Game 2 is on tonight…. Anaheim got a goal from an unlikely source, providing them a late lead that held on.  The Ducks are up 1-0, and are 3 wins away from their first cup, in their second attempt.

If my team is not in it - I like to see a team that has not won the cup to get the chance.  We should be sharing the wealth, and for the last two winners, we have done just that.  Tampa in 2004, and Carolina in 2006, saw southern cities enjoy the silverware.

And this year, a chance goes to a Canadian team….

For Ottawans - the first time in 70 + years that their city has a chance to hold the trophy.  But will they?   Most predictors are looking at Anaheim, with their strong defense to hold down the top scoring line for the Sens, and the rest of the team as well.

A city north of the 49th parallel has not see a cup presented to them since Montreal spanked the Kings.  As Islander fans, we all know that they got breaks galore in the semi-final series against the Isles. 

For the past two months, Ottawa was arguably the best team in the league.  A up and coming goalie playing sound hockey, a bunch of forgettable names on defense, who were playing far over their potential.  And a dynamite top line, with three yeoman groups to follow, scoring goals in bunches.  A good group of guys with a coach who has earned his stripes in the league for nearly 20 years.  Will it be time for the Sens to take the biggest leap in their young history?

However, I hear that the Angels “Rally Monkey” is taking a temp job…

The Ducks were a good team last year, that were missing a little spark.  They went out and got the hired gun that they needed.  In the acquisition of Chris Pronger from last year’s Oilers, they got a mammoth presence on the blueline, and combined with Scott Niedermayer, they  have two top guys on the back end.  The young guns of Getzlaf, Perry, to go along with the experience of Selanne and Rob Niedermayer, give this team a solid lineup from top to bottom.

I predicted Ottawa to win it - but being an American - I hope that Anaheim wins. 

Check out the New York Hockey Report tonight - www.nyhockeyreport.com, where Derek Felix and I will talk about Game 2 as the first hour of it is played during our show.  Check us out then - we are looking for callers to talk about the series and the NHL in general.  The number is (877) 913-9739.  We are also going to have a post-mortem on Milbury.   I may wish him well - but I seriously doubt it…

Speak soon.  Let’s go Ducks…

Gary

Well - 12 years of the Mad Mike era is gone.

Statement from NewYorkIslanders.com

Mike Milbury has resigned his position with the Islanders as Senior Vice President of Sports Properties but will stay on as an advisor to Islanders owner Charles Wang.

After stepping down as general manager in January, 2006 Milbury took on a leading off-the-field role in the front office of Wang’s sports teams, the Islanders and the Arena Football League New York Dragons, along with charitable efforts such as Project Hope – a youth hockey initiative in China – and fundraising activities for the New York Islanders Children’s Foundation.

“Charles gave me the opportunity of a new challenge for the last 18 months and I enjoyed every minute of it,” Milbury said this afternoon. “I’m very proud of our staff and the strides we made last season in corporate sales, customer service and community relations. Although it’s time for something different for me, I appreciate the challenge of continuing the work we started with Project Hope and the Children’s Foundation, among other projects.”

In a statement released today, Charles Wang cited Milbury’s role in the revival of the franchise when he purchased the team in 2000:

“Mike remains a close friend and advisor to all of us in the Islanders family and I look forward to continuing to work with him,” said Wang.

“Mike played a major role in getting the Islanders back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs three years in a row. Before I purchased the franchise and provided Mike with the stability and resources he never had in his early tenure, the Islanders were out of the playoffs for almost a decade. Worse than that, most years they didn’t even have a chance when the season started. It was Mike who made the aggressive moves that put the Islanders back on the NHL map. Mike is also responsible for the Islanders careers of some of our fan favorites, including Rick DiPietro, Jason Blake and Trent Hunter, among many others.

“Thank you, Mike, for all of your efforts on and off the ice during our seven years together.”

Well - half of me says good riddance, and the other half says good luck.  More on this over the next week.

OK - the interesting ones are the ones with the highest numbers….

Arron Asham

An interesting decision for Garth to make, on whether he stays or goes.  This one is an enigma.

There are times that he is the best player on the ice; causing havoc, great slap shot, forechecking - just an overall pain in the arse.  Then - it is the return of Mr. Invisible.  Just a swig of Gatorade turns him to the lost man on the ice.   I love what he brought to the team in the last 20 games of the season.

If that player comes back - then we should take him.  Grade:  C

Jason Blake

Here I come to save the daaaaaaaay!  Or - Here I come to Hog the Puckkkkkkkk!

Which one? 

I do not question his work ethic, or his tenacity.  That is never in doubt.  Too may people have said that he can be what I call a ’snooty twig’!  Well - everyone has to have some sort of negative. 

But 40 goal scorers are hard to come by.  It is the third big decision that Snow needs to make.  Jason has mentioned that he wants to remain here - and I hope that is genuine.  Grade:  A-

Alexei Yashin

What can I say…. I was one that supported him through thick and thin.  I kept complaining that he needed someone on his line that really complemented him.  Over the first 25 games, Blakey was just THAT.  He was in the top 20 in scoring, and playing ALEXEI’s Game.  Then that controversian knee-on-knee hit that knocked him out for a while.  Unfortunatlely, when he returned, he left the first part of the season on the bench.

The last 10 games of the season, as the other 13K-16K fans were booing, I saw a revitalization of AY.  He got 10 points in those games, win faceoffs, played hard, and showed that he wanted to belong.  Once the playoffs hit, someone from Hogwart’s took the magic out of him, and the Yashin from the dull days of February returned.  No points!

Snow has said that he will not buy out the last few years, and he remains.  Certain players said that they would NOT return if #79 is here.  That all remains to be seen.  But the player that I really expected to come here and shine, lost a lot of luster.  And I do not think that all of the polish in the world will correct that.  For a CAPTAIN - he should be under a mutiny.  Grade:  D- (I will not fail anyone.)

Miroslav Satan

Ever had an instance where you were lost, asked someone for directions, then went about a block or two, and asked again? That was Miro.

Too many guys could not cash in on chances, and he definitely fits the mold.  He needed to get 40, and be the presence that we know he can fit.  Alas, short on expectations.  Will next season be a big one?  Only God, and Satan’s brain knows… Grade:  B-

 

Ryan Smyth

Captain Canada came along and showed why any team would be drooling to have him on their squad.  Dedication, hustle, hard work, perseverence.  Too bad he wasn’t here long enough, or he would have won the Nystrom Award.  (If he returns - you heard it from me - he would be the major frontrunner).

Playing in pain at the end, he did not quit.  He personifies what a revered hockey player SHOULD be.  I would want 20 Smyth’s on my team every time.

Garth - do whatever you have to do - but make DAMN SURE - you get 94 to sign on the dotted line before 1 July.  Grade:  A

Wow - it is done…. Thanks for the patience.

I know there are some that are missing (Nielsen for one - he should get a serious look next season and showed signs of good play in Bridgeport.

Congrats on getting the Grizzlies back in the fold.  We won two minor league titles with the Grizz, so maybe some fate might help.

Have a great Memorial Day Holiday - share it with family and friends.

Gary

Administrative Note…. Baseball has a HOT STOVE LEAGUE.  We have the COOL A-C League.  Any after this season, before next season stuff will be categorized in that COOL one…  Thanks for your time… 

 Well - the first cast off….

“Ð?ефтехимик”, РÑ?нди РОБИТÐ?ЙЛ (1975 г.Ñ€.) - “Ð?-Й Ð?йлендерÑ?” 

According to the Lokomotiv team in Russia - they have signed РÑ?нди РОБИТÐ?ЙЛ (Randy Robitaille) to a contract.

Well - one less player that I have to grade…

However, in synopsis - I gave him a C-.  Too inconsistent, and unfortunately for us, more on the negative side than the positive.  Two times and Islander, and two disappointing times as well.

Good luck Randy!  Hope you can find the kids a good ENGLISH speaking school… 

 

Here is the article from the New York Islanders Web site today:

 

Ken Morrow has reached a new multi-year agreement to continue as the team’s director of pro scouting. Morrow, a defenseman on all four Islanders Stanley Cup championship teams and the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, will continue to serve as one of general manager Garth Snow’s top advisors.

“Ken’s incredible history of service to the Islanders has extended from his days as part of the dynasty as a player to being one of the leading voices on our scouting staff,” said Snow. “His experience and advice have been invaluable to me. Ken was at my side last season when we added Ryan Smyth and Marc-Andre Bergeron, among others, and I’m very happy he’ll be there for the foreseeable future.”

Morrow was a member of the “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980 and then joined the Islanders for their run of four consecutive Stanley Cups. The Bowling Green alumnus was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 and won the Lester Patrick Award for service to American hockey in 1996. Upon his retirement as a player, Morrow has served as an assistant coach (in 1991-92 under Al Arbour) and as a scout for the Islanders.

“I’m very happy about staying on and very appreciative of the faith Garth has put in me,” said Morrow. “In my mind, I’ll always be an Islander. To be able to play an important role in shaping our team means a lot.”

 

ABOUT KEN MORROW

By Jason Lockhart

Ken Morrow has often been described as unassuming and underrated, but if there’s one thing the tall, slim defenseman isn’t to any Islanders fan – it’s underappreciated.

A native of Flint, Michigan, Morrow was an All-American at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, earning the CCHA Player of the Year honors in his senior year (1979-80). In four seasons at Bowling Green, Morrow went 34-92-126 in 154 games.

Despite not playing for one of the powerhouse Boston or Minnesota universities, Morrow was chosen to play on the 1980 US Olympic Team head coach Herb Brooks.

On February 22, 1980, the US “Miracle on Ice” Team knocked off the powerful Soviets en route to the country’s most celebrated Olympic Gold Medal. Morrow had the distinction of being on the ice to start and finish the historic contest. Some might remember Al Michaels’ famous call in the game’s final moments:

“…Eleven seconds, you’ve got ten seconds, the countdown going on right now! Morrow, up to Silk…five seconds left in the game…Do you believe in miracles? YES!!!”

The famous American victory was just the beginning for Morrow, who had been heavily scouted during the tournament by the Islanders, looking to bolster their defense for their playoff push. Drafted by the Islanders in the third round of the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft, Morrow joined the Islanders for the final 18 games of the regular season.

With the addition of Morrow as well as Butch Goring and the return of Denis Potvin from injury, the Islanders went an impressive 10-3-5 in their final 18 games of the 1979-80 season to finish second in their division to Philadelphia.

From there, the Islanders went on to win their first of four consecutive Stanley Cups. Morrow became the first player to win an Olympic Gold Medal and the Stanley Cup in the same year.

Morrow would be an integral part of all four Stanley Cup-winning teams. While he didn’t score many goals, Morrow scored a number of timely ones in the playoffs, including three overtime tallies. His most famous one was his series-clinching overtime-winner in Game 5 of the 1984 Patrick Division Semifinals against the Rangers.

You won’t see Morrow’s profound impact by looking at his career stats – 17-88-105 in 550 games over ten seasons – but rather in the way he carried himself on the ice. He was modest, but dished out thunderous checks. He was described as an awkward skater, but was always in the right position. His shot wasn’t the hardest, but it was effective.

Morrow left the ice in 1989 as humbly as he joined the team back in 1980. But that was just the next step in Morrow’s path with the Islanders. After a brief coaching stint with the Kansas City Blades of the IHL, Morrow re-joined the Islanders as an assistant coach to Al Arbour for 1991-92 season before moving to the Islanders’ scouting ranks.

In 1992, Morrow was named the Director of Pro Scouting, lending his insights to player acquisitions at the pro level. His lifetime dedication and service to hockey earned him a place in the US. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Lester Patrick Award in 1996.

Ken and his wife Barbara have three children: Krysten Noelle, Brittany and Evan

Class move by the Isles, if you ask me.  This is one of the most nicest and most gentlemanly person that the Islanders have EVER had.  It is always good to surround yourselves with the best people, and ol number 6 is JUST THAT.

WELL DONE GARTH!

More forward reviews tomorrow and on the weekend.

Another round of reviews….  Here we go:

Shawn Bates

He is either fully loved, or fully hated, depending on who you are.  He had his moments where he was a big help to this team.  He always had the skills on the PK. However, he has not lived up to other billing.  He is another ‘role player’ that this team has.  However, the role players that have been on the ice for the bulk of the season, have been light years ahead of Bates.  I know that there has to be a loyalty factor, but I think it is time to move on.  He is a part of Islanders history, and we appreciate that.  But time to let the cord go on him.  Grade:  D

Mike Sillinger

The find of the year.  What a difference he has made to the team, both in the on-ice portion, as well as the locker room presence.  This team needed a man on the team that would keep the room in check, as well as an even keel.  The nomadic Sillinger has done just that.  He scored over 20 goals, was in the top 5 in faceoff percentage, and made the players that played with him so much better.  The only negative, if you will, was his near disappearance in the playoffs.  I really think he and Smitty should have been on separate lines.  But if that is the only bad thing, well it was a good season for #18.  Grade:  B

Richard Zednik

A late season pickup with an unfortunate personal situation (his mom is very sick).  He was not around during the most important part of the season.  However, he did play in the playoffs, and did well.  Not sure whether we should re-sign him.  We need to see more.  Tough decision on the powers that be.  Grade:  INC

 

 

Viktor Kozlov

Enjoyed his bests scoring year in the NHL, notching 25 goals, including four in one game against the Rangers.  There were times where the dual Russian/American citizen looked lost and lethargic (sounds Kvasha like), but in a second, can switch it on, and amaze everyone with his quick and heavy shot.  What we need to do with #25, is get him one of those subliminal message tapes, which tell him to shoot the puck whenever and wherever he can.  Maybe the 25 goals can be 40 goals next season.  Grade:  B

Randy Robitaille

For his second time in an Islander uniform, things started to look well for him.  However, another time lost in Uniondale happened to him, and things began to look like he would not be a help to the team. 

He did pick it up a bit as the season went on - but not to the point that fans were expecting.  Too wishy-washy for my taste, and can do better in the free agent system, for the amount of money that was spent on his services.  Grade:  C-

Well - another five bite the dust.  Later in the week, we will do the next bunch.

Well - it is time to do this… I have held it back for a while (mostly work reasons), but here we go…

Remember - please make comments.  These are only MY grades, there are no right or wrong answers; you are more than welcome to correct me - chastize me - praise me - whatever….  It is just my thoughts.

To extend this a little.  I will do 5 at a time, and in this case, I will go by uniform number:

Trent Hunter

The 07 Nystrom award winner had a Jekyll and Hyde season.  He took a long time to start getting onto the scoresheet.  In most cases, that would tend to get fans off his bandwagon.  However, this man got even more support, due to the fact that he always was working in the corners, hitting anyone and everything in sight (was 3rd in the NHL in hits), and playing a 2-way role.

He always gave it his all - and no one can question THAT!

Then after the midpoint, the goals came, and his numbers ended up quite well (20Goals).  I think he needs to take more of an offensive role, more of a Bill Guerin like power forward type role, but I am not saying that he was deficient; by no means.  I think he played a major role in the re-emergence of the team, when it looked like we were down and out.  More goals and assists will get a higher grade for him next season, but overall, well done.  Grade:  B+

Richard Park

Most casual fans asked themselves:  “Why did they pick this guy up?”

After a few games, they realized why….

Always there, causing havoc, finding ways to contribute, a good pk’er, and scored two very important goals for the team in game 82.  You know what you are getting in Park, and he gives 100% every game.  He is the type of player that Ted Nolan likes to depend on - and hopefully he returns next season.  Grade:  B

 

Andy Hilbert

The New York Islanders version of the Cyclone Roller coaster.  He game went through some serious ups and some even more serious downs.  I think the downs were more of missed opportunities, rather than mistakes.  He always seemed to try real hard, but was just a stick length or skate length short.

There is a lot of question marks on Andy - the one thing to realize, is that he is still sort of young, and can be molded.  Whether the Islanders want to spend the time doing that, is another question.  Grade:  C-

Chris Simon

When he played on other teams, I always wondered what he would look like in an Islander sweater.  I got to see.  With the exception of a few second lapse in judgement, I like what I saw.  The reunion of the former wild teenager, with his mentor, produced interesting results.  As far as Penalty minutes per game, this was his lowest average in his career - even with the Ranger debacle.  He is a quiet leader, that makes teams take a more cautious approach.  He can play the game as well, and scored some huge goals for the team. 

He was a big help, and will remain so next season, if he is still in our colors.  Grade:  Will give two grades, before that Ranger game, he would have gotten a solid B.  However, his lapse caused him to miss the rest of the season, and the next five to start next season.  That would have to drop him down to a C.  It’s kind of like getting a 30 on your last test.

Jeff Tambellini

His various callups have produced mixed results.  Some immediate scoring in one call up, and some invisibility from another one.  The 23 year old former Michigan star needs to have a big camp next season, and make some big strides if he wants to get some more minutes for the team.  I like his development, and if he is ready, the sky is the limit for him.  Grade:  B-

 

 

Another five in a few days.  Have a great weekend, and Happy Mother’s Day to the ladies out there.  Make sure that you take care of Mom on Sunday!

I guess the sign worked…..

Doobie is signed for a 1 year deal.  He will be the backup.  In my honest opinion, this should have been done last year, but that is gone now…

Wade is the ultimate backup, and we know will be ready and  able to go when he is needed, as well as the spot start.

He EARNED this, as John Houseman would so elegantly put it on his Smith Barney adverts. 

Yes, John, Doobie Doobie did!

Congrats Wade!

BTW - Predictions for the Semi’s:

Ottawa in 6 - bruise Buffalo

Anaheim in 5 - should take down Detroit rather easily!

Well -we know that NO ISLANDERS fan is disappointed after Sunday.

Although they gave a good fight (sound familiar), the better team came through….

I think the Sabres has some issues with matchups in games 3 and 4 - and of course the refs getting their 2 cents in…. To me the best refereees are the ones that you do NOT notice.  If Kerry Fraser was here, he would looking for some serious face time…

But anyway, as a fan of the game, the Rangers had a good year.  They improved from the prior year, and won a series (let alone playoff games) for the first time in nearly a decade.  Well - the Thrashers were playing like the old Danbury Trashers (pun on words)…  They did well - but now the fans that had the ‘canyon of heroes parade’ already planned, can now go on and do other spring time functions like planting flowers and working on their backswing.

Rest in peace, New York Rangers!!!!

Have a good summer!

PS - Forward Report Card coming in the next few days…

From information that I received from Joe McDonald, my NYR co-host on the New York Hockey Report, he has heard from a number of sources stating that if a certain Islander remains an Islander, than a certain hero to Canadian Hockey Fans will not be in Islander blue and orange for the 07-08 season.

Makes you go, hmmmmmm???

All I know for this person’s 2 cents worth - is accept the mistake Charles, and unload #79 to the curb.  Seeing Carol Alt at games is now overrated.

We need to revolve our team around #94, and get players that would benefit from the TN system.

Cmon Charles, do it now!