The emergence of new video has confirmed the obvious for the NHL. Anaheim defenseman Chris Pronger definitely stomped down with his skateblade on the leg of Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler in much the same fashion as former Islander Chris Simon did to Pittsburgh’s Jarkko Ruutu earlier this season.
As explained by NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell, the severity of Simon’s record 30-game suspension for his actions in December stemmed from his history as a recidivist. Well, Pronger had seven previous career suspensions on his rap sheet, the same number as Simon, and the list includes an incident in which he hit an opponent in the throat with his stick similar to Simon’s stick-swinging attack on the Rangers’ Ryan Hollweg last season.
But the NHL announced this afternoon that Pronger will receive only an eight-game suspension. Since Anaheim has nine regular-season games remaining, Pronger even will get back in time for a warmup game going into the playoffs.
Last season, Simon received an open-ended suspension for the stick-swinging incident that called for a minimum 25-game suspension but banned him from taking part in the playoffs for as long as the Islanders were in them. None of Pronger’s previous suspensions has been longer than two games. While his latest suspension represents a personal record in terms of length, it's obvious the NHL wasn't going to give a key player on the defending Stanley Cup champions anything comparable to what Simon got.
Anything less than 30 games for Pronger reinforces the belief of Islanders coach Ted Nolan that there’s a double-standard at work in the NHL. Asked yesterday if Pronger deserved a similar punishment to Simon’s, Nolan said, “Yeah, a crime’s a crime whether it’s the first time or not. A crime’s a crime.”
At the time Nolan spoke, he was under the impression Pronger might not receive any league discipline. Claiming that the original video of the incident was too grainy to see Pronger’s actions clearly, the NHL had declined to act and was prepared to move on. But the original video wasn’t so grainy that you couldn’t see Pronger lift his right foot and come down with his skateblade on Kesler’s leg.
“Well, sometimes people see what they want to see,” Nolan said. “If it’s not as clear where everybody knows that it was the same type of thing, it’s not for me to say. The league handles suspensions.
“Should they do the same punishment for the same crime? The bar has been set, and they’re the ones who do it. I’m not a guy who handles suspensions, but they’ve got a tough one here.”
Indeed, Campbell is the one who set the bar. Now that the NHL has lowered the bar significantly for Pronger, Simon’s agent, Larry Kelly, should file suit to reclaim the difference his client lost in salary compared to Pronger. And the fact that Pronger won't be forced to miss any playoff time means the Islanders could make a case they were unfairly punished, although it’s not likely they will pursue any action against the league.
When Simon’s last penalty was handed down, Nolan said it was too harsh. He was especially offended when Campbell made reference to Simon going for counseling about an alcohol problem. That was untrue, and it smacked of stereotyping in reference to a member of Canada’s First Nation, a heritage shared by Simon and Nolan. But the roles are reversed now. Considering that Pronger's penalty fell far short of Simon's, you have to wonder, as Nolan will, exactly why that is.
Comments (92)
As I have said many times, these guys are highly paid professionals.
The club should come down on their players also.
This type of dangerous behavior has no place in any sport.
Also a standard is a standard. If Simon was suspended for X games, then Pronger should be suspended for X games.
there was a whole thing about the Rangers outdoor game to gain credibility. How do you gain credibility when the clubs don't punish their players, and the league has many different penalties depending on whether you are an A player or a C player.
Silly...............
“Posted by 19 ISLE in NJ 22 | '
He’s earned a chance to put on an Islanders uniform and play at the NHL level. ... He’s proven he’s capable of playing in the NHL.”
Why am I PO'd?? Maybe AZS or Nick can answer that ... When back in November or December ... the Islanders were starving for offense and we were losing low scoring games by 1 goal ... we were urging the Isles to bring up Tamby ... the guy was leading the AHL in goals and points for the better part of the middle of the year. It took a string of injuries and a trade of a worthless Simon to get Tamby up here fulltime at the friggen Trading Deadline. Then he was getting 6-8 minutes a game .... not nearly enough to gain confidence and make a difference.
Tamby might never of lit it up ... but maybe...
What a hypocritical statement by Snow!!!! Okposo plays half of an AHL season averaging under a point per game and he's worthy of the NHL sweater???
this definitely does SEEM hypocritical. perhaps snow's thinking is that okposo has tons more potential than tambellini and it's in the team's long term interest to have him get his feet wet, especially now when the pressure of a playoff race won't be much of a factor.
i have had problems with how snow has explained some his decisions and i basically got 'scolded' by some of the regulars on this site, who argued that g.m.'s do not and cannot say what they really think most of the time. i think this applies here.
Caesar -
You've got a lot of nerve posting here on this particular date. Better watch your back.
yeah exguy ... my problem with the whole thing wasn't that Okposo is coming up. I welcome it ... I think it will be good to measure how far Okposo has come. It gives him a chance to see NHL level competition and allows him to gauge himself so he knows how hard he has to work to stick permanently.
The Snow comment was frustrating because that same logic should of applied to Tamby .... the Isles needed offensive help ... and I feel if Tamby was given 15 minutes a game ... he'd be in the 15-20 goal rate per seaon range by now ... which might of helped ... especially with his speed. He wasn't learning anything he didn't already know he was capable of at the Bridge.
I think at least 20 games ought to do it. Anything less and it will be a slap at the Islanders, but more importantly its a slap to the league and anyone who watches hockey. They came down hard on Simon and not to do so on Pronger when the sports media is paying attention (I mean the Simon stomp happened fairly recently) would be idiotic. They need to show that there is a set of rules applied to everyone no matter if your a superstar or scapegoat.
I think 505 had the great idea of making the disciplinary action handed out by a committee or board made up of the various components of the league. This one guy thing isn't really working.
Actually the Isles have well over 10 sellouts this season, so there's goes the notion that the Isles would only sell out if the Rangers played the Isles, being that they've only played 3x at the NVMC.
And when the Isles play the Rangers at the Garden it can get up to 20% Isles fans, so what makes you think it would be 99% Rangers fans at a neutral territory? Pretty much your arguments make no sense. If you want to see two big markets compete in NY v. Boston that's one thing. But the idea that the Isles couldn't sell out Yankee stadium on their own is insane, as well as is the idea that the Rangers fans would dominate the atmosphere.
Where has all this Rangers pride come from? Only when they are winning eh? Rangers Fans = Biggest group of front-runners in all of sports.
Here's where I stand on the "Pronger Stomp"...
First, I see a real difference between Pronger's stomp and Simon's. Simon's action was after the whistle and premeditated. Pronger's was in the heat of play. Simon's was WITHOUT DOUBT intentional. It was clearly an effort to stomp on Ruutu's foot. Pronger's action, while LOOKING like it was intentional, still leaves room for some doubt. No matter how clearly, slowly and often you watch it, there's no way to say with complete certainty that he meant to stomp down with his skate rather than trying to catch his balance. With Simon, there was 100% certainty as to his intention.
Now, before anyone calls for my head, please understand that I'm a Chris Simon fan, I'm still sad that Snow traded him, I can't stand Chris Pronger and am revolted by the thought of the Ducks winning another cup.
But here's what revolts me more... the thought of the Rangers winning the cup. You've got to figure that the east is a complete crap-shoot right now. ANY of the 8 playoff teams can get hot and make it to the finals. So I'm thinking that if, God forbid, the Rangers keep a hot hand and somehow make it to the finals, I sure as hell want them to play against a great western team with a fully available lineup. That means there's no way, at this particular time, I'm gonna be short sighted enough to hope that Pronger has to sit the playoffs. No way. Just writing about the idea of the Rangers winning the cup makes me ill. In fact, I think I just threw up in my mouth.
A stomp is a stomp and Pronger was just handed an 8 game vacation to rest up before the Ducks get in the playoffs.
Yea, there is no double standard.
And to the guy who's pretending to be Logan, grow up.
It appears thar Caesar isn't a fan of classic literature.
Lighten up Francis.
Nobody calls me Francis ... Nobody.
Wow there is actually moderation of comments taking place? Since when?
"Nobody calls me Francis ... Nobody."
Sorry Frances.
Healy,
I cannot take credit or props for that discipline idea... Wasn't me.
HOWEVER, if I WAS to suggest some new fangled way for the NHL to discipline.......may I be so humble as to suggest a 3 man review board, consisting of Me, Steady and Samuel Adams?
I am certain that our decisions would be expeditious, honest and consistent. My only fear would be keeping Steady from hunting down MAB like a rabid dog.
Cincy,
IMPECCABLE LOGIC throughout your post...I AGREE!!
Umm
I am Caesar and I have not posted here in a while. Obviously I've done a fantastic job of getting under the trolls skin. I've barely posted here in the last three months. I'd prolly say there are at least 5 posts by me in that time span.
Yay for me I suppose.
It's just painful watching these games. Out classed!
Where the hel-l are these guys? We are throwing the puck at the net but no one is there to tip it.
Did you see DP shaking his head coming off the ice after the game?
Posted by 19 ISLE in NJ 22 |
the Isles needed offensive help ... and I feel if Tamby was given 15 minutes a game ... he'd be in the 15-20 goal rate per seaon range by now ..
therein lies the message. snow doesn't think tambellini WOULD BE in the 15-20 goal range. and i suspect, neither does the coach.
and not that it means much, but i don't either
It's all good Naples......With the Rangers being shutout by TB, it's a good 4 point swing night in the Race for The Stamkos Cup.
(Yes, I have gone to the Dark Side).
If anyone does read into Nolan "shaking up the lines" every game, you are a bigger fool than I have been
Atlanta still has a game in hand on us (they've played one more), Tampa Bay is coming within range and we need Anaheim to lose later tonight.
Edit last post icon alert
"If anyone does "NOT" read into Nolan "shaking up the lines" every game, you are a bigger fool than I have been.
We can thank Sean Avery for the 2 points for TB tonight......1-0 game in the 3rd, all by himself in front of the net and he senselessly swipes the stick out of the goalies hands. Two minutes goalie interference, power play goal by TB and game over.
Renney has got to love that.
I just saw the Pronger Stomp (grainy or ungrainy?), after listening to Don Cherry rationalize the limited supsension on Hockey Night.
Pure and simple.....WHAT A CROCK OF SCHIT.
That was as "premeditated" as Simon's. I don't give a damn about "it happened during the action", Pronger was plainly looking down at Kessel and had time to send out an order for a double frap latte, veggie wrap combo from the SoCal concession stand before he cut loose with his weapon.
I hope Simon sues the hell out of the league and gets triple his money back.
What a joke this league is.
MAB is missing the net against STL right now...ATTABOY Marc!!
Dp is simply miserable over the state of this team...Vets, Kids ....doesn't matter ! This teams offense is so bad it is scary! These kids are not ready to be here and are simply not good enough.
When you compare our kids to the ones on a team like Edmonton, it is NOT EVEN CLOSE......We have all third and 4th line guys.
505,
Thanks for jumping on my litigation bandwagon. When I said that months ago most of the regulars were just focused on the point that Simonn was worthless as a hockey player.
The league has done absolutely nothing to help the franchise. Nolan may also have a point about a racial component to huge disparity.
Race didn't play a part when they let a guy with $18 in his checking account buy the franchise.
There's no doubt in my mind that this regime wants this franchise in Las Vegas.
How many other teams have their GM's salary counting against the cap?
Why did Hill's urine come up positive just at the perfect time for the playoffs. PERFECTLY TIMED.
Simon needs to file a discrimination suit and Wang should stop sending in his league fees until the BS STOPS.
Tambellini vs Okposo
Tambellini has had opportunities the last two years and he has shown nothing more than effort.
Okposo may be a bust also, but there's no reason to not give him some NHL ice time. Not only that, I WANT TO SEE HIM PLAY.
Seems to me you all are suffering from BACK UP QBitis .....You all begged for the kids, and now you are seeing they are simply not good enough or not ready. Now some of you want the even younger kids.....Believe me I want to see KO also, but is he really ready? Are we going to destroy yet another young mans confidence in NY ????
It is Not the vets fault. It is not the kids fault. It is not the coaches fault. It is the TOP OF THE ORGANIZATIONS FAULT.
The talent simply is NOT THERE....You want to see very good kids....Look at the Capitals. Look at Edmonton. Look almost everywhere else. These other teams have stars. We have guys that might be third or fourth line players with the exception of Bergy.
The BOBBLEHEADS have destroyed this franchise......Our only hope is a stellar draft.....And guess who is making that pick ?
GOD HELP US !!!!
We are a minimum of three years from even making the playoffs in the East. All these teams are loaded with stars and young talent. I feel so bad for DP.....HE is ALONE !!!
I haven't had time to ready any posts in this thread or the rest of the previous thread ... I'll try to get to that later. The last 38 hours I've been to 4 youth games plus my own game ... so I'm out of touch with the Isles ... and from seeing the results of last night it seems I haven't missed much. I'll have to back read the last 2 threads tonight ... busy day here at work. Maybe I can squeeze back on here later.
RE: Okposo ... you have to give the guy a bit of slack if he doesn't show instant dividends. He's not lighting it up in the AHL .. so I wouldn't expect much more up here. Maybe there is a chance he actually does better with higher level talent. We'll see.
He can go 0G, 0A for 0 Points and a minus 5 .... and I'll not dismiss him outright .... I just look forward to seeing the kids get shaken out at this level so the organization can assess the quality of our youth.
Good Luck Kyle!!!
-------------------------------------------
Pronger vs. Okposo
I am going to reverse my opinion from the previous thread in which I defended Pronger's "alleged" stomp on Kessler. I used my computer's video enhancment feature ... which is actually pretty good ... but the original TSN version was a grainy compressed version and I found it inconclusive.
This morning ... at work .. I had the benefit of accessing the video file from our HD database... and WOW!!! You can clearly see that Kessler did infact try to impeded Pronger by wrapping legs around his skate ... and Pronger than yanked his foot out ... and stepped down on Kessler 2 times ... so YES .... he did purposely stomp on Kessler ...
The difference?
Simon stomped on Rutuu (sp) and put his full weight on his skate by lifting is other foot up and using Rutuu as a step.
Simon also did this not in the heat of battle so that makes it more serious as a repeat offender.
Pronger didn't put his full weight on Kessler .. but none the less did chomp on him with his skate.
Pronger did it in the heat of play, and it was more reactionary in the heat of the battle. This doesn't mean he's excused for his behavior.
The 8 game suspension??? What a Crock of Sheeet!!!
8 games for Pronger vs. 30 games for Simon???? Pronger has been suspended as many times as Simon .. so where is the justice??? Anyone see what he did in the finals vs. Ottawa??? .. he got only ONE game .. and could of severely hurt the guy....and I have ZERO affinity for Ottawa.
Again ... this Campbell biased supports my tribunal idea from the previous thread. One retired member of the NHLPA, One rep from the NHL and one independent arbitrator all to serve a 1 year term so there becomes no "clique or fraternity" ... Campbell as has been stated by a few people on here hates the Islanders ... and he has reason too ... as a player & coach the Isles made his life miserable.
That's it for now.. back to work ... catch up with all the posts later.
Steady,
"Seems to me you all are suffering from BACK UP QBitis .....You all begged for the kids, and now you are seeing they are simply not good enough or not ready."
Where do you get that idea?
Since the Ranger game Nolan has been using different lines every night. Since the Ranger game, 4 more "regulars" have gone by the wayside (Hilbert, Tank, Jo Backtothenet and Witt), bringing even more new faces into the swimming pool.
I am actually enjoying watching the kids, knowing full well that this patchwork quilt is probably gonna get beat every night. At least this kids show a little hop in their step and occasional moments of scoring savvy.
I don't think any determination of whether they are "good enough or not ready" can be made after 3-4 games of Nolan mandated Chinese Fire Drill assemblies.
Although I will say that Johnson and Davison suck. It pains me to watch Johnson skate and it pains me even more to see Davison wearing NBR 3.
Steady,
I'm not sure where the backup QB analogy fits in here. i wasn't calling for Okposo, or tambellini when the playoffs were in sight. The only thing they'd lose by dressing Okposo is an opportunity to assess Jackman. It's not like he'd be replacing Guerin or Satan.
As far as confidence goes, that argument NEVER holds water. When your a 16 year old virgin having a go with a supermodel doesn't RUIN YOUR CONFIDENCE... even if you blow your load in the doorway.
The kid will be fine.
19,
I called Logan last night. We talked about the blog and shared corn beef a cabbage recipes. In the midst of conversation he mentioned your posts.
"That 19 guy is pretty dedicated. I asked my editor if we could give him a daily column. He said he'd like to but they don't have ENOUGH INK"
I couldn't care less about Prongers intent vs Simon's intent. the fact is that for the last two infractions by Simon the "victim" was UNINJURED and it cost simon 55 games and over $500k. The Isles suffered his loss last year because he WAS contributing before that day. Campbell made it so that Simon couldn't come back for the playoffs amd he made sure that Pronger was back in time for the last regular season game.
the kicker being that JUST TO MAKE SURE HE F**KED the team as much as the player the punishment was 25 games PLUS however long the ISLANDERS were alive in the playoffs.
That's the vinegar in the wound.
Clark Gillies needs to pay Mr. Campbell a visit.
JP ~ Logan didn't want me to write ??? Scared I would take his job probably. Funny how he steals my ideas after I wirte them. Tell him to try and keep up! :) :)
My point on the kids was more out of frustration, and I did not mean to single anyone of you out for asking for them. The frustration is that they are not near as good as other teams kids. I mean NOT EVEN CLOSE !!! Since the Isles slide (And before actually) I have bee watching other teams a lot more closely. There is some darn good kids in this league right now.
I would say our top 3 are: Bergy, Comeau, and Campoli !!!
I admit it.... I am very frustrated! All BS aside it really stinks to love a hockey team so much and be helpless to get them to open their EARS AND MINDS and listen !!! We need new TOP BRASS!
Steady;
These things take time. It's not like the every kid you call up become an impact NHL player overnight. Those are few and far between. It's not like Pronger, Thornton, Bertuzzi or Jokinen started to tear the league up in their first 80 or so games.
Patience.
Just enjoy the ride.
Why the hell should any Isles fan gice a feck about being doormats for the next ten games?
I hope they loss them all and finish atop the draft. For the first time in ages this team is about to get a high first rounder in a draft that will impact this league for the next decade. This years second round shapes up to be last seasons first round. Not to mention the fact that we have to picks in that second round.
The defensemen and centers atop the first round are ALL excellent. Stamkos is one that could literally turn the fortuned of this franchise. I certainly have no qualms with grabbing Okposo a few teammates.
God forbid the Isles grab a player they won't have to get locked into a longterm ridiculous contract with. It won't be long before the Rage rue the contracts of Drury and Gomez. Same with Philly and Colorado with the contracts of Brierre and Smyth.
Those teams are going to look a lot like the mess Toronto is in before long.
I'm glad those guys snubbed us and I'm gld Snow had the sense to avoid them. I'd rather build a team that a UFA is going to offer a discount to play for.
We may have our headashes today but we won't have THOSE HEADACHES three to four years from now. You're going to have to give up first rounders and high tier prospects to move those guys.
Just ask Fletcher regarding McCabe's deal.
Just thought I'd plug the forum again. There are no thread restriction or speech restrictions on this board.
It is a free speech board set up so Islanders Fans can speak their minds without getting harassed for doing so.
Can you handle the freedom?
IslandersPirateHaven.
http://z9.invisionfree.com/IslandersPirateHaven/index.php?act=idx
Steady ~ I don't think anyone expected a kiddie surge to make the Isles a contender .. Speaking for myself I'd rather watch the kids with their creativity and energy play ... and lose ... instead of some veterans that lack creativity and can put you to sleep if you had a sleeping disorder.
But I'm with ya on the organization's prospect depth ... the more I think of it .. this draft and next year's draft is vital to the future of the Isles.
I mentioned about 3-4 weeks ago that the Islanders' prospect pool was rated one of the worst in the league .... and that KO's projected rating dropped a little bit mostly because of the advances other prospects made beyond his skills. I think that is why Snow yanked him from Minnesota.
KO is still rated as a very good play maker with good instincts and can still be a good finisher .... he's defensive skills are suspect .... but that can be fixed.
------------------------------------------
After last night's loss I'm now on the go for high draft pick bandwagon. Winning now only drops us in the lottery pool and gets us a higher numbered pick.
I'd rather see the kids get more NHL experience... take their bumps now .. and gives the coaching staff a good preview ... Like Nolan said ... the kids have everything to play for... and they should look at it that way.
This way they are still not giving away the games and they are getting a chance to see what the kids are made of.
I'm not worried about the kids losing confidence ... JP put it perfectly ..... the model thing cracked me up JP ... very good.
---------------------------------------
Caesar ~~ Great post ... I have nothing to add to it ... you saved me the trouble of writing it ... and everyone else from reading a longer post from me ... couldn't of said it better myself.
-------------------------------------
BTW ~ Back on the Pronger thing for a sec. ... Notice how conveniently Campbell made sure that Pronger was back before the playoffs? Even got him a tuneup game before the playoffs .. Pronger will be well rested and rearing to go. I couldn't of planned that suspension better myself unless I was the Ducks' coach. Ya think Burke had a hand in consulting with Campbell to work out the suspension length?
Pronger should of gotten NO LESS than 20 games ... but 25 games would be more appropriate since it is fresh in the minds about Simon and after what happened with Pat Dapuzzon and Richard Zednick ... shows what a weapon a skate blade is.
Time for Simon through the Players Association and the NY Isles governors make a move to have Campbell discredited and removed from his post.
----------------------------------------------
GO KO!!!!!!!!!!
Chickendirt;
That forum is an AWESOME idea. I'll be signing up when I get home from work. I used to post at IslandersCountry and found the place a little too cliquish. Islandermania is almost the same suffering from a little too much control by the moderators/Admin.
You have a great foundation there and I think others will checkout/sign up for that forum.
Isle in NJ;
Thanks for the props. I think people look at hockey too much like baseball and football. Development is much more intense and laborish in this sport than any other. Falling down takes a long time as does the climb back up to respecability as a result.
Sure, you can sign tons of UFAs and make a quick splash. In the long run, without a core, you just wind up where you started but worse. You have a bunch of washed up players with albatross like contracts hanging around your neck.
In other NHL news....the Caps climbed to within 2 points of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
I'll be watching this closely as securing the final playoff will no doubt propel the currently 5th ranked Caps to a top 2 spot in AOL's power rankings of the entire NHL with 9 games to play.
Tuesday is a pivotal day in the hunt for the Stamkos Cup. Atlanta is on the road against the Flyers, while St Louis has to go to Montreal. Both tough places for a road win by struggling teams, while the Isles host the Leafs.
The schedule maker was once again, unkind to us.
Time to juggle those lines again Teddy.
I've said this before... the next 10 games, and this summer, will be a HUGE transitional period for the Islanders. The kids are playing now to earn spots next year and recognition. If Bridgeport makes the playoffs, they will all be down playing for the Calder Cup. Reminds me of when DP, Hunter, and Hamilton went to the Finals a few years back. Could happen this year. We have a ton of picks for this years draft, and should have a solid 1st round pick in the top 5, and finally we still have enough cap space for a few free agents who want to play here or if the Islanders make a trade for.
The kids we have now were not drafted by Snow. So give him a chance for this summer.
No off day rant from me today ... YET!
I look forward to seeing how DP's practice goes today. The talk about him playing with Park seems kind of cool. That may be a good combo. Both have speed and should work well together.
Tomorrow's game I Tivo and burn to DVD ... may be a historical day.. or just another first career NHL game for another typical NHL player. Time will tell.
--------------------------------------------
BTW ... if anyone was listening to WFAN on Saturday early evening they would of heard the sports business report and about the Dolan MSG debacle.. and how he's ruining the Knick / Ranger franchises.. and the fact that how the only reason they maintain a decent level of revenue is because they are in NYC where they get lots of tourist merchandise sales and have presold the majority of their season tickets to corporations years in advance (thousands of those corporate seats are sold as one plan for both the Knicks & Rangers) ... It said if they needed to rely on fan sales like most sports franchises in America they'd be in big trouble.
This is what the Isles need to do ... offer an Islander/ Dragon plan ... build up the health of the Wang Sports Empire ... LMAO!!!
-----------------------------------------------
KH / Nick ~ So Nassau Cty has supported the Light House plan? Does this give the TOH the go ahead to approve the plan? Or does it enable them to move forward to another level for approval? I'd like to get some NJ Islander fans down here in Central NJ to show our support for the plan. NJ and Long Island have a very similar culture as suburbs of NYC ... and even some Devil fans here seemed pleased that the Isles made progress with the LH project.
There was a little buzz about KO and the LHP at the rinks I was at this weekend. South Mountain (Devil practice rink), Ice Land in Princeton area & Wall Arena ... good sprinkle of Isles fans around.
I gave out the website info to a few people that had some interest.
Posted by Netminder39 | March 17, 2008 01:52
I've said this before... the next 10 games, and this summer, will be a HUGE transitional period for the Islanders. ... The kids we have now were not drafted by Snow. So give him a chance for this summer.
i think 'net' is right that this summer is HUGE. that's because the future of the lighthouse/arena deal will be decided. when that happens, so will the future of the team. literally. if the outcome is favorable, snow's job will immediately become easier and we'll see this team get better. if not ....
A.O saved D.C.
Crosby saved Pitts
Stamkos will save Atl
Wang will help move NYI to Hamilton.
And I will help the Gay community and the gerbal population
19Isles, it was great to see Suozzi re-affirm his administration's support of the plan. However, to answer your question, it does not change anything in terms of the actual process. The Lighthouse Development Corporation signed an agreement with Nassau County to develop the land, since the County owns the parcel of land on which the Coliseum sits. This begins the next step, negotiating with the local government within the Town of Hempstead...the Town needs to approve the Lighthouse's application for re-zoning the land, since it is not currently zoned for the kind of use the project will entail. Once that application is approved (with some tweaks that I'm sure the Town will suggest), the next layer of Long Island bureaucracy will take place. The Islanders and the Lighthouse Development Corporation will then negotiate terms of a lease with Nassau County, and then the shovels will go into the ground and everyone will be happy.
The whole thing is fraught with potential challenges. If we get past the problem known as Sandbagging Kate Murray, we will have another potential problem on our hands in the form of Judy "Out of Touch Presiding Officer" Jacobs in the Nassau legislature.
More than anything else, Suozzi meant to affirm his support for the plan and offer a less-than-gentle nudge to the Town of Hempstead to get off its collective ass and do something.
If you want to help out with the cause, please have all interested parties sign up at www.lilighthouse.com. Alternatively, if you post a message here I can contact you to try and get some kind of ball rolling. I'm all for helping our team and our Island soar once again.
19 Isle -- I don't know how much Suozzi's statement will help because the person holding up the plan at the moment is Kate Murray, the Hempstead Town Supervisor, who's a Republican. It's not completely clear why she's opposed, but she's using her procedural power as chair of the Town Board to prevent the Board from considering the Lighthouse's application. We have also heard that once they get to the stage of actually considering the application, there is a lot of support for the Lighthouse project among the other TOH Board members.
The thing we need most to budge Kate Murray is a good turnout of Lighthouse supporters before and at the March 25 Town Board meeting (the plan is to assemble outside and then go into the meeting to comment), to let her know that there is grassroots support for the Lighthouse, and that TOH residents disagree with her on this issue. If we can get a couple hundred people there, we'll make a huge impression. Nick or I will be putting the word out on here closer to the 25th and hopefully, local readers of this blog will come help us out.
Don't get me wrong, Suozzi's support is huge, but it's not enough by itself. We need to do whatever we can to push to project past the current bottleneck.
By the way, I don't mean, by mentioning that Kate is a Republican, to suggest that this is a partisan issue. I don't think it is, and in fact the other TOH Board members who support the Lighthouse are mostly Republicans. However, her party affiliation means that Suozzi, a Democrat, has limited influence over her. She is a protege of Joe Mondello, former TOH Supervisor and presently Chairman of the NY State GOP. If there were a way to enlist Mondello in the cause, that might be helpful, but I don't know of any.
505, Nick, Greg and other Irishmen (and women) on this board -- Happy St. Patrick's Day!
My take on the state of the islanders is as follows;
The team itself as a franchise is on shaky ground. I am very worried abouth the franchise because they are ripe to be sold and mvoved. If anyone listened to Wang on Mike and the Mad Dog before the home game against the rangers Mike asked him if the team could survive without the lighthouse project. Wang danced around the question a bit and Russo kept pressing him on that particuluar question. Wang finally relented and admitted if the project does not go through he is done with the team and the islanders will not survive here. I think the whole project is too grand and it will not pass the town of Hempstead Board. This lighthouse thing is going to go through revision after revision until Wang says Uncle and will not see the light of day. The problem with the project is that it doesnt make the Islanders and the Coliseum the focal point. There are too many side projects that are highlighted and when you read the project description it does mention that the building will be renovated but then goes extesnivley into all about convention centers, condos, office space and minor league baseball???? We already have two minor league teams within an hour of Uniondale. The whole thing doesnt make sense. Just like he ran CA that had a very unorthodox business model and the way he is running the Islanders. Bobbleheads as Steady would say. Wang and Rexcorp should redo the whole plan on a much smaller scale. Start with the Islanders first. Give the fans and the team a renovated state of the Art Arena and the players on site facilities to Practice and train. Then go back and do the other stuff later on. If the Lighthouse project falls through(which I beleive it will in its current state) the only hope for the franchise to stay on Long Island is to follow the Green Bay Packers model. The fans and the citizens of gGreen Bay own the team. They have ownership shares in the team. They vote for Board Members who then have internal votes on who becomes GM, Coach, and other Managment decisions. If anyone recalls the Packers in the 70's and 80's were in dire straits and could not get out of there own way. They installed this model and turned that franchise around. Long Island would embrace the team ten fold because WE ARE THE OWNERS. wE HAVE OWNERSHIP.This is not pie in the sky it has been done. Packer fans are similar to Islander fans in that we are Long Island centric in fan base. A local fan base and I think it would work Because the board is ultimatley accountable to the fans. So I say to all Islander fans:
We the fans, are the only ones who can save this franshise! We cannot look to a rich businessman to come in and save the day or a tycoon looking for a real estate deal. I want a well run professional NHL franshise here on Long Island who are only concerned about the NHL, Hockey, the Islanders and ultimatley the fans who bleed Orange,white and Blue. We have to do it!!
Lets go Islanders.
Wang finally relented and admitted if the project does not go through he is done with the team and the islanders will not survive here.
False. What he said was, "I've been here 55 years. This is my home. We're going to have to find a way to make this work."
Let's not make things up out of thin air, shall we?
THANKS KH!!!
Tis a fine day to be green.
Jisles, I agree with Ed....you're making too much of it. The Coliseum plan was always scheduled to go on as the first phase of the Lighthouse Project, and that plan will continue. If it doesn't work (though I'm convinced it will), the team would probably negotiate with the Nets to move into Barclays Center in Brooklyn once the lease with Nassau County expires.
Brooklyn would be better anyway since most of the LIRR already goes there directly and, at worst, you change at jamaica.
Woohoo! I've been spoofed! I've finally hit the big time!
Oh blessed St. Patrick, this is truly the luck o' the (half-) Irish!
Ah yes,more intelligent islander fans exposing themselves to the world.
Wasn't Zed the name of the gay rapist in Pulp Fiction?
Greg,
I missed this comment, but a coworker who was watching the toronto feed on Saturday shared it with me this morning. In a between periods round table Milbury said that Nolan will not survive the off season because of a rift between him and DiPietro.
Please tell me that Milbury is the only person that has this on their radar. If Nolan is let go I'm tearing up my membership card.
DP may be the best player on the team, and the face of the franchise, but he is not the SAVIOR... no goaltender would be.
As I told my co-wrker. Milbury has a lot of his history (how he'll be rememebred) tied up in DP's future. His exit was probably demanded by Nolan as part of any pre signing negotiation. There is no doubt that Milbury was the worst thing that ever happened to the Islanders... and Nolan may be one of the better things... if he ever gets a chance to turn this sinking ship around.
It never even crossed my mind that Nolan wasn't going to be part of the 2008-09 team that started teh season with some fresh new faces. I'd rather see all the goaltenders from New England and upstate NY be ex-isled before Nolan.
I was wondering if you (or any of the other regs here) could offer a comment on this.
...and is "fat pig" a pet name for freds mom or freds wife?
...or both?
Congratulate our little troll for joining the PirateForum!!!!
He's persistant.
He hangs out there all day and all night complaining about a team he hates.
Oh, and he ain't too bright either considering that he's baffled by the rules.
You're all welcome to pop in and say hello to him.Tell him what you really think.
IslandersPirateHaven
http://z9.invisionfree.com/IslandersPirateHaven/index.php?act=idx
Can you handle the freedom?
Okposo has jersey number 21.
Hmm.....2 + 1 =???
Good enuf for me.
Dump Davison
I was never a big Nolan fan so if he goes he goes. I usually don't agree with Larry Brooks but I agree with what he said about Nolan in yesterday's column. He said ever since Simon was booed by the fans the first game he came back Nolan has been pouting. It bothered both Simon and his pal Nolan that that happened and neither one could understand why it happened but the fact is Simon was a selfish player who put himself in front of the well being of the team by his stupid actions. I also find it ironic that what got Nolan bounced out of Buffalo was that he had a problem with the #1 goalie (Hasek). Could history be repeating itself with this guy.
JP ~ Look at where that comment about Nolan not lasting after this season is coming from .... Mil-dingle-bury... he's got to feel sooooo envious of Nolan ... why? Because even though we sometimes question his judgement ... we still embrace him and trust him. He's a great coach .... and we know he's dealing with a questionable level of talent ... the fact he and DP got the Isles as far as they did is a testament to their ability.
-----------------------------------------------
JIsles ~ I heard actually saw that interview with M&MD on YES network .... and Wang said they have to make it happen ... pretty much what Ed said ... aside from that ... I think Wang could work out an arena deal on the Site of the soon to be Old Shea Stadium (if nothing else is planned) or with the Nets in Brooklyn.
------------------------------------------
Nick / KH ~ Yeah ... I know the political Bees Wax that Wang has to go through .... and I'm not 100% sure of what milestones Wang wants to see before he invests in the renovated Coliseum ... but he should just get that ball rolling .. perhaps get the confidence of Kate Murray .... political affiliation withstanding .. and win back some of the fan base in the process.
----------------------------------------
As far as the fans and County of Nassau taking ownership? Maybe in Greenbay that is wise ... a ONE team city. NVMC may be the only pro arena in the county ... but it's within the territory of a multi-sport / multi-team area.
Besides? If you have the residents of Nassau or the whole of Long Island take ownership it would have to be done under the auspices of the local goverments. Do you trust the government to run the Isles? I'd trust a fan consortium before I trust the goverment. I don't trust the government to run anything .... all they know how to do is take a chunk of your paycheck and screw up public works projects. Take a nice drive around and see how the fine work of our government's public works projects that lasts for decades. LOL!!
Nice thought though.
--------------------------------------
Alternatives ... There was a time when I still lived in NY ... and I was with business associates at a function promoting the NY Jets Westside stadium and a NYC bid for the Summer Olympics I got to talking with some of former Gov. Pataki's development people .... and I mentioned the Isles situation and what can be done with that property ... they already knew that Wang was developing the Light House project ... and were in full support ... they even suggested that George Pataki would see what he could ddo with the Belmont Park property to have that redeveloped into a Sports Expo Center ... all Green Technology ... which was the biz I dabbled in.
I also suggested a transit hub for the whole city that can be used for public use after the olympics ... again all green technology.... Don't you guys think that a project supporting green tech in an area choked with brake dust and exhaust.
Wang needs to leverage the advantages of his project that he proposes and do it in stages just to get the ball rolling.
Oh!! TOP O The Evening to yas all!!!!
Sorry but Al Arbour great coach, Scotty Bowman great coach, Nolan not a great coach. I think that word great is thrown around way too much in sports
I'm not sure the Islanders would be able to just move to Brooklyn/Queens. There's the whole compensation thing; if you move to a site within certain proximity of an existing NHL team, you have to pay them money. The Isles had to pay the Rags in '72 just for playing in Nasssau. My guess is a move to Brooklyn/Queens would need approval from the Rags and additional payment, probably something fairly steep.
West Coast -- I do not think that is correct. The Islanders have already made the required payment to the Rangers to buy into the NY market. I cannot cite you a source to prove this, but I am almost certain the Islanders can move to Brooklyn or Queens without permission from or compensation to the Rangers.