The boys will be off to Toronto this afternoon for tomorrow nights game against the Leafs. Should be a great test for these guys. I can not remember the last time that we won in T.
O. So getting two points would be a great thing. First, it would leapfrog the Isles over the Leafs.
Two - it would get that huge monkey off their back with Toronto.
Now onto my thought of the day . Blakey.
I think some talking has to happen. Specifically, a conversation between the GM and the player. The GM has to get in his face a little, and advise him that he needs to stop wining like a baby, and get his head in the game a little.
Blakey, who looked like a reversal of last year, finally becoming a team player that Islander fans always looked forward to seeing, to turning back into his Mr. Hyde ways, and becoming the puck hogging me, me, me guy that he was last season (Sorry Dee - just my opinion). I really do think that the Islanders will give Blake the deal he deserves (and I really think he does).
However, I just dont think that this time, is the right time. Not as the team is working on a deal to get some additional help to move them up the conference standings.
Too many people have told me that they feel that Blake is too self-absorbed.
He has gone through a lot in his live over the past few years, and I think his off-ice issues has hampered him a bit (not a slam, but an honest observation). Too many people have accused him of being a selfish player. I think he needs to look at the proverbial mirror, and potentially make some decisions as to how he will take his next hockey step.
And yes, the fans ARE watching.
Interesting to see the deals coming from Boston. Stuart and Primeau to Calgary for Kobasew and Ference.
Nice deal for the Flames. Expect Marco Sturm to follow to a Western team in the next few days. Will the Finnish Flubber Olli Joikinen be next to be dealt?
We are starting to see the teams that just do not feel that an honest chance will be theirs to make the playoffs, start to dismantle the team earlier than expected. That may be why the Isles might need to make the splash now. Stay tuned.
Have a good day everyone. Talk tomorrow! With seven home games on the horizon, getting points on the road helps a team out a bit; it takes the pressure off a little.
A team has to POUNCE on a opportunity to get a good win.
Tonight is the night.
The Bruins are sinking quickly into the sellers pavillion, and this is just the panacea that the Isles need to forget about the loss to the Devils. Tonight is not chess.
It is a game of leapfrog, that the Isles must do, but they must be the ones that are leaping, and not the one that is on the ground.
The only thing that was wrong with the Islanders last night, was the fact that the team could not solve the Devils swarming defense, and of course, Marty the Great. He is just a freak of nature in this game of hockey.
Anyway, I digress; we need to pounce and quickly. I have no doubt that Ricky will be up for the game. That is a given.
This could be a chance for the rest of the New England boys in white, to make their mark.
Hunter, Kozlov and Satan will need to continue their due diligence and get back in the scoring column, to continue their great play of late.
Is it just me, but our defense has been quite well.
Poti has made a nice return to the team and provided great minutes (over 25 per game). Bruno Gervais, while returning from the injured list and part time piza making (yes, I spelled it that way, because the way Bruno says it - the second z is not necessary), has done a nice job. It is great to see Bruno and Campy playing well and both up with the big club (and hopefully to STAY!
).
Player to watch - Andy Hilbert - although he has nice a nice job as a complement in the line with Sillinger and Hunter, I think it is time to get back in the spotlight. He needs to get some more confidence.
Rambling - can you believe the total CRAP that these idiot blog writers are saying about the Isles? They think we are going to dump Sillinger right away? Hey Eklund, how much an ounce was the weed you are smoking?
I swear that because some writer makes a statement, that something is going to happen. Why would we SIGN him (Silly) to a 3 year deal, be such a great man in the lockerroom, be in the top 3 in faceoffs, and be one of the best leaders that this team has seen in over a decade, be destined to be shoved off? Do you think that Snowy is THAT stupid?
Cmon, give him a little benefit of the doubt. He is smarter than you think. There are times that I really want to try and do some serious writing, but when I see ridiculous lines like that - it makes me want to get the barf bag out.
But on other good news, my Toffees (Everton) won today 1-0 against Blackburn Rovers. Andy Johnson - our 20 million pound striker got the only goal on the game. Good effort by the boys, as they are just under the position to qualify for European Football action next year.
Go get the Bruins boys!
My comrade, Joe McDonald, got me started on this conversation today, and it has picqued my interest a bit - so for a change, I will talk about something not related to hockey.
Particularly, music.
This is something to look at, and make a wild comment on if you wish (which I hope you will - to generate some interest).
Billy Joel - as a Long Islander, specifically, a Levittowner, Billy Joel s
early music had many references to his home, and even the places that he hung out in .
I thought it was real cool that there was a famous musician talking about our neighborhood. Also - I enjoyed his varied styles that he would create with every song. Although after three decades of great songs, he would slow it down, and change his dedication, his concerts are still the best.
He is proud of his Long Island heritage, and so am I. So even though I think he is losing his voice, and his songs arent what they used to be - he is still number 1 on my list. There are many other Long Island bands, but no one else had an impact like Mr.
Joel did.
Beatles - If anyone does NOT have the Beatles in their Top 5 of all 
time, they should be SHOT!
The definition of an era, that is still popular over four decades after their beginnings in the lounges of Liverpool in the early 60 s. There isnt a day that goes by that in the car, or in the office, or at home, that a Beatles song hasn t been on some device that I heard. They are everywhere.
Could you imagine the impact of them, if they started in the 1990 s as opposed to the 1960 s? They would own the earth, and John Lennon would still be alive! In 100 years, their music will be as relevant, as Bach was in the 1800 s.
ELO - Electric Light Orchestra - put the synthesizer, the electric violin and other ochestral instruments into the forefront of Rock and Roll in the 1970 s. Who can forget Roll over Beetohven .
The Beatles did a nice job of it - but the ELO version made you believe that Ludvig himself was conducting right next to the band. Although they washed up in the mid 80 s and did some revivals, this group was the music of my adolescence and my growing up to maturity, and I enjoyed spinning those albums for hours on end.
Genesis - A band with an interesting set of transformation over three decades of music.
Peter Gabriel, the lead singer in the 60s and 70s had a unique interpretation of style that left many dazed and confused, including yours truly. When Phil Collins began to take over, it became a much more defined sound, that was more pleasing to the average listener. Many successful albums, including DUKE, ABACAB, INVISIBLE TOUCH and LAND OF CONFUSION came through the 80 s.
All three members, Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford had solo careers as well, with Collins as the main draw. Talk of a reunion tour this year, may lead me to an arena near me.
Styx - Something that most don t admit - but I really like the variance of musical imagery that this band had over the years. Anyone would easily recognize the voice of Dennis deYoung, and the guitar of JY James Young. From Blue Collar Man and Queen of Spades , which showed their rock influences, to the ultimate ballad, Babe , any musical taste would be interested in something that this Chicago-based band would put out.
Just a change of pace on this Friday afternoon. Tomorrow - we will talk about the Bruins and what the Isles need to do.
Have a good day!
With a couple of days off, it is a chance for the Isles to charge the battery, rekindle with the significant others and the children, a chance to hang out in the frigid tundra known as Long Island.
Report from practice, is that Poti SHOULD be back in for the Isles tomorrow against Philly. Bruno is probably another game away, which would be Thursday in New Jersey, or maybe Saturday in Boston.
Bates and Yashin statuses are still up in the air.
Any of you watch the Wings/Rangers game on Versus last night? Interesting game, eh!
New York had a lead in the third, then gave it up and lost. Seems awfully familiar doesn t it? But at least WE made it to overtime.
Queen Lundswiss and his pathethic goaltending in the third dropped like an Acme trap door on Wile Coyote. For everyone that was involved in the construction of his throne as the best goalie in the world, get a life, he can not even shine Brodeur s shoes right now.
The Rangers have now entered PANIC MODE, by acquiring LA Middleweight Shawn Avery from the kings for Jason Ward and a couple of prospects.
They need someone to protect Shanahan, and he is the likely candidate. You can protect all you want, but if you get zero production from anyone other than your top line plus one other person, you will not be in a position to win. It is just simple as that.
All the Dolan s want is to see stars in the game (not necessarily on the ice, but in the front rows). So by having big names, he is getting the notoriety. However, since 1994, we have seen that having big names on your team, does not automatically give you the chemistry to compete.
Have a good Tuesday all - and get ready for the last place Flyers tomorrow.
SHOULD be a 2 points for the taking, but as we have seen in the past - you can not look ahead to team like Philly right now. We have to play it like it is Buffalo or Atlanta - solid effort and getting the two points.
Talk tomorrow - and have a great day!
Not much to add to what is in the papers. The team will definitely miss Martinek, as he starts his rehab. We hear the Drew Fata will come up for this game, as Poti and Gervais are a few days away from returning.
Basically, we should hope to see the same effort from the Isles. They are now looking for points in the eighth straight game. We are 4-0-2 in the last six, and the same guys that have part of the success, need to be there again today.
Also, an extra eye needs to be shown on the dynamic duo of Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin. Both of these guys can singlehandedly change a game with the movement of a stick.
Hope to see another great effort.
And now that we have overtaken the Rangers, it is time to keep them in the rearview mirror and leave them there
Now - to the Super Bowl. I always like to see teams that never won it, get their chance. However, both of these teams have won the Big Game before (Colts in 1970, Bears in 1985).
So that theory goes down the tubes. I am an AFC fan (Jets), so I guess I will just go with the Colts. I would really like to see Peyton Manning win the game.
He has been so close so many times, he just needs to get this, to define his career. Dan Marino is a great quarterback, but there are always a critic or two that says he is not a great one, because he did not win the big game. Baloney!
However, I just see that the high powered offense of Indy is above the strong defense of the Bears. As for the Chicago QB? He is up and down more than a penny stock.
Enjoy the game(s), enjoy the commercials tonight (At 2,600,000 per 30 seconds). And get better Radek! We need you!
Reebok may be the people that destroyed some of the traditions of hockey as we know it, and shot it down like 4 point buck in the frozen tundra.
As you can see, this is what the Eastern Conference all-star jersey looks like, copliments of the winy, cry baby, I am better than all of you, and will let you know about it, you can t hit me, but I can slash and smack you all I want , Sidney Crosby.
I guess that for a player, as the primary use of this jersey, it is a benefit.
It is supposed to push away a great deal of the sweat, as well as allow the player to have his skin breathe better in it, than the old CCM heavier material. For that, I totally understand the reasoning. Anything to help improve the sport for the player will get my vote, no questions asked.
However, does changing the ingredients of the uniform, give Reebok the right to change the look of teams uniforms that have been the same way for decades?
In the opinion of this writer, I think not!
No matter if you are a fan of the team, or not, I do not think that it is a clothier s right to change the appearance of a uniform, without the team giving the blessing.
You can make jersey streamlined and better to wear, but why change the striping of the Canadiens red and blue? Or make the shoulder boards missing off the Ranger whites? (Honestly, I don t really care, but using as an example) Who made Reebok the official designer of the 30 teams?
When baseball switched to Russel Athletic, the uniforms did not change when the companies did. The quality and craftsmanship of the shirts and pants may have been altered, but the Yankee pinstripes still look like the same Yankee pinstripes. Why reinvent the wheel, when all it needs is just a tweak here and there.
But to be honest, as fans, it will be the cost of these new uniforms that will drive away people from purchasing them. Over $400 for a game weight jersey numbered? Not my money!
I can find better ways of spending my money. In addition, the replica would be around $200 +, and from what I am told, it will have a screen printed logo. That is a COMPLETE waste of money.
As an Islander fan, I have gone down this road before. I know what it feels like to have your representation of your team be not only destroyed, but end up being a laughing stock. The uniform, for the fan, is your identity.
It tells a story of who and what you are. For those 18 months or so, that Stan Fischler on acid man holding a hockey stick like a fish hook, was not the way I wanted to be protrayed as. The look of the team that won 19 straight playoff series and four Stanley Cup trophies is the way.
The look of 1972, which will be re-done on Saturday s game against Buffalo, would be fine as well. At least it was a look that was liked by the faithful.
If Reebok went to focus groups on these changes, I guess they called out for people in the bars at three in the morning, according to people that have seen an advanced look.
Soon, they will be on display for the viewing public. You will be the judge and see for yourself, what our future look will be. I am sure that the fans will let the NHL know just what they feel about the look.
Again, with my Islander roots, our fans, as a whole let everyone know what we felt about the fisherman ! It is gone, like NEW COKE!
What do I do?
It is too cold to work outside. I wanted to get the water off the pool cover, but it has all frozen up. So much for that
Have to see the foot doctor today.
Since I am a diabetic, I always have to get my feet checked. So it is nice to get my feet in the tub and soak for a while. My doctor is an Isles and Mets fan, so we talk sports throughout the visit.
It is nice, but that only takes an hour or so.
Well - spend time with the wife, you say. That is a given.
However, our weekends usually revolve around either heading to a game, or watching our team on the road.
Then again, I can be seen on the computer, hawking my blog, and working on web stuff for the Booster Club. We (the club) are doing the voting for the Bobby Nystrom award this season, so I am making the polling page and getting things set up for that.
A computer person is NEVER quiet, there is ALWAYS SOMETHING to be done.
Oh well - even my soccer team is not playing (at least until tomorrow). Everton in the English Premier league are currently in the seventh spot in the standings.
Now, I know that Islanders fans around the world would definitely want to see THAT happen!!!
LOL 
Well - I will find something to take care of the rest of the day. Maybe some straightening up. I know that there are games today (Rangers and Devils play at 1:00).
There are 13 games today, and that can take up just about all my day. My wife is actually not feeling well, and probably will be in bed all day. So - in truth, just a day off for me!
Enjoy your weekend, Islander fans. There will be few free nights from now untl the beginning of April.
In no way, shape, or form, am I questioning the hockey skills of Pittsburgh s #87. He is a great player, with the world ahead of him.
He is exactly the hype that he was provided at the tender age of 13, and nearly 20, he received the most votes for the All-Star game next week in Dallas. In addition, he is currently leading the scoring race, a few points ahead of Washington s wonderkind, Alex Ovechkin.
He is regarded in a similar vein, to a certain young man that came onto the scene over a quarter of a century ago, called Gretzky.
In this age of commercialization and media overload, Monsieur Crosby is a hit with many commercials shown all over Canada, and in a few US markets.
He has the hockey world getting ready to throw the world on his shoulders. He is the real next one ; a name that was supposed to be reserved for Eric Lindros over a decade and a half ago.
But to this reporter, I see a different person than the one that most Canadians image. Actually, I see this, because I took off the rose colored glasses..
I see, is a boy that has been coddled and given the impression that he can do whatever he wants, and can dish out at anyone without incident. However, when someone retaliates on him, he drops down to the ground like an Acme Anvil on Wile Coyote, and boom.
When the Great One was coming up, players went at him the same way, however, Gretzky was not that kind of player, and did not retaliate.
He had a Dave Semenko, or Marty McSorely to do that for him. And that was fine. Lemieux was able to handle himself, and in many instances, he did just that.
And to make matters worse, is that his coach Michel I am no longer a Francophone and want to be called Michael Thierrien, totally lifts him up to a higher level, and coddles the living CRAP out of him. Hey Coach, give him the birds and bees talk, please!!
!! He needs to know that he (Crosby) has to be accountable for his actions.
You know that somewhere, sometime, someone is really going to clock him for being a little pr!ck , and they are going to be justified to the hilt. The NHL is always a little over-protective of their stars, and unfortunately, the NHL needs a little slash to the groin once in a while too.
Well done Jason with the increase in your salary next season, that fine will be chump change.
I am glad that people are finally standing up to this young twerp.
He has to be shown that if wants to act like a child in a man s game, that he will get smacked around like a little girl. Pad up more of your uniform Sid, or Sydney!!
!
A few years ago, when the NHL decided to create the 7th Man Award , the first recipient of the award was an Islander fan named Roger Farina. He was an Army Helicopter Pilot that was in Iraq at the time.
When he won the award, he came to New York and was NHL Commissioner for a day. His first wish was to revoke the charter of the Rangers and have the Islanders be the only New York City metro area team (with no disrespect to the Devs, we just mean of teams that have New York addresses).
Well, Roger, we want the Rangers to exist.
Except now, we just want to play them 82 times a freaking year!
Hey Isles - forget about the streak It s over now! The Rangers were just what the doctor ordered.
The intensity was there, the passion was there.
Remember - I bowled last night, and did not see much of the game, but from the recap, it seemed like the intensity was not there from the Rangers. I actually heard the press conference from Tom Renney after the game, and to put it mildly, with the exception of Jagr, he is peeved at the entire team, for their lack of effort and execution.
Paraphrasing, his quote, the Islanders are up for this game, and we are not. We may have won four in a row before this, but it means nothing that we could not be up for this one.
Tom, really, I feel bad for you.
You had a plan and it did not work.
If you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I could broker a deal for .
Mike Sillinger had a great game, too bad he missed the hat trick on the empty netter.
Brendan Witt had his first goal in just about a year. And he almost had two himself. Ricky played well.
Gave up two PP goals, but stopped 24 shots, for his fourth in a row against the blueshirts.
This is making the METRO MUG STANDINGS better in our favor. I bet the fans were crazy last night.
I got a call at the bowling alley from Derek Felix, my co-host on the New York Hockey Report. I never heard so many f-bombs come out of his mouth, and in rapid fire too.
I hope that for the first time since 1999, the Isles can add on to the Ranger win with another one over the Bruins.
Keep the momentum, and remember, just visualize the Bruins in Ranger uniforms.
Congrats to Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr, on their being voted to the Baseball Hall of Fame. They are class guys, that totally deserve the accolades.
As a long time Ripken fan, I am totally thrilled by this. I wish I could go to Cooperstown to see the induction, but I think the rooms and such have been reserved years in advance in anticipation of this.
The things that rips me is that how people could NOT have voted for these guys, is totally INSANE.
I know that the original class of HOF ers (Ruth, Johnson, etc) did not get in unanimously, so people will not vote for people so that does not happen; but c mon, get a grip. In this age of steroids (ala Mark McGwire) and me, me, me players, here are two guys that not only cherished the game, but gave the game the respect it deserves.
Should be an interesting show tonight (NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT).
Let s see how Joe makes out Lundswiss to be now???
I can lose 10 in a row, I don t care, but if we beat the Rangers, I am totally happy!
Have a great day Islander fans, we totally DESERVE IT! Well - a day after the Isles pulled the win over the Rangers, I wanted to get at Joe - my colleague on the NYHR.
However, he was sick as well and to be honest, I would not do that. Even though he probably would use the fact that so many guys were out and injured, a loss is still a loss.
The Rangers are an injured and hurting team right now - and better this happens now than in April.
But the one thing that is a major exposure to this team, is the lack of a real #1 or #2 man on the defensive side of the puck. Michael Rozsival is logging 23 minutes a game. He is a good D-man, can help on both sides of the game, but he is not the guy that you want to depend on to be your #1 for the whole year.
Marek Malik is injured, and you could have counted on Darius in 1999, not 2006/7. They are thin, and have to rely on their forwards to help out. Pock and Tutin are still in the making but should not be relied upon to eat major minutes.
This will be their achillies heal.
Weekes has been not helping (10 goals in 54 shots in the last 2 games). And Lundqvist, and sorry Joe, still has not looked like he is an all-world goalie to me.
He has good numbers, and that helps, but when he struggles, he is not even all pee-wee league. He gets real soft, and seems to let his skills drop as fast a block of cement in the water. I think that the second half of the season, if the defense stays the same, he needs to be Sawchuk like, instead of someone else
Well - back to the Isles.
Welcome Randy R back to the Isles family. Thanks Garth, for clearing over $5,000,000 in salary off the cap. Two things will happen here.
One - the bad parts of the Ted Nolan system have been removed from the team, and second, there has to be a move in the making once the trade freeze ends on the 27th. Interesting who may be available. There are 3 high priced guys in Tampa .
There is a captain in Vancouver playing in a system that does not work for him There are lots of options to work with. And c mon folks, would you have ever thought that in January, we could be making a major potential deal??
? Wow! Also - you figure that some of that money is going to be saved for getting a new deal for Jason Blake.
He has said that he wants to remain an Islander, so sign him up. I think if you double his pay, he will stay (1.5 to 3.
1).
Now my 2 cents about the Pens. I enjoy the history of the Isles and Pens.
The 4 game comeback in the 75 playoffs. The win in 93. Yes, those are the positive ones, but the Isles and Penguins have a history.
With this season, and the team that they have, it would make the rivalry even more fun. Now that the Isle of Capri casino did not get the bid, it could very well mean that the Pens may have to move. Their lease ends in May with SMG (familiar name, eh?
) and without new ownership in place, and no financing on a new building for Pittsburgh, it could mean the end of an era. It could also be the first time that a team that has won a Stanley Cup will move their team to another city. Sad situation indeed.
Where will the Pens go? Kansas City has a new arena and has already sold ALL their skyboxes. Interesting Houston, and Portland, are major TV markets with NHL capable arenas with over 17,000 seats that can start immediately.
Winnipeg, a clear choice for Canada, is also capable of starting now. They do have a new building, but it only has 15,000 seats. There is talk that they can expand by 2,500 to 3,000 more.
We also know that a Canadian city will virtually sell out the building without blinking an eyelash. Could make for an interesting spring; crowning a new Cup champ, and seeing where the Pens will go. And if they move West, who will take their place in the Atlantic Division (or the East).
Will the Wings move over? Logically, it is a no brainer. Why should they have to make two trips to the west coast each year.
It is just not logical.
4 days left till Christmas, did you get all your shopping done? If not - stop reading this and get to the mall!
Talk tomorrow - CHEERS!
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