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

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

I just did not want to type last night after the game. Was a little disappointed in the result, and was enjoying a nice quiet night with my wife.

Thoughts from the game, and the weekend.

1. Scotiabank place is probably one of the nicest arena that I have been to. There are lots of food options, and a 50/50 draw that the winner won nearly $14,000… That is sick!

2. Ottawa fans are probably the nicest fans that we have encountered on our trips. Even with my wearing a Yashin jersey (will explain that shortly), the fans were cool.

3. Danis just did not have it last night. The first and the last goals definitely go into the category of “I want it back”. He has done so much in his progression this season, that a hiccup will happen.

4. The forwards just did not have the buzz that they showed on Friday against Carolina. Is it the back-to-back syndrome? Usually this team, as many struggles that we have had, have always done well on the back end of the 2 in 2 games.

5. Okposo keeps getting points, which hopefully will lead to at least a little consideration for R.O.Y.

6. Even with the loss, I am sure that Josh Bailey will remember this game for a long time to come. His 2 goal effort was one of the lone bright spots of the game.

7. Canadian beer is so much better when it is consumed NORTH of the border.

8. Downtown Ottawa is a real nice place to shop, dine and hang out. Again – the people are quite friendly and I really suggest that if you ever want to come to a game in Canada – this is the place to be.

9. My three stars of the game.
3. Joel Rechlicz – was trying to do his best Steve Webb impersonation – hitting everything in sight – getting in a fight with Chris Neil
2. Kyle Okposo – one helper – not his strongest effort, but good players will still get involved in the scoring even when they are not at 100%
1. Josh Bailey – two goals and looked much more mature and focused.

Well – time to turn off the computer – as we are going for breakfast at our hotel before the bus ride home.

Have a good day!
Gary

Posted under Booster Club, Islanders 08-09

Of course – #30 in white… Came out to a TON of boos.

Zajac, Langenbrunner and Parise – the Islander killers.

Isles lineup

MacDonald – G
Streit, Gervais – D
McAmmond, Hilbert and Jackman up front.

Game Time

Devils get the early pressure going – MacDonald up to it. With the great play of Danis over the last few, he needs to make an impression on the judges in order to get more playing time.

Martinek – on the blast from the faceoff circle – 1:42 in – 1-0 ISLES. They did exactly what I expected them to do – get in Marty Brodeur’s face.

That is the way to start – get the red fans in their seats and quiet.

Great pressure by Iggluden and Hilbert. This is EXACTLY the way that you beat the Devils. Keep this story line going – and it should be a happy recap.

Nielsen had an open night and was listing to starboard….

Early reports have the Devils looking lackluster and not focused on the game. Passes off by a mile, missing checks – blowing assignments. I know that THIS will not last long for a Brent Sutter team.

I am just noticing how HUGE Joensuu is – and what does he do – he blocks a shot that nearly would have made the 300 section, it flew so hard and fast.

So which team is in 30th place in the league right now????

Devils with Parise out there gainng some pressure. Penalty on Nielsen for cross-checking. Now the Isles have to get the PK going. All of a sudden – the Devil game is gaining some ground. Great job – forwards were just enough aggressive and MacD made some nice stops. Now – Devs have had 8 straight shots. Isles need to get the foerecheck going again – and not let NJ dictate the play.

Devils – penalty on Madden – high stick. Mr. Madden did not like the call.

BTW – the bobble head looks real good. Interested to see how #19′s looks like tomorrow.

Isles PP – we need a goal real bad! Got to be smart and just as I say it – Kyle Okposo gets it in – 2-0 Isles!

Maybe by my pre-game comments – I should be coaching…

Great job! Bailey and Nielsen get helpers on the goal. Wow – this team is FLYING!

Tamby on a breakaway – 3-0! what an excellent move!

Who is this team? And where was this all season long.. I just reminded the box that we looked like this earlier in the season against Montreal….. Remember that night????

Even when this team is making mistakes – they are doing the right things. Shot off the pipe from Zajac. Isles get a cheesy penalty on Streit for tripping – longest delayed call that I have seen in such a long time.

They are doing the physical things that they need to do on the kill. Keeping it up and ending the period with 0 for the visitors would be a great testament to th coaching and the passion level that the kids have.

Will sit out the 2nd at my seats – so will report for the 3rd. Way to go boys!

2nd Period

Keys – stay the course
Don’t get sloppy
When in doubt – hit some more.

As soon as some of my colleagues come back -I am off to the View from Section 317. I will be back for the 3rd period. I will put some comments on when I get back.

29 Seconds in – Gionta gets a deflection past MacDonald – 3-1. But 60 seconds after that – we get one back ourselves on a scrum in front of Brodeur. The goal was Bergie’s from Iggulden – another Islander gets his first NHL point in his first game. NOICE!

Devils score – I will never get out of this seat. And yes – the killer Zach got his 40th assist of the season on Langenbrunner’s 21st.

I am out of here before I can be in Hotel California state.

BACK FOR THE 3RD PERIOD

What a great period once again. The team is just taking it to Jersey at every opportunity.

Bergie got his second of the game, and his 13th of the season, after Blake Comeau notched his sixth on the Power play. The Isles second extra man goal of the game in as many opportunities.

#1 in net for New Jersey

Mike Iggulden got his second point in two periods. Look out #99. Well….. I am stretching it a bit.

What to look for…

Smart play – keep the aggressiveness.
Attack Weekes with everything. Fans want TRIPLE CHILI!

With Marty getting the loss today, it should mean that he wuld have the chance to break the reconrd in Montreal in front of the home town. A little poetic justice…

Hilbert gets a tripping call 52 seconds in. This is an important PK. Even with a 4 goal lead, this is the kill that you need to prevent a power team like Jersey to gain any momentum. And the Isles did just that.

Then Tambellini gets a boarding call, and the Devils made him pay. Elias from Martin and Holik. With 12 minutes and change remaining. we are 3 goals up. Comfortable, but they still need to take it to the Devils and keep the passion going.

For those of you that have been around the buildings (NC, MSG, Meadowlands, etc.), the immortal FUZZY was at the game.

Joensuu – once he really learns how to harness the aggression is going to be a stud. The leaps and bounds that he has made, since training camp in September have been mind boggling accordig to most experts.

A scrum in front of MacDonald has a little extra curricular activities, and the puck went in (albiet after the whistle).

They are just not quitting. The physicality that I mentioned in the pre-game is doing the job. You know that if you can keep the wheels down, you sincerely have a chance against this team.

We are hearing that Hunter is done for the season. He was only in the game for a few minutes. Fractured ankle – out for the year.

This has been an excellent game – and momentu going to the Coyotes tomorrow.

And WHAT a job by BERGIE – getting the puck between the legs of Shanahan and to the empty net with 0.7 seconds left to make the game a 7-3 final. This is the first hat trick since Guerin’s last year. What a job by Bergie!

THREE STARS OF THE GAME

3. Tambellini – Strong game – physical – great goal and maybe a step in the right direction for his improvement at this level.

2. Iggluden – two points in his NHL debut – what else can you say..

1. Bergenheim – the continued maturation is paying more dividends. If we can invest in that, rather than stocks, we can beat this economic downturn.

Quotes will be on a new entry tonight….

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Welcome Andy McDonald to your first NHL game, replacing Brendan Witt!
(Photo courtesy of Dee (7th Woman) Karl… http://7thwoman.blogspot.com)

The only good thing about this game, is that I am on a 3 game live winning streak – and I am thinking that we will hit 4. With the Miller injury – Patrick LaLime will have his hands full with getting Buffalo into the playoff picture. Right now – they are on the hanging on the 8th slot in the playoffs, but with a few teams a few points behind, every game is a major chance to keep above water – or be on the outside looking in.

The Sabres are 2-2-1 in the last 5, and are missing top scorer Tomas Vanek, as well as Ryan Miller.

What is the game plan for the Isles? As most games have been in recent time – they have to get aggressive, and get on this goalie quick. Their backup just came over from Portland, via Sweden.

As the Lighthouse song goes on – it is HOCKEY Time!

Danis in the nets, the rest of the lineup:

D – Martinek and Hillen
LW – Bergenheim
C – Nielsen
RW – Hunter

Here we go…

Linesman missed the too many men on the ice call. A ton of Sabre fans in 336, and the “NINETEEN NEVER” chants from Loudville.

Nice rising shot by McDonald on his first shot on net. Great effort.

Sabres had a great opportunity – and unfortunately, Gervais did not take the body too well. His play has been near exceptional of late, but that was not a good showing to start the game.

Great to see Hillen get the start. It shows that they have a lot of confidence in him – and that makes the trade look more and more beneficial to him.

McDonald playing with Callahan, as the Let’s Go Buffalo chant comes from up above.

That is two miscues from Bruno, as Buffalo comes back on a 3 on 2 with Danis making a great stop.

Interesting to see that Bill Guerin is NOT on the bench… Very interesting… Point blank is saying that a deal is 90%. My guess is Billy G is going to Boston – but I am not sure. This is going to be quite a night…

Boy – is Streit as cool as a cucumber – especially around the net. He just went round Danis calm and relaxed. Bergenheim almost had a goal drop in his lap, but just missed. Couple of more opportunities in front of Lalime, but to no avail.

Penalty on Dean McAmmond. The Buffalo chants are back on.

Jackman on a two on one- pulls the trigger and hits the pipe. Great job on the PK.

Bruno – can you PLEASE hit the net!

They just celebrated the movie about the Smile Train kid that just won an Oscar. Maybe the Gold can lead to some goals for us.

Pretty much a period that you would not have minded that you missed. Shots 9-7 Buffalo – one penalty. as fun as watching paint dry.

0-0 after one….

Off to see the wife. You may have a guest writer next period….

Welcome Sports Fans! I’ll be your resident Blog Usurper also known as IslesOfficial! I figured I owed Gary for that time that he took over my computer while I was carousing about the Coliseum with my girlfriend.

The boys have looked good through the first 20 but that’s not the real story we’re chasing tonight.

Billy Guerin is conspicuously absent tonight from the bench after being on the ice for warmups.

Fear not because your Blog Box is chasing down as much info as we can get. Don’t forget to stop by all of our sites for updates as we get them.

In my humble opinion, the only two teams I could see Billy actually being trade to are the Bruins or the Devils (his hometown or the team that drafted him).

Start of the 2nd and Bergie gets a great chance right off the bat. He’s been skating like a bat out of hell lately. I thought he got hooked on the play.

Yaro Spacek takes a 2 minute interference penalty at 2:39. Isles to the powerplay.

BERGIE SCORES!!!! He’s been on FIRE lately. Isles 1, Blades of Buff 0

And thank you – your usurpiness!

I am back – after having to beg my wife to be nice…

Assists to Hillen and Kyle (THE FUTURE) Okposo.

It is still not the most exciting play at this point – but we are all talking about potential players to come here (whether it would be prospect or picks).

TSN has it up on their site, but amzaingly – it did not get put up until 800PM – those Canadians are getting slow!

Meanwhile back to the action. I am quite impressed with Hillen’s play tonight. The way he reminds me of Martinek (not necessarily his style of play), but his demeanor. He does not appear to be over hyped, or pressured. He is smooth with his passes, and makes some good decisions.

Thw directly above us (Sec 301 Row A) got Chipotle burritos. I was just going to ask if we would get any, but my buddy Doug got one.

Well – after another break – back to the game. Another good sign about Hillen – he got the puck andsaved it from going over the blue line; got the puck over to his other defenseman. Then got a shot that nearly took the head off of Lalime.

Great scrum at blue line – Kudos to Comeau for standing up to Paul Gaustad. Isles end up with the PP. Great job by the kids – “Youthful exuberance”, replied Mike Schuerlein – www.Islesblogger.com

Three great attempts at net – one by Hillen, the next by Hilbert, and the last by Sim; all stopped by Lalime.

According to Hockeybuzz.com

He took the skate, was healthy, but is a no show for the warm up and game against Buffalo….

Updated…Guerin has texted Andy Strickland to tell him that we will all know what is going on with him in the morning…he has left the building.

Andy has learned that it is NOT NJ or Boston. I found out that it is NOT Philly…

I am hearing that Washington, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh are all possible.

Looking into it…

Callahan just took 2 for defending a teammate the got bolted to be boards by Adam Mair. Callahan dropped the gloves but Mair just stood there like a dope.

But the two minutes ar done, and Jackman just got crossed checked by Craig Rivet. Doug, our resident official called the referee something that women use to freshen themselves. Sorry – he referred to Rivet, but I like the former as opposed to the latter.

The game has vbecome increasingly chippy. Now Okie is getting into the act. He and Drek Roy just got 2 for roughing. Looking foeard to see what the 3rd period will bring.

Martinek – 2 for elbowing Chris Butler — are we going to see a suspension for that hit, Colie Campbell? And on cue, Paul Cartier – plays Looney Tunes on the organ.

Trivia Question – how many times in a row, has Danis taken a shutout into stanza 3?

1-0 after Two!

Doug is praising the statistics of Karl Alzner – who is from Washington – and he may be a nice player to pick up. Let’s see if he is right?

OK – will the defense hold and get the win for Yann? I am pretty confident about that. Isles are short handed for the next 53 seconds.

Another penalty – this time to Bergie. Danis has had to stand on his head right now – - hope he keeps it up. However, the talk is still of the Guerin deal. Is he out of the building or not?

Yet another big kill. This PK has looked real well of late – conservative, but an occasional stand.

Paul Gaustad had a huge hole in the net to shoot at. I know I would not want him to win a golf tournament on a three foot putt.

Penalty on Tim (Not tonight honey – I have a headache) Connolly.

Bergie a grea opportunity on net as the PP has ended. Isles had three shots on PP- lookedwell moving the puck around.

McDonald lost the puck and got back to take out Pommenville with a clean move, and actually had the Buffalo player stick break. Great job.

Skating has definitely increased in the last few minutes.

Nielsen now playing with Comeau and Okposo instead of Bailey.

Jackman got a great cross-ice pass from Tambellini that almost caught the upper left post. Thought the pass was going between the cicles, and not where it got…

According to hockeybuzz, Washington E4, Buffalo E3, or Montreal E2. Doug is wanting Alzner, and he wants him like women want babies and marriage.

Less than 4 minutes to go =- and the Isles are now outshooting Buffalo 32-30. This has been a great effort by the Isles all night. Got to be happy with the effort – even with 19 players on the ice tonight.

Stafford down he looks like he was SHOT!

Buffalo taking lots of chances – Tamby a breakaway – shoot from the point – easy save.

Blogger quote – YOUR DAD WOULD HAVE GOT THAT ONE!

Bergie does it AGAIN! 2-0! 2:02 left in the game – great effort and execution. And yes – Mama Dee is HAPPY!

My THREE STARS

3. Streit – great game on D
2. Danis – another shutout…
1. Bergenheim – both goals and overall inspired performance.

Quotes to follow after the game – will be the next post tomorrow.

Have a great night. And by the way – 4 straight for me!

Too bad I can not go on Monday and Thursday…. Win in abstentia for me!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

How many is that now? 20 or so – games lost by 1 game. Elias has to have some stats on bottom teams losing so many by just 1.

If we were blown out 1/3 or 1/2 of the time, that would be another story. Take 30% of those 1 goal losses and get them to OT or shootout – and this team would not sit in 30th.

Danis was simply brilliant in net. The goal he surrendered was a tough one with a scrum – his own D man falling on him from a check from an opponent…

Nothing to be unhappy about – but the two points missed. Tonight – the Leafs blow in, fresh off the victory in the shootout against the Rangers, spoiling John Tortorella’s Rangers re-debut. He is now lost 5 games in a row as the head man in New York. And this blogger is not feeling bad at all.

Hope to be there tonight – have a great day everyone!

PS – I made the LI Lighthouse Blog. Here is the picture from the site:

Thanks Katrina! By the way – check out llighthouseliblog.blogspot.com and check out the blog stylings of Katrina Doell – she is real sweet, and the lady knows her soccer; which makes her ok in my book.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Looks wierd not seeing Campy out there…. McAmmond wearing his usual number 37. Probably will be on the 4th line tonight.

Tonight is Town of Hempstead night, and would the Town Supervisor have the GUTS to show up?

An overwhelmingly NO…..

The receiver of Taxes will be here. Oh boy!

Of course, the scuttlebut around the blog box is of the trade. Campoli got 2 helpers in the game against Montreal today, but from what I hear (I did not see the game), he was not really as impressive as you would think. Comrie almost scored…. But wait – that happened a lot on Long Island….

Three weeks from tonight – I will be in Ottawa as the Booster Club takes to the road, to see our Islanders take on the Sens. It will be quite interesting to see how the Isles take on their old mates. I for one, am looking forward to the matchup.

Before that – your homework assignment –> check out www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk. This is the web site for the BEST hockey team in the UK! I have been a 9 year supporter of this team, and they have a 10 point lead in the UK Elite League standings!

OK – on to tonight’s match!

I will only be blogging for the first and third periods, as I will be sitting in my seat for the second period.

Callahan is in today; another chance to prove his worth.

Starting Lineup:

G – Danis
D – Martinek
D – Witt
LW – Bergenheim
C – Nielsen
RW – Hunter

Loudville is yelling “BUILD THE LIGHTHOUSE”

:45 – Bergeie on a breakaway had a great chance for goal – if we could ONLY finish.

1:00 – Parise on the ice. Can someone pull a Tonya Harding and get the pipe on his knees.

1:38 – Penalty on Streit – hooking….

2:15 – nice job by Okie – quick snap shot – high and wide

3:20 – great save by Danis on Langenbrunner.

3:40 – PK done – Streit out of box – great pass to Bergie – and this time – he FINISHED

3:50 - NYI 1 – NJD 0

** ISLES ARE DOING JUST AS I SAID IN MY PRE-GAME NOTES – BE PHYSICAL AND TAKE SOME CHANCES **

5:00 – Hillen looks a lot more comfortable out on the D-line

6:00 – Katrina from the Lighthouse stopped by and took some pictures. We in the blog box are stars!

8:49 – Stephen from IslesNation.com came back with his video recorder, taking video in the stands. Rumor mill has it that he is producing a soft core presentation of the Hockey Chicks Take Uniondale!

9:25 – Okie with his best impersanation of Jeremy Roenick.

10:27 – As Kate Murray’s video – the booing was loud and severe. When she said I am an Islander, I heard a lot of BULLS%$& from the stands… BRILLIANT!

So far – Isles outshooting 7-4 and the Devils look a little lack luster to say the least. Hope that stays for the next 49 minutes.

10:50 – great body save by Danis – and on the other end – a little scrum action in front of Scott Clemmensen. Sim and Salvador – penalties.

11:30 – Parise with some room in the slot – great stop by Yann.

14:00 – great job by the D – getting clearance. I like how Callahan looks. Devils are really getting outplayed x’s and o’s as well as physically.

15:10 – Danis – another great stop on a point blank shot by Travis Zajac.

Period goin by so quickly, and no final TV time out. 38 seconds left – in front of the crease – and no one to slap it in.

I will be in the seats for Period 2. Great save by Danis in the last seconds to end the stanza 1-0 in front.

3rd Period

Back from a period in 317. The Isles are still dominating the corner battles, and taking the speed out of the Devils game.

Great job by Sim. Amazing that he may have 15 goals or so with spending many games in chateau bow-wow.

Another excellent save by Danis off a drive to the net by Rolston. Parise has been just about silent today, expect for one good opportunity in front of the net.

Defense doing an outstanding job. Some comments in the stands, concerning just that. I, along with some others, really liked the way the Hillen is playing. Very smart, and positionally sound. Just getting some more experience and taking some cances, will move his game to the next level.

I would like to provide you a great article by my good friend Doug from islesofficialsoutlook.blogspot.com. He wrote a great piece about the Lighthouse, and I want to share it with you all:

Saturday, February 21, 2009
Meet Me at What is the Next 25 Years on Long Island
I am a Long Islander.

I was born here.

I was raised here.

I learned to have a passion for hockey here.

I am, for all intents and purposes, a part of the fabric of 1401 square miles of some of the most densely populated land on the planet.

That is why I need the Lighthouse.

All of you who read this blog and have a passion for Long Island as a whole, should ask yourself this question: “What does the Lighthouse mean to me?”

I am a young man in search of the path for the rest of my life. It has become a reality in the years after college that I was going to have move off this Island that I’ve called home for the first 24 years of my life. The unfortunate truth is the fact that young people simply cannot get a foothold here with the cost of living and the lack of alternatives that would allow me to strike out on my own.

With that being said, it is my firm belief that if two Long Islanders in Charles Wang and Scott Rechler want to give the place I live an identity, a place to call our own and something we can be proud of, we should give them the support that is necessary.

The Lighthouse transcends anything that happens with the New York Islanders. This is about Long Island. This is about you, me and everyone that has been contacted and shown their support (nearly 180 outreach attempts have brought back a 100% acceptance of the project).

This is about 60,000 construction and 20,000 permanent jobs.

This is about a Sports Complex that will attract State Championship after State Championship for all youth sports on Long Island.

This is about an improvement to the quality of life for all of us on Long Island. With roughly $60-$70 million dollars generated in revenue each year.

This is the “Imperfect Storm” as one Lighthouse Development spokesman stated.

Without your support this whole project could fall through the political cracks like so many before it.

It’s time to take a stand and make our voices heard.

Tonight 2/21/09, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, a “white-out” will be held to show how seriously we Long Islanders are about improving our lives. This is our time. This our home.

This…is our Lighthouse.

Please show your support by coming out in full force tonight and on Tuesday 2/24/09 at 10:30AM for the Approval of the Final Scope of the Project by the Town of Hempstead. The Lighthouse Project is ready. The Environmental Impact Study is ready.

Are you ready?

wasn’t that great?

Back to the action:

I have been also pleasantly surprised by Witt’s play of late, he actually has shown some speed and smarts that I have nott seen much of this year beforehand.

McAmmond has not been bad on the 4th line tonight. I am not expecting him to be setting any scoring records, but he has played solidly.

Nice effort by Jackman – Clemmensen made a great save. I love the effort that he puts on the ice. Salmela gets a cross-checking penalty. Great job by the forwards to draw the call.

With 7 minutes left – the team has the potential to do something they have not done all year.

Witt back on the power play – let’s see if he pulls the Dave Semenko job… well – if they can get a shot on net…. Hey – if this is the worst thing tonight – then it is not a bad day for the Isles….

Unfortunately – due to the fact that I lost my media cridential on the way back to the blog box from my seats in 317, I can not go down to the locker room after the game…..

Clarkson called for a double minor for clipping Matinek. That means the Isles can end the game on the power play.

Let’s get the 3rd goal, andend this party once and for all.

3-0 – OKIE on the PP. I see a lot of RED and BLACK leaving the building right now. Okie on the door step, and slammed it home off the right shoulder of the Devils netminder.

Okie got hit right after the goal and got a shot to the face. I did not see who did it, but he is getting checked out, and should be ok.

Parise – stoned by Danis.

Another penalty to the Devils. Gionta for hooking. 49 seconds of 5 on 3. This is nice!

5 on 3 with Witt playing Semenko. And YES!!!!! 4-0. We have the next Wayne Gretzky there… Well, maybe Mark Parrish. Guerin gets the goal – but Witt caused the proper ruckus to make it happen.

OK – 110 seconds to shut out time… Yes – I am saying it. I think we will get this one in the books tonight!

My Three Stars

3. Okposo – 1 G and a lot of physicality
2. Bergenheim – 1 goal and just as much toughness
1. Danis – the shut out

What a nice effort fr the guys – something for the team to build on. I should be able to get some audio from the game tomorrow and put it on the web site for all at that time.

As Kool and the Gang does CELEBRATION on the PA system, it will be nice to hear the happy recap from Doolin’s.

Have a great night everyone.

Gary

Don’t forget. Hockey Night on Long Island tomorrow at 3:30 PM. www.blogtalkradio.com/hockeynightonlongisland

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Lighthouse, Sheffield Steelers

I did not bring my computer to the game last night – I figured I would hang with the wife, but when I looked at the Box, I only saw ONE person there. I told there, that I had to step up and be a part.

When I got there, there were a few more. But I figured I would still be around to get the scuttlebutt.

BTW – the TWIN Ice Girls, I believe, were FIRED…. For what we don’t know. If you do – let us know.

Doug (Islesofficialoutlook.blogspot.com) went away from his computer, so I figured I would be the team player and write a little. However, I felt the humor bug, and proceeded to bash some of my fellow blog boxers…..

Here is what I wrote:

This is not Doug… This is Gary Harding with the View from Section 317 (well, tonight in Section 201). For some strange reason, Doug thought he should spend time with his family, rather than tell you all about the wonderful playmaking of the Islanders against the Kats! Oh well – the Isles had a their second straight power play, but to no avail. Was just not enough pressure in front of Vokoun.

I still believe that Okposo should be removed from the point on the PP. He is too much of a physical presence to be wasted, 70 feet in front of the Islanders net. What do you think Doug?

Oh – Doug has still not come back. Maybe he got a date….

5:40 – scrum behind Danis. – Florida just got their first shot of the period. They had 16 after 1 – to the Islanders 12.

By the way – if anyone wants a Dell Latitude computer – I will be selling Doug’s machine to the highest bidder on E-bay.

HE’S BAAAAAAACK! But not typing….

And Guerin just got royally robbed by Vokoun.

There have been times tonight that Danis has been more shaky than a 10 year old Vacuum Cleaner that needs an overhaul – but he has stepped up and done the job.

Frolik with a nice breakaway, but the edge of Danis’ pad got to it. Streit for slashing at 10:04 – and the Captain is getting his Massachusetts anger going. Panthers now go on their 4th man advantage of the game.

Sorry – I just insulted Doug’s meatball. Ask him about it sometime…

The big problem with Danis, is that he still does not do the recovery quick enough, and his side-side moves is questionable.

GOOD KILL BOYS!

Camoy – great opportunity – but just short. Tempo has picked up – and they seem to have enlightened the crowd a bit.

B TW – Doug is having just too much fun hanging out and not typing. He does not know that I am going to steal a $20 from his wallet for this. I don’t come cheap!!!!

Now Doug is talking to one of the other Blog Boxer’s Glen’s kids, and he sounds like Mr. Hand from Fast Times at Rigdemont High…

Another shaky Danis save, and it looks like an old man trying to collect his nickels off the floor. Where is my High Blood Pressure medication.

Doug just commented on Coach Gordon’s attire tonight. Come to think of it – he looks a little Sopranoesque. And another penalty on the Isles, and Doug is not pleased, and neither is the Captain – and for the next 4 minutes, he will be in the sin bin.

Panthers hit the post 5 seconds in. Sheesh.

The two to my right, are cat-fighting about the #1 pick, and who are free agents at the end of the season. One of them is in wonderlust with Tavares, and the other wants to not have him. Frankly – these guys need to kiss and make up!

I think I am done with my commentary. Thanks for the time, and make sure to check out my site, THE VIEW FROM SECTION 317. www.viewfromsection317.com.

Now – back the happy typing skills of Doug.

So long everybody….

Hope you all liked Gary’s take on the situation going on in the Box tonight. I’ll be back later on or tomorrrow with a few new pieces for ya. Enjoy the rest of the game.

Well – Danis was BRILLIANT! Guerin made a SICK back-handed move for the second goal of the game. BY the way – I yelled, “SHOW ME SOMETHING GUERIN!”, just before he scored, so I am taking FULL CREDIT for the goal.

Once again – OKIE was in the right place at the right time… He now has 10, and is rapidly moving up the charts…

My Three Stars:

3. Okposo – great physical game. Fantastic goal – look out Rookies – here comes OKIE!
2. Guerin – Candidates for the GOAL of the year!
1. Danis – would you expect anything else??

Clips from the game: Just click on the link…

Campoli

Gordon

Danis

Okposo

Super Bowl Prediction:

I love rooting for underdogs…. Athough, I was a Steeler Fan in the 70′s (Bradshaw – the Curtain, etc.), I am rooting for the Cards and Mr. Warner to pull out another miracle, and get his second ring. Final Score: Cards 31 – Steelers 21

Enjoy the game tonight!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

I really look forward to see how the team resonds to start this game. The team looked BRILLIANT after the first stanza on Thursday night – and I would like to see the same intensity and action tonight. Even though the Panthers are a better team when it comes to the standings, it seems that the offensive explosion that Atlanta can still put out there, can give me more concern that the Panther offense.

How can you NOT love the Bailey-Okposo-Comeau line. “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT…”

Danis had a good two periods, but his third has to be a little more solid. I know that all the goals were not his fault, due to the defensive lapses, but he needs to step up, if he wants to get more starts in the NHL this season.

The Isles will need a full 60 minute effort to get their third consecutive victory, and show the rest of the league that they are not a patsie team awaiting to give their opponents the two points that they are looking for.

Go get ‘em boys!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

But scary, nevertheless…

Kyle mentioned in the 1st intermission on radio with Steve Mears that the Isles need to treat the period like it is a 0-0 game, instead of a four goal lead..

Maybe he should have mentioned that for the third too. Three goals by Atlanta in the first 10 minutes of the 3rd brought the game to a one goal lead.

However, entry the Mighty Kyle. On two great passes from New Set up God Josh Bailey, “Okie” got his first multi-goal game in his NHL career, to give the Isles that 1 goal cushion.

It was a cushion that the Isles did need.

Atlanta pounced on Yann Danis like a bunch of 7 year olds going in a Jumphouse room. But the Isles held on to break the losing skid and now have a modest two game win streak.

Just like Lou Brown in Major League two: Win one more, and we have a real winning streak…..

Florida tomorrow… A team that we need to the same thing that we did with Atlanta in the 1st, but keep it for 60.

Scott G was right – we did not collapse. We may have slipped, but we did not get knocked out…

Great to see Weight, Hunter and Hilbert back… Their presence was noticeable, and much needed. Boy – great to see Streit pick up EXACTLY where he left off. His two helpers put him 1 behind the D leaders in points with 37.

Hope the crowd comes and gives the guys a little vocal support. Now – which jersey do I wear tomorrow?

Posted under Islanders 08-09