Very interesting question do the Isles go hard for Bernier or bring Nabby back for a year and let Poulin and Nilsson fight it out for the 1a goalie spot?
- ses111

They have to kick the tires & see what it would take to get Bernier. I think we have the goalie of the future already.. but he's not ready to be a starter. With that said it cant hurt to have competition at the position. Bernier can start NOW.. and let our goalie prospects stew a little longer in Bridgeport. If the time ever comes for one of them to unseat Bernier as the #1... all the better. But if these prospects do not develop like hoped or their injury history continues.... we picked up a solid player.

XxNYIxX

Ugh. You're right. I think I need more coffee.
- JimmyP

No.. its a common mistake... before Brooklyn became an option for the Isles to move there, I would have sworn you were right as well.

XxNYIxX

My season post-mortem.....

It's still hard to take that we were up with a little more than 5 minutes left away from forcing a Game 7, a game where anything could have happened, and probably would have. We outplayed them in almost every facet of the game, gave them everything they can handle, and, while that's great, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Although, most of my frustration and anger have subsided, I still can't believe Nabokov played this poorly the entire series. Yes, there was nothing he can do on the last 2 goals, really, but did he stand on his head once this entire series? It pisses me off to watch guys like Lundqvist and, even Reimer, make incredible saves when our goalie can't stop one breakaway.

I'm not speculating who's gonna be on the roster yet, because that's a convo for another day. I'm very proud of this team, not just the guys who performed big time (JT, KO, CC, Hamonic, Grabner, etc.) but the guys like Strait and Nelson and Ullstrom who were thrusted into situations they're either undertalented for or not really ready for and did admirably.

We found out that, yes, there was a 5-year plan, and yes, we have the foundation to compete for what should be a long time. For all the poop Snow gets on this site, from me as well, he has brought in a group that outplayed the number one team in the conference and, if not for a lucky bounce or two, would have been playing Game 7 last night. But...I'm ecstatic about the future and we should be real competitors next season. I think it's safe we will not be picked to finish 14th in the Conference next year, so we will not sneak up on anyone. But, we have a foundation of players that we have seen do not crack under the pressure and that I have confidence will close out important games in the future.

Like I said a few days ago...I hope the rest of the NHL's fans had fun rooting for us the past week and a half, because Cinderella has left the building. We will not be a fun team to root for soon. We will be the team you're trying to beat.


- potvin05

Very well said Potvin It still hurts like anything we did not get that 7th game. It looked like it was going to happen. I'm very excited for the future of this team. This offseason will hopefully be an exciting one. I cannot wait to get the playoffs done and we get to the draft and free agency.

My season post-mortem.....

It's still hard to take that we were up with a little more than 5 minutes left away from forcing a Game 7, a game where anything could have happened, and probably would have. We outplayed them in almost every facet of the game, gave them everything they can handle, and, while that's great, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Although, most of my frustration and anger have subsided, I still can't believe Nabokov played this poorly the entire series. Yes, there was nothing he can do on the last 2 goals, really, but did he stand on his head once this entire series? It pisses me off to watch guys like Lundqvist and, even Reimer, make incredible saves when our goalie can't stop one breakaway.

I'm not speculating who's gonna be on the roster yet, because that's a convo for another day. I'm very proud of this team, not just the guys who performed big time (JT, KO, CC, Hamonic, Grabner, etc.) but the guys like Strait and Nelson and Ullstrom who were thrusted into situations they're either undertalented for or not really ready for and did admirably.

We found out that, yes, there was a 5-year plan, and yes, we have the foundation to compete for what should be a long time. For all the poop Snow gets on this site, from me as well, he has brought in a group that outplayed the number one team in the conference and, if not for a lucky bounce or two, would have been playing Game 7 last night. But...I'm ecstatic about the future and we should be real competitors next season. I think it's safe we will not be picked to finish 14th in the Conference next year, so we will not sneak up on anyone. But, we have a foundation of players that we have seen do not crack under the pressure and that I have confidence will close out important games in the future.

Like I said a few days ago...I hope the rest of the NHL's fans had fun rooting for us the past week and a half, because Cinderella has left the building. We will not be a fun team to root for soon. We will be the team you're trying to beat.


- potvin05

See Dee?? THIS would be a blog that we all would have loved to read!

Just FYI

Nicely said 05!

XxNYIxX

They have to kick the tires & see what it would take to get Bernier. I think we have the goalie of the future already.. but he's not ready to be a starter. With that said it cant hurt to have competition at the position. Bernier can start NOW.. and let our goalie prospects stew a little longer in Bridgeport. If the time ever comes for one of them to unseat Bernier as the #1... all the better. But if these prospects do not develop like hoped or their injury history continues.... we picked up a solid player.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

I agree X. I think they should look to bring in Bernier. If the Kings want a King's ransome than bring back Nabby and give plenty of time to Poulin or Nilsson. I hope Streit and Boyes are not back. Will be interesting to see if Frans is moved in a package for a goalie or dman? Wonder what kind of deal Bailey will get?

Ask anyone from WNY, and they will tell you... Wasnt liked in the room (see DP), has an attitude with coaches and media (see DP). Maybe a change in scenery may do him good... And to be honest, you have to wonder about Nabby too... Glad I am not the GM.
- gharding14

Eh, my wife and her entire family are from Western NY and Sabres fans. We get Center Ice every year so she can continue watching them. Admittedly I don't follow every Sabres issue like my father-in-law does, but I do watch many of their games and shoot the breezes about the team quite a bit with my wife and her family. Funny how Miller was a god when the team was winning the President's Trophy and a goat when the team loses and there are now rumors that he might want out. Isn't that how it always goes with sports stars? When they're contributing to the team winning, it's called "confidence." When the team's losing, it's called "ego" and becomes a problem.

Also, Miller was upset when players like Pommer were traded away. If he hated them and they hated him, wouldn't he have been happy about that and been pushing the team to trade them?

He has a big mouth and says things he shouldn't sometimes, sure. We saw it during the lockout, and Miller's the first to admit that and own up to it. If you want to run with the DP narrative because of that, go for it.

No.. its a common mistake... before Brooklyn became an option for the Isles to move there, I would have sworn you were right as well.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

You did. You made fun of me for posting a map of Long Island last year

Eh, my wife and her entire family are from Western NY and Sabres fans. We get Center Ice every year so she can continue watching them. Admittedly I don't follow every Sabres issue like my father-in-law does, but I do watch many of their games and shoot the breezes about the team quite a bit with my wife and her family. Funny how Miller was a god when the team was winning the President's Trophy and a goat when the team loses and there are now rumors that he might want out. Isn't that how it always goes with sports stars? When they're contributing to the team winning, it's called "confidence." When the team's losing, it's called "ego" and becomes a problem.

Also, Miller was upset when players like Pommer were traded away. If he hated them and they hated him, wouldn't he have been happy about that and been pushing the team to trade them?

He has a big mouth and says things he shouldn't sometimes, sure. We saw it during the lockout, and Miller's the first to admit that and own up to it. If you want to run with the DP narrative because of that, go for it.
- UIF

Did you know this prior to the big day?

You did. You made fun of me for posting a map of Long Island last year
- UIF

See? I apologize for that now.. I stand corrected.

XxNYIxX

Cory Schneider is the guy Snow should be going after, North East American kid just entering his prime and he fits into the age group of the emerging team. Give up some prospects for him and you're looking good at the goaltending position.

When wasn't DP not liked in the locker room??

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

When people on the internet decided they disliked him so much they needed to find a way to get others to dislike him.

I've never heard one player actually suggest that DP was disliked in the lockerroom. In fact, I've heard quite the opposite from many of them including JT himself. DP was always the comedian of the lockeroom keeping everyone in a lighthearted mood. It seems that a lot of folks simply need to justify their instant dislike of him by demonizing his personality as well.

If I'm drawing upon true criticisms of DP and his perceived ego, it's that he seemed to be too strong willed to coach. Perhaps that's due to the too much too soon syndrome, as UIF referred to. It just seems that he wasn't real good at taking advice when he was younger so when you pair that with some seemingly awful coaching from Sudsi, DP was destroyed by both himself and the franchise.

Still, the whole 'disliked in the lockeroom' appears to have no substance to it whatsoever.

Looks like the Devils (per the blogger) want Bobby Ryan...I think we could get him for some prospects and the 1st pick...he would be great with JT...

Cory Schneider is the guy Snow should be going after, North East American kid just entering his prime and he fits into the age group of the emerging team. Give up some prospects for him and you're looking good at the goaltending position.
- LeftCoaster

I would LOVE Schneider & I think he would be my first choice, but I dont think he's going to be moved... he should be inquired about thou!!

XxNYIxX

miller for.. idk someone on the islanders
- robz228

I would trade for Bernier. He is a #1 goalie and young. Probably have to give up Nino and a 1st for him(maybe more) but that would solve our goaltending problem for about 15+ years

The gentleman from Western Pennsylvania is right.

Check the quotes from Orpik. He did nothing but praise the Isles. This was a 'coming out party' of sorts.

Excluding 02, these playoff series for us was just a blip for the opponent. This time, NHL fans got to see an up and coming team, that is not going to take no crap from anyone.

My head is held up high, and my pride is beaming. Despite being eliminated, it is a great day to be an Islander fan.

Gary Harding
www.islestalk.com
- gharding14

I would trade for Bernier. He is a #1 goalie and young. Probably have to give up Nino and a 1st for him(maybe more) but that would solve our goaltending problem for about 15+ years
- Joey1724

I suppose I'm a bit surprised that people are seemingly ready to bypass Poulin and Nilsson for no good reason. While I admit Bernier would be very intruiging, and we might get him for Poulin, our 1st and a prospect, I simply don't think selling major pieces or assets is warranted at this stage for a goalie when we have THREE in our system, two of which may be ready by next year. Frankly, I'd rather we keep our prospects in the fold and continue to keep the pipeline running.
In addition, Garth has done a nice job grabbing goaltenders at little to no cost over the last few years so if it came to that, I'm confident in his decisions at that position.
It just seems waaaay to early to be looking for our goaltender of the future when we have three strong prospects in house.

Looks like the Devils (per the blogger) want Bobby Ryan...I think we could get him for some prospects and the 1st pick...he would be great with JT...
- kear20

What do the devils have that Ducks would want? He aint going to NJ

I suppose I'm a bit surprised that people are seemingly ready to bypass Poulin and Nilsson for no good reason. While I admit Bernier would be very intruiging, and we might get him for Poulin, our 1st and a prospect, I simply don't think selling major pieces or assets is warranted at this stage for a goalie when we have THREE in our system, two of which may be ready by next year. Frankly, I'd rather we keep our prospects in the fold and continue to keep the pipeline running.
In addition, Garth has done a nice job grabbing goaltenders at little to no cost over the last few years so if it came to that, I'm confident in his decisions at that position.
It just seems waaaay to early to be looking for our goaltender of the future when we have three strong prospects in house.
- keaner17

I'm not giving up on our prospects just giving an idea on what to do. If many fans want them to address our goaltending situation I feel Bernier solves the problem. You address a need by acquiring him and then you go get your Top 2 Defenseman

I suppose I'm a bit surprised that people are seemingly ready to bypass Poulin and Nilsson for no good reason. While I admit Bernier would be very intruiging, and we might get him for Poulin, our 1st and a prospect, I simply don't think selling major pieces or assets is warranted at this stage for a goalie when we have THREE in our system, two of which may be ready by next year. Frankly, I'd rather we keep our prospects in the fold and continue to keep the pipeline running.
In addition, Garth has done a nice job grabbing goaltenders at little to no cost over the last few years so if it came to that, I'm confident in his decisions at that position.
It just seems waaaay to early to be looking for our goaltender of the future when we have three strong prospects in house.
- keaner17

I'm still a believer in Poulin and Nilsson, and woudn't want to ship Nino and first rounders out for a young goalie because of that. I wouldn't mind seeing the Isles go with a good vet along with Nabby next season, though...give both Poulin and Nilsson another year to round out their games in Bridgeport. Both had less-than-stellar seasons. I think Poulin is still the guy who won praise from Patrick Roy, played very well in the AHL in his first season, and posted a .924 in his first 10 NHL games before that weird knee-cap injury. He has to find his game again. Nilsson is still the same guy that everyone believed was even better than Poulin (when Poulin was playing well), and he needs to get his health back and get a bunch of starts under his belt. One or both could be NHLers, imo.

In the meantime, if we could get a good vet for two or three seasons and re-sign Nabby for just next season, that'd be good. After next season, one of Poulin or Nilsson can be the backup for a season or two, then hopefully transition to starter.

My season post-mortem.....

It's still hard to take that we were up with a little more than 5 minutes left away from forcing a Game 7, a game where anything could have happened, and probably would have. We outplayed them in almost every facet of the game, gave them everything they can handle, and, while that's great, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Although, most of my frustration and anger have subsided, I still can't believe Nabokov played this poorly the entire series. Yes, there was nothing he can do on the last 2 goals, really, but did he stand on his head once this entire series? It pisses me off to watch guys like Lundqvist and, even Reimer, make incredible saves when our goalie can't stop one breakaway.

I'm not speculating who's gonna be on the roster yet, because that's a convo for another day. I'm very proud of this team, not just the guys who performed big time (JT, KO, CC, Hamonic, Grabner, etc.) but the guys like Strait and Nelson and Ullstrom who were thrusted into situations they're either undertalented for or not really ready for and did admirably.

We found out that, yes, there was a 5-year plan, and yes, we have the foundation to compete for what should be a long time. For all the poop Snow gets on this site, from me as well, he has brought in a group that outplayed the number one team in the conference and, if not for a lucky bounce or two, would have been playing Game 7 last night. But...I'm ecstatic about the future and we should be real competitors next season. I think it's safe we will not be picked to finish 14th in the Conference next year, so we will not sneak up on anyone. But, we have a foundation of players that we have seen do not crack under the pressure and that I have confidence will close out important games in the future.

Like I said a few days ago...I hope the rest of the NHL's fans had fun rooting for us the past week and a half, because Cinderella has left the building. We will not be a fun team to root for soon. We will be the team you're trying to beat.


- potvin05

As usual dead on and the bold part is the truth!!

I'm not giving up on our prospects just giving an idea on what to do. If many fans want them to address our goaltending situation I feel Bernier solves the problem. You address a need by acquiring him and then you go get your Top 2 Defenseman
- Joey1724

Right, I wasn't really singling you out as the conversation has been going on for a while now. Just seems to me that there are other places we need to address more since we are just getting the proving grounds for both Poulin and Nilsson.

What do the devils have that Ducks would want? He aint going to NJ
- mighty13duck

I know he is from jersey but I remember reading somewhere that he was a huge Flyers fan growing up. I have a feeling that's where he ends up when he gets to free agency in a year or two

Right, I wasn't really singling you out as the conversation has been going on for a while now. Just seems to me that there are other places we need to address more since we are just getting the proving grounds for both Poulin and Nilsson.
- keaner17

I'm with you. I'd rather them get a Top 2 D-man first. I feel that's their strongest need right now.

From what I hear, Miller has an ego and similar attitude as a player that is on a long contract and is no longer with us.

Do you want another one of those?
- gharding14

Awwww no!

I suppose I'm a bit surprised that people are seemingly ready to bypass Poulin and Nilsson for no good reason. While I admit Bernier would be very intruiging, and we might get him for Poulin, our 1st and a prospect, I simply don't think selling major pieces or assets is warranted at this stage for a goalie when we have THREE in our system, two of which may be ready by next year. Frankly, I'd rather we keep our prospects in the fold and continue to keep the pipeline running.
In addition, Garth has done a nice job grabbing goaltenders at little to no cost over the last few years so if it came to that, I'm confident in his decisions at that position.
It just seems waaaay to early to be looking for our goaltender of the future when we have three strong prospects in house.
- keaner17

Tough decisions Keaner. I would not be upset if Poulin or Nilsson were given a chance to see what they had this year on the NHL level. Nabby has done a good job for the Isles but I'd rather not see him get most of the starts this year.