2011-12 Islanders Goaltending Preview: When six is greater than two
by Dominik on Oct 5, 2011 7:31 AM EDT
in New York Islanders Previews
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In one universe, you have two former NHL All-Stars, a first-round pick who put up a .921 save percentage last year, and two hot-shot prospects biding their time in the AHL.
In the alternate universe, you have a guy who was the backup on his AHL team last year, a guy who bottomed out in the KHL and didn't play after Christmas, and an injury-riddled guy who's played 39 games the last three seasons and put up a .886 last season.
Welcome to New York Islanders goaltending, 2011-12. The good news is those two hotshot prospects exist in both universes. And they follow behind three options who, when healthy and in form, can stop pucks in the NHL.
2010-11
Six goaltenders looks crazy on the surface and doesn't seem sustainable, but ... well the Islanders ended up having to use six goaltenders in the NHL alone last season.
| Crazy Goalie 2010-11 | GAA | SV% |
| Al Montoya (NHL-20GP) | 2.31 | .921 |
| Al Montoya (AHL-21GP) | 3.19 | .878 |
| Evgeni Nabokov (KHL-22GP) | 3.02 | n/a |
| Rick DiPietro (NHL-26GP) | 3.44 | .886 |
| Kevin Poulin (NHL-10GP) | 2.44 | .924 |
| Kevin Poulin (AHL-15GP) | 2.19 | .927 |
| Mikko Koskinen (NHL-4GP) | 4.33 | .873 |
| Mikko Koskinen (AHL-36GP) | 3.49 | .879 |
I don't actually think I should bet on Rick DiPietro being healthy and staying that way. I don't actually think I should bet on Evgeni Nabokov rebounding all the way from last season. I'm pretty sure Al Montoya is at best an average NHL goalie (which is fine) and not the .921 guy he was for the Isles last season (but probably not the .878 AHL goalie, either).
Further, I probably shouldn't bet on Kevin Poulin or Anders Nilsson stepping up and taking the reins at the NHL level this year. (To say nothing of Mikko Koskinen.)
But goaltending being what it is, nearly homogenous in this day and age, I don't think it's a bad bet that at least one or two of those scenarios happen and the Islanders improve on their 23rd-ranked .902 goalie performance of last season.
The challenges lie in identifying if there's a problem mid-season and quickly taking action. Goalies have bad games and bad weeks. It will be incumbent upon the Islanders goalie coaches to watch closely and understand if something more than bad luck is going on. The season may very well depend on it.
To that end, Jack Capuano has made a habit of speaking about how players need to earn their place on this team. This summer he said the guys who stop the puck are the guys who are gonna play. If that holds true, the goaltending should be fine.
Assuming, you know, one of these guys stops the puck.
Other Previews in this Series:
2011-12 Islanders Preview: The Defense
2011-12 Season Previews: Islanders Special Teams
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i hope you're wrong about this
I’m pretty sure Al Montoya is at best an average NHL goalie
and he proves to be an above average, even if not top 10 goalie…
These comments crawl up from the depths of the deepest Chasm of Saar
I hope he's wrong too.
But the odds are…he’s right and may be quite overstating things.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
by garik16 on Oct 5, 2011 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly. There's a very good chance that Montoya is at best NHL average. But who knows.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
you spelled "bily" wrong genius
(And also Garth Sucks!!)
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 5, 2011 9:07 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
It is called a typo
Not the end of the world.
by Battlin Bily on Oct 5, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Damn, I thought you already became a meme.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Oct 5, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Okay we already have trouble with spelling, now you start using words I have to google.
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
Can some moderator fix his name? Or at least tell him how to get it fixed?
It’s just a little annoying to see our Dynasty goalie have his name misspelled constantly.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
support@sbnation.com is the way to go for such things.
Although, anyone looking to change their handle should really update their signature with “formerly known as” or something like that, else it will be confusing, and ye shall be looked upon with suspicion.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Oct 5, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
For as much
effort and angst we spend breaking down the skaters, the goaltending is probably going to make or break the season with regards to the playoffs. Hopefully their play is serviceable enough to keep us in the hunt until the spring, and to give us a good sense of where we really need to improve going forward.
by afrosupreme on Oct 5, 2011 9:25 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
it will be interesting
seeing at least one goalie scratched every game untill dp someone gets injured or nabby someone gets traded
The Islanders' team surgeon is now the 4th wealthiest man in the United States
Excellent Work
Dom, I gotta say you do fantastic work on these blogs/articles that come out. I like the Preview series of each facet of the game for the team….
by Isles in NC on Oct 5, 2011 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Thank you
Different stuff seems to work for different visitors, so we try to maintain a variety. It’s always good to get feedback. Particularly when it’s not how much I suck.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I really enjoyed the swimsuit edition last year.
… and the coupon’s for free wings at Hooter’s was an awesome idea… That was Keith, wasn’t it?
By the way, we used the christmas check to get a new laptop for my daughter. I’m so glad I registered as an SBNation user last year…
Are you planning the same programs this year?
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
This rocks
In so many ways.
Unfortunately, the deadline for all our checks, coupons, and free wings for registered users was yesterday. Everyone else who signs up with an account from this day forward must pay a $75 donation to the Make JP’s Wish fund.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I just didn't want you to get all full of yourself...
… I hear that can lead to loss of credentials in these parts.
One day you’re on top of the world… the next day you have to drive through Newark in a Smart car to cover the Devils.
I know it’s hard to be humble when you have an adoring fan base… just don’t let it get to your head… I can’t imagine adoring somebody who’s family fortune was derived from joining two or more pieces of paper with a mechanically applied metal wire.
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
My Fear is
that the Islanders continue with the “we’ve go to get Ricky going” montra. If they really do play the goalies that give them the best chance of winning they will be ok. Who knows maybe Rick will be able to be that guy but I will have to see it to believe it.
We all fear that...
but Ricky has been “stopping the puck”… so maybe we shouldn’t fear it for now… just sit back, relax, and wait until he coughs up the puck at the goal line.
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
by JPinVA on Oct 5, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Please get the scenario right, he won't cough it up; he'll fire it to some place the defense has no idea its going.
..and that’s coming from a DiPi “supporter”. I qualify my support because I want him to do well and think he could and may still be a quality NHL goaltender. I’m as impatient with the injuries, roaming and dislike the contract as much as the next person,
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
I’m giving Ricky a clean slate for this season. If he continues playing well then let’s keep playing him. If not, then we have options.
Hunter said he was just finishing his check.
by Turgeon1992 on Oct 5, 2011 1:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
I see the stable ...
of netminders as assets.
When the GM/Coach finally settle on 2 guys they’re comfortable with for the long term the rest of them become chips to play for other pieces to the puzzle.
I like how Snow has handled that part of the ‘rebuild.’
As long as we don't exaggerate what we think those assets are worth.
Goaltenders mean an awful lot, they just never seem to bring back much in exchange since the team holding the asset isn’t getting much use of it either if it sits on the bench 70 games a year.
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
Good point, but ...
there is talent among the lot, and when teams find themsleves in need at the position – which some definitely will – the GM should be able to cash in for at least some good value.
Yes, yes
The value of these assets even if they’re playing on fire is pretty small … unless you’re George Sherman.
Although, getting a 2nd-rounder or Wishart (I assume those were the options) for Roloson was a decent return.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
We were aksing for prospects instead of picks.
We got a prospect and it turns out we still like our picks better. All part of the learning curve. A prospect should be ready sooner, but a pick may pan out better.
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
Can't give up on Wishart...
… and the timing is in our favor. We got good games from him last year. i suppose we will get good games from him this year. A second round pick would be four or five years away. As good as Mayfield pr*j*cts to be, if our NHL roster thickens with deHaan and/or Donovan it will be a good four years before we see Mayfield play a full NHL season.
1 or 2 years in juniors, 1 full year in the AHL and then the shuttle until he sticks. That’s a better plan than what we have now, and that’s when we’ll be a consistent playoff team and a potential cup contender.
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
Even Lunquist......
can’t perform at his level without a crease clearing guy to keep his vision clear. We have a forward or two who can help – but they are often busy checking the offensive guys on the pp defense. Staios is not the guy, nor is Jurina. The Rags just snuck in last season with a better D than us. Where is Sutton when we need him?
Besides that
If they insist on going with 3 goalies, none of them will get into a real good grove.
by Battlin Bily on Oct 5, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
I would speculate that the 3-headed monster won’t last too long into the season, as at least one of the three will eventually, depending on who performs and who doesn’t, be (a) injured (b) sent down © waived or (d) traded.
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Copyright
And thanks to autocomplete, apparently instead of putting option “c” I’ve now copyrighted the term “waived”. Now nothing left to do but sit back and wait for the royalties to pile up!
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I thought you copyrighted "send down", not nearly the cash cow you envisioned.
If you would have copyrighted “go” instead of “send” you may have had a small fortune.
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
Ye gads! I think you're correct
there go my plans for early retirement.
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe you just copyrighted "down"
That’s used pretty often in all walks of life, I think.
Yet another Moulson brother-in-law.
by ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles on Oct 5, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Someone was sure anonymously against the 3-goalie rotation two years ago
Suspect it was Roloson. But I also suspect he saw himself outplaying the other two (Biron and DiPietro) and wondered, why are they getting starts?
Nabokov definitely strikes me as the kind of goalie who think he needs to be “in a groove.” Meanwhile, Poulin played sparingly at both levels last year and rocked. I think if you’re a good goalie, you’re a good goalie. But if you’re a goalie, you’re also quite possibly a headcase.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Does the desire to be a goalie
in a Bernard-Pivot-Questionnaire sort of way, indicate potential head case status?
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
The rags offense was also a mess last year
And their defence is definitely better defensively then ours, but no one on their roster from last year could make a breakout pass or QB a powerplay to save their lives
"Mario Lemiuex… I used to respect you."- Turgeon1992
Plus they did lose 3 goals from the offense as well, but they added Richarfs so that may be a wash ;).
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
richards not richarfs
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
same fifferance.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Is he still a fick?
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
Not sure- but either way I still think he is overratef.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Awesome
Now I know what to do with all these Fs on my scrabble board.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 5, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Without Staal the Rangers may not even have that guy until much later in the season.
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
Sutton is preparing to excite Oilers fans with the Staios Phase of his career
Who is the big crease clearer protecting Lundqvist?
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Oct 5, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Staal and Eminger
I’ll take them over any body except Streit, Amac and Hamonic
Are they "big crease clearers"
Or just good defensemen?
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Which would make them 4th and 5th defensman on the Islanders?
I think Eminger is high and Staal may be low.
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
Don't they record shots on goal in the KHL?
Anyway, the GAA is alarmingly high for a less prestigious league unless it reflects poor defence there, etc. I suppose he’ll get a couple of chances to prove himself still.
Montoya rose to the occasion last season and should be treated in that light. Let him start the first game at least, and let him go from there. Show him that much respect.
Starter?
Along those lines, has there been any hint as to who gets the start in net Saturday night? Or will this be a topic on which we must speculate over the next few days?
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
i can only assume
it will be dp, he’s healthy(ish) and has the contract to say he’s number one when until he losses that position. however its only an assumption and we all know what happens when we assume.
The Islanders' team surgeon is now the 4th wealthiest man in the United States
I think Rick.
Only because the only times he hasnt started openning night is when he is hurt. If he is healthy, he will be there.
I dont necessarily think he will get lots of starts in a row though.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not sure
I can see what you all mean, but I think it would be a good signal that getting the job done is the main (or only) criterion.
I think I'm going to go out on a limb
and go with Smokin’ Al getting the call. He was fine in preaseason, and should be the defacto starter given his run last year. Among the three heads, he’s contributed the most in the organization over the past year. That, plus his ribs are the best in Nassau County.
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
That's what I thought all summer
And said so on the radio. But I’m buyin’ the arguments that predict RDP gets the start.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Oct 5, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
As note elsewhere in the comments,
RDP is prominently displayed on the Isles home page playing the puck (not stopping it, but looking like a forward who thought it would be fun to practice while wearing goalie gear). I would take this to indicate that the organization preference is for RDP to start the home opener, as a symbollic representation of him being the franchise “face” goalie.
I therefore withdraw my previous theory of Smoking Al “Inigigo” Montoya getting the start Saturday night.
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
DP
5 of the last 6 games I’ve attended have been started by RDP… so the odds are that we’ll get to see him again.
Last year’s home opener (vs Rangers) was not a great game by him, but it was a win. I could live with that result, and then El Cubano Grande on Monday… while Ricky soaks.
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
You are correct...
The Ranger game was MY home opener… and that’s how I rationalize my sister scheduling her wedding on the day of the Islander’s home opener.
DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT???
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
by JPinVA on Oct 5, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
lol, damn wedding. And I see someone acts all tough when they got their psychotic friends backing them huh? I wish I had psychotic friends.....no wait I don't. lol
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
In the future
all articles about goalies should bear the following disclaimer: “DO NOT DRAFT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.”
Fire Garth Snow.
I guess nobody picked up Avery
I guess if they wanted to get him picked up they’d have put him in some leather chaps and dropped him off at Diesel.
Tonight’s special guest, Don Cherry, will be doing a lovely rendition of Master of the House from Les Miserables. Grasshoppers are half price ’til 11, or whenever the Ranger game ends.
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
by JPinVA on Oct 5, 2011 12:46 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
……..then at Diesel he can listen to Franz Fernandez “Do You Want To”
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
We don't need no water let Nassau County burn
Burn motherf******s burn
by FireGarthSnow on Oct 5, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
If you name your bar Diesel, then you're just asking for the gays to show up.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
"Diesel is down the Street"
… and please try the puff pastries… they’re the best in the city.
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
i prefer this place...
at least the girls here are so desperate they practice kissing with each other…
These comments crawl up from the depths of the deepest Chasm of Saar
by bob l on Oct 5, 2011 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
The Isles don't have a goalie that can steal games ( anymore) either.....
So it’s up to the defense to not let 32 shots a game get through again like last year. Which means more injured defensemen, which means more shots given up….. paging Dr. Welby.
Funny, I used to watch guys like Hart, Marshall, even Denis Potvin fearlessly lay out across the ice to block shots and I don’t remember them getting injured as much as they do today. I know, different times, faster, sronger, the game has changed, etc., but still……….
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
We don't need no water let Nassau County burn
Burn motherf******s burn
by FireGarthSnow on Oct 5, 2011 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
aaahhh.
Hart and Marshall.
I love when those names come up.
(#5 goes without saying)
and of course ...
Dave Lewis. An excellent backliner-shotblocker.
many feel Lewis was the team's 2nd best Dman @ time of Goring trade
emerg of Morrow of course made that trade possible
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 5, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Hart was my favorite d-man on those Isles teams
When I played in the GNYCIHL back before the dinosaurs, I would wear #2. Was the same kind of d-man as him. Stay home, block shots, and not back down. It helped I was one of the few who could backskate to some degree,lol.
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
We don't need no water let Nassau County burn
Burn motherf******s burn
by FireGarthSnow on Oct 5, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't forget
Morrow, Lane and Langevin.
We are all Islanders, even if we’re from Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Oct 5, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Different Era
But nobody wanted to sit out because they were afraid they would lose their jobs… There were less jobs, and as our defensive roster will certainly confirm, a lot more talented players to fill them.
30 teams makes for a very thin talent level… but they are still the best 700 players in the world.
PS: rec’d for reference to Hart and Marshall… Potvin is my favorite Islander, but those guys don’t get nearly the “air” time they deserve.
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
I conceded the different era.....
should have added no free agency. And as you said, nobody would sit out. Even if you had a concussion, you’d take some Bayer and hit the ice….for a lot less money than they make now too.
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
The roof the roof the roof is on fire
We don't need no water let Nassau County burn
Burn motherf******s burn
by FireGarthSnow on Oct 5, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
A lot of current isles fearlessly lay down to block shots. Maybe the era has changed but guys still take the chances on blocking those shots.
Hunter said he was just finishing his check.
by Turgeon1992 on Oct 5, 2011 1:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
One thing: "Give DP a clean slate". That is all.
Other then that, the goalie situation will work itself out one way or another.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
lol, there is a pick with DP skating with the puck on the homepage right now:
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
Get back into the EFFING CREAS!E!!1!
At least wait for the game to start before wandering.
Gratuitous DP story:
The first NHL game I took my (then 4 or 5 yo) daughter to was like 5 years ago against the Panthers. The Isles won in the shootout only because they blew a lead in the 3d when DP wandered from the crease, lost the puck and let a puck into a wide open, vacated net. This memory is burned into my daughter’s brain and we laugh about it whenever anything DP related comes up.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 5, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Along a similar vein
While watching a game a couple of years ago with my wife, who doen’t really watch hockey, even she noticed that RDP kept leaving the crease to play the puck, usually without great results.
To which she replied “why does the islanders goalie keep leaving his house? Shouldn’t he stay there so he can stop the puck if the other team tries to score?”.
Definitely the right question, as shortly after her comment, he turned over the puck and it turned into a goal.
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Because
He’s not really among the best at stopping the puck anymore, but I’ll be damned if I can find a goalie who can stickhandle as well as he can! You go with your competitive advantages.
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha
“Focus on your strengths.”
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Not for nothing
that is exactly the reason I feel like he won’t change and may always be a liability. (I may be wrong, who knows), but people keep telling him he is a great stickhandling goalie and what an advantage that is. Just once in a post game interview or coaching segment, I’d like to hear someone say what a shitty decision it was or how poorly played it was (if it happens again).
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Not to bring up football...
But to draw an analogy, it’s kind of like Eli Manning. How you might ask? Like RDP with his stick handling, Eli is probably well ahead of most of his peers with regard to his ability to throw a football. His main limitation in fully exploiting that skill (again like RDP with his stick handling) is questionable decision-making when using that skill.
I think there’s no question that he really is among the best at handling the puck, but he’s stubborn and refuses to grow by way of learning WHEN to play the puck, and when he’s better off staying in his “house” and trying to protect the net. This is probably because he’s always in part judged himself on his ability to play the puck, and wants to show how useful the skill is.
by SchneiderDiricov on Oct 5, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd like my scalp every time he plays the puck unnecessarily
Well said. That’s the whole of it right there: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Not sure I agree with the Eli analogy
Eli’s decision making wasn’t great last year but when people went back and looked at the tape about 12 of his interceptions weren’t his fault. Plus Eli’s main strength is his ability to pick up blitz packages.
Isles jerseys I've owned: Fisherman, Tim Connolly, Josh Bailey RBK Edge edition. I've got a history of success.
Not sure about the Eli Analogy either
Eli
Superbowl ring… really end of conversaation right there.. but I’ll go on.
Eli’s head is filled with football. He has been watching pro films and breaking them down since he was 10 years old.
Eli is a fit, but not terribly gifted athlete who has over-acheived because he fully understands what it takes to lead an offense.
Eli has a QB sense that keeps him from getting killed in the pocket.
DP
Has had no playoff success.
His head is filled with rah rah bullshit that may endear him to fans, but must drive the professionals around him mad.
DP is in great shape, and is a terribly gifted athlete… but his head must be filled with rocks because he constantly puts himself (physically) and the disposition of the games he plays in harms way.
DP does not have good “goaltender” sense… how many times does he even forget that he is THE GOALTENDER and not realize he is surrounded by his own defensemen… and still he goes after the puck. We saw it the last time he played, at least 20 years after his first coach told him, “STAY IN THE CREASE CHOWDAH HAAD”.
I see where you were going with that, but don’t confuse a proven winner with a guy who desperately wants to be a winner. And if you’re one of those guys that thinks Eli wins football games in spite of himself, look at the records of the great Michael Vick and Tony Romo.
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
In fairness
they probably used that pic/image/drawing cause it matches the rest of the shots.
"Failing upwards! How come I can’t ever seem to do that?" - AP77 on Strang's ESPN Job
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I guess the two are mutually exclusive?
Hunter said he was just finishing his check.
by Turgeon1992 on Oct 5, 2011 4:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
DP's not gonna stop
until he scores an empty-netter. Mark my words.
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
and then..
he’s only going to try harder to even his +/-
Who cares... John Tavares is here until 2017-18!!!
i wonder...
if he goes back to his elaborately well-painted masks that tribute POW’s or if he keeps the osgood style mask.
"son of a bitch i'm sick of these dolphins"
- Steve Zissou
You know he wants it sooooo bad.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
You would think a team that has drafted goalies as agressively as the Islanders have wouldn't
be having this problem. But of course highly drafting goalies sucks. Honestly though I am not worried. Put a guy in who can stop most shots and play well in front of him.
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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.
