As a hb girls club member I am trading Beau and firing Bailey into the sun. From my phone of course. Also why is the boss signed for 4 years when he's played like 2 games all year even with injuries? It's clear lane isn't going to play him so dump him or send him down already

As a hb girls club member I am trading Beau and firing Bailey into the sun. From my phone of course. Also why is the boss signed for 4 years when he's played like 2 games all year even with injuries? It's clear lane isn't going to play him so dump him or send him down already
- Upstate_isles

You’re full of shat. You’re in your mom basement on her computer!

As a hb girls club member I am trading Beau and firing Bailey into the sun. From my phone of course. Also why is the boss signed for 4 years when he's played like 2 games all year even with injuries? It's clear lane isn't going to play him so dump him or send him down already
- Upstate_isles

Maybe Boss should play after the team has been great sticking up for each other.

Both truncated seasons and the team had to play 82 playoff style games to get in lol. To.hard to do 82 games and we saw that last season and this
- Upstate_isles

Unfortunately, I think this is the reality a fair amount of us were concerned of when last year hit. Loui's biggest impact on the team was the credibility his past brought the team and subsequent hiring of Trotz. Amateur hour was over and the pro's were here. From a personnel perspective, Lou's impact has been far less impressive. Yes, he brought in Pageau which was a strong add. In terms of that credibility, it's landed us Varlamov (good), Lehner (good), Brassard (yuck), Czarnik (yuck), AJ Greer, Cory Schneider, Fippula, Parise & Chara. Via Trade, Palmieri & Zajac, Romanov (1st pick), Andy Green, Pageau (very good), Panik (for Leddy). At this stage, the only guys that have really panned out has been Varly & Pageau. Virtually all of the impact players were Snow picks (yikes). Credit given for unloading Boychuk and Ladd.

The point being, his credibility hasn't really helped in terms of UFA's, his business decisions have ended with some bad extensions and his trades have been rather disappointing at times ( Toews hurt). His picks when not traded away have been a mixed bag although big props for Dobson, Bolduc & Raty. That said, we have one of the lowest ranked prospect pools in the entire NHL. The team has lost speed and despite not having been a gritty team to start with, has seemingly become soft.

As for his success here....One of the things constantly said about Trotz's system was that it takes a heavy mental toll with redundancy and physical demand. In a way it was tailor-made for shortened seasons but tough for longer ones. I'm not sure what Lambert's impact on this team has been thus far but the overall direction of the franchise can best be described as 'motion without direction'. I'm worried that Lou's still trying to recreate the 90's Devils in a world where that type of hockey has long since past. Lou has always been very Belichick-like in prioritizing system players over talent. It worked back then but the league has since changed the game to prioritize talent over system.

I'm not calling for his head, but I think he's in the 11th hour considering his contract expires (reportedly) by the eoy

I would hope things will be done differently with this ownership group. If Ledecky and Malkin are fine with losing playoff revenue again God Bless. No guarantee if the Islanders do not make personal changes as well. Just feels with Lou's age alone it's time. I like Lou and has past success, but it does not help in 2023 and the challenges the team is facing.
- ses111

You hope? There wouldn’t be an NHL if half the owners used Wang’s schematic for success as their business plan. What JS left out of his post was that Wang hemorrhaged money the entire time he owned the team. Saying we didn’t fire Snow and had the worst attendance in the league for over a decade so I doubt Ledecky will fire Lameriello is maybe, again, not the best comparison

I’m certainly not saying they’ll fire him. Who knows? I was certain they would if they lost another round of playoff revenue. That’s a huge hit. I’ve read that a series can account for 20% of a seasons revenue at some venues. Not sure how true that is? Ledecky just gave Lou a vote of confidence the other day. He also gave Snow and Weight a vote of confidence the day before Snow showed up looking like Bill Murray from Caddy Shack at a news conference and we all know what happened soon after.

You’re full of shat. You’re in your mom basement on her computer!
- nyisles7

It's dial up and why it takes me so long to reply

Unfortunately, I think this is the reality a fair amount of us were concerned of when last year hit. Loui's biggest impact on the team was the credibility his past brought the team and subsequent hiring of Trotz. Amateur hour was over and the pro's were here. From a personnel perspective, Lou's impact has been far less impressive. Yes, he brought in Pageau which was a strong add. In terms of that credibility, it's landed us Varlamov (good), Lehner (good), Brassard (yuck), Czarnik (yuck), AJ Greer, Cory Schneider, Fippula, Parise & Chara. Via Trade, Palmieri & Zajac, Romanov (1st pick), Andy Green, Pageau (very good), Panik (for Leddy). At this stage, the only guys that have really panned out has been Varly & Pageau. Virtually all of the impact players were Snow picks (yikes). Credit given for unloading Boychuk and Ladd.

The point being, his credibility hasn't really helped in terms of UFA's, his business decisions have ended with some bad extensions and his trades have been rather disappointing at times ( Toews hurt). His picks when not traded away have been a mixed bag although big props for Dobson, Bolduc & Raty. That said, we have one of the lowest ranked prospect pools in the entire NHL. The team has lost speed and despite not having been a gritty team to start with, has seemingly become soft.

As for his success here....One of the things constantly said about Trotz's system was that it takes a heavy mental toll with redundancy and physical demand. In a way it was tailor-made for shortened seasons but tough for longer ones. I'm not sure what Lambert's impact on this team has been thus far but the overall direction of the franchise can best be described as 'motion without direction'. I'm worried that Lou's still trying to recreate the 90's Devils in a world where that type of hockey has long since past. Lou has always been very Belichick-like in prioritizing system players over talent. It worked back then but the league has since changed the game to prioritize talent over system.

I'm not calling for his head, but I think he's in the 11th hour considering his contract expires (reportedly) by the eoy
- keaner17

I agree with pretty much all.of this and lane has tried to get more offense by being more aggressive in the o zone but it has lead to a lot of odd man rushes the other way and this team doesn't have the speed to make up for that. They are a slow team in a fast league and our best player won't drive the net which would make him dynamic. Our wingers are pretty bad I mean Parise could be their best winger

Are there Curling Fan websites? Might just be a breath of fresh air.
- nyisles7

As the average curling fan is probably 73 years old, I’m gonna assume no. They're probably still trying to figure out their flip phones.

Unfortunately, I think this is the reality a fair amount of us were concerned of when last year hit. Loui's biggest impact on the team was the credibility his past brought the team and subsequent hiring of Trotz. Amateur hour was over and the pro's were here. From a personnel perspective, Lou's impact has been far less impressive. Yes, he brought in Pageau which was a strong add. In terms of that credibility, it's landed us Varlamov (good), Lehner (good), Brassard (yuck), Czarnik (yuck), AJ Greer, Cory Schneider, Fippula, Parise & Chara. Via Trade, Palmieri & Zajac, Romanov (1st pick), Andy Green, Pageau (very good), Panik (for Leddy). At this stage, the only guys that have really panned out has been Varly & Pageau. Virtually all of the impact players were Snow picks (yikes). Credit given for unloading Boychuk and Ladd.

The point being, his credibility hasn't really helped in terms of UFA's, his business decisions have ended with some bad extensions and his trades have been rather disappointing at times ( Toews hurt). His picks when not traded away have been a mixed bag although big props for Dobson, Bolduc & Raty. That said, we have one of the lowest ranked prospect pools in the entire NHL. The team has lost speed and despite not having been a gritty team to start with, has seemingly become soft.

As for his success here....One of the things constantly said about Trotz's system was that it takes a heavy mental toll with redundancy and physical demand. In a way it was tailor-made for shortened seasons but tough for longer ones. I'm not sure what Lambert's impact on this team has been thus far but the overall direction of the franchise can best be described as 'motion without direction'. I'm worried that Lou's still trying to recreate the 90's Devils in a world where that type of hockey has long since past. Lou has always been very Belichick-like in prioritizing system players over talent. It worked back then but the league has since changed the game to prioritize talent over system.

I'm not calling for his head, but I think he's in the 11th hour considering his contract expires (reportedly) by the eoy
- keaner17

This is very good Keaner. Lou's biggest fail has been his work with the roster. It's a new NHL. There has not been one impact top 6 forward brought in. You cannot be a legit Cup contender with the current top 6.

As the average curling fan is probably 73 years old, I’m gonna assume no. Their probably still trying to figure out their flip phones.
- Wildschwein

If you win a championship most sports fan will cut the team slack if they struggle for a few years. As nice as the two long playoff runs were, it's still not the Cup which the Islanders have not won since 1983. Cannot blame Islander fans if they are not happy with the last few years.

This is very good Keaner. Lou's biggest fail has been his work with the roster. It's a new NHL. There has not been one impact top 6 forward brought in. You cannot be a legit Cup contender with the current top 6.
- ses111

To be fair, we know that he’s tried to bring in such players. It’s not his fault they say no. Nor can he convince someone to go where they do not wish to go.

As the average curling fan is probably 73 years old, I’m gonna assume no. They're probably still trying to figure out their flip phones.
- Wildschwein

I agree with pretty much all.of this and lane has tried to get more offense by being more aggressive in the o zone but it has lead to a lot of odd man rushes the other way and this team doesn't have the speed to make up for that. They are a slow team in a fast league and our best player won't drive the net which would make him dynamic. Our wingers are pretty bad I mean Parise could be their best winger
- Upstate_isles

No question Barzal should drive the net more, but to be truly dynamic he will need much better wings. Barzal is not on the level of Matthews and McDavid.

This team needs to be blown up period. When you compare us to every other team in the NHL and you can seriously say that guys like Lee and Nelson are the best we have......that is just craziness. Lee is like having a Clydesdale with a bum hoof. Slower than slow. Sick and tired of role players. We have not had a legit skilled line since Turgeon, Thomas and Hogue. Trade any and all of the forwards including Barzal for Picks and prospects with SPEED.

To be fair, we know that he’s tried to bring in such players. It’s not his fault they say no. Nor can he convince someone to go where they do not wish to go.
- Wildschwein

JG did not say No. He was not asked. I do not take excuses from Garth and I'm not taking excuses from a Hall of Fame GM. If you cannot sign top FA's, you have to draft and be able to develop talent.

This team needs to be blown up period. When you compare us to every other team in the NHL and you can seriously say that guys like Lee and Nelson are the best we have......that is just craziness. Lee is like having a Clydesdale with a bum hoof. Slower than slow. Sick and tired of role players. We have not had a legit skilled line since Turgeon, Thomas and Hogue. Trade any and all of the forwards including Barzal for Picks and prospects with SPEED.
- LItransplant44

Nah. Barzal stays. So does Pageau.

Unfortunately, I think this is the reality a fair amount of us were concerned of when last year hit. Loui's biggest impact on the team was the credibility his past brought the team and subsequent hiring of Trotz. Amateur hour was over and the pro's were here. From a personnel perspective, Lou's impact has been far less impressive. Yes, he brought in Pageau which was a strong add. In terms of that credibility, it's landed us Varlamov (good), Lehner (good), Brassard (yuck), Czarnik (yuck), AJ Greer, Cory Schneider, Fippula, Parise & Chara. Via Trade, Palmieri & Zajac, Romanov (1st pick), Andy Green, Pageau (very good), Panik (for Leddy). At this stage, the only guys that have really panned out has been Varly & Pageau. Virtually all of the impact players were Snow picks (yikes). Credit given for unloading Boychuk and Ladd.

The point being, his credibility hasn't really helped in terms of UFA's, his business decisions have ended with some bad extensions and his trades have been rather disappointing at times ( Toews hurt). His picks when not traded away have been a mixed bag although big props for Dobson, Bolduc & Raty. That said, we have one of the lowest ranked prospect pools in the entire NHL. The team has lost speed and despite not having been a gritty team to start with, has seemingly become soft.

As for his success here....One of the things constantly said about Trotz's system was that it takes a heavy mental toll with redundancy and physical demand. In a way it was tailor-made for shortened seasons but tough for longer ones. I'm not sure what Lambert's impact on this team has been thus far but the overall direction of the franchise can best be described as 'motion without direction'. I'm worried that Lou's still trying to recreate the 90's Devils in a world where that type of hockey has long since past. Lou has always been very Belichick-like in prioritizing system players over talent. It worked back then but the league has since changed the game to prioritize talent over system.

I'm not calling for his head, but I think he's in the 11th hour considering his contract expires (reportedly) by the eoy
- keaner17

Best four years the team had in the last 20. That said it’s a results biz and overall it’s been a very good 4 years and as you said the team gained credibility and respect during said 4 years. So Lou gets credit and if they don’t make the POs this year (2 seasons in a row) then that’s on him as well. You can take individual trades and signings and debate them but the bottom line is the team performed well and yes only 3 PO years and 2 ECFs in 4 years but most teams in the NHL would take those 4 years especially if their records were similar to the pre Lou Islanders. I also think Lou has drafted well with the position in the draft he’s had.
I believe it is Lou’s last year under contract and being 80 he may just pack it in. If this is the case I hope the new GM has a successful resume and winning track record. The years of Snow and on the job training days are hopefully over. I have a feeling it will be Jr getting the GM job if Lou retires. If that’s the case this thread will be in full dumpster fire mode.

JG did not say No. He was not asked. I do not take excuses from Garth and I'm not taking excuses from a Hall of Fame GM. If you cannot sign top FA's, you have to draft and be able to develop talent.
- ses111

Gaudreau didn’t say no, but nor was he likely interested. He had his own plan and has been pretty open about it. Columbus offered his wife and him the lifestyle they wanted. That’s why HE reached out to them.

Panarin was offered more by Lou to come to the Island, and by all accounts almost said yes. But then opted to go to Rangers instead. For less money. Nothing Lou could do about that.

Those two tales aren't excuses. They are explanations. There is a difference.

Now the drafting criticism could have some merit, but we should also keep in mind that Lou has only had three 1st round selections in the last five years. And all three (Dobson, Holmstrom and Wahlstrom) are currently playing on the team.

Picks after the 1st round almost always take more time to develop, and yet three of those selections (Räty, Dufour, Bolduc) are looking like the real thing.

Lou’s drafting hasn’t been stellar, but nor has it been bad.

This team needs to be blown up period. When you compare us to every other team in the NHL and you can seriously say that guys like Lee and Nelson are the best we have......that is just craziness. Lee is like having a Clydesdale with a bum hoof. Slower than slow. Sick and tired of role players. We have not had a legit skilled line since Turgeon, Thomas and Hogue. Trade any and all of the forwards including Barzal for Picks and prospects with SPEED.
- LItransplant44

Yes and all the Cups and P.O. series they won with the line in place

To be fair, we know that he’s tried to bring in such players. It’s not his fault they say no. Nor can he convince someone to go where they do not wish to go.
- Wildschwein

Do we? We all thought he tried to sign Gaudreau

Nah. Barzal stays. So does Pageau.
- Wildschwein

I don’t see a rip down. A retooling yes especially if they don’t make the POs this year.

Gaudreau didn’t say no, but nor was he likely interested. He had his own plan and has been pretty open about it. Columbus offered his wife and him the lifestyle they wanted. That’s why HE reached out to them.

Panarin was offered more by Lou to come to the Island, and by all accounts almost said yes. But then opted to go to Rangers instead. For less money. Nothing Lou could do about that.

Those two tales aren't excuses. They are explanations. There is a difference.

Now the drafting criticism could have some merit, but we should also keep in mind that Lou has only had three 1st round selections in the last five years. And all three (Dobson, Holmstrom and Wahlstrom) are currently playing on the team.

Picks after the 1st round almost always take more time to develop, and yet three of those selections (Räty, Dufour, Bolduc) are looking like the real thing.

Loy’s drafting hasn’t been stellar, but nor has it been bad.
- Wildschwein

The fact the Islanders are still being turned down and cannot sign one top FA is a problem. It should not still be happening with a new building and Hall of Fame GM and if getting to the conference finals twice is a big deal.


Dobson is looking good but the Islanders have not been able to reach young forwards. Wally is still struggling this year. It's been sit young players and play them all over the lineup. Hopefully Räty, Dufour, Bolduc are the real deal. It remains to be seen if the Islanders handle them any better.

The fact the Islanders are still being turned down and cannot sign one top FA is a problem. It should not still be happening with a new building and Hall of Fame GM and if getting to the conference finals twice is a big deal. Maybe the sales pitch is lacking? Why was Neil Smith able to sign better FA's with a lousy building and no conference finals wins before he became GM?


Dobson is looking good but the Islanders have not been able to reach young forwards. Wally is still struggling this year. It's been sit young players and play them all over the lineup. Hopefully Räty, Dufour, Bolduc are the real deal. It remains to be seen if the Islanders handle them any better.
- ses111

The fact the Islanders are still being turned down and cannot sign one top FA is a problem. It should not still be happening with a new building and Hall of Fame GM and if getting to the conference finals twice is a big deal.


Dobson is looking good but the Islanders have not been able to reach young forwards. Wally is still struggling this year. It's been sit young players and play them all over the lineup. Hopefully Räty, Dufour, Bolduc are the real deal. It remains to be seen if the Islanders handle them any better.
- ses111

Not impressed with Holmstrom?
Dobson is more than looking good the kid is developing into a star with a lot more upside growth on both sides of the puck imho.
I’m really excited about him and how far he takes his game.

Not impressed with Holmstrom?
Dobson is more than looking good the kid is developing into a star with a lot more upside growth on both sides of the puck imho.
I’m really excited about him and how far he takes his game.
- nyisles7

Holmstrom has looked good. I'm not sure of his offensive upside. Maybe put him with Nelson. Dobson needs work on his defense , but is a keeper for sure and should be on his way to be a star.

I would let Wally sink or swim with Barzal when he gets back. He has a good shot. Just give him a long run and see what happens. No sense playing Bailey or Parise with Barzal at this point.