CAPITALS AT ISLANDERS, 7PM
It’s a [Lineup] Bomb!
Thank you Mr. Schwarzenegger for the YouTube-based metaphor this morning. Jack Capuano threw a bunch of C-4 on the lineup this morning with the following changes:
Moulson – JT91 – Grabner
Rolston – Nielsen – PAP
Comeau – Reasoner – Okposo
Pandolfo – Bailey – Martin
DiPietro
Montoya
Well first off — it’s about time! But let’s actually try and digest this rationally. There’s a lot to take in here and should make for an interesting watch tonight to see how they play together, if nothing else.
First off, there’s Michael Grabner on the first line which could be very fun to watch. He’s the faster version of PAP and also has much more of a scoring touch. He does, however, flip wings to the right side so we’ll have to see if that affects him. What that flip does is it allows the much maligned Blake Comeau to flip back to the left wing. Along with Comeau on the third line, Marty Reasoner gets a chance to step up with Kyle Okposo dropping down. I believe this first line could be very solid, but how the other three gel (or don’t) is totally up in the air here.
Another note; Matt Martin continues to be buried on the fourth line. Of all the players on the bottom three lines, he maybe was most deserving of a chance to step up. On the other side of the coin, struggling Josh Bailey and Okposo drop down. Maybe the change in scenery and ice time will relieve some of the pressure that seems to be bothering them.
What do you think, Islander Country? We all know it was time for a change but is this the right one? Do you like these lines?
AL MONTOYA IN WITNESS PROTECTION
In goal, Rick DiPietro gets another start. As much as you may want to blame him, he was not the reason the Islanders lost on Thursday night. There’s nothing wrong with starting him or any of the three goalies at this point. But where is Al Montoya’s start? Al started four of the first five games of the year — with three or four solid starts depending on who you ask — and we haven’t seen him on the ice since. (edit: On second thought, this gives Rick 3 starts to Nabby and Al’s 4 a piece. It may simply be a numbers game at the moment.)
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 →80 Responses to CAPITALS AT ISLANDERS, 7PM
It’s a [Lineup] Bomb!
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Blizzard says: Strome
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Frans Dish says:
I like the first line but, could have made better choices with the 2nd and 3rd. My ideal shake up:
2nd line: Martin-Bailey-Okposo
3rd line: Comeau-Nielsen-PAP
4th line: Haley-Reasoner-anyone but rolston-
Blizzard says:
I agree with this.
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Orange&Blue says:
Bailey belongs in the AHL or another team. Take your pick. He is not ready for this team. There is no doubt in my mind that Casey Czikas would do a much better job on this club than Bailey. Haley is the spark that would complement Martin’s style of play. Funny how Mr. Youth Movement is shy about bringing up the kids. This team has nothing to lose by bringing up the kids. It is NOT a playoff team, NOT even close. Any further talk by Garth or anyone about playoffs is utterly ridiculous!!
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ER says:
Kevin-
Does DP not reduce the chance of winning? I mean cmon, some of those rebounds he gave up were frightening.-
Kevin Schultz says:
He hasn’t been the best of the three, for sure. Personally though, I think the offense isn’t just reducing chances of winning, it’s flat out losing games. 2 5-on-5 goals in last 5 games… Yeesh. Bigger concern for me.
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Dk says:
Bring up Cizikas and let Bailey center the 4th line in B-port. Rushed or not, time to realize the party is over there.
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Larry G says:
These lines do nothing! Bring up Haley, put him with JT/Mous. Haley has hands, ability, and will protect those two valuable assets. Enough of Rolston(rustbucket), Pandontful, & NOReasoner, these 3 have done nothing, & are taking space, kids like Jesse J., should be using (oh yeah, Jesse’s gone, because he scored whenever they called him up, so I guess he needed more seasoning/mind screwing, so he signed overseas). Can you spell Bergenhiem? Jack Caps is a goner, now that he sold his soul out, to Wang/Snow. Hey remember, the Isles were winning when Montoya was starting( Jack’s best decision, but Wang didn’t like it), with Nabs sharing. Now it is back to DP (Wang’s new pal, to replace Yashin), and no surprise, the 5 in front of him have NO CONFIDENCE, again, and are playing afraid to lose! Hence, DP 0-3, lower SV %, highest GAA, of the 3 goalies.
Back to Haley, why does Wang hate fighters/protectors, in hockey? Haley would pump this team up, in a heart beat, and starting them winning again, oh and Mr. Wang, he fills seats! I hope Wang sells, he is completely incompetent, and short sighted. The Islanders have made more horrible moves, lack of signings, or no signings worth anything other than to remain at minimum cap levels, under Wang and his Moron friend, and now Snow, each of no experience/hockey sense.
Islanders, have become impossible to watch, AGAIN!Fan for 40 years!!!
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JD says:
could not agree more, boycott DP
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Phil says:
All line demotions are deserved. Unfortunately, I guess that means some players get undeserved promotions. How Rolston gets a promotion is amazing. He’s been a zero. The only net he has hit this year was a slap shot in practice that concussed his own goalie. Only guy desreving a promotion is Martin and he’s still on the 4th line. Had to do something though. Hope it works…
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Bean322 says:
Does this management ever do anything right…the only change that would bring some excitement with it would have been martin moving up…you cant make this crap up..Ovechtrick!Ovechtrick!Ovechtrick!
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IslesFan says:
Not that it matters, but this is what I would do:
Moulson – JT91 – PAP
Rolston – Nielsen – Grabner
Comeau – Bailey – Okposo
Pandolfo – Reasoner – MartinGranted, Rolston is the not the player he used to be and should not be moved up to the 2nd line, but I working with what I have. Nielsen and Grabner play well shorthanded. Between the two of them, they had a bunch of shorthanded goals. I would keep them together. If Nino plays, I would consider putting him on that line instead of Rolston (it would be the Denmark, Switzerland, Austria line).
Yeah, I would leave the first line alone. I know that sounds crazy, but if the other lines can get going and draw some attention away from Moulson and Tavares, it may work.
3rd line. WHY HAVEN’T THESE GUYS BEEN PUT BACK TOGETHER!!!! They played so well a couple of years ago!!! Ok, maybe it won’t work, but reunite the line and at least give it a !@#$*’n chance.
4th line is a grit line. If Reasoner and Pandolfo won’t throw the body, then find two guys who will. Haley is one.
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Tom D in NJ says:
Perhaps Grabner will compliment the first line. After that, doesnt seem to much matter.
I look forward next to getting Neidereitter in there and yes, I too would like to see the energy of Haley. We better get a few wins going of this will be another dog season. -
isles316 says:
How does this team not have an extra forward up here? Amazing.
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Staten Islander says:
Because they have 3 goalies. Once DP gets hurt that will change
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AJAX says:
PLAYOFFS HERE WE COME!!!!!
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Would have liked to see KO with JT and Moulson and Matt Martin with Grabner and Frans. Lets see what happens.
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Brian says:
I am sick of DP starting. He starts they lose. I wish I could get a refund on my weekend plan. If I knew he would start this much never would have purchased it. He is the worst.
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Claude says:
Historically every time dp mans the pipes the islanders have to net aleast three to fourth to be competitive
This sad bunch can’t even score one against a lower echelon team
It doesn’t matter how many to you
rearrange the cheap furniture, it’s still cheap
Caps win 5-2-
Agreed why don’t they start the goalie that gives them the best chance at winning. That is Montoya. Only benefit of DP starting is him getting injured before they can trade Nabby. He is the worst.
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Carmine says:
He doesn’t deserve a promotion but I remember when Okposo was on the first line with JT and MM and it was a great line. I think KO is a great fit on that line. I also agree Martin is deserving a promotion he would look great with Nielsen and Grabs.
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Steven says:
Not sure why we cannot see Bailey Comeau and KO with Martin Frans and PA on the 2nd line?
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G.B. says:
Martin should be with JT and Grabner. JT has been getting abused every game!
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Dadi says:
It’s time to re-sign PAP & Rolston for three more years…
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Strummer's Army says:
It is like cooking, if your ingredients are of poor quality don’t expect your dish to turn out great.
I hate these new lines! Why? It seems like the Isles are awarding bad play. Some of the worst players were moved up and not down. Matt Martin has been one of the top 4 players all season and he continues to be buried. Isles need more of what he brings and not less. PA? What does your agent have on Wang? Rolston is a has-been. Martin would create space for JT.
Should have gone with:
MOulson Tavares Martin
Grabs Bailey Okposo
Comeau Nielsen PA
Pandalfo Reasoner Rolstonor better yet in 2 weeks:
Moulson Tavares Nino
Grabs Bailey Okposo
Ullstrom Nielsen Martin
Gillies Reasoner/Czikas HaleyReasoner, Rolston, Pandalfo should be waived or traded. Sure no one would take on Rolston’s contract (except Garth)so when he’d clear waivers they could go to the AHL where they belong.
WIN ONE FOR FRIDA!
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hangover3 says:
The reason Dipietro walks around like he’s “the Man” is because he knows Wang will allways Make Dipietro the starter despite Dipietros stats always being worse then his back ups (snow/osgood/Dubie/Roleson/Nabakov/Poulin/Montoya)
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Steve from Jersey says:
I know it the popular thing to bash Ricky, but I stay off that band wagon as much as possible. A healthy Ricky can be a great goaltender, and not for nothing doesn’t matter whose in net if were not scoring more then 2 goals a game… let alone no goals.
Maybe this will get Grabner going and hopefully Martin moves up soon, because the guy is just a true team guy. Fun to watch him annhilate guys
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Al says:
Larry G.
I could not have said it better. My exact sentiment. Play to win or get out of town now. Enough of this torture. If you don’t want to win, at least make it entertaining.
I’d rather have a bunch of nobodys that play physical and stick up for one another and not roll over and take it in the a#$. -
Paul says:
The team wins with AM, so he should be playing. Rolston on the 2nd line? This coach is as clueless as Snow is.
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DiPietro gives us the best chance to loose…unless we are in a shootout,which he once proved he was not bad in. DiPietro never was and never will be a great goalie.
Billy Smith was a great goalie. -
EJ1SINCE40 says:
Hello Kevin, hope all is well!
Let me see if I’m seeing this NEW line up correctly..
ROLSTON gets bumped up to second line??!!
Reasner gets bumped up to third line??!!
AND Matt Martin, one of the few bright spots on this roster so far and playing his ass off stays on the fourth line???????!!!!!!!
YOU GOT TO BE %!@#$ KIDDING ME!!!
AAAAND, Haley still in the Port, with Red Light getting the nod vs. Ovie and the high scoring Caps?!!!!!!!!!
WOW…
I better get the 151 chilling and load up on the brews…could be ugly tonight folks…
This is without doubt the WORST decision making organization in pro sports. I really feel sorry for the fan base that was not around for the Cup/Arbour/Torrey era.
Good luck to us..
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caber09 says:
DP will start tonight (loss) and start in Boston becuase he always plays in front of his family up there..(loss)…DP will be 0-5 at the earliest before we see someone else in goal, this team sucks…you wouldve thought reshuffling/rebooting would include putting your best goaltender in too
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What does this year’s team have that was NOT present during last year’s good finish with Cap behind the bench?
DP and Doug Weight. There is tension at the bench folks. I can smell it..
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2Bit says:
I’m with Strummer. Good line combos. Especially the 4th line. They can call it the over the hill line. This organization truly seems to have no clue.
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GeneF says:
I have a feeling we’ll see Montoya in the second period today
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isles71 says:
Ricky by no means was the reason for the loss against an “inferior” team. To me Okposo has been the WORST player by far based on expectation/performance. If anyone needs a trip to the Bridge, its’ KO. There is only one reason why this keep happening to us Isles fans…..God Hates Us!!!!! Go Boys…win big tonite!!!
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Blizzard says:
….when Nino comes back would like to see him play alongside of Martin. ANd is it me or would Nystroms kid be better than some of these clowns we have waffling around the ice. We should have grabbed him.
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Mike says:
DP vs OVIE = EPIC FAIL!!!!! Montoya deserves a start by the time the guy gets in he will be COLD!!!! 3 goalies NEVER EVER WORKS!!!!!!
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Jimmycools says:
Here’s my line up
El nino Tavares Grabner
Pa Neilson Okposso
Martin Bailey Comeau
Rolston Reasoner HaileyMaybe even swap Pa and Comeau. Rolston is only in there because he’s not going anywhere no matter how ineffective he may be.
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Michael Delman says:
Who’s going to make room for JT and Grabner out there, Moulson? Terrible 1st line combination IMO. Nino needs to be on that line when he comes up because PAP is inconsistent and Moulson is easily taken off the puck.
Martin should be on the 2nd or 3rd lines.
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Crap I forgot about Moulson, have to get him in there. He does look invisible lately though. Either way there
Can’t be this many softies on one team. -
Bababoey to ya'll says:
KO’s demotion might spark him to throw his body around, I hope…
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mike says:
This just doesn’t have the talent needed to compete at the nhl level. Dp is out of position so often and he still over plays pucks behind the net putting the entire team at risk wondering what he is going to do. Very disappointing. Another last place finish.
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brian says:
Grabner on the first line is a waste. Other than being a breakaway threat, he is essentially useless offensively. He has been exposed as far as I’m concerned. If a team focuses on him, he is easily neutralized. Further, he does not make the players around him better. Try to hide him on the third line, and see if he can be sprung for a breakaway. Also, PA without JT will be MIA.
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justin says:
Don’t care where Martin plays, just glad I know which line he’s on. I take a snack break when he’s not on the ice.
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Speed can create allot of space for your line mates.
Love Okposo but he has to define him self. He has to get physical. If he’s not going to be a 30-35 goal scorer then he needs to start checking and stop playing like its a mens leauge game. -
Larry S. says:
If the Caps play like they did against the Ducks starting midway through the 3rd period this game will get ugly fast. D.P. starting and Martin on the 4th line…really. Starting to believe this team is a bottom feeder especially after watching the Oilers play the Kings Thursday night.
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ts77 says:
Moulson-JT-Martin
Haley- Nielsen- Grabner
COmeau- Bailey- OK
Rolston- Reasoner- a big hitter from the minorsMartin will open up space for tavares and will protect him like he did that first half a year that he was brought up for. Haley will hit and will keep up with the 2nd line and can really contribute to the line with the skills he showed last year especially with his goal against the penguins on the brawl night.
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ts77-Looks good, just not sure there’s enough skill there to get it done. Imho
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MadChef says:
Seems like most of these posters are Rags fans. Are you not on this site because you are an islanders fan? What makes the N.Y. Sports fans so fair weather? This team is still young, more than a few good porspects in the system and has more talent on the team than the last 5 years? Its 10 games in is it not? The goalies are not hurting this team is you haven’t noticed its the lack of scoring. I see a team that is playing a little tight, is in every game, and with the same effort will be rewarded. Did anyone think this team was going to win the presidents trophy? Most including myself thought they would sneak in the 7th or 8th spot. How is that not possible still. Believe it is frustrating to see the team not put the puck in the net.Yeah I think Haley would provide a spark, but I also will continue to watch every game and not boo them. Gimme a break with the whiney posting.
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Bob Bassen says:
Grabner just doesn’t have the hands or physical strength, IMO…we’ll see. The speed might help entering the Offensive Zone, though.
Surprised to see Martin on the 4th line.
Ole’ 6 million dollar man Rolston *earned* a promotion to the 2nd line, eh?!
Is Doug Weight wearing the *C* again too?
Too funny. -
nyc dork says:
Thus far Rolston looks like a non factors in all areas of the game. I dont even notice him on the PP. I dont remember the last booming shot he took. I knew he would be a non factor at even strength coming into to seaon but didnt expected him to be somewhat of a threat on the PP. very disappointed on this signing.
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4theisles says:
the problem will be at D, because we are so much smaller. I hope we play with an edge,- also they may be tired from playing last night. and they may underestimate us – trick is to get an early lead and hold it over a tired 3rd period cap squad.
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Terry says:
Time to waive Pandolfo,Rolston bring back Hailey Gillies. I guess Snow and Wang Cappy dont remember the team playing better last year when they played with an edge,so they bring in old soft players to replace konopka hailey and send Gillies down or to ottowa.Seems like Wang wants to lose so he can move the team some place other then LI.Tough hockey is what works for this team.
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quez says:
It may be time to really shake things up. I suggest trading for Iginla. Nabokov and your choice of any 2.
Bailey, Okposo, Comeau, 1st rd. pick, deHaan. Taking on Iggy’s salary means u could cut or demote Rolston or Pandolfo, and bring up a Haley and/or Ullstrom.
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Ingilia is exactly what these kids need around them. He would kick them in their ass for their pansy ass play.
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@4theisles, I think MacDonald and Hamonic can shut down Ovie and from there its up to the Isles forwards and DP not sucking too much
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Dan C. says:
It takes a 6 game losing streak to just juggle the lines? What does it take for a lineup change? A trade? A coaching change? A GM change?
I look at what the Oilers are doing and then I look at this team and it disgusts me.
Where are all of OUR great young players? I only see one. Year after year players this team passes over in the draft then make an immediate impact on better teams. Couturier on the Flyers this year; Fowler on the Ducks last year; Kulikov on the Panthers the year before that; and then, of course there’s the 2008 draft where the team with the #5 overall pick inexplicably locks its sights on the 12th-ranked prospect who is now our 4th line center.
Wang an Snowman Awesome Show, Great job!
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Are we fans supposed to be excited for these changes? Just checking…
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isleopine says:
I hope these changes wake some of our underachievers out of their slumber. Certainly will be interesting to see if there is any instant chemistry between new linemates. I also hope that Rolston will actually be on net with his wicked slapshot. Wnag should really stop telling Cap to start DP over Cubano every game.
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Jerky says:
It’s clear that shaking up the lines will accomplish three things:
1) We will score at will.
2) The team will play much more physical.
3) The heart and soul and passion of this team will shine thorugh.
After all, we’re sending a strong message by benching those who have underperformed (or show no passion whatsoever) and replacing those spots with fresh faces from Bridgeport who may play like they actually want to earn their job.
Snow and Wang (and now Capuano) have done exactly what they planned – run the team into the ground. At the first sign of success after the second half of last season, they dismantle the team’s mojo.
Gary Bettman … are you out there? It’s time for the league to step in here. We’re drowning with kryptonite around our neck and our owner/GM are looking the other way!
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wilky29 says:
phone call im dreaming off!!!…Good afternoon nashville preditors how may i direct your call..david polle please tell him its garth snow…hey garth its david what can i do for you??..well david i see that you just locked up pekka rhinne for the next 7 years gave him a nice deal as well..im looking to spice things up a bit on the isle..how would u feel about a deal involving either suter or weber for bailey and okposo both of the kids i believe need a change of scenery and i could really use a top line d-man..hell ill even throw in mottau as well..polle to garth..u got a deal!!
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Rob h says:
This team is missing one key piece from last year – Zenon Konopka! He brought soooo much to this team that was soooo overlooked
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CM says:
Umm Zenon was part of the losing streak too. Not the answer.
Culture needs to change. Losing for 20yrs has become acceptable. Answer fans always get is wait and see and be patient.
Sick of it.
Not getting an arena. Therefore makes the organization suffer…not good. Isles have been a cheap organization for too long.
Isles must have the oldest fan base around. Who in their right mind would ever become a fan if you were not around in the 80′s.I hope the players read these posts. If they cannot get fired up from a disappointing fan base then they should all go.
Win and they’ll come.
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KaiserVanIslander says:
Why do we all get it but no one in Isles management gets it.
First off Martin has played very good all year and has more goals with less ice time than Bailey, Okposo, Comeau, Rolston and Pandolfo, yet still on 4th line. Why?
DP is worst goalie on team (look at the stats)but he’s starting. Why?
We are on a six game losing streak and have the worst goals per game in the NHL. And this is the first time we’ve seen line combo changes. Why?
What is going on? The NHL needs to step in and help out us Islander fans. I’m so sick of losing ever year.Wang needs to go or he needs to hire a real GM and that GM needs final say! -
Jon in Chicago says: They can’t get shut out again…can they?
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Paislesfan says:
Needing my hockey fix living in Pa, I sit here watching Flyers vs Blue Jackets with my 14 year old daughter. After experiencing the Wells Fargo Ctr and a full, excited crowd, she asked me why we follow a sucky team in a sucky arena…..
By the way, Couturier looks fantastic. -
Jon in Chicago says:
I’m convinced this organization doesn’t care about winning. There is no other excuse for how this team has been run lately.
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2 crappy goals..one early..one late..as per the DP resume…and the crowd is chanting AL MON-TO-YA AL MONTOYA lol
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Danfromouteast says: So let me get this straight promote people that do absolutely nothing reasoner to third rolston on third. Demote hard work martin to fourth. No benching and just loud music at practice. Maybe capuano is in over his head on top of having a sucky, heartless team. Great call knuckleheads. And it’s already 2-0
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Red light Ricky! That 2nd goal was really bad
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BeeDubbs says:
Package Nabby, Okposo, Bailey, and Comeau for a decent player and supporting cast. These guys are playing like they don’t want to be here so let’s just give them their wish.
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Sommer77 says:
Im am infuriated by this team. The whole pittsburgh game in february means absolutely nothing now. Basically everyone who had something to do with that game is not on the present roster in one way or the other. They have completely lost their swagger from that game because we have a meddlesome hand-os owner who doesnt like fighting. Mark my words Tavares is going to have a target on his back and is going to end up injured if they dont change the culture. they are going to do the same thing as last year just wait around and collect loses and Capuano will get fired sometime in December. They will bring in some no name coach because any decent coach wont come here. Garth has his hands tied by Wang. Look at the front office, there is not one hockey guy in there. Thats why Trottier and Lafontaine left. Mike Bossy is in charge of coporate relations, what the hell is that anyway? we need hockey minds to fix this team. By the way I am listening to the game on XM Radio at work. The first ten minutes of the game was the Capitals feed. They kept referring to how this is the second time the capitals are not playing in front of a full arena. And also called the banners hanging as relics from a bygone time. How they have not had any success in a long time. You drafted Ovechkin because you sucked for so long you got a lucky draft pick and they have not one anything with the best player in the league.
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Jon in Chicago says:
What comes first Christmas or the first goal from either Okposo, Bailey or Comeau?
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Joee says:
Yeeeees Matt Martin is the man !
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cjcb says:
Tahnk god for Tavares and Martin! I almost feel bad for Martin that he scored. Someone that tough has no business scoring while on the Isles. This will likely lead to a scratch next game for a dose Jeremy Collitan!!
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*thank
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Don from Levittown says:
Once again whining by our fans. I just don’t get it. And everyone wants Haley. Just because he went a little psycho last year against the Pens? I’m not sure what type of player everyone thinks he is. Fun to watch, sure – but he’s not a difference maker night in night out.
And I hate to say it, but DP is our best chance at winning consistently. Out of all 3 goalies he is the one that has the ability to carry the team. I’m not saying he can definitely do it, but Montoya doesn’t have that and neither does Nabakov.
Keep rooting fans – but enough whining already.
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Listen to the fans
I agree with you that Martin should definitly have been moved up. Not a fan of Rolston being on the 2nd line I think martin would have fit in nicely there. Wish we had more depth at center to scratch Bailey and keep Reasoner as 4th line center.