Isles Morning Notes: Day Off

No practice today for the boys. Although, I would have liked to see them skating till they puke, but that's not happening.

So here are a few things that I thought of this morning:

1) Please tell me you sent Trevor Gillies on the bus passed the Coliseum and straight back to Bridgeport last night. There is no reason for him to be in the line-up. Call up Matt Martin if you want someone over 6' tall.

2) Looking for information today on the status of Robbie Schremp and his right knee. I'm not sure how it happened, or what happened. But Robbie played a little over 4 minutes before leaving the ice and not returning.

3) With the possibility of Robbie Schremp being out of the line up, did Jeff Tambellini do a happy dance in the press box? That's about the only way he gets back in the line-up.

4) So John Tavares scored a goal. Yeah. No one needed that more than JT. Indeed, no one is harder on himself than John. He did play the rest of the game with far more confidence, but that didn't help the defense any.

5) Bruno Gervais had a pretty good game -- again.

6) Was there something wrong with the ice behind Dwayne Roloson's crease last night or is his equilibrium slightly off? He was uncharacteristically flopping around his net last night leaving it wide open.

7) I wonder how many hours Assistant GM Ryan Jankowski is now putting in getting scouting this years draftees. hmmmmmmmm

8) I'm late for work. As usual.

Oh happy day.

"Schremp? Schremp? Are you Kidding Me?"

That's what Big Angry Man was yelling at the TV when the shoot out line-up was announced. He had already been yelling at me through most of the third period for various obvious Islander shortcomings. Again, like I can do something about them from my couch or as if I have the power to WILL them a win. (Okay, occasionally I CAN do that.)

With the Isles up by 1 in the first, there was a lot of hope for this last game of the year at the old coliseum. The goal should have been Okposo's, but Bailey was given credit for it. They'll work it out later as to who it really belonged to. But then the Blue Jackets began to seriously out shoot the Isles and Rolie had to work....hard.

As the Jackets doubled up on their shots on goal, (total SOG 42 - 25) that's when the yelling started in my den. Missed power play opportunities, fanned shots, passes that don't connect. Again, I'm starting to really get used to the quiet of the press box.

It was painfully obvious that the Blue Jackets were going to tie it up. You could see it a mile away as Umberger evened the score. And that's where it stayed. Even when the Isles were given a power play with less than 2 minutes of the third. Once again, nothing but missed opportunities for the Isles and breakaways for the opponents. That garnered a LOT of yelling at the TV.

They should have been able to put the game away. But no. Okposo was the only one to get a shot on goal in the penalty time before the period ended. They were heading to over time with a few seconds left of the penalty. They managed five shots on Mason, but nothing was getting by him.

SHOOT OUT! Okay, so I'm sitting here and now I'M yelling at the TV. "Come on Tambellini! Win this game!" The shoot-out specialist had to the be one to win it. The husband had his own idea of shoot-out line-up and was amazingly disappointed when Gordon had a different idea. "Schremp? Not Okposo? What?" When he became increasingly verbal in his discontent, I told him that Schremp was great at stick handling around goalies. He laughed at me. "No, really! That's his forte! I swear."

"If Robbie Schremp wins this one in the shoot-out then I will say Scott Gordon is a genius. If not, he's an idiot!" I just smiled at him.

Much to my surprise, Jeff Tambellini, who lives for this type of pressure missed on his famous wrist shot. The Blue Jackets Husileus was stopped by Roloson. The crowd chanted his name.

Nielsen's backhand shot was also lacking. Blue Jackets Captain Rick Nash was not only stopped by Dwayne Roloson, but I'd love to know what he said when he looked up and yapped at him in his crease.

The moment of truth (or consequences) came as Robbie Schremp, the spare part who spent so much time in the press box, stood center ice preparing his attack. He is a master at the dance. No, really, that's what he does. "I do a lot of country line dancing." He told Deb and Butchie.

"When I go in for a shoot out, I make my move and see how the goalie reacts...I waited him out and froze him."

Yes he did. And as the Islanders were celebrating when Roloson stopped the final Blue Jacket shooter, I looked at my husband and waited HIM out.

"Gordon's a genius." he said begrudgingly.

When Scott Gordon did his post game interview, he was asked about putting Robbie Schremp in the line-up for the shoot-out.

"It was a surprise, that's why I chose him. He's one of our more skilled players. His hands are second to none on our team. Not hard to pick him for the shoot out -- not even close."

However, the power play is still the thorn in every one's side.

"We've got to be patient and make smart plays. We're kinda shooting ourselves in the foot. You mishandle it or make a bad pass. We have to learn to be patient."
We need to pick it up and put pucks in the net. We gotta get on a roll and get going the right way."

Well, Robbie, this was CERTAINLY a step in the right direction. Congratulations on scoring the final goal of the decade in the Nassau Coliseum.

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.

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!

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.

Isles in Ottawa & No HD on the East End

Follow my on Twitter @7thWoman.

So nice of Cablevision to put the Islanders on their MSG Plus Plus (Minus HD) as the Rangers and Devils are on their HD feeds. Once again, we are the redheaded step-child of the Dolan Empire.

Even on the Big Screen, I can hardly make out the numbers on the Jerseys as they are FUZZY as hell. I will attempt to control my wrath as we watch the game which is now 1 - 0 Ottawa. As Biron is arguing that the puck shouldn't have been played.

Okay, this is going to be an annoying game. I can tell.

Biron froze the puck as they couldn't seem to get it out of their own zone. So Schremp did a little shoving, but I can hardly see whether it was worth it. He said he had no problem wearing #13. I don't blame him. But I'm sure he's got a few other superstitions.

So yes, it's official... the OFFICIALS blew a call. The puck clearly hit the upper netting and the play should have been whistled dead. Let's start the "Toronto Hates the Islanders" conspiracy theory right now.

John Tavares is getting well acquainted with how much stronger NHLers are as he's been tossed to the ice a few times on big, clean hits.

They interviewed the goal scorer, Regin, during the first intermission. I wish they had interviewed Biron. I would have liked to hear him spill off a few profanities in French.

Tavares draws a penalty on the Senators at 13:00 of the 2nd. Hoping they can even the score and maybe even get Marty Biron his 200th win.

Tavares takes shots on the PP and can't convert. Bailey takes a shot and shoots wide. Streit takes a shot and you can hear it hit a blocker with a loud thud! That's the difference between the boys and the men. The power behind that shot. I would be very nervous seeing Mark Streit straight on winding up for that big shot of his. It echos.

Matt Carkner, #39, had his first NHL goal reviewed as he banked it off the back of Biron's skate from behind the net and even though the light went on, no one could see the puck. It was under Biron's pads and it wasn't 100% clear if it had gone completely over the line. Of course, the review netted the Senators their second goal of the game.

The Islanders went back on the Power Play and Ottawa goalie robbed John Tavares of his second NHL goal. It was looking as if they weren't going to be able to get anything by him. Until Kyle Okposo showed off some amazing stick work through traffic and scored while in mid-air as he dove over Leclaire. It was a thing of beauty that sparked his team.

With very little time remaining, Doug Weight, Richard Park and Sean Bergenheim had three late chances to stuff another one in the net to even the score. But the clock ran out on them.

They were to start the third only down one and with the momentum of Kyle Okposo's dazzling goal.

The third starts and Martinek gets tangled up along the boards. That always makes me nervous because basically, he's glass. The Isles go back on the power play and Doug Weight does a beautiful job setting up a shot for Mark Streit that again, you can hear. And excuse me... But is that a 5 o'clock shadow I see on JT? I think it is!

Even though during the next power play you heard nothing but "so & so missed the net." Matt Moulson makes it 2 - 2 with a power play goal right outside the blue paint with three Sens inches away from him.

Kerry Fraser seems to be giving one back to the Isles for the two blown calls that garnered the Sens their two goals as no call was made on Hunter for holding behind the net. But that didn't last long as Schremp gets called for tripping with 10:23 left in the third.

They manage to kill off the penalty, but as soon as Schremp is sprung from the box, he takes an elbowing penalty and they go right back on the kill. This is not the way to impress your new Coach Robbie.

I love the way Biron grabbed the puck as if to show it to Kovalev that he robbed him and no rebound.

The balance of the game earned no one another goal. Good thing. Second game of the season and a guaranteed one point.

Not how we would have liked it to end as Mike Fisher gets one right through Biron as he rushes down the left side with no one on him. As Billy said "Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda."

But one point is better than no points. Scott Gordon told Rob Carlin that their special teams won as they kept getting better as the game went on. The reality is, they did. This is the second game of the season and they have had too many days off since their own home opener on Saturday.

Not completely devastating as an Islanders fan.

SURPRISE! Islanders put in a claim

for Robbie Schremp.
Because that's what Garth Snow likes to do. Surprise everyone.

I'd like to know where the heck they think they'll put him, but okay.