especially important. If Capuano believes that Montoya is his best chance to win then Al has got to be the starter until he slips up.
Montoya would surely relish a start against the team that drafted him on Saturday and I’d say he’s earned the opportunity.
FOR THE HALEY-AHOLICS OUT THERE, HERE’S YOUR FIX
Micheal Haley rightfully earned a lot of supporters for his part in standing up against the Penguins last year. For all the Haley-aholics out there, here’s something you may have missed over the weekend while you were constantly refreshing the Isles home page to see if he got the call up from Bridgeport. Haley got in an awfully good fight against Ryan Hollweg — yes, the same Ryan Hollweg that Chris Simon took batting practice on — of the Portland Pirates on Saturday night.
via LHH via Isles Enforcers
CAPTION THIS PHOTO
After Monday’s game against the Wild, photographer Bruce Bennett captured this shot of The Rick kissing Al Montoya’s mask after the game. Let’s hear your best captions in the comments!
DiBENEDETTO NETS HAT TRICK, CALL THE OVERREACTION POLICE
Speaking of the Sound Tigers, they earned their first win of the year on Sunday afternoon to move to 1-1 on the young season. Congratulations to Justin DiBenedetto who recorded his first pro hat trick in the game with Casey Cizikas assisting on all three goals. The pair played on the second line with Sean Backman on the RW. Deep breaths, Country. Certainly a great start for DiBo but alas two games is a very small sample size.
Captions, feedback and thoughts on these stories in comments.
About Kevin Schultz
Kevin was formerly an NHL blogger for the now defunct AOL Fanhouse and was the creator of the hockey comedy blog Barry Melrose Rocks. He now covers the Isles for Islanders Point Blank. You can follow him for instant updates on the team and talk hockey with him on Twitter @schultz88. View all posts by Kevin Schultz →86 Responses to THE MORNING SKATE FOR OCTOBER 11th
Notes from around Islander Country and the NHL
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StevieL says:
With due respect to Michael Corleone and the Godfather! The photo caption is,
“Al! I know it was you! You broke my heart! You took my job!” -
EJ1SINCE40 says:
Kvin, nice article and great job overall. Keep it going!
I don not understand the signing of Jay Pandolfo and sending Haley down to the Port (my old hometown by the way).
Michael should of proven himself last year, not only as a hell of fighter, but as a good skater who has SOME skill worthy of at least a 4th line spot.
And let’s face it, how many times has anyone seen a bloodied Sean Avery?
Ride big AL at least thru this home stand, especially Saturday night vs. the Rag$.
A 3-1 mark before they hit the road would be FANtastic!
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Eric Cup says:
Haley is spelled right. AS for the caption, “Hey Cubano – here’s my kiss of death!”
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Nick says:
Caption: “I know it was you, and it breaks my heart”
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James says:
“Maybe if I kiss this compass, I can finally find some direction in my career and be on my way.”
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BanGarth says:
Please bring up Haley , teams needs energy and toughness not another 39 year old has been who is a solid on the PK. Grow up Garth.
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juniorjunior says:
Monty gets the start.
Caption: “Al, Do you like movies about gladiators?”
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Islanders1932 says:
Montoya gets the start. Haley should be called up. Thats all I know
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John says:
Keep starting Monty. This team is trying to win games this year. The best players need to play.
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Madchef says:
Hopefully the current trend on Monty getting starts continues. No problem with DP as back up, so long as he is back up. Maybe the brass had a talk with DP, maybe he is on board, dare to dream. Was at the game yesterday on the glass. Some defense lapses but seems like the team is just trying to get into a groove. I didnt see passionless hockey though, those guys were hustling in the corners. Watching on TV doesnt always give you the full perspective. JT is gonna be dangerous once those pucks start going in, he lost at least 3-4 defenders yesterday. Dont know who u replace if you want Haley in? Pandolfo was out on pk all game and held his own. Probably good way to keep others fresh at the end. Also I know bad calls go both ways but saw at least 3 bad penalties on isles yesterday, hope that doesnt continue. 2 games people breathe, and more importantly enjoy this team is as good as its been in a long time.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
“DP and Cubano kiss and make up from that meaningless pre-season fight a few years ago. That was the last fight Dp will ever win.”
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Jim Clark says: Nabokov is an insurance policy? Who ever heard of an Islander goalie
getting hurt? -
goislesgo105 says:
Unless the Isles bring down their goals against from last year, they are not going to make the playoffs. This team will score goals. But can they hold leads and win close games?? A player like Jay Pandolfo will help them do that. He is an experienced defensive forward who knows how to win. Haley knows how to win fights but Pandolfo knows how to win hockey games!
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Gremlin 40 says:
Caption “here’s a kiss for keeping me healthy another game”
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Erika says:
Thanks for keeping pointblank going Kevin! Great job the last few days!
Hailey needs to be brought up, as does Czisikas (whatever the spelling). I am not seeing any energy from the older guys brought in. Yes, they did a good job penalty killing, but I feel CC could do just as well and more. It is early so I will let the boys get their legs going before making judgments. So far the only noticeable factor is that they get pushed off the puck to easily. I shudder to think what will happen when they play the flyers. Best Scenario: they give up 4 goals but their offense excels and scores 5! -
Al L says:
Keep up the good work,Kevin. Perhaps over time you will get ‘in the know’ so you can draw the fanbase abit closer to the internal doings of the Franchise.
I’m keeping close tabs on DiBenedetto. He was a big goal scorer in his last year in Juniors and perhaps he is beginning to translate that ability to higher levels. You’re right though. One game is a small sample. I can remember Mick Vukota netting a hat trick against The Leafs 20 years ago. He wasn’t what you would describe a ‘sniper’. -
Mike in Wantagh says:
I would start Montoya on Thursday again and then go with DP on Saturday against the Rangers. DP has had some of his best performaces against the Rangers and Saturday would be the right time to go with him I think.
I have a feeling Cap will do the opposite though. I think DP is gonna start against Tampa on Thursday and leave Montoya the chance on Saturday
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OA PEST says:
Caption
So Al let me get this straight If I kiss it here a genie will pop out?
Are you sure this is how most players repair their hips?
Al, what’s that poking me?
Al, I love you man but your not getting my bud light.
Al, I’d kiss your crap also to get the #1 job back!
Al, I don’t know how to quit you.
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Winning says:
Dipietro was never better then roleson and others the last 3 years. All of this indicates that Wang decided he would rather see the team win some games rather then throw his season away on giving his son playing time.
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RyfromLI says:
“Thanks Al, instead of getting booed, I now get paid to warm the bench–sweet!”
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Gene F says:
People forgot one important thing – they played well last year and scored a lot of goals when they were out of the playoffs and the pressure was off.
Now it is a different story… they way they played the first two games is pretty scary (not counting the 1st period against the Wild) -
Since72 says:
Al should start against Tampa but unless he completely shuts them down I would go with Nabs against the Rags. Unless I am mis-remembering it, I think Al was god-awful against the Rags (the team that drafted and dumped him) last year. Nabs believes that he is a big stage player; he might be. Let him bring it. Let DP get his starts away from home until he wins back the fans this season. I loathe hearing him booed by the Coli “fans”.
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
This Isles team is a work in progress….that I hope that Cappy can keep steering the ship the right way.
Thrilled that DP is on the sidelines. Need more consistent effort – more like the 1st Period vs Wild than what not…..
I am concerned with this team being “run” and while I can totally see the value added by Pandolfo, Reasoner and the other vets – we are not physical enough.
While I like P A Parenteau – we need a beast on that line to keep Tavares from getting run without retaliation.
Still a work in progress……but this is a very watchable team – unlike 2 or 3 years ago. Even though we are off to a slow start – it could be worse !
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BeeDubbs says:
Caption: “I’m not as big of a douche as everyone thinks I am and all I want to see is my team winning.”
Now everyone get off his back, DP isn’t the devil, he’s just the most loyal player we have.
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Strummer's Army says:
Haley won our respect not just for his fist but he also scored a couple of goals that showed his skill. Remember him dancing around all-star d-man Letang? Point is Haley is a great fighter but he is way more then just a fighter, he has nice #’s in the AHL.
Rick loves his team and always has.
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Tom NYC says:
Agree with BeeDubbs- aside from getting hurt all the time and not being as good as a #1 overall draft pick and a 15 year contract, DP hasn’t done anything to deserve all the hatred. He’s been a huge team player and loves being an Islander, that should be enough for us to root for him. That being said, Montoya should be our #1 and Nabokov should keep sitting inthe press box. If he didn’t want to show up and play for us last year then he deserves not to play for us this year.
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Paulunde says:
I felt very bad for Rick as he was booed by the home fans during introductions, at the home opener. The guy has given all he has since the day he was drafted. Booing him was a disgraceful act. I think he has always acted with class since he was taken with the #1 pick. Although his body may have failed him, he’s never stopped working and never given up the hope of leading this team to the promised land.
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Interesting that just 4 years ago DP was teaching Al how to do a goalie fight in an exhibition game. But what will the Islanders do with Ricky’s contract? He does love the Isles but his contract is also a huge distraction.
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peter debenedetto says:
Caption: You broke my heart Fredo…you broke my heart.
BTW….the site is back and better than ever!!!!! Great Job!!!!
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Anthony says:
goislesgo #13 – Bring Haley up!Haley wins fights, Pandolfo wins games lol.I think Tavares,Okposo,Neilson,Grabner etc wins games and if you don’t bring up Haley those core guys will be targets by other teams and will get hurt and we will have another long season. He brings energy and can play and brings protection.NO BRAINER
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Jerky says:
Kevin – I like “The Morning Skate” idea. Knowing I have something to read and discuss about my team every morning is refreshing.
The Isles cannot have three goalies on the roster for an extended period. Nabakov should be traded if Montoya and DP can stay healthy for the first two months of the season. While I prefer to see Montoya get the nod in the next two games, I think the team needs to start DP in consecutive games and see if his body holds up physically. Then the team can assess the need for Nabakov. There are plenty of capable goalies at Bridgeport who can backup in case of long-term injury, so no need to keep Nabakov if he’s not going to play (although they need to get him some starts to display his trade value).
This team has taken a major step backward in terms of toughness to open this season. Martin and Hamonic aside, the rest of the team is awfully soft. With Haley and Gillies (when he’s ready to return), the team returns to respectabiity in that department and someone will have Tavares’ back.
Caption A: “Who knew staying in net and not overhandling the puck actually helps the team win?”
Caption B: “Wait, that doesn’t taste like champagne!?”
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Both games you’ve seen Isles being pushed around and Tavares being targeted. Hamonic and Martin are warriors but not enough of a deterent. Plus, Isles best served by Hamonic being on ice instead of penalty box as he is clearly their best D-man right now.
Don’t like the cheap shot by Hollweg at the end but that is who he is, he is one of the dirtiest players in the history of hockey and one of Campbell’s boys.
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Johnny Appleseed says:
Thanks Kevin! Great idea, and something I think can certainly be properly formulated with the help of your creative mind as well as those of all over Islander Country.
P.S….Its only been two games, let’s give it at least the first home stand before the Bridge Bus is revved up.
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Mike says:
Keep playing Montoya!!!!! Isles owe NOTHING to Nabokov if Al keeps playing GREAT then DP & Nabakov sit!!!!
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BJ says:
Ricky kissing the starters job goodbye
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isles71 says:
caption: “You always hurt the ones you love!!!”
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nyc dork says:
DP’s lateral movement will now always be slow. I dont want to see him backup. He is useless. I could care less how nice of a guy some people think he is. Before his injuries he was cocky and arrogant. Never learned how to stay in his crease and never kept it simple. If he really cared about the isles winning he should restructure his contract.
Im concerned about wang not returning calls about the county’s new arena ideas. I feel wang wants to own the new arena not only the team. he is suddenly showing no interest. I have a feeling he will sell if he doesn’t get what he want when the lease expires. -
PA ISlanders says:
What would avery say???
I want to see al against the rags
From what i’ve seen thus far, i dont think they can win against TB.
They will have to play alot better than the did 5 of the six periods they played so far if they think the can beat tampa bay.So i say start nabakov! See if can handle the big show! -
Swan says:
This Team will live and die by its special teams this season. Haley should definitely not be starting over Pandolfo.
Haley could be starting over Gillies, Comeau. That’s about it. He is not better than anyone else and is not a skilled PK/PP winger (yet).
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anthony c says:
Caption: Please don’t take my job Al.
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Steve C says:
NYC Dork: wang may be looking at several arena options, but in SECRECY.
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Turgeon77 says:
Caption – “Thanks Montoya…I don’t mind riding the bench for the next 10 years.”
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Oh...Marrone says:
If you read that bit on Haley as Haley-aLCholics does that make you an alcoholic?
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oh and haley needs to be in this line-up!
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Dom says:
Al L #17….I’m pretty sure Vukota’s “trick” was against the Capitals, NOT the Leafs.
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Staten Islander says:
At a theater near you, GoalieBack Mountain…”Ypu complete me Al, you COMPLETE me”
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as i mentioned the other day, the deadline passed for a bid to go to queens. if anything, just to keep your options open, it would have made sense. but of course, when you are dealing with arragant and delusional wang, you have to realize anything that makes sense is thrown out the window. to get even with the no vote for the new arena, it would not surprise me if wang sells the team to anyone in 2015, not caring if the new owner moves the team to canada. since there will be no option anyway to play anywhere else anyway, this will be the final last act for wang to complete the destruction of the new york islanders, which he has continued to do so far to the best of his ability.
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Glens says:
Yesterday was better they played one period of hockey. Yes it’s early no need to panic. That haley fight down at the bridge was a good one, but once the linesman step in it’s over Hollweg to deliver a sucker punch like that is BS. And I’ll leave it that to keep my post clean.
Good night and,
LETS GO ISLANDERS….. -
Hey Anthony #32, I hear what you are saying but how many cups have JT, Grabner,Nielsen, Okposo and Haley won? How many playoff games have they won? The answer is none. Pandolfo is a winner. He knows how to win in the playoffs and he knows what it takes to win the cup.You may want to win fights but I want to win games. This team needs to learn how to win close games. To me Pandolfo over Haley is a no brainer. GO ISLES!!
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Orange&Blue says:
Time for Bailey to go to Bridgeport where he can spend years finding his game. Time to bring Haley back to Long Island where he belongs. Haley is exactly the spark plug this team needs to win. Bailey does absolutely nothing to help this team!!!
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If you are someone who believes Haley does not belong on this team..you are just not getting the big picture .
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JHD says:
Kevin and Co. – great job in keeping PB going. I thought it was dead but a couple of weeks ago.
Start Nabby against TB
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NYISLES01 says:
Sick of Baily. He is a permiter player, who is weak on his skates.
Trade this guy and one of the goaltender for a sold YOUNG defenseman please..
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Okposso and Baily are killoing the Isles offe4nse right now with Baily’s weak corner play and Okposso mis-fires at the net.
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Screw Wang. He is being spitefull, not talking to the press and refusing to look at options. For spite, he will sell the team to anyone just to get out in 2015.
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BobbyNy23 says:
Haley brings an element n one else on this team has. Reasoner and pandalfo were terrible acquisitions, give some hungry young guys a shot instead of getting washed up past their prime guys. Garth needs to go .
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goislesgo #51-I know we both want this team to succeed and its pretty silly to ask how many cups Tavares and company have won.Correct me if I am wrong Pandolfo yes a former stanley cup winner, but he is 37 who played in the minors all yr last yr and no one else wanted him this yr. Haley is not just a fighter he can play also and brings protection and energy for our core that every team needs especially this team.If I wanted just a fighter i would be asking Gillies to play. If you watch the games,which im sure you do, teams take runs at our stars and if they get hurt we have no season or future. Pandolfo will not be with this team next year. Got to look at the big picture. Its cool we agree to disagree.LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Caption while kissing the Isles Logo at the Center of the compass:
“I get it, its about the team. Enjoy the ride Al, if you win I will sit and cheer for you, if you need me I’ll be there and be ready to do my best!”LET’S GO ISLANDERS!
Wait till JT, MG, and MM start to light it up again… -
KOkid21 says:
Damn, Hollweg is gonna pay for that cheap shot !
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Bailey is Mr. Invisible what a waste of a pick .
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When Jurcina comes back. Good bye Mr. Mottau.
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okpososcores21 says:
Calm down everyone its been 2 games. From what ive seen we prob got away with that win sat. The good news our star players havent showed up yet. Give them a couple more weeks to get going and I assure you they will be in most games this year. Give it a break with Haley. He had more pre season games than most guys and he didn’t look “spectacular” out there. Im sorry but when our team gives up one pp goal in (5-3) 2 games and pandolfo is a big reason why. why do you want to get rid of him. I dont get much of your logic. Bottom line Tavares is going to get hit, its part of the game. He has to be aware who is on the ice and not put himself in a vulnerable position. Another thing, how can you hate on reasoner he is providing our team with 4th line scoring depth 14 goals last year. Not to mention he wins face offs and has some skill to put the puck in the net. Lastly the fourth line Martin reasoner and Pandolfo looked great last game. I liked that line alot. They cycled well and showed some good chemistry. If your going to be hating on anyone it should be the stars on the team.
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NYISLIES01 says:
Baily and Okposso will be under the greatest scrutiny since both were “reach picks” by Snow. Snow and his scouts will take the heat. Same with Niedereitter and Stromme as Snow likes to reach for these picks. Enough is enough and no more exceuses. Are you going to draft players like a champion like Detroit and the Devils or like losers.
How many high first round picks have the Islanders had now?
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cjcb says:
Montoya!!! Come on keep rolling with him i have him starting in my Fantasy league!! Lets go Islanders!!!!
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Haley brings what Martin brings in my opinion its one or the other. Gilles brings clear Enforcing with the ability to take the other monsters around the league on. Cant wait to get Gilles in the lineup! Lets go Islanders!!
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Billy the Kid says:
Okposo starting to take criticism. He is getting paid like a goal scorer and he has to live up to it, not play like a 3rd line checker.
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hale says:
to post 66 how was okposo a reach?
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First – KO was a pick by Neil Smith, not Garth. Second – it is fair to say Bailey was a reach and the same with CDH but to say Strome and Nino were both reaches and pass judgement while they are still teenagers is absolutely ridiculous. Garth has done a fine job in the draft and utilizing the waiver wire, especially with what he has was given to work with. If he signed Redden, Gomez, Wiz, Bergy, etc. to the contracts they were given by other teams he would under a lot of scrutiny. People need to lay off – it is finally ok to pass judgement this season but not till at least 20 games and see the direction of this team.
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Garth Vader does not make significant trades! so don’t wish for anything
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Garth has done ok drafting overall , jury still out on Bailey. Why he needs to go is he keeps bringing in these late 30 something guys that no one else wants. At least give some young guys a shot and you might catch lighting in a bottle. We have 3-4 veteran defenseman how much veteran leadership do we need ? We want Haley……
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Anthony #60,I just don’t get all of this man love for Haley. He is a career 3rd/4th line AHL’er. I too do not like to see our star players get cheap shoted but to think that having Haley on the team will make the difference between making the playoffs or not seems really far fetched to me.If we need toughness, then it’s time for players like Ok,Martin, Comeau etc. to step up and play tougher. I like Haley and have nothing against the guy but he is not the answer to making the playoffs and winning the cup. Winning close games, reducing our goals against and holding third period leads is. The best thing to me about the last game against the Wild was that we held onto the 2-1 lead in the third period and won the game. Love your passion though!! GO ISLES!!
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Ok and Comeau play tough ? LOL Do you even follow the Islanders. Comeau used to hit than realized someone might retaliate.
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Bob E. says:
its 2 games guys. Bailey has alot to show. Relax. If he has been in juniors and this was his first year. none of you guys would be saying anything like he is bust. Reality is maybe he was rushed but he ahead of alot of the fowards he was drafted with with exception of steve stamkos
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Okiposo and bailey will never be guys who score 30+ goals. Bailey may never hit 20. Okiposo may hit 20 some year. Both are tradeable as they dont provide toughness like a calahan, or offense to make up for the girly non contact hockey they play.
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Claude says:
I’m sure pandolfo will fight like that any day now.
If your going to shop bailey add “all swedish no finnish KO” in for real power forward -
Dickie Dunn says:
I’m not gonna say Al Montoya is ugly but DP thinks he is a two masker
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Battfist says:
Im with those that support Haley on the currrent NHL roster. For whatever reason, he brings an energy to the team. But I like the approach the Isles are taking, for one, it is a long season. Once a few injuries hit the team, Haley will get the call. And when he does, he’ll be fired up.
I agree, the first two games were a bit disappointing. We only played one good period of hockey. With that said, we can only get better. Tomorrow night will be an early test.
Lets go Islanders!
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Louie da puck says:
Caption … You broke my heart fredo…
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Hey I think you spelled Micheal Hailey’s name wrong. Its a tough one. As a Michael seeing his name spelled sticks out like a sore thumb to me every time I see it.