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On July 4th the Islanders signed W Ruslan Fedotenko, a solid signing for a second line forward. But the move was far from filling the glaring needs the Islanders possessed. Then came day 5 of free agency. With most of the top free agents off the board, it was as if the Islanders were spreading out the belief that they were looking for certain types of players, and basically....there were none of those players left. So it seemed as if Snow was going to sit on his laurels and perhaps look to improve the team through trades. Suddenly Islanders fans were feeling alot like the Edmonton Oilers fans are feeling right about now...that nobody wants to play for their team. At this point Snow could have done nothing. But he did do something. He landed the remaining top two names out on the market. While they weren't exactly the names we all were originally looking for, the addition of potential 30-40 goal scorer Bill Guerin and hopeful #1 center Mike Comrie on day 5 of free agency puts the Islanders alot closer to competing with the competition that will be the Atlantic Division next season. Don't get me wrong....the Islanders still need some work. And they have all summer to do so. They still could use a #1 line left winger, a third line center, and possibly two defensemen. A few days ago we did criticize Snow for sitting back and allowing so many of his free agents to reach the market. But today Snow should be patted on the back for at least restoring the Islanders to status quo. He certainly hasn't lacked the ability to be proactive and show he's going for it as witnessed by the Ryan Smyth trade and up to now....even if the Smyth trade seemed like a long-term mistake. Will Snow continue to be proactive this summer to improve the team? If he signs Sheldon Souray as rumored that would make that answer a resounding Yes. But as for now, the patience the Islanders preached early last week has paid off.
Islanders Get Shutout in Free Agency July 4, 2007: Day 3 of free agency went by and the Islanders had only LW Jon Sim to show for it. But the organization preached patience. So we harkened back to last summer when the Islanders were shut out on Day 1 and on the second day came away with Mike Sillinger and Brendan Witt. So we granted the organization the patience they preached. But as each day goes by the free agent crop starts to dwindle away and so do the hopes for 2007-08. Currently, the Islanders have about 8 NHL caliber forwards under contract and that includes prospects Jeff Tambellini and Sean Bergenheim. With the exodus of Ryan Smyth and Jason Blake, the buyout of Alexei Yashin, and the snatching up of most of the first liners on the market, the Islanders are currently devoid of an entire first line (unless you consider Miroslav Satan a first line player). The Islanders currently have only one true center in Mike Sillinger, who right now is looking like the only candidate along with Witt to be the captain next season. Ok, they do have Richard Park to play center as well. Here though is where we believe Garth Snow has suffered once again from the struggles that are a rookie GM. If he really did offer contracts to most of the Islanders unrestricted free agents as he says he did, WHY did he wait until it got to the free agency period? WHAT was Snow doing all season long?? The Islanders have been mishandled because they allowed themselves to have SO many unrestricted free agents to the point where they have been totally gutted. We agree with what Snow and Ted Nolan are trying to do....build a hard working team with a more North American flavor. But perhaps it would have been better to do so gradually and not allow the team to fall into the problems they currently have. Now the Islanders have begun damage control. Snow recently told Greg Logan of Newsday this: "I'll be honest. One of the reasons for Ryan not coming back was the facility that's here right now. We all know we're trying to put a new Coliseum up. It seems to me the common theme of why players aren't coming here is not because of Long Island or the organization. It's the facility when visiting players come here. I don't want to make too much of an emphasis on it, but we do need a new Coliseum. The agents I talk to tell me the same thing." Could this possibly be true? Or is it just an excuse? We think it is the latter. If you offer a player enough money he won't care what building he is playing in. Snow most likely used the moment to make a comment about the building since the Islanders are still battling to get something done. But the Nassau Coliseum is still agood place to play hockey. It has tradition. Nothing there is falling on anyone's head. The Islanders also claimed they tried their best to sign Smyth and Scott Hannan, but the Colorado Avalanche lured them away for apparently less money than what the Islanders were offering. Following the loss of these two players, the Islanders trotted out Hall of Famer Mike Bossy who issued an email on the Islanders website about how the Islanders are looking for certain types of players and are now making a stand about overspending. Snow admittedly was caught off guard by the amount of money that was being doled out on Day 1 of free agency as well. Unfortunately, all these things don't alleviate the pain the fans are feeling right now about watching their team fail thus far in free agency, witnessing what has been perceived as players not wanting to play on Long Island, and worse of all watching the arch-rival New York Rangers swoop in and sign arguably the top two free agents, both centers, on the market in Chris Drury and Scott Gomez. Garth Snow thus far because of the Smyth move and some bad handling of free agency watched other teams get better through the draft and thus far has watched other teams, especially those within the division, stack up in free agency to the point where the Islanders are clearly the bottom dwellers of the Atlantic Division as we speak and not very far from the bottom of the NHL. Here are some worries that have trickled down from recent events. Will the Islanders be forced to go young in 2007-08? Remember, the Islanders will have to play the Rangers, Flyers, Penguins and Devils 8 times each next season. Do we really want to see all our young kids get beat up every night? Or will Garth Snow now turn to acquiring a center and some forward depth through a trade? What do the Islanders HAVE to trade? Will Snow trade something he shouldn't like draft picks or prospects? There still are a few more guys on the free agent market that can help the Islanders next season. Perhaps a Michael Peca or Mike Comrie down the middle. Perhaps they can get a Danny Markov and another marginal defenseman that can keep the puck out of the net. But time is running out. The salary cap minimum next year is $34 million and the Islanders are at least $10 million away from that figure. If the Islanders don't improve greatly they could be looking at a rebuilding process. The next two drafts are considered very strong and stockpiling picks could be an option. The fans are sick of mediocre hockey. They are sick of finishing in 8th place and getting whipped by the top seed. This experience of getting shutout in free agency may just be the signal to the Islanders, that they are going to have to build through the draft, just like they once did in the 1970's. That just may be where the real patience is going to take place.
GM Garth Snow made a colossal mistake....a colossal rookie mistake. He recently stated that he would make the trade for Ryan Smyth over again. He would do it over again every time. islesinfo.com hopes he wasn't being serious. We certainly are not questioning the player he acquired. We're not questioning the package he gave up for the said player. BUT, where we do have a problem is Snow didn't do his homework. He made a flash in the pan move that lasted only 23 games and now could have reverberations for years. While there was elation in Islander Country over the acquisition of an all star, at the time the big picture could not be seen. We've said it before and we'll say it again....most teams that go on to successful postseason play don't acquire a star player at the trade deadline and then ask that player to lead them to the promised land. It hardly ever happens. Just look at what happened to the Islanders with Smyth and Nashville with Peter Forsberg this season. One playoff round and out. A good team only needs to add a few role players here and there, because they are already good. But we're not criticizing Snow for going for it and being proactive. What we ARE criticizing him for is acquiring a player who he did not know beforehand that the Islanders could sign UPON the acquisition. The Islanders should have only acquired Smyth if they knew they could re-sign him to an extension the MINUTE HE CAME TO LONG ISLAND. Today, the signing is almost reminiscent of something Mike Milbury would do in showing impatience for youth and dealing it away for a quick fix. Maybe Robert Nilsson never learns how to play defense. Maybe Ryan O'Marra becomes nothing more than a third liner. Maybe Alex Plante or Alexei Cherepanov or whoever the Islanders would have taken in the 2007 Draft won't make a major impact. But that doesn't matter. Because the loss of those assets together with the loss of Smyth are so great and as we said could go on to have ramifications that last the next couple of years. We are already seeing ramifications of Smyth leaving as it possibly has cast a negative aspect on the Islanders organization and Long Island overall as a destination that is not a hockey environment. Smyth Speaks in Colorado: "I'm really excited and thrilled," Smyth said. "It's obviously a great opportunity to play in a hockey environment. We want to bring the Cup back." "I think me and my wife, we're going to be doing some house hunting over the next two days," he said. "Joe (Sakic) just said, 'Hey, we'd love to have you,"' Smyth said. "He really expressed the fact that we were really close last year, and when you get in (the playoffs), you never know what happens. I found that out last year in Edmonton." (islesinfo.com note: where was Mike Sillinger in all this? I thought he was Smyth's friend as well. He should have been talking to Smyth to make him stay). "It was a stressful time, but in the end we feel great about our decision to come here," Smyth said. "I think (geography) was a factor. I think my game is of the Western style a little bit more. My wife and I wanted to try something different and still be in a hockey environment. This place (Pepsi Center) has 19,000 people in it every night, and they've been used to a winner."
Snow went on to categorize Yashin as "a vital part of the organization." "Alexei Yashin has put up some great numbers for
us," Snow said. "When you think about when he first came here in
2001, that was a situation under previous ownership where the franchise
struggled. They traded for Alexei Yashin and Michael Peca, Adrian Aucoin
and Chris Osgood and turned the franchise around. In other news, Ryan Smyth's agent Don Meehan stated that
he hasn't even talked to Islanders owner Charles Wang, or Snow for that
matter, which puts to rest the circulating rumors that Smyth supposedly
turned down a big offer from the team. "No,
I've never even talked to Charles," Meehan said. "But that goes
with the territory." Finally, coach Ted Nolan expects to fill the assistant coach position left vacant by Danny Flynn with someone who has previous coaching experience. Would Bryan Trottier be interested in returning behind the bench to run the Isles power play?? islesinfo.com comment: If anyone doesn't believe now that Yashin is returning for 2007-08 then they really don't know Charles Wang. I am now fully convinced that there will be no buyout. I was skeptical before but after seeing Snow state they are behind Yashin for the second time, I believe him. Charles Wang will NOT admit a mistake and he will not take the cap hit. Because we all know it's totally Wang's decision. Snow certainly isn't going to suggest a buyout to Wang. For anyone to think this is just talk and there still will be a buyout they will be very disappointed. How would the team possibly explain these statements on more than one occasion if they did turn around and orchestrate a buyout in June? It would look foolish. Is it the right move? Of course not. Because what it most likely means is with Yashin's return, the Islanders most likely won't be in the market for a speedier, grittier, better character player come free agency like Chris Drury, Daniel Briere or Scott Gomez. Instead, the Islanders will continue to support a guy who went scoreless in 5 playoff games against Buffalo this year, has only 5 goals in 23 career playoff games as an Islander, and has failed to get the Islanders past the first round of the playoffs four times. For all the praise that the Islanders management likes to put on Yashin for his great start this past season, islesinfo.com believes it was an aberration. Hockey in October and November is not the same as hockey in March and April. It's most probable that even if Yashin had not gotten hurt in November, he STILL would have likely disappeared come the most important time of the year: Playoff time. As for Smyth he seemingly has not even spoken with his agent yet and no offers have been made. So here's what we pretty much know as of now: we don't know if Smyth will be back, but we do know, Alexei Yashin will.
The article goes on to mention that at 33, Blake is having a career season with the Islanders. He's amassed 27 goals which is one goal shy of his previous high of 28 goals set in 2005-06. His previous deal, signed in 2004 for $1.56 million over three seasons is about to expire at the end of this season and if Blake is not re-signed before July 1st he could become an unrestricted free agent. The backlash across the internet among Islanders fans has been split down the middle on the subject. Many people love Blake. He is loved for his heart and constant 110% effort. Yet a few years ago Blake received some unfounded criticism that he was not liked by his teammates and a selfish player on the ice. But it can't be refuted that Blake has meant more to the Islanders over the last 2-3 NHL seasons than almost any player on the team, even more than captain Alexei Yashin. That certainly wasn't the plan of course when Yashin was signed to a 10 year deal for $89 million. Sometimes fans wear their emotions too much on their sleeves. First off, it's obvious that Blake was ASKED these questions by Greg Logan, the writer of the Newsday article. He is a human being. Should he have just remained quiet and not have said anything about his contract status? Perhaps. The Islanders are currently in a playoff race that is looking more and more like an uphill battle every day. Let's be honest here. What Blake is saying has a lot of validity to it. The closer it gets to the season being over without Blake getting re-signed, the more likely he won't get signed and will go to unrestricted free agency. He didn't do anything wrong and he didn't "stab" the team in the back by stating this today. It's just the raw facts that as each major date goes by, like the trade deadline, the end of the season, June and then July....the more likely probability is Blake will not return. This is a real problem fans need to understand. Jason Blake does not owe the Islanders anything as some fans think he does. As I stated he's been the Islanders best player for the last three years whether you want to agree with me or not. At the same time, the Islanders also have to be careful. GM Garth Snow handled the situation well with his remarks. Blake and his agent Neil Sheehy are reportedly looking for a 5 year deal work $18 million, which quite frankly is a bit too excessive. If he sticks to those demands there is even more likelihood that Blake will not remain an Islander. Blake perhaps does deserve a raise, but the Islanders don't have to hand over the bank. "I've said all along that I plan on being a buyer, not a seller, at the deadline," Snow said. "We're trying to win the Stanley Cup, and Jason is a big part of our team this year. A lot of players are going to be free agents at the end of the year, and I don't see every team that has that type of player trying to unload them. For us, we're looking to make our team better." There's also reason to believe, and today's statement's only increase the sentiment, that Blake is not "IN" with the "committee" and perhaps he resents that Yashin and Rick DiPietro are taken care of better than he is. Up to this point Blake has remained pretty quiet regarding his contract status. But his statements today don't seem like the big deal many Islanders fans are making it out to be. Blake is not a "Puke" for worrying about his contract. All players do this. Some are more outspoken than others. Try to look at it from Blake's point of view. If the Islanders offered him a deal now he knows for sure he is wanted. The longer it goes that both sides are not even discussing a new deal, the shorter the window there will be to negotiate once the season is over. The more time that goes by, the more a player begins to wonder about what he could be worth to the rest of the league. So cut Blake some slack Islanders fans. The man has been carried off on a stretcher for this team (last season). He's poured his heart out for them since he got here back in 2000 for practically nothing, a 5th round pick. islesinfo.com is willing to give him this pass for thinking about his future. Of course there's always going to be the fans who look for any excuse to trade a guy. Those who don't like Blake in the first place are most likely the ones who are the most "upset" about today's article and Blake's words than anyone.
Potvin was a player for the Islanders from 1973-78 and was reacquired during the 1979-80 season, remaining with the Islanders until retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Islanders first two Stanley Cup Championships. He is no stranger to covering the Islanders as for seven years following his retirement, "Potsy" served as the Islanders radio commentator alongside Barry Landers. After tonight's game in which the Islanders defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 6-0 at the Nassau Coliseum, Jean stated that he thought it was the Islanders best game of the season.
In 2003-04, he recorded 22 goals. Basically duplicating the previous season. In 2005-06, coming off the lockout, Blake put up 28 goals and a career high 57 points at the age of 30. Now 31, Blake is looking to take his game to an all new level. Can Jason Blake achieve what only a few Islander greats have done in the Islanders 34 year history? Can Jason Blake score 50 goals for the New York Islanders? During Blake's career with the Islanders you most likely would have trouble finding anyone who would say he doesn't give 100% every shift. In fact, he's often described as putting in 110%. In the past though, you may have found a few that referred to him as a selfish player, perhaps even a puck hog. But that's only because whenever he is on the ice, Blake wants to make a difference. He's a relentless skater. He's a goal scorer. When he was a player for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, Blake use to dominate games. Now, he is starting to do the same at the NHL level. In part thanks to the renaissance of center Alexei Yashin, and coach Ted Nolan's forethought to place Blake on the top line with Yashin, Blake is off to the best start of his career. But the question once again is can he make it a special season? What's great about it for the Islanders is Blake comes at a huge bargain. He only making $1.55 million for the 2006-07 season. But that could be the start of a problem for the Islanders. Blake is currently in the final season of a three year contract. Slated for unrestricted free agency in 2007, Blake could very well be a highly sought player if he is allowed to go on the open market. At the age of 31, Blake surely has at least another 5 good years in him, maybe more since he is a great skater. Surely Islanders management, Garth Snow and Charles Wang, must be discussing an attempt to re-sign Blake as early as possible. Blake seems to love it on Long Island. After being named the first star in Saturday night's 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals, Blake stated how the Long Island fans are the best in the league, and they deserve to finally see a winner. Blakey is starting to win everyone over with his heart, determination, and goal scoring ability. He may want to wait until the season is over and use his offensive numbers as a bargaining chip to a new contract. Whatever it is, the Islanders should be prepared to ante up, because as Blake says during the season tribute video, He is an Islander.....and he can be a special player. He is nothing other than a treat to watch. Rick DiPietro said it all. When Blake is on the ice, you get that feeling like he is going to score. islesinfo.com added comment: If Blake goes on to have a huge season, hopefully the Islanders will be able to re-sign him to around $3 million annually. If he does manage to score 40 to 50 goals, he may start thinking he's worth the same as the Daniel Briere's and Scott Gomez's of the world and ask for $5 million. That could create a problem for the Islanders.
If the Islanders were to lose tonight, not much would be said. It would probably be expected. But if they should pull out a win, it will show the hockey world that the Islanders are competitive again. Or it would at least steal some thunder away from the mighty Sabres, who are attempting to become the kings of New York. The Islanders with a win can continue to build something positive and at the same time get some accolades for derailing the Sabres chances of tying the record. Of course Nolan will see two of his former Sabres lace it up tonight for his team in Miroslav Satan and Alexei Zhitnik. Isn't it odd that those two both use to be top players for the Sabres, but as soon as they left in the summer of 2005 to join the Islanders, Buffalo suddenly became much better. And the Sabres just continue to roll along without skipping a beat even after losing Jay McKee to free agency. They signed Jaroslav Spacek and plugged him right into McKee's spot. Buffalo has so many weapons, yet they haven't even gotten Tim Connolly into the lineup yet. But in the case of Satan and Zhitnik, the fact that Buffalo became something else upon their departure is probably more coincidence than truth. Credit their GM Darcy Regier, who was once banished from the Island by Mike Milbury. Now, with the plethora of young talent he has drafted the Sabres will be good for years to come and Regier is perhaps the best GM in the NHL. Lindy Ruff may be the best coach. Yes, the Islanders will have their hands full tonight. The Sabres have Maxim Afinogenov, Chris Drury, Thomas Vanek and Daniel Briere who all have more points than the Islanders leading scorer Alexei Yashin, who thus far is having a very rejuvenated year. The Sabres have plenty of young guns that will keep the Islanders defenders busy tonight. The best scenario for the Islanders would be to come out with the mentality that they will put it all out there to gain a win on their home ice for their coach Ted Nolan. The Sabres are not very physical. But you can hit them to death and their flashy scorers will still find ways to put the puck in the net. Hopefully tonight, the Islanders can match their firepower. AND, hopefully the Islanders goaltending can match Buffalo's. Most likely it will be the battle of the American's with the Islanders Rick DiPietro vs. Buffalo's Ryan Miller. Will we see which one is better tonight?
So it's a no brainer right? Dunham should be in net for the home opener tonight against Boston. But fans, you know that isn't going to happen. Unfortunately, Ted Nolan may be under so much pressure from the higher ups (read Charles Wang) that you know DiPietro is going to be in net tonight. We would be shocked if he wasn't and pleasantly pleased if Nolan gives the reigns to Dunham instead. Dunham has only proved that he gives the team a better chance to win thus far. DiPietro has only proven that he needs a lot more work. The stats don't lie. DiPietro is his 3 appearances has posted a 4.50 GAA and .879 SP%. Dunham, while once again playing only 4 periods, has a much more respectable 2.82 GAA and .936 SP%. DiPietro has shown no discipline, his five hole has been taken advantage of, and as fast as his reflexes are opposing players can still rifle the puck by him no matter at what angle. Here's another reason the Islanders made a mistake in signing DiPietro to that 15 year deal: February 28, 2006. What's that you ask? That was the Islanders first night back from the Olympic Break during the 2005-06 season. At that time, it was the biggest game of the year. If we recall right, the Islanders were only 4 points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the 8th and final playoff spot in the East. The competition that night? The Montreal Canadiens. A win could draw the Islanders to within 2 points. A loss with 25 games remaining puts the Islanders 6 points out and a huge hill to climb. Now some would say it was interim coach Brad Shaw's decision to rest DiPietro and start backup goaltender (and future GM) Garth Snow, who up until that point had been having a horrible year. If DiPietro was a true #1 goalie, he would have demanded to play in that game. He could have rested later. The Olympics are important. But what is more important? That or the NHL team paying your salary? Not trying to continually knock on DiPietro. He just hasn't proven anything yet in our eyes. He hasn't proven he should have been the first goaltender taken #1 overall in a draft, he hasn't proven he should have received a 15 year $67.5 million contract from anybody, and he hasn't proven he can stop the puck regularly or surpass the .500 mark for his career record. The only thing proven right now is the contract albatross hanging over his head that will haunt him as we said for the rest of his career. And we love Ted Nolan. But Nolan tonight has to show that HE is the head coach. Not Charles Wang. And the smart goaltending decision tonight would be Mike Dunham. For now, DiPietro should be our $4.5 million backup as long as Dunham continues to play well. So Ted, take our advice. Start Dunham tonight. Make the fans happy.
This will be a very good opportunity for the Islanders to hopefully pile up some points. Their next 7 games are at the Nassau Coliseum with match-ups against Boston, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Buffalo, Florida and Chicago. That will take the Islanders into the month of November. Then they will embark on a quick trip over the river to the Meadowlands to take on the New Jersey Devils November 2nd. After that, the Islanders next 2 games will once again be at the Nassau Coliseum against Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Ideally, and being realistic, if the Islanders can go 7-3 over this ten game span that would put them at 8-6 on the season. That would be very respectable and probably put them in the middle of the pack in the top 8 for the Eastern Conference. These games will be crucial for the Islanders season and will help determine whether they are a good team that is for real about making the playoffs. Because if you can't win the majority of your points at home then it's most likely you won't get much of anything when they do go out on the road. In any case, the NVMC opens up to the Islanders for the 34th time tonight. The Islanders record on opening night all time is 21-11-1-1. They've played the Boston Bruins twice in their home opener. The Islanders defeated Boston 3-1 on October 15, 1977 and 5-2 on October 11, 1980. Twice the Islanders have blown out the competition in their home opener. They crushed the Pittsburgh Penguins 9-0 on October 14, 1982 and did the same to Los Angeles by a 7-0 score on October 11, 1975. The team the Islanders have faced the most times in their home opener is the Philadelphia Flyers, a total of six times.
The article goes on to state that during the summer Bergenheim, under the advice of his agent Mark Gandler, turned down a qualifying offer for a two way contract worth $730,000. This was his biggest mistake. Believing he should not be subject to returning to the minors, Bergenheim later would turn down a second offer of a one way deal for $500,000 which would have virtually guaranteed a spot on the team. The Islanders then took those funds and used them to sign Richard Park. Gandler spoke with Islanders general manager Garth Snow and was told there will be no exceptions to Wang's policy that unsigned players not in training camp will sit out for the entire season. "That's the policy of this organization," said Snow. "If you miss the first day of training camp, you miss the season." "We offered him a one-way contract. He turned it down, and we spent that money on other players. I relayed that message to his agent and to Sean himself in mid-August. I said there's only so much of the pie to go around when you're working with a salary cap like we are." Gandler believes that Wang's policy is short-sighted and
not in the team's best interests. "I understand the rule, but I don't
think it's fair to Sean or the fans," Gandler said. "If they
want a public apology, that's fine. Somebody has to compromise. At this
point, it doesn't look like Charles is willing to do that." Bergenheim had to quit Lokomotiv before the NHL opener or be subject to waivers if he signed with an NHL team. Gandler says the real reason Sean left Russia was because of a coaching change and the fact that he believes he is more suited to the NHL game. Now, he's free to sign until the December 1 deadline without passing through waivers. If he goes unsigned by then Bergenheim will most likely return to play in Finland. Even though the Isles have seemingly banished Sean for the season, Snow reportedly sent him a ridiculous email ensuring Bergenheim that he is still in their future plans. Gandler hopes something can be worked out before December 1st. "If the answer is no, I will ask Garth to trade Sean," Gandler said. "But it has to be done by Dec. 1 so he can play this season. At this point, we're in a stalemate." islesinfo.com comment: Both sides screwed up in this whole fiasco. Who pays for it? The fans. Will Wang have a change of heart? I seriously doubt he will. He did so in 2000 with Brad Isbister and Zdeno Chara. But if he does so again than his rule will be meaningless because players will believe they can do this again. Gandler is right about one thing. Wang's self imposed rule is very short-sighted. You don't see Lou Lamoriello banishing Patrick Elias or Scott Gomez when they miss half of training camp with contract disputes. You don't see Columbus banishing Nikolai Zherdev when he held out for part of camp. But Charles, a man who knows nothing about sports, set this stupid rule from day one. The worst case scenario is Bergenheim goes back to Finland with hard feelings. It's also possible he gets traded (which opens a whole new can of worms because will the Islanders be able to get equal value back AND is Garth Snow capable of making a trade?).
Bergenheim Situation Takes New Turn October 3, 2006: With only two days to go before the Islanders open up the 2006-07 season in Phoenix Thursday night, a new chapter unfolds in the ongoing Sean Bergenheim saga. It seems he has apparently left Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, the RSL team he joined after failing to sign a contract with the Islanders. According to reports, Bergenheim wasn't comfortable with his role. The report goes on to state that Bergenheim is now looking to return to North America and sign on with an NHL team. His problem there is the only team he can sign with is the New York Islanders and that probably won't happen unless owner Charles Wang shows mercy and lifts his self imposed rule that unsigned free agents past the opening of training camp sit the entire season. There's also been mention that Bergenheim has requested a trade. There's no secret as to islesinfo.com's views on this subject as this site has criticized the Islanders handling of the situation. But both sides are to take blame here. With the latest turn of events though, it's Bergenheim who looks to have made the biggest mistake here. He unfortunately takes advice from one of the worst player agents in all of hockey, Mark Gandler. Just to recap history, the Islanders offered Bergenheim a one way contract worth $500,000. Bergenheim rejected that offer stating he would never play for such low an amount. Gandler counter-offered with a $700,000 proposal to which the Islanders rejected in return, even though they signed Sean to a three year deal worth over $900,000 (which was probably rolled back to around $700,000 due to the CBA) back in 2003. Now there is pretty much no way Bergenheim can play for the Islanders in 2006-07 unless he signs a two-way contract and reports to Bridgeport where he can try to play his way back onto the team should injuries occur during the course of the season. The Islanders just yesterday signed Richard Park (who even took Bergenheim's uniform #10) to a $475,000 contract and he will most likely fill the role Bergenheim was meant to, minus the physical aspect. In other words, the Islanders would have to move some players off the team in order to get Bergenheim into the opening day roster and that just isn't going to happen. So as of now Sean has no where to play. One possibility is he could suit up for another team in Europe. It wouldn't be surprising to see him end up back with Jokerit, his former team in Finland. But would he be happy there? It's doubtful they would give him the ice time he is looking for. If we could offer some final advice to Sean it would be to come back and beg Wang and the Islanders to let him return to Bridgeport, shut up, and play his way back. Because there just aren't many options left for a player who hasn't really proven himself yet. Previous Thoughts: Isles Risk Losing Bergenheim October 4, 2006 Update: According to the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl website, Sean Bergenheim and the Russian team have agreed to part on good terms. The website also states that Bergenheim left because of "an invitation" from his NHL club, the New York Islanders. What this means exactly remains to be seen. Are the Islanders attempting to bring Sean back and will he be with the Islanders or sent to Bridgeport?
But that wasn't good enough for the maniacal Charles Wang. In another instance of the owner getting too involved with his players, Wang reportedly took DiPietro to an American Idol concert where Rick gave Wang all the "low down" on how his negotiations were going. "The length of the deal we were discussing with Neil was much shorter," said DiPietro's player agent Paul Krepelka. "Whether that had anything to do with it, you make your own judgment. All I can say is, we weren't too happy at that moment, but it all worked out for the best." DiPietro told Wang that his agent, Paul Krepelka was meeting with Smith on July 18th. Wang made sure that never happened and fired Smith early that day. It seems 4-5 years was not enough for Wang's new buddy DiPietro. He wanted DiPietro forever. When asked about his committee of one attitude Wang responded defensively. "I don't think that's fair to say," Wang said yesterday at the news conference to officially announce DiPietro's deal. "But yes, I own the team, and ultimately a deal this size is going to have to have my approval. It isn't like I'm overruling, but at the end of the day, we all wind up on the same page."
Five years ago Wang saddled himself with an albatross of a deal giving Alexei Yashin $87 million over 10 years, which not only hurt the team but hurt the NHL and their financial structure, escalating contracts around the league which eventually led to a lockout in 2004. The Islanders are still damaged by this deal that is now only half complete. Wang seemingly doesn't care as he just loves Yashin and has been unwilling to buy him out for the last two years. Now he does it AGAIN! Wang signs DiPietro to a deal which will put the Islanders in deep trouble financially for many years. While some believe the deal is a good one monetarily, that does not mean DiPietro could ever be traded. Once a player enters their 30's, especially a goaltender, NHL teams like to have the option of walking away from a contract. With DiPietro, nobody will ever be able to get rid of him unless they deal him. Dealing him will not always be a possibility and no NHL team would accept a contract like that. Also, from the age of 35-40, if DiPietro's ability declines, he will be among the highest paid backup goaltenders in the NHL. Details of the contract have not been released as of yet, but reportedly DiPietro will receive every bit of his $67.5 million, even if he suffers a career ending injury. It's unknown as of now though if the contract will count against the cap for the full duration if he should suffer an injury, or if the contract is insured. History has also shown that less than 10 goaltenders, ALL TIME, have played longer than 19 years in the NHL. This also shows a belief by the Islanders that they would rather sign one of their own players to a ridiculous long term deal because they do not believe that they would ever be able to compete in free agency for someone better should they need one. So Wang goes and locks up an asset he believes he already has. In interviews today Rick DiPietro stated that he wanted to sign a long term deal for the security and so he wouldn't have to worry about signing a new deal every summer. Puppet GM Garth Snow stated he believes more teams around the league will consider signing players to 10/15 year contracts. Clueless Wang stated that "We" will run the New York Islanders franchise the way "We" see fit. The problem is that Wang is not fit to run anything involving hockey. He says "We," but we all know he really means I. Wang also stated that he hadn't heard anything from the NHL that would suggest they would be against the deal. That kind of assertion almost suggests Wang expected a backlash against this new signing. Stan Fischler, on the air with Toronto's Fan 590 stated that this signing would alleviate some of the pressure normally put on Yashin because of his deal. Was that part of the plan? The honeymoon for Charles Wang is over. Yes, he saved the team when he bought it in 2000. But now he has just continued to bury the Islanders in misery that has extended from many years before he took over. Charles, you are the worst owner in the NHL. Wang Blunders 1. Didn't dismiss Mike Milbury upon buying the
Islanders.
When they let him go, I knew there were going to be decisions that were tough to deal with. It's not to say I wanted to leave, but who knows? When they didn't buy me out (in the summer of 2005), (then-GM) Mike (Milbury) kept saying "We need Michael, we need Michael." So to get traded a week later, while not unexpected, was disappointing because there were a lot of guys there who still cared. But the organization doesn't put itself in a position to win. Don't get me wrong, they'll bring in good hockey players and it looks like they want to win, but there has been too much instability over the years in that organization to create a strong core of players to develop a winning attitude. Maybe they'll right themselves, but right now, I just don't know. islesinfo.com comment: Can't really argue with anything he says unfortunately.
The Islanders, who never cease to disappoint their loyal fans, seem suddenly willing to let their first round pick in 2002, Sean Bergenheim, sign with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv because they are unwilling to give him a one way contract worth around $750,000 which is reportedly not much more than his qualifying offer. This would most certainly be a another black eye to a franchise that does nothing but attempt to brainwash their fans into believing that no matter what happens they will always have a bright future because of their young top prospects (as if the other 29 NHL teams don't have top prospects of their own). Now, after promoting Bergenheim as one of those bright stars to their fans for the past 3 years the organization is ready to let one of the few players that showed some passion on this team late in 2005-06 leave to play in Russia? This is the second time this has happened this summer, as the Islanders lost defense prospect Denis Grebeshkov earlier this summer to the same Russian team, Yaroslavl Lokomotiv because basically they wouldn't give him a one way deal either. To be fair, Grebeshkov was disappointing after he was acquired and would most likely have played in Bridgeport next season. And most likely he was unwilling to do so. But unlike Grebeshkov, Bergenheim is ready to play in the NHL. He is ready to provide the grit, hard hitting, character game with a touch of offense that he gave fans a glimpse of in March 2006. Unlike the situation with Grebeshkov though, there may be a possibility that Bergenheim has an out clause that will allow him to return to the Islanders if signed. Islander fans WANT Bergenheim on the 2006-07 roster. Why can't the New York Islanders realize this and get a deal done? Why can't they ever make their fans happy? I guess Charles Wang is too busy building the hockey program in China to worry about one of his top prospects with the New York Islanders. Update: Been receiving a ton of mail lately. Some positive, but some negative. It seems as though there are a ton of Islander fans out there in Islander Country who cannot take off their orange, blue and white glasses to see the truth. Why are there Islander fans who have the attitude of "either you're with us, or against us?" Nothing negative can ever be said about their beloved team. And when the team gives the media a reason to write negative things, like Charles Wang did for most the summer, fans lash out and call the media garbage. But back to the Bergenheim situation. Some Islander apologists actually feel negatively towards Bergenheim because it is perceived that he doesn't want to be here. They think Bergenheim doesn't want to be an Islander. No Islander fans. Bergenheim wants to be an Islander very bad. But he has his belief about what he's worth, whether we agree with it or not. Look at it this way. There are some who think Bergenheim's mad a bad career choice. But don't you think Bergenheim is worth more than $500,000? Allan Rourke makes $475,000. But isn't Bergenheim, a player who the Islanders billed as one of their top prospects for 4 years, worth more than Rourke? Isn't he worth more than slightly over the league minimum? Hell, the Islanders gave Bergenheim an opening salary of over $900,000 back in 2003, albeit was a two way contract. Now the Islanders can't afford $200,000 more? That extra $700,000 was going to break the bank? I understand that there are going to be some fans who disagree with me. I also understand that there are apologists who believe anyone who would say anything negative is not supporting the team. Those fans, need to take off their glasses every once in a while and see the light.
Here are the main points of Brooks'
article: Former GM Mike Milbury, who was suppose to have been severed from the hockey department, was dispatched by Wang on Wednesday to first attempt to negotiate a deal with Mike York to avoid arbitration, and then to represent the Islanders at the hearing the following day. York was awarded an $800,000 raise Saturday through arbitration. Milbury reportedly remained quiet throughout the the hearing. The Islanders did hire attorney Larry Bertuzzi, who argued for management that York should take a $1.05 million pay cut from the $2.05 million he earned last season. (islesinfo note: this goes opposite direction from the statement by Snow that the Islanders are in love with Mike York and want to sign him to a long term contract). Brooks questioned the fact that no one else from the Islanders "committee" was present and says that it raises questions as to Milbury's influence over Wang. It is the opinion of Brooks that the hockey challenged Wang believes he can reinvent the game by operating without delegating authority to responsible decision-makers in the hockey department. He claims that only someone so desperate as Neil Smith would have agreed to become GM of a team when he knew from the start he'd been hired to act as the owners "beard." Brooks also blames Smith, who knew Wang's plan from the very beginning. While Smith was put in a predicament where he needed permission to do anything from an overbearing Wang, Brooks also has documented sources that Smith copped an attitude was those around him from the start. Brooks also put down Pat LaFontaine, claiming he's not quite the hero his allies would depict and who couldn't wait to publicly bail the moment the public going got tough for his supposed great friend Wang. He goes on to state that Wang, through his actions, professes to know more about constructing a winning hockey operation than Sam Pollack, Bill Torrey, Scotty Bowman, Lou Lamoriello or anyone else who's ever spent his life inside the game. (islesinfo note: this undoubtedly comes from Wang's WFAN interview where he stated he believes his business model is better than the traditional "same ol, same ol" way that the Islanders used to win 4 championships under Torrey and Al Arbour). Brooks DOES go too far in his article when he suggests that Wang will eventually order the lineup, scratches, and line combinations. He questions how Nolan will react after pointing out how Nolan was also so desperate to return to the NHL that he accepted the lowest paying coaches salary in the NHL. (islesinfo note: On the day Neil Smith was hired as the GM, he would not divulge his salary to Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN. Instead he stated that he was compensated very well. Apparently that wasn't treu as Smith's salary was for a paltry $300,000 to $400,000 a year. One can only imagine how much lower Nolan is getting). Brooks also says that Wang will interfere if he observes that his buddy Alexei Yashin is not getting the proper ice time. Reportedly, Wang plays basketball(of all sports), tennis and golf with Yashin. (islesinfo note: It seemed very odd that Yashin was present at Garth Snow's press conference and NOT the press conference a month ago for Nolan & Smith). Brooks claims that former Bridgeport
Sound Tigers head coach Greg Cronin received orders during the lockout
season that was relayed from Charles Wang, further providing proof that
Wang will meddle with the on ice product. (islesinfo note: Wang hasn't
messed with the on ice product of the Islanders to this point. So you have
to question the notion. Yet, Cronin did surprisingly leave the
organization. But who knows if that was his decision, the Islanders or
some other factors). islesinfo.com notes: Charles Wang's Major Blunders - Signing Alexei Yashin to a 10 year, $89 million contract. Wang claimed that he wanted to show Islander fans how committed he was to the team. The majority of fans have been calling for the Islanders to buy out the contract, yet Yashin's very close relationship with Wang could see Yashin remain an Islander for the full length of the deal, which ends in 2011. - Charles Wang did not fire GM Mike Milbury upon buying the Islanders and instead kept him around for the next 6 years, extending Milbury's tenure with the Islanders to 11 years. In that span, Milbury has drafted and traded some of the biggest young talents in the game. - Wang rumors to be interested in signing Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro to a 15 year contract. Apparently he didn't learn his mistake the first time. - Most recently Wang hires coach Ted Nolan, THEN hires Neil Smith as GM and creates a "committee" where everyone will report to him. One month later he fires Smith for philosophical differences and replaces him with backup goaltender Garth Snow. One month after Wang hires former Islander Pat LaFontaine as his senior advisor, thing become so uncomfortable in a short period of time that LaFontaine leaves the organization. (And don't get your hopes all up that Wang stated LaFontaine will still be a part of the organization as just an advisor. That basically means they might talk on the phone once in a while or they might not. Right now I'm banking that they will not anytime soon). To be fare, we have to list Wang's good accomplishments: - After buying the Islanders he raised the payroll to an unprecedented $42 million, the highest in Islander history. - He's renovated the Nassau Coliseum to make it a more fan friendly arena, despite it fast becoming outdated as the second oldest arena in the NHL. - He won the bid for the Nassau Coliseum and the surrounding land and plans to totally renovate/rebuild the Coliseum and build a business and shopping district on the surrounding land. What this shows us: Wang has been a great businessman for the Islanders and could be a very good owner. But his hiring decisions are flawed which reflects on his lack of hockey knowledge. He's been successful for the Islanders away from the on ice entertainment. The fact that he has made these bad decisions has forced him to be even more involved with areas of the team he just shouldn't be. Wang should just hire a hockey staff and let them do their jobs. Instead, he's getting too hands on with the hockey department and that is a problem.
The conversation came up as a joke that it's actually Yashin that owns the Islanders(yes, one of many jokes we've heard the last couple of days), but the radio personalities went on to remark that Yashin basically has Wang in his back pocket and plays an integral role in decisions.
- When asked if he had any dealings with the Islanders this summer and with who, Meehan replied that all his dealings were with Neil Smith. Meehan remarked that he felt Smith was doing a good job. He went on to say he had discussions with Smith regarding many of their players, including Michael Peca. Of course the Islanders inked one of Meehan's players, Mike Sillinger, a couple of weeks ago. According to Meehan, the Islanders were interested in Peca, but never made the rumored 3 year contract offer that circulated across the internet Tuesday. Meehan did leave some parting shots when asked what would he do regarding negotiations with the Islanders in the future: "I pretty much believe we don't have any business with them. And I'm glad about that considering their current situation." (paraphrased) islesinfo.com comment: Meehan sounds bitter because LaFontaine is his buddy. Still, it doesn't bode well for the Islanders future dealings with Meehan. I'm sure things would change though if Wang ever wanted to open his wallet. Then all would be forgotten.
Mr. Wang believes that the new structure of hockey committee he has created with the likes of Mike Milbury, Ted Nolan, Bryan Trottier, Pat LaFontaine and fill in the blank here has the possibility of actually producing success that would perchance change the face of hockey and force other organizations to want to emulate that new structure. The problem here is that the Islanders have been run "differently" for the last 15 years with horrible success. But Wang insists that it is HIS team and he is doing what is best for the Islander fans. Unfortunately Charles, you don't know anything about hockey, or in that fact, sports in general. Russo asked Wang if he went to Gary Bettman for advice and Wang defiantly stated that he doesn't have to ask Bettman for permission to do things. He did talk to Bettman though and Gary's response was only: "it's your team." Wang went on to report that Snow was actually a runner up to Smith last month for the general manager position. So now he claims he made a mistake and in turn names the backup goaltender the new GM. He believes it will be a learning process for Snow, who obviously has never held a hockey managerial position. More on Wang's interview: Wang starts off sounding like he's totally lost. He admits that he doesn't exactly agree with the philosophical approach in general that the group of new hires all agreed upon, meaning decisions by committee. Yet, he feels that they MUST commit and keep to it and see what happens. Question: why?I don't want to say he lied, but he stated that he talked to fans who told him that this philosophical business structure may work. So Charles said FINE, that's what we'll do. Question here is, what fans told him this?? When Russo told him that this structure goes totally against the structure the Islanders won with in the 80's under Bill Torrey and Al Arbour, Charles quickly said he thinks this was a better way. Huh? Charles Wang, sports may be a business, but you don't have to invent the wheel and come up with new ways and gimmicks to run a hockey team. Why would you want to "try" something different for a franchise that has struggled to even make the playoffs for the last 15 years? This is a franchise that has been to the second round of the playoffs only once in the last 19 years, yet Charles Wang wants to try something "different." Here's some more points to ponder about Wang's ineptitude since January of 2006. He waited months to hire a new GM. He waited past April and May because apparently he was waiting on someone (Brent Sutter?) that perhaps later turned the Islanders down. But you mean to tell us that if he was waiting on Sutter, Wang couldn't have learned in enough time that he wasn't going to take the Islanders coaching job so he could turn his attention to someone else? Wang could have had Dean Lombardi more than a month before he was hired by the Los Angeles Kings, who hired him a day after they fired Dave Taylor. Lombardi has gone on to do a pretty good job with LA this summer, orchestrating some deals and signing some good players. Could it be that Wang had this idea of a committee beforehand and was perhaps rebuked by the likes of Lombardi, Sutter and who know else? You hate to admit it, but maybe the best thing for the New York Islanders and their fans would be if Charles Wang were gone.
According to reports, a very good relationship between LaFontaine and Smith quickly turned sour as Smith questioned LaFontaine's authority and role with the team. Even though Smith agreed to the new committee structure back on June 9th, he slowly began to become more concerned with his limited control. Supposedly LaFontaine became uneasy with the situation and the dismissal of Smith, who he praised often in the past for bringing Pat to the Rangers in 1998. Obviously LaFontaine felt it was in his best interest to leave, but it certainly doesn't look good for him. There will definitely be a faction of Islander fans who will believe he bailed out on the Islanders and their fans. Some will think this is the second time he has done so, harking back to 1991 when Pat held out on the Islanders and forced a trade eventually to Buffalo. Even more odd was back in 1991 LaFontaine cited the treatment of Bryan Trottier during the late 1980's as a reason he wanted to leave. Yet today, July 19, 2006, Bryan Trottier is still a member of the Islanders front office. He didn't quit. Maybe that's why he has 6 Stanley Cup rings, and LaFontaine has never won one. But for now we have to give LaFontaine the benefit of the doubt. If he believed this situation was headed for dumpsville then perhaps he made the right decision. Perhaps he believed he couldn't get through to Wang, who doesn't seem to have any patience with what has become his new business toy. Update: More light about the subject is starting to unfold. Apparently Wang was growing uneasy with Smith's questioned support of the committee structure. Pat LaFontaine advised Wang not to fire him and immediately name a replacement. Former GM Mike Milbury advised Wang to give Smith some time. Wang grew impatient and immediately fired Smith, replacing him with Garth Snow. According to an interview with Snow on WFAN Wednesday afternoon, Wang called Snow Monday afternoon and held sort of a mini interview on the phone.
But, should they decide he is an albatross that on all too many night Islanders fans came to believe he is, then Charles Wang and the Islanders will move on and buy him out. That is easier said than done. Wang would have to pay out about $20 million to unload Yashin, as well as take a $2.5 million penalty against the cap for the next 10 years. Since the overall cap is suppose to raise to $44 million in 2006-07 some believe the penalty against the cap is not too excessive. It would give the Islanders $5 million dollars extra to deal with for next season and beyond. Yet the $20 million price tag to rid themselves of Yashin may be too rich for Wang's liking. At the press conference last Thursday when Wang announced the hiring of Neil Smith as the new GM and Nolan as the new head coach, Stan Fischler's first question for Smith was regarding his plans for Yashin. Immediately, Wang and the rest of the dais turned their head towards Neil to see his reply, which of course he responded that it was too early to even talk about specific players. While it seems a few sources like Newsday and Fischler have come to the conclusion that Yashin will most likely remain, a glaring omission of Yashin's likeness on their most recent marketing package has many wondering if he really is in their short term plans. Whether this has any meaning is yet to be known until a definitive answer is given. Perhaps the marketing team simply made a decision to exclude Yashin from the brochure, in fear that there would be a backlash from fans who for the most part would like to see a buyout. Whatever happens a decision will come soon if it hasn't been made already. The original report was the Islanders had between June 15th and 30th to make a buyout. What would really endear the fans to new GM Smith would be if he somehow found out a way to deal Yashin at the draft. Surely there has to be some team in the NHL who would be willing to take on his contract. Perhaps a Toronto or Detroit. Maybe even Phoenix, who have some good young talent, would be willing to swing a deal. Note: It has been pointed out by a friend of islesinfo.com that we made an error in this piece regarding the trading of cash for a player, or paying off a remaining portion of a dealt contract. We mentioned that perhaps Islanders GM Neil Smith could deal Yashin if they pick up $15 million or half of his contract. According to the new CBA this is prohibited as follows: Rule 11.16 There shall be no cash transactions in connection with the Assignment of Players. Nor shall any Club be permitted to retain an obligation to pay or to reimburse another Club for a portion of any Player's Player Salary or Bonuses in connection with the Assignment of such Player, other than as set forth in Section 50.8(b)(ii) of this Agreement. This fact makes it even harder for the Islanders to rid themselves of Yashin. If Wang was to fork over the $20 million for a buyout and then raise the Islanders payroll next season to the usual high $38 million range, that's close to $60 million Wang will spend on salary decisions for 2006-07. As we have seen in the past Wang has never raised the payroll up over $42 million so that is another factor that makes it very unlikely Alexei Yashin will be in any other place than Long Island next season. Add to that the $2.5 million penalty for 10 years and that's another $25 million. Hopefully Wang has now seen the ramifications of signing a player to such a long term deal.
The Islanders captain who, let's face it folks, was turned on by Islander fans when he didn't produce through injury following the 2002 playoffs, is now leading the Edmonton Oilers to a chance at the Stanley Cup. Was Peca living up to his $3.99 million dollar contract with the Islanders in 2002-03 and 2003-04 with the Islanders? Not exactly. But neither was the rest of the team. Peca still brought intangibles to the Islanders roster that other players weren't. He is a leader and he wanted to be an Islander. Now with free agency coming in less than a month, many are speculating if perhaps the Islanders might bring both Laviolette and Peca back. Laviolette's contract with the Hurricanes is soon to expire and the Islanders owner Charles Wang is rumored to be waiting for the playoffs to end so he can offer Laviolette a dual role of Director of Player Personnel and coach. But that may be asking too much since Laviolette is more likely to stay in Carolina after leading them to the Stanley Cup Finals and taking in the fact that the Hurricanes gave Peter a second chance after he was fired by the Islanders. And lets be honest, the Carolina Hurricanes are in better shape right now than the Islanders are. They have a championship caliber team. Plus they have one of the best defensive prospects coming in next season with Jack Johnson. The Hurricanes have a phenom in Eric Staal. They have more to offer right now than the New York Islanders. Unless Laviolette wins the Cup and feels he would like to broaden his horizons by taking the next step and building his own team, it seems more likely that he will remain in Carolina. If his family is unhappy in Carolina he may consider the move though, and the Islanders will definitely give him more money. But, even though he denies it, Islanders owner Charles Wang reportedly called Laviolette immature, which Peter may still resent. As for Peca, he had a terrible 2005-06 season with Edmonton and played at times as if he didn't want to be there. He wants to be on the east coast. He scored only 9 goals and 23 points in 71 games played. But he recently came alive during the second round of the playoffs and has contributed 5 goals and 9 points in 18 games, spearheading the Oilers all the way to the Finals. But he'll be an unrestricted free agent July 1st and he would make a nice option as a third line center on the Island, but at a reduced cost to what he is receiving now. It would be a good move if it doesn't hurt the development of younger centers in the organization like Ryan O'Marra and Jeremy Colliton. The Islanders should never have centered everything around Alexei Yashin and in fact should have stuck with Peca instead. But what's done is done and it's no use crying over the past. It will be interesting to see what unfold this summer. Will one or both of Peca and Laviolette return to the Island? Will Yashin return to the Island? The Summer will answer these questions. Here's some interesting quotes from both Peca and Laviolette concerning the Islanders: "Just for too long the franchise was too
unstable," Peca said. "They didn't allow a coach like Peter,
who's obviously a talented guy, to find his way. I think he was
prematurely let go, as were some other guys. They didn't allow "I'm proud of him," Peca said as he and the Oilers prepared for Monday night's opener against Laviolette's Hurricanes. "He's a guy who works extremely hard at what he does. He deserves every bit of success that he's gotten." "I thought it was unfair that he lost his
job," said Peca, who has five postseason goals. "Fortunately for
him, it happened because now he's got an opportunity to win a Stanley Cup
here in Carolina. "I am who I am," said Laviolette, making his
finals debut. "I had a good influence from my mom and dad. My
upbringing of what they believed in, in character, and honesty and
leadership, and I take that with me today. "Any time you come back from major surgeries, you are going feel it the next year. He tried to battle through it(with the Islanders)," Laviolette said. "He's found a home in Edmonton and a spot there where he is feeling comfortable now and he's having a great playoffs." "In the postseason, I just felt really calm about where we were at and what we could accomplish," he said. "Once you get a few goals, and big goals, it builds your confidence up to a point where you feel you can do whatever you want out there. It's good to be at that level again." Extra: Peter Laviolette will be on Mike & the
Mad Dog today to talk about the Hurricanes Game 1 Finals win over the
Oilers. It will be interesting to see if he is asked about the rumored
Islanders' dual position. islesinfo.com will post any news if something is
mentioned.
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1998-2007 Tom Mascioli
