I am going to do something truly unexpected. I’m going to point you to
an article by ex-HockeyBuzz author and original NYI Blog Box member BD Gallof. Okay, don’t pass out. I found his “Mission Impossible” article to be one of the best FAIR and REASONABLE explanations of the Islanders current situation to date.
I find it interesting that a man who gained so much fame (and rightly so) for photo shopping the Isles owner in some unflattering ways has now painted him and a far more sympathetic light. This does not mean that Mr. Gallof has gone soft on the subject. No, his trademark biting humor is ever present (and totally entertaining), but read between the lines and there lies reality of the Isles situation and the absurdity of some fan’s views.
Fans will always be impatient. It’s their job. But sometimes it can be over the top and actually more damaging. You want your beloved team to be better, start by not trashing it every chance you get.
The status of the “rebuild” and the official start date seem to be a common theme in many articles on the Isles this week. (I took some time off from actually typing and did a little more READING because I’m having an issue with my digits.) While everyone agrees the clock is ticking, there really is no clear cut timeline for an NHL hockey team rebuild.
The NY Islanders home base situation adds another layer of complexity to the issue. The subject of improving via free agency and the disappointing track record they have had is also a topic as we head towards the NHL Entry Draft. It may not be the condition of the building that will really be a deal breaker, but the fact the Isles may not have a home after 2015. That kind of uncertainty plays havoc with negotiations and decisions.
“Our best salesmen are the guys in that locker room.” That is what Garth Snow told the Booster Club members at their 40th Anniversary dinner regarding attracting quality free agents. Those men in the fold who REALLY know how things are with the NY Islanders are the ones who may be able to persuade that quality FA into taking a chance on the Isles. (So start looking for FA's with current Isles player connectsions.)
Doug Weight is the best salesman in the bunch, but sometimes things don’t work out the way they were supposed to. One other thing that Snow told the club was one of those vets begged Weight to “Tell Garth I’m really not this bad.” and how sorry he was.
Not every NHL season works out the way you’d hope. (Hello Michael Grabner) But hope springs eternal and we have a new season on the horizon to build up for… and talk about…. Constantly until October.
So, read
the article if you have time. Yes, it’s long. Longer than BD admitted he would have liked, but as writers, we do have a tendency to fall in love with our words. For today, this is where mine will end.
(internet is faily for me this morning, so this posted like three times. Sorry Eric)
New York Islanders Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»