His speed is what this team is sorely lacking. Two seasons ago we were fast and dominated possession. Last season we did not.

I admittedly liked Boedker initially, but the fact that he only produces on the PP is a bit scary to me. Not sure how well he would mesh with Tavares, either. I'd happily take him, but he can't be the one piece we add.
- eichiefs9

that's because we went from an aggressive 2 man forecheck to a 1 1 3 defensive system. The players were virtually identical, the coaching staff made huge changes to the way the team played.

that's because we went from an aggressive 2 man forecheck to a 1 1 3 defensive system. The players were virtually identical, the coaching staff made huge changes to the way the team played.
- Isles_since_6

Yeah, and frankly, I don't know which way I'd lean. Two seasons ago we came flying out of the gate and tore up the season up to the All Star break. But the back 9 was really pretty bad. This year we were a little bit more steady across the board. I kinda like steady.

Tavares also had a "down" year this year too, for him.

Yeah, and frankly, I don't know which way I'd lean. Two seasons ago we came flying out of the gate and tore up the season up to the All Star break. But the back 9 was really pretty bad. This year we were a little bit more steady across the board. I kinda like steady.
- eichiefs9

were we steady because of the defensive system or that we didn't have to play chad johnson? I'm not sure of the answer to be honest.

were we steady because of the defensive system or that we didn't have to play chad johnson? I'm not sure of the answer to be honest.
- Isles_since_6

It's never cut and dry, but I would say that the stabilization of the goaltending helped a bit. Halak was able to take nights off without it becoming an abject disaster.

Yeah, and frankly, I don't know which way I'd lean. Two seasons ago we came flying out of the gate and tore up the season up to the All Star break. But the back 9 was really pretty bad. This year we were a little bit more steady across the board. I kinda like steady.

Tavares also had a "down" year this year too, for him.
- eichiefs9

I do like the defense was better this year. Should still be able to play good D without the offense falling off that much.

Yeah, and frankly, I don't know which way I'd lean. Two seasons ago we came flying out of the gate and tore up the season up to the All Star break. But the back 9 was really pretty bad. This year we were a little bit more steady across the board. I kinda like steady.

Tavares also had a "down" year this year too, for him.
- eichiefs9

Isn't Cappy gonna copy the Fast and Furious Pittsburgh model now?

Everybody is gonna do it. Or so the talking heads know as NHL analysts would have us believe.

It's never cut and dry, but I would say that the stabilization of the goaltending helped a bit. Halak was able to take nights off without it becoming an abject disaster.
- eichiefs9

I'd like to keep Greiss and Halak this coming season and try to put Berube in the ahl, but I don't think they'll do that. I wouldn't expect halak to be dealt until after he shows he's healthy, so we may not see a move either way until near the end of the summer.

I'd like to keep Greiss and Halak this coming season and try to put Berube in the ahl, but I don't think they'll do that. I wouldn't expect halak to be dealt until after he shows he's healthy, so we may not see a move either way until near the end of the summer.
- Isles_since_6

I love Talbot for what he accomplished last year, but I've had a hard on for Halak since his days in Montreal.

Why couldn't you guys have wanted to trade Halak at last years draft?

I'd like to keep Greiss and Halak this coming season and try to put Berube in the ahl, but I don't think they'll do that. I wouldn't expect halak to be dealt until after he shows he's healthy, so we may not see a move either way until near the end of the summer.
- Isles_since_6

I really thought they would be able to dump Halak a lot easier than it seems to be. Any other year they probably could have, but I think the expansion draft (frank)ed them on that front.

I'm torn on Berube. The organization seems really high on him and I think he may ultimately prove to be a good NHL starter. But on the other hand, goalies are fickle and he could suck just as easily as he could become a #1 goaltender. Starting to seem like he's the odd-man out in this threesome. I'm not so sure he's going to sign a two-way contract. Curious what he'd fetch in a trade or if anyone even has interest in him. Someone has to.

His speed is what this team is sorely lacking. Two seasons ago we were fast and dominated possession. Last season we did not.

I admittedly liked Boedker initially, but the fact that he only produces on the PP is a bit scary to me. Not sure how well he would mesh with Tavares, either. I'd happily take him, but he can't be the one piece we add.
- eichiefs9

Agreed.......playing with JT could pad his numbers too. Speed is so important nowadays.

this is a pointless, frankly stupid debate. You have a guy who's been a 4th line guy and never scored 10 goals in a season possibly moving up to the 3rd line. Then we have your giant leap where the guy is going to score more goals than anyone not named JT or Brock Nelson if given more ice time.

If casey cizikas is playing 20 minutes a night for the Isles we're a lottery team.
- Isles_since_6

Agreed its a ridiculous debate.....but we'll discuss in a few years when Cizikas reaches the 10 goal mark.

Just remember I said it.......Cizikas will double his numbers.

Agreed.......playing with JT could pad his numbers too. Speed is so important nowadays.
- kindlyrick

Playing with JT on the same line will also be a nightmare in the d zone. I'll pass.

Playing with JT on the same line will also be a nightmare in the d zone. I'll pass.
- ses111

Not if the coaches make changes when needed. Tavares had a bad year defensively. He's not as bad as last year looked.

Agreed its a ridiculous debate.....but we'll discuss in a few years when Cizikas reaches the 10 goal mark.

Just remember I said it.......Cizikas will double his numbers.
- kindlyrick

So you're saying he'll be a 60pt player this upcoming season..??

Agreed its a ridiculous debate.....but we'll discuss in a few years when Cizikas reaches the 10 goal mark.

Just remember I said it.......Cizikas will double his numbers.
- kindlyrick

I shall remember.

Not if the coaches make changes when needed. Tavares had a bad year defensively. He's not as bad as last year looked.
- kindlyrick

Sorry JT is a bad defensive player. I cannot blame Cappy on JT's defense.

So you're saying he'll be a 60pt player this upcoming season..??
- Ur Not Me

Maybe not this season but in his career yes.

Sorry JT is a bad defensive player. I cannot blame Cappy on JT's defense.
- ses111

I mean hes not selke finalist, but i believe he's a better defensive player than he's shown this past season.

I dont blame coach......but, i also wouldnt continue using the first line in an important d zone faceoff at the end of the game, with strait out there as well. You're asking for a GA

Agreed its a ridiculous debate.....but we'll discuss in a few years when Cizikas reaches the 10 goal mark.

Just remember I said it.......Cizikas will double his numbers.
- kindlyrick

I'll bet you that he won't score 25 goals in a season for the life of his contract, that gives you 5 years to hope.

Sorry JT is a bad defensive player. I cannot blame Cappy on JT's defense.
- ses111

Jts line has been one of the worse defensive lines in history. WE need a big body for that to clear the way. ISlanders dont seem to understand this and do not know how to protect their star. I used to shiver seeing that line out there with like 3 minutes left

I'll bet you that he won't score 25 goals in a season for the life of his contract, that gives you 5 years to hope.
- Isles_since_6

He's got more than 5 years in him......and i will take that bet.

I mean hes not selke finalist, but i believe he's a better defensive player than he's shown this past season.

I dont blame coach......but, i also wouldnt continue using the first line in an important d zone faceoff at the end of the game, with strait out there as well. You're asking for a GA
- kindlyrick

Sorry again but JT could work on his D anytime and still stinks defensively, its just not his make-up....

Jts line has been one of the worse defensive lines in history. WE need a big body for that to clear the way. ISlanders dont seem to understand this and do not know how to protect their star. I used to shiver seeing that line out there with like 3 minutes left
- kasperrko

Eriksson is the piece to change that ......

Jts line has been one of the worse defensive lines in history. WE need a big body for that to clear the way. ISlanders dont seem to understand this and do not know how to protect their star. I used to shiver seeing that line out there with like 3 minutes left
- kasperrko

honestly, JT in round one was one of the best defensive forwards on the team for most of the series (other than one goal I remember)

he was backchecking hard and pressuring the puck carrier - I think it's purely effort that is lacking during the regular season. He can be good defensively, but I think he glides and saves his energy to go on the offense.

*edit - Best might be too strong, adequate might be a better description

Jts line has been one of the worse defensive lines in history. WE need a big body for that to clear the way. ISlanders dont seem to understand this and do not know how to protect their star. I used to shiver seeing that line out there with like 3 minutes left
- kasperrko

I love JT and cannot stand Cappy as coach, but JT is a dumpster fire playing D. I'm not giving JT a pass when other star offensive players manage to play solid D,