Yes - the Gordon’s Fisherman… Yea - I get it…. Shut up Rangers fans, already… Worry about your OWN team….

Scott Gordon is now the newest head coach of the Isles. I was not totally sold on him at first, but the resume does speak volumes… AHL coach of the Year - 70 games over 500 for his career in Providence.

Yes - we got another New Englanduh in the mix. That is no problem. Communicate and motivate the players, and you can have whataver accent you desire.

I was still leaning toward having a face that would be NHL recognizable, but again, I will move forward on it. I see a lot of similarities of Gordon to one Peter Laviolette. That is not bad comparisons. All we now have to do, is KEEP this one….

I think he will work well with the young crop, and he deserves the shot to say the least. It is nice to see that a good number of young guns are now getting shots to take a team at the top level. John Anderson, who won a Calder in Chicago, now takes over the Thrash. New coaches in Florida, and San Jose, are showing that ‘ol boys club is not the norm anymore. Well - Mullet Melrose screwed up that equation for all of us.

Anyhow, I am confident that Garth is putting all his eggs on Scott to lead this team. With 35 days to go, until camp begins, get the homework going now… Islander fans have been beaten more times, that a “B” actor in a spaghetti western. It is time, to make us the aggressors.

Good luck, Scottie!

Paul Maurice

Bob Hartley

Scott Gordon

The final three… Will it resemble a final round of a Miss America Competition, where one answer to one question will give the finalist a chance to win…

My question to each candidate:

1. Maurice. Paul - what motivation tools will you use to get the youngsters going, when it seems that they are struggling with their play?

2. Hartley. Bob, there are times that you have seem to be down on the younger talent. What makes us think that you will not go back to that same attitude that seemed to be your undoing in Atlanta?

3. Gordon. Scott, we know your experience with the young talent; what do you see yourself doing to get the older talent to get moving in your direction?

Look - I am not Bert Parks, but hey - it’s a start.

I still look for Hartley. I am just of the opinion that brining up people to their first NHL coaching job, is enough. I want someone with experience. I know that Hartley is not the best with the youngins, but I think he can be. The relationship with coach and GM is a paramount, and Garth does have it with Bob.

well - that is my hope.

I came back from the NHL Booster Club Convention in Chicago. It was a great time! The five crazy women that ran this whole show, did a tremendous job, and deserve all the kudos.

No other news to report….

Have not been on in a while, and I hope the other two are with me tonight, or it will be a quick update, and off.

I am off to the NHL Booster Club Convention next week, so I am not sure that I will be on then. Maybe a call in - we’ll see…

Nothing new going on in Islander land, so no need to post at this time. Just hearing that names are coming by to stop and talk to Mr. Snow.

From late July - to early September, it is real tough to talk puck… Except —

Interesting move by Minnesota to release Mark Parrish with 3 years left on the contract. They said it was a salary cap move. You release a hometown boy with 8 million left on a contract, 32 years old and 3 years remaining, and two weeks before you sign Owen “I am ready for Medicare” Nolan to a contract….???

Hey Doug Reisbrough, are you on Dope? (Great Question, Mr. Hand…)

Now - I can hear Isles fans saying… “Let’s get him back!!!”

Interesting thought - but no.

A good piece of news in Islander country for a change…

Sean Bergenheim, fresh off the removal of his old agents, got a 2 year deal, for just under 2 million. Here is the quote from Newsday.com.

Forward Sean Bergenheim, who was the only Islander to file for arbitration, avoided a hearing when he reached agreement today on a two-year deal worth $1.725 million. It appears Bergenheim’s recent decision to change agents facilitated the process.

Bergenheim switched to Allan Walsh. His previous agents, Mark Gandler and Todd Diamond, have clashed with Islanders management several times in the past. Once he made the change, negotiations began in earnest. Bergenheim, who will have one more season as a restricted free agent when the contract ends, will make $800,000 this season and $925,000 the following season.

“We’ve always had a high regard for Sean,” general manager Garth Snow said. “The events that transpired a week ago allowed us to get this done.”

Following a trend started a year ago by captain Bill Guerin, Bergenehim plans to donate a significant amount of money to the Islanders Children’s Fund.

First of all - well done by Sean by removing himself from Gandler and the rest of the ding-dongs in his office. Remember this is the guy who is from the village that is missing an idiot (Thanks MM). He lost a year of development by letting his agents dictate some ‘crap’. But now - Sean is the better a person because he has representation that apparently, has a pulse.

Tambellini also got a deal as well. Only Bruno is to be done, and he can’t because the Islanders are sending him all over the place on the summer tour. But that will get done in good time.

Heard Bailey skated on a line with Okposo at camp… Future dream team? Might be….

Wonder where Sundin is going? He is so wishy-washy… get the damn deal done, so we all can shut up about it!!!

Looks like Teddy wont be in LA LA Land?? Terry Murray, who has waited almost as long as Teddy to be a coach in the NHL again, should be announced today. Long overdue… Other than the Islander job, that is the last NHL coaching vacancy.

Who is my hope for the job?

I like Hartley. He is in the middle between angry man, and softie. He knows when chew the proverbial head off, and when coddling needs to be done. I like Tortorella. A USA guy with a Cup on his resume’. However, he can “LOSE IT” at times, and with a team such as this will be, I think that is not the kind of person that should be at the helm. Would I be disappointed if Torts gets the job? Hell no. I just like Hartley better, and that is my $0.02.

Schedule comes out tomorrow at noon. Check the NYIBC site tomorrow night, and we should have trip information out…. Anybody up for a trip to Chicago on New Years??? Also - from what I hear, we open at the ROCK, and then have the Blues the next night at home. Also - I have heard that we have a FLORIDA trip in the middle of October. We will see tomorrow..

Check out the NYHR tonight - I think all three of us should be on. Call the show (646) 716-7209. Let’s hear what you think of these last few weeks….

I think I will be covering the Ducks game Sunday against York. Should be a piece on it here on Monday.

Turned out that the weather just held up in time to make it a successful venture. A little wait for food, but other than that - it was a good event last night.

Kyle Okposo and Blake Comeau were signing autographs and looked real excited to be there. My buddy Ron got the guys to hold his new twin sons for a picture. Check out the Islander site later, they may be there.

Just a few thoughts on the recent happenings…

1. I like the Streit signing. I think he will be more valuable to the PP than people realize. Many pundits are talking about the fact that his numbers will plummet this season. I think if he can QB the man advantage well, and things happen, that the scoring may equal last season. Getting Witt to extend is also a good thing. So many people that I have talked to lately are saying that #32 should wear the “C”. “A”, “C”, whatever… It is the role in the locker room, and they say that he embodies that and more.

2. Give Doug Weight a chance. I guess he will be wearing 93 this season… He will not get 39, that’s for sure. I think he can be a big role model for some of the young guys. You can not have enough of them. His psyche seemed to be shot last year; look for a rebound.

3. From talking to folks at the BBQ last night, especially people in high positions, Bailey is not only a good fit for the organization, but acts in a manner that you want to see in players that have been around for years… And when it is in a package that is only 18 and getting better by the minute…. I am really looking forward to seeing him. They expect him to be the Captain in Windsor this season, and I really think that this would be the way for him to go. Unless he moves in Gretzky-like fashion this summer, he will be in Juniors, which is 100% fine with me.

4. I really want to see this team stay as young as they are right now. Let them make mistakes and learn from them. Defensively, I think they will be good enough to ’steal’ some games that they normally would not be able to get. Let these kids gain some confidence. Ted has shown in juniors, to make players perform above their potential. He made it to the Q finals that year with a team that was expected to finish near bottom.

5. And speaking of the ‘relationship’ between GM and Coach; a few people ‘in the know’ that I have listened to, basically laugh that off. So just relax. If every GM and Coach agreed on everything, it would not help. Disagreements are good in that relationship.

6. Just remember, this team had almost 500 man games lost due to injuries. Have guys around for a full season, and let’s see where this team will end up. Someone from ESPN basically said that (and I am paraphrasing), that we always seem to float to the surface, just when everyone thinks that we are dead in the water. Let’s have the nose plugs on, and keep the goggles clean.

I am going to try and keep up the writing. It is tough at times, but there really isnt a lot to talk about now… The schedule will be out next week, so it will be interesting to see where my road trips will be taking me to this season.

Should be interesting…

Had the “ISLANDER” version of the New York Hockey Report last night… Had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I did it solo, because my buddy, Patrick Hickey did not make it.

However, I had Billy Jaffe as my guest. We had a nice 20 minute conversation, about all things Islander, as well as the coverage he had during the playoffs.

Thanks Billy, I really enjoyed our conversation, and I know that I can get him again…

So - we believe the following:

1. Filatov is on the radar screen big time… I hope he comes.

2. Dubie should land in a good spot (we are hoping for Vancouver for his sake - being close to home).

3. JM Liles would be a nice fit for the team.

4. Billy would like the team to be younger, and build that way…

Had a lot of IM’s and messages from folks.. It was a great time… Thanks to all for listening!

Tomorrow is the draft party at the Coliseum. Garth is off to Ottawa with a bunch of jerseys… Which one will he give to the next pick? Tune in and find out.

Randolph.. should he have been let go? I dont think so. This team is an embarassment! I want to say more, but I want this blog to be PG rated.

I just hope that the team rebounds… (They have won 3 out of 4 - so that is a step in the right direction)

If you are at the draft party tomorrow - say hi!

For me, this is the time of the year, that I start thinking hockey.  The summer months are usually about baseball, and the Mets and Ducks did their job of keeping my interest up.  Their respective seasons have provided enough to get the pulse going.

Hockey is back!

Although the month of July has brought many an emotion to me, it really begins, when I arrive at an annual August event.  The NHL Booster Club convention is a social gathering, with the job of interaction between fans of other teams.  This year, the Flyers fan club are the gracious hosts.  We are actually in King of Prussia, PA, and a good time is being had by all.

Since their colors are black and orange, the theme for last night was HALLOWEEN.  Costumes all over, and quite interesting to say the least.  The NYIBC crew went the simple route.  We all had tombstones on our chest, with various sayings, from Milbury, to the fisherman logo, to Yashin getting laid, we had a fun time without the makeup and heavy costumes that tend be needed on a holiday like this.

Today, is our annual meeting, which is just another reason to hang out.  And tonight it is a dinner with your jerseys, celebrating the game we love so much.  I will try to get pictures on the blog soon.

And the Islanders made some news with the signing of defense Andy Sutton from Atlanta for a 3 year, 9 million.  The 6 6, 245 mammoth, is a great shot blocker and can provide a good 2-way play.  He will definitely fill the void that was lost when Sean Hill went to Minny.

I think as far as the defense is concerned, we are in good shape.  I think that the roles of Campy and Bruno are needed to be extended and highlighted this season.  Martinek is another important piece.  This is the year, that we need an 80 game contribution from him.

According to Eklund, we are still in the hunt for another person.  And Peca may be a Ranger.  I know some people may rip the name off of the back of their jerseys.

Well - another day at the convention is upon me - speak later.  Cheers!

As I sit in the press box at the Ducks Game, just thinking of some things:

1. The Isles still need a quality D man.  Losing Hill and Poti equals about 48 minutes of time per game.  I think that Campoli and Gervais need to get the chance to step up and get their chance.  However, an extra man with some serious experience would be of help.  Derek Morris or Danny Markov would be that choice.
2. The Rangers are back to their spending ways.  Who are they going to get now, Sidney Crosby?  They are going to be so far over the cap, that they are going to have to unload a great deal of money as well.  Just remember where the Rangers were when they were just dumping money to players?  That’s right, the mid April tee times of Westchester County.
3. Brent Sutter, with his vague comments at his press conference last week, seems to be perfect for the Lou Lamoirello school of “HUH?”
4. I think Philadelphia is going to have a much better team this season.  However I think they still need some work on D.  Biron is a big help, but the defenseman are either young or incredibly slow.  Speaking of Philly, Inquirer writer Tim Panaccio commented when the schedule came out, that the Flyers were playing the hapless Islanders.  Hey - when your team starts to get out of last place and look like a repsectable team, please let me know…Until then, shut your pie hole!
5. Isn’t it great to talk hockey in July?

The Ducks had a tough end to the first half, losing some critical games in the stretch run, and ended up in third place in the first half, behind Newark and Bridgeport.  PJ Rose (son of Pete) is leading the league in batting average with .352 before todays game.  Alfonzo is hitting about .265 and playing a great defensive shortstop.

Off to Virginia for buisness for two days, and them some vacation time in North Carolina for a few days.  If anything serious Islander information happens, I will talk about it.

Gary

The Isles today introduced the newest Captain, Bill Guerin, along with his new 3 teammates, Mike Comrie, Ruslan Fedotenko and John Sim.

From the sounds of the conference, Guerin is humbled and honored to take the C from Alexei Yashin, and move this team forward.

“I’m completely surprised, but thrilled about this tremendous honor,” said Guerin. “I want to thank the organization for the vote of confidence and I will not take this captaincy lightly. Thank you Garth. Thank you, Charles. I’m excited about joining a team with such a wonderful history. I speak for all four of us when I say this is a group of players that wants to be here and play as team.”

Guern and Mike Comrie already reached out to the community and have bought 25 tickets to give to children with cancer for every game this season.  A great step to bring some good news to Islander country.

As for the C, I already hear that many are not happy with that.  They (the unhappy ones) thought that maybe Witt or Silly should get it.  Maybe they should.  But with these guys, I do not expect any animosity.  BIll Guerin is a heads-up classy guy, that has earned respect from everywhere he has been.  He has a couple of Stanley Cups under his belt, and that helps.  And considering the last man that wore the “C”, it is a marked improvement.

Notice that Garth has a real good smile on… He looks real happy, as we all should.  I hear that there is one more big move coming… Will it be that big defensemen that we think will bring the team to an even higher level?  Time will tell.

Well - how did we do, you ask?  When you look at the division, I think we ended up holding our own.  Let’s look at the other 4 teams in the division.

Rangers - signing Drury and Gomez will be big, but between the forwards and Lundqvist, you have the defense, and I can sum that up in one word.  YUK!  I see a lot of 8-7 games in their future.

Devils - Major losses (Rafalski, Gomez) will bring Marty’s numbers back to earth.  He will break the records of Monsieur Roy, but it will not be a walk in the park anymore.

Pens - pretty much the same, just a year older and another step scarier.

Flyers - night and day difference.  Will not be a cakewalk for a while.

If this division is not the best in the NHL next season, I will be severely surprised.  But we should be able to hold our own, and the coaching staff will make sure we do just that.  OK Garth - take the pics and get that D man.

Who needs the Cyclone when you have the job of being an Islander fan.

The excitement that now is a part of being a fan gets into frenzy mode once July 1 becomes upon you.  By the end of the First, it seemed like the Gods threw a giant anvil on our management, making us look like Wile E Coyote standing there with a sign saying “HELP”!

To most fans, that is exactly what they expect of the Islanders.  They just feel that we are not worthy to even be around.  Just another chance for Jim Balsillie to get a franchise and move it to Hamilton.

However, Garth Snow is still getting that NHL media imposed reputation that he is a nobody that can not be able to handle the operation of a franchise, working for a owner that is a total quack.

Guess what folks, we are quacking back!

The acquisition of Guerin and Comrie in the last 24 hours, along with getting some minor league SIZE and strength, SHOULD show people that the Islanders do indeed mean business and will do whatever to recoup for the loss of Smyth, Blake, et al.

Fans, myself included, expected Snow and Company to be active at 12:01 PM on July 1.  I know that they were ringing the phones and making inquiries.  Just the fact that we were at a -5 on the loss department and a 1 on the gain, they thought we were done for the season.  Pack up the truck and leave.  Way to shut them up with the two moves yesterday, and getting “tank” Fedotenko on the 4th.

I think there is more coming.  We do need one more D man, capable of going 23 - 27 minutes a game.  There are a couple out there, and I am sure they are being looked after by Garth and Kenny Morrow, among others.

As the Boss said, keep the patience, things will work out…  I, as you probably too, wanted to see Ryan and Blakey stay, but it is not to be.  I am peeved at Ryan.  I think his short time here, gave the team a reason to strive harder, work more diligently, and show a sense of class and dignity.  Guerin also fits that role, and I really like the fact that he has a ‘no movement’ clause in the contract.  In other words, he WANTS to be here.

Well - I will probably not be around the computer for the weekend.  Have a great time, enjoy the summer heat, but if something important goes over the wire, we will talk about it here.

SO - what do YOU THINK ABOUT THIS????   Come, come, elucidate your thoughts!