Islanders Bits: Of Changes and Chances
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 7:00 AM EDT
in Bits o' Islanders News
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PrintJack Capuano's implied threat of changes or line shuffling after the frustrating 3-0 home loss to Winnipeg was followed by an everyone-wears-orange practice Friday. (I kind of wish I could tell my employees what to wear when they show up in the morning.)
However, with music blasting -- gets players to shout for the puck, ya know -- no specific line changes were evident yet. Expect a tinker today to have lines stirred, not shaken.
[Update: Yeah, um, about that mere "tinkering:" Not so much.]
What panicking fans don't want to hear, but what is worth mulling: "they tossed 34 shots at Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec, and by Capuano’s count they had 18 scoring chances against the Jets’ eight. 'Can’t read into stats too much,' Capuano said, 'but we’re getting our chances ...'"
In what became a now-six-game winless streak, Thursday was the wrong time to outchance an opponent and come up empty. A line stir, even if largely cosmetic or psychological, hopefully changes the feel without cutting down on scoring chances against one of the East's beasts.
Islanders Links
Everybody has something on yesterday's practice:
- The Post's Brett Cyrgalis has the story and Capuano scoring chance quote linked above.
- He also had a piece yesterday about Steve Staios' contribution so far. Mark Streit sounds like a fan.
- Newsday's Arthur Staple has the story with angles including a Mark Streit team meeting and Frans Nielsen on breaking up FNGO: "If he does it, I definitely understand ... We haven't done enough lately."
- The official site has various quotes in the game preview, as well as a report on that practice.
- Also: Former Capital Milan Jurcina's road to the Coliseum.
- Tonight is annual Military Appreciation Night, with a bunch of initiatives beginning at 5:30 p.m.
FIG Picks: Leave your First Islanders Goal picks in this thread.
Other Bits of Fancy
- So what do you make of the latest Devils headed for bankruptcy reports? Ownership squabbling, or something is rotten in Newark? {softball served up...}
- Wonder if anyone bid on Bryan McCabe this offseason, or if he simply told suitors, "Nah, I'm good. Florida's nice."
- And why not: Photo: Rangers Photoshop Avery Banner Out Of FanCam | SNYRangersBlog.com
- For musing: Around the League in 33 Bands | November
- For thinking: Hockey Prospectus | The Blue Line: Why Scoring Is Down
- For drinking: Drink it up: Puck Daddy’s NHL Beer Cost Index for 2011-12 - Puck Daddy
- For remembering old pals: Newly acquired Nokelainen sparks Canadiens - Yahoo! Sports
- For schadenfreude: Keith phrased this fight link, "Kind of nice to see Gregory Campbell get smacked around")
- Another fight link with KQ phrasing: "Joel Rechlicz has become a pretty entertaining fighter"
- I don't know the context, but the Jeff Skinner hissy fit gif is lovely.
More later. Game tonight. I explained Movember to Mrs. Lighthouse yesterday. Her response? "That's not happening."
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Where are the spring 2011 Isles
Remember the resurgent team that wouldn’t be pushed around ? The we wouldn’t take it any more. – well my memory of that bunch is fading with every loss.
Tinker ...
he should. Make sweeping changes, no way. The pattern and timing of this skid reminds everyone of last year’s – whatever that was – and is creeping everyone out. That can’t happen again. Despite the gloom I still think they’re close to breaking out, at least enough for the GM to get a clearer picture and take stock. Then it will be his turn to tinker. And I bet he does. To believe that last year is gonna happen again and major changes are needed now would be to say the entire rebuild is a wholesale failure and they need to start over again entirely. I don’t believe that.
Cappy's right
They’re getting chances, they’re just not cashing in. I hope that changes. Maybe put KO back with JT and MM and put Matt Martin in with Grabner and Neilsen.
Cappy’s right
They’re getting chances, they’re just not cashing in. I hope that changes.
Yup. He is right. I know he is right. And I know it isnt going to stay this way. The guys on this team DO know how to score. They DO know how to pass. They have to get back to what works for them- and they CAN. Its just so frustrating in the meantime.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
What do you think about their net presence, lack of aggressive forecheck...
I mean I know JT is a super talent, but he also plays every game like it’s his last…so tenacious. Do some of these players IYO have that tenacity, or just inconsistent glimpses? Is this, along with bad luck, why they haven’t cashed in?
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
Im really concerned about it
Aside from JT (who IMO nobody could possibly complain regarding) the most physical forwards on thie team as far as what Ive seen are PAP and Comeau. Thats just not right.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Changes
Put the “check” back in forecheck. The only one hitting anybody in the offensive zone is Matt Martin. Similarly, on defense get back to basics — play the man not the puck. I was at the game Thursday, but I did not realize how awful we looked on that first goal. Kane just waltzes through 1-on-4, then gets his own rebound." Take the body."
by Bryan's Pop on Nov 5, 2011 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Amen, pop!
Tell the LHH members how you politely reminded the players of this during the game…
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
lol
I do remember what Bryans Pop said to Kaspar lol!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay, this is now officially, "bullshit"
Isleshockeyblog Christian Arnold
Dipietro also starting tonight for #isles.
1 minute ago
NYIslanders NYIslanders
DiPietro starts tonight with Montoya backing up. Capuano said there will be line changes. #isles
7 minutes ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Seconded
Seriously, what’s the deal with Big Al?
"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 5, 2011 10:34 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He's Too Good - We're Shooting for the First Pick in the Draft
We’ve already got a leg up at 29th place as of this morning. Rickety will help that.
Oh brother.
rolls eyes
If you actually THINK that ANY of these goalies have been a problem- at all- this season, theres just no talking to you about it.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Even Mr. Glass and The Stay Puffed Marshmallow Goalie have been holding up between the pipes.
The problem ain’t between the Isles pipes, it’s their inability to put the puck between the opponent’s.
Stats don’t lie:
Inigo: 4 games, 8 GA, 2.01 GAA, .930 SV%, 2-2-0.
Puffy: 4 games, 9 GA, 2.23 GAA, .930 SV%, 1-2-0.
Mr. Glass: 3 games, 5 GA, 2.50 GAA, .910 SV%, 0-1-2.
11 games, 22 GA (excluding 3 empty netters)…what more can you ask of these guys? They’re only allowing 2 goals a game…THEY’VE been doing the job.
Our offense is the problem in that IT’S NON-EXISTANT!
I’m not big on shaking things up unless you absolutely must, but we’ve hit a point where Cappy’s gotta do something to try and get this thing going, because nothing else is working.
Here’s hopin’ M-T-G turns into the second coming of Gillies-Trots-Bossy, because right now, they Isles need SOMETHING on the offensive side of the ledger.
John Tavares: Loyalty. Character. The power to put every sports writer in Toronto on anti-depressants just by signing a piece of paper.
by BrassBonanza10 on Nov 5, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
11 games, 22 GA (excluding 3 empty netters)…what more can you ask of these guys? They’re only allowing 2 goals a game…THEY’VE been doing the job.
Our offense is the problem
Exactly!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
The deal is every goalie is being given 4 starts
then the guy with the best stats (hopefully) at the end gets the #1.
"I can't really hear what Jeremy (Roenick) says, because I've got my two Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears." - Patrick Roy
So if thats the case
DiPietro is definitely getting the start in Boston on Monday? What if he gets lit up tonight?
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
It would seem so
Unless he gets hammered I’d expect him to start on Mon
"I can't really hear what Jeremy (Roenick) says, because I've got my two Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears." - Patrick Roy
If that's the case, it's Al.
Best stats in four starts out of the trio, see above.
John Tavares: Loyalty. Character. The power to put every sports writer in Toronto on anti-depressants just by signing a piece of paper.
by BrassBonanza10 on Nov 5, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Id agree- if the Isles lose because of goaltending, with Nabokov just getting back, it would definitely be Al. I just dont get the assumption that we will lose because of goaltending when that has not been the case at all this season and goaltending is the least of the Isles problems.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Again, like I said above, we AREN'T losing because of our goaltending.
This skid is ALL on the offense, or rather, the total lack there of.
I’m with you on this one, like I said, Puffy and Mr. Glass are keeping the puck out of the net very well right now, about as well as Inigo.
The guys between the pipes aren’t the problem.
John Tavares: Loyalty. Character. The power to put every sports writer in Toronto on anti-depressants just by signing a piece of paper.
by BrassBonanza10 on Nov 5, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but DiPietro has only had 2 starts
Tonight is his 3rd, which means Boston would be his 4th.
So based on all of your logic DiPietro is automatically getting the start on Monday
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
He was responding to what he thought the Isles would do if Rick had a bad game
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Ohhhhhh
I thinks he’s going to have a good enough game anyway that that wont be an issue. None of our goalies have given us any reason this season to think they’ll get lit up
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Wha?
I know that he wasn’t bad last time, but wasn’t Montoya supposed to be our starting goaltender this year? I guess things really haven’t changed.
All Who Oppose Grabner Shall Perish.
Said who, though?
Absolutely nobody in the org said anyhting about anyone being a starter. And right now, they are playing them all pretty evenly. They are also performing pretty evenly.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Not that I approve this against the Caps no less,
but you could argue that DP “deserved” a shutout performance last game, the 2 goals against him were really sketchy. 1:A-mac swatted right in on him from point blank and 2:After Hamonic missed Kane, A-mac just let him walk across the crease pretty much untouched or threatened and he put by DP pretty much from the crease. So you “could” argue DP deserves another start soon, but still, visually DP looks like #3 among them and for God sakes it’s the Caps we’re playing! lol
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
They are all so close though
Not one of the goalies is shining ahead of the other two or falling behind the other two.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm subscribing to 1919's (I think) theory now
They’re giving each guy a shot at several starts in a row.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I agree.
I bet Rick wont get more than 4 or 5 starts unless he plays out of his mind.
They are playing them all evenly, waiting for one of them to jump ahead.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
thats def what theyre doing
DP’s gonna need some good outings to beat out the other 2…I woudnt worry.
"I can't really hear what Jeremy (Roenick) says, because I've got my two Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears." - Patrick Roy
Why are We Giving Guys Shots?
Is this a $%^&#ing practice schedule we’re playing? I was under the impression that the regular season started. What happened to playing the best players at each position to WIN that night’s game? Does Rickety give us the best chance to win TONIGHT?
And if you’re right, why am I paying for tickets to watch the third string goalie “get starts”?
If you want this team to win
You should be worried about all the forwards on this team who cannot score a goal or pass cleanly to one another to save their damn lives- not goaltending.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Because they've all been similar so far
And because you can’t auction Nabby or Montoya unless you know how/if the guy with the long-term deal — the one who is hardest to move/resolve/etc. — withstands regular play in the NHL.
I can’t believe we’re losing our shit over DP when he hasn’t been an issue yet. (Well, yes I can, because DP is a lightning rod no matter what happens.) I’m not even a fan of the guy, but he hasn’t been a problem (yet?) this season. I’m much more worried about why the team’s been losing.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Only the Isles could shake up the lines like a 5 year old with a snow globe
and still have the majority of the comments be about a goalie with a 2.50 GAA
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I view this as a gift to the DP-ragers
Maybe the Capitals light him up and he gets put back into cold storage while the other two take their runs again.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry, Dom, This is Not Ricky Raging
There is no justifiable reason he should be playing at all except that he has 10 years remaining on his contract. And more bad decisions have been made by this franchise to accommodate him than any player I’ve ever known.
He has half the starts that the other two goalies have had.
And has been the backup more than the other two.
But you have this in your head that they are being SO ACCOMODATING to him, things like “facts” are unlikely to change that.
If this team was playing him and he looked like shit, Id be mad. Everyone would be mad. But that isnt whats happening here.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
But that's the issue
except that he has 10 years remaining on his contract.
That’s the “except”. He has it. If he didn’t have it, if he were a UFA last summer, he’d been cast free to earn work wherever, maybe on an incentive-laden deal.
But that’s not the reality, and there’s no changing it. They’re on the hook for $4.5M toward him unless he retires (which he’s not going to do, barring health issues or persistent sucking, neither of which is going to happen unless he actually plays) or there is a magical buyout in the future.
Right now, none of that can happen, and they have to figure out how to manage three goalies and trim it to two, and in Capuano’s eyes that involves giving all three a chance to show where they’re at.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So You're Saying That They'll Continue to Run Him Out There for the Next 10 Years?
Until the next CBA gets done, I agree that there’s not much they can do. But after that, he either goes or this team will remain a perennial bottom-feeder.
I honestly don't know, can't guess
I figure they run him out there until they know either: a) he can’t stay healthy; b) he can’t stop pucks, healthy or not; c) he proves a dependable backup, (possibly the worst-case scenario, given his cap/budget hit); or d) he can handle regular start load (unlikely) adequately. At this point, after his first summer without surgery, they can at least claim a clean slate to evaluate that.
Believe me, my patience is strained and I don’t have high hopes. But I doubt they’d have him on the roster and carry three goalies unless they thought any of the above is still possible.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Seriously.
Its frickin ridiculous how fixated people get on goaltending.
Its like- it was a prob for the Isles for so long, that people just cant let it go. They want to still focus on it, as if THAT is the issue right now.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe they're showcasing him for a trade
to get Komisarek???
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
I'm wondering how Cary K got Keiths login info
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
and while the O is consistently fubar, the G is consistently A-OK. If they all play well, having an equal # of starts isn’t unfair at all.
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
by Bryan2112 on Nov 5, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's funny
The lslanders have played so few games this season that it seems as if the last time Montoya played, Rollie Melanson was his back-up. It’s November, it barely occured to me that DiPietro still hasn’t played in as many games as Montoya or Nabokov.
"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 5, 2011 2:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Appears that way
but man, that is a lot of space in between for everybody. Still don’t like it when the team’s in a funk either. I know the goalie play hasn’t been poor, but I’m a big believer in jinxes, hexes, luck and superstition, and incidental correlations, so I say, you go back to what worked.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Yay! DiPietro Gets to Knock Off Some More Rust!
To get back his All-Star form.
This truly is a great strategy. Every sane team regularly plays its third string goalie. Especially when it’s trying to end a losing streak.
After reading this, now I don’t feel like going to the game.
by rmblifn on Nov 5, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
IMO you are not seeing things clearly here.
If you think that Rick has played so much worse than the other two, that is based more on how you feel about the guy than what has happened in these games.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
You Could Be Right
I may not be seeing things clearly. I probably need a pair of those rose-colored glasses.
Here are the current stats:
PLAYER GP W L OTL GAA TOI SV SV% SHO TGA TSA PIM
Al Montoya 4 2 2 0 2.01 238:13 107 .930 0 8 115 0
Evgeni Nabokov 4 1 2 0 2.23 241:41 114 .927 0 9 123 0
Rick DiPietro 3 0 1 2 2.50 119:52 50 .909 0 5 55 0
In what universe would a sane team not play goalie 1 or 2 if one or both is healthy.
Sorry, youre not seeing things clearly.
You actually believe that adding up 2-4 starts tells you definitively where goalies sit.
BUT what you need to do is think about this: If DiPietro was in the Wild game instead of Montoya, HIS stats would be up top. Would you still be making a case that hge deserves all the play? OR would YOU then be saying how you cant jusge by only a few stinkin starts?
Holy SHIT do people have their biases when it comes to goaltending.
I dont give a crap which of the three of them are in, they are all doing fine. And until one of them looks like shit or starts pitching shutouts left and right, I will continue not to give a shit which one is in.
Its the supposed “goal scorers” who are the problem right now.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
If Ricky was in the Wild Game His Stats Would Be on Top??
Yes, and if I had wings, I could fly to Uniondale tonight rather than drive and save the tolls on the GW and Throgs Neck bridges. But I don’t.
You dont have enough to judge WTFs going on with these goalies either
But that aint stopping you is it.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
"Defend him" your ass.
Im not defending anyone, Im saying that goaltending has not beent he Isles issue. And its HASNT been.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Good!
I dont give a shit which of these goalies starts- that is, until one of them sticks his head above or below the other two. So if you want to drop this ridiculous idea that I am defending any one of them over the other two, that would be great.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Goalie stats after 3-4 games really don't tell us much
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Yes They Do If They are Consistent With the Past Track Record
Does anyone but the most ardent Rickety supporter actually believe that he’ll ever have a save percentage much above .900? No.
This franchise has a pathetic loser mentality. Montoya played well last year. He’s played well this year and has a .930 save percentage. Any other NHL team in the Islanders position would start him.
LOL @ "past track record".
I think thats being applied in a VERY selective manner.
Montoyas “past track record” was that he wasnt even good enough to start in the AHL, let alone the NHL.
And Nabokovs “past track record” last year was that he totally lost it in Russia. If you go back a few years, he was outstanding.
Seems to me that you want to look at just what you want to look at. Something like: Lets look at only last year for Montoya, ignore before that, lets ignore last year for Nabokov and look at the years before that. For DiPietro lets only look at when he was injured. Yeah, thats REALLY gonna help figure things out.
How about this for an idea? Screw the “past track record” and lets just see what these guys do NOW.
In fact, thats what the Isles are doing- whether you like it or not.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
How Many Games Do You Need to See How They're Doing NOW?
Training camp’s over. Every guy will have four starts. You tell me. How many starts?
You know what?
You want to continue to bitch and piss and moan and whine and cry and stomp your goddamn feet over this, go right the fuck ahead. You keep believing that goaltending is the Isles problem right now, because nothing- NOTHING- will convince you otherwise.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Assuming every shot has an equal chance of going in, it takes about 2000 shots against to properly differentiate between goalies. On top of that, you’d probably like to use ES shots only. That’s 1.5 seasons for Cam Ward, but 4 for a backup.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Nov 5, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Gonna take us
the rest of DP’s contract to figure this out then…fiddlesticks.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
This is true also...
Nabby and Montoya got very few preseason minutes and still came in and lit it up. I knew it would be an issue that even if he was remotely close to the others, he would be pushed to the forefront. That’s what was scaring me about having that many goalies around to begin with.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Where do you see Rick "in the forefront"?
Rick is getting his third start, the other two have four starts. Our three “big games” so far (opening night tribute night and the Rangers game) each of them got a start. Someone please point it out to me how he is in the forefront or being accommodated or whatever because I just dont see it thusfar.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Not yet
but do you not think that will happen. And I should’ve been clearer, I don’t see that now, now I see equal (which personally, I still don’t think should happen, but that’s just me and most other people), but if I’m wearing my prediction glasses, I bet if AM has a 2.30 and .920 and DP has a 2.50 and .910, and both are healthy, DP gets majority starts.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Im not going to freak out over something that has not happened with no indication of it happening just because it is possible for it to happen. If it DID happen, that would be different. But it hasnt, Keith.
“Majority” of starts? IMO theres absolutely no way Rick gets more starts than Nabokov and Montoya combined unless he starts playing like an all-star.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Who's freaking out?
I mean, I guess I would be if I didn’t expect it to come, but you know. And also, come on, you know I meant “majority” in “normal” circumstances. Where someone just has more than the other guys…not more than the other guys put together. I don’t see that either. But even if it was 32/25/25, I’d be pretty annoyed.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Montoya also was the worst goalie on his AHL team last year
I really like him and have hope for him, but no, I’m not certain he’s their best goalie. I’m not certain Nabby is as good as he’s “looked” so far. I know if DP sucks as badly as he did last year he won’t be around long, but if he’s healthier than he’s been in three-plus years then he has a shot.
I’m not an ardent DP supporter by any means, but yeah, I expect he’ll have above a .900 or he’ll be out of a job soon and we’ll stop having this conversation.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont think hes a 3rd string goalie...
Seems like they’re all on equal ground…I would prefer Monty to be the starter until he loses it but…
by KO21 on Nov 5, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If I had to pick, I'd rank him 3rd right now
But it’s so close and so limited that I have no firm belief in any of the above.
Nabby was awful in the KHL and then didn’t play at all last year. Montoya was brilliant in 20 games for us and awful in a lower league before that. DP was awful and also still clearly hurt.
That’s all I’m saying: Situations can change, there is no good blueprint for managing three goalies, hats off to all of them for not fumbling their starts yet.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I couldnt agree more, Dom.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Skinner GIF is the aftermath of having a PP goal waved off. It was a blown call: intent to blow on a loose puck that was blocked from the ref’s sight.
Good luck tonight. I’m pulling hard for the Isle. You have a nice collection of young talent, so enjoy the ride up, We Caps fans know that better than anyone.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Nov 5, 2011 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Thanks man
The transition ride has been a doozy!
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Give us your Widemans! You know you want to, we'll give you our Comeau's, he's a 20goal scorer! :-)
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
What fat_daddyo said, but we’re keeping D-Wides, thankyouverymuch. :)
You guys have a lot of interesting kids in the pipeline; it will be fun watching them come up.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
It will be more fun watching a couple come up in the Washing AHL affiliate no? :-)
I don’t wanna do this, but we’ll give you DeHaan for Wideman or Green. lol. I kid, good luck tonight.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
Wideman is a free agent this summer. You can bid on him then.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Oh yeah- because the Isles always get the FA's when they bid for them.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I think 6 is going to stay in red, but I like Comeau’s game.
Anticipating a close one tonight. Isle always seem to play the Caps tight.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
We've lost our Martinek Ovi talisman though
Maybe the Jurcina Anomaly fills in his stead.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Aw, Juice. He’s kinda bad but I still like him.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Nov 5, 2011 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Same here.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
shhh!
Dont tell afro that!
(hides under desk)
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
It's the nickname
The Juice is Loose!
"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 5, 2011 3:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
New lines
StapeNewsday Arthur Staple
New #Isles lines to start vs. Caps: Moulson-Tavares-Grabner, Rolston-Nielsen-Parenteau, Comeau-Reasoner-Okposo, Martin-Bailey-Pandolfo.
8 minutes ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Nov 5, 2011 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
All 4 were shaken up
I honestly didn’t think they would touch the 1st but why not.
No Sleep 'til....Belmont?
I thought they wouldn't touch the fourth line
The fourth line was working pretty well.
All Who Oppose Grabner Shall Perish.
I dont like Rolston being moved up
Poor Franzy. But he did need to get away from Comeau and Bailey to see if he was what was slowing them down.
At least I had the 4th line right in my predictions. I honestly didn;t think they’d break up the first line.
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'd preferred Martin to get a shot in the top 9 in favor or Rolston, but maybe Cappy just likes what he sees from Rolston.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
I think its just hard to move both Bailey AND Rolston down to the fourth line
you still want them to be your defensively responsible line, so while it’s not fair to Martin, it’s kind of tough to put both Father Time and Rip Van Winkle on the same line flanking Bailey and still hope for good defense
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. If we actually had a forward scratch to input, I would have said scratch rolston, but the Nino situation and 3-headed goalie monster makes that impossible.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
Bailey on the 4th line, I didn't know Cap had it in him. I like the shake-ups to be honest, but a lack of a true goalscorer on the Nielsen line "may" be a problem, but who knows.
I think Cappy definitely has his head on straight after seeing this shakeup. Wish Martin would have gotten a bump, but I like these lines. I thought Grabs deserved a shot with Tavares’s new speed and Reasoner should be bumped ahead of Bailey right now. Okposo being sent down to the 3rd is also nice to see. Hopefully Comeau’s again found physicality rubs off on Okposo, even Reasoner is gritty, hopefully KO takes notice of that.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
I can't beliebe Okposo only has FIVE hits this season
while Comeau has 22 in only 8 games, 10 more than any forward not named Matt Martin.
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Okposo only has FIVE hits this season
Goddamn awful, thats what that is.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh....
I don’t know how much I like these lines. That third line looks pretty strong though.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Lets see- who am I NOT mad at out of the Isles forwards?
Moulson-Tavares-Grabner
Rolston-Nielsen-Parenteau
Comeau-Reasoner-Okposo
Martin-Bailey-Pandolfo
Turns out each line now has one guy who hasnt been pissing me off. Interesting.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I am really curious how he's going to match these lines
Which one is the defensive line?
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Good question.
I bet they will have them working together, but when the chips are down in the game I see CAppy going with the defensive lines he trusts to work.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Does Capuano match his lines aggressively?
I will be interested to see which one he sends out against AO. My guess would be Okposo’s line.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I dont think the Isles have really matched forwards against AO in the past
They were big on having a specific defense pair out their against him instead, namely whatever pair that had Radek Martinek in it. But since Martinek is gone, I would think you’re going to get the MacDonald-Hamonic pair. Jurcina would be ideal bc of his size, but Eaton on the ice against the Caps top line scares the crap out of me.
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
This
Figure a specific pair more than a line, but at home he does tend to match. Thus far Nielsen’s line hasn’t been given that dedicated use as much as in the past.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Personally
I can’t tell, so I would just roll ‘em and not line match at all. They’re on the road anyway right? Tougher to match.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
never mind, home...
Christ we really didn’t take advantage of the early home scheduling.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
New lines
Don’t like the 1st line. Who’s gonna get Johnny the puck? Molson and Grabner don’t forecheck. JT will have to do all the work like he did on Thursday.
Johnny creates pretty well for himself and Grabner skating around should open some space.
And Grabs forechecks well, he just doesn’t do it physically.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
Grabs
has looked overpowered along the boards. Dunno if that ever was his game. He’s like a gazelle out there – avoid contact via incredible speed. If Matty Mo’s aggressive forecheck and net presence are successful like they were last year, then this line may work out.
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
by Bryan2112 on Nov 5, 2011 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Grabs is really frail, probably due to weight and strength. If the speed and hands aren't working, he's got nothing there.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
I think JT is such a force now...
that he may not need a playmaker on his line. Moulson bulls into the corners, Grabs draws defenders with speed – it might work. If it doesn’t, be sure to politely let them know >;-)
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
by Bryan2112 on Nov 5, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not a fan of the line mixups and DiPo starting again.
I guess Cappy is going to give each goalie 4 starts apiece and then re-boot. I don’t like Montoya not starting for 3+ weeks.
Monty had 1 bad game, and now he is in the dog house? Coincidence you think?
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
I don't think Montoya is in doghouse
I tend to think Cappy is just rolling a rotation. I suspect we’ll see Montoya next week. Not a fan of a fixed rotation, which is what I think he’s doing.
No goalie is in the "doghouse"
They are all playing at the same level. Let one of them pitch some shutouts or something of they want to get ahead of the other two.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I think itll take a bad game, injury, or back to backs to displace a starter
Cappy rolled with Montoya until the bad game against the Lightning, then he rolled with Nabokov until he was injured, and now hes rolling with DiPietro.
I’d like to think he’s just giving each guy 4 games like you said to see what he has in each guy, but it seems more like he’s just riding whoever his starter is until he has a hiccup. So the longer we see a guy as the starter is actually a good thing, because that means hes playing well in goal.
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Instead of throwing a hissy fit, Skinner should.have yelled, “are you fist fucking me?!”
Hunter said he was just finishing his check.
by Turgeon1992 on Nov 5, 2011 11:21 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 5 recs
"Expect a tinker today to have lines stirred, not shaken."
there building a winning hockey team, not making a martini,
shake the damn thing till it hurts or scores!
shut up and skate!!!!!!
by J.t. Day on Nov 5, 2011 12:11 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
shake the damn thing till it hurts or scores!
what you do on your own time is your business
author of "57 Easy Ways to Score More Than 2 Goals a Game"
by Chris McNally on Nov 5, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
This is why you have to make a coach not believe he's going to be fired.
Because then they do stupid shit like this. These lines don’t make any fucking sense.
Line: MM-JT-Grabs
--This line might seem to work simply because MM-JT work so well together, they’ll be fine with anyone. But this removes Grabs from defensive duty on 5 on 5, where he’s better than other players, unless they want to give JT and MM less offensive time.
Line: Rolston-Nielsen-Parenteau
--Nielsen is our best 2 way center, no question. And he can work with almost anyone. That said, Rolston is not a good Defensive player anymore and seems way slow and Parenteau is unproven in a defensive role. Crap shoot of a line, and without a good scorer to boot. Yuck.
Line: Comeau-Reasoner-Okposo
--In essence this is the new version of FN-GO, only weaker: Reasoner is a good defensive forward by track record, who can produce some offense (like a worse-off Frans), Comeau and Okposo have both shown some defensive skill and some offensive talent. But it’s clearly inferior to FN-GO, and well…the idea was for Reasoner to replace Konopka and take as many defensive draws as possible. But do you really want Comeau or Okposo doing that?
Line: Martin-Bailey-Pandolfo
--Pandolfo makes only sense on defense, but Bailey’s defense is questionable. Martin failed on a defensive line last year. While I accept Bailey getting as little minute as possible, essentially this line has crap all over it.
Coaches shouldn’t panic over losing streaks unless they’re over 10 games long….bad, yes, but this is early and we know that two of those lines had good track records. Instead, Capuano is fearful for his job, so he blows them up, fucking us more over. GREAT JOB!
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
Ha
Coaches shouldn’t panic over losing streaks unless they’re over 10 games long
That’s precisely when Gordon got fired!
I don’t think this is a fear-of-firing scenario. This is some “let’s play with our wrong hand in practice” shake-up that could last a period, a game, a couple of games, to change the mood, get players out of bad habits. I’m not a big fan of any of the combos, but we’ll see what happens.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Nov 5, 2011 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I do think it's a fear of firing scenario.
The team has been shooting well, just not scoring….usually a sign that positive regression is coming, and Capuano has noted that. Yet he’s freaking out anyhow.
You minorly tinker if you’re concerned, you don’t blow up the lines you have.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
Okposo is demoted to the 3rd line and Grabs trades spots with PAPS in practice according to IPB...
I don’t see how playing with Reasoner and Comeau is gonna help him…But on the other hand he hasnt earned a spot up higher….Hopefully this is a kick in his ass and we eventually see him move up…Grabner is in replace of Paps, sounds good to me but hes not a guy that will battle for pucks…Thats why I thought KO, if he was playing well, would be perfect for PAPS spot in the top line…To battle and win pucks for JT and Moulson…Lets see what happens!!!
Here IPB’s report:
Moulson – JT91 – Grabner
Rolston – Nielsen – PAP
Comeau – Reasoner – Okposo
Pandolfo – Bailey – Martin
Uh...
I don’t think KO has been battling for pucks at all this year. If that were the case, he’d have more than 5 hits.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Nov 5, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bingo.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
If you actually read my post you would have read this:
he hasnt earned a spot up higher….Hopefully this is a kick in his ass and we eventually see him move up
what does that mean???That he hasnt been battling or hitting…he hasnt earned a promotion..Hopefully this will kick him in the ass
Hopefully this will kick him in the ass
Something better… or else Im going to channel my inner Voldemort and kick Harry Potters ass myself.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
KO looks so much bigger than ever, to me..
Maybe he’s bulked up too much and it slowed him down a step? What else could have caused him to regress like this?
I just dont know.
He doesnt seem slow to me per se, I guess he seems more… I dont know, maybe… hesitant? Wary?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Nov 5, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah. He's hasn't been making the 2nd an d 3rd efforts like he did either..
He used to be a take away machine…He used to gain the puck with 2nd and 3rd efforts…Now he seems to lose a battle and thats it…Its one & done…He was great under Gordon actually
Thats why he doesnt deserve to be up higher...
Hopefully this demotion will get his ass in gear…
because we need the guy we used to call the BEAST if we're to make it to the playoffs..
by KO21 on Nov 5, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
My biggest concern about the line shuffle is stacking the 1st line.
If you move Grabs up to the first line, you need to drop Moulson down to the Two, so opponents don’t just put ALL of your scoring assets in lockdown.
Who knows, maybe Moulson Frans and PA could get something going down there, while Tavares, Grabs and…I dunno, CoZone? Maybe Rolston for some veteran leadership? I’m at a loss who to put there, preferably it’d be the second coming of Clark Gillies or some other prototype power forward, like Andrechuk or Shannahan, but we work with what we’ve got.
John Tavares: Loyalty. Character. The power to put every sports writer in Toronto on anti-depressants just by signing a piece of paper.
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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.
