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Have a great day, and hey – forget about the Isles today….

Posted under Islanders 08-09, NY Hockey Report

My mother said to me when I was kid,

Sometimes when there is nothing good to say, just say nothing…

I am going to do just that. Onto Columbus.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

We have been there, remember?

4 of your top 6 defensemen out of the game with injuries… BUt damn, can this team score.

But the big question to all Islander fans is?

Is John Sim going to be the Waldo in the puzzle book?

He would be a good prize for a playoff team needing an energy like player. Sim just does not fit this team ethic. Not making him a bad guy, just a non-fit in this outfit.

Well – I am seeing a game with a 4 game loser taking on a 3 game loser. However, the 3 game loser has more weapons.

Then again, so did Philly, but the Isles were not out of that game by any margain. They need to do the same thing. Get goals early, and take the crowd out of the game.

Once that happens, sustain. Keep the legs going, establish the forecheck, and keep the main weapons to the outsides of the faceoff circles, instead of the insides. With a younger and inexperienced defense, make sure that the power play takes advantage of the injury bug, and exploit to every chance.

Now – onto other things. I totally agree with Chris Botta on Islanders Point Blank, that Bailey HAS to be at the WJC. I am glad that he is here, but to me – this is the best opportunity for #12 to excel on the big stage. But, Garth wants him to grow and develop here. I am not mad, I just feel for Josh. I know that inside his heart of hearts, I am sure that he wants to be in Ottawa right now, going for the Gold Medal. As I stated on the New York Hockey Report last night (check our show – the link is on the right side of this page), Partice Bergeron had such a great tournament a few years back, and when he returned to Boston, he excelled. Just ask Sid the Kid how he played.

Yea – and about Sid…. In the beginning of this blog a few years ago – I ripped Crosby up and down about his whining and complaining. I can honestly say, that in the past few years, he has grown up a bit, and has matured into a good young man, with the world in front of him. Has he done a 100% upgrade? Not yet, but he has improved. Although, I think he is the SECOND best player on the team… Hmmmm>????

Well – hope for the best tonight – exploit the D and get 2 desperate points. And if he did not get claimed, welcome back Simmer.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, NY Hockey Report, Player Analysis

Another rough loss last night, and to make matters worse, the Isles head into Philly, a beaten and hurting team.

Sutton and Thompson are out, Fritz and Callahan replace them.

We are heading to ECHL players real soon, if this keeps up.

I agree with Chris Botta, as much as losing another body is a tough thing, I think Bailey SHOULD play the WJC’s in a few weeks. Confidence up the wazoo, and this is what 18 and 19 year old Canadian’s DREAM of playing in. This should be a no brainer for Garth. Let him go.

I know that in this league, anyone can go into a building and pull off a gem. However, the Isles have lost, I believe, 6 in a row in Philly, and they are playing well of late. This is going to look bad.

Comrie, I hear, is back soon… I see a lot of excitement coming from that comment….

I really think that Joey Mac needs a break tonight. I know that Danis had a meltdown in his one game here, but what the heck, let’s see what he has, against a team like the Flyers. Ricky is 3 weeks away from the lineup, and I think Joey needs a day to contemplate life, and other variables.

Question of the Day? Will Fritz see more than 2 minutes tonight?

I like Comeau first two games back. Energy, and smartness. This is the player that many were expecting to see on the Island, not the one that was invisible in camp and exhibitions.

As far as last night, it was nice to hear the comments of one Mr. Blake. He spent a long time here, and deserved, in some cases, a better fate, but he takes it all in stride and moves forward. Nice job!

We get Pittsburgh on Thursday, and Columbus on Saturday. Tonight’s game is on Versus, which means all of the US can see how horrible we really have been. And also – to have other announcers tell us how rough we look.

Just what I need on a Tuesday evening.

Enjoy it – well – tolerate it.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Thoughts at warmup…

Blake back – and Tamby down. Conditioning or not – Jeff needs this. He is jut not producing, and whether fans think it is their screaming about it that caused the demotion or not – this move HAD to be done by Garth. This kid needs a 100% adrenaline shot of confidence.

Comeau has done well to deserve this promotion, so let’s see what he does with it. We all know what happened in September and October.

Starting for the home side tonight…

MacDonald
Streit
Campoli
Park
Thompson
Jackman

Hopefully, their energy will give the boys a shot in the gut.

20 seonds in – penalty for Atlanta. Wouldn’t it be nice for us to score in the first minute, instead of the other way around. Bailey on 1st PP Unit. And sure enough – 51 seconds in – we do it – great shot by Guerin on the off wing. Great piece f work to start the game.

And yes, I screamed, “It’s a POWER PLAY GOAL, %%%% Sam Rosen, and Joe Micheletti too”. It is a 317 Section special. Keep the legs moving and intensity up boys.

Last 90 seconds brought Atlanta back in the game, and they dominated play. However, for whatever reason, I was confident, because the Isles kept skating, blocking shots, and keep up to the pressure.

3:56 P1 – Penalty on Streit for hooking. Need to keep moving and attack the puck. LikeAmazing Andy Hilbert’s play on the PK. He is so smooth. Had a great scoring chance. Kovalchuk looks lost without a good partner. He always had someone; Heatley, Hossa. Now with no one – we can see why this team is last in the NHL, and he is under a point a game and only 8 goals on the season.

Two great chances by Comeau in front of the net. I think he gets this system now!

Really looks like Sim just enjoys to play against his old mates. As does Sutton.

Another PP for the Isles. Silly getting a chance on the PP on the 2nd unit. Great chance on Goal at the end by Silly, but the Atlanta defender got a piece of the stick.

And yes, another PP for the Isles as Crabb clipped an Isles player at the end of the shift. Back to Bailey, Guerin and Weight. Sloopy work this shift.

So far – the Isles play has been ok – but when Atlanta has had the opportunity to dictate the play – they have been good.

Jackman and Thorburn with a fight – and Tim with a overwhelming TKO and a throw down as well. Thorburn looked like an old rag doll.

The last five minutes have been bouncing back and forth, with not a great deal of continuity, but at least in this period, the Isles have been skating hard, and making their own chances.

Atlanta scored with 2:16 left – Brian Little right in front of Joey Mac on a broken play, pushes it through the legs to even it up. Who would have thought that Bryan Little would have as many points as Kovlchuk.

Bailey got a nice hit on him in open ice. Good to see the rest of the team come in and protect the honor. Hilbert gets 2 for roughing on the play, but I like to see that intensity when it comes down to protecting your fellow players.

Other than that – the same lineup as the other evening.

Bad news about Okie. I know that he was aching to get back, and now another setback and now out until after the New Year. Tough situation for him, but it seems that he has the cool head to be able to not only handle it, but work on Josh Bailey to get his confidence going. That is what I call a teammate.

—-
2nd Period – Shots were 9-6 Isles after 1.

Isles get an early power play again – another chance to make some things happen. However – once again – stymied. Isles now 1/4 on PP.

Jackman has a nice, low, hard shot. I can see why he was a 2nd round pick.

Pretty much back and forth non-excitement. A few players making some good plys, but nothing much else.

Just as I talk about Kovalchuk, he makes a beautiful move to beat Joey Mac to make it 2-1 Thrashers.

Bergenheim got a little sloppy an took a penalty, after he had a great opportunity to tie it up. His emotions sometimes get the best of him. And in this case, it showed big time. I am sure these are some of the things that have kept Bergy in the press box for games.

Great opportunity by Jackman with a shortie opportunity. Great kill.

On a bogus call on Guerin, the Thrashers get number 3 on a ‘gift goal’ for Boulton who just slid the puck by a out of position MacDonald.

The second tonight is our third of other nights. What can this team do right? They are making these guys look like Boston.

Right now – this team has some serious backchecking issues. I can not understand with all of this practice and talk, how it seems to disappear at times. Maybe that is the ‘non hockey player’ in me, but it just doesn’t make sense to me.

With 2:49 left in this period, this team needs to not only make a stand, but get the crowd back into this game. Bergy is also off te first line, replaced by Comeau. Simpy put by the boxers around me, but Blake has been not only more effective, but has done all asked tonight and more.

Outshooting 12-6 this period, but outscored 2-0. That just about says it all.

This team looks as confused as can be. Park had an opportunity, but a Thrasher defenseman’s skate simply made it be all for naught.

If this team wants 2 points tonight – Gordon needs to blow a head gasket and get some motivation on these guys and fast!
—-

3rd period, and fingers need to be crossed.

First two minutes – energy, but nothing in the way of chances.

Need to get pressure on the goalie – make things happen. Comeau had a good hit, Hilbert, but between the blue lines, it is like a festival of ‘watching the play go by’.

Cmon boys – make a statement! NNNNOOOOWWW!

You are outshooting these guys 23-12 – AND WE ARE DOWN 2!

Bailey just lost another faceoff. He was 4 for 12 for two periods. Got to get Professor Sillinger to work more with him.

Trent just lost it – got 2 for trip and 2 for high stick. Got 4 minutes to kill. A shortie will be nice about now – we haven’t had one of these in a while.

Sutton takes a penalty – but Atlanta scores. 4-1. This is ugly. This team is not this good. We are just that bad tonight.

Fellow Blogger Mike’sbiggest joy right now is counting the icing calls. Atltanta has 6 and the Isles have 2. I wish that would make us get more goals. Wait – Atlanta now has 7.

I now feel as bored as Republicans at the upcoming Inauguration in January.

Two posts in about 30 seconds, but Atlanta puts it in – as I am typing. 5-1 and the Boo birds are eminating around the building. Sticks are being slammed in disgust, and the fans are leaving. So – I think I will end this post.

My 3 Stars (Irrgardless of the scoring).

3. Jackman – energy always.
2. Comeau – posts and again energy that we just did not see in the first few games of the season.
1. Ice Girls – well – no one is deserving of the 1st star.

Well – if a miracle happens – I will comment about it tomorrow. Otherwise, I am going to be working on my Christmas decorations tomorrow.

See ya!

Posted under Islanders 07-08

A couple of scrums, and an unlikely scorer does the Isles in last night.

Of all folks, Brashear beats us with a slide of the stick, and once again, the team looks bad after a significant number of days off? We know that this team works hard at practices, I wonder why the team is so sluggish that first game back?

It is a mystery? Please Kreskin, give us the answer…

Nice return by Silly. Winning 11 of 19 faceoffs. A big plus.

Three Isles Stars.

3. MacDonald – 42 saves. Yes he gave up 4 but only 1 was what I call ‘saveable’

2. Hunter – 11th goal – had only 12 last year. What a nice job he is doing.

1. Silly – nice to see him return.

I just dont get Fritz being here taking 100 seconds a night? It does not serve a purpose… Jackman – he has a role and had a solid game last night.

And please, let’s end the Tambellini saga now! This is getting ridiculous. We are not going to have another David Volek moment (for those that do not know (and there may be a few) – Volek was one despised by many fans until he scored that magic goal in 1993 – eliminating the Pens). Tambellini is not cutting it, and guys like Trevor Smith, Blake Comeau and others should be up here contributing.

Well – got that off my chest. See you at the barn tomorrow.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Been 5 days off, and now we are back to hockey once again.

Glad to see Mike Sillinger back in the lineup. A great face off man is always hard to find, and the extra help can be a blessing in disguise.

Poor Marty – hurt again in a game, and then takes a hit in practice, hurting his shoulder even more. Good thing that we do have extra guys on D, to take the slack up.

Got to watch out for this Washington team, they fly! With Ovie leading the way, it will be a tough test indeed. In past years, the Isles have had great difficulties with the Caps, but last year, went 3-1. Got to take Ovie, and the other fly boys out of their game, and get on the scoreboard early. Take the momentum away.

I feel bad for Peter Laviolette. I figured it would happen sooner or later, but it was tough to see that after all the success he had in 06, that nothing came up better for him in the few years since. He will land on his feet somewhere real soon.

Mr. Avery (my best friend in hockey….. yea, right!) gets his day in NHL Court. I hope Mr. Bettman slaps him with his English wig and tells him to stay away from the NHL. That would make my day!

Will be blogging at the game on Saturday. Have a great day!

Posted under Islanders 08-09, NHL Stuff, Ramblings

That is for me. I was out of work sick on Monday, was in yesterday, but a shell of myself, and today is not much better.

I will not write until the weekend…

Posted under Ramblings