No Cups since 1983 so I think Islander fans have been more than patient. NY teams in all sports have not been good in bringing home the titles. I know Lou is not responsible for most of the drought. I do know money and the building are no longer constraints.


Nothing left to do but to watch and see how everything plays out. Hopefully it all works out. I'll try to be done with comments on the offseason and just focus when the season starts.
- ses111

Some may disagree that money is still an issue due to NY taxes. But they can all do what I am doing this year and claim a few thousand asylum seeks that we are paying for as dependents. But that is a story for another day.

The real issue that the Islanders have been screwed up for a really long time. The only quick way to turn it around is to sign good free agents and draft well. Right now we are trading draft picks to be competitive...Some moves have panned out and some have not.

Its going to take a good playoff run for UBS to really feel like home. Not enough history there yet.

Some may disagree that money is still an issue due to NY taxes. But they can all do what I am doing this year and claim a few thousand asylum seeks that we are paying for as dependents. But that is a story for another day.

The real issue that the Islanders have been screwed up for a really long time. The only quick way to turn it around is to sign good free agents and draft well. Right now we are trading draft picks to be competitive...Some moves have panned out and some have not.

Its going to take a good playoff run for UBS to really feel like home. Not enough history there yet.
- Nfdbulldawg

Rangers have the same issue with taxes. I know the Islanders are not the Rangers, but they still need to do a better job in signing players other than bottom level UFA's. Re-signing Bo is a help, but the cost was trade pieces and money.

It's really tough to mostly rely on the trade route.

Rangers have the same issue with taxes. I know the Islanders are not the Rangers, but they still need to do a better job in signing players other than bottom level UFA's. Re-signing Bo is a help, but the cost was trade pieces and money.

It's really tough to mostly rely on the trade route.
- ses111

Rangers are a whole other animal. Original six...Manhattan...Corporate...Cannot compare Rangers and Islanders...It is like comparing Yankees and Mets...

Trading for Bo and keeping him was huge for the Islanders. Trades always cost you something...You just have to hope you are on the right side of the trade.

Rangers are a whole other animal. Original six...Manhattan...Corporate...Cannot compare Rangers and Islanders...It is like comparing Yankees and Mets...

Trading for Bo and keeping him was huge for the Islanders. Trades always cost you something...You just have to hope you are on the right side of the trade.
- Nfdbulldawg

I seriously doubt players care about that. I don't hear that about players wanting to go to the Canadiens.

They or their girlfriends may want to be in Manhattan (I don't understand why), but I don't think any player will sign just because it's a legacy team.

Some may disagree that money is still an issue due to NY taxes. But they can all do what I am doing this year and claim a few thousand asylum seeks that we are paying for as dependents. But that is a story for another day.

The real issue that the Islanders have been screwed up for a really long time. The only quick way to turn it around is to sign good free agents and draft well. Right now we are trading draft picks to be competitive...Some moves have panned out and some have not.

Its going to take a good playoff run for UBS to really feel like home. Not enough history there yet.
- Nfdbulldawg

Few thousand? Try 110,000 but that’s an idea. Going to run it by my accountant this tax season.

I seriously doubt players care about that. I don't hear that about players wanting to go to the Canadiens.

They or their girlfriends may want to be in Manhattan (I don't understand why), but I don't think any player will sign just because it's a legacy team.
- JimmyP

I know I have heard of players selecting an original six (6) for that draw. Unfortunately my internet search has not been successful to back up my theory. But, you cannot say that the Rangers have a stronger draw to player than the Isles. As much as we want to believe differently.

I know I have heard of players selecting an original six (6) for that draw. Unfortunately my internet search has not been successful to back up my theory. But, you cannot say that the Rangers have a stronger draw to player than the Isles. As much as we want to believe differently.
- Nfdbulldawg

I'm not saying that. I just don't think it has anything to do with being an legacy team.

I'm not saying that. I just don't think it has anything to do with being an legacy team.
- JimmyP

Bottom line, Islanders have to be better at signing UFA's. It cannot just be the taxes excuse, or they cannot compete with the Rangers. Maybe dropping the no beards thing and needing to wear suits will help? I think a factor could be the Islanders strict defensive system. Many forwards want to be able to put up a lot of points and do not want to sacrifice a lot of offense. Maybe since the Islanders have an all world goalie, they do not have to lock it down as much and play more offensive? For whatever reason, the Islanders are not connecting with the younger more skilled players. How many teams have an 80-year-old GM?

Bottom line, Islanders have to be better at signing UFA's. It cannot just be the taxes excuse, or they cannot compete with the Rangers. Maybe dropping the no beards thing and needing to wear suits will help? I think a factor could be the Islanders strict defensive system. Many forwards want to be able to put up a lot of points and do not want to sacrifice a lot of offense. Maybe since the Islanders have an all world goalie, they do not have to lock it down as much and play more offensive? For whatever reason, the Islanders are not connecting with the younger more skilled players. How many teams have an 80-year-old GM?
- ses111

Drop the suit wearing thing? Seriously, my son has been wearing a suit since Pee Wee and he is in his last year of junior. What is wrong with going to work in a suit and tie? With the way these guys jazz up their suits I would not see this is a problem.

The style of system is definitely a factor. A player wants to play in a system that is setup for their skill set. You don't want to be a Offensive player in a defensive system and vice versa.

LL is probably the oldest among all sports.

I'm not saying that. I just don't think it has anything to do with being an legacy team.
- JimmyP

I understand your view. I just feel differently. no worries.

Drop the suit wearing thing? Seriously, my son has been wearing a suit since Pee Wee and he is in his last year of junior. What is wrong with going to work in a suit and tie? With the way these guys jazz up their suits I would not see this is a problem.

The style of system is definitely a factor. A player wants to play in a system that is setup for their skill set. You don't want to be a Offensive player in a defensive system and vice versa.

LL is probably the oldest among all sports.
- Nfdbulldawg

The beard is probably a bigger issue than suits. Islanders cannot be so rigid and especially when they have trouble attracting players. The players want to win and also have fun. The Islanders style is probably not very fun unless you are the goalie. Lane is going to have to open things up this year. Does not have to be the Cappy and Doug system, but it's very difficult trying to win every game 2-1 and being afraid to play offensive.

Babcock out as Jackets coach.

Babcock out as Jackets coach.
- ses111

He was doing some bizarre stuff.

Stefen Rosner
@stefen_rosner
Islanders are expected to name Mike Babcock as HC and president of hockey operations later today. #Isles
7:55 AM · Sep 18, 2023
·

Stefen Rosner
@stefen_rosner
Islanders are expected to name Mike Babcock as HC and president of hockey operations later today. #Isles
7:55 AM · Sep 18, 2023
·
- Cptmjl

Stefen Rosner
@stefen_rosner
Islanders are expected to name Mike Babcock as HC and president of hockey operations later today. #Isles
7:55 AM · Sep 18, 2023
·
- Cptmjl

Stefen Rosner
@stefen_rosner
Islanders are expected to name Mike Babcock as HC and president of hockey operations later today. #Isles
7:55 AM · Sep 18, 2023
·
- Cptmjl

I mean, it's not the ZANIEST thing the Isles organization has done.

Thanks for the explanation! I will probably ask you again next offseason.
- JohnScammo

At your age you will ask tomorrow

I'll never know why Lou does not have you on the payroll. I'll say this you are consistent. If you are happy with a couple of ECF trips and are fine with an old team taking a step back two years in a row, I do not know what to tell you. I just love since Lou is not Garth, we cannot criticize Lou at all.
- ses111

Who says he doesn’t?
One question, in the past 5 years of Lou, have the Isles accomplished more on the ice and off the ice for the fans compared to the decades of crap before him?
If you’re honest the last 5 years has been much much better than the previous 20+ years. Hell after Lou’s first summer and his trades and deals we were going to suck and be a lottery team. 4 years making the PO and yes 2 ECF’s is pretty dam good.
Did we win a cup no. Was there hope and PO hockey for us to get excited about instead of talking about our picks in the up coming draft? I believe so.
31 teams go home without a cup. Making the POs is every teams goal and then making a long run obviously and win a cup being the ultimate goal.
It’s just not that easy.

Who says he doesn’t?
One question, in the past 5 years of Lou, have the Isles accomplished more on the ice and off the ice for the fans compared to the decades of crap before him?
If you’re honest the last 5 years has been much much better than the previous 20+ years. Hell after Lou’s first summer and his trades and deals we were going to suck and be a lottery team. 4 years making the PO and yes 2 ECF’s is pretty dam good.
Did we win a cup no. Was there hope and PO hockey for us to get excited about instead of talking about our picks in the up coming draft? I believe so.
31 teams go home without a cup. Making the POs is every teams goal and then making a long run obviously and win a cup being the ultimate goal.
It’s just not that easy.
- nyisles7

No question the team is much better in the last 5 years and Garth and Lou are no comparison. The bar is much higher for a Hall of Fame GM though. Lou himself will say the last two years are a failure and a big step back from the two ECF trips. We have to take a look at the rest of the NHL and the focus on more speed and skill. Lou can like the way he did things years ago and it does not mean you can build the team the same way in 2023. Whether it's Lou, Garth, Bill, or Joe Smith, I do not think it's a good idea to bring back the same team that was not good enough last year.

At your age you will ask tomorrow
- nyisles7

Get off my lawn!

Get off my lawn!


- JohnScammo

Today is THE day!

Get off my lawn!


- JohnScammo

No question the team is much better in the last 5 years and Garth and Lou are no comparison. The bar is much higher for a Hall of Fame GM though. Lou himself will say the last two years are a failure and a big step back from the two ECF trips. We have to take a look at the rest of the NHL and the focus on more speed and skill. Lou can like the way he did things years ago and it does not mean you can build the team the same way in 2023. Whether it's Lou, Garth, Bill, or Joe Smith, I do not think it's a good idea to bring back the same team that was not good enough last year.
- ses111

You can only change if the right moves are out there to change. Everyone wants to improve, of course. However it just isn't that easy. We are on the same page for the most part.