I was working at the time we picked Bailey. I wanted Filatov so bad. I was inconsolable
- Cptmjl

You owe Garth an apology Cpt.

You owe Garth an apology Cpt.
- ses111

It wasn't just that he picked Bailey.. he moved down twice and gained a ton of picks. We had like 13 in that draft.

https://www.hockey-refere....com/teams/NYI/draft.html That 08 draft is pretty insane if you look at most other teams draft that year. Isles took 13 guys.. Bailey, Hamonic, Martin, and Spurgeon still playing... 5 other played in the NHL.

Then in 09 took snake boy in first.. moved up to take de Haan, Koskinen, Nilsson, Casey Cizikas in 4th and took our Captain in the 6th. .. solid couple of years of drafting there..

It wasn't just that he picked Bailey.. he moved down twice and gained a ton of picks. We had like 13 in that draft.
- niteislander

It's been said many times Garth's biggest downfall was the horrible coaches he has hired. Just look at what Barry has done with mostly Garth players.

It's been said many times Garth's biggest downfall was the horrible coaches he has hired. Just look at what Barry has done with mostly Garth players.
- ses111

I always talked about the good and bad with Garth. His good was he would hold onto his prospects until they developed. As a Long time fan you used to watch these awful GM's constantly trade our picks and prospects for older vets who cost more, and are on the downside.. u would then watch them explode on other teams.. drove me nuts.

Garth wouldn't trade anyone.. which once we got to a certain point was also his downfall. never made that one big move once we got to competitive.. and yes his coaching choices were friggin horrific.

His worst trait was when he failed to make a big deal at the deadline or the UFA day.. he would make a nonsense move and we would have to deal with that POS playing on our team for the next year.

Going into this Islanders vs Caps series I had Isles winning it in 6 or 7 games.. My son said.. "Isles in 5 .. A Gentlemen's sweep." ... Might be my new favorite saying. Never heard that one before.

I stand by all my past Bailey comments but I give him a ton of credit the way he is playing now and if he continues the Isles are in great shape. Bailey was not drafted as a fighter or big hitter but to put up points like he is doing now and to be a solid top 6 player.
- ses111

Let's keep in mind this is the first time Bailey has had a real NHL coach.

Let's keep in mind this is the first time Bailey has had a real NHL coach.
- JimmyP

He still drives me nuts in the D-zone on most nights. Last night however was his best in the D-end I think I have ever seen.. Brock too. His offense was always good and could have been better if he shot more.

I know Trotz told them not to retalliate but I am shocked that Brock or anyone did not at least Grab Wilson after that hit on Beau after the puck was in the net. That was truly absurd.

He still drives me nuts in the D-zone on most nights. Last night however was his best in the D-end I think I have ever seen.. Brock too. His offense was always good and could have been better if he shot more.

I know Trotz told them not to retalliate but I am shocked that Brock or anyone did not at least Grab Wilson after that hit on Beau after the puck was in the net. That was truly absurd.
- niteislander

Winning the series is the best revenge.

I've never been a fan of Bailey. For years I think I bashed him every game on this site. He still can be infuriating but he's not the useless player he was years ago. He's been putting up points for the last 4 years at a pretty consistent pace. So while he still makes me scream at the TV at times he is a valuable player.

Winning the series is the best revenge.

I've never been a fan of Bailey. For years I think I bashed him every game on this site. He still can be infuriating but he's not the useless player he was years ago. He's been putting up points for the last 4 years at a pretty consistent pace. So while he still makes me scream at the TV at times he is a valuable player.
- JimmyP

same... hysterical.

Nice to see Trotz ignore the pundits here and go with a heavy lineup. What a difference from game 4. Seeing Ross run thru Wilson was awesome. He was a different player. Not as many attempts at huge hits, and even eased off when he could have ended Beau on that goal. I know, I know, the self appointed forum gurus say "Wilson should have been thrown out for that hit", but what do they really know?

The whole Isles lineup played brave tonight knowing they had a beast the Caps would answer to. Even Eberle was taking hits to make plays. The nervous passing was gone, and guys were taking advantage of Gudas, Wilson and Hath all night. Good move, Barry. Going heavy was key.

Beau saved the offense for sure. Without him taking the hits to score was the difference. I've been saying t all year: The Isles are close to having 2 top line forwards, and now they do. Lou better get some cap space cleared to re-sign this kid long term.

Let's keep in mind this is the first time Bailey has had a real NHL coach.
- JimmyP

No question it has helped Bailey and Nelson Jimmy.

I always talked about the good and bad with Garth. His good was he would hold onto his prospects until they developed. As a Long time fan you used to watch these awful GM's constantly trade our picks and prospects for older vets who cost more, and are on the downside.. u would then watch them explode on other teams.. drove me nuts.

Garth wouldn't trade anyone.. which once we got to a certain point was also his downfall. never made that one big move once we got to competitive.. and yes his coaching choices were friggin horrific.

His worst trait was when he failed to make a big deal at the deadline or the UFA day.. he would make a nonsense move and we would have to deal with that POS playing on our team for the next year.
- niteislander

I think after Ted Nolan, Garth and Charles only wanted puppet coaches. Not making that big trade was also a big Garth downfall. You can keep your core prospects but it's not smart to think you can keep them all.

Isles 30 goals for 15 against this post season
- Upstate_isles

I think they should mix up the lines for the next series and get some offense.

Any ideas on combinations?

What a disaster Carlson was all series long.

Pelech and Cizikas to the 1st line! Everyone knows those 2 are key to offense.

I think after Ted Nolan, Garth and Charles only wanted puppet coaches. Not making that big trade was also a big Garth download. He can keep your core prospects but it's not smart to think you can keep them all.
- ses111

He didn't keep them all. He let Spurgeon walk.

I think they should mix up the lines for the next series and get some offense.

Any ideas on combinations?
- nyisles7

As long as Ross sees time on all 4 lines, I'm good.

..AND GET VARLY OUT OF THERE! puckin guy almost cost us the series.

He didn't keep them all. He let Spurgeon walk.
- JohnScammo

Nobody is perfect John.

Furthermore...

anyone who thinks Ross is just muscle and doesn't see his point potential is an idiot who thinks he knows better that Trotz himself.

but hell, in this nut hugging, 'huddling stupidity' forum, the core of stupidity knows better than anyone else, even well respected sports writers who have covered hockey for decades.

Best stupidity quote

"Don't go heavy. Stay the course and continue to watch the Isles get crushed".

Trotz explained. " I wanted to put a little more weight and grind into out game. I felt [Game 4] some of our guys got liberties taken on us. ....We needed some weight to spend more time in their zone and wear them out a little bit. I think [Dal Colle and Johnston] provided that."

WTF Barry? Don't you know the forum gurus say you lost game 4 because the guys weren't skating? Don't you know they decided that physicality had nothing to do with the loss??

Huddle boys. Post vagina memes and Richard gifs. Be generous with the