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