Yes, I disagree. I don't think we look like an organization that knows how to win and that causes long frustrated fans such as ourselves to assume the worst. If nothing else, those suspicions make for good messageboard fodder
- keaner17

I honestly hate when people say this. I know some people will pile on me for saying this but I'm not going to assume the worst. The worst for the most part has been here and it's still here. There is nothing to assume. I watched the Bruins/Canes game yesterday and watch other teams play all the time. There is no comparing our team to other teams I've seen this year barring the Laffs. Our team as it is cannot compete enough to reach the playoffs let alone do anything if they were ever going to make it. That to me is a team not showing much progress for 5 years of "rebuilding". The one positive I can eek out of this year thus far is them being able to muster a come back a couple times when they're down. That has brought a smile to my face. But a team that has been rebuilding for five years and has picked in the top 5 every one of those years to me should/HAS to show more than what we've seen so far.

I think people need to remember that coming to a new team is a life decision for these guys. As I've said (repeatedly), I think there are several issues that ultimately go into those players rejecting the Isles and yes, I think Taxes and NVMC are two big ones. I also think the Isles reputation was terrible before Snow ever came to the team. We weren't exactly signing guys left and right during the Gluckstein days either. Some of the financial stories from Milbury are hilarious. Players are aware of a team that couldn't afford equipment in the 1990's and has had sewage destroy their exercise equipment.

So do I think these problems come down to the fact that Snow can't talk them into bed? Do I think Smith could have done it any better? I doubt it.
- keaner17

But we were still signing some.

Well, sometimes he brings it on himself with things like this...

https://twitter.com/tpano...status/139478843063926784
- UIF

F**king ridiculous...

I think people need to remember that coming to a new team is a life decision for these guys. As I've said (repeatedly), I think there are several issues that ultimately go into those players rejecting the Isles and yes, I think Taxes and NVMC are two big ones. I also think the Isles reputation was terrible before Snow ever came to the team. We weren't exactly signing guys left and right during the Gluckstein days either. Some of the financial stories from Milbury are hilarious. Players are aware of a team that couldn't afford equipment in the 1990's and has had sewage destroy their exercise equipment.

So do I think these problems come down to the fact that Snow can't talk them into bed? Do I think Smith could have done it any better? I doubt it.
- keaner17

100% completely disagree. Let me pose this question to you if you were a player and were approached by a stanley cup winning GM who was GM of an original six team and then you were approached by Snow what would you do?

I think people need to remember that coming to a new team is a life decision for these guys. As I've said (repeatedly), I think there are several issues that ultimately go into those players rejecting the Isles and yes, I think Taxes and NVMC are two big ones. I also think the Isles reputation was terrible before Snow ever came to the team. We weren't exactly signing guys left and right during the Gluckstein days either. Some of the financial stories from Milbury are hilarious. Players are aware of a team that couldn't afford equipment in the 1990's and has had sewage destroy their exercise equipment.

So do I think these problems come down to the fact that Snow can't talk them into bed? Do I think Smith could have done it any better? I doubt it.
- keaner17

Smith wasn't getting the elite talent in the league, but he was at least getting the Sillingers and Witts out there. Now we're stuck with the waiver wire or the untouchables in need of a last chance. You see no dropoff there? There clearly is. Whether that's due to Snow's inability to sell, or Wang not wanting to spend or whatever, who knows. The guy fires Nolan, who while not the best coach in the world, at least had an idea of what it takes to get a team to win games, and hires Scott Gordon and Jack Capuano in succession. Let me guess, not finding a decent coach to groom the kids in the rebuild is not Snow's fault either? Coaches must really not want to deal with the tax situation on Long Island

I honestly hate when people say this. I know some people will pile on me for saying this but I'm not going to assume the worst. The worst for the most part has been here and it's still here. There is nothing to assume. I watched the Bruins/Canes game yesterday and watch other teams play all the time. There is no comparing our team to other teams I've seen this year barring the Laffs. Our team as it is cannot compete enough to reach the playoffs let alone do anything if they were ever going to make it. That to me is a team not showing much progress for 5 years of "rebuilding". The one positive I can eek out of this year thus far is them being able to muster a come back a couple times when they're down. That has brought a smile to my face. But a team that has been rebuilding for five years and has picked in the top 5 every one of those years to me should/HAS to show more than what we've seen so far.
- Cptmjl

But it's true! There's always going to be a group who assumes the worst on everything and they'll always be countered by a group who refuses to admit the failings. The voices of angst are far louder here which is why I tend to take on the devils advocate role here. I'm on other messageboards where I feel I'm the exact opposite.
Am I 'satisfied' with where we are? NO FRIGGIN' WAY.
Do I think Snow has done a 'great job'? NO FRIGGIN' WAY AGAIN!
But, and I'm repeating this, I have to appreciate that he faces hurdles that NO OTHER GM in the NHL faces and the table was set for them before he took the position.
If the Isles fail to make the playoffs this year, I think he should be held accountable and at the very least provide the fans with a detailed explanation of why it's failed.
That said, I do see the possibilities where things may turn around VERY FAST.

Arthur Staple ‏@StapeNewsday

#Isles say Jesse Joensuu will miss 5-7 weeks after surgery to reduce his tits.

Arthur Staple ‏@StapeNewsday

#Isles say Jesse Joensuu will miss 5-7 weeks after surgery to reduce his tits.
- Vukota

F**king ridiculous...
- Jethro09

That and asking my friends daughter to sing the National Anthem only if she could sell 25 tickets You can't make this shat up

100% completely disagree. Let me pose this question to you if you were a player and were approached by a stanley cup winning GM who was GM of an original six team and then you were approached by Snow what would you do?
- Cptmjl

If the name is Neil Smith I'd tell them BOTH to hit the bricks. If I'm judging a GM, I have to consider several factors. Obviously decisions come first, but then you have to factor in climate and resources. In NY, Smith had resources that no other GM in NHL history could match. Yet his success was a lightning in the bottle scenario that quickly faded into the fans begging for his dismissal. That's disturbing to me if I'm considering him for a position.

I don't know how well Vokoun can throw them, but i'm guessing better than Ricky.
- canadianpenfan

Rickey has won most of his fights in his career... but if Vokoun leads with his left... Night Night DP.


XxNYIxX

The reason I listed ALL those prospects is b/c it is unrealistic to expect all/most to be relevant. Some of them will Pan out... some will not. The reason for my optimism is a few reasons. One is the prospects we have are highly regarded throughout hockey not just in my mind. Second is the amount of cap room we have when this number goes down for teams next year.. and third and this is very big.. for the first time in 20 years we have a Future intact with a new building. This is a very big reason no High quality UFA's would play for this team. As they look at the team now with guys like JT, Strome, Hamonic, etc...and a new building... not going anywhere..etc. That is a different story.
- niteislander

Seems that I completely misunderstood you. I thought you were saying that you believe all those prospects would develop into a Stanley Cup contending team.
My fault.

Smith wasn't getting the elite talent in the league, but he was at least getting the Sillingers and Witts out there. Now we're stuck with the waiver wire or the untouchables in need of a last chance. You see no dropoff there? There clearly is. Whether that's due to Snow's inability to sell, or Wang not wanting to spend or whatever, who knows. The guy fires Nolan, who while not the best coach in the world, at least had an idea of what it takes to get a team to win games, and hires Scott Gordon and Jack Capuano in succession. Let me guess, not finding a decent coach to groom the kids in the rebuild is not Snow's fault either? Coaches must really not want to deal with the tax situation on Long Island
- UIF

Too many things to take on here! Sillinger was the ultimate in NHL journeymen. Despite how big of a bust Rolston is, I wouldn't say that was any bigger of a signing at the time. Witt was definitely a good one but unfortunately he gave us one good year and then couldn't even keep up after that.

As for Nolan, like Smith, I wasn't happy when we signed him. There's a reason no one contacted Nolan before the Isles or since. The guy coaches with no system other than yelling 'go get em' and is apparently a richard. The Isles hadn't brought in a true established coach since Milbury himself.

It very well could be on Snow, but I think there are so many negative variables here that it's tought to confidently point the finger at him as the reason no one wants to come here. Not with NVMC, a 20 year reputation, an uncertain future and still not being considered a contender.

Remember, this coming offseason will be the first in which we can pitch a new stadium in our future. Let's see how it goes.

Arthur Staple ‏@StapeNewsday

#Isles say Jesse Joensuu will miss 5-7 weeks after surgery to reduce his tits.
- Vukota

Arthur Staple ‏@StapeNewsday

#Isles say Jesse Joensuu will miss 5-7 weeks after surgery to reduce his tits.
- Vukota

This should improve his shot!

he then kept Milbury on ten years too long hired then fired a legit Stanley Cup winning GM and hired his back up goaltender?
- Cptmjl

A legit Stanley Cup winning GM that couldn't get a GM job for 6 years, and since we let him go hasn't been hired for 7 years running.

Just sayin

XxNYIxX

Smith wasn't getting the elite talent in the league, but he was at least getting the Sillingers and Witts out there. Now we're stuck with the waiver wire or the untouchables in need of a last chance. You see no dropoff there? There clearly is. Whether that's due to Snow's inability to sell, or Wang not wanting to spend or whatever, who knows. The guy fires Nolan, who while not the best coach in the world, at least had an idea of what it takes to get a team to win games, and hires Scott Gordon and Jack Capuano in succession. Let me guess, not finding a decent coach to groom the kids in the rebuild is not Snow's fault either? Coaches must really not want to deal with the tax situation on Long Island
- UIF

Was he really given an opportunity? Not for nothing Witt was coveted by quite a few teams and I'll take it one step further and say there were quite a few interested in Sillinger. I'm not a huge fan of Smith but comparing the two as far as I'm concerned it's a no brainer who comes out on top. Anyone who says otherwise is showing pure homerism.

A legit Stanley Cup winning GM that couldn't get a GM job for 6 years, and since we let him go hasn't been hired for 7 years running.

Just sayin

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

What are you saying though? Was he actively seeking employment? Do you know of teams that shunned him or decided not to approach him? You guys play devils advocate to this degree on Snow's behalf constantly. Also, what's your idea of a job? He was working for the NHL in a broadcasting sense since the day he got fired.

Article on Nino...

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...-a-shot-to-make-the-team/

Too many things to take on here! Sillinger was the ultimate in NHL journeymen. Despite how big of a bust Rolston is, I wouldn't say that was any bigger of a signing at the time. Witt was definitely a good one but unfortunately he gave us one good year and then couldn't even keep up after that.

As for Nolan, like Smith, I wasn't happy when we signed him. There's a reason no one contacted Nolan before the Isles or since. The guy coaches with no system other than yelling 'go get em' and is apparently a richard. The Isles hadn't brought in a true established coach since Milbury himself.

It very well could be on Snow, but I think there are so many negative variables here that it's tought to confidently point the finger at him as the reason no one wants to come here. Not with NVMC, a 20 year reputation, an uncertain future and still not being considered a contender.

Remember, this coming offseason will be the first in which we can pitch a new stadium in our future. Let's see how it goes.
- keaner17

You have a bad memory evidently? Sillinger was a servicable foward and was known as such, also known for being a good quality veteran leader. Comparing him to someone who is so obviously washed up and was mailing it in for two seasons is a bad analogy.

Arthur Staple ‏@StapeNewsday

#Isles say Jesse Joensuu will miss 5-7 weeks after surgery to reduce his tits.
- Vukota

That's worthy of "The Hall of Fame"!

That and asking my friends daughter to sing the National Anthem only if she could sell 25 tickets You can't make this shat up
- Vukota

If the kid wanted it bad enough she should have sold 30

XxNYIxX

Rickey has won most of his fights in his career... but if Vokoun leads with his left... Night Night DP.


XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Only one other one comes to mind?

That's worthy of "The Hall of Fame"!


- SCLI

Finally something that I agree with

If the kid wanted it bad enough she should have sold 30

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX