Hate to rain on your parade but the Islanders are playing better than the Caps right now.Who do you think they're going to pass in the Metro? Carolina and NJD are improved, they aren't finishing above PIT, WSH or CBJ, and the Flyers have room to improve. Only the Rangers are true dogs in that division.
The Isles may be better this year, but I'd bet a couple of paychecks against them making the playoffs.
Towards the end I was legitimately afraid for his safety. Poor GraboKulemin is back in Russia and grabovski is hopefully notnplaying hockey anywhere because the poor guy has a bad history with concussions.
Those lines better be improved, considering the Ladd, Komarov, Filp, Zeke, Martin, and Clutterbuck are making a combined $20.6M this season.The Islanders 3rd and 4th lines have improved dramatically from last season thus far. It’s only 11 games and I won’t get overally excited, but Filppula, Komarov, Ladd, Cizekas and Matty Martin have all contributed.
Add Kuhnhackl who has only played 4 games and was good last night.
These guys are the difference thus far up front.
So what? I specifically said the Isles may be improved this year.Hate to rain on your parade but the Islanders are playing better than the Caps right now.
They have possibly had the most difficult schedule to start the season. Most of their games have been on the road against tough competition. They also went through the west coast trip in California.
They dont have the offensive talent of some teams but they are playing well defensively.
Towards the end I was legitimately afraid for his safety. Poor Grabo
And you specifically said they would finish behind the Caps. I'm not sure about that.So what? I specifically said the Isles may be improved this year.
Have you followed the NHL before this season? This is not unheard of for the Caps in any year; that they played longer than most teams this summer, and partied harder than any doesn’t even have to factor in.And you specifically said they would finish behind the Caps. I'm not sure about that.
are grabovski and kulemin still there?
Lmao I have been following the NHL since 1971 and gave been die hard Caps fan since they entered the NHL. You dont need to tell me the history of the Caps. Not sure if you have watched the Caps this year or not but they aren't really playing very well. No structure in their game. They are playing with an offence only mentality. It really only worked in one game this year. It hasn't been pretty.Have you followed the NHL before this season? This is not unheard of for the Caps in any year; that they played longer than most teams this summer, and partied harder than any doesn’t even have to factor in.
The Caps have a proven, not that old, and insanely talented core and nice pieces around them. It’s not impossible for the islanders to finish ahead, but one is far more likely to be disappointed later if they really expect the Islanders to have a good chance at finishing above the Caps, based on both teams’ past history and current rosters.
Also, we are about 10 games in. Didn’t the Flyers open with 10 wins* twice? Or was it the flyers one year, and someone else the other... either way I don’t think those teams did too well by game 82 in their respective seasons.
The islanders have 1 more point, with 1 more game played...
One of the Caps bigger problems right now is their penalty kill sinking them (they always have and probably always will take more penalties), which has a new system, is missing its most used player (beagle), it’s second most used player (Wilson) and it’s fourth (Chiasson). And it’s early...
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Anyways, slightly more on topic, I never wish well on the islanders, but for Trotz to find more success there I couldn’t help but be happy for him.
He’s definitely deserving of credit for this teams more responsible defensive play, whether it secures them a much better record long term or not. If Trotz can make the early Preds teams noteworthy, he can do good things with this Islanders team as well. I wish he’d get more credit for his Preds teams.
If I had to bet on a wild card right now, this early, I’d say the Islanders earn the first wildcard; unless another Metro team collapses due to injury or whatever. I wouldn’t be super surprised if they got the 3rd seat.
I expect them to make a fairly big splash in the trade market as well. That is, if the GM is the type to allow coaches input. Trotz was important to some key signings/trades of the Caps.
I wouldn’t even say Barzal started slow last year. He was playing very well and his teammates just weren’t cashing in on the opportunities he created. He really could do no wrong, he was electrifying every game.Barzal has not been playing great thus far, but he has still managed to be a PPG player thus far. Last night he looked much better. He also started off slow last season, and than took off like a rocket. He's the last player on the team I'm concerned about. It's only a matter of time until he breaks out.
Good for you, stop quoting me.And you specifically said they would finish behind the Caps. I'm not sure about that.
I know! It's so frustrating when fans pump up their team when they haven't actually accomplished anything. I so agree with you TMLeafs17!This thread got a little carried away.
Lmao I have been following the NHL since 1971 and gave been die hard Caps fan since they entered the NHL. You dont need to tell me the history of the Caps. Not sure if you have watched the Caps this year or not but they aren't really playing very well. No structure in their game. They are playing with an offence only mentality. It really only worked in one game this year. It hasn't been pretty.
Who has been finishing all of Barzal's assists?
Getting a bit defensive aren't we.Good for you, stop quoting me.
I dont care for the style of game they are playing right now. They aren't playing a very responsible game. Hopefully that changes.10 games, dude. Just wait before putting the final nail in the coffin of a top contender.
There is nothing substantial yet to suggest the Islanders are likely to finish above the Caps.
1 less game played, and 1 less point. And a better core, more proven talent and a roster that just won this very same division, and a Stanley Cup.
For a “die hard Caps fan” you’re seriously underestimating this team... and what a time to do it!