When I got there, there were a few more. But I figured I would still be around to get the scuttlebutt.

BTW – the TWIN Ice Girls, I believe, were FIRED…. For what we don’t know. If you do – let us know.

Doug (Islesofficialoutlook.blogspot.com) went away from his computer, so I figured I would be the team player and write a little. However, I felt the humor bug, and proceeded to bash some of my fellow blog boxers…..

Here is what I wrote:

This is not Doug… This is Gary Harding with the View from Section 317 (well, tonight in Section 201). For some strange reason, Doug thought he should spend time with his family, rather than tell you all about the wonderful playmaking of the Islanders against the Kats! Oh well – the Isles had a their second straight power play, but to no avail. Was just not enough pressure in front of Vokoun.

I still believe that Okposo should be removed from the point on the PP. He is too much of a physical presence to be wasted, 70 feet in front of the Islanders net. What do you think Doug?

Oh – Doug has still not come back. Maybe he got a date….

5:40 – scrum behind Danis. – Florida just got their first shot of the period. They had 16 after 1 – to the Islanders 12.

By the way – if anyone wants a Dell Latitude computer – I will be selling Doug’s machine to the highest bidder on E-bay.

HE’S BAAAAAAACK! But not typing….

And Guerin just got royally robbed by Vokoun.

There have been times tonight that Danis has been more shaky than a 10 year old Vacuum Cleaner that needs an overhaul – but he has stepped up and done the job.

Frolik with a nice breakaway, but the edge of Danis’ pad got to it. Streit for slashing at 10:04 – and the Captain is getting his Massachusetts anger going. Panthers now go on their 4th man advantage of the game.

Sorry – I just insulted Doug’s meatball. Ask him about it sometime…

The big problem with Danis, is that he still does not do the recovery quick enough, and his side-side moves is questionable.

GOOD KILL BOYS!

Camoy – great opportunity – but just short. Tempo has picked up – and they seem to have enlightened the crowd a bit.

B TW – Doug is having just too much fun hanging out and not typing. He does not know that I am going to steal a $20 from his wallet for this. I don’t come cheap!!!!

Now Doug is talking to one of the other Blog Boxer’s Glen’s kids, and he sounds like Mr. Hand from Fast Times at Rigdemont High…

Another shaky Danis save, and it looks like an old man trying to collect his nickels off the floor. Where is my High Blood Pressure medication.

Doug just commented on Coach Gordon’s attire tonight. Come to think of it – he looks a little Sopranoesque. And another penalty on the Isles, and Doug is not pleased, and neither is the Captain – and for the next 4 minutes, he will be in the sin bin.

Panthers hit the post 5 seconds in. Sheesh.

The two to my right, are cat-fighting about the #1 pick, and who are free agents at the end of the season. One of them is in wonderlust with Tavares, and the other wants to not have him. Frankly – these guys need to kiss and make up!

I think I am done with my commentary. Thanks for the time, and make sure to check out my site, THE VIEW FROM SECTION 317. www.viewfromsection317.com.

Now – back the happy typing skills of Doug.

So long everybody….

Hope you all liked Gary’s take on the situation going on in the Box tonight. I’ll be back later on or tomorrrow with a few new pieces for ya. Enjoy the rest of the game.

Well – Danis was BRILLIANT! Guerin made a SICK back-handed move for the second goal of the game. BY the way – I yelled, “SHOW ME SOMETHING GUERIN!”, just before he scored, so I am taking FULL CREDIT for the goal.

Once again – OKIE was in the right place at the right time… He now has 10, and is rapidly moving up the charts…

My Three Stars:

3. Okposo – great physical game. Fantastic goal – look out Rookies – here comes OKIE!
2. Guerin – Candidates for the GOAL of the year!
1. Danis – would you expect anything else??

Clips from the game: Just click on the link…

Campoli

Gordon

Danis

Okposo

Super Bowl Prediction:

I love rooting for underdogs…. Athough, I was a Steeler Fan in the 70′s (Bradshaw – the Curtain, etc.), I am rooting for the Cards and Mr. Warner to pull out another miracle, and get his second ring. Final Score: Cards 31 – Steelers 21

Enjoy the game tonight!

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…

4 of your top 6 defensemen out of the game with injuries… BUt damn, can this team score.

But the big question to all Islander fans is?

Is John Sim going to be the Waldo in the puzzle book?

He would be a good prize for a playoff team needing an energy like player. Sim just does not fit this team ethic. Not making him a bad guy, just a non-fit in this outfit.

Well – I am seeing a game with a 4 game loser taking on a 3 game loser. However, the 3 game loser has more weapons.

Then again, so did Philly, but the Isles were not out of that game by any margain. They need to do the same thing. Get goals early, and take the crowd out of the game.

Once that happens, sustain. Keep the legs going, establish the forecheck, and keep the main weapons to the outsides of the faceoff circles, instead of the insides. With a younger and inexperienced defense, make sure that the power play takes advantage of the injury bug, and exploit to every chance.

Now – onto other things. I totally agree with Chris Botta on Islanders Point Blank, that Bailey HAS to be at the WJC. I am glad that he is here, but to me – this is the best opportunity for #12 to excel on the big stage. But, Garth wants him to grow and develop here. I am not mad, I just feel for Josh. I know that inside his heart of hearts, I am sure that he wants to be in Ottawa right now, going for the Gold Medal. As I stated on the New York Hockey Report last night (check our show – the link is on the right side of this page), Partice Bergeron had such a great tournament a few years back, and when he returned to Boston, he excelled. Just ask Sid the Kid how he played.

Yea – and about Sid…. In the beginning of this blog a few years ago – I ripped Crosby up and down about his whining and complaining. I can honestly say, that in the past few years, he has grown up a bit, and has matured into a good young man, with the world in front of him. Has he done a 100% upgrade? Not yet, but he has improved. Although, I think he is the SECOND best player on the team… Hmmmm>????

Well – hope for the best tonight – exploit the D and get 2 desperate points. And if he did not get claimed, welcome back Simmer.

Blake back – and Tamby down. Conditioning or not – Jeff needs this. He is jut not producing, and whether fans think it is their screaming about it that caused the demotion or not – this move HAD to be done by Garth. This kid needs a 100% adrenaline shot of confidence.

Comeau has done well to deserve this promotion, so let’s see what he does with it. We all know what happened in September and October.

Starting for the home side tonight…

MacDonald
Streit
Campoli
Park
Thompson
Jackman

Hopefully, their energy will give the boys a shot in the gut.

20 seonds in – penalty for Atlanta. Wouldn’t it be nice for us to score in the first minute, instead of the other way around. Bailey on 1st PP Unit. And sure enough – 51 seconds in – we do it – great shot by Guerin on the off wing. Great piece f work to start the game.

And yes, I screamed, “It’s a POWER PLAY GOAL, %%%% Sam Rosen, and Joe Micheletti too”. It is a 317 Section special. Keep the legs moving and intensity up boys.

Last 90 seconds brought Atlanta back in the game, and they dominated play. However, for whatever reason, I was confident, because the Isles kept skating, blocking shots, and keep up to the pressure.

3:56 P1 – Penalty on Streit for hooking. Need to keep moving and attack the puck. LikeAmazing Andy Hilbert’s play on the PK. He is so smooth. Had a great scoring chance. Kovalchuk looks lost without a good partner. He always had someone; Heatley, Hossa. Now with no one – we can see why this team is last in the NHL, and he is under a point a game and only 8 goals on the season.

Two great chances by Comeau in front of the net. I think he gets this system now!

Really looks like Sim just enjoys to play against his old mates. As does Sutton.

Another PP for the Isles. Silly getting a chance on the PP on the 2nd unit. Great chance on Goal at the end by Silly, but the Atlanta defender got a piece of the stick.

And yes, another PP for the Isles as Crabb clipped an Isles player at the end of the shift. Back to Bailey, Guerin and Weight. Sloopy work this shift.

So far – the Isles play has been ok – but when Atlanta has had the opportunity to dictate the play – they have been good.

Jackman and Thorburn with a fight – and Tim with a overwhelming TKO and a throw down as well. Thorburn looked like an old rag doll.

The last five minutes have been bouncing back and forth, with not a great deal of continuity, but at least in this period, the Isles have been skating hard, and making their own chances.

Atlanta scored with 2:16 left – Brian Little right in front of Joey Mac on a broken play, pushes it through the legs to even it up. Who would have thought that Bryan Little would have as many points as Kovlchuk.

Bailey got a nice hit on him in open ice. Good to see the rest of the team come in and protect the honor. Hilbert gets 2 for roughing on the play, but I like to see that intensity when it comes down to protecting your fellow players.

Other than that – the same lineup as the other evening.

Bad news about Okie. I know that he was aching to get back, and now another setback and now out until after the New Year. Tough situation for him, but it seems that he has the cool head to be able to not only handle it, but work on Josh Bailey to get his confidence going. That is what I call a teammate.

—-
2nd Period – Shots were 9-6 Isles after 1.

Isles get an early power play again – another chance to make some things happen. However – once again – stymied. Isles now 1/4 on PP.

Jackman has a nice, low, hard shot. I can see why he was a 2nd round pick.

Pretty much back and forth non-excitement. A few players making some good plys, but nothing much else.

Just as I talk about Kovalchuk, he makes a beautiful move to beat Joey Mac to make it 2-1 Thrashers.

Bergenheim got a little sloppy an took a penalty, after he had a great opportunity to tie it up. His emotions sometimes get the best of him. And in this case, it showed big time. I am sure these are some of the things that have kept Bergy in the press box for games.

Great opportunity by Jackman with a shortie opportunity. Great kill.

On a bogus call on Guerin, the Thrashers get number 3 on a ‘gift goal’ for Boulton who just slid the puck by a out of position MacDonald.

The second tonight is our third of other nights. What can this team do right? They are making these guys look like Boston.

Right now – this team has some serious backchecking issues. I can not understand with all of this practice and talk, how it seems to disappear at times. Maybe that is the ‘non hockey player’ in me, but it just doesn’t make sense to me.

With 2:49 left in this period, this team needs to not only make a stand, but get the crowd back into this game. Bergy is also off te first line, replaced by Comeau. Simpy put by the boxers around me, but Blake has been not only more effective, but has done all asked tonight and more.

Outshooting 12-6 this period, but outscored 2-0. That just about says it all.

This team looks as confused as can be. Park had an opportunity, but a Thrasher defenseman’s skate simply made it be all for naught.

If this team wants 2 points tonight – Gordon needs to blow a head gasket and get some motivation on these guys and fast!
—-

3rd period, and fingers need to be crossed.

First two minutes – energy, but nothing in the way of chances.

Need to get pressure on the goalie – make things happen. Comeau had a good hit, Hilbert, but between the blue lines, it is like a festival of ‘watching the play go by’.

Cmon boys – make a statement! NNNNOOOOWWW!

You are outshooting these guys 23-12 – AND WE ARE DOWN 2!

Bailey just lost another faceoff. He was 4 for 12 for two periods. Got to get Professor Sillinger to work more with him.

Trent just lost it – got 2 for trip and 2 for high stick. Got 4 minutes to kill. A shortie will be nice about now – we haven’t had one of these in a while.

Sutton takes a penalty – but Atlanta scores. 4-1. This is ugly. This team is not this good. We are just that bad tonight.

Fellow Blogger Mike’sbiggest joy right now is counting the icing calls. Atltanta has 6 and the Isles have 2. I wish that would make us get more goals. Wait – Atlanta now has 7.

I now feel as bored as Republicans at the upcoming Inauguration in January.

Two posts in about 30 seconds, but Atlanta puts it in – as I am typing. 5-1 and the Boo birds are eminating around the building. Sticks are being slammed in disgust, and the fans are leaving. So – I think I will end this post.

My 3 Stars (Irrgardless of the scoring).

3. Jackman – energy always.
2. Comeau – posts and again energy that we just did not see in the first few games of the season.
1. Ice Girls – well – no one is deserving of the 1st star.

Well – if a miracle happens – I will comment about it tomorrow. Otherwise, I am going to be working on my Christmas decorations tomorrow.

See ya!

Crowd sparse… A question I heard while walking around the arena….

Where is Monica the Ice Girl??? I guess that question is more important that wat lineups are being set for the Stars or the Isles? Very interesting.

Food critic – Chicken tenders and fries at Gate 11 – grade them a B-. could be a little better, but Nathan’s is always good.

The Avery sucks chants started before the Anthem. Geez, our fans are so forgiving, aren’t they?

Starting Lineup for Isles

Gervais and Streit on D
Neilsen, Tambellini and Hunter up front
DP in net…

1:10 in P1 – Avery in to a booing ovation… Okposo brushes by and Avery turtles like the gutless puke that he is… Yes that was a Travis Green name, but it has now been passed onto the right guy. Erikson makes the Isles pay on the PP.

14:13 in P1 – just when they start to look good (couple of chances by Park and Okposo), Morrow come down and pushes one underneath DP, for a 2-0 lead. The natives are getting restless and the door to the bench is getting slammed more and more.

This needs a good bit of confidence. Right now – it is not coming at all. It is interesting to hear Gordon scream from across the ice. Another stupid penalty for the Isles to take (Bergie). Have to stop grabbing and move your feet more. This Stars team is not fleet of foot. They should be taking advantage of that.

18:22 of P1 – Erikson again. I can see the veins popping out of Gordon’s neck. This is not fun.

I will be sitting in my seat for Period 2 -and will be back at the Box for period 3. Hope it is a little better this time…..

Analysis after 2 periods….

At least Billy G got in the scorebook off some nice passes from Streit and Bergie. However, not taking advantage of a full 2 minute 5 on3 plus another minute of advantage folllowing that. Just horrible. I am not questioning effort, per se; but when a power play struggles, it sems to constantly look for the perfect pass and the perfect play. I will not name names, but numbers, maybe….

89?

I wonder what the talk is at the GM meetings in Chicago?

Stats after 2:

Park -3. Okoposo, Gervais, Comrie -2
Guerin and Weight – +1

Streit 19:29 ice time. Gervais – 18:04

Nothing much else to be happy about…

3:28 – P3 – The Islanders are the last team to get a goal from a defensemen as Mark Streit scores to cut the lead to 3. As Section 317 says:

It’s a Power Play goal…… xxxx you, Sam Rosen! And Joe Micheletti too!

Still too much look for the home run pass….. Section 301 just LOVES Billy G. but they are more concerned about his life after hockey.

Around the 5 minute mark left – Sim gave a nice shot to Avery – nothing came about, but it looked nice….

Will add some comments tomorrow to this (after game locker room quotes).

From the locker room after the game.

Guerin – (paraphrasing) – putting too much on the PK’ers. Witt loss is tough, but it means that others have to step up. Ribiero had a great game, Modano looked good for 37 (is actually 38).

DiPietro – fans have the right to feel how they want. The fans are passionate about the game, and hate to see the team lose.

I think practice will contain a little bit of soul searching, and finding ways to stay out of the box. Especially against a Carolina team that is quick and tough. You have to stay focused, and make an effort to not grab and clutch to keep them in bay.

Good luck in practice today boys!

When he looked at the Metro Mug, Scott commented:

“I would like to see a shinnier silver trophy instead of that one…”

Was surprised that the hit on Chris Lee did not warrant a suspension. He did not know about it until I asked the question.

Was pleased that Ricky played 60 minutes, despite the lack of playing. Is confident that he will be in the lineup, and if the timing is right, he WILL play. Ricky is chomping at the bit.

Bailey – he has so much hockey intelligence. He may be here one game, he may be here for the season. The process of the NHL will be so much easier for him, because of his intelligence. He is
head and shoulders’ better than some guys I know with three years of experience.

Nate Thompson – (Gordon’s former captain in Providence) classic blue collar player. We will like the intangibles..

Thoughts on Tambellini – we have to see if his ability will translate to the same success at the NHL level. He was not given the opportunity to fully play to your potential. He has to play, make the mistakes, and learn from them.

Working with the teams. There are times that I will have to be tough, and I will let them know that. The players welcome direction. He is not a ‘my way or the highway’ coach, but the players and the coaches have to work together.

System – training is the core of the matter (over-speed). Doing it in practice, will make the game easier. Making the practice more intense, will make the game a lot easier to handle. It does not happen overnight, but in time, the system will take over. Some games in the exhibition were good (even the 6-0 game – Scott thought the team executed, and there were positives, with the less than full lineup). The idea of game setup is making sure that the team is constantly moving forward, instead of the opponent coming to them. We have to be efficient coming out of the zone.

Penalty Kill – be aggressive….. We dont want our horses to play with snow tires.

Power Play – not normally a 4 forward 1 d – not liking to be high risk…

Riding the goaltender – It usually comes down to the schedule. Want to give Ricky every advantage to be successful. He wants to play every game. Any rest that goals to the #1 goalie is dependent on the schedule.

The injury bug – thought the early injuries may have been to the change in the system. Scott seems to be leading to the skates being stiff. Talking to some of the other coaches, they feel it may be the same thing. The soft ice surfaces can be a problem…

Playing days in Quebec. Probably like being in Atlanta and not saying y’all. Quebec was passionate about the game, but at least he had his chance to play and experience the NHL.

Sillinger – hopefully be back in November.

Shootout – Gordon may have a secret weapon. (I am not allowed to say, but it is someone you would NEVER expect) Looks as shootouts as ties. Looking at a half full glass instead of half empty. It is entertainment. What happens is secondary, just have fun.

Coaches on the bench – they go about it the right way… They come across as great professionals with excellent attitudes. They go about it the right way, and the veterans that take that attitude, seems to rub off on the younger players. They exert, and make he efforts in practices, will keep from letting down the teammates.

Thoughts on Jack Hillen – not big – but extremely intelligent. Would not play professionally if he did not have the smarts. Has the tools as well; he gets it! Instincts far more than exceed what a minor leaguer can do. See what he will handle the change from the college schedule to the NHL schedule.

Great meeting – 2 days to hockey, yea!!!!