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
Chris Botta's Isles preview; too funny
Topic Started: Sep 12 2010, 01:41 PM (460 Views)
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
Great entry by Botta at Fanhouse.

http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/09/11/2010-11...king-to-a-plan/

Quote:
 

2010-11 New York Islanders Preview: Sticking to a Plan
9/11/2010 11:00 AM ET By Christopher Botta

To the non-believers, the New York Islanders are using the cover of "rebuilding" as an excuse to not spend much beyond the cap floor while they await a solution to their never-ending arena crisis.

To the true orange-and-blue believers, the Islanders are about halfway through a meticulously crafted, slow and steady rebuild that will result in a contender around the time the current CBA expires in 2012. (All the while, awaiting a solution to their never-ending arena crisis.)

In the big picture, it doesn't matter what side you're on. We're going to find out over the next few years if the Islanders are serious enough about winning when building blocks like John Tavares and Kyle Okposo play beyond their entry level contracts. We will find out if the Islanders are serious about winning when the unrestricted free agency period brings an important piece to the puzzle, not staged stories like this summer of trying to lure Paul Martin and placing a call to Ilya Kovalchuk.

In two years, the Islanders could be an exciting, young force that battles with the league's best for many years. Or they could turn out to once again be -- at best -- merely a hopeful for seventh or eighth in the Eastern Conference.

As for the 2010-11 season, the Islanders and their fans would gladly accept the latter.

HOLD-STEADY SUMMER

Unlike last offseason, when the Islanders craftily heralded the arrival of 2009 first overall pick Tavares -- virtually from the Draft Lottery in April to Opening Night in October -- the franchise is coming off a summer without buzz. Not that there's anything wrong with that, especially when you're rebuilding.

General manager Garth Snow's theft of James Wisniewski, using a fraction of his bottomless salary cap space to relieve Anaheim of its $3 million commitment for just a third round pick, was one of the sharpest of the summer in the NHL. Wisniewski's presence takes an Islanders blueline that was poor last season -- and not improved measurably with free agents Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina replacing Andy Sutton -- and makes it competitive in the star-filled Atlantic Division.

Up front, Snow has yet to do anything more than tinker. While the team said goodbye to former first round draft pick Sean Bergenheim (Tampa Bay) and four-year veteran workhorse Richard Park (Switzerland), Snow added scrapability and strength on draws in Zenon Konopka. A year ago, Snow gave good hands man Matt Moulson an opportunity and watched him score 30 goals. The Islanders would sign up for 20 this year from P.A. Parenteau, a former Ranger who shoots better than he skates. A 27-year-old right wing with a resume of three NHL goals in 27 games, Parenteau received a one-year, one-way deal from Snow.

ONE YEAR OLDER ...

As a club in the midst of a rebuild, the Islanders are hoping that familiarity breeds success. At 26 years of age, Moulson is the oldest of a crop of returning skilled forwards that also includes Tavares, Okposo, 2008 first round pick Josh Bailey, accomplished two-way center Frans Nielsen, shifty playmaker Rob Schremp and middleweight space-creator Blake Comeau. If he can stay healthy, big forward Trent Hunter has the net presence to contribute a needed 20 goals. After a shoulder injury limited him to 36 games and one goal, captain Doug Weight is back for leadership in the locker room and on the power play.

Prospect Matt Martin, who can hit, fight and cause havoc before the opposing goalie on the power play, will be given a long look for an NHL roster spot. When coach Scott Gordon wants to dress a heavyweight, he'll look to Trevor Gillies. The Islanders recently brought back grinders Jon Sim and Andy Hilbert on two-way contracts for depth. For 6-4 Finnish prospect Jesse Joensuu, unspectacular in two years in the minors, this could be a make-or-break year.

On defense, Snow currently has eight players on one-way contracts, including Wisniewski, Eaton and Jurcina. The most valuable returnee is Mark Streit, who became a legitimate No. 1 defenseman when Snow signed him as a free agent two years ago. At this point in his injury-plagued career, every game played by 34-year-old Radek Martinek has to be viewed as a happy bonus. Before absorbing an Alexander Ovechkin slap shot with his face in January, Jack Hillen was emerging as a very solid second-pair defenseman. Andrew MacDonald, just 24 years old, showed glimpses of impressive play last season. Let's see if he can do it from beginning to end of an 82-game NHL regular season. Bruno Gervais will have to improve in both ends to have any chance of cracking the lineup on a regular basis.

The goaltending rotation will be Dwayne Roloson and Rick DiPietro. If DiPietro's knee does not hold up long-term -- he has played just 13 games over the last two years -- Snow will acquire one of the available goaltenders in a buyer's market.

THE TOP PROSPECTS LIST

One of the most vital aspects of the Islanders' rebuild is that the team did not screw it up over the last three seasons by playing too well. By finishing the last three seasons in 26th, 30th and 26th in the overall league standings, Snow and his scouting staff were able to draft high. The biggest prize was Tavares with the first overall pick in 2009, but the scouts bolstered the depth chart with later selections over the last three drafts.

Among the team's recent draft picks are eight notable, high-end talents:

1. Nino Niederreiter -- The 5th overall pick in the 2010 draft, the big right wing -- who just turned 18 -- could start the season with the Islanders. Two years ago, they placed Bailey in the NHL when he could have played for gold medal-winning Team Canada at the World Junior Championships and the CHL champion Windsor Spitfires. A rival scout believes, "In two years, Niederreitter is capable of averaging at least 30 goals a season for ten seasons."

2. Calvin de Haan -- The Islanders traded four draft picks to move up from 26th to 12th to select the puck-moving defenseman in 2009. Some scouts believe the lanky de Haan will develop into a No. 2 defenseman.

3. Travis Hamonic -- Former scouting director Ryan Jankowski and his staff fought hard to use one of the team's three second round picks in 2008 on this mobile and tough Western League defenseman. Hamonic could see some time with the big club this year, along with Bridgeport (AHL).

4. Mikko Koskinen -- The 6-5 goaltender from Finland was selected with the first pick in the second round of 2009. He missed most of last season with a hip injury, but proved in limited playing time that he had No. 1 potential.

5. Kirill Kabanov -- The team wisely used a third round pick in June to draft the Russian, who has all the tools but also a few screws loose.

6. Kirill Petrov -- Another low-risk, high-end pick like Kabanov, the 6-3 Russian was available in the third round in 2008 because he signed a long-term contract with Kazan of the KHL. Even if the powerful wing plays the remaining two years back home, he may be worth the wait.

7. Kevin Poulin -- While the Islanders insured themselves against the possible loss of DiPietro to injury by drafting Koskinen (and Anders Nilsson with their next pick) in 2009, Poulin may turn out to be the best of the goaltending prospects. He was an absolute stud last season in Victoriaville, where Patrick Roy called him the best goalie in the Quebec League. In another steal by Jankowski's staff, Poulin was drafted in the fifth round in 2008.

8. Brock Nelson -- Snow traded his two second-rounders in June to move up and pick Nelson with the final pick of the first round. The 6-3 two-way center is playing his freshman season at North Dakota.

Drafting and development rarely go according to plan. But if just half of the above reach their maximum potential -- to go along with Tavares, Okposo and company -- the Islanders won't have to talk about rebuilding anymore.

THE 2010-11 ISLANDERS PRESEASON SCALE (1-10)

General Manager: 6 -- The won-loss record is not pretty, but there's a lot to be said for Snow sticking to a plan. Next step for the GM: proving he can make the bold in-season move when the right time comes.

Head Coach: 6 -- Scott Gordon has played a central role in the progress of key kids. He enters the final year of a three-year contract.

Forwards: 5 -- Barring huge leaps forward by Tavares, Okposo and Bailey, Nielsen and Schremp, there's not enough offense. Not sure about speed, size and penalty-killing, either.

Defense: 6 -- Wisniewski is an important acquisition and Hillen is vastly underrated, but the blueline is light on toughness.

Goaltending: 7 -- Roloson was the team's MVP last season at age 40. There's no evidence to suggest he can't carry the load again. If DiPietro's knee gets past November, it's good news for the Islanders and a 29-year-old hoping to get his career back.


I bolded the part about Martin and Kovy STAGED media stories allegation because I totally believe Botta.

He's not the only non Isles media controlled entity that's suggested something like this.
He has too much class, but I wish Jaffe would speak out against the BS after what they pulled on him.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
oldislesfan
Member Avatar
All Star


That makes two of us. (Or tho I imagine there's a hellofa lot more)

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

B)
Posted Image

The average dog is nicer than the average person
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
LEDZEP
Member Avatar
The Best That Ever Skated 80-81-82-83
It sounds to me the rebuilding plan that started on May 12, 1984 is just a few more
tweaks and high draft picks away from becoming a ....eM ...a.....aH.......what's the
word I'm looking for..........
...........................................
....................................................... :torrey:
Sometimes I grow so tired, but I know I've got one thing I got to do... Posted Image

What puckhead says is Islander law
Posted Image
Come in with the milk

"A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is the right one,
must have the determination to stick with it and be undaunted when the going gets rough."

Ronald Reagan
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Ozzie307
2nd line
the "staged story" comment is no going to win him any points with Garth & co. He better not whine when Garth ignores him or kicks him out of the room. Not sure what he meant by it but it could be perceived as calling Garth a liar.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Shooter
All Star
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
07:46 AM
the "staged story" comment is no going to win him any points with Garth & co. He better not whine when Garth ignores him or kicks him out of the room. Not sure what he meant by it but it could be perceived as calling Garth a liar.

So you're saying a reporter should play the game and say everything is peachy? Good for Botta. It's about time someone has a set of xxxxx to tell it like it is.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
08:46 AM
the "staged story" comment is no going to win him any points with Garth & co.  He better not whine when Garth ignores him or kicks him out of the room.  Not sure what he meant by it but it could be perceived as calling Garth a liar.

Garth Snow supposedly cut CB off back in March, remember this???

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2010/03...to-be-critical/

For what? Daring to be critical?
Good thing Botta has others inside the Isles org to get info from.

Isn't that the same excuse we heard about the Jaffe dismissal?
They could have let him know sooner so the man could look for other work over the summer, NOT after MSG agreed to renew his contract only to have the Isles reject it.
Yeah, I know Jaffe will land on his feet but I totally disagree.

I don't trust any man who goes in front of the NHL GM's and pitches his bosses absurd suggestion
that the 8th place playoff spot should be given to a loser tournament winner.

I side with Botta on this. Garth Snow is an effen liar. I sure as hell don't trust him.
He hasn't earned any right for trust even with some of the moves I've raved about.
The bad, unfortunately, outweighs any good he's done IMO.

:yes:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Ozzie307
2nd line
Shooter,Sep 13 2010
10:17 AM
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
07:46 AM
the "staged story" comment is no going to win him any points with Garth & co.  He better not whine when Garth ignores him or kicks him out of the room.  Not sure what he meant by it but it could be perceived as calling Garth a liar.

So you're saying a reporter should play the game and say everything is peachy? Good for Botta. It's about time someone has a set of xxxxx to tell it like it is.

Botta can write whatever he wants but there's a difference between disagreeing with moves by the organization or the direction its heading and bascially calling the GM a liar. Not taking Garth's side here but just sayin...pretty stupid when you're writing an Islander blog. I can see the whole organization trying to destroy him after this...not smart.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ronski631
Member Avatar
Stubborn Polish Maniac
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
09:52 AM
Shooter,Sep 13 2010
10:17 AM
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
07:46 AM
the "staged story" comment is no going to win him any points with Garth & co.  He better not whine when Garth ignores him or kicks him out of the room.  Not sure what he meant by it but it could be perceived as calling Garth a liar.

So you're saying a reporter should play the game and say everything is peachy? Good for Botta. It's about time someone has a set of xxxxx to tell it like it is.

Botta can write whatever he wants but there's a difference between disagreeing with moves by the organization or the direction its heading and bascially calling the GM a liar. Not taking Garth's side here but just sayin...pretty stupid when you're writing an Islander blog. I can see the whole organization trying to destroy him after this...not smart.

i kind of wish Jaffe and others grow a pair and call out this organization.

Never forget: We turned a back-up goalie (subpar, at best!) into a general manager for a professional hockey team.

"most underrated GM in the league" my ass :puke:
Posted Image

:punk:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Ozzie307
2nd line
stevedepot,Sep 13 2010
10:18 AM
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
08:46 AM
the "staged story" comment is no going to win him any points with Garth & co.  He better not whine when Garth ignores him or kicks him out of the room.  Not sure what he meant by it but it could be perceived as calling Garth a liar.

Garth Snow supposedly cut CB off back in March, remember this???

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2010/03...to-be-critical/

For what? Daring to be critical?
Good thing Botta has others inside the Isles org to get info from.

Isn't that the same excuse we heard about the Jaffe dismissal?
They could have let him know sooner so the man could look for other work over the summer, NOT after MSG agreed to renew his contract only to have the Isles reject it.
Yeah, I know Jaffe will land on his feet but I totally disagree.

I don't trust any man who goes in front of the NHL GM's and pitches his bosses absurd suggestion
that the 8th place playoff spot should be given to a loser tournament winner.

I side with Botta on this. Garth Snow is an effen liar. I sure as hell don't trust him.
He hasn't earned any right for trust even with some of the moves I've raved about.
The bad, unfortunately, outweighs any good he's done IMO.

:yes:

Steve - like I said above, not becoming a "Team Garth" guy here but you and I both know that all GM's and media members, in all sports, "play the game" when it comes to access and the overall relationship. It's going to be a roller coaster when you start criticizing them in general. how many times have we seen coaches/GM's ignore some reporter for an extended period of time after a negative article. Not saying it's right but it happens all the time. Garth isn't the first to do this. My only point was that it is pretty stupid for Botta to go that far and I wouldn't be surprised if he writes something to clarify what he meant. Again, the Islanders could destroy that blog if they really want to.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
11:18 AM
stevedepot,Sep 13 2010
10:18 AM
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
08:46 AM
the "staged story" comment is no going to win him any points with Garth & co.  He better not whine when Garth ignores him or kicks him out of the room.  Not sure what he meant by it but it could be perceived as calling Garth a liar.

Garth Snow supposedly cut CB off back in March, remember this???

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2010/03...to-be-critical/

For what? Daring to be critical?
Good thing Botta has others inside the Isles org to get info from.

Isn't that the same excuse we heard about the Jaffe dismissal?
They could have let him know sooner so the man could look for other work over the summer, NOT after MSG agreed to renew his contract only to have the Isles reject it.
Yeah, I know Jaffe will land on his feet but I totally disagree.

I don't trust any man who goes in front of the NHL GM's and pitches his bosses absurd suggestion
that the 8th place playoff spot should be given to a loser tournament winner.

I side with Botta on this. Garth Snow is an effen liar. I sure as hell don't trust him.
He hasn't earned any right for trust even with some of the moves I've raved about.
The bad, unfortunately, outweighs any good he's done IMO.

:yes:

Steve - like I said above, not becoming a "Team Garth" guy here but you and I both know that all GM's and media members, in all sports, "play the game" when it comes to access and the overall relationship. It's going to be a roller coaster when you start criticizing them in general. how many times have we seen coaches/GM's ignore some reporter for an extended period of time after a negative article. Not saying it's right but it happens all the time. Garth isn't the first to do this. My only point was that it is pretty stupid for Botta to go that far and I wouldn't be surprised if he writes something to clarify what he meant. Again, the Islanders could destroy that blog if they really want to.

Ozzie, I get what you're saying. really do. Not disagreeing with you either.
I know from a media perspective it doesn't seem wise to insinuate someone is a liar.
But, as I wrote in previous entry, CB has others inside the org, agents of players and media friends who can get him info. He doesn't need Garth as Garth shut him out back in March.

I don't know about anyone, but I don't want to read about DP's love for cooking.
I want to read about team doctors and medical staff responding to tough questions
about DP's health, not the fluffanutter stuff like Strang wrote about DP feeling good.
Did she feel him up?

If he was a horse they would have shot him 3 years ago.

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
7th Woman
Member Avatar
All Star
The gospel according to Chris Botta?

hmmmm...

Just remember that thing about false prophets.

every media member has an agenda.

You don't want to read about what DP is cooking? Don't read it.
You want detailed information from trainers and doctors? You try getting an interview with them and seeing what you come away with.

the fact that Rick has been working hard in the gym every day should tell you something about his rehab and his strength & conditioning.

Posted Image
NY Islanders 7th Woman
JOURNAL UPDATED NOT QUITE AS OFTEN AS POINT BLANK

<p style="margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:0; padding-bottom:0; text-align:center; line-height:0"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/FcwQ/~6/1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/FcwQ.1.gif" alt="NY Islanders 7th Woman" style="border:0"></a></p>
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
7th Woman,Sep 13 2010
12:24 PM
The gospel according to Chris Botta?

hmmmm...

Just remember that thing about false prophets.

every media member has an agenda.

You don't want to read about what DP is cooking? Don't read it.
You want detailed information from trainers and doctors? You try getting an interview with them and seeing what you come away with.

the fact that Rick has been working hard in the gym every day should tell you something about his rehab and his strength & conditioning.

He's done that for 3 years Dee, no one is questioning his work ethic.
It's his ability to play the style of goaltending that got him injured many times over.

It's not my job to get an interview with him and I don't blame you for your interview.

But I sure as hell don't blame CB for his take. I don't always agree with him but
I totally believe that part about Snow.

Speaking of "false prophets", wasn't Snow telling us DP would be READY???

remember that BS????

For what??? to sit on the bench as a backup when he couldn't even do that.

But yeah, we should believe everything they disseminate from controlled hand picked media.

:letssee: :dontknow: :thumbsdown:


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
stevedepot
Member Avatar
WISENHEIMER
Here's a great entry by Botta.
Direct, informative, some opinion and good news on Bailey gaining weight.
No Diners, Drive-ins or Dives like distractions.

Looks like a little Snow kissup thrown in there but still a good read.


http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=58679

Quote:
 
ROOKIE CAMP: 9.13.10
Kabanov’s Late, and other Islanders notes

September 13th, 2010 by admin 2 Comments



Say this for Kirill Kabanov: he did not disappoint. The 2010 draft pick with all the tools but a few screws loose reported late to the first day of prospect camp.



Say this for Islanders hockey ops staffers: they did not sweep Kabanov’s tardiness under the rug. The Russian winger was kept off the ice for the first day of camp. The easiest thing to do could have been to let it slide - and keep it out of the news - with a warning to Kabanov. Instead, the Islanders know they don’t have a perfect kid on their hands, which is why he was available in the third round in June.



Good on Garth Snow for putting the hammer down. Of the strikes (we learn about) on Kabanov’s way to earning an Entry Level contract, let’s see how many the kid gets.



Notes: Kirill Petrov is not here…Calvin de Haan (shoulder surgery) participated in all on-ice drills - often to the left of Travis Hamonic…While the prospects’ practice began at 10:30 am, the veterans were planning to hit the main rink at Iceworks around 1:00 pm…The workouts are not open to the public.



Unlike many of his Bridgeport brethren, Matt Martin was not part of the rookie session. He has graduated to the big boy training camp…Scott Gordon is in his teaching element at the rookie camp. Commonly heard over the glass at Iceworks: “Faster,” “You don’t have all day with the puck,” and “What’s your job here”? (translation: what is a player’s assignment on a particular play). Tony Dungy would be happy to know Gordon keeps it fairly clean.



Jon Sim, back with the team on a two-way deal, likes what he sees of his young teammates: “A lot of skill,” said Sim. “The guys are ready to ramp it up a few notches.”



Josh Bailey on his draft day in 2008: 6-0 (”about”), 185 pounds. Bailey now: 6-1 (”one and a half”), 200. “I wanted to put on more wait this summer,” said Bailey. “I needed it to be more effective in the corners.”
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Ozzie307
2nd line
stevedepot,Sep 13 2010
11:28 AM
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
11:18 AM
stevedepot,Sep 13 2010
10:18 AM
Ozzie307,Sep 13 2010
08:46 AM
the "staged story" comment is no going to win him any points with Garth & co.  He better not whine when Garth ignores him or kicks him out of the room.  Not sure what he meant by it but it could be perceived as calling Garth a liar.

Garth Snow supposedly cut CB off back in March, remember this???

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2010/03...to-be-critical/

For what? Daring to be critical?
Good thing Botta has others inside the Isles org to get info from.

Isn't that the same excuse we heard about the Jaffe dismissal?
They could have let him know sooner so the man could look for other work over the summer, NOT after MSG agreed to renew his contract only to have the Isles reject it.
Yeah, I know Jaffe will land on his feet but I totally disagree.

I don't trust any man who goes in front of the NHL GM's and pitches his bosses absurd suggestion
that the 8th place playoff spot should be given to a loser tournament winner.

I side with Botta on this. Garth Snow is an effen liar. I sure as hell don't trust him.
He hasn't earned any right for trust even with some of the moves I've raved about.
The bad, unfortunately, outweighs any good he's done IMO.

:yes:

Steve - like I said above, not becoming a "Team Garth" guy here but you and I both know that all GM's and media members, in all sports, "play the game" when it comes to access and the overall relationship. It's going to be a roller coaster when you start criticizing them in general. how many times have we seen coaches/GM's ignore some reporter for an extended period of time after a negative article. Not saying it's right but it happens all the time. Garth isn't the first to do this. My only point was that it is pretty stupid for Botta to go that far and I wouldn't be surprised if he writes something to clarify what he meant. Again, the Islanders could destroy that blog if they really want to.

Ozzie, I get what you're saying. really do. Not disagreeing with you either.
I know from a media perspective it doesn't seem wise to insinuate someone is a liar.
But, as I wrote in previous entry, CB has others inside the org, agents of players and media friends who can get him info. He doesn't need Garth as Garth shut him out back in March.

I don't know about anyone, but I don't want to read about DP's love for cooking.
I want to read about team doctors and medical staff responding to tough questions
about DP's health, not the fluffanutter stuff like Strang wrote about DP feeling good.
Did she feel him up?

If he was a horse they would have shot him 3 years ago.

Yeah, he will still have his sources but early on, I know I liked that fact that his blog had inside access to the team. Now, is his blog any different from any other blogger out there that has "a team source" or "person with knowledge of the situation"? If Garth gets wind of that quote from him, I bet he will be treated like the plague when he's around the organization/team. Makes me skeptical if he references a "team source" again.

Strang is what she is. Basically, a spokesperson for the islanders who will write articles that could copied directly to the website, they are so positive. I don't expect much from her but she's got a job to do and right now, she'll get every scoop way before everyone else.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · General Islanders News · Next Topic »
Add Reply