tom webster

I'd love to hear the answer but here is another one for you. How many did Gordie have in his career?

So you want to argue that it's foolish to have him lay a foundation and then be gone while at the same time arguing that he deserves credit for laying a foundation for Lindy's teams? I admit that my personal dislike for Nolan is probably coloring my opinion but the fact of the matter is that Nolan was here this year because the guy they really wanted either wasn't ready(Richardson) or wasn't available(Babcock or Tippet)

Drk, I have always like and respected your opinion. While I know we are on opposite sides here, I'd appreciate a little respect. Anyways, first, I don't buy any of this foundation stuff. He may be helping Tim weed out the players that aren't willing to work and follow rules but that is about it. Look at the last time he left. They were so grief stricken and confused they went to the conference finals the first year and the Cup finals the following year. Secondly, McEichel, Reinhart, Kane, a veteran winger, a veteran defenseman, Pysyk, that is 6 players then you have Bogosian who isn't learning anything new from Nolan and you have more then 35% pf your roster that is missing out on that foundation lesson.

What is he shaping? This team will be led by players mostly not here. Ted is gone. There is no doubt in his mind or anyone close to the situation. I have never been a fan but I feel bad that his return has sullied his reputation with some that have always been his supporters, including some of my best friends. For me, his return just confirmed what I always felt about him.

I would like to see that. While Cup winners is obviously a good example, I remember looking up some similar data regarding teams that won in the first round and it went about 50/50. I think eventually talent wins out but initially, it is more about match ups and adjustments. I remember Lindy's first two years and the team finished horribly before entering the playoffs and making a couple of runs

Ah, the old momentum myth. I have no idea how this all plays out but history has shown that how you enter the playoffs has little to do with the success you achieve

I like that but it's important to note that while most centers can play wing, very few wingers can play center.

I know what you're saying but the assumption is that Washington and Detroit wont implode so if New York continues their slide only Ottawa and Boston have to play lights out to catch them/ Again, I'm not saying its likely but who would have though it even possible a month ago?

Its still highly unlikely but an Ottawa win tonight and both Boston and Ottawa would be within 6 points with games in hand. Would it not be so Islanders to crash and burn like this?

There are few things I hate more then the blue collar, hard working rhetoric. First, Buffalo is hardly a blue collar town anymore. Second, as someone already said, its a euphemism for over achievers. Third, most people don't understand how much effort is on display when they are watching a sporting event. As I said in another thread, Cody Hodgson is said to be one of the hardest working Sabre's ever, yet few on this board would ever call him a blue collar, hard working type of hockey player

There are those (Rip Simonick for one) who will tell you that Cody is one of the hardest working guys in Sabres history. Clearly its not all about hard work.

First, I have to say that you have gotten a lot better about distinguishing what is your opinion as opposed to what is fact. For whatever its worth, this old guy appreciates that. Second, I agree with you about Mario but as Carp said, I believe if moving him brought a bona fide QB, it would not be a deal breaker. Guys like Rex think they can scheme a defense around the personnel they have. Third, I agree with Ink. Rivers isn't coming here. If anything he will want to move back home to Tennessee.

But he has been a well respected analyst for years and I don't recall him showing any bias for the Bills before. I doubt this is happening as well but why does no one ever talk about trading Mario Williams? Him and Hughes play basically the same position in Rex's defense, they still haven't restructured his deal and if there is an asset that could vommand a healthy return, he is it. Again, I'm not saying it will or even should happen, just think it's not out of the realm of possibility.

There is the difference. Nolan would put Mitchell with Crosby and Ovechkin.

His track record with high end, offensive talent would indicate a lack of success in the future. Coaches are like every other profession, build a resume and get a chance higher up on the ladder. We all work with people that are sure they could have been the boss of only given the chance. It's always someone or something that stood in their way. Using your argument approach, Cody Hodgson would be one of the leading scorers in the league if he played with Crosby and Ovechkin. Prove me wrong.

My parting shot, Girgs, Risto, Larsson have only played for TN. How does anyone know how they would have developed unde anyone else. Myers and Stewart have been up and down their whole career. I will give Ted credit for playing Ennis almost exclusively at wing. I think everyone has pretty much covered why he will be gone and JJ has pretty much admitted that there is nothing any of us can say to change his mind, so can't add much more.

Thanks. You Saved me from responding.

I'm not somewhere I can check but in pretty sure even LA's numbers surprised me.

I had this debate with Deluca a couple years back. The numbers don't back your contention. Sure they all have a certain amount of grit and as Lindy always said, players have to play out of their normal confort zones. Chicago and Detroit traditionally rank near the bottom in hits and blocked shots, to give two examples.

Murray gave Nolan a chance and he has failed miserably. At least you admit you will never accept that he just isn't capable of winning in this league. Have a great afternoon.

Just saw a Mirtle thread that Max Afinigonev is third in the KHL in penalty minutes. Thought that was funny.

If he is back, I will be stunned and disappointed but will admit I'm wrong. I won't blame anyone or anything for it. I wish I believed that Teddy will go out with the same attitude. My question is what will you say when he is gone and his name never comes up in interview rumors?

He is in record as saying he was shocked he didn't get a call. This debate is actually easier then most. His historically bad record and the fact that he will be out of the NHL should settle the debate. My guess is he takes a job with the NHL and his pal Pat and I'm sure they will spin it that its all he ever wanted to do.

I haven't mentioned Grigs once in this thread and am on record as saying he doesn't deserve to be here so try again. You say you will take the word of analyst over fans but analyst are there because they can't get hired as GM's. The GM's have spoken. Without even checking I would guess that over 30 coaches were hired between Nolan's Islanders job and this job. Did he even get an interview?

You might want to look were the Black Hawks and Red Wings and even the Kings rank in those categories. Possession teams win and if you have the puck you don't have to hit and you don't have to block shots