you know things are bad when:

...when you get poop from the one and only member of the Jon Sim fan club...
- LetsGoIsles

Not a fan, I just know him. Friend of his Dads.

08-09 -- 13th most majors in the nhl
09-10 -- 23rd most majors in the nhl
10-11 -- 4th most majors in the nhl
11-12 -- tied for 23rd most majors in the nhl


30 teams in the nhl right?
- LetsGoIsles

Big difference between playing soft and receiving fighting majors. I'd have to agree that we've played like one of the softest teams in the league for several years now, though we had a temporary lapse when Sutton was here.

We're a perimeter team that doesn't play strong in the greasy areas on either end, hence the 'soft' term applies. I think with much bigger players in our system now, that should change over the next couple of years, but right now we still struggle in those areas.

Looks that way
- Vukota

Crazy, why do I even entertain this shat?

Big difference between playing soft and receiving fighting majors. I'd have to agree that we've played like one of the softest teams in the league for several years now, though we had a temporary lapse when Sutton was here.

We're a perimeter team that doesn't play strong in the greasy areas on either end, hence the 'soft' term applies. I think with much bigger players in our system now, that should change over the next couple of years, but right now we still struggle in those areas.
- keaner17

Well you'd think that would be common sense? The part of this i found really funny was that he did'nt even specify whether they were fighting majors or not?

Big difference between playing soft and receiving fighting majors. I'd have to agree that we've played like one of the softest teams in the league for several years now, though we had a temporary lapse when Sutton was here.

We're a perimeter team that doesn't play strong in the greasy areas on either end, hence the 'soft' term applies. I think with much bigger players in our system now, that should change over the next couple of years, but right now we still struggle in those areas.
- keaner17

Bingo!!

Big difference between playing soft and receiving fighting majors. I'd have to agree that we've played like one of the softest teams in the league for several years now, though we had a temporary lapse when Sutton was here.

We're a perimeter team that doesn't play strong in the greasy areas on either end, hence the 'soft' term applies. I think with much bigger players in our system now, that should change over the next couple of years, but right now we still struggle in those areas.
- keaner17

spot on. Every once in a while that fourth line makes us look tougher but then the other lines roll over and run away.

spot on. Every once in a while that fourth line makes us look tougher but then the other lines roll over and run away.
- Isles_since_6

They play with a bit of grit. I actually like those guys Mcdonald has fit in nicely, unfortunately Capuano does'nt feel the same way. Something works, change it. something does'nt, status quo.

I love when people say this. Other teams are so frightened of the islanders for the last couple years during the games leading up to the playoffs that they play their back up goaltenders and rest their stars players against us. That line is a Butch Goring favorite
- Cptmjl

No. I think most teams thought they would win. But the Isles did play a physical game at the end of that season. They were hitting and dropping the gloves.

08-09 -- 13th most majors in the nhl
09-10 -- 23rd most majors in the nhl
10-11 -- 4th most majors in the nhl
11-12 -- tied for 23rd most majors in the nhl


30 teams in the nhl right?
- LetsGoIsles

Really this just means they take stupid penalties. Half of them were high sticking or boarding which is not that tough plus. Plus that one year when they diosmantled the Penguins is where half the majors came from. So yeah they are not tough

the new alignment makes no sense. Why is there two more teams in the east? How does a team make the playoffs? Best 4 teams from each division? Kind of unfair since we have an extra team in our division while the west has one less team. Anyone else confused?
- mighty13duck

I also hate this realignment and playoff structure. The league sells us on trying to make more exciting games during the playoff race down the stretch and now they eliminate that all together. I'm not a fan of uneven divisions and conferences.

Just have two conferences with 15 teams each. Top 8 get in. Why keep changing it?

No. I think most teams thought they would win. But the Isles did play a physical game at the end of that season. They were hitting and dropping the gloves.
- JimmyP

There's a culture issue here though. As much as I can support Wang based on his cheapo finance perspective, his desire to create a rated G culture on the Isles club is what ultimately keeps the team from finding a tougher identity. The Isles had the best bonding moment as a team since the Toronto series when the dismantled the Pens in that bloodbath game. So the instant reaction was to send Haley and Gillies back down and ship Z off the team (not that I really felt we should keep him). The team finally showed they had balls in that game so managements reaction was an instant neutering of the roster along with Cappy's constant downplaying the significance of the game to the media. I don't think that's Garth's preference since he's played for tough teams and was known to be chippy himself. I do however think that Wang, who is one of the most outspoken critics of fighting in hockey, had a total disdain for the teams physical approach.

They play with a bit of grit. I actually like those guys Mcdonald has fit in nicely, unfortunately Capuano does'nt feel the same way. Something works, change it. something does'nt, status quo.
- Cptmjl

This line might actually be our best line in some ways. It's an outstanding 4th line that many teams would love to have. It's the only line that we can say, yes, every player on that line is doing exactly what they should be doing, if not more and could be the 4th line of many teams in this league.

There's a culture issue here though. As much as I can support Wang based on his cheapo finance perspective, his desire to create a rated G culture on the Isles club is what ultimately keeps the team from finding a tougher identity. The Isles had the best bonding moment as a team since the Toronto series when the dismantled the Pens in that bloodbath game. So the instant reaction was to send Haley and Gillies back down and ship Z off the team (not that I really felt we should keep him). The team finally showed they had balls in that game so managements reaction was an instant neutering of the roster along with Cappy's constant downplaying the significance of the game to the media. I don't think that's Garth's preference since he's played for tough teams and was known to be chippy himself. I do however think that Wang, who is one of the most outspoken critics of fighting in hockey, had a total disdain for the teams physical approach.
- keaner17

We don't know that for sure that Wang did anything about that. Also, Haley and Gillies and Konopka aren't exactly Tavares and Moulson. And while I agree with you that that game had a significant impact on the team, it was short lived and most of those guys are still here.

The bigger problem with this team is that no one except our 4th line plays with any sandpaper really at all. Out of our top 3 lines, Bailey is the most physical. I think Bailey (and Ullstrom for a bit) outside the 4th line that looks to be physical and engage contact. There is no excuse why Kyle Okposo even refuses to throw a hit. I don't expect Nielson or Grabner to drop the gloves but guys like Brad Boyes and Kyle Okposo need to be more physical. They can certainly bring more edge to their games and to me that is the Isles biggest problem and why there are games we look half dead. It's not fair to expect Martin or Carkner when he is healthy to be the only guys to hit every shift.

Remember when Doug Weight was playing here during our 09 god awful season? He dropped the gloves 3 times in the last 2 months of the season. I'm tired of watching Okposo more than anyone bring no physical presence. That to me is the biggest head scratcher of all. If the guy is producing, maybe it isn't as big of a deal but since he isn't, he needs to bring something else to the team. Enough is enough.

The Isles need:

- for the first line a Kassian type player. Tough, but has skills to play with JT and MM. Without bring anyone in Matt Martin should fit the bill.
- The second line they need another scoring option. KO and Bailey have shiit the bed, so something is needed for these spots.
- Third line can be excellent with Casey leading the way.
- pick up or bring up a tough guy.
- 2 more quality d-men
- Play a defensive stlye / actual system. Pick one and have the entire team actually buy in.
Then, the Isles would be a better team. However, you also have some great kids coming in the system. Strome will be a star. By the time you get to the new building things will be differnt.

Could write the same thing for 20 of the teams in the NHL as well.

The Isles need:

- for the first line a Kassian type player. Tough, but has skills to play with JT and MM. Without bring anyone in Matt Martin should fit the bill.
- The second line they need another scoring option. KO and Bailey have shiit the bed, so something is needed for these spots.
- Third line can be excellent with Casey leading the way.
- pick up or bring up a tough guy.
- 2 more quality d-men
- Play a defensive stlye / actual system. Pick one and have the entire team actually buy in.
Then, the Isles would be a better team. However, you also have some great kids coming in the system. Strome will be a star. By the time you get to the new building things will be differnt.

Could write the same thing for 20 of the teams in the NHL as well.
- bixll

He should have been drafted by the Isles

He should have been drafted by the Isles

- Vukota

I would fill my team with guys like him. We would not be fun to play against.

The Isles need:

- for the first line a Kassian type player. Tough, but has skills to play with JT and MM. Without bring anyone in Matt Martin should fit the bill.
- The second line they need another scoring option. KO and Bailey have shiit the bed, so something is needed for these spots.
- Third line can be excellent with Casey leading the way.
- pick up or bring up a tough guy.
- 2 more quality d-men
- Play a defensive stlye / actual system. Pick one and have the entire team actually buy in.
Then, the Isles would be a better team. However, you also have some great kids coming in the system. Strome will be a star. By the time you get to the new building things will be differnt.

Could write the same thing for 20 of the teams in the NHL as well.
- bixll

I'm not sure why Brad Boyes still has a spot up there. He looked real interested playing defense and skating back on that 4th goal the other night in Pitt. Tired of that guy too. He might actually help the 2nd and 3rd lines. I feel like he just gets in the way of Tavares and Moulson

We don't know that for sure that Wang did anything about that. Also, Haley and Gillies and Konopka aren't exactly Tavares and Moulson. And while I agree with you that that game had a significant impact on the team, it was short lived and most of those guys are still here.

The bigger problem with this team is that no one except our 4th line plays with any sandpaper really at all. Out of our top 3 lines, Bailey is the most physical. I think Bailey (and Ullstrom for a bit) outside the 4th line that looks to be physical and engage contact. There is no excuse why Kyle Okposo even refuses to throw a hit. I don't expect Nielson or Grabner to drop the gloves but guys like Brad Boyes and Kyle Okposo need to be more physical. They can certainly bring more edge to their games and to me that is the Isles biggest problem and why there are games we look half dead. It's not fair to expect Martin or Carkner when he is healthy to be the only guys to hit every shift.

Remember when Doug Weight was playing here during our 09 god awful season? He dropped the gloves 3 times in the last 2 months of the season. I'm tired of watching Okposo more than anyone bring no physical presence. That to me is the biggest head scratcher of all. If the guy is producing, maybe it isn't as big of a deal but since he isn't, he needs to bring something else to the team. Enough is enough.
- Isles316

looks like you and I are screaming at the tv about exactly the same thing. He gets just as many people lined up for a hit as Matt Martin does, but Kyle won't throw a hit. With his size, there's no reason not to finish your check.

looks like you and I are screaming at the tv about exactly the same thing. He gets just as many people lined up for a hit as Matt Martin does, but Kyle won't throw a hit. With his size, there's no reason not to finish your check.
- Isles_since_6

Exactly. There is no excuse why ANYONE can't finish their check. I don't expect Okposo to lay people out but there is ZERO body contact. It's not right that he hasn't seen the bench. You don't have to scratch a guy for him to get the message. Let him play one period on the 4th line, but Matt Martin in his spot. After that period, you ask him, "what did martin do that you didn't?" Message sent.

Exactly. There is no excuse why ANYONE can't finish their check. I don't expect Okposo to lay people out but there is ZERO body contact. It's not right that he hasn't seen the bench. You don't have to scratch a guy for him to get the message. Let him play one period on the 4th line, but Matt Martin in his spot. After that period, you ask him, "what did martin do that you didn't?" Message sent.
- Isles316

why is it that 90% of the posters on this message board can see these glaring issues yet Crappy can't?

This line might actually be our best line in some ways. It's an outstanding 4th line that many teams would love to have. It's the only line that we can say, yes, every player on that line is doing exactly what they should be doing, if not more and could be the 4th line of many teams in this league.
- Isles316

I agree, they are comparable and in some ways and as compared to some teams better than other 4th lines. I hope they can keep it up on a consistent basis, especially Macdonald.

We don't know that for sure that Wang did anything about that. Also, Haley and Gillies and Konopka aren't exactly Tavares and Moulson. And while I agree with you that that game had a significant impact on the team, it was short lived and most of those guys are still here.

- Isles316

Of course the roster transactions are speculative, though it was said after that Pens game that Wang was 'mortified' by the actions of those three. In addition, it is well known that Wang was part of a committee seeking to end fighting in hockey. Wang is a bit of an idealist and from oddball Sumo goalie suggestions to management by committee, he has an ultimate view of how he thinks the game should be despite little knowledge of how it worked prior. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to suggest he was quite interested in how the team operated their roster after paying a large fine and receiving lots of bad press.

In regards to 'short lived'. It was short lived because the team chose to bury it as fast as they could. Cappy went on several interviews after denying that the game would have any impact on how the team performed or that it was a watershed moment. And those three saw very little to no icetime after that point. MGMT killed the momentum

Exactly. There is no excuse why ANYONE can't finish their check. I don't expect Okposo to lay people out but there is ZERO body contact. It's not right that he hasn't seen the bench. You don't have to scratch a guy for him to get the message. Let him play one period on the 4th line, but Matt Martin in his spot. After that period, you ask him, "what did martin do that you didn't?" Message sent.
- Isles316

Could'nt agree more, hits are an important part of the game. I'm not saying Nielsen should be laying people out but there is zero reason why he can't finish a check instead of fluffing up next to the player along the boards therefore taking himself out of the play. One of the many coaching issues this team has.

Isles need an entire second line, really...whether that comes from reshuffling chairs on the deck or from additions...who knows. But if I was Garth Snow, I'd be grilling Cappy about why he just keeps trotting out the status quo for that line (well, actually if I was Garth Snow Cappy wouldn't be the coach...). The current second line has combined for 7 goals. Bailey and KO are hanging right in there with Martin, Hamonic and Ullstrom at 2 goals; and Nielsen's leading the way for the line, tied with Cizikas at 3 goals. One more and he'll tie Aucoin and Colin McDonald.

That's not acceptable for a second line. It's why it never made sense to bury Grabner...he could be just as productive as that whole line if you threw him out there by himself. For all the talk of secondary scoring, the current cast of characters on the second line just ain't getting it done.

Of course the roster transactions are speculative, though it was said after that Pens game that Wang was 'mortified' by the actions of those three. In addition, it is well known that Wang was part of a committee seeking to end fighting in hockey. Wang is a bit of an idealist and from oddball Sumo goalie suggestions to management by committee, he has an ultimate view of how he thinks the game should be despite little knowledge of how it worked prior. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to suggest he was quite interested in how the team operated their roster after paying a large fine and receiving lots of bad press.

In regards to 'short lived'. It was short lived because the team chose to bury it as fast as they could. Cappy went on several interviews after denying that the game would have any impact on how the team performed or that it was a watershed moment. And those three saw very little to no icetime after that point. MGMT killed the momentum
- keaner17

Seems to be a consistent theme.