The early signs were so encouraging. Bailey and Cuomo playing like they had come of age. Weight visiting the fountain of youth. Parentau rilling up power-play points. Winning games against first place teams. Showing tremendous grit facing a number of injuries to key players...

So what happens when we get our Number 1 overall pick back? We look like we did the last 3 seasons. BORING, unable to put the puck in the net and forced to watch perhaps the worst number 1 pick in the NHL since Craig Jolly return to play the nets.

At their worst over the last few seasons the Islanders could cure insomnia. When they are playing like they are capable they are totally boring and inept. Only when they play way over their head are they capable of MAYBE registering a point by losing in OT or a shootout. Ever since a gift OT goal in Tampa the real Islanders boarded the bus and traveled to first Florida, then Montreal, then home and then to Philly.

Last night was typical Isles circa post 1994. No scoring, awful goaltending, our players getting abused all over the ice and putting their tail between their legs and begging for mercy...After such a promising start...

The Islanders have a ton of excuses built in like a town that hates them, fans that are so weak that they can't bother to attend games when the Isles are giving away tickets, an owner that is trying his best to give Long Island their millionth chance to show that they want the Islanders to stay...Poor facilities, a EGREGIOUS contract for a bust of a draft pick goaltender and a roster full of unknowns.

It's time for these younger players to decide what they want to be.  That means you Nielsen, Bailey, Cuomo, Moulson, Tavares, Parentau, Schremp, etc..etc...Ask yourselves the question, do you really care about playing in the NHL? If so then either you all suck or you just don't care. You aren't young anymore. Each of  these players have played at least a full season and most have played 2 or more, so the adjustment period is over. After what seems hundreds of season (and another one this season on it's way) of top 10 draft picks the Islanders should be ready to start seeing an explosion of success when these "prospects" come together. Instead what Islander fans continue to hear is EXCUSES and continue to see inferior play.  Either you all suck or you don't care.  Now it's time to choose, but I'm sick of watching you all lose, and if you are a REAL FAN get your but out the to the Coliseum because if the Islanders fans let this season expire like they have the last 3-4 seasons, you will have NO TEAM to root for when you realize it's time to care again.  Shame on you Islanders fans.  Even if this team is underachieving and maddening because of the high draft picks waiting on development, fans should still come to the arena.  I have been at every game and despite my anger at this teams recent four game slide and yet again getting embarrassed by the hated Flyers, I will always support this team by being there. So should you.