1. Considering we were missing four of our top 6 D, our starting goalie (well – he still is an All-Star goalie), and a struggling offense, I think we stood up to the Rangers quite well. We just let the opportunities slip away, and let the Rangers dictate the 3rd.

2. Has Mark Streit shut up a lot of critics? Almost a point a game, and playing decent D. He will make mistakes here and there, but he has been a lot better back there than the experts said he would be.

3. Okposo played fantastic last night… If we can only get that out of Tambellini… Kyle was hitting, getting (making his own) chances and causing havoc. Nice job!

4. Joey was yeoman like out there. He did not blow you away, but made some great saves when he needed to.

5. Henrik… Love him or hate him, he has been outstanding, and has given his team at least 3-4 wins solely on his shoulders.

6. I see the Wade Redden lovefest is over with the Ranger fans. Truth be told, they want to send him back to Kanata for some pucks, and an “I’m sorry for taking him off your hands message!” to Bryan Murray

7. Don’t get General Tso’s chicken at the NVMC. Not hot, not bad going down, but over 15 hours later…. (Yes Dee and Doug on the Box — ) I know!

8. Some of these fans are just abusive (and I say BOTH sides, but the Ranger fans get the brunt, because it is my blog, and it is not their building). An idiot was standing up in front of my friends, and they politely asked him to sit down, that they could not see the game. Not only was this drunken fool rude, but challenged my friends father (who is in his 80′s to a fight). What a real hero, eh?

9. I am having too much fun in the box! These guys (and yes, lady – Dee), made me feel right at home. It is a great fraternity – (even if Tom L will decide to join us one of these days… LOL!)

10. We are 30th in the league, and there is no getting lower. We can only climb from here.

11. Hopefully we will see Andy Sutton back on Thursday. We need him BADLY!

12. Martinek may be back in a couple of weeks.

13. Say a prayer that Witter is not as badly hurt as we fear…

14. Glad to see Park getting some points and getting rid of those minuses that he had last week. He has to improve more, if he wants to repeat as the Nystrom award winner.

15. Are those new jerseys great! Finally, no complaints about a uniform we wear. And if you are complaining, what the hell is wrong with you?

16. The goal song… Again — play Lady of Spain. As long as we score more than the opponents – I dont give a rats behind what they play.

There – that is enough for now. Have a good day everyone, and don’t forget to listen to the New York Hockey Report on the Blog Talk Radio Network, on Wednesdays at 9PM.

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

Game 1 of 6 in this great rivalry is renewed tonight.

The Rangers, as we all know, are flying high right now – even with a woozy coach. Zherdev is playing like the guy that Columbus THOUGHT would be. Right now, Jagr is the last thing that they are missing at this point.

Ricky is seeing an unknown doctor about an unknown ailment. Danis was called up as an emergency. If there was ever a time for Joey Mac to stand up — it’s tonight!

The looks of things, it should be a Ranger walkover tonight. However, you never know with this rivalry. Hopefully the boys will take the 60 shot barrage from Saturday night, and take the positives from it and put it to tonight.

We can only hope.

Will blog from the game tonight – should be a cracking night! Will also see if the Phils win it all tonight – yuck!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

Hanging around a hospital waiting room can make you a little nutzo. I figured I would write a little, and take away some of the anxiousness and thoughts. Although my mothers surgery is routine (skin graft), she is 82, and has a history of breathing issues and COPD to boot. So…..

I decided to come up with some thoughts that have been entering my mind after 5 completed games. The thoughts are random, because right now, I am random.

1. Scoring down, goals against up. – this is one of those statistics that if you break it out by 16 (16 * 5 = 80), it makes us look bad. To me, the only numbers I am looking at is 2-3. A lot on the boards are complaining and moaning, but hey, at least we have two wins. Look at Philly (0), Tampa (0), Anaheim (1) and Calgary (1). It is not so bad yet…. Don’t jump off the ship… and you know who you are…

2. What happened to Jon Sim? I guess he is just not used to playing so many games….. (bad joke, I know). He as pushed down to the 4th line, and his T.O.I. has dropped significantly. He is just not being the ‘pest’ that he was in the first two games of the season. Those kind of players will get their games back. It is just usually a ‘brain fart’ and back in the saddle again. I expect him to play much stronger against Dallas (one of his old stomping grounds).

3. The “Streit” Confidence factor. He is not scoring goal yet, but #2 has logged some serious minutes for the Isles this season, and it is just not all offensive situations. He has been seriously relied upon for the PK and major 5 on 5 situations. He has responded ok. With Martinek on the shelf again, he will be needed more and more, until him, Sutton and Campy return to the lineup.

4. Gordon leaving… What dope was on the serious spiked Kool-Aid when they said that they thought the coach was leaving after 3 games. Do they write for a soap opera in their spare time too? Maybe they will come up with a cliff hanger that a player will develop a serious illness an die on the training table too? Scott is here for a while and hopefully, when the guys fully endear to his style of play, the team will be better.

5. Tinkerbell… My name for Mike Comrie. It is not that I do not like the guy, I do… but he seems to try and dodge a play, or try and make a ‘too cute’ effort, to get an “ESPN” like move. You would figure for a player of his age, that has now been on 5 different teams, that maybe, just maybe, he would get the idea that he needs to change his style a little and adapt. Hey Mike, here is an idea, you have a stick, and the object is to take that stick and strike the puck towards a goal. Copying a line from Nike, JUST DO IT!

6. Line changing – going back to Scott for a second, I am glad he is making small changes. I like Ted, but it seemed that he changed lines so much (even from period to period), that I could imagine what hewas like on an extra value line at Burger King. Scott seems to be making changes, and trying to keep them going for a little while, before attempting another change. I know that this is only 5 games into the tenure, and I could be proven wrong a little bit, but I am liking the approach. He is not wavering his philosophy and we will wait and see what happens.

7. DP – I am glad to say that he played a good game on Saturday night. The first goal, I think no one would have stopped. The second… well, but overall, he made some great saves, and kept his team in the battle. He looked good going from side to side, and did not seem to let his injuries get the best of him. Gordon started him slowly, and it seemed that everyone wanted to kill him for that. But once again, I applaud that fact that he stuck to his guns. MacDonald, for the most part, played a yeoman like effort and he seems to be relied upon when needed.

8. Crowds – for the most part, the first two games were loud and almost filled. I am interested to see how much we get this weekend. Dallas on a Thursday night does not scream “WALKUPS!” Carolina on Saturday should be interesting as well. The team is promoting games, and doing what they can, and I know that they are trying. Some people do not believe how much the back office is doing, but I am one that believes they are. Fans are so fickle, and have been hurt so much, that I can totally understand their feelings. However, give it a chance. Rome wasn’t built in a day. It make take more years, but I have the feeling that eventually, it all will work.

9. Blog box – yes, the number of people involved has increased, but I think that is all good. For the first part, a number of them are not able to come every game, so when they can, it gives them the chance to get involved. For others like me, BD, Mike and those who have season tickets, we will be there to report. I have heard that their were some issues with the people they chose. I happen to think that they got a good cross-section of people, opinions, and styles, that encompass some or all Islander fans to some point. I think it is fine, and I am glad that I am being welcomed to this new fraternity.

10. The NHL in general. Interesting how some of the team have started this season. The Rangers with their 5 game win streak, before going 1-2-1 in the last 4. San Jose looks outstanding. Detroit, well, uh, theu are Detroit. And tell me why in the hell, did Chicago yank Savard just 4 games in? What were they thinking? And for Quenville, his crying that he was going to take the year off before coming back to the game? I am glad you are not a politician, Joel!

11. – Sheffield Steelers report. Right now – after 11 regular season games,the Sheffield Steelers of the UK Elite Ice Hockey Leauge sit in 5th place in their 10 team league with a record of 7-2-2 for 16 points. Belfast are top of the table with 20. The Challenge Cup semi-final berth has eluded the Steelers, and the Belfast Giants and the Manchester Phoenix will get the top 2 spots from Group A. Ashley Tait, a UK born star, leads the team with 9 goals and 18 points in 14 total games played.

Wow – this went fast, and I wrote almost 1,200 words on this. It helps when you have time to do this. And my Mom has not even gotten into the surgery yet. I have a few hours, so I may edit this and add some more, or just make another post. I hope you are having a good day.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Player Analysis, Ramblings

The sun is out (with a little clouds, but nevertheless, a dry day today), and it is sunny skies for the Isles on their preseason debut.

Albeit, half the team is youngsters and junior players looking to make a squad, but it is still the Orange and Blue, no matter who is donning the sweater at this point.

Nice to see Jon Sim back and playing. There is betting at Ladbrokes (a UK betting firm) to see if Sim makes it to more than 5 periods this season. I am betting that this will happen…. Sim will make a big presence on this team for the 08-09 season. He is the type of guy that if he can play to his potential, he will allow other players to be able to maximize their potentials. You look at the Atlanta Thrashers two seasons ago, and Sim was a major pain in the butt on his opponents, and we all know what happened to the Thrashers in 06-07? They won the South East Division for the first time. Yes, the Rangers beat them in a sweep in the first round, but the contribution of Sim to the Thrashers team was crucial to their success. That need to continue for the Islanders this season.

Rumor mill… We are hearing once again – that Ricky may not start the season. From others in the know – I would seriously DOUBT that statement. Patience and restraint will need to be placed on #39 shoulders, and I know that coach Gordon will do just that.

I see that Campoli had an undisclosed injury last night. This scares me – and we need to keep our d-men healthy for this team to be successful.

Good start for the guys. I know we have another game tonight (not sure on opponent, because I have not surfed that much today). We have to keep the momentums going. With a young team like these guys, preseason success can mean a lot. It is the veteran teams that it does not matter as much if the team goes 8-1 or 1-8.

As for Orlando – chance of rain all week, but the weather held out for the most part. Went to Epcot yesterday – always a nice place to go…. Friday, it is off to Ocala for my nephew’s wedding. By the way, I have a time share at the Marriott Grande Vista. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to anyone. To check it out, go to this link
If you are interested in checking it out – please let me know. I could get you a deal on a vacation visit (with NO OBLIGATION – but a 90 minute visit to the sales office), but honestly, once you go, you may get hooked. We did, and I do not regret it for one second.

As they say here – have a GRANDE day!

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

Going to Mets games for nearly 40 years, I got a chance last night, that not many people get to do. I was so honored to be on the field for an presentation to my wife and I and another NYI 365 member. We were given Mets Spirit plaques for our support of the Islanders. It also helped that we were all METS fans too.

It is amazing how large Shea actually is, when you are there. The ball field is no bigger than any regulation size field. But when you add the seats, it becomes so large…. When you compare it, to say, Citibank Park where the Ducks play, you really get the feel of the hugeness of it all.

So Claire and I got to get our pictures taken with Mr. Met, and then got to walk out with Chris Dey and be on the jumbo tron, as well as be on Islanders TV (probably later today).

After the photo op – we went over to the picnic area where we were given Mets bucks, and had some dinner. Early in the second inning, my buddy Bobby and I decide to go back down to get a beer (for him) and peanuts (for me). No sooner did we move down to the bottom of the section, when the Nationals Elijah Dukes cranks on a Pelfrey fast ball, and the screaming hit comes not only to the picnic area, but if I was still sitting in my seat (the top row of the picnic area), I would have taken a chest wound. Figures… the one time to get a ball, and I miss it for a bag of nuts!

Anyway, I saw some pictures of Bill Guerin and Doug Weight taking batting practice (courtesy of Josh Bernstein). Got some interesting info about things coming up (you will see info on it real soon….), and just took in the whole experience of being at Shea. Oh BTW, I saw Darryl Strawberry, he is still a big presence, and he looks like he could still lace up the cleats.

Well folks, one week until training camp….. Get pumped!

I am putting the pictures down on the bottom here, enjoy!

Gary

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Mets 08, Ramblings

Actually, you will see Claire and I on the field. We were asked by the Islanders to be on the field for some presentation before the game.

I have been a MET fan all my life, and in this last season of the stadium, I will get to be on the field. It is real exciting for me, and I am so looking forward to it.

But it is a happy occasion, and right now I need it…. My mother is not doing well. She is in ICU at Winthrop. She has COPD and the disease is getting worse and taking a toll on her both physically and emotionally. All I ask, is that if you are a person of faith, to please remember my mom, Ethel, in your prayers. The family are hoping that in this trying time, that God will keep her as comfortable as possible, and try to comfort us as well in our time of need.

Thanks, and God bless.

And tomorrow – don’t forget to take some time, and remember the folks who lost their lives on that sunny morning seven years ago. Remember who we are, and what we stand for. With all the political ‘bitchiness’ going on – let’s drop the party lines, and remember that we are Americans, standing tall for our great country and people.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Mets 08, NY Hockey Report, Ramblings

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.

Posted under Booster Club, Cool A-C League, Ducks 08, Islanders 08-09, NHL Stuff, NY Hockey Report, Ramblings

That is so funny, I can not believe that the NHL is serious….

Well….

I know that Roger Farina, the first NHL 7th man, when he had his day as Commissioner of the NHL, he wanted to revoke the Rangers’ charter and remove them from the league….

Who would have thought that just a few years later, his wish may have come true….

The Dolans just think that their s%^* doesn’t stink. Well, get out limburger out of the way, becuase it now has some competition.

They (Dolan) just feel that they can do whatever they want, and screw the rest… All 29 other teams have the same web site, content, etc. They feel they should do things their own way. How elitist are you?

Even the Montreal Canadiens, the most storied franchise in the history of hockey, conforms and does the same thing. If you want your own site, whatever, but the conformity must be there.

Maybe Jim Balsillie can buy the team, and move the team to Kitchener, Ontario…. Well, at least he does not need to change the name of the team…..

I think this was the funniest thing that I have heard in quite a long time….

Posted under Ramblings

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!

Posted under Booster Club, Cool A-C League, Mets 08, NY Hockey Report, Ramblings

THe Awards show for the NHL was on last night. I missed most of it, as I was driving home from work at the time…

However, thanks to XM, I listened to it on Home Ice 204. It was well done. The NHL is the only major sport to have a ‘Awards show’ format to their end-of-season format, and I like it. I think CBC did a nice job with the kids, giving info on the players up for the awards, as well as wearing the jerseys of the winners. It is nice when a network ‘gets it’ like CBC does. I thought it was humorful when the old HNIC anthem was brought up (as now – it belongs to TSN). Canadians can make fun of things like that, and it does not turn into scandals.

Was it a surprise that Ovie won the Hart? Are you kidding. Lidstrom – no surprise. Brodeur – same…. Kane – it was a tossup – so not a bad choice. Datsyuk for Byng and Selke…. Would have like to seen Zetterberg get the latter, but not a bad choice. I like the new award that went to Gordie. Guess who will win it next year…..Hmmm…..

Well – next Friday is the draft… Will be interesting to see who gets to come to Uniondale. I hope that it is Filatov. He seems to have a great passion for the game, and I think would work in this setup. I just hope that the Ranger$ don’t try and move up to sweep him from us.

Garth is getting ready to do some serious work now… Time to mold the 08-09 team now. Do a good job!

Have a great weekend everyone. Tomorrow is Flag Day, so make sure you wear your red-white-and-blue proudly. And also – say a Happy Birthday to my wife, Claire.

So, Gary, what are you doing for her special day?

Going bowling!

Yes, how romantic, but our final week of our season is tomorrow, and our team is battling for first place… I got her tickets to Neil Diamond in August (no – not the former Booster Club member, but the singer). But we will have a nice meal to celebrate her day.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Posted under Ramblings