You remember when there was a place that you, as a child, hated to go to? Someplace that as a 4 or 5 year old, you would end up screaming and kicking your way. Perhaps it was a supermarket or store?
Perhaps it was Aunt Edna with the lazy eye? (BTW - I do NOT have an Aunt Edna - this is rhetorical)
Ring a bell?
With the exception of a few, these guys do not remember the last time as Islanders that the team won in the city of Toronto.
A few weeks ago, the demons of Montreal losses were squashed, as on the eve of the Super Bowl, the Isles defeated Les Habs. Now, it is time to the same to Toronto.
Rake up the Leafs!
With the potential of making some more ground up, and doing that famous leapfrog, the Isles need this game badly. Even with the positive stretch of games with points in nearly all of them, not getting this game can make those improving baby steps look like a giant mirage.
Toronto has a large 7th man, and that is the over 19,000 Southern Ontario mutants, known as Leafs nation.
They are the ones that first need to be squelched. You take the fans OUT of the game, and you give yourself a quick chance. Then, Coach Nolan and the boys need to take it to them.
Toronto is such a large, strong team on their skates. Neutralizing that, and forcing them to chase you, is a potential case for an Islander win. With seven home games on the horizon, this road win can be even more critical, as we head into the trade zone .
Player to watch. Ricky D. I usually try to stay away from him as the key, but stopping the Toronto forwards will be a big help.
Again, taking the crowd away. Having a stong influence in goal will help this team more than usual. Ricky has been at times, incredible.
Tonight - we need that same incredible effort. Stars need to pick up the boot straps and lift the whole team to a new level. Alexei, unfortunately, has been unable to do that.
Well - Ricky, can you?
Hope we get 2 and keep the lead over the Ranger$. See ya!
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!
I have been sick for the past few days. I will get back to writing on Saturday, when my brain hopefully gets back to normal.
Tough game last night - Ricky was fantastic, and deserved a better fate.
But Marty is Marty
Oh well - we had to lose sooner or later.
With points in 7 straight, the Isles have to get out the habit they tend to have by allowing a lesser talented team to take over the game, and define the result. The Flyers are just plain bad, and need to be shown how bad they really are.
We have to be the dominatrix here tonight.
Getting these two back, can give guys like Sean Hill, a little blow, and allow them to play normal minutes and be on their game.
Esche is a goalie that needs to be knocked back for a loop early.
If you get to him in the beginning of the game, you will own him. We have to take the first 10 minutes and pounce like a hungry wolf.
If you are going to the game tonight - start screaming and yelling for these guys.
They have played so well of late, and need our support more than ever. They have another series of critical tests coming up (Jersey, Boston, Toronto on the road, then a seven game home stand). The Rangers are now in the rear view mirror, and I would like to see them be a faded memory soon.
It is nice to hear the moaning and groaning of the Ranger fans, wanting every available player to wear their uniform. Havent they figured it out yet? They have made one playoff in nine years, and feel that they are a Top 5 team in the league?
Get the crud out of your eyes!
Well - player to watch is Miro Satan. He has been so good the past few games, but at home, he has struggled mightily.
This is the night for him to break out.
Trent Hunter has been white hot as well. The way he started, I would have been surprised if he would have 15 goals, but with his streak, 25 can be realized.
Great going T!
Well - back to work. If you are going to the game, stop by Gate 17 and say Hey!
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!
Trent Hunter had a tremendous third period, getting two key goals to lift the Islanders to a 4-2 victory today, and for that, I am extremely thrilled.
However, the most painful thought came from the freak injury to Radek Martinek. He has been playing his best hockey of his career. He plays a solid, simple game, and when you know he is at his best, you are not talking about him.
He turned in the corner with Canadiens rookie Guillaume Latandresse when his skate seemed to get caught in the ice. His body turned, and his leg seemed to just snap. He had to be carted off the ice, and should miss 4-6 weeks, according to the coach Ted Nolan, who said it was a small fracture.
Martinek had a helper on the first goal, that was a great give and go with Miro Satan, who got his 16th, to give the Isles a 1-0 lead. Montreal tied it up late in the first, and took the lead mid way through the second period. With just under a minute left, a bad Habs penalty put the Isles on the Power Play.
When the third period began, Sean Hill, the soon to be 37 year old defensemen send a puck to the net, and Hunter feasted on the juicy rebound, to put the game even at 2.
Midway through the period, Hunter, after taking Matthiew Dandenault to the boards, came to the left slot and taking a blind slapper, threw the puck past Cristobal Huet, to give the Isles the lead. Hunter now has 14 on the year, and his game is growing by leaps and bounds. Miro Satan got his 17th, to make the lead two.
That would end the scoring.
Hunter and Satan have got the message from Coach Nolan, and moved their games to the stratosphere. Ricky played a decent game, keeping the Isles in it. The defense, having to deal with the loss of Martinek, stepped up well.
Hill played over 28 minutes, and Chris Campoli was nearly 27 minutes on the ice tonight. Brendan Witt, the consummate warrior, played over 24 minutes, even after hurting his left hand again, when he blocked a Canadiens shot.
Once again, the Islanders were outshot.
It seems that almost every time that the Isles get outshot in a game, they end up winning. In addition, the Canadiens were 16-0-0-2 in games when leading after two periods. This also was the first time in about four years that the Isles won a game in Canada.
After the game, the team flew to our nation s capital to take on the Caps tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, Martinek will go to New York to get some rehab and start to get back on the road to recovery.
Hopefully, Tom Poti, or Bruno Gervais will return to the lineup tomorrow.
Taking on Ovechkin and Alexander Semin will be a tough task. The Isles will need to be fully charged to keep that consecutive point streak alive. Also, overtaking the dreaded Rangers is a task that the Islanders and their fans want so desperately.
- A blog devoted to our cross-river rivals, the New Jersey Devils. A good site for Devil info - check it out..
.
- The Web blog of Derek Felix, one of my co-hosts on the NY Hockey Report. A great writer with a lot of insight.
Check it out!
- The Great message board for Islanders fans. Try it out.
..
- My favorite hockey team in the UK.
Cool site - check it out...
- A new blog by Patrick Hickey, Jr. Great insight, and good humor too..
. A must read for Isles Fans
- Joe Mc Donald s Blog. He is the owner of NY Sports Day and one of the co-hosts of the New York Hockey Report.
He is a Ranger guy, but I have to support it - or else I won t do the show..
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