Same team, with the same outcome likely - hoping for a wild card berth and lightning striking in the playoffs, much more likely out after one round. Wasted year, and back to praying that they finally cut bait with Lamoriello next spring.
I think they miss this year. In the Metro you have the Canes, Devils who should finish 1 & 2 in the division. The Rangers and Penguins are probably better than the Isles. In the Atlantic you have the Leafs, B's who are better. The Lightning have lost players in recent years, but they are probably still better than the Isles. Then you have up and coming teams who could very well finish ahead of the Isles in the Sabres, Red Wings, and Sens. Many teams in the EC made moves to get better while the Isles continue to run it back with the same team. If they do miss, I hope they move on from Lou.
I have no expectations for this season. We have just as much of a chance to be bad as good, but far more likely to be terrible than great. Ultimately until Barzal becomes an elite player, not a good player with elite skills, we aren’t going to compete for a Cup.
First opening game win at home in 28 years (it's amazing that the Isles have opened at home in only about 20% of their seasons).
Barzal with the PP goal, defense shuts Coyotes down, and the Isles move to 2-0 with the 1-0 win. About 13% of Sorokin's starts have ended in shutouts for him, the most in NHL history for anyone who has started 100+ games.
Looking back at the last 3 games. I thought they played well against the Devils. NJ won but at least they got a point. Against Buffalo they looked like crap. Last night I was actually surprised they had a 3-2 lead at one point. Sorokin stood on his head and still gave up 5 goals. The Avalanche are on a different level then the Isles. The Isles had no shot to win last night. I just hope that the Isles move on from Lou soon because nothing will change as long as he is in charge.
Nice win last night over the Sens. Sorokin had to stand on his head again (45 saves) as usual but still a much-needed win.
The biggest indicator of Lou’s senility is the fact that Lambert still has a job. How much more sloppy play do we need to see?
Bad loss last night as they pissed away a point. Up 2-0 midway thru the 3rd period and they lose 4-3 in OT. UGH!
5-2-2. They do have to clean things up in their game. You can't expect to be bailed out by Sorokin/Varlamov every single time over an 82-game schedule. If the goaltending slumps this team is in trouble. But a win is a win is a win.
Hard to imagine a better goaltending pair than what the Isles have, but otherwise, this is not a particularly good team.
How many more terrible third periods do we need to see for the problem behind the bench to become more obvious?
