Not the way we wanted to get in but we are in. Hopefully the pressure will come off and they can start to play like they have nothing to lose. I really believe we can be dangerous in these playoffs. Glad it is over and they are in.
I think we're all expecting Washington to want to play a physical, grinding game.
How do you think the Isles will counter it; use their legs to skate around them and try to beat them with speed?
Throw the 4th line out there early to send a physical message of their own?
They'd simply replicate what they did for the first 3 1/2 months; play with pace, quick, sure passes, get the puck to the net and get back quickly and maintain gap control. All the little things they did right and can do again. However, injuries (which everyone has to deal with) and a coach who fiddles with things too much has slowed the meshing/gelling that should have happened over the last 30 or so games. Use the blueprint and execute.
I take two things away from earlier that should be valuable now: 1. earlier in the year, we scored in bunches. Skate, quick passes, shot, score. We only stumbled when they got too enamored with their success and started to get too cute just to make the perfect play. Eliminate that mistake. Keep the feet moving. Be decisive.
2. Sure, Jaro won a lot early, but there were lots of goals against despite all the early success. I think we can agree that he had some flaws early that he recognized he needed to work on, and did. Strangely, despite the March/April swoon, he actually played better goal, and had better than a .925 sv pctg over that time, with a period in there of over .930. Give me this Jaro and a defense that can mark their men responsibly and I'll take our odds. (Plus, Holtby's arms or legs may literally fall off after 73 starts)
So kennedy is on at practice and grabner not. Its an optional skate but alot of regulars are out there. This coach better not do it. Its like he sees what fans say and goes the opposite way to be a dbag.
Ha Staple just tweeted he thinks Grabner is in and clarified "in case there was confusion."
Maybe if he didn't hashtag #Hmmm, there wouldn't have been confusion.
Quote:
Arthur StapleVerified account
@StapeNewsday
By the way, guys who are playing usually don't take AM skate. Scratches do. In case there was confusion. My guess is Grabner is in.
Capuano is just... he is just awful. Part of the reason Staple's tweet caused confusion is because our head coach has created an on-ice environment that lacks any continuity.
He makes people earn their place on the ice which is obviously a good thing, but by going about it the way he does, every single "move" he makes has a trickle effect that impacts every line and pairing we have. We don't even know for sure who John Tavares is playing with yet. Think about that.
Yes, Strome has been practicing with him, but would it shock anyone if Okposo is promoted and the kid line is reunited? Which would then probably mean Kulemin drops back to the 3rd line?
He is a train wreck. I have no idea what to expect each night and neither do the players. No one is feeling more accountable for their play because of them. They simply just don't know how to prepare because they don't know who they'll be playing with. He is terrible. Truly despise the way he manages this team, and I have how he does so with the bravado of a guy who's been there. Like when he talks about passengers vs. drivers... it's almost embarrassing. He is in place to make indescript shots at his players. He is the reason they are what they are.
We win in spite of him, not because of him. It's awful.
tweet definitely confused me. He's also saying that Grabovski was skating with the rest of the likely scratches, so looks like he's likely not back tonight either.
And after watching Fort Neverlose last night. Listening to Bossy talk about him and Trottier saying they would just look over at one another and know what to do. How can any player get that chemistry if they are not sure who their line mates are?
Tobes of Hades, lit by flickering torchlight
The netherworld is gathered in the glare
Prince By-Tor takes the cavern to the north light
The sign of Eth is rising in the air
By-Tor, knight of darkness
Centurion of evil, devil's prince
Across the River Styx, out of the lamplight
His nemesis is waiting at the gate
The Snow Dog, ermine glowing in the damp night
Coal-black eyes shimmering with hate
By-Tor and the Snow Dog
Square for battle, let the fray begin
The battle's over and the dust is clearing
Disciples of the Snow Dog sound the knell
Rejoicing echoes as the dawn is nearing
By-Tor, in defeat, retreats to Hell
Snow Dog is victorious
The land of the Overworld is saved again
And after watching Fort Neverlose last night. Listening to Bossy talk about him and Trottier saying they would just look over at one another and know what to do. How can any player get that chemistry if they are not sure who their line mates are?
Yep. Couldn't agree more. Again, the fact that John Tavares' heavy-hitting winger isn't set yet is really troubling. Go with Strome or Go with Okposo, but stop guessing on a nightly basis.
If he goes with Okposo, a proven player, and it doesn't work out.. that's on Kyle. Yes, many of us will bitch at Cappy too (not me) but the majority of the blame would fall on Okposo, and rightfully so.
But messing with the bread and butter of the team at this stage is not only outrageous, it's just truly disheartening. Could you imagine how good this team would be if Capuano knew what he was doing? I'd rather he'd put forth an actual plan and fail than hedge his bets all the way to a 1st round exist.
And shame Staple and co. for not putting more pressure on Capuano. His twitter bugs me sometimes when he makes jokes like "Gee, over/under on how many tweets I get complaining about the lineup tonight. I'm guessing 200." Well no shit people are upset. We are invested in the team and the coach is making decisions that defy ever reliable measurement of production.
The man has absolutely no understanding of sample size. If Okposo/Strome go into a 3 or 4 game funk during the regular season, the circus clown can't help himself from juggling. This has lead us to where we are... a pathetic point where it doesn't even matter what he does because no chemistry has been developed anyway.
I truly can't believe the organization supports him in any capacity. I feel bad for Tavares who likely has his opinions, but is apprehensive about doing anything that could potentially create a divide.
what was one of, if not THE most dominant team in the NHL through the first 4 months. I honestly think our only hope at this point is the adrenaline of the playoffs overcomes the buffoon behind the bench.
The juggling of the lines this year. Before this year, one of the main criticisms of Cappy was that he NEVER changed the lines. Think of the losing streaks in nov, the lines always stayed the same. Most of the time the first switch up came in January.
is hard to look at. And I agree re: Capuono. It's one thing to bench CdH for a few games to send a message. It's another thing to bench him for a month when Hickey and Strait are looking horrible out there each night.
Because he's given so much time to Strait, we have no idea what our other options are. If someone gets hurt, and Hamonic isn't back, if Donovan going to be ready being in the press box all year? Reinart after not playing in the NHL for months.
The bottom line is that the pressure is on the coach here. The new owners aren't going to make thus huge investment in a team, see all of the talent here, and keep a coach who they have no ties to, unless the team is peforming.
It also coincides with Hickey wearing down and Strait playing everyday. As much as Hickey can be good in spurts, he does not have the size to hold up over an 82 game season
I think this stuff has impacted the Penguins and is part of why they haven't done much damage in the playoffs in recent years. To pay Crosby with Malkin or not to pair them together? That is the question.
Regardless of your answer, you need to have one. I feel like that organization has gone literally years without figuring this out while lesser talented teams have developed chemistry and ended their seasons.
Griff is only here in emergency basis. If we need him then someone else went down. He is not cracking the lineup unless we get hit with another injury.
Griff is only here in emergency basis. If we need him then someone else went down. He is not cracking the lineup unless we get hit with another injury.
Understood. I'm just saying that it might've been better to get Griff another 5 games or so of NHL experience instead of giving Strait 25-30 games (or however many he played).
I know today of all days isn't the day for it. I just really don't feel good about this team right now for one reason, and unfortunately there's nothing we can yabba dabba doo about it.
I expected to feel some nerves, but am 100% calm today. Our team knows what they're capable of, and so do we. This is a 101 point team, not a tomato can. They can get this job done. As they said in the Fort Neverlose special, they just need to come out with the mindset of each guy knowing he can be the hero. Who wants it? I do!
I think this stuff has impacted the Penguins and is part of why they haven't done much damage in the playoffs in recent years. To pay Crosby with Malkin or not to pair them together? That is the question.
Regardless of your answer, you need to have one. I feel like that organization has gone literally years without figuring this out while lesser talented teams have developed chemistry and ended their seasons.
The Pens problems have been:
-Bad coaching
-At times poor goaltending
-Lack of maturity/Bill Guerin type leader
-HORRIBLE FORWARD DRAFTING
It's not been paying Crosby and Malkin.
THe Hawks pay Toewes/Kane/Keith/Seabrook/Hossa/Sharp...but they also developed people (Saad).
Bad drafting.
Pro-Islanders this series....that's how much I hate Ovi/Caps/DC fans.
Hudson... I had my thread deleted by the mods yesterday, likely for your benefit. So instead of getting into details.. my apologies for my comments to you. Just wanted to make sure that was heard by you.
Pro-Islanders this series....that's how much I hate Ovi/Caps/DC fans.
Hudson... I had my thread deleted by the mods yesterday, likely for your benefit. So instead of getting into details.. my apologies for my comments to you. Just wanted to make sure that was heard by you.
Thanks, appreciate it. Did not go on BBI much yesterday so wasn't aware you made a new thread.
Link - ( New Window )
How do you think the Isles will counter it; use their legs to skate around them and try to beat them with speed?
Throw the 4th line out there early to send a physical message of their own?
I take two things away from earlier that should be valuable now: 1. earlier in the year, we scored in bunches. Skate, quick passes, shot, score. We only stumbled when they got too enamored with their success and started to get too cute just to make the perfect play. Eliminate that mistake. Keep the feet moving. Be decisive.
2. Sure, Jaro won a lot early, but there were lots of goals against despite all the early success. I think we can agree that he had some flaws early that he recognized he needed to work on, and did. Strangely, despite the March/April swoon, he actually played better goal, and had better than a .925 sv pctg over that time, with a period in there of over .930. Give me this Jaro and a defense that can mark their men responsibly and I'll take our odds. (Plus, Holtby's arms or legs may literally fall off after 73 starts)
My little dude is missing wrestling practice tonight too.
I thought this video/song was well done.
http://youtu.be/2SOcNnE9J0g - ( New Window )
Haha I don't even know if I'd want that over a first round exit. I know logically I should... but holy fuck, I would die.
What I do know is that Hamonic being out sucks balls.
What I do know is that Hamonic being out sucks balls.
Honestly, if we lose Hamonic for more than this first game, I don't see how we win the series :(
Is he 100% confirmed out?
I also saw that tweet about Kennedy on the ice for Grabner. Not sure what Capuono is up to. Grabner has looked better each game he's been out there.
Quote:
That sucks but Grabs could need the rest. Who knows.
What I do know is that Hamonic being out sucks balls.
Honestly, if we lose Hamonic for more than this first game, I don't see how we win the series :(
Is he 100% confirmed out?
Staple says same D as last game with Halak in and forwards TBD. NYI official twitter says Halak in and rest of lineup TBD.
Ha Staple just tweeted he thinks Grabner is in and clarified "in case there was confusion."
Maybe if he didn't hashtag #Hmmm, there wouldn't have been confusion.
@StapeNewsday
By the way, guys who are playing usually don't take AM skate. Scratches do. In case there was confusion. My guess is Grabner is in.
He makes people earn their place on the ice which is obviously a good thing, but by going about it the way he does, every single "move" he makes has a trickle effect that impacts every line and pairing we have. We don't even know for sure who John Tavares is playing with yet. Think about that.
Yes, Strome has been practicing with him, but would it shock anyone if Okposo is promoted and the kid line is reunited? Which would then probably mean Kulemin drops back to the 3rd line?
He is a train wreck. I have no idea what to expect each night and neither do the players. No one is feeling more accountable for their play because of them. They simply just don't know how to prepare because they don't know who they'll be playing with. He is terrible. Truly despise the way he manages this team, and I have how he does so with the bravado of a guy who's been there. Like when he talks about passengers vs. drivers... it's almost embarrassing. He is in place to make indescript shots at his players. He is the reason they are what they are.
We win in spite of him, not because of him. It's awful.
Wonder if the Rangers tool bags will join us tonight on our game thread.
Anyone see Lucic say it was one of the toughest things to overcome losing Johnny Rocket.
Tobes of Hades, lit by flickering torchlight
The netherworld is gathered in the glare
Prince By-Tor takes the cavern to the north light
The sign of Eth is rising in the air
By-Tor, knight of darkness
Centurion of evil, devil's prince
Across the River Styx, out of the lamplight
His nemesis is waiting at the gate
The Snow Dog, ermine glowing in the damp night
Coal-black eyes shimmering with hate
By-Tor and the Snow Dog
Square for battle, let the fray begin
The battle's over and the dust is clearing
Disciples of the Snow Dog sound the knell
Rejoicing echoes as the dawn is nearing
By-Tor, in defeat, retreats to Hell
Snow Dog is victorious
The land of the Overworld is saved again
Yep. Couldn't agree more. Again, the fact that John Tavares' heavy-hitting winger isn't set yet is really troubling. Go with Strome or Go with Okposo, but stop guessing on a nightly basis.
If he goes with Okposo, a proven player, and it doesn't work out.. that's on Kyle. Yes, many of us will bitch at Cappy too (not me) but the majority of the blame would fall on Okposo, and rightfully so.
But messing with the bread and butter of the team at this stage is not only outrageous, it's just truly disheartening. Could you imagine how good this team would be if Capuano knew what he was doing? I'd rather he'd put forth an actual plan and fail than hedge his bets all the way to a 1st round exist.
And shame Staple and co. for not putting more pressure on Capuano. His twitter bugs me sometimes when he makes jokes like "Gee, over/under on how many tweets I get complaining about the lineup tonight. I'm guessing 200." Well no shit people are upset. We are invested in the team and the coach is making decisions that defy ever reliable measurement of production.
The man has absolutely no understanding of sample size. If Okposo/Strome go into a 3 or 4 game funk during the regular season, the circus clown can't help himself from juggling. This has lead us to where we are... a pathetic point where it doesn't even matter what he does because no chemistry has been developed anyway.
I truly can't believe the organization supports him in any capacity. I feel bad for Tavares who likely has his opinions, but is apprehensive about doing anything that could potentially create a divide.
Because he's given so much time to Strait, we have no idea what our other options are. If someone gets hurt, and Hamonic isn't back, if Donovan going to be ready being in the press box all year? Reinart after not playing in the NHL for months.
The bottom line is that the pressure is on the coach here. The new owners aren't going to make thus huge investment in a team, see all of the talent here, and keep a coach who they have no ties to, unless the team is peforming.
It also coincides with Hickey wearing down and Strait playing everyday. As much as Hickey can be good in spurts, he does not have the size to hold up over an 82 game season
Yes, but that thinking is not in line with reality. You should be prepared to play with anyone, but you shouldn't be asked to play with everyone.
Regardless of your answer, you need to have one. I feel like that organization has gone literally years without figuring this out while lesser talented teams have developed chemistry and ended their seasons.
Wonder if the Rangers tool bags will join us tonight on our game thread.
All that to we can do is wish them well.
Understood. I'm just saying that it might've been better to get Griff another 5 games or so of NHL experience instead of giving Strait 25-30 games (or however many he played).
It says USA and msg+ so I'm not sure if it's blacked out on USA.
Quote:
USA network, right?
It says USA and msg+ so I'm not sure if it's blacked out on USA.
Yeah... I would say MSG+ in the NY Metro market and USA everywhere else, but I'm honestly not sure.
Johnny Boycuck is the only Islander in today's lineup with more postseason points than Martin Brodeur.
Regardless of your answer, you need to have one. I feel like that organization has gone literally years without figuring this out while lesser talented teams have developed chemistry and ended their seasons.
The Pens problems have been:
-Bad coaching
-At times poor goaltending
-Lack of maturity/Bill Guerin type leader
-HORRIBLE FORWARD DRAFTING
It's not been paying Crosby and Malkin.
THe Hawks pay Toewes/Kane/Keith/Seabrook/Hossa/Sharp...but they also developed people (Saad).
Bad drafting.
Hudson... I had my thread deleted by the mods yesterday, likely for your benefit. So instead of getting into details.. my apologies for my comments to you. Just wanted to make sure that was heard by you.
Quote:
Pro-Islanders this series....that's how much I hate Ovi/Caps/DC fans.
Hudson... I had my thread deleted by the mods yesterday, likely for your benefit. So instead of getting into details.. my apologies for my comments to you. Just wanted to make sure that was heard by you.
Thanks, appreciate it. Did not go on BBI much yesterday so wasn't aware you made a new thread.