Posted under Islanders 09-10

As the Blog Box was not available today, I had to actually do a REAL VIEW FROM SECTION 317.

And we saw a good game… A little scary at the end, but nevertheless, a 4 point weekend for the boys.

The things that came out of the weekend.

1. The Isles are capable and definitely have the ability toplay against different styles of teams, and systems. In this weekend, we encountered a Devils team with outstanding skill levels. They crashed and crashed again, and were able to remove the best goaltender in the world out of his net. In the case of Phoenix, a similar looking team as their opponent, they were able to beat them to pucks, and win the battles in front of the goaltender.

2. The re-emergence of Jeff Tambellini. Hey Jeff – glad to have you back! He looks so comfortable with the puck and is crashing the net with strength and confidence.

3. Although Joey Mac has done a yeoman like job – we are seeing the scale sliding more and more to Yann Danis. He has not only made major strides on his play, but has taken that play to whole new level.

4. The forwards do not look like young and green, but are playing like solid NHL veterans. Then you get 26 year old Mike Iggluden – who not only come in from a similar system and fit in nicely, but has 3 assists in 2 games. Not only does he fits in, he is a snug a a bug in a rug.

5. The defense is slowly improving game by game – and guys have made tremendous strides. Bruno Gervais, who honestly did not have the best two games this weeknd, has done great with his pairing with Mark Streit. Jack Hillen has taken the Campoli role, and showed great confidence in a very short time. Joe Callahan has stepped up well in the absence of Brendan Witt, and has been solid. Tomas Pock has come back, which has allowed the Isles to send Andy MacDonald back to Bridgeport, and get his 22-25 minutes back; which will help him out.

6. Scott Gordon has got these guys believing that they can take on ANY team, and stay with them with no issues. This will make great inroads for next season, as they move to the next level of their development.

And do NOT tell me that this team should just lose it – in order to secure the first pick in the draft. I, like all of you, would love to see the name Tavares on an Islander jersey. But I want to see this team grow and develop as this season comes to a close. No matter what – the goal is development for ALL players, not just the potential new #91.

Well – the team is NOW on the road for six games, and no home match until the 25th. So the number of entries may be small, but I will make comments as needed.

On the late evening of the 20th, I, and 49 others will get on a bus and make the trek up I81 and head to Ottawa to see our boys take on Chris Campoli, Mike (Tinkerbell) Comrie, and the rest of the Senators. We (the booster Club) are going to be wearing our ORANGE as our trip group is normally called the ORANGE WAVE! I a looking forward to that trip, and I will be writing entries from the road, and after the game.

Have a great week everyone. Way to go boys. Real proud of ya!

Posted under Booster Club, Islanders 08-09

Pittsburgh will be peeved after Sundays debacle against Ovie and the Caps. They will not be a happy bunch. The Isles spoiled the debut of Dal Bylsma last Monday.

This has the makings of a slap dance…

Not if the Isles can help it.

Sid is in pain and not at 100%. This team is just not the same club that drubbed the Isles early on in the season. I think this will not be the blood bath that it could be.

Again – as in the Devils game – when this team establishes the forecheck – early and often – it is a big bonus. Do that again tonight and I do not see the one-sided affair.

I hear Park may be back early… Am I surprised? No.

Witt – do I want him gone? Not really – although his plus-minus number is dreadful, a team needs characters like BW. And he has also said that he WANTS to be here. I think you need more of that too.

Bergie has gained some serious points in my book for his comments about being here. Atta boy!

Well – let’s hope for a good game, and hey – maybe stealing two points from a desperate club. I don’t like the term spoiler, but I guess it will work. Anyways, we have Pittsburgh’s last home game as well. That will be the big litmus test.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

I know – it has been a while since I have written. Tough life, but all is OK.

My brother in law, who works for the FDNY was able to get me the FDNY tickets for the game last night. To my surprise, it was a great experience, but my seats were on the first row behind the net.

The experience was so nice. Being a club member, we were able to sit in the lower concourse bars before the game. We went to the Belvedere Vodka one, which also has unlimited food and soft drinks. Not just hot dogs and such, but outrageous sushi, pasta, pizza, salads, chicken, pork and other great delicasies. All for FREE. You do get a lot for the $250 ticket price.

The game – well – that could have had a better result.

They played well – which is what we say a lot. However, the Zach freaking Parise show – always triumphs at the end. That really pisses me off. Mike Milbury should be shot, dearn and quartered for being such a DUNCE and passing on not only the player, but the Islander lineage. Don’t get me started with Freakbury!

Okie was strong all game once again. It seems like the injury brought out Kyle’s game when he returned, and seeing 20 goals in his ‘rookie’ season is a distinct possibility.

Joey Mac made some great saves, and basically gave up two flukey goals and one that he wishes he could have back. The Langenbrunner shot was one that he really did not see.

The Witt penalty that caused the game winner was questionable, but I can understand why the call was made.

All in all – a good game, another positive to take from, but I know that we are getting sick of it. However, I can not be disappointed with the effort of the team.

If you have not gotten to Newark – get there, great arena, decent food, nice ambience. A real plus. All they need to do now, is get the area rejuvinated, and you got another “Camden”.

Sat is the Flyers in a Valentine’s Day matinee. That day, is my anniversary (my 3rd), and I will not be writing until Monday, when I am in the Blog Box for the President’s day matinee against the Pens.

Have a great day folks!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

The Thrashers have given over six goals a few times in the last two weeks. A team that is prime for the taking.

However, we were saying the EXACT same things when Atlanta first came into town recently.

This is one that we hope that Ilya Kovalchuk will forget to bring the “A” game. If there is ANY time to end this streak, it is NOW!

Looks like Hunter MAY play – and Weight is out. So 1000 points under the Weight tree will not happen. Bruno is still out, and that streak is now approaching 13.

As ou friend Chris Botta said, it is about time for this team to show some ‘cohones’. (well -its my term, but it was said to the same idea) Yes, the team is down, but teams that want to be good are ones that will take it to new limits and make strides to want more. If you look at the end of the Minnesota game, that is something that you did not see. The Nashville game was a good game, but offensively, few chances and very little passion.

This is where you separate the men from the boys. This is a game where you see what kind of players you really have. Whether they really WANT to see this team succeed, or they are just go through the motions. I immediately move Witt to the good side, thanks to his passionate comments. This could be a guy that could want a way out, but he made sure that this was not the case.

Let’s see what the rest of the vets do. I really would like to see Tinkerbell get the wings off and show us something. Keep Kovalchuk off the sheet, and give us two desperate points. I am not asking for much for Christmas – just a win,please.

I will be wearing my Sheffield Steelers jersey tonight. I am 2-0 with the shirt on – so might as well keep the luck flowing.

To all that read this site, I wish you the happiest of Christmas seasons. If you are of the Jewish faith, I hope that your Hannukah celebration is festive and joyous. Please be safe, and enjoy the Holiday!

Talk on Friday, before the Leafs contest.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

That was all that was on the clock when the final result was created.

10.7 seconds.

Well – most thought this team was not going to get a point anyway. Down 2 going to period 3. The period of doom and disaster. This is when the typical ‘come once or twice a year fan’ would grab their 7 year old and head to an early exit.

This team, changed the fortune for this night, and made it interesting for the fans that remained.

Goals by Sutton and Streit – closed the gap. Things were looking better. 6 straight losses in regulation were ended on this night, and a point came to the total points column.

Thanks to Ovie – that extra point eluded us.

For a change, this team played a HARD 3rd stanza, playing physical, solid forechecking and shots. Almost as many in period 3 as in the first two. Good game played by most of the team in blue. (And dont get me started on why #49 is even there!!!!!)

There were flubs, and dopey decisions in the first two periods. Two of the 4 goals let up by Joey, I am 100% SURE that he would want back. It was pretty much a bore fest for 40 of 60.

And then came overtime. We got through the first 90% of OT without much problems. Then #8 in white snaps a shot, that goes through Joey Mac and off the post and out. It was real close.

20 seconds later, he (Ovie) ended it. A tough pill to swallow, but this game HAS to be used as a setup for better things to come. I usually don’t like talking about ‘momentum’ games, and moral victories. But the way this team has struggled, it may be time to take the moral win for a spin.

Face it folks, we all know that this year was going to be a struggle. It is going to have to be this way for a while. If you read Chris Botta’s site, you read his conversation with Caps GM George McPhee. It brings a lot of insight of how a team can build from the duldrums and move up the ladder. We may not have that ‘star’ that they have, but sticking with the system, through all of the bad and good, can turn losers into winners. Maybe we have to take the rose colored glasses and understand, that the steps may be tricky at first. Unfortunately, some surprising wins, made some fans look for 1st round playoff wins. Please, let’s get through this year, and get the growing pains cleared.

Friday, hopefully, we get Silly, Comrie and Okie back to take the Wild down. I am sure that Kyle wants this so bad. I hope it can happen. Then, when and ONLY when, Ricky is at 110%, get him back, and give Joey the break that he truly deserves. He has been a yeoman and a good soldier all rolled up in one.

I know the times are tough, but stick to this. I really feel that there is opportunities. This can be compared almost to the time when the stock market dives. Most learned investors still say to ride out the storm, and in time, all will be fine. Let the Islanders be that struggling stock. Don’t sell – don’t waver, just stick it out!

Let’s see about this TOGETHER!

NY Hockey Report tonight.

Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/nyhockeyreport

Or www.nyhockeyreport.com

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, NY Hockey Report, Ramblings

Thank God for Campy… Well – he made his mother’s birthday complete! Really had a hat trick with the first one of the two going through and out of the net… But he will take two and like it!

Another collapse in period 3. What is it? Missed assignments, a little lax in chasing pucks. Losing battles left and right. You would think they would have learned their lesson after Saturday’s Debacle with Montreal.

There was some good signs… Richard Park finally got one in. He has been doing well the last 5 games. So has the Captain. What a move he made to get the 2nd goal out of the box. Campy has done well, since returning to the lineup. Sutton has made the defense a little bigger and stronger.

Hunter with four helpers in 2 games. (Congrats for Player of the Month for NYI) Joey Mac had a decent game, not brilliant, but workman like. He should be back in tonight at the Isles head to the Garden.

My Three Isles Stars.

3. Park – 1G 4A in last 4 games – picking up the pace
2. Hunter – 2A last night – all around good game
1. Campoli – 2G – makes momma proud.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Would you want to bring HIM home to your family?

I am sure that he will still be booded and jeered every time he comes on the ice. The image is still prevalent to Islander fans everywhere.

The Stars got totally pasted last night against the Devs. NJ looked awesome and Turco was definitely not himself. I am sure that Mr. Tippet will have these guys pumped for tonight. Dallas has not started that well, and this will be a game to make a serious point.

The Isles in the good game, bad game mode, are in for a good game, and with three days off, the guys should be ready to breathe fire. DP will be in net for the first time in the home sweater. Interested to see how the fans react to him. Kudos to MacDonald for the great job that he did. I hope that Gordon will work on using him more frequently than other coaches that used their backups.

Will be in the Blog Box tonight for periods 1 and 3. I will sit in my seat with my wife in period 2. Well – I have not been there this season, and I need to feel that old seat for a little while. I will try and blog during the game. If you are on AOL, IM me (nyibc1), or on MSN (nyiboosterclub@hotmail.com).

See you then!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Player Analysis

I know my buddy Patrick Hickey (www.thedriveforfive.com) is very happy right now. He has Hunter on the banner at the top of his page.

I am sure that he was disappointed that he only tallied 12 times last season. He has said that he wants to improve his offensive scoring punch.

He has not disappointed so far.

You have all the reports that you could muster. I am not going to add any more that just these comments of mine:

1. Joey Mac had a good game. He let a soft goal in but the other two, not many would have stopped. He has performed admirably.

2. DP – just get in there and play…..

3. Are you impressed with Nielsen’s play? Denmark should be thrilled that he is starting to make his career take shape.

But now to the focus of this piece:

Bruno – alias Pizza Man (ask any Booster Club member…)

He was one guy that I hoped would make some strides this season, and pick up his play to the point that he would become a leading d-man on this team for years to come.

In the first few games this season, he has accomplished just that. Getting two helpers in the home opener on Saturday, and getting an assist on the first goal of the night, he is logging major minutes on the blueline and is involved in all situations.

Taking advantage of the opportunities, along with the fact that he is a media darling, has made his visibility shine more this season.

However, it is going to make things even more tougher for Chris Campoli to just jump back in and be a force. It is interesting over the careers of these two guys, how much flip-flopping has happened. Now Gervais is at the top, and Campy is looking up. Get better soon Chris, and move that teeter-totter back to even.

Tomorrow – Sunrise, FL and the Panthers. Without McCabe, but be cognizant of their defense. It is their strongest point. Voukon has always played well against the Isles. Will be interesting to see how well the Gordon team plays after a good performance.

Posted under Islanders 08-09