NFT: Kings at Islanders, 7pm Game Thread

hope to be there tonight - tickets on stubhub now are like $10

hence the thread going up early I think. Nice measuring stick here to see if we can beat a good Kings team.

2 points in any way possible. It doesn't matter if the Kings get 1, Isles just need 2. The Rangers are now 5 ahead, Pens 1 behind. So, get 2.

2-5 in their last 7. Important to come away with a win against a good hockey team tonight.

Side note: From February 19 to March 19, the Islanders have a ridiculous stretch of road action. 12 of their 14 games will be on the road, including a bunch against some very good hockey teams (Rangers, Boston, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Dallas, Tampa Bay... Minnesota as well, who is as strong as anyone on their home ice).

Toronto has the least amount of road points in the East with 24. The Islanders have 25. We've had a very good home ice advantage thus far this season, but it's important we use this upcoming stretch to develop a true killer instinct on the road.

As we all know, points are tremendously precious.

In comment 12810704 Mike in Long Beach said:

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2-5 in their last 7. Important to come away with a win against a good hockey team tonight. Side note: From February 19 to March 19, the Islanders have a ridiculous stretch of road action. 12 of their 14 games will be on the road, including a bunch against some very good hockey teams (Rangers, Boston, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Dallas, Tampa Bay... Minnesota as well, who is as strong as anyone on their home ice). Toronto has the least amount of road points in the East with 24. The Islanders have 25. We've had a very good home ice advantage thus far this season, but it's important we use this upcoming stretch to develop a true killer instinct on the road. As we all know, points are tremendously precious.

Without a doubt the most important stretch of the season.

Only 2 weeks until the trade deadline. Playing well against a good group of teams might spur Snow to make that final move to put them over top. Playing poorly might convince him to sell off Okposo, Nielsen and maybe Hamonic. I feel he will not do much, we will lose Okposo, trade Hamonic in off-season and maybe resign Nielsen and either barely make playoffs and get knocked out in 1st round or miss. They just don't seem to have the same spark as last year.

Isles get yet another back-up goalie.

...is he out with an injury? The Rangers would get the same break - plus they would get LA on the 2nd of back to back nights.

In comment 12810880 giantsfan227B said:

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Only 2 weeks until the trade deadline. Playing well against a good group of teams might spur Snow to make that final move to put them over top. Playing poorly might convince him to sell off Okposo, Nielsen and maybe Hamonic. I feel he will not do much, we will lose Okposo, trade Hamonic in off-season and maybe resign Nielsen and either barely make playoffs and get knocked out in 1st round or miss. They just don't seem to have the same spark as last year.

I was thinking about your latter point a little today. There's no doubt they don't have that transition game where they skate like bats out of hell and create chaos. At the same time, their defensive game has no doubt improved significantly.

It makes you wonder if the offense can improve without compromising the strides we've made in front of our own net. I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, but I think the coaching staff has put an extra emphasis on playing intelligently in our own zone, and they're trying to do other things to generate offense. It sort of works, sort of doesn't. We quietly had 46 shots the other night, but the word "quietly" is not to be lost there.

In comment 12810915 Mike in Long Beach said:

Quote:

In comment 12810880 giantsfan227B said: Quote: Only 2 weeks until the trade deadline. Playing well against a good group of teams might spur Snow to make that final move to put them over top. Playing poorly might convince him to sell off Okposo, Nielsen and maybe Hamonic. I feel he will not do much, we will lose Okposo, trade Hamonic in off-season and maybe resign Nielsen and either barely make playoffs and get knocked out in 1st round or miss. They just don't seem to have the same spark as last year. I was thinking about your latter point a little today. There's no doubt they don't have that transition game where they skate like bats out of hell and create chaos. At the same time, their defensive game has no doubt improved significantly. It makes you wonder if the offense can improve without compromising the strides we've made in front of our own net. I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, but I think the coaching staff has put an extra emphasis on playing intelligently in our own zone, and they're trying to do other things to generate offense. It sort of works, sort of doesn't. We quietly had 46 shots the other night, but the word "quietly" is not to be lost there.

The problem I have isn't the number of shots they generate, it's the quality ones.
Making a goalie work for 40 saves is one thing but it seems like they either try to hard for the corners and miss the net or shoot right at the logo.

In comment 12810880 giantsfan227B said:

Quote:

Only 2 weeks until the trade deadline. Playing well against a good group of teams might spur Snow to make that final move to put them over top. Playing poorly might convince him to sell off Okposo, Nielsen and maybe Hamonic. I feel he will not do much, we will lose Okposo, trade Hamonic in off-season and maybe resign Nielsen and either barely make playoffs and get knocked out in 1st round or miss. They just don't seem to have the same spark as last year.

I agree with you up to a certain extent. They have showed that spark but they are just way too inconsistent with it. To me, that falls back on the system and the coach. IMO, if the talent is there and they show at times they can do it then there first place to point the finger are the coaches. Of course we've known that for years!!!!!

Quote:

The problem I have isn't the number of shots they generate, it's the quality ones. Making a goalie work for 40 saves is one thing but it seems like they either try to hard for the corners and miss the net or shoot right at the logo.

That's why I truly meant "quietly." But that leads me to the question of whether or not our improved defensive play is come at the expense of our offense.

Not just trying to be positive, but I don't think that's the case. Our penalty kill has completely 180'd too, and that has nothing to do with being more cautious from an offensive perspective. You're never "trying" to score on the PK.

So that leads me to believe the two turnarounds aren't related, and there's an opportunity to bring that offensive fire back.

In comment 12810942 Mike in Long Beach said:

Quote:

Quote: The problem I have isn't the number of shots they generate, it's the quality ones. Making a goalie work for 40 saves is one thing but it seems like they either try to hard for the corners and miss the net or shoot right at the logo. That's why I truly meant "quietly." But that leads me to the question of whether or not our improved defensive play is come at the expense of our offense. Not just trying to be positive, but I don't think that's the case. Our penalty kill has completely 180'd too, and that has nothing to do with being more cautious from an offensive perspective. You're never "trying" to score on the PK. So that leads me to believe the two turnarounds aren't related, and there's an opportunity to bring that offensive fire back.

The biggest difference in pk that I've noticed is that they or so much more aggressive. Last season it seemed like they just sat back and collapsed giving up way too many shots. Plus I think they are playing Zeeker and CBuck a lot more on the pk which helps a lot. I remember reading articles at LHH last season where they openly asked why CBuck wasn't out there because he was so good in Minny on the pk. Jack knows best!

In comment 12810919 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

In comment 12810915 Mike in Long Beach said: Quote: In comment 12810880 giantsfan227B said: Quote: Only 2 weeks until the trade deadline. Playing well against a good group of teams might spur Snow to make that final move to put them over top. Playing poorly might convince him to sell off Okposo, Nielsen and maybe Hamonic. I feel he will not do much, we will lose Okposo, trade Hamonic in off-season and maybe resign Nielsen and either barely make playoffs and get knocked out in 1st round or miss. They just don't seem to have the same spark as last year. I was thinking about your latter point a little today. There's no doubt they don't have that transition game where they skate like bats out of hell and create chaos. At the same time, their defensive game has no doubt improved significantly. It makes you wonder if the offense can improve without compromising the strides we've made in front of our own net. I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, but I think the coaching staff has put an extra emphasis on playing intelligently in our own zone, and they're trying to do other things to generate offense. It sort of works, sort of doesn't. We quietly had 46 shots the other night, but the word "quietly" is not to be lost there. The problem I have isn't the number of shots they generate, it's the quality ones. Making a goalie work for 40 saves is one thing but it seems like they either try to hard for the corners and miss the net or shoot right at the logo.

Columbus's goalie stood on his head the last game. The Islanders had many good scoring chances that just did not go in the net. They got their 2 points anyway so just move on. Just win, do not care if it is 2-1 or 6-5.

In comment 12810998 The 12th Man said:

Quote:

In comment 12810919 JayBinQueens said: Quote: In comment 12810915 Mike in Long Beach said: Quote: In comment 12810880 giantsfan227B said: Quote: Only 2 weeks until the trade deadline. Playing well against a good group of teams might spur Snow to make that final move to put them over top. Playing poorly might convince him to sell off Okposo, Nielsen and maybe Hamonic. I feel he will not do much, we will lose Okposo, trade Hamonic in off-season and maybe resign Nielsen and either barely make playoffs and get knocked out in 1st round or miss. They just don't seem to have the same spark as last year. I was thinking about your latter point a little today. There's no doubt they don't have that transition game where they skate like bats out of hell and create chaos. At the same time, their defensive game has no doubt improved significantly. It makes you wonder if the offense can improve without compromising the strides we've made in front of our own net. I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, but I think the coaching staff has put an extra emphasis on playing intelligently in our own zone, and they're trying to do other things to generate offense. It sort of works, sort of doesn't. We quietly had 46 shots the other night, but the word "quietly" is not to be lost there. The problem I have isn't the number of shots they generate, it's the quality ones. Making a goalie work for 40 saves is one thing but it seems like they either try to hard for the corners and miss the net or shoot right at the logo. Columbus's goalie stood on his head the last game. The Islanders had many good scoring chances that just did not go in the net. They got their 2 points anyway so just move on. Just win, do not care if it is 2-1 or 6-5.

Agreed - he played really well. My comment was more as a general statement on the season so far

Al Arbour get more out of this current team?

One thing o have been consistent on is the just wide passes or bouncing pucks that minimize their chances. Happens a lot with them. Is it talent or thinking too much or just bad luck?

In comment 12811138 Fish said:

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Al Arbour get more out of this current team? One thing o have been consistent on is the just wide passes or bouncing pucks that minimize their chances. Happens a lot with them. Is it talent or thinking too much or just bad luck?

I think the team as a whole suffers from paralysis by analysis, coaches and players alike. Sports at the professional level have to be technical in practice. That's when you develop muscle memory and become a sound hockey player.

But in the game? Go out there and play and trust yourself. I don't think they do that enough.

Not trusting themselves. Most obvious evidence is the continued practice of making that one extra pass that often removes a quality scoring opportunity. How long have we been calling that out? Two years, probably 3 if memory serves. And far too often instances of holding the stick too tight.

I agree; it they'd just go out and let it rip once in a while instead of trying to be technically perfect, we may see different results. Yes, it's a business event to win a game from an opponent, but it'd be great to see them smile every now and then out there. Play loose, but responsible.

In comment 12811288 pganut said:

Quote:

Not trusting themselves. Most obvious evidence is the continued practice of making that one extra pass that often removes a quality scoring opportunity. How long have we been calling that out? Two years, probably 3 if memory serves. And far too often instances of holding the stick too tight. I agree; it they'd just go out and let it rip once in a while instead of trying to be technically perfect, we may see different results. Yes, it's a business event to win a game from an opponent, but it'd be great to see them smile every now and then out there. Play loose, but responsible.

Spot on, yep. For 2-3 months last year they played loose and had fun. Then the reality of how good they were started settling in.

Should point out in rags thread everytime the starting goalie doesnt play

In comment 12811322 KWhite2250 said:

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Should point out in rags thread everytime the starting goalie doesnt play

Haha, it's narrative arcarsenal correctly pointed out last season, and they've stuck with it despite it not really being a relevant talking point this year.

They're schmuckos, and are particularly salty about this one because it probably means Quick will be in net tomorrow, assuming he's healed from that colision.

then out as I have my Council meeting tonight. Will be checking during breaks in meeting to see how our boys are doing. Go Isles!

troll on Rags thread if they get to face a back up goalie that is tired on the second end of a back to back, or... god forbid... a third goalie?

Tough game tonight regardless of who is in goal. The recent lack of success against playoff teams has surely been noted by the team and we'll see how they respond.

Aside from starting Strait again (although it's sort of understandable tonight given how Zid was crushed last time vs this team), I'll complain about Cap starting Greiss tonight. Greiss gives us a fine chance to win, but Halak played good last time and I'd like to get him into a strong rhythm and he's going to need consecutive starts to do that.

Follow the link below to the Seattle Thunderbirds website. From there, go to the game highlights of Tuesday's 6-0 win against Kelowna. Mat Barzal had a beautiful hat trick. For those not wanting to watch all of the 7 minutes, Barzal's goals are at the 2:07 mark, 5:06 (channeling his inner Fransie roofing a backhander on a breakaway) and 5:33...sick vision, nasty hands.
T'birds website - ( New Window )

Shhh..it's the same guy tonight who beat us, 2-1 in LA earlier in the season. Because we play so well against backups. I remember Domingue of AZ shutting us out. It's a tired narrative, but if it helps anyone sleep better at night, more power to them.

I'm torn, but you're making a lot of sense and I'm inclined to agree with you. Halak needs to get in a rhythm... and I know this is gonna put the wammy on it, but Greiss never really has bad games.

I was discussing with a friend this morning how Michol Neuvirth and Chad Johnson combined to go 9-11 with a GAA over 3 and a SV% under 900.

Could you imagine where we'd be this year if Greiss had similar "success?" If you choose to look at it that way, you could argue Greiss has been the most important player on the Islanders this year.

has been a big part of keeping this team above water this year. Impossible to deny that. I don't think starting him really hurts our chances to win tonight. But, I think we all agree that we're likely going to need Halak to be in peak form (i.e., 2015 playoff form) in order for us to make a run in the postseason.

FWIW, Neuvirth has actually been good this year.

In comment 12811368 Metnut said:

Quote:

has been a big part of keeping this team above water this year. Impossible to deny that. I don't think starting him really hurts our chances to win tonight. But, I think we all agree that we're likely going to need Halak to be in peak form (i.e., 2015 playoff form) in order for us to make a run in the postseason. FWIW, Neuvirth has actually been good this year.

And Johnson has not been bad either. .918 2.44

I think it's because this is the first year Capuano is utilizing the backup goalie properly.

The mental midget under-used Johnson, especially. You can't expect to throw these guys in every 3 weeks and expect production.

Should have gotten the nod tonight. A back to back game against the Kings is a solid example that it's playoff time. We need the number 1 goalie rolling. But if Greiss is a number 1 now then flip flop them the rest of the way

Shannon has the hots for DP. She gets all uncomfortable around him.

Isles vs kings these teams are similar with edge to kings

JT vs kopitar
Toffoli vs Brock I guess
Doughty vs boychuk
Lucic vs ????
Quick over Halak Or Greiss

Goal. Nice .

In comment 12811449 Fish said:

Quote:

Goal. Nice .

love the moves by JT to set up that goal.. just the space they have to give him ALONE helps him set up these goals.

One timer Johnny!

That was a screamer...went in and out so fast I wasn't even sure he scored. Frickin' laser.

In comment 12811450 feelflows said:

Quote:

In comment 12811449 Fish said: Quote: Goal. Nice . love the moves by JT to set up that goal.. just the space they have to give him ALONE helps him set up these goals.

Just like that Hammer goal. Couple weeks back where JT spun and created along the right boards, got the attention of 3 players and slid it to Hamonic for the one timer goal.

We need a decisive move there. He looked surprised he had no one in his way, so he was super nice in handing the puck to Enroth.

Let's go up 2

This team looks like it can hang well with the big boys. Caps, Kings etc

skates, he creates opportunities and draws penalties.. he's just inconsistent.

He had an open net hit the defenseman' stick or it was 2-0

EVERY PP they have, they find Ovechkin for at least one open shot.. Weight has yet to grasp that maybe they should create plays to get players like Boychuk/Leddy and other snipers OPEN for a shot on PP, instead of just trying for "open net" plays.

More hard work pays off.

With the juicy rebound

He needed that been a long time coming.

Enroth is giving up ridiculous rebounds. Shoot, shoot, shoot and shoot some more.

Needs that back. Bury that

Another PP

PPG yes yes yes

I think tipped by Ders, but who cares. Loving this so far.

3-0!!!!!!!!

To Brooklyn Kings

HI DOUGIE!!!!!

In comment 12811492 feelflows said:

Quote:

HI DOUGIE!!!!!

Lol. Good call

Starting to pick up his game scoring on the PP.

dominated the period, yet in the last couple of minutes it could've been 3-2... YUGE save by Greis on the PP, and then the post.. phew.

That was an unexpected result for that period. Need to keep pressing play; Kings got a little mo (shorthanded, even) when we laid back. Sutter will ream them at intermission, and I expect them to come out angry. Isles need to be ready, and need to take advantage of any overaggressiveness by the Kings. Good job, just keep it going.

needs to keep off of the hot dogs and Coke.

....Hrudey?

In comment 12811524 pganut said:

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....Hrudey?

I retract Hrudey and will go with Mathieu Schneider.

Against the Kings. They don't need our help trying to get back into this game.

The Kings were 7 for 12 on the PP in their last 3 games heading into tonight.

BUT...not at all happy with the defensive gap control; Kings getting a lot of room on their break-ins. Can't rely on Greiss saving them every time. Tighten up.

This feels like a typical 3 goal lead isles game. Hope im wrong

O Captain, my captain.

Strait with the Apple

put the girl to sleep, and there was no rush because of the lead haha

Nice still up 3

I didn't realize how lagged I was.. caught up now, I think...58 seconds left in 2nd

By JT. After that weak goal for LA I was nervous

They stopped like period was over

spilled..h20...on..my...keyboard...I'm..not..typing...like..this...all..night...later...boys

1 to go. How did they look in the 2nd overall?

Kings came out more spirited as expected over the first half of the period, Isles rode it out and created chances of their own. Weak goal LA that A) probably should have been blown dead, and B) Greiss was indecisive on and probably should have saved. But JT got it right back. A little sloppy the last minute of the 2nd, but again, overall good. They outshot the Kings again in the 2nd, and mustered many more hits than in the first.

Gotta buckle down here in the 3rd. Kings will play desperate.

Get a Goal here look out

In comment 12811573 Fish said:

Quote:

Get a Goal here look out

If KO wasn't lazy on his shift, he wouldn't have hurt his team by taking a stupid penalty.

About KO

Kule with a sweet play.

By Lucic this time.

Bad puck management by the offense in the LA zone; Brock passed to a bad area instead of his teammates along the blue line.

Looch sorta kicked it in, but I think it stands.

Your hats boys

Doughty just jousted and punches Strome, no call.

Our boys are growing up. Becoming veterans right before our eyes. They have gained great experience through the years and getting where we need them to be.

.

Down 2, on a PP.

So Kulie's stick was broken, but on a slash by Doughty. They're letting him in particular get away with a lot.

And we get penalized

Hammer

SHG ENG...we'll take it!

To go on a little 6-7 game win streak

Huge win.

Strome and Lee and Brock with good games. Grabbo and Kule and Zeeker all good.
Only poor game goes to Okposo tonight. BAiley was meh.

On to the canes who we have issues with. Trap game.

Love it,

Nice win against a quality team

But otherwise, a very, very nice win against a very good team.

Isles close out the Western Conference very nicely at Barclays, finishing 12-0-2 against the West (and wouldn't you know my shit luck was to have come up for one of the stinkin' OTLs).

I will give credit to Strait, who has now played two solid games in a row.

Fun fact from the Isles Twitter: with his goal tonight against LA, JT has now scored a goal against every NHL team.

Stars: 3. Boychuk, 2. Zeeker, 1. JT

world class. Wow

Nice win everyone.

Quote:

Isles close out the Western Conference very nicely at Barclays, finishing 12-0-2 against the West (and wouldn't you know my shit luck was to have come up for one of the stinkin' OTLs).

I was there with ya, bud. And for the other OTL (Chicago on opening night).

after during the post game? What was up his ass?

...his not wanting the boys getting too high after wins nor too low after losses. He seems to point out the good in losses to make sure everyone stays even keel, so I guess he compensates by not letting any heads get swell in victories. He's Simple Jack, after all, so I don't think we need to read much into it beyond that. This is a huge grind to the finish with games pretty much every other day, so I think he wants to keep them focused.

That said, it really was a good win, handling a top team as they did yesterday.

First time at the Barclays, hoping for some revenge against the Wings.

In comment 12811765 Gutless Puke said:

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after during the post game? What was up his ass?

By the time I got home from the game I missed it but they were talking about it on Hockey Night Live and they were confused because they thought it was one of the more solid games the Isles have played all year.

I've never seen a player get booed as often as Strait. Even when they announced his name on the secondary assist for JT's goal he was getting booed lol.

looks like the good guys have been "corsi"ing the fuck out of teams lately.

Brian Strait led the Isles with a +7 5-on-5 Corsi rating; Strait also had a club-leading 61% Corsi For percentage.

In comment 12811937 Mike in Long Beach said:

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Brian Strait led the Isles with a +7 5-on-5 Corsi rating; Strait also had a club-leading 61% Corsi For percentage.

If Brian Strait actually becomes good what I can badger Arthur Staple about on twitter?

All kidding aside, he's looked solid the past few games. It's nice to know some numbers are supporting that.

was speaking about a couple of players who did not play well. Namely Okposo.

Also, Strome, Lee and Nelson seem to be coming into their own and these kids are key for us. As I said in another convo, these kids have played against every team in the NHL and have a good idea about the game now. Its time for them to rise above.

In comment 12811977 Fish said:

Quote:

was speaking about a couple of players who did not play well. Namely Okposo. Also, Strome, Lee and Nelson seem to be coming into their own and these kids are key for us. As I said in another convo, these kids have played against every team in the NHL and have a good idea about the game now. Its time for them to rise above.

I thought he was speaking of Nelson. I thought he had a very poor game, very weak on the puck.

be opposed to moving Nelson off of C and onto the wing.

you can change a thing right now.

In comment 12812017 Fish said:

Quote:

you can change a thing right now.

Does this include personnel moves?

a very hard question. When playing well then why change. A this moment Im seeing a good team playing well. However if Okposo gets moved for argument sake then that could hurt them more than help depending on who we get in return. With that being said, Snow moved Moulson but the team was no where near what it is right now.

use for hockey rumores/trade deadline stuff

In comment 12812068 Fish said:

Quote:

a very hard question. When playing well then why change. A this moment Im seeing a good team playing well. However if Okposo gets moved for argument sake then that could hurt them more than help depending on who we get in return. With that being said, Snow moved Moulson but the team was no where near what it is right now.

This is a weird time. We're playing our best hockey of the year as far as all the fun measurables go. To go along with that, we've been picking up some points... 7-3-1 over the last 11. But that's 11 out of 53 games. Makes you wonder who this team really is. If they really are this team, then I'd stand pat, but I'm also weary of Snow and co. getting a false sense of security and then we're undermanned and exiting early yet again.

The twitter feeds of Darren Dreger, Elliotte Friedman and Bob McKenzie are good to scan. Also, for pure trade rumors, Spectors Trade Rumors is a good site; Lyle has done a great job there for many years.
Spectors Hockey - Rumors - ( New Window )

His giveaway leading to the first goals was a vaginal blood queef.

In comment 12812104 pganut said:

Quote:

His giveaway leading to the first goals was a vaginal blood queef.

He's had 2 straight crappy games now. I agreed with Butchy on that Columbus 2-on-1. de Haan needed to either play the puck-handler and force him to deliver a pass under pressure, or cover the other guy and let Halak cut down the angle on the puck-handler.

Instead he was totally caught in no-man's land and Halak was done for.

In the CBJ game, all he had to do was lay down to cut off the pass, as Atkinson was angled off...he'd have been forced to shoot high and wide, or if he passed, he'd have had to saucer it from a bad angle and lift it over CDH, which would have been low percentage. Really bad positioning and decision. However, other than those two brain farts, CDH has played very well this season. But these are the mistakes Cappy is harping on that need to be eliminated, and he's right.

Here is a fun question.. God help me for asking it...

If the Islanders were to win The Cup, would the parade be in:

- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Long Island

?

In comment 12812149 Mike in Long Beach said:

Quote:

Here is a fun question.. God help me for asking it... If the Islanders were to win The Cup, would the parade be in: - Manhattan - Brooklyn - Long Island ?

Yes!
Yes!
Yes!

In comment 12812075 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

use for hockey rumores/trade deadline stuff

Here is one:"In addition to Winnipeg’s Ben Chiarot, another defenseman the Hawks might make a move on is the Islanders’ Brian Strait. Definitely seems the profile they are looking for on D is steady, low maintenance, 4-6 quality depth."
I would be 100 percent in for moving Strait of course. But it would be weird watching a schlub like Strait have his name on the Stanley Cup.

Link - ( New Window )

In comment 12812199 marbles said:

Quote:

In comment 12812075 JayBinQueens said: Quote: use for hockey rumores/trade deadline stuff Here is one:"In addition to Winnipeg’s Ben Chiarot, another defenseman the Hawks might make a move on is the Islanders’ Brian Strait. Definitely seems the profile they are looking for on D is steady, low maintenance, 4-6 quality depth." I would be 100 percent in for moving Strait of course. But it would be weird watching a schlub like Strait have his name on the Stanley Cup. Link - ( New Window )

What would we get in return - I'm thinking a bag of pucks?

Being part of Cappy's New England mafia and all, if he was flipped, I'd assume something like a 4th round pick. Anything else would be larceny. (I know, I'm being critical...he definitely has played well - mostly - his past couple of games)

Spector rumor mill. How would Hartnell that POS look in an Islander uniform. He would gives us more size and grit for teams like the Caps.

In comment 12812217 Fish said:

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Spector rumor mill. How would Hartnell that POS look in an Islander uniform. He would gives us more size and grit for teams like the Caps.

He's actually the perfect type of player for us, as much as I hate to admit it.

In comment 12812239 Mike in Long Beach said:

Quote:

In comment 12812217 Fish said: Quote: Spector rumor mill. How would Hartnell that POS look in an Islander uniform. He would gives us more size and grit for teams like the Caps. He's actually the perfect type of player for us, as much as I hate to admit it.

What would you pay for him?

But at his age, I probably wouldn't do much.

Bailey and a 2nd rounder might make sense for them. Bailey has certainly had his moments in the league. He's very cheap, even for his inconsistent play, and a good 7 years younger.

They shed some salary, get younger, and pick up a draft pick.

Bailey and a 2nd would be fine. Bailey would be crushed right? Its business though.

Bailey straight up works given Bailey's age, term and friendly deal. A 2nd rounder also seems rich for Hartnell. If a pick has to be involved at all to make it work, a 3rd would seem fair.

In comment 12812278 Fish said:

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Bailey and a 2nd would be fine. Bailey would be crushed right? Its business though.

He'd be crushed. In a perfect world he'd be lighting up the lamp this year and we could keep him. We still might. But we've needed more from him. As you may or may not know, I've been a big Bailey supporter for a long time.

His career high was 41. He had 38 the year before that. So he's right where he normally is, but I think we've all "dealt" with that in anticipation that something would click and we'd get a 60 point season.

Way too many stupid penalties. One of the great things about Marts and Clutter is that they seem to know when to be disciplined for the most part. Who knows? Maybe the guiding hand of Jack could corral Hartnell. I would definitely love to see a guy who fits Hartnell's mold be acquired in place of Bailey. I'd really like a guy like Brouwer who I know is not available but someone like that. Maybe Kuley can turn it up a notch or 2.

In comment 12812622 Dave M said:

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Way too many stupid penalties. One of the great things about Marts and Clutter is that they seem to know when to be disciplined for the most part. Who knows? Maybe the guiding hand of Jack could corral Hartnell. I would definitely love to see a guy who fits Hartnell's mold be acquired in place of Bailey. I'd really like a guy like Brouwer who I know is not available but someone like that. Maybe Kuley can turn it up a notch or 2.

Not only does he take stupid penalties, he is scheduled to make 5M, 4.5M and 3M over the next 3 seasons after this. He is 33 now. His production is decent but as he gets older I doubt he will keep that up and we will be paying for a statue on skates.

Suggests Isles "have zero interest" in a Hammer for Trouba trade this season or even over the summer. Trouba's salary demands are too high, and more importantly, Trouba's agent was behind the RFA holdouts of Dubinsky, Turris and Johansen.

Dallas isn't close to Winnipeg, but Jim Nill has said Val Nichushkin is on the table for the right deal. I'd sport wood if we could get him.

In comment 12812861 pganut said:

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Suggests Isles "have zero interest" in a Hammer for Trouba trade this season or even over the summer. Trouba's salary demands are too high, and more importantly, Trouba's agent was behind the RFA holdouts of Dubinsky, Turris and Johansen. Dallas isn't close to Winnipeg, but Jim Nill has said Val Nichushkin is on the table for the right deal. I'd sport wood if we could get him.

If hammer doesn't go near home, he's staying. He loves this team.

This team cannot afford to lose Hammer. He's as important as Boychuk

I think if it doesn't happen with WPG, EDM or CGY, they don't do it... unless they get blown away with an offer, of course

I've been saying Hamonic isn't going anywhere this season. In fact, I hope his personal issues at home can somehow rectify themselves and he's here the duration of his contract. As I mentioned, he's playing the best hockey of his career right now, and he's definitely an indispensable part of this team.

Another reason why we are playing well.

In comment 12813156 pganut said:

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I've been saying Hamonic isn't going anywhere this season. In fact, I hope his personal issues at home can somehow rectify themselves and he's here the duration of his contract. As I mentioned, he's playing the best hockey of his career right now, and he's definitely an indispensable part of this team.

From your mouth to Gods ears

What's a realistic cost?

In comment 12813457 Dave M said:

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What's a realistic cost?

Good questions. I would think 2nd Rd pick and top 5 prospect. Pick goes to a first if he signs here.

I don't think we can entertain that. We are going to need to revisit JT's contract soon. I'm not interested in giving up Barzal or MDC plus a pick for a rental, if that's what it will take.