Blake Comeau was claimed off waivers by the Calgary Flames, who will put him on the third line, the team announced Friday. Comeau, claimed from the New York Islanders, will take the spot of third-line left winger Paul Byron, who was sent to AHL Abbotsford.

Posted under Uncategorized

CALGARY - The Calgary Flames are hoping a change of scenery will help Blake Comeau pull out of a long scoring funk.

Posted under Uncategorized

The folks of the Quebecois persuasion know how to get the tickets to the Islander games, that’s for sure.

There were hundreds upon hundreds of  Bleu, Blanc and Rouge at the Coli last night, and you would think if you were just listening, that you were in Centre Bell.

However, it was an Islander home game.

Despite being down a couple of times in the 3rd period, the Isles responded, and ultimately got the second point from the skills competition, sending the Habs fans home unhappy.

This team, even with them being out of the playoff dance, are playing their hearts out, and are not settling for just ending the season.  The grit, determination, and overally intensity is up, and the results show in the “W” column.

For anyone that has the audacity to say that the team should ‘tank’ it – and try to get a better position for a Tyler Hall or Seguin or some other hot prospect, should be just shot!  As a professional athlete, especially a hockey player, can not just drop their play level.  They are the proudest bunch of the athletes in professional ranks, and I am proud to follow these guys.

Poor Blake Comeau – hurts his leg (foot), in the first period, after scoring again.  Such a shame he was not among the top 3 of last week.  He should have been there.  Hopefully, he will be able to suit up for the remaining 3.

Sean Bergenheim was all over the place.  He was a pest, and made some great moves in the offensive zone.  I just wish this intensity was around all year, but I am happy it is here now.  Something so positive to bring to next season.

Would any of us thought that we could say that Marty Biron is 7-0-2 in his last 9?  Wow!  The ultimate team player, and I so wish he comes back next season.

From first hand knowledge – this is a great locker room.  The guys ALL get along so well, and all seem to enjoy playing together.  Even with Jon Sim in his face last week , Andy Sutton, would not rule out coming back to play here next season.  That says BUNCHES about the character of this team.

Just so appreciate that this team is ending the season on such a high note.  They are currently 17 points ahead of last season with 3 games left.

I just hope that more and more folks in Islander Country appreciate the overall effort of the team.  Yes, we did not make the playoffs, but unlike last season, there are a great deal of glimpses of hope, that a corner will be turned again.  With a positive outlook, cap space galore, the continued improvement of the current corps, and the talent that is ready to come up – you have to look forward to 2010-11. 

If you are not aboard the Islander train – we can stop it – and let you come on in.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Sitting at JFK waiting to get on my flight to the west coast.   This is my first ‘road trip’ in a while.  I do not call the Florida ones road trips, because it is a blip in my timeshare stay.  This is a real excursion.  I am going to all three games on this trip – Vancover, Anaheim, and Los Angeles.  I am looking forward to some sun, some time with my beautiful wife, and also some time to see my sister and her husband in California as well.

As for the hockey team, what a nice weekend.  4 out of 4 points, and great play overall.  Kudus to Blake Comeau, who continues his stellar play with 3 helpers.  Richard Park get his second shortie for the Isles in consecutive games, and overall this team does not show any signs of letting up.  Thiswas a good momentum booster for this important three game trip.  Being with all Western Conference teams, there is no 4 point swing matches; just the chance to make up some ground.

That road, however, will be full of bumps and bruises.  Tuesday, Vancouver is the host, fresh off a 14 game road trip, going 8-5-1 and still holding their lead in the NorthWest Division.  Led by the Sedin twins, and Alex Burrows, their main unit has provided such an offensive spark.  Their second line features Mikael Samuelsson, who after finding out that he was not going to make the Swedish Olympic Team,gone on an absolute tear, and now has 30 goals on the season.  This is a team that will bang when it needs to, skate like the wind, and has a world class goalie in Roberto Luongo (remember him?).

Friday, it is the Ducks in Anaheim.  13th in the conference, they are still not a team to be taken lightly.  They still possess supreme firepower, and can open up a game quickly.  Their defense is just not the same, but they have Hiller in net – and that can be a tough situation for the Isles to deal with.

Saturday – Los Angeles.  The real surprising Kings, with Jonathan Quick in net – leading the NHL in victories this season.  Their offense is not in the top of the league, but they get contributions from all four lines.  The Kings really have the chance to make some headway in the playoffs, and can surprise many.

The Islanders have their chance to make a step, but they MUST play three SOLID games, against some strong Western teams.  They can not have their guard down for even a minute, or they will get burned.  The next report will be after the Canucks game on Tuesday night.

Have a great day folks!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Using the Saints line – who is this team? 

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

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

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

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

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

You could also blame the netminding too…

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

Who can the Hawks look to?

 

 

Rollie? 

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

To the game…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a hockey day folks!

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

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10, Ramblings

Guys are getting healthy on this team right now….

I am just not used to saying that, especially from last year’s woes. The Captain, Doug Weight, is skating with authority, and will be ready to go on Thursday, as the Isles head to Canada for their road opener against the Sens.

“The team is pretty healthy, and that’s important. With a young team, if you’re not healthy, that can be a big problem”, said Weight to the media after practice yesterday.

This is a good sign.

Also – Blake Comeau was also out on the ice, after an illness forced him out of the opener on Saturday. Defensemen Brendan Witt took a nasty shot to the skate at practice, but like the warrior he is, is back out on the ice, and should be ready to go.

Newly acquired Rob Schremp is also skating and will play on a line with Josh Bailey and Jon Sim on Thursday. The Syrcause, NY native is highly looking to show the naysayers what he has in the tank. A self-professed Rangers fan growing up (for which he CAN be forgiven — everyone has their mistakes), he is “ecstatic” to make his mark on this team, and get to play every day.

Joel Rechlicz was sent back to Bridgeport to make room for the new guys in the lineup. Hopefully the raw talent will get some significant playing time in the “A”, which is just what he needs.

Already, the rumor mill is buzzing. According to reports from ESPN.com, Marty Biron is actively on the Red Wings radar. After sub-par efforts from both Chris Osgood, and Jimmy Howard (another player that just has not gotten the proper chance to prove his worth), the Wings can see a benefit from getting Biron – who has proved himself in both Buffalo and Philly. I think Garth will definitely wait a good amount of time, before making any kind of decision as to moving a goaltender.

The Isles, on Saturday, will continue onto Boston for a Saturday night showdown with the big bad Bruins. I will be in attendance that game, and will have some commentary about the game, as well as the Hartford Whalers Booster Club, who got me the tickets for the game. I will talk about their loyalty to the Whale after over a decade out of the NHL game. They are an interesting story, and a great bunch of die-hard fans, who deserve an NHL team to call their own again.

Have a great day, all…

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Well – it is nice to be back at the Coliseum for another season of Islanders Hockey. The big question on my mind, is that the October 3 date is almost come and gone… So what is the state of the Islander franchise?

We should soon find out.

Two minutes before the warmups begin, and therer are John Tavares chants…. Hmm , what about the rest of the team? That was a quote from my friend John Klos. I can not take the credi (But DAMN, I wish I would)….

Roloson is starting tonight (Doug got that one right – I missed that one). Robbie Schremp is playing though. No Blake Comeau.

Will continue blogging at the start of the game.

The slogan ths season is take it to the limit….. Well – it is as loud as you can get it.

Opening line = Thompson – Park Jackman – Streit and Martinek in back wih Roloson in net.
Good luck boys

Tavares second shift of the game – on a line with Okposo and Moulson. No jitters whatsoever.

Matt Moulson gets the first penaly of the season – interference. Well – the refs hate us already….

After a good effort on a PP – Crosby gets a bounce pass and gets 5 hole on Roloson – 1-0 Pens.

Jackman gets in the first fight of the year with Mike Rupp. Call it a draw. Got the fans up and yelling….

Posted under Islanders 09-10

And it is a good thing….

At least the second pick of the draft will be coming by way of Long Island. Hopefully for the Islanders case, we may see the #1 pick come.

Most people on the boards were picking the team apart for ‘deliberately pissing off the season’, in order to get the team the first pick (TAVARES/HEDMAN). Will this be the future of the Islanders franchise? I like this move….

Believe me – this team did NOT TANK! I just believe that this team just simply ran out of gas. You simply look at the players. You can see they are trying; and in many cases, trying so hard, but it is just a result of players trying to keep up with teams that are going for the playoff push, and just want it more.

I really feel bad for Blake Comeau. He really looked like a guy that was turning a corner. With the upcoming playoffs for the Sound Tigers, he really had the chance to really put his talent to the test. However, the broken wrist just slapped him in the face (proverbially, of course).

I just got my tickets for the Sound Tigers playoff games next weekend at the Coliseum. I am looking forward to seeing the work that Jack Capuano has made with this team. The fact that the AHL affiliate is playing such tremendous hockey, and playing the same style of play that the parent team is using. This is a great testament to the organization that when a player gets called up, he knows EXACTLY what he will be dealing with. He knows standard plays and scenarios, and doesn’t need that extra time for assimilation.

Tuesday, at 8PM on Versus, we will know whether it is John Tavares, or Victor Hedman will be on the radar screen. I am voting on the setup man. I can see why Dougie Weight was signed up for next season. What a great teacher to have. We can see how Josh Bailey was maturing as the season has progressed. I can seesome real great things on the horizion.

Are you upset about being number 30? Yes I am – but not really. Just as you get in a new box of cereal, there is a prize at the bottom of the box. In a few days, we will see what it will be…

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

Here are the clips from today’s Game…. Enjoy!

Scott Gordon

Kyle Okposo

Blake Comeau

Sean Bergenheim

Frans Nielsen

Mike Iggluden part 1

Mike Iggluden part 2

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Hey Vanna, can I buy a Vowel?

Maybe a goalie?

You can almost take a full-size picture of Ricky and cut some holes in it – and you have the 2009 version of Operation.

Do you think Milton Bradley would mind? I wish I knew Photoshop, or I would be on this….

Will he play tomorrow? Will we end the year with a victory? Right now, my prognostication skills blow, so I will let you be the judges…

Despite the 4 goals given in the 3rd, the Isles played a ‘decent’ game – not good, not terrible, decent.

Has Kyle blossomed lately? He has been brilliant. So has Blake Comeau.

Josh has entered the Bow-wow zone again… Let him make the mistakes. He will not grow in this environment if he does not get the chances. I was the one that said send him to the Junior tournament; so if you are going to keep him here, play him, DAMN IT!

Tinkerbell’s wings are coming unglued. Maybe the sleeping beauty awakens.

I keep getting impressed with Streit’s defensive abilities. What was Carby thinking last season?

Well – let’s see what happens tomorrow… I will be in the Blog Box, so expect an article just before the ball drops tomorrow night. HAPPY 2009 everyone!

Posted under Islanders 08-09