I have gotten some notes from some people that said I may have crossed the line on the fans not showing up.  Please allow me to state my case a little more carefully.

I have NO issues with people that have problems with affording season tickets or ticket prices in general.  That thought NEVER crossed my mind.  I know that prices for games are exorbanent.  Single game costs are tough.  I think that the Isles are trying to intice with the free kids tickets and other things.  But Goose (and you know who you are…), you are NOT the reason for the RANT.  Season ticket prices did NOT go up, and they are in some cases, 60% of the price of the retail ticket.  However, I would never criticize anyone for not going because they can not afford it.

However, there ARE people that CAN afford it, but just refuse to show.  DO YOU WANT YOUR TEAM STILL TO PLAY HERE?????  Well, we’re waiting.  Everyone criticizes CW for his crazy antics and all that other crap, but this man has lost 100 Million Dollars to keep YOUR team here! 

Just THINK of that… 100 FREAKING MILLION DOLLARS!  Anyone who does NOT say that he/she DOES NOT CARE, should be brought out to a firing line, and SHOT!  I do not agree with all that Charles does; frankly, I don’t think anyone does.  However, he is doing what he can to keep this team here.  And you know what, we are one point from FREAKING FIRST PLACE!  It is totally HORRIBLE how so many seats are vacant.  If we were 2-8-1-1, that would be a story that I can not defend.  But we are 5-4-1-1.  C’mon folks, where the HELL are you!  Support this team!  You wonder why we are the laughing stocks?  It is not for the play, or even the GM changes.  It is the fact that Islander fans (in most cases - notice - I prefaced myself), DONT SHOW UNLESS THEY ARE WINNING.  That is a sentence that is 100% true.

Remember, Charles is dealing with an crumbling arena, that he wants so much to rebuild, and the County is shoving pokers in his butt, to keep construction people away.  He gets NOTHING on CONCESSIONS, NOTHING on PARKING and has to shell out huge percentages on EVERY TICKET sold.  How would you like THAT deal, and try to make MONEY?  That is why the prices are the way they are. He doesn’t like it, but in order to KEEP THIS TEAM here, that is what has to be done.

Sorry if you are upset with me, or disagree, but this is MY BLOG, and MY OPINIONS!  And if you talk to many of the FAITHFUL that were in the building last night, they believe the SAME THING!  I know that we have great fans that can not show at games for whatever reason.  However, when we are LAST in attendance, and people are moaning and groaning about Garth.  Mr. Snow is NOT the problem.  He is not the reason why ticket prices are so high.  He has the job of getting the best players that we can, and overseeing the hockey side of the equation.  It is not Ted Nolan’s fault.  Actually, he is doing a TREMENDOUS job, and I would love to see someone tell me he ISN’T??? 

I just get so tired of people moaning and groaning about everything with this team.  If you don’t like it - go over to NJ, or Manhattan.  If you can’t afford it - that’s one thing, and I can respect and honor that.  Paying the bills, feeding the kids, and making ends meet is more important that going to a sporting event.  But if you have the capabilities and you decide to protest and don’t come - sorry to say, but you are idiotic!  That is my opinion and I am STICKING to it!  If you care to discuss it, I can be reached on the New York Hockey Report talk show on the Internet (www.nyhockeyreport.com) at 8:05 PM tonight.  The number is (877) 913-9739.  I would love to discuss it with you.  Or see me at Gate 3 Saturday night.  I am open to discussion.
Gary 

Yes - it was tense for a while.  I really wanted to go on the ice and put a pack of dynamite on the arse of Sean Hill and hope that would help his speed.  Well - it was an idea…  However, we finally got the goals late, and sealed the deal.

The Isles sometimes need to show that KILLER INSTINCT.  When you have a 3-0 lead, finish it.  They let this team back in; a team that did not score in almost 4 full games.  That second goal was a little scary.  It seemed that Ricky did not see that shot go by.  I think he was partially screened.  For all intents and purposes, he played OK.  Not terrible, but OK.

Well, we are 5-4-1-1.  We are over 500, and we are over the Rangers….. YEA TEAM!

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

1. Mike Sillinger - You almost did not notice him. However, he got the 4th goal, and assisted on two others.
2. Richard Park - got an assist and really looked strong all night.  The wheels are always in motion when he is on the ice.
3. Jason Blake - team leading 6th goal, and 100th in his NHL career.  Congratulationg Blakey!

GOLD STAR AWARD

• Those cute kids that walked onto the ice inbetween periods in the costume contest.

TIN TWIT AWARD

• The fans that DID NOT SHOW UP TONIGHT!  It is getting more and more DISGUSTING!  It really stinks, and it makes us look bad that we are doing so well and not getting the support at the ARENA!  If you are a fan, SHOW YOUR LOYALTY and show up at the ARENA!