The injury bug has troubled the Islanders all season, but coach Ted Nolan at least thought his team was past the flu bug. Yet, here they are in sunny Tampa, and center Josef Vasicek was forced to sit out the morning skate because of illness before tonight’s match with the Lightning at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Nolan announced that center Ben Walter has been called up from Bridgeport on an emergency basis in case Vasicek can’t go. “We have two other guys that are flu-bitten,” Nolan said without specifying which players. “I don’t know how you get the flu [at this time of year], but we’ve got a couple that have it.”
Defenseman Bruno Gervais is back on the ice skating, although he will not play tonight. His concussion symptoms returned last week after he skated, but his condition is much improved now and it’s possible he will return tomorrow night at Florida.
“Bruno has been talking normal the past couple of days,” Nolan said. “We’ll just see how he responds. With a concussion, you have to go through a series of steps. Now, he’s made it through two or three steps. We’re hoping he’ll be in there within the next 24 hours.”
The 12th-place Isles now are seven points behind Philadelphia for the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, so, there has been a lot of talk about the mathematics of their situation with 12 games remaining. The Flyers are in Toronto tonight, and seventh-place Boston, which is nine points in front of the Isles, is at Ottawa.
“Everyone remains positive,” goaltender Rick DiPietro said. “We realize the task at hand is going to be tough. We haven’t had that one long period where we’ve won games. We had that six-game streak, but we need something better. This is the time for a 10-game winning streak if we’re going to get one. That’s what we need coming down to the wire.”
Two of DiPietro’s three shutouts have come against the Lightning this season, but they are a different team now after trading center Brad Richards to Dallas in a deal that brought goaltender Mike Smith to Tampa Bay. “It’s a good place to play,” DiPietro said. Thinking of all the New Yorkers down here with the Yankees conducting spring training here, DiPietro added, “We have a lot of fans down here. That always gets you motivated. Every game from here on in will be a playoff type game.”
Comments (84)
Everyone remains positive, except for all the fans that have seen this one many times before and aren't able to stomach it any longer.
Congrats to Witter for getting some recognition. We all appreciate his [k]nightly efforts.
I like this news also, except losing the center from the most productive line is not a good trade off. But if Vasicek doesn't return this could be a little glimpse of the future... well... maybe if it's Hunter-Walter-Bergy... that might not be so bad next year.
BTW, I haven't posted here in a while....
"Every team should have a Sean Avery"... could somebody please kick Howie in the groin!!!! I'd rather have jock itch than Sean Avery... Last year while trying to climb over a fence I slipped while half way over... and crushed the onions... When I finally got to the other side my buddy said, "You look like your in a good mood for somebody who almost regendered himself.."
"I know... it hurts like hell... but at least the Islanders don't have Sean Avery"
Failed... not sure what your perspective is, but this year hasn't been a total loss.
They outperformed early expections.
They never gave up.
The team was stalled in the short term, but their long term plans weren't killed. Injuries have crushed a solid early effort. But it didn't kill the effort. they were just too thin talent wise to continue to win 2-1 and 3-2 games against quality opponents.
As Islander fans we got to see the development of two young forwards in Bergenhiem and Comeau. If nothing else, they should be a part of this team for some time to come.
Walter should make the team next year, and Okposo will most likely start the season in the NHL. He will probably end this season in the NHL as well.
We have a young #1 center in Comrie, who may not be THERE yet, but he has made some progress with the team. He is, after all, their leading scorer... and will be back.
Snow and Nolan have done a good job in scrapping together a "hockey stew" of vets and younger players that should evolve into a very good hockey team.
It shoud be an interesting draft day and July 1st. they have money to spend and some players signed that might have draft day value.
Satan, Vasicek and fedotenko will all have decisions to make. I'm pretty sure Tank is gone, But they might make offers to Satan and Vasicek. If Vasicek does come back they should be young, and strong up the middle.
Sillinger will probably have a career decision to make. If he stays they are deep at center... but he will proabbly cost Walter or Nielsen an NHL job.
I have a feeling either Hilbert or Park will be dealt before October, most likely on draft day... Nielsen is ready to step in and make a contribution and he has more upside than either of those two... though one (hopefully Park) should be around for their PP and utility man value. Hilbert shuold be worth a second rounder.
We also got to see 11 defensemen. The top 6 (Witt, Marty, Sutton, Campoli, Gervais, Meyer) Should all be healthy and in the lineup in October. They now have soem depth at the position, but still need a PP QB. That should make July and the UFA period interesting. The McCabe deals should be rumored again when Toronto is trying to clear cap space to sign somebody to score 30 for them... hopefully they sign Satan... but that would be asking too much from the hockey gods.
So really... it's been somewhat disappointing after a pretty good start. But it hasn't been a total loss.
Before this gets to 19isles length (I still have 50 or 60 lines before that happens) I'll say...
Let's Go Islanders!!!!
2 late nights at work have prevented me from unloading that long entry - trust me, it's coming tomorrow and we'll all have something nice to talk about.
Unlike on the ranger board people can read this without having to add anything. After reading the Ranger blog... and cleaning the keyboard so their fingers don't slip too much... everybody is compelled to post their monosyllabic drivel.
I despise Avery. But, to say you dont want him on your team? You are a clueless schmuck. Hes three times the player Hunter is, disrupts, inspires, scores, hits, etc...he is a real Nolan player. I'd take Avery over almost any current islander. You need not like an antagonistic Rag, but, dont be clueless man.
Phil from Yonkers. Are you a product of the failed Yonkers school sysyem? Its lose, not loose. Loose is your brain. Hooked-on-phonics is in order. Best of luck Phil.
Yonkers has a school system?
JPinVA ~~ Thank you for stepping in for me in my brief absence ... LOL!!! You did a pretty good job brotha ... and it certainly did qualify for my length of post.
That is where our posts similarity ends. I agree that the Isles performed better than what hocky gurus expected ... but ... if you recall ... we scoffed them for their last place prediction before the start of the season.
I don't think much of us were expecting a playoff spot .. but we didn't dismiss it as out of the realm of possibility. I for one expected as low as 12th in the conference and no higher than 7th place ... and I figured that was if they stayed healthy and lucky. Well we now know neither occurred.... and it looks plausable that they can finish maybe in the 9th spot with 8th slipping away with every loss of a point. The Isles can also very well still end up in 14th in conference too if they continue this latest nose dive.
So if they finish in 13th or 14th in my opinion ... then they underacheived.
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Also JP ... your player projections for next year look very similar to what we have been losing with this year. Aside from your shopping list for a PP quarterback ... I think the Isles need to make a lot more moves in order to get over the log jam of mediocrity in the Eastern Conference. They need a Stud Center .... and a Stud Winger .... True first line players ... IMO Comrie will NEVER be a True first line player ... he doesn't even have the good defensive skills of a true first line player. I think you might be over valuing his skills ... I don't know if it's because of his $4M dollar salary next season or not.
You cited him as being a ligit #1 center who might not be there yet ... but because he is the team's leading scorer ... he fills the bill? JP with all due respect .... the Isles are tied for the lowest scoring team in the league ... one of the reasons for that ... is because Comrie can't score #1 center numbers.
That being said ... both the Devils and Rangers haven't lit it up either .... the Devils don't need to .. and the Rangers have won a bunch of OT games and SO's to help them to a better win record. Both of them also have a steady defense that keeps the shots against low. Very rare they strand their goalie for 40+ shots a game and play 70% of the game in their own end.
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Okposo is not ready to turn the Isles around. As I said a few threads back ... he has been down graded based on his slowed development and the fact that other prospects both drafted and undrafted have improved beyond his skill. He'll still one day be a very effective player ... he has a few things to work on before he's NHL ready ... we might not even see him up this season ... I'd suspect the only way we will is when the Isles play a meaningless home game to boost tix sales for a game that might mean nothing. Hockey Futures still uses a rating for him that was done after the little warm up series for the U20 USA team when they played in Lake Placid in August. I know that "db" disagrees .... but that is the word.
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Hopefully they re-sign Satan??? Uh no thanks ... he'll only take a job away from a good young player ... and I think we should look at what other free agents are available ... pickings are slim.
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You also said the Isles are deep at the Defense position. I really think I read that wrong ... please explain. Do you mean they are deep because they have a lot of roster defensemen? Or because their talent level is high for 6 solid lines? Because if it's the later .... I whole heartedly disagree ... those 6 guys are who we've played with for most of the season ... barring injury and Berard / MAB games.
Marty is a walking orthopedic patient ... I also believe his skill level dropped ... could be the injuries finally taking their toll. Marty has ZERO goals .. and 12 assists and is a -6 ..... 3rd pair numbers.
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Toronto "might" of had their chance to unload McCabe on us ... I say let TO choke on his contract ... not us. We have a chance to start fresh ... and their are a few decent free-agent D-men to be ... besides .... McCabe may be earning most of his $ doing time in the sin bin. He doesn't get top pair numbers or minutes anymore ... and there is a reason for that.
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On a lighter note ... after practice last night I ran into the OHL scout that also is part owner of the rink ... and we were talking about the possibility of teams "tanking" or "throwing" away the season for a shot at Stamkos .... he said ... that it is a possibility ... because he said Tampa and LA are just too good talent wise to be where they are ... but he said ... there is a price ultimately to pay for that. He said that #1 ... you loose the hearts and minds of the players on the team. He said the best way to look at it is to see the minutes played by the top players vs. the 4th line players .. if there is a narrow differential then the team average .... and the skill level is a large differential ... then the coaching staff may be tilting the tide against their own team. It will be interesting to see the Isles play Tampa tonight and keeping an eye on minutes.
Also ... he said ... there is a great possibility that LA if they finish last will pull a blockbuster deal before the draft or on draft day. They already have 2 very good young centers that could be both 1st line material. They are in the need mostly for a stud defenseman.
So LA can run the table at the draft. They can:
A) Swap their first round pick for another good prospect and still pick up a good defenseman with the later pick. (this draft is stacked with good D-men) ... they need to replace Blake soon.
B) They can trade one of their centers and then draft Stamkos for themself.
C) They can parlay their first round pick for a package of picks and / or players.
He said ... Tampa ... trading Richards a center ... shows they are in the Stamkos sweepstakes ... but good teams only have room for ONE #1 center ... and they have Lecavalier ... who is a proven legitimate NHL star. So they may also want to package their pick for multiple picks and or / good prospects. Lecavalier's numbers have dropped and he may be platauing in his productive part of his career. So Tampa may want to refresh the stable of centers ... because they were considered so deep at center at the AS break. .. but maybe they have reconsidered their personnel prospects since then. After all .. they are undergoing a transfer of ownership ... they can dump salary ... and draft Stamkos. However they also need help on the blue line more than upfront just like LA ....
.... soooooooo it seems likely that both LA and Tampa may put together a draft swap package for some very good players and still be able to snag a really good d-man via the draft, trade or FA.
Then who makes that trade that helps them get Stamkos?? Which team wins the lottery? Still up in the air.
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Jesse Joensuu ~ Big and slow ... has trouble accelerating ... he needs more body mass for his size ... needs about 10 more pounds of weight in leg muscles and upper body ... his leg strength not there yet ... skates great north to south ... but can't shoot the puck very well ... he needs to learn to shoot the puck in stride ... and the scout believes that his development was hampered by playing at the pro level too earlier in his career.
Now ... before anyone jumps on me about this ... I have no idea whether it is true or not ... I got this from two different scouts familiar with him... but they admit they saw him mostly in WJC action and read scouting reports on him for WJC.
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Finally ~ From what I saw in the previous thread... it seems that Ranger fans got sick of Zippay's blog and pitched tent on the Isles blog.
Why? I have no interest in posting anything on the Ranger blog ... I have no interest in the Rangers ... when we aren't about to play them they are just like any other team to me. Do I like to see them lose? Hell yeah ... just as much as they like to see the Isles lose I'm sure.
I don't know the purpose of why they come over here ... and yeah ... it's kind of noticeable that they come MOSTLY when the Rangers are on a tear ... and the Isles are going no where. I guess we are interesting to them.
I have to say ... Busey does come on here to stir it up ... but he at least makes an arguement for his position .... we don't have to agree with him ... and he makes some low blows ... but I respect that he doesn't hide behind a bogus moniker.
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That said .... in the end ... it doesn't matter much if the Rangers finish even 1st in the conference .... if they don't win the cup ... they are drafting low ... and playing golf in April if they don't win the first round .... nothing short of the Stanley Cup really matters ... YES ... I'd rather make the playoffs ... but ... if they don't make it .... the sweet taste of defeat and finishing in the bottom 5 actually will garner a blue chip prospect that can jump into the NHL next season ... personally ... I think a player should play one more year of Junior or College .... unless the player is a Crosbyesque player ... and Stamkos is .... plus he has a bit of a spunky mean streak .... which in my view ... makes him better than Crosby ....
Also ... I didn't know this ... and it probably doesn't matter ... but Julien (the montreal scouting employee) told me that Stamkos is a very very close friend and roommate of Mark Katic ... the Islander defenseman prospect. I think ultimately where he goes depends on who finishes last ... but Julien said ... Stamkos would be very happy if the Isles drafted him ... because of media attention (which he isn't afraid of) ... plus he is already high on Nolan since he already stated that Katic shared his positive camp experience under Nolan with Stamkos ... and that he would have a chance to play hockey with his best friend somewhere down the line.
However .... that doesn't matter ... the Isles will not finish last or 2nd to last ... but could finish 3rd from last ... and would only have a shot if they won the lottery ... but considering the Isles luck of late ... I wouldn't count on it.
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Oh ... Busey ... before I forget .... 5 spots now left for the Ranger fan team. You said you were going to see if "the guys" were interested in playing the the tournament in April .... I spoke with one of the organizers John last night ... he told me he'll be at the sky rink a bunch of times the next few weeks ... so if that is a good place for you to register he'll be there .... I'll just keep you aprised of the days and times he's there.
He wears a NJ Devil green and red hat from the early 90s .... LOL ... you can't miss it.
He also said the other organizer Pete practices with him there too after work sometimes ... so he can take your registration too .. He probably would have a Ranger hat on ... but at the skyrink ... that is about 90% of everyone .... He's built like Slava Fetisov ... his teammates call him Slava ... so I guess if you ask for Slava ... they can find you Pete.
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OK .. I surpassed my bandwidth quota for this century ... I'm done ...
Watching the game now. Down 1-0 to Tampa .. Oh Joy! Come on guys .... you gotta laugh now.
Now time to fight with the Security Code police of Newsday.
DP is reminding me of his rookie year ... just getting himself out of position too many times the last few weeks.... 2 goals so far are alllll his fault.
That 4th goal was DP's fault too.
the team has stopped listening to the coach and is pretty much dissolving now.
LMAO!!! They actually used my question on ASK BUTCH & BILLY .... I didn't think that question had a prayer ... I asked about Jesse Joensuu ... and if he was coming to North America for the balance of the season .... He's going to Bridgeport according to Jaffe
Islanders look lame today. I think DP has back problems by the way he's moving.
Islander-Naples ~~ I think DP has more than back problems .... I think he's burned out too... I think it's a very bad idea to have him play the balance of the season. Even his saves look labored.
Why do we miss the net so much???? These guys are to be "pros". I play so hockey down here and we don't miss the net that much. Dp does not look into the game at all. No hope in his step.
That injury to Tank could be season ending.
Congrats Kid Line .... we've only been saying put them out on the PP all season.
CONGRATS BEN WALTER!!!
Do we have a player named Satan??
3 goals in 42 seconds for the Lightning!!!
good job ricky d!
looks like DP took it into his own hands to tank the season...does anyone know if hes really good friends is stamkos?
i couldn't do anything but laugh for the last 2min of the game...btw #3 YOU SUCK AT FIGHTING!!!
My god! What a bunch of slackers!!!! And on top of that we can't fight!!!
My god! What a bunch of slackers!!!! And on top of that we can't fight!!!
Maybe the Isles should think about drafting a goalie with that high pick?
Not breaking news here by saying this team has completely folded, but what a disgusting game. Hopefully we'll see the kids a lot more now. I like the way Comeau is playing.
I agree with some early posts. Bring up McDonald and just start Dubie and him the rest of the year. Give DiPietro the rest of the year off to get his head on straight.
What a disheartening end to the hockey season.
Always seems like the biggest guys on the Islanders can't fight!
The last few minutes of this game would have to be the worst NHL hockey I've ever seen in my life.
Rest Hilbert and Fedotenko - bring up Steve Reiger and somebody else...let's figure out what we have for next year.
Long post coming tonight...
OK ... took me 5 minutes to gain my composure ..... WTH WAS THAT!!!!!!!
Does any Islander fan really think DP should play the rest of the games? He's got serious problems .... that wasn't all the Isles D ... it was the forwards too ... floating around.
Losing to one of the worst teams in the league like that?
Oh yeah ..... and as islesfan222 said about #3 ... SPOT ON!!!
Jaffe, cut it out with the "still mathematically in it"...
Teddy, the team has no skill, heart or fight in them left. Play the young guys.
I wish we still had Godard!!!!
A) Shut up Stan Fischler you suck!
2) Comrie sucks
c) I would say lose the rest of the games to get a higher pick but that doesnt matter because of the lottery
and finally x) i agree with howie to bring up the friggin kids and actually give them time on the ice after they score and draw penalties guerin sucks satan blows and comrie is a wuss
ohhh yeah dont play hurt old defenseman and undisciplined goalies im sick of it
THIS IS GREAT!!! Get Feds, Joe Va, Hilbert all out of the lineup... bring up more kids. It'll actually be fun to watch the team and these rookies. Get a better draft pick and we get to watch the kids play, regroup in the offseason, go after Campbell to man the PP.
I love him but Ricky looked awful tonight
Look forward to read what you post Nick ... I just don't have it in me right now ... I already left a novel for the day.
Wahoo!!! 8 points out of the 8th spot I think!!!!! Lets see what our or Ted's next move will be.mmmmmm
Guerin RW, Satan RW, Comeau RW & Hunter RW .... who sits when Okposo comes up? My money is on Satan. After all ... he's not going to be playing on the team next season.
I'd say Okposo is going to get called up to play Florida tomorrow .... BUT ... they will need a left winger ... so this is a chance to take a look at Steve Regier.
Wow. I have never been more disgusted watching a game. That was pathetic from beginning to end. DP looked completely disinterested. I hope he fakes an injury (or reports a real one) b/c he looked ridiculous tonight and I don't want to see him in there anymore. If Nolan had any balls he would bench him. Isles stink and this season has turned into a joke ... I'm praying we lose every game here on in to get the best possible draft pick we can. I'm done w/ this season. This team is bringing me down .... I'm out. Yankee season is about to get rolling so I'll focus my attention over there ... see you all around draft time. you're better men than I if you continue following this disgrace of a team the rest of this year.
Here's the top thing on the Islanders to do list for next season. PUT A MAN IN FRONT OF THE NET when in the offensive zone. Just like every team who's successful in today's NHL. What gives? It's been so frustrating watching a team that's got some size, not got to the net. I wasn't a huge Parrish fan but when we were in the o-zone he was parked in front every night. Does Nolan make a point of this or has it ever entered his game plan? CRASH, CRASH, CRASH. Put Hunter (or Fedetenko, Vasicek, someone) in front and leave him there. I thought this team was built around character and heart...Well have some heart and get to the friggin net.
Wow !!!
Team has quit. I do not watch quitters !!! Congrats BOBBLEHEADS....
THIS IS YOUR CREATION !!!
FIRE SNOW, SELL THE TEAM !!!
LETS GO METS GO !!!!
What's everyone so upset about??????
If Buffalo loses eight in a row, Philly comes down with a team case of malaria, Florida has its bus go off the road, Washington is implicated in the Spitzer prostitution ring, Toronto is prevented from crossing the border, and our PP goes 50% from here on out and we win the rest of our games, we have a chance to squeak into the 8th spot and do some real damage in the playoffs!
Look, we drove this jalopy as far it could take us and we hoped it was soemthing more than a jalopy. Clearly it was not--especially with the injuries on defense.
Let's play the kids and go from there, but $8 million PLUS locked into Guerin and Comrie next year is not a bright mark for Snow if you ask me.
Btw, it looks like Dubie WAS the best option versus the Rangers last Thursday night.
Steady .... I don't know if the Isles quit ... or the stench of their skill and ability is finally showing through. DP really let them down tonight ... because the biggest difference between now and when they were winning is DP standing on his head.
They haven't scored all season .. so 4 goals ... OK ... 3 if you count the real goes ... that 4th one was a huge breakdown by Tampa ... but when DP is cold ... and I'd say 5 of the 8 goals he should of stopped. Yeah ... the D broke down on him .... Tampa was playing in the Isles zone almost the entire last half of the game. Speeeed..... they were all over the Isles on the forecheck. Ironically it was the kids that actually injected speed, energy and some ops against Tampa.
Witt right now is a broken down warrior ... I think he should get back to 100% so he doesn't get hurt worse. We need him next season. Bring back Fata ... and bring in Regier to replace Tank ... Sprained knee? 11 games left? I think Tank has played his last game as an Islander. He looked in obvious pain ... so he's got a good 2-4 weeks at minimum. So even if it's 2 weeks ... why bother playing him when he comes back to take ice away from kids?
Sim next season is promising if that 2 and a half game tease we had him for is a sample of what we can expect from him.
I just looked up the teams infront of us for the 7th and 8th spots .... they all play each other a lot ... so ... even though the Isles have 22 points to gain if they won every game .... the variable combination of wins, losses without the 3 point games would have to favor Toronto, Atlanta, Florida and Washington in order for the Isles to have a shot at this time. Then the Isles would have to make sure they win any remaining games vs. those team ... obviously ... and those other teams would have to split games with each other ... no OT games.
Sooooo tomorrow against Florida ... that is really the last hope ... because there is too many points out there in intraconference games for the Isles to make up the ground necessary if they give away another 2 points
BTW ... 3 point games .... really kill the league.. but that is the same old complaint.
OK, guys, take your seats, this is at least a 6-pack post (maybe a 12 for some, depending on the drinking speed).
I've been holding this in for a little bit, and with a brutal deadline passing at work I'm ready to let it loose. I am absolutely at a loss to speak about today's game. I think we watched the season ending tonight because the team just played with no guts and no fire....do we need to put the Subway sandwich under their collective noses to wake them up?!
First off, a few words about my trip to Philly for the game this past weekend:
Merrick, I don't know how they acted toward you, but I found Philly fans UTTERLY PATHETIC. They really felt the need to "get in my head" and they resorted to absolutely garish tactics in order to do it:
- Booing me.....BOOING ME! I had to keep drinking water throughout the game in order to compensate for the tears that JUST WOULDN'T STOP. Wow, who would've thought they'd boo me as I went by.
- Seeing my DP jersey and yelling DIPIETRO SUCKS repeatedly as I'm walking by. Wow, how original, I never would've thought of that.
- As I was leaving, one guy jumped in front of me and screamed "WE SCORED 4 GOALS ON YOU!" As I responded to him, thank you, sir...I wasn't sure I could count until you helped me out so completely.
I wouldn't blame Philly fans for being angry and bitter. I don't hate their city - the best beer bar in this country (until Elysium opens in Maine, but that's a topic for a different board) exists there, and the downtown area is very nice. However, the rest of the city is a hellhole, and they can't even escape into sports because they don't win. They thought so much of the city of Philly in the 50's that I-95 bypassed it entirely, and I think that inferiority complex still lingers to a degree. However, as I told a nice Philly fan I was talking to, I've rooted for the Yankees at Fenway Park and been to BU/BC games at BC. Those were each far worse experiences than the vaunted bunch that booed Santa and necessitated a jail and courthouse inside Veterans Stadium.
In addition, the dichotomy in that arena is just unbelievable. Merrick put it perfectly: unless something happens, that arena is deadly silent. And it's funny, for a team whose marketing campaigns show a Flyer with fists up and the slogan "VENGEANCE," they scream for a penalty every single time anyone on their team is touched. Also, here's a tip: if you want to get an image of vengeance, don't let Tastykake sponsor ANYTHING in your arena. I might've hung myself with the laces on my jersey if I heard one more time that someone scored a goal "for a case of TASTYKAKES!"
That having been said, let's get to the good parts. I got to see my boy (and ex-BU Captain) Freddy Meyer score a goal....And in addition, as I said, Wachovia Center is my new favorite arena in the NHL. The amenities are phenomenal, with local flavor (cheesesteak, crab fries), bars, a live band playing before the game, after the game, and during intermissions. The SEPTA (subway) link to the arena works wonders, as well. As I told my buddy at the game, that arena is everything the Coliseum EVEN IN ITS CURRENT FORM could and should be. It's in the middle of nowhere, with the only things around it being the parking lot, the baseball stadium, the football stadium, and the old Spectrum. However, because it's accessible via mass transit and has such great amenities, people STILL packed it over an hour before the game to enjoy themselves and, here's the key, SPEND MORE MONEY. I hope Charles Wang is taking notes...we need the Lighthouse, but many things can be done in the interim.
Quick side note, I had an interesting experience of the dichotomy of Philadelphia after returning from the game. I changed my clothes at the Ritz-Carlton (my firm has a deal there, and the hotel is amazing, easy call) and proceeded out to the bar. Once outside the Ritz I was immediately accosted by 2 bums who followed me for a few blocks because I refused to give them money. Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love. Oh well, at least I got drunk.
Now, moving on from that book, let's talk about our beloved Islanders. I first have to echo KH's sentiments: if I weren't working with him on the Lighthouse advocacy projects, I can't even fathom how down in the dumps I would be about this team right now. It really makes the up-and-down more tolerable because it feels like we're trying to improve the situation for the long haul.
505: You will find very few people who believe in the Audacity of Hope more than I do...Last year has taught us that we should never count the team out until the fat lady sings, the fat guy dances, or the other fat guy gets wasted in Philly after a horrible loss. However, let's face facts here: this team is done. What I witnessed today was one of the worst games I have ever seen on ANY level of hockey. It almost looks like they've completely quit, and the look of hopelessness on Nolan's face was gut-wrenching. I really hope he hasn't lost the team.
DP: Something is severely wrong with him, and we need to do something before that contract becomes an albatross 10 times worse than Yashin's. His head is clearly screwed up, and I'm convinced more and more that he's hiding an injury. I agree: let Mike Morrison carry the ball in Bridgeport, and let Dubie and MacDonald platoon in goal while DP figures himself out. We need him for the next 13 years far more than we need him for the next 11 games in this season that is already slipping away.
Guerin: It's becoming more clear that Guerin (incident outside Doolin's Pub after the Arbour game notwithstanding.....) was the wrong choice for captain of this team. His jumping Jason Smith in the Philly game was the ONLY time I have ever seen him do something that a captain would actually do - aka STAND UP FOR HIS TEAM AND MAKE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN. I am legitimately concerned about what next year will look like with him at the helm.
Witt (or as I've dubbed him, Captain Badass....not to be confused with Gillies, King Badass): Warrior, heart and soul of this team, and rightful captain. He has the heart of a lion, and I'm thrilled for this signing.
Sillinger: that kind of hip injury for someone his age is very challenging. I wish we could see him back, but I'm not holding my breath.
Bergenheim: He impresses me more every game. He needs to learn some discipline because right now you can always count on him for that lazy penalty, such as the slash he took today. I think this will come with maturity, and we're seeing him mature into a beast right before our eyes.
Comeau: Comeau does something every game to make me sit up, say wow, and imagine that day in the not-too-distant future when he'll be wearing the "C" for this team. He has an amazing hockey sense and will be a solid second-line winger with maturity and about 10 pounds of muscle.
Comrie: Too soft, not as creative as he thinks he is, but he's the only one I consistently see stepping up when the team needs someone to get them going. I like keeping him around for another year, and not just because of Hilary (sorry Mookie, she's mine since you stayed away from the blog for so long).
Okposo: I've said it once, and I'll continue to say it: don't expect Okposo this year unless the Islanders are trying for a cheap attendance-grab. I've followed college hockey for many years, and the adjustment is just too difficult. College players practice every day, but they have only 1-2 games a week for a shorter period of time than the professional schedule. It's naive to expect him to have that sort of conditioning straight away. I would use the same argument for Trevor Smith and Sean Bentivoglio, though I think each of them will contribute to the team in the very near future.
Dubie: Dubie has done well in the backup role...However, he needs to play more games in order to spell DP. If Nolan doesn't trust Dubie to play 20 games he needs to be replaced by someone who will.
Hunter: Why the hell did we lock this guy up for 5 more years? It's exactly what I've been ranting for months about the guy: SMYTH RUINED HIM. He's as strong on the puck as Jagr, but he doesn't have the talent or creativity to do anything with it. He hits people all the time, but I'd be hard-pressed to remember any of them being particularly hard or impacting the outcome of the game. I hope he comes back next year with an increased willingness to drive to the net and pick up garbage goals, because he's no good to the team living in the corners.
Other Kids: As I mentioned, guys like Reiger, Matt Keith, etc will have more of an opportunity to step up with the injuries to Hilbert Tank and JoVa.
Nolan: He needs to show greater flexibility if he wants to continue to be an effective coach on this team. I agree with the previous characterizations that he is a perfect coach for a team looking to win now, but as per Steady, this year he's being asked to make Lobster Salad out of cat food. It's simply not feasible....that kind of grinding style can't be sustained over a period of an entire season, and as Herb Brooks famously told the 1980 USA Olympic team, they don't have enough talent to win on talent alone.
Snow: He seems to be settling into his role, and it doesn't seem like he's doing such a good job of it, since he's running his mouth more than previously. I'm still inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt, especially since he showed through the Smyth deal (which I still and will always support) that he's willing to roll the dice and take a big risk to improve this team. He is learning how to build a winner, but he needs to really go into the summer with a COHESIVE PLAN and a targeted list of players (cough, Langkow, cough, Stillman, cough, Campbell, cough, Prospal, cough, Huselius, etc.) to add to this team in order to complete the team structure and fit the team concept. Cap room is no good unless you USE IT....I'm not advocating destroying the cap, but a few smart signings can go a long way.
Wang: I love him for keeping the team on Long Island and for wanting to build the Lighthouse project, since I don't think any other person on this earth would've done it. I even like the idea of broadcasting the games in Chinese, since the first good Chinese player will want to be an Islander. However, I think this board structure needs to be thrown out in favor of a President (experienced hockey mind) to help the team out and assist our dear Garth Snow in understanding the rigors of the GM role.
The Lighthouse: Things are looking good. Our moles in the Town of Hempstead say that they seem to have enough votes, but Kate Murray (TOH supervisor) is holding up the voting process for some inexplicable reason. Please participate in our next CYBER RALLY tomorrow (details posted in a subsequent post to make sure the greatest number of people will see it) to demand action.
Overall, my take on this team is "cautiously optimistic." I think that, given the right decisions and proper development of the kids, they could have something in a few years. However, this is a PIVOTAL SEASON for the future of the Islanders, and we really need to make the right decisions here. Our goalie isn't right, our captain is sleepwalking, and this team needs to set a foundation. I hope we start next season with Stamkos, Beach, or Wilson, and a growing cadre of prospects to really take this team to the next level. Garth is right to be a builder, but he needs to use the proper materials and the right contractor.
OK....I think I'm done, I don't have anything else to say.
Anyway, in regard to the Lighthouse project, please go to www.lilighthouse.com for the necessary information. Tomorrow we are having a Cyber Rally, where concerned fans and citizens email the Town of Hempstead to request public comments and a moving forward on the approval of the Lighthouse application for re-zoning. Stand up and demand accountability from these elected officials, even if they're not exactly yours.
Thank you...this has been a public service.
Bring up Kip Brennan. Not to start fights with the other team but to drop the gloves with those pathetic losers in the Islanders jerseys tonight one after the other.
By the way (Steady-style), DAVISON SUCKS
Do you guys think DP is pissed b/c he didn't play the Ranger games and since the team in front of him su _ks then he might as well do the same??????
What do you guys think of this remark?
Asked if he had any response to Nolan's criticism of his puckhandling decisions, DiPietro shrugged and said: "No. Whatever."
He's pissed about something. He's a young guy with tons of money and gets paided either way. Ones a young guys says "Whatever" it's no good I've seen it tons of times!
8 to 4.
Did you guys know that DP isn't even in the top 30 for goaltending.
2.81 gaa. Well only 12 more years! yeah!
DP deserves to get ripped.....But come on guys....Without him this team would of been in this situation 25 games earlier....He is a competitior that is most likely hurt and PISSED OFF....He is stuck with these bobbleheads for another 13 years and sees no light at the end of the tunnel......Do not get me wrong, it was his decision and he is being very well compensated for it.
We have NO DEFENSE !!! NO OFFENSE !!! NO ENFORCER !!! NO PEST !!! NO NOTHING !!!!! What do yo uexpect him to do ???
Merrick....I think the Ranger decision goes back to the old ""What came first, the chicken or the egg?" In other words is DP pissed off and disinterested for being shown up by Nolan???? Or is he just out of sorts ????? The reason I said PLAY DP in the Rags game, was b/c of this worry........I posted that the last thing we needed was a mad goalie......He is our franchise!
If DP quits on us or wants out....The Franchise is DONE !
FIRE SNOW....CUT # 3 (again I ask, anyone still want to argue about him ???????) ......SHIP WANGER to China!!!
Nick,
you were the enemy in someone elses house. Of course they were going to boo you and talk smack and be mean... relax, grow thicker skin. Or just dont go back if you cant handle it.
Don't be disgusted with our play lately, be happy. Now we're getting into position to possibly draft Stamkos or some other very high prospect. It's what we've needed for years. No more patch quilt jobs using everyone else's retreads. Now if we can just drop even lower ( which shouldn't be too hard the way we're playing) we can get more lottery balls for the draft. In addition to this, Snow and crew must be evaluating when the first salary cap casualty will occur and when the first Malkin type player will be forced out due to salary implications. We need to be there for such an event. We should also explore the possibility of trading DP too. If you look at the Leafs, they acquired Toskala who would be a very, very competent goalie for us at a fraction of the cost. It's worth considering while we rebuild because the cast of characters we currently employee won't be getting it done in front of Ricky in the near future. A team poised to make an immediate Cup run would be interested in him and the odds of receiving more pieces to our puzzle increase. In DP's case, I'm certain he would have got us a Toskala type goalie, a proven front line scorer and a high draft pick.too. Maybe Pittsburgh is the trading partner we need in the summer since DP would solve their goal tending woes and we could get Malkin. There are all kinds of scenarios where DP and prospects could go that way for Malkin and Fleury. Any type of similar block buster deal while mixed in with a Stamkos draft selection would at least show the intent to build a team for the long run and keep fan interest. It's been too long a run at mediocrity and without a real major plunge the remaining fan base will find other places to spend their entertainment $$$ because of late we're being short changed.
To add to Miggesy "rant" from my perspective is;
there are only 3 people to blame, Nolan. Wang. Snow.
Praying that the team will finish worst for more draft % points in the bottom five is key to a "hopeful" future, but there needs to be a serious effort made to correct this sinking ship. Attendence, winning and loyality from the management team will keep us as fans looking to a brighter future. 'cause without that, sooner or later even the die hards will go elsewhere.
But I don't think there are many team willing to part with a Malkin for a DP. Injured, salary and poor over all proformances vs. a Malkin will never fly.
Well at least i saved a ton of money on playoff tickets.
Busey, you might be the stupidest human on Earth if you couldn't detect my sarcasm. My point was that they have a reputation for being "intimidating" and that was the best they could do. It was almost as much of a joke as the fans themselves.
As for DP, that's why I wonder if he needs to play a bit more relaxed schedule these last few games. We need to fix whatever is bothering him right now because the franchise is completely toast if we don't.
Your and Buseys obsession with our board is COMICAL.....Isles must have really ruined you childhood....The day I post on your blog is the day I kill myself.....Why so obsessed ???
If DP was on the Rangers he would have TEN TIMES better stats......Not even close....Hence the reason his peers picked him as an ALL STAR and sent Lundquist to the movies.
Why did ALL OF YOUR FANS destroy Lundquist not even three weeks ago ??? Blaming his dads illness, is he hurt, pulling him from games, etc. etc. etc.........DP was INJURED last year and went into the playoffs cold, which is why he had an avg. playoffs series.....Your boy got LIT UP by the Sabres in complete health and game ready! How was Lundy last year before the team started playing team defense in January ???? Look up his stats...PUTRID !!!
DP has his top FOUR defensemen OUT or playing at 50%....DP is injured....All that adds up to a below avg. year.
Again I ask...If the ICELANDERS as you call them do not matter....If the team stinks....If our fans stink.....WHY SO OBSESSED ?????????
Go pump gas my friend, there is a VW at pump #3 !!!
**No way you can win my friend...Smarter, funnier, more connected, and obviously better looking! For I am the ORACLE and you are the TROLLS !!! Long Live the ORACLE !!! ***
**Work to do...Enjoy your day of posting on our board and using our names to write your graffiti
thanks I will
Steady,
Now i'm confused...all you Isles fans tell us how much the Rangers suck...yet if DP were on the Rangers he'd have 10 times better stats?
I'm totally confused. Which one is it? Do they suck or are they good?
Honestly, do you REALLY think that DP is better than Lundqvist?
Without being a fan, honestly pick who is better.
The fat guy is singing...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IocHM0n75DI
There's trouble on the Sunrise that goes beyond what remains of the season.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.
What fans on here say the Rangers suck ??? Name one ??? Do we dislike them, OF COURSE....Which is why it is the best rivalry in sports in my opinion....Right there with Yanks/Sox, yet in a smaller setting.
I think on a day to day basis Lundquist might be a touch better...I do not know b/c DP has never had a good team in front of him....In a BIG GAME....I will take the cocky kid anyday...DP shines when the lights are on him...His record shows that against the Rangers, which sadly are the only big games he plays in b/c of the state of the organization.
All I am saying is you guys cannot say anything we do not say about this team. The team is in a very bad way right now, and we all are crazy fans anyway...We are not going to change and neither will you towards the Rangers....So why come over here and yap???
If I did that on the Ranger blog, I can destroy it in one day....ONE !! I can have 35 traders on their computers ripping away from Boston....All day, every day !! I do not do that b/c it is YOUR board .... Hence the reason it is called the Rangers Blog.
When the Rangers lose it may not be me, but some are going to make your board unreadable....And for the first time I can say you will deserve it for the nonsense that we have to deal with on this board.
Vicious cycle