HockeyBuzz posters have the amazing ability to be simultaneously right about everything and wrong about everything
- UIF

Ha-ha! Sadly some of us have been right so far about the Islanders not having enough talent to win a Cup. Things can change but things are looking tough right now.

We'd be beating Snow's rebuild by a whole season in our first year of work!
- UIF

Ha-ha! Sadly some of us have been right so far about the Islanders not having enough talent to win a Cup. Things can change but things are looking tough right now.
- ses111

Can you tell me who has the talent and is going to win the cup this year, oh wise Hockey Buzz GM? I would love to make some money.

Ha-ha! Sadly some of us have been right so far about the Islanders not having enough talent to win a Cup. Things can change but things are looking tough right now.
- ses111

Well yeah. But that’s also true for 31 of 32 NHL franchises, so the odds of being right are pretty damned good.

Well yeah. But that’s also true for 31 of 32 NHL franchises, so the odds of being right are pretty damned good.
- Wildschwein

Exactly

Well yeah. But that’s also true for 31 of 32 NHL franchises, so the odds of being right are pretty damned good.
- Wildschwein

I only care about the Islanders. It should have been clear the roster was not good enough for the Islanders the last few years. What do the Wolfpack know though? Some teams like the Islanders do not win the Cup because of a lack of prime talent. It's not because of lack of luck or maybe coaching or lack of grit. I know we are not GM's and should not question a Hall of Fame GM.

I only care about the Islanders. It should have been clear the roster was not good enough for the Islanders the last few years. What do the Wolfpack know though? Some teams like the Islanders do not win the Cup because of a lack of prime talent. It's not because of lack of luck or maybe coaching or lack of grit. I know we are not GM's and should not question a Hall of Fame GM.

- ses111

How was that clear? They made the ECF twice in “the last few years”, and were one win away from an almost certain Cup. The Islanders most certainly WERE good enough.

Now whether they still ARE that good is a fair question. The departure of Eberle, Toews and Leddy have certainly hurt.

Not all Cup winning teams have “prime talent”. The Blues area fine example of this. What’s more, teams with “prime talent” lose all the time. Just look at the Bruins and Avalanche this year. Elite talent certainly helps, but it does not guarantee a franchise a championship.

And of course we should question Lou. He’s done some rather questionable things. But let’s not pretend that past failures were assured, or that that failure was clear to everyone. It wasn’t.

I’m all for fair criticism, and clearly have no issue doling it out myself. But your criticisms are not entirely fair.

How was that clear? They made the ECF twice in “the last few years”, and were one win away from an almost certain Cup. The Islanders most certainly WERE good enough.

Now whether they still ARE that good is a fair question. The departure of Eberle, Toews and Leddy have certainly hurt.

Not all Cup winning teams have “prime talent”. The Blues area fine example of this. What’s more, teams with “prime talent” lose all the time. Just look at the Bruins and Avalanche this year. Elite talent certainly helps, but it does not guarantee a franchise a championship.

And of course we should question Lou. He’s done some rather questionable things. But let’s not pretend that past failures were assured, or that that failure was clear to everyone. It wasn’t.

I’m all for fair criticism, and clearly have no issue doling it out myself. But your criticisms are not entirely fair.
- Wildschwein

The ECF were a few years ago and they happened during Covid and very unique situations. It's very doubtful the Islanders could have made those runs without a pause in the season and if we had full NHL seasons. I'm talking about the current team and those runs do not help the current team. This team does not even mkae the playoffs if the Pens did not choke in their last game.


We can be fanboys and worry about always being positive or we can look at this roster fairly. This team has not won a Cup since 1983 and this team no longer has the money or lousy building excuses. This is an older team so losing to the Canes or anyone else in the first round is a big deal. No big deal if the Islanders are a young and upcoming team.

The ECF were a few years ago and they happened during Covid and very unique situations. It's very doubtful the Islanders could have made those runs without a pause in the season and if we had full NHL seasons. I'm talking about the current team and those runs do not help the current team. This team does not even mkae the playoffs if the Pens did not choke in their last game.


We can be fanboys and worry about always being positive or we can look at this roster fairly. This team has not won a Cup since 1983 and this team no longer has the money or lousy building excuses. This is an older team so losing to the Canes or anyone else in the first round is a big deal. No big deal if the Islanders are a young and upcoming team.
- ses111

If so, then you misspoke when you said this team clearly wasn’t good enough for the past few years. Cause those ECF runs were only a few years ago.

Regardless, semantics aside, I get what you're saying. This team does need to get younger and faster. But I’d argue that an equally pressing concern is fixing the (frank)ing power play. If the Islander’s power play was even middle of the pack, they probably cruise into the postseason, and even beat the Canes in Round 1.

If so, then you misspoke when you said this team clearly wasn’t good enough for the past few years. Cause those ECF runs were only a few years ago.

Regardless, semantics aside, I get what you're saying. This team does need to get younger and faster. But I’d argue that an equally pressing concern is fixing the (frank)ing power play. If the Islander’s power play was even middle of the pack, they probably cruise into the postseason, and even beat the Canes in Round 1.
- Wildschwein

Totally agree, PP needs to improve 100%.

If so, then you misspoke when you said this team clearly wasn’t good enough for the past few years. Cause those ECF runs were only a few years ago.

Regardless, semantics aside, I get what you're saying. This team does need to get younger and faster. But I’d argue that an equally pressing concern is fixing the (frank)ing power play. If the Islander’s power play was even middle of the pack, they probably cruise into the postseason, and even beat the Canes in Round 1.
- Wildschwein

It's very difficult to truly judge those two ECF teams with the unique situations of those years. They lost to the Canes once and Tampa twice. teams that can shut you down and especially offensively challenged teams like the Islanders.


The PP has been a huge issue for the Islanders and again it goes back to not enough talent as multiple coaches have had the same issues with the PP. Getting more speed and skill is critical as well.

It's very difficult to truly judge those two ECF teams with the unique situations of those years. They lost to the Canes once and Tampa twice. teams that can shut you down and especially offensively challenged teams like the Islanders.


The PP has been a huge issue for the Islanders and again it goes back to not enough talent as multiple coaches have had the same issues with the PP. Getting more speed and skill is critical as well.
- ses111

https://www.msn.com/en-us...4cbf86d482f0021d6c63&ei=9

- nyisles7

You can thank your buddy Lou for the need for us to discuss the same issues with this team. I guess five years is not enough time for Lou?

It's very difficult to truly judge those two ECF teams with the unique situations of those years. They lost to the Canes once and Tampa twice. teams that can shut you down and especially offensively challenged teams like the Islanders.


The PP has been a huge issue for the Islanders and again it goes back to not enough talent as multiple coaches have had the same issues with the PP. Getting more speed and skill is critical as well.
- ses111

On this we completely disagree.

The skill to excel on the man advantage is already here. The compositions of the units and their behaviour on the ice is what needs to change.

For starters, stop putting out units based off who’s “paid” to be a member of PP1. If it doesn’t (frank)ing work, then stop throwing the same five guys out there. Run units based on merit. If the power plays clicks with Aho or Pelech, then make Dobby sit. Same goes for any of the forwards.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/islanders-veteran-could-help-kickstart-blackhawks-rebuild/ar-AA1aXWk3?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=3a60d47916f34cbf86d482f0021d6c63&ei=9
- ses111

Well this is just a tease.

On this we completely disagree.

The skill to excel on the man advantage is already here. The compositions of the units and their behaviour on the ice is what needs to change.

For starters, stop putting out units based off who’s “paid” to be a member of PP1. If it doesn’t (frank)ing work, then stop throwing the same five guys out there. Run units based on merit. If the power plays clicks with Aho or Pelech, then make Dobby sit. Same goes for any of the forwards.
- Wildschwein

Come on schwein. Barry could not figure out the PP either. How many PP coaches have the Islanders had? You think coaches are telling the players to slow down the PP and just past the puck back and forth? You want the 4th line on the PP? You need fast players with skill and have constant movement on the PP. It's not a shock the PP struggles when the overall offense struggles as well.

You can thank your buddy Lou for the need for us to discuss the same issues with this team. I guess five years is not enough time for Lou?
- ses111

I have thanked him numerous times for transforming this once laughing stock of an organization to one now respected again, where players want to come and play. From the state of the art Practice Facility to the state of the art home Arena. Down to how the players and their families are treated.
I also thanked him for our record and on ice performance since he’s been here. With 4 PO appearances ( 2 being ECF runs losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champs 2 times ) in the 5 years he was here.
You bet your ass I thanked him as should all Islanders fans. Except I guess for the Girls club which know more than really any GM on any team.

I have thanked him numerous times for transforming this once laughing stock of an organization to one now respected where players want to come and play. From the state of the art Practice Facility to the state of the art home Arena. Down to how the players and their families are treated.
I also thanked him for our record and on ice performance since he’s been here. With 4 PO appearances ( 2 being ECF runs losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champs 2 times ) in the 5 years he was here.
You bet your ass I thanked him as should all Islanders fans. Except I guess for the Girls club which know more than really any GM on any team.
- nyisles7

Thank You Lou! Now we need a new GM that can improve the speed and skill of this team to compete in the new NHL and not the old clutch and grab NHL. You have to see the big picture and forget what was done a couple of years ago. The Islanders have not been a prime destination for top UFA's even with Lou. I get it you like to stir the pot and be different. Regardless of Hockeybuzz posters, this team is not in a good position this offseason.

Thank You Lou! Now we need a new GM that can improve the speed and skill of this team to compete in the new NHL and not the old clutch and grab NHL. You have to see the big picture and forget what was done a couple of years ago. I get it you like to stir the pot and be different.
- ses111

Look, you (and others)have been pissing and moaning about the team, Lou and his moves ever since he was hired. From the summer of shat signings on. The fact is the club hasn’t been run better or performed better since the Stanley cup years. If you go by results the Islanders have had a very good last 5 years. Again probably the best 5 years in a row since the cup years. I’m not saying this to be different or stir poop. I’m saying this because it’s true.
When Snow and Crappy were here I female doged about both constantly, and rightfully so. The true fact is there are just some fans that won’t accept anything other than a championship. I get that but they should stick to movies and books because the reality is winning championships are extremely hard. Especially in hockey where the POs are brutal. It’s a hell of a lot easier sitting on a computer sitting on a couch.

On this we completely disagree.

The skill to excel on the man advantage is already here. The compositions of the units and their behaviour on the ice is what needs to change.

For starters, stop putting out units based off who’s “paid” to be a member of PP1. If it doesn’t (frank)ing work, then stop throwing the same five guys out there. Run units based on merit. If the power plays clicks with Aho or Pelech, then make Dobby sit. Same goes for any of the forwards.
- Wildschwein

I think it has more to do with the team not having the talent to really have a legit PP more then anything else. Or at least players that can/will consistently perform on it. More so then the coaches at least. Can’t have Pelech playing 28 mins a night and take him away from defensive assignments besides him not exactly being that kind of player. I wouldn’t recommend throwing the 4th line out there. I do agree with moving Dobson off it though but I’m not really sure how much that would’ve helped due to the other players deficiencies. These guys didn’t/couldn’t do their job for whatever reason. We’ve had an at best borderline mediocre PP over the last five years and that was in spots. It’s more a personnel problem imo.

I think it has more to do with the team not having the talent to really have a legit PP more then anything else. Or at least players that can/will consistently perform on it. More so then the coaches at least. Can’t have Pelech playing 28 mins a night and take him away from defensive assignments besides him not exactly being that kind of player. I wouldn’t recommend throwing the 4th line out there. I do agree with moving Dobson off it though but I’m not really sure how much that would’ve helped due to the other players deficiencies. These guys didn’t/couldn’t do their job for whatever reason. We’ve had an at best borderline mediocre PP over the last five years and that was in spots. It’s more a personnel problem imo.
- Cptmjl

I know you don’t read my posts or answer. But why is Horvat playing a totally different position on the PP on the Islanders than he did on the Canucks? Because the Islanders PP was so much better than the Nucks?
If it were me he would have been exactly were he was on Vancouver’s PP and I would have had him bring some of their plays to the table.

Thank You Lou! Now we need a new GM that can improve the speed and skill of this team to compete in the new NHL and not the old clutch and grab NHL. You have to see the big picture and forget what was done a couple of years ago. The Islanders have not been a prime destination for top UFA's even with Lou. I get it you like to stir the pot and be different. Regardless of Hockeybuzz posters, this team is not in a good position this offseason.
- ses111

Lameriello did good and bad since he has been here but I believe you can say that about any GM. It’s not an exact science. He did bring respectability back to this team after the last couple of morons we had running it. Though I believe he invested way too much into this group and mortgaged the future in the process. Traded some good young players and first round picks along the way which left us with nothing. Yeah the team made it to the ECF and it was entertaining as hell especially under the circumstances woth what our insane govt was doing at the time. I’m not discounting that by any means but without the Covid shutdown one of those seasons we 100% don’t make the playoffs. The other one is debatable.

I think this team is built for the playoffs BUT a lot of these guys are getting too long in the tooth to compete in them imo. They also lack finishers on the wing which has been a problem forever. Also, consistently backing into the playoffs is not a recipe for success. If you don’t believe me just ask Barzal he said exactly that the other day. If I were GM I would have dumped what I could the the season before last setting up for this upcoming draft. Said it then and still believe it now. It’s not revisionist history. If we did that we very well may have had a competitive team next season and with a decent pipeline of prospects. If I ever said fire Lameriello it was a joke 99% of the time. If it were ever in one of my posts it was said with obvious sarcasm that even a three yr old could’ve deciphered it. Nor am I saying fire the guy now. Not sure why anyone would give a crap either way. It’s hysterical. I honestly want him to have to deal with whatever comes this season. There’s not much anyone will be able to do with what we have and more importantly what we don’t have. This is his creation let him work it out or deal with what I see more then likely happening.

There’s something going on within the team right now. Couldn’t be more obvious. That I know. Not sure whether that means he’s going or staying bcs they are ironing out a new contract but if we plan on rebuilding when we lose some more of this dead wood to free agency(hopefully)after next season and get ready to rebuild I don’t want him as our GM. That I know. We are barren prospect wise to the level of the milbury days. That I was never on board with.

Lameriello did good and bad since he has been here but I believe you can say that about any GM. It’s not an exact science. He did bring respectability back to this team after the last couple of morons we had running it. Though I believe he invested way too much into this group and mortgaged the future in the process. Traded some good young players and first round picks along the way which left us with nothing. Yeah the team made it to the ECF and it was entertaining as hell especially under the circumstances woth what our insane govt was doing at the time. I’m not discounting that by any means but without the Covid shutdown one of those seasons we 100% don’t make the playoffs. The other one is debatable.

I think this team is built for the playoffs BUT a lot of these guys are getting too long in the tooth to compete in them imo. They also lack finishers on the wing which has been a problem forever. Also, consistently backing into the playoffs is not a recipe for success. If you don’t believe me just ask Barzal he said exactly that the other day. If I were GM I would have dumped what I could the the season before last setting up for this upcoming draft. Said it then and still believe it now. It’s not revisionist history. If we did that we very well may have had a competitive team next season and with a decent pipeline of prospects. If I ever said fire Lameriello it was a joke 99% of the time. If it were ever in one of my posts it was said with obvious sarcasm that even a three yr old could’ve deciphered it. Nor am I saying fire the guy now. Not sure why anyone would give a crap either way. It’s hysterical. I honestly want him to have to deal with whatever comes this season. There’s not much anyone will be able to do with what we have and more importantly what we don’t have. This is his creation let him work it out or deal with what I see more then likely happening.

There’s something going on within the team right now. Couldn’t be more obvious. That I know. Not sure whether that means he’s going or staying bcs they are ironing out a new contract but if we plan on rebuilding when we lose some more of this dead wood to free agency(hopefully)after next season and get ready to rebuild I don’t want him as our GM. That I know. We are barren prospect wise to the level of the milbury days. That I was never on board with.
- Cptmjl

I'd rather a new GM. I'm afraid that Lou will just keep trading draft picks.

Lameriello did good and bad since he has been here but I believe you can say that about any GM. It’s not an exact science. He did bring respectability back to this team after the last couple of morons we had running it. Though I believe he invested way too much into this group and mortgaged the future in the process. Traded some good young players and first round picks along the way which left us with nothing. Yeah the team made it to the ECF and it was entertaining as hell especially under the circumstances woth what our insane govt was doing at the time. I’m not discounting that by any means but without the Covid shutdown one of those seasons we 100% don’t make the playoffs. The other one is debatable.

I think this team is built for the playoffs BUT a lot of these guys are getting too long in the tooth to compete in them imo. They also lack finishers on the wing which has been a problem forever. Also, consistently backing into the playoffs is not a recipe for success. If you don’t believe me just ask Barzal he said exactly that the other day. If I were GM I would have dumped what I could the the season before last setting up for this upcoming draft. Said it then and still believe it now. It’s not revisionist history. If we did that we very well may have had a competitive team next season and with a decent pipeline of prospects. If I ever said fire Lameriello it was a joke 99% of the time. If it were ever in one of my posts it was said with obvious sarcasm that even a three yr old could’ve deciphered it. Nor am I saying fire the guy now. Not sure why anyone would give a crap either way. It’s hysterical. I honestly want him to have to deal with whatever comes this season. There’s not much anyone will be able to do with what we have and more importantly what we don’t have. This is his creation let him work it out or deal with what I see more then likely happening.

There’s something going on within the team right now. Couldn’t be more obvious. That I know. Not sure whether that means he’s going or staying bcs they are ironing out a new contract but if we plan on rebuilding when we lose some more of this dead wood to free agency(hopefully)after next season and get ready to rebuild I don’t want him as our GM. That I know. We are barren prospect wise to the level of the milbury days. That I was never on board with.
- Cptmjl

Lou has done some nice things with the Islanders for sure. Let's be honest thought that Barry fell into the Islanders lap. Islanders had the last open job and Barry did not want to sit out and he wanted to be paid. I'm sure Barry was happy Lou was GM, but I think Barry takes the job if Joe Smith were the GM.


I give a lot of the credit to Barry as Barry got Garth's roster to play his system very well. Lou has not improved this roster in a big way and this is still very much Garth's roster. Yes we made the playoffs again this year but it was with the last game after the huge gift by the Pens. We can hang on to the ECF runs from a few years ago or look to the next GM and the future. Lou himself would say sneaking into the playoffs and losing in the 1st round is not good enough for a Vet team. Lou called himself out before he made the Horvat trade. Lou knows the team was not good enough.