ISLANDERS 2 SABRES 1: A winning streak?!?!
When Butch Goring says of Al Montoya, “There’s no doubt about who’s the number one man now” [sic], there’s a good chance he can no longer be lumped in with the rest of the three goaltending heads. He was again stellar making 30 saves and was absolutely clutch in bailing out his team on a third period five on three for 1:34.
The Big Cubano is the only goaltender on the roster with a winning record right now at 4-3-1 and has a 2.07 GAA and .933 save percentage…in his last three outings, he is 1.35/.950. It is of course a small sample size, but it’s the only one there is to go on. He should start until he can’t.
Tonight was a nice balanced effort by all of the lines. The first line got things started in the first. With Paul Szczechura in the box for high-sticking Marty Reasoner, John Tavares was able to dig a puck out of the corner to the right of Jhonas Enroth and pass back to PA Parenteau who fed Mark Streit at the left point. Streit put one toward the net that Matt Moulson deftly deflected in for his 8th of the season.
Fireworks started a little while later when Nino Niederreiter lined up wee little Nathan Gerbe for a monster hit. The unfortunate part was that Gerbe didn’t have the puck and Nino left his feet a bit and basically knocked Gerbe into the Isles bench. He was not happy. This touched off a tilt between Matt Martin and Zack Kassian with a bunch of punches thrown for both parties. Martin was able to get Kassian’s sweater over his head and he was somehow able to Rob Ray his way out of the rest of his gear. The bout ended in a draw, with no extra misconduct for Kassian’s clothing malfunction and the Sabres ended up with the power play. The facewash undercard of Nino/Gerbe was a treat to watch…very David/Goliath and Nino really didn’t look like he knew what to do.
One has to wonder if the cries for physicality and toughness are really the right move for him in particular while he is trying to adjust to the speed of the game. The last thing you want him doing is “overdoing” things to avoid the healthy scratch.
The second period was the sloppy period of the game. There were a couple of scoring chances for both sides, and in particular, the Grabner/Nielsen/Okposo continued to create quality scoring chances they fell just short of cashing in on. The Isles carried their 1-0 lead into the third.
In the third, the Isles started lethargically and let the play come to them with some weak skating and poor zone clearance that allowed Jochen Hecht to tie the game at 1-1 at 1:54. Jason Pominville sent a weak shot toward the net that deflected off Andrew MacDonald’s skate and into the slot that landed on Hecht’s stick who beat Montoya. It was unclear who’s responsibility Hecht was, but Nino was the closest to the area and he whiffed on the coverage.
This time, the Isles roared back. At about 4:45, John Tavares had a shift that is something Islander fans haven’t seen in a long time. He skated through the majority of the Sabres zone, dodging hits, bouncing off hits by Christian Ehrhoff while putting the puck between their skates and digging it away from the boards. It may have been the momentum that the team needed as each line seemed to generate pressure and feed off of it.
Soon after JT’s shift, Kyle Okposo hit his first post in a couple of weeks…so he looks to be officially back! Then Tavares hit a post and Moulson just pushed the rebound wide while crashing the net with reckless abandon. But for the second game in a row, both Josh Bailey and Brian Rolston would figure in the scoring. Bailey, initiated a hard working forecheck against two Sabres behind Enroth’s net and dug the puck free to David Ullstrom who found Rolston in front for the five-hole backand. It was the first NHL point for Ullstrom.
The Isles continued to skate and apply backchecking pressure for most of the rest of the period and were particularly impressive during the five on three which saw Josh Bailey and Mark Streit in the box (Bailey on a relatively weak call for kneeing) and we saw Travis Hamonic leave the ice after taking a shot off his hand. Again, Montoya was unbelievable and was arriving in spots to block shots with an efficiency and purpose. He was square and in control and the penalty killers looked to be freer to pressure puck carriers rather than to collapse.
Noticings:
- It’s funny how you can go from losers of ___ of___ games to “the Islanders have points in three of their last four games” in the NHL overtime system isn’t it?
- We really need to not see so much Jurcina/Mottau with a one goal lead with under five minutes left in the game. Any pairing on the ice must include at least one of MacDonald, Hamonic, or Streit.
- It looks like there is some emerging line balance . Lets hope that continues to grow. Bailey looks like a new man since he’s been working with Ullstrom and Rolston.
- Hamonic and Amac had four blocked shots a piece. That type of stuff is contagious.
- This looked like the best full team effort of the season.
- Tavares is generating a ton of chances. The goals and points will come. Even if they don’t come, it’s probably no coincidence that the other lines are starting to get more chances too. When he is working like that, other teams still have to deploy their best against him.
- Michael Grabner needs to finish a couple of more of those breakaways…please! I can’t beat a guy up too much who generates things most other people cant even come close to generating, but man, if he could just get a couple more.
- Christian Ehrhoff….phhht. I dodn’t think he did much tonight, but seriously, after looking, the guy played 32:48 (Jordan Leopold left the game early). Ahh, impressive and not impressive at the same time.
Next up, the Blackhawks on Friday….let’s do this thing.
166 Responses to ISLANDERS 2 SABRES 1: A winning streak?!?!
-
jisles says:
Gotta give an extra shout out to Hamonic for those two shot blocks on the 5 on 3. Kid’s golden! Warms my heart to have a 20 year old kid who plays against top lines and is willing to get physical with the leagues toughest players.
-
Rob h says:
I loved the way he man handled Vanek
-
-
Staten Islander says:
I wish KO wouldn’t hit so many posts, I wish that Grabner would start burying those breakaways, if he scored on the one tonight the last couple of minutes wouldn’t have been so stressful. I REALLY REALLY REALLY wish that nobody decides to give Big Cubano a 15 year contract, because we all know where THAT leads.
Great win tonight.
-
Matt says:
Great win
Enough with mottau, he is awful -
gdmike says:
Rolston played well defensively also. Good to see
Montoya is the clear #1. Very calm in net
Ullstrom is tenacious.
Tavares is a pleasure to watch every night
Their best job of backchecking all season. Many forwards disrupted the Sabres attack
Okposo is coming around and Bailey has been better. -
Real Hockey Fan says:
.. Montoya was OUTSTANDING in goal, the saves he made on the 5 on 3 pp were worthy of highlight reel saves, great job
.. Reasoner is totally useless at this point (of which he has NO points, o, zero, nada) and he lost a big faceoff on the PP before the 5 on 3, when it was 5 on 4, terrible
.. Tavares, Grabner and some of the other fowards are starting to come around a bit more, nooo there not the old edmonton oilers, but they are coming around a lil bit (JT is snakebit right now) Grabner cant hit the floor with his hat right now
.. Dfense played better as well and Hamonic had a really solid game — better effort all around, when they play bad they deserve to be ridiculed and jumped on but they have played a lil better lately and Montoya HAS 2, HAS 2, HAS 2 remain the starting goalie, hes been really solid! 2 points and a road win is a good thing, silver lining folks
-
Joe says:
It just shows you how bad of an organization the islanders have become. Al Montoya is CLEARLY the best goalie, he had one bad game and then they didn’t play him for a while. The isles obviously don’t care about winning they would rather play nabokov so they can trade him and wanted DP to play because he makes 4.5 million a year. YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME! Montoya is the number 1 goalie, keep playing him. The isles play better when he is between the pipes. I wish they would trade for a defenseman, they need one BAD.
-
Strummer's Army says:
Sorry Sgt. Schultz (I see nothing! I know nothing!) Josh Bailey started playing better when he was paired with Matt Martin and he has continued it.
Mac D’s knee at the end of the game was worriesome.
Was it was to scratch Haley when he’s been playing well for Reasoner? Against a tough Buf team? Had it gone nasty, Isles would have been very short handed and when Ruff loses things get nasty.
Mottau needs to go. Nino is so much more impactful then Pandalfo. Notice Reasoner was again on the ice for a goal against?
I saw Wang’s comments in Newsday. I don’t believe him. He obviously wanted to spend money on a certain FA D-man this summer and other guys in summers past but I don’t fully believe he’s willing to spend. I still cannot figure it all out because no NHL owner should allow some of the guys on the team that are and they look like money saving moves. However, since we all know the big money offers made in the summer perhaps he has OK’ed it and Snow just cannot make a deal? Whatever it is that is the Isles main issue.
-
okpososcores21 says:
Nice to see the team finally show up in consecutive games. Is it a coincidence they seem to play better in front of monty rather than the other to goalies???? I think not. Hmm who was it that said it didnt matter who was in net. Believe me it does and not to say that The other two were horrible but its just something about monty that you felt last year continuing again this season. His enthusiasm for the game. His timely huge saves when the team needs it most. No one has been better this season in net than Monty has been for the isles. When they are all going hes there to anchor the team. Just take a look at his helmet for the type of guy he is. Its a fisherman captain steering a ship in treacherous waves. Very synonymous of what Monty Brings. Also another great 60 minutes of hockey, I enjoyed every minute of it. I guess the effort is becoming contagious even Rolston looked better tonight than he has in a while. Good for him to be one of the heroes. I was waiting to see who would elevate there game tonight and it was great to see Tavares’s line trying hard and coming close for the go ahead goal and even sweeter that it was the third line to get the job done. Great game we aren’t out of this thing yet and the boys when they play their brand of hockey are a good tough team to play against.
-
Medford isles says:
Now only if Montoya could score goals…!!
-
Dude they hit 2 posts and had 2 net mouth scrambles it could of easily been a 4 2 hockey game. The goals will come The first and second line are regaining their form from last season. Hopefully they can be a force in this league again.
-
-
BobbyNy23 says:
Reasoner is the Garth snow of our roster, does nothing , don’t even know he is there.
-
Vato Kakes says:
Wow it was nice to finally watch the highlights or wrap-up on versus on a little high, however how do they not include the BIG CUBANO in their top 3 stars of the night..incredibly these nimrods choose brad richards as the number 1 star…maybe it’s me I don’t know but keep it going ISLES..lets start our run a little early this year which we happen to do so in a game against the devils last year…don’t believe in ghost and spirits but take it for what it’s worth…
-
islesrock73 says:
A really nice win. Funny what very good goaltending can do.
Must disagree about your thoughts on Bailey. Still plays soft, no spunk or identity as a player. You just cannot have three undersized centers like Franz, Bailey, Reasoner who also stink on faceoffs. On any other good NHL team they are all 4th line centers at best.
JT was awesome tonight. Just think what he could do with at least one top winger on his flank.
-
nightbite21 says:
Definitely the hungriest this team has looked all season. Where the F has this been?!?! Montoya was a beast…enough said. JT, Grabs, and KO have to convert sooner than later. No passengers whatsoever. Finished their checks and were winning the puck battles for most of the night. Ulstrom, Bailey, and Rolston were not gonna be denied and earned that goal the old fashioned way. Streit and Hamonic were really solid. Even Mottau and Jurcina looked capable with the minutes they were given. Hey Frans, keep your head up!
Not too many negatives however Reasoner must be gone. Dude tries but doesn’t have a creative bone in his body,does not hit, and his d coverage is for the birds.
Need Haley up full time. Martin can’t do all the dirty work alone.Am I alone in wondering where Amac went? His confidence w the outlet pass is frightening at times. Don’t doubt he will find his stride but get it together man.
All in all a great win. Piece together six or so more efforts like this and we could be singing a different tune.
Oh yeah…suck my b@lls Wang.
-
kingdm9 says:
If Grabner could only finish on a break away.
This guy could be the next best goal scorer.But he cant. I would have him just use a shooter tooter for like 24 hours a day this way he doest have to think and would know where to put the puck. This guy needs more moves. Al should play until broken. dp needs to earn starts plain and simple. Are people having a change of heart for Rolston ? Hey what ever get’s bailey to produce. Reasoner is just not working on the island sorry snow it happeneds. Rather see another kid up. The D has been playing a little more consistent. Mots sucks we need more size and speed with passing maybe will get that for christmas. Or maybe if we pray hard enough someone else will get knock out of the line up. snow if you get the team winning and in to the playoff’s free agents will come. No big ufa wants to be part of a rebuilding stage. Still think you should have signed arnott rather then reas.2 game winning streak yeahhhhhhhhhhhh.
Someone better be buying Amac beer tonight unsung hero award for blocking that shot !!!! About time these guys with letters step up
-
Paul says:
Lol! Great opening line!
-
isleopine says:
MONTOYA, MONTOYA, MONYOYA – WHat a huge difference maker!
The team simply plays with much more confidence when he is in the net. If only WangSnow would go to a system of meritocracy in net and have DP either as back up or scratch, this team can actually go on a run. Very impressed with Nino’s physical game despite his eight measly minutes of ice time. I think this kid will be a keeper. Ullstrom also impressed.
Absolute must for the next game to have Mottau and Reasoner as our healthy scratches and the fourth line should be
Martin, Ullstrom, Haley. -
Jon in Chicago says: This team has done a decent job getting rid of the dead weight the last few years…Hunter, Gervais, Martinek, Comeau being some examples. Please continue with Mottau and Pandolfo. Reasoner has another year on his deal so he’s not going yet and DiPietro…well we all know that story.
-
Christian says:
When was Martinek dead weight???
-
-
Ted says:
Nice win. Nice little streak. No where do I buy playoff tickets? Lol…
-
Anthony says:
Nice road win!!Montoya looked great,please keep riding him.I don’t want to see Reasoner out there anymore he is just horrible,soft,always chasing puck,never creates anything,always on ice when scored upon,cant win a face off and is slower then Hunter if that’s possible.Haley for Reasoner please!!!Hope we can string a couple more wins on this trip.
-
NYIhockey16 says:
Funny how all the bitchers and complainers stay away after a win. You almost get the feeling some of these people would rather see the Isles lose. After all, they can’t yell at their wife or their boss, so take it out on the team. Anyway, outstanding, gritty win tonight. Baby steps. Not going to get too excited, but back-to back wins is a bit encouraging as we enter the Christmas season.
-
Subydude says:
Start Al, play the kids and protect them (Haley), we will keep watching. One more shot at a good draft this year, do your homework – then PLEASE SPEND A LITTLE $ IN 2012 AND TAKE STEP
-
Don from Levittown says:
Some of the people singing the praises today are the same people bitching and complaining last week. It drives me nuts.
-
Chris says:
After some of those efforts last week how could one not have some gripes? And after last night’s game how could we not say how much better they look. Every team loses but just based on effort, the difference between last week and this week is a marked one.
-
-
-
IslanderFAN says:
The Isles put and great win and Montoya played great but still some “fans” find a way to bash on DP….GIVE IT A REST ALREADY!!! in my book those kind of fans the Isles dont need….shut up already!!
-
Well-said, but you know some people just have to be negative.
-
DP stinks and should be in Bridgeport until his contract runs out.
-
rick says:
Seriously , im sick of the dp bashing too (and have been for a while). There is absolutely no reason for him to come up after this game. Montoya had a great game, probably the best by an isles goalie this year, and that will mean he will continue to play unless he gets tired or has a bad game. This is how most teams play. One goalie plays until he needs a rest. I would guess DP will get 1 of the next 2 starts, if he has a good game, maybe he’ll get a 2nd start. then back to al.
-
-
Agree. It’s been abundantly obvious that DP has not been playing well, but enough is enough. The DP bashing has been stale for a while now.
-
-
Cuban stogies on da house says:
Reasoner is such a waste of a body. I rather see Cizikas? take his place.
-
since 75 says:
Cizikas would bring that young energy…Reasoner? Long career. Been there done that mentality. Just collecting a check at this point. That’s not what this team needs.
-
-
FYI, Jack Hillen has played in 21 games for Nashville and has a few points and is +1. Would rather have him than Mottau and Eaton.
-
Dk says:
Another win for snow job
-
Hishutzi Skorz says:
Your take on Hillen is rather myopic. He was deemed expendable because the Isles had two similar players (puck rushers, limited on D) whom they thought could fill Hillen’s role.
The short term guy, Wishart, had a horrible camp and the “upside guy”, Katic, got injured in pre-season. Snow was supposed to foresee this?
In addition, there are a few similar types in the system such as DeHann, Ness, and Donovan.
You can’t keep everyone!
-
So you know that we glad when we let nil en walk? I was pissed the to. You know why, I have NO faith whatsoever in guys snow drafted to fill open spots.
-
-
-
caber09 says:
Big Al coming up huge tonight..#1 star of the game…again I believe he has been one of 3 stars in every game he has started except the road loss to tampa early in the year…listen to the players and the commentators…when the goalie stops the puck the team plays with more confidence, please no more DP, unless its to rest Big Al for 1 game only.
-
read all the posts..
the record might not indicate it yet, but if/when nino moves to line up with tavares+ moulson that a nice first line. if/when strome centers Grabner+KO, thats a nice second line. hopefuly grabner is like vaneck, who missed a ton early in his career, then learned how to convert.
what i recall is that we had solid third and fourth lines 3 years ago, and pitiful top 6 fowards. now the heavy ink is being laid on the 3/4 line players(and josh bailey. please josh, figure it out).
if the team can get somebody( free agent style) to play top four defensive minutes/talent, with streit, hamonic, AMAC, de Haan and one or two of the solid defensive prospects pan out, its actually a good crew. they got net talent in poulin, and a stack of gritty character guys martin, cizikas, haley. add a pair of russain wildcards( kabanov+ petrov).
its easy to hammer away at management, but there is talent and a plan. seriously, most of griping is about guys who have 1 or two seasons left here max, 3/4 line players or #5/6 defenders. snow made an attempt to get another top 4 defender in the off season. they dont grow on trees. thats why they get so overpaid.-
Its not the guys people are complaining about its the rebuild. You cant win with all rookies you have to sprinkle in proven vets who are in their prime to bring the young guys along and show them what it takes to compete at the NHL Lvl. Since theyve drafted tavares they ahvent been able to do that. They have only gotten 3rd 4th liner vets when they need a couple top 6 vets. This year prob being the worst infusion by getting guys over the hill and too old. Although they’ve seemed to keep pace the past few games chances are it wont last.If you Look at all the successful nhl franchises especially the emergence of the recent ones Pittsburgh Chicago LA Even Edmonton and now the toronto Mapple leafs two teams that started their rebuild a year after us. Already they’ve improved dramatically yet we remain stagnant. This was the year for management to get guys like fleishman versteeg to add to an already great young core of islanders. The fact is they didnt. The florida team will probably make it in the playoffs but there team reminds me much of our team when we had osgood peca yashin Blake. We had the good veterans and toughness than but we lacked young talent. Its the opposite now, You need an infuse of both.
-
Those teams were not run into the ground by Milbury BEFORE the rebuild. I’ve said before its not the rebuild that is killing us, its all the losing/horrible drafts before the rebuild even started. They didn’t feel this group was ready for the investment this year….agree or not I think that was their reasoning…time will tell…they will have to let the kids play and invest at some point in the next year or two.
-
You are right, but please remember that many free agents do not want to play on the Island. I am not saying that the have been opening up the wallet for FAs, but there have been at least 4-5 instances where the Isles outbid for a FA but still lost out.
-
Agreed. That’s why I figure the only way to “lure” them will to make a splash at the trade deadline for someone in contract beyond that season (so glad I didn’t buy a Ryan smyth jersey)
-
-
-
-
Damian in Buffalo says:
awesome win, and it shut that blowhard sabres announcer, rick degenerate, the hell up. At least I have bragging rights tonight in buffalo.
-
HE SCooooooooooooooooooooooooooOOOoooOOOooooOOOooooooREs!
POM-IN-VILLE!
-
Rick “Degenerate”…nice. I’m stealing that.
Got stuck with Sabres broadcast here, but no way I’m listening to that overrated, cliched homer. Thanks to Isles web site for providing Chris King’s radio broadcast.
-
sure go ahead I have been calling him that for years, I actually met him in person too, huge fat piece of cr*p. At least I have tickets for the next islander game in buffalo so I don’t have to listen to him be a crying baby again.
-
IsleofNJ says:
NO question Rick Jeannerat is a huge homer….but imagine if you were a sabre fan. I’m an isle fan, but I think he is really fun to listen to. As an Isle fan for 35 years, the one who I can’t stand to listen to is BUTCH. A great player who always will be golden for what he brought to the franchise,….however listening to him and his expressions is painful….
“Nobody sees the ice better than Nabakov”….
“He made no mistake”…….etc etc.
-
true he does suck at announcing, but rick in buffalo I can not stand listening to, it’s so painful.
-
-
-
-
Paulunde says:
I haven’t said these words in what seems like forever, but our goalie, may have stolen a game for us! Our GM let’s us down on a regular basis, but adding Montoya to this club could make us competitive and interesting to watch. Is it possible we could play some good hockey, when the games still mean something this season?
-
went back and look at the bailey draft. while i dont think schenn in toronto is killing it. neither is
de pietranglo, 55 pts 118 games. (blues)
fw boedker 52 points in 148 games.(coyotes)
fw wilson 61 pts 140 games (preds)
fw hodgson 13 pts 30 games(vancouver)
fw beach no games blackhawks
fw filatov plain disasterall these guys were selected around the same time as bailey, and probably in better situations in terms of junior/ahl development and talent surrounding them at the pro level. as a fan, i expect more of bailey, but its not like the kid( hes a whopping 21) is a pig in a room full of super models either. we didnt have the 1,2,3, or 4 pick that year..
-
All true, but his effort is so inconsistent its disturbing. I know he is not JT but can he give that effort every shift?
-
…and we have alot of players from these drafts no one talks about that are a ways off yet…the jury is still out…it will get better I think..we are frustrated and call Snow incompetent, maybe but I think he is sticking to his plan and will not be swayed.
-
-
hoser14 says:
Good point, Josh Bailey has “racked” up 94 points in 233 games in a terrible situation for 18 year old.
I never had a problem with what Snowballs with what he did in 2008 draft, I was at the draft that night and there were a ton of people POed for not drafting Filatov, who’s development was totally botched by the BJs.
It’s way too early to write Josh Bailey, was he rushed? YES! But he’s got the size and tools to still developed into a very good player.
-
Dan C. says:
Pietrangelo is a defenseman who put up more points last season (43) than Bailey ever has and possibly ever will. But that he was taken ahead of Bailey anyway.
Schenn is a top-4 defenseman on a team that has NHL-caliber defensive depth.
Wilson is now playing on the first line for the Preds.
Filatov is not any more or less of a disaster than Bailey.
Hodgson has had to fight through injuries and a lot of depth in front of him in that organization. I would take him over Bailey in a second.
I don’t know much about Boedker or Beach, but when it comes to the 2008 draft, I do know about the following players all picked after Bailey:
Tyler Myers, Erik Karlsson, Michael Del Zotto, Jordan Eberle, Tyler Ennis and John Carlson.
There is no justifying the Bailey pick, no matter how you slice it.
-
This isn’t the NFL. You can’t call him a bust after just 3 years.
-
-
-
Dinerboss says:
Dude!!! There makin fun of us ( the isles) on ESPN.I guess atleast we got a mention even a brief hi lite.
-
Winning says:
The funny part about rooting for this team to win is it would mean if the team made the 8th playoff spot–wang snow are genius hockey minds, softee teams can work in the N HL, its not a bad thing to build a team defense around 5 #5 defensman, rollston pandolpho were helpfull players, thrpwing 6 wins a year down the toilet isnt a big deal….essentially this is what it would mean if this penny pinching team made the playoffs. Which is why they wont cause common sense tells you a team cant thrive in the NHL doing thingsbthe islander way.
-
I’d rather come in last this year than 9th, with a shot at 8th. Seriously, would this group even win a playoff game?
They aren’t ready. Maybe next year the kids are a year closer and we spend some $. Right now I would take another top 3 pick over being bottom of the playoff pack – as long as they let the kids play.
-
jdun89 says:
This is a dumb post….
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen fans bad mouth their team more than you people do. Especially when they’re coming off two straight wins. Yes there’s problems with this team but come on, people. Are you fans of this team or not? And I don’t know wanna hear any BS about how “oh the Islanders have been bad for so long!” “Wang and Snow are ruining the team on purpose!” Blah blah blah blah blah. You people love to blame this team’s futility over the last two decades on Wang and Snow. Its like you’ve forgotten about Milbury and other idiots who have run this team over the years. Sure Wang and Snow have their flaws, but Snow has not been the GM of this team for very long and when he took over its not like we were some kind of juggernaut of a team. In his time here Snow has assembled some good talent and while we have struggled this year if you can’t see that we are in a better place now and that we are now moving in the right direction than you’re totally blind. Yes we haven’t spent money in recent offseasons and we haven’t made any ground breaking trades but who did any of you reasonably want that snow could have gotten. The effort is there by Snow. He makes offers, lucrative offers to players. And they don’t come. I think Snow has certainly made a few missteps. But he should not be fired and I definitely don’t think he should stray from his plan of being patient with the youth and not making any knee-jerk moves that might help us get to the playoffs now but compromise our future. Sorry for any typos. I am typing this on my phone and wont be going back to proof-read.
-
Nice jdun89. I feel like I could have written this. Too many whiners on this site. I don’t doubt that they are fans, but they seem to be happiest when they can complain. And shout out silly demands. If I read one more post crying to bring up Stromme, I am going to go nuts.
-
-
-
I really don’t know what more Montoya has to do to prove he should be the number one… His winning record and the way he battles and plays with heart should earn him the spot at this teams number one!
-
only chance isles have to be a 500 team is if that waste d.p. NEVER plays again. that low life clown wang said isles are a small market team. thats because he made them into a small market team. even a small market team is on a real radio station except the isles thanks to this clown. isles use to be a top market team til wang ruine the team. this way in his sick mind, he never has to spend a dime while never being accountable for his sick and delusional and dysfunctional ways of running a team along with his equally sick and arragant assistant clown, snow.
-
Robert – you have no clue.
-
I like the hofstra feed. It comes in great when I have to listen to the game on the radio at work.
-
-
Last week I had requested in a post on http://www.nyislanderpointblank.com for Butch to raise the volume on his mic.
Did anyone notice Butch voice seemed louder?
I think the hockey gods are reading our comments. lol-
Bean322 says:
how bout requesting butch to keep his mouth shut the whole time
-
-
Jim Clark says: Capuano finally lookslike he wants to win by playing Montoya instead of playing DP to satisfy the owner and GM for their brilliant contract.
-
Justin says:
Great tilt by Martin, landed some good ones on Mr. Visor Kassian, Nino bad hit, Marty stepped in for ya, but your going to answer if you keep that up.
-
True, but it wasn’t that bad. A penalty, yes, but it was nice an aggressive hit (without a suspension) by someone for a change. Haley needs to dress so these kids can just play.
-
-
nscanada says:
I have to admit I am one of those fans that would love to see DP return to form. But on the other hand I want to win even more. So I say we have to run Montoya as long as he’s hot….he’s proven he can be our #1 goaltender.
Go Isles!-
The Haley Hammer says:
Dp has returned to form, and that is the problem.
-
@nscanada: Completely agree. DP is healthy but has not returned to form by a long shot. It would be nice, but I really don’t see it happening. Isles definitely have to run with Montoya this season.
-
I hope I am wrong, but I really think the longer Montoya plays, the more we will see his flaws. There is a reason why he started only 5-6 games before coming to the Isles. Again, I hope I am wrong.
-
rpchief2 says:
He was blocked by Lunquist and Bryzgolov, two of the top goalies in the league, he is very good and will only get better
-
-
-
-
moonshine says:
the defense played well. montoya made some good saves and also caught a couple of breaks. the buffalo offense was sloppy.
grabner’s stick work is as good on the poke-check as it is bad on everything else.
niederreiter looked very poor on the goal, he never set up defensively.
overall this is all i ask: a decent number of decent performances, leading to a decent number of wins. you know, a team that hangs with the middle of the pack. too bad nobody told them the playoff race starts with the first game and you’ve got to keep your head above water at all times, otherwise you drown by thanksgiving. -
Al says:
Nice job especially big Al. I really hope that they keep it up. And to Wang and Snow, you are not off the hook. They still need desperate help in certain areas and it is your job to get it done now. We have waited long enough.
-
Take Mottau and Reasoner out of the line-up and put in Wishart and Haley and I might actually be a happy camper again. It was a good win though. Hats off to The Big Cubano.
-
jimbones says:
I guess Butchies a goner now….(spoke out against DP)
-
MarioGazz says:
I didnt see it mentioned but when they were interviewing Hamonic last night AMac couldn’t even stand up behind him. He couldn’t put any pressure on his leg. I bet Wishart or Reese get the call up today or tomorrow.
-
FedUp says:
Thank God for Montoya! If it was not for him the Islanders would add to their slide.
The 2 wins do not change the Fact that Charles Wang will not spend money now and going forward.
Playoffs was and is the goal, so i will continue to pound the table.
“Wang Must sell!”
“Snow Must Go!”
Thats the only Way the Playoffs are a chance for this club going forward.
Top teams will still send the islanders packing. -
Gene says:
What happen’s in a year or two when the goldie’s in Bridgeport are ready. Do the Isles buy out DP like Yashin?
-
gary91922 says:
I say Grabner is the equivalent to what David Volek used to be… so many chances that if he could bury some with any regularity he would have been a 50 goal scorer.. let’s hope Grabs has one night at the right time and scores a big one like Volek did!!!
Big Cubano MUST get 80% of the starts the rest of the way, if not more. We need him to be there if we want to climb out of this hole.
Haley must be dressed and Nino needs to continue to be physical. He has to work on his D zone coverage.
Please sit Reasoner and dress Haley, and give him a solid 12-14 minutes. He is a spark plug and has the ability to score some goals. I bet with equal ice time over the course of a season he would score more that KO.
-
I honestly think the kids play with more confidence when haley is there. You can’t expect physical play from 19 yos without some toughness on the bench. I don’t think he should dress over KO though.
-
-
Was it just me and my kids that noticed how lazy and uninterested Neilsen is out there? Game on the line and he doesn’t go for loose pucks and shies away from any potential contact. I think it’s time to have him take a seat upstairs for a few games or see what we can get for him. Never thought I’d say I would rather see Bailey on the ice than Fronzie. Seems Bailey stepped up his game after Comeau was waived. But Fronzie? What is going on with him?
-
Prediction: He’ll be gone by next year and replaced by Cizikas.
BTW, I want this Szczechura guy on my “Fantasy Scrabble” team!
-
-
IslesIn2025 says:
Neilsen for some reason, has been overrated since he got here….nothing special except in the shootout. IMO, hes expendable and we wont miss him.
-
Might be good to shop him now while we can still get something for him. That line would be real good if they had a center with a little more toughness and desire. I’m sure there’s someone across the sound that would love to take his spot.
-
Ny711ot says:
He won some HUGE faceoffs in the third…And was exceptional on the pk. Im not sure what Im missing and you all are seeing for a guy who is one of the best positional defensive forwards in the league….just cause snow wanted him to be more offensive doesnt make him a 30 goal scorer
-
-
PA ISlanders says:
Not a streak yet but they have been showing life,
Why have they not started al all along
a theroy, we have notoriously slow starters on this team such as grabner
starting him more frequently early on in the season when some of our players are still warming up could have damaged al,
this would imply that wang snow and jack are really super competant?
KO looks like the good hustle we all expect from him, but honestly the guy never had a good accurate shot -
Ryan says:
I’ve never been one of the big DiPietro bashers, but I don’t see how they don’t start Montoya almost every night. It will be interesting to watch if Montoya keeps up his stellar play, if there is any directive from upper management to play DP more due to the absurd contract. I think at this point, even Wang has to understand that the contract was a mistake, and they have to forget it going forward and keep their best goalie in the net. To be honest, DP’s performance this year hasn’t even made him a decent backup. Over the course of a full season, if DP was a backup in the future and started 15-20 games, he could easily cost the team a playoff spot. My prediction is that the new collective bargaining agreement will allow the isles to somehow shed themselves of DiPietro’s contract with a smaller penalty than the current buyout rules.
-
I agree DP is not even a decent backup. But in the real world I would give the team a pass if they put him in that role until they can work something out (i.e., the remainder of this season). Soon it will be behind us.
But the best goaltender should play, just like everywhere else.
-
-
Billy O says:
It was a complete team win. Montoya was outstanding and Bailey was taking the body (wow). It was great to see.
On a side note, I watched the Calgary game. All of sudden Comeau is taking the body and getting a little nasty. I guess he figures, it is his last shot to stay in the NHL.
Too bad he could not show that type of agressive play when he was here.-
You can put lipstick on a pig——–
-
Not sure if you refer to Comeau or Bailey…I guess both would apply. Bailey is frustrating, until last night he led the team in the “chase into the corner, check the glass” department. Frustrating.
-
-
-
Jeff says:
Wow only 54 comments when the islanders win compared to almost 200 on most days. You know what they say…….if you don’t have anything bad to say don’t say anything at all! Let’s go islanders! If west coast luck continues and we could be back in the conversation by Saturday night.
-
rv55 says:
Not a fan of playing youngsters in roles that they are not projected for. In my opinion, El Nino should get top 6 minutes somewhere if that’s where Isles project him to be. If that’s in juniors then so be it.
-
I agree – whats the point of all the losing with youngsters not playing/scratched? If its truly a rebuild, they have to be PLAYING – somewhere…
I’d rather it be here so at least I can watch them…selfish on my part but there is nothing else really to get excited about on game night unfortunately.
-
-
ed says:
I thought Bailey has been playing well and KO’s line was insane last night. So many chances. Tavares is still a beast and the way he works in the corners is fun to watch. So different watching a game and knowing a blue line slapshot won’t go in. I really wish the Islanders would send DP down to bridgeport(No one is going to claim him) and let him work out his game and get his confidence back. Going to be very hard to accomplish that in the NHL. Let him get his head on straight imo. Losing games to help him isa killing the franchise. The Philly game was atrocious and his save pctg. is incredibly bad, so send him down and get him work imo
-
Joe says:
AL MONTOYA!! Man he looks great. Keeps us in games and comes up with big saves. Hopefully management will realize he is the number 1 goalie and keep him in net so we have chances to win..
-
The Rock says:
as big of a DP fan that i am. Montoya is a top 10 goalie in this league when he’s on his game. he should be playing at least 60 games this year with ricky getting a spot here and there 2 rest montoya. TRADE NABAKOV.
-
yes yes yes!
-
-
Brian G says:
Honestly Montoya should play Friday vs. Chicago, DP on Sat vs. Dallas….then Montoya the rest of the month of December. Will there be a Ty Wishart sighting soon…
-
quez says:
Tavares was dealing last night. For a player described as an average skater, it is clearly noticeable how hard he has worked on that aspect of his game. His defensive game is really coming on and his increased strength is allowing him to hold on to the puck and win battles. The scoring will come, as long as he continues to work this hard. Now, if he only had Iginla or Ryan on his wing! Oh yeah…really nice job by Al.
-
Al Montaya continues this and then he will need escape this small small market in the off season for a big payday somewhere else.
-
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa they won! I can’t complain….oh but you still all bring up DP you all suck!
-
Go Big Al,…Montoya proves what the fans where saying all along, he gives us a chance to win. One less thing for the players to worry about! Are you listening Garth?
Love Nino’s phisical play. Needs to play more to get rid of the rookie defensive mistakes. Why bench him instead of the senior citizens, who have been one big
mistake from the start of the season! In all fairness, I have to give props to Rolston, who has played 2 decent games. We won. It’s amazing how much better I feel after an Islander win. Go Isles!!! -
First, thank you Kevin – after the initial “panic” here on CB’s departure, speaking for myself I feel incredibly fortunate to have you on this blog – please keep up the excellent work! Not sure sure exactly what you did to deserve this asignment but…just lucky I guess..
I can’t recall a game I enjoyed so much. If Montoya doesn’t get the No 1 workload my head will explode. Trade/release Nabby, let DP backup this year, we have talent in the system – I am confident where we are heading in the net!
The Nino hit was borderline at best, yes he just left his feet but more clean than dirty – after seeing half-hearted or flat out fake hits by this squad over the last month I’m just glad someone hit anything. Our D definitely holds us back – better D, better forward play will follow IMHO.
More Nino/Montoya please!
-
the S.O.S. says:
What i don’t understand is…When a hitter in baseball goes into a slump they hire a hitting coach. Bring in a shooting coach for Grabner and he will end the season with 40! His shot slection last night was terrible. He has 2 or 3 seconds (which is a very long time in pro sports) to make a decision and he shots across his body to try and beat him glove side???
-
Let TROTTIER work with Grabs!!!!
Oh right Snow fired him, but his roommate Dunham is still here.
-
-
Never heard why Kassian didn’t get an extra penalty for his jersey coming off. Did they give a reason last night?
-
it was a malfunction. the snaps came loose because Martin manhandled him like a cellmate!!! LOL
-
-
Glens says:
report has it that bobby Ryan from the ducks is available?
-
the guy that wrote that report was smoking very STRONG cigaretts!
-
-
Opp’s hit the send button before I was done, great last night they almost played a full 60 minute game. Was it perfect no but it was the best game they played this season IMHO.
-
JPinVA says:
Great job Keith. I like the whole getting points in 3 of 4 thing. A little misleading is that they haven’t won a game by more than one since the EN goal against WAS on 11/5. But things do seem to be coming together for the forwards… now they need to fix the D.
-
wow. BOBBY RYAN is being shopped around. If only snow had the balls to pull that off. Thats worth a #1 and some prospects. or maybe a pa or ko swap with a pick.
Thats everything we want want like a Lucic.
speed size and hitsI thought he was building a team to contend for a cup for the next 10+ years !!! LOL !!!
Has anyone notice Moulson been looking slower these days since Jt has been working on his skating? I feel like he is pulling the line out of position so they can keep up with him .
Still cant stand this frans-swahhhhh mustaches . Its like watching a team of freddy mercury’s. dam prostate
could have wore ass helmets
or grow beards like real men.
Al gets the start in his home town all lines will score 4-1 isles!! What??? Why not we are long do for a streak
Isles are going streakingggggggggggggggggg
-
i feel bad for tavares on a line where no one can give him a nice assist. basically, he has to play for three guys.
montoya is obviously ahead of dp and should start in chicago. but let’s not get carried away. the way he played last night isn’t enough to stonewall a top team. friday night will be interesting.
the islanders aren’t getting back into the playoff race. they’d need to play .600 hockey the rest of the season, and let’s be real… -
Agree with above post Kevin. I am very appreciative that someone of your caliber took over for the much respected C.B. You give us fans a needed outlet. Management should be smart enough to understand that without this blog, most fans would have given up and lost interest already, since they do nothing to generate any excitement for the fans. Keep up the good work, Kevin. I am downright giddy, and it’s only 2 wins! Go Islanders!!!!
-
Ethan K says:
I think Reasoner is just hard to notice because he’s always in the defensive zone situations, and against the opposing teams top lines. That being said, he’s really just a space holder for Cizikas, who will hopefully get his first crack at the NHL later this season. If we beat the Blackhawks on Friday, the season might not be doomed like we thought… we have to make some noise.
As for Mottau, I think soon enough will be Wishart’s time to take his spot.
-
Stumpy32 says:
I love the game they played last night. Hungry, went after guys into the boards, fought for loose pucks, got a few rebounds, and most importantly, continually fired toward the net. That’s what they need to to be successful. To those complaining about Franz – the guy took a vicious hit, got up quickly, and who knows how he felt after that. In general, he’s a playmaker and a damned good forechecker.
Now, Montoya. Another season potentially wasted because of force-feeding a debilitated goalie into the lineup. 09-10, we were flying in mid-January, over .500, DP comes back, and we crash. Last year, we were again playing well after the 20-game slide, DP comes back, and we lose a few, giving up any reasonable chance we had. This year, Montoya steps up big time for us in the very early going. But, of course, that useless windbag had to play goal, and we’ve suffered for it. Perhaps righting the good ship S.S. Islander had only to do with putting a quality goalie in net. And is Montoya quality! I have yet to see him lose a game for us, or have a terrible game. He makes all the routine saves, and like last night on the 5-on-3, some incredible ones as well. Last Wed vs Philly, we played like we did last night. We played tough, got the loose pucks, did the job in our own end. The one HUGE difference – DP played that game, gave up – conservatively – three unbelievably soft goals, and we lose 4-3. Last night, we played the same game, but Al was awesome, and we win 2-1. DP remains the backup, for now, but does that mean he gets a start anytime soon? Not a chance. You ride Montoya…back to back this weekend? Play Montoya. Next week, we’re home 3 games in 5 days? Montoya, Montoya, Montoya. If there’s a game he’s getting killed, then maybe DP comes in. But that’s it. Hopefully, Nabby gets back soon, and DP can be banished to the ubiquitous 3rd goalie spot on the roster, because g-d knows, Wangsnow will never embarrass their buddy by sending him to B’port.
Loving Montoya, loving the game they’re playing – 4 straight solid performances, should have been 3 solid wins. Let’s Go Islanders!
-
Was hoping that hit Neilsen took would wake him up or maybe send him to the locker room. His game has been on the downswing for at least the last cple of weeks. He’s soft and he’s lost any hustle he had. That’s a bad combination.
-
-
Larry G says:
Islanders win, in spite of poor management, again.
Yes, I am extremely happy they won, and two in a row, with THIS HANDICAPPED LINEUP.Montoya must be the TOP goalie, from now on. I don’t even want to see DP, as a backup, since he is not even, decent enough, to be a minor league backup.
Same ol’ same ol’; Rolston, Pandontgul, NoReasoner, Mottue, Staios, must GO1 And that is way before ANY OTHER PLAYER.
NoReasoner was horrible, AGAIN, and does not have the SKILL, let alone enforcer ability of Haley. That guy lost a must win, 3rd period faceoff, was on ice for Sabers goal, and just plain sucks.
Does anyone remember, Clark Gillies, on air comment to Garth Snow, during a game, last year, when he said, “where have you been hiding this guy Haley, and why?” Hey Garth/Wang, wake up!
Is this why Jethro, has disappeared?Another thing from last night. I love the Martin kid, and he deserves more ice time, on other than 4th line, because he has showed some decent undeveloped skills. But he is not ‘the enforcer’. Basically didn’t get smashed, last night, and survived, but honestly he was on the losing side. This is not a knock on him, just know he goes to the net, and can provide skills and guts, others don’t have, while being willing to drop the gloves.
How can Montoya, get kneed in the facemask, and NOBODY, went after that guy? How long can any Islander survive, without being protected? And is the GM going to send something to the league office, about that knee to the HEAD of Montoya, for at least a review?
Isles, need a real enforcer, and Haley is the closest thing, who also has better than average skills.
Here is a quick comparison of Haley and Noreasoner’s, Islanders goals total; Haley 30 games, 2 goals – NoReasoner 19 games, NO goals.
And let’s not forget Konopka with Isles; 82 games, 2 goal, league leader in fights, top 3 in faceoff wins, and the one NHL’r on the team, who made a stand, and was solely responsible for the ‘Islanders, are not the doormat, of the NHL’ statement, which he himself backed up!!!So the brilliant Wang/Snow, didn’t sign Konopka, replaced him with empty uniform NoReasoner, and hide Haley again?
Sorry but, happy for ‘a’ win, is one thing, but ignoring, exactly what Wang(corrupt CA ‘businessman’), and idiot GM Snow, are doing, to ensure tax writeoffs, for Wang’s ill gotten gains, is another.Someone yesterday, said google CA and Wang, there is definitely something dirty/underhanded, going on with this Wang character, and it is at the players and fans expense.
Where are you Gary Bettman, or did Wang bribe you too?
40 year fan, FORMER SEASON TICKET HOLDER
-
Love your Passion and feel it as well.
Ill first say that your comment on Jethro who i know on a personal basis is unhappy with the Islander org (i’ll leave it at that)use to be a regular at the games in the past has backed off. Remember when Patty Lafontaine, and Billy Smith was with the club as a goalie coach and Trottier was a player developement coach, they are all gone some do to money others not a fan of Wang(make that all).
Charles Wang Gutted the once prestigious Scouting Staff to save money. Everything this man (wang) does is to cut cost to the bone which in return hurts this club. Do not get me wrong i fully understand business and realize you need to cut costs, however i also know you neeed to put a good product on the Ice to be competitive to try to fill seats. Wang is not as honest and fourth coming as Fans would like to believe and his staff to management to players are in fear and in silience of him.
The man only wants his realestate issues to go through and then he will be long gone.
You do not see many old Islanders at the games anymore because they have had it with him. As far as the CA issue i’ll say this Wang was the CEO of that company at the time of the scandal and Sanjay Kumar was the CFO one does not Tick with out the other, and Wang had all employees e-mails deleted and files went missing as well in the end the CFO Kumar took all the blame. Kind of strange when you look at how he runs the Islanders hands on to the last man and a public silence rule within, that everybody understands and knows about its tuff to believe he knew nothing.
As far as Wang saying he is in a Small market? That is the market he created and and will continue to create going forward because his intrest are not with hockey.
Its funny how a Billionaire who lives in Oyster bay along with many wealthy people and billionaires on Long Island can say it is a small market.
You get out of somthing what you put into it!
The Pond is big here on longisland however Wang is a small fisherman till he gets his Big Boat. Then he will be long gone.
-
-
why not? most teams have 3 to 4 games played more . Isles are also only 8 points out. And last year a lot of teams flew up and down the standings .Boston has gone on a tear and is climbing back up.Isles are not defending cup champs but teams do it.Phily is one of the best examples they go to first to 8 all though out the season… If Isles are 2 to 3 pts out come allstar break then its going to be a fight . 15 or more then its hello pick.
Isles need to make a serious run for playoff’s in order to land some top free agents for next year. It would be a better bargain chip for a playoff team looking for a new building as oppose to a budget bottom dwelling team.
I will say this last night I saw some heart..
and do i think isles could do damage in playoff’s why not its hockey. everyone loves a cinderella team. at least take out the pens..
Lets go islanders. windy city time…. “THE… BEARS..”
-
Garth make a play for Bobby Ryan ? Clown couldn’t order a sandwich at subway.
-
A sandwich? He’d probably order a taco there.
-
-
io20720 says:
I think Nielson is hurt….I say this because I seem to remeber he had a pretty significant injury in the last 2-3 games…not sure. Like AMac too…perhaps both are experiencing skittishness as a result of these past injuries?
-
I meant to say at the end of the season last year…sorry.
-
-
itsuksbeingislesfan says:
it doesnt matter whos available , were not getting anyone
lets not kid around , garth make a deal , hes frigid and scared to
package bailey and nabby and a prospect for ryan , we have enuf centers on this team ,strome ,czikas ,nelson etcc and
send the entire team to JT’S TRAINER AND SKATING COACH in the offseason , if he has drastically improved thats definitely a reason tosend the whole team to one destination for training because whatver the rest have done this offseason ,aint helping -
I'm DONE with the Isles says:
Just keep letting Al Montoya play….
-
dear garth
give us isles fans a early christmas present and hope
please get bobby ryan
if not , please quit and take charles withu -
Let’s see how “CONSERVATIVE” Wang gets when Montoya needs to get paid in the offseason.
-
Jerry says:
El Nino, dehaan and draft pick for Ryan
-
Ryan makes 5.1 ….. If he made 1.5, maybe
-
-
D in Big D says:
since 75 I’ve been echoeing the same complaints on ol’ Franzy boy for the last 2yrs & have gotten posts deleted by Botta who for some reason loves this guy.Not to mention the fans, who clearly overrate Franz.He is a perimeter player who avoids contact @ all costs but he sure couldn’t avoid getting lit’up @ center ice…whata hit.Montoya had an awesome game.Did anyone listen to Cappys comments after the game about Al?He said when asked about Als performance”He gave us a chance to win”.No he didn’t you idiot HE STOLE THE GAME!!!As for KO I see him slipping a bit back into old habits like not hustling 100%.He’ll never be a big scorer or even a 2cnd player(on a good team)but he is effective when he hustles & plays physical.Nothing for nothing but did anyone notice the size & skill of Sabres D?Not to mention they are young picks of Sabres.Boy have the Isles blown some draft picks or what?The win is good but Isles need about another 4 or 5 in a row to get back into this thing.Wishart should replace Motts.Please don’t play DP in big D I want to take my son to the game!
-
U.P. says:
At this point, I’m not even looking/expecting a win streak. I’d be happy with 2 out 3 for a while. If we lose in Chicago on Friday, but win it in Dallas, that would be fine by me.
Just a few games ago, this team was a mess. Getting the boat headed in the right direction may take alittle time.
I’m just happy to see that KO seems to have bounced back, Bailey looks to be slowly improving and that Montoya is doing a solid job in net.
I don’t want to get too excited over 2 wins.
-
-
Nosca33 says:
I was at the game last night and I have to admit, the Isles play with a ton more passion and energy when Montoya is in net. You got that feeling last year too when he arrived on the island. He actually appreciates the shot he got with this team after he has been recycled between two other organizations. There is always a smile on his face and by the way, when they won the game, the guys mobbed him like they won the Cup. Don’t get me wrong, Im not saying they are winning the Cup, heck they aren’t even out of the basement yet, but you really have to admire this guy.
-
If the Ducks are indeed serious about moving Bobby Ryan, we have plenty of value to offer in order to acquire his services.
I’m going to take the road less traveled, be optimistic, and say Garth definitely puts an offer out on the table.
Personally, I wouldn’t include Nino, but a guy like KO is definitely an option.
Yup, I know, everyone wants to have what I’m drinking….LOL!!!
-
You would have to be willing to part with a couple of good pieces to get it done. Something like Nielsen plus any one of Grabner or Nino. If that is the case, then I think I would do it. The Ducks are a top-heavy team without much depth. If they really are willing to part with Ryan, then this could be the rare opportunity to get the best player in a 2-for-1 type trade. If you believe that Strome, Kabanov and others will be with the Isles next year, then they really could and should sacrifice some depth short-term to consolidate their future top six.
As for KO, I don’t think he is very tradeable right now. He is signed for too long and has played far too poorly this season (up until the past 4 games) to garner much interest.
-
-
A goalie can give the team a collective confidence ….. Apologies in advance to the couple of people that constantly defend DP here ….. But when DP is in they know they need to be perfect and more defensive. And that doesn’t help when DP threads the needle to Nathan Horton. He does things that just deflates the team.
-
Awesome win. Best game of the year. What a difference Montoya makes. As for those who bash fans who choose not to buy the bs wang slings…Any fan of this team who has been so for the last 30+ yrs , invested time and money has every right to bitch. As for those who call for a solution…In the aggregate IF wang is manipulating the system to stay at the cap floor and in the process endangering young careers then the league has a responsibility to intervene…theres your solution….
That being said absent a few I love how these guys have played over the past two….And I am really rooting for Montoya..but success will always be in spite of rather than because of Wang and Snow.
Onward and upward….. -
Islanders1932 says:
The Isles had a good game, but still need to improve some things. We aren’t going to get by only scoring 2 goals a game. We need to find a way to make sure to hit the back of the net. Due to games in hand, we potentially are not that far out of a playoff spot. I would like nothing more than for this team to make the playoffs, even if they do not win in the first round. It would be a valuable experience and would give me a lot of hope going forward into next year.
-
Isles Revamped says:
If the isles wanted to show commitment they would put together a package to bring Bobby Ryan to JT’s left side.
GARTH GET BOBBY RYAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
ryan doesn’t fit the Staios, Reasoner, Pandolfo led youth movement. If we acquire anyone from Anaheim it will be Blake.
He’s American, undersized, an old. Everything snow job targets. His only downside is he already is an Isle alum which snow hates.
-
-
Jerky says:
Happy about the win but let’s temper the high praise for this group’s recent play.
1) Montoya stood on his head at times and we BARELY squeaked by with the victory. Montoya will win us a handful of extra games this year because of his outstanding play but that doesn’t make the rest of this roster better.
2) Bailey had one good shift and people say he’s doing so much better. Did anyone else notice that he royally sucked the rest of the game? I’ve never seen a player avoid contact more than Bailey … the guy literally skates around the opposition and takes himself out of the play 99% of the time. One good shift per game does not make him a solid player. If he has any value at this point, I wish they would trade him for Turris or someone similar who needs a change of scenery.
3) Nielsen is highly overrated.
4) DP should NOT be sent down to Bridgeport to work on his game. The organization needs Poulin to get most of the starts down there so he is ready for the NHL next season after DP’s contract is bought out. A Montoya/Poulin combo in net would be comforting and allow everyone to focus on the rest of the roster.
-
Bailey suxxxxx
-
Hollywood says:
You would have to be blind not to see how much better Baily has looked. He’s skating hard and playing more physical. He’s even shooting the puck. Give it a rest!
-
He is on a 21 point pace and was a 9th overall pick. Get the HOF speech queued up.
-
I agree Bailey has improved slightly from the first 15 games but I respectfully disagree that he’s skating hard, playing more physical or shooting more. When someone goes from giving a 5% effort to a 10% effort, it may look like he’s twice as good but the reality is that he is still not playing at an NHL level. You don’t have to agree with my assessment but I will continue to call him (and others) out on their lack of performance … isn’t that what this message board is all about?
-
Any improvement is positive. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets a couple of goals in the next 2 or 3 games. If they drop Rolston and move Nino with he and Ulstrom we could really see something grow.
-
-
-
-
Bob says:
Wake me up when the Islanders are .500 and relevant again. Nice wins, but hard to get excited yet.
-
Bob-couldnt agree with you more! Lot of kool aid gulping in here
-
-
We can at least be excited that we now seem to have a goaltender. Until he leaves as a UFA this summer because Chuckie is conservative.
-
Cdu says:
According to an article I read today about miller returning to buffalo and small rumors miller wanting a trade. He denied this but there were 3 scouts from the ducks at the game last night including the GM. Maybe they were checking out some isles for a package deal for Ryan…..
-
Unless Ryan is over 35, under 6′tall and weighs 175 lbs, Snow will not get him.
-
Bob says:
Nice to see maybe, just maybe, the staff of the Isles finally realize that Montoya is the man and DP is an overpaid waste of a roster spot.
-
Finally a complete game from the Isles but still can’t ice the game in the 3rd pd. But I do think Grabner & Tavares are about to explode on a Goal Scoring tear. No chance to make the playoffs. Just remember this team’s future is built around Nino, Strome, DeHaan, Poulin, Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Cizikas, Donavan, Mayfield, Kirill’s. The Isles were just ranked by Hockeys Future as having the 3rd best Group of Prospects in the NHL. Mark Streit is the only Vet on this team that is playing during his Prime. 1 player!
-
Rick DiPietro is tied for the league lead for assists by a goalie with 2. There you go. Now get off his back.
-
And that doesn’t even count the one at the end of the ranger game
-
This obviously does not include assists to the other team, in which case he has about 20!
-
-
Then move Streit(doesn’t look the same) and any player(JT untouchable) for Ryan.If they want Hamonic then get back a D-man of equal value even if we are giving up age.Garth has to improve the current roster w/o giving up the farm but here we go again w/ fans saying last 2 yrs of picks is now our future.When will the insanity end?I would move Nino in a heartbeat for Ryan to play on JTs wing.How about this years 1st straight up for Ryan & a top 4 D-man.Surely Garth can make something positive happen by dangling the pick since they continue to screw them up.Nino ,while I’ll give you he is young,strikes me as another 3rd liner.We have plenty of those.If he stays I hope I’m wrong.Maybe a 3 player for 2 including the 1st pick.Ducks are desperate as should the Isles be.Get together & make something happen.I want to watch a competative NHL team.Enough of the potential.After all its not like we dont get draft picks if we play better.Look @ Pitt,Philly,Rags,Devs,Detroit,Blues,Sabres..etc & tell me who have drafted better than Isles w/ lower & fewer picks!
-
Rich L says:
Don’t want to be a fly in the ointment,however 2 wins in a row is nice but I, for one am not ready to order playoff tickets yet, we beat the Devils on a back to back, they got killed tonight 6 to 1 by the Avalanche, and as for Buffalo we beat them 3 of 4 last year, so no big deals beating them both, the test will come in the next 2 road games in Chicago,and Dallas if we even win one of them, I will be convinced that they may be turning the corner,as for now I am withholding any enthusism, and please cease asking for them to bring up Strome he just turned 18 in July, give him a chance to develope, Thank You.
Nicely done.