According to Chris Botta on Islanders Point Blank, Kyle Okposo was medically cleared to skate. It is still a question mark, as to whether he will be on the ice on the 3rd of October.

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…..

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Tuesday is an extremely important day in Islanders country. In fact, I think even more than winning Cups! (sorry to the Old Timers and Cup Philosophers).

The Lighthouse Project, as eloquently explained, by Chris Botta today, on his Islanders Point Blank site, is the one thing that an Islander fan has to keep attention to. Not Tavares, Bailey, Okposo, or any of the players. Not even what place we expect the team to finish this season.

The Lighthouse – is the WORD!

Tuesday is the walk from the Coliseum to Hofstra to the meeting, which will start at 9:30. To me, I so wish I could be back sitting the Adams playhouse, at me alma mater, cheering on the movement of this great project. Work would absolutely prohibit me from taking that day. The next day, I also leave for Vegas and my annual trip to the NHL Booster Club Convention. I would be so glad to tell the fans of the rest of the NHL’s teams, that we are looking ahead, with a new project, a renovated Coliseum, and the Islanders playing for may years to come on the Island I call home.

As Mr. Botta said on his video, do what you have to do to support the project. Send an e-mail – convince another to come to the meeting, make signs (tasteful, of course), do whatever you can do – to show your support of this. Charles Wang made it perfectly clear, this organization needs the go-ahead to move on – or it will be other options (that will just not be discussed here). So – it is up to us, and make sure that we get this going.

I also hear the Senor Bettman will be there. I know that he is a total supporter of this, and can add some more ammo. It seems like Ms. Murray has been more in tune with this, rather than against. Let’s hope she stays the same way. Hopefully, she does not bring her neighbor, Joe Mondello. Hey Joe – how about sleeping in on Tuesday. Lose the car keys, and forget about this. We do NOT want your mouth there. Disgrace to the political party that I belong to…..

Anyway, let’s take the advice, of the Swami of the Islanders (yes Chris, I used BD’s picture and I think you are a Carnack, and deservedly so!), and get on the support train of the Lighthouse Project. As I stated, I can not be there, but hopefully this blog entry gets you to come out on Tuesday, and show the hockey and the political world, that the Islanders are to STAY, and yes, Kansas City, STAY ON LONG ISLAND!

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Lighthouse, Ramblings

Comrie and Campoli off to Ottawa for Dean McAmmond and a 1st Round Pick (from San Jose).

So we get a pick in the late 20′s in round 1 to go with our #1 pick.

According to Islanderspointblank.com, Chris Botta said that Campoli asked to be traded. That was a tough one to swallow. I thought he was moving up the skill ranks and was playing well. Must have been something in the atmosphere, in the locker room. But when I was there for interview, he was nothing but class all the way. I will miss him…

I will NOT miss Comrie. This guys has killer skills, but to be moved SO MUCH in his career must say something about his attitude. He, in my opinion, is one of the laziest skaters I have EVER seen. He can show in just a few seconds, why he does not want to be here, and I am glad that Garth did the deed, and sent him on his way.

I would have traded a puck bag for him, but I will take McAmmond (a seasoned vet, that be the next version of Sillinger or Park), and that other 1st round selection.

That makes the Friday afternoon interesting, doesn’t it?

Posted under Islanders 08-09

The Thrashers have given over six goals a few times in the last two weeks. A team that is prime for the taking.

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.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

That was all that was on the clock when the final result was created.

10.7 seconds.

Well – most thought this team was not going to get a point anyway. Down 2 going to period 3. The period of doom and disaster. This is when the typical ‘come once or twice a year fan’ would grab their 7 year old and head to an early exit.

This team, changed the fortune for this night, and made it interesting for the fans that remained.

Goals by Sutton and Streit – closed the gap. Things were looking better. 6 straight losses in regulation were ended on this night, and a point came to the total points column.

Thanks to Ovie – that extra point eluded us.

For a change, this team played a HARD 3rd stanza, playing physical, solid forechecking and shots. Almost as many in period 3 as in the first two. Good game played by most of the team in blue. (And dont get me started on why #49 is even there!!!!!)

There were flubs, and dopey decisions in the first two periods. Two of the 4 goals let up by Joey, I am 100% SURE that he would want back. It was pretty much a bore fest for 40 of 60.

And then came overtime. We got through the first 90% of OT without much problems. Then #8 in white snaps a shot, that goes through Joey Mac and off the post and out. It was real close.

20 seconds later, he (Ovie) ended it. A tough pill to swallow, but this game HAS to be used as a setup for better things to come. I usually don’t like talking about ‘momentum’ games, and moral victories. But the way this team has struggled, it may be time to take the moral win for a spin.

Face it folks, we all know that this year was going to be a struggle. It is going to have to be this way for a while. If you read Chris Botta’s site, you read his conversation with Caps GM George McPhee. It brings a lot of insight of how a team can build from the duldrums and move up the ladder. We may not have that ‘star’ that they have, but sticking with the system, through all of the bad and good, can turn losers into winners. Maybe we have to take the rose colored glasses and understand, that the steps may be tricky at first. Unfortunately, some surprising wins, made some fans look for 1st round playoff wins. Please, let’s get through this year, and get the growing pains cleared.

Friday, hopefully, we get Silly, Comrie and Okie back to take the Wild down. I am sure that Kyle wants this so bad. I hope it can happen. Then, when and ONLY when, Ricky is at 110%, get him back, and give Joey the break that he truly deserves. He has been a yeoman and a good soldier all rolled up in one.

I know the times are tough, but stick to this. I really feel that there is opportunities. This can be compared almost to the time when the stock market dives. Most learned investors still say to ride out the storm, and in time, all will be fine. Let the Islanders be that struggling stock. Don’t sell – don’t waver, just stick it out!

Let’s see about this TOGETHER!

NY Hockey Report tonight.

Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/nyhockeyreport

Or www.nyhockeyreport.com

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

We have been there, remember?

4 of your top 6 defensemen out of the game with injuries… BUt damn, can this team score.

But the big question to all Islander fans is?

Is John Sim going to be the Waldo in the puzzle book?

He would be a good prize for a playoff team needing an energy like player. Sim just does not fit this team ethic. Not making him a bad guy, just a non-fit in this outfit.

Well – I am seeing a game with a 4 game loser taking on a 3 game loser. However, the 3 game loser has more weapons.

Then again, so did Philly, but the Isles were not out of that game by any margain. They need to do the same thing. Get goals early, and take the crowd out of the game.

Once that happens, sustain. Keep the legs going, establish the forecheck, and keep the main weapons to the outsides of the faceoff circles, instead of the insides. With a younger and inexperienced defense, make sure that the power play takes advantage of the injury bug, and exploit to every chance.

Now – onto other things. I totally agree with Chris Botta on Islanders Point Blank, that Bailey HAS to be at the WJC. I am glad that he is here, but to me – this is the best opportunity for #12 to excel on the big stage. But, Garth wants him to grow and develop here. I am not mad, I just feel for Josh. I know that inside his heart of hearts, I am sure that he wants to be in Ottawa right now, going for the Gold Medal. As I stated on the New York Hockey Report last night (check our show – the link is on the right side of this page), Partice Bergeron had such a great tournament a few years back, and when he returned to Boston, he excelled. Just ask Sid the Kid how he played.

Yea – and about Sid…. In the beginning of this blog a few years ago – I ripped Crosby up and down about his whining and complaining. I can honestly say, that in the past few years, he has grown up a bit, and has matured into a good young man, with the world in front of him. Has he done a 100% upgrade? Not yet, but he has improved. Although, I think he is the SECOND best player on the team… Hmmmm>????

Well – hope for the best tonight – exploit the D and get 2 desperate points. And if he did not get claimed, welcome back Simmer.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, NY Hockey Report, Player Analysis

Another rough loss last night, and to make matters worse, the Isles head into Philly, a beaten and hurting team.

Sutton and Thompson are out, Fritz and Callahan replace them.

We are heading to ECHL players real soon, if this keeps up.

I agree with Chris Botta, as much as losing another body is a tough thing, I think Bailey SHOULD play the WJC’s in a few weeks. Confidence up the wazoo, and this is what 18 and 19 year old Canadian’s DREAM of playing in. This should be a no brainer for Garth. Let him go.

I know that in this league, anyone can go into a building and pull off a gem. However, the Isles have lost, I believe, 6 in a row in Philly, and they are playing well of late. This is going to look bad.

Comrie, I hear, is back soon… I see a lot of excitement coming from that comment….

I really think that Joey Mac needs a break tonight. I know that Danis had a meltdown in his one game here, but what the heck, let’s see what he has, against a team like the Flyers. Ricky is 3 weeks away from the lineup, and I think Joey needs a day to contemplate life, and other variables.

Question of the Day? Will Fritz see more than 2 minutes tonight?

I like Comeau first two games back. Energy, and smartness. This is the player that many were expecting to see on the Island, not the one that was invisible in camp and exhibitions.

As far as last night, it was nice to hear the comments of one Mr. Blake. He spent a long time here, and deserved, in some cases, a better fate, but he takes it all in stride and moves forward. Nice job!

We get Pittsburgh on Thursday, and Columbus on Saturday. Tonight’s game is on Versus, which means all of the US can see how horrible we really have been. And also – to have other announcers tell us how rough we look.

Just what I need on a Tuesday evening.

Enjoy it – well – tolerate it.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Mark Parrish, according to Chris Botta, has signed a 25 game tryout contract with the Sound Tigers. It gives him an opportunity to return to the Isles at some point.

Interesting….

What do you think of his return to the Island…??? Make a comment, and let me know.

Thanks,

Gary

Posted under Islanders 08-09