Isles shut out by Bolts, Bridgeport Prevails

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Off The Rush - Holiday Edition 11-29-09

Anthony Curatolo and I met up early this morning to review this week in Islanders Hockey. If I look like I just rolled out of bed -- I did.

But we had a chance to discuss what Anthony liked to call the "Goalie Carousel" as well as the lack of discipline and leadership currently dogging the Islanders. Add this to their current injury list and you've got a recipe for trouble. So take a look and hear our arguements and see who you agree with.

Off The Rush Post Game 11-25-09

Anthony and I met up for under a minute as the Coliseum was emptying out after the 2-1 Isles loss. Even with the loss, people were pushing us out of the way to get to the merchandise concession.

Two points lost, and seriously not Biron's fault. Scott Gordon was visible and audibly upset in the post game. More on that later. For now, Happy Thanksgiving from Anthony and I.

NHLTWeetUp for Hockey Fights Cancer

I managed to get out for only a little while last night for the Long Island edition of the NHLTweetUp for Hockey Fights Cancer. Sadly, many of the Twitterverse were arriving just when I was leaving.

But @Dani3boyz had it all under control with laptop running and blackberry in hand and most importantly.... The NJ Devils shirt she had promised to wear should she lose that bet. Not one to reneg on a wager, she did.

"I look like a Devils ice-girl in this thing it's so small!" she told me as she refused to take off her coat.

But she looked fabulous. @SpeakoftheDevs wouldn't let me see what he looked like in an Isles jersey. Hmmmmmm....

Good to meet some of the Twitterverse peeps in real-time in great surroundings over at The Main Event in Plainview. There was even a surprise appearance by Hanson Brothers, Steve Carlson who is just getting familiar with Twitter (reluctantly, but he is).

I'm looking forward to @dani3boyz final tally on the night.

Great to finally meet @kathygc who has an unusual connection to @lunaticradio Adam.

@ACHockeyGuy, my video cohost for our video blog, Off The Rush, Anthony Curatolo showed up with a new look. Great ... he looks even younger than he did before. Thanks Anthony!

Hope everyone had a great time for a great cause.

Off The Rush takes on the Heartbreak in MN

Yep, Anthony and I got together once again to discuss this week in Islanders hockey. This time in one of my all time favorite places, TRs in Willison Park, NY on Hillside Avenue. Home of great wings and Irish Coffee. Yum...
Oh... I digress.
Okay, our Lightening Round style discussion of 2 points missed and the benefit of Richard Park.



Puck drop at 8 pm, but I may not be near a TV. If I'm not, I will check in later.