I have been critical of #30.

I know that Joe the Goalie – I approved your comment. It was more of a frustration comment – more than anything else.

All I care about – is the boys get a little more confidence now that they have a win. This team was SPANKED ROYALLY be Carolina last year, and when Staal and Jokinen scored within 2 minutes of each other, just about every serious Islander fan had to have said…

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

But this time – Cam Ward did his sieve impersonation, but to his defense, Tambellini, Nielsen and Tavares made some great moves that very few goalies would have stopped.

Kudos to Sutton, and Martinek for the STRONG games they played last night. I loved the energy Park had as well – then again – when do you NOT?

Just a happy day in Islander Country. Enjoy it folks!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

********* UPDATING AFTER EACH PERIOD *********

********* PRE GAME SKATE *********

Biron should be starting tonight – (from sources). Biron is one victory shy of 200 for his career. This would be a nice night to accomplish that feat. BTW- both goalies have .500 career records against San Jose (Biron 2-2 Roloson 13-12).

Again – the focus needs to be eneregy and focused the ENTIRE night.

And Biron came out first… Hillen out there again – so it appears that Bruno is sitting out tonight again… However, I have not been overly impressed by Witt this season, and the -9 in some cases is glaringly obvious.

Let’s Go Islaners chant already coming out of the folks by the ice at section 101.

Sutton, I believe played a better game last night. Still a little too slow on the skates for my taste, but I see an improvement nevertheless. The “D” needs to be more agressive, and needs to show a little more foot speed – with this strong skating and offensively GIFTED Sharks team. Adding the talent level of a Dany Heatley to this team, the defense needs to have their “A” game in tact.

For all of you folks from the UK, I just came across a couple from Nottingham here to see the game. I will get a picture from them when they get back home (by the way guys – my e-mail address is nyibc1@aol.com).

Lastly – seeing Josh Bailey taking a lot of shots as the warmup ended. Hope to see a lot of winding up from #12 as the game goes on.

********* PERIOD 1 *********

Coming out to the ice in a smoky fog. Interesting.

Starting lineup:

Biron
Sutton
Hillen
Park
Bergenheim
Jackman

Marleau’s line starts for the Sharks.

First few minutes mean a great deal to this Islanders squad. Have to come out speedy and guns ablazing. Let’s see if they do just that.

And to make that point come home – Sutton ices thepuck just 15 seconds into the game. Oy vey!

First few minutes – the lines have looked up to the challenge. Been hearing comments from folks about Weight’s presence on this team. I think without him – this team would be searching for a lot of identity. He brings the calming influence.

Biron just make a very crucial save from some San Jose attack.

I like Tim Jackman – but in some cases – the man can get knocked offthe puck like a rag doll.

Bergie and Bailey having some nice chemistry early on. Marleau just got away with puhing out Moulson – JT just made a great move spring Moulson in front of the slow for a nice effort on Nabokov. Isles outshooting SJ 8-3 8 minutes in.

Weight just made a nice moving – getting around defensemen – but was too close to the goalie to make it happen. The Isles are steping up their game quite well – if this effort stays throughout the game – there is a chance.

Biron make a nice save with Marleau and comany in front of his net.

Not the most physical of games so far, which could be an advantage to the home team.

Witt just got drilled by Thonrnton. Brendan had that look on his face likehe was going to kill, but held back.

Jody Shelley just got the first penalty of the game for interference with Biron.

The Isles PP has been ok – let’s see how they do tonight. Moulson, JT and Okie out there. And Okie does it. Great shot from the slot, beats Nabokov – 1-0 ISLES. JT with the assist – great setup. This is EXACTLY the start this team needed. Sustaining it – is another thing. Weight got another assist.

Tavares gets his first penalty as a Islander – defending his teammates, giving a Shark player a face wash – and letting the opponents know that he is not going to stand around. He did not go in alone.

Ending my commentary for the period. The Isles look brilliant. I have said this a thousand times – but they need to sustain the effort, and keep it going.

********* 2ND PERIOD *********

The word of the period is SUSTAIN!

Isles on the PP – Blake for interference. Weight back on the point 2 shots – but no big chances. Marty takes the a penalty bu a Shark goes in with him for a 4 on 4 situation. Ortmeyer got 2 for diving.

have just came up with the conclusion that Joe Thornton is a BIG MAN!

Okie had a great shoot opportunity, and Nabokov mde a great glove stop. Jed Ortmeyer drew a penalty – this time – and Witt was te recipient. Marleau makes the Isles pay with a backhand over the glove of Biron 1-1. Shark fans should be thanking Jed for that one.

This is the moment when the Isles need to answer back and answer quickly. Make the Sharks feel the pressure.

Another observation – the Ice is bumps and making the puck do some interesting dances. Right now – the Ises are letting the Sharks dictate the play. Coaching staff needs to get these guys a little enraged. Isles being outshot 9-4 in this period, and need to get their mojo back.

And sure enough Thornton gets a loos puck behind the net and backhands it to Vesce who beat Birn easily. He should have had this one. 2-1 San Jose.

Isles get a Delay of Game power play. If there was a time for these guys to step up – it is NOW! Half way through – and Weight just hit the post. The crowd just went nuts… And the look on Weight’s face just about said it all.

The third period needs to be a return to the first period dominance. The team knows they can do it – they just have to get it done.

And before the period ends, the Isles get such a bogus holding call on Hillen.

********* 3RD PERIOD *********

OK – will the REAL Islanders team, please stand up! Or in this case, make themselves known. We need to see the first period Islanders return to the ice in the 3rd frame.

Isles start the period on the PK = need to get the job done, and return to pressure that they showed early on, but a slap shot from Thornton my have been deflected past Biron – giving San Jose the 3-1 lead..

Well – so much for making a statement… Since the Rangers are beating Toronto right now – there would still be two teams without a victory.

Thornton got the goal. It did not get deflected in by somone else. The Sharks ar still a team that is struggling to gain its identity, but you can see how talented that they really are.

Great move by Okposo maneuvering around a couple of defensemen but unable to get it around Nabakov in net.

If you remember in my post earlier in the day, I was putting my focus on Josh Bailey. Have you noticed that I have not mentioned his mane that much?

Jt got off a nice shot on a good pass from Witt. A little more shots and maybe the fortunes will change.

Isles stating to show a little passion. Bergie made a couple of nice moves an started to get into the face of a Sharks D-man. Passion needs to intensify more – get these guys off their game.

Story of this perid for the Isles -is low percentage shooting. Got to establish a closer game to the slot to be more effective.

With 8 minutes left – time is running out…. Have to make a move now – or we can kiss win number one goodbye tonight.

Setoguchi just walked in and got the puck over Biron’s shoulder. 4-1 – and the fans are leaving in droves.

I am closing the blog for the night. I will add some quotes and other things tomorrow. Have a good night everyone….

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Now remember, I have never played the game of ice hockey… My experience is from gym floors, decks and sidewalks of Levittown and the surrounding communities. However, I do consider myself a student of a game.

Watching the first period and a few minutes of the second of last night’s game, I have come down to a quite simple conclusion.

Give me a chance to go one on one with #30…

I know that he is a professional and has been a part of some memoable plays in the past few years, but I am at a total loss for words as to what is happening with Rollie…

In his first three games, hehas had five shootout attempts and one penalty shot. His score?

ZERO.

Five goals and one post. To me – he does NOT get credit for a save, because he was beat, but a piece of iron saved him.

Make all the excuses you want. He has just turned 40, and I just do not see quite a positive upside to his game yet. I noticed that at the opener, he had difficulties getting side to side and needed a big helper from Radek Martinek in order to save a goal. He just does not seem to make his game NHL ready.

Can he improve?

Of course he can. He IS a professional and I am sure that his motivaton can make his game improve. But you have a tested goaltender in Martin Biron that can be an improvement in the net.

Biron did not have the greatest game last night, but did make 20 stops with some outstanding! I think Biron needs to be back in net tonight, as the Isles go Shark hunting.

The Sharks -not have as Presidential of a start this season, have an offensive attack that can floor just about any team. With the struggle they have had to start the season, this is just the type of game, that would make them drool with anticpation.

What do the Islanders have to do tonight?

Simply – PLAY THEIR ASS OFF!

They have been talking about a 60 minute game, in the words of the Nike ad, JUST DO IT! Talk is cheap – so it is time to make it happen. I certainly want to see them take their game to the next step. San Jose would be a great opportunity to get off the schneid.

Player to watch – Josh Baiey. Although his game improved a little last night – he needs to get his game up to the forefront. He is always looking to make the perfect play, as a playmaker would do. However, at thi point – defenses are expecting that. Right now – it is up to him to get the shots going – making the opportunities.

Kudos to Matt Moulson – he is getting his opportunities – and totally taking advantage of them. The chemistry with JT is astounding!

I will be in the Blog box tonight – Will submit my thoughts after each period. Have a great day, folks! See ya at the Coliseum!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

We would be better off….

The Isles came out gangbusting… Too bad it was two minutes to go at the game…

Another difficult game – but this time – it was a regulation game that the Islanders lost. Only two teams have not lost the game in regulation (Dallas and Buffalo).

The Islanders looked at time – sluggish and saw a strong and rejuvanted Kings defense manhandle the team – even though the Isles severly outhit the Kings.

Matt Moulson got the Isles on the board late – with a little help from Kyle Okposo and Mart Streit. Other than that – I did not see a lot out of any of the other lines. Bailey looks a little lost… Park is a bit of a spark plug – but is not getting help from the line mates. I am giving Weight a pass – due to his in and out injuries. When he is 100+%, I think he will be a help. Losing Hunter is big. I really sw a different Trent – and I was expecting great things from him.

Biron had its moments – but the two goals that were scored on him – to me – were a little bit of defensive miscues.

I am fully confident in the team moving to that next level. The next three days of practice, and work on their systems, should help, as the SHUFFLE off to Buffalo for the next game on Friday night.

Grades:

Goaltending – B – Biron was fine, but a little more help from the D, would have made him better

Defense – C – not getting the garbage out of the slot – to me – cost the team the game.

Forwards – C – Other than the top line – the guys up front were just not getting it done – the 2nd and third line needs to shine. An honorable mention to Rob Schremp. I think he had a much better game – and I can see him getting better by the day.

Coaching – Inc. I am just not sure about some of the line changes – and I think they need to work harder to get the team more consistency.

The mascots were fun – I really like the Thrashers Mascot Thrash. Having the beak move up and down like he is talking – that was cool.

I hopefully will blog from the game on Saturday. Have a good week – and I may have some news on a possible new venture for me. Stay tuned…

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

The loss in Boston is forgotten now… Time to concentrate on the surprising LA Kings. By the way – the Isles have not beaten the Kings on Long Island since 1998.

Would assume that Biron will be in net for the Isles today. Moulson gets a chance to prove that the Kings were bad to let him go.

Right now – as far as the team is concerned, their main focus is to get the 60 minute game in order. When they get a lead, sustaining it an playing aggressive hockey, wthout letting their guard down is crucial to the success factor.

JT keeping the point scoring streak going would be a nice present to the kids.

Will put my spin on the game tonight with a post game entry. I will not be blogging live at the game tonight, as I will actually do someting different…. I will be sitting in my seats. I will get to enjoy the game without having to touch a keyboard.

Have a great day folks!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

After 40 minutes of play – the Bruin fans were at their worst. They could not believe that the Islanders got three goals in the second stanza, and were really taking it to the Eastern Conference regular season champs. The Isles were outshooting the B’s at almost a 2-1 clip. They were getting to the rebounds, and winning the battles to the pucks.

With about 9 minutes to go – there was a buzz in the air, that the Bruins would be losig their third straight game at home.

However…… As an Islander fan – we have seen too much in the last couple of years that the team can crumble.

They unfortunately did just that.

Let’s look at the positives, shall we?

JT… Enough said. 5 points in 3 games, and just does not look like a rookie. He is doing exactly what he is supposed to do.

Jon Sim. Dont you just love it that he just goes after such larger players. He had to jump to stand toe to toe with Zdeno Chara, but he has NO Fear!

Matt Moulson – just keeps getting involved in the play, and being a factor for the Isles.

Basically, to summarize the forwards, I can not be disappointed in their play. However, this entire team just looked like the aggressiveness just disappeared when the clock went under 10 minutes remaining.

Defense: I was just not thrilled with the back line last night. Bruno Gervais, who in my opinion grew by leaps and bounds, looked confused and indecisive. He just did not seem to make a lot of right decisions. Even though that he made a crucial defensive assist in front of Roloson – I am extremely disappointed in his play. Although Martinek got the opening goal of the game – the back six as a group just failed to impress as the game went on.

Goaltending – For 50 minutes – Dwayne Roloson was sharp. Although two of the three goals in regulation were not totally his fault, it was the shootout, that totally disgusted me. He has faced five shots in the shootout. Four goals, and a post.

Let me repeat. Four goals and a post. NOT ONE SAVE.

That has to be not only identified, but the point made – this MUST improve. Why would a goalie that played a solid effort – be that bad one on one? It boggles the mind.

Well – I believe that it is only Toronto and the Islanders are the only teams that do not have a victory this season. However, only three teams, including the Islanders, have NOT lost in regulation. That is a surprising stat, and is showing that the Isles are hanging in there. But as it happened a great deal last season, the third period proved to be an achilles heel to this team. Not only many times did they allow teams to come back in games, the Isles seemed to give the opponent the green light to thrive. The boys need to keep the aggressiveness that got them the lead in the first 40 through the next 20. Hopefully the message sinks in further and the team rebounds to get the first W on the ledger.

Tune in – in 36 hours, to see if that happens again.

_______

Go whale!

As I mentioned earlier – my wife and I got tickets with the Hartford Whalers Booster Club to attend the game. Yes folks, I said the Hartford Whalers Booster Club. They are a fan club that has continues to not only exist, but function as an organization, having meetings, running trips, and still staying involved in the game of hockey.

To the fans of the Whalers, it is still tough to watch hockey when it is not your own team, even 12 years after their team left the capital city of Connecticut.

“Yes, I still cry about it!”, said Joanne Cortesa from Hartford, a member of the Booster Club for over two decades. “I have gone to Wolfpack (the AHL team in Hartford – a Ranger affiliate) game one last year, but I was bored.”

Although the Wolfpack are a decent draw, many fans will stay away from the Civic Center, until an NHL team returns. There have been petitions drawn up with over 15,000 signatures on them, and there are groups that are trying to look into getting a new arena in downtown Hartford to either lure a team to Connecticut, or get a expansion team there.

The nearly 100 Boosters of the Whalers are still involved in the community. Every year, they still provide a scholarship for a college bound hockey player (both a girl and a boy).

If you are interested in finding out more about the Whalers Booster Club, and other information about Hartford, please visit www.whalerwatch.com.

Have a good Sunday! I will be heading back to the ferry in New London and then back to Long Island. Will be off from Work on Monday – so I will be at the game Monday afternoon.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Greetings from Bahston!

I am here for the weekend. I was asked by my buddy from the Hartford Whalers Booster Club if Claire and I wanted to come to the game tonight. So we decided to make a weekend out of it.

We are staying at the Charles Street Inn, a beautiful B&B in the Beacon Hill section of the city. It is a gorgeous 150 year od building with each of the rooms having a Victorian flair, with 21st century amenities. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to have a nice romantic stay in New England. It is a little expensive, but WORTH it.

Anyway, getting back to hockey, the Isles are one of four teams that have not experienced a victory yet this season. However, this team does not appear to the eye of a hockey student to be a team that has been outplayed. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

What also makes me feel good – is that the players are not satisfied with just getting a point.

“We’re not going to accept losing whether it’s a shootout or not,” Weight said to Katie Strang of Newsday on Thursday. “We have to learn to close out one-goal games. I don’t think we’re going to have a lot of 7-2 blowouts.

He also mentioned that the team has to stay out of the box. For the most part, the Isles did just that on Thursday, with the exception of a pair of penalties to newcomer Robbie Schremp. One of those was totally bogus, but in order for #13 to stay here, he needs to step the game up, and make himself an integral part of the top 6 forwards. He has his chance; he just needs to take advantage of that.

By the way – was that move by Okie the “BOMB”!?? It made the Sports Center Top 10 but it should have been higher than number 8. The chemistry between Okoposo, Tavares and Moulson has been wonderful. With the three playing better together, it will make the opposing team checking lines, wanting to knock them down. JT, in his first two games, has been a marked man anyway; but has taken it with a grain of salt. Matt Moulson looks like a guy that is taking 100% advantage of his opportunities. I would expect to see more of that. I guess 8 years of shinny counts as good comraderie.

Would expect to see Roloson in net tonight, as it was said that it would be a flip/flop to start the season. The goalies have not been that bad, but it is time for one of these experienced netminders to step up their game a little.

I will have a couple of pictures from the game tomorrow. Enjoy the game – I will be in a upper deck section with a bunch of fans of the WHALE! However, I will be wearing my Josef Vasicek Al Arbour night jersey. Let’s hope that the number in the “W” column goes from a 0 to a 1.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Guys are getting healthy on this team right now….

I am just not used to saying that, especially from last year’s woes. The Captain, Doug Weight, is skating with authority, and will be ready to go on Thursday, as the Isles head to Canada for their road opener against the Sens.

“The team is pretty healthy, and that’s important. With a young team, if you’re not healthy, that can be a big problem”, said Weight to the media after practice yesterday.

This is a good sign.

Also – Blake Comeau was also out on the ice, after an illness forced him out of the opener on Saturday. Defensemen Brendan Witt took a nasty shot to the skate at practice, but like the warrior he is, is back out on the ice, and should be ready to go.

Newly acquired Rob Schremp is also skating and will play on a line with Josh Bailey and Jon Sim on Thursday. The Syrcause, NY native is highly looking to show the naysayers what he has in the tank. A self-professed Rangers fan growing up (for which he CAN be forgiven — everyone has their mistakes), he is “ecstatic” to make his mark on this team, and get to play every day.

Joel Rechlicz was sent back to Bridgeport to make room for the new guys in the lineup. Hopefully the raw talent will get some significant playing time in the “A”, which is just what he needs.

Already, the rumor mill is buzzing. According to reports from ESPN.com, Marty Biron is actively on the Red Wings radar. After sub-par efforts from both Chris Osgood, and Jimmy Howard (another player that just has not gotten the proper chance to prove his worth), the Wings can see a benefit from getting Biron – who has proved himself in both Buffalo and Philly. I think Garth will definitely wait a good amount of time, before making any kind of decision as to moving a goaltender.

The Isles, on Saturday, will continue onto Boston for a Saturday night showdown with the big bad Bruins. I will be in attendance that game, and will have some commentary about the game, as well as the Hartford Whalers Booster Club, who got me the tickets for the game. I will talk about their loyalty to the Whale after over a decade out of the NHL game. They are an interesting story, and a great bunch of die-hard fans, who deserve an NHL team to call their own again.

Have a great day, all…

Posted under Islanders 09-10

I was having some major issues with the uploading of my updates to the page over the Saturday night game. I hope that this issue has been resolved, and will not happen again…

Thoughts on the game…

JT was brilliant. Whoever said he is a sluggish skater is definitely mistaken. He is not Mike Gartner, but he is not a slow sport either… You can see that goal scorers have that presence of mind to be there, and get in the right place at the right time. That comes at any age and any level. Two points to open the night, is nothing to sneeze about. Too bad the shootout attempt was off. I could see the nervousness on that shot, and it was evident. He will have those days, and make mistakes along the path of his rookie campaign. However, there were glimpses of brilliance there, and you can easily see how special of a player he really is.

“Rollie” had an ok game, but I saw a few times in the third frame, that he looked a bit shaky going from side to side. Martinek absolutely saved a goal, when Roloson was out of position, as a Penguin came around the net, thinking he had a easy layup. Martinek laid his stick out, and stopped the goal from reality. Not the most flashiest defensemen in the league, but so many times, #24 is there when it counts.

For someone who did not have that much action in pre-season, Okposo looked no worse for wear. Skating, banging the boards, he was all around the ice.

As many were saying through the weekend, Bailey looked a little lost. I did not feel that way. I think he has to bring his level of aggressiveness up a touch, and I think that will come.

Talking to the Captain at Adventureland yesterday, he is so EAGER to get back into the game, and will be raring to go on Thursday in Canada’s Capital city.

A few days this week for the lads to work on some issues that seemed to be prevalent in the third period. I do not think that it was a total loss, but it seemed like the edge was a little undwerwhelmed. Also – the heart of a Stanley Cup Champion came higher up to the surface. That is why Pitt is where they are, and we are working to get to that level.

I think a stong effort by the Isles. One that you would hope will be there game after game this season. I think that with the coach we have, and the character in the room, you will see that. In fact last year’s squad was doing just that, until the injury bug came about. We just have to thwart that, and get the confidence that a team needs to make it to the next rung on the ladder.

Keep climbing boys.

Side notes: Tomorrow is a Booster Club meeting at the Marriott – 7:30 start. Dean Chynoweth and Scott Allen will be there. Hope to see you there.

I will be at the Boston game on Saturday. Making a weekend in Bean town and I am looking forward to rooting my team on in foreign lands. The Sox will be in playoff mode, so hopefully not as nasty at the “Gahden”.

Have a great daly, folks!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Well – it is nice to be back at the Coliseum for another season of Islanders Hockey. The big question on my mind, is that the October 3 date is almost come and gone… So what is the state of the Islander franchise?

We should soon find out.

Two minutes before the warmups begin, and therer are John Tavares chants…. Hmm , what about the rest of the team? That was a quote from my friend John Klos. I can not take the credi (But DAMN, I wish I would)….

Roloson is starting tonight (Doug got that one right – I missed that one). Robbie Schremp is playing though. No Blake Comeau.

Will continue blogging at the start of the game.

The slogan ths season is take it to the limit….. Well – it is as loud as you can get it.

Opening line = Thompson – Park Jackman – Streit and Martinek in back wih Roloson in net.
Good luck boys

Tavares second shift of the game – on a line with Okposo and Moulson. No jitters whatsoever.

Matt Moulson gets the first penaly of the season – interference. Well – the refs hate us already….

After a good effort on a PP – Crosby gets a bounce pass and gets 5 hole on Roloson – 1-0 Pens.

Jackman gets in the first fight of the year with Mike Rupp. Call it a draw. Got the fans up and yelling….

Posted under Islanders 09-10