I don't think we'll turn it around but I think you're being a bit overly critical of Strait if you don't think he's a tough camper. That's his best attribute and he's easily the toughest dman on this team (not saying much though)
- keaner17

Unfortunately the only thing I probably will ever remember about him was taking that holding penalty on Crosby in overtime in game 3.

Unfortunately the only thing I probably will ever remember about him was taking that holding penalty on Crosby in overtime in game 3.
- PeteM

That was also the most terrible call given the situation I've ever seen.

I happen to disagree with all the critics of Wang and Snow.

It is true that this team is failing miserably but the players have to take ownership of the problems.

I laugh when people blame Wang for all this. Whether he has cap space or not he is still spending big time money on the under performing players he has now while losing money on the team as a whole. I bet I couldn't squeeze $20 from most of you and you are asking him to lose millions more??

It is true he owns this team and it is his responsibility to build a winner but it is still a business and they are trying to mature the assets they have now.

Snow did a phenomenal job building depth in our system and I believe the signings he made were more to fill gaps while still allowing our core to take ownership of this team. Unfortunately it hasn't happened and a trade isn't something you just do.

What are you going to trade anyway? More picks? Sabotage the future for instant gratification?

He sure as hell can't trade what he has now (Bailey, Grabner) because you will not see an equal return on your investment with the numbers they have put up to date. Ryan Miller is not the answer. Hiller is not the answer. No reason Poulin or Nilsson can't be our starter but since they have no defense in front of them they lack confidence and are forced to carry a larger load than should be expected of first year goalies. No one ever said either of them was elite.

Maybe snow would trade for a defenseman if Bailey or Grabner or both had movable numbers that a team seeking offense would consider. However, they don't.

I think they have their hands tied right now and don't wanna reverse mortgage the house they built with their own blood sweat and tears for a 4 month rental with no guarantees.

Now look at the standings. Single digits out of a playoff spot so while it is a gamble they know they aren't out of the game just yet and are probably praying one of the other guys gets a hot and creates a fair trade opportunity.

I personally did not agree with the Moulson trade and a lot is to be said about chemistry. I understand the mindset but I don't agree with breaking up your top 2 guys. You are supposed to build on that.

Buffalo is a mess right now, this year I am asking Santa to bring Moulson back. Use Bouchard or Grabner and a high pick. If Tyler Myers is available and even if you can't get them to take back some salary, grab him too. Enjoy the playoffs.

I happen to disagree with all the critics of Wang and Snow.

It is true that this team is failing miserably but the players have to take ownership of the problems.

I laugh when people blame Wang for all this. Whether he has cap space or not he is still spending big time money on the under performing players he has now while losing money on the team as a whole. I bet I couldn't squeeze $20 from most of you and you are asking him to lose millions more??

It is true he owns this team and it is his responsibility to build a winner but it is still a business and they are trying to mature the assets they have now.

Snow did a phenomenal job building depth in our system and I believe the signings he made were more to fill gaps while still allowing our core to take ownership of this team. Unfortunately it hasn't happened and a trade isn't something you just do.

What are you going to trade anyway? More picks? Sabotage the future for instant gratification?

He sure as hell can't trade what he has now (Bailey, Grabner) because you will not see an equal return on your investment with the numbers they have put up to date. Ryan Miller is not the answer. Hiller is not the answer. No reason Poulin or Nilsson can't be our starter but since they have no defense in front of them they lack confidence and are forced to carry a larger load than should be expected of first year goalies. No one ever said either of them was elite.

Maybe snow would trade for a defenseman if Bailey or Grabner or both had movable numbers that a team seeking offense would consider. However, they don't.

I think they have their hands tied right now and don't wanna reverse mortgage the house they built with their own blood sweat and tears for a 4 month rental with no guarantees.

Now look at the standings. Single digits out of a playoff spot so while it is a gamble they know they aren't out of the game just yet and are probably praying one of the other guys gets a hot and creates a fair trade opportunity.

I personally did not agree with the Moulson trade and a lot is to be said about chemistry. I understand the mindset but I don't agree with breaking up your top 2 guys. You are supposed to build on that.

Buffalo is a mess right now, this year I am asking Santa to bring Moulson back. Use Bouchard or Grabner and a high pick. If Tyler Myers is available and even if you can't get them to take back some salary, grab him too. Enjoy the playoffs.
- mrock

I respectfully disagree with most of this. No good owner that cares would allow their team to flounder year after year while trying to acquire a new arena. More so than that, how do you hire a player to be your general manager ? That immediately makes you less respected. Snow should of been given a job in management first and learned from someone who had been there.

As for our goalies, Poulin and Nilsson both stink. Nilsson has a shot to be good. Poulin stinks. I don't want to hear anymore excuses for him. Yes the defense stinks too but Poulin takes himself out of position constantly and gives himself no chance make certain saves. Nilsson at least faces the puck carrier.

And under no circumstances will the islanders bring back moulson. They traded him away for a reason.

The Islanders haven't been outplayed that much this season. They are losing because they have no secondary scoring currently and their defense and goaltending is a joke. The effort has been there outside the Wings game most nights.

Its actually not saying anything.
- Cptmjl

Maybe it's not, but there's no way anyone here can claim that Amac, Hickey, Donovan, Martinek or anyone else that matter is as physical in our zone as Strait.

This isn't about saying he's the piece we've been missing..he's not. It's not even about saying he's a true top 4 guy. He's not. But he's unquestionably a tougher presence on the back line than anyone else we've got and therefore would be an improvement.

It's damn easy to pile on anything and everything negative right now and some folks do that really well around here, but let's remember we came into this offseason feeling that three player upgrades could turn this team into a force. Even when you've got a blueline as bad as ours, just two additions to that blueline can make a TON of difference, even if neither are all star material. I think we're too far gone at this point, but I don't doubt that this team can become pretty competitive if Strait and Vis rejoin this roster with the offensive talent we have.

Unfortunately the only thing I probably will ever remember about him was taking that holding penalty on Crosby in overtime in game 3.
- PeteM

I think that's sort of what soured folks on him. Through the first half of the season most on here were talking about how good he looked. Then we were all understandably surprised by the extension, which came way too fast. Suddenly the guy goes out on injury, comes back for a couple of games and gets thrown in the NHL playoffs against the best player in the world and because he didn't shut him down he sucks.

Anyone who wants to use THIS season as evidence is using the ends to justify the means. His limited action early on, half of which he was playing injured, is by no means a large enough sample size to condemn him.

I happen to disagree with all the critics of Wang and Snow.

It is true that this team is failing miserably but the players have to take ownership of the problems.

I laugh when people blame Wang for all this. Whether he has cap space or not he is still spending big time money on the under performing players he has now while losing money on the team as a whole. I bet I couldn't squeeze $20 from most of you and you are asking him to lose millions more...............
- mrock

Great points but the team received tremendous preseason hype which not only pumped the fans but also pumped the players who are now just as disillusioned.

Agree though that they still need to develop their assets. BST had a great weekend, Strome is AHL Rookie of the Month and week and Reinhardt and Pelech are on Canadian WJC roster.

I respectfully disagree with most of this. No good owner that cares would allow their team to flounder year after year while trying to acquire a new arena. More so than that, how do you hire a player to be your general manager ? That immediately makes you less respected. Snow should of been given a job in management first and learned from someone who had been there.

As for our goalies, Poulin and Nilsson both stink. Nilsson has a shot to be good. Poulin stinks. I don't want to hear anymore excuses for him. Yes the defense stinks too but Poulin takes himself out of position constantly and gives himself no chance make certain saves. Nilsson at least faces the puck carrier.

And under no circumstances will the islanders bring back moulson. They traded him away for a reason.

The Islanders haven't been outplayed that much this season. They are losing because they have no secondary scoring currently and their defense and goaltending is a joke. The effort has been there outside the Wings game most nights.
- Isles316

I feel bad for any young goalie that plays here because they have absolutely no shot at a fair shake. Poulin has been 'decent' since being here. Not great, but not terrible. He's playing behind a friggin' catastrophe filled with odd man rushes, cross slot passes, point blank shots, tipped shots, etc. For every goaltender who comes directly into this league looking like a starter, there's 2-3 who take at least a couple of seasons to find their way in this league. Most vetern goalies in the NHL will tell you that. So a quarter of the way through the season, saying Poulin stinks could be a present evaluation if you feel that way, but by no means should be a conclusion.

I happen to disagree with all the critics of Wang and Snow.

It is true that this team is failing miserably but the players have to take ownership of the problems.

I laugh when people blame Wang for all this. Whether he has cap space or not he is still spending big time money on the under performing players he has now while losing money on the team as a whole. I bet I couldn't squeeze $20 from most of you and you are asking him to lose millions more??

It is true he owns this team and it is his responsibility to build a winner but it is still a business and they are trying to mature the assets they have now.

Snow did a phenomenal job building depth in our system and I believe the signings he made were more to fill gaps while still allowing our core to take ownership of this team. Unfortunately it hasn't happened and a trade isn't something you just do.

What are you going to trade anyway? More picks? Sabotage the future for instant gratification?

He sure as hell can't trade what he has now (Bailey, Grabner) because you will not see an equal return on your investment with the numbers they have put up to date. Ryan Miller is not the answer. Hiller is not the answer. No reason Poulin or Nilsson can't be our starter but since they have no defense in front of them they lack confidence and are forced to carry a larger load than should be expected of first year goalies. No one ever said either of them was elite.

Maybe snow would trade for a defenseman if Bailey or Grabner or both had movable numbers that a team seeking offense would consider. However, they don't.

I think they have their hands tied right now and don't wanna reverse mortgage the house they built with their own blood sweat and tears for a 4 month rental with no guarantees.

Now look at the standings. Single digits out of a playoff spot so while it is a gamble they know they aren't out of the game just yet and are probably praying one of the other guys gets a hot and creates a fair trade opportunity.

I personally did not agree with the Moulson trade and a lot is to be said about chemistry. I understand the mindset but I don't agree with breaking up your top 2 guys. You are supposed to build on that.

Buffalo is a mess right now, this year I am asking Santa to bring Moulson back. Use Bouchard or Grabner and a high pick. If Tyler Myers is available and even if you can't get them to take back some salary, grab him too. Enjoy the playoffs.
- mrock

I stopped reading right after that. What else did he say?

I happen to disagree with all the critics of Wang and Snow.

It is true that this team is failing miserably but the players have to take ownership of the problems.

I laugh when people blame Wang for all this. Whether he has cap space or not he is still spending big time money on the under performing players he has now while losing money on the team as a whole. I bet I couldn't squeeze $20 from most of you and you are asking him to lose millions more??

It is true he owns this team and it is his responsibility to build a winner but it is still a business and they are trying to mature the assets they have now.

Snow did a phenomenal job building depth in our system and I believe the signings he made were more to fill gaps while still allowing our core to take ownership of this team. Unfortunately it hasn't happened and a trade isn't something you just do.

What are you going to trade anyway? More picks? Sabotage the future for instant gratification?

He sure as hell can't trade what he has now (Bailey, Grabner) because you will not see an equal return on your investment with the numbers they have put up to date. Ryan Miller is not the answer. Hiller is not the answer. No reason Poulin or Nilsson can't be our starter but since they have no defense in front of them they lack confidence and are forced to carry a larger load than should be expected of first year goalies. No one ever said either of them was elite.

Maybe snow would trade for a defenseman if Bailey or Grabner or both had movable numbers that a team seeking offense would consider. However, they don't.

I think they have their hands tied right now and don't wanna reverse mortgage the house they built with their own blood sweat and tears for a 4 month rental with no guarantees.

Now look at the standings. Single digits out of a playoff spot so while it is a gamble they know they aren't out of the game just yet and are probably praying one of the other guys gets a hot and creates a fair trade opportunity.

I personally did not agree with the Moulson trade and a lot is to be said about chemistry. I understand the mindset but I don't agree with breaking up your top 2 guys. You are supposed to build on that.

Buffalo is a mess right now, this year I am asking Santa to bring Moulson back. Use Bouchard or Grabner and a high pick. If Tyler Myers is available and even if you can't get them to take back some salary, grab him too. Enjoy the playoffs.
- mrock

You do realize you just said Snow is a bad GM in so many words right? Also, disagree with most of this post.

Maybe it's not, but there's no way anyone here can claim that Amac, Hickey, Donovan, Martinek or anyone else that matter is as physical in our zone as Strait.

This isn't about saying he's the piece we've been missing..he's not. It's not even about saying he's a true top 4 guy. He's not. But he's unquestionably a tougher presence on the back line than anyone else we've got and therefore would be an improvement.

It's damn easy to pile on anything and everything negative right now and some folks do that really well around here, but let's remember we came into this offseason feeling that three player upgrades could turn this team into a force. Even when you've got a blueline as bad as ours, just two additions to that blueline can make a TON of difference, even if neither are all star material. I think we're too far gone at this point, but I don't doubt that this team can become pretty competitive if Strait and Vis rejoin this roster with the offensive talent we have.
- keaner17

I don't mean to be insulting but I wouldn't have been upset if they dumped Strait or if he never played a game this season. I just don't think he adds anything and comparing him to the likes of Hickey and AMAC doesn't make him look any more appealing. Guy is an absolute waste of space. Not being negative because they suck either. They could have a playoff spot right now and I would say the same thing.

I think that's sort of what soured folks on him. Through the first half of the season most on here were talking about how good he looked. Then we were all understandably surprised by the extension, which came way too fast. Suddenly the guy goes out on injury, comes back for a couple of games and gets thrown in the NHL playoffs against the best player in the world and because he didn't shut him down he sucks.

Anyone who wants to use THIS season as evidence is using the ends to justify the means. His limited action early on, half of which he was playing injured, is by no means a large enough sample size to condemn him.
- keaner17

The guy could eventually turn into a good D man but I just don't see it.

I feel bad for any young goalie that plays here because they have absolutely no shot at a fair shake. Poulin has been 'decent' since being here. Not great, but not terrible. He's playing behind a friggin' catastrophe filled with odd man rushes, cross slot passes, point blank shots, tipped shots, etc. For every goaltender who comes directly into this league looking like a starter, there's 2-3 who take at least a couple of seasons to find their way in this league. Most vetern goalies in the NHL will tell you that. So a quarter of the way through the season, saying Poulin stinks could be a present evaluation if you feel that way, but by no means should be a conclusion.
- keaner17

I agree with this. I don't see the hate? I don't love the kid but he has potential to be at least a decent back up. The team is so facking horrible in front of him. He definitely has some skill.

I stopped reading right after that. What else did he say?
- Vukota

I wouldn't read it if I were you just because I know you'll regret it

Sorry to disagree and that's why these posts are people's opinions.

He is nowhere near top 5-on-5 scorers in league, and please don't try to provide me with stats to back it up, bc stats are misleading when Grabs probably scores when its not necessary in a game.

And yes he's 1 dimensional, he only has speed and his defense is non-existent. All he does is waive his stick side-2-side hoping to intercept a pass, which his SPEED allows him to be a little quicker compared to the rest of the other players.

Please don't think that he's our best PK, bc he does NOT check anyone or even try a BLOCK a shot.

If you believe he's better and has all those intangibles, that's great.... I just don't
Now if the Isles were more of a complete team, then Grabs will go unnoticed and might be better off....
- Ur Not Me

Wow, this conversation quickly became not worth my time.

Wow, this conversation quickly became not worth my time.

- UIF

I remember plenty of clutch goals from Grabner. I don't think he's playing well but I just get the feeling he's done along with a lot of the other players. They just don't give a shat anymore.

I feel bad for any young goalie that plays here because they have absolutely no shot at a fair shake. Poulin has been 'decent' since being here. Not great, but not terrible. He's playing behind a friggin' catastrophe filled with odd man rushes, cross slot passes, point blank shots, tipped shots, etc. For every goaltender who comes directly into this league looking like a starter, there's 2-3 who take at least a couple of seasons to find their way in this league. Most vetern goalies in the NHL will tell you that. So a quarter of the way through the season, saying Poulin stinks could be a present evaluation if you feel that way, but by no means should be a conclusion.
- keaner17

Nilsson only started one game, but I do not remember Nilsson having to face 2-0 and as many point blank shots as Poulin in his game. The Isles and Poulin have yet to recover from that LA loss. If others want to write Poulin off already that's fine. Not me. We've had enough of writing young players off around here.

I remember plenty of clutch goals from Grabner. I don't think he's playing well but I just get the feeling he's done along with a lot of the other players. They just don't give a shat anymore.
- Cptmjl

He scored plenty to help the team make the playoffs last year. I remember the discussions last year on Grabner's production despite a lack of playing time.

I remember plenty of clutch goals from Grabner. I don't think he's playing well but I just get the feeling he's done along with a lot of the other players. They just don't give a shat anymore.
- Cptmjl

I'm not necessarily against trading Grabner, depending on the return. I'd like to see some others go before him, personally, but I hardly consider him untouchable, and recognize that it makes sense to trade a forward or two in order to shore up the D.

But I don't think a trade saves this season at this point. And it's hard to know who's worth keeping and who's worth trading with this much inconsistency throughout the lineup. We're broken records on this board, but man, the team needs a solid coach so it can at least assess exactly what it has.

I'm not necessarily against trading Grabner, depending on the return. I'd like to see some others go before him, personally, but I hardly consider him untouchable, and recognize that it makes sense to trade a forward or two in order to shore up the D.

But I don't think a trade saves this season at this point. And it's hard to know who's worth keeping and who's worth trading with this much inconsistency throughout the lineup. We're broken records on this board, but man, the team needs a solid coach so it can at least assess exactly what it has.
- UIF

A new coach is the key UIF. You do not want to look back and kick yourself for trading away some of these guys like Grabner. Especially if it is not going to be for a solid top 4 dman. Too many times during the MM years, the answer was trades instead of bringing in a solid coach.

I saw this on NHL Trade Rumors...hope it isn't true...

Ryan Miller to the Islanders

Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres is close to being traded to the New York Islanders. The 33 year old unrestricted free agent is coming off a $6.25 million per season contract. Miller is looking to make the USA 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics team and requested a trade to a NHL contender to help showcase his abilities.

The Islanders were successful last season, making the playoffs. The success from last season has not continued and the Islanders are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Goaltending has been the team's biggest weakness, especially with the injury to starter Evgeni Nabokov.

Islander GM Garth Snow is asking Ryan Miller to waive his no-trade clause to help his team make the playoffs. The New York Islanders dealt Matt Moulson to the Buffalo Sabres in a blockbuster trade for Thomas Vanek recently. Lookout for a second blockbuster trade between these two teams involving Ryan Miller

I saw this on NHL Trade Rumors...hope it isn't true...

Ryan Miller to the Islanders

Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres is close to being traded to the New York Islanders. The 33 year old unrestricted free agent is coming off a $6.25 million per season contract. Miller is looking to make the USA 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics team and requested a trade to a NHL contender to help showcase his abilities.

The Islanders were successful last season, making the playoffs. The success from last season has not continued and the Islanders are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Goaltending has been the team's biggest weakness, especially with the injury to starter Evgeni Nabokov.

Islander GM Garth Snow is asking Ryan Miller to waive his no-trade clause to help his team make the playoffs. The New York Islanders dealt Matt Moulson to the Buffalo Sabres in a blockbuster trade for Thomas Vanek recently. Lookout for a second blockbuster trade between these two teams involving Ryan Miller
- kear20

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not necessarily against trading Grabner, depending on the return. I'd like to see some others go before him, personally, but I hardly consider him untouchable, and recognize that it makes sense to trade a forward or two in order to shore up the D.

But I don't think a trade saves this season at this point. And it's hard to know who's worth keeping and who's worth trading with this much inconsistency throughout the lineup. We're broken records on this board, but man, the team needs a solid coach so it can at least assess exactly what it has.
- UIF

I don't have a problem trading him either at this point. He serves no purpose under this coach. I also think this season is beyong repair too.

I saw this on NHL Trade Rumors...hope it isn't true...

Ryan Miller to the Islanders

Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres is close to being traded to the New York Islanders. The 33 year old unrestricted free agent is coming off a $6.25 million per season contract. Miller is looking to make the USA 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics team and requested a trade to a NHL contender to help showcase his abilities.

The Islanders were successful last season, making the playoffs. The success from last season has not continued and the Islanders are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Goaltending has been the team's biggest weakness, especially with the injury to starter Evgeni Nabokov.

Islander GM Garth Snow is asking Ryan Miller to waive his no-trade clause to help his team make the playoffs. The New York Islanders dealt Matt Moulson to the Buffalo Sabres in a blockbuster trade for Thomas Vanek recently. Lookout for a second blockbuster trade between these two teams involving Ryan Miller
- kear20

It's not.

It a shame because there should be plenty to talk about like a new coach or a couple of new dmen. Instead, ownership and management rather wait until the season is lost before making changes.
- ses111

No, getting a new coach or new dmen, that would make too much sense, not the islander way.