it feels a little different in that we're finding ways to win, but the blown leads and quick goals against after we score are scaring the crap out of me.
- Isles_since_6

Yep I see Vukota point. I still hold my breath when the other team is in the Isles zone though. I wish I could feel more comfortable with the D.

Yep I see Vukota point. I still hold my breath when the other team is in the Isles zone though. I wish I could feel more comfortable with the D.
- ses111

Trust me I feel the same way. I was waiting for Kovy to score with 10 seconds left in regulation last night

Trust me I feel the same way. I was waiting for Kovy to score with 10 seconds left in regulation last night
- Vukota

Same here. It's going be tough getting through some of these games unless the D improves. I like exciting games just not soo much excitement in the Isles end.

Yep I see Vukota point. I still hold my breath when the other team is in the Isles zone though. I wish I could feel more comfortable with the D.
- ses111

Nobody is going to want to hear this, but that should come in time. A few years ago we had an anemic offense and we're currently sitting in a three-way tie for 2nd in the league in GPG. We've had a really good PP for 2+ seasons now also. The defensive talent is in the pipeline. Yes, a majority of those players will turn out to not be NHL caliber players but there is a very good amount of talent waiting to get their shot in the next 1-4 years. It would be nice to accelerate the process and acquire some immediate help, no doubt about it. But, worst case scenario, in the coming years we are poised to have a nice looking blueline.

Nobody is going to want to hear this, but that should come in time. A few years ago we had an anemic offense and we're currently sitting in a three-way tie for 2nd in the league in GPG. We've had a really good PP for 2+ seasons now also. The defensive talent is in the pipeline. Yes, a majority of those players will turn out to not be NHL caliber players but there is a very good amount of talent waiting to get their shot in the next 1-4 years. It would be nice to accelerate the process and acquire some immediate help, no doubt about it. But, worst case scenario, in the coming years we are poised to have a nice looking blueline.
- eichiefs9

I agree and as much as guys don't want him I think Vis is going to help big time

Nobody is going to want to hear this, but that should come in time. A few years ago we had an anemic offense and we're currently sitting in a three-way tie for 2nd in the league in GPG. We've had a really good PP for 2+ seasons now also. The defensive talent is in the pipeline. Yes, a majority of those players will turn out to not be NHL caliber players but there is a very good amount of talent waiting to get their shot in the next 1-4 years. It would be nice to accelerate the process and acquire some immediate help, no doubt about it. But, worst case scenario, in the coming years we are poised to have a nice looking blueline.
- eichiefs9

I agree I think we are in good shape on D for the future. I still want to see a top four dman brought in this offseason though. It would be nice to see Reinhart make the team as well.

Seriously though I'm over Snow botching it by not moving him because like you said everybody knew he was looking for final big payday. The only reason I bring him up is because of all the clowns said he would do nothing without JT
- Vukota

Well, that isn't uncommon and sometimes you have to overpay...a concept this team treats like a hospital bed from Zaire after an Ebola outbreak.

Now, here's where being a cheapo, like Garth will come back and haunt this team.
JT is making $5.5M and will probably be in the top 5-10 scorers for the duration of his contract. Arguably he will be one of the best players in the NHL, giving Sid, Geno, Stamkos, et al competition for scoring title each year. What happens when a stud Dman or power forward becomes available, making MORE than $5.5M? There are punks making more than that right now. Some people on this board were suggesting $4Mil+ for Subban???? Crybaby Callahan is making $4.275. He's nowhere CLOSE to JT caliber. JT is BETTER than Brad Richards($6.66M) You think Garth is gonna pay another player MORE than JT? Ain't gonna happen. JT's salary is the ceiling for this team. And NO ONE is gonna take a pay cut top play here unless we're hoisting cups and hanging new banners in Barclays. PA could have been gotten...for a little less than he got....and it seems a lot of people here wish Garth would have made that happen. Alot of you are looking in the rear view mirror...I'm more concerned with what's going on down around the bend and over the hill.

Well, that isn't uncommon and sometimes you have to overpay...a concept this team treats like a hospital bed from Zaire after an Ebola outbreak.

Now, here's where being a cheapo, like Garth will come back and haunt this team.
JT is making $5.5M and will probably be in the top 5-10 scorers for the duration of his contract. Arguably he will be one of the best players in the NHL, giving Sid, Geno, Stamkos, et al competition for scoring title each year. What happens when a stud Dman or power forward becomes available, making MORE than $5.5M? There are punks making more than that right now. Some people on this board were suggesting $4Mil+ for Subban???? Crybaby Callahan is making $4.275. He's nowhere CLOSE to JT caliber. JT is BETTER than Brad Richards($6.66M) You think Garth is gonna pay another player MORE than JT? Ain't gonna happen. JT's salary is the ceiling for this team. And NO ONE is gonna take a pay cut top play here unless we're hoisting cups and hanging new banners in Barclays. PA could have been gotten...for a little less than he got....and it seems a lot of people here wish Garth would have made that happen. Alot of you are looking in the rear view mirror...I'm more concerned with what's going on down around the bend and over the hill.
- jmo16

I've been saying the same thing. Hopefully with the cap going down maybe some of the salaries will too? Otherwise waiver city

I agree and as much as guys don't want him I think Vis is going to help big time
- Vukota

I'm okay with having him come here. I guess mainly because I really don't take any offense to the fact he didn't want to play here. In fact I understand it.the guy wanted to finish his career with a bang and instead ended up here. It was the same thing that had Nabby not wanting to come here. With that said I do believe that his presence will make us a much better team. I feel far more positive about the present makeup of the teamand subsequently our ability to maintain momentum than in years past. in previous years we played okay defense but struggled to score goals. This year it's quite the opposite. .I think it's far more easy to tighten your defense than manufacture goals. Therefore it's quite conceivable this team can get even better as the year goes.

I'm okay with having him come here. I guess mainly because I really don't take any offense to the fact he didn't want to play here. In fact I understand it.the guy wanted to finish his career with a bang and instead ended up here. It was the same thing that had Nabby not wanting to come here. With that said I do believe that his presence will make us a much better team. I feel far more positive about the present makeup of the teamand subsequently our ability to maintain momentum than in years past. in previous years we played okay defense but struggled to score goals. This year it's quite the opposite. .I think it's far more easy to tighten your defense than manufacture goals. Therefore it's quite conceivable this team can get even better as the year goes.
- keaner17

I agree

I'm okay with having him come here. I guess mainly because I really don't take any offense to the fact he didn't want to play here. In fact I understand it.the guy wanted to finish his career with a bang and instead ended up here. It was the same thing that had Nabby not wanting to come here. With that said I do believe that his presence will make us a much better team. I feel far more positive about the present makeup of the teamand subsequently our ability to maintain momentum than in years past. in previous years we played okay defense but struggled to score goals. This year it's quite the opposite. .I think it's far more easy to tighten your defense than manufacture goals. Therefore it's quite conceivable this team can get even better as the year goes.
- keaner17

I don't think it's the same as Nabby. Goaltender is a unique position, for one. It's tougher to coast as a goalie, I think. Plus, Nabakov was looking to get back into the NHL, not leave it. So he had motivation to come back here in great shape and do his best, if only to increase his value for a trade to a team he'd rather play for. As it turned out, that team ended up being the Isles anyway.

Vis will be a big asset...only if he's 100% committed. Will he be? I don't know...he doesn't even want to be in the league, let alone this team. Not much motivation for him, like there was for Nabby. Is Vis going to fight hard in the corners? Make sure every pass is perfect? Take a big hit to make a good defensive play or hold the puck in at the blue line on offense? Don't think we can say for sure. If he just mails it in, though, I'd rather just put Hickey out there playing his heart out to earn a fulltime NHL spot.

Trust me I feel the same way. I was waiting for Kovy to score with 10 seconds left in regulation last night
- Vukota

Yep. The isles special teams are #1 and #2 in league. What happens when they come back to earth? They can't keep up either pace. The team defense in their own zone is still atrocious. I think its just as much on the forwards for not getting pucks out or being physical enough

I don't think it's the same as Nabby. Goaltender is a unique position, for one. It's tougher to coast as a goalie, I think. Plus, Nabakov was looking to get back into the NHL, not leave it. So he had motivation to come back here in great shape and do his best, if only to increase his value for a trade to a team he'd rather play for. As it turned out, that team ended up being the Isles anyway.

Vis will be a big asset...only if he's 100% committed. Will he be? I don't know...he doesn't even want to be in the league, let alone this team. Not much motivation for him, like there was for Nabby. Is Vis going to fight hard in the corners? Make sure every pass is perfect? Take a big hit to make a good defensive play or hold the puck in at the blue line on offense? Don't think we can say for sure. If he just mails it in, though, I'd rather just put Hickey out there playing his heart out to earn a fulltime NHL spot.
- UIF

He actually has a good reputation of being vocal in the locker room and a good leader. Plus most pro athletes always want to win and give it their all. He will play hard.

Just like talking about okposo in earlier threads, I don't think it's that he lacks passion or anything, but he is not initiating contact like he did three years ago before his injury. That injury screwed up something in his head that he can't get passed. Consequently he looks timid, and like a puss.

He actually has a good reputation of being vocal in the locker room and a good leader. Plus most pro athletes always want to win and give it their all. He will play hard.

Just like talking about okposo in earlier threads, I don't think it's that he lacks passion or anything, but he is not initiating contact like he did three years ago before his injury. That injury screwed up something in his head that he can't get passed. Consequently he looks timid, and like a puss.
- Isles316

Hope so. Don't think there's a question he'll be an asset if he shows up ready to play hard.

Weird...watching the Sound Tigers game and they just said they called up Kenny Reiter (goaltender) to B-Port. But both Poulin and Nilsson appear to be healthy. Poulin's playing tonight and Nilsson's dressed as the backup. Call-up maybe? Can't see why though, and I know it's not because of a pending DP buyout. Probably something to do with one of the goalies not feeling well or something. I'd guess Nilsson maybe since Poulin's playing.

Tell you what, his hands aren't very feet-like when he's picking off passes in the lanes or receiving long stretch passes in full stride. I think his shot's coming along, too. Last season, that breakaway on Marty would have resulted in a shot right into the logo or a predictable deke. For the second game, he flat out beat the goaltender with a hard wrist shot. This time it was just a touch off target and hit the post. I think we'll see him finish more of those chances this season.
- UIF

as long as he takes the shot & doesn't try to make a move & get in close.. he just doesn't have the hands for it.

XxNYIxX

Hickey played two games and he is preferred over Amac? Trying to figure out what is so great about This Hickey kid. To me he is Jack Hillen
- mighty13duck

XxNYIxX

guys its early in the season and we tied for most points in atlantic. enough with this imagine if we had PA.
Ever hear the expression if it aint broke dont try to fix it. I know KO doesnt look at his best but he must be doing something right. Weather he scoring or not, its freeing up moulson and tavares to do their thing.

There is more to hockey to jugdging a player just on points. PA put up tons of points last year but you know what we lost. So maybe there a better Fight in Boyes to win?

As for Hickey, im a fan but he is no position to just become our top mins guy yet. YOu ahve to realize there is big difference when you playing max mins again the Opposing teams top line.

Thats why at times A -Mac makes mistakes, its big responsibility.

PA PARENTEAU is no longer on team. let me as you this, Who is better, PA or Grabner? Grabs has been 2nd best players on this team after tavares. Not even a debate on this.

STOP THE NEGATIVELY. go find another post. LETS GO ISLANDERS.
- Spartiarti

Id debate that

XxNYIxX

7 games into the season is a little early to say he's going to keep putting up big numbers without JT. I still haven't changed my opinion of him. Look at players off to great starts you wouldn't assume to be able to maintain that pace.

Pomminville 12 points
Shattenkirk 8 points
Markov 4 goals in 6 games
Winnik 5 goals 7 points in 5 games

PA 5 goals and 2 assists in 7 games? PA is sure as hell not going to be a 50-60 goal scorer. His strength was in setting up JT and Moulson. Jason Blake 2.0

PA will finish the shortened season with less than 15 goals and 35 points, and will probably be substantially lower than that.
- Isles_since_6

This will happen only if he goes out in the next couple games to a season ending injury.

XxNYIxX

Per Cap Geek Kessel makes $5.1 Million this year and $5.4 Million next season...
- kear20

can't trust a guy with one testicle... especially since the lance armstrong fiasco.

Weird...watching the Sound Tigers game and they just said they called up Kenny Reiter (goaltender) to B-Port. But both Poulin and Nilsson appear to be healthy. Poulin's playing tonight and Nilsson's dressed as the backup. Call-up maybe? Can't see why though, and I know it's not because of a pending DP buyout. Probably something to do with one of the goalies not feeling well or something. I'd guess Nilsson maybe since Poulin's playing.
- UIF

DP is hurt

Weird...watching the Sound Tigers game and they just said they called up Kenny Reiter (goaltender) to B-Port. But both Poulin and Nilsson appear to be healthy. Poulin's playing tonight and Nilsson's dressed as the backup. Call-up maybe? Can't see why though, and I know it's not because of a pending DP buyout. Probably something to do with one of the goalies not feeling well or something. I'd guess Nilsson maybe since Poulin's playing.
- UIF

DP could be injured already & the team isn't telling anyone.. wouldn't be the first time.

XxNYIxX

what is sports yapper?

DP is hurt
- mighty13duck

fall of the bench?

can't trust a guy with one testicle... especially since the lance armstrong fiasco.
- Mr.Black

friggen half a eunuch

XxNYIxX