Montoya, Ullstrom Out with Concussions
The Islanders have announced that Al Montoya and David Ullstrom, both injured last night in Winnipeg, are out indefinitely with concussions. There is no timetable for their return. That makes six Islanders afflicted with a concussion at some point this season. Seven, if you count Bridgeport’s Rhett Rakhshani. Micheal Haley and Anders Nilsson have been recalled from Bridgeport.
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 →138 Responses to Montoya, Ullstrom Out with Concussions
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Jerome says:
i am so tired of opponents running our players. kane looked like a total punk after that play and then the “knowledgeable” Jets fans booed the 2 minute minor. i’ve got more knowledge in my pinky. i hope shanny does the right thing. this is infuriating to me and i don’t care if Juice was partly responsible. kane got his forearms up and left his feet. punk ass move. i wish bad things for him and won’t soon forget this one.
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danfromouteast says: Yes it is. Especially when it ends a young players career before they even had an opportunity to excel.
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danfromouteast says:
That incident could’ve been like last seasons dipietro johnson incident but it did nothing know one did nothing. I just hope that due to the Montoya hit that they start getting a little tougher. I know gillies isn’t the greatest skater but the mans got a big heart and protects everyone he should be up.
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Isles Revamped says:
I am a hockey purest through and through however this constant running of goaltenders has lead the way to this thought. Why adopt the crease violation rule like lacrosse and make the arch in front of the net a little wider? Give escalation penalties for continued in game violations. Kinda like the three fight rule. Any thoughts?
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It appears that Evander Kane both left his feet and targeted the head of Montoya….suspension coming….I think not!
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Islesneedpride says:
NEEDED-ISLANDER PLAYERS WITH TESTOSTORONE!!!
Game Misconduct, you are right on. Yes, Kane left his feet, and targeted the head. Yes, I doubt there will be a suspension. The fact is, the Islander do not have the players to stick up for themselves besides Matt Martin.
Snow/Wang refusal to add players with size and grit is beyond stupidity, and dangerous. How many times will our goalies be abused without any player sending some type of message. Crap, maybe a dirty look? Nothing from these Islander girls.
Yes, we cannot have a team of goons, and we need skilled players, but how can you have a roster with only one guy with testostorone.
To me, last nights win was worthless. I cannot watch a team with a roster filled with sissies in dresses.
As a fan sinces the formation of the team, and PAST season ticket holder, last nights game disgraced the once proud Islander organization.
Shame on Wang/Snow and the players.
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Bababoey to ya'll says:
KO stuck up for Nielson.
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danfromouteast says:
I totally agree. Teams start seeing guys taking runs at the goalie who’s next JT!?!?!?!
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Not that he was they were the total answer but when Konopka, Haley and Gillies were up this BS did not go on. If it started it was ended early.
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There were fewer concussions in the NHL before the guys wore helmets and mouthguards! WHY?
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bossjones15 says:
Game is much faster and concussions are taken more seriously
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Game Misconduct says:
Hey Boss, if you think your assessment is accurate I’ve got a lovely little bridge for sale in Brooklyn! Its plain and simple, the heroes of hockeys yester-years were also gentlemen, they were professionals on and off the ice, and for good reason, most of them did’nt earn enough money playing the game to support a family!!! They were not over paid goons who cound’nt figure out how to throw a clean hit with video instruction!
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Hahaha makes me think of Dave Shultz wearing a tux and top hat.
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danfromouteast says:
Yep
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danfromouteast says:
Because the guy checking the guy without the helmet also doesn’t have a helmet and risks getting injured as well so they don’t have protection to propel their bodies like they do now. Plus there wasn’t as many players that were over 6’2″ huge then was maybe 6’4″ and smaller in sixties and further back
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Gene F says:
Al should thank Jurcina for that.
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Double Chili says:
Not as bad as what Simmonds did to Giroux, tho. Strange, the worst injuries I’ve suffered in hockey have been caused by my own teammates.
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felix says:
because every supposed head injury and every hit to the head is considered a concussion just in case.
they happend back then just not diagnosed so no matter how minor now or even if faintly a concussion, they are automatically labelling it one so they can keep players out.
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giz says:
Poulin an Haley hopefully
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Joe in Massapequa says:
The elbow and shoulder pads are too hard. They are great at preventing injuries to the players wearing them but also very good at injuring the players who are being hit. I love the physical part of the game but it can’t be at the expense of so many players getting concussions.
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I agree, if they mandate soft elbow pads and no or much smaller shoulder pads the problem will be much less frequent.
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Boss, your kidding me right? You could were steel shoulder pads, make clean-legal hits all day and not hurt someone. I can wrap my elbows in pillows and still knock you out! The composition of the equipment has nothing to do with taking advantage of someone in a vulnerable positon with a questionable hit to a highly sensitive area of the body!
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You are missing the point f=ma, if guys are armored up they go in much faster, harder and I agree with you less skill. Look at football where they were using their helmets at battering rams.
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Point taken, duly noted!
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Christian says:
I don’t think it’s a matter of the pads. Look at the two incidents last night
1) Kane supermans into Montoya. He could have been wearing no pads at all, and it would have had the same effect.
2) Ullstrom gets a fist to the face while trying to make a hit. Complete accident.Staios hit his face on the ice, Nino got an elbow directly to the face (see my explanation for Kane), DiPietro is just made of glass and doesn’t factor into the discussion…
I’m just not sure if its the pads.
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jonj77 says:
One step forward, two steps back.
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exSection307 says:
Wow, just watched it…No one did a thing…it’s freaking embarassing. Holy crap!
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Mike says:
Bettman has DESTROYED hockey!!!!! if the OLD style of play was still allowed alot less cocussions and it seems like evry guy who gets a headache has a concussion? guess that means I had a concussion on Sunday and again today!!!!
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Stumpy32 says:
Everyone that’s complaining that there were less concussions in the past, I really have no idea how to talk to you. There is no question that one of two things have happened:
(1) No one knew how to diagnose a concussion in the past, and as such, less diagnoses were made.
(2) The concern about long-term head injuries have led to precaution regarding any instance where the head is targeted.
Either one is fine with me. If the NHL and/or the individual teams want to hold out players on the chance that they MAY have concussions, well, I’ll bet the 65-year old future self of the player who was hit will thank the team and/or league. If you haven’t figured it out already, getting hit in the head, at high speeds or with sufficient force, is extremely dangerous with or without the concussion label. No hockey game is worth the life-altering effects should a concussion not be diagnosed, and the player goes back on the ice and continues to take poundings.
If Montoya and Ullstrom need to sit for a few games to ensure that they don’t have head injuries, well, I think that anyone who won’t give them that has other issues that need to be addressed first.
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Stump, come on! Your obviously a smart guy…I played high school Lax 30 years ago and was diagnosed with a concussion, twice! Your telling me that medical science didnt know how to diagnose head trauma in the past and just figured it out in the more recent past???? For real????
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Whaaaaaaaaaaaat says:
And you don’t think they know more about concussions now than they did 30 years ago?
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danfromouteast says:
Whats a concussion?
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Jim Clark says:
I know in 1986 I hit my head and had severe headaches shortly after for several months. I went to a doctor in Huntington who laughed at me, said everyone has headaches. I lost my temper, called him a few names, said I had to lie down in the afternoons and I was no shirker. Later a CAT scan found nothing and a couple weeks later the headaches suddenly vanished, never to return.
I think medical science back then was hit or miss on head trauma. One doctor later told me that he had heard of some cases like my in a medical journal where science could find nothing, just the word of the patients.
But the concussion epidemic in the NHL is sickening, made even worse because I feel the
NHL and Players Association are trying to do something and can’t seem to reduce the number-
danfromouteast says:
Ive had about five concussions in my life two were serious. I don’t know if they have anything to do with it but I get very bad migraine headaches that cripple me. I can’t do anything.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
“a CAT scan found nothing.” Based on some of your posts, I can see why!
Only Kidding!
A major problem in hockey and football is that the players have gotten so much bigger and faster, while the playing fields have remained the same.
Another problem is the instigator rule. Player on Team A runs a guy on Team B, a teammate from Team B goes to his defense and gets 2 minutes plus a misconduct!
I saw a glimpse of CHI-PITT the other night where Ergeland (sp?) ran a Hawk (no call, he’s a Pen), Scott jumped to his teammate’s aide and Pittsburgh wound up with a PP!
All a part of hockey under the reign of the little dweeb Bettman!
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Jason says:
I think you need another tough guy in tom nt to go against the Rangers. Id put Hayley in over Gillies.
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Schultz39 says:
Too bad about Montoya ….. this may take a long time for him to come back, especially being a goalie and having the risk of catching a puck in the noggin. Good thing the Isles had 6 goalies in the org at the start of the year…..
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isles71 says:
I still say that a majority of concussions are a result from the players themselves. I played hockey for 30 yrs, and not once did I ever skate full speed down the wing and pull up 3 feet from the boards and try to turn on a guy while putting my head down. If Nielson got one last night, that would have been his fault too. Head was down the whole way and it was a good hit. Players have NO respect for what they are doing and how to carry themselves. This goes back to youth hockey now where they’re covered in equipment & bubble wrap which teaches the kids who move up the ranks nothing about protecting themselves. Hell, I say let them fight as well. Then maybe Okposo wouldn’t have embarassed himself last night as well…just sayin’. Old thyme hockey was better…and safer for a reason…go isles!
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Kudos to Okposo for trying, but yes it was embarassing. So embarassing the ref’s did’t even count it as a fight. I’ve never seen that happen before.
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BanGarth says:
Arent’t you not supposed to fly for a certain period after a concussion, solid job Isles medical staff. They are problably interns from Hofstra to save a few bucks. Only a matter of time before JT is the next victim of the we don t need tough guys in our lineup becasue we are better than that attitude Wang/Snow have. Gentleman this is hockey , not golf , bring up Haley and Gillies , sit Reasoner, start selling tickets and concussions will miraculously end. Such an easy fix but these clowns have to make it so hard.
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Johnny Appleseed says:
so now where is the jump in logic to selling more tickets? not disagreeing that we need an element of toughness…just don’t see how you much such jumps in your argument. Are you guying to go to more games because Haley/Gillies are in the lineup. I understand it sucks we’ve lost important members of our team lately due to what you perceive as a lack of toughness, but i just don’t see where sitting reasoner and bringing up haley and gillies (which i support) increased ticket sales and decreases concussions. As someone who has gotten concussions and participated in sports, of course at a much less competitive level, i don’t see the connections here…sorry?
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make such jumps*
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Tedge77 says:
Kane should have needed multiple ice bags after that game. He should have had a target on his back for the rest of the game. Thats why you have guys like Gillies and Haley on the team. We have one of the best players in the league and sooner or later someone is going to try to run him. Appleseed your arguement doesnt make sense if you played sports you should know the way things work…..sorry
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i really don’t think you have the capacity to tell me whether my argument works or not and to be honest if you don’t believe that i ever played sports i think i’ll survive. Concussions happen regardless of whether there are enforcers on a team. An enforcer does not prevent injuries or attacks on a team, but provides retribution for them. If you ever played a sport, specifically hockey, you would know driving to the net and full speed while being funneled by a defender can make for an incredibly tricky situation. I am actually curious if you even know how to skate, which i guess really doesn’t matter and is sort of unnecessary but you seem to have a pretty conceded tone so i will reciprocate. Things happen in sports sometimes intentional and other times unintentional. Kane’s drive to the net is part of the game. So is fighting. I am in no way disagreeing with this and i am not really sure you even read my post or maybe just didn’t understand it, in that case i’d love to elaborate it to you. Also i’m afraid your argument about playing sports seems ridiculous. The goal of a game is victory, while keeping your players safe will lead to victories, it is not the main focus. If you enjoy sports where it is i suggest you get into boxing or mma
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just want to clarify i am in no way saying safety is not of the utmost importance, what i mean to say is we don’t need to dedicate the rest of the game after something like kane’s hit to vindication and shots at a specific player…win the game that’s the best retribution, for a real athlete
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It sets a precedent for other teams though. Nobody has the fear of being retaliated against when they play the Isles, b/c they know they’ll get away with it. It doesn’t do anything in that particular game (except display some pride), but has a tangible effect on the season as a whole.
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hey christian not sure why but it won’t let me respond to your post directly…i don’t think you are wrong at all, but take someone such as kane. he’s not going to fight haley or gillies he’s going to continue playing his game. If haley or gilllies want to retaliate against him it will most likely either result in a penalty, game misconduct, or suspension. While Kane may be pissed about getting retaliated against I honestly doubt it would “scare” him or stop him from playing his game. Haley or Gillies in all likelihood are going to fight the other team’s enforcer. Once again this isn’t really what i was initially arguing, but i just don’t see how enforcers completely end players taking liberties. Maybe a tougher overall brand of hockey (ala more matt martin-esque play) will make opponents think twice
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I played hockey as a youth and an adult. Maybe its just me but you just talk in circles. You seem to be quite a windbag. You have to protect your players. Its that simple. If you go after a Bruins player you will be surrounded by 5 players. They know how to stick up for each other. And Kane should have been dealt with
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i don’t know if its just me, but you don’t seem very intelligent…things don’t always appear as they seem do they. And never said you didn’t play sports buddy i’m sure you’re very proud of your beer league hockey doesn’t make you the end all be all on sports philosophy. Theres a reason not every coach has the same style
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you wanna trade insults we can make it that, i just want to talk hockey
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and be a little silly…world is way too serious to fight on a blog of a team we probably both love big time, lets agree to disagree, ill buy you a beer sometime
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RWM says:
I bought season tickets for the first time mainly because of those two…..
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that’s a mighty large investment hinging on two players who if we are going to be real with ourselves wouldn’t play every game on any team. Kudos to you
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danfromouteast says:
i think reasoner has a concussion. Well I’m just saying maybe he should be benched for a while
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jeff says:
Reasoner no goals, 5 assists, minus 16. Konopka 3 goals, 2 assist, and a plus 2 rating. Bad move letting him go. He also was vocal about us not be a doormat and sticking together. I don’t knock Garth but this was a bad move. I guess the organization blames him for the 100K fine and that’s why he was resigned. Just a thought.
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so true
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I meant wasn’t resigned. Stupid key pad
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There is no need for the super hard pads they wear now. They should go back to the old Cooper type of pads. Ullstrom got hurt skating into another player. Look at the films from even 25 years ago. Everyone looks like a football player now. Hockey is the only sport left for middle size white guys they should look that way
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isleopine says:
Haley and Nilsson(!?!?!?!) recalled from the Bridge as per the official isles site. Great on the Haley move, but why Nilsson over Poulin? That makes no sense.
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Yo Appleseed, put the thesaurus down!!!!
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yo sorry i have a vocabulary! didn’t no you words could be intimidating
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You dont have a vocabulary, you’ve got a dictionary!!! Lighten up Francis!
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actually no a person’s collection of words they use is a vocabulary…nice try though
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And quit it with the arsenic, you trying to kill us all off???
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just because you don’t utilize the beautiful language we use doesn’t mean other islanders do
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but in this case i do…sue me for it….or don’t eat apples
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guess there’s no place for rationality and logic here, god i’ll just go back to planting my seed (not sure if you are being serious or not, but if you are grow up)
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this guy’s not the real appleseed…fake! modified products! seriously though i would never say grow up to anyone i’ve got plenty more of that to do myself
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Ethan K says:
I honestly happen to think they’re just overdiagnosing concussions. Sometimes you can get hit in the head and not get a concussion. It doesn’t seem that has happened a single time this year. Nothing changed this season that caused this apparent “epidemic” of concussions, it’s just that they’re talked about more and with Crosby getting a concussion everyone is worried about their players.
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Sutter says:
Having Gillies and Haley and Martin will make guys on the other team think twice before they take a run at the more skilled players because they will have to answer for it at some point in the game. With the line up they have now the only player to even think about going after someone is Martin. If snow and Wang have not looked at the standings to see the team will not make the playoffs again this year so why. Not play some toughguys to make the other team think twice before running the skilled guys.
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danfromouteast says:
You’re preaching to the choir
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Piper (in DC) says:
Someone hits your keeper you beat them down.. plain and simple. Team really lacks heart.
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Mark P says:
Who knew Garth was right-having 6 goalies….Can they Bring Mikko back from Europe to play in Bridgeport.
Who knows, maybe Nabakov can still play?
The Ullstrom one is a shame…..He seemed pretty solid on line 3. My Guess is we seem Rhakashani soon…..but he is one hit away from being done as well. -
Haley an Nillson called up.
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SBIsles says:
I feel like watching hockey is going to give me a concussion.
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danfromouteast says:
Lol
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Nick M says:
For someone not known for fighting or being an aggressor Okposo really showed me last night. Obviously the “fight” but also when evander Kane was on the ice after the hit. Okposo skated immediately over and look anscy to have a piece of him. I’m quite impressed.
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Tom D in NJ says:
Faster game with alot of bodies on the ice (players/officials)…pucks, sticks, skates, guys are going to get hurt. During the 1st period when both teams were skating 4 on 4, I wondered if that might make for a better game. More open ice, great skating, player skills magnified. More fun to watch and more intense. Just wondering.
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where did i say a team sport such as hockey is about individuals…you are making this about specific individuals
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Appleseed . Guys like Haley bring energy make the games more exciting, not rocket science. If you ever played sports you should know that team sports are not about individual but how a team comes together as a whole. If the nucleus is soft and will not lay it all on the line for the guy next to him the team is doomed. This team is pathetically soft. Guys like Haley stick up for their teammates and make opposing players think twice about taking cheap shots. I would take Haley over reasoner in a heartbeat and I don t think anyone who follows this team disagrees. FYI playing darts at rc dugans is not a sport Appleseed.
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Buster says:
Well said.
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where did i say a team sport such as hockey is about individuals…you are making this about specific individuals
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definitely agree with bringing up who you said, and honestly you are really missing my first point in my initial argument, it was never really about bringing up haley or gillies who i already i said agreed add an element of toughness, you want to be snide go ahead, but you are using selective reading or some other magical power….also you and any others who want to challenge my athletic ability, what do you say we meet up at the next game at the nvmc and have an athletic competition in the sport of your choosing…really
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danfromouteast says:
I challenge you to a thumb wrestle. Ah I can’t I have a concussion
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hahah i cant! i’ve had my fingers stuck in this damn chinese finger trap all week…typing with your fingers is harder than you’d think!
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especially when you have a concussion…typing with your pinkies*
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I challenge you to a cheese rolling competition! Please see below:
“Cheese rolling is probably one of the simplest sports out there. From the top of hill, a round of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled and competitors chase after it. The first individual across the finish line at the bottom of the hill wins (the cheese of course).
Competitors aim to catch the rolling cheese but this rarely happens as it has a one second head start and can reach speeds up to 112 km/hr. In 1997, the cheese took a wrong turn down the hill and accidentally injured a spectator.”
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would you believe me if i said i’ve participated before…
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Walt says:
It’s okay here comes DP to the rescue. Oh wait he just fell down, nevermind!
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D in Big D says:
Guys c’mon you can’t call KO’s holding on for dear life a fight.Heck he didn’t even get a 5min major.I was more shocked than impressed & I think thats what happened to KO.He was like oh s**t this is gonna hurt.By the way he looked very weak on his skates for a power foward.Man are teams taking runs @ Franzy.They must be reading this blog about how SOFT he is.This guys gonna have to find an edge to his game or he will not survive.No one doing anything to Kane after cheap hit on BigAl just echoes a lot of the posts,recent & past,that are begging management for tougher players.NOT goons but tougher players w/ some backbone.I’m truly just about done w/ this team.They are absolutely pitiful.No way are they ever going to be successful w/ this type roster.I’m considering waiting for 2015.This has got to end!!
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jimbones says:
I know I’m gonna catch hell but I don’t think kane intentionally went after Monty,but he didn’t do a lot to avoid it either. I think a penalty is appropriate but a suspension?… maybe. I guess we need to send a message to players that we just can’t crash the net with abandon. I blame Bettman for that. The crease should be off limits regardless of where the puck is.
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Don says:
JB, you are right. He was going hard to the net and Jurcinca bumped him at the last minute. Maybe he could have tried to avoid him – I don’t know, but I don’t even think Kane should have gotten the penalty.
The concussions are all about bigger, faster players with better equipment – coupled with the fact there is more emphasis on concussions today. I bet that if this happened few years ago, both guys would be playing. Nowadays teams would rather be cautious than to a)risk a player’s health and b)risk being held accountable for harming a player.
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MarioGazz says:
Jimbones, when I watched it last night live I knew when he went around the defender that he was barreling into Montoya. He should be suspended and there should be no argument. You have to look at goalies the same way as quarterbacks. Tavares plays 20 minutes, Montoya 60. Lets see what happens tomorrow night if the Isles run over the Queen like Kane did. The crowd at MSG would come over the glass. Every player on the ice would kill whoever did that. The point is if the Rags lose Queen, season over!!!
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like i have said many times, all the teams and refs treat the isles like they are the lowest form of garbage. as long as clown wang and his puppet snow are running the show, this will never change. in the tough conference and the whole nhl you need tough big players to compete. small smurfs who are thrown like rag dolls which result in no respect and concussions is not the answer. its just a excuse of stupidity, not caring, cheapness and aragance with a dysfunctional and sick way of doing things. wang and snow will never get the right players to help because that costs money and makes too much sense. to punish the fans and there own team as well, this will never change. they use there incompetence as a excuse to continue to destroy the franchise and run it into the ground. this will not change as long as this clown wang and his equally sick sidekick snow are here. sadly til 2015 things will never change except for things to continue to get worse and worse.
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Cm says:
Right. So long as Wang owns the team nothing will change. Call ups such as Haley or line changes are just band-aids, everyone is wasting their breath.
If your owner is a loser then so is the team.
Sell the Team Wang. You are not wanted and this is why no FA’s will ever come here and why the fan base has dwindled.
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slick says:
lets bring in the concrete nets….no more barreling in
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NYI Hockey Restore the Pride-N-Passion! says:
Garth Snow, Why have we resorted back
to The”Softest Team in The NHL”…..Again?
Is this Chairman Wangs mandate? or is Garth Really loosing his Hockey mind??
Can not believe a Skilled Free agent,
A top D-Men Or Forward, Have not been signed By Wang since 2000-01′? Wow & we wonder why we have made no progress on a New Building?
Charles Wang Take Financial Pride In Your On Ice Product! If you did This Team Would be Fighting for a Home Playoff Seed, I’m just saying!
Lets Go Isles…..Lets Go Islanders!
P.S. Bring Up Gillies & Haley The Rags are playing for keeps right now!Lets Go Isles….Lets Go Islanders!!
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Winning says:
Most islanders are wusses. Intentional or not you think a team full of “men” like philly, rags, pittsburgh lets kane go scott free? Plenty guys get beat downs for throwing clean hits. I hate these wussy islanders. I hate okiposo, bailey, neilsen, …They would all be traded in 24 hours if i bought the team.
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upstateIsles says:
You’re clearly in no condition to own an NHL team. Frans’ role isn’t to beat Kane up for crushing our goalie..its to go forehand-backhand-Watterbottle City in the shootout. Bails play is drastically better and Okie is coming around..showing a little grit trying to stick up for teammates even if he did just roll around..point is…that isn’t their job…we need some established tough guys..and those are the guys that should have veteran presence…we aren’t going to grab a vet with top notch skills until we get a building and attract some FA’s…so do as the Rangers did with Rupp…get a guy with leadership and toughness in a role that doesn’t require 25 year old legs…but trading nielsen okie and bails…good luck making friends.
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CM says:
Comment removed per guidelines:
#6 – No all caps
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2008/12/comment-guidelinesthese-are-effective-immediately/
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Joe says:
It’s sickening to see our lack of team toughness this year,.This is a direct result of Charles’ mandate that he doesn’t want fighters on the roster, there are many rumors that he has given snow those orders. Say what you want about snow, he was a feisty tough goalie, not to mention Eric cairns is part of the front office also, these guys must be as sick of these as we all are right? And team toughness is just that,TEAM toughness, it’s not just about gooney,so ok I can understand not having gillies around,( even though I would like to ) but why Haley has been banished to the minors ( they finally called him up today after last night concussion party) is inexcusable and actually IRRESPONSIBLE by Charles,…..Charles I have a question, which Sean Avery did you like better ? The one who smugly bullied and mocked us for years and concussed DP,among others, or the Avery who after Haley bloodied him last year was LITERALLY afraid to even make eye contact with an islander player???? Which do you like better Charles!???..I guess we all know the answer because in the last rags game at Nassau Avery bullied and challenged your franchise player JT without any response…….Charles you are an embarrassment to the Islander legacy!! I’m done with you.
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danfromouteast says:
I think a contributer to the increase of concussions is that they count grade 1 and grade 2 now and take.it more serious same as football. Not that long ago a player with a grade 1 concussion usually played and at times never reported. I’m glad they take this concussion thing serious. Go back to older shoulder pads.
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RICH L says:
Jason, You’d put Haley in over Gillies, for toughness? Really? Haley is only a middleweight, albeit a good one he couldn’t handle the heavies of this league, he would get destroyed.
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NOOOOO… If you watch the two fight, it’s night and day. Gillies gets into the fights (as does Haley), but Haley wins them. No grappling, he throws ‘em like a maniac. I love Haley. And Haley can lay a mean body check. Gillies is not as good in that dep’t either.
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Sad for Montoya. He had a chance to run with the #1 position. Get well quick, Big Al!
Who is the dumb a– that called up Nillson instead of Poulin? Do they have a plan other than make ridiculous hockey decisions!
And yes, I agree with most of you that Haley or Gillies sprinkled in as needed makes a necessary statement. Otherwise, we will have 20 concussed players by the end of the season. We have to get tougher, and if Snow and Wang refuse to pay quality players, then at the very least one of Gillies or Haley should without a doubt suit up! -
If the Rangers plan on playing it “tough” I pity the little sissy Islanders, and poor Haley if he has to deal with Rupp,or Prust he will get hurt.
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danfromouteast says:
Haley ain’t getting hurt by ripped trust me. The kid is like a domi type on the smaller side but packs a punch and he will fight anyone. Fighting isn’t always about winning its about showing up to the game and never ever giving up
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Islebethere4u says:
I don’t think its one one or two things causing all these concussions and injuries. Its a combination of things that have evolved with the game as well as the culture of the game has changed. The league wanted more speed so they took out the two line pass. Equipment has supposedly gotten better with bigger heavier and hard shelled padding. The league wanted more revenue so they expanded to 30 teams thus diluting the talent pool. Fringe players that would have never made the big clubs years ago are in my opinion more responsible for injuries to star players simply because of the “mindset” of a player beleiving he is more valuable to his team if he “takes out” an opposing player, rather than using his skill. The “culture” of the game evolved from playing hard nosed but clean to win at all costs, infecting every level of most sports today. These injuries are NOT unique to hockey. This lack of respect and proper training is prevelent in every sport today!
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justin says:
Your tough players like Martin can’t be on the ice constantly defending, others must find a tad of their own toughness. Nobody hits more than Martin and I don’t see a fight everytime he hits someone. Theres a barometer
you must gage yourself toughness wise, some guys just don’t measure up. -
terry b says:
we all sound like broken records regarding toughness on this team,,the rangers are playing great and they lead the league in fighting majors ,bringing up haley for just one game is an insult to any hard core isle fan,we arent making the playoffs again,may as well go down fighting,,,we played exciting hockey last year after the penguins game,z was a big part of that,we showed him the dorr over??management is the problem here they dont deserve our support,,get carkner from ottowa,he plays d as well as our old wussies..
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I miss the ‘stache. I’ll be at the Garden tonight so I’ll jump on the ice to help out. I can’t be any worse than Reasoner.
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moonshine says:
i heard don cherry talk about the concussion problem the other night. he thinks it’s because of the faster game the league wanted after the lost season.
he mentioned the two-line pass rule, the fact that clutching and grabbing isn’t tolerated anymore, and even not letting the goalies handle the puck outside the trapezoid.
all these things sped up the game, but as cherry said, you can’t have guys flying around ‘at ninety miles an hour’ and not get hurt when they crash into one another.
he pointed out how many of the concussions are accidents caused by running into teammates. -
claude says:
Look at the tape . Kane was actually cutting to front of net. Jurcina helped push into Montoya . Gilles lands better punch but Haley could actually score
I hope Torterella cries. Go Isles!!!!-
the point though is also that if you have a ‘zero tolerance’ rule for running into goalies, that play pbl doesn’t happen, with or without jurcina. guys just wouldn’t charge toward the net like they do now.
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Paul says:
This site is better than ever, but the Isles are like that movie Groundhog Day. They are a waste of time, and it will not change with Wang as owner.
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Battfist says:
Lets Go Islanders!
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Going to the Garden tonight for the game. Please, please…if you can find a way to get a ticket, get a damned ticket. I hate when its 99% Ranger fans. Even though beating them in their own house makes it very, very sweet.
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Real Hockey Fan says:
… Theres NO DOUBT IN MY MIND (NONE) – that the NHLs “thirst” for speed 24/7 has helped cause consussions
.. Since the lockout of 2004 the amount of concussions has SKYROCKETED – the league has tried to open the game 2 much and you have violent collisions even among teamates
.. The game of the 80s and 90s was still fast paced (higher scoting btw) and even MORE physical, go look at some old Norris, Smythe, Patrick division games between rivals – those games were heated and alot more intense than todays!
.. STOP STOP STOP trying to emulate euro speed hockey and go back 2 some of the older rule changes — that wont ‘solve it’ but that will help 4 sure…
… BTW I WAS SCREAMING FROM THE TOP OF MY LUNGS WHEN THEY LET KONOPKA GO – THIS TEAM IS SOOOOO PATHETICALLY SOFT, IM EMBARESSED.
It REALLY REALLY suxxxxxxxxx that this team and organization doesnt have a better philosophy on gritter players – 90% of the team is soft as jello
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Garth if there really is a mandate that Wang will not allow guys like Gillies and Haley in the lineup you should have some self respect and pride and step down. I pray for the love of God that Haley is in the lineup tonight. Avery is a perfect example of what having a guy like Haley in the lineup does, it makes side show acts like him act twice before taking liberties. Haley although not a heavyweight can throw hands and can land one agaisnt anyone. He doesn t play reach around tug a war like Gillies , he throws bombs. Do the right thing Garth….
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Totall agree… Haley throws them like a beast… none of that man hug crap! I like Gillies, but Haley’s a better fighter, regardless of size. Gillies does look like a psycopath though, which brings an intimidation factor, haha.
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Kevin says:
Question for the local fans on this board who regularly attend Isles games.
Which section of the Coliseum, do you think has the rowdiest, most vocal and passionate fans?
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dork says:
I would guess it would have to be the “Loudville” section. College folks who get a ticket price reduction. I bet they started the “u suck” chant during the old goal song. Every team is chanting “u suck” with their goal song. we cant chant that now because they changed the goal song.
Does anyone know if they still have the “loudville” section??-
Tony says:
THE YOU SUCK CHANT THAT THE DEVILS STOLE
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every team stole the u suck chant from us. and the ice girls idea. isles fans da house when they want to. you hear that wang?
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I am a die hard Isles fan, from Northern Ontario, who has been to the coliseum 3 separate times for a total of 6 games. Just curious, as I have sat at different sections in the lower bowl and found very different crowds at each.
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I think it’s more the oponent than the area of seating. All I know is that the area behind the net where the away team shoots 2x often is where away team fans sit.
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Thanks for the input. I always try to sit in the 109X, 110, 111 sections, where the Isles shoot twice. I found that section to be the best and most entertaining. Fans have always been great there…… plus there is this wild fan named Ziggy who always creates a scene!!! I’m sure you guys know who that is.
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LOL. is that ziggy dude the one that has that gold hair on his head? if so, this guy lives there. i went to a draft party and he told us fans that who the isles traded before the draft even started. this guy has connections in there haha.
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Hahaha, taht’s too funny. YES INDEED, you have the right guy!!!!! Everytime I go to a game, I make it a point to go up to him at intermission and shoot the shit.’ He is always wearing a ‘RANGERS SUCK’ jersey. He is a complete riot.
He’s always been good to me, but other fans tell me he gets a little tiresome after a while.
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Hahaha, taht’s too funny. YES INDEED, you have the right guy!!!!! Everytime I go to a game, I make it a point to go up to him at intermission and shoot the sh*t. He is always wearing a ‘RANGERS SUCK’ jersey. He is a complete riot.
He has always been good to me, but other fans tell me he gets a little tiresome after a while.
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Dk says:
Just a point of correction for those noting that we had 6 goalies in our system coming into the season …. I would say it is 5 plus DP who I guess is considered a goalie because he has a mask in his locker.
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Mr. Wang, you own an NHL franchise, not a ballet company. Do the right thing, either sell the team, or realize you cannot put such a passive, undersized team on the ice. This has to be Wang’s mandate. Snow played with a nasty edge.
We fans, your customers, cannot stand seeing our team being abused.
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Sell Wang says:
Tis the Season for that old Injury Bug to come around. We see this Year in Year out.
Even the mentally challanged Islander Fans can see that. With all do respect!
This will lead to NO trades, NO Moves, because Snow does not know what he is doing at all. And Wang just continues to deceive the Fans.Sell WANG Sell !!!!
And for all the fans who say” Who will buy this org anyway”. Wake Up! Botta even said Wang should sell and their are potential Buyers, Wake up and stop supporting an owner who does not put a contender or competitive team on the ice.
The Fans do have some blame here, when you just continue to support Wang and do not chant at the games.
I’ll keep saying it till Wang Goes!!
Wang Must Sell!!!! -
Bryan says:
Kind of off-base here but I live out in Chicago and am flying home tonight during the Isles game. I’ve asked my dad to DVR it for me so I can catch it when I land. Can someone give me the heads up to which channel, in HD, he should record for me?
Thanks
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I have two kids on the team I coach out with concussions…this stuff is like an epidemic. What’s worse is I have one of the kids’ mom trying to get me to let him come back to play this weekend despite not receiving clearance from his doctor!…I’m like whata you nuts!! Dont ya read the news?! I’m a younger guy so I’m not about to preach parenting, but I’m sure as heck not letting little Johnny back on the ice before I get a doctors note, and even after I do, I’ll mandate his first week or so back will be step by step progressions back toward the 100% compete level…even if it will impede his progress toward being the next NHL #1 overall Draft Pick in 5 years..SMH…what goes through some of these parents’ heads??
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about the injury bug, +’s and -”s
1.Eaton is back n Reese gone = WASH
2.Monty concussion = HURTS A TON, but not as bad if he get back b4 DP and Poulin is #2
3.Rolston and Ullstrom = Hurts in 3 ways,on the ice, crapens 3rd line and can put him on LTIR and be 5mil below cap to be forced to add 5 mil. Also Ullstrom should be on 4th,NOT AHEAD OF NINO,wang scared on rookie bonuses.
4.Staios = stay at home D, like eaton, mottau,jurcina but he is best of those
5.Pandolfo = goo PK’er but avoids the Haley’s coming up.
6.Hamonic = Just saw he is questionable 4 tonite but they sent Reese back. HOPE HE PLAYS,need the top 4 esp with 3rd n 4th lines CRUSHED.
POSITIVE NEWS IS
1.NO DP
2.Nabby (i feel our best OVERALL goalie,not counting Monty who is streaky)
3.Atleast our top 2 scoring lines are OKLINES SHOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Moulson-JT-PAP
2. Okposo-Frans-Grabs
3. Nino-Bailey-Martin/Reasoner
JUST ROLL THOSE 3
If fighting is needed rotate Haley and Wallace. Now I wish we had our Ranjerk killer in Comeau here, HEY=he has 1 G 3 A’s on CGY.ON DEFENSE should call up de haan for added scoring form the blue line. He did fine in his 1 game and was +1. With all the F injuries, perfect time for a game to roll 3 lines and play 7 D
1. Streit/Staios
2. Hammer/Big Mac
3. Eaton/Jurcina/Mottau/De HaanStaios and Hamonic are gametime.
What do U all think of that idea?
rolling 4 lines up front will kill us tonite. -
Isles73 says:
in today’s NHL Scott Stevens would be in jail- i miss the hip check- but everyone would be crying about knees-
So many concussions in the NHL nowadays…..it’s sad