Nelson looked really good last year, and though I haven't watched much of the isles this year, last night he looked like a completely different player. That open net he had on Mason on the pp (I believe) , he might be had trouble gathering the puck but he just looked like he took his sweet time putting the puck back on net. Is there some frustration building up with him? If memory serves me correct, I think he was scratched somewhat recently too?
- benjichronic

Nelson was scratched a few games ago. The problem is Capuano has used every forward playing with Tavares but the three on the fourth line. I think if he broke up the fourth line he might see some success. I think he did it briefly against Florida last week and it worked.

Believe it or not Boomer Esiason was talking about the Islanders this morning on the FAN. He thinks Tavares is a top 5 player in the NHL (I agree) but he seems frustrated with the players around him (I agree). He thought the Islanders should have made a move at the trade deadline (I agree) and he wonders why they didn't. I'm sure he has inside information he doesn't want to reveal.

Still think the Islanders best option is to break up the fourth line. Put Clutterbuck with Tavares, Cizikas with Neilsen and Martin on the third line. They've tried every player but Clutterbuck with Tavares I think it would work. I'm not Mike Millbury fan, but he said it best last night. "If you're talking about the fourth line that much, the second and third line aren't playing very well."
- kear20

Hate to say it but milbag is right. He can lump the first line in there also. I think at this point you try anything.

I have to say, I'm completely over the "secondary scorers" on this team. I've been patient and tried to be understanding with some of these habitual non-performers, but it's impossible to keep defending these guys. Nelson has been brutal this year, his 21 goals are nothing more than window dressing for what has been a disappointing year. Strome sucks, in plain English. Lee hasn't gotten results, but at least he gives the appearance that he's trying. Kuli has been useless, practically a Bailey equivalent. I know he's been hurt, but Grabo has been dog s**t all year too. Even JT has been a shell of himself. If JT can't get it going, this group has no chance.

It's sad. The only forwards who are doing anything right now outside of the 4th line are KO and Nielsen, both of whom may not be here next year. I've been patient with Snow as well, but regardless of whether this team makes the playoffs or not (I can't believe I actually have to type that scenario) Snow needs to make changes to this team's top six this summer. No more "waiting" for Nelson, Lee and Strome to "take the next step". It may never happen. And we're watching this team constantly tank in the last 4-6 weeks of the season, relying on players to provide scoring they simply are not providing. It's time Snow utilize the "trade" option of his job and get some established top six scoring.
- Jethro09

Did I really read you suggest that Snow be the guy to change this teams top 6? Cause he's had 10 years and this is the team he's put forth. I believe its time to get someone else in that chair to start making changes. He's had his shot, and he's had more time than most. Its simply not working......no harm no foul, but to keep him at this point is inexusable.

Pulock should be playing. He gets benched for Strait because the coach loves Strait. Strait is a plug. A seventh d-man. Pulock has a much higher ceiling and should be playing. The Pulock thing is a perfect example of how Cappy is somewhat tone deaf when it comes to lineups. It's another problem.
- Jethro09

The fact that this teams scoring is anemic, and here you have a kid who's got the hardest slap shot in the organization, yet he's being benched is abominable. Its not even about Strait not being a top 6 dman or his zero offensive ability. Its about the fact that the islanders top defensive prospect is ready and not playing???

The fact that this teams scoring is anemic, and here you have a kid who's got the hardest slap shot in the organization, yet he's being benched is abominable. Its not even about Strait not being a top 6 dman or his zero offensive ability. Its about the fact that the islanders top defensive prospect is ready and not playing???
- kindlyrick

not only that, but until i turned it off in the second period, strait and hickey were on the ice for about 90% of JT's shifts. If you want to get your first line going, playing a possession anchor who turns the puck over in his own end with them is not a good way to do it.

The fact that this teams scoring is anemic, and here you have a kid who's got the hardest slap shot in the organization, yet he's being benched is abominable. Its not even about Strait not being a top 6 dman or his zero offensive ability. Its about the fact that the islanders top defensive prospect is ready and not playing???
- kindlyrick

Least of all because he's flat out better than both Strait and Hickey without even mentioning his shot. Benching him is flat out not dressing your best line up.

not only that, but until i turned it off in the second period, strait and hickey were on the ice for about 90% of JT's shifts. If you want to get your first line going, playing a possession anchor who turns the puck over in his own end with them is not a good way to do it.
- Isles_since_6

Another one of Capuano's brain dead coaching decisions. What is the thought process there and why keep doing it if it so obviously doesn't work? That has been going on for two seasons now its (frank)ing nuts.

Believe it or not Boomer Esiason was talking about the Islanders this morning on the FAN. He thinks Tavares is a top 5 player in the NHL (I agree) but he seems frustrated with the players around him (I agree). He thought the Islanders should have made a move at the trade deadline (I agree) and he wonders why they didn't. I'm sure he has inside information he doesn't want to reveal.

Still think the Islanders best option is to break up the fourth line. Put Clutterbuck with Tavares, Cizikas with Neilsen and Martin on the third line. They've tried every player but Clutterbuck with Tavares I think it would work. I'm not Mike Millbury fan, but he said it best last night. "If you're talking about the fourth line that much, the second and third line aren't playing very well."
- kear20

Because in Snows attempt at being a GM, he is stuck on the "winning of a trade". If im starving and the only thing there is to eat is someone selling a burger, twice the price, do I compain about the price, or do I pay up and get what I need?

There is absolutely no excuse for not adding someone for JT at the deadline. I suspect that Garth made phone calls, but he clearly was looking for value and lost out on specific guys. Phuck the late round 1st rounder this year.......not to mention all the prospects the isles have. Strome shoulda be gone midseason with a pick and gotten a player to compliment your star center.

Least of all because he's flat out better than both Strait and Hickey without even mentioning his shot. Benching him is flat out not dressing your best line up.
- Cptmjl

I agree, but something isnt adding up? I mean is it a money thing?

I agree, but something isnt adding up? I mean is it a money thing?
- kindlyrick

It's a stupidity thing and I also think its a new england thing. I know that unbelievable for some people but I really think they just like the guy and play him due to their relationship with him. They're certainly not playing him due to him being the best player for the job so what else could it possibly be? Im all ears.

Once agian the Islanders do not fail to disappoint. I am so glad I taped this game. They had great energy but never finished their chances. So many times BAiley could have shot but decided to make a stupid pass. Sooner or later we will be on the outside looking in. I dont care at this point if not making the playoffs means firing everyone then I dont want them to make it at all

It's a stupidity thing and I also think its a new england thing. I know that unbelievable for some people but I really think they just like the guy and play him due to their relationship with him. They're certainly not playing him due to him being the best player for the job so what else could it possibly be? Im all ears.
- Cptmjl

I definitely agree with you, but as it stands now, its not working. This entire organization is a dissapointment.

Because in Snows attempt at being a GM, he is stuck on the "winning of a trade". If im starving and the only thing there is to eat is someone selling a burger, twice the price, do I compain about the price, or do I pay up and get what I need?

There is absolutely no excuse for not adding someone for JT at the deadline. I suspect that Garth made phone calls, but he clearly was looking for value and lost out on specific guys. Phuck the late round 1st rounder this year.......not to mention all the prospects the isles have. Strome shoulda be gone midseason with a pick and gotten a player to compliment your star center.
- kindlyrick

Well put!!

I definitely agree with you, but as it stands now, its not working. This entire organization is a dissapointment.
- kindlyrick

I honestly feel it is the contract that they are playing him. They gave him money so they dont want to waste it. Got to remember with this teamnomatter how bad you play you get rewareded

I honestly feel it is the contract that they are playing him. They gave him money so they dont want to waste it. Got to remember with this teamnomatter how bad you play you get rewareded
- kasperrko

pulock is making more on an entry level deal than strait is. It's a mistake, flat out. Like so many others this team makes on a daily basis.

I definitely agree with you, but as it stands now, its not working. This entire organization is a dissapointment.
- kindlyrick

at this point, I'd rather just miss the playoffs. I've turned more games off this year than in my entire life combined. I'm sick of watching a team go through the motions without any spark, without any desire to pay the price and have the coaching staff continually make the wrong decisions.

just write the season off, toast the staff (all of them) and start fresh.

This team hasn't really played good the entire season. How they have the record they have is beyond me? Theres no consistency to anything from top to bottom. There to me seems to be something wrong in the locker room. Complete speculation on my part I know but when you watch these guys play they put zero effort in most nights and somehow skate away with two points. Its sad because you can imagine them with a coach that demands more from his team instead of attributing losses to "bad luck" and "puck luck" and it's sickening. We all know of we had a real coach we'd be in a MUCH better position right now while Snow continues to "stand by" and watch. Its sickening. Inaction will ultimately be Snow's down fall. Can't wait!

Staple once again used the term "bad luck" when referring to last nights loss. It's pretty funny how this team and its beat writer play us all for a bunch of idiots and then wonder why most islander fans are reactionary with them.
- Cptmjl

I don't think the Isles were bad this year. They may not have been as good or consistent as last year, but they were still a solid team. But the team playing the last four weeks has been dog s**t. Its not luck. Its effort. Its rhythm. its being in sync with each other. This team is out of sorts right now. The players are playing together like oil and water. The coach changing the lineups and lines every ten minutes doesn't help matters.

Did I really read you suggest that Snow be the guy to change this teams top 6? Cause he's had 10 years and this is the team he's put forth. I believe its time to get someone else in that chair to start making changes. He's had his shot, and he's had more time than most. Its simply not working......no harm no foul, but to keep him at this point is inexusable.
- kindlyrick

And that may indeed happen. But as of right now, Snow is in the big chair. Until he is not, it is on him to make the necessary changes.

And that may indeed happen. But as of right now, Snow is in the big chair. Until he is not, it is on him to make the necessary changes.
- Jethro09

Never going to happen

Once he is fired and the coaching staff we will see a whole new team and energy

And that may indeed happen. But as of right now, Snow is in the big chair. Until he is not, it is on him to make the necessary changes.
- Jethro09

And there in lies the problem. How many years do you give a guy who's yet to produce a winning season (making the playoffs and losing in the first round doesnt constitute a winnning season). This far along, to miss the playoffs SHOULD BE grounds for termination. What other GM and or Coach has been given this many chances and missed? Its time. Anyway you wanna slice it, its time....

The fact that this teams scoring is anemic, and here you have a kid who's got the hardest slap shot in the organization, yet he's being benched is abominable. Its not even about Strait not being a top 6 dman or his zero offensive ability. Its about the fact that the islanders top defensive prospect is ready and not playing???
- kindlyrick

There's no defending the Pulock benching. He is a better player than Strait, period. He certainly brings much more on the offensive side, which would be nice to add considering the rest of the defense hasn't contributed offensively in three weeks. There is no way Puiock performs worse in his own end than Strait. Besides, Pulock is a top four d-man in the making. Strait is a plug. His possession numbers suck, which makes it even more puzzling that he's in there every night when the team is run by possession statistic-obsessed management.

at this point, I'd rather just miss the playoffs. I've turned more games off this year than in my entire life combined. I'm sick of watching a team go through the motions without any spark, without any desire to pay the price and have the coaching staff continually make the wrong decisions.

just write the season off, toast the staff (all of them) and start fresh.
- Isles_since_6

Ur seeing the light....

And there in lies the problem. How many years do you give a guy who's yet to produce a winning season (making the playoffs and losing in the first round doesnt constitute a winnning season). This far along, to miss the playoffs SHOULD BE grounds for termination. What other GM and or Coach has been given this many chances and missed? Its time. Anyway you wanna slice it, its time....
- kindlyrick

well, technically, it does. The Isles have had "winning records" three of the past four years. if they make the playoffs this year that's three out of the last four years.

However, I get your point. I'm not satisfied with squeaking into the playoffs to lose in the first round anymore. We are in year eight or nine of Snow's regime since he tore it down at the 2008 draft. At this point, we should be consistently making the playoffs with home ice in the first round and getting to the second and third rounds of the playoffs relatively consistently. The fact that this team may drop out of the playoff picture entirely, after being in a playoff position since the end of October, is inexcusable.

I agree with you. If this team misses the playoffs, heads need to roll. There is far too much talent on this roster for the team to miss the playoffs. Truthfully, for me a squeaking into the playoffs followed by a first round exit is also grounds for heads rolling.

And there in lies the problem. How many years do you give a guy who's yet to produce a winning season (making the playoffs and losing in the first round doesnt constitute a winnning season). This far along, to miss the playoffs SHOULD BE grounds for termination. What other GM and or Coach has been given this many chances and missed? Its time. Anyway you wanna slice it, its time....
- kindlyrick

It was time 4 years ago. This was a disaster from the start to be honest. Once GArth became GM I knew we were in for the long haul. Would things been better with Neil Smith I totally would think so