Comrie and Campoli off to Ottawa for Dean McAmmond and a 1st Round Pick (from San Jose).

So we get a pick in the late 20′s in round 1 to go with our #1 pick.

According to Islanderspointblank.com, Chris Botta said that Campoli asked to be traded. That was a tough one to swallow. I thought he was moving up the skill ranks and was playing well. Must have been something in the atmosphere, in the locker room. But when I was there for interview, he was nothing but class all the way. I will miss him…

I will NOT miss Comrie. This guys has killer skills, but to be moved SO MUCH in his career must say something about his attitude. He, in my opinion, is one of the laziest skaters I have EVER seen. He can show in just a few seconds, why he does not want to be here, and I am glad that Garth did the deed, and sent him on his way.

I would have traded a puck bag for him, but I will take McAmmond (a seasoned vet, that be the next version of Sillinger or Park), and that other 1st round selection.

That makes the Friday afternoon interesting, doesn’t it?

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Wow – how 24 hours look so dramatically different…

On Wednesday, the Isles looked like such a different team against the Rangers, than on Thursday at home against the Canes.

The Isles played smart, solid, hard hockey, and if were not for a flub of a goal, the pace of the final half of the game could have been so different. The Rangers got the two points, but were no where near the better team that game. Equal may be closer than the scale tipping on one end or the other.

Then – with Carolina coming in – and playing in desperate measures (5 points behind 4 teams for 5th through 8th) – I thought the Isles would match the intensity level, that the Canes would put up.

I was wrong.

Down 3 – 1 after 1, the team slipped into a funk that we have only seen a few times this season, but looked bad. This is one that you throw in the bin, and never want to see again.

The team look uninspired and just not on their game. They were losing battles in the corners, and the Canes just seem to leap over the Isles in the skating department.

Honestly, I was not at the game, and they way it was going, it was easier to switch over to my DVR and watch the last episode of Life on Mars. (BTW – if you have not watched it, go to www.abc.com, and check out the past episodes. It is a great series!)

Tomorrow – the return of the biggest Islander killer of them all – Zach Parise and the NJ Devils. The Devils are 4-0 on us this season, and truthfully, I just can not see us taking this one either.

Park down

Another tough loss to the injured list. Richard Park had not missed a game in an Islanders sweater since he came here. Last night was the first, and you can see what this team misses in him. He is not the best, he is not the biggest, not the strongest, but definitely in the Top 1 or 2, when it comes to heart and desire. That is why he was the Nystrom award winner last season. It very well could have been two in a row, had it not been for this injury (actually, it still could be).

Hope you heal quick, to come back for the end of the season to let the fans appreciate you a little bit more.

Lighthouse News

Although I was not there, there was a get-together with some of the bloggers, Islander mania folks, and the Lighthouse Group, concerning the status of the project. There is going to be some major news in the upcoming days, concerning how the progress is going, and from what I hear, some of the news is going to be on the positive end. Maybe it can happen that we see the shovel go into the ground this summer. That would be a great sign for the Island!

If you are at the game, I will see you tomorrow. Otherwise, have a great weekend!

Oh – by the way, I will be on Hockey Night on Long Island, the Blog Talk Radio Show that is totally devoted to Islanders coverage. This show is on LIVE on Sunday at 3:30 PM – and to catch it… go to www.blogtalkraio.com/hockeynightonlongisland.

See ya!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, NY Hockey Talk

As said in the earlier post, Streit is back – so either Callahan or Hillen is the odd man out.

Check the first five minutes – if we are playing hard and getting the physical game up – it is good for the home team. The problem with the Isles – is the 3rd period. It is imperative to keep the strength up and keep the forecheck going.

Witt vs Malkin should be fun. Witter loves to play against the Pens, and it shows.

MacDonald vs Fleury in the nets today. Will we see the same Joey Mac that was absolutely brilliant against the Devils last Wednesday?

The mascots are here today – Blades from Boston – Stinger from Columbus, and Tommy Hawk from Chicago, along with the 4 Presidents from the Nationals Race. By the way- Teddy Roosevelt has NEVER won a race in the last two years. My money is on the Long Islander….

GAME TIME

Witt Martinek Bergenheim Nielsen and Hilbert – MacDonald in Net.

Predictions:

Gary – Isles 4 – Pens 3 Shootout
Doug – Pens 4 – 2 9 ( thinks Witt and Bergie are gone on March 4th)
Dee Pens 5 – 2
Steve 6 – 2

20 seconds in and a good chance on Fleury.

Bruno hit the crossbar – in his second straight game. Don’t play Blackjack with him… Marty gave the puck to Crosby who fed Fedotenko, who like he did last year, missed wide.

Game has been a little slow to start. No flow – just feeling out processes. Bergy had a nice opportunity, and caused a scrum in front of the netminder.

Staal just missed a wide open chance when a bad pass from Guerin caused a 2 on 1 opportunity. Phew!!

Bergie – great job and vision – seeing Campy coming in off the wing… And under review… YES! 1-0 Isles

Time for the Isles to not only keep the pessure up, but make sure that their level does not sway.

First penalty of the game to the Isles – to Jackman for holding – Malkin took a blast – that I thought would take Mac’s head off. PK looking great – with about half of the time in the Pens zone.

Leaving early to check with the wife. Isles playing well – hope the last few minutes are good.

Whoops – Malkin decided to pull off a toe drag, and 1-1.

2nd Period

Bailey and Okposo looking good to start the period.

Witt just introduced Malkin to the glass. Isles had a good 1st, despite Geno’s goal… Outshot Pitt 12-10, but lost face-offs 12-9. Martinek led in ice time with nearly 9 minutes.

Isles dominating play in this period. But not getting the chances.

Doug is very sad about losing not only the twin ice girls, but the ice breakers as well. He will accept cards and flowers.

Gyerin went off the ice at the last TV time out, and has not returned back to the ice… Are we losing the captain now? Five minutes later – he is back.

Some of these young guys have to get into some type of a selfish mode and shoot the damn puck! Especially Josh and Kyle.

Isles just got a little sloppy in their own zone. Making some bad decisions with the puck.

13:27 – scrum in front ad the Isles put it in!! 2-1!
Nielsen – from Bergenheim and Hilbert.

Little more passion for the team, but Streit takes a holding penalty with 4:01 left in the period. A big momentum maker would be the Isles to keep the Pens from getting to the net. Keep them to the outside and limit the skating.

2-2 – Whitney equalizes it – with some great passing from Gonchar and Sid the kid. The PK which has been good of late, let the team down a little, but now is a great opportunity to get more pressureon Fleury and take it to them.

Okposo just got called for holding just after a Pens player apparently interfered with him first. Isles back to the kill to end the 2nd.

Pens almost pulled the same play – Gonchar from right point, to Whitney at the top of the faceoff circle. Joey got to it. Great save at the end of the play too.

Great scrum in front of MacDonald with 9.4 left. Fleury was just about to join in thefracas…. MacDonald has had some fights in his minor league career… Malkin gets 4 for roughing, and Campoli 2 for roughing.

Period ending – Isles need to get prssure going, and get pucks to the net.

By the way- the President race has George taking the victory over Teddy. He duded it up with Thomas Jefferson – but lost to George by a large head.

3rd period

Got the PP to start the period – need to get the pressure on Fleury. Isles outshot 10-7 for the second – and are down 20-19 for two periods. Martinek leading in ice time with over 16:00 minutes. All four lines are getting just about equal time. Comrie and Hilbert lead in shots with 3 a piece. For Pittsburgh – Malkin leading all in ice time with over 17 minutes. Petr Sykora and Ryan Whitney have 3 shots a piece to lead the team.

Comrie is just pathetic. Fairy dust galore. Doug said it better – “GET OFF MY TEAM!”

Team is getting sloppy, and the Pens are trying to insight a riot. Isles need to bing the level up.

Joey Mac leaving too many juicy rebounds for the taking, but thank goodness, the Isles have been clearing up the garbage.

A few good opportunities from the kid line, but Fleury was up to the test. Game is definitely picking up in pace. This is good, as long the Isles keep up with it.

Notice how much better this team is with Streit in the lineup? We lost 5 in a row, and guess who was not there? Is it coincidence? I beleve not.

Great job by Hilbert pinning down Crosby as he was coming to Joey’s left. Pittsburgh taking a little to the team, but defensively, the Isles have played well. From 1 to 6. Even Hillen has lookd decent. Not over-playing, but making smart decisions.

With 6 minutes of time left – Isles need to play smart.

Witt shoved Crosby on his butt – and of course, he (Sid) looked to the refs, awaiting a call – but to no avail.

Another big rebound left by MacD, but forwards got out of harm’s way.

Hilbert with a great chance off a greater pass by Streit, but just short of net. Isles are not intimidated or playing tentative in the last few minutes. They are going for it, and that is great.

With 90 ticks left, Isles out out the kid line, and that shows a great deal of confidence for the boys.

Made it to OVERTIME and point. I am the only one of the four that thought the Isles would win – so I am the BEST PROGNOSTICATOR of the table.

Pittsburgh is a good team 4 on 4- and with a 2 on 1 – MacD got the big save. Interesting line combos. Guerin and Bailey. Josh and Campy combined on a nice play to get a shot in on Fleury.

Joey Mac makes another great stop on another 2 on 1 for Crosby.

What end to end excitement. This is exactly what this team needs to get the young fans in. And maybe the win in the shootout would do just that….

Great defensive work by Gervais and Campoli in overtime. #8 has been fantastic! Okie made the play of the day, getting the puck away from Crosby, and nearly gave Park a chance to win it, but it is time for the SHOOTOUT!

Shoot out
1. Nielsen – GOAL!
2. Sykora – GOAL!
3. Tambellini – GOAL!
4. Malkin – SAVE!
5. Okposo – miss! Tried the big move and missed.
6. Crosby – MISS!

BIG WIN!

My Three Stars
1. Nielsen – Goal, shootout goal, assist
2. Bergenheim – 2 assists!
3. Mac D good solid job in net

Clips from the locker room:

Scott Gordon

Frans Nielsen

Joey MacDonald

Chris Campoli

Jeff Tambellini

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Pens coach Michel (I can not be called Michael anymore) Therrien was let go after Saturday night’s 6-2 debacle at the hands of the Maple Leafs, starring Jason Blake. Even with last year’s magical run, Pittsburgh players were at severe odds with the coach, and this season, with the exception of the two young stars, this team was definitely lacking passion and focus.

I see Streit out on the ice, which should be a good thing for the Isles, as they try and up end from this five game streak of losses. You know that the Pens will be fired up to play for the new coach, former Islander assistant, Dan Blysma, but this Islander team needs to match or play above the opponents intensity level, and take a stranglehold of this game.

By the way – the Islanders are doing a number of charity opportunities:

1. Get the stick from the player’s hands
2. Get to skate on the Coliseum Ice
3. Get to be in the Islanders official team picture

All great opportunities for the fans. For further information, please check out www.newyorkislanders.com for more information.

I will be blogging during the same, and saving to each period.

Also just got word that the ICE BREAKERS are no more. I guess LOUDVILLE will be upset with that……

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Between work, and my mothers latest hospital stay, I have not been writing too much. However, I have some thoughts in my head.

1. The play… Saturday was a difficult game to swallow. Just when you thought that the Isles were moving in the right direction in the game, and got the score to 2-1 (nice goal by Amazing Andy Hilbert), the Flyers in the third pounced for three goals in 73 seconds, to make the game out of reach.

Danis was a tough luck customer. He has played so well for the Isles, he was due for a doozy, and he gave just that. I am sure he would have like a couple of mulligans for the game.

In my opinion, I thought Joey deserved the chance to play on Saturday after his amazing effort in New Jersey. He should be on the pipes for the afternoon matinee against Sid, Geno and the Pens.

For those of you who are still drooling for Tavares, we still have a good chance to get him. I just do not believe that the team should ‘tank’, or have the fans act like that. Note – athletes are ‘proud people’ and definitely would not just bring their play down, in order to gain a prospect. If it happens, so be it.

I believe that this is the right time, to get the kids in motion, and get them significant minutes. As the games go by, I think Gordo will do that.

2. Rumor mills have Campoli and or Bergenheim on the move. Let me take each one separately.

Campy – I think that his play has been counted on since the injury to Streit. He has logged major minutes on the PP and has been in the mid 20s in ice time. He is probably the player that would be the most wanted on this club at this time. (Weight – of course, would be the main one, but with the injury – that will not happen). You may be able to get a significant pick for him, because of the age factor, but I think he will not only remain an Islander, but will be here for a long time. It is not that you would build your team around him, but he can be an important cog. With Streit here for 4 more years, they can be a great 1-2 combo.

Bergy – He has had so many chances to shine but just has not come up to snuff. There are some that will comment about him (and I will not name names, Dee….), and defend him to the gills. I believe that he can be a serviceable NHL player, but I think that I will not happen on this team. I really think he needs a change of scenery, and his over-aggressiveness will be his detriment.

http://cdn.nhl.com/islanders/photos/mugs/8456464.jpg

3. Guerin – I think that it is a testament to his character that he has kept his no movement clause. He is totally devoted to his game, as well as the team that he is playing for. He would definitely be a player that would be wanted by teams that are looking for a serious playoff run. He could be that ‘rent-a-player’, but to his credit, he has put in his contract that he can not move. He is the type of player that I totally root for, and respect to the utmost. I would believe that he could be signed again and keep the captain here. He is great in the locker room, and I have seen some of the interaction with the other guys. He is a great guy, and although he is not the 40 goal scorer of the past, his contribution is more than most people know.

What to expect for tomorrow:

1. The Pens are struggling to even make the 8th spot in the playoffs. They were spanked by the Leafs 6-2 on Saturday night. They will be a team peeved off, and looking for bear.

2. Sid the Kid is on a roll of late, 12 points in the last 8 games, and loves to play against the Islanders. In 23 games against the Isles, he has 11 goals and 41 points. That is someone you have to watch.

3. Sergei Gonchar has returned to the lineup after a long injury. His presence on the blue line was sorely missed, and can be a big help in the rush to the post season.

4. The Isles are 0-3 against Pittsburgh this season, including a 9-2 drubbing at the Igloo. The Isles play two more times in Pittsburgh (Feb 25th and April 9th)

This sounds like a trouncing waiting to happen. The last games between the two at the Coliseum were interesting to say the least. On November 26th, the Islanders squandered a 3-0 lead, and lost 5-3 to the Pens, as Evgeni Malkin notched the game winner late in the 3rd. Earlier, on November 9th, the Islanders had a 3-1 lead in the third, and gave it up, and lost in the Shootout, when Tyler Kennedy got the puck past Joey MacDonald to give the Pens the two points.

Let’s start hoping that fate will NOT give us a third loss at home to Pittsburgh.

I will have a blog report from the Coliseum after the game tomorrow. Have a great day, and hope that we turn the tide around.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

I know – it has been a while since I have written. Tough life, but all is OK.

My brother in law, who works for the FDNY was able to get me the FDNY tickets for the game last night. To my surprise, it was a great experience, but my seats were on the first row behind the net.

The experience was so nice. Being a club member, we were able to sit in the lower concourse bars before the game. We went to the Belvedere Vodka one, which also has unlimited food and soft drinks. Not just hot dogs and such, but outrageous sushi, pasta, pizza, salads, chicken, pork and other great delicasies. All for FREE. You do get a lot for the $250 ticket price.

The game – well – that could have had a better result.

They played well – which is what we say a lot. However, the Zach freaking Parise show – always triumphs at the end. That really pisses me off. Mike Milbury should be shot, dearn and quartered for being such a DUNCE and passing on not only the player, but the Islander lineage. Don’t get me started with Freakbury!

Okie was strong all game once again. It seems like the injury brought out Kyle’s game when he returned, and seeing 20 goals in his ‘rookie’ season is a distinct possibility.

Joey Mac made some great saves, and basically gave up two flukey goals and one that he wishes he could have back. The Langenbrunner shot was one that he really did not see.

The Witt penalty that caused the game winner was questionable, but I can understand why the call was made.

All in all – a good game, another positive to take from, but I know that we are getting sick of it. However, I can not be disappointed with the effort of the team.

If you have not gotten to Newark – get there, great arena, decent food, nice ambience. A real plus. All they need to do now, is get the area rejuvinated, and you got another “Camden”.

Sat is the Flyers in a Valentine’s Day matinee. That day, is my anniversary (my 3rd), and I will not be writing until Monday, when I am in the Blog Box for the President’s day matinee against the Pens.

Have a great day folks!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

I did not bring my computer to the game last night – I figured I would hang with the wife, but when I looked at the Box, I only saw ONE person there. I told there, that I had to step up and be a part.

When I got there, there were a few more. But I figured I would still be around to get the scuttlebutt.

BTW – the TWIN Ice Girls, I believe, were FIRED…. For what we don’t know. If you do – let us know.

Doug (Islesofficialoutlook.blogspot.com) went away from his computer, so I figured I would be the team player and write a little. However, I felt the humor bug, and proceeded to bash some of my fellow blog boxers…..

Here is what I wrote:

This is not Doug… This is Gary Harding with the View from Section 317 (well, tonight in Section 201). For some strange reason, Doug thought he should spend time with his family, rather than tell you all about the wonderful playmaking of the Islanders against the Kats! Oh well – the Isles had a their second straight power play, but to no avail. Was just not enough pressure in front of Vokoun.

I still believe that Okposo should be removed from the point on the PP. He is too much of a physical presence to be wasted, 70 feet in front of the Islanders net. What do you think Doug?

Oh – Doug has still not come back. Maybe he got a date….

5:40 – scrum behind Danis. – Florida just got their first shot of the period. They had 16 after 1 – to the Islanders 12.

By the way – if anyone wants a Dell Latitude computer – I will be selling Doug’s machine to the highest bidder on E-bay.

HE’S BAAAAAAACK! But not typing….

And Guerin just got royally robbed by Vokoun.

There have been times tonight that Danis has been more shaky than a 10 year old Vacuum Cleaner that needs an overhaul – but he has stepped up and done the job.

Frolik with a nice breakaway, but the edge of Danis’ pad got to it. Streit for slashing at 10:04 – and the Captain is getting his Massachusetts anger going. Panthers now go on their 4th man advantage of the game.

Sorry – I just insulted Doug’s meatball. Ask him about it sometime…

The big problem with Danis, is that he still does not do the recovery quick enough, and his side-side moves is questionable.

GOOD KILL BOYS!

Camoy – great opportunity – but just short. Tempo has picked up – and they seem to have enlightened the crowd a bit.

B TW – Doug is having just too much fun hanging out and not typing. He does not know that I am going to steal a $20 from his wallet for this. I don’t come cheap!!!!

Now Doug is talking to one of the other Blog Boxer’s Glen’s kids, and he sounds like Mr. Hand from Fast Times at Rigdemont High…

Another shaky Danis save, and it looks like an old man trying to collect his nickels off the floor. Where is my High Blood Pressure medication.

Doug just commented on Coach Gordon’s attire tonight. Come to think of it – he looks a little Sopranoesque. And another penalty on the Isles, and Doug is not pleased, and neither is the Captain – and for the next 4 minutes, he will be in the sin bin.

Panthers hit the post 5 seconds in. Sheesh.

The two to my right, are cat-fighting about the #1 pick, and who are free agents at the end of the season. One of them is in wonderlust with Tavares, and the other wants to not have him. Frankly – these guys need to kiss and make up!

I think I am done with my commentary. Thanks for the time, and make sure to check out my site, THE VIEW FROM SECTION 317. www.viewfromsection317.com.

Now – back the happy typing skills of Doug.

So long everybody….

Hope you all liked Gary’s take on the situation going on in the Box tonight. I’ll be back later on or tomorrrow with a few new pieces for ya. Enjoy the rest of the game.

Well – Danis was BRILLIANT! Guerin made a SICK back-handed move for the second goal of the game. BY the way – I yelled, “SHOW ME SOMETHING GUERIN!”, just before he scored, so I am taking FULL CREDIT for the goal.

Once again – OKIE was in the right place at the right time… He now has 10, and is rapidly moving up the charts…

My Three Stars:

3. Okposo – great physical game. Fantastic goal – look out Rookies – here comes OKIE!
2. Guerin – Candidates for the GOAL of the year!
1. Danis – would you expect anything else??

Clips from the game: Just click on the link…

Campoli

Gordon

Danis

Okposo

Super Bowl Prediction:

I love rooting for underdogs…. Athough, I was a Steeler Fan in the 70′s (Bradshaw – the Curtain, etc.), I am rooting for the Cards and Mr. Warner to pull out another miracle, and get his second ring. Final Score: Cards 31 – Steelers 21

Enjoy the game tonight!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09