Nino with a goal and an assist against the U.S. He has 5 goals and 3 assists in 9 games, and the Swiss are going to play for the gold. Think it's been a successful tournament for him, and I'll say his time was better spent playing in those games rather than being a cheerleader over here.
- UIF

I'm thinking that's the reason he went over there- because he got invited, which none of the others did (it's not a junior tournament). Why would you have someone sit here and do nothing in the press box, unless he had no other option?

Watching the Bruins Rangers and the Bruins passing was outstanding, something worth watching for Isles since this is a high skill level aspect needed for playoff hockey. Cannot spend sixty minutes just playing the 200 foot game which Capuano stresses because not every playoff team opponent is vulnerable to only one offensive style.
- Fan101

Here's another thing our boys can learn from that game, since they actually got to watch it, as opposed to having it happen TO them, like it usually does- DON'T PINCH UNLESS THE PUCK GOES IN THE CORNER, because when the pass hits a skate, it's a 2 on 1 going the other way, and then the red light behind your goalie starts flashing...and you skate off the ice and take a shower...

Nino with a goal and an assist against the U.S. He has 5 goals and 3 assists in 9 games, and the Swiss are going to play for the gold. Think it's been a successful tournament for him, and I'll say his time was better spent playing in those games rather than being a cheerleader over here.
- UIF

If he can do that we'll in the worlds ( weaker than NHL stronger than AHL) than i think he'd do better than Boyes on JTs wing next season

If he can do that we'll in the worlds ( weaker than NHL stronger than AHL) than i think he'd do better than Boyes on JTs wing next season
- Danformo

If the Isles trade Nino it had better be for something special because it seems like Nino has a chance to be real good.

If the Isles trade Nino it had better be for something special because it seems like Nino has a chance to be real good.
- ses111

They should have their heads examined if they trade him. He's exactly the type player this team needs.

They should have their heads examined if they trade him. He's exactly the type player this team needs.
- keaner17

I'd trade him for a good goalie without thinking twice. Otherwise, I agree.

I'd trade him for a good goalie without thinking twice. Otherwise, I agree.
- eichiefs9

I wouldn't. I think a truly skilled big forward is harder to come by than a good goalie. There are so many bad players that remain in the league for years and years solely because they're big. Meanwhile, there are good goalies plucked off the bargain shelf (Vokoun, for example) or forced into backup roles because, at least in some seasons, the supply outstrips the demand. I think goalie is the most critical position, but if you make a serious effort to fill it, I think it can be done in a shorter amount of time than filling a top-line power forward role (and really, we don't know if Nino will ever even be that player).

I wouldn't. I think a truly skilled big forward is harder to come by than a good goalie. There are so many bad players that remain in the league for years and years solely because they're big. Meanwhile, there are good goalies plucked off the bargain shelf (Vokoun, for example) or forced into backup roles because, at least in some seasons, the supply outstrips the demand. I think goalie is the most critical position, but if you make a serious effort to fill it, I think it can be done in a shorter amount of time than filling a top-line power forward role (and really, we don't know if Nino will ever even be that player).
- UIF

Top notch goaltending is absolutely 100% harder to find than a skilled power forward. Big guys that can play aren't readily available for the picking, but actual good goaltending is even harder to find, not to mention far more important. Vokoun is not a good goalie, he was pretty good years ago and he just happens to be playing at a high level right now. Maybe 1/3 or less of NHL teams have truly top-level goaltending. Our glaring weaknesses are defense and in net. I'm moving some pieces if it means we could land someone good. Signing aging vets that used to be good is only going to yield the same, or worse, results.

I'd trade him for a good goalie without thinking twice. Otherwise, I agree.
- eichiefs9

In theory we have a good goalie (if resign nabby) and possibly three future good goalies in the mix along with free agency coming. I have no desire to deal away a top six power forward for that position when so many options exist.

In theory we have a good goalie (if resign nabby) and possibly three future good goalies in the mix along with free agency coming. I have no desire to deal away a top six power forward for that position when so many options exist.
- keaner17

I wasn't able to watch the last game but Nabby in the playoffs was far from good, in fact he was bad. Down the stretch the guy was huge but seemed to wane under the pressure of being in the playoffs(San Jose) and if this team is serious about being a PO team they should look into other options. I won't hate it if he is resigned but Snow should be looking for something else. As far as Nino is concerned they shouldn't deal him. Management of course seems to have a separate agenda when it comes to retaining players, sometimes there seems to be no rhyme or reason? Players that initially refused to play here are welcomed with open arms(Nabby, Vis)while someone like Nino is rumored to being moved bcs his agent(or him as well?) b!tched and moaned about not being given a chance(which is valid IMO to an extent) . I'm not a fan of the idea of moving this kid mostly due to the fact that the return just won't be enough for the what Nino may bring to the team(I see him possibly on JT's wing). I'm guessing Snow has his mind up either way knowing him, I just hope it's for keeping him. He can be a huge addition to this team.

I wasn't able to watch the last game but Nabby in the playoffs was far from good, in fact he was bad. Down the stretch the guy was huge but seemed to wane under the pressure of being in the playoffs(San Jose) and if this team is serious about being a PO team they should look into other options. I won't hate it if he is resigned but Snow should be looking for something else. As far as Nino is concerned they shouldn't deal him. Management of course seems to have a separate agenda when it comes to retaining players, sometimes there seems to be no rhyme or reason? Players that initially refused to play here are welcomed with open arms(Nabby, Vis)while someone like Nino is rumored to being moved bcs his agent(or him as well?) b!tched and moaned about not being given a chance(which is valid IMO to an extent) . I'm not a fan of the idea of moving this kid mostly due to the fact that the return just won't be enough for the what Nino may bring to the team(I see him possibly on JT's wing). I'm guessing Snow has his mind up either way knowing him, I just hope it's for keeping him. He can be a huge addition to this team.
- Cptmjl

I'll be the first to say I think Nabby has received too much credit for the Isles fortunes this year, though I think it's difficult to assess how much of his playoff struggles were due to playing way too many games in a condensed schedule and how much was due to his knack for underperfoming in the playoffs. Regardless, I'd favor retaining him if it allows Poulin to split time thus giving Snow the chance to ultimately decide the long term future of the position. Signing a goalie to a long term contract would mean we're throwing the white flag up on our prospects, which would fly in the face of the steady patience Snow has shown during this rebuild. Next year should be another step in the right direction. I certainly don't think dealing a prospect for a goaltender when we have three in the mix would be wise.

Top notch goaltending is absolutely 100% harder to find than a skilled power forward. Big guys that can play aren't readily available for the picking, but actual good goaltending is even harder to find, not to mention far more important. Vokoun is not a good goalie, he was pretty good years ago and he just happens to be playing at a high level right now. Maybe 1/3 or less of NHL teams have truly top-level goaltending. Our glaring weaknesses are defense and in net. I'm moving some pieces if it means we could land someone good. Signing aging vets that used to be good is only going to yield the same, or worse, results.
- eichiefs9

I don't know about that...never mind teams with one quality goaltender, there are several that have two and even three quality goaltenders in a given season. Ottawa has Anderson and Lehrner and had Bishop until they traded him. Pittsburgh has Fleury and Vokoun. Boston has Rask and Khudobin and had Thomas until he decided he didn't want to play this year. Anaheim has Hiller and Fasth with Gibson waiting in the wings. Vancouver has Luongo and Schneider. St. Louis has Halak and Elliot. L.A. has Quick and Bernier.

I'm not saying every one of those guys is a surefire elite goalie, but that's not a bad list, either. I think it'd be far easier to pry one of those guys from one of those teams than it would be to acquire any of the quality big power forwards out there.

Not against trading for a goalie...and even trading a quality prospect as part of the package...just not Nino. I know I'm repeating myself, but I'd only want to see Nino moved if it was part of a package for an established version of what we hope he can become.

I also still have faith in one of Poulin or Nilsson stepping up in the near future. If both fail to impress wherever they play next season, then maybe think about moving significant assets for a long-term solution. Until then, I think a shorter-term bridge might be the better way to go; see if our in-house solutions can provide an answer.

I've really developed a distaste for Pierre during these playoffs. Everything he says seems to be done only to support the team of his preference
- keaner17

I also still have faith in one of Poulin or Nilsson stepping up in the near future. If both fail to impress wherever they play next season, then maybe think about moving significant assets for a long-term solution. Until then, I think a shorter-term bridge might be the better way to go; see if our in-house solutions can provide an answer.
- UIF

I also still have faith in one of Poulin or Nilsson stepping up in the near future. If both fail to impress wherever they play next season, then maybe think about moving significant assets for a long-term solution. Until then, I think a shorter-term bridge might be the better way to go; see if our in-house solutions can provide an answer.
- UIF

I would also like to see Poulin or Nilsson get a real shot. It's hard to complain if they manage to bring in Bernier without going overboard. It tough to see Snow trading for a younger goalie at this point though. If the Isles had no young goalie options than yes they would need to go all out for a younger goalie like Bernier.

I'll be the first to say I think Nabby has received too much credit for the Isles fortunes this year, though I think it's difficult to assess how much of his playoff struggles were due to playing way too many games in a condensed schedule and how much was due to his knack for underperfoming in the playoffs. Regardless, I'd favor retaining him if it allows Poulin to split time thus giving Snow the chance to ultimately decide the long term future of the position. Signing a goalie to a long term contract would mean we're throwing the white flag up on our prospects, which would fly in the face of the steady patience Snow has shown during this rebuild. Next year should be another step in the right direction. I certainly don't think dealing a prospect for a goaltender when we have three in the mix would be wise.
- keaner17

Seems to be a consistent thing for him? I hear you on the amount of games he played but at times he looked awful against Pittsburgh. For all the b!tching their fans were doing about Fleury Nabakov was every bit as bad and in some cases worse. Again, I wouldn't be pissed/surprised if he was signed for another year but if there is a better option Snow should pursue it IMO.

Seems to be a consistent thing for him? I hear you on the amount of games he played but at times he looked awful against Pittsburgh. For all the b!tching their fans were doing about Fleury Nabakov was every bit as bad and in some cases worse. Again, I wouldn't be pissed/surprised if he was signed for another year but if there is a better option Snow should pursue it IMO.
- Cptmjl

I'm fine with another goalie provided the asset expense is minimal. I also agree that Nabokov was every bit as bad as Fleury. That said, his career playoff stats.. 42-42. 2.27 gaa.. 908 spctg. Not too bad....

I'm fine with another goalie provided the asset expense is minimal. I also agree that Nabokov was every bit as bad as Fleury. That said, his career playoff stats.. 42-42. 2.27 gaa.. 908 spctg. Not too bad....
- keaner17

His stats aren't bad but the goals he gave up in San Jose were the same ones he gave up in our series. Sometimes back breakers. If we had actual good goaltending in that series we have a very good chance of winning it. If we make it next year like we should I don't know how confident those guys are going into a series again with him in net? I'm sure we weren't the only ones who noticed? I agree we can't give up much for another goalie but if the situation is right I don't think it's a bad idea.

His stats aren't bad but the goals he gave up in San Jose were the same ones he gave up in our series. Sometimes back breakers. If we had actual good goaltending in that series we have a very good chance of winning it. If we make it next year like we should I don't know how confident those guys are going into a series again with him in net? I'm sure we weren't the only ones who noticed? I agree we can't give up much for another goalie but if the situation is right I don't think it's a bad idea.
- Cptmjl

Oh I'm not suggesting we go into the playoffs next year with Nabby as our starter. I think it's time to find out what Poulin has. I also think Nabby could be a huge help to him. I certainly have no problem if Snow decides to go a different route than Nabby, but I think it makes sense to continue to use the draft and now free agency to improve this team. Considering we have two goaltending prospects who are pretty much NHL ready, I'm not worried about trading for a goaltender.

Oh I'm not suggesting we go into the playoffs next year with Nabby as our starter. I think it's time to find out what Poulin has. I also think Nabby could be a huge help to him. I certainly have no problem if Snow decides to go a different route than Nabby, but I think it makes sense to continue to use the draft and now free agency to improve this team. Considering we have two goaltending prospects who are pretty much NHL ready, I'm not worried about trading for a goaltender.
- keaner17

Poulin looked more calm and collected in the playoffs than Nabby. Now if Poulin could stop watching tapes of DP flopping like a fish, I think he'd turn out to be a decent starter.

He played pretty well in the NHL this year. when he gave up 4 to Carolina 3:4 of the goals were completely the D's fault
The kids got game, he just needs to play

Cooke slashes Karlsson in the face... No call. Five minutes later the refs call a borderline slash on Karlson against who else but Cooke with a minute left. The Song Remains The Same

Poulin looked more calm and collected in the playoffs than Nabby. Now if Poulin could stop watching tapes of DP flopping like a fish, I think he'd turn out to be a decent starter.

He played pretty well in the NHL this year. when he gave up 4 to Carolina 3:4 of the goals were completely the D's fault
The kids got game, he just needs to play
- Danformo

Our goalies, including DP wouldn't have to flop so much if our dmen were betterat clearing rebounds... Which i think they were down the stretch. No doubt Poulin and Nilsson have the talent, now they need NHL experience (not AHL)

Oh I'm not suggesting we go into the playoffs next year with Nabby as our starter. I think it's time to find out what Poulin has. I also think Nabby could be a huge help to him. I certainly have no problem if Snow decides to go a different route than Nabby, but I think it makes sense to continue to use the draft and now free agency to improve this team. Considering we have two goaltending prospects who are pretty much NHL ready, I'm not worried about trading for a goaltender.
- keaner17

It may be tough to even bring Nabby back if he is not the clear #1 and the team is not going to feel comfortable in using him in the playoffs. May be better to bring in another vet goalie that can step in if Poulin falters.

It may be tough to even bring Nabby back if he is not the clear #1 and the team is not going to feel comfortable in using him in the playoffs. May be better to bring in another vet goalie that can step in if Poulin falters.
- ses111

I'm guessing it's going to be one of those cross that bridge when it happens kind of things?