I know that the two sentences that are listed as the title of this entry are on the minds of every fan in Islander country.  It is a big concern.  Fans have to know what is happening.

Most people will give the usual cliche:

No news is good news…

However, you all have to remember, Garth has to be as stoic and non-wavering, as an amaetur working up the ranks of the World Poker Tournament.  He can not use the media to show his hand.  To do that, would be a certain path to post-season suicide.

As of the writing of this entry, we have 11 days.  If you are looking at the various hockey rumor sites (and I KNOW that you are…), you are hearing that Ryan may be going to a few locales, as well as Jason Blake.  Although I enjoy Eklund’s writing, as well as Lyle Richardson on Spector’s hockey rumors, you have to take them at face value, and remember that in many cases, they are just rumors.

Once July 1 comes around, or actually, June 30th, all of the teams that have UFA’s will be dangling carrots to their horses, in order for the players to stay.  We just have to hope that our brain trust knows what they are doing.  They would be absolutely crazy to feel that they are not going to allow #’s 55 and 94 to just walk away without making a deal.  Just do what the Billy Joel song says, but just start keeping the faith.

On other Islander fronts, I would like to say that I am tremendously glad, that Sean Bergenheim has finally reached some smarts, and signed on the dotted line for next season.  All I hope is that Islander management send him gentle reminders every other day until training camp to make his travel plans to New York for his physical.  Keep that alarm clock going.  Bergenheim’s style of play should fit into the Ted Nolan way.  His main focus will be coming out of the gate hitting everything in sight, get the speed going, and show the team that he deserves a spot.

Went to my first Mets game last night.  What a time to wake up, and I, in my egotistical ways, will take FULL CREDIT for it too.  The bats woke up, and the team responded, especially when there were runners in scoring position.  John Maine was brilliant, allowing 4 hits in 7 1/3 innings.  By the way - Citi Field looks amazing.  It is so wild seeing it come to fruition so quickly.

I have been off from work the past couple of days, so it has been nice to enjoy the sunshine, and get things done around the house.  The problem with some of us workaholics is that we fail to take the time to enjoy the little things in life.  Make sure you do that…

Well - will talk again before the month ends.  Especially, if some big news comes on the horizon.