Tamby back - but opportunities were missed

I was quite excited with the first two periods of the game. JT has continued his strong play, and is looking more and more like a seasoned vet, rather than a lost rookie.  Not just the offensive contribution, but the overall game.  The defensive forechecking, hitting, and making plays for his teammates.  It may have been a little longer of a wait, but I think this is what Islander country were really looking for when he first put on an Islander uniform aout 9 months ago.

As far as the rest of the team goes, it was great to see Kyle back, after that mystery injury.  There was a great deal of chemistry going with Bergie and Bailey.

Another one that has impressed me even more than JT and Kyle, is Freddy Meyer.  In the last 5 games, he has overwhelmingly been our best defensemen.  His checks have been excruciating to his opponents.  He has also had the occasional goal to add to his resume.

Despite five goals given up – I thought that Marty had a decent game.  He had to make some great side-to-side saves, and in most cases, was in good positions.  The tying goal was a mass screen job, and he had no chance to have a look at the puck.  The final goal, however, was one that he definitely would want to take back.

Did Trevor Gillies have a shift last night?

Jack Hillen was not out there as much as I would have thought either.

I would honestly say that when it was loud for the goals, Honda Center crowds were real placid and quiet.  The arena was OK.  It was not as impressive as many of the others that I have been to.  Also – for those Islander fans moaning and groaning about the Parking going up – it is $20 here.  Get used to it.  No other place that I have been to lately has anything under $15 to park at the arena.  There were $5 lots about 1/2 mile walk, but get used to fact that we have been SPOILED.

Well – onto Los Angeles for the Kings tonight.  I am glad that we did get a point last night, but two against a strong LA team would be a nice ending to the road trip out west, and keeps the slim chance of getting to the promised land of playoff city.

But one thing that I can tell you – the weather in LA is beautiful!  I could get used to it.

But he did get 2 on Vancouver tonight!

The paper could not even spell the players name correctly.  They said that we were basically “INEPT”

Take that Canucks!

JT had the game that many Islander fans were expecting to see.  Two goals, three assists.  All around the ice, backchecking, taking the body, doing just about everything except pouring tea.

Was the goalie that won the gold for Canada actually out there tonight?  Or was he just going through the motions?

Four goals on 12 shots.  The Isles were outshot 20-4 in the second period, but managed to get two by the Canuck captain.  Two shots were not considered actual shots on net, because the clanked off the crossbar.

In many instances, the Canucks put a great deal of pressure on the Isles.  However, it was the Freddy Meyer goal with under 10 clicks on the clock that put the hole in the Vancouver sail.

A night for the ages.

All four lines were humming.  Even as the Canucks were outplaying the Isles, guys were taking some great chances.  Park sliding across the crease to foil a great scoring chance.  Bodies were flying, and for the first time in a long while, the passing to me was crisp and precise.  My wife always comments that in the beginning of the season, the Isles were doing that so well, and it seemed to dissipate as the season rolls along.  Gordo ad the coaches should be real happy with their effort.

For the Isles – now three in a row – it is a chance to have a few days of relaxation, Cali style.  As for me – Claire and I will be heading down to Seattle to fly to LA.

Thanks to the great couple that traveled four hours from Eastern BC – to be stuck sitting with Claire and I last night.  We had a nice time, and they were fun (except when they lost the camera, and the young woman was ready to kill her man!)

Vancouver is a great city, and I totally recommend the trip, should you ever get the opportunity!

Have a great day, Islander fans!  We deserve it.

And for the Vancouver Province, any time you EVER want to write some non-flattering things about the Islander, do it anytme!  We know it is not personal, but we’ll take it!

I am just glad that the first few rows of my section are predominantly season ticket holders.  Fights galore – the poor security guys deserve their pay – along with a little combat insurance.

Just happy with all of the effort – basically no negatives.  Except Bruno is -10 in 7 games.  That HAS to improve.  Streit has not gotten on the score sheet – but is playing 26-29 minutes a game – and looks fine.

Great work by Hillen.  He is improving by leaps and bounds!

Sorry Hank - JT 'whooshed' it by ya!

Moulson and JT - what can you say.

3rd period was a great effort.  Glad to see it pay off in a big “W”.

Roloson was truly amazing last night.  His veteran presence does help his guys in front of him, and when he has confidence, the rest of the team glows with it.

This always puts me in a better mood for the day – even if things are tough in the office, or whatever, having a big win against the Rangers makes a day lighter and happier.

Enjoy, Islander fans!

Well – how was the summer vacation for the hockey team?

Interesting to say the least.

First thing I learned from this summer:

Do not play Texas hold-em with Garth. You will never know what you are going to get.

It was totally amazing that with minutes left to making the pick, the ‘experts’ had no clue what Garth was going to do. They were expecting one hand, and here comes Garth with something totally different. For all of us Islander fans – he went to the obvious. In securing JT, fans in Islander Country are hoping for similar results that a certain team in Western Pennsylvania received a few years ago, when they drafted an 18 year old with a whole lot of potential. Although many of a Canadian media persuasion don’t give it the same hype, since the Islanders are not a ‘sexy’ team, it would be nice to see them fall on their swords in a few years.

With Doug Weight back in the fold, it seems to be a perfect situation for Tavares to be in. A man with Dougie’s experience (and yes – he SHOULD be the Captain this season), will provide benefits that will be prevalent throught John’s career. I would hope that Coach Gordon will pair JT with Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo. This could be the new version of Trio Grande.

Looking at other acquisitions, you only have to look at one place… THE NET!

We all know the Ricky deal – so we leave him out for now. But who would have expected Snowy to make not only one goalie aquisition, but two. Getting Roloson, I thought was a stroke of genius. A veteran with a good outlook, and still has some good stats. Then to pull Marty Biron and give him a chance, for a small contract, was brilliant. I think this allows #39 to take as much time as necessary. His salary does not count on the cap, as long as he is out, so get better Ricky, and take your DAMN time doing it.

Before getting the NHL guys, Snow drafts Mikko Koskinen in round 2, and he will be competing for a job in Bridgeport this season. A good piece of insurance, this 21 year old was a surprise pick. Now – instead of taking chances with unproven netminders as was last year’s menu, this year has experience at the top level, and giving the boys down in the “A” a chance to grow and develop.

Looking at the roster, with the amount of injuries that the team had last season, it looks like a completely new crew. Hopefully, the number of man-games lost this season will be minimal. We lost over 600 games last season, where the cross-town team had less than 100. That is the difference between a 15th place team in the conference and 8th. Improve that number, and your chances get better.

Hopefully, this season, the doctor does not get a chance to work too much.

So to finalize, I did not expect to get the roster that would make us a top 3 team in the conference. I totally expected the management to build on the youth factor, and sprinkle cogs in to make the team better. I think Garth took a nice step to do just that. Yes, I am always a positive person, and I feel that the team will improve. Hey – there is no way that it can spiral down. Look at Pittsburgh the first season with Sidney. They were not good; and they improved each season from there. Spotting a trend?

My next report, I will look closer at the forwards at try to glimpse at my crystal ball and see what we have.

Please comment, if you will.

You will not confuse this guy with Todd the Clod!

Yea – right.

This was the genius that said at a Booster Club meeting in 1997 or so, that when a member asked Todd about what he wanted to do after hockey; he replied:

What do I care? I am only 22

He is what you call a real man of Genius….. Good luck Detroit – you can HAVE HIM!

Just came back from the National Hockey League Booster Club Convention. For the 21st straight year, I attended this August week-long hockey love fest. This year, about 200 Boosters from around the NHL, from the US, Canada, and the UK, were in Vegas to talk about their love for the game, and in many cases, each other.

People go to this convention, representing their favorite team, but in this case, there is no heated rivalries. Ranger fans and Islander fans in this organization do get along (I mean that!). We talk about our teams, and what the Booster/Fan Clubs have done this year. But mostly, it is a social organization.

Usually, a club hosts the convention in their own home city. However, the Detroit For’em Club, the hosts, decided to put the week in Sin City. What a great choice. I have been to Vegas before, but this week was real nice. Got to visit the old Strip (Fremont Street), as well as hit nearly a half dozen other casinos on Las Vegas Blvd. We got to have a nice dinner cruise around Lake Mead, other went to Red Rock, and the Hoover Dam. It was a lot of fun.

The weekend has “Theme Nights”. Friday, was Elvis night, where folks dressed in Elvis or 50′s and 60′s outfits. I had my peace sign t-shirt (I keep simple). On Saturday, it was DISCO Night, where there were John Travolta look-alikes, and bell-bottoms all over the place. In keeping with my musical habits, I had a DISCO SUCKS T-shirt. It was more than a shirt – it was a real feeling!

It was great to meet new folks, and see old friends. This convention has allowed me, along with thousands of others, to know that if they go to a game in foreign territory, there is always someone you know, and can get together and have a good time. If you are a member of a fan or Booster Club of an NHL team, you owe it to yourself to join a club, and come to a convention. I did it on a whim in 1989, and this was my 21st consecutive year to go. I do not regret one second of it!

Also – a special hello to Millian – the host of the Blue Line Hockey Talk Radio Show. An Internet based hockey show, based out of Vegas, Millian, the host, was at the convention this weekend, and got to talk to him. He is a real nice guy, and loves the game tremendously. I hope you get a chance to listen, and become a follower. His web address is: www.BlueLineTalkRadio.com. Check it out, won’t ya?

Oh yea – Everton Football starts this weekend, so if you want to get on my good side, support the Toffees! See ya,

Gary

4 of your top 6 defensemen out of the game with injuries… BUt damn, can this team score.

But the big question to all Islander fans is?

Is John Sim going to be the Waldo in the puzzle book?

He would be a good prize for a playoff team needing an energy like player. Sim just does not fit this team ethic. Not making him a bad guy, just a non-fit in this outfit.

Well – I am seeing a game with a 4 game loser taking on a 3 game loser. However, the 3 game loser has more weapons.

Then again, so did Philly, but the Isles were not out of that game by any margain. They need to do the same thing. Get goals early, and take the crowd out of the game.

Once that happens, sustain. Keep the legs going, establish the forecheck, and keep the main weapons to the outsides of the faceoff circles, instead of the insides. With a younger and inexperienced defense, make sure that the power play takes advantage of the injury bug, and exploit to every chance.

Now – onto other things. I totally agree with Chris Botta on Islanders Point Blank, that Bailey HAS to be at the WJC. I am glad that he is here, but to me – this is the best opportunity for #12 to excel on the big stage. But, Garth wants him to grow and develop here. I am not mad, I just feel for Josh. I know that inside his heart of hearts, I am sure that he wants to be in Ottawa right now, going for the Gold Medal. As I stated on the New York Hockey Report last night (check our show – the link is on the right side of this page), Partice Bergeron had such a great tournament a few years back, and when he returned to Boston, he excelled. Just ask Sid the Kid how he played.

Yea – and about Sid…. In the beginning of this blog a few years ago – I ripped Crosby up and down about his whining and complaining. I can honestly say, that in the past few years, he has grown up a bit, and has matured into a good young man, with the world in front of him. Has he done a 100% upgrade? Not yet, but he has improved. Although, I think he is the SECOND best player on the team… Hmmmm>????

Well – hope for the best tonight – exploit the D and get 2 desperate points. And if he did not get claimed, welcome back Simmer.

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!

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!

However, when you hear this, your heart drops. My thoughts and prayers go to the Cherapanov family and the Ranger community on this totally tragic loss.

From TSN -

New York Ranger prospect Alexei Cherepanov collapsed on the bench at or near the end of Omsk’s Kontinental Hockey League game and died a short time later, he was 19.

Omsk head coach, Wayne Fleming said Cherepanov collapsed on the bench during the third period of the game and did not see anything that happened on the ice that may have contributed to it.

Fleming also said medical authorities tried to get Cherepanov’s heart beating again after it had stopped.

Sources in Russia tell TSN that the ambulance that is normally at all games had already departed and had to be called back.

It is not clear exactly how long it took for Cherepanov to be transported from the rink to the hospital but one source in the arena told TSN it was “probably 15 or 20 minutes.”

Also, there is some question as to whether defibrillators at the arena were in good working order.

No further details are available at this point.

The news of Cherepanov’s untimely death has shocked the hockey world.

“We are extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Alexei,” said New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather. “On behalf of the New York Rangers organization, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Alexei was an intelligent, energetic young man, with tremendous talent and an extremely bright future.”

“He was a great kid,” Cherepanov’s agent, Jay Grossman told TSN. “He had a great smile and was an outstanding player with a great future on and off the ice. It’s both shocking and devastating news for all of us. ”

He had seven goals and 12 points in 14 games played this season in KHL.

Cherepanov helped lead Russia to a Bronze Medal at the World Junior Championships in 2008, scoring three goals and adding three assists with a plus-three rating over his six games at the tournament.

Cherepanov was drafted by the Rangers in the 1st round, 17th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.