From Bad to Worse: Eaton out Indefinitely

If not for bad luck, the Islanders would have no luck at all. It's an old adage, but it has never been more true than it is today for the NY Islanders.

The Islanders will play Edmonton tonight after learning that veteran defenseman Mark Eaton requires surgery on his right hip. The man who has played 32 games for the Islanders and blocked 82 shots will be out of service indefinitely. Now, is that "indefinitely" Mike Mottau season ending indefinitely? Or is it more like Mark Streit "indefinitely" until maybe April if there is any season left to play? We are not sure.

But it now makes Jon Sim at 33-years-old the oldest player on the Islanders roster. Dwayne Roloson pushed up their average age all by himself, but he's not there any more. Doug Weight could help out here, and he was skating today saying his back is feeling better. But he has not been cleared to play and there hasn't even been a peep as to when that might be.

The Islanders start tonight having already lost 277 man games due (273 due to injury and 4 of due to suspensions). That is a staggering number.

Please let them call in an exorcist because this has gotten out of hand once again. It is surreal. While all teams go through injury problems, I don't believe any have been as decimated as this team... AGAIN!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

The Afterglow

Yes, I'm still smiling after yesterday. Not just for the win, but for the few minutes I spent with both the GM and my favorite ex-Islander. I have not had a chance to put the article together where his answers will be featured. With the holidays sitting on my lap, I probably won't be able to either until after the New Year. I seriously need to turn #HolidayFail into #HockeyBloggerFail if I don't want to end up with #MarriageFail.

Friday 12:49 pm: Jon Sim has been placed on waivers, assuming to be put back in Bridgeport's line-up.

The Twitterites are looking for the return of Josh Bailey. I don't blame them. He's been doing extremely well for the Sound Tigers -- which is how it was supposed to go.

Also, for anyone who hasn't seen it (yeah, right) check out SNY's PointBlank TV interview with Bill Daly regarding Charles Wang and the NY Islanders. Maybe rather than the fans watching it, the MSM who have blasted the organization and called for investigations into their business practices should watch it. Perhaps they will realize that they are beating a drum that is WAY OFF KEY!!!

Radek Martinek Up to the Challenge

Radek Martinek has not had an easy career since being drafted by the NY Islanders in the 8th round of the 1999 draft. In his eight NHL seasons, he has never been able to play a full season. His body bears the scars of devastating injury that cut each season short. The 2005-2006 season saw Radek on the ice for 74 games, the highest number of his career. Last season saw him for only 16 games. But this year everyone hopes things will be different.

With the loss of Mark Streit, Radek Martinek will become the defenseman that Scott Gordon relies on most for his experience. I asked Radek if he knew that Scott Gordon called him “Sensational” and one of the best kept secrets in the NHL in his post game interview Saturday night. While Jon Sim leaned against the locker room wall and snickered, Radek gave me a half smile and just simply said “No.”

In all the time that I have been around this team, I have never spoke with Martinek. The 32-year-old Czech was never much for interviews and in the early years, the rumor was the only English word he knew was “stick.” His English as well as his conditioning is vastly improved since those early days.

I asked him what he did differently to prepare for this season.

“Simple. I stayed here all summer working out with our strength and conditioning coach, Jesse Demers. Simple.”

Okay, we are back into “stick” territory.

The way he has worked out this summer and his rehab period he is hoping has prepared him. “I knew it was a good thing to stay here and work out here because I need a little bit, shoulder (to lean on) how to work out after those injuries.”

And Radek’s dependence on his trainer has paid off big dividends for him. He has never looked stronger. Especially against the Devils where he draped Ilya Kovalchuk and helped to keep him off the score sheet. Radek will be facing all the top scorers this season (as long as he is healthy). That is a lot of pressure. I asked if he is ready for it. With a sly smile he told me, “Of course I am ready for it. It is a challenge and I am game for it. It is a challenge to play against those guys. I am ready. I am looking forward to it.’

The Islander fans are looking forward to it as well. But there is always that doubt. We can’t help it. I asked him if he has any good luck charms he will utilize, But not really.

“I can say I would try anything. But there is nothing. Just don’t worry about an injury and hard work.”

Redek has his work cut out for him in so many ways.


Today my favorite hockey writer, John Buccigross posted his 30 team predictions. While his thoughts about the Islanders were not what a fan would want to hear, they were honest. Certainly there are some things that are positive for this team, but there are so many factors that come into play that make the dark clouds gather over another season.

If this is the time that everyone begins to make their predictions about where teams will finish in April, as much as there is hope, I hate to say but I will certainly be carefully researching the top five draft picks of 2011. The loss of Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo has seriously effected my optimism for this season. Add to that the October loss of Rob Schremp and it calls to mind Denis Potvin’s Radio gold when he said “Every point lost in October is worth three in March.” Yep. Not much hope here.


And with a rag-tag camp Scott Gordon has not had much time to develop chemistry in this team. And with only four more days until home opener, I’m guessing we don’t have our usual MSG special.


Also tonight is the news that the NY Islanders are trying to finalize a deal with Hofsra University for this year's radio broadcast. Someone please remind me -- what year is this.

Sim-ply Surprised.

Lots of news over the Twitter feed today. Some upsetting: Wisniewski will wear #20 and some surprising: Jon Sim signs a one year two way contract.

It was a little surprising so my first reaction was a "WTF." Not because it was a bad thing, but more because it shocked me. I just didn't expect it. But let's remember that I was the woman who got called out on more than one occasion for being one of Jon Sim's biggest supporters. He was often called my "newest charity case."

But the guy works, and works hard. He draws penalties and annoys the daylights of players on the ice. He takes abuse and occasionally finds the back of the net. This isn't a bad thing.

The only bad thing? Jon, Shakey would like you to start wearing socks with your skates. He says they stink.

Reactions of today and more at HockeyBuzz.com But you can always leave your thoughts here.

I guess I'm glad I didn't get a #20 for my necklace. But this still sort of makes me sad. sigh.

Isles vs. Devils Morning Skate

So I traipsed by tired butt up to the Coliseum this morning to be there at 9:30 am for the morning skate -- the LAST of it's kind for the season. I don't get to go to many of these as it was pointed out to me this morning "The other bloggers are here all the time." Ughhh!! I have a DAY JOB!!! I do!!

Well, Richard Park was out there skating today and told Billy Jaffe that he'll be ready to go. I'm pretty certain that both Tim Jackman and Jack Hillen would LOVE to get rid of their face protection, but they can't.

Rob Schremp didn't take any on ice work out but was in the gym and then came out to watch his team skate. When I asked him what was new his answer was "Nothing until I get back in the line up!" He's very antsy about getting back out there. Also, every time I see him when he's not on the ice -- he's eating. I don't think I've ever seen this man without him chewing on something. Today it was a half a bagel with cream cheese that I swear he downed in three bites. I've seen him inhale a pizza slice almost with chewing and I've seen him shove wads of tobacco in his cheek. Please get this man back on the ice before he gains 40 lbs.

Josh Bailey is out of the line up with that fractured cheek. I saw him in the parking lot sporting three inches of fresh stitches and a black eye. Oh yes, it will leave a scar. But he was in good spirits. When I asked him if he has to keep icing it he told me "Do you know how fast your face freezes?" He's still able to give a winning smile so the kid will be alright.

In his place the Islanders have called up Michael Haley from Jack Capuano's squad. It will be his NHL debut. Now, according to TigerTracks Tom Liodice, who is the one I turn to for all things Sound Tigers, Haley is an uberpest in the Sean Avery sort of mold. While that made me cringe a little he also said that he had been waiting for him to be called up to the big club for a while.

So while Trevor Gillies is also on the roster and was skating today I'm assuming he will have company in the box later tonight with Haley also in the line-up. This should be interesting.

Bruno Gervais was on the ice and looking fine and Marty Biron was indeed the first goalie off the ice. I am assuming he will get the nod for New Jersey and it will be Roloson to close out the season. Of course, this is simply an assumption and Scott Gordon will do as he sees fit.

I spent a few minutes chatting on the sidelines with GM Garth Snow. It was interesting to see him tell Jon Sim he did a good job at practice and watch Sim's reaction: smiling fear. I guess the players get worried when the GM has their eye on them.

Of course the real "net" question tonight will be Brodeur or Danis? After this weekend, the Devils head to the playoffs, the Islanders head out on vacation. Sigh.

The NEW Streak of One

Yep, that's how Scott Gordon called it. Of course, with a win over the bigger Flyers after losing to them since February of 2008, Gordon was in a jovial mood in the post game press conference.



"Blake set the tone for the game by shooting the puck. Obviously, we took advantage of the goal tending tonight and they didn't lie down by any means and we needed all six." Gordon said of Blake Comeau who is on his own streak of multi-point games.

When asked about his game, Blake told reporters "Something that I've changed about my game is I'm shooting the puck more. Obviously, it's going to give itself a chance to go in no matter how hard it is or where it's shot from. That's something I'm going to continue to do and bounces are going my way. So hopefully, it stays that way."

Gordon continued, "Blake has honest intentions of working hard all the time, but with the ability and skill that he has, he should be able to produce offensively. Literally, it's nothing more than getting pucks to the net. Those two goals that he scored, nobody thought they had a chance of getting into the net, but they did. Sometimes, that's what it takes. Just putting on the net and he's doing it."

Could this game be THAT simple? Really?

The Islanders chased Brian Boucher from the net after he let in five goals. Two from Blake Comeau, one from Sean Bergenheim, one from Frans Nielsen and one from Trent Hunter. It was time for rookie goaltender Jeremy Duchesne to get his chance in the NHL. The first shot he blocked was from Jon Sim. The first goal he gave up was to -- Jon Sim. Fate.



On the other end of the ice, Marty Biron gave up goals to ex-Islander Aaron Asham (figures) and James Van Riemsdyk (his 15th). It wasn't until lat in the third that Biron then gave up two more to Briere and Powe.



John Tavares earned his 25th and 26th assist tonight while Dylan Reese earned his first. I think Dylan will remember the game more than JT will.



But the guy who may really burn this game into his memory banks is Trevor Gillies who ended up with the hard-hat in the dressing room after the game. He wore it proudly as he sat removing his gear and checking on his scuffed up knuckles as he sat in the corner talking one on one to Islesblogger.com Mike. I have been hard on Trevor, but perhaps I don't fully understand his role. He is truly a "team" guy. He must be. That's IS his role. That role ingratiates him to his team mates and those who work with him.


"They should have given YOU the hard hat Marty. You deserve it, man!" he said to Biron in sincerity recognizing the performance Biron put up against his old team. As the man in net responsible for many of those 15 Flyers wins over the Islanders, this one was extra special. He, more than anyone, knows how difficult it is when you're playing for your post-season lives. Biron told how last season, his team didn't get into the playoffs until the last two games of the regular season. He knows the frustration of teams on the bubble at this time of year and says it can be mentally taxing. "A lot of teams are playing desperate hockey this time of year."

The Flyers didn't seem that desperate last night. Well, except for the last five minutes of the game when they realized they were going to actually lose to the NY Islanders.

Super Bowl Party with the Boys

Today there was an open practice for Season Ticket Holders at the Nassau Coliseum. Between the freezing cold, the losing streak and it being Super Bowl Sunday, it was certainly an INTIMATE gathering of fans.

While the sentiment of the players was to keep things light, you could tell by the faces of some that the extended losing streak is taking a toll.

Marty Biron, the only Islander goalie with a recent win, was back on Long Island and sharing a net with Roloson and DiPietro for a final shoot out drill. On very little sleep today after last night’s dinner-dance, it was all just a blur to me.

I decided to leave the tough questions about the Islanders’ current slump to the Main Stream Media types in attendance. Katie Strang corner Garth Snow in the runway. Brad Kurtzberg grabbed Scott Gordon as soon as he left the ice. I hung back and asked questions about – The Super Bowl!

(Seriously, do you think I’m going to be able to garner valid answers about what’s going wrong and why they can’t score? Hardly.)

So the little survey I did about today’s big “day of stupid American fun”, as I heard it called on the news today, garnered me a few interesting answers.

“Are the Patriots in it? Then I have no interest in it. I’m gonna go see a movie.” That was Massachusetts native Scott Gordon’s response to me about today’s “big game.” That sort of shot me down real quick.

Sean Bergenheim told me that the team would be hanging together to watch the Super Bowl. When I asked him what his favorite football watching munchies is, he hesitated. “Oh, I try not to eat too much junk, but I would say maybe a hot dog.” That would certainly qualify as “junk.”

I wanted to see what everyone thought of the commercials that mean so much to Super Bowl Sunday, so when I asked Sean if there were any Super Bowl commercials that stood out for him over the years, “The commercial with the kid when he’s on the computer and there’s a clown. That one.”

Bruno Gervais, as big of a foodie as he is, favors wings. “Bar-b-cue or mild. That’s a classic. Everything though, hot dog, burgers. If you’re going to do it -- do it right.” He felt there are a lot of good commercials out there and did like all the Budweiser commercials. But wait, last year there was a baby commercial. You know, those Car insurance, the baby – with the clown. Yeah. That was a good one.“ When I asked if he felt that half time and the amount of promo spent on the commercials takes away from the actual game he said “No, the game is fun.”

Rick DiPietro will also be spending tonight with the team “Where ever they go, I go.” (Sorry Cassandra. Not sure if the wives are invited or not.) The man who spent his free time learning to cook said he’d have to go with Buffalo wings as his favorite game time munchie. When it came to commercials, Rick said there was a funny one that he liked, “No, there was one I really liked, but I totally forgot what it is. So obviously it wasn’t that good."

Rick didn’t think the half time show or the commercials are more important than the actual game. While he wasn’t really interested in seeing the Who at half time, he wouldn’t mind seeing Janet Jackson again. (Funny, I got that from a lot of the guys… Gee, I wonder why? Ha!)

Jeff Tambellini’s favorite munchie is Nachos and his favorite commercials were the Budweiser frogs. When I asked if the commercials and halftime spectacles took away from the game, Jeff had a well thought answer off the top of his head. “I think the event, as a whole, is so good, because it’s not just one thing. Instead of flipping the commercials off, you actually get to watch them. I just think it’s so much fun to watch through the whole day.”

We had another vote for Nachos from Jon Sim who ALSO voted for “those little baby commercials. I like the talking babies. They’re hilarious.” I think he was teasing me when he said the half time show and commercials were indeed the best part of the Super Bowl because he ended with “Unless it comes down to the fourth quarter.” Especially when you have money riding on the outcome.

Even the infamous Richard “Shakey” Krause, Islanders Equipment manager voted for Nachos as the favorite Super Bowl snack, but his favorite commercials are the Bud Bowls. He also looks forward to the half time show and commercials. (And also wanted to see Janet Jackson again…)

So what this all boils down to is that – E-TRADE HAS THE BEST COMMERCIALS AND NO BRAND RECOGNITION!!! Hey! Madison Avenue morons, while your commercials are hysterical, you are spending millions and millions of dollars and no one knows what your product is! There is no 100% brand recognition! I had to tell each of them what the product is!

Okay, enjoy the game and the commercials. My husband will be screaming “PETE!!!” at the top of his lungs as he is a Who-Head from way back while I will be digging into the --- drum roll please – Nachos, like everyone else!

Growing Pains are Groaning Pains

The biggest problem I have with sitting on the couch watching an Islanders game with my husband nowadays is listening to him complain. I guess I’m used to sitting in silence and just complaining in my head. I did a lot of that last night watching the Isles face Tampa Bay, a team that I still harbor a lot of resentment against for screwing up my playoff plans in 2004.

With the 2004 NHL 7th Man Award winner, Dr. David Lubin, in the St. Pete Times Forum sending me text messages and hanging out on a Blogger 4-Way Cover-It-Live conversation, I found myself at first getting frustrated and then becoming disinterested. I actually fell asleep at the keyboard the last four minutes of the game. (Maybe it was the constant Kovalchuk to the Devils conversation that permeated every conversation.)

It didn’t matter. They lost their sixth straight game at 5 – 2. I had already seen the highlights long before the third period. There was the pin-ball goal attributed to Matt Moulson to give him his 21st of the season and there was the one Jon Sim fought for in front of the net to give the Islanders the lead… for about a nano-second.

I watched the Islanders nemesis, Marty St. Louis tie the game at two and promptly issued a request for someone to squish him. I resent him – I resent that he’s as good as he is and constantly has to prove it against the NY Islanders.

I also watched another Tampa super-star (and good guy) score on Dwayne Roloson after being hit with a high stick only a blink after St. Louis. (They do like to do things in pairs, don’t they?) It was quite a sight to see him skate back to his bench for congratulations from his team with blood streaming down his face from his forehead. Now THAT’S a hockey player!

Blame it on youth, blame it on growing pains as Scott Gordon did in his post game.

“We just can’t score…We hit the post on the pp, we’re not scoring on right now. It’s a hard thing to say --we gotta make sure we put the puck in the net.” They didn’t.

It was three defensemen that put the Islanders down a man and out on the PK, (Sutton, MacDonald and Kohn), the Lightning took four penalties, three from defenseman and one from Center Jeff Halpern, only the Bolts managed one power play goal. Their power play continues to disappoint the coaching staff.

Scott Gordon told Rob Carlin of MSG, “On the Power Play, you have to have guys that certainly are finishers. Right now, the guys haven’t become the finishers they will become. That’s part of the situation we’re in. Our players are still trying to become what Tampa Bay already is. It’s part of the process. These are the growing pains we’re going to have.”

The finishing part is exactly what was yelled at my big screen last night.
When Rob Carlin asked what Scott Gordon thought of Stamkos, I cringed. I wasn’t quite sure if he was going to glare at Rob the way he does sometimes in the press room when he’s asked a question he thinks he shouldn’t have to answer. “Stamkos is a hard guy to defend against. He’s obviously come into his own probably faster than they expected. Good for him.”

John Tavares was smacked around again last night. He had ONE shot on net and two missed shots. He also had his best chance clang off a post which sent him to the bench shaking his head. In comparison, Bruno Gervais had three shots on net and three that were blocked. (Think about that: Bruno, with six shots.)

There was a spark of life during the second when the Islanders managed to keep all the action in the Bolts end of the ice. It looked as if the losing streak would end at five. It didn’t. And while the losing streak continues, Gordon explained with the tight points race in the east, things can change quickly.

“Before we had these six straight losses, there were teams that were 5 points behind us. After two weeks it can change very quickly.” But the Islanders remain at only 54 points.

“I like our work ethic.” Scott continued. Yes, the work ethic is there, but “Every time we make a mistake, it’s in the back of the net.”

Yep, no matter WHO is in net.

Notes: Bailey was missed. Leave Matt on a line with JT. Jeff Tambellini played last night. Anyone notice?

Thanks to Dr. David Lubin for letting me know before I watched that the Bolts would continue to make the islanders look bad. Yeah… thanks.

Devils Without Elias

Another MLK Day Matinee at the Coliseum. Another 1/2 day of work for me! Much to the dismay of my employer.

So Patrick "Watch me pull a goal out of my a$$" Elias will not be in today's line-up as he was taken off the ice on a stretcher during their Saturday game against the Avalanche. Elias is only one of the Devils' weapons for winning, but I will look for any advantage I can find.

The Devils are standing at 15 points ahead of the Islanders, but oddly it says their power play percentage is 19.6% while the Isles are at 15.9%. I would have expected a much higher discrepancy. Additionally, the PK doesn't have that big of a spread either at the Devils' 82.6 to the Isles 76.4.

This may not end up being a test of special teams. This will be a five on five contest and who has the best wall in the net. Should Brodeur get the start today, then on one side of the ice will be arguably the greatest goaltender to ever live. However, in all the years playing against the NY Islanders, Marty Brodeur has one weakness: Get in his head EARLY and you own him.

Yep, he is not infallible against the Islanders. I'm not saying Jon Sim should pull a Sean Avery or anything like that, but a little yapping, a little snow shower, a quick goal will certainly give the Islanders an advantage for the day.

And the Islanders can use any advantage they can get.

Race Horses & Hockey Players --

They'll break your heart.

I heard that line on a radio program a few years ago and I never forgot it. I think it had to do with betting, but I can't be sure. All I know is... I shouldn't make bets. I'm really not a gambler. But I made the deal, I'll stick by the deal. I'll also stick by my beliefs.

Matt Moulson is at LEAST a 20 goal scorer. I'm sure of it. And while he sits at 16 goals half way through the season, barring any unforeseen injury, he'll exceed my expectation. Maybe I just shouldn't have been as over zealous (Or over served) to say it would only take him until January 1st to get there. But it's okay. He's still one hell of a hockey player.

I'm very happy to see Robbie Schremp getting his chances too. He's been called my newest "charity case" since I do seem to spend time coddling the underdogs in this business. But I'll tell you that Schremp has a great gift coupled with a great personality. He won't be an underdog for long.

The man with the smallest fan-club has been doing quite well too. That would be Jon Sim. Sorry people, I can't help but be happy for him after seeing him so miserable when he was out for the season.

Speaking of someone being miserable while out -- Ricky D! Making his presence known back at practice. Woo hoo! This poor guy can't sneeze without someone tweeting about it. Everyone has to know his every move or all hell breaks loose.

Rick! Rick!! What did you have for breakfast?? But then again, I guess Rick will ALWAYS be big news. For me, the biggest news of the day was seeing Rick getting pointers from Scott Gordon and seeing "Flash" flash that winning smile of his.

"Did you get that on camera Dee? Because no one would believe it!" I don't know why so many think that Scott Gordon has no personality. He has a wonderful sense of humor. Maybe they're just not used to someone who carries himself with such decorum.

But there he was in net, giving Rick pointers. And there I was, at the glass. It's blurry, but it's not photo shopped!

Okay, so the big news is Ricky being recalled from Bridgeport and making the trip with the team. Okay, so we've got three goalies on the trip. It's good for him to get back with the team. After all, he still is, and always was, a huge part of it.

Does that mean that somewhere on this trip #39 may be between the pipes for a period or two? Maaaaaayyyyyyybbeeee. We'll just have to wait and see. We've had plenty of spare parts all season. Having a spare goalie won't kill them.

On the injury front, I feel very bad for tough-guy (but really, really GOOD-guy) Tim Jackman. That guy can't catch a break. I hope you all read the recount of New Year's Eve at the ER on the Islanders Authorized blog on their main website. It's well worth the read. http://islanders.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=59682&navid=DLNYIhome

Sean Bergenheim will play at some point over the next three games. (Yeah!!!) But Bruno Gervais took a puck to the face today and walked off the ice bleeding. I'm sure he'll be alright, but still, there's always a risk.

Matt Moulson had his lip split when he took a stick to the mouth, but the stitches seem to be healing. The scar will match the others he has.

I saw Jiggs MacDonald at the practice today. I was glad as I thought for sure I'd miss him during this visit to the Island. What a pleasant man to be around. And such a wealth of hockey history. I should have taken a photo with him, just to make Big Angry Man a little jealous. Just like every other Dynasty Die-Hard, he loves Jiggs.

Isles practice tomorrow before heading off on their road trip. The hardest part of the West Coast stints for us fans? Staying up long enough to watch the games. The hardest part for the Islanders? Winning.

WE have it far easier than they do.

It's a New Year at the Barn 6 -5 SO Win

Isles vs. Thrashers and the Captain back on home turf. What a wonderful first period for the NY Islanders as Scott Gordon decided to mix up his lines a little with Tim Jackman out of the line-up and Jeff Tambellini back in.

Matt Moulson was the first to score on the Thrashers, but he didn't relive his last hat trick game against the Thrashers. But he was parked in the crease, where he normally would find the puck and the back of the net.

Jon Sim, who is adept at drawing penalties as well as taking them found the back of the net from his knee with a beautiful play less than three minutes after Moulson's opener off a spin pass from Josh Bailey.

Richard Park was credited with a goal, but in all actuality, it bounced off a Thrasher defenseman in Hedberg's crease. So sorry. But Richard Park, who seriously needed the kickstart, will take it.

The Isles left the ice up by three goals. But as we all know too well, especially in Islanders country, no lead is safe.

Only fifty seconds into the second, Dwayne Roloson let up his first goal of the game to Maxim Afinogenov. Trent Hunter, trying to keep the momentum from swinging in the other direction, scored the Isles fourth goal before they even had the time to announce the Thrasher's goal.

At 10:02 of the second, another fluky goal for the Isles as Josh Bailey took a pass off Nielsen and it started bouncing off everything in sight, like a pin ball. Josh almost hit it in with a high stick, which would have been a problem, but he didn't even touch it. It hit the post then bounced off Hedberg and he ended up kicking it into his own net. Oh... Bad luck!

That was at 10:02 of the second. At 10:12 of the second, Antropov scored for the Thrashers and it was 5 - 3 Isles. I began to panic and get angry. How many three goal leads does this team give up? It got worse when Peverley made it 5 - 4 Isles at 12:58 of the second.

Now I was threatening. All I could think of was them letting the Thrashers tie the game. So many games the Islanders haven't even been able to score two goals. They had five in the first two periods. It was obvious they became complacent. You would think by now they should realize they don't have that luxury. The minute this team relaxes just a little, they find themselves coming up short.

Bill Jaffe announced that Scott Gordon is the longest tenured coach in the Atlantic division now. Um, does that make coaching the most volatile career choice in sports? hmmmm...

I almost had to put on my shoes and jump in my car and fly down to the coliseum welding a wooden spoon as the score was almost tied at five. But the goal was waived off and called for goalie interference. I think had they not, Dwayne Roloson would have taken a whack at someone with his goalie stick.

Josh Bailey took an untimely penalty for holding and the Thrashers went on a Power Play. I can't even imagine what Gordon would have done if Atlanta tied it up with Bailey in the box.

With 9:02 remaining, the refs decided that Jeff Tambellini interfered on Peverley when all he really did was put his shoulder into him to knock him off the puck. No one liked the call. Within seconds, Kovalchuk tied it up at five. I started throwing apple chips at the TV. That's also the time I started to wish they would have Scott Gordon mic'ed up.

If not for the game call of Jiggs MacDonald, I would have probably turned off the sound. I turned over laundry just to get away from the game for a moment.

It was still 5 - 5 at 4:24 left of the third when I returned. Hunter missed a beautiful opportunity on Hedberg's doorstep and the Thrashers iced the puck but no ground was gained. The puck bounced off John Tavares and he looked around checking to see where it was.

Richard Park rushed in over the blue line all alone but Hainsey kept him from getting a shot off.

Two minutes left and the Isles seemed as if they were spending far too much time in their own zone. One minute left and Kyle Okposo chased the puck behind the Thrashers net a few times but with 26.2 seconds left, it was deemed that Trent Hunter iced the puck and the face off came out to Rolie's right. Nielsen won the face off but with very few seconds left, it was obvious this game was going to overtime.

So from a three goal lead in the first, the Isles not only let the Thrashers back into the game, but they ran up the score to five a piece. It was maddening. Nielsen took the draw as overtime began and was pushed around a little.

Comeau came down the left wing and John Tavares managed a shot off on net for one of the first I've heard for the evening. Score sheet says he had three.

Steit's head-on shot was sucked up by Hedberg along with all the other shots the Islanders could muster, but Schubert took a penalty for getting his stick in Blake Comeau's face well after play had stopped. No blood. I'm sure Comeau was checking a few times for it.

With a little over two minutes left in OT, John Tavares won the face off, but the puck couldn't stay in the Thrasher's zone. They cleared, and cleared and cleared until Kyle Okposo kept it in their zone all alone taking abuse at the boards. The Isles were out hustled and garnered only three shots on goal in the overtime period.

With the shoot out on New Year's Eve being a goal fest on Roloson, my daughter had a few choice things to say about Dwayne's chances in net. I didn't respond to her as I waited with everyone else for Scott Gordon to make his choice. Would it be Jiffy Jeff? Robbie, Robbie? Frans?

Kovalchuk, the man of the hour for the Thrashers, twirled his stick waiting to hear.

The Isles did go with Tamby, Nielsen and Schremp.

Jeff picked his corner before skating in and banking the puck inside the right corner of the net. He makes it look so easy.

Kovalchuk skated in toward Roloson and just missed the net blocker side. Woo hoo!

Nielsen always looks nervous, he skated out slowly as Hedberg came way out to meet him. Frans lifted the puck over his pads and in.

Kozlov didn't even break a sweat as he beat Roloson easily.

Schremp's winning streak was broken as Hedberg just out waited him, but Dwayne Roloson slid to his right and Peverely missed his chance. The Islanders won in the shoot-out but give up a point they should have kept.

There is no reason the Islanders should keep giving up three goal leads. They have a hard enough time getting them. They should be able to keep them.

UUUUUUGGGHHHH.. Frustrating when it should have been a joyous win. But that's Islanders hockey for you.

Oh, wait. What was the word a prominent blogger Tweeted? Right. Freakshow.

Flyers 2 Isles 1 - And Size Still Matters

That is what Scott Gordon said in his post game interview today. It seems he feels that the Flyers have some power forwards that don't offer the Islanders much room. It's a problem he feels the Islanders have had since last season. And coupled with the fact that they are a young team, they will just have to find a way to work through it.

Well, I'm assuming that means that Garth Snow will be looking to improve that situation come March, right? Let's hope so.

This was not a blow-out loss. This was a game of missed opportunities. You can't win a hockey game with just one goal, but they did keep their opponents to only two goals.

The one goal was scored by Jon Sim as hard work and determination are often rewarded. This is his fourth goal of the season.

The first Flyers goal was scored by Daniel Briere less than 2 minutes into the first and then Jeff Carter made it a 2 - 1 in the second. The Islanders were given a belated Christmas gift as a third Flyers goal was waived off as it was deemed by Toronto to be kicked in by Daniel Briere.

Scott Gordon said it was the right call. But it doesn't make up for the lack of a penalty called when Robbie Schremp was almost beheaded and none of the three men in black & white shirts noticed it a few games ago.

Not calling penalties that don't draw blood isn't how the rule book is written... is it? It seems to have happened in Tampa to the Bolts as well. Something is wrong here.

Well, the overturned goal didn't do anything to give the Islanders any extra jump in their game. It wasn't that they weren't playing hard, they just were being out muscled off the puck and passes weren't connecting.

The other thing that is wrong with the game in general is how many sticks break each night. Tonight there were about four. It seems last night there were at least a 1/2 dozen. Shouldn't the manufacturers be responsible for this? How many golden opportunities are missed because of broken sticks? How many games change because of them? This isn't fair.

Well, the Islanders keep slipping WAY below that crucial .500 mark. It will certainly make March very interesting.

Well, looking forward to hear what my friend Anthony Curatolo has to say about the play of his Flyers. Because for the Islanders, there really isn't much that hasn't already been said.

Isles vs. Rangers at MSG 2-1 Isles

*This is an awesome gift for the female hockey fan in your life!!!Check out http://www.heartbreakhockey.com for detals

7am: Also noting that only one news channel had footage of the Ranger's coach spewing explatives at the media last night in his post game report. No one else has aired it. Now, if that was Scott Gordon or Garth Snow -- It would have been all over Dolanvision, now wouldn't it??
Sadly the game was on 414 in non-HD and looked like it was recorded through wax paper.

With Bruno Gervais and Jeff Tambellini sitting this one out, the young defense of the NY Islanders managed to shut down the league's leading goal scorer. Jack Hillen, bad foot and all, did an amazing job as did the rest of the defense in this very low scoring game.

The first goal was certainly a very ugly one. Jon Sim worked like a dog until standing in the paint and taking a few lumps finally paid off as the puck hit his leg and bounced up and over a prone Lundqvist. He doesn't care how they manage to go in, as long as they do.

That lone goal stood for a very long time.

Josh Bailey had two, no, make that THREE shots on goal and John Tavares had Zero. JT tries to make some very pretty plays, but he couldn't quite make them work.

Avery was Avery and got into a little shoving match with Dwayne Roloson which sent Matt Moulson to sit in the box for Dwayne. I'm surprised it was Matt that had to sit out the penalty. But, Gordon knows what he's doing.

Nielsen had another break-away attempt that Lundqvist denied and sent Frans to the bench disgusted. Good attempt. It would have done wonders for the game and Frans had he reacted just a little sooner and got it by him.

At 16:53 of the third, Blake Comeau managed to bang in a rebound from a Matt Moulson slap shot over Lundqvist. He didn't see it coming. Not bad for a guy who also saw a lot of the press box. The crowd cheered so loud, I thought the Rangers had scored, but it seems that only the Islanders fans stuck around for the end of the game.

With Tortorella going with an extra attacker, Roloson lost his bid for a shut out when Lisin managed to sneak the puck through Rolie's legs when he wasn't looking. No, seriously. He wasn't looking. He was too busy telling Andy MacDonald not to block him. It was almost as if he heard a whistle in his head and just stopped playing.

But it was still a win and one on the really lousy MSG ice no less. (They said they lowered the temperature 8 degrees, but it still looked very choppy out there.)

There were only 26 shots on Rolie and 28 on Lundqvist. But I'm guessing that Roloson will still get the nod for tomorrow night's game. The Rangers may very well go with Chad Johnson. Who? Yeah. Newbie. Welcome to Long Island kid.

As Gordon said, they were ready to play and didn't give the Rangers a lot of time and space. If that's what it takes, then lather, rinse, repeat tomorrow night.

Just keep Sean Avery out of Roloson's way. He may be 40, but he sure is fiesty!

"Wildly" Disappointing in MN

The Excel Energy Center is one a great building. With so many family members and friends of Okposo, Hillen and Jackman, there were plenty of Islanders jerseys to be seen last night. But while the homecoming for the Minnesota boys may have been pleasant, the outcome for the Islanders last night left their coach almost speechless.

"I'm not going to talk to them right now." Gordon glared at MSG's Rob Carlin when he asked him immediately after the game what he said to the team after losing 3 - 2 with only 1:07 left of the third on a bad turnover that left Owen Nolan all alone with Marty Biron.

Nolan, the man drafted the same year that John Tavares was born, was even more surprised than Biron that he was given that gift of a goal by the Islanders. It was his second for the game. Actually, I think the FIRST goal of the game was a gift by Marty Biron too.

According to NHL statistics, the team that scores first has the upper hand in winning the game. It proved true last night as the Wild were the first on the scoreboard at 11:44 in the first on a wrist shot by Nolan for his fifth goal of the season. So the first and the last both belonged to the 37 year old veteran from Belfast.

The Minnesota Wild haven't been doing as well as their sold out crowds would like, but the NY Islanders, who lost their seventh game in that building, gave the crowd of over 18,000 a surprise ending. Jon Sim had tied the game at one with his second goal of the season at 3:07 in the second and Josh Bailey, while on his knees, made it 2 - 1 at the 10:23 mark with a shot that went over Backstrom. Yep, for all intents and purposes, it looked like it was going to be Lucky Seven and the Islanders would win this game.

But this is the NHL and no lead is safe and you don't know who wins until the final buzzer. Bad penalties and bad turnovers plagued the Islanders and while the Penalty Kill is getting way too much practice killing off five on three scenarios, the Power Play isn't doing what it needs to. "We had great chances on the Power Play and didn't bury them." Gordon told Rob in the post game. But the loss boiled down to one thing, "Turnovers. That's all it was."

#NotoriousNateThompson night wasn't as huge a success on Twitter as #MightyMattMoulson night, but it was still interesting considering Nate started things off with a fight with Nathan Smith early in the first period. I'm sure the league will be happy to know Nate's helmet never left his head. Nate ended the night with 12:31 in ice time, one fight, three blocked shots, one Hit and a 56% win ratio in the face off circle.

Tim Jackman and Shane Hnidy decided to get into it late in the second which got the home town crowd even more excited. Jackman may not be the best fighter in the league, but he may be the most intense. By the time it was over, he had Hnidy face down on the ice and looked like he was doing everything in his power not to just keep going.

So for all the press about Tavares and Clutterbuck it seemed to be a non-factor in the game. There were no amazing Tavares moves last night, no brilliant goals. In all honesty, the game was a little on the dull side. Not to say that there weren't bright spots, there were.

I actually noticed Andrew MacDonald this game. Jon Sim has to be recognized for his hard work, no matter how disappointed Islander fans may be in his past performance. As Gordon said last night, Sim is "a guy, if we can get him on a roll, would be a huge asset to the team."

The Hillen and Okposo families shared a luxury suite last night for the game, sadly they didn't get to celebrate a win, but I'm sure they all had a good time anyway. Too bad the boys couldn't stick around as they are off to St. Louis for tonight's match up against the Blues.

No time to sulk over the loss. Time to just come out ready to play. This one is history. Let's just forget it.

Three Games -- Three Points

The Islanders once again played a "good" 50 minutes of hockey without their Captain. (I had no idea he wouldn't be playing until I turned on the game.) The Bruins played a good 10 minutes. And that’s all they needed come from behind a 3 – 0 deficit and then burn Roloson in the shoot-out.

It must feel like Groundhog Day for Coach Scott Gordon.Early on the Islanders hushed the 17,113 attendees at TD Garden even though the first period began with a quick penalty to Richard Park for interference at the 12 second mark. It would set the tone for the rest of the game. The Islanders had five penalties, the Bruins had six. You would think with that many penalties given out, it would have been a really chippy game, but there were no fisticuffs to speak of.

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Jon Sim: Sim-ply Rejuvenated

Consider this a birthday present entry for Islander Jon Sim who has managed to go from devastating injury to ready to go with a pit stop in Bridgeport along the way.

Happy 32nd Birthday, Jon. Now, how about celebrating with a goal or two in New Jersey?

Notes from the Rink & A Petition Request

Yes, I spent a really, really long time today at Ice Works. I was there so long, my feet were blue from the cold. And the blasted concession stand was closed! So please check out my notes here if you're interested. I did see Kyle Okposo. He worked out all day and looked quite sad not being on the ice. But all in all, it was a really good day there.

On the other hand, NYI Point Blank is hosting a poll regarding the Lighthouse project. It's time to say Yes or No. If you haven't already voted in the poll, please do.

I will be talking with Rob Kowal from NY Hockey Report tonight on WGBB AM radio regarding the Lighthouse and the team at 9 pm. There will be podcast. I just hope there will be some way of me seeing what I'll miss of the Desperate Housewives season premiere.

Canucks 2 - Jon Sim 1

I really do dislike games that start at 10:30 pm when I get up at 6 am. I'm sure the players hitting the rink this morning at 11 am after getting to the hotel at 4:30 am don't like them very much either. But such is the life of a hockey player.

But who are they? Seriously, last night as the camera panned across the bench, my friends and I kept saying "Who's that? Who's that?" They could have taken a Terrace BC beer league and put Islanders jerseys on them and I wouldn't know the difference.

Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration. I recognized Josh Bailey and Jon Sim. Sim? Yeah. Sim. Out there showing he still has a little left to give the NHL. He gave them their only goal.

Katie Strang played Islanders clairvoyant on Twitter as there was a half hour delay in the broadcast in New York. She was getting information directly from the rink and Tweeting it. Sort of like when your friend tells you how the movie ends when you're sitting in the dark shoving your face full of popcorn.

There is a very good article on the Islanders main website along with some entertaining video interviews. IslandersTV is doing a fine job there in Saskatoon. Make sure you check it out.

MSG will be airing an Islanders season preview show again this season. Billy Jaffe is there in Saskatoon filming it now and didn't make the trip to Terrace, BC.

Newsday's article about "Positive Strides for DP" by Katie makes me wonder if Ricky is in quarantine since he's practicing for 30 minutes a day in a separate auxiliary rink in Saskatoon. Hmmm... who are they protecting him from? The media?

Tonight another rookie game takes place in Prince Albert. Yawn. Okay then.

The Rangers play a pre-season game tonight at the Garden. I can't wait to see how many Islanders fans go poke at the Rangers writer on HockeyBuzz, or don't we do that?

Lastly, just another indication that Newsday is owned by Cablevision who owns the Rangers, News12 and MSG. In yesterday's Sports Guide for TV there was no mention of the Islanders game in the grid even though it was airing on MSG Plus. (really, go check.) But in today's paper, the Rangers game is listed. Uh huh, nice.

Making the Most of it: Jon Sim

Update 4/21/09: Greg Logan and I hardly ever have the same idea, except this time. Guess we were both impressed on a night that nothing else was pretty impressive.


Hockey is a tough sport. It's an even tougher business. Sometimes difficult decisions are made from a business standpoint that are emotionally cutting. It's all a part of life; all a part of the business.





This past season, a veteran with nine NHL seasons to his credit was suddenly a member of the AHL. I suppose this was better than the almost full season he spent not playing at all.





Jon Sim had played two games in the '07 - '08 season before a leg injury ended his season prematurely. From what I saw on his face, he seemed devastated. Night after night he would stand in the tunnel staring at the ice. It was painful for me to watch. He's a professional hockey player. Hockey players want to play hockey, not just get paid to wander the hallways and show up at charity functions.





When the new season began, he was healthy and ready. He played 49 games, but he was a -12. He did not dress for 14 regular season games under new coach Scott Gordon.

Jon Sim had his best night on March 2nd with 3 assists. Two days later, he was assigned to Bridgeport after being placed on waivers. I can't imagine anything worse for a hockey player. Isn't that in essence saying "Gee, thanks. We really don't need you."





Sim could have been far less than the professional he actually is but he accepted the assignment and in the 18 regular season games he played for the Sound Tigers, he has scored 13 goals and 10 assists. He has become an asset for coach Jack Capuano.





This weekend, back at the Coliseum, I watched him play his heart out. I watched him stand in front of the net and repeatedly get whacked in the back. I watched him be important to that team and an annoyance to the opponent.





Saturday night was the second loss for the Sound Tigers in this playoff series, but Jack Capuano had this to say about Jon Sim in the post game interview.





"Jon Sim is a professional. When he first got down, obviously he could have had an attitude. But he came down, just like all the guys came down. He's been real positive to the guys, real good in the locker room, real vocal. He's played hard. He's played hard. (Yes, he said it twice for emphasis.) He has no regrets. He came down to work on his game and help the younger kids on our hockey team. So it's a tribute to Jon Sim with the attitude he came down with for sure."





Jack could not have been more sincere.





"If there's one guy who is going to stand in front of the net, whether it's the American League or the National Hockey League, he'll do it. And he's not afraid of the puck, he stands right in front of it and tries to score goals. We just have to get pucks to it."





Tonight, Sunday, Jon Sim scored twice helpping the Sound Tigers win their 3rd game in three nights. The AHL is a tough league. Their schedules are tough and the officiating seems a little 'lax' to say the least. To call it "minor league" hockey is an insult.





But Jon Sim is making the most of it, and it is a tribute to him.

Sound Tigers Win on A Sunday in March

I finally broke down and just bought tickets to go to a game in Bridgeport. How could I pass up a bargain like $29 for a round trip ferry ride and a ticket to the Sound Tigers game? I really couldn't.

So, there we were, Wendy and I, watching hockey on NBC and drinking Pinot Grigio on the Ferry out of Port Jefferson across the sound to Bridgeport. Smooth sailing, for the most part. I even wore my Lighthouse hat and 7th Woman jersey. Yep, it was "fan" day for sure on the LI Sound. And there were quite a few of us.

It's a short walk from the ferry terminal to the Arena which is made more comfortable by the little herd of blue and orange jerseys making their way there.

Harbor Yard is a wonderful family venue. Not a bad seat in the house and the food is not just good, it's a good value. I've never seen a carving station on the concourse before. But there one was with both Roast Beef and Pastrami for only $7.50 that included a sandwhich on a soft foll with cheese, horseradish sauce, pickles and a bag of chips. I opted for the chicken and cheese quesedilla for $6.50. But there was Pizza and chicken and hot dogs, popcorn and churros (which is something that the Coliseum no longer carries. I will say there's something really strange about seeing a grown man eating a churro.

Our seats in row D of section 113 had an excellent view of Jack Capuano's bench. The names on the jerseys were very familiar. So many of them have been on the Islanders roster at one point in time during this season. Walter, Callahan Iggulden, Joensuu, Maninno, Colliton. The most notable Islander roster alumni was, of course, Jon Sim.

I'll say it was somewhat painful for me to see. So often I had watched Sim stand by the glass at the Coliseum while he was recovering last season. You could see how badly he wanted to be out on the ice with the team. Now he is with another team, an AHL team. But at least he is skating and making an impact. But he still doesn't look that happy. I can't blame him.

In this arena, you are so close to the action, that you can't help but get caught up in it. You're right on top of every play and every save. The small town feel carries over into their Booster Club which runs so many fund drives and contests during the games. They are a dedicated bunch that does a wonderful job. They really need to be commended and supported.

One of the crowd favorite between period activities is the $5 a bag Lucky Puck Chuck, where you toss numbered foam pucks at a target on the ice from the stands. Speaking of "foam", they were selling foam heart shaped signed photos of players also only $5 and every one's favorite "foam" friend, Sponge Bob was taking photos with the kids. Proceeds all going to charity.

I took considerable advantage of the cup holders at the seats by visiting Carl, the very friendly bar-tender on the main concourse repeatedly. After the first round, he knew what I wanted just by looking at me. I didn't mind repeatedly seeing Carl when the wine was only $5 a glass.

I had to laugh at the two blue-eyed, well dressed men at the bar intently watching the basketball game on the TV. There was just something wrong with that picture - and I told them so.

The Sound Tigers started out up by two, but of course, just like the Islanders, had to make it interesting by letting the Pirates catch up to them so their ultimate victory was 4 - 3. For some reason, the game seemed to take longer than an Islander game. Not for lack of energy or excitement on the ice. Maybe just because of the more relaxed atmosphere. I'm not sure. But Wendy and I both felt it.

Knowing we needed to get back across the Sound, we didn't wait around for Jeff Tambellini to sign autographs after the game. We took our Bobble-heads and fled back to the boat that was already docked and waiting around the block.

I had swiped a copy of the Sound Tigers Illustrated magazine that was at one of their tables. Personally, I loved this newsprint version that we had last season for the Islanders as well. I know our Islanders Illustrated has been replaced by the the glossy, bound magazine. But there's just something about this type of printing that makes it seem more "common" and readable. But that's just me.

As you can see, the Jiffy Jeff Bobble-Head was full size and kinda cute. I was actually glad I took one this time, which is something I never do at the Coliseum. Hey! I was there as a fan today, not as an "unbiased, professional writer." Okay, that's a joke between my spouse and I.

So, with a handful of games left on their regular schedule and Capuano's squad doing something Gordon's squad WON'T be doing - heading into playoffs - may I suggest that you ALL take a trip to Bridgeport.

Come for the hockey and enjoy the details of a great family day. I did notice plenty of men and their children on the ferry and in the stands. And at the prices they charge at Harbor Yard, you won't break the bank having a good time.

In today's economy of looking for a good deal, THIS is a GOOD DEAL on some really GOOD Hockey!