Islanders Return to Coliseum, Vegas, Injuries & All-Stars

The latest chapter for the Isles return to the Island proper unfolded today. In a much speculated press conference to announce that the Isles will split time between the Barclays Center and refurbished Nassau Coliseum while waiting for their new diggs, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo confirmed it. Johnny Boychuck, Andrew Ladd, Cal Clutterbuck and John Tavares were all on stage as the announcement was made. Tavares called the Coliseum a “special place” and sounded like he had an opinion on returning to play at the Coliseum. “For me, it’s where I started my career, it’s where so many great things have happened,” said the captain. About playing on the Island, Tavares said, “It’s where the team was born and created its identity. It’s really who it is. If that’s the case it’s going to be a great opportunity, a great experience to go back there and relive and create some more great history.”

The Islanders won’t play their first game at their new arena in Belmont until the 2021-22 season, so that gives the Islanders an opportunity to spend some time at the Old Barn. The lead up and final announcement got a mixed reaction by fans on social media. Governor Cuomo announced that the Isles have a 12-game commitment at the Coliseum for next season and 48 more over their next two NHL campaigns and the state will help with a $6M contribution for any necessary “modifications” to the 18 month, $165B, 13,900 seat, renovation already done to the arena for final NHL compliance. According to Newsday, It is not known yet what upgrades Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment agreed to make to the arena to account for the Islanders time there. Among the issues discussed have been; ice quality, dehumidification, closed luxury boxes, locker rooms, training facilities, wiring for media broadcasts, etc.

“If the team wants to play more than half their games here, we encourage it and welcome them back,” said Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, which operates both Barclays Center and the county-owned Nassau Coliseum. Per Jim Baumbach, “The Islanders and BSE have until Tuesday to complete the contractually obligated opt-out process from their existing 25-year arena deal, which began in 2015.” According to Yormark, any possible Playoff games haven’t been discussed as-of-yet. Islanders co-owner, John Ledecky said that would be up to the NHL. So that’s approximately 60 games, including pre-season contests as early as next September, over the three-year waiting period.

Per Newsday, “This agreement also means BSE will — for three seasons, at least — get a reprieve from paying the $1 million penalty to Nassau County for not providing the two preseason and four regular-season Islanders games they promised in their Coliseum lease agreement.” The NHL’s Bill Daily, Kris King and Dan Craig briefed an environmental sub-committee to discuss the things that need to be done to make the facility league ready.

The Islanders had a big win in front of several fans who made the trip to see their team play against the Vegas Golden Knights last Friday, just before the All-Star break. They executed a much-improved defensive scheme, especially clogging up the middle to negate the Vegas offense. Jaro Halak played a very strong game and gave the Isles the edge in a 2-1 win and tightly contested game. Eberle: “Jaro was the star of the game and made some huge saves. You take the two points. It was huge. We found a way to do it. With how tight everything is in our division, it's a big win." Per Eric Hornick, “Ross Johnston scored his 1st NHL goal and Jaroslav Halak made 38 saves as the Islanders became the first opponent to sweep a season series from the Golden Knights, as they defeated Vegas 2-1 before a crowd of 18,184 at T-Mobile Arena.” Jordan Eberle (23rd of Ssn) added the second goal for New York. The Islanders turned the corner a bit with a win against the Blackhawks and now, Knights on the road, going 4-0-1 in their last 5 away from Brooklyn. They are 10-13-3 in their last 26 games overall.

Injuries have probably played a part in the mid-season slide for the Isles. Doug Weight is aware of it. "You can say makeshift, you can say whatever you want; the fact is we have seven, now eight guys out. Listen, no one has a violin here. I'm not looking for it. But it's tough." A few days later, Weight didn’t even want to talk about the topic of injuries with the media. “I am no longer discussing any injuries. It’s been a long time coming. I try to do the best I can to update you, I know it’s your job to ask. When they say they can play or when they’re healthy, they’re healthy. Right now we’ve got to win with whoever’s in there. I’m not going to update any more, it’s kind of tiring for me as far as stick-handling around upper body, lower body. Whoever’s in, I’ll give you the lineup and that’s that.” Ross Johnston (11pts. And 113 pins w BST) was the latest call-up (Jan. 19th) and added some much-needed physicality and a touch of scoring.

John Tavares and Josh Bailey attended the 2018 NHL All-Star game in Tampa Florida and took part in the puck relay and fastest skater competition, respectively. Tavares finished 2nd in the relay. Tavares and Bailey had an assist in the Metro’s loss to the Atlantic division. "It was fun. That's the biggest thing. Obviously would have liked to have moved on to the final game, but it was all in good fun," 1st time All-Star, Bailey said. "It was good to get to know everyone a little better and ultimately it was just a great experience."

As expected, Islanders Captain was barraged with questions about his contract status and answered the questions as he has throughout the season. "I try not to approach anything differently because of it being in last year of my contract. I haven't really gone out of my way to talk to guys and find out how they've handled it. I try to be myself and be the best I can, be the best teammate and player I can be for the Islanders." Tavares has 26 and 31 for 57 points in 50 games this season and is set for a career year. It’s clear his approach to the game hasn't changed and Tavares believes in New York’s depth and organizations potential within the talent in the Isles system. It seems he is in no hurry and hopefully, Garth Snow has things in hand. If the unmentionable were to happen, a very unpopular, but necessary Plan B scenario would likely be set in motion.

Much like his GM, John Tavares doesn’t like to bring attention to team business. "I've always stated that I've really enjoyed being there," Tavares said. "I haven't thought about anything but mostly focusing on this season and taking my time and being patient. When the time is right, I'll make my decision. Anything that we've talked about, I prefer to keep it internally between me and the organization. Talks are always open and they've been great so far. I'm not going to get into specific details.

"The way I look at is anything that affects my daily life, whether it's at the rink or not at the rink, will go into my decision. Obviously, you want to play for a team that's doing everything it can to win, and the Islanders are certainly doing that. You can see a lot of the potential and the young talent we have, as well as guys who've been there for a while, like Josh, Anders [Lee], [defensemen] Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk, the veteran guys we have. We've got a solid foundation there." I’m sure rookie standout, Mathew Barzal will help weigh in to the decision as well. Barzal (51pts) has been a huge factor in the Isles offense and is among an elite group (Crosby, Malkin & Ovechkin) for 50 points in 50 games over last 20 years of NHL play.

The Isles get back to action tomorrow against Florida in Brooklyn and then go to Toronto on Wednesday.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, “Asked what his priority is in making a decision, Tavares said: “I want to stay on Long Island... I haven’t thought about being anywhere except with the Islanders.”

"Tavares on interim play at Coliseum, “Just when this place is full, there’s nothing really quite like it. It was always a big family atmosphere coming to the Coliseum. To get to have that again and in the transition into Belmont which I think is a big part of the identity of this team.”

“It’s going to be exciting with the long term development of Belmont. In the short term basis being able to come back somewhere where really the heart of the franchise is.”

Tanner Fritz and Ross Johnston have been recalled from loan.

Per Eric Hornick, Pulock has tied #Isles record for points by a defensemen-- last done by Uwe Krupp. Potvin had 5 points 5 times and Persson once.

Per StatsCentre, “Isles are 2nd team in NHL history to have 3 or more 5+ point games from rookies in a single season- 1 shy of the 1980-81 Nordiques for the most (2 from Peter Stastny, 2 from his brother Anton).”

Aho and Sorokin make the list, with Bellows and Ho-Sang among the honorable mentions.

Per Eric Hornick, “Only Edmonton (1986-87) has gone longer than the #isles (1987-88) without finishing 1st in their division. (Current streaks only) #NHL”

Ex-Islander, Canadian Olympic goaltender Kevin Poulin has signed with EHC Kloten for the remainder of the season. #NationalLeague

Sound Tigers Notes:

Congratulations to @CGibber37 & @mitchv_97 on being added to the #AHLAllStar playing roster!

Jeff Kubiak (F) has been loaned to the @RailersHC.

Isles Dominate Rangers. Barzal, Beau & Ho-Sang

Mathew Barzal has been and is currently on fire. Whenever he touches the puck, you stop eating popcorn or sipping your beverage to see what will happen next. Whether on a regular shift or in overtime, he has factored into some big moments for the New York Islanders this season. In last night’s 7-2 domination over their rival New York Rangers, our Isles saw Barzal put the league on notice yet again. His 2 goals and 3 assists (and +5 rating) galvanized the Isles’ attack at MSG and the Rangers could do nothing about it. Per Eric Hornick, “Barzal also regained the lead in rookie points from Brock Boeser (44-40).  It was his 4th multi-assist game and 9th multi-point game. In the last 21 years, only one Islander rookie (John Tavares -30 in 2009/10) has had more assists than Barzal.” Barzal is the first Islander, ever, to score 5 points at MSG. Is this thing on?

Mathew Barzal is the only player in the NHL, rookie or otherwise, to have 2-5 point games under his belt so far this season. Per Mike Morreale, “NYR coach Alain Vigneault: "Barzal’s line just dominated Mika’s [Mika Zibanejad] line the whole game. I had three of my top players there and they were dominated the whole game." Anthony Beauvillier (+5 in the game) had 2 goals and an assist in last night’s win. After a 3-game stint in the AHL, Beauvillier once again made a statement to stick around with the big club. And Barzal likes his friend’s game, “He's bringing his effort every night, that's the biggest thing," said Barzal. "He's playing exactly how he's supposed to play, winning battles, burying his chances which is great and doing a great job playing 200 feet. He's been really easy to adjustment there with Ladd being out." Beauvillier seems to be feeling it as well. Here’s what he had to say about the Isles first game back in action, “It’s always fun to play the Rangers, especially here, and it’s been a good game for us. Coming back from the break and just build off that last game against New Jersey. We played a great game." Line mate Jordan Eberle had a career high 4 assists (Hornick) in the game. Prince (1st goal since 12/16), Hickey (2nd of Ssn) and Clutterbuck (4 goals in last 4 games) also scored goals in the game.

The Isles huge second period rush added 3 goals to the scoresheet in the first seven minutes and broke the confidence of the Rangers, eventually getting Ondrej Pavelec pulled from the home net after goal number five. 9 different Islanders got at least a point and Scott Mayfield had 2 points (career high) on the night. It was the Isles 3rd straight win vs the Rangers at MSG and 5th straight overall. Jaroslav Halak was huge (now 16-7-0 vs Rangers) for the Islanders and stopped mounting pressure by the Rangers after they forced the tie early in the game. Halak is 13-12-0 on the season.

Injuries have affected the Isles a few times this season. Several key players have gone down and that meant prospects were given an opportunity to fill their roles. The Isles recalled Anthony Beauvillier and Michael Dal Colle on an emergency basis from BPT. Along with D, Sebastian Aho to face the New York Rangers. Dal Colle looked comfortable and Aho continues to do what’s asked of him in relief on the Isles blue line. With Casey Cizikas leaving last night’s game after an un-penalized slash to the wrist, Sound Tigers’ scoring leader, Tanner Fritz (37 pts) was recalled again from Bridgeport.

On the other side of the prospect coin, Josh Ho-Sang seems to be souring on his most recent time back down with the Sound Tigers. Ho-Sang always plays hard and has all the talent in the world, but his maturity and attitude have been called into question by critics. This was the main reason the Islanders were able to get a player of his considerable talent level with the 28th overall pick in 2014. Ho-Sang is now getting scratched in the AHL. A place where he has been sent down to learn a lesson, re-ignite his fire and ply his play-making craft like so many who came before him.

“When you start the year in the NHL and then get scratched in the AHL in the same year, it’s kind of … it’s kind of mentally tough,” Ho-Sang told The New York Post. Ho-Sang may not be meshing with Sound Tigers coach, Brent Thompson. “I don’t think anybody can break my confidence,” he said. “But it’s definitely put in a place where it’s not very good. There’s certain things I can do on the ice to remind myself of what I am and who I am. But it’s just tough when you have people getting on you and sometimes when everyone’s talking to you about the negative, you may look at yourself negatively.”

On Ho-Sang, Thompson had this to say, “He’s a baby, he’s immature and he’s got a lot of growing to do. I’m excited. The upside of him is outstanding. He worked hard today, he’s been working really hard. We all make mistakes, we all have bad games. It’s how do we respond from those and what do we learn from them? Every piece of this season for Josh, with us, is a development piece. It’s just going to be a longer process with some people.” In this writer’s opinion, “He’s a baby” may not be the best quote or sound bite to put out there with a major NY paper. Isles fans certainly remember the rift that started to form between the Islanders organization and Nino Neidereitter. It engineered the talented prospect to be traded to the Minnesota Wild for Cal Clutterbuck. No one knows what will happen with Ho-Sang and when his next NHL call-up will be, but the work will need to be there along with the message sent by the organization.

Per Josh Ho-Sang, “Yeah, I’m only young, but I’m burning years off my NHL career. It sucks,” he said. “You want to be up top. For me, I didn’t look at it this way until this year. I was looking forward to hopefully my first [full] NHL season.”

He added, “I enjoy playing up there and I find that when I’m up there, I’ve had quite a bit of success,” Ho-Sang said. “I think I’ve had more success up there than hardship. But they want what they want.”

I love the prospect of Ho-Sang rejoining the Islanders but dues have to be paid when asked by management and the quickest way back up is to prove your doubters wrong without speaking out or losing your cool to a reporter.

For nothing else but an attempt to draw a parallel, please indulge me.

Coach, Doug Weight on Beau’s attitude and game, "Anthony has been a different person," Weight said of Beauvillier since his return. "Just his face, his confidence and just in hindsight, speaking with him this morning he said you were right, this was the greatest thing for me."

Here’s what Anthony Beauvillier himself had to say on being sent down to the AHL, "It happened to Bails [Josh Bailey] and a lot of Hall of Famers played in the American League as well," Beauvillier said. "It's helped me a lot just finding my game a little bit more, how to have success. No one wants to hear that, but it was good for me to go down there."
Perspective.

Back to the main point of all of this.

The Metro remains super tight. The Isles have a shootout win vs NJ and a big, tight defensive and road scoring win vs the NYR in their last 2 opportunities. A point separates 5 teams (Rangers through Carolina) with little relief in sight. It’s all about the coming head-to-head match-ups and which team will rise above the others as the playoff push into spring approaches. It’s going to take a full team effort without any nights off. And that includes everyone on and off the ice.

Challenge accepted.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, “Isles announce Tanner Fritz has been recalled and Andrew Ladd (upper) is on IR.”

Josh Bailey and Johnny Boychuk still out. No update on Casey Cizikas after being slashed on the wrist in last names game vs. the Rangers. Per Andy Graziano, “Weight not optimistic at all about Cizikas, said doesn't look good and won't make trip Monday, opportunity there for guys to step up.”

Per NHL PR, “THIS DATE IN 1988: Denis Potvin of the @NYIslanders became the first defenseman in NHL history to score 300 career goals.”

Sound Tigers Notes:

The #SoundTigers have recalled Kellen Jones (F) & Mike Cornell (D) from the @RailersHC.

Christopher Gibson is now 14-7-2 on the season with 2 shutouts.

Toews Undergoes Successful Surgery.

Tavares & Bailey are All-Stars, Bellows & Sorokyn Impress

John Tavares and Josh Bailey are heading to Tampa Florida and will be representing the New York Islanders January 27-28 on All-Star Weekend at Amalie Arena. Tavares will be making his 5^th appearance and Josh Bailey will be making his well-deserved, 1^st career appearance as an NHL All-Star.

Per Release, “Tavares, 27, scored four goals for Team Toews during 2015 All-Star weekend in Columbus, OH, tying an NHL All-Star Game record as the sixth player ever to score four. In 2016 in Nashville, TN, Tavares won the Accuracy Shooting contest during the Skills Competition while serving as the Metropolitan Division team captain. Last year, he helped the Metropolitan Division team win the 2017 All-Star Game in Los Angeles.”

John Tavares leads the Islanders at the break with team leading 51 points (22 & 29 in 43 games) and good enough for 2^nd in goals and assists on the team. Per release,
“He's averaging over a point per game (1.19) and currently is tied for sixth in the NHL in scoring. In 630 career NHL games, spanning nine seasons with the Islanders, Tavares has 588 points (257 goals, 331 assists).”

Josh Bailey, 28, was recently named 2^nd star in the month of December. He has certainly made a huge splash over the course of this season. With 50 points (12 & 38) in 43 games, Bailey is tied for 2^nd in the NHL for assists and 8^th in total points. Per release, “Bailey has totaled 356 points (118 goals and 238 assists) in 681 career games. Bailey was quoted as saying, "This was my first real time having a shot at it, so I'm honored." He added, "I'm looking forward to the experience and going down there and sharing it with my family."

Both nominations are well earned.

But since we’re on the subject, where was the nod for Anders Lee? Anders Lee is part of the Isles 1^st line that has helped them rank among the tops in the NHL team scoring totals. At the time of this article and being idle for 3 days on their mandatory NHL break, the Isles rank 3^rd overall with 143 goals for (TBL,WPG).

Lee has contributed 40 points (25 & 15) and has been instrumental in New York’s goal scoring. His contributions include, but are hardly limited to, physical play, screening opposing goaltenders and contributing to numerous scoring opportunities. Anders Lee is 3rd in NHL goals behind Kucherov and Ovechkin and is in the top 25 in the league for points, 1st on the Isles in goals, has been a leader and top contributor for his team, doing all the types of things that are not counted on the score sheet. Per The Hockey News, Anders Lee has the most goals in the NHL per 60 minutes played. Oddly enough though, that doesn’t seem to qualify him for an All-Star appearance. The Isles are slumping, I get it. But you cant downplay the kind of game brought by Anders lee this season. It's just not right.

Team USA was disappointed to fall short of defending their Gold medal title at the 2018 WJC in Buffalo. However, Isles prospect, Kieffer Bellows (1^st round, 19^th overall, 2016 NHL Entry Draft) and Team USA dug in and bested the Czech Republic by a 9-3 score to capture a bronze medal at the World Junior Hockey Championship last week. Bellows also led the tournament in scoring and set a Team USA record formerly held by Jeremy Roenick, with nine goals. It was also the most goals scored by any player in the tournament.

Per Jeremy Roenick, “Congrats to @BellowsKieffer on tying my record for most goals in a single WJC tournament with 8 goals. Pretty awesome! #USA #WorldJuniors” Even Kieffer’s Dad, Brian had something to add to his son’s performance in the 2018 Juniors. Per Eric Hornick, “Brian Bellows on his son Kieffer: "There is no way I could shoot the puck like that".

With his 2018 Bronze and the Gold medal from last year with team USA, it makes 2 career medals at the WJHC for Bellows. It also marks the first-time team USA has medals in its 3 consecutive appearances.

On more from the prospect front, Top Isles goaltending prospect, Ilya Sorokin recorded back-to-back shutouts last week (ties KHL lead) and extended his winning streak to 5 straight.

Ilya Sorokin has roared into 2018. The Russian goalie recorded back-to-back shutouts last week, surrendering one goal in his last 3 games, extending his win streak to five straight games in the process.

“The Islanders' 2014 fourth-round pick is tied for the KHL lead in shutouts with eight on the season, and is second in goals-against average with a 1.39. Sorokin is 22-6-4 this season with a 1.39 GAA and a .935 save percentage.”

The Isles other top goaltending prospect, Linus Soderstrom has had shoulder surgery, but is expected to return to HV71 and not miss remainder of the season in the Swedish Elite League as first reported.

Isles notes:

Islanders return to action at the Rangers on Saturday, January 13th @ 1pm. 

Aho, Fritz and Beauvillier were returned to the BST for the NHL break. Anthony Beauvillier (F) has been emergency recalled from Bridgeport. It is expected that Aho & Fritz may recalled by the Islanders when play resumes.

Per Arthur Staple, “Devon Toews out for the year is a big blow. Org sees him as a top-4 D-man next season and this is a big setback for his development.”

Gary Bettman visits Nassau Coliseum to assess its suitability for Islanders as temporary home.

Per Jim Baumbach, “Wondering why Isles were 'conditionally' designated as Belmont RFP winner? Here's explanation given at ESD board meeting: "Formal designation does not happen until after all of the environmental review has been completed and we have a general project plan to bring to the board. Little has been revealed thus far about timeline for Islanders' Belmont arena. But know this. Environmental review process goes first, and ESD said at its board meeting last month that is expected to take "probably a year plus," with traffic and transportation study a main issue.

ESD officials also said at the board meeting they've already been in touch with @MTA and @LIRR "to start conversations" about upgrading the train station. ESD's Holly Leicht at board meeting: "We will have the formal environmental process, we look to do the scoping hearing for that to start that process in March.

What we know re Islanders/Belmont: - Isles/Barclays discussing interim arena plans. NHL open to Coliseum. Decision likely in matter of weeks. - At Belmont, environmental review process to start in March, expected to last "year-plus," after which Isles are "formally" designated. ESD expects to be ready to do an official lease with Islanders group at Belmont in spring 2019 after an environmental review process that should last "12 to 16 months."

Per Arthur Staple, “Isles reached the halfway mark last night. 44 points — four more than they had halfway through last season. And that first half cost Jack Capuano his job.” Isles remain at 46 points right now.

Per Dimitri Filipovic, “The Islanders have a window here where their top two centers and wingers and wingers are making just $13M combined which is both ridiculous and about to end. With each passing day it becomes more and more indefensible that they’re sitting tight and not doing anything.”

Scatchard fuses hockey and film into documentary.

Islanders Extend Mayfield, Team Needs Change

The Islanders have a few big things to be thankful for so far this season. Their new Arena deal at Belmont, strong play at home in Brooklyn, a blistering offensive output supported by their 1st and 2nd lines while Mathew Barzal continues to improve, impressing everyone in the NHL.

Today, our New York Islanders announced a five-year extension for improving D, Scott Mayfield ($1.45M average per year – Staple) that will run through the 2023-24 season. The 25-year-old Mayfield (34th overall selection in 2011 NHL Entry Draft) has 2 & 8 for 10 points in 29 games and a -1 rating with the Isles this season. Mayfield obviously made an impression in his 65 NHL appearances and 2 playoff games, earning a spot with the big club to start the season based on his gritty, puck-moving style of play. Mayfield has obviously shown enough to Garth Snow to join fellow BST, D-Man, Adam Pelech to seemingly be in the future plan on Isles blue line for the foreseeable future. Both are talented, physical and driven players that should help add depth to the back end with more experience.

Per release, “Mayfield has also played 223 American Hockey League games with the Sound Tigers, totaling 12 goals, 38 assists and 411 penalty minutes.

Prior to his professional career, Mayfield attended the University of Denver, where he scored 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists) and collected 192 penalty minutes in 81 games over two seasons. Mayfield also played two seasons with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League. In 111 career USHL games, Mayfield totaled 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) and 304 penalty minutes.”

While it’s not a popular move with some, I like it. Like Pelech does from the back-end, I feel Mayfield has some value to add in transitional play on defense to the team moving forward. I also feel, like Pelech, it’s a steep learning curve to ask a pair of young, inexperienced defensemen to bear on a team struggling to keep the puck out of the net.

Since that big Arena news, the Isles have managed to all but fall apart as a squad and now find themselves just out of playoff contention (CAR game-at-hand) for the 2nd wild card spot in the east. After a 4-3 OT win against the Kings in a December they would rather forget, the Isles continued their slide, going 1 & 6 that started off with a loss to Detroit on 12/19. Other than a 5-2 win (and 1st career hatty by Barzal), the Isles lost to the Ducks, Sabres, Jets, Avalanche and Bruins getting outscored by a dismal 34-18 margin in that span coming off a strong 15-7-2 mark at the end of November. As a team, they are 2nd worst in the NHL with 143 goals against in 40 games (ARI 145) and 2nd worst on the PK with a 74.6% rate of success. Only Edmonton is worse with 70.8%. And that’s even after the Islanders rank 3rd offensively with a 3.38 goals per game average.

Sebastian Aho was added to the Isles in the absence of experienced blue liners like Boychuk (Lower, week to week) & de Haan (indefinitely). With the recent struggles, it’s hard to expect any of these guys to make a significant impact with the team so off the mark. New York’s net minder tandem of Halak and Greiss have been streaky and have just not played well enough game in and game out. Especially when you consider how the defense has left them alone regularly to face adversity in odd man or shorthanded situations.

Even their potent offense has sputtered recently. The 3rd and 4th lines are struggling to contribute and effectively negate the top lines of the opposition and spark offensively. Garth Snow has only responded with internal shake-up attempts. To restart the offense, Josh Ho-Sang was sent down on the 12/15, Shane Prince recalled on the 20th and Tanner Fritz on 1/1 with Anthony Beauvillier being sent down and Steve Bernier returning to the BST recently. It seems their organizational depth is just not enough to pull them out of their current nose dive.

After the 6-1 loss to COL and seeing his head coach ejected, John Tavares was quoted as saying, “It’s embarrassing to be losing like that. Can’t take for granted playing in this league every night.” It seems Doug Weight has found himself in his first real series of challenges since taking over head coaching duties in the later part of last season. “Adversity is hitting us between the eyes right now as a group. We have three really big games and we have to figure it out. We have to get back our mojo, our fierceness that we seem to have let drift.” In my opinion, Mojo = Accountability. If Weight doesn’t have the horses, its once again incumbent on management to make the moves to keep the team in the thick of the playoff race.

The Isles are now 20-16-0, 6^th in their division and 9^th in the east. To me, it seems this team has lost their focus, direction and confidence in their overall game. I am finally sad to say they may be losing their captain in the process. BST recalls won’t fix game or glaring defensive weakness. I say again, change is needed and Garth Snow is on the clock.

The season is almost halfway over and the Isles must overcome this “Bomb Cyclone” hitting the north east, win on the road and start their comeback against the Metro Flyers (4 points back) tonight in Philadelphia, then Pittsburg (1 point back) and Devils (2^nd in division) before their 5 day NHL break.

Anders lee isn’t worried. “I think for sure our attitude could be a little bit more strong. Guys are unhappy with what’s gone on . . . so we’re going to change it.”

Give em’ hell Anders.

Isles Notes:

1/1 Per Arthur Staple, “Isles send Anthony Beauvillier and Steve Bernier to BPT … Recall Tanner Fritz from BPT.”

12/28, Per Arthur Staple, “Isles have placed Johnny Boychuk (lower body) on IR and recalled Sebastian Aho from Bridgeport. Boychuk considered week to week as of now.”

Per Eric Hornick, “Sebastian Aho will become first #Isles to make NHL debut this season and only 2nd in 2017 (JHS). Aho is first #Isles to debut in his draft year since Nino in 2011.”

On 12/24, Mathew Barzal named 2nd Star of the Week, scored his first career hat-trick agains thte Sabres on 12/27 and was named 2nd Star of the Month

Per Brain Compton, “John Tavares has not ruled out re-signing with #Isles before end of season.”

Per @garik16, “Score Adjusted Corsi over each NHL team's last 15 games: The #Isles come in at 31st Place. Yeah, they've been the league's worst team.”

The Isles Bellows (USA), Salo and Koivula (Finland) are participating in 2018 WJC.

Per Randi Marshall, “On finances: New York Arena Partners - group includes #isles, Sterling and Oak View - will finance the entire project - $1 billion total. They'll get a 49 yr lease and will pay $40 mil in rent.”

“And finally, be patient. Building in NYS takes time. There are environmental reviews to do, infrastructure work that's going to need to happen, and plenty of steps between now and a season opener at Belmont. Be patient, stay involved, but watch what happens...”

“Cuomo mentions #isles and Belmont in State of State - Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin get round of applause "for believing in NY." Nikolay Kulemin one other player (de Haan)and in suits and ties there too. "Welcome back to Long Island" Cuomo says.”

NHL open to Islanders playing games at Nassau Coliseum.

Per Arthur Staple, “Charles Wang's name came up often at today's press conference. "Nobody should take anything away from Charles, because frankly, the Islanders wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Charles.’ -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.”

Sound Tiger Notes:

Tanner Fritz & Sebastian Aho named to the 2018 #AHL All-Star Classic.

Team USA Olympic News:

Rosters announced.