Yeah they are. It’s a really bad situation. Hopefully it corrects itself.
- Cptmjl

Well they're certainly playing great lately, last night was a great game.

Will be an interesting run leading up to the Four Nations break. 5 of 6 games are against playoff teams and after Philly tomorrow they have a brutal run of Tampa, Florida, Vegas, Winnipeg, and Minnesota.
- eichiefs9

That stretch of games you mentioned will determine which direction the isles take (IMO).
I see both sides of this equation. They are playing good hockey “right now”. Last years team lost in the first round from lack of PP success. Do the additions on the backend, coupled with Duclair, Tysplakov improve their 0-21 PP last playoffs?? That’s the million dollar question.

For whatever it’s worth Buccigross has Nelson signing with the wild July 1st. No ones knows if that’s true but hopefully they learned from Tavares (and Okpsoso) about allowing UFAs to test the market. Risk/reward on that is awful. Nelson is from Minnesota…..we’ve seen this movie before

That stretch of games you mentioned will determine which direction the isles take (IMO).
I see both sides of this equation. They are playing good hockey “right now”. Last years team lost in the first round from lack of PP success. Do the additions on the backend, coupled with Duclair, Tysplakov improve their 0-21 PP last playoffs?? That’s the million dollar question.

For whatever it’s worth Buccigross has Nelson signing with the wild July 1st. No ones knows if that’s true but hopefully they learned from Tavares (and Okpsoso) about allowing UFAs to test the market. Risk/reward on that is awful. Nelson is from Minnesota…..we’ve seen this movie before
- kindlyrick

I get not trading Nelson and Palms now. Team is playing very well, but they still have to pass a number of teams and have a tough schedule coming up. This may seem crazy, but I'm trading Nelson and Palms even if they are 1 point out of the playoffs before the deadline.

That stretch of games you mentioned will determine which direction the isles take (IMO).
I see both sides of this equation. They are playing good hockey “right now”. Last years team lost in the first round from lack of PP success. Do the additions on the backend, coupled with Duclair, Tysplakov improve their 0-21 PP last playoffs?? That’s the million dollar question.

For whatever it’s worth Buccigross has Nelson signing with the wild July 1st. No ones knows if that’s true but hopefully they learned from Tavares (and Okpsoso) about allowing UFAs to test the market. Risk/reward on that is awful. Nelson is from Minnesota…..we’ve seen this movie before
- kindlyrick

It's not going to be an easy decision if they get through this next stretch of games somewhat successfully. They're four points back of Tampa for the 2nd wildcard spot with games in hand on everyone between them (Tampa has same number of games played).

Hard to say that a team close to the playoffs should sell, but selling would be the best move for the future of this team. There are legitimate arguments that can be made on both sides of it. We've definitely seen teams sell UFA's when they're overachieving and in the playoff picture, so it's not out of the question that he sells regardless of their place in the standings. But that's a tough sell to the team and fans.

The blueline will look interesting when everyone is healthy again, because they'll have ten total defensemen and probably 3 players will have to go. George, as well as he's played, may become a casualty because he doesn't require waivers. Cholowski can probably be sent down and it won't be a huge deal if he's lost to waivers. Maybe they can move Reilly to LTIR if he's not expected to return this season, which would get them down to 7 defensemen. Or maybe one or both of Deangelo and/or Perunovich just aren't working out by that time and they can be traded or waived. It'll be interesting, that's for sure.

It's not going to be an easy decision if they get through this next stretch of games somewhat successfully. They're four points back of Tampa for the 2nd wildcard spot with games in hand on everyone between them (Tampa has same number of games played).

Hard to say that a team close to the playoffs should sell, but selling would be the best move for the future of this team. There are legitimate arguments that can be made on both sides of it. We've definitely seen teams sell UFA's when they're overachieving and in the playoff picture, so it's not out of the question that he sells regardless of their place in the standings. But that's a tough sell to the team and fans.

The blueline will look interesting when everyone is healthy again, because they'll have ten total defensemen and probably 3 players will have to go. George, as well as he's played, may become a casualty because he doesn't require waivers. Cholowski can probably be sent down and it won't be a huge deal if he's lost to waivers. Maybe they can move Reilly to LTIR if he's not expected to return this season, which would get them down to 7 defensemen. Or maybe one or both of Deangelo and/or Perunovich just aren't working out by that time and they can be traded or waived. It'll be interesting, that's for sure.
- eichiefs9

It's a tough decision for sure and we will really learn about the team after this tough stretch. Selling is no question better for the future.

https://thehockeynews.com...ers-john-buccigross-trade

And then there's this. Buccigross saying that Nelson signing in Minnesota this summer is the "worst kept secret in hockey".

https://thehockeynews.com...ers-john-buccigross-trade

And then there's this. Buccigross saying that Nelson signing in Minnesota this summer is the "worst kept secret in hockey".
- eichiefs9

Well it’s on the Internet so it must be true!
If in fact it has legs and Nelson is planning on going home to finish his career then Nelson needs and will be dealt at the deadline.Thats my opinion obviously. Lou could hold him for the POs if they are in and trade Nelson’s rights to Mn after the season and before FA.

Well it’s on the Internet so it must be true!
If in fact it has legs and Nelson is planning on going home to finish his career then Nelson needs and will be dealt at the deadline.Thats my opinion obviously. Lou could hold him for the POs if they are in and trade Nelson’s rights to Mn after the season and before FA.
- nyisles7

The problem is that that's the difference between getting a haul for Nelson (probably a first and a very good prospect) and getting a mid-round pick (maybe a 3rd or 4th rounder?).

Well it’s on the Internet so it must be true!
If in fact it has legs and Nelson is planning on going home to finish his career then Nelson needs and will be dealt at the deadline.Thats my opinion obviously. Lou could hold him for the POs if they are in and trade Nelson’s rights to Mn after the season and before FA.
- nyisles7

Obviously nothing is presented as fact, but there's been a lot of smoke around Nelson and MIN for the trade deadline and free agency. COL already traded Rantanen because they were unable to get him signed and didn't want to risk losing him for nothing and it wouldn't surprise me if Lou went the same route. Not exactly the same situation, but it'd be a real bad look to get bounced in the first round and lose Nelson for nothing in return.

The problem is that that's the difference between getting a haul for Nelson (probably a first and a very good prospect) and getting a mid-round pick (maybe a 3rd or 4th rounder?).
- JohnScammo

We would be lucky to get a 3rd or 4th for Nelson in the offseason.

https://thehockeynews.com...ers-john-buccigross-trade

And then there's this. Buccigross saying that Nelson signing in Minnesota this summer is the "worst kept secret in hockey".
- eichiefs9

I mentioned that before as it’s eerily similar to the Tavares situation. Letting a player “test” free agency because they “earned the right” is code for, I’m outta here. You can’t lose Nelson for nothing. It’s a fireable offense. See Ryan Smyth, Vanek, Okposo, Tavares etc.
They’re in an interesting predicament for sure, but to me, preparing for the future is the play here. Lou is 83 and his days are numbered. I think it’s doing a disservice to the fans to be so shortsighted. Sure anyone can win if they make it, but when Vegas has them 150-1 to win the cup, that math isn’t in their favor, and Vegas lines are pretty accurate.

My prediction : isles close the gap and squeek in the 8th seed. Lose in the first round, and Lou signs Nelson to a 5-7 year.

I mentioned that before as it’s eerily similar to the Tavares situation. Letting a player “test” free agency because they “earned the right” is code for, I’m outta here. You can’t lose Nelson for nothing. It’s a fireable offense. See Ryan Smyth, Vanek, Okposo, Tavares etc.
They’re in an interesting predicament for sure, but to me, preparing for the future is the play here. Lou is 83 and his days are numbered. I think it’s doing a disservice to the fans to be so shortsighted. Sure anyone can win if they make it, but when Vegas has them 150-1 to win the cup, that math isn’t in their favor, and Vegas lines are pretty accurate.

My prediction : isles close the gap and squeek in the 8th seed. Lose in the first round, and Lou signs Nelson to a 5-7 year.
- kindlyrick

I don't think it's totally similar to Tavares, in that (as of today, anyway) they're at least in the hunt for the playoffs. In Tavares' last season they finished miles short of the playoffs and had absolutely zero excuse for not moving him.

I agree with you that Nelson needs to be moved for sure, unless they rip off another 15 straight wins and really solidify themselves a playoff spot. But that's obviously not going to happen.

I don't think it's totally similar to Tavares, in that (as of today, anyway) they're at least in the hunt for the playoffs. In Tavares' last season they finished miles short of the playoffs and had absolutely zero excuse for not moving him.

I agree with you that Nelson needs to be moved for sure, unless they rip off another 15 straight wins and really solidify themselves a playoff spot. But that's obviously not going to happen.
- eichiefs9

True, it’s different than Tavares with respect to playoff hopes. But, allowing any player to test free agency is a recipe for disaster. The Avs couldn’t come to an agreeable number for Rantanen and subsequently moved him while being a cup contender. I’m sure McKinnon wasn’t happy but it’s not called show friends, it’s called show “business”. Even if the isles get hot, I personally think you sell assets to rebuild stronger for the future.
Anders Lee is having a helluva season. Sell the high…..but that’s just me.

True, it’s different than Tavares with respect to playoff hopes. But, allowing any player to test free agency is a recipe for disaster. The Avs couldn’t come to an agreeable number for Rantanen and subsequently moved him while being a cup contender. I’m sure McKinnon wasn’t happy but it’s not called show friends, it’s called show “business”. Even if the isles get hot, I personally think you sell assets to rebuild stronger for the future.
Anders Lee is having a helluva season. Sell the high…..but that’s just me.
- kindlyrick

Unless something very strange happens, Islanders need to be sellers.

Obviously nothing is presented as fact, but there's been a lot of smoke around Nelson and MIN for the trade deadline and free agency. COL already traded Rantanen because they were unable to get him signed and didn't want to risk losing him for nothing and it wouldn't surprise me if Lou went the same route. Not exactly the same situation, but it'd be a real bad look to get bounced in the first round and lose Nelson for nothing in return.
- eichiefs9

Nelson is by far the most coveted FA and Lou will have a lot of offers. I think if an offer is on the table he can’t refuse he pulls the trigger regardless of PO implications or not.
That said we don’t know what offers are on the table and with Lou’s policy I don’t know if we will ever know. You have to think Lou is not going to lose Nelson for nothing.
Lou and the Owners have a very big decision to make as far as holding him through the trade deadline if they are in the PO.
Islanders are at a fork in the road and it’s going to be interesting which way they go.
As far as Buch, I don’t think he knows poop and just put the pieces together that sound like fact.

Unless something very strange happens, Islanders need to be sellers.
- ses111

Something very strange IS happening. They are 8-2 in their last 10 and won 5 in a row. All while playing with a makeshift backline...and a few games with their third string goalie. I love how they are playing. Hope they keep it up.

My fear is they are somewhere around wildcard one or two at the deadline, Lou stands pat because he believes in this group, and the Isles either get bounced in the first round, or miss out on the playoffs all together.

Something very strange IS happening. They are 8-2 in their last 10 and won 5 in a row. All while playing with a makeshift backline...and a few games with their third string goalie. I love how they are playing. Hope they keep it up.

My fear is they are somewhere around wildcard one or two at the deadline, Lou stands pat because he believes in this group, and the Isles either get bounced in the first round, or miss out on the playoffs all together.

- streaks

I meant chief's idea of 15 straight. I'd really like to know why this team suddenly woke up and started playing the right way. It's like the days of Cappy when they started playing well after they were out of it.

Unless something very strange happens, Islanders need to be sellers.
- ses111

They’re on a win streak so that’s great. I always love when the isles play good hockey. Lou is in a predicament that I don’t envy. I don’t know what the answer is, but it doesn’t look like he’s selling. Adding the 2 dman to combat injuries vs calling up 2 bport dmen tells me he believes they’re a playoff contender. The next 6 games will determine their standing.

I meant chief's idea of 15 straight. I'd really like to know why this team suddenly woke up and started playing the right way. It's like the days of Cappy when they started playing well after they were out of it.
- ses111

I understand. 15 in a row would be a HUGE surprise. Was just saying this run is kind of a surprise based on how they played the first half of the season.

yall think they should snag grubauer off waivers, or is he dunzo?

I understand. 15 in a row would be a HUGE surprise. Was just saying this run is kind of a surprise based on how they played the first half of the season.
- streaks

I gotcha. This streak has been a surprise. It would be nice if this team was ready to start the season playing the right way.

They’re on a win streak so that’s great. I always love when the isles play good hockey. Lou is in a predicament that I don’t envy. I don’t know what the answer is, but it doesn’t look like he’s selling. Adding the 2 dman to combat injuries vs calling up 2 bport dmen tells me he believes they’re a playoff contender. The next 6 games will determine their standing.
- kindlyrick

Making the playoffs may be critical for Lou in keeping his job. The Islanders need to be making decisions based on the future and not this year. The win streak has been nice, but this team still does not seem like a legit contender.

Something very strange IS happening. They are 8-2 in their last 10 and won 5 in a row. All while playing with a makeshift backline...and a few games with their third string goalie. I love how they are playing. Hope they keep it up.

My fear is they are somewhere around wildcard one or two at the deadline, Lou stands pat because he believes in this group, and the Isles either get bounced in the first round, or miss out on the playoffs all together.

- streaks

That is exactly what I think will happen.

That stretch of games you mentioned will determine which direction the isles take (IMO).
I see both sides of this equation. They are playing good hockey “right now”. Last years team lost in the first round from lack of PP success. Do the additions on the backend, coupled with Duclair, Tysplakov improve their 0-21 PP last playoffs?? That’s the million dollar question.

For whatever it’s worth Buccigross has Nelson signing with the wild July 1st. No ones knows if that’s true but hopefully they learned from Tavares (and Okpsoso) about allowing UFAs to test the market. Risk/reward on that is awful. Nelson is from Minnesota…..we’ve seen this movie before
- kindlyrick

It's going to be worse when his Mom posts a picture of him in his Wild pajamas.

Obviously nothing is presented as fact, but there's been a lot of smoke around Nelson and MIN for the trade deadline and free agency. COL already traded Rantanen because they were unable to get him signed and didn't want to risk losing him for nothing and it wouldn't surprise me if Lou went the same route. Not exactly the same situation, but it'd be a real bad look to get bounced in the first round and lose Nelson for nothing in return.
- eichiefs9

Hopefully his 80 year old brain remembers what happened the last time.