So much pathetic bashing of JT going on here from the ingrates. Botta is simply reminding all the naysayers that John Tavares has a long history of going against the grain with his steadfast loyalty to the Islanders from the moment he was picked in the draft including signing an extension that put him 2 years into his UFA eligibility and knowingly signing a contract that was well below market value. As JT has said in the past and continues to say today, his goal is to win the Cup with the New York Islanders. As much as the cards may "appear" to be stacked against the NYI, we should all believe he is here to stay because he has always proven himself to be an exceptional person.
He's had a slow start to the season, so what? He's had seasons where he was well behind the pack only to come roaring back to become one of the top in the league.
I feel bad for JT, because every year he's got to adapt his game to a new winger. We need to give his line a few more games to gel, if it ever will.
Also, for those claiming that JT looks slow this year. I don't know what you're looking at. This is the fastest I've ever seen JT. His footwork is much improved. In fact I think he's skating too fast for his own good. He needs to slow the game down, hover around the net and make those nifty stickhandling moves, strong on the puck, and score up close. He shouldn't try to play a Barzal or HoSang type of game. He's not that fast. I do agree that his line may be unbalanced if both Eberle and Lee are both crowding the net leaving JT to fight in the corners for the puck. That would completely negate his strengths. Maybe that's why Bailey was effective on that line.
I am completely stoked about the Islanders chances this year. Fair record aside, I am loving the offensive chances this team is generating especially with the young players in the line-up. The team is losing because of special teams- with the PP being the obvious culprit. I think it is time for Weight to unleash the Kraken and get Pulock in this line-up ASAP. I say sit Pelech. That should completely change the powerplay's fortunes for the better. It needs a cannon.
