Happy New Year!

Weight out – Sillinger out – Hunter – out Ricky out (surprise!)

Sim in – Trevor Smith in – (congrats on first game)

Mitch Fritz was waived – so that means he will be back in the PORT in 48 hours!

The guys came out to Ozzy – that has to be a new trend!

Starting lineup – MacDonald, Streit, Pock, Park, Bergenheim, Jackman.

Weight IS out there, so that means that the PA guy at the Coliseum drank the wrong Kool aid!

Sim – penalty 3 minutes in – certainly a trip to the Chateau Bow Wow for him again!

PK need to be a little better – now 17th in the league, as opposed to in the top 10 a few weeks prior. This group (Bergy, and Jackman) did a nice job. Bruno has looked ok too. He has been getting beat up in the forums, and quite honestly, a bit deserving. He needs to step up his efforts a lot, or he will just have a PR job with the Islanders, instead of a hockey position.

6 minutes in – and we are being out shot 6-0. Whoops – as I say it – we got 2.

Right now – Panthers DOMINATING the play – but slowly, the Isles are making their way into the play.

I like the line combo of Okposo, Comeau and Comrie. They seem to have each others backs, and look very fluid out there.

13:56 – Florida (Campbell – penalty). Time for the PP tp start to work…

PP Goal – nope – penalty – goalie interference on Sim. Very questionable to say the least.

I will say it here folks, when Bergie is moving his skates and causing trouble, he is definitely at his best. He just needs to get the stupid cells out of hs brain.

One thing that is definitely better is the face-off %. So far with 2 minutes left in the 3rd period, it is 53-47 in favor of Fla. Not great, but better than the 30′s that we have had in the last few games.

I will be back in the 3rd period, I will be in he seats for stanza 2.

Well – not so fast – Dvorak on a deflection from a point shot with 1:36 left makes it 1-0 Florida.

2nd Period

For the most part – I missed the first five minutes, and according to the shot clock and musings around the arena, I did not miss much. Looking at the stats, Mark Streit with 9:38 leads in ice time, Guerin and Comrie had 3 shots each.

Comrie – on a pass from Comeau and Okposo. The chemistry is flowing like Mentos and Diet Coke. Play under review – looked like it was hit with a skate – but it is a Tinkerbell special.

And now the team is playing physical. I just love the way Jackman plays like it is his last shift. You would never know that he was a 2nd round pick from days gone by. But he has such a passion for the game, that I wished others would display.

Remember we were bring severly outshot when we started the game… It is now 19-14 Isles at the half way point of the game.

By the way – it is Marvel Superhero day at the Coliseum. Only one problem – the Hulk looks like he is either on Slim Fast, or got Gastric Bypass.

Comrie has two – it’s a Power Play Goal – nice little bank shot off Vokoun. He must have been playing billiards with Hilary Duff when he was hurt.

Bergenheim – with 23.9 left jamming it home. See Sean, good things happen when you work hard… Great effort, and nice shot above Voukon’s right shoulder. Mama Dee would be so proud!

Great effort this period. Let’s tell the guys to keep the pressure up on the third frame.

3rd Period

Comrie with 5 shots leads the team – Streit with just over 17 minutes of ice time. Weight is now sitting on 999. Will he get the 1,000 before the day ends?

Guerin and Streit had a 2 on 0, and Guerin pushes off to Streit for the shot. The Captain should have taken it all the way, in my opinion, but nevertheless…

I really like the way that the team has come out in this period. Disciplined, smart, not playing a conservative game. I hope I don’t eat my words. I just don’t want to be a doom and gloom guy.

Joey Mac has done quite well tonight. He hasn’t got sloppy, and made a couple of great saves early in the third.

The PP has gotten one goal tonight, but has not looked for the simple. They are trying to make ‘sexy’ plays.

Too many men on the Isles. PK looking good.

PP Goal Isles – Streit – with a blast. Did Dougie get a helper? I don’t think so. Still on 999. But what a nice effort for the Isles. You HAVE to be happy with the team’s overall effort. The Panthers had made the Isles look real bad the last time they were here. Now – it is the other way around.

Three Stars of the Game.

3. Okposo – another nice game, got a helper and really looked good.
2. Streit – 2 point game – and made a few nice defensive plays.
1. Comrie – I guess he and Hilary will have a Happy New Year celebration

Will add a quote or two after the game, if something is good.

I wish you all a Happy, Safe and Blessed New Year! May all your wishes for the next year, be realities!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Hey Vanna, can I buy a Vowel?

Maybe a goalie?

You can almost take a full-size picture of Ricky and cut some holes in it – and you have the 2009 version of Operation.

Do you think Milton Bradley would mind? I wish I knew Photoshop, or I would be on this….

Will he play tomorrow? Will we end the year with a victory? Right now, my prognostication skills blow, so I will let you be the judges…

Despite the 4 goals given in the 3rd, the Isles played a ‘decent’ game – not good, not terrible, decent.

Has Kyle blossomed lately? He has been brilliant. So has Blake Comeau.

Josh has entered the Bow-wow zone again… Let him make the mistakes. He will not grow in this environment if he does not get the chances. I was the one that said send him to the Junior tournament; so if you are going to keep him here, play him, DAMN IT!

Tinkerbell’s wings are coming unglued. Maybe the sleeping beauty awakens.

I keep getting impressed with Streit’s defensive abilities. What was Carby thinking last season?

Well – let’s see what happens tomorrow… I will be in the Blog Box, so expect an article just before the ball drops tomorrow night. HAPPY 2009 everyone!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

With the 10 game streak done, the Isles are playing much better lately, especially on the defensive side of the rink. Not allowing much on 5 on 5 lately, ironically after the comments by Witt, are a good sign that the team is improving.

As we all know, Islander teams improve when they go to the Garden, regardless of the hows and wheres. The guys always get up for it, and in the past few years, there are a lot of Orange and Blue in the stands. If you can not get up for a game like this, you need some serious kool-aid.

Now – for the other night – a great effort against the Leafs. I think that there were very few negatives to take from this game. All four lines were real good, and the D were playing smartly.

By the way – my three stars from that game:

3. Okposo – 2 points – and his best game as an Islander
2. Ricky – welcome back, and played well to boot
1. Guerin – congrats on 400

We all thought Bailey got #1 – but to no avail.

On the Buffalo match – the Isles looked well, and played a fantastic finish. They did not give up, as well as not looked like a team in desperation in the last few minutes. Again – I thought Kyle O played a great game. He seemed to mature two years on the ice in a few days. His set up of Campoli for the last second shot was brilliant. Great to see Tinkerbell finally get on the scoresheet. I just wish he would stop pushing his pixie dust, and make non-highlight-attempt passes to open guys. Defenses have to know that 89 is going to try something cute, so they just gang up on him, and oops, a gaffe!

It was real tough to lose Amazing Andy H. He has played so well, and deserves a great deal of kudos from the fans. Hopefully the ‘hairline’ won’t keep him out as much as Plus Champ Andy S. Good to see Silly back. He was kept out for the back to back, and I hope that within the next few games, that his experience gets to help this stat… The faceoff. This team is winning only about 40% of the time lately, and it hasn’t bit them in the butt, at least yet…

Tonight – the Rangers, fresh off a beating at home against the Devs. This team should just decline power play opportunities, and play 5 on 5. They have 11 shorties given up, by far, the worst in the NHL. 26th on the PP, with all of that talent. Interesting to see how they come out tonight.

And as for the “King”? He has looked mighty mortal lately. Is it the number of games, or is it the playboy life? Hmmmm??? Have another Apple Martini, Henry?

Well – hopefully it is the typical Islander-Ranger game, that brings the passion of this rivalry to a peak! Enjoy it – and talk next on Wednesday. I will be at the game to end the year.

Have a great one! And hopefully, 2 points in our box.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

The team played better. There were some good moments. Bergenheim played strong, and for a change, a little disciplined. Park and Hilbert are at their usual levels.

A year ago, if you told me, that Andy Hilbert would be one of the BETTER contributors to this team, I would have told you to stay from that Kiwi-Strawberry Kool-Aid. He is playing at a good level – always moving, and making smart decisions.

Defensively, the team was not that terrible. Maybe not to well – with getting the garbage away from the netminder. Joey, I’m sure, would want to get that first goal back. Maybe the second one too. He also made some great saves. Missing offense shows on this team right now.

Jeff “I just dont why I stink in the NHL” Tambellini came back. Had a few opportunities, and did not look horrible. But there is a difference when he puts on that NHL jersey instead of the AHL one.

Josh Bailey is stuggling. 2/10 on faceoffs and had a few opportunities at close range on wide open nets, and did not get it done. He is another one that is going to need a goal to go off his butt, to get his act in gear. I am not down on the kid, he always seems to put the effort and inevitably does not appear to look lost. However, I think he needs to step up the game. Provide another dimension to him, in order to get on the scoresheet. Good players, at whatever age, do that. I know that Josh can as well. I am not losing hope on the kid.

Again – great effort by Bergie on the shortie – causing havoc in front of the net. For a while, it looked like we were on the PP instead of Atlanta.

Anyway – two days of forgetting about Hockey, until Friday, when the Leafs enter the fray. Welcome back Jason! We know that Dee (7th Woman) will have her 55 stuff in full force. Maybe some healthy bodies back in the lineup could be a panacea?

I just don’t know… However, this blogger will NEVER give up on the team, no matter what. We may get frustrated and angry, but it is like an old friend. He(She) may get you angry, but 2 minutes later, all is forgiven. Hey – they still wear our home on their crests.

Happy Christmas everyone! May your dreams come true.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

The Thrashers have given over six goals a few times in the last two weeks. A team that is prime for the taking.

However, we were saying the EXACT same things when Atlanta first came into town recently.

This is one that we hope that Ilya Kovalchuk will forget to bring the “A” game. If there is ANY time to end this streak, it is NOW!

Looks like Hunter MAY play – and Weight is out. So 1000 points under the Weight tree will not happen. Bruno is still out, and that streak is now approaching 13.

As ou friend Chris Botta said, it is about time for this team to show some ‘cohones’. (well -its my term, but it was said to the same idea) Yes, the team is down, but teams that want to be good are ones that will take it to new limits and make strides to want more. If you look at the end of the Minnesota game, that is something that you did not see. The Nashville game was a good game, but offensively, few chances and very little passion.

This is where you separate the men from the boys. This is a game where you see what kind of players you really have. Whether they really WANT to see this team succeed, or they are just go through the motions. I immediately move Witt to the good side, thanks to his passionate comments. This could be a guy that could want a way out, but he made sure that this was not the case.

Let’s see what the rest of the vets do. I really would like to see Tinkerbell get the wings off and show us something. Keep Kovalchuk off the sheet, and give us two desperate points. I am not asking for much for Christmas – just a win,please.

I will be wearing my Sheffield Steelers jersey tonight. I am 2-0 with the shirt on – so might as well keep the luck flowing.

To all that read this site, I wish you the happiest of Christmas seasons. If you are of the Jewish faith, I hope that your Hannukah celebration is festive and joyous. Please be safe, and enjoy the Holiday!

Talk on Friday, before the Leafs contest.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

If you have read my posts, you know who T.B. is, as well as the full name that I call him…

I am thrilled that Okposo gets to play at home (if the morning skate goes ok). I am sure that he is PUMPED up to play, and will want to get some points in front of family and friends (and especially his old U of Minn. coach).

Hopefully Comrie performs as good as he sounds. We need some offense, and that was EXACTLY why he was brought here. Maybe scoring on the ice will be more important than the scoring that he is doing off it….

The Isles go back to back with a trip to Music City on Saturday. Glad to have 8PM starts, so when I get home, I do not miss anything.

There has been talk on the boards on the defensive side of the game. Here is my thoughts on it.

1. Streit has been a god-send to this team. #1 D in PP points, and has for the most part, been OK on the back side. He has made some glaring mistakes (who hasn’t on this team), but he has recovered nicely in many of those efforts.

2. Sutton – when he keeps his head in the game – he plays well. Be physical, don’t be stupid. It is just like his head snaps, and he tangents.

3. Campoli – unfortunately inconsistent. We could apologize for it when he was 21 but at this stage, he has to make a stand and move his game to a higher level. I know that he has the head to do it – it is now just execution.

4. Meyer – he makes good plays (especially in many instances – he did a great job on Ovechkin – but when I saw the stat sheet at the end of the game – he was -4. Again with these guys, it is consistency, or full adaptation of the style that Flash Gordon wants.

5. Witt – I save this until the end. I love the warrior mentality that is #32. He sacrifices his body, and does what he can to clear the crease and cause havoc. We all knew that the offensive side of the game was limited with him, and accept that. However, this type of game seems to have him in fits, and misses assignments and just does not have the wheels to get back in crucial situations. Would I like to see him continue to help the guys and grow with this team? Yes I do – but I think the reality of the situation will make that a difficult decision for Garth. He would probably be an important cog in a potential cup team, as a solid 3rd line D-man with a good 2-way player. Brendan has commented to Chris Botta that he is committed to this team, and seeing this through, and I believe that. I want to see him finish his career in our colors, and he shows his loyalty to this team as well.

6. Pock – a total disappointment – when 8 and 24 are fully healthy – release the ties that bind.

7. Martinek – I love his play so much. I just wish the body wasn’t so brittle. Again – what do you do with him. I will hold for now.

8. Gervais – Probably has a great career in TV or PR after his career is over. However, such inconsistency in his play, especially in 5 on 5 – is a problem. To me – he is a player that always seems to ‘telegraph’ his movements. You know by his body language what he wants to do – 5 seconds before he actually does it. Again – love the guy, but for a future here, I am just not sure.

9. Kohn – Hillen – the next ones. They are playing a lot of minutes in the Bridge and doing well. I totally expect to see them here in the future. Also – add Brett Skinner to the list. These guys can be serviceable, if they are getting the system in the A (which it seems like they are).

Well – that is more than 2 cents worth – but I was on a roll. Enjoy the games tonight – and be careful on the roads today. Hopefully we dodge a bullet and dont get that much.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Player Analysis, Ramblings

3. Sutton – gets his first, and played physical without being stupid.

2. Meyer – I really thought he played Ovie well. Stopped a lot of chances (Note – If I checked the Stat sheet, he was -4. Maybe this was not the best pick that I have made)

1. Park – 3 points, and was flying around the ice. Lots of energy.

We did a live blog/chat at the game – a few of the blog boxers, along with some fans got it on – and we had a good time (until a certain producer slipped up and cut the blog – the person will remain nameless, but was the only one drinking wine – not that THAT had anything to do with it). We will definitely do it again – it was fun. Keep tuned to this website, along with Doug the Official’s site (http://islesofficialsoutlook.blogspot.com/)

See ya!

Gary

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

That was all that was on the clock when the final result was created.

10.7 seconds.

Well – most thought this team was not going to get a point anyway. Down 2 going to period 3. The period of doom and disaster. This is when the typical ‘come once or twice a year fan’ would grab their 7 year old and head to an early exit.

This team, changed the fortune for this night, and made it interesting for the fans that remained.

Goals by Sutton and Streit – closed the gap. Things were looking better. 6 straight losses in regulation were ended on this night, and a point came to the total points column.

Thanks to Ovie – that extra point eluded us.

For a change, this team played a HARD 3rd stanza, playing physical, solid forechecking and shots. Almost as many in period 3 as in the first two. Good game played by most of the team in blue. (And dont get me started on why #49 is even there!!!!!)

There were flubs, and dopey decisions in the first two periods. Two of the 4 goals let up by Joey, I am 100% SURE that he would want back. It was pretty much a bore fest for 40 of 60.

And then came overtime. We got through the first 90% of OT without much problems. Then #8 in white snaps a shot, that goes through Joey Mac and off the post and out. It was real close.

20 seconds later, he (Ovie) ended it. A tough pill to swallow, but this game HAS to be used as a setup for better things to come. I usually don’t like talking about ‘momentum’ games, and moral victories. But the way this team has struggled, it may be time to take the moral win for a spin.

Face it folks, we all know that this year was going to be a struggle. It is going to have to be this way for a while. If you read Chris Botta’s site, you read his conversation with Caps GM George McPhee. It brings a lot of insight of how a team can build from the duldrums and move up the ladder. We may not have that ‘star’ that they have, but sticking with the system, through all of the bad and good, can turn losers into winners. Maybe we have to take the rose colored glasses and understand, that the steps may be tricky at first. Unfortunately, some surprising wins, made some fans look for 1st round playoff wins. Please, let’s get through this year, and get the growing pains cleared.

Friday, hopefully, we get Silly, Comrie and Okie back to take the Wild down. I am sure that Kyle wants this so bad. I hope it can happen. Then, when and ONLY when, Ricky is at 110%, get him back, and give Joey the break that he truly deserves. He has been a yeoman and a good soldier all rolled up in one.

I know the times are tough, but stick to this. I really feel that there is opportunities. This can be compared almost to the time when the stock market dives. Most learned investors still say to ride out the storm, and in time, all will be fine. Let the Islanders be that struggling stock. Don’t sell – don’t waver, just stick it out!

Let’s see about this TOGETHER!

NY Hockey Report tonight.

Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/nyhockeyreport

Or www.nyhockeyreport.com

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, NY Hockey Report, Ramblings

Back home – Bailey and Thompson out. TInkerbell a week away. Ricky to practice with team on Friday. We are so in flux right now.

We will be blogging live tonight (myself and some of the other blog boxers. If you want to join into this live blog, click in after 7PM, and come one in.

Just click on this link into (MOZILLA OR IE browsers are the only ones that can be used)…

http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=9a6188598c

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Sorry – had a pretty busy weekend…

Christmas Shopping – Cemetaries to put down grave blankets – visiting my Mom in the hospital – putting up decorations. Not a lot of time to sit around…

And back at work for another fun week!

And the Isles limp home after an 0-4 week and the Streak now hits 6. Now the team gets Ovie and the First place Caps. Just what this weary team needs.

I am not going to write much today, as it is a real tough to talk hockey lately.

I will be working the game tomorrow – so I will be live in the “BOX”.

Posted under Islanders 08-09