All I know is that we were only 3 games under .500 in today's NHL the way it's presently constructed.
If we weren't going to have a work stoppage this year, it'd be safe to say we're a prime Cup contender this season.
- potvin05

Exactly, AND if Streit played with Wizsneski.

I'm writing it was not this home grown development system or the most conventional trades for great talent that won it for them. It was more like the 2001-02 Milbury rebuilding plan but with a few more prospects.

They just happened to get hot at the right time, and got some breaks along the way in overtime.
- NYI

You are killing me... I agree with a ton of what u write on here but u can't be serious. Jeff Carter is exactly the type of trades Garth should be making. He is locked up for many years. He is a 50+ goal scorer. He is young and in his prime and he doesn't cost a ton b/c he got the front loaded BS u talked about. Richards same exact thing... LA did an amazing job of drafting talent (quick, Doughty, Kopitar, etc.).. and then made some trades to complete the Roster.

I think you will get your answer from everyone when the league is locked out again October because 20+ teams (including Toronto and Montreal) do not or cannot offer them.



It means a player can get 10-20m dollars up front for year one of a contract, it's a huge advantage for corporate teams willing to absorb that much red ink, plus once that money is paid if the player is a failure he can be traded much easier because he has the bulk of his cash already (Smyth, Gomez, Drury, Richards,) regardless of the cap hit.



Like I wrote over 20 teams cannot make such offers. Ehrhoff got 10m of his 40m for 2011-12 alone, Brad Richard got a 20m dollar check for 2011-12.

The NHL is not a game of what corporation can carry the most red ink or hide their Wade Redden's in the AHL.

And these contracts make it much harder for all the teams that cannot front-load which is why Los Angeles can take a Richards or Carter after the Comcast Flyers paid off the bulk of the biggest parts of the contracts.
- NYI

I agree with this post 1000% .. fyi

You are killing me... I agree with a ton of what u write on here but u can't be serious. Jeff Carter is exactly the type of trades Garth should be making. He is locked up for many years. He is a 50+ goal scorer. He is young and in his prime and he doesn't cost a ton b/c he got the front loaded BS u talked about. Richards same exact thing... LA did an amazing job of drafting talent (quick, Doughty, Kopitar, etc.).. and then made some trades to complete the Roster.
- niteislander

I agree with this post 1000% .. fyi
- niteislander

Stop complaining

So why did he spend hundreds of millions on players when the last owner (a huge developer) decided after ten minutes he wanted to move the team from Nassau because there was no deal to be had?

So why did Wang agree to a deal last summer with no development rights? Why did he wait until 2004 after Nassau said they were broke and they suggested a development which is when he brought on Rechler?

Edmonton wants their development and are getting it. Phoenix new owner is getting a 17m dollar check from Glendale to manage a new building while Wang pays for his sublease in an old building.
- NYI

In all honesty, Wang purchased the Islanders with the purpose of gathering property within the surrounding area, thats why he bought the Marriot right next door to the coliseum, hoping that more would be available in the near future. Granted we are at least thankful he purchased the Islanders an kept them here, Wang should just focus on property/realstate an leave the hockey operations to hockey professionals. Its been said an proven, if the Isles play revelant hockey, the fans will be back, an the coliseum will be packed...no question..... But Wang does not know anything about hockey, thats the problem!!!!

I don't think people on this board realize how much 1 guy means to a team. This league is very very close top to bottom. A great Goalie... a Top line D-man or Forward can make a World of difference. Look at this year.. New Jersey did not make the playoffs last year. How different was the team this year? Parise was the difference. The Rangers went from 8th place first b/c of Richards. Florida was last place in East a year ago.. Ottawa was 1 point better than Islanders.

1 or 2 players (Richards and Carter) can make all the difference in the world.

Maybe a year from now I get to ask you that same question about Wang and Snow if they are an 8th seed and win the cup.
No doubt you won't be here that day.
- NYI

Who is this guy? did you actually write that? Dipietro is that you? Come on now seriously? there is no way on this planet the Islanders are even close to sniffing the Stanley Cup. The Closest they are to the Cup is if Scuderi lets one or two of them take a peek if he brings it to the Island. Time to wake up dude

In all honesty, Wang purchased the Islanders with the purpose of gathering property within the surrounding area, thats why he bought the Marriot right next door to the coliseum, hoping that more would be available in the near future. Granted we are at least thankful he purchased the Islanders an kept them here, Wang should just focus on property/realstate an leave the hockey operations to hockey professionals. Its been said an proven, if the Isles play revelant hockey, the fans will be back, an the coliseum will be packed...no question..... But Wang does not know anything about hockey, thats the problem!!!!
- Ur Not Me

I agree 1,000,000,000,000,000% with this post

Who is this guy? did you actually write that? Dipietro is that you? Come on now seriously? there is no way on this planet the Islanders are even close to sniffing the Stanley Cup. The Closest they are to the Cup is if Scuderi lets one or two of them take a peek if he brings it to the Island. Time to wake up dude
- kasperrko

He is a funny one

I agree but would add every year is different. The 2010-11 Islanders lost because they never got to put Wisniewski with Streit, and because Mottau was just that bad a signing combined with 620 man games lost.

That team was better when the slower defenders all got hurt, and the faster defenders got more of a chance, this year they all came back.

They lost this season because they replaced Hillen, Gervais and Martinek with returning Mottau, Eaton, Staios who cannot skate, hit or produce any offense with Jurcina playing to his career resume of being a turnover machine.

Signing Staios to play with Streit was the worst decision of Snow's career, it's like putting Weight on Tavares wing and expecting production.

The difference between winning and losing in this league is a bounce or two, the 2010-11 Islanders lost 30 games by two goals (open nets) or less.

It was the same story last year. The 3-0 game in Colorado, the 2-0 Caps game.

Ok, tell me how Ballard really helps here if he did not help other teams and cannot score. Can he hit like a truck, clear pucks, fight, skate and setup a pp so Streit does not have three guys key on him?
- NYI

Well, I do agree that a slow, non-physical D has definitely been a big part of being pinned in the zone for very long stretches.

Overall with the team though, what I've seen is this...over the last two seasons in particular, the Islanders can look like a very good team when the pressure is off, but completely disorganized and non-existent when they get within shouting distance of 8th. I don't have a reason for that, but I guess it can only be one of two things: either the Islanders play differently when they get close...they think too much or grip their sticks too tight; or other teams just take them more seriously. But it's a team-wide collapse when it happens, not just a player or two. The people in charge of putting the team together...that's what they're hopefully trying to figure out.

Is it a question of skill and ability, or one of mentality? Is it lack of speed and vision, or lack of size and grit? Is it a matter of shipping out a couple of head cases in favor of solid leaders, or bringing in a coach who can properly prepare the players for meaningful games? Is it some combination of all of that? I have no idea.

But there has to be acknowledgement that what we're all seeing is really happening...I don't think the problem gets solved by ignoring it and pretending it's just bad luck, or because of one or two players.

I'm writing it was not this home grown development system or the most conventional trades for great talent that won it for them. It was more like the 2001-02 Milbury rebuilding plan but with a few more prospects.

They just happened to get hot at the right time, and got some breaks along the way in overtime.
- NYI

i find it VERY hard agreeing with this....

I don't think people on this board realize how much 1 guy means to a team. This league is very very close top to bottom. A great Goalie... a Top line D-man or Forward can make a World of difference. Look at this year.. New Jersey did not make the playoffs last year. How different was the team this year? Parise was the difference. The Rangers went from 8th place first b/c of Richards. Florida was last place in East a year ago.. Ottawa was 1 point better than Islanders.

1 or 2 players (Richards and Carter) can make all the difference in the world.
- niteislander

the difference with the Kings an Rangers, is that have alot more talent surrounded on the team compared to the Isles, theres no way adding 1 top F an 1 top D-man to this team, an we become cup contenders, Isles need alot more than 2 guys, maybe in 3-4 yrs when some players develop more, then adding 2 pieces might work, but now, the Isles are far away...... start w/a NHL coach 1st.....

the difference with the Kings an Rangers, is that have alot more talent surrounded on the team compared to the Isles, theres no way adding 1 top F an 1 top D-man to this team, an we become cup contenders, Isles need alot more than 2 guys, maybe in 3-4 yrs when some players develop more, then adding 2 pieces might work, but now, the Isles are far away...... start w/a NHL coach 1st.....
- Ur Not Me

Agreed.. The 2nd or 3rd round picks, yes. You go out and trade for Ballard and/or a STL Defensemen or one from WPG. You don't know need big names, you need to create NHL depth. All this talk about injuries and players not developing the right way. Instead of putting 3 kids on the blue line and letting them all learn on the fly, why not add some NHL proven guys with secondary picks.
My issue is that it does not seem Cappy has a defensive plan that the kids grasp. Too much scrambling and too much of "I don't want the puck, you take it."
- brodydog29

aka "passing"....im ok with passing.

I don't think Snow and the Islander Brain trust realize how much 1 guy means to a team. This league is very very close top to bottom. A great Goalie... a Top line D-man or Forward can make a World of difference. Look at this year.. New Jersey did not make the playoffs last year. How different was the team this year? Parise was the difference. The Rangers went from 8th place first b/c of Richards. Florida was last place in East a year ago.. Ottawa was 1 point better than Islanders.

1 or 2 players (Richards and Carter) can make all the difference in the world.
- niteislander

FIXED!

Its pretty obvious that there are fans on HB who realize what a Great Goalie, Forward and Defensemen would do for our team.

Lets not forget the Coaching change!

He has to reach the floor, he still has to pay 18 million to do so this coming season. Are you going to somehow twist that into him caring about the team?
- Cptmjl

His payrolls went from 14m to 45m+ before there was any floor. How are you going to twist giving players 88m, or 68m dollars into not caring about the team when he could have kept the cash in the bank.

Why did Snow sign Mottau? He seemed good enough to play 76 games in New Jersey when they were winning, why did Snow sign Eaton, he was good enough to be part of a cup winner in Pittsburgh and another finals team.

the difference with the Kings an Rangers, is that have alot more talent surrounded on the team compared to the Isles, theres no way adding 1 top F an 1 top D-man to this team, an we become cup contenders, Isles need alot more than 2 guys, maybe in 3-4 yrs when some players develop more, then adding 2 pieces might work, but now, the Isles are far away...... start w/a NHL coach 1st.....
- Ur Not Me

dont dig too deep. the difference is

henrik lundqvist and jonathan quick

His payrolls went from 14m to 45m+ before there was any floor. How are you going to twist giving players 88m, or 68m dollars into not caring about the team when he could have kept the cash in the bank.

Why did Snow sign Mottau? He seemed good enough to play 76 games in New Jersey when they were winning, why did Snow sign Eaton, he was good enough to be part of a cup winner in Pittsburgh and another finals team.
- NYI

Dude Eaton and Mottau are way past there primes my friend. They dont have much left in the tank. Pretty bad examples. Hey at least you are making me laugh. Ever think of stand up?

In all honesty, Wang purchased the Islanders with the purpose of gathering property within the surrounding area, thats why he bought the Marriot right next door to the coliseum, hoping that more would be available in the near future.
- Ur Not Me

You do realize in the thirty years before Wang bought the Isles two RFP's were put out on the HUB and not a single person stepped forward. Wang never needed to own the Islanders to do what you are claiming and in fact after D'Amato took his tantrum Suozzi allowed other bids in 2005. Wang closed on the Marriott sale in Dec 2005 when the Lighthouse was coming together and Rechler went in with him. In 2010 Wang bought out Rechler on the hotel.

What you are writing is contrary to the agreement he made last summer and what's he's done in Bridgeport with no development rights. In 2007 he was in Plainville with Rechler and they could get nothing done with his property.

But Wang does not know anything about hockey, thats the problem!!!!
- Ur Not Me

Why should an owner have to know about hockey? They hire people to know about hockey.

This should be like tossing a steak in between 5 lions, but I can't resist...

BDGallof @BDGallof

Dennis MacInnis, director of scouting for ISS Hockey "GM Snow deseveres credit for 'rebuilding' and adding depth in 2/3 short years" #isles

You do realize in the thirty years before Wang bought the Isles two RFP's were put out on the HUB and not a single person stepped forward. Wang never needed to own the Islanders to do what you are claiming and in fact after D'Amato took his tantrum Suozzi allowed other bids in 2005. Wang closed on the Marriott sale in Dec 2005 when the Lighthouse was coming together and Rechler went in with him. In 2010 Wang bought out Rechler on the hotel.

What you are writing is contrary to the agreement he made last summer and what's he's done in Bridgeport with no development rights. In 2007 he was in Plainville with Rechler and they could get nothing done with his property.



Why should an owner have to know about hockey? They hire people to know about hockey.
- NYI

Guy you are clueless. Please just stop. It is getting to comical. I am totally convinced either you are realted to Wang or are real close friends with him. You have not been around here for like years then pop in and support every move Wang and his circus has done.

Oh and that is the problem. Wang did not hire anyone who knows about hockey. Snow is clueless. He was third tier goalie at best and pretty much has no idea about GM ing

This should be like tossing a steak in between 5 lions, but I can't resist...

BDGallof @BDGallof

Dennis MacInnis, director of scouting for ISS Hockey "GM Snow deseveres credit for 'rebuilding' and adding depth in 2/3 short years" #isles
- eichiefs9

glad to know im on the same page as the experts

His payrolls went from 14m to 45m+ before there was any floor. How are you going to twist giving players 88m, or 68m dollars into not caring about the team when he could have kept the cash in the bank.

Why did Snow sign Mottau? He seemed good enough to play 76 games in New Jersey when they were winning, why did Snow sign Eaton, he was good enough to be part of a cup winner in Pittsburgh and another finals team.
- NYI

Dude Eaton and Mottau are way past there primes my friend. They dont have much left in the tank. Pretty bad examples. Hey at least you are making me laugh. Ever think of stand up?
- kasperrko

Ever think of writing anything not based on hate, but on someone's actual hockey record?

Eaton was not part of last place teams for years before he signed here, neither was Mottau. They were reliable depth defenders on teams that won.

Why don't you save the hate and go look at Eaton's game log when this team won once in eighteen games in Nov-Dec 2010. He was only a -2 and could not score to save his life.

What's next Hamrlik and Aucoin who was a disaster in Chicago and Calgary had nothing in the tank?