Scott Gordon: Playing for Pride & Next Season's Roster

There is no "tanking" in Uniondale. The team that suits up for coach Scott Gordon plays to the best of their ability. After all, they want Gordon to see them as a perfect fit for his team next season. They also play for each other. Whether Islander or Sound Tiger, they are a team.

The newest promotion last night on the Jumbotron was something to the effect of each prominent Islanders player who had spent time on the Sound Tigers saying something like "I was born in Bridgeport." It made a statement. The call ups you see now can very well be the Islander stars of tomorrow. Providing "tomorrow" ever comes.

Scott Gordon spent at least 90 seconds of the four-minute post game interview smiling at some of the questions that were asked. Winning always makes him smile. Even if it does mean possibly changing the Islanders rank in the draft lottery.

Scott Gordon spends so much time teaching and coaching that he doesn't have time for stat watching. "Until you told me we were a game over 500, I didn't know." He told C.J. Papa with a broad smile. "It's important we do well in the second half." (Which is now down to a number of games you can count on one hand.)

He had some nice things to say about Jesse Joensuu "He used his speed, he was physical. His positioning was good all night. Obviously he's a guy we are excited about for the future. I was really happy with Jesse. I thought he played well."

I think Jesse would be happy to hear that as he said in the locker room, "The biggest thing on my mind when I get here is always that I'm living my dream. When you get points, it pumps up your confidence. When I got to the locker room and saw that I would play with Doug Weight and Richard Park, I just thought that, I can't think about it, because if I think about my line mates I'm going to be somewhere except on the ice. So I just tried to forget who I played with." Yep, Jesse is living his dream.

The future also is looking brighter for Josh Bailey, who did have a slow start coming directly from Juniors. "For Josh, the offensive for him is going to build as he gets stronger. The biggest take away for me is the skating part of it, and that will improve. But the fact that he is moving his feet, he's getting more opportunities because of it. He's around the puck more often. As a result, he gets that goal because he was in stride."

Gordon has been working with Josh... a lot..."It's identifying, showing him on video and in practice that once you move the puck there's someplace to go. That's the biggest thing. In juniors he's probably so accustomed to slowing the play down, timing his options and standing still. When you're at a standstill, it's easy to get locked in. Now when he moves the puck, he's moving his spots and whether it's to be part of a fore check on an unsuccessful pass or to be part of a tag on a successful pass, it leads to opportunities offered to him."

Josh is a good student as he told the reporters "The system is second nature now. When you see plays like that work out, it gives you some satisfaction. I think the part of the first year is adapting to the league and learning stuff that you have to do and get away with. I think as of late I feel as if I've grown more as a player."

Gordon would tend to agree with you Josh.

With Yann Danis in net following his previous high scoring loss, Gordon once again touted his faith in the young goaltender. "One of the things I was talking to Yann about before the game was, I want to see that sort of response I saw tonight. He had three goals go off of sticks, kind of flukey type and then he had the one that came down the middle of the ice and they scored on, which I didn't think there was a whole lot he could do on. That being said, he even said he felt pretty good. It was just one of those games that you don't get the bounces and for me tonight I thought he was really good."

Notice something here, Scott Gordon remembers every play from every game. I know I've said it before, but I will say it again. From a tactical standpoint, this man just amazes me. Granted, he may lose me completely from time to time with his technical explanations. When that happens, I just focus on what he's wearing. I don't think we've ever had a GQ model coach before. Have we?

Yann Danis feels the same way about bad losses as ex-goalie Scott Gordon, "It's part of the game. All goalies have to go through it. All you have to do is battle through it and stay positive and eventually things will get better. I hate losing."

I was snapped back into the post game by the next question regarding the five Bridgeport call-ups. The answer was simple. He knew not to completely devastate Jack's team when they are playing today at 1 pm and are headed for post season when the Islanders are heading for the golf course. He admitted that calling Mitch Fritz up was because Tampa had come down hard last time on Jackman. Fritz was just a little added protection along with Rechlichz. In the end, Joel beat Fritz on the stat sheet in every column. More shifts, more ice time, more penalty minutes and more love from the crowd. (Although Fritz did take a face off and won helping to bring the Islanders face off percentage to a whopping 59%.)

Not to leave out his veteran players, Gordon said "I thought Marty and Witter were solid. I don't know what the final total was for scoring chances on their top line, but those guys did a great job."

They did such a great job that the Islanders walked away with three goals and free chili for their fans from Wendy's. Everyone please remember to ask for it today. And don't look at the lottery standings. Gordon doesn't.

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.”

Yann was asked if he was concerned about his upcoming contract for next season. He said he tries not to think about it and just concentrate on playing the game as best he can. Personally, I don’t think his play has been a “fluke” to this point. Everyone has a bad game. Look what the young up-starts did to the “most winning goalie of all time.” They chased him from the net. This happens.

“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.

Yann Get's his 2nd Shut Out - 2-27-09

**Please check www.islesblogger.com for a great photo directly from the locker room that is sure to be a keeper! Great job Mike, great job Ken R. and Doug for asking questions. Great job Ken D. for being the gentleman that you are and waiting for me in the hallway to make sure I got to my car. You guys really are the best!!!


What a shame. Andy McDonald's first NHL game and all anyone could ask Scott in the press room was "What about Guerin?" I think Gordon knew that would be the first question. His reaction drew laughter, but everyone waited for the answer.

"From what I understand they are going to talk about it tomorrow." He waited for question number two which was "What do you know?"

Scott looked at his water bottle, "I can tell you tonight the guys put in a pretty good effort. We were solid in all three zones. It's what we tried to address the second half of the year is to try to build something to carry over to next season. And I think our guys are getting a good foundation for next year."

So basically, this season is all about NEXT season and who will still be here and who fits the system the best.

"My understanding is that Garth is going to talk about it tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to talk about it."

The Islanders played very well, and Scott said "Being hard to play against a hard thing to teach. To find the areas that you have to get better in. You have to have players that want to do it and you have to figure out who is going to do it too. I would say it's been a slow process but I feel that it's been something that has been building since game 42 when we came back from that West Coast Trip, we obviously don't have the offensive fire power, but I think we're starting to make up for it with our work ethic and our positional play and commitment to defense and not just in the defensive zone but defensive play in the offensive zone. We're giving up less shots, giving up less quality chances and giving up less goals. On top of that, we're getting some great goal tending by Yanni." Yes, you have...

Yann has been a a huge surprise. He seems to be getting better every game. He even explained his positioning has improved and he's just happy to be getting the ice time. "He's done a great job in establishing himself as a number one guy."

I almost worried for a second thinking that statement may mean he could be traded.

As Sean Bergenheim had BOTH goals that won this game for the Islanders, Scott again sang his praises. "One of the things I talked about with him to get back in the line-up was his approach in the offensive zone and the things that he could do better with the puck and things I had seen other offensive players do. We sat down today and I showed him some clips (which Scott does A LOT. He keeps video on EVERYTHING.) of Kyle and why he's having success in the offensive zone and why he's getting more second and third opportunities. Bergie's done a great job at taking that to heart and going out there and doing it."

So basically, Sean has improved because he is listening to the teacher and responding in a positive manner. He was rewarded with the first star of the game.

WE spotted Andy McDonald and let him get his feet wet. As far as Jack (Hillen) and Joe (Calahan) obviously they are getting a comfort level. Joe brings a nice physical level to our team."

Gordon had some very good things to say about suspended Brendan Witt. He said he was leery not having him in the line-up for this game as he "is one of our best defenseman." Witt currently has a +/- in the double digits. But Gordon has been impressed with the improvement he has shown recently. "I think Joe picked up the pace as far as his physical play without Witt in the line up and Jack, hopefully is a guy that making the trade with Ottawa will give Jack a little more opportunity in the spotlight."

Without Guerin there will be a lack of leadership as he was so good in the locker room. Combine that with veteran Weight being out as well and the young kids really have no one to look up for. "I addressed that. I went right to the point and said, 'In this group here there are going to be two Captains. What you do in the second half is going to allow me to make that decision."

Okay, nothing like a little pressure on a room full of rookies. He doesn't know when he'll make that decision, but is confident there is a good mix of character in the room. "You develop leadership and steer the players into what's right and wrong and make them identify the things that leaders do. It's something that I tried to do when I was coaching in Providence."

Again, Scott Gordon is not just teaching them how to play hockey better. He's teaching them life lessons. And all while dressing better than any other coach I've met.

Good game for sure. More tomorrow from the locker room. I can't even see straight any more tonight.

Night all.

Post Game Quotes

The hardest part of the post game is that everyone is in the same room at the same time. Everyone competes to hear what is being said, and only a few ask the questions. Harder still? How many NEW questions can you come up with when you're past the midway point of a losing season? So the hard part is making the same sentences each player comes up with interesting.

Too hard for me. So this is what was said

Scott Gordon:

"They competed hard and it was an entertaining game." (I don't know Scotty. I drifted off in the second period. Enjoyed the third though. Thanks.

"Both teams had their moments. They're a top team in shots against. They're a tough team to play. We did a good job in offensive coverage." (To me, I sat down last night thinking there was no way in hell this team would be able to win. The Kings are good. The Isles managed a point. It was a surprise to me.)

"Our best chances we didn't get shots on net." (Nope. An entire penalty kill garnered not a single shot on net. Very frustrating.)

When asked who the goaltender for the Devils match up would be, Scotty just smiled and said "It's a surprise." Stan thinks it's Joey Mac. I don't know. I'm thinking ride Danis until he falls.

Andy Hilbert was the first player into the room, already sweating profusely before the questioning started.

"It was a physical game and hard fought. A loss is a loss to me, but I thought we played well. "

When asked about the Devils match-up: "The Devils are playing great hockey. It's going to be fun."

"Every one's playing as a unit. They are playing great."

"You have to have fun and lay hard, but you have to be competing every game. We have a lot of confidence in (Yann) him."

Kyle Okposo came out, shirtless and with shorter hair both on his head and his face.

"We're competing every night and playing a full 60 minutes."

"We create chemistry and find line combos that work."

When asked if a shoot-out loss is an easier, Kyle repeated what Hilbert had said. A loss is still a loss."

When asked about the pending Devils game: "Big challenge tomorrow. They're playing well right now. They're a young team playing well."

When Bill Guerin walked into the room, he immediately immediately said "Where's Stan?" They have a rapport.

"It was a good game. I thought we played well. WE were hemmed in our own zone, but I thought we established a great fore check."

Asked about his pass to Doug Weight for his latest goal. "For once I knew he was there. I just knew he was coming." Back hand passes can be dangerous. "I was willing to take the chance. It was a textbook play. When you do something good, it makes everyone feel good.

"Tomorrow we play one of the hottest teams in the league. They've added Shanny. They play well together. We have to get fright into the game. WE know what we're up against."

After Billy "nailed it" and left the room, Yann Danis came in freshly showered and dressed in his suit looking far more confident than usual. And he should be.

"I felt good. It wasn't as clean as my previous games. I made a couple of good saves, and felt strong in overtime. I wanted to make sure we got a chance to win."

The best part was when Mark Hermann asked the question I was going to ask. During the third, Yann Danis saved Kerry Frasier's head from a speeding puck by seemingly grabbing the puck out of thin air while Kerry was putting the net back on it's moorings. I'm surprised that Yann even saw the shot coming as he was distracted by Frasier behind him.

"He thanked me for saving his life. I asked him if he was allowed to do that. (fix the net while play was still ongoing.) He said he's been around too long, he can do whatever he wants."

Good one Yann.

To Dougie, Ken, Mike, Stephen and Brian, my blog box buddies for the night. I'm sorry I was angry Dee last night. The shot to the head seems to have effected my ability to keep my mouth shut. It'll pass.

Tampa over Isles 1 - 0

It took until 6:26 of the third before the red light lit. One goal gets passed Yann Danis for a one goal lead. Roberts deflected the puck into the net. And yes, it was a huge goal. Up until then, it had been a pretty non-eventful game.

It started off with a bang and a fight with Jackman and Smaby going toe to toe because of the last game where Jackman took liberties with Vinny. Guerin was a five minute major for fighting with Malone. Everyone was very pleased to see the way Guerin stepped up. Everyone but Big Angry Man who took the opportunity to harass me that Guerin had to step in for Sean Bergenheim. As valiant as it was for Billy, is as embarrassing as it was for Bergy. I've heard this all night.

With 2:34 to go in the third Okposo takes a penalty for a hooking call. Not a good move.

WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH THE MSG BROADCAST!!! They keep losing the feed and it goes to something that sounds like a Ham radio.

With 2:14 left, the Islanders are 2 men down as Park takes a penalty for high sticking on Malone. You just have to be in control of your stick. Especially at this point in the game. But they have a habit of crashing and burning in the third.

With less than 30 seconds left in the 3rd, Kyle breaks loose of the penalty box and takes off towards Tampa's net with a breakaway. I held my breath, but McKenna stopped that one too. The AHL goalie from Vegas gets the shut out. (I hope he's from Vegas. That's what someone on Twitter said, and I didn't check it!)

The highlight of my evening of Islanders Game night at home was the Wine Barrel Special Fondue. I had asked the husband what he wanted for dinner. For some reason he said something I haven't made in years. I think he's just afraid I'm going to forget what the hell is in it.

When I owned the Wine Barrel in Babylon Village years and years ago, one of the signature items was the Wine Barrel Special Fondue. It tastes wonderful, it's artery clogging and looks awful. Actually as I had to make vats of this stuff and clean it up when it was cold, it was lovingly called "Puppy got sick."

I guess because it's almost our anniversary, he's getting nostalgic. So I made it. If anyone likes fondue, this is something that is very homey, but it needs to be made in a crock pot and then transferred to a fondue pot.

1 lb Velveeta cubed

1 lb American cheese cubed

1 cup tomato juice

1 cup DRY white wine

squeeze lemon juice

1 package Lipton onion soup mix.

Heat in crock pot until smooth stirring occasionally. Do not let burn.

Serve in fondue pot with cubed bread, pepperoni, apple slices and ravioli or pirogi.

That was the highlight of my night. I wonder what the highlight of the Islanders' night was. Maybe dinner with the Dads.

Have a good flight home boys. Tuesday is another day.

Add a Name to the List...

Let's just add Nate Thompson to that Injury List that Jason Lockhart is keeping up on the Islanders main site. I really wish he would put the date they went OUT on as well as the amount of time they're expected out. Not that it really matters, but it's easier to do the math.

So Josh Bailey has a two point game, but a horrendous pass to no one late in the third. You owe me one Josh.

Joey MacDonald returned to the net and all I can say is, "Scotty, What the heck were you thinking?" Yann Danis was on a hot streak. What did it really gain to give Joey back the net? Joey made 26 saves, and gave up one too many.

The ice seemed to be bad in spots as Doug Weight went down and had to leave for a few minutes, and then Martinek hit the ice in the same spot. Well, it is Florida.

So much for the winning streak.

I'd like to thank Whale4Ever at SB Nation's The Litter Box for the blogger hospitality. That was fun, and Happy Birthday. And I would have never known about it unless I was on Twitter.

Remember to wear Red tomorrow for Women's Heart Health day. I was really happy that my pin and earrings that I ordered from their website arrived just in time to wear tomorrow. At least that was a pleasant surprise.

I'll mention it here too, if you'd like the Islanders to send you text message updates and recaps, you can sign up for their Mobile Squad by texting the word JOIN to 66856. You can cancel the service at any time by texting STOP to the same number. But it's worth checking out if you have a good text plan with your mobile carrier.

Danis Does it ... AGAIN!!

I knew they'd win last night's game against the Panthers. I just didn't think it would be with a 3 goal lead going into the 3rd. I figured for sure it would be a nail biter, like all the others.

But as Greg Logan said, the changes in the line ups seem to be working out and the defense is finally getting their act together. Add to that Danis has gained confidence in his own play and you have a team that is starting to string some wins together. Three to be exact.

A streak of sorts, but a small one. Don't worry everyone, there are plenty of games left in the season to lose in order to maintain that first round pick. Or, we could have someone go all Tanya Harding on Danis' knee. "Why me??? WHHHHYYYY?"


So while my blog box buddies were watching the Islanders win, I was watching this guy. Sonny Landreth and his "orchestra" as they called them. Most certainly the most amazingly talented slide guitarist you will ever hear. He is a musician's musician. He is also ultimate talent with the personality of a dish towel.


We were in the 3rd row of this 260 seat theater for the show. I put my phone on vibrate so my friends wouldn't know that I was keeping track of the score with IslesNation's Stephen.

When the message came through "FREEEEEE CHILLLLLIIIIIIIII" I knew things were going well out there in Uniondale. I tried to hide the bright light from my phone as I kept texting back and forth, but it wasn't easy.

Away from the game, but never THAT far away. Congrats to Kyle for showing what he can do.

Ovechkin 2 - Isles 1, Witt -27

Yes, I ditched out of the blog during the third period to go sit with friends in another section. The period seemed to go quite fast. I looked up and it was at the 10 minute mark. I waited for a whistle that didn't come until there were less than 3 minutes left. I had to run back to the box and pack up the laptop.

So what did I see in the third period? I saw a lot of missed opportunities. I watched as either shots were going wide or were hit right at Theordore's chest. I watched Josh Bailey set up some good opportunities, that went unrewarded.

I watched Yann Danis make some really good saves, and one really dumb move that he managed to save by diving on the puck.

I watched Alexander Ovechkin play when he wants to. He sits back and waits for the right time. That's probably why he's so damn good. And then I watched the Islanders managed to tie the game with Okposo Nielsen and Streit gaining to their point totals. It was a five on three power play. If they couldn't score that way, they shouldn't be playing the game.

A point. They managed ONE point. I ran back to the blog box and watched the remaining minutes of the game. There was hope. Real hope to win this game. And all that hope disappeared as soon as there was a slashing call on Brendon Witt. Back in the box he went and back to the net went Ovechkin. Say goodnight Yann.

We waited in Press Room 6 for what seemed like forever. There was light snow falling outside and I was wondering if I could get home before it was dark. Stan Fischler was once again at the front of the pack asking the questions, but today Scott seemed somewhat more relaxed. He even told a few stories instead of cutting off his responses.

Perhaps he's getting used to the press corps, perhaps he read somewhere that he had thin skin (an observation I don't agree with), or perhaps he's just getting used to facing the crowd after a loss. This is becoming a habit. But he felt that since they were held to one goal in regulation, it was a good effort.

Interesting that when asked about the play of Yann Danis, Scott hesitated for quite awhile and said he'd have to review the tape. He admitted that he made some good saves but that he does have concerns. "if you're playing against a team that's that good, like a Boston or a Washington, you certainly can't give up the easy ones."

Gordon gave kudos to call ups Kurtis Mclean and Jack Hillen. He was quick to praise the work of Capuano to make sure the Sound Tiger call ups are ready to play on this team. The consistency is key. Finding the back of the net would be a better "key."

Once again, Danis was light hearted in the locker room with the cameras and microphones pressed into his face. "The puck went through me. I have to work on that." was his explanation of the first Power Play goal that #8 put right by him.

"It feels good for the point. There are positives to come out of this game. We're getting shots on net." Twenty-eight to be exact. He was asked if he felt any pressure about his play and he said he didn't put that sort of pressure on himself since he knows he doesn't have a guaranteed spot on the team. And then I wondered; who is chasing him? Mannino?

Kyle, the long goal scorer said they were trying to hard and that's why the shots were going wide. "We're not looking up. So focused on getting to the net. We have to keep working, We've been right in there. Our chances will come."

Mclean then entered the room to be grilled. "Keep it simple, get deep, get to the net." (Sounds simple doesn't it?) "Ovie -- he can shoot the puck. You gotta be right on him. Witter was tough on him."

Yeah, well, Witter was the Zebra's focus since he kept getting the calls. Ovechkin may have sold the last penalty that resulted in the game winner by playing up the broken stick. He contends Witt broke it. Many of us can't be sure.

And then I looked up to the door and noticed that Jon Sim was freshly dressed and leaving.... long before his team mates.

It's 11 pm, Do you know where your Hockey team is?

Currently? Still in Uniondale. And also... still in last place.

All day today, I heard it. "So Dee. They're moving to Kansas City?" All day I answered. "I have no idea. I don't have a crystal ball."

I had no serious high hopes for tonight knowing that Point a Game boy Zach Parise and his red Devils would be the opposition. But I donned my colors and a smile and went to the game. The smile didn't last long.

I had known all about the Dubie to Columbus fiasco since Tiger Track Tom Liodice called to give me the bad news as I was driving away from my daughter's softball practice. I think they could hear me scream for miles. This was just not the news I wanted to hear. I don't believe the Islanders wanted to hear it either as their Game Notes on the Blog Box table clearly had Wade Dubielewicz listed as an Islanders goalie. Sadly, Mr. Dubielewicz was on a plane to Columbus.

Stupid CBA rules! And perhaps an error in judgement have left us without the fan favorite returning to the fold.

A lovely little ceremony for Doug Weight and Bill Guerin started the crowd off. Doug looked great... in his SUIT. He was missed on the ice for sure.

I wasn't even in my seat when the first goal was scored on Yann Danis as he was seriously out of position. That set the tone for the entire game. Of course there was that little problem, the Zach Parise factor. As soon as I saw him on the ice I blurted out. "Oh look! There's Zach, he'll score." I believe there were maybe four passes and the puck was in the net behind Danis. By the time they were at 3 - 0, I started to text the other Blogger buddies what their prediction for the final score would be. Many of them had Clemmensen getting the shut out. But I knew the Islanders would get at least one. It was just a matter of WHO.

Blake didn't disappoint me. (Nice to be able to say that again.) But while I was sitting in my seats next to an actual Hockey coach, I received a little lesson on "the system" and the fact that this game had no system but "dump and chase."

Brad Kurtzberg from Inside Hockey texted me "It's like watching a cat play with a mouse." But actually I think if it was a cute cat, it would have been more interesting. The Devils with the 3 point lead just sat back and played their trap hockey. "It's very hard to score against the Trap. Watch. They'll dump it in." They did.

"See where the Devils are?" They were all to the right. "They're all over here. Spread out. Take the red line. Dump it in. Then here we go. High man, covers #19. He's the first man back. What they had there was that the Devils had four men and the Islanders had three men back. You're not going to score that way."

He continued move by move as if he had seen this game before and memorized it. But I suppose that's what coaches do.

There wasn't even a decent fight, which disappointed my guest. Sure, Jackman had a scuffle, but it was nothing to write home about. And Brendan Witt not only was hit in the face with a slap shot, leaving a very nasty raised open wound on his cheek, but he got tossed on his butt more than once.

As Scott Gordon said in the post game "We didn't play for two periods. That about says it all."

He was asked if the "Dubielewicz episode" had anything to do with the team's play. As if it may have had a collective impact. Gordon was emphatic, "Not at all. Dubielewicz not being here doesn't stop us from skating. Doesn't stop us from managing the puck better. Doesn't stop us from getting above the puck and managing our fore check. I told the guys after two periods, we didn't skate. "

There more opportunities in the third period for the Islanders. But it was too late. Blake Comeau ended Clemmensen's possible shut out. Because the third was somewhat better, Gordon was asked by Stan Fischler how he could rally the team. Scott said it simply. "It's their job."

A job that they are actually privileged to have. The effort needs to be there.

"There scoring chances weren't there. The overall energy wasn't there. There are a lot of things we'd like to change right now." This is what Trent Hunter had to say while he was tapping on his water bottle. It was obvious, this was the last place he wanted to be right now. "We need to find a way to get a better effort and win those games."

Hunter said "Our job doesn't change because there is someone different in net." in defense of Yann Danis and his inexperience.

This is indeed getting bad. The standings are weighing heavily on them. The only one that seemed slightly upbeat (believe it or not) was Yann Danis. He was asked if he was ready for Monday's game.

"Yeah! I'm feeling good. I'm ready to go!" What an enthusiastic kid. He'll learn.

While Mike Comrie was being interviewed by the throng, Sean Bergenheim was in the room being interviewed in the corner by a foreign reporter. I couldn't' tell if he was being interviewed for either Sweden or Finland. But I know that voice. When he was done, I managed to catch his eye.

"How ARE you feeling?" I asked (with my stupid ass tape recorder off!)

"I feel good." which sounded completely non-committal. "My side, it's not 100%. I really am day to day. It may play Monday, I may play Wednesday. I've been trying. But we'll see."

I told Sean that he seems to have a penchant for scoring when I'm not in the building, so I had stayed away a few games. He smiled, "I'm not that superstitious, keep coming to the games."

Sean knows I have been one of his biggest supporters since he was first drafted. I told him the games he plays are still very entertaining... even though. "Yes, but winning is better."

Even though he hasn't been playing, this losing streak is weighing heavily on him as well. The mother in me couldn't help by grab his arm, the same way I did so many years ago, and tell him "It will be okay. It will. Things will get better."

Again, he smiled at me. "It's good to see you." and he was gone.

As hard as it is for us to get through this dry spell as fans, try to imagine how hard it is for the men who are living it. From our GM down to Shakey, it is effecting them. Every turn seems to find another bump in the road, another injury or just not enough chance and luck.

But I can tell you that nothing lasts forever. Nothing. So this too shall pass, and when it does, we will be there. Sadly, Dubie won't be. Sorry about that Wade.

Back home... safe & sound!

Well, not a BAD game, just not the endings we like to see. I don't have time to put it all out there before I go to bed so I will just give you points.

1) Scotty has figured out how to shut the press down when he wants. Loved seeing that.

2) There's blue carpet in the locker room. Five bucks says it will stink like hell by March.

3) Yann Danis was very confident but admitted he would have loved to have that first goal back.

4) Okposo has what looks like a grapefruit on the side of his face but said he was still going to play Saturday.

5) When Stan Fischler asked him why he came back after getting hit so hard, he beared the pain and smiled "It's a hockey game." That was the best line of the evening.

6) Bill Guerin was joking a little with Stan, so I guess he was happy that he's adding to his stats and still the Islanders top goal scorer. Even at his age.

More tomorrow. Need sleep... zzzzzz

Isles vs. Rangers 1-13-08

Wanna guess? Yes, they lost. But they lost by one goal. One lousy goal. The Broadway Blueshirts could not score more than two goals on our back-up's back-up. Look at the talent on that team and tell me that is not a feat.

It was a night for the youngsters to just go out and play in an arena filled with the enemy. They did an admirable job.

I do think that Islanders Country let out a collective gasp when we saw Joey MacDonald leave the ice... limping. "OH GOD!! NOW WHAT??" I saw comments begging for equipment problems, but Doug got the prize for calling groin strain. What is with this team? Someone bring in a Yoga coach or something.

MSG Plus cameramen always at the ready, panned up to the sky box where Garth and company watch the game. There he sat, stoic, flipping through his blackberry while Dunham was searching the pages of the media guide. Could have been looking for the name of another goalie in the system or maybe for the rule of who an suit up as the back-up's, back-up's, back-up! Yep, Dunham did indeed suit up, but never made it out onto the bench.

Yes, earlier in the broadcast Snow was interviewed by Jaffe regarding the Rick DiPietro situation. Again, stoic is the best word to use. Even though it was all-around good-guy Billy Jaffe doing the interview, you can still tell that this is one part of Snow's job he'll never get used to.

Speaking of the broadcast, you could tell a discernible change in the attitude of all the announcers from C.J. Papa all the way to Butch Goring. Gone is the hype and enthusiasm replaced by understanding of reality. Personally, I thought it was the best paced broadcast so far. Now they are acting more as reporters rather than salesmen, and it works.

Billy and Howie actually made me laugh when the made a big deal out of a Yann Danis save. You know, the way you make a big deal when a toddler can find his mouth for the first time with his strained peas. "Good job!"

A little ridiculous that the Rangers celebrated so hard when they scored the game winning goal. Again, look who scored it and look who is in net. No need for celebration there.

I enjoyed the Live Chat with the Blog Box bunch and guests led by B.D. Gallof and his unseemly Ranger brother, Scott. But I did have to turn my attention away from the net when my friend Wendy came by to watch the game with me.

A very special THANK YOU to my friend Dina, the arena hostess for stopping by Big Angry Man and his fire department brethren in section 113. You made their night. But then again, you make everyone happy when you visit them in their seats at the Coliseum.

Random thought 1) Does Jack Capuano let out a huge "Son of a Bitch!" every time a player on the Islanders goes down and he has to give someone up from the Sound Tigers?

Random thought 2) Does Kevin Colley let out a big "Whoo Hoo!" when the call comes in to Utah?

Random thought 3) Did Billy Jaffe raid Barry Melrose's closet for that Canadian Mafia suit?

Random thought 4) Wasn't that the best Islanders colors tie that Scott Gordon was sporting? In all my years watching the bench, that was absolutely the BEST tie.

Random thought 5) Sean didn't score. I had bet everyone that he would because I wasn't going to be there. He let me down. But I guess at least that mean's they'll let me back in the building.