Isles Viewing Party

[pixburgher66]

This could become a touchy subject (and I hope we don't fall back into the same debate about this game...), BUT, it's hockey news sort of, so why not. According to the twitterverse, the Isles are having a viewing party next Friday of the 9-3 debacle from February 11th of this past season...yeah, that one. I'd have no issue with it...if the official Islanders website wasn't promoting it. That...may have crossed lines a little.

 

[esls79]

As a kid growing up, I was a fan of an old Norris Division team. While other teams in the league aimed for Cups, these Norris team aimed to beat the shit out of each other - and give their fans their monies worth.

The Islanders are lacking an identity - maybe this is it - goonage - taking a page out of old time, but not too long ago hockey. No lines crossed to me, it was just another 1 of 82 games last year - one that could forge a team's identity and ignite a fanbase. I see nothing wrong here.

 

[sbb122]

It's a PR move. They are just trying to sell tickets. I mean let's face it, it was the highlight of the Isles season.


/Edit, not trying to be an ass with my last statement, but many Isles players/coaches/fans and the GM said it was something necessary to build character for their team. And to show teams they aren't going to be pushed around.

 

[SLY]

I like the idea. It is who they are.

 

[pixburgher66]

I guess I'm still not sure how the Isles were pushed around in the first Pens game. It wasn't a drubbing (3-0 I think?), and for the millionth time, Ricky came down to Beej. I do get that it was their statement game, but considering that the organization got in some level of trouble about the game (players talked to, etc. etc. ) you'd think they wouldn't want to do something blatant like this.

 

[pixburgher66]

Don't get me wrong, I like the idea too. I'd support it if a bunch of fans were getting together to watch their "best" game of the year, but considering the goonism that occured I'm just surprised that the organization would support it.

 

[elocomotive]

I'm torn between agreeing with P66's original sentiment and really liking the idea of people reveling in the ass kicking of a team that was 2nd in the league in PIMs. Let's not forget that the Isles did win the game 9-3, so that is pretty enjoyable to watch if you're an Isles fan even regardless of the fighting. I see both sides here, so I'm just going to make fun of some blog comments on this topic by Penguins' fans...

Classless and nothing to be proud of. If you want to deliberately hurt people, join the UFC.

You talking about the viewing party or Matt Cooke?

Now if Penguins fans were going to gather to watch memorable games, we might watch us winning the Stanley Cup, for example.

Yeah! In your face Isles fans! Too bad you never won any of those! High five!

They are a combination of Raider and Philly fans, which means they are so far beneath the rest of the world.

Now that's just funny.

 

[Rossinole]

That's incredibly bush league. Are the Islanders the new single A affiliate of the Mets now?

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

LMAO!!

I don't have a problem with it. The most interesting thing to me about that game was the aftermath. Snow & Capuano defended their players as expected. Chuck paid the 100 grand fine without a word. ISLANDERS FANS LOVED IT!!

Meanwhile in Pittsburgh Lemieux whined, cried & made himself look like an idiot.

The Islanders were already a tight group. When you're constantly told you suck the bond of a team gets stronger. The team as a whole was tired of seeing opponents take cheap shots on Tavares & others. The Penguins were in the wrong place at the wrong time. If this is the identity of the Islanders I'm fine with it. I don't have a problem with any team that's prepared to defend themselves against their opponents.

 

[pixburgher66]

DaBolts, I agree with your sentiments...it was good for the Isles for the togetherness it brought them...but I just can't condone the actions that occurred. Even though I now hate Max Talbot...sucker punching isn't cool. And I won't start the Lemieux convo again. It would take a whole lot more than a little whining for me to lose that man's respect.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

DaBolts, I agree with your sentiments...it was good for the Isles for the togetherness it brought them...but I just can't condone the actions that occurred. Even though I now hate Max Talbot...sucker punching isn't cool. And I won't start the Lemieux convo again. It would take a whole lot more than a little whining for me to lose that man's respect.

Lemieux was an unbelievable player. He took a lot of abuse as well. The rules in place now are the same ones Lemieux wanted when he played. The league didn't listen then. If Lemieux played now instead of the clutch & grab era, his point totals would have been off the charts.

I don't condone sucker punching either. The fact Chuck paid the fine without a peep says a lot. I fully expected Capuano & Snow to defend their players & they did just that.

 

[Dacks]

As a Islander player or fan, of course I would love that game and re-watch it for kicks. Let's face it, we like violence. But I think it's a bit irresponsible for the organization to officially promote the game. Even without the two cheaper, intent to injure plays (the obvious one and the missed sucker punch), it was still a hyper-violent game with lots of fights. Even if we secretly like it, that's not the type of hockey we should be promoting. Already too many hotheads and fighting in youth hockey.

I know the Islanders scored 9 goals that game, but it's not what made it the highlight of the Isles season. And now young Islander fans are going to see that violence and know that running around trying to hurt people is good for your popularity. Wrong message IMO.

 

[Bizzle McDizzle]

They should replay it once a week, in Times Square, with free popcorn.

Fuck being P.C.

 

[forty_three]

I like this choice better.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

That game is in the Islanders Top 10 Games DVD set. It's definately a keeper. David Volek had the game of his life at the perfect time.:

 

[loki604]

As a Islander player or fan, of course I would love that game and re-watch it for kicks. Let's face it, we like violence. But I think it's a bit irresponsible for the organization to officially promote the game. Even without the two cheaper, intent to injure plays (the obvious one and the missed sucker punch), it was still a hyper-violent game with lots of fights. Even if we secretly like it, that's not the type of hockey we should be promoting. Already too many hotheads and fighting in youth hockey.

I know the Islanders scored 9 goals that game, but it's not what made it the highlight of the Isles season. And now young Islander fans are going to see that violence and know that running around trying to hurt people is good for your popularity. Wrong message IMO.

Completely disagree. I hate that shit. I don't have a highlight reel of Matt Cooke's greatest "hits" just because he plays for my team. I have no desire to watch a certain Penguins-Bruins game ever again, despite the fact that the Penguins won.

 

[SLY]

I love it... I could watch the Bruins/Stars game from last season over and over again.

edit: As long as concussions and cheap shots aren't involved. The Bruins/Stars game was just straight up toe to toe hockey (if that even makes sense), respectful fighting.

 

[DChero]

Are they going to show the DiPietro/Johnson fight as a prologue?

 

[loki604]

I love it... I could watch the Bruins/Stars game from last season over and over again.

edit: As long as concussions and cheap shots aren't involved. The Bruins/Stars game was just straight up toe to toe hockey (if that even makes sense), respectful fighting.

Not respectful. Goonery because they suck and they know it (omg, I know they won!!!)

 

[SLY]

Not respectful. Goonery because they suck and they know it (omg, I know they won!!!)

I was referring to the B's/Stars game not the Isles/Pens game... That was straight bar room brawl tactics, which I enjoyed watching cause my team wasn't involved. But the game I was referencing was straight up fighting, settling bad blood.