Leading by Example

While I see you're having a good time discussing the goal song selection, I still need to discuss the other news of the day which was the selection of "A"s and other junk. If you would like to go back to the comments thread on the other post, click here.

But before you do, let's chat.

First, I personally think Belmont in Elmont may as well be Mars for the Islanders. The proposal didn't mention WHO would pay for a new arena because it sure as hell isn't Charles Wang.

Secondly, the Islanders announced their selection of alternate captains today. In a bold move, they named four, two for the road and two for home games. Two veteran players that are new to the dressing room and two youngsters that will be a big part of the Isles organization for a long time.

When interviewed today by ITV Steve Staios and John Tavares both said they would lead by example. All four said it was a great honor, but Staios said he knows it's easy when things are going good, it's the tough days - which all teams go through - which will be the real test.

Brian Rolston knows they' look to him for sage advice, being one of the older guys in the room. But he said while many of the players in the room are young in years, they are mature and know what it takes to play 82 games.

Rolston also said he was "super happy" for ex-NJ Devil Jay Pandolfo getting a chance to extend his career. "He's not just a good hockey player, he's a great human being."

Tavares met the questions with the same quiet poise that he has always had since he arrived on the island. "The trust of the coaches is a huge honor." But he let on that he is far more vocal in the room now than he was his first year.

Kyle Okposo said he'd be watching both games on Versus tonight and trying to quell those jitters that all players have before opening day. Tavares said the home opener is like Christmas for them and Staios said if a player doesn't have a certain amount of jitters, he probably shouldn't be playing.

The choices Jack Capuano made were based on many factors, but none so important as "character."

When it came to giving Brian Rolston the "A", he said "Character means everything and he's going to fit in our room just fine."

Some fans have questioned the choices made, but the truth is as Jack stated "A lot will lead without a letter."

When asked about Pandolfo making the team after being there on a try-out, Capuano reminded the press how smart Jay is and how well he understands his role. Just as the Islanders management has said all along, the players who produce will be the ones who play.

Lines may move around some as the chemistry is tinkered with, but Blake Comeau has been moved to the opposite wing. He played the position in the game in Bridgeport and Jack knows it's a bit of a change for him but "hopefully he can adjust."

uh, oh.

Art Staple of Newsday held a live chat today at 1:30 pm. If you weren't able to catch it live, play the repeat. It was very thorough and I enjoyed it. Mostly I enjoyed it because 96% of his answers are what I would have said should I have been asked.

Leaving me to believe that maybe -- just maybe -- I've learned something in the past five years.

The Isles New Goal Song

So what will it be?  Here are the songs it has been narrowed down to, click the links to listen.



Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue - Listen here

Hell Yeah by Rev Theory - Listen here

Heaven Can Wait by Iron Maiden - Listen here

Crowd Chant by Joe Satriani - Listen here

And to vote, click this link and fill in the form on the Isles main site. 
My personal opinion is only two of these four actually work and for me it's a tough decision.

Art Staple will be hosting a live chat at 1:30 pm on the Newsday.com website.  Go chat with the guy who is paid to be at practice.  According to Art, this morning's lines were:

Moulson-Tavares - Parenteau
Okposo - Nielsen - Grabner
Rolston - Bailey - Comeau
Martin - Reasoner - Pandolfo & Strome.

Signings Before the 5 pm Deadline: Strome & Pandolfo

Sneaking a quick hit here at work as news finally hits the Twitterverse of the NY Islanders signings to fill out their roster.

Pandolfo?  Yes.
Strome? Yes.
Nino? Still recovering and awaiting his fate.

More words here at Hockeybuzz.com.

A New Voice Talks About the Isles

Remember last week I said I get requests all the time from people for link exchanges and what-not? Well, I've been holding this one in my back pocket for awhile.

I always thought that I had a unique voice regarding this game since I am old-ish and see things through a mother's eyes and not with a technical manual tucked under my arm. It has not been easy cracking the press box as such, but I haven't done badly for myself in the last five years.

As difficult as it may have been for females in this sport as little as 10 years ago, I failed to think of how difficult it is for the gay community when it comes to hockey.

We've seen it. We've read about it. Brian Burke has championed for it. Well, today I present to you a website that DOES speak about hockey for the gay community called puckbuddys. Started by two Caps fans, the website has a writer for each of the 30 teams.

Here is their Islander writer's season preview team breakdown. I have to say, it's the last time you'll see me link his work. He's too damn good.

Gay or not, @TheLastIslander knows his stuff, give it a read and see if I'm right.

Follow Vinny on Twitter at @TheLastIslander, but -- you probably already do.

Cutting it Close

With Nino Niederreiter on the IR along with Trevor Gillies, there's some wiggle room with the NY Islanders roster situation, but cuts need to be made and difficult decisions loom.

Brian Rolston is finally practicing with the team and Jay Pandolfo is awaiting to hear his fate.

With so many veterans now signed, the average age of this team has increased by at least five years. Is that a good thing?

New post here on HockeyBuzz.com along with some Player Twitter things I found humorous.

Isles vs. The Bruins in Bridgeport

Well, I made good use of sitting in the Dentist waiting room for a half hour. And again, I'd like to thank Art Staple from Newsday for having the line-up posted on Newsday before it's anywhere else.

I'd also like to thank Verizon for not shutting off internet from my phone that they so desperately want me to replace. (Tomorrow guys. tomorrow)

Okay then. The A squad featuring the Isles top line of JT, Moulson and PA will be on the ice tonight. It's a great venue and I would urge everyone to attend. And if someone can take my place at the wedding I have to go to, please let me know.

My thoughts on tonight's game here at hockeybuzz.com.

And guys... guess what... WE MADE IT!!! IT'S HOCKTOBER!