I really look forward to see how the team resonds to start this game. The team looked BRILLIANT after the first stanza on Thursday night – and I would like to see the same intensity and action tonight. Even though the Panthers are a better team when it comes to the standings, it seems that the offensive explosion that Atlanta can still put out there, can give me more concern that the Panther offense.

How can you NOT love the Bailey-Okposo-Comeau line. “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT…”

Danis had a good two periods, but his third has to be a little more solid. I know that all the goals were not his fault, due to the defensive lapses, but he needs to step up, if he wants to get more starts in the NHL this season.

The Isles will need a full 60 minute effort to get their third consecutive victory, and show the rest of the league that they are not a patsie team awaiting to give their opponents the two points that they are looking for.

Go get ‘em boys!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

But scary, nevertheless…

Kyle mentioned in the 1st intermission on radio with Steve Mears that the Isles need to treat the period like it is a 0-0 game, instead of a four goal lead..

Maybe he should have mentioned that for the third too. Three goals by Atlanta in the first 10 minutes of the 3rd brought the game to a one goal lead.

However, entry the Mighty Kyle. On two great passes from New Set up God Josh Bailey, “Okie” got his first multi-goal game in his NHL career, to give the Isles that 1 goal cushion.

It was a cushion that the Isles did need.

Atlanta pounced on Yann Danis like a bunch of 7 year olds going in a Jumphouse room. But the Isles held on to break the losing skid and now have a modest two game win streak.

Just like Lou Brown in Major League two: Win one more, and we have a real winning streak…..

Florida tomorrow… A team that we need to the same thing that we did with Atlanta in the 1st, but keep it for 60.

Scott G was right – we did not collapse. We may have slipped, but we did not get knocked out…

Great to see Weight, Hunter and Hilbert back… Their presence was noticeable, and much needed. Boy – great to see Streit pick up EXACTLY where he left off. His two helpers put him 1 behind the D leaders in points with 37.

Hope the crowd comes and gives the guys a little vocal support. Now – which jersey do I wear tomorrow?

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Andy Hilbert, Trent Hunter, Doug Weight, Chris Campoli….

Come on down! You are the next contestants in the Islanders wheel of lineups!

Glad to see you back!

With the 5+ days to rest and relax, the boys should get back to practice today, ready to hit the ground running to their next game, Thursday in Atlanta. The Isles need to get this win to avoid the shutout from the Thrashers. Atlanta has played a bit better, since the announcement of Ilya Kovalchuk as the newest captain (a ploy to keep him there, in my opinion). Having Dougie and the other three back in the lineup will be a help.

Trent Hunter – who hasnt scored in 15 – needs some confidence. This opening game should be the conduit to get him going. I would be interested to see how Kyle Okposo, who was blue flame hot before the break, will come out in his first few games back. I can understand how he was not at the ‘young stars’ game (strictly on stats – he would not). But if he continues his hot recent past, it could spring him to consideration for the Calder.

There was some discussion on some of the boards concerning Josh Bailey, and can you send him to Juniors. At this point, the arguments are still going to be the same… WHY? Windsor is doing so well, and does not need him. Why subject him to juniors. He is hanging in there – and although the numbers are not as good as I think they would have wanted, he is improving in many other aspects of the game (physicality, face offs, among others). When the season is over, he can go to the Port for the playoffs, and can help there.

Kudos to Witt – for Don Cherry’s comments about him on Sunday during the all-star game. He loves his warrior mentality, and considers him an all-star! In all but the -27, I agree!

Well boys – get ready for Atlanta, and welcome back!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Kyle Okposo — 1/21/09

Franz Nielsen –1/21/09

Yann Danis 1/21/09

Gordon Presser 1/21/09

** ABOVE ARE AUDIO CLIPS FROM THE LOCKER ROOM AFTER THE GAME**

Got here at game time, and by the time I got the computer running, Kyle scored a brilliant PP Goal just over 3 minutes into the contest.

What a wicked shot by Okie.

I figured that after the Ducks got spanked by the Rangers last night, that theu would come out guns a-blazing. However, they look as flat as we did against the Devils on Saturday night.

By the tone of some of the fellow blog boxers and the folks in 201, there are some anti-Comrie sentiment. Sounds probably about the same as it did in Edmonton, Philly, Phoenix and Ottawa.

PK did a good job on their first effort. So far – game a little on the dull side. Both teams trying to feel each other out.

2-0 – first NHL goal for Kurtis McLean – blast from the right face off dot. What a blast! He has shown some spunk and some life up here in his first two contests in the NHL. Bridgeport’s loss – our gain…

Anaheim got some pressure in the latter stages of the period, but the Isles held their own.

Witter gets a Delay of Game penalty at the last minute of the stanza. -27… Sheesh!

PERIOD 2

Ducks had a few chances on their PP, but some nice saves by Danis, and some good work in front of him, squelched the opportunity.

Nielsen has really looked well.

The Getzlaf, Perry, Kunitz line has been strong, taking the Isles off the puck at many opportunities, forcing the Isles to ice the puck.

Congrats to Martinek, on the birth of his daughter Veronica.

Right now – with 15 minutes remaining in period 2 – the Isles are being outshot 21 – 9. In the past, when we were outshot we usually won. Hope I did not jinx the team.

Thinking about Danis – 9 goals in 4 games (2.25 GAA) and a save percentage in the 90′s. He has stepped up and did the job. He hasn’t look clinically well, but he has been formidable to say the least.

On this last PK – Danis has been brilliant making a number of point-blank stops, including one on the doorstep. Gordon HAS to say something nice about him tonight.

There has been a definite sense of who is the better team in this period, but the Islanders, especially their netminder, has been the difference. What the Isles need to do, is keep this focus going, and play that elusive 60 minute game that they so crave for. This would be a nice way to end the losing streak and get the guys off for a mini-vacation with a positive to build on.

Another lucky break that dinked off the post, on a nice deflection by Cory Perry.

Ducks get a PP goal off a dump in by Perry that deflected off the stick of Bobby Ryan. I am sure Danis would want that back, but it was a low percentage shot that got by. Now – more than ever, the Isles need to take it to the Ducks – and get the 2 goal cushion back.

Right now – it seems like the Isles are just content with just dumping it out of their zone, instead of finding some lanes and getting pucks to the net. And just as I say that, McLean gets a great pass from Nielsen and Hiller had to make a great stop to keep it from being 3-1.

With 40 minutes completed, the Isles are holding their own – but they have to more than just that.

PERIOD 3

After 2 – some stats:

Gervais leading in ice time – 18:24
No one with more than 2 shots.
Face offs favor Anaheim 51-49%
Shots – 31-13 Anaheim (19-5 in the 2nd period)

Again – if I was the coach – I would try to get the team to be a little more aggressive in the neutral zone (but not THAT aggressive). Give Danis a little break and get some pressure on Hiller.

One thing that Danis definitely needs work on, is clearing the puck from the back of the net. He is too tentative, and unsure, which leads to some chances for the opponents.

I am really convinced that Comrie (alias Tinkerbell), is just going through the motions. He always seems to be running in a slower gear than his linemates, and at times, looks like he is standing still.

Can someone please hit the NET!

I am really getting sick of the Kansas City chants. I will talk about this on an upcoming entry, but it will not happen. Now – back to the game.

Finally, someone had the nerve to carry the puck out of the zone, rather than dumping out. Great job Jack Hillen. However, the play was offside. It is like a Rosanne Roseanna-danna moment.

Another great play by McLean but just missed the tip -in.

10 minutes into the period, and we have no shots on goal. They can not keep this up. It will come back and haunt them, I just know it. Anaheim only has 3, so it isn’t as bad but still you can not win with no shots on net.

These guys need to stop trying to thread the needle, and hit the net with shots; you have traffic in front of the goalie, rely on them to clear the garbage and put it home.

The crowd is getting restless, and I understand completely.

At least the “D” is clearing up the mess in front of Danis. Getzlaf made a great move and passed to a open wing, but the defense came to the rescue.

Penalty to the Isles – Park for tripping. Not at the most opportune time. THEY MUST KILL THIS!!!!

Finally – we got a shot on goal!!!! Eureka!!

Great job! Now – get some shots, and end this thing!!!

Last minute and Hiller is off to the bench. Great stop by Danis!!!

Time out Anaheim – the wait is killing me! We need this win! 28.4 crazy seconds left on the damn clock!

V I C T O R Y ! ! ! ! ! Finally – a win in January! The streak is OVER!!!!

My Three Stars

3. Nielsen – two assists.

2. McLean – First NHL goal

1. Danis – simply a BRILLIANT job tonight!

Thank god for the break. This 5 game home stand killed me! See you next week, when we will start again on Thursday in Atlanta. At least the guys will get some time to relax, and recuperate. Maybe we will get a near full roster back? We can only hope!

I got some audio clips from the Locker room. I got the coach, along with Danis, Nielsen and Okposo.

Check them out…

Posted under Islanders 07-08

I did not look at the Internet – or listen to any radio before getting to the Coliseum last night. As soon as I got there, I got the question:

Do you really hate Columbus?

Hearing Dubie was picked up by Columbus was a huge blow to me. I was thinking on how the team could use the boost. Maybe not to get out the cellar, but bring some respectability to the team.

Well – that’s now gone….

So it was onto facing the Devils that spanked us in the prior two matchups. Danis was adequate. 31 of 34 were saved. That is over 90% and that is a respectable game. He had some great saves, and we all know what happened to the first goal. But if I have to rate him on a scale of 1 to 10, I would give a 7.

But that was not the problem.

Once again – the Isles were taking most of their shots from low percentage positions. And the power of finishing has passed them by like a Mercedes M class on the Autobahn. I know that I can be a little tough at times, and I have never played the game, but I just do not see the methods in place for this team to show any offensive spunk.

And that gets me to the next rant. That would be number 89 on your program, and about 2 million 300 thousand 4 hundred and sixty four in your hearts. Mike Comrie, alias Tinkerbell.

Where do I begin?

Well – in his late twenties, Comrie is now with his fifth team. That says either one of two things. Either he is desperately wanted by teams, or he wears out his welcome. Now – be honest – what do you think the answer to this is?

You can see that he so wants to make the great move, but I think that he needs to look back at what he does on video, and realize that he is NO Gretzky or Kovalev, or any player that lives on great moves… In fact, a few have mentioned, and I agree, that he seems to be living in 33rpm where everyone else is moving in 78rpm (if you dont know what a turntable is, you are too young).

Remember when you were young and played little league, and you had a kid on your team that was always in fantasy land, thinking about his GI-Joe’s and wandering aimlessly around left field? I see that in 89. I am not necessarily questioning his desire to play, or even his will to win, but actions speak louder than words.

I know that every time he touches the puck, I wince. I know that in past years, I have been critical of Shawn Bates, and others too many to mention. But in the others, I saw the desire and ability to want to play better and succeed. It looks like Comrie does not fit that bill, unless he is visiting his girlfriend.

I know that may be a little critical, but as a person working on this blog, I am not a reporter, I am a fan. I want to see my Islanders winning and being successful. Having this player on this team does not accomplish this. I hope that the future Islander teams, do not have players that fit this mold. He has the skills to be a great hockey player, may he will still be with us when he finds them. However, I seriously doubt it.

Now – Kansas City.

Smoke in mirrors… I am believing that this is media trying to sell papers and make a rumor bigger than what it really needs to be. Although there are roadblocks and issues with the Lighthouse project, I still have faith in the Islanders getting this project off the ground. I really feel so bad that politics is getting its ugly head into this process, but Long Island NEEDS this project, and its only major PROFESSIONAL franchise a place that it can be proud of. C’mon Supervisor Murray – get this going. You surely do not want to be the person that thousands of Long Islanders will deem responsible for moving this team? It is not a threat – it is a promise.

A word to Islander fans. Stay with it. We are the 30th team of 30 in the NHL – but that does not mean that we are all bad. We are team that has been decimated with the injury bug, and a team that needs help. We are definitely in the running for John Tavares or Victor Hedman (personally – judging by the WJC – we want the former and not the latter). With the cards in the right direction and sstart and planets in order, this team can make a turn around. Just remember what the situation of the Penguins were a few years ago. They were as bad, or even as worse as where we were, and look at them now. Last year, a Stanley Cup Finalist. Can we be in that same mode a few years from now?

Why not???

Well – see you at the rink tomorrow. I will be half covering the game, and half in the seats. Enjoy the weekend!
Gary

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Got here late – what else is new….

Glad to hear that the Doobster is back in the fold….

Nothing much to start – a few major hits by Witt, especialy one in open ice. You have to establish yourself early against a team like Boston.

Got back from getting a hot dog – and I see the Isles are outshooting the B’s 8-1. This is the way to start…. Now – biscuits ain baskets!

Sim just took a stupid penalty running into Thomas. Let’s see how the PK does against this Bruins PP – with Shorty Chara on the back line and with 2 goals the other night – you have to worry about it.

BTW – what was Tambellini thinking about trying to knock Chara to the ice?

Okposo just took a hit with the puck to the face – just what we need – another freaking injury.

We should be over 300 man games lost now…. The Rangers – by the way are at 10.

2nd period – shots 17-7 after 1

Bruins go 1-0 3 minutes in. Did not see puck, as I was rescuing my crashed computer.

Not a bad crowd, considering the elements. And by the way, was that deal in the Hudson river unbelievable….?

Jackman in a tussle with Thornton – actually not much….

Amazing stat shown on the scoreboard…. Boston – 10 shots blocked, Islanders (leading the NHL right now) 0.

Good to see Okie back – we thought it may have been a broken jaw issue… He nd Bailey had a nicetic-tac-toe move – that almost equalized this game.

Danis has not been tested all that much – but he has looked adequate. Just carry the load until Dubie is ready to go.

Comeau just introduced Krejci to the penalty box. Nice hit – his confidence has been growing.

Another great stat – 20 for 30 in faceoffs.

Power play for the Isles – let’s see if we do something with this one….???

1 – 0 after 2 – Witter made a good recoup after the passing blunder in the last few seconds. The Isles definitely lead the league in shooting pucks on opposing shin guards.

What do the Isles have to do in the third – shoot, shoot and shoot. Be a little more relentless and in the last few minutes – go ‘balls to the walls’.

3rd period
———-

Couple of good opportunities in front of Thomas. Keep the pressure up and intensify.

Penalty on Isles – tussle in front of Danis. This would be a nice time for a shorty…

Bruins get a fluky bounce, and make it 2-0. St. Pierre gets the fortunate bounce. Now we need 2. Now – agressive in the forecheck, and start taking chances. There is still time – but the time is NOW!!!

The John Tavares chants are starting. It is starting to get nuts now. Another Islander penalty. Campoli is the guilty party and he is not signing up for the Kelly Sutherland fan club.

Will we get one past Thomas? That is the $64,00 question? This team has played decently, but no finish. There it was – three or four point blank chances – but nothing to show for it. Another slew of chances – and KO finally got Chara to the deck.

4 minnutes left, and the crowd is trying to leave early…. Sorry – get on my soapbox – but I NEVER leave a game early – and I dont say that because I am here at the Blog Box. I stay for the end of 9-2 games. You pay for a sixty minute (or more) of ice hockey – then get the money’s worth – even if we do not win the match. It is the footy (Soccer) mentality.

Well – back from the soapbox and to the blog box…

Three Stars (even with no goals…)

3. Okposo – gets hit in the face comes back and had some good opportunites – even put Big Z on his arse.
3. Danis – looked ok – got two fluky goals scored on him – but made some fine stops
No 2 or 1 tonight.

Have a good weekend – stay warm – it’s going to be biting tomorrow. If anything good comes from the press conference at the end of the game – I will comment…

Posted under Islanders 07-08

You can use all the cliches in the world:

Good effort
Solid play in all 3 zones
Decent Goaltending
Outshot opponent
Outhit opponent
Did not lose key faceoffs

All of that is good. But when the number under your team on the scoreboard is less than the opponent, it is a loss, no matter what happens.

Sign Dunny to a contract – you are back in the game, dude!

I am sure that there will be calls to other teams looking for a goaltender, if Joey’s injury is as bad as it sounded. From people I know in security at the Coli, he was crying in pain. That is not a good sign.

Glad to see Campy off the schneid. His game needs to lift up, and he looked a little better last night.

Good to see Nate and Franz back. Nielsen at times, did not look like he was injured in the way he was. He was not that timid, and played ok.

Danis did a nice job. The second goal – his defense did not help him on the odd man rush. His skills were much better than the previous time he was in net (remember that 9-2 flubbing in Pittsburgh?).

Again – a nice effort – but we will continue now to see the youngins in a lot more situations as the weeks go by. However, I still believe you need veteran leadership to be here, and if Guerin and Weight want to stay here, they should! Do you believe that, mister GM?

Posted under Islanders 08-09

No – Not Commandant Lessard from the Police Academy Movies….

But an interesting pickup for Brent Skinner…

Uniondale, NY, January 13, 2009 — The New York Islanders have acquired right wing Junior Lessard from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenseman Brett Skinner. Lessard will report directly to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League.

Lessard (leh-SAHR) has played in 41 games with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League this season, recording six goals and five assists for 11 points. The 28-year-old Quebec native has played in 27 career NHL games with Dallas and Tampa Bay, scoring three goals and adding one assist for four points during parts of three seasons. Lessard has also played in 298 career AHL games, recording 86 goals and 92 assists for 178 points in five seasons.

Lessard went to college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as Top United States Collegiate Player in 2004. Lessard played 45 games in that season, scoring 32 goals with 31 assists for 63 points. He was also honored as WCHA Player of the Year and was named to the WCHA First All-Star Team, NCAA West First All-American Team and NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team. The Stars signed Lessard as an undrafted free agent out of college on April 15, 2004.

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Sorry I have not been writing lately. I am so swarmed at the office, that I have early arrivals and late departures.

I just do not have the desire to write. However, with what has happened lately, can you blame me?

THe Ricky soap opera continues. Leave it at that…

Nice to see Nate and Franz returning.

Shame to see that Silly is hurt – and this may spell the end…???

Sutton out another 8-10 weeks with surgery today!!! Ugh!

Witt looks lost out there at times, and that really bothers me…

Bruno has stepped up his game, and Campy seems to be sinking.

Can Martinek stay healthy for a stretch?

Congrats to Dougie on 1000, and Billy G on 400. Garth, keep these guys, if they want to stay.

I am not going to the game tonight – I am still on Business Plan mode. I probably will only get to see Saturday’s contest on this 4 game home stand. Work is rough right now – but hey, I am employed, so I have to be happy about something.

Let’s just hope that this game will be like the first 3 this year – spirited, exciting games, and for us – a happy recap!

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Friday night in Phoenix, last night in San Jose – the Isles are outscoring their opponents 4-1 in the last 3 minutes of games.

Maybe we should do like they can in video games like NHL 2K9, and make the games last 5 minute periods instead of 20. We would be leading the league, for sure.

Again – falling into the moral victory category – we got close with one of the best teams in the league, but again – a loss, is a loss, is a loss.

I like Jackman’s play. He can not only play ‘in your face’ (or in the mask) hockey, but has decent hands, and can put the puck in the net. He always looks like he is playing his last shift in the NHL every time he steps onto the ice surface.

Someone asked me today, “…who does Park think he is Ovechkin?”

No – he is not- but I am glad that he is contributing and being a factor.

Once again – this team is getting into games very late in the contest, but just finishing short of getting it done. What they need tomorrow in Edmonton – is playing that desparation type of game throughout the entire contest. I know that is not the right thing to do, but we need to do something different.

Will Ricky be in net tomorrow? I believe that he will play in the next two games. Especially since he will have two days off in between the Alberta contests.

Well – let’s see how we do this week.

Posted under Islanders 08-09