Winning Streak Ends at 4 - Pens 6 - Isles 4

It was early domination by the Stanley Cup champions against the Islanders who couldn't do what they had done just yesterday afternoon. They spent most of the time in their own end.

It started with an early penalty on Dwayne Roloson for a delay of game. He fought that one for a full two minutes, but Josh Bailey still ended up in the box to serve it. There were chances, but none that could turn into a goal.

Meyer, who had a hell of a game, took a penalty at 13:21 of the first, but the Pens didn't capitalize on it. It wasn't until 18:37 of the first that Sidney Crosby lit the lamp for the first goal that would open the flood gates on Roloson. He gave up six goals on 29 shots, two on the Power Play.

Kyle Okposo did everything right... but score, even on a penalty shot. At least Richard Park finally did score. He needed that. Freddy Meyer also scored tonight and made a case for himself after being a healthy scratch for quite a few games.

Trent Hunter scored at 48 seconds into the third to tie the game at 3. But Malkin and Crosby were the show stoppers as Crosby ended the night with six points and Geno, who now doesn't need a translator, earned a hat trick with his empty netter that brought the game to a 6 - 4 Penguins win.

Jack Hillen proved again how far he has come in such a short time as he demonstrated the dying art of the hipcheck. Sean Bergenheim played his heart out as he usually does and was actually responsible for Park's goal, but they only award two assists not three, so he was kept off the score sheet.

The story that will permeate the airwaves tonight and tomorrow will be the hit that Andy Sutton laid on Pascal Dupuis that cracked his head open on the dasher boards. Roloson waived for the trainers to come out as Dupuis lay face down in a pool of blood.

Andy Sutton is not a dirty player. He is a BIG player that plays hard. I can't judge if the particular hit was dirty or intentional. It was unfortunate and upsetting and I hope that Dupuis recovers quickly.

It will obviously be a suspendable offense. Sutton will be a loss for the Islanders. The question will be how long he will be out.

Sutton's response to the questions on the hit in the postgame:

"I just played my usual game. I played hard and tried to finish my check. I feel awful. I never intended for that to happen. Obviously it wasn't clean. I just hope that he's okay. That's all I can say."

When Sutton was asked about his feeling on the loss, you could tell that he was distracted. "We made it four - four, it wasn't that frustrating. We just tied to persevere. Ovsiouly, they have some of the best talent in the league. They can put it all together and score when they need to."

Even without taking home any points, it wasn't all bad. Unless you're Dupuis.

Off The Rush takes on the Heartbreak in MN

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



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

When the Islanders Came to Kirdhrey!

This entry will be some what more personal than the last few, so bear with me.

I have never been to one of the Islander school visits so when I saw that Sean Bergenheim, Richard Park and Robbie Schremp were going to be reading at a school close to my office, I thought it would be a good idea to see how they do.

I arrived at the Paul Kirdahy School in West Islip before 9 am, signed in and was directed to the gymnasium. Sean and Robbie were already there talking to Justin DeMaio, the fifth grade teacher responsible for setting up the visit. You couldn’t miss him. HE was the one in the Islanders jersey.

Considering their record at this early stage of the season, I was wondering what the reaction would be. I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was Mr. DeMaio excited to have them, but so was PTA President Tracey Daleo, who brought her new old style DiPietro jersey, and school Principal John Mullins who sported one of the best hockey ties I’ve seen in years.

“I don’t see any Ranger jerseys. I looked.” So said Richard Park as he joined his team mates at the front of the gymnasium. That is what I was there to see.

For the longest time I have been bombarded by those telling me (or yelling at me) that there aren’t any Islander fans out here in the sticks. Well, I’d like everyone to know that of the 350 students and 60 teachers that crowded into the gymnasium in West Islip about 65% of them were wearing Islanders gear or at least Islander colors. They were positively giddy with excitement.

“There they are!!” exclaimed one little boy as he filed into the gym. “How did they get them to come HERE?” one of the teachers giggled. Mr. DeMaio played his favorite tunes on a boom box while the organized chaos ensured. But within minutes all five grades were quietly sitting on the floor ready to listen.

Principal Mullins gave the students their final instructions before turning the microphone over to Mr. DeMaio who did his best imitation of the Nassau Coliseum announcer. I wish I could post the audio of the rousing applause the boys received. These kids were so excited I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear.

Richard Park, the father of two, took the microphone to start the program. “There’s a lot of energy in this room. That’s great. You have that type of energy in class?” He seems to be a pro at this sort of thing. Actually, most of the players have done this sort of thing before. Robbie Schremp participated in a reading program in Edmonton. Matt Moulson visited schools when he was with the Manchester Monarchs and Sean Bergenheim has represented the Islanders at least four times prior.

They are all happy to reach out to the youngsters and instill the importance of reading. Sean wanted them to also think about Geography when he explained that he was from a country in Scandinavia called Finland. “Try to look for it on a map. That’s where I’m from.” Richard Park got a collective giggle out of the students when he took the microphone away and told them it was going to be hard to find because Finland is a really, really small country.

But coming from that very small Country, Sean knows the importance of education and especially reading skills. He told the kids that not only is it important for their parents to read to them, but they should in turn read to their parents. This is all part of the PARP (Parents as Ready Partners) program as Tracey Daleo discussed with me earlier and what I remember from when my own daughter was in elementary school.

So while many of the other Islanders attended schools in Nassau County, these three were out here in the sticks. You know, the little known South Shore of Long Island that they never see, and where the kids finally got to see a glimpse of three New York Islanders up close and personal. It’s a day they’ll never forget.

Kings Have No Friends - Senegalese Proverb

Well, not on Long Island tomorrow at least. As the Islanders prepare to meet the LA Kings tomorrow for a Columbus Day Matinee match-up, they opened up their practice facility to some Season Ticket Holders. The crowd of over 100 was very kind and happy to be there.

Considering the three points in three games, I myself was a little worried about the reaction.

Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit did not hit the ice with the rest of the team. They were “getting treatment” as I was told. Scott Gordon called it “getting a day off.” Doug Weight was on the ice and took a full practice and actually seemed to be having a little fun.

Robbie Schremp may have been a NY Islander since only Sept. 29th, but he was out there today looking like he’s been part of this team since training camp. Everyone seems to get along well and there was a lot of communication.

In the notes that I took for today I mention that Matt Moulson looks like he can score even when he’s not looking to. I think the puck just finds him. He was screening Biron and twice the puck hit him and bounced over Biron's shoulder and into the net. It’s like he has magic or something.

It’s amazing how many people just refuse to give up on summer or who don’t realize it’s an Ice rink and show up in shorts, sandals and short sleeves. Freezing on the bleachers doesn’t enhance the fan experience.

Gordon called it a “light practice” but I watched most of them skate full out, including Coach Gordon! He doesn’t skate badly for a Goalie.

Even big guy Joel Rechlicz skated pretty hard, and actually quite well, as they went through their paces for the Season Ticket Holders.

And then it happened! I almost passed out. The door to the rink opened and another goalie in full gear skated out onto the ice. I starting trying to take photos, but for *some* reason, someone always skated in front of him. He skated one lap around the rink. YES! It was true! Those white pads and that mask are unmistakable! It was… RICK DIPIETRO!! IN PADS!!

I chased him down to the far end of the ice. Frans Nielsen took shots on him under the watchful eye of Scott Gordon. They were slow shots from close range for both the rehabbing players. At one point, when Hillen was taking shots on him too, Rick seemed just a little frustrated and banged his stick on the top of the net. I snapped away. Hopefully, I have something to prove it was him.As practice was winding down, Richard Park and Scott Gordon were at center ice talking… and talking… and talking. I’d say it was about six minutes. Wonder what it was all about. There didn’t seem to be any hand gestures to give away the content. No one looked angry or annoyed. But they stayed out there for a long, long, LONG time.

After the practice ended, I spoke with both Scotts about the Monday afternoon match-up. Check here for those two minutes with the coaches.

Three Games -- Three Points

The Islanders once again played a "good" 50 minutes of hockey without their Captain. (I had no idea he wouldn't be playing until I turned on the game.) The Bruins played a good 10 minutes. And that’s all they needed come from behind a 3 – 0 deficit and then burn Roloson in the shoot-out.

It must feel like Groundhog Day for Coach Scott Gordon.Early on the Islanders hushed the 17,113 attendees at TD Garden even though the first period began with a quick penalty to Richard Park for interference at the 12 second mark. It would set the tone for the rest of the game. The Islanders had five penalties, the Bruins had six. You would think with that many penalties given out, it would have been a really chippy game, but there were no fisticuffs to speak of.

Click here to continue reading.

Lighthouse Progress & an Islanders Loss

I could sit here now at 11:15 pm and regurgitate the information about the loss. That 6 - 2 beating that the Canes put on the Isles. But I'm sure there are plenty of people who could be, and will be writing that.

I'm sure you've heard it all on the MSG Plus broadcast tonight. And the truth of the matter is, I really wasn't paying too much attention to this game (as you can see by the previous post). HOWEVER!!! Something just came to me as I was downloading my photos from tonight. The photos are fuzzy, but please take a real good look.

Double click on the photos if you have to. They are taken at 5:45 pm today from the 12th floor of the EAB plaza. Do you notice something? My my my... doesn't it look like the traffic is MOVING. Why yes... I believe that Hempstead Turnpike is moving quite nicely, thank you very much. And this is on a game night. So besides the fact that was a lovely sunset that I watched, I really didn't' see the stop light changing a few times only letting a few cars through. I heard no horns of displeasure as traffic was jammed. Actually, it was moving quite well.

So as I stated previously, and actually even earlier than PB's 4 pm post, the TOH is finally moving along, we may actually have some good news on that horizon in that photo.

So besides coming out for Saturday's TOH night at the Coliseum to show your support for the LightHouse project, if you can pencil in Tuesday 2/24/09 at 10:30 am at Hempstead's Town Hall, you can show your support for REAL, in front of those that really matter. The Elected officials.

This project is about more than hockey, it's about 60,000 construction and related jobs and 20,000 permanent jobs. It's our own little stimulus package.

More on this tomorrow. I really need to get some sleep.

And yes... Isles lost... more than just the game. The loss of Richard Park may be just more than we can bear. Seriously.

The Brotherhood of Hockey - Perfect for Christmas

It's Christmas morning and I'm living on four hours of sleep. My refrigerator is packed so tight with leftovers, you can't even see the light. Things need to be put away, and serve ware needs to be cleaned, but not before I have my coffee and cinnamon rolls and browse through the Internet to see what I have missed since yesterday.

And What to my Wondering Eyes does appear -- but an article on Richard Park being honored by NY State. Oddly, I don't remember getting THAT press release. Oh, that's right. We DIDN'T get it. Did you know that December 23rd was Richard Park day in New York State? Of course you didn't, unless you read Jason Lockhart's article on the Islanders website.

Diversity in hockey is what the state was honoring, and what the Islanders are promoting. Once again select Isles staffers are off to China for project Hope. This year sees the first tournament named after Mr. Wang. The Nassau County Mustangs will be representing the USA as they play against teams from China and Finland. They and their families won this chance of a lifetime by selling over $78,000 in the Islanders Pucks into Bucks fundraising program.

What a splendid way to promote hockey and friendship among nations. Which brings me to my next thought.

Ex-Isles staffer Adam Sherlip, who was involved with Project Hope last season, has found a new calling. He was so touched by the experience in China that he would like to bring Hockey and all it brings with it to more far off places on the globe.

"To Adam, hockey embodies many of the virtues that we all strive to embody in our daily practice: teamwork, selflessness, loyalty, honesty and accountability. "

At first, I wasn't too sure about his very lofty goal of bringing Hockey to the Himalayas. I can't even spell Himalayas without copying it from his website. But the more I talked to him, the more I realized what a truly noble cause he is attempting.

So check out Adam's website to learn more about his Hockey Volunteer program by clicking the link and realize that hockey is more than a game. It is a chance to bring people together in a world that needs far more peace and friendship.

So congratulations Richard Park and Charles Wang, and best of luck to you Adam Sherlip. Merry Christmas Hockey fans!

20 Good Minutes of Hockey.

Unfortunately, we play for 60. I’m not disappointed in tonight’s game against the Flyers because I actually sat in my seats with the Big Angry Man, wore my 7th Woman jersey for the first time this season, drank wine and didn’t have to drive myself home cold and miserable. So, actually I had a really good night.

The Islanders, however, fell short with a 5 - 3 loss when they were up 3 - 0. That was the score when I snuck downstairs to get the only REALLY good pizza in the barn and use the only bathroom with no lines. Due to the typical Flyers sell-out crowd, the concourse was packed, and concession and bathroom lines snaked 30 to 40 people deep clogging traffic.

Jon Jordon, the invisible Blogger (no not really, he’s just from Florida) http://my.hockeybuzz.com/jjordan79 made the trip and finally got a taste of the Blog Box experience. Too bad we didn’t get a win for him, but at least I made him cookies. If the Isles had played the entire game the way they did that first period, then maybe he would have had one hell of a night. But that wasn’t to happen. Jon, nice to finally meet you.

Aaron Johnson was back on the ice for the first time in an Islander jersey since his injury. I didn’t watch the pre-game skate, but I noticed he was really doing some fancy footwork out there his first shift. I’m guessing he knew he was just a little rusty. The effort was there, but it will take a game or two to get back into swing of things.

Trent Hunter, although one of the league’s leaders in hits, took a bit of a beating at 4:41 in the second by Hatcher. Ok, so I was a little surprised, and considering that … that… um…. Downie was on the ice tonight, I’m surprised there weren’t more altercations. My most hated Flyer even managed a goal too. I hope he chokes on it. But I digress.

The Vasicek, Satan, Bergenheim line did fine, but only managed one goal out of a handful of chances. Berard, who had 3 give aways, also managed 3 take aways and 2 assists. It was just a weird night. Park managed to get on the score sheet with one goal, one penalty, one give away, one face off win, one face off loss and one missed shot. I guess it was a night of ONEness for Park who now has his own cheering unit called “Wooville” in section 315.

I don’t recall any really BRIGHT spots on the night. Other than the pizza. I don’t recall a moment my heart skipped a beat, I gasped or screamed. If I was a Flyer fan, maybe I would have jumped for joy over Hartnell’s hat trick. But I’m not. It just went from a great 20 minutes to … what the heck happened here? This was a BIG two points to slip through their hands. It will come back to haunt them for sure. Ted didn’t look happy in the press room. But then, he never does when they lose, and they really shouldn’t have. They could have had this one. I understand there are injuries. But hell…the Penguins won tonight without Crosby. Ok. What can you do? That’s why they play the game.

Sigh… Good to see the Blog Box so full tonight. By the last ten minutes of the third, we were huddled like sardines at the table. Frank, http://voice.blogspot.com/ you missed out on cookies. And I thought OkposoNet Ken http://okposo.blogspot.com/ was going to fall down when we all spotted an Okposo jersey leaving the barn. I couldn’t tell, but I guess it was a Gopher jersey. You can check me on that Ken.

Islesblogger.com http://www.islesblogger.com/ Mike S. told me he finally uploaded all his photos to his gallery on his site, so you may want to check that out as well.

On a few personal notes: I actually had to fight with my family to get the cookies I baked out of the house and to the Coliseum tonight. It seems they are quite JEALOUS when I bring treats to the blog box. I was the next victim of the "Corey forgot my name tag" game. Usually it's Michael S. I think we should start taking bets each game to see who it will be. This week I received my signed copy of “Jonesy” from John Buccigross. Let me gush… I love this guy and the book is just a great read. I’ve got a few “irons in the fire” for future blog entries, and am really looking forward to the “Hockey & Heels” promo on 2/12/08. I’m trying to get a group of women to go with me. And lastly… oh look. There’s still a Christmas tree in my Den. I swear, I’m getting red hearts and decorating the damn thing for Valentine’s day. Hey… Like Ted… You WIN with what you got. Right??? Right??? Ok, not all the time. But it’s a great thought.

Check out the rest of all the great bloggers in the blog box at http://islanders.nhl.com/blogbox/blog_box.htm. On to Monday!

PS: And they say I'm over the top! Uh, no.