First of all – congrats to the Flyers… What an unbelievable upset!  Boston just laid down and died!  And dont use the too many men as an excuse.  If it was called 2 or 3 time in the playoffs, that is one thing, but 33 times?????  No – you just did not get it done, and it is another black eye for Boston sports.  This may hurt worse than Buckner.

Trevor Gillies – 14 games – 1 assist, 75 PIM -2

Yes – the Isles had a very good record when he played, but sorry fans, he is NOT the reason for it.  I like his passion, his ’stepping up’ and defending his teammates.  He knows when to make the issue be big, and when to back off.

If Trevor was 21, I would really like his future.  However, he is a journeyman, with these 14 games on his NHL resume.  Could I see him back here next year? 

Sure.

However, he would seriously need to step the rest of his game, and not be a 5 minute a game player.  Can he do that at 31?  It is a big question, to see — I would definitely bring him to camp and see what kind of desire he has.

As far as a grade is concerned, I will give him a solid C+.  I am a little tough on the grade, because he needs to step up the rest of the game.

Posted under 2009-10 Review

First of all – my mom had her surgery this afternoon. Her colon was removed, and so far, the reports are good. The surgery, according to the doctors, was successful.

Mom is heavily sedated and out for now – she will be for at least the next 24 to 36 hours, so she can rest after that large ordeal.

The prayers worked… Thanks to all for their wishes. It is most appreciated.

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On Islander news, Bergenheim and MacDonald are OUT for tomorrow’s game against Montreal. Bergie has a groin issue, Mac has knee troubles. Peter Mannino was recalled for tomorrow. Just when Bergie was turning a corner – here comes the injury bu once again.

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For better news…

As you may know – I have a soft spot in my heart, for the Sheffield Steelers, a hockey team in Great Britain. It was through a couple that are now one of my best friends in the world, that I began to support this team from afar. Last week, the Steelers, as a result from their 4 – 1 victory over the Newcastle Vipers, became the league champions for the 5th time in their less than two decade history. Just for informational purposes, their chief rivals, the Nottingham Panthers, have not won the league since 1954, for almost a Ranger like futility level.

Here is the You Tube link of the celebration at the Sheffield Arena, after the Steelers bus returned from Newcastle after the victory.

Congratulations. And also – may I add m deepest condolences to Owen Grant, a man that lived and breathed the Steelers, who recently passed away at the age of 53. One of the players at the celebration showed the crowd his jersey and dedicated the victory to him. The team will attend his funeral tomorrow, in a classy and respectful gesture, and he will be honored before their game on Sunday, as their championship banner will be raised to the rafters. I wish I was would be there to see it.

Posted under Ramblings, Sheffield Steelers

Sorry I have not been writing lately. I am so swarmed at the office, that I have early arrivals and late departures.

I just do not have the desire to write. However, with what has happened lately, can you blame me?

THe Ricky soap opera continues. Leave it at that…

Nice to see Nate and Franz returning.

Shame to see that Silly is hurt – and this may spell the end…???

Sutton out another 8-10 weeks with surgery today!!! Ugh!

Witt looks lost out there at times, and that really bothers me…

Bruno has stepped up his game, and Campy seems to be sinking.

Can Martinek stay healthy for a stretch?

Congrats to Dougie on 1000, and Billy G on 400. Garth, keep these guys, if they want to stay.

I am not going to the game tonight – I am still on Business Plan mode. I probably will only get to see Saturday’s contest on this 4 game home stand. Work is rough right now – but hey, I am employed, so I have to be happy about something.

Let’s just hope that this game will be like the first 3 this year – spirited, exciting games, and for us – a happy recap!

Posted under Islanders 07-08

We can not have everything…..

Joe McDonald, the man that owns the NY Sports Scene site, and runs this site for me, gave me the new version of the software. The site looks nice, doesn’t it?

Well – once again, we dug too deep of a hole to climb out of, but at least the guys did not die without a fight. Congrats to Josh Bailey on getting his first goal (FINALLY!) It was a long time in the making, but he finally got the ’1′ in the “G” column, and I know that we can expect a lot more, now that the man has gotten the first. He has definitely been a much better player of late. You can see the confidence drooling from him, every shift he is on the ice. You can also see that Bill Guerin was so happy to see him (Josh) get the goal that he so desperately needed. Just the look in his eyes when he grabbed Josh after getting that goal, said it all.

Then Dougie getting the 1,000 point barrier and not only breaking it – but bashing it down, and getting 1,001 to boot, as he got the helper on Park’s second goal of the night, making it a 5-4 game. The family, sitting in the sky boxes got a great thrill seeing #93 be the number 8 in the US Born 1,000 point scoring family. He is now only 9 behind Keith Tkachuk and about 14 behind Pat LaFontaine. I think that the real thing that I was impressed with, was the fact that the Phoenix Coyotes not only recognized the game, but gave the opponent a great cheer to boot. The players also recognized it as well. I thought that it was a class act by the players, as well as the fans.

Now – it is onto San Jose, where the Sharks have NOT lost a game in regulation at the “TANK”. C’mon, don’t you think that the Isles would be the ones that would stop the streak? I know it may seem far fetched, but hey, it could happen. Will Ricky be in net tonight? He looked a little shaky, but if his health is not a question, give him the job, and keep giving it to him. He is the franchise, so it is time for him to start stepping it up this season.

Well – let’s see if we can pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat! Well, maybe the Shark.

Oh – BTW – was the Winter Classic a great game? Like the Uniforms, (unlike Ron Duguay – who needs to have his head examined), like the atmosphere. All it needed was a little snow. I was impressed. Although I would like to see my team in this New Year’s Day event, it will be the Rangers before us, that’s for sure. Maybe the Rangers and the Bruins from the new Yankee Stadium. However, my bets would be the Bruins and the Habs from Fenway Park.

What do you think? Let me know. Please make a comment.

And BTW – Happy 2009!

Gary

Posted under Islanders 08-09

With the 10 game streak done, the Isles are playing much better lately, especially on the defensive side of the rink. Not allowing much on 5 on 5 lately, ironically after the comments by Witt, are a good sign that the team is improving.

As we all know, Islander teams improve when they go to the Garden, regardless of the hows and wheres. The guys always get up for it, and in the past few years, there are a lot of Orange and Blue in the stands. If you can not get up for a game like this, you need some serious kool-aid.

Now – for the other night – a great effort against the Leafs. I think that there were very few negatives to take from this game. All four lines were real good, and the D were playing smartly.

By the way – my three stars from that game:

3. Okposo – 2 points – and his best game as an Islander
2. Ricky – welcome back, and played well to boot
1. Guerin – congrats on 400

We all thought Bailey got #1 – but to no avail.

On the Buffalo match – the Isles looked well, and played a fantastic finish. They did not give up, as well as not looked like a team in desperation in the last few minutes. Again – I thought Kyle O played a great game. He seemed to mature two years on the ice in a few days. His set up of Campoli for the last second shot was brilliant. Great to see Tinkerbell finally get on the scoresheet. I just wish he would stop pushing his pixie dust, and make non-highlight-attempt passes to open guys. Defenses have to know that 89 is going to try something cute, so they just gang up on him, and oops, a gaffe!

It was real tough to lose Amazing Andy H. He has played so well, and deserves a great deal of kudos from the fans. Hopefully the ‘hairline’ won’t keep him out as much as Plus Champ Andy S. Good to see Silly back. He was kept out for the back to back, and I hope that within the next few games, that his experience gets to help this stat… The faceoff. This team is winning only about 40% of the time lately, and it hasn’t bit them in the butt, at least yet…

Tonight – the Rangers, fresh off a beating at home against the Devs. This team should just decline power play opportunities, and play 5 on 5. They have 11 shorties given up, by far, the worst in the NHL. 26th on the PP, with all of that talent. Interesting to see how they come out tonight.

And as for the “King”? He has looked mighty mortal lately. Is it the number of games, or is it the playboy life? Hmmmm??? Have another Apple Martini, Henry?

Well – hopefully it is the typical Islander-Ranger game, that brings the passion of this rivalry to a peak! Enjoy it – and talk next on Wednesday. I will be at the game to end the year.

Have a great one! And hopefully, 2 points in our box.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

60 is an interesting number.

It is the number of minutes in an hour. The number of seconds in a minute. To many – 60 is the start of the golden years of one’s life (many will argue that the number to that is getting higher, because many at 60 act and feel younger than that – and I believe it 100%).

To Scott Gordon – 60 is utopia. And this is his exit.

Last night – he achieved that nirvana-like number, and twenty other guys were getting off that exit.

Now – if every trip, they get on this Exit, instead of Route 40, or 50…

Solid game by all, outshooting them, executing plays, pinpoint passing, making solid decisions, especially in the third stanza.

Now is the type of game, that Snow and Gordon were envisioning for this club.

And to make things even better, in Ottawa, a place where they are just about horrible in… This team over its past 42 games before last season, only won 5 games. Last season, the Isles were 2 for 4.

Now – 1 and 0 for the rematch tomorrow night.

Congrats to Josh Bailey for getting point number 1 last night. Great sense of mind to get that pass over to Okie for a blast. I can see Kyle getting dozens of goals each year from that same spot. It was where he got goal number 1. I can get used to that.

Bergie is looking better and better with the Good ol boys Dougie and Billy. They work hard, and got good results with goal number 3.

And don’t get me started on Trent… Well – you can. That work by him to lift Kuba’s stick, and make that move on Auld was simply brilliant.

Joey Mac, after surrendering that early PP goal (on a penalty that was bush to say the least), was flawless. He challenged shooters, and was sharp, especially when he had to move side to side. He had one Ricky D dangling lost moment, but he recovered quickly.

I have never heard the Ottawa crowd that angry at their team. They have been so used to success in the past, that they are letting their players and coaches know about it. I think this team will rebound, but hopefully, not tomorrow.

I will not be in the Blog Box tomorrow – I will be in my seats. I will not be at Monday’s game (too much work), so I will not blog live until the day before Thanksgiving.

And by the way, 45 years ago today (just before midnight – to be exact), a woman gave birth to a five pound eight ounce baby boy, that had some difficulties coming into the world. His umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, and it wasn’t an easy delivery. However, he turned out fine, and today counts every blessing he has. On this birthday, I say thank you to my mom, for bringing me into this world. I am thankful for having my family, and especially my wonderful wife, who I can honestly say is the best thing that has ever entered my life!

Please make sure that you thank the people in your life that have meaning to you every day. Not just Thanksgiving! Family and friends are a gift that should be cherished every moment. Even in these tough times, without them, it would be a difficult road to travel.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

Congrats and Happy Birthday Josh!

Nice to see that the team has confidence in you to sign. We all know what Garth did to get you, and he feels that he got a steal by moving in the draft to get you. He (Garth) had you pegged all along, and getting an extra few players in depth, allows the team to grow.

Get better soon, and let’s see what you got!

As far as the game the other night, I was unable to go. Work has been nuts lately, and I am averaging about 14-15 hours a day of work/commute. So it was impossible to make it. It is going to be tough to make certain weeknight games, so it was get words from others and make my own opinions…

It seems like it is going to be a tough year of scoring goals again. Hopefully, as the team futher understands and develops the “Gordon system”, the offensive capabilities increase. If we managed to get that .25 goals per game average last season, we could have been playoff bound. That can make a big difference.

Sutton’s loss will be a big blow. We were expecting much more from him this season. Hopefully, he gets back soon. His size is a big factor. Campy too. This is a tough loss, especially for his development. Tomas Pock could be a help. He just was not able to crack the Ranger lineup. Although he is not the fighter that Eric Carins was, let’s hope that another Ranger defensive castoff can pay dividends to us.

As Newsday reported, Tambellini can be a person that can really help this team, or bring it down. It is totally up to him, to bring his AHL play up to this level. Franz Nielsen is also in this situation too. It is time for these guys to take the “put up or shut up” attitude and get it going.

Well – back to work… Eight days until the home opener… Tailgate party – 3:30 PM – South West Corner of parking lot… Be there, aloha!

Posted under Islanders 08-09