It has been a few days of rest and relaxation for this web site.  It was indeed a pleasure to take a few days off from writing, and enjoy other things.

Got a chance to see one of my favorite comedians, Brian Regan, play at Avery Fischer Hall.  Regan is one funny dude, and the best thing, is that you can go to a show, spend almost two hours there, and not have to deal with one foul-mouthed word.

Last night - we had a Booster Club meeting at the Marriott.  Ted Nolan was the guest, and did a tremendous job.  I have even more respect for the man after the meeting.  He told us about the steps that he took to come from a First Nation community.  He is a great person to talk to one on one.  He listens, responds respectfully.  You can see why he is so respected and revered.

Well - the Isles head out to Texas for their last venture out of the Eastern time zone.  The guys had some time to shake out the cobwebs, and prepare for a crucial four game road swing that takes them to Dallas, Tampa, Sunrise, and Toronto before going into an even more crucial three home matches in 72 hour deal.

We were told at the meeting last night, that Chris Campoli will be on the trip with the team.  He will not be playing right away, as coach Nolan thinks he is still not fully ready to step up in the lineup.  He said that Campoli played “OK” in Bridgeport, but certainly not good enough to take away from the current starting six.  So for now, he is the ‘ugly duckling’ in the corner, waiting his turn.  Maybe, he may get a game in the other end of the ‘back to back’ games in the Sunshine state.

As much as I enjoyed the time off, it is time to talk about hockey again.  However, today, it is my birthday.  I turn 43 at midnight (I was born at the end of the day on thr 14th), so I will be spending the evening (guess which):

1. Quiet candlelit dinner with the wife
2. A hockey game
3. A movie
4. Bowling

For those of you that really know me, you will get the answer…

Anyway, have a good night, and I will give a report after the game on Thursday morning.  I will be on vacation from the job until after the Thanksgiving holiday (yippee!).

Gary

PS - the answer is #4.  I have no life, right?

I guess the coach got his point across, didn’t he???

Rumor mill has it - that there is going to be a weekly FIGHT CLUB at Iceworks.  Since Ricky and Asham and a toe-to-toe, and Witt and Blake exchanged some pleasantries, the team looks focused, sharp and played a full 60 minute game, as they Isles beat the Flyers 3-1.

Alexei Yashin, had another excellent game, with two goals, upping his total to 7 and 19 points, as he played another excellent game.  Involved in all aspects of the game, Yash and Jason Blake teamed up on the 3rd goal of the night, as Blake rushed up and backpassed to Yashin who stepped into a lane the size of the Great Wall of China, and snapped a shot over the outstretched glove of Antero Nittymaki.

Richard Park scored between Yashin’s two on a great feed from Shawn Bates.  After Park scored, him and Bates skated back to the bench, and now look like the mouthpiece twins.

Ricky D stopped 31 shots, and did not get into any tussles with his teammates.  He gave up an unfortunate power play goal to Simon Gagne with about 2 minutes left in regulation.  Other than that, he was strong in goal.  He did not wonder, and kept most of the saves in sight for little rebounds.

Now - after practice today, the team should have two days off the ice to recoup and recover, and get some unusual relaxation, as their road trip returns at mid week in Big D.

Maybe I will write on the weekend, maybe not.  If I do not - have a great weekend!

Gary

OK - last night I was unable to do the NY Hockey Report.  I had some family things to do, and just would not be able to get home in time to do the show.

What has been happening on the show, is that when someone is not on (Specifically Joe - the Ranger boy…), we have abused him for so many reasons.  Last night, I was not on, so I was the whipping boy.

Joe basically accused me of being a ‘closet Rangers fan’.  Allow me to set the record straight….

I started following hockey in 1969.  Obviously, at that time, the Rangers were the only NHL team around.  My dad (as a NYC Cop) got tickets from time to time, and we would sit in the top of the arena, an be amazed by the old GAG line, and Eddie Giacomin in the nets.

In 1972, the Islanders came into town.  I went to some games in Year 1.  I wished I kept the programs and other stuff, wow, they would be valuable to say the least.  However, I liked both teams.  But whenever the Rangers played the Isles, I would take the city, and my dad would take Long Island, and we would have a friendly rivalry.  When the Isles were winning the 4 cups, I truly enjoyed watching them happen and was glad to see it.  I was a fan of both teams, so I didn’t mind seeing the team that I rooted against my dad with, go on to win 19 consecutive playoff series.  Unfortunately, my dad did not see the 4th cup (he passed away before that happened), but still, I kept my enjoyment of the local rivalry the same.  Many friends of mine at the time, asked how I can do that?  I just never decided to put a loyalty to just one team.  Growing up, I also enjoyed the Vancouver Canucks.  As a kid, I liked the old ’stick in the rink’ logo, and absolutely HATED the “Burger King” jerseys of the 80’s.  I was a fan of the game, and stayed that way through most of the 80’s.

Until “Trader Phil” started shuffling the team.

I liked when the Rangers picked up Walt Poddubny from the Maple Leafs.  Besides the interesting last name (I gravitated to those silly things as a kid and young man), he had the potential to be a 40-50 goal scorer, with the right environment.  Playing with the Rangers, he was close to doing just that.  He had, I believe, over 40 goals in his two seasons with the Blueshirts, and then traded him, along to Le Nordiques Jason Lafrienier and Normand Rochefort.  At that time, I asked someone to get me an Islander Booster Club application, because I had ENOUGH with the Rangers.  From that point on, my loyalty was ALL Islanders from that point.  From 1972 to 1988, I liked both teams.  I never put the word HATE to either of them.  Well - we all know what my loyalties are now!

So Joe - you know the story, but I wanted to let everyone else know what my story is.  And let me state this with 100% accruacy:

1. I DO NOT OWN ANY CLOTHING WITH A RANGER LOGO (I BURNED MY JERSEY IN 1988 - A BLUE #4 JERSEY)
2. I like Tom Poti - but I have no intention of starting a FAN CLUB for him (as a matter of fact Joe - I know that he LOVES YOU!!!)
3. Nothing would make my day go better to see the Rangers lose (with no disrespect to the fans - my beef is NOT with you)
4. As far as the fans are concerned, I have no problem with the Rangers fans showing up at the Coliseum, I just have problems with the attitudes.  It deals with the kids in the stands (and it really doesn’t matter what arena - it applies to all, but especially with the NYI/NYR games), when Rangers fans come, the yelling and the vulgarness that happens, is something I can not handle.
5. I root for ONE TEAM, and they play in UNIONDALE!

Oh yea, by the way (and I know that you did it for the show and your web site), but did you know that Joe Mac was a MEMBER of the ISLANDERS BOOSTER CLUB???  Yes indeed, Joe was a CARD CARRYING MEMBER, and actually ATTENDED MEETINGS!  Can’t say that for me????  However, I did have to attend a Ranger Fan Club meeting, which ironically, was days after they won the Cup.  I had to present the Ranger Fan Club with the Metro Mug, which is an award presented to the Fan Club, whose team had the best record between each other for the season.

So anyway, I had to get that off my chest.  It feels good.  Many Islander fans that grew up or were watching hockey in the late 60’s, early 70’s, have some Ranger blood  that flowed through their veins.  I got rid of mine fully, almost 20 years ago, and to Joe’s dismay, I have NO INTENTION of getting ANY BACK!

I know that I have to not miss the show much any more, but the night before Thanksgiving, we have a game.  I will call in on that night, but I am sure some abuse will come my way.  I have a job next week.  I have to get back at Joe.  Derek is all right, and I will not get on him (except for his Yankee stuff).

Well - we got the Flyers tonight… I assume you heard about the ONE ROUND Asham-DP scrap.  That is usually the kinds of things that make a team bond even more afterwards.  Ted has made some lineup shuffles, and hopefully this team will play PISSED and ROARING when the puck drops. 

After this match, then the team has 6 days off until the next game.  A chance to build some new schemes at practices, maybe even a day off or two.  I am glad that I get a weekend without any hockey to watch.  Go to the city to see a show, do some things in the house.  Spend some time with my wife (although  she is right in front of me at games).  Just a nice thing…

Have a HOCKEY DAY!  GH

PS - Thanks to “Stevedepot” on the NY Islanders Country Message Board for the permission to use his photoshop creations.  They are brilliant, aren’t they???

We don’t need any digestive issues happening tomorrow night during the game.

The big question for tomorrow is:

• Will Garth really BE the emergency Goaltender tomorrow night, or will the BIG PADS return!!!! LOL!

Hopefully two hard days of practice will re-mold these guys.  This is a winnable game (I can not believe I said that, but it REALLY is).

Am I one of the few people that believe that Simon would not be a bad thing to put Yash with?  I mean, c’mon look at it:

• We know that Simon is cement skates, but he can be a presence in the slot - messing up things and opening lanes for scoring chances.
• However, he has to STAY in the SLOT!!!
• Has to not take stupid penalties
• He is capable of scoring goals.

Good chance to start the semi-road trip right… But six days off between games?  And specifically what kinds of acid was the NHL schedule maker doing when he gave us THIS amount of time off…..???

Anywho - taking the night off from the computer - will preview the game more tomorrow.  Have a good day, all!

G

One word just said it all.  Mistakes, wasted opportunities, horrible assignments, and most of all, a horrible penalty kill, that had been quite brilliant before the last two games.

Maybe THIS road trip will get the team back on the page.  The team was as lost as Daffy Duck at Disney World.

Did anyone look good?  Well - a spurt or two here and there.  Yash was swarmed every time he touched the puck, Blake could not find open seams;  Hunter was hitting, but nothing else.  Satan was looking for heaven as opposed to finding shots.

And don’t get me started on the defense…..

Is it just me, or did Colin Campbell put on an edict to the referees on too many men on the ice penalties…  5 called in the last 2 games at the Coliseum.  I saw a number of them on TV as well…  Maybe they are catching up to the teams that cheat on the line changes to get an advantage.  Wish they were on the ball in the 1993 playoffs against the Habs when there were 9 on the ice when they changed lines and scored the game winning goal in overtime.

NO STARS TONIGHT

GOLD STAR AWARD - (I am stretching) - The only goal that the Isles scored was with under a minute remaining, so Dave and Buster’s will give ticket holders that show their stub, a $10.00 play card.  That is cool…

TIN TWIT AWARD - finicky fans.  One day, they are applauding and singing praises for Alexei Yashin, whose game has finally surfaced from the abyss under the tutelage of Ted Nolan.  Then last night, as much as he was trying (and I KNOW he was), the fans get on him.  He fires an errant pass, and people are saying… “that defines your Islander career right there?”  Let me ask you something in Section 316…

Do you even watch what is happening???

Alexei Yashin has been know as more of a set up guy, not necessarily a sniper.  Do you remember the pass he fed Blake with in NJ?  That is what Alexei is.  You try to have 600lbs hanging on YOUR back, and try to feed your teammate the puck!  Remember, statistically, passing is only 50% completed.  Which means, half the time, it doesn’t.  There is no perfection in him, although there must be a distinct mathematical formula saying otherwise with these ding-dong’s!

Understand something… These guys DO try.  Even the guys that are getting ridiculed (sometimes a little too much) about vision problems (and you KNOW who you ARE!!!).  We all knew that this team was going to struggle a little; have some difficult moments.  This is one of them.  Also, I know that you guys pay for your tickets and you have the RIGHT to say what you want to say.  No one, including me, will take that away.  But there are lot of other people around here, that will try to stay positive and have thoughts that this team will right itself and move forward.  Take a Nitro-Glycerin pill, drink an herbal tea, and take a freaking CHILL PILL!

Well - we play the worst team in the league on Thursday, Philly.  Wow, I can’t believe I just said that…  Well, anyway, with the luck we have, I hope that Philly does NOT have their best game of the season against us.  We have to forget last night, and come out with the solid, simple, posession game that got us a 4-1-1-1 record on the home stand before these two losses.  As Larry the Cable guy says, “Get ‘er DONE!”

Thank God!!! I need the break!

Not necessarily from seeing the team; just the break to get other things done.  Basically, to have a life…  I have not had time to get things done at home, having a night to just stay home, be with my bride and begin to get things going for Thanksgiving.  Just had enough time, to get the Halloween stuff up in the attic, now we have to get the Turkey stuff out, and get the house in motion for company.  To make matters worse, we get the traditional three home games in 72 hours surrounding the holiday.  Isn’t that just nice.

Havent talked about my football (soccer) team in a while.  The Toffees (EVERTON in the English Premier league) lost for only the second time this season; a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in London.  Wednesday night, they take on the Gunners of Arsenal in a Carling Cup showdown.  Arsenal always has a tough team, and this week, they are pissed after a last minute (literally) loss to West Ham United.  With top striker Thierry Henry, it will always be a tough test for any back line, and Wednesday will be no exception for American goalie Tim Howard and the gang.  Andy Johnson and James Beattie will need to be up for this, as this could be a goal-swapping affair.  Predicting a 3-2 Everton win to get to the Final 8.

Back to my Isles, we take on Tampa Bay tonight.  They are a tough team to figure out.  They have stars up front (Lecavilier, St. Louis, Richards, among others), and Marc Denis in the nets.  They have been see-sawing up and down this year.  But after a tough OT loss to Boston Saturday night, expect them to be fired up.  As usual, the first 6-8 minutes of the Islanders tends to determine their fate.  Although there have been times, that Teddy has made adjustments and the team takes on a different shape, you usually can see what we will have on the first few shifts of the contest. 

I really would like to see Dunny give Rico a blow.  I know he is our guy for the next 5100 days or so, but let the fans cheer for Mike, and let Ricky get his game back on the road.  Even though they are on the road for nearly two weeks, they will be home enough and even more days off, so that they can get more defensive schemes going.

SUGGESTIONS FOR TIN TWIT AWARD:  I can use your help for this.  The Tin Twit Award goes to something (not necessarily a player) going on during the game.  It really can be anything.  If you have suggestions, please send me an e-mail (nyibc1@aol.com).

Happy Birthday to Vicki (alias - Islander Queen) on the Islander Country message board.  Hope they get you goals and saves tonight!

BTW - Booster Club meeting in one week (11/13 - 7:30 PM LI Marriott).  Ted Nolan is the guest.  Hope you can make it!

Also - a commerical for the Booster Club should be on the video board tonight, featuring my beautiful wife Claire, along with Andy Hilbert.  Check it out, and send me a review.

Will try to send some notes from the game (thank God for a wifi connection!)

Gary

Many of the people that were in the Coliseum last night - were as happy as seeing an episode of that “Sunset Strip” Tv show.  (Note - I don’t even know the freaking name of the show…)  The Isles 4-1 to a quite solid Thrashers team.  And why am I not so peeved?

1. Atlanta is the real deal.  They are solid in front.  Three lines that can beat you, and have lots of speed to burn
2. Their puck posession is great.  Even when they do not have the puck, they swarm all over you. (Ask Alexei about the triple teaming they did on him)
3. All season, Kari Lehtonen has been brilliant (but the Moose did a good job on the last two nights as well)

Ricky was bad last night.  He did not get the job done, and when he makes mistakes, they are GLARING!  And I only have one request from you, Mr. 39? 

STAY IN THE FREAKING NET!!!!!!

Move on.  Tomorrow - Tampa comes in.  They lost to Boston on Saturday night, so expect them to be a little peeved.  The Isles have to match their intensity and all the guys have to be on full power.

THREE STARS (Islanders only).

1. Jason Blake - Scored the only goal.  Is on place for over 45 goals (let’s see if can keep it up)
2. Alexei Yashin - keeps his point scoring streak going.  Was double and triple team for most of the night and still got the puck to his teammates.
3. Trent Hunter - Mr. Hitting machine.  If only the goals started to come, he would be an guaranteed All-star

GOLD STAR AWARD - Fireworks by Grucci.  Great show - just too bad we did not have a wun to fully enjoy it.

TIN TWIT AWARD - I really haven’t complained much about the officiating this year.  They haven’t been too bad.  However, there were some blatant calls in the Atlanta defensive zone that definitely should have been called.  I will not get on these guys too much, but the water is beginning to boil a bit.

Oh - by the way - check out Patrick Hickey’s web blog (www.thedriveforfive.com).  There is a great picture of Ilya Kovalchuk that will make your day.

I feel like a politican…

I am Gary Harding, and I endorse this message…

Anyway, Patrick Hickey, a columnist for New York Sports Day, is doing a blog on the Islanders.  It is called the DRIVE FOR FIVE.  I implore all of my fellow Islander fans to check it out.  It is insightful, funny, and Patrick writes a good column.

The address is on my LINKS section, and it is http://www.thedriveforfive.com.

Check it out, won’t ya?

Gary

It just doesn’t roll off the tongue like it should. 

It doesn’t, because simply, we are not used to it.  It almost sounds like it is gibberish, or zwahili (forgive spelling).

But after 12 games, the Islanders are in a tie for FIRST PLACE, with a sound 5-2 trouncing of the Devils.  The Isles are back home tomorrow for two games, until heading on a road trip to Dallas and Florida.

Just about EVERY portion of their game was solid.  Ricky played well, although he only had 16 shots to contend with.  Defensively, the team was quitely good.  When you are not screaming at Sean Hill, it usually means that he is playing ok.

The forwards…. well, the Hunter, York, Satan line is back!!!  What an angle Satan scored on!  That is just the thing that he needs to get his scoring touch back.  Let’s hope that this is the case.  Great toe drag by TT (leading the NHL in hits).

And would the folks that keep screaming at Yashin do me a favor and just SHUT YOUR PIE HOLES!  What a great pass he made to set up the Blake goal.  I am sure that thousands of people were yelling SHOOT, SHOOT, but he got the puck through the legs of the young defensemen Brooks right to Blakey who put it home!  12 points in the last 6 games, and fans are STILL yelling at him when he coughs up a puck when three players are all over him.  Maybe this will silence these dingdongs for a while. 

Most of the players are commenting that the one factor that fired up the team, was the fight between Asham and Janssen.  It was a good even fight, Asham started well, and Janssen got a little at the end (although he was hitting AA’s helmet a lot).  I thought it was real nice, that Asham gave Janssen a pat in the butt when it was over.

The Isles are looking like a real together team, and all the cylinders collectively are moving, although in some cases, the statistics are not there.  Imagine how many of the ‘egg in their face’ media may have to back check when the Isles stay in the top 8 for a while….  I love to see TSN, Larry Brooks and other Islander slammers have to reverse themselves.  I can’t wait.

Fireworks after the game tomorrow, and hopefully we get more in the arena as we barbucue the Thrashers!

And Islander fans, if you have the means, SHOW UP!  Give these guys your undivided support.

Well Ted, the fun at home is over.  You have to bring these guys on a road trip.

Oh yea - it is a BUS, and not a PLANE…

They head over the GWB to exit 16W, to see Marty and the rest of the Devils.  Even though they will be in white, I sure hope that there are a lot of familiar shirts in the stands.

The keys to the game…

Keep that potent power play going.  Silly has been great on the 1st unit.  Good to see Satan in the slot position.  Keep him there.  Let him keep shooting - he will get out of the funk.

Limit the mistakes - on the road, the mistakes were glaring.  I think Ted has resolved those issues, but we have to ensure that we play disciplined.

Ricky - he always wants to be at his best against Marty.  Today should be no exception.  He played well against Chicago, but NJ will be a different test.

Repeat last years momentum - 6-1-1 last year, got to hope for a similar fate.

Prediction - 3-2 Isles.  More plusses to take into the game against Atlanta.

Go get em’  GARY