In a normal event at a home game, I spend the 45 minutes or so before the game, selling 50/50 raffle tickets.  The proceeds go to the Islanders Children’s Foundation.  We have been involved for the past five games and we have raised a couple of thousand dollars.  It is a great thing to do, and they use me for my loud, hi-decibel scream that I can use to get the message out.

Anyway, I get to my seat and the bloke that sits next to me says that Detroit is flying - we are in trouble.  I then performed a quote from Kurt Russell in the movie “Miracle”.  If you know the quote, say iy along with me:

But I also know there is a way to stay with this team. You don’t defend them, you ATTACK them! You take their game and you shove it right back in their face. The team that is finally willing to do this is the team that has a chance to put them down.

I really felt that way.  I thought that if they attacked Hasek, and kept shoving their game down the Wings’ throat, we could beat these guys.  And for about the first 35 minutes, I felt that way.  With a few minutes left in period 2, I went down to the Booster Club table to sell more raffles.  From what I heard after the game, this was the point where the Isles seemed to ‘rest on their laurels’ a bit, and change their performance.

Basically this was where the downfall began!

Three goals (two on the powerplay) within the first nine minutes, and the game was tied.  Where was the team that came out like gangbusters?  The first goal in 28 seconds!  The team that blasted two slappers from 30+ feet.  One from the short handed by Shawn Mr. Mouthpiece Chewer Bates, and the other from Jason Blake.  Things looked good.

Well - we just saw why the Red Wings are where they have been for the past 2 decades or so.

If you still told me that we would get 4 out of 6 from the Wings, Sabres and Thrashers, I would have told you to get the bong out.  But try to spin it a little nicer.  We  are getting points.  We lost that extra one, but as long as we keep getting points, we will be fine.

I wonder what practice was like today????

Should make for a fun flight to Georgia today.  The guys go back on the road for three.  Atlanta tomorrow - Montreal on Saturday and Washington on Saturday.  Hope for at least 4 out of 6 again.  I think the team will be better prepared this trip to Atlanta.  Montreal will be the toughest one of the three.

THREE STARS

1. Shawn Bates - stronger game than he has had lately - nice SH Goal (sorry Keith)
2. Brendan Witt - On ice for all 3 goals for - hitting like a crazoid
3. Radek Martinek - back to his solid play

GOLD STAR

1. Best of luck to the Junior Islanders who head to Quebec to the big Pee Wee Tournament.  Benoit Hogue and Steve Webb will lead these 12 year olds onto a potential victory.  GO GET EM BOYS

TIN TWIT

1. You know it is understandable that fans yell “Insert Team Name Here” SUCKS! chants.  However, these (and pardon the expression) ASSHOLES in the back of sections 316 and 317 last night were saying “Detroit Sucks” when the Isles were slowly sinking in the 3rd period.  How about rooting your own team on, and forget about the opponent??  If you guys think you are real fans, you are SORELY MISTAKEN.  Why don’t you go to Dog show, and root for the Toy Poodle

Sorry - having problems with the files I have created, so had to do some re-arranging…. 

Interesting scenarios tonight:

1.  Hasek/Nolan - no love lost.  Should be interesting in the hallways tonight…

2.  Witt back - the WARRIOR! 

3.  Poti out - small upper body injury - getting the night off for good behavior.

4.  Should see more work by Campoli - winning the coach over with play and passion.

Key on Rick - keep the Isles in the game early.  Let our “O” be aggressive and take action on Hasek.

Here is Roger’s Esoteric:

Compliments of Roger Farina:

Congratulations to Aaron Asham whose first goal tonight was the 16,000th point in Islander’s history.  Congratulations to Rick Dipietro on his second 20 consecutive win season.  See below for break down.

SCORING
HUNTER has played in 211 Games and is #81 on the list of all-time games played tied with Gary Nylund.  His Goal tonight, his 11th on the season was his 52nd with the Isles and is #46 on the list tying him with Stefan Persson.  His Assist tonight is good for the #69 spot and his 56th helper has him breaking a tie with Rich Pilon. His 2-Point night enters him into the top #60 of all-time in scoring with 108 Points.  He jumps over Dave Langevin and is 1 behind Bryan Berard.
ASHAM had a 2 Goal night. his 8th and 9th on the year and 44th and 45th as an Islander.  He now sits alone, all-time in the #54 spot breaking a tie with Roman Hamrlik and is 1 Goal behind Jean Potvin.  He now has 97 Points and is #67 all-time, only 1 Point behind Brad Lauer.  He has played in 267 Games and is #61 all-time, 8 Games behind Steve Thomas.
ROBITAILLE’s 8th Goal as an Islander is his 3rd Goal this year and this stint with the team.  His 4 total Goals with the Isles is #179th all-time tying him with 10 others to include Terry Crisp.  His 8th Point with the team is #215, tying him with 12 others including Kelly Hrudey.  He has now played in 27 Games and is #249th in all-time Games played tying him with Kirk Muller and 3 others.
HILBERT’s 6th Goal on the year and 6th with the Islanders ties him at #152 with 14 others including Pilon, Kasper and Big Z.  His Point ties him with Justin Papineau at #169 with 16 Points all-time.  He has seen action in 48 Games and is #214 on that list tying him with three others including Arnie Brown.
PARK, POTI, and SILLINGER have all played in 49 Games are all tied in Games Played with 7 others including non-active players, Josh Green and Jim Mair.  They are #205 on the all-time Games Played list.
PARK,s 9th Assist with the team is #184 tying him with 5 others including Chico.  His 14th Point is #174th on the list and ties him with Bob Beers and Daniel Marois.
POTI’s 18th Assist is tied with 3 others at #127.  His helper gives him 22 Points and the #143rd spot tied with Gino Odjick.
SILLINGER’s 22nd Assist leaves him 1 Assist behind Mike Watt and Big Z in the #123 spot.  His 37th Point is good enough for #119 all-time in Points and is 1 Point behind Randy Boyd.

PENALTIES.
Only 8 penalty minutes on the night.
SATAN’s 2 PIMs for x-checking gives him 86 PIMs and is #116 tied with Reichel and Connolly.
BATE’s 2 PIMs for hooking gives him 222 PIMs and is #59 in 327 Games Played.  He is 2 PIMs behind Joe Reekie.
SILLINGER’s 2 PIMs for hooking gives him 32 PIMs and the #192 spot tied with Brad Luckowich.
HILL’s 2 PIMs for slashing gives him 62 PIMs and the #138 spot tied with Ken Leiter and 1 behind erstwhile Captain Trevor Linden.

GOALIES
DIPIETRO played in his 119th Game and is now #126 on the all-time Games Played List.  He is #5 on the all-times Game Played list for Goalies, 5 Games behind Tommy Salo.
Ales Kotalik’s Goal Against is Ricks’ 489th Goal Against and moves him into sole possession of the #5 spot in all-time given up Goals.  He breaks the tie with Tommy Salo.
His Win 20th Win tonight gives him two consecutive seasons with 20 plus wins.  A feat which has only been done by 5 other goalies and hasn’t been accomplished since Tommy Salo did it with 20 and 23 wins in the 96/97 and 97/98 campaigns.  His win moves him into #4th all-time in Wins breaking at tie with Roland Melanson.
GOALIES WITH 20 PLUS WINS in consecutive seasons.
Dipietro - 06/07 & 05/06
Salo - 96/97 & 97/98
Hrudey - 86/87 & 87/88
Melanson - 81/82 & 82/83 & 83/84
Smith - 76/77 & 77/78 & 78/79; 80/81 & 81/82
Resch - 75/76 & 76/77 & 77/78 & 78/79 & 79/80.

After a tough loss Friday, we all knew that Buffalo was coming into town.  The team, that can best be symbolized as a speeding runaway train, are the tops in the East.  But what failed to come up to the surface, was the fact that on Friday night, they also lost.  They were up by a goal heading into the third period against the Blue Jackets, but lost by a goal 3-2.

Buffalo has such a fast team, and transition so well.  You have to keep your guard up, because they will punish you.  In addition, Brendan Wiit, our toughest player, and a true warrior, was out with an ‘upper body injury’.  Alan Rourke was recalled from Bridgeport to play the game, as Bruno Gervais was still nursing a injury.  Not a lot of things to give you a warm feeling in your stomach.

Then, we all knew that Ted Nolan HAD to put DP back in net.  You have to get back on the horse and start riding.  As I sat in Row B Seat 1 in you know what section, all I was saying to myself was:

“Get through these first 5 minutes, then we will be ok.”

Ricky did not get a shot for the first 4 1/2 minutes, so that calmed me down.  The Isles played well, the did not allow the odd man, protected the wings, and stayed pretty simple with the passing and posession.

Is Hunter on freaking fire or what?  Pat, my part-time comrade on the NY Hockey Report said that he thought Hunter’s offense was key for the Isles playoff push.  And I have not watched it today, if Hunter’s goal is not an ESPN Top 10 highlight, then these ding-dongs should be hung in effigy.

Sillinger and Hilbert, along with Hunter, are on a brilliant roll right now.  They are getting loads of opportunities, and making defenses pay.  Hilbert got the ‘fold up the tent’ goal in the last minute to seal the deal.

Yashin, to me, still played a strong game.  He had six shots, was almost 60% on faceoffs and unfortunately is still getting constant double teaming action.  Although I can see why Nolan puts Chris Simon on the line with them, his abilities are almost a down-turn for Yash.  They let loose of #12 and gravitate to #79.  He needs a more skilled player, not necessarily a physical presence as his line mate.  I am not downplaying Simon.  He can do some things, and has shown some signs of life, but he needs to play on a lower responsibility position.

Ricky played OK tonight.  Got beat on some brilliant moves by Buffalo, but hopefully that five minute span was an abberation.

However, the proof of the game, was the excellent job by the entire team in the third period.  Once again, Buffalo had a lead going in.  Arron Ashm came up the right wing, and launched a laser beam that trickled under the pads of Ryan Miller.  He got his ninth, and I can imagine if he played a more offensive effort, how many goals he could have. 

“Any one who has seen Ash shoot the puck in practice knows he can shoot real hard,” Trent Hunter said to reporters after the game. “I know I wouldn’t want to stand in front of it.”

Then Randy Robitaille, launched a slapper from about 40 feet, after he picked up a foiled clearing attempt, which got past a screened Miller, to give the Isles a one goal lead with just about 3 minutes left.  The crowd of over 15,000 went into a frenzy that has not been seen since the Ranger game.  Hilbert, along with Hunter and Sillinger teamed up to put the game out of reach with about 53 seconds remaining.  It made for a happy exit for the Islander faithful, who got 3 out of a possible 4 points from the weekend, and are now 3-9-0 in game swhen trailing after two frames. Most critics were thinking they would get none, but the hard effort of the Isles, and contributions from all lines, the team is not going to relax in their efforts to keep in the playoff hunt.

FOUR STARS OF THE GAME (according to me).

1. Arron Asham (two goals - solid effort)
2. Trent Hunter (on fire, now scoring to go with his hitting)
3. Randy Robitaille (GWG)
4. Allan Rourke (assist on the Asham goal to tie the game)

GOLD STAR AWARD

• The HAVOC Energy Zone.  These tickets behind the goals in the 100 and 200 sections are sold for $19, 90 minutes before the start of the game with student ID.  This is a great opportunity for the future fans and potential future seaon ticket holders of the team, to get involved and be a part of the support.  It has been nothing but huge success for the Islanders, and helps to improve the attendance woes.

TIN TWIT AWARD

• The operators of the arena, SMG.  With the potential of the Islanders getting SMG out of the building, and SMG acting like 3 year old children and wining about it, the people that operate the building make things worse and worse for the fans.  The building used to be open 90 minutes before game time, it has been reduced to 60.  Then last night, my wife drive into the pre-paid parking section, and some guy is trying to get people to park one row at a time, spot to spot.  With over 1,000 spaces, they are going to tell me to park at the end of a row, when there are spots in the front, a few feet back?  Yea, right.  Then, we walk over to the gate, at a few minutes before 6:00.  The security and staff are standing in the warmth of the building, as we freeze waiting.  Someone went to find out what the delay is, at the clock is not at eight minutes after the hour.  He was told that the ticket scanners were not there.  Nice try, ASS, but the scanners were right there in PLAIN SIGHT.  Finally, at 6:14 - we were allowed in.  A few people let out some great one-liners (right 4CUPZ?).  This company is completely ridiculous in the operation and handling of the arena.  Charles, do the fans a favor, get these people OUT of HERE!  We know there HAS to be a way of doing it.  MAKE IT SO!

Today, I am going to a Pizza Party Booster Club meeting with Bruno Gervais and Chris Campoli.  Should be fun.  Have a great Sunday!

 

 

Scene:  Casual Long Island house.  Family watching television in the living room.  Cablevision channel 14 is on.  The time is about 8:00 PM.

Father:  Damn that DP - 3 goals in 5 shots!  Why did Wang sign this idiot.  He is a waste!

Mother: Now come on - they have had a week off, they are not up to speed yet.

Daughter:  DP is cool - he will be fine

Father:  I can not watch this garbage anymore!  Where is the channel guide?  Isn’t Desperate Housewives, or Queer Eye on?

** Father switches the channel and the game no longer is on the screen.

In many Islander fan households, that may have been the case.  I am sorry that I make this statement, but I know that people may be mad at this.  However, it must be said.

Most Islander fans have NO LOYALTY!

There, I feel good that I said this.  But I am sure that many TV sets were turned off at that point.  The Islanders looked flat and lethargic.  So Ted Nolan made a change in net.  It just was not Ricky’s day.  So Mike Dunham ended up in net against his old team.

That is when the TV sets should have remained on.

For whatever reason, the team started to spark.  Shots were bouncing all around Kari Lehtonen.  And for whatever reason, he was leaving very juicy rebounds.  The offense started to gel and guys that have been quite stagnant, are now looking a great deal better.

Trent Hunter, Miro Satan and Jason Blake scored on Atlanta to tie up the game.  If the team is going to succeed, the guys that have been lax and behind are now going to take a more distinctive role.

And what is the story with the freaking posts?

Five clanks on the night.  Atlanta even had two for themselves.  Two inches on either side, and we could have had about 8 or 9 goals.  If it wasn’t for bad luck, we would have no luck at all.  The most important part about the game, is that the team came back, and somehow secured a point from this game.  Atlanta is a very strong team, and will be a dominant force in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Offensively, the team responded well.  Tonight, that will be put to the test.  Buffalo is a team that can score at will, and can defend better than anyone.  As it has been for this whole season, the key to the Islanders victory is the beginning of the game.  I believe that the stat shown on the game last night, said that the Islanders were -17 in the first period this season.  They are strong 5 on 5, around the tops in the league.  But the boys need more than ever, to stay out of the box.

Key to the game.  DP.

You know that he will be in the game tonight.  When you fall off the horse, you have to get back on and ride more.  As the all important key of the game, we have to survive the first period.  As Buffalo always does, they will swarm the net, and use their speed and creativity to throw massive amounts of scoring chances on DP.  Weather the storm.

Keep the fingers crossed, and hope we get the 2 points.

Well - vacation time is over; even for bloggers.

Time to get back to business.  I am sure that the ‘vet’ guys have some recharged batteries out there, as the Isles head back to action, taking on the Thrashers in Atlanta tonight, before a big matchup against the Sabres at home tomorrow.

These games, along with the Detroit game, will prove to be extremely critical coming out od the starting block for the stretch drive for the Isles.  Get a couple of wins in the next few days, and it could be a sign that the team means business.  With a number of teams clawing around the 50 point level right now, every game becomes critical.  And with only two non-conference games remaining (Detroit on Tuesday, and St. Louis on March 1st), every lost points become large.

Quickly, I am going to grade the guys on the first half of the season.  Please make your comments on these, as I am interested to hear what YOU have to say as well.

I will go in number order.

Mike Dunham - yeoman’s work in Backup role.  However, last game was one he wishes he could forget.  B-

 

 

Tom Poti - Joe McDonald (the Ranger host of the NY Hockey Report) secretly loves the man, but he can not admit it.  He has been solid and consistent for most of the season.  He is not Brian Leetch, but does admirably.  B

 

Sean Hill - He can be slow footed, sloppy, and make mistakes at some critical times, but his leadership and effort compensate for his miscues.  But there are times, that he is absolutely brilliant!  Forget the fact the he looks like Gunnery Seargent Highway from the movie Heartbreak Ridge (Clint Eastwood), but for the price, he has been a nice find.  B

 

Trent Hunter - Although he is among the league leaders in hits again this season, it is the second consecutive season that his offensive numbers have been dipping.  Needs more than a .3 points per game average. This team needs him to step his game back to the 2003-04 level, and return to the 25 goal scorer we so desperately need.  C+

 

Bruno Gervais - Making typical rookie mistakes, but Nolan has confidence in him.  There have been games that he has proven to have to potential to be a top 2 defensemen.  But there are times that he looks like he stepped out of pee-wee.  Need some more consistency.  C

 

Richard Park - A Garth Snow special find.  He has done remarkably well, and been the one help on the PK.  We need four of him on the PK.  B+

 

 

Andy Hilbert - 23 games without a point, then he got some in bunches 14 in the next 23.  Been a little too streaky for my taste.  However, he plays hard, and seems to constantly have the effort on.  C

 

 

Chris Simon - very disappointed.  I know that he is playing a more mature game, and his being with Ted Nolan again is probably a cause of it.  However, we need his physicality and his nastiness to come out from time to time, giving the other team a little message that opponents can not just slap our guys around and get away with it.  C-

 

Chris Campoli - Disappointing.  Just thought a job was his, and it wasn’t.  According to Smith Barney, he had to “EARRRRRRN IT!”.  Although his play of late is slightly better, he still has a way to go.  We need a guy at his full potential playing at 100%.  Let’s just hope it is his maturity level, and it will go back up soon.  C-

 

Shawn Bates - Another disappointment.  He just seems to be lacking something this year.  I don’t think his skills are gone, I just don’t think he is stepping it up.  Need more of his PK work to be better.  D+

  

 

Mike Sillinger - My vote for MVP this season.  Top 3 in the league in faceoffs.  Plays every aspect of the game exceptionally.  On pace for 25+ goals again, proving last season for him was no fluke.  Where would this team be, if he was not with us?  A

 

Radek Martinek - Best defenseman on the team until his injury sidelined him.  Although he is slowly getting back to the fold, he is important to the success of this team.  Needs to shoot more, it can be deadly.  B+

 

 

Viktor Kozlov - Kvasha like enigma, but has learned to get out of the bubble, and make his mark (re - 4 goal game against NYR).  Can be even better, if he gives himself more confidence, and shoots the puck more. B-

 

 

Randy Robitaille - At we like him a little more than Mike York.  Needs to step up big time.  Get involved more in the offense.  D

 

 

Brendan Witt - I have been wanting to see him in an Islander uniform for the last five years.  Now he is, and he hasn’t disappointed.  Physical, and an annoying presence, which has gotten a great deal of PP’s for the Isles.  Keep it up buddy! A-

 

Rick DiPietro - Well - we have about 5,465 days left on his contract.  Or 131,160 hours.  You get the drift.  There have been games that he carried everyone.  But for a 4.5 million dollar player, irregardless of the length of his contract, he has laid some outrageous eggs as well.  Consistency, my good man.  However, he is doing better than the Ranger fans anointed God, Henrik Lundqvist.  B

 

Freddy Meyer - Incomplete - not enough time to evaluate and grade.  However, early returns are not that impressive.  He freed cap room, and I think that has been his best move as an Islander.

 

 

Arron Asham - Have you ever noticed that pugilists and hard nosed players have great shots.  Asham is among that list.  Just wished he used it more, instead of applying the Fulton Reed 1 in 5 method from the Mighty Ducks movies.  C

 

Jason Blake - All Star - game steps up even more this year.  If we can only stop that “HERE I COME TO HOG THE PUCK” mentality, we would be fine.  He and Yash had a great stretch for a bunch of games, we need that back.  A-

 

 

Alexei Yashin - damn, what would we have, if he did not get hurt?  He was playing so well, and shutting up those freaking critics.  His game slipped and his confidence waned.  Hopefully, the break bring back the old 79 back.  I still have faith in you sir, keep it going!  B

 

Miroslav Satan - up and down all year.  Played well at the end, before the break.  Needs to step it up even more.  Goals are needed, and we have to get him fired up.  25 goals in the last 35 games would be a nice request.  C+

 

 

Ted Nolan - what a job.  He said that if you told him in September, that we would be one game over 500 at this time, he would GLADLY take it.  Now - time to bring these boys to a new level.  He has the attitude and the confidence to do it.  Was an early Adams award favorite, but has slipped a bit.  A six game winning streak has a habit of bringing a coach back into the award pool.  B+

 

Garth Snow - has shown all that he is no ‘dumb jock’.  Got $5 million back in our favor for cap purposes.  Do we get a ‘rent a player’, give a good portion for Blakey to stay, or invest it long term.  The next few weeks, especially where we sit in the standings, will lay that course for the GM.  He has not embarassed himself, and has done a nice job.  B+

Looking forward to getting back to the games tomorrow night.  I miss the old barn.

Also - will be on the “TRI STATE HOCKEY REPORT” on Brooklyn College Radio http://www.brooklyncollegeradio.org/.  Show is on at 1:30 - 3:00.  I should be on around 2:00 or so, talking about Islanders and NHL Hockey.  Should be fun.  Check it out, won’t you?

Stay warm…

 

G

 

 

Just an add-on to my comments:

According to Pierre Macguire on TSN.ca, it appears that Sid the Kid and Jason Blake have talked about the incident in Pittburgh last week, deemed it now to be a non-entity, had a hug, and have considered the issue closed.

Good news.  In most cases, these types of things are one-time incidents, and end up moot after the game, and not talked about again.  Unless the media want to stir up the pot….

Also - it appears that the situation between Danny Briere and Alex Ovechkin is also done.

It is nice that the All Star Game brings out the niceness in people…. Maybe next year, it should be called the “LOVE IN!”

So much for one of the traditions of our sport. 

Reebok may be the people that destroyed some of the traditions of hockey as we know it, and shot it down like 4 point buck in the frozen tundra.

As you can see, this is what the Eastern Conference all-star jersey looks like, copliments of the ‘winy, cry baby, I am better than all of you, and will let you know about it, you can’t hit me, but I can slash and smack you all I want’, Sidney Crosby.

I guess that for a player, as the primary use of this jersey, it is a benefit.  It is supposed to push away a great deal of the sweat, as well as allow the player to have his skin breathe better in it, than the old CCM heavier material.  For that, I totally understand the reasoning.  Anything to help improve the sport for the player will get my vote, no questions asked.

However, does changing the ingredients of the uniform, give Reebok the right to change the look of teams uniforms that have been the same way for decades?

In the opinion of this writer, I think not!

No matter if you are a fan of the team, or not, I do not think that it is a clothier’s right to change the appearance of a uniform, without the team giving the blessing.  You can make jersey streamlined and better to wear, but why change the striping of the Canadiens red and blue?  Or make the shoulder boards missing off the Ranger whites? (Honestly, I don’t really care, but using as an example)  Who made Reebok the official designer of the 30 teams?

When baseball switched to Russel Athletic, the uniforms did not change when the companies did.  The quality and craftsmanship of the shirts and pants may have been altered, but the Yankee pinstripes still look like the same Yankee pinstripes.  Why reinvent the wheel, when all it needs is just a tweak here and there.

But to be honest, as fans, it will be the cost of these new uniforms that will drive away people from purchasing them.  Over $400 for a game weight jersey numbered?  Not my money!  I can find better ways of spending my money.  In addition, the ‘replica’ would be around $200 +, and from what I am told, it will have a ’screen printed’ logo.  That is a COMPLETE waste of money.

As an Islander fan, I have gone down this road before.  I know what it feels like to have your representation of your team be not only destroyed, but end up being a laughing stock.  The uniform, for the fan, is your identity.  It tells a story of who and what you are.  For those 18 months or so, that “Stan Fischler on acid” man holding a hockey stick like a fish hook, was not the way I wanted to be protrayed as.  The look of the team that won 19 straight playoff series and four Stanley Cup trophies is the way.  The look of 1972, which will be re-done on Saturday’s game against Buffalo, would be fine as well.  At least it was a look that was liked by the faithful.

If Reebok went to focus groups on these changes, I guess they called out for people in the bars at three in the morning, according to people that have seen an advanced look.  Soon, they will be on display for the viewing public.  You will be the judge and see for yourself, what our future look will be.  I am sure that the fans will let the NHL know just what they feel about the look.  Again, with my Islander roots, our fans, as a whole let everyone know what we felt about ‘the fisherman’!  It is gone, like NEW COKE!

Skills should be fun tonight — let’s see what it brings.

With nothing hockey related to really talk about, I decided to make a quick report on my favorite Football (UK) team.  BTW - I am so glad New England lost yesterday.  I can not stand the PATS and their fans….  They talk like Brady and Belicheck are the next comings of Christ.  Well - they got crucified!  LOL!  I also feel bad for the Saints.  A great season, and they seemed to rupture the gas tank, when Brees did that intentional grounding in the end zone for that safety.  Once that happened, it was over, Johnny!

Well - my Toffee (Everton’s team name) Report. 

English Premiership relegation dwellers Wigan, gave up two second half goals to Mikael Arteta (one via penalty kick), and succumbed to Everton 2-0, at the JJB Stadium on Saturday.

Everton striker Andy Johnson, a 20 million pound transfer and their top scoring threat was carted off the pitch with an apparent ankle injury in the 59th minute.  The Evertonian fans are now saying prayers and hoping for a fast recovery for the former Crystal Palace star.

Everton currently sits in the 7th spot in the table, with 14 games remaining in their season, which ends in early May.  Their record is 9 victories, 8 ties (draws) and 7 losses, scoring 31 goals and allowing 23.  They are 2 points away from Portsmouth and the chance to potentially play some European tournament football next season.

Their next Premiership game is a cross-town derby match against Liverpool, on Saturday the 3rd of February.  This game is key to a happy year in Liverpool, as the Toffees won at home earlier in the season.  Sneak a win, and the Blues are in charge of the city for the year.  Just like an Islander/Ranger game.

The following is the post match report taken from Evertonfc.com

David Moyes admitted that Everton didn’t ‘win pretty’ at the JJB Stadium against Wigan Athletic.

The Toffees worked hard for a valuable victory on a day that, weather-wise, was never going to suit the flair players on either side.

“No it wasn’t pretty, mainly because Wigan are a very difficult team to beat,� said Moyes.

“I didn’t think the conditions suited any of the midfield players today and it was difficult. We didn’t pass it as well as we liked but they dug in, kept their shape and did the right things.

“They are in a scrap of their own and they are like a wounded animal – desperate to do well and get a result.�

Two Mikel Arteta goals in the second half earned Everton the three points and Moyes agreed that it was more of a spirited display by his team.

“We’ve played much better and only drawn games but today we dug it out and we were resolute at the back when we needed to be,� he said.

“If you keep clean sheets you have a chance.�

The win takes Everton back up the 7th position in the Premiership table and gives the Toffees a great platform for the remainder of the campaign.

“That’s good because we want to get closer to the other sides,� said Moyes.

“It was an important three points and we’ve bow to got to win a lot of our games to try and stay in the top area of the table.�

Talk to you all tomorrow - - - have a great day!

G

 

What do I do?

It is too cold to work outside.  I wanted to get the water off the pool cover, but it has all frozen up.  So much for that…

Have to see the foot doctor today.  Since I am a diabetic, I always have to get my feet checked.  So it is nice to get my feet in the tub and soak for a while.  My doctor is an Isles and Mets fan, so we talk sports throughout the visit.  It is nice, but that only takes an hour or so.

Well - spend time with the wife, you say.  That is a given.  However, our weekends usually revolve around either heading to a game, or watching our team on the road.

Then again, I can be seen on the computer, hawking my blog, and working on web stuff for the Booster Club.  We (the club) are doing the voting for the Bobby Nystrom award this season, so I am making the polling page and getting things set up for that.  A computer person is NEVER quiet, there is ALWAYS SOMETHING to be done. 

Oh well - even my soccer team is not playing (at least until tomorrow).  Everton in the English Premier league are currently in the seventh spot in the standings.  Tomorrow they play Wigan Athletic, who are currently sitting just near the relegation zone.  For those of you that do not know what that means, if a team finishes in the last three positions in the league (18th, 19th or 20th), they are moved down to the next league, and then will have to finish in the top 3 of the lower division to see them back in the Premiership the following year.  That would be the equivalent of seeing the Rangers get dropped to the AHL if they finish last. 

Now, I know that Islanders fans around the world would definitely want to see THAT happen!!! LOL

Well - I will find something to take care of the rest of the day.  Maybe some straightening up.  I know that there are games today (Rangers and Devils play at 1:00).  There are 13 games today, and that can take up just about all my day.  My wife is actually not feeling well, and probably will be in bed all day.  So - in truth, just a day off for me!

Enjoy your weekend, Islander fans.  There will be few free nights from now untl the beginning of April.

G

I guess that will pique interest….

In no way, shape, or form, am I questioning the hockey skills of Pittsburgh’s #87.  He is a great player, with the world ahead of him.  He is exactly the hype that he was provided at the tender age of 13, and nearly 20, he received the most votes for the All-Star game next week in Dallas.  In addition, he is currently leading the scoring race, a few points ahead of Washington’s wonderkind, Alex Ovechkin.

He is regarded in a similar vein, to a certain young man that came onto the scene over a quarter of a century ago, called Gretzky.  In this age of commercialization and media overload, Monsieur Crosby is a hit with many commercials shown all over Canada, and in a few US markets.

He has the hockey world getting ready to throw the world on his shoulders.  He is the real ‘next one’; a name that was supposed to be reserved for Eric Lindros over a decade and a half ago.

But to this reporter, I see a different person than the one that most Canadians image.  Actually, I see this, because I took off the rose colored glasses..

I see, is a ‘boy’ that has been coddled and given the impression that he can do whatever he wants, and can dish out at anyone without incident.  However, when someone retaliates on him, he drops down to the ground like an Acme Anvil on Wile Coyote, and boom.

When the Great One was coming up, players went at him the same way, however, Gretzky was not that kind of player, and did not retaliate.  He had a Dave Semenko, or Marty McSorely to do that for him.  And that was fine.  Lemieux was able to handle himself, and in many instances, he did just that.

However, in the case of the crying weasel, known as Sid the Kid, he just shoves, slashes and does what he wants, and when he gets his just desserts in return, he cries, wines, and acts like a child.  In the case of Jason Blake, although I do not condone what he did, I am glad that he gave the wining brat a little taste of his own medicine.  He wants rules HIS way, but please overlook it when I do the damage!

And to make matters worse, is that his coach Michel “I am no longer a Francophone and want to be called Michael” Thierrien, totally lifts him up to a higher level, and coddles the living CRAP out of him.  Hey Coach, give him the birds and bees talk, please!!!!  He needs to know that he (Crosby) has to be accountable for his actions.

You know that somewhere, sometime, someone is really going to clock him for being a little ‘pr!ck’, and they are going to be justified to the hilt.  The NHL is always a little over-protective of their stars, and unfortunately, the NHL needs a little slash to the groin once in a while too.

Well done Jason — with the increase in your salary next season, that fine will be chump change.  I am glad that people are finally standing up to this young twerp.  He has to be shown that if wants to act like a child in a man’s game, that he will get smacked around like a little girl.  Pad up more of your uniform Sid, or Sydney!!!

Wow - that felt good….