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.
The fact that they were off on a night when another team lost and therefore could not catch the Islanders isn't backing in. Those early seasons wins count just as much as the late season ones.
What they need to worry about now is winning these last two games to go in with some confidence. Having three days to stew on that loss to Philly isn't ideal. Need to wash that away with wins tonight and tomorrow.
Backing in is the wrong term...Isles strong play for most of the year had them holding a playoff spot since the first game. If anything, you can say that they limp into the playoffs, but a good performance(s) in the last 2 can erase a lot of the handwringing (caused by none other than their own coach's lineup meddling and disrupting chemistry that had proven to work).
I don't give a rat's ass how we got in, although as others on BBI have pointed out that it's crazy that a team with 98-99 points will miss the playoffs. All you need is a dance ticket and we have ours. Now, anything can happen. Outside of MTL, who is in a lot of trouble now with Patches out, there isn't a higher seeded team they can't beat, as evidenced by the fact that the Isles took the season series from most of the East teams.
The fact that they were off on a night when another team lost and therefore could not catch the Islanders isn't backing in. Those early seasons wins count just as much as the late season ones.
What they need to worry about now is winning these last two games to go in with some confidence. Having three days to stew on that loss to Philly isn't ideal. Need to wash that away with wins tonight and tomorrow.
You are 100% backing in. Wins aside, the Isles are playing their worst hockey of the season during the most important stretch. 3-9 going into the playoffs isnt exactly going into the playoffs hot. And it took you until game 80 to clinch after being in first for a large portion of the season. That is backing in.
The fact that they were off on a night when another team lost and therefore could not catch the Islanders isn't backing in. Those early seasons wins count just as much as the late season ones.
What they need to worry about now is winning these last two games to go in with some confidence. Having three days to stew on that loss to Philly isn't ideal. Need to wash that away with wins tonight and tomorrow.
You are 100% backing in. Wins aside, the Isles are playing their worst hockey of the season during the most important stretch. 3-9 going into the playoffs isnt exactly going into the playoffs hot. And it took you until game 80 to clinch after being in first for a large portion of the season. That is backing in.
Sorry, like the person above said, I guess limping in would be a better term.
Any of you guys trying to paint it any differently are just trying to see unicorns and roses. The Islanders were woefully unimpressive since basically that 6-5 loss to the Rangers back in mid February and have not strung together a bunch of quality wins in quite some time.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
the Islanders in the playoffs. The previous 80 games and the next 2 games are meaningless because anything goes come playoff time. The Islanders have more points than the Rangers did last year, and the Rangers were able to ride a hot streak to the finals.
With Grabovski coming back, the Islanders are looking to be completely healthy soon for the first time in months. I think the Islanders will be a tossup with any team they can be matched up with in the first round, but I'd rather avoid TB. I think they are the best team in the East and everyone else is clustered together.
Is as meaningful as they come. A win guarantees a top 3 finish and to not play the best teams in the conf in round 1. And keeps them alive for home ice going into 2morrow. Some of your views on this collapse are on the level of capuano saying they played well enough to win the other night in philly.
throw the records away, forget about the way they have been playing. we have seen it on all different levels in the NHL. teams stumbling into the playoffs go on a run. hot teams are ousted in the 1st round. 8 seeds making it to the finals and winning it. 3-0 comebacks. if your in, your in. anything can happen
they have been losing games lately, but i don't think they have been playing poorly.
That's the beauty of the playoffs...it's like a huge etch-a-sketch where everything restarts fresh after you shake it out. Past stumbles as well as past heroics are forgotten and new outcomes rule the day.
The fact that they were off on a night when another team lost and therefore could not catch the Islanders isn't backing in. Those early seasons wins count just as much as the late season ones.
What they need to worry about now is winning these last two games to go in with some confidence. Having three days to stew on that loss to Philly isn't ideal. Need to wash that away with wins tonight and tomorrow.
You are 100% backing in. Wins aside, the Isles are playing their worst hockey of the season during the most important stretch. 3-9 going into the playoffs isnt exactly going into the playoffs hot. And it took you until game 80 to clinch after being in first for a large portion of the season. That is backing in.
You clearly don't know what 'backing in' means, but thanks for sharing your confused thoughts.
RE: This was the textboox definition of backing in.
Any of you guys trying to paint it any differently are just trying to see unicorns and roses. The Islanders were woefully unimpressive since basically that 6-5 loss to the Rangers back in mid February and have not strung together a bunch of quality wins in quite some time.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
So a team not playing well down the stretch is backing in? Not the way 99% of the world uses that term, but if it makes Rangers fans happy, enjoy!
And watching and almost depending on the Boston Florida game is textbook "backing in"
And if the Islanders win tonight or tomorrow then they would have have gotten in if both of those teams won, and won out for the rest of the season. But because the Islanders don't play until tonight, they backed in?
I guess I always believed backing in meant your season is done and you need other teams to lose to get you in. Apparently what it means is that teams that don't finish the season strong all backed in. Maybe wins in the last 10 games of the season should count for 3 points since they are more meaningful?
You learn something new on BBI everyday.
RE: RE: This was the textboox definition of backing in.
Any of you guys trying to paint it any differently are just trying to see unicorns and roses. The Islanders were woefully unimpressive since basically that 6-5 loss to the Rangers back in mid February and have not strung together a bunch of quality wins in quite some time.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
So a team not playing well down the stretch is backing in? Not the way 99% of the world uses that term, but if it makes Rangers fans happy, enjoy!
Looks like I struck a nerve.
Go ahead and tell me how many of the teams who will be in the playoffs this year have been worse than the Islanders over the last month+
You have a losing record since February 16th (9-10-5. You had the most wins in the entire league around the midway point and needed until game 80 to even clinch a playoff spot (via an assist from Florida)
I had no problem admitting how impressive the Isles were earlier in the year but they've been anything but for some time now.
And again, it doesn't mean they will get swept out of the first round. They're capable of playing better but it has been a while since they've done it consistently.
If you think they're good enough to make a Cup run this year, good for you. I personally don't see it.. but nothing wrong with being optimistic about your team.
So if we beat Pitt tonight is it still backing in?
Backing happens on the last day of the season when the team getting in didn't handle it's own business and other teams helped them out.
Not for one second did I think the Isles would fail to get 1 point over the next two games. What happend was the points they piled up all year left them ahead of all but 7 other teams with two games left.
You're a good guy and you know I like you. In fact, I agree with what you said:
Quote:
I had no problem admitting how impressive the Isles were earlier in the year but they've been anything but for some time now.
And again, it doesn't mean they will get swept out of the first round. They're capable of playing better but it has been a while since they've done it consistently.
But I think that your comment about striking a nerve is just off target slightly. I think you have a bunch of Isles fans on an Isles thread here relieved and excited about something that hasn't happened with any frequency for about 30 years and it can be interpreted that you're kind of pissing on the picnic blanket with some of your commentary. While it may be a short run...or maybe a long one in fact...this team has finally put itself in a position to contend for years to come, and we're just trying to enjoy that. It's the culmination of (for some) a lifetime of frustration.
how poorly they have handled everything since the allstar break. They didn't seem to adjust the style of play to all the injuries. There is no consideration that the fourth line with 2 AHL players on it is not the Martin-Cisikas-Clutterbuck line and should not be used like that line. The resting of players as if everything is wrapped up for two months. Brian Strait becoming a mainstay in the lineup. Really reflects poorly on Capuano or Snow or whoever has been calling these shots.
in what universe is 100 points considered backing in?
It's almost the same crap put forth about our two runs..We weren't 10-6 in '07, we were 14-6..THAT was our season long body of work, no matter how we ended up there..
We weren't 9-7 in '11, we were 13-7(.650 ball)..THAT was our season long body of work..
I am obvioulsly obsessed with this team and don't give a fuck how they got in, but how is this even up for debate?
Quote:
I hayte the Isles(Rangers fan) but
Big Blue '56 : 10:03 am : link : reply
in what universe is 100 points considered backing in?p
1) 100 points is not what it used to be with the SO and we should stop pretending it is.
2) The point total has NOTHING to do with whether or not a team backed in. What matters is what they did down the home stretch and if they were in jeopardy when they shouldn't have been. The Islanders fit the bill on both of those. The only thing that would make it more definitive would be if they actually NEEDED other teams to lose (which still might be the case).
It also hurts the cause for "backing in" that it didn't last until the final game of the season, but if you look at the body of work over the last 6 weeks and the position the Islanders and fans found themselves in until about 10pm last night, you can't say on any level that they went out and took what's theirs. They relied heavily on previous success.
LOL, enjoy it all you can. I didn't say not to. I don't think my stance is at all unreasonable though. You've all watched this team all year long and I know not one of you would agree that it's the same team now as it was a few months ago.
Doesn't mean that can't turn around. It's just an observation. I realize fans don't like to hear bad things about their team.
I think experience in this league is paramount. Knowing how to navigate the playoffs and deal with adversity is a big deal and the Islanders are a team with a lot of guys who don't have that experience yet.
Your window is just opening now so obviously you guys have a lot to look forward to. I just wouldn't put too much stock in this particular year. Winning a round would be a big accomplishment and a successful season.
LOL, enjoy it all you can. I didn't say not to. I don't think my stance is at all unreasonable though. You've all watched this team all year long and I know not one of you would agree that it's the same team now as it was a few months ago.
Doesn't mean that can't turn around. It's just an observation. I realize fans don't like to hear bad things about their team.
I think experience in this league is paramount. Knowing how to navigate the playoffs and deal with adversity is a big deal and the Islanders are a team with a lot of guys who don't have that experience yet.
Your window is just opening now so obviously you guys have a lot to look forward to. I just wouldn't put too much stock in this particular year. Winning a round would be a big accomplishment and a successful season.
I agree with most of this but as I've said numerous times before, I think the lack of experience angle is really overstated and borderline inaccurate.
G: Halak: Single-handedly carried a Montrael team to the Eastern Conference Finals when they had no business being there.
Defense: Our top two defenseman are Stanley Cup winners. One was considered a leader on his cup team, the other a big contributor. Viznozky is 38 years old. Hamonic is hitting his prime and has seen the postseason before. Hickey and de Haan are raw, but both have been to the playoffs.
Those are most important units to have playoff experience and I'd actually say with Leddy, Boychuck, Viznozky and Halak, we are actually very experienced in that regard.
The offense, yes, has never really gone deep, but about 3/4s of the team got a taste of the postseason 2 years ago. It has to start somewhere for all good teams.
I worry about our blubbering idiot of a coach. I don't worry about our experience.
I liked the Halak signing at the time for you guys, but I think the guy is a below average goaltender. That was five years and three teams ago, IIRC.
I still think the Islanders need to upgrade the position, along with adding an elite winger and one or two superior defenders (these things may be in your system for all I know).
I liked the Halak signing at the time for you guys, but I think the guy is a below average goaltender. That was five years and three teams ago, IIRC.
I still think the Islanders need to upgrade the position, along with adding an elite winger and one or two superior defenders (these things may be in your system for all I know).
First off, I know he's been very mediocre lately, but the man was a damn All-Star this season. He is a reigning NHL All Star. He is not below average, but not elite either. He is a somewhere between a B and a B+ goalie. Below average is almost outrageous.
Secondly, the fact that you note the playoff run he had was 5 years ago actually supports the point I was trying to make to arc, which was that he is experienced. That was the whole point of the argument/discussion. No, it has no bearing on his play this year.. but his play this year earned him an All Star birth and a solid overall season.
Some puckhandling mishaps that turned into goals (3-4 that are quite vivid) and the incredible lack of focus on that Schenn prayer are the biggest mistakes.
He has a sv pctg of .922 over the past 20 games, so while the Isles' slide was there, his play wasn't the issue at all.
For the year, NHL average is .914 sv pctg and 2.52 GAA. Halak currently sits at .913 and 2.44. Essentially league average...but remember this: even "average" goaltending in the 2013 playoffs likely carries the Isles past PIT. I have the feeling that Halak plays north of average in the playoffs as the team will tighten up their D if they want to advance.
On another note, anyone want to take a stab at the over/under for PIT PPs tonight? You know the league desperately wants to make sure the Crying Marios get into the playoffs. Be prepared to shake your head often tonight.
I liked the Halak signing at the time for you guys, but I think the guy is a below average goaltender. That was five years and three teams ago, IIRC.
I still think the Islanders need to upgrade the position, along with adding an elite winger and one or two superior defenders (these things may be in your system for all I know).
First off, I know he's been very mediocre lately, but the man was a damn All-Star this season. He is a reigning NHL All Star. He is not below average, but not elite either. He is a somewhere between a B and a B+ goalie. Below average is almost outrageous.
Secondly, the fact that you note the playoff run he had was 5 years ago actually supports the point I was trying to make to arc, which was that he is experienced. That was the whole point of the argument/discussion. No, it has no bearing on his play this year.. but his play this year earned him an All Star birth and a solid overall season.
All you say is true Mike but I do not trust him. He's the best we got but I do not trust him at all. All year I have said that if the Islanders fail in the playoffs it's going to be because of Halak. He's just too inconsistent, and not from game to game either. It's almost from shot to shot.
Seem cursed when it comes to finding a goalie. Osgood and Snow were the last real good goalies for us. Others that were good put on that jersey and become worse it seems...hextall, nabby, dp, halak, neuvirth
Halak and Cam Ward have roughly the same GAA and sv% numbers this year, FWIW..
arc, its worth something, but not much. To my chagrin, the Islanders don't play a style that supports gaudy goal tending numbers. Even with that, through 2/3s of the season he still managed to have "All Star Worthy" numbers. Those numbers have dropped, but that's mostly due to the team as a whole shitting the bed down the stretch.
He's made plenty of big saves. We've seen what this team does to goalies. You guys loved your LOLNabby commentary, but Nabokov was a hell of a goalie for a long time. He came here and was solid when we were solid, and an absolute nightmare otherwise. Part of it was his age, but a lot of it was the team in front of him.
DK said it best.. if the Islanders are going to make any noise in the playoffs, they need Halak to bring his A game. He can't be a B goalie anymore. He needs a run like he had 5 years ago. It's not likely, but it's something he's proven he can do.
Halak was like the 6th choice for the all star game. He wasnt originally on the team. Price, howard and luongo were. Henrik turned it down after an injury and i believe another guy too before Halak was put on the team. He hasnt been good but because nabby and poulin were so bad before, he looks much better.
Halak was like the 6th choice for the all star game. He wasnt originally on the team. Price, howard and luongo were. Henrik turned it down after an injury and i believe another guy too before Halak was put on the team. He hasnt been good but because nabby and poulin were so bad before, he looks much better.
Yep. All Star selections without people backing out are reserved for the NHL elite, which Halak certainly is not. He is on that level just below, which was validated in my eyes by his replacement selection.
Halak was like the 6th choice for the all star game. He wasnt originally on the team. Price, howard and luongo were. Henrik turned it down after an injury and i believe another guy too before Halak was put on the team. He hasnt been good but because nabby and poulin were so bad before, he looks much better.
He's had stretches where he's been very good. Let's not say he hasn't been any good. It just seems with him it goes to extremes. His highs are pretty high and his lows are very low.
I liked the Halak signing at the time for you guys, but I think the guy is a below average goaltender. That was five years and three teams ago, IIRC.
I still think the Islanders need to upgrade the position, along with adding an elite winger and one or two superior defenders (these things may be in your system for all I know).
First off, I know he's been very mediocre lately, but the man was a damn All-Star this season. He is a reigning NHL All Star. He is not below average, but not elite either. He is a somewhere between a B and a B+ goalie. Below average is almost outrageous.
Secondly, the fact that you note the playoff run he had was 5 years ago actually supports the point I was trying to make to arc, which was that he is experienced. That was the whole point of the argument/discussion. No, it has no bearing on his play this year.. but his play this year earned him an All Star birth and a solid overall season.
He was an All-Star because a handful of goalies backed out and his numbers were okay at that point.
Of the 42 goalies who've played 27 or more games, he's tied for 26th.
If you guys had Corey Schneider, you'd have run away with the division.
The rangers game he stood on his head and then he was ok. Last week or 2 weeks ago he had 3 games where he finally was the goalie we had hoped for. He stood on his head and they still lost those games. Then he followed it up with 2 not so good games.
I was a huge supporter of this pickup and I used the same argument as Mike is now when MAB and I went back and forth about Halak being untested in playoffs. But as the season has gone on, he has not been impressive. I will give him a pass this year because any night 3 of the 6 dmen are midgets who just do not help the guy out in front of his crease. Just think how bad this D could've been had Leddy and Boychuk not been picked up.
I know its not nice to do but I am also praying for a strait injury. The curse of Strait needs to be taken off the team somehow!!!
Price
Lundqvist
Bishop
Halak
Fleury
Rask
Howard/Mrazek
Holtby
Hammond
Where do you put Halak in that group?
I would say Price, Lundqvist and Rask are certainly above him. Holtby has been better than Halak this year. Bishop and Fleury are probably in the same ballpark. Hammond has played far less games so where you put him is debatable.
The rangers game he stood on his head and then he was ok. Last week or 2 weeks ago he had 3 games where he finally was the goalie we had hoped for. He stood on his head and they still lost those games. Then he followed it up with 2 not so good games.
I was a huge supporter of this pickup and I used the same argument as Mike is now when MAB and I went back and forth about Halak being untested in playoffs. But as the season has gone on, he has not been impressive. I will give him a pass this year because any night 3 of the 6 dmen are midgets who just do not help the guy out in front of his crease. Just think how bad this D could've been had Leddy and Boychuk not been picked up.
I know its not nice to do but I am also praying for a strait injury. The curse of Strait needs to be taken off the team somehow!!!
This is kinda what I mean. Before Tuesday night he was actually playing pretty well, and then he has a game like that and gives up a goal that a junior hockey goalie would easily stop.
Price
Lundqvist
Bishop
Halak
Fleury
Rask
Howard/Mrazek
Holtby
Hammond
Where do you put Halak in that group?
I would say Price, Lundqvist and Rask are certainly above him. Holtby has been better than Halak this year. Bishop and Fleury are probably in the same ballpark. Hammond has played far less games so where you put him is debatable.
Arc I'd agree with your assessment. He's probably on the same level as Bishop and Fleury.
Very valid points. Halak's play, on an individual level, has been solid. However, when being under siege - as amplified during the slide - due to walking turnover machines like Strait, or unoptimized defensive pairings as ridiculously "masterminded" by a coach that coaches with his gut, Halak has had to endure extended zone pressure and a season of failed clears...doesn't matter who the goalie is, he's gonna give up goals. To Halak's credit, his shakiest stretch was early (despite a winning record) when he gave up goal after goal high stick side. He brought his coach in and fixed it. As noted, there have been more than a couple of games post-ASB where he absolutely bailed us out by making incredible saves. I am hopeful, and expect, his experience to be a key to advancing now.
My order would be:
1) Price
2) Lundqvist
3) Rask
4) Holtby
5) Bishop
6) Halak
7) Fleury
8) Hammond (though he could be anywhere on this list)
9) Howard/Mrazek (too much indecision here)
The thing is, IMO, you could make the argument Halak is as high as 4 or as low as 8. He's absolutely on par with Holtby and Bishop, but as I mentioned, the Islanders don't play well in front of him, especially lately, and that has greatly impacted his statistics.
Put it this way. Halak is 5th in the entire NHL in wins. 4th in the Eastern Conference. In his case specifically, I think the win total says a lot more than his GAA.
Any of you guys trying to paint it any differently are just trying to see unicorns and roses. The Islanders were woefully unimpressive since basically that 6-5 loss to the Rangers back in mid February and have not strung together a bunch of quality wins in quite some time.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
So a team not playing well down the stretch is backing in? Not the way 99% of the world uses that term, but if it makes Rangers fans happy, enjoy!
Looks like I struck a nerve.
Go ahead and tell me how many of the teams who will be in the playoffs this year have been worse than the Islanders over the last month+
You have a losing record since February 16th (9-10-5. You had the most wins in the entire league around the midway point and needed until game 80 to even clinch a playoff spot (via an assist from Florida)
I had no problem admitting how impressive the Isles were earlier in the year but they've been anything but for some time now.
And again, it doesn't mean they will get swept out of the first round. They're capable of playing better but it has been a while since they've done it consistently.
If you think they're good enough to make a Cup run this year, good for you. I personally don't see it.. but nothing wrong with being optimistic about your team.
Didn't strike a nerve at all, I was explaining to you why I think you are using the term incorrectly. The fact that you are a Ranger fan misusing it on an Islander thread only makes it more unusual. But call it what you will.
I am not sure why you would suggest that saying "they didn't back in" is synonymous with "they are playing really well now" but let me clarify. No, I don't believe the Islanders are playing well now, and I am aware of their record over that stretch as there were only 3 games I did not watch buzzer to buzzer all year.
I don't think the Islanders are winning the cup this year. I said so back when they were in first place in the division, and did so on this board. They are talented but inexperienced, and those teams usually don't go all the way.
If you want to stir shit, feel free to do so, but please stop constructing straw men to knock down to do so.
Halak was one of the top contributors to the Islanders being a playoff team. He carried the Islanders against the leagues elite including 3 great games against the President trophy winners. I think he did get worn out because of the workload and it showed. After they traded for Neuvirth he got some rest and I think he's looked better the last couple weeks(Tuesdays goal aside). It would be great to knock the penguins out of the playoffs so I hope the A game is brought tonight.
Seriously though, he's actually going to sit out a valuable player to dress Strait in the playoffs. It is unfathomable that he's going to do that. Also, we've seen enough of pig nose to know why he shouldn't play. Dress Grabs idiot!
RE: RE: RE: RE: This was the textboox definition of backing in.
Any of you guys trying to paint it any differently are just trying to see unicorns and roses. The Islanders were woefully unimpressive since basically that 6-5 loss to the Rangers back in mid February and have not strung together a bunch of quality wins in quite some time.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
So a team not playing well down the stretch is backing in? Not the way 99% of the world uses that term, but if it makes Rangers fans happy, enjoy!
Looks like I struck a nerve.
Go ahead and tell me how many of the teams who will be in the playoffs this year have been worse than the Islanders over the last month+
You have a losing record since February 16th (9-10-5. You had the most wins in the entire league around the midway point and needed until game 80 to even clinch a playoff spot (via an assist from Florida)
I had no problem admitting how impressive the Isles were earlier in the year but they've been anything but for some time now.
And again, it doesn't mean they will get swept out of the first round. They're capable of playing better but it has been a while since they've done it consistently.
If you think they're good enough to make a Cup run this year, good for you. I personally don't see it.. but nothing wrong with being optimistic about your team.
Didn't strike a nerve at all, I was explaining to you why I think you are using the term incorrectly. The fact that you are a Ranger fan misusing it on an Islander thread only makes it more unusual. But call it what you will.
I am not sure why you would suggest that saying "they didn't back in" is synonymous with "they are playing really well now" but let me clarify. No, I don't believe the Islanders are playing well now, and I am aware of their record over that stretch as there were only 3 games I did not watch buzzer to buzzer all year.
I don't think the Islanders are winning the cup this year. I said so back when they were in first place in the division, and did so on this board. They are talented but inexperienced, and those teams usually don't go all the way.
If you want to stir shit, feel free to do so, but please stop constructing straw men to knock down to do so.
I'm not sure where I was "stirring shit", I think you and I just have different interpretations of what backing into the playoffs means.
Simply put, I think when a team is playing poorly down the stretch or below the level they had been for most of year and has to start scoreboard watching a bit to clinch a spot, they're more or less backing in. I'm aware you could have just clinched on your own but considering that it took until game 80 to clinch when you were leading the entire league in wins not too long ago tells me you're stumbling across the finish line. Will it matter once the playoffs start? Probably not. I don't know.
Semantics, really. Call it whatever you want. My being a Rangers fan doesn't make a difference. I'd say the same thing about them if the roles were reversed.
is an Islanders-Rangers playoff series. Whatever happens happens, but I want that match-up because of what it will do for sports in this town.
1 Islanders ROW guarantees that the teams will meet in the 2nd round if they win their respective 1st round series.
Would a whole take a lot to get the Rangers in the first round:
Isles lose last 2
Sens win last game
Pitt gets 3/4 remaining possible points
Detroit gets at least a point in their last game
And there are too many scenarios (all unlikely) for me to even figure out right now to get the Rangers in the ECF, meaning we'd fall to 7 specifically. If someone else wants to take a stab at that, please do ha
RE: This was the textboox definition of backing in.
Simply put, I think when a team is playing poorly down the stretch or below the level they had been for most of year and has to start scoreboard watching a bit to clinch a spot, they're more or less backing in.
This is where we differ. I don't see playing really well for half a year, and then falling off but still controlling your own destiny is backing in. If you do, we will agree to disagree. But I think you can see how coming on an Islander thread celebrating them making the playoffs to stay they backed in is might be construed by some as shit stirring, no?
Either way, as we can all agree the standings reset next week and it is wide open after that. Would love to get a first round win and go against the Rangers in round 2 - regardless of outcome. As you mentioned this is the first step in a building process. I would feel much differently about that step if they win a playoff series. The confidence gleaned from that may be what they need to regain their earlier season form, and then anything is possible.
Strait is still playing. Is de haan hurt? This is becoming beyond frustrating with this guy. Frans and Martin still out. Clutterbuck back and cmac out.
now that deHaan continues to sit in favor of both Hickey and Strait. Every outlet I have read states Fred needs to stop the insanity and sit Strait. This guy, at best a 7th dman, is going to play close to 60 games this year. It's disgraceful.
That Halak wouldn't hold up.
That's been his history, and why he is on his 4th team.
He is a very good goalie for stretches, but simply is not durable enough to handle a full 60+ game workload without significant dropoff.
A 1A goalie if there ever was one.
He's going to be fine. He'll put a big nail in your teams coffin tonight.
How's that division banner coming along.....
That division banner is not coming along well for your Penguins. Wait, you are still a Penguins fan? With you flip flopping more than a former candidate for President I really cannot tell anymore
Jeez, man.. not a hudson fan but if he really does have Aspergers and you're taunting him about it that's a pretty bad look.
He deserves like 90% of the shit he gets but that's going a little far. Better off just calling him a douche and moving on or ignoring him altogether.
I see where you're coming from, but he's on literally every Islanders thread at this point. If shaming him away is the only way (other than reporting him to Eric which I will never do) then I really don't care. If hudson wants to start contributing in an acceptable way he's fine by me.
What's up with playoff tickets. Someone here mentioned they heard from the inside that they were only going to be made available to Barclays and NVMC season ticket holders. Was there any truth to that?
I'm thinking it's less and less likely, just because if that were the case, they would've made an announcement already. Would be a pretty big F you to the fans to tell them at the last second that they won't be able to buy tickets. I don't think that's going to happen, though.
What's up with playoff tickets. Someone here mentioned they heard from the inside that they were only going to be made available to Barclays and NVMC season ticket holders. Was there any truth to that?
I'm thinking it's less and less likely, just because if that were the case, they would've made an announcement already. Would be a pretty big F you to the fans to tell them at the last second that they won't be able to buy tickets. I don't think that's going to happen, though.
Ticketmaster says that there's a presale for AmEx holders Monday at noon and then general public Wednesday at 9am. I don't expect too many tickets to be available and expect that most of us will be stuck with stubhub if we want to go. We're looking at $120-$150 for cheap seats.
You're a tool.
You've been trying to post this rumor about me every since you discovered it, and it just makes you look bad.
Let me clear this up, my post on Halak was not trolling.
Moreover, I've been on maybe 5 Isles threads this season, four of which were Pens or Rangers games.
I'm just about NEVER on your GDT's, YOU on the other hand are constantly over on the Ranger threads, where many posters find it obsessive.
Maybe this is just projection on your behalf (if you're going to attempt, comically, to psycho analyze me).
I mean, you have repeated this about me numerous times; like somebody with turrets or AS would.
Bottom line, you've done more to discredit and embarrass yourself with these posts towards me than I think I could inflict in any post targeted at you.
I've always like the phrase "Give somebody enough rope to hang themselves," well done.
But i dont have the confidence in the coach to actually get this matchup. I would also assign grabner just to be all over ovechkin in the d zone.
The Frans line must eat, drink, and breathe, everything Ovechkin this series. I don't care if they are scoreless this series, as long as they keep Ovechkin from going on a scoring binge.
In Grabner being the guy. Not sure he has killer instinct though. You know the type of guys that pushes ovie after the Whistle.
I did not get email this morning but cannot make it tomorrow anyway.
Ah I see what happened. KWhite responded to my initial email just seconds after I added you onto the chain. Then everyone (including me) replied all to KWhite's email without you on it.
I was gonna start a playoffs-eve thread, but wanted to leave you guys some goodies:
- First and foremost, set your DVRs. Tonight from 7pm-8pm, NHL Network will air the Fort Neverlose special. I looked up the NHLN programming schedule and can confirm it's from 7 to 8. If you miss it tonight, it re-airs on 4/19 at 3pm.
- Sunday saw MDC pot another goal and 2 assists in Oshawa's taking a 2-0 series lead over Josh Ho-Sang's Niagara Ice Dogs.
- These are the lines being run in practice: 86-91-18, 12-51-21, 27-29-40/26, 17-53-15, 36-84-13. Grabovski also centered the 4th line when Zeeker went off yesterday.
- Injuries: No timetable for Hamonic's return. D-pairs have been the same as the regular season finale. Reinhart has been practicing with Donovan.
- Martin and Nielsen both feel like they should be able to play tomorrow. We'll see what the trainers & Cappy say.
- Finally, some great words from our beloved Jiggs McDonald, who was genuinely touched in the fans' saluting him in the NVMC regular season finale. How can you not love Jiggsy?
Quote:
I am still riding on a cloud -- one made by the NY Islanders fans who welcomed me so warmly this past Saturday. The walk from the hotel to the Coliseum was special because of your handshakes and kind comments..selfies too. Then as I made my way to the public address location--what can I say. I teared up during your "Jiggs McDonald" chant...
Very few play by play announcers experience the respect you've given me over so many years and I just want to return that respect today. You are the most loyal hockey fans I've ever worked for and I hope you'll be rewarded with a loooong playoff run this year as well as a true contender for many years to come.
I'd definitely be interested in meeting up for a game. UES works best for me. If you want i can contact some bars in the area. Should be a great time. Keep me posted.
hard going without Hamonic. Leddy, Boychuk, Hamonic and Tavares are basically the 4 players that we could least afford an injury to. Leddy/Boychuk should play major minutes. It'll be interesting to see whether Grabovski plays and whether he is in condition to step right into the playoffs.
I'll be at the bar Wednesday night. Looking forward to meeting some of you guys and hopefully cheering on a game 1 win.
I had only seen emails from some neighbors who are Caps "fans" selling their tickets and NHL Ticket Exchange. Didn't realize STH had them for so cheap. Typical garbage Washington fans. Yeah, "rock the red"...maybe if they get to a conference final, right. The most clueless base of fans, no matter if the Skins, Expos Nats, or Caps...they know nothing about the respective sport in general and can't carry a conversation, but they've all been "big fans" since they got that Albert Ovechkin fella...they hear he's pretty good.
I've driven up from DC to Giants Stadium and back in one day this past season, and also did the same for the Isles/Blues game we saw you at. Hardcore, dude.
I asked my buddy if he'd come with me.. but he said no, plus I have the get-together with you guys tomorrow.
Speaking of which, you coming Dave?
At this time I'd have to say No. I'm working on getting out early tomorrow so I can come by. I will definitely keep you updated. Did you get the email I sent?
I've driven up from DC to Giants Stadium and back in one day this past season, and also did the same for the Isles/Blues game we saw you at. Hardcore, dude.
I used to make the drive to Germantown and back to NJ a couple times a week. Sometimes even overnight to make it to work the next day. Although, I admit the train ride home would be a lot nicer. I keep checking hoping that the Isles just delayed on selling tickets but it is becoming more apparent that they are not having a sale.
I've driven up from DC to Giants Stadium and back in one day this past season, and also did the same for the Isles/Blues game we saw you at. Hardcore, dude.
I used to make the drive to Germantown and back to NJ a couple times a week. Sometimes even overnight to make it to work the next day. Although, I admit the train ride home would be a lot nicer. I keep checking hoping that the Isles just delayed on selling tickets but it is becoming more apparent that they are not having a sale.
I'm trying to remember when they went on sale last time since the situation was (unfortunately) the same... meaning we didn't open at home. Were the tickets sold prior to Game 1 of the series overall? If so, who knows, maybe it's still coming.
I've driven up from DC to Giants Stadium and back in one day this past season, and also did the same for the Isles/Blues game we saw you at. Hardcore, dude.
I used to make the drive to Germantown and back to NJ a couple times a week. Sometimes even overnight to make it to work the next day. Although, I admit the train ride home would be a lot nicer. I keep checking hoping that the Isles just delayed on selling tickets but it is becoming more apparent that they are not having a sale.
I'm trying to remember when they went on sale last time since the situation was (unfortunately) the same... meaning we didn't open at home. Were the tickets sold prior to Game 1 of the series overall? If so, who knows, maybe it's still coming.
I don't remember. I think Fish got the tickets for us last time.
Might put singles up on ticketmaster but nothing else. All STH were allowed to buy an extra strip for each seat owned. And then you had the STH who bought tix to Brooklyn and were promised free playoff tix this year for rd 1 and 2. There just arent tix available. Keep checking the ticket exchange for tix in ok seats for around $160 that will end up being $181+ after the fee. Stubhub is insane. I sat in sec 107 for all 3 games 2yrs ago for $120-150 each game. Those are listed at $280+ now
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.
Crush the Yinz tomorrow and go for home ice!!!
What they need to worry about now is winning these last two games to go in with some confidence. Having three days to stew on that loss to Philly isn't ideal. Need to wash that away with wins tonight and tomorrow.
I don't give a rat's ass how we got in, although as others on BBI have pointed out that it's crazy that a team with 98-99 points will miss the playoffs. All you need is a dance ticket and we have ours. Now, anything can happen. Outside of MTL, who is in a lot of trouble now with Patches out, there isn't a higher seeded team they can't beat, as evidenced by the fact that the Isles took the season series from most of the East teams.
It's up to Halak. If he's great or even very good, we can do some damage.
LGI
What they need to worry about now is winning these last two games to go in with some confidence. Having three days to stew on that loss to Philly isn't ideal. Need to wash that away with wins tonight and tomorrow.
You are 100% backing in. Wins aside, the Isles are playing their worst hockey of the season during the most important stretch. 3-9 going into the playoffs isnt exactly going into the playoffs hot. And it took you until game 80 to clinch after being in first for a large portion of the season. That is backing in.
WE ARE IN!!!!! Anything can happen as Giants fans should know.
Let's dance bitches!!!!!
Quote:
The fact that they were off on a night when another team lost and therefore could not catch the Islanders isn't backing in. Those early seasons wins count just as much as the late season ones.
What they need to worry about now is winning these last two games to go in with some confidence. Having three days to stew on that loss to Philly isn't ideal. Need to wash that away with wins tonight and tomorrow.
You are 100% backing in. Wins aside, the Isles are playing their worst hockey of the season during the most important stretch. 3-9 going into the playoffs isnt exactly going into the playoffs hot. And it took you until game 80 to clinch after being in first for a large portion of the season. That is backing in.
Sorry, like the person above said, I guess limping in would be a better term.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
With Grabovski coming back, the Islanders are looking to be completely healthy soon for the first time in months. I think the Islanders will be a tossup with any team they can be matched up with in the first round, but I'd rather avoid TB. I think they are the best team in the East and everyone else is clustered together.
they have been losing games lately, but i don't think they have been playing poorly.
That's the beauty of the playoffs...it's like a huge etch-a-sketch where everything restarts fresh after you shake it out. Past stumbles as well as past heroics are forgotten and new outcomes rule the day.
No need to prognosticate, just enjoy it.
Quote:
The fact that they were off on a night when another team lost and therefore could not catch the Islanders isn't backing in. Those early seasons wins count just as much as the late season ones.
What they need to worry about now is winning these last two games to go in with some confidence. Having three days to stew on that loss to Philly isn't ideal. Need to wash that away with wins tonight and tomorrow.
You are 100% backing in. Wins aside, the Isles are playing their worst hockey of the season during the most important stretch. 3-9 going into the playoffs isnt exactly going into the playoffs hot. And it took you until game 80 to clinch after being in first for a large portion of the season. That is backing in.
You clearly don't know what 'backing in' means, but thanks for sharing your confused thoughts.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
So a team not playing well down the stretch is backing in? Not the way 99% of the world uses that term, but if it makes Rangers fans happy, enjoy!
Me too.
And if the Islanders win tonight or tomorrow then they would have have gotten in if both of those teams won, and won out for the rest of the season. But because the Islanders don't play until tonight, they backed in?
I guess I always believed backing in meant your season is done and you need other teams to lose to get you in. Apparently what it means is that teams that don't finish the season strong all backed in. Maybe wins in the last 10 games of the season should count for 3 points since they are more meaningful?
You learn something new on BBI everyday.
Quote:
Any of you guys trying to paint it any differently are just trying to see unicorns and roses. The Islanders were woefully unimpressive since basically that 6-5 loss to the Rangers back in mid February and have not strung together a bunch of quality wins in quite some time.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
So a team not playing well down the stretch is backing in? Not the way 99% of the world uses that term, but if it makes Rangers fans happy, enjoy!
Looks like I struck a nerve.
Go ahead and tell me how many of the teams who will be in the playoffs this year have been worse than the Islanders over the last month+
You have a losing record since February 16th (9-10-5. You had the most wins in the entire league around the midway point and needed until game 80 to even clinch a playoff spot (via an assist from Florida)
I had no problem admitting how impressive the Isles were earlier in the year but they've been anything but for some time now.
And again, it doesn't mean they will get swept out of the first round. They're capable of playing better but it has been a while since they've done it consistently.
If you think they're good enough to make a Cup run this year, good for you. I personally don't see it.. but nothing wrong with being optimistic about your team.
Not for one second did I think the Isles would fail to get 1 point over the next two games. What happend was the points they piled up all year left them ahead of all but 7 other teams with two games left.
They have sucked lately but they did not back in.
And again, it doesn't mean they will get swept out of the first round. They're capable of playing better but it has been a while since they've done it consistently.
At least the penalty kill got better.
It's almost the same crap put forth about our two runs..We weren't 10-6 in '07, we were 14-6..THAT was our season long body of work, no matter how we ended up there..
We weren't 9-7 in '11, we were 13-7(.650 ball)..THAT was our season long body of work..
Lightning in a bottle twice, my ass..
Big Blue '56 : 10:03 am : link : reply
in what universe is 100 points considered backing in?p
1) 100 points is not what it used to be with the SO and we should stop pretending it is.
2) The point total has NOTHING to do with whether or not a team backed in. What matters is what they did down the home stretch and if they were in jeopardy when they shouldn't have been. The Islanders fit the bill on both of those. The only thing that would make it more definitive would be if they actually NEEDED other teams to lose (which still might be the case).
It also hurts the cause for "backing in" that it didn't last until the final game of the season, but if you look at the body of work over the last 6 weeks and the position the Islanders and fans found themselves in until about 10pm last night, you can't say on any level that they went out and took what's theirs. They relied heavily on previous success.
Doesn't mean that can't turn around. It's just an observation. I realize fans don't like to hear bad things about their team.
I think experience in this league is paramount. Knowing how to navigate the playoffs and deal with adversity is a big deal and the Islanders are a team with a lot of guys who don't have that experience yet.
Your window is just opening now so obviously you guys have a lot to look forward to. I just wouldn't put too much stock in this particular year. Winning a round would be a big accomplishment and a successful season.
Hadn't looked at the standings all that closely..Saw some say 100..My point stands even if they wind up with 98
But because I am theceternal optimist, I think at least 2 points get earned between tonight/tomorrow to hit the century mark.
Doesn't mean that can't turn around. It's just an observation. I realize fans don't like to hear bad things about their team.
I think experience in this league is paramount. Knowing how to navigate the playoffs and deal with adversity is a big deal and the Islanders are a team with a lot of guys who don't have that experience yet.
Your window is just opening now so obviously you guys have a lot to look forward to. I just wouldn't put too much stock in this particular year. Winning a round would be a big accomplishment and a successful season.
I agree with most of this but as I've said numerous times before, I think the lack of experience angle is really overstated and borderline inaccurate.
G: Halak: Single-handedly carried a Montrael team to the Eastern Conference Finals when they had no business being there.
Defense: Our top two defenseman are Stanley Cup winners. One was considered a leader on his cup team, the other a big contributor. Viznozky is 38 years old. Hamonic is hitting his prime and has seen the postseason before. Hickey and de Haan are raw, but both have been to the playoffs.
Those are most important units to have playoff experience and I'd actually say with Leddy, Boychuck, Viznozky and Halak, we are actually very experienced in that regard.
The offense, yes, has never really gone deep, but about 3/4s of the team got a taste of the postseason 2 years ago. It has to start somewhere for all good teams.
I worry about our blubbering idiot of a coach. I don't worry about our experience.
It's up to Halak. If he's great or even very good, we can do some damage.
LGI
pga, i saw this first
But a Rangers fan? Is your degree from JC Duvalier's med school? ;-)
I liked the Halak signing at the time for you guys, but I think the guy is a below average goaltender. That was five years and three teams ago, IIRC.
I still think the Islanders need to upgrade the position, along with adding an elite winger and one or two superior defenders (these things may be in your system for all I know).
But a Rangers fan? Is your degree from JC Duvalier's med school? ;-)
No eyes, just bones, tendons and ligaments..:)
I liked the Halak signing at the time for you guys, but I think the guy is a below average goaltender. That was five years and three teams ago, IIRC.
I still think the Islanders need to upgrade the position, along with adding an elite winger and one or two superior defenders (these things may be in your system for all I know).
First off, I know he's been very mediocre lately, but the man was a damn All-Star this season. He is a reigning NHL All Star. He is not below average, but not elite either. He is a somewhere between a B and a B+ goalie. Below average is almost outrageous.
Secondly, the fact that you note the playoff run he had was 5 years ago actually supports the point I was trying to make to arc, which was that he is experienced. That was the whole point of the argument/discussion. No, it has no bearing on his play this year.. but his play this year earned him an All Star birth and a solid overall season.
Please email NYCIslandersFan@GMAIL.com if you are interested in joining.
He has a sv pctg of .922 over the past 20 games, so while the Isles' slide was there, his play wasn't the issue at all.
For the year, NHL average is .914 sv pctg and 2.52 GAA. Halak currently sits at .913 and 2.44. Essentially league average...but remember this: even "average" goaltending in the 2013 playoffs likely carries the Isles past PIT. I have the feeling that Halak plays north of average in the playoffs as the team will tighten up their D if they want to advance.
On another note, anyone want to take a stab at the over/under for PIT PPs tonight? You know the league desperately wants to make sure the Crying Marios get into the playoffs. Be prepared to shake your head often tonight.
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I liked the Halak signing at the time for you guys, but I think the guy is a below average goaltender. That was five years and three teams ago, IIRC.
I still think the Islanders need to upgrade the position, along with adding an elite winger and one or two superior defenders (these things may be in your system for all I know).
First off, I know he's been very mediocre lately, but the man was a damn All-Star this season. He is a reigning NHL All Star. He is not below average, but not elite either. He is a somewhere between a B and a B+ goalie. Below average is almost outrageous.
Secondly, the fact that you note the playoff run he had was 5 years ago actually supports the point I was trying to make to arc, which was that he is experienced. That was the whole point of the argument/discussion. No, it has no bearing on his play this year.. but his play this year earned him an All Star birth and a solid overall season.
All you say is true Mike but I do not trust him. He's the best we got but I do not trust him at all. All year I have said that if the Islanders fail in the playoffs it's going to be because of Halak. He's just too inconsistent, and not from game to game either. It's almost from shot to shot.
Please email NYCIslandersFan@GMAIL.com if you are interested in joining.
Also add in any rags fans in area who may want to hang.... Assuming not Rangers game that night.
arc, its worth something, but not much. To my chagrin, the Islanders don't play a style that supports gaudy goal tending numbers. Even with that, through 2/3s of the season he still managed to have "All Star Worthy" numbers. Those numbers have dropped, but that's mostly due to the team as a whole shitting the bed down the stretch.
He's made plenty of big saves. We've seen what this team does to goalies. You guys loved your LOLNabby commentary, but Nabokov was a hell of a goalie for a long time. He came here and was solid when we were solid, and an absolute nightmare otherwise. Part of it was his age, but a lot of it was the team in front of him.
DK said it best.. if the Islanders are going to make any noise in the playoffs, they need Halak to bring his A game. He can't be a B goalie anymore. He needs a run like he had 5 years ago. It's not likely, but it's something he's proven he can do.
NYCIslandersFanS@gmail.com
I forgot the S.
Yep. All Star selections without people backing out are reserved for the NHL elite, which Halak certainly is not. He is on that level just below, which was validated in my eyes by his replacement selection.
He's had stretches where he's been very good. Let's not say he hasn't been any good. It just seems with him it goes to extremes. His highs are pretty high and his lows are very low.
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I liked the Halak signing at the time for you guys, but I think the guy is a below average goaltender. That was five years and three teams ago, IIRC.
I still think the Islanders need to upgrade the position, along with adding an elite winger and one or two superior defenders (these things may be in your system for all I know).
First off, I know he's been very mediocre lately, but the man was a damn All-Star this season. He is a reigning NHL All Star. He is not below average, but not elite either. He is a somewhere between a B and a B+ goalie. Below average is almost outrageous.
Secondly, the fact that you note the playoff run he had was 5 years ago actually supports the point I was trying to make to arc, which was that he is experienced. That was the whole point of the argument/discussion. No, it has no bearing on his play this year.. but his play this year earned him an All Star birth and a solid overall season.
He was an All-Star because a handful of goalies backed out and his numbers were okay at that point.
Of the 42 goalies who've played 27 or more games, he's tied for 26th.
If you guys had Corey Schneider, you'd have run away with the division.
I was a huge supporter of this pickup and I used the same argument as Mike is now when MAB and I went back and forth about Halak being untested in playoffs. But as the season has gone on, he has not been impressive. I will give him a pass this year because any night 3 of the 6 dmen are midgets who just do not help the guy out in front of his crease. Just think how bad this D could've been had Leddy and Boychuk not been picked up.
I know its not nice to do but I am also praying for a strait injury. The curse of Strait needs to be taken off the team somehow!!!
Price
Lundqvist
Bishop
Halak
Fleury
Rask
Howard/Mrazek
Holtby
Hammond
Where do you put Halak in that group?
I would say Price, Lundqvist and Rask are certainly above him. Holtby has been better than Halak this year. Bishop and Fleury are probably in the same ballpark. Hammond has played far less games so where you put him is debatable.
I was a huge supporter of this pickup and I used the same argument as Mike is now when MAB and I went back and forth about Halak being untested in playoffs. But as the season has gone on, he has not been impressive. I will give him a pass this year because any night 3 of the 6 dmen are midgets who just do not help the guy out in front of his crease. Just think how bad this D could've been had Leddy and Boychuk not been picked up.
I know its not nice to do but I am also praying for a strait injury. The curse of Strait needs to be taken off the team somehow!!!
This is kinda what I mean. Before Tuesday night he was actually playing pretty well, and then he has a game like that and gives up a goal that a junior hockey goalie would easily stop.
Price
Lundqvist
Bishop
Halak
Fleury
Rask
Howard/Mrazek
Holtby
Hammond
Where do you put Halak in that group?
I would say Price, Lundqvist and Rask are certainly above him. Holtby has been better than Halak this year. Bishop and Fleury are probably in the same ballpark. Hammond has played far less games so where you put him is debatable.
Arc I'd agree with your assessment. He's probably on the same level as Bishop and Fleury.
1) Price
2) Lundqvist
3) Rask
4) Holtby
5) Bishop
6) Halak
7) Fleury
8) Hammond (though he could be anywhere on this list)
9) Howard/Mrazek (too much indecision here)
The thing is, IMO, you could make the argument Halak is as high as 4 or as low as 8. He's absolutely on par with Holtby and Bishop, but as I mentioned, the Islanders don't play well in front of him, especially lately, and that has greatly impacted his statistics.
Put it this way. Halak is 5th in the entire NHL in wins. 4th in the Eastern Conference. In his case specifically, I think the win total says a lot more than his GAA.
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In comment 12226591 arcarsenal said:
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Any of you guys trying to paint it any differently are just trying to see unicorns and roses. The Islanders were woefully unimpressive since basically that 6-5 loss to the Rangers back in mid February and have not strung together a bunch of quality wins in quite some time.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
So a team not playing well down the stretch is backing in? Not the way 99% of the world uses that term, but if it makes Rangers fans happy, enjoy!
Looks like I struck a nerve.
Go ahead and tell me how many of the teams who will be in the playoffs this year have been worse than the Islanders over the last month+
You have a losing record since February 16th (9-10-5. You had the most wins in the entire league around the midway point and needed until game 80 to even clinch a playoff spot (via an assist from Florida)
I had no problem admitting how impressive the Isles were earlier in the year but they've been anything but for some time now.
And again, it doesn't mean they will get swept out of the first round. They're capable of playing better but it has been a while since they've done it consistently.
If you think they're good enough to make a Cup run this year, good for you. I personally don't see it.. but nothing wrong with being optimistic about your team.
Didn't strike a nerve at all, I was explaining to you why I think you are using the term incorrectly. The fact that you are a Ranger fan misusing it on an Islander thread only makes it more unusual. But call it what you will.
I am not sure why you would suggest that saying "they didn't back in" is synonymous with "they are playing really well now" but let me clarify. No, I don't believe the Islanders are playing well now, and I am aware of their record over that stretch as there were only 3 games I did not watch buzzer to buzzer all year.
I don't think the Islanders are winning the cup this year. I said so back when they were in first place in the division, and did so on this board. They are talented but inexperienced, and those teams usually don't go all the way.
If you want to stir shit, feel free to do so, but please stop constructing straw men to knock down to do so.
Seriously though, he's actually going to sit out a valuable player to dress Strait in the playoffs. It is unfathomable that he's going to do that. Also, we've seen enough of pig nose to know why he shouldn't play. Dress Grabs idiot!
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In comment 12226657 Mike from Ohio said:
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In comment 12226591 arcarsenal said:
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Any of you guys trying to paint it any differently are just trying to see unicorns and roses. The Islanders were woefully unimpressive since basically that 6-5 loss to the Rangers back in mid February and have not strung together a bunch of quality wins in quite some time.
Does that mean they have no chance of doing anything in the playoffs? No, not at all... but 1) I believe the Isles are a team that needs home ice to win a playoff round this year and 2) If they don't legitimately play better than they've been over the last handful of weeks, it might not even matter.
So a team not playing well down the stretch is backing in? Not the way 99% of the world uses that term, but if it makes Rangers fans happy, enjoy!
Looks like I struck a nerve.
Go ahead and tell me how many of the teams who will be in the playoffs this year have been worse than the Islanders over the last month+
You have a losing record since February 16th (9-10-5. You had the most wins in the entire league around the midway point and needed until game 80 to even clinch a playoff spot (via an assist from Florida)
I had no problem admitting how impressive the Isles were earlier in the year but they've been anything but for some time now.
And again, it doesn't mean they will get swept out of the first round. They're capable of playing better but it has been a while since they've done it consistently.
If you think they're good enough to make a Cup run this year, good for you. I personally don't see it.. but nothing wrong with being optimistic about your team.
Didn't strike a nerve at all, I was explaining to you why I think you are using the term incorrectly. The fact that you are a Ranger fan misusing it on an Islander thread only makes it more unusual. But call it what you will.
I am not sure why you would suggest that saying "they didn't back in" is synonymous with "they are playing really well now" but let me clarify. No, I don't believe the Islanders are playing well now, and I am aware of their record over that stretch as there were only 3 games I did not watch buzzer to buzzer all year.
I don't think the Islanders are winning the cup this year. I said so back when they were in first place in the division, and did so on this board. They are talented but inexperienced, and those teams usually don't go all the way.
If you want to stir shit, feel free to do so, but please stop constructing straw men to knock down to do so.
I'm not sure where I was "stirring shit", I think you and I just have different interpretations of what backing into the playoffs means.
Simply put, I think when a team is playing poorly down the stretch or below the level they had been for most of year and has to start scoreboard watching a bit to clinch a spot, they're more or less backing in. I'm aware you could have just clinched on your own but considering that it took until game 80 to clinch when you were leading the entire league in wins not too long ago tells me you're stumbling across the finish line. Will it matter once the playoffs start? Probably not. I don't know.
Semantics, really. Call it whatever you want. My being a Rangers fan doesn't make a difference. I'd say the same thing about them if the roles were reversed.
1 Islanders ROW guarantees that the teams will meet in the 2nd round if they win their respective 1st round series.
Would a whole take a lot to get the Rangers in the first round:
Isles lose last 2
Sens win last game
Pitt gets 3/4 remaining possible points
Detroit gets at least a point in their last game
And there are too many scenarios (all unlikely) for me to even figure out right now to get the Rangers in the ECF, meaning we'd fall to 7 specifically. If someone else wants to take a stab at that, please do ha
Simply put, I think when a team is playing poorly down the stretch or below the level they had been for most of year and has to start scoreboard watching a bit to clinch a spot, they're more or less backing in.
This is where we differ. I don't see playing really well for half a year, and then falling off but still controlling your own destiny is backing in. If you do, we will agree to disagree. But I think you can see how coming on an Islander thread celebrating them making the playoffs to stay they backed in is might be construed by some as shit stirring, no?
Either way, as we can all agree the standings reset next week and it is wide open after that. Would love to get a first round win and go against the Rangers in round 2 - regardless of outcome. As you mentioned this is the first step in a building process. I would feel much differently about that step if they win a playoff series. The confidence gleaned from that may be what they need to regain their earlier season form, and then anything is possible.
That's been his history, and why he is on his 4th team.
He is a very good goalie for stretches, but simply is not durable enough to handle a full 60+ game workload without significant dropoff.
A 1A goalie if there ever was one.
That's been his history, and why he is on his 4th team.
He is a very good goalie for stretches, but simply is not durable enough to handle a full 60+ game workload without significant dropoff.
A 1A goalie if there ever was one.
He's going to be fine. He'll put a big nail in your teams coffin tonight.
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That Halak wouldn't hold up.
That's been his history, and why he is on his 4th team.
He is a very good goalie for stretches, but simply is not durable enough to handle a full 60+ game workload without significant dropoff.
A 1A goalie if there ever was one.
He's going to be fine. He'll put a big nail in your teams coffin tonight.
How's that division banner coming along.....
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In comment 12227081 hudson said:
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That Halak wouldn't hold up.
That's been his history, and why he is on his 4th team.
He is a very good goalie for stretches, but simply is not durable enough to handle a full 60+ game workload without significant dropoff.
A 1A goalie if there ever was one.
He's going to be fine. He'll put a big nail in your teams coffin tonight.
How's that division banner coming along.....
That division banner is not coming along well for your Penguins. Wait, you are still a Penguins fan? With you flip flopping more than a former candidate for President I really cannot tell anymore
He deserves like 90% of the shit he gets but that's going a little far. Better off just calling him a douche and moving on or ignoring him altogether.
I see where you're coming from, but he's on literally every Islanders thread at this point. If shaming him away is the only way (other than reporting him to Eric which I will never do) then I really don't care. If hudson wants to start contributing in an acceptable way he's fine by me.
He must be new here.
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It's hockey for crying out loud. What's in a name. Go cry in a pillow.
He must be new here.
No, just understanding why nobody takes you seriously.
go Islanders?
I'm thinking it's less and less likely, just because if that were the case, they would've made an announcement already. Would be a pretty big F you to the fans to tell them at the last second that they won't be able to buy tickets. I don't think that's going to happen, though.
I'm thinking it's less and less likely, just because if that were the case, they would've made an announcement already. Would be a pretty big F you to the fans to tell them at the last second that they won't be able to buy tickets. I don't think that's going to happen, though.
Ticketmaster says that there's a presale for AmEx holders Monday at noon and then general public Wednesday at 9am. I don't expect too many tickets to be available and expect that most of us will be stuck with stubhub if we want to go. We're looking at $120-$150 for cheap seats.
Good luck. I'm going to give it a shot too, but I'm likely going to be 6-20 beers deep at Mets opening day when the presale happens.
I'm committed to going to at least one playoff game, even if it means secondary market costs. I need to say goodbye to the barn.
Which game were you at?
I was at 3 & 6
I was at Game 4. 6-5 final I think.
No, it was the day before.
You've been trying to post this rumor about me every since you discovered it, and it just makes you look bad.
Let me clear this up, my post on Halak was not trolling.
Moreover, I've been on maybe 5 Isles threads this season, four of which were Pens or Rangers games.
I'm just about NEVER on your GDT's, YOU on the other hand are constantly over on the Ranger threads, where many posters find it obsessive.
Maybe this is just projection on your behalf (if you're going to attempt, comically, to psycho analyze me).
I mean, you have repeated this about me numerous times; like somebody with turrets or AS would.
Bottom line, you've done more to discredit and embarrass yourself with these posts towards me than I think I could inflict in any post targeted at you.
I've always like the phrase "Give somebody enough rope to hang themselves," well done.
de naan said it will suck to start playoffs without hamonic.
de naan said it will suck to start playoffs without hamonic.
And it will suck more having to watch Strait anytime he is on the ice at the same time as Ovechkin.
The Frans line must eat, drink, and breathe, everything Ovechkin this series. I don't care if they are scoreless this series, as long as they keep Ovechkin from going on a scoring binge.
ko-jt-lee
Nelson-Strome-baily
Kulemin-Frans-Grabner (shadow ovie like was said)
Martin/Zeeker/cal
Obv would change if grabbo is healthy
I did not get email this morning but cannot make it tomorrow anyway.
I did not get email this morning but cannot make it tomorrow anyway.
Ah I see what happened. KWhite responded to my initial email just seconds after I added you onto the chain. Then everyone (including me) replied all to KWhite's email without you on it.
- First and foremost, set your DVRs. Tonight from 7pm-8pm, NHL Network will air the Fort Neverlose special. I looked up the NHLN programming schedule and can confirm it's from 7 to 8. If you miss it tonight, it re-airs on 4/19 at 3pm.
- Sunday saw MDC pot another goal and 2 assists in Oshawa's taking a 2-0 series lead over Josh Ho-Sang's Niagara Ice Dogs.
- These are the lines being run in practice: 86-91-18, 12-51-21, 27-29-40/26, 17-53-15, 36-84-13. Grabovski also centered the 4th line when Zeeker went off yesterday.
- Injuries: No timetable for Hamonic's return. D-pairs have been the same as the regular season finale. Reinhart has been practicing with Donovan.
- Martin and Nielsen both feel like they should be able to play tomorrow. We'll see what the trainers & Cappy say.
- Articles to peruse:
Newsday: Playoffs a different game for Isles' talented but young forwards
Nick Leddy, Johnny Boychuk bring much-needed playoff experience to Islanders
Sportsnet:
On an island: Tavares built to handle pressure
- Finally, some great words from our beloved Jiggs McDonald, who was genuinely touched in the fans' saluting him in the NVMC regular season finale. How can you not love Jiggsy?
Very few play by play announcers experience the respect you've given me over so many years and I just want to return that respect today. You are the most loyal hockey fans I've ever worked for and I hope you'll be rewarded with a loooong playoff run this year as well as a true contender for many years to come.
Ha you definitely one. Or someone is posing as you.
Hey Mike,
KWhite here.
I'd definitely be interested in meeting up for a game. UES works best for me. If you want i can contact some bars in the area. Should be a great time. Keep me posted.
Just changed my password to be safe
Just changed my password to be safe
I could post it here if you want, but was respecting your privacy. You didn't send the above message?
Ha, this is precisely why I made a NYCIslandersFans email and didn't post my personal one. Lots of crazy people out there.
I'll be at the bar Wednesday night. Looking forward to meeting some of you guys and hopefully cheering on a game 1 win.
I couldn't do game 1 or 2 in DC, but if it gets to a 5th or 7th, I could probably swing it. 30 mile drive for me to Verizon Center...no prob there.
A bus out of the port authority might be a much more affordable bet. Probably can get a round trip ticket for less than 50 bucks.
$120? I see them on StubHub right now for game 1 for as little as $46
I asked my buddy if he'd come with me.. but he said no, plus I have the get-together with you guys tomorrow.
Speaking of which, you coming Dave?
Man thats a long drive.....
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To DC. Roll like a soccer mom
I asked my buddy if he'd come with me.. but he said no, plus I have the get-together with you guys tomorrow.
Speaking of which, you coming Dave?
At this time I'd have to say No. I'm working on getting out early tomorrow so I can come by. I will definitely keep you updated. Did you get the email I sent?
Check your spam folder if you haven't received it. I just checked and you're on. Sending you a quick email anyway.
I used to make the drive to Germantown and back to NJ a couple times a week. Sometimes even overnight to make it to work the next day. Although, I admit the train ride home would be a lot nicer. I keep checking hoping that the Isles just delayed on selling tickets but it is becoming more apparent that they are not having a sale.
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I've driven up from DC to Giants Stadium and back in one day this past season, and also did the same for the Isles/Blues game we saw you at. Hardcore, dude.
I used to make the drive to Germantown and back to NJ a couple times a week. Sometimes even overnight to make it to work the next day. Although, I admit the train ride home would be a lot nicer. I keep checking hoping that the Isles just delayed on selling tickets but it is becoming more apparent that they are not having a sale.
I'm trying to remember when they went on sale last time since the situation was (unfortunately) the same... meaning we didn't open at home. Were the tickets sold prior to Game 1 of the series overall? If so, who knows, maybe it's still coming.
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In comment 12232901 pganut said:
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I've driven up from DC to Giants Stadium and back in one day this past season, and also did the same for the Isles/Blues game we saw you at. Hardcore, dude.
I used to make the drive to Germantown and back to NJ a couple times a week. Sometimes even overnight to make it to work the next day. Although, I admit the train ride home would be a lot nicer. I keep checking hoping that the Isles just delayed on selling tickets but it is becoming more apparent that they are not having a sale.
I'm trying to remember when they went on sale last time since the situation was (unfortunately) the same... meaning we didn't open at home. Were the tickets sold prior to Game 1 of the series overall? If so, who knows, maybe it's still coming.
I don't remember. I think Fish got the tickets for us last time.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.