Well – if the great detective needed to get a case to work on – here it is. Proceed to Plainview, and head to the Islander offices immediately.

The Isles sign goalie Marty Biron from the Flyers for a one year 1.4 million dollar contract.

Well, Mr. Tracy, what does that tell you?

“Hmmmm. I guess Mr. DiPietro will not be starting the season!”

And they pay him the big bucks…

Well – Garth Snow – just got himself an insurance policy that is etched in stone now. He has two quality goalies that can take the load, should #39 start the season on the mend (and no one has to tell Dick Tracy – that is a given with all the clues out in the open).

To me – that is a good sign. Not that Yann and Joey did not do the yeoman’s job last season; in fact, there were times that Danis and MacDonald shined in the spot light. However, with the advent of Tavares in the blue and orange, along with the kids improving and getting stronger by the day, the idea of having solid veterans behind the net would help the confidence of the rest of the team.

I really think that this is a good move. Well done, Garth…

What do you all think about it?

Posted under Cool A-C League, Islanders 09-10

Just heard that Steve Mears and Chris King will be not returning to the radio airwaves next season. The feed from Howie and Billy on MSG whatever, will be used in a simulcast on the radio.

It is a shame.. we will miss the voices on the radio, as well as the people. THe Isles gave Steve his chance at the NHL, and he did well. Kinger was a fixture for over a decade. Chris was offered a PT job with the pre and post game shows. He may also get a job with the team as well. I hope that happens. He is an ISLANDER, and hopefully will be taken care of.

This is strictly a cost-saving measure. With this team, any way that they can save money – it will happen.

Also – see that our Governor will have a presser to put his official support to the Lighthouse project. Hopefully another piece of ammo to get the town going. With local elections coming soon -this will be a help.

Again – best of luck to Kinger and Steve. I hope Steve gets a new position real soon. He is a good guy and deserves it. Also – Kinger should get settled fast. He is a loyal employee and deserves good treatment.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

I wish I was at the press conference today. It should be quite a nice atmosphere at the Coliseum.

It will be nice to see an official #91 sweater go on today. From islanderspointblank, we hear that negotiations will begin soon on JT’s contract. With the CBA’s rules on entry level contracts, there is not a lot of negotiations that really need to be done. It is just about the incentives, etc.

I really wonder how many people will be there today. I am sure a lot of businesses will have folks taking sick days on this beautiful Wednesday, but these people will not be in bed, nursing a cough due to cold.

Sunday should be a nice crowd at Iceworks. I have attended some of these camps in the past, and the usual dedicated fan crowd usually attends. However, the rafters will be filled of every square inch of seating room, for sure. I hope to be there for a little while, and will provide some insight.

I like that Josh Bailey is involved with the mini camp. He really does not have to be there, but it is a great sign, nevertheless.

Well John – let be one of the many, that welcome you to my home, and soon to be your home, for a very long time to come. We want you to succeed and wish you nothing but the best. Make every effort to put your name with the greats, and you will be loved forever.

Posted under Cool A-C League, Islanders 09-10

Since baseball has the HOT STOVE LEAGUE during the off season, Hockey has what I call the COOL AC LEAGUE. That lovely time where 30 GM’s tend to lose more hair or get more excited for a time of year than any point on the calendar.

Some thoughts…

First of all, does anybody feel that Gainey is getting ready to drop on his sword? Getting Gomez was just a dumb move. It just made the Rangers clear so much cap room to get their prize of Gaborik, and get a local in the house as well with Higgins. Camilleri will be nice, but not trying to secure Komisarek will kill him for sure. Be real interesting to see what happens to the Long Islanders when they head back for the first time in road colors? And dont forget that Saku the Captain is probably heading out too… A long year in Montreal for sure.

As for the aforementioned Rangers, Gaborik will fare well and will make lots of Blueshirt fans real happy. But all that “Ranger Love” went out the window when Sather signed Brashear to a 2 year deal. Why they let Colton Orr go – is beyond me. I, personally did not like the guy, but he was loved by the fans, and did the role real well, for a small price. Has Sather completely forgot what Brashear did to Blair Betts? And now – at Greenburgh, it will be a love fest between the two of them? Yea right? I have had Ranger fans ask me if we want Donald…. I think you can guess what the answer to that question is? Yes – #87 on the Rangers can contribute more offensively than Orr did, but really? What version of Petrone were you drinking Glen, before letting Colton go? I wish we would have gotten him, rather than Toronto…

As far as Garth is concerned, I expected him to remain light in his additions. ut snapping up Dwayne Roloson is brilliant.

“Yea, but he is 39?”

Yes he is – but is a very conditioned 39, that should be able to fill a more productive role than most backups.

“Conklin, among others were available?”

Yes they were – but I feel much more comfortable with “Rollie the Goalie”. Plus – he has a relationship with Ricky, and feels comfortable in the role. Conklin would have been fine, but I think would have been a lot more disappointed if Ricky came out of camp like the stud we are hoping for. Rollie can be the mentor and friend, that would help this team.

Honestly – I think Garth may be done, except for a light tweak here and there. He wants to keep the youth movement going, and why not. I think he still needs an enforcer to assist with the maturation and growth of JT. Eric Godard could come back? I think Joel Rechlicz is still at least a year or two away from fulfilling the role with the big club.

Havlat to Minnesota – wanting a new direction – they got a good offensive force. Let’s see if they like him more than Gaborik?

Chicago and the potential big mistake by Tallon – sending letters instead of e-mail or courier to players with qualifying offers, and now they may be free agents? That may take the love out of the fans with the GM. Also – seeing The Bulin wall head north to Edmonton, meaning their hopes rest of Huet? If he is healthy in body AND HEAD, he could be fine – if not – uh oh?

Pronger to Philly? Just the kind of player the bullies need? That will really peeve the rest of the conference!

And when will the Devs get a coach? I am wondering if Peter Laviolette will head back to this area again…

BTW – congrats to Ted Nolan getting back in hockey – this time as a VP with the Amerks in Rochester.

Well – that’s enough for now. Talk more soon.

Posted under Cool A-C League