Sure they could use a scoring forward. The question is how could they get one. - JimmyP
In the words of Garth, there is more than enough talent to win. They just need a coach that can turn 3rd and 4th line players into top 6 players and turn back the clock on Lee, Martin, Palms. Getting Mayfield and Aho to play better if not too much trouble.
Location: Coming to a jail near you Joined: 10.14.2014
Nov 8 @ 10:11 PM ET
Too bad there wasn’t a way to get Huberdeau. He with Horvat and Barzal could be a scary good line. - Wildschwein
Would love Huberdeau. But Calgary would probably want Barzal in return........and then there are cap issues, especially if they would accept someone less expensive.
Carry over from last blog... Yesterday @ 10:56 AM ET
Just a few random thoughts from prior comments here:
"Barzal was not great last night"
That game must of really looked different live because he was far and away the Isles best player last night on tv. Honorable mentions to Dobson and Holmstrom.
Yes, Barzy loves to do the Gretzky back turn over and over...mostly because when he gets the puck in deep, there's no one up there with him.
Barzal is predictableHe does not change his moves. It would be one thing if he was McDavid and could power through yet he is not and needs to change his entry. He is also a pass first guy, even the zamboni driver knows it. So what do you think the goalie is expecting when he enters the zone. I guess the TV did not pick up boos and cat calls when Barzal coughed up the puck after his dipsy doodles or when he held it too long trying to make the perfect play?
Barzal is not elite
Seems a bit odd that people continually say this as though he's some sort of failure for it. It's not as though scouts were touting this guy since he was 13 or something. Barzal is the most talented offensive player on the team, which may not be saying much. He is one of the best skaters and stickhandlers in the league. Barzal is not the problem here. Far from it. Yeah, he's frustrating at times, but I've got far bigger complaints about other guys eating up big cash
You answered you own statement here. My point is that the Isles are not going to take the next step with or because of Barzal. I have watch enough of his body of work to realize this. Also, were he was selected in the first round does not constitute elite or not. Bossy was draft 15th...I would say he was elite.
Pavel Datsyuk, 1998. Detroit Red Wings, 171st overall. Henrik Lundqvist, 2000. New York Rangers, 205th overall. Henrik Zetterberg, 1999. Detroit Red Wings, 210th overall.
Regarding Lambert: I can only base my judgement of Lambert based on the on-ice product, which isn't good. The team is terrible in terms of defensive composure and communication. They're, at best, inconsistent offensively. That said, they don't look much different than the did during Barry's last year. I think those covid-shortened seasons were very fortunate for the Isles. In the first year, they wouldn't have even made it to the playoffs were it not for they 'play-in' round. In year two, I think they again benefitted from a shortened season.
I think those two seasons did well to hide some of the roster issues with the team, which are now more apparent than ever. I always thought of Barry as the Marty Schottenheimer of the league. A long-tenured coach who didn't typically win the big one. Lambert, I just don't know. The bottom line is, I don't think either of them could have done much with this team as it is. It still looks like a team full of bottom sixes save for Barzy and Nelson. Even Horvat tends to underwhelm at times. Unfortunately it just seems that the clock has run out on Lou. The cupboard is bare, the team is older. The system seems inept. A new voice was needed, but it may have been needed from a higher chair.
There needs to be change in coaching or players. This team is flat. it will only get worst if nothing is done. Blown leads on your home ice is not a positive sign and YES lane it is a trend.
Tonight should go smoothly, especially after the team charter rolled off the taxiway at Republic last night and got stuck in the grass and they got delayed for hours
So I’m with my instructor waiting for takeoff when a 737 passes by taxing on a parallel taxiway. A few minutes later we hear the ground controller ask them if they are stuck. Sure enough they went into the grass and almost 6 hours later is still there. A line guy told us later that the Islanders hockey team was on board
EDIT: I confirmed this information with the ground controller
Tonight should go smoothly, especially after the team charter rolled off the taxiway at Republic last night and got stuck in the grass and they got delayed for hours
So I’m with my instructor waiting for takeoff when a 737 passes by taxing on a parallel taxiway. A few minutes later we hear the ground controller ask them if they are stuck. Sure enough they went into the grass and almost 6 hours later is still there. A line guy told us later that the Islanders hockey team was on board
EDIT: I confirmed this information with the ground controller - eichiefs9
Location: Coming to a jail near you Joined: 10.14.2014
Nov 9 @ 10:12 AM ET
Tonight should go smoothly, especially after the team charter rolled off the taxiway at Republic last night and got stuck in the grass and they got delayed for hours
So I’m with my instructor waiting for takeoff when a 737 passes by taxing on a parallel taxiway. A few minutes later we hear the ground controller ask them if they are stuck. Sure enough they went into the grass and almost 6 hours later is still there. A line guy told us later that the Islanders hockey team was on board
EDIT: I confirmed this information with the ground controller - eichiefs9
Tonight should go smoothly, especially after the team charter rolled off the taxiway at Republic last night and got stuck in the grass and they got delayed for hours
So I’m with my instructor waiting for takeoff when a 737 passes by taxing on a parallel taxiway. A few minutes later we hear the ground controller ask them if they are stuck. Sure enough they went into the grass and almost 6 hours later is still there. A line guy told us later that the Islanders hockey team was on board
EDIT: I confirmed this information with the ground controller - eichiefs9
