For these reviews we will do it in numeric order.

So since we do not have a #1, I guess #2 will do.

Mark Streit

Here is his stats.

Games 82, Goals 11, Assists 38, Points 49, +- 0, 48 PIM, 9 PPG, 2 GWG, 187 Shots 5.9% efficiency

Yes, the numbers are a little behind last years stellar numbers, but in this season, he did not have to take the defensive scoring load all to himself. He was able to play fully in all three zones with a little more comfortability.

He was fifth in the league with minutes played per game with over 25. And with his quiet demeanor, he led by example. I think players like Andy MacDonald, and Jack Hillen will definitely get some skills and advice from the “A”. I really think Montreal would like to re-think their position by not re-signing him last year. They just did not rely on his defensive capabilities and showed the NHL what kind of player he really is.

Mark is a solid foundation for a young defensive corps that have a great base to build on. With three years to go on his contract, he is showing that the money given to him was defnintely worth it.

I give him a B+ this year. What do you think?  Please add your comments to this grade.  I will be comparing to see if the readers of this blog are on the same page that I am on.

Next review – Mark Flood #4.

Posted under 2009-10 Review

Well – as my friend Hockey Moose – a UK hockey fan working for the British government in DC asked me tonight – who would I think would win tonight?

I told her to read here.

As Theodore and Roloson lead their teammates onto the practice ice, I see that the CAPTAIN is once again missing…. He may not be on the score sheet that much, but he is providing a lot that the casual fan just does not see. He wil be missed tonight.

Bruno is out on the ice. Glad they found his sweater. However, there are 7 D on the ice right now – so let’s see who gets the heave ho.

What do I think the Isles need to do tonight? Skate with a purpose. Look like you mean to be there. At the game in Montreal the other night – They looked like a bunch of lost puppy dogs. They have to put the like they want to win the game, and slam, Ovie to oblivion, while keeping their eyes on the rest of the team.

If you are following the game and checking out the blog – I will create entries for the Pre-Game, and I will submit one after each period, with my thoughts and comments.

See ya.

PS – Mark Aliberti – a die-hard Isles fan that IM’s me ALL the time (and I do appreciate it…) predicts a 5-2 loss for our guys. I am going to call a 4-3 win.

Why, you ask?

Just a hunch – but I think we are due to make an upset. Tonight is the night – and I am hoping that ROLLIE steals one for us, like the veteran he is.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

You know when you try to save some space on your computer, and you delete all these files that you no longer want? Or you remove these programs that have been on your computer since you bought it, and you never run them; so you go into your control panel and get them out?

Well – remember – you have deleted the files, but a good CSI guy can find them on your hard drive, nevertheless.

That is how I feel after last night. Erase that game from the memory, but somehow – the pain from it still does not go away…

Happy for Bailey for finally getting on the board. He still needs to shoot a LOT more – but maybe that will come now.

OK – tomorrow is another day… But then you see Ovechkin, Green, Semin and the rest of the Crapitals are coming into town tomorrow night… Sheesh.

And by the way, what pile of hash was the schedule maker smoking when he set up this home game inbetween two road games in Montreal? Wow – maybe we need some of that?

Oh well – have a good day folks, see you tomorrow from the Coli. Will be in the Blog Box tomorrow — if you are by Sec 201 – stop by and say hi!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Nice view from our seats in section 228 (photo courtesy of Josh Siegel)

Jackman – glad he is signed for another season. He brings such a great amount of grit and tenacity to the game. He plays every shift like it is his last. Whether it is a check, a fight, or even blocking a shot – you always know that #28 is there, making an impact.

I hear that we were on TV last night. CJ Papa introduced us and mentioned the fact that we were bussing through the night, and were there to support our boys. I am glad we were there, and the Ottawa people were very nice to us. It is definitely not like going to Montreal, that’s for sure.

Comrie (alias Tinkerbell) had the flu and could not play last night. I was so heartbroken, because I so many NICE things to say about him… Oh well, have to wait till next year.

Campoli did not have much of a factor in the game last night. I can see that he was involved in the action, but in some cases, he looks tentative and when he had to make a check – he did not finish it.

Did you know that Joel Rechlicz is not even 22 yet? That surprises me. I thought he tolled around the ECHL for years but he just moved up to the AHL this season, and now has 7 games under his belt in the NHL. Unfortunately for him, he just does not have the skills to stay up here. With the new NHL – his game will not work.

My battery is starting to fade, so I will end this. With a long busy week in the office, and spending time with my mother at night (she is doing better, she is out of ICU — but still has a long way to go), it is just in my interest.

Have a great week, everyone…

Posted under Booster Club, Islanders 08-09

If you were at the Habs game in the beginning of the season when the Isles fans were nearly overtaken by the Quebec Fan Revolt, and the team had a 3 goal lead and lost it…. You remember how we felt after that game….

Redemption is nice, isn’t it?

In a game that Montreal absolutely needed, the Isles not only withstood the initial onslaught, but took matters in their own hands, and the streak of one KO, gave the visitors the two points on this night, and got 4 out of 4 at Le Centre Bell this season.

And you know what gives me the red ass (as James Garner said in the movie – the American Presidents)?

People that are getting peeved because the Isles are winning and their chances of securing the first pick are not as strong as they once were. You mean to tell me that you want your players that are gaining confidence by the day, to shut down and “TANK”?

Give a rest folks. Go back to the Tiddly Wink Circuit.

If this team wins 10 in a row or something like that… I would be absolutely thrilled. If we still get Tavares or Hedman – great. We can still get a great guy that may help this team years down the road.

Let’s just see what the cards play for us. But if you want the players to just lose, to secure just a 48% chance to get the #1 pick, then Tiddly Winks is your game. Don’t even talk to me.

Gary

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

Glad they got the point. They played well. Should have deserved better fate, but again – happy with the effort.

Off to Montreal and the fractured Habs. Wonder how they will come out there? Is Ryan O’Byrne playing?

Anyway – need some prayers… My mother has a real bad situation, and is currently in the operating room at this time. I don’t want to get into the details, but it is serious.

I will not be adding any blogs for a while. Just keep my mom, Ethel, in your prayers, please? I would appreciate it!

Thanks,
Gary

Posted under Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

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

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

Thank God for Campy… Well – he made his mother’s birthday complete! Really had a hat trick with the first one of the two going through and out of the net… But he will take two and like it!

Another collapse in period 3. What is it? Missed assignments, a little lax in chasing pucks. Losing battles left and right. You would think they would have learned their lesson after Saturday’s Debacle with Montreal.

There was some good signs… Richard Park finally got one in. He has been doing well the last 5 games. So has the Captain. What a move he made to get the 2nd goal out of the box. Campy has done well, since returning to the lineup. Sutton has made the defense a little bigger and stronger.

Hunter with four helpers in 2 games. (Congrats for Player of the Month for NYI) Joey Mac had a decent game, not brilliant, but workman like. He should be back in tonight at the Isles head to the Garden.

My Three Isles Stars.

3. Park – 1G 4A in last 4 games – picking up the pace
2. Hunter – 2A last night – all around good game
1. Campoli – 2G – makes momma proud.

Posted under Islanders 08-09