Looking a Radio Gift Horse in the Mouth 10-4-08

Or so it may seem. And I really don’t want it to come off that way. But while I was sitting on the ball field this morning, I wandered over to my car to listen to the inaugural broadcast of “NY Hockey This Week.” I turned the car toward the ball field so I could still see my daughter’s game going on. Of course, no sooner did I put my head down to try to get my lap top running, she hit a home run. I didn’t see the hit, but I saw her rounding the bases. I knew I was going to get yelled at for that. But that’s my luck.

With two minutes before air time, the ESPN radio announcer in the previous time slot called it “the Rangers Show”… TWICE. I cringed. The Gods of the Internet were not kind to me today as the Kings Park school they were playing at didn’t seem to have a wireless connection. DRAT!
I immediately noticed something I wasn’t used to… COMMERCIALS. I am so spoiled by XM radio that I forgot that AM radio makes its money off sponsorship. That means commercials for just about everything and anything. And then let’s not forget the news too. Oh, and other sports scores. AAAGGGGHHHH… AM radio: Disjointed content that cause you to reach for the preset buttons. I resisted.

The ESPN theme played and the show started on time. Pleasantries were volleyed between Don La Greca and Chris Botta and then onward to the Scott Gordon interview. The “Enforcer” question rears its mighty head along with the choice between Sugden and Fritz. “They have to be able to play the game.” Gordon says. Ah yes, the sticky part of the gorilla-on-skates role.

“….It’s an important part of the game and Mitch Fritz is a step in the right direction. If he can continue to progress in that area, it will be a big thing for our team.”

He was asked about Snow’s acquisition, Mark Streit? “Streit is here to play defense. The more he plays defense the better he’ll get.”

On 2008 1st Round draft pick, Josh Bailey Gordon said “… if we can get him into a game and he performs well… we haven’t closed the book on whether he’ll start with us, but not on the 4th line. If he’s not on the top 2 or at least the third -- he can’t play here.”

Why waste his time when he can accomplish so much more in juniors. Botta contended “Bailey will play 9 games. He’s the Captain of his junior team and he needs to be in the World Juniors.” Yes he does. But his injury is still in question.

Speaking of injury, Campoli and Sutton are out for at least two weeks, but the good thing is there were no additional injuries from last night’s game. Never thought that would be a bonus, but I guess we have to be grateful for small favors.

The Islanders played Boston tonight and won 3 - 1 in regulation. But I’ll get to that later.
How many minutes is this show supposed to be? There were so many commercials!!
The girls win their softball game and we’ve moved fields. No luck on the internet connection there either.

The interesting (but far from surprising) thing I noticed on the show was that the calls were coming in for Botta. It just proved what I’ve known all along. He has a very dedicated fan base that would do anything to support him. If this show was on at 4 am, there’d be phone calls.

The music began to play over Don and CB as they headed into yet another… COMMERCIAL BREAK. Don La Greca’s lightening speed speech is a sharp contrast to Botta’s deliberate, articulate tone. But then again, CB is no stranger to radio and Don’s usual partner is EJ Rhadek, and if he doesn’t talk fast, he’d never get a word in edgewise.

La Greca’s advice to Islanders fans was “More patience.” Hmmmmm… where have we heard that before?

Before Lou Lamariello called in for his guest spot, they talked about the NJ Devils, and of course, the great Marty Brodeur. “Is this the year he’s human?”

What a question. We ask it every year. And every year he proves he’s still amazing. “He looks worn down -- Mentally, he’s worn down. There’s too much on his shoulders.” Don was condemning.

Botta called him a “class act.” “He is one of the greatest athletes we’ve seen play in NY.” That he is CB. That he is.

I took the next commercial and news break to head into Dunkin Donuts. My world doesn’t run on Dunkin’ but it was the closest public restroom I could locate.

I returned in the middle of Lamariello’s interview as he was discussing the salary cap and the potential problems the NHL could be facing. The NHLPA has the right to revisit it in (I think) April. Certainly, they will.

Wow! I didn’t know Glidden paint has a website called “mostcolorfulfan.com” to promote their official team colors paint? Of course not. I only listen to XM radio!!!!! HOW MANY F-ING COMMERCIALS CAN THERE BE IN A ONE HOUR SHOW? They can’t be making that much money that they need this many sponsors to afford them. God… I’m spoiled. If they ever get a podcast of this… it will be a 28 minute show. I’m positive.

Islanders #1 fan, Miriam from Forest Hills called in to wish CB the best on his new venture and to ask why everyone’s got the Islanders slated for a 14th or 15th place finish. That made Botta laugh, “Can they play a game yet?” So true! Gordon doesn’t even have a final roster, but the media outlets are determining where they’ll pick in next year’s draft. Foolish to say the least.
It was also noted that Rick will steal games in this tough division. As long as he stays healthy of course.

A little more chit-chat and they were done by 11:26 am. All in all, it was a great first run. I’m hoping they can come up with a good, permanent time slot. AM radio is something you either have to web stream or listen to in the car. At least… that’s the only way I can listen.

Now, about that game tonight that the Islanders won 3 - 1 over Boston. Once again, I was disappointed that there was no way for me to watch or listen to the game. I could only imagine it in my head while I watched the crawl on the Ranger replay.

I went to the Bruins site to see if they were web streaming the audio the way the Devils did the night before. Nope. But they did have a live blog going. That didn’t’ do it for me. But, as luck would have it, since I’m on the NHL.com site probably … oh… EVERY 20 minutes or so… I found that one of the new features of NHL.com is this revamped Real Time player. You can’t maximize it, and it doesn’t stay open if you click on another window, but it is a wonderful new gadget.

There are a bunch of features condensed into this little box. I can’t actually show you a screen shot of it, because I’m not Islesblogger.com Mike. But check it out during ANY game. It shows you the same as a normal scoreboard would, but additionally player shot information and penalty info. I found the damn thing fascinating as I watched it for the final 6 minutes of the game. You’ve got to try it.

So that’s my report on NY’s newest Hockey show on ESPN radio. As if anyone cared. Also if anyone cares…. My daughter’s team won all three of their games, and came in as the second seed for tomorrow’s games. At least we don’t have to be at the fields until 12:30 pm tomorrow.
Travel softball…living like a gypsy and spending a fortune. Just not quite as much as I would be if she played hockey. Again…. Thank heaven for small favors.

How Bloggers Make Money 10-4-08

http://www.slate.com/id/2201325/?GT1=38001

I am sadly lacking in all aspects.

While packing up my computer to go sit on a ball field in Kings Park and freeze my butt off (and not the good 'inside an ice rink" kind of 'freeze'... I stumbled on this article on MSN's home page.

It's long, but it's pretty interesting. Since bloggers are the ones who mostly read other blogs, there is some good insight here.

A belated Happy Birthday to both Corey Witt and Bruno Gervais who also celebrated their birthdays yesterday along with Chris Lee. Neither Bruno nor Corey scored a goal on Kevin Weeks or walked away with a 3 year deal.... but I hope they enjoyed their day non-the-less.

Corey... I owe you.

Islanders Win 3-2 in OT, but who knew? 10-3-08

This is becoming increasingly frustrating. I understand it's pre-season. It means nothing in the standings. But the fact that if the Rangers have a borscht for breakfast in Prague, it will be on MSG. The Islanders play games in the tri-state and unless your psychic or perpetually connected to the Internet, you're screwed.

I don't get it. Newsday sent three reporters to a game that was not broadcast -- anywhere. Sure there were some live blog entries, but no TV, no audio feed, no webstream, not even a geek with a low frequency radio.

Today I asked Jason Lockhart if the game would be on MSG since it was the NJ Devils, the OTHER golden child of MSG. Sadly no. What he didn't tell me was that the Devils website had their audio feed running. I didn't find this out until there was only five minutes left to the game.

If the NHL is so concerned about growing the game, perhaps they should look in their own backyard. How can you grow a game that no one can find? Just a question.

In contrast, MSG Plus, (the channel you cannot locate on the MSG website unless you KNOW to look under TV) aired the one hour Moncton chronicles. Bill Jaffe was outstanding as usual, but for some reason the colors seemed off. The game video portions were crisp and clear, the interview portions were red. As if they were filmed in a dark back room.

I found it interesting that they mentioned Bailey's "contract" and being able to play 9 games in the NHL and still being able to return to his junior team. Um. When was this filmed?

So I take it we are without audio or video coverage until the season actually starts next Friday. I guess I will have to deal. But I'm really not a happy camper. In this world of instantaneous information I have to rely on message boards and 24 hour bloggers to get a sports score.

Sorry, but to me, something is seriously wrong with this picture.... it's blank.

Still A-Twitter - 10-2-08

Just a few things I forgot from last night.

During warm ups at the glass, Tom Liodice and I were taking photos and I was noticing all the new names on the ice. I blurted out "Who ARE these guys?!" Tom immediately offered up "Panic in the Disco!" as he thought I was referring to the song that just started. As if I didn't know!

I swear I saw Jon Sim smiling every time he touched the puck during warmups.

Best line of the evening had to come from CJ Papa in Press Room 6 as we were waiting for Gordon to appear. He was talking about his new MSGPlus promotion and asked Katie Strang and I, "Can I say 'I have some pretty big HEELS to fill? Would that be okay?"

Katie and I both agreed it was fine. "I'd be flattered if someone said that about me." Katie told him.

Speaking of heels, my very cute blue satin high wedge sneakers that everyone thought looked so 'comfortable' were deadly. By the time I left the building and had to walk all the way around to the Mariott side for my car, I could no longer bear them.

Once OkposoNet Ken and I parted company, I looked around, made sure no one else was watching, took the shoes off and ran through the puddles to my car.

I'd like to know where Frank (Voice of the Fans) was last night! I was READY!

Time to get dressed and go to work. That thing I do in between hockey games.

Preseason Heartburn - 10-1-08

This is where I think "Twitter" would come in handy. The day I was so looking forward to was just one long string of oddities and dissapointments.

It's late, so forgive the disjointed, free flowing sentences that may or may not make any sense at all.

There's Budweiser in the baby carriage pushed by Grandma on Rte. 109.

The Day Rate hotel now has wireless internet service.... I guess you're now supposed to supply your own porn.

How can I be excited over $3.49 a gallon gas? But I am.

I beat the rain to the Coliseum. But a nice way to start the season, I can't get into the parking lot. I pay the $7 and curse at the yellow shirts to maybe look at the freaking website once in a while.

Tiger Track Tom has "crossed the line." He's upstairs tonight.

Maureen my favorite bartender is still there, but drinks are now $8.50, and hardly worth it.

The IBC event was packed! What a showing! I should have eaten something, it all looked so good.

I can smell cinnamon roasted nuts.

Looks like some of the STHs decided to stay home.

Seems like the new jerseys will be unveiled in 31 days, that's November 1st.

I had a senior moment while talking to Chris Dey and completely forgot one of my coworkers names.

Yes, Mitch Fritz is big, but considering I had a bartender who was 6'9" he doesn't scare me. Hopefully he scares the guys on the other team.

Blogger buddy Doug is here with his girlfriend and are keeping me and Ken company.

MacDonald made a good save and then a minute later was run into his own net.

Tambellini did manage a nice move on Brodeur, but hell... it's Broduer. Nothing.

"Even strength looks like they're on a penalty kill." someone at the table.

"Sim has the puck! Haven't been able to say that in 80 games." Also someone at the table. (I'm not allowed to quote them any more.)

I missed Sugden's fight. CRAP.

Rupp is just rolling over everyone. Someone stopp him please.

Jackman and Brookbank took a turn at dancing and then had to leave the ice.

Where's my Parise jersey damn it! He scores.

Another fight. What a surprise.

Dina comes to visit me. That's absolutely the highlight of the game. We laugh about the old joke "I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out." Yep.

Oh Crap! I didn't know Holik is on the Devils. Um... I hate Holik.

MacDonald isn't horrible, but the wine is. Yuck.

Comrie doesn't produce "I want to see a $4 million goal!" Comes from my right.

Mitch Fritz is gargantuan. Again came from my right.

There's not much to cheer for at all and it tool 51 minutes for the booing to start in the stands. That's probably because they were pretty sparse.

Witt and Brookbank in the box for roughing. I've completely lost interest now.

From my right, an intelligent comment: "That's the second time MacDonald's been beat by a slap shot more than 25 feet on the glove side." My thoughts "Devils score."

Gordon comes to the press room without his jacket and tie. Maybe they were afraid he was going to hang himself with it.

Newsday sent three reporters tonight. Too bad there isn't much for them to work with.

"That's a great shade of mascarra." That's the first time those words were ever spoken in press room 6.

I can't go through the locker room comments yet. It's too late. But I'm impressed with Hillen.

Check the rest of the blogosphere for more information on this first home game at the Coliseum. I have to go to bed. 6am comes really fast in this household.

Blog Box: Season 2 10-1-08

Well, it's Wednesday, October 1st. The first hockey game of the season at the Coliseum. The first (semi) reunion of the Blog Box. With a few changes in the off season, it seems that Frankenstein's monster has been left to run loose. But once the "band of bloggers" are back at the table, I'm sure we'll come up with a few new stunts here and there.

But for now, we just need to get started. It's only a preseason game, so I'm sure I'll be asking Tiger Track Tom every five seconds "Who's that?," but he's nice enough to never tell me to "just look at the damn roster Dee."

Islesblogger Mike will be there, and hopefully will spend time at the table and not just in his seats with his Uncle. Besides, I want to see his new camera (If he did make the purchase we talked about.)

And Frank. My arch nemeses Frank will take some time from his busy work and home schedule to join us at the table for the sheer pleasure of poking at me that someone else is wearing that #55 sweater. I'm ready for you Frank.

B.D. unfortunately has other responsibilities for the evening so he won't be in his usual spot at the far end of the group. Not sure if the "Kens" will be there or not, but I think Mr. Gasparino will make a guest appearance.

I look forward to seeing CJ Papa so I can congratulate him on his promotion and to seeing Dina the Arena hostess so I can show her my new shoes. I'm sure the boys will try to ignore our giggling in the hallway as we rattle off our entire off season happenings at lightening speed.

I'm anxious to see Scott Gordon conduct the first post game in Press Room 6, and see if he can be heard over the air conditioner or not. He's had plenty of time to learn that Greg Logan asks the hard questions and everyone else follows.

I may or may not bring the lap top. I may leave the live blogging to the man who does it best. But we'll see. Either way, I'm sure we'll have some interesting things to talk about come 11 pm tonight.

NHL Fan Fest on 10/10/08

Celebrate the Hockey Fan and the start of the season!

For all those people (including me) that say that nothing great hockey related EVER happens in the US, I give you the NHL (Powered by Reebok)* Store Fan Festival! (Okay, so I’m still pissy about Kraft’s Hockeyville event. Come on Kraft! We EAT boxed Mac & Cheese! Why can’t you do this in the US???)

Well, what they have planned sounds like one hell of a great time. Some lucky hockey fan is going to win a Honda Fit Sport. Lousy name for a car, but it‘s a car. They have a full roster of events scheduled from 11 am - 3 pm that Friday at the store located at 1185 Avenue of the Americas. Blue man group will be doing ice sculptures in front of the store. The Zambonis will perform, Starbucks samples are free, they‘re unveiling a new Orange County Chopper Original Six themed motorcycle and there will be Alumni on hand from our local teams, including the Islanders. I’m thinking Bossy. Anyone else want to venture a guess?

The prizes they are giving away made me very jealous that I wouldn‘t be able to get there on that day. They include two tickets to the Winter Classic But the NHL marketing team is not stupid, they‘ve set up a micro site starting tomorrow (10/1/08) at http://www.faceoffnyc.nhl.com/ for those of us who can‘t get to the store to enter for a chance to win.

But if you CAN get there on Friday the 10th, please do so and let me know how it was…. So I can be even more jealous.

I really have to get my butt into Manhattan before it gets cold!

*It seems to be an NHL law. You have to say that.

Hockey Injuries: What's wrong with this picture?

Is it the NHL’s new Injury Policy or the Injuries themselves that are the problem?

I listened to XM’s Home Ice all day for the last few days. For some reason, I could not turn it off. Many of the commentators were talking about the amount of injuries that are already being “reported,” or not reported, as the case may be.

I’m less concerned about being able to get the details of the injuries and more concerned with the occurrence. There are too many. I tried to piece together the injuries on other teams, but couldn’t get past just four days worth of NHL.com headlines. I gave up.

Let’s suffice it to say that we are not the only club who is experiencing injuries, but it may seem that way since some of the injuries hinted at concern players that had injuries last season. I’m thinking Jon Sim is saying a novena in his stall every day he hits the ice. He lost an entire year of his career because of injury. I’m certain he doesn’t want a repeat performance. He played less than two full games last season.

Chris Campoli, although reported from Ice Works that “he seemed okay,” and “didn’t seem depressed” has GOT to be thinking “Oh No! Not again.”

However, the most telling quote about the situation comes from Greg Logan’s Newsday article today direct from Scott Gordon:

"I was taken aback by the amount of hip flexor and groin issues because it never was an issue for me before. It seemed to really target the guys who were here last year.”

Ya think?

How many times did I say aloud “I hope Teddy skates them till they puke!” after a horrendous loss? I was not being sadistic, it is just a Herb Brooks reference to work them beyond their limits and turn them into winners. Guess what? Ted never did. He could never channel Herb Brooks and that level of intensity. I think Gordon is going to try, and he's going to have his hands full.

Hockey is no longer a game for the unfit. Twenty-five years ago hockey was played by men who spent their summers working on farms, drinking beer and eating pizza. Now they spend their summers hitting the gym and making sure, they come to camp in September in better shape than they did the last September. Maybe they are just expecting too much from the human body and from modern science.

But are the players taking training just a bit too far? Can it be that all the summer training is breaking down their bodies rather than building them up? This is really the debate at hand. Hockey is grueling. The schedule doesn’t leave much time for a body to heal. Should they really only be taking a few weeks off, if they do that at all? We could explain away the injuries by saying “it’s a young man’s game.” We could, if it were only the seasoned vets hobbling out of training camp. It’s not.

Also in Logan's article, according to Gordon, it’s not anyone’s fault.

“It’s just a different style. The guys that weren’t here last year were better able to handle the type of practices we had.”

Uh… Sorry. THAT sounds like that COULD be someone’s fault.

So what’s wrong here? The players? The training? The trainers? The doctors? The policy? Uh… all of the above? Maybe we expect too much from the human body. How many players had multiple operations at the end of last season? Yet we’re supposed to believe they should be 100% in a matter of weeks. Is that humanly possible? I had one operation in my life and the scar tissue bothered me for over a year. I would wince in pain every time it rained. (Weird, but true.)
Are the players taking training just a bit too far? Can it be that all the summer training is breaking down their bodies rather than building them up? This is really the debate at hand. Hockey is grueling. The schedule doesn’t leave much time for a body to heal. Should they really only be taking a few weeks off, if they do that at all? We could explain away the injuries by saying “it’s a young man’s game.” We could, if it were only the seasoned vets who are hobbling out of training camp. It’s not.

Maybe they push themselves too hard because they know with only a little over 700 jobs in the league, there is always someone waiting in the wings to take their place. On Monday afternoon, one of those waiting in the wings was one Thomas Pock. Moreover, he has a one-way contract.
For some reason, the phrase “TAG! You’re IT!” comes to mind. By the end of last season, I wasn’t even sure who was on the ice. The Bridgeport connection was playing four and five back-to-back games. They didn’t even know where they were going. It’s not even October yet. We may be starting the same way we ended.

Maybe we should focus on the problem and not the policy.