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.”
"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:
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