Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to NY IslandersCountry. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Comeau hitting his stride for Islanders; from Greg Logan (Newsday)
Topic Started: Dec 8 2008, 09:52 AM (728 Views)
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-sp...8,0,88572.story

Quote:
 
Comeau hitting his stride for Islanders

BY GREG LOGAN | greg.logan@newsday.com
    December 8, 2008

The Blake Comeau who buzzed around the net as well as any Islanders forward in a 5-1 loss to Atlanta Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum bore no resemblance to the Blake Comeau coach Scott Gordon saw in training camp. This energetic Comeau, who had three shots on goal, two near-misses (including one that rang off a post) and three solid hits in only 11:04 of ice time, looked like a player Gordon can use.

Thinking of the crushing hit Comeau laid on the Thrashers' Todd White at center ice, Gordon said yesterday, "I thought, 'I'd love to have this in our lineup.' But I didn't see it in training camp. You can talk about what he was last year, but I can only go off what I see this year, and I didn't like what I saw.

"I brought him in last night and said, 'You're here. Jack spoke very favorably of the way you played. Now it's your job to make sure you continue to do that on an all-the-time basis so that we can't send you back."'

Gordon said Comeau had difficulty catching on to his forechecking system and indulged habits that weren't productive, and he couldn't recall one good hit by Comeau in training camp or six preseason games.

"If he had played like he did last night when he was in training camp, we probably wouldn't have sent him to Bridgeport," Gordon said. "He didn't give me anything to latch on to in exhibitions, and we had extra bodies at the time. He forced my hand. Now I hope he forces my hand the other way."


Comeau was called up on an emergency basis to replace Jeff Tambellini, who accepted a two-week conditioning stint in Bridgeport after failing to score a goal in 23 games this season. As the Islanders head out on a four-game road trip that begins tonight in Toronto, the clock is ticking for Comeau to show he belongs.

If he does, it's going to create a roster decision for general manager Garth Snow, who might have to decide whether to expose Tambellini to waivers for the purpose of assigning him to Bridgeport. Because Tambellini has a one-way deal for two years, the risk of his being claimed when he's struggling at the NHL level is minimal. On the other hand, Tambellini's father, Steve, is Edmonton's GM.

Although Comeau feels playmaking is his strength, he knows he must shoot more and understands that the physical component is essential. "I was playing physical in Bridgeport," Comeau said. "I think that's a big reason I got a chance to play up here. I can't take anything for granted. I've got to keep playing physical every night. I've got to earn my spot in the lineup."

Tonight

Islanders at Toronto

7:30 p.m.

TV: MSG Plus

Radio: WMJC (94.3)


I have to call out our coach Gordon on this.
I am calling Gordon a LIAR, That's right. He's full of it.
Comeau played 5 preseason while (1-way contract boy)
Jeff Tambellini played only 3 games.

Tambellini's spot was secured despite doing ZIP in preseason.
The few times I watched clips of him on iTV I saw ZIP as it relates to what Gordon was looking for
from Blake Comeau.

To me, Scott Gordon is trying to save face in light of the whoile Tambellini failure.
Afraid to call out Snow for handing AHL boy a 1-way deal???

Bullspit. How about some honesty Gordon? Just when I started liking the guy.

:thumbsdown:
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Westfall18
Member Avatar
We are the Loyal Fan Base.
did you see any of the Islanders pre-season games? Blake Comeau was LAZY
The Keeper of All Things Westfall
William H. McCue Sr. 1934-2015 Rest in Peace Poppa.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
Westfall18,Dec 8 2008
10:00 AM
did you see any of the Islanders pre-season games? Blake Comeau was LAZY

yes.
Not my point. Tambellini was no better. That's the problem.
It boiled down to the contract situation of each player.

Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
RWWallpaper
Member Avatar
2nd line
stevedepot,Dec 8 2008
10:02 AM
Westfall18,Dec 8 2008
10:00 AM
did you see any of the Islanders pre-season games? Blake Comeau was LAZY

yes.
Not my point. Tambellini was no better. That's the problem.
It boiled down to the contract situation of each player.

Gordon said himself Comeau did nothing to distinguish himself from the other guys at his position and HE HAD EXTRA BODIES at that point, hence the demotion. I don't have a problem with that logic at all. If you have 2 young players who have not impressed one way or the other, the guy who does not have to clear waivers gets the ticket back to Bridgeport...makes sense to me.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Webb20
Member Avatar
Godfather
I dont think the problem was Comeau not warranting a job out of camp, I think the problem was giving Tambellini a 2 year 1 way contract on faith.

I sold it all, retired and moved to Fabulous Las Vegas!
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."-Ben Franklin
"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves."-Ronald Reagan
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
Webb20,Dec 8 2008
10:44 AM
I dont think the problem was Comeau not warranting a job out of camp, I think the problem was giving Tambellini a 2 year 1 way contract on faith.

That's one of my issues on this matter and RWW is correct.
But my problem is Gordon's quotes basically taking Comeau to task for what he did or didn't do in preseason, while Tambellini was FAR worse and has NOT received any criticism thanks to that contract.

Took how many games for "Tamby" to be benched? How many games did he without finishing checks? Gordon could have been a little more reserved in his criticism of Comeau (IMO) because he comes across as a liar to me for not saying anything about Tambellini sooner.

Plus, Comeau was paired with injured spazmo Comrie in preseason for a few games who's biggest highlight from what i remember was fighting Gionta - bad hip and all.

Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
klynch
4th line
Steve you and i usually agree but not here, i have no problem with what Gordon said. What do you want him to say, we kept him down b/c Tamby had a one way deal? That would hurt Blakes confidence and Tamby's as well, and to be honest Blake was AWFUL in preseason. If this little Bridgeport trip taought him a lesson about playing 100% and being prepared all the time, then it maybe the best thing to ever happen to Blake.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
rifleman22
Member Avatar
All Star
Tamby made it because of the contract. Blake was an easy scapegoat.

If both of these statements are true, then shame on this organization for not having the gonads to admit their mistake.

They made us suffer through 23 non-productive games. And if you think that sucks, try living in Blake's shoes for the last few months.

What if Blake becomes the next "no confidence because of the way I've been handled" Islander? Who's to blame?

Garth Snow, Scott Gordon- stand up please.

And for Blake- go for it. And prove them wrong.
THE RIFLE

Sometimes you're the windshield,
sometimes you're the bug.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
klynch,Dec 8 2008
11:17 AM
Steve you and i usually agree but not here, i have no problem with what Gordon said. What do you want him to say, we kept him down b/c Tamby had a one way deal? That would hurt Blakes confidence and Tamby's as well, and to be honest Blake was AWFUL in preseason. If this little Bridgeport trip taought him a lesson about playing 100% and being prepared all the time, then it maybe the best thing to ever happen to Blake.

Simple.

Scott Gordon:
"Blake didn't have the best training camp, but he proved at Bridgeport why he belongs up here, that's a credit to him and his work ethic and we hope he maintains that work ethic."


The whole "FORCING" his hand is what ticks me off.

Tambellini's contract FORCED his hand.

:yes:
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Webb20
Member Avatar
Godfather
Steve, the contract is the problem. Snow's contract. You want Gordon to be so honest he throws Snow under the bus and points the finger of responsibility right to his boss in the press? What would happen to you if you did that? I know I'd be on the unemployment line thinking about what my next line of work would be.

Don't try to read toooooo much into this because in the end Comeau is here and Tamby is in bridgeport. Let's just hope it stays that way, but with these contracts Gordon may not have the choice.

I sold it all, retired and moved to Fabulous Las Vegas!
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."-Ben Franklin
"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves."-Ronald Reagan
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
puckhead
Member Avatar
All Star
Gordon may not have any choice in many things this franchise does. Let's not forget how decisions have been made the last few years.

And when the coach disagrees with the GM, he's usually out the door.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
totallypucked
Member Avatar
All Star
Do you people completely forget that Blake Comeau had a spot on the roster for the taking, and he was counted in among the 12 forwards all the way until almost the last day of training camp? It's not like it came down to Comeau fighting for a spot with someone else, Comeau had it in the bag, but Gordon obviously saw something in Comeau's play that he didn't like. The Islanders claimed Nate Thompson off of waivers, and then it became a numbers issue. You can make the argument that Gordon wanted Thompson regardless, but he obviously wanted Comeau to work on something, since he wasn't called up until now.
Posted Image

DP...Radek...Everything else is just a toy.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
bringbackziggy
Member Avatar
4th line
stevedepot,Dec 8 2008
10:02 AM
Westfall18,Dec 8 2008
10:00 AM
did you see any of the Islanders pre-season games? Blake Comeau was LAZY

yes.
Not my point. Tambellini was no better. That's the problem.
It boiled down to the contract situation of each player.

To be completely honest, Tambellini EARNED a 1-way contract based on his accomplishments in the AHL and he EARNED the opportunity to atleast be given a legitmate shot at the NHL level by his accomplishment in the AHL. Thats the way pro sports work...all of them. If you dominate a minor league level you are given an opportunity at the major league level to prove yourself, and being given 2 games at a clip and playing 4 minutes in those games as Tamby was in the past is absolutely not being given a true opportunity. So get over it because Tambellini earned the opportunity that he was given this season. Yea he may have failed, but he earned the opportunity to fail.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
bringbackziggy,Dec 8 2008
01:46 PM
stevedepot,Dec 8 2008
10:02 AM
Westfall18,Dec 8 2008
10:00 AM
did you see any of the Islanders pre-season games? Blake Comeau was LAZY

yes.
Not my point. Tambellini was no better. That's the problem.
It boiled down to the contract situation of each player.

To be completely honest, Tambellini EARNED a 1-way contract based on his accomplishments in the AHL and he EARNED the opportunity to atleast be given a legitmate shot at the NHL level by his accomplishment in the AHL. Thats the way pro sports work...all of them. If you dominate a minor league level you are given an opportunity at the major league level to prove yourself, and being given 2 games at a clip and playing 4 minutes in those games as Tamby was in the past is absolutely not being given a true opportunity. So get over it because Tambellini earned the opportunity that he was given this season. Yea he may have failed, but he earned the opportunity to fail.

:rofl: :lol:

Earned? a 1-way?

yeah ok.

Guess you didn't pay attention to what he did up here when he played with the big club
in comparison to Comeau.

If it was a 2 way deal, I'd have no issue at all.



:lol:
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
bringbackziggy
Member Avatar
4th line
yea well then he doesnt sign at all...because he and his agent most likely are not signing a 2-way deal because he EARNED a shot at the NHL and didnt have any interest in going back to the AHL
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
4CUPZ
Member Avatar
HEAD OF SECURITY
bringbackziggy,Dec 8 2008
02:52 PM
yea well then he doesnt sign at all...

AND THE DOWNSIDE WOULD HAVE BEEN?????
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
totallypucked
Member Avatar
All Star
stevedepot,Dec 8 2008
01:50 PM
Earned? a 1-way?

yeah ok.

Guess you didn't pay attention to what he did up here when he played with the big club
in comparison to Comeau.

If it was a 2 way deal, I'd have no issue at all.




No different than how you conveniently don't pay attention to his accomplishments in the AHL. Doesn't the AHL exist exactly for developmental purposes and to give young players a shot to show how they can play in a professional league, and shouldn't the players who excel there be rewarded? Otherwise, why should they try at all in the AHL? And besides, I think its an agreed upon fact that Tambellini's chances under Nolan weren't exactly a golden opportunity, that's something the GM and even the wacky owner of this team alluded to on a number of occasions. Say what you want about his play this season, but to question the contract is ridiculous.
Posted Image

DP...Radek...Everything else is just a toy.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
bringbackziggy
Member Avatar
4th line
Also just thought I would point out that a Two-way contract only means that a player has two different salaries, one for the NHL level and one for the AHL level. It has nothing to do with the waivers situation. Because Tambellini had played 79 games prior to signing the contract he only had one more game of NHL experience left before he would have to go through waivers. The waiver exemption is based on the number of years since a player first signed a pro contract and the number of games played. Once a player his age plays 80 games at the NHL level he has to pass through waivers whether he has a One-way or Two-way. Since everyone knew that Tambellini was going to be given a chance this season the 80th game was given.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
4CUPZ
Member Avatar
HEAD OF SECURITY
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE AHL STAY IN THE AHL
NOBODY CARES ABOUT THEM UNLESS YOU'RE AN AHL FAN
WE SAID IT LAST YEAR AND IT STILL STICKS TODAY
A ONE-WAY CONTRACT WAS A HUGE MISTAKE
ok i stand corrected

I WOULD HAVE LET HIM WALK
HELL I WOULD HAVE DROVE HIM
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
bringbackziggy
Member Avatar
4th line
4CUPZ,Dec 8 2008
02:03 PM
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE AHL STAY IN THE AHL
NOBODY CARES ABOUT THEM UNLESS YOU'RE AN AHL FAN
WE SAID IT LAST YEAR AND IT STILL STICKS TODAY
A ONE-WAY CONTRACT WAS A HUGE MISTAKE
ok i stand corrected

I WOULD HAVE LET HIM WALK
HELL I WOULD HAVE DROVE HIM

I guess theres no point to trying hard if your an AHL player then correct? Because all you AHL accomplishments should just keep you in the AHL for eternity.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Free Forums with no limits on posts or members.
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · General Islanders News · Next Topic »
Add Reply