Your attempt at irrelevant revisionist history is laughable. Just what does all that gobble-de-gook have to do with the current state of the Islanders? Why are you bringing up the Rangers in 1997? Is that supposed to make the Islander fans here feel better about Wang and Snow's presiding over yet another miserable season?
Is it possible Richards sacrificed some of his offense to buy into the defense first system the Rangers employed? Yes.

Did Richards help the Rangers to first place in the eastern conference with his unselfish play? Yes.

He was a non-factor in most games? Hardly.

Did Gaborik score 42 goals in 2009-2010 playing with a multitude of centers not as talented as Richards? Yes.

Did Gaborik score 41 goals this season playing with a multitude of centers not as talented as Richards? Yes.

Did P.A. Parenteau's one more point help the Islanders to anything more than a lottery pick finish? No.

Did Richards get 20 million his first season? No.

Hey, if Parenteau is so much better than Richards do you think Snow or other GMs will be lining up July 1st to offer him a 60 million dollar front loaded contract?
- Downeaster

It's what he does, talks about every other team besides the Islanders WHEN discussing the Islanders?

If we have the same team as last year minus Parenteau it is a failed season before it starts.
- mighty13duck

i think most would agree that youre being a bit dramatic when you consider PA Parenteau the answer to your prayers.

if youre saying its a failed season if he doesnt sign with the isles this coming year than explain why the team actually "failed" (ill take the liberties and assume most would agree) with him ON the team this year?

If we have the same team as last year minus Parenteau it is a failed season before it starts.
- mighty13duck

If we have the same team with Parenteau it's a failed season before it starts, think we already proved that? Deja vu?

Corey Pronman ‏@coreypronman

NHL scout on newly signed #Isles prospect Johan Sundstrom, "Tremendous skater, good offensive skills, plays C and W, smart defensively".
- BringBackBalky

I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY NEWS UNLESS IT'S THE ISLANDERS SIGNING PARISE AND SUTER TOGETHER, CURING CANCER OR SUCCESSFULLY EXTERMINATING JUSTIN BIEBER!

Now that I got that out of the way...Sundstrom could be a real valuable guy for us. We're starting to cultivate those all important "average 2nd line-to-above average 3rd line" players. Guys like (in no particular order) Sundstrom, Cizikas, Nelson, Persson, Ullstrom, Lee, and Rak are all going to be important parts of the core going forward. They're the guys that are going to give us that Kings/Rangers like depth throughout the lineup.

Good for Sudsy. Let him go to a real franchise and work with their young goalies. Get out while you can!!!

Good for Sudsy. Let him go to a real franchise and work with their young goalies. Get out while you can!!!
- Vukota

That's what this all is, everyone abandoning ship. That's why people are reactionary to it. We were told Janikowski was the greatest scout in the world and sudsy was an incredible goalie coach yet they are both gone? Right up there with Timms being the best trainer this club has seen even with the injury history this team has had?

I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY NEWS UNLESS IT'S THE ISLANDERS SIGNING PARISE AND SUTER TOGETHER, CURING CANCER OR SUCCESSFULLY EXTERMINATING JUSTIN BIEBER!

Now that I got that out of the way...Sundstrom could be a real valuable guy for us. We're starting to cultivate those all important "average 2nd line-to-above average 3rd line" players. Guys like (in no particular order) Sundstrom, Cizikas, Nelson, Persson, Ullstrom, Lee, and Rak are all going to be important parts of the core going forward. They're the guys that are going to give us that Kings/Rangers like depth throughout the lineup.
- eichiefs9

Well said. The guys you mentioned should bring the size and grit the Isles need. I hope Lee can be signed.

I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY NEWS UNLESS IT'S THE ISLANDERS SIGNING PARISE AND SUTER TOGETHER, CURING CANCER OR SUCCESSFULLY EXTERMINATING JUSTIN BIEBER!

Now that I got that out of the way...Sundstrom could be a real valuable guy for us. We're starting to cultivate those all important "average 2nd line-to-above average 3rd line" players. Guys like (in no particular order) Sundstrom, Cizikas, Nelson, Persson, Ullstrom, Lee, and Rak are all going to be important parts of the core going forward. They're the guys that are going to give us that Kings/Rangers like depth throughout the lineup.
- eichiefs9

source?

Your attempt at irrelevant revisionist history is laughable. Just what does all that gobble-de-gook have to do with the current state of the Islanders?
- Downeaster

Nothing, however you responded about Richards and the Rangers.

Why are you bringing up the Rangers in 1997? Is that supposed to make the Islander fans here feel better about Wang and Snow's presiding over yet another miserable season?
- Downeaster

No, just a barometer that proves there are a lot of mediocre struggling teams in this league (and others) for long (sometimes longer) periods of times, and as much as some want to make it worse, it's not.

Is it possible Richards sacrificed some of his offense to buy into the defense first system the Rangers employed? Yes.
- Downeaster

No. That's not what they claimed when they purchased him, he was here to be THE FRANCHISE CENTER WITH GABORIK, not to sacrifice his offensive game.

Richards was a +1 with eleven more points in nine less games in Dallas. (You remember that Dallas team the one with more points than the Rangers, who did not qualify while the Rangers with less points backed into a playoff watching from home.

Did Richards help the Rangers to first place in the eastern conference with his unselfish play? Yes.

He was a non-factor in most games? Hardly.
- Downeaster

Let me know if you want me to continue beating all over you with facts and documented information.

http://www.nypost.com/p/s...ne_vTgDHyXtdOK08y4daQ26bP
Rangers split up Richards, Gaborik
10/29/2011

You can bet that John Tortorella never told Jim Dolan, “I can’t say we definitely want [a Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik combination] to happen,” when lobbying the Garden CEO in May and June to invest $60 million over nine years to sign the blue-chip free agent center specifically to combine him with the two-year Rangers sniper who struggled last year without an elite playmaker.

Yet that’s exactly what the coach told the press yesterday after a practice in preparation for this afternoon’s Garden match against the Senators featured Gaborik skating with Erik Christensen as his center -- and isn’t this where the summer started? -- while Richards played between Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan.

“I’m not seeing the game the way I should be, and when that’s the case and things feel they’re moving quicker than they should, sometimes getting me to grind it out is the best way to get me going, and Torts knows that,” Richards told The Post. “Playing with Cally and Dubi, working down low and having zone time, I believe that will be good for me and good for the team.

“Things have been clogged up for me a little bit. I came here wanting to make an impression, but I’ve struggled and things have started to snowball a little bit. I don’t think I’m far away, but I have to be able to contribute and this could be best right now.

“Gabby and I need time together [to improve], but I can learn about Gabby by watching him and seeing him from a different angle,” Richards said. “But whether I’m with Gabby or not, I have to get my game going.”

http://www.snyrangersblog...needs-to-free-himself-up/
2/9/2012

“I’m a little lost offensively, obviously. The defensive game is the way they want to play here and I’m adapting to that but I’ve got to free myself up offensively for sure.

http://www.nydailynews.co...anisimov-wheels-and-deals
3/10/12

Crushed Ice: Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik reunite
John Tortorella paired Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik together on a line with Carl Hagelin – “We haven’t scored goals, so we put ‘em together,” Torts said – reuniting the team’s highest paid forwards even though they weren’t able to find chemistry early this season with playing with wingers Wojtek Wolski (since traded), Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan.

Richards thought the line was able to generate some early chances, and Gaborik and Hagelin assisted on Richards’ goal with 40.4 seconds remaining that narrowed the final deficit to 4-3. That gave Richards his first goal in 10 games since he tallied against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb. 19.
********************
Then they got broken up again, reunited here and there but this was never what it was advertised to be for the money spent.
********************

Did Gaborik score 42 goals in 2009-2010 playing with a multitude of centers not as talented as Richards? Yes.

Did Gaborik score 41 goals this season playing with a multitude of centers not as talented as Richards? Yes.
- Downeaster

Did Msg advertise Richards had to be signed to play with Gaborik. YES.
Did Richards play with Gaborik often. NO.
Did Richards have one of his worst offensive seasons. YES.

Did PA Parenteau finish with more points than Brad Richards without a sixty million dollar contract? Yes.

Did Richards get 20 million his first season, maybe he get's that next 12m on 7/1/12 for lockout protection so it's 24m in 365 days.

Hey, if Parenteau is so much better than Richards do you think Snow or other GMs will be lining up July 1st to offer him a 60 million dollar front loaded contract?
- Downeaster

Maybe that's one you should be asking Sather being that front loading for players who struggle is his expertise.



This video will have everyone rolling in the Isles watching Sather and Burke negotiate with Richards.

http://video.thescore.com...ents-ranger-state-of-mind

I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY NEWS UNLESS IT'S THE ISLANDERS SIGNING PARISE AND SUTER TOGETHER, CURING CANCER OR SUCCESSFULLY EXTERMINATING JUSTIN BIEBER!

Now that I got that out of the way...Sundstrom could be a real valuable guy for us. We're starting to cultivate those all important "average 2nd line-to-above average 3rd line" players. Guys like (in no particular order) Sundstrom, Cizikas, Nelson, Persson, Ullstrom, Lee, and Rak are all going to be important parts of the core going forward. They're the guys that are going to give us that Kings/Rangers like depth throughout the lineup.
- eichiefs9

They can't get in the playoffs in a league where more teams make it then don't. Don't think Wanger and Snow are going to be able to tackle that one?

Nothing, however you responded about Richards and the Rangers.



No, just a barometer that proves there are a lot of mediocre struggling teams in this league (and others) for long (sometimes longer) periods of times, and as much as some want to make it worse, it's not.



No. That's not what they claimed when they purchased him, he was here to be THE FRANCHISE CENTER WITH GABORIK, not to sacrifice his offensive game.

Richards was a +1 with eleven more points in nine less games in Dallas. (You remember that Dallas team the one with more points than the Rangers, who did not qualify while the Rangers with less points backed into a playoff watching from home.



Let me know if you want me to continue beating all over you with facts and documented information.

http://www.nypost.com/p/s...ne_vTgDHyXtdOK08y4daQ26bP
Rangers split up Richards, Gaborik
10/29/2011

You can bet that John Tortorella never told Jim Dolan, “I can’t say we definitely want
- NYI[a Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik combination] to happen,” when lobbying the Garden CEO in May and June to invest $60 million over nine years to sign the blue-chip free agent center specifically to combine him with the two-year Rangers sniper who struggled last year without an elite playmaker.

Yet that’s exactly what the coach told the press yesterday after a practice in preparation for this afternoon’s Garden match against the Senators featured Gaborik skating with Erik Christensen as his center -- and isn’t this where the summer started? -- while Richards played between Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan.

“I’m not seeing the game the way I should be, and when that’s the case and things feel they’re moving quicker than they should, sometimes getting me to grind it out is the best way to get me going, and Torts knows that,” Richards told The Post. “Playing with Cally and Dubi, working down low and having zone time, I believe that will be good for me and good for the team.

“Things have been clogged up for me a little bit. I came here wanting to make an impression, but I’ve struggled and things have started to snowball a little bit. I don’t think I’m far away, but I have to be able to contribute and this could be best right now.

“Gabby and I need time together [to improve], but I can learn about Gabby by watching him and seeing him from a different angle,” Richards said. “But whether I’m with Gabby or not, I have to get my game going.”

http://www.snyrangersblog...needs-to-free-himself-up/
2/9/2012

“I’m a little lost offensively, obviously. The defensive game is the way they want to play here and I’m adapting to that but I’ve got to free myself up offensively for sure.

http://www.nydailynews.co...anisimov-wheels-and-deals
3/10/12

Crushed Ice: Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik reunite
John Tortorella paired Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik together on a line with Carl Hagelin – “We haven’t scored goals, so we put ‘em together,” Torts said – reuniting the team’s highest paid forwards even though they weren’t able to find chemistry early this season with playing with wingers Wojtek Wolski (since traded), Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan.

Richards thought the line was able to generate some early chances, and Gaborik and Hagelin assisted on Richards’ goal with 40.4 seconds remaining that narrowed the final deficit to 4-3. That gave Richards his first goal in 10 games since he tallied against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb. 19.
********************
Then they got broken up again, reunited here and there but this was never what it was advertised to be for the money spent.
********************



Did Msg advertise Richards had to be signed to play with Gaborik. YES.
Did Richards play with Gaborik often. NO.
Did Richards have one of his worst offensive seasons. YES.

Did PA Parenteau finish with more points than Brad Richards without a sixty million dollar contract? Yes.

Did Richards get 20 million his first season? No.



Maybe that's one you should be asking Sather being that front loading for players who struggle is his expertise.



This video will have everyone rolling in the Isles watching Sather and Burke negotiate with Richards.
http://video.thescore.com...ents-ranger-state-of-mind

incredible, Gomez is actually more ugly as a cartoon.

Nothing, however you responded about Richards and the Rangers.



No, just a barometer that proves there are a lot of mediocre struggling teams in this league (and others) for long (sometimes longer) periods of times, and as much as some want to make it worse, it's not.



No. That's not what they claimed when they purchased him, he was here to be THE FRANCHISE CENTER WITH GABORIK, not to sacrifice his offensive game.

Richards was a +1 with eleven more points in nine less games in Dallas. (You remember that Dallas team the one with more points than the Rangers, who did not qualify while the Rangers with less points backed into a playoff watching from home.



Let me know if you want me to continue beating all over you with facts and documented information.

http://www.nypost.com/p/s...ne_vTgDHyXtdOK08y4daQ26bP
Rangers split up Richards, Gaborik
10/29/2011

You can bet that John Tortorella never told Jim Dolan, “I can’t say we definitely want
- NYI[a Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik combination] to happen,” when lobbying the Garden CEO in May and June to invest $60 million over nine years to sign the blue-chip free agent center specifically to combine him with the two-year Rangers sniper who struggled last year without an elite playmaker.

Yet that’s exactly what the coach told the press yesterday after a practice in preparation for this afternoon’s Garden match against the Senators featured Gaborik skating with Erik Christensen as his center -- and isn’t this where the summer started? -- while Richards played between Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan.

“I’m not seeing the game the way I should be, and when that’s the case and things feel they’re moving quicker than they should, sometimes getting me to grind it out is the best way to get me going, and Torts knows that,” Richards told The Post. “Playing with Cally and Dubi, working down low and having zone time, I believe that will be good for me and good for the team.

“Things have been clogged up for me a little bit. I came here wanting to make an impression, but I’ve struggled and things have started to snowball a little bit. I don’t think I’m far away, but I have to be able to contribute and this could be best right now.

“Gabby and I need time together [to improve], but I can learn about Gabby by watching him and seeing him from a different angle,” Richards said. “But whether I’m with Gabby or not, I have to get my game going.”

http://www.snyrangersblog...needs-to-free-himself-up/
2/9/2012

“I’m a little lost offensively, obviously. The defensive game is the way they want to play here and I’m adapting to that but I’ve got to free myself up offensively for sure.

http://www.nydailynews.co...anisimov-wheels-and-deals
3/10/12

Crushed Ice: Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik reunite
John Tortorella paired Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik together on a line with Carl Hagelin – “We haven’t scored goals, so we put ‘em together,” Torts said – reuniting the team’s highest paid forwards even though they weren’t able to find chemistry early this season with playing with wingers Wojtek Wolski (since traded), Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan.

Richards thought the line was able to generate some early chances, and Gaborik and Hagelin assisted on Richards’ goal with 40.4 seconds remaining that narrowed the final deficit to 4-3. That gave Richards his first goal in 10 games since he tallied against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb. 19.
********************
Then they got broken up again, reunited here and there but this was never what it was advertised to be for the money spent.
********************



Did Msg advertise Richards had to be signed to play with Gaborik. YES.
Did Richards play with Gaborik often. NO.
Did Richards have one of his worst offensive seasons. YES.

Did PA Parenteau finish with more points than Brad Richards without a sixty million dollar contract? Yes.

Did Richards get 20 million his first season, maybe he get's that next 12m on 7/1/12 for lockout protection so it's 24m in 365 days.



Maybe that's one you should be asking Sather being that front loading for players who struggle is his expertise.



This video will have everyone rolling in the Isles watching Sather and Burke negotiate with Richards.
http://video.thescore.com...ents-ranger-state-of-mind

there is no way anyone reads this....

“We now have enough assets where we can move pieces to make the team better now through trades. That wasn’t the case a few years ago," said Garth Snow in his meet and greet with season ticket holders last week.

He continued this sentiment in response to another question about improving the second line center position, despite having Frans Nielsen signed to a fresh four-year contract extension:

"That said, if we can pick up a dynamic offensive talent and lessen his [Nielsen's] minutes, we will do that. As for your other point, we need a top 4. They are hard to acquire, but as noted we do finally have the assets to acquire one of those players.”

there is no way anyone reads this....
- LetsGoIsles

At least he gave us pictures to look at

That's what this all is, everyone abandoning ship. That's why people are reactionary to it. We were told Janikowski was the greatest scout in the world and sudsy was an incredible goalie coach yet they are both gone? Right up there with Timms being the best trainer this club has seen even with the injury history this team has had?
- Cptmjl

Monday @ 9:53 AM:

"If there is one team you never have to be fearful of losing your job due to failure it would be the NY Islanders, they seem to embrace it. Recently you have no further to look than Jack Capuano to back up this notion. I do agree with you to an extent though as far as our prospects, a good GM I believe has to find a balance between the two though."

-Cptmjl

there is no way anyone reads this....
- LetsGoIsles

You can just watch.

Down goes Easter.

Well said. The guys you mentioned should bring the size and grit the Isles need. I hope Lee can be signed.
- ses111

While none of those guys are going to be game-breaking talent, I think they should provide varying degrees of secondary offense, accompanied by good-great defensive play. The size we need is there too. With the exception of Cizikas and Rakhshani all of the guys I listed are 6'2'' or bigger.

What I hope for more than anything is that Strome turns out to be at-or-around the high level of offensive talent that we drafted him for. Takes a ton of weight off JT's shoulders, and gives us much needed scoring depth into the 2nd line. Would also let Nielsen drop to the 3rd line where he belongs and can focus on a more defensive role instead of being relied upon for scoring support.

“We now have enough assets where we can move pieces to make the team better now through trades. That wasn’t the case a few years ago," said Garth Snow in his meet and greet with season ticket holders last week.

He continued this sentiment in response to another question about improving the second line center position, despite having Frans Nielsen signed to a fresh four-year contract extension:

"That said, if we can pick up a dynamic offensive talent and lessen his
- LetsGoIsles[Nielsen's] minutes, we will do that. As for your other point, we need a top 4. They are hard to acquire, but as noted we do finally have the assets to acquire one of those players.”

I never go to the meet and greet, but this is exactly what ive been saying. I just hope that Garth isnt just talking the talk. Cause im getting really tired of paying year after year, and doing my share, when the organization continues to wallow in mediocracy

You can just watch.

Down goes Easter.
- NYI

At least shrink the video size so it doesn't stretch out the entire page.

“We now have enough assets where we can move pieces to make the team better now through trades. That wasn’t the case a few years ago," said Garth Snow in his meet and greet with season ticket holders last week.

He continued this sentiment in response to another question about improving the second line center position, despite having Frans Nielsen signed to a fresh four-year contract extension:

"That said, if we can pick up a dynamic offensive talent and lessen his
- LetsGoIsles[Nielsen's] minutes, we will do that. As for your other point, we need a top 4. They are hard to acquire, but as noted we do finally have the assets to acquire one of those players.”

I posted a link to this entire article yesterday and frankly was floored that not a single person who cries and screams about the lack of trades day-in day-out said a word.

Monday @ 9:53 AM:

"If there is one team you never have to be fearful of losing your job due to failure it would be the NY Islanders, they seem to embrace it. Recently you have no further to look than Jack Capuano to back up this notion. I do agree with you to an extent though as far as our prospects, a good GM I believe has to find a balance between the two though."

-Cptmjl
- LetsGoIsles

In a sense the Islanders and you are agreeing with me. Janikowski is an incredible talent as we were told, don't think he was fired? Somewhere along the lines of the sketchiness that is going on with Sudsy. He was doing well scouting for Garth Snow, right? Where is he? Sudsy was great, remember? Where is he? Capuano has failed miserably not only at this level but in the AHL, where is he? Whats your point?

I never go to the meet and greet, but this is exactly what ive been saying. I just hope that Garth isnt just talking the talk. Cause im getting really tired of paying year after year, and doing my share, when the organization continues to wallow in mediocracy
- kindlyrick

right...thats why my boiling point with this team will come after this year...theyve been rebuilding and ive subscribed to it. im ok with garth not signing top guys, trading prospects for plugs and the 4-5 years of losing to restock. having said that, we're restocked and the prospects are spilling over; we almost need to trade some of these guys as were running out of places to put them. its time to put up or shutup for garth. this is the last season before poop hits the fan.

I posted a link to this entire article yesterday and frankly was floored that not a single person who cries and screams about the lack of trades day-in day-out said a word.
- eichiefs9

hahaha didnt see; they only comment when it can be written in complaint-form.

I posted a link to this entire article yesterday and frankly was floored that not a single person who cries and screams about the lack of trades day-in day-out said a word.
- eichiefs9

You were floored? Really, had that kind of effect on you? I said it after his "meet and greet" and I'll say it again, I hope he does what he says. Maybe he'll suddenly turn into a GM? We'll see...

there is no way anyone reads this....
- LetsGoIsles

Came in handy though.

I scanned 4 copies and repapered the walls of my bathroom! Just the right size.