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

Work has been crazy, so I have not been blogging…

However, I have been paying attention to what has been going on.

The Lighthouse project has a major step today, and I am still hoping that despite all the talk and rhetoric, that things will move forward and not be stagnant. Keep those fingers crossed.

The team is 2-2-1 in the Preseason. Slow start, and of course, injuries come to haunt this team again. Then there was the hit on Kyle. There has been a lot of talk on both sides of the hit, as well as what Pascal Morency did…. I am not going to add any more on this, but circle the game in March when Calgary visits Long Island on your calendars. I do not think the memory of a pre-season hit will not be forgotten. Let’s all make sure that we give Dion a warm and friendly welcome to Long Island!

JT – 2 games – 1 assist. Has looked good at times, and some times has looked like a rookie. What do you expect of a 19 year old. Mr. Crosby looked that way too. It will take a little to get the rust and make the sea-legs worthy. I am sure that will happen.

Marty Biron seems to make himself the primary candidate for the #1 guy. He and Rolly seem to have a good relationship already, so I do not think it will be a deterrent. With the schedule light in October, it should both guys an equal chance to establish themselves as a #1.

As far as Ricky goes??? Who knows…

It will be nice to see the guys in our colors on our ice tomorrow. I hopefully should get to the game tomorrow, and I will go down to the locker room after the game to get a quote or two. I will put the interviews as a link here, so you can hear them for yourselves.

If you are coming to the game tomorrow – hope to see you there.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

With kudos to my friend Dee Karl – courtesy of HockeyBuzz.com (and here is the link to her article)

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Dee-Karl/Isles-Sign—-Another-Goaltender/129/22601

The Isles got Nathan Lawson under contract. Lots of goalies for the ‘Port and for Utah. Along with Ricky, Marty B and Rollie… Shakey is going to work on a lot of goalie equipment at training camp in Saskatoon….

Well – as fans – we were concerned about the goalie position. Now – thanks to Garth – it should NOT be an issue this season.

Have a good day folks…

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Ramblings

Yes – that Reality TV Star – Richard “SHAKEY” Krouse will be attending the next booster club meeting on Monday night at the Long Island Marriott. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM. If you are coming to the meeting, please bring some Liquid Detergent. This is our monthly charity item, that is going to the Long Island Chapter of Ronald MacDonald house. Now – that is a great cause, so dont forget the liquid!

Shakey was a great guest last season. He did a “SHOW AND TELL” with some equipment, including Ricky’s mask and pads, among other things.

BTW – I will not be live blogging tonight – but I will get some quotes after the game, and have a page for that.

Let’s get those FLYERS TONIGHT!

GH

PS – for all you Sheffield Steelers fans – they won 8-3 in their first game of a two leg series against the Edinburgh Capitals. Game 2 is tonight in Scotland. Game time is 3:00 our time. If you go to the Sheffield Steelers web site, you can actually see the game on a PPV basis. Go check them out, won’t ya!

Posted under Blog Box, Booster Club, Islanders 08-09

Sorry I have not been writing lately. I am so swarmed at the office, that I have early arrivals and late departures.

I just do not have the desire to write. However, with what has happened lately, can you blame me?

THe Ricky soap opera continues. Leave it at that…

Nice to see Nate and Franz returning.

Shame to see that Silly is hurt – and this may spell the end…???

Sutton out another 8-10 weeks with surgery today!!! Ugh!

Witt looks lost out there at times, and that really bothers me…

Bruno has stepped up his game, and Campy seems to be sinking.

Can Martinek stay healthy for a stretch?

Congrats to Dougie on 1000, and Billy G on 400. Garth, keep these guys, if they want to stay.

I am not going to the game tonight – I am still on Business Plan mode. I probably will only get to see Saturday’s contest on this 4 game home stand. Work is rough right now – but hey, I am employed, so I have to be happy about something.

Let’s just hope that this game will be like the first 3 this year – spirited, exciting games, and for us – a happy recap!

Posted under Islanders 07-08

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

We can not have everything…..

Joe McDonald, the man that owns the NY Sports Scene site, and runs this site for me, gave me the new version of the software. The site looks nice, doesn’t it?

Well – once again, we dug too deep of a hole to climb out of, but at least the guys did not die without a fight. Congrats to Josh Bailey on getting his first goal (FINALLY!) It was a long time in the making, but he finally got the ’1′ in the “G” column, and I know that we can expect a lot more, now that the man has gotten the first. He has definitely been a much better player of late. You can see the confidence drooling from him, every shift he is on the ice. You can also see that Bill Guerin was so happy to see him (Josh) get the goal that he so desperately needed. Just the look in his eyes when he grabbed Josh after getting that goal, said it all.

Then Dougie getting the 1,000 point barrier and not only breaking it – but bashing it down, and getting 1,001 to boot, as he got the helper on Park’s second goal of the night, making it a 5-4 game. The family, sitting in the sky boxes got a great thrill seeing #93 be the number 8 in the US Born 1,000 point scoring family. He is now only 9 behind Keith Tkachuk and about 14 behind Pat LaFontaine. I think that the real thing that I was impressed with, was the fact that the Phoenix Coyotes not only recognized the game, but gave the opponent a great cheer to boot. The players also recognized it as well. I thought that it was a class act by the players, as well as the fans.

Now – it is onto San Jose, where the Sharks have NOT lost a game in regulation at the “TANK”. C’mon, don’t you think that the Isles would be the ones that would stop the streak? I know it may seem far fetched, but hey, it could happen. Will Ricky be in net tonight? He looked a little shaky, but if his health is not a question, give him the job, and keep giving it to him. He is the franchise, so it is time for him to start stepping it up this season.

Well – let’s see if we can pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat! Well, maybe the Shark.

Oh – BTW – was the Winter Classic a great game? Like the Uniforms, (unlike Ron Duguay – who needs to have his head examined), like the atmosphere. All it needed was a little snow. I was impressed. Although I would like to see my team in this New Year’s Day event, it will be the Rangers before us, that’s for sure. Maybe the Rangers and the Bruins from the new Yankee Stadium. However, my bets would be the Bruins and the Habs from Fenway Park.

What do you think? Let me know. Please make a comment.

And BTW – Happy 2009!

Gary

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Hey Vanna, can I buy a Vowel?

Maybe a goalie?

You can almost take a full-size picture of Ricky and cut some holes in it – and you have the 2009 version of Operation.

Do you think Milton Bradley would mind? I wish I knew Photoshop, or I would be on this….

Will he play tomorrow? Will we end the year with a victory? Right now, my prognostication skills blow, so I will let you be the judges…

Despite the 4 goals given in the 3rd, the Isles played a ‘decent’ game – not good, not terrible, decent.

Has Kyle blossomed lately? He has been brilliant. So has Blake Comeau.

Josh has entered the Bow-wow zone again… Let him make the mistakes. He will not grow in this environment if he does not get the chances. I was the one that said send him to the Junior tournament; so if you are going to keep him here, play him, DAMN IT!

Tinkerbell’s wings are coming unglued. Maybe the sleeping beauty awakens.

I keep getting impressed with Streit’s defensive abilities. What was Carby thinking last season?

Well – let’s see what happens tomorrow… I will be in the Blog Box, so expect an article just before the ball drops tomorrow night. HAPPY 2009 everyone!

Posted under Islanders 08-09

Back home – Bailey and Thompson out. TInkerbell a week away. Ricky to practice with team on Friday. We are so in flux right now.

We will be blogging live tonight (myself and some of the other blog boxers. If you want to join into this live blog, click in after 7PM, and come one in.

Just click on this link into (MOZILLA OR IE browsers are the only ones that can be used)…

http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=9a6188598c

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 08-09

Another rough loss last night, and to make matters worse, the Isles head into Philly, a beaten and hurting team.

Sutton and Thompson are out, Fritz and Callahan replace them.

We are heading to ECHL players real soon, if this keeps up.

I agree with Chris Botta, as much as losing another body is a tough thing, I think Bailey SHOULD play the WJC’s in a few weeks. Confidence up the wazoo, and this is what 18 and 19 year old Canadian’s DREAM of playing in. This should be a no brainer for Garth. Let him go.

I know that in this league, anyone can go into a building and pull off a gem. However, the Isles have lost, I believe, 6 in a row in Philly, and they are playing well of late. This is going to look bad.

Comrie, I hear, is back soon… I see a lot of excitement coming from that comment….

I really think that Joey Mac needs a break tonight. I know that Danis had a meltdown in his one game here, but what the heck, let’s see what he has, against a team like the Flyers. Ricky is 3 weeks away from the lineup, and I think Joey needs a day to contemplate life, and other variables.

Question of the Day? Will Fritz see more than 2 minutes tonight?

I like Comeau first two games back. Energy, and smartness. This is the player that many were expecting to see on the Island, not the one that was invisible in camp and exhibitions.

As far as last night, it was nice to hear the comments of one Mr. Blake. He spent a long time here, and deserved, in some cases, a better fate, but he takes it all in stride and moves forward. Nice job!

We get Pittsburgh on Thursday, and Columbus on Saturday. Tonight’s game is on Versus, which means all of the US can see how horrible we really have been. And also – to have other announcers tell us how rough we look.

Just what I need on a Tuesday evening.

Enjoy it – well – tolerate it.

Posted under Islanders 08-09