Posted under Uncategorized
This post was written by Yahoo! Sports - NHL - New York Islanders News on February 3, 2012
NHL New York Islanders February 2012 National and Local TV Schedule (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The New York Islanders are doing all they can to bring an NHL championship to Calgary this season. Don't expect the likes of Mark Striet, Kyle Okposo, and Brian Rolston to give up. With a strong February, the Islanders can earn their position for the big postseason push.
Islanders top Devils 6-2 (AP)
Mark Streit, Matt Moulson and Frans Nielsen had three points each, and the New York Islanders beat the New Jersey Devils 6-2 in a preseason game on Saturday night. Moulson scored twice and assisted on a first-period goal by Streit, the Islanders' new captain. Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, and Steve Staios also added goals for New York.
Posted under Uncategorized
This post was written by Yahoo! Sports - NHL - New York Islanders News on September 24, 2011
JT can not do it all…..
- JT does it again.
The last five goals that the Islanders have scored have been a result of #91′s composite stick.
0-2-0 in those games, however.
Tavares has been a goal scorer that has been in the right place in the right time. That is a trait of many a top goal maker. And he is less than 40 games into his career.
The rest of the team, for the first two periods of this game looked like they need to get home. Thank God that this trip is over.
All that we wanted for this team, is to just be competitive and stay in the hunt. The team has done just that. There are 8 teams seperated by just six points in the standings. A good winning streak will move a team by leaps and bounds.
With two LIRR stops to Penn Station as road trips until a New Years Eve matinee in Ottawa, the Isles will enjoy this stretch in the schedule.
Kyle Okposo has 4 assists in the last two games, and picked a good game to impress the Team USA hierarchy for the Olympic Games. I really think he has a shot to make this team. He may have been snake-bit by not getting the puck into the net (Toskala made that clear last night), but he has been around the net, making plays, and creating havoc for the opposition.
However, there is one aspect that I am not approving of with Okposo; and it is not his fault. It is his presence on the POINT on the power play. He is a power forward, a big presence, and one that can make moves and get in on the goaltender. He is being wasted being out 60 feet from the goaltender, taking whacks at the puck. He is not being used to his potential. I really think that Coach Gordon has to move him down and get him on the goalie. Just my 2 cents on this.
Now – the team has a chance to get their Christmas shopping done, sleep in their own beds, and have teams coming out to them. They need to create the Fort Neverlose atmosphere for this three week stretch. It is amazing that over half of the road games are completed for the Isles after the 32 game mark. I will be on the last big trip of the season in March when the Isles visit Vancouver, Anaheim and Los Angeles.
This home stand is an opportunity to get their game face in a new perspective. Time to get the swagger on and let other teams know that the Isles mean business. Last year is long gone – this is a new Isles team, that will not take gump from other teams. Now – time to prove that; and it has to be all 2o players, not just JT.
Posted under Islanders 09-10
This post was written by Gary Harding on December 10, 2009
If we can only put parts of games together…
We would be better off….
The Isles came out gangbusting… Too bad it was two minutes to go at the game…
Another difficult game – but this time – it was a regulation game that the Islanders lost. Only two teams have not lost the game in regulation (Dallas and Buffalo).
The Islanders looked at time – sluggish and saw a strong and rejuvanted Kings defense manhandle the team – even though the Isles severly outhit the Kings.
Matt Moulson got the Isles on the board late – with a little help from Kyle Okposo and Mart Streit. Other than that – I did not see a lot out of any of the other lines. Bailey looks a little lost… Park is a bit of a spark plug – but is not getting help from the line mates. I am giving Weight a pass – due to his in and out injuries. When he is 100+%, I think he will be a help. Losing Hunter is big. I really sw a different Trent – and I was expecting great things from him.
The D needs to get rid of the garbage...
I am fully confident in the team moving to that next level. The next three days of practice, and work on their systems, should help, as the SHUFFLE off to Buffalo for the next game on Friday night.
Grades:
Goaltending – B – Biron was fine, but a little more help from the D, would have made him better
Defense – C – not getting the garbage out of the slot – to me – cost the team the game.
Forwards – C – Other than the top line – the guys up front were just not getting it done – the 2nd and third line needs to shine. An honorable mention to Rob Schremp. I think he had a much better game – and I can see him getting better by the day.
Coaching – Inc. I am just not sure about some of the line changes – and I think they need to work harder to get the team more consistency.
The mascots were fun – I really like the Thrashers Mascot Thrash. Having the beak move up and down like he is talking – that was cool.
I hopefully will blog from the game on Saturday. Have a good week – and I may have some news on a possible new venture for me. Stay tuned…
Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10
This post was written by Gary Harding on October 12, 2009
Okie back on the ice – well sort of….
According to Chris Botta on Islanders Point Blank, Kyle Okposo was medically cleared to skate. It is still a question mark, as to whether he will be on the ice on the 3rd of October.
Another “Point” from Chris, was the suggestion on who should be Captain. I, like Senor Botta, believe that the job of Captain should be Mark Streit’s. Weight is a great man in the locker room, as well as the ice, but Mark is here longer term that Dougie. You don’t necessarily have to have an “C” on the chest, in order to act like a captain.
As four Dougie, he should be skating again in a day or so, as should Bergie and Bruno.
Garth and Scott have some tough decisions to make as far as who stays and who goes.
As far as the game the other night… I am very impressed by Matt Moulson (too bad his name is not the same spelling as the beer – what a marketing ploy!) He is taking major advantage of his oppurtunities.
JT had some moments… There were times, that he was just beaten like a rookie. But there were glimpses (small, but significant) of what kind of talent level he is, as well as why he was drafted #1. I think familiarity, and time will make that shine. He did not seem to look intimidated, or show any fears of digging in. That is something I would expect from all of the reports that I have heard about.
I also liked how Calvin de Haan looked out there. Again, for a kid of 18 or 19, he has a certain ‘older’ look about him. He brings the puck up smoothly, and seems to be poised. Another decision that will be interesting for the guys in the suits.
I am also rooting hard for Marty Biron. I have heard so many great things about him; how he is such a great team guy, and everybody he plays with seem to love him. The PK defense hung him out there – but he looks ready to compete.
One more game before the final cuts. One more chance for some to impress the brass. Eight days to opening night…. Got to think of what I want for the tailgate party…. Hmm…..
Posted under Islanders 09-10
This post was written by Gary Harding on September 25, 2009
Audio from the Locker Room – 3/7/2009
Here are the clips from today’s Game…. Enjoy!
Posted under Islanders 07-08
This post was written by Gary Harding on March 7, 2009
Devils – Islanders 3/7/09 – The game blog
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
This post was written by Gary Harding on March 7, 2009
Back to work – and some quasai new faces
Andy Hilbert, Trent Hunter, Doug Weight, Chris Campoli….
Come on down! You are the next contestants in the Islanders wheel of lineups!
Glad to see you back!
With the 5+ days to rest and relax, the boys should get back to practice today, ready to hit the ground running to their next game, Thursday in Atlanta. The Isles need to get this win to avoid the shutout from the Thrashers. Atlanta has played a bit better, since the announcement of Ilya Kovalchuk as the newest captain (a ploy to keep him there, in my opinion). Having Dougie and the other three back in the lineup will be a help.
Trent Hunter – who hasnt scored in 15 – needs some confidence. This opening game should be the conduit to get him going. I would be interested to see how Kyle Okposo, who was blue flame hot before the break, will come out in his first few games back. I can understand how he was not at the ‘young stars’ game (strictly on stats – he would not). But if he continues his hot recent past, it could spring him to consideration for the Calder.
There was some discussion on some of the boards concerning Josh Bailey, and can you send him to Juniors. At this point, the arguments are still going to be the same… WHY? Windsor is doing so well, and does not need him. Why subject him to juniors. He is hanging in there – and although the numbers are not as good as I think they would have wanted, he is improving in many other aspects of the game (physicality, face offs, among others). When the season is over, he can go to the Port for the playoffs, and can help there.
Kudos to Witt – for Don Cherry’s comments about him on Sunday during the all-star game. He loves his warrior mentality, and considers him an all-star! In all but the -27, I agree!
Well boys – get ready for Atlanta, and welcome back!
Posted under Islanders 08-09
This post was written by Gary Harding on January 27, 2009
Ducks – Islanders 1/21/09
** ABOVE ARE AUDIO CLIPS FROM THE LOCKER ROOM AFTER THE GAME**
Got here at game time, and by the time I got the computer running, Kyle scored a brilliant PP Goal just over 3 minutes into the contest.
What a wicked shot by Okie.
I figured that after the Ducks got spanked by the Rangers last night, that theu would come out guns a-blazing. However, they look as flat as we did against the Devils on Saturday night.
By the tone of some of the fellow blog boxers and the folks in 201, there are some anti-Comrie sentiment. Sounds probably about the same as it did in Edmonton, Philly, Phoenix and Ottawa.
PK did a good job on their first effort. So far – game a little on the dull side. Both teams trying to feel each other out.
2-0 – first NHL goal for Kurtis McLean – blast from the right face off dot. What a blast! He has shown some spunk and some life up here in his first two contests in the NHL. Bridgeport’s loss – our gain…
Anaheim got some pressure in the latter stages of the period, but the Isles held their own.
Witter gets a Delay of Game penalty at the last minute of the stanza. -27… Sheesh!
PERIOD 2
Ducks had a few chances on their PP, but some nice saves by Danis, and some good work in front of him, squelched the opportunity.
Nielsen has really looked well.
The Getzlaf, Perry, Kunitz line has been strong, taking the Isles off the puck at many opportunities, forcing the Isles to ice the puck.
Congrats to Martinek, on the birth of his daughter Veronica.
Right now – with 15 minutes remaining in period 2 – the Isles are being outshot 21 – 9. In the past, when we were outshot we usually won. Hope I did not jinx the team.
Thinking about Danis – 9 goals in 4 games (2.25 GAA) and a save percentage in the 90′s. He has stepped up and did the job. He hasn’t look clinically well, but he has been formidable to say the least.
On this last PK – Danis has been brilliant making a number of point-blank stops, including one on the doorstep. Gordon HAS to say something nice about him tonight.
There has been a definite sense of who is the better team in this period, but the Islanders, especially their netminder, has been the difference. What the Isles need to do, is keep this focus going, and play that elusive 60 minute game that they so crave for. This would be a nice way to end the losing streak and get the guys off for a mini-vacation with a positive to build on.
Another lucky break that dinked off the post, on a nice deflection by Cory Perry.
Ducks get a PP goal off a dump in by Perry that deflected off the stick of Bobby Ryan. I am sure Danis would want that back, but it was a low percentage shot that got by. Now – more than ever, the Isles need to take it to the Ducks – and get the 2 goal cushion back.
Right now – it seems like the Isles are just content with just dumping it out of their zone, instead of finding some lanes and getting pucks to the net. And just as I say that, McLean gets a great pass from Nielsen and Hiller had to make a great stop to keep it from being 3-1.
With 40 minutes completed, the Isles are holding their own – but they have to more than just that.
PERIOD 3
After 2 – some stats:
Gervais leading in ice time – 18:24
No one with more than 2 shots.
Face offs favor Anaheim 51-49%
Shots – 31-13 Anaheim (19-5 in the 2nd period)
Again – if I was the coach – I would try to get the team to be a little more aggressive in the neutral zone (but not THAT aggressive). Give Danis a little break and get some pressure on Hiller.
One thing that Danis definitely needs work on, is clearing the puck from the back of the net. He is too tentative, and unsure, which leads to some chances for the opponents.
I am really convinced that Comrie (alias Tinkerbell), is just going through the motions. He always seems to be running in a slower gear than his linemates, and at times, looks like he is standing still.
Can someone please hit the NET!
I am really getting sick of the Kansas City chants. I will talk about this on an upcoming entry, but it will not happen. Now – back to the game.
Finally, someone had the nerve to carry the puck out of the zone, rather than dumping out. Great job Jack Hillen. However, the play was offside. It is like a Rosanne Roseanna-danna moment.
Another great play by McLean but just missed the tip -in.
10 minutes into the period, and we have no shots on goal. They can not keep this up. It will come back and haunt them, I just know it. Anaheim only has 3, so it isn’t as bad but still you can not win with no shots on net.
These guys need to stop trying to thread the needle, and hit the net with shots; you have traffic in front of the goalie, rely on them to clear the garbage and put it home.
The crowd is getting restless, and I understand completely.
At least the “D” is clearing up the mess in front of Danis. Getzlaf made a great move and passed to a open wing, but the defense came to the rescue.
Penalty to the Isles – Park for tripping. Not at the most opportune time. THEY MUST KILL THIS!!!!
Finally – we got a shot on goal!!!! Eureka!!
Great job! Now – get some shots, and end this thing!!!
Last minute and Hiller is off to the bench. Great stop by Danis!!!
Time out Anaheim – the wait is killing me! We need this win! 28.4 crazy seconds left on the damn clock!
V I C T O R Y ! ! ! ! ! Finally – a win in January! The streak is OVER!!!!
My Three Stars
3. Nielsen – two assists.
2. McLean – First NHL goal
1. Danis – simply a BRILLIANT job tonight!
Thank god for the break. This 5 game home stand killed me! See you next week, when we will start again on Thursday in Atlanta. At least the guys will get some time to relax, and recuperate. Maybe we will get a near full roster back? We can only hope!
I got some audio clips from the Locker room. I got the coach, along with Danis, Nielsen and Okposo.
Check them out…
Posted under Islanders 07-08
This post was written by Gary Harding on January 21, 2009
Blog – Canes-Isles 10/25/08
Got to the box late, so did not get to see warmup. Sutton out, Hillen in and shockingly, so is Richard Park. But he is -5, and the worst on the squad. ** SCRATCH THAT – Park is laying. Strike 1 to Roger Luce.
BTW – Booster Club note – next meeting is 11/19 at the Long Island Marriott, guest will be Kyle Okposo.
Chad Larose just beat Ricky like a rented mule when Pock failed to clear a puck out of the zone. Looked like he either surprised him, or his legs are just not quick. Less than a minute later a scrum in front of Ricky, and the play under review. – NO GOAL.
Last few minutes – the team has played with a little more passion. We (the blog boxers) are having a over under on how many times the team takes shots from the outside. I say 18, and I have heard 27 and 36.
Freddy Meyer trying out for the WWE with a headlock and take down of Eric Staal.
And Ricky just blew another one, this time off the face off. If this continues – there will be about 500 people here by the time the game is over.
Carolina took a penalty – Cam Moore for handling the puck outside the trapezoid. See if the PP takes advantage and make plays. Well – uh – no. Two shots, but nothing much.
So far – 3 outside shots out of 8.
Okposo on the PP had a golden opportunity in front of awide open net, and had a brain fart…. Needless to say, the fans were not happy.
Streit just saved us from three by getting in front of a wide open net to the left of DP.
Going to sit the 2nd back in section 317. Hopefully the third period will be better (and the 2nd too).
2nd period analysis – Ricky out – looked like he may have ‘tweaked’ himself at the end of period 1. McDonald was left to dry by Freddy Meyer makking a lousy pass towards Mark Streit. The goal by him made the crowd a little happy.
They have 38 shots in 2 period (21 in period 2). The effort is much better, but the thoughts from the crowd (I sat in 317 this period), is so negative, it kills me. Right now – this team needs a shot off someones arse an in the net. 
Definitely a little bit of luck is needed…
Third Period
Great SHG by Bergenheim. Meyer and Bergie on a two on one – Bergie with a fantastic deke beating Ward to cut it to one.
This team is looking the way it is supposed to. But right away, Bayda got one past MacDonald to bring the deficit back to two. Just when you get the crowd going, splat. Back to the negativity.
Another PP – and another chance to get the crowd back into the game. Brandon Sutter was absolutely clocked by Doug Weight. Absolutely clean hit, but Carolina stood up for their guy. Both team’s trainers were out right away… Hope he is ok. He got up on his own power, but you will not see him in a game for a while.
Important PP now – Isles at 50 shots. Streit on the PP – 4-3. Wow – this is going to be a game,folks. What a blast. Now we know why the PP in Montreal is missing him!
Will blog the three stars, and locker room stuff tomorrow.
Thanks for reading!
Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09
This post was written by Gary Harding on October 25, 2008
