Islanders vs Montreal Gameday: Battle for Positioning
by Dominik on Feb 9, 2012 7:01 AM EST
in New York Islanders Previews
Email
Print
The standings are tight, the schedule compact: Over the next four days the New York Islanders play three times -- including two afternoon games on the weekend and all at home, where they'll try to improve on the 11-11-5 record that parallels their 11-11-3 road record.
Hockey Club from Montreal* (21-24-9, 14th/E) @ Islanders (22-22-8, 11th/E)
7 p.m. EST | MSG+2 (twice the plus!) | Audio: NHL - WRHU
Nassau [gloriously unsponsored] Veterans Mem. Coliseum
Go, go, Gauthier: Habs Eyes on the Prize
Carolina picked up an OT point last night, meaning the four Eastern teams below the Isles (including tonight's opponent) are within two points. One of them, the Lightning, play in the city tonight. Above, the Jets are at Washington and the Leafs are in Philadelphia.
The Islanders' last two games have been disappointing overall performances, but they made it through 65 minutes in each and picked up three of four points. Tonight, like those nights, may turn on how they adjust to life without Travis Hamonic.
Hamonic's isn't the only injury concern: Dylan Reese left the Flyers game with an MCL sprain which means if Milan Jurcina isn't ready to go -- he skated yesterday -- a callup will be needed.
[Update: Capuano says Jurcina is indeed back in the lineup, and Nabokov starts again.]
Arthur Staple at Newsday had notes on that situation as well as the two key remaining UFAs Evgeni Nabokov and P.A. Parenteau. Those notes were discussed a little bit in comments for last night's late quote dump on Frans Nielsen and Nabokov. Suffice to say, I won't read too much into an agent's update with a few weeks to spare.
When these two teams last met, the Hockey Club from Montreal* was 12-11-7 and soon to fire their coach in a panic move. It hasn't had the desired effect. Their powerplay is still miserable, they still generate just over 29 shots per game overall. Interestingly, their PP ranks 30th while their PK is tops in the league. That should be a fun matchup to watch vs. the Isles powerplay -- if the refs deign to call penalties.
*Last year the Hockey Club from Montreal told the popular media site covering the Hockey Club from Montreal to take a popular nickname for the team out of their site's name. [redacted] Inside/Out became Hockey Inside/Out. Out of respect for their precious trademark, we shall not tread on it here.
Some Reading for People Who Like Reading Things
- TSN's Scott Cullen ranks the Islanders goaltending tandem 14th in the league right now. The comment is ... blunt.
- THN's Rory Boylen includes both New York GMs' on his unfairly maligned list.
- Stu Hackel covers the Hockey Club from Montreal and occasionally looks at the Isles so if he really wants to see some deeper NHL stats, someone tell him most of them are out there.
- Speaking of Hackel, here is his preview looking at the Isles for Hockey Inside/Out.
- The Islanders are still four goals away from 10,000.
- Two veterans facing big decisions: Shane Doan Situation Up in the Air - CP and Ryan Smyth's trade deadline dilemma - Yahoo
- On that note: The Hockey News: THN.com Top 10: THN.com Top 10: Players in need of a new home
- Fun: The Top 10 NHL Non-Fighter Fights | Backhand Shelf | Blogs | theScore.com
- The Hockey Club from Montreal recalled Aaron Palushaj for this game. He's a 22-year-old prospect who appeared in one of the previous meetings.
- NHL: Sidney Crosby's neck injury requires a complex explanation - ESPN
When Sites Troll for Clicks
Finally, this list really disappoints me because it's completely misleading trade deadline link bait: 5 blockbuster NHL deals that almost happened - sportsnet.ca
Let's review, shall we? 5) The Rangers didn't almost acquire Eric Lindros -- they pretty much did. Except the Nordiques had reached a deal with Philadelphia, too, so the league had to sort out which deal would be ratified. That was at the draft. 4) Pat LaFontaine wasn't almost a Red Wing -- the Isles had the earlier pick and were picking him all along. Torrey wasn't budging with that pick. Again, the draft. 3) Joe Sakic signed an offer sheet with the Rangers. Again, over the summer. The Avs matched. 2) I don't know about the Datsyuk for Gomez rumors after the lockout, but at least that was an in-season situation. 1) It's a cool story that the Rangers had a chance at Gordie Howe first, but again that's really nowhere near the connotation of "blockbuster deal" that readers expect around trade deadline time.
Around the trade deadline, fans are looking for stories about trades, usually the big mid-season kind. Not summer free agent offer sheets and draft day deals. When media use misleading headlines to Bleacher you to click, we all get stupider. Next time, why not "5 Blockbuster NHL Deals That Almost Happened Plus Free Viagra and Nudie Pics"?
FIG Picks
Leave your First Islanders Goal Picks in this thread for tonight's game. Last time, the people who picked shutout won ... and saw an Isles win.
155 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Hopefully he wasn't on a breakaway at the time ...
But slamming home a rebound.
Grabs brings offense oppotunities...
He just cant convert on all these breakaways!
by vince from NJ on Feb 9, 2012 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
He just needs to bring a friend along on those breakaways.
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 9, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
Isles could trade for Gerbe...
…and strap him on Grabner’s back.
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 9, 2012 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Feel the force flow through you....
by GreekIsles83 on Feb 9, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Pure. Awesome.
Contributor for Lighthouse Hockey. Definitely neither the Sniper nor the Enforcer.
by ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles on Feb 9, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
“When we started talking [before the season began], I knew this is where I wanted to be,” Nielsen said after his shootout goal proved to be the winner in the Islanders’ 1-0 win over the Flyers. “I want to be here when the good things start happening.”
When you hear one of them say it, you wonder. But all these kids are saying it. when they re-sign. Good to read.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 8:23 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
They know JT is a long term talent...
They know Hamonic is too.
They see skilled players such as Frans, PAP, Okposo, Grabs.
They see guys maturing like Wallace, Nino, hopefully Strome.
They see decent goaltending.
They see a Tri-state lifestyle that is 2nd to none.
And I think UFAs will see it too. Certainly a good place to be in the next 5+ years.
by vince from NJ on Feb 9, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
I hope when you wrote Wallace
you meant Martin. If Wallace matures anymore he’ll be Brian Rolston.
The Rangers have Jeff Bloemberg in the lineup tonight, why are we not dressing Mick Vukota?!?! This team is unbelievable.
by Chris McNally on Feb 9, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Hilarious
I love Rolston-bashing. I really do. When I play NHL12 on PS3 I always make Rolston start a fight, then just let him get pummeled.
by mickvukota on Feb 9, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
lol
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
NHL: Sidney Crosby's neck injury requires a complex explanation - ESPN
Think I’ll skip that one.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 8:39 AM EST reply actions
Coming to your local cable tv lineup, NHL Network2 the SIdney Crosby Channel. All Sid all the time.
by Icefan71 on Feb 9, 2012 9:03 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I already have that channel on my local lineup here in Western PA
Hope they don’t make me pay extra now that it’s a national channel!
;P
"If the bell needs to be answered, we've got the guys to answer it." "If they want to start something, that's fine."- Trevor Gillies
Twitter: JenWillyard
Chicken necks?
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 9, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
it sucks to see such a great talent stay out so long
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
by Rickfansince76 on Feb 9, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
Felt bad for Amac
Being interviewed about Frans’ contract. Poor bastard…all of his friends getting paid and he’s locked in on the cheap for what, two more?
I really hope they extend him, but he’s outperformed that contract big time.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Feb 9, 2012 9:09 AM EST via mobile reply actions
yeah
thru 13/14 at 575k, but nobody put a gun to his head to sign that extension, and at the time everyone seemed quite happy about it…
These comments crawl up from the depths of the deepest Chasm of Saar
575k?
I feel real bad for him.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
If he really doesn't want it
I’ll trade jobs and paychecks with him.
Yeah, I’d have to drop a few pounds and learn to play D (I was always a winger), but he’d have to learn how to handle irate doctors.
Amateurs practice til they get it right. Professionals practice til they can't get it wrong.
by Torgo on Feb 9, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Eh
Frans is 2 years older, and has 2 more full years in the bigs. will have a nice payday when the time comes. It’s not as if living on $575K is peanuts.
Hey, Frans did his time on the cheap
A-Mac can look at Frans and hope that’ll be him one day.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Feb 9, 2012 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Nabokov can pass Billy Smith on the all time wins list tonight
I’ve got mixed feelings about that…
No Sleep 'til....We Find Some Secondary Scoring
He will be doing it for the Islanders, so that's OK
Unless he gets traded to Tampa Bay before tonight’s game.
It doesn't feel right
But no win total in the shootout era does.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Did you check out Billy Smith in the stands during the Ottawa game?
He was wearing a fanny pack purse, and toting his four Stanley Cup rings in a box? PRICELESS!!!
He could have worn a bikini and it still would have been PRICELESS. Billy can do no wrong in my eyes. I wore his number and used KOHO sticks in my playing dyas. I also sprayed painted it black! LONG live Billy Smith!!!!!!!!!
We are all Islanders, even if we’re from Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Feb 9, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
That was awesome
My friend was like “are those his rings?”
Hahahahaha. What a character.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
I have no clue, but I want to say 3rd period, but don't quote me on it.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
contracts
how long are bailey and martin signed for.please and thx
Capgeek gives you all the information you seek.
No Sleep 'til....We Find Some Secondary Scoring
Good lord
I had forgotten that Rolston was our highest-paid player. Time to repress that memory again.
Didn't Realize we had so many UFA's and RFA's after this year
this team technically could look a lot different next year (granted it’ll be on the bottom 6.. and low D pairings but still, surprised me a bit)
by BaltimoreIslander on Feb 9, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
And don't forget who's second-highest
The Islanders may be the most efficient on-ice and most foolhardy off-ice roster in the league.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Ugh, no kidding--particularly with Goalies
Nabby’s making 570K, Al’s at 600K and change, and the animatronic corpse is off wondering if ‘medical tourism’ would be a great way to combine his two favorite pastimes: open-toed sandals, margaritas, and surgery.
um, 3 favorite pastimes
But on the bright side, Brandon Witt finally comes off the books next year. Oh, that is bright.
Tuesday in Philly was sweet.
They played marginally better than they did against the Sabres last Saturday.
But Jesus H. Christ if the Islanders play a third straight game of Money in the Middle… I don’t know what.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
Doh!
meant “Monkey in the Middle,” which is the only way I can describe their puck possession in the last couple of games.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
I remember money in the middle
we used to play it all the time on the north shore :)
by GreekIsles83 on Feb 9, 2012 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
They gotta score some goals
and not worry about someone who can’t play. They’re slowly inching their way into contention with extra games to play on a couple of the other teams and they’re playing mostly the teams near them in the standings. Just frickin win. Oh and don’t trade the Russian goalie.
You gotta love
games against the Hockey Club from Montréal, they always lead to more Islanders coverage.
Jean-François Chaumont has written two interesting pieces.
Tavares devient un homme alas Tavares is becoming a man.
This quote from Mark Streit is of particular interest:
Je parle aussi souvent avec lui au sujet de l’équipe. Il fait partie de nos bons leaders.
“I often talk with him about the team. He is one of our good leaders.”
For those wanting him to become another young captain: he already has a say in the team, but without the added pressure of captaincy. Let it stay this way for another while.
There’s also news regarding P.A. Parenteau’s contract negotiations Parenteau attend son tour (Parenteau is waiting for his turn)
Some excerpts:
Pour la première fois de ma vie, j’ai le gros bout du bâton… Je ne suis pas pressé, j’attends mes options.
“For the first time in my life I have the big end of the stick… I’m not in a hurry, I’m waiting for my options”
“John est l’une des raisons pourquoi je voudrais rester ici, a souligné Parenteau. Tout comme lui, je me fais une fierté à vouloir changer l’image de l’équipe.”
“Les Islanders deviendront une très bonne équipe. Si ce n’est pas cette année, ce sera pour très bientôt. Je souhaite changer la perception des gens et ramener l’équipe sur la bonne voie.”
“John is one of the reasons I’d want to stay here. Like him, I’m trying to change the image of this team. The Islanders will be a very good team. If not this year, very soon.
I’d like to change people’s perception and bring the team back on the right track.”
Snow n’a toujours pas entrepris des négociations sérieuses avec Allan Walsh, l’agent de Parenteau, au sujet d’un nouveau contrat.
“ Ils ont parlé un peu, ils ont établi quelques bases, mais ce n’était rien de concret, a précisé le joueur natif de Gatineau.
C’était juste une première conversation. Je n’ai pas eu une offre concrète pour le moment, mais je veux du long terme, a-t-il ajouté. Vraiment, du long terme.”
Snow has not yet had serious negotiations with Allan Walsh regarding Parenteau’s contract.
“They talked a bit, established some bases, but nothing specific. That was just a first conversation.”
“I didn’t get a concrete offer for now, but I want long term. Really long term.”
Keep in mind: those are quotes. If you understand French, I strongly suggest you to read the whole articles.
"If you have what you say you have, I’ll make you rich. If you don’t, I’ll make you into shoes" Jim Moriarty 1/1/2012
by Francesca on Feb 9, 2012 10:07 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
"For the first time in my life I have the big end of the stick…"
’nuff said.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
Better than the sharp pointy end, obv
"...I was here on Day 1 when Garth decided to do the rebuild, and I really want to see it through." -- Frans Nielsen
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 9, 2012 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Tremendous job, Francesca
Thank you . It seems as if this team is built around a core group of kids with their heads screwed on the right way. My “confidence in the future” meter is up around an 8 or 9.
Being born in New York and rooting for the Islanders, Jets, and Mets. Yeah, I know.
Twitter: cmauceri524
by CharlieIsles on Feb 9, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the translation...
If you understand French, I strongly suggest you to read the whole articles.
…or put in an application to be the Canadien’s coach next year.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
by JPinVA on Feb 9, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 8 recs
Forgot a good quote about Tavares
P.A. Parenteau on Tavares:
“John est l’un de mes meilleurs amis au sein de l’équipe. C’est vraiment un bon jeune, a affirmé Parenteau. Il a parcouru un bon chemin. Il était tellement timide à ses débuts à Long Island. On découvre de plus en plus sa personnalité.”
“John is one of my best friends on the team. He’s a very good young guy. He’s on a good path. He was so shy at his debut on Long Island . We are discovering his personality more and more.”
"If you have what you say you have, I’ll make you rich. If you don’t, I’ll make you into shoes" Jim Moriarty 1/1/2012
from all the points
and the language, PAP definitely wants to stay and wants a pay day, I do not think he will be a greedy bastard when push comes to shove. I speak french, btw, so the way it is said in french compared to the translation, almost makes it even more personable.
by ghalbart on Feb 9, 2012 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks so much for these, Francesca
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Interesting Quotes
I want Parenteau to stay, but if he wants to cash out on what will probably be his only big contract in the NHL and won’t get what he wants from the Isles, I won’t begrudge him one bit if he decides to test the FA waters. Like Jason Blake five years ago, the guy’s paid his dues in the AHL and now he’s a producer in the NHL. As long as Garth is willing to offer him a fair contract, I feel he signs.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Seems like
length might be the bigger concern for him. Guessing he probably wants the 5 year jams that KO and Grabs got.
I'd be fine with that
5 years…$3M per range. The important thing is that it’s done at a reasonable cap hit per year to make him tradeable down the line.
In the framework of the Isles' salary structure
And based on his production this season and last, he probably deserves what Okposo and Moulson are getting. Since 2010-11, he has almost exactly as many points as Moulson did his first two years. Moreover, I think Snow understands that the team needs to establish stability and build around the players he they have now, since the likelihood is that even fair value for Parenteau (Papineau) would not necessarily make the team stronger. What will make the team better is acquiring more players with better skills. Anyway, I think PA will re-sign since it was the Isles who gave him his big break AND he is close friends with Tavares, which I think will carry a lot of weight. OK the box for this post is full, I shut up now.
It would be fun if they translated Snow to 'Neve' or whatever it is in French
Also important – is options really “options” in French? Fascinating.
So I kid, but this is excellent stuff. Though PA sounds like he intends to use leverage (on big end of stick, no hurry, looking at options, wants “vraiment long” term, etc.), it is clear that he and the others believe in the organization.
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
by IslesFanInNJ on Feb 9, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
you can't expect him to say
“Yeah, I love it here. I’ll sign the first offer Snow puts in front of me.”
PA knows he has the leverage right now, so does Snow. Snow wants to sign him for the lowest amount possible to keep him here. PA wants as much as he can get. Nothing new or shocking there. PA’s agent is paid to say all the right things to get the most for his client (and himself).
And Snow, unlike HWSNBN, doesn’t negotiate through the media. I would be very suprised if we don’t hear about PA signing a deal before the deadline, with PA getting a hefty raise but still fitting into the NYI salary structure. Snow has plenty of room to play there. With Frans already getting a good raise, and Rolston (please gods, please) not coming back next year, there is still about 3 mil left just from that contract going away.
Amateurs practice til they get it right. Professionals practice til they can't get it wrong.
by Torgo on Feb 9, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No doubt
Certainly wouldn’t begrudge him or anyone for using the leverage he/she has earned. I am just hoping the leverage is tempered enough by his desire to be part of a “very good team”, such that common ground is reached quickly.
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
by IslesFanInNJ on Feb 9, 2012 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Snow means neige in French
The funny thing up here is that the papers here and television news refer to the Russian politician Putin as Poutine. Poutine here is a junk food staple consisting of fries, chunks of cheese and brown sauce. I get a kick out of it anyway.
That's great!
Putin shall now be Poutine to me.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
i love poutine.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
by Turgeon1992 on Feb 9, 2012 6:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
So do I
But since I require bypass surgery in the next few weeks, these killjoy doctors say I can’t have ANY. Bummer.
“I didn’t get a concrete offer for now, but I want long term. Really long term."
Think PAPs jealous of Ricks contract?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 9, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm not sure what he thinks really long term is
but he needs to look at what Okposo and Grabner got and realize that hes not as young as either. If hes expecting more than 3 years, I think this will be the last year you see P.A. in an Islanders uni.
The Rangers have Jeff Bloemberg in the lineup tonight, why are we not dressing Mick Vukota?!?! This team is unbelievable.
by Chris McNally on Feb 9, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
I could sign up for four years
He is, after all, only 28. If he’s willing to take a moderately priced contract, then I’d sign up for that. As long as his contract is low, he will still be easily tradeable.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Agreed 4 years wouldnt be terrible
But they didnt even give Matty Moulson 4 years, and I love P.A. but I definitely think Moulson had shown more before he was given an extension
The Rangers have Jeff Bloemberg in the lineup tonight, why are we not dressing Mick Vukota?!?! This team is unbelievable.
by Chris McNally on Feb 9, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
Matty Mo
scored 30 goals his first year and was given a year extension, then scored 30 goals again and was given the 3 year extension.
PAP scored 20 goals and 53 points his first year. On his second year he is on pace for 73 points. I think it is fair to say that he has proven just as much after 2 years, and should be given a similar raise if not a bit more. I would say around 3 – 4 million over 3 years if not 4 years would be a good deal. 3.5 for 4 years.
Ok so in your example
Moulson got a year extension and a 3 year deal. P.A. has already gotten a year extension..so is my 3 year deal assumption wrong? Oh, I didnt think so. Assists are nice my friend, but I pay for goals way before assists, and P.A., if you want to talk about pace, is on a pace for 17 goals.
So if you want to give a guy who scores 37 goals over two years a longer deal than a guy that scored 60 goals over two years, go ahead. But I never would.
The Rangers have Jeff Bloemberg in the lineup tonight, why are we not dressing Mick Vukota?!?! This team is unbelievable.
by Chris McNally on Feb 9, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
considering
that he is the only other play maker currently on the team other than JT that is not playing on the 1st line I think he very valuable. Who else is going to put the puck on your stick so you can score a goal. If he signs for 4 years I could see it being around 3 million. If he signs for 3 years I could see it being just a bit more.
I value goals more of course, but I also value secondary scoring, which PAP brings.
I would take a different approach
I would try to find a shoot-first center to play the second line with PAP, to find the same connection that Matty has with Tavs. Clearly, this person is not on the Isles’ current roster. Having a shoot-first wing is, for some reason, not as effective. So this is a logical target for the Islanders – give PAP a running partner and let them grow together.
I’m intrigued by the thought of inquiring about Winnipeg’s Bryan Little. He turns 25 next season, counts $2.38 million against the cap through July 1, 2013, and will be an RFA. He wouldn’t be that cheap, though. Another possibility is Buffalo’s Derek Roy, who’s older (29 next season) and pricier ($4 mil against the cap, a whopping $5.5 mil salary) but more accomplished, and who might be less expensive in a trade thanks to a poor year from both he and the Sabres.
Neither guy would break the bank, their contracts would be up at the end of next season should young prospects prove capable, but whom could be extended if the prospects needed more seasoning. The downside is that getting either would expend assets that would be more useful in obtaining a top-four defender, especially if one doesn’t choose to sign here during the offseason.
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
Why would you do that?
You trying to create a little controversy in the room between JT and Little? Although, by next season, Little comes off the list…hmm.
But seriously, Strome could potentially be that center. Or Nino/Bailey/Parenteau can be your second line. Of course you’d prefer for the winger to be a guy with a little more experience/pedigree, but whatevs.
Even this season, I’d like to see PAP and Bailey with Rakh or Ullstrom. FWIW, in BPT, Ullstrom was averaging over 3 shots a game before he came up. Not sure what it looks like since he’s been back and after the injury, but still, that is a lot…although he was on the first line down there, so it’s probably ice time enhanced.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Heh, just spitballing options
And yes, Strome could easily be that guy, which is why I wouldn’t take on Jeff Carter, for example (even if the contract was reasonable). If he’s ready next season, it’s could be a perfect situation: JT’s line eating up minutes against the top checkers, Frans and Company blunting the top scoring line, and Strome, PAP, and Whomever getting relatively softer opposition, and maybe some second unit PP. He could notch 50 points in those circumstances.
(Hey, me, get offa dat cloud…)
In the more-likely event Strome isn’t ready for prime time, though, and the Isles decide that Bailey isn’t what they hoped for in a second center, they could package him off in exchange for an established guy like Roy, and have him pivot with PAP and Nino.
And any controversy between JT and Little would be entirely in Bryan Little’s mind. =D
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
I'd like for them to go bigger though if that's available
Not that JT plays small by any means, but Roy (I’m pretty sure) is more Nielsen sized…definitely smaller than Bailey. But I agree on the skill set. They do need someone who is better on faceoffs than Frans and Bails and plays in the top 9 (that isn’t named Tavares). I’m really getting hell bent on seeing Bails go back to wing.
He is becoming quite a nice possession/distributor lately (maybe that’s overstating it…he’s stickhandling, dangling and passing with limited shots on net by him or his linemates), so he needs a goal scorer with him certainly. His game is starting to look more like PAP, but with flashier moves and poorer results.
Nino being stuck in hockey no-mans land complicates things. I still feel like he’s not top 9 caliber right now and I doubt next year, but he will be here. I think that further complicates moving JB back to wing and the Isles looking at bringing in an established C.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
I like the thought
And actually, I think Josh Bailey wouldn’t be a bad fit in that role at all. He might not appear to be a shoot-first center, but you also wouldn’t need someone who shoots the puck at every opportunity, just someone who can be very accurate with his shot and has that knack around the net. Again, many would maybe not rate Bailey very high there, but I’ve seen enough glimpses to guess that Bailey’s biggest strength might be just that one day. He does need to develop a little, really try a bit harder to be that kind of player, but progress there together with a guy like PA on his wing could really elevate his game to a very decent level I feel.
It’s not easy to adjust there, to shoot the puck a little more, to be the guy who maybe won’t try to make the play himself every time, but instead keeps it simple and gets in position to receive feeds. But I think it’s Bailey’s best bet to really succeed. For him to be a truly effective 3rd-line type of center with rather grinders or shooters on his wing instead of a playmaker would require a bigger step in my opinion. He’d need to clean up his game quite a bit and just be better all-around in order to really elevate the game of some weaker line mates. He’s still very young of course, he might get there, but I think it’s a long way and others – becoming more of that “shoot-first center” or moving back to the wing – are more realistic, and would help the team.
Because, as you say, it would be cool to find some kind of an upgrade. Right now, what I don’t particularly like is this setup with a clear top-6 and both Nielsen and PA among the 6. It’s not at all that I think PA or Nielsen wouldn’t be legit top-6 players – they’re both fantastic players and indeed able to do well in any role and therefore also among the top 6. But that’s the thing, they’d do well in any role and outside of these two the Isles currently lack of players who do just that – who do really well on a (defensive or offensive type) 3rd line, who are able to carry weaker partners, rookies. I feel one additional (top-6) forward would make a huge difference for them really, give them much more flexibility also and really improve the bottom-9 all around. Right now, PA and Nielsen are kind of stuck on the 2nd line and neither can really do what he does best, namely elevate the game of line mates and shine in any role – however, again, that’s not a knock on them, I’m very happy with their play.
by BenHasna on Feb 9, 2012 5:01 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I fear PAP *is* Jason Blake
I really like him, but I’m afraid he’s set himself up for a freaky good payday somewhere, probably one he will never live up to, a la Blake’s $20 million deal. When the bidding starts someone will offer him top-10 assist money/term – maybe in Lupul’s $17m/4 years territory. We should not go to that level, where he will eventually be an overpriced roadblock to our young wingers, but if someone offers it, he should take it. It’s no one’s fault. I like PAP a lot, but I just don’t see him as a hard-to-replace part of the core like Neilsen or Okposo. His real value is slightly less than Frans, but he’d probably be doing himself a disservice to take that. This may very likely be his only payday as a hockey player, and if anyone paid his dues and deserves it, he does.
I dont think he goes anywhere
like a Blake Deal, Like Chris wrote above, what does everyone value? Goals. Blake Had 40 goals on payday, thats a big hearty number that is rewarded with a big paycheck, obviously in Blake’s case, too big.
I do not see Garth overspending to keep PAP, thus I think like the rest of the guys he has given a chance to and they have succeeded, we will see something similar, if not maybe just a bit more. Hence 3 years at 4 max (max), and or 4 years at 3 million. I do not see a 4+ million dollar payday.
The key difference to Blake was
Blake left the Islanders when they were a sinking ship, and he knew it. The fact that he managed to cash in while being an at-best 2nd liner shows the trouble with signing UFAs. There’s no reason why PAP should get more money than Grabner, Okposo, or Moulson, and this is why I’m really happy with Garth’s signings so far. Outside of Tavares, none of these players deserve dramatically more money over each other because they’re all important keys to the puzzle – except for Rolston. He’ll certainly get us the Stanley Cup one day.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Rolston brings Tavares the Cup
Is he going to be one of the guys wearing a tux and white gloves who cart the thing around everywhere?
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
At a roughly estimated $833,000 per goal this season
Rolston is very much underpaid
The Rangers have Jeff Bloemberg in the lineup tonight, why are we not dressing Mick Vukota?!?! This team is unbelievable.
by Chris McNally on Feb 9, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Are you projecting his total?!
Because that just might work.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
pro...pro..pro...pro...
its like when Fonzie tries to say wrong, I cant even say that word Dom
The Rangers have Jeff Bloemberg in the lineup tonight, why are we not dressing Mick Vukota?!?! This team is unbelievable.
by Chris McNally on Feb 9, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If he is jonesing for term
Then the wiggle room may be just how much of a discount on salary he’s willing to take to give that term. Snow has shown he’ll risk going longer on guys (Hunter, Nielsen, MacDonald — granted different situations, but still) but only if you’re accepting a below-market AAV.
I wonder how the “But you signed RFAs to $3M+ long-term deals, and I’m a UFA” vs. “But you’re older so you won’t get better” back-and-forth is going.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Moulson was going to be UFA at the end of last season, right?
I remember this being important last season as well, and even he got below-market value for a repeat 30-goal scorer.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Yes.
Of course he only got three years (and did have some anxious moments before signing), whereas PAP might be looking for more.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
thanks for the links Francesca
One thing about PA’s quote regarding the desire to get a long-term deal. In the video there it seems the question of the reporter was “what will you be looking for – long term…or money?”. At least that’s what I hear there – I’m really struggling all the time to understand les Québécois… Anyway, if that was the question, who wouldn’t tell to be looking for term?
But, yeah, I think it’s PA’s honest feeling anyway. Later, he’s talking about how Ville Leino’s move to Buffalo hasn’t quite worked out and that there’s always a certain risk involved when you move to a different organization.
" Il y a toujours un risque quand tu changes d’organisation, a-t-il affirmé avec beaucoup de lucidité. Si tu regardes un gars comme Ville Leino, ça va moins bien pour lui depuis qu’il a quitté Philadelphie.
by BenHasna on Feb 9, 2012 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Some things never change
I’m really struggling all the time to understand les Québécois
You and most of North America both.
::rimshot::
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I also had a hard time trying to understand Québequois
I could only understand half of it without headphones. I gave up after watching the video for the second time.
The reporter indeed asks Parenteau if he is looking for money or term.
I also just noticed a comma slipped through. Punctuation makes a difference.
"I didn’t get a concrete offer for now, but I want long term. Really long term."
should read:
"I didn’t get a concrete offer for now, but I want long term. Really, long term."
"If you have what you say you have, I’ll make you rich. If you don’t, I’ll make you into shoes" Jim Moriarty 1/1/2012
Thanks and not to worry!
The transcribed quote in the article is a bit different than the video anyway. But journalists do that all the time – just now we can compare it with the original, especially if it’s conveniently placed above the text.
It is Diduck.
by Paumanok on Feb 9, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If he wants *really* long term
They can offer him the Hunter Deal.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
$2M/5Years
Before the fourth year he’ll be traded for Scott Gomez.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
And get his pick of training camp invites!
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Yay for passable NHL D!
Juice is in tonight, as per everybody.
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 9, 2012 10:21 AM EST reply actions
I don't consider Juice to be passable NHL D.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
lol
Passable as in, you can pass the puck to him? Or that the other team’s offensive players pass him right by?
Being born in New York and rooting for the Islanders, Jets, and Mets. Yeah, I know.
Twitter: cmauceri524
by CharlieIsles on Feb 9, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Rec'd
I’m trying to decide who would be more mobile on the ice, Jurcina or the Kool Aid guy….
Being born in New York and rooting for the Islanders, Jets, and Mets. Yeah, I know.
Twitter: cmauceri524
by CharlieIsles on Feb 9, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Kool-Aid Man
definitely hits harder.
"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 Feb 9, 2012 11:53 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
But hes as fragile as Radek Martinek
(I had originally wrote Rick DiPietro but didnt want to come off like I was picking on him)
The Rangers have Jeff Bloemberg in the lineup tonight, why are we not dressing Mick Vukota?!?! This team is unbelievable.
by Chris McNally on Feb 9, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
He has a hell of a time making line changes though.
You try getting those stumpy legs over the boards!
What they should do is station him at the zamboni entrance, and every time they want him on the ice, have Capuano, Weight, and Allen shout one after the other…
“Oh no!” “Oh no!” “Oh no!”
by rosey7 on Feb 9, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I think that they all say the same thing
every time Mottau comes on the ice….
Being born in New York and rooting for the Islanders, Jets, and Mets. Yeah, I know.
Twitter: cmauceri524
by CharlieIsles on Feb 9, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
Thank heavens the delivery arrived
I was running out of Teh Kool-Aid. Oh yeahhhhhhhh!
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
Unfortunately, less then 5 games into Kool Aid Man's Islander career....
He suffered from “Islanders Glass”
Being born in New York and rooting for the Islanders, Jets, and Mets. Yeah, I know.
Twitter: cmauceri524
by CharlieIsles on Feb 9, 2012 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
And Cooke said he had changed as a player...
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 9, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It was probably this guy...
Mr. Clean my ass!
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
by JPinVA on Feb 9, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
hmmm...
that probably should be “Mr clean, my ass”
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
by JPinVA on Feb 9, 2012 1:23 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Yeah you dont want people to think hes your p.a.l.
The Rangers have Jeff Bloemberg in the lineup tonight, why are we not dressing Mick Vukota?!?! This team is unbelievable.
by Chris McNally on Feb 9, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
To review
1. This was a clear and deliberate act on a defenseless beverage.
2. The play resulted in significant spillage and loss of ice cubes.
3. Mr. Clean has been fined twice and suspended once in his career.
The Department of Beverage Safety has decided to suspend Mr. Clean for five games.
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
by mikb on Feb 9, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Right
I was thinking you were suggesting a use of Mr. Clean that violates federal law.
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 9, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
I always wanted one of them...
It gets tiring sometimes.
by Isle in Topanga on Feb 9, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Why is Mr Islander kool aid guy wearing rags colors?
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Its his juniors team
His first artificial coloring was when he was with Kitchener.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 9, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hamonic "still in rough shape" according to Cappy
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
Winter Classic
Never knew Nick from Let There Be Light(house) was a Wings fan…see comments
Nice Gillies ’stache!
I've been found out....
I will now spend 2 minutes by myself and feel shame…..
In all seriousness, I always have mixed feelings when I see other people with the same name, because I wouldn’t wish ethnic unpronounceable last names on anyone.
by Nick (LetThereBeLighthouse) on Feb 9, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Ha
There is a guy on FB with my exact name. He wrote to me out of nowhere and was like “We should get married” lol.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 9, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
What you save on stationary...
you could spend on Sean Bergenheim posters!
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
Does it come with darts?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 9, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
i already watched this 5 times...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY3DNR0zu2s&feature=player_embedded
"Redemption? Sure. But in the end, he's just another dead rat in a garbage pail behind a Chinese restaurant."
Habs fans: Why This Cammalleri Leave?
Hilarious production. Love the guy’s expressions. Only thing I’d add is a grinning Niederreiter cameo.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
More Habs Mania: God's on their side...maybe
From the CP:
It’s come to this for the Montreal Canadiens: The Catholic church is asking people to pray for the last-place team. The church has placed an ad in Montreal newspapers in hopes of an eighth-place finish and a spot in the playoffs. The ad shows the Eastern Conference standings with every team listed except the Canadiens. In eighth place, the final playoff spot, it simply says, “Let Us Pray.”
Faced with declining church attendance, the Archdiocese of Montreal is known for its clever campaigns to solicit funds each year. The one-time ad was designed by local firm Bos advertising and appeared in French-language newspapers Thursday.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I'm on it
I’ll use the same people who prayed for Tom Brady!
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
Can Scott Burnside get through several paragraphs about the Islanders without lazy cheap shots?
The answer may surprise you:
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/14538/5-things-parenteau-fits-on-long-island
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 9, 2012 3:15 PM EST reply actions
"Parenteau never lost the faith"
Always gotta bring it back to religion, don’t we now.
"When I make a nice play around here it doesn’t get wasted,"
His dose of cockiness is appreciated. Need a few guys like that who walk and talk like BSDs.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
That's the money quote that jumped out at me, too
"...I was here on Day 1 when Garth decided to do the rebuild, and I really want to see it through." -- Frans Nielsen
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 9, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
Parenteau down low to Gaborik
he shoots, he pulls a groin.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Shows how lazy Burnside is though
He references the Nielsen signing with the snide comment, “Now here’s where it gets interesting for the Isles who this week signed forward Frans Nielsen to a four-year contract extension worth $11 million. Nielsen has 25 points or roughly half those collected by Parenteau who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.”
Surely a hockey analyst would understand there is more to the game than just “collecting points.”
But then I remember, it’s Scott Burnside writing this, so “hockey analyst” is a very loose term. Maybe his colleague (and newly discovered Frans Fanatic) Neil Greenberg should educate Mr. Burnside on the benefits of our beloved Dane.
Wow, he really has no clue
I’d skimmed by that part the first time. The man sounds like he reads the back of hockey cards and Yahoo comments sections for research.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Maybe he already did talk with him
He went from "games don’t matter’ to “edge of the playoff discussion” in the space of two days… so I’m going to give Burnside the credit on this one.
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
Look at it this way
He managed to write something about the Islanders and no mention DiPietro, Yashin, Wang, the Coliseum or any other boilerplate insults. VICTORY!
"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 Feb 9, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah
Because I still think there’s a chance to bring PAP in for a similar per year amount as Frans (with a longer term). Realistically the Islanders know that even though defensive forwards make less as a rule, Frans is as valuable to the team. I think I might adjust my expectation for PAP up a little, probably between the 2.75 and Grabs’ 3, for 4 years.
Don't blame Burnside
You guys keep reading when you know what he is going to write.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
It had less to do with the Isles-bashing,
Like you said, who cares at this point, you know he’s going to do it. I was just shocked that he actually used point totals to compare the players, as if that was the be all-end all of a player’s value.
Blame yourselves
…this really never gets old for me!
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
That is a pisser
I’d imagine even if PAP and FN were sitting in a room with Snow at the same time having to argue their worth to the team, they would recognize their roles and contributions completely differently and arrive at money value based on what they do rather than what the do not.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Woot
Made the trip down a day early and decided to buy tickets to tonight’s game. Taking my little brother hoping to spark some Islander interest. Got to get to him before the local Rags fans get to him.
Last hockey game I went to live was the Easter game out in NJ and now I’m going to see 2 in 3 days!
Man I am excited.
by Bleuchz on Feb 9, 2012 4:05 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
I hate the Rangers.
KatieStrangESPN Katie Strang
Biron in goal for Rangers vs. Lightning
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 9, 2012 5:09 PM EST reply actions
He's having a great year
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 9, 2012 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, Rangers are playing well with Biron in goal this season
9-2-1.
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 9, 2012 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Lighthouse Hockey
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Featured Stories
Islanders Schedule
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Shawinigan wins Memorial Cup in OT
- Cataractes forward Chaput wins Memorial Cup MVP award after putting up 12 points
- Knights' impressive run comes up just short in Memorial Cup final
- Zlobin's overtime goal lifts Cataractes over Knights in Memorial Cup final
- Zlobin's overtime goal lifts Cataractes over Knights in Memorial Cup final
SBNation.com Recent Stories
1979-80
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
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
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
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
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
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
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
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.
