I would rather see my team in the PO's then rebuild especially if I'm the Owner/Owners. If they don't make the PO's there will be changes and should be. If the PO's are made and there is another 1st round exit. Then changes will be made as well. My opinion of course.
I just want to know who taught Lee how to skate and play hockey during the off season. If they can find that guy or gal they should hire that person immediately. I mean he was a 4th liner last year. I wonder if he just started reading the internet and learned from there.
I have faith in Lou. He has drafted well since he's been here and the prospect pool is looking much better starting with Holmstrom and George. I certainly trust him more than the internet.
- nyisles7

My point was more about the asset management. Sure if they don’t make the playoffs changing should/will be made. But holding onto assets is the wrong approach from a business side. It’s kinda like trading in the lease for a new one. To me, it’s not worth holding onto Nelson, Palmieri, Lee etc just to be an 8th seed and an inevitable first round exit. I’m not even suggesting a full on rebuild. I’m merely suggesting better asset management.
Holding onto those guys after the trade deadline is similar to letting guys test free agency. It’s a bad business decision. It’s a bad risk/reward

My point was more about the asset management. Sure if they don’t make the playoffs changing should/will be made. But holding onto assets is the wrong approach from a business side. It’s kinda like trading in the lease for a new one. To me, it’s not worth holding onto Nelson, Palmieri, Lee etc just to be an 8th seed and an inevitable first round exit. I’m not even suggesting a full on rebuild. I’m merely suggesting better asset management.
Holding onto those guys after the trade deadline is similar to letting guys test free agency. It’s a bad business decision. It’s a bad risk/reward
- kindlyrick

I get your point and I'm thinking that the Owners being in biz to make money want the team in the PO picture to get the PO revenue even if its for 1 round. Also having the team in the PO hunt gives your fan base a reason to come to the games and support the team. If they start selling Nelly, Palms and Lee etc. now. Are you going to pay to watch the team lose and or play for nothing?
It is a biz decision and money is the reason you try to make the PO's.
Again they don't make the PO's or the outcome in the PO's are not positive, changes will/should be made. Assets need to be managed but money needs to be made. It's easy to rebuild in theory but the bills/expenses for the Arena, Personal and Team keep coming.

I get your point and I'm thinking that the Owners being in biz to make money want the team in the PO picture to get the PO revenue even if its for 1 round. Also having the team in the PO hunt gives your fan base a reason to come to the games and support the team. If they start selling Nelly, Palms and Lee etc. now. Are you going to pay to watch the team lose and or play for nothing?
It is a biz decision and money is the reason you try to make the PO's.
Again they don't make the PO's or the outcome in the PO's are not positive, changes will be made. Assets need to be managed but money needs to be made. It's easy to rebuild in theory but the bills/expenses for the Arena, Personal and Team keep coming.
- nyisles7

I disagree with your school of thought here. I don’t think first round exits are what is needed anymore. This fan base has been patient dating back to the 90s. We lived through the Milbury debacles, Snows 12 year non rebuild, and now once again 6 years into Lou’s tenure the isles are basement dwellers. That business model you're referring to is short sighted with some first round gains.
Personally, after almost 4 decades of suck, I’m willing to see them make the necessary changes to ultimately stop seeing other teams back up goaltenders. If you dump Nelson, Palmieri and Lee, those are replaceable assets. By keeping them you now overpay for a player starting their respective declines.
Whether we agree or disagree the answer is it isn’t working to field a bubble team. I agree that ownership is in business to make money but if your argument is for 1 round added revenue it would stand to reason the goal should be to reach the cup finals.
I’m not suggesting sell everything not nailed down, I’m suggesting unloading assets that will become UFAs at the deadline to recoup and renew.
I don’t think the isles next year would be any less successful than they are this year by trading Nelson, Palmieri and Lee. The reality is they are last in the league in special teams and I’m not confident that will suddenly get it together and become contenders. Doing nothing is what Snow did…..doubling down on the lockeroom. To me that’s not what owners do who are serious about the cup being the goal. And let’s face it, most pro sports teams (with new arenas) appreciate without doing anything.

Verizon is much better unless you need them to fix something. That’s when they suck.
- Cptmjl

I am still in the honeymoon phase

I've fried the main cable box two times, both in consecutive August's...which is odd. Their tech support isn't great, last time they insisted I do some one-way video chat with them to show them what I'm seeing on the TV. I had to tell them over and over I've already power cycled it several times and it's definitely busted.

Ultimately though they shipped me out a new one overnight both times and the problem was resolved. Not great that the box seems to die with some regularity, but for a minimal investment of time spent on the phone with someone who barely speaks English they've been good at getting me a new one ASAP.

In about 3.5 years I've had zero internet issues though.
- eichiefs9

My biggest issue is it taking 2-3 hours to talk to a human being. Then when you finally do they transfer you to someone who can’t help you. I literally cancelled and went to optimum so I didn’t have to do that. Then went back to Verizon. It was easier.

https://www.nhl.com/islan...ks-isles-at-halfway-point

I am still in the honeymoon phase
- Nfdbulldawg

They all suck but Verizon seems to suck the least. For now. I agree with chiefs the wifi is 10000% better with Verizon than optimum.

I disagree with your school of thought here. I don’t think first round exits are what is needed anymore. This fan base has been patient dating back to the 90s. We lived through the Milbury debacles, Snows 12 year non rebuild, and now once again 6 years into Lou’s tenure the isles are basement dwellers. That business model you're referring to is short sighted with some first round gains.
Personally, after almost 4 decades of suck, I’m willing to see them make the necessary changes to ultimately stop seeing other teams back up goaltenders. If you dump Nelson, Palmieri and Lee, those are replaceable assets. By keeping them you now overpay for a player starting their respective declines.
Whether we agree or disagree the answer is it isn’t working to field a bubble team. I agree that ownership is in business to make money but if your argument is for 1 round added revenue it would stand to reason the goal should be to reach the cup finals.
I’m not suggesting sell everything not nailed down, I’m suggesting unloading assets that will become UFAs at the deadline to recoup and renew.
I don’t think the isles next year would be any less successful than they are this year by trading Nelson, Palmieri and Lee. The reality is they are last in the league in special teams and I’m not confident that will suddenly get it together and become contenders. Doing nothing is what Snow did…..doubling down on the lockeroom. To me that’s not what owners do who are serious about the cup being the goal. And let’s face it, most pro sports teams (with new arenas) appreciate without doing anything.
- kindlyrick

Lou got them to the ECF's twice. They didn't win a cup but the team certainly had more success in Lou's tenure vs snows. Remember the Islanders were going to suck after Lou came and made his deals in the summer he came. Snows name and Lou's name shouldn't be uttered in the same book let alone the same sentence. The guy was a total poophead.
I have no problem trading Palms, Nelson and Lee if they don't make the PO's or are out of the race. But again, are you going to the games if they are out? Teams gotta make money. Bottom line it's a biz. I mean Ottawa and buffalo etc. have been building for years. I would hate to be a fan of theirs.
32 Owners want to win the cup every year. Only 1 does. Not so easy.
Replacing Palms, Nelson and Lee and their production is going to take time.
The assets and or prospects they get for them will take years to mature and become the players these guys are.
Let's see how the next month goes and then we can talk about this again. If they are out of the PO picture, let the rebuild commence. If they go on a bit of a roll and peak at the right time, who know's what happens.. Let them play the games before we predict the out come. Again there is time to trade these
Call me an optimist but there is plenty of time to trade the vets and start a rebuild.

My biggest issue is it taking 2-3 hours to talk to a human being. Then when you finally do they transfer you to someone who can’t help you. I literally cancelled and went to optimum so I didn’t have to do that. Then went back to Verizon. It was easier.
- Cptmjl

I honestly don't remember but I feel like I never waited very long. Maybe a half hour or something like that. Anyway, I'll take it over Optimum any day of the week.

Lou got them to the ECF's twice. They didn't win a cup but the team certainly had more success in Lou's tenure vs snows. Remember the Islanders were going to suck after Lou came and made his deals in the summer he came. Snows name and Lou's name shouldn't be uttered in the same book let alone the same sentence. The guy was a total poophead.
I have no problem trading Palms, Nelson and Lee if they don't make the PO's or are out of the race. But again, are you going to the games if they are out? Teams gotta make money. Bottom line it's a biz. I mean Ottawa and buffalo etc. have been building for years. I would hate to be a fan of theirs.
32 Owners want to win the cup every year. Only 1 does. Not so easy.
Replacing Palms, Nelson and Lee and their production is going to take time.
The assets and or prospects they get for them will take years to mature and become the players these guys are.
Let's see how the next month goes and then we can talk about this again. If they are out of the PO picture, let the rebuild commence. If they go on a bit of a roll and peak at the right time, who know's what happens.. Let them play the games before we predict the out come. Again there is time to trade these
Call me an optimist but there is plenty of time to trade the vets and start a rebuild.
- nyisles7

The ECF were great. Super exciting times as an isles fan. I was all about it. But there’s been a clear downtick since then. It started two seasons ago and we are now midway into this season and are last in the league in special teams. I’d say it’s time to make those moves.

The mentioning of Palmieri or Nelson aren’t because they aren’t good islanders. The only reason is they are becoming UFAs and their value is in trade. The contending teams would benefit greatly by adding 30 goal scorers for minimum cost. Way more so than the isles keeping them.
We can revisit this convo as we approach the trade deadline no problem. Question : do you stand pat or make moves leading up to the deadline if the isles are in a race with 3 teams for the final 8th spot like the last few years?

The ECF were great. Super exciting times as an isles fan. I was all about it. But there’s been a clear downtick since then. It started two seasons ago and we are now midway into this season and are last in the league in special teams. I’d say it’s time to make those moves.

The mentioning of Palmieri or Nelson aren’t because they aren’t good islanders. The only reason is they are becoming UFAs and their value is in trade. The contending teams would benefit greatly by adding 30 goal scorers for minimum cost. Way more so than the isles keeping them.
We can revisit this convo as we approach the trade deadline no problem. Question : do you stand pat or make moves leading up to the deadline if the isles are in a race with 3 teams for the final 8th spot like the last few years?
- kindlyrick

Plenty of middle ground between continuing to go for it and a full rebuild. Nobody says they can't flip the assets they receive from Nelson/Palmieri/whoever else and acquire some new players or do their best to sign UFA's with the newfound cap space. But Nelson and Palmieri are 33 and 34, respectively and re-signing them would be a poor choice. So the move, unless they rip off a massive winning/points streak starting last night...is to trade them while their value is sky-high. Nelson is inarguably the top center available as a rental this year in a very thin center market. They should get quite a large haul for him.

Plenty of middle ground between continuing to go for it and a full rebuild. Nobody says they can't flip the assets they receive from Nelson/Palmieri/whoever else and acquire some new players or do their best to sign UFA's with the newfound cap space. But Nelson and Palmieri are 33 and 34, respectively and re-signing them would be a poor choice. So the move, unless they rip off a massive winning/points streak starting last night...is to trade them while their value is sky-high. Nelson is inarguably the top center available as a rental this year in a very thin center market. They should get quite a large haul for him.
- eichiefs9

Agreed, you said it better than I did. I just personally don’t see any scenario worth keeping them past the trade deadline. I don’t see the isles being anything better than a slide into the 8th seed during the 82nd game. Nelson is going to bring back a lot, and could be the start of a new look isles. To me that’s the move.

The ECF were great. Super exciting times as an isles fan. I was all about it. But there’s been a clear downtick since then. It started two seasons ago and we are now midway into this season and are last in the league in special teams. I’d say it’s time to make those moves.

The mentioning of Palmieri or Nelson aren’t because they aren’t good islanders. The only reason is they are becoming UFAs and their value is in trade. The contending teams would benefit greatly by adding 30 goal scorers for minimum cost. Way more so than the isles keeping them.
We can revisit this convo as we approach the trade deadline no problem. Question : do you stand pat or make moves leading up to the deadline if the isles are in a race with 3 teams for the final 8th spot like the last few years?
- kindlyrick

If they are in the PO's it would depend on how they are playing at the time and also what deals are being thrown at them for said players. Bottom line is you need to sell tix and if you fold up your tent now the attendance only gets worse. They don't lower the costs because you are planning a rebuild. You still have to sell tix.
The would have to be in the PO though and playing well for me to not trade Palms, Lee or Neslon etc.
Ask me in a month. I will give you my opinion then. Lou's not going to pull the trigger until then unless he gets a deal he can't resist or they are totally out of the picture.

Plenty of middle ground between continuing to go for it and a full rebuild. Nobody says they can't flip the assets they receive from Nelson/Palmieri/whoever else and acquire some new players or do their best to sign UFA's with the newfound cap space. But Nelson and Palmieri are 33 and 34, respectively and re-signing them would be a poor choice. So the move, unless they rip off a massive winning/points streak starting last night...is to trade them while their value is sky-high. Nelson is inarguably the top center available as a rental this year in a very thin center market. They should get quite a large haul for him.
- eichiefs9

Correct, so there's time to make that decision because they are not that far out of a PO spot and as you said if they go on a win streak and turn things around, then you may want to hold. Nelson is going to fetch you solid assets now or at the trade deadline, So why throw the flag in now? You can also trade him/them in the off season. They have time i think Lou will use it.
They played great last night. It was there best game of the season so maybe they go on a run and peak at the right time. Who knows? If not you still can trade these guys. It’s too soon imho and I don’t think Lou will let them walk for nothing.

Agreed, you said it better than I did. I just personally don’t see any scenario worth keeping them past the trade deadline. I don’t see the isles being anything better than a slide into the 8th seed during the 82nd game. Nelson is going to bring back a lot, and could be the start of a new look isles. To me that’s the move.
- kindlyrick

Resigning either would be a mistake and letting them walk for nothing would be a mistake. Pretty simple.

Plenty of middle ground between continuing to go for it and a full rebuild. Nobody says they can't flip the assets they receive from Nelson/Palmieri/whoever else and acquire some new players or do their best to sign UFA's with the newfound cap space. But Nelson and Palmieri are 33 and 34, respectively and re-signing them would be a poor choice. So the move, unless they rip off a massive winning/points streak starting last night...is to trade them while their value is sky-high. Nelson is inarguably the top center available as a rental this year in a very thin center market. They should get quite a large haul for him.
- eichiefs9

I agree. Nelson and Palms need to be moved based on their age alone. Does not mean trade them now, but unless they go on a huge run and look like legit contenders, you need to trade them by the deadline. Just being close at the deadline is not enough to risk losing them for nothing. You cannot trade them in the offseason with their deals up. Maybe they can even move Lee with the way he is playing. Islanders could be setup very nicely for the future.

I agree. Nelson and Palms need to be moved based on their age alone. Does not mean trade them now, but unless they go on a huge run and look like legit contenders, you need to trade them by the deadline. Just being close at the deadline is not enough to risk losing them for nothing. You cannot trade them in the offseason with their deals up. Maybe they can even move Lee with the way he is playing. Islanders could be setup very nicely for the future.
- ses111

“ The current team is dead-last in power-play percentage and has been for some quite time. They are currently at a 10.9% success rate with only 11 PPGs throughout the year. During the 12 game drought, the Islanders have been outscored 9-0 on the power play by the opposition.”

Come’on man.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports industry sources claim the New York Islanders are among the teams calling the Canucks expressing interest in Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only way that works is if the Islanders free up considerable cap space before the trade deadline. That would mean moving a high-salaried player like Mathew Barzal, which isn’t happening, especially if the Canucks are on his 22-team no-trade list. Bo Horvat is a former Canuck but he may have put those years behind him and could be unwilling to waive his no-trade clause.

This type of trade is not happening. The only way you consider something likes is if the Isles are cleaning house for a rebuild. I am also not sold on Pettersson. Yes, he puts up points but I do not think he checks all the boxes that are needed to make this team better.

“ The current team is dead-last in power-play percentage and has been for some quite time. They are currently at a 10.9% success rate with only 11 PPGs throughout the year. During the 12 game drought, the Islanders have been outscored 9-0 on the power play by the opposition.”

Come’on man.
- Cptmjl

The special teams come down to having the right players. That is the bottom line. This team could have the best special team coaches in the league. If you cannot execute you cannot execute.

Yes, you need the system, but you need the right players. The Isles do not have that combination.

I agree this team no matter the hot streak, this has killed them in playoffs year after year.

I agree. Nelson and Palms need to be moved based on their age alone. Does not mean trade them now, but unless they go on a huge run and look like legit contenders, you need to trade them by the deadline. Just being close at the deadline is not enough to risk losing them for nothing. You cannot trade them in the offseason with their deals up. Maybe they can even move Lee with the way he is playing. Islanders could be setup very nicely for the future.
- ses111

Ses111, you passion is appreciated, however if you can get a solid return for these guys now. Do it!!! Start to shape things for next season. I would have more respect for Ownership and Management if they accepted this notion. There is going to be no miracle St Louis Blues run here. Sell while the stock is high.

Ses111, you passion is appreciated, however if you can get a solid return for these guys now. Do it!!! Start to shape things for next season. I would have more respect for Ownership and Management if they accepted this notion. There is going to be no miracle St Louis Blues run here. Sell while the stock is high.
- Nfdbulldawg

Salary cap is projected to go up 4.5 million next year. They unload Palmieri and Nelson for picks/prospects. Find a way to unload a bit more salary(no easy feat as we know). They put themselves in a position to add via UFA(not sure what that market looks like)while adding some prospects for the future to maintain competitiveness or have assets to trade if they over perform(would not agree with this). It’s a no brainer. I can see Lou doing the complete antithesis of this.

Ses111, you passion is appreciated, however if you can get a solid return for these guys now. Do it!!! Start to shape things for next season. I would have more respect for Ownership and Management if they accepted this notion. There is going to be no miracle St Louis Blues run here. Sell while the stock is high.
- Nfdbulldawg

I’m fine with trading them now if you can make good trades. Nelson, Palms, Lee, JGP are clearly not the future. Team does the right things now and it can payoff for years. Continue to be stubborn and pay the price for years.

I’m fine with trading them now if you can make good trades. Nelson, Palms, Lee, JGP are clearly not the future. Team does the right things now and it can payoff for years. Continue to be stubborn and pay the price for years.
- ses111

Yes this ^. If he doesn’t do the right thing now he’ll wind up screwing this team for the next 4-5 years. This is exactly what I said the year we didn’t make the playoffs during covid. He had a real opportunity there with a strong draft and assets to unload. He decided to not do that. Resign Mayfield then sign Engvall. Traded for Horvat. What exactly did any of that do for the team? Where is this team right now?

We are at an inflection point. The same place we were five years ago. If he triples down on this ineptitude we will be exactly here five years from now.

Yes this ^. I he doesn’t do the right thing now he’ll wind up screwing this team for the next 4-5 years. This is exactly what I said the year we didn’t make the playoffs during covid. He had a real opportunity there with a strong draft and assets to unload. He decided to not do that. Resign Mayfield then sign Engvall. Traded for Horvat. What exactly did any of that do for the team? Where are this team right now?

We are at an inflection point. The same place we were five years ago. If he triples down on this ineptitude we will be exactly here five years from now.
- Cptmjl

You cannot keep missing these opportunities. Are the owners really going to make enough money on two home playoff games to risk the future? It's time for intelligent decision making.

“ The current team is dead-last in power-play percentage and has been for some quite time. They are currently at a 10.9% success rate with only 11 PPGs throughout the year. During the 12 game drought, the Islanders have been outscored 9-0 on the power play by the opposition.”

Come’on man.
- Cptmjl

10000%. Let’s also add that after going 0-21 in the playoffs which was ultimately their demise they changed nothing. They are where they should be. The only shocking thing is the standing pat by ownership. They must really believe in Lou, I just don’t see the success on paper.