The last game….

The “Wrecker” is back in the lineup – replaceing Sean Bergenheim.

Now a line of Rechlicz, Haley and Gillies, would be our version of the Hansen Brothers.

Rollie in net.  Interesting to see who plays for the Pens.  I know that Sidney will need 2 for the “Rocket” award.  But it will quite an interesting development as te game progresses as to how much time the Pens mainstays will get.

Congrats to the Sound Tigers for making the playoffs.  Already see the signs for playoff tickets for next Saturday at Harbor Yard.  Too bad that Josh Bailey will not get to play after the hit he received on Thursday.

So forMacDonald, Kohn(upon injury return), Haley, Rechlicz, Gillies, and Reese, this is a continuationof things.

Doug the betmaker is asking if this is Jeff Tambellini’s last game as an Islander.  Unfortunately, no one is taking him on this bet.

After 2 periods, the Rangers are up 1-0; with the Flyers outshooting the Rangers by a 30-14 mark.  King Henry is playing like a mad man today, but there are 20 minutes left for the Philly boys to get their act together.

Will be updating this blog after each period…. Enjoy the game!

+++++++++++++++++++

1st period

Starting Lineup – Roloson – Streit, MacDonald, Moulson, Nielsen, Jackman

Good guy award – Martin Biron.

Greast jersey I saw in Section 201 – it was a DP jersey with the name 15YEARBUST on it!

IT’S GAME TIME

Crosby and Malkin are getting the start.  Will Jackman take a shot at one???

19:14 – just found out that the Flyers tied the score at 1.

18:59 – Fleury not in net – what a surprise.

18:05 – Gillies – Rechlicz and Park – the non thug.

16:51 – Malkin gets a gift from Mark Streit – and slaps it into an empty left corner of the net. 1-0 Pittsburgh

16:30 – Craig Adams - 2 for tripping Roloson – - Nice call Doug (alias Mr. Referee – should have been goalie interference).

16:00 – Moulson had 30 in front of the net – but puck trickles away.

14:19 – One shot on the PP – not a lot of puck control

13:57 – Ice girls out.

13:55 – The Wrecker – one left to Rupp and he goes down like a sack of onions!

13:25 – Eric Godard got the puck past a diving Roloson – and give the Penguins a 2-0 lead.

12:00 – Moulson gets a good chance at Johnson – easy save.  Godard gets his first. in the 82nd game of the season.

11:05 – Interference on Gillies.  Just what this driving Pittsburgh team needs, a power play.

10:54 – the talk on the box is that this game will get out of hand and quickly at that.

8;32 – Pens get a penalty – Staal -  hooking   .  However, the Isles should hae declined the penalty.

7:25 – Streit – interference.  Well – so much for that power play.

6:56 – Hunter hit the post for about the 30th time this season (sarcastic – but it feels that way)

6:18 – Rollie flopping mad – making saves on Crosby.

5:39 – Guerin called for interference.  Iguess these refs like interference – call of the day.

442 – Isles on PP.  Trying to set up Moulson for #30.

4:03 – Okposo had a lane – but dumped to Tavares – who had his lane blocked by the Pitt D.

2:57 – As the Haley, Rechlicz and Gillies line was out – Malkin spotted Crosby streaking down the left wing, and puts it byRoloson for #50.  Penguins 3 – 0.

2:36 – Let’s Go Pens chants go out.  Almost sounded like Let’s go Met’s.

1:42 – Staal called for a crosscheck.  Ranger game is going to a shootout.  The playoff spot is going to a skils contest.  Thanks to SlingBox, we are wathcing it.

1:06 – Letang -delay of game – 5 on 3.

0:43 – JT cleans up the garbage and gets his 23rd. 3-1 Pens

++++++++++

2nd period

19:05 – Cosby scores again as the penalty expires:  4-1 Pittsburgh. He now has 51 – if Stamkos does not get 1 – the Rocket award is his.

But Islander fans are not as forlorn, as the Rangers have been eliminated at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout.

19:00 – ok – do we see some fights this period?

18:43 – major scrum in front of thpenalty box, and the funny part was that Jackman nearly took off the helmet to get in a fight.  First of all – the hit from Hillen on Dupuis was legal… 

18:05 – Islanders PP Goal – #30 for Matt Moulson!  Yes 4-2 Pittsburgh

16:43 – Rechlicz and Godard – great heavyweight bout – to a draw.

16:43 – Malkin ad Jackman – jostling in the faceoff circle – both sent to the box – two minutes – unsportsmanline conduct.

15:10 – Bruno Gervais – the BLACK HOLE ON DEFENSE – kept the puck in the offensive zone -

14:08 -  Malkin – gets 4 – 2 interference and 2 unsportmanlike – and Jackman – 10 misconduct.

13:50 – Moulson – two on net -and nothing on net.

12:10 – box is talking about this being Park’s final game.  That is a tough one for me.  I like his professionalism – but younger players are needed ore on this suad right now.

11:30 – Isles outshooting Pitt 17-14.

11:20 – PP playing much better.  Johnson made a great save on a Streit slapper from in front of the left faceoff circle.

10:20 – Trent Hunterhad two fantastic opportunities – and just missed on both.  JT- embellished a hit a little bit – but no penalty called.

8:51 – Malkin scores from guess who….. 5-2 Penguins. Can’t get Popcorn without a goal being scored.

5:51 – game has calmed down a little bit… 76 minutes in penalties called in this game so far – 46 for the Isles.

4:20 – Hunter making some un-Hunterlike moves,but still could not get the puck past Johnson.

3:03 – Haley gets called for Goalie Interference and gets hurt after the play, (looks like a knee).  Just what Bridgeport needs.

2:20 – Crosby just hit the pot on an open shot at net.

0:31 – Okposo – drew a penalty to end the 2nd with.

+++++++++++++++++++++

3rd period

Isles start the period on the PP.  Get one here, and there is  glimmer of hope.  See if Gillies an the Wrecker will get one fight in before the season ends.

17:40 – not much for typing now.  Unless something excites me – I will be keeping my mouth shut (now that’s a change.)

15:51 – Kyle Okposo drills one from the right faceoff circle – 5-3 Pittsburgh.  Still a game here…

15:07 – Jon Sim gets in and puts one by Johnson in front of the net.  5-4 Pens.

We have ourselves a hockey game here!

14:33 – Roloson made a great save on Kennedy.  Crowd getting into it.  This is a nice way to end the season.

13:30 – Jackman and MacDonald get twopoint blank shots on Johnson.  Getting loud and raucous. YES!

12:20 – Rollie – some spectacular saves.

Just heard that Stamkos scored his 51st of the season.  So Crosby needs one to have the award on his own.

11:28 – Gervais takes a penalty giving Pittsburgh a PP – and some of the blog boxers are excited.

9:20 – Hillen gets 2 for goalie interference.  Anothr power play for the Pens.

3rd period has been realtively penalty free, but exciting to say the least.

4:13 – Freddy Meyer pushes a puck through that was tipped by Tavares, and it is 5-5!

3:27 – Nielsen – nearly got a five-hole through Johnson.  The other Bloggers are attempting to commit hari-kari, because the point would put the Isles in 6th, and have no chance for the 1st pick.

They gave Meyer the goal, but we clearly saw JT’s stick touch the puck as it was going in.

2:39 – I am sorry – but I am not in the sae belief as these guys are – whatever happens, happens, and if they end up 6th from bottom – so be it.

0:50 – Roloson is playing outstanding.  Making saves out of nowhere.  This crowd sounds like it is at Game 7 of the Conference Finals.

Timeout – Pittsburgh

15.1 seconds to go.

Islanders now got point number 79.  Still have a chance to get number 80.

The balloons are falling from section 319 and down to the lower levels.

End to end action that is exciting and driving my nerves in a frenzy.

Leopold scores with 34.4. seconds left – what a fantastic game! 6-5 Penguins.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

What a beatuiful afternoon.. Snow is melting – crocuses should be blooming soon.  Spring is coming. 

But it is a hockey game in Uniondale today, and I am here in the Blog Box (FOR A CHANGE), to cover the game.

Warmups notes

No sign of Tambellini… Are you surprised?  Not me; and  I was always one to defend him, but his play, in a word, STUNK!   He needs to make a decision as to what direction he wants his career to go.  Rob Schremp did, but Tamby has not done that.  Hence, a return to the press box.

Rollie shouold be in net – as he came out first.  I believe that Tim Thomas is between the pipes for the B’s.  Thomas’ stock has declined more than AIG since the Winter Classic.  Boston has struggled mightily, and the play of Thomas has not helped their cause at all.

LOTS of Black and Gold in the stands today.  Should be interesting to see how loud it will be if the Blues get one in the net.

 

Player to watch today: Jack Hillen – I just get more and more impresed with his play with every game.  He just brings out a quiet sense of confidence that helps out the rest of the team.  It is great to see how he came back so early from that horrific jaw injury thanks to Alex Ovechkin.  But Hillen is  team player, and is not only back, but playing a pivotal part of the Islander D and getting major minutes a game.  Look to see what he does.

1ST PERIOD

0:00  – Isles starting lineup – Roloson, Streit, Gervais, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen – Boston – Thomas, Wideman, Stuart, Recchi, Bergeron, Krejci

GAME TIME!

0:30 – you can see that the strength factor on Bailey has increased greatly in the past year.

1″00 - the Let’s Go Bruins – and the subsequent BOSTON SUCKS chant behins.  How long until we hear the Let’s Go Yankees chant.  Oh – we did.

1:27 – Penalty on the Isles – Sim for tripping – or just being a pain the arse?

2:30 – the PP for Boston is mightyaggressive, but the OK has stood up to them – even with broken sticks. Postionally well – as Billy Jaffe would say.  Good kill boys!

3:45 – Streit got away from the defenders, and got a great shot off – just past the glove of Thomas, but just wide of th post.

4:45 – Jackman trying to get under Charas skin.  Tune in later to see if it worked.  Savard – doing a nice toe drag to get his shot off, and was deflected ove the glass.

5:40 – first real opportunity for Isles offensively – scrum in front of Thomas- one shot, but relief came for Boston.

6:50 – Boston sucks chant comes back with a vengence.   If I have to hear about Red Sox Nation again….

8:40 – meyer streaking down the right wing – got a shot off – good stop by Thomas

9″00 – not  a great deal of chemistry with the lines or the basic game process at this point.  A lot bustle, but not the most amout of hustle.

10:30 – is it just me – ir is it the defensive guys that are providing the most spark on this team today. 

11:20 – Dylan Reese just looks about a half step behind.  Hillen, MacDonald and Kohn have been able to fill the level up quite nicely.  Not that he can not do it – I just think he is a little more raw than the other guys.

12:15 – Tavare misses a golden opportunity.  He has to STICK those.  Keep charging and keep trying John.

13:10 – Isles outshot right now 12-3.  Got to make more opportunities on net.  Got to come out of the neutral zone with some confidence.

14:40 -  Freddy IV great garbage clearance in front ot the Isles net – saving a goal.

15:00 – Isles are just getting beaten so much in the puck battles, and the decision making, after the debacle on Thursday – you would think that the team would respond better.

16:00 – Bergie got off a beauty – just wide

18:25 – I am just talking to m conterpart saying that we had 22 shots in the 1st period on Thursday, and gave up 4.  Wewere looking this sloppy, and there was no score…. Oh well – a shot from between the circles by Lucic gives the road eam the 1-0 lead on their 15th shot of th period (as opposed to New York’s 4).

1st period conclusion – this team needs a shot of adrenaline – or maybe a taser or two.

2nd period

2:18 – ISLES tie it up on the power play- a lot of pressure in front of Thomas – with Bailey jamming it home on just their 8th shot of the contest.  Streit and Okposo got the helpers on Bailey’s 14th of the season.

3:10 – I think that the wake up call came through – Bergenheim got through about 4 Boston players  and got a shot through with Schremp providing support as well.

5:04 – Bruins take the lead back as Krejci got his second of the game on an empty net as Roloson went to the left corner to block the side.

6:15 – again – Reese looks a little intimidated…  Chara just rent off the ice, but I believe it is for equipment reasons.

7:40 – found out that our old friend Miro Satan got the assist on the second goal.

8:00 – Isles get a little flourish going, with Schremp getting a nice pass off to Reese who nraly got it glove side.

8:26 – Penalty to the Islanders – Reese for Interference.  Chara returns to the bench.

9:20 – Roloson commits probably the most major faux paus of the year, he slid back as the puck went over the net, and then slid right in front of the crease to a very fortunate Savard who tamely slid the puck into another open net. 3-1 Boston.  So much for the momentum swing.  Hey Mark – make sure that you buy the Isles some alcohol…

9:50 – Thornton takes down Roloson and no call.  Interesting….

10:40 – once again – sloppy decisions, and basically – the inability to bring the puck out of their defensive zone – is making life a little difficult.

12:00 – Thomas makes a great stop on Comeau, and 5 seconds late – Boston hits the post.

13:15 – Milan Lucic sets up for his bog slap shot – and Richard Park comes in and steals it before the blade can touch the puck.  It is so cartoon like.. Then Blake Wheeler, skates by the puck as he is ready to get a cross ice pass.  It is so keystone cops.

14:25 – Jackman and Chara going at it again…..

14:25 -Hillen just about a little anonymous tonight.  Done some good work with his puck movement, but looks a little tentative in only his 3rd game back from injury.  Not making thisa negative, but a work in progress.

15:10 – Bergie had a chance for a breakaway, but 1/2 twist of a puck made it look lie a missed opportunity.

16:06 – Michael Ryder slams Blake Comeau to the boards, landing face first to the ice.  After a few minutes – he is on his knees, and is getting on his skats and leaving the ice.  Ryder gets a five minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct.  If there ever was a time to change the momentum of a game – this is IT!

17:30 – 1 minute into it – and they seem to be looking for the highlight net.  Need to crash the net and make chances.  Schremp, Tavares and Moulson were going that – getting a couple of shots on net.

18:45 -what this PP does NOT do is keep the feet moving. 

19:30 – Bailey misses a wide open net, which gives the crowd a warm fuzzy feeling.

2nd period conclusion – A little better – but this team needs to take advantage of the last 66 seconds of the power play and get the score closer.

3rd PERIOD

Notes – Streit leading all D with 17:35 of ice time.  Kohn the lowest on the D with just over 8 minutes.  On the forwards, Okposo is just under 13 minutes, and Bailey is the only other forward with over 12 minutes.  Schremp and Tacares are the shot leaders at 4.

 1:30 – PP ended a little flat – Isles have a little hill to climb here – and can not make any mistakes.

At one point late in the first period- the Bruins had a 15-4 shot advantage.  With 16:55 left in the 3rd, it is now 28-28.

3:37 – Congrats to Mark Streit on getting his 200th NHL point with the assist on the Bailey goal.

5:47 – Moulson – left alone in the slot, gets it by Thomas – it is now a one goal deficit.  Team leading 23rd goal of the season.  Not bad for an AHL’er with nowhere to go…

7:00 – one more to a CHILI goal – on

8:30 – Boston is now playing a rope-a-dope style, trying to hold on.  This is not the team that was at the top of the East last season.

9:40 – Gervais just clanked, and the Isles seem to turn the tide around.

12:20 – Sim gets clipped in the face – and of course – no official saw it.

14:40 – Boston getting a few chances on Rollie, and he stands up to the pressure.  Big stat that I saw on the scoreboard.  70-30% face off wins for the Bruins.  You should NOT be losing that many draws at HOME guys!

15:10 – time for the Isles to take some more chances – and get more aggressive in the O zone.

16:30 – shift with Okie and Moulson performed good  got some action on the net.  Have to keep that pressure going.

17:00 – ok boys – time to get desperate.

18:45 – Rollie leaves the net.  However, get the puck into the O Zone.

19:10 – Okposo get raped, but no call.

Game over.. Nice try guys.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

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

Merry Christmas folks!

Nothing new at warmups.  Same gus on the ice – with Rollie in net this evening.

Two teams with identical points – both struggling to say the least.  One of these teams will gain some momentum.  Which will it be?

My player to watch:  Trent Hunter.  After losing the nine game pont scoring streak, he only has 4 points in his last 12.  He needs to get his game going.  He can be a major factor in ‘spreading out the lineup’, if his game is going.  Using the body, and gettting that ‘toe drag’ going – will be a help to this team.

Special teams play will also be a factor in the success of this game.  The Isles need to keep their feet moving on the PK.  They have aggressive moments, but when they sit back – they are done.  On the PP – they are creating chances and getting good scoring opportunities.  As some of the guys have said – get some confidence – and the puck will go in.  Maybe one off the butt – may be the cure that they need.

Will save entries after each period.

___________________________________________________

Starting lineup – Roloson Sutton Hillen Sim Thompson Park

Ken Dick – Okposo.net’s guru just showed me that the Dragons banners are now gone from the Coliseum.  His line:

More room for Islanders banners!

Tampa has a lot of scoring from four guys – LeCavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos and Malone. 

Hunter (my player to watch) – is on a line with Schremp and Joensuu.

3 minutes in – only one shot.  Guys seem to be feeling out each others.  park and Sim out there against the St. Louis and Stamkos lines.  Both of them like to be aggressively forechecking in front of the opposing goalie.

Stamkos on a breakaway – hit the post.  Deked Rollie, but a couple of inches short of 1-0.

Bailey with a nice deflection of a Streit shot – that Smith got a piece of.

Two posts on Lightning shots – they thought they scored, and they want to check it – looked like the puck was on the line and not completely over it. NO GOAL!

Tavares on a break, and tries to pass.  He seems to have Josh Bailey disease.  SHOOT!

Hale gets a penalty – first chance for the special teams to make a mark.  Okie on the point – that still pisses me off.  He should be up front – causing havoc.

Not much doing on the PP

Isles are getting chances – shots are 9-4 with 5 minutes left in the game.

Tampa gets another penalty with 4:33 to go – Downie.  Get some bodies at the net, and cause some ruckus.  Stamkos getting PK time now – the confndence he shows on the ice is huge.

Hunter gets a rebound in front of Smith and bangs it home – 1-0 Islanders. I have to call players of the game more often.

Rollie stood on his head with a flurry of shots right after the goal.  Guys look a great deal move focused and happy on their skates.

Overall – a positive first period for the boys.  But a delay of game penalty with 36.5 left – puts the guys on the kill.  This has been the achillies heel for the team of late.  Time to keep the skates moving, and take positive actions.

______________________________________________

PERIOD 2

Isles kill off their penalty – and get a power play of their own – but to no avail.

Macdonald has lookedbetter with each game played.  He stands tall, and is not afraid to not only bang around, but will take a nice shot from the point.

Stamkos tied it up on a nice give and go with St. Louis. 1-1.

Okposo just got drilled on the had by Matt Smaby – and O’Halloran was right there -with no cal in sight.  The fogged glasses are on for sure.

At the half way point – the Isles are not playing a bad game – but the agressiveness has to stay there.

Sutton took out Szczechura with a nice bomb to the boards.

Looking at the stats =Isles 55-45 on the faceoff %, equal on hits – and outshooting 21-14.  Tavares is 0-5.

Thompson – on a pass from Okposo – gets it by Smith - 2-1 Islanders.  The last 90 seconds before that,the line of Bailey, Okposo and Nielsen were generating a lot of chances, and really had some sustained pressure.

Tavares gets a bogus tripping call, when on his knees and going after the puck get his stick on the Lightning players skate.  Dan O’Halloran is playing his best role of Mr. Magoo this season.

Andy Macdonald, on a simple play impressed me even more when insted of just shooting from the point, he dekd and made a move in on the half wall and got a closer shot in on Smith. 

Malone with 18.6 seconds left in the period got pass off to LeCavalier who got it over the left shoulder of Roloson to knot the game at 2.

Assessment after  2- the Isles are letting the special teams dictate the game again.  For the third – they need to get the 5 on 5 play to a higher tempo.

________________________

PERIOD 3

Hillen takes a delay of game penalty – the third such call of the evening for both clubs.  The over/under on Kenny Jonsson to do that was 3

And Malone makes the Isles pay right away -less than 20 seconds into the penalty – a snap shot betwee the circles.  3-2 Tampa. Malone was as alone a Tony Gonzalez was catching the football in Giants Stadium on Sunday.

This was not the way the Isles had the tird period planned.  The speed and aggressiveness that the Isles showed in the second period has now since vanished.  They look sluggish, and at times, apathetic.

Most of their efforts seens to focus on clearing the puck out of their zone,as opposed to making an effort to bring the puck out of the zone. 

Stat of note – Hunter and Moulson both with 5 shots a piece.

Tampa Bay – Szczchura – gets called for delay of game – the 4th such call of the night.  This wuld be the time to get this game tied.  Okposo blasts on that just goes wide.  Hunter gets a shot from the slot that Smit deflects.

I am still not sold on Okie on the point!

Too many times they are going for the cute and sexy shot, rather than just driving to the net, and making some bodies fly.

Shots are 35-24 for the game. 57% on Faceoffs. 

Sutton gets called for having St. Louis skate right into him.  In basketball – that is called a pick.

Malone, St. Louis and LeCavalier – do their best Hollywood Squares impersonation, tic tac toe, with Malone finishing off the trick.  4-2 Tampa.

The crowd (for what it was worth), is starting to filter out.  No surprise there.

Five straight games that the Isles have given up two power play goals.  This is a serious situation that needs to be rectified immediately.  This team can not survive doing this night after night.

It just seemed that after the 2 minute mark remaining in the second period – that Tampa just wanted this game more than the Isles did.  I am no way saying that there is no effort out there.  That is far from the truth.  I just think Tampa just stepped up their game more.  And as I say that, Tavares gets a lane, and decides to drop pass back to Okposo and the play goes to naught.  These guys need to in some cases, be a little selfish and drive to the net and get more physical.

Wednesday – the Isles play a Blue Jackets team that is in similar straits as the Isles are.

Joensuu draws a penalty by Smaby for Cross-Checking – if they want to make a statement- now would be a good time to do it.

The crowd left is booing the team – I think that answers my question.

Well – I probably will not be blogging on this site until after the Holiday, so I wish to you and yours, a Merry Christmas, and may all your wishes come true (well – at least maybe an Islander win on Thursday would be nice).

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

********* UPDATING AFTER EACH PERIOD *********

********* PRE GAME SKATE *********

Biron should be starting tonight – (from sources). Biron is one victory shy of 200 for his career. This would be a nice night to accomplish that feat. BTW- both goalies have .500 career records against San Jose (Biron 2-2 Roloson 13-12).

Again – the focus needs to be eneregy and focused the ENTIRE night.

And Biron came out first… Hillen out there again – so it appears that Bruno is sitting out tonight again… However, I have not been overly impressed by Witt this season, and the -9 in some cases is glaringly obvious.

Let’s Go Islaners chant already coming out of the folks by the ice at section 101.

Sutton, I believe played a better game last night. Still a little too slow on the skates for my taste, but I see an improvement nevertheless. The “D” needs to be more agressive, and needs to show a little more foot speed – with this strong skating and offensively GIFTED Sharks team. Adding the talent level of a Dany Heatley to this team, the defense needs to have their “A” game in tact.

For all of you folks from the UK, I just came across a couple from Nottingham here to see the game. I will get a picture from them when they get back home (by the way guys – my e-mail address is nyibc1@aol.com).

Lastly – seeing Josh Bailey taking a lot of shots as the warmup ended. Hope to see a lot of winding up from #12 as the game goes on.

********* PERIOD 1 *********

Coming out to the ice in a smoky fog. Interesting.

Starting lineup:

Biron
Sutton
Hillen
Park
Bergenheim
Jackman

Marleau’s line starts for the Sharks.

First few minutes mean a great deal to this Islanders squad. Have to come out speedy and guns ablazing. Let’s see if they do just that.

And to make that point come home – Sutton ices thepuck just 15 seconds into the game. Oy vey!

First few minutes – the lines have looked up to the challenge. Been hearing comments from folks about Weight’s presence on this team. I think without him – this team would be searching for a lot of identity. He brings the calming influence.

Biron just make a very crucial save from some San Jose attack.

I like Tim Jackman – but in some cases – the man can get knocked offthe puck like a rag doll.

Bergie and Bailey having some nice chemistry early on. Marleau just got away with puhing out Moulson – JT just made a great move spring Moulson in front of the slow for a nice effort on Nabokov. Isles outshooting SJ 8-3 8 minutes in.

Weight just made a nice moving – getting around defensemen – but was too close to the goalie to make it happen. The Isles are steping up their game quite well – if this effort stays throughout the game – there is a chance.

Biron make a nice save with Marleau and comany in front of his net.

Not the most physical of games so far, which could be an advantage to the home team.

Witt just got drilled by Thonrnton. Brendan had that look on his face likehe was going to kill, but held back.

Jody Shelley just got the first penalty of the game for interference with Biron.

The Isles PP has been ok – let’s see how they do tonight. Moulson, JT and Okie out there. And Okie does it. Great shot from the slot, beats Nabokov – 1-0 ISLES. JT with the assist – great setup. This is EXACTLY the start this team needed. Sustaining it – is another thing. Weight got another assist.

Tavares gets his first penalty as a Islander – defending his teammates, giving a Shark player a face wash – and letting the opponents know that he is not going to stand around. He did not go in alone.

Ending my commentary for the period. The Isles look brilliant. I have said this a thousand times – but they need to sustain the effort, and keep it going.

********* 2ND PERIOD *********

The word of the period is SUSTAIN!

Isles on the PP – Blake for interference. Weight back on the point 2 shots – but no big chances. Marty takes the a penalty bu a Shark goes in with him for a 4 on 4 situation. Ortmeyer got 2 for diving.

have just came up with the conclusion that Joe Thornton is a BIG MAN!

Okie had a great shoot opportunity, and Nabokov mde a great glove stop. Jed Ortmeyer drew a penalty – this time – and Witt was te recipient. Marleau makes the Isles pay with a backhand over the glove of Biron 1-1. Shark fans should be thanking Jed for that one.

This is the moment when the Isles need to answer back and answer quickly. Make the Sharks feel the pressure.

Another observation – the Ice is bumps and making the puck do some interesting dances. Right now – the Ises are letting the Sharks dictate the play. Coaching staff needs to get these guys a little enraged. Isles being outshot 9-4 in this period, and need to get their mojo back.

And sure enough Thornton gets a loos puck behind the net and backhands it to Vesce who beat Birn easily. He should have had this one. 2-1 San Jose.

Isles get a Delay of Game power play. If there was a time for these guys to step up – it is NOW! Half way through – and Weight just hit the post. The crowd just went nuts… And the look on Weight’s face just about said it all.

The third period needs to be a return to the first period dominance. The team knows they can do it – they just have to get it done.

And before the period ends, the Isles get such a bogus holding call on Hillen.

********* 3RD PERIOD *********

OK – will the REAL Islanders team, please stand up! Or in this case, make themselves known. We need to see the first period Islanders return to the ice in the 3rd frame.

Isles start the period on the PK = need to get the job done, and return to pressure that they showed early on, but a slap shot from Thornton my have been deflected past Biron – giving San Jose the 3-1 lead..

Well – so much for making a statement… Since the Rangers are beating Toronto right now – there would still be two teams without a victory.

Thornton got the goal. It did not get deflected in by somone else. The Sharks ar still a team that is struggling to gain its identity, but you can see how talented that they really are.

Great move by Okposo maneuvering around a couple of defensemen but unable to get it around Nabakov in net.

If you remember in my post earlier in the day, I was putting my focus on Josh Bailey. Have you noticed that I have not mentioned his mane that much?

Jt got off a nice shot on a good pass from Witt. A little more shots and maybe the fortunes will change.

Isles stating to show a little passion. Bergie made a couple of nice moves an started to get into the face of a Sharks D-man. Passion needs to intensify more – get these guys off their game.

Story of this perid for the Isles -is low percentage shooting. Got to establish a closer game to the slot to be more effective.

With 8 minutes left – time is running out…. Have to make a move now – or we can kiss win number one goodbye tonight.

Setoguchi just walked in and got the puck over Biron’s shoulder. 4-1 – and the fans are leaving in droves.

I am closing the blog for the night. I will add some quotes and other things tomorrow. Have a good night everyone….

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Blogging live tonight…. I am not alone, as Dee, the 7th Woman is with me!

Same lineup as last night. Lawson to start in net, as Mannino will be getting the nod tomorrow in Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately – the same referee (Nygel Pelletier) will be in charge tonight. Hopefully his night will be BETTER than it was last evening. From what I heard, the head coach of the Sound Tigers, Jack Capuano was less than thrilled in the post game interviews, et al.

Probably a lesser crowd than last night. What a shame. With ticket prices as cheap as they are – it is an absolute shame.

With the game ops crew here on time tonight, the big Sound Tiger logo is going up by the entrance.

Sound Tiger scratches. Colliton, Figren, and Jamie Fraser.

Starting Lineup – Lawson, MacDonald, Kohn, Smith, Hennigar, Iggulden

At least we did not start the game with a penalty, but for the second straight game, the first shot went in. This time, only 30 seconds in as opposed to 1:22. A great feed from Paul Bissonnette to a tip in by Dustin Jeffrey just over Lawson’s shoulder.

Penalty on Macdonald. Mr. Pelltier is back on his good ref calling skills again.

BTW – Eric Cairns looks good behind the bench…. Will we see more of this next season?

Tigers tie the game at 1 on a great shot by Michael Haley, assisted by Morency and MacDonald. The 4th line for the Tigers are really stirring it up. The team looks a lot more focused and passionate right now. Maybe too much in the case of KO as he took a penalty.

Pens take the lead at the end of the power play on a tight angled shot by Dustin Jeffrey after about 3 shots were stopped by Lawson.

Seonds later Okposo ties up the game in fron of the crease (where else). 2-2

Last night, the game looked more like a yawning convention than this one. There is purpose, passion and much more intensity than last night.

Pens take a penalty, Taffe for holding MacDonald. Tigers on the PP.

You can see the strides that Jack Hillen has made. He looksso comfortable with the puck, and will not just make a more for the sake of it. He will search for the right option. MacDonld has that capability, but is much younger than the college graduate Hillen.

Iggulden on the PP – Tigers 3 – Pens 2

PP lasted about 5 seconds and Roger Luce did not even get to fully announce the penalty.

Tigers 3-2 after 1. Going to sit in the stands for the rest of the game.

Notes for the 2nd:

These two periods, we have the REAL VIEW FROM SECTION 317. I am sitting in my seats for the remainder of the game. Thank goodness that I can sit in row A, and hold the laptop on the railing.

Stay out of the box, penalties, especially with this referee will be a key for the Tigers this period. Establish the flow, and keep pressuring the goaltender.

Iggulden just got hurt. He basically slid into the boards from the blue line. Hard to see what he did, but he has been down for at least 90 seconds. He is up on his feet but not putting pressure on one of his legs.

Tigers are dominating the start of the second period. Charging the net, getting pucks in front of the net – sacrificing their bodies for the betterment of getting the goal.

If you know the Rangers suck , clap your hands! That always works, no matter what arena, no matter what team.

The game has returned to boring snooze fest. Paint drying is almost a better sport than hockey sometimes.

On a side note – as I just saw on line – congratulations to former Booster Club member, Tim Filangieri, who just finished his college career at Boston College, and signed a PTO with the Syracuse Crunch, the AHL affiliate of the Colubus Blue Jackets. He will be on the Crunch next season, and I am sure will go to Blue Jackets Training camp in September.

Tigers 4-2 Jesse Joensuu – stuck the puck past the Pens goalie to give the Tigers a 2 goal cushion.

Kyle just got boarded for a penalty, and he definitely did not take it too lightly. Make sure he is OK for the world’s coming up next week. Now Tigers – get the PP goal and make the lead more. Now a 2 man PP for 40 seconds.

WIth the second period coming to a close – Tigers are outshooting the Pens by aa 23-12 margain. This stanza, the Tigers are definitely showing why they did as good as their record shows. Now – they have to keep that momentum going, and get that series knotted at 1-1.

3rd Period

Sometimes – the people behind the scenes working the games, are a little forgetful as to the time of year. Announcements were made by Dina the arena hostess about a viewing party at the Nutty Irishmen in Farmingdale. Only problem is that the party was on April 7th…. DUH!

Penguins score with 13:49 remaining to make it a one goal game. Game getting tighter on the ice and in the stands.

Another player that has impressed me is Jon Sim. Even though he was demoted, he could have played the prima-donna role. Instead, he has played hard, and showed the professional demeanor that is most respectful. Good reason for him having the “A” on his jersey. Marc Wotton, who is a long time minor leaguer (at the ageof 35), is wearing the “C”. The other “A” is Joe Callahan, the Connecticut native.

Whoops – now 4-4 Snap shotfrom just outside the faceoff circle. Evened up the game with 11:47 left in the match. A whole new game right now. Have to get the pucks to Curry and make a strong stand.

Now I know wh I don’t sit in my seats all the time. There are some people that sit behind me (you know who you are), that need a couple of classes in charm school….. I feel that after these games, I am suffering a 10 -20 per cent hearing loss. Thank GOD I know this person for over 40 years, or I would be sent to the rafters and beaten severely!

Now Sim got a penalty (as a result of my fellow 317 section fan wrath), and the Tigers have to make a serious commitment to killthe penalty and take away the momentum from Scranton. As I say that, the Pens take a penalty. Maybe we do not need the Nitro Glycerin pills. Xanax may be a possibility.

Hillen almost got a goal sneaking in on the right wing.

All I know is – this lady in row B should be starting her comedy career very soon. She is retiring in a few weeks, so there is a chance.

Pace is picking up. Hennigar had a great chance in front and had another opportunity in the slot.

Haskins had a good chance. This third/fourth line is strong tonight.

Lawson wth a nice glove stop. He needs to be stronger as the game goes along. “We’re not gonna take it!” is blasting from the speakers.

If nothing changes – and this game goes to overtime – I will end the blog post here, and do a followup tomorrow, with the interviews (if any) and post game reaction.

Three Stars

3. Hillen – what a smooth guy
2. Haley – Goal and assist – strong game.
1. Okposo – send off to the Worlds – what a nice way to go.

If the interviews go well – I will add them tomorrow.

Posted under Blog Box, Sound Tigers

Well – first observation – a lot of black and gold in the stands. Even though they are not playing for anything significant (Congrats San Jose on the President’s Trophy – a well deserved honor), you know that they will be out to prep themselves for the series against the hated Habs starting mid week.

Trevor Smith is up, along with the Wrecker. It was nice to see Kyle back (I did not see the game yesterday), knowing that he should be ready for the Worlds.

Danis will be starting in net today. From people that were at the game yesterday told me, he played well. It should be an interesting conversation between the scouts and the coaching staff, and Garth, as to which goalie that they will keep for next season to be the backup for Ricky.

Starting lineup for Isles:

G – Danis
D – Witt, Martinek
W – Hilbert, Jackman
C – Weight

1st Period

Many Bruins out of the lineup. Including Bergeron and Chara to name a few. And 23 seconds in – Ryder get a pass from Krejci and just like that 1-0 Bruins.

15 seconds later – Bruins on their second breakaway chance, but Danis got a hold of that one. Danis is definitely shaken up and needs a mental adjustment.

Great chance by the Isles to get one, in – and then led to a breakaway by Wheeler. Last few minutes, Isles have done much better.

Power Play by the Isles – first 50 seconds – great movement side to side. As Doug The Isles Officials Blogger said, Weight and Streit give this PP an identity.

Congrats to Mark Streit on being named Islander of the year, by the players. A great honor won by a classy guy.

Nielsen got a great shot off on Thomas.

Bergenheim – high sticking. Great job by thr PK.

4:40 left – Kessel got a gift off a deflection, and now Boston is up 2-0.

Period ended on a Bruins PP. Witt got away with a slash.

2nd Period

Park had a great chance – going towards an empty net – but the B’s come back down the other end and now 3-0 thanks to Marc Savard

Even with a smaller and less formidable lineup – these Brunis are hunting bear, and we are the sitting Ducks so to speak…

Hilbert – tripping and Boston back to the PP.

Jackman breakaway attempt and Thomas with a great poke check – and Kessel makes them pay. 4-0 Boston and Joey Mac is coming on the ice.

5-0 Boston now as Kobasew pushes a backhand shot past Joey Mac. Thank God we are getting free Chili for the game. We do not need 3 goals for that…

Amazing that at the 10 minute mark pf period 2 – the half way point of the game, we are at the same number of shots (18) as Boston does. Joey Mac gets slammed to the ice, and shakes it off like a good hockey player.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!

Martinek - with a blast from the left point, finally puts the Isles on the board! 5-1 Bruins!

And with that goal - the play has gotten a little chippier and the boys seem to have the groove back. Great play by Streit to save a goal by Yelle trying to circle the back of the net. What to look for in the 3rd period: Put the petal to the metal, and just go out with a bang!

After 2 periods:

Faceoffs - 18/36
Penaties - 5/10
Hits 17NYI/7Bos
Ice Time - Streit - 16:05
Shots - Nielsen/Hilbert with 5

3rd period

Isles take control – great passing, and Weight puts in the garbage in front of Thomas. Bruins are now up 5-2.

It looks like a different team out there for this final period of 2009.

Isles on the PP – and they looked real good for the first half – getting shots on net – passing crisp and tape-to-tape. No results.

Kessel – puts a knuckler past Joey Mac for the hat trick – his 36th of the season. Boston 6-2.

Time to end this piece and wrap the season. Will have quotes in my piece tomorrow night.

My Three Stars
3. Okposo – strong game – assist and
2. Weight – all around decent play and his 10th of the season.
1. Islanders fans – the ones that always support this team 100%

Thanks for the support during the season.

I will blog from my seat on Saturday night’s game. Hopefully – we will be going up 2-0 on the Baby Pens!

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Posted under Islanders 07-08

This post was written by Gary Harding on April 12, 2009

Tags: Bergeron, Breakaway, Bruins, Chara, Classy Guy, Deflection, Deserved Honor, Habs, Hilbert, Islander, Islanders, Kessel, Krejci, Marc Savard, Martinek, Power Play, Starting Lineup, Thr, Trevor Smith, Witt, Wrecker