Well - so much for the break….

A 7-4 loss to the Pens, means that the fun begins, and the questions will start to come again….

Why did the D come out so freaking flat?

Why doesn’t someone just slap that little baby Sidney across the face?

Well, at least the power play worked tonight. (3/6)

This team (Pittsburgh) has been flying on all cylinders lately.  15 goals in two games.  Yes, 15 freaking goals!

Blue hot is this team, and hopefully it stops soon.  At least we are not playing them.

Alexei, we need you NOW, more than ever before!

We get the Thrashers tomorrow night - we need to get their game back together and fast.  I hope that it is a quiet flight back to Long Island.

This next week is extremely critical. The only game of ‘ease’ will be Columbus next Saturday night.  Having two Rangers games will make this a true testament of the team’s character.  The question for the Islanders is now, “Will they step up?”

Only time will tell.  Keep the fingers crossed.

Well - the Islanders are back doing what they are supposed to do; win hockey games.

And it starts tonight with those pesky Penguins.

Few things come glaring to my mind.

1. Stop SC.  He had 6 points last night — but that is the FLYERS.  Have to apply pressure and keep an eye on him at all times.  Don’t overexpose yourselves, but make sure that he is marked.
2. The same for Malkin.  He had a difficult night the other evening - so you know that he will be gunning for bear.
3. Ricky - for God sakes, please stay focused on doing the main thing that you are paid to do; stop the puck.  You have six capable guys to carry the puck out of the zone.
4. Establish the presence early.  This team without a doubt plays considerably better in the whites than the blues/oranges.
5. Pray to the Gods that #79 is returning. If not - hopefully tomorrow.

I am just getting SICK of playing these Penguins.  We have 51 games left, and almost 40% of them are between the Rangers, Devils and Flyers.  Can you believe that!?  Well - at least we SHOULD have easy games with Philly if they continue their spiraling trend downward.  And yes, I am so disappointed that they are where they are……  Like getting a Cheese Grater at Christmas, I am bummed!

Well - we got Atlanta tomorrow - then back to the Garden to spank the Rangers into oblivion.

Talk to you before the Trash game!

Gary

I was so used to having so much time off from games….

Anyhow, it will be nice to see some coverage on the team.  However, as minscule as it is, it will be nice to see something.

I know that it is a constant, lingering problem, but we just do not get adequate information about our team.  I bet that it was a major reason why Islanders management started to get the ITV going.  It is just a shame that not enough data is out there for Islanders fans to chew on.

There is Newsday.  I have said it in the past, and will still say… I am just not thrilled with Greg Logan’s coverage on the team.  I have never met the man, and I hear he is a real good guy, and I do not feel that it is deliberate, but I just do not get a positive vibe from him.  However, he is the main guy as far as covering the team is concerned.

There is Peter Botte from the Daily News, but I hear there is an All Points Bulletin out for him.  Will he ever surface?  The shadow knows.

The rotation of guys at the Post is enjoyable to say the least. (Enter sarcasm here)

That is why I enjoy the ITV coverage.  Although I can not get it from my office, I do check out the pre-game stuff with Chris and Steve.  The Post Game Raws are real good, and the best thing is the classic interviews with the Islander legends.  If you have not gotten the chance, I fully recommend the one with Jiggs McDonald.  It provides some great memories, as well as some great commentary from one of the best people on the PLANET! Yes, I am a little biased on Jiggs, but the truth is the truth.

Now to ramble. 

I havent talked about my Everton soccer team in  a while.  Everton, based in Liverpool, is playing in the English Premier League.  They currently sit 10th in the table, slipping after a great start.  They have a US goalie (Tim Howard - from the national team), and a cast of players from around the world.  Their star player, Andrew Johnson, who got a 20 million pound deal with the Toffees, has been out of the lineup with an injury.  For the first two months of the season, he was leading the league in goals, and there was lots of excitement on the blue section of the Merseyside.  However, the team has not picked up the slack, and the losses have been adding up.  Their future depends on how Johnson comes back and picks up the slack.

I also follow the two teams in Sheffield (United and Wednesday).  United are in the Premiership, and hang just above the relegation zone.  That means that the teams that finish in the last three places in the 20 team league will get sent DOWN to the next league, and the top 3 in the lower league (the CHAMPIONSHIP) will move up to the Premiership.  Can you imagine that?  I would equate that to if the Rangers (sorry NYR fans - but this is an ISLANDER blog), would finish LAST in the division.  For that, they would get sent DOWN to the AHL, and maybe Hartford would move up.  Wouldn’t that be a hoot….  Well, Sheffield United are a few points ahead of potential misery at the end of the season.  Usually, it is about an 80% chance that a team that is in the relegation zone at Christmas, stays there.  For the sake of the Blades fans, I hope they stay out.  They moved up last season, and the goal is to stay up for more than one year.  First of all, staying up means that there is a lot of money coming to the team in  Television revenue.  That is key to signing players during the transfer window (free agency signing period).

Then the other team in town (Sheffield Wednesday) are in the championship division, one down from the premiership.  They moved up at the end of 2004, and bearly hung on to stay this season.  This year, after a lousy start, they have made up some ground, and are in the middle of the table, but climbing.  To make it up, you have to either finish in the top 2 places, or win a playoff from the next four teams.  Right now, they are in 8th, with the top 6 in sight.  It would be nice to see both the Sheffield teams back in the top.  We are just tired of Manchester and London all in the top.

Just for all of your information, on Long Island, there is going to be a new sports-related show, that will start of January 8th (Mondays) at 7:00 PM.  WGBB (1240) will have a show called SPORTSTALK 1240.  Rob Kowal and Steve Ukeiley will be the hosts of this show, and will discuss everything New York Sports related.  We have Rob on the NYHR show last night and we discussed the types of topics that they will have on the upcoming shows.  It sounds like it will be a good time.  Make sure you tune in.  Also, you may get to hear from some of the guys that host the NYHR too!

Well - 10 shopping days until Christmas, and is the stress sitting in?  What I want in my stocking is some more Islander wins during the holiday season.  Especially on the 19th and the 26th.  I hope you are all hoping for the same thing too….

Talk tomorrow with a preview of another freaking Penguin game.  I am getting SICK of them.

Last night was our final Booster Club meeting for the calendar year.  We were supposed to have Chris Campoli as our guest, but he is currently in Bridgeport.  So, in a last minute change, Shawn Bates was inserted as our guest.

He was a great guest, and did not disappoint anyone.

He was a little shy and unsure at first, but as he got loose, he opened up and showed a funny and interesting side to the hockey player.

Did you know that he has 20/300 vision in his right eye?  He has had that since a child, so it is a further testament to his abilities to know that he is basically playing with one eye…

He has been chewing his mouthpiece for years, and it is just a habit.  Ask Keith (alias KPMats on the Islander boards about it….) Yarrrrr!

We tried to get some hidden secrets about him and his roommate (Ricky), but he played the good soldier and kept things quiet.  Oh well..

He was a lot of fun, and the Boosters did enjoy his company (even if he is a Red Sox fan — well, you can’t be perfect).

Thanks Shawn for coming, it was a blast!

And speaking of Booster Club meetings, we have gotten some interesting insights about the people that came to our meetings over the years.  The worst one, was from former Islander Todd Bertuzzi.  He is such a wonderful human being.  Remember, his girlfriend at the time (now his wife), complained the Clark Gillies was being too tough on him.  He had  a great comment about his life after hockey:

Why should I worry about what happens after hockey, I am only 22!

We found out the great story on how Peter Laviolette met his wife.  She was a flight attendant on an airline that his team was taking.  He saw her and said that she was going to be his wife.  Sure enough, as Peter can be, when he sets out on something, he gets it.

We had issues like last season, when Alexei Yashin was inadvertently booked to do two things at the same night.  So Alexei did his event in Hauppauge, and then got in his car and flew to the Marriott, because he did not want to disappoint the club.  He came, talked, signed autographs, and took pictures, satisfying everyone that was there.  He had tickets for the Andrea Bocelli concert  as well next door, but made sure that he took care of everyone before he left.  A class act all the way.

We found out about Brad Lukowich’s heave metal habits.  You would never think that he would be a fan of the music by looking at him.  He also told all about his time with the Stanley Cup, which is a dream for every Canadian boy that played hockey.

We have great stories every month of the season, as players, coaches, and other Islanders staff visit the Booster Club.  This year, Islanders TV have been covering the meetings.  Garth’s visit is on the page in a five minute feature on the Club, as well as the full 40 minute version on the Garth Snow show.  Check Islanders TV for future meeting updates.

We are still taking applications for the Club.  You can come to these meetings, take part in charity events, come on trips to Washington and Philadelphia, be on the voting list for the NYSTROM AWARD (only the Booster Club votes for this).  All for just $20 for adults and less for the kids.  You also get a newsletter each month as well and a gift for joining.  For more information, you can check the Booster Club website, which is www.nyiboosterclub.org, or you can see the Boosters between gates 3 and 4 on the concourse.

The New York Islanders Booster Club, 35 years and STILL GOING STRONG! Hopefully tomorrow - I will talk about the Islanders, the 2006-07 Islanders.  Hmm, such an idea! 

See you on the New York Hockey Report tonight at 8:05 PM!

Glenn Healy was always my favorite Islander.  As you saw in yesterday’s post, I kept my Isles 35 license plate.  Gotta love a hockey player that plays bagpipes.

However, there were a bunch of unsung players that I really liked over my Islander watching career.  I will dedicate a paragraph or so to some of them.  So here we go.

1. Anders Kallur - when you look at the Islanders dynasty over the years, you think of Trots, Boss, Potvin, Smitty, etc.  Usually the name Anders Kallur does not come up.  However, in my opinion, he was critical to the overall success of the team.  He played from 1979 to 1985 - and was a pivotal part of the 4 cup victories.  A offensive stalwart in Sweden, he joined the team during cup 1 and scored 36 goals in that season.  Over the rest of his career, he became a checking center, and was crucial in winning faceoffs, and penalty killing.  He left after the 1985 season.  Him and Stefan Persson were the first European trained players to have their name etched on the Stanley Cup.  Anders is now a European scout for the Islanders.  I had the honor of carrying his banner on the 1980 anniversary of the Stanley Cup team.  A nice man, so many people had such nice things to say about him, when we walked to the arena.
2. Steve Thomas - Alias “STUMPY”, this solid player born in the UK, made an immediate fan impact, when he was acquired from the Blackhawks in 1991 with Adam Creighton for Brent Sutter.  Before that, the Toronto raised centerman, came to the NHL through the Maple Leaf System.  It was during his years wearing #32 for the Islanders that he had his best years.  In the magical run of 1992-1993 he had 87 points for the Isles, and took the top line responsilbility when Pierre Turgeon was knocked out by Dale Hunter.  In the next season, he had a career high 42 goals.  After the 1995 season, he went to New Jersey, and his numbers never equaled his years in New York.  He was a key face off guy, the one that would deliver a big blow, or tussle in front of the net.  He did it all, and definitely was a fan fave.  Also - he was in the movie Youngblood, and got a towel whacking from Patrick Swayze.
3. David Volek - A large enigma from now the Czech reublic, Volek burst onto the NHL scene in 1989.  In his rookie season, he made the NHL All Rookie team, scoring 25 goals and 59 points.  Although his numbers stayed consistent, he just never became that player the Isles expected him to be, when he was a late round draft pick in 1984.  However, Volek will be forever remembered by just one goal.  At a time where his play was extremely limited, and in constant bickering with Islander management, Volek was placed back in the lineup with the Turgeon situation.  Then at Game 7 of the Penguin series, he received a pass from Ray Ferraro in overtime, and put the puck past Tom Barrasso to lift the Islanders past the two-time Stanley Cup Champions.  It would be his defining moment as an Islander, because a herniated disk basically ended his career the next season.  He was a scout in the Buffalo system, until becoming a coach in his native Czech republic.

That is it for today.  I will do some more tomorrow.  Have a great day!

If you can, the NYI Booster Club has a meeting tonight, and Shawn Bates is our guest.  Should be a fun night tonight.  Hope to see you there.

Well - since we have a few days before games, I figured I would start to ramble a bit.

As my counterpart, Patrick Hickey (www.thedriveforfive.com) is doing, I will spend some time and talk about my favorite players.  I am going to try and do some pieces on guys that would not necessarily be on the top of people’s lists.  So without further ado, here is my first, Glenn Healy.

I can actually remember the day that the Isles made the acquisition.  I was at the NHL Booster Club convention in Chicago.  I was told that the Isles got a goalie from free agency from Los Angeles.  His name was Glenn Healy.  “Good, an new goalie!”, I replied.  We need someone to fill Kelly Hrudey’s shoes, and Mark Fitzpatrick is just not enough.

I have heard from people in LA that I knew, that Healy was an affable, friendly guy, that was just not as successful as they thought he would be.  I figured that a new start would be good for him.

At this time, I really began my following full time of the Islanders.  I was looking for the opportunity to get a new jersey, and was trying to figure out which number I was going to put on.  I really figured to be unique and have a number that no many others would put on.  So I figured Healy would be the one.

On my birthday, November 14th, I treated myself to a front row seat for the game.  I got a single seat right near the bench.  And since it was Hrudey’s first game back on Long Island since his departure, I figured I would wear my new Kings 32 jersey.  As I was standing up for the National Anthem, I turned my head to the right I see Healy looking at me with the Kings jersey on.  He basically put his hand to his nose, and give me a ‘raspberry’.  I was shocked, and then actually laughed.  Just to get back in the good graces, I quickly took off the jersey, and made sure that he saw my Islanders golf shirt that I wore underneath.  When he turned around, he saw the Islander blue on, and proceeded to give a ‘Thumbs up’.  I guess he approved!

A week later, my HEALY 35 jersey was ready, and I decided to head to Cantaigue Park for Islander practice.  As he came off, I asked him to sign the jersey, to which he asked me to wait a few minutes.  When he returned, he came back with a goalie stick and gladly signed the jersey.  He had told me that it was the first Islander Healy jersey that he saw (other than his own of course).  That made me feel real good.

Glenn was not the best goalie ever, in many cases, his stats were in the middle of the pack.  He was not blessed with Patrick Roy, or Dominick Hasek stats, but you can see that he was a blue-collar lunch pail player, who always gave his 110% every time he stepped out on the ice.  I can still remember the game that he had a 50 save shutout against the Vancouver Canucks.  It still rings in as one of the best outings I ever saw out of any goaltender, over a 60 minute game.  He was all over the place, making one stop after another, standing on his head, and gave the Islanders a reason to win that game, when in all honestly they really should not have.

I became such a supporter, that my license plate was ISLES 35 (see below - I still have the plate).

For the next three years, Healy was the 1A/1B goalie duo with Mark Fitzpatrick.  Then came 1993.  This was the first year, that I spent going to Islander games, and really enjoying.  This was the year, that once the playoffs were going, the team assumed a different identity.  There was the great season that Pierre Turgeon had, which extended into the Capital playoff series, until the most unprofessional, disgusting exhibit that Dale Hunter did.  Ray Ferraro was a unsung hero that shined when the Isles needed him.  And we all know what happened that day that David Volek got that shuffle pass from Ferraro to knock Mario and the Penguins out of the playoffs.  But to me, Healy was the primary reason that the Islanders got where they did that season.  He came up with clutch save again and again, especially in the overtime games against Washington.  He kept the team in the game, and in many key spots, was the reason the Caps were not successful in that series.

Unfortunately, the dream ended disappointingly against the eventual Stanley Cup Champ Canadiens.  To this day, I get peeved, thinking about how the Habs won game 3 when there were 9 Montreal players on the ice when they scored in overtime.  But that year was so enjoyable to me.

Who would have thought that would be the last time that I would see my favorite player in an Islander uniform?

That year, we lost Healy to the Mighty Ducks in the expansion draft, and then in a 3 team deal, he ended up going to the hated Rangers.

WHY?

What were you thinking of Don Maloney, leaving him available.  He led your team to a great finish, and you just dangle him out like a carrot?  You SCHMUCK!  I can never forgive you for that!

Well - our hero was on the OTHER SIDE!  My new girlfriend (who is my wife) both had a interest in Healy, and we really liked the funny side of him.  His “Heals and Flats” show was a scream, and showed the witty personality that is Glenn.  I got to sit with him and his lovely wife Susie at Booster Club dinners, and enjoyed his company.  He also knew that we appreciated his play, and still wished him well, even though he was now playing for “THEM!”

Claire even went to the glass to see him the first game he played with the Rangers at the Coliseum.  She had a poster that said, “Although you now wear Ranger Blue, we still wish the best for you!” (or something like that).  She got a stick from him, and said thanks.  We were happy for him when he won a cup that season, but he was the ONLY person that we were glad for.  It is something for a hockey player to realize that dream; and for that we were pleased.

He spent a few more season in Broadway Blue, before heading “HOME” to play for his Leafs. He spent a few years playing for Toronto, before retiring in 2001, and going to his ‘real’ calling; broadcasting.  He always seemed to be a person that could not make a difference, unless he was yapping up a storm.  He worked a couple of years, doing color on the CBC Hockey Night in Canada, as well as being an in-studio analyst for TSN.  Now, TSN is his full time gig.

I was so happy that when we (the NYIBC) made a trip to Ottawa in 2003, we happened to see Glenn walking around the mall, that is in downtown Ottawa near the Westin Hotel.  He recognized us and chatted for a period of time.  Also, when he was with Toronto, we asked one of the guys that work the Coliseum, if we could see Glenn after a game and get a jersey signed for us.  Years ago, I bought a game worn jersey from one of the first years.  It is still a little blood dripped from a puck hitting his old plastic mask.  It is one of my most cherished possessions.

I still am a Glenn Healy fan, even though he has in the past, made some derogatory remarks about Alexei Yashin, and the Islanders ownership.  I may not liked what he said, but what I respect about Glenn, is that he will stand on his soapbox and state his mind, no matter what, and not waver.  I respect that.

Well - this was fun.  I hope you enjoyed my rambling.  Tomorrow - I will do another one.  Happy Monday!

Gary

Well - just when you think it is safe to have a lead in the last two minutes of the game, the bungee cord breaks.

Ricky had his momentary lapse of judgement and Rusan Salei took advantage.  With under a minute to go, the 12,800 + fans in attendance had their heart ripped out.  Then a hooking penalty to Viktor Kozlov 55 seconds in, caused the fans to hold their collective breath.

After allowing seven shots in the overtime, the Isles got two last shots in.  Miro Satan and Viktor Kozlov connected on shots past Alex Auld, to lift the team to a 5-4 victory.

Like the game on Thursday, the Isles got a quick goal to start the game off.  Andy Hilbert got his second of the year, 90 seconds into the game.  Arron Asham got his 5th and his second goal in consecutive games to give the Isles a 2 goal cushion.

Once again, the Isles got themselves into penalty trouble.  After Sillinger took a hooking penalty, Nathan Horton got on by Rick DiPietro, to bring the deficit to one.

From there, the Isles slowly began their lackluster effort.  Then, after the Isles managed to get one shot on a four minute power play (with two minutes as a 5 on 3), Gary Roberts gets out of the penalty box, and slides one past DiPietro to even the score.  Twenty four seconds later, DiPiertro lets an extremely soft goal get by the five hole, and all of a sudden, New York is down one.

With five minutes left in the game, my wife turned to me and said we are just not getting the breaks.  Lo and behold, Radek Martinek, the best overall defensmen on the team right now in my opinion, gets the puck at the right point, and blasts one be Auld to even the score.

Sure enough, enter the fans, enter the energy, and yes, enter the Islanders.

As the clock passed the two minute mark left in regulation, a scrum ensues in front of the Panther net.  With Sillinger and Simon crashing the net, Miro Satan  found the puck and pushed it to the open left side, giving the home side a one goal cushion.

Enter the Ricky D twilight zone.  Was he looking to score a goal?  Was he just trying to clear the puck?  We may never know, but it was indeed a large BRAIN FART.  Rusan Salei got the puck along the left boards, and threw it at the near empty net, and the boo birds began.

After the shootout, happiness returned to the fans; maybe they will even forgive Ricky (some I know will not).  However, a win to keep up with the Devs and Rangers was needed, with the upcoming five day break.  Just what the Doctor ordered.

THREE STARS

1. Satan - lead goal at the time, and the first shootout goal
2. Kozlov - the game winner
3. Asham - another strong game

GOLD STAR AWARD

1. Nice job by the Girl Scouts doing the anthem

TIN TWIT AWARD

• Nothing apparent today.  Other than the need for Ricky to stay in his freaking net!

Well - the team is off until Friday, when the return to Pittsburgh for the third time in about a month.  Then Saturday, the Thrashers come into town.

I will talk about the Booster Club meeting on Tuesday, when Shawn Bates visits.  Should be interesting, right Keith???

Nothing much else to say than that.

A 60 minute game is the minimum that we need.  A complete effort, with a massive reduction of time that will be spent in the box.

Guys have to step up in a HUGE way.  Do not want to see Satan disappear again.

RIcky needs to be a little better, and keep in the net.

Talk more after the game or tomorrow morning.  Go Isles!

Gary

A lot of Islander fans would never beleive they are saying those words.

Another sluggish game at home, giving the Isles their third straight home loss, 4-2 to the Canadiens in front of less than 10,000 at the Coliseum.

With the loss, the team is back in third place, two points behind the Devils and one behind the Ranger$, who defeated the Pens in a shootout.

Arron Asham and Mike Sillinger scored for the Isles, who are 2-4 without their captain.  Yash is skating, and with the help of six days off between games, could see him back in action next weekend.  The Isles return to Pitt on Friday, then come home to entertain the Atlanta Thrashers who got spanked 8-0 to Tampa last night.

Lines were just not meshing.  Passing was not good.  When they got the 80 foot home run passes going, they were unable to make moves and create scoring chances.  Jason Blake is doing laps around the ice again.  When he believes that he needs to step up, he does it in style and plays keepaway.

As for York, I am tired of writing about it….

Defensively, the Habs used their speed and got around the D down the outside, and creating chances in front of Ricky.  The worst part, was the two of their goals (both on the PK), were stuff in’s.  Ricky let up small rebounds, and the D did not clear.  That has to stop.  The Isles have let up 9 goals on the PK in the last 5 games.  Hopefully, Ted and the staff will be working on this some more during the time off.

Blake Comeau did a nice job in his first game.  He got PP time, and did not look totally lost out there, as most first game players do.  Ted seemed to have confidence in his play, and he got more than just fourth line minutes.  Hope he stays up and gets a real chance to shine.

THREE STARS

1. Sillinger - good goal on the PP - plays hard every night
2. Asham - redirection of a Blake shot gets goal number 1 on the night
3. Comeau - good job in his first NHL game

TIN TWIT(s)

• 1 - to the people that boo the national anthem of Canada - stay away from games.  Remember, half your team is Canadian you dopes!  Show some RESPECT!
• 2. - Jeena Alonso - who has done anthems at the arena for years, fumbles words on the Star Spangled Banner
• 3 - people who applauded when former Islander Janne Niinimaa got hit with the puck at the end of the first period.  If you don’t like the guy when he played for us - that is one thing, but I NEVER wish the player an injury, especially an injury to the eyes.  That is going OVER THE LINE!

Saturday is a MUST WIN situation, as the Panthers come into town.  Get ‘er done!

Gary

Defense has not helped Ricky.  Very sluggish on the back line.

I like Latondresse.  Looks like he will be a good player. 

Asham got a nice deflection in period 1. 

Silly scored a nice goal on the PP.   It was nice to say hello to Mr’s Rosen and Micheletti.

BTW - Tin Twit award is ALREADY known.  It really makes me mad when people do not respect the anthems, especially the Canadian anthem.  Remember dopes, half the team is Canadian.  Get a grip and get a clue.  Just because there were a lot of Hab fans (including a loud contingent in sections 306 and 307), doesn’t mean you have to ‘bash’ their country.

Will finish this after the game.