Games 1 and 3 isles could have won and game 2 they blew in epic fashion not that the canes didn't deserve that outcome. Too old and slow and not enough skill

Cizikas-Horvat-Barzal
1 goal, 2 assists

Guentzel-Aho-Svechnikov
3 goals, 7 assists

There's your series.
- BINGO!

Barzal and Bo have no time and space against this team. You need all 5 players on the ice. You cannot attack the Canes with just the forwards. The Islanders are simply not built for hockey in 2024.

Yeah this. He certainly wasn’t good but I think it’s hysterical the vitriol he’s getting on here tonight. Where was that when Pelech was crapping all over the ice every game? Horvat who has had next to no impact this series along with Barzal? Crickets. Sorokin played one game. He played bad. But of course it’s definitely his fault we are going to more then likely get swept, again, by this team. Did Sorokin get 11 shots on goal in game 2? Did Sorokin have one shot on goal in 30 mins of play or could he not finish with a little extra effort in game 1? Nope. Me stating the obvious will of course be met with the usual, hyperbole and stupidity. That’s like death and taxes.

The truth is this team has been on the down swing since their last ECF appearance. We weren’t one Bo Horvat away from being a contender. TIMING. Our GM should’ve diagnosed that but didn’t. Instead he continued to double down on the belief that this group was some sleeping giant. That’s on him. Period. That’s why our team lost. They aren’t that good for multiple reasons. Anyone that can’t acknowledge that is either delusional or an homer with zero objectivity. There’s no happy medium there. If you think they lost this series due to a lack of “puck luck” you would be a special kind of stupid. If stating the obvious makes me someone who “says the same things” over and over and “has nothing to offer” I’ll happily embrace that standing over here firmly on the ground in reality. I’m comfortable with that.
- Cptmjl

They scored two goals. On most nights, that's not gonna get it done no matter who's in net.

They scored two goals. On most nights, that's not gonna get it done no matter who's in net.
- UIF

It normally is the offense that sinks this team. Sorokin was not good, but goaltending is the least of the issues. You cannot win a Cup by just relying on the goalie and puck luck.

It normally is the offense that sinks this team. Sorokin was not good, but goaltending is the least of the issues.
- ses111

Yeah, agreed, he certainly wasn't good. But he was pulled out of there in time, and Varly held down the fort in net for the rest of the game and gave them a chance to at least get the game to OT. To come away with only two goals on the board...quite a few players besides Sorokin didn't get the job done at home in a must-win game.

Yeah, agreed, he certainly wasn't good. But he was pulled out of there in time, and Varly held down the fort in net for the rest of the game and gave them a chance to at least get the game to OT. To come away with only two goals on the board...quite a few players besides Sorokin didn't get the job done at home in a must-win game.
- UIF

I agree UIF. It goes back to Lou only caring about the coaches and the goalies. He does not put in the work to fix the rest of the roster. The offense cannot get it done against a legit team in a big spot. We saw this during the ECF runs. They could get it done against flawed teams like the Caps, Pens, and Flyers.

I agree UIF. It goes back to Lou only caring about the coaches and the goalies. He does not put in the work to fix the rest of the roster. The offense cannot get it done against a legit team in a big spot. We saw this during the ECF runs. They could get it done against flawed teams like the Caps, Pens, and Flyers.
- ses111

I think Lou cares...he makes trades, he changes coaches; he does what he can to get this roster into the playoffs every year and then leaves it to them to perform once they get there.

I don't personally agree with the approach of slapping Band-Aids on this roster...we've been over that a bunch of times before...but for a guy committed to this roster, I think Lou's exhausted about every option to get it to succeed. Barring a miracle in this series, though, I think it's finally time to come to grips with what this team is and what it isn't.

I think Lou cares...he makes trades, he changes coaches; he does what he can to get this roster into the playoffs every year and then leaves it to them to perform once they get there.

I don't personally agree with the approach of slapping Band-Aids on this roster...we've been over that a bunch of times before...but for a guy committed to this roster, I think Lou's exhausted about every option to get it to succeed. Barring a miracle in this series, though, I think it's finally time to come to grips with what this team is and what it isn't.
- UIF

Lou has made some trades, but he has also made a lot of bad decisions on contracts and locking up bottom pair players. What legit team locks up bottom pairing players like Lou? Lou might care but he does not understand the Cap and hockey in 2024. This is a speed and skill league. Even Patrick has made some odd choices. Why are you playing Martin when the Canes are not a tough team. You need to play Holmstrom with his speed against the Canes. I would have even played Ruslan last night. You need as much speed as possible in the lineup against the Canes.

I actually disagree with this. I don’t believe there are any questions this team needs to get younger, faster, and cheaper. We need young, cost controlled talent. We’ve needed it for years. This lineup is like a loaf of Italian bread that’s been left on the counter uncovered for a few days.
- Cptmjl

Absolutely this team needs to be younger, faster and cap friendly.

What I was referring to was...

1. Sorokin has been below average. His poor fragile play yesterday, will just bring
more questions about his ability to regain his prior form.
1a. Does Varly start the year as the #1? He has played his azz off in the stretch run.
2. Pelech and Pullock have been average and at times to slow.
3. Dober we hope is still nursing an injury. Did the load of the season prove to
strong for him alone to handle?
4. How does Mayfield fit into this equation? He clearly would be outmatched in this
series and lord only knows how many penalties he would take?
5. Reilly has been okay and I would keep him on the 3rd pairing.
6. Barzal and Horvat are not dominant enough to carry the offensive load. Not sure
Casey is the answer here either.
7. Nelson, based on the playoffs I sell high rather than invest long term.
8. Palms and JPG.
9. Lee has busted his azz in this series. However, Isles cannot afford a 7 mil third
line guy. Given the direction of the NHL. That is what he is now.
10. Clutter and Matty need to be cut loose. I would take Cal back on league min.

While I do not think it is a complete tear down and re-build, I see some big changes need to occur and some tough decisions need to be made. In watching the last few years, the NHL is moving more toward the western conference style of play. Fast paced, transition games.

It is abundantly clear that the current team cannot even slow the play in neutral zone as in years past.

I think Lou cares...he makes trades, he changes coaches; he does what he can to get this roster into the playoffs every year and then leaves it to them to perform once they get there.

I don't personally agree with the approach of slapping Band-Aids on this roster...we've been over that a bunch of times before...but for a guy committed to this roster, I think Lou's exhausted about every option to get it to succeed. Barring a miracle in this series, though, I think it's finally time to come to grips with what this team is and what it isn't.
- UIF

You cannot get blood from a stone. That is where this team stands.

This is the current projected player the Isles with their 1st Round Pick.

Michael Hage
Ht/Wt: 6' 1"/190 lbs
Position: C
Team: Chicago (USHL)

You all will think I am crazy, but I move Nelson at the draft. See if you can grab a #1 and prospect.

Absolutely this team needs to be younger, faster and cap friendly.

What I was referring to was...

1. Sorokin has been below average. His poor fragile play yesterday, will just bring
more questions about his ability to regain his prior form.
1a. Does Varly start the year as the #1? He has played his azz off in the stretch run.
2. Pelech and Pullock have been average and at times to slow.
3. Dober we hope is still nursing an injury. Did the load of the season prove to
strong for him alone to handle?
4. How does Mayfield fit into this equation? He clearly would be outmatched in this
series and lord only knows how many penalties he would take?
5. Reilly has been okay and I would keep him on the 3rd pairing.
6. Barzal and Horvat are not dominant enough to carry the offensive load. Not sure
Casey is the answer here either.
7. Nelson, based on the playoffs I sell high rather than invest long term.
8. Palms and JPG.
9. Lee has busted his azz in this series. However, Isles cannot afford a 7 mil third
line guy. Given the direction of the NHL. That is what he is Nelson and now.
10. Clutter and Matty need to be cut loose. I would take Cal back on league min.

While I do not think it is a complete tear down and re-build, I see some big changes need to occur and some tough decisions need to be made. In watching the last few years, the NHL is moving more toward the western conference style of play. Fast paced, transition games.

It is abundantly clear that the current team cannot even slow the play in neutral zone as in years past.
- Nfdbulldawg

I think Nelson and Palms should be traded this summer.
No way I bring back MM or Cal at any price.
Pelech and Pulock are not the same players.
I would look into buying out Lee.
Barzal and Bo are fine players but cannot carry the entire team and not against a team like the Canes.
Reilly is not every game dman.

This is the current projected player the Isles with their 1st Round Pick.

Michael Hage
Ht/Wt: 6' 1"/190 lbs
Position: C
Team: Chicago (USHL)

You all will think I am crazy, but I move Nelson at the draft. See if you can grab a #1 and prospect.
- Nfdbulldawg

Moving Nelson or Palms is not crazy at all. They are both not the future and the odds Palms remains healthy are very low. You trade both of them now.

UFAs

Sam Reinhart
Teuvo Teravainen
Victor Olofsson
Tyler Bertuzzi
Anthony Duclair

Oliver Kylington

I think Nelson and Palms should be traded this summer.
No way I bring back MM or Cal at any price. I would take Cal on a league min
Pelech and Pulock are not the same players. 100%
I would look into buying out Lee. I agree
Barzal and Bo are fine players but cannot carry the entire team and not against a team like the Canes. 100%
Reilly is not every game dman.3rd pair he could be.
- ses111

Lou has made some trades, but he has also made a lot of bad decisions on contracts and locking up bottom pair players. What legit team locks up bottom pairing players like Lou? Lou might care but he does not understand the Cap and hockey in 2024. This is a speed and skill league. Even Patrick has made some odd choices. Why are you playing Martin when the Canes are not a tough team. You need to play Holmstrom with his speed against the Canes. I would have even played Ruslan last night. You need as much speed as possible in the lineup against the Canes.
- ses111

To be fair, Holmstrom had his chance in game 2. They sat Fasching to give him an opportunity and he was a ghost. His stat line is 12:34 of ice time (more than Martin, Clutterbuck, Engvall, and MacLean), and then pretty much zeros across the board...other than one blocked shot (Martin had two) and one faceoff lost. No shots, no hits...I think it's on the players to take advantage of the time they're given to earn more. If they're not scoring or setting up goals, they have to do something to make an impression...start a fight; throw a big hit.

If Martin's beating you on the stat sheet, then you don't deserve that spot over him.

I think Nelson and Palms should be traded this summer.
No way I bring back MM or Cal at any price.
Pelech and Pulock are not the same players.
I would look into buying out Lee.
Barzal and Bo are fine players but cannot carry the entire team and not against a team like the Canes.
Reilly is not every game dman.
- ses111

Couldn't disagree more on Reilly. I think he's been fantastic. He tops out as a 3rd pair defenseman but he moves the puck and has had excellent offensive production (.4ppg) for getting 3rd pair minutes (about 17min/gp)

Not sure what will happen with him in the offseason. He's a UFA, had a strong year for him, and is 31 years old in July. This will be his last chance to cash in and my guess is there won't be any "hometown" (obviously using that term loosely here) discounts. Not sure I want to give him term and a lot (for him) of money at that age, plus they have to either give Bolduc a real chance or trade him at this point because he's waiver eligible.

Couldn't disagree more on Reilly. I think he's been fantastic. He tops out as a 3rd pair defenseman but he moves the puck and has had excellent offensive production (.4ppg) for getting 3rd pair minutes (about 17min/gp)

Not sure what will happen with him in the offseason. He's a UFA, had a strong year for him, and is 31 years old in July. This will be his last chance to cash in and my guess is there won't be any "hometown" (obviously using that term loosely here) discounts. Not sure I want to give him term and a lot (for him) of money at that age, plus they have to either give Bolduc a real chance or trade him at this point because he's waiver eligible.
- eichiefs9

I worry about Reilly's defense. Certainly, if he plays 3rd pair minutes this would help. I'm more worried about Pelech and Pulock and the overall defense. As long as Reilly does not get a 7-year deal, I'm good with bringing him back. I'd rather see what Bolduc can do playing the entire season on 3rd pair.

Lou has made some trades, but he has also made a lot of bad decisions on contracts and locking up bottom pair players. What legit team locks up bottom pairing players like Lou? Lou might care but he does not understand the Cap and hockey in 2024. This is a speed and skill league. Even Patrick has made some odd choices. Why are you playing Martin when the Canes are not a tough team. You need to play Holmstrom with his speed against the Canes. I would have even played Ruslan last night. You need as much speed as possible in the lineup against the Canes.
- ses111

I am actually shocked with the lack of physicality in this series. Aside from a few hits, the canes will move on to the second round with only a few bumps and bruises, if that. I've been watching the Bruins/leafs series, and they are playing very physical, finishing all their checks, scrums after every goalie stop, etc. I agree with sitting Martin. I'd consider moving Czikas back to the fourth line and put maybe Holmstrom or Ruslan with Bo/Barzy. I wouldn't worry about either of Holmstrom or Ruslan with the current physical play.

I am actually shocked with the lack of physicality in this series. Aside from a few hits, the canes will move on to the second round with only a few bumps and bruises, if that. I've been watching the Bruins/leafs series, and they are playing very physical, finishing all their checks, scrums after every goalie stop, etc. I agree with sitting Martin. I'd consider moving Czikas back to the fourth line and put maybe Holmstrom or Ruslan with Bo/Barzy. I wouldn't worry about either of Holmstrom or Ruslan with the current physical play.
- streaks

I'm not that shocked. The Islanders are too slow to catch up and hit the Canes. I do not understand the Islanders afraid of trying things when they have proven time and again, they cannot beat this team. No reason for Martin to play. Holmstrom needs to play regarding of not being impressive in game 2. Ruslan should have played last night. This time does not know how to bring along young players properly and they go right back to the vets at the first sign of trouble. The Rangers are not afriad to play Rempe in the playoffs.

The National Amthem was awesome..sooo you got that to look forward to for game 4.

The National Amthem was awesome..sooo you got that to look forward to for game 4.
- rrentz

Also the sweet, merciful embrace of death

He didn’t do them any favors imo.
Roy was asked post game about sOrOkin and he refused to answer. Roy got that change wrong. It’s on him.
- nyisles7

Yeah, I'm not sure where that relationship is going to go, frankly.
Right after game two I posted on here, wondering if we might see Sorokin. My rationale was that while Varly had been very good, we were going to need a superhuman effort in goal to win. The kinda effort only Sorokin can provide.....when he's on his game.
Despite the domination by Carolina in game two, I don't think Varly was spectacular, giving up a couple of goals similar to what we've seen some fans hammer Sorokin for.
So Roy rolled the dice and lost. I don't think the outcome would have changed regardless, but who knows....

Yeah, I'm not sure where that relationship is going to go, frankly.
Right after game two I posted on here, wondering if we might see Sorokin. My rationale was that while Varly had been very good, we were going to need a superhuman effort in goal to win. The kinda effort only Sorokin can provide.....when he's on his game.
Despite the domination by Carolina in game two, I don't think Varly was spectacular, giving up a couple of goals similar to what we've seen some fans hammer Sorokin for.
So Roy rolled the dice and lost. I don't think the outcome would have changed regardless, but who knows....
- keaner17

I do not think playing Sorokin was a horrible idea. I have more issues with some of the other lineup choices.

I worry about Reilly's defense. Certainly, if he plays 3rd pair minutes this would help. I'm more worried about Pelech and Pulock and the overall defense. As long as Reilly does not get a 7-year deal, I'm good with bringing him back. I'd rather see what Bolduc can do playing the entire season on 3rd pair.
- ses111

He's definitely not a defensive specialist, but the Islanders have precisely zero offense from the blueline outside of Dobson and he's a good QB for PP2. No doubt he's a 3rd pairing defensemen and they all come with flaws of some sort, but I was really very impressed with his play this season given who/what he is.