20 Good Minutes of Hockey.

Unfortunately, we play for 60. I’m not disappointed in tonight’s game against the Flyers because I actually sat in my seats with the Big Angry Man, wore my 7th Woman jersey for the first time this season, drank wine and didn’t have to drive myself home cold and miserable. So, actually I had a really good night.

The Islanders, however, fell short with a 5 - 3 loss when they were up 3 - 0. That was the score when I snuck downstairs to get the only REALLY good pizza in the barn and use the only bathroom with no lines. Due to the typical Flyers sell-out crowd, the concourse was packed, and concession and bathroom lines snaked 30 to 40 people deep clogging traffic.

Jon Jordon, the invisible Blogger (no not really, he’s just from Florida) http://my.hockeybuzz.com/jjordan79 made the trip and finally got a taste of the Blog Box experience. Too bad we didn’t get a win for him, but at least I made him cookies. If the Isles had played the entire game the way they did that first period, then maybe he would have had one hell of a night. But that wasn’t to happen. Jon, nice to finally meet you.

Aaron Johnson was back on the ice for the first time in an Islander jersey since his injury. I didn’t watch the pre-game skate, but I noticed he was really doing some fancy footwork out there his first shift. I’m guessing he knew he was just a little rusty. The effort was there, but it will take a game or two to get back into swing of things.

Trent Hunter, although one of the league’s leaders in hits, took a bit of a beating at 4:41 in the second by Hatcher. Ok, so I was a little surprised, and considering that … that… um…. Downie was on the ice tonight, I’m surprised there weren’t more altercations. My most hated Flyer even managed a goal too. I hope he chokes on it. But I digress.

The Vasicek, Satan, Bergenheim line did fine, but only managed one goal out of a handful of chances. Berard, who had 3 give aways, also managed 3 take aways and 2 assists. It was just a weird night. Park managed to get on the score sheet with one goal, one penalty, one give away, one face off win, one face off loss and one missed shot. I guess it was a night of ONEness for Park who now has his own cheering unit called “Wooville” in section 315.

I don’t recall any really BRIGHT spots on the night. Other than the pizza. I don’t recall a moment my heart skipped a beat, I gasped or screamed. If I was a Flyer fan, maybe I would have jumped for joy over Hartnell’s hat trick. But I’m not. It just went from a great 20 minutes to … what the heck happened here? This was a BIG two points to slip through their hands. It will come back to haunt them for sure. Ted didn’t look happy in the press room. But then, he never does when they lose, and they really shouldn’t have. They could have had this one. I understand there are injuries. But hell…the Penguins won tonight without Crosby. Ok. What can you do? That’s why they play the game.

Sigh… Good to see the Blog Box so full tonight. By the last ten minutes of the third, we were huddled like sardines at the table. Frank, http://voice.blogspot.com/ you missed out on cookies. And I thought OkposoNet Ken http://okposo.blogspot.com/ was going to fall down when we all spotted an Okposo jersey leaving the barn. I couldn’t tell, but I guess it was a Gopher jersey. You can check me on that Ken.

Islesblogger.com http://www.islesblogger.com/ Mike S. told me he finally uploaded all his photos to his gallery on his site, so you may want to check that out as well.

On a few personal notes: I actually had to fight with my family to get the cookies I baked out of the house and to the Coliseum tonight. It seems they are quite JEALOUS when I bring treats to the blog box. I was the next victim of the "Corey forgot my name tag" game. Usually it's Michael S. I think we should start taking bets each game to see who it will be. This week I received my signed copy of “Jonesy” from John Buccigross. Let me gush… I love this guy and the book is just a great read. I’ve got a few “irons in the fire” for future blog entries, and am really looking forward to the “Hockey & Heels” promo on 2/12/08. I’m trying to get a group of women to go with me. And lastly… oh look. There’s still a Christmas tree in my Den. I swear, I’m getting red hearts and decorating the damn thing for Valentine’s day. Hey… Like Ted… You WIN with what you got. Right??? Right??? Ok, not all the time. But it’s a great thought.

Check out the rest of all the great bloggers in the blog box at http://islanders.nhl.com/blogbox/blog_box.htm. On to Monday!

PS: And they say I'm over the top! Uh, no.

Nothing Simple about Simon

What will happen with Chris Simon? This is the question that was posed today on NYIC after last night's display of company support for the beleaguered NHLer. There he was, sandwiched between Garth Snow and Charles Wang in the lower tier of a luxury box "caught" by the VS cameras. The support this club shows this man is admirable. We always hope that there will be those who will stand by us through thick and thin should we falter. But how much is too much? How many strikes before you are truly "out"?

As an NHLer, Chris has a resume of discipline that no one would want. He has surpassed the baddest of the bad boys in hockey, and twice while on the Islanders roster. As a man, he is unlike any of the others. When not on the ice, he seems uncomfortable with his formidable size that makes him stand out in a crowd. His voice is quiet and his demeanor gentle. But once on the ice, he's far from Nystrom and more like King Kong. There is a switch with a short in it inside his head.

Admirable again is Nolan's undying support and love for the man he nurtured from a troubled teen. He will never forsake him. But while not turning his back on him is definitely noble, can decisions be made that are for the good of everyone? I'm worried about that, just as I was worried that Chris would end up in a hotel room with a pen, a paper and a shot gun when the last suspension was handed down. None of this is easy -- for anyone.

The poll on NYIC today was "Do you take him back after his suspension?" The overwhelming response is "NO." The Islander fans, although supportive during the first suspension, seem to want to cut ties with him. It has become more personal for the fans. The negative attention has taken it's toll on them and they want no more of it.

When I asked my dynasty die-hard of a husband about it, he said "Everyone loves a tough guy, but Simon isn't Nystrom or Gillies. Hell, he isn't even Godard or Cairns. He's more Tucker and Avery combined, and we don't need that." As harsh as that is, I think it may be a common sentiment.

But what about the man's livelihood? Do you take away his career when none of his "victims" suffured that fate? Actually, it was brought to my attention last night that non of Simon's on ice altercations resulted in any other player missing a game, perhaps not even a single shift. I didn't double check the information, but I trust the source. But Simon has lost a lot through bad judgement, perhaps in the long run, everything.

A small number of games will be all that remain when he finishes serving his punishment, but the games themselves could be significant depending on the standings. It will then be up to Charles & Company to decide his fate for the balance of the season. I'm glad it's not my decision. I'm glad I will not be the one weighing the pros and cons and dealing with the aftermath of a painful decision.

For Simon, I wish only the best, and hope that he can find his way in this world. For the Islanders, I wish ..... this was easier.

1-15-08 3-1 Loss to Montreal -- Not exactly a Surprise

The Blog Box was sadly sparse tonight, and at first I was worried that I was going to be all alone at the long table in front of the big blue sign. But by the time I made my way there during the National Anthem, I was very happy to see Gaspo live blogging away. Check it out (I have to also because I didn't look over his shoulder) http://stilldrivin.blogspot.com/ I was in the mood to travel light tonight so I only brought my camera and my notebook -- neither of which I used very much. (I had to almost beg Michael S. (islesblogger.com) to come and join us, which he did after the second period.)

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed being back at the Coliseum, perhaps it was a good thing the Islanders were so flat in the first period. I didn't even notice there was a hockey game going on since everything and anything seemed far more interesting than what was happening on the ice.
As tonight's game was being broadcast on VS, things just seemed a little different closer to the ice. There were more "suits" wandering around than normal. It just seemed "busier." But what wasn't "busier" were the food courts that seem to have been limited by SMG once again. There was no Sushi stand, much to every one's dismay, and not separate Nacho stand, much to Gaspo's dismay.

At the start of the game, the BlogFather stopped by to chat and asked what my prediction was for the outcome of the game. "They're tired, they'll lose. They'll try, but they'll lose." An educated guess perhaps? That road trip couldn't have been easy to bounce back from.

When the Islanders finally realized they were playing the game, it was the middle of the second period. Steve Mears reiterated that fact to me on my drive home while I listened to the end of his post-game report. It was as if a light bulb went off and they all started to skate as if it were one of those electronic hockey games. You could almost hear the buzzing of the puck as it hugged the boards on end and whipped around. It was just strange. But then, the entire night was just a little odd.

The highlight for me of Ted's press conference was a wire stretched accross the doorway like a trip-wire. I walked in first and immediately heard "Watch the wire!!" I stopped dead in my tracks, as it would absolutely been ME who went face first into the carpet over the wire. A few more people were warned as they walked in. A few of them stepped on it to try to bring it closer to the floor, a few just walked over it. But it wasn't until Michael S. (and now we know WHY he goes by teknics on our board) walked over to the wire and placed the rubber mat on top of it that the problem was finally SOLVED!! Also rare was that Deb Kaufman was in this press conference and not one alone in the hallway. I guess the VS guys stole her thunder. But she ruled THIS room!

So, we'll see what tomorrow brings. The Islanders have owned the Devils this season, but they are currently on a hot streak. The odds are they may break the trend -- either team's trend that is. Someone will win, someone will lose, a trend will be broken. It's up to fate, and of course, one Rick DiPietro.

Night all

Home Again, Home Again -- Without Jiggs

After too many days and too many miles, the Islanders are back at the Coliseum. With luck the trip hasn't taken too much of a toll on everyone involved. Although I can't help but think they all wake up and ask "Where am I?"

Howie Rose has returned from vacation and Jiggs will return to retirement after doing a marvelous job on the trip. Sure, he had a few mispronunciations here and there, but the golden tone is still music to any Islander die-hard's ears. Rest up. I'm sure they'll need you again before the season is over.

Personally, I'm looking forward to getting back to the coliseum as well. It feels like home, and when you're away for too long, you miss it.

Welcome back. Game on!

2 Points, a New Tie & a few Bones to Pick!

Good Morning World! Wow! 3-1 last night? Who'da thought that would be possible when the Islanders were LEAVING for that road trip? But that's why they play the game -- you never know what will happen. Okay, so they ended up beating the Senators "light", but still, 2 points is 2 points and they'll take them. Hopefully his efforts last night will keep Bergeron out of Ted's Dog House for a few games, and Mike Comrie will continue to remember what he's here for.

Ted's Blue & Green stripe tie was NOT part of my statistical analysis in yesterday's post. It will have to be added in the "W" column.

Now the bones to pick.

I've never been one to question Ted's decisions. I have full confidence in him and respect him enough to come to his defence against any and all detractors. But that is for his hockey decisions. But my mother's heart is a little disappointed with him right now. Tamby: the young man who is currently playing yo-yo between Bridgeport and the big club. A young man who NEEDS to prove himself, but can't unless he is given the opportunity.

Yesterday the entire fan base was abuzz when we heard he had been recalled and had travelled to Ottawa. "Jeff gets another shot!" It was good news to supplant the bad news of the injuries that had occurred. But my heart broke for the boy when they announced he participated in the morning skate but wouldn't be in the game. "Thanks, but no thanks." and "Back on the bus, Jeff." I couldn't help but think how he must feel. Certainly, Logan's article showed him being a "good soldier" and taking the decision with grace, but this mother is saying "HEY! You could have given the boy a shot!" Would it really have hurt to let Miro rest one more day? Would it not have been in the kid's best interest MENTALLY to let him play last night? He must have agonized over it the entire flight to Ottawa. Don't break the kid's spirit Ted.

OK, next bone to pick: The weathermen. Can someone please tell me why the Long Island weathermen have to try to scare the living daylights out of us with weather reports of impending doom that they are not 100% sure of??? Yep, I know why. RATINGS! Fear equates to ratings and longer lines at the Supermarket. You would have thought we were headed for a blizzard yesterday the way they reported "Storm Watch!" every hour. There were lines down the aisles in every supermarket as basic needs became scarce. But as I awoke this morning at 6 am, what was I greeted with? A silent blanket of snow? A wind-blown blizzard? No, a wet newspaper, some drizzle and a disappointed 13 year-old pouting "What do you MEAN School's open????"

But to the North there is Snow, where it should be. And according to Logan, the weather DID delay the Islanders flight home. But I'll be getting to work on time..... if I stop writing.

The tale of the Tie -- Ted’s Tie that is.

Prompted by my in-thread game day conversation with Sybo, who precariously dipped his toe into my cosmic karma thinking wading pool, I decided to take him up on the analysis of Ted’s ties and how they relate to wins and losses. (Obviously, I will come up with any excuse not to take down my Christmas tree.) After exhaustive and grueling research -- over three hours watching ITV post game videos and having it crap out on me every fourth video -- I managed to enter the data into my cosmic-karma database (an excel sheet). I’d like to take this time to thank ITV for giving me the tools to perform this research but would ask that they not take such close-ups of Ted during his press conference as to completely obscure his neckwear. I’d also like to ask the other reporters to keep their damn microphones with their large emblems away from that area during the filming of these interviews. Thank you.
(Also, what’s up with New Year’s Eve? They couldn’t find an ITV crew sober enough to cover the after game press conference? But I digress.)

So the tale of the tie goes as follows:

Ted has donned 23 different ties so far this season. None of which has been last year’s “Grandma’s wallpaper” tie. Mind you, it has already been revealed that I’m slightly color blind, so the dark blue or black thing may be incorrect, but I can tell the difference between red and pink. The color choices have been as follows: 7 of them have some sort of Pink in them, 5 have a deep Red in them, 3 are solid Purple, he has 1 Orange stripe tie which he’s only worn once so far, and 1 Gold and grey stripe, and 2 have some sort of Green in them. Again, can’t tell the difference between the dark blue background and black, so no accurate data was gathered for that.

Wins & Losses:

The Sage & Black tie has brought 2 wins and 1 loss. His Red paisley tie has brought a loss every time (3). So has his Black with Gray circles tie (although again, it could be Navy Blue). Whereas the Pink/Black/Mauve stripe and the Gold/Gray strip have each brought 2 wins and 1 loss. It comes down to the Purple ones. Ted’s won 6 times and only lost twice with the Purple ties. So not only do they look good on him, they may be the winning ticket.

In conclusion I can state that….. The team needs to score more and that will guarantee more W’s than L’s and Ted should go buy some more Purple ties.

Damn it… Why hasn’t someone ELSE taken down that Christmas tree?

Looking for a cosmic win over the Senators tonight!