Lee is not scoring from in close like he has in past seasons. His deflections and other close-in shots just aren't going in.
- JohnScammo

That’s because his center isn’t shooting. Barzal dances on the out side in stead of shooting or bringing the puck and shooting at the net which leads to rebounds, which Lee wins in close. JT and most 1Cs do this. On the other side of the equation how many goals does Lee have from the high slot this year vs years past. He has changed his game to be productive.

As good and as talented as Barzal is I can see how playing with him would be frustrating. He isn’t typical, not that it’s bad but it’s different. Don’t know any other way to say it.

He frustrates that shat out of me just watching him on the PP .

Nelson's best spot is probably 3C. 2C is a stretch for Nelson. Bailey as well as a top 6 player is a stretch.
- ses111

Nah Nelson is the MVP with Beau this year. Hard to fight against those Ses really.

That’s because his center isn’t shooting. Barzal dances on the out side in stead of shooting or bringing the puck and shooting at the net which leads to rebounds, which Lee wins in close. JT and most 1Cs do this. On the other side of the equation how many goals does Lee have from the high slit this year vs years past. He has changed his game to be productive.

As good and as talented as Barzal is I can see how playing with him would be frustrating. He isn’t typical, not that it’s bad but it’s different. Don’t know any other way to say it.
- nyisles7

Try it with the usual Richard in your mouth

Try it with the usual Richard in your mouth
- Upstate_isles

You done working the rub and tug tonight?

Nelson’s biggest problem is that he’s wildly inconsistent. So is Bailey. Nelson is obviously better than Bailey but when both are on their games, they are both top 6 players. Nelson has been flat out terrible the last 2 games I watched. Bailey is just being Bailey.

I don’t really get the blog. “I didn’t see any good stretch passes from Greene.” Um, he hit Barzal tape-to-tape from one blue line to the other which led to a mini 2-on-1. Greene was all over the place today and he’s not Bobby Orr, but a guy I’ve always respected.

That’s because his center isn’t shooting. Barzal dances on the out side in stead of shooting or bringing the puck and shooting at the net which leads to rebounds, which Lee wins in close. JT and most 1Cs do this. On the other side of the equation how many goals does Lee have from the high slot this year vs years past. He has changed his game to be productive.

As good and as talented as Barzal is I can see how playing with him would be frustrating. He isn’t typical, not that it’s bad but it’s different. Don’t know any other way to say it.

He frustrates that shat out of me just watching him on the PP .
- nyisles7

The problem is Lee hasn't had enough opportunities from in close?

Nelson’s biggest problem is that he’s wildly inconsistent. So is Bailey. Nelson is obviously better than Bailey but when both are on their games, they are both top 6 players. Nelson has been flat out terrible the last 2 games I watched. Bailey is just being Bailey.

I don’t really get the blog. “I didn’t see any good stretch passes from Greene.” Um, he hit Barzal tape-to-tape from one blue line to the other which led to a mini 2-on-1. Greene was all over the place today and he’s not Bobby Orr, but a guy I’ve always respected.
- potvin05

Greene was better than expected and I hope Bens favorite non player, Dobson was watching him from the press box to learn something.

The problem is Lee hasn't had enough opportunities from in close?
- UIF

Correct, because he’s out front waiting and nothing is coming imho.
He does more than just wait and battle out front. He battles in the corners and works his ass off on puck retrieval but his bread and butter for sure is net front presence and honestly it’s not that easy and is one of the best in the NHL. His record backs that up.

Of course he’s had his opportunities that haven’t gone in but with Barzal the dancer as his center vs JT he has had way less opportunities. JT from the circles in is one of the best at getting the puck to the net. There is really no facts to fight that. Barzal as talented as he is just doesn’t bring the puck to net like JT did. Dances outside, Sorry l love Barzal and his talent but...thems the facts and that for sure hurts Lees effectiveness and scoring.

Dont the Isles need more scoring?

Dont the Isles need more scoring?
- Brukie

No why would you say that?

You done working the rub and tug tonight?
- nyisles7

Nah need at least $59 more

Ben,
Let me understand this, if we don’t get another top 6 this trade for Greene was a waste?
The Islanders are thin as shat on the blue line since Pelech went down and as much as you, Chiefs and the Girls club love Dobson, I’m sorry to inform you he wasn’t cutting it. Forget about him performing in the POs. Let me add Green isn’t a “ depth” dman, he was on the top pair tonight and played really well adding to the offense

Addressing what you said about Lou not wanting to give up a 1st rounder for Pagaeu, who’s your source Ek? Come on we don’t even know if Ottawa is trading or signing Pageau let alone what Lou is or isn’t giving up for him.
Don’t think you’re in the know there, sorry.

Thanks for the blog.
- nyisles7

Thanks for reading.

My stance is that Andy Greene will not be the factor as to whether the Islanders win a Cup this year. Not a waste of a trade, just a half-hearted attempt at winning a Cup. If the Islanders are truly making a run, they need more than Greene.

As for Pageau, was noted in this article (https://www.tsn.ca/countd...-trade-deadline-1.1442182) and was a thought from Arthur Staple. Direct quote is:

"Staple points to Ottawa Senators pending UFA Jean-Gabriel Pageau as a potential option, but isn't sure whether the Islanders are willing to part with a first-round pick to acquire him."

Correct, because he’s out front waiting and nothing is coming imho.
He does more than just wait and battle out front. He battles in the corners and works his ass off on puck retrieval but his bread and butter for sure is net front presence and honestly it’s not that easy and is one of the best in the NHL. His record backs that up.

Of course he’s had his opportunities that haven’t gone in but with Barzal the dancer as his center vs JT he has had way less opportunities. JT from the circles in is one of the best at getting the puck to the net. There is really no facts to fight that. Barzal as talented as he is just doesn’t bring the puck to net like JT did. Dances outside, Sorry l love Barzal and his talent but...thems the facts and that for sure hurts Lees effectiveness and scoring.
- nyisles7

Next game, take a drink every time you hear Burke say something to the effect of, "Lee in front, and it won't go!"

I get that Barzal gets all the grief. We can wax poetic now about how effective JT was/is, but he caught a ton of grief on this board, too, when the team lost, and not just for his D. It comes with being the best player on the team. At the end of the day, though, Barzal's strength is setting up his linemates, and I think Lee and Eberle have had more than enough good looks from areas where they like to score from. At some point, it's on them to finish.

Good article ben.

I dont hate this move IF he makes a play for big time scoring help. Pelech will be back next season so a rental to step in and add veteran leadership on the back end until then is fine.

The isles just are not playing like that team that went on the 17 game point streak

They don't move there feet at all, they are making awful turnovers in all three zones. They back off in the defensive zone..in the offensive zone they stand still.


The worst to me has been the defensemen. Toews won thr AHL fastest skater last year and leddy has wheels but I cant tell you the last time they jumped up on the rush. Its alot of 3 man rushes and one and done in the O zone.

Man, what happened to the team we saw back in november...
- Flexingtheshaft

Thank you for reading!

Thanks for reading.

My stance is that Andy Greene will not be the factor as to whether the Islanders win a Cup this year. Not a waste of a trade, just a half-hearted attempt at winning a Cup. If the Islanders are truly making a run, they need more than Greene.

As for Pageau, was noted in this article (https://www.tsn.ca/countd...-trade-deadline-1.1442182) and was a thought from Arthur Staple. Direct quote is:

"Staple points to Ottawa Senators pending UFA Jean-Gabriel Pageau as a potential option, but isn't sure whether the Islanders are willing to part with a first-round pick to acquire him."
- Ben.Shelley

Greene helps them get to the POs Ben. Without him they run out of gas on the back end because your boy Dobson wasn’t cutting it. Can we agree on that?

As far as Pageau, love the follow up but 1 we don’t know if Ottawa actually trades or signs him until right now and the fact that Staple says Lou isn’t parting with a first round pick for him means absolutely nothing.
Staple knows as much as you, which is I’m sorry , nothing.

Greene helps them get to the POs Ben. Without him they run out of gas on the back end because your boy Dobson wasn’t cutting it. Can we agree on that?

As far as Pageau, love the follow up but 1 we don’t know if Ottawa actually trades or signs him until right now and the fact that Staple says Lou isn’t parting with a first round pick for him means absolutely nothing.
Staple knows as much as you, which is I’m sorry , nothing.
- nyisles7

Ben this guy is such a wienerhead

Next game, take a drink every time you hear Burke say something to the effect of, "Lee in front, and it won't go!"

I get that Barzal gets all the grief. We can wax poetic now about how effective JT was/is, but he caught a ton of grief on this board, too, when the team lost, and not just for his D. It comes with being the best player on the team. At the end of the day, though, Barzal's strength is setting up his linemates, and I think Lee and Eberle have had more than enough good looks from areas where they like to score from. At some point, it's on them to finish.
- UIF

Come on UIF, Barzal is talented as hell but I’m sorry he’s no JT, and that has effected not only Lee's scoring but Eberle’s as well. Not to mention the PP. Barzal hasn’t scored 20 goals in a season yet, he doesn’t shot and rebounds come from shots and Lee got a lot of his goals from rebounds. Barzal doesn’t shoot!

Sorry we will agree to disagree on this, but numbers don’t lie.

Ben this guy is such a wienerhead
- Upstate_isles

You (frank)ing Richardweed

Greene helps them get to the POs Ben. Without him they run out of gas on the back end because your boy Dobson wasn’t cutting it. Can we agree on that?

As far as Pageau, love the follow up but 1 we don’t know if Ottawa actually trades or signs him until right now and the fact that Staple says Lou isn’t parting with a first round pick for him means absolutely nothing.
Staple knows as much as you, which is I’m sorry , nothing.
- nyisles7

I'll agree Greene is a boost for sure as well as the fact that it became more clear that Dobson wasn't where he needs to be yet. I do think they had a good chance of making the playoffs without Greene though.

My problem is with the idea of moving assets for temporary solutions and while the Islanders may be good enough to make the playoffs, their chances of making a real run at the Cup with the current roster aren't great once they get there IMO. There are too many other teams that are already strong and that are continuing to load up– and to move assets with making the playoffs as the trophy at the end isn't the route I'd go personally. If they've decided to move assets to make a run, they need to commit to it and make more moves.

As for Pageau, didn't claim to know. I have zero inside information on that. I claimed "It’s strange to me that some have speculated" that Lamoriello wouldn't move a first for Pageau after seeing the Greene trade.

I'll agree Greene is a boost for sure as well as the fact that it became more clear that Dobson wasn't where he needs to be yet. I do think they had a good chance of making the playoffs without Greene though.

My problem is with the idea of moving assets for temporary solutions and while the Islanders may be good enough to make the playoffs, their chances of making a real run at the Cup with the current roster aren't great once they get there IMO. There are too many other teams that are already strong and that are continuing to load up– and to move assets with making the playoffs as the trophy at the end isn't the route I'd go personally. If they've decided to move assets to make a run, they need to commit to it and make more moves.

As for Pageau, didn't claim to know. I have zero inside information on that. I claimed "It’s strange to me that some have speculated" that Lamoriello wouldn't move a first for Pageau after seeing the Greene trade.
- Ben.Shelley

This is a fair statement because no one they add makes them as good as boston or Tampa or the caps but once you get in you never know. Maybe lou is already moving pieces around and has a good deal lined up but I think a 1st and wahlstrom will go for a top guy

I'll agree Greene is a boost for sure as well as the fact! that it became more clear that Dobson wasn't where he needs to be yet. I do think they had a good chance of making the playoffs without Greene though.

My problem is with the idea of moving assets for temporary solutions and while the Islanders may be good enough to make the playoffs, their chances of making a real run at the Cup with the current roster aren't great once they get there IMO. There are too many other teams that are already strong and that are continuing to load up– and to move assets with making the playoffs as the trophy at the end isn't the route I'd go personally. If they've decided to move assets to make a run, they need to commit to it and make more moves.

As for Pageau, didn't claim to know. I have zero inside information on that. I claimed "It’s strange to me that some have speculated" that Lamoriello wouldn't move a first for Pageau after seeing the Greene trade.
- Ben.Shelley

All good and fair but you have to make the POs and honestly without getting a capable 20 minute per night d man and Dobson posing 10 shat minutes it wasn’t going to happen.

As far as the other teams who shives a git ! You talking about Tampa who shat the bed in the first round? It’s all about making the POs and then it’s a different season. Ask the Blues, you think anyone was worried about them winning the Cup last year?

Come on UIF, Barzal is talented as hell but I’m sorry he’s no JT, and that has effected not only Lee's scoring but Eberle’s as well. Not to mention the PP.

Sorry we will agree to disagree on this, but numbers don’t lie.
- nyisles7

Well, first, I never compared the two. I said when JT was here, it was always his fault on this board when other players wouldn't pick up their shit. Now it's Barzal's fault when other players don't perform. That comes with being the best player on the team...they always get the blame.

Second...numbers don't lie, but they can tell different stories in context. I'd say taking Tavares off the team impacted things irrespective of Barzal. Take the power play you mentioned...it was ranked sixth when Barzal and Tavares were on it together. The year before that when it was just Tavares, it was ranked 28th. The year after when it was just Barzal (last season), it was 29th. So, I'm not sure Tavares alone was the lynch pin and Barzal alone is a drag. Having one less mega-talent on it definitely hurts, though.

This is a fair statement because no one they add makes them as good as boston or Tampa or the caps but once you get in you never know. Maybe lou is already moving pieces around and has a good deal lined up but I think a 1st and wahlstrom will go for a top guy
- Upstate_isles

Yeah because Tampa was gonna win the cup last year IK.

Well, first, I never compared the two. I said when JT was here, it was always his fault on this board when other players wouldn't pick up their shit. Now it's Barzal's fault when other players don't perform. That comes with being the best player on the team...they always get the blame.

Second...numbers don't lie, but they can tell different stories in context. I'd say taking Tavares off the team impacted things irrespective of Barzal. Take the power play you mentioned...it was ranked sixth when Barzal and Tavares were on it together. The year before that when it was just Tavares, it was ranked 28th. The year after when it was just Barzal (last season), it was 29th. So, I'm not sure Tavares alone was the lynch pin and Barzal alone is a drag. Having one less mega-talent on it definitely hurts, though.
- UIF

You can’t compare them because Barzal just isn’t there yet.For me not even close.
Let’s not talk PPs which I didn’t let just talk 5 on 5.
JT carried this team by himself and made all kinds of misfit players and players picked off the scrap heap better. Barzal isn’t quite doing that. Unfortunately the less talented players are making Barzal play worse, causing him to make dumb plays. ( one of our posters observations) Which is in itself another reason to not take anything written here as fact. That is the biggest crock of shat I ever read. Barzal certainly isn’t a drag but he’s a perimeter player that doesn’t bring the puck to the net. He will transport it from his goal line all the way into the offensive zone and then curl and bob and weave and stop and the pass it. He is not driving the net or shooting, which JT did and does, which brings opportunities for his line mates to score.
I love Barzal, love his talent but it’s gonna take a lot more for him to acomplish what JT has. Again Barzal is a great talent but he isn’t JT.

Also I need to say I was never a JT sucks or plays shat defense etc etc poster on here. I always respected his game and thought when Lou and Trotz were hired he would stay.

You can’t compare them because Barzal just isn’t there yet.For me not even close.
Let’s not talk PPs which I didn’t let just talk 5 on 5.
JT carried this team by himself and made all kinds of misfit players and players picked off the scrap heap better. Barzal isn’t quite doing that. Unfortunately the less talented players are making Barzal play worse, causing him to make dumb plays. ( one of our posters observations) Which is in itself another reason to not take anything written here as fact. That is the biggest crock of shat I ever read. Barzal certainly isn’t a drag but he’s a perimeter player that doesn’t bring the puck to the net. He will transport it from his goal line all the way into the offensive zone and then curl and bob and weave and stop and the pass it. He is not driving the net or shooting, which JT did and does, which brings opportunities for his line mates to score.
I love Barzal, love his talent but it’s gonna take a lot more for him to acomplish what JT has. Again Barzal is a great talent but he isn’t JT.

Also I need to say I was never a JT sucks or plays shat defense etc etc poster on here. I always respected his game and thought when Lou and Trotz were hired he would stay.
- nyisles7

But you were wrong as usual