The Islanders have been quite transparent on their intentions from the get-go, this summer. They have been so as you might have pressed hands with one of them at the Open Houses. They have climbed aboard a vision of how this team and things can turnaround in a meaningful way, and they are waiting for you all to run after that train. Because many are still standing at the station expecting one of those large presents to suddenly land at your feet.
Let me tell you, it ain't Xmas.
And, just in case you didn't know. There isn't a Santa Claus either.
Mike Milbury Ho Ho Ho'd us into believing that magic pills and pipedreams were solid hockey avenues. Sure, maybe he meant well. But like that doofy uncle who breaks your stereo, you learn to keep him away from breakable items. Mike should have been kept from putting his sweaty palms onto the team. Mad Mike would sell a song and dance, and we'd hope for better because we love hockey and loved the team of old, and we just wanted better. We all did. And we all suffered for it.
Islander fans have suffered. And it's been a long stretch of years. And everytime we thinks it's about to get better (Laviolette) (Nolan year 1), we step backwards or things change. And it's create a fractured fan base who all want better days, but very split notions on how to get there.
Because never did Mike Milbury say: Stop. We need to completely change our philosophy, intentions and goals.
We need to rebuild. We are torn apart, and trying to patch the holes. It's time for a new boat.
Well, it might be years later, but that epiphany occurred just last season. With Garth Snow and Ted Nolan watch intentions flush down the drain with injury, inconsistency and dysfunction.
Since then, they have been very plain and blunt on precisely on what they want to do. They want to rebuild. Refurbish the team just like they want to refurbish the area. And they have opened themselves up with the Open Houses to finally bridge the chasm between the team and the community & fans since.
So, as we sit, with bated breath, as UFA's go to teams who already made their own rebuilds, or have not made the mistakes we have, it might be an excruciating frustrating task. But, there are no magic pills nor beans here folks. The Isles have made it clear that they seek to rebuild and work with the youth of not just the 2008 draft, but also the 2006 and 2007 ones as well. And the only way they will be active is to either find those who can be there as the youth rises and comes together . . . or can help develop the young kids as to get to that level with short-term contracts.
You see, it's all about the BIG PICTURE. A picture not seen on Long Island for a long time. Where patience takes the place of impulse. Where smarts takes the place of kneejerk. Where they have pulled away the curtain to the box behind the stage, and made things very plain. That they had every intention of trading back to gain targets who they felt would maximize that bigger longer-term notion.
So, as you see cash fly, almost assuring the next lockout. As you see talking heads muse and preen. As we watch numbers crunch and years inflate, you need to recall a few things.
Rebuilding is one of the most time-tested and surefire ways to turn things around. Bar none.
We will laugh last. In this I trust. So should you.
-BD
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