It's 11 pm, Do you know where your Hockey team is?

Currently? Still in Uniondale. And also... still in last place.

All day today, I heard it. "So Dee. They're moving to Kansas City?" All day I answered. "I have no idea. I don't have a crystal ball."

I had no serious high hopes for tonight knowing that Point a Game boy Zach Parise and his red Devils would be the opposition. But I donned my colors and a smile and went to the game. The smile didn't last long.

I had known all about the Dubie to Columbus fiasco since Tiger Track Tom Liodice called to give me the bad news as I was driving away from my daughter's softball practice. I think they could hear me scream for miles. This was just not the news I wanted to hear. I don't believe the Islanders wanted to hear it either as their Game Notes on the Blog Box table clearly had Wade Dubielewicz listed as an Islanders goalie. Sadly, Mr. Dubielewicz was on a plane to Columbus.

Stupid CBA rules! And perhaps an error in judgement have left us without the fan favorite returning to the fold.

A lovely little ceremony for Doug Weight and Bill Guerin started the crowd off. Doug looked great... in his SUIT. He was missed on the ice for sure.

I wasn't even in my seat when the first goal was scored on Yann Danis as he was seriously out of position. That set the tone for the entire game. Of course there was that little problem, the Zach Parise factor. As soon as I saw him on the ice I blurted out. "Oh look! There's Zach, he'll score." I believe there were maybe four passes and the puck was in the net behind Danis. By the time they were at 3 - 0, I started to text the other Blogger buddies what their prediction for the final score would be. Many of them had Clemmensen getting the shut out. But I knew the Islanders would get at least one. It was just a matter of WHO.

Blake didn't disappoint me. (Nice to be able to say that again.) But while I was sitting in my seats next to an actual Hockey coach, I received a little lesson on "the system" and the fact that this game had no system but "dump and chase."

Brad Kurtzberg from Inside Hockey texted me "It's like watching a cat play with a mouse." But actually I think if it was a cute cat, it would have been more interesting. The Devils with the 3 point lead just sat back and played their trap hockey. "It's very hard to score against the Trap. Watch. They'll dump it in." They did.

"See where the Devils are?" They were all to the right. "They're all over here. Spread out. Take the red line. Dump it in. Then here we go. High man, covers #19. He's the first man back. What they had there was that the Devils had four men and the Islanders had three men back. You're not going to score that way."

He continued move by move as if he had seen this game before and memorized it. But I suppose that's what coaches do.

There wasn't even a decent fight, which disappointed my guest. Sure, Jackman had a scuffle, but it was nothing to write home about. And Brendan Witt not only was hit in the face with a slap shot, leaving a very nasty raised open wound on his cheek, but he got tossed on his butt more than once.

As Scott Gordon said in the post game "We didn't play for two periods. That about says it all."

He was asked if the "Dubielewicz episode" had anything to do with the team's play. As if it may have had a collective impact. Gordon was emphatic, "Not at all. Dubielewicz not being here doesn't stop us from skating. Doesn't stop us from managing the puck better. Doesn't stop us from getting above the puck and managing our fore check. I told the guys after two periods, we didn't skate. "

There more opportunities in the third period for the Islanders. But it was too late. Blake Comeau ended Clemmensen's possible shut out. Because the third was somewhat better, Gordon was asked by Stan Fischler how he could rally the team. Scott said it simply. "It's their job."

A job that they are actually privileged to have. The effort needs to be there.

"There scoring chances weren't there. The overall energy wasn't there. There are a lot of things we'd like to change right now." This is what Trent Hunter had to say while he was tapping on his water bottle. It was obvious, this was the last place he wanted to be right now. "We need to find a way to get a better effort and win those games."

Hunter said "Our job doesn't change because there is someone different in net." in defense of Yann Danis and his inexperience.

This is indeed getting bad. The standings are weighing heavily on them. The only one that seemed slightly upbeat (believe it or not) was Yann Danis. He was asked if he was ready for Monday's game.

"Yeah! I'm feeling good. I'm ready to go!" What an enthusiastic kid. He'll learn.

While Mike Comrie was being interviewed by the throng, Sean Bergenheim was in the room being interviewed in the corner by a foreign reporter. I couldn't' tell if he was being interviewed for either Sweden or Finland. But I know that voice. When he was done, I managed to catch his eye.

"How ARE you feeling?" I asked (with my stupid ass tape recorder off!)

"I feel good." which sounded completely non-committal. "My side, it's not 100%. I really am day to day. It may play Monday, I may play Wednesday. I've been trying. But we'll see."

I told Sean that he seems to have a penchant for scoring when I'm not in the building, so I had stayed away a few games. He smiled, "I'm not that superstitious, keep coming to the games."

Sean knows I have been one of his biggest supporters since he was first drafted. I told him the games he plays are still very entertaining... even though. "Yes, but winning is better."

Even though he hasn't been playing, this losing streak is weighing heavily on him as well. The mother in me couldn't help by grab his arm, the same way I did so many years ago, and tell him "It will be okay. It will. Things will get better."

Again, he smiled at me. "It's good to see you." and he was gone.

As hard as it is for us to get through this dry spell as fans, try to imagine how hard it is for the men who are living it. From our GM down to Shakey, it is effecting them. Every turn seems to find another bump in the road, another injury or just not enough chance and luck.

But I can tell you that nothing lasts forever. Nothing. So this too shall pass, and when it does, we will be there. Sadly, Dubie won't be. Sorry about that Wade.

Lighthouse articles: Your Thoughts?

I've waited until 11 pm to even consider writing what I think. I've had the entire day to read the articles, listen to comments, read countless passionate fan posts on various websites, hear about it on NHL's home ice and then sit with my husband across the dinner table at 8 pm after we FINALLY de-chrismafied the house.

"So Paulie asked me today who I was going to root for when the Islanders move to Kansas City. I told him I didn't know. I'd probably get more involved in college hockey." This is how B.A.M. started the conversation while I served up my ham & pineapple pizza and vodka sauce with shrimp pizza. (I made two so there is some for tomorrow.)

"Paulie said he'd probably just give up hockey all together. He can't fathom switching teams." I completely understand this thought process. But it's not one I may live by.

"I'm already a Zach Parise fan. But I won't go to Jersey. As long as they don't take the Sound Tigers too, I'll be fine." It was the first time I had really given the possibility of NO Islanders hockey on Long Island a second thought.

Having had numerous conversations with Katrina Doell from the Lighthouse project as well as listening to so many others, I've just been of the mindset that this is what they are working for, so this is what will be. Sooner or later. The concept that we may not be without a team just didn't occur to me.

But certainly the possibility is real, but not imminent. Truth of the matter is, since I have no control over the outcome of the disposition of that 150 acres of vast nothingness, I'm really not going to worry myself sick over whether or not I'll have a local team to watch. It's not like I'll give up hockey. I'll watch anyone play. So for me, there's plenty of options. Hell, I'll drive to Boston. But I won't be driving or flying to Kansas City, that's for sure.

I would still like to think the deal will get done. But if it doesn't, it doesn't and there's not much I can do about it. But I will remain hopeful and not let the media machine get me sick.

So, have you heard about the Goal Green initiative? A very worthwhile program for all of Long Island and beyond. And it's really easy to sign up and do what they ask. It's just a matter of saving energy. And if you sign up, maybe you will remember to actually DO the things they ask and turn off your lights, unplug your phone and computer and do a little recycling Sound hard? Not at all.

And this from the Isles website regarding tomorrow night's game against the Devils:

Tomorrow will also be the kick-off event for "Goal Green," an environmental and social commitment campaign to educate the people of Long Island about how they can all contribute to a greener environment. The Islanders have partnered with the Long Island Power Authority, National Grid, Boro Recycling and Covanta Energy—to launch "Goal Green."

Fans attending the game are encouraged to bring in small electronic devices—such as old cell phones—that can be recycled during "Goal Green" Recycling Nights. All fans who contribute an item will receive two ticket vouchers for Wednesday night's game against the Ducks.

Come on! We've all got old cell phones, MP3 players, hand held video games. Stuff that is just collecting dust on your dresser or stashed in your underwear drawer. Bring it for recycling. Maybe they can be put to good use. And look, you may get something out of it.

Yesterday when I first saw the website there were 8 supporters. They now have 22, and that includes me. So rather than bitching and moaning about the Town of Hempstead and Kate Murray, how about doing something a little more constructive for the Islanders and sign up for this worthwhile program. Improve your karma at the same time. At least this we can DO something about.

Let's see if Dubie is in net tomorrow. But that is only if his paperwork from Russia without Love is all in order. But we'll see. That, and the little ceremony for Billy and Doug, will be the highlights of the evening I'm sure. But hey! It's Islanders hockey and it's entertainment and it is ours.... for now. Let's enjoy it while we've got it.

Hockey for Laughs

Just because I needed a giggle, I wandered over to Not Your Average Ice Girl by Kelly Mac. She may not be old enough to drink yet, but damn -- can this girl make me laugh and she knows her stuff. Brighten your day and check her out.... often.

Jason Blake & the Five Point Night

Chalk it up to karma. Chalk it up to "in-your-face-Paul Maurice" retribution. Chalk it up to talent. But when underachieving Jason Blake walks away from a game with five points in the night, I chalk it up to having the talent I always said he had.

Congratulations Jason. Wish you had been in an Islanders sweater for the night.

Back home... safe & sound!

Well, not a BAD game, just not the endings we like to see. I don't have time to put it all out there before I go to bed so I will just give you points.

1) Scotty has figured out how to shut the press down when he wants. Loved seeing that.

2) There's blue carpet in the locker room. Five bucks says it will stink like hell by March.

3) Yann Danis was very confident but admitted he would have loved to have that first goal back.

4) Okposo has what looks like a grapefruit on the side of his face but said he was still going to play Saturday.

5) When Stan Fischler asked him why he came back after getting hit so hard, he beared the pain and smiled "It's a hockey game." That was the best line of the evening.

6) Bill Guerin was joking a little with Stan, so I guess he was happy that he's adding to his stats and still the Islanders top goal scorer. Even at his age.

More tomorrow. Need sleep... zzzzzz

Isles vs. Bruins 1-15-08

With Campoli in the box, the Bruins have now mad the SOG up to 22 to our 30. They have two, we have um... nothing. Brad Kurtzberg from Inside Hockey is calling for a 3-1 final. I told him. First, we'd have to get the ONE! So far. No go.

8:58, Streit 2 minutes for tripping and a little scuffle by the glass.

8:53 pm: And here we go into the third, SOG are 30 - 16 and we are stil down 1 -0. Can we get something to show for this? Please.

But I am having a good time up here in the Blog Box.

Question at hand: Will we ever score more than ONE goal in a game? Discuss.

8:32 pm: Nokie in the box! How is that boy's knees??
And Stephen is going balistic in the blog box because they can't freakin' score. And we're having an arguement over Bill Guerin as they head into the last minute of the period.

"Stop waiting for Christmas!!" Gary yells!

Still 1 - 0 Bruins. and we're at the second intermission. Are we going for another one goal loss here?

8:13 pm: SOG are 25 - 9 and there is 12:02 in the period. Think they can score? Think? Maybe? huh? I'm waiting!!!

8:09: So we're sitting here talking about Phill Kessel being out with Mono and Bryan turns around and says "The freakin' guy can play through Cancer, he can't play through Mono?" And I died laughing.


8:01 pm Looks like the Capital one 10K countdown will fail again. For some reason, Loudville is screaming Thomas you suck, and yet, Danis just let up a goal. So even thought SOG are 21 - 9. We are down 1. Okay, still plenty of hockey to be played.

Kyle is back out on the ice with a cage. So his jaw isn't broken, but it's hurt.


7:46 pm: Okay end of first period, and everyone has me very worried that Kyle has a broken jaw. And why are you people texting me? You know I have a dinosaur phone! Email me damn you!!!

5:35 pm:

In fear of the roads being unbearable, I left work at 5:10 pm thinking I'm going to get here some time around 6:15. Negative. No one on the roads and no ice. I arrived in the parking lot that is not cleared by 5:30 pm.

Almost made the mistake of parking three rows and boxing someone in. That's how bad the parking lot is. So here we are in the building that sees a lot of Stanley cup jackets being pulled out of the closet because it's so cold.

I am bundled up and look the size of the Sta-Puff marsh mellow man. Pathetic. And now, I'm too warm! Wait, maybe that's the wine. Gladly they have replaced the horrid Bully Hill (sorry sponsor) with Walnut Crest and it goes down quite easy.

So how about Wade? Wow! Did you see that coming? Sure we did. Since last night or early this morning when Greg Logan broke the story on his blog. However, my press release in my email box came in at 4:29 pm. Better late than never. So Wade agrees to a one year deal, prorated for $500,000. Oddly... THAT'S PROBABLY WHAT GARTH WANTED TO OFFER HIM AT THE END OF LAST SEASON AND HIS AGENT SAID I CAN GET MORE ELSEWHERE.


ahem...

Welcome back Dubie. You know we love you.

7:11 pm: John from YES! Islanders stopped by with his lovely wife to say hello to the blog box. He informed me that there is mayhem outside by the gate as this is one of the games that was the free Modell's ticket promo. Interesting.


There is only one shot on goal so far at the 16:34 mark and already, Gary Sec 317 has called Comrie "TinkerBell!"

7:21pm: Isles shots on goal are now 7 - 1. Nice, They are flying in their zone, but we can't seem to catch a break and here's a delayed penalty.

7:28 pm: Great conversation I'm having with Stephen from IslesNation and Bryan from Farmingdalefaceoff regarding the draft and whether or not Garth will take Tavarves should we end up with the first pick. We both think Garth will go with a defencemen because we need defense more than anything. Hear that Garth. Someone WON'T be upset with you if you don't take Tavares! Gotta love it! And look! I agree!

Woo hoo a fight with 5:15 with


7:33 pm the first penalty, #16 in the box, don't ask me why, I wasn't listening. Okposo got hit in the face with a puck and is being helped to the bench. He looks a little woozy but he's not going to to the dressing room so that's good.

Okay But take a look at this shirt that Stephen has on.

And with that, Kyle does indeed go to the dressing room, but he's not being carried so that's a good sigh.

Boston takes a penalty with 3 minutes left. Maybe we'll score now???

There is DEATH outside, DEATH I TELL YOU!!!

WTF?? It's COLD. It's WINTER people!

I'm sitting here in front of the TV watching the weather and I've never been more amused. Yes, the Alberta Clipper has finally arrived here on Long Island. It will be bitter cold with some snow and ice. The wind chills are in the double digits. Again, IT'S FREAKIN' WINTER.

You know I travel to New Hampshire all the time. I was there over the holidays. Six degrees was a high and the wind chills were -19. My girls still went snowboarding and there were college kids playing hockey in the park on the outdoor rink. The hearty New Englanders would SCOFF at out weather coverage if they heard it. Absurd.

Dress warm, wear layers, drive carefully and come to the game tonight.

Yes, I - the woman who doesn't drive in bad weather - is not going to let a little Canadian air keep me from heading out to Uniondale tonight. So what? So I'll look like Nanook of the North bundled up untill I can't move my arms, but I'm going.

Okay, two non-hockey but Islanders related items for you this morning.

Has anyone heard this audio clip of LI football hero Boomer Esiason talking about the Lighthouse project? Boomer was a featured guest at the last IBC meeting on Tuesday. And he looked like he had a great time. Check the link (thank you KD). Basically, they guaranteed they'd open a steak house there when it's approved.

And lastly for this morning, um... Hello PR Guys... I don't seem to remember getting a Press Release on this VERY noteworthy effort. The Islanders are launching a Goal Green project and it really deserves our support. Please check out the Islanders portion of the KARMA411 website and support the effort to save energy and recycle. We have such a beautiful Island, we need to preserve and protect it.

Okay, who will be in net tonight? I have no idea! But B.A.M. has just given me the directive to go find out. HA! Yeah. Like I'll get THAT kind of scoop. Riiiggggghhhhhttttt!!

Isles vs. Rangers 1-13-08

Wanna guess? Yes, they lost. But they lost by one goal. One lousy goal. The Broadway Blueshirts could not score more than two goals on our back-up's back-up. Look at the talent on that team and tell me that is not a feat.

It was a night for the youngsters to just go out and play in an arena filled with the enemy. They did an admirable job.

I do think that Islanders Country let out a collective gasp when we saw Joey MacDonald leave the ice... limping. "OH GOD!! NOW WHAT??" I saw comments begging for equipment problems, but Doug got the prize for calling groin strain. What is with this team? Someone bring in a Yoga coach or something.

MSG Plus cameramen always at the ready, panned up to the sky box where Garth and company watch the game. There he sat, stoic, flipping through his blackberry while Dunham was searching the pages of the media guide. Could have been looking for the name of another goalie in the system or maybe for the rule of who an suit up as the back-up's, back-up's, back-up! Yep, Dunham did indeed suit up, but never made it out onto the bench.

Yes, earlier in the broadcast Snow was interviewed by Jaffe regarding the Rick DiPietro situation. Again, stoic is the best word to use. Even though it was all-around good-guy Billy Jaffe doing the interview, you can still tell that this is one part of Snow's job he'll never get used to.

Speaking of the broadcast, you could tell a discernible change in the attitude of all the announcers from C.J. Papa all the way to Butch Goring. Gone is the hype and enthusiasm replaced by understanding of reality. Personally, I thought it was the best paced broadcast so far. Now they are acting more as reporters rather than salesmen, and it works.

Billy and Howie actually made me laugh when the made a big deal out of a Yann Danis save. You know, the way you make a big deal when a toddler can find his mouth for the first time with his strained peas. "Good job!"

A little ridiculous that the Rangers celebrated so hard when they scored the game winning goal. Again, look who scored it and look who is in net. No need for celebration there.

I enjoyed the Live Chat with the Blog Box bunch and guests led by B.D. Gallof and his unseemly Ranger brother, Scott. But I did have to turn my attention away from the net when my friend Wendy came by to watch the game with me.

A very special THANK YOU to my friend Dina, the arena hostess for stopping by Big Angry Man and his fire department brethren in section 113. You made their night. But then again, you make everyone happy when you visit them in their seats at the Coliseum.

Random thought 1) Does Jack Capuano let out a huge "Son of a Bitch!" every time a player on the Islanders goes down and he has to give someone up from the Sound Tigers?

Random thought 2) Does Kevin Colley let out a big "Whoo Hoo!" when the call comes in to Utah?

Random thought 3) Did Billy Jaffe raid Barry Melrose's closet for that Canadian Mafia suit?

Random thought 4) Wasn't that the best Islanders colors tie that Scott Gordon was sporting? In all my years watching the bench, that was absolutely the BEST tie.

Random thought 5) Sean didn't score. I had bet everyone that he would because I wasn't going to be there. He let me down. But I guess at least that mean's they'll let me back in the building.

Where's the Welcome Wagon?

Good morning all ye faithful Long Island hockey fans. There's a home coming of sorts tonight at the coliseum. Our own Orange and Bluer than Blue Islanders are set to have their first game of their home stand against of all teams, the dreaded NY Rangers.

As if that wasn't adding insult to injury enough for my taste, there is more. I opened the paper this morning to look to see what is usually a morning article about the evening's match up. I was hoping for just a smidgen of good-natured trash talk. But what did I find in our morning Newsday? Basketball, Football and high school sports.

Oh, yes... there was a very expensive two third page ad for that local hockey team of ours, but... hey... that pays Newsday's heat bills.

No game day article when there's a Ranger/Islanders match up? Is this what we have come to?

Last week, Big Angry Man said to me "I can't stand it. It's so bad, even the Ranger fans at the Firehouse feel bad for me. I HATE IT! When the team is so bad that the Ranger fans start feeling sorry for you... THAT'S BAD!"

Yep. That's bad. But hey! We're still NOT TAMPA!!!

So, no Welcome Wagon for you Frans Nielsen. But we're glad you're back. Stay healthy.

*(sorry about the photo. That was for ME!)

It's Good To Be King, but May Suck to Be Captain

That's basically what this morning's Newsday article about Bill Guerin was eluding to. I wanted to write this morning, but just didn't have the time. But a few things bothered me today. So, since there isn't a game until tomorrow and since Microsoft money is actually on my husband's computer and not this one, I'm going to waste the time to just tell you what I think. (geeze that was random.)

Billy Guerin: Is a good Captain and a good man. But what he is (and I told everyone this from the get-go) is a SCORPIO Man. That comes with a few little problems. Remember Alexi Yashin? Uh, yep. Same type. Except Bill has a better way with people than Yashin ever did. But that same black cloud and moody introspection that effect most Scorpio men effects Guerin. And once they get moody and depressed, it takes a lot to pull them out of it. Just a word to the wise. (And just for the record, they can also be impulsive, self destructive and hold a grudge till they're dead. That's just bonus info.)

Tampa shopping Vinny?: WHAT? Are you freakin' kidding me? If those two bozo's in charge of Tampa Bay are really considering trying to deal Vinny they are truly insane. When they started their contract frenzy I had mentioned the circus was now in Tampa. But this rumor running today on Home Ice just made me sick. He IS the Tampa franchise. You can't move him. This has to be heartbreaking for him to hear, because it's bothering the crap out of me.

Bill Jaffe Unleashed: I love when Billy does co-hosting stints on NHL Live. He is just a wealth of information and humor, and just an excellent hockey analyst. And unlike many in this business, Jaffe does NOT have a face for radio, so I'm always happy to web stream from NHL.com so I can watch what's happening in the XM studio. But today he made me even happier by bringing up the Sidney Crosby "incident" that continues to go unpunished. At least it is not going unnoticed. I know it was weeks ago, but due to the NHL's lack of action on it and what seems to be their desire to just ignore it so it will go away, I feel compelled to NOT let it be forgotten. Granted, I love Sidney Crosby. I think he's a fabulous player, but I want an apology for his actions, and I'd like it from HIM.

Hear that Sid! I know you are the face of the NHL and will be for years to come. But you have to be a grown up and accept your mistakes and SAY YOU'RE SORRY DAMN IT!

Rangers visit Uniondale tomorrow. Nielsen back in the line up, woo hoo. I'm staying home and letting the Big Angry Man go enjoy the game with his fire buddies. I'm better watching this one from the comfort of my couch any way.

Sunday In the Park with Wendy

Another weekend of messed up plans. For weeks we had planned on going to Bryant Park to skate by the tree to end the Holiday season. The weather put a damper on those plans. So I missed the snow and managed to get to IceWorks yesterday, but today I wanted to go skating. But my daughter's softball practice interferred with my total independance.

After much deliberation and some internet searches, we opted for the indoor rink at Nassau County's Cantiague park. I had some lovely memories of skating there when I was a kid living in Jericho. Well, the lovely memories didn't last long.

Seems the county hasn't changed it much since all those years ago. With the exception of the price. It is now $14 for an adult without a town Leisure pass, without skates. Considering that I just paid $13 for three of us to skate at the arena in New Hampshire, I was a little miffed. It cost my friend Patti $19 for the session and the skate rental.

Once inside I asked where I could find the lockers. I got laughed at. "They're on order." the kid behind the counter told me.

"Since when? 1962? You're kidding right?" I said in disgust. But at least it wasn't very crowded.

We put our skates on, packed our skate bags and put them up on the bleachers so we could see them. The plexi around the boards was so marked up you couldn't even see through them. How do you watch a game there?

Oh, and it seems that carrying a camera is a big "no-no" on the ice there. The camera police made Wendy put her's away. I think the Zamboni is ALSO a no-no because it never came out to clear the ice.

Yes, we were all ushered off mid session and went to the concession stand, but upon returning, the ice was just as chopped up as before. What a mess. But we enjoyed our two hours together anyway. We always enjoy our time together.

Any time on the ice is better than nothing. Even if the ice isn't perfect.

There was an obvious Islanders presence, but only because of the display set up in the front. The logo on the dasher boards was so beat up, you couldn't even tell it was the Islanders logo. When was the last time anyone fixed anything in this place?

Why am I bringing all this up? This is a Nassau County park. It's obvious that tax dollars aren't being spent here. Even if people are paying a lot of money to skate there. Nassau County at it's best... Right?

Right.