Oh wow. I was there and didn’t think it was that bad.
- streaks

If they keep losing Casey better put his big boy pants on. He hasn’t seen anything yet.

They may think they are wonderful but the fans don’t. The fans are sick of seeing the same old sh!t getting thrown out there with expectations of a different result. Couldn’t be more obvious.

https://twitter.com/RTaub...tatus/1723563804083011875
- JimmyP

I agree Horvat’s response was much more appropriate. I’m sure Casey’s frustrated but telling the fans to stay home isn’t a good response.

If they keep losing Casey better put his big boy pants on. He hasn’t seen anything yet.

They may think they are wonderful but the fans don’t. The fans are sick of seeing the same old sh!t getting thrown out there with expectations of a different result. Couldn’t be more obvious.
- Cptmjl

A 4th line player mouthing off is funny.

Him too. I’m not sure Lambert is the problem but maybe a change would spark the players. I can’t see Lou letting this go too long if he really believes in this team.

Watching the encore and they actually outplayed the caps through two periods from what I’ve seen so far.
- streaks

All three imo. Still didn’t get the W. Mistakes are killing them. Problem is they are the same undisciplined mistakes. Line changes, D zone coverage, penalties etc.

A 4th line player mouthing off is funny.
- ses111

To me it’s pretty irrelevant which line he plays on. I have the upmost respect for cizikas for obvious reasons. The guy busts his arse. With that said as a professional athlete you keeep your mouth shut in that situation imo. Unless you’re backing it up with results. They are not so shut up. Period.

Last player who said something along the same lines was Bryan Smolimski years ago. He never got away from the fans angst after that.

To me it’s pretty irrelevant which line he plays on. I have the upmost respect for cizikas for obvious reasons. The guy busts his arse. With that said as a professional athlete you keeep your mouth shut in that situation imo. Unless you’re backing it up with results. They are not so shut up. Period.
- Cptmjl

The team made two ECF trips a few years ago so they do not deserve heat. Garth was lousy so everything is good now.

To be fair when has trotz coached a team that didn’t focus on defense?
- Cptmjl

True. But so do a lot of successful NHL coaches. Al Arbour did. I remember many years ago, Mike Bossy saying that Arbour forced them to spend time doing defensive drills when the team just wanted to practice shooting, etc. Offense was more fun.

I agree Horvat’s response was much more appropriate. I’m sure Casey’s frustrated but telling the fans to stay home isn’t a good response.
- streaks

Isn't good?! It's asinine! I liked Casey, but insulting the people that allow you to enjoy an elite lifestyle is way over the line! He should publicly apologize or be watching from the stands.

True. But so do a lot of successful NHL coaches. Al Arbour did. I remember many years ago, Mike Bossy saying that Arbour forced them to spend time doing defensive drills when the team just wanted to practice shooting, etc. Offense was more fun.
- JohnScammo

I’m not sure even Al’s system was as locked down as Barry’s? The 93 Islander team did not seem to be.

Isn't good?! It's asinine! I liked Casey, but insulting the people that allow you to enjoy an elite lifestyle is way over the line! He should publicly apologize or be watching from the stands.
- JimmyP

Yep!

I’m not sure even Al’s system was as locked down as Barry’s? The 93 Islander team did not seem to be.
- ses111

The 93 team had way more offensive talent than Barry's Islanders' teams. Turgeon just got into the Hall of Fame.

The 93 team had way more offensive talent than Barry's Islanders' teams. Turgeon just got into the Hall of Fame.
- JohnScammo

Loved Pierre and that team. Very fun to watch and still responsible on D.

I don't think Casey was complaining about fans booing. I think he was upset they were chanting fire Lambert. I think it was his way of not blaming the coach. He knows its on him and his teammates ,who can't score on an AHL scrub. Lambert has done a few questionable moves with lines and lineup, but them not playing and scoring is not on him . Its on the players. They are the ones who are getting beat on the ice. Just my 2 cents. I don't know what else to say about this team right now.

Is Gerard Gallant available? Not sure he’s the short term answer but if give him a shot. Gotta try something.
- streaks

I was thinking Gallant on the short term as well. It would give the team more time to expand their search.

There will be more candidates at the end of the season and if Gallant works out, give him a contract. He did well in vegas and florida.

I don't think Casey was complaining about fans booing. I think he was upset they were chanting fire Lambert. I think it was his way of not blaming the coach. He knows its on him and his teammates ,who can't score on an AHL scrub. Lambert has done a few questionable moves with lines and lineup, but them not playing and scoring is not on him . Its on the players. They are the ones who are getting beat on the ice. Just my 2 cents. I don't know what else to say about this team right now.
- chazpet

Not much else you can say. Team is a stale piece of bread right now.

Loved Pierre and that team. Very fun to watch and still responsible on D.
- ses111

From what I remember, the team seemed to have good chemistry too. Guys all got along and played for each other. That seems to be an important factor in winning teams. I know some disagree, but that seems to motivate guys to give it that extra effort.

By the way, I'm not suggesting that's the problem with the current team. I think the current team's problem is simpler: it just lacks scoring talent.

From what I remember, the team seemed to have good chemistry too. Guys all got along and played for each other. That seems to be an important factor in winning teams. I know some disagree, but that seems to motivate guys to give it that extra effort.

By the way, I'm not suggesting that's the problem with the current team. I think the current team's problem is simpler: it just lacks scoring talent.
- JohnScammo

You dare mention offense John. Players having fun is part of it. Players want to win and have fun doing it and good offensive numbers are important to players.

True. But so do a lot of successful NHL coaches. Al Arbour did. I remember many years ago, Mike Bossy saying that Arbour forced them to spend time doing defensive drills when the team just wanted to practice shooting, etc. Offense was more fun.
- JohnScammo

Oh I’m not debating the importance of defense. I’m aware. I’m also aware that not enough offense can pose some problems as well.

The 93 team had way more offensive talent than Barry's Islanders' teams. Turgeon just got into the Hall of Fame.
- JohnScammo

That team could have/would have won the cup. That’s why I always say Maloney is arguably the worst GM this team ever had. He inexplicably disassembled that team. It was insane.

From what I remember, the team seemed to have good chemistry too. Guys all got along and played for each other. That seems to be an important factor in winning teams. I know some disagree, but that seems to motivate guys to give it that extra effort.

By the way, I'm not suggesting that's the problem with the current team. I think the current team's problem is simpler: it just lacks scoring talent.
- JohnScammo

I think the other problem with this team is exactly what they exclaim as a positive. The old “we’re a tight knit group” that plays for each other mantra.

Couldn’t be more obvious, as a group, these guys need to stop being so comfortable and perhaps need to start feeling challenged.

That team could have/would have won the cup. That’s why I always say Maloney is arguably the worst GM this team ever had. He inexplicably disassembled that team. It was insane.
- Cptmjl

Not one of Bill’s finest hires.

I think the other problem with this team is exactly what they exclaim as a positive. The old “we’re a tight knit group” that plays for each other mantra.

Couldn’t be more obvious, as a group, these guys need to stop being so comfortable and perhaps need to start feeling challenged.
- Cptmjl

The GM like the team is living off past success. Even with new ownership and a new building, the team still acts and thinks small time.

That team could have/would have won the cup. That’s why I always say Maloney is arguably the worst GM this team ever had. He inexplicably disassembled that team. It was insane.
- Cptmjl

We agree about Maloney. He always gets my vote for worst Islander GM ever. Even worse than Milbury or Snow..........for the reason you state: He took a really good team put together by Torrey and gradually tore it apart.

RUSLAN ISKHAKOV...

I say give this kid a chance on west coast. If you are going to scratch Walhstrom let him do a conditioning stint at Bridgeport. It is not a major change but is the worst that could happen. This kid pots a few for you. I think he has earned a look.

We agree about Maloney. He always gets my vote for worst Islander GM ever. Even worse than Milbury or Snow..........for the reason you state: He took a really good team put together by Torrey and gradually tore it apart.
- JohnScammo

Ironically enough we’re now in the antithesis of that situation. I wish this team was torn apart last TDL.