More Christmas Presents

"Dear Santa:

All I want for Christmas is a Game Winning goal. If that's a little too much to ask for, can I at least have a game TYING game with like, let's say 2 seconds left in the 3rd?

Your Pal, Chris Campoli."

So sayeth Big Angry Man Saturday night after the game.

And the Christmas Magic continues as the Islanders manage to steal a point from Lindy Ruff's Sabres. Even more "magical" was a long waited for goal by Jeff Tambelllini. We can finally take the Jeff Tambellini Goal Watch clock down off of our NYIC message board. And of course, Webby is quick, it's already down. Now, let's not have to wait 42 games for another one Jiffy Jeff.

"Pain and Progress are inseperable." So sayeth the Maven. And that is what we got out of the shoot out Saturday. Although MacDonald did an excellent job through 3 periods and one overtime, he was no match during the shoot out.

I wonder if Scott Gordon will lock Sean Bergenheim in a room with three hours worth of video tapes. Deserved or not, that penalty Sean was called for during overtime was killer, and not the frst time he's done that. Wonder what Bergie's video file looks like now. I'm sure it isn't pretty.

Note to Sean from Mom:

Sean, you have to do better. You're smarter than this. Please show it or you will end up in the press box or worse.

Now, can someone tell me why the team plays so diffierently with the man in the Golden Mask in the net. Does Ricky actually give them so much confidence that they can play BETTER? They don't give Joey too many opportunities to win.

But I will say that Rick did play far more disciplined Friday night. His saves were not as dramatic, he didn't flop around. Now, the interesting item is that Islesblogger.com noticed that Rick didn't land comfortably during the obligatory celebration chest bump between the Man in the Golden Mask and our 2 second boy, Chris Campoli. Check it out.

Tomorrow they face the Rangers and the big question will once again be who will be in net. If the injury status was just a clever ruse to get Yann Denis up from Bridgeport, then it will be The Rick. If Joey is firmly planted in net come the first puck drop.... then we'll REALLY have something to talk about!!!

Hockey Christmas Miracles (sort of)

What a day!!! Boxing day to some, a day of minor Christmas miracles to me!

I had today off, so I decided to head over to practice this morning at the Coliseum. Those who know me know exactly why I went today. I couldn't motivate enough to get there by 10:30 am but I did manage to get there by 11:20. Just in time to see the Maple Leafs hit the ice. I didn't have a problem since that's why I was really there.

Okay, so the first day after Christmas minor Miracle was that by 12:01 pm ex-Islander Jason Blake broke down and stopped, waved and mouthed "Hi." to me from behind the glass while he was practicing. I couldn't believe it. It took him 31 minutes of skating in front of me before he would actually acknowledge me. No, wait. It actually took... FOUR SOLID YEARS for him to acknowledge me. But we take our minor miracles as they come and say thank you to the heavens. I only wish I knew what the hell he said to his line mates after he waved to me.

Next up in the minor Miracles Department was the news that Rick DiPietro was going to be back in net for this game. It was a text that Tiger Track Tom Liodice sent to me just as I was getting out of the car and heading to meet family and friends at the Marriott.

"No way!" I responded. This must have been the Christmas present that the Islanders were waiting to give us as fans. This was such a surprise that CJ Papa stopped me as I was passing to tell me the good news. He was disappointed that I had already been informed. Blog Box, news travels fast.

Even more miraculous was that at 3:47 of the first, DiPietro was awarded an assist on his first game back from re-hab. It was Kyle Okposo's goal, and it was pretty. Even though Kyle spent a lot of time sprawled out on the ice for the rest of the game. It was still a pretty goal, and Ricky got the assist.

There was an ALMOST minor miracle too, but it didn't quite come to fruition as they announced a first NHL goal for Josh Bailey. The crowd went wild. There was a congratulation sign on the jumbotron. And then the text message from the Big Angry Man showed up on my phone.

"It's Guerin's Goal! Clearly!" I felt bad for Josh considering the display and adoration the rather large crowd bestowed on him. It was Billy's 399th goal. The next miracle was Billy's 400th NHL goal which came at 2:34 of the 3rd period. This is a great accomplishment, and we're happy for Guerin who has been a wonderful Captain. As the eighth American born player to reach this milestone, I'm sure Billy feels it's a great honor. He seriously does deserve it.

Next up in the miracle department was the fact that the Islanders finally broke their losing streak with a 4 - 1 win. Granted, this is the Maple Leafs they beat. But after losing 10 straight games, I'm sure they would have accepted a win against a high school team if they had to.

I had called for 12 straight losses. But I was told this morning that for sure, the Islanders would win this one. It was the truth. I believe it was because I was attending with two very lucky ladies and one who has luck about the same as my own.

My luck was having the remnants of a bloody mary spilled on my jeans. It wasn't too bad, I lived with it. I had to. And surprisingly, there was a celebrity sighting at the Coliseum, Keanu Reeves, complete with "I haven't shaved in 10 days for a part" beard was sitting in the 200s and looking considerably uncomfortable when they put the camera on him. Nice to see someone famous in the seats. Wonder if they comped him.

As Greg Logan was on vacation, Stan Fischler seemed to be the one running the show in the press room when Scott Gordon walked in. Gordon was considerably more at ease considering the win. But he never mentioned the loss (yet another freakin' loss) of Andy Hilbert who will be out with a hairline fracture of his foot from blocking a shot. We really do not need another player out with an injury.

There was no information on whether or not DiPietro would be playing tomorrow or the game after that. It's all day to day as Gordon said to the media.

Well, that's the Minor Miracles for the day. I'm falling asleep so I'm cutting this off. If I think of anything else tomorrow I'll add it.

So good night all. Thanks to my friends and my Mother-in-law for a great night. And I created a new hockey fan of my friend Patti. It seems if we can't keep breeding new Islanders fans then we have to just ASSIMILATE them.

The Brotherhood of Hockey - Perfect for Christmas

It's Christmas morning and I'm living on four hours of sleep. My refrigerator is packed so tight with leftovers, you can't even see the light. Things need to be put away, and serve ware needs to be cleaned, but not before I have my coffee and cinnamon rolls and browse through the Internet to see what I have missed since yesterday.

And What to my Wondering Eyes does appear -- but an article on Richard Park being honored by NY State. Oddly, I don't remember getting THAT press release. Oh, that's right. We DIDN'T get it. Did you know that December 23rd was Richard Park day in New York State? Of course you didn't, unless you read Jason Lockhart's article on the Islanders website.

Diversity in hockey is what the state was honoring, and what the Islanders are promoting. Once again select Isles staffers are off to China for project Hope. This year sees the first tournament named after Mr. Wang. The Nassau County Mustangs will be representing the USA as they play against teams from China and Finland. They and their families won this chance of a lifetime by selling over $78,000 in the Islanders Pucks into Bucks fundraising program.

What a splendid way to promote hockey and friendship among nations. Which brings me to my next thought.

Ex-Isles staffer Adam Sherlip, who was involved with Project Hope last season, has found a new calling. He was so touched by the experience in China that he would like to bring Hockey and all it brings with it to more far off places on the globe.

"To Adam, hockey embodies many of the virtues that we all strive to embody in our daily practice: teamwork, selflessness, loyalty, honesty and accountability. "

At first, I wasn't too sure about his very lofty goal of bringing Hockey to the Himalayas. I can't even spell Himalayas without copying it from his website. But the more I talked to him, the more I realized what a truly noble cause he is attempting.

So check out Adam's website to learn more about his Hockey Volunteer program by clicking the link and realize that hockey is more than a game. It is a chance to bring people together in a world that needs far more peace and friendship.

So congratulations Richard Park and Charles Wang, and best of luck to you Adam Sherlip. Merry Christmas Hockey fans!

The 48 Hour Marathon Begins

It's Wednesday morning, December 24th and the alarm went off at 6 am, just as it does every day. But today is different. Not just because the brat baby doesn't have school, so she's NOT the first thing I have to deal with. Bu because it is finally Christmas Eve and my Marathon run has begun.

It will be 48 hours of cleaning, cooking, entertaining and eating. Two days of family drama along with Christmas cookies and wrapping paper. Two days of 'go here, go there, do this, do that' and 'pass the wine.'

I have yet to watch my favorite Christmas movies on DVD or watch the most beautiful ice show I have even seen, "Winter Solstice on Ice." I'm hoping that I can watch it sometime tomorrow around midnight.

I haven't had time to call old friends and chat about my year and theirs. But I have had time to think about it. As joyous as Christmas is, there is always a degree of sadness to it. You can think of Christmases past and remember the loved ones you've lost. You can think of the happy times you had with young children who are now grown and only look at the designer labels and not the wrapping paper.

There will be no Cookies for Santa this year on the fireplace to be eaten by the dog. No surprise on Christmas morning to see what Santa left. At fourteen, those days are long gone, replaced with "PLEASE tell me you got me an Ed Hardy t-shirt." and "Why did you get me that? I can't wear that! Brooke has the same one!"

Ah yes... the sounds of Christmas.

But the Christmas music on the radio still makes me cry when I'm driving, because it makes me think. Snoopy's Christmas makes me cry because I can only think of when I was six years-old and our family was large, poor and all alive. Christmas Eve was all the Aunts and Uncles in one house and all the cousins in the basement. The women would be in the kitchen making home made pasta and the men in the dining room playing cards and smoking cigars.

At 10 pm, the youngest Uncle would dress as Santa and bring toys in for all the cousins, no matter how old they were. The night was always topped off with espresso, chestnuts and those hard little honey balls that I can't spell in Italian.

"No more lives torn apart, and wars would never start. And time would heal all hearts. And everyone would have a friend, And right would always win, and Love would never end. This is my grown-up Christmas wish."

That one is my favorite. The Amy Grant classic that puts it all out on the table and sends me straight for the Kleenex. *(Note: I forgot one! The one song that embodies exactly how the season feels to me. Trans Siberan Orchestra's Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24. If that doesn't make you want to run screaming from the mall, nothing will!)

I am grateful for the friends I have made this year, they are a blessing. I am pained for the friends I have lost this year through natural causes or sheer arrogance and stupidity. Friendship is an important part of life, and my life is rich in that aspect. I am lucky.

So to all my friends and family, Merry Christmas. Enjoy your next 48 hours of non-stop Christmas and I'll see you all on Friday. They call it "Boxing Day." I call it "The day I get to relax."

Merry Christmas Islanders Country!

Frustration, Dejection, it's all on the face of Scott Gordon

That is how Howie Rose announced the empty net goal at the 19:30 mark of the third period that was heralding the tenth loss for the Islanders. Gordon is still looking for a December victory. Personally I don't think he will get it.

I opted to watch this one from my couch, in between trips to the kitchen to prep for Christmas Eve dinner. I did more sitting than prepping, and now I'm doing more writing than cooking. But I'll get to it.

So What do we have to look on the bright side with? Uh.... Ummm... Give me a few (drinks that is). These mounting losses are giving me cause to purchase ear plugs as the Big Angry Man is doing a lot of yelling at the TV.

"If you can't beat 'em... BEAT 'EM." That would be nice to hear, but we don't. Hilbert got a goal. The prize for actually trying. Sean Bergenheim finally got a goal after 14 games, his fifth of the season. His prize for REALLY trying. It was a short handed goal no less.

But other than that, there was frustration, miscues and down right stupid penalties (Mike Comrie).

"I don't know... what else do you say?" Even Jaffe is having a hard time.

They need to get through this month and start fresh. It's not the system, it's something else. And whatever it is... I hope they leave it behind in 2008.

I may actually have to stand by my "the number is twelve" prediction. It may actually come true.

What's the Magic Number?

Will the Islanders drop 10, 12 or even 15 games before finding a way to garner two points. Certainly they will be too little too late, but it seems the only thing to ponder is how long the slide will last.

I have them pegged for 12. I don't know why. I just picked that number. Guess I was thinking about Donuts. I must have been passing Dunkin' Donuts when it came to me.

I decided to stop by practice today for just a little while. Just to see what I could see. I didn't see much. I did see a coach getting involved with all his players. A coach who was teaching as well as training. He was loud, but he was patient. And I saw a group of players listening and watching. Learning is something you can't determine by the looks on their faces.

What I did notice that struck me and my mother's eye was that Brendan Witt was not huddled with everyone else. When they were watching and listening, he was six feet away at the glass. He did this on several occasions.

There was a seriousness at today's practice. They know what they are up against.

DiPietro was skating, and although Botta said Trent didn't practice, I thought I saw him on the ice. My eyesight is getting considerably worse, so I could very well be wrong. But what bothers me more is that would mean that someone else has decided to take up the Mennonite beard thing. Uh... yuck. I saw Bruno skating. I'm sure of that one as I did catch the "8" on the back of his helmet.

I didn't see too many familiar faces there today. I did notice Charles Wang walk in with Garth Snow. Garth graciously stopped to sign autographs for those who asked, then he and Mr. Wang secluded themselves upstairs.

I chatted with CJ Papa for a few minutes, but when he (like everyone else does) asked "Are you working?" then I knew it was time to leave.

Tomorrow the Thrashers come to town and then there's the Christmas break. Can they beat the Thrashers? Anything is possible. But I'm still going to say the magic number is ... Twelve.

Crosby Must Answer for His Actions

It must be my day to be upset. First the stupid UGGs made in China, and now having to see the Crosby “incident” from the Atlanta game.
What was he THINKING? What is the LEAGUE thinking?
I didn’t see the game. I have only seen the video replays that have been posted on just about everyone’s message board site.
I left the sound off. I don’t know if the player that Crosby decided to go Bertuzzi on said something disparaging about his mother. I don’t know what was said by anyone on the ice. I only saw the “Face of the NHL” repeatedly punch a player who was down and restrained.
I have seen Crosby go at it with players he feels have taken advantage of him. I have even said that it’s good that he stands up for himself. But this is about the same thing as Downey did to Jason Blake a while back. Blake walked away with an instant black eye and blurred vision. This guy must have needed icepacks for his “other” head.
The League cannot ignore this incident. It will NOT go away. They must make some sort of announcement with real explanations or there will be backlash from the fans who do NOT wear Pittsburgh jerseys.
Mr. Campbell, we await your reply!

UUGGGHHHHH over UGGS

We interrupt this hockey blog for a Christmas Shopping editorial.

My daughter, like so many jaded Long Island teenagers, asked for UGGS for Christmas. All her friends have them. They are the only ones you can buy. Don't even think of trying to purchase EMUs or Bearpaws or JCPenny's Arizona look-a-likes! UGGS only. "They're from Australia."

As a public service, I would like to tell all the parents out there that the Classic Uggs that we find in our Long Island shops to the tune of $120 and over are NOT from Australia. The recycled cardboard box they come in isn't even from Australia. They are from FREAKIN' CHINA just as every other brand of sheepskin boots that you can't wear in the snow or rain are also from.

Sure, perhaps their $400 pairs of boots or shoes are still made in Australia. But I seriously doubt it. Perhaps before they became a fashion statement that every kid had to HAVE, they were made in Australia from Australian sheep. But now they are made in mass quantity by machines in Chinese factories out of god knows what sort of animal.

I'm disgusted. I'm angry. The lovely young woman who was showing them to me didn't even know they were made in China. "Where are these made? Do you know?"

"Oh yes. They're from Australia."

"Really?" I asked her. "Then why does the inside tag say "Made in China? Why do all the boxes say 'Made in China'? Why are you telling people they're from Australia?"

She too was shocked and dismayed.

"Oh my God! I didn't even notice that!" Yeah... Observant little thing ain't ya.

So, my $20 Target specials are made in the same place as the $139.00 useless in winter weather and what is basically house slippers.

Piss on you Uggs of Australia. The damn box probably costs more to make than the boots!

I'