Newsday's Greg Logan says "Door No. 3!"

Greg Logan called in from a tent at the US Open where phones are allowed. Greg, who is normally incredibly soft spoken, was almost yelling into the phone to be heard. They must have been have a great time in that tent at 12:45 pm today at Bethpage Black.

“I’m going to chose door #3 and take Duchene.” He professed on air to Islanders ex-GM (for a nanosecond) Neil Smith and NY Rangers announcer Sam Rosen. I almost lost my lunch. “Even though Tavares could put more butts in seats, I just have a feeling they don’t believe that Tavares is the best guy for the team.” This will be his article for Sunday’s Newsday. He did go on to qualify his astounding prediction by mentioning that last year at the pre-draft interviews, he crossed Josh Bailey off his list as he felt they’d never take him.

Greg has spoke with Garth recently, but he continues to stay very elusive. Everyone would love to know what name he will say when he walks up to that podium, but we will all just have to wait until next Friday. The beat writer in Logan senses that the Islanders have potential misgivings about John Tavares will pan out. That is why they have encouraged the writers to keep Matt Duchene in the mix.

“It would seem that Hedman would have the greatest upside. Size, reach, and he’s already been rookie of the year in the Swedish Elite league. If Hedman has that recovery speed, that could be your corner stone guy for a long time.” But according to Logan, he’s just playing a hunch.

Garth and Company certainly expect this year’s #1 Draft pick to play next season in the NHL. They have already done that with Josh Bailey, even though he wasn’t exactly ready. But this year’s #1 choice will enjoy the benefits of starting his career in the NHL and of going down in Hockey history as going First overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Madoff Wasn't the Only Scammer

Thanks to @HockeyTrivia for this little story about NHLers losing money in an investment scam. The interesting thing about it is two of those suing are ex-Islanders. All I can say is... DOH!!!

The NHL BoreWards 2009

It wasn't the most entertaining NHL awards show I've seen in recent memory. But it also wasn't exactly the worst. However, for myself (the most passionate of NHL fans) it was only adequate. For my husband, the die-hard Islander Dynasty era fan, it was close to torture. Mind you, this may have had something to do with the Yankee game airing after an extensive rain delay. But he wasn't happy and made sure I knew it every chance he got.

I understand the move to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas but I seriously miss the patented Canadian comedy that used to accompany this award show. I'd much rather hear Hockey stand-up from one of our more prominent TV analysts than Chahka Kahn singing off key. Or please, just give Denis Leary the entire show! Please!

Nothing was ever better than the Chris Chelios Pulp Fiction take-off that STILL makes it's YouTube rounds years later. ("Englewood Jack!") Truly one of hockey entertainment's most shining moments. (And I just had to watch it again and laugh. Note to NHL: Billy Guerin can ACT! Check him out. He can!! Use it!)

The most memorable moment from this year will be Tim Thomas's heartfelt acceptance speech, "I've been more concerned just getting my name on a roster, let alone a trophy." I think every hockey fan fell in love with him that moment.

Jean Beliveau's appearance brought history to life, much the way Gordie Howe did last year. Other than that, well, bring on the Draft!

*And that's to one of my twitter buddies who were at the event and posted that twitpic of the sign. Twitter isn't just great for information, but for images as well. It's like being a voyuer and getting away with it.

The Weight & Wait of being Number 1

And in a follow-up to yesterday's Garth Snow interview, thanks to Twitter (I just love that damn thing) I have this link from the London Free Press regarding John Tavares and next week's draft.

Charming little story with some nice family details. But the truth of the matter it, this must be nerve wracking for these boys. It has to be like the Ms. Universe Pageant but with an entire career hanging in the balance like a carrot on a string.

Wouldn't it be funny if the NHL adopted the policy of just announcing the first three picks in the reverse order? Wouldn't that make the suspense last at least 25 seconds longer on that late June draft night?

As the article suggests, the weight of the being chosen first overall will be with that prospect for a very long time. Every action and inaction of that player will be scrutinized and analyzed by every media outlet in the hockey world.

Are you SURE you are ready for this Mr. Tavares? How about you Mr. Hedman? Matt, have you been prepared for this type of pressure?

The mother in me can't help but truly feel for these young men. The hockey fan in me says...

BRING IT ON BABY!!! WHICH ONE OF YOU WILL I BE INTERVIEWING IN THE LOCKER ROOM???

(Come on, did you expect something more politically correct? It's early.)

Pick a winner Garth, but as we all know. You can't go wrong with any of these fine young men.

Islanders GM Garth Snow on NHL Live 6-17-09

Yes, that's "Gort" from The Day the Earth Stood Still. But I Googled a photo of Billy Jaffe and it came up with this. After laughing myself sick, I thought about it. It's oddly fitting as this is what good friend Jaffe was really attempting to do to Garth over the phone. It didn't work. The following is what I came away with from today's show.



Billy Jaffe and Deb Placey interview GM Garth Snow.


Garth was early calling in. I guess he may have wanted to get it over with or just had so many other things to do. Deb rushed to commercial break and when they returned immediately started the questions. “Has this been fun or stressful?” They asked of the Islanders GM.


“For us, to be in this position is a silver lining. We can put another building block in our line up.” If anyone thinks that coming in dead-last this season was what Garth Snow really had in mind, please think again. The man does NOT like losing.

This draft year has excellent potential and the Islanders should be able to come away with some very high quality players with the additional second and third round picks they have amassed. Garth admitted the phone has not been very busy looking for deals, but that there may be more “chatter” next week.


Snow has enjoyed the experience of getting to know the draft picks and going through the extensive draft process. “It’s been a neat experience to get to know the number three kids. I know it’s been too boring for you, but we’re going to get a great person and hockey player.”


With all the hype the Islanders have placed on this draft, as well as the unprecedented “who would you pick” contest, Jaffe asked if he felt any pressure considering that 90% of the fan base seems to feel that John Tavares is the only choice that should be made.

“Yes.” Was Garth going to give in to fans? “The pressure I feel is to pick the right player to help bring the Stanley Cup back to Long Island.”


“Like shuckin’ open an oyster.” That’s how Jaffe described trying to get anything out of Garth Snow. But he and Deb did manage to get the fact that he is still favoring ONE of the big three. Deb attempted to play 20 questions, “Is he bigger than a bread box bust smaller than a toaster.” And even though this folksy question was posed tongue in cheek, I’m sure had he answered in any way, Islanders nation would have been able to nail the answer. (Bigger than a bread box? Hedman. Smaller than a toaster? Tavares.)

There are currently over 14,000 tickets reserved for the Friday June 26th Draft Party at the coliseum where the doors will open to the fans at 5:30 pm. (You know, the draft party I won’t be at because I love my husband THAT MUCH.) “There’s been an overwhelming response. We have one of the most passionate around. This is going to be a landmark day.” Garth is always sincere and complimentary about the fan base.

“It’s going to be a watershed summer for Long Island.” Billy exclaimed as he thought of not just the upcoming draft, but the LighthouseLI Project deadline approaching.


“Absolutely!” Garth said but he’s more concerned about how he will build this team. “If you piggyback on the draft of last year, we’re coming into this draft with a chance to add to our prospect pool and really turn a corner.”


Billy being Billy tried to weasel an answer out of Garth by asking what POSITION he may be targeting with the SECOND pick “looking for peanut butter to go with the chocolate.” Garth wasn’t biting. “I’m not going to tell you what positions I’m looking at. The decision will be made on the floor and we prepare for what scenario unfolds on draft day.”


“If he’s basing his pick on their golf ability, than I know who it’s going to be.” Jaffe said knowingly having already played golf with Garth and a few of the prospects. (Or should I say, having beaten Garth playing golf. ;o) )


Billy poked a little more trying to gain some insight into the health of Goalie for Life, Rick DiPietro. “Rick is fine. He’ll start skating in August and should be ready for training camp. Touch wood, we’re hoping for far fewer man games lost next season.”


Deb questioned Rick’s state of mind, quickly following with the news that Rick is getting married in a few weeks so he is probably just somewhat stressed.


“Rick is a special person and a unique player.” Then Garth used an analogy I’ve never heard before, “I’d rather rein in a thoroughbred than whip a mule. Rick is a thoroughbred.”

Snow & Company will be leaving for Montreal on Tuesday before the draft but insists that the dynamic this year has not changed, even with that coveted first pick. “The scouts and I work closely to select players.”


And they’ll have some serious decisions to be making on Friday and Saturday.

Garth ended by interrupting Jaffe to offer condolences to the family of Bob Lawrence, the radio voice of the NY Islanders from years gone by, on the news of his passing.

It's Still the Desert for the Yotes!

Once again, my best source is Twitter. As I was just aimlessly reading the feed, the news of the Judge's decision to block Jim Balsilie's time line to move the Phoenix Coyotes was released.

I can't be sure where I read the news first, but it seems that @PredsOnTheGlass may have been the first to announce it on their Blogtalk radio show.

Feeling the way I do, I was very happy to hear of this win for the NHL and their franchise constitution. Of course, not everyone was going to be happy with this decision and discussions began. While I was attempting to yap back in only 140 characters at a time, I began to think of someone who must be jumping for joy.

Weeks ago, I heard this female hockey fan on Gary Bettman's NHL Hour XM radio show. She called the Commissioner regarding the Coyote's franchise. She is the president of their Booster Club. Sadly, she was cut off before she could plug the rally they were about to have in support of keeping the Coyotes in AZ. But she managed to get my attention as well as that of the Commissioner.

When I read the news tonight, she was the first person I thought of. So I emailed Heather and this is what she had to say:

The relief I feel hearing that the Coyotes are staying in Phoenix is almost immeasurable! I have been so worried for so long!!! But now it is time for us to get to work! We've got to start selling tickets and getting sponsors. After that, we need the team to win, and everything will work out. We can show the world that there really are a lot of hockey fans here in Phoenix. Stay Coyotes stay!!! :) HOWL!

As the President of the Booster Club, Heather knows the problems facing this franchise. I had asked her how their community support was doing, even though the club was faltering.

The Coyotes are really great with the community. They get the players out in public as much as they possibly can, because we all know that is one of the things that helps sell our sport. The players are so nice and approachable. When people see Shane Doan with their kids, it makes them all fall in love with him. The Coyotes know that, and use it to their advantage whenever they can.

They have all kinds of hockey clinics to help kids learn to play hockey. They have development programs too. I don’t have kids so I’m not sure what is involved in all of that, but I know that they do their best to help grow the sport in the valley. They are doing a good job of that too. There are so many kids playing hockey here! It is amazing to see how many are playing, and playing well.

They also have a charity arm - Coyotes Charities. They have donated over $1.7 million to charities in the Arizona area that are focused on supporting children’s issues.

So, while the club is losing money, it is still attempting to be a viable community partner. However, just as in so many other locations, the media is not as helpful as they should be.

The media is definitely one of the reasons we don’t have the fan support we should. On the sports news here they cover the heck out of the DBacks, the Suns and even the Cardinals, who until last year had been nothing but bad. They talk about golf because so many people play it here.

Last on their list is hockey, because they think that people don’t care. The thing is, if they covered it, maybe more people would be interested! Right now we just get the fights and any bad news.

Hopefully we can keep the sports media honest after this and make them play the part they should and support the team and the fans who want to know what is happening with them!

Heather, who was not a hockey fan until she saw her first game in 1997, has worked tirelessly to support this franchise. She's kept a close eye on the support and non-support from all media and government outlets. She was pleased when the NY Senators supported the NHL's fight to relocate the franchise to within striking distance of the Buffalo Sabres. She's very happy tonight.

The Phoenix Coyotes can be a proud franchise, it will just take work and money. But the NHL is willing to work on that, and so is the city of Glendale.

During the past few weeks, I had heard reporters say that when the Coyotes first played in Phoenix, before the new arena, they would have no problems attracting fans. It was mentioned that maybe the distance the Glendale complex is from Phoenix could be one of the deterrents. So I asked about the distance from the city.

Westgate, where Jobing.com Arena is located, is very nice. There are shops and restaurants and more is planned for the area. When the arena first opened it was literally in the middle of a dirt field. I parked my truck in what is probably Margaritaville now! There are things to do out in the area now, not just going to see a hockey game, football game or any concert that may be at either the arena or stadium.

And as far as how “far” it is from the people who want to watch hockey, that is the case in ANY metropolitan area. The people in LA have to travel through lots of traffic to get to games, and sometimes come much farther than fans here in Phoenix have to. Chicago, LA, Boston, Toronto etc… they all have the same problem but you don’t hear people complaining about it like they do here. I’m not sure why it is such an issue for fans here, especially when they drive everywhere for everything. We have no real public transportation, people love their cars!

Regarding the bankruptcy issue and what the fans can do to help the club, Heather has her own ideas about how it played out and what they will do.

With the bankruptcy, the media has been using terms inconsistently and it is confusing people. The Coyotes organization (Don Maloney on the hockey side and Doug Moss on the business side) had no idea that the bankruptcy was coming. Jerry Moyes, the majority owner, did that himself all of a sudden on May 5th. The Coyotes didn’t know anything about it until it was done, much like Commissioner Bettman.

So they couldn’t ask for our help or support before it, and since then they haven’t been able to ask for help/support because they are the assets that are being fought over in court! They can’t take sides, they have to stay neutral until decisions are made about who they are controlled by/owned by.

We want to be supporting them, but it isn’t something they can let us do right now. As soon as they can, we will do something together to rally the fans and get some tickets sold!!!

Well, now the fans have something to start rallying around. Their team cannot be moved at this point and there will be hockey in Glendale come October. Who will be financially responsible for the team is still uncertain, but at least the fans can take solace in the fact that they won't have to get a passport to see them.

Stanley Cup 2009

Sidney Crosby's name will be etched on the Stanley Cup along with Malkin's. His landlord's name is already on it.

At the house party I attended with some of my blog box buddies and my NYIC friends on Friday, the votes were almost split down the middle. There were five votes for Detroit and six for Pittsburgh. My heart wanted Pittsburgh, but my head thought for sure the Red Wings would prevail.

We hardly watched the first period as we all chatted and mingled. We stuffed our faces with Italian food during the second period and settled in with deserts for the third. (We had fabuous hosts.)

Before the game even started we all agreed the first goal the was the most important. My jaw dropped when they scored two.

"If Pittsburgh wins, I hope I have a house to go back to in Detroit. They may riot." Said Rockit's girl. She was legitimately nervous. But Detroit is not Montreal and I was hopeful there wouldn't be mayhem.

The last three minutes of the game were edge of your seat excitement. We waited all year for this. It was well worth it.

But now what will I do? ugh.

Congrats to the Penguins and all their fans that never gave up hope. Bill Guerin has made it into Hockey history along with other former NY Islanders who will be sporting Stanley Cup rings from this year. So sorry Hossa, maybe I should have read your cards before you made the decision to switch teams.

On to the NHL Awards, the Entry Draft and Free Agency Frenzy. Sadly, it really won't be enough to keep me from going through NHL withdrawal. But what can we do? Not much except just wait.