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Hockeygoalie53

Member Since
Jul. 4, 2018
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New York Islanders
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Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 14, 2019 at 12:35 p.m.
Thread: Lines for Saturday
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>If you think bringing up fair points about the current team despite their win streak, I don’t know what to tell you. You nitpick things just to prove a point because it bothers you if one of my posts isn’t straight up praise. Classic confirmation bias. If I was being irrational, sure call me out but there is not one thing I said that is out of line. Trotz decided to bench leo komarov and Johnston last night, so obviously this team has a problem at the center position that can be solved internally. Sorry for bringing that up!</div></div>

My issue isn't with what you say, it's the fact you harp on the same crap over and over to the point it's tiresome. Yes, we all think Komarov isn't a center. Yes, we'd all love to see Dobson and Wahlstrom playing everyday. Yes, we all know Brassard has been better on the wing this year and the Isles need a 3C. But we all don't post the same sh*t every day about it. I have no problem with criticism of the team, in fact, you and I use to have legit back and forths about things we agreed/disagreed with... but now impossible to converse with you because you just harp on the same negative things ALL THE TIME, despite the fact the team is successful.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 14, 2019 at 12:01 p.m.
Thread: Lines for Saturday
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>Well, I guess I’m flattered that you came on here just to see what I posted. Thanks! Maybe you should try to and stop conflating your fandom with your identity and then you wouldn’t take it personally when I criticize a facet of the game. Nothing in the description was negative , It just brought up legitimate points. I’m sorry Pointing out that brassard is effective on the wing and the isles need to experiment with a new center is too much for you.</div></div>

Don't flatter yourself buddy. I'm on here every day, saw your posts and decided to check and see what you were criticizing this time. Everything you post is a criticism of the team or the way it's run. As I pointed out, the team is 3rd in the NHL in points, just went 12-0-1 in it's last 13 games and right now is firing on all cylinders, yet you find a way EVERY DAY to post something negative about the team.

We just won a game last night and had a 10 game win streak, yet you come on here and criticize how Komarov should be a bench player and how every move Trotz makes with the roster is the wrong one. Yet, he has the team playing the best hockey I've seen them play in YEARS (even without doing the things you say he should do).

Why are you even a fan? Honestly, I'm curious, if all you do is complain about the team... why even bother watching??

By the way, I'm a die hard Isles fan, yes, however that does not define my identity like you assume. I've been a fan of the team my entire life, I've complained and criticized the team when they were bad (the Snow years) but this isn't the Garth Snow run team anymore. The team is actually run by competent Hockey people now and is striving under that leadership, even though you don't agree with all their decisions or think you know better than a HOF GM and Coach... that's the issue I take. The team you root for is FINALLY successful and playing amazing hockey over the last 2 seasons, yet all you do is **** about Leo Komarov playing center, or how Trotz doesn't treat young players fairly, or how Wahlstrom should be playing Top 6 minutes (when he hasn't proved he should be)... it's old, tiring and doesn't add anything to discussions about the team.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 14, 2019 at 8:21 a.m.
Thread: Varlamov
lol... Varly has been anything but bad. Isles were up 3-0 going into the 3rd against the Pens, that 3rd period collapse was an entire team and D collapse, but sure blame Varlamov for the entire team crapping the bed. Last night, the only goal he MAYBE should have had, was the Holl goal and even then, TWO Isles defenseman skated right past a loose puck in front of the net and let Holl pick up the rebound. You could actually see Varly hesitate going for the puck because he saw two of his own guys there and then had to recover and try and get across the net.

As for the Tavares goal, it was a bouncing puck that no one could coral and JT got a stick on it and deflected it in... but sure, blame Varly for that one too. Another hot take here, buddy... smh.

Lets not forget, it took both Greiss and Lehner a good 2 months last season to become the elite goalies they were. They both struggled for much of Oct/Nov and then started figuring it out and getting hot around Dec (when our hot streak started). Varly has adapted to our system much quicker than either of them did last year, but yes, still has some wrinkles to clean up... But saying he needs to be benched or has been "bad" is just ridiculous.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 12, 2019 at 1:03 p.m.
Thread: lineup against leafs
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>Nitpicking stats? Or presenting a logical argument that there is no reason to play komarov at center (when most of his shifts are in the dzone) against a team that has a lethal offense. There is statistically nothing even average about Leo komarovs game 5v5. The only reason Leo Komarov is in the lineup is because he is good on the pk and "locker room presence" . The islanders may be using him in a 3rd line role, but he is not effective in that role so what's the point. I guess we can start calling kuhnhackl a 1st line winger. This season his CF% rel is -9.8, which means 9.8 shots more per 60 minutes at even strength ice time were directed at the islanders net when komarov was on the ice . Once brassard and beauvillier were without Komarov, their Cf% rel increased despite playing against tougher competition. Last season komarovs CF % rel was a -4.7, so same story. He's a liability 5 v5 and that's not a secret. He continuously puts himself in bad spots and gets out of it by A. using his strength to win a puck battle and dump the puck out of the zone giving it back to the other teams defense B. takes a bad penalty C. ices the puck. This has been going on since last season. The islanders a worse team when Leo Komarov is on the ice 5 v 5 (going back to beginning of 18-19 season) and there's nothing you can say to dispute that.

Negative narrative about the team lol buddy take it easy, I just criticized their decision to use someone as center who has proven he can't handle that role. It's not that serious.</div></div>

You criticize EVERY decision they make just because it's not what YOU think they should do. Yet, every decision Trotz and Lou have made have led the Isles to a 2nd place Metro finish last season and advancing to the 2nd round of the playoffs. This season, they just went on a 10 game win streak and are playing better now than they did during their best stretches last season. Offense is up from last season as well. They are scoring just over 3 goals per game this year compared to just over 2.5 last, while the Defense is performing at pretty much the exact same level as last season, as is the goaltending. Not to mention both the PP and PK appear to better this year as well.

Leo Komarov is the least of this teams issues (the few they have). Having him fill in at center for a few games if need be isn't the end of the world, as the team as shown they can win with him in the lineup (he went on IR a few games into the win streak).

There is literally NO reason to be hating on this team the way you do on here EVERY day and EVERY post. This isn't the Garth Snow era anymore, let it go and enjoy the success of the team for crying out loud.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 12, 2019 at 11:55 a.m.
Thread: lineup against leafs
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>If your best center at faceoffs is hurt (cizikas) you do not insert a player who can’t win a faceoff to save his life. That is reckless. For the record, the islanders penalty kill got better once Leo komarov was injured (someone on isles twitter posted the advanced stats and the isles have actually been more aggressive and effective since Leo went down). Also 5 v 5, when Leo komarov is on the ice the team gets peppered with shots, he is not good defensively 5v5 because of his speed and lack of puck control. He is good on the pk but like I said the pk took off once he got injured. You know who else is good in the locker room: lee, bailey, brassard , clutterbuck , boychuk. It’s a really bad excuse to use yet another plug just because of his locker room presence.

This has nothing to do with wahlstrom. If trotz wasn’t going to give him top 6 minutes (even though he deserved it) I wanted him back in Bridgeport. Playing him on the 4th line is horrible for his development.</div></div>

Ok, but you're nitpicking stats to fit your narrative (again). The entire team is different now than they were the first handful of games this season. Barzal is more aggressive now, than the first 5 games. The offense is more engaged now, than the first 5 games of the season. The defense is jumping up more offensively than the first handful of games. Not to mention that if this illness/injury has kept him out this long, it likely was lingering to start the season. You're basing this entire argument on a handful of games this season when he was hurt/sick. Show me the same numbers from last season when Leo was in and out of the lineup and maybe you'll have a point.

But my point remains the same, Komarov has been a 3rd line player for us since he came here last season, which is EXACTLY what he was brought in to do. He hasn't done anything to justify sitting on the bench upon his return from injury. Now, if those numbers you cited continue and the team begins to struggle upon his return, then you may have a case.

All you are doing is feeding your negative narrative about the team because you don't like the idea that certain players are playing over ones you want to play. I've never seen someone complain about a team that has been playing so well over the last season plus as much as you do and for no good reason. Trotz and Lou are two of the best in the game at what they do. They have turned the Isles from a non playoff team to a legit playoff (and maybe SC) contender literally overnight and with the loss of one of our biggest stars... so maybe, just maybe, they actually know what they are doing when it comes to building a team.

As for the Wahlstrom thing, that was in there because for the injured guys to come back others had to be sent down and the most obvious candidates for that were Wahlstrom (needs to be playing top line minutes and, sorry, he was good in the NHL but did NOT deserve playing top line minutes there) and Bardreau (career AHLer before this season).
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 12, 2019 at 11:41 a.m.
Thread: Great idea by bcarlo25
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>F50marco</b></div><div>Would you rather have a Boychuck equivalent but as a forward? Because that could be an option. Less spots available on defense but on forward you may have use for a player like that.

As much as you don't mind Boychuck, there is simply no space for him or at the very least there is players pushing him out within the year or next.

Cap space in today's NHL is paramount. I don't think you quite understand the importance of making every dollar count. There is currently only 1 team in the NHL that can take on Boychucks full salary and only 9 that can take him on with 50% retained. Four of those 9 teams are tanking right now. 1 of those other 5 is The isles. That leaves 4 teams in the NHL that can take JB right now.

MTL, WPG, COL and Nashville. Winnipeg is the only team I could see maybe being willing to add Boychuck but then again, they are barely a playoff team and are sitting in limbo till the Buff situation comes into play.

We haven't even gotten to the fact that JB has a 8 team trade list he will accept to...................

He's 35 turning 36 in Jan. He has a 23 team NTC. He makes 6M for 3 years. You cannot argue the odds are stacked against the Isles right now. Believe what you want but I would almost guarantee no teams would take JB even with 50% without some form of cap going back the other way also. He simply is not good enough and his contract is simply not enticing enough for that to be a possibility.

That is to say, despite still being a serviceable player.</div></div>

I'm well aware of how the CAP works, which is why I don't see trading JB for a forward equivalent has being a good use of CAP. First off, you're getting an Andrew Ladd type player if you go that route which the Isles don't need another of of those clogging up the forwards. Second off, A team like EDM (I use them because JB is from the area and may be more willing to waive his NTC now that they look legit) could use someone like JB on their 2nd pairing RHD spot and may be more willing to give up a late round pick if the Isles eat 2-3m on the remaining three years.

If we could swap JB for someone like Neal, who wasn't terrible before CGY and seems to now be terrible after, then I am all for upgrading the Top 6 that way. I just don't see a scenario where that would be an option and trading JB for another Ladd situation isn't a good use of the limited CAP space we are going to have next season.

Yes, Boychuk is being pushed out by younger guys, but instead of weighing ourselves down with another high priced FW who won't be useful, I'd rather Keep JB as a 7th D to help slowly work in those younger D, like Dobson this year and likely Wilde next.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
Thread: Great idea by bcarlo25
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>F50marco</b></div><div>I think you may be misinterpreting. Im not saying he is as bad as Lucic, simply that itll take a Lucic vs Neal type deal. "Equal salary going back".

Im sorry but as serviceable as JB is there are a plethora of wiaver wire, cheap trade candidates that can be had for less headache.

3M for 1 year is fine buts its because its not for 1 year. Boychuck is getting up there in age and is signed long term. That is simply not worth the risk.

Obviously all this comes down to opinion. I personally dont think it can happen without roughly equal salary coming back. Im not just pulling this out my rear end, using previously done trade history as example for my thoughts.</div></div>

I understand what you're saying. I just don't think it's going to take taking back another 6m per year contract to move JB. And, honestly, if that's what teams are requiring then I'd rather just keep Boychuk and move other players. Mayfield (even though I don't want to move him) would be easily moveable to clear a spot for Dobson, though doesn't really help the Salary Cap issues, which is the point is moving JB. If we aren't getting CAP relief to sign the big 3 next season, then there is no reason to move Boychuk, in my opinion.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 12, 2019 at 8:44 a.m.
Thread: Great idea by bcarlo25
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>F50marco</b></div><div>Him having trade protection is one major factor but i think you may be overstating his servicability. Lucic despite declining is still "serviceable". It becomes is the player in question worth 3m a year for 3-4 more years when a i could spend 1m a year on 1 year contracts and get that same result?

I think the small advantage JB might be able to give you is not enougg to sway a GM from simply dipping into free agency and signing a Polak for 1m and no strings attached...


I dont think there is a gm in the league right now that would take JB with 50% retained for just a pick. That team would be sending salary back regardless and at that point Isles still have 50% of JB and whatever contract coming back which almost negates the benefit of moving JB in the first place. Hence why the best option would be to find your "Neal". A player with big salary but could actually help your team better and the other team could see JB helping them.</div></div>

I don't think you can compare Lucic and Boychuk. JB has shown last year and this year, that he can still play solid defense while Lucic hasn't done anything the last few years. Being able to dress and skate for a team may be "serviceable" but it's nowhere near what Lucic was supposed to be when he signed his deal. JB is still playing his game (Strong D and Physicality) just at fewer minutes per game (18+ minutes down from 20+ minutes a night). That's a big difference between the two.

A team like EDM who is now down Larsson and was already looking for RHD help before that might be more willing now to pay 3-4m for someone like JB, especially since they are finally looking like a legit playoff/cup contender this year. Is it going to be easy, no, but I also don't think it's going to require the Isles to take back an equally bad contract or forfeit a significant amount in terms of Picks/Prospects to do it either.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 12, 2019 at 8:20 a.m.
Thread: Thinking out loud
I don't see Greiss resigning next year and certainly not for less money. The guy has been stellar the last two years. Someone will give him a starters job or an opportunity to be a 1A. Varlamov was brought over to be the #1 while they work Sorokin into that role (assuming he's coming over). Next year you'll likely see either a Varlamov/Sorokin tandem, as I don't see Sorokin coming over to play a year in the AHL. Or, if they can convince Sorokin to come over AND start in the AHL, you'll see either Gibson as the backup or a 1 year stop gap backup brought in.

If Sorokin comes over you'll see him broken in slowly with Varly getting most of the starts next year and then a more even split the year after, with Sorokin taking over as the starter in Varly's last year of his deal.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 12, 2019 at 8:13 a.m.
Thread: Great idea by bcarlo25
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>F50marco</b></div><div>If a player is continuosly injured like Ladd, chances are he'll accept his fate and go on Robidas island. He still gets paid and the team gets his cap relief. I imagine Ladd is if not already getting to that point.

As for Boychuck, i think moving him would be hard but not impossible. Definitely will require the Isles to take back a big contract.

Any scenaruo where Isles move Boychuck and remove all cap from the deal is probably nil. It'll most likely be a Lucic for Neal type deal. All depends on who gets Neal and who gets Lucic. Lol</div></div>

I don't know if moving Boychuk would require a Lucic/Neal type scenario. Boychuk is still a serviceable 3rd pairing Defenseman and at a reduced cost (Isles retain 2-3m) could probably land the Isles a 3rd or 4th round pick for him. A team like EDM, who needs help on the RHD side, should be all over JB. Only issue with JB is, he has a M-NTC in which he lists 8 teams he CAN be traded to... with the way the Isles are playing right now, I can't see him waiving he NTC so that only leaves 8 teams Lou can work with.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 5, 2019 at 2:19 p.m.
Thread: Ho-sang
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>This literally has nothing to do with trotz or player development.

Ho-sang Will be turning 24 soon and it’s obvious he’ll never get a long look for the islanders. All of the “behavior” issues at the NHL level are speculation - no one knows a thing. I don’t want Ho-sang to play for the islanders, I just want them to terminate his contract and let both sides move on.

My opinion is that Lou is probably asking for a lot in a trade for Ho-sang and that he doesn’t have any interest in trading him just to spite him and let him sit out for a year, which is wrong</div></div>

His issues at the NHL level are not speculation - It's been reported that he overslept and was late for camp on occasions and then got pissed when the Isles disciplined him and sent him down for it. The kid has talent, I'm not doubting that, but he's obviously got issues with discipline and behavior, that's not speculation it's fact. It's also a fact that under Lou and Trotz those issues aren't going to fly, no matter how talented you are.

Also, 30 teams had a shot to claim him for nothing and passed. And it's not because the GMs are an "old boys club" as you say, it's because no one wants to deal with JHS' personality and issues. Same thing goes for the kid in EDM (not gonna try and spell his name out), who is supposedly more talented than JHS. Ho-Sang hurt himself even more when he didn't show up for Bridgeport and demanded a trade. Kid should have kept his mouth shut and played in the AHL, maybe it would have been easier to trade him then.

Lou hasn't done anything wrong in this situation... he has no obligation to trade Ho-Sang for less than Lou thinks he should get. If that means JHS sits out the season, then that's on Ho-Sang and not Lou. As I said in my previous comment... maybe sitting out an entire season and realizing no other team wants to trade for him will wake him up and change his attitude.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 5, 2019 at 12:24 p.m.
Thread: Ho-sang
lol.. dude, this schtick is getting old. We get it, you don't like the way Lou and Trotz treat the youngsters (and in some cases you're right), but not EVERY post and EVERY comment has to be about it. Ho-Sang had his chance with the Isles, and his BEHAVIOR issues are why he's in the dog house. After all these seasons of being reprimanded for his behavior issues the kid still hasn't grown up, I have no issues with Lou taking his time to find a good trade for the Isles and letting JHS sit out. Maybe the kid will learn his lesson when no one wants to trade for him, but I doubt it.

I will say this, I am on the Dobson should be playing over Boychuk and Wahlstrom should be in the Top 6 till Eberle comes back trains... but Lou and Trotz made this team into a legit playoff contender in ONE offseason without making any major moves. Most "experts" said it would take at least 3 years and they did it in a an offseason. Maybe, just maybe, they know what they are doing, no matter how frustrating it is for us fans to see Vets playing over the kids.
Forum: Armchair-GMNov. 4, 2019 at 8:55 a.m.
Thread: Healthy lines
I think you're right on the nose with some of this, only thing I don't agree with is Dobson. I know it's a tricky slope with him, given he can't go to the AHL but anyone who has played the game can tell you practice can never emulate game play. So, yes, it's great that he's practicing everyday with NHL quality players, but he's not getting any game action which is vital for a young players development. The kid needs to be playing everyday, if the only place he can do that is Juniors, then they have to consider it when he gets close to that 9 game mark. My only hope here is that they are dragging out his 9 games in the hopes they can trade one of the other D before then.

As for the lines, I'd like to see something like this when everyone is back...

Lee - Barzal - Bailey
Brassard (can play both wings) - Nelson - Eberle
Beau - Cizikas - Wahlstrom (no reason he shouldn't stay up)
dal Colle - Bardreau - Clutterbuck
Johnston-Komarov

Obviously when Martin and Kuhnhackl come back some decisions will need to be made then.

I don't like wishing injury on players, but it's funny that the injury bug has hit our FWs this year, where we can't really sustain key injuries but has left our D untouched, where we have the depth to absorb key injuries. Since he is already out, having Leddy be out for a little while with his LBI could be a good thing... give Dobson a chance to step in and take the job like Toews did last year.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct. 31, 2019 at 2:11 p.m.
Thread: Ottoooooo
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>linehan10</b></div><div>if anything it hurts his development going back to dominate juniors. He gets more out of just being here right now and being scratched. He still practices everyday against NHL players, so it's not like he's gonna forget how to play hockey. You're correct that he is NHL-caliber but unfortunately for him there are eight and possibly nine defenseman in this organization that are NHL-caliber. He's gonna need to wait his turn.</div></div>

I agree it would not have been good for his development to go back to Juniors, however, anyone who has played hockey knows, practice is no substitute for game play. Playing top pairing minutes, even against competition he dominated, would help him more than sitting in the press box for 40-50+ games (which he is on pace to do) and missing out on that game play opportunity, especially for an 18/19 year old.

I understand Boychuk is playing well, but he is not the future of this team... Dobson is. They should be rotating games at minimum.