Finally.
The players may have needed a five day gap between games, but the fans didn't. Riding a tiny ripple of momentum by earning four points in six games. That's how Matt Moulson said it to me. He didn't look at it like three games. He still was thinking about the losses.
But it's not just points lost, it's also man games. Tonight the Islanders will face the Rangers without Trent Hunter and without Mike Mottau. They get back (FINALLY!) Andy MacDonald. How big will his head be if they go on a winning streak with him back in the line-up? Do we care?
With Doug Weight helping to coach the power play, will they improve their 0 for 29 record tonight? How big will HIS head get if they can turn THAT around? Again, Do we care?
Rick DiPietro will face off against the Blueshirt squad. If he can maintain the same form he has had in his recent starts, this could be a very interesting match-up. Not that it ever isn't.
The ad today in Newsday says this game is for Bragging Rights. It always is. These games are for the Metro Cup, the trophy the Islanders have far more of a chance to win than the Stanley Cup (again).
Tortorella told Newsday that Sean Avery has played well and been effective recently. He has been moved up from the fourth line to the first. He will just be more annoying there. I'm pretty certain it will all start in warm-ups and go from there. Anyone else calling for Trevor Gillies to be in the line-up tonight? Yes.
I am not sure if young Travis Hamonic will get his first chance at playing against the Rangers and experiencing the Rivalry. Andy MacDonald said he's ready for it. I'm pretty sure Rick is too.
The question will be -- Is Jack?
Showing posts with label Sean Avery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sean Avery. Show all posts
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A Boxing Day win for the Isles
And which Islander was the first to “box” tonight? Bruno Gervais? What? How does that happen? Of course, it was because of antagonist Sean Avery. Both got five for fighting, but Avery received an additional two for un-sportsmanlike conduct. Why don’t they just now call it Avery syndrome?
The Isles didn’t manage any shots on goal during their power play.
Frans Nielsen scored the first goal off a strong feed from Kyle Okposo. Now, if the hard work and set up plays of one of the strongest youngsters in the league is worth anything, then MAYBE Kyle Okposo still has a chance for the Olympics. But, that’s Ron Wilson’s call.
Tavares missed a Moulson pass and Bailey missed an open net. Can these guys connect with the puck or not? Is this youth? Or bad ice? When I posed that question on Twitter, I laughed at the answer “Yes, because the Knicks keep polluting the building.” Okay, it was a basketball reference, but it made me giggle.
What a strange game. It took until 12:43 of the second for the MSG crowd to get into it. But the great rebound control by Dwayne Roloson kept the Rangers off the score sheet for a good portion of the game which frustrated the MSG patrons.
The strength of Kyle “Amazing” Okposo increased the Isles lead to 2 – 0 as he fought off an attacker at the boards, kicked the puck to himself and made a perfect pass to Blake Comeau going in short handed on Lundqvist. He scored and took a seat on the ice.
Brashear took a penalty, but the Islanders had a hard time even getting a shot on goal for those two minutes. The Rangers were pressuring, but the score remained the same at the end of two.
Kyle Okposo was interviewed by Deb Placey at the end of the second period. When asked about what Deb deemed one of the best plays of the year, Kyle said “I knew we were going to have a two on one breakaway if I got by that guy.” Kyle had 20 assists, but hadn’t been able to score for himself lately. As disappointed as he is, he’s a team player. “Anything you can do to help the team win is a good thing. I’m just trying to do whatever I can. Just trying to get those two points tonight.”
I was so taken by his attitude, I tweeted “Kyle Okposo has worked so hard, shouldn’t he be rewarded with a Game Winning Goal? Don’t you think?”
Within the first minute of the third, I held my breath as Dwayne Roloson was upended by his own man, Jack Hillen (who played over 28 minutes!) behind his net. Roloson lost his stick and there was a flurry of activity in front of the net. They managed to get out of that one mistake, but couldn’t escape a Dubinsky goal at 13:48 just as a penalty on Blake Comeau expired. Just before the goal, I noticed how tired the Islanders began to look. It seemed as if they gave up and left it up to Roloson who left a rebound on his doorstep a second longer than it should have been. Dubinsky just knocked it in to his left. They celebrated as if they had just won the Stanley Cup.
With a renewed sense of urgency, the Rangers started to fly!
With 8:53 to go of the third, Jack Hillen redeemed himself with Roloson by making a save in front of the crease that would have evened the score at two.
Jon Sim worked so hard around the net and takes so much abuse for it and is hardly ever rewarded.
At 7:15 to go of the third Roloson made a glove save on an Avery shot which sent Avery into a childish tantrum so he went after Trent Hunter looking to start something. I don’t believe there is any one in hockey that annoys me more than this guy. I’ve yet to find one redeeming quality in him.
Andy Sutton must have heard me as he splayed Avery against the boards behind the Isles’ net and DIDN’T get called for a penalty. Avery was angry that Sutton wasn’t called and went complaining to the refs. Again, is there a redeeming quality?
Sutton makes a big difference in the Islanders game. His blocks and hits mean everything to the Islanders defense. He is also one lucky guy as he actually got away with more than one infraction.
Del Zotto hit a post with a shot that would have tied up the game, but the clank off the post was a welcomed sound. But the Isles had too many men on the ice for what Billy Jaffe said was six or seven seconds before the penalty was called. There was confusion on line changes and once again, Matt Moulson was the one that had to sit it out. Can the Isles kill off a penalty and keep the 2 – 1 lead or not?
Gaborik kept the puck in the Isles zone, but fanned on the shot and Richard Park cleared the puck down the ice. There was 53 seconds left of the Rangers Power Play and Nielsen cleared again. John Tortorella attempts to pull his goalie, but the play was off sides and Lundqvist had to make his way back to his net.
And then it happened. With 46.6 seconds left of the third, Dubinsky tipped it in on Roloson’s right off a Callahan pass and my husband started yelling “They can’t effing finish! I knew it would happen. You could see it.”
He was right. You could see it. Again, they looked tired. They began to get sloppy while the Rangers just got hungry.
JT was pretty invisible in the third. Does this mean the conspiracy theory of JT playing hurt may have some truth to it?
Well, with one point the Isles headed into overtime. Sutton was denied by Lundqvist which would have ended the game and then Roloson made an important save in his own end. A good portion of OT was spent back and forth with neither team scoring until…
KYLE! WITH TWO ASSISTS IN THE GAME GOT THE GAME WINNING GOAL WITH 47 SECONDS LEFT IN OT!
What a fitting way to end this game for Okposo as the puck skimmed off of Mark Staal to float the puck past King Henrik.
The best medicine for a yo-yo season for any die-hard Islanders fan is to win against the Rangers, especially in MSG. It certainly makes things a little better.
Congrats to Kyle. I’m sure Scott Gordon will send some of those clips he has from your game tonight right on over to Ron Wilson and Brian Burke.
In the post game, Deb interviewed Kyle again. “Everyone on the bench was feeling a little down, but we had a lot of hope and stuck with it and were able to get two.” While so many on message boards have been calling for Scott Gordon to move Okposo on a line with John Tavares, he seems to have developed excellent chemistry with Frans Nielsen. “I curled back and passed it. I knew Fransie would find me.” He didn’t even care that it went off a skate.
When Deb asked if he had been doing anything different in order to break his scoring drought, he answered “I’ve been doing some things and they’re working now I guess. It’s just a matter of sticking with it. I’ve been playing well and it was working tonight.”
Kyle was all smiles when he was asked how he felt about playing in these Ranger Rivalry games “I love it. They’re fun games to play in and the fans get really excited and it’s a great time.”
Especially when you win Kyle -- Especially when the Isles WIN!
Note: In WJC news it was erroneously reported that the Russian Connection, Klementyev, was cut from team Russia. It was assumedthe efforts of GM Garth Snow were either in vain or not what they were cracked up to be. A little fun was poked at the situation and those involved. Interestingly enough, at 9:40 am Klementyev’s name was still on the roster and he was later on the ice at the World Juniors. So I guess whatever deal was cut was still in place and sometimes conjecture travels faster than reality. Howver, he was kept off the score sheet, but Petrov was NOT as he scored a short handed goal late in the third.
Matt Donovan got the game winning goal in the USA’s 7 – 3 win over Slovakia and Hamonic scored for Canada in their 16 - 0 trouncing of Latvia.
The Isles didn’t manage any shots on goal during their power play.
Frans Nielsen scored the first goal off a strong feed from Kyle Okposo. Now, if the hard work and set up plays of one of the strongest youngsters in the league is worth anything, then MAYBE Kyle Okposo still has a chance for the Olympics. But, that’s Ron Wilson’s call.
Tavares missed a Moulson pass and Bailey missed an open net. Can these guys connect with the puck or not? Is this youth? Or bad ice? When I posed that question on Twitter, I laughed at the answer “Yes, because the Knicks keep polluting the building.” Okay, it was a basketball reference, but it made me giggle.
What a strange game. It took until 12:43 of the second for the MSG crowd to get into it. But the great rebound control by Dwayne Roloson kept the Rangers off the score sheet for a good portion of the game which frustrated the MSG patrons.
The strength of Kyle “Amazing” Okposo increased the Isles lead to 2 – 0 as he fought off an attacker at the boards, kicked the puck to himself and made a perfect pass to Blake Comeau going in short handed on Lundqvist. He scored and took a seat on the ice.
Brashear took a penalty, but the Islanders had a hard time even getting a shot on goal for those two minutes. The Rangers were pressuring, but the score remained the same at the end of two.
Kyle Okposo was interviewed by Deb Placey at the end of the second period. When asked about what Deb deemed one of the best plays of the year, Kyle said “I knew we were going to have a two on one breakaway if I got by that guy.” Kyle had 20 assists, but hadn’t been able to score for himself lately. As disappointed as he is, he’s a team player. “Anything you can do to help the team win is a good thing. I’m just trying to do whatever I can. Just trying to get those two points tonight.”
I was so taken by his attitude, I tweeted “Kyle Okposo has worked so hard, shouldn’t he be rewarded with a Game Winning Goal? Don’t you think?”
Within the first minute of the third, I held my breath as Dwayne Roloson was upended by his own man, Jack Hillen (who played over 28 minutes!) behind his net. Roloson lost his stick and there was a flurry of activity in front of the net. They managed to get out of that one mistake, but couldn’t escape a Dubinsky goal at 13:48 just as a penalty on Blake Comeau expired. Just before the goal, I noticed how tired the Islanders began to look. It seemed as if they gave up and left it up to Roloson who left a rebound on his doorstep a second longer than it should have been. Dubinsky just knocked it in to his left. They celebrated as if they had just won the Stanley Cup.
With a renewed sense of urgency, the Rangers started to fly!
With 8:53 to go of the third, Jack Hillen redeemed himself with Roloson by making a save in front of the crease that would have evened the score at two.
Jon Sim worked so hard around the net and takes so much abuse for it and is hardly ever rewarded.
At 7:15 to go of the third Roloson made a glove save on an Avery shot which sent Avery into a childish tantrum so he went after Trent Hunter looking to start something. I don’t believe there is any one in hockey that annoys me more than this guy. I’ve yet to find one redeeming quality in him.
Andy Sutton must have heard me as he splayed Avery against the boards behind the Isles’ net and DIDN’T get called for a penalty. Avery was angry that Sutton wasn’t called and went complaining to the refs. Again, is there a redeeming quality?
Sutton makes a big difference in the Islanders game. His blocks and hits mean everything to the Islanders defense. He is also one lucky guy as he actually got away with more than one infraction.
Del Zotto hit a post with a shot that would have tied up the game, but the clank off the post was a welcomed sound. But the Isles had too many men on the ice for what Billy Jaffe said was six or seven seconds before the penalty was called. There was confusion on line changes and once again, Matt Moulson was the one that had to sit it out. Can the Isles kill off a penalty and keep the 2 – 1 lead or not?
Gaborik kept the puck in the Isles zone, but fanned on the shot and Richard Park cleared the puck down the ice. There was 53 seconds left of the Rangers Power Play and Nielsen cleared again. John Tortorella attempts to pull his goalie, but the play was off sides and Lundqvist had to make his way back to his net.
And then it happened. With 46.6 seconds left of the third, Dubinsky tipped it in on Roloson’s right off a Callahan pass and my husband started yelling “They can’t effing finish! I knew it would happen. You could see it.”
He was right. You could see it. Again, they looked tired. They began to get sloppy while the Rangers just got hungry.
JT was pretty invisible in the third. Does this mean the conspiracy theory of JT playing hurt may have some truth to it?
Well, with one point the Isles headed into overtime. Sutton was denied by Lundqvist which would have ended the game and then Roloson made an important save in his own end. A good portion of OT was spent back and forth with neither team scoring until…
KYLE! WITH TWO ASSISTS IN THE GAME GOT THE GAME WINNING GOAL WITH 47 SECONDS LEFT IN OT!
What a fitting way to end this game for Okposo as the puck skimmed off of Mark Staal to float the puck past King Henrik.
The best medicine for a yo-yo season for any die-hard Islanders fan is to win against the Rangers, especially in MSG. It certainly makes things a little better.
Congrats to Kyle. I’m sure Scott Gordon will send some of those clips he has from your game tonight right on over to Ron Wilson and Brian Burke.
In the post game, Deb interviewed Kyle again. “Everyone on the bench was feeling a little down, but we had a lot of hope and stuck with it and were able to get two.” While so many on message boards have been calling for Scott Gordon to move Okposo on a line with John Tavares, he seems to have developed excellent chemistry with Frans Nielsen. “I curled back and passed it. I knew Fransie would find me.” He didn’t even care that it went off a skate.
When Deb asked if he had been doing anything different in order to break his scoring drought, he answered “I’ve been doing some things and they’re working now I guess. It’s just a matter of sticking with it. I’ve been playing well and it was working tonight.”
Kyle was all smiles when he was asked how he felt about playing in these Ranger Rivalry games “I love it. They’re fun games to play in and the fans get really excited and it’s a great time.”
Especially when you win Kyle -- Especially when the Isles WIN!
Note: In WJC news it was erroneously reported that the Russian Connection, Klementyev, was cut from team Russia. It was assumedthe efforts of GM Garth Snow were either in vain or not what they were cracked up to be. A little fun was poked at the situation and those involved. Interestingly enough, at 9:40 am Klementyev’s name was still on the roster and he was later on the ice at the World Juniors. So I guess whatever deal was cut was still in place and sometimes conjecture travels faster than reality. Howver, he was kept off the score sheet, but Petrov was NOT as he scored a short handed goal late in the third.
Matt Donovan got the game winning goal in the USA’s 7 – 3 win over Slovakia and Hamonic scored for Canada in their 16 - 0 trouncing of Latvia.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Blake Comeau Back on The Bus
News arrived at my office in-box via press release that Blake Comeau has been reassigned to Bridgeport hoping to even up the series on Wednesday with the baby Pens. I hope that his injury is truly healed. I'd hate to have him end up injured again.
Speaking of injuries and recoveries, it seems that Frans Nielsen and Sean Bergenheim have been held back from playing for their countries during the World championship in Switzerland. They were healthy enough to rejoin the line up for the Islanders but I'm guessing the team is erring on the side of caution by holding them back. It's sad, but understandable.
Also understandable is Marty Brodeur's hissy fit as the Cane's win game 4 with .2 seconds left. The series is tied at two and I would have never expected that. But that's why they play the game.
Team USA lost it's only exhibition game today in Switzerland 5 - 2. I haven't seen anything about our boy Kyle yet. But then again... I only got the information off Twitter.
I'll tell you that Twitter is now my new favorite addiction. It's so much better than Facebook because it doesn't have all the social gift/game/survey/sell me crap. I've been able to find so many great articles on twitter that it's kept me more than busy.
Also keeping me busy is all day rebuttal to those who still claim that Toronto has claim to John Tavares and those who think Sean Avery is getting the raw end of the stick.
I'd like to show Avery a stick myself. And throw it at him the same way Brodeur threw his at the boards.
Nite nite.
Speaking of injuries and recoveries, it seems that Frans Nielsen and Sean Bergenheim have been held back from playing for their countries during the World championship in Switzerland. They were healthy enough to rejoin the line up for the Islanders but I'm guessing the team is erring on the side of caution by holding them back. It's sad, but understandable.
Also understandable is Marty Brodeur's hissy fit as the Cane's win game 4 with .2 seconds left. The series is tied at two and I would have never expected that. But that's why they play the game.
Team USA lost it's only exhibition game today in Switzerland 5 - 2. I haven't seen anything about our boy Kyle yet. But then again... I only got the information off Twitter.
I'll tell you that Twitter is now my new favorite addiction. It's so much better than Facebook because it doesn't have all the social gift/game/survey/sell me crap. I've been able to find so many great articles on twitter that it's kept me more than busy.
Also keeping me busy is all day rebuttal to those who still claim that Toronto has claim to John Tavares and those who think Sean Avery is getting the raw end of the stick.
I'd like to show Avery a stick myself. And throw it at him the same way Brodeur threw his at the boards.
Nite nite.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Dear NHL: I've had it!
I can no longer stomach watching the childish antics on one Sean Avery. Seriously, I can't.Watching him whack Tim Thomas in the head with his stick and act like he did nothing wrong was bad. Watching him punch a 20 year-old rookie goalie tonight was more than I could stand. This man has no respect for anyone or anything in this league.
I have heard from numerous sources that being a member of the NHL is a privilege. It is something you work hard for and something that should be cherished. It is an elite group of men with relatively short careers.
When I hear Phil Esposito speak about it, he is adamant that it is a privilege not a right and that hockey talent is a God given gift that should never be taken lightly.
Sean Avery takes it lightly every day, every minute. It is one thing to be an enforcer in the game. They live by a code of conduct, or at least they used to. But those men who fight the hardest are generally the most humble and soft spoken off the ice. It is also another thing to be an agitator, someone who can get under the skin of an opponent verbally to cause them to lose focus and be off their game.
Sean Avery has taken "agitator" to the level of class clown. His perpetual "Who? Me?" attitude has no place on the ice or in the NHL. He doesn't do this for his team. By his own admission he is NOT a team player. Sean Avery is self centered and a loner who feels he is bigger than the game.
I give John Tortorella credit for attempting to keep him on a short leash, but it is not working. I give the Dallas Stars credit for walking away from him saying they wanted no part of what he had to offer.
There are those who say he is "good for the game" because he brings publicity to it. High speed crashes bring publicity too, but with them devastation. He is a train wreck. Does the NHL need that type of publicity? I doubt it.
So, to the League I ask: Do we really need to wait until Sean Avery finally ends another player's career with his "accidents"? You have already had to create a rule just for him. How many more will it take before it is clear that he does not respect this game, this league, the players or anyone else associated with it. I hardly believe he even respects himself.
Let this season be his last in the NHL. There are so many men who could take his place who are far more worthy of the honor. He can find other ways of making a lucrative living. Let him find one.
"Uh...Sorry."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
When the Wild Come to Town
For days the Twitter feed promoted the Wild playing those dreaded Blueshirts in the Big Apple. I kept wondering how come the promo wasn't about the back to back NY match-ups for the Wild. I received no response.
Well, last night the Wild lost to those guys from NYC by one lousy goal. Avery was Avery as usual and there's a two page spread in Newsday about it... as usual. But those Wild boys will be in OUR house tonight. Maybe they think it'll be easy for them. I can't tell. I went looking for a Twitter feed about it this morning, but didn't find one yet.
I'm not really worried about those guys in the Christmas colors, I'm more worried about something I just read in Corey Witt's blog - the ice. Which is not ready for this morning's morning skate. Corey doesn't write that often, but when he does, it's worth looking into.
When the ice isn't perfect, the game can go wrong. Bad bounces are one thing, injuries are another. And that is what I will worry about tonight as I finally get to see a game in person again.
There are only a handful left on the schedule, and the last home game this year is once again on Easter Sunday. Not exactly what I was hoping for. But as our season winds down quickly, I've got to enjoy every moment that I can so that I can hold onto them until September.
It's going to be a long, hot, annoying summer. I can feel it already.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Bothered, Burned and Be-Deviled - Zach Attack
Anyone surprised the Devils beat the Islanders last night? No. Anyone surprised it was a well played game? Maybe a few. Anyone doubt that it would be Zach Parise that would make us weep? Not a chance. Anyone else going to get a Parise jersey to hide in their closet? Okay, then that's just me.
I hate talking about Kyle Okposo because I always feel like I'm mowing Okposo Net Ken's lawn, but WOW! That seriously WAS the best goal of his young career. He never gave up on the play. That's how hockey is supposed to be played. It was just beautiful.
That's also how Zach Parise plays; never giving up on the play. He makes his opponent pay every time. He is leading the Devils right now. He will lead them for a long time I'm sure.
While my boy Sean made some excellent moves, he couldn't capitalize on one of them. Butch Goring and CJ Papa actually did a little comment session on him during their pre-game. Butch had kind and encouraging words for Bergy. He played well, but unless he can find the back of the net and stay out of the box, it's really not going to matter much to Mr. Snow.
I felt exceptionally bad for Josh Bailey as he was standing in the crease watching that empty netter slip by him. That had to sting.
Also heart breaking to watch was Doug Weight being helped off the ice and off to the locker room after a knee-to-knee collision. This could be devastating, or it could be a blessing. No one can tell yet. I'm a firm believer in everything for a reason. Sometimes, you can't see the reason until much later. Get well soon Dougie.
I hate talking about Kyle Okposo because I always feel like I'm mowing Okposo Net Ken's lawn, but WOW! That seriously WAS the best goal of his young career. He never gave up on the play. That's how hockey is supposed to be played. It was just beautiful.
That's also how Zach Parise plays; never giving up on the play. He makes his opponent pay every time. He is leading the Devils right now. He will lead them for a long time I'm sure.
While my boy Sean made some excellent moves, he couldn't capitalize on one of them. Butch Goring and CJ Papa actually did a little comment session on him during their pre-game. Butch had kind and encouraging words for Bergy. He played well, but unless he can find the back of the net and stay out of the box, it's really not going to matter much to Mr. Snow.
I felt exceptionally bad for Josh Bailey as he was standing in the crease watching that empty netter slip by him. That had to sting.
Also heart breaking to watch was Doug Weight being helped off the ice and off to the locker room after a knee-to-knee collision. This could be devastating, or it could be a blessing. No one can tell yet. I'm a firm believer in everything for a reason. Sometimes, you can't see the reason until much later. Get well soon Dougie.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Blue (Maple Leafs) Monday? We'll See
After spending an entire Sunday recovering from far too much Christmas party merriment, I'll try to clear my head with a few Monday morning thoughts. And as reciting the alphabet backwards is the way to increase concentration, I'll work backwards here as well.
Tonight the Isles are in Toronto to see Brian Burke's Leafs and old friend Jason Blake. Neither team is doing well, and the Leafs are having their own injury problems. This game belongs to either team. I suppose it will be up to luck and desire to see who walks away with the points tonight. So far the Islanders have lost four of five games to the Leafs. Let's see if they can change that percentage tonight.
I did wander over to the Leafs site and found one of their call-ups has a blog, Jaime Sifler details his first road trip as a Leaf instead of a Marlie. What I found quite charming about it is the details of moving up to the NHL from young eyes. It's a dream come true for him. It just underscores the point that playing in the NHL is a privilege not to be taken lightly.
That privilege was spit on by Sean Avery, and on Sunday Point Blank's Chris Botta decided to open his memory bank and divulge an interesting story of Avery's side show in the Coliseum tunnel. From the start, I was told anything I witnessed or heard in the tunnel or locker room hallway area was off limits. The recollection of Avery mouthing off to Garth Snow looking for a fight didn't surprise me one bit. But it did leave me angry and disgusted. As if I needed more ammunition to hate this guy. Would he have mouthed off to Snow if they were in the parking lot with no one else around, and Garth was in jeans and sneakers? Probably not because I can only imagine that Avery would have left that conversation by ambulance. The fact that a few of the 38 comments so far would even think to defend this arrogant idiot also amazes me.
In defending my opinion that the six game suspension was warranted, I did say to certain other (Canadian) reporters that had the comments Avery made been racial or homophobic, would they have look for them to be ignored by the league? So what do we learn? That Avery already used racial slurs against ex-head coach Ted Nolan. The difference: It was on the ice with no cameras documenting.
Also on Sunday the Dallas Stars website added their take on the situation with this article, but they have also removed Avery's name from their roster. All I can say is... GOOD.
Saturday night's game certainly didn't end the way everyone wanted. A 5-1 loss to another struggling team is not what any Islander fan wanted to see. I didn't watch the game because they didn't have the TV on at the party, but I did receive text messages from my fellow Blog Boxers, until they too became disheartened with the score. (I wonder if it was because I didn't wear my colors to the party? hmmm...)
Blake Comeau rang off the post and played with passion we didn't see at the beginning of the season. He knows an opportunity when he sees it. Well, #57, as Coach Gordon said, the job is yours to keep or lose. Gordon doesn't kid around. Personally, I'm happy to see him back. He was very impressive last season and it was even mentioned to me that I may have to replace the "55" on my necklace with a "57."
So far, there is no new number hanging from my charm. I'm still waiting to be impressed.
Tonight the Isles are in Toronto to see Brian Burke's Leafs and old friend Jason Blake. Neither team is doing well, and the Leafs are having their own injury problems. This game belongs to either team. I suppose it will be up to luck and desire to see who walks away with the points tonight. So far the Islanders have lost four of five games to the Leafs. Let's see if they can change that percentage tonight.
I did wander over to the Leafs site and found one of their call-ups has a blog, Jaime Sifler details his first road trip as a Leaf instead of a Marlie. What I found quite charming about it is the details of moving up to the NHL from young eyes. It's a dream come true for him. It just underscores the point that playing in the NHL is a privilege not to be taken lightly.
That privilege was spit on by Sean Avery, and on Sunday Point Blank's Chris Botta decided to open his memory bank and divulge an interesting story of Avery's side show in the Coliseum tunnel. From the start, I was told anything I witnessed or heard in the tunnel or locker room hallway area was off limits. The recollection of Avery mouthing off to Garth Snow looking for a fight didn't surprise me one bit. But it did leave me angry and disgusted. As if I needed more ammunition to hate this guy. Would he have mouthed off to Snow if they were in the parking lot with no one else around, and Garth was in jeans and sneakers? Probably not because I can only imagine that Avery would have left that conversation by ambulance. The fact that a few of the 38 comments so far would even think to defend this arrogant idiot also amazes me.
In defending my opinion that the six game suspension was warranted, I did say to certain other (Canadian) reporters that had the comments Avery made been racial or homophobic, would they have look for them to be ignored by the league? So what do we learn? That Avery already used racial slurs against ex-head coach Ted Nolan. The difference: It was on the ice with no cameras documenting.
Also on Sunday the Dallas Stars website added their take on the situation with this article, but they have also removed Avery's name from their roster. All I can say is... GOOD.
Saturday night's game certainly didn't end the way everyone wanted. A 5-1 loss to another struggling team is not what any Islander fan wanted to see. I didn't watch the game because they didn't have the TV on at the party, but I did receive text messages from my fellow Blog Boxers, until they too became disheartened with the score. (I wonder if it was because I didn't wear my colors to the party? hmmm...)
Blake Comeau rang off the post and played with passion we didn't see at the beginning of the season. He knows an opportunity when he sees it. Well, #57, as Coach Gordon said, the job is yours to keep or lose. Gordon doesn't kid around. Personally, I'm happy to see him back. He was very impressive last season and it was even mentioned to me that I may have to replace the "55" on my necklace with a "57."
So far, there is no new number hanging from my charm. I'm still waiting to be impressed.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Avery: Too Much, Too Little, Too Late 12-3-08
I'm sitting on the couch, about to weigh in on Sean Avery, just as everyone else has, when I found this apology on the NHL website. As I read it, I could only think it was written by his agent, or his lawyer. Because it certainly doesn't sound like anything that would spill from Sean Avery's lips.
Here it is:
"I would like to sincerely apologize for my off-color remarks to the press yesterday from Calgary," Avery said in a statement obtained by SportingNews.com.
"I should not have made those comments and I recognize that they were inappropriate. It was a bad attempt to build excitement for the game, but I am now acutely aware of how hurtful my actions were. I caused unnecessary embarrassment to my peers as well as people I have been close with in the past.
"I apologize for offending the great fans of the NHL, the commissioner, my teammates, my coaching staff and the Dallas Stars management and ownership. As many of you know, I like to mix it up on and off the ice from time to time, but understand that this time I took it too far."
Okay, so here's the thing. As a woman, I am beyond offended. As a hockey fan, I am disgusted. As a mother, I am disappointed. As someone on the fringe of the "new" media, I'm laughing
Some may call Avery a master at self promotion. I call him a complete idiot. Certainly trash talking is part of the game.... ON THE ICE SEAN. Once you trash talk to the camera and it ends up across the hockey globe in a matter of nanoseconds, don't expect that a pre-printed, well written apology will get you off the hook.
This is the way he talks about his ex-girlfriends to the media? The women he was happy as a clam to parade around the paparazzi and get his photo in the celeb magazines with? The women that took him to parties he would have never been invited into?
Mr. Avery is in for a rude awakening. Not only is the league disgusted with his antics, but I can only imagine that there won't be too many young starlets willing to sleep with this trash-talking declining NHLer. What woman self-respecting woman would want to?
Do you think your mother is proud of you Sean? Because you now apologized for your serious lack of judgement? I doubt it. Face it. Mr. Avery has no respect for any thing or any one. He doesn't deserve to be in the NHL.
This "apology" is certainly an attempt to stem the tide of both the league and the Dallas Stars desire to distance themselves from Sean and his big mouth. A mouth big enough for him to have put his foot in it. He claims he only wanted to stir interest up for the game. He uses that excuse too often. We are done with you Mr. Avery. Or at least... I am.
Hope you like Borscht. The KHL may be the only league that will welcome you!
Here it is:
"I would like to sincerely apologize for my off-color remarks to the press yesterday from Calgary," Avery said in a statement obtained by SportingNews.com.
"I should not have made those comments and I recognize that they were inappropriate. It was a bad attempt to build excitement for the game, but I am now acutely aware of how hurtful my actions were. I caused unnecessary embarrassment to my peers as well as people I have been close with in the past.
"I apologize for offending the great fans of the NHL, the commissioner, my teammates, my coaching staff and the Dallas Stars management and ownership. As many of you know, I like to mix it up on and off the ice from time to time, but understand that this time I took it too far."
Okay, so here's the thing. As a woman, I am beyond offended. As a hockey fan, I am disgusted. As a mother, I am disappointed. As someone on the fringe of the "new" media, I'm laughing
Some may call Avery a master at self promotion. I call him a complete idiot. Certainly trash talking is part of the game.... ON THE ICE SEAN. Once you trash talk to the camera and it ends up across the hockey globe in a matter of nanoseconds, don't expect that a pre-printed, well written apology will get you off the hook.
This is the way he talks about his ex-girlfriends to the media? The women he was happy as a clam to parade around the paparazzi and get his photo in the celeb magazines with? The women that took him to parties he would have never been invited into?
Mr. Avery is in for a rude awakening. Not only is the league disgusted with his antics, but I can only imagine that there won't be too many young starlets willing to sleep with this trash-talking declining NHLer. What woman self-respecting woman would want to?
Do you think your mother is proud of you Sean? Because you now apologized for your serious lack of judgement? I doubt it. Face it. Mr. Avery has no respect for any thing or any one. He doesn't deserve to be in the NHL.
This "apology" is certainly an attempt to stem the tide of both the league and the Dallas Stars desire to distance themselves from Sean and his big mouth. A mouth big enough for him to have put his foot in it. He claims he only wanted to stir interest up for the game. He uses that excuse too often. We are done with you Mr. Avery. Or at least... I am.
Hope you like Borscht. The KHL may be the only league that will welcome you!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
I've Always LOVED Mike Modano - 11/6/08
While driving home from work last night and listening to Home Ice on my XM, I heard the little tidbit about Mike Modano publicaly calling out Stars teammate Sean Avery. I have to admit, I smiled ear to ear. Modano is one of the greatest American born hockey players ever, and he has always been a class act. So to hear that he made his feelings known publicaly just validated what I have known all along.... Avery is a putz.
Here is an except from veteran hockey writer Mike Brohpy:
"It took a lot of courage for Dallas Stars veteran Mike Modano to call out teammates Sean Avery and Steve Ott for their antics against the Boston Bruins on the weekend. In a nutshell, Modano said he was embarrassed by their behaviour and if this is how the organization is going to act this season, he'd rather take an office job. I exchanged text messages with Modano the past few days and he indicated to me that while he has traditionally kept his opinions to himself, he felt something needed to be said."
Also heard on Home Ice: Did Chris Chelios ACTUALLY say "My wife votes for our family." regarding this past presidential election? Shame on you Chelios! Shame on you!
Islanders are away tonight and I'll be celebrating my best friend's birthday with two of my best allies and partners in crime. It should be fun as we travel all over Nassau County tearing up the streets. Look Out Islander Country! We're ready to Party!
Here is an except from veteran hockey writer Mike Brohpy:
"It took a lot of courage for Dallas Stars veteran Mike Modano to call out teammates Sean Avery and Steve Ott for their antics against the Boston Bruins on the weekend. In a nutshell, Modano said he was embarrassed by their behaviour and if this is how the organization is going to act this season, he'd rather take an office job. I exchanged text messages with Modano the past few days and he indicated to me that while he has traditionally kept his opinions to himself, he felt something needed to be said."
Also heard on Home Ice: Did Chris Chelios ACTUALLY say "My wife votes for our family." regarding this past presidential election? Shame on you Chelios! Shame on you!
Islanders are away tonight and I'll be celebrating my best friend's birthday with two of my best allies and partners in crime. It should be fun as we travel all over Nassau County tearing up the streets. Look Out Islander Country! We're ready to Party!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
AVERY TO DALLAS? THANK GOD... THANK GARTH!
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=367613
By late this afternoon, I could finally breathe again! Just the thought that it was even a remote possibility that fashionista Avery could be anywhere near an Islander jersey made my skin crawl. So Garth told the truth (in a round-about sort of way) every time he was asked about the Avery possibility. I'm going to have to start asking him for "signs." You know, like pitcher signs. If he touches his hair he's lying, if he touches his ear it's truth, if he gives me the "cut" sign, then I can't quote him. That sort of thing.
But, on Avery... I'm thinking Dallas isn't quite far enough for my liking, but I'll take it. Guess Sean will be modeling Stetson's and Tony Lamas soon and leaving the walking shorts suits behind.
Congratulations to the one and only Chris Botta for putting the buzz on the Doug Weight acquisition 48 hours prior to it actually happening. Proving that "no longer on the payroll" doesn't mean "no longer in the know."
Doug Weight is a good signing for the Islanders, providing he doesn't come to camp as chubby as he did immediately following the lockout. I believe the media was then calling him Doug OverWeight. Gotta set a good example there Dougie.
Prospect camp is right around the corner. We get a peak into the future.... maybe. I'm just looking to get out of the damn heat.
For anyone looking for the Riptide Softball blog, please click http://7thwoman.bravejournal.com/
By late this afternoon, I could finally breathe again! Just the thought that it was even a remote possibility that fashionista Avery could be anywhere near an Islander jersey made my skin crawl. So Garth told the truth (in a round-about sort of way) every time he was asked about the Avery possibility. I'm going to have to start asking him for "signs." You know, like pitcher signs. If he touches his hair he's lying, if he touches his ear it's truth, if he gives me the "cut" sign, then I can't quote him. That sort of thing.
But, on Avery... I'm thinking Dallas isn't quite far enough for my liking, but I'll take it. Guess Sean will be modeling Stetson's and Tony Lamas soon and leaving the walking shorts suits behind.
Congratulations to the one and only Chris Botta for putting the buzz on the Doug Weight acquisition 48 hours prior to it actually happening. Proving that "no longer on the payroll" doesn't mean "no longer in the know."
Doug Weight is a good signing for the Islanders, providing he doesn't come to camp as chubby as he did immediately following the lockout. I believe the media was then calling him Doug OverWeight. Gotta set a good example there Dougie.
Prospect camp is right around the corner. We get a peak into the future.... maybe. I'm just looking to get out of the damn heat.
For anyone looking for the Riptide Softball blog, please click http://7thwoman.bravejournal.com/
Thursday, June 12, 2008
OK… NOW the Season is OFFICIALLY Over!
It’s June 12th and the NHL has handed out their awards, and even created a new one, so it’s absolutely the END of the 2007-2008 season. But there is no rest for the weary as the 2008-2009 season will basically start on Friday the 20th. It may not be the OFFICIAL beginning of the season, but by all accounts, it may as well be.
This year’s awards ceremony seemed to have been done exceptionally well, but then every year they seem to make it a little more polished, a little more “Hollywood.” You had to LOVE Alexander’s blazing red tie and red vest. Perhaps it was a little swipe at the Red Wings? Or maybe just a fashion statement by the Russian hockey rock star who has his own fashion line?
I sort of expected Jason Blake to win the Masterton trophy. The word “cancer” is never taken lightly, and anyone who has ever watched Jason Blake play knows the thing that matters most to him (next to his family) is hockey. He looked healthy, but a little uncomfortable and did rush off stage immediately after thanking his wife and children.
The new NHL life time achievement award was handed out to the one and only Mr. Hockey. It was the perfect way to begin a new tradition, and the video presentation was just beyond emotional. The new award was no surprise as Gary Bettman had talked about it on his NHL Hour XM radio show which aired its season finale today. The good news is he will do it again next season. The bad news is it was a really good radio hour that was informative and entertaining.
If there’s another venue where fans can actually get to speak to the Commissioner of their favorite sport, please let me know where it is. Bill Clement stated on the NHL Live show today that they never screened the phone calls and never turned any call away. The fans that called in were never coached or scripted, they were sincerely grateful for the access.
Personally, I just wish they would stop calling in with technical questions about cable, satellite and digital service. And as ridiculous as that sounds, Bettman answers each one of them like a Cablevision Customer Service rep. And it happens week after week.
The goaltending committee met yesterday, and he was encouraged by the cooperation. He said he feels the equipment could be smaller and more proportionate to the body, and no larger than is necessary. They came away with a series of recommendations for modifications that they will present to the Competition Committee tomorrow. If they are comfortable with the suggestions, you will see changes as soon as next season.
Everyone understands that goalies are now just taller and bigger than their predecessors; their equipment should indeed be proportional and not overshadow their skill. Of course I listened intently waiting to hear if Mr. Bettman would make reference to GM Garth Snow by name, but no reference was made either seriously or in a cutting manner.
Bill Clement said he would like to see someone threaten Wayne’s old scoring records and Bettman just responded “Don’t hold your breath.” So even if the equipment does become more proportionate, it may not make any difference in the number of goals scored, but at least in the number of chances. And that could be just as exciting.
Also, don’t forget about the premiere of Islanders Illustrated TV on MSG Plus at 6:30 pm on June 18th. They created a show for us; the least we can do is watch it. Then of course, the day Islander Country is waiting for, Friday the 20th and the first round of the draft. Then we’ll finally know who Garth will take with the fifth pick so the speculation will end. Some of those citing inside sources will be right, and some will be miserably wrong. But we know one thing, the NY Islanders are drafting at the fifth slot, and four other teams are picking before them. It’s just about a given that Stamkos is going first, so that leaves three more prospects will be plucked off the shelf before it’s their turn.
And lastly, even though I really don’t want to go there, as everyone already knows my opinion on this, and I seem to be at odds with my blog box buddies, but what the hell… SEAN AVERY.
Just the mention of his name makes my skin crawl, but it seems that so many of the Islander faithful seem to think they wouldn’t mind having him as he’d be good for certain things here on the Island. For all those who believe that, I’d like to just bring up a few things.
We already had an agitating little putz on the team who actually scored more than Avery and didn’t grab headlines for sleeping with starlets or hookers. He plays somewhere else now, and if the hockey gods are kind, Mr. Avery will play somewhere else too. Don’t try to bait me by saying it will drive the Ranger fans crazy if he was in an Isles jersey. It will drive ME crazy instead. The kind of crazy that will border on that maniacal laughter I’m pretty famous for that turns into … into…. Never mind… It’s just not pretty.
This year’s awards ceremony seemed to have been done exceptionally well, but then every year they seem to make it a little more polished, a little more “Hollywood.” You had to LOVE Alexander’s blazing red tie and red vest. Perhaps it was a little swipe at the Red Wings? Or maybe just a fashion statement by the Russian hockey rock star who has his own fashion line?
I sort of expected Jason Blake to win the Masterton trophy. The word “cancer” is never taken lightly, and anyone who has ever watched Jason Blake play knows the thing that matters most to him (next to his family) is hockey. He looked healthy, but a little uncomfortable and did rush off stage immediately after thanking his wife and children.
The new NHL life time achievement award was handed out to the one and only Mr. Hockey. It was the perfect way to begin a new tradition, and the video presentation was just beyond emotional. The new award was no surprise as Gary Bettman had talked about it on his NHL Hour XM radio show which aired its season finale today. The good news is he will do it again next season. The bad news is it was a really good radio hour that was informative and entertaining.
If there’s another venue where fans can actually get to speak to the Commissioner of their favorite sport, please let me know where it is. Bill Clement stated on the NHL Live show today that they never screened the phone calls and never turned any call away. The fans that called in were never coached or scripted, they were sincerely grateful for the access.
Personally, I just wish they would stop calling in with technical questions about cable, satellite and digital service. And as ridiculous as that sounds, Bettman answers each one of them like a Cablevision Customer Service rep. And it happens week after week.
The goaltending committee met yesterday, and he was encouraged by the cooperation. He said he feels the equipment could be smaller and more proportionate to the body, and no larger than is necessary. They came away with a series of recommendations for modifications that they will present to the Competition Committee tomorrow. If they are comfortable with the suggestions, you will see changes as soon as next season.
Everyone understands that goalies are now just taller and bigger than their predecessors; their equipment should indeed be proportional and not overshadow their skill. Of course I listened intently waiting to hear if Mr. Bettman would make reference to GM Garth Snow by name, but no reference was made either seriously or in a cutting manner.
Bill Clement said he would like to see someone threaten Wayne’s old scoring records and Bettman just responded “Don’t hold your breath.” So even if the equipment does become more proportionate, it may not make any difference in the number of goals scored, but at least in the number of chances. And that could be just as exciting.
Also, don’t forget about the premiere of Islanders Illustrated TV on MSG Plus at 6:30 pm on June 18th. They created a show for us; the least we can do is watch it. Then of course, the day Islander Country is waiting for, Friday the 20th and the first round of the draft. Then we’ll finally know who Garth will take with the fifth pick so the speculation will end. Some of those citing inside sources will be right, and some will be miserably wrong. But we know one thing, the NY Islanders are drafting at the fifth slot, and four other teams are picking before them. It’s just about a given that Stamkos is going first, so that leaves three more prospects will be plucked off the shelf before it’s their turn.
And lastly, even though I really don’t want to go there, as everyone already knows my opinion on this, and I seem to be at odds with my blog box buddies, but what the hell… SEAN AVERY.
Just the mention of his name makes my skin crawl, but it seems that so many of the Islander faithful seem to think they wouldn’t mind having him as he’d be good for certain things here on the Island. For all those who believe that, I’d like to just bring up a few things.
We already had an agitating little putz on the team who actually scored more than Avery and didn’t grab headlines for sleeping with starlets or hookers. He plays somewhere else now, and if the hockey gods are kind, Mr. Avery will play somewhere else too. Don’t try to bait me by saying it will drive the Ranger fans crazy if he was in an Isles jersey. It will drive ME crazy instead. The kind of crazy that will border on that maniacal laughter I’m pretty famous for that turns into … into…. Never mind… It’s just not pretty.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Sean Avery Firestorm
OMG!! I guess I should have known better, but... hey... I'm a little new at this, even though I've had a webjournal for over three years, the power of the internet still surprises me.
As I was completely disgusted last night watching the "Sean Avery incident" during the Devils game, I jotted down notes that I put together this morning and posted on a site that has all sports entries on it. Little did I know it would take on a life of it's own.
When I posted the article at 8 am this morning, I didn't know that Gary Bettman had already commented on the act. I heard all about it on XM's Home Ice while driving into work. I'm glad the NHL and 90% of the hockey journalists and commentators felt the same way I did: It was just unacceptable. But of course, there are two sides to every story, and those who will protect Sean Avery.
I'm glad the league decided to change the rules to make sure this never happens again without going unpunished.
My writing is always editorial opinion, even when I'm covering a live event. It's how I see things. I never expect everyone to see eye-t0-eye with me. I also never expected..... over 2500 hits on one article, or the lunacy that followed.
Note to self: Don't write about anything to do with the Rangers unless I'm armed with a whip and a chair.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/17619-Sean-Avery-When-Bad-Boy-Is-Bad-for-Hockey
Almost forgot!!! And on an completely unrelated note, while we're looking at all that is bad in this world, check out something that you can do to make GOOD in this world. Check out http://www.islesblogger.com/ for information on a good cause and how you can improve your karma.
As I was completely disgusted last night watching the "Sean Avery incident" during the Devils game, I jotted down notes that I put together this morning and posted on a site that has all sports entries on it. Little did I know it would take on a life of it's own.
When I posted the article at 8 am this morning, I didn't know that Gary Bettman had already commented on the act. I heard all about it on XM's Home Ice while driving into work. I'm glad the NHL and 90% of the hockey journalists and commentators felt the same way I did: It was just unacceptable. But of course, there are two sides to every story, and those who will protect Sean Avery.
I'm glad the league decided to change the rules to make sure this never happens again without going unpunished.
My writing is always editorial opinion, even when I'm covering a live event. It's how I see things. I never expect everyone to see eye-t0-eye with me. I also never expected..... over 2500 hits on one article, or the lunacy that followed.
Note to self: Don't write about anything to do with the Rangers unless I'm armed with a whip and a chair.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/17619-Sean-Avery-When-Bad-Boy-Is-Bad-for-Hockey
Almost forgot!!! And on an completely unrelated note, while we're looking at all that is bad in this world, check out something that you can do to make GOOD in this world. Check out http://www.islesblogger.com/ for information on a good cause and how you can improve your karma.
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