Islander News Articles 12/4: Milbury speaks...

[NYIsles1*]

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey...ders-headlines

Mad Mike Gives Ultimatum
GM threatens to dismantle uninspired Isles

"If we can't get through this, there's no choice. Something's gotta give," Milbury said. "Somebody's gotta go. Anybody."

Perhaps himself?

"If Charles drops a bomb on me, fine," Milbury said.

"It's not right, it's not fair to point it at Steve," he said.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/04/sp...ey/04ISLE.html

Milbury Says Isles Have Talent to Win

Milbury took responsibility for the indelicate manner in which the team waived Jason Wiemer, a move that caused ripples of insecurity among players; many assumed it was a first step in a salary slash. But Milbury said that the move was made weeks ago and that it was no excuse for the team's recent showing.
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http://www.nypost.com/sports/islanders/43431.htm

MILBURY: ISLES' SKID MUST GO

"We've got a new coach [Steve Stirling] that's organized," Milbury said. "Frankly, they wanted a coaching change. They know they wanted a coaching change. They got a coaching change. What's the problem now? What's the answer now?"

Captain Michael Peca has recently come under fire for losing control of the locker room, but Milbury shrugged that off saying, "When I played, I didn't come to the rink asking, 'Where's my leader?' Take a look at each other, and if you've got something to say to somebody, say it."
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http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/ho...p-126224c.html

Isles' Milbury: D-Day tonight

Calling it "a matter of character, not talent," Milbury termed the team's performance and approach "completely unacceptable."

"This isn't a team playing as a team, not a team acting as a team, not a team that looks like it cares, even though I know it does," he said. "If we can't get through it in quick order, there's no choice - something's gotta give. And somebody's gotta go. Anybody."
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http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...=1044442957278

Leaf GM has eye on Peca

The Maple Leafs apparently have an interest in disgruntled New York Islanders captain and Toronto native Michael Peca, but not if it means they have to give up promising rookie Matt Stajan.

TSN reported last night that Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. called his Islander counterpart Mike Milbury about the 29-year-old centre. Another source said Ferguson bristled when Milbury wanted Stajan included in any deal.

[NYIsles1*]

Given Milbury track record with motivational tactics, it's not looking good for tonight already. Usually when he does this the team puts out the kind of effort that forces a change.

He should not use the press to get his message out.

I'm starting to become a little concerned for Stirling's job status. He may have Milbury's full sport and is not blaming him but as he says, something has to give and this is MM's favorite tactic.

[OrangeAndBritishBlue]

Originally Posted by NYIsles1

Given Milbury track record with motivational tactics, it's not looking good for tonight already. Usually when he does this the team puts out the kind of effort that forces a change.

He should not use the press to get his message out.

I'm starting to become a little concerned for Stirling's job status. He may have Milbury's full sport and is not blaming him but as he says, something has to give and this is MM's favorite tactic.

His favourite tactic maybe, but if MM goes down that road for the second time in six months then he would just look like the biggest joke of all time.

I really don't think he could get away with that tactic again so soon - which is not to say he wouldn't do it.

Jay

[chris18]

Originally Posted by OrangeAndBritishBlue

His favourite tactic maybe, but if MM goes down that road for the second time in six months then he would just look like the biggest joke of all time.

MM has never worried too much about looking like a joke.

But serioulsy- I hear a lot of people saying that it was the Wiemer thing that started all of this. That the players are scared for their jobs etc. Well any place I've ever worked that has cut people, the rest of us JUMP! When people get dropped- the first to go are usually the 'fat'. Then do you want to look like FAT also? No. You put some friggin spring in your step and play like hell! In the current world of downsizing, I'm sure most of us have had friends fired/laid off, whatever they call it today... Should you sit back and insert BOTH thumbs up your bum? No. Especially not these guys who are making at least 10X what the rest of us make. Milbury nailed it when he said he never showed up asking where his leader is. The only ones who might need a leader, under most circumstances, are the young kids. And what example are the current Isles setting? God, it looks like 98 out there! Heads hanging on the bench...

The Isles need to pull their heads out of their collective arses and play hard. If they don't, I say let the trade winds blow like a hurricane! Cause these guys are proving that they've got no heart.