I'm with you. I'd rather them get a Top 2 D-man first. I feel that's their strongest need right now.
- Joey1724

Alex Edler and Cory Schneider for?

Alex Edler and Cory Schneider for?
- LeftCoaster

2013 1st, Lee, Nilsson, Dehaan and rights to Petrov in Russia

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.
- UIF

Personally I think Poulin has reached the point where his best development will happen in the NHL. In addition, his vacancy in the AHL will allow Nilsson to get the large bulk of goaltending duties as DP cheers him on. Since Poulin is now 23 years of age, it's time to start giving him a more frequent taste of NHL game action. I think we know that Nabby can still be effective in the regular season and therefore I'd suggest a 60-40 split in favor of Nabby early on while increasing Poulin's load in the second half of the season. At this stage, we can then make a decision at the trade deadline if it's time to either send Poulin down, ride him into the playoffs, or cut bait completely. Playing him in the A and then bringing him up for infrequent starts on Long Island may only reset the adjustment phase. He needs to see NHL quality shots more often. He looked sharp in his relief work during the series and I think if he actually plays more than one game per month, we could see a quantum leap in his game

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 not giving up on our prospects, I still think Nilsson is the man.. but im concerned with his health and both of them have been plagued with injuries throughout their careers.... Now that we have this team moving in the right direction, those goalie prospects not panning would really hurt.... I dont want to see this team become the Flyers... ready to take on the world but our goaltending is subpar.

XxNYIxX

2013 1st, Lee, Nilsson, Dehaan and rights to Petrov in Russia
- Vukota

Personally I think Poulin has reached the point where his best development will happen in the NHL. In addition, his vacancy in the AHL will allow Nilsson to get the large bulk of goaltending duties as DP cheers him on. Since Poulin is now 23 years of age, it's time to start giving him a more frequent taste of NHL game action. I think we know that Nabby can still be effective in the regular season and therefore I'd suggest a 60-40 split in favor of Nabby early on while increasing Poulin's load in the second half of the season. At this stage, we can then make a decision at the trade deadline if it's time to either send Poulin down, ride him into the playoffs, or cut bait completely. Playing him in the A and then bringing him up for infrequent starts on Long Island may only reset the adjustment phase. He needs to see NHL quality shots more often. He looked sharp in his relief work during the series and I think if he actually plays more than one game per month, we could see a quantum leap in his game
- keaner17

I agree keaner. We will never find out about Poulin by keeping him in Bridge or playing once a month in the NHL. I think given a chance he could be a quality NHL goalie. Time we found out.

Personally I think Poulin has reached the point where his best development will happen in the NHL. In addition, his vacancy in the AHL will allow Nilsson to get the large bulk of goaltending duties as DP cheers him on. Since Poulin is now 23 years of age, it's time to start giving him a more frequent taste of NHL game action. I think we know that Nabby can still be effective in the regular season and therefore I'd suggest a 60-40 split in favor of Nabby early on while increasing Poulin's load in the second half of the season. At this stage, we can then make a decision at the trade deadline if it's time to either send Poulin down, ride him into the playoffs, or cut bait completely. Playing him in the A and then bringing him up for infrequent starts on Long Island may only reset the adjustment phase. He needs to see NHL quality shots more often. He looked sharp in his relief work during the series and I think if he actually plays more than one game per month, we could see a quantum leap in his game
- keaner17

A 60-40 split of Nabby & Poulin would be ideal... but I was under the impression this whole conversation was without Nabby in the picture?

XxNYIxX

- LeftCoaster

Personally I think Poulin has reached the point where his best development will happen in the NHL. In addition, his vacancy in the AHL will allow Nilsson to get the large bulk of goaltending duties as DP cheers him on. Since Poulin is now 23 years of age, it's time to start giving him a more frequent taste of NHL game action. I think we know that Nabby can still be effective in the regular season and therefore I'd suggest a 60-40 split in favor of Nabby early on while increasing Poulin's load in the second half of the season. At this stage, we can then make a decision at the trade deadline if it's time to either send Poulin down, ride him into the playoffs, or cut bait completely. Playing him in the A and then bringing him up for infrequent starts on Long Island may only reset the adjustment phase. He needs to see NHL quality shots more often. He looked sharp in his relief work during the series and I think if he actually plays more than one game per month, we could see a quantum leap in his game
- keaner17

Ziggy says there's a 96.8 percent chance you're right.

I'd be OK with that plan...provided everything possible is done at the deadline if it doesn't look like Poulin will be able to be the man down the stretch. Don't think they can go with Nabby again in the postseason if the Isles are fortunate enough to repeat in the top-8, although having him as a backup in the playoffs would be good.

Ziggy says there's a 96.8 percent chance you're right.

I'd be OK with that plan...provided everything possible is done at the deadline if it doesn't look like Poulin will be able to be the man down the stretch. Don't think they can go with Nabby again in the postseason if the Isles are fortunate enough to repeat in the top-8, although having him as a backup in the playoffs would be good.
- UIF

I agree I rather Nabby not be the guy in the playoffs anymore. I'd rather he be the backup in the regualr season as well.

Poulin is not the Answer. Nilsson may be but fact that he hasnt stayed healthy doesnt give me comfort.

We lost the Series b/c of Goaltending Depth. If Nabby clearly was burned out from the season that best explains why he was so terrible. ISLES NEED TO GET A BONAFIDE Goalie that can come up big in Playoffs. I think Miller and Smith fit the bill there. Also I do think Bernier and Backstrom make alot of sense.
Also, Nabby going to find out that noone going to be be willing to give him leave of contract he looking for.

And can you guys stop with Nielson not being a legit #2 center> THE BLACKHAWKS wanted him to be their #2 Center and you telling he not good enough to be the isles #2 centre. He has one of the best well rounded attributes on the team. Enough.

Matt Moulson will only get worse hate to say. He played to get his extension and now he got it. He was terrible in the run to make the finals and he is ONLY player on Isles roster that didnt not elevate his game for Playoffs. So unless he was playing with significant injury, that is whom Im most concerned about at Forward. Not Boyes.

Nelson is a stud, and i do beleive Strome will be too. Cizikas is only going to get better.

We may prove to be Pitts toughest Opponent in East Conference.
It is hard pill to shallow that we dominated the pens and lost.
Alot of said Nabby would have to come up big for us to win. I think had he we would of easily won this series.

Also, come to think of it. Isles made their bed they slept in
Cappy took last 3 games of season after we clinched as throw away games.

We could have avoided playing Pens in first round and at least gotten into 2nd round with the way we played.

Imagine if we played the Canadiens or Capitals in first round. I think we would have won those series easily.

Poulin is not the Answer. Nilsson may be but fact that he hasnt stayed healthy doesnt give me comfort.

We lost the Series b/c of Goaltending Depth. If Nabby clearly was burned out from the season that best explains why he was so terrible. ISLES NEED TO GET A BONAFIDE Goalie that can come up big in Playoffs. I think Miller and Smith fit the bill there. Also I do think Bernier and Backstrom make alot of sense.
Also, Nabby going to find out that noone going to be be willing to give him leave of contract he looking for.

And can you guys stop with Nielson not being a legit #2 center> THE BLACKHAWKS wanted him to be their #2 Center and you telling he not good enough to be the isles #2 centre. He has one of the best well rounded attributes on the team. Enough.

Matt Moulson will only get worse hate to say. He played to get his extension and now he got it. He was terrible in the run to make the finals and he is ONLY player on Isles roster that didnt not elevate his game for Playoffs. So unless he was playing with significant injury, that is whom Im most concerned about at Forward. Not Boyes.

Nelson is a stud, and i do beleive Strome will be too. Cizikas is only going to get better.

We may prove to be Pitts toughest Opponent in East Conference.
It is hard pill to shallow that we dominated the pens and lost.
Alot of said Nabby would have to come up big for us to win. I think had he we would of easily won this series.
- Spartiarti

I know we've debated this before, but Nielsen himself doesn't believe he fits as the number-two center. He'd rather be the third-line center, and told Staple as much, stating that he hopes Strome can grow into that role. Not sure why you're so insistent on forcing him into a role that (a) his offensive output doesn't justify, and (b) he does not want to even play.

Also, come to think of it. Isles made their bed they slept in
Cappy took last 3 games of season after we clinched as throw away games.

We could have avoided playing Pens in first round and at least gotten into 2nd round with the way we played.

Imagine if we played the Canadiens or Capitals in first round. I think we would have won those series easily.
- Spartiarti

100% agreed.

Poulin is not the Answer. Nilsson may be but fact that he hasnt stayed healthy doesnt give me comfort.

We lost the Series b/c of Goaltending Depth. If Nabby clearly was burned out from the season that best explains why he was so terrible. ISLES NEED TO GET A BONAFIDE Goalie that can come up big in Playoffs. I think Miller and Smith fit the bill there. Also I do think Bernier and Backstrom make alot of sense.
Also, Nabby going to find out that noone going to be be willing to give him leave of contract he looking for.

And can you guys stop with Nielson not being a legit #2 center> THE BLACKHAWKS wanted him to be their #2 Center and you telling he not good enough to be the isles #2 centre. He has one of the best well rounded attributes on the team. Enough.

Matt Moulson will only get worse hate to say. He played to get his extension and now he got it. He was terrible in the run to make the finals and he is ONLY player on Isles roster that didnt not elevate his game for Playoffs. So unless he was playing with significant injury, that is whom Im most concerned about at Forward. Not Boyes.

Nelson is a stud, and i do beleive Strome will be too. Cizikas is only going to get better.

We may prove to be Pitts toughest Opponent in East Conference.
It is hard pill to shallow that we dominated the pens and lost.
Alot of said Nabby would have to come up big for us to win. I think had he we would of easily won this series.
- Spartiarti

Nabby's career postseason numbers are horrendous. It's time to move on and if he comes back as a backup that is fine. They need a goalie who is young enough to grow with this team and if the answer is not in house then they need to go outside and bring one in.

Also, come to think of it. Isles made their bed they slept in
Cappy took last 3 games of season after we clinched as throw away games.

We could have avoided playing Pens in first round and at least gotten into 2nd round with the way we played.

Imagine if we played the Canadiens or Capitals in first round. I think we would have won those series easily.
- Spartiarti

If you're gonna blame anybody you blame the players for not playing with the same do or die mentality the last 3 games as did they did earlier.

If you're gonna blame anybody you blame the players for not playing with the same do or die mentality the last 3 games as did they did earlier.
- Vukota

fact!

XxNYIxX

If you're gonna blame anybody you blame the players for not playing with the same do or die mentality the last 3 games as did they did earlier.
- Vukota

dont disagree with that. they played very lax in those very winnable games.
We had depth this year. Ullstrom, Joenssu, Nelson all ready to step in. Same on defense. Hickey, Martinek available.

the guy that most impressed me outside of the obvious was MATT CARKNER. alot of people were bashing Snow for him as pick up but that guy came up big in PLAYOFFS.

Are they going to put Brooklyn on the logo?

Not trolling here: it's a very little thing, but it will seem a little weird if they play out of Brooklyn, and don't have it on the map.

I know they issued a statement indicating they won't change the logo, but my bet is they recant and issue a tweaked logo. Think of the added merch sales.

And oh, I almost forgot: good season, Isles.
- Atomic Wedgie

uhh brooklyn is on the logo already its the start of the island

Sorry guys, I have to complain. I checked the blog for some insight after the series and......this is what you get. I get so much more reading through the posts from the members. Such things as thoughts, observation, insight, questions etc. After that series, and being able to identify with the isles and fans, I'll be following them much more. However, these blogs just keep getting worse.

A 60-40 split of Nabby & Poulin would be ideal... but I was under the impression this whole conversation was without Nabby in the picture?

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

No...I was suggesting we re-up him for one more year. He'll be a damn good mentor for either Poulin or Nilsson.

Ziggy says there's a 96.8 percent chance you're right.

I'd be OK with that plan...provided everything possible is done at the deadline if it doesn't look like Poulin will be able to be the man down the stretch. Don't think they can go with Nabby again in the postseason if the Isles are fortunate enough to repeat in the top-8, although having him as a backup in the playoffs would be good.
- UIF

Loved that show!
Agreed that Nabby can't be the ultimate plan for the playoffs. We learned a tough lesson this last series with him. For goalies in the NHL, the moment they lose a split second of their reaction time, the glove is often the first thing to go....

I am very proud of this team as we all know I Was one to pretty much dis the team all season. One thing I was right about was DP since they got rid of that clown this has been a way better team.

Couple of things for next year:

1. I like Bailey on the top line with Tavares but he needs another wing, Boyes is not the answer.

2. Frans Nielson I think we should trade and a get a true number 2 center for Okposo and Moulson

3. Do not break up the third line. In fact Cizikas with Grabner and McDonald look awesome.

4. MArtin needs real line mates on the fourth line. I know he has played with Cizikas some of the season but I just think the third line should be those three guys.

5. Streit is as good as gone. Either bring up a kid or sign a veteran defenseman

6. Nabby, the jury is still out. He was one of the main reasons we got to the playoffs. I think you sing him for another year, buy out DP and get a reliable back up for next year just in case.

7. Cappy, well he got us to the playoffs but I am still not convinced he can do that a whole year. Give him one more year to see what he can do
- kasperrko

First off Welcome to the wonderful land of Koolaide drinking. Glad to have u aboard.

1. Agree with Bailey on the top line and boyes gone.. I thought it was a mistake not to try Moulson on other wing. That a UFA/Trade or maybe one of the young guns by mid Season. I am guessing Moulson gets first crack at that spot.
2. I don't want to trade Neilsen but agree we need a second line center. I think most of us like Neilsen in the 3rd line center role... Bottom line is We started clicking when all 4 lines were good. The face that cap could not see that one or 2 guys made such a big difference for the last few years is still insane to me. You need skill, speed, toughness and defensive responsibility on all 4 lines.. and defense. One or 2 bums ruins the whole thing... (look at this series.. how much better did they play with the added toughness of Carkner, and the added toughness (hits) and speed of either Ullstrom or Brock Rather than Reasoner (bye) and Joensue (done on him too).
3. Cappy will be back.. but like u I am not sold on him. At times very obvious things to most of us he doesn't get. (Reasoner, Rolston, Mottau, and now Boyes..).
4. Nabby has to go. while I agree with most of you he is a good insurance guy. He will not be willing to sign a deal for 1 or 2 years. He has to go .. period.
5. Streit- unfortunately I also agree he is gone. You can not have 5 small puck moving d-men. The signing of Vis spelled the end of Streit. I never thought they would keep both. Especially with the emergence of Hickey and guys like Ness and Dehaan trying to make the team. We need big hard hitting D-men to compliment those guys.
6. Martin will get better players with him on 4th line by default. How much better was that line with a Healthy Ullstrom?

Sorry guys, I have to complain. I checked the blog for some insight after the series and......this is what you get. I get so much more reading through the posts from the members. Such things as thoughts, observation, insight, questions etc. After that series, and being able to identify with the isles and fans, I'll be following them much more. However, these blogs just keep getting worse.
- cranktheradio

You have to do what 90% of us do and don't read the blog and go straight to the comments section

Poulin is not the Answer. Nilsson may be but fact that he hasnt stayed healthy doesnt give me comfort.

We lost the Series b/c of Goaltending Depth. If Nabby clearly was burned out from the season that best explains why he was so terrible. ISLES NEED TO GET A BONAFIDE Goalie that can come up big in Playoffs. I think Miller and Smith fit the bill there. Also I do think Bernier and Backstrom make alot of sense.
Also, Nabby going to find out that noone going to be be willing to give him leave of contract he looking for.

And can you guys stop with Nielson not being a legit #2 center> THE BLACKHAWKS wanted him to be their #2 Center and you telling he not good enough to be the isles #2 centre. He has one of the best well rounded attributes on the team. Enough.

Matt Moulson will only get worse hate to say. He played to get his extension and now he got it. He was terrible in the run to make the finals and he is ONLY player on Isles roster that didnt not elevate his game for Playoffs. So unless he was playing with significant injury, that is whom Im most concerned about at Forward. Not Boyes.

Nelson is a stud, and i do beleive Strome will be too. Cizikas is only going to get better.

We may prove to be Pitts toughest Opponent in East Conference.
It is hard pill to shallow that we dominated the pens and lost.
Alot of said Nabby would have to come up big for us to win. I think had he we would of easily won this series.
- Spartiarti

Three points..:
1st Bolded point...You're saying Poulin isn't the answer after he's had a whopping 17 career starts? He's posted a career 2.76GAA .912 sv pct during those games. Let's let the kid actually have a full season with say 25-30 starts before making such bold statements shall we?

2nd Bolded part: Disagree that goaltending depth hurt us. We lost the series because Nabby played sub par but no matter how Nabby played he wasn't going to be held out of a start, which is why I said all along our backup goaltender was irrelevant. The isles knew that they would live and die by Nabby and never had any intention of starting anyone else. Poulin played well when he did fill in, but unless you were planning on having Loungo or Miller behind him, which would never happen, Nabby was our guy and he earned that right.

3rd bolded part: