Time to establish some things during the next 20 days.

1.  Who is the home team?  Get the last change – get the right person for the face off – hopefully get the right combinations on the ice at the right time…

2.  Get a lead.  Now that would be a concept instead of this constant comeback garbage.

3.  Get someone other than Tavares to get a goal.  I hope that Matty M is not the new version of Waldo.

4.  Solidification on defense.  Although I know that Bruno tries, he may need to get the Hockey for Dummies book that Charles has and start to use it…  And while he is at it – pass it to Mark Streit.  I really do not want to get on him, but since he was n0minated for Swiss sportsman of the year, his defensive play has suffered.

5.  Get Okposo off the point.  He has gotten points on the PP when he is between the circles or down low.  Get someone else to the point.

6.  Physical presence.  Joensuu is a big body.  I hope that Andy Sutton is back – but he has not practiced with the team – so that may not be a viable option.

7.  Consistency in net – and the play in front of the netminders.  Don’t understand why the team plays more offensively in front of Rollie than it does for Marty.  But this needs to improve.

8.  Crowds – be loud, proud, and show your support.

That should be a menu for success.

Will not be blogging the game tomorrow – will be sitting with the wife.  Enjoy the game everyone – and enjoy the weekend!

I am just glad that the first few rows of my section are predominantly season ticket holders.  Fights galore – the poor security guys deserve their pay – along with a little combat insurance.

Just happy with all of the effort – basically no negatives.  Except Bruno is -10 in 7 games.  That HAS to improve.  Streit has not gotten on the score sheet – but is playing 26-29 minutes a game – and looks fine.

Great work by Hillen.  He is improving by leaps and bounds!

Sorry Hank - JT 'whooshed' it by ya!

Moulson and JT - what can you say.

3rd period was a great effort.  Glad to see it pay off in a big “W”.

Roloson was truly amazing last night.  His veteran presence does help his guys in front of him, and when he has confidence, the rest of the team glows with it.

This always puts me in a better mood for the day – even if things are tough in the office, or whatever, having a big win against the Rangers makes a day lighter and happier.

Enjoy, Islander fans!

I told her to read here.

As Theodore and Roloson lead their teammates onto the practice ice, I see that the CAPTAIN is once again missing…. He may not be on the score sheet that much, but he is providing a lot that the casual fan just does not see. He wil be missed tonight.

Bruno is out on the ice. Glad they found his sweater. However, there are 7 D on the ice right now – so let’s see who gets the heave ho.

What do I think the Isles need to do tonight? Skate with a purpose. Look like you mean to be there. At the game in Montreal the other night – They looked like a bunch of lost puppy dogs. They have to put the like they want to win the game, and slam, Ovie to oblivion, while keeping their eyes on the rest of the team.

If you are following the game and checking out the blog – I will create entries for the Pre-Game, and I will submit one after each period, with my thoughts and comments.

See ya.

PS – Mark Aliberti – a die-hard Isles fan that IM’s me ALL the time (and I do appreciate it…) predicts a 5-2 loss for our guys. I am going to call a 4-3 win.

Why, you ask?

Just a hunch – but I think we are due to make an upset. Tonight is the night – and I am hoping that ROLLIE steals one for us, like the veteran he is.

********* PRE GAME SKATE *********

Biron should be starting tonight – (from sources). Biron is one victory shy of 200 for his career. This would be a nice night to accomplish that feat. BTW- both goalies have .500 career records against San Jose (Biron 2-2 Roloson 13-12).

Again – the focus needs to be eneregy and focused the ENTIRE night.

And Biron came out first… Hillen out there again – so it appears that Bruno is sitting out tonight again… However, I have not been overly impressed by Witt this season, and the -9 in some cases is glaringly obvious.

Let’s Go Islaners chant already coming out of the folks by the ice at section 101.

Sutton, I believe played a better game last night. Still a little too slow on the skates for my taste, but I see an improvement nevertheless. The “D” needs to be more agressive, and needs to show a little more foot speed – with this strong skating and offensively GIFTED Sharks team. Adding the talent level of a Dany Heatley to this team, the defense needs to have their “A” game in tact.

For all of you folks from the UK, I just came across a couple from Nottingham here to see the game. I will get a picture from them when they get back home (by the way guys – my e-mail address is nyibc1@aol.com).

Lastly – seeing Josh Bailey taking a lot of shots as the warmup ended. Hope to see a lot of winding up from #12 as the game goes on.

********* PERIOD 1 *********

Coming out to the ice in a smoky fog. Interesting.

Starting lineup:

Biron
Sutton
Hillen
Park
Bergenheim
Jackman

Marleau’s line starts for the Sharks.

First few minutes mean a great deal to this Islanders squad. Have to come out speedy and guns ablazing. Let’s see if they do just that.

And to make that point come home – Sutton ices thepuck just 15 seconds into the game. Oy vey!

First few minutes – the lines have looked up to the challenge. Been hearing comments from folks about Weight’s presence on this team. I think without him – this team would be searching for a lot of identity. He brings the calming influence.

Biron just make a very crucial save from some San Jose attack.

I like Tim Jackman – but in some cases – the man can get knocked offthe puck like a rag doll.

Bergie and Bailey having some nice chemistry early on. Marleau just got away with puhing out Moulson – JT just made a great move spring Moulson in front of the slow for a nice effort on Nabokov. Isles outshooting SJ 8-3 8 minutes in.

Weight just made a nice moving – getting around defensemen – but was too close to the goalie to make it happen. The Isles are steping up their game quite well – if this effort stays throughout the game – there is a chance.

Biron make a nice save with Marleau and comany in front of his net.

Not the most physical of games so far, which could be an advantage to the home team.

Witt just got drilled by Thonrnton. Brendan had that look on his face likehe was going to kill, but held back.

Jody Shelley just got the first penalty of the game for interference with Biron.

The Isles PP has been ok – let’s see how they do tonight. Moulson, JT and Okie out there. And Okie does it. Great shot from the slot, beats Nabokov – 1-0 ISLES. JT with the assist – great setup. This is EXACTLY the start this team needed. Sustaining it – is another thing. Weight got another assist.

Tavares gets his first penalty as a Islander – defending his teammates, giving a Shark player a face wash – and letting the opponents know that he is not going to stand around. He did not go in alone.

Ending my commentary for the period. The Isles look brilliant. I have said this a thousand times – but they need to sustain the effort, and keep it going.

********* 2ND PERIOD *********

The word of the period is SUSTAIN!

Isles on the PP – Blake for interference. Weight back on the point 2 shots – but no big chances. Marty takes the a penalty bu a Shark goes in with him for a 4 on 4 situation. Ortmeyer got 2 for diving.

have just came up with the conclusion that Joe Thornton is a BIG MAN!

Okie had a great shoot opportunity, and Nabokov mde a great glove stop. Jed Ortmeyer drew a penalty – this time – and Witt was te recipient. Marleau makes the Isles pay with a backhand over the glove of Biron 1-1. Shark fans should be thanking Jed for that one.

This is the moment when the Isles need to answer back and answer quickly. Make the Sharks feel the pressure.

Another observation – the Ice is bumps and making the puck do some interesting dances. Right now – the Ises are letting the Sharks dictate the play. Coaching staff needs to get these guys a little enraged. Isles being outshot 9-4 in this period, and need to get their mojo back.

And sure enough Thornton gets a loos puck behind the net and backhands it to Vesce who beat Birn easily. He should have had this one. 2-1 San Jose.

Isles get a Delay of Game power play. If there was a time for these guys to step up – it is NOW! Half way through – and Weight just hit the post. The crowd just went nuts… And the look on Weight’s face just about said it all.

The third period needs to be a return to the first period dominance. The team knows they can do it – they just have to get it done.

And before the period ends, the Isles get such a bogus holding call on Hillen.

********* 3RD PERIOD *********

OK – will the REAL Islanders team, please stand up! Or in this case, make themselves known. We need to see the first period Islanders return to the ice in the 3rd frame.

Isles start the period on the PK = need to get the job done, and return to pressure that they showed early on, but a slap shot from Thornton my have been deflected past Biron – giving San Jose the 3-1 lead..

Well – so much for making a statement… Since the Rangers are beating Toronto right now – there would still be two teams without a victory.

Thornton got the goal. It did not get deflected in by somone else. The Sharks ar still a team that is struggling to gain its identity, but you can see how talented that they really are.

Great move by Okposo maneuvering around a couple of defensemen but unable to get it around Nabakov in net.

If you remember in my post earlier in the day, I was putting my focus on Josh Bailey. Have you noticed that I have not mentioned his mane that much?

Jt got off a nice shot on a good pass from Witt. A little more shots and maybe the fortunes will change.

Isles stating to show a little passion. Bergie made a couple of nice moves an started to get into the face of a Sharks D-man. Passion needs to intensify more – get these guys off their game.

Story of this perid for the Isles -is low percentage shooting. Got to establish a closer game to the slot to be more effective.

With 8 minutes left – time is running out…. Have to make a move now – or we can kiss win number one goodbye tonight.

Setoguchi just walked in and got the puck over Biron’s shoulder. 4-1 – and the fans are leaving in droves.

I am closing the blog for the night. I will add some quotes and other things tomorrow. Have a good night everyone….

Another “Point” from Chris, was the suggestion on who should be Captain. I, like Senor Botta, believe that the job of Captain should be Mark Streit’s. Weight is a great man in the locker room, as well as the ice, but Mark is here longer term that Dougie. You don’t necessarily have to have an “C” on the chest, in order to act like a captain.

As four Dougie, he should be skating again in a day or so, as should Bergie and Bruno.

Garth and Scott have some tough decisions to make as far as who stays and who goes.

As far as the game the other night… I am very impressed by Matt Moulson (too bad his name is not the same spelling as the beer – what a marketing ploy!) He is taking major advantage of his oppurtunities.

JT had some moments… There were times, that he was just beaten like a rookie. But there were glimpses (small, but significant) of what kind of talent level he is, as well as why he was drafted #1. I think familiarity, and time will make that shine. He did not seem to look intimidated, or show any fears of digging in. That is something I would expect from all of the reports that I have heard about.

I also liked how Calvin de Haan looked out there. Again, for a kid of 18 or 19, he has a certain ‘older’ look about him. He brings the puck up smoothly, and seems to be poised. Another decision that will be interesting for the guys in the suits.

I am also rooting hard for Marty Biron. I have heard so many great things about him; how he is such a great team guy, and everybody he plays with seem to love him. The PK defense hung him out there – but he looks ready to compete.

One more game before the final cuts. One more chance for some to impress the brass. Eight days to opening night…. Got to think of what I want for the tailgate party…. Hmm…..

2. Mannino did ok. I did not see the first goal, but it definitely was one that he would want back.

3. Nice to see Bruno getting involved again. He looks so confident with Mark on the Blueline.

4. Was that ice awful?

5. Yes – I am typing at 3:10 AM – we just changed bus drivers, and we are heading up I87 to I90. We should reach Ottawa around 10AM.

6. More updates and thoughts later. I am going to try and get some sleep.

I just do not have the desire to write. However, with what has happened lately, can you blame me?

THe Ricky soap opera continues. Leave it at that…

Nice to see Nate and Franz returning.

Shame to see that Silly is hurt – and this may spell the end…???

Sutton out another 8-10 weeks with surgery today!!! Ugh!

Witt looks lost out there at times, and that really bothers me…

Bruno has stepped up his game, and Campy seems to be sinking.

Can Martinek stay healthy for a stretch?

Congrats to Dougie on 1000, and Billy G on 400. Garth, keep these guys, if they want to stay.

I am not going to the game tonight – I am still on Business Plan mode. I probably will only get to see Saturday’s contest on this 4 game home stand. Work is rough right now – but hey, I am employed, so I have to be happy about something.

Let’s just hope that this game will be like the first 3 this year – spirited, exciting games, and for us – a happy recap!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk on Friday, before the Leafs contest.

I am going to just provide my notes and thoughts as the game progresses.

Warmups… Joey MacDonald came out first…. Hillen is out, Pock is in. Jack looked a little shaky last night, so it is a break for him. Weight wearing the “A” at home with Park wearing it on the road. DP is not bending too much, and is just letting the shots go through.

Comments on the 1st period:

What a difference 24 hours makes…. Great decision-making by the team, excellent puck pursuit. Seeing all four lines making huge contributions. Hilbert with 2 points in the period, Bruno, as well. This will equal more and more confidence. Joey Mac made some great stops in the period. He is comfortable handling the task. Can they keep the momentum going? Let’s see what the second period brings….

Second Period Comments:

No scoring, but very little mistakes made in the neutral zone. I like what I see from Thomas Pock. He looks comfortable in this system. The only isusue I have is with the power play. The one that ended the period was much better, but the ones earlier were sloppy. Have to establish the points a little better. Not a terrible period, but they did not provide this Blues team with a lot of chances. The Isles MUST play hard and rest on their laurels. Take it to the Blues!

Third Period Comments:

St. Louis scored a goal eight minuites in. MacDonald overcommits, and lets Tkachuk get an easy marker. The Isles can not take it easy. They have to keep the tempo upgoing (which they have). MacDonald has been strong again. I have never seen a young defensemen like Pieterangelo from St. Louis be up in front of the net so much. Is he really a defenseman? Great save at the end by MacDonald…. Guerin get the empty netter to seal the deal. 5-2. Great game. Now 1-1-0-0.

Three stars:

3. Gervais – two point night
2. Hilbert – two point night
1. MacDonald – great game in net.

I totally agree with the choices. An honorable mention to Weight. I think he had some extra wishes to play hard against his old team tonight. Also – to Meyer for his great positional play on D, as well as laid that great hit in the first period.

Comments from the locker room:

Coach Gordon was happy with the team’s performance. The team played real hard, and with the goal scoring the confidence seemed to increase. He was very impressed by MacDonald’s performance. He did not want to talk about DP at all, he wanted to be talking about the positives.

MacDonald was glowing. He was so appreciative of the accolades coming to him. He feels that Ricky will be ready and will be the man. He (MacDonald) is willing and able to be at the helm, whenever he is called.

Hilbert is just happy for Gordon. He played for him in Providence, and is happy to get the win for him. He said that Gordon has worked so hard for it, that he deserves the chance.

Experience

This was great. I have had the opportunity to cover baseball games, as well as a few Sound Tiger matches in the lockout years. However, getting the chance to cover my team, and see the reactions from the locker room, was real exciting. A win definitely makes it better. I know that being in the blog box, I can be a fan, as well as ‘media like’, but I really tried to keep the emotions in check. But once the fourth goal came, I had to raise the arms and get a little excited.

Thanks to Ken, Frank, Mike, and BD, for welcoming me, and making my first game in the Box a lot of fun. I hear that there is an initiation going, but you are not getting me in a dress…