NOt much, how about you???

Lyrics from an old 70’s song, kind of work here.

This summer has been a trip for me to say the least.  I am running about 60-65 hours a week at work, and it is taking a toll on me.  I am losing my mind slowly.  I apologize for not writing as much as I would like, but I am going to try and make an effort to do more in the future.

So what has happened lately????

1. Trent going to arbitration.  His numbers will hurt, but his effort should get him some more $$$.  The Nystrom award winner last year should get a lift, and hopefully see his numbers lift as well.  I really hope that we can sign him before the arbiter gets the case.
2. Arbour for game # 1500.  If this does not say what kind of class Ted Nolan is…. I think this will be a fun night, and you can bet your bottom dollar that Al will play to WIN!  Looking forward to that game.
3. Campy signs for 3 years.  Great to lock him in..
4. I like that the new guys are getting involved in the community - without even asking, they guys are just doing… That is a great sign to see

Hey- let me ask you - the readership of this blog, what would you want me to comment about?  Give me some topic ideas, and I will try to bounce them off of you.

I am not going to ramble too much until the start of camp - but if something from the gallery comes up that tickles my fancy - well - you know….

Thanks - and talk soon.

Gary

A great show on Saturday afternoons for your Islander fix, Alex and Steve do a great job, and were kind enough to have me as their guest today.

Please make sure to check out their site: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hockeynightonlongisland

I really had a lot of fun, and thanks to Alex and Steve again for letting me spew my stuff.

These guys are on at 3PM every Saturday, and get guests and have some great conversation and insight.

You guys have to check them out!  I have a link on the right side of the page to them as well, so if you can not hear them live, please sign up for their feed and check out the archives.

Have a great weekend. 

Another round of reviews….  Here we go:

Shawn Bates

He is either fully loved, or fully hated, depending on who you are.  He had his moments where he was a big help to this team.  He always had the skills on the PK. However, he has not lived up to other billing.  He is another ‘role player’ that this team has.  However, the role players that have been on the ice for the bulk of the season, have been light years ahead of Bates.  I know that there has to be a loyalty factor, but I think it is time to move on.  He is a part of Islanders history, and we appreciate that.  But time to let the cord go on him.  Grade:  D

Mike Sillinger

The find of the year.  What a difference he has made to the team, both in the on-ice portion, as well as the locker room presence.  This team needed a man on the team that would keep the room in check, as well as an even keel.  The nomadic Sillinger has done just that.  He scored over 20 goals, was in the top 5 in faceoff percentage, and made the players that played with him so much better.  The only negative, if you will, was his near disappearance in the playoffs.  I really think he and Smitty should have been on separate lines.  But if that is the only bad thing, well it was a good season for #18.  Grade:  B

Richard Zednik

A late season pickup with an unfortunate personal situation (his mom is very sick).  He was not around during the most important part of the season.  However, he did play in the playoffs, and did well.  Not sure whether we should re-sign him.  We need to see more.  Tough decision on the powers that be.  Grade:  INC

Viktor Kozlov

Enjoyed his bests scoring year in the NHL, notching 25 goals, including four in one game against the Rangers.  There were times where the dual Russian/American citizen looked lost and lethargic (sounds Kvasha like), but in a second, can switch it on, and amaze everyone with his quick and heavy shot.  What we need to do with #25, is get him one of those subliminal message tapes, which tell him to shoot the puck whenever and wherever he can.  Maybe the 25 goals can be 40 goals next season.  Grade:  B

Randy Robitaille

For his second time in an Islander uniform, things started to look well for him.  However, another time lost in Uniondale happened to him, and things began to look like he would not be a help to the team. 

He did pick it up a bit as the season went on - but not to the point that fans were expecting.  Too wishy-washy for my taste, and can do better in the free agent system, for the amount of money that was spent on his services.  Grade:  C-

Well - another five bite the dust.  Later in the week, we will do the next bunch.

I guess the sign worked…..

Doobie is signed for a 1 year deal.  He will be the backup.  In my honest opinion, this should have been done last year, but that is gone now…

Wade is the ultimate backup, and we know will be ready and  able to go when he is needed, as well as the spot start.

He EARNED this, as John Houseman would so elegantly put it on his Smith Barney adverts. 

Yes, John, Doobie Doobie did!

Congrats Wade!

BTW - Predictions for the Semi’s:

Ottawa in 6 - bruise Buffalo

Anaheim in 5 - should take down Detroit rather easily!

We all know of my support for the Islanders…

But how about some noise for the SHEFFIELD STEELERS!!!!

Yes - the most successful team in the history British Ice Hockey, the Sheffield Steelers have terrorized team in the UK since 1990.  The team has won two different Grand Slams, the most recent in 2001.  That means they won four different titles during that season.  The regular season championship, the playoff final, and two other tournaments during the season.

Many talented players from Canada, US, Europe, as well as the UK have been Steelers.  Tony Hand, considered the Wayne Gretzky of England, was a star for the Steelers for a short time.

A couple of former Islanders played for Sheffield.  Derek Laxdal, who played for the Isles for a brief time in 1990 was a Steeler, and Brad Lauer finished his hockey playing career in Sheffield in 2002.

Jason Sessa, a native Long Islander, and former Maple Leaf draft pick, spent a year there in 2004.

Now - why does a Long Islander know so much about this team???

Well - got a minute?

Early in 2000, I got an e-mail from a bloke in Doncaster, who needed tickets for an Islander game.  A friendship quickly ensued.  I have now made 4 trips across the pond and have seen nearly 10 Steeler games.  I can honestly say that of all the games I have ever been to, my first Steeler game is one that made the hair on my arms stand STRAIGHT UP!

We (Claire and I) were invited to drop the ceremonial first faceoff before the game (they do this before EVERY game).  I could not hear the instructions from their game night staff, as over 8,000 were SCREAMING  at the top of their lungs, as a banner was raised to the rafters celebrating their regular season championship three weeks before the season ended.  They were telling me to go right outside the benches for the faceoff.  Now - I did not hear this, but tell me New York Hockey Fans, where do ceremonial faceoffs happen?

Of Course CENTER ICE!

So what did I do?

I went to CENTER ICE!

The fans could not believe what this Yank was doing - but what the hell.  When I got there, the Sheffield captain who was doing this, came up to me and said,

You sure have a set of balls to do this?

Yes I do!

There started a great experience going to games at the Hallam FM Arena, or what Steeler fans call THE HOUSE OF STEEL!  From the constant chants, songs and yells from start to finish; to the PA Announcer from his perch called THE WHITE HOUSE, asking the fans to make some noise for the SHEFFIELD STEELERS at the loudest decibel level possible; to riding the referees and the opposing players at ever turn, they at 5-6000 make a full Nassau Coliseum sound like a morgue.  I am so intrigued by their passion and love for the game.  And I will tell you, they know as much if not more than we do.

And the Steelers natrual rival, the Nottingham Panthers have a Ranger like streak, that they have not won their league title since 1954, I think.  So it is nice to whip on the Kitty Kats!

Also - the hospitality and warmth that the people of South Yorkshire, made Claire and I feel so at home. They would give the shirts off their backs to us.  We have made so many friends since our first trip, that it doesn’t feel like we are going to a foreign country anymore - it’s like a homecoming. 

So since my first visit, I have tried to make sure that when I see anyone in a UK jersey - I show some return hospitality for them - to repay the favor that my best friends did on our first trip.

So last week - the trend continues.  A couple from West Yorkshire have written me to let me know that they are coming to the Coliseum to see the Isles take on the Rangers on the 25th.  The welcome wagon has officially re-opened for Andy and Joanne Willoughby, and I am looking forward to their visit.  It may only be a day, and it may only be the small chance to hang for the day, but it is a great opportunity to bring the signs of hockey friendship to us. 

To check out the Steelers, please go to www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk

Well - back to my bowling (since this is Tuesday night).  And my wife just beat me the last game 184-171, so I am dead meat.  I am not writing tomorrow, since it is Valentine’s Day, as well as my one year Anniversary being married to my wonderful wife Claire, who I love twice as more today, than I did yesterday.  Have a great day, everyone!

I have been sick for the past few days.  I will get back to writing on Saturday, when my brain hopefully gets back to normal.

Tough game last night - Ricky was fantastic, and deserved a better fate.  But Marty is Marty…

Oh well - we had to lose sooner or later.

G

According to Greg Logan at Newsday quoting Ted Nolan:

“Yashin wasn’t playing the way we expected him to and the way he expected to play,” Nolan said. “So, he went back to the doctors after the game, and they found out he had a little tendinitis in his knee that is still affecting him. So, we’re going to give him some time off to make sure he’s 100 percent before he comes back this time. He wants to play, but we think it would be best if he makes sure he’s 100 percent ready to go and contribute the way he was at the beginning of the year.

“We felt it would be best for us to take the lead on this and force him not to play and make sure he’s rested.”

Well - this should be interesting….

Just an add-on to my comments:

According to Pierre Macguire on TSN.ca, it appears that Sid the Kid and Jason Blake have talked about the incident in Pittburgh last week, deemed it now to be a non-entity, had a hug, and have considered the issue closed.

Good news.  In most cases, these types of things are one-time incidents, and end up moot after the game, and not talked about again.  Unless the media want to stir up the pot….

Also - it appears that the situation between Danny Briere and Alex Ovechkin is also done.

It is nice that the All Star Game brings out the niceness in people…. Maybe next year, it should be called the “LOVE IN!”

Well - I guess we have to see more of Doctor Katz….

Or maybe start banging him on the head with a shovel, like the dude on Boston Legal did…

Of course, on the radio feed, Steve and Chris mentioned that the local boys cherish playing back in Boston.  Ricky has a 1.92 Goals against average in Boston.

Well - he is over that after 20 minutes.

This syndrome is making me REAL ILL!

They better be better in the second period.  Or I will bring out the BB Gun and start shooting… LOL!

Hey Ted - get these knuckleheads back on the program!!!!

Left Long Island at midnight, and endured a 552 mile bus trip with 30 other boosters, so see the Isles battle the Canes.

Look for an energized set of teams, both coming off losses, and both need a little pick-me-up.

Key player tonight - Alexei - it is time for the captain to set the stage, and make sure that the team takes his lead.

Not writing much, as I have things to do before meeting the Carolia Hurricanes Booster Club for a get-together before the game.  Looking forward to it.

See ya’ll!

G