Makes for an interesting connection.

With the Town of Hempstead making their super-scaled down version of Charles Wang’s dream, Nassau County Supervisor Ed Mangano came out of left field, and brought up the possibility of having the Shinnecock (sp) Native American’s have a potential Casino/Entertainment complex with the Nassau Coliseum.  Bottom line, is that with this Native American situation – the plans would be clear of TOH involvement and zoning.

This potential idea is not only supported by Mangano, but by the Nassau and NYS Republican party.  The same people that I attacked a few months prior for having Kate Murray (TOH Supervisor) knock down the Lighthouse, and stall this process to no end.  I did not like Mondello for that – but my thoughts of him can change for the better.

My thoughts about this are simple.  The Islanders ARE LONG ISLAND.  The Islander must STAY ON LONG ISLAND.  Whatever way gets it done, so that the arena gets either re-fitted or replaced, and the attraction of potential free-agents to Long Island becomes a much better proposition than it was in years and in the recent past, then let’s get the freaking thing done!  Stop the politics, and allow Long Island to grow.  Get out of the 1970′s and let this process move on!

“Can I double down?”

Posted under Cool A-C League, Lighthouse

Garth Snow, in my opinion, would seem to be a great poker player.

Everyone knows what he did last year with JT.  No one knew what he was doing until the last possible second.  Some rumors have it that he pulled a bluff on himself. 

I believe that most NHL pundits were quite pleased on Garth’s selection of El Nino with the 5th pick.  I, among others, were looking at the defensemen (Gudbranson specifically), thinking this was the way to go.  Gudbranson, or one of the other two d (Fowler or Gormley) would have been a solid pick, with no bad taste in expert’s mouths.

When I watched the replay of the draft (was unable to go to the party, and did not tape it), I was very pleased to hear Pierre McGuire nearly salivate over El Nino coming to Long Island.  Love the ‘No holes like Swiss Cheese’ description of him.  I knew that Nino was on the radar, but just didn’t think that he would be the pick for us.  That is why I have a real job…

Brock Nelson is a big boy with a tremendous upside.  Going to North Dakota is not such a bad place, either.  There has been a good standard that have gone there in previous years, specifically, Toews and Parise among others.  The other Toews (and Islander pick) is also there right now.  It is a chance, and it would not be the first time that a player of this stature makes a dent in the NHL fraternity.

The big chance is Kabanov.

A player that was projected in the Top 10 earlier in the year, dropped like a brick, due to ego, personal issues, and agent problems.  Garth made things PERFECTLY clear, that Kirill is going to be watched like a hawk, and will show the character that an Islander propsect SHOULD carry.  A kid of this past, I hope, is probably one that wants to show everyone that they were wrong in doubting their non-selection of him.  Sometimes, that trait is a very nice one indeed.

The other picks in day two are of the ilk of potentials, and long-range possibilities. 

Most of the ‘experts’ gave the Islanders mid-range marks; with praise for Neiderreiter, but not so much for Kabanov.  Too many people make predictions on the draft today, instead of seeing what happens down the road.  Remember how Snow was ripped for picking Bailey?  Yes – he may not have Stamkos points, but he has done a nice job.  Of course the pundits will say that Tavares did not achieve what he should have, but despite the mid season blues, he performed favorably and has shown a great deal of maturity for a 19 year old.

I really think we have a chance to make major strides this season, and the draft picks will be in place to provide more for the future.

Remind me never to play cards with Garth.

Posted under Cool A-C League

The loss in Boston is forgotten now… Time to concentrate on the surprising LA Kings. By the way – the Isles have not beaten the Kings on Long Island since 1998.

Would assume that Biron will be in net for the Isles today. Moulson gets a chance to prove that the Kings were bad to let him go.

Right now – as far as the team is concerned, their main focus is to get the 60 minute game in order. When they get a lead, sustaining it an playing aggressive hockey, wthout letting their guard down is crucial to the success factor.

JT keeping the point scoring streak going would be a nice present to the kids.

Will put my spin on the game tonight with a post game entry. I will not be blogging live at the game tonight, as I will actually do someting different…. I will be sitting in my seats. I will get to enjoy the game without having to touch a keyboard.

Have a great day folks!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Work has been crazy, so I have not been blogging…

However, I have been paying attention to what has been going on.

The Lighthouse project has a major step today, and I am still hoping that despite all the talk and rhetoric, that things will move forward and not be stagnant. Keep those fingers crossed.

The team is 2-2-1 in the Preseason. Slow start, and of course, injuries come to haunt this team again. Then there was the hit on Kyle. There has been a lot of talk on both sides of the hit, as well as what Pascal Morency did…. I am not going to add any more on this, but circle the game in March when Calgary visits Long Island on your calendars. I do not think the memory of a pre-season hit will not be forgotten. Let’s all make sure that we give Dion a warm and friendly welcome to Long Island!

JT – 2 games – 1 assist. Has looked good at times, and some times has looked like a rookie. What do you expect of a 19 year old. Mr. Crosby looked that way too. It will take a little to get the rust and make the sea-legs worthy. I am sure that will happen.

Marty Biron seems to make himself the primary candidate for the #1 guy. He and Rolly seem to have a good relationship already, so I do not think it will be a deterrent. With the schedule light in October, it should both guys an equal chance to establish themselves as a #1.

As far as Ricky goes??? Who knows…

It will be nice to see the guys in our colors on our ice tomorrow. I hopefully should get to the game tomorrow, and I will go down to the locker room after the game to get a quote or two. I will put the interviews as a link here, so you can hear them for yourselves.

If you are coming to the game tomorrow – hope to see you there.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

I am sure that Islander fans are so disappointed that we were not able to sign Todd Bertuzzi to make a magical return to Long Island.

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!

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Ramblings

I wish I was at the press conference today. It should be quite a nice atmosphere at the Coliseum.

It will be nice to see an official #91 sweater go on today. From islanderspointblank, we hear that negotiations will begin soon on JT’s contract. With the CBA’s rules on entry level contracts, there is not a lot of negotiations that really need to be done. It is just about the incentives, etc.

I really wonder how many people will be there today. I am sure a lot of businesses will have folks taking sick days on this beautiful Wednesday, but these people will not be in bed, nursing a cough due to cold.

Sunday should be a nice crowd at Iceworks. I have attended some of these camps in the past, and the usual dedicated fan crowd usually attends. However, the rafters will be filled of every square inch of seating room, for sure. I hope to be there for a little while, and will provide some insight.

I like that Josh Bailey is involved with the mini camp. He really does not have to be there, but it is a great sign, nevertheless.

Well John – let be one of the many, that welcome you to my home, and soon to be your home, for a very long time to come. We want you to succeed and wish you nothing but the best. Make every effort to put your name with the greats, and you will be loved forever.

Posted under Cool A-C League, Islanders 09-10

And it is a good thing….

At least the second pick of the draft will be coming by way of Long Island. Hopefully for the Islanders case, we may see the #1 pick come.

Most people on the boards were picking the team apart for ‘deliberately pissing off the season’, in order to get the team the first pick (TAVARES/HEDMAN). Will this be the future of the Islanders franchise? I like this move….

Believe me – this team did NOT TANK! I just believe that this team just simply ran out of gas. You simply look at the players. You can see they are trying; and in many cases, trying so hard, but it is just a result of players trying to keep up with teams that are going for the playoff push, and just want it more.

I really feel bad for Blake Comeau. He really looked like a guy that was turning a corner. With the upcoming playoffs for the Sound Tigers, he really had the chance to really put his talent to the test. However, the broken wrist just slapped him in the face (proverbially, of course).

I just got my tickets for the Sound Tigers playoff games next weekend at the Coliseum. I am looking forward to seeing the work that Jack Capuano has made with this team. The fact that the AHL affiliate is playing such tremendous hockey, and playing the same style of play that the parent team is using. This is a great testament to the organization that when a player gets called up, he knows EXACTLY what he will be dealing with. He knows standard plays and scenarios, and doesn’t need that extra time for assimilation.

Tuesday, at 8PM on Versus, we will know whether it is John Tavares, or Victor Hedman will be on the radar screen. I am voting on the setup man. I can see why Dougie Weight was signed up for next season. What a great teacher to have. We can see how Josh Bailey was maturing as the season has progressed. I can seesome real great things on the horizion.

Are you upset about being number 30? Yes I am – but not really. Just as you get in a new box of cereal, there is a prize at the bottom of the box. In a few days, we will see what it will be…

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

Yes – that Reality TV Star – Richard “SHAKEY” Krouse will be attending the next booster club meeting on Monday night at the Long Island Marriott. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM. If you are coming to the meeting, please bring some Liquid Detergent. This is our monthly charity item, that is going to the Long Island Chapter of Ronald MacDonald house. Now – that is a great cause, so dont forget the liquid!

Shakey was a great guest last season. He did a “SHOW AND TELL” with some equipment, including Ricky’s mask and pads, among other things.

BTW – I will not be live blogging tonight – but I will get some quotes after the game, and have a page for that.

Let’s get those FLYERS TONIGHT!

GH

PS – for all you Sheffield Steelers fans – they won 8-3 in their first game of a two leg series against the Edinburgh Capitals. Game 2 is tonight in Scotland. Game time is 3:00 our time. If you go to the Sheffield Steelers web site, you can actually see the game on a PPV basis. Go check them out, won’t ya!

Posted under Blog Box, Booster Club, Islanders 08-09

As I wrote in an earlier post, I will be on the Hockey Night on Long Island show on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 PM.

Check it out….

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Wow – good news, #32 is back in the lineup.

He is one that was sorely missed in the lineup. Although others have admirably stepped up their games for him, it will be nice to have the guys play their normal time and usage.

Also this is a major increase in the team’s physicality. I can see a more stronger team both on the puck and on the boards making nuisances. Also having Fritz up with Jackman, gives the team a strong presence.

Tonight – they are facing a Devil team that won last night – so it is up to the team to get the system moving quickly, and make the home team chase and make mistakes.

Tomorrow – they have Buffalo who were really spanked the other night, and may be a little peeved. Especially Ryan Miller, who gave up a seven-spot, and usually is so good against Long Island.

Monday – Montreal – they are sliding a little, but as we all know in person – don’t give them a moment of breathing room, because you will be chopped down, to say the least. And those damn 3rd periods have killed us this year. However, in the past few games, this team has handled them and survived; getting out of the basement to boot.

Let’s hope this weekend will continue that trend. Have a good weekend.

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings