One simple word to describe the game.

I am just glad that the first few rows of my section are predominantly season ticket holders.  Fights galore – the poor security guys deserve their pay – along with a little combat insurance.

Just happy with all of the effort – basically no negatives.  Except Bruno is -10 in 7 games.  That HAS to improve.  Streit has not gotten on the score sheet – but is playing 26-29 minutes a game – and looks fine.

Great work by Hillen.  He is improving by leaps and bounds!

Sorry Hank - JT 'whooshed' it by ya!

Moulson and JT - what can you say.

3rd period was a great effort.  Glad to see it pay off in a big “W”.

Roloson was truly amazing last night.  His veteran presence does help his guys in front of him, and when he has confidence, the rest of the team glows with it.

This always puts me in a better mood for the day – even if things are tough in the office, or whatever, having a big win against the Rangers makes a day lighter and happier.

Enjoy, Islander fans!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

The World Series will remove fans from both sides of the ledger for tonight.  Can’t say I blame them.  If I was a Yankee fan – I might have considered it.  But alas, my LOUSY Mets prevented that from happening… Oh about in May!

So Game 1 of the local ‘derby’ (in the UK you pronounce that like darby).

What to expect?

Passion – Yes

Hitting – Yes

Fighting – Possibly (definitely in the stands)

Loud crowd – absolutely (unfortunately – more to the players in white shirts – as opposed to the blue ones).

Gaborik status plays a key part here – if he does NOT play – there is a chance.  If not – and he does skate, then the Isles need to do EXACTLY what they did to Ovechkin.  Keep an eye on him – put Marty on him – but don’t over-emphasize.  You can keep him off the scoreboard, and not lose sight of the total picture.  If the Isles keep their recent performances in mind – and take another step up – two points could be theirs.

Player to watch.  John Tavares.  Four games off the score sheet – and now – his first local rivalry.  This is the game – that could vault his status, if he can not only bring it – but get on the ledger tonight.  Look for that.

I hope to make it tonight – looking forward to a classic!

Not blogging live – this time – I will have my Vasicek jersey on – rooting hard for my Isles.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Everton plays at White Hart Lane in London to face off against Tottenham Hotspur in the 4th round of the Carling Cup tournament…

What does that have to do with the Islanders?

Exactly NOTHING!

That is my other favorite team – and they need a boost – so I decided to just write a paragraph or two – to pledge my support to the lads, who need a win desperately after a 5-0 loss to Benfica (Portugal) in the UEFA Cup – and a 3-2 loss to Bolton in dramatic fashion on Saturday.

This is a chance for Everton to see what they are really made of – as they face the team that is currently in 4th in the Premiership table. The Toffees (Nickname of Everton) want to be in that position when the season is over (were in 5th last year), and the way to get back to that form, would start this afternoon. A nice ‘upset’ would be good for Manager David Moyes and his boys.

I will be looking for scores late this afternoon (UK is only 4 hours ahead of us for the week, until we turn our clocks back on Sat/Sun).

Good luck lads!

Posted under UK Football

One of their best games of the year. Although it only gave them one point instead of two.

Effort was better – guys stepped up (take a bow, Jeff T), and Biron make some spectacular stops, and I think deserved another game tomorrow night (although I think Coach Gordon will do the flip flop).

Tamby is taking definite advantage of his opportunities and making the most of a tough situation. 3 goals in 5 games – and he has not been a definite liability. I want to take credit – becuase after Mike S (www.islesblogger.com) and I talked about his shot selection, he deflected the goal in on Saturday, and now gets two more. That first move was sheer power, and is so needed in future games. He keeps that up – and he will be like the Jefferson’s (MOVING ON UP!).

Tough goal to lose on – Gervais was two inches wider, and that pass to Hamrlik was blocked. Can not deny his better play in the last 2. Always good for him to play in front of family and friends, and that may have led him to get some more playing time.

I really can not fault their play. Dumb luck – and just a lack of ‘sealing the deal’ are the issues at hand. Tomorrow night would be a great opportunity to gain that factor and seal the Rangers off.

Will Gaborik be in the lineup? He got hurt last night – and that will be the achilles heel for the Rangers. He (Gaborik) is a GREAT talent – no doubt about that – and shame on Milbury for not taking him…. Oh yea – we got Ricky…. But – back to NYR #10 – he has never played a full season, and always gets hurt. Let’s hope for us Islanders fans – he does not play tomorrow. A great opportunity to get a home win, and move Mo Mentum to the Orange and Blue.

Have a good day – and be ready for tomorrow.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Schedule maker on some serious cabbage….

Two games in 4 days – yea…

Weight out again with the flu. The captain has missed 5 out of 10 games. This is not what you want out of your leader. I am not on him – but this team needs more of his presence. I am sure that he has been the good locker room man. I do not doubt that in the least.

Gervais gets to play at ‘home’ tonight – I am sure that he was bummed when he was still in the dog house.

Same lines playing tonight as was the other evening against the Caps. Just have to do a 180 degree turn and be the aggressor. Just do what the did on Saturday and hope none of the bad breaks happen, and a chance is theirs.

As Scott Gordon said after the game on Saturday – this team needs to make the most of the chances it gets. Young teams need to learn how to do that. They have the talent level – just execute.

Will write a little about the game tomorrow.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Stats before the period starts:

Ice Time – Marinek – 17:31 Ovechkin – with over 18 minutes – leads the Caps.

Isles start the 3rd with a big runs in front of Theodore; a few shots, but nothing doing. Pressure is great to start. Sustain and hold the pressure, while not collapsing to defend the lead, is what the Isles need to do right here.

Ovechkin making a schoolboy basketball spin move on Martinek to get a shot on Roloson – to no avail.

Witt got a shot off – that I never would have imagined that he could do. The defender slid in, and somehow by a stroke of magic, Theodore had to stop the puck.

Tambellini – deflects a shot from Comeau that was going wide past Theodore – 2-0 Islanders!

It figures – Mike (Islesblogger) and I wee just commenting on the fact that Tambellini seemed to always take such low percentage shots at the goal line, instead of spinning around the net – looking for options in front of the slot.

Excelent for the momentum – need to get more – as I say that – JT gets a great opportunity – but goes wide. Caps come back on the other net, an Roloson does the job.

Green with a blast that no ne would have stopped – got the Caps on the board – 2-1.

13:58 to go – a lot of time remaining – time for the Isles to try and re-gain the play. Caps have been controlling the action since the goal. The tables are swinging the other direction. Comments from the stands are “Awful” and “disgusting”. Guys are “Not hitting”….

Showing on the screen – the battles between Ovechkin and Martinek. Martinek has done a nice job – keeping #8 off the scoreboard.

Another great opportunity by Moulson – denied by Theodore.

Jack Hillen has impressed me a great deal tonight. He has been positionally sound, and has made right decisions. Stepping up when he has to – laying out the body. He is looming to become a solid NHL defensemen.

Frans Nielsen showed Mr. Ovechkin the ice with a nice hit by the center ice dot.

The Isles have not lapsed as much as expected tonight. When their game has slipped – they have found moments to resurrect themselves. I am very impressed with their effort and focus.

The Caps just tied it – when they swarmed the net, and Ovechkin was actually hanging from the top of the crossbar. 2-2 with 6:40 to go..

This is what I was worried about. And afterthe goal – the team is making phantom passes – not getting the clearpass out of the zone. They are on top of their skates, waiting for the inevitable. I was really hoping that this was not going to happen tonight. The fans are getting impatient and I do not blame them.

Roloson just got the wind knocked out of him by a collision between him and Martinek. This is not looking good for the guys.

Chris Clark justgot away with assault atthe blue line. Now – the ref has swallowed the whistle. Nice.

We need to get some opportnities – and now would be nice. Roloson does not show any good signs by his appearance. This is not that promising.

Park made a great move and got adecent shot on net – but with no one else around him – it just doesn’t make sense.

1:23 left – outshooting Wash 30-21 – 15-6 for the period, but gave up two goals. Roloson got hit in the melon but held on. Witt as the puck got to the corner – did not clear the puck instead allowed Washington to get a scoring chance.

Time out Washington – 14.1 left. Expect Ovie to get the ooportunity if presented. Crucial face off -Isles won it and cleared. Going to OT.

Fifth time in nine games – that the Isles have made Overtime. But not happy with the one – need the two. With 4 on 4 – this gives guys like Ovechkin a chance to get more ice and more chances. Need to keep #8 away from the circles. Pick your spot,and make the Caps PAY!

OK – here we go!

Nielsen and Okposo – to start with Martinek and Sutton.

Laich got the puck through Roloson’s legs – Caps win 3-2. Another 2 goal lead sqashed. Should be a fun press conference.

Will have quotes and stuff tomorrow. Have a good night all.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Photo Op for the TOH Candidate

Got back late from a photo op with Charles Wang and Kristen McElroy.

Isles had a PP to start the period, but did not get much on it.

Roloson got called for tripping. Although a bird (www.islesblogger.com) – also named Mike, commented that Roloson’s real name is ALBERT!. Something only his mother probably wanted to know.

Bergie has done nice job on the PK – skating hard, clearing out the garbage and overall good play. Penalty has been killed, with no shots on net.

Couple of great opportunities by Bailey and Sim right after the penalty ended. Keep the pressure going, and dont slow the intensity.

I see that they ae doing a lot of text viting – and see wh

If you have noticed, and I hope you have – I have not mentioned John Tavares’ name. He has not done a lot and realy has not looked as aggresive tonight as he has in the past.

I like how the defense has been able so far tonight to keep Ovie as much as possible to the outside.

Bergie just got hurt in a little race for an icing call. Not sure if a stick got up. Will see if he gets another shift later on.

How the 2nd period has been

Penalty on Sutton for a hook. Guys need to bring the “A” game back again. There has not been alot of shots this period by both sides. As a matter of fact – a yawning festival is better than this period.

Just as I say that – Nate Thompson – totally flattens Mike Green to the boards, and a little scuffle ensues. He gets caused for Kneeing. Isles down two – but get the man back – crowd getting into it – and the team is looking very focused. Not overly watching Ovie – but making sure he does not get the golden opportunity.

Great work by Park and Comeau – clearing te front of the net – and getting the puck out of the zone.

Bruno and Witt looked good on the 2nd portion of the PK – Isles did well – and the boys get a well deserved round of applause.

Shots with 4 minutes to go in period 2 – Caps 12- Isles 11. Last few minutes have been exciting.

Great opportnity by Bergie – but saw JT coming – got his chances – but could not close the door. Isles on the PP now. Ovie gets the call for hooking.

You can see when JT is on the PP – he always seems to be looking pass more than shoot. It was a nice cross ice feed to Hillen for a shot.

Final summary of the period – guys stood up when needed, but need to get more shots on net – and be more physical. Just as I say that – there is a eight player scrum in front of the net as the perid expires.

Good period – lets see if we can get some more and get a lead in for period 3.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Freedy Meyer out tonight – along with the Captain and Rob Schremp.

Semin and Erskine sitting for the Caps.

Looks like a nice crowd tonight – probably about 13 – 14 K. They board askes for fans to light their cell phones… I think I see about 20 or so – the three laptops at the Blog box are generating more light.

Lineup
Roloson
Gervais
Streit
Park
Thompson
Jackman

GAME TIME!

Bruno has to play smarter if he wants some serious time away from Chateau Bow WOW!

Okie had a great opportunity – just missed the net.

Let’s Go Islanders chants lous to start the night – hop for sustainment of that throughout the night.

Sim with a takedown of Threodore. And Roloson makes his first save on the other side.

My colleague to the right of me is not a big fan of Witt. With a -9 on the season – there are many that share his thought process.

First few minutes of the game- the teams are feeling eah other out. No one is exactly establishing a presence. Nielsen with Sim and Bergenheim.

Tamby wth a registered shot – he is trying to make his opportunities to stay in the lineup. He has played well – and likes the shootout.

The other day – I was raving about how Martinek has been ‘saving’ goals with some nice work to clear ucks as they were heading to an open goal. The last few games – his play has been scaring most adults and children alike.

The last two minutes (6-8 minute mark) – the Isles have looked sloppy, letting the Washington forwards dictate the play. This needs to stop, or it will snowball.

9:11 Mark – the Islanders think they got a goal as a shot was banked off of Theodore’s pad. Under review.No goal – real close. However, that can be a good monentum maker – need to make things happen.

First penalty – 10:58 in – on the Islanders. Comeau for tripping.
Killing the penalty will be a BIG plus for the Isles. watch Ovie on the back door. So far the PK has looked well – some opportunities and Martinek with a SHORTIE – blast from between the circles… 1-0 ISLES. Ovie with a -1 or the night!

The crowd is getting into the game – this can only help the boys.
Key stat of the period – after 14 minutes in – 9 takeaways for the Isles as opposed to 2 for Washington – keep that up – and there may be a win in your future.

Moulson – had the chance to make it 2-0 – Theodore made a great stop. Isles are taking it to them right now.
As I post this – my thoughts are such.

Strong period – great play – have to keep it up and keep the consistency going. When you think the play is going against you – get the intensity back!

Good period boys!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Well – as my friend Hockey Moose – a UK hockey fan working for the British government in DC asked me tonight – who would I think would win tonight?

I told her to read here.

As Theodore and Roloson lead their teammates onto the practice ice, I see that the CAPTAIN is once again missing…. He may not be on the score sheet that much, but he is providing a lot that the casual fan just does not see. He wil be missed tonight.

Bruno is out on the ice. Glad they found his sweater. However, there are 7 D on the ice right now – so let’s see who gets the heave ho.

What do I think the Isles need to do tonight? Skate with a purpose. Look like you mean to be there. At the game in Montreal the other night – They looked like a bunch of lost puppy dogs. They have to put the like they want to win the game, and slam, Ovie to oblivion, while keeping their eyes on the rest of the team.

If you are following the game and checking out the blog – I will create entries for the Pre-Game, and I will submit one after each period, with my thoughts and comments.

See ya.

PS – Mark Aliberti – a die-hard Isles fan that IM’s me ALL the time (and I do appreciate it…) predicts a 5-2 loss for our guys. I am going to call a 4-3 win.

Why, you ask?

Just a hunch – but I think we are due to make an upset. Tonight is the night – and I am hoping that ROLLIE steals one for us, like the veteran he is.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

You know when you try to save some space on your computer, and you delete all these files that you no longer want? Or you remove these programs that have been on your computer since you bought it, and you never run them; so you go into your control panel and get them out?

Well – remember – you have deleted the files, but a good CSI guy can find them on your hard drive, nevertheless.

That is how I feel after last night. Erase that game from the memory, but somehow – the pain from it still does not go away…

Happy for Bailey for finally getting on the board. He still needs to shoot a LOT more – but maybe that will come now.

OK – tomorrow is another day… But then you see Ovechkin, Green, Semin and the rest of the Crapitals are coming into town tomorrow night… Sheesh.

And by the way, what pile of hash was the schedule maker smoking when he set up this home game inbetween two road games in Montreal? Wow – maybe we need some of that?

Oh well – have a good day folks, see you tomorrow from the Coli. Will be in the Blog Box tomorrow — if you are by Sec 201 – stop by and say hi!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10