Full disclosure: I recently relocated to MA from NY so I've seen far fewer games this season than in years past so PLEASE tell me what I'm missing.

And I would LOVE to be wrong...

But....

If everything breaks right, what is the realistic ceiling for this team? Am I crazy but shouldn't a quirky, weird, strike-shortened season play to a young team's benefit? If the Islanders were going to go on a tear and make a playoff push wouldn't this be the year?

Are we as fans over valuing the notion of our prospects? I know hockey's futures and other sites hold the prospects in high regard but I can't help but get the sinking feeling that the idea of the prospects is better than the reality of the prospects. Are we going to turn around in a few years and say "Ya know what, most of these guys weren't that good to begin with."

I only bring this up because as we watch another losing season I really doubt it's going to get better. Prospects are just that: a prospect of future development. There is no certainty at all that they pan out. Seriously if JT gets hurt how screwed are we as a franchise? I'm not much of a poster and I apologize for the lack of any hard/advanced stats but I'm really just venting more so than anything else I suppose.

People joke about the Yashin trade etc. But honestly, I'm 23 years old and the Shawn Bates penalty shot has been the highlight of my fandom. That and saying "We're going to be really good in a couple years!....I think...". I honestly just feel bad for JT how much longer until we trade him to contender so the kid can win and actually create a career for himself?

Please someone say something encouraging, I'm living in Quincy, MA listening to Jack Edwards call this game.