When asked how it was the Islanders had so much success, Blake showed how much trouble he is having adjusting to life as a Leaf.
"No. 1, they have an unbelievable coach," Blake said. "Ted Nolan's the best. No. 2, we played like the Senators, that way. We weren't as talented, we weren't as big, we weren't as strong but we moved the puck. We tried to hit the open guy. No. 3, we had Brendan Witt, one of the most underrated defenceman in the league."
And No. 4?
"The best goalie. The best upcoming goaltender in the league. (Rick) DiPietro will win the Vezina in the next three years."
NYI Fan Central Comments:
Very interesting comments from Blake given the Islanders struggles vs Ottawa in his time here. High praise from a former player for Nolan, Witt and DiPietro. Clearly Blake needs the puck on his stick and to get his shots and his game was better suited for this team. Where he cannot go with the Toronto media is to say that Alexei Yashin set him up far better last season than Mats Sundin because he would be lynched for it, regardless of whether it's true.
Let's recap even though it's early:
Caps struggling with Poti, Kozlov on a team with injuries.
Zednik's has six goals but overall a marginal impact in Florida on a 7-9 team.
Blake getting asists but not scoring, defense and goaltending again struggling.
Hill on suspension but will join a winning team soon.
Asham's Devils struggling while he goes from top lines to fourth line.
One player Islanders wanted to keep doing ok in Ryan Smyth in terms of team success as they are tied for first but on same scoring pace he was on as an Islanders with far more first and second line talent.
I expect this will begin a fan backlash on Blake in TO. It's a tough town, and I don't think those comments will endear him to that crazy city. I'll be curious to see how TSN covers this tonight. Awfully early to get the fans on your back... 15 games into a 5 yr contract.
ReplyDeleteHi Jkp,
ReplyDeleteI expect a harsh reaction and more comments from Blake in another paper with his comments a little more polished to get the focus on hockey.
I'm sure it will work like the Islanders where some fans will see it like he cares and is annoyed while others will see his comments praising the Islanders and be very upset.
Blake wanted the higher profile market and now he has a media in a lot of competition with each other for player comments. Not quite the same as one newsday beatwriter covering twenty plus players.