Just two weeks ago, the Islanders had lost seven straight games to fall to 13th in the Eastern Conference, and the buzzard scouts were hovering over the carcass in anticipation of picking the bones of a team that clearly was destined to be a seller at Tuesday’s NHL trade deadline. Six straight wins later, the Isles are hovering on the playoff bubble, still in ninth place but only one point out of a sixth-place tie.
So, what will Islanders general manager Garth Snow do come 3 p.m. Tuesday? Is he a buyer or a seller?
“Neither,” Snow said after returning from the recent league GM meetings. “I’m a builder.”
With a laugh, Snow said he got that line from a more seasoned GM who told him to say that if he didn’t know what the heck he was going to do at the deadline. But there’s truth in jest, and the line perfectly captures Snow’s position.
A year ago at this time, the Islanders were in the middle of a tremendous February playoff push that had carried them solidly into sixth place and had them thinking about gaining home-ice advantage in the playoffs. When the opportunity arose to pluck Ryan Smyth from Edmonton in the final hours before the deadline, Snow sacrificed his first-round pick and two former first-round prospects to make the biggest blockbuster deal of the day. It turned out to be a 24-game rental including the Isles’ first-round playoff loss.
That type of move won’t happen this year. Snow is committed to keeping the Islanders’ first-round pick in a very deep draft this June, and generally speaking, the top prospects who remain in the organization are ones he declined to part with last year.
But that doesn’t mean Snow won’t make some noise at the deadline this year. With forwards Miroslav Satan, Mike Comrie, Ruslan Fedotenko, Trent Hunter, Josef Vasicek and Chris Simon all in the final year of their contracts, he’s certain to receive some attractive offers, and if there’s a chance to add a first-round pick and a useful player in exchange, he could sell.
At the same time, Snow has managed his salary cap so that the Islanders have plenty of room to take a big-ticket player. If he finds a trading partner who needs that salary flexibility and will take one of his pending free agents in return rather than picks and prospects, Snow could end up as a buyer.
Although the Islanders’ winning streak has placed them solidly back in the playoff picture, it hasn’t altered the principles on which Snow’s approach to the trade deadline is based. He’s a builder.
“It’s weird,” Snow said. “A six-game winning streak changes a lot for us in some ways. But what I’m focused on is how we’re going to build a team that can win the Stanley Cup someday on Long Island. When you focus on that, the extraneous variables fall by the wayside. They get eliminated from your thought process. My only focus is on what’s best for the organization for the long haul.”
In the third season under the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement, many top contenders find themselves bumping up against the salary cap and forced to act accordingly. That’s why Anaheim couldn’t match Edmonton’s offer sheet to Dustin Penner last summer and had to trade Andy McDonald to St. Louis this season. To Snow, his cap space should be valued as a trade asset in the same fashion as draft picks and top prospects, but many old-line GMs might have trouble accepting an approach that has become standard procedure in the NBA.
“I firmly believe that, if you want my cap space, you better give me a good asset for it,” Snow said. “We’ve managed our cap in a pretty good manner, and if somebody wants some of it, there’s a price to pay for it. It does have a value…It is a new system. Who says I’m right? Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s what I believe.”
Snow can’t comment on players who belong to other teams, but if you apply his logic to some of the trade rumors out there, it hints at how his strategy might unfold. The Isles need a top-line center, and Tampa Bay’s Brad Richards, who carries a price tag just under $8 million per season is rumored to be available. Richards is widely regarded as overpriced at that salary, but he would be attractive if the cost doesn’t include top draft picks and key prospects. Another overpriced player linked in rumors to the Islanders is Toronto defenseman Bryan McCabe, who has a no-trade clause. The Leafs have been desperate to unload him for more than a year. Are they willing to pay a price to do it? That remains to be seen, but it might take the Leafs' first-round pick to get the job done.
What can’t be overlooked is that the Islanders’ cap space remains a valuable asset to them, too, when it comes to making moves in the free agent market this summer. There might not be as many big-time free agents available because so many have signed long-term extensions already, but Snow is in position to compete for those who are unsigned and he won’t sacrifice his own flexibility lightly.
In that regard, the Islanders’ pending free agents would do well to study how Snow handled last season’s free agents. He made what he believed were fair offers to Ryan Smyth, Jason Blake, Tom Poti and Viktor Kozlov and didn’t negotiate up. Smyth took less money to return to the Western Conference, and while Blake received twice as much as the Islanders offered, his contract now is regarded in Toronto as an albatross. Poti and Kozlov got slightly more money, but their performances haven’t justified anything beyond the numbers Snow offered.
Asked about the progress of negotiations with his pending free agents this season, Snow said, “We’ve made offers. That’s as far as I’ll go.”
Obviously, Snow has a price and a role designated for his pending free agents. It’s up to them to decide whether they fit in the Islanders’ scheme. If they’re not signed by Tuesday, they certainly could be vulnerable to a trade. The exception is Satan, who has a no-trade clause, but he’s hot now and is bound to attract the most interest as a proven 30-goal scorer. One rumored destination is Dallas, but Satan, who has built a home on Long Island, would have to agree to any deal. Snow declined comment on the offers he has received.
Hunter, Fedotenko and Vasicek all have value to the Islanders, but all went through prolonged scoring droughts until they were put together on the same line. Now, they are performing exceptionally well, but where do they fit in the big picture for the future? That might be determined in the next few days.
If Snow has decided he’s a builder right now, then, he could go any number of directions in managing his assets. What will he do? “Whatever is in the best interest of the organization to build a Stanley Cup champion,” Snow said. “We’re not going to mortgage our future to try to get a quick fix. That’s why it’s going to be exciting. You never know what’s going to happen.”
ISLANDERS INSIDER LINK: Starting today, the lead item for the online-only Islanders Insider will be posted on the Islanders Beat blog. To make it easier for readers of the blog to access Insider, which is posted elsewhere on Newsday’s main sports web site, I will add a link to the full Insider once it is posted every Friday morning. For the rest of today’s Insider, including comments from Ted Nolan and Miro Satan on the trade deadline, please click here.
Comments (69)
"Tambellini was sent down to make room for Chris Simon". That my friends just about sums up the way we're going. We sacrifice a young players ice time to put an over the hill, non producing, past due date goon back into the lineup. Shame on The Bobbleheads. Another year end move helping cement our destiny for a poorer than necessary draft pick. At this stage, we might as well consider keeping Silly, Miro, Comrie and anyone else who would have given us prospects and draft picks. Let's get Simon back on the PP.
This team confuses me continously! I wrote them off about a month ago; still keeping tabs with Center Ice. Then when all was bleak I thought it was over. BOOM! They are right back in this thing. This team is like a cut above the eye; it bothers you; your eye swells shut. Then all of a sudden it heals. Oh, h*** I love this freakin team! The Caps game was like a heartattack I thought I was dead then the defibrulator revived me ; thanks Verizon Center Dewars Bar.. This team is fun! I can't put them down. Here goes a shot for 8th! Snow DO WHAT YOU THINK in the article. Sell a little; do not buy unless Toronto dumps you McCabe for a CHEAP pick 5th round. No trading of kids, including Tambs!
I gotta give Steady a YEA for his devotion alone.
Thoughts from Candyland...
- It was great having Simon back last night--he really energized the lineup and I could just see the fear lurking in the Lightning players' eyes as soon as he stepped onto the rink. He was effective all night long on the forecheck, and his grit and determination along the boards created numerous chances for his linemates. All violent outbursts aside, I can finally see why Nolan wanted him back in the lineup--it was a pure hockey decision.
- As Vinny L hit the post with a few minutes left, Howie Rose remarked something like "and how lucky have the Isles been with all these posts!!" Fair point Howie, but that's not something you want to be screaming in DP's ear. And that's exactly what happened last night. During the last TV timeout, they showed 3rd period highlights on the jumptron, and there we had Howie screaming about how lucky DP was.
As a goaltender over my entire career, I can tell you a player hitting the post is not always luck. I mean, as a goaltender it's your job to play the angle and have the net covered. I wasn't aware that you also had to have the posts covered as well. Take Vinny's shot--an inch to the right and it's probably labeled for the corner, yet also labeled for DP's glove. Or Ovechkin's shot in OT 2 nights ago--he shot it from the left side of DP and it hit the outside of the post. Had it been on net it'd probably hit DP. Not all posts are like this (Ovechkin's shootout attempt was just a boneheaded miss on an empty net).
- Comeau is wasting away on the 4th line. I don't know how much better he could have been playing, and to reward his efforts he was bannished to the 4th line while Andy "stonehands" Hilbert gets to skate on the 1st line. Can it be any more obvious that Hilbert should be on the 4th, while Comeau should be moved up to the 1st? Wake up Ted.
-As I have been advocating, Guerin is absolutely killing the PP. I've never seen a guy stand around so much and constantly miss the very few chances he gets. He is now Mr. Blindpass as well, and I counted 4 turnovers on Isles' PPs last night. Although I liked how Nolan finally listened to us and put the Vas-Tank-Hunt line out there together on the PP, Comeau should receive some PP time--he's earned it.
-MAB has quietly been doing a solid job on D. FMIV has emerged has a top-4 defender...wow. There is nothing else that can be said of the play of Radek Martinek.
-Buy or Sell? At this point, Garth has huge leverage. With the Isles back in the playoff picture, he should now only accept an offer he can't refuse. The price on all the Isles' UFAs just skyrocketed.
Not to nitpick, but you stted all games in winning streak were one goal games.Not so. On Feb 16, the Islanders beat Atlanta 4-1.But keep up the great work in covering the Islanders.
Will someone please fire the guys who prepare the ice surface at the NVMC. I have never seen a puck bounce like it has on this ice. You can't get any flow going with ice like that. Has anyone else noticed it?
I forget who commented on Nolan's ties but last night I looked and that tie was down around his knees. Someone better tell him to stop buying those ties from the "Big & Tall" store.
From previous thread
Posted by 19 ISLE in NJ 22 | February 22, 2008 08:53
We have 8 AYE's with only a portion of precints reporting.
I believe that Steady just made another prediction ... Simon going to not just get us a goal ... but a Big Goal!!!
We don't know which game ... but we do know what a Big Goal is.
Update ... make that 9 AYE's .... 2 more for ratification.
Coral .... from looking at NVMC ice on TV it doesn't look that great .... but back in I think early January .. I was talking to a coach from a team from LI at our home rink .. and he said that our ice here was better than NVMC ... and that isn't too good ... cause the joke at our rink is that the ice is made from high mineral well water .... because your skates go dull after 1 game.
I agree with regards to Comeau's ice time, what a waste putting him on the 4th line. I also agree and think he would look good on the top line.
Watch the highlights of last nights game and we hit three goal post's as well.
Candyman is dead-on about Howie Rose's idiotic comments about the post....as another ex-goaltender, I was always taught that if the puck got past you the worst sound you could hear is nothing (aka, puck hitting twine). I never pretended to know whether posts were hit due to a bad play by the shooter or the fact that it was all I gave the guy to shoot at, but either way the goaltender had to contribute in some way to that. The shooter needs to react to the goaltender's positioning, and to write off all hit posts and missed nets (that did not come courtesy of Andy Hilbert) as pure luck is just asinine. This is yet another reason why I can't stand Howie Rose...forget about the fact that he's not Jiggs and probably a Rag fan - he just isn't that good a broadcaster, and the way he patronizes Jaffe is ridiculous.
Posted by Miggsey | February 22, 2008 07:57 "Tambellini was sent down to make room for Chris Simon". That my friends just about sums up the way we're going. We sacrifice a young players ice time to put an over the hill, non producing, past due date goon back into the lineup.
Of course, the converse way of looking at it is the G.M. and especially the Coach (whose judgment I trust) are convinced Tambellini's scoring skills, overall game and PHYSICAL presence simply do not better the team at this time, despite his MINOR LEAGUE #'s. Even when Chris Simon dresses instead.
And guess what. They are right.
Howie Rose and posts .... I'm going to jump all over that too ... However, I'm surprised no one has brought this up before .... he is ALWAYS saying crap like that. I think he knows less about the intricasies of the game then I originally thought.
I play center. When I hit the post 90% of the time it is because I really wasn't given much to shoot at by the goalie because he had the angle on me. The fact that I hit the post is usually attributed to not having anything else to shoot at and hoping for a mistake or rebound. As a method for shooting ... my tip .... any youth players listen up ... is to vizualize the point of view from where the puck is .. not my eyes. I have to project my angles from the pucks point of view... My eyes are usually between 6'0" to 6'5" (on skates) off the ice depending on my posture as I approach the net. So what may appear to be a wide open top shelf to my eyes ... may be blocked off from the puck's point of view.
The goalie knows this too ... because they are focusing on the puck ... and other players in their perefery. Some cheat just a bit to give you more net then you think you really have ... b/c they close that door on you as soon as you shoot the puck.
So Howie ... posts yes ... are a goalies best friend ... but luck ... no way. It means the goalie probably had the perfect angle against a great shot that just didn't have anywhere else to go.
19Isles
"I believe that Steady just made another prediction ... Simon going to not just get us a goal ... but a Big Goal!!!
We don't know which game ... but we do know what a Big Goal is."
Well, my "Big Goal" of a 3 day weekend with a lace clad Jessica Biehl in a Poipu Beachhouse serviced by a half dozen nearly naked Polynesian lovelies and a couple oversized Sumo type bartender/bouncers on 24 hour palm frond waving duty isn't quite the same idea as Steady's Big Goal, but, yeah, I'll take that kind of big goal as well.
Steady,
I'm getting my own visions of the future....
After this miraculous call on your part, within a few weeks time, as the story of your greatness circulates the land of the Islander nation, there will be throngs of people gathering around you, memorizing EVERY word you say, betting millions with their bookies......
You'll grow a long beard, start wearing sandals, and become a dead ringer for Forrest Gump on his cross country run.
Buyer or Seller:
I think Snow actually said the right thing .. Builder ... I think he knows not to sell the Farm ... infact he mentioned something that a bunch of us harped on. That the salary cap is equity ... the wins that put the team on the playoff bubble is equity .... I think he has some hard choices .... but it's only because he has many choices to choose from and only needs to make a few choices. So he has to choose which of his options he will choose.
I really hope that he can make a STEAL DEAL. Some teams can't budge or deal unless they dump salary. Look at the salaries of some of the top teams .... they are close to the cap ... and can't really do anything without dumping salary.
And if Steady EVER begins a post with....."Watching the Islanders is like a bowl of cherries......", I'm going to the dark side and becoming a Ranger fan again.
LMAO 505!!!
I think Steady will go with your Big Goal in mind for him over a Simon big goal any day.
Steady will be taking his yoga lessons to do that cross legged thing they do .... and put his Islander cap down infront of him to collect tribute for the great oracle. Beers also count as tribute... just put them in the cooler next to the cap.
Aye!
Snow should still trade all of the UFA except Hunter - Let's See if we can still compete without some of these guys - They are still competing without 4 of their top 6 defenseman....Let's See Nolan keep us in the hunt after stocking up this organization with some more prospects and draft picks. I agree with some of the earlier posts, Do not take players like McCabe or Richards in a trade unless it is a total salary dump.
Bergy and Comeau need time on the PP; both units that go out there now are completely ineffective. Plus, these two guys drew no less than 3 penalties last night. Shouldn't they be rewarded by seeing some PP time instead of watching other guys, who take more penalties than draw them, do nothing?
Comeau is definitely wasting away on the 4th line, but could this be a ploy to keep him off of other team's radar screens? Do coaches/GMs pull that kind of thing? Same question I had last week basically.
And Brian G - you might as well get rid of this notion that all UFAs are gonna be traded. #1, Snow basically said he won't; and #2, Satan has a NTC that must be waived...
Outstanding Season in the Eastern Conference...
Just look at the standings.... going into the weekend before the trade deadline .... you have SIX of the top TEN teams within ONLY TWO points of each other. That is incredible parity.
The other top 4 teams are within ONLY ONE point of each other .... Fantastic!!!!
And the best part?
The 10th place team (Philly) still has a shot at 1st overall being 10 points back in the conference (They have 42 points infront of them still, Isles have 40 points) ... which means the Islanders have a shot too ... Not likely ... but not out of the question... this is going to be a wild 20 game finish.... Why have so many jumped off the wagon already? Is it because the top 5 prospects in this year's draft are tagged as future franchise potential?
Yes, I'd love to grab a hold of a top 5 pick ... but to throw the season to get it is ridiculous. I'm well aware that the Isles lack offense .. but there are more proud ways to fill that gap. The chance and effect of winning gives the Islanders as an organization a lot more hope for the future than a draft pick. We were drafting top 5 for 7 seasons, and all we have to show for it now is DP. Those other's are helping other teams now.
I'm hoping the Isles can trade up possibly to a top 5
I'm posting this link for everyone, it's BD's blog entry and it focuses on Simon's return and the booing that ensued ...to answer Steady and 505's question from the previous post I'll say it on this thread aswell ...I booed him - loudly - because I don't like having him shoved down my throat. Like BD mentioned in his blog - it's not like he's returning from an injury and should be welcomed back with open arms. And this line made me think of you Steady - he makes the point the organization insults fans by expecting them to "clap like trained seals" (AKA "Bobbleheads").
I couldn't believe Nolan's comments about the booing either. I think he's a great motivator, but his moves on playing time and line combos leave something to be desired.
I booed because of the following
1) Simon just isn't any good
2) Tamby got sent down - breaking up a fun, hard working, fast skating line
3) Comeau saw 6 minutes on his line
I can understand a guy being hurt and braught right back when he's healthy. I will be cheering very loud when Witt is back. But I don't like Nolan's unwavering support for a player that really is way past his prime at the expense of youth ...that will only hurt in the long run IMO ...
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=13521
Here is an option. Probably needs some tweaking.
Isles trade their 2008 #1 pick, Comrie and MAB to Toronto .. for McCabe, Sundin (prefer Antropov .. but not gonna happen) & their 2008 #1 pick.
Am I crazy or what?
Maybe with Tampa Bay??
Isles trade their 2008#1 pick, MAB and Comrie to TB for Richards and O'Brien and their 2008 #1 pick.
Just tossing around some options. Teams close to cap might be more willing dump salary ... swaping picks ensures that both teams still have 1st round pick and is price to pay for unloading salary to slide down in the draft.
Also ... the risk to the Isles .... is a chance that Toronto and Tampa finish higher in the standings giving the Isles a top 5-10 pick instead of top 5.
I have said all along let the kids play but, from now until Tuesday we should play the Vets and UFA more and see if we can pull some picks or young players from desperate teams. I believe no less than 3 of the following should be moved, Satan, Fedotenko, Comrie, Vasicek, Hilbert and Chris Simon for either picks or young NHL ready players with an upside.
IF, Nolan and Snow believe that Tambellini is not right for the Isles then trade. I believe it would be a mistake (Remember the Nabokov for Dumount trade) but stop wasting this kids time. He has proven himself in the minors. Leave him as a 2nd or 3rd liner getting 14 min. a game. If Snow believes we are truly builders than lets build a strong farm with a core of good young prospects and move forward. Picking up aging Vets is always easy.
"Isles trade their 2008 #1 pick, Comrie and MAB to Toronto .. for McCabe, Sundin (prefer Antropov .. but not gonna happen) & their 2008 #1 pick"
That would be a trade from the heavens. But not a chance. I'm not sure the Leafs would do Comrie/MAB for McCabe/swap of picks, nevermind throwing in Sundin.
Sundin is going to get one of the biggest returns come Tuesday.
AZS
"to answer Steady and 505's question from the previous post I'll say it on this thread aswell ...I booed him - loudly - because I don't like having him shoved down my throat."
AZS,
A completely acceptable reason.
Steady raised the specter yesterday that people were booing Simon "for what he did, stomping Ruttu".
Which is a hypocritical reason to be booing him. And I agree.
However, if every single person at the NVMC was booing Simon because he sucks as a player, is only ON THE TEAM cuz he is Nolan's boy, has again displaced a potential future contributor on the roster, has by his presence taken ice time away from other contributors, then YES-----BOO THE HELL OUT OF HIM.
Perhaps Steady and I were underestimating the Hockey IQ of the NVMC crowd?
I'm gonna go to the darkside for a moment and counter Steady's prediction of a 'big goal" from Simon.
With 20 games left, Simon won't get more than 4 shots on goal.
But hey, if he's such a warm fuzzy in the locker room, what difference does it make?
Right?
So AZS!!!!
Did you or did you not get a picture with the Hofstra mascots??
The Isles can still be buyers without making a huge splash at the deadline and sacrificing picks/prospects. How about this idea--to help fill the void lost by Mike Silinger: reacquire Mike Peca from the Jackets. The Isles could use a good faceoff man and defensive specialist to solidify the 3rd line. He also has more points than most of our forwards in limited time.
Peca is finally healthy and probably wouldn't cost too much. I know some of you despise going back down old roads, but this is one I would take. Thoughts?
I wouldn't mind it if he came cheap - he left because of a bad combination of Yashin's onerous contract, the opportunity to sign Satan, and the draft pick. He was great before Mother Tucker low-bridged him, and if he's regained that form he could really solidify this team up the middle.
He also makes it possible to trade another of the centers for a high pick if the right deal comes along...Yes on all fronts.
However, would Garth do it? He shared a locker room with Peca, so he'd know if the team was fractured under Peca's captaincy better than any of us would know.
Reunite Nolan w/ Peca. They went to Cup finals once before.
Note: Jackets last 10 games, they were 2-8. Peca had 8 pts and was a +4.
505,
Sadly I'll be purchasin my own beers ...I tried tripping the Panthers mascott if it's any consolation ;-) ...he was climbing over people and I grabbed on to his foot ...almost took him down ...the people in my area thought it was funny, but i'm sure the mascott thought otherwise ...
I didn't bring this up last night, and i'm not sure who hasn't heard, but DP got tripped up by one of the ice girls when he came out for the #1 star of the game. He threw the puck into the stands turned around almost knocked into her, then got caught up in the Isles flag and went down. He said something to her, don't know if it was yelling or talking but he seemed fine ...she seemed embarrased ...
I posted on here a bunch last year but have not this year. I read daily and felt the need to make a request to everyone:
If you are at the games and are cheering "YOU SUCK" after each goal the Islanders score, please stop. It is classless and it takes the fun out of cheering when the Isles score. Also, we don't score that many goals and when the goalie only gives up one during the game, he clearly doesn't suck. Its more like our offense sucks.
One other point..... When is Nolan going to use Berganheim on the power play? He does not play enough and when he is on the ice he always makes things happen. He is one of the few guys on the team that drives to the net.
Aye.
I think that put's it over the top, right 19?
Andrew, I really don't understand why everyone has such a problem with that....it's just an adaptation of something you see every game in college hockey - during my BU days I remember chanting that (and far more vile things I could never post here) numerous times. It gave me a little nostalgia, even though I don't do it. I don't mean to be taking a shot at you personally on this, I'd rather make a general point: people who are deeply offended by that need to get over themselves. Let's be thankful there are college-age kids, who've NEVER seen the Cup and whose only good memories of this team are 93 and the Bates Penalty Shot, who want to start chants and be passionate Isles fans, even if you think the passion is mis-guided.
Nick,
I am not offended by it. I went to school at Penn State and am from the school of showing respect.
I also think it is completely unoriginal and isn't true half the time. If we were a goal scoring team, it might make more sense. Chanting you suck after scoring one goal in the third period? I can see if we put up 5 or more goals on a specific goalie.....
Why not start chanting the players name that scored until he acknowledges the crowd, kind of like the roll call at Yankee Stadium.
Honestly, I'm all for that too...as I said, it gave me a nice flashback to my college days, not an urge to participate. I honestly think there should be season ticket-holders who audition for the role of the "leaders" of that section, and they should come up with creative ways to taunt and chant during the game....anybody like that idea? Honestly, your chant idea is great, and I wouldn't mind it at all...it's a matter of getting it to stick. For better or worse, that chant stuck.
And as I said, I wasn't directly attacking you...there are so many people who have written blogs and complaints saying it offends them and it should be stopped. Those people need to get over themselves, and the easiest way to stop a chant is to either not pick it up or propose a better alternative.
Who says it's at the goalie? Couldn't it be the entire team we are yelling at. Like, Satan scores 1-0 Isles in the 3rd. Isles fans chant "you suck" aka "you suck b/c you are now losing in the 3rd period to a team full of leftovers who were predicted to finish last in the NHL."
Maybe we should get rid of the "Rangers suck" chant as well. Or rather, only chant it when the Rangers are losing. B/c when they are winning, they are obviously not sucking, right?
Bingo Nick,
There are churches......and then there are hockey arenas.....
.....and then there are blogs...
Penn State Sucks.
(only teasing, Andrew)
Andrew:
I have to admit, I am not a fan of the "You Suck" chant. If I may twist Nick's words, it seems collegiate and immature, this is the big leagues after all. With that said, what can I really do about it? Everyone is free to express their excitement in their own way so more power to them, at least they showed up!
If you want to take issue with something, how about the morons who shout out during the national anthem and cause the PA announcer to ask the crowd to refrain from shouting before each game. C'mon, hold it in for 60 effing seconds and save it for the game.
And since I didn't get to chime in earlier...the booing was certainly warranted and I boo'd along with everyone else for two reasons:
1.) I wanted to watch more kids line (I even stated that here before the game in the previous blog) I am a Tamby fan even though he hasn't shown much, I've liked what I've seen.
2.) No matter how much I understand Simon's situation (playing a violent game, being antagonized, being unfairly singled out, only attacking dirty players) I can't approve of his actions. You can rationalize every aspect about it but it still ends up that what he did was wrong and embarrassing, its just time to move on.
Candyman,
Pointing at the goalie when chanting YOU SUCK kind of gives up that argument...
I'll ignore the Penn State Sucks comment....
That is right Cincy!!! You clinched it .... 11 AYES .. and 0 objections .....
Steady .... you are officially the Oracle of the New York Islanders ... start growing your ZZ Top beard and get a pair of old sandals from the consignment store.
You may appoint a blog discipline board (committee) which you will chair if you wish not to ceede any of the discipinary functions you provide on this self - policing blog. If that is the case .. appoint 4 other posters that you feel make good brutally honest, and even sometimes combative observations to join you on the disciplinary board. I suggest posters like "505" & "AZS" to start with... they are frequent posters, knowledgable, respected and even authorative. That leaves two more spots to be filled by other posters. It isn't necessary to appoint posters that always agree with your POV ... or else why would you need a 5 person committee?
If one of the 5 board members requires discipline then it shall also be decided by the board except for the one person being charged with an infraction.
Oh and Steady ... I can't spell to save my arse ... I guess half the time.
Just passing through, I typically spend my time on the Isles messageboards but I'm curious as to why anyone would want to add Brad Richards or Bryan McCabe. Both have been terrible disappointments to their contracts and under the present rules of CBA teams cannot pick up the salary of a player they trade. So do you really want McCabe or Richards for their ridiculous price tags?
As for Howies 'post' comments. We have two terrible broadcasters. Jaffe isn't even a Isles fan and you get the impression he hates DP (every goal to him is one that DP would 'like back') and Rose seems to be there more for the yucks than that the game. Hitting the post has nothing to do with luck, good or bad. It has everything to do with missing a goal.
"Just passing through, I typically spend my time on the Isles messageboards "
Yahoo messageboards that is....ugh
Just reported from in "INSIDE" source, Islanders are talking with Atlanta...looking to get Hossa for, Satan, Hilbert, MAB, and Simon........Ok theres no truth to that at all, but I really WANT Hossa..I doubt theres any chance in hell we will get him, but If i were SNOW, id give all those players up for Hossa....and id even throw in Hunter for yits and giggles....Im very anxious to see what the Islanders do come the deadline..I hope we make smart moves, and im sure snow will keep his word and not use the youngsters and trade bait....lets "BUILD" another dynasty!! LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
The best thing Snow can do is resign all the UFA's they want to keep by the deadline to extensions, and trade the ones that won't resign for the best players/picks/prospects that can be had. Very simple.
And a long standing tradition chanting the Rangers suck (even when they do not) pretty much gives up yours.
Hey let's just be nice to the other goalie. B/c we don't want to try to get in his head or anything.
Thank you for explaining the origin and purpose of the "You Suck!" chant after the Isles score. I thought it was directed at the Isles.
I'm sure this is going to come as a shocker to no one, but I love the "YOU SUCK!" chant. Call it what you may, but it's fun ...When I was at the Isles/Sharks game there were 4 Sharks fans infront of us cheering it up ...when the Isles scored and they heard us all in a collect voice yell "YOU SUCK!" they actually had to smile ...I think it adds to the atmosphere of the place ...you should want your building to be a hostile place for opposing teams and fans.
They took away the chicken dance ...atleast we have this ;-) ...as was said by 505 - this isn't a church or a school or a library ...this is hockey arena - whether we're scoring 1 goal or 10 goals we're gonna yell it ...
I tell ya...you can't win ...when the crowd is quiet we get criticized ...when we get loud and nasty ...we get criticized ...the only thing the crowd has done in recent memory that was over the line was when people threw beer on the ice during last years playoffs ...little kids were getting hit and stuff ...that wasn't classy ...
PS - 19 Isles ...count me in ...
19Isles
"Oh and Steady ... I can't spell to save my arse ... I guess half the time."
See???
I told you guys he was slow posting the Big Announcement last night cuz his spellcheck program wasn't working.
Andrew,
"I'll ignore the Penn State Sucks comment...."
See??
Ignorance IS bliss.
Don't be bothered by the "you suck" chant.....ignore it. The beauty of hearing it at a hockey game is once it's done....it's done (until the next goal---which doesn't happen that much at NVMC). The pain of seeing it here on a blog board is that....unless Logan or the message gods delete it.....it's still here to be seen and read...cyberinfinitum.
Okay, where's my bong.
AZS,
"the only thing the crowd has done in recent memory that was over the line was when people threw beer on the ice during last years playoffs ...little kids were getting hit and stuff ...that wasn't classy ..."
Did you happen to see the home denizens of all that is proud and proper in hockey the other day in the Montreal/Rags game?
Second period when a call went against their Habs in what was at the time a 5-0 pasting???
Pretty damn ugly....
I am still awaiting the pontificating pundits from NHL.com and other outlets to wax as poetically as they did when the Isles fans behaved in the same manner.
Hypocrisy knows no limits.
Most of you on this board are and should be considered to be above me....Yet I will except the honor handed down!
It will take me over the weekend to come up with my job positions. For those of you applying for the janitorial position, it has already been filled by MAB.
As for Yoga....Well I showed up to a session once. The only problem was I was nude with a sheet around me and a case of Molson Canadian. I thought they said TOGA !!! MY wife was mortified. ;)
AZS....You are a season ticket holder and have all the right in the world. I just do not see it that way. No biggie.....
I think Simon has had an off year.....But think of it this way...We have SIX GAMES left vs. the Rangers and Flyers.....Think he might come in handy ???? Those are going to be blood and guts games. The kids are going to be roughed up.....The play is going to be very chippy....Avery and company are going to be at their most ANNOYING !!!
Simon WILL come in handy in those games. TRUST ME !!!! Not to mention he is going to get a biggie for us!
"The only problem was I was nude with a sheet around me and a case of Molson Canadian. I thought they said TOGA !!! MY wife was mortified. ;)"
I don't blame her...A family with your pedigree and no Rolling Rock??
Oh the shame....
Steady,
"It will take me over the weekend to come up with my job positions."
Don't forget to pick someone to be in charge of the End of Season Banquet (LOGAN???).
It follows along the lines of what Nick was thinking last night.
15-20 frequent bloggers (Logan's choice--watch how fast this board lights up now), WANG'S BOX or comparable, and a dinner/ROAST before the game...(I have emcee'd a roast or 2 in my time---hmmm....let's make Howie Rose the feature).
I'll throw in 2 air tickets for people who are more than a 6 hour drive/train ride away. (D-money, Coral, Cincy?)
Oh, and whoever puts this together, don't forget the obligatory midnight skate with the Ice Girls.
Just a thought.
I think the Isles have had their fair share of contract hell. So I really hope that what Snow had to say about Cap Room is for real.
The bottom line for any team is their ability to draft good players and develop them. I haven't followed the team long enough to know the answer. If the Isles organanization can't Draft/Develop we will constantly be drawing from the FA pool.
At this time, Snow is going to have to play the FA game, so I tend to want to cut him some slack. This Trade Deadline may be extremely telling.
Kevin T.
did someone actually suggest the following trade as being do-able?
sundin/mccabe/1st rounder for mab/comrie/1st rounder.
that was a joke right?
i didn't know the hockeybuzz was on this board now lol.
For those of you who still want a fire sale i reference the line from
Herm Edwards.
HELLO!!!! YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!!!!
This team needs simon in the lineup. Its a good idea to put kids who may not know how to handle themselves on a line with him too... Exelby doesn't do what he did to Comaeu if Simon is on that line. Not because he fears Simon will mess him up, but because Simon is a sick psycho and he has no idea what Simon is capable of... that is the way I would be thinking. Also, as Stead Fishler pointed out, we have several games with philly and NYR... I don't want to watch those games without Simon in the lineup.
The "You Suck" chants are alright. May not be very classy... but who will be intimitated by playing in front of a "classy crowd?" Serioulsy.... who is dreading going to play the Ducks in Anaheim?
Anon ...
Was it a joke? Sorta Kinda .... more like wishful thinking...
I was suggesting that when you have a team by the throat ... you go for the kill. In all likely hood Sundin is going in a seperate deal. He will be a UFA, and unless someone's a sure contender for the cup ... they aren't going to pull a Snow / Smyth deal. To much parity in the league for that gamble.
The Leafs are being crushed by the weight of Sundin's, McCabe's and Blake's salary (If I'm correct I think it's about $20M just for those 3) ... and they have some productive young RFA's to sign this summer, and they want to dip into the goaltending pool according to the Toronto Sun.
Toronto is in a bad way to clear cap space.. and going no where. A deal like that would likely see some 2nd / 3rd & a mid level prospect going their way. They already have a new #1 center in the making... However, there is still a strong draft ahead... their main concern... lop off a substantial part of their salary... they are stuck with Blakes ... nobody is going to touch that.
I think their strategy is to "rent" out Sundin, and have a shot at re-signing him for less this summer. My hunch is that he would want to go to the Wings ... he will have a legit shot at the cup ... and still be relatively close to T.O.. He's one of those throw back star players that play their entire career with one team ... and get traded to a contender for a shot at the cup. Ala Ray Bourque when he went from Bean Town to the Avs.
I am 24 and have been attending Islander games since I was about 5. Besides the teams our management has put together in the past I would have to say the "you suck" chant has to be by far one of the most embarrassing things associated with this organization. You suck? I mean come on, its simply not necessary. What is even more embarrassing is how people are actually following the stupid chant. I say don't play anything after they score to just put an end to it.
go to yahoosports.com and click on mlb. This is the heading of the lead articl with the picture of Dusty Baker.
Baker isn't warm to youngsters
Reds manager hasn't developed many young players, and he might be reluctant to hand jobs to rookies again.
Steady: A belated Aye. I’ve also got your back on the Simon situation.
505: If steady is the “oracle?” you are the Headliner…. Definitely what keeps me coming back to this board. I enjoy getting everybody’s opinions on my favorite team, but nobody says it like you!
Simon: I don’t know about a big goal, but the last one he scored was pretty big… 3/8/07…
AZS: I don’t walk around with my chest out thinking about Chris Simon’s actions, but I’m not going to pile on the guy either. You’re more than welcome to your opinion, but booing your own players is what drives players out of NY. As a Met fan I watched Matsui throw up all over himself, even though he may have been one of the hardest workers on the team. They almost drove Beltran into seclusion after his first year. Simon has handled it well… LIKE A MAN. Like Steady says, those kids are going to need him more than Tambellin’s contributions to date. And if you’re going to go by a one game assessment and what happened to Comeau… enforcers don’t retaliate for good solid hits. A better incident to judge would be Exelby spearing comeau in the nads (STILL NO SUSPENSION). And the beating that MAB took in DC… ALL NIGHT. Le Gnat was finally forced to toss his own leather in a HUGE MISMATCH. Give him a couple of division games then let me know if you want to boo him.
I want to boo Campbell for STEALING $500K from him… Greg, make a name for yourself and report that angle!!!! The incestuous idiots that run this game.
19Isles: I really was wholly disappointed by your BIG NEWS… I was hoping you were going to announce my mother-in-law was moving to France.
Comeau: This kid and Bergy are THE SHITAKE… I think it’s okay to be a little disappointed in their ice and PP time, but Those two things are going to change in March… especially if Snowy makes a little more room at the top.
Nolan: PLEASE… look at this roster… look at the standings… give the guy some credit. “Why is XXXXX playing instead of XXXXXX”
“Why isn’t XXXXXX getting more PP time”
“The PP sucks”
Give me one reason why this team didn’t spit the bit after a 7 game losing streak… well… besides steady’s prediction…
As Islander fans, we are in a good place.
I like the wrap up party idea…
I also like the idea that fans should chant the scorer’s name until acknowledgement rather than “YOU SUCK”..
Larry Tuner -- I am not really a fan of the "you suck" chant myself, but I know the guy who started it and he is a diehard Islander fan and college student who brings not only himself but as many friends and relatives as he can round up to every Islander game. His argument in favor of the chant is that it helps to create a college-sports-like atmosphere at the Coliseum and I tend to agree. Since you say you're 24, I assume that you've been to a college sporting event. If you have, you probably know that "you suck" is mild by the standards of college crowds. A certain amount of nastiness and even vulgarity can intimidate the opposing team and yes, rally the home fans and get them into the game. As someone who attends a lot of games, I have to admit that the Coliseum, with all the parents and pre-adolescent kids who often attend, can be lacking in fan intensity. It is good for the fan experience and good for the Isles if the t