Carkner was a healthy scratch almost all of the last 30 games Ottawa played in regular season two years ago. Thought he would be a little better and maybe he will be when season starts. I like his size and his efforts in protecting teammates. But as a defenseman he lacks talent
- Isles316

I agree I know why they signed him but I still thought he was a little bit better then he really is. Just a little

Fair points but what shouldn't we have to adapt? Also It wasn't really directed at you. Politics for sure killed it but that's the way it is. I've always felt the potential to make more money for the Isles would be to locate more towards the city then to stay in Nassau regardless of a new arena on the island or not. Ultimately the fans will decide if the arena works for them. You said close to 3,000 seats were bad. That's not really accurate because on twitter you said the seats were high up and just because you didn't like them wouldn't mean I or somebody else wouldn't like them. Obstructed view is obstructed view I get that. Also the coliseum sight lines are probably the greatest in any arena around old or new, but every new arena has lost that and I think BK keeps it somewhat because its small and steep and not large and out if that makes sense. Time will tell I guess
- Vukota

I would estimate about 3,000 seats have obstructed view.

The only newer arena with great sight lines is San Jose. Been there twice. It's very much like the coliseum in the seating area but great to get around, probably the best I've been too

I would estimate about 3,000 seats have obstructed view.

The only newer arena with great sight lines is San Jose. Been there twice. It's very much like the coliseum in the seating area but great to get around, probably the best I've been too
- Isles316

That's the first time I heard that many. I haven't been there yet but I have friends who were there and they said it wasn't as bad as some are making it so I don't know at this point

That's the first time I heard that many. I haven't been there yet but I have friends who were there and they said it wasn't as bad as some are making it so I don't know at this point
- Vukota

By obstructed, are we referring to not being able to see the nets or the scoreboard?

I'm not crying about it. As I said I'm thankful they didn't leave all together. But, isles fans shouldn't have to adapt. The reason they are leaving is that the Nassau politicians (frank)ed it up for all of us.

My main point is that I don't think it's going to be a lock that Brooklyn is better. If the majority of people that go to a lot of games feel the way I do, then where are the fans going to show up from ?

Again, I'm not "crying." I'm just saying how it is and how it is sucks for most fans that go to a lot of games.

I've been to about 8 Yankee games in my life and I'm a mets fan and go anywhere from 2-5 games a year for similar reasons. It's farther out and my work schedule doesn't allow me to go to more in the summer.
- Isles316

there are 2.5 million people that live in Brooklyn. if 2.5 percent support them that's 60k or so new fans. by know means am I attacking you but it seems that a majority of long island is forgetting that the islanders are actually moving to a place that is inhabited by humans

If I am correct and someone else jump in if I am not. I think one-way deal just means the amount of salary they get paid in the AHL is the same as NHL. He is old enough and has played enough that he would require waivers anyway but I don't see anyone picking him up.

EDIT: Beat me too it and it seems I am right...I would like to see Carkner sent down and buried he brings toughness but is too much of a problem defensively to make it worth it.
- Islesfan28

getting the suspicion that if Reinhart forces them to keep him up (ie, he's better than any of the other options) we could see Finley sent to the AHL leaving this as our defense:

AMac
Hamonic
Visnovsky
Hickey
Strait
Carkner
Donovan
Reinhart

if Reinhart is kept with the team, I have to believe it's not to sit as a spare and he's going to play, so bump him up, along with Donovan:

AMac
Hamonic
Visnovsky
Hickey
Strait
Donovan
Reinhart
Carkner

that would still show that one of Donovan or Reinhart is the 7th defenseman and a scratch, so then does Hickey get bounced down?


AMac
Hamonic
Visnovsky
Strait
Donovan
Reinhart
Hickey
Carkner

so now you've got a top six that looks good but has 2 rookies. interesting, but...not sure it's the right call.

Hamonic Strait
Visnovsky Reinhart
AMac Donovan

that's a lot of trust placed in a couple of rookies, Donovan I think is ready, but is Reinhart ready for that? He's got to play at least 15 minutes a game otherwise why bother keeping him up? I think, like with Witt, that if it becomes apparently that they have a better option than Carkner then he will get sent down, but this leaves us with not a very physical or tough defense core. Might mean a very long and fight filled year for guys like Martin and the appearance of Boulton in the lineup more often.


***edit, just noticed finley was practicing now with the AHL crew which means to me he's already missed his chance to stay up with the team. the question now is if they keep 8 D like last year and let Reinhart stay. I'm interested to see him over a longer period, but not if he's not going to play regularly

That's the first time I heard that many. I haven't been there yet but I have friends who were there and they said it wasn't as bad as some are making it so I don't know at this point
- Vukota

From the faceoff circles down on one end of the ice and behind the one goal, you will not be able to see the goal in that end of the ice. There are a lot of media type seats there or no seats but 1/4 of the arena give or take has seats that are unviable to see the entire game [/img]

there are 2.5 million people that live in Brooklyn. if 2.5 percent support them that's 60k or so new fans. by know means am I attacking you but it seems that a majority of long island is forgetting that the islanders are actually moving to a place that is inhabited by humans
- Dan Petriw

Well if the islanders want to become a team with a fan base of corporate pussies then congrats. It's going to happen. The one sadly unique thing about the isles at the coliseum is, is that there are 16,000 islander fans there. 16,000 die hards that make the atmosphere there 2nd to none.

Well if the islanders want to become a team with a fan base of corporate pussies then congrats. It's going to happen. The one sadly unique thing about the isles at the coliseum is, is that there are 16,000 islander fans there. 16,000 die hards that make the atmosphere there 2nd to none.
- Isles316

Really because for the last 20 years or so there has been about 8-12,000 people at the games. Yeah during the playoffs the fair weather fans come out and pack the coli how would that be any different from playing in BK? The place is a ghost town on most nights with the visiting fan base basically taking over the place at times. Those same die hards and fair weather fans will rock the new building during the playoffs as well.

Really because for the last 20 years or so there has been about 8-12,000 people at the games. Yeah during the playoffs the fair weather fans come out and pack the coli how would that be any different from playing in BK? The place is a ghost town on most nights with the visiting fan base basically taking over the place at times. Those same die hards and fair weather fans will rock the new building during the playoffs as well.
- Vukota

The place has been a ghost town because the team has been a disgrace the last 20 years. Any team in any sport with that much futility and uncertainty would be facing similar attendance issues.

The place has been a ghost town because the team has been a disgrace the last 20 years. Any team in any sport with that much futility and uncertainty would be facing similar attendance issues.
- Isles316

True but you can't sit here and tell me that it won't be the same because it will be corporate when in reality it will be the same fair weather fans that packed the coli during the playoffs that will pack BK during the playoffs. So it really won't be that much of a difference IMO. Jesus they 13,000 for a preseason game. I think you're selling Islander fans a little short

Great blog, Dan. Completely agree. Too much whining. I was at the game this past weekend and LOVED my first Barclays experience. Sat in 109. Loved the seating, (no more broken seats) the food was excellent, (Fatty Cue) the vid screen was ridiculously large and clear, (Hi def?) and even though the team didn't score, I came away more than satisfied with the experience.

BTW, nice bathrooms with a good, deep, urinal. No splashback.


I will miss the tailgating, the great sightlines and the ability to drive to every game, but we KEEP OUR TEAM. Can't stress that enough. Also, for me, i work in NYC and my trip to the Barclays is a mere 20 minutes. I know a TON of people who could never make it out to the Coliseum for a weeknight game who will be attending IN Brooklyn now.

True but you can't sit here and tell me that it won't be the same because it will be corporate when in reality it will be the same fair weather fans that packed the coli during the playoffs that will pack BK during the playoffs. So it really won't be that much of a difference IMO. Jesus they 13,000 for a preseason game. I think you're selling Islander fans a little short
- Vukota

Could be great. Just stating my opinions. I'm sure for some it will be better.

Could be great. Just stating my opinions. I'm sure for some it will be better.
- Isles316

So lets hope they close out the coli with a stanley cup

and I disagree with you Way too much whining coming from Islander fans all the time about everything. It's embarrassing at times. You know what it sucks for you personally that you get home a couple of hours later and you won't be able to go to as many games but honestly I don't care about you or the other fans it affects. Not saying that to be a dack either just being honest. I care about the Isles and what is best for them not what's best for me. I live in eastern long island exit 68 off the expressway much further out then most Islander fans and you will never hear me complain about the commute to a game. You know why? Because I'm just thankful that we still have a team. I'm not going to be selfish and whine about how long it takes me to get back and fourth when guys like Dan had their team leave them behind and start over new in a different city. I'm not attacking you at all bro, I'm talking about all Islander fans. If you don't like it stay home and watch the game. I don't want to hear any crying about it. Ranger fans from the Island make that commute all the time. Ever go to a yankees game? Giants game? Knicks game? Listen Islander fans were spoiled for a long time because it was a short drive for some. Those days are coming to an end. Crying about it is not going to change it.
- Vukota

Yeah. What you said.

That's the first time I heard that many. I haven't been there yet but I have friends who were there and they said it wasn't as bad as some are making it so I don't know at this point
- Vukota

I dont think there are 3000 obstructed view seats. The Barclays center was awesome, and i've been to prob 11 other arenas in the NHL. People will b!tch and moan all they want, but the fact is I didnt see a single face i recognized from the coliseum. I walked around almost the entire arena, and usually you see faces you recognize, or even jerseys. I didnt see a single one. The move to brooklyn will bring new fans, its just that simple. For all the fans that dont like the move, they can still see the isles at the coliseum for 6 games a year ( i think thats what i read)

there is also a difference between fair weather fan and new fan....I was a new islander fan 12 years ago...not a fair weather one because for the most part I saw nothing but storm clouds

I dont think there are 3000 obstructed view seats. The Barclays center was awesome, and i've been to prob 11 other arenas in the NHL. People will b!tch and moan all they want, but the fact is I didnt see a single face i recognized from the coliseum. I walked around almost the entire arena, and usually you see faces you recognize, or even jerseys. I didnt see a single one. The move to brooklyn will bring new fans, its just that simple. For all the fans that dont like the move, they can still see the isles at the coliseum for 6 games a year ( i think thats what i read)
- kindlyrick

I regcognized a zillion people from the coliseum that were on the train. Jamiacia station at 5:30 pm was all orange and blue,

I regcognized a zillion people from the coliseum that were on the train. Jamiacia station at 5:30 pm was all orange and blue,
- Isles316

I can teach you how to tailgate on the train!! anyone who commutes on metro north is a pro at it

I'm not crying about it. As I said I'm thankful they didn't leave all together. But, isles fans shouldn't have to adapt. The reason they are leaving is that the Nassau politicians (frank)ed it up for all of us.

My main point is that I don't think it's going to be a lock that Brooklyn is better. If the majority of people that go to a lot of games feel the way I do, then where are the fans going to show up from ?

Again, I'm not "crying." I'm just saying how it is and how it is sucks for most fans that go to a lot of games.

I've been to about 8 Yankee games in my life and I'm a mets fan and go anywhere from 2-5 games a year for similar reasons. It's farther out and my work schedule doesn't allow me to go to more in the summer.
- Isles316

Not better for the team or not better for you and fans from Nassau or Suffolk? Because they are not the same thing.

I think some people believe that if people from Nassau and Suffolk don't make the trek each night to Bklyn, the team will fold. That operates under the assumption that nobody from the five boroughs will go to any games. That operates under the assumption that corporate sponsorship in Bklyn will be as dismal as it was at the NVMC.

Bruce Ratner and Brett Yormark are brillant businessmen. They wouldn't invest this heavily into bringing the Isles to the Barclays if they didn't have a solid understanding of what they could expect come 2015 and beyond. I've posted this in the past: there is a reason why major professional sports franchises are not venued in the suburbs. The move the the Barclays is a game-changer. Mass transit access for millions of potential spectators. NYC Corporate sponsorship. Yes, things will be different, but that doesn't mean worse. Vukota said it best: Ranger fans from LI have been trekking into MSG from LI for decades. No reason to think the same wont happen for the Isles in Bklyn.

I can teach you how to tailgate on the train!! anyone who commutes on metro north is a pro at it
- Dan Petriw

It's great the isles aren't going anywhere. But I care not just about me, but all isles fans. Because without fans, there is no team correct? I went with a 8 other season ticket holders in the section were in at coliseum. It was unanimous in our group that we won't be getting season tickets there. So for all of us, this sucks. But for the team in general, to certainly beats a relocation. I see both sides.

I would estimate about 3,000 seats have obstructed view.

The only newer arena with great sight lines is San Jose. Been there twice. It's very much like the coliseum in the seating area but great to get around, probably the best I've been too
- Isles316

What are you basing this on? Is it speculation or from something more tangible? I've never been inside, but I find it hard to believe that a $1B facility was created with 20% or more of its seats being obstructed view. Maybe it depends upon the definition of "obstructed"? If you can't see a sliver of the ice in the corner, but can see 90% of the ice surface, is that still "obstructed"?

I know people will say "it was designed for basketball", but it was also designed for other events, like concerts, and boxing, etc. Basketball was its primary consideration during design, not its only consideration.

there are 2.5 million people that live in Brooklyn. if 2.5 percent support them that's 60k or so new fans. by know means am I attacking you but it seems that a majority of long island is forgetting that the islanders are actually moving to a place that is inhabited by humans
- Dan Petriw

Bingo.

I dont think there are 3000 obstructed view seats. The Barclays center was awesome, and i've been to prob 11 other arenas in the NHL. People will b!tch and moan all they want, but the fact is I didnt see a single face i recognized from the coliseum. I walked around almost the entire arena, and usually you see faces you recognize, or even jerseys. I didnt see a single one. The move to brooklyn will bring new fans, its just that simple. For all the fans that dont like the move, they can still see the isles at the coliseum for 6 games a year ( i think thats what i read)
- kindlyrick

I think the fans that bash the Barclay really forget that.. for every one of them that will no longer go see their team live.. 2 local new fans will. Also its not like Brooklyn is a new area without a single Islander fan... There are TONS of Islander fans there already that found NVMC a hastle to go to & will now get season Tix. I have had season tix.. this will be my 24th season.. I haven't even been able to use more then half of them myself... (since im in NC) But I make it back for a doz or so games a year... I will close out NVMC & not get them for Brooklyn... Not as a boycott or because I hate the place... Its just not convenient for me any more... Im sure there will be a section in Brooklyn just like my 303.. but i'll only see it once a season at most & for a few playoff games. I have no doubt that the Tix i dont get will still be bought by a ravenous fan just like myself..... Fugheddaboudit

XxNYIxX

P.S. Ill get season tix again... when they are back in Nassau

Not better for the team or not better for you and fans from Nassau or Suffolk? Because they are not the same thing.

I think some people believe that if people from Nassau and Suffolk don't make the trek each night to Bklyn, the team will fold. That operates under the assumption that nobody from the five boroughs will go to any games. That operates under the assumption that corporate sponsorship in Bklyn will be as dismal as it was at the NVMC.

Bruce Ratner and Brett Yormark are brillant businessmen. They wouldn't invest this heavily into bringing the Isles to the Barclays if they didn't have a solid understanding of what they could expect come 2015 and beyond. I've posted this in the past: there is a reason why major professional sports franchises are not venued in the suburbs. The move the the Barclays is a game-changer. Mass transit access for millions of potential spectators. NYC Corporate sponsorship. Yes, things will be different, but that doesn't mean worse. Vukota said it best: Ranger fans from LI have been trekking into MSG from LI for decades. No reason to think the same wont happen for the Isles in Bklyn.
- Jethro09

When 1/4 of the building is unsuitable for hockey and viewing, I think it causes a big issue. That's my main point. The arena isn't built to hold an NHL team. I'll still go to games but not nearly as many as I do now. That doesn't mean I won't care nearly as much.