Post Game 2-26-08

After the insane and dissapointing loss, the press conference was actually very interesting. First of all because this time my fellow bloggers actually got into the act ASKING questions of Ted while he was at the podium. Somthing they seldom do. But considering the difficulty of the evening (seriously... how do you explain over 50 shots on goal and still losing the game?) they jumped in with both feet.

Ted was considerably dissapointed with the power play, as the rest of the Islander faithful is. It's that typical "needing to do the little things" speech we've all heard before. "We didn't executge some of the plays we worked on." We got a good chuckle out of "Do you think they should shoot more?" Yes, how about 90 shots on goal? Would that help? Just a bizarre night.

Once in the locker room, Sean Bergenheim was the first to address the media. He is so open and so honest, that it can be surprising. Not 4 minutes of the typical platitudes that you are so used to hearing. Standing there, sweating in his underarmor, he answered the questions in a fast and furious style, focusing on his answers. He was asked about his "unselfish" play perhaps being the reason there wasn't a little more scoring. "I had a break-away. Parksie yelled for it. It was stupid for me to pass it, I should have been a little bit more selfish there. That is something I learned from, and it will not happen again."

Sean has to learn a little from his mistakes, and take a page from the man he most reminds me of.... be a little selfish Sean. Even Ted said you need to hold onto the puck a little longer, but that will come in time as you learn and grow.

Satan came into the room almost unexpectedly and was immediately asked about the power play, and how his day was since it was trade day. He brushed it off as part of the business. In the middl eof his time with the media, something strange happened. The new puppy, Rob Davison was brought into the locker room by Corey Witt, and sent to his new stall which is right next to Bergenheim's. They managed to get the placard done in time too. Nice touch. But I was surprised that it was Marc Hermann that was escorted over to speak with the newbie first. It took a few seconds, but as the rest of the media throng realized that there was fresh meat in the room, they left Miro alone to go speak with Rob and ask him what he thought of his first night on the Island.

I will tell you this guy is a great interview. A big smile, a booming voice and very engaging. He mentioned he had arrived late and didn't have much time to get to know the new team mates, but he was welcomed warmly by the Islander fans, which he appreciated. He was looking forward to getting to know his new surroundings better. I believe him. He should do well here.

Bill Guerin walked into the locker room freshly showered and dressed while Davison was still talking. What I found interesting was his comments about how his wife would deal with trade deadline day, that it was nerve wracking and difficult. Exactly what I thought it would be. I can't even imagine how hard it would be to not know where you're going to work in just a few hours, and expected to just pick up and go... smiling.

So we made it through another trade deadline but not another game with the Penguins. It was an ugly loss, but at least we didn't lose the farm today. Only two players left the ranks, we can all breathe again. Now start winning damnit!