The Yin And The Yang

On Saturday February 16th, a rumor was reported by the New York Post about Charles Wang's interest to sell the Islanders.  But that would not stop Your New York Islanders as they continued their strong inspired play motivated by a rant from Doug Weight after the 1st period of their game vs. the Rangers.  The Isles met the New Jersey Devils and faced the problematic Johan Hedberg, (10-7-2 vs. Isles) before a near sell-out crowd and dismantled them, 5-1 at the NVMC.  It was a well played contest for New York and a breakout game for John Tavares.

Per Eric Hornick, "John Tavares recorded his fourth career hat trick and Evgeni Nabokov made 30 saves as the Islanders broke open a scoreless game with five goals in the final 23:14 to defeat the New Jersey Devils 5-1 before 15,488 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Both Tavares and Matt Moulson finished the night with four points."

On Sunday, John Tavares was subsequently named the NHL's first star of week with 7 points (5 and 2 in three games.)

Today, the Islanders played the Philadelphia Flyers for their first meeting of the season.  The Flyers have struggled this season and would face a seemingly focused Isles team.  Unfortunately, the Isles suffered their worst home loss in team history, falling to the Flyers by a score of 7-0.  Evgeni Nabokov was almost left alone to face his attackers, and should have been pulled when the score got out of hand, very early in the 2nd period.  Arthur Staple had this from Nabokov, "We have to have 20 people on the board together, every night. Otherwise we have no chance."

"They were the hungrier team," Capuano said. "Physically, they manhandled us. That, to me, is controllable. That's your work ethic, your battle level. And that's what's unacceptable."

Once again, this two faced team played a weak defensive game and struggled to maintain their cool as mistakes and misplayed pucks gave the Flyers the breaks they needed to gain confidence.  And that they did.

The list of errors the Isles commit when they play poorly has been written about over and over again on KoC so far this season.  The most frustrating thing about this team is that they have some good pieces in place, but still lack proper leadership.  I am sure Doug Weight will be a great coach one day and have no doubt that Brent Thompson can add value as a secondary assistant coach with his ability to connect with younger players.

In my opinion, the next head coach of the New York Islanders can't be a home grown, self cultivated drone of the Isles internal management system.  It needs to be an established coach who will buy into managements plan, but bring the knowlege and know how of a winner to change the culture of the room.  The fragility and inconsistency has to stop.

For example, after Ken Hitchcock was hired by the St. Louis Blues on 11/6/2011, the team responded and their prospect ladened system immediately beared fruit.  The Blues were the first team to reach the 100 point mark and later, qualifyied for the playoffs for the first time since the 2008-09 season.  They went on to win the first round of the playoffs (vs. SanJose) and lost to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion, Los Angeles Kings in the next round.

With the Bertuzzi-Moore incident aside, a coach like Marc Crawford could be exactly what the team needs.  Crawford is now coaching for the ZSC Lions of the National League A in Switzerland.  In his last NHL job, Crawford accrued 79 wins and 60 losses over the 09-10 and 10-11 seasons, good enough for 5th place finishes with the Dallas Stars Organization.

When asked about his teams performance today, NHL player of the week, John Tavares said, "Unacceptable." 

When will it end?  What will it take?

Isles Notes:

The Islanders will go on the road to face the Ottawa Senators tomorrow @ 7:30, the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday @ 7:30 and the Buffalo Sabers on Saturday @ 7:00.

Isles Transactions: Brian Strait has been placed on IR with a fractured left ankle. Radek Martinek activated to official roster.

Per Arthur Staple, Islanders are offering Reasoner around league, not much interest. Could end up on waivers if roster spot needed.

Per Jeff Capellini, "Visnovsky has been on the ice of 11 of the Isles14 goals since joining the team."

Brad Boyes has 12pts in 15gp this season.

Per MSG+, Most Points, NHL, last two seasons: 1. Malkin 126 2. Stamkos 118 3. Tavares 101.

Per Eric Hornick, "Isles have now worn their black jerseys twice this ssn, and have been blanked by a combined 10-0. Isles now 3-9-3 all-time in black."

Brendan Witt on Twitter, "Why does NBC still put milbury on tv. He sucks ass."

Per @NHLhistorygirl, On February 15th in 1972, the Isles hired Bill Torrey as their first General Manager.

Sound Tigers Notes:

On February 17th, 1:57 into the overtime period, Admirals come back to beat the Sound Tigers 3-2. Norfolk outshot Bridgeport 40-19. Halmo & Costello the BST goal scorers.

On February 16th, "The Sound Tigers fought back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the Bruins heading into the third period, but could not erase another deficit as their game-tying goal was waved off in a frustrating 5-3 loss to Providence on Saturday night. With the win, the Bruins improve to 29-17-0-3. The Sound Tigers fall to 22-21-2-3 with the loss."

Per @RoseTintedVisor, 1st ever @YouCanPlayTeam night is HERE:  Theres a link for tickets as well.

Isles Show Rangers A Little Love

Prior to tonights game at MSG, the Islanders are ranked 7th in the NHL for goals scored per game, 5th best on the PP and 3rd best on the PK.  So how have they lost 5 in a row?

 

1- Inconsistent play and irratic effort - Coaching.

2 - Soft 5 on 5 game.

 

3 - Not playing the body, fore check.

4 - Defensive game:

            Weak defensive play by the forwards.

            Defensive holes in their own zone and not physical in protecting their own net.

5 - Decline in goaltending performance.

 

Tonight, they visit the improving New York Rangers at MSG.  Head Coach Jack Capuano has consistently complained about his teams inconsistency and "battle-level."  He has mentioned there were players on the roster who weren't playing hard enough, likining them to passengers.  John Tavares and Travis Hamonic wore their disgust like a badge of shame after their last loss.

How will the team respond tonight?

 

Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Grabner-Aucoin-McDonald, Boulton-Cizikas-Martin.

Defensive pairings: Finley-Streit, Hamonic-Strait, Visnovsky-MacDonald.

Nabokov in net.  DP backing up.

 

In the first, the Islanders give up a goal on the 2nd Rangers shot less than 5 minutes into the period.  Boulton challenges Asham to stir things up.  Over 10 minutes gone in the first period, no Isles shots on net.  Rangers return to Isles zone, Gaborik gets 3 point blank shots to make it 2-0, Rangers.  The Islanders have no presence in front of their own net.  There is no physicality, no threat or punishment exacted for lurking there.  The Rangers have a 10-0 advantage in shots thus far.  Rangers call a time out with 2:28 left in period up 2-0 and outshooting the Isles 10-4.  Islanders come alive in final two minutes of period and pressure Rangers in their zone with a couple of shots on Biron.  Rangers outshoot Isles 11-6 while Islanders fall to a -13 in 5 on 5 play.  I've seen enough of this game to know that Jack Capuano can not prepare this team to be competitive consistently at the NHL level.

 

The second period started with line combination of McDonald, Cizikas and Martin, resulting in a goal.  Cizikas to McDonald.  2-1 Rangers.  Islanders have more jump, forcing Rangers to react to their pressure.  John Tavares and Casey Cizikas break up off a PK and J.T. gets a short handed goal.  Game tied 2-2.  :40 seconds later, Boyes makes it 3-2 Isles.  Crowd chanting for Rangers to put Lundqvist in the game.  Rangers still have a 15-10 shots advantage.  The Rangers, Haglein uses his skate to direct the puck to the net, then shoves puck into net as Ref waits on his intent to whistle.  Game tied at 3-3.  At least this game has a pulse, unlike the last meeting between these two arch rivals.  The Isles look as though they are fully engaged and back into the game.  The Isles outshot the Rangers 14-12 in the period, the Rangers with the game advantage in shots  23-19.

 

In the final period, both teams played a more even game.  They traded chances and made plays on both sides of the ice.  The Isles have been better at moving the puck this period.  The Rangers turn up the pressure but the Isles are able to withstand the onslaught.  Isles call timeout.  Nabokov is busy and he has been the answer for Isles late in the game.  Rangers outshoot Isles 12-7 in the third, 35-27 for the game.

 

The Islanders come into overtime buzzing with good offensive pressure.  Rangers make a sloppy change with 9 players on the ice, no call.  They booed Biron early, now they chant "Marty."  Nice.  Both Goalies good in O.T.  Both teams had 4 shots on net.

 

Shootout:

Rangers shoot first.

 

 

Gaborik stopped.

Neilsen scores!

Nash stopped.

Tavares wins it for the Islanders! 

Final: 4-3 in the shootout.

 

To sum up my thoughts on why Isles have lost the last 5 games, the Isles:

1 - Still inconsistant and irratic.  I think Coach Jack Capuano needs to go.

2 - Still soft 5 on 5, but got better as game went on.

3 - For the most part, Martin and crew played the body and got physical.

4 - Defensively, still suspect but made some strides.  Still way too soft in front of their own net.

5 - Evgeni Nabokov was just ok early, kept Isles in game later, .914 Sv% for first 3 periods.

 

John Tavares.  What more needs be said.  He is everything to the Islanders.  Brad Boyes hasn't arrived, but is at least getting better as time passes.  Matt Martin is a pressence that we expect to be there, and dont always appreciate everything he actually does for the team.  Casey Cizikas does everything quiety.  He is a factor and brings an energy that has been  a glaring loss from the line up when he isn't out there.  Colin McDonald is good at what he does as well.  Being an aggitator and scoring the occassional goal.  The Isles team defense got better, later in the game.  Lubo Visnovsky continues to show in his play what Garth Snow saw when he traded for him at the draft.  Frans Nielsen works hard and he is a reliable part of the Isles machine.

The Islanders woke up after the first period, and competed for the win against a good  New York Rangers team with a deep line up and are hot right now.  They need to continue cycling the puck, moving around the ice, playing a tight defensive game and play physical to pull out a win.  The offensive depth the team has developed came through in the shootout.

 

 

Per Arthur Staple, Several Isles said assistant coach Doug Weight delivered a blistering speech after 1st. "We deserved it, and we needed it," Nielsen said.

What started out very ugly, may be end up being a galvanizing moment for this Islanders team.  Or not.  We will see if everything stays the same with the coaching staff and line up which is the most likely scenario. If so, the challenge of consistency is renewed to them.  The Isles need to evolve and mature enough to know how to fight hard every night. 

Enjoy this one and rest on what they did correctly Islanders fans.  They bent, but did not break.

 

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple on Isles vs Rags, Nabokov in goal, Reasoner, Ullstrom, Hickey out. Streit paired with Finley, Martin-Cizikas-Boulton 4th line.  Capuano wants more size in lineup tonight, felt Isles were outmuscled last week here vs. NYR.  Would expect Ullstrom back vs. NJ on Sat.

Per Daniel Friedman, "Any hockey team (Isles) that has four optional skates during a five-game losing streak is a poorly-coached hockey team."

Prior to tonight vs. the NYR, the Isles have 25 games until the trade deadline.  In that time, the teams success will determine a lot about how the roster may look for next year.

On February 13th, 1990, Isles Center, Bryan Trottier records his 500th NHL goal in a 4-2 loss to Calgary.

Sound Tigers Notes:

On February 13th, The Bridgeport Sound Tigers signed (F) Scott Campbell to a Standard Player Contract for the remainder of the season.

On February 12th, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, @JohnPersson21 score off a deflection from the slot past McElhinney at 2:14 of OT!! Sound Tigers earn huge 4-3 win over Springfield.

Valentine's Day Wishes:

 

Adam Proteau bids all a Happy Valentine's Day. May the love of your life never lock you out once, let alone twice in eight years.  Zing!

Damage Done, Isles Lose To Canes

On the anniversary of "The Brawl," your 13th place New York Islanders will face the 9th place Carolina Hurricanes at the NVMC.  The Isles swept the season series vs. the Hurricanes last season.

Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Grabner-Nielsen-Okposo, Ullstrom-Aucoin-McDonald, Bailey-Cizikas-Martin.

Defensive Pairings: MacDonald-Hamonic, Strait-Visnovsky, Hickey-Streit.

DiPietro in goal, Nabokov backing up.

The Islanders started out strong and moved the puck well.  And on a PP opportunity in the first 3 minutes of the game, Frans Nielsen scores (Bailey and Hamonic) first for the Islanders.  Its a PP goal, 1-0 Isles.  DiPietro looks like hes settled and comfortable early in the game.  Former Islander, Tim Wallace scored to even score, 1-1.  It looked to me like Wallace moved his skate distinctly to put the puck in the net, but goal stands.  The Islanders seem to be flustered and getting off track later in the period, even though they generate a few scoring chances before period ends.  Kyle Okposo looked better in the period.  New York outshooting Carolina, 11-6.

 

 

To start the second period, penaltys abound.  Matt Martin should have been awared a penalty shot.  JT flips it over Ward (Moulson and Visnovsky) for another PP goal, 2 for 2 tonight.  2-1 Islanders.  And only :20 afterTavares goal, Carolina makes it 2-2.  Another PP for the Isles means another goal.  Matt Moulson scores off a nice feed from Streit and Boyes, 3-2 Islanders.  PP is 3 for 3 on 4 shots tonight.  DiPietro makes a big save on Skinner to preserve the lead.  Isles with a 14-12 edge in shots.  Eric Hornick says, "have 3 PP goals for first time in a home game since 10/9/10 vs Dallas."

The Hurricanes storm back and score to start the 3rd period, game tied at 3-3.  DiPietro giveaway eventually led to goal.  The Islanders look flat and being out muscled by Carolina.  They have been weak in their own zone.  Capuano takes team timeout to regroup and calm things down.  Arthur Staple reports, " Capuano yelling "Wake up!" at his team during Isles timeout." A pass deflects off Travis Hamonic, 4-3 Carolina.  Islanders still look flat.  Carolina scores on a screened shot.  5-3 Hurricanes.  "DP sucks," chant can be heard in the Colisieum.  DP now getting the Bronx cheer after a save as fans get more frustrated.  This game isn't all on DP.  Isles PP clicks again, 4 for 4 tonight.  Lubo Visnovsky scores (Boyes and Streit) to cut Carolina's lead to 5-4.  Isles making a late push with DP pulled.  Final score, 6-4 Canes.  The Hurricanes outshot the Isles 31-28.

A few thoughts on the game:

Fortunately, the Isles PP had big success, although their 5 on 5 efforts struggled.  Matt Moulson and John Tavares lead by example and are just fun to watch for Isles fans.  I love Moulson's energy tonight. Ive never seen him get so physical.  Lubo Visnovsky has made a difference for the PP and on Defense.  He is a welcome addition in my opinion.  Bailey continues to look good.

DiPietro started ok, but looked lost tonight with a .883Sv%, he is trying to handle puck too much.  Kyle Okposo struggled again tonight, but works hard.  Thomas Hickey struggled on defense.  The Isles had some bad luck tonight with 3 flukey goals against, but that can not matter.  Change is needed after losing 5 straight, 3 games under .500 and falling fast.  Fore check needs to be better, forwards need to help on defense.

Doug Weight: "Puck responsibility is paramount. ...You have to have puck responsibility."

The truth is, the Islanders are just sloppy and not playing composed like they were at the start of the season.  To me, thats a coaching issue.  The team has reverted to a fragile psyche that results in team defense breaking down and getting outworked.  They need to put more shots on net and forcibly move bodies away from their own net.  To watch cornerstones like John Tavares with head in hand, so despondent in an empty team bench at the end of the game and Travis Hamonic smash his stick on the way back to the locker room, there are problems here that if not corrected, will start eating away at the team.

 

To Management.  This game has done some damage.  Please do something about it.

Isles Notes:

B.D. Gallof notices a stat on Nabokov, "Nabokov last few losses went from .923 Save Pct in loss to NJ lst week to .880 vs Pens to .875 vs NYR to now .800 vs Sabres.

On this date in 2011, your New York Islanders played the "Pengwhines" in the epic 9-3 contest, where 65 minutes of on ice penalties were handed out, including 15 fighting majors and 21 game misconducts, resulting in a total of 346 minutes.

Per Bob McKenzie, BOS is likely to sign former Islander, Jay Pandolfo to a contract this week. He has been skating/traveling with Bruins without a contract.

Per nhlfreeagents.com, Calgary Flames claim former Isles goaltender Joey MacDonald off waivers.

Sabres Run Isles Through

Your New York Islanders face the Buffalo Sabres at the mostly snow bound NVMC tonight.  Visnovsky will make his Isles debut and Bailey will be back in the line up.  Will the Islanders play with an edge tonight and score some PP goals?

 

Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Grabner-Nielsen-Okposo, Ullstrom-Aucoin-McDonald, Bailey-Cizikas-Martin.

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Strait-Visnovsky, Hickey-Streit.

Evgeni Nabokov in goal with Rick DiPietro backing up.

In the first period, the Islanders had some jump in their game.  Thomas Hickey started the game looking very good.  Several players played well and the team did a good job with the fore check.  A few good scoring chances for the Isles, until Buffalo made it 1-0 off a scrum in front of Nabokov.  The Isles need to move bodies out from their net and help their goaltender out.  They are not playing physical enough.  John Tavares scored for New York, evening the score at 1-1 before time expired.  Isles outshot Sabres 15-4 and kept majority of play in Buffalo's zone.  Isles 0-1 on PP.

The second period started with a power play that generated shots, but failed to score.  Looked pretty good with Lubo.  Isles with more pressure and putting shots on net.  Good efforts by Bailey and Cizikas.  Evgeni Nabokov showed composure when called upon early.  Buffalo generates a single rush and scored to make it 2-1 despite Isles puck possession.  Ryan Miller has been strong.  Isles buzzing, Cizikas to McDonald for a nice goal, 2-2.  Isles keep up the pressure and focus with a 29-11 shot avantage and tied game going into 3rd period.

Islanders took over where they left off in the 1st period.  Relentless offensive effort.  Again, credit Ryan Miller and credit Buffalo defenders for deflecting and blocking shots.  Also, the Islanders need to stop puttung shots directly into Miller's chest.  When you dominate a team but cant score, it keeps them in the game and usually goes bad for you.  This held true in the 3rd period as Buffalo scored to take a 3-2 lead.  Nabokov should have stopped that one.  Tavares gets pulled down from behind on a rush and was awarded a penalty shot.  J.T. hits the post.  Isnt that just a microcosom of this game.  Isles have fanned on shots and lost the puck all game long.  Time expires with the Isles on a PK.

 

12, 608 fans came out after the blizzard to support the Islanders.  The team looked better and they outshot Buffalo 43-15, but lost by the score of 3-2.  The Sabres blocked 23 shots in the game.  The Isles Defense looked OK, but needed to be better on giveaways.  Evgeni Nabokov needs a rest after tonight, he didnt look sharp at 12 for 15 with an .800 Sv%.  Josh Bailey looked pretty good and Lubo Visnovsky looked good, and fairly comfortable in the Isles system.  D, Brian Strait continues to play well defensively and contribute offensively.  The PP was 0-3 tonight, now 0-22 on the 4 game losing streak putting in last place in the Atlantic Division.

 

Tonights game was a good effort.  The Isles pressured offensively and held Buffalo to 15 shots.  They failed to capitalize on breakaways and a penalty shot while Buffalo did damage with limited opportunities and off Isles mistakes.  Kyle Okposo continues to struggle and miss out on offensive chances.  Nabokov looked shakey, probably made more evident by the strong play in the Sabers end by Ryan Miller.  Miller repelled the Isles push by making big saves throughout the game. 

 

The Islanders were frustrated and fell short, despite working hard.  Doing all the right things and taking steps forward will only get you so far.  This sort of thing gets to you as an athlete and can only be solved by success.  John Tavares continues to inspire and the team fights hard through it all.

 

When will it all come together?

 

Photo Credit:  Islanders Fans in Brooklyn

The Islanders face the Carolina Hurricanes, away at New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, all 7 p.m. starts.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, Nabokov makes 7th straight start in goal. Visnovsky and Bailey in, Cizikas back in. Boulton, Reasoner, Finley out for Isles.

 

Forgot to mention from Capuano earlier: Visnovsky-Strait and Streit-Hickey on D. Capuano said Streit has been playing too many mins 5 on 5.

Isles Injury Update: Matt Carkner has been placed on IR with a groin injury. Retroactive February 6.

 

Per Kevin Gibson, NYI 5-1-1 past 7 at home vs BUF prior to tonight.

 

Ryan Strome scored his 100th of his OHL career with the Niagra Ice Dogs.

Isles Outworked By Rangers

 

Tonight is the first meeting between arch rivals.  The Islanders at MSG to face the New York Rangers.

 

Forwards

26 Matt Moulson - 91 John Tavares - 24 Brad Boyes
40 Michael Grabner - 51 Frans Nielsen - 21 Kyle Okposo
41 David Ullstrom - 10 Keith Aucoin - 13 Colin McDonald
36 Eric Boulton - 16 Marty Reasoner - 17 Matt Martin

Defensemen

47 Andrew MacDonald – 3 Travis Hamonic
37 Brian Strait - 2 Mark Streit
52 Joe Finley - 14 Thomas Hickey

Goaltenders

20 Evgeni Nabokov
39 Rick DiPietro

 ###

Per Arthur Staple, "Nabokov in goal, Carkner (lower body) out, Finley in. Cizikas likely healthy scratch."

 ###

 

In the first period, the Islanders scrambled and looked out of sorts.  The Rangers dictated play, out worked Isles and jumped out a 2-0 lead.  Evgeni Nabokov wasn't getting a lot of help, or even able to see all the shots as they came to him.  The Rangers outshot the Isles 11-8.

In the second period, the Isles looked worse.  I cant help but think about Casey Cizikas and his infectious fire, scratched from this game.  I think it was a big mistake by Management.  Isles look better into period, making plays, more positives.  John Tavares made it 2-1.  A defensive breakdown gave the Rangers a 3-1 lead.  Lundqvist, very good for the Rangers.  The slow starts and spotted leads are becoming too common and to reminiscent of a losing season.  Rangers lead in shots, now 18-17.

Islanders are better in the third period, but have difficulty pressuring Rangers.  The reworked 1st and 2nd lines didn't seem to be working.  0-5 on the PP so far, 0-19 over last 3 games.  Empty net goal, 4-1 Rangers a final.  Isles end up out shooting Rangers, 26-24.  Two goals for Ranger prospect, J.T. Miller, 0 points for Rick Nash.  John Tavares was awesome.

 

 

First time in history the Rangers have won 8 straight times in MSG vs. Isles.

Third straight loss for the Islanders.  PP is non existent.  Bad execution in defensive zone.  Just a bad effort in a game they should have had no problem getting up for.  Cizikas scratched.  Keep in mind though, the Isles ran into strong defensive teams with even stronger goaltending performances in their last 3 loses.

Per Arthur Staple, Jack Capuano: "Some guys played tentative, some guys didn't take hits to make plays. I'm disappointed w/ some guys' battle level tonight.  Some guys played tentative, some guys didn't take hits to make plays. I'm disappointed w/ some guys' battle level tonight."  What will come of this?  There may be some reorganization to the roster and game plan Saturday vs. Buffalo.

 

The Islanders should be reeling after losing 3 straight after starting strong, now 9 pts in 10 games with a 4-5-1 record.  They have done some things well, but must improve in their own zone and recover on the PP and minimize missed opportunities.  I hope Lubo Visnovsky is all hes been touted to be for the Isles.  They can use his defense and PP skills ASAP.

 

 

Compete, Overcome and Win.

 

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, Visnovsky arrived last night and has passed his physical. Will join team Friday for practice.

Per  New York Islanders, "Team has lifted the suspension of Lubomir Visnovsky and he has been added to the active roster."

@Dobberhockey remarks, "In the 4 games that John Tavares has played over 23 minutes he has 0 points. In the 5 games he played 23 or less, he has 11 points."

Per @AdamRotter, "Today, while speaking with reporters at the morning skate before tonight's game against the Capitals, Crosby said of Islander fans “The fans didn’t show a lot of class. … I wouldn’t do that.'

@cgray41, He (Crosby) didnt show alot of class when he sucker punched McDonald after the whistle before he got hit with puck.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

 

Per AHL, "The American Hockey League today announced that Bridgeport Sound Tigers left wing Brandon DeFazio has been suspended for one (1) game as a consequence of a slew-footing incident in a game vs. Norfolk on Feb. 2.   DeFazio will miss Bridgeport’s game Saturday (Feb. 9) vs. Portland."

Islanders Acquire Tim Thomas. Seriously.

 

Per Arthur Staple, Reports out there are correct: Isles have acquired G Tim Thomas for a conditional 2nd-rounder in either 2014 or 2015.

Start the impulsive, frustrated, embarassed and purely reactionary Isles fan rant now!

 

When the news broke of the Islanders trading a conditional 2nd round pick for Bruins hold out, Tim Thomas - at first, I didnt know what to think either.  The Stanley Cup winning goaltender has sat out this season, saying he would not play for the Bruins.  Per Renaud Lavoie, "Tim Thomas told the Bruins that their is 99% chance he won't play this season. I don't expect it will change after the trade."

OK then! So it seems Garth Snow has aquired Tim Thomas, a Stanley Cup winning goaltender who is currently suspended by the Boston Bruins. Per Katie Strang, "Because Thomas' contract is 35+ his $5M cap hit (pro-rated) will count toward the floor regardless of whether he plays or not." So, the cap hit will get the team to the floor, even if he refuses to report.



Bob McKenzie, " Technically, NYI were cap compliant (to meet floor) as soon as Visnovsky came off suspension today but NYI opted to make Thomas deal anyway.Thomas deal obviously gives NYI flexibility to make moves and remain cap compliant if they so choose."



My boy, Anthony Stabile said it first. "I find it a tad odd Snow would surrender a 2nd rounder for a player that he has no intention of playing for Isles. This one may be one to keep an eye on..."

 

Can this be legal?



Pierre LeBrun got Bill Daly's take on the subject. "As long as a Player has an active contract that he has the right to return to absent unusual circumstances, our view is that he remains a "hockey asset" that a Club has a right to trade or acquire.'' end quote

 

What about the usual rumors of DP being too hurt to play?  Maybe the Isles made a desperate move to get a good player who may use a change of scenery to change his attitude.  Maybe they knew he would play for them, then maybe I thought they would tow the contract until next season like they did with Evgeni Nabokov.

 

B.D. Gallof proved me wrong on the DP injury speculation.  "And told DP is fine. just in case you are wondering."  I was, thanks.

 

Then, more information came out.

 

Arthur Staple, "Isles GM Garth Snow: "This move gives us roster flexibility." 2nd-rounder is conditional on Tim Thomas playing at least 1 game for Isles."

 

Bob McKenzie had this to say on aquiring Thomas' right, "Which is ideal for NYI. No acquisition price. NYI can toll contract to next year if they like, continue to get cap benefit in perpetuity.  Or NYI can let contract expire at end of season and be done with it. Their call. Thomas has no intent to return to play at this time."

 

"So why not make a trade for a guy who will help the team instead of adding a "useless" player on paper?"  I get this.  Its a logical question.  I think that Snow would make a trade for what he thought was a long term solution for a player who would help the team win, but how many of those guys are available for a price the Isles would be willing to pay?

 

The Isles only lose the conditional pick if Thomas suits up for New York this season for at least one game or they move him in a trade.  That would bring in the possibility of towing the contract to next season and the Isles wouldn't have pay a player who is suspended.  That means, if he doesn't play for the Isles, Thomas would be a tradeable asset that they would get more than a second round pick for in a deal.  Per Craig Custance, " Visnovsky & Thomas account for $10.6 million of cap space towards floor but cost NYI only $3 million in actual salary if TT doesn't play."

 

Katie Strang, " GM Garth Snow said he has had conversation with Tim Thomas, but wouldn't say what that entailed, whether he wants to play."

 

 

 

My feeling is that this season is "last looks" for Management before making its final deisions on the organizations last few core pieces and if they would be put in place.  As the prospects improve and mature, the veterans who dont fit in the future plans will become moveable assets.  Streit and Visnovsky could be good examples of this.  Snow will continue to resign rostered players who he sees as a part of the core moving forward before looking to free agents, unless that free agent is an addable asset or depth move.  He has shown he will go to the waiver wire with good results when available, although this tactic will become less viable as the Isles improve and go up in the NHL standings.

 

Lets wait and see where this goes.  It is out of the ordinary for the NHL, but others including B.D. Gallof, whose opinion I respect, says other sports do things like this all the time.  If you think its a big joke, and the Isles suck and the Owner sucks and the GM sucks, and the team sucks ... and is a joke ... take a deep breath and see what happens.  If you are way too frustrated by what you would call the latest embarrasement, maybe you need to make a change.  I hope you reconsider. 

 

I haven't given up yet, so I am sticking around.