I noticed horrible officiating, chippy play, an attempted comeback, and a disappointing loss.

Was I at an Islander game?

No. This was Bridgeport’s turn.

It was a 3-2 loss to Scranton Wilkes Barre that put the Tigers down 1-0 in the best of seven series; with Game 2 tonight at Uniondale.

Positives:

1. Mike Iggulden had a strong game with two helpers on the night.
2. Trevor Smith got the opening goal

Nathan Lawson – an AHL all rookie player was a little shaky. I believe that we will see Mannino play tonight – as Game 3 will be held tomorrow in Pennsylvania.

It was interesting to see the Bridgeport graphics and the amazing Chuck A Puck contest. By the way, my two pucks were SO FAR from the target – it’s not funny. I will have to do it again tonight, and see what goes.

Tonight – I will be blogging at the game, and will get to go to the locker room after the game. Look for quotes.

All photos courtesy New York Islanders/Getty Images

Posted under Blog Box, Sound Tigers

Mom’s funeral was nice on Monday. It was a very good service, and she got the full respect that she deserved…

Wow – we got number 1! And whatever you hear, do NOT believe that we are trading the pick. That is just media selling papers!

Do I want Tavares? Of course I do – big defensemen can come and go – but playmaking guys like him are a rarity (especially with HIS numbers). I think that Garth, Ryan Jankowski, and the rest of the scouting staff are serious going to go through the options with a fine tooth comb; and they definitely should. What I believe is that they will come up with the same conclusion as fans around Islander nation already know.

WE NEED TAVARES!

Playoffs started last night – and the Rangers snuck one from DC last night. Now – Ranger fans are anoiting King Henry as the Conn Smythe Winner already. Give it a break. It is one game. 4 Goals from a Ranger team is a rarity to say the least. It will not be a common occurence. Theodore has to step it up.

I know that when April comes around, Marty B is going to pick it up. The Devils will be tough. Although I think Carolina, and Mr. Ward will sneak some games. I foresee a 1-1 move to Carolina in a few days.

Pittsburgh is going to be the toughest one in the East. Getting Billy G was exactly what the doctor ordered. He fits those guys so well, and shows that he doesnt need a letter to be a leader in the locker room and on the ice.

St. Louis was a shocker to get to the 6th seed in the West. However, the twins Sedin were the difference in last nights vitory.

Tonight – it will be nice to see the Blue Jackets in their first playoff game. Too bad, they get Detroit in the 1st round.

The Battle of Cali is upon us, and as an Islander fan – we are hoping for a BIG UPSET by the Ducks. In all likelihood, it is improbable, but if so – the 2nd first round pick will be a better one. Although the Sharks were my pick for the Cup this season (since September, mind you), I am not quacking for the Ducks.

Chicago – Calgary should be a fun series. Boston-Montreal should also provide some hitting, and basically folks that don’t like each other.

As for our beloved Sound Tigers; games 1 and 2 will be at the Coliseum tomorrow and Saturday. It should be fun to see them have a legitimate shot at the Calder Cup this season, as the begin their quest on Long Island. Kyle Okposo will play games 1 and 2 before heading to the World’s in Switzerland. The Tigers are favorites in this series, but the baby Pens are going to provide a big challenge. Prediction – Tigers in 5.

Hope to see you at the NVMC tomorrow night. Go TIGERS!

Posted under Playoffs 09, Ramblings, Sound Tigers

Here are the audio links from last night.

Just click on the link for the audio (files are MP3). ENJOY!

Scott Gordon

Jesse Joensuu

Josh Bailey

Yann Danis

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

The first week of the month is always bad for me. Accounting close means lots of hours. However, Tuesday sent me to the ER with a nine hour nose bleed. I ended up staying at home and working from the counter for two days, before returning to work for a 14 hour day.

But tonight – the Isles are back on the ice, for a meeting against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts, who lost in OT to Zach Parise and the Devils last night, are still in the running for the #1 draft pick. However, the task to obtain it would be mighty.

With the Isles still missing Okposo and Streit – the NHL’s leader in Man Games Lost is getting even higher into the stratosphere. Thursday’s game with the Habs showed the weaknesses of this team without its two cogs.

Against a team with the same amount of victories as our Isles, this will be an interesting matchup. Tampa will be without Vinny LeCavalier as he has surgery on his wrist. Of course the player to watch is Steven Stamkos, who is now at 21 goals. After a struggling start – he is showing signs on why he is indeed a star in the making.

Expect to see Joey Mac in net tonight, and think there will be a much spirited team that the one that was there 48 hours ago.

I hope to be blogging at the game, so check back. I will also have the locker room stuff after the game as well.

See ya tonight!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Here are the clips from today’s Game…. Enjoy!

Scott Gordon

Kyle Okposo

Blake Comeau

Sean Bergenheim

Frans Nielsen

Mike Iggluden part 1

Mike Iggluden part 2

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Comrie and Campoli off to Ottawa for Dean McAmmond and a 1st Round Pick (from San Jose).

So we get a pick in the late 20′s in round 1 to go with our #1 pick.

According to Islanderspointblank.com, Chris Botta said that Campoli asked to be traded. That was a tough one to swallow. I thought he was moving up the skill ranks and was playing well. Must have been something in the atmosphere, in the locker room. But when I was there for interview, he was nothing but class all the way. I will miss him…

I will NOT miss Comrie. This guys has killer skills, but to be moved SO MUCH in his career must say something about his attitude. He, in my opinion, is one of the laziest skaters I have EVER seen. He can show in just a few seconds, why he does not want to be here, and I am glad that Garth did the deed, and sent him on his way.

I would have traded a puck bag for him, but I will take McAmmond (a seasoned vet, that be the next version of Sillinger or Park), and that other 1st round selection.

That makes the Friday afternoon interesting, doesn’t it?

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Kyle Okposo — 1/21/09

Franz Nielsen –1/21/09

Yann Danis 1/21/09

Gordon Presser 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

It was a touch locker room after the game last night. To a man, they mentioned the PP in the second period that seemed to cast the stone for the Isles.

Bailey is so nice, he is so respectful and answers completely to every question that was asked of him. I feel real confident that he will continue to be this way as he gets older.

The Isles had an early evening flight up to Beantown for a noon game on Friday. I am really looking forward to seeing how the team responds.

Hope your Thanksgiving is happy and enjoyable for all.

Will write on the game tomorrow. If you are on the computer and on AIM, send me an IM (NYIBC1).

Posted under 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

Would you like to be a fly on the wall in the Islander locker room right now? I think if they tried to swat at you, they would miss……

They need to save face. Forget about five goals, just try and keep this as respectable as possible.

I head that Streit was beaten out of his jock on one play…. That is what was the scouting report on him. He will be good offensively, but can look sluggish, worse, crappy at times. Have to expect that.

This would be a time for some of the vets to step it up, and make some serious points in the room. Comrie with three penalties…

Oh by the way, I would like to take the Buffalo announcers and shove a hot fork up their collective butts! They are making it sound like a pee-wee team is playing the Sabres. It was announced that Witt was gushing blood, but accounts at the game, said that it was not as bad as announced.

Maybe this week away will give the chance to work some more on their systems. Will we see Ricky this period? Not sure…

Please get a goal….

Posted under Islanders 08-09