No, I didn't fall off the face of the Earth, nor did I find a ledge and jump from it. I did have a little canine mishap along with just life in general that has kept me from writing.
But as Blake Comeau has signed a new deal, it is time to pen something - anything - Islander related. You can find it here at Hockeybuzz.com
I am trying not to be too negative, all while trying to be realistic towards the situation. Big Angry Man told me all along the vote would never go through. He was correct.
So here we are, back at square one, one month closer to a new hockey season that should be much better than the last. Let's enjoy it as we don't know how many more we will have.
Matt Moulson at the Team Store tomorrow signing autographs from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.
Showing posts with label Blake Comeau. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blake Comeau. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Super Moon over Sunrise Gives Isles a SO Win
Well, Congrats to RDP and company on a decent win even though they let a lead slip away in the third once again.
Congrats to Michael Grabner on his 30th goal of the season. Seems both Scotty Allen and I saw that coming.
PA Parenteau gets a little closer to that 20 goal marker with his 18th of the season and Blake Comeau has to sit with his first fighting major.
Yep, what a weird night for sure. Full re-cap here at HockeyBuzz.com.
Congrats to Michael Grabner on his 30th goal of the season. Seems both Scotty Allen and I saw that coming.
PA Parenteau gets a little closer to that 20 goal marker with his 18th of the season and Blake Comeau has to sit with his first fighting major.
Yep, what a weird night for sure. Full re-cap here at HockeyBuzz.com.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Devilish Sunday @ the Barn
I cannot be upset with this game. Okay, it was a little on the boring side, but hey... that's Devils' hockey at it's finest.
There were a lot of red jerseys in the over 15,000 patrons that showed up this afternoon, but there were also a few Gillies 14 shirts along with this sign on the wall.
The Devils out shot the Islanders 29 - 22. Obviously a very low shot percentage game. There were large stretches of time where no shots were recorded (see opening statement).
Brian Rolston finally put the Devils on the board four minutes into the 2nd on a power play goal It took until almost the end of the second for Josh Bailey to tie it up at one.
Less than 3 minutes into the third, Ilya Kovalchuk (of course) put the Devils up by one and then it became a game of trying to not get even further behind. Blake Comeau tied the game at 2 at 16:18, much to Marty Brodeur's dismay.
Frans Nielsen scored on Marty Brodeur in the shoot-out with his patented "gimmick" as Howie liked to call it. Kovalchuk scored on Montoya. It wasn't until Brian Rolson had waited for seven shooters to fail before beating Al Montoya to give the Devils their two points.
While it was a hard fought game with Comeau and Okopso throwing some big hits along with Jack Hillen taking another chance on offering up a hip-check (and getting away with it this time! Nice!), there were no fighing penalties. Although I'm pretty sure if Michael Haley had his way, there would have been. John Tavares was knocked down more times than he'd like to think about and Matt Moulson was roughed up around Marty's net. He didn't seem to be very happy about it.
Al Montoya did an amazing job keeping the Isles in the game though out. Even if the shot total was low, the shots the Devils take are quality. To a man, everyone speaks highly of Al Montoya.
"We're a young group of guys and we showed a lot of patience tonight." PA Parenteau told Stan Fishler. He called Montoya "Monty" twice and was happy with his first shoot out performance in net.
"This is the direction we're going and we want to keep going this way. It's about leaving our best effort on the ice." Montoya told the media. He also told them he wasn't nervous for is first shoot out. This guy is cool, like the flip side of a pillow.
It would have been nice to get him the two points. It will also be nice to get him a contract for next season. Um, yeah.
Thanks to Nick6489, whom I had the pleasure of meeting tonight at the pre-game meetup. He was with Bob, whose cowbell you hear during almost every home game. I had no idea they have their own radio show, but they do. So here is my impromptu interview with Nick & Bob for HKCRadio.com.
There were a lot of red jerseys in the over 15,000 patrons that showed up this afternoon, but there were also a few Gillies 14 shirts along with this sign on the wall.
The Devils out shot the Islanders 29 - 22. Obviously a very low shot percentage game. There were large stretches of time where no shots were recorded (see opening statement).
Brian Rolston finally put the Devils on the board four minutes into the 2nd on a power play goal It took until almost the end of the second for Josh Bailey to tie it up at one.
Less than 3 minutes into the third, Ilya Kovalchuk (of course) put the Devils up by one and then it became a game of trying to not get even further behind. Blake Comeau tied the game at 2 at 16:18, much to Marty Brodeur's dismay.
Frans Nielsen scored on Marty Brodeur in the shoot-out with his patented "gimmick" as Howie liked to call it. Kovalchuk scored on Montoya. It wasn't until Brian Rolson had waited for seven shooters to fail before beating Al Montoya to give the Devils their two points.
While it was a hard fought game with Comeau and Okopso throwing some big hits along with Jack Hillen taking another chance on offering up a hip-check (and getting away with it this time! Nice!), there were no fighing penalties. Although I'm pretty sure if Michael Haley had his way, there would have been. John Tavares was knocked down more times than he'd like to think about and Matt Moulson was roughed up around Marty's net. He didn't seem to be very happy about it.
Al Montoya did an amazing job keeping the Isles in the game though out. Even if the shot total was low, the shots the Devils take are quality. To a man, everyone speaks highly of Al Montoya.
"We're a young group of guys and we showed a lot of patience tonight." PA Parenteau told Stan Fishler. He called Montoya "Monty" twice and was happy with his first shoot out performance in net.
"This is the direction we're going and we want to keep going this way. It's about leaving our best effort on the ice." Montoya told the media. He also told them he wasn't nervous for is first shoot out. This guy is cool, like the flip side of a pillow.
It would have been nice to get him the two points. It will also be nice to get him a contract for next season. Um, yeah.
Thanks to Nick6489, whom I had the pleasure of meeting tonight at the pre-game meetup. He was with Bob, whose cowbell you hear during almost every home game. I had no idea they have their own radio show, but they do. So here is my impromptu interview with Nick & Bob for HKCRadio.com.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Isles vs. Sabres 1-15-11
Rick DiPietro's first period back from a little trip on the IR went quite well. Rick saw 14 shots and stopped all of them. Michael Grabner had some excellent changes using his speed to amaze the Buffalo defense. But sadly for the Isles, Ryan Miller has also been able to stop each of the 15 shots that have been thrown his way.
John Tavares and PA Parenteau had an amazing give-and-go in on Miller, but Ryan Miller proved why he went to the Olympics and saw every move. JT was visibly dismayed at that as he was sprawled on the ice at the boards.
Everything was pretty good for the Islanders in the first as they had far more jump than the last game, but during the last minute of play, first Jurcina was called for a penalty on Tyler Ennis (the Sabres only ASG rookie rep!) and within a few ticks of the clock, Radek Martinek was called for a penalty.
The Sabres will start the second period on a fresh sheet of ice with a 5 on 3 power play. The Islanders PK is good, but I don't think it is THAT good to get through 1:27 of 5 on 3! But we'll have to see.
Twenty seven seconds into the second period, Thomas Vanek scores on the 5 on 3 to put the Sabres on the board. It would be the only goal they would see in the period.
The Isles PK managed to easily kill of the 5 on 4 Sabres power play. And then at 3:44, Rob Niedermayer took a hooking penalty and the tables were turned. While no goal was scored, at 7:50 John Tavares beat Ryan Miller to tie the game. According to @B6BB7 "It took a perfect shot to beat him."
There was no call when Milan Jurcina went down on the ice bleeding from over his eye. No office saw any infraction and Jurcina headed off to be stitched up.
Howie Rose and Butch Goring kept complimenting the energy level of the crowd of 12,223 which was 2 more than the Islanders first ever game. Niedermayer gave the Isles their 3rd power play of the evening and John Tavares scored his second goal of the game off a Matt Moulson rebound.
At 13:36 of the second, John Tavares scores his second hat trick of the season with Moulson and Parenteau in Ryan Miller's crease looking to knock in the rebound, JT on one knee bats it in behind Miller.
But they weren't done. Blake Comeau scored the fourth goal of the period and Bruno Gervais, who has had an excellent game tonight, gets an assist point on the score sheet.
Five goals scored in one period and the game isn't over yet. The Islanders out shot the Sabres 33 - 28 and Rick DiPietro has made some excellent saves, despite being run into a few times. He will not want to be yanked from the net, so he will take all the abuse the Sabres can dish out.
At 5:55 of the third, Tyler Ennis fires and scores while Rick DiPietro tries to get back to his right side cutting the Islanders lead to 4 - 2. It was Ennis' 1st goal in ten games.
Rick shows that he can makes saves without equipment as a scoops a puck into his armpit robbing the Sabres of another goal. Parenteau was slashed on a play and banged into the boards leaving him limping to the bench. He didn't leave though and in a few minutes, he was back out.
With only 4:41 left of the third, Josh Bailey took a hooking penalty leaving his team short handed. But that didn't seem to matter to Michael Grabner who finally got what he had been looking for every game; his first short handed NHL goal.
While that was beautiful and it brought the Isles to 5 - 2, Jochen Hecht scored on Rick at 1:45 left of the third as there was too much traffic for him to really track the puck.
Moulson almost had a four point night as a Sabres defense protected the empty net as the clocked ticked down to the final buzzer.
A hat trick for JT, a three point night for Moulson, and an assist point for Matt Martin to go with his team leading 5 hits. I knew the Islanders would win this one as soon as I said I wasn't going.
I was right.
John Tavares and PA Parenteau had an amazing give-and-go in on Miller, but Ryan Miller proved why he went to the Olympics and saw every move. JT was visibly dismayed at that as he was sprawled on the ice at the boards.
Everything was pretty good for the Islanders in the first as they had far more jump than the last game, but during the last minute of play, first Jurcina was called for a penalty on Tyler Ennis (the Sabres only ASG rookie rep!) and within a few ticks of the clock, Radek Martinek was called for a penalty.
The Sabres will start the second period on a fresh sheet of ice with a 5 on 3 power play. The Islanders PK is good, but I don't think it is THAT good to get through 1:27 of 5 on 3! But we'll have to see.
Twenty seven seconds into the second period, Thomas Vanek scores on the 5 on 3 to put the Sabres on the board. It would be the only goal they would see in the period.
The Isles PK managed to easily kill of the 5 on 4 Sabres power play. And then at 3:44, Rob Niedermayer took a hooking penalty and the tables were turned. While no goal was scored, at 7:50 John Tavares beat Ryan Miller to tie the game. According to @B6BB7 "It took a perfect shot to beat him."
There was no call when Milan Jurcina went down on the ice bleeding from over his eye. No office saw any infraction and Jurcina headed off to be stitched up.
Howie Rose and Butch Goring kept complimenting the energy level of the crowd of 12,223 which was 2 more than the Islanders first ever game. Niedermayer gave the Isles their 3rd power play of the evening and John Tavares scored his second goal of the game off a Matt Moulson rebound.
At 13:36 of the second, John Tavares scores his second hat trick of the season with Moulson and Parenteau in Ryan Miller's crease looking to knock in the rebound, JT on one knee bats it in behind Miller.
But they weren't done. Blake Comeau scored the fourth goal of the period and Bruno Gervais, who has had an excellent game tonight, gets an assist point on the score sheet.
Five goals scored in one period and the game isn't over yet. The Islanders out shot the Sabres 33 - 28 and Rick DiPietro has made some excellent saves, despite being run into a few times. He will not want to be yanked from the net, so he will take all the abuse the Sabres can dish out.
At 5:55 of the third, Tyler Ennis fires and scores while Rick DiPietro tries to get back to his right side cutting the Islanders lead to 4 - 2. It was Ennis' 1st goal in ten games.
Rick shows that he can makes saves without equipment as a scoops a puck into his armpit robbing the Sabres of another goal. Parenteau was slashed on a play and banged into the boards leaving him limping to the bench. He didn't leave though and in a few minutes, he was back out.
With only 4:41 left of the third, Josh Bailey took a hooking penalty leaving his team short handed. But that didn't seem to matter to Michael Grabner who finally got what he had been looking for every game; his first short handed NHL goal.
While that was beautiful and it brought the Isles to 5 - 2, Jochen Hecht scored on Rick at 1:45 left of the third as there was too much traffic for him to really track the puck.
Moulson almost had a four point night as a Sabres defense protected the empty net as the clocked ticked down to the final buzzer.
A hat trick for JT, a three point night for Moulson, and an assist point for Matt Martin to go with his team leading 5 hits. I knew the Islanders would win this one as soon as I said I wasn't going.
I was right.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Isles 3 - Tampa 2 OT Win
Check it out. Take a good look. Yes, that says the Islanders are in first place. After an impressive win in the St. Pete Times Forum, the first since 2008, the Islanders came away with two points and two injuries. Figures, doesn't it?
Andrew MacDonald left the game with a hand injury and Blake Comeau smacked his knee against Dan Ellis' net that caused him to go straight to the room.
But Matt Moulson gets credit for the goal that Ellis tried to sweep out of the air, but it had already crossed the goal line. Sneaky sneaky Dan. But the Toronto war room caught it.
Great win for the Islanders and their Dads who are on the annual Father's trip. Best of all for Rick DiPietro Sr. who has had to watch his son fight so hard to make his way back to the ice.
Game time information on HockeyBuzz.com. More to follow tomorrow as right now I am shot.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It Took 56 Minutes for the Caps to Beat the Isles
So said @dani3boyz last night on Twitter. And she was right.
Nino Niederreiter scored his first NHL goal in Washington. That will be one he will remember forever.
Dwayne Roloson made his first start of the season and proved why Garth Snow inked the veteran netminder for a two year deal. There was no 1st period let-down for Roli. He had given up three quick goals in each of his exhibition games, but it wasn't until 18:15 of the second that Alex Ovechkin managed to get one passed him.
Blake Comeau's roughing penalty late in the third led to the game winner by Nick Backstrom. It was actually a lucky break for the Caps. And as the Islanders had done against the Rangers, when opportunity knocks, good teams take advantage of it.
There was a lot of chatter about Matt Moulson's missed breakaway. While it would have been great if he made it, that's not really Matt's specialty. I'll let him slide on that one.
All in all, the injury depleted Islanders gave the Washington Capitals and the superstar of the league a run for their money. There is nothing to be ashamed of in that performance.
Now, how hard can they make it for the Penguins on Friday?
As a side note: I didn't get to watch most of the game because I was at Hofstra last night. I got a look at the WHUR studios and was really impressed with the facility! It actually looks better than some more well known radio stations.
So when I left the campus, I turned on 88.7 FM and started to catch Chris King calling the game. The production quality was very good, but the tempo of Chris' side-kick could have been a little better. I found him a little slow on the up-take. The signal was loud and clear until I was all the way to Bay Shore on Sunrise Highway. Then I had to switch to XM radio to continue to listen to the game. Of course on XM it was the Capitals feed that was being broadcast.
What was the first thing I heard the caps announcers talk about during intermission? The lack of an Islanders fanbase. I screamed at the radio.
Nino Niederreiter scored his first NHL goal in Washington. That will be one he will remember forever.
Dwayne Roloson made his first start of the season and proved why Garth Snow inked the veteran netminder for a two year deal. There was no 1st period let-down for Roli. He had given up three quick goals in each of his exhibition games, but it wasn't until 18:15 of the second that Alex Ovechkin managed to get one passed him.
Blake Comeau's roughing penalty late in the third led to the game winner by Nick Backstrom. It was actually a lucky break for the Caps. And as the Islanders had done against the Rangers, when opportunity knocks, good teams take advantage of it.
There was a lot of chatter about Matt Moulson's missed breakaway. While it would have been great if he made it, that's not really Matt's specialty. I'll let him slide on that one.
All in all, the injury depleted Islanders gave the Washington Capitals and the superstar of the league a run for their money. There is nothing to be ashamed of in that performance.
Now, how hard can they make it for the Penguins on Friday?
As a side note: I didn't get to watch most of the game because I was at Hofstra last night. I got a look at the WHUR studios and was really impressed with the facility! It actually looks better than some more well known radio stations.
So when I left the campus, I turned on 88.7 FM and started to catch Chris King calling the game. The production quality was very good, but the tempo of Chris' side-kick could have been a little better. I found him a little slow on the up-take. The signal was loud and clear until I was all the way to Bay Shore on Sunrise Highway. Then I had to switch to XM radio to continue to listen to the game. Of course on XM it was the Capitals feed that was being broadcast.
What was the first thing I heard the caps announcers talk about during intermission? The lack of an Islanders fanbase. I screamed at the radio.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Blake Comeau: Confident & Ready
It was the day before the home opener and the rink at IceWorks was empty. On the last day of training camp, after a few days of double sessions, the Islanders ended their on ice work a little early.
It was very quiet in the building as I waited for Blake Comeau to come speak to me for a few minutes. Trevor Gillies passed me on his way to the work-out room. Scotty Allen stopped to chat for two minutes and then I waited again in silence staring at the huge photos and thinking about the start of another season.
He walked out of the locker room into the cold in his bare feet. Blake Comeau is starting his fifth season with the New York Islanders. The 24-year-old was drafted 47th overall in 2004 and is on the second year of his latest two year deal. He has grown up on the Islanders and this season faces his biggest challenge: proving himself.
I asked Blake what he felt would be different about this season for him. “Well for me personally, I’m hoping to be a contributor in all 82 games and get off to a better start than I’ve had the last couple of years. I’m excited about the team. We’ve got some new acquisitions that I’m excited about on the back end. I feel like everyone is a year older than last year. So, I think that makes a big difference with everyone being a little more mature and being more confident.”
Besides the obvious increase in maturity level, this summer was the first time Blake used a personal trainer. “I came into camp and felt like I leaned out but I kept my weight up. I thought I tested really well.”
In April, Comeau’s season ended prematurely when he broke his foot. The 2009-2010 season was Comeau’s best, even with some injuries. He played 61 games and had 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points and a plus/minus rating of -2. A vast improvement over his 53 games in 2008 -2009 when he was a -17 with only 7 goals and 18 assists. Scott Gordon has had Comeau practicing on a top line with John Tavares. During a video interview, NHL analyst Billy Jaffe said that a to the success of John Tavares was to find a puck carrying winger. So I asked Blake if HE was that winger JT will rely on this season.
“I hope so. And I think PA (Parenteau) as well is a puck possession guy who is a great play maker. Obviously, Johnny is the kind of player that can do it all. He can make plays. He can shoot the puck and he’s got really great vision. So hopefully we can get some chemistry straight off the bat. I feel like we played together in the pre-season and we started to get some chemistry together. So we’ve just got to keep going. I think the longer we play together, the better we’ll get.”
Even with a few NHL seasons behind him, Blake is still young. I asked him if he had any words of wisdom for someone as young as Nino. “I can remember my first game. I was pretty nervous. I think that’s the biggest thing. You just try to get your nerves out of the way after the first shift, which I’m sure will be happen. But everyone’s here for a reason whether you’re 20-years-old or 40-years-old. Everyone has a role on the team. That’s the biggest thing. Every guy wants to get out there and play with confidence.”
Speaking of “confidence,” it was announced that Rick DiPietro will be the starting goalie for tomorrow night’s home opener. WHAT.A.SURPRISE.
When I asked Blake how he felt about Rick being in net for the home opener, I must have been speaking too fast. He thought I said Rhett and looked at me puzzled. “Rhett?” he asked. “Rick.” I said. He finally broke out of player doing an interview mold and a broad smile graced his face. “Oh! Rick.”
Oh, how soon they forget! We both got a good laugh. “Oh, I’m excited. Ricky’s been one of the good guys when I first came up. He makes everyone feel welcome. I’m happy for the guy. He’s worked so hard the last couple of years. He looks good and everyone’s excited. He’s one of the leaders on the team. He’s going to be huge for us this year.”
With Rick in net, the Isles will face the Dallas Stars to open the season. The Stars are a team they do not face often. I wondered if a lack of familiarity had anything to do with how they would face them. “I think that maybe when you play other teams in the other conference, you’re not as familiar with some of the other players. But I think for the first game of the season, every team has some different personnel. We’re not too worried about WHO they have out on the ice. We’re trying to get off to a good start.”
Yes, get off to a good start and then try to keep it going.
It was very quiet in the building as I waited for Blake Comeau to come speak to me for a few minutes. Trevor Gillies passed me on his way to the work-out room. Scotty Allen stopped to chat for two minutes and then I waited again in silence staring at the huge photos and thinking about the start of another season.
He walked out of the locker room into the cold in his bare feet. Blake Comeau is starting his fifth season with the New York Islanders. The 24-year-old was drafted 47th overall in 2004 and is on the second year of his latest two year deal. He has grown up on the Islanders and this season faces his biggest challenge: proving himself.
I asked Blake what he felt would be different about this season for him. “Well for me personally, I’m hoping to be a contributor in all 82 games and get off to a better start than I’ve had the last couple of years. I’m excited about the team. We’ve got some new acquisitions that I’m excited about on the back end. I feel like everyone is a year older than last year. So, I think that makes a big difference with everyone being a little more mature and being more confident.”
Besides the obvious increase in maturity level, this summer was the first time Blake used a personal trainer. “I came into camp and felt like I leaned out but I kept my weight up. I thought I tested really well.”
In April, Comeau’s season ended prematurely when he broke his foot. The 2009-2010 season was Comeau’s best, even with some injuries. He played 61 games and had 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points and a plus/minus rating of -2. A vast improvement over his 53 games in 2008 -2009 when he was a -17 with only 7 goals and 18 assists. Scott Gordon has had Comeau practicing on a top line with John Tavares. During a video interview, NHL analyst Billy Jaffe said that a to the success of John Tavares was to find a puck carrying winger. So I asked Blake if HE was that winger JT will rely on this season.
“I hope so. And I think PA (Parenteau) as well is a puck possession guy who is a great play maker. Obviously, Johnny is the kind of player that can do it all. He can make plays. He can shoot the puck and he’s got really great vision. So hopefully we can get some chemistry straight off the bat. I feel like we played together in the pre-season and we started to get some chemistry together. So we’ve just got to keep going. I think the longer we play together, the better we’ll get.”
Even with a few NHL seasons behind him, Blake is still young. I asked him if he had any words of wisdom for someone as young as Nino. “I can remember my first game. I was pretty nervous. I think that’s the biggest thing. You just try to get your nerves out of the way after the first shift, which I’m sure will be happen. But everyone’s here for a reason whether you’re 20-years-old or 40-years-old. Everyone has a role on the team. That’s the biggest thing. Every guy wants to get out there and play with confidence.”
Speaking of “confidence,” it was announced that Rick DiPietro will be the starting goalie for tomorrow night’s home opener. WHAT.A.SURPRISE.
When I asked Blake how he felt about Rick being in net for the home opener, I must have been speaking too fast. He thought I said Rhett and looked at me puzzled. “Rhett?” he asked. “Rick.” I said. He finally broke out of player doing an interview mold and a broad smile graced his face. “Oh! Rick.”
Oh, how soon they forget! We both got a good laugh. “Oh, I’m excited. Ricky’s been one of the good guys when I first came up. He makes everyone feel welcome. I’m happy for the guy. He’s worked so hard the last couple of years. He looks good and everyone’s excited. He’s one of the leaders on the team. He’s going to be huge for us this year.”
With Rick in net, the Isles will face the Dallas Stars to open the season. The Stars are a team they do not face often. I wondered if a lack of familiarity had anything to do with how they would face them. “I think that maybe when you play other teams in the other conference, you’re not as familiar with some of the other players. But I think for the first game of the season, every team has some different personnel. We’re not too worried about WHO they have out on the ice. We’re trying to get off to a good start.”
Yes, get off to a good start and then try to keep it going.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The NEW Streak of One
Yep, that's how Scott Gordon called it. Of course, with a win over the bigger Flyers after losing to them since February of 2008, Gordon was in a jovial mood in the post game press conference.
"Blake set the tone for the game by shooting the puck. Obviously, we took advantage of the goal tending tonight and they didn't lie down by any means and we needed all six." Gordon said of Blake Comeau who is on his own streak of multi-point games.
When asked about his game, Blake told reporters "Something that I've changed about my game is I'm shooting the puck more. Obviously, it's going to give itself a chance to go in no matter how hard it is or where it's shot from. That's something I'm going to continue to do and bounces are going my way. So hopefully, it stays that way."
On the other end of the ice, Marty Biron gave up goals to ex-Islander Aaron Asham (figures) and James Van Riemsdyk (his 15th). It wasn't until lat in the third that Biron then gave up two more to Briere and Powe.
John Tavares earned his 25th and 26th assist tonight while Dylan Reese earned his first. I think Dylan will remember the game more than JT will.
But the guy who may really burn this game into his memory banks is Trevor Gillies who ended up with the hard-hat in the dressing room after the game. He wore it proudly as he sat removing his gear and checking on his scuffed up knuckles as he sat in the corner talking one on one to Islesblogger.com Mike. I have been hard on Trevor, but perhaps I don't fully understand his role. He is truly a "team" guy. He must be. That's IS his role. That role ingratiates him to his team mates and those who work with him.
"They should have given YOU the hard hat Marty. You deserve it, man!" he said to Biron in sincerity recognizing the performance Biron put up against his old team. As the man in net responsible for many of those 15 Flyers wins over the Islanders, this one was extra special. He, more than anyone, knows how difficult it is when you're playing for your post-season lives. Biron told how last season, his team didn't get into the playoffs until the last two games of the regular season. He knows the frustration of teams on the bubble at this time of year and says it can be mentally taxing. "A lot of teams are playing desperate hockey this time of year."
The Flyers didn't seem that desperate last night. Well, except for the last five minutes of the game when they realized they were going to actually lose to the NY Islanders.
"Blake set the tone for the game by shooting the puck. Obviously, we took advantage of the goal tending tonight and they didn't lie down by any means and we needed all six." Gordon said of Blake Comeau who is on his own streak of multi-point games.
When asked about his game, Blake told reporters "Something that I've changed about my game is I'm shooting the puck more. Obviously, it's going to give itself a chance to go in no matter how hard it is or where it's shot from. That's something I'm going to continue to do and bounces are going my way. So hopefully, it stays that way."
Gordon continued, "Blake has honest intentions of working hard all the time, but with the ability and skill that he has, he should be able to produce offensively. Literally, it's nothing more than getting pucks to the net. Those two goals that he scored, nobody thought they had a chance of getting into the net, but they did. Sometimes, that's what it takes. Just putting on the net and he's doing it."
Could this game be THAT simple? Really?
On the other end of the ice, Marty Biron gave up goals to ex-Islander Aaron Asham (figures) and James Van Riemsdyk (his 15th). It wasn't until lat in the third that Biron then gave up two more to Briere and Powe.
John Tavares earned his 25th and 26th assist tonight while Dylan Reese earned his first. I think Dylan will remember the game more than JT will.
But the guy who may really burn this game into his memory banks is Trevor Gillies who ended up with the hard-hat in the dressing room after the game. He wore it proudly as he sat removing his gear and checking on his scuffed up knuckles as he sat in the corner talking one on one to Islesblogger.com Mike. I have been hard on Trevor, but perhaps I don't fully understand his role. He is truly a "team" guy. He must be. That's IS his role. That role ingratiates him to his team mates and those who work with him.
"They should have given YOU the hard hat Marty. You deserve it, man!" he said to Biron in sincerity recognizing the performance Biron put up against his old team. As the man in net responsible for many of those 15 Flyers wins over the Islanders, this one was extra special. He, more than anyone, knows how difficult it is when you're playing for your post-season lives. Biron told how last season, his team didn't get into the playoffs until the last two games of the regular season. He knows the frustration of teams on the bubble at this time of year and says it can be mentally taxing. "A lot of teams are playing desperate hockey this time of year."
The Flyers didn't seem that desperate last night. Well, except for the last five minutes of the game when they realized they were going to actually lose to the NY Islanders.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Typical Day Game Loss
Well, had they played 60 minutes, they may have won, but the 3 - 2 score in favor of the Bruins stood after I packed up at the five minute mark. I thought if I did, Kyle Okposo would have tied it up and sent it to overtime and I would be kicking myself for having packed the computer. No such luck.
But I did get a few minutes with call-up Dylan Reese who is very familiar with Matt Moulson's scoring touch. Postgame here at HB. Scott Gordon had some strong words in today's post game regarding dissapointment and mental mistakes. The frustration level is evident.
Blake Comeau was escorted off the ice and didn't return, but Gordon said it didn't seem like there were any concussion symptoms. We hope that's true. We'd also like to see if any rulings come down for the hit.
I'm hoping beyond hope that I can actually get my final Olympic entry done tomorrow. I had a wonderful conversation with Scott Gordon on Friday about his experience and his feelings about the NHL continuing participation in the Olympics. I may not have it up until late Sunday, but I'm going to give myself the deadline of -- SUNDAY! He did have some interesting things to say!
and with that -- I think I will pass out now.
But I did get a few minutes with call-up Dylan Reese who is very familiar with Matt Moulson's scoring touch. Postgame here at HB. Scott Gordon had some strong words in today's post game regarding dissapointment and mental mistakes. The frustration level is evident.
Blake Comeau was escorted off the ice and didn't return, but Gordon said it didn't seem like there were any concussion symptoms. We hope that's true. We'd also like to see if any rulings come down for the hit.
I'm hoping beyond hope that I can actually get my final Olympic entry done tomorrow. I had a wonderful conversation with Scott Gordon on Friday about his experience and his feelings about the NHL continuing participation in the Olympics. I may not have it up until late Sunday, but I'm going to give myself the deadline of -- SUNDAY! He did have some interesting things to say!
and with that -- I think I will pass out now.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
It's the Curve of the Stick
That's what seems to be the difference in Blake Comeau's scoring ability. According to Scott Gordon, he's using Hunter's sticks.
The Man of the Hour, the guy with the hat trick, stood in a puddle of stuffed bean bag toys surrounded by the media. They asked him about each goal. He took them through them, one by one. Considering how often Comeau has been a healthy scratch, he can relish every second of this.
The Twitter feed confirmed the difference. As per Point Blank, in Comeau's first 151 games in the NHL he had no multi-goal games. He's had two the last two games he's played. Scott Gordon said he didn't remember the last game and smiled. He also said Hunter should hide his sticks or he wouldn't have any.
When the media abruptly left Comeau, they surrounded Dwayne Roloson. The man with the gray hair in his beard, who had just faced 44 shots and was the second star of the game, stood in the bright lights of the cameras and spoke in calm, quiet tones.
The question of the night was if this was a showcase game for the veteran goaltender. Roloson brushes it off as just part of the game. It is un-nerving, but they know it could happen and someone may need to leave tomorrow or in an hour. He accepts it and understands it. I would never be able to handle such upheaval. But then again, when it's coupled with a few million dollars, I would probably try to make it work.
Scott Gordon is always in a good mood when they win. He was in an exceptional mood tonight. More than likely not just because of the win, but because of the break from his normal routine. He made a joke about the Assistant Coaches doing something different while he was away that made the team react differently after the first period. Everyone chuckled.
But the Islanders, with the exception of Mark Streit, were a rested team with two defenseman back in the line up from injury. "As far as playing up to their speed, I thought they put up a lot of pace in the first period. I thought we were a step behind them and we didn't get the puck in and we were too slow to move it."
The Islanders were badly out shot in the first period. But Dwayne Roloson (showcase or not) kept them in the game with save after save. Gordon stuck up for Roloson when the tough stretch he had gone through had interrupted the Islanders winning streak. "Dwayne hasn't been that far off. He's had some lapses but I'm not critical of his play, we just couldn't score goals."
Maybe they should ALL use Hunter's sticks! Scott also said the difference is shooting instead of passing the puck. "He had a good shot before he changed sticks. Just getting him to understand to use his shot if he has the opportunity instead of looking for the pass. It's no different with Josh. Josh is always pass first mentality. And Garth said to them one day, the guys that make the money are the ones that score the goals. So, you might as well be one of those."
The question will be, who is paying the money. With Sean Bergenheim a healthy scratch tonight along with (two guesses) Jeff Tambellini. Maybe they are both packing. Maybe not.
Trent Hunter, who stayed out of practice yesterday, took one hell of a hit in the third period and was walking around after the game with an ice pack on his right shoulder. Hopefully, it doesn't turn into something major.
Jack Hillen played 19:10 in his first game back. Tim Jackman played 12:43 and was a +2. Mark Streit, the iron man of Switzerland, played a team leading 26:06 and was a +3.
This is how they needed to start the last stretch of 20 games. There are now 19 games left to the season. It will either end in April in disappointment or continue on a little while into the Spring. That is what Scott Allen told me I should be hoping for. He was very serious.
Tomorrow the NHL loses their minds for a few hours. I'll be at work with the computer on overload waiting to see what else Mr. Snow has up his sleeve.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Hearts & Heartache: Sens 4 - Isles 3
I had the whole day planned. I had looked forward to it for weeks. Just as so many other well planned events, things didn’t quite live up to expectations.
There was a red velvet, heart shaped cake in the fridge for two days that I insisted my mother make us as our Anniversary gift. There were two bottles of champagne chilling in the cooler and a pizza dough rising on the stove.
There were also VIP tickets to the Islanders game courtesy of one of my closest friends and favorite people. The trouble was there was also a sick husband home on the couch coughing up a lung.
“Can you still go?” I was asked. “You think I’m going to stay home from the last game before the break so I can watch him sleep? Are you kidding?”
My 15-year-old brat girl became my Valentine’s date for the afternoon. Oddly, I did enjoy her company. However, the game left much to be desired.
Both teams on the ice wanted to head into the Olympic break “on a high note.” Only one could. It came down to who actually wanted it more in the third period. The Senators rallied from a 3 - 1 deficit so as not to repeat their previous night’s loss to the Red Wings and scored three unanswered goals.
An Ottawa newspaper called our fan base “apathetic,” I think we were just stunned. Blake Comeau scored two goals but couldn’t manage that third for a hat trick and Matt Moulson tallied his team leading 22nd. Maybe he heard me calling for it for Section 218, “Matty!!! I want #22!” He gave it to me.
Matt Martin, playing in his fourth NHL game didn’t have another fight, didn’t receive another penalty, but did manage one less shot on goal than team mate John Tavares; six.
But it was the continued inability of the Power Play that sunk the Islanders hopes of earning another two points before the break. I’ve said all along, if you can’t score five on three, there is something seriously wrong. The Isles began the third with the two man advantage for 46 seconds. When they could not capitalize on it, the Sens smelled blood and the collapse began. Then again, what should I have expected? The Senators came into this contest with 76 points to the Isles 58 and had won both previous contests this season. This was another opportunity lost for the Islanders to prove they could compete with the best of them.
Jon Sim and Jeff Tambellini were the scratches again for Sunday. Considering how few games Jeff has played this season, I can only assume that his name is penciled into just about every and any trade package Mr. Snow is working on for the deadline. “If you want Andy, you have to take Tamby too.”
Marty Biron was Dwayne Roloson’s backup while Rick DiPietro was home with the flu. (I wonder if there was a heart shaped cake and champagne in his fridge too.) Roloson has lost all of his last five starts. Memories of that January 12th shut out against De
troit are quickly fading.Just as that Ottawa paper said this morning, “The Islanders look like a team that has lost grasp on the hopes of a playoff spot.” An accurate observation. But more painful for me was listening to Chris King’s post game on WMJC on the way home. There are only 20 more games left to the season and only eleven home games. Where did the season go? I will have to try to make sure that I don’t miss any of the upcoming contests that begin again on March 2nd.
By the time I hit my driveway, the text came over my phone announcing the reassig
nment to Bridgeport of Matt Martin, Jesse Joensuu and Dustin Kohn. I guess they will not be making that group trip to Mexico with the rest of the boys.With the Olympic break, I will be certain to get to Bridgeport for at least one game, maybe two if I can swing it.
I made the heart shaped pizza while drinking champagne from one of my Anniversary flutes. By 11 pm, while watching the sports anchor on Channel 4 give the Islanders a one line game review, “The Islanders lost 4 - 3 to the Ottawa Senators,” I cut into that heart shaped cake and wondered what the hell I was going to do for the next two weeks.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Isles 3 Bruins 2 - And it was HUGE!
It's almost midnight and I'm finally done writing my post game. I'm sorry it's probably not gramatically correct or without typos. But I wanted to get it out there because I did have some time to talk to Robbie Schremp in a corner before the rest of the media swarmed.
Take a look if you're also awake watching Saturday Night Live.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Good News, Bad News, You be the Judge
According to Newsday's Katie Strang's Tweets from the morning skate Captain Doug Weight has returned to the line up for tonight's big match-up. Personall, I am glad and hope he is feeling 100%.
Ms. Strang also alerted the Twitterverse to the fact that Dwayne Roloson looks like the man between the pipes tonight and that Freddie Meyer, Blake Comeau and "Why the hell did you take me off waivers?" Rob Schremp will be tonight's healthy scratches.
No news on any call ups from Bridgeport, so I'm guessing that means that Nate Thompson and Tim Jackman better have their fight game on for tonight. Brendan Witt had better also be in the same form he used to be when he could drape Jagr and cause him to be completely ineffective. (Is that asking too much? Maybe.)
I'd like to see some fight behind the bench tonight as well. This is a Rivalry game. No time for calm, cool and collected for the cameras. This is the time for emotional motivation of the troops. I hope they can pull it off!
Ms. Strang also alerted the Twitterverse to the fact that Dwayne Roloson looks like the man between the pipes tonight and that Freddie Meyer, Blake Comeau and "Why the hell did you take me off waivers?" Rob Schremp will be tonight's healthy scratches.
No news on any call ups from Bridgeport, so I'm guessing that means that Nate Thompson and Tim Jackman better have their fight game on for tonight. Brendan Witt had better also be in the same form he used to be when he could drape Jagr and cause him to be completely ineffective. (Is that asking too much? Maybe.)
I'd like to see some fight behind the bench tonight as well. This is a Rivalry game. No time for calm, cool and collected for the cameras. This is the time for emotional motivation of the troops. I hope they can pull it off!
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.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Isles 0 - Canes 9: And We're Not Surprised
If you have not read the recap of the Republican Roundtable meeting I attended on Saturday, please click here as it was very interesting indeed.
Okay, so that was the worst loss in Islanders history. So what? We said they needed to lose two. That's one down, one to go.
**Addendum: From the Big Angry Man: "What are the odds these guys, who have been playing with an edge, just turned around and said 'You want a loss? We'll give you a f**king loss! How's this?' THAT wasn't the team we're used to seeing." You know, considering how Internet savvy these kids are, who is to say they didn't just pull a fast one on us.
Let's just call this Islanders Wednesday morning Twitter, since I don't feel like making it coherent.
Doug Weight signs an extension, maybe Kerry Cornils & I had something to do with it?
Scott Gordon will be Ass't Coach for Team USA? Kyle would love the road trip. Thx.
Yo! Recker! 2 many game misconducts pisses the life out of Gordon. 5 4 fighting is enough.
Sean, you still owe me a goal for making me wait so long for your return to the ice.
I think I heard Jack Capuano scream when Blake Comeau broke his wrist.
Nice to see you again Mark Streit, now sit on the bench and don't get hurt.
Welcome Back Jiggs McDonald, you made the game bearable!
We're Number LAST! We're Number LAST! Right where we wanted.
Damn! Paul Maurice was hot when he was 28.... wait... that didn't belong here.
BTW: The NYI Mobile Squad Text service is excellent. Sign up for it.
Okay, so that was the worst loss in Islanders history. So what? We said they needed to lose two. That's one down, one to go.
**Addendum: From the Big Angry Man: "What are the odds these guys, who have been playing with an edge, just turned around and said 'You want a loss? We'll give you a f**king loss! How's this?' THAT wasn't the team we're used to seeing." You know, considering how Internet savvy these kids are, who is to say they didn't just pull a fast one on us.
Let's just call this Islanders Wednesday morning Twitter, since I don't feel like making it coherent.
Doug Weight signs an extension, maybe Kerry Cornils & I had something to do with it?
Scott Gordon will be Ass't Coach for Team USA? Kyle would love the road trip. Thx.
Yo! Recker! 2 many game misconducts pisses the life out of Gordon. 5 4 fighting is enough.
Sean, you still owe me a goal for making me wait so long for your return to the ice.
I think I heard Jack Capuano scream when Blake Comeau broke his wrist.
Nice to see you again Mark Streit, now sit on the bench and don't get hurt.
Welcome Back Jiggs McDonald, you made the game bearable!
We're Number LAST! We're Number LAST! Right where we wanted.
Damn! Paul Maurice was hot when he was 28.... wait... that didn't belong here.
BTW: The NYI Mobile Squad Text service is excellent. Sign up for it.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
3-25-09 Post Game
Post Game reports from Scott Gordon are generally SHORT after a loss. Last night’s lasted all of 2 minutes and 41 seconds.
“Was it the Lemaire style that stymied you guys?” But Gordon’s reaction was an immediate “No!” then he thought about it and continued. “The first period, I thought we controlled the play. We didn’t give up a lot of chances. The second period, we only gave up four shots. Obviously not cashing in on the chances from the first period, one of the best first periods we’ve had in a while. Coming out of it with a 2 - 1 deficit hurt us. We did a good job in defending, in not giving up much. But in saying that, they did a good job in the offensive zone. As far as how long it took us to get possession of the puck and counter attack.”
But the real question at hand was “Why was this game so chippy?” We don’t usually see the amount of fights we did last night when they are playing a team they only match up against every few years. The fighting started early and continued through out the game.
“I think our guys came out and certainly wanted to set the tempo to the game. Obviously there is a lot at stake for them (that would be the Wild). This is a big game for them. And it just built as the game went on.” Comeau later said it’s the Islanders’ job now to play spoilers.
Gordon said the incident where Miettinen pushed Blake Comeau through the door leading off ice was just bad timing on the guard’s part. I don’t think Comeau felt that way. Blake ended up with a penalty in each of the three periods. But the dancing started early on when Joel Rechlicz dropped the gloves with John Scott. Both remained on their skates which left the officials watching and waiting before they broke it up. Personally, I think both players were exhausted by the time they did. But that certainly did set the tone for the game.
It was just a matter of time before not only each of the Islanders heavy hitters had a run in and a turn in the penalty box, but even mild mannered Jeff Tambellini and future star Kyle Okposo made their mark on the visitors for Minnesota. They made sure everyone knows that playing the Islanders won’t be EASY.
When Gordon was asked about Yann Danis and his recent play, he understood. “I’m sure he’d tell you, he wasn’t that sharp tonight.” (He actually did.) “Around the net, he’s usually pretty good. He just didn’t seem to be fighting through the crowds. He was deep in his net. He wasn’t tracking the puck as well as he had been. He’s played well for us, so… The one thing he wants to make sure is that his play up to this point hasn’t been a fluke.”
For me, Gordon’s voice sounded as if he was more concerned with Yann’s confidence than his play but he did say that MacDonald may be back in net sometime during these last games.
Yann Danis was already in the locker room waiting for the press. He knew what was coming. “Obviously I wasn’t making the key saves. Some were lucky bounces, but I gotta be better. I gotta make those key saves.”
“I just have to come back, re-focus and play the way I was playing before.” He didn’t feel that the time off in between games really affected him. He said he did that all the time in college. A reminder of just how young these guys are; they’re using college play as a barometer.
The locker room is not optimal for interviews. There are too many conversations going on at once and too many outside noises. I knew I was going to have a problem, but I didn’t realize how bad it was until this morning. It’s like recording a cocktail party. You can hear bits and pieces of conversations, but it’s an overall din of voice and nothing is clear. I never say anything in the locker room, but so often I would love to just turn around and “SHUSH!” someone. I’m not sure if the others in the room just don’t think they are being distracting or just don’t care. It’s only the media, who cares. Or is it the media guys themselves are trying to throw the others off? Is it a battle between print and video? I can’t tell. All I know is… It makes me nuts.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Well, I'm Glad THAT'S over!
Rangers win the last game of the '08-'09 season rivalry matches. I am not surprised. Hopefully the Rangers were a little surprised that the kids didn't lay down and play dead for them but instead gave them a run for their Big Blue Broadway money.I've gained a whole new respect for Blake Comeau for his little on camera "Kiss-Kiss" motion to Sean Avery, as well as Kyle Okposo's fine "Howyado - FU" to him as well.
Thank you to Trent Hunter for splaying him on the ice, but it surely wasn't as bad as Avery made it seem. Those acting lessons are obviously going to pay off for the Rangers the balance of their season.
Congratulations to Jack Hillen on his first NHL goal. I said from the first time he played -- I like that kid. Even if he isn't much of a kid any more.
Nice job by Bridgport call-up Joel Rechlicz to be noticed. Please, don't ever expect me to pronounce or spell his name correctly again. Even though Dominick from LighthouseHockey.com tutored me at it, and I thank him.
I missed my Blog Box buddies, but was content on the couch with my husband; each of us on our respective laptops, eating popcorn and yelling at the TV. Good times. (Yeah yeah... this is what you get when you've been married for 17 years.)
Two games this weekend, both afternoon match-ups. We know what happens at day games -- They lose. Hopefully, they can get one win out of it for this Alumni weekend.
Monday begins the three day GM conference in Florida. Wonder if Garth will growl at one or two of them for deals gone wrong. Who knows? Certainly... not me.
It's Friday.
It's Lent for those of us Catholics out there. That means only one thing -- Pizza, Fishsticks and Spaghetti. Oh joy.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
They say there is No Place to Go But Up --
when you're on the bottom that is. Well, that's where the Islanders are and they seem to be staying.
Whether it be because of staggering injuries, a lack of experience, a lack of talent, or just plain bad luck, the numbers are just painful to look at (and I work with numbers all damn day long!).
Twenty-eight points and the highest goals against in the league. Atlanta is close; probably not a distinction they are happy with.
So what did I get out of staying up past my usual work-a-day bedtime to watch this game from Edmonton?
1) The pleasure of listening to Jiggs, Jaffe & Doug Weight. What a team they were.
2) The smile I got from watching Okposo and Blake Comeau score.
3) A reason to wonder if there actually IS a conspiracy against the Islanders in the Toronto war room.
That's about it. Everyone on the net asked if the Islanders are not getting the respect they deserve from the refs. Last night was proof positive they don't.
The Islanders have no Sidney Crosby who can get away with punching an opponent in the nuts and walking away as if nothing happened. The Islanders are the team that has players called for interference when they're hauled down. Is the glass half empty or half full?
If we stay at the bottom, the prize is the great draft that is coming up. If they continue to play edge-of-your-seat hockey, do we really lose anything by basement dwelling?
I made the suggestion last night that maybe the Islanders should trade in their contingent of Bloggers for a cabinet of exorcists and medicine men that can break the injury curse. That garnered a chuckle where I wanted it. Because the best thing we can do is laugh right now. Hope has already left the building.
Whether it be because of staggering injuries, a lack of experience, a lack of talent, or just plain bad luck, the numbers are just painful to look at (and I work with numbers all damn day long!).
Twenty-eight points and the highest goals against in the league. Atlanta is close; probably not a distinction they are happy with.
So what did I get out of staying up past my usual work-a-day bedtime to watch this game from Edmonton?
1) The pleasure of listening to Jiggs, Jaffe & Doug Weight. What a team they were.
2) The smile I got from watching Okposo and Blake Comeau score.
3) A reason to wonder if there actually IS a conspiracy against the Islanders in the Toronto war room.
That's about it. Everyone on the net asked if the Islanders are not getting the respect they deserve from the refs. Last night was proof positive they don't.
The Islanders have no Sidney Crosby who can get away with punching an opponent in the nuts and walking away as if nothing happened. The Islanders are the team that has players called for interference when they're hauled down. Is the glass half empty or half full?
If we stay at the bottom, the prize is the great draft that is coming up. If they continue to play edge-of-your-seat hockey, do we really lose anything by basement dwelling?
I made the suggestion last night that maybe the Islanders should trade in their contingent of Bloggers for a cabinet of exorcists and medicine men that can break the injury curse. That garnered a chuckle where I wanted it. Because the best thing we can do is laugh right now. Hope has already left the building.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Blake Watch - Leafs 4 - Isles 1/2 that
Jason BLAKE - 3 pt night.
BLAKE Comeau - 0 pt night.
If Mike Comrie was skating tonight, I would have bet even money that Jason Blake would have probably had a Gordie Howe hat trick.
Interesting interviews he gave to CJ Papa both before and after the game. Blake has always been one that can't hide his emotions. You could tell he still hurts a little when he said Long Island was "home" for seven years. And considering how poorly he's been doing in his new "home," you can guess he thinks about it often.
Until, as my husband pointed out, he cashes his paycheck. Rude but true.
Comeau, on the other hand, played hard but had nothing to show for it. Well, until tomorrow when the bruises turn a lovely shade of purple. He slid into the net and was slow to get up after smacking the post before it dislodged. He also had to leave the ice with a hand injury, but did return. He didn't look comfortable on the bench, but he was playing through it.
My boy Sean was a -2 for the evening and was called for a marginal penalty that earned the Leafs one of four. You have to stop that Sean. I can't take the taunting at my house.
I held my breath when Nate Thompson took on Ryan (porn star mustache) Hollweg. But he managed to stay on his skates long enough to get a few in before falling to the ice. The linesmen were smart to stay close and broke it up as soon as they landed.
I'm still waiting for Josh Bailey to earn his first NHL goal. I'm sure, he is too.
Not the way the Islanders wanted to start their 4 game road trip. But those are the breaks. Some times you win... some times you lose. Some times... you get used to it.
Tomorrow is another day.
Oh, and don't forget to Rock the Vote on the Blog Contest at www.yesislanders.com.
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.
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