Brand New Isles, Renovated Coli - Preseason Win

Well, it looks like hell hath frozen over; I attended an Islanders game.  Okay, so it was a pre-season game and it was at the Coliseum, but I went.  It was rather spur of the moment and something my spouse wanted to do more than I did, but that doesn't matter.

I WAS IN THE BUILDING!!!  So I have to ask, where were so many of you?  I know I have been MIA for almost two years now, but I thought for sure the first game back at the Coliseum would be packed.  While it was a "decent" showing for an 80 degree sunny Sunday, and  1 pm game, I was disappointed.

This was the first time I have seen the renovations of the Coliseum for myself.  I am still not a fan of the metal fence, space ship exterior, but the interior was clean and sleek.  The bathrooms were a huge improvement and we finally have cup-holders.  Yeah!!  The dark gray seats are comfortable and the floor is freshly painted and isn't even sticky.

The parking was a whopping $25, Big Pretzels are now $7 each, Wine is $11 for a 6 oz bottle and a cocktail is $13.50.  Bring cash.  Lots of cash.  Granted, these prices are all in line with other venues, but personally I won't be able to do this too often.  But that's my problem, not yours.

While the original charm of the old barn may be gone, the amazing sight lines and acoustics are still there.  So was the sweet, familiar sound of Paul Cartier's Hammond organ perched high above the ice.  It would not be an Islanders game without him.

It seems though the Ice Girls are no longer a thing.  Yep, the ice crew was a co-ed, prison jumpsuit clad, shovel pushing blur.  Maybe they have Santa suit jumpsuits in December, but they at least don't detract from the game.

Right the game!  I had no idea who half the players were.  Yes, I've been away that long.  Then again, some of them that were on the ice today may not be an Islander for too long.  Guess I'll check everyone's blog or podcast to find out for now.

The return of Matt Martin brought a collective roar from the crowd along with his starting line mates, Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas.  The old "best fourth line in the NHL" started today's game, and we were delighted.  Equally delighted when Clutterbuck scored a power play goal.  Not delighted that Martin spent two minutes in the box.

New Isles goalie, Robin Lehner received rousing applause and put on a good showing making 8 saves while Gibson, who played the second half made 9 in this shut out game over the Flyers.

Matt Barzal was noticeable on the ice with his great skating ability, and did manage to earn an assist, but it was Kieffer Bellows who managed to get a mark in every column of the scoresheet today:  a goal, an assist and two minutes in the box.  Nice job kid.  The third Isles goal was scored by Sebastian Aho.  Like I said, I did a lot of "Who's that?"  But a name I didn't even realize I didn't see today until a few minutes ago was Josh Bailey.  Nope.  Didn't even notice.  Then again, I'm sure he hasn't missed me either.

So there you have it.  I went to a game, spent way too much money and actually wrote a blog.  I had forgotten how long this actually takes me.  But it was better than cleaning or doing actual work.

Even At 15th, The Faithful Like To Party

Where to be on a Sunday afternoon in late June? Why at an NHL Entry Draft party of course! Yes, I was a little surprised to see the parking lot PACKED when we pulled up yesterday to the draft party. I was even more surprised that the line for the sale merchandise in the lower lobby wrapped around all the way into the exhibit hall.

It was organized like a Disney line for Space Mountain. It snaked through the tables laden with merchandise of all sorts, all 50% off. There were bargains to be had in every direction. And you had to be quick. The really good bargains were snatched up before you got to the table you wanted.

But with all the great stuff they had out, I will ask the Isles and Terry Goldstein to PLEASE, just donate all the Smyth and Blake jerseys. It's time. To have those out for 50% of $275 is just ridiculous. It's been a decade now, hasn't it? Stop boxing them up and donate them to goodwill or recycle them or something, but don't try to sell them for more than the $25 they're worth.

Nassau County and SMG made a killing on Sunday as they charged their normal full prices for all concession items, $10 for parking and charged County sales tax on merchandise purchases. They should remember that when they're trying to figure out why Professional Lacrosse teams don't draw as much money into the county as an NHL team.

No, I wasn't happy with seeing $6 pretzels and $5 waters for a family friendly event. But then again, at least this time numerous concessions were open to meet the needs of the thousands of fans who attended.

The lines for the games and rides were long, but nothing compared to the line for the locker room tour. Fans just love seeing where their favorite players get ready for work. And unlike when I am in there, they don't get hit with sweat dripping off an exhausted player. Although I think the young girls would love that.

With no big name prospect headed the Isles way this time, there was no thunderous applause for the choice. No balloons and streamers falling from the rafters either. Just contentment.

Content that the Isles weren't in the top five again and hope that the only place they're going is up and not just WEST.

Matt Martin seemed to be the biggest name draw on Sunday, but as he was corralled behind the Season Ticket Holder VIP area, I couldn't get to him. There were a few prospects with @DivaDinaR but I'm sorry to say, I didn't recognize them. (If you've seen one blond, young hockey player, you've seen them all.) The photos of Martin schmoozing with fans on the Isles website are priceless.

Speaking of "West" as in Brooklyn -- color me a little surprised to not see a Yomark Nets takeover of the exhibit floor. Sure, there were discussions with people about the pending move, but I wasn't being beaten over the head with it by Sales people.

Photos from Training Camp

Isles: Out & Down (Just a little)

No, there was no loud music and laughter in the Isles locker room after yesterday’s game as there had been Thursday night when they won. No. The mood was one of contemplative reflection on the season that is now positively ending in just a few days. As long as there was the smallest of chances, there was still youthful hope. But as hard as they worked yesterday, the Bruins, the defending Stanley Cup champions, were not going to lose to the Islanders AGAIN. So they didn’t.

A writer for the New York Times said that none of the Islanders reporters would mention that the Islanders were HEALTHY and the Bruins were not. I suppose he was trying to say that indeed, the Islanders should have won. However, I can’t really say they were healthy considering that the backbone in net named Evgeni Nabokov has made an early exit from the season with a strained abductor. But there. I said it. Maybe he’ll rescind the statement now. (I doubt it.)

Matt Martin and Josh Bailey were particularly quiet sitting in their stalls post game. No good natured ribbing of each other. No jawing at Travis Hamonic across the room. They sat in drenched tee shirts waiting to explain to the throngs of cameras and tape recorders just how they felt about “being out of it.”

I couldn’t ask it that way, so I asked Matt how difficult it is to stay focused as the season winds down and the weather turns to Spring knowing he’d find his way to the real question.

“I don’t think it’s really that difficult. If you go to Florida and it’s nice weather or you travel to different places, I think our focus is to finish these last games off as strong as we can.” (And there it is….) “Obviously we all want to win. Some guys are still looking for contracts. (Martin is an RFA) I don’t think it’s hard to stay focused.”

As Jack Capuano has said this week, the team is not deviating from their routine or their program. They weren’t looking at the standings and playing to help or hurt other teams in the hunt. They were just trying to stay within their own system.

This from Eric Hornick’s excellent work on "The Skinny" regarding Matt Martin’s accomplishment this season:

Heavy Hitters
The Islanders out-hit Boston 21-19. Matt Martin led the way with six hits and in the process established a new National Hockey League record in hits. Martin now has 360 hits (hits have only been recorded since 2005-06), breaking the record of 356 set by Cal Clutterbuck of Minnesota in 2008-09. Martin has also recorded 13 of the team’s 22 fighting majors this season.

Having known this, I mentioned it to Matt as for the first time this season, he sat looking up at me without hair hanging down in his eyes. A nonchalant “okay” was his first reaction, so I pressed. “Well, obviously it’s a (he thought about the right word) accomplishment, I think, to lead the league in anything. It’s an accomplishment, but I’m a physical player (he finally smiled just a little), it’s just part of the game for me. It’s not trying to count how many I’m hitting. I just play the same way every night. It’s really all that is.”

While Matt Martin hits, Matt Moulson scores and gives back. For another year Moulson has pledged $500 for every goal he scores to go to children’s charity. Not to be outdone by his brother-in-law, LA Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick pledged $500 for every WIN he earned this season. Together Moulson and Quick created the 326 Foundation and yesterday Moulson split his pledge between the Islanders Children’s Fund and the326 Foundation to the tune of $17,000.

Feeling in the giving sprit too, Kyle Okposo and Michael Grabner each pledged $300 per goal to the IFC and yesterday presented a check for $22,000 to Islanders General Manager Garth Snow along side Matt Moulson’s beautiful wife Alicia.

Today is Fan Appreciation Day at the Coliseum as the Islanders face the Ottawa Senators. While the Islanders are now “officially” out of the playoffs (as Newsday’s Art Staple had to announce to Jack Capuano in the post game meeting), don’t expect them to play any different. Matt Martin will still hit. Moulson will still crowd the net, Parenteau will still look to swoop in and score and Okposo will still try to muscle his way around anyone standing in his way of the net. Tavares will still look to win the game whether it matters to the score sheet or not. It matters to him.

For the fans in attendance today the entertainment value of the game will be enhanced by the amazing amount of giveaways that are planned. With three games remaining on the schedule, we should just enjoy them -- while we can.

Isles Find 5 Good Minutes Against the Flyers

It was going to be one of those typical NY Islanders games against the Flyers.  It was a given with  Bryzgalov in net for the Flyers that the Isles would have no chance.  Okay, add Jagr's tendency to score effortlessly against the Isles not matter who THEY have in net and -- yeah.  I was expecting the loss.

I was not disappointed.  They fell 3-2, but it could have been 3 - 0 and was up until the stunning last 6:53 minutes.

While Jack Capuano said he thought they played a pretty good first period, PA Parenteau thought they lacked passion and energy and it cost them.  Capuano called the first two goals "gifts."  They were defensive breakdown giveaways that cost them.

The Isles didn't play the way they wanted or needed to, but there were still bright spots along with the mistakes.  However, there was only one player who tried to spur them on and bring them to life; Matt Martin.

When I went into the locker room it was busy and crowded so there was noise.  But it wasn't the noise I usually hear after a win.  This was just that -- noise.  Every player was in the dressing room and Mark Streit was doing interviews in English and something else.  I couldn't tell what it was.  Parenteau had the camera lights glaring on him while everyone else crowded around Stan Fischler and the MSG cameras. 

There was one reporter with John Tavares and one with Andy MacDonald.  I was tripping over hockey bags getting ready for the trip even though they're not leaving until tomorrow after practice.

I bugged my go-to-guy, Matt Moulson and asked him what was different in the last six minutes.  Matt's demeanour has changed.  Losing is really effecting him. 

"We had guys going to the net, getting shots.  I don't know.  We had a lot of zone time during the game, so maybe we finally wore them out."  It's evident, Matt's a little worn out.  The resident Iron Man could really use a break -- or a win.

When I asked him how important it was for them to hear the crowd get into the game, he said "Without Matt Martin -- I mean, he was the only one getting the crowd into the game for awhile.  It would have been nice to get that energy earlier.  Got a goal earlier and got the crowd going, but...yeah, we fed off that for a bit at the end there."  I shut the recorder and left him to the others.

Matt Martin was standing talking to MacDonald and Hamonic.  He had already been int he tunnel signing his green practice jersey for someone.  That was probably why every player was in the room.    I asked Martin about his fight with Simmonds and what prompted it.  I was a little surprised.

"I know Simmonds a little bit from Junior and we fought before in LA."  I asked Matt if he felt Simmons was expecting it.  "He actually challenged me and at that point, I have a lot of respect for him and I think he has a lot of respect for me.  I played against him in junior and got to know him a little bit on the side so.  There's  no friends on the ice, but there's definitely no beef between us."

The change in momentum was Michael Grabner's goal shutting down  Bryzgalov's shut out streak that had been carrying over for way too long.  Once the first one went by, the second came right on it's heels. 

Matt felt the fans were great in the last few minutes and really helped them get going.

Sadly, they didn't get the final results they wanted.  A win.

Jack Capuano's post game was short.  Very short.  But rather than think that it was Jack who had nothing to say, I'll go with the media has nothing left to ask him.  How many times and how many ways can you ask "what went wrong?" 

I didn't see it but I was told that JT took the marker from Jack during the time out to draw up something on the dry erase board for the last play.  When I came home and asked my family, I was a little surprised at what I heard about that as well. 

While the Big Angry Man said he was yelling and cursing at the TV asking what Jack thought they could do with the few seconds that remained when they couldn't do anything for the first 40 minutes, the Brat Baby said Jack took the board and said "This is a doodle of my cat and John said, it's a very nice cat Jack."

I cried.

It Starts Tonight: One-on-one with Garth Snow & Jack Capuano

“You’re late!”

Not the greatest way to start an interview with a busy General Manager of an NHL team. Although, in my defense, the email said “around noon.” It was 12:06 and I used typical Long Island traffic in my defense. Luckily, he was kidding -- I think. Although he was waiting at the glass doors when I made my windblown traverse across the vast asphalt expanse that is the current home of the NY Islanders.

We made our way up the elevator to the suites for our yearly “So, how do you think they did?” sit down chit chat. Five years I’ve been doing this. It gets harder to come up with questions I haven’t asked. Harder still when the NHL standings for the season seem to repeat themselves.

Every week, the Islanders make you believe they can get into the post season and then drop a game (or three) and break your heart. They’ll follow it with a win against one of the best teams in the league and you’re sucked in all over again. It’s the emotional roller-coaster of a devoted NHL fan, especially here on the Island.

Knowing the answer, I asked anyway, “Are you happy with where the team is right now?”

“Happy? Of course I’m not happy with how the team has progressed. We’re seven points out of a play-off spot. But we still have time to get back in. But it starts tomorrow.”


Far below our vantage point, the Isles practiced. The sound of pucks banging off posts and boards echoing in the empty building made my ten-year-old Olympus recorder struggle to capture Snow’s typically soft-spoken manner.

“What if they don’t make the playoffs?” I asked more as a fan than someone who should be writing an interview article.

“Our mindset isn’t that way, Dee. We want to get into the play-offs and as I said, it starts tomorrow." Just as the players on the ice, Garth is not ready to give up. Not yet. Anything can happen in the 15 games that remain. Perhaps they will live up to our expectations. If they don't make it, of course there will be changes. A piece here and there looking for the right fit.

Or maybe our expectations are unreasonable. I brought up the ESPN article discussing the development of first round draft pick, Nino Niederreiter. Much has been made of his development this year and everyone has their opinion. But they are opinions. I asked Garth for his.

“Obviously, the best option would have been for Nino to play in Bridgeport. Because of league rules, he couldn’t do that. We felt that the second best place for him to develop into the player that we want him to be and HE wants to be, is right here on Long Island. If that means playing eight to ten minutes a game as opposed to playing 20 minutes a game with his junior team, we strongly believe that he’s better served being developed here."


He means it. However, that development included being a healthy scratch. Something that didn’t sit very well with the budding young star. He was quite vocal about it which lead to that ESPN article.

“I’m happy he’s not happy with it.“ Garth smiled. “We don’t want somebody who’s satisfied with not playing. Nino -- whether he plays 50 games, 60 games, it doesn’t really matter to us the number of games because we have practices on a daily basis providing him an opportunity to work with our coaching staff to become a better player. Sometimes the quantity of games doesn’t serve a young player well. There are different ways of looking at young players whether they’re a six-year-old to 16-year-olds, are they better off playing five games a week or play one or two games a week and use the rest of the time to practice. You usually get better in practice.”


So he’s learning on the job. “Being in the NHL and getting acclimated to the speed, the size and the skill is better for him than going back to junior.” And that would mean no matter what line he plays on or how many minutes. Nino wants to be with the Islanders and that’s the decision that was made right after training camp. “If Nino had any issues with it, I’m sure he would have talked to me any time during the season."

I usually ask what the GM what he feels what his best and worst decisions for the season were. He chuckled this time, “I’ll let you answer that one.”

Okay, I’ll reserve judgment until those last 15 games are done, but did turn my attention to the off season.

“What do you think you need to improve the team and what will you be looking for in the off season?”

“Well, obviously, I think we’d still like to find a top four defenseman.” Where have I heard that before? Oh, right. Every comment on Hockeybuzz.com. With Anders Nilsson and Kevin Poulin developing in Bridgeport, the Islanders are fine in net for the future.

“The one strength coming into this season we thought we had was scoring, as it turns out we’re the third lowest scoring team in the league this season. So if we can find a way to help our secondary scoring, we’ll definitely take a look at that in the summer.”

A bright spot for the Islander organization is the success in Bridgeport and the job coach Brent Thompson is doing developing the future Islanders including Matt Donovan. David Ullstrom was doing well enough for Snow to find a way to make a spot for him on the roster. “He’s been producing at a high rate in Bridgeport and he’s got a goal scorer’s touch around the net so it’s a good opportunity for him to make an impression on the coaching staff and on the organization that he can fill that type of role not only for this year, but in the future.”

When Doug Weight took the bench in Buffalo when Jack Capuano fell ill, the idea that head coach would be his next incarnation was tossed around. I asked Garth what he thought of Doug’s night behind the bench. “The realization that (Cappy) wouldn’t be able to be on the bench created the opportunity for Doug to be the coach of the team and I thought he did a great job. A lot of responsibility, whether it’s line combinations, match-ups, power play, penalty kill; lots of decisions go into a coach’s mind. I thought he processed extremely well and he did an excellent job even though we fell short.”

Perhaps it was enough of an audition for Doug to determine if it’s something he wants to do, but it seems there hasn’t been much discussion about it. He’s too busy working as an assistant right now.

Everyone was off the ice and my lunch break was long over. “So. For all the fans that are disappointed with where the team is right now, what do you want to say to them?” Yes, them. The ones who have stood by this team year after year, through thick and thin.

“I think for us as an organization, we need the fans to support us and I know it hasn’t been the easiest times, not only this year, but years past. But I still firmly believe we’re doing things the appropriate way. It goes back to the town hall/open house four years ago. We set our minds to go through a rebuild and building through the draft and developing and we’re going to stick by it. I think you see glimpses of where we’ve played at an extremely high level and when you’re dealing with players that are at such a young age, especially in this league, it’s a man’s league, you’re going to go through inconsistencies. I think that’s probably been our biggest downfall: our consistency.”


Garth Snow has one thing in common with ex-NY Islander GM Mike Milbury; the knowledge that winning solves everything. But what we have to remember is it took the Islanders eight years to go from expansion team bottom dwellers to Stanley Cup champions.

Okay then.

Jack wasn’t expecting me. I wasn’t expecting to speak with him either. But there I was, sitting in his office armed with Art Staple’s Newsday headline -- which I promptly couldn’t remember. Senior moment at the utmost inconvenient time.

A voice bellowed from another desk, “What was the headline?” Guess it is true. They try to stay away from reading the press. “Not good enough.” Jack said in a deep and commanding tone you don’t hear when he’s put on the spot with Peter Ruttgaizer. “That’s one I read.”


His disappointment with his team’s performance in Newark was evident. Trying to channel Stan Fischler, I asked, “You said they didn’t come out to play in the first 20 minutes, so what do you need to do to make sure they are ready to play tomorrow?”

“I don’t know if it’s that we didn’t come out in the first period.” He defended. “I mean after two periods, we only gave them 11 shots. But to me it’s -- we had players compete. But we had a few that didn’t. And to me, that was the biggest thing. We have to make sure as a coaching staff, and as players themselves, that you have to play for the guy across from you and you’ve got to play for the guy next to you.”


How about playing for the guy behind the bench too? But he didn’t say that.

“We’re a team that can’t have any passengers. We had four or five guys that weren’t ready to start the game.” Much like Garth Snow, Capuano does not name names. It serves no purpose. They know who they are. If Matt Martin was one of them, his excuse became clear after he fell sick during the game and was returned home alone under quarantine in a separate vehicle. There is that bug that has taken down many of the players and staff, even after they had flu shots.

“So, how do you breed consistency?” I was wondering if I’d get the same answer PA Parenteau gave Peter, so I added options. “Do you need more video, more dialogue? What?”

“It’s a little bit of both. It’s a little bit of the video this morning that we showed and we’re always communicating with the players on a daily basis all our coaches, to try to get the best out of them. But at this time of year, as an athlete, you have to find the will and the desire to compete at a high level every day. You’re in the National Hockey League. You’re in the best league in the world. When you line up against the guy next to you, you better win your shift. That’s the bottom line. We lost some key battles in that game (Thursday’s NJD loss), and that’s really what cost us the game. It’s us not gaining the proper body position and not being strong enough on the stick. I know they have some big players and skilled players up front (Hello Kovi), but the way that you have to go about your business is you have to play them straight up. You have to make sure you take away their time and space and you have to make sure you have that physical edge to your game that you need to win a game.”


That “edge” is what the big angry man in my house yelled at the TV. He calls it “heart.” A desire to win -- no matter what. That is something that can’t be taught.

Knowing the Isles historically don’t play well after a long break, I asked if Jack felt the three day layover had anything to do with the difference in performance from Sunday to Thursday.

“I don’t ever use that as an excuse because we had our day off and we had a good practice. And I never use the back-to-back as an excuse either.” Just as they have this weekend with a Sunday tilt against that OTHER team from the NYC area.

“We do. But you think about in reality the men and women that fight for our country on a daily basis or the people that have to work two jobs and do what they have to do to support their family, so the back-to-back to me is just an excuse. You got some guys who play 20 minutes a night and you’ve got some that play ten minutes a night. There’s NO excuse to go out there and NOT give it your all. That’s the way that I look at it.” I was quiet for a moment because I didn’t want to just say “wow.”

“That room at this time of year is key. They have to come together as a group with the leadership that they have, and not just coaches that are holding players accountable. But the most important thing is players have to hold themselves accountable for each other. They’re the ones that’s a brotherhood out there. They’re battling for one another and that’s the way it has to be.”

Yes, and it starts tonight. At 7 pm at the Coliseum.

Blues Dominate in 5 - 1 Win

Well, that was "sickening" for more than just poor Evgeni Nabokov who was so sick, he couldn't even stay on the bench.  Here is the link to yesterday and last night's post with obvious snarky remarks during the game.  Ugh.

A very special thank you to @Kdoster and her wonderful husband who drove five hours to St. Louis and five hours BACK home yesterday just to see the Isles play this game.  They are true blue-white-&Orange fans.

According to accounts, the crowd in St. Louis didn't pick on them much for wearing their Isles gear, although her @MattyMarts17 jersey did attact a little attention at the end of the game.

Glad they got home safe.

Today is Wear Your Jersey to Work or School Day for Hockey Weekend Across America.  What one are you wearing?  I may wear my Team USA jersey or my 7thWoman jersey.  Can't decide... yet.

Isles 5 - Tampa 1 Final Ullstrom 1st Goal

8:am okay the RIGHT photo of the puck. tHe other is his first POINT scored at the Buffalo game as an assist!

The mood in the room is so much better after a win. The music is blaring and thumping. The players are poking fun at each other and laughing. There are smiles all around. It is just so pleasant and not something we've had to often this season so far.

David Ullstrom was surrounded, of course, as the guy who scores his first NHL goal usually is. But it was such a beautiful goal on a drop pass by Josh Bailey that he said "I yelled the whole way for it. He heard me at the last second. It was just a great pass." He was the first one to compliment Wallace for his "great job" in his call up. "He works extremely hard."

Being a bit of a prophet, Ullstrom told the PR staff this morning that he had a good feeling about tonight. "I think I'm going to score my first goal today. And I did. So it's pretty funny." Sadly he didn't have the lotto numbers.

The hard work all around is paying off in confidence. "We've been playing hard for awhile. This is a hard working team." He said it's doing the little things and getting them right that make the difference.

For Josh Bailey, I wondered what was different about him that's causing him to play the way we all had hoped he would. "Is it the hair cut?" I asked. He laughed. "I've had it for a little while now so I don't know if you can call it that." Well, if that's not it, what is it?

"I think I've played pretty well personally lately. I think our line is playing pretty well. Ullstrom is a great addition and I think Wallace had a heck of a game. You know, getting those power plays shifts helped too. You get o make those passes and some skilled plays and that helps to get the confidence back as well."

Confidence breeds confidence as the entire team seems to be playing at a different level. "I think winning leads to confidence. We're happy with the way things went lately, but I think we haven't accomplished anything yet. We've got a couple more big games coming up here at home."

They play Thursday and Saturday and have to also make time to visit schools and hospitals for the holidays.

Matt Martin who had a goal, four hits and four shots said they certainly didn't want a repeat of last season. "We don't want the season to be over before we get started. We're 9-11 and 4 or something right now. We right back in the hunt. We're happy to get things rolling."

We're happy too.

Pens 3 - Isles 0: In a word "Frustrating"

It was a much anticipated rematch of two teams that don't like each other. But they respect each other. Maybe.

They have to respect what they can do - win. And win they did.

While the fans may have looked for a game filled with fights, they got a game with hardly any penalties and ZERO fisticuffs. Matt Martin and Travis Hamonic threw some hits, but no one ever dropped the gloves. Maybe they should have.

There were at least four scouts in the press box tonight; probably more. There were also an abundance of media. Twice as many as last Saturday for the Ranger game. When there are that many reporters and devices in the area - there is no bandwidth. My netbook was a pointless paperweight.

The Isles out shot the Pens in the first period. With 5 minutes left the SOG were 10 - 4. The Isles had their chances but Fleury turned all of them away. Other shots were defended against by the perfect Penguins who seemed to be on their best behavior.


A-Mac played goalie for a moment as the puck just trickled behind Nabby in the paint. With Malkin on the doorstep just waiting to pounce, it was quick thinking.

But at 17:46 the Pens hit the score sheet first on a shot from Orpik to Dupuis and he went in all alone on Nabby and sent the puck past his right elbow and into the net.

There were turnovers. So many turnovers And as hard as he tried, Kyle can’t buy a goal.

Fluery was at the top of his game tonight. JT came in on his right. Denied, Moulson from in front. Denied, Parenteau had one try then skated out, turned and shot. Denied as Fluery grabbed the puck from the air and takes a seat.

The shots were 13 - 7 at the end of the first. With no Internet to keep me busy, I headed to the break room. It was PACKED.

Steve Mears looked fabulous!!! So thin and handsome! As he said, the job with the Penguins is a dream come true. He looks it. He also said he’s been playing hockey regularly and hitting the gym.

Also nice to see Mark Herrmann here from Newsday. He said they’re all pitching in covering the Isles which is interesting. Art Staple was there as well. I guess that means two articles tomorrow in the Newsday.

Richard Park scored 21 seconds into the second period on a pass from Aaron Asham. “Take that Garth Snow.” the ex-Islanders seemed to say as the second goal was posted on the jumbotron. It deflated the Isles.

Streit took the first penalty for interference, but luckily #24 took a diving penalty. Cooke to the box as well at 2:55 of the 2nd.. It was 4 on 4 hockey for two minutes.


As Brad Kurtzberg said, it seemed as if the Isles 2nd line was a half step behind the play. They’re just not clicking. Lines were shaken up a little, but try as they might, nothing went in.

Matt Martin had a few big hits that generated cheers from the crowd but no reaction from the Penguins.
With ten minutes left in the 2nd, Pittsburgh took a penalty for tripping Grabner who had a great chance on the left wing and the Isles were on the power play.

We watched as the Isles set up, Tip, tip, catch. Fluery denied the Isles again.

Power play was over and the Isles were still not on the board. Every pass was blocked ,every great move denied. Parenteau looked like he was on the ice almost every shift. I had to smile watching Isles 17 & 16 sandwich Paul Martin against the boards.

The Isles were out shooting the pens 22 - 14 with less than 3 minutes left, but they couldn’t get a shot into the net. It wasn’t a chippy game at all, but let’s be honest, the Isles left their guns on the rack.


At 16:33 of the 3rd, Reasoner was called for high sticking behind Nabby’s net and the Isles would have to kill off a four minute penalty. In the first few seconds the Isles manage to do a good job of keeping the puck out of their zone. Nabokov covered the puck with 3:13 left of the penalty to get the face off and a breather.
Pandolfo, without a stick, with almost 45 seconds to go in the penalty, his experience paid off. Mark Eaton laid down a few times to block shots from close range. Reasoner waited impatiently to be sprung from the box as the penalty expired.

With Orpik serving a penalty, the Isles had a chance at 11:30 left of the third. The 300s started to try to give them life by chanting “Let’s Go Islanders.”


Every shot was blocked. Everything. And what wasn’t blocked went straight at the Penguin on Fluery’s chest. Every shot Nabby faced went right at his knees.

I couldn’t believe Reasoner lost sight of the puck at his feet in the goal crease… say that again out loud and see how awful that sounds.

When they came around for the 3 stars of the game sheets, I could think of only one. Fluery. There was still five minutes left in the game.

The Isles got away with one when Parenteau jumped on the ice a little too soon and Nabby got a lucky break as the puck went through his goal crease without finding a Penguin’s stick.

With 3:23 left to the game, Jack pulled his goalie for the extra man. It was a good idea at the time. But at 2:00 even, Jordan Staal made it 3 - 0 Penguins. Evgeni headed back to his crease. In my head I wondered, why bother.

It’s hard to go into the locker room after a loss, but it’s worse when it’s the third straight loss. I was surprised that Mark Streit was not offered up to the media. John Tavares did most of the talking. One after another, groups of reporters and cameras surrounded him. Evgeni Nabokov sat in his stall and answered questions. He played well. Were the scouts there to see him? Or were they there for someone else?

Hamonic spoke with anyone who asked and Stan Fischler made his way around the room asking this question: “Do you feel snake bitten?”

In a way, I feel that’s premature. This is the third game they’ve lost in a row. Not the 8th. Then again, we did have some high hopes for this team this season, but I’m beginning to have a little bit of a sinking feeling. And it’s not even November 1st.

Isles Home Opener: The Fans Showed Up, The Isles Didn't

It was such a beautiful day at the arena. The parking lot was filled with tailgating fans early in the afternoon for an 8 pm game.

The free concert was blaring as people waited on line for Bobby Nystrom's autograph or to play the Capital One High 5X game. The smell of bar-b-que permeated the air and random chants of "Let's Go Islanders" could be heard between the laughter and the music.

The Islander Mania crew tailgate was in full force and Dominic was grilling up a storm (as usual).

"You're not walking away without eating something! I just put some more hamburgers on, there's hot dogs and I'll make you a lamb kabob." He is an amazing host and this message board throws amazing parties.

But I was there to talk to the fans. The people that came from far and wide just to be part of the festivities. After all, this was our night as much as it was theirs. (I suggest you lower the volume on your speakers before you play the videos. I am loud trying to talk over the band.)

Neil Mairs drove up from Virginia with his son and an SUV full of bar-b-que and jerseys. I caught up with him to ask why he did it.


I made my way back to Dominick's tent to grab a cheeseburger and a video. Here is what Dom and Scott had to say about the impending season.


Also at the IM tailgate party was a tall, thin young man in a Tavares jersey that I had talked to on the IslandersCountry.com message board. This was Sean from Vancouver. He has a twin brother -- who isn't an Islander fan. He didn't make the trip.


Another one of my readers from far away (and I thank him!) is Dean from Ottawa who turned this weekend into a nice little vacation. I was happy to hear that my suggestion of where to take his beautiful wife Kim to dinner on Friday night worked out. They were looking for Italian and I couldn't help but tell them to hit Borelli's. I've loved that place since I was five years old. Not fancy, just good and homey - and they LOVE Islander fans.

Here's what Dean had to say.


Also out on the lawn between the Coliseum and the Marriott taking it all in was none other than Big Angry Man. Yes, he does exist. And while he may be harder to find than Sasquatch, I managed to get his permission to film him and his fellow Islander fan friend Eric before I headed in to go into "New Media" mode.



Yes, BAM said he had November 15th in the RDP Injury pool. We fight daily about hockey. He also texted me every few minutes with his dismay over how the team played last night. (As if I could do anything about it from the press box.)

The last fan I managed to catch up to was a local Twitter buddy named Aaron who goes by the Twitter name of @MacStainless. He is a great guy to follow and as well as an author. We played Text-Tag for awhile, but I finally caught up to him after the first (brutal) period and the Isles were down by 2, where they stayed.



Now for the bad part.

According to many fans, that was the worst display of hockey every played on the Coliseum ice. They couldn't get anything going, turnovers killed, Mottau couldn't stay out of the box, they couldn't get any shots off let alone on net and their shift changes were horrid.

At one point there were probably nine Islanders on the ice and they managed to NOT get penalized for too many men on the ice. In addition the officiating left much to be desired, but it was the play of the Isles that cost them the game.

Travis Hamonic was the bright spot on the team with his fight with Upshall. Matt Martin had five hits and five shots. MATT MARTIN!!

As is his duty as Captain, Mark Streit faced the media post game.


Monday is another game.  There are Family Fun packs available for only $99.  A great value.  Hopefully the Isles will show up this time.

Matt Martin Team Store Signing

Yep the line was long. I saw many familiar faces waiting patiently for the 6:30 pm start. Even one face that I recognized but couldn't place. It was the smiling face of the first person I see every night I step out of the elevator on the executive suite level. Without the uniform, I couldn't place him. He was there with his grandson waiting to meet Matt and smiling at all the "Vote Yes" t-shirts he saw in the crowd. Like these guys.

These die hard fans and Nassau residents were helping to spread the word on their own. Also on the line was another family very familiar with what the Coliseum and the Islanders have to offer them. Samantha and Jesse aren't just Islander fans, Jesse is an aspiring Hockey player who competed against international teams in the recent Lighthouse Tournament. Jesse is as a center, his parents are Nassau residents who will b e voting Yes on August 1st.

And where were the girls I had met the last team store signing? The ones that PROMISED me a Matt-Mas song for today? Well there were right there on the floor enjoying themselves while the crowd gathered.

Too shy to sing it for me, they handed me the paper with the words and giggled. They did a good job on it so I told them I would print it on the website which made them squeal. I did something better.

I went inside and found Matt getting situated at the table and figured I could steal two minutes for this quick video asking him how he felt about these sort of fan signings. His answers were what I expected of a fan favorite from every club he has played for.


How can you not just love a kid who is ranked fourth in the NHL with 299 hits, 147 PIMs and 13 fighting majors? Oh, and did I mention he can score? He may have been able to tally only five goals last season with the Islanders, but he has been known to earn 25 and 35 goals in the OHL. He's also earned the Islanders hard-hat from his team mates which is a great vote of confidence for the 21-year-old winger.

Matt was careful to make sure he spelled every one's name correctly that asked him to personalize his autograph.

I waited until songwriters Jen, Allie and their posse made their way to the table. Then with all my motherly skill, I embarrassed the hell out of them.

"Hey Matt. They wrote you a song. It's the MattMas song."

His smile became even wider when he asked them to sing it for him, but they wouldn't do it. They asked me to show him the words, so I handed him the paper which is torn at the top.

As he was reading it, the girls fidgeted. Matt smiled up at them and complimented them on their research word. Hmmmm, budding journalists perhaps? But here is their song that made Martin smile from ear-to-ear.

The Twelve Days of MattMas

On the 1st day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; one tough guy scare on his chin.
On the 2nd day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; a 2 goal game against Philly.
On the 3rd day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 3 years with our New York team.
On the 4th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 4 game suspensions for punching out Maxie!
On the 5th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; the 5th round pick.
On the 6th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 6 Lil Wayne songs.
On the 7th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 7 months of hockey.
On the 8th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 8 fights.
On the 9th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 9 face-off spots.
On the 10th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 10 days of winning.
On the 11th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 11 fights in one game.
On the 12th day of Mattmas, Matt Martin gave to me; 12 goals last season.

They probably didn't want to sing it because it would have taken them until the time the signing was over to finish.

Like everyone else who came to the Team Store last night, the Merry Mattmas group left happy with their score of autographs

I left with another item on my wish list from the store. Hey, honey. Did you see this Patriotic Islanders Tee? Cool right?

No Fireworks on the 4th for the Isles

Wake up everyone.  The holiday is over.  Back to work.  While the Macy's Independence Day Fireworks show was pretty impressive (with the exception of that stupid sparkler at the right corner that announced the show was LIVE) the NY Islanders July 4th was quiet.

Brief entry at Hockeybuzz.com. Hoping for more info later today.

Matt Martin loves to antagonize on the ice, and sometimes off it too as I caught him yapping with Islander prospect Casey Cizikas at prospect camp last summer.  I asked him if they had ever played together and that's why they were jawing each other.  Nope, it was just fun.

Matt loves having fun.

Hales & Bails at the Team Store

*Yes, yes. The NY Islanders have acquired the rights of Christian Ehroff. But I have photos from tonight. Musings about the acquisition and what could possibly happen at Hockeybuzz.com.

Okay, the line was amazing. Can I say Social Media is working? Yes, I can. Those I asked had found out about the Hales & Bails signing through the main website, Twitter and Facebook. Over 400 fans, young and old, male and female waited patiently on line since about 3:45 pm.

There were those who brought there own chairs with them and those who grouped together and camped out on the floor. These great kids, who deemed today "JoshMas" had a count down going and brought a ton of their own items with them for Haley and Bailey to sign for them. They had a lot of time on their hands so they started to put together a song too, but they wouldn't sing it for me. Maybe they'll sing for me when "Matt-Mas" rolls around on the 7th.

Once the line started to come through the store, it seemed never ending. There were the adorable kids that were too shy to speak, the young men with dreams of one day being in the NHL themselves, the seasoned Season Ticket Holders, the families that made it an outing for a summer evening and of course the young girls with stars in their eyes and big smiles as they approached. Much like Matt Moulson did, Josh did have one marriage proposal.

I found it very cute when a one of the mothers stopped and looked at the boys, "You know, you two are very cute. You shouldn't wear your helmets so much." That made me laugh. Josh was sporting a healthy tan and a new mustache along with that winning smile. But truthfully, 25-year-old Michael Haley has become somewhat of a cult hero on the Islanders since the Pittsburgh game.

Two adorable fans waited on line and had their phones signed by both. Casey & Katelyn (with the great Islanders hat) waited patiently to get in. Both avid fans, but perhaps Katelyn just a touch more as her Mom told me all about the custom made Islanders birthday cake she had to have made for her daughter. (I need the phone number of the bakery. My birthday is in November.)

The Vote Yes sign was prominently displayed and quite a few people asked if they could buy a shirt to let their Nassau County friends know how desperately a Yes Vote is needed come August 1st. As I spoke to some on line about the vote, those who live in Suffolk kept saying they WISH they could vote. So the best they can do is talk to their Nassau County dwelling friends.

Okay, on the new merchandise front, I'd like to know why I didn't see these Islanders flip flops sooner. Two styles to chose from, and with today's 40% off sale, cheap enough to buy two as one woman was doing when I took the photo.

No, this is not Cujo and it wasn't real, but oh so adorable to show off all the canine merchandise. As one Twitter friend asked, does it have anything to do with Matt Moulson's new shirt? Hey "Muttson?"

July 7th will be Matt(Martin)Mas at the team store. Seeing this turn out, I'd say get there really early if you can.

Looking Back: Community Event Video

I was actually looking for the John Tavares Clean-up Day video when this new video of the Islanders community events popped up and started playing. The song's refrain, "This Is Home," caught my attention so I watched it.

What a beautiful compilation of photos and video of our Islanders giving back and making people smile. The magnitude of what they accomplished during this one season sometimes goes without notice. Watch closely and you'll see how many lives they actually touched in just a few months.

From a personal standpoint I can offer you this piece of insight. When you see Matt Moulson and Matt Martin with youngsters in the locker room and the tunnel, those meet and greets took place after some pretty heart-breaking losses. Most normal people would want to go punch a wall and then hide. These guys towel off, change and put on a smile and go spend one-on-one time with a special fan. They never rush thought it. They are always kind and caring. They'll take as many photos and sign as many autographs as the fan and their family want.

I stood in the hallway one night with one youngster's mother who was almost in tears thinking about the wonderful memory her son was going to have being personally shown around the locker rooms by Martin.

That's when I realized how jaded I had become. After four years, wandering the halls and the locker room have become just another night at the rink for me. I really shouldn't forget how very special it is or how very special these men we call NY Islanders are.

Yep. This IS Home.

Isles Beat Tampa 5 - 2 on Slow Ice

“We’ve talked about that over the last couple of months, whether we’re down one or two goals, we’re finding a way to come back.” According to Jack Capuano, that’s the Islanders new game plan. Down by one early in the first on a blast by ex-Islander Nate Lawson, the Islanders found a way to not only come back, but keep everything out of their own net behind Al Montoya.

“Montoya was big tonight. He made a couple of big, big saves. Any time you get good goaltending, you have a chance to win hockey games.” Al has given them more than a chance as he is now 8-3-4 since being brought in from the AHL.

Jack Capuano called it getting some breaks against a “dangerous” team. My friend, Tampa Bay Lightning 7th Man winner, Dr. David Lubin, called it the worst game the Bolts had played. Which ever it was, luck or lack of effort, the Islanders ran over the Bolts and their star power 5 - 1 beating Dwayne Roloson four times while Michael Grabner scored his NHL Rookie leading 31st goal into an empty net on a short-handed chance.

@ItsCJYupp on Twitter asked @NYIslanders who was awarded the hard-hat last night in the dressing room. I’m thinking they may not travel with it, but if anyone should have worn it, I would vote for Matt Martin.

Martin, classified by some out-of-town sportswriters as a “knuckle dragger,” has proven he certainly can PLAY the game. Capuano moved Matt to the third line because “…. for us right now, we need secondary scoring. Our top two lines have been going pretty good, but we’re gonna need those guys down the stretch for sure.”

His promotion was awarded with a beautiful goal off a Jack Hillen pass that just seemed to energize everyone.

In Butch Goring’s post game remarks, he brought up the fact that the Islanders have been trying to prove they do belong in the NHL. Ever since Zenon Konopka barked at the Canadian media during practice that they shouldn’t be walking all over the Islanders. “We’re not doormats!,” the Islanders have been proving they belong in the National Hockey League. “You talk about respect? They can play, they’re confident in their ability and they want to get better. They haven’t given up yet and they want to be ready for next year.”

So while the Islanders playoff hopes for this season are slim, they are still not non-existent. And the Devils hopes are only slightly better. It will be interesting to see what will happen in these final eight games. Of course the biggest question will be how many games Rick DiPietro will start in this final stretch.

According to Capuano, Rick could have started him last night but chose to rest him. Look for Rick Thursday at the barn for sure. But Rick was just fine last night hanging on the side lines of the bench with the Islanders new part-time roadie -- Kevin Conolly. Not a bad gig for an actor from Long Island who is a life-long Isles fan.



See? You can only get these types of photos of you follow @JesseDEisenberg on Twitter.

When Rob Carlin asked Al Montoya how the win felt last night, he told him, “It feels great right now. Our goal this weekend was to come in and play our best hockey. I didn’t like that first goal that went in. But they fought for me and that made me want to play harder.”

Then he said something I didn’t know about the St. Pete Times Forum. “It was probably lucky that this is one of the slower ice in the league.” Hmmmm… Do the Bolts fans use that as an excuse sometimes?



“We knew they were going to come at us. This is a playoff hockey team. They want to play for the cup. They were getting power play after power play. Our PK was doing a great job all night. You shut down one of the best power play units in the league, that gives you a lot of momentum.”

Let’s see if that momentum can carry into Thursday night.

No Respect for the Young Isles

Because I can't get fined by the league, I'll take up the battle cry. Are the officials out to get the NY Islanders for some reason? I've spent time seething over three different games for bad calls or lack of calls which have effected the Islanders.

I've been angry over the lack of respect shown to Travis Hamonic and Matt Martin from the first being pushed by a referee to Martin's not being able to get any assistance when he didn't want to drop the gloves last Saturday. But the misconduct call on Frans Nielsen was just the cherry on the cake last night.

Be aware NHL Officials Association, I'm watching and taking names from here on in.

Report and rant at Hockeybuzz.com.

And hopefully this little episode of Jack's with Deb Placey from MSG won't cost him anything.

Isles 4 Bruins 2 3-11-11

Post game notes & quotes at HockeyBuzz.com.

And a little extra: I saw Rick DiPietro in the hallway tonight. The gentleman that he is, he stopped to talk to me. I will say this, NO ONE dresses better than that man. When I complimented him on his amazing sense of style, he said "Dee there's only two things you can control in this world. How hard you work and how you look."

Well, no one works harder than he does and you'll never find someone who dresses better.



First of all, there should be a limit on how long the national anthem should take to sing. I'm just saying.

Puck drop. Again, Justin DiBenedetto has drawn the ire of the refs as soon as the game starts. He gets 2 for roughing. I didn't see it.

The Bruins first power play of the evening and yes, Chara is getting booed when he is out on the ice. I like it!!!


Penalty killed off with Bruins managing only one shot on Montoya.

Shots mid way through the first are only 3 - 2 in favor of the Bruins and Montoya has seen them all.

10;39 of the first, and the Isles get their first power play of the game. Although in the first few seconds, it didn't look like one. Actually after a minute had gone by, it still didn't look like one.

Michale Grabner gets a clear shot into Tim Thomas crest as he stood to meet the puck. They managed four shots on goal during the power play and Thomas is a little rattled from a scrum in his net. He needs his skates looked at during the TV Time out.

At 13:13 of the 1st, Kyle Okposo is called for boarding. Another BS call. But the Isles killed off the penalty. But it was unlucky when Horton managed to get a puck behind Montoya at 16:29. The Bruins are the first on the board, but I think it just made the Islanders angry. They'll get it back.

They're still booing Chara, but I don't think he cares.

End of the first, Isles have managed more shots on Thomas, but one fewer goal than the Bruins. Drat!

Blake Comeau playing tonight though he was experiences some sort of muscle spasms

Second period under way and the Isles are out shooting the Bruins 15 - 9. Matt Martin had an excellent chance and was robbed by Thomas who managed some sort of ballet move six feet to the left of his crease

Seems like a lot of pucks going over the glass and a lot of blocked shots. The puck bounces off more legs and bodies than actual sticks. Also, too many turn-overs. Lots of shots, but nothing going in.

Best line tonight: @IslesRM just said "If this was a competition of who could shoot directly into the goalie's chest, the Isles would have won this game in the first period."

And I think I saw Matt Moulson throw two hits. For some reason, that seems odd to me. I don't know why.



Ugh. Okay, Milan Jurcina is sent to the box for holding and half a minute later Frans Nielsen gets called for crosschecking of all players, Chara. He went down to the ice and the crowd thanks him as he heads to the box putting the Isles down two men.

At 6:58, Chara makes them pay but putting the puck in the net behind Montoya as it was seen almost going through the netting due to the velocity. Nielsen still sits in the box for another 1:30 while the Isles try to kill off the one man advantage.

The Isles have to find a way to score this period or it will be a very ugly third.

With a minute left I decided to try my old trick. Usually the Isles would score if I was in the ladies room. They didn't fail me. Matt Moulson scored his 29th goal of the season. He can thank me later.

The third period began with SOG 30 - 20 in favor of the Isles, but they were are still down by one. Let's see who will tie this game up

The answer was indeed Michael Grabner, his 28th of the season at 1:28 of the third. Grabner actually managed to take three shots before it actually went in. He just did not give up and kept changing position to get it past Thomas.

The crowd came alive with that goal. There really is nothing like this building when it is energized

Earlier tonight, I Tweeted out that I felt a Jack Hillen goal. Sure enough a shot from the blue line by Jack bounced off Seidenberg and into the back of the net. I'd love to know what Tim Thomas said about that one.

That is Jack's fourth of the season

With 8:29 left of the third, Grabner again has a breakaway, turns on the jets and heads towards Thomas with big Chara on his tail. Sadly he shot wide. SOG now 40 - 25 in favor of the Isles.

Jack Capuano must have said something in the room after the second to turn up the heat on this team.

Horton takes a run at Jack Hillen and Hillen won't stand for the indignation. A little scuffle ensues. Horton is called for interference and the Isles are back on the power play.

Blake Comeau tries using patience to get the perfect shot off during the power play, but the Bruins continue to block everything. The Isles added no shots on goal during the power play. With 4:45 left, the teams go back to full strength but stay in the Bruins zone. Okay, for like a few seconds. Al Montoya makes a save, and then a second before the Isles clear the zone.

Martin & Montoya = 1 Point in Philly

While I already did a post game report at HockeyBuzz.com, I couldn't help but write something this morning about the two "M's" that made the night even more enjoyable than just another game.

Matt Martin took a lot of flack in the press after the Friday Night Fight Night. Some of which he deserved, but most of which was not. Martin was a fan favorite in Bridgeport and that carried over to Long Island. He brings an energy and an entertainment value to the game that we haven't seen since Steve Webb. The 21-year-old Windsor ON native is 6th in the league in hits with 212. In 48 games he 103 PIMs.

But he is NOT a "knuckle-dragger" as I read him called in one article on the net. Knowing Matt for the last few years, that truly bothered me. So, last night, when Matt Martin showed that as Jack said, "he knows how to score goals." I smiled from ear to ear.

He scored the most important one when he tied the game with 27.1 seconds left in the third to take it to overtime. He had grabbed a puck out of mid-air, settled it down, and took the shot. I'm pretty sure no matter how many goals Matt Martin scores in his NHL career, that one will be very special. His two goals earned him the second star of the game. He deserved it.

Humble and a true team guy, he gave all credit to his team mates and to his assistant coach, Scott Allen, for all the help they have given him. Every game, he proves why he is a fan favorite.



The other "M" that impressed me last night was Al Montoya. Not only did Montoya make some excellent saves to keep the young Islanders in the game against the best team in the East, he won me over with his performance in the locker room.

For those who don't stick around to watch the post game interviews (I actually have to hold onto the remote to make sure my husband doesn't change the channel until the credits are rolling), then you missed Al Montoya proving he IS an Islander.

After giving his D credit for their hard work in a tough game, a reporter asked him how he felt about playing in such a beautiful building in front of a sold out crowd. Seeing that Al was not happy with the question, the reporter began to reword it -- worse. The more he spoke, the deeper he dug himself into a hole and the more annoyed Montoya seemed to get.

On the MSG broadcast, you couldn't hear all of the reporter's question, but Montoya's answer was "Who told you that?" and then when he had enough, he looked at the PR director to his right, smiled up at him and asked "Who is this guy?"

That was the end of that. Al Montoya, like P.A. Parenteau, is an ex-NY Ranger who has come to realize what being on the New York Islanders is all about. It's about FAMILY. And right now, there is a group of young men in that room that have twenty games left in this regular season. They have full intention of playing every one of them to the best of their ability -- for each other.

They're also playing them for us. And we should appreciate their effort.

#WhiteOutTheRed Saturday night. Wear white and come to Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals.