**** CORRECTION… As of 5:45 PM - I apologize to Margaret and say that her blog is not set for auto approval - so that is wrong.  However, what people commented about her comments are the opinions of the writers and not of myself or this blog. ****

On the ride home from the game last night, I was thinking about what I was going to write today.  I was really going to comment on the fact that it was a great game played by both sides, and the outcome, albeit happy for Islander fans, both teams played reasonably well.

The officiating was tough.  They got on both sides for some calls that can be argued from both sides of the plate.  However, the Isles were the ones that took advantage.  Interesting move by Renney to put 5 fowards on the PP, like a “super PP!”.  However, the Isles PK were EXCELLENT, swarming the O, blocking shots, trying to keep vision as clear as possible for Ricky to see the puck.

And by the way, was Ricky OUTSTANDING, or what!

I see signs of the 96 Sabres team that was coached by Ted in this team now.  They grind, they work, and they make things happen.  I could not be more pleased at the effort the Isles are putting out right now.

Tonight - they are in TO to take on the Leafs.  Toronto got a double blow the other  day with the 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Carolina at the time that Jason Blake announced that he has Leukemia.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Jason.  But bottom line, there is a game to win, and no matter how the players feel about their former teammate, 2 points are at stake.  I am totally sure that Ted will remind the boys exactly that.

MY THREE STARS:

3.  RUSLAN FEDOTENKO - this “Bull in a China Shop” forward is just what the doctor ordered.  He plays hard at both ends, creates chances, and gets on other players skins.

2.  BRYAN BERARD - welcome back.  Great shot on the 5-3 for the GWG.  Creates an interesting dilemma for the coach, as now he has 7 capable defensemen.  I would assume that Aaron Johnson would be sent back to BPT real soon.

1.  RICK DIPIETRO - this game totally makes the case for why he was signed long term.  He outplayed the Swedish Meatball, and showed why he WILL be an ELITE 5 Goalie this season.

TIN TWIT AWARD - although this matchup always brings out the total idiots to both sides of the equation (I am saying that a lot of Isles fans that attend this game are not saints - so no one give me crap about that!!!), I will have to take deep umbrage about another blog, from the NY Sports Day Network.  Yesterday, I put a link to my blog for a site called “My Blueshirt Heaven”.  A woman named Margaret Hurley writes this site, and since she is a part of Joe McDonald’s group of bloggers, I thought I would give the respect and add the link.  After reading what she wrote about the game last night, I may change my mind.  This is EXACTLY the crap that bothers me about this rivalry.  I try to not only be objective, but give credit when due on both sides.  But she reminds me of what is observed not only by Islander fans, but fans about the NHL in general.  She is in total belief, that halos should be on every Ranger player, and anything done to them or their fans in a negative light, is commendable by death.  Let me critique some of the comments:

If the Rangers are going to get penalized for clean checks, Ranger fans should penalize the Islanders, the NHL and their incompetant officials by not writing their checks to see the ice get tilted in Uniondale.

You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.  You can tap Jagr’s shoulder and you get sent to the box.  Breathe the wrong way on Straka and you know that two minutes are had by you.  And Shanahan - he is the biggest crybaby since Eric Lindros!  He thinks he has been violated by terrorists every time he gets a penalty. The Rangers are known as having the highest differential of PP to PK in the league over the past 5 years.  So don’t even start about your angelic players.   And don’t get me started about Hollweg either.

Stop driving revenue to the Islander franchise. Your dollars help keep this franchise afloat.  Just Say NO! Stay the hell home!

By all means….  I give respect to the fans that show up in droves.  For many Ranger faithful, it is quite difficult to get tickets, I can understand that.  Ranger blueshirts invade just about every arena in the North East.  I have argued this time and time again.  I get on Islander fans for a) giving their tickets to Ranger fans for this game, and b) not showing up for these games.  In many cases, not only are they exciting games, but lately we OWN the Rangers.  (7-1-2 in the last 10 would say JUST THAT!)  Yes - it was about a 60/40 split, and to an Islander fan, that is horrible; but believe me - this team is not ‘afloat’ because of your fans!  In all reality - this team loses about 20 Million a year, and the $700,000 that comes from Blueshirt support - does not make the difference.  The Islander organization needs some success to bring the faithful back in the droves that it used to have.  Making the playoffs and out in the first round comes up just short.  But believe me, this year may really be different.  The team believes in itself, and the GM (that Rangers fans laughed at last year) is looking better and better by the week!  Margaret, I respect you, but why don’t you worry about your inept power play, and inability to get the job done, instead of moaning about the lack of my fans attending games.  You sound bitter and sad, which is how most Ranger fans feel when their team loses to the Isles.  Your team is not God’s gift to hockey, so get over it!

For anyone that wants to leave comments about Margaret’s musings, check out www.myblueshirtheaven.com and let her know.

Well Isles fans, have a GREAT DAY!!!!  I know I will!

BTW - NY HOCKEY REPORT is on tonight at 9:00 PM - make sure you check the show… I intend to start taking umbrage on any Islander comment.  Please help out, and call the show (646) 716-7209.  Anytime from 930 on - please call - it is time for Islander fans to stand up and be PROUD!

Get the Maalox and Rolaids out…

To an Islander fan - this is the game that bring out the reflux medication.  It always gives a little edge to the fans.  This game always brings out the element (the angry Ranger and Islander fan, with a lot of BEER!!!).

But as far as a litmus test - this is a huge statement game.  The hard working, blue-collar club, against the ‘already preparing for the Stanley Cup Parade’ Rangers.  For the Isles, this is a chance to take the Rangers down a peg, and let them and the rest of the league know that this team will not lay down and drop dead for ANYONE!

Berard is signed, but for now, I would NOT bring him into this game.  If you want - start in Toronto or Philly, fine.  The chemistry is good right now - and I would really not want to wreck it.  Campoli and Gervais, the 3rd pair, have started out well, and work especially effectively together.

I have a lot of work to do today, so my comments will be brief.  I will write about the game and the atmosphere tomorrow.  I will give my 3 stars, as well as the TIN TWIT award.  I wonder who will get that?  Will it be Ranger fans???  Maybe…

Have fun tonight and enjoy the game… GO ISLES!

You give up 12 shots and 2 go in??? Giving only 6 shots in two periods of play.  That is a tough one.

A solid defensive game, I can not find fault with the D. 

However, you have 4 power plays in one period, you have to take advantage of that.  This game, the 4th line would only get on the score sheet.

Bergenheim seemed to have a good performance, and was rewarded by moving up to the 2nd line with Vasicek and Satan.

Kept Ovie off the sheet, which is always a good thing.

Well - you really didnt expect to win every game, and Comrie scoring on a 240 point per year pace???

Get ready for the Avery-less Rangers on Wednesday.

BTW - our thoughts and prayers on the View are with Jason Blake, who has a treatable Lukemia.  He is a battler, and no matter whether you liked him or not (I did - except when he hogged the puck), you do not wish that on anyone.  Get better soon, Jason!!!

It really sucks being at work today.  I just could not get out of it.  As a matter of fact, I expect a late night today, so I will 100% miss the game today.  I am hoping that I will not have to move round and round during the afternoon, so I can listen to the dulcet tones, or Mr. Mears and Chris, “The King of Long Island” King.

BTW - note to Ranger fans that are peeved that the Islanders “copied” the Rangers salute to the fans… Get this straight “mutants”!  The Rangers actually COPIED what the Euorpean teams do.  They are the ones that have been doing just that for years and years.  As a matter of fact, seeing nearly 10 games in England over the past six years, I know that BOTH team salute the fans, not just the home team.  In England, the MAN OF THE MATCH (basically the equivalent to the FIRST STAR), gets a gift from a fan that is selected at the game.  So if you think that everything revolves around you Ranger fans, and that your team developed this salute, it is time to come out of your shell and look at reality!  God - these fans just expect everything and everyone to just move aside and let the through, and that no fan is smarter or better than THEY are…. Give me a break!

Well - now that my rant is over….

The Isles face a Cap team that is also 2-0.  Kolzig has a shutout against Carolina and Brent Johnson has let in only one goal in his win against Atlanta.  Old friend Viktor Kozlov has two points in two games.  However, very interesting that another old Islander friend is tied with Kozlov an Alexander Ovechkin.

Tom Poti?

No!

Who?

John Erskine!

Ol Stone Hands himself has one of the five goals that they have scored this season.  Comrie has more goals than the entire team!

This Caps team is a different kind of team, and can be a scary bunch this season.  The kid are another year older and the rookie stud for this year is Niklas Backstrom.  The Caps are not going to be much of a pushover this season.  The Isles are going to have to stay sound defensively, and be prepared take hard-storming transition game to the max.

Key to the game… Getting at least three lines involved in the offense.

Will we see Dubie today?  If it wasn’t DiPietro kids jersey day - I would think you would.  However…..

Hope it fun.  If you are going to the game today, have a great time!  I will be listening intently.  Recap after the match!

I know it is less than 3% of the season, but hey - it is something to create a foundation with.

To so many journalists, Mike Comrie was a big question mark:

Why is he going to his 5th team at the age of 26

Why is he such a head case?  Why would this be any different?

When is he going to really become the player that people thought he would be?

Well - for less than 3 percent of the season, Mr. Comrie is SHUTTING the doubters!

With another two goals, Comrie now has 4 and 6 points through 120 minutes of hockey.  I think we can safely say that he is working on earning a nice size extension quite soon.

What an interesting difference in first periods.  Friday night - a run and gun game with 6 goals scored.  Last night - just one, a PP goal by Buffalo.  The teams were a little tight.  A little tentative.

In the second frame, Chris Campoli took a wicked slap shot that went over the shoulder of Ryan Miller, to tie the game.  Then - it was the Mike Comrie show.  Two great goals in the third vaulted the home team to a two goal lead.

But when Jochen Hecht tied up the game with five and a half minutes to go, the Islanders played a smart, solid five minutes.  Last year, this was one facet of the game, that lead many fans to pull out their roasry beads, and commence heavy praying.  This year, the confidence is brewing.  The passes are crisp, the decisions are strong and decisive.  They actually took a great deal of chances, but within reason.  A very happy ending!

Monday - the Caps come in for a matinee game.  This game, unfortunately, I have to miss.  I have work obligations that do not permit me to attend.  However, I feel confident that another victory will come the Islanders’ way.

Once again, I will give my three stars of the game: (however, they match the ones announced at the game)

3.  Chris Campoli - strong start for the young Ontario lad

2.  Rick DiPietro - showing his ability to take on the competition and lead the team

1.  Mike Comrie - on pace for 240 points?  Highly doubtful - but a sniper is getting the chance to show his stuff…. Jason who?

TIN TWIT AWARD - NOTHING - all was good.  With the only exception of the LIE like congestion on the concourse, everything on opening day was a great day.

BRING ON THE CAPS!

Jon Sim hurt his knee last night, trying to make a check and missed, slamming his knee into the boards.  He may miss some time.  Expect either Franz Neilsen (who got the game winning goal last night in Bridgeport’s win against Hartford), or Jeff Tambellini.

For all of you fans of the Broadway team - my deepest sympathies for your loss last night, as well as the loss of Sean Avery for a significant period of time.  I guess it was my comments of “mutant” and “dingbat” that were used in the Long Island Press about this blog, that caused the injury.   So it is ALL MY FAULT!!!!!  Yea!!!  I hope it is a significant time frame.  I am not usually the guy that wishes injuries on people, but I don’t like this guy.

The coach mentioned that the team were a lot calmer and relaxed in the third period than they were in the past.  They handled themselves well - made solid decisions, and when a small mistake was made, the team recovered well and were absolutely solid.

First line - A+

Second Line - A

Third line - A

Fourth Line B

Defense B- (needs a little work)

Goalie - B (4 goals given but that outstanding save 3 minutes in made up for it)

Real encouraging….  Now I am so stoked for tomorrow.  Maybe we can tailgate even earlier.

Mike Comrie has paid a dividend or two already.  Four points (2G, 2A).  Not a bad start.  Guerin has 3 assists, Fedotenko has a goal and two helpers.

Ricky has moments of brilliance, and a couple of clunkers.  I just need to see the confidence level come up in period 3.  He has guys that save him on certain occasions, and it seems that this may be the time.

Well - Comrie got his one year contract to prove that he can be the player that four other teams thought they had.

I’m not too happy about how the defense looks.  Bergeron got beaten out of his jock.  Witt is Witt.  There is just no fluidity on the d ranks.  I just hope that the coaching staff get these guys going.

OK - back to the TV - will write a little at the end of the game.

No -no field goals…. Six goals…. Well - these guys (Miller and DP) are not winning the jennings award anytime soon……

But Ricky made a great save about 5 minutes in - worthy of save of the year caliber. And we are 33% done with 1.4% of the season.

Vasicek, Fedotenko and Campoli scored, with two on the PP. 

Keep this PP up….. Buffalo is a real fast team.  Comrie with two helpers.  I guess Ms. Duff is happy… Will she be at Opening Night tomorrow…. She might had dropped the opening faceoff if we did not have Ms. Brinkley do it.  BTW - 52 years old, and she is still turning heads…..

Thanks for that Wayne (Wayne’s world reference).

It’s time for the boys to get busy!  They have shuffled off to Buffalo to start their season.  Unfortunately for Bryan Berard, he is still on Long Island, without a contract.

However, 23 men set out on a quest tonight, a quest that hopefully will see them leave Western New York with two points, and a rematch 24 hours later.

The Isles start with 3 games in 4 days, with Sunday being the day off.  This will be a nice test to start the year.  Getting all four lines going, and contributing will be key to the success. 

Their opponents, the Sabres, have lost two major cogs in their past successes in Briere and Drury (oh God - I hated the start #23 in Ranger blue had last night…)  However, in Vanek and Connolly, they have two solid weapons (as long as Connolly can stay healthy - which has been a stretch).  They have a solid goalie in Miller, and their D is fine (even with Numminen out with heart issues - and the View wishes him all the best).

As it always seems to be the case with Ted Nolan teams, these guys have to come out with purpose, and take down the speed of Buffalo.  “Speed Kills”, but strength and and solidity can slow them or even take them out of their element.  Keeping the wings clogged is a start.  I would assume that Meyer and Johnson will be the scratches on the Blue line tonight.  Simon will be the forward (since he has 5 games left to serve).

My insides get trembling every time I think of the season getting underway….

OTHER THOUGHTS:  After the drubbing I got from the Mets, I thouroughly ENJOYED the Yankees getting SCALPED by the Tribe last night.  The October A-Rod Invisibility Experiment is working well, and the Joe Torre Decision Dice was throwing SNAKE EYES again! Awwww, I feel bad.  But actually, I feel more for the Phillies.  They are collapsing like a old stadium being imploded.

Click on this link - to understand what I mean….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSdi3e3GDf0

Have fun - and see you at the game tomorrow…. BTW - Tail Gate Party - SW Corner of Parking lot - 3:00 start…  See ya there!