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.

Random Things

Well, today is Wednesday, the Isles beat the Rangers yesterday in the shootout and they play the Rangers again tomorrow at the Coliseum. No updates on injuries except I believe DP will be back for tomorrow's game, and Bruno is now skating, but I don't think that means he is playing. So since there is not much other Islander news and I already informed you all of my hatred for the Rangers, I'm going to be bouncing all over the place throughout this post, it'll be fun.

First Topic: Isles, The Standings and taking a look at how to get into the playoffs

As of right now the Isles are sitting in 10th, 3 points behind the Flyers who are currently in 8th. But, the Isles have played one more game than the Flyers. The Isles have 14 games left, 10 of those 14 games are against teams that are currently in the playoffs. So getting in is not going to be easy. My opinion is that the Islanders are going to have to get points in 10 of those games, preferably 8 wins and 2 overtime/shootout loses. That would give the Isles 89 points and a real good shot to get into the playoffs and hopefully play the Devils first round because the Isles are owning them this season. The Flyers have 7 of their last 15 games against teams that are currently in the playoffs, and the Sabres (currently in 9th with 73 points) have 6 of their last 15 games against teams that are currently in the playoffs. Say a prayer for the Islanders.

Steve Webb

Steve Webb was awesome. Do I really have to say anything else?

Check out this Steve Webb Tribute

My TV

I finally hooked the HD box up to the TV (no thanks to Cablevision!!) and the hockey games look amazing, watching the Isles whip the Rangers last night looked even sweeter, although I had to watch the MSG HD channel with the Rangers bad announcers.

Billy Jaffe

The Jafster (as I refer to him as) is great, very insightful and always sounds like he is actually excited about doing his job, it really adds a great element to watching the game. Of course I love Howie Rose cause I am also a die hard Mets fan, but I was worried when Jaffe started working the Isles games with him. It took me a while to get used to him but he really does a fantastic job. He also works for VS. which I found out while I was watching the Caps' own the Bruins the other night, it was ugly, but Jaffe was stunning.



I'm going to ask a question

Which young Islander are you most excited about? Who do you think will have the most successful career in the NHL? Who do you think will be out of the league the fastest? Who has the most All-Star potential? Ponder over those questions and leave your answers in the comment section, I'm curious to see what my fellow Islander fans think.

Doobie Burns Rangers

Wade Dubielewicz has done it again! Impresses all of us every single time he has an on night. And tonight to no avail as well as Sunday, he played amazing! He stopped 27 of 30 shots, and he had a lot of help from the pipes as well. (so did Henrik) Wade played brilliant, shutting down the rangers attempt after attempt.
The Islanders came out looking like a pee wee hockey team against the Rangers. After being tossed around, Ted Nolan, thought it would be a good idea to throw in the "kid line" which should be renamed to the "Future all-star line" Jeremy Collition had a great look after poking the puck away from a ranger dman and had a nice breakaway attempt but a sharp Henrik block it. This was most obviously the turning point in the first period. After this the Islanders started playing like an NHL team. The scoring started at the end of the first, when "kid" or "Future All- Star" Blake Comeau centered a pass for an incoming Mike Comrie but the puck never got to him it hit off of Michal Rozsival and went in between the legs of Henrik Lundqvist. 1-0. On the first power play of the game, and the first power play shot of the game, Nigel Dawes wristed a shot by Doobie, Dawes was wide open in front of the net Scott Gomez and Fedor Tyutin did some nice hard work and some nicer passing and managed to get the assists on the play. 1-1 Minutes later Sean Bergenheim took a beautiful wrist shot from a little bit in side the blue line, and rung up Lundqvist. Miro Satan and Bryan Berard got the assists. 2-1 and only minutes from that thing of beauty Trent Hunter must have said to himself, hey im on the most productive line on the Islanders, I know! ill get my two line mates and we can score. Good thinking. Trent Hunter got off a wrist shot and scored the third goal for the Islanders...oh with help from Ruslan Fedotenko and Josef Vasicek. 3-1 Chris Drury thought this was uncool, and slapped the puck right by Doobie who made a good effort on the play but hey the guy cant stop everything. Straka and Rozival (who, if your counting already has a goal...FOR THE ISLANDERS!) got assists. 3-2 Power play New York Islanders, so that means trouble, of coarse why cant it end so nicely, a loose puck picked up by Daniel Girardi who fed it to Scott Gomez who then fed it to Ryan Callahan who was able to get by The Islanders but was still contested by Tenk on his back slid a backhander by a diving Doobie. 3-3
Drama anyone? Overtime!
The Islanders held on with the skin of their teeth only getting 2 shots off compared to the 4 the Rangers got, and the Rangers shots looked good. Not even counting as a shot Shanahan Ringed it of the post and almost won the game. Another shot took the stick right out of Doobies hands...it was an intense 5 minutes none the less. No Goals.
Shootout: HELLO DOOBIE!
1. Shanahan: Wrist. Doobie: Save
1. Park: Wrist. Lundqvist: Save
2. Dawes Wrist...Goal
2. Guerin Wrist...Goal
1-1
3. Gomez: Wrist. Doobie: Save
3. Hunter: Wrist. Lundqvist: save
4. Dubinsky: Wrist...Wide of net
4. Satan: Wrist Lundqvist: Save
5. Rozival: Wrist Doobie: Save
5. Comrie: Wrist Lundqvist: Save
6. Straka: Wrist...Over Net
6. Tambellini: Wrist...GOAL! Game Winner!
2-1

3 Stars:
1. Wade Dubielewicz - 27 saves.
2. Jeff Tambellini - Game winning shoot out goal.
3. Bryan Berard - 1 assist +2 on the ice.

Stat of the night:
Wade Dubielewicz in the last two games has given up 4 goals in 60 shots.

I Hate the Rangers

....I absolutely despise the Rangers, seeing the jerseys and the Ranger fans around the Coliseum with their spaghetti stained old Messier jerseys makes my blood boil. They are everything that is wrong with hockey, spending all this money frivolously on free agents and always being the "experts" pick to be one of the best teams in the east before the season starts. Oh, by the way the "experts" always pick the Isles to finish last not in the east, in the whole entire league, every year. I hate watching Sean Avery make an ass of himself every game, and I hate Ranger fans telling me Lundqvist is better than Rick, come on now. And with all that talent on the Rangers they still only have 5 more points than the Isles. I hate listening to a certain radio station, even though I love his schmoozing, and hearing him knock the "Icelanders" and the "Mausoleum" and everything else about the Islanders. The Rangers and their fans are jealous of the Islanders cause they spend less money, they do not have great players, but they are still equal if not better to the Rangers. Then I watch the Rangers play the Islanders and realize it is all alright, and is not worth me getting angry because the Islanders always dominate the Rangers, and really what else matters?....

Rangers Vs. Islanders: You ready?

Wade Dubielewicz 5-5-0 2.99 GAA Vs. Henrik Lundqvist 29-21-6 2.37 GAA

After a sub par weekend, filled with little offense the Islanders are now in clutch mode. With time winding down and the Islanders still struggling to string together multiple wins. They face the New York team with all the money and all the players. An outstanding performance by a backup goalie named...Wade Dubielewicz. I really enjoyed watching him play, if we lose him in contract years I hope he goes somewhere where he can be an everyday goalie, I enjoy his style. Dont get me wrong I still love DP, right now he aint so hot though. (sorry for the lack of posts sunday, its the start of softball season...and then after the Islanders game i played hockey myself, with Big C, so neither of us could post. Also Big C destroyed me in the corner and threw his shoulder into my face...what a rush)
The Islanders are winning the season series 3-1 and they have 4 games left. 2 this week and the last 2 games of the season. DP has gotten all the starts. But due to reasons beyond his control he will be out of tonight's game. DOOBIE gets the nod, and after Sundays performance i couldnt be happie. maybe this is just what we need to get some emotion behind the team. I want to see the Tenk, Hunter, Vasicek line out alot, and the Tambo, Comeau and whoever will play with them tonight, maybe Collition. Good chemistry on both those lines.
Bruno Gervais is still out, Aaron Johnson will take his place.

Quick update before this becomes old news. Trevor Smith one of our better prospects won AHL rookie of the month. That is awesome, he had 15 points in 13 games.

Injury Update

I wish I wouldn't have to write injury updates and that everyone could stay healthy, but it happens. It also gives me something to write about on a slow Monday after an eventful weekend. First Frans Nielsen: Frans was hurt Thursday in Atlanta at what seemed like an innocent check, but he tweaked his shoulder and is listed as day to day according to TSN.
....Frans looked good playing with Tambo and Blake hopefully he can get back in there soon....

Second, Bruno Gervais who was leveled by Mezei during Sunday's game. Bruno suffered a concussion and a thigh injury, his return is unknown.

....ugh...surprise, surprise, another Islander D-man out with an injury, when will the injury bug leave Long Island?...

Opinion: Current State of the Isles

....I've been a wee bit lazy on the posting, but I have not been lazy on keeping up to date with the Isles. Unfortunately, at times I wish watching the Islanders wouldn't be so painful. Maybe this is because I'm a Mets/Jets/Islanders fan and was born after 1986 and thats why I am always looking for something to go wrong. It really is a terrible way to watch sports, but at the same time thats why I love these teams. The New York Islanders team right now, is not a playoff team, but they look very promising for the future. This is the first time in a long time I could even say that and mean it. The Milbury era was horrendous, terrible trade after terrible trade, disappointing draft after disappointing draft, it just crushed your soul each and every season. Now that Snow is the new GM things are actually looking promising, and I'll admit this shocks me. Garth Snow former backup Isles goalie a great GM? Who would have thunk that? People question the Ryan Smyth trade and if it was worth it and I believe it was because it restored hope in Islander fans, it gave Islander fans a reason to believe. This past offseason not over paying for free agents like Kozlov, Poti and Blake will help the Islanders in the future. None of the young talent was traded, and no money has been wasted, plus the Isles are stockpiling draft picks. It is a beautiful time on Long Island. So even though the Isles probably won't have playoff games this year, be patient Isles Nation, sometimes you have to suffer the bad times to savor the good times, and the good times are in the near future. In Garth We Trust....

Flyers Sink Islanders

With every loss, the words 'Win out' appear in my head. Not every season can a team make the playoffs with those words, not every year can the Islanders win their last 4 games with a backup goalie and have another team win in regulation against another great team. Not every season can a no name goalie make history, poke checking away the hopes of a Devil (of New Jersey) trying to crush the spirits of a bitter rival. This year is no exception....but...ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

Another harsh loss for the Islanders, with an interesting fact of the night for the Islanders, a stat that you might get 'Short' tempered with. Jeff Carter started off the day with a slap shot goal. Scottie Upshall, and Mike Knuble got the assists. Bill Guerin fired back. Bryan Berard on the power play wristed a shot to the net, it was blocked and recovered quickly by Sean Bergenheim, who quickly dished it to Guerin who then snapped it high and tight passed Martin Biron. 1-1. The Flyers showed off some power play skills of their own when Braydon Coburn scored on a slap shot by a good cycle by the flyers. Daniel Briere and Kimmo Timonen got the assists on some nice passing and some fake shots. 2-1. Mike Knubal stuck the sword in the stone and laughed when the Islanders just couldnt get it out. He scored on a wrist shot...while short handed...Jeff Carter got the puck and tossed it to him. Lastly the open netter by Scottie Upshall, assisted by Knuble and Jason Smith.

All I can say is, a stubborn goalie is costing us a season. PUT IN DOOBIE, WHOSE WITH ME.

Stat of the night: The Islanders lead the league in short handed goals against.

Stat of the night 2: Bill Guerin is the 2nd player in history to score 20+ goals for 6 different teams.

Correction on a previous post. I published a post game where I wrote that Franz Neilson got his first NHL goal, well I was wrong, he scored on last year too. Sorry

Gripe. The Islanders website said no one was called up from Bridgeport for Neilson, that must have meant that Collition was a healthy scratch in previous games. No one mentioned this on the site when they said that Aaron Johnson would be playing with Tambo and Neilson.

Game Prieview: Islanders Host Flyers

Rick Dipietro 26-23-7 2.69 GAA Vs. Martin Biron 22-16-5 2.69 GAA

We get treated to a day game today. A very important day game. A divisional game between the Islanders and the Flyers. Both teams are standing in the basement of the Atlantic division. The Flyers are in the last spot in the playoffs in a tie but is ranked 8th. The Islanders are only 2 points out, a win today in regulation would out them in the playoffs, baring what Buffalo does in their next game. The Isles also have a game tomorrow against the pesky Panthers. Everyone else can beat them, except us. The Islanders have beaten the Flyers only once this season in 4 attempts.
Injury Update:
Witt is a game time decision, they are really holding him off until hes 100% so he can take his anger out on the Rangers.
Neilson is day to day, no one has been recalled from Bridgeport, to replace him. Its been said on www.NewYorkIslanders.com has Aaron Johnson on the Comeau, Tambo line.

Todays game is at 2 pm. TV. FSN, RADIO 1130