For about 90 minutes, as I stood in Dave and Busters last night - I really thought that the Isles were done. Everything that they tried to do - was swatted, poke checked away; just basically eliminiated by the Sabres. This team did not win the President’s trophy for nothing. They are so strong and so fast, that it just did not seem in the cards for us to get anything going. I was starting to feel as if I was giving up.
Well - not so fast. The Isles caught some lightning left in that proverbial bottle.
Miro made up for his defensive miscue and got the team on the board. Then Trent Hunter - probably my Islander MVP for the series got a goal as well. Then Chris Campoli rushes in and gets one too. The crowd is quiet - the Isles are rolling. We have a chance - we pull DP and swarm Miller. Can we get it? Can we tie this thing up - swing the momentum back, and maybe get a game 6 Sunday?
Unfortunately - about two inches away.
It was just like the wind went from gale force to calm in a matter of seconds. That is what I felt like when it was over. What started out as stuff you dont even see in soap operas, to a lousy west coast start, to a time in first place in the division, to a lull to start 2007, to a fantastic 15 game stretch in February, to the DP injury, to the “Dubie” show, to the non-called goals, to those two inches away from a tie game, the Islander season is now a complete story.
As Howie and Billy said after the game - this team has NOTHING to be ashamed of. They were not supposed to even get this far. According to the brain surgeons in the media, we were probably going to get the first pick in the draft this year. However, we were better than 14 other teams in the league, and two others were even eliminated before we were.
Am I proud of this team? Dumb question THAT is!
These guys never gave up, and showed all that a Ted Nolan team will never quit and leave it all on the ice. There have times that I have been more elated (obviously - the cup years, the upset of the Pens in 93 come to mind), but this season, for the all of the controversy and “us against the world” mentality, I have never been proud to say I am an ISLANDER!
I am going to take some time, and reflect on some things. I will come up with a final report card for the team, and talk about what is next for the organization. I will chime in with a playoff thing or two. I will start to change gears, and get into my two baseball teams that I will be watching: the Mets and the Ducks (Long Island Ducks for those of you outside the area that don’t know who they are). I will also put in some banter, some soccer stuff, even some other ramblings that may enter my mind.
This is a fun, but tough time for me. It is sad, but in a way, good. Now - I have some time to do other things. Spring cleanup for one, outside things (now that we are finally getting spring temperatures around here). Spring is the time for renewal - and I like seeing the flowers coming up and colors on lawns other than white snow and dark lifeless grass. Well - it always cheers me up a bit.
At this time, I want to thank the thousands that have looked at my little corner of the world, and read my blog. From all over Long Island, New York, the USA, and other parts of the world, I appreciate that you all have taken the time to visit this site, and read my ramblings. I also enjoy the comments that you have given to me as well. Everyone has an opinion, and I respect all of them. It may not be the ones I have, but the banter has been fun. Please keep it up - it makes me feel that my words mean something, and will keep me going.
Have a great off season - and we will talk to you soon. Thanks again!
Gary
Posted under Islanders 06-07, Playoff 07, Ramblings
This post was written by Gary Harding on April 21, 2007
Let me first thank you, Gary, for this journey you have taken us on since the beginning of this season. Honestly, it has been that. In all my years, I think since 1975 or so, that I’ve followed the Isles, this has been the first time I’ve really taken the season literally game by game. Your thoughts, observations, comments and opinions have all been enjoyed and appreciated. Your hard work and the time you have taken to keep this up has reflected in the end product. Thank you for it all, and I apologize if my own comments have sometimes been strong or opinionated too bluntly. I look forward to continuing to following another journey with you.
As for the game and the Islanders, I see no point in focusing on what should have been or what could have been. Yes, the NHL has left a very sick and disgusted taste in my mouth and I have lost all respect for the powers that be. Yes, my 2006-2007 journey is done, as I have no desire to watch or follow the rest of the playoffs, something which has Never been the case for me even through the worst of years in Islander history. I’ve just lost my enjoyment of the game and the league over all of this. It is a disgusting disgrace that, as truly good and solid as the Sabers are, reflects badly on that series overall.
With that said, however, I am extremely proud of our boys. Yes, for a team that was picked to be number 30, we shocked and surprised all the knucklehead “experts”. Words can’t describe how great I feel being an Islander fan, and I would have liked nothing more than to have had the chance to shake each guy’s hand and thank him for his effort and his presence. Ted Nolan and his staff did a tremendous job here, and I can’t say enough just how glad I am that he finally is coaching this team. On top of that, Garth Snow deserves far more credit than he has been given for his work signing late additions and his trades throughout the season, Mark Andre Bergeron and Ryan Smyth in particular. Maybe, the NHL didn’t respect us, but, damn it, guys, you earned the respect of your fans. I am an Islander, and I’m freaking proud to say it. Thank you for making this season exciting and fun, and I know we will be seeing bigger and better things in the future.
Gary,
Thank you so much for your insights and observations this year. You were a huge piece of the community for us, and it really meant a lot to have such a great group of people to talk hockey with.
Take care in the offseason… and get ready for 08!
Andy
great post and I agree, I am very proud of our no quite Isles! Love reading your posts this season, thank you. The Isles were more entertaining this season than they have been in a very long time. Look forward to more of the same come Oct. Thanks again for your insights.
You know how much I respect you. I’m sure we’ll discuss how hard your team competed on Wednesday. Don’t let Joe razz ya too much. Your team played its collective asses off!
See ya Wednesday.