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

The last game….

The “Wrecker” is back in the lineup – replaceing Sean Bergenheim.

Now a line of Rechlicz, Haley and Gillies, would be our version of the Hansen Brothers.

Rollie in net.  Interesting to see who plays for the Pens.  I know that Sidney will need 2 for the “Rocket” award.  But it will quite an interesting development as te game progresses as to how much time the Pens mainstays will get.

Congrats to the Sound Tigers for making the playoffs.  Already see the signs for playoff tickets for next Saturday at Harbor Yard.  Too bad that Josh Bailey will not get to play after the hit he received on Thursday.

So forMacDonald, Kohn(upon injury return), Haley, Rechlicz, Gillies, and Reese, this is a continuationof things.

Doug the betmaker is asking if this is Jeff Tambellini’s last game as an Islander.  Unfortunately, no one is taking him on this bet.

After 2 periods, the Rangers are up 1-0; with the Flyers outshooting the Rangers by a 30-14 mark.  King Henry is playing like a mad man today, but there are 20 minutes left for the Philly boys to get their act together.

Will be updating this blog after each period…. Enjoy the game!

+++++++++++++++++++

1st period

Starting Lineup – Roloson – Streit, MacDonald, Moulson, Nielsen, Jackman

Good guy award – Martin Biron.

Greast jersey I saw in Section 201 – it was a DP jersey with the name 15YEARBUST on it!

IT’S GAME TIME

Crosby and Malkin are getting the start.  Will Jackman take a shot at one???

19:14 – just found out that the Flyers tied the score at 1.

18:59 – Fleury not in net – what a surprise.

18:05 – Gillies – Rechlicz and Park – the non thug.

16:51 – Malkin gets a gift from Mark Streit – and slaps it into an empty left corner of the net. 1-0 Pittsburgh

16:30 – Craig Adams - 2 for tripping Roloson – - Nice call Doug (alias Mr. Referee – should have been goalie interference).

16:00 – Moulson had 30 in front of the net – but puck trickles away.

14:19 – One shot on the PP – not a lot of puck control

13:57 – Ice girls out.

13:55 – The Wrecker – one left to Rupp and he goes down like a sack of onions!

13:25 – Eric Godard got the puck past a diving Roloson – and give the Penguins a 2-0 lead.

12:00 – Moulson gets a good chance at Johnson – easy save.  Godard gets his first. in the 82nd game of the season.

11:05 – Interference on Gillies.  Just what this driving Pittsburgh team needs, a power play.

10:54 – the talk on the box is that this game will get out of hand and quickly at that.

8;32 – Pens get a penalty – Staal -  hooking   .  However, the Isles should hae declined the penalty.

7:25 – Streit – interference.  Well – so much for that power play.

6:56 – Hunter hit the post for about the 30th time this season (sarcastic – but it feels that way)

6:18 – Rollie flopping mad – making saves on Crosby.

5:39 – Guerin called for interference.  Iguess these refs like interference – call of the day.

442 – Isles on PP.  Trying to set up Moulson for #30.

4:03 – Okposo had a lane – but dumped to Tavares – who had his lane blocked by the Pitt D.

2:57 – As the Haley, Rechlicz and Gillies line was out – Malkin spotted Crosby streaking down the left wing, and puts it byRoloson for #50.  Penguins 3 – 0.

2:36 – Let’s Go Pens chants go out.  Almost sounded like Let’s go Met’s.

1:42 – Staal called for a crosscheck.  Ranger game is going to a shootout.  The playoff spot is going to a skils contest.  Thanks to SlingBox, we are wathcing it.

1:06 – Letang -delay of game – 5 on 3.

0:43 – JT cleans up the garbage and gets his 23rd. 3-1 Pens

++++++++++

2nd period

19:05 – Cosby scores again as the penalty expires:  4-1 Pittsburgh. He now has 51 – if Stamkos does not get 1 – the Rocket award is his.

But Islander fans are not as forlorn, as the Rangers have been eliminated at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout.

19:00 – ok – do we see some fights this period?

18:43 – major scrum in front of thpenalty box, and the funny part was that Jackman nearly took off the helmet to get in a fight.  First of all – the hit from Hillen on Dupuis was legal… 

18:05 – Islanders PP Goal – #30 for Matt Moulson!  Yes 4-2 Pittsburgh

16:43 – Rechlicz and Godard – great heavyweight bout – to a draw.

16:43 – Malkin ad Jackman – jostling in the faceoff circle – both sent to the box – two minutes – unsportsmanline conduct.

15:10 – Bruno Gervais – the BLACK HOLE ON DEFENSE – kept the puck in the offensive zone -

14:08 -  Malkin – gets 4 – 2 interference and 2 unsportmanlike – and Jackman – 10 misconduct.

13:50 – Moulson – two on net -and nothing on net.

12:10 – box is talking about this being Park’s final game.  That is a tough one for me.  I like his professionalism – but younger players are needed ore on this suad right now.

11:30 – Isles outshooting Pitt 17-14.

11:20 – PP playing much better.  Johnson made a great save on a Streit slapper from in front of the left faceoff circle.

10:20 – Trent Hunterhad two fantastic opportunities – and just missed on both.  JT- embellished a hit a little bit – but no penalty called.

8:51 – Malkin scores from guess who….. 5-2 Penguins. Can’t get Popcorn without a goal being scored.

5:51 – game has calmed down a little bit… 76 minutes in penalties called in this game so far – 46 for the Isles.

4:20 – Hunter making some un-Hunterlike moves,but still could not get the puck past Johnson.

3:03 – Haley gets called for Goalie Interference and gets hurt after the play, (looks like a knee).  Just what Bridgeport needs.

2:20 – Crosby just hit the pot on an open shot at net.

0:31 – Okposo – drew a penalty to end the 2nd with.

+++++++++++++++++++++

3rd period

Isles start the period on the PP.  Get one here, and there is  glimmer of hope.  See if Gillies an the Wrecker will get one fight in before the season ends.

17:40 – not much for typing now.  Unless something excites me – I will be keeping my mouth shut (now that’s a change.)

15:51 – Kyle Okposo drills one from the right faceoff circle – 5-3 Pittsburgh.  Still a game here…

15:07 – Jon Sim gets in and puts one by Johnson in front of the net.  5-4 Pens.

We have ourselves a hockey game here!

14:33 – Roloson made a great save on Kennedy.  Crowd getting into it.  This is a nice way to end the season.

13:30 – Jackman and MacDonald get twopoint blank shots on Johnson.  Getting loud and raucous. YES!

12:20 – Rollie – some spectacular saves.

Just heard that Stamkos scored his 51st of the season.  So Crosby needs one to have the award on his own.

11:28 – Gervais takes a penalty giving Pittsburgh a PP – and some of the blog boxers are excited.

9:20 – Hillen gets 2 for goalie interference.  Anothr power play for the Pens.

3rd period has been realtively penalty free, but exciting to say the least.

4:13 – Freddy Meyer pushes a puck through that was tipped by Tavares, and it is 5-5!

3:27 – Nielsen – nearly got a five-hole through Johnson.  The other Bloggers are attempting to commit hari-kari, because the point would put the Isles in 6th, and have no chance for the 1st pick.

They gave Meyer the goal, but we clearly saw JT’s stick touch the puck as it was going in.

2:39 – I am sorry – but I am not in the sae belief as these guys are – whatever happens, happens, and if they end up 6th from bottom – so be it.

0:50 – Roloson is playing outstanding.  Making saves out of nowhere.  This crowd sounds like it is at Game 7 of the Conference Finals.

Timeout – Pittsburgh

15.1 seconds to go.

Islanders now got point number 79.  Still have a chance to get number 80.

The balloons are falling from section 319 and down to the lower levels.

End to end action that is exciting and driving my nerves in a frenzy.

Leopold scores with 34.4. seconds left – what a fantastic game! 6-5 Penguins.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Posted under Islanders 09-10

The invisible cape was on – but the men that needed saving were not saved…..

6-2 loss to a team that had lost 5 in a row, and 8 of 9.  Averaging about 1.3 goals over the 9 games…

AND THEY GOT SIX!

What happened?

Silly mistakes in the defensive zone.  Bad passes and decisions.  Streit and Gervais had, to be honest, lousy games.  The Flyers played a Peter Laviolette game.  They outskated their opponents – they beat the Isles to loose pucks, they were constantly moving – and make the visitors look incredibly weak.

Good for JT to get two on the power play.  His goals were quite easy, but goal scorers are always at the right place and the right time.  Kyle got two helpers.  Now he needs to get off his schneid and get involved.

Not much else to add on this.  The boys are back to Toronto – to the scene of the 58 save night of Rollie.  Will he do that again?  I highly doubt it – but the Isles need to look just like the Flyers did last night.  Come out with purpose – desperation, just totally PISSED OFF! If they look like their coach did on the bench last night – that would be good.

Jackman and Bergenheim are out.  We will see Comeau and Schremp back in the lineup tonight.  No need to re-call anyone. 

Here is wishing for a better effort tonight.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

For whatever reason, I was snoozing on my couch through most of this game.

Thank goodness that I did not watch this.

It seems that this team just was not up for this game.  Or was Tampa just pumped after losing in the last 60 seconds of their game last night in Newark, and had to make a 1200 mile journey home – probably getting into their beds around 4am.  That would peeve me too.

Rollie just did not have it.  Gordon is sticking with #30 as his #1, but I think it will be time that brings in Marty B.  He will be in net on Tuesday against the Flyers and Peter Laviolette.  This will not be as big as the first time that Peter faces his old team – but it will be how the Flyers respond to a coach with a different style that his team that he inherits.

With the Flyers and Maple Leafs being the hosts for the Isles this week, the boys in Orange and Blue will have some serious home cooking to taste in the next four weeks.  Thankfully, the Isles did not lose ground.  As a matter of fact, the team is actually in the middle of the pack and they have not disappointed.

Yes, there have been stinkers, just like last night – but usually the turnaround happens.  I do not expect anything less in the next few games.

I am sorry that I have not been around lately.  With the job taking all of my time, as well as the server that this site exists on going down, I apolgize.  But now, I hope to write a little more about the team that I love so much.  Also – a site called the NHL Arena is voting on best blog’s for each team.  Iam providing the link, please vote…

The site is:

http://thenhlarena.com/index.php?showtopic=118787

Please vote for the view from Section 317.  Thanks,

Gary

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Will be reporting at the Isles game today, for a change.  I havent doe this in about a month, so it should be fun.  I will update my postings after each period.

I expect a much different flow of the game – especially in periods 2 and 3 from what happened on Wednesday night with the Flyers.

Should be Rollie in net – with the same 18 skaters that played the other night.

Also – I will be at the game on Saturday in Newark.  It should be fun. 

But I am looking forward to today – and getting the chance to be  a part of the game’s coverage.  See you at the rink.

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

Yes – that Reality TV Star – Richard “SHAKEY” Krouse will be attending the next booster club meeting on Monday night at the Long Island Marriott. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM. If you are coming to the meeting, please bring some Liquid Detergent. This is our monthly charity item, that is going to the Long Island Chapter of Ronald MacDonald house. Now – that is a great cause, so dont forget the liquid!

Shakey was a great guest last season. He did a “SHOW AND TELL” with some equipment, including Ricky’s mask and pads, among other things.

BTW – I will not be live blogging tonight – but I will get some quotes after the game, and have a page for that.

Let’s get those FLYERS TONIGHT!

GH

PS – for all you Sheffield Steelers fans – they won 8-3 in their first game of a two leg series against the Edinburgh Capitals. Game 2 is tonight in Scotland. Game time is 3:00 our time. If you go to the Sheffield Steelers web site, you can actually see the game on a PPV basis. Go check them out, won’t ya!

Posted under Blog Box, Booster Club, Islanders 08-09

Between work, and my mothers latest hospital stay, I have not been writing too much. However, I have some thoughts in my head.

1. The play… Saturday was a difficult game to swallow. Just when you thought that the Isles were moving in the right direction in the game, and got the score to 2-1 (nice goal by Amazing Andy Hilbert), the Flyers in the third pounced for three goals in 73 seconds, to make the game out of reach.

Danis was a tough luck customer. He has played so well for the Isles, he was due for a doozy, and he gave just that. I am sure he would have like a couple of mulligans for the game.

In my opinion, I thought Joey deserved the chance to play on Saturday after his amazing effort in New Jersey. He should be on the pipes for the afternoon matinee against Sid, Geno and the Pens.

For those of you who are still drooling for Tavares, we still have a good chance to get him. I just do not believe that the team should ‘tank’, or have the fans act like that. Note – athletes are ‘proud people’ and definitely would not just bring their play down, in order to gain a prospect. If it happens, so be it.

I believe that this is the right time, to get the kids in motion, and get them significant minutes. As the games go by, I think Gordo will do that.

2. Rumor mills have Campoli and or Bergenheim on the move. Let me take each one separately.

Campy – I think that his play has been counted on since the injury to Streit. He has logged major minutes on the PP and has been in the mid 20s in ice time. He is probably the player that would be the most wanted on this club at this time. (Weight – of course, would be the main one, but with the injury – that will not happen). You may be able to get a significant pick for him, because of the age factor, but I think he will not only remain an Islander, but will be here for a long time. It is not that you would build your team around him, but he can be an important cog. With Streit here for 4 more years, they can be a great 1-2 combo.

Bergy – He has had so many chances to shine but just has not come up to snuff. There are some that will comment about him (and I will not name names, Dee….), and defend him to the gills. I believe that he can be a serviceable NHL player, but I think that I will not happen on this team. I really think he needs a change of scenery, and his over-aggressiveness will be his detriment.

http://cdn.nhl.com/islanders/photos/mugs/8456464.jpg

3. Guerin – I think that it is a testament to his character that he has kept his no movement clause. He is totally devoted to his game, as well as the team that he is playing for. He would definitely be a player that would be wanted by teams that are looking for a serious playoff run. He could be that ‘rent-a-player’, but to his credit, he has put in his contract that he can not move. He is the type of player that I totally root for, and respect to the utmost. I would believe that he could be signed again and keep the captain here. He is great in the locker room, and I have seen some of the interaction with the other guys. He is a great guy, and although he is not the 40 goal scorer of the past, his contribution is more than most people know.

What to expect for tomorrow:

1. The Pens are struggling to even make the 8th spot in the playoffs. They were spanked by the Leafs 6-2 on Saturday night. They will be a team peeved off, and looking for bear.

2. Sid the Kid is on a roll of late, 12 points in the last 8 games, and loves to play against the Islanders. In 23 games against the Isles, he has 11 goals and 41 points. That is someone you have to watch.

3. Sergei Gonchar has returned to the lineup after a long injury. His presence on the blue line was sorely missed, and can be a big help in the rush to the post season.

4. The Isles are 0-3 against Pittsburgh this season, including a 9-2 drubbing at the Igloo. The Isles play two more times in Pittsburgh (Feb 25th and April 9th)

This sounds like a trouncing waiting to happen. The last games between the two at the Coliseum were interesting to say the least. On November 26th, the Islanders squandered a 3-0 lead, and lost 5-3 to the Pens, as Evgeni Malkin notched the game winner late in the 3rd. Earlier, on November 9th, the Islanders had a 3-1 lead in the third, and gave it up, and lost in the Shootout, when Tyler Kennedy got the puck past Joey MacDonald to give the Pens the two points.

Let’s start hoping that fate will NOT give us a third loss at home to Pittsburgh.

I will have a blog report from the Coliseum after the game tomorrow. Have a great day, and hope that we turn the tide around.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Another rough loss last night, and to make matters worse, the Isles head into Philly, a beaten and hurting team.

Sutton and Thompson are out, Fritz and Callahan replace them.

We are heading to ECHL players real soon, if this keeps up.

I agree with Chris Botta, as much as losing another body is a tough thing, I think Bailey SHOULD play the WJC’s in a few weeks. Confidence up the wazoo, and this is what 18 and 19 year old Canadian’s DREAM of playing in. This should be a no brainer for Garth. Let him go.

I know that in this league, anyone can go into a building and pull off a gem. However, the Isles have lost, I believe, 6 in a row in Philly, and they are playing well of late. This is going to look bad.

Comrie, I hear, is back soon… I see a lot of excitement coming from that comment….

I really think that Joey Mac needs a break tonight. I know that Danis had a meltdown in his one game here, but what the heck, let’s see what he has, against a team like the Flyers. Ricky is 3 weeks away from the lineup, and I think Joey needs a day to contemplate life, and other variables.

Question of the Day? Will Fritz see more than 2 minutes tonight?

I like Comeau first two games back. Energy, and smartness. This is the player that many were expecting to see on the Island, not the one that was invisible in camp and exhibitions.

As far as last night, it was nice to hear the comments of one Mr. Blake. He spent a long time here, and deserved, in some cases, a better fate, but he takes it all in stride and moves forward. Nice job!

We get Pittsburgh on Thursday, and Columbus on Saturday. Tonight’s game is on Versus, which means all of the US can see how horrible we really have been. And also – to have other announcers tell us how rough we look.

Just what I need on a Tuesday evening.

Enjoy it – well – tolerate it.

Posted under Islanders 08-09