Wasn't it about 2 months ago when the Caps lost 7 in a row so every team has slumps. Hopefully Lehner is OK but Griess can handle the workload for now. They need to get back to playing solid D as its been shaky as of late. If they can do that then they will be fine.
Yeah Greg the Caps slumped but did you me or anyone else think that the Caps would not come out of that slump ? Now fast forward to our current Islanders = I don't know about you but speaking for myself = I don't know if they will as they started looking like this before the deadline , speaking of which wouldn't it have been nice to add,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,never mind what does it matter.
When pajama boy bolted last summer I thought this would be a horrible year so overall this season has turned out great. This team does have flaws and maybe they could have added at the deadline. My guess is Lou/Barry didn't believe this team is a true Stanley Cup contender which they aren't so why trade assets. Trotz has said this team is a year or two away to being where they want. I have to think Lou is aggressive though this coming offseason in FA as they do need to add top end talent. He is 76 so I can't imagine his long term plan is all that long.
When July comes and we sign a big name or 3 then we will see how this all played out but I will believe it when I actually see it. I am not saying they do not have a plan as I believe that they do but what I have said and what I am still saying is you have to make the Islanders an attractive place to want to play or as my grandfather used to say " wish in one hand and shit in the other "
Two games of interest tonight. Isles at Sens. This time I hope its not a back and forth affair. Please beat them in a rout. Ottawa has a minor league roster. The other game starts a home an home and its a 7:00 start on NBCSN with the Jackets at Pens. I don't care who wins just no 3 point game. If someone can win tonight in regulation then I want that team to win again in regulation in the backend of the home an home. If one can sweep the other than the loser could be buried in the playoff chase.
http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/26167165/how-islanders-best-version This is not the first article I've read this year championing the fact, statistically, that the Isles are simply better with Ho-Sang and Dal Colle playing; but it is the most high profile. At this point, the risk of Ho-Sang being out there is worth the reward.
Very Hard to argue with that article as our offense is painful to watch at times---the Power play alone is beyond painful to watch
Frustrating 2 points but 2 points nonetheless. On another topic, Matt Duchene has been traded twice in two years and the team who got the best deal out of those trades is Colorado which might get Jack Hughes. Maybe Lou dodged a bullet.
It wasn't pretty last night but still got the 2 points which is huge. Unfortunately the Caps play the Devils at home tonight and I can't see the Devils having a chance in this one. Isles will have to play a lot better on Saturday night against the Flyers if they want 2 points. Last Sunday's game against them should be a good reminder of what happens when you don't show up.
Ho-Sang sent down again, there is something weird going on with this guy. The more talented guy is continually being sent down over Bailey, Kunachle, Nelson, DalCole.
I really am shocked that they did not trade him at the deadline as I honestly believe they are done with him. He is a liability on defense but he clearly could help with our pathetic offense and I think the tradeoff would be worth it. This said go beat the Flyers and get 2 damn points !
As a former coach, I will say I understand what Trotz is thinking. His system works and that is obvious to anyone that watch the Isles last year and this year. The problem is he needs everyone buying in. One wild card not doing his job makes it all collapse. Scotty Bowman came to Detroit and got his best played and scorer to buy in and his trap game worked. Steve Yzerman went from a young guy that may have challenged the greats scoring wise to a great two way player who made the whole thing work. Barry is doing that with Barzal right now. Matt is buying in and back checking more and more as the year goes on. It’s a joy to watch if you like the little things that win hockey games. MDC is buying in and should be here. The problem lies in his differing production between the A and N. Ho-Sang is a gifted player for sure, but he does not buy in. It’s dangerous to a coach who needs everyone moving in the same direction. The kid may go elsewhere and put up 60 points, but unless he becomes the player Trotz wants, his offensive ability is not worth the disruption to the on ice oaky and locker room
