GDT: GDT #61 New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets | March 4th | 7:30 PM | F/W 3-2

[thegoldenyear]

I remember how this board raked Brock over the coals as 2017-18 wound down, cheering against him hitting the 20-goal plateau because he was such a frustrating waste of talent and space (he ended the year on 19). I couldn’t hardly stand him either.

And amid all the rancor after Snake’s departure, and the head rush of Lou and Barry coming aboard, we kind of forgot about the hatred while Brock craftily remade his game, to the point that every time he hopped over the boards during LL-BT’s first three years, it was a pleasing sight. He’d give you quick-strike offence, he’d kill your penalties, he’d play a sound game with fewer brain farts and way more consistency than before. It was a startling transition, and one of the better second acts in post-dynasty Isles lore.

I’ll remember that a long time. Since late 2018, he’s been a nice top-six, a memorable player way above what appeared to be his station five seasons into his pro career, a quality dude with a couple neat fanbase-derived nicknames and a signature style that was dependably enjoyable. If he’s gone - as long as it’s not to Toronto or Manhattan, basically - I wish him a great playoff run, and beyond. Thanks for the years, pal.

 

[Satan'sIsland81]

I was even thinking before the game that the line combos tonight were the best I have seen in awhile. Shame it took so long to try them out.
That was a great effort by the Isles top to bottom tonight. And literally every single out of town game went in our favor. We are three points out of a playoff spot, I don't even know what I WANT to happen at this point, but it would be hard to believe that Lou flat out sells. The talk is teams like Columbus and Detroit being buyers. Crazy that 3-5 points is the difference between buying and selling. I know many here would disagree but in a playoff series between us and teams like Columbus and Detroit, my money would be on the Isles.

On a different note, Brock Nelson would probably be the toughest player to see leave in my 30+ years as a fan. A homegrown player who has been with us through thick and thin and scored some of the biggest playoff goals this franchise has seen in decades. Regardless of what happens over the next few days, very thankful for everything Nelly has given us over the years.

 

[BelovedIsles]

I’ve only seen a handful of games since November.

I find myself, within each game (limited, I must say), reflecting. Appreciating a bright spot on the season.

Simon Holmstrom…the most improved Islander. He does so many things with his body positioning and stick work. He’s strong on the puck, he makes the right decisions (most of the time), and I trust him when he’s out there. This may sound like a soliloquy, call it what you will.

It’s no coincidence, given his developmental arc; Roy recognizes. He plays him in several situations.

LMAO, in further reflection; this sounds like a romance novel. That, it is not, just appreciation for my beloved isles.

 

[Green]

I remember how this board raked Brock over the coals as 2017-18 wound down, cheering against him hitting the 20-goal plateau because he was such a frustrating waste of talent and space (he ended the year on 19). I couldn’t hardly stand him either.

And amid all the rancor after Snake’s departure, and the head rush of Lou and Barry coming aboard, we kind of forgot about the hatred while Brock craftily remade his game, to the point that every time he hopped over the boards during LL-BT’s first three years, it was a pleasing sight. He’d give you quick-strike offence, he’d kill your penalties, he’d play a sound game with fewer brain farts and way more consistency than before. It was a startling transition, and one of the better second acts in post-dynasty Isles lore.

I’ll remember that a long time. Since late 2018, he’s been a nice top-six, a memorable player way above what appeared to be his station five seasons into his pro career, a quality dude with a couple neat fanbase-derived nicknames and a signature style that was dependably enjoyable. If he’s gone - as long as it’s not to Toronto or Manhattan, basically - I wish him a great playoff run, and beyond. Thanks for the years, pal.

He really became a different player under Trotz, I wonder what was said or done to him

 

[Big L]

A shame they couldn’t have beaten the rags instead then lose to the Peg.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Great to see Nelson and Palms score in this game.

Loved Tsyplakov's little pass to Nelson for goal number 2.

***
Shannon's interview was.... crystal clear.

I don't know what she's privy to know but she certainly conducted that interview as if it were the last (this season).

I sure hope she knows something!

Edit: Her chats with Hickey and Clutterbuck were more like "Was just doing that in case it's the last time".

 

[PK Cronin]

Great to see Nelson and Palms score in this game.

Loved Tsyplakov's little pass to Nelson for goal number 2.

***
Shannon's interview was.... crystal clear.

I don't know what she's privy to know but she certainly conducted that interview as if it were the last (this season).

I sure hope she knows something!

Definitely lots of mixed messaging going on.

Palmieri and Nelson both dressing indicates that the team is still trying to win. Then you get Nelson choking up and the Shannon post-game with Hickey and Clutterbuck that seems to indicate he'll be gone.

I'm not sure which way it goes but if you're a GM and you're on the fence about whether or not you should be a buyer or a seller then you should most likely be a seller. The only reason you wouldn't be confident in buying is because you have reservations about the team and that means there are too many holes to fill at the deadline, plus you'd be hoping and wishing for more than some luck to win the cup. This isn't a stepping stone season like the Red Wings or Ottawa, where they might want to buy just to try and get their younger players playoff experience, so I don't ascribe to the "they've earned the right" narrative even if I think this team could make the playoffs as currently constructed (that's because I don't think any of the other teams are that great).