Capitals 2, Islanders 1: Missed opportunities in Okposo's return
by Dominik on Jan 20, 2011 10:04 PM EST
in New York Islanders Game Recaps
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PrintIt was another competitive Islanders-Capitals tilt, surprisingly low-scoring despite back-and-forth play. In the end, the Islanders went a full 0 for 6 on the powerplay and got what they deserved.
Shots were only 25-24 for the Islanders (8 on their powerplays, while the Caps collected 4 on their two extra-man sessions). In Kyle Okposo's return he spent time on the point, as did Frans Nielsen in his.
In fact, Okposo, John Tavares, P.A. Parenteau and Matt Moulson each logged well over six minutes on the powerplay, with Josh Baileyand Blake Comeau over five minutes each.
Game Sum | Event Sum | H2H | Corsi | Recaps: NHL - Japers' - Isles
Those are the Islanders' go-to forwards, put in position to score against the Capitals' third-string goalie. You can't ask for a better setup, really; but the Capitals PK never broke, and the Isles PP never made them. Michael Grabner picked up the lone Islanders goal, on a breakaway just 1:37 after Nicklas Backstrom had made it 2-0. That was the end of the scoring for both sides.
Game Highlights
Game Notes
- The lineup decision to scratch Rob Schremp was, of course, just a continuation of the crowd that has existed ever since Schremp arrived: The Islanders have three centers in Tavares-Nielsen-Bailey, and Schremp does not want to and perhaps cannot play wing. Bailey can, of course, but Schremp's play has been disappointing of late. He is the type who still may need the ol' scratch wake-up call from time to time.
- Scratching Schremp against the Capitals was a little curious though, since they are a good team and you want all hands on deck. However, they also possess a dangerous counterattack that could punish Schremp's more imaginative forays. Maybe the timing was convenient because of both Nielsen and Okposo's return to the lineup. Regardless, the interesting thing will be how they proceed from here. Seems like Jeremy Colliton would drop to the fourth line and force one of that line's wingers out.
- The Islanders overall played pretty physically. From a pure hockey standpoint, it had a nice flow to it with a lot of tit-for-tat physical moments.
- The Islanders were clearly focused on limiting Ovechkin's solo chances, and to my eyes they did that, limiting him to one shot on target. Of course, that shot created a rebound that Backstrom converted -- and Ovechkin earned the primary assist with a pass on the first goal. Pick your poison, I guess; you'll eventually die either way.
- Heh, you know who got six shots on goal? Jason Chimera, who scored the opener.
- Okposo looked like a guy happy to be back but with rust to shake off. According to the official sheet, he landed one shot on goal, had five other attempts blocked, and two more that went wide.
- From what I saw -- while babysitting four nieces and nephews, and DVR-ing backward for big plays -- both goalies were solid if not tested a great deal, despite the many powerplays. In the second period, Braden Holtby made a nice glove save through traffic that I couldn't believe he saw, but upon further review the point shop was fluttering on end so it may have been easier to follow.
- FIG Winner: Cheers to Kaonashi for picking Grabner with the closest time. It was Grabner's 12th goal of the season.
Well, to me that was a hockey game. With all its chances and misses and "oh if only's." Tough result, but that kind of theater is why I watch.
Your turn...
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I was at the game
More later…they had one really good PP in the 1st period.
FB4Real
"Past performance Is Not A Guarantee For Future Results"
NIW = Next Islander win
I predict the NIW to be next Wednesday at home vs. Carolina.
Just a feeling the Sabres are going to sweep the HnH with revenge on their minds and they have the urgency to get into the playoff race. Then there’s the Pens on Tuesday … Isles will give ’em a hard time, but the Pens will pull it off.
Carolina will come into Uniondale expecting the Isles to lay down, and the Isles will ened up trouncing the unsuspecting Canes.
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Jan 20, 2011 11:59 PM EST reply actions
My only problem with that is that I want the Canes to push the Rangers out of the playoffs
I think we will win at least one against Buffalo…which has no real shot at the playoffs. If the Pens are without Sid and Geno, they may not be that tough.
exactly on all counts.....
and this morning on the news here, they are saying it is Malkin’s left knee.
Native LI'er living in the land of Black & Gold.
Rags
I’d actually prefer the Rags to make the playoffs. I like having local teams in the playoffs and they’re not exactly a threat to come out of the East, barring Lundqvist going all Hasek on everyone. It would be nice to have a team to root against since I won’t have a team to root for. Also, through my job, there’s always a chance I could get tickets.
Living in Luongoland, I have no problem with finding a team to root for
I do not want to be hearing from my brother about how his “elites” made the playoffs while the “Icelosers” went home. I also know that once the Rangers make it to the playoffs, they have a goalie who can steal games and there is always that chance that they could go deep…and that would be UNBEARABLE. No way I want them in.
Your nightly Amusing Grabner Tweet
Michael Grabner
Just landed in buff….lots of snow here…just sitting on a bus crushing comeaus in boggle what else is new haha
"My son, who is 6, just asked if he had to keep watching the Islanders. I said it’s the Islanders or bed. He chose bed." Mulligan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Should get Comeau a rod hockey set
So he learns how to skate in a straight line!
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
by Keith Quinn on Jan 21, 2011 8:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
thought we have some good PP chances early but later
it seemed terrible
maybe it looked a little like they wanted to get KO the goal too much.
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
that first PP was the highlight of the night
KO roaming the slot (ha) creating scoring chances. It was nice to see some creativity for once. Ovechkin kind of took the same position on the Caps first PP as well. It forces the defense out of their box and creates openings.
As for the game, I thought the Capitals were uninspired; playing against a bad team in an empty building, which allowed the Islanders to stay in the game. But the Islanders really struggled i thought. Comeau and Martin threw some hits, but the play was mostly in their own end again, and when they were in the Caps end they were kept to the outside mostly, grinding it out along the boards. They never really got a forecheck going consistently. Each dump in seemed to be easily retrieved and moved out by the Caps D. I thought it was a frustrating game to watch but showed some flashes of entertainment, namely Grabner, the first PP, Hamonic who played well, and some of the hits, and of course our man Kyle being back. But overall I thought it was a game that with a good effort they could’ve won and probably should’ve won.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
DP not going to Buffalo
He played a pretty good game and is apparently still sick. He continues to get closer to .900. He has pulled even with Brodeur at .894.
You mean to tell me shooting the puck from 70 feet out doesn't earn us extra goals?
He has pulled even with Brodeur at .894.
Good golly wow…
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
There are times
where highlighting progress tells you just exactly how bad you were.
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
.915 save percentage game with the flu? I'll take it. Hope he stays strong in his next start. He has been putting together some great games as of late.
The Isles future looks brighter then most would think with these young core guys in place:
Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Niederreiter, Grabner, MacDonald, Hamonic, and DeHaan.
by OzzyFan on Jan 21, 2011 7:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Can they PLEASE sign Grabner
because I think in a few seasons he could put up numbers like Jason Blake (when he was in his prime)
by ilopan on Jan 21, 2011 9:12 AM EST reply actions 6 recs
He's bigger than blake too
Harder to squeeze in to the boards.
You mean to tell me shooting the puck from 70 feet out doesn't earn us extra goals?
I suspect that ALL of our remaining UFAs will be tendered
if not before the season ends, shortly thereafter and I suspect that they will all re-sign.
Much like Schremp...
Grabs is an RFA…so… they can go the cheap route and risk a limited compensation offer sheet… wouldn’t you sign Grabner if it cost you a 3rd rounder (I think it’s based on the qualifying offer… which must be 10% more than the previous year). That’s why I think Grabner should probably be qualified… yeah .. hold your breath on this one… at $2M for 3 years… and Schremp’s asking price while being currently shopped is gonna be high. Before judging that, remember that Hunter eats up that much and for two more years(5 total).
Both guys (Grabs and RSH) have value now that they’ve earned while playing for relatively NOTHING as Islanders. If Snow doesn’ t think he can sign Schremp because of his needs then he can get something for the guy. Why risk losing him for nothing or a faux offer so you can get compensation over the summer.
Grabner is a DEFINITE NEED. Sign him, and get it over with. Grabner has a little more upside than Blake. I can see Grabner putting up 20-25 for 5 or six years in the orange and blue… without being a herculean pest…. Not sure what it was about Blake, but I don’t think @Blakey55 would be tweeting shit to Matt Moulson… Blake seemed to be a strange bird. I think Grabner has given the fans more than they bargained for on and off the ice.
He’s gonna turn a lot of point men around on the PK as well…
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Who knows
yeah .. hold your breath on this one… at $2M for 3 years
Can this be done using bonus escalators and do those bonus escalators count toward draft pick compensation or is it only the basic contract. For example if you signed a guy at 1.1 mil, and that got you a first rounder (I’m not sure what it does, so bear with me here), but with bonuses it could get up to 3 mil, does that escalate compensation (if he was signed by another) to 2 first and a 2nd?
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Bonus escalators are limited to for example, over 35 year old contracts.
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
Just looking through some old posts and saw this...
My logic, I think was wrong. After finding a non-nhl source I see that the compensation is based on the offer sheet and not the qualifying amount. So it doesn’t matter what Snow offers, the compensation would be based on what the other team offered him.
And in that case, you are correct… if Snow matches he would retain the rights. Isn’t indentured servitude grand.
If the system worked, though and Snow offered him the minimum (~$935K) I could definitely see him getting offers of around $2M because I can’t see that being out of range, and a second rounder would be worth it.
Plus you’d want to tie him up for at least three years and avoid UFA status for a while. They did it with Hunter, thinking, I guess that a slow, plodding 20 goal (ha!) kid would be worth that… Grabner is worth so much more than Hunter right now…
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
01/20/11 VS WAS +/-
+ Kyle’s back and he doesn’t have the shot of a 10 year old girl. He looked pretty good out there last night. I guess there was rust, but he looked energized. Great to see him back.
+ Frans was back. Evidence of that can be found in the Caps PP being 0-2. It’s great to have him back. Now they need to sort out the Rob Schremp situation.
+ Rickey looked pretty good last night in the paint… and I have resolved his outside the paint issues in my head. One of three things can happen when he wanders… He can make a smart play… good. He can give up a bad goal… good, because that allows the islanders to lose (for a higher draft pick) and have Rick as a scapegoat… He re-injures himself… maybe not so good for him(or us… as I don’t think anybody wants to see Rick get hurt), but one more season-ender should trigger a FINAL decision on him and his status with the team.
+ Michael Grabner just keeps rollin’ along. The goal was awesome, but his play has been solid. He’s beginning to create excitement just by hitting the ice. I love what Moulson brings to the team, but I think Grabner has been a better find.
- Once again… officiating. I’m not sure why going knee to knee with Hillen is okay… but the contact with a Cap after he distributes the puck(almost exactly at the same time differential as the Hillen hit) is a penalty. The Islanders just get no respect.
+ I don’t think this team can be a contender with the bottom four defenders it currently has… but they are holding together pretty well in defeat. Jack and Bruno have played well. Reese is even finding “his game” to some extent. Reese is starting to mold into what Freddy Meyer was… but my question there would be, if you took the time to get Freddy up to speed, why set him adrift for Mike Mottau or Eaton?
- I’m not really sure I want to see Konopka’s line agianst the NHL’s best. They didn’t wilt last night… and with the right configuration you can have a pretty solid fourth that puts in 7-10 responsible minutes.
- RSH… I’d much rather see him between Comeau and Bailey, than Colliton on a middle six wing. Maybe it was just for that game to see if it could buy them something defensively. I do, however like colliton more than Joensuu as a fourth line addition. Unlike Joensuu, Colliton can play a natural LW, take draws, kill penalties and…well… score.
My lineup tonight:
MMo-JT-PAP
BC-RSH-JB
MG-FN-KO
MMa-ZK-JC
Defense is the same…and Lawson gets the start.
As the second half becomes more and more an audition session I think I’d really like to see Katic and/or Wishart for a few games. I really think Hamonic needs a break… and maybe a view from the pressbox gives him a little different NHL perspective. He’s played great, but he deserves a break… just a game here and there.
Bottom line: I think Snow was correct. Fully healthy, he put together a playoff contender this year.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Bottom line: I think Snow was correct. Fully healthy, he put together a playoff contender this year.
If they had the D they thought they’d have at the start of the season I think you could argue the defensemen were playoff caliber – Streit, Marty, Jurcina, Eaton, Wiz, MacD, Hamonic – I think could get the job done.
But I think they still need more high end talent up front to help control play in the offensive zone so maybe this season, and the high pick that will come with it, is a proverbial ‘blessing in disguise’
I agree about Grabner, he’s fun to watch. And Ricky I thought played well and had less anxious moments then usual (still a couple but less is a good start).
But I would disagree about Reese. He struggled and got turned around at times. He made simple plays just to survive I thought. He’s not an NHL D-man. Same with Bruno. Hillen played ok though.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
I don't think we "disagree" about the defense...
But I would disagree about Reese. He struggled and got turned around at times. He made simple plays just to survive I thought. He’s not an NHL D-man. Same with Bruno. Hillen played ok though.
My statement was relative to their place on this team. You are watching the 8-10th options on defense,.. I think we could agree that they have played better than what should be expected from that level of depth.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Playoff Caliber
Wiz and Hamonic are far from playoff caliber defensemen. Wiz will never be and Hamonic should be in time, but not yet at all. Marty better play than he did last night to be playoff caliber too.
I was mostly trying to be nice
before making a point about the forwards. Wiz was definitely a disappointment but I do think the D as whole would’ve been solid enough.
At the end of the day, when this team is a Stanley Cup threat again, I think we can count on two hands how many of these current players will be on that team. And that’s probably being generous.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
At the rate players turn over , ten players still on the roster in three seasons would almost mean stability and a sound foundation. Look back at the start of season three years ago and how many players that had played a game for the Islanders are still on the roster? Martinek, Hunter, DP?
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
Martinek's probably the biggest goat last night (if we are going to name one)
He lost his guy on the first one and didn’t do enough to stop the second. He had a couple really good plays against Ovie but the two lapses hurt.
Other guys of course made mistakes that lead up to that point but he needs to do a better job there (and to his credit he usually does).
You mean to tell me shooting the puck from 70 feet out doesn't earn us extra goals?
JPVA Love your line combos, but I would even consider swapping JB and KO and allow the BC-RSH-KO line play the “third” line minutes until KO is back up to full form. I was surprised by how much ice time he received so quickly upon his return.
- Martinek didn’t tie up the stick and got caught turning the wrong way on the other goal tonight. Radek’s a favorite of mine and always gets the tough Ovechkin minutes so that may be part of it. OR do I blame Tavares for the turnover in the offensive zone and then not picking up Backstrom.
+ DP for that crazy wandering out to the blue line. Okay normally I hate this, but when it doens’t lead to a goal against it is entertaining like a highwire act with no net (even though there is a net and it is empty). I couldn’t fault him on either goal.
+ Nielsen stuffing Ovechkin in the defensive end in the third. He was in Radek’s usual position and took him out of the play in the lower circle.
+ Grabner, I kept lamenting that he has to start burying these chances and become Bob Bourne or just create chances and become Jan Erixon. We may be seeing the start of Bob Bourne and that would be a great top six forward. He started several steps behind the D and was still able to get around, cross over to the center and leave him in the dust. Can’t wait to read about how fast he went in the skills competition. I like Bailey’s pass to Grabner to set up the breakout because it wnet beyond the red line and not just flat in the neutral zone.
- A lot of sloppy loose passes off the boards into center ice by both teams tonight. It was like they were trapping themselves by passing off the boards into the neutral zone and then waiting for the otehr team to skate it back in for another turnover.
+ Go with JPVAs forward lineup and you have the strongest set of 4 lines the Isles have had in years. Good to see it being coaches decisions and not just health status determining the lineup.
- If it isn’t Frans first game back on the PP point you probably have a better chance on capitalizing on one attempt. Schremp has been manning the point on the PP unit in Fran’s absence and it make have disrupted chemistry. I like Frans their more than Schremp, but Frans was coming in cold and a little bit of overlap would have helped maintain the PP.
- Agree with the big minus on the Hillen kneeing non-call. Squiggy had the nerve to say that the Islanders should be shorthanded for going after Hendricks and that Hillen was jumping out of the way. Un-freaking-believable homerism if ever. If it weren’t such a tight game I would have given Konopka a minus and told him see this situation, that is when you fight.
This is a loss I can accept, Some games you play well enough to lose, but not so well they deserved to win outright. Caps are a good team and the Isles played them relatively evenly.
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
i wouldnt give him a - on that...
- Martinek d
idn’t tie up the stick and got caught turning the wrong way on the other goal tonight.
without ovie’s great play to possess the puck, then that pass… i’m not going to gripe on martinek, he DID have the man covered, and that puck just as easily could have gone off of his own stick and in there
NYI Hockey! We'll get that winless month yet!
Covered means the guy doesn’t tap the puck into an empty net. He was there and Chimera was there, but the stick wasn’t tied up or lifted to prevent the tap in. Martinek’s stick should have been nowhere near the puck, but completely wrapped around Chimera’s. I think he got caught focusing on Ovie on the far side and let Chimera get to the puck. If I’m in that position I know I blame myslef for letting that one in.
I blame him far less on the second goal, he was taking Ovechkin and then got turned the wrong way, if he turns the other he can get to Backstrom, that was more of a case of momentum and just happening to be the defensemen closest to the puck. In this case I wish I turn the other way and wonder where was the center/winger to take the third man going to the net.
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
PS
Even look at Martinek’s body position, he should have been between Chimera and the net and he let Chimare get right behind him. I’m a big Martinek fan, but he can’t let a plug like Chimera, gain position like that.
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
Marty was mainly responsible for both goals.
Marty absolutely should have tied up Chimera on the first. KO did a piss poor job of stayin with Ovechkin on that one too.
On the second, Marty was totally fried on the Ovechkin rush. He did not look very focused at all last night. Maybe he is nursing another injury we are unaware of.
I think he was focused
but comepletely on Ovechkin. On the first goal he is directing traffic to ensure someone is going to put pressure on Ovechkin and Chimera gets right behind him.
On the second he is focused again in Ovie, but that is a lot of speed and talent barreling in on him. Someone has to slow these guys down in the neutral zoen, but a turnover deep int he offensive zone had the forwards trapped.
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
There is a reason we call Chimera the Mythical Beast. He’s huge and fast. Don’t fault Martinek too much on that one.
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by red army line on Jan 21, 2011 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
He skated right behind Martinek as Marti was looking at the puck, body between forward and net is all I was asking for. He went for the stick after he realized the pass got through and it was going in. I choose “Plug” instead of “Slug” since Jason is fast, but he’s not known as a scoring machine.
Sarcasm is my permanent font.
Interesting...
Grabner, I kept lamenting that he has to start burying these chances and become Bob Bourne
At game 2 I noticed Grabner FLYING down the wing… being my first game live with Grabner as an Islander I tried to watch him with and without the puck… same thing in Nasheville and Carolina (other games I saw live)… My first thought, and what I am starting to believe is that he is this team’s Bob Bourne… now if Streit can come back to feed him Denis Potvin-esque passes they can take advantage of the disappeared red line and make for some exciting plays.
Un-freaking-believable homerism if ever. If it weren’t such a tight game I would have given Konopka a minus and told him see this situation, that is when you fight.
My thoughts…EXACTLY. We’ve seen Hillen take BONECRUSHING hits before… it’s quite the standard… like knowing that Martin was going to come out right after it and throw his body around as much as possible. The difference was that he got up and retaliated… HE got up, and RETALIATED… The 5’5" 150lb Jack Hillen got up and went after Hendricks, who probably doesn’t stop at one Swanson’s hungry Man’s dinner when his mom isn’t there to cook… If I’m on the ice my first thought is that Hendricks did something that he wasn’t supposed to do… and looking at the hit, Hillen avoided the bulk of it… but I guess he felt that Hendricks directed the knee to knee… can’t see that on TV, but if you’re Hillen, YOU KNOW.
…and when Hillen is standing up for himself… that’s good… but I don’t want Konopka to be carnival fighting all the time and let something like that go unchecked. I’d say the same thing about Gillies… but Gillies may have gotten two shifts after that… Konopka played soem healthy minutes and could have found some time to introduce Hendricks to the world of Freaky Zeeky.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
by JPinVA on Jan 21, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
and when Hillen is standing up for himself… that’s good… but I don’t want Konopka to be carnival fighting all the time and let something like that go unchecked.
Amen, amen, amen.
And that whole sequence (with the Martin penalty that followed) was insane. Seriously wondered if the refs felt they’d called enough penalties on the better team, so it was time to balance the ledger.
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
Coach's discretion vs. Health
Good to see it being coaches decisions and not just health status determining the lineup.
Wow, I didn’t even think of that, but you’re right — how long has it been since the coach had the luxury of a decision like that?
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
I agree that our defense can be better, but OMG can our forwards get any softer or be less effective than this bunch! JT, Bailey and Comeau were absolutely awful last night! They lose the puck everywhere on the ice, throw it away and in general just don’t compete! My teenage daughters have a stronger game than these three.
Bailey
He really stood out to me last night in a bad way…he seemed to make a bunch of soft plays, coughed up the puck very easily, and just seemed unable to make a crisp pass. Not blaming him for the loss but a strong game by Bailey could have made a big difference
I really liked Freddy Meyer. I thought they would’ve been better off (and saving money?) by keeping him instead of getting Mottau or Eaton.
by MLong86 on Jan 21, 2011 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
IV
The thing with freddy was they bought questionably, and sold empty. Freddy was bought for Zhit… Zhitnick, to be exact. Not much, but Philly turned Zhitnik into Braden Coburn… maybe that deal wasn’t avaiable… maybe Snow likes his sap from New Hampshire… who kows
Whatever the reasoning, Freddy was an undersized defender who wasn’t exactly wowing anybody with his puck moving abilities. He’d show sparks here and there, but mostly not. Then last year, more accurately the last 20 or so games he played for the islanders I thought he had become a PLUS for a 7-8 defender. So finally, some return.. not much, but some.
He’s gotta be a no brianner… then they get Mottau(who has to have some uneasy moments with Nielsen in the locker room) Eaton, who was basically an [insert body here] defender with a Stanley Cup ring and Jurcina [possibly bigger version of Marty]. Okay… why not pick two of those, and get Freddy back… Gordon had to have liked that because towards the end of the season there were some games where Freddy was the best defender.
Going back to my “Why Jack will turn the ship around” fanpost… It’s moves like this that make me think that Snow wasn’t fully committed to extending Gordon. Jurcina may have been a Gordon guy, but Freddy was another (see Sutton) defender that worked in the Gordon system.
It’s all worked out for the best anyway… I definitely like Capuano better than Gordon, and hopefully when the others are healthy we’ll have a playoff caliber defense.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Only thing I wonder with FMIV
Is if they were scared off by: 1) Durability/Martinek-esque concerns, and 2) That he really only put it all together (I think) down the stretch of his walk year. He made mention of a new nutrition lease on life last season, but you have to worry about getting burned by a 20-game rise when a player’s career is on the line.
On the other hand…what exactly would it have cost?! So you waive Meyer because he doesn’t make your top 8 out of camp. Like that’s such a huge risk?
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
by Dominik on Jan 21, 2011 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Mighty Matt and Grabs are different types of players
Grabs has the potential to be as good as and maybe better than Moulson at least in production numbers. We will see. Depends on what you mean by contender. I think that if everything broke right, this team could have been on the bubble the way Carolina is now with a shot at the playoffs. If that is what you mean by contender, I agree.
Contender... for me...
means they would be playing meaningful games the last two weeks of the season. By meaningful, I do not mean that they would be trying to stay in a lottery position. It’s pretty certain now that they will not get past the bottom 5, and it’s highly likely they will be in the bottom three. Fully healthy I could have seen them being a top 10 team in the east.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
injuries happen to all teams
I think that they would have had to have had about the lowest number of lost games in the NHL to be in it. It was always a longshot for this year. Getting Larsson would make this a better outcome in the long run as I do not think they were ever a serious contender and surely would have been one and done if they did somehow make it. Adding Larsson, together with the players they have in the pipeline would complete the championship core IMHO and that just three seasons after the initial rebuild draft in 2008. Pretty good work for a GM who was supposed to be Charlie Wang’s lackey, don’t you think?
I disagree...
Losing any 5 of the 7 for two-six weeks could have been dealt with. 500+ man games lost is not standard. i think we led the league in Nolan’s last year with 582. I think they could have dealt with 300-400 games lost if it wasn’t to both their best defenseman and their only CONTRIBUTING RW. You just can’t take 3 of 6 starting defensemen out of a lineup and expect a team to be a playoff contender. (Steit, Mottau, Eaton)… it’s too bad Wiz didn’t work out, but if you add those pieces he’d have been a tremendous assett to this club’s playoff chances.
Well… I also believe (and I may be alone in this assumption) that Gordon was not the right guy for the job either. Well… I’d been saying it for two years… but it’s pretty clear in hindsight.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
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Whatever happens John Maclean WILL be available.
So we do have that option.
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Given the Devils turnaround...
John Maclean will be available until a former Devil buys his own team… and even then he may have to re-prove himself.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Can’t imagine him getting another sniff … ever. Too bad, I always liked the guy and still remember his shot against the Hawks putting them in the playoffs for the first time, but that team really dogged it. Rumor has it Brodeur and he never got along even as teammates, but I don’t recall the source.
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MacLean, '88
still remember his shot against the Hawks putting them in the playoffs for the first time,
Man, what a game. That was back when regular season overtime MEANT SOMETHING!
Lighthouse Hockey: And you shall know us by the fraying of our hips.
disagree about Gordon
It was his misfortune to have all of those injuries and the team hasn’t really shown anything under Capuano that it hasn’t shown in the past under Gordon.
This team was always a very longshot to make the playoffs. As I said, everything had to break just right for them to even have a shot and they would surely have been one and done if they did make it. Getting a transformational player like Larsson was a better outcome in the long run.
Matt is strange mix of skills
He’s got goal scorers hands and nose for the net, sort of like a Parrish, but he doesn’t have those Tonelli like corner and board skills. He’s most effective in the slot and he has a unique – putting the puck in the net. Regardless of whatever else he does it is a rare commodity, but If he’s not scoring he’s less effective.
Grabner is easier to access, since his primary skill is so easy to see – speed. If you can skate, there is no situation you can’t contribute even when not putting up points. He’s in a lot of ways easier to slot into a lineup than Moulson. Its a small sample, but I’m liking his up-side more and more now that he seems to be mixing up what he does with the space he is creating. Shooting on some chances, taking it to the net on teh backhand when that is available. He’s reading his opportunities a lot better and not just racing down the ice and jamming the puck into the crease.
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Tough losses
lately. I’ve been home this week and busy as hell so I haven’t seen too many games. But they appear to have hit a wall lately. Nice to have KO and Frans back, rust or no rust, and hopefully this will raise our team above this bump in the road.
Youth WILL be served!!
The REBUILD marches on!!
by upstateislesfan on Jan 21, 2011 9:49 AM EST reply actions
Already discussed Bruno and Dylan.....
…..especially don’t agree with the former; he’s working his way back up into being an NHL-caliber defenseman again and I’m extremely happy for him; Reese, as I’ve said, HAS improved his game significantly and is worthy of a 2-way even if just for depth’s sake – will inevitably have his ups and downs but he still bears watching…..the thought of a Grabs-KO-Frans line truly makes me salivate (once they’ve established better communication, that is, the overall game of all 3 can only improve with them together) and while RSH is still a very big question mark, as I said in the pre-game thread, until someone else emerges that can clearly and consistently be an effective shootout specialist behind Nielsen, Garth really SHOULDN’T trade Robbo. He has had decent chemistry with Bails and BC but the line probably isn’t set in stone by any stretch of the imagination either…..
I can't understand 0 for 6...
with the guys they put out there on the PP. Even with OK shaking off the rust, you put him out there (and Nielsen too, who may not be Guy Lafleur but has good hands) with the rest of those guys and that’s a lot of talent for cripes sakes. 0 for 6 is ridiculous.
Still, I’m looking at it as a fluke, an anomaly. I thought Okposo looked pretty good. Moulson seems very quiet lately, I hope he’s not affected by all the talk about his status. Still, I hope these guys can actually stay on the ice for a bunch of games so we can catch a glimpse of what this group really is. I think Okposo stirs the pot in a big time positive way and this could be a fun stretch of games.
A little bit too much change
I think removing Schremp that played the quarteback the past four/five games while Nielsen was out, putting Nielsen back into a slot that he hadn’t filled in ten days and then throwing Okposo into the mix was too much tampering with chemistry. It was going to happen sooner or later that these players would be inserted, but keeping Schremp in the lineup would have eased the transition. I understand that Capuano risked the more “defensive” lineup against the Caps thinking the Isles would need to prevent chances and they did, but they didn’t generate enough offensive off of the PP instead.
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i'm not as high ...
on schremp as some others seem to be. i recognize he has skills, but reading that he doesn’t “want” to play wing bothers me. i’m pretty sure bailey figures more prominantly long term here than schremp does, i would rather see him stay at center and if that means moving schremp, so be it. i suspect that’s a good possibility. i’m more high on what grabner could bring to this team long term. he gets more scoring chances from his sheer speed than anyone on this team has in a long time, and it looks like he may be developing a better finishing touch. i think his potential upside on the wing is high. and there’s no denying schremp’s talent, but something about his demeanor and manner kind of concerns me.
Not yet seeing it as a long term solution either
I have strong doubts about Schremp as well, and I’ ve stated my prefernce for Nielsen at the point over Schremp. I just thought it was a lot of juggling in a single game and an easier way to transition would have been to leave Schremp in for the last game instead of another fourth liner that doesn’t see the ice for more than 3 minutes.
As for long term, I look at Schremp somewhat in the same light as PA, JJ, and ZK, I’m not sold on them for next season, but I’m not opposed to bringing them back either. You can’t get rid of every player that isn’t going to be a star since you still have a roster to fill out and each of those players fills a role. In Schremp case, I tend to give him a bit of leeway because I see the potential upside as opposed to a 30 year old that has peaked and is still never going to hit 20 goals.
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Konopka is a lock to be tendered a deal
He has been invaluable. Probably PAP as well. If the season ended last night, RSH would not be back and JJ would be in Bridgeport if at all.
Konopka may be tendered a deal, but I think he is an UFA, so it should be a case of at what term he was looking for before I’d bring him back. Three year deal and I say no thanks, two years more likely. Let me know what else is available in terms of faceoff specialists as well, because although I like the toughness and the team spirit he brings, I can take or leave the random fighting. That’s why I was thinking long term weighted against immediate needs.
If you can get guys signed for another season or two and get a better chance to evaluate them that is fine even though you run the risk of them blossoming and then paying more to keep them.
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they absolutely need his toughness and veteran presence
I would say a minimum two year deal. That would give Cizikas enough time to develop in Bridgeport.
Just a thought...
Toughness? “Okay… how much you gettin paid for 7 minutes a game…. me too… we’d better drop them tonight… it’s been three games and i want this gig to last”
I have to say that I really hate that crap. Sure, I enjoy watching it… but not as much as what matt martin did last night. The first shift after the Hillen hit he came out and drove somebody through the boards… and while the arm was raised for the delayed bullshit penalty he skated across the ice and drove the next puck carrier through the boards on the other side. THAT, to me is toughness.
I wasn’t a big fan of Nate Thompson, but he was more fo an energy guy as well… that’s why I’m pro Colliton. Jeremy at least has some offensive upside.
What a draft year that was… Nilsson instead of Parise, Dmitri Chernykh instead of Weber, Tunik in front of O’Sullivan and then Colliton ahead of Backes… You’d just like to have that graphic up in front of Milbury every time he opens his trap on television.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Backes would have been an UFA this summer
but signed a five year extension in November.
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My point is...
Milbury threw up on the draft table more oft than not… but has no problem criticizing at every opportunity. Next time he talks about anything they could put up that graphic, and then if he continues to blather on just put up the first five picks in 2000. That won’t shut him up, but it will at least give viewers a perspective on hypocrisy.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Just pointing out what could have been, not disagreeing. I think that was Milbury’s worst draft without even looking at it and taking into account the draft when DP was taken first overall. That is evaluating the draft in a vacuum and not taking into account the trade for Kvasha. We can at least agree that when healthy DP is an NHL caliber player.
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Of course...
but you, as well as every other human being not having a name that rhymes with Dilbury must agree that was the stupidest sequence of events in hockey managerial history.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Of course...
Agreed.
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I think it is unusual to get a player with ZK's size and toughness who also has skills and has his passion
it really is a no brainer to extend him for two years IMHO.
It wasn't a "no brainer" for Tampa...
Who’s the better team right now.
Bergenhiem vs Joensuu.. I wasn’t crazy about this one… turned out to suck.
Thompson vs Konopka… I was pretty happy about this one… I think Tampa is HAPPIER.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Why would TB be happy about about having Thompson over ZK though?
The Isles future looks brighter then most would think with these young core guys in place:
Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Niederreiter, Grabner, MacDonald, Hamonic, and DeHaan.
Konopka is lights out better than Thompson in every way
Thompson is playing on a different team. Anybody can look good when surrounded by talented veterans. I would have hoped that they would have kept Bergy as well, but I don’t know all that they did in making the decision.
Tough decision will have to be made
They probably still need a top six forward, that puts PAP on the bubble since I don’t see him as bottom six. Schremp is also on the bubble in the middle if they decide Bailey goes back to move in Nino on the wing. I think Comeau has saved himself IF he can keep it up over the second half. Gillies is probably gone along with Weight. At the AHL level they have roster spots available, at the NHL level it is going to start getting tight and I’m not falling too much in love with any player on the fourth line.
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Don't discount Colltion's second half.
If I project to next year I cold definitely see Zeke coming back, but I don’t want to rule out a situation where Colliton STARTS the season as the fourth line center.
Physically: Zeke fights, but Colliton skates better, and he hits more effectively. Edge might go to Konopka because he’s a distraction at times.
Skating: IMO Colliton is strides (pun intended) ahead of Konopka who tends to plod with little “burst”. Colliton is quicker and more responsive.
Roles: Jeremy does almost everything Zeke does… and from the other side. Colliton isn’t gonna get you 200 miutes in penalties, unless he gets caught EVERY TIME he hooks, holds and high sticks…. but he will win faceoffs, kill penalties and give you 7-10 responsible minutes. If Martin takes on the responsibiliies of standing up for teammates (which, honestly, Zeke hasn’t done as much as he has qualified himself for the most hockey hits on YouTube) and they retain Trevor for another year, I’d rather see Colliton as the fourth line center.
Colliton is also valuable as a top 2 center in BPT… so a two-way for him might lead to something good either way.
RSH needs to be dealt now, or resigned. I’d hate to think that the Isles committed two years to develop him into a legit NHL center and will get nothing in return for their effort. This team may seem like it has a wealth of centers, but that is FAR FROM TRUE. There is absolutely nothing in BPT, and guys like Lee, Cizakas and Nelson are 2+ years away…maybe as much as 4 years from being at the level that Schremp is at now. There is definitely timeline room for them to give Schremp 2-3 years.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
i like this take on "toughness"
and i definitely want konopka to stay. his faceoff skills alone pretty much justify keeping him, but throw in his willingness to drop ’em, his knack for stirring things up, and how he just seems to fit in, and i hope the guy comes back.
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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.
