I raise my glass to this post!!

Very nicely said

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Thanks

I can back Snow because when he took over, the Isles had 2 prospects. Neilson and Okposo. That was it, and a poopty team that somehow made it's way into the 8th spot. When the Isles actually had a chance to do some good, he made a big move.

Since then, weather we want to believe it or not, the Isles have been nowhere close to being competitive with the best teams in the NHL. Only this year have they managed to not be terrible on the road and actually beat Philly.

He has done a tremendous job at re-stocking the organization and we have legitimate prospects now. Look at Bridgeport for proof. Playing lights out. Anders Lee and Brock Nelson are lighting up college.

Rick DiPietro situation is killing him. I don't think he has any control on it and even if he wanted to buy Rick out, that would (as of today) keep him on the payroll another 18 years. He really can't buy him out and it's also hindered him in acquiring a number one goalie. So what did he do? He pissed off Evegeni Nabokov by getting him on waivers because it was the only way to get a number 1 guy and now is on the verge of re-signing him.

He signed Streit who had 2 very good years before getting hurt and even this year he has been better than most guys could be in that role.

He signed Matt Moulson and P.A. Parenteau. What GM has brought in 2 better players to their teams via free agency in the last 3 seasons?

The rebuild is on schedule. The Hawks, Kings, Pens all missed the playoffs for 8 years, 7 years and 5 years respectably before getting good using the same model and the Pens got the 2 best players in the world to jump start that.

Where his shortcomings are? Jack Capuano. I love the guy, but I love him as our Bridgeport coach. He is not an NHL coach. Andy Murray and Randy Carlye are out there. Sign one of them up! Aside from the top line, every Islander forward has taken a major step backward this year.

The three goalie circus's. This year especially. Montoya (who I don't love) WAS playing well and did nothing wrong to deserve sitting at any point the first month of the season after they got off to a good start.

Rolston was brutal, but now we are rid of him and Hunter. Two bad contracts finished in 2 plus fewer years.

Isles only have Amac, Streit, and Hamonic under contract on defense for next season currently with the team. Assuming De Haan or Donovan makes the team, the Isles need to sign two more d-men just to have a top 6 let alone depth. Garth NEEDS to address that big time, and if he can't via free agency, he needs to make a trade. (Kyle Okposo better wake up)

Snow NEEDS to sign Nabokov and PA. These are two talents that can't be replaced going on recent history.

Snow needs to get a veteran defensive forward like Mike Handzus or Jarrot Stoll. I thought Reasoner would be better.

He probably needs to hire a new experienced coach.

If we are having this same conversation a week before opening night, then I will totally agree with you. I just don't think he NEEDED to do anything until now because the team simply just wasn't ready.

They are close now. I've said this before but St. Louis was just like us last year. It's going to turn around REAL FAST but Snow needs to do his job from now until October and I believe he will.
- Isles316

This was spot on.. Get rid of Capuano immediately

Good Morning HBers.
Has anyone jumped off a ledge yet?
Well... It IS Leap Day.

Nice accessment Isles316

this morning I wondered if Paul Maurice was still available because he was up for the job when Scott Gordon got it.

but then I thought -- he may not win with this group either. But he's got the experience.

I can back Snow because when he took over, the Isles had 2 prospects. Neilson and Okposo. That was it, and a poopty team that somehow made it's way into the 8th spot. When the Isles actually had a chance to do some good, he made a big move.

Since then, weather we want to believe it or not, the Isles have been nowhere close to being competitive with the best teams in the NHL. Only this year have they managed to not be terrible on the road and actually beat Philly.

He has done a tremendous job at re-stocking the organization and we have legitimate prospects now. Look at Bridgeport for proof. Playing lights out. Anders Lee and Brock Nelson are lighting up college.

Rick DiPietro situation is killing him. I don't think he has any control on it and even if he wanted to buy Rick out, that would (as of today) keep him on the payroll another 18 years. He really can't buy him out and it's also hindered him in acquiring a number one goalie. So what did he do? He pissed off Evegeni Nabokov by getting him on waivers because it was the only way to get a number 1 guy and now is on the verge of re-signing him.

He signed Streit who had 2 very good years before getting hurt and even this year he has been better than most guys could be in that role.

He signed Matt Moulson and P.A. Parenteau. What GM has brought in 2 better players to their teams via free agency in the last 3 seasons?

The rebuild is on schedule. The Hawks, Kings, Pens all missed the playoffs for 8 years, 7 years and 5 years respectably before getting good using the same model and the Pens got the 2 best players in the world to jump start that.

Where his shortcomings are? Jack Capuano. I love the guy, but I love him as our Bridgeport coach. He is not an NHL coach. Andy Murray and Randy Carlye are out there. Sign one of them up! Aside from the top line, every Islander forward has taken a major step backward this year.

The three goalie circus's. This year especially. Montoya (who I don't love) WAS playing well and did nothing wrong to deserve sitting at any point the first month of the season after they got off to a good start.

Rolston was brutal, but now we are rid of him and Hunter. Two bad contracts finished in 2 plus fewer years.

Isles only have Amac, Streit, and Hamonic under contract on defense for next season currently with the team. Assuming De Haan or Donovan makes the team, the Isles need to sign two more d-men just to have a top 6 let alone depth. Garth NEEDS to address that big time, and if he can't via free agency, he needs to make a trade. (Kyle Okposo better wake up)

Snow NEEDS to sign Nabokov and PA. These are two talents that can't be replaced going on recent history.

Snow needs to get a veteran defensive forward like Mike Handzus or Jarrot Stoll. I thought Reasoner would be better.

He probably needs to hire a new experienced coach.

If we are having this same conversation a week before opening night, then I will totally agree with you. I just don't think he NEEDED to do anything until now because the team simply just wasn't ready.

They are close now. I've said this before but St. Louis was just like us last year. It's going to turn around REAL FAST but Snow needs to do his job from now until October and I believe he will.
- Isles316

Very good post ...I'll add to your list:

That need to bring in a power forward to play on Tavares' line. Bobby Ryan and Dustin Brown come to mind. If they are available I would make a big play for them. Maybe Drew Stafford of Buffalo.

The second line is non existant. I would probably try to get another wing through free agency that can provide secondary scoring. I took a quick look at the free agency list. The best I saw outside of Parise was David Jones. Maybe you can Brad Boyes on the cheap. While I'd like Parise he wants $8 million and I heard he wants to go to Minnesota. Still think the Devils will sign him. Providing Parenteau signs I'd stick Bailey or Strome in between PA and the FA winger.

Draft Ryan Murray...Yakupov will be picked by Columbus. Murray is NHL ready...game is similiar to Denis Potvin. If he is taken probably by Edmonton, maybe trade the pick for an establish player. See my first comment.

While I like your idea of a defensive forward..I like Stoll, don't need him because you signed Neilsen long term and he would be the 3rd line checking/defensive center....

We NEED DEFENSEMEN. This is the problem. The Niederreiters and Okposos of the world will eventually figure it out, and provide some supplemental scoring; of this I am confident. However, when your best defenseman is, what, 21?.....this is a massive problem. All during last off season I was saying we needed d-men, and he tries to get Ehrhoff, who is useless in his own end. Garth- picture defensemen who are the same size as you, but can skate, and hate all of the players on the ice wearing a different uniform. That's what we need. That's why I wanted us to draft Hamilton instead of Strome. Until we get at least two or three of these players, we are going to be mediocre at best.

PA will be next year's Ville Leino. Book it. Should have traded him. Even if it were for a 2nd rounder, although, the trade of Gaustad shows me Snow could have gotten a 1st.

Isles only have Amac, Streit, and Hamonic under contract on defense for next season currently with the team. Assuming De Haan or Donovan makes the team, the Isles need to sign two more d-men just to have a top 6 let alone depth. Garth NEEDS to address that big time, and if he can't via free agency, he needs to make a trade. (Kyle Okposo better wake up)

Snow NEEDS to sign Nabokov and PA. These are two talents that can't be replaced going on recent history.

Snow needs to get a veteran defensive forward like Mike Handzus or Jarrot Stoll. I thought Reasoner would be better.

He probably needs to hire a new experienced coach.

If we are having this same conversation a week before opening night, then I will totally agree with you. I just don't think he NEEDED to do anything until now because the team simply just wasn't ready.

They are close now. I've said this before but St. Louis was just like us last year. It's going to turn around REAL FAST but Snow needs to do his job from now until October and I believe he will.
- Isles316

Eh, I’m pretty sure we’ve seen this movie before. I think it was called “At This Time Last Season.”

All we needed then was one top-six winger and one top-four d-man and then look out.

As I see it, the team needs an entire second line (or at least two-thirds of one), half of a defense, a fourth line that serves a purpose beyond logging minutes, and added size, grit and toughness up and down the entire lineup. And an upgrade on one of the two first-line wings wouldn’t hurt either. This is not a good mix on this team. There are some good individual pieces, but taken as a whole, it’s a very soft team that can’t win games that actually matter, can't sustain a forecheck, and can't get out of its own zone.

I don’t blame Garth for the beginning of this season. I thought the team would be better than it is. There were plenty of indications that it would be. I blame him for sitting on his hands all year when it was crystal clear this mix was not working. That includes everything from not making trades, to leaving Haley in the minors all year when the team really needed a kick in the rear, letting Nino flounder here all year when he clearly should have been in juniors, not bringing in a real coach, etc.

All that said, I'm with you...one more offseason to turn it around. No more excuses. No more "it's not like we're getting killed out there every night."

Trade Okposo or Bailey, Grabner and get NHL players! We need to start offloading assets to get better ones.

You can say GArth is good Gm for rebuilding but for the NHL team he sucks. NEver does nothing. He sits there on his hands and thinks everything is fine and dandy. Whatever personally lasy night just proved to me this team is done and has been done for a long time and I gave them credit thinking we can do this. Well we cant!! Not with these players on the ice. It is the same team every year with a couple of vets added here and there and then let go. Obviously they need to break these guys up a little.

I am sick of KO as well he does nothing lately and for some reason he is invisible out there. Bailey had a great start of the game and then turns the puck over for the game winning goal. REally? This is why this clown should stay where he was. This team has so many lackers as of players it is sickening. Never in my life have I seen a team with no heart. 3 shots on goal in the first period? Really? again they were not prepared for this game and not motivated. Sorry thanks JAck for that one. It is the same script every game with them. First period they are not existant then they pick it up in the second and then lay back in the third. It just seemed they felt they had this game and well dont need to try anymore.

As for Goaltending, if not for NAbby this game would have been a blown out no doubt he stole a point and kept them int eh game as long as he could. They need to resign him I dont care about PA anymore screw him and his stupid games. We need a legit num,ber one and Nabby is that guy. I dont want to see Rebound Folley Montoya, I dont want to see Glass Joe DP, and for Poulin just a back up until he takes the reign. If Nabby is not back with this team and next year the team does nothing to improve this is one fan who is going to take his business else where until Wang and his cast of morons figure this out. Peace out!! I have been nice for to long with this team

Trade Okposo or Bailey, Grabner and get NHL players! We need to start offloading assets to get better ones.
- ECHockey20

I'm a KO supporter, always have been. I think you give him until the trade deadline next year and if he hasn't progressed, get rid of him. Keep Grabner because even though he only scores on about 1/8th of his breakaways (if that) he still generates them and I'll take the chance there. Bailey I think needs to move to the wing permanently because he seems to thrive there.

Cizikas is obviously ready to play at this level as is Ullstrom IMO. Problem is this, where do you put Cizikas if Frans is supposed to be the 3rd line C. Cizikas seems to have too much upside to live on the 4th line. Not saying he's a 2nd line C but at least a 3rd. I guess it's a good problem to have but the problem is the people in charge of making these decisions.

Very good post ...I'll add to your list:

That need to bring in a power forward to play on Tavares' line. Bobby Ryan and Dustin Brown come to mind. If they are available I would make a big play for them. Maybe Drew Stafford of Buffalo.

The second line is non existant. I would probably try to get another wing through free agency that can provide secondary scoring. I took a quick look at the free agency list. The best I saw outside of Parise was David Jones. Maybe you can Brad Boyes on the cheap. While I'd like Parise he wants $8 million and I heard he wants to go to Minnesota. Still think the Devils will sign him. Providing Parenteau signs I'd stick Bailey or Strome in between PA and the FA winger.

Draft Ryan Murray...Yakupov will be picked by Columbus. Murray is NHL ready...game is similiar to Denis Potvin. If he is taken probably by Edmonton, maybe trade the pick for an establish player. See my first comment.

While I like your idea of a defensive forward..I like Stoll, don't need him because you signed Neilsen long term and he would be the 3rd line checking/defensive center....
- kear20

From Richard Cloutier another HB Blogger:

New York Islanders - If there is any team in need of drafting defensemen this season, it's the Islanders. They should move up to get Ryan Murray. He'd be solution #1.

I rest my case...

You can say GArth is good Gm for rebuilding but for the NHL team he sucks. NEver does nothing. He sits there on his hands and thinks everything is fine and dandy. Whatever personally lasy night just proved to me this team is done and has been done for a long time and I gave them credit thinking we can do this. Well we cant!! Not with these players on the ice. It is the same team every year with a couple of vets added here and there and then let go. Obviously they need to break these guys up a little.

I am sick of KO as well he does nothing lately and for some reason he is invisible out there. Bailey had a great start of the game and then turns the puck over for the game winning goal. REally? This is why this clown should stay where he was. This team has so many lackers as of players it is sickening. Never in my life have I seen a team with no heart. 3 shots on goal in the first period? Really? again they were not prepared for this game and not motivated. Sorry thanks JAck for that one. It is the same script every game with them. First period they are not existant then they pick it up in the second and then lay back in the third. It just seemed they felt they had this game and well dont need to try anymore.

As for Goaltending, if not for NAbby this game would have been a blown out no doubt he stole a point and kept them int eh game as long as he could. They need to resign him I dont care about PA anymore screw him and his stupid games. We need a legit num,ber one and Nabby is that guy. I dont want to see Rebound Folley Montoya, I dont want to see Glass Joe DP, and for Poulin just a back up until he takes the reign. If Nabby is not back with this team and next year the team does nothing to improve this is one fan who is going to take his business else where until Wang and his cast of morons figure this out. Peace out!! I have been nice for to long with this team
- kasperrko

Good Morning Happy Guy...

Eh, I’m pretty sure we’ve seen this movie before. I think it was called “At This Time Last Season.”

All we needed then was one top-six winger and one top-four d-man and then look out.

As I see it, the team needs an entire second line (or at least two-thirds of one), half of a defense, a fourth line that serves a purpose beyond logging minutes, and added size, grit and toughness up and down the entire lineup. And an upgrade on one of the two first-line wings wouldn’t hurt either. This is not a good mix on this team. There are some good individual pieces, but taken as a whole, it’s a very soft team that can’t win games that actually matter, can't sustain a forecheck, and can't get out of its own zone.

I don’t blame Garth for the beginning of this season. I thought the team would be better than it is. There were plenty of indications that it would be. I blame him for sitting on his hands all year when it was crystal clear this mix was not working. That includes everything from not making trades, to leaving Haley in the minors all year when the team really needed a kick in the rear, letting Nino flounder here all year when he clearly should have been in juniors, not bringing in a real coach, etc.

All that said, I'm with you...one more offseason to turn it around. No more excuses. No more "it's not like we're getting killed out there every night."
- UIF

Great, great post. The bolded parts especially. I find myself agreeing with you a lot lately. Biggest thing to add to the Snow part, it's crystal clear the owner, GM and coach are on three separate pages. The Bridgeport team is amongst the best in the AHL, some players (Cizekas, Donovan, Ullstrom) should have been tried out here on LI instead of bums like the Reasoners, Rolstons, Mottaus and Eatons of the world.
And the funniest thing is, out of every kid they bring up, they bring up a fifth overall pick, a goal scorer at every level, a teenager still, instead of any of these guys. Doesn't make a lick of sense, but what does around these parts anymore?

Nice accessment Isles316

this morning I wondered if Paul Maurice was still available because he was up for the job when Scott Gordon got it.

but then I thought -- he may not win with this group either. But he's got the experience.
- Dee Karl

Dee, I guess you think they suck too...

Good Morning Happy Guy...
- jimmc7722

I am happy I am happy they finally gave in and gave up and now I dont expect playoffs or them to win anymore. So I am in a great mood

Ding, Ding, Ding, - Lets get ready to rumble.

Ok, it is time to get this blog moving again. I missed the self- trolling bickering yesterday, I have a much easier day today on the go and nothing to laugh about on here.

Where is everybody??

We NEED DEFENSEMEN. This is the problem. The Niederreiters and Okposos of the world will eventually figure it out, and provide some supplemental scoring; of this I am confident. However, when your best defenseman is, what, 21?.....this is a massive problem. All during last off season I was saying we needed d-men, and he tries to get Ehrhoff, who is useless in his own end. Garth- picture defensemen who are the same size as you, but can skate, and hate all of the players on the ice wearing a different uniform. That's what we need. That's why I wanted us to draft Hamilton instead of Strome. Until we get at least two or three of these players, we are going to be mediocre at best.
- dcb1

donovan is in full beast mode in the ahl...he's ready for a look..so is de haan..the most suprising thing to note about de haan is how physical he has played since coming off injury..he has really taken the body..which is both suprising and good..we do need nhl dmen though at least two

You can say GArth is good Gm for rebuilding am
- kasperrko

I'm not impressed with Garths record. Restocking the System? How can you not restock with quality prospects when you have multiple 1st rd draft picks. Multiple 2nd and 3rd rd draft picks. And you pick in the top 5 spots every yr

I'd be more surprised if Snow F@#$%K things up when handed picks like that yr after yr.

Nothing has changed. We're all starting to talk Draft here in February. Soon we'll be all hoping that the Isles completely tank it and have a shot at the 3rd overall pick. Nothing new. Same old same old.

I'm a KO supporter, always have been. I think you give him until the trade deadline next year and if he hasn't progressed, get rid of him. Keep Grabner because even though he only scores on about 1/8th of his breakaways (if that) he still generates them and I'll take the chance there. Bailey I think needs to move to the wing permanently because he seems to thrive there.

Cizikas is obviously ready to play at this level as is Ullstrom IMO. Problem is this, where do you put Cizikas if Frans is supposed to be the 3rd line C. Cizikas seems to have too much upside to live on the 4th line. Not saying he's a 2nd line C but at least a 3rd. I guess it's a good problem to have but the problem is the people in charge of making these decisions.
- BringBackBalky

here's what i envision for next season

pa jt moulson
UFA-UFA-grabner
okposo nielsen bailey
martin-reasoner- haley or (ufa)

streit UFA
Hamonic UFA
Amac Donovan or dehaan

nabby
poulin

i agree with everyone on okposo and bailey..i'm willing to give him till next years deadline to figure his game out..cizikas and ullstrom will get into the lineup eventually and can stay in bport for now..now i know we won't actually spend money but in my mind this is where i think the team is

here's what i envision for next season

pa jt moulson
UFA-UFA-grabner
okposo nielsen bailey
martin-reasoner- haley or (ufa)

streit UFA
Hamonic UFA
Amac Donovan or dehaan

nabby
poulin

i agree with everyone on okposo and bailey..i'm willing to give him till next years deadline to figure his game out..cizikas and ullstrom will get into the lineup eventually and can stay in bport for now..now i know we won't actually spend money but in my mind this is where i think the team is
- NYI78

4-5 UFA's ???????????

You do know our history with UFA's?

Isles turn it around mighty fast if these things happen,

Nabby is signed.
Parenteau signed.
Add 2 good defensemen
Hire randy Carlyle or Andy murray
- Isles316

spot on my friend.... agree agree agree and agree!!!!

I can back Snow because when he took over, the Isles had 2 prospects. Neilson and Okposo. That was it, and a poopty team that somehow made it's way into the 8th spot. When the Isles actually had a chance to do some good, he made a big move.

Since then, weather we want to believe it or not, the Isles have been nowhere close to being competitive with the best teams in the NHL. Only this year have they managed to not be terrible on the road and actually beat Philly.

He has done a tremendous job at re-stocking the organization and we have legitimate prospects now. Look at Bridgeport for proof. Playing lights out. Anders Lee and Brock Nelson are lighting up college.

Rick DiPietro situation is killing him. I don't think he has any control on it and even if he wanted to buy Rick out, that would (as of today) keep him on the payroll another 18 years. He really can't buy him out and it's also hindered him in acquiring a number one goalie. So what did he do? He pissed off Evegeni Nabokov by getting him on waivers because it was the only way to get a number 1 guy and now is on the verge of re-signing him.

He signed Streit who had 2 very good years before getting hurt and even this year he has been better than most guys could be in that role.

He signed Matt Moulson and P.A. Parenteau. What GM has brought in 2 better players to their teams via free agency in the last 3 seasons?

The rebuild is on schedule. The Hawks, Kings, Pens all missed the playoffs for 8 years, 7 years and 5 years respectably before getting good using the same model and the Pens got the 2 best players in the world to jump start that.

Where his shortcomings are? Jack Capuano. I love the guy, but I love him as our Bridgeport coach. He is not an NHL coach. Andy Murray and Randy Carlye are out there. Sign one of them up! Aside from the top line, every Islander forward has taken a major step backward this year.

The three goalie circus's. This year especially. Montoya (who I don't love) WAS playing well and did nothing wrong to deserve sitting at any point the first month of the season after they got off to a good start.

Rolston was brutal, but now we are rid of him and Hunter. Two bad contracts finished in 2 plus fewer years.

Isles only have Amac, Streit, and Hamonic under contract on defense for next season currently with the team. Assuming De Haan or Donovan makes the team, the Isles need to sign two more d-men just to have a top 6 let alone depth. Garth NEEDS to address that big time, and if he can't via free agency, he needs to make a trade. (Kyle Okposo better wake up)

Snow NEEDS to sign Nabokov and PA. These are two talents that can't be replaced going on recent history.

Snow needs to get a veteran defensive forward like Mike Handzus or Jarrot Stoll. I thought Reasoner would be better.

He probably needs to hire a new experienced coach.

If we are having this same conversation a week before opening night, then I will totally agree with you. I just don't think he NEEDED to do anything until now because the team simply just wasn't ready.

They are close now. I've said this before but St. Louis was just like us last year. It's going to turn around REAL FAST but Snow needs to do his job from now until October and I believe he will.
- Isles316

Long post, well written and thought out but I respectfully disagree with alot in it. Saying, "he needs to hire an experienced coach" is elementary in my opinion. A ten yr old could have figured that out by now, not insulting you but rather Snow. How many more inexperienced gys do we need to hire? Taking on an AHL coach with limited AHL eperience and a losing record is moronic and careless. Saying he didnt need to do anything bcs the team just wasn't ready I can't agree with at all. You are going to hire some retread to coach your great prospects and hope for the best? No, sorry. Not what I want my team doing. Besides weren't we supposed to be making th playoffs this year? This team has the same problems it had when he took over. Yeah, we have more prospects but calling any of them blue chip is reaching. Saying Snow is doing a good job bcs he drafted in the top five three yrs in a row to me is moronic.
Sitting on your hands and doing nothing besides drafting kids is not a monumental task. A ten yr old can throw darts at a board and hope for the best. Saying he did a good job getting rid of Rolstons and Hunters contract is absurd. He is the one who created those contracts in the first place!!!! Rolston had negative effect on this team for the entire season yet he was put on the PP and was GIVEN important minutes. Snow took on Reasoner, Mottau, Pandalfo, Rolston. Everyone one of these players besides Reasoner was washed up. We all knew and the league did as well. We had to reach the floor? I can hear it now. There are better ways than taking on garbage and going into a season almost knowingly to fail. Saying the "team wasn't ready" is moronic.
Sick of hearing Snow can't get FA's. Guess what thats his job, If he can't than get a GM who can. I see your points even though I don't agree with them but to think this guy is doing a good or even decent job to me is crazy. At work all I have time for now!

here's what i envision for next season

pa jt moulson
UFA-UFA-grabner
okposo nielsen bailey
martin-reasoner- haley or (ufa)

streit UFA
Hamonic UFA
Amac Donovan or dehaan

nabby
poulin

i agree with everyone on okposo and bailey..i'm willing to give him till next years deadline to figure his game out..cizikas and ullstrom will get into the lineup eventually and can stay in bport for now..now i know we won't actually spend money but in my mind this is where i think the team is
- NYI78

UFA? As in Undersized Forward Ass??

here's what i envision for next season

pa jt moulson
UFA-UFA-grabner
okposo nielsen bailey
martin-reasoner- haley or (ufa)

streit UFA
Hamonic UFA
Amac Donovan or dehaan

nabby
poulin

i agree with everyone on okposo and bailey..i'm willing to give him till next years deadline to figure his game out..cizikas and ullstrom will get into the lineup eventually and can stay in bport for now..now i know we won't actually spend money but in my mind this is where i think the team is
- NYI78

So Snow is signing four UFA's. Two of which are top four defenseman and two top six fowards?