The Gary Bettman Prophecy

Good Morning, and Happy Valentine's Day to all!

So I'm sitting here with my morning paper and blueberry coffee cake and I see Steve Zipay from Newsday has a little blip at the bottom of his NHL entry that I'm sure will get a few fans going.

It seems that on Friday night, as Gary Bettman was explaining the NHL had no problem with Avery returning to the league (although I do.) he made the following statement regarding the Lighthouse.

"There needs to be an economic model that works, (a new building) needs to be in conjunction with something else to make it self sustaining."

Mind you, those are not the words that are troubling. The words that Zipay himself attached to that statement are. "He reiterated that the Lighthouse project is essential for the team to remain under Charles Wang's ownership."

Connect the dots? No Lighthouse, no Charles Wang, no Charles Wang, new Islanders owners, New Islanders owners, new home for team. It is between the lines.

Okay, so since the NHL is full well behind the idea of the Lighthouse project, how about everyone get on the bandwagon by starting with their show of support for the project on February 21st at Town of Hempstead Night? Let's show the entire league that the Islanders fans are behind their team and the town that currently houses them and wants them.

Please also check out the LightPost blog for all information relating to the project as well as the Let there be Light(House) blog for interesting details on the project.

Friday the 13th Unlucky for Hillen?

So the bump on my head is still making me fuzzy. I decided to take a mental health day. Or actually "My head is up my ass I'm afraid I'm going to screw something up if I work day."

I have a list a mile long of what to do for this weekend as it is also my wedding anniversary. (And they said it wouldn't last! HA!!!) But for some strange reason, I just insisted on going to Iceworks this morning for practice. The car took me. I don't know why.

As it IS Friday the 13th, I managed to get stuck on Underhill Blvd for about 15 minutes waiting for train gates to work properly as I watched the clock tick by. Practice started at 10:30 am. I didn't get there until almost 11:15 am.

By the time I arrived the boys looked winded. Gordon must be putting them through some much more difficult routines. But what stood out most for me, as I sat down in the cold air, dumping all my accoutrement's on the bleachers, was the loudest comment I've ever heard him make during practice.

"Don't F***ing give up on the play. I'm not going to say it again!" (but he did) "Don't F***ing QUIT!"

Okay then! Something tells me Scott is getting a little more verbal at practice.

I did a double take when I saw Jon Sim on the ice. In all seriousness, I forget he was still on the roster. (And that doesn't even have anything to do with my head trauma.)

I watched Scott take Bailey aside and give him some one on one instructions. They looked encouraging.

And then all of a sudden, Jack Hillen skated out to center ice doubled over. One of the trainers came out after him, but he didn't immediately become upright. I didn't see any blood and he did manage to get to the bench. But he then skated off the ice leaving everyone else to change jerseys and start more line scenarios.

I watched Josh. Do you know he can skate AND chew gum at the same time? I knew the kid is talented.

Since I had arrived late, I knew I wouldn't be there long, and as soon as I saw Josh do an amazing spin-a-rama on his knees to get to the far side of the center circle to stretch out, I knew practice was just about over.

I packed up my crap and headed out. Now, I have a long list of things I need to accomplish before tomorrow.

Thank you to Point Blank's Mr. Botta for signing my copy of "Pride & Passion" that I picked up at the Islanders Team store during their promo. I hope you picked up your copy. I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it in the off season...

Which sadly will start some time around the second week of April.

Weight & Hockey Across America Weekend!

UGGGGHGHHH!!! Can the Isles catch a break? EVER? Doug Weight, who has been having a really good season, even with his last injury lapse, is now out for six weeks. Basically the rest of the regular season. And considering there isn't a snowball's chance in hell the Isles will sniff at the post season, then Dougie's season is OVER.

Someone hide the burbon, I can't imagine this man is happy.

Okay, so I know it's Valentine's Day weekend, but as hockey fans we can't forget that it's also Hockey Across America weekend! This is USA hockey's attempt at bringing more American's to the game. Check their website.

Tomorrow is Wear A Jersey Day. Since this one I have is red, I'll wear that one tomorrow to work since it is Casual Friday. Although I will be wearing pants with it. My husband seriously frowns on me not wearing pants to work.

Bothered, Burned and Be-Deviled - Zach Attack

Anyone surprised the Devils beat the Islanders last night? No. Anyone surprised it was a well played game? Maybe a few. Anyone doubt that it would be Zach Parise that would make us weep? Not a chance. Anyone else going to get a Parise jersey to hide in their closet? Okay, then that's just me.

I hate talking about Kyle Okposo because I always feel like I'm mowing Okposo Net Ken's lawn, but WOW! That seriously WAS the best goal of his young career. He never gave up on the play. That's how hockey is supposed to be played. It was just beautiful.

That's also how Zach Parise plays; never giving up on the play. He makes his opponent pay every time. He is leading the Devils right now. He will lead them for a long time I'm sure.

While my boy Sean made some excellent moves, he couldn't capitalize on one of them. Butch Goring and CJ Papa actually did a little comment session on him during their pre-game. Butch had kind and encouraging words for Bergy. He played well, but unless he can find the back of the net and stay out of the box, it's really not going to matter much to Mr. Snow.

I felt exceptionally bad for Josh Bailey as he was standing in the crease watching that empty netter slip by him. That had to sting.

Also heart breaking to watch was Doug Weight being helped off the ice and off to the locker room after a knee-to-knee collision. This could be devastating, or it could be a blessing. No one can tell yet. I'm a firm believer in everything for a reason. Sometimes, you can't see the reason until much later. Get well soon Dougie.

Post Game Quotes

The hardest part of the post game is that everyone is in the same room at the same time. Everyone competes to hear what is being said, and only a few ask the questions. Harder still? How many NEW questions can you come up with when you're past the midway point of a losing season? So the hard part is making the same sentences each player comes up with interesting.

Too hard for me. So this is what was said

Scott Gordon:

"They competed hard and it was an entertaining game." (I don't know Scotty. I drifted off in the second period. Enjoyed the third though. Thanks.

"Both teams had their moments. They're a top team in shots against. They're a tough team to play. We did a good job in offensive coverage." (To me, I sat down last night thinking there was no way in hell this team would be able to win. The Kings are good. The Isles managed a point. It was a surprise to me.)

"Our best chances we didn't get shots on net." (Nope. An entire penalty kill garnered not a single shot on net. Very frustrating.)

When asked who the goaltender for the Devils match up would be, Scotty just smiled and said "It's a surprise." Stan thinks it's Joey Mac. I don't know. I'm thinking ride Danis until he falls.

Andy Hilbert was the first player into the room, already sweating profusely before the questioning started.

"It was a physical game and hard fought. A loss is a loss to me, but I thought we played well. "

When asked about the Devils match-up: "The Devils are playing great hockey. It's going to be fun."

"Every one's playing as a unit. They are playing great."

"You have to have fun and lay hard, but you have to be competing every game. We have a lot of confidence in (Yann) him."

Kyle Okposo came out, shirtless and with shorter hair both on his head and his face.

"We're competing every night and playing a full 60 minutes."

"We create chemistry and find line combos that work."

When asked if a shoot-out loss is an easier, Kyle repeated what Hilbert had said. A loss is still a loss."

When asked about the pending Devils game: "Big challenge tomorrow. They're playing well right now. They're a young team playing well."

When Bill Guerin walked into the room, he immediately immediately said "Where's Stan?" They have a rapport.

"It was a good game. I thought we played well. WE were hemmed in our own zone, but I thought we established a great fore check."

Asked about his pass to Doug Weight for his latest goal. "For once I knew he was there. I just knew he was coming." Back hand passes can be dangerous. "I was willing to take the chance. It was a textbook play. When you do something good, it makes everyone feel good.

"Tomorrow we play one of the hottest teams in the league. They've added Shanny. They play well together. We have to get fright into the game. WE know what we're up against."

After Billy "nailed it" and left the room, Yann Danis came in freshly showered and dressed in his suit looking far more confident than usual. And he should be.

"I felt good. It wasn't as clean as my previous games. I made a couple of good saves, and felt strong in overtime. I wanted to make sure we got a chance to win."

The best part was when Mark Hermann asked the question I was going to ask. During the third, Yann Danis saved Kerry Frasier's head from a speeding puck by seemingly grabbing the puck out of thin air while Kerry was putting the net back on it's moorings. I'm surprised that Yann even saw the shot coming as he was distracted by Frasier behind him.

"He thanked me for saving his life. I asked him if he was allowed to do that. (fix the net while play was still ongoing.) He said he's been around too long, he can do whatever he wants."

Good one Yann.

To Dougie, Ken, Mike, Stephen and Brian, my blog box buddies for the night. I'm sorry I was angry Dee last night. The shot to the head seems to have effected my ability to keep my mouth shut. It'll pass.

Isles vs. Kings -- A Tuesday Matchup

9:12 and they can't keep the puck out of the Isles zone. Five minutes left, I'm packing this in.

Later all!
9:10 pm: LA takes another penalty, giving the Isles another chance at the game winner.

The kings #2 takes a penalty. Can we score on the Powerplay in order to make it 4 - 3? And that would be a negative. But with the clock winding down, you can see the Islanders are getting a little more jump on the puck. A little more desperation. But too many times, the puck is in Yann's crease, and now the SOG are 34 - 18. Which means that the Isles didn't get one shot on that power play.

.8:58: Just as I imagined, the Kings tied it up. Thank you Sean. That's not the way to gain Scotty's confidence in you.

Okay, so now that the SOG are 18 - 31 and Yann is getting overwhelmed with shots, let's see how long it will be before the Kings make it 4 - 3 and that will be the end of it.

Do I even want to keep this up and running until the end of this game? hmmmm.... Good question.

8:55: Guess who ends up in the box again? Sean, for hooking. I'd like to see just ONE game that he stays out of the box. How about it Sean. ONE.

And if the Kings score on this penalty to tie it up, it's on YOU.


8:48 and they're off to start the third period. SOG are 18 - 25 in favor of the Kings. Yann has been looking good, but nothing really spectacular is happening.... yet.





The announcement for Goal Green came over the loud speaker. There are games that if you attend with mfour or more in your car, you will get free parking! Do something good for the environment. Car pool.





The t-shirt guns are going full blast and everyone is on their feet. The crows may be sparse, but they are energetic. The second period was a blurr. But it ended with Kyle sulking towards the penalty box.


8:18 pm: Okay, so don't forget about your free Chili at Wendys.

End of the first and the concourse is oddly crowded for anight that doesn't have a large attendance. It seems they must have sent a few of the concession people home as every concession had very long lines. The good thing is the Valentine Puck Surprise was a huge success. When I went by, they only had ONE left! Great promo for a great cause. While I was out, Jackman scored a goal to make it 2 -1. However, by the time I did manage to SCORE my tea, Kopitar scored to even it at 2. And in the time it took me to write this, Hilbert scored.



7:41: Nope. We thought they were going to be able to do it. But no. They head to the dressing rooms even. A fresh sheet of ice and another 20 minutes to play. Who will be the hero. Who will be the zero.





7:34: Penalty called, but with all the game stoppage, I have no idea who the hell it's on. Oh wait... NHL real time should know. No... It says TV Time Out. Ah!!! Drew Doughty for holding. Let's see if the Isles can go to the locker room up 2 - 1. With luck.

7:32 pm: SOG are even at 10 - 10 and so is the score. I expected the game to be chippier. but to be truthful... my head hurts.

Brendan Witt takes an unusual penalty for kneeing. Doug hasn't heard that one called in a long time. But hte Isles manage to kill it off.

7:15: Redemption is ours. Weight just scored on Jonathan Quick.

7:12: And the Kings draw first blood with only 4 SOG on Danis. This is going to be a long night.

7:09 pm: And they're off. So glad to see Sean in the line up tonight. And at 19:17 SOG are already 2-1. We don't know how this game will go, but good to hear the sparse crowd has just let out a "Let's Go Islanders" chant.



And as all Tuesdays go, it's pretty empty so far. I've got IslesOfficia Doug to my left and Okposo Net Ken to my right. There are a few hundred people here so far and very few Kings jerseys. We are all commenting that the Kings don't venture to Uniondale that often. But this should be a good game since they creamed the Rangers and beat the Devils these last few days. I'm sure they are looking for a Tri-State sweep.





Shout out to Michael Sammis on Facebook from Jericho High Alumni. He's a Kings fan, and I will be kind.

Another Veteran Name for the Islanders IR

"Veteran Islanders Blogger placed on the IR Sunday, listed as day to day."


If I stay on it long enough, does that mean that Garth can't include me in any of the Vet trades?


After nine years my luck finally ran out. What started out as a great day of skating at Bethpage's beautiful new rink turned into one painful experience.


I talked my friend Wendy into going with me to Bethpage on Sunday afternoon because I really wanted to see the new rink. It was really beautiful. They've done a wonderful job on it.


I should have known something was wrong when I went up to the window with my little pink skate case and asked for entry.


"One" I said smiling.


"One Adult?" the woman behind the glass asked.


"Um. Yes." I was puzzled. Did she think I was a teen? Wendy said she may have thought I was looking for the Senior discount. (Thanks Wendy.)


"You're skating?" She asked still smiling.


"Yes." and I showed her my skate bag.


"Good for you!" She said as she seemed rather surprised. I paid. They stamped my hand with a fish.


Wendy was the one who ended up with the discount for being a volunteer. Awesome that Oysterbay does that.


There was no skate sharpening machine yet and no locks for the lockers, but the pro shop had all the right equipment..... that we didn't need.


The ice was fresh and clean, but very wet in both end zones. But we were happy to be there. Kids began to pour out onto the ice in everything from t-shirts to full snow suits. Little tots no older than three to older kids in full make-up and Hollister.

As always, there were the rare few "real skaters" present weaving through the crowd of slow-pokes along with pee-wee team members in full gear getting in a little extra time.


Wendy had a premonition. "One of us is going down today. I can feel it."


"If that's the case, I just hope it isn't me." How prophetic. After I said that, I watched how the kids were hitting the ice. I thought to myself that I really needed to LEARN how to fall so that I wouldn't be so afraid to. But I've been telling myself to take lessons for years now.



I was happy to see Vicki as she was around town and decided to meet us for the session. I fell in love with her pink hockey skate laces. They matched her freshly painted pink nails. Around and around we went. Stopping for lunch and coffee and the very well appointed snack bar with very reasonable prices.




At 2:15, we said we'd just hit the ice for a little while longer before leaving. There was water pooled once again on the end zones. The kids seems to enjoy falling into it and getting soaking wet. We tried to skate with care through it.


"I think I'm done." Vicki announced. "What time is it?" It was 2:40 pm and the session ended at 3 pm. We stopped for our usual on-ice photos and then one more lap around the ice and we'd leave.


Then it happened. In the flooded end zone. We were separated and a pre-teen boy with dark hair and rosy cheeks cut diagonally across the ice in front of me and took me down. Since I'm really pretty close to the floor myself, I managed to spare my back but in doing so my neck snapped back and my head hit the ice with a very loud THUD that I'm sure could be hear in the parking lot.






No one screamed, no one cried, but the profanities flew like a flock of seagulls.



"Stay down, stay down." the teen in the red Rink staff jacket told me while holding a squeegee.



"Where... are .... my glasses?" I was more angry than anything else at that moment.



"Are you alright? Are you dizzy?" Wendy asked while crouched down checking the look in my eyes. "Are you ready to get up or do you want to sit awhile." she asked. She was ready to help me up as she is a trained Volunteer Fire fighter and has extensive emergency training.



I, on the other hand, am a schmuck who had no idea how to even begin to get my fat ass up off the ice. In an unthinking act I blurted out "Let the men do it."



"I'll forgive you for that because you hit your head." she bristled.



Once on my feet the pain was evident. Vicki touched the back of my head to feel the lump. At least there was no blood on the ice.



They escorted me off, and Wendy with her training asked me the questions you are supposed to when someone may have a concussion. I sat on the bleachers, still cursing, while she went to the first aid station for an ice pack and Vicki helped get my skates off.



My head was killing me and my ass was wet. I was pissed as hell. The one thing I wasn't (which surprised me) was embarrassed.




So there I sat, with an ice pack on the golf ball on the back of my head, with my two closest friends watching me like a hawk. And all I could think of was...."So that's how that feels. Man does that SUCK!"


Should I ever be in that situation again, where a youngster has blatant disregard for the safety of his elders on the ice, I will be sure to.... Toss his scrawny ass down to the ground before I hit the deck.



But even this won't keep me off the ice. It just may make me a little more apt to call for those damn lessons!