The "Third" Story 11-8-08

"I've seen this movie before. The Islanders lose."
That's what Big Angry Man said to me as we were well into the third and the Islanders had ZERO shots on goal for the period. The stats were actually 18 - 0 before Tambellini finally broke the drought at 17:46 of the 3rd.

Uggghh!!! As I opted to stay home with my husband to watch this game, and since I don't have a valid Internet connection in the house right now, I watched the game and took notes. Ten pages of them to be exact. It certainly is different watching a game on my big screen with B.A.M. and being able to hear Bill Jaffe's commentary. I actually paid attention and noticed all sorts of things I probably would have otherwise missed.

Let's start with MSG Plus first. What the heck is the problem with the volume on the HD channels? What is it? Mime? But oddly the commercials are blasting when they're on. And BTW, this no pre-game show for the Islanders while the Rangers and Devils have one is sheer and utter BS. If the evil Dolan empire wants to say there is no interest in our pre-game show then prove to me there is interest in the Rangers telecast.

Also, there is now some sort of High School Sports portion during the first intermission. Now, while I'm all for high school sports information, why is it airing during my hockey game? MSG already cut out my pre-game, they jump right into their Hockey Night Live thing as soon as the game is over, and now they added High School Sports info too? Are you begging me to go to Satellite service? Are you? And PS, adding Butch Goring to your round table after game discussions does not make this a post Islander game broadcast. (Although I will say I do enjoy watching the guy who looks like Bon Jovi. But then again, anything sitting next to Ken Daneko would be handsome.)

Okay, enough bitching about MSG. The good things about the broadcast were Stan Fischler's subway token tie and the fact that CJ Papa has found his broadcast comfort zone, just as I knew he would.

BTW, the wine at my house is much better than that at the Coliseum (cheaper too) and the Chicken Parm Pizza on the second level is to die for! But I digress.

This was undoubtedly Andy Sutton's best game. He was a pleasure to watch all evening. I did notice one little thing early in the first period that I couldn't get an answer on because it seems no one else saw it. But I watched a linesman grab Sutton's jersey as he was skating past him. I wish I was in the Blog Box with IslesOfficial Doug to ask him what that was all about. There was no call, no whistle and play didn't stop, but he was slowed up a little by that move.

Also, I noticed Crosby's stick sweep up over Sutton's head and knock his helmet forward, again no call. If you can get a stick up to big Andy's head, shouldn't that be a call? Again, where's Doug when I need him?

It's painfully obvious that B.A.M. hasn't been watching many games this season yet as he turned to me a few times asking who was wearing what number. "Who's number eleven?"

"Hilbert." I said wondering if he was just testing me, but he wasn't. I'm scared. He remembered him when he scored that back-hander while in the paint to make it 3 - 1.

Congratulations to Tim Jackman on his first goal of the season and third NHL goal of his career. He was a big part of this game tonight. Okay, the pleasant parts that is.

Doug Weight was proving that he's definitely not too old for this league and Jon Sim seemed invisible. Did he actually play tonight? The stat sheets says he played 12:26, but I didn't hear his name called ONCE by Billy or Howie. He was invisible.

No disrespect to our star goalie, but I am enjoying watching Joey MacDonald thrive. There are no antics in the crease, no theatrics and no wandering. Just saves. I just wish the rest of the team wouldn't let him become one big target every time they get to the third period. Is this what Joey actually signed up for? I think not.

The penalties were another story to the game. Some of them seemed marginal and infuriated Scott Gordon behind the bench.

For two minutes, let's put aside the fact that the team seems to fall asleep in the third period until there is under a minute left. I'd like to just mention that it seems the ice conditions in the Coliseum play a big part in these games. The puck bounces all over the place and won't settle down. I watched three players hit the ice without any help from the opposition and with only 35 seconds of the third left Sabourin went down behind his own net.

I've been in that building during the day when there are very few people in there; I've been in there when it's packed to the rafters. It's too damn WARM. When I can sit comfortably in a long sleeve shirt and never once look for my fleece, there's a problem. Ice conditions are a specific science. People spend years perfecting methods for optimum conditions. The Coliseum doesn't seem to have the concern other arenas have for this important part of the game. More should be done to improve ice conditions at the Coliseum which will not only improve the game but also protect those who play it.

I'm surprised that Sean Bergenheim didn't score a goal tonight since I was not personally in attendance. I did panic just a little when he absorbed impact with Hal Gill and went back on the bench in considerable pain. I'll admit, my heart raced a little. We seriously can't afford more injuries.

Sidney Crosby didn't seem like his usual amazing self this evening, and Okposo seems to be trying to do too much. Nielsen and Tambellini played their hearts out but this wasn't the outcome they were working for.

Everyone seems to be complaining about Gordon's shoot-out choices, but let's also remember that our old Mr. Shoot-Out didn't score on MacDonald. But yes, perhaps next time they wander into the shoot out forum, let the young guns have a go and leave the old work horses watching from the bench.

There seems to be a three goal, third period curse going on here. Bring in an exorcist and a Starbucks concession in the locker room. Some thing has gotta give or some one's head is going to explode soon. And it won't be pretty when it does.

Nite all.

Life Without Internet - 11/7/08

Before I leave the office for the day, and before I forget, because I do those things, I just wanted to tell the few of my friends who become very concerned about me when they do not see me on line 24/7 that I will be fine.

A transformer blew up and took my in-house Internet connector with it. The only Internet connection is in the office which is quite far from the big screen TV and comfy couch. So if I am not on NYIC adding to otherwise rediculous comments, or generating additional blogdrivel, please do not think that I have finally done it and slit my wrists with Jason Blake's skate blades.

I just won't have internet for a few days. Should the withdrawal symptons be too much for me to handle, I will drag the laptop to the local Starbucks and connect from there. Should I actually have a heart-attack and die, I will make sure that someone posts it on the NYIC board, otherwise... I'm fine.

Here we go again...

It's becoming a pattern. And not a very pretty one. The Islanders are up by three early in the game and then fall short at the end of 60. I'm not one that likes change, but this is a pattern I'd like to see them break right now. I'm sure Scott Gordon feels the same way as he seemed to have had a few choice words in the papers today.

I watched the last three minutes of the game with TravelChic at the Point Blank party last night. She went to say good-bye as the Islanders were down 3 - 4 and I begged her to stay.

"You can't leave now! There's only a few minutes left. They can tie it up. They can!" I stood up and kept her from leaving.

"Come on! I watched Ray Ferraro tie a game with 9 seconds left. They can come back." With wine induced eternal optimism I crossed my fingers and kept my eyes on the screen.

"Dee, Ray Ferraro had TALENT. He could score goals. We're lacking in that department right now."

The clock ticked down and the horn sounded. Game over and another loss for the books. I looked at Jack Capuano behind the glass door of the restaurant. He wasn't smiling. I just pouted at him to show my disappointment. I looked at Tiger Track Tom Liodice, "I'm still waiting for Scotty to have a stroke."

It was not the way to end the game with a room full of enthusiast Islanders fans. But that's the way it ended.

Thanks to Mr. Botta for hosting such a lovely party. I wonder how Josh Bailey did in Westbury.

Happy Birthday IslanderQueen. Hope we made it memorable.

Thanks to fellow Blog Boxers B.D. Gallof, Ken Dick and Tom Liodice for taking such good care of me all evening. Sorry I gave your wife a new word to use on you B.D. But if I have to live with it... so do you.

Thanks to Patti and Christine for finding the Islander fan in them.

Extra special thanks to my wonderful friend Wendy for being the designated driver and schlepping my butt all the way to RVC on a weeknight. I won't even tell anyone we went the wrong way on Sunrise Hwy and didn't realize it until we hit JFK and that's why I got home so late. No... Not me... I won't breathe a word about it.

I've Always LOVED Mike Modano - 11/6/08

While driving home from work last night and listening to Home Ice on my XM, I heard the little tidbit about Mike Modano publicaly calling out Stars teammate Sean Avery. I have to admit, I smiled ear to ear. Modano is one of the greatest American born hockey players ever, and he has always been a class act. So to hear that he made his feelings known publicaly just validated what I have known all along.... Avery is a putz.

Here is an except from veteran hockey writer Mike Brohpy:

"It took a lot of courage for Dallas Stars veteran Mike Modano to call out teammates Sean Avery and Steve Ott for their antics against the Boston Bruins on the weekend. In a nutshell, Modano said he was embarrassed by their behaviour and if this is how the organization is going to act this season, he'd rather take an office job. I exchanged text messages with Modano the past few days and he indicated to me that while he has traditionally kept his opinions to himself, he felt something needed to be said."

Also heard on Home Ice: Did Chris Chelios ACTUALLY say "My wife votes for our family." regarding this past presidential election? Shame on you Chelios! Shame on you!

Islanders are away tonight and I'll be celebrating my best friend's birthday with two of my best allies and partners in crime. It should be fun as we travel all over Nassau County tearing up the streets. Look Out Islander Country! We're ready to Party!

The Process Makes Progress 11-5-08

I wanted to bring up just a few points this morning as the sun dawns on a new, historic day for the USA.

I went to bed reviewing an Islander win and contemplating the potential presidential victory. I thought of how many doubts about our team are beginning to be shattered while doubts about our country's future loom large.

When the Islanders announced the parting of ways with well respected coach Ted Nolan, the fan base gasped in disbelief.

When Garth Snow gave Joey MacDonald a one way contract and Wade Dubielewicz left with nothing but a hand shake, the fans vocally doubted his choice.

When Scott Gordon was chosen over candidates with years of NHL experience to lead this team during a new phase, many thought Garth Snow had a hidden agenda.

The doubts continued as free agent Mark Streit was given a lucrative contract and Gordon lobbied for the signing of AHLer Nate Thompson.

Well Islander Country.... what say you now?

Of course, we are still awaiting the decision on dropping a few places in the draft and coming away with Josh Bailey. But something inside me says that too will turn out to be another "I told you so" Garth Snow decision.

So far the only decision our GM has made that I continue to doubt and grumble about is letting Darryl Bootland go. (BTW, he's doing very well with the Manatoba Moose.) And I'm even giving in on the Blake decision. (FINE! So you were right about that one too! Don't rub it in.)

Perhaps this team may not set any unprecedented NHL records this season, but in April we should come away pleasantly surprised and looking toward the future.

With God's blessing, our country can do the same. We awoke to a new day in American history. No one can discount the impact this election will have on the world. I hope this 47 year-old man and single term Senator is up to the task of leading a nation in a world of political and economic unrest.

In Obama's victory speech he used the phrase "While we breathe, we hope."

Personally... I hope we don't get our ass kicked. It is now his turn to prove himself.

What's Better than an Islanders Win?? 11-4-08

Why an Islanders win at MSG of course!

For a game that was considerably... um... boring, it had a very exciting ending.

Joey MacDonald is proving himself to be the NHL quality goalie that Garth Snow felt he was when he handed him a one way contract. Nice to see him prove himself to all his detractors that were so vocal a few months ago.

Congratulations to Nate Thompson on his first NHL goal. They say you always remember the exact play for that goal. Well, Nate will be remembering a short handed surprise for the rest of his life.

It's also nice to have the Islanders leading the NHL in something. Currently they lead in short handed goals. Thank you Richard Park! And oddly today I did send out a message calling for another one from him. So nice of the Cosmos to comply. I'm still waiting for those lotto numbers though.

Trent Hunter missed the empty net with only seconds left, but gave up his body to block a final Ranger rush. I hope he didn't crack a rib on that block.

Congratulations gentlemen. That was important to us. As I said at the beginning of the season. Those Dynasty die-hards kept telling me the Islanders could have a terrible season as long as they beat the Rangers every time. This is a start.

Rest up for the trip. Thanks for the two points.

And now we wait for the election results. "Be careful what you wish for... History starts now."

Good night Islander Country.

Blue Jackets are in town - 11-3-08

11:41 pm: At home, and a little wired. Weirdest thing I heard in the locker room this evening was when one reporter asked Chris Campoli (Who showed up with some sort of blue sling/brace/something or other on his left shoulder) "How important was it for you to come from behind?"

Uhhhh... Hate to break it to you guy, but they were leading. So it wasn't exactly a "come from behind" unless you thought you were in the Blue Jackets dressing room.

Nice that Joey MacDonald received his first point in the NHL for his assist. That certainly put a smile on his face. And missing from the room tonight were Newsday's Greg Logan and our own Michael Schulerine.

I think I need some sleep. Photos tomorrow.

Game Night:

And it's also the first game of the season that IslanderQueen and I are seeing together (sort of) so I'm somewhat distracted.

Jon Sim seems to have earned the ire of the linesman as he has been called now for two penalties so early in the first. However, IslesOfficial Doug has explained that the last goalie interference call is purely a black and white issue.

WE don't care.

2:42 left, SOG 7 - 13 and there is no score. Now, let's see if Joey has the Ricky syndrome of letting up a goal with 1 minute left.

Hopefully not. Oh, and Tambellini was actually throwing around his body for a change. What a surprise. Okay, heading to gate One for the Meet & Greet. Someone should score now.

And they did because IQ and I stood at Gate 1 waiting, and waiting but no one else from NYIC showed up. We did manage to chat with some fans from Finland who were wondering why Sean Bergenheim wasn't in the line up tonight. I was wondering the same thing. But Tiger Track Tom found me on the concourse to tell me that Sean has the flu. I hope these four gentlemen didn't fly from Finland to see Sean play. They must have my luck for sure.

So while IQ and I were in the Ladies room, Richard park made it 1 - 0. They're not going to let me sit at the table pretty soon. And sure enough, as soon as I got to the door, Bill Guerin made it 2 - 0. Again, they're thinking that I'm the bad luck as they are usually down by many when I'm at the table. We'll have to change that tonight for sure.

And just as I said that Campoli manages to find a whole in the dog pile in front of.. who? Norrena? And a short handed goal no less! Good for him, he so needed that.

Okay, so here's how this goes. We're sitting here and the boys are saying that for sure they will blow the 3 -0 lead as they did Saturday. I am positive. "No No" I say. Be positive. The newbie from Farmingdale college next to me tells me he is a realist. I keep saying stay positive and give him some chocolate.

Sure as crap, the score is now 3 - 2 and I'm getting harrassed for being "positive." Okay, this is getting freakin' tiring. How long can I be the glimmer of hope in the darkness?

Love the "Hey Comrie, stop being a princess!" call from above us.

While we are waiting for the Ice Girls to clear the ice, Happy Birthday to Tiger track Tom. And the other Farmingdale College newbie Adam caught a tee-shirt for the 3rd time. But with those arms, I can't imagine he wouldn't.

Oddly, Adam is wrong. They were supposed to win by 3 - 2. But now they are tied at 3. WTF???

Okay, okay, well, Columbus had a penalty, but from the groan of the crowd, it looks like we might ot get anything out of this.

"This is worse than watching the Met's bullpen this year." came from the right of me.

Okay, with 3:57 left. I'm packing up.

THE BLUE JACKETS ARE COMING!!! 11-3-08

Sorry, I'm still in history mode from visiting Boston. Okay, so it has been two seasons since the Islanders last matched up against the Columbus Blue Jackets. As NHL.com notes, there have been numerous line up changes since then. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing Captain Rick Nash. I'm curious to see how he has developed.

In 2004 I had the pleasure of staying in Columbus for the World Cup exhibition games. What a great city and beautiful arena district. It was without a doubt one of our most memorable mini-vacations. But while we were there, I noticed the Jackets were promoting Rick Nash the way the Islanders promote Rick DiPietro. Nash IS the face of the Blue Jackets. Tonight, their "face of the franchise" will be on the ice. OUR "goalie for life" will be sidelined and purely a spectator. Yes, many things have changed since 2004.

Also returning is ex-Islander Mike Peca. The return to the coliseum must be very bittersweet for him. Those who were closest to him during his tenure are no longer around and I'm sure he will be flooded with memories as he steps out onto that ice for warm ups.

Mike Peca was the guy we used to like to call "Captain Crunch." In his heyday his thin frame could disable an opponent and render them useless. But then the unfortunate knee injury seemed to change him forever. I'd like to think he will receive a warm welcome back to the Island. He's given a lot to this game and he deserves to be recognized for it.

Let's also see how Ken Hitchcock handles his team now that his wallet is $10,000 lighter since the NHL penalized him on Friday for Jared Boll's instigator penalty. And I quote "The disciplinary action is pursuant to NHL Rule 47.22, which states "a player who is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation in the final five minutes of regulation time or at anytime in overtime, shall automatically be suspended for one game ... in addition, the player's coach shall be fined $10,000 – a fine that will double for each subsequent incident." (That was for IslesOfficial Doug.)

The final comments by Kyle Okposo in today's Newsday article by Greg Logan made me think of a very old adage. He is quoted as saying "It's tough to not get a win, but I think our game is moving in the right direction."

How many times did I hear my daughter's little league coaches tell them "It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.... Now let's go get some ice cream!"?

Yes, for the next 4 - 6 weeks, without Rick DiPietro in net, it will be the process and the mechanics that will be most important, not the outcome. Patience is a virtue, let us all be 'virtuous.'

Today is National Cliche day. I have done my part. And I'm sure whomever is in the post game interviews tonight will do theirs as well.

Happy Monday people.

So close yet so far...

Okay, so like, what was that?

I'm standing at the bar with IslanderQueen and PuckRock, a fellow Islander fan and SFD hockey player. We're watching the last period of the game and what do we see? We see the Canadiens not only come from behind to tie it, but then... they win. Okay, like what was that? They were winning the entire time. They lose?

AAAAAKKKKKKKKKK.... Better yet? I almost had to kill a Ranger fan who decided it would be funny to try to change the channel on me with just a few minutes left in the game. Granted, he does't know me too well, so when I explained "Please don't do that, beause I will have to kill you." he thought I was kidding. By the third time I said it, I think he was getting the hint. But ofcourse, slow and stupid had to wait for a man to explain that I was in deed NOT KIDDING and if he didn't turn the TV back to the Islander game, he was absolutely going to lose a testacle. I may be short and chubby, but please remember I am Scicilian and have a vast knowledge of cutlery.

Sigh... Islanders lost. IslanderQueen and I had a great time and.... the Hanson brothers won the costume contest.

I can't even look at the post game video yet. I know it must have been bad in that room. I'll save it for tomorrow. Tonight, I'm still in a good mood.