The Pick is in......

The Islanders have selected Josh Bailey in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. I'm sure you know all the details about him. Personally, I was confused watching the draft unfold. I understand the philosophy of stockpiling picks, but when you have two in the second and two in the third already is there really any point in acquiring more? They kept saying they got the guy they wanted and got more picks, all things that dumb people are supposed to believe. This is what would sound good to me: The Islanders select Nikita Filatov fifth overall. And just keep the 4 picks between the second and third round. Since we are all Islander fans it is natural for us to be pessimistic and critical of every move because we have been abused more than Michael Vick's pitbulls, but can we let Josh Bailey put on the jersey before we start to kill the kid?

Anyway lets weigh the differences between Josh Bailey and Nikita Filatov

Nikita Filatov

- Tried out for the role of oompa-loompa in the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Shares a name with a show I never watched on USA called La Femme Nikita
- Shares the same first name as former First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khruschev
- Looks nasty on youtube clips

Josh Bailey
- Shares the same name as a delicious alcoholic Irish beverage, Bailey's Irish Cream
- ......That's it

Edge: Bailey

I would have to disgrace my Irish roots if a picked a Russian over a Canadian that has the same last name as Bailey's Irish Cream.

Offseason edition

I am back after sailing around the globe and experiencing life from many different viewpoints. So here is my question to Islander nation: What do you want the Islanders to do this offseason? Build from the draft? Sign 'big name' free agents? A steady mix of both?

Me personally I'd like to build a franchise that will be successful year after year and which ever way that has to be done (free agents, draft) I am all for it.

FYI according to Greg Logan from Newsday Dubie is as good as gone from the Isles. This is something I had predicted at the end of the season, but I was hoping it wouldn't turn out to be true.

ROUND 3

What a fun round that was to watch. Sadly I didn't pick all the winners, hopefully I will this week.

  

THRID ROUND PREDICTIONS

East:

Penguins Def Flyers     6 games

West

Wings Def Stars            5 games

Round two justification:

East

The Canadians were the better team heading into that series. The Flyers played better, and thanks to the help of Marty Biron, who played just amazing the Flyers won in 5.

West

The Stars keep beating my predictions. The Sharks i thought coming off an emotional series victory against the Flames would have enough steam to take the first 2 games from the Stars. Sticking them in a hole for the rest of the series, it was the other was around. The Wings will win the series, and rather quickly, I assume the stars players are just shot from the last two series and all the overtimes and close games they just played. The Wings are fresh and very talented and experienced though I dont know if Franzen will have 9 more goals though.

Road to the cup: ROUND 2

Im sorry but that picture is just absolutely awesome!


SECOND ROUND PREDICTIONS
East
Montreal Def Flyers 6 games
Penguins Def Rangers 6 games (STRETCH)

West
Wings Def Avalanche 7 games
Sharks Def Stars 5 games

East (Round 2 bold predictions)
Thats right...I picked the penguins over the rangers. Crosby and Malkin are just awesome so far this post season and well, so has Henrik. I'll take the edge for the Penguins who are younger and quicker, with a less goalie (who did well the first round, against a high powered offense) and say that offense this match-up is the way to win.
West (round 2 bold predictions)
the only thing I got here that seems bold is the wings taking the avalanche in 7. I think the wings will win, but when you look at it, Jose T. is playing well this post season and there is so much playoff experience on the avalanche...but look across the ice Osgood and Hasek...and look at all the rest of their team, they have the experience too. Look for it to go to 7 and in the 7th game i predict a 5-1 win for the wings.

East (Round 1 justification)
In all honesty, who thought that caps were going to lose, they were the hottest team in the league, getting in, slating the third spot, that series came down to one goal. I thought that one man, A.O. was going to get it. Flyers edged them out, it was a fun series to watch.
West (Round 1 justification)
Im sorry, but I cant ever count out the last years champs in the first round...in retrospect I would have picked them even if they didnt win last year, I figured the ducks could out duel the stars.

FIRST ROUND PREDICTIONS

East

Canadians def. Bruins 5 games Winner: Canadians in 7

Capitols def. Flyers 6 games Winner: Flyers in 7

Rangers def. Devils 4 games Winner: Rangers in 5

Penguins def. Senators 6 games Winner: Penguins in 4

West

Wings def .Predators 4 games Winner: Wings in 5

Ducks def. Stars 7 games Winner: Stars in 6

Sharks def. Flames 6 games Winner: Sharks in 7

Avalanche def. Wild 6 games Winner: Avalanche in 6

Canadian College Hockey Play of The Year

Rob Hennigar has been signed to the New York Islanders to a 2 year deal. The New York Islanders have already begun reshaping a team for a new season, now mixing veterans like Guiren and Sillinger, and Dman Witt with young players like, Hillen, Hennigar, Okposo, Tambo, Campoli and Comeau, as well as many others.
Rob Hennigar is a center which is something the Islanders need pretty badly, as much as I would like to see Comrie come into his own like he said he would and score 40 and have 70 or more points. That being said I doubt the chance of this happening...
The Following Information has been taken from www.Newyorkislanders.com

Season	Team	Lge	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2000-01	Windsor Spitfires	OHL	43	7	13	20	27
2001-02	Windsor Spitfires	OHL	67	15	32	47	51
2002-03	Windsor Spitfires	OHL	68	29	46	75	56
2003-04	Windsor Spitfires	OHL	68	32	47	79	64
2004-05	U. of New Brunswick	CIS	28	9	26	35	26
2005-06	U. of New Brunswick	CIS	28	9	33	42	32
2006-07	U. of New Brunswick	CIS	25	13	29	42	14
2007-08	U. of New Brunswick	CIS	27	15	43	58	12

Hennigar is 25 years old, and from what you can see from this he has nice hands. In 02-03 and 03-04 he was absolutely amazing. Dont get me wrong I am not arguing with 58 points in 27 games, that is also completely amazing. Maybe this years decline in games by those years by around 40 games means he couldnt get his shot going, but he certainly can pass well.
Okposo-Hennigar-Comeau
Campoli Hillen
Thats a good line...


Well Islander fans, im assuming this is going to be a very eventful off season.

Road to the CUP!

FIRST ROUND PREDICTIONS

East

Canadians def. Bruins   5 games

Capitols def. Flyers       6 games

Rangers def. Devils       4 games

Penguins def. Senators  6 games (this one im not so sure about)

West

Wings def .Predators     4 games

Ducks def. Stars              7 games

Sharks def. Flames         6 games

Avalanche def. Wild       6 games (this one im not so sure about)

Other then the 2 series I have listed, im pretty confident of my other choices. This being the first year of the site and what not lets see how bad I do and my record, im really giving you the winners, the games part was just a bonus, though I dont personally think ill get any of them right. Ill stick with this lets see if I shoul have went to Vegas...My money is on the Sharks if i was there. (These are my views, not Big c's) 

P.s. I hope you like the picture of god...I mean Mike Bossy with the cup.

And The Winner is.....

The Tampa Bay Lightning were just selected as the lottery draft winner. Lecalvier, St. Louis, Stamkos....wow. Absolutely terrifying.

Draft Update and History

Tonight is a very important night for the Isles future, it is the NHL Draft Lottery. It will be televised on VS at 8pm tonight, and we will keep you informed as to who gets what pick. As I have previously written Steve Stamkos is the most talented player in this years draft and is likely to go number one overall. To read more on Stamkos click the tab at the bottom of the post that says Steve Stamkos. He is not the only talented player in this years draft though, many "experts" are saying this is one of the most impressive draft classes in a while. This is good for the Isles because they will select a quality player (hopefully) in the first round, and still pick up a quality player in the second round. As of right now the Isles are penciled into the 5th draft slot, but that could all change depending on who wins the lottery.

NHL Draft Lottery History:
- Only twice since 1995 has a number 5 slot move up to the number one overall pick
- The Islanders were the first team to do it in 2000, they selected Rick Dipietro
- Only four times since 1995 has a number one overall retained their number one overall pick
- The most common draft lottery winner is the third overall pick moving up to the top, this has happened 4 times since 1995.

Notable First Overall Picks (since implementing draft lottery)
- Joe Thornton
- Vincent Lecalvier
- Rick Dipietro
- Ilya Kovalchuk
- Rick Nash
- Alex Ovechkin
- Sidney Crosby

The percent chance the Islanders have of getting the first overall pick: 8.1%

The 2008 NHL Draft date: Friday June 20th (first round)

Last Notes:

Good News:

Mike Bossy will be the Islanders representative.

Bad News:

Mike Milbury will be in the building covering the draft for VS, so something is bound to go wrong for the Islanders.

End of the Season

The season is over, but I witnessed the true end of the season. This came when the Rangers visited the Coliseum, not this past time, but the time before that. The Isles were only a point out of eighth and were a little banged up, but playing very hard. This was the controversial game in which Ted decided to start Dubie over Rick, for his second straight game against the Rangers. The plan backfired and Dubie was shaky in net, although the offense also did not help him. This was a horrible game for numerous reasons, 1) the Isles got smoked by the Rangers and, 2) I wasted a ton of money on a terrible game. The Isles started falling apart after this game, with injuries and just a steady decline in overall play. Can anyone remember how many 40 + shot games there were since after that Ranger game? Here is a simple answer: Too many.

So now that the season is over and the last game has been played and the Isles are not enjoying playoff hockey, what are Islander fans supposed to look forward too? While we have seen a whole young slew of players wear the Isles uniform in the last few weeks, I would not expect to see them all on the team next year. This is because of a couple of reasons, 1) most need more time to fine tune their game in the minors, and 2) there just are not that many open roster spots. You also have to factor in the Isles at least signing a few free agents this offseason to further cut down on roster spots.

Biggest Surprises This Year:
- Josef Vasicek's offense
- Blake Comeau looking very promising
- Richard Park playing very consistent
- Injuries
- Seeing 19 year old Kyle Okposo playing in the NHL
- The invention of the Long Island SoundTiglanders

Biggest Dissapointments:
- Miro Satan's lack of offense
- Dipietro's hip
- Injruies
- Mike Comrie even though he lead the team in points
- Lack of fights
- Islanders not making the playoffs

So my fellow Islander fans, it has been a fun season, but a season that ended in disappointment again. The future looks bright and I'm excited to see this team grow, as should all of you. Goodbye 07-08 season.......

Why Did This Not Happen Sooner?

Jack Hillen is now a New York Islander. We signed him the other night before the Devils game. Frankly I want to know why this did not happen sooner. I think it was because Colorado College which is where Hillen was before this signing was in the Final 5 of the NCAA Tourny. (read 'final 5' from an interview with Hillen on the Isles website) That does not say why he waited to sign, it just said that his team was in there. Assuming they got knocked out, he looked for a contract. This was his last year, he went un-drafted which would be a great story for him and the Islanders if he becomes a top line Dman. I can hear it now...10 years, 7 time all star....Howie Rose "Which Islander on the team now, went un-drafted in college, and was signed with 3 games left in the regular season" Jack Hillen...Heres some good trivia...I don't know about other sports, but i know hockey players I guess the good ones keep in touch with each other. I guess because in America its rare to find other players, I understand its not hard when your in the system, but its still always good to know someone. Hillen called new Islander Kyle Okposo to see how the Island was. Okposo had nothing but good things to say about everything, the staff, the towns, the players, the fans...Thank you Kyle, for 2 reasons, playing here and getting us other great players to play here. In 2007-2008 his standout year, he had 37 points (6 goals, 31 assists) in 41 games. I hope he is an offensive catalyst, now that we lost Bergeron, we might have another great power play QB. How sweet is the fact that he gets to play 2 big games against the Rangers and then has an off season to learn about the bigs, and to meet his team. He wont be the newest Islander I bet by the start of next season, hopefully he will be comfortable by now. Its a 2 year contract for the 22 year old, and im pretty sure these next 2 games dont count. Hopefully hes good and he sticks around.

My Experience at the Islander Game

Alright, so I get to the Coliseum around 6:50 and get a decent parking spot. My buddy got these print out ticketmaster tickets from his boss which looked ridiculously fake. We get frisked (which still makes me feel dirty) and are waiting on line to get into the Coliseum. I take out the piece of paper and the lady tries to scan the bar code and the scanner starts beeping, she does it again, and again, and does not say anything than, "already used." How am I supposed to know what that means? After a few seconds of awkward standing around she tells us to go to the box office.

We get to the box office and the dude working the window looks at me and my friend like were speaking Japanese. Ten minutes later he actually got out of his chair to try and solve this problem. So there we are me and my friend standing at this now empty window, with a line building up behind us. During the 7 minutes it took the box office guy to figure out the problem two different people approached us, one trying to sell us tickets, and the other trying to give us tickets, but only one.....what good would that do guy?

The ticket man comes back and is talking to my friend, I couldn't hear a word he was saying, but apparently our tickets were indeed fake. Here is the funny part, they still let us in. We go to a different scanner person and are let in on the first try. We get to our section and give the tickets to the usher and he says, "There's someone sitting in your seats" he takes our ticket walks down to the people and asks to see there ticket, they were identical. He tells us to just sit next to them, awkward, but we got into the game with fake Islander tickets so whatever.

As for the game, what a snoozer. There was a time in the game when the Devils were on the powerplay in the first period and Joey Mac made about 300 saves in 5 seconds. He looked really good, even the Devil fan next to me was praising Joey Mac. There were no fights, which really upset me especially after seeing Kip Brennan in person because he is HUGE. I thought he was going to drop the gloves with Colin White at one point, but it didn't happen.

Game Highlight:
- Me receiving a text message that Pedro Martinez was injured, I was devastated.

One game left in the Coliseum this season. I can guarantee you one thing, I won't be there. My record at Islander games this year is 0-3....ugh. I know what you may be thinking, "Only three games what kind of Islander fan are you?" I'm a college student, I'm broke, get off my nuts.

There Will be Blood

The Devils Jersey's will not be the only red you see tonight. I have a feeling there will be many fights and hard hits. Basically the whole entire Bridgeport team got called up for this one. Two names I guarantee (yes guarantee) will drop the gloves are Kip Brennan and Drew Fata. Another guy to keep an eye on will jacked-man Tim Jackman, who also got called back up. The only thing I am not looking forward to watching though is Joey Macdonald in net, although he has been known to drop the glove and blocker and throw some punches, with already taking part in four fights this season for Bridgeport. To see a clip of Joey Mac fighting click here.

I am particularly interested in this game because I will actually be going to the game, do not worry though I did not pay for the tickets. I will do my very best to get the, "weareallislanders.blogspot.com" chant going, but it never seems to catch on. This is probably why I am hoping there will be a ton of fights, because the Devils are probably going to run over the Islanders. This has not happened all season, but with more than half of the team consisting of Bridgeport players, I think the Isles luck against the Devils might be running thin tonight.

In other news Anthony temporarily shut down the site and said the only way I could get it back up and running was if I walked to Brooklyn and got him a piece of cheesecake. This is what I have been doing since Friday.

If you see me at the game tonight feel free to say hello. I'm approximately 6'2 with no body fat, a chiseled 6 pack, perfectly pearly whites, long flowing brown hair, and Carribean Ocean blue eyes. At least that is how I would describe myself to a blind person.

In this marathon...We should have sprinted some of it

Well folks, its the last 3 games of the season, and I am sad to see it end. As much as the Islanders beat the "experts" and did not end up last overall, they still disappointed their fans. After a Cinderella story ending to last season, and getting knocked out of the playoffs on some (bad officiating) calls. It seemed like they had something to prove, like how they were picked to be last, last year as well. So we got 3 games, and its for the Metro Ice Challenge Devils, Rangers, Rangers.
I hope you enjoy my picture, it is obviously golf, which is what the Islanders will be doing this time next week.
The future looks bright for us, I LOVE our "kids". Its funny, our "kid lines" who are labeled immature and undeveloped, looked stronger then our veterans. They had more drive and skill then the veterans.
DRAFT!
1. Kings
2. Lightning
3. Thrashers
4. Blues
5. Islanders

Tonight the Islanders play the Devils. My prediction, 3-1 Islanders, Okposo 1st star with a goal and an assist.

An analogy

Me cheering for the Rangers; Not going to happen

Miroslav Satan fighting; Should not happen

...It looked more like dancing with the Russian's last night. Good to see a veteran player actually show some emotion when the season is dwindling down and the team is not making the playoffs. You have earned my respect Miro, now learn how to throw some punches instead of man dancing...

So Many Moves

Heading to Bridgeport:
- Matthew Spiller
- Tim Jackman
- Joey Macdonald
- Jeremy Colliton
- Steve Regier

Heading to the Island:
- Mike Mole

...Who? He is the goalie for the ECHL Utah affiliate...

Heading back to the Island:
- Jeremy Colliton
- Steve Regier
- Matthew Spiller

...3 straight against the Penguins for these guys, ouch...

Comrie is expected to be back in for the Islanders tonight, and Crosby is expected to be back for the Penguins. Advantage: Pittsburgh

...3 straight games against the Penguins obviously calls for a picture from Happy Feet. I was convinced Morgan Freeman was in this movie narrating for the longest time, but I think that is just my obsession with Morgan Freeman and how his voice would sound fantastic when it is paired with dancing Penguins...

What to expect in the the future

In reference to this website: Big C and I, will obviously be giving you draft information about this years draft. But we will look deeper into this. Were going to give you who we select in each round, and when and if they sign we will inform you on that. Also we will go into the past drafts and give you info on those players, who we didnt pick people who fell into the draft and turned into gems. Look into trades we have made and where our players our now. Jokinen, last years Oilers trade as well as others. A look into how our players did this season, the young ones, the future of the Islanders, the chances they have of starting for us next season. Departures, Signings, Trades, Rumors. Expect the site to be updated daily just because the season is over does not mean the press wont be flowing. Continue to check us out in the off season we will be here, updating.

More on Kyle Beach

In my previous post I mentioned Kyle Beach as being a potential draft candidate for the Islanders. I have gotten a little more information on him since then, he is 18 years old, is a righty, and the picture I have of him, is not him, my bad. For a look at Kyle take a look at this youtube video.

...Also sick song in the video, gotta love a little Prodigy...

The Race for Stamkos

If you do not know who Steve Stamkos is, the team you probably cheer for is good. Thankfully, I am an Islander fan and although it seems like for the greater part of my life I have suffered the pain of being an Islander fan, this will just make winning that much sweeter. So since the organization is looking toward the future, I figure me as a blogger (still sounds funny) should do the same. Where's the future? Some of it is on the ice for the New York Islanders right now, some of it is playing for other NHL teams, and some of it has yet to even step on the ice for an NHL team. What am I talking about? The NHL Draft.

As of right now everyone, yes everyone, is starting to paint the picture of Steve Stamkos being drafted 1st overall. The Kings and Lightning are tied for the worst record in the league right now, both with 66 points. The Kings have played one more game, so technically they are in the lead for the running for Stamkos. The Islanders are penciled into the 5th slot right now. According to mynhldraft.com's Mock Draft, the Islanders will be selecting Kyle Beach. Who is this Kyle Beach? He is a 6'3 202 pound center, who is averaging a point per game for the Everett Silvertips. Another interesting stat of his is his 222 PIM's in 60 games, that is impressive. No idea on his age, but from the basic overview it sounds like he would be a great addition to the Islanders team. He would add size, playmaking ability, and scoring potential to an already young Islander team.

Okposo....no other words necessary

O.K. we are a little late on putting up the, "Okposo for president" posts because me and Anthony have been too busy celebrating the fantastic start to Okposo's career. Right now the rising star is averaging a point a game (I know its only been two games). I'll have to admit after watching the first game I was kind of hesitant in anointing him Saint Kyle. He didn't look aggressive or hungry for the puck the whole entire game. Also he wasn't throwing any checks which he should be doing especially with his size. I was curious to see how he would play in his second game, especially because it was against the Devils. He came out skating hard and looking to hit people even though his timing was a little off in the beginning, I still liked him looking to hit people. Another thing he did differently against the Devils was he was getting into spots where people could get him the puck or, places where he could distribute the puck to his teammates. He also handles the puck very nicely he isn't stiff on the puck, everything just looks smooth. Then the shot he ripped past Marty was the icing on the cake for a stellar performance for the 19 year old stud. Yeah, I said stud. I did not want to pop the champagne bottles for Okposo coming to the Islanders before I saw him play, but now that I saw him play I would be shocked if he is not a main part of the Islanders for the next 10 years. Welcome Kyle.

Isles Battle Devils

Wade Dubielewicz 6-7-0 2.01 GAA VS. Martin Brodeur 40-22-6 2.13 GAA (#2 in wins)


I love when the Islanders play the Devils. After last seasons last game anything can happen. There are 8 games left in the season and we are 11 points behind the Flyers who are the 8th seed. Personally I dont think it can happen again like it did last year. All of our games left are against the Atlantic, and they are all in the playoffs, so 8 consecutive division rival games left with all the teams in the playoffs? Thats a tough one. I wish I had lines for you to judge, but we dont have that information today. I only want to know to see what youngsters we got playing. During the off season we are going to take a look at just how good our youngsters were
Tambo - Neilson - Collition - Okposo - Spiller - Fata - Reiger - Comeau - Jackman - Bergie - Walter - And others that played this year for us. That should be fun so keep checking back when the seasons over.
I dont want to spoil anything but Big C has a good post coming up about this years draft and more free agent chatter, so stay tuned to that as well.
I got a good one on Dubie tomorrow so pay attention these next few weeks should be pretty solid.

Rickey Shut Down

Rick Dipietro has been shut down for the rest of the season. He will be undergoing hip surgery Wednesday.
Wade of coarse will be getting the nod from now on.

Another possible run?

Okposo's Here

Well everyone, we saw a great night of hockey if you only watches the first 2 periods. Which if any of you care to know I did. First off Rob Davison...what a goal, your telling me this guy only scores once a season? I have to tell you I couldnt stop laughing, an as soon as it started taking crazy hops around the red line I had already called Big C to hear his reaction. Sadly he picked up mid-laugh and we laughed for like 3 minutes.
Kyle Okposo - I thought he did very well in this game. He looked like a pro out there, he claims he had jitters on his first shift and starting feeling more and more relaxed. Did you see that first shot, what a snap that kids got, almost...ALMOST got through, used a Dman to get a screen. I didnt watch the third period so I cant really comment on it.
Dubie - Played well too, in the first 2 periods stopping all the shots he saw, but breakdowns in the D-Zone left him out to dry. I like him in net, im sure it would have been 4-1 if Rick played. He obviously was playing hurt and not playing to his potential as of the last month or so (month worth of games)

Ricky's Hip

Dipietro is out again. And if you read the title of this post you probably know why. Rick is getting an MRI on the hip that has been bothering him since the all star game. Any good players that are supposed to be in the upcoming draft?

....This concerns me. A long contract for a goalie who currently is 26 and is having hip problems, ugh. I can't say this for sure because I am too lazy to research right now, but I believe Rick had hip surgery last offseason. And hip problems now, my grandma hasn't even had this many hip problems. Is he dependable for the next few years? Do you trust Ricky's fragile hips? I most certainly do not....

Pick Up

We here at Weareallislanders.blogspot.com appreciate all the posting that you do here on the website. Big C and I are working on gaining more traffic for you, our fans, and for ourselves, we have actively emailed the New York Islanders to try and gain entry on to the 'Blog Box' Section. But we have yet to hear back from them. I feel thats a bit insulting. We could be on SBnation but we need more traffic, so im calling for you to tell all your friends and family members to alert Islanders fans about this site. I just emailed SNY to see if they would give us a look, and im hoping the outcome is better then the Islanders. SNY currently has affiliations with Metsblog.com so hopefully we can get some help too.

There is actually a reason to tune into Tuesday's game!

Because Kyle Okposo is making his NHL debut, also tickets are half price.

Call me Nastradaums

It seems the rest of the media world has caught on to what me and Anthony have been saying for weeks, the chance of Kyle Okposo coming up to play for the Islanders. According to Newsday's Greg Logan, this could happen as soon as Tuesday against the Maple Leafs.

....Hey Kyle, welcome Long Island is soon to be your new home, learn it, love it, enjoy. Logan has the inside edge with the Isles and has some good quotes from Nolan on the chance of Okposo coming up I suggest you read it. It is kind of crazy thinking that a kid the same age as me is soon going to be playing for the Islanders, freaky. I've never actually seen him play but there is this mystique about him because he is Kyle Okposo, or as I like to call him the golden child. I'm interested to see how he does at the NHL level given he has had success at the collegiate level and his brief stint with the Sound Tigers this season. Plus I'm sure he is lonely in Tambellini's house in Connecticut all by himself....

Meet Me at the Lighthouse

Tom Suozzi for president.

Today Suozzi has given the green light on the Lighthouse project, he states that he wants to see it through by the end of his time in office. He states that the NEW YORK ISLANDERS are a premier attraction and one of the biggest things on Long Island... comparing it to Jones Beach.

I can not wait until this project is complete, its going to be the biggest, malls, ice skating, Islanders, food, bars, Hockey Stores.  

Offseason Look: Phase One

After last night's disappointing loss, I would like to take a moment to look into this upcoming offseason and predictions for re-signings. Here's a list of players currently on the Islanders roster that are unrestricted free agents:

Bryan Berard
Rob Davison
Wade Dubielewicz
Ruslan Fedotenko
Freddy Meyer
Miroslav Satan
Joe Vasicek

....my predictions for these players....

Bryan Berard is as good as gone. To me I do not see the point in re-signing Berard, he has not played well this season and he is not young. The comeback was a good story, but time to move on Bryan. PEACE!

Rob Davison is definitely going to be re-signed. The Islanders made the move at the deadline cause there is something they like about him. They are not going to just give up a draft pick for a guy who is going to play half a season (I know, Ryan Smyth). Plus I think Davison will thrive considering he is actually getting a chance to consistently play on Long Island, because he was not getting as much playing time with San Jose.

Wade Dubielewicz is gone. I know Islander fans are thinking, "NO WAY" but there is a team in the NHL that will give Dubie a chance to play consistently or at least split time. He has proven to be a solid NHL goalie despite his size. I think the Isles will want him back but will not be willing to pay the price Dubie wants.

Ruslan Fedotenko should have been traded at the deadline, and will not be on the team next season. Tenk played good for a month and a half this season, but for most of the season he just looked lost on the ice.

Freddy Meyer will be re-signed. I think the Islanders realized they made a mistake when Freddy got put on waivers by Phoenix, and jumped at the opportunity to bring him back. He has played solid all season and deserves a new deal to stay with the team.

Miroslav Satan will most likely be re-signed. He has a house on the Island and will probably sign for a "hometown discount". If I were the Islanders I would not be throwing money at Miro because I think he has maybe one more good year in him.

Joe Vasicek will be re-signed. Ted Nolan appreciates hard work, and Vasicek was all about hard work all season. I think Vasicek and Hunter were the under the radar offensive spark plugs for the team this year, plus he flourished in Ted's gameplan so he is going to want to stay.

Conclusion

Bryan Berard - Gone

Rob Davison - Staying

Wade Dubielewicz - Gone

Ruslan Fedotenko - Gone

Freddy Meyer - Staying

Miroslav Satan - Staying

Joe Vasicek - Staying

.....In the next couple of days I'll break down the predictions for the minor league unrestricted free agents.....

Im suffering a Mind Freak

Alright folks so I joked in an earlier post that the Islanders should be called the "Long Island Sound Tiglanders" and seriously they should be.

Here's tonights lines:

Bergenheim - Vasicek - Hunter
Comeau - Comrie - Jackman
Regier - Walter - Satan
Tambellini - Park - Guerin

Davison - Martinek
Spiller - Meyer
Berard - Johnson

Now since I'm a nerd were going to break this down a little. Only 9 of these players played in the Islanders first game, that is half. 6 of these 18 players have played for Bridgeport this season. To me this is crazy, it is a complete overhaul from game number one this season until now. I think this is great though it gives the young players a chance to play in the NHL and gives them incentive to do good in the minors cause they'll get rewarded, even if it is because of a bunch of weird injuries. I haven't seen much of the young kids play, so this should be a great chance for them to show everyone what they have and what they can offer the team. And maybe there can finally be a fight the Islanders can win cause Spiller can throw bombs.

Lets Go Long Island Sound Tiglanders!!!

Injury Tally

9!

Let me list them for you:

My favorite Islander who never plays: Shawn Bates (Hip surgery)
Anthony thinks he is Italian but he is from Canada: Chris Campoli (Shoulder surgery)
I would like to have a beer with: Bruno Gervais (Concussion)
I never liked this dude but I respect his hustle: Andy Hilbert (Ankle)
Coolest first name on the Islanders: Frans Nielsen (Shoulder)
THE EAGLE: Mike Sillinger (Hip surgery)
This guy played a total of like 5 games with the Isles: Jon Sim (Reconstructive knee surgery)
Big scary man that does not particularly enjoy gardening: Andy Sutton (Partially torn hamstring)

Theres nine....BUT....Let's go over more injuries/illnesses currently hurting the Islanders
Joe Vasicek: Flu
Brendan Witt: I'm in pain watching him try and skate
Ruslan Fedotenko: Left Tuesday night's game with a leg injury
Rick Dipietro: No real injury, he is just hurting the rest of his team with his garbage play


So I'm proposing the name of the team be changed tonight to: The Long Island Sound Tiglanders

....Photo Credit: Donato Boccia....We've been waiting for Satan to do something good, unfortunately this hasn't happened. But I believe this post and the picture go well together....

Down and Out

There was no post-game yesterday mainly because we were both throwing up in our own bathrooms. Thankfully I had something else to be angry about that distracted me from hating the Islanders (my psychology midterm). You can start buying flowers for the funeral of this season of the Islanders folks, and I can say that with a guarantee. If the Islanders do manage to make the playoffs I will run naked through the streets. Do not worry though, I doubt either of those will be happening. The thing that bothered me the most about last nights game was Dipietro playing with his head up his ass. What was he thinking? I don't even think he knows. This 15 year commitment is starting to worry me. I know maybe I am overreacting a little because last night was just ugly, but those were rookie mistakes last night and DP is no longer a rookie. He is supposed to be an "elite" goalie in the NHL, and last night he would have given up 6 goals to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Last year when we needed Dubie to step up and play solid in net for the playoff run he did just that, and this year when the spotlight was on DP he choked. That is as simple as I can put it.

Islanders visit Tampa

Rick Dipietro 26-25-7 2.72 GAA Vs. Mike Smith 13-14-0 2.59 GAA

The website is running a bit slow today, so ill make this short. The Islanders need to win this game, or it will look even dimmer as the season burns down. The Islanders are winning the series between the 2 teams. 3 wins, none lost, 1 win was in OT. We face Mike Smith someone we dont usually see on the other side of the rink. After the deadline Holmqvist is gone so, hopefully we can still beat this guy. New York is in need of a win and ill show you why.
7. Boston 80 Pts
8. Flyers 78 Pts
----------------
9. Buffalo 75 Pts
10. Washington 72 Pts
11. Florida 72 Pts
12. New York 71 Pts

7 points out of the playoffs...

LETS GO ISLANDERS!

Hockey and Baseball Together as One?

Ah yes my friends, this is what is circulating through the media on this fine March afternoon. From local newspapers to local talk radio I have been hearing about it and reading about it all day. A outdoor hockey game in New York would be fantastic, and I know there was a game in Buffalo, which is in New York, but it is not New York. I hope you all understand me when I say that. Where would this game be taking place? The palace of baseball, Yankees Stadium. Although I am a die hard Met fan, I'm not ignorant and I understand that the ground at Yankee Stadium is historic, full of baseball legends blood and sweat, it is baseball heaven on earth (By the way I hate the Yankees). So what two teams would have the honor of playing the last sporting event in Yankee Stadium history? The logical thought would be the Islanders and the Rangers (At least in my mind), but it does not seem like this will be the case. Who gets pushed out of the game from those 2 teams? Who else but the New York Islanders. Now I have no proof of the Islanders definitely being out of the running to play at Yankee stadium, but if I was running the NHL limiting the outdoor Yankee Stadium game to two New York teams would not make sense for trying to promote the game nationally and internationally. The rivalry between the two teams is great, but everyone west of New Jersey would probably have a problem naming 5 people on the Islanders. The Rangers are a more marketable team, which probably explains why they are always featured on NBC for Sunday hockey games. It hurts to say this as an Islander fan, but this is just what is the best situation for the NHL. To see the Islanders and the Rangers beat the crap out of each other in centerfield at Yankee Stadium would be a dream come true if it happened. Maybe the NHL will forget about marketing and appealing to different markets and all that business stuff, and will just let hockey fans watch good hockey, who cares if it is two New York teams?

2008-09 Looking Better Already

Jesse Joensuu has signed a 3 year NHL entry level contract with the New York Islanders. The contract takes effect next season. This season Jesse has had a great season, his best yet. He was the 2006 second round pick he was the 60th overall pick in the draft. The first overall pick was none other then (my personal favorite) Kyle Okposo. Who signed a contract earlier this season, after leaving college and joining the Sound Tigers after the World Jr. Classic. But anyway, back to Jesse, this season he led his team in goals, assists and obviously points, with 17 goals 18 assists and 35 total points in 56 games. Do you expect this young talent to be up next season. Personally I think it may take a little, he wont start the season with the team, he will start in Bridgeport. We have a load of young talent, now that Mike Milbury is gone we can actually say we have a good farm system. Garth even said that we were not going to deal prospects for 1 person who will be on the team for less then half a season. I figure if Smyth would have stayed with the team, our season would have been much different, and we may have parted ways again trying to obtain another big name at the deadline. Smyth left and thank god, because we now have a strong farm system. With players like Joensuu, Okposo, Trevor Smith (who just won Theahl.com award for rookie of the month). We also have players that are on the team and could more then likely turn into all-stars. Tambo, Comeau, Neilson, and Collition. I am excited about the future of the Islanders. Considering I have basically counted this one out, and the only thing I look to this season is to see if K.O. comes up, man hes going to be so good. Sure during the off season there might be some loses, but also the way Garth runs the show I expect a productive one. Maybe a big signing, no big trades, but I feel we may encounter 2 or so great talents in hockey this off season. Next years lines could be something like...

Guren Comrie Park

Comeu Tambo Neilson

Colliton Okposo Satan

Hunter Vasicek Tenk 

Hilbert

Witt Martinek

Sutton Campoli

Davison Gervais

Thats with no signings, just imagine who we could pick up with so many young players and a great amount of room on the cap. 

Standing Eye to Eye with the New York Islanders

Hello fellow Islander fans,

This seems a sad post as much as many have dwelled over the last few weeks. Big C and I have discussed the current Islander season. Basically we came up with this...after a bitter loss against the Flyers, the playoffs are seemingly out of reach. 12 games remain and the schedule does not ease up. The Islanders need to win at least 9 of the 12 games, and teams ahead of us need to go around .500 or below that. Hey, anything is possible, just remember last year.

Okposo - It is been told to me that after playing his 10th NHL game, Kyle Okposo's contract will take affect and double his current salary. When it is kicked in, Kyle is set to make $850,000 for 3 seasons. With another $850,000 in incentives, which will once again double his salary. Personally I believe he will be a great hockey player. I am excited and now that the 9 games he will most likely be up for are almost upon us. Kyle currently has 22 points (8 goals and 14 assists) in 26 games.

Rick Dipietro 26-24-7 2.70 GAA Vs. Martin Biron 24-17-6 2.60 GAA

The Islanders have only won 1 match-up this year against the Flyers, and lost 4. These next 13 games need to be played like a movie in order for the Islanders to get into the playoffs. I would say they would need to win 9 or more of those games which will come hard. Rick Dipietro is returning tonight after missing the last 3 games. I would like to applaud Wade Dubielewicz for doing a great job in net while he was gone. I Know he went 1-2 but 1 goal against 30 shots against the Panthers, then getting the call minutes before the Rangers game in MSG and pulled a win out with 3 goals scored on him, and stopping several shots in a 6 round shootout. That itself is a compliment, and playing the Rangers again at home, still looked good giving up another 3 goals, but the Islander offense didnt help him that time. The Islanders have 2 more slates against these pesky Flyers. They are currently on a four game road trip playing the Flyers, Lightning, Panthers, and Canadians. That is a tough schedule, If Vokun plays the Islanders should have some trouble in Florida. We seem to have Tampa's number this season, and Montreal...in Montreal, enough said.
I would look to notice more the the "kid" line this game, they seem to be getting better and better with every game. They play with such great chemistry and heart, I love that about young players, they play like they can lose their job, which they can.

Injury Updates:
Witt - Listed as Probable
Gervais - Day to day still after his concussion
Sutton - Could rejoin team in Montreal
Neilson - Day to day

Confessions of a displeased Islander Fan

...This is supposed to be a post game, but Me and Anthony and on of our buddies went to the Isle game tonight. So I figured instead of writing about the awful game we all watched, I would write about the experience of us getting to the Islander game. Here we go; We didn't have any tickets, but from previous experiences (buying tickets in the back of a grocery store in Boston to go to a Bosox game) we knew buying them from a scalper would be a piece of cake. We pay the 7 dollars for parking and park in my secret parking spot so we could cut the line on the way out (sorry fellow Islander fans). Next we start walking towards the Coliseum and surprisingly did not get offered tickets from scalpers in the parking lot. Isn't it funny how all the scalpers need tickets? Then when you give them that look they switch to say "selling tickets" it always cracks me up cause I have never seen anyone who actually is hanging out looking to buy tickets with a sign that says need tickets. Anyway, we approach this guy, who my friend thought was a lady, and question him about his tickets and he says, "80 each for them" I say, "I'll give you 40 for each" (I didn't hear him say the initial offer for 80 hahaha). Then he shows me the tickets which have a face value of 60 and says, "67 for each" what a weird number 67, anyway we agree then he says "200 for them combined" a nice little dollar discount, SWEET. We then hurry on line to make sure they weren't fake and surprisingly got in no problem. We get to our seats and they are 6 rows up in the upper bowl right behind the net the Isles shoot on twice. I thought we had made a good deal, then the game started and a minute and a half in the Rangers score, ugh. And of course like every Islander/Ranger game I go to we were surrounded by Ranger fans, like everywhere I looked Ranger fans. Them and their annoying chants which do not even flow nicely, and the Potvin chants, please Ranger fans use your brains and come up with some new stuff, something to make me laugh. I tried to start the weareallislanders.blogspot.com chant, but it didn't catch on, DARN! Anyway we all know what happened throughout the game, the Isles powerplay stunk again. I also realized that other Islander fans, much like myself, get frustrated quickly with the Islanders playing crappy. I thought the guy next to me was going to either cry or kill himself, and I felt his pain. So me Anthony and our friend stayed for the whole thing and when the Rangers scored the empty neater, a shitfaced Ranger fan falls 5 rows, beer in hand, into the seat next to me. I looked over very confused, there was beer all over this man, but there was a full beer in his hand, also it was one of the worst falls I have ever seen, smashing knees on the tops of chairs and a face plant into the metal backing of the last one. Ah Ranger fans, classy I must say. Then since he was so shitfaced he had to get pulled up, fantastic, I wish I was under the influence so I could have had a good time at least razzing the obnoxious Ranger fans, but it is alright because the Rangers suck? Yes they do. Anyway that was the experience, oh and I wouldn't let any Ranger fans cross in front of my car on the way out cause I have anger problems. Have a good evening folks....

Islanders Host Rangers

Wade Dubielewics 6-5-0 2.98 GAA
Rick Dipietro 26-24-7 2.70 GAA
VS.
Henrik Lundqvist 29-21-7 2.37 GAA


It is unclear which Islander goalie will start tonight. It has been said that Ted Nolan rewards hard work and good production, just look at the "kid" line and the current state of the power play. Players who are hot, get the call. With this being said, is there anyone hotter then Wade Dubielewicz? 60 shots 4 goals in the last 2 games, easily could have been 2 wins, but he lost a 1-0 fight against the Panthers. Though he won the important game against the Rangers. Rick was gone because the loss of his grandmother. Hes back now though, and practiced yesterday, Ted said he would see how Rick felt in the morning and call it from there. There is NO doubt in my mind that Rick is playing, he will absolutely be in the game tonight, thats who he is, a player who wants to go out everyday and help his team.
I love that the Islanders won, I hate (along with Big C) hearing all the Ranger fans talk about "King Henrik" and how hes better then Rick. Yeah thats true cough all star game cough.
Henrik has faced less shots and gave up less goals. 200 less shots, 20 less goals...roughly. Some how the Islanders keep pulling wins out against the Rangers. Tonight is a big game and basically can be said about the rest of the season. We have alot of games within the Atlantic, Penguins, Flyers, Devils, and Rangers all have games slated against us.