NFT: Islanders - Capitals Playoff Game 7, 7:30pm Game Thread

I'll have it at the bar tonight if anyone's coming.

Let's Go Islanders!!

Way to jump on this early, pganut.

even focus here at work today. My mind is on Game 7. Nothing else.

I hope my clients don't expect me to work today.

Don't be stupid, we could go home because of it.

As much as I want to see a few guys get plastered tonight, the Islanders can't focus on that. They need to do what they did Saturday - play physical but stick with what got them here. Don't play their game, play ours.

Most importantly, play loose. There are a lot of guys on this roster who have never been in this situation before and may be tight and be doing too much thinking. Hopefully some of the veterans are telling them to focus on making a play rather than on not giving one up.

Halak needs to be sharp. This team has to attack to win so he will be tested. He may very well be the story of this game.

LGI!!!

after all the blood and hate is spilled out over the ice. At the end of the game everyone will shake hands and move on.

Even though he stopped 38/39 and made some brilliant saves in the process. He has been very unheralded this whole series so far. We need it to continue.

Lets fucking go.

In comment 12251086 Mike from Ohio said:

Quote:

As much as I want to see a few guys get plastered tonight, the Islanders can't focus on that. They need to do what they did Saturday - play physical but stick with what got them here. Don't play their game, play ours. Most importantly, play loose. There are a lot of guys on this roster who have never been in this situation before and may be tight and be doing too much thinking. Hopefully some of the veterans are telling them to focus on making a play rather than on not giving one up. Halak needs to be sharp. This team has to attack to win so he will be tested. He may very well be the story of this game. LGI!!!

Which scares the crap out of me. I am not a big Halak fan, but I have to tip my hat to his performance on Saturday. He was excellent. We need that again tonight

The Overlook on 44th and 3rd has become an Islanders bar where they pipe in the game audio and everyone gets a free shot when they score.

their game 7 history in recent years is weighing on them tremendously. we can really put the heat on them with an early goal.

In comment 12251114 debo_GIANTS said:

Quote:

The Overlook on 44th and 3rd has become an Islanders bar where they pipe in the game audio and everyone gets a free shot when they score.

That's a lovely coincidence, my good man. A friend of mine who is on an email chain we've got going recommended it, as well. That's where we'll be going. This will be our first time there.

Need his size and activity in front of the net.

special tonight and win our first playoff series in over two decades. Last time we were this close was that Toronto series. The guys have left it all on the ice and need to muster enough for one more effort tonight.

I think we have a good shot as our forwards are deeper and better than the Capitals outside of the Caps #1 line. My main concern is that on the road, Trotz look really hard to find ways to exploit matchups and get his skill guys in against our young DMen.

I'm up to go to the bar tonight but are people going to Promenade or Overlook?

is 3-1 in game 7's

This may ease the nerves a little.

Also, this may sound weird, but I feel better about tonight's game than I did before game six. While I expected a great effort, I just thought they would be worn down late in the third period (especially with a depleted defense).

Tonight, the pressure is all on the Caps. Whatever happens tonight, we can be pleased at the strides the Isles have made. This group has showed a lot of grit, and have not backed down.

I will be chewing on my knuckles by game time. But this is what makes game seven so special. Embrace it, and channel positive energy. This group has grown before our eyes. And hopefully they earn the opportunity for more growth later in the week.

But for tonight we must all BeLIeve!

In comment 12251131 Mike in Long Beach said:

Quote:

In comment 12251114 debo_GIANTS said: Quote: The Overlook on 44th and 3rd has become an Islanders bar where they pipe in the game audio and everyone gets a free shot when they score. That's a lovely coincidence, my good man. A friend of mine who is on an email chain we've got going recommended it, as well. That's where we'll be going. This will be our first time there.

Yea definitely spread the word. Islanders fans have never really had their own bar until now. The owner seems like a good guy, big fan and the atmosphere has been great the past few games.

Overlook seems to be the move. Two separate people now have recommended it. specifically for the Islanders.

I really believe we have been the better team, that means nothing in a 7th game. We need to play our best game tonight, ignore the BS. and just play our game. We can not let the game slip away in the 2nd and 3rd periods like we did in the 2 losses we have had in DC so far. The season series and this series I has been so close. Time to finish off these dirt bags. 1 minute, 1 shift at a time. Go Isles.

Who do we wanna play in the ECF? Montreal or Tampa/Detroit? Montreal is the only team I fear.

In comment 12251230 KWhite2250 said:

Quote:

Who do we wanna play in the ECF? Montreal or Tampa/Detroit? Montreal is the only team I fear.

Hahah, wtf? Where's this positivity been all year!! :)

In comment 12251136 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

Quote:

Need his size and activity in front of the net.

I'm actually surprisingly torn here. He's been invisible out there and McDonald did a good job matching the Caps physicality and he's a guy who can every now and then make some noise in the offensive zone, too.

Anders Lee has been tremendous but... I'm sincerely not sure. I won't complain no matter what's decided.

Exceent job pga getting this going early. I'll be somewhere watching tonight. Way too important to miss a second of.

Good luck me. Enjoy it. Game 7 is the best thing in sport. Let's do this!!

Need to proofread.

To be a rangers fan

In comment 12251268 KWhite2250 said:

Quote:

To be a rangers fan

Lol. Good one.

Enjoy the game (but not too much, I hope). Lets hope both sides stick to hockey. Hate game 7's as the Caps history has had many agonizing defeats (including Pat LaFontaine ending that 7 hour marathon so many years ago). I don't like to ask the Lord for favors for sporting events, but if a puck or two can get slid into the Isles goal, I wouldn't complain :-).

OK, I'll leave y'all alone and I won't be "that guy". Win or lose, I'll be back for the virtual post series handshake and wish y'all the best.

Later.

Trotz has lured us into a physical series. We need to play the game that got us here. That being said I'd put Lee back in for CMac. Nelson bounced back last game, Lee scores the game winner tonight. Bank it.

In comment 12251298 tony stg said:

Quote:

Enjoy the game (but not too much, I hope). Lets hope both sides stick to hockey. Hate game 7's as the Caps history has had many agonizing defeats (including Pat LaFontaine ending that 7 hour marathon so many years ago). I don't like to ask the Lord for favors for sporting events, but if a puck or two can get slid into the Isles goal, I wouldn't complain :-). OK, I'll leave y'all alone and I won't be "that guy". Win or lose, I'll be back for the virtual post series handshake and wish y'all the best. Later.

You've been a respectful guy, and sensitive to the fact that every emotionally invested fan on this board is an Islanders fan. I've turned to the Lord as well for this one. Please state your religion so after the game we can see who's God is legit :)

Enjoy.

In comment 12251300 mikeygiants said:

Quote:

Trotz has lured us into a physical series. We need to play the game that got us here. That being said I'd put Lee back in for CMac. Nelson bounced back last game, Lee scores the game winner tonight. Bank it.

Very well said. Trotz really has lured us in. The refs haven't helped much, though. If they call 1 or 2 of those penalties that should've been called, maybe the Islanders would've let the Caps hang themselves.

I am probably one of the least likely die hard sports fans to bitch about officiating. I've always seen it as part of the game and the breaks go back and forth. But for Game 6, it was truly shocking to see those ticky-tack calls against us in the 1st period after two dirty hits by Caps players knocked 1/3 of our defense from the series.

When Isles fans have complained about them officiating during this season, I've often noted that we were one of the least penalized teams in the league. I try to see it how it is... and I can't help but feel like the refs have been very poor this series and we've predominantly been on the short end of it.

Let's hope they stay out of this one, and if they interject themselves, it's done in a reasonable way.

In comment 12251298 tony stg said:

Quote:

Enjoy the game (but not too much, I hope). Lets hope both sides stick to hockey. Hate game 7's as the Caps history has had many agonizing defeats (including Pat LaFontaine ending that 7 hour marathon so many years ago). I don't like to ask the Lord for favors for sporting events, but if a puck or two can get slid into the Isles goal, I wouldn't complain :-). OK, I'll leave y'all alone and I won't be "that guy". Win or lose, I'll be back for the virtual post series handshake and wish y'all the best. Later.

Caps fans are welcome here. Either way it's going to be a great game to enjoy. Hopefully, the Isles have it in them to win. I say keep cmac in the game. Lee hasn't been good at any point of the series. I think the matchup may just may not be good for him. He seems so slow out there. If he does play Nelsen or Bailey should sit but I'm personally for the same lineup as last game unless DeHaan is ready then Dono can sit. just my opinion

Based on the morning skate and who's on/off, Staple thinks we go with same lineup as game 6. I think as it should be.

should stay same. If anything Boulton in for CMAC but thats it. Id stick with 42/46 as well no matter the health of dehaan. Those kids were awesome and did not back down from any Caps. They were ready...they had a Hanson like edge to them the other night.

This is awful, lol

Islanders won't control the matchups.. the rookies may have a much tougher time tonight.

In comment 12251466 feelflows said:

Quote:

Islanders won't control the matchups.. the rookies may have a much tougher time tonight.

This worries me, but not enough to make a lineup change tonight. I'd roll game 6 lineup tonight, and find a way to get Lee in over CMac if we make it to the next round.

I'm completely distracted at work today. This is brutal.

In comment 12251466 feelflows said:

Quote:

Islanders won't control the matchups.. the rookies may have a much tougher time tonight.

I could be wrong, and it could be a huge deal, but I think this is slightly overstated. No matter who has the first or last change, the Islanders are seldom going to put Donovan and Mayfield in the game in the defensive zone. I think they did it once in all of game 6 (maybe twice). So that means there will be a max of 1 or 2 shifts where they will need to clear the zone with Ovi and Backstrom in there.

They played strong enough games in Game 6 where I'm not terrified of this (which I know is the kiss of death). It's an issue, but I don't think it's as make-or-break as some are making it out to be.

About this made up big push from the home team thing. In all 3 gms at the verizon center, that place was dead and the caps were terrible. Games 2 the caps took over after the 1st iirc and even then it was a blown game by us. Game 5 we scored first and then it went downhill. If we were gonna win a game 7 on the road, this would be the one because that place and their fans are like a library.

Would like to see us not just score first but get a 2nd past holtby before the caps get going. Holtby was a little shaky last game with controlling pucks. Holtby is the better goalie but Halak has thrived under pressure. I can say, I thought the coach left him in 1 goal too late in gm 5. That last goal was an awful goal and I fully expected him to look shaky in game 6, glad he proved me wrong.

One guy that NEEDS to show up is Frans. He's been pretty invisible and its time for him to bring something to the team tonight.

From game 6. Oh lord

Dan O'Rourke is tonight's ref (same ref as game 6) along with Dan O'Halloren (game 4). They haven't worked together year this postseason
Link - ( New Window )

brutal for game 6, but unless we think they are actually biased against the Islanders, there's no reason to think we'll get the short-end again. At least we know these refs are willing to call penalties on a home team in a playoff game.

Maybe this is a good thing. They could have went back and watched tape and saw how bad they were. Or told how bad they were by the league. And we can expect a better game tonite.


In comment 12251627 KWhite2250 said:

Quote:

From game 6. Oh lord

In comment 12251637 Metnut said:

Quote:

brutal for game 6, but unless we think they are actually biased against the Islanders, there's no reason to think we'll get the short-end again. At least we know these refs are willing to call penalties on a home team in a playoff game.

I don't think they were biased. I think they were incompetent. It's just another factor I'd prefer wasn't at play tonight.

In comment 12251627 KWhite2250 said:

Quote:

From game 6. Oh lord

Only Dan O'Rourke (#9) is the same from Game 6. Dan O'Halloran (#13) was one of the refs from Game 4. I do not think the Islanders have seen either linesman (Greg Devorski #54 and Michel Cormier #76) this postseason

the refs but they can control how they play. Don't make it easy for the refs to put you in the box.

We want an NY-NY series and the Caps and that dirty SOB Wilson/Ovi OUT.

Im so thankful the islanders have moved on from players like this and now have a legitimate, complete hockey team full of NHL caliber players.

Staios
Pandolfo
Boyes
Mottau
Sim
Konopka
Schremp
Reasoner
Regin

In comment 12251733 theold5j said:

Quote:

Im so thankful the islanders have moved on from players like this and now have a legitimate, complete hockey team full of NHL caliber players. Staios Pandolfo Boyes Mottau Sim Konopka Schremp Reasoner Regin

While I agree with you on this, in my eyes if they don't win this series after how they started this season it's a failure.

Will likely be the Caps feed too...ugh

Let's get off to a quick start and put all the pressure on them.

Let's Go!!!!!

Are letting them play so long as the sticks are down. I think it is in our favor to have the same officials. We know the style of game they called.

I was upset that they didnt get the 2 seed in this round. They were great until the injuries starting to hit after the break. Then when things started to settle down and people got somewhat healthy, they ran into some hot teams and hot goalies. Lost a bunch of 1 goal games and got no bounces. Maybe they started to squeeze the stick a little harder, but I really think the injuries took a toll. The 4th line had to be broken up on many nights, okposo missed a long period of time. they had a lot to battle through.



In comment 12251740 EricNY33 said:

Quote:

While I agree with you on this, in my eyes if they don't win this series after how they started this season it's a failure.

.

.

A pleasant faced man steps up to greet you
He smiles and says he's pleased to meet you
Beneath his hat the strangeness lies
Take it off, he's got three eyes
Truth is false and logic lost
Now the fourth dimension is crossed...

You have entered the Twilight Zone
Beyond this world strange things are known
Use the key, unlock the door
See what your fate might have in store...
Come explore your dreams' creation
Enter this world of imagination...

You wake up lost in an empty town
Wondering why no one else is around
Look up to see a giant boy
You've just become his brand new toy
No escape, no place to hide
Here where time and space collide

You have entered the Twilight Zone
Beyond this world strange things are known
Use the key, unlock the door
See what your fate might have in store...
Come explore your dreams' creation
Enter this world of imagination...

I haven't been this fired up for a hockey game in a long time, can't wait for that puck to drop!

In comment 12251742 timintey said:

Quote:

Will likely be the Caps feed too...ugh Let's get off to a quick start and put all the pressure on them. Let's Go!!!!!

For your sake, I hope it's not Joe Beniati and Craig Laughlin on that feed.

Brock Nelson - John Tavares - Ryan Strome

Josh Bailey - Frans Nielsen - Kyle Okposo

Nikolay Kulemin - Mikhail Grabovski - Colin McDonald

Matt Martin - Casey Cizikas - Cal Clutterbuck

Nick Leddy - Johnny Boychuk

Thomas Hickey - Brian Strait

Matt Donovan - Scott Mayfield

Jaro in net.

he hurt???

My mouth is watering for this game... I'm chomping at the bit!!!

or is that just pregame bs? I'm in mountain zone so hitting 1st period is going to be shaky w/ traffic after work.

Has an upper body injury..likely concussion or a shoulder injury from the hit in game 4.

Yaay! Locker and Beninati it is for me. Guess I'll watch on my tablet on the NBCSN app. Why watch a game on a 60" with surround sound when you can watch on 8"....FML.

Catch you guys after the first...sons are getting some scouting awards tonight, gotta rep for my dudes.

44th and 3rd

Isles fans eveywhere

I will be downing bourbon while the wife and kid swim and chill. Life is good. LETS DO THIS!!!!!!!!

YES YES YES.

To focus at work all day.

Let's drop the puck!!!

Jeez.

Let's go already.

Let's get it on! Go Islanders!

Running into halak

still freaking out a bit.

They need to relax their play and gain composure

else here that faint "let's go islanders" chant before the faeceoff?

Holtby as you were about to get scored on

Looking good. Caps not hitting as hard imo

Nose still broken probably

Let's breathe a little bit Here.

Wish we were taking the body the way we were in 6.

God.

than 3 (none in last 15:37)

Now we can clean up somethings and get goals.

I don't know how they could come out flat in this game but they did play just good enough to not give up a goal. I hope that the nerves are gone. They looked better late in the period. I really think they should switch Okposo and Nelsen. Nelsen looks lost out there tonight. Mayfield looking good again.

Not a good period. Usually our good period is the 1st in the series. Maybe we change it around this gm and play crappy 1st and get better in next 2

We look like shit. Need to start buzzing and getting pucks to the net.

A couble of probing jabs, but mostly dancing around the ring.

Isles looked a little shaky at the end where the Caps dominated possession and had a couple of quality chances that didn't pan out. I think the Isles actually gain confidence at the intermission, knowing they withstood a push from what should be an energized Caps team playing for their lives in front of their home fans. To emerge with zeroson the board should let the Isles know that if they play their game, there's opportunity to take this one. Jaro looks calm. Good sign.

I missed most of the first, so curious to your takes on how physical it was for each side.

At all on the ice. Hits were there but different than the first 6 games. Mayfield is solid... Why was he not up?

Grabbo had serious speed and has potential for game winner tonight.

In comment 12252392 pganut said:

Quote:

A couble of probing jabs, but mostly dancing around the ring. Isles looked a little shaky at the end where the Caps dominated possession and had a couple of quality chances that didn't pan out. I think the Isles actually gain confidence at the intermission, knowing they withstood a push from what should be an energized Caps team playing for their lives in front of their home fans. To emerge with zeroson the board should let the Isles know that if they play their game, there's opportunity to take this one. Jaro looks calm. Good sign. I missed most of the first, so curious to your takes on how physical it was for each side.

It was physical but not at the level of the other games in the series. Caps had the advantage in that too.

ever gone from scratched to L1 before Brock Nelson?

It's fucking nuts to continually rotate JT's linemates.

We better get our shit together. Ugly game so far.

Is that good?

The Caps mouthbreather contingent have to be told when to "make some noise".

By brock

is anyone at that game lol

Now.

Have more ice time than JT

.

Only Leds, Boychuk, and Strait have logged more.

It says a lotthat the Caps have taken away much of the ice on D.

However, I think there's a bit of cat and mouse going on here where the tanks will get emptied in the 3rd.

It feels like the difference tonight is either gonna be one mistake, or a fluky event leading to a score.

Eh, just take 2 guys and tackle JT, there won't be any call. Good strategy by WAS...lmao.

No call

Typical

A hit from behind by Ovechkin.

Pos ovi

next year someone needs to ram ovechkin face thru the glass and take a 10 game suspension. Sign Trevor Gillies for a game

let's fucking go!

Just allow their men to skate untouched in the d zone. Great fucking effort morons

Fucking embarrassing the effort they have put forth tonight.

Seems like their strategy is to get two defenders to the boards to intercept the wind-around passses and collapse the other 3 to clog the areas between the dots and slot. This is similar to what the Isles did earlier in the year when on the PK and whyit was so bad...it left ample room up top for the point shooters to line up quality shots or to walk it in a bit more. I'd like to see more work to get the shot from the point and have the wings collapse to the net to pick up the rebound or any deflections.

Sort of moot now because the Isles need to go to a full court press in the 3rd. Need to create some sort of pressure.

Is this butch goring doing the color? It sounds like a man off the street. He just speculated that the 1-0 goal "might be a blessing" for the Isles.

guys have been dropping back all game.

In comment 12252533 Deej said:

Quote:

Is this butch goring doing the color? It sounds like a man off the street. He just speculated that the 1-0 goal "might be a blessing" for the Isles.

I find myself agreeing if that is what he said. Hopefully it wakes them the fuck up.

And we all know how that plays out. Not pinching enough, no pressure in neutral zone, not even battling for the puck so they can drop back and not get caught up, completely making the game plan about avoiding ovi line vs the rookies and therefore sacrificing all offense. This is very disappointing but the silver lining is that we're only down 1. Oh that and they Mike Green playing D so that helps too.

In comment 12252542 Dave M said:

Quote:

And we all know how that plays out. Not pinching enough, no pressure in neutral zone, not even battling for the puck so they can drop back and not get caught up, completely making the game plan about avoiding ovi line vs the rookies and therefore sacrificing all offense. This is very disappointing but the silver lining is that we're only down 1. Oh that and they Mike Green playing D so that helps too.

Good post

Ward gets away with a high stick to Boychek and Ovechkin gets away with the hit on Hickey is absolute BS. Islanders need to just start hitting and pushing the envelope on everything at this point. These fuckin refs are calling nothing time to play or go home. Really getting tired of this shit.

there's a real problem

Let's go

This is hardly over yet. One goal and we're right back in it. Gotta dig down deep and and give everything they have.

Believe.

the good weed?

Off this icing!

!

!!!!!

Back to playing Islanders hockey

Lol

Fransie!!!!!!!!!!

minutes the Isles score. Nice!

don't let up!

Bout frans showing up earlier today.

And voila Fransie buries one.

Mojo change worked. Let's go!!!!!!!

That is what happens when you make a push keep it going.

Holy shit!!!!

Whe I got home today, looked thru the mail and saw an envelope where I quickly glimpsed the number 51 on the markings. I turned to my son and said, "51, huh...you know, Fransie hasn't done anything all series. Bet he gets one tonight". I know, cool story, but a bit freaky-deeky.

Halak what a save!!!!!

Unbelievable save!!!!!!!

JARO JARO

And even there, he was hung out to dry a few times.

But he sure as shit deserves to win this series. Also...#WinForLubo.

WTF Cool Lemon

Any other numbers on that envelope.. 91, 21, 2, 55??


In comment 12252596 pganut said:

Quote:

Whe I got home today, looked thru the mail and saw an envelope where I quickly glimpsed the number 51 on the markings. I turned to my son and said, "51, huh...you know, Fransie hasn't done anything all series. Bet he gets one tonight". I know, cool story, but a bit freaky-deeky.

They are so soft in their own zone. Just let guys walk off boards. Eat a dick frans

that's the best you could do???

No excuse. And Nelson should have sold out...dive and knock the puck aay instead of politely poking.

what the fuck!!!!!

Miss the net there? Donovan made 2 or 3 nice plays on that shift.

write another classic

Our turn for a goal off the FO

Our 1st one of the series.

let's go!!!!!!

Who would think the refs would help us.

Come on boys.

a gift from the hockey gods. Time to take advantage.

I think we deserve a little luck here, please.

The Caps are exhausted they just gave them a huge break

Season killer.

They came in scared and frankly we were lucky it was as close as it was

He was awesome tonight

Bye bye. Just pathetic effort on the gw goal

Need someone like Mike Babcock behind the bench

Would love to see someone punch Ovechkin

In comment 12252682 BlueHurricane said:

Quote:

Season killer.

Yup

Plain and simple. Liked the way we played the 3rd but we needed to play the last 2 periods like that.

gents.

On to next year.

On to next year. We need to make some changes for next season but remember the best is yet to come with this team.

Fast box making guy coach the team next year rather than Jack Capuano. I'll have a more of a comment when I can digest this but I'm really not in a good place now and I don't want to talk or type.

I'll probably put together a post-mortem tomorrow as I have some things I want to think over before putting into words.

Obviously, this was a resurgent, hopeful year. Happy to get to the playoffs, unhappy we couldn't do more. The future is now, and it is bright.

Rangers bretheren...please, please kick the shit out of the Caps. I'll be rooting for you in your series.

Most of all, to you other Islanders fans....this has been a ton of fun having these threads with you. It was many years of simmering that has finally reached a full boil. These threads were great; I appreciate your contributions, and am thankful that we've built camaraderie and friendships. We'll have to have an inaugural BBI Isles get-together at Barclay's next season.

Is there any other franchise in the history of sports that's a bigger joke than the NY Islanders besides the fucking Mets???

WAH WAH ...FUCKING BRILLIANT LET US DESTROY WHERE WE LIVE !!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

In comment 12252716 S in ODA said:

Quote:

Is there any other franchise in the history of sports that's a bigger joke than the NY Islanders besides the fucking Mets???

1

Philadelphia Eagles
New York Jets

your guys played your hearts out, the series could have gone either way, and you're going to be a force in the Eastern conference for years to come. We all know this. Hell, I think you win this series easily if you didn't have the mass injuries on your back line.

It's funny though how important that game 82 of the regular season turned out to be. Home ice was in fact the difference in this incredibly close series.

Yet another account for this for only to get banned. Again. Could you be any more pathetic?

And I'm a Rangers fan.

Just die loser. Get in the casket already.

And that is on the coaching and the leaders.


Just a sad ending

Couple immediate thoughts.

Wish Hammer could have played this series.

How do we play game 6 with one style and mentality and play game 7 completely different??

That shit goal the Flyers scored was a killer.

This sucks.

... I know you're bummed and disappointed but what a great game and series. You Isles fans have a lot to be proud of. How exciting were those last 3 minutes? This will be a tremendous building block for your team next year and in the years to come.

Anyway, I wish y'all the best and I hope the Caps have enough energy left for taking on the Blue-shirts.

Take care.

game. The game winner by the Capitals was a nice goal.

Sorry, fellas.. I know it sucks to lose in 7 like that. Be lying if I said I didn't slightly prefer the Caps to win because of the matchup but respect to those of you who deserve it.

where was the intensity of game 6? Instead they played dump the puck. Hopefully the Isles improve, good playoff experience for this team. Caps brought it today. Guess I'll be picking a team to root for out of the West.

In comment 12252738 tony stg said:

Quote:

... I know you're bummed and disappointed but what a great game and series. You Isles fans have a lot to be proud of. How exciting were those last 3 minutes? This will be a tremendous building block for your team next year and in the years to come. Anyway, I wish y'all the best and I hope the Caps have enough energy left for taking on the Blue-shirts. Take care.

Thanks, tony. I appreciate the class you've shown. Good luck the rest of the way.

Good guys like Tony and B. Then you have crap. That's what makes the world go round.

Reinhart play himself off the team. Mayfield took his spot.

You beat me to it - YES

In comment 12252749 Fish said:

Quote:

Reinhart play himself off the team. Mayfield took his spot.

Halal was up to the challenge, the rest of the guys played a little tight and seemed to play too conservatively...except in our own end where it was at times a turnover fest.

Lots to build on from this. The team is young and talented, but not ready yet. Next year we take another step forward.

PGA - thanks for all you did with these threads. You are a great fan and a good dude. I look forward to these threads again next year,

Ranger fans - Good luck against the Caps. Appreciate the kind words, and looking forward to more smack talk next year!

LGI!

Damming to the staff.

I know it sucks now but young teams go through bumps like this and come out the other side for the better. A couple of defenseman, another year of growth by your young guys and the islanders will be right in the thick of it at the top of the conference (much to my chagrin)

.

In comment 12252759 Dave M said:

Quote:

Damming to the staff.

Yup.

In comment 12252759 Dave M said:

Quote:

Damming to the staff.

Jeez my autocorrect damning not damming. Totally different defintions

The class of the Capital fans on here were great. I am rooting for a few Capitals to not finish the Ranger series. Hope the Rangers take them out. Hate the Caps, predict that next years 1st game against them is going to be a blood bath.

If the Islanders are now not a mickey mouse organization Cappy will be fired. Just atrocious.

said we played scared, not to fuck up, on their heels and needed to be on our toes.

Class act

you had a great season. Should be proud of your team's dramatic improvement. Should be a good future if they make the right decisions. Bad luck in the future. :-)

Their forwards had 3 shots on goal. That is about as bad a big game performance as you will ever find. They are a long way from contenders. I don't want to gloat, as a Rangers fan, but that is the cold, hard truth. and, I would say this if I was an Islanders fan. They were awful in two of the last three games, absolutely awful.

Thank you for your kind words. The threads were fun, and I'm glad you enjoyed them.

B, arc, beard, Seth, MAB and hoya (ok, Greg, too)...thanks for the occasional glove to the mush and facewashes; always fun and appreciate your (reluctant) rooting for us when it made sense to do so. Looking forward to the next half dozen or so years when our squads should be battling for Metro/East supremacy.

forwards is a bit dumbfounding but the Caps came out flying and the Isles were a bit shell shocked. Caps did what they needed to do in a game 7 at home.

In comment 12252831 pganut said:

Quote:

Thank you for your kind words. The threads were fun, and I'm glad you enjoyed them. B, arc, beard, Seth, MAB and hoya (ok, Greg, too)...thanks for the occasional glove to the mush and facewashes; always fun and appreciate your (reluctant) rooting for us when it made sense to do so. Looking forward to the next half dozen or so years when our squads should be battling for Metro/East supremacy.

yeah man I mean as a rival fan I can say your team was (if not overachieving at some points of the year) really impressively improved. The GM finally made some solid moves that everyone agreed were good ones. The team was solid.

I'm a little confused why your coach didn't make hardcore adjustments to change up the flow of this game. But that's probably a little black and white.

pganut... Well done all year, man.

NO WAY.

BTW, great season guys.

NO WAY.

BTW, great season guys.

NO WAY.

BTW, great season guys.

and looking forward to a promising future.

Well done all season pga. Your nuggets of info gave us great insight. Much appreciated.

We have a great core to build around. Still need to make a few more moves, but we're gonna be in the thick of it for the next several years.

I guess it's back to operating the crane at the gravel company for capuano

NO WAY.

BTW, great season guys.

the Islanders were playing as if they had a 2 goal lead for most of the first 2 periods. I'm not really angry about the loss even with the poor effort, we had a good season and there's better things to come, I'm just sad that there's no more Islanders hockey and that we're stuck talking about what went wrong in game 7 rather than getting pumped up for a series against the Rangers.

Thanks for the game threads this year PGA.

... Is there ANY way an Islander fan can root for NYR ?

In comment 12252969 tony stg said:

Quote:

... Is there ANY way an Islander fan can root for NYR ?

It's a means to an end, that's all. I'm hoping that the Caps get treated the same way they did when they played recklessly and targeted players with no enforcement by the officials (which I don't blame for the Isles' ouster but certainly was a factor). I lost a lot of respect for the Caps this series as quite a few of their hits would have been fineable/suspendable offenses during the regular season (example last night: Ovechkin's hit from behind - again! - on Hickey was as clear a boarding penalty as there is and should have been a misconduct). Since the disgust I maintain for the Caps based on this series is at its height, the lesser of two evils is having the Rangers give them a dose of their own medicine. Of course, I'll pull for whomever the Rangers play in the next round, but as I said...a means to an end.

much playoff experience outside of a few vets. The team played tight like you would expect of young guys playing in the biggest game of their lives. This experience will hopefully be lesson #1 - you play to win every game. You can't play not to make mistakes.

The other thing I noticed last night is that the physical play from Game 6 had much more of an impact on the Islanders. Several of the defensive zone turnovers and missed passes in the offensive zone came when guys were conscious of a hit coming, and tried to avoid that rather than focus on making the play and taking the hit. Part of that was nerves, part of that was knowing that the refs were not calling stuff so many of the hits were likely going to be illegal. Ovechkin's hit on Hickey was a prime example of them taking liberties when they knew they had free reign.

The other takeaway for this team is they need more size, particularly on defense. When the caps escalated from hard hitting to cheap hitting, there was no answer outside Boychuk and the 4th line. This team needs more of a physical presence to address those things. I don't root for guys to get injured, but somewhere in games 5, 6 and 7 either Ovechkin and/or Backstrom should have been run. I think the size difference, plus the fear of the caps power play stopped them from doing that.

It was a great season and the team is moving in the right direction. The emergence of Strome and Lee, and locking up Leddy and Boychuk have this team on the right path. I don't think Cappy is the guy to take them to the promised land but I also don't think he will be gone unless this team fails to win a playoff series again next year, which I really hope is not the case.

Lots to be positive about for next year. This is a marathon not a sprint.

and a look to the future.

1. i would say that they played a great defensive series on ovechkin. he did not do very much offensively. credit to the players and coaches for that.

2. caps scored 3 huge goals on plays where our guy was playing without a broken stick.

3. i cant say we win the series if Hamonic plays but he would have been a difference maker

4. 0-14 on the PP is just pathetic no matter how you look at it. The players will tell you its their fault for not executing. but blame has to go around the horn here.

5. we need another elite offensive player. we have a very solid group. of 15-20 goal scorers. either someone needs to step up and become that 30+ goal scorer or we need to acquire one.

6. Griffin Reinhart = Trade Bait

7. Jaro is a goalie that can win you playoff series. A lot of people questioned if that was the case. I think after this series, even in a loss, he proved that.

8. I doubt that Capuano gets fired. I more on the supportive side than some others here. I cant really explain why. maybe the fact that they got over 100 points this year. He had the balls to play 2 minor league defensemen. Took a huge risk and it paid off. I know some people hate him.

but as someone pointed out, that Flyers game, losing with 2 seconds left killed our playoffs. The last month of the regular season killed it and that falls on the coach. Al Arbour would have had these guys working their tails off, not letting them take nights off. Its a disgrace and we deserved better. On the flip side it will be a learning curve. We should win a playoff series next year and then the year after that hopefully win it all. Its not easy. I think Im done with hockey this year. I hate both the Caps and Rags. The Caps / Pens / Leafs are teams I hate and can join the Rags on that list. No sense in putting my self through toture of praying for the Rags to lose.
Its been a good season, fun season with everyone not named KW (just kidding) and look forward to next season and the additions coming in. If your name is Reinhart, Hickey, Frans, Grabner and Viz expect to be moved. Notice I did not put Bailey here as he seems to be a major piece to this team. However if putting him in a trade brings us in a sniper then Im all for it.

... I was just trying to make a joke at the 4 different posts above declaring that there is NO way an Islander fan can root for NYR. Sorry my lame attempt at humor backfired.

In comment 12253178 tony stg said:

Quote:

... I was just trying to make a joke at the 4 different posts above declaring that there is NO way an Islander fan can root for NYR. Sorry my lame attempt at humor backfired.

No worries...my Isles' sarcasm meter is busted after the disappointment from last night. On to brighter days, though.

I will miss the coliseum immensely. Just something about that place. My first game was in 1989 as a 14 year old. My final game was game 3 last weekend. And probably somewhere between 75-100 others in between. It's been a real pain getting there from NJ so I'll enjoy the fact that Barclay's will be much easier. But I'd prefer the coliseum. The fans mad that they're moving to Barclay's should be happy. Because if it wasn't Barclay's it would have probably been Kansas City. Or something like that.

... if I still lived in the North Potomac / G'burg / Rockville area where I spent a lot of my life I would offer to take you out for a beer after work today. Keep your chin up, my friend.

... I assume that the team name will still be Islanders even though it doesn't quite fit in Brooklyn (like Lakers in LA and Jazz in Utah)?

In comment 12253309 theold5j said:

Quote:

I will miss the coliseum immensely. Just something about that place. My first game was in 1989 as a 14 year old. My final game was game 3 last weekend. And probably somewhere between 75-100 others in between. It's been a real pain getting there from NJ so I'll enjoy the fact that Barclay's will be much easier. But I'd prefer the coliseum. The fans mad that they're moving to Barclay's should be happy. Because if it wasn't Barclay's it would have probably been Kansas City. Or something like that.

I have friends who are big Isles fans who insist that there's an "opt out" after like 2-3 years or something like that where the Isles can get out of the lease. Is this true or are these guys completely delusional?

I told them I was pretty sure this was not the case and they just went into "dude, you're wrong.. " defensive mode.

Come on down

In comment 12253326 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

In comment 12253309 theold5j said: Quote: I will miss the coliseum immensely. Just something about that place. My first game was in 1989 as a 14 year old. My final game was game 3 last weekend. And probably somewhere between 75-100 others in between. It's been a real pain getting there from NJ so I'll enjoy the fact that Barclay's will be much easier. But I'd prefer the coliseum. The fans mad that they're moving to Barclay's should be happy. Because if it wasn't Barclay's it would have probably been Kansas City. Or something like that. I have friends who are big Isles fans who insist that there's an "opt out" after like 2-3 years or something like that where the Isles can get out of the lease. Is this true or are these guys completely delusional? I told them I was pretty sure this was not the case and they just went into "dude, you're wrong.. " defensive mode.

I believe the rumor is the Barclays center can opt out of keeping them after 5yrs.

Bettman's thrown cold water on the idea of the Islanders potentially moving back, but he refused to comment on whether there is an opt-out. Some people have said that the opt-out would have to be mutual - the Isles couldn't leave Barclay's without the arena's approval. That may well be, but since the move to Barclay's always struck me as something done out of convenience than conviction, I wouldn't be surprised if this issue comes up in a few years. Barclay's isn't an ideal hockey arena and Brooklyn isn't an ideal location for the Islanders to play. It would make sense to have an escape plan if the circumstances in Nassau County were to change, because a new arena (or a significantly renovated Mausoleum, which Ratner apparently is going to do) would be a better situation for the Isles than Barclay's.

In comment 12253322 tony stg said:

Quote:

... I assume that the team name will still be Islanders even though it doesn't quite fit in Brooklyn (like Lakers in LA and Jazz in Utah)?

It fits fine. Brooklyn is on Long Island.

In comment 12253347 KWhite2250 said:

Quote:

In comment 12253326 arcarsenal said: Quote: In comment 12253309 theold5j said: Quote: I will miss the coliseum immensely. Just something about that place. My first game was in 1989 as a 14 year old. My final game was game 3 last weekend. And probably somewhere between 75-100 others in between. It's been a real pain getting there from NJ so I'll enjoy the fact that Barclay's will be much easier. But I'd prefer the coliseum. The fans mad that they're moving to Barclay's should be happy. Because if it wasn't Barclay's it would have probably been Kansas City. Or something like that. I have friends who are big Isles fans who insist that there's an "opt out" after like 2-3 years or something like that where the Isles can get out of the lease. Is this true or are these guys completely delusional? I told them I was pretty sure this was not the case and they just went into "dude, you're wrong.. " defensive mode. I believe the rumor is the Barclays center can opt out of keeping them after 5yrs.

Barclay's has an opt out after 5 years but it is doubtful they would use it. Bettman made it clear they are tired of Nassau and as LHH put it 'big fish in small ponds'.

on an excellent season - it was a hell of a lot of fun talking some shit with you guys. It was hard to root for you and against you last night - but i ultimately figured i'd be fine facing either team. Although, if you guys had advanced and beat the Rangers the fallout from that would have been completely ridiculous.

The Caps are trashbags pure and simple. Ovechkin gets away with so much garbage on those hits from behind I have to believe if it's anyone else they're penalized immediately. I'm sure they'll resort to their usual goonery and take runs at every Rangers player on the ice - most especially Lundqvist in net. And i'm not looking forward to seeing Boyle and Yandle get worked along the defensive boards. That'll be a tough matchup.

But I can't walk away from this season feeling optimistic. Last night I witnessed one of the poorest playoff performances, aka playoff chokes, in my sports life. Although the 1st round of the NHL playoffs can't be compared to the Super Bowl but last night was Fassel/Collins in SB35, it was Joe Torre starting Kevin Brown in game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. To me it compares to that in terms of overall performance, mentality, and coaching. This team played scared, timid, and unemotional. They were not prepared nor ready to play in that game. How could Jack motivate them or prepare them? He's doesn't know how. He didn't even know what a game 7 was about. It was embarrassing and nauseating to watch that team yesterday. To completely shit the bed in a game of this magnitude after the season they had is a step back. While the team made progress it was all erased by an abysmally played game. They were owned in every way. What we've seen this season is the peak of this team as it stands now. There is no way this team can get better. The roster is OK but what this team lacks can't be gained with adding more players. Yes, we could use bigger and more physical dmen, we could use a sniper and a God Damned center who can win a faceoff but what this team lacks comes 100% from coaching. It's the mentality,structure and leadership of a real NHL coach that this team needs, not a buddy. While this season could've been much worse, and it had many great moments it ended so badly(reference the 2003 Giants) that I can't help but feel pessimistic about next season. However, if they have balls and relieve this shmuck of his duties I will have hope. I just don't see that happening. The only way I see Capuano fired is if someone actually makes Garth do it. Basically, it has to be presented to him that it's either his players or the coach that is the problem.

That aside, I want to thank you guys for a great time. I really enjoy the comradery we have on here. Those of you who I met are really good guys and it's another aspect of what makes BBI a great place.

And finally did something about it. I don't blame Bettman at all. I blame nassau and mangano for not making sure they stayed

Dave I agree. The season was an improvement but still shit result. We wanted more but fucked it up. Capuano fucked it up.

I think the Blues might want to move in a different direction after getting knocked out in the first round

With the team young, good and moving into a major arena in a major city (which could attract FAs), any coach would be lucky to be here.

... I should have realized that Brooklyn is the west end of LI.

For as much fun as this season was, for me the realistic goal for this Islander team was to win a round in the playoffs and it simply was not reached. The talent was there but they didn't get it done and now I hope the organization does not take bows for essentially accomplishing nothing. I hope changes are made to get them to the next level and for me that starts with getting a new head coach. Unfortunately I have a feeling that will not happen.

smallest in the NHL? And there won't be any fans closer than the nosebleeds at one end of the ice?

For hamonic

In comment 12253352 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Bettman's thrown cold water on the idea of the Islanders potentially moving back, but he refused to comment on whether there is an opt-out. Some people have said that the opt-out would have to be mutual - the Isles couldn't leave Barclay's without the arena's approval. That may well be, but since the move to Barclay's always struck me as something done out of convenience than conviction, I wouldn't be surprised if this issue comes up in a few years. Barclay's isn't an ideal hockey arena and Brooklyn isn't an ideal location for the Islanders to play. It would make sense to have an escape plan if the circumstances in Nassau County were to change, because a new arena (or a significantly renovated Mausoleum, which Ratner apparently is going to do) would be a better situation for the Isles than Barclay's.

From people I know who are close to the situation and know a little about this... The NHL is not happy at all with Barclays setup for hockey. There apparently is a 5 year out clause in the deal which coincidentally is the time frame for the refurbishing of the Coliseum. The issue is going to be seating, as the current plan is to reduce capacity at the Old Barn. If Barclays doesn't adjust the arena to accommodate a hockey team I can see the Islanders moving back to Uniondale, but only if they can have enough seating to field an NHL team.

issue to me is the fans in Suffolk County. The Nassau fans can take the train to Barclays and it's not that terrible of a trip, but if you're in Suffolk that trip is a pain. Unless the LIRR starts running express trains from Suffolk to Brooklyn on game nights I can't imagine those fans are going to go to a game on a cold winter night during the work week. NOW... for the fans that already commute into Manhattan for work... they actually make out in the deal.

The league and the team don't want to stir up a lot of controversy with this, but I've never believed that any of them were ever particularly happy with Barclay's. The move happened because of the deficiencies of the Mausoleum, not because anything about Barclay's is ideal. If they can somehow get the old barn into good shape, why WOULDN'T they move back?

The coliseum renovations are going to reduce the seating capacity to 13,000. i don't think that meets NHL standards for an arena. Seriously. i think that would be a real problem if they ever wanted to get out of the Barclays deal and go back to nassau. It's more likely that they would have to build a new arena somewhere else.


In comment 12253699 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

The league and the team don't want to stir up a lot of controversy with this, but I've never believed that any of them were ever particularly happy with Barclay's. The move happened because of the deficiencies of the Mausoleum, not because anything about Barclay's is ideal. If they can somehow get the old barn into good shape, why WOULDN'T they move back?

makes money from the Islanders being tenants then it will be a tough out for us to move back. Unless of course the NHL pays Barclays a nice fee to get them out.

In comment 12253749 theold5j said:

Quote:

The coliseum renovations are going to reduce the seating capacity to 13,000. i don't think that meets NHL standards for an arena. Seriously. i think that would be a real problem if they ever wanted to get out of the Barclays deal and go back to nassau. It's more likely that they would have to build a new arena somewhere else. In comment 12253699 Greg from LI said: Quote: The league and the team don't want to stir up a lot of controversy with this, but I've never believed that any of them were ever particularly happy with Barclay's. The move happened because of the deficiencies of the Mausoleum, not because anything about Barclay's is ideal. If they can somehow get the old barn into good shape, why WOULDN'T they move back?

Yes... the seating is the issue but there's still time for that to change. The smallest seating capacity in the NHL is the MTS Center in Winnipeg which seats 15,004. I think they could probably come to an agreement for the same at the new Coliseum.

In comment 12253850 Fish said:

Quote:

makes money from the Islanders being tenants then it will be a tough out for us to move back. Unless of course the NHL pays Barclays a nice fee to get them out.

This is the big question. If Islander fans go to the games there then they'll have no reason to move back. If they decide to watch it from the comfort of their own couch they might decide it's not worth the risk.

that in less than 6 months this team is moving into an arena with hundreds of very obstructed view seats on the entire west end of the building. This in a facility that is only 3 years old. I have yet to hear of a plan that can correct this in any way. I know the alternative was Kansas City or Quebec but it seems like Brooklyn success is really behind the 8 ball.

In comment 12253377 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 12253322 tony stg said: Quote: ... I assume that the team name will still be Islanders even though it doesn't quite fit in Brooklyn (like Lakers in LA and Jazz in Utah)? It fits fine. Brooklyn is on Long Island.

what an odd map, why in the world does Amityville get highlighted on it?

.

no surgery required.


de Haan sprained AC joint... no surgery for him, either.

.

I just googled for 10 seconds and picked the first map to show the counties on LI.

Hamonic interview
hammer - ( New Window )

In comment 12253377 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 12253322 tony stg said: Quote: ... I assume that the team name will still be Islanders even though it doesn't quite fit in Brooklyn (like Lakers in LA and Jazz in Utah)? It fits fine. Brooklyn is on Long Island.

WTF is up with this map? Who ordered a map of Long Island and NYC and said "make sure you identify all counties except S.I., and also Flatbush, Forest Hills, Rockaway, Amityville, and the Hamptons -- nothing else"

That's a map for VERY specific needs.

Living in the DC region, Caps/DC fans are the scum of all fans, even beneath you folk (kidding lol).

A NY-NY series would have been GREAT for hockey in the NY region, it would have been as big as anything, to bad it's not now, but hopefully some year.

Thanks for calling me "the scum of all fans", I appreciate it.

Scum is a strong word. Vermin may be more appropriate ;-)

Ovechkin in handshake line. Can Weight suck him off anymore? What does Clutterbuck say that got bleeped?
Link - ( New Window )

Speaking of Weight. I read that he is not expected back next year. Anyone have anything else on this. I dont really care. What did he bring to the table anyway.


In comment 12255976 Dave M said:

Quote:

Ovechkin in handshake line. Can Weight suck him off anymore? What does Clutterbuck say that got bleeped? Link - ( New Window )