Reasoner last night was two gears behind anyone else on the ice, horrible tripping penalty that put them down two and took away any chance at a comeback and then took a run at a player who'd done nothing to deserve it and stuck out his knee. The fact that he missed is irrelevant, he needs to be suspended, scratched and gone from the team.

I expected the Isles to come out and be a bit overwhelmed, and it definitely looked bad. Whether they can play a tighter game on friday will tell us whether or not it'll be a repeat of their sweep in 94 when they were shelled by the rangers in every game.

Tough loss, learning experience and move on. without reasoner. ever again.
- Isles_since_6

I'm done with the Reasoner experience. The guy is a bag of s**t. He brings nothing to the table. He should never have been dressed for last nights game. I don't understand why Joensuu wasn't dressed last night. He was going well with Cizikas and Martin during that winning streak. He should never have been scratched.

how many times have the rags scored 2 or less goals that last month? how many times did they score 3 or more?
- rangerdanger94

reguardless.... he answered a post where someone said Henry is more valuable 2 a team thsat scores 2 goals a game... with how the Rags score more goals 5 on 5 then the Islanders???? what does one have to do with the other???


XxNYIxX

I'm no fan of Cappy, but you can't blame him for the players not showing up. For the six weeks this team was unbeatable, I didn't read anything about how bad a coaching staff the Isles have.

The Isles are out-classed in this series. The coaches didn't lose the game. The refs didn't f**k the Isles. The Isles' f**ked the Isles. They played careless and on their heels all night against a far superior team. Calling a time out wasn't going to stop that beating.
- Jethro09

I think the thing that disappointed me most was the team had no physical presence and for that I do place some blame on Cappy. He pulled out one of our better forecheckers as of late (and a big body) in favor of a guy who can't even keep up with the crowd. Reasoner immediately contributed to both the 1st and 3rd goals while also causing Martin and Cizika's pressure game to be lost due to playing a man down in the offensive zone. Obviously there were a lot of other factors that went into the loss but that was (predictably) a large problem from the get-go.

I'm no fan of Cappy, but you can't blame him for the players not showing up. For the six weeks this team was unbeatable, I didn't read anything about how bad a coaching staff the Isles have.

The Isles are out-classed in this series. The coaches didn't lose the game. The refs didn't f**k the Isles. The Isles' f**ked the Isles. They played careless and on their heels all night against a far superior team. Calling a time out wasn't going to stop that beating.
- Jethro09

Well it might have calmed the guys down a little bit at least. I mean Cappy never called a timeout during the regular season only when they were ahead

I think the thing that disappointed me most was the team had no physical presence and for that I do place some blame on Cappy. He pulled out one of our better forecheckers as of late (and a big body) in favor of a guy who can't even keep up with the crowd. Reasoner immediately contributed to both the 1st and 3rd goals while also causing Martin and Cizika's pressure game to be lost due to playing a man down in the offensive zone. Obviously there were a lot of other factors that went into the loss but that was (predictably) a large problem from the get-go.
- keaner17

We will see the rest of the series the genius CAppy trying to fix this team. I don't know but this is going to be a long 4 games with us hopefully scoring a goal

No doubt that the blame can't totally be put on Cappy as we're simply playing a far superior team, but let's also not pretend that Cappy doesn't have to be extraordinary in this series as well. It starts with how effects the chemistry whether that be through scratches or line combos. Then preparing the team. I didn't like any of the three factors I saw last night. The Isles looked like they were totally shocked by the level of intensity.
- keaner17

The only thing that gets players prepared for that is experience. You can't coach that. You have to live through it and experience it. Cappy is not a great coach, we all know that. But he had this team humming along pretty well for a long stretch to end the season. The players ultimately play the game. They have to execute. The Isles' players didn't execute last night.

i realize the follow is a bit of a stretch but at least its something we might be able to hang our hat on...

yesterday, the islanders got their asses handed to them. they were outplayed, out-coached, and didnt look like a playoff team. needless to say it was a learning experience for both players and coaches and im SURE we can expect to see different players on the ice for game 2 and a much higher level of intensity and physicality (i personally expect JJ and carkner to suit up).

the only thing that i can hope for from a penguins standpoint is for them to get complacent and cocky and expect every game to be like this, therefore bringing down their intensity a little bit and have them start looking forward to what could be in round 2.

again, its a talented team and i dont expect it to happen, but the ass-whooping was SO BAD yesterday that its conceivable the pens might lose focus and start looking forward to round 2

But you Assume that Cappy doesnt say anything. You Assume that he never gives that speech.


XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Do the players playing in the NHL playoffs, most of the for the first time in their careers, really need a motivational speech from a coach to get up the intensity needed to play? If so, then the Isles have serious issues.

Coaching in the NHL playoffs isn't about motivating players. Its about strategy and putting your players in the best possible position to be succesful. That's how coaching affects playoff games. Maybe Cappy and Co. are not up to that task (likely not up to it). But the coaching staff can't be responsible to get the players intensity and effort to its peak level. Players need to do that for themselves. My guess is that the Pitt players who were flying around all night didn't need Bylsma to give them a motivational speech...

i realize the follow is a bit of a stretch but at least its something we might be able to hang our hat on...

yesterday, the islanders got their asses handed to them. they were outplayed, out-coached, and didnt look like a playoff team. needless to say it was a learning experience for both players and coaches and im SURE we can expect to see different players on the ice for game 2 and a much higher level of intensity and physicality (i personally expect JJ and carkner to suit up).

the only thing that i can hope for from a penguins standpoint is for them to get complacent and cocky and expect every game to be like this, therefore bringing down their intensity a little bit and have them start looking forward to what could be in round 2.

again, its a talented team and i dont expect it to happen, but the ass-whooping was SO BAD yesterday that its conceivable the pens might lose focus and start looking forward to round 2
- LetsGoIsles

it's tough because the pens are all experienced playoff players and know that this series won't be easy and that they have to bring their A game every game.

what you guys need is for JT to get some open ice to work his magic. he was on lockdown last night.

Okposo, Hamonic and Hickey were the only players to show up
- keaner17

cizikas and matt martin as well....

it's tough because the pens are all experienced playoff players and know that this series won't be easy and that they have to bring their A game every game.

what you guys need is for JT to get some open ice to work his magic. he was on lockdown last night.
- rangerdanger94

the isles have plenty of work ahead of them...

Didn't he date Jan in the Brady Bunch?
- keaner17

If he did I'm sure he didn't score very much.

We will see the rest of the series the genius CAppy trying to fix this team. I don't know but this is going to be a long 4 games with us hopefully scoring a goal
- kasperrko

Listen Ill never say Cappy is the best coach ever.. but in the same exact situation.. The Islanders facing a far superior team.. the Al Arbour coached 94 team looked just as uncoached as this 2013 NY Islander team (6-0, 6-0, 5-1, 5-2)... Sometimes a better 1st seed is just that much better then the 8th seed.

XxNYIxX

i realize the follow is a bit of a stretch but at least its something we might be able to hang our hat on...

yesterday, the islanders got their asses handed to them. they were outplayed, out-coached, and didnt look like a playoff team. needless to say it was a learning experience for both players and coaches and im SURE we can expect to see different players on the ice for game 2 and a much higher level of intensity and physicality (i personally expect JJ and carkner to suit up).

the only thing that i can hope for from a penguins standpoint is for them to get complacent and cocky and expect every game to be like this, therefore bringing down their intensity a little bit and have them start looking forward to what could be in round 2.

again, its a talented team and i dont expect it to happen, but the ass-whooping was SO BAD yesterday that its conceivable the pens might lose focus and start looking forward to round 2
- LetsGoIsles

Exactly.
I expect a better showing in game 2 for sure. Whether we win or lose, they need to put last night behind them and at least challenge the Pens.

Im not blaming Cappy for the loss because as Jethro said, its ultimately the players who need to execute. I just hate his decisions to change up the team with how well they were playing over the last month. Reasoner....I just dont get it.

the isles have plenty of work ahead of them...
- LetsGoIsles

This year is a big learning experience for them. Making the playoffs, putting a good run together to get there, and playing the best team in the east who loaded up on vets at the deadline. The Penguins are playing great playoff hockey right now and the Isles looked shellshocked and surprised. That is actually to be expected with a team that's so young and inexperienced overall.

Even if they get swept in 4 they'll gain valuable experience from this and learn what kind of an effort it takes to be successful. Making the playoffs was a huge step, there's a lot more work to be done for these players and for Snow.

I think the thing that disappointed me most was the team had no physical presence and for that I do place some blame on Cappy. He pulled out one of our better forecheckers as of late (and a big body) in favor of a guy who can't even keep up with the crowd. Reasoner immediately contributed to both the 1st and 3rd goals while also causing Martin and Cizika's pressure game to be lost due to playing a man down in the offensive zone. Obviously there were a lot of other factors that went into the loss but that was (predictably) a large problem from the get-go.
- keaner17

yup...100%

id add to that, i can honestly say i dont think anyone was within 15 feet of fluery the entire game. absolutely no pressure.

and moulson is creeping up on the list of players are really starting to piss me off... he has absolutely no value when he isnt cleaning up a few rebounds.

ive been saying it for well over a year...id be more than ok if he were included in a deal; and this has nothing to do with JUST last nights game...if he goes on to be the SC MVP id have the same opinion.

Do the players playing in the NHL playoffs, most of the for the first time in their careers, really need a motivational speech from a coach to get up the intensity needed to play? If so, then the Isles have serious issues.

Coaching in the NHL playoffs isn't about motivating players. Its about strategy and putting your players in the best possible position to be succesful. That's how coaching affects playoff games. Maybe Cappy and Co. are not up to that task (likely not up to it). But the coaching staff can't be responsible to get the players intensity and effort to its peak level. Players need to do that for themselves. My guess is that the Pitt players who were flying around all night didn't need Bylsma to give them a motivational speech...
- Jethro09

No the players do not need a motivational speech from the Coach to get up for the playoffs but when 5mins in the game your team is being run over... You might wanna make some sort of adjustment... try something, anything... not just stand there and look befuddled.

We all know Capp is not good at strategy and matching players vs players at all... (hence him dressing Reasoner for that playoff experience from 10yrs ago)After 2 periods, Reasoner had played 20secs less the JT... Why is the 4th line center playing that much? Escpecially when he is so ineffective... just baffles me.

Hopefully, everyone makes adjustments so the Isles dont get swept out of the playoffs...

This year is a big learning experience for them. Making the playoffs, putting a good run together to get there, and playing the best team in the east who loaded up on vets at the deadline. The Penguins are playing great playoff hockey right now and the Isles looked shellshocked and surprised. That is actually to be expected with a team that's so young and inexperienced overall.

Even if they get swept in 4 they'll gain valuable experience from this and learn what kind of an effort it takes to be successful. Making the playoffs was a huge step, there's a lot more work to be done for these players and for Snow.
- Isles_since_6

THIS!

The only thing that gets players prepared for that is experience. You can't coach that. You have to live through it and experience it. Cappy is not a great coach, we all know that. But he had this team humming along pretty well for a long stretch to end the season. The players ultimately play the game. They have to execute. The Isles' players didn't execute last night.
- Jethro09

Agreed...but the experience only matters for one game. They know what they're up against now. Either they meet the intensity level or become victims of it.

I think the thing that disappointed me most was the team had no physical presence and for that I do place some blame on Cappy. He pulled out one of our better forecheckers as of late (and a big body) in favor of a guy who can't even keep up with the crowd. Reasoner immediately contributed to both the 1st and 3rd goals while also causing Martin and Cizika's pressure game to be lost due to playing a man down in the offensive zone. Obviously there were a lot of other factors that went into the loss but that was (predictably) a large problem from the get-go.
- keaner17

I think there's an argument that Cappy strategically isn't up to the task, but I think a lot of the loss last night was on player execution. Stupid penalties. Running around in their end with no purpose. Losing one-on-one battles for the puck. Not possessing the puck. A couple of stoppable goals against Nabby. Some people seem to blame Cappy for the fact that the Players played timidly and on their heels. That's on the players, not the coaches.

Yes, the lineup mistakes of dressing Reasoner and Strait are on Cappy. Yes, the failure to match lines better or to double shift JT and others to get him away from the Pens' top checkers is on Cappy. Not calling a timeout to settle the players down (although I don't think that would have made much of a difference last night) can be put on Cappy. But poor execution by the players was the biggest culprit for the dismal performance last night.

If he did I'm sure he didn't score very much.
- canadianpenfan

Eve Plum
Okay, maybe not....though she was determined to outdo Marcia so you never know just how far she'd go

yup...100%

id add to that, i can honestly say i dont think anyone was within 15 feet of fluery the entire game. absolutely no pressure.

and moulson is creeping up on the list of players are really starting to piss me off... he has absolutely no value when he isnt cleaning up a few rebounds.

ive been saying it for well over a year...id be more than ok if he were included in a deal; and this has nothing to do with JUST last nights game...if he goes on to be the SC MVP id have the same opinion.
- LetsGoIsles

I hate to say this but as great of a character as Matt is, he brings nothing to this team other than a pilon who can chip the puck in the net. Unfortunately he's not even doing that much now.
This teams deficiencies are showing up in a big way right now and the first and foremost is that our first line is subpar. We have a superstar with two marginal players. You can't surround yoru star with two guys who can't skate..

Listen Ill never say Cappy is the best coach ever.. but in the same exact situation.. The Islanders facing a far superior team.. the Al Arbour coached 94 team looked just as uncoached as this 2013 NY Islander team (6-0, 6-0, 5-1, 5-2)... Sometimes a better 1st seed is just that much better then the 8th seed.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

the only thing I am saying is this I know the Pens are way better than the Islanders been watching them all year but at least show up for the game. I least pretend you belong at least show some heart. That was all missing last night

the only thing I am saying is this I know the Pens are way better than the Islanders been watching them all year but at least show up for the game. I least pretend you belong at least show some heart. That was all missing last night
- kasperrko

It was one game kasper. They didn't know what to expect as far as the intensity picking up and it showed. Not saying they'll come out and take game 2 but they will get better as the series goes on. Even if they were to get swept at least they know what to expect if they make it again next year.

They're kids taking their lumps, it happens.

I hate to say this but as great of a character as Matt is, he brings nothing to this team other than a pilon who can chip the puck in the net. Unfortunately he's not even doing that much now.
This teams deficiencies are showing up in a big way right now and the first and foremost is that our first line is subpar. We have a superstar with two marginal players. You can't surround yoru star with two guys who can't skate..
- keaner17

This is why the upcoming offseason is so huge for this team. With so much cap space, the move to Brooklyn happening potentially after next season, its just paramount that we get some solid players in here. I know JT and Moulson are best buds but unfortunately MM isnt getting the job done anymore. Either drop MM down to a different line or trade his ass. Boyes will be gone after this year.

Snow will have some pressure on him this offseason to make some moves. Step 1 was making the playoffs, now step 2 is improving the team to succeed in the playoffs. Cant do that with Boyes and MM on the first line with a superstar.