If you were at the Habs game in the beginning of the season when the Isles fans were nearly overtaken by the Quebec Fan Revolt, and the team had a 3 goal lead and lost it…. You remember how we felt after that game….

Redemption is nice, isn’t it?

In a game that Montreal absolutely needed, the Isles not only withstood the initial onslaught, but took matters in their own hands, and the streak of one KO, gave the visitors the two points on this night, and got 4 out of 4 at Le Centre Bell this season.

And you know what gives me the red ass (as James Garner said in the movie – the American Presidents)?

People that are getting peeved because the Isles are winning and their chances of securing the first pick are not as strong as they once were. You mean to tell me that you want your players that are gaining confidence by the day, to shut down and “TANK”?

Give a rest folks. Go back to the Tiddly Wink Circuit.

If this team wins 10 in a row or something like that… I would be absolutely thrilled. If we still get Tavares or Hedman – great. We can still get a great guy that may help this team years down the road.

Let’s just see what the cards play for us. But if you want the players to just lose, to secure just a 48% chance to get the #1 pick, then Tiddly Winks is your game. Don’t even talk to me.

Gary

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

First of all – my mom had her surgery this afternoon. Her colon was removed, and so far, the reports are good. The surgery, according to the doctors, was successful.

Mom is heavily sedated and out for now – she will be for at least the next 24 to 36 hours, so she can rest after that large ordeal.

The prayers worked… Thanks to all for their wishes. It is most appreciated.

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On Islander news, Bergenheim and MacDonald are OUT for tomorrow’s game against Montreal. Bergie has a groin issue, Mac has knee troubles. Peter Mannino was recalled for tomorrow. Just when Bergie was turning a corner – here comes the injury bu once again.

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For better news…

As you may know – I have a soft spot in my heart, for the Sheffield Steelers, a hockey team in Great Britain. It was through a couple that are now one of my best friends in the world, that I began to support this team from afar. Last week, the Steelers, as a result from their 4 – 1 victory over the Newcastle Vipers, became the league champions for the 5th time in their less than two decade history. Just for informational purposes, their chief rivals, the Nottingham Panthers, have not won the league since 1954, for almost a Ranger like futility level.

Here is the You Tube link of the celebration at the Sheffield Arena, after the Steelers bus returned from Newcastle after the victory.

Congratulations. And also – may I add m deepest condolences to Owen Grant, a man that lived and breathed the Steelers, who recently passed away at the age of 53. One of the players at the celebration showed the crowd his jersey and dedicated the victory to him. The team will attend his funeral tomorrow, in a classy and respectful gesture, and he will be honored before their game on Sunday, as their championship banner will be raised to the rafters. I wish I was would be there to see it.

Posted under Ramblings, Sheffield Steelers

Glad they got the point. They played well. Should have deserved better fate, but again – happy with the effort.

Off to Montreal and the fractured Habs. Wonder how they will come out there? Is Ryan O’Byrne playing?

Anyway – need some prayers… My mother has a real bad situation, and is currently in the operating room at this time. I don’t want to get into the details, but it is serious.

I will not be adding any blogs for a while. Just keep my mom, Ethel, in your prayers, please? I would appreciate it!

Thanks,
Gary

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

The Thrashers have given over six goals a few times in the last two weeks. A team that is prime for the taking.

However, we were saying the EXACT same things when Atlanta first came into town recently.

This is one that we hope that Ilya Kovalchuk will forget to bring the “A” game. If there is ANY time to end this streak, it is NOW!

Looks like Hunter MAY play – and Weight is out. So 1000 points under the Weight tree will not happen. Bruno is still out, and that streak is now approaching 13.

As ou friend Chris Botta said, it is about time for this team to show some ‘cohones’. (well -its my term, but it was said to the same idea) Yes, the team is down, but teams that want to be good are ones that will take it to new limits and make strides to want more. If you look at the end of the Minnesota game, that is something that you did not see. The Nashville game was a good game, but offensively, few chances and very little passion.

This is where you separate the men from the boys. This is a game where you see what kind of players you really have. Whether they really WANT to see this team succeed, or they are just go through the motions. I immediately move Witt to the good side, thanks to his passionate comments. This could be a guy that could want a way out, but he made sure that this was not the case.

Let’s see what the rest of the vets do. I really would like to see Tinkerbell get the wings off and show us something. Keep Kovalchuk off the sheet, and give us two desperate points. I am not asking for much for Christmas – just a win,please.

I will be wearing my Sheffield Steelers jersey tonight. I am 2-0 with the shirt on – so might as well keep the luck flowing.

To all that read this site, I wish you the happiest of Christmas seasons. If you are of the Jewish faith, I hope that your Hannukah celebration is festive and joyous. Please be safe, and enjoy the Holiday!

Talk on Friday, before the Leafs contest.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

If you have read my posts, you know who T.B. is, as well as the full name that I call him…

I am thrilled that Okposo gets to play at home (if the morning skate goes ok). I am sure that he is PUMPED up to play, and will want to get some points in front of family and friends (and especially his old U of Minn. coach).

Hopefully Comrie performs as good as he sounds. We need some offense, and that was EXACTLY why he was brought here. Maybe scoring on the ice will be more important than the scoring that he is doing off it….

The Isles go back to back with a trip to Music City on Saturday. Glad to have 8PM starts, so when I get home, I do not miss anything.

There has been talk on the boards on the defensive side of the game. Here is my thoughts on it.

1. Streit has been a god-send to this team. #1 D in PP points, and has for the most part, been OK on the back side. He has made some glaring mistakes (who hasn’t on this team), but he has recovered nicely in many of those efforts.

2. Sutton – when he keeps his head in the game – he plays well. Be physical, don’t be stupid. It is just like his head snaps, and he tangents.

3. Campoli – unfortunately inconsistent. We could apologize for it when he was 21 but at this stage, he has to make a stand and move his game to a higher level. I know that he has the head to do it – it is now just execution.

4. Meyer – he makes good plays (especially in many instances – he did a great job on Ovechkin – but when I saw the stat sheet at the end of the game – he was -4. Again with these guys, it is consistency, or full adaptation of the style that Flash Gordon wants.

5. Witt – I save this until the end. I love the warrior mentality that is #32. He sacrifices his body, and does what he can to clear the crease and cause havoc. We all knew that the offensive side of the game was limited with him, and accept that. However, this type of game seems to have him in fits, and misses assignments and just does not have the wheels to get back in crucial situations. Would I like to see him continue to help the guys and grow with this team? Yes I do – but I think the reality of the situation will make that a difficult decision for Garth. He would probably be an important cog in a potential cup team, as a solid 3rd line D-man with a good 2-way player. Brendan has commented to Chris Botta that he is committed to this team, and seeing this through, and I believe that. I want to see him finish his career in our colors, and he shows his loyalty to this team as well.

6. Pock – a total disappointment – when 8 and 24 are fully healthy – release the ties that bind.

7. Martinek – I love his play so much. I just wish the body wasn’t so brittle. Again – what do you do with him. I will hold for now.

8. Gervais – Probably has a great career in TV or PR after his career is over. However, such inconsistency in his play, especially in 5 on 5 – is a problem. To me – he is a player that always seems to ‘telegraph’ his movements. You know by his body language what he wants to do – 5 seconds before he actually does it. Again – love the guy, but for a future here, I am just not sure.

9. Kohn – Hillen – the next ones. They are playing a lot of minutes in the Bridge and doing well. I totally expect to see them here in the future. Also – add Brett Skinner to the list. These guys can be serviceable, if they are getting the system in the A (which it seems like they are).

Well – that is more than 2 cents worth – but I was on a roll. Enjoy the games tonight – and be careful on the roads today. Hopefully we dodge a bullet and dont get that much.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Player Analysis, Ramblings

That was all that was on the clock when the final result was created.

10.7 seconds.

Well – most thought this team was not going to get a point anyway. Down 2 going to period 3. The period of doom and disaster. This is when the typical ‘come once or twice a year fan’ would grab their 7 year old and head to an early exit.

This team, changed the fortune for this night, and made it interesting for the fans that remained.

Goals by Sutton and Streit – closed the gap. Things were looking better. 6 straight losses in regulation were ended on this night, and a point came to the total points column.

Thanks to Ovie – that extra point eluded us.

For a change, this team played a HARD 3rd stanza, playing physical, solid forechecking and shots. Almost as many in period 3 as in the first two. Good game played by most of the team in blue. (And dont get me started on why #49 is even there!!!!!)

There were flubs, and dopey decisions in the first two periods. Two of the 4 goals let up by Joey, I am 100% SURE that he would want back. It was pretty much a bore fest for 40 of 60.

And then came overtime. We got through the first 90% of OT without much problems. Then #8 in white snaps a shot, that goes through Joey Mac and off the post and out. It was real close.

20 seconds later, he (Ovie) ended it. A tough pill to swallow, but this game HAS to be used as a setup for better things to come. I usually don’t like talking about ‘momentum’ games, and moral victories. But the way this team has struggled, it may be time to take the moral win for a spin.

Face it folks, we all know that this year was going to be a struggle. It is going to have to be this way for a while. If you read Chris Botta’s site, you read his conversation with Caps GM George McPhee. It brings a lot of insight of how a team can build from the duldrums and move up the ladder. We may not have that ‘star’ that they have, but sticking with the system, through all of the bad and good, can turn losers into winners. Maybe we have to take the rose colored glasses and understand, that the steps may be tricky at first. Unfortunately, some surprising wins, made some fans look for 1st round playoff wins. Please, let’s get through this year, and get the growing pains cleared.

Friday, hopefully, we get Silly, Comrie and Okie back to take the Wild down. I am sure that Kyle wants this so bad. I hope it can happen. Then, when and ONLY when, Ricky is at 110%, get him back, and give Joey the break that he truly deserves. He has been a yeoman and a good soldier all rolled up in one.

I know the times are tough, but stick to this. I really feel that there is opportunities. This can be compared almost to the time when the stock market dives. Most learned investors still say to ride out the storm, and in time, all will be fine. Let the Islanders be that struggling stock. Don’t sell – don’t waver, just stick it out!

Let’s see about this TOGETHER!

NY Hockey Report tonight.

Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/nyhockeyreport

Or www.nyhockeyreport.com

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, NY Hockey Report, Ramblings

Been 5 days off, and now we are back to hockey once again.

Glad to see Mike Sillinger back in the lineup. A great face off man is always hard to find, and the extra help can be a blessing in disguise.

Poor Marty – hurt again in a game, and then takes a hit in practice, hurting his shoulder even more. Good thing that we do have extra guys on D, to take the slack up.

Got to watch out for this Washington team, they fly! With Ovie leading the way, it will be a tough test indeed. In past years, the Isles have had great difficulties with the Caps, but last year, went 3-1. Got to take Ovie, and the other fly boys out of their game, and get on the scoreboard early. Take the momentum away.

I feel bad for Peter Laviolette. I figured it would happen sooner or later, but it was tough to see that after all the success he had in 06, that nothing came up better for him in the few years since. He will land on his feet somewhere real soon.

Mr. Avery (my best friend in hockey….. yea, right!) gets his day in NHL Court. I hope Mr. Bettman slaps him with his English wig and tells him to stay away from the NHL. That would make my day!

Will be blogging at the game on Saturday. Have a great day!

Posted under Islanders 08-09, NHL Stuff, Ramblings

That is for me. I was out of work sick on Monday, was in yesterday, but a shell of myself, and today is not much better.

I will not write until the weekend…

Posted under Ramblings

Wow – good news, #32 is back in the lineup.

He is one that was sorely missed in the lineup. Although others have admirably stepped up their games for him, it will be nice to have the guys play their normal time and usage.

Also this is a major increase in the team’s physicality. I can see a more stronger team both on the puck and on the boards making nuisances. Also having Fritz up with Jackman, gives the team a strong presence.

Tonight – they are facing a Devil team that won last night – so it is up to the team to get the system moving quickly, and make the home team chase and make mistakes.

Tomorrow – they have Buffalo who were really spanked the other night, and may be a little peeved. Especially Ryan Miller, who gave up a seven-spot, and usually is so good against Long Island.

Monday – Montreal – they are sliding a little, but as we all know in person – don’t give them a moment of breathing room, because you will be chopped down, to say the least. And those damn 3rd periods have killed us this year. However, in the past few games, this team has handled them and survived; getting out of the basement to boot.

Let’s hope this weekend will continue that trend. Have a good weekend.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

60 is an interesting number.

It is the number of minutes in an hour. The number of seconds in a minute. To many – 60 is the start of the golden years of one’s life (many will argue that the number to that is getting higher, because many at 60 act and feel younger than that – and I believe it 100%).

To Scott Gordon – 60 is utopia. And this is his exit.

Last night – he achieved that nirvana-like number, and twenty other guys were getting off that exit.

Now – if every trip, they get on this Exit, instead of Route 40, or 50…

Solid game by all, outshooting them, executing plays, pinpoint passing, making solid decisions, especially in the third stanza.

Now is the type of game, that Snow and Gordon were envisioning for this club.

And to make things even better, in Ottawa, a place where they are just about horrible in… This team over its past 42 games before last season, only won 5 games. Last season, the Isles were 2 for 4.

Now – 1 and 0 for the rematch tomorrow night.

Congrats to Josh Bailey for getting point number 1 last night. Great sense of mind to get that pass over to Okie for a blast. I can see Kyle getting dozens of goals each year from that same spot. It was where he got goal number 1. I can get used to that.

Bergie is looking better and better with the Good ol boys Dougie and Billy. They work hard, and got good results with goal number 3.

And don’t get me started on Trent… Well – you can. That work by him to lift Kuba’s stick, and make that move on Auld was simply brilliant.

Joey Mac, after surrendering that early PP goal (on a penalty that was bush to say the least), was flawless. He challenged shooters, and was sharp, especially when he had to move side to side. He had one Ricky D dangling lost moment, but he recovered quickly.

I have never heard the Ottawa crowd that angry at their team. They have been so used to success in the past, that they are letting their players and coaches know about it. I think this team will rebound, but hopefully, not tomorrow.

I will not be in the Blog Box tomorrow – I will be in my seats. I will not be at Monday’s game (too much work), so I will not blog live until the day before Thanksgiving.

And by the way, 45 years ago today (just before midnight – to be exact), a woman gave birth to a five pound eight ounce baby boy, that had some difficulties coming into the world. His umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, and it wasn’t an easy delivery. However, he turned out fine, and today counts every blessing he has. On this birthday, I say thank you to my mom, for bringing me into this world. I am thankful for having my family, and especially my wonderful wife, who I can honestly say is the best thing that has ever entered my life!

Please make sure that you thank the people in your life that have meaning to you every day. Not just Thanksgiving! Family and friends are a gift that should be cherished every moment. Even in these tough times, without them, it would be a difficult road to travel.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Ramblings