Merry Christmas folks!

Nothing new at warmups.  Same gus on the ice – with Rollie in net this evening.

Two teams with identical points – both struggling to say the least.  One of these teams will gain some momentum.  Which will it be?

My player to watch:  Trent Hunter.  After losing the nine game pont scoring streak, he only has 4 points in his last 12.  He needs to get his game going.  He can be a major factor in ‘spreading out the lineup’, if his game is going.  Using the body, and gettting that ‘toe drag’ going – will be a help to this team.

Special teams play will also be a factor in the success of this game.  The Isles need to keep their feet moving on the PK.  They have aggressive moments, but when they sit back – they are done.  On the PP – they are creating chances and getting good scoring opportunities.  As some of the guys have said – get some confidence – and the puck will go in.  Maybe one off the butt – may be the cure that they need.

Will save entries after each period.

___________________________________________________

Starting lineup – Roloson Sutton Hillen Sim Thompson Park

Ken Dick – Okposo.net’s guru just showed me that the Dragons banners are now gone from the Coliseum.  His line:

More room for Islanders banners!

Tampa has a lot of scoring from four guys – LeCavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos and Malone. 

Hunter (my player to watch) – is on a line with Schremp and Joensuu.

3 minutes in – only one shot.  Guys seem to be feeling out each others.  park and Sim out there against the St. Louis and Stamkos lines.  Both of them like to be aggressively forechecking in front of the opposing goalie.

Stamkos on a breakaway – hit the post.  Deked Rollie, but a couple of inches short of 1-0.

Bailey with a nice deflection of a Streit shot – that Smith got a piece of.

Two posts on Lightning shots – they thought they scored, and they want to check it – looked like the puck was on the line and not completely over it. NO GOAL!

Tavares on a break, and tries to pass.  He seems to have Josh Bailey disease.  SHOOT!

Hale gets a penalty – first chance for the special teams to make a mark.  Okie on the point – that still pisses me off.  He should be up front – causing havoc.

Not much doing on the PP

Isles are getting chances – shots are 9-4 with 5 minutes left in the game.

Tampa gets another penalty with 4:33 to go – Downie.  Get some bodies at the net, and cause some ruckus.  Stamkos getting PK time now – the confndence he shows on the ice is huge.

Hunter gets a rebound in front of Smith and bangs it home – 1-0 Islanders. I have to call players of the game more often.

Rollie stood on his head with a flurry of shots right after the goal.  Guys look a great deal move focused and happy on their skates.

Overall – a positive first period for the boys.  But a delay of game penalty with 36.5 left – puts the guys on the kill.  This has been the achillies heel for the team of late.  Time to keep the skates moving, and take positive actions.

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PERIOD 2

Isles kill off their penalty – and get a power play of their own – but to no avail.

Macdonald has lookedbetter with each game played.  He stands tall, and is not afraid to not only bang around, but will take a nice shot from the point.

Stamkos tied it up on a nice give and go with St. Louis. 1-1.

Okposo just got drilled on the had by Matt Smaby – and O’Halloran was right there -with no cal in sight.  The fogged glasses are on for sure.

At the half way point – the Isles are not playing a bad game – but the agressiveness has to stay there.

Sutton took out Szczechura with a nice bomb to the boards.

Looking at the stats =Isles 55-45 on the faceoff %, equal on hits – and outshooting 21-14.  Tavares is 0-5.

Thompson – on a pass from Okposo – gets it by Smith - 2-1 Islanders.  The last 90 seconds before that,the line of Bailey, Okposo and Nielsen were generating a lot of chances, and really had some sustained pressure.

Tavares gets a bogus tripping call, when on his knees and going after the puck get his stick on the Lightning players skate.  Dan O’Halloran is playing his best role of Mr. Magoo this season.

Andy Macdonald, on a simple play impressed me even more when insted of just shooting from the point, he dekd and made a move in on the half wall and got a closer shot in on Smith. 

Malone with 18.6 seconds left in the period got pass off to LeCavalier who got it over the left shoulder of Roloson to knot the game at 2.

Assessment after  2- the Isles are letting the special teams dictate the game again.  For the third – they need to get the 5 on 5 play to a higher tempo.

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PERIOD 3

Hillen takes a delay of game penalty – the third such call of the evening for both clubs.  The over/under on Kenny Jonsson to do that was 3

And Malone makes the Isles pay right away -less than 20 seconds into the penalty – a snap shot betwee the circles.  3-2 Tampa. Malone was as alone a Tony Gonzalez was catching the football in Giants Stadium on Sunday.

This was not the way the Isles had the tird period planned.  The speed and aggressiveness that the Isles showed in the second period has now since vanished.  They look sluggish, and at times, apathetic.

Most of their efforts seens to focus on clearing the puck out of their zone,as opposed to making an effort to bring the puck out of the zone. 

Stat of note – Hunter and Moulson both with 5 shots a piece.

Tampa Bay – Szczchura – gets called for delay of game – the 4th such call of the night.  This wuld be the time to get this game tied.  Okposo blasts on that just goes wide.  Hunter gets a shot from the slot that Smit deflects.

I am still not sold on Okie on the point!

Too many times they are going for the cute and sexy shot, rather than just driving to the net, and making some bodies fly.

Shots are 35-24 for the game. 57% on Faceoffs. 

Sutton gets called for having St. Louis skate right into him.  In basketball – that is called a pick.

Malone, St. Louis and LeCavalier – do their best Hollywood Squares impersonation, tic tac toe, with Malone finishing off the trick.  4-2 Tampa.

The crowd (for what it was worth), is starting to filter out.  No surprise there.

Five straight games that the Isles have given up two power play goals.  This is a serious situation that needs to be rectified immediately.  This team can not survive doing this night after night.

It just seemed that after the 2 minute mark remaining in the second period – that Tampa just wanted this game more than the Isles did.  I am no way saying that there is no effort out there.  That is far from the truth.  I just think Tampa just stepped up their game more.  And as I say that, Tavares gets a lane, and decides to drop pass back to Okposo and the play goes to naught.  These guys need to in some cases, be a little selfish and drive to the net and get more physical.

Wednesday – the Isles play a Blue Jackets team that is in similar straits as the Isles are.

Joensuu draws a penalty by Smaby for Cross-Checking – if they want to make a statement- now would be a good time to do it.

The crowd left is booing the team – I think that answers my question.

Well – I probably will not be blogging on this site until after the Holiday, so I wish to you and yours, a Merry Christmas, and may all your wishes come true (well – at least maybe an Islander win on Thursday would be nice).

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

The World Series will remove fans from both sides of the ledger for tonight.  Can’t say I blame them.  If I was a Yankee fan – I might have considered it.  But alas, my LOUSY Mets prevented that from happening… Oh about in May!

So Game 1 of the local ‘derby’ (in the UK you pronounce that like darby).

What to expect?

Passion – Yes

Hitting – Yes

Fighting – Possibly (definitely in the stands)

Loud crowd – absolutely (unfortunately – more to the players in white shirts – as opposed to the blue ones).

Gaborik status plays a key part here – if he does NOT play – there is a chance.  If not – and he does skate, then the Isles need to do EXACTLY what they did to Ovechkin.  Keep an eye on him – put Marty on him – but don’t over-emphasize.  You can keep him off the scoreboard, and not lose sight of the total picture.  If the Isles keep their recent performances in mind – and take another step up – two points could be theirs.

Player to watch.  John Tavares.  Four games off the score sheet – and now – his first local rivalry.  This is the game – that could vault his status, if he can not only bring it – but get on the ledger tonight.  Look for that.

I hope to make it tonight – looking forward to a classic!

Not blogging live – this time – I will have my Vasicek jersey on – rooting hard for my Isles.

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

I like the look of this kid. I think he can be a real gem for Garth… All he needs is seasoning and being ‘the man’ on the team now. He will be able to do just that this season. Go to the WJC and shine in Saskatoon.

There is a news conference with Suozzi and Wang about the new lease for the Coliseum…. This is step 1 in the right direction. Now if only Kate Murray will get off her hind quarters and give this the blessing it deserves….

Only God knows the answer, and hopefully, he is an Islander….

2 more days until the opener.

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Lighthouse

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

I wish I was at the press conference today. It should be quite a nice atmosphere at the Coliseum.

It will be nice to see an official #91 sweater go on today. From islanderspointblank, we hear that negotiations will begin soon on JT’s contract. With the CBA’s rules on entry level contracts, there is not a lot of negotiations that really need to be done. It is just about the incentives, etc.

I really wonder how many people will be there today. I am sure a lot of businesses will have folks taking sick days on this beautiful Wednesday, but these people will not be in bed, nursing a cough due to cold.

Sunday should be a nice crowd at Iceworks. I have attended some of these camps in the past, and the usual dedicated fan crowd usually attends. However, the rafters will be filled of every square inch of seating room, for sure. I hope to be there for a little while, and will provide some insight.

I like that Josh Bailey is involved with the mini camp. He really does not have to be there, but it is a great sign, nevertheless.

Well John – let be one of the many, that welcome you to my home, and soon to be your home, for a very long time to come. We want you to succeed and wish you nothing but the best. Make every effort to put your name with the greats, and you will be loved forever.

Posted under Cool A-C League, Islanders 09-10

Friday was indeed a peak!

I just love how Garth did not show his hand. No one even thought he was going to take JT. Even minutes before the pick, it seemed that every “EXPERT” had Duchene in Snowy’s sights.

Basically, Garth did what every GM would have done — he took the best player available. He took Taveras, to the delight of the 10K+ that was at the Coliseum, and thousands of others watching on TV, and me, working on financial numbers in my office.

These ‘experts’ must think that Garth is just a air head… That is for another day.

The goalie picks in rounds 2 and 3 – are things that make have you shaking your scalp a little; but I think it is more of a filter down into the system. The 21 year old Finn, will have his chance to make the team, or at least Bridgeport at camp, and that hopefully should be a good thing, to get Ricky in motion for camp; to get his competitive juices flowing.

Now – onto tomorrow – July 1. The day, that the free agent frenzy begins.

What does Swamy Snow do now?

He claims that not much is going to be done, but I feel that a few interests may be put into play.

1. A 1B goaltender. With no disrepect given to Joey Mac and Yann, who did a great job filling in, this team needs a ‘seasoned’ NHL man to be the backup, in case ‘the project’ is out again. A Craig Anderson type would fit the bill.

2. An enforcer to put some protection to JT. I think Greg Logan or Arthur Staple in Newsday said a Colton Orr type of player, and honestly, that is not that bad of an idea. I love the “Wrecker”, but he needs more seasoning. In time, he will fill the role; but for JT’s first season, we will need a veteran presence to keep an eye on the prodigy.

3. Did someone say, Sedin’s?

I really not have the opportunity to look through the lists, and see what we could use. We are pretty low on the cap numbers, so we could (and may need to) spend. But – doing that, and not being foolish is what Isles fans will be looking for this summer. Give Garth the chance… He is starting to get naysayers to look at him in a different light.

Well – off to work. Have a good day… When things happen later in the week, I will add some commentary to that.

Fellow Blog Boxers, Doug, Mike, Ken and Tom were at the draft, and I say thanks for the coverage. Nice job all!

Posted under Cool A-C League, Islanders 09-10

I noticed horrible officiating, chippy play, an attempted comeback, and a disappointing loss.

Was I at an Islander game?

No. This was Bridgeport’s turn.

It was a 3-2 loss to Scranton Wilkes Barre that put the Tigers down 1-0 in the best of seven series; with Game 2 tonight at Uniondale.

Positives:

1. Mike Iggulden had a strong game with two helpers on the night.
2. Trevor Smith got the opening goal

Nathan Lawson – an AHL all rookie player was a little shaky. I believe that we will see Mannino play tonight – as Game 3 will be held tomorrow in Pennsylvania.

It was interesting to see the Bridgeport graphics and the amazing Chuck A Puck contest. By the way, my two pucks were SO FAR from the target – it’s not funny. I will have to do it again tonight, and see what goes.

Tonight – I will be blogging at the game, and will get to go to the locker room after the game. Look for quotes.

All photos courtesy New York Islanders/Getty Images

Posted under Blog Box, Sound Tigers

I am so looking forward to going to a game, and not having to do ANYTHING but WATCH!

What a feeling.

I know that the Sound Tigers set all sorts of club records for wins, points, etc. But to be honest – I am not totally up to date with the stats. I know that Trevor Smith had 30 goals to lead the club, and Mike Iggluden had 20 and lead the team in points.

Nathan Lawson is one of the best goaltenders in the A this year, and Peter Mannino will be there as well. Both may see some significant action. The team also will get KO for the first two games, and Hillen will be with the Tigers for the full run. DiBenedetto and Katic may see some time, as they are now in the professional ranks. Roben Figren also may get a call or two.

I will be doing a REAL VIEW FROM SECTION 317 tomorrow night, and blog live from the seats.

If you do not have tickets, and do not want to sit home and watch the Yanks and Mets get tanked in their new Billion dollar homes,, come to the Coliseum. Top ticket is $29… How can you beat that. I just hate that I actually have to pay to park, but if that is the worst problem I have, I can deal with it. Go TIGERS!

Posted under Sound Tigers

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