If nine NHL-caliber defenseman seemed like a crowd when the Islanders broke training camp, it’s turned out to be just enough now. Defenseman Brendan Witt has been ruled out for the next two to four weeks with the sprained medial collateral knee ligament he suffered Tuesday night against Philadelphia.
Witt has been the backbone of the Islanders defense in his two seasons with the club, so, his loss is a major blow at a time when they just broke a seven-game losing streak and face an uphill climb in the standings to get back into playoff contention. Bruno Gervais (strained ribcage muscle) remained on Long Island with Witt, and Chris Campoli was lost for the season with a shoulder injury last month.
That leaves the Isles with six healthy defensemen out of the original nine for tonight’s game in Toronto. The Maple Leafs are in the same boat as the Islanders, fighting desperately to get back into contention, and with their size, you can count on them to go hard early at goaltender Rick DiPietro even though it’s their second game in as many nights.
It will be up to 6-6, 245-pound defenseman Andy Sutton to try and back the Leafs off a bit. Coach Ted Nolan decided Sutton’s size was needed in place of Witt on the top defensive pairing with Radek Martinek. Most likely, Aaron Johnson, who was a healthy scratch last game, will replace Sutton on the second pair with Freddy Meyer. Those four should see the majority of ice time with power-play specialists Marc-Andre Bergeron and Bryan Berard forming the third pairing.
“It’s tough,” Nolan said. “You look at every team in the league, and you take three of their top defensemen out of the lineup [Witt, Gervais, Campoli], and it’s tough to replace those guys. But somebody’s injury is somebody else’s opportunity.”
Ever since enforcer Chris Simon received his 30-game suspension, it largely has been up to Sutton to be the policemen standing up for his teammates. Now, he has to be the tough guy Witt was while facing the opponents’ top lines most of the time.
“It’s going to affect us dramatically,” Sutton said of Witt’s loss. “He’s a great defenseman and a leader for our team. He was a real presence out there. But I play my game, and if that fits, it fits. I’m not going to try to be Brendan.”
Since growing comfortable in the Islanders’ defensive system, Sutton has become the physical force general manager Garth Snow hoped he would be when he was signed as a free agent. But the Islanders are a team that tries to play tight defensively and avoid taking penalties as much as possible.
Asked if he thinks some opponents have tried to manhandle the Islanders recently, Sutton disagreed. “No, I don’t think it’s something that’s focusing specifically against the Islanders,” he said. “Teams are doing that across the board, especially in the second half of the season. We just have to play solid defensively…With the nature of the game, you can’t bully teams anymore because you’re going to be in the box all night and you’re going to lose. You have to be physical, but to a point. Overall team toughness and competitiveness is the thing that wins in the long run.”
COMING ATTRACTIONS: Look for Islanders Insider posted online before noon Friday in Newsday Sports. It will feature Nolan’s take on what the return of Simon’s presence to the lineup might mean. Campoli, who spent the past three weeks resting after shoulder surgery at his Toronto-area home, will return to Long Island tonight on the team charter to begin the rehab process, and he describes what he endured playing with a separated shoulder. Also, Miro Satan discusses the frightening injury his friend and former Isle Richard Zednik suffered when his carotid artery was sliced open by a skate blade, and much more.
Comments (95)
How can they allow Simon back? He did two horribly outrageous and out-of-bounds things, both of which received national media attention, embarrassing the Islanders organization, the league, and all of us who play and love the sport. What kind of team does Nolan want? If the Islanders take Simon back, they might as well make Paul Newman the coach.
Who does Nolan plan on sitting when Simon comes back? If he sits Comeau, Tambelleni, or Nielson it'll be clear his own personal relationships are more important than doing what's in the best interest of the organization. But then again, this organization hasnt done anything right in 15 years so its probably par for the course.
So Simon is coming back? Isles fans really should boycott games if Simon returns. That’s how strongly I feel about what bringing him back signifies on the Island. The following is a re-post of what I wrote at the bottom of the last blog. I think it tells the whole story, in a way Ted Nolan won’t admit.
Last year, in an important game against the Rangers in the last few weeks of the season, in a TIED game at the END of the third period, Simon was hit and went crazy and slashed Hollweg across the face with his stick. Simon got a major, embarrassed himself, embarrassed the Isles organization, but more importantly at the time, cost the Isles a chance at two important points. Remember kids, the Isles only squeaked into the playoffs because Montreal and Toronto collapsed. Those two points easily could have cost the Isles their season.
So then we were at the point where Simon was one of the biggest offenders in NHL history. Should the Isles have given him another chance? It was debatable. It turned out he had a concussion, and maybe that "made" him do what he did, who the hell knows. But heck, we gave this guy another chance. He said he "learned" from his mistake, and that he was "sorry" etc. blah blah bleh blah.
So here was his chance. Simon returns to the Isles this season, and aside from being horrendous on the ice, he pulls the SAME STUNT AGAIN. Only this time he chooses a more deadly weapon than before. And again, he cost the Isles a chance at 2 points. His attempt to stomp on Rutuu came with 5 min left in the third, in a one-goal game. The Isles were buzzing, but now they were forced to kill off a 5 minute major for the rest of the game.
The man could have severely injured two different players in less than a year (and only poor aim prevented this). Simon has disgraced the Isles' franchise, by being given a second chance and repaying them with an even more horrifying incident.
But it is the Isles who will be disgracing themselves if Simon dons an Isles uniform again.
Remember that old saying..."fool me once, shame on you...fool me twice, shame on me."
The saying stops there, b/c nobody has ever been crazy enough to let someone fool them THREE times.
AKA SNOW, WANG AND TED NOLAN ARE a BUNCH OF FOOOLS!!!!!
LOVE SIMON!!!! Make him Captain!
Ruttu and Hollwig got what was coming to them. The hits they do from behind on a nightly basid are ten times worse than what Simon did!
They are playing a good game after 2 tonight. Really outskating the leafs now. 3 goals on the power play, T.O's 1st was as lucky as you will ever see. Tank, Joe V., and Hunter are playing great again, and somehow Comrie is having another strong game. Maybe he does really want to stay in town. Gonna be a tough 3rd, leafs had last 5 penalties, we are do to get some soon. Go Isles Go!!!!!
Let me say this with regards to Ted Nolan. Lets give this great coach of the Islanders some much do respect for putting together the line of Hunter, Vasicek Fedetenko. Nobody on this board ever suggested that line combo (and please correct me if I'm wrong) and it has become a terrific line for this team. It has rejuvenated these players and has played to their strengths which is their size and ability to play phsical, cycle the puck and go to the net. That is a great move by Ted Nolan. Ted has also lit a fire under Comrie since he spoke with him and gave him the "A". He has responded. Ted Nolan is coaching as well as he has all year. I also notice that the responce of the kids has rejuvenated him lets face it; the best reward as a teacher or a coach is too see your students respond to what you teach and ask of them. Ted seems really enthusiastic behind the bench.
I am all for opinions as I have my fair share, but the one thing I learned in life is that when you focus on the negatives in life you will ALWAYS be disapointed and ALWAYS overlook the positives. This applies to many things in life, not just sports. If I were so embarrased by Simon's actions then how could I ever watch another baseball game or football game for that matter with all that is being exposed in those great leagues. Come on lets get real; at least he served his suspension; admitted he was wrong and the team and player took the steps to correct the problem. Yes; one more strike and your out; but at least let him step up to the plate.
Bergenheim brings a smile to my face. What a great prospect we developed this year; we should all be excited about his future. He looks to be taking the next step.
It's the end of two (at least on my DVR) and I like the way the team has responded and their overall play has been consistent with their past three games. I will really feel good if we play a solid 3rd period and come away with a clean two points (don't give away one point)
A point of interst with regards to the trade deadline is the fact that FSNY stated that their were 15 scouts in attendance as was Garth Snow.
Enjoy the game. I look forward to the posts at the conclusion of the game.
Two down .....Four to go. Yah gotta Believe.
P.s MAB blows !!!
Yeah boy!!!!
Ok, don't look at the score and judge a game. This years NHL is all about points. So whether you win 5-0 or 5-4 it really doesn't matter. As long as you get the two points and prevent a two point game that is all that matters. We got what we needed and I thought it was a good road game by the Isles.
Nice win. Can you believe how dead that arena was?
As for Simon, please stop using the the "three strikes and you're out" line--after eight suspensions, it's more like nine lives.
Coral,
I appriciate your positive attitude, and I really do mean that ...but I think Bill hit it right on the head ...
Plus, why is it only now that Hunter, JoVas, and Tank seem to find their way to the front of the net? Look at the havoc they're creating ...they should have been there from the get go ...
I think Bergie will be a good player as well ...but I don't think he's totally developed yet ...sadly, its taken Nolan so long to actually give him time that I don't think we can call his 13 points as the "next step" ...
Those scouts at the game were probably so psyched the Isles won ...they must be licking their chops ...because as per the status quo the Isles will be hanging around the 8th spot - will trade youth for someone to either help them get bounced in the 1st round or fall just short of making it while pushing them farther away from quality picks ...
I realize this may seem "negative" to some of you but let me ask you this ...
Q)What is the ultimate goal of every team in the NHL?
A) To win the Cup
Q) How many of you - put your love of the logo aside - actually think the Isles can win the Cup this year? (I realize some of you will not really want to admit they can't but try and be real here)
If you don't think they have a real shot then you should want them to sell at the deadline and finish as low as possible ...
Lets build a TEAM people ...not just keep signing people to one year deals ...build through the draft ....
On the last blog... someone mentioned how awful the national commentators were doing the Islanders game and how we should be thankful for Howie and Jaffe.
I have been critical of Howie... and I think Jaffe does a pretty good job.
The problem with that national telecast, in my opinion, was more with that they didn't show any replays of important or mildly controversial plays... and then there was no mention of the play either.
But CAN HOWIE ROSE PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT THE ISLANDERS HAVE SEALED A VICTORY WHEN THERE IS STILL 1 MINUTE LEFT IN A GAME... HE'S DONE THIS LIKE 3 OR 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 4 GAMES... AND IN EVERY ONE, THE OTHER TEAM HAS SCORED A GOAL.
HOWIE ROSE IS THE WORST! YOU WILL NOT CHANGE MY MIND. (IN ADDITION, HE WORKS FOR THE METS... WHICH MAKES IT AN AUTOMATIC STRIKE IN MY BOOK)
DOC
Coral,
3 strikes and your out? At least let him step up to the plate? I'm not sure that rule was meant to apply to attacks with deadly weapons.
Are you not embarrassed by Simon's actions? Are you not embarrassed to root for a team that condones this type of violent outbursts. B/c that is exactly what the Isles are doing -- promoting violence on the ice. The Isles are teaching their young fans that it's OK to attack other players, as long as you pay your dues in the press box and say you're sorry. You will still be welcomed back with open arms.
Come on, the man swung his stick across the face of another player. He should have been dismissed right after that. But no the Isles gave him another shot b/c he said he's sorry and he learned from his mistakes. But did he? Obviously not after the most recent incident. Simon's word is worthless. I'm not sure why he even bothered to apologize. I'm not sure why anyone would want him back on this team.
Look at what happened to Zednick. He was cut by a swinger skate - accidentaly - and could have lost his life. Hockey is dangerous enough without people purposely trying to stomp on your leg with their skate blade ...
plus, I believe it was Merrick who correctly said this, but this is only his 3rd strike with the Isles - it's his 9th overrall ....
The Email I got back from the Isles was rediculous - pretty much that they're not giving up on him and will stick by him ...
I ask what about the fans - I can only hope they'll care half as much about us ...
How can anyone say that this was a good win? The Islanders got their rear ends handed to them in the 3rd period by THE LEAFS!!! One of the worst teams in hockey!!! If not for Ricky standing on his head in the 3rd this team loses easy. I hope these last two victories wont sway there mind to sell at the deadline, especially now with Witt out.
I like Martinek, he's like a poor man's Kenny Jonsson (injury prone like him too). But I think they could get a lot for him, now would be the time to trade him. I really cant see his value being any higher than it is right now.
The Isles D have played well this year but I think they overachieved. They are hurting right now so this isnt the best time to pick on them but I believe there future looks so-so.
MAB- Will have 7 great games and 70 awful ones. He is no better than a 6th Dman who can play the PP
Berard- He's finished
Sutton- He is so so. Not worth the money they pay him
Martinek- Solid but injury prone.
Meyer- Nice suprise but is he more than a 5th Dman at best on a good team?
Campoli- showed a lot of promise this year before he got hurt
Gervais- I like him but just like Meyer, is he better than a 5th Dman at best on a good team?
Witt- He is a warrior. Best player on the team besides Ricky.
Johnson- journeyman.
We need a stud Dman. Brian Campbell would fit this team like a glove, man the PP, play a lot of minutes with Witt. Lets get that deal done this offseason. If you want to have a Cup team you need to have studs on D, look at Anaheim there top 4 are crazy good.
Get ready for FOUR MORE !!!!!
The team needs an enforcer. I agree that Simons days have come and gone......But if not him, bring up the guy I was screaming for before the season even started....KIP BRENNAN!
As for Simons actions.....calm down just a wee bit. I can name 40 other NHL players that have done ten times WORSE! Many of them are skill players that on a nightly basis get beat up and swing a stick. Simon was out on his feet when it happened.
What he did to Rutuu was very bad. Yet they showed clips of 5 other players doing the same thing THIS YEAR !!! One of which was Rutuu himself! Not saying it is right. I am all for him not coming back. With the NUMEROUS problems this team has, I just do not see this one being on the top of the list.
Again....I got slammed by some for the BOBBLEHEADS nickname and all the mgmt bashing I have done over the years.
Now you guys are ripping EVERY SINGLE aspect of this team apart. First, you guys want Silly and the old guys gone.....You got your wish......Than you want the kids to come up and play....you got your wish.......You ask for line changes.....You got your wish...................All I am saying is when it comes to the games, trust NOLAN !!! HE is doing what he can with the cards he was dealt!
YES...we all believed. We had a realy good start. Yet every other PROFESSIONAL, including all of Canada picked this team DEAD LAST !!!!! So give Nolan a break.....He is doing better than ANYONE predicted.
The blame falls on Wanger, Snow and BOBBLEHEAD NATION!
Just my humble, obnoxious, prof. opinion! :)
Bill: With regards to your post:
Hey Coral, If Nolan is so smart, how come it took him 55 plus games to come up with this combo of Hunter-Joe V-Tank?
Where was this brilliant coach all season?............Bill
Why would Nolan have tried this line combo sooner, Hunter was paired with Sillinger as your shut down line going against the other teams best lines and Vasicek was centering the 2nd line with Satan and Bergenheim which was producing opportunities on a nightly basis. It wasn't until Sillinger got hurt that he tried that line. And it is working.
As far as Simon; he is no different than a lot of other athletes we continue to root for. Let's be real for a minute. Did Yankee fans stop rooting for Roger Clemens when he smashed a fastball into Mike Piazza's head? No they kept rooting for him. Oh and then did Yankee fans stop rooting for Roger Clemens when he threw a buzzed off bat at Piazza in the playoffs? No they kept rooting for him and then they welcomed him back again years later. It is no different with Simon, he is part of the team I root for. And lets be honest Candyman; if you are at the next Islander Ranger game and Chris Simon starts pounding on Sean Avery's head are you going to sit on your hands in protest. I highly doubt it, you will probably be cheering like every other Islander fan.
AZS: The Edmonton Oilers cup run two years ago tainted every GM's rational thinking in terms of reality. So yes you are right, and I hope that Garth is smart and REALISTIC as the deadline approches.
These last 2 wins mean nothing - at best they will sneak into the 8th seed and get swept in the first round by Ottawa. Snow better make some trades and restock this team with some good prospects and draft picks over the next 2 years. Trade Comrie, Guerin, Satan, Fedotenko, Vasicek, Berard, MAB, even Martinek - if you could get something of good value for him. Witt & Sillinger would have been great trade assets but with the injuries scratch that. I would only keep Hunter out of all of the free agents we have.
AZS,
I agree 100%. This team is not built to win the Cup and needs to be disbanded. Trade all the soon-to-be UFAs for picks/prospects, and we might have a real shot in a few years.
Coral,
I hardly think Yankees fans rooting for Roger Clemens is a good analogy. Personally I hate Clemens, and while throwing at Piazza was a dirty in a sense, it was still part of the game. Baseball players get hit by pitches multiple times a game. I don't think you could say the same for slashes to the face or stompings with a skate in hockey.
Regarding Simon beating the hell out of Avery, can't we just send Simon outside MSG and have him wait for Sean there? Do we really need to suit him up?
Steady,
There are dirtier players out there and there and there def has been some worse plays. The Dale Hunter - Pierre Turgeon incident comes to mind. This was to me by far the worst offense I had ever seen, due to the surrounding circumstances (attacking a player from behind after he scored a goal). And it's def not on the top of needs for the Isles, but I believe it highlights a glaring flaw in Ted Nolan - his inability to be impartial. What if MAB did wat Simon did (I know you love MAB)? What about Miro? Or Tank? Or whoever? I think it could be argued that MAB, Miro, etc have far more value on the ice than Simon will ever have for this team. So why the multiple fogive and forgets? B/c Nolan plays favorites.
Disclaimer: I am not advocating Nolan be fired, so cool ya jets. I am merely pointing out a major flaw in his coaching personna.
Just to clarify, if MAB, Miro, etc. did what Simon did, I'm pretty sure they'd be on the first boat outa town. So why is Simon different? B/c he shares some heritage with Nolan? Is that how we should me making decisions in today's world?
We are not talking two 4-game suspensions here. We are talking 2 of the longest suspensions in NHL history. Actually they might be the 2 longest.
And even if you want to overlook the physical danger he poses on the rink, think about this...his antics have single handedly cost the Isles two games! How could a serious team put this guy on the rink, when at any time in a close game he just might flip his lid? What a selffish clown.
I personally have mixed emotions on Simon's probable comeback.
I know that the Isles desperately need an enforcer and currently he's the only one who has the experience and size in that department, yet his sometimes irrational actions on the ice may cost us games and cause more embarrassment for the organization. In regard to the suspensions, he got what he deserved, served the time, move on. I can think of two other players who are currently in the league who should be in jail right now rather than making big bucks in the NHL.
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out who they are.
Peace.
O.Bender
My take on Simon...
Last I saw, the league suspended him for 30 games. They did NOT suspend him for life. Therefore, the LEAGUE (Colin Cambell) felt that 30 games was enough. So why should we presume upon Nolan the obligation to automatically increase that sentence? While he certainly has the right to do so with regard to Simon's relative worth to the Islanders, he most definitely has no moral obligation (as some are suggesting) to add on to a sentence the league has deemed sufficient.
Cincy,
That's b/c Colin Campbell can't punish a player for team embarrassment or taking horrendous penalties that blow games for your team. That's an in-house matter.
"He mos't definitely has no moral obligation (as some of you are suggesting) to add on to a sentence the league has deemed sufficient." --Well that's your opinion. I would say he definitely does.
AND ASIDE FROM ALL THIS MORAL OBLIGATION NONSENSE IS THE FACT THAT SIMON ISN'T EVEN A GOOD HOCKEY PLAYER/ENFORCER ANYMORE!!!!!
Candy- I think your last point is the most relevant, and in the absence of any other options and the fact the Isles have been pushed around quite a bit, especially during their losing streak, it is unfortunate that we have only Simon to turn to. Moral obligations are completely based on one's perspective, and I see yours and appreciate it, but think it is over the top, and nothing you or anyone else says or does (as AZS found out) is going to keep Simon from coming back to this team this year. So, everyone needs to buck up and deal, and figure out if there is any benefit to this situation. If you see none, so be it. You are the glass half empty folks as someone mentioned above.
If I had to guess, Simon plays the remainder of this season, and then retires, finding a place on Ted's staff. Then, he flutters off into hockey oblivion like all the goons before him. Will you continue to boycott the team if this scenario does play out?
D-$
All fair points. It's just hard for me to fathom giving this guy a third shot. Personally, I think Colin Campbell got it wrong and should have banned Simon for the season (solely b/c this incident was so close in time to his previous incident). I mean, what he played 20 something games before another deliberate attempt to injure another player. Unreal.
A boycott only works if everyone is on board. Apparently I am in the minority regarding my strong ill feelings toward allowing Simon to return.
On a more positive note, the Isles are only 4 pts out of the playoffs. Win a few more in a row and we are right back in the mix. I just hope that doesn't lead Snowlang away from an imperative fire sale.
-cm
Sorry to burst your bubble Candy but baseball players don't get hit in the head and knocked unconcious by a 99 MPH fastball multiple times in a game. And yes, hockey players do get slashed in the face quite often. Hey I'm not arguing the fact anymore because quite honestly he may play a few games and provide nothing and end up being a scratch unless they play a real physical team where they need the extra muscle.
CM - agreed, I would not have been upset if the league had given him all year, and then some. Basically, a forced retirement. We wouldn't even be having this argument, and I do agree that there is no place in the sport and more importantly this team for guys like Simon.
Just being a realist, and swallowing the fact that he will, trying to find the silver lining.
Like Coral said, the guy will probably bury himself anyway.
Coral not even close to what I said. Players get hit by pitches all the time (the 99 MPH that his Piazza was an extreme example). Was there even a suspension for that? Did Clemens even get ejected from the game? Baseball players get hit intentionally all the time. Hockey players do not intentionally get slashed in the face or stomped on on a regular basis.
But I agree, this all might be moot when Simon sinks himself, like you and Anon above said.
On a diff note...
Who noticed that every one of the Isles goals last night came from right in front of the net? Berard's, Comrie's, Tank's (2) each from right in front of the net. We have all be begging for the Isles to crash the net for months. Did Nolan finally get it? There are freebies waiting to be scored every game, as long as players are willing to pay the price there. Let's hope that keeps up and wasn't a fluke last night.
-cm
Candyman, I think you’re dead on with the Simon thing. This guy is the ultimate embarrassment on a team that doesn’t have much to crow about to begin with. All of this “he served his time” and “he’s learned a lesson” nonsense was fine last year, but this year clearly showed that he hasn’t learned his lesson and that the time served is not enough to GET him to learn a lesson. You’re talking about a guy who has served, what, seven or eight suspensions now? More than one of them was for taking a stick to a guy’s throat, one of them was for unnecessarily pummeling a current member of our roster (can’t imagine Tank’s thrilled to see Simon back), one was for making racial slurs at a guy who is a true team-first player, and now this one for using his skate as a weapon, which is the most deplorable. Just look what accidentally happened to Zednik if you want to see how dangerous Simon’s deliberate actions could have been. I’m sorry, but history says this is not just some poor misunderstood soul who has run into a spot of bad luck.
Candyman’s also right that if this was anyone else, then you can be sure they would not be on this team anymore, probably after the incident last year, let alone the most recent one. Look at Sean Hill. The Isles were far less willing to forgive him for his “honest mistake”.
Chris Simon will be the first Islander I have ever booed when I go to my next game. And Greg Logan, my personal opinion is that your article is way off. Maybe I missed your point, but there are PLENTY of enforcers out there who don’t have a problem understanding the concept of their job. “Fists, good. Skate and stick, bad.” Simon’s back-to-back suspensions here have hardly been a “gray area”.
That last Anon was me...
And for whatever it is worth - this is a violent sport. If you don't think that there are some violent people playing it, than you are off your rocker. If you don't think those people are going to occassionally and repeatedly lose it, then you are definitely up for disappointment. Is Simon's case extreme, absolutely.
As you can all (hopefully) tell, I am NOT a Simon supporter. But, these are the cards we are dealt as fans, and you can either chose to be annoyed, or choose to accept it and move on, hoping the guy is playing his last few games, and maybe Nolan wants to give him the opportunity.
If Simon is still on this team next year, we can question Ted then.
Thanks Upstater, it was lonely out here. Well at least in the Islanders community. Turns out the rest of the hockey world thinks the Islanders are a classless joke for allowing this Simon to return. Check out the user comments on Simon's return on ESPN.
http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/3244537
And that's my main concern. I hate seeing the team that I love looking like a classless joke.
I mean how many chances should he get? After his Ryan Hollweg incident much of the hockey world and Islanders community did not want to give Simon a chance. They said enough was enough. But the Isles gave him a second shot. Implied in that second shot was to NEVER do something like that again. 20 games later he does something worse.
But sure wht not? Give him a third!
-cm
Posted by Candyman | February 15, 2008 12:05 AND ASIDE FROM ALL THIS MORAL OBLIGATION NONSENSE IS THE FACT THAT SIMON ISN'T EVEN A GOOD HOCKEY PLAYER/ENFORCER ANYMORE!!!!!
right. i don't like judging others from a moral/ethical standpoint, but as a fan, i do not want someone like that on the team i root for, regardless of how many games the league imposed. but aside from that, if they cannot come up with someone better than simon in terms of ability and overall value to the team, then what the heck kind of team are we watching? if he is so valuable in the lockeroom and as a team guy, then make him some kind of assistant coach - if you have to.
And for my last comment - who is to say that Simon has not hit "rock bottom" with this latest issue (anger management) and has nowhere else to turn? Do any of us know anything about Simon's own family and their ability to support him? Is abandoning someone when they hit rock bottom respectable? Maybe Ted is trying to ensure that Simon has some semblance of a support group?
I just think there is a lot of judgement flying around with very little knowledge of the situation. As a result, I am just sitting back and dealing with the facts, and would still like to know someone's opinion on who goes down to make room for Simon? Logan said Tambs or Nielsen - with the idea that Tambs plays Simon's wing, so he is maybe most vulnerable. I'll question that move when we have Hilbert and/or Park regularly playing on the wing (aren't both capable of playing center). So, to expand it, what are the lines like when Simon does get back, however short lived it might be?
Ok, for what will really be my last comment on this subject:
the general public that reads this story on ESPN is just part of the hypocritical masses who condone all kinds of other violence - including what we see on TV - but are the 1st ones to stand up and say that hockey might as well be played in the Coliseum in Rome because it is so barbaric.
I expect more from the folks on this blog; getting a "pulse" on a hockey issue by reading the nonsense on ESPN? IMO, I could give you a better pulse on hockey reading a brail version of USA Today...
I too will agree to drop the subject after this post. (Unless someone cares to argue some more ;-> ). In terms of not passing judgment and Nolan doing what's best for Simon--well that's exactly my point. Nolan is playing favorites and putting the needs of one over that of the majority.
Obviously giving Simon a 3245734753th chance is good for Simon. But what's best for the New York Islanders and their fans?
OK...here's my last word too...
I have to respectfully disagree with you D$. If someone in your office (if you have an office job...if you don’t, just humor me here for a minute) assaults a co-worker, should they not be fired? If they make all sorts of apologies and are somehow allowed back, only to do it AGAIN, would it be wrong for the company to send them packing? If it turned out to be the boss’ longtime friend, and this person was getting a THIRD chance, would people not be right in demanding an explanation and getting angry over it? The Isles already paid to get help for Simon – it was a magnanimous gesture. They should not feel obligated to further risk the reputation of the franchise, the ire of the league, and the safety of the players who play in it by letting this guy back on the ice just because he may or may not be in a happy place right now. And really, if he is that mentally unstable to point where he needs serious help, then the last place he should be is on the ice where he can cause even more damage.
As far as judgment flying around on this board – it’s based on Simon’s ugly history, not just this one incident. And really, guys like MAB, Comrie, etc. get killed and judged on this board every day, and all they do is mishandle the puck from time to time. But Simon should get a pass from the fans for completely embarrassing the entire franchise twice – and once after he made suckers of us all with a “heartfelt apology”? Fool me once, shame on...ah, you all know the rest.
Okay, I am violating my suspension here.....but one thing no one has mentioned. (Forgive me Steady).
If Simon comes back be assured about one thing.
Every ref in the league is gonna be whistling him for having his skate laces too tight.
He's gonna be a walking (cuz he sure as hell can't skate) 2 minute penalty every time he hits the ice.
And if Nolan/Snow/Wang can't anticpate that or recognize it, then they truly are the bobbleheads that Steady calls them.
Okay, back to Best's blog for me until tomorrow... (I won a prize over there!!!).
First on the Clemens issue....IS THROWING A BROKEN BAT AT PIAZZA PART OF THE GAME ALSO ????? I love baseball and do believe throwing at a batter is part of the game....But a BAT ??? Where was his 30 game suspension?
The best thing said, was that he has lost a step and simply is not that great of a player anymore! Nor that great of a fighter!
On the Nolan front.....Gents....Please please please stop already!
I do not think he plays favorites. I think he sits kids to teach them a lesson. When it comes to baffoons like MAB it is to say you stink. How can he possibly sit the vets that poor their hearts out for him, yet simply have lost their touch??? MAybe I am wrong, but I think you can pick apart every single coach in the world!
Nolan was voted BEST NY COACH until Mr. Coughlin won the Bowl........How did Belichick do with Bernie Kosar as his QB ??? Give him Brady and he is a genius! Give Torre Rivera and he is a genius!
Let's give Nolan some talent and than judge him!
Steady what about Comrie? Comrie has gone through prolonged stretches where he has not "poured his heart" into games. He actually reminded many of us of Alex Yashin. Nolan had no trouble benching Yash, yet still would not bench Comrie. Not once even for a shift.
But I'll concede your last point, it does have a lot to do with this team simply lacking talent. It must be hard to bench your most skilled player especially when he's your only skilled player.
Let's give Nolan some talent and than judge him!
HURRAY! THANK YOU.
we cannot know how good (or bad) a coach he can be here unless and until we see him with real talent. and for those who would argue that he leaves all the "x's and o's" to his assistants, doesn't matter. as in any sport, talent is THE most important ingredient in the kettle.
Regarding play of late ~ I missed the last two games ... and they won ... hymmmm ... maybe I should suspend myself from watching games till Steady's prediction is validated or not fulfilled.
I am not ready to jump back on the we are a threat to contend bandwagon. I know all of us in reality know where the Isles rate, and I as far back as December thought the Isles had a shot at making some noise in the playoffs. That ship has sailed and I'm not ready to get on the next boat because the Isles beat reeling Philly and barely beat a dead in the water Toronto. Glad we got the 4 points ... still have a ways to go. I don't think we should trade any of our young talent just to make it to the playoffs or get to a 2nd round. The organization is already too barren to be able to afford that. We sink or swim with what we have.
That being said ... these last 2 weeks before the trade deadline we should really access our needs to restock our organization. We should resist the impulse to get better instantly for a fleeting moment at the risk of further deteriorization of the Isles future.
I still want the Isles to win every game ... but they have the coach to get the staff we have now in gear to compete every night. His words .... so if the wheels of the Isles Express is truely back on track ... then it's time to go full steam ahead and see what we can do.
Re Simon ~ I have nothing to add that already hasn't been said. We all agree what he did was hanious. Comparing the incident with other sports is pointless since hockey is light times more physical and emotional than baseball, baseketball and football. I believe passion is the operative word here.
What you, I or anybody else feels about the situation is moot. Campbell, AKA Mr. Islander hater may have been calculated in his 30 day sentence for Mr. Simon. Who knows and who cares?
The Isles get knocked around ... and without Witt it will only get worse. Simon is not the player he was in his prime. .... so what ever he provides in physical presense will be minimal ... and as 505 put it .... he's probably going to be a walking .. not skating ... 2 minute penalty.
If Nolan uses him then that is his choice... I'm sure he is well aware of the oposition by the fans to have him in the lineup ... but if he made decisions based on our emotions and our knowledge of the game ... he'd really be out of a job.
I just hope for the Isles sake what ever he choses to do ... it is the right thing.
Ugh. The level of sanctimony I've been reading here is making me feel nauseous.
Upstate, you forgot a significant piece to your office job analogy. In that office, the workers are perfectly within their rights to engage one another in fist fights, during which the object is to inflict as much harm to your opponent/co-worker before he inflicts injury to you. It’s a regular “part of the job”. And it’s also routine that a worker will occasionally rough up a smaller worker, sometimes in an “excessive manner”, whenever that worker gets close to scoring points with the higher-ups. And bigger workers will occasionally mouth-off to others in various insulting ways. This is all a regular part of the job. Then, one day, one of the workers loses it and assaults another worker in a seemingly unprovoked but excessive manner. Oh my god!!!! What a vicious animal!!! And he’s done it before??? This is an outrage!!!
Give me a break. All the pious moralizing is enough to make me puke. If you don’t think Simon should be in the lineup because the Islanders can win more games without him, fine. I wouldn’t disagree with that. But “embarrassed to be a fan”? Please spare us.
Thank you, Cincy. I understand the deep passion that many people feel toward Simon because of his behavior, but this is a little much...I'm against Simon's return because he's a shell of himself and he'd likely take a roster spot from one of the kids. I think he's a thug, to be sure, and I still don't defend any of his actions, but I think the ON-ICE product would be better without him. You can't beat down on Nolan for standing behind a guy who's like a son to him.
I hope the team does the right thing and lets Simon go away quietly...he should dress against more physical teams but should otherwise take up permanent residence in the press box.
And Cincy, isn't this starting to become your crazy time of year?
I remember you'd said you were an accountant, unless I'm totally off my rocker...do you work for a big 4 firm or somewhere else?
You're right Cincy. Players cannot embarrass their organization for their on-ice behavior. As long as they are productive on the ice--that's all that matters.
Gettin back to hockey, what about the Isles crashing the net last night? Every goal from a player right in front, a place that the Isles had left vacant all season. Did anyone else think this was the reason we squeaked one out last night.
That's not how I read it at all...my understanding of his point was that it's a bit of an over-reaction to say you're embarrassed to be a fan because the organization is trying to show support for Chris Simon. My vicious opposition to this issue stems from his poor play on the ice and the fact that he can and WILL cost the team points by playing over a deserving rookie like Nielsen or Tambellini. This is, again, in no way diminishing the horrible nature of Simon's actions, but there are players throughout all of sports who have done stupid things and are welcomed back with open arms because of their value on the field of play (I can think of a ton off the top of my head - Todd Bertuzzi after almost killing Steve Moore, Brett Myers of the Phillies after assaulting his wife in Boston, numerous people who have failed steroid tests, Ray Lewis, the list just goes on and on....). It's perfectly fine to say the team shouldn't bring him back, but to actually suggest a boycott is extreme.
And from the hockey perspective, all I kept thinking when watching this game was why the hell Hunter and Tank decided to wait until FEBRUARY to start crashing the net. What in the name of Mark Parrish did they think they would accomplish by playing the perimeter?
Dare I say poor coaching? Nah I don't want to be tar and feathered.
Nick,
"...all I kept thinking when watching this game was why the hell Hunter and Tank decided to wait until FEBRUARY to start crashing the net."
It's an age old cliche Nick, "THEY COULDN'T FIND IT (the net)!"
(Hard to see it when your facing the boards anyway).
Can we end the Simon dialogue??.
The guy sucks as a hockey player. But apparently Nolan sees something in him that we don't. Nolan gets paid the big bucks to make those decisions, we don't. And no matter what we say apparently nothing will change Nolan's/Snow's/Wang's mind.
We're fans first, barcocoaches second.
(I'm hoping Steady can't read me today).
You can fault coaching for a lot, but I don't think this is one of those times. Players who make their living in front of the net don't suddenly stop because the coach tells them to.
Cincy...Thank you for the sanity. We are hockey fans.....NOT bowling fans...That is what I was trying to get accross in my post!
505...Under rule 42b sect 5 of my "banned by laws" it clearly states that when a blog gets so passionate, a "blogger" may come back on to state his point, even when that sed "blogger" is under suspension. So you're all good! :)
**Could any of you believe how sparse the crowd in Toronto was last night? Looked like a game in NVMC against the Oilers on a weekday, during a snow storm.
***Two wins in a row....Bergy playing awesome....Whipping boy Comrie trying harder.....Hunter FINALLY crashing the net and shooting......The kids are all up here......GET BEHIND THIS TEAM!!!! Not dead yet!!!! Four more in a row and we are back in this race! YAH GOTTA BELIEVE !!!!
p.s FIRE THE BOBBLEHEADS (Nolan is NOT a Bobble), MAB BLOWS !!! :) :) :)
Nick,
When those players "stop," it's not that the coaches told them to stop--they simply aren't too bright to figure out what's been going wrong for them. Yet it is the coaches job to point out that they have "stopped" and to bench them until they comply.
All,
It's been very hard for the Isles to draw a crown this season on weeknights. Does anyone else think the price of tickets is one of the primary reasons?
Isles tickets are too expensive for Snolang to expect a regular turnout. Half decent seats are over 100$. So if a family of 4 wants to see a game it will cost them almost $500? For 2.5 hrs? Can't blame people for staying home. Better off going to the movies for 40$.
Steady,
"First on the Clemens issue....IS THROWING A BROKEN BAT AT PIAZZA PART OF THE GAME ALSO ?????"
Well, as an old baseball player, I will say this. For a PITCHER to throw a bat at a hitter, is a tad out of the norm. That was pure and simple roid rage (in subjective hindsight----at the time it was considered "just Clemens").
However, as a hitter, I WILL say (cuz I've done it), throwing a bat at a pitcher is also part of the game. If a pitcher has been buzzing me for no good reason, other than I'm digging in too deep, I'm getting up to bat the next time with a brand new wooden bat (no tar on it) and getting fooled by the 1st curve ball I see and helicoptering Mr. Hillerich along the ground to see what kind of tap dancer the pitcher is. Usually gets me thrown out of the game, but my return message in kind is delivered and there are generally no more problems afterwards.
Would like to see more major league hitters do that today instead of charging the mound for a patty cake standoff (exception- Ventura/Ryan). Especially since pitchers generally don't bat
anymore (except for the NL).
I think Neil Best hit the nail on the head in terms of the Isles' weeknight problems: the season ticket base. I know we rip on the "fans" in the Garden as corporate suits who barely know there's a game going on, but, let's face it, corporate support is the lifeblood of professional sports. The fact that the season ticket base stands around 6500 is a) appalling, and b) the exact reason why the crowds are so sparse. That would still mean walkup sales are 2000-2500, which is actually pretty impressive. If the season ticket base were around 11,000, where it should be to ensure some health to the franchise, we'd be therefore averaging over 13,000 a night, and that suddenly looks pretty good. This is why I like the team's plans to reach out to corporations across the Island: it works, and it's sorely needed.
Ticket prices are also an issue that will only be resolved when SMG is shown the door, and I think the Long Island Diaspora (as evidenced by the people posting on this blog) has a lot to do with it as well. Tickets are expensive, the season ticket base is small, and many die-hards got priced out of this area and now live somewhere else.
As far as Hunter and Tank finally getting some time infront of the net go ... I think we have all been screaming that since November ... and not just at them. How many times has someone been cycling down in a corner or along the side boards only to get pressured and then throw a blind pass into the slot .. where no one was home except for the opposition's defenders ... thus ending in a give-away.
The Isles are not a skating team .. they are a blue collar lunch pail team ... and as soon as they become familiar with their identity ... they are going to start winning more games then they lose.
When coaching kids ... I always tell them ... get infront of the net and make trouble for the defenders .. keep your feet moving .. so they have to take you down to contain you. Simple fundamentals that is taught at the mite level for lesser skilled players.
It's funny how dangerous it can be once a skilled player thinks he's above getting infront of the net to pick up the trash. 80% of goals are scored within 12 feet of the net (The length of 2 nets). Whether that statistic is factual or not I have no idea .... however I had 5 different coaches in my playing days that told me that in one form or another ... so if it's not factual ... it certainly has some creedance.
WB 505
ATTENTION STEADY,
I am requesting a thorough review of Nick's last post.
Diaspora?<