Using the Saints line – who is this team? 

It just figures that the day I do not go to a game, we get a great effort, a Hat Trick, and a Giveaway.  Thanks to my buddy Rose for saving one for me.

Driving home last night, I was quite shocked by hearing the horn in the second period against this Blackhawks team.  Not that I was unhappy – hell no!  I just did not expect the jump in the second stanza.  The Isles were severly outshot (22 – 9), and were down 2-1.  Rollie the goalie was outstanding and kept the boys in the game.

Was it the Isles getting their legs faster than their opponent?

Was it that the Hawks were suffering a post Olympic hangover?

I would lean to the second.  Six players arrived in New York on Monday after celebrating the Olympics, or in mourning, whichever you want to look at it.  Those guys had to be sluggish, and the second and third period showed the lack of effort.

You could also blame the netminding too…

The Hawks, in order to move far in the playoff push, definitely need to work on that position.  Huet is a $5 Million bust.  He can not lead these guys, and Niemi is just too young and raw. 

Who can the Hawks look to?

 

 

Rollie? 

If there ever was a job interview, last night for the 40 year old netminder was doing well.  I am just not sure that a deal will happen, due to the DP injury.  But it is certainly possible.

To the game…

Blake Comeau with six goals in his last 3 games, is making his case to be a permanent fixture.  He learned his lessons with his stints in the chateau de bow-wow, and had made the most of it.

Richard Park – a class act, scored twice as well – and has made a turnaound his his efforts of late.  I like the line of Park, Weight and Sim.

Tavares did not have any points, but looked a little more crisper than he did before the stoppage.  Maybe some home cooking did him some good.

Okposo has some speed bursts that surprised me a lot.  A good sign.

So glad to see Hillen back.  He was playing so well before the injury, and I just feel a lot better with him on the blue line.  Congrats to Andy MacDonald on his contract.  Thanks to Ted Nolan for suggesting that the Isles draft him.

Good luck to Andy Sutton.  He gets a chance to play with a good team, and playing so well of late (except the 2nd period against the Rangers).

Tomorrow – the Thrashers are the home team.  The Isles have scored 16 goals in 3 games against them.  Hope for some more offense.  Then the Big Bad Bruins come to town for a Saturday matinee.  Wonder who will be here, as well as who will not?  Tune in to the NHL Network to find out today.

Have a hockey day folks!

Will be in the Blog Box on Saturday.  If you are home, check out my period by period updates.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10, Ramblings

Pregame musings:

 

• Lots of Red/Black in the building.  Great opportunity for folks from the Garden state to spend the $11.00 each way in tolls to visit Uniondale
• Roloson should be in the nets today.  Would expect Marrty B as well.  However,it is still good motivation for Danis to play against his old mates.
• 8-2-1in 11 – we all know how this team is currently on fire.  The Isles have not beaten New Jersey this season, and with the opponents not exactly killing of late, this may be an outstanding opportunity to take a step forward.
• Pre Game skate:
• Brodeur and Ricky? interesting….
• No changes in the Isles lineup.
• We all know the stories about Ricky getting ‘up’ to play against Marty Brodeur – guess he convinced the coach of that as well.
• Keys to the game:
• 1.  Get to Brodeur early.  The longer that he has support and not letting up goals, the better he will get.
• 2.  Get physical and sustain that.  Devils are not a big team,and although they will hit, you can control them by initiating the physicality and keeping it up throughout the match
• 3.  Have Ricky just be like the Ricky of old.

Will update this blog after the start of the first period.

___________________________________

Period 1

Starting Lineup for the Isles:

G – DiPietro, D – Streit, MacDonald F – Bailey, Park, Okposo 

0:05 – win first faceoff

0:45 – three shots already on Brodeur – Devils force icing.  Nice sustained start.

1:07 – Moulson on second stab – drives backhand over Brodeur’s shoulder – 1-0 ISLES.

Now THAT’S WHAT I CALL A NICE START!

Moulson (18) from Nielsen and Hunter

Take the goalie out of his comfort zone – and he is beatable.

 Goal goes in at 2:23 but immediately waived off. Whistle blown to stop play, which angered the 15,000+ referee’s in attendance.

2:57 – Devils Pelley – shoots puck out of play – Delay of Game.  power play time.

Let’s Go Islanders chan is LOUD tonight!

3:44 – Streit with a blast from the right point – 2-0 Isles!

Get to Brodeur early – and you have a chance… I guess we do.

4:35 – Sutton does his patented hit  the victim – Langenbrunner.

Devils look lost…

Streit (7) PP – Assisted by Tavares and Okposo 3:44

The Swiss fans in attendance are quite excited and the flags aplenty.

5:39 – Jacques Lemaire does not look too happy at the bench

5:45 – John Sim putAndy Greene into tomorrow.

6:58 – Brodeur gets Bronx cheer when he stops the puck on a harmless dump-in.

I’ve not seem the Devils look this harried all season long.  Bailey drew a penalty by Salvador by making such a crazy dipsy-doodle move.  Wow – the pre-game kool-aid is working wonders. 

PP# 2 – do we go 2 for 2?

9:00 Brodeur just stacked the pads and with the blade – stop a great shot by Hunter.  Then a couple of point blank shots by Tavares and Weight.

Got about 4 shots on that power play – but the scoreboard is always late in getting the numbers up.

Just the simple case of battling to loose puck – the Isles just seem to move at will.

11:55- fantastic job by Bergie not only to muscle around Oduya, but draw a penalty on him as well, just by taking the puck to the net.

First 15 seconds on the PP – Isles doing an excellent job of moving the puck, and getting traffic on Brodeur.

JT just missed a gimmee.  But love the confidence they are showing.

Shots – NYI 17 NJD 3

Guess the NJ locker room will need some soundproofing…

15:20 – DP made a cuple of great stops of the rushing Devils forwards.  Not much activity – but did a nice job.

16:06 – Tavares takes a penalty for tripping Niklas Bergfors – 1st PK for the Isles.  PK did nice job (computer was slow).

Overall assessment – probably one of the best periods of the year.

_______________________________________________________

2nd Period

First minute or so – Devils look a little more inspired, or at least they have a purpose.  It is not overwelming, but it looks like a better hockey club.

5:00 RIcky got the chance to put one of his 100 foot passes out – did not hit the tape – but you can see how the opponent needs to change their game accordingly.

6:30 – Parise made a great move on Hillen – hits the post to Ricky’s left.

7:50 – Tavares and Moulson got some chances in front of Brodeur – which he denied.

9:05 – although the Devils are looking a little better – the shots are 6-1 Isles for the period (24-8).

9:34- Isles are moving the puck with some serious ease.  Almost looks like the Devils are just standing back – waitng for Brodeur to stop the play.

12:54 – Sim steaks a Mottau pass, and blasts a shot that hits Marty in the mask.  Shakes him up a bit – but continues on.

A lot of blocked shots by the Isles as well – they are creating a lot of defensive havoc that is leading to a lot of easy chances for DP.  The Isles look like they play a much tighter game around their 15 year man.

14:30 – Bergie looks real good.  No affects from th injury, hits with reckless abandon, and is just the aggressive kind of player that the team needs.

15:42 – Bailey on a nice re-direction – gets it by Brodeur – 3-0 Isles!  FREE CHILI!!

Goal by Bailey (12) – assisted by Hillen at 15:42

17:38 – Jon Sim is just about singlehandedly causing extremem chaos.  Getting in fronr of Brodeur – making like difficult  for him.  Salvador and Oduya both wanted a piece of him.  Summary… Sim is a royal pain in the arse!

18:05 – Moulson – redirects a shot by Hunter – 4-0 Islanders! – oops – I was wrong….

Sutton goal (4) – assist by Hunter – 18:05

- Question – will we see Yann Dais in the 3rd period?

19:50 – LeBlond does a nasty cross check on Weight.  Looks like the 3rd period will be a nasty affair – tune in to see my commentary about it.

______________________________________

3rd period

Notes from first 2 periods

Sutton and Hillen – +3 a piece  Streit leads in ice time with almost 18 minutes.

Okposo – with almost 15 minutes leads the forwards.

Nielsen, Moulson and Hunter are all +2.  Tavares has 6 shots to lead all shooters.

CORRECTION – on the 4th goal – it will be give to Matt Moulson (19) from Sutton and Hunter.

What to expect in period 3 – —-?

• Keep it coming – dont stop the intensity
• Mistake free hockey
• Don’t let the assignments slip

Yann Danis in the nets for the Devils – Marty has been chased.  Danis beat the Islanders in November, so it should be good motivation to take it to them.

500+ wins – gives you the luxury of not sitting in the runway.

And for the record, I was not happy to hear the Brodeur – you SUCK chants!  He is a goalie, regardless of who you root for, you should RESPECT.

4:30 – Schremp with a great pass to Comeau – got a good shot on – but just missed the left post.

6:00 – Devils getting some opportunities – but defense is getting rid of the garbage.  Weight gets called for tripping McCammond.

6:17 – Isles on 2nd PK of the day.

6:52 – Langenbrunner trips Bergenhei as he was trying  to skate out of the defensive zone.  4 on 4 for 1:25.

7:33 – deflected sho goes about 10 rows up to section 337.  That will wake them up…

Islander quick PP leaves them with just about nothing. 

9:05 – Parise shows alot of energy, but not many other ones in white and red.

9:50 – Ricky made a save,but Parise gobble up what I thought was a controlled stop, and just missed scoring.

10:50 – Bergenheim and Sim did a nice give and go, which Danis made the stop.

11:55 – Isles had a few good chances – Comean and Gervais – Danis took care of them.  Making the simple moves and doing them well.

Isles are playing my 3rd period gameplan correctly.  Staying aggressive, but not acting silly.

Shots are 41-17 Isles – amazing that they are stopping this high flying Devil team to just 17 shots.

15:00 – Sim makesa nice shot that Dais controls.

15:45 – DiPietro makes the stop, chucks the puck in the air and tries to slap it like you were at baseball practice playing fungos.  Hey Rick – the Ducks could always use a lefty DH in the summer.

17:30 – Hunter slams White to the glass.  Extra effort.

17:45 – this will be the last entry. what A GREAT GAME.  I am saying it – Ricky gets the goose egg!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Well – it is nice to be back at the Coliseum for another season of Islanders Hockey. The big question on my mind, is that the October 3 date is almost come and gone… So what is the state of the Islander franchise?

We should soon find out.

Two minutes before the warmups begin, and therer are John Tavares chants…. Hmm , what about the rest of the team? That was a quote from my friend John Klos. I can not take the credi (But DAMN, I wish I would)….

Roloson is starting tonight (Doug got that one right – I missed that one). Robbie Schremp is playing though. No Blake Comeau.

Will continue blogging at the start of the game.

The slogan ths season is take it to the limit….. Well – it is as loud as you can get it.

Opening line = Thompson – Park Jackman – Streit and Martinek in back wih Roloson in net.
Good luck boys

Tavares second shift of the game – on a line with Okposo and Moulson. No jitters whatsoever.

Matt Moulson gets the first penaly of the season – interference. Well – the refs hate us already….

After a good effort on a PP – Crosby gets a bounce pass and gets 5 hole on Roloson – 1-0 Pens.

Jackman gets in the first fight of the year with Mike Rupp. Call it a draw. Got the fans up and yelling….

Posted under Islanders 09-10

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

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 did not want to type last night after the game. Was a little disappointed in the result, and was enjoying a nice quiet night with my wife.

Thoughts from the game, and the weekend.

1. Scotiabank place is probably one of the nicest arena that I have been to. There are lots of food options, and a 50/50 draw that the winner won nearly $14,000… That is sick!

2. Ottawa fans are probably the nicest fans that we have encountered on our trips. Even with my wearing a Yashin jersey (will explain that shortly), the fans were cool.

3. Danis just did not have it last night. The first and the last goals definitely go into the category of “I want it back”. He has done so much in his progression this season, that a hiccup will happen.

4. The forwards just did not have the buzz that they showed on Friday against Carolina. Is it the back-to-back syndrome? Usually this team, as many struggles that we have had, have always done well on the back end of the 2 in 2 games.

5. Okposo keeps getting points, which hopefully will lead to at least a little consideration for R.O.Y.

6. Even with the loss, I am sure that Josh Bailey will remember this game for a long time to come. His 2 goal effort was one of the lone bright spots of the game.

7. Canadian beer is so much better when it is consumed NORTH of the border.

8. Downtown Ottawa is a real nice place to shop, dine and hang out. Again – the people are quite friendly and I really suggest that if you ever want to come to a game in Canada – this is the place to be.

9. My three stars of the game.
3. Joel Rechlicz – was trying to do his best Steve Webb impersonation – hitting everything in sight – getting in a fight with Chris Neil
2. Kyle Okposo – one helper – not his strongest effort, but good players will still get involved in the scoring even when they are not at 100%
1. Josh Bailey – two goals and looked much more mature and focused.

Well – time to turn off the computer – as we are going for breakfast at our hotel before the bus ride home.

Have a good day!
Gary

Posted under Booster Club, 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

Got here late – what else is new….

Glad to hear that the Doobster is back in the fold….

Nothing much to start – a few major hits by Witt, especialy one in open ice. You have to establish yourself early against a team like Boston.

Got back from getting a hot dog – and I see the Isles are outshooting the B’s 8-1. This is the way to start…. Now – biscuits ain baskets!

Sim just took a stupid penalty running into Thomas. Let’s see how the PK does against this Bruins PP – with Shorty Chara on the back line and with 2 goals the other night – you have to worry about it.

BTW – what was Tambellini thinking about trying to knock Chara to the ice?

Okposo just took a hit with the puck to the face – just what we need – another freaking injury.

We should be over 300 man games lost now…. The Rangers – by the way are at 10.

2nd period – shots 17-7 after 1

Bruins go 1-0 3 minutes in. Did not see puck, as I was rescuing my crashed computer.

Not a bad crowd, considering the elements. And by the way, was that deal in the Hudson river unbelievable….?

Jackman in a tussle with Thornton – actually not much….

Amazing stat shown on the scoreboard…. Boston – 10 shots blocked, Islanders (leading the NHL right now) 0.

Good to see Okie back – we thought it may have been a broken jaw issue… He nd Bailey had a nicetic-tac-toe move – that almost equalized this game.

Danis has not been tested all that much – but he has looked adequate. Just carry the load until Dubie is ready to go.

Comeau just introduced Krejci to the penalty box. Nice hit – his confidence has been growing.

Another great stat – 20 for 30 in faceoffs.

Power play for the Isles – let’s see if we do something with this one….???

1 – 0 after 2 – Witter made a good recoup after the passing blunder in the last few seconds. The Isles definitely lead the league in shooting pucks on opposing shin guards.

What do the Isles have to do in the third – shoot, shoot and shoot. Be a little more relentless and in the last few minutes – go ‘balls to the walls’.

3rd period
———-

Couple of good opportunities in front of Thomas. Keep the pressure up and intensify.

Penalty on Isles – tussle in front of Danis. This would be a nice time for a shorty…

Bruins get a fluky bounce, and make it 2-0. St. Pierre gets the fortunate bounce. Now we need 2. Now – agressive in the forecheck, and start taking chances. There is still time – but the time is NOW!!!

The John Tavares chants are starting. It is starting to get nuts now. Another Islander penalty. Campoli is the guilty party and he is not signing up for the Kelly Sutherland fan club.

Will we get one past Thomas? That is the $64,00 question? This team has played decently, but no finish. There it was – three or four point blank chances – but nothing to show for it. Another slew of chances – and KO finally got Chara to the deck.

4 minnutes left, and the crowd is trying to leave early…. Sorry – get on my soapbox – but I NEVER leave a game early – and I dont say that because I am here at the Blog Box. I stay for the end of 9-2 games. You pay for a sixty minute (or more) of ice hockey – then get the money’s worth – even if we do not win the match. It is the footy (Soccer) mentality.

Well – back from the soapbox and to the blog box…

Three Stars (even with no goals…)

3. Okposo – gets hit in the face comes back and had some good opportunites – even put Big Z on his arse.
3. Danis – looked ok – got two fluky goals scored on him – but made some fine stops
No 2 or 1 tonight.

Have a good weekend – stay warm – it’s going to be biting tomorrow. If anything good comes from the press conference at the end of the game – I will comment…

Posted under Islanders 07-08

Happy New Year!

Weight out – Sillinger out – Hunter – out Ricky out (surprise!)

Sim in – Trevor Smith in – (congrats on first game)

Mitch Fritz was waived – so that means he will be back in the PORT in 48 hours!

The guys came out to Ozzy – that has to be a new trend!

Starting lineup – MacDonald, Streit, Pock, Park, Bergenheim, Jackman.

Weight IS out there, so that means that the PA guy at the Coliseum drank the wrong Kool aid!

Sim – penalty 3 minutes in – certainly a trip to the Chateau Bow Wow for him again!

PK need to be a little better – now 17th in the league, as opposed to in the top 10 a few weeks prior. This group (Bergy, and Jackman) did a nice job. Bruno has looked ok too. He has been getting beat up in the forums, and quite honestly, a bit deserving. He needs to step up his efforts a lot, or he will just have a PR job with the Islanders, instead of a hockey position.

6 minutes in – and we are being out shot 6-0. Whoops – as I say it – we got 2.

Right now – Panthers DOMINATING the play – but slowly, the Isles are making their way into the play.

I like the line combo of Okposo, Comeau and Comrie. They seem to have each others backs, and look very fluid out there.

13:56 – Florida (Campbell – penalty). Time for the PP tp start to work…

PP Goal – nope – penalty – goalie interference on Sim. Very questionable to say the least.

I will say it here folks, when Bergie is moving his skates and causing trouble, he is definitely at his best. He just needs to get the stupid cells out of hs brain.

One thing that is definitely better is the face-off %. So far with 2 minutes left in the 3rd period, it is 53-47 in favor of Fla. Not great, but better than the 30′s that we have had in the last few games.

I will be back in the 3rd period, I will be in he seats for stanza 2.

Well – not so fast – Dvorak on a deflection from a point shot with 1:36 left makes it 1-0 Florida.

2nd Period

For the most part – I missed the first five minutes, and according to the shot clock and musings around the arena, I did not miss much. Looking at the stats, Mark Streit with 9:38 leads in ice time, Guerin and Comrie had 3 shots each.

Comrie – on a pass from Comeau and Okposo. The chemistry is flowing like Mentos and Diet Coke. Play under review – looked like it was hit with a skate – but it is a Tinkerbell special.

And now the team is playing physical. I just love the way Jackman plays like it is his last shift. You would never know that he was a 2nd round pick from days gone by. But he has such a passion for the game, that I wished others would display.

Remember we were bring severly outshot when we started the game… It is now 19-14 Isles at the half way point of the game.

By the way – it is Marvel Superhero day at the Coliseum. Only one problem – the Hulk looks like he is either on Slim Fast, or got Gastric Bypass.

Comrie has two – it’s a Power Play Goal – nice little bank shot off Vokoun. He must have been playing billiards with Hilary Duff when he was hurt.

Bergenheim – with 23.9 left jamming it home. See Sean, good things happen when you work hard… Great effort, and nice shot above Voukon’s right shoulder. Mama Dee would be so proud!

Great effort this period. Let’s tell the guys to keep the pressure up on the third frame.

3rd Period

Comrie with 5 shots leads the team – Streit with just over 17 minutes of ice time. Weight is now sitting on 999. Will he get the 1,000 before the day ends?

Guerin and Streit had a 2 on 0, and Guerin pushes off to Streit for the shot. The Captain should have taken it all the way, in my opinion, but nevertheless…

I really like the way that the team has come out in this period. Disciplined, smart, not playing a conservative game. I hope I don’t eat my words. I just don’t want to be a doom and gloom guy.

Joey Mac has done quite well tonight. He hasn’t got sloppy, and made a couple of great saves early in the third.

The PP has gotten one goal tonight, but has not looked for the simple. They are trying to make ‘sexy’ plays.

Too many men on the Isles. PK looking good.

PP Goal Isles – Streit – with a blast. Did Dougie get a helper? I don’t think so. Still on 999. But what a nice effort for the Isles. You HAVE to be happy with the team’s overall effort. The Panthers had made the Isles look real bad the last time they were here. Now – it is the other way around.

Three Stars of the Game.

3. Okposo – another nice game, got a helper and really looked good.
2. Streit – 2 point game – and made a few nice defensive plays.
1. Comrie – I guess he and Hilary will have a Happy New Year celebration

Will add a quote or two after the game, if something is good.

I wish you all a Happy, Safe and Blessed New Year! May all your wishes for the next year, be realities!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

With the 10 game streak done, the Isles are playing much better lately, especially on the defensive side of the rink. Not allowing much on 5 on 5 lately, ironically after the comments by Witt, are a good sign that the team is improving.

As we all know, Islander teams improve when they go to the Garden, regardless of the hows and wheres. The guys always get up for it, and in the past few years, there are a lot of Orange and Blue in the stands. If you can not get up for a game like this, you need some serious kool-aid.

Now – for the other night – a great effort against the Leafs. I think that there were very few negatives to take from this game. All four lines were real good, and the D were playing smartly.

By the way – my three stars from that game:

3. Okposo – 2 points – and his best game as an Islander
2. Ricky – welcome back, and played well to boot
1. Guerin – congrats on 400

We all thought Bailey got #1 – but to no avail.

On the Buffalo match – the Isles looked well, and played a fantastic finish. They did not give up, as well as not looked like a team in desperation in the last few minutes. Again – I thought Kyle O played a great game. He seemed to mature two years on the ice in a few days. His set up of Campoli for the last second shot was brilliant. Great to see Tinkerbell finally get on the scoresheet. I just wish he would stop pushing his pixie dust, and make non-highlight-attempt passes to open guys. Defenses have to know that 89 is going to try something cute, so they just gang up on him, and oops, a gaffe!

It was real tough to lose Amazing Andy H. He has played so well, and deserves a great deal of kudos from the fans. Hopefully the ‘hairline’ won’t keep him out as much as Plus Champ Andy S. Good to see Silly back. He was kept out for the back to back, and I hope that within the next few games, that his experience gets to help this stat… The faceoff. This team is winning only about 40% of the time lately, and it hasn’t bit them in the butt, at least yet…

Tonight – the Rangers, fresh off a beating at home against the Devs. This team should just decline power play opportunities, and play 5 on 5. They have 11 shorties given up, by far, the worst in the NHL. 26th on the PP, with all of that talent. Interesting to see how they come out tonight.

And as for the “King”? He has looked mighty mortal lately. Is it the number of games, or is it the playboy life? Hmmmm??? Have another Apple Martini, Henry?

Well – hopefully it is the typical Islander-Ranger game, that brings the passion of this rivalry to a peak! Enjoy it – and talk next on Wednesday. I will be at the game to end the year.

Have a great one! And hopefully, 2 points in our box.

Posted under Islanders 08-09