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.

Big Boys, Big Brooms!

I seriously didn't expect the Penguins to be able to SWEEP the Carolina Heart attack Canes. Patience and hard work just paid off for the Pens and it was four and done.

I will admit, I actually did doze off for five minutes last night because it was a forgone conclusion by the third. Cam Ward seemed out of position too often and the Pens just took advantage of him.

However, the thing that struck me the most is the fact that I had no idea Malkin was that BIG. Sidney Crosby is not a little guy. When Malkin skated over to him when he was presented with the trophy, I couldn't believe the difference in size. He's a monster. No wonder he can't be stopped.

Yes, Dan Blysma's Pittsburgh Penguins boast two of the NHL's most elite players. They will vie for the coveted prize once again. In all honesty, it's a perfect scenario.

Congratulations to Bill Guerin for being such a contributor on this exceptional team. His is a perfect case to prove "Karma."

This is the team he was meant to be on this Spring. It was his destiny. Proof once again that everything happens for a reason. Everything.

So who will they face? There still has to be hope for Blackhawk fans. It's just somewhat -- dim.

Trade Day (Un)Events 2009

There were no blockbuster trades, no "OH MY GOD!" moments. No panic in the press room. There was simply the waiting and wondering, and from what I hear, coughing and sneezing in press room 6.

The all day affair drove PointBlank's comment totals past 1200. I'm surprised his server didn't crash, although I heard the Invisionfree one was having a hard time keeping up.

Bill Guerin, a quality veteran, was finally given the name of his newest employer. As he wished, an east coast team, close enough to his current home here on Long Island. In Pittsburgh he will share ice with both Crosby and Malkin. One Canadian reporter said he was the luckiest guy in the world to go from the Islanders to the Penguins. While it was a swipe at our 30th place team, it also said something to me.

It says that GM Garth Snow did the best he could for the man he surprised by making Captain at the press conference in September of 2007. Miro Satan's fate today was not as fortunate. Placed on waivers, the sniper we used to call Mr. Shoot-out was not claimed. That should speak volumes about how the NHL is bracing itself in these times of economic uncertainty.

It was a tough day for everyone. And now it's done.

Let's finish out the rest of the regular season and just enjoy it. Let the kids play. Let Scott Gordon teach and let Garth Snow finally detach the phone from his ear.

Good Luck Billy. We'll be rooting for you in the playoffs.

*Dear CB: Please don't be pissed at me for swiping the photo of Bill from your website. I'm too tired and lazy to go get my external hard drive with my photos from 2007.

The Trick of The Trade

I wasn't going to write this morning. I did enough of that yesterday. And yet something dawned on me while I was in the shower (as ideas usually come to me when there is nothing to write with).

Much ado has been made about the trade/no-trade/possible-package/up-in-smoke/just-a-scam movement of Captain Bill Guerin. It seems that anything the Islanders do or don't do becomes breaking news and fodder for jokes.

But I ask you, do any of you reading or writing or speculating have a clue as to what is really going on behind closed doors and late night phone sessions? Do any of you seriously know the scope of any deals that may have been presented, reworked and then rescinded? Hardly, unless your name is Garth Snow.

I'll ask another question: Who of you out there has never been deceived? Who of you has never been ripped off? And better yet, are there any of you who have not had something you planned for fall hopelessly apart?

So, all I'm thinking is that before we begin to label the Islanders trade deadline dealings as "pathetic" or "laughable," or before someone with a degree in photo shop labels the Islanders GM as "Clown," can we possibly find out what the real story is?

Everyone has the right to their opinion, but only one man has the job. And I don't think it's a very easy one.

No News is.... No News...

Supposedly the media was alerted that there would be no announcement tonight regarding the move or non-move of Captain Bill Guerin. I don't seem to have MY notification, ahem, ahem. But of course I don't need it since I get my info where everyone else does.



This is like waiting for the white smoke to come out of the chimney at the Vatican to find out the next Pope. Okay, not really. This is just hanging on the couch with one IE window on PB for the last 24 hours. Very exciting.



My take on no news? No-nonsense Mr. Snow may have just gotten hosed. I know he doesn't like it when a fellow GM attempts to pull the wool over his eyes or change plans last minute and add something that was on the table originally in order to make a deal. It happens.



Or this could be something to do with league approvals. Do we know? Nope. Not yet.



So while Garth Snow was trying to create a valuable trade proposal, I was creating the following: Chicken Tostada Pizza.

Pizza dough, 1/2 can refried beans spread evenly over lightly oiled crust, 1 1/2 cups cooked diced chicken, 1/2 green pepper diced, 1 large scallion sliced thin, 1/2 cup salsa, 1- 1.5 cup mixed shredded cheese, Cheddar, monterey jack, mozzarella.

Place all ingredients scattered over dough and bake at 425 for about 20 minutes. Serve with creamed avacado and hot sauce if you wish.

The Firestorm before the Snow Storm

*Photo swiped from OkposoNet Ken Dick's facebook page. Thank you Kenny!!!
10 am: Sunday 3/1/09 I just read Greg Logan's article on the relationship between Scott Gordon and the veterans. It's quite an eye opener.

I asked my husband, the Dynasty Era Die-Hard what he thought of it. I'm sorry I did. I got a ten minute monologue comparing what Gordon is doing to what it would equate to in the fire service. It wasn't pretty. I'll leave it at this, "If this is what Gordon is doing, by alienating the vets, I've lost even more respect for him than before. " Ouch.

8 am: OMG!!! I woke up this morning to check on the status of the Bill Guerin trade and could only laugh at what I found on Chris Botta's Point Blank. The overnight stats had to be staggering with the contributing factor of being linked from the story on the TSN site.

You know you've made it in this business when TSN links your website. Of course that also gives the late night net loonies the opportunity to post at will all sorts of crap that isn't true.

Personally, I thought for sure Botta would be the one to break the news sometime in the early morning hours, but as of 7 am there was still no official word.

So onto other news that was buried because of the Guerin waiting game. I found this on TSN:

The NHL has come down hard on Minnesota Wild tough guy Derek Boogaard as the veteran enforcer was handed a five game suspension Saturday for an elbow to the head of Flames' forward Brandon Prust.

Okay then! So Witt has some suspension company for the week! Although Boogaard gives up only 1/3 the salary that Witt does.

Now the snowstorm that we are preparing for seems like the biggest story on the news. Prepare for the MASSIVE snowstorm..... OMG!!! It could be a FOOT or more!!

All I know is.... I'll be working in my PJs in my den tomorrow. OOOOOOHHHHH Scary!!!

58 Perfect Minutes of Hockey

Because sometimes things just don’t work out the way you planned. Over and over, that’s what seems to happen. No matter how much I want to get something done and over with, there are always obstacles. I’m positive God just likes screwing with me.

But enough about me for now, let’s whine about the game. The Islanders game that is. I didn’t see the Rangers Leafs game so I can’t whine about that one. Although I can whine about the fact that the Ranger game was on MSG in it’s usual TV channel while MSG Plus was floating around the atmosphere and for the most part, not in HD.

Let’s just put it this way. The Islanders couldn’t buy a goal. Oh, yes, they tried. But Sean missed the net on a short handed breakaway and Martinek hit the crossbar for two of the best Islanders 2nd period chances to score.

Believe it or not, I saw Sim almost scored another one.

I watched Godard hook Jackman. Two big 28s skating side by side, trying to make something happen. Godard ends up in the box. It doesn’t really matter. The Islanders were 0 - 3 on the power play with no shots on goal for any of them. How bad is that? If you can’t score on the power play, how can you win a game?

Okposo shots keep getting blocked and Josh keeps cracking his neck.
I think the Penguins are a different team without Crosby almost as much as they are a different team with Bylsma behind the bench.

The score was almost cracked open by a Penguin bullet, but the red light didn’t go on and there was no horn as at 10:02 of the third. Various angles revealed the Penguins luck was just as bad as the Isles as another puck hit the crossbar.

Tamby took an unfortunate penalty for hooking on Staal, and Danis makes a few beautiful saves and lady luck sits with him for awhile as the puck danced around the back of his net for awhile making everyone sit on the edge of their seats. According to Jaffe, it was McAmmond that saved the goal.

Orpik levels Gervais, but no one really cares. Okay, I’m sure Bruno cares. With only six minutes left to the game, and there was still no score, but a lot of urgency.

And with 2:28 left of the 3rd, Sykora finally scores for the Penguins from the side of the net. It is his 23rd of the season. Okay, so tonight, it was a good 58 minutes of hockey. Almost perfect. But almost doesn’t count.

With 1:14 left, the islanders net is empty and Guerin’s stick snaps in half and somehow, the Islanders manage to keep the Penguins from scoring on the empty net. Whether it was the bad ice or just dumb luck, the Islanders kept the puck out of the empty net for the two minutes.
I didn’t like the spills that Okposo was taking this entire game.

Penguins get the two points. The Isles get the first flight out.

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.

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

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.

Hockey Christmas Miracles (sort of)

What a day!!! Boxing day to some, a day of minor Christmas miracles to me!

I had today off, so I decided to head over to practice this morning at the Coliseum. Those who know me know exactly why I went today. I couldn't motivate enough to get there by 10:30 am but I did manage to get there by 11:20. Just in time to see the Maple Leafs hit the ice. I didn't have a problem since that's why I was really there.

Okay, so the first day after Christmas minor Miracle was that by 12:01 pm ex-Islander Jason Blake broke down and stopped, waved and mouthed "Hi." to me from behind the glass while he was practicing. I couldn't believe it. It took him 31 minutes of skating in front of me before he would actually acknowledge me. No, wait. It actually took... FOUR SOLID YEARS for him to acknowledge me. But we take our minor miracles as they come and say thank you to the heavens. I only wish I knew what the hell he said to his line mates after he waved to me.

Next up in the minor Miracles Department was the news that Rick DiPietro was going to be back in net for this game. It was a text that Tiger Track Tom Liodice sent to me just as I was getting out of the car and heading to meet family and friends at the Marriott.

"No way!" I responded. This must have been the Christmas present that the Islanders were waiting to give us as fans. This was such a surprise that CJ Papa stopped me as I was passing to tell me the good news. He was disappointed that I had already been informed. Blog Box, news travels fast.

Even more miraculous was that at 3:47 of the first, DiPietro was awarded an assist on his first game back from re-hab. It was Kyle Okposo's goal, and it was pretty. Even though Kyle spent a lot of time sprawled out on the ice for the rest of the game. It was still a pretty goal, and Ricky got the assist.

There was an ALMOST minor miracle too, but it didn't quite come to fruition as they announced a first NHL goal for Josh Bailey. The crowd went wild. There was a congratulation sign on the jumbotron. And then the text message from the Big Angry Man showed up on my phone.

"It's Guerin's Goal! Clearly!" I felt bad for Josh considering the display and adoration the rather large crowd bestowed on him. It was Billy's 399th goal. The next miracle was Billy's 400th NHL goal which came at 2:34 of the 3rd period. This is a great accomplishment, and we're happy for Guerin who has been a wonderful Captain. As the eighth American born player to reach this milestone, I'm sure Billy feels it's a great honor. He seriously does deserve it.

Next up in the miracle department was the fact that the Islanders finally broke their losing streak with a 4 - 1 win. Granted, this is the Maple Leafs they beat. But after losing 10 straight games, I'm sure they would have accepted a win against a high school team if they had to.

I had called for 12 straight losses. But I was told this morning that for sure, the Islanders would win this one. It was the truth. I believe it was because I was attending with two very lucky ladies and one who has luck about the same as my own.

My luck was having the remnants of a bloody mary spilled on my jeans. It wasn't too bad, I lived with it. I had to. And surprisingly, there was a celebrity sighting at the Coliseum, Keanu Reeves, complete with "I haven't shaved in 10 days for a part" beard was sitting in the 200s and looking considerably uncomfortable when they put the camera on him. Nice to see someone famous in the seats. Wonder if they comped him.

As Greg Logan was on vacation, Stan Fischler seemed to be the one running the show in the press room when Scott Gordon walked in. Gordon was considerably more at ease considering the win. But he never mentioned the loss (yet another freakin' loss) of Andy Hilbert who will be out with a hairline fracture of his foot from blocking a shot. We really do not need another player out with an injury.

There was no information on whether or not DiPietro would be playing tomorrow or the game after that. It's all day to day as Gordon said to the media.

Well, that's the Minor Miracles for the day. I'm falling asleep so I'm cutting this off. If I think of anything else tomorrow I'll add it.

So good night all. Thanks to my friends and my Mother-in-law for a great night. And I created a new hockey fan of my friend Patti. It seems if we can't keep breeding new Islanders fans then we have to just ASSIMILATE them.

Retro Jerseys, Josh Bailey & right... There was a Game

It's early, it's pouring and I have a wicked headache from the weather. So before I start my usual hellish commute to Farmingdale, let me at least get some things out into the blogosphere before they leap out of my head forever.

IBC: If anyone DOES have the opportunity to join or attend an IBC function, please by all means do. They are well run and a great networking device. Oddly, I was doing double duty last night talking Islanders hockey blogging for myself and advertising agency functions for the company that actually pays me. It was like worlds colliding as Wilen Media set up a table at the event and a half dozen of my co-workers were in the room along with (gasp!) my boss. Yep. This is going to be a very strange season for me.

I had to explain that these events are not run like a trade show, but more like a Sunday Social where it's perfectly acceptable to walk up to someone and say "Hi, my name is ______. And you are?" And then let the conversations about Islander hockey and your own business flow. It works. It's fun. You meet new people and it's developing new fans. I think it works.

The Keepers of The Dynasty: So nice to see Bobby Nystrom, Clark Gillies (mustache-less) and Butch Goring along with IBC main man Mike Bossy all there for the new jersey unveiling and a brief discussion of the Ranger/Islanders rivalry. Bill Jaffe hosted the segment and Chris King and Steve Mears were also on hand for the ceremony.

Josh Bailey & the Blogger Boys: Let me say this first. Josh Bailey is one of the most pleasant young men you could ever wish to meet. He took to his modeling duties with grace, posing for cameras and chatting with the media whenever asked. But what I did notice was he was far more at ease with Mike S. and Tiger Track Tom. I suppose it's because they are closer to his own age, or as Mike pointed out to me. "He remembers us from the Draft." I'm sure he does. Mike and Tom were the ones who were there promoting the new draft choice while the rest of the fans were in an uproar over the pick.

I joked with Josh about having a script in his pocket that he had to keep repeating. I know the drill. There are certain things he can say and not say regarding his injury and when he will return to the ice. (and every single media outlet asked him over and over again) I can tell you this, no one wants him to hit the ice more than he does. You can see he's going a little stir crazy and he's the only one left living at a hotel.

Retro Jerseys: I like them. They have a nice, clean look to them. I'm glad they left the piping off and the lettering is white outlined in orange. Much better than the orange 3rds from before (that I own like six of, damn it!).

Ranger Fans: Prior to the game, Lighthouse Project's Katrina Doell told me "ugh! I hope I can contain myself from being a fan." I knew what she meant. Ranger fans in the stands brings out the worst in Islanders fans -- especially the female ones. Fellow bloggers Sec 317 Gary and IslesOfficial Doug both got a first hand look at what Big Angry Man has to deal with at every Isles/Rangers show down: my eyes.

We had the unfortunate luck of having nothing but Ranger fans in the row directly in front of the blog box table. The first time I had to use my "death ray" stare was when the father and son team in front of me decided to use our table as his personal snack counter placing all the concession items he purchased on our table and then proceeding to make himself comfortable. This may sound trivial, and it would have been, providing he had ASKED first. Think of it this way. You're working at your desk, the Fed Ex Driver comes over, pulls up a chair and takes his MacDonald's #9 meal and lays it out on your desk to eat without saying a word to you. How do you feel? Yeah... That's how. Hours later, this dolt realized I was angry, he removed his beer from our table and gave me an "oh. Sorry." Not as sorry as he would have been had I knocked his beer on him with my laptop.

The next incident occurred when Doug was explaining a questionable call and the men in front of him looked over at him with disdain. Doug explained he was an on ice official for USA Hockey, but the men still didn't seem impressed. That was it, I looked like I was going to sail over the table and rip his Jagr jersey off his chubby torso.

"Down Dee. It's okay." Doug attempted to calm me. Mind you. I never uttered anything, but my eyes say it all. I figure if they get me in trouble all the time when they display my every emotion when I don't want them to, then at least I can use them to my advantage when I DO want my feelings to be public!

Post Game: The rooms were packed with reporters and cameras. Please watch the ITV post game coverage and draw your own conclusions about what Scott Gordon had to say. He definitely is evolving as head coach. Also Kyle and Joey weighed in on the game in the locker room, but it was Captain Bill Guerin that truly put everything into perspective.

Check the ITV coverage for the quotes you read everywhere else. This way you will hear the inflections in their voice, as that is what conveys the TRUE meaning of the words.

OH! And Ricky's out. What a surprise. Sadly Witt will be missing a few weeks as well. I saw one blog comment that said it all. "Bridgeport: We're sorry."

Press Room Recap 10-13-08

Yep. That was all that was left for the evening. Where are the cocktails?

Let's call this: "It wasn't Joey's fault." And I agree, it probably wasn't. Everyone was to blame for this afternoon's loss. However, please remember that for years now I have said the Islanders (whomever is on the ice at the time) never seem to do well at afternoon games. I don't know why. They just don't.

Press room 6 was extraordinarily crowded today. CJ Papa was even there for just a few minutes. Now that he is on his new MSG Plus gig, we won't be seeing him as much around the Coliseum.

We waited and waited for Scott Gordon to come in. He must have been giving the team hell in the locker room. Everyone pressed toward the podium and Greg Logan began the inquisition, um, questioning.

Anyone want to venture a guess what the first question was? "Hey! Scotty, was there a point in time you may have thought about pulling your goalie?" The answer was either truly what he believes or one that is very well rehearsed.

"I'm not a believer in pulling the goaltender I want them to find a way to battle. Ask any goalie who has played for me. It's HIS battle. You can't let up. Coaches let a team off the hook by pulling the goal tender. We weren't in sync -- at all." Gordon was very thoughtful with every sentence.

Of course what everyone wanted to know was "Is Ricky well enough to play?" That answer, of course, was not forthcoming. Gordon went into technical detail that he is so good at, so I just sort of glazed over. I woke up when someone asked him about his "system."

"System? We weren't even CLOSE!"

With Push Play doing their after game concert and the overhead fan blowing (as usual) we were basically reading lips there.

"We're just going to throw this one away."

But then I remember something that Potvin said on XM last year. "Every point lost in October is worth 3 in March." I know this is only the 3rd game of the season. We're not going to panic. But with Martinek the most recent injury, with Witt being thrown to the ice like a toy and with Ricky on the bench with a baseball hat on.... you can't help but have just a twinge of insecurity.

To my complete surprise, Joey MacDonald was the first one led into the locker room for the interviews. He didn't seem the least bit rattled by the media attention.

"He (Gordon) has a lot of confidence in me to battle through it -- it's huge. Pucks were bouncing off sticks right to them. I just kept trying to stop the next puck and go from there. I kept concentrating and kept battling."

And even though it was his third game in four nights, he said he felt fine.


"I'm not even going to think about it. Tomorrow is another day, I'll keep working."

Bill Guerin walked into the room and stood in front of his stall. You could see there was more he wanted to say, but didn't

"We weren't in position, didn't skate. We didn't executive. WE didn't get pucks in their end when we had to. We're going to have to be sharper than that. We're not going to pack it in just yet. Lesson learned -- hopefully."

"It's not like Joey struggled. We didn't make it easy on him." No, Bill. You didn't. But then again, with a considerably shorter bench... well... Okay, still no excuses. Guerin is an honest man. This was his very eloquent way of saying "That sucked."

Thompson came into the room and everyone moved to the corner. He spoke even more softly than Gordon at first. He said that he had been having words with Mair but was taken off guard. And then Witt and Bergenheim were all at it too and suddenly, it was raining hockey gear. "These guys stand up for each other."

This seems to be the new "system" at play. I heard that sentiment the last time I was at a game. Something about it didn't matter how long you had been on the team, they all stand up for one another. It's that 3 Musketeers credo, but like times 7.

Having already been coached by Gordon he said he's sure he will use this experience and there will be plenty of video to watch. Thompson also concurred "It had nothing to do with Joey at all."
Teamwork. That's what it's all about. Unfortunately, it's also about getting pucks in the other guy's net.