In 1996, Chris Botta and Stan Fischler wrote a book on 25 years of the NY Islanders with that title. Twelve years later, I’m finding it difficult to see either from the current team on the ice. I stayed away from the computer last night when I returned home from the game. I knew the NYIC message board would be overflowing with game day rants and disappointments. This morning, when I read them, I was right.
Just as last night’s crowd left the building grumbling and booing, so did the television viewing audience. Even more surprising, so did the media in Press Room 6. I have never heard comments such as those uttered last night. Everyone usually waits in stoic silence that is only broken by my stifled giggles from the back of the room. The on ice performance was so dismal, no one could contain themselves. It was “shock and awe” of the boring kind.
As I was down at the ice watching pre-game warm-ups, which I haven’t done in weeks, I decided to just watch their feet. How they skated rather than their interaction with each other or the opposing team. I noticed how elegantly Bergeron glides when he skates backwards. If not for that rocket shot of his, he could probably join Smuckers Stars on Ice. In contrast, Witt skates on the outside edges of his feet and looks almost clumsy. Bergie, although also graceful, skates harder as if grinding into the ice. I finally now understand what my blog box buddies keep yelling about Comrie and “toe drag. “ I get it now guys.
During the NHL Live broadcast, that Bill Jaffe did an amazing job co-hosting, I heard talk of Anze Kopitar and his skills. I thought, “Wow! This is one to watch tonight. “I didn’t even notice him except for the fact that he has that same tinted “rock star” shield that Ovechkin wears. Every time I saw that #11 out on the ice, I watched, and waited but personally I saw no signs of brilliance. But then again, there were no sparkle to this game from either bench.
Certainly, there were brief, fleeting sparks of life during a rather lack-luster game. I’ll say I’ve never seen Berard skate that fast, or expect him to actually score. I commented to Tom Liodice, “Wow! Who lit a fire under his butt tonight?” But that fire was quickly smothered by a constant parade to the box. SIX penalties! Six times Dubie was tested unnecessarily. Five of them, he pulled through. The fact that the wining goal came on a Power Play from a “Too many men” penalty just made me sick. Ok. Maybe I was already beginning to feel the effects of a cold I seem to have woken up with, but I was sick non-the-less.
Aaron Johnson, who was also trying to skate as fast as possible, had only 4:40 of ice time. Perhaps he could have made a difference if he had been given the opportunity of more shifts. Or perhaps not. Bruno, to me, looked as if he could do nothing right and I’m wondering if he is the one to miss Campoli most of all. Comeau attempted to liven things up here and there by showing his skill, and even mixed it up behind the net with Matt Molson (I’m guessing because Jackman decided to take the night off from that part of his assignment), but even Blake’s talents couldn’t carry the momentum.
Too many adjectives are appropriate, and all of which you have read in today’s papers. Suffice it to say that Ted and Garth have their work cut out for them at this trade deadline. Something needs to give, and fast. Decisions, decisions, decisions. All I know is that Garth’s “fuzzy math” from the beginning of the season regarding scoring potential of this current roster was sadly overstated.
Back to the drawing board Garth. There may still be time if you hurry.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Post Game.
By the beginning of the third period, the entire night just got weird on the ice and off. There must have been some sort of strained energy around tonight, because it just seemed to effect everything.
So, yes they lost, as I almost knew they would when I first drove there tonight. I had no high hopes for the game as they never have a very good showing after a few days off. I suppose this is a team that needs to find a grove and work till they drop. Too long lounging and they can't find each other on the ice.
As Sybo said, it may have been the purple tie. I can't be sure, but maybe he should retire that one till August.
I suppose then the highlight of my evening was being interviewed by CJ Papa. Would have been nice if I knew about it before hand, but that's how these things go. You just have to roll with it. Thanks Mike for taking pictures for me. CJ looks great, I look like a giant orange Yoko Ono.
(I really should have brought my hair straightener with me.) He's a very nice man, and was actually watching the game pretty intently while trying to formulate what we were going to talk about. Did you know that he DOESN't work for the Islanders? I didn't. Now I do.
And here's something interesting: CJ handed me a card about something called (are you ready?) Hockey: The musical! by Rick Wilson and Justin DeMarco. There's a preview in Long Beach on March 15th, but you can get all sorts of information on http://www.hockeythemusical.com/.
As the game ended, as miserably as it did, Mike didn't really want to go downstairs to the postgame interview. I must have looked at him like a hurt puppy, because he changed his mind and we both went downstairs. Ted must have been delayed because we were all waiting for a few minutes longer than usual. It was eerily quiet, and again Greg Logan was not there to lead the exchange. There were long pauses of silence. What could be said? Not much. I did want to blurt out "Dump the Tie!" But I didn't. I also didn't blurt out "Sean's got THREE!" I think he already knew that.... (That I was wrong and it's FOUR in 47 games!)
Ted stayed for his standard 4 minutes and then left. Everyone scurried into the locker room, I stayed back. "Are you going in?" Mike asked me. "No. I think I'll pass tonight. You go. You haven't been here in weeks." Mike left the room, and before I even had time to put my coat on, he was back. "I changed my mind. I have nothing to ask. I'll walk you to your car."
That sounded like a good deal to me, so we left without being noticed. At least it hadn't started to rain, but it did get somewhat colder. It had been so mild when I first got to the barn, but it felt like winter again, which really didn't bother me too much. I even had a chance to listen to Steve Mears and Chris King for about 5 minutes before their post game show was over. Then I listened to Home Ice on XM.
Karma. As the stars would have it, Blake also scored tonight for Toronto. He now has 10. Sean will catch up to him in no time. But there are only 31 games left to the regular season for the Islanders. They better start making it count.
So, yes they lost, as I almost knew they would when I first drove there tonight. I had no high hopes for the game as they never have a very good showing after a few days off. I suppose this is a team that needs to find a grove and work till they drop. Too long lounging and they can't find each other on the ice.
As Sybo said, it may have been the purple tie. I can't be sure, but maybe he should retire that one till August.
I suppose then the highlight of my evening was being interviewed by CJ Papa. Would have been nice if I knew about it before hand, but that's how these things go. You just have to roll with it. Thanks Mike for taking pictures for me. CJ looks great, I look like a giant orange Yoko Ono.
(I really should have brought my hair straightener with me.) He's a very nice man, and was actually watching the game pretty intently while trying to formulate what we were going to talk about. Did you know that he DOESN't work for the Islanders? I didn't. Now I do.
And here's something interesting: CJ handed me a card about something called (are you ready?) Hockey: The musical! by Rick Wilson and Justin DeMarco. There's a preview in Long Beach on March 15th, but you can get all sorts of information on http://www.hockeythemusical.com/.
As the game ended, as miserably as it did, Mike didn't really want to go downstairs to the postgame interview. I must have looked at him like a hurt puppy, because he changed his mind and we both went downstairs. Ted must have been delayed because we were all waiting for a few minutes longer than usual. It was eerily quiet, and again Greg Logan was not there to lead the exchange. There were long pauses of silence. What could be said? Not much. I did want to blurt out "Dump the Tie!" But I didn't. I also didn't blurt out "Sean's got THREE!" I think he already knew that.... (That I was wrong and it's FOUR in 47 games!)
Ted stayed for his standard 4 minutes and then left. Everyone scurried into the locker room, I stayed back. "Are you going in?" Mike asked me. "No. I think I'll pass tonight. You go. You haven't been here in weeks." Mike left the room, and before I even had time to put my coat on, he was back. "I changed my mind. I have nothing to ask. I'll walk you to your car."
That sounded like a good deal to me, so we left without being noticed. At least it hadn't started to rain, but it did get somewhat colder. It had been so mild when I first got to the barn, but it felt like winter again, which really didn't bother me too much. I even had a chance to listen to Steve Mears and Chris King for about 5 minutes before their post game show was over. Then I listened to Home Ice on XM.
Karma. As the stars would have it, Blake also scored tonight for Toronto. He now has 10. Sean will catch up to him in no time. But there are only 31 games left to the regular season for the Islanders. They better start making it count.
Tonight... I'm Tom..
I guess I am! Here I am first night back and where's my Blog Box Buddy, Live Blogger guru Tom Liodice? I DON'T KNOW!!! Wow.... This table is BIG when you're all alone.
Someone better show up or I'm getting IslanderQueen to sit with me, and anyone else I know here. Warm ups... nothing special. Although Comrie was yucking it up with Spezza.
Hey Webby, I've got a great view of Deb from here. Are ya jealous?
Trying to resist the temptation to start doing work from here since I"m not doing too much else. Oh! Look! It passed.
Tonight I prove to Corey Witt that you never throw a challenge at an older woman. Can't wear all orange to a game, eh? Didn't think they made Italian suits in this color did ya? Neither did I. And as long as no one stands behind me if I sneeze, we're good. European sizes are, lets say.... SMALLER, so the button on my skirt could jetizon off and take someone's eye out. I'll just hold my breath for 2 hours.
Gee, I'm so upset. Emery isn't playing. How my heart breaks for him.... NOT. I love Bruce Garrioch's headline from the Ottawa Sun "Emery Craps Out." Well, it makes sense doesn't it?
Jason Schoenberger just sang the Star Spangled Banner. He was very good, but I must be under the speakers. My ears are bleeding.
Typical Tuesday evening crowd -- light. I can actually hear conversations going on above me.
Sorry Alfie, you don't get to score yet.
I just noticed Aaron Johnson is out there tonight. Cool. Let's see if he can get some energy going for them.
Ricky's getting yelled at to stay in the net. Too bad it's not coming form the bench.
Bruno takes a penalty for hooking and ruins a great chance for Comrie. Ok, so that time it wasn't Mike's fault. He might have been able to make something of that.
Hang your head in shame, Bruno. You just cost the first goal. Shots are only Isles 2 - Sens 5, and they've got one... and we don't. (Just for you Gary.)
Make that TWO goals on six shots. I told ya they don't play well after a long layover. But it IS early. We'll see.
Should I try it again... "Hey! Sean! Any Game Now. You've only got two."
If anyone would like to play the numbers, the Ottawa goals were scored by: 14 - 19 - 11, and the seocnd one was: 4 - 20 - 10. Where's the Lotto lady? Just kidding.
Mike Carey from Islanders 360 joined me at the table. And they say chivalry is dead? Not with these guys. I also found out that Tom is attending a wake and Islesblogger.com Mike has had a death in the family. My condolences to both, now if someone can give me one more, the Italian "death comes in threes" thing will be done.
Almost Sean... Try again.
Trent left a puck for Blake (sigh) but the rocket shot went wide.
Frustration setting in with under 2 min left, I've never head the bench door slam so loudly before.
(don't you wish Tom was here??? I sure do!)
Did they luck out as #20 takes a penalty for tripping? Let's hope.
Nope. Back to the locker room down two. Gentlemen, have a nice chat with Teddy.
Be back in a few.
So, even with the poor showing in the first period, the merchandise stands have people around them. Nice to see.
So Berard takes a hooking penalty almost immediately. Will we be down by 3 soon?
Exactly what was the reason I chose NOT to drink tonight? I don't know. But too late now. I guess I'll just have coffee and be awake.
Berard springs from the box and takes a shot, somwhere toward the tunnel.
Do I seem cranky? I think I am. And I wasn't to start this day. I was in a really god mood. I'm starting to feel like this is a segment of 2 minutes inside a woman's head. Now if there was something actually going on on the ice, I wouldn't be wandering off so.
Silly passed to Hunter, but Hunter was no where to be found.
Sorry for the delay there, but CJ Pappa stopped by the Blog Box with the camera crew to do a little interveiw. Bet you're REALLY sorry you missed tonight NOW Tommy BOY!
Wait a second!!
SEAN!!! THAT'S THREE!!!! **** CORRECTION FOUR! (I must have missed one!)
Thank you!!
Ok. So CJ was telling me that he's headed out to Arizona for the big game to cover it for Channel 55. I hope you feel better by tomorrow CJ, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it either way.
Oh look, another penalty on the Islanders. Radek, in the box. I won't lie... I'm just happy Sean scored! And someone in 305 got a signed puck from him. Mike Carey just said it isn't far, I could go beat them for it. he he he.. tempting.
Someone better show up or I'm getting IslanderQueen to sit with me, and anyone else I know here. Warm ups... nothing special. Although Comrie was yucking it up with Spezza.
Hey Webby, I've got a great view of Deb from here. Are ya jealous?
Trying to resist the temptation to start doing work from here since I"m not doing too much else. Oh! Look! It passed.
Tonight I prove to Corey Witt that you never throw a challenge at an older woman. Can't wear all orange to a game, eh? Didn't think they made Italian suits in this color did ya? Neither did I. And as long as no one stands behind me if I sneeze, we're good. European sizes are, lets say.... SMALLER, so the button on my skirt could jetizon off and take someone's eye out. I'll just hold my breath for 2 hours.
Gee, I'm so upset. Emery isn't playing. How my heart breaks for him.... NOT. I love Bruce Garrioch's headline from the Ottawa Sun "Emery Craps Out." Well, it makes sense doesn't it?
Jason Schoenberger just sang the Star Spangled Banner. He was very good, but I must be under the speakers. My ears are bleeding.
Typical Tuesday evening crowd -- light. I can actually hear conversations going on above me.
Sorry Alfie, you don't get to score yet.
I just noticed Aaron Johnson is out there tonight. Cool. Let's see if he can get some energy going for them.
Ricky's getting yelled at to stay in the net. Too bad it's not coming form the bench.
Bruno takes a penalty for hooking and ruins a great chance for Comrie. Ok, so that time it wasn't Mike's fault. He might have been able to make something of that.
Hang your head in shame, Bruno. You just cost the first goal. Shots are only Isles 2 - Sens 5, and they've got one... and we don't. (Just for you Gary.)
Make that TWO goals on six shots. I told ya they don't play well after a long layover. But it IS early. We'll see.
Should I try it again... "Hey! Sean! Any Game Now. You've only got two."
If anyone would like to play the numbers, the Ottawa goals were scored by: 14 - 19 - 11, and the seocnd one was: 4 - 20 - 10. Where's the Lotto lady? Just kidding.
Mike Carey from Islanders 360 joined me at the table. And they say chivalry is dead? Not with these guys. I also found out that Tom is attending a wake and Islesblogger.com Mike has had a death in the family. My condolences to both, now if someone can give me one more, the Italian "death comes in threes" thing will be done.
Almost Sean... Try again.
Trent left a puck for Blake (sigh) but the rocket shot went wide.
Frustration setting in with under 2 min left, I've never head the bench door slam so loudly before.
(don't you wish Tom was here??? I sure do!)
Did they luck out as #20 takes a penalty for tripping? Let's hope.
Nope. Back to the locker room down two. Gentlemen, have a nice chat with Teddy.
Be back in a few.
So, even with the poor showing in the first period, the merchandise stands have people around them. Nice to see.
So Berard takes a hooking penalty almost immediately. Will we be down by 3 soon?
Exactly what was the reason I chose NOT to drink tonight? I don't know. But too late now. I guess I'll just have coffee and be awake.
Berard springs from the box and takes a shot, somwhere toward the tunnel.
Do I seem cranky? I think I am. And I wasn't to start this day. I was in a really god mood. I'm starting to feel like this is a segment of 2 minutes inside a woman's head. Now if there was something actually going on on the ice, I wouldn't be wandering off so.
Silly passed to Hunter, but Hunter was no where to be found.
Sorry for the delay there, but CJ Pappa stopped by the Blog Box with the camera crew to do a little interveiw. Bet you're REALLY sorry you missed tonight NOW Tommy BOY!
Wait a second!!
SEAN!!! THAT'S THREE!!!! **** CORRECTION FOUR! (I must have missed one!)
Thank you!!
Ok. So CJ was telling me that he's headed out to Arizona for the big game to cover it for Channel 55. I hope you feel better by tomorrow CJ, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it either way.
Oh look, another penalty on the Islanders. Radek, in the box. I won't lie... I'm just happy Sean scored! And someone in 305 got a signed puck from him. Mike Carey just said it isn't far, I could go beat them for it. he he he.. tempting.
BUSTED!
Ah, Valentine's Day is coming, and I so look forward to it more than any other holiday on the calendar. It's my wedding anniversary, and I always plan to have a loving, memorable day each year. We've had some great ones over the past 15 years. Some years, depending on the calendar, we can plan an over-nighter. We've celebrated at the South Street Seaport, renewed our vows at Gurneys in Montauk, strolled the cold winter docks in Amagansett, shopped among the rich and famous in East Hampton and cozied up to a romantic fire in Stony Brook. We've managed to work around the fire department training schedules, bad weather and the needs of an only child.
This year when I looked at the calendar I found that Big Angry Man has county class on February 14th, so an over-nighter is out of the question. We've also over indulged in a few winter vacations already which have strained the entertainment budget. I thought and came up with the best practical compromise I could.
"Honey... considering that you'll be under pressure with class this year on our anniversary, and we were just away a few weeks ago, why don't I plan a nice evening at home for us this year? I'll make lobster salad, and a heart shaped pizza, and an anniversary cake with those heart pans I bought two years ago. I've already got champagne in the fridge and we can light our wedding candle and dance to our first song in the living room."
He smiled, put his arms around me and whispered....
"There's an Islander game on, isn't there? And you're afraid if we go out, you'll miss it."
SON OF A B***CH! I forget how well this man knows me.
Well, I'll have time tonight to grumble and plan while I'm at the barn watching the Isles play the Sens again. Let's see, history dictates that they don't play too well after a long break. Let's hope that's not the case tonight. From here on in, every point (or lack there of) counts.
This year when I looked at the calendar I found that Big Angry Man has county class on February 14th, so an over-nighter is out of the question. We've also over indulged in a few winter vacations already which have strained the entertainment budget. I thought and came up with the best practical compromise I could.
"Honey... considering that you'll be under pressure with class this year on our anniversary, and we were just away a few weeks ago, why don't I plan a nice evening at home for us this year? I'll make lobster salad, and a heart shaped pizza, and an anniversary cake with those heart pans I bought two years ago. I've already got champagne in the fridge and we can light our wedding candle and dance to our first song in the living room."
He smiled, put his arms around me and whispered....
"There's an Islander game on, isn't there? And you're afraid if we go out, you'll miss it."
SON OF A B***CH! I forget how well this man knows me.
Well, I'll have time tonight to grumble and plan while I'm at the barn watching the Isles play the Sens again. Let's see, history dictates that they don't play too well after a long break. Let's hope that's not the case tonight. From here on in, every point (or lack there of) counts.
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