Isles shut out by Bolts, Bridgeport Prevails

What was with the the new Tampa 3rd Jerseys? Not quite sure I'm liking them. But then, I don't have to now do I?

Okay, so I was only watching the game with one eye on the TV while I was at our SFD Christmas Party. Of course, the Ranger fans in residence had to poke at me every few minutes, but I'm very used to it.

I had my phone set to vibrate for Twitter updates for both the Isles game as well as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers game. It never stopped buzzing. It vibrated off the table at one point.

It was a frustrating game all the way around. Questions about calls, a powerless Power Play, Hedman's first NHL goal, Okposo's lack there-of. Nate Thompson took a stick to the face and ended up with some stitches to close up the cut. Knowing that the Bolts seem to want to be a physical team, I was wondering who was going to answer the bell. DING... It was Jackman.

So while the Islanders were getting shut out by the Bolts and Dwayne Roloson found out what it felt like to be Marty Biron, Rick DiPietro started to shake off the rust in his first night in net in eleven months. While it may not have been a spectacular outing, it was at least a big step forward.

Rick played the first two periods, giving up three goals, before being relieved. The Springfield Falcons' goalie at the other end of the ice let up three goals in the first. Of course, he's played seven more games this season so far than Rick has. Okay, not exactly a ringing endorsement, but you get the idea. Yes, Rick let up three goals on nine shots in the second period. I'm pretty certain his frustration was evident. The Sound Tigers came out on all cylinders in the third and won 7 - 3 Baby steps for Rick. That's what needed.

However, I have one thing to say and I'd like to credit my friend and co-host Anthony Curatolo from The Hockey Guys for the idea. So, here is my "Mother-Slap" moment for the day:

FWAAPPP!!! Rick! No skating out to the blue line to play the puck! Remember what happens when you do? Maybe not. Once time resulted in a concussion. Trust the team in front of you. Play the puck when you're not wearing the pads. Okay? You're giving me (and everybody else) a heart attack.

Okay, so here is today's early morning episode of Off The Rush, or as Anthony coined it "Off The Mess." Yep. No editing, no polish, no titles, no background music, no make-up. Just us... and a lot of coffee to keep us from passing out.

Isles in Tampa: Ricky in Bridgeport

It's raining on this early December day. Rather gloomy and grey out there. Great day to have a holiday party in a bowling alley... if you live in Buffalo. But I live on Long Island, and that's where I am headed this afternoon. Someone pinch me.

The Tampa Bay Lightning took on the NJ Devils last night in a game that could be called more than "chippy." Each side had five fighting majors and seven penalties. Is this how the Lightning like to play it now? If you can't beat 'em... beat 'em? Oh boy.

So while the NY Islanders and their dads were lounging around resting up, the Lighning were mixing it up and flying back home. Sometimes the rest isn't always a good thing. But we'll have to see.

This is the first time John Tavares will be playing against the Bolts and his fellow first round draft pick, big Victor Hedman. Hedman played a little over 19 minutes last night and was a +1 for the night. You know damn well, Hedman will be out there every time JT is on the ice. It doesn't seem that Hedman is a big hitter, so that's good, but I know he's big and fast, so he just may be able to keep our prized rookie off the score sheet tonight. Let's hope not.

But if that is the case, I'm hoping Matt Moulson, Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo can maneuver around the rest of the Lightning defense and find the back of the net.

The Bolts did a great job last night of holding the Devils to only 19 shots. NINETEEN?? Dwayne Roloson sees that many shots in the first five minutes of most of his games, right?

No word as of yet as to who gets the start in net. Could be Marty, could be Roli. We just KNOW for a fact it won't be Ricky. But the info will come through Twitter as the Isles leave the practice ice later this morning. (Although I'm guessing it's a given Robbie Schremp gets to see the Press Box at the St. Pete Times Forum today. He should write a book called "Press Boxes I've seen in the NHL -- All 30." (Next home game Robbie -- come sit with me. I'm sure you and Blake have nothing left to talk about.)

Tonight Rick DiPietro makes his goaltending debut for the 2009-2010 season going back to his roots in Bridgeport. I wish I could be there. No, seriously. I really wish I could be there... INSTEAD OF FREAKIN' BOWLING! Do you know how someone with no depth perception bowls? Do you? It's not pretty! But I digress.

Sudsie, who is with Rick in Bridgeport, said he was happy with how Rick has looked the last two days in practice. He said they're in the "timing" stage of the rehab. Today, he will actually "get ready for a game."

This is my note to Rick:

Dear Rick:

Good luck tonight and welcome back. I'm sure you'll be just fine. But if you skate out to the blue line again for a poke check, I'll mother slap you in the head.

Have a good game.

Dee

The SoundTigers lost last night by a score of 5 - 1. Ouch. It was the Wrecker's first game back in 14 games. He managed to get a triple minor. You're killing me, Joel.

And to #MightyMattMoulson who is only SIX goals away from my bet of 20 by January:

Dear Matt:

Get number 15 tonight and I'll actually bring a gallon of milk with me to go with those cookies.

;o)

Okay then! That's it for this morning's edition of "Too Much Coffee, Not Enough Info."

Later. I've got to go run around in the rain. Yucka.

The Best 60 Minutes - Isles 4 - Atlanta 1

Is everyone else still smiling over that win? I know I am. It was just beautiful. Just finished writing up my version of the post game glow here. The Islanders have a day off to be with their Dad's in Florida and try to keep them out of trouble. Come on ITV! This is media gold! Get on it!

Can I tell you I received THREE text messages last night all saying "Matt must REALLY want those cookies!" I'll be happy to bake all day Sunday for the entire team. They deserve it for that effort.

So check out the entry at HB if you like.

Don't forget that "Whose Better?" makes a great holiday gift for any hockey lover on your list (and it's cheap!). Just click the book icon on the right to bring you to the Amazon order page.

And amazingly enough -- I DON'T HAVE A HEADACHE FROM THE CHAMPAGNE LAST NIGHT! Ha!
I have about 30 things on my "to do" list today, so I guess now that I've been writing for an hour, I should get cracking and start my day.

Have a great wine.

Champagne, Twitter & Isles Hockey on a Thursday

Someone pinch me. Matt Moulson with the hat trick and his 14th goal of the season. Only SIX more until he hits the 20 goal mark by January 1st for me. What a Cinderella story.

And JT with the empty netter to end the game 4 - 1. The Islanders have managed to do what others have not! Win when Atlanta scores first. This is a fairy tale team tonight. WE don't know how long it will last, but we will enjoy it while we can.

Scott Gordon grabbed his young sons out of the stands to walk down the tunnel. I didn't know he has family in Atlanta. Like Matt said to Rob Carlin, you lean more and more every day.


9:05 pm: The Isles go on the PK with Richard Park in the box. And tonight, Bruno Gervais is playing well for the team.

Rolie is coming up big in the saves deptartment, but can he do it for more than 10 minutes? Yikes... that's a long time left with only a one goal lead.

At 15:46 of the second, when I didn't think it was possible, Matt Moulson takes a beautiful pass from Trent Hunter to score his 13th goal of the season. He said Rob Carlin just jinxed him asking about getting a hat trick. He doesn't need one tonight, they just need to keep the Thrashers from outscoring them in the third.

They are dangerous in the third and have outscored their opponents exponentially in the third. Very dangerous!


8:25 Richard Park denied a penalty shot but draws a penalty, which of course, the Islanders can't do jack with.

8:17 pm: Is there nothing Matt Moulson can't do? He played defense and was quite good at it. With less than 8 minutes left of the second, the Islandes are still even. They need an insurance goal or the Thrashers will make them pay.

8:05 pm: Oh baby baby... Matty gets his 12th of the season so far. And with that... Macadamia nut cookies on the 7th. I promised. I don't reneg on promises. Beautiful shot.

Okay, they are now tied up. They need to find a way to win this now.

Roloson proves again, he is lucky as WELL as good. But that was a really lucky break for Rolie for the puck to hit the post and come right out in front of him.


I warned them! Don't let the Thrashers score first! But while I was delivering my Fire Dept husband his phone and listening on XM radio, they did. I'm glad I was in the car. I screamed.

So with Robbie Schremp once again told to sit this one out and Frans playing tonight in front of a very empty arena, at only 7:49 pm we have a one goal deficit. Jon Sim worked hard to get a power play chance and nothing could be done with it.

If the PP was as reliable as the PK, this would be an unstoppable team.

So while I decided to open a bottle of champagne for myself and toast to the forthcoming holidays and all they entail (that's my shopping list there and some catalogs in case I decide to do some cyber shopping while I'm here.) I also have Twitter open to keep up with what everyone is saying.

Come on Islanders. Make the Dad's proud tonight!

Today at the Rink & a new Episode of Off The Rush

Yes, it took me two hours to write what I just posted at HockeyBuzz. I just don't have the energy to paraphrase it and post it here. Today's episode of "Off the Rush" is also embedded in the entry. I felt brave or just over tired. I'm sure I'll catch quite a bit of flack for it. But... We'll see.

So... really... it's like 11 pm now and I've been up since 5 am. I've got so much more to write, but I can no longer see. So...

If you don't want to venture to HB, but want to see the video, here you go. So thanks once again to Anthony Curatolo for coming out. Thanks to Stephen from IslesNation.com for his info and assistance. Thanks to Seth and Kimber for ... for... basically putting up with me.



And... good night!

From the Net to the Mall

Rick DiPietro signs for fans at the Hicksville Team store tonight from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. The smart ones arrived REALLY early and were right up front. The line snaked around and down towards the Target store. When I walked in the FRONT entrance of the mall, I didn't see anyone and immediately went into a panic.

"Oh no!! Where is everyone? No one knew? How could this happen?"

My fears were unfounded as I walked closer to the store and then saw the FRONT of the line. I couldn't see the back! That was a good sign. Because you know full well that Matt Moulson and Frans Nielsen would be asking Ricky how many autographs HE signed tonight to match it up to what THEY signed just a few weeks ago. Mind you, there was little promotion for this signing other than the website**(and the video board at the barn. Thanks Mary!) which proves that the Islander fans are VERY much attached to the internet. (Like we didn't know that.)



There were no marriage proposals to speak of. Maybe all the young girls on line realize that Rick is already married to a beautiful princess and they don't have a chance. What I did hear were lots of well wishes. What I saw were lots of smiles and lots of jerseys in a line of more than 150 long. (They stopped counting when they ran out of bracelets and didn't have a final count before I left.)

Rick was armed with various color sharpies, water and a Starbucks and the Islanders staff kept the line moving like clockwork. The choreography was exceptional considering the store is about half the size of the one in Massapequa. But considering that this was DiPietro's first fan signing in a VERY, very long time, he looked like he was enjoying getting back into the swing of being visible again.




With all that being said, as this is a blog and I am basically allowed to write whatever the hell I wish, I'd like to take exception to something I saw. Okay, let me put my "fan" hat on for a moment. Indulge me.

There's one in every crowd they tell me. While all of the Islander fans were patiently waiting in line and adhering to the rules set so that ALL the fans could get something signed in the allotted time frame, of course there had to be someone who would make a fuss over things. You know the type: the ones that think money will buy them favor. Okay, so you really think that if you spend enough, you can change the rules? The rules that all the other fans are abiding by? And when you can't get your way, you leave in a huff. Nice example you set for your kid. Good stuff.