Dear Ryan Miller:

It's not your fault.

It was an amazing game. One that ended as most would have thought as soon as Canada scored the first goal; and then the second. Team USA trailed 2 - 0 until Kesler managed to put Team USA on the score sheet at 12:44 of the second.


The game was so fast, a few times I thought they were skating eight aside. It was just a blur of players. Even without the ability to drop the gloves, it was obvious this was not a gentleman's game. The hitting was big, the shoving ever present. The penalty calls, however, were inconsistent.

In the final minute, with Ryan Miller pulled from his net the coaching staff gathered the team at the bench to draw up the last big push, the joke in my house was "Just get the puck to Parise." That was the only plan. "Just get the puck to Parise."

That must have been the plan, because that's exactly what happened. With under a half minute to to, Zach Parise, the man who COULD have been an Islander, tied the score and sent the game from absolute loss to a possible win.

While waiting for the OT to begin, ex-Olympian Jeremy Roenick sounded as if he was going to cry. He was so excited over the game going into overtime and the fact that someone, some player on that ice would be a hero. Who would have thought that the hero would be the NHL's own poster boy, Sidney (freakin') Crosby.

In the seconds before that historic goal was scored on Ryan Miller, Dan blurted out "He smells hero." Dan saw it coming. I'm guessing Miller did too. But in the blink of an eye, the puck was in the back of Miller's net. The deal was sealed and Team USA was going home with Silver.

Much like the Women's team, the men were despondent. Unlike the women, they didn't break down in tears. Actually, they just looked angry. Even while accepting their Silver medals, Zach Parise looked as if he could have punched a wall. So the men's standings ended the same way the Women's did. Finland, USA, Canada. Interesting.

Brian Burke, without his jacket, tie loosened and shirt opened, and looking like every Irish baretender I've ever known, sat on the bench with his coaching staff and looked at his team. Something caught his eye and he went out onto the ice to talk to one of his players. I wish NBC had kept the camera on him so I could have seen who it was. Perhaps it was Burke being the father figure he is, or the GM he is, or both. During the handshake line, Ryan Miller and his Coach Lindy Ruff had a moment in line, it was heartwarming, but it didn't seem to do much to ease Miller's pain.

Even though you lose to get Silver, Team USA should be proud of their accomplishment. They came into this tournament ranked fifth. (Or so one of the articles said which was the reason the NHLPA scheduled their flights for this morning.) They came in second and it was a historic, hard fought game.

For a few hours today, Hockey was center stage in North America. Will it bring more people to the 30 NHL rinks? I don't know. Will it encourage kids to take up hockey as a sport? Maybe. Will that stunning Game Winner by Sidney Crosby earn him more fans? Yes. It will also earn him more detractors.

But one thing is for sure. That goal solidified the reason why Sidney Crosby is the face of the NHL and not -- Alexander Ovechkin. I'm just saying.

Travel safe Olympians. NHL hockey resumes tomorrow and the trade deadline is Wednesday. No time to rest or enjoy. Just get back to work!

Uh, that's YOU TOO Miller!

Team USA wins again!

Congratulations to Team USA and Coach Scott Gordon for pulling out a 6 - 1 win over Norway. While it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for this morning, it was still enough to earn 3 points. But adjustments still need to be made if Team USA plans on making it to a medal round -- and winning.

Meanwhile, someone forgot to tell the Swiss that this is Canada's game as it took until a fourth shoot out round to determine who would get the second point for the game. Babcock had to put Sidney Crosby back in the shoot out after his first attempt on Hiller was stoned. Hiller and Brodeur stopped three shooters each. But someone had to win. But it wasn't easy.

Thoughts on this afternoon and this evenings' CAN-SUI game here at HockeyBuzz..

Note to Shaun White: Perhaps playing air guitar during the national anthem while you're on the podium isn't the best idea you've had. UGH!!

Stanley Cup 2009

Sidney Crosby's name will be etched on the Stanley Cup along with Malkin's. His landlord's name is already on it.

At the house party I attended with some of my blog box buddies and my NYIC friends on Friday, the votes were almost split down the middle. There were five votes for Detroit and six for Pittsburgh. My heart wanted Pittsburgh, but my head thought for sure the Red Wings would prevail.

We hardly watched the first period as we all chatted and mingled. We stuffed our faces with Italian food during the second period and settled in with deserts for the third. (We had fabuous hosts.)

Before the game even started we all agreed the first goal the was the most important. My jaw dropped when they scored two.

"If Pittsburgh wins, I hope I have a house to go back to in Detroit. They may riot." Said Rockit's girl. She was legitimately nervous. But Detroit is not Montreal and I was hopeful there wouldn't be mayhem.

The last three minutes of the game were edge of your seat excitement. We waited all year for this. It was well worth it.

But now what will I do? ugh.

Congrats to the Penguins and all their fans that never gave up hope. Bill Guerin has made it into Hockey history along with other former NY Islanders who will be sporting Stanley Cup rings from this year. So sorry Hossa, maybe I should have read your cards before you made the decision to switch teams.

On to the NHL Awards, the Entry Draft and Free Agency Frenzy. Sadly, it really won't be enough to keep me from going through NHL withdrawal. But what can we do? Not much except just wait.

Game 7: The 87th Game of the Season for #87

This is it! Tonight's the night that the entire league has waited for since camps opened last year. I would say it's been toughest on the media with the multiple game 7s that took place this year. I'm sure some of them wake up and don't even know where they are any more.

But tonight we find out if it will be Marian Hossa or Sidney Crosby who ends up with their name etched on the Cup for eternity. So many side show dramas. So many fans biting their nails. It's going to be interesting. I'm just hoping the Internet isn't more interesting tonight than the actual game.

However, today's news is more interesting in a bizarre sort of way than anything we could make up. The State Senate has turned into a sideshow that I can't even read about because it will do nothing but piss the living daylights out of me. I never thought I'd see the word "coup" in conjunction with my own government.

Then again, I never thought I'd hear that Cher's daughter, Chastity Bono, wants to be a man. WTF? And she waits until she's 40 to do it? Hey Newsflash. Sex change is beyond major surgery. It's a series of major surgeries. We don't heal as well as we get older. And honey, er, uh, Sir.... you're OLDER.

There's a small article in Newsday regarding yesterday's Nassau County meeting with a headline of "Suozzi: Lighthouse a big draw." Tom Suozzi wants to have the St. Patrick's Day Parade there when it's built. Well, okay then.

However, I heard the words "land grab" all yesterday. I'm tired of it. Maybe I misunderstand the meaning of the words together, but to me it sounds like theft of actual property. I can't explain to these detractors that 1) The County CHOSE Wang & Rechler to propose development of this COUNTY land. 2) The County is not SELLING the land, they are leasing it.

This isn't greed, it's economic development. I've come to the conclusion that you will never in a million years make everyone happy. I'm just hopeful that more people get "happy" because I seriously can't take the negativity. UGGGHHH... I should just stop reading the paper and watching the news.

It's Good To Be King, but May Suck to Be Captain

That's basically what this morning's Newsday article about Bill Guerin was eluding to. I wanted to write this morning, but just didn't have the time. But a few things bothered me today. So, since there isn't a game until tomorrow and since Microsoft money is actually on my husband's computer and not this one, I'm going to waste the time to just tell you what I think. (geeze that was random.)

Billy Guerin: Is a good Captain and a good man. But what he is (and I told everyone this from the get-go) is a SCORPIO Man. That comes with a few little problems. Remember Alexi Yashin? Uh, yep. Same type. Except Bill has a better way with people than Yashin ever did. But that same black cloud and moody introspection that effect most Scorpio men effects Guerin. And once they get moody and depressed, it takes a lot to pull them out of it. Just a word to the wise. (And just for the record, they can also be impulsive, self destructive and hold a grudge till they're dead. That's just bonus info.)

Tampa shopping Vinny?: WHAT? Are you freakin' kidding me? If those two bozo's in charge of Tampa Bay are really considering trying to deal Vinny they are truly insane. When they started their contract frenzy I had mentioned the circus was now in Tampa. But this rumor running today on Home Ice just made me sick. He IS the Tampa franchise. You can't move him. This has to be heartbreaking for him to hear, because it's bothering the crap out of me.

Bill Jaffe Unleashed: I love when Billy does co-hosting stints on NHL Live. He is just a wealth of information and humor, and just an excellent hockey analyst. And unlike many in this business, Jaffe does NOT have a face for radio, so I'm always happy to web stream from NHL.com so I can watch what's happening in the XM studio. But today he made me even happier by bringing up the Sidney Crosby "incident" that continues to go unpunished. At least it is not going unnoticed. I know it was weeks ago, but due to the NHL's lack of action on it and what seems to be their desire to just ignore it so it will go away, I feel compelled to NOT let it be forgotten. Granted, I love Sidney Crosby. I think he's a fabulous player, but I want an apology for his actions, and I'd like it from HIM.

Hear that Sid! I know you are the face of the NHL and will be for years to come. But you have to be a grown up and accept your mistakes and SAY YOU'RE SORRY DAMN IT!

Rangers visit Uniondale tomorrow. Nielsen back in the line up, woo hoo. I'm staying home and letting the Big Angry Man go enjoy the game with his fire buddies. I'm better watching this one from the comfort of my couch any way.

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.

Crosby Must Answer for His Actions

It must be my day to be upset. First the stupid UGGs made in China, and now having to see the Crosby “incident” from the Atlanta game.
What was he THINKING? What is the LEAGUE thinking?
I didn’t see the game. I have only seen the video replays that have been posted on just about everyone’s message board site.
I left the sound off. I don’t know if the player that Crosby decided to go Bertuzzi on said something disparaging about his mother. I don’t know what was said by anyone on the ice. I only saw the “Face of the NHL” repeatedly punch a player who was down and restrained.
I have seen Crosby go at it with players he feels have taken advantage of him. I have even said that it’s good that he stands up for himself. But this is about the same thing as Downey did to Jason Blake a while back. Blake walked away with an instant black eye and blurred vision. This guy must have needed icepacks for his “other” head.
The League cannot ignore this incident. It will NOT go away. They must make some sort of announcement with real explanations or there will be backlash from the fans who do NOT wear Pittsburgh jerseys.
Mr. Campbell, we await your reply!

Another Re-Run - Game Recap

If I'm tired of watching this, I'm sure the team is as well. Another three goal lead, another third period collapse. Everyone stands in the room and asks "What happened?" The answer is easy to describe and hard to fix.

Stan Fischler asked Scott Gordon if the team was tired in the second. He answered that they had to be because they spent so much time in their own zone. And then Scott said something I never thought I'd hear. The power play was atrocious.

In the locker room, Brendan Witt was already in his stall -- waiting for the onslaught. Again, the question at hand; WHAT HAPPENED? He said they stopped skating and started watching. Well, Crosby and Malkin are fun to watch. But that should be for us in the audience.

"They outplayed us. We don't complete 60 minutes to give ourselves a chance."

When Joey MacDonald entered the room, again the same questions again the answer boiled down to "We stopped skating."

Stan Fischler finally got the answer he was looking for when Doug Weight with a quarter size welt on his face said "The third period, we were tired and sluggish. Give those guys room and they're going to make plays."

I was happy to see Josh Bailey allowed into the room. He did have a two point night, and he handled himself well. Islesblogger.com Mike led the questioning for the bloggers that surrounded him after Point Blank had finished talking to Josh in the far end of the room.

I actually couldn't take much more. I waited in the foyer for my car escorts.

While I was waiting, I watched Bryan Trottier wait patiently with a man and his young son. As Sidney Crosby come out, he stopped him, introduced himself and asked for an autograph for the boy. Not only did Sid sign for him, but he leaned down and had a little conversation with the boy.

No matter what you think, this is really what it's all about. A star player taking the time late in the evening to chat with a young fan, an Islander fan at that.

Yes, it was a lead squandered once again. But there is still nothing greater than the game itself. So we will watch, and wait. And pray they can figure out how to fix it.

Sid's Not a Kid ... Any more 8-7-08

You know it's a slow day in Islander Country when the only information I'm finding of any interest on NHL.com is about the Penguins. Well, it is August and Mr. Snow is being quite ELUSIVE right now about his coach search. It's not very gentlemanly to keep a lady waiting like this, sir! At least we have Saturday's Open House to look forward to, but it's only Thursday, so there I was looking for something of interest in the hockey world.

So young Master Crosby turns 21 today. Legal drinking age. Does that mean he can stop babysitting Mario's kids now? I know there are so many fans out there who have negative things to say about the boy, but you can't deny the truth. As one of the Islanders said at a Booster Club meeting, "That Sidney Crosby; he's one hell of a hockey player." As the youngest player in NHL history to score 100 points, the youngest to ever win the Art Ross Trophy, the youngest to receive the Lester B. Pearson Award and the youngest team captain ever, you just can't deny the facts.

Happy Birthday Sidney. Go order a JD like a man.

The ground breaking ceremony for Pittsburgh's new arena will take place on August 14th and will be open to the public. It's scheduled to open for the start of the 2010-2011 season. Um... when do WE get to do something like that? Uh, yeah.

Dan Bylsma, (remember him?) has been named the head coach of the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. We wish him much luck in his new position. Tiger Track Tom can say "Hi" to him when he's back in Bridgeport on November 5th.

Speaking of the AHL, their new season schedule has been released. There are EIGHT Sunday DAY games on the schedule. If I do not get to at least ONE of those games, I give Tom Liodice full permission to smack me upside the head. I desperately wanted to go to Bridgeport for a game last season, and for one reason or another, just never made it out there. My loss for sure.

Saturday should be a great day at the Coliseum as Doug Weight and Josh Bailey are introduced to the NYIC faithful. Our own Blog Box boys Mike Schuerlein and Tom Liodice will be on the panel to grill, uh, interview them along with a member of Islander Mania.

I've already communicated with our beat reporter Greg Logan, he will be on family vacation and unable to attend. PLEASE DO NOT RANK ON HIM FOR NOT BEING THERE!!! I hate it when I read items about his "non-coverage" of Islander events and too much time away from his writing. Give the man a break! It's August. He'll never sleep from late September until April.

So, stop by the Open House on Saturday and meet the new boss, um, BOYS. But a few of us may meet a new boss, he won't be the same as the old boss, and I won't be fooled again.*

(*Gratuitous WHO reference as we just booked tickets to see them in October in Boston. For my cooperation in attending yet another expensive WHO concert in less than 3 years, I get to see a Bruins game from center ice, 3rd row, behind the bench. I deserve it. Guess who they're playing?)

See you Saturday. Just look for the orange heels, ya can't miss me. I'll be gathering up information about the new partial ticket plans that will be released. Should be some great info!