Who's your favorite post-dynasty Islander?
by Dominik on Sep 2, 2010 12:33 PM EDT
in Islanders of Yesteryear
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As is so often the case, some posts at SBN's Oilers blog Orange Copper & Blue got me thinking (and stealing): Who is your favorite post-dynasty Islander?
Which is typical. The destinies of these once-great franchises seem to run in parallel universes, with overlapping raw materials: They have a loud but cramped Coliseum, we have a loud but cramped Coliseum. We need a building, and our owner has run into civic resistance with his proposed new venue as part of a transformative real estate development; they need a building, and their owner has run into civic resistance with his...you get the idea.
This might shock you, but founding C&B writer Jonathan Willis selected Janne Niinimaa as his favorite. Go read that, and remind yourself that the metal-loving Janne we acquired for the Ghost of Isbister and the Future of Torres had already given his best years and several pounds of flesh in service to the post-dynasty Oilers.
And tell me, tell us all: Who was your favorite Islander since the dynasty ended? (And I recognize that for many of our readers, there are no Islanders but the post-dynasty Islanders.) The only rule: Pick a guy who didn't win a Cup with the team. So the '84 Pats -- Flatley and LaFontaine -- qualify, but most of their teammates that year do not. I'll give you mine after the jump. If anyone has a really long or beautifully composed answer, you're also welcome to write it as a "My favorite post-dynasty Islander" FanPost.
Pierre Turgeon
If the Islanders ownership and financial straits -- the effects of which still linger today -- hadn't taken an ominous turn in the late '80s, my answer to this would be Pat LaFontaine, full stop.
But we all know that's not how it went down, and the summer of 1991 brought it to a head, with the distressed sale of Brent Sutter and hold-out LaFontaine happening in October of that year. I admit it: I cried. I cursed the ownership. I cursed LaFontaine. (Later, I understood and took it back.) I cursed life.
But you know what was great about those days, versus when a star is on his way out today? Back then, stars were swapped in value-for-value trades. In fact, you know who else was in play on the trade market that year? Adam Oates, Steve Yzerman, Craig Janney ... and Pierre Turgeon. Circa 1991, that is a lot of damn fine centers on the market. (Regular readers know I've followed the Isles and Blues all my life, and with both LaFontaine and Oates in contract squabbles on my favorite teams, you better believe I fantasized about them being swapped for each other and keeping these little problems "in the family" -- or the "family" as I saw it in the little hockey house in my head.)
So while LaFontaine was sent upstate, because this was 1991 and not 2009 the Islanders didn't get "The Heatley* for Clunkers Package." They got Pierre freaking Turgeon. Uwe Krupp and Benoit Hogue sure helped, too.
*I hereby pledge never again to use LaFontaine in the same sentence as the spoiled Heatley.
But the point of this is, just when all looked depressed and lost to me as an Islanders fan, just when all of the fading remnants of the glory years were retired, waived or otherwise vanquished, here came Pierre Turgeon to save the day. He looked glorious filling up the back of that beautiful Isles sweater with his big 77. He was an insightful passer, but he had a great nose for finishing, too. He could set up office behind the net, he could break in from the wing, he could orchestrate the prettiest of 2-on-1's. Turgeon didn't make me forget LaFontaine -- having Patty rack up points with the Sabres ensured that -- but he made sure I got over it.
Turgeon "only" played 255 of his 1294 regular season games as an Islander -- 15 more in the playoffs -- but it felt like so much more. And while the singular and shameful cowardice of hockey's greatest sore loser Dale Hunter would change our history forever, it could never take away the excitement experienced watching Turgeon lead the team to Al Arbour's last hurrah in 1993. Turgeon racked up 4 goals, 4 assists in that opening-round series with the Capitals, including the goal that iced the series and sent Hunter -- it was Hunter's turnover that created it after all -- into a tantrum that revealed his true "character."
And honestly, it was that aspect of Turgeon I liked just as I liked it about Mike Bossy: They were essential offensive contributors who could only hurt their team by being in the penalty box. So they took hours and hours of abuse from lesser players without retaliating. Tell me all you want about your fighters and your gutsy intimidators and your dirty hacking Messiers, but to me the gutsiest act in hockey is to do what they did -- fight through the checks, hacks and crosschecks on their way to the goal, without resorting to the (inevitably penalized) personal satisfaction of whacking the other guy back. If Turgeon and Bossy hadn't possessed that unconventional form of toughness, they'd have just been two more talented players who never made it.
* * *
I thought about picking other less obvious players as my post-dynasty favorites. Kaspar enters that picture. The man later known as Chicken Parm. I had a place for Hrudey. Guys this decade have flirted with my heart, but either the turmoil has hardened that heart, or kept it guarded -- or maybe I've just gotten too old to attach such affinity for players anymore. (Gallery shouts: "Oh is that so? So what's the Frans Nielsen love affair about then?")
But as far as my life as an Islanders fan goes, Turgeon played the most important role: He kept my fire alive just when I thought it might go out. In short, I probably wouldn't be doing this site without him.
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Gotta be Stumpy
Steve Thomas for me. I wore his 32 in rec hockey leagues for years. All hail the Legend of NHL94!
Turgeon is a great pick
If you twisted my arm, I think I’d take Kenny Jonsson as my best post-dynasty Islander. My favorite? That’s tougher. Jonsson was so understated it was hard to pick up the love for him that guys had for the colorful or gritty Isles: Hogue, Pilon, Hrudey…
I think I’ll stick with Jonsson – Mr. Dependable, our latter-day Kenny Morrow. (And while I’m at it, Gary Roberts can sod off, the cheap-shotting bastard.)
PS – I assume that, for the purposes of this post, you are not including the “new” Isles, the Rebuilders, starting with Okposo? IOW, nobody who won the Cup and nobody from the past three seasons – our favorite “Dark Ages” Islanders?
82 days into my latest contract approval process
Dark Age, Milbury Age, Milbury Age of Darkness, same thing.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I was hoping to include anyone, 1984-2010
I’m actually curious to hear if anyone has already adopted a “new” Islander into their heart. Especially for the younger fans I figured we might get a few.
I could see a few of these guys nudging Turgeon aside for space in my head — but not yet.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
In a world of mediocrity, devoid of personality...
I agree.
Honorable mention to Hrudey (save and a beauty by…) and Jason Blake.
by IamJacksSplitSave on Sep 2, 2010 1:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No Worries
Rob Schremp Hockey
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
by the way,
i tweeted rsh to make him aware that RSH is his nickname on this site, i wouldn’t be surprised if he lurks here now, lol
welcome to MSG, where 2 out of 5 vendors are safe to eat from!
that would be awesome,
and it would be even more awesome if we can get some more NYI teamates to this site. We might even be able to give them valuable input while they give us some inside information! A great exchange process in the making. :)
Go isles or Go home.
Pierre was one of my favorites growing up. I’ll always remember that my parents got one of those cheap T-Shirt Jersey’s with Turgeon and his 77 on the back. Two weeks later I remember how heartbroken I was when I heard about the trade.
My all time favorite player is Luongo. I can’t tell you how pissed I was that every game I showed up for in 99/00 Weekes got the start. Watching him though you knew he was going to be something special. Even behind that godawful Islanders team he had some amazing nights. The thing that makes me slam my head into the desk time and time again is looking at Luongo’s stats only a year later. He went 12-24 with 5 Shutouts and .920 SV% in 00/01. That at the time I had to argue with people over how bad of a trade it was infuriated me to no end.
Of the current guys who should be around for a bit I’ve taken a liking to Okposo and Schremp. Okposo just because of that competitive fire he has, and Schremp just because every time I already like the guy I find another reason to like him (Follow Him On Twitter people, he’s hilarious)
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Two weeks later I remember how heartbroken I was when I heard about the trade.
And one week after that, WebBard’s Maloney voodoo doll was born.
I love Okposo’s competitive fire AND the fact he’s not a dirty punk. I know a lot of us hope he’ll be a little more combative/war-like when the going gets dirty, but I personally enjoy someone who can be that intense without going all Messier on someone’s spleen/ankle/wrist/neck/[insert Messier cheapshot here].
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Maloney gave me hope that bad GMs would get fired, not given another 5/6 years to ruin things.
One of these days we should line up all of Maloney’s negatives in comparison to Milburys within the same time frame.
I’ll see you the Trade/Drafting of Brett Lindros and counter with the Draft/Trade of JP Dumont.
Counter Turegon for Mueller trade with Luongo/Jokinen for Parrish and Kvasha.
Screwing up the Healy situation with the Paul Kraus/Palffy spectacle
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
That would be interesting
Like a “Who did the most damage per game played” metric.
Milbury at least brought some assets in here and there.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
I have to separate this into 3 categories:
Offensively: Palffy because he was an amazing player when he was here, fun to watch, a true superstar, and the best player we have had since the dynasty era. Should have been a career islander who brought us back to the promised land. But, Tavares will probably take over this position in a couple of years.
Defensively: Witt because of his style of play and more. His hits that put people through the boards or down to the ice, his great shot blocking that had no regard for his body or own health, his overall defense at his peak, his loyalty to standup for his teamates when any situation presented itself, his quiet do what he’s told attitude, and his heart which he had a lot of when he played at his best. He was a true defensive leader and shutdown d-man in every sense of the word in his prime.
Goalie-Undecided. Too many people that showed some light but never stayed or were traded away or injury prone or up and down.
Go isles or Go home.
Good idea
Defensively I think Witt and Pilon and Kaspar and Jonsson all vie for my affection, for obvious reasons with each of them. Something about Jonsson being all class; something about Witt putting everything on the line but also being a hilariously no-nonsense cantankerous interview.
In goal, I have to agree: So many that I started to like were gone before they could really take over. Even Hrudey. Snow’s work as GM is starting to rewrite my general memory of him, in the ambiguous fan memory sort of way.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
For me tough call between Flatley, LaFontaine, Hrudey, Volek, Palffy, Turgeon, Jonsson, Okposo not for best, but favorite. I’ll go with Kenny Jonsson since he was so underappreciated the entire time he was here with Ziggy close second. The Flatley, LaFontaine, Hrudey trio still seem like remnants of the glory years and didn’t fully appreciate them in context of the Hall of Fame team that just preceded them.
a 23 year old's perspective
Since I missed the cup teams… the players we are discussing are all I’ve ever known of our beloved club. Turgeon is the clear-cut favorite. I’ll never forget hearing about the trade that morning and spending an hour or so in gym class crying my eyes out on the pummel-horse.
To avoid sounding repetitive, I’d like to add another favorite to this list. Jason Blake. Not only was he on the Isles for several seasons, but he was like the Sean Bergenheim that actually could. To top if off, he was one of the nicest hockey players I’ve ever had the privelege of meeting. Oh yea, and he was the last 40 goal scorer since Ziggy… that has to count for something.
I’ll never forget hearing about the trade that morning and spending an hour or so in gym class crying my eyes out on the pummel-horse.
I can never get enough stories like these. Takes me back to the trade deadline days when our school janitor would find an excuse to come into my classroom and whisper the latest trades in the middle of class. He was like Twitter or the Internet before they existed.
I can’t say I’ve ever been so happy to see a janitor than on those days.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Blake was like the Sean Bergenheim that actually could.
Classic!
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Blake v Bergy
Blake played for a guy who wanted to get the most out of his players. Bergenhiem got one year under THAT type of coaching, after the mass exodus and being shut out the year before. I’d have liked to have seen Bergy instead of captain invisible (Sean Bates) on that 2006-07 team… things might have been different.
Blake was able to find a niche with his speed and ability to HOLD THE PUCK (aka puck hog). I would guess that 75% of Blake’s assists were from rebounds.
Bergy played with the three worst Islander teams this decade. One could argue that gave him a huge opportunity to shine…. but after a year of chasing his tail under the chinese firedrill that was Gordon’s first year he was relegated to a 3rd/4th line defensive forward role. Some of the better scoring chances last year were when Bergy played with Frans.
If he gets second line opportunities with Tampa he will score 25 this year. But more than likely Tampa sees him as a PK guy who can play responsible 3rd line minutes with SOME offensive upside. 15 goals and a PP/PK index over 100 will earn him a pat on the back.
Just remember that when you compare any of the Gordon players to past islanders, GORDON has shown us NOTHING BUT SUCK! So I get a litte defensive when I hear about guys like Comeau, Bergenhiem and to a lesser extent Bailey and Okposo. So far the only real successes under Gordon have been Streit and Moulson.
My cup is 3/4 empty, How 'bout yours?
In Fairness is Bergy gets 2nd line minutes with Tampa, that means his Center is either Stamkos or Vinny, not exactly a downgrade from his previous centers.
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Blake had Yashin during the best year as an Islander before he got hurt. If I remember correctly he got some time with Kozlov (also having a career year), but did also get York (and later Randy Robitaille). I didn’t mean this to be a negative towards Blake as he put up solid numbers in support roles as well.
I was just defending an Islander who I don’t believe got a fair shake from the organization or some fans. My point being that Gordon hasn’t led anybody to the water, and if you don’t get them there you can’t beat them for not drinking.
If Bergy plays his way into a role vacated by a possibly injured gagne or malone then I think he may open some eyes… I am rooting for the guy to get an opportunity there.
It’s unfortunate that there is still no “proven” talent at LW and guys Joensuu or Parenteau will benefit if RSH breaks out…. put Blake with Thompson for a few weeks… see what that gets you.
My cup is 3/4 empty, How 'bout yours?
Don't forget Martin,
I could see Martin turning into a top 6 at LW if he matures right.
Thompson, lol. The only real Islanders memory I will have of him is his wide open net missed shot against the rangers(a game we were blown out in later) last year after lundqvist chased a puck out of his net and fell. All Thompson had to do was skate it in if he wanted, but no, he had to fire it wide around the boards. lol
Go isles or Go home.
Oh, I know there were mitigating circumstances. Hell, Blake was 29 to 33 during his Islanders tenure, and Bergenheim is only now 26. Maybe by the time he hits Blake’s age, he’ll have figured it all out and will have received the opportunity
But I don’t think Nolan brought it out of Blake while Gordon repressed it in Bergy. Bergenheim had 15 goals in under 60 games in Gordon Year 1. He also complained about his ice time then (perhaps rightly so, as he never got the choice PP minutes that Blake got while racking up 12-14 PP goals, but I’d argue he should accept defensive assignments for the good of the team).
In terms of their tenure, though, I’m tickled by the comparison in terms of who became what was hoped and who didn’t, at least did not as an Islander..
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
I wouldn’t say Gordon “repressed” his talent, in as much as he put the team’s focus on playing an aggressive forecheck which has stifled their creativity.
Under Nolan at least four players had “career” years (Blake for sure, Kozlov, Poti and Yashin before he was less than 100%). All gone for year two.
You’d have to agree that nobody was doing cartwheels in Gordon’s first year.
Year 2 gave us more wandering through the tunnel without a flashlight. The PP, which may have been short on talent, was totally devoid of direction.
My use of Nolan v Gordon in terms of the two players lies RIGHT THERE. Nolan was able to identify pieces of the puzzle and put them in positions to succeed. Gordon’s focus is getting all the pegs, square, round, rectangle and oval to conform to somehting HE DOESN"T EVEN KNOW WORKS.
If years one and two grow into a year three where they can call on the forecheck when needed as a PLAN B this may turn into a very difficult team to play. If the forecheck is relied upon again to create 80% of the offense, coaches will say that they are tough to play, and continue to laugh as soon as they turn away from the camera.
The only guy I’ve heard say that it was a joke was Therrion, and even though his Pens blew the Isles apart by doing exactly what he BROADCASTED IN A PREGAME he was fired.
Gordon needs to grow, because he may have even more players in the pipeline that will not be successful under his regime… I’m looking squarely at the Kirill’s…
My cup is 3/4 empty, How 'bout yours?
i gotta admit
You make a good case, JP. Then again, I still miss Lavs.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
You mean that guy that Milbury said couldn’t take the team past the first round and has since been to the Cup Finals twice winning once?
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
the key to your comment
“MILBURY SAID.”
The moment the words were out of his mouth, it all but guaranteed Laviolette’s success elsewhere. If Mike Milbury doesn’t like you, the cosmos is about to smile on your works.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
So NBC hired him as an Analyst
To make the game better? lol
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I've always assumed...
that the two people most responsible for Lavy’s departure may be the two players most associated with the teams downward spiral (though some will refuse to admit it). You can add Milbury to the mix, because he wanted BOTH of them to work, more than he did the team. This is pure speculation, but Yashin (because he was successful in OTT) and Ricky (because he was built for it) wanted to play in a trapping style. They were two players that were given the weight of the franchise, and both crumbled under it. So I’ve always thought that Lavy’s demise on the islander should be blamed on the father, the son and the russian ghost.
My cup is 3/4 empty, How 'bout yours?
Peca was on Lavy's side, right?
I’d have to dig out my copy of “Fishsticks,” but it seems like that was the reporting through the ashes. I honestly don’t remember anything about DP and Lavy, but my brain’s been filled with a bunch of other junk since then.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
I thought Laviolette was great, and I think that history has shown pretty clearly that he’s the second most talented coach the team has had. That said, I remember reading everything I could about this at the time (since I was a big fan of his back then, too), and I think there was a legitimate case that he was losing or had lost the team and that it may have been the right call to fire him.
All the articles at the time quoted anonymous players saying that it wasn’t fun to play under Laviolette and whatever else. When they announced Stirling, a bunch of players (Snow, Cairns, and Webb are the ones I remember) attended the press conference, which apparently is unusual. I could believe that Yashin complained to upper management, but I doubt that DiPietro would have, especially since I don’t think that locker room would’ve particularly liked him.
If I was forced to speculate about a single player, though, I’d point to Snow, who was a locker room leader, and who seemed like he had grown tired of the coach’s style. I also recall an Alan Hahn mailbag blog (or something like that) that said Laviolette was pissed about the Osgood trade because he didn’t like his goaltending going into the playoffs. So it’s possible that such an attitude was either a symptom or a cause of the rift with Snow. (Of course, Peter was right about that, but…)
For what it’s worth, I think there’s some chance that Laviolette does have a personality that walks the line between charming/intense/motivational and pushy/irritating. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t quite strike the right balance that second year, especially after all the work he had to do to turn around that awful start and put us in the playoffs. If I recall, he had to shorten the bench a ton in the process, so I could imagine that it would turn off some of the third and fourth line types.
And yes, Peca said in an interview the next year that he was a Laviolette guy.
tough call but ...
i like pilon.
of all my favorite post-dynasty guys, i think he would have best fit in with the dynasty teams. an real al arbour type player.
I’d say Pilon, if he didn’t grate on my nerves so much. The guy is eternally hurt for the Islanders, and they finally give up and waive him. He gets picked up by the Rangers and hardly misses a game in the two seasons he played with them.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
You wanna complete the trifecta for me? He joins the Blues and gets hurt like 6 games in. I was really worried even when the Blues signed him; then I’m actually at the game where I see him go down and I’m like, “Yep, here we go. FML.”
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Hogue
I’m gonna go off the board a little bit here and go with my favorite player when I first really starting watching and following hockey on my own (prior to the early nineties I watched games with my Dad and grandpa but didn’t really follow what was going on). For whatever reason I first identified with Benoit Hogue. Maybe just because he had a cool french canadian name. Really what I liked was that he was a hardworking all around player who could score. I’ve never been one to identify with the star of the team, and like the hard-hat blue collar type guys. I remember Hogue being a fast skater (i’m not sure if he was a fast skater or not but that was my impression at the time) who was both agile and tough. He was both Dean Youngblood and Carl Racki in one.
I’ve also always had a soft spot in my heart for enforcers. Mick Vukota was another favorite of mine. Couldn’t skate, couldn’t stickhandle, couldn’t score; wasn’t even the best fighter but he was always willing.
Ah, the memories
I always edited my lines in NHL ’93 and ’94 for a top unit of Thomas-Turgeon-Hogue, with Chicken Parm centering Derek King and David Volek on the second line, and Flats anchoring the checking unit. Speed KILLED in those games.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
by mikb on Sep 2, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
TOO TRUE
That was EXACTLY how I lined it up and by god I crushed everyone with those lines. I loved pissing friends off by spanking them with the “#$%ing Islanders?!”
Good times. I liked Hogue already, but his NHL 93-94 mojo definitely helped strengthen his case.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
by Dominik on Sep 2, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Another HUGE point in Ben-wah’s favor – the deflected slapper past Barrasso in Game Seven, 1993 (the famed “fish-flop” goal). Looked like the insurance marker for the upset until the Penguins had that last rush in the last five minutes. But man – the Igloo was a TOMB after that goal. Total dagger. Any team less than the Mario Penguins would have rolled over and died on that goal.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
Hogue
For whatever reason I first identified with Benoit Hogue. Maybe just because he had a cool french canadian name. Really what I liked was that he was a hardworking all around player who could score. I’ve never been one to identify with the star of the team, and like the hard-hat blue collar type guys.
Great post MatthewM11, This is exactly how I feel about Hogue. Fast skating, Hardworking, played all situations, great name, seemed to have a great attitude, great team guy, clutch goals I became a diehard Isles fan because of Hogue.
Guys this decade have flirted with my heart, but either the turmoil has hardened that heart, or kept it guarded — or maybe I’ve just gotten too old to attach such affinity for players anymore.
Nicely put Dom, this is exactly how I’ve felt since Hogue was traded…I’ve been looking for someone else but its just never felt right, or the timing has been off. Sure I’ve had some flings with Isbister, and Scatchard and a one season-stand with Bertuzzi (before he was a psycho), I thought Peca would work his way up there and for the past few seasons I had been holding out hope for Bergy until the end of this season. Alas they have all become memories while only Hogue truly remains.
I hated that day.
He was the player that we traded away that pissed me off the most. A proven 40goal/85pt player for us. We saw him from being drafted to coming up and turning into an elite player, and then poof. Traded away at 27yrs old in his prime. He is still playing hockey at 38 in Czechoslovakia and I bet if he was still in the nhl, he’d be at least a 40/50pt player with skills. He looked somewhat impressive still in the olympics to me.
Go isles or Go home.
It's interesting
I think the LaFontaine and (later) Turgeon trades prepared me for the Palffy deal by numbing my senses. I mean, it sucked, unbelievably so, but by that point I practically had Stockholm Syndrome.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Lafontaine trade didn't bother me as much as the Turgeon trade
That trade really should have been the albatross around Don Maloney’s neck. I can’t think of a Milbury trade that was worse than Turgeon for Muller. Seemed like everyone else knew that Muller was not going to play for this team the moment that trade was made but Maloney.
Palffy’s trade I guess i was in the same boat. I was already numb at that point. Saw it coming anyways given all the fights between Milbury and Palffy’s agent. Those were ugly. Knew it was just a matter of time.
Always thought Lafontaine was a big fuckin baby.
like Dom said
In the LaFontaine trade, we lost a guy who wasn’t willing to play for us, and got back a comparable superstar in return. The EXACT OPPOSITE happened in the Turgeon trade – we lost the superstar and got the guy unwilling to play for us! I remember running around the house yelling “WE GOT SCREWED” when I heard the news.
Palffy’s deal was rough… but not if the Isles had been patient with Olli Jokinen. The extra first-round pick became Taylor Pyatt (eh) and they also got Josh Green from LA – he had easily his best (single) year on the Island, and then helped bring back Roman Hamrlik for the ‘01-’02 season. I think Smolinksi alone for Green and that pick, never happens.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
Palffy Trade Tree
For the Curious:
Palffy and Smoliniski got us Josh Green, Olli Jokinen, the worse Biron, and a pick that got us Payatt
Payatt and another 1st round pick (Conolly) get dealt for Peca.
Green, Eric Brewer (a former 1st rounder) and a 2nd rounder for Hamrlik
Biron and a 2nd was traded for Aucoin and a guy who went to Russia.
Peca left as a UFA
Hamrlik left as a UFA
Aucoin left as a UFA
That one was especially depressing…
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
That is so horrible. :(
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Sep 3, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Once LaFontaine played through the wired jaw with the storm-trooper guard, I stopped entertaining thoughts about his toughness.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Kasparaitis and Turgeon
Turgeon could do amazing things with the puck. I used to tune in every night wondering what he would do next. On raw talent alone I think he was much better than Lafontaine who had the benefit of better finshers.
Kasparaitis cause I’ve never seen anyone who could do a better job turning a game with one hit than him. The battles that he had with Messier, Jagr and Lemieux are the stuff of legend.
Exactly my two
Both could get the building nuts for different reasons. Kaspar was our Ovechkin personality wise, and was an absolute psychopath with his body.
Honorable mentions to Palffy, Webb and vukota.
by Keith Quinn on Sep 3, 2010 7:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Rich Pilon or Kenny Jonsson
I guess I really have to go for Jonsson, our (…well, slightly lesser) Lidstrom.
I always wish I played like Kenny, but had to settle for modeling my game after Pilon (damn you skills!).
by #11 was no all-star on Sep 2, 2010 2:41 PM EDT reply actions
Qualified:
Post Dynasty__________
Draft Pick: Ziggy.. last Islander DP to score 100 points in the uniform. What an amazing talent… Maybe the last Islander people PAID TO SEE.
Defenseman: Kenny Jonnson… best all around defender until Streit. Streit lost this by a nose, which I bet he doesn’t do often.
Top Forward: Turgeon… maybe the best post dynasty forward as an all around hockey player… and he was a pretty good blackjack player as well (played on the same table with him in AC when he was a Blue)
Mid Forward: Scatchard.. I absolutely loved what Scatch brought to the team. They haven’t had it since. Hopefully Martin will be that type of player.
Bot Forward: Bergenhiem (though he would have gotten the overall if he realized his potential)
All Around Hockey Player: Frans Neilsen… how can you not love Frans.
Warrior: Brendan Witt… Day One… gets speared by Avery (as a King)… beats the snot out of him while covering his crime with solid positioning… and… I HATE SUVs.
Personality: Darius… also loved his attitude on the ice.
Overall: I am going to cast this vote on potential… even though I’ve been STRONGLY on the side that Josh Bailey was RUSHED to the NHL, I’m going to say that Josh is going to be my favorite post dynasty era Islander very shortly. The reasons that Josh was drafted are becoming evident in the most subtle ways. He just seems to be a quiet storm (sorry, Okposo) that will have his break out year in 2010 or 2011… and nobody will even notice because he’s done all the grunt work in the NHL rather than the AHL when he’d have been a STAR already. Josh has done everything asked of him. He’s been overmatched in some circumstances and physically dominated at times… but he presses on. there’s no GIVE UP in him. He was a LEADER in juniors and has been forced into a background role on a mediocre team. I don’t think Josh will pound out 35 goals or be an 80 point guy any time soon… but he is going to be a career Frans Neilsen-esque ISLANDER.
Frans would have gotten this, but I have a feeling that he and his agent have got to feel as though they were grossly underpaid and Snow will not match the offers he’s going to get on July 1, 2012… and that will be the HUGE HOLE Josh will have to fill if the isles are to become true cup contenders in the next three years.
Ask me next year and it may be Matt Martin.
My cup is 3/4 empty, How 'bout yours?
Bahaha, interesting Turgeon blackjack detail.
And ooooh, I totally share that wonder if Bailey will become the new Frans right when Frans is due a new deal.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
great post. i totally relate with kaspar and witt,nielsen needs more years for me. i went with ziggy
by Lakewood Islander on Sep 2, 2010 6:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ben Wah Hogue
I didn’t start really following the Isles until about 1990 or 91. The guy could score and fight. You had to love going to the Coliseum and hearing everyone chanting “Ben Wah Hogue.” (and then my older brother explaining to me what benwa balls are…) Stiil got the ol’ #33 jersey at home. Also Cairns and Steve Webb, just because… well, you know why.
Heh heh, huh huh
I remember reading Benoit’s name and pronouncing “Ben-oyt,” then hearing the first announcer to say it right and I’m like … “Really?! That’s his name?! Awesome!”
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Uwe Krupp
Also arrived via the deal with the Sabres, spent two years having his name said one way and then changed it back. LOL
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
We had a joke
That Krupps ass was responsible for more goals (off deflections) than half the team. Really good clearing the crease, but the opposing defenseman launches a harmless shot and “off Krupp and it’s in!”
by Keith Quinn on Sep 3, 2010 7:32 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I love old Oy Vey. Even through his years with the Avs it always looked like he was playing in slow motion— kind of like how a good center fielder looks like he’s not hustling. Could have been his huge trunk pads, the Bauer skates that looked plastic or the obligatory Jofa helmet of the era that were sooo uncool looking, he was just like the David Carradine of defensemen. And now he runs German hockey I think, so it totally makes sense.
Claude LaPointe didn't make as good a pun, sadly.
by LaChance at Glory on Sep 7, 2010 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Post Dynasty Fave....
It has got to be Patty Lafontaine. I had his posters. I had a LaFontaine game sweater and tee. My life in the mid to late 80’s was all about LaFontaine. And then he gets traded to Buffalo. Whoa was me. I was as crushed as a 20 year old could be. But, lo and behold, Patty gets traded for my second favorite post dynasty Islander, Pierre Turgeon. I love the way Pierre played. Total class all the way.
#3-Ray Ferraro
How could it not be Patty?
I loved watching Turgeon, Hogue, Ferraro, Krupp, Kaspar, et al. I even warmed up to Hrudey. But seriously, how can it not be Patty?
Hon. mention to Mikko Mäkelä, who has one of the best hockey names ever. You may remember one of his teammates, Ari Haanpää, who did his best despite his battles with consonant deficiency.
Haanpää
Certainly didn’t suffer from an “a” deficiency…
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
So if Haanpaa and Kent Hrbek ever met, what would happen?
82 days into my latest contract approval process
I think that means the universe has found balance
Slavs could always use some of the FInns’ extra vowels.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
Easy answer, has to be ....BRUNO GERVAIS!
JUST KIDDING! I couldn’t help myself, I would have to toss a coin between Ziggy and LaFontaine, sigh and dream about what might have been
Gervaise is probably the most likeable Islander off the ice to stroll through here in a while
Terrible to watch on it.
Easy for me
Adrian Aucoin. #2 would be Kenny Jonsson. #3 Mike Peca.
NittanyWhiteOut.com. Arguably the second best Penn State blog I know of.
I tend to form
at least a begrudging affection for just about every guy who has come through the Old Barn as long as there is something redeeming about them on or off the ice.
Jason Blake was the guy I could relate to – he was small, sort of a no-name guy, but soooo fast – I never got tired of watching him fly from one end to the other. And who could forget the Jason Blake Triple-Fist-Pump? He probably cemented my status as an Islander fan (I only started following the team sometime around ’03 ’04) more than anyone else. Watching him soar to 40 goals his last season here was really special. I truly regretted seeing him go.
Favorite post-dynasty Islander?
- MAB,#1A Doug Weight
Oh yes, man
Search for Isle Of Weight and Bergeron — IOW is his #1 fan ’round these parts.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
LaFontaine
my first memories of hockey were seeing LaFontaine in ‘88-89 and ’89-90 and pretending I was him when I was faking out the arm chair in my parents living room. I remember constantly asking my parents why he wasn’t there when he was holding out -being only 9 at the time I didn’t understand – and remember watching every game holding out hope I would see #16 on the ice.
I loved Turgeon, Steve Thomas, Kaspar and Palffy and now KO and Frans, but it’s gotta be LaFontaine for me.
Love for Patty
Ever since that Easter Epic game against the Caps where LaFontaine won the game in the fourth OT I loved watching him. He carried the Islanders single handed on some of those late eighties/early nineties teams. As much as I loved Patty I thought that trade with Buffalo was great. (In my opinion it was a trade that benefited both teams involved) That trade set the table for that 93 playoff run. We could of built on that team but gave up to quickly and proceeded to make one terrible trade after the next.
Memories of LaFontaine: 1984
My tendency to find narrative always symbolizes LaFontaine’s tenure with the 1984 finals, Game 5, when he initiated a third-period comeback that (briefly) put the game in question. The Isles were down I think 4-0 going into the third, and LaFontaine (with Flats helping) created two goals in something like the first minute of the third, IIRC.
They show it on NHL Network sometimes. His body language, you can almost read: “Hey! Wait a minute! Just because I’m new and you guys have been doing this for a decade doesn’t mean we’re giving up just yet! I want my piece of Cup too!”
It wasn’t to be, but had he continued and his comeback moved that series back to Long Island for Games 6 and 7, I don’t know if anyone would’ve ever usurped him in my little head.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
KJ for me
although if I had been born a couple of years earlier I suspect I might be on the Pierre Turgeon bandwagon.
Hmmm… I don’t know… as he gets older he should be able to slow to parrish’s pace.
My cup is 3/4 empty, How 'bout yours?
by JPinVA on Sep 2, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I can't believe nobody's said Kirk Muller yet.
(ducks flying tomatoes)
"That was a joke, son, don't you get it?" - Foghorn Leghorn
Here you go
My solace is that he’s probably nobody’s favorite Devil, Hab, Star, Leaf, Panther or tool, either.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Mick Vukota
I can’t believe no one mentioned him yet? I still love that I saw someone wearing one of his jerseys in the 2000’s at a game. I remember reading in the newspapers (actual paper no less) about the night he was called up. HIs quote (I believe) was something like, “I know they didn’t call me up for my 2 goals this year.” Anyway, that’s how I remember it. Don’t crush me if I’m wrong.
Did you see his commercial?
I remember he had an Espn commercial. He Introduced himself, said "but please don’t confuse me with Abe Vigoda if Barney miller. Someone off screen says “hey fish, pass the puck”, he says “don’t call me fish” and skates off screen to kick his ass. I’ve tried to find it on YouTube, but no luck. Hopefully you’re old enough to get the Barney miller reference, but if not, Abe vigoda is the old man in the snickers commercial with Betty white (where they’re playing football).
by Keith Quinn on Sep 3, 2010 7:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree
I am glad you brought him up. In a different article a few weeks back I mentioned him as one of my favorite players. I love enforcers from that era; guys who saw less then ten minutes of ice time a game and were on the ice to do one thing and one thing only. Mick was actually a pretty good player in the WHL. I don’t think he had the speed to translate those numbers to higher levels of competition. What I like about Mick is that he took a lot of pride in being an enforcer. I’ve read articles about him working on his craft in the offseason and taking boxing lessons. He was also a pretty dirty fighter and his signature move was body slamming his opponents on the ice and punching them while they were laying on the Ice.
Patty La all the way
Haven’t seen much love here for Ferraro but he’s up there on my list. Chara, even if it was before his time, was getting there before he was gone.
Bear with me, I'm relatively new to the bandwagon...but Jack Hillen
I only remember 77 as “that center on Sega NHL ’94 who scored all my goals” so I clearly lack perspective.
I’ve only been to a few games since re-joining the Brotherhood of the puck but I’ve always come away with this: I’m a big fan of Jack Hillen.
He plays hard, and from my vantage point never took a shift off.
I’ll put it this way: I’m planning on getting my first Islanders jersey since I was 7. I’m either going to get Hillen or Josh Bailey. Style, courage and grit. That and he’s taken an Ovie slapper to the face. Gotta love that.
I just wish he had a cooler number; 38’s tough to get excited about.
It is a tough number to love
But I think he’s gonna earn that love. Smart player getting smarter.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
ziggy
- was the most legit sniper they have had. turgeon didnt last long and lafontaine played with a lot of players from the cup years therefore disqualifying him in my opinion.additionally,patty had an extended career in buffalo making him only %75 blue and orange. Pallfy scored 40 goals i believe 3 times on the island and didnt attach to the kings or penguins to tarnish his pedigree. granted,he was as soft as a michael Leighton save on a patrick kane flick
by Lakewood Islander on Sep 2, 2010 6:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I'll take the softness given how good he was in other departments,
he was a real gem to watch on the ice. A superstar offenseman on an up and coming team. And if I was 5’10’’ 180lbs in the nhl, I’m sure I’d be pretty soft too, lol. All this talks make me constantly wonder the hall of fame player he would have been for us and how many stanley cups we could have one if he stayed here for his career and we spent a little money on the team in free agency.
Go isles or Go home.
I would say LaFontaine would be my favorite, not only is skill on ice, but I also know well his off ice work and just an all around great man. I know that I personally remember LaFontaine as a Sabre more than an Islander (27 years old, cognizant of being an Islander fan around 92-93ish) but his work off the ice with Companions in Courage and the various children’s hospitals has really meant a lot to me and my family (When my then 6 month old Nephew was in the hospital, he visited with my sister, brother-in-law and nephew while he was doing some charity work at the hospital.)
Second would be Kenny Jonsson with Pup Sutter and Steve Webb closely tied for third. Depending on their respective Islanders careers, Andy Mac, KO and Josh Bailey might make serious inroads on those guys.
There are few things in this world I enjoy more than the English getting beaten like a rented mule.
Hhmmm
Makes me think.- Makes me think how old I must be that my top 5 or 6 favorite Islanders won cups with them. Post cups hard to choose between Turgeon, Patty, Ziggy or Kenny J. So I think I’ll go modern and say young J.T. makes me the most excited to be an Islanders fan.
Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
I like the JT addition to this argument,
I honestly see him being an 80pt center in about 2yrs. Possibly a 100pt center if he’s given the right forwards on his line. He should take us to the promise land at least once if not multiple times as long as he’s given the right players around him without question. He has elite franchise center written all over him as long as he continues to mature and work hard. He will make us forget about the time between the dynasty and next cup, I’m very high on this.
Go isles or Go home.
80 pt center in 2 years?
ima go ahead and make a ballsy claim that with some luck he could do that this year. i mean he had 54 this year, and i believe dom had a post a lil while back about first round picks and their year 1-year 2 point production and the average point improvement was like 19 i think.
54+19=73. so with a little bit ( or a lot) 7 or so extra points doesnt seem all too unreasonable, he doesnt need to pull a stamkos and win the Rocket Richard, but i think he can do it
In Garth we trust!
I think it's possible too, especially since he had 54pts with an up and down year,
I just think 2yrs is a definite and this year is a bit overly hopeful, especially with this being all/most of the other kids main maturing year this year. And also given the fact that out of all the top 6 staring forwards he is playing with this year that none of them have had an above 52pts season in their career is making it seem like even more of a stretch.
Go isles or Go home.
one thing to look forward to next season
is that everyone on our top 2 lines (maybe not Moulson,MAYBE) is going to improve next year, and i wonder if that fact that theyre all maturing and playing better at the same time will have like some weird exponential/multiplying skill effect. I mean say tavares gets better, then he improves his two wingers. But say he gets better AND his two wingers get better, that means he makes them better which could make him even better and the cycle continues lol
has hockey season started yet? im freakin pumped
In Garth we trust!
Lol,
that would be the perfect maturing year and make tavares get his 80pts, make comeau and moulson 30goal scorers, and make the other top 6 forwards even better. That would make one sick season too. I’m sure if that happened we’d end up surprising everyone and taking a 6th seed or something. And you can only imagine how that would carry into the playoffs. I honestly just can’t wait for the day that Tavares turns into the elite center he will be. Him alone and his line will make it worth watching the islanders then, whether we be cup contenders or 8th spot contenders, he has some magic in him and I can’t wait till it comes out.
Go isles or Go home.
I’m very high on this.
This can be interpreted multiple ways. ;)
Seriously, I am fairly high on him, but I’m just not sure how great an all-around player he will be. Not that I doubt him — I just honestly don’t know. Like definitely Duchene was more “rounded” last year, but also JT’s extended winter funk was … well I’ll chalk it up to a boy still dealing with tons of pressure and learning (where as Duchene was sheltered behind Stastny and living on bonus time).
The things that make me positive are his near-mythical determination to work on every part of his game, and his level-headedness. He probably put too much pressure on himself last year and was nearly Crosby-serious. Hopefully this year is more natural for him, and it all really starts to come together.
…and this has been my stream of consciousness on JT…
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
In any of his interviews,
you can see he’s as hard on himself as an abusive stepdad. His determination to get better and be the best he can be makes a coach or gm cry.
Go isles or Go home.
On that note
Wasn’t the purpose of one of Gordon’s heart-to-hearts with him to get him to let up on himself? Personality-wise, he has a lot of the indicators that he could be special.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
the drive to improve is so important
Talent is plentiful; determination is rare. Both is special. I really think JT will reach 100 points within three years. I also think that he will be the captain of the team as well.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
I can see him being the quiet Witt like captain,
he does his job without being a media circus or attention whore. JT definitely has 100pts in him, he just needs to mature right and have a good forward or 2 on his line and he will hit that 100pts sooner or later.
Go isles or Go home.
Nino
Ready made winger for JT who will complement him. Another special player because of his combination of skill-desire. If you saw his play at WJC you know he carried his team, opposition attention be damned. the other teams focused on him because if the Swiss were going to score it was giong to be Nino- and he scored anyway. JT in front, Nino’s big body on the wall, Goals will be scored. Glad to see others are as high on JT as I am. Top 10 talent when he reaches his peak.
Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
Nino is going to be good,
how good nobody really knows. I don’t think he will ever be as good as JT, but I think nino will be a great goal scorer. I’m guessing an all around solid 30goal+ scorer, but he still needs some maturing. He should be a goal scoring force ar least in the nhl when he has fully matured.
Go isles or Go home.
JT's defensive game
I think we will pleasantly surprised about JT’s two-way game in a few years down the line. Like you mentioned he is still very raw and often looks very awkward in his own zone. Keep in mind his previous experience in juniors he was so dominant that he never had to worry about being defensively responsible. But that being said I will go ahead and cite Steve Yzerman. He was such a liability in the defensive zone he was almost traded from the wings. Of course he would eventually win a selke. He was challenged to make himself a better all around player and he did that. Much like JT he never had to worry about his defensive game before coming to the NHL. He was a smart offensive player with great instincts, so it makes sense that he would be smart defensive player when he worked at the craft. Will JT ever win a selke? Very doubtful. Will he work to make himself a more responsible two-way player? Definitely. His role will always be as a goal scorer and playmaker, but a being a smart player I think he can improve his game. I think one of the biggest inhibitors of his defensive game is his lack of speed. That seems to hurt him more in the defensive zone then on the other end. But there have been plenty of good defensive players who were not fleet of foot.
But that being said I will go ahead and cite Steve Yzerman. He was such a liability in the defensive zone he was almost traded from the wings.
Nice! Yeah, I believe Bowman was looking to get rid of him around that time. I see they figured out how to make it work.
I definitely would not be surprised to see JT’s game evolve at both ends. He’s too smart not to.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
Ziggy.....
…..is far and away my favorite post-Dynastic Islander; as I’ve said, we can only imagine what might’ve been had Pierre, Stumpy (my 2nd favorite) Vlad and Benoit had still been around when Zigmund caught fire (interestingly, he, Lafontaine and Turgeon are the only 2 Isles to score over 45 goals in a quarter-century – Ziggy almost became the fifth Islander in team history to put up 50 goals with 48 in ‘97-98:( I look back on those comparatively ginormous point totals and I ask, HOW? How IS it that somebody would trade or let slip through their fingers the types that can put up such high numbers? Purely rhetorical question with the exception of Turgeon, I realize. And that’s when the last 25 years become ESPECIALLY depressing and we begin to see just how close they really were that spring of ‘93 – and how very far away it seems now…..still, how much consistent deficiencies in goal throughout the Nineties would’ve held them back can’t be overlooked, either – as has been noted in a previous thread, Healey was the last really reliable netminder they had – before Roloson, of course. Actually wrote team management a lengthy letter pretty much saying I was done with the Islanders as a consequence of Ziggy being dumped – may still have it somewhere…..
Disillusionment aside, other favorites would include Oakie (Aucoin, who as I’ve also said previously, reminded me a WHOLE lot of Potvin – Denis, but by just a small margin over Streit) and Sillinger, who was one of the classiest acts ever to sport the blue, orange and white – greatly resembled Scatchard in demeanor and appearance; I really wish the organization had found a place for him after he retired….
As for the current (or almost current) edition, I think Nino is going to absolutely blow people’s minds as JT quickly develops into a serious offensive threat – and I can’t wait…..
Stumpy
I’m glad people are bringing up Thomas, as I loved him but forgot to consider him when drawing up this post.
And I definitely feel the Ziggy arguments. I agree with JP that he was the most exciting to watch. I was just a bit numbed by the ownership carnage at that time and sought release by chasing tail.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
- yes, I CAN add.....
…..that would make 3 to score over 45 goals in the last 25 years, wouldn’t it…..
Patty L
Gotta go with Lafontaine- despite the holdout shenanigans. He was easily the most exciting player on the team when i started following them in 1988. A few years later I met him at Bryan Trottier Skating Academy, where he was practicing during the holdout. I was about 9 at the time and didnt fully understand the circumstances. He signed a puck, a calendar and a stick for me and I got to watch him practice all afternoon. Never will forget it.
(said in the Steve Somers voice)
Pat Flatley
I was always a big fan of Flatley. He always battled every shift and always seemed to have a nose for the puck. He never had the offensive skills of some of the other players but noone seemed to work harder than him. I almost see the same style in Okposo. To clarify something WebBard said before Peca did not leave as a UFA he was traded to Edmonton for Mike York.
Who's the master?
me too...
Flats was great, on and off the ice. He played hard, almost too hard, never really putting together an injury-free season, but I loved him for his tenacity and work in the corners. I was really happy when he was named captain, very deserving, and then really pissed when the Isles let him walk and he skated for the Rags for his final year… Flats didn’t even use an agent, just negotiated the deals himself, says something right there.
All Flats gave to this franchise
The end was wrong.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
Agreed, and the youngsters could have used his leadership.
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
story of the Dark Ages
Too many of those endings were wrong… Flats, Trots, Ziggy, Turgeon… it seemed petty and arbitrary, and that’s not how the franchise was built, either on the ice on in its reputation around the league. Nice to see them start to try to do things the right way again.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
Darius Kasparaitis
From Lithuania with love. Images from the past still rattle around my brain. Darius and Super Mario in the corner…after Darius hit him, Mario got up and laughed…when Darius hit Mario hard enough to knock him off his ass, Mario wasn’t smiling no more.
Darius spent 5 years on the island before he was traded to the Pens. He was a very nice guy in person. Just not very pretty.
Honorable mention to Pierre Turgeon. My relatives in Buffalo stopped talking to me cause I broke the news that the Sabres traded him to us. At the time a blockbuster trade, sending LaFontaine to Buffalo. Broke my heart when he was traded (with Malakov) to the Canadiens.
Prior to the 4 Cups, I loved Spinner Spencer, Andre St. Laurant and Gary Howatt.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
Prior to the 4 Cups, I loved Spinner Spencer, Andre St. Laurant and Gary Howatt.
Excellent. Thanks for that. I meant to include a note to ask the veterans around here to share pre-dynasty faves too.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
for me its Claude Lapointe. Definitely something to be said about a guy who it seemed tried as hard as he possibly could with a smile on his face all the time.
Claude LaPointe didn't make as good a pun, sadly.
by LaChance at Glory on Sep 3, 2010 1:57 AM EDT reply actions
not Scott LaChance?
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
Read his Sig
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I can't believe I forgot about Lapointe
I don’t remember what year it was, but I was at a game against the Sabres where the Isles went up 4-0 early. And then (oh, you’ll never believe this) Buffalo ties it up in the third.So everybody’s pissed until about 40 seconds left in regulation, when Lapointe comes to the rescue and beats Hasek on a breakaway. Awesome. It was as if he said “F this shit, I’m finishing this game.”
"That was a joke, son, don't you get it?" - Foghorn Leghorn
I vaguely remember this.
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
LaChance.
I remember watching games with my Dad and he would rave about LaChance every time he was on the ice. He felt he was perhaps the most underrated defenseman in the game at the time. He was especially of his tape-to-tape outlet passes. I never had paid extra attention to Scotty until my Dad pointed that out and after focusing on him I had to agree. He was a really smart player, poised, always seemed to be exactly where he needed to be. I think that because he was drafted so high expectations were to high. Despite putting up decent offensive numbers in his rookie year he never became that great two-way defenseman. He did have a great transition game and like I mentioned above was a great outlet passer so he did help out things offensively even if his numbers didn’t reflect that.
The Travis Green Era
While reflecting on the immediate post-93run teams, what I like to call the Travis Green years, bc he statistically represented the mediocrity of what was afoot, just good enough to pass NHL muster, but just— something sticks in my craw as an aside, It kind of sucks that they dealt McCabe away in the Bertuzzi deal, that guy could have been a real player for us, future captain, but obviously never had the chance. I liked him here. Really any deal done or not done could have affected to path of the team, but that one sticks out to me, players I liked on the Berard list of ‘what could have been’ McCabe is up there too.
Claude LaPointe didn't make as good a pun, sadly.
by LaChance at Glory on Sep 8, 2010 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions
You never know, I could BE Scott LaChance!!—- I feel like I remember him competing in the all star skills competition one year as the obligatory isles representative, and that about sums up his isles chapter in the book.
Claude LaPointe didn't make as good a pun, sadly.
by LaChance at Glory on Sep 7, 2010 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions
OzzyFan
Yes that is Bergeron and yes that is serious.Dominik asked a simple question and I gave a simple answer(I’m just dying to hear the sarcastic response to my choice of words).And no I don’t have an aversion to skill.399 games played and 75 goals scored,which works out to about 15 goals a year.I am reading on this site all the time about finding forwards who can score 15 goals in a season like it’s hitting the motherlode.
Also of note there have been all kinds of players mentioned on this post who shall I say are skill deprived but the responses to these choices have come without the sneer.
Oh yeah I’ve heard about the defensive deficiencies but when I watch a hockey game I like to be entertained ,not put into a coma watching behemoth defensemen chip the puck off the glass on every play.
You have a decent argument and he is an amazing offense defenseman, no question about it.
I can see someone loving MAB as a player too for what he brings offensively(a true 40pts+ goal scoring d-man when healthy), I just also remember the what the hell defensive moves he made as an islander that drove me crazy. That’s all. IMO, a defensman is someone who can shutdown the opposing players by blocking shots, throwing checks, stick checking, and other defensive behind their blueline things and anything else is extra. Sure offense helps, but great offensive production isn’t close to being a #1 priority of a good defenseman. I know you may not like this, but almost everyone that knows hockey would rather have a hard hitting, shot blocking, defensive defenseman that has little offensive skills like a Volchenkov/Komisarek/Witt then a 35pts defenseman whom plays his defensive part of the game like a bottom 2(MAB).
My view on MAB: He should be a forward. He would fit solidly in that spot and make a great 2nd/3rd line 20goal+ scoring forward. He just isn’t built to play the defenseman position of the game.
Go isles or Go home.
You don’t have to be a great player to be a player someone loves though. Sometimes seeing underdogs work hard and stick around on a team is a lot more fun then a great player.
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I agree with you that I enjoy a good defensively played game but each to their own. I have also wondered why MAB was never converted to wing. He could still be used on the point on the power-play. I don’t think he’s the worst defenseman to ever put on skates and maybe gets a unfair rap at times, but with his offensive skills and his shortcomings in the defensive zone you would think it would be a no-brainer to put him on a wing.
Isle Of Weight
Yeah, not to speak for OzzyFan but obviously it wasn’t a sneer. For reasons you acknowledge, MAB is a rare pick — so much that the initials didn’t immediately translate (not to many Isles fans have MAB on the brain all the time).
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
MAB
Dominik asked a simple question and I gave a simple answer
To be fair though, posting your opinion here you are opening yourself up to others opinions. That being said, I can respect your opinion on MAB. We not arguing who one feels is the best post dynasty islander, only who is their favorite. I have gotten into some back and forths with you about MAB but at the end of the day he was a good power-play specialist with a great shot. He also might be a little underrated in the defensive zone. He’s no Lidstrom but I don’t think he was horrible. Either way, I like plenty of players who others think suck. I defended Andy Hilbert until I was blue in the face the other day on here. But that is what makes this site fun, different opinions.
You may not like this,but
Anytime you see the word but you know your’e getting your ass handed to you.At the risk of being repetitive I watch hockey to be entertained.I have never been a win at all costs kind of person.
I would rather lose with flair than win with “watching paint dry” boredom.There is another organization which shall remain nameless that has been quite successful over the last decade and a half who just recently has tried to change their image by signing a high profile sniper.I would rather visit my dentist 41 times a year than have seasons tickets to that kind of “success”.
On a side note another thing that I am no fan of is"doing whatever it takes to win",unless “whatever it takes” means 100% effort.If it is taken to mean to cheat or win by any means neccessary you can count me out.
Maybe I am an idealist but I like to look in the mirror and not have the reflection look back at me and say"Yeah I won but I had to cheat like a bastard to do it".
PS: Another player that I am extremely high on is John Tavares but I believe he gets enough praise whithout my two cents worth.Oh yeah did I ever mention my favorite cartoon as a kid was Underdog .Sorry for running on at the keyboard but I want to say to OzzyFan no hard feelings but I just get a little sensitive when it comes to Marc Andre- Bergeron(did I mention I was his number 1 frans,I mean number 1 fan).
No hard feeling from me eiter.
I just had a question and opinion. No attack. And your argument is reasonable, even about the devils. Although effective, the devils lack of offense and heavy defense can get a little old and boring at times if your a big offense fan. But now that they have volchenkov and kovy, their defense will be more exciting to watch (scott stevens has a high spot on my favorite all-time hockey players list) and should be better offensively. Love or hate Kovalchuk, he is very fun to watch without question, as is volchenkov’s style of play.
Go isles or Go home.
On a side note another thing that I am no fan of is"doing whatever it takes to win",unless "whatever it takes" means 100% effort.If it is taken to mean to cheat or win by any means neccessary you can count me out.
I’d put myself in that camp as well. Too many experiences with Hunter, Tucker, Roberts-on-Jonsson — that form of “anything to win” doesn’t entertain me much, whether it’s in my favor or (usually) not.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
My "favorite" (sic)
I lived on Long Island for about a year in 1991, so I never saw Pat LaFontaine as he was sitting out. I went to maybe 8 or 10 games. Initially I liked Robbie DiMaio as he was a small guy who tried really hard and actually won a fight against a considerably bigger guy at one of my early games at the Coliseum. But as I was a new fan I was attracted to the new players acquired mid season, like Pierre Turgeon, Steve Thomas, and my personal favourite Benoit Hogue.
More recently I spent a year in Houston in 1999 and was really taken by the “unusual” name of a Buffalo player, “Satan” when watching games on TV. When he ended up at the Isles I spent way to much money buying a Satan Isles shirt and having it shipped International (the shipping alone was like 90 bucks!).
Sorry to say, I only know the “dynasty” years from YouTube! 1991/2 was pretty much a season of suck, but I’m still a big Isles fan. Not quite sure what that says about me.
Anyway, back on topic. Benoit Hogue.
What would Ghandi do?
If 1991 convinced you to be an Islanders AND Mets fan, all I can say is that you’re a better man than I am, Gunga MetfanintheUK. The early 90’s Mets nearly killed my love of baseball forever. Without Bobby Valentine I’d probably just go to Lakewood Blue Claws games.
I like to think that Bobby Valentine is the bizarro-world, successful version of Mike Milbury. Guy won the NL pennant with a starting outfield of Jay Payton, Benny Agbayani, and Derek Bell – he was doing something right!
82 days into my latest contract approval process
Guilty as charged!
Loved going to games, and the Mets and Islanders were my local teams, so they were due my support. Still very much into following my favourites, albeit from afar.
What would Ghandi do?
by metfanintheuk on Sep 8, 2010 5:36 AM EDT up reply actions
A lot of good names mentioned
but for me it has to Kenny Baumgartner. He brought me back to watching hockey. It was the first time in years that my friends and I went to watch a game. It was the first Islander Ranger game that featured Bomber and Domi. He wasn’t very talented or big but he played a high energy physical game that was always fun to watch. Also put out a single if I’m not mistaken, ha-ha. So hats off to The Bomber.
He was a boy of soft demeanor
And he loved his caburetor cleaner
Turgeon, with a nod to Ray Ferraro for, amongst other things, his heroic 13-7-20 ’93 Playoff run. (If I had my way, Dale Hunter would still be locked in a 7×7 cell with a combination of Celine Dione, Lady Gaga and The Singing Nun playing 24/7/365 TO THIS DAY!)
On a club with owners smarter than your average house plant and thus spared the Class 5 Disaster that is Mike Milbury: General Manger, I can’t help but wonder how nasty the Islanders could have been with Pete up the middle and Ziggy on the wing.
Turgeon was an upgrade from LaFontaine; he was bigger by a bit, more durable and more than four years younger. The Isles had basically acquired a franchise player who, if they’d spent a few bucks and never let Mike Milbury so much as enter their offices for an interview, could have been the cornerstone to a second dynasty.
Instead, he’s fondly remembered as the brightest star on the almost miracle team of 1992-93 who was less than graciously tossed away for a jerk without a quarter his talent and didn’t want to be there anyway.
Dishonorable Mention: Kirk “WHAAAAAAAA! I DON’T WANNA BE HERE! WHAAAAA!” Muller. (Worst. Islander. EVER!)
I have a bunch....
Pierre Turgeon, Robert Reichel, Rich Pilon, Scott Lachance, Mariuz Czerkawski, Eric Cairns, Trent Hunter, Adrian Aucoin, Roman Hamrlik, Steve Webb, Claude Lapointe, Ziggy Palffy, Shawn Bates, and Chris Osgood.
Some blasts from the past there, but those are all the names that stick out in my life-time of Isles fandom. Mind you I am only 26 so I don’t have much to choose from LOL.
Shawn Bates will never die....so long as we remember THE penalty shot!
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Islanders Schedule
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Philadelphia
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Tue 02/07 | 7:00 PM EST |
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Montreal
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Thu 02/09 | 7:00 PM EST |
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Los Angeles
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Sat 02/11 | 1:00 PM EST |
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Florida
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Sun 02/12 | 3:00 PM EST |
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@
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Tue 02/14 | 8:30 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
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Buffalo
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Sat 02/04 | SO - L 3 - 4 |
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Ottawa
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Fri 02/03 | OT - W 2 - 1 |
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Tue 01/31 | W 5 - 2 |
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Toronto
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Tue 01/24 | OT - L 3 - 4 |
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@
Toronto
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Mon 01/23 | L 0 - 3 |
Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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New York Rangers
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50 | 33 | 12 | 5 | 71 |
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Philadelphia
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52 | 30 | 16 | 6 | 66 |
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Pittsburgh
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53 | 30 | 19 | 4 | 64 |
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New Jersey
|
52 | 30 | 19 | 3 | 63 |
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New York Islanders
|
51 | 21 | 22 | 8 | 50 |
(updated 2.5.2012 at 4:42 PM EST)
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