Leading by Example

While I see you're having a good time discussing the goal song selection, I still need to discuss the other news of the day which was the selection of "A"s and other junk. If you would like to go back to the comments thread on the other post, click here.

But before you do, let's chat.

First, I personally think Belmont in Elmont may as well be Mars for the Islanders. The proposal didn't mention WHO would pay for a new arena because it sure as hell isn't Charles Wang.

Secondly, the Islanders announced their selection of alternate captains today. In a bold move, they named four, two for the road and two for home games. Two veteran players that are new to the dressing room and two youngsters that will be a big part of the Isles organization for a long time.

When interviewed today by ITV Steve Staios and John Tavares both said they would lead by example. All four said it was a great honor, but Staios said he knows it's easy when things are going good, it's the tough days - which all teams go through - which will be the real test.

Brian Rolston knows they' look to him for sage advice, being one of the older guys in the room. But he said while many of the players in the room are young in years, they are mature and know what it takes to play 82 games.

Rolston also said he was "super happy" for ex-NJ Devil Jay Pandolfo getting a chance to extend his career. "He's not just a good hockey player, he's a great human being."

Tavares met the questions with the same quiet poise that he has always had since he arrived on the island. "The trust of the coaches is a huge honor." But he let on that he is far more vocal in the room now than he was his first year.

Kyle Okposo said he'd be watching both games on Versus tonight and trying to quell those jitters that all players have before opening day. Tavares said the home opener is like Christmas for them and Staios said if a player doesn't have a certain amount of jitters, he probably shouldn't be playing.

The choices Jack Capuano made were based on many factors, but none so important as "character."

When it came to giving Brian Rolston the "A", he said "Character means everything and he's going to fit in our room just fine."

Some fans have questioned the choices made, but the truth is as Jack stated "A lot will lead without a letter."

When asked about Pandolfo making the team after being there on a try-out, Capuano reminded the press how smart Jay is and how well he understands his role. Just as the Islanders management has said all along, the players who produce will be the ones who play.

Lines may move around some as the chemistry is tinkered with, but Blake Comeau has been moved to the opposite wing. He played the position in the game in Bridgeport and Jack knows it's a bit of a change for him but "hopefully he can adjust."

uh, oh.

Art Staple of Newsday held a live chat today at 1:30 pm. If you weren't able to catch it live, play the repeat. It was very thorough and I enjoyed it. Mostly I enjoyed it because 96% of his answers are what I would have said should I have been asked.

Leaving me to believe that maybe -- just maybe -- I've learned something in the past five years.

Wiz: Aftermath

6:40 am: Well, less than 24 hours later and the reviews on the Wiz trade are mixed. Some agree it was better to get "the going rate" for the 26-year-old than to watch him walk for nothing. Others are angry and playing out scenarios in their head as to why he was voted off the Island.

It's never easy. Now, while I wasn't given any real "insight" into the "why" of the trade, I was told (just as Wisniewski said to Art Staple in today's Newsday) there were no problems and no hard feelings. It all had to do with Andy MacDonald and Travis Hamonic being the best defensive pairing so far.

This reminds me a lot of when the Islanders traded Marc Andre Bergeron. Then too, reactions were mixed and everyone complained that there would be no one to quarterback the power play with that shot from the point that could break glass. Trouble was, that shot usually broke glass because it didn't hit the net very often. Take a good look at the Islanders power play stats. Okay then.

Sadly James Wisniewski's brief stay with the Islanders may be remembered more for his hand gesture than his shot on the power play. And while he may have lead the team in assists, he was still a -18. That's hockey.

Considering the 7 - 2 loss suffered at the Garden on Monday, I'm thinking it really doesn't matter who is in net today to face the Penguins. I'm sorry. I am not holding out too much hope for this game tonight. Not the way the Penguins have been playing on their road to the Winter Classic.

While the last match between the Islanders and Pens had to be decided by overtime, I'm not seeing tonight's game having to take more than 60 minutes -- perhaps even less. But it will be the last game at the Coliseum for quite awhile as the Islanders will play their next five on the road beginning in Detroit. While I don't expect them to win, I'd like to at least think they will have a respectable loss. Oh, and Jiggs MacDonald will be in town and on the road trip to cover for Howie Rose.

With the trade of Wisniewski, the chatter started regarding who could be next as well as who could be picked up. Tempers flared as fans tossed around the idea of picking up Brian Rolston off the waiver wire. While a competent veteran presence, Rolston's 2 years and $5 million salary make him less than desirable for so many teams.

My own temper flared when the thought of trading soon to be unrestricted free agent Matt Moulson hit the Twitter feed. Matt Moulson hasn't scored a goal since December 16th. He has 11 goals so far and 18 points, but is a -10. He also has a house with his still new bridge in Connecticut and a very comfortable relationship here on the Island. I can't think of any reason to trade away Matt Moulson. I don't know what anyone could offer that could replace everything he is to the Islander line-up. The Islanders will work hard at keeping Matt her for the long term. (And then I will finally get a new number for my necklace.)