A Fork in the Road for the Islanders

This season could be another “oh well season”, or it could turn out differently. Either way, some progress needs to be made somewhere. Sure, Tavares is becoming “my brain can’t fathom how talented he is” good, but other than that where are we progressing? Last year the team made huge strides, and now look at them. Perhaps I’m just looking for something positive right now, but I am hoping for more than a top five draft pick this year.

The East has separated into htree parts – the obvious playoff teams, the bubble teams, and those struggling to find their way – and there is room at the inn, which is good news indeed

A) Playoff Bound

Clearly in are the Smurfs & Boston – the likely conference finalists – and hard to see the Flyers fading out of the playoffs – and Ottawa & Florida, two surprises, may be doing enough, as is Toronto – so that’s likely 6 givens

B) The Bubble

the Devils are a puzzle – they are on the bubble – so is Pittsburgh with their injuries, and so those are the two real targets to ain for – the teams just behind are also bubble teams – Winnipeg & Washington – none of these 4 teams has a clear license to run away with a playoff spot – the Devils may be most likely, Pittsburgh is so very hurt, Washington is a muddle, Winnipeg figures to come off its high you would think, though they are playing well

SO there is likely room for someone to make a run – the very good news

C) Then there is the rest – Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Montreal, Carolina and our guys

The good news is that a playoff run is still doable, even a halfhearted one might be an achievement of sorts at this point, but a real run would put us in the mix

Take it one game at a time and don’t look back

Tell that to DP’s body and DeHaan’s shoulders Garth. lol

I think Jurcina could get you at least $100 gift card to Sizzler.

I know I say this too much here, but I’ll repeat that when it comes to specific players the question has to be players value vs. value of acquired players.

Look for trades for everyone, see what you could get, answer the question, make the choice.

Nabokov should go, though.

Hes back on the roster in the sidebar.

.. but if this team is so worried about the cap floor (which I don’t truly believe we are) why not give Mottau to someone for some 7th round draft prospect and offer to pick up some of his contract.

I just want him off the team so Cappy isn’t tempted to play him ever again.. and we can give Reese, Donovan, or de Haan (when healthy) those minutes instead

But I don’t desire a complete housecleaning without getting decent return. As much as we love or want to see some of the youth, a whole lot of them will not be ready and will give us Bailey confused-doe feelings.

Just as an example, I thought the early sales of Roloson or Wiz last year brought decent value — probably as much value as they could’ve expected at any moment — but if the offers aren’t there … well, yeah, it depends on the player and how much drag he is on the current roster (and who would replace him), of course. Not exactly going to be getting offers for Mottau.

Unfortunately, I’m torn. Obviously, we’d all love to see them be within shouting distance of the playoffs at the All Star break. But, at the same time, I’d also like to see them jettison some of the obvious suspects and either bring the kids up or acquire some prospects for the future.

I do think that they can get something for these dudes from teams looking for playoff depth, especially the defensemen. Yes, they leave a lot to be desired. But a playoff team might see a Jurcina or Staios as a guy whose experienced, won’t take chances and can sit the press box if necessary since he’s cheap. Especially within the division. I can totally see the Flyers, Devils or even Penguins looking for cheap help that can be here tonight.

But I do agree that it’ll be up to Garth to get something and not price himself out of. The scuttlebutt last year was that Konopka and Martinek were on the block for second or third round picks. Reaching high is great, but at some point, you’ve got to cut bait for whatever you can – a lower pick, a conditional pick, maybe a lower prospect or future considerations. Especially with these jokers. The draft is basically one giant game of “Hey, you never know.” So even a 6th round pick would be worth it. Getting nothing isn’t an option for this team. I hope he learned from last year.

We need to come up with a name for the trade chip gang of Rolston, Jurcina, Staios, Eaton, Pandolfo, Mottau and Reasoner. I get sick of seeing them typed out, too. I suggest the “Go Away Team.”

I’ll exclude Nabokov for now since A. his trade scenario is a little unique and B. He’s played pretty well.

At or above NHL-500 would be progress in my book.
I think the playoffs would be a real stretch, but I think that 82 points or more in 82 games is something this team really needs to go for. I hope they do it.

makes you bitter.

a decent effort on the road against 2 very beatable teams. The only way we should be talking playoffs is in our best Jim Mora voices.

Had we picked up 3 points out of those 2 games, the playoff picture looks a whole lot different. But we didn’t.