I have to say, this coming year is going to be the most interesting season we have had since the signing of Yashin/Peca/Osgood. What was that, 12 years ago?
1. New ownership – True fans (and that includes all of us here) will understand and appreciate new ownership coming in and the effect that can and will have on the fanbase and team. While there is a delay of two years, that isn’t a big deal when you look at the grand scheme of things. Howie Rose mentioned that Wang had been trying to sell for years, before this week’s news. I’m sure this was well known to management as well as players. Needless to say it would have a detrimental impact on morale--- which shows on the ice. I expect to see a marked improvement in the teams energy level, morale, and W’s. This also opens the doors for talent to come to the NYI, as we actually will have mgmt. who knows and cares about the game.
2. Signings. Not going to rehash the trades/acquisitions over the past several months, but with more offensive depth and a far better goaltending tandem, we should have a much better year.
3. Last year of the Isles at Coliseum – The trifecta. Under my assumption that the Isles will be playing better hockey and then combining with the improved feel and aura around the team, the celebrations of this franchise should be a lot of fun. I don’t think much has been leaked around this, but I would expect some big nights. If there is a John Tonelli night, everyone must attend. He is a prime example of the hustle and energy that this team needs to be successful.
Other intangibles are the move to Brooklyn and the excitement that brings. While some of us aren’t thrilled with it, it definitely helps in trying to sign players and putting butts in the seats. No longer catering to 12 year olds (see ya Sparky!) and having a professional sales and marketing team in a real location will do nothing but help this team. Pretty sure that players would rather have adults watching and cheering than a 8 year old eating cotton candy. Ice girls are going to have to remain.
If I were Snow and Capuano, or any of the coaches around this team, you have to figure that they are NOW moved into the spotlight. While Wang might not have cared about the product and results on the ice, new ownership in a new market, WILL CARE. THANK GOD. For the past 8 years these guys have been throwing out every cliché and crap response to anything and have had zero accountability in their jobs. Time for results boys. Stop with the excuses and do the real job you have been paid to do, or expect to get a pinkslip. Looking RIGHT AT YOU GARTH.
I’ve been a harsh critic (in most cases, rightfully so) around this team for the longest time, but I can honestly say that I truly can’t wait for the season to start.
1. New ownership – True fans (and that includes all of us here) will understand and appreciate new ownership coming in and the effect that can and will have on the fanbase and team. While there is a delay of two years, that isn’t a big deal when you look at the grand scheme of things. Howie Rose mentioned that Wang had been trying to sell for years, before this week’s news. I’m sure this was well known to management as well as players. Needless to say it would have a detrimental impact on morale--- which shows on the ice. I expect to see a marked improvement in the teams energy level, morale, and W’s. This also opens the doors for talent to come to the NYI, as we actually will have mgmt. who knows and cares about the game.
2. Signings. Not going to rehash the trades/acquisitions over the past several months, but with more offensive depth and a far better goaltending tandem, we should have a much better year.
3. Last year of the Isles at Coliseum – The trifecta. Under my assumption that the Isles will be playing better hockey and then combining with the improved feel and aura around the team, the celebrations of this franchise should be a lot of fun. I don’t think much has been leaked around this, but I would expect some big nights. If there is a John Tonelli night, everyone must attend. He is a prime example of the hustle and energy that this team needs to be successful.
Other intangibles are the move to Brooklyn and the excitement that brings. While some of us aren’t thrilled with it, it definitely helps in trying to sign players and putting butts in the seats. No longer catering to 12 year olds (see ya Sparky!) and having a professional sales and marketing team in a real location will do nothing but help this team. Pretty sure that players would rather have adults watching and cheering than a 8 year old eating cotton candy. Ice girls are going to have to remain.
If I were Snow and Capuano, or any of the coaches around this team, you have to figure that they are NOW moved into the spotlight. While Wang might not have cared about the product and results on the ice, new ownership in a new market, WILL CARE. THANK GOD. For the past 8 years these guys have been throwing out every cliché and crap response to anything and have had zero accountability in their jobs. Time for results boys. Stop with the excuses and do the real job you have been paid to do, or expect to get a pinkslip. Looking RIGHT AT YOU GARTH.
I’ve been a harsh critic (in most cases, rightfully so) around this team for the longest time, but I can honestly say that I truly can’t wait for the season to start.
Spinal Tap
