Islanders Gameday: First vs. First (?!) in Toronto, with contrasting styles
by Dominik on Oct 18, 2010 6:30 AM EDT
in New York Islanders Previews
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PrintTwo first-place teams that don't belong there meet in Toronto tonight; isn't October hockey ever grand.
[Promo Note: I will be on Rink Side Radio at the game's conclusion to talk about what will hopefully still be a strong Islanders start. Details at From the Rink. Direct blogtalkradio link here. You'll discern I'm pre-pubescent.]
7 p.m. EDT | [transport or something] Cent
More Burkean than Bolingbrokean: Pension Plan Puppets
The Maple Leafs are 4-0, scoring four goals per game, winning more faceoffs than they're losing, and giving up an obscenely low 23.8 shots per game. Their powerplay has been poor (15%) but their penalty kill strong (93.3%).
And of course after four games, all of this is just a bit of nonsense as we try to sort out what's real and what's some such sunshine in early October.
Lineup Notes
The Leafs have a large arsenal of defensemen -- a few who are severely overpaid -- even after waiving Jeff Finger, but the latest entry is likely former Red Wing Brett Lebda, looking to debut tonight. They've been praised for their team speed thus far, and Leafs coach Ron Wilson spoke of his hope that Lebda will bring a Wing-like tendency to move the puck quickly.
In goal, J-S Giguere has received three of the four starts. At the opposite end, Dwayne Roloson famously put up 58 saves to steal an OT win last year in Toronto (Game-winner: Your hot #12 Josh Bailey). But looking at the quasi-rotation thus far, you'd expect Rick DiPietro tonight. Still, I'm sure word will filter out later this morning on the real plan. Indeed it has: Despite DiPietro's impressive breast cancer awareness pink pads, Rollie gets the nod, says Strang.
If you haven't heard, summer Atlanta arbitration reject and ex-Sabre Clarke MacArthur has five goals and became the only Leaf to score in his first four games.
Overall, with John Tavares eased back into the lineup last game, it will be interesting to see how Scott Gordon deploys him tonight (a lot of powerplay time, naturally, but in what 5-on-5 combos?. The other questions revolve around when Trent Hunter returns [edit: still out]; Chris Botta tweeted concern about Blake Comeau taking a shot off the foot, but you'd expect it would have to be broken for him to sit out amid this hot start. With the Maple Leafs employing Colton Orr and his tendency to run around for 5:00 TOI (when not getting knocked out), you could see the cause for Trevor Gillies to remain in the lineup for his own token minutes and a quarrel.
The Islanders took the season series 3-1 last year. One one hand, early in this campaign, you've got a real test for both teams. On the other, you've got two teams yet to discover their major weaknesses, nor to learn what they're truly capable of. October hockey is awesome that way.
A Tale of Two Rebuilds, and Two GMs
Brian Burke plays well among Toronto media not because he may or may not know what he's doing (that's a mere afterthought), but because his public persona is a character friendly to ink. Hence the constant flow of features on him that excuse his American origins by praising how Canadian he acts. (He lived in Minnesota, which is really close! He prefers North American let's-just-say-Canadian players!) As New York residents know all too well, a concentrated crowd of media competition creates an endless appetite for the big line and the inflated story, even on days when there isn't one.
So in Canada's version of NYC, in Canada's favorite sport, Burke fits perfectly. It's probably even better for the NHL this way.
Meanwhile on Long Island, the birthplace of sleepy suburbs outside the Big City, home of the franchise whose dynasty the NHL "history will be made" ads forgot, Garth Snow is stylistically different. He's Bolingbroke to Burke's uh, well, Burke. Close to the vest, no-nonsense in approach, saving his bluster for private action rather than public consumption, Snow plays it differently.
Snow is so careful with disclosures, always keeping his players' interests and privacy in mind first. Burke openly discusses player moves that don't happen -- how many times has he discussed a Tomas Kaberle trade? -- but goes out of his way to tell media how much he has his players' interests in mind.
Honestly, Burke's absurd bloviating has bugged me at times, but I accept his schtick as a way of keeping interest in hockey running high and heavy. Snow's careful choice of language and guardedness has bugged me at times, but I generally accept his approach as rooted in focusing on team and roster first.
I only mention any of this because each of these teams is rebuilding, coming at it with budgets at opposite ends of the NHL's $16 million payroll gap. And while each team's possession of first place in their division today is surely more cosmetic than predictive, it strikes me that somewhere in the future these teams will be in a competitive position again, perhaps even on another playoff collision course.
If that should happen, we'll see how two different personalities, with two different approaches to rebuilding (by design and by necessity), can bring their teams back to the forefront with a little thought and a little luck.
...or maybe Toronto maintains its special company with the Panthers as the only teams to miss every playoff since the lockout. You never know. Far worse things have happened.
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"Two minutes and a quarrel"
Well done! I love using words that fit but are unusual for the current description. Are the PPP people going to be around for the thread? Those guys are pretty funny.
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 7:40 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think PPP would break the system. They have to break their own threads into separate periods at this point.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
We’ve had to break periods in half for big games before. At around 1,500 comments it’s really hard for people to open the thread for the first time and everyone inside starts to bog down.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Yeah, it really pushes the limits, which is a shame. That’s where the dress code comes in handy.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
you guys have a dress code?
"Tell Sigmund Freud not to worry about his mother, I took good care of her last night. BOOYAH."
Certified Grabbo lover
if we have to wear pants, i’m not coming
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 18, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Black socks for everyone. No exceptions.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
The socks aren't offended
They’re colorblind*.
*or “colourblind,” for our Middle English-adhering readers.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
I've been meaning to ask...
can I wear MEAT PANTS?
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
No. Meat pants are confusing and a little arousing.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Come on Nosferatu...
they don’t have to be “RED MEAT” pants… I actually like poultry pants… and if we should be in mixed company I’ll keep the pork pants in the closet.
No way I’d wear the “Catch of the Day” denims… which are a culinary hybrid that only come out when there are too many cats in the back yard… so to speak.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Careful,
You’ll get salmonella crotch. Curable only by a Wisniewski from Avery.
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 1:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I hope so
I feel like getting in a fight tonight with some asshole Canucks.
NittanyWhiteOut.com. Arguably the second best Penn State blog I know of.
by Devon Edwards on Oct 18, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
This seems like a healthy and intelligent attitude to have.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
You clearly weren't around for one of the games last year.
NittanyWhiteOut.com. Arguably the second best Penn State blog I know of.
by Devon Edwards on Oct 18, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, he was
If anyone plans on using this forum for juvenile flaming or baiting one another, they can take it elsewhere.
The only reason you’d ever have opposing fans interact here is for banter, light-hearted debate. Anything else, I don’t need it.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
I remember the 08-09 season when a lot of gamethreads were just me and Dominik.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
haha, I know that feeling.
There’s one or two game threads that are just me yelling at the wall.
After the 2nd Period of Opening Night "Best Period of the year" DevonPSU
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
:sniff:
Memorieeeees…
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
are you the one whose dad is like 6’5?
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 18, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
And goes to Penn State
If you don't love Tomas Kaberle you're a terrible person.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Oct 18, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, let's not rehash last year's tomfoolery by multiple people
Thanks.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
No worries
I wasn’t involved in last year’s altercations, I just lurked a little bit. It won’t be a problem.
If you don't love Tomas Kaberle you're a terrible person.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Oct 18, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
since you asked so nicely, soitenly
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 18, 2010 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions
ha
We were here. We remember.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
We’re like vampires: once you invite us in you’re boned.
See you in the second period!
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I'm prepared
Garlic, holy relics, and a picture of Mike Palmateer from 1978.
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
Clearly those things don’t work against us.
On an unrelated note could you turn that picture around? I, uh, don’t like the frame.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
OKAY...
looking forward to that kind of stuff… even though I may be painting the bedroom during tonight’s game…
… and NO, that is not a euphamism!
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Have you considered throwing away that garlic before painting? I’ve heard it messes up the colors or something. I’m not sure and since I’ll be painting soon I don’t want to handle it either.
Just as a favor obviously.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
We're stuck with the garlic
I’m Italian. That stuff goes in everything – pasta, tuna sandwiches, oatmeal…
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
Me too...
…though it’s hard to find a garlicky satin base for the bathrooms. You have to go to Lowes and ask for the “Larry King” collection
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Pre-season... over?
Is the pre-season over for the NY Islanders. Obviously they had a few questions that needed to be answered in the first part of the season. Have they been?
Rick DiPietro can play. He’s played fairly well. Do we need to probe deeper? Can we find out how he does on the bench for a few games, or are they going to push him until he pulls something?
Milan Jurcina has done a fair job. Are they going to use him in a platooning role with Jack Hillen? When you need physical, you get Milan, when you need smooth, you get Jack. I would believe tonight is a physical night…. and then there is the other question… Is Jack fully healthy?
Lines/TOI… John tavares and Kyle Okposo got the lion’s share of offensive responsibilities last year… Will this year be one in which those minutes are EARNED? If so Josh and Blake should be taking on those roles…so far. I think this will pose a chicken/egg debate… If you don’t give JT the top center job, will he falter, or will he create a dependable SECOND line scoring force?
Nino? What to do with him…. I still think he should be in Portland after 9 games, but he has shown that he isn’t out of his depth in the NHL. Josh is a pretty good case here…. would he have been better or worse if he’d have been returned to juniors and gotten another WJC…
RSH… does he get his job back?
Martin/Joensuu… what happened to the idea that they would get auditions early?
Grabner looks like a keeper… does PA get sent PAcking?
Stay tuned!
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Nino
I was reading something on deHaan the other day where he was struggling for his team and said that the game is too slow there. He needed to slow down to let the play develop. I starting to re-think sending Nino back down. He is looking better every game and if going back slows him down it’s not worth it. After reading that, I wanted Garth to go rescue CDH!
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 8:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That's the problem sometimes. Either people are ahl ready and not nhl ready but they are only allowed back to juniors.
That rule sucks and needs to be fixed. And that’s why nino should probably stay up.
Go isles or Go home.
They should
Give that “special player” status like JT got or make it so halfway through a season they could be promoted or something. Is this a problem with the rest of the league or just us because of the re-build and free agency problems?
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 9:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm not sure...
…but I think that rule is to keep those kids in Juniors more than it is to keep them out of the AHL. 18/19 year olds are important to the revenue stream, and keeping those programs alive. If NHL teams were allowed to take borderline NHLers and stick them in the AHL on the cheap it would dry up some great hockey. I’d love to hear BC’s take on this… or really anybody who enjoys that very special level of hockey. I know if I was closer to it I’d be a great supporter of junior hockey.
Another point is that these kids are 18 and 19 years old… they need STABILITY… especially the border line cases. This forces them to be one place or the other…. but it’s probably a little hypocritical to allow them to be traded (I assume there are dates/rules there for their protection)
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
It only applies to CHL
NCAA guys are our meat when we decide. (“Our” being NHL.) CHL kids are the only ones tenderized in this way.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
It's all about the dollars... mostly...
I don’t mind the requirement that some kids get sent back the junior. I would rather have star caliber draft picks take it easy than get steamrolled by some enforcer type looking to make an impression and get 1:57 TOI in the NHL. It’s also about keeping junior hockey alive. It’s great to have the kids in the NHL but when they go up the junior teams are losing their star players. They need to attract fans too and the league needs to develop players, so you probably won’t see that rule go away so soon.
Also, if de Haan was this ready last year he would’ve been on the team. I thought he should have stayed, but they already have eight guys, and while waiving Bruno wouldn’t be a big deal, nobody likes dealing players on the waiver wire and Bruno is already developed. Though, we do have Gordon’s comments about Bailey. They could be equally applicable to de Haan.
Grabner the key for Nino?
I don’t buy the whole, “the game is too slow”… well, son, if that’s true… slow your ass down and DOMINATE. I’m not sure where that’s coming from, but if it’s from CDH I hope we didn’t waste all of that draft movement on a whiner.
As it pertains to Nino, another argument for Portland is that with Portland he gets 20+ minutes, first unit PP, maybe PK time at the behest of one Garth Snow and the glory of representing carrying his team at the World Juniors.
In NY he’s going ot be the third option at LW until there are enough injuries. I think they need to take a hard look at Grabner (Yes, this probably means Joensuu, and thus SIZE, is no longer that big an issue for Gordon) and there are no indications that Moulson was a one year wonder.
If RSH and JT win their respective center roles back, and Josh is just as producive on the LW it’ll be hard to justify Nino getting any real soft time at all. Why lose his first ELC year for third and fourth line responsibilities… it’s not fair to either side.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
The best argument to send Nino down is that he’s really young and the Islanders would benefit more in the long run by sliding his ELC.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Maybe so, maybe not
This argument always intrigues me, but I can see it blowing up in a couple of other ways:
1) Both Nino and De Haan (and even next year’s #1, if the Islanders fall, plus Hamonic or someone) reach free agency at the same time.
2) Nino is an even better player in his walk/RFA year than he would be if he started now, giving him far more bargaining power/asking price in an uncertain CBA landscape.
I get the whole, “you need cheap players to win” argument of leveraging guys’ cheapest years to be their best, but I don’t think it’s as cut-and-dry as people make it out.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
The way I see it is truly elite talent is hard to acquire. If you want a 50pt player there’s always a Zherdev or a Frolov or similar floating around cheap. You can grab something like that to shore up your top line. But a 35-40 goal scorer is impossible to get for anything less than a king’s ransom.
You should develop all of the talent in your system whatever way gives them the best chance to blossom into elite talent, period. Full stop. End of discussion.
With Niederreiter we’ve seen a lot of teenagers succeed in the NHL recently but they’ve all been generational players. Ovechkin, Crosby, Kovalchuk, etc. If you think Nino is ready to play first line minutes against real opposition this year then you keep him in the NHL.
If you’re going to give him sheltered minutes behind your first scoring line you return him to junior and slide his contract. If all of your prospects are so good that you can’t afford them as RFAs you let them get offer sheeted and take a ton of picks.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Yeah, I generally agree with that. I don’t have the magic answer on the best route for player development, so I’d just say Development > ELC-sliding every time.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
Absolutely. I just think if you look at 18 year olds in the NHL you’d say “Oh my god get him to Portland”.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I look at him and say, “I wish we could groom him in the AHL.”
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
I don't know, it's probably best for the whole team if he stays up here and burns an ELC year.
The argument is him vs grabner/Parentau. Is he going to be better then either of them this year? Probably not, but definitely possible. Is the loss of a parentau over a grabner in the lineup worth keepin nino up/Is the net loss that great? Not really imo. And then the huge factor: If someone in the top 9 gets a severe injury in the next 4gms(hunter is a possibility) while nino is up, he’s AUTOMATICALLY here because he is the guy on the bubble with the other 2. I just see more good then bad coming from him staying. Whether it be a net loss or gain for the team or the saved salary cap/money from his next contract. I honestly believe it’s the best thing to do. But if the ahl was an option, I’d no question say send him there and bring him up after another injurt or later in the year.
Go isles or Go home.
honestly
Regardless of what Gordon says about Bailey’s development, I think the primary reason you roll the dice on Grabner is so you can return Nino to juniors without leaving the team badly short.
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
After picking up Grabner I figured he was definately going back at 9
Drink of the Month: Bailey's on Ice.
I like the RFA year argument,
it really could mean the difference to signing nino for 4yrs/12mil or 4yrs/16mil during that decision year. I honestly don’t think the whole better maturation argument would make much difference because he hasn’t looked out of place here and he would dominate in the whl while adjusting back to weaker competition. Everyone needs a transitition phase, so this arguably should save us money if he stays up and burns 1 year quicker. In the long run if it helps the team(salary cap/financially) and doesn’t hurt the team now(statistically or otherwise), then why not do it and keep him up?
Go isles or Go home.
I hear you
On slow the game down and dominate. He wasn’t whining about not being here. He (I think) was just stating a fact that he is having some adjustment trouble. My thought wasn’t about juniors so much as what happens next year? He will have to get up to NHL speed again in camp. It would be nice if the trajectory were linear by talent, not age.
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 11:36 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
On that note
It seems like a common complaint when junior players first return to their junior clubs. Hockey tier vertigo, or something.
I bet if we were all honest, we’d all agree there are developmental pluses and minuses to both another year in junior AND to staying with an NHL club. The key is which ledger is more plussy.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
Maybe, just maybe..
the organization has a good handle and what, where, and why they want what they want from their kids in terms of development…seem to be doing a good job in selecting AND developing, so our views on development must be seen as non-expert at best. With regard to CdH, I wouldn’t start labeling him a whiner (silly actually if anyone is doing that). The fact is, Jr hockey IS slower…one of the reasons given by the NYI for keeping Josh a couple of years back. And btw, every scouting service/hockey reports you find now has CdH listed above nearly everyone drafted after him as a future prospect, so once again, I think the Isles should have earned a little trust from us that MAYBE they really do know what they’re doing!
Going to have to start re-thinking my stance on Bailey’s development. I have felt it was a no-brainer to have let Bailey develop in Juniors and the AHL until he was better suited for the NHL and that was a large part of my thinking in terms of Nino as well. However, seeing how Bailey has played so far this year, he may be right on track. The deceptive part about Bailey is that we were able to see behind the curtain and watch him develop. If he were in the minors/juniors the past two seasons and then came up to start the year he would be a revelation. I’m just not sure anymore if he would be where he is today if he would have taken the minor league route. I still believe that you should earn your roster spot and not be handed a spot due to draft position. Then again in retrospect there wasn’t anybody for Bailey to beat out of a spot when he came along.
She loves me, she loves my knot!
I still believe that you should earn your roster spot and not be handed a spot due to draft position.
Nino may be even more NHL READY than Josh was, but the difference is that now the Islanders have the luxury of sending Nino back if they want to. Two years ago the team was devoid of talent and that pretty much forced their hand with Josh and Kyle.
Josh also has something that is making him a special 21 year old… the kid seems to suck everything in like a sponge, without releasing anything… until he’s ready. He was physically unprepared for year one, and the Isles wasted at least one year of his ELC… He has also had the benefit of being in ONE SYSTEM for those two years, rather than only getting last year.
It’s a very debatable point… and we’re not GM’s or coaches… but we are master debaters!
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
"Master Debaters"
Awesome! So close to PG-13!
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 9:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I felt at the time Bailey was given his spot for two simple reasons 1) they drafted him so high and 2) they had nobody else. In Nino’s case he may be a high draft pick that has a more NHL ready body, but he is also joining a team where there are a few more options. So far Nino has been earning his spot and so I don’t want to see him demoted just because he can be. I think you earn your roster spot either way, if you’re the best player regardless of age that shouldn’t be held against you even if as an organization you may worry about contract status and the rest. Too bad the AHL isn’t an option for these types of players since it would help them learn the system. Anyway, this was just me thinking that I may have to open the door a little to give Snow and Gordon credit for Bailey’s development after being down on them for so long for pushing him through.
“Nobody else” is never really the case. You can find a warm body as a UFA or via waivers. Protecting young talent is more important than winning games in the short term.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
The question is what is best for a player’s development? If you have “nobody else” then does the player benefit by learning the game at the pro-level or do you artificially create a logjam in a position just to keep them longer and develop them slower. It isn’t really competition for a spot if you know that the player is just a placeholder and there is no conceivable way you are taking his spot. The Islanders had already exhausted the warm body and waiver realm when Bailey came in and they weren’t even interested in icing a competitive team so they could just as easily have Bailey play quality minutes at the NHL level. If they were serious about competing there would have been pressure on them to limit his ice time and then stunt his development. They may have had him for an extra year before he becomes an UFA, but still wind up wasting a couple of years as he develops at the pro level.
Appantly we can't though
Building, building, wanna play for s winner yada yada yada…young roster! Ideally that would be great, but the above truth or the Wang lie to get his city built has prevented us from that so far. Crap even in NHL 2011, none of the free agents have interest in the NYI. Clement also opines that we need a new building…its so real life!
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 11:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
UFAs aren’t interested because the Islanders are clearly still rebuilding. I’m betting that in three or four years when the Isles are full of young talent being part of a winner and close to NYC are big selling points.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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But we got Mike Comrie once!
/struggles to keep straight face
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
http://www.google.com/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=us&client=safari&q=duff%20man#i=0
0 fer on the season and dragging malkin down with him. Is he a mole???
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 11:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They were ranting about him on XM on some fantasy show. it was hilarious. All worked up over Mike Comrie (“a healthy scratch already!”) while also chiding themselves for acting as if it would go any other way.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
that trade with ottawa was hilarious
wait, what do i mean was? it still is!
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 18, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Shaggadelic, baby
but we are master debaters!
Some of us are cunning linguists as well.
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Oct 18, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Bailey is an interesting case if he was hurt or not by being brought up quick.
IN the article: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=540836
Gordon said: “We knew that if he stayed here, we could get a lot of the bad things out of his game and make the process quicker for him,” Gordon said. "If we had sent him back to junior, he would have gotten a bunch of points, probably would’ve won the Memorial Cup with the team that won it. He would’ve gone to World Juniors (for Canada), but at the end of the day, right now, he could be the player we saw last year instead of being the player he is now.
“That’s two summers of quality off-ice training. It’s the understanding of after he makes a play, he’s got somewhere to go. He’s just so much stronger on the puck now that things are happening more for him because of the fact that he’s just older. Had he played another year against kids, it’s not going to help him as far as speeding up the process of being NHL-ready.”
So obviously, Gordon is pro rushing some in betweener nhl/Junior guys that aren’t allowed to go to the ahl.
Go isles or Go home.
Those are dangerous words, Scott...
They were in the not so unique position of being an AHL team in 2008-09, and not so far off that in 2009-10… REAL NHL TEAMS, which they are BECOMING, can’t afford to spend a whole season coaching kids with soft miutes.
Let’s be realistic, they got JT because they spent 2009 “preparing” Josh and Kyle. Last year JT was roughed up every night… This year I hope they at least learn from their mistakes… They need some MATURE size to be on the ice for more than a minute… I really think that spot needs to go to Martin… and then they’ll be able to roll four lines because Trevor would be in less games. Nino isn’t ready for THAT yet… NO WAY.
If you apply Gordon’s logic THIS YEAR you’re basically saying that we can throw away this year just like 2009… Do you want to be the Pittsburg Pirates of the NHL… well… actually the Pirates MAKE MONEY… so they can’t even be that.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
That’s where Nino and Bailey are coming into different situations. Bailey was able to play “AHL” minutes at an NHL level because let’s face it, they could have picked up a warm body, but for what purpose? As teams get better they almost have to be more patient because they don’t have the ice time to “waste” developing people at the NHL level. Why would the Wings bring someone up to learn the NHL game when they already are having trouble finding ice-time for all of their players? That’s not to sya that if you are given a full-time slot at the NHL level you wouldn’t develop that much faster. That’s waht I’m trying to figure out, given equal amounts of playing time a player may develop faster at the NHL level. Most teams don’t have the luxury of being so bad that the ice time is available.
Not sure I see the logic,
First, there’s no evidence that Martin is anything more than a 3/4 line player…which btw is still a great 5 round pick. He’s no savior, he’s not projected to be a big time power forward, and he’s not playing on a line with JT, JB, KO or any over our skill kids…different line with different purpose. Second, I disagree about the comment regarding applying Gordon’s logic to this year…it’s YOUR logic that you are applying to this year if we keep Nino…HIS logic would suggest that keeping him allows him to grow while fitting into a more skilled team in general. Remember, there wasn’t much talent around JB and KO a couple of years ago. And, keeping 18 year old’s is not a novel concept unique to the Islanders anymore…Kane, Kulikov, Schenn, Fowler, Skinner, etc.
Matt Martin
Three months ago Garth said that Matt martin would get, “…every opportunity to make the team.”
At the end of the season Gordon wanted, “size, size and… um… size”
They added Konopka who led the league in fights, and can actually play a role other than pugilist. That may have turned down the front burner heat on the Matt Martin experiment…
But the team still can use some size, and big body in a middle six role. It’s nice to have Gillies chained up on the bench barking at potential perpetrators, but it might be better to have Martin running around the yard delivering big hits and being right on top of what’s going on out there.
Plus… the most important point I can make… I JUST BOUGHT A MATT MARTIN JERSEY!!!!
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
My Logic?
How is it, “[my] logic”. The quote is directly from Scott Gordon saying how they were able to bring Josh along in 2008-09.
I’m just saying that the environmental factors that allowed them to focus on Josh’s (and let’s not forget that Kyle was n the mix there as well) development do not exist right now for Nino. If this was 2008-09 and it was Nino I’d still want him to go to Portland (not as much as I wanted to see Josh go back to Windsor) but I could see where it could work out(based on Josh’s results).
Gordon has to be given a lot of credit for the development of Josh (…and you may know I am no big Scott Gordon supporter). I don’t think the team needs that right now. I feel as though they need to focus on growing the core of good quality talent they have that are turning the corner. I think they would be better served by giving a 23 year old Grabner a hard look before his RFA year… they are at a point where 2011-12 can be a real blockbuster year for them. Later in the season we’ll most likely be discussing decisions on Schremp, Grabner, Wisniewski, Martinek and Hillen.
There is no call to rush guys along right now. Snow has done a great job of re-stocking the shelves…
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
I agree and by the way, Gordon said in the same press conference something like “it seems Grabner is a guy who just needs an opportunity to show what he can do – and be sure, he’s gonna get it here”. So, giving Grabner a hard look is what they most likely will do indeed. What that means for Nino, well, I don’t know. Obviously, they said the exact same thing about PA prior to the season and additionally were always high on giving Martin a real chance this season, so, quite a few guys in the mix there indeed.
Agree.
However, if Nino is currently more NHL ready and therefore needs less care and feeding, then I don’t see a cookie cutter solution. Each player’s development will be based on their ability and where the team as a whole is in its development.
I like the idea of Nino going down and Grabner getting a good look. I’m just less entrenched in my position seeing how Bailey turned out. Then again we’re only 5 games in so no careers have been decided yet.
That’s the crappy part of the 9 game, “IN OR OUT, MAKE A DECISON NOW!!!” world.
I think we can all agree that OUR CONFIDENCE in the people making thoise decisions has DRASTICALLY changed over the last three years.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
by JPinVA on Oct 18, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Haha, too true.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
nine games is almost nothing, though
And especially for a goalkeeper. There’s obviously ready, and obviously not ready… and in between, where a large majority of the players live, there’s “Is he struggling to adjust to NHL speed or does he actually have bad hands?” and “Is this a fluke or is he a legit 40-goal guy down the road?”
To be fair, it really ought to be 20 games at least. The league could adjust the ELC time clock easily enough, perhaps along the Major League Baseball idea of a “super two” – maybe give teams an option to extend the ELC by one year if a player spends more than 9 but no more than 20 or 25 games in the NHL… but the contract automatically goes up 10% if you do.
For a guy making 925K, that means that in exchange for a really good look at the kid, those three years move to $1,017,500 each. And it means that if you don’t have the extra 100K or so in cap space, you can’t do it, you have to burn the year.
I think this idea (with tweaking) would preserve teams’ options on younger players, give them more control over their investment, and benefit the players in question. I worry some about the older players who may be displaced for longer periods of time… we’ve had long discussions about the “middle class” second-line veteran who can’t find a job because his $2+ million is better spent on three rookies, one of whom may hit the jackpot and outproduce the veteran, if only for that season.
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
I would SO be in favor of 20 games on that rule
Or maybe combined with a clause making this exception for top 10 picks or something. With a guy like this, they’re not exactly looking to stockpile him (as the rule is intended to prevent), they’re looking to gauge and develop him in the best way.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
the team’s hot start has to probably hurt his chances of staying no?
a profound return... i still love sammy octoberfest :-)
I dunno
I really think they are all about how best they can develop him (vs. anything to do with standings), and the way they talk about his game I get the feeling they think it’s better for him to learn on the job here.
So if Grabner and P.A. both hit it off, I could see them not wanting to bury him behind those two and K.O. when he gets back.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
Joensuu
Was he ever that much of a question? I thought it was pretty clear that he was an “Impressive camp or back to Bridgeport” case. Martin, on the other hand? Maybe if Sim’s play takes a significant downturn or he gets injured and we need an extra “grinder.”
Yes...sadly...
Jesse Joensuu is drowning in the talent pool!
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
JJ: I don’t know that’s been all that impressive in either NHL or AHL games. I’m always somewhat disappointed in his game, but then again, he could be one of those guys that’s consistent over the long run, like a Frans or Hunter type. They’re not going to blow your mind, but you’re always happy they’re around. I haven’t seen enough of JJ to say that.
Never understood the JJ love affair, outside of him being big he left me wanting more as well. When Bergenheim was let go, it seemd like JJ and Matt Martin were the leading candidates to take over his role. Turns out neither were quite ready yet .I still have hope for MM, but that may be primarily because I haven’t been as exposed to his flaws.
intriguing kid
Has size, seemed to have some hands and a nose for the net. It hasn’t translated in the pros yet. One hopes that it does, at least to Trent Hunter levels.
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
Never really understood the love for JJ, either. But Martin has been just unfortunate this time, I’d say, missing the last week of pre-season due to an injury and being just about the only waiver exempt player when they had to send someone down. He’ll be back (soon).
Puppy Love...Maybe?... but no lust!
We’ve had a few glimpses at JJ and they were all moderately successful. It never seems to translate to AHL dominance. I’d like to submit that there doesn’t seem to be ANY AHL dominance… EXCEPT FOR JON SIM… and Jeff Tambellini. I would like to submit that the problem may be… THERE ARE NO CENTERS IN BRIDGEPORT.
We have a nice crop of prospects and young pros in the NHL, but not too much in the AHL. Hopefully Ullstrom will prove out at the position, thus defining his ceiling in the organization (because he’s not going to be making the squad as a center any time soon).
JJ will probably wind up in Europe next year and be pretty productive somewhere he can get some playmaking support.
What was once a glimmer of hope is now the dying ember of wasted potential.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Don’t mind seeing JJ go, another remnant of the Milbury era into the Dustbin of NHL History.
After the 2nd Period of Opening Night "Best Period of the year" DevonPSU
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
2006, behind Okposo...Smith(?) era
If you were referring to the deal that got us the second round pick in the first place… well… that was the Niimina and a 5th for Erskine and the second… pretty good deal by the short timer, Milbury on behalf of short timer Sterling… man did he hate Janne… we just disliked him.
In retrospect I’m surprised Erskine wasn’t retained for the Nolan era… he’d have been a good fit, and we probably wouldn’t have had a “substance” issue later that year.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
The whole trade tree in which we end up with JJ is insane, it starts with Scott Lachance and a 2nd round pick
After the 2nd Period of Opening Night "Best Period of the year" DevonPSU
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Should be a couple fights:
Gillies v Orr
Konopka v Phaneuf (finally retribution!)
Maybe Gillies v Komisarek
Should be a good physical game. Hope the momentum keeps going.
And whenever anyone finds out, post who is our starting goalie, is blake starting, and is hunter scratched. Thanks, Let’s Go Isles!
Go isles or Go home.
I’m pretty sure Komi has been forbidden to fight until they know his shoulder can take the daily physical abuse of the NHL for more than 40% of the NHL season. Look for Mike Brown and his mustache to be secondary for any fisticuffs after Orr
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 18, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Gotta get all my smack talking in before reality returns!
Two Eastern Conference Juggernauts battle it out tonight – cannot wait! Are we seeing an Eastern Conference Final preview tonight? If the season ended today, and the Southeast division didn’t exist, and only the top teams from each division made it to the playoffs – Damn right we would be. Questions will be answered indeed. It doesn’t get better than this.
Lineup stuff
I want to see Grabner a bit more, but I’m about ready to cut bait with PA if Grabner can at least be adequate. We don’t need PA on the PP. Then, keep Nino, get RSH back in somewhere, DW & JW on the PP points. Start to insert MM muscle (MMM?)especially if Hunter is in and out and I’d like to see Grabner get some PK time. He could be dangerous with Franz.
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 9:36 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Dominik ...........
Very well written article: insiteful, current, newsey, and as always with humour. Just a musing or two to add – Your best observation is basically that its too early to make any assumptions about the rest of the season for either team. so enjoy now which is why sports is such a fun metaphor for life.
Thanks
In these phases the whole “it’s early” caveat is a tiresome obligation, so it’s nice to just sit back and say, “Know what? This is sports. I’m going to enjoy this road however it leads.”
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
by Dominik on Oct 18, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s how we’re taking it. Obviously the Leafs aren’t the best team in the East and the won’t go 82-0.
But they’re doing a lot of things right. At even strength when the game is close they’re outshooting their opponents. Our defense refuses to give up shots. Those two things are good predictors of future success.
For now we’re enjoying the ride. An unsustainable 4-0 beats 0-7-1.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Ron Wilson is an interesting coach, always fun when he has everybody buying in. If the Leafs keep playing this way (regardless of record) — whatever will Toronto columnists do? Retract all of 2009-10?
Of course not, but as soon as the Leafs slump this year, then come the “I told you so’s” and trotting out his overall record including last year’s roster.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
Welcome back to 2002
This has the potential to feel like an early playoff game as far as intensity and tempo. Let’s hope it lives up.
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
Oh man
If these games ever got that good I’d die.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
as I like to refer to them as: the good ol’ days
Poise – (noun) the state of being P.K. Subban
by Hi, my name is Pavol, its nice Demitra. on Oct 18, 2010 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Radio coverage
Its WRHU i believe, not what ever you have posted
Thanks!
I am relentlessly dyslexic with radio call letters, even when they repeat them each break. (“Just tell me your frequency, Kenneth!”)
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
I think Burke and Snow are both doing a good job and neither would work well in the other’s market.
Burke’s brash persona and fast rebuild reflects the Toronto market. Snow’s slow but thoughtful rebuild reflects the confidence his owner has in his plan. Personally I think Snow is one of the better GMs in the game and think the Islanders are stockpiling some serious talent. The Isles still probably need a shooter to compliment a playmaker like Tavares but they’re adding youth in front of solid goaltending.
Tonight’s going to be a good game and I think you’re right Dominik: the Leafs and the Isles have a good shot of being on a playoff collision course in the next couple of seasons. Sure beats being on a collision course for first overall.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
I agree on all of it.
I remember seeing an interview where Snow said he was the exact opposite of Burke, in fact, he wouldn’t even say his name. I thought that was odd, but I guess it’s some sort of GM game they play, or something.
There are days I absolutely loathe Burke, and days when I really seem to like the guy. I like his outspokenness, and the way he calls things as they are. I feel that he often uses people as tools though – and is obvious about it – which I really don’t like. But he seems to know what he’s doing, I’ll give him that. If he can make TML into contenders again, I’d give him mad props.
The Isles are a year or two and a serious goal scorer away from being serious contenders.
I think the interview you speak of was around the 2009 draft when Burke kept speaking to anyone who would listen that he would do what he could to get Tavares, or thereabouts.
Burke in general plays the media well and gives them what they want without being a Milbury about it, so I’m fine with that.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
And if I remember correctly...
Their last matchup was pretty damn outstanding! I still have my #20 Webb jersey. My friend was at the home games and said it was the loudest thing he ever heard!
Still hate Tucker and Roberts…long live Cairns and Webb!
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 11:52 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No Hunter tonight
Which is fine as he hasn’t exactly been rippin it up out there. Might be a nice time to call up Matt Martin – I’m just saying…
When is RSH coming back – any word on that?
Hunter...
Hunter may not be the player he was his rookie season, but he is still my favorite Islander. he has stuck with the team through the bad years and now hopefully will be with it in the good years. I would gladly take Hunter over PA at this stage of the game. PA has not really impressed me thus far.
Shawn Bates will never die....so long as we remember THE penalty shot!
by Metalstar on Oct 18, 2010 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dear Santa
Can we have Fan Confidence Poll on Monday mornings? I saw that on the PPP page and I really like the idea.
…and while you’re at it Big Guy, what about that lifesize Barbara Eden “action figure” you’ve been promising me for 30 years?
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
You guys up north know what a football is?
A contributor to Lighthouse Hockey. Pretty sure I'm not the enforcer since I am studying to be a minister, but I can't shoot a puck accurately so not the sniper... Is there an other category?
by David Hanssen on Oct 18, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
(I live in Fairfield County)
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
If you insist
But you’ll shoot your eye out.
Consider it done! Soon-ish. Like this week for sure. Definitely won’t let it slide into November…
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
EXCELLENT!!!
…and what about the Fan Confidence Poll? (ha!)
To give it some objectivity, I’d like to suggest that a single question be posed:
“What are the chances that the Islanders make the playoffs?” This way we don’t get all confused about what we have confidence in.
Thank you Santa!
oh yeah… Drink more Ovaltine!
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Good idea
You and your objective standards.
The “Fan Confidence Poll” is where this stems from, I think. SBN sort of threw that at us one day this summer and we’re all wondering what to do with it.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
The one fun thing I find for it is to go to SB NY and see how we compare to other teams. Right now at 75% We’re ahead of the Rangers and the Devils (Who are at 48%, didn’t take long for them to deflate)
After the 2nd Period of Opening Night "Best Period of the year" DevonPSU
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Is it similar to the GI Joe kung fu grip?
A contributor to Lighthouse Hockey. Pretty sure I'm not the enforcer since I am studying to be a minister, but I can't shoot a puck accurately so not the sniper... Is there an other category?
by David Hanssen on Oct 18, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Dominik: the PPPeoples are interested in a road trip over here but you guys have a 24 hour commenting ban. Any chance you could lift that for today?
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
“LET THEM IN!!!”
“LET THEM IN!!!”
“LET THEM IN!!!”
“LET THEM IN!!!”
“LET THEM IN!!!
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Bring it the f*^k on!
A contributor to Lighthouse Hockey. Pretty sure I'm not the enforcer since I am studying to be a minister, but I can't shoot a puck accurately so not the sniper... Is there an other category?
by David Hanssen on Oct 18, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
lol, I could care less either way. I think I'm going to be at my grandma's again tonight with no computer around.
She still has a nice sized HD TV though to watch the game on so I’m happy. lol
Go isles or Go home.
Shall be done
Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing. I assume everyone can play nice.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
You guys aren’t the same people that post in all those TSN articles, are you? Because I don’t need to read about how “Phil Kessel could take Tiger Woods in 18 holes if Woods wasn’t such a Habs loving pussy that the PGA always lets slide” at 2 sites.
We loathe TSN commenters with a burning passion.
"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power
by The '67 Sound on Oct 18, 2010 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Phew.
Awesome. I like talking with other team’s fans cause you get a different perspective….really, it’s nice just to talk hockey. Don’t get to do that much IRL.
Yikes
I had no idea our reputation was this bad.
20 miles to Legoland!
by nhlcheapshot on Oct 18, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Rollie's the Goalie
tonight.
Hopefully our improved defense will mean that he won’t need to repeat his 58-save performance from last year.
Nice, we need him tonight against the numero uno leafs. Gonna be a fun game.
So hunts out and Rollie starting. Hope Tavares can put up a big game, I know he’s loved by the toronto hockey fans and he loves toronto too.
Go isles or Go home.
Rollin' with it...
…speaks volumes to what the first five games of the year were…
see CHINA SYNDROME.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Now the big question...
Is this because DP took a beating and had a setback? Note also, we sent Lawson through waivers yesterday…stay tuned!
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 1:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Lawson down=DP up for the long haul, and Mikko will have less starts in the ahl now.
Go isles or Go home.
exactly
He’d have to go through re-entry to come up now, except for emergencies. If put through re-entry, Lawson would almost certainly be claimed.
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
I think it's a sign DP is fine
But I don’t think Lawson’s much greater waiver risk in one direction or the other, unless he stands on his head in the A. His cap hit is already minimum.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
Why would Mikko have less starts in the AHL?
The Islanders have done this before with their 3rd string goalie. Lawson will get minimal starts but probably be the goalie that gets beaten up in practice. They did it before with Dubie and Danis when they were the NHL 3rd stringers in the AHL.
After the 2nd Period of Opening Night "Best Period of the year" DevonPSU
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
And seriously, what;s more important for the organization? Mikko and Poulin will continue to get the bulk of the work in Bridgeport. The only reason Lawson is still in the system is a bit of DiPi insurance. They’re not going to stunt the growth of two of their better prospects so Lawson can get playing time.
A contributor to Lighthouse Hockey. Pretty sure I'm not the enforcer since I am studying to be a minister, but I can't shoot a puck accurately so not the sniper... Is there an other category?
by David Hanssen on Oct 18, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
...and what about Poulin?
He’s 2.03/.931 in his first 2 games.
Drink of the Month: Bailey's on Ice.
wanna see DP however
roli is clearly better at the moment… it’s gonna take dp a lot of time to get back to where he was (all star level) if it’s even possible. but some fans are so delusional that roli is some sort of god and he’s the best goalie ever blah blah blah….
he’s not the second coming of jaque vilameur
he’s old, he’s good but that’s it… our fans are sometimes so desperate they will latch on to anyone that plays well and is not apart of what they consider the embarrassing years.
it’s strange the anger and fake lore that has developed with dp…
he was just a good young golaie… (everyone loved him) offered a big contract (fewer people loved him)… got hurt (many hated the organization then him) and he’s working his way back… (hate, mistrust, innuendo, love) everything said about him and his personality and how he works with his teammates has been nothing but good… everything else is just made up disenchanted fan rumors.
let it go
how about we just root for both… and have 2 good goalies… one really really old and one much much younger (in terms of hockey ages)
by Khan Noonien Singh on Oct 18, 2010 2:32 PM EDT reply actions
I think we’d all be pleased if it worked out for RDP and he got all the way back. Thrilled. But you may be misreading the DiPietro anger. A lot of it has to do with what we gave up to get him… and even though he was working out (All-Star, Olympian), he was perhaps unfairly a symbol of the Reign of Error under He Who Is Curiously Free of Nomenclature.
THEN he got hurt; then he STAYED hurt, and it all started. But there was always that threat of discontent below the surface. The fans didn’t just turn on the guy from 100% love and sunshine.
And all Dwayne Roloson has ever been is a good goalie, and a pro’s pro, and a stalwart on usually-bad teams. He’s never had the kind of outfit in front of him as Osgood had in Detroit, or he’d probably have a more glittery statistical record and more respect from casual fans. He’s not elite, but he’s very good, and has been for a long time. Fans are giving him love because of what he’s meant to the Isles (and before that the Oil and the Wild).
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
by mikb on Oct 18, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Best Decription ever!!!!!
“He Who Is Curiously Free of Nomenclature.” That is the best phrase ever used to describe that former Isle employee of about 10 years too many.
Shawn Bates will never die....so long as we remember THE penalty shot!
Agreed
Might need a glossary tweek here…
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Bailey were important.
As someone who’s pushing for Roloson to be default #1, it’s not because I think he’s heroic — although he was quite good before the platoon began last year. It’s because I think he’s better than DP is right now. If DP’s going to “get it back,” he can get it back gradually (heh: They have the time!) without carrying the load and costing us games that are still meaningful right now. It’s a matter of degrees rather than outrage.
But I do agree with your general take on why his disliked in some corners. As always there is fact to separate from the myths. For the record, I’m rooting for both goalies, and rooting for the better one to start on every non-back-to-back night.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
by Dominik on Oct 18, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes!
It is misplaced anger at management. It’s not DPs fault he is getting starts. Chances are, if he was Snow/Gordon, he probably wouldn’t start himself at this point. (What are the odds Strang ever asks that question???). But he is a liability right now. All anyone here wants is solid goaltending plain and simple. Whether it us 39 or 30 is of no consequence. Only 11.8 more years left till Poulin gets a start!
Some suspensions are worth it!!!
by Keith Quinn on Oct 18, 2010 4:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
As someone who’s pushing for Roloson to be default #1, it’s not because I think he’s heroic — although he was quite good before the platoon began last year. It’s because I think he’s better than DP is right now. If DP’s going to "get it back," he can get it back gradually (heh: They have the time!) without carrying the load and costing us games that are still meaningful right now. It’s a matter of degrees rather than outrage.
YES!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 18, 2010 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Mirror mirror on the wall...
it’s gonna take dp a lot of time to get back to where he was (all star level)
…and you’re calling us delusional.
Rollie was FANTASTIC last year. He’s been a terrific goaltender for longer than DP has had hair on his…. face. DP was marginally above average, even when he was an obligatory all-star.
Organizational promotion aside, let’s just say that Rollie can get us to Koskinen or Poulin… or maybe we go through a year (NEXT YEAR PLEASE) where DP is #1 again and one of the prospects backs him up (for 50 games while he rehabs)…
Do you really need to see this for very long to know that we need to look in another direction long term
….
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Rollie was FANTASTIC last year
and how did we finish last year? lol
let the hate and delusions go
by Khan Noonien Singh on Oct 18, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
we finished where a very young and rebuilding team usually finishes
The difference is that he gave us better-than-credible goaltending, especially compared with Martin Biron, who, sadly, contributed very little beyond his awesome homage goalie helmet and professional demeanor.
Blaming one goalie for last year is a little silly… especially since you’ve been complaining that WE’RE doing that to RDP.
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
Fantastic is a bit of a stretch
He was a solid #1. He stole a couple games like the Toronto 50+ saves game but otherwise was bottom third. We’re stuck with Ricky so we might as well ride him until he gets his stride back or breaks down for good. I’m all for Rollie getting 2/3 of the starts the first half but we need to get DiP up to speed sooner or later.
Drink of the Month: Bailey's on Ice.
47th in even strength SV%, 52nd in PK SV%.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Vesa Toskala
EV: .902, 71st
SH: .788, 74th
Oh thank god we don’t have this anymore.
If you don't love Tomas Kaberle you're a terrible person.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Oct 18, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Truly stunning
And through it all, he sees himself as an NHL starter.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
Passed up a $1.1 mil deal with the Flames. Think about how many half decent goalies are making less than that this year.
by Grabovski's better than you think on Oct 18, 2010 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions
this is one case where numbers can't tell the WHOLE story
You have to look at results compared to his running mate. did you see our defense last year? How good can your SAV% be when you are taking them 3 and 4 at a time.
Yes, “fantastic” may be a stretch, but I’d go with his history over DP’s anyday.
He’s earned our #1 designation, and the bridge to the future, rather than a backup role to the past… which was no better with a much better supporting cast.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
RDP
It would be a great story and great for the Isles if the guy can get back to being a #1. Always struck me as an athletic/reflex reliant goaltender with so so technique. I think with the hip injuries, esp for a goaltender, it will be very tought to return to that athleticism, and he never seemed too intent on improving his technique. Hoping I’m wrong, but feel better than I did about it with the goalies we have in the wings improving.
Fine
4-2 Isles.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo and Schremp and Tavares and Wisniewski were important.
sure, if we score it like it was golf
Rule #20
by JaredFromLondon on Oct 18, 2010 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Roloson dazzles with another 58 save performance and the Leafs win 5-2. Mwa ha
by Grabovski's better than you think on Oct 18, 2010 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
nothing in particular
So far: aside from one goal PP hasn’t shown much. Grabner has shown that he could try out for speed skating in the next olympics, and Schremp could be the poster child for a PR firm on how to promote a player with a very thin resume. If two out of three of these guys had shown something to date and KO was playing there would be no Nino discussion because he would be sent down. However the coach and GM have to make decisions on the facts as they are, therefore I believe Nino’s fate will rest on his performance the next 4 games. and this does not necessarily mean goals or assists, but rather his maturity and learning curve on ice. If its a close call, mgmt will err on the side of caution and send him down.
I just hope they make the call based on how HE plays
It really does not send the right message to our young hopefuls to send them down just because they don’t need to clear waivers (cough…Martin) even if they are performing as good or better with who we keep on the main roster. I was from the beginning on the 9 games bandwagon but if he shows he is ready to at least get 15 goals and not be a defensive liability then I see no benefit of sending the guy down to juniors (unless you really think PAP is gonna score 20+). Now that I’ve gotten to see him play I think what will benefit him most is playing against people his size and not some junior squirts. He has really surprised me how well he has done OFF the puck; it has given me the impression that he needs to be at a higher level so he can continue to grow. When we get through the next week and a half I hope the decision comes down to whether he belongs on the team and not about burning contracts (that stuff is part of what makes people not want to renew down the road). At this point I think he has played well on the ‘third’ line and is getting enough minutes to help him develop.
Drink of the Month: Bailey's on Ice.
Kirill Reality?
Anybody have any info on Kabanov? He was reported to have returned to Russia for personal reasons (BY NYIPB) and to be scheduled to return “soon”. He is not listed on the wildcats roster.
Just curious.
It’s like magic… without the rabbit crap in your hat!
Kirill Kabanov’s ETA in Moncton has been changed to “unclear.” The prodigal New York Islanders third-rounder has been back in Moscow for family reasons
After the 2nd Period of Opening Night "Best Period of the year" DevonPSU
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
On the Bright side
Petrov has been tearing it up since he was traded
After the 2nd Period of Opening Night "Best Period of the year" DevonPSU
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
He has more opportunities to play. Kazan is loaded with veteran talent, Yugra less so. More ice time probably led to better production.
A contributor to Lighthouse Hockey. Pretty sure I'm not the enforcer since I am studying to be a minister, but I can't shoot a puck accurately so not the sniper... Is there an other category?
by David Hanssen on Oct 18, 2010 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
that is GREAT news
When he hits the Island it’s gonna be on.
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
Hey Dominik
Just wanted to thank you for letting us in on short notice—and for setting the record straight about our hatred for Damien Cox in that fanpost.
I actually probably won’t be around for the GDT but wanted to say how impressed I’ve been with the Isles’ start. Payroll aside I think our two teams have a lot in common—young, hungry, fast, and shocking the hell out of people so far. I hope you guys can keep it up (outside of games vs. the Leafs of course). And please, beat the Devils and Flyers every chance you get.
Let’s hope we meet again in the playoffs.
"That’s why stats are so important – anecdotal evidence just doesn’t cut it when you’re talking about history." - Bower Power
by The '67 Sound on Oct 18, 2010 5:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Seconded
Thanks, Dominik.
I’ll be around for the second period for sure.
Defense! Defense! Common! Do you call that blowing!?
Thirded
Props over here at Lighthouse
Its about time we stopped refining; rebuilding and finally worked with what we have.
don't be sore, Jared
All y’all are welcome. And may Wendel Clark always smile upon thee!
Suspended two games for excellence in commenting
Let’s hope we meet again in the playoffs.
Words cannot express how frickin awesome that would be! :D
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 18, 2010 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn this is a fine preview
Looking forward to joining you guys in the 2nd period
by Grabovski's better than you think on Oct 18, 2010 6:17 PM EDT reply actions
Tavares game winning PPG!
God I love beating the Maple Goons! Almost as much as beating the Rangers…
Shawn Bates will never die....so long as we remember THE penalty shot!
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1979-80
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May 24, 1980: Tonelli to Nystrom. At long last, the steady build of the New York Islanders from expansion doormat to surprise semifinalist to annual contender reaches the promised land: Buoyed by a late season trade for Butch Goring that gave the team the depth up the middle GM Bill Torrey had been seeking, the Islanders knock off the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.
The victory justified the faith in coach Al Arbour who guided them from their second season to their first Stanley Cup seven seasons later. The Islanders would not be the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, but they would be the only one capable of a dynasty.
1980-81
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May 21, 1981: This time it was much easier. After falling to "only" 91 points in the 1979-80 season, the Islanders returned to their division title tradition, piling up 110 points -- a whole 13 points over second-place Philadelphia.
Between the quarterfinals (where they beat the upstart Oilers in six games) and the finals, the Islanders reeled off eight consecutive wins -- with a four-game sweep of archrival Rangers in between. As they defeated the Minnesota North Stars in five games for their second Cup, their goal difference in the final was a combined +10.
1981-82
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May 16, 1982: Another year, another landslide title. The Islanders won the Patrick Division by a whopping 26 points over the second-place Rangers, and were seven points clear of their nearest competition for the President's Trophy, the still-not-quite-ripe Edmonton Oilers.
A first-round scare against the Pittsburgh Penguins turned in the Isles' favor thanks to John Tonelli's heroics, and a true dynasty was on its way: Past the Rangers in six games, then an eight-game sweep of the Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks to run away with the Stanley Cup.
1982-83
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May 17, 1983: Not so fast, whipper-snappers. The Edmonton Oilers' steadily rising challenge for league supremacy took them all the way to the finals for the first time, where the New York Islanders summarily dispatched them in a four-game sweep. For the Islanders, the Dynasty was secured. For the Oilers, it was a powerful lesson in where talent ends and the demands of playoff hockey begin.
Four years, four Cups, 16 consecutive playoff series wins (a record that would grow to 19 until the rematch with the Oilers the following year). Mike Bossy scored 60 goals yet again, and Wayne Gretzky became acquainted with Billy Smith's crease.
