Canucks 4 (EN), Islanders 1: Winless on the Road, Coast to Coast
by Dominik on Nov 13, 2011 11:50 PM EST
in New York Islanders Game Recaps
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PrintThe Islanders were outplayed thoroughly through two periods, giving up scoring chance after scoring chance that left them lucky to be down only 2-1 at the second intermission. At that point they'd been outshot 27-12, Evgeni Nabokov and the first line had done their part to keep it close, and the Islanders hadn't draw a single penalty -- not even so much as a "Aw, come on, ref."
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The third period was something different, as urgency returned -- but not before giving up an insurance goal on a Canucks powerplay just 2:47 in.
Two periods of praying and one period of trying is no way to go through life, son.
Quoth Capuano:
"...We have one line scoring some goals," Capuano said. "I never call out guys, but there are guys that need to find their game. You gotta have some will. You gotta have some compete level. We're turning away from checks, we're not finishing checks when we should, some guys are turning pucks over.
"Our team, let's face it, there is not a lot of room for error, and once again we had a few guys that took a night off and we can't have it."
(Emphasis mine.)
He went on to again threaten generally of changes, so you have to figure there is not much time left before the AHL shuttle is used, if not something more drastic.
Game Highlights
Mottau/Parenteau Reactions
Capuano's Angry Reaction
Notes of Defeat
- I don't mind pulling your goalie early here and there, particularly when you've generated nothing and need a boost to have any hope. But Jack Capuano is making a habit of doing it every single game, usually resulting in a quick empty-netter against, and tonight when the goalie was pulled the Islanders were actually already generating some offense. With the goalie pulled, that pressure ended. At minimum, it's deflating, especially when the Isles don't appear to have a clear 6-on-5 strategy.
- The John Tavares, Michael Grabner and Matt Moulson trio were generally a joy to watch. They generated the chances, and -- in a lesson the other Islanders forwards should heed -- created the lone goal when all three of them drove to the net, Grabner's great move and pass from his knees freating the chance, Tavares's crash keeping it alive, and Moulson's follow-up getting two whacks, the second ultimately successful.
- The Mike Mottau and Mark Eaton pairing was a pain to watch. What's amazing is they got six minutes less of even-strength ice time than the other two pairs -- and the coaches kept them mostly away from the Sedins -- yet they gave up so many more chances. It's just not a good match; their weaknesses drag one another down. Mercy.
- Brian Rolston wasn't much more fun to watch. He has a couple of goals since switching to a line with Frans Nielsen, but his depressed speed and inability to even get the puck in deep sometimes is debilitating. Lots of tepid performances tonight -- Nielsen himself gave up an odd-man rush when stripped of the puck while making moves at center ice -- so I won't pile on. But Rolston in a top-six role is unconvincing, to say the least.
- Matchups: Mark Streit and Steve Staios drew most of the Sedin matchups, with the Tavares line getting a good amount of head-to-head time against them.
- The Islanders gave up early goals in each period, which added to the flat feeling of the night. But the way they played in the first two periods, those goals could have easily come at 2:00, 8:00, 12:00 and 18:00. I guess you could say those early goals deflated them and affected their play -- the third period showed they honestly could do a little bit of driving play. But again: This one-period emo formula doesn't work.
- Roberto Luongo wasn't tested much, but he made a few really nice saves on Grabner and Mark Streit in the third as the Islanders actually pressed to bring the game close again. He had to wait for his turn, but he got the job done.
So that makes for an awful road trip, doubling their road winless total on the season to six and counting. They're home to the Rangers Tuesday night, which should be Nino Niederreiter's (re)debut.
I'm sure they'll be up for the Rangers. Doing the same for the other 28 teams would be nice.
LHH Site Notes
FIG Winners: Congratulations to the FIG winners (First Islanders Goal, which it was jokingly suggested could just be "IG" these days). Points and standings updated at the bottom of that thread.
Note to our Plus/Minus regulars: Please leave your usual plus/minus notes here. Figured with a late game and (probably) less watched one at that, we'd have less traffic and less need to separate the two. If this doesn't work or doesn't fit your preference, we'll not deviate from the norm next time.
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Nabby wasn't that bad tonight either
Take away the whiff on the 2nd goal with a possible screen, he had a good game. The worry is the Isles are slowly being exposed as a one-line team. I love Grabner with JT and MM, but when only 5-6 of your forwards are showing up on a nightly basis, and your 3rd D pair is more worthless than stock in Bank of America, there isn’t a short term fix. As far Capuano and the early pulling, it needs to stop. Aside form that, he isn’t the problem. I think he is doing the best he can with the talent he is being provided with. That issues falls squarely on Snow and Wang and the “serious misallocation of valuable hockey resources”
"Is that all you got, I'll take your best shot......Here comes the BOOM!"
Perhaps pulling the goalie early down multiple goals is bad, but...
…how many points in the standings has it cost the Isles? Perhaps it is deflating over time. Perhaps it has some strange psychological effect on the players when done every game. It certainly screws with the +/- stats, right? (Because each of the 6 skaters gets a -.) Yeah, I think you all are right.
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Nov 14, 2011 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
+/-?? Who cares? Totally useless stat.
My concern, at least for tonight, was that the pressure the Isles had finally started generating disappeared when Nabby was pulled with 3:19 left, now having to worry about defending the empty net that early. Other than that, I have no issues with Capuano.
"Is that all you got, I'll take your best shot......Here comes the BOOM!"
by FireGarthSnow on Nov 14, 2011 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
This too
It dis seem to stifle momentum. Not that I expected them to tie the game, but maybe a late rally shows them what they need to do and carries over into next game.
Having another goal against and running out the last three minutes certainly doesn’t achieve that end.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Nov 14, 2011 9:30 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Another game that leaves more questions than answers.
- A lot of us were puzzled when Wishart didn’t make the team out of camp. I’m not even sure how he’s doing down in Bridgeport but does anyone think the combination of him & Jurcina would be worse than Mottau & Eaton? At least with Wishart you know he’ll probably improve as the year progresses.
- It’s been suggested that the older guys in the locker room are dragging the teams play down, which I tend to agree with, but what about the relationship between the young ones. Does the friendship that the players have off the ice restrict some of them from being more vocal as it relates to on the ice play? I’m curious at what point some of the guys producing like Tavares start to get frustrated with the play of someone like Comeau.
- Not sure what we can do to get some of the slumping players going. Very frustrating once again.
You wouldn't believe how good the Corsi is for my NHL 12 Be A Pro player.
Wishart
The only think I (slightly) wonder with him is if his offensive side is the strength and his defensive side is prone to ball-watching, as it were. But it’s hard to imagine him coming up and making things worse than Mottau-Eaton right now on that third pair. I guess he’s not exactly speedy, either.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
At this point
A pairing of ME and Jurcina would be preferable, and I’m not even a defenseman. Mottau’s rapidly climbing into contention to join this unenviable list, and that’s saying something.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
Nice callback
Sad but true.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I gotta get to sleep
+ Evgeny, if this was your last game as an Islander, you made it closer than it had any right to be. A nice resume bullet. Fare thee well, old man.
+ These were two teams on two different planes: one came a game from winning a championship and the other would be happy to be on the playoff bubble. They’re needs and strengths are completely different. I did not expect a win.
- But I did hope for a quality showing or at least a little scare for the West Coast hockey media. I didn’t get it.
- The Islanders look so disorganized. Their breakout is terrible, their D is helter-skelter and their forechecking appears very optional. I’m starting to lose faith in Capuano because of this, but I’m aware that he can only play the cards he’s been dealt. If Captain Jack is the guy to coach this team, he’s going to have to make some serious, serious moves to convince the world that he’s not just keeping somebody else’s seat warm.
-Hey, the Jets lost, too! Awesome.
Biggest +: Today’s Prospect round-up. Seriously. Seeing those types of numbers and performances for farmhands around the world keeps me watching. If “The Master Plan” is to let the kids simmer in the minors and let the big club take the lumps this season, I can handle that. I just hope the current Islanders roster can handle it. They seem to have more quality in the minors than at any point I can remember in the recent past. Even if just two of the guys in the pipeline bring those quality AHL skills to the NHL level, the Islanders will be in good shape for the future.
No one guaranteed the playoffs this season, including the “eternally optimistic” editor of this here site. Even playoff teams have slumps, shoot blanks, can’t get out of their own way, etc. Regular season isn’t over until April something. Remember that this franchise has a long, long way to go before they’re taken seriously by the other 29 teams. Maybe a few of who we thought were TEH CORE players aren’t part of that future. But I know for sure that the old, slow bastards that are driving us crazy night after night aren’t.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
To add to that last one:
- Rolson
- Pandolfo
Both looked very soft tonight. I was hoping that Rolston would look pretty good, given that he played a couple good (at least okay) games with his new line mates. Capuano has to realize some time soon that if Rolston continues to play, he won’t continue to coach.
Only clear-cut + at forward, I think, were:
+ Tavares
+ Grabner
+ Moulson
(But were Grabner and Moulson even all that good tonight?)
+ A couple defensemen had abnormally good performances, according to my grading report, which will be posted tomorrow.
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Nov 14, 2011 12:30 AM EST up reply actions
This is what concerns me about the future of the team.
Biggest +: Today’s Prospect round-up. Seriously. Seeing those types of numbers and performances for farmhands around the world keeps me watching. If "The Master Plan" is to let the kids simmer in the minors and let the big club take the lumps this season, I can handle that. I just hope the current Islanders roster can handle it. They seem to have more quality in the minors than at any point I can remember in the recent past. Even if just two of the guys in the pipeline bring those quality AHL skills to the NHL level, the Islanders will be in good shape for the future.
Given the make-up of the youngsters on the team prior to this season, I envisioned that about half of the core was already in the NHL with the likes of Strome, Kirills, Nelson, Lee et al just filling in for the holes throughout the roster. Now, outside of Tavares and Grabner, nobody in the top 9 looks solid enough to be a serious part of the team’s future. Okposo is looking to be at best a 3rd liner, and not even a very good one at that, while Bailey and Comeau are going to whisk themselves off this team. Rather than have Nelson and Lee plug themselves into the different holes in the lineup, they’re going to end up replacing the Bailey and Comeaus on the team. It’s very disheartening to see, and if a player like Ryan Strome is expected to be the team’s #2 center his rookie year when a Nielsen or Bailey should be taking those assignments instead, I fear the rebuild is just going to take even longer. This whole season so far is turning into a shitfest before our eyes.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 12:36 AM EST up reply actions
I wrote this when I was really tired
so if it makes no sense, I’ll elaborate in the morning when I’m not focusing at work more conscious mentally.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 12:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It makes perfect sense
I agree completely and I think its well said, and true – the thing that’s scary is these young kids ARE young, and SUPPOSED to simmer a bit and build confidence, emphasis on the confidence… and like you said, these players are going to have to fill for these sloppy guys who aren’t pulling their own weight and doing what even half of what’s expected of them. These young players will be coming in and maybe even filling full time spots which they might not be exactly ready for, making the already bad situation most likely worse. Not only that, in a vicious cycle the overall confidence of the players coming after who really might be good and need that early confidence are going to be stripped of it, and possibly their main/only chance in the NHL.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 2:45 AM EST up reply actions
Nah, you're good
and that scenario may indeed play out. We won’t know until it happens. Only thing we can do is hope that the right calls eventually get made.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
How can you base this on 14 games?? Okposo has had a few seasons of solid play. Now one month of a slump and he's not part of the core? Can't be so dramatic.
by Metzfan22 on Nov 14, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It's not just 14 games.
It extends into last season as well. A lot of fans originally hoped that Okposo would be a first liner capable of generating offense, scoring goals, and banging bodies in the mode of Jarome Iginla. That didn’t work. Then, there was the hope that he’d be a strong offensive force as a second liner – so far, Okposo’s failed to generate much this season and served primarily as an assist man last season.
I’m not advocating that we should trade him or anything, just saying that something’s not right either with Okposo himself or with the fans’ assessment of his talent. I remember his potential being at best a 1st line forward, at worst a 3rd line checking banger – I just hope we’re not looking at Okposo as he really is.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
His slump is extremely troubling
Last night he looked like had somehow un-learned how to play hockey. I like Kyle and want to see him here for a long time. But something is very, very wrong with him right now. If he’s hurt, IR him.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
Yea, I mean
it’s been semi-embarrassing. He’s been falling over all over the place from even light contact and he really looks like he’s skating on two butter knives, or he’s bow-legged or something. I know he’s a strong skater, so maybe it really is something technical or injury-based.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
Agree - Motteau and Eaton Were Absolutely Awful
Dreadful. Couldn’t clear the puck repeatedly, couldn’t get out of their own end. Backed in repeatedly on the rush. Waiver time. Nobody at Bridgeport, and I mean nobody, could possibly be as bad as they were tonight.
I'd be happy with Reese and Gervais back there!
The New York Islanders....they make opposing goalies look gooooood.
“…We have one line scoring some goals,” Capuano said. "I never call out guys, but there are guys that need to find their game. You gotta have some will. You gotta have some compete level. We’re turning away from checks, we’re not finishing checks when we should, some guys are turning pucks over.
Cappy: If that is the way, why don’t you call up some of the guys who have done really well in the AHL (Dibo and Ullström) and scratch those who have not performed. And if people are turning away from checks, call up Haley to fire things up. You said during pre-season that players would have to earn their chance to get a spot on the team (rightly so). It’s time to show it wasn’t just words. I I’m starting to lose interest, it’s time to make a change.
Haley is needed
If they are working with what they have right now. Physicality has just been pitiful and he’s one guy they could definitely bring up.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 2:47 AM EST up reply actions
Uh oh..
Don’t do that, Wes. Lack of physicality does not fly around here.
Even though you are right.
Do you mean...
that type of talk may not exactly be tolerated in these parts?
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
Yup
I’m surprised that you have not been taken to task yet for such talk. Physicality is frowned upon here. Folks around these parts prefer the “pre-Pitt” days, methinks. You best take that kinda thinking elsewhere.
Such poor, persecuted souls
It’s amazing anyone is allowed to debate anything here, what with all the intolerance for dissent and opposing views.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 14, 2011 5:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And the imagery
My god, the imagery.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
And the WAGONS...
…well, now they have been circled!
Oops, sorry for the imagery again; and the semicolons too!
by JackandAce on Nov 15, 2011 7:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well, it's not my interest what people want from the Islanders,
I know what I feel they need, and I’m just voicing it. I have no problems adhering to rules, because I’m new to posting here and I’m unaware of any pre-existing rules or policies. That said, I don’t think I should be persecuted or quieted because of that.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
There really aren't any
this is largely in jest. There is a strong contingent here that think adding a physical player or two isn’t going to make this team much, if at all better. Not that physical play is scorned, it’s just not the panacea it’s sometimes made out to be.
Tavares is Tavares.
Well let me be clear...
When I say get physicality and get tough and play with some balls, I don’t mean bring 5 Gillies in and let them run rampant through each game just being physical to be physical and get their check. I’m saying something completely different, which is that if we ever want to be respected in the league and actually CONTEND with teams like the Bruins and the Canucks, the Isles need to up their stock in that department by a FAR margin. Weak players with skills don’t make playoff contending teams in the NHL. And I’m tired of watching the team I like to follow get pushed around every night and made out to look like wusses who can’t even stick up for each other, particularly their goalies. That’s all I’m saying.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 5:49 PM EST up reply actions
Nay!
Not that physical play is scorned, it’s just not the panacea it’s sometimes made out to be.
No, no! It’s “frowned upon” around these parts! It “doesn’t fly!” Or something.
(Wes, by all means do voice your views. This comment section exists to debate the main topic and to debate each other. Occasionally people on opposite sides — yes, they really DO exist here — challenge each other to back up what they say. Occasionally people get flustered and lash out, sadly.)
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
There really aren't many
The biggies are avoiding the racist, homophobic, sexist tasteless stuff and to be civil to one another. This is a challenge for some, but for the most part, that’s it. There is no penalty for dissent, just some people have a hard time recognizing that HOW they go about their dissent is a problem.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Nov 14, 2011 5:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
lmao
Its getting emo in here.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
Emos give in to depressive moods almost as a badge of honor. Some are stereotyped as literal or figurative ‘cutters’… thinking about how bad they have it, almost as if their pain is unlike the pain others can possibly understand. Emos will take something that upsets them and pile on it- compiling things to as constant reminders to make themselves feel worse and worse. We all experience emotions that go up and down, and most of the time our emotions are relatively stable… but if you really are emo, you might have a problem with that.
In terms of Isles fans- when the team loses a games and there are legit reasons for any fan to be upset or complain, with those who are emo utilize that legit reason to be upset or complain to such a degree that it escalates hysterically into complaining about every single imaginable aspect of the organization- the goalies, the D, the forwards, the coaches, the gm, the draft picks, the arena, the price of tickets, the attendance, the cost of a beer, the marketing, the jerseys, the everything. When its emo, it is relentless… and the escalating emo outpouring almost invariably turns into hostility to anyone who is not figuratively cutting themselves as well… the emo fan certain that the others are ignoring their pain.
Hope that helps?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
Are you saying that's how I'm acting?
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 15, 2011 1:08 AM EST up reply actions
No
I think what Metalchick is saying is that all Islander fans get a bit emo, if not all the time then at least once in a while.Particularly when times are tough. And when things are bad, we bring our preconceived viewpoints to the blog, and emotions run wild.
Let me apologize to you for bringing you into that brou-ha-ha up above (that was all emo on our part, not yours!). Your statements are reasoned (and correct as far as Haley!). Hang in there…if we win tonight, we’ll all be friends again.
by JackandAce on Nov 15, 2011 8:20 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I think what Metalchick is saying is that all Islander fans get a bit emo, if not all the time then at least once in a while.Particularly when times are tough. And when things are bad, we bring our preconceived viewpoints to the blog, and emotions run wild.
Dead on, Ace.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 15, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Wait
Hang in there…if we win tonight, we’ll all be friends again.
…not until you give me back my crayons first!
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Meanwhile....
….I’m still thinking (for you T. Rex fans out there)…let’s see…MetalChick and I have argued about Ricky D, Afrosupreme and I argued about stats, mikb and I argued about physical play, Dom and I argued about the value of his poll.
What’s the common denominator here? Hmmmm……
ITS ME!!!
Oh no…
by JackandAce on Nov 15, 2011 8:49 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hahah, I agree with tonight and we'll see, I'm trying to be optimistic
I would admit though, that I of course like everyone else can get emotional about it all. Thanks for the assurance.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 15, 2011 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
LHH Unofficial position 2064 - the state and definition of physical
Physical is good, fighting okay or sometimes necessary evil. Some equate punches with physical, others equate hitting and going to the front of the net as physical.
Throwing punches is nice on occasion, going to the net and throwing a check is mandatory. The Islanders too often do neither. Having a player on the bench to get 3 minutes of ice time and 2 minute instigator every 3 games will probably help the team win as much as 9 forwards dancing on the periphery of the head of a needle or some other such nonsense.
The type of physicality Hamonic brings is great, he hits, he stands up for teammates and will throw down. The Islanders need more of this. A deterrent that cannot play the game, is just a magnet for additional penalty minutes and suspensions is probably not going to alter the makeup of this team too much and therefore not much of a deterrent.
Then again, that’s just my opinion and does not reflect the authoritatian rule of the leaders of this blog and may lead to my permanent banishment for breach of conduct.
Yes sir. I agree.
It seems every time I bring up physicality, someone relates it to punches. It has nothing to do with that, and more to do with getting in on the forecheck, establishing presence in front of the net, and winning along the boards. If there is the occasional fight, that’s hockey.
You want to play the game on the edge of what is “not a penalty.” If you are too passive, you have allowed the other team a step all throughout the game. Not everything is called anyway. All coaches decry the bad penalty (offensive zone tripping, etc.) but encourage the occasional aggressive penalty (standing up for your teammate like Haley did for Hamonic last year vs. Rangers).
Lets face it, the Islanders have been way too passive this year. I also think they would benefit from a game where many penalties are called, because they have a decent PP and a decent PK (in fact, they are dangerous on the PK, at least last year they were).
This is really a big part of the issue
or why this always blows up. People have 50 different definitions of “physical,” toughness, sandpaper, grit, courage, etc. and that ambiguity makes any discussion chaotic.
Add to it that everyone has different degrees of tolerance for playing a pretty bad hockey player in the name of [insert term of choice here], and you have chaos times chaos.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Im all for physical.
I totally agree with statements like this:
going to the net and throwing a check is mandatory. The Islanders too often do neither.
and I absolutely agree with this
The type of physicality Hamonic brings is great, he hits, he stands up for teammates and will throw down. The Islanders need more of this.
(I would add Matt Martin as another example.)
The thing I continually disagree with is that players need to be HUGE to be physical- they dont. Checks do not need to completely destroy the opponent to be effective. You need not be a gigantosaurus to be physical. At this point I would be happy if a guy like Okposo demonstrated even Comrie-like physicality.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 16, 2011 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
You are dead-on
Haley and the energy he brings, and the ability he has already demonstrated at the NHL level, is a more pressing need for the big club than bringing up Dibo and hoping he can score at the NHL level, which is far from a given.
by Original Rob on Nov 14, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
I would hope
Dibo brings his pest attitude to the team rather than his scoring ability. Just to fire things up.
by DavidSweden on Nov 14, 2011 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
I have a feeling
Cappy would love to insert some of those guys. It’s clearly not his call though, since I’m pretty sure he isn’t even filling out the lineup card at this point.
Tavares is Tavares.
As much as it is the players not finding the back of the net, it is the coach’s disorganized break outs, neutral zone transitions and set up in the offensive zone. And who the hell pulls the goalie with 3 minutes again when it hasn’t worked yet? Certain players are to blame, but so is the coach.
2011-2012 is looking like another losing season.
by Turgeon1992 on Nov 14, 2011 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm guessing these are the public signals to players that their time is running out
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
i'm honestly not surprised with the result...
it’s been the same ol story since the florida road trip: atrocious D, sloppy effort, underperformers, and dead wood. until the front office shakes things up, get comfortable…because this is what you’re getting: another top draft pick to go along with another wasted hope of a season.
on the subject of capuano: what else can he really do? he can shuffle those lines all he wants. he clearly doesn’t have a lot to work with. especially with the defense given to him…i usually applaud garth snow on the work he does and understand he’s tied up with certain limitations, but he really can’t make his head coach the scapegoat on this one. the old guys gotta go. plain and simple. throw in some grit and size, some more youth, and you got yourself something you can keep building off on. as a fan, i’m not sitting through another one of these seasons. i want to watch a team that has playoff potential. not a team that can barely keep up with everyone else.
call me crazy, but maybe an embarrassing loss to the rangers tuesday night would really make those changes actually happen.
"son of a bitch i'm sick of these dolphins"
- Steve Zissou
Don't shoot the messanger: Capuano
I’m not blaming anything on Cappy, not yet at least. There is no concrete evidence that he’s not doing everything in his power or not making the correct steps/actions necessary right now – you can only do so much with what you have in some cases. Yes it seems as if there is a huge structural deficiency in the Isles right now, particularly in the game-plan and in discipline, and YES that is often a coaching problem… But like I said, it’s not known for sure what the reasoning is as of now, and you can only look at the facts. Fact is, the players are not playing up to their potential, the players are getting knocked around by even the not-so-physical teams in the NHL, and the players have to prove that they are doing everything they can/should be doing before people throw the coach under the bus. Right now they aren’t, or at least the majority of them and that’s it, plain and simple. People are quick to slam someone who is trying to be positive amidst a sea of negativity. He’s looking at the pluses in games where there aren’t many instead of being constantly negative night in and night out when he’s asked questions, while being pretty honest at the same time. Think about the frustration we have and multiply it tenfold; it’s not that easy to do. Don’t shoot the messenger – that doesn’t mean he’s not unhappy with the players and the way the team is playing, and isn’t doing anything about it.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 3:52 AM EST reply actions
Energy
TO BE BLUNT: Trevor Gillies needs to be there day in day out. He is an energy guy who brings a spark to the team that we have lacked all season thus-far. I also question the signing of Pandolfo and the Roloson trade. There are two former Islanders that are sitting on the free agent shelf that certainly have a lot more jizz in them then these two, I am speaking of Brian McCabe and Mike Comrie. I remember there being a beef with McCabe and NYI but that was long ago during the Milbury era, but common we are adults now HA! As far as Comrie tension brewed as well, but c’mon these are two guys in my humble opinion that have a lot more gas in the tank then these two Devils.
The will is inside.
There are two former Islanders that are sitting on the free agent shelf that certainly have a lot more jizz in them then these two, I am speaking of Brian McCabe and Mike Comrie.
LOL! I don’t know what’s funnier, the fact that you said the solution to the Islanders’ problem is Mike “I’ve never met a toe I couldn’t drag before” Comrie, or that you said him and McCabe are filled with jizz.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 7:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You know things are bad
when Mike Comrie becomes an option.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
by PGI on Nov 14, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I wonder if he realizes
that the team was still playing like shit when Trevor Gillies was on the team.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
We have better at Bridgeport
You don’t replace crap with crap. Bring up Nino, Wishart, Ullstom (or Dibo).
And I still don’t know why Isles got rid of Hillen. He’s not Top 4 D, but better than Eaton, Mottau and Statios in my opinion. Heck…bring back Freddy Meyer IV!
by JoRiverside on Nov 14, 2011 7:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
" I don't mind ...
pulling your goalie early here and there, particularly when you’ve generated nothing and need a boost to have any hope. But Jack Capuano is making a habit …"
The problem is not that he’s pulling the goalie, the problem is that they’re behind by two goals (or more) late in “every single game.”
It may be unconventional but I don’t blame him for trying to light a fuse and it should in no way deflect attention from the REAL problem.
And once again, the defenseman and goalies are not why this team is losing, and for a fix to right the ship, I look to the GM and not the coach. It’s time.
by dose on Nov 14, 2011 8:01 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I don't agree, defensemen are big problem
Yes the 2nd and 3rd lines are not scoring, but a lot of offense starts with the defense. The Isles breakout has been horrendous. Rather than skating out of the D-zone, I’m seeing PeeWee type blind clearing against the boards. Also, they have not contributed to the offense. Vancouver’s defensemen have 14 goals and 35 assists. The Isles D-men have only 2 goals and 16 assists. You need all 5 skaters on the ice contributing in order to score.
by JoRiverside on Nov 14, 2011 8:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Damn good point ...
by Jo, and Dominik pointed it out also last week, and I agreed.
I agree a lot of offense starts with the defense, and that part of the problem is weak transition (starting at the backline) and resulting failure to generate chances, as evidenced by them being outshot. And clearly having only one Steit back there doesn’t help, and by the way, he’s not up to his level of 2 years ago. But we knew going in the this was not a defense corps that was going to be a big part of the offense, and several of the close losses so far are directly attributable to forwards not burying good chances that other teams put away. That has largely been the failure of guys up front who were and are being counted on to do at least SOME scoring. Certainly more than they have, which is virtually none. If they were producing even a little, we’d be talking more about the goalie situation than this.
by dose on Nov 14, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree
We shouldn’t be in the damn position in the first place, 2 goals or more down every game nearing the end. Pulling the goalie I think is a good move – logical, not probable of a goal, but logical in a setting where your team actually is good and might score. It looks bad because the team looks so bad. Defense has been beyond struggling, and I feel bad for guys like Hamonic who are trying to BUILD on themselves and their skills rather than hit any sophomore slumps or become complacent, and has to just deal with this crap instead.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Attaboy Cappy, you tell 'em
Capuano didn’t know yet who he would pull out of the lineup to get Niederreiter in. “I wish we had three guys coming up,” he said. "You can’t go through a whole game and not get a power play — that’s a controllable situation.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Love it
Going to be interesting when he continues to obliquely call out Garth for personnel decision as the season goes on. That’s two already.
Tavares is Tavares.
Calling out Snow
I guess it is by proxy, and I’d love to get a Doug Weight take on this. The interesting thing is that both Cappy an Weight are far more charismatic and media savvy than Snow. There’s going to be a point where they are saying things that can’t be disputed and they’ll do it in a way that is respectful and not looked at like they’re really doing anything overt.
Assuming that Snow is in conflict with personnel and not just allowing for sample size to be established. Snow will probably have to make a roster move soon or take some interviews unless they start winning.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Nov 14, 2011 9:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
That's how I read it, too.
As a call for help from the front office. The candor is pretty shocking. The lack of energy has got to be killing them, especially as it related to Okposo and Comeau. But maybe there’s a difference of opinion on how to handle it. In any event, it’s pretty surprising to hear that.
Anyone remember Bill Stewart who was the Islanders coach for about a day and a half in the last 90’s? After a loss to the Rangers he told the media, “Look at who we have on this team.” He wasn’t coach for very long after that.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
Yea
He’s setting him self up for some:
“Garth, it seems like Cappy wants to play Montoya more-is there a directive from above to play the other guys?”
“No comment.”
“Garth, some of the forwards are underperforming, anyone coming from the AHL”
“No comment.”
“Garth, you ever been in a Turkish prison?”
“Best time of my life.”
Tavares is Tavares.
I agree with others
Regarding the dead wood, the Ex-Devil experiment has got to end. Pandolfo/Rolston/Mottau are not the answer and to me come across more as liability than asset. I understand that argument about veteran leadership , but not at the cost of quality/faster personel on the ice.
I believe Haley needs to be a call up. I understand he’s not doing well down in B-port but regardless, the guy has energy and that is needed since this team has at times been very listless in their play. Nino will obviously help out. Is Kavanov a possibility? At this point, why not give him a shot for 9 games and see what happens? Lastly, why is Ty Wishart not with the team? Is his play that bad compared to Mottau, Eaton or Staios?
Isles rule, rangers suck... that's just how it is.
Kabanov is not an option
as he is in juniors and will not be available for a call-up until the end of his season. The risk of calling him up is activating his ELC if he plays more than 9 games for the Isles.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Need to save that year; much move important than, you know, winning hockey games….
Rushing a kid and throwing him in the NHL before he even makes a name for himself in juniors is in your opinion the surefire way to “winning hockey games”?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
...uh...
That IS pretty important for the future of this team and Kabanov’s upcoming RFA status. If you’re looking to a 19 year old to solve your offensive woes, then hockey – you’re doing it wrong.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Kabanov...
has so far to go before he’s an NHL “sure thing”. He’s now an overage junior… mening that at 19 he’s playing against 16-20 year olds… 90% of which will never play professional hockey.
He needs to play against men, and play defensively responsible against men before he can break into an NHL lineup… even one as shallow as the Islanders.
I still have Ullstrom, Nino, Rhett, Casey and Dibo way ahead of him on the depth chart. Nino was a question mark, but he’s played okay in the NHL, and has dominated in limited time in the AHL. He also had a very good 18 year old year in juniors. He’s just in between a rock and CAP MULE.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
by JPinVA on Nov 14, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Anyone check out his Facebook page?
I am genuinely embarrassed by Islanders fans.
He talks about how he has a big game coming up and there are all these Isles fans telling him to kick the Rangers asses in. WTH? They dont know he isnt here?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 16, 2011 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
False dichotomies FTW
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
This is tiresome...
but should end soon. They can’t leave goal per game production in the AHL when they aren’t scoring in the NHL.
Nino will be in the lineup this week, or the fans will start to disappear again.
Ullstrom has earned his shot by a mile.
Wishart or deHaan needs to replace the old and the tired. If they were being held in Bridgeport because they needed more seasoning, you’d think that their replacements in the NHL would be better. Mottau is just plain horrible, and staios is Brendan Witt of 2008-09…. well… he’s not even that good.
If you don’t fix it soon you’ll be looking at last year all over again.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
Looks like Calvin's out for a while, so he's definitely not an option.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
MRI news yet?
With our luck he needs another shoulder surgery. And then the fragile nickname is ongoing.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
Other than DeHaan, though, JP's sentiment is fine
I could take or leave Haley or DiBo. We know what they bring – they are 4th liners – not sure how their energy is going to help, as they don’t bring much else. It would be fine if they were trying to improve one line, but they have 3 lines o’ problems. Assuming Nino brings the goods, I’d rather see Ullstrom than Haley or DiBo.
From a D perspective, definitely want to see Wishart up, and it really is a damn shame about DeHaan.
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
by IslesFanInNJ on Nov 14, 2011 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
I think DiBo
would be a huge upgrade over Pandolfo for one main reason-he agitates and draws penalties. Right now we have nobody drawing penalties and our PP is the only way we ever score multiple goals.
He’s also not a scoring slouch with 9 goals in 15 games. And he plays wing.
Tavares is Tavares.
The beauty of Dibo so far
Is that hes not taking penalties either. Last I checked he had 7 minutes and 5 from a fight.
Not sure how many he’s drawn, but one minor in 10 games is great for a guy like him. Especially when he’s potting 9 goals.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Nov 14, 2011 9:40 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He's found himself...
This is the Dibo that replaced Stamkos at Sarnia. He is comfortable at that level and is good enough to find space, and he’s not afraid to be there if it isn’t free.
Cizikas, though, is the motor there. Casey is like the little engine that could. He’s getting pucks to the net, and creating scoring chances.
They both need to temper their decision making skills, and that may be a while with a coach getting used to a new team and league. But I don’t think either of them will be in a SoundTiger uniform next year.
Dibo will need an NHL shot that he may not get… and Casey will probably challenge for a full time NHL role next year.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
DiBenedetto...
has improved, and should get some time in the NHL this year… but he is not in the same class as Ullstrom or Nino right now.
Cizikas is the better player on that line, and when Rhett gets back that will be a damn good AHL line.
If they had the balls to put Rolston and Pandolfo in the AHL their problems would be fixed.
I’d say the same thing for FishStickRick, but nobody else sees that having a sharp number one goalie may have changed the dynamic of most of their games so far.
He’s the only goalie that can be waived without consequence, and to be honest, if he doesn’t play at all for 3 weeks… big deal… he has come back from month long stretches of inactivity before… and he will do it again.
Go with Montoya/Nabby until you can trade Nabby, and there is a viable backup in the AHL. Nilsson is playing well but is a ways away before he can be trusted. Poulin regressed, and who knows if Koskinen will be trusted again.
But three goalies in the NHL is definitely hurting them… if for nothing else they just don’t have any roster flexibility.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
Yea
I don’t think DiBo is, or really every will be, as good as Ullstrom or Cizikas. I just think he can bring a skill that these team is utterly devoid of. As bad as Jon Sim was in some ways, he was the last guy we had who could take opponents off their game and make them do dumb things.
Our forwards aren’t pushing the play enough to draw any penalties the last few games, and I think opponents are going out of their way to avoid them. They know if they don’t take any, their odds of beating us is huge.
Tavares is Tavares.
Nino’s penalty shot and Ullstrom’s end to end rush yesterday were the IOOH (Isles Overall Organization Highlights). This is what I am reduced to for positive vibes. Get those guys up to the big club.
by 7:11_OT on Nov 14, 2011 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Goaltending was ok/average, but we still lack fire in our game and we still have players that aren't close to playing up to par or playing "competitively".
And we have ~1/3 or more of our team doing this. When we have that many players just going through the motions or not “competing”, we are gonna suck bad because of our salary cap situation of low-cost players. There is a time when enough is enough and we just have to make ahl swaps. Dibo/Ullstrom/Haley are eventually gonna get their shot if this continues, and we all know it’s only a matter of time before a d-man or 2 gets his shot, whether they are ready or not. 1 win in 10gms is horrible. Playing at this rate, the bluejackets may eventually pass us.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
One more thing, the sad part is, it's just so many people "slumping".
Say a couple people find their groove next game, is still 1/4-1/3 of the team slumping gonna be enough to beat a hot rangers team? Likely not unless JT plays out of gizzard again, or the top line lights up the lamp a lot. It’s tough, especially this week is tough. We face the red hot rangers, then the resurging canadiens, and then the bruins who have been eating everyone alive recently(after the Pens and the Flyers). Sadly, I could see us going 1win in 15gms if “a number” people don’t turn stuff around.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
I agree
and if you look at our upcomming schedual – boy it isn’t getting any easier for a while.
And this is what makes losses to the Florida Panthers, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche all the more damning
If you can’t win games against these teams, then how the fuck are you going to beat the Stanley Cup champions?
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I know. :-/
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
1st period: everyone take slapshots at Lucic.
2nd period: forecheck and jam the net.
3rd period: forecheck and jam the net.
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Nov 14, 2011 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
Wating to see the Buffalo press blame Miller
If he didn’t come out of the net to play the puck then Lucic wouldn’t have run him. I know in some parts that would have been the logical conclusion.
I still can’t believe Shanahan, Duck Season, Rabbit Season and now Goaltender Season. Come playoff time you would be a fool not to run a goaltender like Lundqvist, Thomas, Miller or any elite goaltender that leaves his net if it meant you were only getting two minutes and nothing else.
Yeah, that's the big risk here
If all that costs is a two-minute minor, count me in. Dress Gillies for Game 1, hope he’s back to do the same thing for Game 1 in the next round.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Lets see if that rule stays consistent if the guy concussing a star goalie isnt a guy slapped on half the jerseys in a big market like Boston.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 16, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
The official "Goalie stole one for us" watch
Still 0 fer the season.
Not that Nabs had any chance for that last night with such a pitiful offensive performance.
Maybe Tuesday…we may need it.
by JackandAce on Nov 14, 2011 9:06 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I agree with Wishart
But to be honest – as far as our Bridgeport foward youth – I really don’t see any of them making such an impact as to improve our situation – true, you don’t know till you give them a shot. Now, while I hate folks with the “trade the team” mentality when things don’t go right, honestly, I feel some players on this team need to be traded (Bailey, Comeau) and we should be willing to part with some high draft round picks in the upcomming entry (we really don’t need any new prospects that are 3-4 years away right now) to get some better talent in here.
I think it's somewhat of a question, do you think Martin/Dibo/Ullstrom could score more goals and keep up with his linemates better then rolston in the top 9.
Or can one of those guys play better defense and/or generate more offense then Pandolfo. Or can they play more productive hockey then Comeau. Or better 2-way hockey then Bailey. Or “be a grinder” better then okposo/etc with producing a little offense.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
I was hoping that we could replace Comeau and/or Bailey
(with some picks included) in a trade – then that new player could be paired with Franz and Oko to make a solid #2 line – I am not sure where the Bridgeport guys fit in, if anywhere….
Here's what I'm comfortable with
Keeping Bailey, because he’s looked much much better. (But honestly who knows, I’m comparing him to some bad play right now). And putting him on a line with Niño and either Dibo or Ullstrom and scratching (whenever the roster space allows) any combo of BC, KO, BR, JP.
They can put up the same zeros as any of those guys, but they need to skate other teams into the floor, check and pressure the puck and not be a liability and I would be happy.
The big problem still is the D and I’m not sure that we have an answer in BPT. I expect Wishart/Jurcina would be better than Eaton/Mottau, but not sure it’s enough improvement to matter. Still probably can’t be worse and should get done.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Nov 14, 2011 9:47 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Is Bailey much of a checking line guy though?
I don’t see him as that kind of center. He’s not as pestering as Frans is as a defensive center, nor is he much of a hitter – though I guess you don’t normally expect much hitting from your center…
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Bailey
Needs to redefine himself, and we are starting to see it. The pressure is going to start to hit him very soon… and the coaching staff needs to work on this.
If you’re an Islander coach your responsibility is not to get a Brian Rolston “going”. He’s got five million reasons to get his laszy ass to the net. A coaches responsibility is to sit with Bailey and Comeau and Grabner and watch film… and let them know where “this is what you’re doing, and this is what you COULD HAVE DONE BETTER”
Bailey needs to be more aggressive. There’s no way he floats on this team three years from now, and he will have cashed in all of his opportunitites.
I don’t doubt that Josh works hard, and tries to be a better player… but he’s no Doug Weight… and we already have a Frans Nielsen… Josh is going to have to grow some teeth… pester… hit… fly for 45 seconds a shift… or he’s going to fall off the map fast.
I like the fact that he’s finding high slot space now and trailing… but he needs to take those pucks into high traffic areas and make things happen. He doesn’t have a good enough shot. I hope Nino winds up with him and Martin.
(and Ullstrom winds up with Nielson and PAP)
When he gets his balls back he’ll be fine… if he doesn’t he’ll be chasing his opportunities one at a time… somewhere else.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
We have what we have though
It’s possible that line can have some scoring prowess, but realistically, Bailey isn’t scoring either…but he is generating some chances lately. They just have to do something…even if it is tire out somebody else’s lines by chasing them all over the place.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Also
It’s really, really awful when your coaching strategy is “Play those guys, they can’t possibly be any worse.” Jesus, this is going to be a long season…
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with the
Trade the team mentality (the idiocy of it) and also that a trade would probably be good at this point. That being said, I think its to early in the season for a trade, but more than that, what are we really going to get? Plus, throw in the fact that if we do get someone, it will most likely be a "last year contract rental, and with the way things have gone in free agency & the Islanders over the last few years, don’t hold your breath on re-signing someone of note, should be lucky to get someone like that.
Isles rule, rangers suck... that's just how it is.
Unfortunately I tend to agree
while I think some players need to be moved – it is hard to trade a non-performing guy for one that is performing – BUT, that being said, we can’t seem to pick up 1st/2nd line talent in free agency (like you said) so a trade might be the only way – In the past, we wouldn’t part with our picks because we were rebuilding, but I think we are so stocked with prospects now that I think we can afford to part with some picks to get some NHL ready players on the team (rather than hoping Bridgy call-ups will do the job),
I don't know if I was watching the same game as everyone, but....
The Good – 1st line, Streit, Staios, Mottau (yes, Mottau…I thought he was good except for the 3rd goal where he didn’t get the puck out), Bailey (yes, Bailey…I thought he was doing some good things).
The Bad – everyone else.
Checkers?
Do they really have anyone left on this team that CAN hit? Other than Matt Martin? Is that really it? Dare I say it, but maybe they did need Konopka and Gillies. Maybe if they spent some time beating on their opponents, they wouldn’t be constant be beaten on. They’re a soft team, and the rest of league knows it now.
I hope they shuffle the lines around for Nino. Bench Comeau or Rolston, drop the other to line 4, and put Nino on the first or second line.
Nobody needs to be "traded"...
they just need to be where they belong.
Rolston and Pandolfo don’t bring anything that Nino and Ullstrom wouldn’t… and they have an opportunity to bring even more next year and the year after that.
Unlike the “rushing” of Bailey, Nino had the extra year of Juniors, and a taste of the AHL… and dominated both. Ullstrom had a very good rookie campaign in the AHL and is now dominating the AHL. These are not Jeff tambellini’s either… they are young men with big bodies who skate and and shoot well. They should never have been replaced on the roster by retreads. The Islanders should have went with what they had… except they needed a CAP MULE.
Staios is a warrior. But he’s a 7th defenseman. He will be selling insurance next year. Why in God’s name do you want him in a top 4 roll when you have options.
Mottau… I was planning on going to two games next week. I refuse to buy a ticket while he’s still on the roster. It’s an embarrassment to the fan base. The last thing of any consequence that he has done is knock out one of our best players… he hasn’t hit anybody since.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
Who are the options to replace Staois?
Just curious to see what your opinion is on this, as I’m not even sure they have anyone who can handle top 4 minutes.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Jurcina/Wishart
Should be playing over Staios/Mottau… and by that I mean Wishart should be in the NHL for rest of the season. Staios will need days off when they start playing back to backs and 3 in 5’s.
They need 7 defenseman on the NHL Roster and Mottau should not be one of them.
Katic hurts the situation by not being available, and now deHaan is going into the same category. Donovan isn’t ready, and Ness is really just too small.
If Reese or Klementyev play like they have on their better days consistently, then they have a chance of seeing the NHL this year as well.
But mostly, the defensive situation hasn’t changed much since the “rebuild” started. I blame the drafting philosophy, and ignoring Hamonic like defensemen, and taking more Ness/Katic/deHaan type puck movers with no physical upside.
Right now I’d be looking for some low hanging fruit that you could pick up with a forward or a draft pick. If he’s hanging he probably won’t be worth much, but they don’t need much… just physical depth… like jurcina, only healthier.
Does that answer your question?
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
...yes?
I agree, before training camp I was really hoping Wishart would fill the top 4 role and be paired with Streit, with Jurcina/Eaton making up the bottom pair. Needless to say, it was incredibly disheartening when he couldn’t even make the team. Perhaps it would be the best idea to pair Streit/Wishart and Jurcina/Staois/Eaton (take your pick) so that at least Streit could cover Wishart’s mistakes.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
He did a good job with the chef
I actually like Jurcina with Streit. For some reason I think the RH thing makes a difference in a puck moving duo.
I would have these pairs:
Macdonald-Hamonic (match-up pair/ first PK UNIT)
Streit-Jurcina (second pair) Streit/Hamonic on first PP unit
Staios-Eaton-Wishart (eventually Katic/deHaan/Klementyev) rotating in for fatigued and banged up players.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
My only concern with having Wishart with Eaton
is…having Wishart with Eaton. Wishart seems like the kind of guy who needs to be partnered with somebody who is defensively responsible, and considering Eaton forgets his defensive assignments about as often as a geriatric forgets to take his meds, I’m just not confident in that pairing.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
That's my fear as well
Although Eaton has shown competence in the past. If he’s more stay-at-home and Wishart’s puck-moving keeps them getting hemmed in shift after shift…well, it’s a thought.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Limited time...
limited exposure. Staios might be the #5 in that equation right now.
If deHaan is available in the future you could pair him with Streit, and have Jurcina in the 5-6-7-8 mix.
Their best bet is prying Bogosian from the Jets with somebody like Ullstrom/Bailey/Comeau and appropriate sweetener. There is nobody with bogosian’s upside in the organization…. for at least three years (if they pan out at all).
If they were going to make an organizational decision at this point of the rebuild I’d have to say you deal one of the forwards and a pick (if necessary) to get a player like Bogosian… and he fits all the needs right now. Big, puck mover who plays physical and is under-utilized by his club.
I’d honestly go as high as a second tier forward (Comeau, Parenteau, Bailey, Ullstrom, Rhett) and a first… if it’s Ullstrom or Rhett make it a first and second next year.
The picture doesn’t get much better next year… this is a REAL ORGANIZATIONAL GAP right now… and if there was ever a need for drastic measures… THIS IS IT.
And it would show that he gave a shit.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
Also right now...
…Isles are 2nd/3rd to last, depending on how you look at the standings. Their 1st round pick this year has a lot of value currently. Would another team give up a good, promising, strong young defenseman for that pick alone? There is a chance of that.
But should Isles trade that pick, given that it may turn into a star player? (Seguin, anyone?)
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Nov 14, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
I like your comment
I hope I don’t get hit by eggs over the internet……………. but while I’m no fan of Comeau – I think he played hard last night.
PS where’s Howie Rose?
We've got Jiggs!
Not that I particularly care or anything.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Pre-planned Jiggs-ness.
Here are his fill-in dates for the season.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
I really don't think Comeau/Bailey
are the problem. I think THE ONLY problem with the team going forward is the lack of defensive depth.
The talent level at forward will fix itself when pressure is applied. That pressure will probably come this week with Nino, and most likely Ullstrom.
But the bigger problem is the 5 man dynamic. They rarely have 5 NHL players skating together at the same time. The forwards, to varying degrees, are all NHL caliber… the defense has one good pair, one adequate pair and one pair that wouldn’t make an AHL team better.
If anybody wants to see Comeau or Bailey get traded I hope they are talking about trading them for a legitimate top four defenseman. Personally I’d keep them and if you adhere to the philosophy that Snow isn’t the dumbest GM in the NHL, you find the one or two guys that make that statement true and offer them Rolston.
LighthouseHockey: We saw this coming!
@JPinVA
Per Rolston
his depressed speed and inability to even get the puck in deep sometimes
This is driving me up a wall. There was one play last night where he even gained the blueline, pulled up to dump it, and got it all of about 5 feet. It was beyond pathetic. Nino has to replace him, it’s the only thing that makes any sense.
Haley/Ullstrom/DiBo (take your pick) needs to replace Pandolfo.
Wishart or Reese (or both) also. I can’t believe I think of Reese as an upgrade, but here we are. I think I finally figured out why Staios has been better than Mottau-he’s a more effective player when he’s desperately sliding back into position.
Tavares is Tavares.
AS AL PACINO SAID
theres something rrrreeeaaalllllllly wrong here
just to reiterate...
please cut staios: way too slow, constantly making bad plays and takes too many penalties.
please cut panfolfo: is he doing anything positive? slow and ineffective.
please cut rolston: keep the cap hit, but send him to the minors. he’s just bad.
please cut mottau: slow and ineffective.
i haaated these pickups when they happened, and i haaate them even more now.
bring up haley, dibo, ullstrom, wishart, whoever…just get rid of the blue hairs. please.
i always had reasonble expectations for this team…ie fighting for 8th come march, but probably on the outside looking in. but i was excited to watch them play hockey. unfortunately, i have to agree with maydog…. not only are we losing, we look terrible in doing so. it’s really painful to watch and it’s killing my excitement.
we need energy
DirtyIsle
I now don’t need to post, you said it exactly. Energy and dirty replacing pandolfo and rolston, whoever is the best puck moving dmen for mottau and staios, all the better if the dman is somewhat physical.
we need the bottom 2 lines and bottom dmen pair playing every night like they may never see the NHL again. Make the changes. Ullstrom, Dibo score a goal or two, the pressure is on others to catch fire or go away. There is no downside at this point.
totally agree...
we can’t rely on only martin to create energy when things aren’t going awesome. and we don’t want hamonic doing that very often. no one else can play that role. we need some moxy…asap. haley is the perfect guy, he’s earned another opportunity, and we have others in our system that have earned their opportunities too. time to flick that switch.
Haley
After watching him tool on that giant idiot who crushed DeHaan, wish they could find a place for him. He has a bigger heard than the Grinch when he discovered the meaning of Christmas.
That clamor will probably come to a head
after Avery does something stupid but effective tomorrow and the Isles stumble over themselves figuring out how to respond.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
If guys who are being counted ...
on to do at least SOME scoring were producing, this team would likely have 3 more wins and 3 less losses. That would be pretty good right now and all the discussion about Mottau and Pandolfo and Wishart and even the goalies would be an aside. The defense is just not gonna be a strength of this team for a while yet. Other than Hamonic and MacDonald, who is actually struggling now to get back where he was before surgery, the backline has to undergo it’s own rebuild. Even Streit will probably be largely reduced by the time the defense is a real strength, and until then, basic competence is gonna have to suffice. And it can. The problem at this point is that 3 guys that were seen as foundation pieces are literally producing nothing. Zilch. Bupkis. Drek. And it’s a big problem at that.
on vacation?
also, i miss billy jaffe. im pretty sick of listening to butchie stumble over his words
by potvins_cups on Nov 14, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
This is a Wang-tatorship
You won’t see Billy Jaffe around anymore because he wasn’t positive enough about the organization. I mean, he was VERY positive but still it wasn’t enough for Chuck.
Butch, while being unable to formulate coherent sentences, at least thinks everything the Isles do is “great”. This is the kind of attitude the Isles need.
by Original Rob on Nov 14, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
I didn’t like Jaffe booth. To be fair, he didn’t kill the Islanders when he criticized the team, but in terms of hockey insight he constantly said the same thing, I got sick of him fast. But yeah, Butch isn’t any better…
How bad is it when your announcers don’t want to be there anymore, and you’re left with Butch and Jiggs, and I’m not sure who was worse on the pre-game, Deb Placey or the new guy.
by ChryWheatGod on Nov 14, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
How bad is it when your announcers don’t want to be there anymore
??? Howie works sports 12months a year. He takes pre-planned vacation dates. Lets not imagine it into some kind of drama.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
Forgetting Something?
Did you forget about that little microphone slip embarassment last year? “When does baseball season start?”
Howie is a professional sure, he does his job. Is it hard to believe he still may not want to be there?
by ChryWheatGod on Nov 14, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Heh- do you remember that, at that time, the team was in the middle of the biggest losing streak any of us have ever seen?
I was saying far worse than Howie. I bet you were, too.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Meanwhile...
..with one win in their last ten (1-6-3), they’re nearing another long stretch that pretty much knocks them out of the playoffs before the All-Star break. I’ll be sure to remember to put my shocked face on I see less of Rose as season goes on.
by ChryWheatGod on Nov 14, 2011 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
Or even worse?
How many NHL teams piggyback off a local college’s radio broadcast (Hofstra) in order to get their games on the radio?
by ChryWheatGod on Nov 14, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
Oh Jesus, do we need to rehash this again?
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 14, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
no we dont
lets talk about how the Rangers won 6 in a row
who are they facing next?
by potvins_cups on Nov 14, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
is the ahl really the answer?
someone said it above: we should really consider moving some top draft picks since we cant seem to sign high caliber free agents. I dont think this “patience” strategy is working; how long have we drafted high, at least as long as Edmonton (and look at them). I dont think Wishart, Dibo or even Nino are going to solve any problems. Imagine if we actually were able to sign Martin, Hamhuis, or Ehrhoff. But we can’t, so giving up a draft pick to a Columbus is probably a much more viable solution.
The reason this is the toughest stage in the rebuild IMO
Is precisely because this is the point where people lose patience and start clamoring for rebuild-destroying moves like trading top picks for short-term fixes.
At the risk of sounding too optimistic, I don’t think there’s any point in this exercise if you start dealing picks 3-4 years in. One of the big issues is the Isles have to operate on a budget compared to cap-pushing teams — this is reality, whatever its causes — so doing something like trading a Couturier pick + prospect for a Jeff Carter and his monstrous contract just doesn’t make sense.
I don’t think AHLers are totally the answer either — though they could be enough to alter the current roster’s course — but I’m afraid other options don’t suit long-term needs either.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 14, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
The reason this is the toughest stage in the rebuild IMO
Is precisely because this is the point where people lose patience and start clamoring for rebuild-destroying moves like trading top picks for short-term fixes.
This statement is chock-full of truth.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
but...
aren’t most rebuilds helped along by solid free agent signings? How long should we wait ‘til nino or strome become cornerstone players? by that time won’t we lose some key components to free agency?
more importantly, how many holes could we possibly fill by relying on the draft? Dom, i agree we shouldn’t look to short term fixes, but is it really possible to simply but all your eggs in the Bridgeport basket?
I dont have any answers. I do know that we can’t give up the rebuild nor can we rest on our laurels. All I know is that I don’t want this team to become the Pittsburgh pirates of hockey.
by potvins_cups on Nov 14, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
FA's when available, for sure
That’s what makes the Isles situation all the tougher: Not many good free agents available, not many coming anyway. I think that’s why we see shoot-the-moon attempts at Ehrhoffs, followed by mere asset/cap reallocation moves like Hunter/Rolston.
I’m not saying this status doesn’t suck horribly or that Snow hasn’t made mistakes in the process; just saying the overarching process is, I think, the only way. And Snow is going to be judged by how he handles these awkward years. There will be a lot of organizational judgments on talent acquired thus far that will make letting Bergenheim, Spurgeon and Niemi walk look like, well, Bergenheim, Spurgeon and Niemi.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 14, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Donttt you worry ...
Snow isn’t going to listen to us! We can say do this-that-and-the-other-thing for days, and he’s not going to deter from his “plan”. He’s said it before, he’s committed to this rebuild, or whatever his thing is.It really doesn’t matter what we say.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 14, 2011 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
No offense Wes...
but its like you didnt even read what Dom said and you were allegedly responding to.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 14, 2011 7:12 PM EST up reply actions
That's because I was responding to potvins_cups.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 15, 2011 2:13 AM EST up reply actions
Or anyone really. My point still stands.
by Wes Scarborough on Nov 15, 2011 2:16 AM EST up reply actions
If thats what you were trying to do, you need to work on pushing the reply button at the correct time- because you were not responding to potvin, you were responding to Dom.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 15, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Running Total and Defensemen Grades
Kyle 0; Post 1. (I thought there would be more work involved in keeping track of this.)
Yes, the lack of any transition game for a large part of last night’s game was partially the defensemen’s faults, but overall they played pretty good hockey after the first period.
Streit: B. He played his typical game. The strength of opponent had to do with his inability to set up scoring chances. (And perhaps lackluster play of his forwards had something to do with it too.)
3.120 (14 games played)
Staios: B+. He made a number of good plays at each end of the rink. This was perhaps the most he has contributed offensively (which isn’t saying too much). He set up scoring chances and he made 2 or 3 key defensive plays. (Don’t believe me? Go back and watch the game again…. Just kidding. PETIF may come take me away.)
2.355 (14)
Hamonic: B+. He played a good game. It seemed every time he was about to shoot, Vancouver closed down the lane. (Canucks were good at that all night, and they typically didn’t even have to leave their feet.)
3.132 (14)
AMac: B+. AMac played another very solid game. He and Hamonic (and Nabby) helped to keep the Isles in the game at the end of the first period by killing off an entire two minutes.
2.815 (14)
Eaton: F. This is the first ‘F’ of the season. In the first period he was caught behind his net for the first goal, took a bad penalty a few minutes later, and had a give-away that nearly cost the Isles. Also looked like the weaker of the Eatin’-MyToe pairing through the rest of the game, which isn’t easy to do.
2.150 (14)
Mottau: C-. Typical Mottau.
1.958 (9)
Not in action:
Jurcina:
2.278 (5) (About a ‘C+’ average.)
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Nov 14, 2011 12:10 PM EST reply actions
Fire Jack Crapuano!
Actually, I rather like his statements to the press lately. Although they sort of scream “this is not my fault, I have no real control here!”
Just stop pulling the fucking goalie with four minutes left.
=d
by AP77 on Nov 14, 2011 3:05 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
For AP, it goes like this
“Should I hate on Bailey today? Or should I lay my scorn on Comeau? Wait…Cappy just pulled the goalie. Fuck it, I’m all in. FIRE CAPUANO!”
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
This is very close to my actual thought process. Toss in KO into the equation and you’re basically there.
=d
by AP77 on Nov 14, 2011 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It ain’t easy being me, I’ll tell you that much.
=d
by AP77 on Nov 14, 2011 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Just stop pulling the fucking goalie with four minutes left.
Great now you have given him incentive to pull the goaltender with 5 minutes left.
Please be more specific. Pulling the goaltender 5 minutes in when not sharp and replacing him with the backup is good, pulling goaltender with 5 minutes left and replacing him with Mottau is bad.
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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.
