Who needs the Cyclone when you have the job of being an Islander fan.
The excitement that now is a part of being a fan gets into frenzy mode once July 1 becomes upon you. By the end of the First, it seemed like the Gods threw a giant anvil on our management, making us look like Wile E Coyote standing there with a sign saying “HELP”!
To most fans, that is exactly what they expect of the Islanders. They just feel that we are not worthy to even be around. Just another chance for Jim Balsillie to get a franchise and move it to Hamilton.
However, Garth Snow is still getting that NHL media imposed reputation that he is a nobody that can not be able to handle the operation of a franchise, working for a owner that is a total quack.
Guess what folks, we are quacking back!
The acquisition of Guerin and Comrie in the last 24 hours, along with getting some minor league SIZE and strength, SHOULD show people that the Islanders do indeed mean business and will do whatever to recoup for the loss of Smyth, Blake, et al.
Fans, myself included, expected Snow and Company to be active at 12:01 PM on July 1. I know that they were ringing the phones and making inquiries. Just the fact that we were at a -5 on the loss department and a 1 on the gain, they thought we were done for the season. Pack up the truck and leave. Way to shut them up with the two moves yesterday, and getting “tank” Fedotenko on the 4th.
I think there is more coming. We do need one more D man, capable of going 23 - 27 minutes a game. There are a couple out there, and I am sure they are being looked after by Garth and Kenny Morrow, among others.
As the Boss said, keep the patience, things will work out… I, as you probably too, wanted to see Ryan and Blakey stay, but it is not to be. I am peeved at Ryan. I think his short time here, gave the team a reason to strive harder, work more diligently, and show a sense of class and dignity. Guerin also fits that role, and I really like the fact that he has a ‘no movement’ clause in the contract. In other words, he WANTS to be here.
Well - I will probably not be around the computer for the weekend. Have a great time, enjoy the summer heat, but if something important goes over the wire, we will talk about it here.
SO - what do YOU THINK ABOUT THIS???? Come, come, elucidate your thoughts!
Posted under Cool A-C League
This post was written by Gary Harding on July 6, 2007
I can say that I definitely feel Much more comfortable than I did Monday morning. I want to preface this by Strongly stating that I am fully aware that it’s still along way before training camp and Garth will undoubtedly give us more news by then. However, as a friend of mine soberly pointed out, this off season was supposed to be a time of improvements and building on what we had. Now, keep in mind we lost a 40 goal scorer in Blake, a 25 scorer in Kozlov, a point a game guy in Smyth (beyond his other values), an 18 goal scorer and 60 point guy in Yashin and a better offensive defense man in Poti. I think, with Guerin and Comrie, along with the other signings, we haven’t yet regained what we lost.
We need a very good, solid and tough man on the back line, and we have to get more scoring. Our problem last season was often goals. I have heard the potential up side in Comrie, but I’d rather go into the season with more proven weapons. It’s a real shame we couldn’t have snuck Vanek in under the radar. As my friend also bluntly stated, at this point, we are the guy who is taking the not so attractive sister to the dance, instead of the beauty we desired. There is no point griping and complaining over what we lost, so let us collectively hope and pray we go into October ready to earn a playoff spot again.