For the two readers who might still check in, I am still alive. After five months of unemployment I got a paid, temporary full-time internship in the city, so that has been my life for the past month. It was fun commuting the first week, but now I'm kind of over it. And when I get home on game days, I miss the first period! But I DVR them.
It has been an exciting stretch of hockey for the New York Islanders, let me tell you that. Matt Moulson, Jack Hillen, Frans Nielsen, and yes, John Tavares have kind of exploded into great, groomed hockey players. What a joy it has been to watch them play.
We are currently 8-7-7, tied with the Rangers for 4th in the division, and we have more points than 9 other teams in the league. Now we're not going crazy, only a quarter of the season has been played, but I think a lot of us believed that we would not be in this position at this moment. Especially that losing streak to start the season. Next time I post could be an entirely different story.
Feel Good Video of the Day:
Cody Byrnes dropped the puck before the Isles/Rangers game, a kid who was allowed to leave his hospital room for the night, and got to meet all the guys after the game.
Opening night was incredible. We were able to compete pretty well against the defending Stanley Cup Champs, even though we had another 3rd period meltdown ala last season, but we were able to take a point from the Pens and it felt good.
And John Tavares felt good too.
All day I was anxious, nervous, and had a headache. I'd hoped the boys would pull out a win, but even I had my doubts, and I felt bad for feeling that way. Nevertheless, it was great to be able to watch live hockey again. To scream, cheer, yell. It felt really good. I went to the game with my dad and BFF. We got our free schedule magnet, got a $6 thing of popcorn, and made our way to our seats. I wanted to go down to warm ups, but it was already swamped. Plus, I like the view of watching both sides from our seats, so I thought I'd stay. (Bruno talked to Fleury for a bit while stretching, probably missing Max.) The chanting started 'JOHN TA-VA-RES clap clap clapclapclap' and it felt good. It hit me right in the gut. Something great could happen tonight.
The boys came out for warm ups, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' blared, and the place erupted. There were about 8 people deep down by the glass just watching. By the time intros came around, I think everyone was getting a little too jittery, and everyone was just waiting for the puck drop.
It was just a great game, even with the loss, I think this was the glimmer of hope everyone was hoping for. The boys looked good. Really good. I'm going to the game on Monday, so maybe I'll provide a more thorough recap of that one. It's against the Kings! Woot.
The day after the game, the boys went to Adventureland for a season ticket holder event. I would've gone, but it wasn't in the cards. I wish I would've after watching this video
So. funny. I'm going to call Streit 'Smooth Criminal' from now on, thanks Witter.
I'll post more pictures from Adventureland in another post. Basically hockey players in bumper cars = funny. I also have a 'bromance' post in mind, so stay tuned for that.
I didn't forget about the 2 readers that read this blog. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired talking about the pre-season, and we already have 4 injuries to 4 important guys to our team, so that sucks.
Pretty soon we're going to be able to watch Islanders hockey games on television like normal people instead of a feed on-line with the opposition's commentary team, and then we'll get down to business I promise.
And in case you're wondering my secret I-shouldn't-like-him hockey boyfriend of the moment is Milan Lucic. Rawr. I would post a foxy picture, but I'm not. Look at the tags to this entry.
Thought I'd give some minor updates on the team and other happenings. 17 days until the first pre-season game! Not exactly sure when training camp actually starts for the boys, but at least we know the games are thankfully happening soon. Thank. Goodness.
Mike Sillinger retired. Sadly it was expected, and he wasn't going to re-sign with the team, but he was a class act through and through during his time on the Island. Too bad he could never get the cup. Good luck Silli!
John Tavares and a bunch of other rookies and draft picks went to an Upper Deck trading card photo shoot. (BTW, follow Eric Tangradi on Twitter! @EricTangradi and he uses TwitPics too, so it's legit. He's the one in the Pens sweater.)
This is the first 'official' time JT is in an Islanders uniform. That sound you hear is the panting and salivating from all the fans ready to go. October 3rd can't come soon enough.
Hopefully nothing drastic happens this week, because I will be in Chicago stalking Jon Toews um..err...moving my brother back to school. I think this will be everyone's breather before training camp starts anyway, so catch y'all on the flip side my party people.
The U.S. Olympic "orientation camp" wrapped up this week, and our own Kyle Okposo tried to show the goods to Ron Wilson, John Tortorella, and his good buddy Scott Gordon.
USA Hockey's GM Brian Burke has stated that 14 players are basically a lock for Vancouver, and the other 9 spots will probably be determined as the regular NHL season begins. Is Kyle a lock? Probably not, but I think he has a pretty good shot considering he already played for Ron Wilson at the World Championships this year. I think he will make the team though.
(Looking Sharp Okie, Getty)
I thought the photo shoot with all of Team USA turned out great. Some may need to brush up on some America's Next Top Model, and learn to smile with the eyes, but they mean business.
I have a weird crush on David Booth.
That's all.
He seems like a nice guy.
Few more weeks 'til training camp! Thank goodness!
The U.S. Olympic Camp starts this week with the Isles being represented by Scott Gordon as Ast. Coach and Kyle Okposo as a tryout. Other notable Long Islanders, Mike Komisarek and Rob Scuderi, are going to try their luck as well to go to Vancouver in the winter. I'll try to give you guys an update to see how things go this week.
Other than that, all things in Isles land has been pretty quiet. We got a new beat writer for Newsday, Josh Bailey and The Wrecker were in town for the on-sale events at the team stores, and Ice Girl auditions were this past Saturday. Thrilling. I've always wondered if the girls who were on the squad last year, automatically make the team this year, and the thought of auditioning again is just a formality. Maybe not, who knows, I'm sure you're all on the edge of your seat about those.
I think we're all just waiting for training camp honestly.
With that, I will plug my other blog whenever I decide to start working on it, Eternal Optimist. It'll be mostly a sports blog, but I might expand it to other areas of interest. I wanted to be able to write about hockey and baseball in general, and not in this Islanders-centric blog. I like the idea of it being separate. So check it out...once I start posting there.
Hey everyone! Long time, no post. Sorry about that. Since the 2009-2010 season is slowly creeping upon us I thought I'd drop a line. John Tavares, the savior, has arrived. The fine folks over at The Hockey Junkies asked for help recapping every team, and what to expect from the upcoming season, so I figured I'd re-post it here! Enjoy y'all.
New York Islanders
Do you hear that? Do you? It’s the choir of angels sending John Tavares down to Earth, Long Island specifically, and he is here for one reason: to dominate. But will he dominate starting in October? That remains to be seen. We did get him for a reason.
(Yes I’m well aware at how horrible this mock photoshop job is)
We came in last place last season not only because we sucked, but we led the league in man games lost to injury with around 566. No one on the team last year played every game. Mark Streit led the team with 74 Games played. We had like 16 players called up from Bridgeport (our AHL affiliate). Not to mention our biggest loss, once again, was our goalie fo’ life Ricky DiPietro, and he might be out again once more.
This is still funny.
The Islanders are rebuilding, there is no secret about that, and this season might look the same as the last, but I think we’re getting there. (We also really need that freaking Lighthouse) Don’t tell our fan base that, because their patience is wearing thin. You thought we won a playoff series on June 26th:
Guys they shot confetti at us. Confetti! One of the most awesome experiences being there, watching TV on the jumbotron and just screaming our heads off. Surreal.
To get a feel for our team, Bruno Gervais is going to teach you how to spend your intermission at the game:
General Manager- You know him as goalie turned GM Garth Snow
Head Coach-Scott Gordon
Team Captain- Billy Guerin re-signed with Pittsburgh, so now we are captain-less. Potential candidates are Doug Weight, Mark Streit, Brendan Witt, Trent Hunter, Richard Park, or Kyle Okposo. I think Tavares has to play at least one game to show some kind of “leadership.” It’s possible we might go with all ‘A’s’ this upcoming season.
Player Everyone Should Love: Oh boy. Well I want everyone to love Sean Bergenheim, but as shown in the video above everybody loves Bruno Gervais. For you Max Talbot fans out there, they’re BFFs and they room together in the offseason. And have a golf tournament (that was from last year, plus Penguins sightings!). So if you love Max Talbot, you could show Bruno some love too.
Player We Don’t Love- Jon Sim. Sorry. He’s not even listed on the team’s website, so maybe he’s going to be waived for the third time come training camp.
Who They Got- John Tavares, Dwayne Roloson, Martin Biron (!!!) and a bunch of depth signings for Bridgey
Who They Lost- Joey MacDonald, Yann Danis, Mike Sillinger, Thomas Pock, Dean McAmmond, Andy Hilbert, and a bunch of Bridgey players as well
Located At- Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Hopefully by October we’ll have some sort of green light for the Lighthouse
Hotness Level (on a scale from 1 to 10)- 5. I think all kinds of attractiveness can be found on the Isles squad. Little girls to grandmothers can find anything from ‘adorable’ to ‘yowza’ on the team. But I don’t think they’re overloading on hotness, sorry boys. I’ll try to find some photographic evidence and you guys can tell me what you think
So I haven't updated since February. Really, there was nothing worth updating. I think I might do a year in a review, but I always keep promises I can't keep.
But we did win the draft lottery.
So I'm not complaining.
We shall see what happens June 26th.
I'm going to one of the Sound Tigers playoff games this weekend. If something amazing happens I'll be sure to keep you guys posted. Maybe.
Finally, good luck to Okie and Flash reppin' the USA in this year's world championships. Bergie and Streiter are also representing Finland and the Swiss so good luck to them as well. Too bad they probably won't show any of the games on t.v. Maybe I'll buy a feed or something.
So I've been slacking in the updating department. Womp womp. The boys put up a nice 4 game winning streak, but now are in a 5 game losing streak. Easy come, easy go.
We can take good things out of this current losing streak though. Two words: Kyle Okposo.
Woooo
I think seeing all of the kids together had me clutching my Sparky stuffed animal, in tears, singing "Greatest Love of All" by Ms. Whitney Houston, because yes, the children are our future. What a beautiful thing.
He's just as passionate playing NHL '09 as he is during actual games.
Kudos Okie. Keep it up.
The boys are facing a sort of slumping Pittsburgh Penguins team. I think it's a pretty much guaranteed loss, but stranger things have happened. The team is allowing us to chat with Blake Comeau after the game on Facebook. I'm trying to think of questions that would be appropriate either after a potential win or loss. And I want good answers in response Mr. Comeau! If I'm even brave enough to ask him.
Doug Weight is done for 6 weeks. A potential trade involving him is pretty much not happening. Which I'm secretly happy about I think he should stay an Islander for the unforeseeable future. He likes it here, and most of us fans like him here too.
A year from today preliminary games for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver start! Will we see DiPietro as a starter? backup? 2nd backup? Does Okie have a shot? Do you think Billy and Dougie would give it another go? I know the Olympics will be intense, exciting, and extremely hard to just root for the home team.
I was not able to see the whole episode, but our man and newly minted New York Emmy nominated Howie Rose was featured on the NHL Network's Voices show.
Here's to a good week of hockey from the boys in Blue and Orange!
Usually when ITV posts these kind of interviews you just watch the first few seconds, and then move on, but I found myself watching intently to this video. The interview with Streiter was great, so I was glad I did watch the whole thing, but I was caught off guard with the background music. Always Be My Baby? Mariah Carey?! In the dressing room? Fantastic, and you can even hear some background vocals by some of the guys. It would be great to know who hit some of those lovely notes in the background. And then the Rock Your Body by J-Timbs took the cake right after. It sounds like they just listen to BLI since that is their playlist, but maybe Jeff Tambellini has that on his iPod, so how the hell do I know. Last game they had Billie Jean in the background. Oh those crazy Islanders.
However, not as awesome as the Edmonton Oilers
I like the group participation. Too bad they lost 10-2 last night yiiiiikes. Shawn Horcoff probably was still in the Bahamas with Comrie...
Hilbert, Weight, and Hunter are off the IR, Sillinger is done for the season and possibly for his career which is just heartbreaking, and new dad Yann Danis is expected to start Thursday's game against the Thrasers. The line combos at practice put Comrie-Weight-Guerin together making, a hopefully lethal line, of Comeau-Bailey/Nielsen-Okposo together. I can see great things coming from both of those lines, so hopefully they can produce on this one game winning streak. Heh. Let's Go Islanders.
Mike Comrie and Hilary Duff chilled with Shawn Horcoff and his wife in the Caribbean. Funny how the paparazzi call this picture "Hilary Duff hanging out with her boyfriend and some pals." Come on! No one is cooler than Shawn Horcoff! Hopefully all involved enjoyed their leisure time...back on the ice tomorrow!
I'll do a minor re-cap of the All-Star game, the games before the All-Star break, and what's to come up this week and weekend. But I probably will just do a re-cap of who looked good in their NHL portraits.
Solid sweater Vinny.
In a nice surprise, MSG+ is actually showing the AHL All-Star Superskills and All-Star Game tonight so I'll definitely be checking out Iggy and MacDonald. Someone skipped poor Iggy in the accuracy challenge, but I'm sure it was an honest mistake. Iggy and MacDonald are representing Canada, so we'll have to root for the other country in this contest since no players from the Bridge are playing for the American/World team.
In personal news, school is starting right around the corner, and I'm beginning a new internship this week, so even though I've already been slacking on posting, expect even more slacking in the next few days. Hopefully a win over in Atlanta on Thursday and then a home win over the Panthers on Saturday can start of this half of the season on a good note. Lets go Islanders.
A seven game losing streak, a potential threat to the Lighthouse project, and another effing injury have been the talk of the town in Uniondale, New York. Just another day in paradise.
The Islanders will be playing a pre-season game against the Los Angeles Kings next season. In Kansas City. Start the commotion. Many have said this is simply a minor threat to those in the Town of Hempstead, many say this is just a pre-season game for what it's worth, others have said this is not a good sign and that the team can potentially be sold and moved to Missouri. Yes, Kansas City is in Missouri. Everyone has an opinion, and I'm sure you've already read about them by the time you come along this, but in the end it's either Town of Hempstead's choice to say yes or Charles Wang's choice to say 'peace out.' For the time being nothing will be said of a move, but it'll probably be in the back of all Isles' fans' minds for the rest of the season.
As for actual hockey, well the losses say it all. The games against the Rangers and Bruins were 2-1, and could easily have been won due to the good play of the Isles, but the 3-1 loss against the Devils kind of seemed like a 'meh' loss. I mean it's been a 7 game losing streak I don't think I have to elaborate on that.
There are two games this week before the All-Star break and those are a MLK day matinee against Ovi and the Caps, and Ryan Getzlaf and the Ducks splash onto Coliseum ice (Lame joke I know, I tried.) I'll be attending both games, and I'm not expecting much, but I'm excited to see some of the most dynamic players for the first time in person. I'll take an overtime or a shootout loss, both of those teams can give us a mercy point.
Finally, Chris Campoli has a wonky groin. Everyone has a wonky groin these days. Jack Hillen has been called up from the Bridge. The Islanders are the leaders of man losses due to injury. I know they like to say 'oh, injuries are no excuse,' but I think there comes a time when they can be. Our 3rd goalie has been our starter the last 3 games, our 2nd highest scorer has been injured for a few games now, and only 3 players from the beginning of the season have played every game so far this season. That says a lot. Yes we might suck, but I think we have a legit reason to say we do.
Across the Bridge
The Sound Tigers went 1-3 this weekend, there was a minor trade in which Brett Skinner was shipped off to Atlanta's AHL affiliate and we received Junior Lessard in return.
If you're going to the games this week, or watching at home, try to enjoy them. If you are watching from home at least you'll hear Howie and Billy. Nothing that I enjoy more than actually watching those games, is to listen to those two, what a riot. I think I almost died with the Jon Bon Jovi reference Howie kept throwing out in terms of Ron Duguay and his beautiful hair. Yes he's a Ranger, but I can respect a great head of hair. But I will admit I mostly watch these recent games just to hear what Billy and Howie says. Whoooops.
So enjoy the games. Hopefully there's a lot more of this
Pretty quiet here in Islander world as of this weekend. The boys played on Thursday, the next game isn't until Tuesday, so it has been a weekend of practices gearing for the tilt against those oh-so-lovely New York Rangers. Rick DiPietro, Doug Weight, and Freddy Meyer have been deemed as "unhealthy" for the Ranger game (groins, legs, and knees you suck!), but some good news as Frans Nielsen and Nate Thompson seem rip-roaring and ready to go for Tuesday from their injuries. At least we can take some good out of that. Here's to a good game. And if it sucks at least American Idol is on!
Pretty nifty Mr Streit (NYI.Com)
Oh Mark Streit. Congratulations on making the Eastern All-Star team! A lot of people are talking a whole lot of smack about this choice. Yes, the Islanders are in last place, we know this, but currently he is our top scorer, he is the 2nd top scorer of defensemen in the entire league, and I really think the powers that be really wanted to shove it in Montreal's face. Or just have that storyline out there. Oooh tension. Jon Sim mentioned he might be "the only all-star ever to get booed" when all is said and done at the Bell Center in a few weeks. Whatever, I think the choice is valid and well deserved. More of the selections are more 'wtf' worthy than Streiter if you were asking my honest opinion. Hopefully the lovely people at ITV have some awesome coverage like they had with Ricky last year. Congrats Streiter!
And for some quick hits
Bridgeport lost against Scott Gordon's former team, the Providence Bruins, 4-1 on Friday. Ouch. But coach came to show his support on Saturday, and Bridgeport responded by winning against their Ranger rivals, the Hartford Wolf Pack, 2-1.
Jack Hillen got into a fight
A somewhat disheartened Jack Hillen noted that that was his first fight ever. Ever, period. "Didn't it look like it?" he asked. We weren't going to say anything. But it's one.
I guess it's more productive and linear to blog about a sport and a team every day, but sometimes that doesn't happen. Whatevs.
The boys in orange, blue, and white are about to complete their Western road trip with a game against Jarome Iginla and the Calgary Flames tomorrow. Should be a walk in the park...A recap of the past three games from the road trip
The Phoenix game was a nail biter all the way until the end, but ultimately lost 4-5. Bummah. But we were able to take Doug Weight 's 1,000th and 1,001th career points and Josh Bailey's first NHL goal out of it. I'll take it.
San Jose was to be expected. However, once again, there was a chance to come back. Another loss, 5-3, but with hard work we showed we can show up for a big game against the likes of San Jose. Doug Weight even fought so that was worth watching the game alone.
The Edmonton game was kind of a head scratcher. The refs made some questionable calls, or non-calls, yadda yadda. Gordo/Go-Go/Flash was not amused
I thought he was going to knock the wall behind him down with the way he was rocking.
However, it was truly a pleasure to have Doug Weight in the booth with Jiggs and Jaffe during the Edmonton game. Lots of insight and laughs. He might be well enough to play tomorrow, but if he isn't, I'm sure a lot of fans would love to have Weighter back in the booth for at least a few minutes. It was more entertaining listening than watching those last two periods womp womp.
I sure mentioned Doug Weight a lot.
There has been a lot of talk about dumping the veterans at the trade deadline. A lot of people just think they can get rid of the upcoming UFA's and get great draft picks in return, but I'm more realistic about that. I think the only person worth really any kind of 'value' is Mike Comrie. Mind you the Islanders still need to maintain the salary cap floor, so I really don't see them shipping off everyone for all of these picks, plus I can't really think of a team that would fit any of other teams demands. We'll see by March 4th, but I think slowly we'll begin to see minor trades throughout the league before the top guns get shipped off to their respective rental teams and beyond.
Across the Bridge... Congrats to Mike Iggulden and Andrew MacDonald for making the AHL all-star game for the Sound Tigers. As of today they are the only representatives of the team, which is surprising considering they are 2nd in the East, but there may be a few substitutes because of call ups and such. Iggulden is Bridgeport's highest scorer, so kudos Mike. Maybe he'll make the ferry trip over before the season is over to see what he's got. Around the League... I'm horrible at Rock Band. You should see me trying to play guitar. It's hilarious it would garner a million hits on YouTube and show how pathetic I am. However, my current-favorite-in-contention-team the Boston Bruins showed how good one could be at Rock Band. I think my favorite part is the reaction when Mark Stuart starts singing, and Milan Lucic's 'rock face.' After all these years "Alive" by Pearl Jam is still a solid song.
Who would be the singer of the Isles' Rock Band? I'd put money down on Ricky. Maybe Tim Jackman can carry a tune.
The boys in white begin their 4 game road trip in the wild, wild west today with a trip to Shane Doan and the Phoenix Coyotes. The last time the Isles were in Phoenix was in 2006, which resulted in a loss. The Coyotes will return the favor by coming to Nassau in March with a re-match.
Yann Danis was sent back to Bridgeport, and is staying there for the time being, so Ricky DiPietro is assumed to be set to go. Whether he does the back to back in Phoenix and San Jose is tough to say, but if I had to make a bet, Joey Mac will play tonight with Ricky playing against the San Jose Sharks Saturday night. That should be extremely interesting.
Dougy Doug Weight is one point away from career point 1,000, so maybe that happens tonight. I think everyone was hoping and praying he could do it against the Panthers and the home crowd, but sometimes it doesn't always work out that way.
Check out the blog roll for other Islander news. If something crazy comes up I'll either update or post a new update about it. I'm just testing out different things I'd like to talk about, so we might not see the 'pre-game skate' for every game, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Enjoy the game! If you can stay up that late! (9 PM EST start on MSG +2)
Get Pumped For The Game:
Normally I would put a song, or something Islander related, but since yesterday was the Winter Classic at Wrigley I thought I'd post a recap of the events from yesterday. What a game and what a sight. I know a lot of people would want to see it happen every year, and I would too, so hopefully a lot of people watched to make that wish come true.
I thought if I were to go through with this blog, what better day to do it than New Years Day? Happy New Year party people. Anyone these days can start a blog, so I thought why not? I'll give it a shot. It's not going to be pretty these first few posts. The grammar might not be there, I might not give enough stats for your liking, but we will have a good time.
I am new to the hockey fandom I will be the first to admit it. It's still a learning process, I may not know what offsides is no matter how many times you can tell me, but I am getting there. My first NHL game was two seasons ago, Islanders v. Penguins, and it was a shootout Islanders win. Very exciting stuff. However, the first game when I considered myself a 'fan' was another Penguins v. Isles match up, on Al Arbour night. Another Islander win, a fancy schmancy banner ceremony afterwards, and I was hooked.
So this is where I'll talk about the highs, and the many, many lows, of this New York Islanders squad. I always root for the underdog, so this is nothing new to me rooting for a less than stellar team. However, it is hockey. And it is a beautiful thing. Along with that I will talk about different teams and players I dig from time to time to break up the talk. It'll be fun. Maybe.
