That's All Folks...

The deadline came and went, and I spent a lot of time being an owl, "Who? Who?" Only 24 deals total this deadline and nothing as earth shattering as last year. Which is a good thing I suppose. Unless of course, Marian Hossa will be the one that hosts the tearful airport press conference of '08.

I arrived at the Coliseum later than everyone else because I didn't have the best excuse to get out of work. "But it's Trade Day! I have to leave early!" wasn't going to cut it at 11 am. But by 2:45 pm, I just said "Gotta go!" and bolted out the door not stopping to say anything else to anyone.

I heard about the Hossa to Pittsburgh deal in the car on XM. Pittsburgh is going to be very scarey for sure. But the shock came as I walked into the arena and stepped up to the blog box table and OkposoNet Ken said "They traded Simon."

"What?" I thought they were just kidding me, they've pulled these stunts before. "No, no joke. He's traded to the Wild for a draft pick." Tiger Track Tom confirmed what the others were saying. I was just stunned. I would have never expected it. But I didn't even have time for it to sink in before the word came that Bergeron was gone as well. I stopped putting my computer together in order to text Dan about the trade as he really liked MAB and feel that he will continue to get better. He wasn't exactly happy, and he let me know it.

Again, I didn't have time to get my act together up here before we were all called into the press room to wait for Garth's official press conference. We waitd in room 6 with everyone else while we watched the TSN coverage continue on a big screen TV they had set up for the "real media." We listened to TSN announce that the Islanders were done for the day even before anyone here alerted us. We also found out that some of the trades weren't announced here in order for the players to be told first, but that the Canadian media had beat them to the punch, as usual. I'm certain it's a devasting thing to find out you have a new job by the likes of Mike Milbury sitting on camera with Darren Pang.

Garth entered the room in jeans and a polo shirt. "I dressed down for you guys. It's only been two days in these clothes." It could have just been a joke, but it didn't look that way. He seemed a little weary with a 5 o'clock shadow, but he smiled non-the-less as he addressed everyone crowded around him. Everyone stands close because once again, WE CAN'T HEAR HIM! To make matters worse, the air conditioner decided to start running full blast overhead. As Josh said, "The most soft spoken man in the world, in the noisiest room in the world." The camera crews drew closer to him. I stayed in the back as usual and just read his lips.

I did a terrible job of it. So, all I know is he wasn't unhappy, he answered the questions with a smile and didn't answer the ones he didn't want to. I did hear him say that moving Simon was to the benefit of Jeff Tambellini as it opened up a spot for him. He was happy to reunite the "kid" line.

Once Garth was done with the media, he was gracious enough to meet exclusively with the Blog Box crew on the other side of the room. I was busy on the other side of the room and had to be summoned to join them. The crew had a chance to ask their own questions which you can find on all their Blogs. Check out OkposoNet, Islesblogger.com (with photos) and Tiger Track for his always amusing play by play, and B.D.s' Bouncing Puck on Hockeybuzz. Again, I just listened. Garth asked me where my recorder was, I told him I didn't need one. But I'll remind him that when he discussed the up-and-coming "kids" that would be benefiting the line-up he didn't mention..... BERGENHEIM. I don't forget these things Mr. Snow.

I'm sure he's glad this is over and they can concentrate on making the team better in order to make the playoffs. He reiterated that their main goal is always keeping their eye on vying for the Stanley Cup. Some day, maybe they'll actually get close enough to it. Considering tight standings this year and the parity of the league, '08 is NOT the year for the Islanders.

At 5 pm Ted did his pre-game press conference in the corridor outside his office. We were late, but it wasn't my fault. We came in on the tail end of it, but I can tell you, he seemed fine. I was curious, just as everyone else was, 'How is Ted going to handle the Simon trade?' Easy. Like the consumate professional he is and with that warm, loving smile that he always shows when he speaks of things that are close to him.

Now everyone to work! No more worrying about getting up today and finding out you need your butt on a plane halfway across the country. Everyone relax, hit the ice, and please ..... Start a new winning streak. WE need the points!