Barzal is literally a (frank)ing idiot. Kid has a ton of maturing to do.
- Cptmjl

Eh, he tried to lift the stick and got caught on the glove. This game is long over

Eh, he tried to lift the stick and got caught on the glove. This game is long over
- keaner17

Game is over I get it but I disagree that play gets called 10 out of 10 times. It was a selfish play which is pretty much status quo for him for a while now imo.

Eh, he tried to lift the stick and got caught on the glove. This game is long over
- keaner17

It was over at 2 0

Despite Marchand's wrap-around goal, I wonder why any player would ever shoot low and Varlamov again.

Despite Marchand's wrap-around goal, I wonder why any player would ever shoot low and Varlamov again.
- keaner17

Let's hope sorokin is better

Let's hope sorokin is better
- Upstate_isles

He is.

Pageau is a nice pick up, though i think that the trade cost and contract price were a bit high, but this team still lacks a dynamic scorer. Eberle can do it on occassion but that's about it.

Glad that's over.

Glad that's over.
- JimmyP

Yup.

Bag skate time.

Glad that's over.
- JimmyP

Sounds like I did not miss much.

Pageau is a nice pick up, though i think that the trade cost and contract price were a bit high, but this team still lacks a dynamic scorer. Eberle can do it on occassion but that's about it.
- keaner17

Meh. I think he fills an obvious need. Our third line has been a black hole for years now. Now we have a legitimate, good, third line center that plays the PK and can be on the 2nd pp unit.

Do we need scoring? Absolutely, that goes without saying but I don’t think getting Pageau was a bad move none the less. I don’t think his contract is all too high imo. Not at all actually. I think we paid up a bit for him but I would do it again.

Meh. I think he fills an obvious need. Our third line has been a black hole for years now. Now we have a legitimate, good, third line center that plays the PK and can be on the 2nd pp unit. Do we need scoring? Absolutely, that goes without saying but I don’t think getting Pageau was a bad move none the less. I don’t think his contract is all too high imo. Not at all actually. I think we paid up a bit for him but I would do it again.
- Cptmjl

I would do the trade again. In a way it's bad they did not give up any roster players because this team still seems too comfortable. Lou has a lot more work to do in the offseason.

Meh. I think he fills an obvious need. Our third line has been a black hole for years now. Now we have a legitimate, good, third line center that plays the PK and can be on the 2nd pp unit. Do we need scoring? Absolutely, that goes without saying but I don’t think getting Pageau was a bad move none the less. I don’t think his contract is all too high imo. Not at all actually. I think we paid up a bit for him but I would do it again.
- Cptmjl

I'm glad we have them, he checks a lot of boxes. His career numbers don't really justify the numbers on the contract but his versatility make him valuable. Point being is that we still have a massive hole in terms of offensive skill. Games like this prove we're not all that close either

I would do the trade again. In a way it's bad they did not give up any roster players because this team still seems too comfortable. Lou has a lot more work to do in the offseason.
- ses111

I generally stay away from this conversation but I’m starting to come around to it more and more. The thing is we’re just talking about bailey really when it comes down to it. Lee is our captain, not trading beau, just signed Eberle and quite frankly I don’t think anyone would even be willing to take that contract. So you’re only referring to bailey😂

If he goes(which I’m fine with btw)his scoring has to be replaced.

I'm glad we have them, he checks a lit of boxes. Jis career numbers don't really justify the numbers on the contract but his versatility make him valuable. Point being is that we still have a massive hole in terms of offensive skill. Games like this prove we're not all that close either
- keaner17

Games like this against a team like Boston makes it very hard to see the Isles as a serious Cup threat. I just do not think this team as is has the ability to go on a long playoff run with some shocking things happening with a number of players.

I generally stay away from this conversation but I’m starting to come around to it more and more. The thing is we’re just talking about bailey really when it comes down to it. Lee is our captain, not trading beau, just signed Eberle and quite frankly I don’t think anyone would even be willing to take that contract. So you’re only referring to bailey😂

If he goes(which I’m fine with btw)his scoring has to be replaced.
- Cptmjl

This is why you hear the names Bailey and Leddy. These are players with some value that also clears money and it will get the rest of the players attention. Just letting Martin go or finding a way to move Leo does not move the needle. If this team again does not go on a long playoff run this year, this should prove the point bold moves are needed. Maybe the Isles free up some space and have better luck with FA's?

I'm glad we have them, he checks a lot of boxes. His career numbers don't really justify the numbers on the contract but his versatility make him valuable. Point being is that we still have a massive hole in terms of offensive skill. Games like this prove we're not all that close either
- keaner17

I know your argument is we could’ve used those assets for something else which may be correct. I don’t think that’s off base at all but I like the player and feel we had to get him while we could. This team is capable of playing much better than this. We all know that. They need to add in the off-season through trading a combination of players. Maybe give up a defenseman, prospect, bailey? Maybe we have to consider trading Leddy? Maybe bellows or Wahlstrom come through? We need one of these prospects to come through for us. Why do I feel like every (frank)ing team has some kid break out for them and we never do?

I know your argument is we could’ve used those assets for something else which may be correct. I don’t think that’s off base at all but I like the player and feel we had to get him while we could. This team is capable of playing much better than this. We all know that. They need to add in the off-season through trading a combination of players. Maybe give up a defenseman, prospect, bailey? Maybe we have to consider trading Leddy? Maybe bellows or Wahlstrom come through? We need one of these prospects to come through for us. Why do I feel like every (frank)ing team has some kid break out for them and we never do?
- Cptmjl

Wahlstrom looks like a bit of a project to me. He may be a couple of years away. I think what we really need is a true 35-40goal guy and they come at a high cost. Having dealt our 1st rd and next two years of 2nd rd picks, that won't happen by trade now. We know Hall isnt coming as a UFA, so that won't happen by UFA either.
As I say, I'm glad we have Pageau, he's been a good player this year (his past years have been underwhelming for the contract term) We just have to remember that we're betting heavy on Wahlstrom as a result of the cost

As for Bailey, I've been a critic of Josh since we drafted him. That said, I wouldn't count on him not being here next year. He's tremendously popular in the organization. We'll see.

As for Bailey, I've been a critic of Josh since we drafted him. That said, I wouldn't count on him not being here next year. He's tremendously popular in the organization. We'll see.
- keaner17

I was a huge Baliey basher for years. I wouldn't mind seeing him go but who are you going to bring in to replace his points? We talk about the team not having enough talent. You can't just let a 50+ PPY player go. He can be frustrating but he's a legit top 6 player.

Honestly embarrassing watching barzal dive all over the ice trying to draw a penalty. Kid has to grow up.
- Cptmjl

Glad you brought it up, but I noticed him doing a lot of that this year. Kid is absurdly talented not sure why he is doing it. Also he seems to have a rep now with the refs league wide and its unfortunate, but he won't get the benefit of the doubt when its a legitimate penalty now

Glad you brought it up, but I noticed him doing a lot of that this year. Kid is absurdly talented not sure why he is doing it. Also he seems to have a rep now with the refs league wide and its unfortunate, but he won't get the benefit of the doubt when its a legitimate penalty now
- mdw7413

I'm not excusing it because I agree with you and Cpt, but last year the kid was getting mugged every shift with almost no calls. I guess he decided to take the Crosby route and flop.

I was a huge Baliey basher for years. I wouldn't mind seeing him go but who are you going to bring in to replace his points. We talk about the team not having enough talent. You can't just let a 50+ PPY player go. He can be frustrating but he's a legit top 6 player.
- JimmyP

Yeah you can’t trade him without replacing his production. Mentioned that in an earlier post.

I'm not excusing it because I agree with you and Cpt, but last year the kid was getting mugged every shift with almost no calls. I guess he decided to take the Crosby route and flop.
- JimmyP

Yeah, I'm not defending or criticizing him, just noticed he has been doing it a bit more this year. That was the one thing that shocked me his rookie year, was he isn't the biggest guy but insanely strong on his skates. Figured he would get knocked around more, but seemed to just bounce off guys

Glad you brought it up, but I noticed him doing a lot of that this year. Kid is absurdly talented not sure why he is doing it. Also he seems to have a rep now with the refs league wide and its unfortunate, but he won't get the benefit of the doubt when its a legitimate penalty now
- mdw7413

Exactly and we’ve seen that happen multiple times.