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