What a beatuiful afternoon.. Snow is melting – crocuses should be blooming soon.  Spring is coming. 

But it is a hockey game in Uniondale today, and I am here in the Blog Box (FOR A CHANGE), to cover the game.

Warmups notes

No sign of Tambellini… Are you surprised?  Not me; and  I was always one to defend him, but his play, in a word, STUNK!   He needs to make a decision as to what direction he wants his career to go.  Rob Schremp did, but Tamby has not done that.  Hence, a return to the press box.

Rollie shouold be in net – as he came out first.  I believe that Tim Thomas is between the pipes for the B’s.  Thomas’ stock has declined more than AIG since the Winter Classic.  Boston has struggled mightily, and the play of Thomas has not helped their cause at all.

LOTS of Black and Gold in the stands today.  Should be interesting to see how loud it will be if the Blues get one in the net.

 

Player to watch today: Jack Hillen – I just get more and more impresed with his play with every game.  He just brings out a quiet sense of confidence that helps out the rest of the team.  It is great to see how he came back so early from that horrific jaw injury thanks to Alex Ovechkin.  But Hillen is  team player, and is not only back, but playing a pivotal part of the Islander D and getting major minutes a game.  Look to see what he does.

1ST PERIOD

0:00  – Isles starting lineup – Roloson, Streit, Gervais, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen – Boston – Thomas, Wideman, Stuart, Recchi, Bergeron, Krejci

GAME TIME!

0:30 – you can see that the strength factor on Bailey has increased greatly in the past year.

1″00 - the Let’s Go Bruins – and the subsequent BOSTON SUCKS chant behins.  How long until we hear the Let’s Go Yankees chant.  Oh – we did.

1:27 – Penalty on the Isles – Sim for tripping – or just being a pain the arse?

2:30 – the PP for Boston is mightyaggressive, but the OK has stood up to them – even with broken sticks. Postionally well – as Billy Jaffe would say.  Good kill boys!

3:45 – Streit got away from the defenders, and got a great shot off – just past the glove of Thomas, but just wide of th post.

4:45 – Jackman trying to get under Charas skin.  Tune in later to see if it worked.  Savard – doing a nice toe drag to get his shot off, and was deflected ove the glass.

5:40 – first real opportunity for Isles offensively – scrum in front of Thomas- one shot, but relief came for Boston.

6:50 – Boston sucks chant comes back with a vengence.   If I have to hear about Red Sox Nation again….

8:40 – meyer streaking down the right wing – got a shot off – good stop by Thomas

9″00 – not  a great deal of chemistry with the lines or the basic game process at this point.  A lot bustle, but not the most amout of hustle.

10:30 – is it just me – ir is it the defensive guys that are providing the most spark on this team today. 

11:20 – Dylan Reese just looks about a half step behind.  Hillen, MacDonald and Kohn have been able to fill the level up quite nicely.  Not that he can not do it – I just think he is a little more raw than the other guys.

12:15 – Tavare misses a golden opportunity.  He has to STICK those.  Keep charging and keep trying John.

13:10 – Isles outshot right now 12-3.  Got to make more opportunities on net.  Got to come out of the neutral zone with some confidence.

14:40 -  Freddy IV great garbage clearance in front ot the Isles net – saving a goal.

15:00 – Isles are just getting beaten so much in the puck battles, and the decision making, after the debacle on Thursday – you would think that the team would respond better.

16:00 – Bergie got off a beauty – just wide

18:25 – I am just talking to m conterpart saying that we had 22 shots in the 1st period on Thursday, and gave up 4.  Wewere looking this sloppy, and there was no score…. Oh well – a shot from between the circles by Lucic gives the road eam the 1-0 lead on their 15th shot of th period (as opposed to New York’s 4).

1st period conclusion – this team needs a shot of adrenaline – or maybe a taser or two.

2nd period

2:18 – ISLES tie it up on the power play- a lot of pressure in front of Thomas – with Bailey jamming it home on just their 8th shot of the contest.  Streit and Okposo got the helpers on Bailey’s 14th of the season.

3:10 – I think that the wake up call came through – Bergenheim got through about 4 Boston players  and got a shot through with Schremp providing support as well.

5:04 – Bruins take the lead back as Krejci got his second of the game on an empty net as Roloson went to the left corner to block the side.

6:15 – again – Reese looks a little intimidated…  Chara just rent off the ice, but I believe it is for equipment reasons.

7:40 – found out that our old friend Miro Satan got the assist on the second goal.

8:00 – Isles get a little flourish going, with Schremp getting a nice pass off to Reese who nraly got it glove side.

8:26 – Penalty to the Islanders – Reese for Interference.  Chara returns to the bench.

9:20 – Roloson commits probably the most major faux paus of the year, he slid back as the puck went over the net, and then slid right in front of the crease to a very fortunate Savard who tamely slid the puck into another open net. 3-1 Boston.  So much for the momentum swing.  Hey Mark – make sure that you buy the Isles some alcohol…

9:50 – Thornton takes down Roloson and no call.  Interesting….

10:40 – once again – sloppy decisions, and basically – the inability to bring the puck out of their defensive zone – is making life a little difficult.

12:00 – Thomas makes a great stop on Comeau, and 5 seconds late – Boston hits the post.

13:15 – Milan Lucic sets up for his bog slap shot – and Richard Park comes in and steals it before the blade can touch the puck.  It is so cartoon like.. Then Blake Wheeler, skates by the puck as he is ready to get a cross ice pass.  It is so keystone cops.

14:25 – Jackman and Chara going at it again…..

14:25 -Hillen just about a little anonymous tonight.  Done some good work with his puck movement, but looks a little tentative in only his 3rd game back from injury.  Not making thisa negative, but a work in progress.

15:10 – Bergie had a chance for a breakaway, but 1/2 twist of a puck made it look lie a missed opportunity.

16:06 – Michael Ryder slams Blake Comeau to the boards, landing face first to the ice.  After a few minutes – he is on his knees, and is getting on his skats and leaving the ice.  Ryder gets a five minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct.  If there ever was a time to change the momentum of a game – this is IT!

17:30 – 1 minute into it – and they seem to be looking for the highlight net.  Need to crash the net and make chances.  Schremp, Tavares and Moulson were going that – getting a couple of shots on net.

18:45 -what this PP does NOT do is keep the feet moving. 

19:30 – Bailey misses a wide open net, which gives the crowd a warm fuzzy feeling.

2nd period conclusion – A little better – but this team needs to take advantage of the last 66 seconds of the power play and get the score closer.

3rd PERIOD

Notes – Streit leading all D with 17:35 of ice time.  Kohn the lowest on the D with just over 8 minutes.  On the forwards, Okposo is just under 13 minutes, and Bailey is the only other forward with over 12 minutes.  Schremp and Tacares are the shot leaders at 4.

 1:30 – PP ended a little flat – Isles have a little hill to climb here – and can not make any mistakes.

At one point late in the first period- the Bruins had a 15-4 shot advantage.  With 16:55 left in the 3rd, it is now 28-28.

3:37 – Congrats to Mark Streit on getting his 200th NHL point with the assist on the Bailey goal.

5:47 – Moulson – left alone in the slot, gets it by Thomas – it is now a one goal deficit.  Team leading 23rd goal of the season.  Not bad for an AHL’er with nowhere to go…

7:00 – one more to a CHILI goal – on

8:30 – Boston is now playing a rope-a-dope style, trying to hold on.  This is not the team that was at the top of the East last season.

9:40 – Gervais just clanked, and the Isles seem to turn the tide around.

12:20 – Sim gets clipped in the face – and of course – no official saw it.

14:40 – Boston getting a few chances on Rollie, and he stands up to the pressure.  Big stat that I saw on the scoreboard.  70-30% face off wins for the Bruins.  You should NOT be losing that many draws at HOME guys!

15:10 – time for the Isles to take some more chances – and get more aggressive in the O zone.

16:30 – shift with Okie and Moulson performed good  got some action on the net.  Have to keep that pressure going.

17:00 – ok boys – time to get desperate.

18:45 – Rollie leaves the net.  However, get the puck into the O Zone.

19:10 – Okposo get raped, but no call.

Game over.. Nice try guys.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

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.

______________________________________________

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.

________________________

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

One simple word to describe the game.

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!

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!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

I have been critical of #30.

I know that Joe the Goalie – I approved your comment. It was more of a frustration comment – more than anything else.

All I care about – is the boys get a little more confidence now that they have a win. This team was SPANKED ROYALLY be Carolina last year, and when Staal and Jokinen scored within 2 minutes of each other, just about every serious Islander fan had to have said…

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

But this time – Cam Ward did his sieve impersonation, but to his defense, Tambellini, Nielsen and Tavares made some great moves that very few goalies would have stopped.

Kudos to Sutton, and Martinek for the STRONG games they played last night. I loved the energy Park had as well – then again – when do you NOT?

Just a happy day in Islander Country. Enjoy it folks!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Well – if the great detective needed to get a case to work on – here it is. Proceed to Plainview, and head to the Islander offices immediately.

The Isles sign goalie Marty Biron from the Flyers for a one year 1.4 million dollar contract.

Well, Mr. Tracy, what does that tell you?

“Hmmmm. I guess Mr. DiPietro will not be starting the season!”

And they pay him the big bucks…

Well – Garth Snow – just got himself an insurance policy that is etched in stone now. He has two quality goalies that can take the load, should #39 start the season on the mend (and no one has to tell Dick Tracy – that is a given with all the clues out in the open).

To me – that is a good sign. Not that Yann and Joey did not do the yeoman’s job last season; in fact, there were times that Danis and MacDonald shined in the spot light. However, with the advent of Tavares in the blue and orange, along with the kids improving and getting stronger by the day, the idea of having solid veterans behind the net would help the confidence of the rest of the team.

I really think that this is a good move. Well done, Garth…

What do you all think about it?

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

Thoughts at warmup…

Blake back – and Tamby down. Conditioning or not – Jeff needs this. He is jut not producing, and whether fans think it is their screaming about it that caused the demotion or not – this move HAD to be done by Garth. This kid needs a 100% adrenaline shot of confidence.

Comeau has done well to deserve this promotion, so let’s see what he does with it. We all know what happened in September and October.

Starting for the home side tonight…

MacDonald
Streit
Campoli
Park
Thompson
Jackman

Hopefully, their energy will give the boys a shot in the gut.

20 seonds in – penalty for Atlanta. Wouldn’t it be nice for us to score in the first minute, instead of the other way around. Bailey on 1st PP Unit. And sure enough – 51 seconds in – we do it – great shot by Guerin on the off wing. Great piece f work to start the game.

And yes, I screamed, “It’s a POWER PLAY GOAL, %%%% Sam Rosen, and Joe Micheletti too”. It is a 317 Section special. Keep the legs moving and intensity up boys.

Last 90 seconds brought Atlanta back in the game, and they dominated play. However, for whatever reason, I was confident, because the Isles kept skating, blocking shots, and keep up to the pressure.

3:56 P1 – Penalty on Streit for hooking. Need to keep moving and attack the puck. LikeAmazing Andy Hilbert’s play on the PK. He is so smooth. Had a great scoring chance. Kovalchuk looks lost without a good partner. He always had someone; Heatley, Hossa. Now with no one – we can see why this team is last in the NHL, and he is under a point a game and only 8 goals on the season.

Two great chances by Comeau in front of the net. I think he gets this system now!

Really looks like Sim just enjoys to play against his old mates. As does Sutton.

Another PP for the Isles. Silly getting a chance on the PP on the 2nd unit. Great chance on Goal at the end by Silly, but the Atlanta defender got a piece of the stick.

And yes, another PP for the Isles as Crabb clipped an Isles player at the end of the shift. Back to Bailey, Guerin and Weight. Sloopy work this shift.

So far – the Isles play has been ok – but when Atlanta has had the opportunity to dictate the play – they have been good.

Jackman and Thorburn with a fight – and Tim with a overwhelming TKO and a throw down as well. Thorburn looked like an old rag doll.

The last five minutes have been bouncing back and forth, with not a great deal of continuity, but at least in this period, the Isles have been skating hard, and making their own chances.

Atlanta scored with 2:16 left – Brian Little right in front of Joey Mac on a broken play, pushes it through the legs to even it up. Who would have thought that Bryan Little would have as many points as Kovlchuk.

Bailey got a nice hit on him in open ice. Good to see the rest of the team come in and protect the honor. Hilbert gets 2 for roughing on the play, but I like to see that intensity when it comes down to protecting your fellow players.

Other than that – the same lineup as the other evening.

Bad news about Okie. I know that he was aching to get back, and now another setback and now out until after the New Year. Tough situation for him, but it seems that he has the cool head to be able to not only handle it, but work on Josh Bailey to get his confidence going. That is what I call a teammate.

—-
2nd Period – Shots were 9-6 Isles after 1.

Isles get an early power play again – another chance to make some things happen. However – once again – stymied. Isles now 1/4 on PP.

Jackman has a nice, low, hard shot. I can see why he was a 2nd round pick.

Pretty much back and forth non-excitement. A few players making some good plys, but nothing much else.

Just as I talk about Kovalchuk, he makes a beautiful move to beat Joey Mac to make it 2-1 Thrashers.

Bergenheim got a little sloppy an took a penalty, after he had a great opportunity to tie it up. His emotions sometimes get the best of him. And in this case, it showed big time. I am sure these are some of the things that have kept Bergy in the press box for games.

Great opportunity by Jackman with a shortie opportunity. Great kill.

On a bogus call on Guerin, the Thrashers get number 3 on a ‘gift goal’ for Boulton who just slid the puck by a out of position MacDonald.

The second tonight is our third of other nights. What can this team do right? They are making these guys look like Boston.

Right now – this team has some serious backchecking issues. I can not understand with all of this practice and talk, how it seems to disappear at times. Maybe that is the ‘non hockey player’ in me, but it just doesn’t make sense to me.

With 2:49 left in this period, this team needs to not only make a stand, but get the crowd back into this game. Bergy is also off te first line, replaced by Comeau. Simpy put by the boxers around me, but Blake has been not only more effective, but has done all asked tonight and more.

Outshooting 12-6 this period, but outscored 2-0. That just about says it all.

This team looks as confused as can be. Park had an opportunity, but a Thrasher defenseman’s skate simply made it be all for naught.

If this team wants 2 points tonight – Gordon needs to blow a head gasket and get some motivation on these guys and fast!
—-

3rd period, and fingers need to be crossed.

First two minutes – energy, but nothing in the way of chances.

Need to get pressure on the goalie – make things happen. Comeau had a good hit, Hilbert, but between the blue lines, it is like a festival of ‘watching the play go by’.

Cmon boys – make a statement! NNNNOOOOWWW!

You are outshooting these guys 23-12 – AND WE ARE DOWN 2!

Bailey just lost another faceoff. He was 4 for 12 for two periods. Got to get Professor Sillinger to work more with him.

Trent just lost it – got 2 for trip and 2 for high stick. Got 4 minutes to kill. A shortie will be nice about now – we haven’t had one of these in a while.

Sutton takes a penalty – but Atlanta scores. 4-1. This is ugly. This team is not this good. We are just that bad tonight.

Fellow Blogger Mike’sbiggest joy right now is counting the icing calls. Atltanta has 6 and the Isles have 2. I wish that would make us get more goals. Wait – Atlanta now has 7.

I now feel as bored as Republicans at the upcoming Inauguration in January.

Two posts in about 30 seconds, but Atlanta puts it in – as I am typing. 5-1 and the Boo birds are eminating around the building. Sticks are being slammed in disgust, and the fans are leaving. So – I think I will end this post.

My 3 Stars (Irrgardless of the scoring).

3. Jackman – energy always.
2. Comeau – posts and again energy that we just did not see in the first few games of the season.
1. Ice Girls – well – no one is deserving of the 1st star.

Well – if a miracle happens – I will comment about it tomorrow. Otherwise, I am going to be working on my Christmas decorations tomorrow.

See ya!

Posted under Islanders 07-08

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

As it figures, I am the first one here tonight. I would be early for my funeral, if that was the case. However, I am so excited to be doing my first game as a member of the NYI Blog Box. This is an opportunity to experience the feel of writing about the game I love, as well as the team, but still can be a fan.

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…

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09