What We Need to Win...
by BCISLEMAN on Oct 23, 2009 7:19 PM EDT
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Legends of Hockey - Denis Potvin (via HockeyWebCast)
Everyone is going to say "Well, of course we need a defenseman like Denis Potvin--the greatest player in Islander history." Getting a truly great defenseman would be wonderful of course...Cam Fowler comes to mind. But that is not what I am talking about.
Watch the video. We need players who take losing even little battles, much less games, seriously. We need players like Denis who get mad when an opposing player beats them to the puck and will want to make the opponent pay. We need players with a passion for winning and a hatred of losing.
If you watch Phil Esposito's video and compare it with Denis', Espo actually says that he, Orr, and the others could have won a bunch of Cups too but they liked to have fun. Of course, this is a lot of coulda, woulda, shoulda, but there is truth there. To really be winners, talent is not enough. You have to want it really bad. The Islanders of that era probably were not any more talented than the Orr--Espo Bruins, but they had that fire in their bellies that the Bruins lacked. That was the difference between four Cups and one.
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Potvin's drive was unreal
I didn’t even have to click play, because I’ve seen that video many times. His determination to be the best, his determination to win it all — even his firm belief that he ought to be captain. How to quantify all that? I don’t know, but you have to think it was a big difference-maker in the still-surreal 19 playoff series wins in a row.
Not to come back to the same usual suspects, but looking at the current roster, I’m getting the sense that Okposo is that way (while he comes off happy-go-lucky, he’s reportedly started to show a captain-like drive and hatred of losing; looking forward to seeing him discover just how good he can be). Tavares sounds like that way, just with the meticulous desire he’s shown (in two sports, really) from a very young age. Streit might be that way, at least based on how he’s talked about getting better and about making something of his career after starting from a disadvantaged position.
Honestly, several accounts make Richard Park sound like a guy like that; he’s just been limited and had to make the most that he can with average talent.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
Saku Koivu
In another fanpost, I suggest trading for his rights at the end of the season and signing him for a three to five year term. The Impact magazine issue cited goes into depth on hockey captains and leadership. It talks at length about Denis and the depth of Islander leadership on the championship teams.
Koivu
Not sure I like the idea too much. Truth be told I’d like to see one of the younger guys, such as Okposo, made the Captain.
Just my thoughts through the first games, but rarely have I seen anybody play with any heart or much intensity. Too many players just seem to be going through the motions out there on the ice.
I really think we need a high-energy, balls-to-the-wall, crashing-into-everybody, type player. I see a guy like Zach Stortini on Edmonton, not afraid of anybody, can chip in the odd point, and can play a regular shift (unlike Rechlicz, who has ECHL skills at best). I could be completely wrong here, but I watch a ton of NHL on Center Ice, and that seems to be one of the missing links that the Islanders have.
I also really think that Garth Snow needs to start recalling and sending players to Bridgeport. If players have it in the back of their mind that they could be down in the AHL, it could be a huge motivator for a team like this. Looking at the stats for Bridgeport, some of these guys are having great seasons so far, call ’em up and see what they can do.
by Cal_IslandersFan on Oct 24, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions
I also really think that Garth Snow needs to start recalling and sending players to Bridgeport.
I’d really be in favor of this. Maybe it’s too early? If that’s the stance, fine, I can wait X number of games.
I just hope it’s not a money/one-way contract thing — or the laughable fear of losing anyone on waivers. I can stomach them being cheap, pre-Lighthouse, as far as not bringing in big ticket free agents. (To be revisited once their future is clearer, however.) But I can’t stomach penny-pinching at the bottom end simply to avoid paying Bridgeport players NHL salaries (paltry NHL salaries at that).
If Matt Moulson plays every game like it’s his last, surely that can be asked of some of these other characters.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
There really is NO better character guy in the NHL than Saku
Battled back from cancer and a serious eye injury. The soul of a leader. Tied for the longest serving captain in Hab history and arguably the best. Read the Impact issue linked in my Koivu Fanpost. It talked about how Denis relied on an enormous depth of leadership throughout the Islander roster. With Saku and Mark, two talented vets, the younger players will see leadership by example and will grow from it.
Let’s say Saku is given three years. That gives future Islander leaders time to develop naturally rather than being prematurely imposed. Also, having a genuinely productive mentor who leads by example and will be there for a few years will give a sense of confidence and continuity to young players.
Im pimping Shane Doan
I think he will bring everything this team needs, not only adding leadership but production and toughness. If we want to mentor the defence i would also like to add Jovanowski. He also can add offence and leadership coupled with experience and toughness
Doan is a fine player, but forget Jovanowski...
I was on a ‘Yote thread some months ago and they were wondering who they could dump him on. Normally I wouldn’t think of a player as old as Saku. In fact, I have thought that Garth whould have a standing rule: no vets over 30. But Saku is just such an awesome leader that he could be what this team needs.
In any event, Doan is very good, but the ’Yotes are making noise right now and I am not aware that they have cap problems. So I am not sure that it is very likely.
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