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.

Game 1 of 6 in this great rivalry is renewed tonight.

The Rangers, as we all know, are flying high right now - even with a woozy coach. Zherdev is playing like the guy that Columbus THOUGHT would be. Right now, Jagr is the last thing that they are missing at this point.

Ricky is seeing an unknown doctor about an unknown ailment. Danis was called up as an emergency. If there was ever a time for Joey Mac to stand up — it’s tonight!

The looks of things, it should be a Ranger walkover tonight. However, you never know with this rivalry. Hopefully the boys will take the 60 shot barrage from Saturday night, and take the positives from it and put it to tonight.

We can only hope.

Will blog from the game tonight - should be a cracking night! Will also see if the Phils win it all tonight - yuck!

Would you like to be a fly on the wall in the Islander locker room right now? I think if they tried to swat at you, they would miss……

They need to save face. Forget about five goals, just try and keep this as respectable as possible.

I head that Streit was beaten out of his jock on one play…. That is what was the scouting report on him. He will be good offensively, but can look sluggish, worse, crappy at times. Have to expect that.

This would be a time for some of the vets to step it up, and make some serious points in the room. Comrie with three penalties…

Oh by the way, I would like to take the Buffalo announcers and shove a hot fork up their collective butts! They are making it sound like a pee-wee team is playing the Sabres. It was announced that Witt was gushing blood, but accounts at the game, said that it was not as bad as announced.

Maybe this week away will give the chance to work some more on their systems. Will we see Ricky this period? Not sure…

Please get a goal….

Will not be at the game. I had to work today, as there were things that needed my attention.

What do I expect?

I expect to see Joey Mac again today. He deserves the playing time. Get Ricky to above 100% and then - we can work things out. We have days in-between games, so this would be the time, to be 100% sure, he is ready, whether TSN thinks so or not!

Keys to the game

Keep the in your face aggressiveness going. It was beautiful seeing that intensity and effort on Saturday. I can see why this Ludicrous speed system works so well… (Spaceball references are always good! - Got to figure out how to put the Schwartz into it!)

Keep the “D” playing positionally well (Meyer has done such a nice job of that). Get Hillen back to the form that he had his first two games in the NHL.

The line combo were good Saturday, keep them up.

And keep the legs moving on the PP and the PK. When we slow down - we slip.

Shouls be fun with all the mascots there today. Just wish I was there. However, I will be listening on line. Let’s see 2-1 in our future today!

Comments:

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!!!!

First game since 3/15/08…

Not a good way to start.

I know the game was on XM204, but by the time I got home, I did NOT want to put on my computer… After looking at one for 12 hours, it was just not the right thing to do.

I hear Rusty Olesz laid out Chris Lee with a nasty check from behind… Got a Game, and I am sure a review with the league. Good - get a few games for that Rusty!

Final of 4-3 for the Preseason… Not bad.. Friday - it counts for good. No - I will not be in NJ. I hope to get home for the start of the game, however, and I hope I will try to write a little at home. I will be writing at the game on Saturday. My wrap up will appear after the game…

Wow - I sound like a writer now!

Tomorrow - NYIBC Booster Club meeting - LI Marriott - guest is Scott Gordon. 7:30 at the ampitheater. You can join that night, or else it is $5 to come (but that can be applied towards membership - if you join that night).

A great chance to find out what is in the mind of the coach, as he prepares for his first NHL game (for real) behind the bench. I am interested in his comments.

The sun is out (with a little clouds, but nevertheless, a dry day today), and it is sunny skies for the Isles on their preseason debut.

Albeit, half the team is youngsters and junior players looking to make a squad, but it is still the Orange and Blue, no matter who is donning the sweater at this point.

Nice to see Jon Sim back and playing. There is betting at Ladbrokes (a UK betting firm) to see if Sim makes it to more than 5 periods this season. I am betting that this will happen…. Sim will make a big presence on this team for the 08-09 season. He is the type of guy that if he can play to his potential, he will allow other players to be able to maximize their potentials. You look at the Atlanta Thrashers two seasons ago, and Sim was a major pain in the butt on his opponents, and we all know what happened to the Thrashers in 06-07? They won the South East Division for the first time. Yes, the Rangers beat them in a sweep in the first round, but the contribution of Sim to the Thrashers team was crucial to their success. That need to continue for the Islanders this season.

Rumor mill… We are hearing once again - that Ricky may not start the season. From others in the know - I would seriously DOUBT that statement. Patience and restraint will need to be placed on #39 shoulders, and I know that coach Gordon will do just that.

I see that Campoli had an undisclosed injury last night. This scares me - and we need to keep our d-men healthy for this team to be successful.

Good start for the guys. I know we have another game tonight (not sure on opponent, because I have not surfed that much today). We have to keep the momentums going. With a young team like these guys, preseason success can mean a lot. It is the veteran teams that it does not matter as much if the team goes 8-1 or 1-8.

As for Orlando - chance of rain all week, but the weather held out for the most part. Went to Epcot yesterday - always a nice place to go…. Friday, it is off to Ocala for my nephew’s wedding. By the way, I have a time share at the Marriott Grande Vista. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to anyone. To check it out, go to this link
If you are interested in checking it out - please let me know. I could get you a deal on a vacation visit (with NO OBLIGATION - but a 90 minute visit to the sales office), but honestly, once you go, you may get hooked. We did, and I do not regret it for one second.

As they say here - have a GRANDE day!