Bridgeport Islanders Discussion 2021-22: Playoffs Start May 2

[DerekKingSnipes]

The train wreck is leading against Hartford!

They aren’t a train wreck and we’re playing pretty good before this weekend, probably should have won 2 of the 3 games they had lost. They won today and had a good effort, the prospects are leading the team which is what you want from your Ahl team. I think a lot of fans who do not watch one moment of the games are too focused on Thompson.

 

[MJF]

They aren’t a train wreck and we’re playing pretty good before this weekend, probably should have won 2 of the 3 games they had lost. They won today and had a good effort, the prospects are leading the team which is what you want from your Ahl team. I think a lot of fans who do not watch one moment of the games are too focused on Thompson.

I’d love to know what went wrong yesterday. I was there and they looked exactly the way they did so many games 2 years ago. Unfocused, sloppy, bad goaltending.

 

[The Real JT]

I’d love to know what went wrong yesterday. I was there and they looked exactly the way they did so many games 2 years ago. Unfocused, sloppy, bad goaltending.

So you’re sayin’ there’s a chance.

 

[DerekKingSnipes]

I’d love to know what went wrong yesterday. I was there and they looked exactly the way they did so many games 2 years ago. Unfocused, sloppy, bad goaltending.

It is all goaltending, I’m not sure about Schneider and what he has left in the tank IMO. Skarek has improved, I think Appleby is ok but not sure about him either at AHL level.

 

[MJF]

It is all goaltending, I’m not sure about Schneider and what he has left in the tank IMO. Skarek has improved, I think Appleby is ok but not sure about him either at AHL level.

Maybe. Schneider put us in a hole early with some stoppable shots, but the entire team was a no-show and it was evident from the opening faceoff. Again, this was my first look at the team this season but I thought they were appalling. Every guy on the ice.

 

[The Real JT]

For those of you who have watched some games:

How does Bolduc look? No points thus far catches my eye but of course it’s a small sample size and points probably don’t matter all that much.

The highlights from last year put him on the fast track list at least on this board. I’d have to think he’s clearly behind Salo now especially with Salo’s performance in the Isles preseason camp.

 

[DerekKingSnipes]

Maybe. Schneider put us in a hole early with some stoppable shots, but the entire team was a no-show and it was evident from the opening faceoff. Again, this was my first look at the team this season but I thought they were appalling. Every guy on the ice.

That was worst game they played this year lol, it’s definitely better team. If they get goaltending they can make playoffs.

 

[DerekKingSnipes]

For those of you who have watched some games:

How does Bolduc look? No points thus far catches my eye but of course it’s a small sample size and points probably don’t matter all that much.

The highlights from last year put him on the fast track list at least on this board. I’d have to think he’s clearly behind Salo now especially with Salo’s performance in the Isles preseason camp.

He’s catching up after missing camp I think a bit. He’s playing ok and was great today so he is getting up to speed. Salo has been up and down which is to be expected early. Wotherspoon is guy who could play as depth guy in NHL now I think, same with Ladue. Koivula and Durandeau have been great together and Durandeau reminds me a lot of Beau. I don’t think he will ever be that level but he plays like Beau, much improved player. Holmstrom looks like an NHLer as well, he is so improved and confident. He is going to be an up and down the wing 50 or so point NHLer who plays on all special teams within the next year or so IMO non scout opinion.

 

[MJF]

That was worst game they played this year lol, it’s definitely better team. If they get goaltending they can make playoffs.

My luck. I picked a clunker for my first game of the year.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

He’s catching up after missing camp I think a bit. He’s playing ok and was great today so he is getting up to speed. Salo has been up and down which is to be expected early. Wotherspoon is guy who could play as depth guy in NHL now I think, same with Ladue. Koivula and Durandeau have been great together and Durandeau reminds me a lot of Beau. I don’t think he will ever be that level but he plays like Beau, much improved player. Holmstrom looks like an NHLer as well, he is so improved and confident. He is going to be an up and down the wing 50 or so point NHLer who plays on all special teams within the next year or so IMO non scout opinion.

I am surprised Bolduc is pointless this year after seeing him play last year. Have not seen him yet this season. Also thinking the Isles need more offence from the back line this year. They only have 1 goal from D men this season scored by Mayfield. To put things in perspective, Chara is only a pt behind Dobson for the leading scorer for D men. Hopefully Salo can get more comfortable, the points are coming for him after a slow start.

 

[Deban]

I am surprised Bolduc is pointless this year after seeing him play last year. Have not seen him yet this season. Also thinking the Isles need more offence from the back line this year. They only have 1 goal from D men this season scored by Mayfield. To put things in perspective, Chara is only a pt behind Dobson for the leading scorer for D men. Hopefully Salo can get more comfortable, the points are coming for him after a slow start.

Hard to score when you're the 7th def, make three appearances per period and are no longer on power plays. This is what happened to Bolduc since the last games.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Hard to score when you're the 7th def, make three appearances per period and are no longer on power plays. This is what happened to Bolduc since the last games.

Why is he the 7th D man when he should be getting the most ice time? The AHL is a developmental league, and Bolduc needs to be developed. Plus I can attest he was one of their best D man last season.

 

[Deban]

Why is he the 7th D man when he should be getting the most ice time? The AHL is a developmental league, and Bolduc needs to be developed. Plus I can attest he was one of their best D man last season.

i don't understand either. The new D coach doesn't like the way he plays, maybe? Seems like
Bolduc has no room for mistakes this year, unlike others. It will not be easy for him to develop with 9-10 appearances per game.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Bolduc:
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that Bolduc missed the entire pre-season and camp. Very possible that his minimal role to date is at least partially related to that.

He's probably just not yet up to par with respect to things like conditioning and hey, there are viable blueliners on this team right now, so if they're healthy and revving, then he may just have some catching up to do.

 

[JRD76]

Bolduc:
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that Bolduc missed the entire pre-season and camp. Very possible that his minimal role to date is at least partially related to that.

He's probably just not yet up to par with respect to things like conditioning and hey, there are viable blueliners on this team right now, so if they're healthy and revving, then he may just have some catching up to do.

I did notice that Bolduc looked disengaged or tired in the games I watched him play, most likely due to being injured but last night he looked much better. Was more involved, playing physical and ripping shots like last season. He seems to be getting back into a rhythm.

Also, Salo had a good game last night. Almost had the game winner in OT. Made a nice move off the boards, skated in and ripped one off the post. Unfortunately the play went the other way and laval scored

 

[DerekKingSnipes]

i don't understand either. The new D coach doesn't like the way he plays, maybe? Seems like
Bolduc has no room for mistakes this year, unlike others. It will not be easy for him to develop with 9-10 appearances per game.

I’ve watched all the games and he isn’t the 7th guy, he was hurt and missed first few games but has been in lineup each game since returned and has received power play time. He hit post on a shot last night on one power play. He is getting into game shape now that he’s healthy, they don’t provide ice stats but I’d imagine he is play 18-20 minutes a night.

 

[The Real JT]

I’m here to stir the pot regarding Thompson.

I do not profess to have the depth of knowledge of some posters on this board. I also haven’t seen the team in person in the last 2 years. Fire away at those points if you wish.

The Isles AHL team’s performance is abysmal and amongst the worst in the league. A winning culture counts for at least something.

There have been some quality Dmen pass through Bridgeport and a few have flourished. That’s Thompson’s claim to fame. The ones who didn’t pan out don’t count I suppose.

Meanwhile the development of forwards has been poor and goalies horrendous.

Unless things turn around with a more talented squad this season, he needs to be replaced.

 

[PK Cronin]

I’m here to stir the pot regarding Thompson.

I do not profess to have the depth of knowledge of some posters on this board. I also haven’t seen the team in person in the last 2 years. Fire away at those points if you wish.

The Isles AHL team’s performance is abysmal and amongst the worst in the league. A winning culture counts for at least something.

There have been some quality Dmen pass through Bridgeport and a few have flourished. That’s Thompson’s claim to fame. The ones who didn’t pan out don’t count I suppose.

Meanwhile the development of forwards has been poor and goalies horrendous.

Unless things turn around with a more talented squad this season, he needs to be replaced.

I don't really watch Bridgeport, but the reality is that a certain percentage of prospects just won't make it no matter who is there. He's had a hand in quite a few of the guys who went on to have good NHL careers so it's tough to lay blame on the others.

I'd prefer a coach that can develop and win down there.

 

[buud]

nobody was winning anything in the Wang era...

Trotz and LL have been around long enough to know if Thompson needs to be changed. and he isn't, to date. so be it.

 

[Islanders4Cups]

nobody was winning anything in the Wang era...

Trotz and LL have been around long enough to know if Thompson needs to be changed. and he isn't, to date. so be it.

Agree. Trust Lou here for sure.

 

[Seph]

I’m here to stir the pot regarding Thompson.

I do not profess to have the depth of knowledge of some posters on this board. I also haven’t seen the team in person in the last 2 years. Fire away at those points if you wish.

The Isles AHL team’s performance is abysmal and amongst the worst in the league. A winning culture counts for at least something.

There have been some quality Dmen pass through Bridgeport and a few have flourished. That’s Thompson’s claim to fame. The ones who didn’t pan out don’t count I suppose.

Meanwhile the development of forwards has been poor and goalies horrendous.

Unless things turn around with a more talented squad this season, he needs to be replaced.

No one has ever said the ones who don't pan out don't count, but has there ever been an AHL who has lost his job because he failed to develop every player who came through his team into an NHLer? Has any AHL coach done that? Maybe it's more about setting expectations within the realm of what's actually possible, and realizing that he has a very high success rate here when compared to other AHL coaches.

The forwards he has worked with were either low upside in the first place or had already shown significant setbacks in their development before they got to him. While I'd of course like to see more of them turn into top scorers, that doesn't seem hugely realistic either.

 

[The Real JT]

I’m here to stir the pot regarding Thompson.

I do not profess to have the depth of knowledge of some posters on this board. I also haven’t seen the team in person in the last 2 years. Fire away at those points if you wish.

The Isles AHL team’s performance is abysmal and amongst the worst in the league. A winning culture counts for at least something.

There have been some quality Dmen pass through Bridgeport and a few have flourished. That’s Thompson’s claim to fame. The ones who didn’t pan out don’t count I suppose.

Meanwhile the development of forwards has been poor and goalies horrendous.

Unless things turn around with a more talented squad this season, he needs to be replaced.

No one has ever said the ones who don't pan out don't count, but has there ever been an AHL who has lost his job because he failed to develop every player who came through his team into an NHLer? Has any AHL coach done that? Maybe it's more about setting expectations within the realm of what's actually possible, and realizing that he has a very high success rate here when compared to other AHL coaches.

The forwards he has worked with were either low upside in the first place or had already shown significant setbacks in their development before they got to him. While I'd of course like to see more of them turn into top scorers, that doesn't seem hugely realistic either.

I commend you for doing what we all do on this board, myself included.

You took a single minor comment on my post and exaggerated it to make a point.

This season could turn around, who knows? For now, Bridgeport is next to last in their division. Their goals against are 30th out of 31 teams in the league.

Lou and Trotz are great. This is not a referendum on them.

 

[Seph]

I commend you for doing what we all do on this board, myself included.

You took a single minor comment on my post and exaggerated it to make a point.

This season could turn around, who knows? For now, Bridgeport is next to last in their division. Their goals against are 30th out of 31 teams in the league.

Lou and Trotz are great. This is not a referendum on them.

So you don't have an issue with his development of defensemen or forwards? Seems he is doing his job perfectly well then.

 

[The Real JT]

So you don't have an issue with his development of defensemen or forwards? Seems he is doing his job perfectly well then.

I’ll continue the debate. Why not?

The only forward who spent meaningful time with him was Cizikas. He wasn’t there for Beau, Lee, Nelson or Martin.

Meanwhile, there have been many high picks that never developed under his regime. We can blame Nino and JHS all we want but a solid mentor might’ve helped irrespective of his coaching abilities. Carter Verhaege is looking like a fail too, no?

 

[Top Corner]

I guess some cults are built on the trust that the head can do no wrong and I think many here seem to carry that mindset. It’s quite simple if we have a losing AHL team , we either draft poorly or develop poorly which is where Thompson comes in. Just pick