the only people that think clutterbuck is a marginal player are those who haven't seen him play. who cares how long it took for ko to change his offseason approach..he has and should be better for it. as always we will agree to disagree with our opinions of snow...i can blog for this website my resume speaks for itself and if i get the blogging gig i will reach out to the isles for a interview with garth amongst others
- NYI78

Sorry to say but if you get an interview with Snow it'll be more of the same I'm thinking. Your questions will be thrown in the trash can and the run of the mill BS crap that not a person on this earth cares about questions will be handed to you on a piece of loose leaf. Don't waste your time, it'll just open you up to criticism.

I agree. I think the workload really got to Nabby last year. This year the games will be more spread out, but Poulin will still have to get a fair amount of games both to rest Nabby and for his own development. I'm hoping he can be counted on to start 15-20 games. That's 30-40 potential points. More than enough to swing a season either way.
- JimmyP

Yeah, that and the fact that he sucks in the playoffs.

The Isles are not staying in Nassau. Bklyn is a done deal. Two reasons (besides the obvious one the lease being signed, which I know people are going to say can be torn up):

1) Bklyn is more profitable than Nassau County. The team, and by operation Wang, will make more $$ in Bklyn than it can in Nassau. Arenas and teams generate $$ by a) cable contracts, b) selling corporate sponsorships, and c) selling luxury out luxury boxes. Selling seats to a guy up in the top deck doesn't make a team much money. Bklyn affords the Isles access to many more corporations to market to who will be interested in buying luxury boxes at Barclays rather than to renovated NVMC in the middle of nowhere. Barclays also gives the Isles mass transit to lure more fans to the games. Even fans from LI can take mass transit to the games, nevermind the millions and millions of Bklyn and Manhattan residents who can take subways. A renovated NVMC will never offer the team mass transit options.

2) After 10 years of fighting and throwing away tens of millions of dollars on the Lighthouse Project, I'm sure CW is DONE with Nassau and the TOH's politicans. CW probably has such a bad taste in his mouth from all the corruption and nonsense that goes on in Nassau County, he's probably looking forward to moving out of the county and starting fresh somewhere else, somewhere he can actually turn a profit.
- Jethro09

Just for conspiracy theorists sake...
Imagine this:
After years of dragging their (officials) feet in Nassau, Ratner courts the Isles..gets them to move into Barclays while whispering to Charles that this can be part of a bigger picture. Ratner approaches Nassau with the leverage of a 25 year lease for the Isles, advising that he wants developmental rights to NVMC and in return he may be willing to bring the team back sooner than later..Palms greased, deals signed..everyone happy....

Nah...

keaner17

Just for conspiracy theorists sake...
Imagine this:
After years of dragging their (officials) feet in Nassau, Ratner courts the Isles..gets them to move into Barclays while whispering to Charles that this can be part of a bigger picture. Ratner approaches Nassau with the leverage of a 25 year lease for the Isles, advising that he wants developmental rights to NVMC and in return he may be willing to bring the team back sooner than later..Palms greased, deals signed..everyone happy....

Nah...

keaner17
- keaner17

Anything is possible

Sorry to say but if you get an interview with Snow it'll be more of the same I'm thinking. Your questions will be thrown in the trash can and the run of the mill BS crap that not a person on this earth cares about questions will be handed to you on a piece of loose leaf. Don't waste your time, it'll just open you up to criticism.
- Cptmjl

if i can i will...gotta ask the right questions and make him say no comment..i'm not going to rip him but i would ask some direct questions

if i can i will...gotta ask the right questions and make him say no comment..i'm not going to rip him but i would ask some direct questions
- NYI78

Have a feeling it'd be your first and last interview?

Have a feeling it'd be your first and last interview?
- Cptmjl

I've pissed off people far more important than garth

If the new writer is good do you guys really care if Dee still blogs? I agree that it's embarrassing to have her represent Islander fans, but every team has embarrassing fans. Just don't read her blog and don't post a comment (unless you think it's worth the ban). Hopefully we'll like the new blogger and we can post there and here if NYI78 continues to post.
- JimmyP

NO!

I like our NEW BLOGGER.

We current coaching, I think this team still will underachieve.
Why did it take KO 4 years to REALIZE there was a problem with his off season training? The 70's-80's era Isles were fearful of two people in the organization:
Al Arbour and Billy Smith. Would Bossy, Trotts, Potvin, Gilies & Nystrom have played better with a "players coach" or did the fear/respect factor of Arbour work out just fine for them?

I scratch my head at Garth's inaction. We added a marginal/role player (CC) in the off season and are rolling the dice on another question mark (PMB) to be paired with our most valuable asset. I don't see that as the popular/smartest way of doing things. Garth's commitment to himself and HIS way still leaves a lot to be desired and is plainly arrogant. He's the least accessible GM in the league and we are only making baby steps in our progress. The team was close to making playoffs two seasons ago and most things/players haven't changed. I don;'t want to have to hope other teams' decline is what will make this team seem better/improved or gives way to a playoff spot. Even with Strome/Nelson/deHaan/Donovan around the corner, they prob all won't be impact players right away.

NY178, I think an interview with Garth (with REAL questions) would solidify your bid for new Isles blogger. Got out & get 'er done.
- jmo16

Cappy made the playoffs last season. He missed the playoffs for two years and they kept him around. After he makes the playoffs, how could you not bring him back?

Most people know that I'm not the biggest Cappy supporter. I don't think he's a great coach. I think he should never have been hired as coach in the first place. But I'm also a fan of continuity in the coaching staff. Changing coaches every two years hinders development as badly as drafting poorly does. You can't keep changing coaches for the sake of doing it. One of the reasons why Arbour had so much sucess was because Torrey stuck with him and let him grow with the rest of the players. Those players and Arbour were together for five years before they won it all.

The question I always ask of people who want to fire the coach is "Fine. Fire the coach. Now, who do you propose they get to replace Cappy"? Usually, I get no response. If there is nobody out there better than Cappy THAT WANTS THE ISLES JOB then why fire Cappy? You don't have to give Cappy a 5 year extension, but why fire him?

I think its unfair to blame Cappy for KO not getting his offseason workouts in order prior to now. JT seems to be developing nicely and has it all figured out under Cappy, as do others such as Martin, Moulson, Nielsen, Grabner, Hamonic, A-Mac, Bailey, and others. Players are adults. It shoudn't take a coach to yell at them or intimidate them to get them to train.

Besides adding Clutterbuck for a prospect who whined his way out of town and adding PMB as an upgrade over Boyes, what else did you expect Snow to do this summer? the UFA market was weak to say the least. The marginal talent that was available was drastically overpaid by insane GMs. Teams aren't exactly lining up to trade away good young veteran players. And I'm sure you're aware that despite the impending move to the Barclays, Wang is still losing money. Wang's not going to authorize Snow to spend until he starts turning a profit.

Honestly, after this past shortened season, I'm optimistic about the future of this team for the first time since after the 2001-02 season. Yes, the coach is not elite. Yes, the team still operates on a shoestring budget. Yes, the GM has shown very little ability in making trades to upgrade the roster. But, the team's prospect pool is as deep as anyone else's in the league. JT is a top five talent in the league. there is a solid, young core of homegrowns starting to come together. Outside of goaltending, the future of the team looks very bright.

Just for conspiracy theorists sake...
Imagine this:
After years of dragging their (officials) feet in Nassau, Ratner courts the Isles..gets them to move into Barclays while whispering to Charles that this can be part of a bigger picture. Ratner approaches Nassau with the leverage of a 25 year lease for the Isles, advising that he wants developmental rights to NVMC and in return he may be willing to bring the team back sooner than later..Palms greased, deals signed..everyone happy....

Nah...

keaner17
- keaner17

I have a hard time believing that a franchise would leave a billion dollar, brand new state-of-the art arena in the heart of Brooklyn, a stone's throw from lower Manhattan, accessible by both train and subway and very accessible to tons of corporate sponsorship to head back to the suburbs, to play in a renovated NVMC accessible by no mass transit and with local corporate sponsorship limited to Tony's Pizza and Applebee's. But, like Cpt said, anything is possible.

NO!

I like our NEW BLOGGER.
- SCLI

NYI78 may be too closely associated to the revolt for them to give him the position.

No offense 78! I like your stuff and I think you would do a good job. I also appreciate you giving us an outlet while we unofficially boycott Dee. I hope I'm wrong. If it's not you, I would still come here to read anything you posted.

NYI78 may be too closely associated to the revolt for them to give him the position.

No offense 78! I like your stuff and I think you would do a good job. I also appreciate you giving us an outlet while we unofficially boycott Dee. I hope I'm wrong. If it's not you, I would still come here to read anything you posted.
- JimmyP

NYI78 will be our next blogger...E4

Xxkeaner17xX

I have a hard time believing that a franchise would leave a billion dollar, brand new state-of-the art arena in the heart of Brooklyn, a stone's throw from lower Manhattan, accessible by both train and subway and very accessible to tons of corporate sponsorship to head back to the suburbs, to play in a renovated NVMC accessible by no mass transit and with local corporate sponsorship limited to Tony's Pizza and Applebee's. But, like Cpt said, anything is possible.
- Jethro09

And that's what makes the plot perfect!

keaner17

I have a hard time believing that a franchise would leave a billion dollar, brand new state-of-the art arena in the heart of Brooklyn, a stone's throw from lower Manhattan, accessible by both train and subway and very accessible to tons of corporate sponsorship to head back to the suburbs, to play in a renovated NVMC accessible by no mass transit and with local corporate sponsorship limited to Tony's Pizza and Applebee's. But, like Cpt said, anything is possible.
- Jethro09

Exactly

I've pissed off people far more important than garth
- NYI78

Are they going to have two Islanders bloggers or just one?

Exactly
- Vukota

It depends on how big they make the new Nassau Coliseum. If it only fits 12,000 people then no but if they make it bigger, watch out for all the speculation...

I've pissed off people far more important than garth
- NYI78

I don't know if you understand just how important Garth is?

Cappy made the playoffs last season. He missed the playoffs for two years and they kept him around. After he makes the playoffs, how could you not bring him back?

Most people know that I'm not the biggest Cappy supporter. I don't think he's a great coach. I think he should never have been hired as coach in the first place. But I'm also a fan of continuity in the coaching staff. Changing coaches every two years hinders development as badly as drafting poorly does. You can't keep changing coaches for the sake of doing it. One of the reasons why Arbour had so much sucess was because Torrey stuck with him and let him grow with the rest of the players. Those players and Arbour were together for five years before they won it all.

The question I always ask of people who want to fire the coach is "Fine. Fire the coach. Now, who do you propose they get to replace Cappy"? Usually, I get no response. If there is nobody out there better than Cappy THAT WANTS THE ISLES JOB then why fire Cappy? You don't have to give Cappy a 5 year extension, but why fire him?

I think its unfair to blame Cappy for KO not getting his offseason workouts in order prior to now. JT seems to be developing nicely and has it all figured out under Cappy, as do others such as Martin, Moulson, Nielsen, Grabner, Hamonic, A-Mac, Bailey, and others. Players are adults. It shoudn't take a coach to yell at them or intimidate them to get them to train.

Besides adding Clutterbuck for a prospect who whined his way out of town and adding PMB as an upgrade over Boyes, what else did you expect Snow to do this summer? the UFA market was weak to say the least. The marginal talent that was available was drastically overpaid by insane GMs. Teams aren't exactly lining up to trade away good young veteran players. And I'm sure you're aware that despite the impending move to the Barclays, Wang is still losing money. Wang's not going to authorize Snow to spend until he starts turning a profit.

Honestly, after this past shortened season, I'm optimistic about the future of this team for the first time since after the 2001-02 season. Yes, the coach is not elite. Yes, the team still operates on a shoestring budget. Yes, the GM has shown very little ability in making trades to upgrade the roster. But, the team's prospect pool is as deep as anyone else's in the league. JT is a top five talent in the league. there is a solid, young core of homegrowns starting to come together. Outside of goaltending, the future of the team looks very bright.
- Jethro09

Have to respond to this one. First off we can all for the most part agree on Capuano being a sub par coach(except maybe NY178). The guy sucks in enough different ways that I don't think I have to go over what exactly is wrong with his coaching(or lack there of?)? everyone can find a few things...
As far as who to replace him? That's the GM's job. There were candidates out there that went to other teams some I think we can agree were better candidates. Now whether Snow even contacted them or if they turned down offers from us that's a whole different story.
What else did i expect to do this summer? I expected him to find a goaltender for a team that desperately needs help in that area. This team is ready to start moving foward. They are going to have a tough time doing that unless Poulin shocks the shat out of all of us. He needed to make that happen. That was my one BIG gaff for him this offseason. Now I don't think he had a horrible season(I am looking forward to seeing Clutterbuck with us)but I do think he failed filling in a glaring hole in our line up. Doesn't matter why or how, he didn't make it happen. I also thinking finding a top 4 would've been great too. I was hoping beyond hope for Ferrrence.
I agree with the last part of your post, I am also pumped for the season more to see if these guys can maintain what they ended the season on? I'm also excited to see these kids coming up and possibly sticking with the big club. I was just hoping to see a touch more effort in the offseason to shore up some areas. Not horrible but not great also. The one spot I disagree with you on is I feel i can fault Snow for it. He's the GM.

Not me. And look at what Gaborik did for the Rangers. Nothing. Which is why they traded him.
- mighty13duck

did nothing for the Rags?

He had 2 40+ goal seasons in 3 full seasons there. he was better then anyone gives the guy credit for.

XxNYIxX

I have a hard time believing that a franchise would leave a billion dollar, brand new state-of-the art arena in the heart of Brooklyn, a stone's throw from lower Manhattan, accessible by both train and subway and very accessible to tons of corporate sponsorship to head back to the suburbs, to play in a renovated NVMC accessible by no mass transit and with local corporate sponsorship limited to Tony's Pizza and Applebee's. But, like Cpt said, anything is possible.
- Jethro09

I know some of you guys love the idea of Brooklyn but I'd be a happy man if they stayed right where they are. In a better remodeled facility of course. As selfish as it may be I have enough memories in that building to want them to stay.
With that said I'm not of the "jump off a ledge" variety that is destroyed by them moving. I am aware of all of the positives and I'll be taking the train to Brooklyn hopefully for the playoffs again? As far as my conspiracy theories go I've heard enough crap coming from people that work for the team (and i don't mean janitors) to think there is something or maybe there WAS something? I would guess some of it(maybe all of it?) comes from me hoping there's some truth to it?

did nothing for the Rags?

He had 2 40+ goal seasons in 3 full seasons there. he was better then anyone gives the guy credit for.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

I am extremely happy he's not on the Rags anymore though I would've preferred him out of the conference. I'm guessing Sather may regret not trading him outside of the conference within a couple months of the start of the season?

Just for conspiracy theorists sake...
Imagine this:
After years of dragging their (officials) feet in Nassau, Ratner courts the Isles..gets them to move into Barclays while whispering to Charles that this can be part of a bigger picture. Ratner approaches Nassau with the leverage of a 25 year lease for the Isles, advising that he wants developmental rights to NVMC and in return he may be willing to bring the team back sooner than later..Palms greased, deals signed..everyone happy....

Nah...

keaner17
- keaner17

You're late to the party, I been selling that one for over a year now.

XxNYIxX

I have a hard time believing that a franchise would leave a billion dollar, brand new state-of-the art arena in the heart of Brooklyn, a stone's throw from lower Manhattan, accessible by both train and subway and very accessible to tons of corporate sponsorship to head back to the suburbs, to play in a renovated NVMC accessible by no mass transit and with local corporate sponsorship limited to Tony's Pizza and Applebee's. But, like Cpt said, anything is possible.
- Jethro09

What's wrong with Tony's Pizza?

XxNYIxX

Have to respond to this one. First off we can all for the most part agree on Capuano being a sub par coach(except maybe NY178). The guy sucks in enough different ways that I don't think I have to go over what exactly is wrong with his coaching(or lack there of?)? everyone can find a few things...
As far as who to replace him? That's the GM's job. There were candidates out there that went to other teams some I think we can agree were better candidates. Now whether Snow even contacted them or if they turned down offers from us that's a whole different story.
What else did i expect to do this summer? I expected him to find a goaltender for a team that desperately needs help in that area. This team is ready to start moving foward. They are going to have a tough time doing that unless Poulin shocks the shat out of all of us. He needed to make that happen. That was my one BIG gaff for him this offseason. Now I don't think he had a horrible season(I am looking forward to seeing Clutterbuck with us)but I do think he failed filling in a glaring hole in our line up. Doesn't matter why or how, he didn't make it happen. I also thinking finding a top 4 would've been great too. I was hoping beyond hope for Ferrrence.
I agree with the last part of your post, I am also pumped for the season more to see if these guys can maintain what they ended the season on? I'm also excited to see these kids coming up and possibly sticking with the big club. I was just hoping to see a touch more effort in the offseason to shore up some areas. Not horrible but not great also. The one spot I disagree with you on is I feel i can fault Snow for it. He's the GM.
- Cptmjl

I don't think cappy is a great coach..i think he is a great person but that's another story..but last season that team played it ass off for him and brought their hard hats and lunch pails night in and night out,,,, coming off the playoffs you cant fire him

new blog up tomorrow afternoon..it will be an interactive one for all you beauties