From Newsday:

Garth Snow has taken plenty of heat since he took over as Islanders general manager seven years ago, especially during the five-year playoff drought.

He's not ready to gloat about the Isles' limited success this season, with their return to the playoffs and a hard-fought, six-game loss to the Penguins in the opening round. But Snow's patience with his team's lengthy rebuilding process has started to pay off.

"We knew there would be some tough times when we started down this path five years ago," Snow told Newsday on Monday. "We're starting to see the fruits of our labors now.

"I'm obviously disappointed, just like the players, coaches and fans, that we didn't advance to the next round. There are some good signs on our club, though, and I'm extremely proud of the way our guys competed and played the last two months."

Snow and his staff will complete their exit interviews Tuesday with the players, who will disperse for the offseason. But the GM expects to see many of the same faces back for training camp in September. Snow has no plans to go for broke on the free-agent or trade market this offseason, not with the solid core he's built through the draft and waiver wire.

"I don't think there will be too many changes," Snow said. "We want to continue down the road we started. We're just as excited about the prospects we have as the team that played this season. We've had some really good drafts and we have a prospect pool we like, not just some of the players at Bridgeport. It bodes well for the future."

There are several unrestricted free agents, including goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, captain Mark Streit and wing Brad Boyes.

Snow had contract extension talks with the agents for all three during the season and that will continue up to the July 5 start of free agency. The fact that all three want to return is another good sign. Snow has struggled to hit pay dirt on the free-agent market while the Islanders were a perennial draft lottery team; he might find a new welcoming attitude from agents for big-name players when the market opens in July.

"Winning answers a lot of questions that players have," Snow said. "The certainty of knowing we're staying in the area at Barclays Center in two years helps, and being part of a winning team helps, too. Time will tell."

Snow would not divulge coach Jack Capuano's contract status, nor that of his assistants, but did say, "I expect the entire coaching staff to be back."

Snow got some consolation in the texts and emails he received from fellow executives and former teammates congratulating him on the Isles' run. But after Tuesday, the focus turns to the June 30 draft and to build on this first step back toward respectability.

"We want to stick with the plan of building from within," Snow said. "If there's an opportunity to improve the club through trade or free agency, we'll leave no stone unturned. We know we need to get better and we're going to address it."

Please God... No more Brad Boyes......

How is that Leafs thread doing? Being a Mets fan, I understand all too well what they're going through. Wow. This might actually be worse.

Ses, X and Vukota...appreciate the complements from earlier today. I wish I wasn't writing their post-moderm so soon, but it is what it is.

I like what was posted above me, (Kear, maybe?). I don't know how many of you agree with me, but I like was Snow and Staple are saying. I'd like to see Streit (if he's looking for what's been rumored to be looking for) and, obviously Boyes not back. Nabby, if he's willing to not look for a bank vault, even though he has been medicore lately, I wouldn't mind back.

How about instead of going after a reclamation project, we try to hit a home run? I'm too tired to look through the list of UFAs, but I'd like to see one top-6 guy or one top-4 guy.

Think they're already having that...




- eichiefs9

Wow, that's rough.

That might be worse than Willie Randolph actually choking himself in the dugout during the last game in 2007. Yep, that was on the back pages, and, yep, was just as bad.

"I don't think there will be too many changes," Snow said. "We want to continue down the road we started. We're just as excited about the prospects we have as the team that played this season. We've had some really good drafts and we have a prospect pool we like, not just some of the players at Bridgeport. It bodes well for the future."



"We want to stick with the plan of building from within," Snow said. "If there's an opportunity to improve the club through trade or free agency, we'll leave no stone unturned. We know we need to get better and we're going to address it."
- kear20

I "like" our prospect pool, too- the one problem with our prospect pool is that I don't see Shea Weber or Henrik Lundqvist in our prospect pool. That's not a reflection of the man's drafting skills; you draft what's there. However, for this team to move forward, we're going to need equivalents of those two sooner or later, and that's going to either require getting very lucky in free agency, or SOMEONE is going to have to grow some testes and make a trade of something other than a third round draft pick at some point....just saying.

We're also going to have to learn to play defense like the rag$ do- that wouldn't hurt. I'm sure Travis Hamonic or Andrew MacDonald would appreciate seeing four other guys wearing the same sweaters standing in front of the goalie, instead of being there by themselves, waiting for the cavalry to show up. A stick in every lane, a body behind it. The Caps took 8 million shots last night, from 50 feet away. The rag$ could have had Biron play the goal last night, and it would have been a shut out- that one wasn't about Lundqvist, it was about HOW they play hockey. The Italian national soccer team keeps 11 guys behind the 35, and waits for you to f*** up. It ain't pretty, but it wins trophies. We're going to need to learn that at some point, as well.

Please God... No more Brad Boyes......
- keaner17

Yeah, I'm doubting that one comes back- Niederreiter, barring a move, WILL be HERE next year, and he has to play somewhere. I think Streit is going to go also, because someone will give him that stupid money....he's too old to get that much money for that many years, but the Flyers always need to find another way to f*** up their salary cap. I'd rather spend that kind of coin on Douglas Murray, myself.

I think the goalie comes back, because in the end, he's proven to not be a difference maker anywhere but in the locker room....most likely by the end of next year, again barring a move, he'll be watching one of our two kids play most of the games. As long as he's happy here, and they don't insult him, he'll probably be back if they want him.

Not true. You need vets, just better ones.
- canadianpenfan

What we need are the RIGHT ones...which is basically what you're saying. A couple who were taught how to play defense properly, and a younger one between the pipes wouldn't hurt, just for three examples.

The one place where I will differ from some the Isles fans in this group is this: I do think we already HAVE the winger for Tavares within the organization. It'd be nice to get someone in that role if it only cost money, but it would have to be someone stellar. Nathan Horton isn't worth what he's going to command when you already have Nino and Strome waiting in the wings- you need to spend that money on DEFENSE. It'd be different if Malkin or Ovechkin were UFAs, but Horton doesn't impress me enough to write the blank check. Another guy the Flyers will sign for $9M a year, and then realize they can only afford to have Bruno play defense for them again next year ....

I think it's difficult to expect any coach to be perfect, especially with the benefit of hindsight. It's simply unfair to look back and say the entire series was lost due to any one person. I could find some blame with Strait's stupid penalties, Streit's inability to be physical, Cappy's oddball decisions of playing Reasoner more than Grabs or his decision to match Strait on Crosby or of course Nabby...
As for the final three games, I think the team and coach get blame on the last three games, I certainly didn't like to see us sitting Vis on the final game although we really don't know the reasons why.
Sure, we could have won a couple more games and found a more favorable matchup, but the fact is this team went up against the best and came within a couple of bounces of pulling off their biggest upset in 20 years. That experience alone will be yet another huge chapter in the redemption of the New York Islanders.
- keaner17

I'm just going to say this- other than for about five weeks in March and April, I just don't like the style of play, period. Some people like it, because it's exciting. I'd rather snooze my way to a Cup. That's why I complain about the coach.

That's also why, despite hating the rag$ and wishing they would lose just as much as any other Islanders fan, I LOVE watching them play, because they play the game the right way, IMO. I also believe that if we played that way, given the right goalie, we'd be A LOT more exciting than they are, because we are faster, and better at moving the puck than they are. Our odd man chances would be far more numerous than theirs, because we'd be able to go from one end of the rink to the other in less time.

The problem with the style we do play, in contrast, is that the constant aggression puts far too many players out of position, when the pass hits a skate, instead of the intended stick. If the discipline was hammered into them insofar as positioning at their own end of the ice, with the aggressive tactics saved for AFTER the other team makes a mistake, this team would be a lot better.

Right now, you can still see a bit of Scott Gordon in this team, and all I can say about that is that the Loaf$ were winning 4-1, with eleven minutes left in regulation last night. Remind me again...what happened? What was the final score? Yeah, that's what I thought. Would you rather whine about being bored, or would you rather have THAT happen to your team?

He did mention he heard Weber of Nashville was available...
- kear20

That would be more important than anything else, provided Snow makes the right deal. FAR MORE important.

How is that Leafs thread doing? Being a Mets fan, I understand all too well what they're going through. Wow. This might actually be worse.

Ses, X and Vukota...appreciate the complements from earlier today. I wish I wasn't writing their post-moderm so soon, but it is what it is.

I like what was posted above me, (Kear, maybe?). I don't know how many of you agree with me, but I like was Snow and Staple are saying. I'd like to see Streit (if he's looking for what's been rumored to be looking for) and, obviously Boyes not back. Nabby, if he's willing to not look for a bank vault, even though he has been medicore lately, I wouldn't mind back.

How about instead of going after a reclamation project, we try to hit a home run? I'm too tired to look through the list of UFAs, but I'd like to see one top-6 guy or one top-4 guy.
- potvin05

Potvin...I think that's what you're going to see...judging by the article I think you'll see one or two higher end (players) brought in and that's it...and I'm ok with that...

The Italian national soccer team keeps 11 guys behind the 35,
- dcb1

Go Italia!!!

All I can ask is to don't sign Boyes to an extension and get a goalie!!!...Get Clarkson and Horton. Is that too much to ask for?

Really? Tim Thomas, Mike Smith, Backstrom, etc.... I think it's a great list. I also think there will be a couple other that get bought out.
- niteislander

Sorry for being late but.......

Still not a good list of goalies........

All I can ask is to don't sign Boyes to an extension and get a goalie!!!...Get Clarkson and Horton. Is that too much to ask for?
- ISLES1119

I'm only interested in Bernier if the Isles go and trade for a goaltender. I don't want a guy in their 30's or one who is signed to a stupid contract like the other goaltender in the Isles' system. The core of this team is in its mid 20's now. They need a goaltender in that age range to grow with the group. If Nilsson or Poulin are going to be that guy, then I'm fine with re-signing Nabby, with the understanding that Nilsson/Poulin are going to play, not like this year. If the team doesn't believe in those two going forward, they need to make a move. This summer.

As for forwards, I'm not a Horton fan. I think he's overrated and would need to be drastically overpaid to come to LI. Clarkson would be a great get. Grit, hands, character. Wouldn't break the bank either. But I'm more interested in trying to get a top pair physical d-man, a guy who can move and hit and clear the crease. The lack of that type and caliber d-man on this team was glaring against Pitt. I don't know what d-man that fits that description will be available but its probably the biggest priority going into next season.

I "like" our prospect pool, too- the one problem with our prospect pool is that I don't see Shea Weber or Henrik Lundqvist in our prospect pool. That's not a reflection of the man's drafting skills; you draft what's there. However, for this team to move forward, we're going to need equivalents of those two sooner or later, and that's going to either require getting very lucky in free agency, or SOMEONE is going to have to grow some testes and make a trade of something other than a third round draft pick at some point....just saying.

We're also going to have to learn to play defense like the rag$ do- that wouldn't hurt. I'm sure Travis Hamonic or Andrew MacDonald would appreciate seeing four other guys wearing the same sweaters standing in front of the goalie, instead of being there by themselves, waiting for the cavalry to show up. A stick in every lane, a body behind it. The Caps took 8 million shots last night, from 50 feet away. The rag$ could have had Biron play the goal last night, and it would have been a shut out- that one wasn't about Lundqvist, it was about HOW they play hockey. The Italian national soccer team keeps 11 guys behind the 35, and waits for you to f*** up. It ain't pretty, but it wins trophies. We're going to need to learn that at some point, as well.
- dcb1

I'd say it's too early to condone or dismiss any of our dmen or goalie prospects from that consideration. That said, not many teams do have a Webber or Lundqvist in their pool. Typically with a defensemen you won't know what they are until they reach 25-26 years old while goalies can mature from anywhere between 24-28. I'd say that Nilsson very well could be our franchise goalie, but so could Koskinen or Poulin. It's just too early to know until they get extended time on the roster. As for defense, I think we have a few guys that could be our 'Webber'. I was championing Reinhart long before we picked him because I think he has the mindset and physical build to be a dominating dman. Pedan could be that guy as well. We're just not going to know until they've had some time to gain experience.

Unlike a lot of folks, I'm not in a 'make a move now' mode. I think we've seen how allowing just a bit of time for this team to gel made them from a laughning stock to a highly competitive team practically overnight. The maturation of our defensive prospects, and we have plenty, will be the next evolution of this team. We should also be only 1-2 years away from having our goaltener situation settled.
If this team stays on track without making any hasty moves, we should see them win a round or two, maybe even more, next year. Then by 2015 we should be one of the top franchises in the league. This can happen with only one or two free agent acquisitions and the natural progression of our deep/highly talented prospect pool. Provided we stick to the plan, this team will be a juggernaut over the next decade and possibly beyond.

Everyone got a taste of the playoffs and understandably now wants more, but I think it's important we continue to allow it to be an organic growth rather than wheel and deal. Truth be told, you don't need a Webber or Lundqvist to be a contender..neither of them have ever won a cup. If they are 5's on a scale of 1-5, I'd rather take several 4's where the team can rotate roles, than sell a few 4's for a 5

I'm with Jethro...without looking at an UFA list, I like Clarkson because he's proven he has what it takes to succeed in our division, and he is a high character guy. He would fit on our roster perfectly, and be an example to the younger guys. And, he's been to Finals before and had a very good playoffs that year, so I think he would fit the bill.

The 2 things that scare me about Horton is the money and his injuries. He is a very streaky player, too.

Also, Lundqvist was a 6th round pick. I don't think anyone had him pegged to be a perennial Vezina candidate a bunch of years ago. Everyone was high on Blackburn before he tore his triceps or whatever it was.

Man...that Leafs/Bruins game...I can't imagine how severe the emotional crash was for Leafs fans last night. What a tough break. I guess they were really Rocky rather than us...took the champ (or at least the last champ to come out of the East) the distance and lost.

I thought I felt bad after isles lost in OT in game 6 to force overtime.

But IMAGINE BEING A LEAFS FAN.
4-1 going into 3rd period. Even at 4-2 with few mins left to play, people in Toronto were dancing in the streets. I can imagine how that all came screeching halt. People today have ot be on suicide watch.
EPIC FAIL

I'd say it's too early to condone or dismiss any of our dmen or goalie prospects from that consideration. That said, not many teams do have a Webber or Lundqvist in their pool. Typically with a defensemen you won't know what they are until they reach 25-26 years old while goalies can mature from anywhere between 24-28. I'd say that Nilsson very well could be our franchise goalie, but so could Koskinen or Poulin. It's just too early to know until they get extended time on the roster. As for defense, I think we have a few guys that could be our 'Webber'. I was championing Reinhart long before we picked him because I think he has the mindset and physical build to be a dominating dman. Pedan could be that guy as well. We're just not going to know until they've had some time to gain experience.

Unlike a lot of folks, I'm not in a 'make a move now' mode. I think we've seen how allowing just a bit of time for this team to gel made them from a laughning stock to a highly competitive team practically overnight. The maturation of our defensive prospects, and we have plenty, will be the next evolution of this team. We should also be only 1-2 years away from having our goaltener situation settled.
If this team stays on track without making any hasty moves, we should see them win a round or two, maybe even more, next year. Then by 2015 we should be one of the top franchises in the league. This can happen with only one or two free agent acquisitions and the natural progression of our deep/highly talented prospect pool. Provided we stick to the plan, this team will be a juggernaut over the next decade and possibly beyond.

Everyone got a taste of the playoffs and understandably now wants more, but I think it's important we continue to allow it to be an organic growth rather than wheel and deal. Truth be told, you don't need a Webber or Lundqvist to be a contender..neither of them have ever won a cup. If they are 5's on a scale of 1-5, I'd rather take several 4's where the team can rotate roles, than sell a few 4's for a 5
- keaner17

I'd like to see the Isles make a move for JT's right wing, but I agree I don't want to see prospects shipped out left and right to fill every hole the Isles have. I just don't want to see Boyes on the right wing come opening night, and that's what we're looking at with no moves made. It's possible someone unseats him for that spot by the end of the season, but I'm really hoping we've seen his last game as an Islander. I'd rather see Streit back as a placeholder on D than Boyes as a placeholder on the wing.

Man...that Leafs/Bruins game...I can't imagine how severe the emotional crash was for Leafs fans last night. What a tough break. I guess they were really Rocky rather than us...took the champ (or at least the last champ to come out of the East) the distance and lost.
- UIF

The Bruins were my pick to represent the east. Last nights game may have finally woke them up. The final five minutes of that game showed exactly why I thought they were better suited for a playoff run than anyone else in the east. Their ccombination of size, toughness and skill make them completely capable of imposing their will on other teams. Toronto gave them everything they had and nearly pulled it off, but ultimately couldn't keep Boston away from their crease

I thought I felt bad after isles lost in OT in game 6 to force overtime.

But IMAGINE BEING A LEAFS FAN.
4-1 going into 3rd period. Even at 4-2 with few mins left to play, people in Toronto were dancing in the streets. I can imagine how that all came screeching halt. People today have ot be on suicide watch.
EPIC FAIL
- Spartiarti

It was only 2-1 going into the 3rd, but to have a 4-1 lead with less than 10 minutes left, and a 2 goal lead with less than 2 minutes...that's (frank)ing brutal.

The Bruins were my pick to represent the east. Last nights game may have finally woke them up. The final five minutes of that game showed exactly why I thought they were better suited for a playoff run than anyone else in the east. Their ccombination of size, toughness and skill make them completely capable of imposing their will on other teams. Toronto gave them everything they had and nearly pulled it off, but ultimately couldn't keep Boston away from their crease
- keaner17

As good, skilled and big as they are, they're lazy though, which is why I wanted them in round 1 rather than the Pens. You can almost lull them to sleep and escape with wins. The Bs are not going to represent the East only turning up the intensity for about 30% of each game. While they were great in the last minute+ last night...let's acknowledge they were lucky to a degree as well to get two goals that quickly. Hats off to Toronto as well...they did everything they had to in order to escape with the upset. The hockey gods just didn't want it to happen.

I'd like to see the Isles make a move for JT's right wing, but I agree I don't want to see prospects shipped out left and right to fill every hole the Isles have. I just don't want to see Boyes on the right wing come opening night, and that's what we're looking at with no moves made. It's possible someone unseats him for that spot by the end of the season, but I'm really hoping we've seen his last game as an Islander. I'd rather see Streit back as a placeholder on D than Boyes as a placeholder on the wing.
- UIF

I'd definitely like to see additions at both the top wing and top dman spot, but I'd much rather take the FA route than trade. There should be a few salary casualties going into next season to choose from. I'm willing to see if Strome or Nino can be 'that guy' on the top line since I believe that despite their inexperience, both would be plausible upgrades to Boyes.
I do have a bad feeling that we may see Boyes back though, based on Staple's ramblings.
My problem with Boyes is similar to my issue with Moulson. Both have one pure talent and then lack in virtually every other facet of the game. So if they do remain but fail in their present roles, there's really not much else they can be used for. I do think Moulson can be a useful forward if we have a significant upgrade on JT's right wing, but with both Boyes and Moulson combining for our Molasses line, they each detract from the other.

As good, skilled and big as they are, they're lazy though, which is why I wanted them in round 1 rather than the Pens. You can almost lull them to sleep and escape with wins. The Bs are not going to represent the East only turning up the intensity for about 30% of each game. While they were great in the last minute+ last night...let's acknowledge they were lucky to a degree as well to get two goals that quickly. Hats off to Toronto as well...they did everything they had to in order to escape with the upset. The hockey gods just didn't want it to happen.
- UIF

1000% agreed. which is why I wonder if the last 5 minutes of that game will be a springboard for them. When push came to shove, their physical top line woke up and DOMINATED scoring 3 goals in 5 minutes. I'd say no other team in the East could have done that. If they recognize that they reached another level of intensity during that stretch and work to maintain it, I don't think anyone, including the Pens, will be able to hold them off.