As of 11:30 AM – there is still no word. A lot of the outlets are saying that Montreal may now be the lead team in the sweepstakes.

Also – an article from Newsday is now commenting that Gordo may have had some serious issues with the ‘vet’ players, specifically Guerin, and Weight.

The news should be out shortly. What are we getting….

By the way – I am now on twitter. My name is IslesSection317.

Here are some of the audio comments from post game:

Scott Gordon

Kyle Okposp

Sean Bergenheim

Yann Danis

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, NHL Stuff

As said in the earlier post, Streit is back – so either Callahan or Hillen is the odd man out.

Check the first five minutes – if we are playing hard and getting the physical game up – it is good for the home team. The problem with the Isles – is the 3rd period. It is imperative to keep the strength up and keep the forecheck going.

Witt vs Malkin should be fun. Witter loves to play against the Pens, and it shows.

MacDonald vs Fleury in the nets today. Will we see the same Joey Mac that was absolutely brilliant against the Devils last Wednesday?

The mascots are here today – Blades from Boston – Stinger from Columbus, and Tommy Hawk from Chicago, along with the 4 Presidents from the Nationals Race. By the way- Teddy Roosevelt has NEVER won a race in the last two years. My money is on the Long Islander….

GAME TIME

Witt Martinek Bergenheim Nielsen and Hilbert – MacDonald in Net.

Predictions:

Gary – Isles 4 – Pens 3 Shootout
Doug – Pens 4 – 2 9 ( thinks Witt and Bergie are gone on March 4th)
Dee Pens 5 – 2
Steve 6 – 2

20 seconds in and a good chance on Fleury.

Bruno hit the crossbar – in his second straight game. Don’t play Blackjack with him… Marty gave the puck to Crosby who fed Fedotenko, who like he did last year, missed wide.

Game has been a little slow to start. No flow – just feeling out processes. Bergy had a nice opportunity, and caused a scrum in front of the netminder.

Staal just missed a wide open chance when a bad pass from Guerin caused a 2 on 1 opportunity. Phew!!

Bergie – great job and vision – seeing Campy coming in off the wing… And under review… YES! 1-0 Isles

Time for the Isles to not only keep the pessure up, but make sure that their level does not sway.

First penalty of the game to the Isles – to Jackman for holding – Malkin took a blast – that I thought would take Mac’s head off. PK looking great – with about half of the time in the Pens zone.

Leaving early to check with the wife. Isles playing well – hope the last few minutes are good.

Whoops – Malkin decided to pull off a toe drag, and 1-1.

2nd Period

Bailey and Okposo looking good to start the period.

Witt just introduced Malkin to the glass. Isles had a good 1st, despite Geno’s goal… Outshot Pitt 12-10, but lost face-offs 12-9. Martinek led in ice time with nearly 9 minutes.

Isles dominating play in this period. But not getting the chances.

Doug is very sad about losing not only the twin ice girls, but the ice breakers as well. He will accept cards and flowers.

Gyerin went off the ice at the last TV time out, and has not returned back to the ice… Are we losing the captain now? Five minutes later – he is back.

Some of these young guys have to get into some type of a selfish mode and shoot the damn puck! Especially Josh and Kyle.

Isles just got a little sloppy in their own zone. Making some bad decisions with the puck.

13:27 – scrum in front ad the Isles put it in!! 2-1!
Nielsen – from Bergenheim and Hilbert.

Little more passion for the team, but Streit takes a holding penalty with 4:01 left in the period. A big momentum maker would be the Isles to keep the Pens from getting to the net. Keep them to the outside and limit the skating.

2-2 – Whitney equalizes it – with some great passing from Gonchar and Sid the kid. The PK which has been good of late, let the team down a little, but now is a great opportunity to get more pressureon Fleury and take it to them.

Okposo just got called for holding just after a Pens player apparently interfered with him first. Isles back to the kill to end the 2nd.

Pens almost pulled the same play – Gonchar from right point, to Whitney at the top of the faceoff circle. Joey got to it. Great save at the end of the play too.

Great scrum in front of MacDonald with 9.4 left. Fleury was just about to join in thefracas…. MacDonald has had some fights in his minor league career… Malkin gets 4 for roughing, and Campoli 2 for roughing.

Period ending – Isles need to get prssure going, and get pucks to the net.

By the way- the President race has George taking the victory over Teddy. He duded it up with Thomas Jefferson – but lost to George by a large head.

3rd period

Got the PP to start the period – need to get the pressure on Fleury. Isles outshot 10-7 for the second – and are down 20-19 for two periods. Martinek leading in ice time with over 16:00 minutes. All four lines are getting just about equal time. Comrie and Hilbert lead in shots with 3 a piece. For Pittsburgh – Malkin leading all in ice time with over 17 minutes. Petr Sykora and Ryan Whitney have 3 shots a piece to lead the team.

Comrie is just pathetic. Fairy dust galore. Doug said it better – “GET OFF MY TEAM!”

Team is getting sloppy, and the Pens are trying to insight a riot. Isles need to bing the level up.

Joey Mac leaving too many juicy rebounds for the taking, but thank goodness, the Isles have been clearing up the garbage.

A few good opportunities from the kid line, but Fleury was up to the test. Game is definitely picking up in pace. This is good, as long the Isles keep up with it.

Notice how much better this team is with Streit in the lineup? We lost 5 in a row, and guess who was not there? Is it coincidence? I beleve not.

Great job by Hilbert pinning down Crosby as he was coming to Joey’s left. Pittsburgh taking a little to the team, but defensively, the Isles have played well. From 1 to 6. Even Hillen has lookd decent. Not over-playing, but making smart decisions.

With 6 minutes of time left – Isles need to play smart.

Witt shoved Crosby on his butt – and of course, he (Sid) looked to the refs, awaiting a call – but to no avail.

Another big rebound left by MacD, but forwards got out of harm’s way.

Hilbert with a great chance off a greater pass by Streit, but just short of net. Isles are not intimidated or playing tentative in the last few minutes. They are going for it, and that is great.

With 90 ticks left, Isles out out the kid line, and that shows a great deal of confidence for the boys.

Made it to OVERTIME and point. I am the only one of the four that thought the Isles would win – so I am the BEST PROGNOSTICATOR of the table.

Pittsburgh is a good team 4 on 4- and with a 2 on 1 – MacD got the big save. Interesting line combos. Guerin and Bailey. Josh and Campy combined on a nice play to get a shot in on Fleury.

Joey Mac makes another great stop on another 2 on 1 for Crosby.

What end to end excitement. This is exactly what this team needs to get the young fans in. And maybe the win in the shootout would do just that….

Great defensive work by Gervais and Campoli in overtime. #8 has been fantastic! Okie made the play of the day, getting the puck away from Crosby, and nearly gave Park a chance to win it, but it is time for the SHOOTOUT!

Shoot out
1. Nielsen – GOAL!
2. Sykora – GOAL!
3. Tambellini – GOAL!
4. Malkin – SAVE!
5. Okposo – miss! Tried the big move and missed.
6. Crosby – MISS!

BIG WIN!

My Three Stars
1. Nielsen – Goal, shootout goal, assist
2. Bergenheim – 2 assists!
3. Mac D good solid job in net

Clips from the locker room:

Scott Gordon

Frans Nielsen

Joey MacDonald

Chris Campoli

Jeff Tambellini

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

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

You can use all the cliches in the world:

Good effort
Solid play in all 3 zones
Decent Goaltending
Outshot opponent
Outhit opponent
Did not lose key faceoffs

All of that is good. But when the number under your team on the scoreboard is less than the opponent, it is a loss, no matter what happens.

Sign Dunny to a contract – you are back in the game, dude!

I am sure that there will be calls to other teams looking for a goaltender, if Joey’s injury is as bad as it sounded. From people I know in security at the Coli, he was crying in pain. That is not a good sign.

Glad to see Campy off the schneid. His game needs to lift up, and he looked a little better last night.

Good to see Nate and Franz back. Nielsen at times, did not look like he was injured in the way he was. He was not that timid, and played ok.

Danis did a nice job. The second goal – his defense did not help him on the odd man rush. His skills were much better than the previous time he was in net (remember that 9-2 flubbing in Pittsburgh?).

Again – a nice effort – but we will continue now to see the youngins in a lot more situations as the weeks go by. However, I still believe you need veteran leadership to be here, and if Guerin and Weight want to stay here, they should! Do you believe that, mister GM?

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

Thoughts at warmup…

Blake back – and Tamby down. Conditioning or not – Jeff needs this. He is jut not producing, and whether fans think it is their screaming about it that caused the demotion or not – this move HAD to be done by Garth. This kid needs a 100% adrenaline shot of confidence.

Comeau has done well to deserve this promotion, so let’s see what he does with it. We all know what happened in September and October.

Starting for the home side tonight…

MacDonald
Streit
Campoli
Park
Thompson
Jackman

Hopefully, their energy will give the boys a shot in the gut.

20 seonds in – penalty for Atlanta. Wouldn’t it be nice for us to score in the first minute, instead of the other way around. Bailey on 1st PP Unit. And sure enough – 51 seconds in – we do it – great shot by Guerin on the off wing. Great piece f work to start the game.

And yes, I screamed, “It’s a POWER PLAY GOAL, %%%% Sam Rosen, and Joe Micheletti too”. It is a 317 Section special. Keep the legs moving and intensity up boys.

Last 90 seconds brought Atlanta back in the game, and they dominated play. However, for whatever reason, I was confident, because the Isles kept skating, blocking shots, and keep up to the pressure.

3:56 P1 – Penalty on Streit for hooking. Need to keep moving and attack the puck. LikeAmazing Andy Hilbert’s play on the PK. He is so smooth. Had a great scoring chance. Kovalchuk looks lost without a good partner. He always had someone; Heatley, Hossa. Now with no one – we can see why this team is last in the NHL, and he is under a point a game and only 8 goals on the season.

Two great chances by Comeau in front of the net. I think he gets this system now!

Really looks like Sim just enjoys to play against his old mates. As does Sutton.

Another PP for the Isles. Silly getting a chance on the PP on the 2nd unit. Great chance on Goal at the end by Silly, but the Atlanta defender got a piece of the stick.

And yes, another PP for the Isles as Crabb clipped an Isles player at the end of the shift. Back to Bailey, Guerin and Weight. Sloopy work this shift.

So far – the Isles play has been ok – but when Atlanta has had the opportunity to dictate the play – they have been good.

Jackman and Thorburn with a fight – and Tim with a overwhelming TKO and a throw down as well. Thorburn looked like an old rag doll.

The last five minutes have been bouncing back and forth, with not a great deal of continuity, but at least in this period, the Isles have been skating hard, and making their own chances.

Atlanta scored with 2:16 left – Brian Little right in front of Joey Mac on a broken play, pushes it through the legs to even it up. Who would have thought that Bryan Little would have as many points as Kovlchuk.

Bailey got a nice hit on him in open ice. Good to see the rest of the team come in and protect the honor. Hilbert gets 2 for roughing on the play, but I like to see that intensity when it comes down to protecting your fellow players.

Other than that – the same lineup as the other evening.

Bad news about Okie. I know that he was aching to get back, and now another setback and now out until after the New Year. Tough situation for him, but it seems that he has the cool head to be able to not only handle it, but work on Josh Bailey to get his confidence going. That is what I call a teammate.

—-
2nd Period – Shots were 9-6 Isles after 1.

Isles get an early power play again – another chance to make some things happen. However – once again – stymied. Isles now 1/4 on PP.

Jackman has a nice, low, hard shot. I can see why he was a 2nd round pick.

Pretty much back and forth non-excitement. A few players making some good plys, but nothing much else.

Just as I talk about Kovalchuk, he makes a beautiful move to beat Joey Mac to make it 2-1 Thrashers.

Bergenheim got a little sloppy an took a penalty, after he had a great opportunity to tie it up. His emotions sometimes get the best of him. And in this case, it showed big time. I am sure these are some of the things that have kept Bergy in the press box for games.

Great opportunity by Jackman with a shortie opportunity. Great kill.

On a bogus call on Guerin, the Thrashers get number 3 on a ‘gift goal’ for Boulton who just slid the puck by a out of position MacDonald.

The second tonight is our third of other nights. What can this team do right? They are making these guys look like Boston.

Right now – this team has some serious backchecking issues. I can not understand with all of this practice and talk, how it seems to disappear at times. Maybe that is the ‘non hockey player’ in me, but it just doesn’t make sense to me.

With 2:49 left in this period, this team needs to not only make a stand, but get the crowd back into this game. Bergy is also off te first line, replaced by Comeau. Simpy put by the boxers around me, but Blake has been not only more effective, but has done all asked tonight and more.

Outshooting 12-6 this period, but outscored 2-0. That just about says it all.

This team looks as confused as can be. Park had an opportunity, but a Thrasher defenseman’s skate simply made it be all for naught.

If this team wants 2 points tonight – Gordon needs to blow a head gasket and get some motivation on these guys and fast!
—-

3rd period, and fingers need to be crossed.

First two minutes – energy, but nothing in the way of chances.

Need to get pressure on the goalie – make things happen. Comeau had a good hit, Hilbert, but between the blue lines, it is like a festival of ‘watching the play go by’.

Cmon boys – make a statement! NNNNOOOOWWW!

You are outshooting these guys 23-12 – AND WE ARE DOWN 2!

Bailey just lost another faceoff. He was 4 for 12 for two periods. Got to get Professor Sillinger to work more with him.

Trent just lost it – got 2 for trip and 2 for high stick. Got 4 minutes to kill. A shortie will be nice about now – we haven’t had one of these in a while.

Sutton takes a penalty – but Atlanta scores. 4-1. This is ugly. This team is not this good. We are just that bad tonight.

Fellow Blogger Mike’sbiggest joy right now is counting the icing calls. Atltanta has 6 and the Isles have 2. I wish that would make us get more goals. Wait – Atlanta now has 7.

I now feel as bored as Republicans at the upcoming Inauguration in January.

Two posts in about 30 seconds, but Atlanta puts it in – as I am typing. 5-1 and the Boo birds are eminating around the building. Sticks are being slammed in disgust, and the fans are leaving. So – I think I will end this post.

My 3 Stars (Irrgardless of the scoring).

3. Jackman – energy always.
2. Comeau – posts and again energy that we just did not see in the first few games of the season.
1. Ice Girls – well – no one is deserving of the 1st star.

Well – if a miracle happens – I will comment about it tomorrow. Otherwise, I am going to be working on my Christmas decorations tomorrow.

See ya!

Posted under Islanders 07-08

We got one early, that’s for sure.

In one of the most bizarre finishes in the club’s history, the Islanders get a break they so desperately needed, when Ryan O’Byrne put the puck in his own net, giving the Islanders the tie score with under 4 minutes remaining.

I really do feel bad for the kid. Especially in that hockey crazed town, known as Montreal. He has to feel the weight of millions of French Canadian fans on his head.

However, his mistake is our gain.

I said a few weeks ago – when we were in the midst of our 6 game slide, that the Islanders needed a bonafide miracle. They needed that “Mark Parrish off the butt” goal. Lately, the team has been getting just that. Deflections off sticks, body parts, etc. Good teams, or teams that are riding on a positive note, get those goals. And yes, the road team got that last night.

No one will remember the goals by Park and Guerin in the shootout. No one will remember, the great saves that Joey MacDonald made.

They will remember the own goal.

As Billy and Howie said last night – they have to get the kid back in action immediately, and for the Habs, they have a road contest to do it in, so that will help.

You know – you always hear how great the Canadian fans are… However, did you hear them jeer at O’Byrne as the team left the ice? Real class! (I know I may ge grief over it – but tough. I think that was real sad!)

Well – the Isles are 9-10-2. No one thought this team would be that close to 500, especially with the dreadful start. The team is working well, without their #1 goalie, a few d and forwards out, and constant lineup juggling.

The system seems to work, doubting Thomas’s of the world. I just love how people just assumed the absolute worst, and thought the team would never get out of the funk. Eat crow!

Bring on the Pens. Let’s get to 500 and move forward!

I will be blogging at tomorrow’s game. Have a great day everyone!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Just found out thanks to Tom Liodice at www.thetigertrack.com, Nate Thompson out 2-4 weeks with a mild groin strain… Just what we need… another injury.

Sabourin and MacDonald in the nets tonight.

Jackman is up, as well as Bergie returning to the lineup.

Thanks to Alex and Steve from Hockey Night on Long Island for having me on the show. It was a lot of fun. If you have never heard their show, you definitely should. Go to www.hockeynightonlongisland.com and check it out.

Crosby playing tonight, despite missing pratice with on Friday. Satan is playing on his side. Rumor has it that he has found God and is changing his name to “Holy Spirit”.

Believe me – that was a bad joke, but I keep on trying.

_____________________________________

Starting Lineup

MacDonald – G
Streit Sutton on D
Hilbert Park Okposo up front.

No singer tonight -> What’s up with that?

Period 1 Notes:
1:00 Crosby does not look so bad.

2:30 – Malkin got hit with something – did not see but he was grimacing.

3:30 – Mac’s first big test by Crosby – nice save.

6:00 – Malkin’s back. The team is not intimidated by the Pens. Howver, there is nothing to show for it. It seems to be like a feeling out process for both teams.

8:30 – Ice is very sloppy

9:20 – Penalty on Talbot – great PP so far – good movement. Okie – had a nice chance but blocked in front.

12:00 – getting a little chippy… I can not believe that the scorebord only shows 5 combined shots in 2 periods…

16:23 – GOAL – Weight shot over left shoulder of Sabourin!

“Amazing Andy” Hilbert and Guerin with the helpers.

18:00 – Great job by Hunter’s line. Nice energy – caused areat turnover.

Good period – did not stand back from these guys. I am hoping that period 3 looks like period 1.
________________________________________
2nd period

Spent most of the period in 317.

Team looked good. Not taking any gruff from the Pens. Great goal by AMAZING ANDY Hilbert, on a great move and pass by Okposo.

Amazed by the way that Jackman’s ability. So much of last season, I thought #28 was useless. However, this season, has has 6 tallies for the ‘Port. That was Tim’s 4th career NHL goal.

Bergie missed a great opportunity late in the period. I like that they are sticking to each other, and are not showing any signs of weakness. Holding Pittsburgh to 11 shots in 40 is quite an accomplishment.

Crowd quite unhappy with the officiating. Can’t say I blame them.

___________________________________________

Period 3

Currently praying to every hockey god I can think of…. (Toe Blake and Eddie Shore to start), for a safe period, and to keep the system going without having it blow in their faces. They need to keep the effort and the hard nosed play for the first 40 to fall into the last 20. First things first, kill the damn penalty. The first two minutes of a period are the worst for this team.

Hopefully, being only up 1 instead of 2 or 3 is a good thing…

Big save for Joey Mac!

Another great opportunity by Kyle falls short. More confidence and those go in. OK – we got through first 4 minutes and so far, ok.

It it easy to see how Streit is overlooked on his defensive abilities. However, in afoot race, he had te presence in mind to work on positioning, so that if he lost in the footrace, he would not get beat on the play. I like his demeanor.

Pitt just hit the crossbar. phew!

It is amazing how much a puck bounces on this ice. Where were the good old days, when players loved the consistency of this rink.

Comment – love the uni’s but I do not like the vertical stripe on the back of the socks. It looks stupid to me.

So far – half way into the period – shots are 10-0. Four icings in the last three minutes. Is this team getting cursed or what? Got to get some sustained pressure on the other side of the net.

Finally a chance – we got no shot, but Nielsen drew a Pitt penalty. I love the way he has played.

Time to make a stand on this PP – first of all – get a shot on net! Well – NOT!

This team is scaring me. I like that we are holding on, but the inveitable scares me. Sutton has done a great job.

3:15 left – Pitt ties the game on their 17th shot of the period – a blast for Goligoski, tipped by Kennedy that hit the top of the crossbar and in. This team seems too damn tentative, and sometimes, I can understand why, but you can not win the game if you do nt get shots on the net.

2:14 – Tambellini finally gets us on the shot column! Yaaaay!

Last second chance, but OT is here. We got a point, and did not gve up 3 goals in the 3rd. Not bad.

My Isles 3 Stars (may change with ot)
3. Jackman -1st goal
2. Streit – great play all around
1. Hilbert – goal assist, and overall nice job tonight.

OT was exciting. A couple of great chances, one by Guerin that I do not know how the heck Sabourin got his skate on it. A little life to say the least.

Now to the shootout….

Weight misses (could not even see it with crowd standing up)
Sykora scores 1-0 Pitt

Guerin – shot in front of the circles – miss
Satan misses (thank God!)

Hunter – misses, but Sabourin slides into the net.
Is it?

Is it?

No – inconclusive. The puck may have crossed the line, but it needed to be 100% visible.

Tough way to lose 1 point. However, it is something to take. The team may have been outshot 18-1 in the period, but it was not a total collapse. The third period is still an issue. A big one at that. I just do not get it. Why do they continue to struggle? If you can figure it out, please let me know?

I think the team will have the day off today, and have a hard practice on Monday in anticipation of the matinee on Tuesday with the Flyers. They need to step out and get this past week out of their minds.

Now if I can only get it out of mine?

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Finally – not a shutout!

Woo hoo!

Now a 2 man PP – go get em boys. Congrats to Thomas Pock on his first point as an Islander!

150+ penalty minutes in this game. Well – we may lead the league in something….. This will not be a good locker room. I would not be surprised if it will be a CLOSED locker room. I figured I would watch the game when I get home from work tonight.

I think I will watch Dancing with the Stars instead…

No was was plus… (no surprise) A few were zero (Guerin, Hilbert, Sim, Pock). Weight was a -4. That is not good. Streit played 28+ minutes.

Discipline is definitely an issue. Gee – the flight to Florida will be fun.

Good night folks….

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Is Scott going to say this to the guys before the head out to the Pru ice tonight?

The screen test is over, the action scenes are going to begin.

What to expect: Tough question… However, from what I can see from Scott, I can see that he will be one that will make 100% sure that his guys will not only be focused, but ready to breathe fire on those Devils.

How will Ricky respond? Being a former goalie, I think Scott has more of an idea what is going through DP’s psyche than most… Will DP go all 3 games in this weekend? I hope not. I could easily see MacDonald into action, probably on Monday against Buffalo.

Bailey, I can safely assume will be out of the lineup tonight, and possibly tomorrow. I am sure that the disappointment will be mounting. If it was me, I really would send Josh to Windsor. He will be the captain, and get to work on the leadership skills, and be the ‘MAN’!

Interested to see the new line combinations. I think Hunter would look good with Tambellini and Nielsen. He would be the grinder and mucker to get the other guys the puck. I would assume that Guerin and Weight will be together. They know each other like peas and carrots.

Who on “D” will sit? Hillen has impressed, and I wonder if he will get the nod over Pock, or Gervais. It will be a difficult decision.

Although the Devils are a stronger team on paper, the Isles have done well against them, going 6-1-1 last season. Ricky always like to play against MB30, so it should be a good matchup.

We are under 12 hours from the start of our season, and under 36 hours from the home opener. I really am excited for the start of play. I enjoy watching the team that wins the cup the prior year hoist the banner up. And Detroit does not disappoint. They had Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Alex Delvecchio among others, present the banner to the Wing Captains (Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Lindstrom), and they brought it over to have the picture of the organization with it, before it was raised. Nice touch.

Game on!

Posted under Islanders 08-09