I am not sure what the Islanders are doing right now. The team has definitely not improved since making a coaching change, and watching them play this weekend I can never remember a team more clearly playing "not to lose" versus playing to win.
I understand there are injuries. Bad injuries. But at some point, even fully healthy, this team needs some balance.
Earlier in the season they were young and playing up-tempo...a system that worked previously for teams like Colorado and Phoenix...now they are young and conservative...they aren't using their young legs to create plays...they are sitting back and waiting to be scored on.
You can't just have a team of rookies and a solid goalie and compete in the NHL. And even if all the prospects in the Isles system pan out, they will still have issues because they will all need bigger deals at the same time...
Balance. You need a certain number of players on rookie contracts, and a certain number not on rookie contracts...
And besides the point, watching the Islanders I am starting to worry they are in danger of destroying any confidence and/or game Tavares has in him. I believe in Tavares. You who have read me know this...but he looks lost to me. There is a very real danger with Tavares that the Isles could destroy his confidence. He needs a role model. I can only imagine how great it would be to see Tavares thriving with a player like Marc Savard or even a Mark Recchi. Players who he can look up to. Players who have produced at levels he should one day achieve. A healthy Daymond Langkow even. A long shot but Iginla. The Isles are perfect trading partners for the Flames.
The Islanders have great prospects. Garth Snow is a master drafter, and I can understand not wanting to trade away prospects for aging over-paid veterans who other teams may be offering up. There are some teams in serious cap trouble, and while some of the players available may be making more than they are worth, you need to remember...someone felt they were worth those contracts at some point, and they must have once been contributors to get those deals, right?
I almost want the NHL to step in here and tell the Islanders you need to represent the league better than this. Islanders fans deserve so much better. There is a group of fans on the Island who are as rabid as any fans are in any sport anywhere.
But this just sucks. If the Isles leave the Island I wonder what would become of those fans? I know they wouldn't become Rangers fans....who would they root for?
There is hope..There are some rumors out there the Isles may be on the verge of making a deal. I keep hearing Vancouver today. And I have a great source who has told me the Leafs would like to deal with the Islanders...
Speaking of the Leafs...
Brian Burke confirmed to me the deadline is midnight tomorrow....He has apparently had a few nibbles today as well...but nothing close yet.
Enjoy the podcast below I did with Kevin Allen regarding the Leafs, possible moves, and Kevin's views on Kadri.
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