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 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

1. I am so impressed with McAmmond. A great veteran player – that knows how to deal with anything that happens. Tonight – he definitely got heated and Gordon let him do what he needed to do.

2. Mannino did ok. I did not see the first goal, but it definitely was one that he would want back.

3. Nice to see Bruno getting involved again. He looks so confident with Mark on the Blueline.

4. Was that ice awful?

5. Yes – I am typing at 3:10 AM – we just changed bus drivers, and we are heading up I87 to I90. We should reach Ottawa around 10AM.

6. More updates and thoughts later. I am going to try and get some sleep.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

It has been a tough week for me…

Workload – long and tedious, but challenging and got through pretty good.

My mom’s condition has been level, but far from good. There were some issues that really got me very emotional. Too difficult to talk about here, but thanks for the support.

Anyway – the annual Booster Club trip is upon us. We leave from the Coliseum tonight around midnight – bussing through the night, arriving in Ottawa around 10:00 AM or so. We are staying downtown, and will be hanging around the hotel and downtown before we schlep the 30 minutes to Kanata for the game at Scotiabank Place.

I will be taking pictures of the ORANGE WAVE (our group) and will have them on a photobucket site for viewing on Sunday. I have told the radio and TV guys that we will be at the game, and we hope to be on TV too.

Keep checking the site for notes and things from the trip.

See you in Canada, eh?

Posted under Booster Club, Islanders 08-09, Ramblings

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

Even when Nate got that goal 2 minutes in, I did not have that comfy feeling in my bones that we were going to get out of Boston with a point.

Was I right.

With Buffalo – I knew that the team was not doing it. With Boston – it is just seeing a strong, united team that is playing on all cylinders, but the best part about Boston, is that it is a very young team.

Is Lucic going to be a great player in this league for a long time to come. He is on 21. Kessel is only 21 as well. This team is got the foundation for a very good team for a long time to come.

But enough about the competition. Let’s talk about our ineptitude.

First statement – Tambellini MUST GO! This so called experiment has to end now! He is not mustering up anything in this level. A few weeks ago – Billy Jaffe made a great point about #15. He said (and I am paraphrasing), that he needs to make a stand and if he feels that he needs to change his game if needed. He is not making it with the skill set he has now. Too many chances and not enough results.

Him and Franz Nielsen at the same time were called out on this blog. Lately, Nielsen stepped up and did the job, until Mike Mottau from the Devils snapped and knocked #51 out for 12 weeks. He stepped up the game, but Tambellini did not!

Nate came back and got a goal right away, which I was happy about. He replaced Fritz, for which I was glad to see. We can not have a guy up here, playing 2 minutes a night, and getting in a fight. This team does NOT need that.

Well – Ottawa, this year’s whipping boys for the Isles come in for the second and final time tomorrow. Simply – the third period must be better. Nine goals in the last 2 games in period 3 is NOT good.

Start praying folks!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

The main thing that I noticed about the recent winning streak, is that the guys were always moving, and the the battles were mostly being won by the Islanders.

Last night -this was jiust not happening.

It was a touch time for Joey too. Jut some difficult bounces and nearly impossible shots. Especially the one that was bouncing and hit a skate before passing the netminder.

In typical cliche fashion, the boys have to get themselves back on the horse, and get ready for a Buffalo team that has been in shambles.

They lost 7-4 on Wednesday night against Boston, where Ryan Miller looked lost. He was also in net for the 4-0 loss to the Flyers. The Sabres had a few 5 on 3′s but did not take advantage. They come home tonight and can be a team in distress, as well as pissed beyond belief.

This is a similar situation as was the game against Ottawa last weekend. A team in distress. The Isles have to tackle this team in the same manner than they did with the Sens.

Not just making plays, but causing havoc, and putting shots to the net. That is the goal of the game. They have to reverese the beating of opening day weekend. This is good time to make the opportunity to reverse the game.

Good to get on the wagon less than a day after a tough loss. Now, the Isles are 1-3 in the Metro mug standings. Well – we will enjoy the trophy for as long as we can, because I just do not believe that we will hold it after April of next year.

Posted under Islanders 08-09

60 is an interesting number.

It is the number of minutes in an hour. The number of seconds in a minute. To many – 60 is the start of the golden years of one’s life (many will argue that the number to that is getting higher, because many at 60 act and feel younger than that – and I believe it 100%).

To Scott Gordon – 60 is utopia. And this is his exit.

Last night – he achieved that nirvana-like number, and twenty other guys were getting off that exit.

Now – if every trip, they get on this Exit, instead of Route 40, or 50…

Solid game by all, outshooting them, executing plays, pinpoint passing, making solid decisions, especially in the third stanza.

Now is the type of game, that Snow and Gordon were envisioning for this club.

And to make things even better, in Ottawa, a place where they are just about horrible in… This team over its past 42 games before last season, only won 5 games. Last season, the Isles were 2 for 4.

Now – 1 and 0 for the rematch tomorrow night.

Congrats to Josh Bailey for getting point number 1 last night. Great sense of mind to get that pass over to Okie for a blast. I can see Kyle getting dozens of goals each year from that same spot. It was where he got goal number 1. I can get used to that.

Bergie is looking better and better with the Good ol boys Dougie and Billy. They work hard, and got good results with goal number 3.

And don’t get me started on Trent… Well – you can. That work by him to lift Kuba’s stick, and make that move on Auld was simply brilliant.

Joey Mac, after surrendering that early PP goal (on a penalty that was bush to say the least), was flawless. He challenged shooters, and was sharp, especially when he had to move side to side. He had one Ricky D dangling lost moment, but he recovered quickly.

I have never heard the Ottawa crowd that angry at their team. They have been so used to success in the past, that they are letting their players and coaches know about it. I think this team will rebound, but hopefully, not tomorrow.

I will not be in the Blog Box tomorrow – I will be in my seats. I will not be at Monday’s game (too much work), so I will not blog live until the day before Thanksgiving.

And by the way, 45 years ago today (just before midnight – to be exact), a woman gave birth to a five pound eight ounce baby boy, that had some difficulties coming into the world. His umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, and it wasn’t an easy delivery. However, he turned out fine, and today counts every blessing he has. On this birthday, I say thank you to my mom, for bringing me into this world. I am thankful for having my family, and especially my wonderful wife, who I can honestly say is the best thing that has ever entered my life!

Please make sure that you thank the people in your life that have meaning to you every day. Not just Thanksgiving! Family and friends are a gift that should be cherished every moment. Even in these tough times, without them, it would be a difficult road to travel.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09, Ramblings