I usually do not like to assign  blame for a loss.  If you win – it is a team win – if you lose – it’s a team loss.

However, I think that the powers that be need to recognize when a change to the momentum or kismet needs to be done.  This was not accomplished last night.

Scott Gordon, in my opinion, NEEDED to take a time out and calm down the troops after the Rangers got their second goal.  After an outstanding first period where just about every aspect of their game was flawless, the Islanders went back on their heels.  The passing was not crisp, the battles were being lost, it just looked like the guys were not in the game.  Although we as fans understand that the players were not just going through the motions, appearances may lead one to believe something different.  To me – the coach needed to take a time out, and give the guys  a chance to change perceptions and attempt to get the guys to be in a different direction.

That second goal made a chance in the atmosphere in the building, and effectively took the sails out of the Islanders.

Am I off on that opinion?

Anyway – six games left, and out of the playoffs.  I am still bummed about that, but it is a fact of life.  I can deal with that.  I still feel that this team has improved over the same time 12 months prior, and I feel that with the proper maturation, and an adding of a player or two; I think this team can make some strides for 2010-11.

What do you think?  Let us know.

Gary

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Pregame musings:

 

• Lots of Red/Black in the building.  Great opportunity for folks from the Garden state to spend the $11.00 each way in tolls to visit Uniondale
• Roloson should be in the nets today.  Would expect Marrty B as well.  However,it is still good motivation for Danis to play against his old mates.
• 8-2-1in 11 – we all know how this team is currently on fire.  The Isles have not beaten New Jersey this season, and with the opponents not exactly killing of late, this may be an outstanding opportunity to take a step forward.
• Pre Game skate:
• Brodeur and Ricky? interesting….
• No changes in the Isles lineup.
• We all know the stories about Ricky getting ‘up’ to play against Marty Brodeur – guess he convinced the coach of that as well.
• Keys to the game:
• 1.  Get to Brodeur early.  The longer that he has support and not letting up goals, the better he will get.
• 2.  Get physical and sustain that.  Devils are not a big team,and although they will hit, you can control them by initiating the physicality and keeping it up throughout the match
• 3.  Have Ricky just be like the Ricky of old.

Will update this blog after the start of the first period.

___________________________________

Period 1

Starting Lineup for the Isles:

G – DiPietro, D – Streit, MacDonald F – Bailey, Park, Okposo 

0:05 – win first faceoff

0:45 – three shots already on Brodeur – Devils force icing.  Nice sustained start.

1:07 – Moulson on second stab – drives backhand over Brodeur’s shoulder – 1-0 ISLES.

Now THAT’S WHAT I CALL A NICE START!

Moulson (18) from Nielsen and Hunter

Take the goalie out of his comfort zone – and he is beatable.

 Goal goes in at 2:23 but immediately waived off. Whistle blown to stop play, which angered the 15,000+ referee’s in attendance.

2:57 – Devils Pelley – shoots puck out of play – Delay of Game.  power play time.

Let’s Go Islanders chan is LOUD tonight!

3:44 – Streit with a blast from the right point – 2-0 Isles!

Get to Brodeur early – and you have a chance… I guess we do.

4:35 – Sutton does his patented hit  the victim – Langenbrunner.

Devils look lost…

Streit (7) PP – Assisted by Tavares and Okposo 3:44

The Swiss fans in attendance are quite excited and the flags aplenty.

5:39 – Jacques Lemaire does not look too happy at the bench

5:45 – John Sim putAndy Greene into tomorrow.

6:58 – Brodeur gets Bronx cheer when he stops the puck on a harmless dump-in.

I’ve not seem the Devils look this harried all season long.  Bailey drew a penalty by Salvador by making such a crazy dipsy-doodle move.  Wow – the pre-game kool-aid is working wonders. 

PP# 2 – do we go 2 for 2?

9:00 Brodeur just stacked the pads and with the blade – stop a great shot by Hunter.  Then a couple of point blank shots by Tavares and Weight.

Got about 4 shots on that power play – but the scoreboard is always late in getting the numbers up.

Just the simple case of battling to loose puck – the Isles just seem to move at will.

11:55- fantastic job by Bergie not only to muscle around Oduya, but draw a penalty on him as well, just by taking the puck to the net.

First 15 seconds on the PP – Isles doing an excellent job of moving the puck, and getting traffic on Brodeur.

JT just missed a gimmee.  But love the confidence they are showing.

Shots – NYI 17 NJD 3

Guess the NJ locker room will need some soundproofing…

15:20 – DP made a cuple of great stops of the rushing Devils forwards.  Not much activity – but did a nice job.

16:06 – Tavares takes a penalty for tripping Niklas Bergfors – 1st PK for the Isles.  PK did nice job (computer was slow).

Overall assessment – probably one of the best periods of the year.

_______________________________________________________

2nd Period

First minute or so – Devils look a little more inspired, or at least they have a purpose.  It is not overwelming, but it looks like a better hockey club.

5:00 RIcky got the chance to put one of his 100 foot passes out – did not hit the tape – but you can see how the opponent needs to change their game accordingly.

6:30 – Parise made a great move on Hillen – hits the post to Ricky’s left.

7:50 – Tavares and Moulson got some chances in front of Brodeur – which he denied.

9:05 – although the Devils are looking a little better – the shots are 6-1 Isles for the period (24-8).

9:34- Isles are moving the puck with some serious ease.  Almost looks like the Devils are just standing back – waitng for Brodeur to stop the play.

12:54 – Sim steaks a Mottau pass, and blasts a shot that hits Marty in the mask.  Shakes him up a bit – but continues on.

A lot of blocked shots by the Isles as well – they are creating a lot of defensive havoc that is leading to a lot of easy chances for DP.  The Isles look like they play a much tighter game around their 15 year man.

14:30 – Bergie looks real good.  No affects from th injury, hits with reckless abandon, and is just the aggressive kind of player that the team needs.

15:42 – Bailey on a nice re-direction – gets it by Brodeur – 3-0 Isles!  FREE CHILI!!

Goal by Bailey (12) – assisted by Hillen at 15:42

17:38 – Jon Sim is just about singlehandedly causing extremem chaos.  Getting in fronr of Brodeur – making like difficult  for him.  Salvador and Oduya both wanted a piece of him.  Summary… Sim is a royal pain in the arse!

18:05 – Moulson – redirects a shot by Hunter – 4-0 Islanders! – oops – I was wrong….

Sutton goal (4) – assist by Hunter – 18:05

- Question – will we see Yann Dais in the 3rd period?

19:50 – LeBlond does a nasty cross check on Weight.  Looks like the 3rd period will be a nasty affair – tune in to see my commentary about it.

______________________________________

3rd period

Notes from first 2 periods

Sutton and Hillen – +3 a piece  Streit leads in ice time with almost 18 minutes.

Okposo – with almost 15 minutes leads the forwards.

Nielsen, Moulson and Hunter are all +2.  Tavares has 6 shots to lead all shooters.

CORRECTION – on the 4th goal – it will be give to Matt Moulson (19) from Sutton and Hunter.

What to expect in period 3 – —-?

• Keep it coming – dont stop the intensity
• Mistake free hockey
• Don’t let the assignments slip

Yann Danis in the nets for the Devils – Marty has been chased.  Danis beat the Islanders in November, so it should be good motivation to take it to them.

500+ wins – gives you the luxury of not sitting in the runway.

And for the record, I was not happy to hear the Brodeur – you SUCK chants!  He is a goalie, regardless of who you root for, you should RESPECT.

4:30 – Schremp with a great pass to Comeau – got a good shot on – but just missed the left post.

6:00 – Devils getting some opportunities – but defense is getting rid of the garbage.  Weight gets called for tripping McCammond.

6:17 – Isles on 2nd PK of the day.

6:52 – Langenbrunner trips Bergenhei as he was trying  to skate out of the defensive zone.  4 on 4 for 1:25.

7:33 – deflected sho goes about 10 rows up to section 337.  That will wake them up…

Islander quick PP leaves them with just about nothing. 

9:05 – Parise shows alot of energy, but not many other ones in white and red.

9:50 – Ricky made a save,but Parise gobble up what I thought was a controlled stop, and just missed scoring.

10:50 – Bergenheim and Sim did a nice give and go, which Danis made the stop.

11:55 – Isles had a few good chances – Comean and Gervais – Danis took care of them.  Making the simple moves and doing them well.

Isles are playing my 3rd period gameplan correctly.  Staying aggressive, but not acting silly.

Shots are 41-17 Isles – amazing that they are stopping this high flying Devil team to just 17 shots.

15:00 – Sim makesa nice shot that Dais controls.

15:45 – DiPietro makes the stop, chucks the puck in the air and tries to slap it like you were at baseball practice playing fungos.  Hey Rick – the Ducks could always use a lefty DH in the summer.

17:30 – Hunter slams White to the glass.  Extra effort.

17:45 – this will be the last entry. what A GREAT GAME.  I am saying it – Ricky gets the goose egg!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

The invisible cape was on – but the men that needed saving were not saved…..

6-2 loss to a team that had lost 5 in a row, and 8 of 9.  Averaging about 1.3 goals over the 9 games…

AND THEY GOT SIX!

What happened?

Silly mistakes in the defensive zone.  Bad passes and decisions.  Streit and Gervais had, to be honest, lousy games.  The Flyers played a Peter Laviolette game.  They outskated their opponents – they beat the Isles to loose pucks, they were constantly moving – and make the visitors look incredibly weak.

Good for JT to get two on the power play.  His goals were quite easy, but goal scorers are always at the right place and the right time.  Kyle got two helpers.  Now he needs to get off his schneid and get involved.

Not much else to add on this.  The boys are back to Toronto – to the scene of the 58 save night of Rollie.  Will he do that again?  I highly doubt it – but the Isles need to look just like the Flyers did last night.  Come out with purpose – desperation, just totally PISSED OFF! If they look like their coach did on the bench last night – that would be good.

Jackman and Bergenheim are out.  We will see Comeau and Schremp back in the lineup tonight.  No need to re-call anyone. 

Here is wishing for a better effort tonight.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

For whatever reason, I was snoozing on my couch through most of this game.

Thank goodness that I did not watch this.

It seems that this team just was not up for this game.  Or was Tampa just pumped after losing in the last 60 seconds of their game last night in Newark, and had to make a 1200 mile journey home – probably getting into their beds around 4am.  That would peeve me too.

Rollie just did not have it.  Gordon is sticking with #30 as his #1, but I think it will be time that brings in Marty B.  He will be in net on Tuesday against the Flyers and Peter Laviolette.  This will not be as big as the first time that Peter faces his old team – but it will be how the Flyers respond to a coach with a different style that his team that he inherits.

With the Flyers and Maple Leafs being the hosts for the Isles this week, the boys in Orange and Blue will have some serious home cooking to taste in the next four weeks.  Thankfully, the Isles did not lose ground.  As a matter of fact, the team is actually in the middle of the pack and they have not disappointed.

Yes, there have been stinkers, just like last night – but usually the turnaround happens.  I do not expect anything less in the next few games.

I am sorry that I have not been around lately.  With the job taking all of my time, as well as the server that this site exists on going down, I apolgize.  But now, I hope to write a little more about the team that I love so much.  Also – a site called the NHL Arena is voting on best blog’s for each team.  Iam providing the link, please vote…

The site is:

http://thenhlarena.com/index.php?showtopic=118787

Please vote for the view from Section 317.  Thanks,

Gary

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

It is time for the boys to take to the road, and head out for a lot of the month of November.  Four out of fourteen on home ice.  And two of them will be played before Saturday is over.

It will be bonding time for the boys, for sure, as the wives, girlfriends and others will be waiting for their men to return before Thanksgiving.

Buffalo is first on the plate – with the Sabres who are as spicy mad as Wings at Duff’s in Cheektowaga.  They want revenge in a big way – and Coach Ruff usually does not forget pastings like they got on Saturday.  The Isles just need to play that aggressive play that has been their new trademark, but try not to get overanxious.  They will not get the matchups that they want – so they will have to be a little more creative.

Look for a good test tonight – and hoping that Biron can once again create some magic to give to his family and friends in Western New York.  Should be fun!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

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

Game 1 of 6 in this great rivalry is renewed tonight.

The Rangers, as we all know, are flying high right now – even with a woozy coach. Zherdev is playing like the guy that Columbus THOUGHT would be. Right now, Jagr is the last thing that they are missing at this point.

Ricky is seeing an unknown doctor about an unknown ailment. Danis was called up as an emergency. If there was ever a time for Joey Mac to stand up — it’s tonight!

The looks of things, it should be a Ranger walkover tonight. However, you never know with this rivalry. Hopefully the boys will take the 60 shot barrage from Saturday night, and take the positives from it and put it to tonight.

We can only hope.

Will blog from the game tonight – should be a cracking night! Will also see if the Phils win it all tonight – yuck!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

With three days of no games, this is a perfect time to get the system going. I am sure that the coach will be working on this.

Is it me, or is it an every other game thing?

Again – not too much to talk about lately. With these days off, the writers get a little break, and don’t need to come up with major things to talk about. So, it is off to Tam O’Shanter club, for the IBC Golf Outing with Bossy and the gang. Should be a lot of fun, but I don’t play golf, so that is why I am not there… (Also – work is nuts!)

On a personal note, my mom is having surgery tomorrow to do some skin grafting on her leg, as a result of an accident a few weeks ago. Please say so prayers, if you would not mind? She is doing well, but any surgery to an 82 year old patient will not be easy. So I would appreciate all the support that I can muster.

Will not write until Wednesday morning. Have a good few days, everyone…

Posted under Islanders 08-09

I can not take credit for the name… That was given to me by someone who will remain nameless. I was told this, because I know that it may cause someone to be a little aggravated. (we’ll just keep that a secret for now)

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!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Player Analysis

So – our #1 pick not only got the entry level contract, but has made the squad to boot.

He (Bailey) definitely has the profile to make it as a 19 year old. He has a great way of handling himself, and knows his plusses and minuses. He also has a great presence for someone so young, according to bystanders and media alike.

The only thing that is a little troublesome, is the fact that he has not had the game experience. He has only played in 2 of the 7 exhibition matches and that, to me, does not tell me about his ice presence. You can be all that you can in practice and in shinny, but when it counts for real, does he have it?

Now – personally, I WANT him to succeed! I really want him to make it – and do well in the process. However, I am just concerned about the lack of playing.

Honestly, if I played the GM role (sorry – Garth – I will NEVER want your job!), I think I would have sent him back. He would have been the captain of the Windsor Spitfires, and would be a sure star in the World Junior Championships this December. The tournament is in Canada, which would be another chance for Mr. Bailey to shine…

But Gary, the Islanders can still send him there?

Yes they can – up to 9 games can be played (not the team’s 9 games, his), before the decision had to be made. And that can very well still happen.

I just don’t want to see a kid with such potential being wasted, if not starting. There are a lot of centers on the depth chart, and it will be a tough decision for Coach Gordon to make. Who will be sacrificed? Glad I am not in those shoes either.

Speaking of the coach… Tonight – 7:30 Marriott Ampitheater – Scott Gordon will be the Guest at the NYIBC meeting. Come on down, won’t ya?

Posted under Booster Club, Islanders 08-09