It just figures that the day I do not go to a game, we get a great effort, a Hat Trick, and a Giveaway.  Thanks to my buddy Rose for saving one for me.

Driving home last night, I was quite shocked by hearing the horn in the second period against this Blackhawks team.  Not that I was unhappy – hell no!  I just did not expect the jump in the second stanza.  The Isles were severly outshot (22 – 9), and were down 2-1.  Rollie the goalie was outstanding and kept the boys in the game.

Was it the Isles getting their legs faster than their opponent?

Was it that the Hawks were suffering a post Olympic hangover?

I would lean to the second.  Six players arrived in New York on Monday after celebrating the Olympics, or in mourning, whichever you want to look at it.  Those guys had to be sluggish, and the second and third period showed the lack of effort.

You could also blame the netminding too…

The Hawks, in order to move far in the playoff push, definitely need to work on that position.  Huet is a $5 Million bust.  He can not lead these guys, and Niemi is just too young and raw. 

Who can the Hawks look to?

Rollie? 

If there ever was a job interview, last night for the 40 year old netminder was doing well.  I am just not sure that a deal will happen, due to the DP injury.  But it is certainly possible.

To the game…

Blake Comeau with six goals in his last 3 games, is making his case to be a permanent fixture.  He learned his lessons with his stints in the chateau de bow-wow, and had made the most of it.

Richard Park – a class act, scored twice as well – and has made a turnaound his his efforts of late.  I like the line of Park, Weight and Sim.

Tavares did not have any points, but looked a little more crisper than he did before the stoppage.  Maybe some home cooking did him some good.

Okposo has some speed bursts that surprised me a lot.  A good sign.

So glad to see Hillen back.  He was playing so well before the injury, and I just feel a lot better with him on the blue line.  Congrats to Andy MacDonald on his contract.  Thanks to Ted Nolan for suggesting that the Isles draft him.

Good luck to Andy Sutton.  He gets a chance to play with a good team, and playing so well of late (except the 2nd period against the Rangers).

Tomorrow – the Thrashers are the home team.  The Isles have scored 16 goals in 3 games against them.  Hope for some more offense.  Then the Big Bad Bruins come to town for a Saturday matinee.  Wonder who will be here, as well as who will not?  Tune in to the NHL Network to find out today.

Have a hockey day folks!

Will be in the Blog Box on Saturday.  If you are home, check out my period by period updates.

1.  The emergence of JT.  Since all of the NHL brainiacs want us to fail – they are not even embracing this story of the #1 draft pick doing so well.  Last year, there were so many stories of Stamkos’ struggles to start the season, and even more of his emergence as the season progressed.  Since the hockey news made us aware of Taveras at the tender age 0f 14, you would think that they would continue the saga.  Alas, I am mistaken.  Well – we can give this back to the Canadian hockey media in a good stiff burger and have them stick it where the sun dont shine!

2.  Matt Moulson – feel good story of the year.  If you told him 6 months ago – that he would have 10 goals on the year, he may have said OK; but in the NHL???? What a surprise for him and the Isles.  The chemistry between him and Taveras has been great, and is one of the best stories in the league this season.

3.  Injury front – for the most part – the team has been healthy.  Or at least healthier than last season.  With that in mind, the team has been able to establish chemistries and keep the guys comfortable with their playing partners.  Missing Weight and Martinek has been tough, especially with the way that Marty was playing before his ACL.  However, other guys have picked up the slack.

4.  Goaltending.  The Achillies heal last year.  Joey Mac and Yann were yeoman and held their own, but this team needed veteran presences in the crease.  Enter Rollie and Biron.  When Roloson started the year, there were a lot of frustrations.  Could he ever stop a puck in a shootout….?  However, he has been a rock in the last few weeks.  Biron has had a little more tough luck, but has been reliable.

5.  New emergences – Especially Jack Hillen, who looks a lot older and wiser than his real age on the ice.  I think he has a great future ahead of him.

6.  Questions – what happens when Ricky gets back?  Will Josh’s comfort level grow?  Can Tambellini be consistent? 

7.  Coaching – Scott Allen and Dean Chynoweth have been a good fit with Scott Gordon.  The system is finally taking full hold, and the team is responding to it mightily.

8.  Fan Support – hopefully with winning and better efforts brings fans.  With a few games over the Turkey holiday, I hope to see full crowds and enthusiastic support of the team.

Well – hopefully next week – I will get on a better schedule of writing.  Thanks for the patience and speak soon.

Cheers,

Gary

12 of 14 on the road.  The character test begins.  Thankfully, the 7 straight are not all in one shot.  There will be some time at home inbetween games 4 and 5.

Obviously it will give the team a chance to ‘bond’ a little more.  It will hopefully create some more chemistry between line mates and others.

The boys will have to be used to not having the last change.  Mismatches will happen – this will need the boys to pick their spots and try to make the best out of bad situations.  They will also need to be more disciplined on the road, and not take the bad penalty.

Who do they have on the trip:

1.  Washington – Maybe Alex the great will be back, probably not.  But this team can be just as dangerous without him.  Mike Green is also a little hobbling too.  This may be an opportunity to sneak out of Dodge with 2 points.  The D needs to be real tight.

2.  Carolina – 12 in a row without a W and Cam Ward out a month with a bad skate slash to his leg.  This is nowhere like the team that was in the Cup Semi-finals six months ago.  Paul Maurice has to be on a real tight rope.  Can not take this lightly, because these are the types of matches where a team just doesn’t play all out, and loses the easy 2 points.

3.  Florida – another team struggling to find its identity.  Struggling at the net, and losing Booth, one of their main weapons.  This is another game that would be right for the taking.  It will be up to the Isles to remain focused, poised and ready for battle.  Also – this will be a nice birthday present for me – a win on this night.

4.  Boston – They lost there in a tough game in October – now they need to bring their game up a little more.  Boston is still hobbling with injuries (Lucic, Savard, among others), and again a possible opportunity to ‘steal’ a point or two. 

This is the path of the team on the first step of this road trip.  There is a good chance that they can steal some points, and possibly gain some more respect in the process.  No one, and I mean NO EXPERT, had thought this team would be 6-6-5 in 17 games (maybe Stan Fischler), but they are in a good position, and a good two weeks on the road, before they spend about a month at home (two road games at the Garden), will give a chance to prove that this team BELONGS.

Have a great day!  BTW – Jackman at Booster Club Meeting tonight.

OK – the streak is over, the team laid an egg.  Getting a little too high?  Perhaps.

Buffalo had players return from the Flu bug.  A goalie that was pissed from his last performance, and wanted to redeem himself.  All important cogs in the recipe for Islander disaster.

It all came to a head.  Nothing to be proud of.

The biggest thing that bothered me is the faceoff percentage.  At one point in the end of the 3rd, they had won 8 out of 38.

I repeat, 8 out of 38!

The main point that got the Islanders into those wins over the last 4 games, shot them in the arse last night.

Menu for today – revisit the system – get the motivation going and prepare for the Devils.  Since they are playing in NJ, there is a chance, since the Devils have not lost a game on the road.

Well – congrats to the Yanks… I am happy that Philly did not repeat.  I am a Met fan – but I do not hate the Yankees.   I respect them enough to say that the best team won this year. 

Now – I said it – that is it!

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Dee-Karl/Isles-Sign—-Another-Goaltender/129/22601

The Isles got Nathan Lawson under contract. Lots of goalies for the ‘Port and for Utah. Along with Ricky, Marty B and Rollie… Shakey is going to work on a lot of goalie equipment at training camp in Saskatoon….

Well – as fans – we were concerned about the goalie position. Now – thanks to Garth – it should NOT be an issue this season.

Have a good day folks…

You will not confuse this guy with Todd the Clod!

Yea – right.

This was the genius that said at a Booster Club meeting in 1997 or so, that when a member asked Todd about what he wanted to do after hockey; he replied:

What do I care? I am only 22

He is what you call a real man of Genius….. Good luck Detroit – you can HAVE HIM!

However, in Hockey fan terminology, that would be nothing but August. No news in hokey land. (At least in Islander country). Tickets went on sale – but not a lot showed. Hopefully its the weather. I would not want to be cooped up inside, with that beautiful day that Saturday was.

Some other news. Prospal to the Rangers – 1 yr 1.1M. Has prior knowledge of Mr. Tortorella. That may help, but he is nothing but a PP specialist, that does not provide much else. Whatever….

Mark Messier – has a “GAL FRIDAY” job now – to get coffee and donuts for Glen Sather. Come on – you now his pictures in your mind of Mess in a skirt and high heels? Now before I get brow-beaten by folks from the other side of the New York hockey world… It is only for humor, and I understand that #11 wants to get the ‘business’ side of the game. Actually, I thought he should have been taken care of LONG BEFORE this. But that’s my opinion — and come on – Bad head, and 6″ stiletto’s? It gets you thinking.

Well – we are under 30 days to camp – that’s at least good news.

God – I still have images of the David Wright facial the other day – that hurts so much. Don’t speed up his return. Give him all the time he needs. It is not that Met fans are going to be purchasing playoff tickets anytime soon.

My Everton football season started, and thank GOD I was out of the house and unable to see the game, as it was on Fox Soccer Channel. 6-1 to Arsenal at home, and the lone goal was in the 90th? Uggh! I hope that this is the worst game of the year, and it is overwith real fast. Not the way to start the season, boys… We can do MUCH better.

Back from Vegas and the NHL Booster Club Convention – what a great time. If you want to see LOTS of pictures, check out my facebook page. And while we are on it – check out www.bluelinetalkradio.com, and Millian’s weekly show. A lot of great hockey talk, a lot of fun and frivolity, with a guy who REALLY loves the game. You have a lot of ‘talkers’ that can talk the game, but are not as ‘in love with the game’ as Millian is. I totally recommend listening to him, and listen to his 10 point DOCTRINE of hockey. It will get your blood going, and make you want to storm Gary Bettman’s office, wanting justice!

Well – have a good day. As the days get closer to camp – I will talk more… Have a great day!

Just came back from the National Hockey League Booster Club Convention. For the 21st straight year, I attended this August week-long hockey love fest. This year, about 200 Boosters from around the NHL, from the US, Canada, and the UK, were in Vegas to talk about their love for the game, and in many cases, each other.

People go to this convention, representing their favorite team, but in this case, there is no heated rivalries. Ranger fans and Islander fans in this organization do get along (I mean that!). We talk about our teams, and what the Booster/Fan Clubs have done this year. But mostly, it is a social organization.

Usually, a club hosts the convention in their own home city. However, the Detroit For’em Club, the hosts, decided to put the week in Sin City. What a great choice. I have been to Vegas before, but this week was real nice. Got to visit the old Strip (Fremont Street), as well as hit nearly a half dozen other casinos on Las Vegas Blvd. We got to have a nice dinner cruise around Lake Mead, other went to Red Rock, and the Hoover Dam. It was a lot of fun.

The weekend has “Theme Nights”. Friday, was Elvis night, where folks dressed in Elvis or 50′s and 60′s outfits. I had my peace sign t-shirt (I keep simple). On Saturday, it was DISCO Night, where there were John Travolta look-alikes, and bell-bottoms all over the place. In keeping with my musical habits, I had a DISCO SUCKS T-shirt. It was more than a shirt – it was a real feeling!

It was great to meet new folks, and see old friends. This convention has allowed me, along with thousands of others, to know that if they go to a game in foreign territory, there is always someone you know, and can get together and have a good time. If you are a member of a fan or Booster Club of an NHL team, you owe it to yourself to join a club, and come to a convention. I did it on a whim in 1989, and this was my 21st consecutive year to go. I do not regret one second of it!

Also – a special hello to Millian – the host of the Blue Line Hockey Talk Radio Show. An Internet based hockey show, based out of Vegas, Millian, the host, was at the convention this weekend, and got to talk to him. He is a real nice guy, and loves the game tremendously. I hope you get a chance to listen, and become a follower. His web address is: www.BlueLineTalkRadio.com. Check it out, won’t ya?

Oh yea – Everton Football starts this weekend, so if you want to get on my good side, support the Toffees! See ya,

Gary

The Lighthouse Project, as eloquently explained, by Chris Botta today, on his Islanders Point Blank site, is the one thing that an Islander fan has to keep attention to. Not Tavares, Bailey, Okposo, or any of the players. Not even what place we expect the team to finish this season.

The Lighthouse – is the WORD!

Tuesday is the walk from the Coliseum to Hofstra to the meeting, which will start at 9:30. To me, I so wish I could be back sitting the Adams playhouse, at me alma mater, cheering on the movement of this great project. Work would absolutely prohibit me from taking that day. The next day, I also leave for Vegas and my annual trip to the NHL Booster Club Convention. I would be so glad to tell the fans of the rest of the NHL’s teams, that we are looking ahead, with a new project, a renovated Coliseum, and the Islanders playing for may years to come on the Island I call home.

As Mr. Botta said on his video, do what you have to do to support the project. Send an e-mail – convince another to come to the meeting, make signs (tasteful, of course), do whatever you can do – to show your support of this. Charles Wang made it perfectly clear, this organization needs the go-ahead to move on – or it will be other options (that will just not be discussed here). So – it is up to us, and make sure that we get this going.

I also hear the Senor Bettman will be there. I know that he is a total supporter of this, and can add some more ammo. It seems like Ms. Murray has been more in tune with this, rather than against. Let’s hope she stays the same way. Hopefully, she does not bring her neighbor, Joe Mondello. Hey Joe – how about sleeping in on Tuesday. Lose the car keys, and forget about this. We do NOT want your mouth there. Disgrace to the political party that I belong to…..

Chris has the answer - SUPPORT THE LIGHTHOUSE

I remember a scene in Revenge of the Nerds 2 – Spring Break, when the boys were re-doing their hotel for their big ‘party’, and you heard a chain reaction of people saying:

“HIT THE SWITCH”

And the switch, the Penguins hit…

Three goals in 5:30, starting with the fantastic Stall shorty, then the Crosby stunner on the 2 on 1 with Malkin; lastly, the stinger from Kennedy, but the exclamation on the game, taking Pittsburgh to a deadlock at 2 games a piece.

Did many expect this after game 1? They way the Pens seem to look on the bench last week, I really feel that no one did. But looking like the ‘never say Dieslanders’, they have clawed their way back to even ground, as a BIG game 5 looms on the horizon tomorrow.

By the end of the game last night, Detroit looked like something we have not seem from them. Disgruntled. The were easily taken out of their game, and it just wasn’t expected.

Now – let’s hope for three solid games (maybe 2), but I still hope for 3. I would like to see Pitt do a revenge and win the cup on foreign soil.

– Other Thoughts –

Are the Mets looking pathetic or what? My friend David Weiss, the weather guy on 10/55 and the radio broadcaster for the Ducks had a great rant in the paper yesterday, basically saying that kids are now seeing the sick Mets in the hospital, instead of the other way around. Reyes looks like he is now out for 4-6 weeks. That is a mess. They are now 4 back of the Phils with a showdown next week in Flushing. Hopefully, they will come off of a 3 game sweep of the Nats, and get momentum going. The pitching (which has been decent before this week) needs to be sharp, and would somebody please slam a rubber mallet on JJ’s head, and wake his arse up!!!

Ducks – doing well – five of six, going into York this weekend. They are closing ground on the Blue Crabs. They do not have any more games against them for the remainder of the half, so they need to keep winning, and hope for help. It is only the half way portion of the 1st stanza, but the numbers dwindle quite quickly, and the need to keep the victories coming is important for Carter’s gang.

I am going to Yankee Stadium tomorrow for the first time this season. I know, Gary, you are a Met fan – what the hell are you going there for? Well – simply put 1) I did not pay for these tickets – thanks boss! 2) I am interested in seeing the stadium and compare it to some of the other places that I have been…. It should be fun!

Wang and Murray in the same room together, with no pugel sticks! Wow – hope for progress. We all need this!

Tavares’ comments on Chris Botta’s site: wow – I am hooked. I know Garth is not showing his hand, but Brian Burke was commenting in the Toronto Sun over the last couple days, about the “Plan B” to look at Braydon Schenn (brother of Maple Leaf Luke) as the next first round pick for Toronto. Gee Brian, I guess your plan for world domination, by saying that it is your rule that the LEAFS must have Tavares, are now shot!??? About time you woke up and smelled the Latte!

!
Everton – my boys lost a valiant game 2-1 to Chelsea in the FA Cup Final (British Soccer(Football) ) for those of you that do not know. This is like the Pirates almost beating the Mets. Oh wait – they did that. But my boys played well; as a matter of fact, had a 130 Cup record made, when they scored just 25 seconds in. However, they could not hold on, as Chelsea leveled the match in the 21st minute or so, and got the winner about 50 minutes in. The manager (head coach) David Moyes, was gracious in defeat, consoling his boys, and congratulating every single player from the winning squad. Better luck next year for my boys. By the way, the FA cup has every team from the local pub team in the midlands, all they way to Manchester United, all having the chance to win the trophy. 2 out of hundreds get to the final, and my team from Liverpool did. Well done lads