PENGUINS 6, ISLANDERS 3
Plus/Minus as the Homestand Ends With a Thud
This game had two sides to it, before and after the Hamonic major. The Islanders were up 3-2 when it occurred playing solid, but not amazing hockey having given away a 2-0 lead. They gave it away quite literally with poor defensive zone plays. Once they lost one of their top two defenders and had to kill a 5-on-3 followed by the major penalty, it was lights out.
There’s no understating how the penalty call affected the outcome of the game tonight. If Hamonic had been given a double minor for high-sticking — certainly not out of the question when watching at full speed — the Islanders would have had six defenders and would be in the middle of a 3-3 game as the Pens scored on the ensuing power play. With Hamonic in the locker room, they were forced to run a defender short racking up wild ice time numbers such as these: Streit (27:20), Jurcina (22:37), Staios (19:51), Reese (19:27), and Mottau (16:00). That’s a tall order for this group that’s already missing Andy MacDonald and Mark Eaton.
There’s also no doubt that the team folded under the adversity. Mark Streit had easily his worst performance of the season (again, remember he played almost HALF the game). Al Montoya was hung out to dry on the first three goals and then gave up some poor ones. The third period as a whole was ugly with the team mustering a measly four shots on goal.
Given all the adversity, it’s hard for me to sit here and say that this team all of a sudden reverted back to its form from a few weeks ago. That would completely ignore how the team played for the first 35 minutes of the game. This was a tough game and the team wasn’t able to rally after challenging circumstances in the second period. One tough loss isn’t cause to jump off a bridge but if you want to, have at it.
This team can’t afford to be missing players — especially defenders. Tonight, they were missing three opening night roster defenders from the lineup for much of the game. When you’re forced to lean heavily on guys that shouldn’t be leaned on heavily and your #1 defender has a bad game, this is what happens.
PLUS/MINUS
Minus – A third period fold.
Plus – Kyle Okposo with a beautiful goal scorers’ goal. Can we haz more plz?
Plus – David Ullstrom with a pretty goal of his own.
Minus – The power play, despite scoring a goal, looked awful. That can happen against one of the league’s best PK units. But they were bad — unable to get setup in the offensive zone for, in some cases, the entire man advantage.
Minus – The Hamonic ejection but you already knew that.
Minus – A lame “make up call” on Orpik, giving him a double-minor for next to nothing with 4:00 to go in the game.
Plus – The team continues to play well in the face off circle, beating the Pens 31-22.
Minus – In Capuano’s post-game Stan Fischler quoted some players as saying they “thought it was going to be easy after the 2-0 lead.” If anyone thinks that a game against the Penguins is going to be easy under any circumstance… Jeez I don’t even know. That’s NHL 101. The Penguins are as tough as teams come Sidney Crosby or not.
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 →153 Responses to PENGUINS 6, ISLANDERS 3
Plus/Minus as the Homestand Ends With a Thud
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Isles Revamped says:
That is one problem with Islander Coaches for years. No emotion on the bench. I am not expecting sticks being thrown on the ice but show some emotion. Let your players and fans know you care. At that point I would have accepted a bench minor from Cappy for showing a pulse.
Question do NHL referees get fined for missing calls?
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Whaaaaaaaaaaaat says:
Hamonic didn’t either
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Greg says:
completely agree, revamped. a bench minor would be absolutely acceptable after such an errant call. hopefully shanny doesn’t come down too hard on hamonic for the game misconduct…
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Team folded like a deck of cards after the crap call….but seriously, I don’t mind putting this loss on the refs. They changed the whole dynamic of the game. And Reasoner, Rolston, and Mottau need to be replaced.
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Jim Clark says: Penguins missing four players making $20 million and they still puta whoppin’ on us? How many players would theyhave to be short beforethe powerhouse that Snowang has assembled can beat them?
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Bean322 says:
At this point whoever the Pens AhL team is , wilks-barre? would beat the Isles
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Joe E Jay says:
“Reasoner, Rolston, and Mottau need to be replaced.”
+1
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Mike says:
+2 I took my 69 year old mother to the game and she said to me that #10 guy is HORRIBLE!!!! HALEY needs to be in over reasnor PERIOD!!!!! The CRAP call by the refs changed EVERYTHING but Montoya looked bad Let Poulin start in his home of Montreal on tuesday!!!!15,000 people and this is the result!!! Fans are dying for a reason to come back!!!!!!!!
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Haley not being in the line-up says everything about this mis management…Orpik, England, Kennedy, Cooke, mckintire, Asham….who the hell is keeping these guys in check?!
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IslesFan says:
I am sorry, but I have to agree. I don’t like to be one of those fans who says, “Get rid of this guy or that guy.” However, in this case, I cannot help it.
Rolston – If I could only say, “he is not helping the team” it would be one thing, but he is actually hurting the team. He is slowing down and hurting the Bailey line and he is taking away power play time from someone who make something better of it. He cannot keep getting power play time. It is not working.
Reasoner- I would have thought he would be an upgrade over Konopka, but it didn’t happen. At point, I would rather give his spot in the lineup to a kid called up from Bridgeport.
Mottau – Simply never a fan, I just don’t see what he brings to this team. There is no upside and the Isles let better defensemen leave the team in offseason. I see no reason why he was acquired or why he was kept. I cringe when he is on the ice. He was bad before the eye injury, now he is worse. If the Isles want to keep him around to be nice, that is one thing, but he is not going to help them win hockey games.
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Don from Levittown says:
Can someone please tell me how Haley would have made a difference? Each time I read the posts on this site it makes me wonder why everyone loves Haley so much. He is a 5 minute per game player – period. He will score a couple of goals here and there, but he doesn’t kill penalties, doesn’t take faceoffs, doesn’t play on the PP. Please just give it a rest already – not just you Mike, but everyone who thinks that Haley will turn this team around. It’s not a reality.
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Haley would prevent the other teams from manhandling us all over the ice. Create more space for JT and co.,..Nobody said, or expects for him to be the savior.
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Brad Thomasen says:
Really? For a guy who going to play for a couple of minutes and has no real skill is going to police us from all the tough guys in the league? Don’t think so.
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Think again. Does not matter if he is on the ice or on the bench. Opposing players are less likely to rough up players like J.T. if they see Haley or the Gillies grinding his teeth on the bench, just waiting for Cappy to let him loose. These players provide a psychological edge to their team mates, and if you don’t think this is a mental game…well, you are not watching hockey!
I do agree that he is not the missing link to our losing ways, but gosh, can we start somewhere?
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Can some it up with one word, “ENERGY”. And yes while he is not the complete answer he brings energy and the feeling of secuirty to our big guns.
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Christian says:
It’s not a matter of Haley filling the role of a top scorer. He would fill Reasoner’s role at this point, which would be a VAST improvement. And yes… Haley brings a very important energy/enforcer factor, which the Islanders are seriously lacking. I am dumbfounded as to why Haley is not playing every game. Maybe Snow doesn’t like how he looks or something.
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danfromouteast says: Yes yes and yes
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Onesinceforty says:
From your mouth to God’s ears!
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Fred says:
The Islanders need to be able to dig deep and man up after a bad call. It happens all too often and at this point they need to be able to handle it. It should be expected.
At some point they are a group, they all like each other but they have to start playing their game with pride, every time they’re on the ice. It shouldn’t matter what happened on the last shift, if they are up 5 to 0 or are down by 2, it’s got to be balls to the wall, every shift.
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CW says:
I agree, Reasoner is nearly invisible on the ice & Haley needs 2 be in the lineup every night…Y he wasnt tonight against their division rivals who r a tough team is beyond me. Yeah, the call on Hamonic was bad but the team needs to dig deep & realize that they had a full 20 mins + left after that penalty call. The Isles were only down a goal going into the third & didnt show up in that period…Not to mention Mottau having another poor defensive game & Streit not being able 2 control the puck, looked very shaky out there tonight, prob his worst game of the season thus far…too many turnovers & Montoya wasnt sharp at all tonight also…Hopefully we can regroup quick when we play in Montreal against the Habs on Tuesday…Go Isles!!!
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Dk says:
The curse of the butt ugly atrocious 3rd jerseys continues.
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CM says:
PENS WERE WITHOUT SID, STALL AND LETANG.
NO EXCUSE FOR THIS ONE. ISLES COULD BE GOING BACK DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE.Bad Hamonic call, but the game is fast. Hard to tell from opposite angleTeam lost the game not the refs. Team should have got fired up after that. That’s Cap’s job to motivate. Does he have any strategy at all? God!! This team still needs to be sold and management house cleaning!!
I JUST WISH THE MEDIA STOP GIVING WANG A FREE RIDE. TEAM IS DEAD IN THE WATER. DON”T KID YOURSELVES THE 4-0-2 STREAK WAS JUST A MIRAGE.
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i hope everytime they put on the pos 3rd. jersey they lose. the few fans who want to stuff wangs pockets should at least chant we dont want 3rd. jersey clown suits. regarding the b.s. call, it does not matter how outladish it is. as long as clown wang owns the team, this will be par for the course since the isles get no respect from the nhl and are regarded as a laughing stock.
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Look at Isles previous first rounders Okposo 4 goals…Bailey 2 goals…Dipietro…horrible
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Guy says:
Isles do always seem to be on the bad side of these calls but this had to be one of the worst I’ve seen in a # of years. I think NHL rules require suspension after game misconduct-will be interesting to see if he get suspended for phantom call. As far as game. Reasoner should be waived tomorrow morning-brings nothing to the table.We knew from beginning of year D was a problem and it still is. I thnk Reese is here to stay. Mottau should be gone as well-he is always overmatched. And tonight without Hamonic and MacDonald we couldn’t stop anyone. I know Okposo scored but only has 4 on the season and is hardly a presence on the ice-very disappointing.
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KEVIN says:
Crappy call. Lousy loss.
I still love this team! -
ice Girl Dad says:
Streit did not play well
Taveras line invisible tonight
Though the wheels came off the bus after”the call” -sles showed no heart after that -
Anthony says:
It was a horrible call,but we were overmatched and outplayed by a team missing 4 of there top players. Are D was horrible and Streit was really bad. We were physically beaten also. We need more grit on this team. Reaoner,Rolston,Mattau got to go!!! Please play Haley.
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Walt says:
The Islanders were slow and did anyone outside Martin and Hamonic throw a check. The Penguins outskated them the whole game.
Reasoner,Rolston,Mottau and Staios have to go
The only speed they have is reverse. Another good crowd wasted at home. If you can’t get over .500 at home the season is over. R.I.P.-
Isles did not play well the whole game. They have to play 60 minutes otherwise they deserve the loss. I only saw the first period and I thought the Isles played terrible notwithstanding the 2 goals. There was no desire to win. The power play is absolutely horrible. They cannot even gain the zone.
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Bababoey to ya'll says:
If they throw a check they get penalized…Ala Bailey 2 games ago and Hammer last night…The Isles cant win in this league..
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I think the same exact thing.
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danfromouteast says:
He needs to get lazik surgery possibly
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Anti-Mayhem says:
Mark Streit is a shell of his former self. He was terrible tonight!!
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Matt says:
Until the arena situation is straightened out, if it will ever be, we will continue to see the likes of Reasoner, Rolston, Motteau et al…, top flight FAs won’t sign here, so we’re left with the equivalent of the NHL’s free agent bargain rack and players who sign here only because no other team wants them. Can only hope Snow can continue to find gems like Moulson and reclamation projects like Montoya and Grabner.
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its 100% not the arena…its wang and snow-would you play for these ass clowns?
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It is the arena. It is a dump. You have leaks from the ceiling when it rains….are you serious? Have you been to other arenas. the Devils “old arena” is 10 times better than NCVM. Why would a player want to come here if they can play somewhere else?
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danfromouteast says:
Yes the place is deteriorating but if the isles had good or great ownership and management I think it would be a different story. Players want to win more than anything so the Islanders lose so then you add NVMC and its condition then it tends to stand out more
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hoser14 says:
How come this team always seem to come out flat in front of a big crowd? It’s very frustrating.
The Isles came out flying and then they started to get sloppy against a well coached team like the Penguins. They were up 2 goals, then got sloppy and gave up a goal in the minute, when up 3 to 2 and was on the powerplay and self-destructed, making it easy for the Sid-less Pens to take over the game.
There was no excuse to be lazy, the forwards not to backcheck and for D-Men to be sloppy in their zone. Montoya was left out to dry too many times.
Snow really needs to add more speed to the backline sooner rather than later.
At least they weren’t run out of the building in the first 5 to 10 minutes.
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I saw the same thing. Good play for a few minutes and then just sloppy uninspired play.
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justin says:
Players are over played,others under played, till thats fixed you got a tired team. Guys that disappear for many games then reappear for one or two are getting rewarded with toi. Bad message sent there. Three of the top 9 gotta go, its all the same.
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Tom D in NJ says:
No excuse,but after momentum shifted, team looked tired. We cant win unless we give 110% and even then there is no guarantee.
Still too many scrubs on this team, not tough enough and no signs of Garth or Wang doing anything..which is our norm. -
Steve from Jersey says:
Think there is a lot of pressure on streit, the guy can’t play to make up for the lack of defense this team has. They dind’t play well, but that call was the game. They went down to a five on three and got scored on. Top that off with losing Hamonic and this game can be marked off as a screw job. Montoya didn’t come up with the big saves tonight, but the guy can’t be lights out every night. Pens just have our number maybe that’ll change one day
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Tedge77 says:
Sit Reasoner for a few games and play Haley. We have nothing to lose. Haley can get the rest of the team going. They can play a more physical game you just need a catalyst. Reasoner is a big ZILCH. The team gets down Haley wins a fight crowd back in team back in everyone is happy except Wang because he doesnt berieve in fighting
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This was all on WangSnow. Streit was bad tonight but he had to play 10 minutes too many. With A-Mac hurt and Hammer tossed who was the next best blue liner? Reese? He let Hillen walk when he made less than a mil. McCabe is still out there. He doesnt have much left but he is certainly better than Mottau.
BTW – I list WangSnow as a single entity because they share a brain. And when their coach doesn’t they get canned. Sorry Teddy ……
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RICH L says:
I think tonight was Streits worse game as an Islander, he looked totally disinterested, or his head was not screwed on tonight, and when a Dman like him, who is not very big to begin with,and is having a bad game, it is totally magnified.
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Islanders Fan in NJ says:
Time to sit Streit for a few games a la Okposo. Streit has been HORRENDOUS lately. The guy can’t seem to get out of his own way.
That call on Hamonic was THE WORST call I’ve ever seen. Seriously. I’ve been watching hockey for 35 years. It was a love tap, and the guy hit himself with his own stick! They’re turning hockey into basketball. With the Knicks acquisition today, I might as well switch sports. At least I’ll have something to cheer about.
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Alex says:
this team is just not that good. don’t let this past stretch of games fool you. they are what they have been over the past 15 years. i would rather see them move then have to sit and watch them play another 15 years of lousy hockey when your heart and soul is so invested in the team. not fair.
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Streit plays alot of minutes and with our overall D, is always under alot of pressure. Thats what happens when you have half a roster of NHL players and another half who are minor league or should retire. Thank you again Wang and Snow…for nothing.
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I hate to even post this, but due to the orders from up in the Chain, Haley, nor Gillies gets to play, and so before this year is out either Tavares, PAP, Moulson or Martin will be out with an injury by a boarding, charging, or high stick infraction because of [Martin excluded] 1- opposing teams know the Isles have no grit, and heart, and/or 2- the frigging sc..b.g officials dont give a damn about this team as Wang has run them like a circus, so they are treated like clowns by the league, and they also must think, if the owner doesn’t care, why should they.
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Rich is 100% right. I have been saying that since the season started. If they are not going to be a playoff team does it matter who is on the fourth line? They are not an elite team that is one player away from the cup. You better protect what assets we do have. How many players have been suspended for illegal hits this year already. If you are going to be an average team you better make sure your an average team that is going to be able to beat the crap out of an opponent if need be.
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Terry says:
The team played better last year when the played tuff and fought.Bring back Gillies play Haley at center and you can play a tough 4th line that can stand toe to toe with any team and not be intimidated at all. I bet JT MM KO and the rest of the guys will play better knowing they won’t be taken advantage of buy other teams.
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TJ Bova says:
That was a joke of a call on Hamonic. Ones again he isles on the receiving end of horrid officiating. Montoya looked average at best tonight. The way they were playing before the major penalty I thought he isles we’re gonna take it to the pens. The 2 goals allowed at that point were soft defensive plays, but as a whole I thought were playing well. Just wish officiating didn’t have a huge outcome on the game for what, the 5th time this year?
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The Pork Chop Express says:
Another bad game!!
The isles played well for about 15 mins. They made two defensive mistakes in the first and got burnt. The 1st was streit given the puck up and 2nd the forwards gave up the puck in the offensive zone on a bad pass and never made their way back since they were too tired. Another goal in the last minute of the period. The isles must lead the league in that category.
Like everyone here I am amazed how the isles are always on the opposite end of these bad calls or no calls. This definately changed the momentum. Good teams overcome adversity and we are not. We are fragile team and that call broke us. Love how nhl on the fly never mentioned the bad call. They so are against the isles.
This team has no heart. The veteran presence doesnt not bring it at all. They need to bench reasoner/rolston and play haley. He brings energy!!!
This was a horrible defensive game. The forwards did not back check at all and defense was not on the same page with each other. Not sure why they didnt want to play. I would!!
We need to trade okposo. Yes, he scored and got an assist but he makes so many dumb plays on the ice. He is not a power forward at all. He is more of a liablity. Neilsen and grabner need someone on the ice who can create space and check. okposo is not that. trade him while he is hot. Call up the ducks and work on getting bobby ryan.
please put bailey, between martin and wallace/ulstrom. keeping rolston with them does nothing!!
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This is my post on Dec. 6th, on an earlier thread, notice what I said in my last paragraph, my biggest fear came true tonight…
Rich L says:
December 6, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Maybe Charlie Choo Choo “lost” money with the Madoff schemes like the Wilpons did,that would be the only way he is losing $20 million per year,as he cries about it constantly. However I can hear Wang whining about the realignment
“My team can’t compete because they are all ‘big” market teams, and we are just a small market team” and so I will have to move them to KC, or Quebec,he will need some cheese with his whine. Having said that, we have now won 9, of a possible 10 points not bad, I just hope they do not play the Pens on Saturday and forget how they got said points. -
Strummer's Army says:
The terrible call on Hamonic was a turning point. While Isles were left with their crappy D-men playing big minutes there was still no excuse to quit. Plain and simple this team stops playing too often. However, this is why Snow should assemble a real NHL D-man.
Just review the Fristic hit where he was not given a penalty, Dally got a power play, and refs saved Fristic from having to fight. He wasn’t ejected when he should have been. Refs were looking right at it. Then there is tonight where refs siezed their opportunity to give the Pens the advantage and eject Isles best D-man. No refs can be that bad, it has to be intentional. I am disgusted with refs picking favorite teams, favorite players, and deciding the outcome of games.
Past time for Snow to take action. Dump Roloston, Mottau, and Pandalfo.
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Joe says:
Listening to the players say “We thought it would be an easy game after going up 2-0″, is not a very good sign. When are they going to learn that they have to play every team hard for 60 minutes to win in this league. It’s all about DEFENSE.
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Right Tedge77, if we cant beat them with skill,we are not as deep as about 27 other teams, maybe more, beat them by playing old time hockey, like a Gordie Howe hat trick, a goal, an assist, and a fight. Ah good old fashion hockey i’ve been an Islanders fan since the 73/74 season, their 2nd season,and a hockey fan for over 40 years, however we know what Wang, and Bettman want, all physical play out of the game, Bettman has been the worse Commish, that I can remember, besides he looks like the “Count” from Sesane Street, at least that is what someone posted on another thread about 2 years ago, I thought is was funny so, I posted it here.
PS, That Ullstrom kid looks good, hope hes a keeper,and they should dump Okposo also. -
Phil L says:
please stop complaining about the Hamonic call, yes in replay it was bad call, and we never catch a break, but to be fair if your a ref and see that play at full speed in the corner of your eye it looks like Hamonic cracked Orpik in the grill. That play did not cost us the game, the score was 6-3 and had they given Hamonic 2 min (a totally legit call), the Pens still score that PP goal The The Isles played a good 15-20 minutes, and a really REALLY bad 40 minutes.
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You can say that individual play didn’t cost them the game, but how can you quantify how many of the those final goals resulted from one of your best defensemen sitting in the locker room?
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I understand that refs can make bad calls, but they kicked out the islanders best player for doing absolutely nothing.
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Juniorjunior says:
Hamonic is not our best player…..all teams deal with bad calls and the elite teams usually get the benefit of the calls. Annoying but simple reality of all pro sports. The good teams are able to overcome through consistency all season. The reality is Wang does not wish to invest in a winning team here. dissapointing at best.
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I meant defensively, I agree with the wang comment. It seems like every year they have a player on their team they play a lot for trade bait(Nabokov). If they want to win they have to spend money and play to WIN.
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Ted says:
The Islanders are talented enough to have these small win streaks once in a good while to fool everybody into thinking that there not that bad, and that there is hope. The real truth is they are that bad, and there is no hope. All the changes that need to be made in this organization, from the players on the ice, to the coach, to the GM, to the arena will never happen as long as Wang owns this team. After 11 seasons Wang still knows nothing about running a hockey team and is arrogant and obsessed with surrounding himself with powerless, yet loyal “yes” men who will never question, nor speak out about Wang’s nonconventional and clueless methods of running the Islanders. It’s a lost cause unless/until Wang sells the team to an owner who will spend money on improving this team and hiring competent, experienced personnel to run it…
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Strummer, that has been going on for many years, the league has protected the stars like Gretzky,Lemieux,Crosby and certain teams,some of the old stars did most of their own fighting but I never saw the league protect Bossy, Trotts,it always came down to their own, for protection, like Gillies, Nystrom, Howatt,etc. etc. Hell in the “78″ playoffs vs the Toronto make believes, Jerry Butler boarded Bossy from behind, and never even got a penalty, it could have ended his career, at that time.
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2Bit says:
Even though the Islanders should not have quit after that horrible call, it truly cost us the game. And I’m sick of the officials being able to get away with this crap!! Seriously, we all understand it’s a fast game, they have a tough job & certain calls are going to be difficult to make, but when in the heck will they ever be held accountable?! There has to be a time that they stop treating these officials like little princesses & hold them accountable for certain calls, so that they can do an even better job! Like Strummer pointed out. Fistric’s non call on his head shot agains Nino you had officials staring directly at the play, yet they couldn’t see it was clearly a head shot?? Yet, this time Hamonic basically breathes on Orpik & they’re quick to blow a whistle and call it a head shot?? Simply ludicrous!! Shanny needs to start handing out fines to these Zebras! They have WAY too much power.
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How about the call on Bailey 2 games ago for that nice hit to get the puck???Either we’re getting screwed buy a call against or a non call that should’ve been…The Isles get screwed every other night…
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Hey Phil,
You can’t say how the came would’ve ended up either way. I do know one thing, if Hamonic had only got 2 mins the Pens may have still scored that tying call, but at least we still would’ve had our best defenseman out there to help prevent the other 3 & motivate our team.
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I highly doubt that ONE man would of prevented the three goals rom going to win. It took a team to lose the way they did and that’s what happened, the team was hapless after going up 2-0 and blew it. Nothing more nothing less.
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Taking out Hammer will make a huge difference…You are undervaluing what a #1 shut down dman does…Especially on a team where there are no other shut down dmen to step up in his absence..
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I understand your point, but dealing with adversity is part of life, especially life in the NHL. The team looked fatigued and disinterested for most of the 2nd/3rd periods. Alot of that had to do with the bad call, alot from poor coaching, leadership, conditioning etc. The Pen’s lose their MVP caliber player Crosby and still play hard and win. We lose a mid tier D man for 1/2 a game and the team looks like they need therapy.
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I agree with Phil here, Pittsburgh came in without Crosby AND lost Staal and they still played 60 minutes. Also while the call was bad, Hamonic cannot go throwing a check that late at the blue line. Again the call was bad but Hamonic made a very bad decision in the first place. Please let’s stop this self pity the Refs killed us talk. Last time I checked the game was played via 3 – 20 minute periods not 1.
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Disinterested is the way they looked after the Hammer call…The fact that Cappy didn’t pull the goalie at the end while on the PP made it look like they were giving up on that game…That is worrisome…
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*tying goal .. not call
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If I ever hit the lottery for millions, I would buy the Isles, and hire a couple of you fans for GM, and coach, hell, I believe you would be a huge improvement over the trio of Wang, Snow, and Cappy, also get rid of the dead wood, and improve the entire organization, by spending money like George Steinbrenner,to entice good players to come and play here, and hopefully before I die win a STANLEY CUP!!!
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Please stop it. The plan was not for the Islanders to become a power house this year at all. Better yes, but not a top team. The next round of young impact players have not even developed for the NHL (even the AHL at this time. The future years is what this team supposedly is built for, and this is looking to bring in Strome, Brock Nelsen, Lee, Ciszakis (not sure of the spelling) and perhaps De Haan. I get the frustration as you comment cleary is showing that….
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Uh huh sure, that what I heard years ago when we drafted guys like Okposo and Bailey that there our future and it turns out their busts. What happens when these guys come up and fail like those two have? Just because your touted as being a great player dosen’t mean it will happen. No I don’t believe anymore that the Isles have the capability of creating a winner, not with the clowns that are steering the ship.
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Rich sign me up. BTW did anyone see Anisimov against TB. What a Jack Ass. The best was the slo-mo of him getting punched and going down. I dont care they still suck
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jonj77 says:
The team had a bad game. On the bright side, this is their first regulation loss in six games. Bad games happen. The key now is how they respond.
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dork says:
Rolston is such a dud on the PP. He can’t even pass to his own players. He makes a low percentage pass that was intercepted for nearly a breakaway on the PP. Wasn’t this guys supposed to have graduated Hockey 101 class 15 years ago? He is truly a waste of space, money and hockey semen.
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This is obviously Snow’s short term solution with our cement footed defensemen. But I can’t wait to fast forward to next year with Streit, Hamonic, MacDonald, De Haan, Donovan, and who knows.
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danfromouteast says:
Its always next year
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Start Poulin in Montreal!!!!!!!!!!!
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Bob Bassen says:
What is truly going on with Snowang and what they’re really trying to achieve/develop with the team behind the scenes, nobody knows.
This AIN’T a playoff team right now…this much we know.
Rolston? Reasoner? Maybe, MAYBE you pick up one of those guys at the trade deadline for the playoff push buuuuuuuut….
Saturday night home game against divisional rival playing seemingly without 1/2 their team.
Horrible call? You betchya! I get it. But even more of a reason to dig deep and have some passion to win the freaking game!
I ilke Streit but I don’t think he’s played that particularly great all season. Furthermore, look at other teams top D-Men AND Captains when adversity strikes-no excuse to have a horrible game. None. None. -
This movies getting old and un-interesting
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moonshine says:
“The Islanders were up 3-2 when it occurred playing solid, but not amazing hockey having given away a 2-0 lead.”
i didn’t realize ‘solid hockey’ is how you give away a 2-0 lead.“Tonight, they were missing three opening night roster defenders from the lineup for much of the game.”
that’s a killer when the other team has guys like crosby, staal, lateng… wait, what’s that? they didn’t play??!!?the worst part of the islanders’ performance was below their own goal line. all pittsburgh had to do was dump to the end boards and get after it fast. the isles were clueless. and this was already in the first period. butch called it ‘poor puck management.’ they’re lousy is all.
dear cappy, montoya has less than one-half season’s worth of nhl games. you can’t run him out there like he’s martin brodeur.
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Isle Fan in Rye NY says:
Reasoner, Rolston, and Mottau need to be replaced.
Agreed!! This is so obvious.
What changed between late last year and now.Streit… wasn’t himself.
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Ct 74 says:
At the top of any analysis is we have very stubborn owner with no peripheral vision, and a very stubborn politician so the arena goes no where. Isles will move somewhere, perhaps Queens, perhaps Quebec. We also have an owner and a GM who don’t stand up for the team, coach as well unfortunately. Wish they would raise the question of officiating. That amateur call against Hamonic did change the game, our players, especially D were played out. We faced a better team but hung in until “the penalty.”
Most of the dragged-in vets of summer should go, too slow and perhaps too disinterested. THe good attendence shows there is a strong fan base, but if management sit on their hands and throw whatever on the ice to supplement draft picks what the hell does wang think people will come away with, and just stay away. Some of our draft picks by our master GM need to play far better, if capable. Maybe we have more first round busts than we thought. Remember, management dumped top scouts, and milpuke did the same. Action reaction. Team has played well lately, perhaps tiring. Also seeing their protection [other than Matt Martin, and thank God for him] sitting in the stands doesn’t help either. It seems we have a good core, but the organization just floats from one season to another. Torrey and Arbor got their expansion team into the playoffs in three years…and stayed there to win four Cups. -
I would like to point out that Malkin is really really really good, everyone always talk about Crosby, but Malkin is just as good.
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Tavares was horrible, say what you want about the officiating, but the only reason the pens were on the power play on the first place was because of Tavares’s bad pass to juricna and he did nothing offensively
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Merrick says:
I keep saying we have Battered Fan Syndrome. I hope the last week wasn’t about getting wined and dined and now we’re returning to the lousy behavior and play we have allowed ourselves to accept.
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btw, when i say that montoya has a penchant for giving up the killer goals, a great example is the fifth goal at 1:04 (!!) of the 3rd. it was a one-goal game at 4-3. how about that as a big moment in the game? or, if people keep saying he stands on his head, how about he stands on his head and makes the save at 19:31 (!!) of the 1st? i know unexpected turnovers are killers, but in itself the pass to neal wasn’t that hard a read.
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The Haley Hammer says:
I agree Montoya had a bad game, but to put this loss on him is a bit harsh.
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Are you seriously trying to blame to goalie on this one? My god it was all on the DEFENSE. Defense is ALWAYS in bad position. I think you should watch those goals again and see how bad of a defense we have.
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oh, i know the defense is awful. what irks me is that people throw the whole team under the bus but want a statue for montoya. to me he’s about like the rest of them. (dp of course is a dead horse).
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danfromouteast says:
You aren’t serious right? Montoya has played damn good even if he had a bad game. Haven’t you watched the games he has made some pretty good saves and kept them in games. His numbers are proof especially the numbers are that good with only two or three good defense men infront of him. Maybe you meant Dipietro
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I think people are praising Montoya because he was 5th in the league in save percentage playing behind the worst blue line in the NHL. Last night was his first shaky game of the season. He is Ken Dryden compared to DP.
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pretty much
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hollywood says:
Rolston was terrible once again giving the puck away on a continuous basis. What a pick-up he was at 5 mil, christ I’d rather have Jon Sim out there. And to continue to have him on the point for the powerplay is getting old as he couldn’t hit the ocean with his shot. Bring up DiBenedetto or Cizikas and let them gain experience with Rolston’s 15 minutes of ice time per game. Should’ve packaged him for Kaberle, which would have kept the Isles close to to the cap and it turn picking up a much need addition to the Defense.
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One more thing re Tavares. While his play is clearly getting better and he is of the best on the ice–the one thing that disturbs me going back to his first year is that he was touted as being deadly from the faceoff dots in. However, I just don’t see that.
He clearly is the best Islander in terms of creating chances in scoring areas–but he also does not instill fear when he gets those chances. Where I once got excited with each of his scoring opportunities, I’ve now reached a point where I don’t expect him to bury his chances because he fails to convert far more often than not. He’s much closer to a Matt Moulson getting most of his goals around the net as opposed to a Stamkos who has a more perimeter productivity or a Marty St. Louis type who can be deadly in one-on-ons situations.
I think that natural scoring knack/touch is something you don’t teach–and I’m inclined to believe even this early that JT does not have it. Perhaps if he played with another team with talen on the wings, he’d be the one getting 40 goals in the dirty areas, but it’s hard to see happening on this team.
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last night he had a very good look right at the end of a pp. it was about the weakest sog he’s taken all year. and yeah, moulson was non-existent for the second game in a row. but hey, they got the final pp goal against tampa to make it 5-1! (dear cappy, keep your top line off the ice when the game is won and you have a late pp. make them start to think about the next game instead of partying and padding their stats.)
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danfromouteast says:
Agreed. Cappy seems to be bullied by snowang
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And the Refs!!!!!!!
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JT still is growing into what he will be…Hes not even old enough to buy a beer…I just think he needs a guy to set him up like he sets up everyone else…If there were 2 JT’s then JT would have 15 goals by now…
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Mario says:
Okposo, Nielsen, and DeHaan for Bobby Ryan. Get er done!
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danfromouteast says:
Id like to see that okoposo would be replaced by Ryan Nielsen by cizikas and donovan and maybe a season or two hayfield and pedan will be here.
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danfromouteast says:
Mayfield
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Kevin, Can we take down the excuses a little? You are talking about the Isle’s lacking Defensemen and then mention we are missing A-mac and Eaton like they are Weber and Sutter. And then you gone to say Steit had is worst game “but” played 30 minutes or whatever like the more time you play, the worse you can play. We all watched and do not need a sugar coat. They are not in the same class as Pittsburgh, simply put they were rolled by a great team.
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It getting more obvious that snow and wang want to be the softest team in the nhl playing rolston or reasoner over Haley against one of the toughest teams in the nhl says a lot about the two of them.They should look at Bostons team and you see individual and team toughness.I have been an isles fan for over 35yrs but i may jump ship to a new team even though i don’t like Lucic i just may start following the Boston Bruins.
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“As long as Wang and Snow run the show the Isles will continue to blow”….
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gdmike says:
as a ref if you don’t see the play completely than don’t make a major penalty call. If he called a minor than nobody would complain, but to call a major means you better see it correctly and he did not. Poor job.
Tavares, Streit and Montoya had their worst games in a while. Could they be tired? 10 games in 20 days and Tavares and Streit have been given a ton of ice time. Team needs more depth. Not the players fault. Whoever said to sit Steit is smoking something funny. -
Claude says:
Sorry street Is a good defenseman but not what he was. He’s not wine so he’s not going to get better with age.Couldn’t get a bag of pucks for read.,rol.,or mottau
But could get young large experienced,mobile dman for Streit.Just sayin’ -
danfromouteast says:
Wang and snow you can see who are wears the pants in that relationship.
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What has happened to Frans????? Don’t even notice him at all!!!!
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TimQ says:
We had our 2 steps forward, now it’s time for our 3 steps backward
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Rich S says:
It really stinks to watch Hockey Night Live after a loss like this. Can’t stand the smug looks of the Rangers, Devils guys. Wish they had a true Islander guy on there to balance things out.
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STEPHEN TOSTI says:
Lets not jump off the ship folks. It is one loss. Less you forget that we came off a 6-gm stretch of points.
Defense played awful and Streit has his worst game as an Islander no doubt, however we will be ok.
1st line was invisible. That almost never happens so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
Lastly, I’d give Montoya game off and also, to echo everyone else, get rid of Reasoner, Mottau.
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Yeah and look at how we played and tell me with a straight face that the Isles will get back on the right track. What I saw out there last night was beyond horrible and it showed that this team has many gaping holes and that even with a two goal lead and playing againist a team riddled with injuries that we can still lose big.
I wouldn’t be as optimistic as you are after what I saw.
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since'72 says:
Let’s see….Fistric gets no penalty for leaving his skates and a blow to the head. Hamonic gets a 5 min major and a game misconduct for his play. Put those two replays side by side and have the refs explain how they are impartial when officiating an Islander game.
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goose says:
Rolston is beyond horrible. Nielson plays like someone from Denmark. Brag JT up all you want, but he’s nowhere near the caliber of player Nugent-Hopkins or Seguin are…after all the hoopla how on earth can anyone not be disappointed? We thought we had a future superstar not a future “pretty good” hockey player. This team is a joke from top to bottom.
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Cap said that!!! Easy game after. 2-0 lead??????
A good coach or leader would never say that. So tired of having piss poor coaches learning on the job? That is why players do not develop here and we don’t get the most of of vets.
Nothing will change until Wang sell.
Only hope is for the Media to expose Wang further. Somehow need to pressure Wang to sell.
I’d be willing to chip in for a full page ad in Newday or the Post from the fans on why Wang is killing this franchise and why he needs to sell.
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isleopine says:
I would chip in as well, however I dont think that in itself would convince him. The only thing that would budge him, is having someone step in with adequate dollars to satisfy Wang. Otherwise he is going to hang on for the rest of the lease term and field offers from Quebec, KC whoever. I really do not think he cares whetehr this team stays on LI or at least in the general area or not. This is why he will not spend more on the product, he simply is going through the motions to full the faithfull so that we may continue to support the club. I think for anyone to not put all this together is silly.
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Do you think anyone on this team actually would think or say that???Give me a break…Show me the quote and show me the guy who said this BS….Until I see or hear proof I call BS!
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Matt says:
I agree. Watching Rolston play is horrifying. The guy doesn’t even attempt to back check, and always gives up on the play… He’s a huge waste and so is, Nielsen, Mottau, that bum Reasoner, and even Bailey, lets face it Bailey is never going to be good hes a third line center at best and maybe if hes lucky will get 20 goals in one season of his pathetic career, hell i rather have ullstrom over that pathetic excuse of a hockey player. I am really mad, but the only good players we have are Tavares, Moulson and Grabner. They proe they are. even PA is good he always racks up assists, but surely a third of fourth liner on a good team. Somebody call a new ring leader for this circus before it starts losing fans…..
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Steven says:
This little streak meant nothing. The Isles have too many holes to overcome. Wang and Snow will do nothing to improve this team.
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How do you know this?
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Okposo is doing just fine since he came back from being scratched…He does not get used in all offensive situations as he did before Moulson and JT got here…So he only has 4 goals and that is part of it…But also he scored all 4 of those goals over a short period of time…I wish Isles fans would realize all players go into slumps…KO was in a slump and its in the past…Just be glad that hes coming back and being effective again…Although he isn’t relied upon to do everything like he used too, so don’t expect him to have #’s of a 1st liner…Hes not used as a 1st liner and he is not given the PP time that guys like JT get…
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It gets really negative around here really fast…Lets support these guys…They have been playing very well as of late…Even the best teams in the league have off nights…If this happens in couple games in a row, where they cringe in the face of adversity, then I can understand why you would worry…I can barely read my fellow Isles fans posts around here…They just depress me…It makes me wonder why be a fan if you are gonna hate them and trash them every step of the way…Believe me, there have been times where I wanted to throw in the towel..But you gotta put things in perspective…The teams been looking like they’re coming along…Cut the org a little slack…
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corey says: completely agree
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Bababoey. If you’ve been a fan over 20 years you’d understand why the negativity.
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bababaoey to ya'll says:
Ive been a fan since right after the Dynasty so dont think for a 2nd that I dont understand. I have never enjoyed the glory days…
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All we need is an arena, new owner, a real GM, 5 new defensemen, someone to play with JT, not having $15MM of dead salary to get you to the cap floor and all will be fine!!!
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…new coach, better hockey operations (i.e scouting), better radio, new owner, new owner, new owner….
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corey says:
Im tired of us trying to play against both the other team and the refs.
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Isles77 says:
Montoya was hung out to dry. Pourous defense. Mottau and Staois are not cutting it. Jurcina has been lacking in his own zone as well, but gotta give him a break for his offensive play. I Like what Ullstrom and Reese are doing, but they gotta do something with that D.
Rolston and Reasoner need to be replaced. Plain and simple. I’d rather see kids from the bridge brought up.
And for the love of god PLEASE put Nino on an offensive line when he gets back! 4th line? Are you insane? At least Bailey Nino Ullstrom on 3rd line and let Martin/Haley/Replacement reasoner compile the 4th.
Edmonton has 2 1st rounders on the same line with Nugent-Hopkins and Hall and it looks good. Only going to get better. If 1st line stops producing, throw Nino with Tavares and let em make some magic.
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Jerky says:
Can someone please explain to me why Reasoner is still on the ice in favor of Haley (or anyone else for that matter)? Reasoner is literally invisible out there. How is it that Stanley Cup champion teams like Philly and Chicago can see the need and find a regular spot in the lineup for Carcillo, but the Isles can’t do the same with Haley (or an equivalent)? It’s such an obvious need, yet why can’t Capuano and Snow see it?
I concur with those who said Neilsen looks terrible this season. I don’t like how he looks at the refs every time he gets stripped of the puck or knocked down looking for a call. He’s softer than Okposo … and that’s saying something!
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Nielsen is a very good player to have, the problem is he shouldn’t be on the 2nd line. He is a very good 3rd line center. Bailey should be on the second line.
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Nielson is a prefect 3rd liner
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Travelchic59 says:
I have not posted on this site since CB, left. First off, nice job Kevin. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your writing.
I only have 1 thing to say – Reasoner, Staios and the Jersey Rejects (as I call them) Rolston, Mottau, Pandolfo
ALL HAVE TO GO. These old dudes are slowing down our young, fast team. There is a reason Lou got rid of these guys. They bring nothing to the table and are just here to collect a paycheck and it shows.I would rather lose with our young guys then lose with these overpaid, unmotivated rejects.
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Bob E says:
3rd period fold. come on man. its one thing to lose a foward. we played with 5 dman and it was our second best guy that guy ejected. Montoya needs a day off.
That Lame Hamonic ejection gave the game to Pens. We were up 3-2.
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jeff wall says:
“Reasoner, Rolston, and Mottau need to be replaced.” enough said….just add pandolfo and Eaton to the list. Scratch these 3 and add Amac (when healthy), Cizikas and haley….and we have a better team overnight..everynight
I believe Haley as the 4th line centre would be an upgrade over reasoner, just for the emotion. He is a natural centerman and would work well with martin and wallace…at least till cizikas is ready.
Rolston is just bad on the PP. Doug weight has done nothing but sold the islanders as retirement home to his buddies. Nice comfy place to end your carer. And hey if you pucker up you may get a desk job. He needs to go along with the gang of old uncles.
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Hey Tedge77,If I hit those millions, I will say to you, “You’re hired”, and like D. Trump tell Wang, Snow, and Cappy “You’re fired” lol
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PS,Tedge77, Yeah, I saw that and agree that Tampa should take offense,especially since they were on a 5 game losing streak,that crap should not be tolerated in hockey, that is “bush league.” Do you rememeber Tie Domi riding his stick like it was a broom? Also as much as I despise the Rangers, they are doing some winning so far this season, but as the saying goes during the season, I will be rooting for the Isles, and whoever is playing the Rangers.
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Domi only scored once a millenium so you can maybe let that go. I just loved the look on his face after he got punched. He reminded me of when John Candy punched the clown in Uncle Buck. Priceless.
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last nite, we got screwed. it happens.. i’d rather the ref been embarrassed then make a another bad double minor call. you blew it ref. next time orpik falls on something marginal, ignore him.
Frans is a third line center..strome is a top two center. its important for the isles to extend Frans, and maybe next season or back end of next season, move him to the 3 spot. with strome taking his spot.
cant kill the jersey guys. one of those guys is here for salary cap purposes, and salary cap purposes only. otherwise, he’d be called trent hunter. i can’t get worked up over a fourth line player, and i suggest you not do the same.they are here for 50+ more games, and then will be show the door. theres seemingly plenty of hardworking guys at Bport or here now that are tagged for bigger roles going foward. they just need a little time and seasoning.. -
Chris Willmer says:
Our two best defenseman had very bad games. Both made mistakes directly resulting in goals. Those mistakes don’t happen, changes the whole game even with the Hamonic ejection.
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jimbones says:
forget the refs, we suck. Anyone can coach this team better. I agree with many of the posts that Motto, Reasoner, Rolston got to go. And take KO while you are at it. Snow is a horrible gm. This is not a rant based on one loss. This is many seasons of losing. i watch the games because I am a hockey fan but I gave up the Isles winning games a long long time ago.
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danfromouteast says:
And the doesn’t do a damn thing award this year goes to reasoner
MMS (most missed shots) award this year hoes to roosting
This years slowest defense man award goes to mortal
The I have no clue what the he’ll I’m doing award is whole heartedly goes to the wonder team of wang and his wonderful wife barf snow
GGA (greatest goals against) award winner again long island is wrapping up all the awards after another successfully unsuccessful season the award goes to rick dipietro…. wait he also won the wondering goalie award and is being voted into the hockey hall of shame for most injuries in one year span
Congratulations goes out to the ny islanders once again for being in the top five worst hockey team
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danfromouteast says:
Dumb spell check mottao and rolston but who cares
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danfromouteast says:
The islanders play any less physical they wont need to wear any helmets shoulder protection he’ll just a jersey will do. Teams are more intimidated by the ice girls
I understand that the game misconduct call was bull—- but can someone explain to me why Capunao wasn’t more animated after seeing the replay? I don’t endorse mindless emotion, but sometimes you’ve got to let the refs know they messed up. This was one such time