Since before the season, I've been waiting for Niederreiter to play with Bailey.
Have we seen that this season?
We certainly haven't seen him taking a regular shift with Bailey since the all-star break, as of when Nino started showing more confidence and capability.
We all knew the reason behind the move when it happened. We all heard Devils fans gloating that they were able to dump Rolston. When every $ counts it was not a gamble worth taking, that is the point. Even keeping Hunters 2 million a 3.5 million UFA or cap dump would have been better the Rolston. So the cap floor is a bogus argument. I know we needed to spend 3.5 million and it was possible and will always be possible to get a productive 3.5 million dollar player. Hunter than could have been bought out for little next season or traded. It would delay the Hunter problem another year.
This is not hindsight, we all saw this coming (Devil fans did) so shouln't our pro scouts and our GM be able to see it?
Of course we could have done something else to reach the cap floor, and I too would have preferred that, but again, there was logical rhyme and reason into believing Rolston here (even heavily overpaid) for one year COULD be of more benefit to this team - in both a scoring and leadership capacity - than Hunter here for two. Basta.
Saying otherwise is disingenuous.
And since when is what a few Devils fans post here at HF proof of anything???
Of course we could have done something else to reach the cap floor, and I too would have preferred that, but again, there was logical rhyme and reason into believing Rolston here (even heavily overpaid) for one year COULD be of more benefit to this team - in both a scoring and leadership capacity - than Hunter here for two. Basta.
Saying otherwise is disingenuous.
And since when is what a few Devils fans post here at HF proof of anything???
There was/is Garth Snow style logical reason to have Rolston here, a team USA over the hill vet is what this team loves as "vet leadership". Real logical reason would dictate valuing every penny under your cheap owner and not wasting a quarter of your payroll on an ECHL caliber player. Rolston was not the only option, Snow crapped the bed as usual and waited too long and this years crappy team is result
There was/is Garth Snow style logical reason to have Rolston here, a team USA over the hill vet is what this team loves as "vet leadership". Real logical reason would dictate valuing every penny under your cheap owner and not wasting a quarter of your payroll on an ECHL caliber player. Rolston was not the only option, Snow crapped the bed as usual and waited too long and this years crappy team is result
I repeat. This team has more talent than the one Nolan got into the playoffs. This is a coaching issue more than a talent issue.
I repeat. This team has more talent than the one Nolan got into the playoffs. This is a coaching issue more than a talent issue.
Nonsense.
Two lines can't play the entire game. Nolan had four lines and a defense that all could compete. Our third line loses the puck and has to play pinned in our zone and our fourth line is just inept. Our defense is one good pair, one adequate pair and one horrid pair. Our goalies and forewards have to make up for it.
You can't compare Nolan's team. This one is more like Butch's team over a decade ago. (even hi fourth line was better)
Two lines can't play the entire game. Nolan had four lines and a defense that all could compete. Our third line loses the puck and has to play pinned in our zone and our fourth line is just inept. Our defense is one good pair, one adequate pair and one horrid pair. Our goalies and forewards have to make up for it.
You can't compare Nolan's team. This one is more like Butch's team over a decade ago. (even hi fourth line was better)
Thank you! I agree 100% There is no way in hell we have more talent then the 06-07 team. Not only did that team have more talent they also had a mean streak and players willing to take beatings to get a goal. That team was also filled with gritty get your nose dirty to score goals type of team. That team took on the identity of their coach in Nolan. That team had that grittynees that you need for tough games. They had gritty players in Asham,Witt,Sillinger,Simon,Sean Hill ect.
Again, we're comparing the performance of the two teams vs. their talent. Which is my entire point. Nolan got a lot more out of a group of individuals that had less talent overall than the group Crappy struggles to keep at .500.
So let's debate the 06/07 team against this one in terms of talent. Here's my take as I try to remember that team vs. the current one.
Again, we're comparing the performance of the two teams vs. their talent. Which is my entire point. Nolan got a lot more out of a group of individuals that had less talent overall than the group Crappy struggles to keep at .500.
So let's debate the 06/07 team against this one in terms of talent. Here's my take as I try to remember that team vs. the current one.
I repeat. This team has more talent than the one Nolan got into the playoffs. This is a coaching issue more than a talent issue.
I gotta concur with Oltimehockey.
Nolan had a boatload more proven and ample NHL talent to work with. That team was much more playoff caliber, at least for spots 7 and 8, which is where the team ultimately landed.
Nolan had a boatload more proven and ample NHL talent to work with. That team was much more playoff caliber, at least for spots 7 and 8, which is where the team ultimately landed.
And one thing missed in New Islanderland.....
That team played together 100X better. This one has one, sometimes two lines playing, but even then, Nielson's line had a weak wing. Passing was always rough. Physical pressure is scarcely used. No fighters. No punishing defense. No solid defense past Hamonic's pair. Power play that was always weak on the points. PK that is better than Nolan's I must say. Players go up the boards and don't drive down the middle for higher chances.
The team doesn't play well as a team here, now. Nolan's team did. Worse teams talent wise do. I blame it on the mix of players. I see Haley and DiBo out there and know they play a disciplined gritty game and keep their assignments. But then I see Reasoner and Rolston and see the entire lines look parochial.
I liked his post game interview, he was completely right but I think he needs to go. The thing is, I don't want him to be the scapegoat like Gordon was.
I liked his post game interview, he was completely right but I think he needs to go. The thing is, I don't want him to be the scapegoat like Gordon was.
I don't think he'd be a scapegoat, but they need a real coach to teach these kids how to get to the next level. He seems like a nice guy, but they need a real NHL coach.
I don't think he'd be a scapegoat, but they need a real coach to teach these kids how to get to the next level. He seems like a nice guy, but they need a real NHL coach.
Agreed. Especially on a team with a severe lack of veteran leadership, having an experienced, respected coach would make a difference, as opposed to someone who you hope can 'grow with the team'.
I've said it a few times... Capuano is a coach who likes to have his team play physical and intimidating hockey. He is not a strategist nor is he a tactician. He worked perfectly in the second half last year when e had Gillies, Konopka, Haley, and Martin in the lineup.
We castrated the coach from his style of play. not his fault.
I've said it a few times... Capuano is a coach who likes to have his team play physical and intimidating hockey. He is not a strategist nor is he a tactician. He worked perfectly in the second half last year when e had Gillies, Konopka, Haley, and Martin in the lineup.
We castrated the coach from his style of play. not his fault.
This!
Did any of you hear his post-game comments. He said about 5 or 6 times, they needed a physical presence. He's been asking that of Snow all year. Now I agree Gillies should not be on the team..but Snow made a huge mistake not having Konopka, haley and Sutton on this team. Again it goes to team chemistry....Last year, second half we were one of the best teams in league. Why? because that 4th line gave there teammates security and space on the ice. Not to mention has the fans going crazy.
Youth Experience
Tavares - 3rd year
Bailey - 4th year (wasn't ready till last year)
Martin - 3rd year
Grabner - 3rd year
Nino - rookie
Hamonic - 2nd year
Macdonald - 3rd year
Poulin - rookie
Ness - rookie
Washed up/AHL/Beer League talent
-Rolston 5 Million
-Mottau 650k
-Jurcina 1.6 Million
-Pandolf 800k
-Reasoner 1.35 Million
-Staios 800k
-Montoya 600k
-DiPietro 4.5 Million
-Wallace 700k
Look at that . How can you blame the coach?
Half the line-up is useless and the other half are bunch of kids who haven't been in the league for more than 3 seasons. What a joke. There are huge gaps in every position.
-Defense-
Macdonald and Hamonic are his go-to-guys. They play like half the game, every game, against other teams top lines. Cappy has to play them like crazy because he doesn't have anyone else who can eat those minutes. No one else can play big minutes because they are either a)too old or b)too ***** . Our defense stinks. Zero depth on D. I love Hammer and AMac, but when you gotta rely that heavily on two 2nd year players...you're in trouble.
-Offence-
We're shaky down the middle. 2 of our 4 centres are still very very young. Sure JT is a beast but he's only 21...and Bailey, although he is making good progress, he is not ready to play big minutes just yet. Then you got Nielsen who is a decent shut down centre and an aging Reasoner who hasn't really done much to keep his spot in the line up.
-Goaltending-
Nabby has been amazing when he's played. But if he doesn't play... it's almost a guaranteed loss -
Considering what the coach has to work with - for me, Cappy gets a pass this year.
Coaching wont fix these problems. The team needs help. Its a young mans game and these geezers are just ruining it for them. Hopefully Snow learns from his mistake, dumps off all that dead weight in the offseason and gets us a fresh start in October.
Maybe we can snag a guy or 2 though UFA or trade that aren't 100 yrs old and hit the ground running for a change
Youth Experience
Tavares - 3rd year
Bailey - 4th year (wasn't ready till last year)
Martin - 3rd year
Grabner - 3rd year
Nino - rookie
Hamonic - 2nd year
Macdonald - 3rd year
Poulin - rookie
Ness - rookie
Washed up/AHL/Beer League talent
-Rolston 5 Million
-Mottau 650k
-Jurcina 1.6 Million
-Pandolf 800k
-Reasoner 1.35 Million
-Staios 800k
-Montoya 600k
-DiPietro 4.5 Million
-Wallace 700k
Look at that . How can you blame the coach?
Half the line-up is useless and the other half are bunch of kids who haven't been in the league for more than 3 seasons. What a joke. There are huge gaps in every position.
-Defense-
Macdonald and Hamonic are his go-to-guys. They play like half the game, every game, against other teams top lines. Cappy has to play them like crazy because he doesn't have anyone else who can eat those minutes. No one else can play big minutes because they are either a)too old or b)too ***** . Our defense stinks. Zero depth on D. I love Hammer and AMac, but when you gotta rely that heavily on two 2nd year players...you're in trouble.
-Offence-
We're shaky down the middle. 2 of our 4 centres are still very very young. Sure JT is a beast but he's only 21...and Bailey, although he is making good progress, he is not ready to play big minutes just yet. Then you got Nielsen who is a decent shut down centre and an aging Reasoner who hasn't really done much to keep his spot in the line up.
-Goaltending-
Nabby has been amazing when he's played. But if he doesn't play... it's almost a guaranteed loss -
Considering what the coach has to work with - for me, Cappy gets a pass this year.
Coaching wont fix these problems. The team needs help. Its a young mans game and these geezers are just ruining it for them. Hopefully Snow learns from his mistake, dumps off all that dead weight in the offseason and gets us a fresh start in October.
Maybe we can snag a guy or 2 though UFA or trade that aren't 100 yrs old and hit the ground running for a change
Good post. I don't think Cap is the problem. Al Arbour couldn't make this team competitive.
I'm a bit torn on Cappy because he obviously has very little to work with in terms of quality but too many times this season has the team failed to show up despite the coach's words. They come unprepared to games and concede within minutes, getting shutout regularly at home and Cappys called them out earlier as well with little improvement to show. He'll get the boot at the ned of the season.
. How can you blame the coach? 
