As all good hockey fans know: a goaltender is a must to be competitive in the NHL. 

DUH, Gary!  We know that….

OK - That was just a thesis statement, if you will…. but look at teams that really struggled last season.. Let’s take St. Louis and Chicago for example.  The Blues used about seven goalies in the season.  No wonder that they were the number one for the entry draft this past June.

In the case of the B-Hawks, they spent a king’s ransome (over $6 mil.) for The “Bulin” wall, and it tumbled like Berlin in 88.  They were #3 in the draft.

As you can see, I did not use Pittsburgh in this, because they indeed have a goalie that is going to be a cornerstone in Marc-Andre Fleury.  There are goalies that will struggle, but you know in your heart of hearts that will be the ONE for years to come.

#39 in blue, should be that as well.

That is why I believe that although we know that it is a “No Brainer”, Garth had to say a simple sentence that we all know to be true and MUST be true.

** From the NY Islanders Web Site **

GARTH RESPONDS: Rick is going to be an Islander for a long time.

I think Garth did a great job in letting the fans know what he thinks.  Of course, doing is another story, and I can see that there are going to be skeptics everywhere.  For those of you that are, I have one sentence to say to you.

Give the man a break!

Party on Garth!

Hello all…

For those of you that are stumbling by, allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Gary Harding, and I am from Huntington, Long Island, NY.  I am a DIE-HARD Islanders fan and a season ticket holder since 1988.

The Blog Name, basically tells you where I sit.  From Row B, Seat 1 in Section 317, I watch the boys that wear my home on their sweaters play hockey over 40 times (hopefully more) every season.

As an Islander fan, over the past 15-20 years, we have seen it all, to say the least.  Good teams, yes, and unfortunately, some not so good.  A lot of crzy owners, which we can leave for another day’s talk.  The “MAD MIKE” era, and now - “Snow Season“.

Throughout the season, I will be talking about the team, what my fellow 317′ers are thinking, as well as what we do during games.  If you don’t know, Section 317 have some of the loudest and craziest fans around.  We yell a lot, have great chants, and of course, a cow bell (thank you Claire - my wonderful wife!!!).  If you come to a game, try to get tickets in 317.  You will at least have a good time in the section, even if we don’t win.  You may learn something too….

If you ever want to talk to me, you can leave comments.  Also - leave your e-mail address as well.  Thanks for stopping by… Check us out often.  Let your friends know about this too.

Have a great day!

Gary