I have to give props to a guy by the name of Steve (his handle is stevedepot) on the NY Islanders Country Message board (www.nyislanderscountry.com).  He does some great work, and I wanted to share this with everyone. 

I will quote his entry:

I hope Jack Black doesn’t sue me for this but I liked the aggressive, physical and some times dirty play of our new defensemen the other night. Especially that of Brendan Witt. Moving the puck out of the zone is essential yes, but the grit and the hits we’ve seen are something that have been sorely missing from an Islander team for some time.

And the picture says it all….

Is that too good, or what????

 

BTW – a reminder – NY Hockey Report tonight – 8:00 PM www.nyhockeyreport.com, or www.allinbroadcasting.com.  Steve Mears will be the guest in segment 2.  Tune in, won’t ya?

Gary

Posted under Islanders 06-07

For the first 20 minutes of this game, the Isles were looking strong.  They were creating chances, skating and passing the puck with authority.  Things just appeared to be going the Islanders way.

But, we play 3 + periods in hockey…

Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy…

Don’t give all the blame to the Isles, the Preds looked like garbage too…  One of the most sloppiest games around…

To make matters worse, a lot of Islander fans just simply did not make the game.  The announced crowd of just over 9,000 seemed a lot sparser.  Perhaps about 7,000 or so.

This gets to my beef about Islander fans.  Let me preface this by stating that this is a GENERAL statement.  This does not apply to a specific person, but nevertheless, it is my feelings. 

Islander fans have ZERO loyalty!

Mostly that is due to the fact that we Islander fans have been so abused since the glory years.  Phantom owners, imprisoned owners, gangs of owners that wanted the team for a real-estate tax write off; and now the Wang show (not to be confused with the Gong show).  We are too quick to judge; we are, in may cases, too freaking negative!  We can not handle the fact that we are the third team in NY right now.  We have rebuilt too many times…

I can go on and on….  I have those feelings at times as well.  But I learned a valuable lesson from my father at a very young age.  I was playing organized baseball as a young kid in Levittown.  I was on a real crappy team.  I was the largest and oldest kid on the team, and pitched (I threw a no-hitter and lost…. I broke my catcher’s finger).  Our team was 0-13.  I was very discouraged.  I wanted to quit.  My father, after a tough loss, looked me straight in the eye, and told me: (paraphrasing)

…that without dedicated people, nothing in our world would be good.  You have to learn to stay the course.  Learn that things will be better, and never give up.

Unfortunately, the season was ending, so I needed something else to do.  Living in Levittown, and growing up directly across the street from a town pool, I decided to join the swim team.  I knew I could swim OK, I just never thought that I could do it competitively.  I decided to take my dad’s advice and stick with it, and try as hard as I could, no matter what was said or done.  Bottom line, not only did I do real well, but I actually competed in county competitions, placing highly, and even winning a few events.  I really liked it, and stay dedicated to it throughout high school.

What I am trying to get at, is that I tend to stay the course.  I know that things are not great.  We have not won much lately.  It is easy for people to stay away (and the lesser dedicated ones are).  You all know what will happen when we begin to win again….. They will say that they have been there all along.  But we all know that is all ‘cock-a-del-toro’!

Well – I got that off my chest…

Anyway – I did not do three stars last night, but I think that I can say that it would be the correct list.

BTW – my lists are always ONLY Islander, irregardless of the score

Star 3 – Brendan Witt – although he got ANOTHER penalty (11 minors in 6 games), his physical play has been splendid.

Star 2 – Mike Sillinger – The only goal scored last night – played well

Star 1 – Mike Dunham – Stood on his head (and took a puck there too…)

Spot a trend here???

Gold Star award – The young girl that did the national anthem, did a great job.  She has been doing it at the Coliseum for at least 5-6 years now, and her voice is real good.  (BTW – Chicken Little was good at opening night too).  I think her name is Jill.

Tin Twit Award – To the left of the Booster Club table, there is a kosher stand.  Nice guys that run the booth.  However, during intermission 2, a bunch of other fellas just stood by the booth, (basically in the Booster Club’s laps), and proceeded to chant prayers for about 10 minutes.  Let me say for the record, that I do not deny them their religion, and what they do, I think it is great, that they are true to their religion and beliefs; however, to do it right on top of people trying to do business is another thing.

Well – Thursday night – is that start of the 32 divisional matchups that the Isles have this season.  The Pens come with their ”Teen Corps”.  The night before, Evgeny Malkin will play his first game of the season, which was delayed by a messed up shoulder in the 2nd period of the 1st preseason game.  Let’s see how long he lasts THIS TIME! 

Until then….

 Gary

PS – By the way, tune into the New York Hockey Report Wednesday night.  Our guest will be Steve Mears.  Please check it out, won’t ya?

Posted under Islanders 06-07

What a weekend!

It always is nice when you wait for something for a long time, and when it happens, it a good and happy moment.  Opening night, is no exception.

This is my 18th Opener at the Nassau Coliseum.  And for the past 14 years, it has started with a tailgate outside.  And what would a tailgate be without a WIND gusty afternoon.  It was so bad, that there was trouble starting grills.

However, we had a nice crowd at the tailgate, and everyone was happy and optimistic about the opener.  The one thing about this team, that no matter how they do – opening night is always a good record.  Saturday was no exception.

The Isles, after giving up the opening goal, cruised to a 4-1 win, thanks in part to Jason Blake, the Mighty mouse!  He was pushed up to the top like with Kozlov and Yashin, and played a great game.  To be brutally honest, he was not in his “…here I come to HOG the puckkkkkk!” mode.  He was calm, looked for options instead of just being the Jason Blake show.  He looked great.

Also - Mike Dunham looked well.  He made some great stops in the first period, to take the momentum away from Boston.  Basically, we played 5-5 most of the game, and what I said during the long road trip was true.  We are a good 5-5 team, and if we stay out of the box, we can play with ANYONE and win ANY GAME.  We did just that.  Boston is NOT a good team.  They have a good number of players (Chara, Murray, Savard), but that is it.  Their goalies are questionable to say the least.

Three Stars of the Game according to Sec 317.

1. Jason Blake - 3 points (2G 1A) – inspired play on the first line
2. Mike Dunham - great game in net – key saves in 1st period penalty kill were crucial
3. Mike Sillinger – 1st goal in an Islander uniform – key faceoff wins

Honorable mention to Poti (1st goal), Hill (2 assists).

Gold Star Award – Isles organization – Opening night festivites – good job – also having Boss and Trotts start the season – great move!

Tin Twit Award – massive confusion with the new parking situation.  Coliseum people had NO CLUE on where things were, and I know that many people did not get in on time as a result of it.  Hopefully, it will improve as the season does.

As far as the Isles are concerned, we had a good game.  I am glad we did, and hope that this continues into tonight, as the Predators make an appearance on LI for the first time in three years.  This group can be scary, if their star players are on target, but so far, their defense (a staple to this team’s previous successes) has been suspect.  But they do have a world-class stopper in Tomas Voukon, and a strong offensive team, led by Paul Kariya, JP Dumont and Steve Sullivan among others.

Former Preds Mike Sillinger and Brendan Witt should be extra up for this game.  Keep an eye on them.

Prediction 6-4 Isles Victory tonight.  Let’s hope we get to .500 tonight and overtake the Rangers in the standings.

Gary

 

Posted under Islanders 06-07

Well, the opener is here!

Even though this team had only one game at home during the preseason, it does not even feel that we have been at home.

Well tonight – that will severly change.

It is going to feel like they have never been away.

Nine of the next ten games will be in Uniondale.  Now this team will get the chance to gel in front of the home crowd.  Now will be the chance for the Isles to silence the critics.

Hopefully, the fans give this team the respect that they deserve.  The need to show up and yell for this team.  Ted Nolan has done a good job, despite the record.  The team has played well 5 on 5.  Their major problem is the special team, both sides.

Today, the Booster Club has their tailgate party before the game at 3:00 PM.  Then at 5:30, the gates will open.  6:45 starts the pre-game activities and the game will start afterwards.  I can not wait.

More to report tomorrow afternoon.  I have the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach.

LET’S GO ISLANDERS!

Gary

Posted under Islanders 06-07, NY Hockey Report

In a move that was so long overdue, the Islanders have brought Michael Bossy back to the team!  The following is a statement on the New York Islanders.com web site, from Chris Botta, VP Communications:

We have called for a press conference for 1:00 pm on Friday. The amazing Mike Bossy is coming back to the Islanders family in an official capacity, incredible news for the franchise and our fans. Whereas his pal and linemate Bryan Trottier is overseeing player development, Bossy is going to work with the front office in sponsor and fan development. I can tell you that No. 22 is completely overjoyed by his return to his beloved team, and we’re equally delirious for having him back.

People can say whatever they want about Mr. Wang and the way he conducts himself, but he makes 100% sure that the history of this team, and the men that molded it, have all come back to help support it.  Well done!

Pictures and commentary from the tailgate party, and the game tomorrow will come after the game ends.  Once again, I will be doing the 3 stars of Section 317, along with the Gold Star and Tin Twit Awards!  Check often for updates!

Have a great Friday, and LET’S GO METS!

Gary

Posted under Ramblings

We got it….. Phew!

Teddy N got his first win.  Ironically, it came to the team that just about everyone thought we would have the toughest time winning.  We gave the Ducks their first loss of the season.  On the shootout, Anaheim gets a point.  However, since they are in the Western Conference, whatever…

Kudos to Mike Dunham who played SPECTACULAR.  46 out of 50 shots were stopped by him; some in dramatic fashion.  The sixth player to play for all three local NY teams did not disappoint.  He also stopped five out of six in the shootout.

A big key to this victory was someone that you would not normally equate to offensive power.  CHRIS SIMON, got a power play goal and two helpers, as he looked quite strong in his puck possesion and ability to move the play smartly, even with two Duck defenders on him.

Alexei continued his much improved play, scoring the tying goal late in the third, and also getting an assist on Simon’s goal.  I hope this inspired play continues, so that we can stop hearing the crap about him.  Just let him play the game and have fun doing it!

Mike York and Trent Hunter scored their first goals of the season, and looked a lot more inspired with their play.  It is just amazing how much a team looks when their confidence gets a boost.  They finish checks, handle the puck better and overall appear to be 100% in the game.

The Isles are STILL having trouble with taking the penalty.  Although the number dropped in half from the previous night (12 to 6), Brendan Witt, took 3 penalties in the third period, to up his total to 9 minors in 4 games.  We know that his game is extra aggressive, but he has to be smarter with his positioning and ensure that he is keeping both hands on the stick at all times. 

Are we to worry about Ricky?  Hell no!  It was a good idea by Nolan to get Dunham into some action and give Ricky a blow.  We all know that #39 will get the overwhelming amount of duty between the pipes, but to keep him at his best, Dunham will get some spells. 

We got a power play goal (1-5 officially), but we gave up two against as well.  That needs to be addressed and things need to be done to work on that.  If this team is to succeed, we need to get the special teams to be a great deal better.  We know how lousy they were on this road trip, and if we continue this over the large upcoming homestand, we will be in serious trouble, for sure.

Of course being a road game, Anaheim got the first two stars of the game (Pahlsson and Pronger), with Simon getting number 3.  I would reverse it.

Great NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT last night.  Joe and I got on Derek and his Yankee rooting.  It was a lot of fun.  To check it out, put this in your browser for the Windows Media Version of the show. 

http://www.broadcastmonsters.com/NewyorkHockey/nyhockey101106.asx

Two points are on the board for our Isles, as we head to the Home Opener, and actually a great deal of home cooking as we are basically home until early November.  Now we get the guys to their homes, get them into a basic routine, and start adding some more “W” to the win column.

Time to go out and support your team.  Will you be there Saturday?  Be loud, be PROUD!

Gary

Posted under Islanders 06-07

Well, history was made last night.

For the first time since 72-73, we started the season 0-3. 

I am sure that many of you, myself, unfortunately included, did not see the Isles surrender a late second period power play goal to former Islander Brent Sopel, and give another late PP goal to Frolov late in the game to see the Isles lose to the Kings 4-2.

There are many people in various forums ready to jump ship; to cash it in.  I just have one thing to say to those people:

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!

This is precisely why so may people say that Islander fans are the worst in the league.  IT IS 3 FREAKING GAMES INTO THE SEASON.  RELAX! 

Yes we are not playing well.  We are doing EXACTLY the same thing as last year, WE CAN NOT STAY OUT OF THE BOX! Giving the Kings 12 PP opportunities is the main reason as why we are where we are.  Stop grabbing and clutching.  Didn’t you people learn your lesson last year?  Having Ricky make 36 saves game after game is going to make him suffer as the season progresses.  Losing 5-6 minutes of 5 on 5 play is not going to win you games?  Nolan has said so, and I agree, that we are playing well 5 on 5.  That is NOT the problem. 

What it comes down to it is this.  Maybe some Crazy Glue on the gloves may be the trick.  Stop cross-checking the guy, and don’t interfere.  You can find ways to impede progress without having to hang all over him.  The word is DISCIPLINE! Do you know what that means????

On the other side of the rink… We are not going to win ANYTHING, if we are taking only 25 shots as opposed to 40!  I know that Ted is a player’s coach, but he needs to blow a head gasket and get in these guys minds!

This is a team that we SHOULD HAVE BEATEN!  No doubt about it – a goalie that has played weak (Cloutier), and have given up soft goals (especially the two last night).  They should have POUNCED on him.  But careless penalties (3 by Yash – the first caused the winning goal), and not enough attention to details have made this team start 0-3 for the first time in 35 years.  To make matters worse, our former Islander, Mr. Sopel gave a great quote about his time on Long Island, thanks to the LA Times:

“It was a terrible year there,” Sopel said. “I wanted to show the Kings organization and the fans that there was a reason why they traded for me.”

Well Brent, you basically SUCKED for us!  You were as clueless as dirt out there.  What you did in Vancouver, you left on the plane for New York.  Now, you finally WAKE UP, and blame US?  You said at the Booster Club meeting, how happy you were to get out EAST and this organization.  You lying sack of CRAP! 

I usually don’t wish for a guy to get hurt, but maybe this time, it’s different.
Now, tonight, we have the next daunting task.

ANAHEIM!

A Stanley Cup contender.  Solid blue line.  Speed in the offensive zone with many options.  Two strong goaltenders that can singlehandedly take over a game.  Just what the Islanders need.  I usually try to watch these late night games.  However, lately, my body just slows down after 10:00 PM.  I may just crash!  Maybe not watching some, will help the team. I am willing to do ANYTHING (well, almost).

But hey, the METS are playing tonight.  Game 1 – look to see them set the tone early and try to POUNCE on the Cardinals.  At least ONE of my teams is doing the right thing.

Well – back to work, basically, to forget about the game.  Hopefully tomorrow, the team will be heading home with a W or at least a point!  God, please help us!

But I will say this.  I may be upset at the way the team is starting.  I may be really peeved at all the stupid penalties that this team makes.  I can not handle this start.  But it will NEVER, NEVER, downplay my support for this team.  Don’t jump off the wagon.  You can be mad at your team, but keep supporting.. Remember, fan is short for fanatic.  We have to remain fanatical about our team.  They can make you mad, but stay the course.  Things WILL get better!  They can not continue to be this way all season! 

Keep the faith…

Gary

Posted under Islanders 06-07

The California trip of fun continues tonight, as the Isles invade LA.   This game is the one match that the Isles SHOULD win.  The Kings are probably the weaker sister of the Pacific division.  They have some able bodies, but lack that solid fire-power player that brings this team over the top.  They will face their old friend Dan Cloutier in the nets.  However, we will not have Tommy Salo between our pipes, so that I don’t believe that there will be any goalie fights.

There have been too many segments in the first two games where the Isles have had offensive lapses.  They are not ‘going through the motions’, but in many instances, don’t take the shot, when the moment requires it to.  Yash, although always looking for the best option, should make himself a primary target and be the option.  Hunter and Satan also need to bring their games up.

Is it just me, or is York a dangling modifier, lost in a cerebral fog?

And for the love of God, STOP TAKING STUPID PENALTIES!  Brent Sopel is on the OPPOSING TEAM, not OURS!

Who needs to step up?  Other than just about ALL of them….

The team needs to give Ted Nolan a supreme effort tonight.  They need to do that, in order to carry over for Wednesday night, as they take on the potential Cup player in the Anaheim Ducks.  The team needs to set the tone early in the games.  Make the home team go back on their heels a little.

As far as the AL preview is concerned, I look at it for the equation of what team will be easier for the Mets to take on.  We all know that the NL is definitely the weaker side of the league. Other than the Mets, the NL, well, frankly, SUCKED!  The Tigers did me a great favor by spanking the Yanks.  The A’s had an easy time of Minnesota.  Do I think the Tiger cinderella story can continue?  I think their pitching is solid, but right now, even with Oakland.  I think it will be intangibles that will win this series.  A bloop hit at the right time, a strange play.  Those usually are the types of things that win series.

My prediction – Detroit in 7.

Cmon Isles – get me that first win tonight!

Gary

Posted under Islanders 06-07, Ramblings

“We just did not take advantage of chances in their zone” 

That is a typical response to the reporters as the Isles lost their second straight game; a 2-0 downing to the San Jose Sharks.  It may not have got them any points in the standings, but they played a strong game.

The two goals scored, both on power play in the first period from San Jose defensemen were fluke shots that Ricky had no chance at all to defend.  Overall, from the coaches, to the other players it was a good game from the 15 year man.  All three ends of the ice played well.  It was just a couple of bad penalties taken by Islander newcomers Chris Simon and Andy Hilbert.

Viktor Kozlov had 5 shots for the Isles and continues to show some good skills.  Bruno Gervais took a nasty hit from San Jose’s Mike Grier.  Grier left his skates to slam Gervais to the boards behind DiPierto.  No penalty was called on the play.  A tough break, which saw Grier end up with a bloody lip, and Gervais struggled to get off the ice.  However, he returned a few minutes later.

The Isles travel down I-5 and head to Los Angeles to take on the Kings on Tuesday.  The team will get a day off today, before heading back to the rink on Monday.  Ted was pleased by the way the team played, and said it was just unfortunate that the team just did not take advantage of opportunities.

 

 

———————

Way to go Mets!

Stand up and cheer Met fans, get out the brooms and start sweeping! 

Trachsel slumped in the 4th and the team lost their lead.  However, the help of former Dodgers (Green, Mota and LoDuca) pushed the Amazin’s to a 9-5 win and a three game sweep of LA.  They now await the winner of the St. Louis/San Diego series.  They still should be the favorites to reach the World Series.  But unfortunately for them, there will be no 7 train to the 4, since the Yankees decided to pull a big CHOKE and drop like a dead fish against the Tigers.

I was VERY PROUD to put on my orange Met’s t-shirt and my circa 1988 Mets road jersey and my Paul LoDuca signed hat, as my wife and I went into Huntington village to visit the fall festival.  It is an annual pilgrimage for Claire and I.  We enjoy walking around the park, taking in the sights, smells and fun of the festival.  There is a Pickel place that is there every year, that I get my quarts of hot and spicy, and horseradish pickels.  If you do not get there early, you lose out, and there will be an hour plus wait to purchase your tasty 5 calorie treat. MMMMMMMMMmmmm!

Wasn’t it just an absolutely gorgeous day on Long Island today?  Not a cloud in the sky all morning and afternoon.  It was nice, after hours of walking up and down hills in the village, to be able to sit out on the deck and enjoy the afternoon with my beautiful wife!

Just a great day to be alive.  If only the Islanders would have won, it would have been PERFECT!  Oh well, enjoy!

Gary

 

Posted under Islanders 06-07, Ramblings

Team looks significantly better.  Puck control – defensive responsibilities are much better.  I guess Nolan’s words got through.

Jiggs sounds great on the broadcasts again.  I like Billy Jaffe too.  Tells things like it is, but does not come up their collective butts…

More info as I feel like…

G

Posted under Introduction