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"My Heart Bleeds Orange and Blue"
Buffalo, NY • United States • 32 Years Old • Male
Everyone has heard the jokes about the Islanders, their General Manager, their Owner, the players, building, and so on. The people cracking these jokes are on message boards, in bars, blogs, etc. They are the fans of the NHL, both of the Isles themselves and of other teams. The people not cracking jokes? The coaches and players of other NHL franchises.

"But, if that was true, why don't players sign with the Islanders?" Fair point, voices in my head. The truth of the matter is one that isn't as deep and mysterious as some might think. The "shocking" truth is that the Islanders aren't a playoff team. Yet. Islander fans can blame Wang, Snow, the arena, whatever they want. The Islanders aren't a playoff contender. Let's say this ragtag team of young players broke through to the playoffs these past two season. Two seasons, two playoff appearances. I am firm in the belief it would be easier for a player to decide to sign with the Isles because we would be a step closer to being a "contender".

NHL players and coaches know that the team the Islanders have assembled, despite the record, play hard. They don't like playing the Isles any more than they like playing the Bruins or Canucks. The Islanders can bring the thunder just as hard as the Stanley Cup champions. A year older, a year to gel, the Islanders might surprise a few fans this coming season. The funny thing is, they won't be surprising anyone in the NHL if they play well.
Filed Under:   Islanders   Future  
July 4, 2011 11:05 AM ET | Delete
I don't think the Islanders are a laughing stock at all. The bad decision was made long ago with the lease to that arena. The team has been totally handcuffed with that building. Yet they are starting to accumulate players and these young players with lots of NHL experience are going to break out soon. The Penguins were a laughing stock a while back...Chicago was awful for a long time....Detroit was invisible for decades....The Islanders will be back and free agents will come back too.
July 4, 2011 11:15 AM ET | Delete
July 4, 2011 12:21 PM ET | Delete
I agree, but thanks for the sentimental thoughts, we know its tough going through this, but in newyork, we expect the process to be quicker, some dont have patience, go figure.........
July 4, 2011 2:26 PM ET | Delete
"The "shocking" truth is that the Islanders aren't a playoff team." There are several theories as to why we sign no UFA's Your theory has credibility but is still only one of several factors. I'm sure you and others are aware of them so not need to list them. Keep up the great work Rob.
July 4, 2011 7:24 PM ET | Delete
Well, I'm not Rob, but I'll take the comment and compliment anyway :)
July 4, 2011 7:45 PM ET | Delete
July 4, 2011 8:30 PM ET | Delete
Save_Us_John and Rob, I don't know if it's just me, but I can't see your comments :\ I will just assume they are agreeing with me and saying I should be on the Isles PR staff ;) j/k :)
July 4, 2011 10:33 PM ET | Delete
damn it...in short, you're right about everything you wrote and I feel this is the offseason Snow and Wang need to pull out all the stops and get Stamkos, Doughty, or any of the big name RFAs out there to solidify this team and make sure everyone knows how serious they are. It will help the team as far as their arena and respect from everyone else. It was flashier than this though hahaha
July 5, 2011 2:54 AM ET | Delete
Unfortunately for Islander Nation, things will either get worse or better in the next year. If the vote isn't passed for the new arena, I suspect Tavaras will want out and you can most certainly expect no UFA signings and or players not wanting to except trades to the Isle. It's about ownership taking responsibility and leadership of the damn organization.
July 5, 2011 1:12 PM ET | Delete
Your title scared me. I was expecting to have to beat you up. You're right. With less injuries, even this rag-tag team of youngsters may make a playoff appearance, then they can attract better FAs. however, also at risk is that 8/1 vote. Without a home, this team is gone come 2015. Who would want to sign up not knowing the geography of their job? No one. Now, fix the typo in the first paragraph and make me happy. :o)
July 5, 2011 2:16 PM ET | Delete
They..the.. y's end up in the most odd places. Grammar, contract decisions...
July 5, 2011 5:40 PM ET | Delete
Also they are in a pretty tough Conference. Penguins, Rangers, Flyers, Devils... I know the Devils took a step back last year but those are teams that are constantly in or close to being in the playoffs. I've always said, in another Conference the Islanders might have made the playoffs at least once over the last couple years.
July 6, 2011 5:22 PM ET | Delete
flyler,Just wanted to let you know that the Islanders play in a Division with the Penguins, Ranger, Flyers, and Devils and they play in the Eastern Conference. The only other conference is the Western Conference.
July 8, 2011 10:55 AM ET | Delete
Got a spot at Lukin's
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