After an Embarrassing Loss, It’s Time to Make a Statement
“They don’t know where they are going, where they want to be or how they are going to get there.”
- Ed Westfall on MSG during the 2nd period of Ed Westfall Night
Last night’s loss at home to the Boston Bruins was a “statement loss.” It’s the kind of game, even at this time of the season, that begs for a move, or moves, to be made. It begs for blame to be placed somewhere, anywhere. The fourth shutout of the season on only November 19th – all four coming at home, no less – is absolutely unacceptable. To do it in such a lackluster fashion, leaving an unlucky prospect to take a beating in net at the end of the game is about as low as it gets.
The Islanders have now lost 11 of 13 games. Statistically, they’re not eliminated from anything this season. But watching the past few weeks worth of games has been akin to watching someone sick with the flu go through the motions – there are bad days and there are days that are a little better than bad.
The offense still has not found any rhythm and has the fewest goals of any team in the entire league. There is little attack that amounts to much of anything many nights. Tonight, the Islanders had no chase when they dumped the puck in the Bruins’ zone and were pushed off it when they carried in. There also is not much forecheck by the forwards, something we got all too used to seeing with Scott Gordon’s Islanders.
Worst of all with the offense, not much has been done to address any of this aside from scratching Kyle Okposo and one shuffling of lines. How Okposo responds when returned to the lineup – likely Monday – should be interesting. If he shows no fire, then the coach’s stern and eye-opening message to one of his ‘should be performing’ players will have been completely lost.
Then there’s the back half of the team. The defense is what we know it to be – slow and small – and they got burned in all the same ways they did on that Monday night in Boston. Doing them no favors was Rick DiPietro, who started behind them in net. He has made an admirable effort to try and return to form but right now, and potentially never again, he isn’t there. Most unfortunate was the turnover he gifted to Nathan Horton, proving that he still hasn’t significantly improved his puck handling despite all the talk about how many assists he has. The save percentage has dipped below .890 and, if Al Montoya isn’t ready, there’s the unreal possibility of Anders Nilsson starting Monday in Pittsburgh.
All of this is bad and it only stands to get worse. No one thinks that this team should have come out and won big tonight against the defending Champions. After a nice pre-game ceremony put on by the Islanders and MSG for legend Ed Westfall, a solid effort was really all that was needed to stem some of the negative tide.
In the post game, Coach Capuano laid into the team again for a lack of effort. It should be noted, this was the angriest we have seen him and rightfully so. It’s the same song he has sung after previous losses albeit with much, much more fire. He needs to light a fire in his troops and is doing what he can. He is curently sitting an assistant captain in the press box for three games. He has messed with the lines. He yanked the “franchise” goaltender for an emergency call-up rookie after one period tonight. The coach is running out of options. The coach has done what he can with the pieces he has in front of him.
The players as a whole are not responding. They are also at fault. They have not come to play on a regular basis and many have not performed up to expectations. The coach, in turn, has not been able to motivate his players on a nightly basis and has pulled a lot of the tricks out of his bag. And, in turn, the General Manager did not make any moves over the summer nor in the last few weeks to awaken the roster or improve the team that the coach was given.
It’s hard to pick one specific person or a specific aspect of the team that bares the load of the responsibility for where this team is now: 29th in the NHL, 35 goals in 17 games and one win better than the Columbus Blue Jackets whose trials and tribulations have been highly publicized. It’s not a stretch to think that by next week’s end the Islanders will have the worst record in the league.
On the statsheet, this is a team that is no better than it was last year. The team is no better than the year before that or the year before that even though there should be some signs of improvement. The responsibility falls on the GM for not improving the product. It also falls on a coach who cannot motivate his team and a team that cannot motivate itself and has not vastly improved, save for a few players. It’s been almost like a cascading power outage so far this season. One minute the problem is the offense, the next it’s the defense too, then the whole team and the blame quickly works its way up through the chain of command.
The hard part of this situation is that no one is entirely at fault, yet all involved share some of it. The players are not wholly at fault. Many of them have been asked to step into roles that are uncomfortable or above their skill level both this year and in years past. More, and in some cases too much, has been expected from them.
The coach is also not entirely to be faulted. He was a welcome breath of fresh air last year and helped relax a team that was tight and wound up. During this season, he has tried different solutions to try and reach the team he has been presented with. In his press conference tonight, he was asked what needs to be done. He responded, “I know what I would do,” implying that there are changes he wants made that are not getting done.
That leads us to the general manager, whom many believe to be totally at fault. While it’s true that more moves could have been made in the off-season, he believed in his players and – to an extent we are not totally sure of – cannot spend money the way many other teams do. Building through the draft has proven long and arduous thus far, however some of his best selections may still be in the pipeline. To allow him to build this team and bring in these players for years but not allow him to try and correct a 17-game skid when expectations are ratcheted up and effort is missing would not be doing his tenure justice.
So let’s bring this full circle.
Tonight was a “statement loss” as I said in the opening. In the short life span of NHL coaches, it was the kind of loss that you often see firings made after. It’s the kind of loss that results in trades just for the sake of shaking up the rosters and keeping the players on edge. To single out one person for what has transpired doesn’t really tell the whole story. More importantly, it doesn’t fix things.
One player getting dealt would be a side note in a few weeks.
One coach getting fired allows for another one to be brought in, and tuned out by, the same players.
There need to be multiple changes and multiple examples of accountability. That is generally the kind of change that happens when a new General Manager is put at the helm. They’ll bring in ‘their guys’ and swap a lot of people out.
In my opinion, that’s not what needs to happen yet. Garth Snow should be allowed the due diligence to see what he can do to right the ship. He has made long-term decisions for years and there’s nothing wrong with playing long-term. Now, the question is what decisions or moves can he make to fix things in the short-term? Let’s see what his solution is.
Now don’t get me wrong — I’m not advocating for a restart on the rebuild or to empty the locker room. But multiple changes need to happen. There’s no one coach coming in that will solve this situation. There’s no one player to acquire that would be a saving grace and there’s not one singular person in Bridgeport that will help. There’s no one player to get rid of that’s destroying the locker room. I don’t believe that one move would send the appropriate message – and I hope I’m wrong because that would make things a lot simpler and easier.
I believe that multiple moves will solve the message. Maybe the coach and a young ‘core’ player need to go to wake everyone else up. Maybe a few players, youth and veteran need to go. It may be time to cut ties with Josh Bailey. Maybe sending Brian Rolston to Bridgeport (where his salary would still count against the cap) sends the appropriate message. There are a multitude of options and under performing players from which to choose. Whomever you want to make walk the plank — and there are an awful lot of people to choose from — let them walk and then, after we see the effects of what the GM has done to remedy the situation, we can talk bigger picture.
What’s clear is that the ship is seriously sinking and it’s going down fast (but I guess to say that would imply that there was ground to be lost in the first place). The time for talk of small sample size and early season slumps are now over. It’s not a matter of points in the standings but attitudes in the locker room and on the ice. This team found an identity and a kinship after they went punch-for-punch with the Penguins last season. Now, we don’t know who they are. There’s a majority of the roster not putting in a serious effort most nights. Losing because you’re over matched is one thing. Losing because you don’t come to play game in and game out is a whole different and much more serious story.
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 →79 Responses to After an Embarrassing Loss, It’s Time to Make a Statement
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Steven says:
Very well said. Time for big time changes. GM and Owner need to be held responsible. I understand then Isles not spendiong big money without a new building but to do nothing this summer to improve especailly with the vote on the new building was unbelievable.
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Orange&Blue says:
Pretty pathetic whent he first captain of your franchise and the man your honoring that night is up in the booth questioning the heart of the team that honored him and benching of the teams asst capt by the GM. It couldnt be any gloomier in Islander Country. This team is just about unwatchable at this point. In fact, if it werent for Tavares, I dont think Id even want to watch this team. To be honest, it is very hard to root for Wang, Snow, and DiPietro. I dont have any respect for either of them. They are a joke and mockery to us. Mark Streit is not captain material! -5, is he kidding!! He should be the first to go, followed by Comeau, Bailey, and Reasoner!
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since 74 says:
Exactly. Streit must go. Lets start from there. Montreal knew what they were doing when they let him go. Why is it that the fans seem to know what needs to be done but management doesn’t? Unless management just doesn’t care and are just waiting for a buyer.
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kabbage19 says:
Good article Kevin. But as I’ve said on other posts – No offense to Matt Martin, but he should not be your best forward on so many nights. Heart and pride.
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O'Neill says:
Kevin- Well said. I have been kind of waiting for your comments on this game to make sure I am not completely misjudging the situation in the islanders locker room. In my opinion, Mark Streit is the wrong choice for an NHL captain. As I have said in other posts, an NHL captain has the voice to hold players accountable for their play on the ice. So, not only are they not responding to Cap, but it is clear they do not view Streit as a vocal leader. In sum, as you said, multiple changes need to be made.
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Flip says:
Great post, agree with everything said
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UIF says:
Snow must go. And Wang needs to get out of the way already and hire someone to take over hockey operations. It’s admirable he wanted to learn the game and be hands-on, but he may be the only person on this planet who can’t see that it’s clearly not working this way. He needs to bring in someone who knows the NHL game…not a friend or “loyal soldier” within the organization.
There is no one with extensive hockey knowledge anywhere in the organization right now. Think about it…owner who doesn’t know the game, with a GM who never held a hockey management postion before, with a coach who never coached NHL players before, with assistants who never coached NHL players before, and what seems like an “heir apparent” coach in Doug Weight who has never coached period.
Where is the experience? I don’t fault the guys above…they’re doing the best they can. But we probably shouldn’t be surprised at all the stumbles along the way when every single person here is learning on the job, from the key players, to coaching, to management to the owner.
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Blizz says: Love the article, nice to see someone other than the fans writing about the possibility that DP is done.
Blame….this isnt difficult. It starts at the top. Wang is clueless. Needs to either step back and hire a real hockey G.M. and let him do his thing or sell the damn team already. If you are not gonna let this G.M. bring in bonafide NHL players then just put us all out of our misery and sell the damn team already. Enough of the Building nonsense. If there was a real team on the ice this wouldn’t be an issue.
Its November and our Hockey season is over already.
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Paul Undersinger says:
It certainly is amazing to think that just as some of us were starting to believe the team was headed direction, we see how wrong we are. I was one who thought that this club would compete every night and make this an enjoyable and interesting season. Instead it is neither. This is an organization with absolutely no pride. The league should be ashamed that Wang is allowed to run the team as he does. Garth Snow is an arrogant and incompetent jerk, who never deserved the job to begin with. More than any other change, his dismissal should be the first order of business.
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fmcisles says:
Bottom line is that any changes that involve the raising of payroll won’t happen. We all know Weight is in line to be Cappy’s replacement. Even if Snow was fired today, what self-respecting GM would ever come near this franchise? As long as Wang owns this team, what you see if what you get…..until 2015 and he sells(and team leaves NY) or moves the team to Quenns/Brooklyn/Suffolk.
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hangover3 says:
Analyzing what should be done is useless. The islanders, have 4 prioritys. Winning is the 4th one. Priority #1-Penny pinching Priority #2- Let the worst (statisicaly)goalie keep playing for your team because he is friends with the owner. priority #3- Anti fighting anti toughness Agenda (from Wang). priority #4- Winning. As long as winning is #4 when 100% of NHL teams list winning as a top 1 o2 2 priority, then the Isles will not be able to compete with NHL teams. Simply put, this league is TOO COMPETITVE FOR THE ISLES.
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Sean says:
It’s beyond the point of even bothering to talk about it. We all know what happens here – they flail for 5 or so more games, fire Capuano, bring in some equally irrelevant no namer that makes no money, lather rinse and repeat. Just try to break the lease and move already. Every season like this just throws more dirt on the casket of the NY Islanders.
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islesrock73 says:
Wang is clueless. It starts and ends with him. Why, because he hires amateurs across the board to run his organization. From Mad Mike to Snow, coaches with no NHL experience.
What to do now? Fire Snow immediately. Kevin, Snow is guilty of hockey malpractice. Even with his budget, and a nutty owner, he puts terribly flawed teams on the ice.
Wang needs to sit down with Bettman, and hire some pros to run the organization that will help get respect back around the league again.
It’s not the building Charles, it’s you and your pathetic management choices and style.
Charles’ it’s not working!!
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Not Surprised says:
Kevin, there’s no way that garth snow should be given any more of anything, unless its a kick in the ass as he walks out the door. To suggest otherwise is foolish and naive.
The bottom line is this team is an abject failure and will continue to be until the owner sells. Until then, let’s not even bother rehashing poor, minor-league efforts and embarrassing losses, game after game, season after season, decade after decade.
There is just no point to it.
Everybody go find something else to do until Wang is gone. Everything about this team is an embarrassment and a waste of time and energy.
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Jack says:
Same old story! No first line! No first pair on D! A goaltending circus! No grit, size or toughness! Bad choices at the draft table! No accountability at the Mgt/ownership level!
They say the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results each time. -
Ted says:
As long as Wang & Snow are running the show the Islanders will continue to blow…
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Jon LaRosa says:
Well said… However, trading and sending down 3rd and 4th liners is not going to send the message that is needed. The top line players that are the “core” are those who need to be sat down. I have yet to see Capuano sit someone during a game. The failures of this team and the GM are not brining back the chemistry and roster that worked at the end of last season. The message would be to bring up the hard working young individuals from Bridgeport and sit on any given night those who have not performed in a few games. Why have players like Haley, Gillies, and Kononpka been punished for showing toughness and supplying spark? Because they have high PIMs? I’d rather have anyone of those 3 playing right now than Reasoner, Pandolfo, or Bailey. Sending Strome back was a mistake. Look at the Oilers… they didn’t send their rookies back to Juniors. Finally, the d-men are small and slow… Well lets bring up the coveted DeHaan and the big bodied Wishart. Hell follow Joe Girardi… he had nor problem sitting A-Rod and Posada and that sparked the team. Sit the “core” no-one is safe not even JT if you need to send a message.
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IslesFan says:
Strome had to go back to juniors. He was not ready for the NHL. You can’t keep rushing prospects into the NHL. Tavares, like Nugent-Hopkins is one of the rare exceptions. The Isles ruined Bailey and Okposo by rushing them.
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Kevin this was written extremely well and with even more accuracy.
Ullstrom recall, wonderful. Maybe should have happened last week – either way, not enough as the article above truthfully states.
Capuano really seems to be implying that his hands are tied. “I know what I’d do.”, “I wish 3 players were being called up from Bridgeport”, “We had our identity and played for one another last year, you all saw it – I don’t know where it went”…
We all know that identity is the Islanders identity that always rings true and true for the root DNA of our team and fanbase – and that’s a tough, hard nosed team, that plays for one another and stands up strong and victorious as David in their matches versus multiple Goliaths. Look back at what stands out as our heyday, whether it be vs. Pens last year, playoff games vs. Rags over the years, playoff series against Toronto, and of course the dynasty. No pushovers there from top to bottom.
Konopka was replaced by someone I need to remind myself every night to look for because he’s totally insignificant in every phase of the game. Not to mention, Z must have brough a ton of fire and accountability to the locker room, and would be 1 of 2 guys that could actually win a key face off when needed. That’s a big hole.
The fanbase isn’t just wildly supporting Michael Haley because he got into a few fights. The Haley t-shirt didn’t sell out for us to feel like tough guys, it was to represent we’d no longer take other people’s –it. We’d stand up and play hard, protect our core and let them be them by having each other’s back. And truthfully Gillies does too and adds a bit more feat in our opponents, which can’t be a bad thing considering the entire team look scared to even be checked by Lucic, Chara, McQuaid, etc. In last night’s game.
Gillies may not be able to skate, but Haley can. Haley takes a silly penalty here and there, that can be corrected. We stuck with Bergie for years.
Lastly, that shakeup is 100% neccessary and it has to be big. Prepare to say bye to a few players and please don’t be scared to lose them. We all know it will not be JT, Tavares, Streit, and Hamonic…and really those are the only proven 100% keepers. I don’t want to lose Nino, and a few in the system…hell, even Okposo, but I’m prepared to. The team needs a huge change in the worst way, EVEN if they sweep through next week w/ wins, they need a major change.
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Merrick says:
First, there is one person to blame: Charles Wang.
Second, when Snow dumped Nolan and brought in Scott Gordon and his “system,” Snow said he was dedicated to a system and making that work not only with top club, but in Bridgeport and through our draft selections. If that was truly the case–and not another Snowjob,does that mean that the players we drafted from 2008-2010 do not fit the plan when Gordon was fired. Initially, it was said Capuano would keep the same system, but bringing in old, slow, non-puck moving guys who don’t forecheck would seem to indicate that is no longer the plan. Which is where the Capotain hit the nail on the head–there is no plan!!!!
Snow has shown that the highest paying job he can get in hockey is being the clown puppet for Wang–so I don’t expect abyhting out of him to right the ship. The team should either move or Wang must sell–otherwise what we see today on Long Island is waht we can expect for time eteranl ahead. Bad organizaitons do not contend and certainly do not win championships. This is one of the worst run franchises in professional sports and we are getting exactly what we should expect.
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I forgot to add that this was a great post! Thanks. But why is everyone so afraid to point the finger at Wang? In any other bbusiness in America–the fingers would point right to the top.
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Mike From Oceanside says:
The only ones associated with this club with any passion are the fans. The players demonstrated that they only go through the motions last night. The coaching staff attempts to put a positive spin on any loss. The GM asks for patience for a long re-build through the draft. The owner only meets his collectively bargained salary cap minimum with a contract for a player who was bought out. Sign some blessed free agent talent…not re-treads like Reasoner, Pandolfo & Rolston. At LEAST go above the cap floor with the talent on the ice…not just what is contractually obligated via the buyout of Yashin. Owners, players, coaches, trainers…all the way down to the ticket sellers come and go, but the fans are the only ones here for the long haul. But make sure you stop by the new team store.
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Dan C. says:
This rebuild is not happening. Okposo and Bailey are busts. If de Haan was any good he’d be here already. A mid-first rounder shouldn’t take this long to make a team that has Mottau, Eaton, Staios and Jurcina on its roster. I am not that impressed by Nino. It’s been a small sample, but after 9 games last year and 3 games last year, I don’t see him being a difference maker like Fowler and Skinner are. Strome’s playing well in the OHL, but Couturier is playing well in the NHL.
As for the current coach, think about this: the Bruins know exactly what they are doing when the puck is in their own zone. They look totally coherent as a 5-man unit and resemble a basketball team perfectly executing a zone defense. In comparison, the Isles look like a grade-school soccer team. Everyone seems to be on their own, over-committing to the puck carrier.
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GeneF says:
All correct, Dan
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Paul says:
Snows’s bold moves, Bailey and de Haan….two BIG busts. Worst GM in the league, and on top of that he has an attitude.
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Mike says:
Does it really matter anymore?????? Sell, Move WHO CARES??????? Thanksgiving is hear which means who is the top draft choice next year!!!!! Been a fan since 1976!!! I’m DONE!!!
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caber09 says:
Patience with Snow…2006. 2007. 2008. 2009. 2010. 2011. Almost 2012. Over 6 years of failure, the team has gotten worse and worse since Snow took over for the playoff team that Neil Smith assemebled in his short reign as GM….Soon Snow will be here longer than Milbury (time served under Wang)…he makes Milbury look like a genius..and that is SAD. Time for Snow to go, hire a real GM..and if you fire the coach, the new coach cannot be Doug Weight, this team needs a PROVEN winner to steer the ship
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I do not understand why people are looking for brilliance from Nino at this stage. He has played a grand total of 12 games at the NHL level. He clearly needs more time for us to make an accurate assessment of his play.
Having said that, there is a reason that rookies on other teams seem to bloom into solid players quicker than our rooks. The difference is that our rookies are not surrounded by proven veterans. Proven and solid veterans teach rookies how to play on the ice and how to handle adversity. In the past, we used this system. Heck, the whole reason we honored Westfall last night was because of his influence on rookies like Potvin! Why do the Islanders refuse to bring in quality vets who will have the same influence on our rookies like Nino? Will Strome be subject to the same poor training? Haven’t we seen the effects of poor leadership on Bailey? How good would Tavares be with quality vets around him?
Picking up quality veterans is not a “quick fix”. It is a way to groom rookies into quality players. The “quality” vets Snow brought in (Rolston, Pandolfo) are not quality veterans! A quality veteran is not a player who is on the backside of his career and looking to take it easy.
Snow needs to stop looking at our core as indestructible. They are valuable blue chips which have considerable value on the market. Teams would be interested in Bailey and Moulson. We may need to part with those pieces in order to bring back something quality. Unfortunately, we will have to wait till the end of the season to make trades of this importance. Teams will be unwilling to part with quality veterans at this point.
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As for Dipietro, get used to him playing peole, trading him is not an option, they are stuck with this piece of crap for a long time. His time here is finished. As for the free agents money has been offered here and there, but honestly, wtf would want to come? Another thing I hate to say, it comes down to two things drafting a possible number 1 (Yakapov) and getting the new building. I can’t stand that us fans are expected to be “patient” (1 playoff series win in 18 years is patient enough, they should thank god ANYONE COMES TO THE COLISEUM)yet Wang continues his news blackout on the arena situation. Until there is a new arena, this team will be built through the draft period, and when you have a Bailey and Okposo who appear to be busts thats two wasted draft years, I don’t know what to say anymore. “And with the first overall pick, the New York Islanders pick……………”
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Ken Upper says:
I don’t really know what to say? I was expecting a really competitive team to be on the ice this year. Wth is going on? The owner, coach, and GM can take some of the blame here but you have several players on this team with new and existing multi-million dollar contracts who aren’t putting in a solid effort every night. It is absolutely shameful that Islanders fans should have to see that kind of effort night in and night out. The best players need to play like the best and they’re not. If it was me, I would send everyone down and bring up all of Bridheport. They may not win bit I can guarantee the effort would be better.
WHAT A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
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geduffer says:
Embarrassing it was. I was at the game and was ready to leave after the first. The second was a little better but I was out the door before the red light turned off from the fourth goal. I went back to full season again this year when they cut the prices back, but no more. At the end of the season, I’m off to Tampa and will become a Lightning subscriber. F off Charles.
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dynasty23x4 says:
this just in : dp put on ir because of extremely swollen gaa
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Bean322 says:
Change the culture now!
If a player goes a whole game without throwing a body check or two-scratch him,waive him,trade him!
Wang and Snow-you suck at life! -
Al's Beef says:
What 18 is saying is the Islanders are leaderless at the top and it starts with the Wanger. He should have hired a team president and stayed out of the hockey operation.
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Stephen says:
How can you say that Nino isn’t ready? How about giving him 15-20 minutes a night instead of 10 minutes on the 4th line. Playing with him with Marty Reasoner is useless. At least put him with Frans or JT and give him a 10 gm stretch. Then we will see where his development is.
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Putting anyone with JT will just pad their stats. For crying out loud, ANDY HILBERT had good stats when his center was…Sidney Crosby. (Go look it up.) But Nino should get 2nd line minutes on this team ahead of Blake Comeau (no points 1/5 through the season).
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Ray Kaats says:
I cannot believe someone could write such a terrific piece and not once mention the man who is the real problem. CHARLES WANG.
The Blackhawks did not contend until old man Wirtz left this world. Now I’m not wishing death on Wang, but as long as he is here this team will never win.
If I was a local politician, I would call a press conference and state that no public funds or support should be given to Charles Wang until he improves his team on the ice or sells.
Why give him any help and see more of the same in a new arena.
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Brian G says:
everything Snow has done besides Moulson and Grabner have not worked….he has to go.
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And Moulson was ONLY because he was JT’s friend…not bec of Snow’s genius
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jim bishop says:
Great Article, one move that should be made is sending Rick Dipietro to Bridgeport for the rest of the season. It needs to be done. I agree with the movement of the coach, and a player. Clearly, Jack hasn’t been dealt a full hand, but we need that spark just like Jack sparked us last year. Or maybe bigger…Hey Charles how about hiring Mike Keenan as GM and Coach.
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jimmy ragusa says:
after all these years im finally at at breaking point.for all i care leave now take the building too.as crazy as it sounds im am considering moving over to the rangers when we move.garth is a incomptitent gm and wang is a non hockey owner who is looking to make money not win a cup.so long islanders it was fun
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AdRoc says:
Garth Snow does not deserve the respect, or deference, given to a legitimate, accomplished GM in tough times. He is the former backup goalie, thrust directly into this role,at the NHL level no less, with no front office or coaching experience. He has no idea what he is doing and its pretty clear. He drafted John Tavares – big deal. Everyone knew if you had that pick you take him. No skill there. The ONLY move he made that showed savvy was trying to get Ryan Smith to sign here after getting him for a bag of peanuts. Can’t fault him for not knowing Smith was a homesick hayseed who would run West ASAP. Other than that, he has shown no vision, an inability to attract talented free agents and his last two or three coaches have been farily random picks.
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Lawrence Monroe says:
This is simply a train wreck. Snow must go.
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Islanders Fan in NJ says:
This just hurts. I think Snow and Wang know what they’re doing. They clearly don’t want to win. At least not now. I grew up with this team. I’ve been a die-hard fan since the 70′s. I can honestly say that if it was announced tomorrow that they’re folding this team, I’d almost be relieved. I’d be very sad but relieved. It would be like a dear old friend who slowly passes away. This team needs to be put out of its misery.
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Jerky says:
Kevin, very well said and I appreciate your candid assessment of the current state of the Islanders. I hope this is the harshest piece you have to write about this organization. I think most would agree that it’s going to get worse before it gets better. With Pitt, Philly and the Devils coming up this week, this team will have few wins, if any, regardless of the moves they make.
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Anthony Y. says:
Let’s bring Mike Milbury in as a coach. At least then we can have fun at games chanting for someone’s demise.
Seriously though, some people are being dramatic. Streit must go? No. Streit is not the problem. He wasn’t great last night, but the -5 wasn’t really his fault. Dipietro played like crap, other than the first goal, which was NOT Streit’s fault either.
Okposo needs to step up, we all know that. I don’t think it is time to give up on Bailey yet… he has actually played well the last few games, let’s see where that takes him. I have been impressed with Parenteau this year.
I really think it does come down to coaching though. No I am not at practices so I don’t know what Jack is preaching, but I see no working system on this team. It sure doesn’t help the defense, doesn’t help the breakout (pretty important part of the game) when each night has a differnet goalie communicating to the d-men out there.
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CM says:
THE ONLY ONE MOVE THAT SHOULD BE MADE IS FOR WANG TO SELL THE TEAM. THAT IS THE MOST NB. MOVE AND ONLY MOVE. THAT MOVE IS THE ONLY WAY THIS LOSING CULTURE CAN CHANGE. LET THE RISK OF THE ISLES POSSIBLY MOVE. IF THEY MOVE WHAT IS THE LOSS?? WHO WANTS TO BE A FAN OF A LOSING FRANCHISE YEAR AFTER YEAR.
ASK YOUESELF THIS? DID WANG REALLY SAVE THIS TEAM??? SEEMS TO ME HE TURNED THIS FRANCHISE AND LONG ISLAND HOCKEY INTO A JOKE. SAVE YOURSELF AND DEMAND WANG SELL AT ALL HOME GAMES.
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exSection307 says:
I’ve bashed Cappy Jack, but gained newfound respect for him after the postgame press conf last night. He may not be an NHL coach, but in my mind he is now a “hockey guy”. Good for you Jack! You deserve better.
Did anyone else notice that the Bruins didn’t even bother to play physical last night? It was if they knew the threat of it was enough ( and it was ) to keep the Isles from going in the corner.
The fault- Wang and Snow. This is not an NHL caliber team, and it is an insult to everyone involved that they will put RDP on the ice. He won’t quit ( would you? ) with that contract, but anyone who says that he is an NHL goaltender is just flat out lying. Listen to Billy Smith on Justin Bourne’s podcast. But then again, what does Billy know? He only won 4 cups here.
Pat LaFontaine– HHOF, US Olympian, former Islander– coaches LI Royals
Garth Snow & Jack C.— no HHOF, no distinguished NHL careers, no Olympics.. run the Islanders…what’s wrong with this picture?
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isles14 says:
well said.
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JTizzle says:
It is absolutely that pile of trash Snow’s fault! He says his hands are not tied with payroll and he doesn’t add payroll! He put this roster and coach in place! If the players suck and gutless then it’s the GM’s fault! If the coach is a piker and get through to the players it’s the GM’s fault cause he hired him! When the team fails it starts at the top! Garth Snow has failed as a GM just like he failed in his career! He’s a LOSER!
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D in Big D says:
Game stunk but Jiggs & Eddie where very refreshing compared to Wangs boys.It felt good to hear some obvious points being made about the team & organization.I miss those days of honest game coverage instead of the “homer” coverage.
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BringBackNyles says:
Here’s a statement,,,send the goalie for life packing to the bridge, until he proves himself an NHL goalie again
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Crosby is back, I guess he wants to score some goals/assists in his first game back..DP DP DP!
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Dr Phil says:
How do you expect Capuano in motivate this team? He can’t even make up his mind if he wants a beard or not. We got a coach who was not NHL caliber and on the cheap, which is what Wang does with everything he touches. Snow is his buttboy and yes man and can’t believe he is actually a NHL GM. Afraid to stand up to Wang. A WUSSY of the highest level. NO GUTS. As for the players, I’m speechless.
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TimQ says:
The lack of realistic professional talent on this team is so obvious. It’s the GM’s job to put a competitive roster together. Snow simply hasn’t gotten it done. He must go now.
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It is time for Wang to save face, and his reputation by selling the team to someone that keeps them in N.Y. area. If your not going to run this team right, just sell already. If you don’t have a buyer, let the League take it over. This is an embarrassment to every legend and every fan who ever doned the Islander uniform!
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Great article Kevin, Wang needs to mind his own business and Snow needs to go. Also Streit is NO leader. I have not even seen him take a stand once. Another weakling.
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moonshine says:
we can talk all night about effort, but i have a feeling it’s just a matter of the roster being overmatched. this is closer to a minor league team than an nhl team. maybe a better coach could organize things better (i think organization is more important than sheer desire). but to let capuano go for doug weight wouldn’t help a thing, much as i don’t think capuano is a legit nhl coach.
when everything’s on the cheap you can’t even hire a group that’s on the same page. so we get the spectacle of listening to the coach tell us he can’t set the team up the way he’d like.
it all goes back to the owner. -
Edz says:
Watch the movie Major League. Anything look familiar?
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Paul C says:
Capuano should not be fired. He knows what is happening. He said it in code several times in the post game report. He is the only one who has a clue.
ExtraButterRVC said it best. Without Konopka the heart was ripped out. It was lit on fire with the demotion of Gillies and Hailey.
Wang’ policies and process are killing this team and is not effective. Sell and move on. Capuano is right, the fans do not deserve this. Matter of fact we have not deserved what has happened over the past two decades of mis-management.
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A few years ago Wang went on WFAN and spoke of revolutionizing how hockey teams are run. The “think tank” speech explaining why he was right and Neil Smith and Lafontaine were wrong from running away from the circus. He claimed the rusts would serve as proof. Well, Wanger, the proof is you have not a clue.
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That should read results, not rusts
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Jeff says:
Ha ha. Another slap in the islanders face. Pens know it’s there is no way the soft islanders will hurt Sid. Perfect come back game.
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Adam Cohen says:
So far this season has made the people who voted against the new arena look like geniuses!! Funny how a game against the Penguins could turn a season around. Where is Michael Haley when u need him!!!!
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Matt LaBella says:
I honestly don’t think that Capuano should be the fall guy here. He was a bright sport during the Isles second half record last year. Unfortunately, the Isles played the second half with no pressure on them. Maybe because of that, we misjudged this team. It is obvious that something is very wrong. Whether it’s the talent, the chemistry, etc. something needs to be done. the blame should be put on the GM and Wang. I can understand if Wang has told Snow not to go over a certain budget, but Snow has said repeatedly that Wang has given him the green light to spend money to upgrade any areas that need to be corrected. Obviously there are a lot of areas that need to be fixed on this team. If the money is there to be spent, there comes a time when Wang should use his power as owner to nudge Snow to do something. If Snow doesn’t want to trade away any “prospects”, it’s Snow’s fault and he isn’t helping his team, his owner, and more importantly…his fan base. After the Coliseum vote disaster, Isles fans morale was even lower than it was previous years. Some good PR needed to be done over the summer to ease fans concerns and show us that the organization was not letting the Coliseum issue dictate what talent they put on the ice. That doesn’t appear to be the case. Marty Reasoner, Brin Rolston, Jay Pandolfo, Steve Staois???? Are you kidding me? As much as i hate to say it, sometimes changes need to be made for the sake of making changes. A shakeup is necessary, but Capuano should not be the fall guy. Unfortunately the coach is always the first to go in order to cover up the GM’s blame. Since Snow seems to be Wang’s right hand man, he won’t be going anywhere. Hopefully Capuano won’t be going anywhere as well. It’s time for Snow and Wang to make a few major changes and make them now…or any interest in the Isles will be gone by Christmas!
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Ct 74 says:
More of the same.
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This team nees a makeover of the scale Wang did when he first got the team: Peca, Yashin, Hamrlik, Aucoin, Osgood, Laviolette.
We need THIS level of a makeover – one or two moves won’t cut it. However, I think this makeover will take until the offseason to complete. One or two moves by way of trade now, one or two big moves by way of free agency in the summer and you’re off and running. Its way too hard to completely retool mid-season. I am confident this season is lost. -
JOE FROM NC says:
How much better could our team have been if we would have had a real GM and scouting department? We could have had Schenn, Kulikov and I’m sure a bunch of other real quality young players instead of trading down and/or taking chances on guys who “fit” our system. I’m sure a real GM could have pulled off a few decently big trades or made signings better than Reasoner and Pandolfo. It is pretty clear that management wants this team to fail and are stringing the fans along.
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The only reason to give Snow any kind of break is that his hands are tied. Of course, you can make the case that GM with a winning record would work for an owner as controlling as Wang.
The guy who just won the Cup with Boston refused to an invitation to meet with Wang, so did Shero.
Joel Quenneville refused to interview with Wang for the coaching job and announced that he was taking a year off from hockey. Ten days later he signed with the Blackhawks.
Wang publicly stated that he was flying to Red Deer to meet with Brent Sutter to offer him the GM job. Sutter told the media that “He contacted the Islanders and told Wang not to get on the plane unless he was willing to buy out Yashin, put Milbury totally out of the organization and give Sutter total autonomy in running the hockey end. Wang cancelled his flight.
Bill Torrey was asked by Wang to come in and run the team. This was right after Smith was canned. Torrey agreed provided Wang stayed out of the hockey to his credit Wang replied “I can’t do that.” End of discussion.
Before that Wang once asked Jimmy Devellano to be the Isles President with no input to the hockey end which Milbury would run.Devellano told Wang that he was asking him to be the face of the franchise and take the heat for moves made by Wang & Milbury. Again to his credit, Wang agreed that was the case. End of discussion.
The Sutter, Shero, etc stories have been reported in the media with much more attention given to them in Canada.
The one solid GM who wanted the Isles GM job was Lombardi. After interviewing with Wang, he actually called and asked for a second interview. Just before LA signed him Lombardi called the Isles telling them that he wanted the Isles job more than the Kings but LA’s offer was on the table. Wang didn’t return either call & LA has Lombardi.
This was another story reported all thru Canada. I know the Torrey, Develano stories because I know the people involved.
Wang ran CA as a micro manager. When Bruce Ratner was asked if he would partner with Wang in Brooklyn, he responded “I know that guy. He micro manages everything.”
That Kumar is in jail and the guy who always told stockholders “Nothing happens here (CA) that I don’t know about.” is not is a miracle that is costing Isles fans greatly.
By the way saying that Kyle Okposo is a bust is ignoring his first two seasons where he averaged 50 points a season. I’m not a huge KO guy. I think he is a 3rd line player nothing more, but right now he is just going thru a brutal period. I’ve been a huge Bailey & Comeau guy. Now I see Comeau plays only when he wants to and if Bailey ever makes it in the NHL (it won’t be here). He very well could be a bust.
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50 in 50 says:
Although this was a Great article which solidifies “fan” sentiment I think you missed a few keys points. #1 The blame lays entirely with ownershi. The GM and Coach can only do so much with what they have #2 The “strength and conditioning” coach should be fired. All goalies going down with lower body injuries year after year and forwards with upper body injuries, enough is enough. #3 Continually playing guys that don’t want to be here or work hard sends a message to the league and that message is “we just dont care”
Thats my 2 cents -
kingdm9 says:
We are now starting to see the cracks in the foundation of Garth’s plan.
Should have known this when he didn’t find a gem in the garbage pile in the off season.
Fact is the D is horrible these are not great veterans to look up to ..give me a f@uking break. eaton mottau staois ? is this a joke the teams that won rings with these guys believe it was not because of them.You need to learn from icons.Real leaders who were once a Capitan or that made a difference to their team or in NHL like bourque chelios lidstrom potvin morrow leetch. For GOD sakes !! who would you rather learn science from Einstein or a substitute teacher . Get these kids and icon to say wooooooow i’m playing hockey with … so and so. I’m sorry I like jack and weight is a good leader but the staff sucks and is unproven.. where is potvin not as a coach behind the bench but maybe to skate with them in practice to give pointers . stuff like this ..this is history from what it took to become and islander, stuff that coach arbour taught .. all this bs . boston has ray and orr rangers have leetch devils have robinson stevens and niedermayer . Isles have 3 dip sticks and a #1 bust behind the bench . Get me WEBBER but only if you can sign him ,buy him a house in the hamptons if you have to .. land a real super star player. Ises need real mentors !! the best teachers of the game the best education possible for our kids and nothing less. We miss this boat and its Todd, Luongo ,Chara ,Spezza, Mccabe, etc all over again. People this started back 1991 with Lafontaine..and has not stopped
One last thing to Snow back in 93 Healy was the heart and soul of the islanders run but Maloney decide to rip it out to upgrade to Hexstall who couldnt stop a beach ball and allowed the rangers to end the curse .
point being Konapka won every faceoff he had to..faught,hit got in anyone’s face who he had to.. why because he is a man with heart and shows pride for the jersey he wears .. what the hell has Reasoner done . some times its not about the numbers but what you bring to the table thats why healy got a ring for joining the rangers and why he didnt want to be part of the 93 reunion because he had PRIDE .. Thats what we need and thats what you show to a young kid what it takes to play in the nhl and to wear your jersey with pride..
If your doing and upgrade, the player must have what the other guy has plus bring more in. Thats and upgrade !! So next time dont bring in a reasoner bring in a iginla!!! dont bring a staios bring back aucoin .
next is
Dear Santa ,
I’m a sad Islanders fan who has been suffering for …………………… -
25yearfan says:
“Due diligence” is what you do BEFORE selecting a GM (in this context). The “due diligence” done (if any) on Garth Snow is way behind us….
As far as latitude for his “moves” to work out…. BZZZZZZT! There have been plenty of time to see what Snow could do to right the ship over the past few seasons (and more importantly offseasons).
Problem as I see it is no self-respecting GM would come within 50 miles of this franchise.
We’re in a losing chess match and we can’t even tip the king over.
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Mike Keenan
was the worst gm and has no patience for kids bring back BILL .is he still alive…hahaha
or is he playing golf with al in flordia
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you know what funny? where down to our franchise goalie and we are upset. hahahahah
lol. that’s f-ing funny -
Mick says:
HIRE TED NOLAN…He will get these boys to run through walls !!!!
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John M says:
Great write up Kevin. Just remember what happened to the last PB writer who dared criticisize the team.
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cheepnis says:
Well written Kevin.
Why do all the Ranger fan trolls want the Isles to move so bad?I think they are afraid of seeing the team that played in the spring of 2011 somehow return to the Islander uniforms?
Toughness toughness toughness, thats all that is really needed. That nd to have Al in net every night.
Keep the faith Isles fans.
ullstrom recalled….