Lehner Wins, Trotz passes Al....

New York Islander Fan Central | 12/31/2018 09:16:00 PM |

Happy New Year...

The Kid Who Had The Hat-Trick....New York 4, Toronto 0

New York Islander Fan Central | 12/29/2018 10:20:00 PM |

New York On/Off Ice Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 12/26/2018 07:32:00 AM |
We know what it takes 15-17 over five hundred, to sit in the same bubble at 2-5 over will not produce a playoff spot.

As for off the ice, the Dolan's smear campaign against Barclay's & the silence (not in 2011 to kill referendum/2013 to give Dolan the Coliseum) are all right on schedule, we'll see where Oakview gets all this money from (without Dolan) as big problems are happening with rising cost in Seattle, and the main contractor quitting. And I found Oakview's New York City office at 920 Broadway, where the Florida Panthers employee, Peter Lukko, is telling us how NYI will be staffing as the team's business ops will no longer be done by BSE after this season. When all these town halls are done, it's about time we get the real details on this white elephant arena, two trains, which will take an hour just to transfer at Jamaica, the horrible condition of that lot, and the congested Cross Island Parkway, a horrible place for an arena with Shea Site shovel ready in May. Once the games pick up in Nassau and the novelty wears off & the already empty rows become even more noticeable, you can bet these owners are going to have second thoughts about their stakeholders.

NY Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 12/14/2018 03:47:00 PM |
On the ice, not much to write, very little has changed. Trotz system is keeping shots way down, but price is less offense/shots with a team 31st.

The powerplay has been a big problem, it's on coaching/players to produce. Winning games based on Cizikas/Martin scoring is not going to be enough. Lehner has first major clunker since coming here, what do you want me to write about giving up only 17 shots against a good team, playing well?

It is the right direction for sustained success, last year winning 5-4, 4-3, 6-5, was going to collapse with all the 40-50 shot games against.

NY is 4th in shot disparity at -120, some teams are -200/Ottawa -300. Carolina is plus 300 so it's just a number.

Obviously the NYI are not on pace to give up over 2900 shots this season at a little over 800. 

Trotz is an excellent coach, he explains what he's doing/why in a way people/players should understand. The powerplay issues are on him, not anyone on his staff.

Bottom line, the goal is to make the playoffs. Sitting in that 2-3-4 games over mark it's not going to happen. The days of five seeds coming from this division are over, likely will be only three seeds.  Math says fifteen to seventeen over to be the 8th seed, someone will get red hot, it will take a winning streak just to stay in the mix with that team.

Greiss is not a long-term #1, his career resume speaks for itself.

What you hope is a bunch of players find their game in this system like Beauvillier did. The UFA clock is ticking on Lee, Nelson, Eberle. No one of value is signing up to play in Nassau County, in a place where revenue steams are terrible, and the pockets of empty seats after only two games are very visible.

And those fans don't care about what Barlcay's gave them to fund a 70 million payroll, they expect the Nassau Coliseum to produce the same payroll, in a building now designed to produce 1972 revenue streams.

Management did all they could to make Barclay's a lame-duck, it would have worked long term until a NYC home was built, as it worked/outdrew Nassau in 15-16-17.

Transaction Day/Injury Updates

New York Islander Fan Central | 12/09/2018 11:57:00 AM |

Bode Wilde Signs ELC With New York

New York Islander Fan Central | 12/03/2018 09:41:00 AM |

NYIFC Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 11/18/2018 04:45:00 PM |
At this time just do not feel the need win or lose to take teams temperature every few games unless something significant happens which merits being written here. Beyond that there will be ups and downs.

New York Drops 7 On Rangers

New York Islander Fan Central | 11/15/2018 11:03:00 PM |

See twitter for comments.

11/15: Lamoriello On Injuries/Callups

New York Islander Fan Central | 11/15/2018 03:59:00 PM |

11/7 Lamoriello on Sportsnet: Many subjects

New York Islander Fan Central | 11/07/2018 08:43:00 PM |
Listen

Five Straight/First Place but too much Greiss early

New York Islander Fan Central | 11/03/2018 10:38:00 PM |

New York Notables (On Ice)

New York Islander Fan Central | 11/01/2018 05:26:00 AM |
It's been interesting, some very good things happening, big questions, and downside.

Bottom line the bubble may break, the goaltending may not hold up, but this team has a defensive system, and despite heavy pressure against, does manage to hold on, and wear down their opposition.

And for now the players signed for depth are contributing, goal here, point there, penalty drawn.

We saw it against Carolina, and despite the quantity of shots some games, you can tell often they are not quality. Against Pittsburgh it was quality & game could have been 4/5-2 at end of first with NY trailing.

Around seven minute mark of second, Pens wore down, NY kept coming, scoring on shots no goalie could stop, then came icings by Pens, missed passes, breakdowns trying to do too much, and trying to open up led to even better chances by NYI.

They broke.

And the NYI were the team playing the third game in four days on the road, even Greiss coming in for Lehner did not change how they played, finally they got a bounce for #14 goal but third period was their most even one.

Barry Trotz calls it layering his defense, you can see the players blocking shots, buying in, you can see it in Mayfield, who's done much better than expected. Pulock is being used as a top two & for the most part beyond being due for more goals, has had few mistakes.

In the home game against Florida, ppl who did not watch will see the shots against, anyone who watched saw Panthers throw ton of shots from bad angles that was a game of catch for Lehner on a night the NYI had nothing going but a 2-0 lead based on one bounce, and one great powerplay setup.

What does need work is faceoffs, Lee/Barzal 5/5 scoring are an issue, and at times they looked over-matched in speed game but it was designed that way, bend but don't break, and we are not talking about Halak needed 50 saves every game.

I have been doing coaches full press conferences here with a few comments to settle folks into a routine, but now you know team is showing Trotz/players far more on ITV so everyone knows where to look so I'm going to back off on that.

New York 6, Pittsburgh 3 (Lehner Leaves Game)

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/30/2018 10:55:00 PM |

Will let twitter comments reflect thoughts, beyond loved how when it was 4-5/3, all air went out of Pens game, and they got slower, sloppy. Everyone contributed against a team red hot, coming home off 9-1 win, it's they way NY needs to play. Now they have to do it again, in a place they rarely play...Home

2-1 Win at Carolina (eight shots allowed in third)

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/28/2018 08:05:00 PM |

How many 2-1 games this team win last season? Any? How many 8 shot allowed third periods with lead? Any? Not a classic, too much Greiss in 2nd, but they got the lead and held. Not supposed to be pretty but it's about strategy/system. Faceoffs an issue, Leddy in on both goals, Pulock got 1st, #13-18 had great chances. Textbook from Bailey to Lee. On to home/home with Pens.

New York Drops A 6-1 Win On Flyers/22 Shots Against

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/27/2018 06:39:00 PM |

Easily the best win going back past last season, not just goals scored where goalie had no chance on many of them, but combined with the low shot against. (more on twitter) Islanders website going all out with ITV long interviews you can't see on television.

Florida 3, New York 2 OT

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/25/2018 07:25:00 AM |
Best to see twitter comments, not a good night at all, good team wins that game 6-1 against either NYI or Panthers.

As for Charles Wang, Mr Torrey tribute comes first, until then patches for Mr Wang will have to wait. Not easy drawing people when you tell customers going there, more game are being moved from that location. Don't expect enthusiasm from an arena operator, who at best will be reduced to a temporary landlord in Nassau, with the teams hope (not mine) to move into a bad location that will hurt both BSE/BGE buildings.

Charles Wang RIP

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/21/2018 10:30:00 AM |



The statements praising Wang are pouring in from former players, AHL, Rangers/Dolan family.

Several news organizations are reporting New York Islanders minority owner, Charles B Wang, has passed away at age 74.

 "He treasured his association with the team and its devoted fans," Wang's family said in a statement.

Libn.com: Scott Rechler, Kevin Law, others also had high praise for Wang.

NYIFC Comments:
It's a very sad day to read of this man's passing.

I have never been of the school, Charles Wang, kept the team from relocation. The lease in Nassau & with Smg/Msg made that impossible, but his efforts to spend above and beyond, for doing everything humanely possible to keep a building going, where he was only a tenant, renovating many times, him giving us an AHL franchise, saving that from Roy Boe, and investing far more into this team than any owner in his arena circumstances was unreal.

It would never be enough for the people who want 1980 prices & a max payroll. He did all he could to honor the alumni to the point he got accused of it to sell tickets, he did found the teams hall of fame, and the LH tournament continued into last season. 

Wang got my support and defense here because he did not get a taxpayer funded arena, he did not get the LH or the referendum because of politics, but he spent far more than he had to before 2006, and did everything possible to sign players without the ability to front-load contracts to his final days.

He was loyal to this franchise, he was right to fire Neil Smith because the 2006-07 team made the playoffs when the Flyers cleaned house in October, and they fell apart. Wang never let off ice things become a distraction into a season. Smith did not sign his contract, business is business.

And all I kept reading was Wang offered the most money, in that building, with that brutal fan support win or lose, and a ton of pathetic media did not care or understand, he outlasted many of those outlets who spent far less.

Not sure how things are handled given how Bill Torrey has been treated, but Wang was the second best owner of this franchise, and for all the ups/downs, he loved owing this team, he always sat at draft table proudly.

He'll be missed by me personally. No misconceptions of his past at CA or the endless stories as a ruthless shark in business (like everyone) but as a hockey owner he did everything possible for our fans short of bankruptcy.

This was Charles Wang on 6/29/16, his final days at majority owner. RIP
                          

New York Drops A Seven on Kings

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/19/2018 05:53:00 AM |

NYIFC Comments: A lot on twitter feed, but how many times they drop hammer in a close game during 3rd period, and just bury the opposition. Ladd looked great, so did Filppula, 17-53-15. Those were not soft goals but the kind no goalie can stop. Mayfield-Hickey +5, Bailey keeps shooting. Kamarov his first. Outstanding win off a good effort where they did not get second chances but only allowed 24 shots which did not happen often last season. Also want our fans to have the full Trotz press conference, not that one minute joke Dolan gives to get off air as fast as possible, worst broadcast partner in North American sports.

Lamoriello/Kovar on waivers for release

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/10/2018 04:51:00 PM | |

Very disappointing on Kovar that he did not wish to report to Bridgeport, but not the first or last this has happened with. If another team does not claim him, he goes back to Europe.

New York Notables: Dolan/Azoff/Attendance/Flat Earth Nassau

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/09/2018 05:39:00 AM |
I wrote some things about Irving Azoff, buying out Dolan's Oakview, but still not there yet because Dolan's Newsday flunkies can't write about Dolan business & stay employed & this is well above Irving Azoff's net worth.

Baumbach wrote for 2 years Dolan was a major part of Belmont. Many outlets called this Dolan's arena & he was competing against Steinbrenner.

Newsday did not sell Irving Azoff's Belmont arena this hard in their newspaper with no details since summer 2016, everyone employed there waived the pom poms like their job depended on it, right Arthur Staple?


Here is Oakview group: Depending on what you believe Tim Leiweke has no money, he's like Yormark and works for rich people. Lukko works for Panthers and has less money than Garth Snow

All the serious money behind Oakview was Dolan until this.

Also Richard Browne of Sterling enterprises (Wilpon) said Dolan's Oakview is landlord, NYI are his 41 day tenant, so all this "Islanders arena" stuff was just a lie always, it was for Azoff's 110 music acts.

And as I wrote last year Azoff's estimated worth is 100 million with some newer estimates at 300 to 350 million, one at 45 million. Even if bottomless pockets Silver Lake gave Azoff money to buyout Dolan, that's a ton of debt here & in Seattle where money is needed immediately to spend 700 million to renovate a relic arena.

And people better start warming up that economic miracle where Fred (Sterling enterprises) Wilpon & Saul Katz spend a billion dollars to pay for an Islanders arena when they can't develop at Willets Point or Shea lot, and who's real estate claim to fame is Madoff field via taxpayers.

Wake me when Dolan's media has to write more about Dolan, and where he stands in New York Arena Partners? Baumbach likely was terrified & begging permission to even write his tweet in fear of being fired or off hauling newspapers in college point while NY Times prints/distributes Newsday while Pat Dolan is suing Altice for cutting News12LI staff and dropping Altice Optimum & putting up a new paywall at Newsday.



As for the attendance Barclay's first two years outdrew 16/25 years at Nassau & tied six others without Sat games with the Ranger fans in media since 2012 acted like they did when Trottier was announced as their coach & it had to be ended as quickly as possible.

Kind of like how thirty year Ranger flunkie Mark Herrmann is good with the New York Islanders as the little LI brother, but anything else does not work for him and does not belong, despite all the negativity from him  (and others) it was working better than Nassau which always lost money.


This unheard of two arena split drastically hurts Barclay's viability, turns them into a lame duck, and keeps the people who liked going there from NYC & were getting into hockey from being part of something that ends 2/28/19 of course  Yormark wants them in his Nassau facility for this final year they still have to likely pay them their 53 million less expenses.

Beyond that we don't have any clue of a lease in Nassau beyond this one year.

Bottom line they need to be in a NYC facility like 30 other teams have said they need a city-based arena to survive financially. (Ottawa-Arizona) As for the LI flat earth society of people under thirty who ignore the Coliseum was empty by 1989 with Arbour-Torrey, Wang could not invite every school for second game, even a Ranger game in 2011 drew only 11,000.  Those fans live in a world demanding 1980 ticket prices, free parking, and a max payroll to show up a few weekends. That's how they lost the team in the first place between voting no for the Coliseum, and yes to Kate Murray, there is no rational discussion for them, it's this way or no team at all while they crawl to New Jersey & pretend those teams are NY.
 


And we all know how the LI fans filled the building for game two in Oct 2013-14 with Tavares, after making the playoffs with half of them likely coming out from NYC. I know they don't like those images, truth bothers many of them, hard as I tried to pushed people to go or lose team permanently for countless years before 2011.

I understand you don't like reading how Nassau cannot support a team, and will go bankrupt there because fans won't go to games or spend money on tickets, never did after 1989. No more cups, we're done, it started long before Milbury. It would not shock me if Malkin-Ledecky looked at Nassau
pre-sales and pulled plug on locker rooms with Yormark doing all he can not to host them anywhere after this season. They will get their 13,000 for first game, after that we all know the history on weeknights.

Let's hope Dolan is entirely out, and this team can build a NYC home where they need to be for any long-term financial success, lot's of room at Shea/Sunnyside sites for rail, road, retail without some place in the wilderness that will take double time on the current spur vs reaching Barclay's until 2032 at earliest.

Take away Barclay's distractions fueled by Dolan's biased media & people will come, it worked better than anything since 1989 without the needed diet of Sat night games.

Bruins had the same problems for sixty years. Dolan's taxpayer funded building has the same obstructed seats & ice issues, but their media hides it, like all the money that flows from Cuomo to his tax exemption, Penn Station, Lhota for his subways, Percoco, Silver's past money.

Meanwhile the people who need paychecks will do what they are told.


New York 4, San Jose 0

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/09/2018 04:55:00 AM |


Other than 16 shots in third, that was an excellent job against a very good opponent. Filppula did a great job finding Martin, Clutterbuck was flying/hitting like we did not see all last season, how many times we see any goals scored with goalie pulled last season, and a shutout for Lehnter.

I do think it's important to get Barry Trotz full press conferences posted, not brief Msg sound-bytes, but it can take hours after games, listen to this head coach & players talk about strategy, clearly they will have bad games, but there is a direction & a strategy, when they take the ice.

Nashville 4, New York 3

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/07/2018 01:01:00 AM |

Penguins CEO, Coming to New York Islanders

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/05/2018 05:29:00 PM |


Welcome to New York, Barry Trotz

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/05/2018 12:30:00 AM |

Obviously not happy at all with how they played, despite skills competition point, but listen to this head coach talk about system, structure & strategy. This is how things change.

New York Names Anders Lee Captain

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/04/2018 12:06:00 PM |


NYIFC Comments:
I love this decision. It says a great deal of what new management thinks of him, but in the end we all know what this comes down to by 7/1/19.

They could have gone the other way with longest tenured Josh Bailey on a new contract, or went with Boychuk, Leddy among several vets with term or no one at all which many expected.

Denis Potvin called with his congratulations. 

Great choice.

New York Preview: Anything Can Happen...But

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/03/2018 08:46:00 AM |
Most years folks who follow here know I usually put this team between 1/2-14-15th in conference, but there are many more challenging questions this time around with a championship-level staff. And frankly, there is no dominating team in this conference, most have big flaws.

Anything can happen.

So here goes.

A-Playing in two NHL arena's is unprecedented, players will talk about it not being a distraction, but it will be, for some it could become an excuse later.

1-Despite Lehner having NHL ability to post a 920. save percentage, he's not Halak, and will allow soft goals in big moments, as opposed to Halak, who had a next level in big moments. So there is getting points with a 5-4 win, allowing over forty shots, vs losing 3-2 and allowing under thirty shots but giving up soft goals. The shots against will go down dramatically, that's the plan but nothing could be worse in this era than last season with a team that had no defensive system or strategy. 

2-If this team is in contention or a playoff spot at deadline Lee, Nelson & Eberle are going nowhere, if they are not, they will be traded. Losing those players could set them back years because it's unlikely anyone wants to come to two construction zones in a suburb in front of no fans.

Stop pretending this is a destination for free agents, it never has been, players want their careers to matter, Tavares learned to aspire to be Long Island means you have to move on to bigger/better. 

3-Trust that Lamoriello/Trotz will change things on the ice, and the one year contracts will work themselves out, eventually the young players if productive will push out the players not helping.

I wanted Toews here, clearly over Sbisa, but he is a player who should be in the NHL lineup or playing top minutes in Brideport & did not even make 2018 before his season ended. Bottom line they got there with Pulock/deHaan, after years of injuries, and will again with Toews.

4-The top two lines will score their share, Beauvillier does not look like he was going to score four goals into January like last season, eventually Ladd will return, but must produce. Lee will get his 30-40, Bailey will get his numbers, and I expect Barzal, Eberle to get their numbers. Nelson should be highly motivated in a walk year to get thirty.

5-Like Trotz moving LD Leddy to RD a little, just to shake up his game a little, think we'll see ups/downs with unit, but we will see a strategy/system/plan.

They have good talent waiting if players here struggle, well beyond Toews.

6-Every team in this division has big flaws, so expect less playoff seeds from it.

7-Term for term trades is what this team needs, they are not giving up any #1 picks for rentals before the trade deadline when the first round picks will not be lottery selections. I suggested Leddy for Nylander as a term for term trade, Leafs take Clutterbuck salary in deal. Both teams get something they need, but deals like that rare these days. The cap is high enough to avoid the Boychuk-Leddy trades this time around.

8-Conclusion, they will be a better, different 82 game team unlike last year's eight game over mirage where it was clear the scoring/Halak could not hide the defensive issues until late November.

I expect them to be in the mix, but when they put some lines on the ice you know you are hoping for only an even shift at best which is what #17-53-15 are, and what Fritz, Johnston, and the incoming players are despite being mainstays on playoff teams a year ago.

Ho-Sang, Bellows, and the other forwards there want NHL jobs, produce & give management every reason to give you a spot here.

Two arena's will be a huge negative issue, and when our owners/Barclay's see Nassau empty seats we'll see if they really want to be the only team to return full time to a failed suburb, as Dolan's tenant (SMG revisited) when every other team said they must be in a city to survive financially.

We know the worst teams media in North America will continue to show there is no cap floor in how poorly this team can be covered, as their job is to keep their job above anything else.

130 other teams do not have this issue.

Toews/Kovar To Bridgeport

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/02/2018 10:38:00 AM |


New York Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/02/2018 09:13:00 AM |
Will have more to write here on Wednesday, after final cuts are made on Tuesday. Not of a fan of this decision but expect Toews will go to AHL to start so he can play every game. ******************************************
Have been more active on twitter, but this site will remain active as always.

Several Clear Waivers....Seidenberg/Gionta remain on PTO

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/25/2018 04:12:00 PM |
Fritz cleared waivers, still with NYI. Dal Colle lost his #21 to Sbisa, so for now, Eberle goes on headers. Wanted to give Wilde/Dobson an image on one of the home/road headers.

New York Cuts Bellows, Ho-Sang, Dal Colle, Aho, Sbisa Signed

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/24/2018 11:05:00 AM |


NYIFC Comments: A little kick to the prospects here in the past, Bellows can go play in AHL until needed with Aho, more cuts coming, and eight vets needed in Oshawa on Friday. Fritz, likely Johnston will be joining them later, and Gionta's tryout will be ending. Others like Bernier, Sislo, Gibson have to clear waivers, and reportedly not at practice.

New York Cuts To 43

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/22/2018 12:28:00 PM |
Nothing earth shattering.

Ok, so twenty cuts needed to 23. Gibson, Smith & Soderstrom (injured) Dal Colle, Fritz, Kovar, Johnston, Sislo, Ho-Sang, Ladd (IR), Bernier, Gionta PTO, Bellows, St Denis. Toews, Dobson, Burroughs, Aho, Helgeson, Seidenberg. (PTO) All the players Lamoriello brought in besides Martin were on playoff teams, they are not going to the AHL.
If Lee, Eberle, Nelson cannot be signed, they risk losing them for nothing later, if the team is in a playoff spot, they are not being traded, all teams have this issue. I'm of the school it's Martin or Johnston. That #53/15 are being showcased to anyone who would take their contracts which is unlikely. Siedenberg's value to Barzal could be a factor, but not going to give him a spot over Sbisa. Toews is showing signs, but his lack of playing for months likely means he starts in Bridgeport. I don't think Lamoriello would hesitate to put Mayfield/Pelech's long-term deals in a trade or on waivers.

9/14: Lamoriello/Trotz

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/14/2018 06:51:00 PM | |


A few players also commented after practice.

New York Full Camp Roster

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/14/2018 12:31:00 PM |
Trotz, fifteen minutes with media from Thursday.


New York Opens Camp/PTO's

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/13/2018 05:41:00 PM |

 "This team has to be hard to play against," Trotz said. "We're going to look for guys who are willing to put the work boots on, go to work and get better every day. If you don't, we'll weed you out and get someone who wants that position. Our goal, it's a process, it won't happen overnight, but we want to build a consistent contender."
************************************************
Teams website confirmed PTO's to Seidenberg, Sbisa, Gionta. Expect video's to load on teams website in bulk as day progresses.
***********************************************
NYIFC Comments:  
Not much to write about Robin Lehner, not insensitive, but focus has to be on hockey for him/team. He will do his best as will everyone & no doubt some veterans here likely are not going to win jobs, as Lamoriello/Trotz will be true to their word about building the culture, and a team tough to beat.

Could care less about Tavares or comments, the current management never worked with him, time to work with what they have & players who want to re-sign here.

Beyond that play some games, best players play.


New York Rookie Camp Roster

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/07/2018 09:59:00 AM |

For New York On/Off The Ice..We'll See

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/06/2018 12:44:00 PM |
Not much can be added to that but there are some rare/different things happening.

Al Arbour came here in 1974 with nothing close to Barry Trotz current resume so it makes it a must-watch camp for every fan. Torrey was not where Lamoriello was in 1972 so very high management expectations.

It's tough with Lee, Eberle, Nelson on UFA years, but almost all teams have this issue, and if they are in a playoff spot those players will need to be retained, even at the cost of losing them for nothing.

Some players will regress, some will step up (hopefully Kovar or some prospects) the players Lamoriello added created a numbers game where NHL players will not make this roster unless there are trades/injuries. Systems & coaching take time, it does not happen day one & will likely take months as we want to see the trends improve later.

Absolutely there is a lot talent here, and Lee/Barzal are star players. I have no doubt if Pulock starts like he finished, they have a star on defense.

You will not see last season again on defense, that was entirely on historically inexperienced coaching. Halak had them eight over in November, five over in January facing mountains of shots, so a team that should have had 20-25 wins, finished with 35 wins.

Bottom line, an expansion team went wire to wire in first place, advanced to the Stanley Cup finals, and easily could have won the cup, anything can happen. 

Off the ice, no team has played in two buildings for this duration, it will be a major distraction, in a facility with 1972 revenue streams, they will likely not even have the lockerooms ready by December based on April-August construction for Barclay's campus, and the same 1972 ice plant is waiting.

Hartford had the full ice redone last summer, it took months, and a dig to the foundation.

Barclay's being in a lame duck fan situation will make the fans who started going there stop for good, and Nassau fan support sooner or later will be awful as it's been since 1989, unable to sustain a franchise.

Cuomo will make sure Dolan breaks ground on his arena above anything else, using our team any way possible as pawns to make that happen. Once it does Dolan would perfer his 2013 Coliseum bid with his Wolfpack as anchor tenant, it's not NYI building but the updated paperwork does claim it's 18,000 for hockey, not the 16,500 written earlier.

Regardless it will be a construction zone for a generation, player will have stay at Marriot, as Coliseum becomes a construction zone also.

I hope all sides can see they need to be at Barclay's in the end as a NYC arena is constructed with existing rail access starting at Shea or Sunnyside Yards without Dolan.

30 NHL teams play in a city or have made clear they must relocate to one to stay in business. One team wants to be their rivals tenant, in a location with no people, and no real rail access. 

There are no tracks for overflow trains to that area, no direct access, and reality is to go off on a spur to that location would take longer than going to Barclay's until 2032 at the earliest.

Laura Curran, Put Al Arbour's Sign Back Up At Coliseum Site Now.....

New York Islander Fan Central | 8/26/2018 05:57:00 AM |
8/28 will be the third anniversary of Al Arbour's passing. Should take ten minutes for latest county executive, Laura Curran, to call BSE Global, and send a man out with Mr Arbour's sign. Then they can work on a fitting tribute to Mr Torrey, and start by having both their banners in Coliseum rafters.
Mr Ledecky, you hosted Mr Arbour's service two years ago, and met Bill Torrey on several occasions, these are very simple things to have done.

8/22: Cuomo & Ledecky Speeches At Event

New York Islander Fan Central | 8/23/2018 10:38:00 AM |

Barry Trotz Five Year Contract

New York Islander Fan Central | 8/22/2018 05:46:00 AM |

Lamoriello XM Interview 8/17/18 5pm

New York Islander Fan Central | 8/17/2018 05:16:00 PM |

Noah Dobson Signs ELC

New York Islander Fan Central | 8/13/2018 10:59:00 AM |

Dolan's Belmont Garden's Plans Come Out Quietly in LA 6/19/18... Scott Malkin's Man Brian Garrison Speaks On NYI Role As Tenant

New York Islander Fan Central | 8/07/2018 06:14:00 AM |



Venuesnow is a Dolan-owned outlet, that had a quiet little conference in Los Angeles in mid June, with this laughingstock plan, where Scott Malkin's point man spoke about how NYI are part of this.

Dolan's project will be called Belmont Garden's. (pun intended)

Malkin's guy is a man named Brian Garrison, Richard Browne, is Sterling/Wilpon's guy.

None of these details made it into Dolan's local media here, Don Muret, was hired in late 2017 from the invisible Sports Business Journal.







New York Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 8/02/2018 07:17:00 AM |
I'm not prepared to write anything about where the New York Islanders will finish in 2018-19 beyond what I would write every year.

That would be anywhere between 1/2-15th overall. I did get it wrong on Vegas & a few other teams, but for the most part things were on par.

This time, however I will add something different: No chance do the New York Islanders set records for goals against, shots against that go back to the 1990's on many levels. That would never have happened last season without an inexperienced head coach, who hired an inexperienced staff last season, that had no apparent strategy or concept of team defense.

Beyond that it would be folly to project more beyond different kinds of ups/downs from players.

Management will set their system/strategy, and we will see who wins the jobs. Lehner lets up bad goals, unlike Halak which is a trend worth watching, but Mitch Korn/new goalie coach will have to see what everyone can do.

Should I write it's getting late on Mark Hunter so Lamoriello hires him?
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As usual some need to find a reason to blame the Islanders for Tavares departing for Toronto, but give me a break, he joined a losing franchise with a worse record than NYI since 2006, and his two year campaign about wanting to be here is entirely on him. He went to Toronto, who has not won a playoff since he was fourteen that did nothing to improve it's team ranked 28th in shots allowed, that Tavares will only hurt.

We did get to read he left because of Snow-Weight, or left because they were replaced, so in short no one has a clue.

They cannot be in the same spot with Lee, Eberle & Nelson next summer.
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Patrick Dolan is now the sole owner of Newsday (LIBN) buying out Altice entirely on 8/1/18. Dolan's media did not write about it nor did their Belmont salesman on twitter, they were too busy celebrating the 2011 referendum again & hyping Dolan's arena.

No negative news will be permitted on Dolan's Belmont arena, these people would lose their jobs & not find another one to write about the money from Cuomo, Percoco, Silver, Lhota to Dolan, it's not about the truth or taxpayer money Dolan receives. It's revenge for losing in 2013, nothing else.

And I don't think Barclay's or a NYC alternative is impossible if/when hopefully Dolan losses Belmont or is it not the done deal many claim who work for them. Are Wilpon/Sterling that anxious to pony up for a pathetically small 16,500 seat building? There is no fix for the LIRR issues, not in this generation, it would take less time to travel to Barclay's than find space for special trains to travel on a spur twice, and likely well over a billion to make anything else viable.
 
And when the spin & fact Nassau cannot sellout 12,000 seats emerges sooner than later, Ledecky is going to wonder about being brainwashed about fan support in Nassau vs Barclay's.

I do believe Dolan's boy Baumbach wrote, and retracted any lease between BSE/NYI has a yearly out clause for both sides. No way are they there for 3-5 years, and if Nixon beats Cuomo, all bets are off.

Unless Malkin got his cable money through 2031, and forfeited his territorial rights, that's money Cuomo cannot buy Dolan out of paying via taxpayers. 
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I have been rough on Daily News, but frankly when a writer goes to the 21 club to meet the owner, stuff his face, and then not cover the team, besides occasional twitter rips (even during playoffs) I have little sympathy. No one at News cared about Nassau putting NYI  owners in an impossible financial situation while they were going broke, they just blamed owner for not spending/losing more money.

So Daily News threw stones in their own glass house, and Peter Botte got his well-deserved walking papers.

Mitch Korn has been named Director of Goaltending

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/26/2018 01:35:00 PM |

NYIFC Comments: Ok, got who I wanted. Perhaps overzealous on titles, but Korn had a while to accept the role here, and when I saw the job title for NHL on goalie coach coming from Marlies, felt Korn had decided to stay where he just won a cup, plus he was at Caps prospect camp. I'm very happy with this move.

New York Hires Piero Greco-Goaltending Coach

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/25/2018 11:53:00 AM |

NYIFC Comments: I guess that's a no from Mitch Korn being this is a hire for the NHL level. Lamoriello takes someone from Marlies. Newsday's latest beatwriter claims Fred Brathwaite has been let go of. Chris Terreri is still listed as being goalie development coach.

Nelson Avoids Arbitration-One Year

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/23/2018 06:08:00 PM |

NYIFC Comments:
Nelson did not hire an agent for a one-year extension so this is another player who could hit UFA next summer to go with Eberle & Lee.

Everyone likely wants the show-me contract, but players who avg 20 goals a year are not easy to find at his age in UFA.

Obviously neither side was thrilled so they kicked it down the road another year so Nelson can test UFA.


John Gruden has been named Assistant Coach

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/18/2018 12:45:00 PM |

NYIFC Comments: So to recap what's been announced: Cronin, Richardson, Buchberger out, all hired elsewhere. Lambert, Gruden in.

Ryan Pulock 2 Year Extension

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/17/2018 09:31:00 AM |

NYIFC Comments: Nice signing, wanted them to go long-term because if he's as good as projected, he's going to make huge money in two years, but they will still have his NHL rights for someone born 10/6/94. One more to go, Nelson, who filed for arbitration, and will have a contract either way.

Toews (1-way) Burroughs (2-way) two year extensions

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/16/2018 12:34:00 PM | |

NYIFC Comments: Toews at 24, with a one-way deal means he's coming up, as soon as he's ready/healthy. Burroughs with a 2-way deal, can play here or in Bridgeport but two solid signings.

Still Beginning Of A Long Summer For New York

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/16/2018 04:57:00 AM |
For now we see if Mark Hunter (contract over 7/15) or Mitch Korn, come to NY or decide on another job elsewhere.

Then we see how arbitration with Brock Nelson/restricted free agency goes.

Don't think we are done with coaching staff changes, but seems reasonable Chris Lamoriello, likes what he has in Brent Thompson, and Bridgeport loaded up with veterans is returning at this point.

As for the rest, can't see any 1st round picks being traded for a rental, who likely would test UFA next summer, that would be an awful decision. Teams in a playoff spot, knowing they are not surrendering a potential lottery pick, only give up their first rounders at the trade deadline.

For those who remember 2014-15, the Boychuk/Leddy deals were not made until well into preseason when it was clear NY could not win with their defense, which included UFA signing T.J Brennan, who never made it back to the NHL, even after going on waivers.

The Kevin Poulin waiver claim also brought Berube here after the season began.

Bottom line is a lot is still expected to change, and the time to do some negotiating with Lee/Eberle is also now, to see what happens moving forward.

They can replace Tavares lack of speed/defense, how he was not visible 5/5 or with games in the balance, but to have this happen next summer with Lee/Eberle is too much. 
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Off the ice, silence is golden for Dolan's Belmont arena scheme, they don't want negative publicity, and Newsday is owned by Dolan.

They just want their shovel in the ground as fast as possible, and will use NYI to make that happen.

Once construction begins, they could care less if NYI play there, but the unknown here is still Wilpon/Sterling paying for it for Dolan to run, and rail access with a double trip to from/Jamaica until 2032 if Dolan's MTA guy, Joe Lhota does not kill it, perhaps taking longer than a train to Barclay's?

I do expect Cuomo to demand no more Barclay's games ever after 2/28/19, but there is no binding lease for Coliseum, and Cuomo has to pony up to make Coliseum upgraded regardless of the cost.

No matter what after a few early sellouts, the novelty will wear down fast, if Tavares leaving does not drive people away, and if poor attendance in Nassau makes Barclay's decide they don't want them in either of their buildings or our owners finally get that reality check they need to play in NYC, that's the end.

And for all Scott Malkin did to upgrade staff/sign Tavares his leaving saved them money, even if those management changes are expensive.

Ross Johnston 4 Year Extension

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/09/2018 03:25:00 PM |

Hope it's a 2-way deal because if everyone is healthy, someone is not going to play, or #15-53, are going to be moved at some point.
Nope. Aside from Martin, some players who are not heaalthy scratches could be sitting, that 23 man roster has filled up fast, but it's a long summer.

New York Signs KHL Forward Jan Kovar/Transactions

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/09/2018 01:31:00 PM |

Note-the prospect site would have Bridgeport/AHL transactions, but that site no longer lists the players under AHL contracts only. Many new & re-signed players today. Jones was only player to go from 2-way to AHL-only.