All of the Islander reviews for this season is being done on my sister blog – EYES ON ISLES (www.eyesonisles.com).  Myself, and John Panarese are taking turns, grading the guys.  This is my post from the Eyes on Isles site, on #16, Jon Sim.

Stats: 77GP 13G 9A 22PTS 44PM

An enigma if there ever was one.  Simmer is the kind of a player that his role would be more relished on a stronger team than the Islanders.  He is a pest, a person that will tick off the front line, plays much bigger than he actually is – and can get involved in the offense as the situation dictates.

At the end of 08-09 – he was languishing in Bridgeport – wondering if he would be an NHL’er again.  As the season ended, he was playing good minutes and getting the team fired up.  You always see him slapping gloves and sticks of his teammates, and trying to get the guys pumped up.  He is never going to be a top6 forward, but a 3rd line agitator is a good choice.

I will give him a B- for this year, only because there were some moments in this season, where he was as lost as  Oceanic 815 (No – I never watched a second of LOST, but I know the flight number).  However, in the right situation – he may help a team tremendously.  Will he be signed next season?  I have my doubts.  He is a warrior and a good team guy, but Garth needs to take this team to the next level; and too many ‘good guys’ will just not do it.  He needs ‘better than good guys’ to mold with the Tavares’ and Moulsons of this team, as well as the kids that are coming.

Posted under 2009-10 Review

First of all – congrats to the Flyers… What an unbelievable upset!  Boston just laid down and died!  And dont use the too many men as an excuse.  If it was called 2 or 3 time in the playoffs, that is one thing, but 33 times?????  No – you just did not get it done, and it is another black eye for Boston sports.  This may hurt worse than Buckner.

Trevor Gillies – 14 games – 1 assist, 75 PIM -2

Yes – the Isles had a very good record when he played, but sorry fans, he is NOT the reason for it.  I like his passion, his ’stepping up’ and defending his teammates.  He knows when to make the issue be big, and when to back off.

If Trevor was 21, I would really like his future.  However, he is a journeyman, with these 14 games on his NHL resume.  Could I see him back here next year? 

Sure.

However, he would seriously need to step the rest of his game, and not be a 5 minute a game player.  Can he do that at 31?  It is a big question, to see — I would definitely bring him to camp and see what kind of desire he has.

As far as a grade is concerned, I will give him a solid C+.  I am a little tough on the grade, because he needs to step up the rest of the game.

Posted under 2009-10 Review

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

Tuesday is an extremely important day in Islanders country. In fact, I think even more than winning Cups! (sorry to the Old Timers and Cup Philosophers).

The Lighthouse Project, as eloquently explained, by Chris Botta today, on his Islanders Point Blank site, is the one thing that an Islander fan has to keep attention to. Not Tavares, Bailey, Okposo, or any of the players. Not even what place we expect the team to finish this season.

The Lighthouse – is the WORD!

Tuesday is the walk from the Coliseum to Hofstra to the meeting, which will start at 9:30. To me, I so wish I could be back sitting the Adams playhouse, at me alma mater, cheering on the movement of this great project. Work would absolutely prohibit me from taking that day. The next day, I also leave for Vegas and my annual trip to the NHL Booster Club Convention. I would be so glad to tell the fans of the rest of the NHL’s teams, that we are looking ahead, with a new project, a renovated Coliseum, and the Islanders playing for may years to come on the Island I call home.

As Mr. Botta said on his video, do what you have to do to support the project. Send an e-mail – convince another to come to the meeting, make signs (tasteful, of course), do whatever you can do – to show your support of this. Charles Wang made it perfectly clear, this organization needs the go-ahead to move on – or it will be other options (that will just not be discussed here). So – it is up to us, and make sure that we get this going.

I also hear the Senor Bettman will be there. I know that he is a total supporter of this, and can add some more ammo. It seems like Ms. Murray has been more in tune with this, rather than against. Let’s hope she stays the same way. Hopefully, she does not bring her neighbor, Joe Mondello. Hey Joe – how about sleeping in on Tuesday. Lose the car keys, and forget about this. We do NOT want your mouth there. Disgrace to the political party that I belong to…..

Anyway, let’s take the advice, of the Swami of the Islanders (yes Chris, I used BD’s picture and I think you are a Carnack, and deservedly so!), and get on the support train of the Lighthouse Project. As I stated, I can not be there, but hopefully this blog entry gets you to come out on Tuesday, and show the hockey and the political world, that the Islanders are to STAY, and yes, Kansas City, STAY ON LONG ISLAND!

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Lighthouse, Ramblings

Just heard that Steve Mears and Chris King will be not returning to the radio airwaves next season. The feed from Howie and Billy on MSG whatever, will be used in a simulcast on the radio.

It is a shame.. we will miss the voices on the radio, as well as the people. THe Isles gave Steve his chance at the NHL, and he did well. Kinger was a fixture for over a decade. Chris was offered a PT job with the pre and post game shows. He may also get a job with the team as well. I hope that happens. He is an ISLANDER, and hopefully will be taken care of.

This is strictly a cost-saving measure. With this team, any way that they can save money – it will happen.

Also – see that our Governor will have a presser to put his official support to the Lighthouse project. Hopefully another piece of ammo to get the town going. With local elections coming soon -this will be a help.

Again – best of luck to Kinger and Steve. I hope Steve gets a new position real soon. He is a good guy and deserves it. Also – Kinger should get settled fast. He is a loyal employee and deserves good treatment.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

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

I just thought I would type a little…

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

I can definitely go the nasty route and say that Colie Campbell is ridiculous….\

However, I can see the reasoning…

Witt gets 5 for the hit on Niklas Hagman. As Billy Jaffe said on the broadcast last night, because Witt did not have his stick, the tendency is to get the hands up before making the hit.

However, it was a hit that executives in the NHL does not want to see.

The $64,000 question is….???

Does Witt still get traded?

Tune into this site and see what happens….

I will be at the game, and will go down for quotes, but no covering the game. I will be sitting in my seat for a change, and do a REAL VIEW FROM SECTION 317.

See ya.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

I really look forward to see how the team resonds to start this game. The team looked BRILLIANT after the first stanza on Thursday night – and I would like to see the same intensity and action tonight. Even though the Panthers are a better team when it comes to the standings, it seems that the offensive explosion that Atlanta can still put out there, can give me more concern that the Panther offense.

How can you NOT love the Bailey-Okposo-Comeau line. “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT…”

Danis had a good two periods, but his third has to be a little more solid. I know that all the goals were not his fault, due to the defensive lapses, but he needs to step up, if he wants to get more starts in the NHL this season.

The Isles will need a full 60 minute effort to get their third consecutive victory, and show the rest of the league that they are not a patsie team awaiting to give their opponents the two points that they are looking for.

Go get ‘em boys!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Friday night in Phoenix, last night in San Jose – the Isles are outscoring their opponents 4-1 in the last 3 minutes of games.

Maybe we should do like they can in video games like NHL 2K9, and make the games last 5 minute periods instead of 20. We would be leading the league, for sure.

Again – falling into the moral victory category – we got close with one of the best teams in the league, but again – a loss, is a loss, is a loss.

I like Jackman’s play. He can not only play ‘in your face’ (or in the mask) hockey, but has decent hands, and can put the puck in the net. He always looks like he is playing his last shift in the NHL every time he steps onto the ice surface.

Someone asked me today, “…who does Park think he is Ovechkin?”

No – he is not- but I am glad that he is contributing and being a factor.

Once again – this team is getting into games very late in the contest, but just finishing short of getting it done. What they need tomorrow in Edmonton – is playing that desparation type of game throughout the entire contest. I know that is not the right thing to do, but we need to do something different.

Will Ricky be in net tomorrow? I believe that he will play in the next two games. Especially since he will have two days off in between the Alberta contests.

Well – let’s see how we do this week.

Posted under Islanders 08-09