Yann Get's his 2nd Shut Out - 2-27-09

**Please check www.islesblogger.com for a great photo directly from the locker room that is sure to be a keeper! Great job Mike, great job Ken R. and Doug for asking questions. Great job Ken D. for being the gentleman that you are and waiting for me in the hallway to make sure I got to my car. You guys really are the best!!!


What a shame. Andy McDonald's first NHL game and all anyone could ask Scott in the press room was "What about Guerin?" I think Gordon knew that would be the first question. His reaction drew laughter, but everyone waited for the answer.

"From what I understand they are going to talk about it tomorrow." He waited for question number two which was "What do you know?"

Scott looked at his water bottle, "I can tell you tonight the guys put in a pretty good effort. We were solid in all three zones. It's what we tried to address the second half of the year is to try to build something to carry over to next season. And I think our guys are getting a good foundation for next year."

So basically, this season is all about NEXT season and who will still be here and who fits the system the best.

"My understanding is that Garth is going to talk about it tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to talk about it."

The Islanders played very well, and Scott said "Being hard to play against a hard thing to teach. To find the areas that you have to get better in. You have to have players that want to do it and you have to figure out who is going to do it too. I would say it's been a slow process but I feel that it's been something that has been building since game 42 when we came back from that West Coast Trip, we obviously don't have the offensive fire power, but I think we're starting to make up for it with our work ethic and our positional play and commitment to defense and not just in the defensive zone but defensive play in the offensive zone. We're giving up less shots, giving up less quality chances and giving up less goals. On top of that, we're getting some great goal tending by Yanni." Yes, you have...

Yann has been a a huge surprise. He seems to be getting better every game. He even explained his positioning has improved and he's just happy to be getting the ice time. "He's done a great job in establishing himself as a number one guy."

I almost worried for a second thinking that statement may mean he could be traded.

As Sean Bergenheim had BOTH goals that won this game for the Islanders, Scott again sang his praises. "One of the things I talked about with him to get back in the line-up was his approach in the offensive zone and the things that he could do better with the puck and things I had seen other offensive players do. We sat down today and I showed him some clips (which Scott does A LOT. He keeps video on EVERYTHING.) of Kyle and why he's having success in the offensive zone and why he's getting more second and third opportunities. Bergie's done a great job at taking that to heart and going out there and doing it."

So basically, Sean has improved because he is listening to the teacher and responding in a positive manner. He was rewarded with the first star of the game.

WE spotted Andy McDonald and let him get his feet wet. As far as Jack (Hillen) and Joe (Calahan) obviously they are getting a comfort level. Joe brings a nice physical level to our team."

Gordon had some very good things to say about suspended Brendan Witt. He said he was leery not having him in the line-up for this game as he "is one of our best defenseman." Witt currently has a +/- in the double digits. But Gordon has been impressed with the improvement he has shown recently. "I think Joe picked up the pace as far as his physical play without Witt in the line up and Jack, hopefully is a guy that making the trade with Ottawa will give Jack a little more opportunity in the spotlight."

Without Guerin there will be a lack of leadership as he was so good in the locker room. Combine that with veteran Weight being out as well and the young kids really have no one to look up for. "I addressed that. I went right to the point and said, 'In this group here there are going to be two Captains. What you do in the second half is going to allow me to make that decision."

Okay, nothing like a little pressure on a room full of rookies. He doesn't know when he'll make that decision, but is confident there is a good mix of character in the room. "You develop leadership and steer the players into what's right and wrong and make them identify the things that leaders do. It's something that I tried to do when I was coaching in Providence."

Again, Scott Gordon is not just teaching them how to play hockey better. He's teaching them life lessons. And all while dressing better than any other coach I've met.

Good game for sure. More tomorrow from the locker room. I can't even see straight any more tonight.

Night all.