Islanders Roster Final: Strome in (for now), Kabanov, Reese, Frischmon Out
No big shocks as the New York Islanders finalized their 23-man roster for the start of the NHL season. As we watched them widdle whittle [ed. hilarious typo there] it down through a big Bridgeport reassignment and several IR listings, the final few choices became pretty clear.
However, one mild surprise is that 2011 1st-round pick Ryan Strome is staying for now. ("For now" is strictly my editorial opinion.) His signing a contract yesterday, just before the CBA deadline, was a strong indication that the Islanders at least wanted him around in the near term. With Nino Niederreiter on IR thanks to a groin, er "charley horse," Strome has a spot that Newsday's Arthur Staple figures will be in the press box on Opening Night.
One wonders if that will change though, with the temptation to unveil another shiny new toy in front of the home fans. Regardless, Staple's post was in advance of official word from the Islanders, so three cheers to the new Islanders beatwriter for nailing the roster.
Now then, barring injury is this what the Islanders opening night lineup looks like? It's how they've been doing it in practice:
Matt Moulson - John Tavares - P.A. Parenteau
Michael Grabner - Frans Nielsen - Kyle Okposo
Brian Rolston - Josh Bailey - Blake Comeau
Matt Martin - Marty Reasoner - Jay Pandolfo
Mark Streit - Steve Staios
Andrew MacDonald - Travis Hamonic
Mark Eaton - Mike Mottau
Injured Reserve: Niederreiter, Trevor Gillies, Mark Katic, Jeremy Colliton, Rhett Rakhshani.
Kirill Kabanov goes back to juniors (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada), Dylan Reese and Trevor Frischmon (who both already cleared waivers) head to Bridgeport.
If Milan Jurcina still isn't ready to go, color me worried about that third pair. If the lineup holds, then ol' Devils Rolston and Pandolfo do not get the band back together, but instead Rolston tries to keep the Bailey-Comeau partnership on track while Pandolfo teams with Martin to try to make Reasoner's task less monumental.
There are challenges here for sure, though. Reasoner is a very good defensive center, but he has two wild cards on his wings. Rolston, meanwhile, missed much of camp with groinus decayus and carries more uncertainty than the two talented but enigmatic youngsters he lines up with.
Meanwhile, as expected the three-headed goalie monster begins the season with Rick DiPietro, Evgeni Nabokov and Al Montoya all in the NHL. Staple predicts DiPietro starts with Nabokov backing up. I'd prefer Montoya dressed for time served, but we'll see. ... We'll see.
Michael Fornabaio has the what's-doing at Bridgeport, including a nice feature on Anton Klementyev changing his number to honor a close friend who died in the Lokomotiv disaster.
176 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Nice to have a real beat reporter again
Is that like 5 scoops this month? That’s 5 more than Strang ever had.
Strome has a spot that Newsday’s Arthur Staple figures will be in the press box on Opening Night.
Figures isn’t exactly a “scoop”
"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.
Rumors Rumors Rumors
Or just 1 rumor. Supposedly Kabanov doesn’t want to play in the QMJHL, so we’ll see how that works out.
"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.
Where did you read that?
LINK OR IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!
I just want everything to work out for this kid…
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Someone claimed he wants to (and will be) playing in the SEL.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 5, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
...what?
I can’t see Kabanov playing in the SEL. That just doesn’t make any sense.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
I think it makes perfect sense
He would learn more in the SEL playing against men on a larger ice-surface in a league famous for producing great defensive forwards, versus playing against kids in an offensive league. I just don’t think you can expect a player to get much better after a certain amount of years in junior hockey. You could argue that Kabanov never really dominated in juniors like other prospects of his offensive calibre typically do so still has things to learn there, but I think his numbers reflect how he was used and at this point someone of his age putting up big numbers in the Q wouldn’t mean a lot to me, I don’t think you can draw a correlation between junior and pro production after a certain age.
Can he play in the SEL if he's under contract?
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Oct 5, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
If I say rumor, then the source doesn’t really matter does it? If I say something as though it’s going to happen, then worry about the source. Truthfully I try not to mention stuff that I don’t have faith in passing on myself, so you guys can trust me.
"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.
Umm no, it doesn't work that way.
Get some actual you know, reputation of being correct, and then we could trust ya. Not like this. STFU.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Wait you're WebBard? Didn't recognize you with the new name.
That said, still applies. No Corroboration, no trust. Sorry.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
no problem
I really don’t post rumors anyway. The only other time is when I’ve posted a rumor (at least that I can think of) it was from incarcerated rob. The person announced it on twitter, but I’m still worried he might get in trouble because he’s working with the Islanders org , or else I would leave his name.
"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 don't trust Bob either.
His accuracy rate is not exactly high and yet people quote him every time he spreads an Isles rumor.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
You know
I thought that was a picture you used to use, and I got confused myself.
Lots of name jumping going on. Maybe I should get in on it.
haha
I use it for my twitter if you follow me on there
"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 like discussing the occasional "rumor" for argument's sake
But only for the hypothetical “what if,” and without giving attention to people who spread them just to, well, get attention.
So then, hypothetically speaking: SEL could be cool for KK. I haven’t dug into the CBA on it, but logically I think it wouldn’t fly. NHL teams have to agree to loan their players to Europe, and the SEL and NHL have a working transfer agreement (which, among other things, means they respect each other’s contracts and don’t raid players/accept defectors).
Now, the NHL-CHL agreement is sort of mysterious — it’s not in the public CBA, but rather only referenced as a continuance of the previously existing NHL-CHL agreement. I would think if a junior team has to agree to let the NHL club loan their 18/19 y.o. to the AHL, then the same would apply to other loans.
Total aside: Copper & Blue did a thought experiment on this, I think this summer, saying teams should own SEL teams, and then encourage their draft picks to leave/reject CHL juniors and develop over there. That way wouldn’t have NHL contracts, so it would get around the whole NHL-CHL thing, and yet they’d develop at a level higher than juniors but lower than the NHL. I think it would cause ten kinds of hell, but it was a fun idea.
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 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tis but a dream
i figured it wouldn’t pass the CBA or rather anyway, but inspite of rumour was interesting, in part b/c as Matt pointed out, we had been discussing it in another thread. Interesting that Copper & Blue are so far a head of us on this one…hard not to respect their website and team, and I think this is one of the best one’s in the league wide series as well. i don’t bother with any other major sport so closely. baseball got boring when the mets and jays became ordinary.
i’d love to send wishart to the SEL
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 6, 2011 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions
the SEL and NHL have a working transfer agreement (which, among other things, means they respect each other’s contracts and don’t raid players/accept defectors)
As you mentioned, the agreement is between SEL and NHL, not SEL and CHL. From my point of view, SEL doesn’t have to respect a CHL contract and why should they? The CHL has no qualms plucking away players from European leagues, even those who have a valid contract. The CHL deserves to be treated in the same way as she treates other leagues.
Ambrí-Piotta almost lost Grègory Hoffman to the CHL this year despite a valid contract. To Kevin Constantine’s delight, the player changed his mind the night before the import draft.
I think the obstacle would be it's an NHL contract, not a CHL contract
And so a signed NHL contract (such as Kabanov’s) is supposed to be handled in certain ways by the NHL team according to their NHL-CHL agreement.
So by my understanding, if they ever wanted Kabanov to intern in the SEL, they should have avoided signing his ELC this year.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I would really like to read this "phantom" agreement.
It would be interesting to see the exact wording of the agreement. It’s a mystery if it involves only the AHL or every professional hockey league.
His ELC would also kick in playing in the SEL.
You're not alone!
It’s really annoying that it’s kept in a cave somewhere.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
According to the regulations in Sweden any hockey club needs to be owned to at least 51% by its members, so no other party could even technically buy a SEL club:) This is being discussed and might change, but as for now this is how it is.
Oooh, that's interesting
What classifies/qualifies a “member”?
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I might not be 100% accurate on everything but I’ll try to elaborate a bit. Each club has an association which consists of its members where each one has a vote in running the club. This is how it has always looked historically in Sweden, leaving the power with the members.
Nowadays sport clubs can be converted to corporations as long as the association maintains 51% of the ownership to ensure that no external party can run the club in whatever direction is profitable to them. Some clubs are even listed on the stock exchange. But I doubt the 51% rule will change very soon, there is a lot of traditions in our associations and risking teams to change their names after a sponsor or even moved to a new location would is not something most people want.
That's interesting
Thanks for elaborating.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
if Kabanov really wants to play in the SEL instead of reporting to the QMJHL, I'd say that is a very intelligent career move
the QMJHL is the least defensive of the three Canadian Major junior leagues…Kabanov has nothing left to learn there…plus, he is a kid that gets bored when not challenged, and boredom leads to negativety in his case (my opinion). The SEL is a factory for teaching positional defensive play. Kabanov is a gifted playmaker, he will never be a banger, but he will not be injured like a banger either. If he can’t be in NHL, the best place for him in my view is in the SEL for a year at least, maybe two at most.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 5, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Personally
I’d rather see him do good in the QMJHL and have a solid consistent season. I worry about his size and playing time in the SEL. Plus it’s not like he blew the barn doors off in QMJHL last year.
"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.
Kabanov tends to play better in big gains
offensive numbers from the Q always have to be weighed against the fact that it is the Q. The Swedish league is not as physical as AHL, I’m not worried about his size there. It is the opportunity to learn positional D in the best league for it. Kabby has the height but lacks the weight and muscle…if i had my way, i would send prospects who i want to learn physical D to the AHL and those I want to learn positional D to the SEL…I’d even rather have an afiliation agree with a SEL rather than the ECHL.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 5, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i gotta star spell checking, sorry that should say big games
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 5, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I think some browsers have a spellcheck w/in SBN
Let me checkk….yep, red squiggly line on y screen. (Firefox)
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Of course when you spell Gains right, you won’t get the spellcheck squiggly line.
"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.
Ha
I hadn’t checked which word he botched.
Yep, proof your work, people! ;)
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
agreed
It would be a great to have the options to send prospects to the SEL, and it’s an excellent point about positional vrs. physical defense and the AHL/SEL. Learning to play smart positional devensive hockey would be a valuable tool for Kirill’s toolbox, and would greatly increase his chances at NHL success.
What would the concerns be re: his size?
With its larger ice surfaces European leagues are usually less physical. The QMJHL can be brutal, I would think he would be less likely injured there.
SEL is still full sized adults, although I admit I haven’t seen him this pre-season, the last time I saw him in the playoffs he wasn’t any bigger then he had been.
"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.
Right now on the site
he’s listed at 6’3" 194. It confirms what I feel like he said in an interview a few weeks back. I find that hard to believe, but anything is possible, and he did look bigger in his preseason game. Notable though, that would make him bigger than Grabs, Frans, Bailey, about the same size as Comeau and Parenteau.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
gotcha...
but I still think that due to the larger ice surface he would be safer there. Plus there are a lot of straight out thugs in the Q looking to make a name for themselves and maybe earn a contract from a minor pro team looking for an enforcer. I believe the penalties for fighting are stricter in the SEL and there is less risk for boarding and dangerous hits because of the bigger playing surface. And as CIL points out above the SEL is known for producing players with sound positional defensive skills versus physical defensive players. All thst being said, some of those nordics are giants, what with being descended from Vikings and all.
CIL- weren't we just talking about prospects playing in the SEL for year?
It would be much better devolopmentally than going back to the QMJHL, especially for a guy like Kirill. Players coming out of the SEL are much more responsible two-way players than there North American counterparts.
Some teams in the SEL
would welcome him with open arms. If he goes to one of the teams in the bottom part of table he will surely be playing top 6 minutes, don’t worry about that. Bus as Dom pointed out I’m not sure if it is possible du to the agreement between NHL-SEL.
Reasoner should be a good mentor for Martin
It’s what I had hoped Hunter could have been before that knee injury last season.
That third D pairing is going to be painful to watch.
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
Eaton can be solid as a 3rd pairing guy, plus they won’t be on the ice so much.
"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.
It's not Eaton that really concerns me
I know he’s solid, but I don’t think he’s good enough to shore up a crappy partner. Here’s hoping Juice makes his way back to roster by opening night.
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
Me too
I’m alright with Eaton overall, but don’t want him being the best guy in a pairing.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
That's an interesting point
Haven’t thought about that in a while, it’s been so long since Hunter was healthy. But Hunter getting Martin to focus his hit-hunger into an all-around game would’ve been nice.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I think Staples was an improvement over Strang the first day on the job
Great so have someone writing about the game that seems to understanding it, and have some passion/drive for what he is doing.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 5, 2011 3:56 PM EDT reply actions
Game on!
I like the third line. Going to give Bailey a nice chance to have a good year.
Fourth line will be a wait and see. I see potential for a lot of non-Reasoner flux there though.
The third pair doesn’t worry me so much. I actually think Eaton can be a pretty good player and that Mottau is much better than he was last year. Although I would like to see one of the kids work their way onto the bottom pair with Mottau, and have Eaton take Staios’ spot.
Eaton and Mottau as the third pair
Is exactly what they were signed for, and Eaton is better than most people give him credit for. I’m way more worried about having Staios on the first pair,even Streit can’t make him look good after that last preseason game.
Constantly building for the future.
Wait Wait Wait
Why would they bother keeping Strome around to sit him in the box? That’s not helping anyone. If you are not going to play the kid then send him back.
No Sleep 'til....
Compton thinks he plays on Saturday
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 5, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Jeeze Louise Strome... try eating a steak or 7
http://video.islanders.nhl.com/videocenter/console
If you look at the Ryan Strome Post Game 9/30/11 interview, he looks more like a professional ping pong player than a hockey player. Dude’s got some boney shoulder’s. I think he need’s to put on some weight an develop his game more before playing in the NHL. I know he held his own in the preseason but it would be a shame if he ended up getting hurt in his 9 game stint
Take em to the jabrone-zone
by IslesJabronie on Oct 5, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Aww- most teenagers arent built like fully developed men, its not like Strome is any scrawnier than his peers.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
just saying...
dude doesn’t look like a professional athlete… yet. Not to say he won’t continue to develop into a dynamite player
Take em to the jabrone-zone
by IslesJabronie on Oct 5, 2011 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamonic looked like a goofy kid last season, especially in some of the pics 7th Woman got of him
"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.
But Hamonic has the heart of a lion
and the breath of a rabid dog.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
One of my favorite Islanders stories
Center Mark Janssens played for the Islanders for about 15 minutes in the late 90s. When he was traded (again, or signed elsewhere. I forget), he remarked to some reporter that Ziggy Palffy was the least athletic looking athlete he had ever seen.
When asked about Janssen’s quote, Ziggy’s response about the guy he shared a locker room with for two-or-three months, “Who’s Mark Janssens?”
Maybe apocryphal. Still awesome.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
by Pretty Good Idiot on Oct 6, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Hahaha
I remember hearing that, and even if it’s apocryphal, it’s too damn funny.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
The turnover on those Milbury squads were so high, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was true.
"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.
Maybe he’s never sat in a press box before nd the isles wanted to expose him to all sides of hockey life. Or maybe he plays a game after the opener. More likely.
Hunter said he was just finishing his check.
by Turgeon1992 on Oct 5, 2011 4:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
How dare you try to make sense with logic and reason!
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Oct 5, 2011 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
in the glory days the montreal canadiens always had their young unns do time in press box
it gives you a vantage/learning point for a few of the game to analyze…one you don’t get at ice-level
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 5, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
that should say for view of the game (in pressbox) not few..sorry
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 5, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Pressbox is really for the buffet since Strome's weight seems to be the issue.
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
by Hockey1919 on Oct 5, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, it depends more on his game. If he's a grabner/giroux that can skate his butt out of anything and stay away from big checks(for the most part) then fine.
But I see Strome as a guy that isn’t fast enough yet to be put into that category. Right now he needs to get bigger and stronger for his game. That’s why I’d prefer OHL for him. I don’t think the NHL would hurt him, but I don’t think he is gonna be as productive as some would think given his skills and need to polish his game a little more. Just think of the pre-season games with him for example. He did good in the rookie/scrimmage games, but he just wasn’t very “outstanding” in the pre-season games(albeit with bad linemates, but against weaker lines)..
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
LOL!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Where would you play him?
Switch him to wing? Which line?
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 5, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Put him next to Comeau & Bailey & Move Rolston to the 4th (if he's even ready to play)
No Sleep 'til....Belmont?
I don't mind him sticking around a little even if he watches
Lot to soak in. Trying to get him to think like a pro as early as possible. See how the guys react after a win, after a loss, after an implosion. Just keep him away from the pressbox hot dogs.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Nothing wrong with a little reward for a good camp.
Nassau Coliseum lost a veteran and an original Islander fan. ACC 1918-2011
by Hockey1919 on Oct 5, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Eaton and Mottau
is much better than resse and gervais. Hammer and Amac will be amazing I dont think Streit and Staios will be horrible, and cappy will for sure switch it up if it becomes horrible. 1st and 2nd lines look good, though we knew thought it would be that since june. the third line looks good though i know it could be better, but for this season c’est la vie. the fourth line i feel will change soon. i dont think pandalfo is the guy we needed, but with reasoner the experience should do wonders for martin. I think DP will be starting saturday, though i agree with you that it should be Montoya. all in all I AM EXCITED. LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!
The Islanders' team surgeon is now the 4th wealthiest man in the United States
by CraigConway on Oct 5, 2011 4:07 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
They really signed Strome to press box him? That seems like bizarre development strategy for a recent draft pick.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
Maybe they're counting on
demoting Pandolfo to the minors as veteran leadership for the Bridge?
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
Just one reporter's hunch
So we’ll see. I wouldn’t figure that’s the lasting scenario anyway. Not like the Islanders.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
am thinking
they just want to keep Strome around for a wee bit to let him see what its like up here
a bit surprised they didn’t do same with Kabanov
he’ll go back to Niagara soon
they may play him only one game and esp. if the Panthers who had like 0 penalty minutes last year, probably not much of a risk
I wonder if Staple
has the lines wrong
he was mostly guessing
probably nobody knows for sure right now
Sounds like Staple believes
That’s exactly what the deal is.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
At first glance that picture of Strome
Makes him look gigantic, then i realized its just another player standing behind him. Stupid me lol
"Mario Lemiuex… I used to respect you."- Turgeon1992
He does get to practice with the big team, and hang around an NHL level staff. Eric Cairns can always give him some excellent advice.
"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.
Its speculation, we'll see.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Strome
Other than concerns over his development or what have you, are there any contractual/CBA implications to keeping Strome up?
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
Not unless he passes 9 games
then his entry level contract kicks in.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
lets say he plays 9 game and the isles send him back to juniors
would the isles then have the same option next year (to play 9 games and not lose the ELC first year?)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Twitter: @mikeryaninc
"Past performance Is Not A Guarantee For Future Results"
"Listening is a Skill" -Jack Capuano
Just like Nino last year.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 6, 2011 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I believe you can do9 games twice
I think that third year, everyone usually is eligible for the AHL so the ELC starts automatically at that point. (correct me if I’m wrong there someone???)
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Day by day
A third of his signing bonus applies to the cap, and your real cap figure is determined by how many days each contract spends on the roster.
So it’s my understanding that even if he leaves and his contract “slides” to next year, his NHL level income from this season while on the team still counts. CapGeek has Nino down for 21 days of work last season.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
My Strome CBA question
Does a game in the press box count as a game towards the"9" ?
Thou shalt not recognize false enemies, they are the Rangers, you shall have no other enemies before them.
AND "Thank you Dale Tallon"
Nope
And if you really want to bend the rules, last year Lombardi got Schenn to the AHL on a “conditioning” stint because he’d been injured in L.A.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
The Hurricanes
are carrying 9 D into the regular season…notably, Ryan Murphy Depth Chart
Wonder if they’re trying to unload somebody
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Ryan Murphy created Glee.
I hate that guy.
This Ryan Murphy, however, I have no opinions about him.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Do the Islanders have a feature like that on the site?
Very cool.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 5, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Use to Have the Same Depth Chart
The Isles home Website had this same feature about two years ago…..
Yeah they did
But it seemed like they had nobody to keep it up so it was ridiculously wrong.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Depth Chart Shows 24 Players
I wonder how accurate that chart is. It has 24 players, and they are suppose to be down to 23……
That 4th line
Is so much improved. I’m ready for this season to start.
Also, I KNEW Strome would be on this roster. He may just get the 9 day try but honestly I knew he’d make it threw camp. he’s impressed the coaches and they wanted to keep him around.
I like having Strome around for 9 games, and think a few in the pressbox can't hurt
I think Strome has the skill but not the muscle yet, needs another year of growth…but the 9 games is very good for giving him a taste of the league, and a chance to experience first hand where his game needs to be. Nino spoke positive of the experience last year. Sure they’ll be disappointed getting sent down to Jr., but overall, if it makes them work harder and have a clear understanding of where they need to be, fine. As for the press box, while sitting there for all nine games wouldn’t make sense to me, when the Montreal Canadiens were cup winners, they rountinely had their young players and prospects spend time in the pressbox, learning and analysizing the game from a perspective they can’t get on ice-level. Strome will likely be used on the wing in the games he plays, then back to Jr.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 5, 2011 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Really don't like Strome making the roster.
Him sitting in the box makes no sense and nor does him playing a game or two on the fourth line as a wing when he was drafted to be a C.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Probably
just because of Nino being hurt. He gets some extra time working with NHL players and NHL staffs.
"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.
if we had an extra spot, would've been better to use Kabanov.
There was a chance his QMJHL team would fill its import spots then w/out him and that situation would be more settled….and as a winger, he’d more easily fit in for a game or two.
Strome doesn’t fit at all
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Sitting him in the box or giving him a tase won’t hurt him at all at the end of the day. He’s missed 5 OHL games already. Another 5 isn’t going to affect his development in any way.
by afrosupreme on Oct 5, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It lowers his playing time.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Playing time is Playing time.
If you recall, Nino seemed to take a step back to readjust to the OHL after 9 games with us. And he at least got to play. Strome, not so much.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
And all that practice time with NHL players is really going to ruin him. Look at what it did to Bailey.
Errrr huh?
Bailey is a good example?
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
uh. Less Meaningless?
You mean more meaningless?
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
No, he's right
Less meaningless is more meaningful
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
Every player is different
We also have absolutely no proof that Bailey’s devolopment was hindered by being rushed, or that his confidence was shattered. And if he was, it doesn’t mean every prospect will also struggle if rushed. Every year we see just drafted kids step into the NHL and play really well. My opinion is that Strome is better off going back to juniors, but I also don’t think he is fragile he would break once faced with the harsh realities of NHL play. I don’t think that Bailey was either. And if Bailey’s confidence was shattered by being rushed than if it wasn’t being rushed it would of been something else.
by MatthewM11 on Oct 5, 2011 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You sure
your not thinking of De Haan who mentioned that he had to change speeds when he came back from Islanders camp?
Nino had 15 points in his first 16 games, and managed a little more then a point a game for the rest of the year. None of his months stand out so much more then the others:
http://www.whl.ca/roster/gameByGame/id/1040/ls_season/236
"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 think a WHL observer or someone said that about Nino
But doesn’t sound like numbers backed it up.
I see these people as kids, all developing mentally, physically, and skill-wise on different curves. It’s like arguing what kind of school or track is best for a kid: It depends.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
It also gives him some ka-ching $$$$
Which he isnt making otherwise. Its a nice thing to do for a kid who can handle it, I dont think it can or will hurt anything.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I am not worried about Strome missing OHL games, at this point I don't think he has much left to learn there
devolopmentally. That said I am in no way advocating keeping him in the NHL all year, although I don’t think it would stunt his devolopment. Sending him back makes sense for his physical and mental devolopment, but I don’t think he will challenged and made a much better hockey player. I don’t see how a nine game NHL stint will hurt. I say give him a taste, he is going to get plenty of ice-time when he is returned to juniors.
I'm honestly not worried at all.
If he plays 3/4 of an OHL season and gets some time interning in the NHL, even if it’s mostly watching games and practicing, I can think of a lot of ways that benefits the right kid.
These kids are puppies, and they constantly talk about the adjustment to the NHL being eye-opening in part because they see the work habits of the older pros and realize this is a serious job, not just fun and games. People still rave about Nielsen’s work habits outside of games, and he’s already quite established. Whereas things for junior kids often come very easily, especially for the stars.
Shenn seemed to do just fine after his pro tour treatment last season with L.A./Manchester. I really think there’s a mental and cognitive development side to this that could be worth 10, 20 OHL games.
If anything, I’m worried there will be a couple more injuries, a nice practice/debut from Strome, and suddenly they talk themselves into keeping him for longer or past 9.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
BTW, On another note, the constant shunning of former beat writers/reporters by Isles fans on this blog is just stupid.
I’m sorry guys, but just because they’ve moved on, or things have happened to change their access, doesn’t make their past efforts worthless, and the new guys are just continuing the trends of the old.
Whether it be Strang (Now), Botta, Logan, Hahn, etc. They’re all good guys who provided us with great info. So please, show some gratitude.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
A lot of people still rave about Logan, Hahn to this day
Some praise Botta. Some rip Logan. I think opinions are more varied than you think. I really missed Logan. I find Staple’s approach refreshing thus far. I was excited for Strang at first but thus far I’d rank her coverage behind Logan, Hahn and Staple so far.
I loved Logan’s ability to criticize the team within beats without going all columnist on them. That’s an art.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Listen there are some valid comments. I'm not denying that.
But it seems way too often with this community that as soon as someone stops being our reporter (or in Botta’s case is cut off), they’re treated like they were worth nothing.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
People didn’t really like Strang all that much when she was the beat writer. I was just indifferent towards her, mostly because I would get the same info from 5 different sources at roughly the same time.
But I think a lot of people still have a soft spot for Botta, and it’s not so much a grudge against him as against how he ran IPB. I’m not a big fan of his, but I also wasn’t around when there were almost no sources for Islanders news but him. Obviously LHH owes him a bit too as his positive word of mouth definitely helped early on.
BTW do you mean this community, or the Islanders community in general?
"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.
But I think a lot of people still have a soft spot for Botta, and it’s not so much a grudge against him as against how he ran IPB.
(raises hand)
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
This community really.
I can’t speak for the Isles community in general, and this community is undoubtedly just a small fraction.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Botta was a great reporter
but a horrid community manager
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
His writing is also top notch
I’ve said before that his stuff for the Times is such a pleasure to read because he feels (or is forced to be) obligated to avoid the editorializing and nonsense and stick to the reporting and analysis. His piece on Kabanov, for example, was just solid, well-written journalism.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 5, 2011 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Whether it be Strang (Now), Botta, Logan, Hahn, etc. They’re all good guys who provided us with great info. So please, show some gratitude.
Strangs the one Ive seen anyone dumping on as far as coverage goes, really… the other guys really dont get it like her.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 5, 2011 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
And in fairness
she seems better now that she’s at ESPN…she’s broken more stuff there already than she did here. (Maybe…I never really counted).
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
I think she was getting better here, even… but people already had their opinion of her set, and once that happens its tough for people to ignore that and re-evaluate.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 6, 2011 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions
(Tough in that you have to consciously make a point of re-evaluating someone, its kinds of the default to maintain ones opinion. In all things, not just hockey beat writers.)
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 6, 2011 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions
What I find fascinating
Is that as print media declined, the thought was that blogs/online media were allowed the space to extrapolate and analyze that could not be done in the limited space of print.
Yet now there is a swing of the pendulum backward: With the proliferation of sites and outlets, the pressure for SEO is great, which means a pressure for constant frequent updates — that inherently means less analysis. Strang’s weakness, IMO, was a lack of analysis (something Logan provided, and something Staple already demonstrates), yet the ESPN gig appears to be something built on lots of newsy updates without much analysis. Sure, they encourage “quick takes,” but so far they seem to amount to “Callahan was a good pick for the Rangers” aimed at the casual observer.
I was always amazed at some of the people who ripped Logan, who I appreciated quite a bit. This community was barely a blip when Logan was on the beat, and Strang has been the main beat person during the growth of this community. She naturally takes more of the flak. (And I don’t doubt one bit there’s a level of sexism involved too.) But I think overall, in every sport, in every metro area, there is a segment of fans who find their beat reporter idiotic and a segment who simply appreciate what they do.
I try to stay out of it, but objectively I found Logan and Hahn to be the best the Isles have had in many years. Cyrgalis appears to be good when allowed the space/resources, but he’s inherently limited by his employer, I suspect. Klein, meanwhile, appears handicapped by the generalist’s obligation to try to be an expert on many teams.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Oct 6, 2011 3:44 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
My issue with Strang
Was that she mostly seemed to just relay whatever was fed to her by the Isles organization – literally just “reporting”. Botta seemed to actually do some more investigative journalism, so to speak.
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
Thats true BUT it would cost one $5
to get the same information that was available here and at IPB.
We are all Islanders, even if we’re from Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Oct 6, 2011 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
It is a fine line, perhaps an art, to master beat reporting and pepper it with some insight. (All the while, I think a beat guy should steer away from editorializing too much.) I thought Strang was merely limited by what was given to her by a buttoned-up Islanders ship, but just a few weeks of Staple, along with my impression of his fill-ins over the years, makes me think he has more of a knack for that art.
I think the ESPN role may be better for Strang anyway. There’s certainly value in breaking news quickly and getting it out there.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I'm thinking
if there’s a game for Strome to play, its Saturday against Florida at home
the Panthers have a roster without much size, and includes other youngsters Huberdeau & Gudbranson
if Rolston isn’t quite ready, perhaps he sits this one out
and we get Moulson-JT-PAP, FNGO, Comeau-Bailey-Strome, Martin-Reasoner-Pandolfo
why not?
Cuz It's odd for him to suddenly play wing after playing center all camp and all juniors?
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
(Bailey would more likely move to wing for a game)
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Why did we sign Reasoner only to waste his talent putting him on a line with Martin and Pandolfo
he is a good who should be used for tough defensive assignments, but with Martin and Pandolfo playing with him I am not comfortable with that.
Well I don't know why Pandolfo, but he was expected to play with Martin.
Basically, Zenon played the defensive assignment role last season (believe it or not, he did), but wasn’t great at it – and presented zero scoring threat, which made his not perfect D hurt.
Reasoner improves, while keeping the rest of the line basically the same.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Strange < Staples
Thankfully we have a beat writer who seems to actually be into it…
Definitely agree
Remember that when she was given the ‘honor’ of the Islanders beat in 2009, Strang had only 2 years of post-college journalistic experience at Newsday. Staple’s at least over 40 and has been covering sports (and hockey, if just the Rags) for much, much longer. I was glad that the assignment was not thrown to the latest young member of the Newsday staff, but rather to an experienced reporter. Katie might have been more apt to embrace new media with tweeting and blogging and whatnot, but Staple’s copy has been much better—I hope that continues.
I don't think it's a question of being "into it"
I just think the probing insight/analytical side comes more naturally to some scribes.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Oct 6, 2011 3:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Best reason to keep Strome:
Help us all ease into the adjustment that #8 is no longer Bruno Gervais.
Godspeed, Bruno. May you get that lovely Lightning Boost ex-Islanders get.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
a date for June
Greetings from San Jose California,
Not trying to be to optimistic, but this season my household is going to be fighting for hockey “airtime”, Islanders, Sharks.
I met my wife in a sports bar, while searching for a place that had the Stanley Cup Finals on satellite feed so I could watch the Isles live.
(yes, before ESPN, and have I dated myself or what!)
My son, who plays for the Eastern Washington Eagles Div II hockey team and his Mom, who plays goalie in the women’s league in San Jose both owe there love for hockey to the Isles,
because if not for the Isles I remind my son
“I would not have met your Mom”,
“you would have not been born”!
So my optimistic hope is for the Isles to visit San Jose California, 3 or 4 times in June…
And mark my words,
Nabby will make it so.
so, if for some reason, some of you make it to San Jose this summer,
drinks are on me,
they still make “Long island” ice tea’s dont they?
by J.t. Day on Oct 5, 2011 11:06 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
I'll fly cross country for some free drinks
thats how much free drinks mean to me
great story!
<--waits for a COZO to start and then knows he has 30 seconds to run and grab another beer
by Chris McNally on Oct 6, 2011 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Shark fan wife just read the post, the possibilities must have merit, the first thing she said was “free drinks, how the freakin hell we gonna pay for that?”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! we got’em worried!
Excellent
Worry and unpredictability are useful domestic tools.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Wife says:
not entirely….
crap ther goes my TV privleges…guess I’ll have to tune into Isles games on the iternuts!
rec'd great read
anyone have a good recipe for Long Island Ice Tea?
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 6, 2011 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions
yum
•1/2 oz triple sec
•1/2 oz light rum
•1/2 oz gin
•1/2 oz vodka
•1/2 oz tequila
•1 oz sour mix
•cola
•lemon wedge for garnish
Preparation:
1.Pour the spirits and sour mix into a collins glass with ice.
2.Stir well or shake.
3.Top the glass off with cola.
4.Garnish with the lemon wedge.
"If the bell needs to be answered, we've got the guys to answer it." "If they want to start something, that's fine."- Trevor Gillies
by JW1970 on Oct 6, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
so like, if a few hundred show up do I multiply the mix in gallons!
by J.t. Day on Oct 7, 2011 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha, nice
Thanks for chiming in.
Looks like that’s the only hope for a SJ swing this season. So I hope you’re right.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
that was the intent of the post, since your only date with the Sharks is a home game
(note to coach:start Nabby!)
and I hope I’am right as well, be positve!
Sharks, Isles, drunkin New Yorkers, Palm trees! topless Cali girls! gotta love it!
by J.t. Day on Oct 7, 2011 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Excellent tale! Love it!
We are all Islanders, even if we’re from Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Oct 6, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
DiPietro shouldn't get the start
I think Rick needs to prove his body and ability are at the NHL level again before he gets the starting position. He has NOT been impressive at all lately, and even when he is not hurt, the last few seasons he has been below-average (at best). I would start Montoya or maybe, maybe, Nabokov – but Rick doesn’t deserve the start – I don’t care what his contract is.
What do you consider lately? Because he looked just as good as any of the other keepers we had in net during the pre-season.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
by OzzyFan on Oct 6, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I didn't think so
While not horrible – I wasn’t impressed with his pre-season performance – he didn’t strike me as “the starter” and the rest as “back-ups”. He has yet to stand-out and look like starting material – While, Montoya wasn’t shockingly impressive pre-season either – I think based on his performance last season, he gets the start. To be honest, I thought Nabokov looked the best pre-season, but I wouldn’t just hand the starting job to him off the bat. Montoya deserves the start and by not giving it to Rick it will tell him loud and clear that the starting job is up for grabs and he really has to work for it.
Based solely on the pre-season
a clear “leader” in goal hasn’t really been established, as far as I’m concerned.
If it were up to me, I’d give Rick the first start because he’s arguably the one with the most to prove.
Hoping that Haley comes around more than once every 75 years.
by ilopan on Oct 6, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like that idea and reason for starting him!
Rick the first start because he’s arguably the one with the most to prove.
We are all Islanders, even if we’re from Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Oct 6, 2011 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Martinek post-script
I’ve been banging the “why-did-you-let-martinek-go” drum for a while. Well, as it turns out (according to Staple), the team did offer him a contract but he turned it down for more money ($2 million). In that case, I find it hard to blame the team — $2 million is a ridiculous overpayment.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Oct 6, 2011 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Wow.
I’m almost suspicious of that. Didn’t think he wanted to leave. But whenever an agent’s involved.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Eh
If you are Martinek, you have to take the money. Could be your last contract, and I imagine the Isles were coming in at about half of CBJ’s offer.
I thought Martinek leaving was a none factor anyway
so now i am more convinced. never saw Staois as a straight up switch either…with or without landing a top 4 Dman, when and if it happens, this team needed a cultural change behind the blueline, and it wasn’t going to be Streit, Amac or Hamonic leaving. Gervais, Martinek, and Hillen with the latter being the only one that raises a few questions…but when you consider smallish puckmovers are a dime a dozen on this team, and Striet is back, Hillen is a little easier to accept. Staois is a #6 dman to me though, Eaton a # 5 positional D with no offense or physicality. Mottau a #7 or 8 @ best….Streit a # 1, Hamonic a # 2 or 3, Amac a #3. Jurcina could be a # 4 if he could just be healthy a full season, which is never going to happen.
That said, I figure if die hard fans are focusing their rath on # 6 Defenseman and 4th line forwards who are not even the centre (Reasoner), the Isles are in good shape.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Oct 6, 2011 4:47 PM EDT reply actions
Home game #4
dear coach,
please give Nabby the start against the ManhattanMorons.
signed,
Isles fan on the Left Coast
Not knowing yet how they will alllook or how it will play out, all things being equal Id much rather see Montoya or Rick in the Rags game
Nabokov has played his career in relative Ranger indifference… Rick and Al know far more about this particular rivalry.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Oct 7, 2011 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions
this game “specifly”, does many things
1) Nabby steps up for the big games, the paying customers in the house will let him know the importance.
2) If he drops the game then the Nabby exsperiment is concluded, and the paying customers in the house will let him know.
3) If he wins the game then the Nabby exsperiment has great merit, and the paying customers in the house will let him know that as well.
4) If he shuts them out then the Nabby will have begun to make his peace with every paying customers in the house. Because he owes everyone in the building an apology, and that one act will pave the way.
5) A game in October is better than a game in March to see if he is up to the task.
6) HE IS UP TO THE TASK!

by 

































