Come on down! You are the next contestants in the Islanders wheel of lineups!

Glad to see you back!

With the 5+ days to rest and relax, the boys should get back to practice today, ready to hit the ground running to their next game, Thursday in Atlanta. The Isles need to get this win to avoid the shutout from the Thrashers. Atlanta has played a bit better, since the announcement of Ilya Kovalchuk as the newest captain (a ploy to keep him there, in my opinion). Having Dougie and the other three back in the lineup will be a help.

Trent Hunter – who hasnt scored in 15 – needs some confidence. This opening game should be the conduit to get him going. I would be interested to see how Kyle Okposo, who was blue flame hot before the break, will come out in his first few games back. I can understand how he was not at the ‘young stars’ game (strictly on stats – he would not). But if he continues his hot recent past, it could spring him to consideration for the Calder.

There was some discussion on some of the boards concerning Josh Bailey, and can you send him to Juniors. At this point, the arguments are still going to be the same… WHY? Windsor is doing so well, and does not need him. Why subject him to juniors. He is hanging in there – and although the numbers are not as good as I think they would have wanted, he is improving in many other aspects of the game (physicality, face offs, among others). When the season is over, he can go to the Port for the playoffs, and can help there.

Kudos to Witt – for Don Cherry’s comments about him on Sunday during the all-star game. He loves his warrior mentality, and considers him an all-star! In all but the -27, I agree!

Well boys – get ready for Atlanta, and welcome back!

A year ago, if you told me, that Andy Hilbert would be one of the BETTER contributors to this team, I would have told you to stay from that Kiwi-Strawberry Kool-Aid. He is playing at a good level – always moving, and making smart decisions.

Defensively, the team was not that terrible. Maybe not to well – with getting the garbage away from the netminder. Joey, I’m sure, would want to get that first goal back. Maybe the second one too. He also made some great saves. Missing offense shows on this team right now.

Jeff “I just dont why I stink in the NHL” Tambellini came back. Had a few opportunities, and did not look horrible. But there is a difference when he puts on that NHL jersey instead of the AHL one.

Josh Bailey is stuggling. 2/10 on faceoffs and had a few opportunities at close range on wide open nets, and did not get it done. He is another one that is going to need a goal to go off his butt, to get his act in gear. I am not down on the kid, he always seems to put the effort and inevitably does not appear to look lost. However, I think he needs to step up the game. Provide another dimension to him, in order to get on the scoresheet. Good players, at whatever age, do that. I know that Josh can as well. I am not losing hope on the kid.

Again – great effort by Bergie on the shortie – causing havoc in front of the net. For a while, it looked like we were on the PP instead of Atlanta.

Anyway – two days of forgetting about Hockey, until Friday, when the Leafs enter the fray. Welcome back Jason! We know that Dee (7th Woman) will have her 55 stuff in full force. Maybe some healthy bodies back in the lineup could be a panacea?

I just don’t know… However, this blogger will NEVER give up on the team, no matter what. We may get frustrated and angry, but it is like an old friend. He(She) may get you angry, but 2 minutes later, all is forgiven. Hey – they still wear our home on their crests.

Happy Christmas everyone! May your dreams come true.

Blake back – and Tamby down. Conditioning or not – Jeff needs this. He is jut not producing, and whether fans think it is their screaming about it that caused the demotion or not – this move HAD to be done by Garth. This kid needs a 100% adrenaline shot of confidence.

Comeau has done well to deserve this promotion, so let’s see what he does with it. We all know what happened in September and October.

Starting for the home side tonight…

MacDonald
Streit
Campoli
Park
Thompson
Jackman

Hopefully, their energy will give the boys a shot in the gut.

20 seonds in – penalty for Atlanta. Wouldn’t it be nice for us to score in the first minute, instead of the other way around. Bailey on 1st PP Unit. And sure enough – 51 seconds in – we do it – great shot by Guerin on the off wing. Great piece f work to start the game.

And yes, I screamed, “It’s a POWER PLAY GOAL, %%%% Sam Rosen, and Joe Micheletti too”. It is a 317 Section special. Keep the legs moving and intensity up boys.

Last 90 seconds brought Atlanta back in the game, and they dominated play. However, for whatever reason, I was confident, because the Isles kept skating, blocking shots, and keep up to the pressure.

3:56 P1 – Penalty on Streit for hooking. Need to keep moving and attack the puck. LikeAmazing Andy Hilbert’s play on the PK. He is so smooth. Had a great scoring chance. Kovalchuk looks lost without a good partner. He always had someone; Heatley, Hossa. Now with no one – we can see why this team is last in the NHL, and he is under a point a game and only 8 goals on the season.

Two great chances by Comeau in front of the net. I think he gets this system now!

Really looks like Sim just enjoys to play against his old mates. As does Sutton.

Another PP for the Isles. Silly getting a chance on the PP on the 2nd unit. Great chance on Goal at the end by Silly, but the Atlanta defender got a piece of the stick.

And yes, another PP for the Isles as Crabb clipped an Isles player at the end of the shift. Back to Bailey, Guerin and Weight. Sloopy work this shift.

So far – the Isles play has been ok – but when Atlanta has had the opportunity to dictate the play – they have been good.

Jackman and Thorburn with a fight – and Tim with a overwhelming TKO and a throw down as well. Thorburn looked like an old rag doll.

The last five minutes have been bouncing back and forth, with not a great deal of continuity, but at least in this period, the Isles have been skating hard, and making their own chances.

Atlanta scored with 2:16 left – Brian Little right in front of Joey Mac on a broken play, pushes it through the legs to even it up. Who would have thought that Bryan Little would have as many points as Kovlchuk.

Bailey got a nice hit on him in open ice. Good to see the rest of the team come in and protect the honor. Hilbert gets 2 for roughing on the play, but I like to see that intensity when it comes down to protecting your fellow players.

Other than that – the same lineup as the other evening.

Bad news about Okie. I know that he was aching to get back, and now another setback and now out until after the New Year. Tough situation for him, but it seems that he has the cool head to be able to not only handle it, but work on Josh Bailey to get his confidence going. That is what I call a teammate.

—-
2nd Period – Shots were 9-6 Isles after 1.

Isles get an early power play again – another chance to make some things happen. However – once again – stymied. Isles now 1/4 on PP.

Jackman has a nice, low, hard shot. I can see why he was a 2nd round pick.

Pretty much back and forth non-excitement. A few players making some good plys, but nothing much else.

Just as I talk about Kovalchuk, he makes a beautiful move to beat Joey Mac to make it 2-1 Thrashers.

Bergenheim got a little sloppy an took a penalty, after he had a great opportunity to tie it up. His emotions sometimes get the best of him. And in this case, it showed big time. I am sure these are some of the things that have kept Bergy in the press box for games.

Great opportunity by Jackman with a shortie opportunity. Great kill.

On a bogus call on Guerin, the Thrashers get number 3 on a ‘gift goal’ for Boulton who just slid the puck by a out of position MacDonald.

The second tonight is our third of other nights. What can this team do right? They are making these guys look like Boston.

Right now – this team has some serious backchecking issues. I can not understand with all of this practice and talk, how it seems to disappear at times. Maybe that is the ‘non hockey player’ in me, but it just doesn’t make sense to me.

With 2:49 left in this period, this team needs to not only make a stand, but get the crowd back into this game. Bergy is also off te first line, replaced by Comeau. Simpy put by the boxers around me, but Blake has been not only more effective, but has done all asked tonight and more.

Outshooting 12-6 this period, but outscored 2-0. That just about says it all.

This team looks as confused as can be. Park had an opportunity, but a Thrasher defenseman’s skate simply made it be all for naught.

If this team wants 2 points tonight – Gordon needs to blow a head gasket and get some motivation on these guys and fast!
—-

3rd period, and fingers need to be crossed.

First two minutes – energy, but nothing in the way of chances.

Need to get pressure on the goalie – make things happen. Comeau had a good hit, Hilbert, but between the blue lines, it is like a festival of ‘watching the play go by’.

Cmon boys – make a statement! NNNNOOOOWWW!

You are outshooting these guys 23-12 – AND WE ARE DOWN 2!

Bailey just lost another faceoff. He was 4 for 12 for two periods. Got to get Professor Sillinger to work more with him.

Trent just lost it – got 2 for trip and 2 for high stick. Got 4 minutes to kill. A shortie will be nice about now – we haven’t had one of these in a while.

Sutton takes a penalty – but Atlanta scores. 4-1. This is ugly. This team is not this good. We are just that bad tonight.

Fellow Blogger Mike’sbiggest joy right now is counting the icing calls. Atltanta has 6 and the Isles have 2. I wish that would make us get more goals. Wait – Atlanta now has 7.

I now feel as bored as Republicans at the upcoming Inauguration in January.

Two posts in about 30 seconds, but Atlanta puts it in – as I am typing. 5-1 and the Boo birds are eminating around the building. Sticks are being slammed in disgust, and the fans are leaving. So – I think I will end this post.

My 3 Stars (Irrgardless of the scoring).

3. Jackman – energy always.
2. Comeau – posts and again energy that we just did not see in the first few games of the season.
1. Ice Girls – well – no one is deserving of the 1st star.

Well – if a miracle happens – I will comment about it tomorrow. Otherwise, I am going to be working on my Christmas decorations tomorrow.

See ya!

Fred Man returns to the lineup… Great to see the whole D returning to the lineup. It is nice to see. I hope that they take the time and get Meyer going slowly. They do not have to pressure him that much. I would hope to see about 17-18 minutes for him.

Marc-Andre Fleury is out – Sabourin is in – they Isles need to take advantage and get shots on the net quickly and with a great deal of frequency.

I have my Hoptical Illusion, and we are ready to go.

Weight – 74 seconds in takes a penalty. Referee Banfield calls #39.

Loudville chanting PRINCESS CROSBY – classic! Pitts PP looks good moving the puck around. Joey – 5 saves already in the first 3 minutes.

Isles get a power play 5 1/2 minutes in – time to gear it up… Got a 5-3 for 21 secs. Pitt looking a bit shaky. Too any times, the team takes too long to give the opponents the puck.

Goal – Isles – the 5 on 3 just ended – but it’s a PP Goal! Bailey – 1st Goal as an Islander – great job! My vote is for him to STAY – no MATTER WHAT. Whoops – Weight got the goal – and Bailey got another assist. Ok!

Hunter – goal – 2-0 Isles! Great set up by Amazing Andy Hilbert. Bailey gets another assist! Great job! Pittsburgh looks pissed not! Talbot just went off the ice on one leg.

Godard and Fritz – started out OK – but a draw…. God – he is so freaking HUGE!

Boarding on Amazing Andy Hilbert. Pat Sajak just said, ‘Rangers SUCK!’ on the video wall. That was brilliant!

Great job – excellent period – off to see the wife and get a new beer!

Prognosis for the second period – continue the pressure, keep the skates moving, and hope that the Hoptical Illusion.

Three great opportunities in the first few minutes, including an open met missed by Jackman. But the Beer is good.

These guys are definitely into the system. I can just hear Rick Moranis scream, LUDICROUS SPEED NOW!

They took away Bailey’s point on the first goal. Now we went from thinking he got his first goal, to not even be on the scoresheet at all….

This box is crazy. They are watching You Tube videos of Family Guy while the Pens are getting a lot of chances on the Islander net. The D is holding up real nice.

Dina is hanging out in the Blog box with us, and my blog mate is in heaven, although he wll not readily admit it! She is even guest blogging on one of the sites.

Power Play Goal – Isles – Guerin with a knuckler – 3-0. Dina MUST STAY HERE! Sabourin out – John Curry in – who the hell is this guy! – Checked on HockeyDB – it is his first NHL game. Usually for us, that means no more goals. Let’s erase that…

This team is so far beyond what the team looked like in mid to late october.

Isles on PP – but ens had 3 opportunities with breakways that were either off, or great stops by Joey Mac. Ricky who?

I hate 3 goal leads… This is like a “F” word to someone…. But the Isles are not holding back.

Pens score with 18.7 left to make it 3-1 – a deflection of a Dupuis shot – I think Satan got it. FIgures… Could he have scored at least one that way last season. You can only hope that the Isles, let that go away, and play hard in the third stanza. Gordon has to tell the boys to keep applying the pressure and make plays.

After 2 – Isles outshooting Pitt 19-16. 2 for 4 on the PP. Being outhit 15-11 but 4-8 on giveaways. Streit and Martinek with over 15 minutes of ice time. Bailey is just under 10 minutes, and Fritz is at a measley 1:35 of ice time. Once again, the Isles need to keep that newfound 3rd period pressure and keep Pitt of the “A” game.

And away we go….

About 3:40 in – Crosby slams into MacDonald with the Puck, and the play is under formal review. NO Goal – what a call.

The Isles, at this time, need to remember the first two periods.

And just as Doug called it – here we go – Malkin sets up Crosby and it is 3-2, with 13:42 left in the 3rd. OK Scott – get the troops going and get these guys in gear!

Malkin ties the game… Oh crap – here we go again! We need a shot of something. Maybe my hoptical illusion. Malkin does it again a minute later. Now we are down 4-3.. Visions of Montreal again. I do not put blame squarely on MacDonald. He could have made some of those saves, but he D left him to dry.

What is the freaking problem with these guys – they just simply lost it, and the Captain now takes a penalty and totally lost his composure to boot. See – we had a three goal lead, and now – we are at a deficit. This stinks!

What a letdown. I am turning the computer off, in preperation for going downstairs. I will add comments in the morning, depending on the situation, as well as my mood.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and I hope you take the time to share your love of friends, family, and everything that is important to you, on this special day. And for those not in the United States of America that are reading this blog, have a Happy Thursday!

Isles in Boston – 12 Noon. Will try and blog from home.

Sabourin and MacDonald in the nets tonight.

Jackman is up, as well as Bergie returning to the lineup.

Thanks to Alex and Steve from Hockey Night on Long Island for having me on the show. It was a lot of fun. If you have never heard their show, you definitely should. Go to www.hockeynightonlongisland.com and check it out.

Crosby playing tonight, despite missing pratice with on Friday. Satan is playing on his side. Rumor has it that he has found God and is changing his name to “Holy Spirit”.

Believe me – that was a bad joke, but I keep on trying.

_____________________________________

Starting Lineup

MacDonald – G
Streit Sutton on D
Hilbert Park Okposo up front.

No singer tonight -> What’s up with that?

Period 1 Notes:
1:00 Crosby does not look so bad.

2:30 – Malkin got hit with something – did not see but he was grimacing.

3:30 – Mac’s first big test by Crosby – nice save.

6:00 – Malkin’s back. The team is not intimidated by the Pens. Howver, there is nothing to show for it. It seems to be like a feeling out process for both teams.

8:30 – Ice is very sloppy

9:20 – Penalty on Talbot – great PP so far – good movement. Okie – had a nice chance but blocked in front.

12:00 – getting a little chippy… I can not believe that the scorebord only shows 5 combined shots in 2 periods…

16:23 – GOAL – Weight shot over left shoulder of Sabourin!

“Amazing Andy” Hilbert and Guerin with the helpers.

18:00 – Great job by Hunter’s line. Nice energy – caused areat turnover.

Good period – did not stand back from these guys. I am hoping that period 3 looks like period 1.
________________________________________
2nd period

Spent most of the period in 317.

Team looked good. Not taking any gruff from the Pens. Great goal by AMAZING ANDY Hilbert, on a great move and pass by Okposo.

Amazed by the way that Jackman’s ability. So much of last season, I thought #28 was useless. However, this season, has has 6 tallies for the ‘Port. That was Tim’s 4th career NHL goal.

Bergie missed a great opportunity late in the period. I like that they are sticking to each other, and are not showing any signs of weakness. Holding Pittsburgh to 11 shots in 40 is quite an accomplishment.

Crowd quite unhappy with the officiating. Can’t say I blame them.

___________________________________________

Period 3

Currently praying to every hockey god I can think of…. (Toe Blake and Eddie Shore to start), for a safe period, and to keep the system going without having it blow in their faces. They need to keep the effort and the hard nosed play for the first 40 to fall into the last 20. First things first, kill the damn penalty. The first two minutes of a period are the worst for this team.

Hopefully, being only up 1 instead of 2 or 3 is a good thing…

Big save for Joey Mac!

Another great opportunity by Kyle falls short. More confidence and those go in. OK – we got through first 4 minutes and so far, ok.

It it easy to see how Streit is overlooked on his defensive abilities. However, in afoot race, he had te presence in mind to work on positioning, so that if he lost in the footrace, he would not get beat on the play. I like his demeanor.

Pitt just hit the crossbar. phew!

It is amazing how much a puck bounces on this ice. Where were the good old days, when players loved the consistency of this rink.

Comment – love the uni’s but I do not like the vertical stripe on the back of the socks. It looks stupid to me.

So far – half way into the period – shots are 10-0. Four icings in the last three minutes. Is this team getting cursed or what? Got to get some sustained pressure on the other side of the net.

Finally a chance – we got no shot, but Nielsen drew a Pitt penalty. I love the way he has played.

Time to make a stand on this PP – first of all – get a shot on net! Well – NOT!

This team is scaring me. I like that we are holding on, but the inveitable scares me. Sutton has done a great job.

3:15 left – Pitt ties the game on their 17th shot of the period – a blast for Goligoski, tipped by Kennedy that hit the top of the crossbar and in. This team seems too damn tentative, and sometimes, I can understand why, but you can not win the game if you do nt get shots on the net.

2:14 – Tambellini finally gets us on the shot column! Yaaaay!

Last second chance, but OT is here. We got a point, and did not gve up 3 goals in the 3rd. Not bad.

My Isles 3 Stars (may change with ot)
3. Jackman -1st goal
2. Streit – great play all around
1. Hilbert – goal assist, and overall nice job tonight.

OT was exciting. A couple of great chances, one by Guerin that I do not know how the heck Sabourin got his skate on it. A little life to say the least.

Now to the shootout….

Weight misses (could not even see it with crowd standing up)
Sykora scores 1-0 Pitt

Guerin – shot in front of the circles – miss
Satan misses (thank God!)

Hunter – misses, but Sabourin slides into the net.
Is it?

Is it?

No – inconclusive. The puck may have crossed the line, but it needed to be 100% visible.

Tough way to lose 1 point. However, it is something to take. The team may have been outshot 18-1 in the period, but it was not a total collapse. The third period is still an issue. A big one at that. I just do not get it. Why do they continue to struggle? If you can figure it out, please let me know?

I think the team will have the day off today, and have a hard practice on Monday in anticipation of the matinee on Tuesday with the Flyers. They need to step out and get this past week out of their minds.

Now if I can only get it out of mine?

Since I have seen some constructive criticism on some of the boards about the:

a) Number of Blog Boxers increased to over 20 and
b) How many write about the same thing

I am taking some of that to heart. I understand, and for the need to try and make some different topics and ideas to the table, I decided to take a look at some of the players on the team, and offer some thoughts.

Let me offer this player on a plate:

#11, Andy Hilbert

Here is a guy that I know many folks in my section were making not only nasty comments about, but taking bets early on in the season last year, on when he would actually put a shot on net, not even a goal. Many really wondered what the coach, if not the team, saw in Andy, and why was he even on this team at all.

This season, however, the 27 year old product of Michigan, seems to get it.

Well – he has had some practice…

After playing with Red Berenson at the U of M, Hilbert spent from 2002 – 2005 on the Providence Bruins, coached by one Scott Gordon. In those seasons, he averaged nearly a point per game, with a high of 79 points on 37 goals in 79 games.

Yes – I know – this is the AHL, not the NHL. He still has not nearly stepped up his game to that level. I think, however, that Andy’s game has improved by leaps and bounds since he was reunited with his old coach.

With the complete change in systems in the last few years (Stirling to Nolan to Gordon), this is one that “Amazing Andy” gets. I can see it in his play. He is skating with some reason now. He is always looking up ice, and making things happen. To be truthful, I wondered what was in his wheaties? But then I failed to remember that he is a Gordon disciple.

His ice time has increased, probably due to the fact, that the coach has more confidence in him, than the others that preceeded him. He has not shown to be a liability, and even in the debacle to Buffalo on Monday, he had more shifts and his ice time has increased from the past few games.

Do I think he is going to be the next Pierre Turgeon? Be serious….

Do I think his play has improved? Absolutely, but three games is not a good mathematical sample for statistical analysis. Let’s just keep our eyes open on this young (well) man, and see how his next few games shape up, before we consider this project to be an improved one.

Tonight – the Isles invade Mullet Bay, I mean Tampa Bay. Coach Melrose has not had the storybook start some pundits thought would happen, but this team is still dangerous up front. Vinny, St. Louis, even young Stamkos, under the right situations, can be tough on opposing defense and goaltending. The Isles need to remember what they did on Saturday, and plaster that to the front of their respective craniums.

As far as goaltending, when DP is ready, he is ready. Joey Mac has been a yeoman, doing the job. A stinker like Monday, can be the panacea that a goalie needs to get his game back. Let’s see MacDonald do just that. We want a BIG MAC in the net, not a Filet of Fish!