SBNation.com User Blog: FB4Real

How Would You Rename Isles (If You Had To)?

FB4Real — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 21:06:50 -0000

Hey Guys....Just for Fun....I was wondering How Isles fans would Rename the Team if they had to rename the team as a condition of the move to Brooklyn.

Note: U dont have to call them the Broooklyn _____. If U want to retain New York as your team Location that is OK?

Oduya Re-Ups with CHI

FB4Real — Wed, 30 May 2012 05:14:09 -0000

Oduya Re-Ups with CHI

So...Thats 1 of the more realistic FAs that the Isles could have made a run at.

The #Isles really need to start bringing in some fresh blood without giving any real valuable assets.

It would be great if we could get 1 or 2 real solid FA pickups.

The 3-Point Debate...One of My Favs

FB4Real — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:47:29 -0000

The 3-Point Debate...One of My Favs

Pierre LeBrun discussing the 3-Point System and the chances it ever gets adopted.

I MAKE NO SECRET THAT I LOVE THIS IDEA.

Brian Burke, as if we did not already know....is really just an idiot.

Please just remember this everyone....TIES STINK. As a sports consumer...I pay to experience either the Trill of Victory or The Agony of Defeat.

That being said...Shoot-out wins need to be de-valued and Regulation Wins need to be Highlighted More.

Pat Flatley is a Top-Notch Analyst

FB4Real — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:50:45 -0000

To start, I have to say that the addition of Flatley (or any analyst for that matter) in a position between the benches is a fantastic add to any hockey broadcast.

The proximity to the action really gives those analysts a great perspective. My favorites are the moments when those analysts can give the fan information on things like player body-language, coach communication and overrall 'feel' that he is getting from the two benches during crucial moments during the game.

Flatley was so good in his breakdowns, familiarity with the Toronto team and his overrall explanation on Islanders strengths and how they could use their 'speed and puck moving ability' to 'blow by' the Leafs D-Men who were much bigger then the Isles.

His insight into JT's 'intangibles' in the pregame was spot-on as well. He actually referred to Tavares' desire to be the best player in the league as un-recognized intangible.

But The Highlight of Flatley's Night?

To start, I have to say that the addition of Flatley (or any analyst for that matter) in a position between the benches is a fantastic add to any hockey broadcast.

His insight into JT's 'intangibles' in the pregame was spot-on as well. He actually referred to Tavares' desire to be the best player in the league as un-recognized intangible.

But The Highlight of Flatley's Night?

In the second period, seconds after the Islanders had just competed a decent shift in the Leafs zone, the puck found a leaf stick and a breakout started for the Leafs with the Isles having bad defensive balance. Patrick Flatley basically called the goal by Phil Kessel moments before it occurred. As the Leafs were breaking through the neutral zone Flatley was in the middle of analytical anecdote when he stopped his story to just point out...."OH..THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS". About 3 seconds later...Kessel pushed the puck past Nabakov.

Highlight Here of Kessel's Goal....Listen to the first word said...."Dangerous"

After thinking about a lot of what Flatley said and just thinking about his analysis overall, if you didn't know who Pat Flatley was as a Player you would have to assume that he was one of the smartest guys on the ice every night.

A Worthy member of the Islander Hall of Fame. A true Disciple of Al Arbour and of Islander Greatness.

Kate Murray is a Puppet

FB4Real — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:44:58 -0000

Kate Murray is a Puppet

The tribe also appeared to be facing a prospective opponent in Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, who had appeared onstage with Mangano when Belmont was announced.

In a publicly released letter to a Floral Park resident dated Dec. 29, Murray said she had "profound concerns" with Nassau's "stated intention" for a Belmont casino.

NEED HELP: Obstructed view seating at Coliseum?

FB4Real — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:15:34 -0000

NEED HELP: Obstructed view seating at Coliseum?

Hey - does anyone know what row the obstructed view seating (of the scoreboard) begins at the Coliseum? Also, do certain sections not have obstructed view seating at the top of the arena?

Thanks for your help.

Trade Frans Neilsen

FB4Real — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:29:53 -0000

Trade Frans Neilsen

I understand it is sacrilege in these parts, but the link above lists free agent forwards this coming off-season. Look at the Neilsen's cap hit. His cap hit is lower than Colliton, Frischmon and Gillies on the Islanders.

At the deadline, there are gonna be teams with serious playoff aspirations that would give up some assets for Frans Neilsen.

Neilsen would really help any team with PK needs, a need for a third line Center, etc..

I like Frans Neilsen and all that he brings to the table but I do wonder if we have seen the best of what Fransie brings and also wonder if there much up-side left on Fransie.

Chris Botta did bring up the idea that sometimes calling a player the most underrated player in the league eventually makes him overrated and I can see how this can apply to a player like Frans Neilsen.

If Frans was making 2.0M instead of of the 525K he makes now...nobody would be calling him underrated. He would be a 2 million dallar player with particular attributes and thats all.

With Bailey's continued development and the forwards that the isles have developing in BPT and Juniors (i.e. Czikas, Strome, Ullstrom, etc). It might be time to get the last of what he can out of the Great Dane.

Hey Older Isles Fans!!! During the glory years of the Isles did they hve attendance issues like...

FB4Real — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:44:39 -0000

Hey Older Isles Fans!!! During the glory years of the Isles did they hve attendance issues like they have today?

The image above is from the isles website and the photo is of the Stands during the 1984 Stanley Cup playoffs

Question: Were the Islanders selling out the Coliseum a lot of nights during the 80s and early 90s?

Kaberle on Market - Insider Trading

FB4Real — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:29:56 -0000

Kaberle on Market - Insider Trading

Darren Dreger Is saying 'Canes are desperate to get rid of just signed Thomas Kaberle. They want help up front in retun.

Considering Isles situation on D....would u talk to Carolina about a possible deal?

Also Darren Dreger says #Isles shopping Comeau for picks

Islanders Hall of Fame Discussion.

FB4Real — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:30:32 -0000

Islanders Hall of Fame Discussion.

So...Ed Westfall enters the Islanders Hall of Fame on Saturday. This year the isles will also add Ken Morrow, Pat Flatley & Kenny Jonsson, each player representing a particular decade in the Isles 40 year History

These guys join the following names in the Isles HOF if I am Correct:

Bill Torrey
Al Arbour
Denis Potvin
Mike Bossy
Bryan Trottier
Billy Smith
Bobby Nystrom
Clark Gillies
Bob Bourne

I hope I am correct....I think that is the complete list.

Question: Who goes next into Isles HOF? Am I missing a natural name? Butchie maybe?

What are your requirements for Isles HOF inductees?

Is There An Islander Bar? Besides Champions?

FB4Real — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:55:05 -0000

Is There An Islander Bar? Besides Champions?

Ed. Note: Bumped, for the start of the season and new questions. Please also think of Midtown bars, for the city dwellers/workers.

Does anyone know of a good Islanders Bar to go and watch the occasional game?

My criteria for a good Isles bar are very few and very simple:

1. On Islanders Game Nights the bar should be primarily filled with Islander Fans.

2. While the game is on....most TVs are tuned into the Islander Game and all other outside influences are muted (JukeBox, Other Games, etc.) and the Islander TV Broadcast can be heard while watching.

**I have a local bar that went to on occasion last year but I was looking for a more Islander-Centric bar (Besides Champions). Does Champions meet the criteria listed above?

Anyone know a good place?

Nino Niederreiter Issues: Wishing he could play for BPT.

FB4Real — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:09:38 -0000

Nino Niederreiter Issues: Wishing he could play for BPT.

I am all for the idea of giving Nino a chance to make this team out of camp and surely Nino is way past the Junior leagues at this point but he may not be entirely ready to jump to the NHL either.

Am I the only person who would really like it if the Isles could have him in BPT if they could? His status really hamstrings the Isles because BPT might be best next step in his development (even if for only 30-40 games).

Question: Do the isles have the same ability as last season to let Nino play 9 NHL games this year before officially having the season count against his ELC?

The reason I ask is because Nino still has plenty to prove yet and there is no evidence that he should be playing above any of the top 9-10 forwards from late last season.

With Calvin deHaan, the Isles have the option to play him at BPT (which they should). I wish they had some option with Nino. It might be best for his development.

Do The Islanders Need A Jim Fassel Moment?

FB4Real — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 03:28:56 -0000

Do The Islanders Need A Jim Fassel Moment?

With The Isles on the Brink....of losing a slat of Real Estate...of losing a slice of what is their history...of Losing a piece of what is their loyal fanbase....do the Isles a Jim Fassel Moment?

Do they need a player/coach/GM or even an Owner to step up before this season starts and make a proclomation to help kick start some LI Inspiration?

Inspiration?
Is the Islander moment born from a Great Opportunity??

Do we as Islander fans need a person/moment this season that will determine the future of the franchise on Long Island? Do we need Kyle Okposo or John Tavares or Rick DiPietro to step and make a GUARANTEE to kick start a run this season that will make it impossible to let this franchise leave?

To a certain extent I think we do. What do you all think?

RDO Camp 2011 - I Love This

FB4Real — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:16:26 -0000

Hey Guys. This post marks my 1 year membership here at LHH. Excited and Looking forward to Year 2.

My First FanPost was last year and it was about the RDO Camp that is once again being conducted this week.

A Few of my Thoughst on potential changes listed below:

Hey Guys. This post marks my 1 year membership here at LHH. Excited and Looking forward to Year 2.

My First FanPost was last year and it was about the RDO Camp that is once again being conducted this week.

A Few of my Thoughst on potential changes listed below:

IDEAS THAT I LOVE:

'Some' of the Changes to OT: I love the idea of switching ends after the third period to re-introduce the long change and potential for a an OT winner. Thus decreasing the chances of the ShootOut. I also would like it if the OT period was extended a few minutes
Changes to the Shootout: I heard John Tortorella mention this once before and I think I like it. Torts says he would like to choose his shooters for the SO after each individual round rather than pick his entire shootout lineup all at once. Also: I like extending the shootout to 5 Rounds.
Shallow Back of the Net: The proposal I read opens up a few feet behind the net for more creative offensive plays back there.

IDEAS THAT I HATE:

Overtime variation (four minutes of 4-on-4 followed by three minutes of 3-on-3): Goodness NO!!!!
Delayed penalty variation (offending team must exit zone in possession of puck to stop play)
No icing permitted while shorthanded: The NHL is already too special teams driven. A Ruke like this makes it impossible to Kill Penalties.

Thoughts Guys?

If Suffolk then Where?

FB4Real — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 08:06:48 -0000

If Suffolk then Where?

If the Isles look in Suffolk, what are the potential locations?

Brentwood (Which I think is actually out of play now)?
What are Realistic Locations? They can't go any further east than Brentwood I wouldn't think. so where do they go?

Also: What is the point of Talking with Levy about anything. The guy is literally packing his bags due to his own political problems.

GIVE HOMAGE TO ISLANDERS COUNTRY!!!!!

FB4Real — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 03:59:17 -0000

WE GIVE HOMAGE TO LONG ISLAND

SONS OF STANLEY CUP CHAMPION PAST....WE ARE ISLANDER FANS!!!!!!

WE ARE ISLANDERS FANS......AND WE ARE A WHOLE ARMY OF COUNTRYMEN....HERE IN DEFIANCE OF THE STATUS QUO....WE ARE HERE TO FIGHT FOR OUR ISLANDERS

....AND ISLANDER FANS WE ARE!!!!!

WHAT WILL WE DO WITHOUT THE ISLANDERS......WILL WE FIGHT?!?!?!

FIGHT AND WE MAY LOSE......RUN....AND WE'LL LIVE.....(at least a while)......

.....AND DYING IN OUR BEDS MANY YEARS FROM NOW...WOULD WE BE WILLING TO TRADE ALL OF THE DAYS FROM THIS DAY TO THAT.....FOR ONE CHANCE....JUST ONE CHANCE......TO COME BACK HERE....AND TELL OUR ENEMIES....

WE GIVE HOMAGE TO LONG ISLAND

SONS OF STANLEY CUP CHAMPION PAST....WE ARE ISLANDER FANS!!!!!!

WE ARE ISLANDERS FANS......AND WE ARE A WHOLE ARMY OF COUNTRYMEN....HERE IN DEFIANCE OF THE STATUS QUO....WE ARE HERE TO FIGHT FOR OUR ISLANDERS

....AND ISLANDER FANS WE ARE!!!!!

WHAT WILL WE DO WITHOUT THE ISLANDERS......WILL WE FIGHT?!?!?!

FIGHT AND WE MAY LOSE......RUN....AND WE'LL LIVE.....(at least a while)......

THAT THEY MAY TAKE OUR TAX DOLLARS......BUT THEY'LL NEVER TAKE......

OUR ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!

Way to Go Garth.....YOU STUBBORN S.O.B.....Don't let'm beat ya!!!

FB4Real — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:11:37 -0000

Undoubtedly....you would have to think that Garth could have, at some point, pulled the trigger on a deal for a marquee name in the last few weeks or even in the last few months.... but so far......he has stuck to his young prospects and has not given away any of them.

I for one....am very happy that he he has not done so.....but the frustrating thing for me is the difficulty to sign upper-level FA's.

I understand that the Isles have dug themselves a bit of a hole from a standpoint of credibility/respect with their overall ineptitude over the last 10-15 years....but I am somewhat surprised that they were not able to lock-up at least one of the bigger names that were available this Summer. This is a group that as a a lot to be excited about!!!!

Now.....There is still time for them to pull-off a moderately significant trade before training camp opens but.... IMHO the best way for them to get better would have been through Free Agency. It's tough to hear that we have to give up strong assets (prospects/players) in order to improve the team. For me....AS A LIFE-LONG LONG ISLANDER....GETTING REJECTED BY THESE FREE-AGENTS IS TOUGH TO TAKE!!!! I have to admit that I took it just a tiny bit as a personal insult ( I know that probably sounds silly....but I'm 'Kinda Pissed').

I WANT THIS ARENA DEAL TO PASS SOOOOO BAD!!!....I feel very strongly that this rebuild, and the way Garth has handled it so far is pretty good.....We just need that little nudge of good fortune (1 more Mark Streit....1 more Matt Moulson....1 more Michael Grabner). A stroke of good fortune and one more upper-level talent to say....

"I WANT TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION ON LONG ISLAND!!!!

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION: VOTE YES ON AUGUST 1ST EVERYONE!!!

I for one....am very happy that he he has not done so.....but the frustrating thing for me is the difficulty to sign upper-level FA's.

"I WANT TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION ON LONG ISLAND!!!!

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION: VOTE YES ON AUGUST 1ST EVERYONE!!!

Realignment for 2011-12- MY FAVORITE TOPIC

FB4Real — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 01:21:06 -0000

Realignment for 2011-12- MY FAVORITE TOPIC

THIS SHOULD BE EXCITING STUFF....

Take Nothing for Granted

FB4Real — Tue, 31 May 2011 03:14:03 -0000

Take Nothing for Granted

There are a lot of negative comments to this article about the arena. Read them if you wish. WE NEED TO GET OUIT THE VOTE ON AUGUST 1ST TO VOTE YES FOR THIS EVERYONE!!!!

TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED!!!!

Hey Guys.....MSG did a quick piece on JT after the world championships. This was from last...

FB4Real — Mon, 23 May 2011 02:29:13 -0000

Hey Guys.....MSG did a quick piece on JT after the world championships. This was from last weekend's Show.

I THINK I GOT 4 "YES" VOTES LAST NIGHT

FB4Real — Fri, 13 May 2011 04:31:19 -0000

I THINK I GOT 4 "YES" VOTES LAST NIGHT

I was at my Knights of Columbus meeting in Bellmore tonight. We put the playoffs on THE TV and started watching and talking Hockey.
The overrall feeling was good.

But we gotta get the word out: DON"T LET THE ISLANDERS GO! VOTE YES ON AUGUST 1st.

I think I got 4 YES votes last night. We all need to keep a positive vibe. We all need to push for a YES vote AUGUST 1ST.

Print simple Fliers/Posters......drop them in your friEnds and neighbors mailboxes.......VOTE YES TO KEEP OUR ONE AND ONLY MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS FRANCHISE ON LONG ISLAND!!!!!!!!!!

EVERYONE DO IT! WE HAVE 79 DAYS....LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!

JT MVP of the World Championships? He has 2 pts in the preliminary game already. Think he can win...

FB4Real — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:34:18 -0000

JT MVP of the World Championships? He has 2 pts in the preliminary game already. Think he can win MVP of the Championships?

Why Did Denis Potvin Suck?

FB4Real — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:41:57 -0000

Why Did Denis Potvin Suck?

This is just a Question......I am just Young Enough to have not seen The Captain Play.

Attn Older Islander Fans:

Tell me about Denis Potvin as a Hockey Player. Why did Ranger fans love him such?

Charles Wang at thye Knicks Game tonight!!!!!! Sitting next to Lou Lamorillo!!!! Kinda Funny!

FB4Real — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:30:35 -0000

Charles Wang at thye Knicks Game tonight!!!!!! Sitting next to Lou Lamorillo!!!! Kinda Funny!

Gary Bettman on with Mike Francesa yesterday

FB4Real — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:21:03 -0000

Gary Bettman on with Mike Francesa yesterday

I haven't listened yet....but....I'm sure they touched on the Islanders a bit

Hey Guys...Stan Fischler is gonna do a 5 for 5 tomorrow night on HNL on the 5 Best Players in the...

FB4Real — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:35:45 -0000

Hey Guys...Stan Fischler is gonna do a 5 for 5 tomorrow night on HNL on the 5 Best Players in the Tr-State Area. I think its a great Topic....Give me your yours!!!!!!

Doug Weight sticking around?...Let Next Year's Head Coach have a say.

FB4Real — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:28:07 -0000

I'm sure most of you have probably read the news recently that Chris Botta posted on his blog regarding Doug Weight's probable/possible return with the Islanders next season in a coaching or management role.

Let me preface the rest of this post by saying that I think Doug Weight has been fantastic representative for the Islanders and the Islanders would be benefitted greatly by having him around to assist in the rebuild even after his playing days are over.

Here's what concerns me though about keeping Doug Weight around:

Chris Botta mentions in the article that Weight would likely have one of two roles:

Weight’s new role would likely be on the coaching staff of the NHL club as an assistant, or working with Garth Snow as an assistant general manager or director of hockey operations.

In addition, Chris says:

Of course, you don’t need a source to observe his increased role as a voice for the Islanders with each of his three seasons. Weight has arguably been the best spokesman the franchise has had since the days of William A. Torrey. Weight has vigorously expressed optimism over the last two seasons that the Islanders were a playoff team. In a few recent interviews – including this one with Brian Compton of NHL.com – he has voluntarily defended the commitment of Wang to the franchise, its players and its fans.

The quote immediately above is why I think that Dougie Weight would better serve us in an Asst. General Manager role as opposed to being an Asst. Coach.

I remember in Joe Torre's last few seasons as Yankees Manager he had issues with Yankees Management and Brian Cashman when they started dictating things to him regarding coaching positions and the such. I think there was a pitching coach and/or a hitting coach that was more or less forced on him late in his tenure with the Yankees.

I mention this because I think I am just a little bit worried about Islanders Management (Charles and Garth) placing Doug Weight in an assistant coaching role without allowing the Head Coach (whoever that might be) to choose his own coaching staff.

Behind the scenes this Islander Season, I'm sure that Doug Weight has spent many a game nights sitting in the press box watching games with both Garth and Charles and no doubt discussing the going ons during the games both on the ice and on the "off days".

I guess what I am trying to get at is that I am concerned that Doug Weight as an assistant coach might be difficult for the eventual Head Coach (if he is not chosen by him specifically)....I don't know if coaching "staffs" in Hockey are as carefully chosen by Head Coaches as they might be in other sports (say Football, or Baseball). But if they are....then placing Doug Weight in a coaching role with the team before a Head Coach is finalized and given his proper right to choose his own staff is a bad idea.

The minute that Doug Weight is placed in a coaching role before a head coach is chosen he would immediately become a "Charles and Garth hire" and therefore would not really report to whoever the Head Coach is.

The Head Coach need to be the HEAD Coach.....

Thoughts?

John Gianone's Nephew....Sad Story....Here's a stick-tap to the Gianone family for their loss.

FB4Real — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:44:08 -0000

John Gianone's Nephew....Sad Story....Here's a stick-tap to the Gianone family for their loss.

Lets Discuss the Latest Wilpon News: The Wilpons are looking to sell a portion of the NY Mets. I...

FB4Real — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:29:27 -0000

Lets Discuss the Latest Wilpon News: The Wilpons are looking to sell a portion of the NY Mets. I Guess this means that aren't buying a piece of the Islanders anytime soon huh? What do you guys think?

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/blame-madoff-wilpon-needs-to-sell-part-of-mets/

Official: Kyle Okposo Returns Tomorrow Night!!

FB4Real — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:41:43 -0000

Official: Kyle Okposo Returns Tomorrow Night!!

He's Back tomorrow night...looking forward to it.