from Amalie Benjamin of the NHL website,
Lou Lamoriello said he accepts responsibility for the New York Islanders' recent struggles and will continue to try to improve the team ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline on March 3.
"There's no excuses. Because it's on me, totally on me," the Islanders general manager said Wednesday. "That's my responsibility to make us the best we possibly can, to make whatever changes we can. That's not on the coaching staff, that's not on the players, and I take that responsibility. It's making it happen. There's a lot of reasons why sometimes you can and you can't, and those are decisions you have to make. But I take full responsibility for whatever changes are or are not made."
The Islanders (23-21-5) are on a five-game skid (0-3-2) heading into their game at the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; SN1, TVAS, MSGSN, ESPN+). They've lost nine of their past 10 games (1-6-3) after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season coming off appearances in the 2020 Eastern Conference Final and 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals. They are five points behind the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins for the two wild cards into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference, but there are two teams (Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers) between them and the Capitals and Penguins.
"I think that if we can make ourselves better, whether it had been yesterday or the day before or today or tomorrow, we will definitely do that," Lamoriello said.
If the Isles lose the next 3 games (@ OTT - vs. Detroit - vs. Las Vegas) - you can stick a fork in them. Actually - they are just about cooked now.
I think they are waiting for the Feb 20th "Opt-Out" date for season subscribers before they do anything drastic. The absolute worst position IMHO - is to do what happened to us last year - be the 9th team in the conference. I would rather be in 32nd place than 9th in the conference.
Ticket renewals are going to be a disaster. For a few reasons
* On ice play of the team
* Arena is about 20-30 mins. further away from the core STH's - the Long Island based ones.
* Newness of the arena is worn off
* You cannot give your tickets away.
* My issue - they treat STH like CRAP when the team has leverage. Then act surprised when your rep calls you and you remind them of that.
I hope to return - but some of the people in my group will not renew.
The fan base has to accept that the team is regressing badly....and change their expectations and adjust their outlook towards the future.
At the Coli - at 38 dollars a ticket - not a problem - now at nearly 80 bucks a seat in my section (similar to the Coli where I sat) it becomes a tough economic decision and problem.
I love going to NHL games and I enjoy watching the visiting team players. I love hanging out with my friends at the game. But I don't think the owners can see past the business side of the game. Lou may have already decided to make moves - but I don't want to trade for say Tarasenko or some player who will at the very best - help us get waxed in Round 1 or worse - finish 9th in the conference. Lou has dreams of winning the Cup again - at 80 years old - he is not getting younger. The owners made a big investment in UBS Center and needs butts in seats to buy 17 dollar beers and the $ 13.00 (?) General Tso Chicken in a cup entree at Mogu right by section 220 (it's FABULOUS!) That takes priority over winning tomorrow.
Team had a good run. Too many players on $5mm contracts who are not living up to that cap hit.
Team's power play is a disaster - team cannot score in a shootout either. Goaltender has been fab. PK is good. There is a lot to work with for the future, but salary has to be moved and picks have to be accumulated.
50 goal scorers don't grow on trees, and once identified - rarely move.
Lou is correct that this is on him.
Your move Lou. I hope we take a retool and make some good transactions to win. Some of the best players or perhaps - more upside talent are the younger (Dobson, Barzal, Raty, Sorokin) players. I hope the owners see what I see and go down this path.
I will be at the Red WIngs vs Isles game. Won't get home till after Midnight but will supply a report on Saturday
80 bucks a seat in my section
*Laughs in Kraken*
Yea, Kaz, Ive said it before but the Isles problems look a lot like the Wingssome decent guys, but not even one player scoring over a point per game, and some bad deals mixed in. Lou should probably realize the game has left him behind and retire, because a rebuild is inevitable and thats not really his strength if you ask me. Barzal is almost 26 with a decent deal (no trade protection for awhile) and Nelson is 32 at the start of next season and signed for two more! This team probably wont contend while either is still good. Their best bet is probably a teardown but Lou likely wont do it. Not a good spot.
Finishing 8th in the conference isn't going to be all that great either since it'll come with a first round matchup against Boston who will likely ADD talent in the coming weeks. The only good thing about that matchup is ALL the pressure will be on Boston and nobody will expect the #8 seed to do any damage. It could be a good experience for the Wings, Sabres, Flyers or Senators but not so much for the other teams fighting for that spot since they all have been there recently.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.