Garth Snow took over as General
Manager of the New York Islanders for the 2006-07 season after Mike Milbury
"stepped down" from the job.
He would first start by adding veterans to his existing roster to kick
start his team into the playoffs. They
would reach the playoffs, but fail to make noise.
2006-07, 92 pts, 4th Atlantic, Lose
to Buffalo in 5, in 1st round of NHL Playoffs
After losing seasons, scorn from top
free agents and regression, the Isles
management decided they would enter a true rebuild mode.
2007-08, 79 pts, 5th Atlantic, DNQ
for Playoffs
2008-09, 61 pts, 5th Atlantic, DNQ
for Playoffs
2009-10, 79 pts, 5th Atlantic, DNQ
for Playoffs
2010-11, 73 pts, 5th Atlantic, DNQ
for Playoffs
2011-12, 79 pts, 5th Atlantic, DNQ
for Playoffs
During this rebuild, they would put
the pieces in place through the NHL draft and specific trade or waiver
opportunities. It was a slow process
that saw some results, although bottom finishes and failures to take the next
step were common place. Younger players
were inexperienced and the veterans that were on the team could only do so
much. Garth Snow was never able to sign
the top free agents, so he did the best he could and went for character and
what he saw as a good fit for the team in acquisitions rather than flash or
fame. What worked in the long run, was
a young team, gaining experience and slowly righting the Isles' ship.
2012-13, *55 Pts, 3rd Atlantic, Lose
to Penguins in 6 in 1st round of NHL Payoffs
*Lockout, 48 GP
In the 2013 season, shortened by an
NHL Owner's lockout, the young Isles team would mature and find their stride
right before us as we watched on TV and from the stands. The highs and lows of this season were
many. Dark periods of losing streaks
and breakdowns, followed up by an improving and more consistent effort and game
plan by the players and coaches. It
seemed that management kept the pieces in place despite what was falling down
around them at times, drawing the ire of fans and media alike at points in the
season. I even called out Jack Capuano
and demanded that he leave a promising team that somehow managed to compete,
despite him being their coach. Though I
am not completely sold on Capuano, I would owe him somewhat of an apology after
watching the season play out.
This team of high draft picks,
unproven prospects and discarded assets, came together under Capuano's
leadership and bought in to his game plan.
They seemed to improve when they attacked and forced their opponent to
play their style of game. Coach Weight
and Thompson had special teams and an out-manned defensive core playing well in
front of an aging goaltender. The Isles
finally found a balanced attack and defensive responsibility. All four lines were able to score goals and
the defense were aggressive and mostly successful, dictating play in the
neutral zone later in the season. They
played with puck control and a tight checking game. They added grit, physical edge and always finished their
hits.
These elements allowed for puck
control and a more easily executed game plan that the team rode into the first
round of the playoffs. Despite losing
to the first place, talent-ladened team, Pittsburgh Penguins, the young
Islanders came to play and made Pittsburgh fight for every inch, until an O.T.
win in game six, closed out the series.
It was for Penguins GM, Ray Sherro to tell Isles GM, Garth Snow,
"You gave us everything we could handle & we wish you were moving to
the Western Conf."
I was a proud Isles fan when I saw my
fellow fans in the NVMC crowd drown out the Pens celebrations of a series win,
as they cheered on their eliminated, but beloved team and salute them for a
season to be proud of. "Lets Go
Islanders," echoed repeatedly throughout the Coliseum with a roar, most likely led by Section 329.
KoC: "I am so proud of the fans
at the NVMC. Thank you for showing the players watching on the ice what the Isles
& their fans are all about."
Just wait until October!
Lets take a look back on what made
2013 what it was for your New York Islanders.
CENTERS
|
NO.
|
NAME
|
AGE
|
HT
|
WT
|
SHOT
|
BIRTH PLACE
|
BIRTHDATE
|
10
|
Keith Aucoin
|
34
|
5-9
|
187
|
R
|
Waltham, Massachusetts
|
11/6/78
|
12
|
Josh Bailey
|
23
|
6-1
|
190
|
L
|
Oshawa, Ontario
|
10/2/89
|
24
|
Brad Boyes
|
31
|
6-0
|
195
|
R
|
Mississauga, Ontario
|
4/17/82
|
53
|
Casey Cizikas
|
22
|
5-11
|
187
|
L
|
Toronto, Ontario
|
2/27/91
|
27
|
Anders Lee
|
22
|
6-2
|
209
|
L
|
St. Paul, Minnesota
|
7/3/90
|
29
|
Brock Nelson
|
21
|
6-3
|
205
|
L
|
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
10/15/91
|
51
|
Frans Nielsen
|
29
|
6-1
|
180
|
L
|
Herning, Denmark
|
4/24/84
|
16
|
Marty Reasoner
|
36
|
6-1
|
197
|
L
|
Honeoye Falls, New York
|
2/26/77
|
91
|
John Tavares
|
22
|
6-0
|
199
|
L
|
Mississauga, Ontario
|
9/20/90
|
LEFT WINGS
|
NO.
|
NAME
|
AGE
|
HT
|
WT
|
SHOT
|
BIRTH PLACE
|
BIRTHDATE
|
36
|
Eric Boulton
|
36
|
6-0
|
224
|
L
|
Halifax, Nova Scotia
|
8/17/76
|
6
|
Jesse Joensuu
|
25
|
6-4
|
209
|
L
|
Pori, Finland
|
10/5/87
|
17
|
Matt Martin
|
24
|
6-3
|
206
|
L
|
Windsor, Ontario
|
5/8/89
|
26
|
Matt Moulson
|
29
|
6-0
|
205
|
L
|
North York, Ontario
|
11/1/83
|
41
|
David Ullstrom
|
24
|
6-2
|
195
|
L
|
Jonkoping, Sweden
|
4/22/89
|
RIGHT WINGS
|
NO.
|
NAME
|
AGE
|
HT
|
WT
|
SHOT
|
BIRTH PLACE
|
BIRTHDATE
|
40
|
|
25
|
6-1
|
186
|
L
|
Villach, Austria
|
10/5/87
|
13
|
Colin McDonald
|
28
|
6-1
|
210
|
R
|
New Haven, Connecticut
|
9/30/84
|
21
|
Kyle Okposo
|
25
|
6-0
|
212
|
R
|
St. Paul, Minnesota
|
4/16/88
|
DEFENSE
|
NO.
|
NAME
|
AGE
|
HT
|
WT
|
SHOT
|
BIRTH PLACE
|
BIRTHDATE
|
7
|
Matt Carkner
|
32
|
6-4
|
227
|
R
|
Winchester, Ontario
|
11/3/80
|
52
|
Joe Finely
|
25
|
6-8
|
249
|
L
|
Edina, Minnesota
|
6/29/87
|
3
|
Travis Hamonic
|
22
|
6-1
|
206
|
R
|
Winnipeg, Manitoba
|
8/16/90
|
14
|
Thomas Hickey
|
24
|
5-11
|
190
|
L
|
Calgary, Alberta
|
2/8/89
|
47
|
|
26
|
6-0
|
185
|
L
|
Judique, Nova Scotia
|
9/7/86
|
4
|
Radek Martinek
|
36
|
6-2
|
210
|
R
|
Havlicko Brod, Czechoslovakia
|
8/31/76
|
37
|
Brian Strait
|
25
|
6-1
|
200
|
L
|
Boston, Massachusetts
|
1/4/88
|
2
|
Mark Streit
|
35
|
5-11
|
191
|
L
|
Englisberg, Switzerland
|
12/11/77
|
11
|
|
36
|
5-10
|
197
|
L
|
Topolcany, Czechoslovakia
|
8/11/76
|
GOALIES
|
NO.
|
NAME
|
AGE
|
HT
|
WT
|
SHOT
|
BIRTH PLACE
|
BIRTHDATE
|
20
|
Evgeni Nabokov
|
37
|
6-0
|
202
|
L
|
Kamenogorsk, USSR
|
7/25/75
|
60
|
Kevin Poulin
|
23
|
6-2
|
211
|
L
|
Montreal, Quebec
|
4/12/90
|
The lines and pairings were tweaked
often. Maybe too often, but here is a
sample of what they looked like against Pittsburgh in the Playoffs.
Forwards: Bailey-Tavares-Boyes,
Moulson-Nielsen-Okposo, Ullstrom or Strome-Aucoin-McDonald,
Grabner-Cizikas-Martin.
Defensive Pairings: Streit-Carkner or
Hickey, Hamonic-MacDonald, Strait-Visnovsky or Martinek.
###
Keith Aucoin was a waiver wire
addition by Garth Snow to address immediate need with a low risk
acquisition. He came through and played
a pretty good role in the teams' success when called upon, especially after
returning from a long series of scratches after a strong, early start. Aucoin is a good role player, but may not
make an improving Isles roster next season.
Josh Bailey had a slow start, but
came on with Kyle Okposo making them major catalysts in the Isles playoff push
this season. They both came out hard
and outworked opposing players while finding time to score the big goals. Okposo and Bailey had 24 and 19 pts
respectively.
Brad Boyes was signed after P.A.
Parenteau's departure in hopes he could re-ignite the former sniper to the
totals he enjoyed earlier in his career.
Mgmt. wasn't giving P.A. his 4M/season asking price, so Boyes filled his
spot at 1M/season. He enjoyed time on
the top lines and turned out to be a valuable player for the Isles this
season. Boyes was 10 and 25 for 35
pts. For those scoring at home, P.A.
was 18 and 25 for 43 pts for the Avalanche.
Casey Cizikas. If you read KoC, you know who he is. I have said, and still believe, he will be
the Bobby Nystrom of the new Isles team and he will figure into the success of
the rebuild prominently. His high
energy and physical play was infectious, and his presence on the ice was felt
by his team mates and the opposition.
As an agitator along with Colin McDonald and Matt Martin, he was able to
distract the oppositions top players from their game all season and in the
playoffs.
Anders Lee and Brock Nelson got their
first taste of NHL hockey as members of the Islanders this season. Anders Lee got a goal in his first game and looked good
doing it. While he needs more
improvement defensively, Lee is a big, strong forward with big upside and the
talent to make an impression on this young and improving team. Brock Nelson played in game 6 on a
semi-regular shift and saw special teams time against the Penguins in the
playoffs this season. He had a positive
showing and just continued his strong improving play from his time with the
BST.
Once again, Frans Nielsen was
overlooked for the Selke trophy, given to the best two way forward in the
league. Its OK though, because the
Islanders know what kind of player Nielsen is.
He is a valuable piece to the Isles team who can score during a game,
overtime, shootouts, win face offs and be a leader on and off the ice. His play in the defensive zone and on
special teams is invaluable and makes him one of the few complete players in
the NHL.
I am no fan of Marty Reasoner. He is a veteran who was supposed to bring
some offense to the line up and an experienced face off specialist. Frankly, he has been a disappointment since
he got here. I wish him luck, but
hopefully it is on one of the other 29 NHL teams.
What else can you say about MVP
finalist and Islander superstar, John Tavares?
He has led by example on and off the ice and stepped up when the Isles
needed a hero on many occasions. He has
improved each season and really learned what to expect from the opposition in
the games leading up to and in the playoffs this season. When called upon, JT always answers with his
best effort and has really started to emerge as an elite player in the NHL this
season. JT was 28 and 19 for a team
leading 47 pts.
Eric Boulton made quiet and not so
quiet contributions to the Isles this year.
While his ice time is limited, he actually played a better game than
just a tough guy called upon to throw some fists. He started to play the Isles system well and wasn't just a
liability on the ice like some career tough guys. He impressed the Isles enough to offer him another contract for
the upcoming season. No disrespect to
him, but I still think the Isles miss Trevor Gillies.
Matt Martin won the Bob Nystrom award
this season. He was the leader in hits
for the second NHL season in a row.
Martin is a tough guy with offensive upside and is another leader,
especially in the energy game. His play
has turned the flow of games this season and he is a great representative for
image of the new Isles team.
Matt Moulson is a Lady Byng finalist,
given to the most talented player who exhibits an equal level of sportsmanship
on the ice. Matt Moulson is a classy
player who can deliver for the Isles with both offense and defense. He has been a great line mate for John
Tavares and even after a period of struggle this season, fought through it to
contribute to his new line, Nielsen and Okposo. Moulson was 15 and 29 for 44 pts.
David Ullstrom has spent enough time
on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, so management called him up multiple times this
season. Ullstrom is a talented and
explosive scorer who once acclimated to the NHL game, could turn into a 25 goal
scorer for Long Island.
Michael Grabner is the fastest and
one of the most dynamic players I have had the pleasure of watching. If he can only fine-tune his game to finish
more, he will be one of the most explosive scorers in the NHL. He has scored several big goals for the
Isles this season, helped on special teams and brought punch to the Isles
energy lines.
Colin McDonald earned an NHL contract
for his play this season. After
solidifying a spot out of training camp, all McDonald did was score, irritate
the opposition and bring energy to his teams play on the ice. Like Cizikas and Martin, McDonald helps give
the Isles dangerous components to their 3rd and 4th lines.
Matt Carkner is a big, physical
defensemen who is valuable to the Isles line up when grit is needed. He single-handedly made the Isles tougher to
face in the playoffs and is an expert at drawing penalties.
Joe Finely was one of three defensive
additions Garth Snow made from the waiver wire at the beginning of the
season. While he struggled with
positional play early on, Finely got better defensively with more minutes
played. He is a good, physical depth
defensemen the Isles can call upon when needed.
Travis Hamonic is an anchor on the
Isles defense with partner Andrew MacDonald.
This season, he had some tough luck and serious growing pains as an NHL
defensemen, but came through it like a pro.
He is valuable on special teams and showed Crosby and Malkin what
frustration was while he faced them in the playoff series. Andrew MacDonald had his share of frustration this season as well, but I felt he grew more this season than in previous seasons as a defensemen in the NHL.
As another early season waiver pick
up, Thomas Hickey finished the regular season with a team high of +9 and looks
to have found a place with the Islanders.
Hickey played well for the Isles for most of the season and even though
he struggled in the playoffs, he showed some big league defensive vision on the
blue line.
Resigned as a minor depth move, Radek
Martinek was a solid NHL defensemen for New York. Used in a limited role, Martinek was able to play at a high level
when called up and stayed healthy when the team needed him. His leadership and experience were big for
the Isles this season.
Brian Strait was the third waiver
defensemen grabbed by Garth Snow at the start of the season. As he became acclimated, Strait proved to be
worth more than a waiver pick up and got signed to a multi-year extension for
the Isles. Despite a serious injury
around the midpoint of the shortened season, Strait came back a few games late
in the season and helped the Isles in the playoffs.
Mark Streit has said he wants to come
back as an Islander next season.
Despite losing a step on the blue line, I think Streit would be a good,
short term extension for the Isles defense.
He is better than most of the players available in the free agent market
this summer and likes it on the Island.
Plus, he can still score and is a valuable quarterback to the PP.
Lubomir Visnovsky was worth the
wait. He immediately made the Isles
defense better and has a dangerous shot that must be respected whenever he is
on the ice. By signing an extension, he
is yet another big name that was won over by the organization and destination
that has gotten an unfair slight by some players in the NHL.
Evgeni Nabokov played all-out for the
Isles this season. He is a cool and
calm goaltender who gave the Isles a chance to win every night and kept them
close in a lot of games. Nabokov wants
to return to the Islanders and has been in talks with management to return
again. I would love to see him
resigned, short term, but with his age becoming a factor, the Isles will
probably look to a free agent as a starter with their prospects (Nilsson and
Poulin) a year or two away.
Kevin Poulin was 1 and 3 for the Isles in a relief role for the Isles this season. He played well in some tough spots including a win vs Winnipeg late in the season. Poulin is a highly regarded prospect and is a fan favorite already. Patrick Roy once called Poulin the best goalie in Juniors.
Anders Nilsson lost most of the season due to injury, so only saw limited time in Bridgeport in 2012-13. Nilsson is projected to have even more upside than the talented Poulin.
###
Its hard to understand how Garth Snow
was snubbed for GM of the year award
especially with the team's budgetary constraints implemented from Owner,
Charles Wang. These type of restrictions were not imposed on Bergevin, Murray
or Sherro, the three finalists named for the award. Plus the Islanders have come a longer way with Snow's moves this
season than Montreal, Anaheim and Pittsburgh have attained.
This summer could see some key
additions with several padded teams over budget for shrinking cap (70M down to
about 64M). Deals they might not get
without giving up way too much normally.
Here is where I feel Charles Wang will let up a little with spending
money to get closer to an even better team.
The organization could also chose to just stay with their own prospects
to add to the big club. I am hoping for
a combination of the two possibilities.
B.D. Gallof points out the inevitable
for next season, Isles camp will have Strome, Nelson, Nino, Reinhart, de Haan,
Donovan & more knocking on door ... plus some vets that have really upped
their game this season like Frans, K.O. & Bailey, etc.
The Islanders need a top level winger,
a top level defensemen and as close to an elite goaltender as they can get
without overpaying. That was easy,
right? So what's the hold up already?
With all the talent in the system
already earmarked for spots in the line up and the possible Cinderella prospect
ready before his time, the Isles need to be cautious about free agents. Term and price must work in Snows plan and
the free agent must know and play up to his roll. The Isles don't need an under performing player who occupies a roster
spot that an up and coming prospect could use to improve his game. Plus, the move to Brooklyn will most likely attract even more FA's to a new arena.
Forwards:
A trade for Bobby Ryan (ANA) or FA's
like Nathan Horton (BOS), David Clarkston (NJD), Brenden Morrow (PIT), Eric
Nystrom (DAL), Pascal Dupuis (PIT), Colby Armstrong (MTL) could be what the
Isles need. The option to resign Brad
Boyes is always a possibility as well.
Jesse Joensuu can be resigned and given a real look by management. His lockout injury limited his play to a few
games at the close of the season into the playoffs. He looked good in the few games played for the Isles.
Defensemen:
Ron Hainsey (WIN), Sergei Gonchar
(OTT) could be a defensive solution for the next few seasons. Mark Streit could be resigned for 1-2 years
because of his skill and presence in the room and he could hold the Captaincy
until management gives it to John Tavares.
Goal:
Per Eric Hornick, "Since save %
became official stat (1984ish) -- no G has won 3 playoff gms w a worse combo of
GAA/save% than Nabokov's 4.44/.842."
Nilsson and Poulin are probably the
Isles future, only a year or two removed.
Until then, they should continue to improve in Bridgeport. I will always cheer for Rick DiPietro, but
he should be moved off the BST roster with an available amnesty buy out.
If Tim Thomas can be talked out of
retirement, he could be an awesome addition to a resigned Evgeni Nabokov for
the short term in Isles goal. Niklas
Backstrom (MIN) would be a good pick
up, but would most likely be out of the Isles price range. Ray Emery (CHI) has
been good lately, but isn't as solid a
bet as I'd like. I am not sold on Mike
Smith (PHX) as a real #1 net minder and Chris Mason (NSH) is a gamble you might take
in hopes that his impressive early career play could return.
Its a summer to look forward to Isles fans.
Isles Notes:
I'll have a better breakdown & analysis on off season buzz in time for the upcoming free agency period.
The National Hockey League announced today that New York Islanders forward Matt Moulson has been named a finalistf or the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player “adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
On 5/17 the New York Islanders signed Eric Boulton to a one year deal.
Isles Player Transaction: Forward Chris Bruton agrees to terms with Islanders on a one-year, two-way contract. Most likely, a physical depth signing for BST.
Nino Niederreiter rises to the challenge at IIHF World Championships. He tallied 5 and 3 for 8 points to earn a silver medal with Switzerland.
"Anybody that watched the games,
that saw the crowd . . . I'm sure we've got some respect around the league
right now." - Capuano
“I’ve appreciated every single time
someone comes up to me and tells me they’re an Isles fan” "We have an
incredible and passionate fan base. It was special to be a part of. We're
hoping we can bring some more success on the ice." -JT
"Seeing the building the way it
was, it makes us hungry for next year. We didn't get the results we wanted but
we'll be back." "We proved a lot to the hockey world and to ourselves
that we’re coming." -Okposo
"We heard about how the building
could be during the playoffs, but it definitely exceeded by expectations. It
was amazing." - Michale Grabner
"Unforgettable year! You guys were
AWESOME!!" - Casey Cizikas
Per Mark Herrmann, "Pierre
McGuire on WFAN w Mike: Isles fans are 'phenomenally smart.' Crowd Sat nite was
1 of loudest he's ever heard (incl Finals, Olympics).
On 5/22, Former Isles defenseman Andy
Sutton has announced his retirement from the NHL.
NHL notes:
Bad Call? Everyone has witnessed the decline of NHL officiating over the
last few seasons. It seems like the
quick or slow whistles always happen in your opponents favor or a penalty is
called or ignored if the result will bad for your team. How many times have you witnessed your star
player get destroyed right in front of an official and be completely
ignored? How about when a guy on your
team is getting his head slammed repeatedly into the ice right in front of one during an
overtime period with no call, but one of your guys gets a call made against him when his free hand is supposedly able
to "pull down" one of the best skaters in the NHL? Lets just say the NHL officials need a lot
more work on judgment calls and they should be held accountable for their work on ice
like everyone else in the NHL.
Dmitry Chesnokov remarks, " ...
the KHL suspends refs after bad games/calls. They even suspend video review
officials. One video official was
suspended for the entire season this year in the KHL for a wrong no-goal
call."
