The Islanders aren't boring

[Tom Polakis]

This has typically been the major issue between being a NYJ fan or a Giants; the Giants have been a (historically) grinding, defensive-focused, run the ball up the middle team that was boring but won SBs, while the NYJ were high-flyers with lots of passing and scoring - but didn't win much.

Which is ultimately more important, being entertained with an exciting, offensive-driven team that never wins titles, or a team that is boring to watch but does win them?

As a NYJ fan being an NYI fan has been an interesting ride for me, especially since I much prefer wide open, offensive hockey as played overseas.

It's not only about your team winning games. It's about an entire league turning to unwatchable hockey, since that brand of hockey wins games. We already went through that 20 years ago. I couldn't have welcomed the changes to the game that came about in 2005 any more.

I'm actually happy for the Islanders as a suffering fanbase (well, those under the age of 50, anyway), but I'd prefer great scoring chances, spectacular saves and skill-driven goals.

 

[koyvoo]

Winning trump is everything. Winning feels better than anything. Let others worry about entertaining the masses.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

No, it's actual low-event hockey.
Green = above median, Red = below median

Islanders this playoffs:
Total shot attempts/60 - 87.4
Total turnovers/60 - 17.3
Total hits/60 - 78.1
1-goal games: 7

Lightning this playoffs: 1246.59 20.7765
Total shot attempts/60 - 89.8
Total turnovers/60 - 16.4
Total hits/60 - 73.7
1-goal games: 10

Stars this playoffs: 1286.6 21.443
Total shot attempts/60 - 83.4
Total turnovers/60 - 23.0
Total hits/60 - 81.2
1-goal games: 11

Golden Knights this playoffs: 1211.33 20.1888
Total shot attempts/60 - 88.0
Total turnovers/60 - 21.2
Total hits/60 - 75.9
1-goal games: 7

Note: Hits don't include round-robin games

There are simply fewer things happening on the ice when the Isles are involved. They play a style of game that suppresses the events that people find interesting. They do indeed hit a lot, due to their intense forechecking game, but that doesn't lead to scoring chances or turnovers at an interesting rate. Ultimately their games haven't been any closer than others. Those are objective facts, no personal opinions need be considered.

Is that turnovers they create? Or times they've turned over the puck?

In any case, are shot attempts and turnovers the only "exciting" things in hockey? A team that fires the puck every time they enter the offensive zone isn't more exciting than a team that takes less shots, but does so because its holding onto the puck until a prime scoring chance opens up.

Plus, is it a style that doesn't lend itself to creating shots? Or is it the personnel? If a team turns over the puck at their blueline to, say, McDavid and Draisaitl, chances are it results in a scoring chance the other way. If a team turns over the puck to Clutterbuck and Cizikas, chances are the defending team can still prevent an opportunity.

I guess in short, would those numbers remain the same if you added more talent to the Isles? Or is it a function of them having very few "high end" offensive guys, thus their shot attempts are lower because of that rather than because their style is "low event".

 

[carparkno1]

Sure, that's your opinion. What people find entertaining is ultimately 100% subjective and if you enjoy it that's fine and there is no reason to change your opinion.

However, what you did in your post is to try to change people's opinion and in a long post you literally provided no evidence why their style of play actually is entertaining.

In my lifetime I've rarely seen neutrals unite so much against the brand of hockey that the Isles are playing. The reactions in this thread are clear as well.

That being said, the heart likes what the heart likes. There are going to be people in this world that think the Suicide Squad is the best movie they've ever seen and no one will be able to change their opinion (nor should we try) and I see your opinion to the Isles hockey to be the same.

I wasn't trying or expecting to change opinion, I wanted to highlight that "boring" is a very subjective thing and for me, this board has a very large bias towards sloppy run and gun hockey as being "exciting".

 

[KPower]

I wasn't trying or expecting to change opinion, I wanted to highlight that "boring" is a very subjective thing and for me, this board has a very large bias towards sloppy run and gun hockey as being "exciting".

Goals are exciting....what a novel concept.

 

[carparkno1]

Goals are exciting....what a novel concept.

And going into the ECF the Isles were the highest scoring team in the post season...

 

[aufheben]

Goals are exciting....what a novel concept.

No, scoring chances are exciting.

Neutral fans are not the problem. Fans of the Rags post here because of their jealousy, I guess Dougie Howser is not the best coach in the league.

I don’t know what’s funnier: that you think it’s only Rangers fans calling the Islanders boring, or that you think we should be jealous.

 

[Isles72]

the funny thing is when cappy ran the show you'd be frustrated when the isles couldnt finish teams off late in the 3rd period or couldnt make certain simple defensive plays to get themselves out of danger .

now they can usually do the above ^^ but are considered boring - hah

 

[miscs75]

the funny thing is when cappy ran the show you'd be frustrated when the isles couldnt finish teams off late in the 3rd period or couldnt make certain simple defensive plays to get themselves out of danger .

now they can usually do the above ^^ but are considered boring - hah

 

[ThreeLeftSkates]

No, scoring chances are exciting.

I don’t know what’s funnier: that you think it’s only Rangers fans calling the Islanders boring, or that you think we should be jealous.

Think you should be jealous? The evidence is is multiple threads. Since your early elimination, the cream of your crop have been dissing us in every round. I obviously know that fans of other teams are in the threads, but Mr Exhibit one seems to be giving birth in this thread.

 

[aufheben]

Think you should be jealous? The evidence is is multiple threads. Since your early elimination, the cream of your crop have been dissing us in every round. I obviously know that fans of other teams are in the threads, but Mr Exhibit one seems to be giving birth in this thread.

Jealous of what? Making a Conference Final? We made the ECF 3 times in 4 years.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Is that turnovers they create? Or times they've turned over the puck?

Total, for both teams.

In any case, are shot attempts and turnovers the only "exciting" things in hockey? A team that fires the puck every time they enter the offensive zone isn't more exciting than a team that takes less shots, but does so because its holding onto the puck until a prime scoring chance opens up.

Plus, is it a style that doesn't lend itself to creating shots? Or is it the personnel? If a team turns over the puck at their blueline to, say, McDavid and Draisaitl, chances are it results in a scoring chance the other way. If a team turns over the puck to Clutterbuck and Cizikas, chances are the defending team can still prevent an opportunity.

I guess in short, would those numbers remain the same if you added more talent to the Isles? Or is it a function of them having very few "high end" offensive guys, thus their shot attempts are lower because of that rather than because their style is "low event".

Does it matter, though? Whether by design or by lack of talent, the absence of offensive opportunities just isn't much fun to watch.

 

[Zeeker]

Jealous of what? Making a Conference Final? We made the ECF 3 times in 4 years.

That run over a half decade ago? Jeez, the Isles also won 4 Cups in a row if we’re gonna bring up historical franchise achievements here.

 

[King K Rool]

Just grinning here reading Rangers and Islanders fans taking shots at each other. I love actual rivalries that aren't manufactured. You guys hate each other the same way Oilers and Flames fans hate each other

I was reading about the Islanders first playoff series victory over the Rangers in 1975, in the deciding game (game 3)

Islanders lead 3-zip going into the 3rd and the Rangers tied it (including 2 goals 14 seconds apart with less than 7:00 to go)
then the Islanders won in OT

Rangers wanted revenge badly and got it in 1979, when the Islanders led the league with 116 points

This rivalry has some great history!
Anyways, carry on lol

 

[Yozhik v tumane]

I’d be happy for the Isles if they went all the way and won it all, I really sympathize with their fans after all the hardship that they’ve been through since the dynasty days, and I think it’s great that their team is doing so well now.

However, I’m likely not to watch another game if it’s going to be Stars vs Isles in the finals. The times I’ve caught any of those teams this far in the playoffs, I felt they actively tried to bore me to death. And this is coming from someone who’s enthusiastically following the Swedish league.

 

[Monsieur Miz]

I'd rather watch a close 2-2 game than a 9-3 one-sided game but hey that's me. Average teams have to play that way otherwise they'd never win.

 

[BrindamoursNose]

So more mistakes, more bad plays.

Sounds like a guy who likes losers.

The Islanders are losing.

 

[Metroid]

7 shots in half the game is very exciting!!!

 

[SlapshotTheMovie]

This has typically been the major issue between being a NYJ fan or a Giants; the Giants have been a (historically) grinding, defensive-focused, run the ball up the middle team that was boring but won SBs, while the NYJ were high-flyers with lots of passing and scoring - but didn't win much.

Which is ultimately more important, being entertained with an exciting, offensive-driven team that never wins titles, or a team that is boring to watch but does win them?

As a NYJ fan being an NYI fan has been an interesting ride for me, especially since I much prefer wide open, offensive hockey as played overseas.

Your argument mike make sense if the islander werent the first team this boring to win since the devils. 17 something years of teams that could make the game enjoyable winning says you dont need to be boring to do it.

 

[HugginThePost]

7 shots in half the game is very exciting!!!

Very!!!!

The defensive acumen of the NYI’s should be celebrated.

They don’t need to actually put shots on net.

I’m guessing the High Danger Chances are coming at a rate of 1.03 minutes!!

Edge of the seat action right here!!!

 

[NeelyWasAWarrior]

They'e the modern day devils. I hate their brand of hockey. Nothing against Barry Trotz but I am not a fan of his style. Season's too long for that.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

For the record, and to be fair, game 6 has been far better from an entertainment perspective than game 5 IMO.

Look, they’re playing smart and playing the long game. They’re playing the only way they can if they’re going to beat a team of Tampa’s caliber. I can’t fault a team for adopting pretty much the only system that gives them a chance. Staying as disciplined as they do on the defensive side may not be fun to watch at times, but you do have to give a team credit for sticking to their plan despite the natural temptation.

Hell, Trotz’s system is making Matt Martin into a significant asset. Beyond just the physical game. You’ve got to give some credit where it is due.

 

[Subbanned]

oh god they are so boring

 

[Subbanned]

For the record, and to be fair, game 6 has been far better from an entertainment perspective than game 5 IMO.

Look, they’re playing smart and playing the long game. They’re playing the only way they can if they’re going to beat a team of Tampa’s caliber. I can’t fault a team for adopting pretty much the only system that gives them a chance. Staying as disciplined as they do on the defensive side may not be fun to watch at times, but you do have to give a team credit for sticking to their plan despite the natural temptation.

Hell, Trotz’s system is making Matt Martin into a significant asset. Beyond just the physical game. You’ve got to give some credit where it is due.

i don't know if anyone is not giving Trotz credit for throwing all his chips into a boring defensive game. this thread is just about how BORING that approach is..

 

[Whoshattenkirkshoes]

The islanders should be banned lol