I just thought I would type a little…

Jackman – glad he is signed for another season. He brings such a great amount of grit and tenacity to the game. He plays every shift like it is his last. Whether it is a check, a fight, or even blocking a shot – you always know that #28 is there, making an impact.

I hear that we were on TV last night. CJ Papa introduced us and mentioned the fact that we were bussing through the night, and were there to support our boys. I am glad we were there, and the Ottawa people were very nice to us. It is definitely not like going to Montreal, that’s for sure.

Comrie (alias Tinkerbell) had the flu and could not play last night. I was so heartbroken, because I so many NICE things to say about him… Oh well, have to wait till next year.

Campoli did not have much of a factor in the game last night. I can see that he was involved in the action, but in some cases, he looks tentative and when he had to make a check – he did not finish it.

Did you know that Joel Rechlicz is not even 22 yet? That surprises me. I thought he tolled around the ECHL for years but he just moved up to the AHL this season, and now has 7 games under his belt in the NHL. Unfortunately for him, he just does not have the skills to stay up here. With the new NHL – his game will not work.

My battery is starting to fade, so I will end this. With a long busy week in the office, and spending time with my mother at night (she is doing better, she is out of ICU — but still has a long way to go), it is just in my interest.

Have a great week, everyone…

Posted under Booster Club, Islanders 08-09

I just did not want to type last night after the game. Was a little disappointed in the result, and was enjoying a nice quiet night with my wife.

Thoughts from the game, and the weekend.

1. Scotiabank place is probably one of the nicest arena that I have been to. There are lots of food options, and a 50/50 draw that the winner won nearly $14,000… That is sick!

2. Ottawa fans are probably the nicest fans that we have encountered on our trips. Even with my wearing a Yashin jersey (will explain that shortly), the fans were cool.

3. Danis just did not have it last night. The first and the last goals definitely go into the category of “I want it back”. He has done so much in his progression this season, that a hiccup will happen.

4. The forwards just did not have the buzz that they showed on Friday against Carolina. Is it the back-to-back syndrome? Usually this team, as many struggles that we have had, have always done well on the back end of the 2 in 2 games.

5. Okposo keeps getting points, which hopefully will lead to at least a little consideration for R.O.Y.

6. Even with the loss, I am sure that Josh Bailey will remember this game for a long time to come. His 2 goal effort was one of the lone bright spots of the game.

7. Canadian beer is so much better when it is consumed NORTH of the border.

8. Downtown Ottawa is a real nice place to shop, dine and hang out. Again – the people are quite friendly and I really suggest that if you ever want to come to a game in Canada – this is the place to be.

9. My three stars of the game.
3. Joel Rechlicz – was trying to do his best Steve Webb impersonation – hitting everything in sight – getting in a fight with Chris Neil
2. Kyle Okposo – one helper – not his strongest effort, but good players will still get involved in the scoring even when they are not at 100%
1. Josh Bailey – two goals and looked much more mature and focused.

Well – time to turn off the computer – as we are going for breakfast at our hotel before the bus ride home.

Have a good day!
Gary

Posted under Booster Club, Islanders 08-09

Pens coach Michel (I can not be called Michael anymore) Therrien was let go after Saturday night’s 6-2 debacle at the hands of the Maple Leafs, starring Jason Blake. Even with last year’s magical run, Pittsburgh players were at severe odds with the coach, and this season, with the exception of the two young stars, this team was definitely lacking passion and focus.

I see Streit out on the ice, which should be a good thing for the Isles, as they try and up end from this five game streak of losses. You know that the Pens will be fired up to play for the new coach, former Islander assistant, Dan Blysma, but this Islander team needs to match or play above the opponents intensity level, and take a stranglehold of this game.

By the way – the Islanders are doing a number of charity opportunities:

1. Get the stick from the player’s hands
2. Get to skate on the Coliseum Ice
3. Get to be in the Islanders official team picture

All great opportunities for the fans. For further information, please check out www.newyorkislanders.com for more information.

I will be blogging during the same, and saving to each period.

Also just got word that the ICE BREAKERS are no more. I guess LOUDVILLE will be upset with that……

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Kyle Okposo — 1/21/09

Franz Nielsen –1/21/09

Yann Danis 1/21/09

Gordon Presser 1/21/09

** ABOVE ARE AUDIO CLIPS FROM THE LOCKER ROOM AFTER THE GAME**

Got here at game time, and by the time I got the computer running, Kyle scored a brilliant PP Goal just over 3 minutes into the contest.

What a wicked shot by Okie.

I figured that after the Ducks got spanked by the Rangers last night, that theu would come out guns a-blazing. However, they look as flat as we did against the Devils on Saturday night.

By the tone of some of the fellow blog boxers and the folks in 201, there are some anti-Comrie sentiment. Sounds probably about the same as it did in Edmonton, Philly, Phoenix and Ottawa.

PK did a good job on their first effort. So far – game a little on the dull side. Both teams trying to feel each other out.

2-0 – first NHL goal for Kurtis McLean – blast from the right face off dot. What a blast! He has shown some spunk and some life up here in his first two contests in the NHL. Bridgeport’s loss – our gain…

Anaheim got some pressure in the latter stages of the period, but the Isles held their own.

Witter gets a Delay of Game penalty at the last minute of the stanza. -27… Sheesh!

PERIOD 2

Ducks had a few chances on their PP, but some nice saves by Danis, and some good work in front of him, squelched the opportunity.

Nielsen has really looked well.

The Getzlaf, Perry, Kunitz line has been strong, taking the Isles off the puck at many opportunities, forcing the Isles to ice the puck.

Congrats to Martinek, on the birth of his daughter Veronica.

Right now – with 15 minutes remaining in period 2 – the Isles are being outshot 21 – 9. In the past, when we were outshot we usually won. Hope I did not jinx the team.

Thinking about Danis – 9 goals in 4 games (2.25 GAA) and a save percentage in the 90′s. He has stepped up and did the job. He hasn’t look clinically well, but he has been formidable to say the least.

On this last PK – Danis has been brilliant making a number of point-blank stops, including one on the doorstep. Gordon HAS to say something nice about him tonight.

There has been a definite sense of who is the better team in this period, but the Islanders, especially their netminder, has been the difference. What the Isles need to do, is keep this focus going, and play that elusive 60 minute game that they so crave for. This would be a nice way to end the losing streak and get the guys off for a mini-vacation with a positive to build on.

Another lucky break that dinked off the post, on a nice deflection by Cory Perry.

Ducks get a PP goal off a dump in by Perry that deflected off the stick of Bobby Ryan. I am sure Danis would want that back, but it was a low percentage shot that got by. Now – more than ever, the Isles need to take it to the Ducks – and get the 2 goal cushion back.

Right now – it seems like the Isles are just content with just dumping it out of their zone, instead of finding some lanes and getting pucks to the net. And just as I say that, McLean gets a great pass from Nielsen and Hiller had to make a great stop to keep it from being 3-1.

With 40 minutes completed, the Isles are holding their own – but they have to more than just that.

PERIOD 3

After 2 – some stats:

Gervais leading in ice time – 18:24
No one with more than 2 shots.
Face offs favor Anaheim 51-49%
Shots – 31-13 Anaheim (19-5 in the 2nd period)

Again – if I was the coach – I would try to get the team to be a little more aggressive in the neutral zone (but not THAT aggressive). Give Danis a little break and get some pressure on Hiller.

One thing that Danis definitely needs work on, is clearing the puck from the back of the net. He is too tentative, and unsure, which leads to some chances for the opponents.

I am really convinced that Comrie (alias Tinkerbell), is just going through the motions. He always seems to be running in a slower gear than his linemates, and at times, looks like he is standing still.

Can someone please hit the NET!

I am really getting sick of the Kansas City chants. I will talk about this on an upcoming entry, but it will not happen. Now – back to the game.

Finally, someone had the nerve to carry the puck out of the zone, rather than dumping out. Great job Jack Hillen. However, the play was offside. It is like a Rosanne Roseanna-danna moment.

Another great play by McLean but just missed the tip -in.

10 minutes into the period, and we have no shots on goal. They can not keep this up. It will come back and haunt them, I just know it. Anaheim only has 3, so it isn’t as bad but still you can not win with no shots on net.

These guys need to stop trying to thread the needle, and hit the net with shots; you have traffic in front of the goalie, rely on them to clear the garbage and put it home.

The crowd is getting restless, and I understand completely.

At least the “D” is clearing up the mess in front of Danis. Getzlaf made a great move and passed to a open wing, but the defense came to the rescue.

Penalty to the Isles – Park for tripping. Not at the most opportune time. THEY MUST KILL THIS!!!!

Finally – we got a shot on goal!!!! Eureka!!

Great job! Now – get some shots, and end this thing!!!

Last minute and Hiller is off to the bench. Great stop by Danis!!!

Time out Anaheim – the wait is killing me! We need this win! 28.4 crazy seconds left on the damn clock!

V I C T O R Y ! ! ! ! ! Finally – a win in January! The streak is OVER!!!!

My Three Stars

3. Nielsen – two assists.

2. McLean – First NHL goal

1. Danis – simply a BRILLIANT job tonight!

Thank god for the break. This 5 game home stand killed me! See you next week, when we will start again on Thursday in Atlanta. At least the guys will get some time to relax, and recuperate. Maybe we will get a near full roster back? We can only hope!

I got some audio clips from the Locker room. I got the coach, along with Danis, Nielsen and Okposo.

Check them out…

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Got here late – what else is new….

Glad to hear that the Doobster is back in the fold….

Nothing much to start – a few major hits by Witt, especialy one in open ice. You have to establish yourself early against a team like Boston.

Got back from getting a hot dog – and I see the Isles are outshooting the B’s 8-1. This is the way to start…. Now – biscuits ain baskets!

Sim just took a stupid penalty running into Thomas. Let’s see how the PK does against this Bruins PP – with Shorty Chara on the back line and with 2 goals the other night – you have to worry about it.

BTW – what was Tambellini thinking about trying to knock Chara to the ice?

Okposo just took a hit with the puck to the face – just what we need – another freaking injury.

We should be over 300 man games lost now…. The Rangers – by the way are at 10.

2nd period – shots 17-7 after 1

Bruins go 1-0 3 minutes in. Did not see puck, as I was rescuing my crashed computer.

Not a bad crowd, considering the elements. And by the way, was that deal in the Hudson river unbelievable….?

Jackman in a tussle with Thornton – actually not much….

Amazing stat shown on the scoreboard…. Boston – 10 shots blocked, Islanders (leading the NHL right now) 0.

Good to see Okie back – we thought it may have been a broken jaw issue… He nd Bailey had a nicetic-tac-toe move – that almost equalized this game.

Danis has not been tested all that much – but he has looked adequate. Just carry the load until Dubie is ready to go.

Comeau just introduced Krejci to the penalty box. Nice hit – his confidence has been growing.

Another great stat – 20 for 30 in faceoffs.

Power play for the Isles – let’s see if we do something with this one….???

1 – 0 after 2 – Witter made a good recoup after the passing blunder in the last few seconds. The Isles definitely lead the league in shooting pucks on opposing shin guards.

What do the Isles have to do in the third – shoot, shoot and shoot. Be a little more relentless and in the last few minutes – go ‘balls to the walls’.

3rd period
———-

Couple of good opportunities in front of Thomas. Keep the pressure up and intensify.

Penalty on Isles – tussle in front of Danis. This would be a nice time for a shorty…

Bruins get a fluky bounce, and make it 2-0. St. Pierre gets the fortunate bounce. Now we need 2. Now – agressive in the forecheck, and start taking chances. There is still time – but the time is NOW!!!

The John Tavares chants are starting. It is starting to get nuts now. Another Islander penalty. Campoli is the guilty party and he is not signing up for the Kelly Sutherland fan club.

Will we get one past Thomas? That is the $64,00 question? This team has played decently, but no finish. There it was – three or four point blank chances – but nothing to show for it. Another slew of chances – and KO finally got Chara to the deck.

4 minnutes left, and the crowd is trying to leave early…. Sorry – get on my soapbox – but I NEVER leave a game early – and I dont say that because I am here at the Blog Box. I stay for the end of 9-2 games. You pay for a sixty minute (or more) of ice hockey – then get the money’s worth – even if we do not win the match. It is the footy (Soccer) mentality.

Well – back from the soapbox and to the blog box…

Three Stars (even with no goals…)

3. Okposo – gets hit in the face comes back and had some good opportunites – even put Big Z on his arse.
3. Danis – looked ok – got two fluky goals scored on him – but made some fine stops
No 2 or 1 tonight.

Have a good weekend – stay warm – it’s going to be biting tomorrow. If anything good comes from the press conference at the end of the game – I will comment…

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Thoughts at warmup…

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!

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Notes:

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.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Just found out thanks to Tom Liodice at www.thetigertrack.com, Nate Thompson out 2-4 weeks with a mild groin strain… Just what we need… another injury.

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?

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09