And it is a good thing….
At least the second pick of the draft will be coming by way of Long Island. Hopefully for the Islanders case, we may see the #1 pick come.
Most people on the boards were picking the team apart for ‘deliberately pissing off the season’, in order to get the team the first pick (TAVARES/HEDMAN). Will this be the future of the Islanders franchise? I like this move….
Believe me – this team did NOT TANK! I just believe that this team just simply ran out of gas. You simply look at the players. You can see they are trying; and in many cases, trying so hard, but it is just a result of players trying to keep up with teams that are going for the playoff push, and just want it more.
I really feel bad for Blake Comeau. He really looked like a guy that was turning a corner. With the upcoming playoffs for the Sound Tigers, he really had the chance to really put his talent to the test. However, the broken wrist just slapped him in the face (proverbially, of course).
I just got my tickets for the Sound Tigers playoff games next weekend at the Coliseum. I am looking forward to seeing the work that Jack Capuano has made with this team. The fact that the AHL affiliate is playing such tremendous hockey, and playing the same style of play that the parent team is using. This is a great testament to the organization that when a player gets called up, he knows EXACTLY what he will be dealing with. He knows standard plays and scenarios, and doesn’t need that extra time for assimilation.
Tuesday, at 8PM on Versus, we will know whether it is John Tavares, or Victor Hedman will be on the radar screen. I am voting on the setup man. I can see why Dougie Weight was signed up for next season. What a great teacher to have. We can see how Josh Bailey was maturing as the season has progressed. I can seesome real great things on the horizion.
Are you upset about being number 30? Yes I am – but not really. Just as you get in a new box of cereal, there is a prize at the bottom of the box. In a few days, we will see what it will be…
Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings
This post was written by Gary Harding on April 10, 2009
I am not at all “pleased” or “proud” of the fact that we are going to finish dead last in the NHL. I find this embarrassing and disappointing, yet it is what it is. With the injuries and the age of the team matching up against teams that are fighting desperately for playoff spots, it is understandable that we might show our place in the standings. However, as Gary said, I don’t at all believe these guys quit or tanked a thing. Rebuilding means some hard years and being patient to wait for the inexperienced players to mature and grow into NHL quality guys, and I have to say that there are more than a few guys we saw who are rising to become potential leaders and contributors for the future. If anything, I have looked at the positives of the “little things” and take hope in the fact that development and experience will take us further and further into the land of playoff contention sooner rather than later.