The difference being when the sh!t hit the fan Drury started to make changes, and I’m sure isn’t done (scratching kreider etc). The gaslighting line of “we believe in this group” is Garth Snow old.
The isles PP hasn’t been consistent for far too long. Remember the days of adding Cliff Ronning, or MAB to kickstart the PP? It’s been an issue and it continues to be stale. Let’s start with replacing Maclean and get the PP on a more consistent track. Next would be the obvious failed PK. I believe not replacing Johnny Boychuk was the decline of the PK.
When people say the game has passed Lou by, part of that is continuing this BS nepotism that is great for favors down the road but doesn’t put team first now.
- kindlyrick

I'm sure even Lane was not telling the players to pass the puck around the entire PP. This team is not built well and does not have enough pure shooters. Lou is all about loyalty instead of putting the best team on the ice. He still thinks the goalie can win on his own. The Devils had a complete team, and it was not just Marty.

I can respect Drury being proactive and not catering to his players because they're veterans, but he's definitely not helping anything with the way he goes about it. He's effectively been the polar opposite of Lou.

Islanders desperately need to clean house, this roster is beyond stale. It's mummified.
- eichiefs9

I agree with you with respect to Drury and his apparent sour negotiating going public. Not sure whose fault that is but you don’t see that often. I also agree that I respect him getting off his hands and dialing the phone to make necessary changes.

I’m hoping the stalemate thus far is the ownership standing pat to replace Lou on down. The problem is guys like Nelson and Palmieri’s value are highest at the trade deadline. I don’t believe Lou has ever been a seller.
The problem as I see it is beyond just Lou. Weve mentioned it before but it’s just too many years of facing back up goalies and eeking into the playoffs on the 82nd game. Would love to see proof of life from ownership and put winning first for once. Multiple ownership regimes, multiple decades of bad GMing and it’s getting old really fast. I’ve never in my life been as disinterested in this team. I used to tune in for the pre game, now I tune in for the post game explanation.

I'm sure even Lane was not telling the players to pass the puck around the entire PP. This team is not built well and does not have enough pure shooters. Lou is all about loyalty instead of putting the best team on the ice. He still thinks the goalie can win on his own. The Devils had a complete team, and it was not just Marty.
- ses111

Some argue Brodeurs numbers are inflated because of that trap devil system. Either way the 90s are 30 years ago. Totally different league now. The world changed, not just the NHL. No 18 year old wants to sign up for clean shaving, and low numbers on their jerseys. It’s simply antiquated.

The problem stems way beyond Lou Lam. Love Kenny Morrow but he along with a litany of others need to be replaced. It’s not a negative against them but the proofs in the pudding. Fresh eyes on things is time.

When the isles drafted Robert Nelson over Zach Parise it was the beginning of the end. Too many draft busts and not enough draft plus.

Some argue Brodeurs numbers are inflated because of that trap devil system. Either way the 90s are 30 years ago. Totally different league now. The world changed, not just the NHL. No 18 year old wants to sign up for clean shaving, and low numbers on their jerseys. It’s simply antiquated.

The problem stems way beyond Lou Lam. Love Kenny Morrow but he along with a litany of others need to be replaced. It’s not a negative against them but the proofs in the pudding. Fresh eyes on things is time.

When the isles drafted Robert Nelson over Zach Parise it was the beginning of the end. Too many draft busts and not enough draft plus.
- kindlyrick

It is an entirely new NHL. Lou has struggled since the Cap. You simply cannot give bad contracts to bottom pair players. The problem is beyond Lou, but what has Lou done to fix the scouting? I'm sure ownership has given Lou full control. Kenny did a lot for this team and the team has been good to Kenny, but that has its limit in 2024.

I agree with you with respect to Drury and his apparent sour negotiating going public. Not sure whose fault that is but you don’t see that often. I also agree that I respect him getting off his hands and dialing the phone to make necessary changes.

I’m hoping the stalemate thus far is the ownership standing pat to replace Lou on down. The problem is guys like Nelson and Palmieri’s value are highest at the trade deadline. I don’t believe Lou has ever been a seller.
The problem as I see it is beyond just Lou. Weve mentioned it before but it’s just too many years of facing back up goalies and eeking into the playoffs on the 82nd game. Would love to see proof of life from ownership and put winning first for once. Multiple ownership regimes, multiple decades of bad GMing and it’s getting old really fast. I’ve never in my life been as disinterested in this team. I used to tune in for the pre game, now I tune in for the post game explanation.
- kindlyrick

If they don't sell Palmieri and Nelson, at a minimum, they're making a colossal mistake. Limping into the playoffs to get dusted by whoever accomplishes nothing and frankly I don't even think that they have that in them this season.

With Lee's resurgence this year, they should be shopping him as well. Maybe nobody offers up too much because he's got the extra year at a high cap hit, but no reason not to explore selling high on him while they can. More or less the same with Pageau also.

I agree with you with respect to Drury and his apparent sour negotiating going public. Not sure whose fault that is but you don’t see that often. I also agree that I respect him getting off his hands and dialing the phone to make necessary changes.

I’m hoping the stalemate thus far is the ownership standing pat to replace Lou on down. The problem is guys like Nelson and Palmieri’s value are highest at the trade deadline. I don’t believe Lou has ever been a seller.
The problem as I see it is beyond just Lou. Weve mentioned it before but it’s just too many years of facing back up goalies and eeking into the playoffs on the 82nd game. Would love to see proof of life from ownership and put winning first for once. Multiple ownership regimes, multiple decades of bad GMing and it’s getting old really fast. I’ve never in my life been as disinterested in this team. I used to tune in for the pre game, now I tune in for the post game explanation.
- kindlyrick

The Islanders do not need Wood Johnson type ownership. but they need more engaged owners. Owners need to know when to step in and not wait too long. Islanders need demanding ownership and not ownership just happy to sneak into the playoffs. How can these owners be happy with just 1st round exits with a fairly new building? This team is very hard to watch right now.

If they don't sell Palmieri and Nelson, at a minimum, they're making a colossal mistake. Limping into the playoffs to get dusted by whoever accomplishes nothing and frankly I don't even think that they have that in them this season.

With Lee's resurgence this year, they should be shopping him as well. Maybe nobody offers up too much because he's got the extra year at a high cap hit, but no reason not to explore selling high on him while they can. More or less the same with Pageau also.
- eichiefs9

It's criminal if Nelson and Palms are not moved. A 5-year-old would know you have to move at least these two players. Lee has looked good this year. Can the Islanders keep some of his money in a trade?

If they don't sell Palmieri and Nelson, at a minimum, they're making a colossal mistake. Limping into the playoffs to get dusted by whoever accomplishes nothing and frankly I don't even think that they have that in them this season.

With Lee's resurgence this year, they should be shopping him as well. Maybe nobody offers up too much because he's got the extra year at a high cap hit, but no reason not to explore selling high on him while they can. More or less the same with Pageau also.
- eichiefs9

Agreed totally. Nelson, Palmieri and Lee can kickstart a rebuild. I laugh at those in social media who grossly underestimate Brock Nelson’s value. 30 goal scorer on the second line @6 per is going to be the biggest return for the isles.
Ownership has decisions to make. Not sure where the blind loyalty to Lou is, but I hope we see movement before or at the trade deadline to show a lifeline.
Somewhat off topic but Wang used to have the rule whereby if you aren’t signed by XYZ date you don’t play. They need to implement a system whereby if you don’t sign they must move said asset for a return. See Tavares.

The Islanders do not need Wood Johnson type ownership. but they need more engaged owners. Owners need to know when to step in and not wait too long. Islanders need demanding ownership and not ownership just happy to sneak into the playoffs. How can these owners be happy with just 1st round exits with a fairly new building? This team is very hard to watch right now.
- ses111

I mean look at the Mets. Kudos to Steve Cohen for showing his fans he wants to win, and not riding the teams appreciation.

I mean look at the Mets. Kudos to Steve Cohen for showing his fans he wants to win, and not riding the teams appreciation.
- kindlyrick

Money does not seem to be the issue with the Islanders, but desire and passion from the owners seem to still be a problem. Ledecky needs to stop trying to be everyone's buddy and needs to be more demanding.

It's criminal if Nelson and Palms are not moved. A 5-year-old would know you have to move at least these two players. Lee has looked good this year. Can the Islanders keep some of his money in a trade?
- ses111

Islanders have no retained salary transactions on their books currently, so they can retain on three players in any given season.

It would make the most sense to retain on Nelson/Palmieri because they're the Isles best trade chips and almost any team can fit them on their cap if the Islanders pick up 50% and that would make the return even better. Not to mention it costs ownership the least amount of real dollars and their contracts are up after this year so they won't carry those retained salary transactions into next season.

Retaining on Lee or Pageau would likely be a harder sell to ownership because they are both signed through next season.

Money does not seem to be the issue with the Islanders, but desire and passion from the owners seem to still be a problem. Ledecky needs to stop trying to be everyone's buddy and needs to be more demanding.
- ses111

Ehhh, it’s always about money in one way or another. I doubt this will continue for much longer, as the ticket sales keep trending south.

The silence from Lou on up is deafening.

Islanders have no retained salary transactions on their books currently, so they can retain on three players in any given season.

It would make the most sense to retain on Nelson/Palmieri because they're the Isles best trade chips and almost any team can fit them on their cap if the Islanders pick up 50% and that would make the return even better. Not to mention it costs ownership the least amount of real dollars and their contracts are up after this year so they won't carry those retained salary transactions into next season.

Retaining on Lee or Pageau would likely be a harder sell to ownership because they are both signed through next season.
- eichiefs9

The isles retaining 50% of Nelson would be a monster pick up for any cup contender.

The isles retaining 50% of Nelson would be a monster pick up for any cup contender.
- kindlyrick

Nelson at $3M and Palmieri at $2.5M should make them insanely valuable assets. Nelson is in a bit of a slump that he needs to get out of, currently he is on pace for only 22g and 26pts. But Palmieri has probably been the Isles most consistent player during his time here and he's on pace for 27g and 58pts. Both could be huge adds for a contender looking to strengthen their scoring depth.

Nelson at $3M and Palmieri at $2.5M should make them insanely valuable assets. Nelson is in a bit of a slump that he needs to get out of, currently he is on pace for only 22g and 26pts. But Palmieri has probably been the Isles most consistent player during his time here and he's on pace for 27g and 58pts. Both could be huge adds for a contender looking to strengthen their scoring depth.
- eichiefs9

I’d imagine Brock’s slump is partly due to this teams overall performance. I can’t think of a better addition to a playoff contender than Brock @ 3 million. The cost should be a first, and a prospect at minimum.

I’d imagine Brock’s slump is partly due to this teams overall performance. I can’t think of a better addition to a playoff contender than Brock @ 3 million. The cost should be a first, and a prospect at minimum.
- kindlyrick

Partly, for sure. But he's prone to being kind of streaky so it's not exactly out of the ordinary either. But if he can get hot again soon and ride that for a month or two then we're looking even better for the trade deadline.

Partly, for sure. But he's prone to being kind of streaky so it's not exactly out of the ordinary either. But if he can get hot again soon and ride that for a month or two then we're looking even better for the trade deadline.
- eichiefs9

I hope Nelson and Palms have asked Lou for a trade. Better for them and the team.

Ehhh, it’s always about money in one way or another. I doubt this will continue for much longer, as the ticket sales keep trending south.

The silence from Lou on up is deafening.
- kindlyrick

I just meant the Islander owners do not seem to be cheap. They need a little Steinbrenner in them.

Partly, for sure. But he's prone to being kind of streaky so it's not exactly out of the ordinary either. But if he can get hot again soon and ride that for a month or two then we're looking even better for the trade deadline.
- eichiefs9

I hear you….i do think his history of being a consistent improved player will outshine his recent slump on a slumping team. 40 pts to 50pts to 3 30 goal seasons in a row is what his numbers are. I also think he was PP2 during his early years if I remember correctly.
I think he’s the top target at the deadline for any contender. I hope they don’t mess it up. Certainly don’t have a history of good asset management.

I just meant the Islander owners do not seem to be cheap. They need a little Steinbrenner in them.
- ses111

Yeah I hear you. It would be nice to hear the ownership come out and say we wanna win, followed by a litany of winning moves. I’m getting the Wangs hockey for dummies vibes with a side of real estate appreciation.

This sport begins and ends with special teams. Kill a big penalty and it rejuvenates the bench. Tie a game with the man advantage and the pendulum swings. The isles special teams have been bad for many years. It’s a momentum killer if you continue to not score on the PP or allow goals on the kill. Somehow they kept Maclean after going 0-21 in last years playoffs on the PP.
- kindlyrick

Isles PK was good before Lame was coach. PP has always struggled.
Agree on specialty teams killing the islanders, however this year they are inconsistent 5v5 as well.

See: Rangers, New York

Last year they had a top-3 PP in the league, this year they're 10th worst. Presidents Trophy last year, 26th best record this year so far.
- eichiefs9

Specialty teams for me are a bigger difference maker in the regular season vs Playoffs.
Typically most PO teams are good at PK and PP. Also the refs let the teams play a bit more and it's not called as tight as in the regular season. So typically there are less PP chances.

I missed the game yesterday. From the stats, it looks like Hogberg was pretty solid in goal, despite facing a lot of rubber. Is that the case?

I missed the game yesterday. From the stats, it looks like Hogberg was pretty solid in goal, despite facing a lot of rubber. Is that the case?
- JohnScammo

He was solid. Can’t blame the loss on him.
The Isles played like they gave a poop for the last 5 minutes.

Great job by Nelson keeping Dobson from getting to that loose puck