As per Isles Twitter, same lineup as Tuesday. How does Brian Rolston get to play again? It's that crap that bothers me more than anything.
- Isles316

Cappy's biggest flaw as a coach with this team is his constant playing of Rolston. Rolston sucks and hasn't done anything to deserve any playing time, much less 3rd line minutes. He should be in a press box for the rest of the season. Cappy needs to do a better job with Nino also. He's coached Nino into the ground, killed his confidence and buried him on a fourth line with little or no chance to have any success so he can play a bum like Rolston instead. Admittedly, Nino shouldn't even have played in the NHL this season and Cappy was force-fed Nino being on the roster by Snow, rushing (and maybe ruining, a.k.a. Bailey) another young player, but if Nino is going to be on the roster, he's got to play more minutes and on a better line than Rolston. Nino has a chance of being a good player for years to come. Rolston is done and has nothing left in the tank to contribute.

Id truly like to see that series. Would be good to get the rivalry going again. It has not been the same the last few years.
- nyi18

God forbid that happen and we won I would go on an unmerciful tear of sh!t-talking to my pompous Ranger fan friends. I would be so harsh that I likely wouldn't be friends with them after.

They're usually never this good this late and have shown no sign of slowing down. They haven't lost 2 games in a row since December 15th.
- BringBackBalky

Oh i know they are playing a lot better than previous years this late into the season. But still, regular season doesn't matter once you make the playoffs. I just hate the rangers.

Even if he was equally as bad, talent-wise, as Rolston I'd rather see him in there because at least he hustles and act like he wants to be there.
- eichiefs9

Rolston is just a plain scum poop bag. I'm fired up now. If I was paid 5 million to pick poop out of a drain with my bare hands, I can guarentee that no one would out work me. I just don't get it. His first game back he actually played hard for 1 period. I witnessed him throw a body check. Besides that he is back to his old not giving a crap self. It sends the wrong message that he is allowed on the ice.

Cappy's biggest flaw as a coach with this team is his constant playing of Rolston. Rolston sucks and hasn't done anything to deserve any playing time, much less 3rd line minutes. He should be in a press box for the rest of the season. Cappy needs to do a better job with Nino also. He's coached Nino into the ground, killed his confidence and buried him on a fourth line with little or no chance to have any success so he can play a bum like Rolston instead. Admittedly, Nino shouldn't even have played in the NHL this season and Cappy was force-fed Nino being on the roster by Snow, rushing (and maybe ruining, a.k.a. Bailey) another young player, but if Nino is going to be on the roster, he's got to play more minutes and on a better line than Rolston. Nino has a chance of being a good player for years to come. Rolston is done and has nothing left in the tank to contribute.
- Jethro09

At this point Nino has shown to be better in his own zone and I can't really disagree that he should be up on a higher line. I thought the call to move him up was a bit premature because he was terrible at picking up his guy but since that has improved, why not move him up? No one currently in the last 6 games has lit it up. Parenteau has been our best forward during that stretch.

God forbid that happen and we won I would go on an unmerciful tear of sh!t-talking to my pompous Ranger fan friends. I would be so harsh that I likely wouldn't be friends with them after.
- eichiefs9

Haha, me too, everywhere I go, i hear them talk sh*t. If we did play them, and if we did beat them, oh yea, years of sh*t talking just from that. Would be fun to watch. Maybe just maybe

Cappy's biggest flaw as a coach with this team is his constant playing of Rolston. Rolston sucks and hasn't done anything to deserve any playing time, much less 3rd line minutes. He should be in a press box for the rest of the season. Cappy needs to do a better job with Nino also. He's coached Nino into the ground, killed his confidence and buried him on a fourth line with little or no chance to have any success so he can play a bum like Rolston instead. Admittedly, Nino shouldn't even have played in the NHL this season and Cappy was force-fed Nino being on the roster by Snow, rushing (and maybe ruining, a.k.a. Bailey) another young player, but if Nino is going to be on the roster, he's got to play more minutes and on a better line than Rolston. Nino has a chance of being a good player for years to come. Rolston is done and has nothing left in the tank to contribute.
- Jethro09

I can't imagine that playing Rolston is Cappy's call. If it was him and him alone...I'm not saying that's a fireable offense, but you'd have to think someone over his head would very strongly suggest that he stop playing the guy by this point.

I don't know what's up with the handling of Nino either, but again, I'm not sure it's Cappy's decision. I mean, it was Snow fielding the questions on Nino's playing time from Howie, and he answered the questions without saying anything like, "Well, that's the coach's call regarding lines and ice time." Someone correct me if he did say something like that...I don't remember hearing it.

The Isles need Rolston's salary to reach the cap floor. That is the only reason they have not sent him down. That said.. they either have to play him or healthy scratch him. I honestly think this is the Doug Weight influence on that bench. You can't healthy scratch a veteran with that many goals, experience...etc. It is a joke whoever is making this decision.

I must be able to see the future. Now Ek is saying Kane for Miller a possibility. Maybe I'm in the wrong business...
- Jethro09

you might be able to see in the future, but not very good at reading previous posts....

The Isles need Rolston's salary to reach the cap floor. That is the only reason they have not sent him down. That said.. they either have to play him or healthy scratch him. I honestly think this is the Doug Weight influence on that bench. You can't healthy scratch a veteran with that many goals, experience...etc. It is a joke whoever is making this decision.
- niteislander

His salary counts against the cap regardless because he signed the contract after he was 35.

The Isles need Rolston's salary to reach the cap floor. That is the only reason they have not sent him down. That said.. they either have to play him or healthy scratch him. I honestly think this is the Doug Weight influence on that bench. You can't healthy scratch a veteran with that many goals, experience...etc. It is a joke whoever is making this decision.
- niteislander

His salary would count against the cap even if he was sent down.

Edit - never mind...Quick Draw Balky beat me to the punch.

The Isles need Rolston's salary to reach the cap floor. That is the only reason they have not sent him down. That said.. they either have to play him or healthy scratch him. I honestly think this is the Doug Weight influence on that bench. You can't healthy scratch a veteran with that many goals, experience...etc. It is a joke whoever is making this decision.
- niteislander

You know if he clears waivers his cap hit still counts because he is over 35? Not sure if there is a rule or not that forbids placing a guy on waivers if it would put you under floor if they were claimed..

EDIT: Sorry for being redundant..

His salary would count against the cap even if he was sent down.

Edit - never mind...Quick Draw Balky beat me to the punch.
- UIF

Have you been talking to my wife?

I can't imagine that playing Rolston is Cappy's call. If it was him and him alone...I'm not saying that's a fireable offense, but you'd have to think someone over his head would very strongly suggest that he stop playing the guy by this point.

I don't know what's up with the handling of Nino either, but again, I'm not sure it's Cappy's decision. I mean, it was Snow fielding the questions on Nino's playing time from Howie, and he answered the questions without saying anything like, "Well, that's the coach's call regarding lines and ice time." Someone correct me if he did say something like that...I don't remember hearing it.
- UIF

I really think the Nino thing is getting overblown. Power forwards are somewhat similar to defensemen, in that they take a bit longer to develop a complete game. Nino's learning the defensive side of the puck toiling on the 4th line. Some will say that his linemates are "crippling his development" but I think he's learning to be defensively responsible while not having a ton of pressure to produce points, like Bailey did. Juniors would have been a total waste for him, he already showed he could dominate there. Since the AHL isn't an option, I don't see it as a travesty that he is playing on the fourth. Not every top-10 pick is going to come in and make a monstrous contribution right off the bat.

Someone will tell me that what I said is all well and good, but Rolston sucks and Nino should have his spot... blah blah blah. I get it, Rolston is awful. I don't argue that point, I (frank)ing hate the guy. Try and look at it objectively from the other side (I realize that's nearly impossible for some people in here). Nobody wants Rolston, Reasoner, Pandolfo, Staios or Mottau on the team. But while these guys blow, they are simply placeholders so that our good prospects can do what prospects are supposed to do...develop. Want Donovan over Staios? I get it, but it's dumb. Let him get 22+ min/game playing in Bridgeport instead of 15 playing here. Ullstrom looked great when he was here, but he's better served playing top 6 minutes in the AHL.

It's frustrating as all hell, I know. I'm just as frustrated as anyone else. But the value that these plugs have (yes, I just said that..take a deep breath) is that they are allowing us to create some organizational depth. It's god awful short term, but long term it will pay off.

Cappy's biggest flaw as a coach with this team is his constant playing of Rolston. Rolston sucks and hasn't done anything to deserve any playing time, much less 3rd line minutes. He should be in a press box for the rest of the season. Cappy needs to do a better job with Nino also. He's coached Nino into the ground, killed his confidence and buried him on a fourth line with little or no chance to have any success so he can play a bum like Rolston instead. Admittedly, Nino shouldn't even have played in the NHL this season and Cappy was force-fed Nino being on the roster by Snow, rushing (and maybe ruining, a.k.a. Bailey) another young player, but if Nino is going to be on the roster, he's got to play more minutes and on a better line than Rolston. Nino has a chance of being a good player for years to come. Rolston is done and has nothing left in the tank to contribute.
- Jethro09

I agree completely and what really bothers me with Nino is that if this is the way cappy treats a prospect's first season does that mean Strome will be our 4th line center next year for the whole season? If that will be the case then keep Strome in juniors because playing fourth line role/mins will not help his development!!
Rolston needs to go ASAP he hurts this team way more then he helps it. I meant the guys shooting between periods hit the nets more often then he does! Hell they even hustle more on the ice then him!!

I really think the Nino thing is getting overblown. Power forwards are somewhat similar to defensemen, in that they take a bit longer to develop a complete game. Nino's learning the defensive side of the puck toiling on the 4th line. Some will say that his linemates are "crippling his development" but I think he's learning to be defensively responsible while not having a ton of pressure to produce points, like Bailey did. Juniors would have been a total waste for him, he already showed he could dominate there. Since the AHL isn't an option, I don't see it as a travesty that he is playing on the fourth. Not every top-10 pick is going to come in and make a monstrous contribution right off the bat.

Someone will tell me that what I said is all well and good, but Rolston sucks and Nino should have his spot... blah blah blah. I get it, Rolston is awful. I don't argue that point, I (frank)ing hate the guy. Try and look at it objectively from the other side (I realize that's nearly impossible for some people in here). Nobody wants Rolston, Reasoner, Pandolfo, Staios or Mottau on the team. But while these guys blow, they are simply placeholders so that our good prospects can do what prospects are supposed to do...develop. Want Donovan over Staios? I get it, but it's dumb. Let him get 22+ min/game playing in Bridgeport instead of 15 playing here. Ullstrom looked great when he was here, but he's better served playing top 6 minutes in the AHL.

It's frustrating as all hell, I know. I'm just as frustrated as anyone else. But the value that these plugs have (yes, I just said that..take a deep breath) is that they are allowing us to create some organizational depth. It's god awful short term, but long term it will pay off.
- eichiefs9

I get the defensive reasoning with Nino. But confidence is just as important to a young player as learning the game. His stat line is terrible this season, and this was a guy many were picking to challenge for the Calder Trophy. Bailey and Martin are two defensively responsible players too. They play on the third line, which is supposed to be a more defensively oriented line. Why not let Nino play with them? I think earlier, you could argue he should not because his game was so under-developed that he would be holding them back, and he really should be doomed to the fourth line. But he looks better now away from the puck. I'm not saying put him with Tavares. But a bump up to the third line, where he can still learn defense and maybe even chip in a goal or two off a feed from Bailey to boost his confidence...would that be the worst thing in the world?

On the spare parts...I can live with the rest of them...just not Rolston. And I don't buy the placeholder argument at this time. They're scratching an extra forward and playing Rolston right now. Scratch Rolston and play the extra forward instead...problem solved. You don't even have to call up Ullstrom, or Rhett, etc.

I really think the Nino thing is getting overblown. Power forwards are somewhat similar to defensemen, in that they take a bit longer to develop a complete game. Nino's learning the defensive side of the puck toiling on the 4th line. Some will say that his linemates are "crippling his development" but I think he's learning to be defensively responsible while not having a ton of pressure to produce points, like Bailey did. Juniors would have been a total waste for him, he already showed he could dominate there. Since the AHL isn't an option, I don't see it as a travesty that he is playing on the fourth. Not every top-10 pick is going to come in and make a monstrous contribution right off the bat.

Someone will tell me that what I said is all well and good, but Rolston sucks and Nino should have his spot... blah blah blah. I get it, Rolston is awful. I don't argue that point, I (frank)ing hate the guy. Try and look at it objectively from the other side (I realize that's nearly impossible for some people in here). Nobody wants Rolston, Reasoner, Pandolfo, Staios or Mottau on the team. But while these guys blow, they are simply placeholders so that our good prospects can do what prospects are supposed to do...develop. Want Donovan over Staios? I get it, but it's dumb. Let him get 22+ min/game playing in Bridgeport instead of 15 playing here. Ullstrom looked great when he was here, but he's better served playing top 6 minutes in the AHL.

It's frustrating as all hell, I know. I'm just as frustrated as anyone else. But the value that these plugs have (yes, I just said that..take a deep breath) is that they are allowing us to create some organizational depth. It's god awful short term, but long term it will pay off.
- eichiefs9

Oh boy that means if Nino is following his path trade him now

I agree completely and what really bothers me with Nino is that if this is the way cappy treats a prospect's first season does that mean Strome will be our 4th line center next year for the whole season? If that will be the case then keep Strome in juniors because playing fourth line role/mins will not help his development!!
Rolston needs to go ASAP he hurts this team way more then he helps it. I meant the guys shooting between periods hit the nets more often then he does! Hell they even hustle more on the ice then him!!
- Islesfan28

Nino's style of play can translate to a lower checking line. Strome will never sniff the 4th line, and if that's where he fits in on this team..he'll be sent back to Niagara before he centers the 4th.

I get the defensive reasoning with Nino. But confidence is just as important to a young player as learning the game. His stat line is terrible this season, and this was a guy many were picking to challenge for the Calder Trophy. Bailey and Martin are two defensively responsible players too. They play on the third line, which is supposed to be a more defensively oriented line. Why not let Nino play with them? I think earlier, you could argue he should not because his game was so under-developed that he would be holding them back, and he really should be doomed to the fourth line. But he looks better now away from the puck. I'm not saying put him with Tavares. But a bump up to the third line, where he can still learn defense and maybe even chip in a goal or two off a feed from Bailey to boost his confidence...would that be the worst thing in the world?

On the spare parts...I can live with the rest of them...just not Rolston. And I don't buy the placeholder argument at this time. They're scratching an extra forward and playing Rolston right now. Scratch Rolston and play the extra forward instead...problem solved. You don't even have to call up Ullstrom, or Rhett, etc.
- UIF

My main point was really that the situation with Nino on the 4th line is just getting overblown on here, not at all that I feel he belongs there. I think he could, should, and would be better suited to play on the 3rd line with Bails and Marty. I just don't think it's a sign of the apocalypse that he's playing on the 4th, that's all I was trying to say.

As for my placeholder argument, I get your point and don't expect everyone to agree with my views. I would take Wallace over Rolston 10 times out of 10. But he'd essentially be the same placeholder. Would I rather see a guy that busts his ass and plays physical (Wallace) over assbag Rolston, you better believe it. But I was speaking more to the big picture of all the old, crappy vets. In general, they are just occupying spots that younger guys are not ready to take, and in the long run I think it's going to benefit guys like Donovan, Ullstrom, Rak, etc... to get more playing time and be relied upon more in Bridgeport. It's why they brought up Donovan over Ness, Donovan is a better player (Ness is no scrub, not saying he is) and is more likely to play in the NHL, so you want to nurture that talent and let it develop properly.

I really think the Nino thing is getting overblown. Power forwards are somewhat similar to defensemen, in that they take a bit longer to develop a complete game. Nino's learning the defensive side of the puck toiling on the 4th line. Some will say that his linemates are "crippling his development" but I think he's learning to be defensively responsible while not having a ton of pressure to produce points, like Bailey did. Juniors would have been a total waste for him, he already showed he could dominate there. Since the AHL isn't an option, I don't see it as a travesty that he is playing on the fourth. Not every top-10 pick is going to come in and make a monstrous contribution right off the bat.

Someone will tell me that what I said is all well and good, but Rolston sucks and Nino should have his spot... blah blah blah. I get it, Rolston is awful. I don't argue that point, I (frank)ing hate the guy. Try and look at it objectively from the other side (I realize that's nearly impossible for some people in here). Nobody wants Rolston, Reasoner, Pandolfo, Staios or Mottau on the team. But while these guys blow, they are simply placeholders so that our good prospects can do what prospects are supposed to do...develop. Want Donovan over Staios? I get it, but it's dumb. Let him get 22+ min/game playing in Bridgeport instead of 15 playing here. Ullstrom looked great when he was here, but he's better served playing top 6 minutes in the AHL.

It's frustrating as all hell, I know. I'm just as frustrated as anyone else. But the value that these plugs have (yes, I just said that..take a deep breath) is that they are allowing us to create some organizational depth. It's god awful short term, but long term it will pay off.
- eichiefs9

You almost make it sound like these are sound, intelligent management decisions? Bring in horrible veterans so your young players get more ice team? Really? This is one of the most ridiculous posts I've read on here. Rolston is getting top minutes on the first PP unit. Your idea of Nino learning the defensive side of the game with Reasoner is ludicrous. Having your talent develop in the AHL is one thing, having players who seem like they simply don't want to play anymore mentor your first round draft picks is assinine. I don't mean to come off as insulting, sorry if I did but I simply don't get your logic?

My main point was really that the situation with Nino on the 4th line is just getting overblown on here, not at all that I feel he belongs there. I think he could, should, and would be better suited to play on the 3rd line with Bails and Marty. I just don't think it's a sign of the apocalypse that he's playing on the 4th, that's all I was trying to say.

As for my placeholder argument, I get your point and don't expect everyone to agree with my views. I would take Wallace over Rolston 10 times out of 10. But he'd essentially be the same placeholder. Would I rather see a guy that busts his ass and plays physical (Wallace) over assbag Rolston, you better believe it. But I was speaking more to the big picture of all the old, crappy vets. In general, they are just occupying spots that younger guys are not ready to take, and in the long run I think it's going to benefit guys like Donovan, Ullstrom, Rak, etc... to get more playing time and be relied upon more in Bridgeport. It's why they brought up Donovan over Ness, Donovan is a better player (Ness is no scrub, not saying he is) and is more likely to play in the NHL, so you want to nurture that talent and let it develop properly.
- eichiefs9

I don't think its getting "over blown" at all. You say its getting over blown then in the same sentence say he should be on the third line? I don't get it? Having Nino learn on the fourth line is stunting his development and preventing him from putting up points which in turn is obviously hurting his confidence. These are all very big negatives for a developing prospect. We've all seen this before. This is either gross mis-management or horrible coaching. Either is unacceptable, paiting the picture that Cappy is rounding out his defensive game is laughable. I find it incredible how Islander fans try to find logic in some of these coaching/managament decisions where on other teams they would be considered nuts.

My main point was really that the situation with Nino on the 4th line is just getting overblown on here, not at all that I feel he belongs there. I think he could, should, and would be better suited to play on the 3rd line with Bails and Marty. I just don't think it's a sign of the apocalypse that he's playing on the 4th, that's all I was trying to say.

As for my placeholder argument, I get your point and don't expect everyone to agree with my views. I would take Wallace over Rolston 10 times out of 10. But he'd essentially be the same placeholder. Would I rather see a guy that busts his ass and plays physical (Wallace) over assbag Rolston, you better believe it. But I was speaking more to the big picture of all the old, crappy vets. In general, they are just occupying spots that younger guys are not ready to take, and in the long run I think it's going to benefit guys like Donovan, Ullstrom, Rak, etc... to get more playing time and be relied upon more in Bridgeport. It's why they brought up Donovan over Ness, Donovan is a better player (Ness is no scrub, not saying he is) and is more likely to play in the NHL, so you want to nurture that talent and let it develop properly.
- eichiefs9

i hear what youre saying about the placeholders and im sure everyone agrees and knows that rolston is keeping the seat warm for a young body next year when that prospect is fully developed but the question remains, why rolston? he brings nothing to the table. legit nothing. even if it were wallace or haley they could serve a purpose. rolston brings not edge to his game, doesnt have the fire to play anymore, and in fact brings the team down. at least use a "placeholder" to someone who has some sort of upside, even if it means nothing long term....maybe a noticing team would be interested in "that guy". maybe "that guy" is the next parenteau. who knows?? i dont, you dont. all i DO know is rolston is worthless. legit worthless. just a ball of waste on skates.

You almost make it sound like these are sound, intelligent management decisions? Bring in horrible veterans so your young players get more ice team? Really? This is one of the most ridiculous posts I've read on here. Rolston is getting top minutes on the first PP unit. Your idea of Nino learning the defensive side of the game with Reasoner is ludicrous. Having your talent develop in the AHL is one thing, having players who seem like they simply don't want to play anymore mentor your first round draft picks is assinine. I don't mean to come off as insulting, sorry if I did but I simply don't get your logic?
- Cptmjl

Take it down a notch dude. Nino was god awful when he first came up in his own zone. So yea, learning the defensive side of the game was exactly what he is doing on the 4th line. He can't play in the AHL because he is under 20 yrs old. He is also dead on that guys are now developing properly in the AHL instead of being up with the big club.

Also the cap floor dictates that the Isles at the start of the season needed to sign the assbags they signed just to get to the cap floor.

The one thing none of us get is why Rolston isn't sitting in the press box. Anyone in the orginization brings more.

removed

You almost make it sound like these are sound, intelligent management decisions? Bring in horrible veterans so your young players get more ice team? Really? This is one of the most ridiculous posts I've read on here. Rolston is getting top minutes on the first PP unit. Your idea of Nino learning the defensive side of the game with Reasoner is ludicrous. Having your talent develop in the AHL is one thing, having players who seem like they simply don't want to play anymore mentor your first round draft picks is assinine. I don't mean to come off as insulting, sorry if I did but I simply don't get your logic?
- Cptmjl

It's far from the most ridiculous post you've ever read on here. I can assure you of that.

Correct me if I'm wrong but this team seems to have trouble signing legitimate free agents. So it's either go with who wants to play here and let young guys develop the way they should or fill out the rest of our roster with inexperienced kids and run the risk of ruining them, a la Josh Bailey. You, and others, would be whining that we have a ton of young, clueless players if that were the case, just as much as you do about the guys that are here now.

As far as my "ludicrous" idea of Nino "learning" from and being "mentored" by Reasoner on the defensive aspects of the game...the only thing ludicrous is the notion that you believe that Reasoner is the one teaching Nino anything. I'm not sure if you've ever actually played the game of hockey, but when I played I did my learning from the coaches, not the guy who centered my line or my defensive partner. You're telling me when they go into a film session that Reasoner is the one standing there with a laser pointer telling Nino what he should and shouldn't do? Doubt that.

Oh, and Rolston actually gets no time on the first PP unit. That would be Streit and Frans on the point with Tavares, Moulson, and PA up front.