Having an Ice Cold goalie starting for us tonite isnt exactly a formula for success. With the All Star break here, why not wait till next week to get Montoya back in net???
- SCLI

the short answer is that it really doesn't matter. My guess is that they're going to see if Montoya is well enough to play and can play at a reasonable level so they can begin the process of moving nabby.

The season is a wash at this point. Hope JT keeps scoring at a point a game pace and that the isles finish in the bottom for a lottery pick

"Bailey's having a very quiet month of January."

--Howie Rose

Err...Josh Baileys having a very quiet career.

The Marginally Talented Mr. Tavares!

The Marginally Talented Mr. Tavares!
- UIF

can we pretend that was overtime last game and not 2 minutes into the next one and count the streak as still current?

ah well, good to see him still putting up points. This kid would lead the NHL in scoring on a playoff caliber team.

Jurcina and Eaton playing together scares me. That is the slowest pairing ever.

I'm really not crazy at all about the Grabner-Nielsen-PA line. Who exactly is supposed to be the gritty presence along the boards or in front of the net? Too soft and too much perimeter stuff. Put Nino on that line with Nielsen and Grabner...he'll be protected in his own zone by two faster players that play good defense, and he could add some size an net presence in the offensive zone. The extra benefit is that PA would actually be a good fit with Bailey and Martin, I think.

I'm really not crazy at all about the Grabner-Nielsen-PA line. Who exactly is supposed to be the gritty presence along the boards or in front of the net? Too soft and too much perimeter stuff. Put Nino on that line with Nielsen and Grabner...he'll be protected in his own zone by two faster players that play good defense, and he could add some size an net presence in the offensive zone. The extra benefit is that PA would actually be a good fit with Bailey and Martin, I think.
- UIF

Can we put Rolston in a trash compactor?

Can we put Rolston in a trash compactor?
- eichiefs9

Yes.

Yes.
- UIF

Sold.

Also, I'd like to know why they're cramming PA down our throats all the sudden. I had to watch the same little piece on him in the pregame and after the first. They had another one tonight and they have "PA's Island Living" coming up after the Tavares interview.

It almost makes me miss that little weasel Rob Carlin and his stupid season long trivia contest.

Sold.

Also, I'd like to know why they're cramming PA down our throats all the sudden. I had to watch the same little piece on him in the pregame and after the first. They had another one tonight and they have "PA's Island Living" coming up after the Tavares interview.

It almost makes me miss that little weasel Rob Carlin and his stupid season long trivia contest.
- eichiefs9

It's been a hat trick of crap in that role with CJ Papa, Rob Carlin and this joker.

I'm really not crazy at all about the Grabner-Nielsen-PA line. Who exactly is supposed to be the gritty presence along the boards or in front of the net? Too soft and too much perimeter stuff. Put Nino on that line with Nielsen and Grabner...he'll be protected in his own zone by two faster players that play good defense, and he could add some size an net presence in the offensive zone. The extra benefit is that PA would actually be a good fit with Bailey and Martin, I think.
- UIF

I agree UIF. Very soft line. I was so upset with the loss last night I called him Fran Nielsen.

"Bailey's having a very quiet month of January."

--Howie Rose

Err...Josh Baileys having a very quiet career.
- UIF

Did he really say that?

Another Parenteau feature on right now for you, Chief!

Also, I think they're going to re-sign PA. I still say sell high with him. I don't think he'll have this kind of season again. Nice player, but not a close-to point-per-game player. Too many perimeter players on the team after the first line. Most of them aren't necessarily bad, just too similar and easy to shut down as a whole. If they can move him+ for something useful, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

Another Parenteau feature on right now for you, Chief!

Also, I think they're going to re-sign PA. I still say sell high with him. I don't think he'll have this kind of season again. Nice player, but not a close-to point-per-game player. Too many perimeter players on the team after the first line. Most of them aren't necessarily bad, just too similar and easy to shut down as a whole. If they can move him+ for something useful, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
- UIF

I'm kind of indifferent on PA. I don't care if we sign him or trade him. If someone offers something good for him and we move him, great. If he's around next year? No problem. He plays with a little chip on his shoulder, so he can function on a 3rd line in my eyes. If our top 6 rounds out better next year I feel like he'd be valuable as a 3rd liner.

I agree UIF. Very soft line. I was so upset with the loss last night I called him Fran Nielsen.
- ses111

Another Parenteau feature on right now for you, Chief!

Also, I think they're going to re-sign PA. I still say sell high with him. I don't think he'll have this kind of season again. Nice player, but not a close-to point-per-game player. Too many perimeter players on the team after the first line. Most of them aren't necessarily bad, just too similar and easy to shut down as a whole. If they can move him+ for something useful, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
- UIF

I would trade PA and Frans in the right deal. Your right about the perimeter players. Isles cannot bring all the same players back.

I'm kind of indifferent on PA. I don't care if we sign him or trade him. If someone offers something good for him and we move him, great. If he's around next year? No problem.
- eichiefs9

Agreed...and if no one's offering anything useful, then it's better to bring him back rather than moving him for the sake of moving him.

I'd just like to see a different theme with this team overall next season...away from being an undersized, finesse perimeter team and more towards a good mix of grit and skill. Bringing both PA and Frans back, with Grabner here and Bailey, you're pretty much guaranteeing a similar composition, especially in the top-six.

Phil Kessel trying to be tough is adorable


Edit: Another shorty

Man that entire play was hilarious watching Kessel squirm, slash, slash HIMSELF in the face, then ask for a penalty

Nice hustle boys, this games getting gritty, let's go islanders!

paging Mr. Shannahan....that was one hell of an unpenalized cheapshot!

paging Mr. Shannahan....that was one hell of an unpenalized cheapshot!
- keaner17

Does the NHL call any penalties on the leafs? No wonder they have been winning some games....

Another Parenteau feature on right now for you, Chief!

Also, I think they're going to re-sign PA. I still say sell high with him. I don't think he'll have this kind of season again. Nice player, but not a close-to point-per-game player. Too many perimeter players on the team after the first line. Most of them aren't necessarily bad, just too similar and easy to shut down as a whole. If they can move him+ for something useful, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
- UIF

Agreed. PA's value will likely never be as high as it is now. He's a likeable guy and decent puckmover, but I don't think he is or ever will be a 70 pt player. Right now he's on that pace, largely due to Moulson and JT. Since he's going to be an UFA, I'd test the waters heavily.

Does the NHL call any penalties on the leafs? No wonder they have been winning some games....
- mighty13duck

With the league missing someone like Crosby, possibly forever, you'd think the refs would be a little more proactive in policing plays like that. That was a blatant crosscheck to the head of a player who wasn't even near the puck. It certainly deserves a league review

Does the NHL call any penalties on the leafs? No wonder they have been winning some games....
- mighty13duck

Its getting pretty obvious isn't it. 5 periods with no PP. Schenns hit on Nino...ref right there...course nobody complains cause it helps the Leafs