can we talk about the (frank)ing game tonight..that is far more important than this trade discussion

can we talk about the (frank)ing game tonight..that is far more important than this trade discussion
- NYI78

Good idea it's crazy to talk trade and Islanders.I look forward to seeing Lee tonight.

can we talk about the (frank)ing game tonight..that is far more important than this trade discussion
- NYI78

Agreed. Any word on who starts in goal?

Agreed. Any word on who starts in goal?
- UIF

Have to think it's Nabby. Poulin has not played enough to be put in at this point.

can we talk about the (frank)ing game tonight..that is far more important than this trade discussion
- NYI78

Isles are gonna win tonight. This is the closest they've been to sniffing the playoffs with this group. They want this more than we do.

Isles are gonna win tonight. This is the closest they've been to sniffing the playoffs with this group. They want this more than we do.
- kindlyrick

Nice to say but they need to show it. I want to see them come out with all guns blazing. If they come out flat tonight...

Have to think it's Nabby. Poulin has not played enough to be put in at this point.
- ses111

Nabby's been pretty darn bad in back-to-backs this season though, if memory serves.

Oilers' Dane Byers dealt to Washington for Garrett Stafford

Nice to say but they need to show it. I want to see them come out with all guns blazing. If they come out flat tonight...
- gaf92

I'd love to see Lee on that first line in place of Boyes or even Casey or Martin.

Personally I think we should go with Poulin. If not to just give Nabby a night off, our backup needs the work. God help us if Nabby goes down and Poulin's only played once in a month!

Nabby's been pretty darn bad in back-to-backs this season though, if memory serves.
- UIF

True but Poulin is going to be all rusty after not playing.

Personally I think we should go with Poulin. If not to just give Nabby a night off, our backup needs the work. God help us if Nabby goes down and Poulin's only played once in a month!
- keaner17

tough to play the backup up who hasn't played and struggled when he has with a game that is this important

I'd love to see Lee on that first line in place of Boyes or even Casey or Martin.
- ses111

If nothing else they need someone who can get them out of their own damn zone!

My thoughts:

- Boyes isn't going anywhere, unless we cut him (ditto Reasoner, needless to say). He is a one trick pony, and no one is going to want him.

- I'd literally offer Moulson, Niederreiter and our 1st round pick for Vanek. That's an upgrade for Moulson (big time) that does not hurt us at all, and it at least gives them someone in return who can score a goal or two. If I'd have to sub a Cizikas or Bailey for Moulson, I'd have to think about that, but I still might make the trade- Vanek gives JT what he needs to shine, and I think a year of potting 50 just might make him want to stay here.

- I'd offer Streit to the first team needing a power play QB, straight up for a defenseman who is an upgrade in his own end of the ice.

- If neither of those things happen, I'd still try to upgrade the D with lesser picks. Failing that, I'd "run what I brung", and make sure I sign the goalie.

tough to play the backup up who hasn't played and struggled when he has with a game that is this important
- NYI78

yes but it's probably worse to play a 37 year old goaltender for over a month straight without a break....

I know it won't happen but I would love Clarkson
- Vukota

I saw him last night...he was invisable...I'd pass...can't trade any of our blue chip prospects...

yes but it's probably worse to play a 37 year old goaltender for over a month straight without a break....
- keaner17

It's a tough call for sure. I can see the argument for either. I'd go with Poulin personally, but wouldn't blame Cappy in the least if he starts Nabby.

But what about depth? Yes, Vis is capable of taking over the top PP QB spot. But what if he goes down? Then who do you have? Nielsen? A-Mac? Good teams, playoff teams, have depth, more than one option for a particular role. You don't have to have only one good offensive d-man on a roster. You can have more than that.
- Jethro09

what do we have if Tavares goes down?

I'd love to see Lee on that first line in place of Boyes or even Casey or Martin.
- ses111

While I'm as excited about Anders lee as anyone. There's no way they put that kinda pressure on him. He's gotta learn the systems (whatever those are). 4 th line minutes for lee tonight

yes but it's probably worse to play a 37 year old goaltender for over a month straight without a break....
- keaner17

True, however at this point, with the playoffs being so close you can taste it, you kinda HAVE to go with Nabby. I think, pretty much, we'd all agree that getting into the playoffs this season will make this year a success. Anything more, gravy.

Vish is the stop gap and Donovan should be on the team now. I have to think he is better than Steit on D. To me guys like Reinhart and Pedan are not going to need a lot more time.
- ses111

Just curious, how do you know all this? Do you watch any Bridgeport games? Have you seen these prospects play this year? I haven't. But I know it typically takes d-men a long time to develop, So I don't see how we can be sure that these kids are not only NHL ready, but better than Mark Streit. Will some of the "D" prospects top out as better players than Streit? I sure hope so. Will that happen in the next year or two? Doubtful.

yes but it's probably worse to play a 37 year old goaltender for over a month straight without a break....
- keaner17

come on really..i know he's old i know he's tired but he gives you the best chance to win..poulin does not

i think hickey could help..donovan would merit a look
- NYI78

From what I saw last night when I went to the game...Hickey plays defense, Streit doesn't...

Just curious, how do you know all this? Do you watch any Bridgeport games? Have you seen these prospects play this year? I haven't. But I know it typically takes d-men a long time to develop, So I don't see how we can be sure that these kids are not only NHL ready, but better than Mark Streit. Will some of the "D" prospects top out as better players than Streit? I sure hope so. Will that happen in the next year or two? Doubtful.
- Jethro09

i feel like i can comment on bport players. would he be as good as streit offensively?? i don't know..i do know he has had a great season and is ready to take the next step...IF streit is moved i think he can be a bottom pair dman and not be lost.

come on really..i know he's old i know he's tired but he gives you the best chance to win..poulin does not
- NYI78

So why not play him 82 games per season then?