Islanders fans have been suggesting that coach Ted Nolan should try one of his surplus defensemen at forward, and now, he’s going to do it against Washington tonight at Verizon Center. Just not with the defenseman everyone had in mind.
Marc-Andre Bergeron and his cannon shot will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game despite all the suggestions that he should change positions because of his offensive skill and defensive shortcomings. But Nolan has wanted to get eighth defenseman Aaron Johnson into the lineup, and he’ll get his shot against the Capitals as the right wing on the fourth line with center Richard Park and left wing Chris Simon. Johnson replaces tough guy Darryl Bootland, who will be a healthy scratch.
“He’s played forward in the past in Columbus on the fourth line,” Nolan said of the 24-year-old Johnson. “We can’t let him sit too long. Every practice, he works his tail off; he’s always in the gym; he’s one of the first guys at practice, and he’s enthusiastic. What we try to instill in this team is that the people that work will get an opportunity, so, tonight, he’s going to get his opportunity. We’ll have an energetic fourth line that will cause some havoc and crash the net.”
Asked if he ever played forward in juniors, Johnson laughed and said, “No, I played forward a little bit when I was growing up, but not in juniors. I waited until the NHL to play forward. I played third and fourth-line in Columbus. Obviously, it’s not what I’m used to, but at least I’m going to get into a game situation.”
Johnson said one of his three goals last season came while playing forward. He was on the receiving end of a saucer pass from Jody Shelley, a fourth-line enforcer who recorded his only assist in 76 games to go with 125 penalty minutes.
“He’s a tough-guy Adam Oates,” Johnson joked.
Johnson was signed over the summer as a free agent by general manager Garth Snow before former Columbus coach Gerard Gallant came aboard as one of Nolan’s assistants. The Islanders like his potential, and Nolan has indicated Johnson might have a future with the team on defense because of his enthusiasm and his ability to play a physical game.
Stepping in on offense will require an adjustment, but if it means he’s going to stick with the team, Johnson is up for it. “It’s awesome,” Johnson said. “This is what I wanted in training camp is to make this team. It’s been tough to be patient, but it’s slowly coming together. I have to be patient and wait for my turn. I’m still young. He’s given me an opportunity to play, and I’ve got to jump on it.”
Notes and quotes – In addition to inviting the Brentwood Fire Department band to entertain between periods of the Devils game Saturday night at the Coliseum, a representative of the BFD wrote to say the Isles also have donated $500 worth of smoke alarms to the department…I don’t usually stay at the team hotel on the road, but I am on this trip. Last night, I saw several different groups of Isles either on their way out to dinner or returning, and what struck me was how several veterans seemed to be pairing up with newcomers to the team. There really has been a concerted effort to work on developing the group chemistry off the ice as well as on the ice…I try not to deviate from hockey talk too often on the blog and bore you with personal stuff, but in this case, I thought I’d share a tip about my favorite restaurant on the road because it’s in Washington, which is close enough that Islanders fans often come down for games. Rock Newman, who used to manage heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe and still lives in D.C. when he’s not in Las Vegas, took me to lunch several years ago at Georgia Brown’s, which features southern cuisine. I have returned many times and enjoyed every bite. Everything on the menu is tempting, but you can’t go wrong with the pork chop in redeye gravy. Enjoy.
Comments (115)
Nothing like a Healthy scratch to get a players attention.
Hopefully Nolan finds the talent he needs within the organization.
Kevin T.
Next time in Washington, try Vidalia, 1990 M Street, NW. Another high-end southern place, both better and more expensive than Georgia Brown's. Your Tribune Co. expense account should cover it.
Welcome back Greg. Excellent blog post, especially in light of that marvelous piece from the Feb. 5, 1979 Time magazine that Brooks Simpson posted under the previous blog entry. Al Arbour is quoted in that article saying that the Islanders would draft a guy they felt would fit into their system even if he had less talent than another pick. Similarly, Ted Nolan, by giving Aaron Johnson this opportunity (I am sure we were all scratching our heads when we saw that) is showing his players how highly hard work and playing responsibly are valued. I know a team cannot be successful without some highly skilled players, and Arbour had Trottier, Bossy, Potvin, et al. -- believe me I am not kidding myself that "Nolan-type players" alone are enough -- but this portends that Nolan *will* get the best from what he has and that will help the Isles convince top skill players to come here next July and thereafter.
One thing that both pisses me off and worries me though... the condition of the ice at NVMC. After watching DP talk about it on IslesTV and seeing Sim lost for the year because he tore up his knee on the Coliseum ice, you have to ask: What is going on here? I assume SMG is responsible for maintaining the ice, but has the Islander organization raised holy hell about the fact that they just lost a key player for the season due to that ice? (And BTW, I would think bad ice that disrupts play and causes injury would further deter free agents from coming to the Island.)
Mookie -- Come back, you've got to post and keep the quality up on this blog. Don't let a 40-year-old virgin with Asperger's posting from mom's basement drive you away!
Article on Islanders and Blogging...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/richard_deitsch/10/08/islanders.bloggers/
Kevin T.
I hear yah Mook.
Torre just told the Yanks to go BLOW !!! Good for him. Classy guy that deserves better!! Met Fan Talking!
HUNTER needs to step up. Enough of the hits that although effective, really do not put fear in anyone. We need points from him. I predicted he would step up and play like Ryan Smyth. Well Smyth is putting up points right now, which is what we need from Hunter!!!! Get it going !!!
Lets get two tonight boys!
Here we go again. I'm going to have to go another year of having the Isles on FSN-NY2? Here in Westchester, not all towns and cities get FSN-NY2. (I don't get this stupid channel)
The Isles need a real broadcast contract with a provider that will not stuff them down the broadcast Schedule behind re-runs of last weeks College football games.
What about the YES network? Perhaps they would be more interested in Isles Hockey.
It would be an absolute godsend for the Islanders to be on the YES network, but it seems unlikely given that their programming is entirely devoted to teams under common ownerships with YES (Yankees, Nets). SNY seems a more likely partner, and that, too, would be very good for the Islanders. However, I think they are under contract with Dolan for some time to come.
*ownership
Steady, KH, Cincy, Mass and all the regulars....where have you been????? No one was commenting on the Punch Line story and the Kovalev for satan talk......Wazzzzz up with you guys????
I believe that Wang is locked in to the contract signed by Spano when he owned the team for about 11 minutes before going to jail. I believe it was a 10 year deal. Anyone remember?
Kovalev -Satan is just, our problem for yours. I think I'd rather keep our problem.
My sister works for those tards over at MSG and she hears it from me on a constant basis about the Ilse's TV schedule. We'll be on FSN2 for 20 games this year. Shocker no HD on those games. However she did tell me that the Ilse will have a dozen or so away games in HD.
The Ice all over the league has been bad, not just the Collie. The warm weather attributes to the ice conditions and will get better as the season goes on.
Send your thoughts and possible ideas for changes to drchimrichalds00@yahoo.com. I'll pass the comments on to her. She will then pass them on to the powers that be. If we lean on these schmucks maybe they'll change their scheduling.
Miggsey -- My reaction to the Kovalev for Miro talk is that it's another example of the cheesy Canadian hockey media reporting unlikely rumor as fact (no offense intended to Canada, Kevin T., but the Canadian hockey media is very tabloid-y). Why would Snolan want an older, low-effort "enigma" player? If you look at their career numbers, Miro has been a much more consistent goal-scorer... his two best seasons are comparable to Kovalev's but his other seasons have been a consistent 25-35 goals, while Kovalev drops into the 13-18 goal range when he's off (which has happened several times). And Kovalev is a year and a half older! The dead giveaway that the rumor is nonsense is that the Canadiens are supposed asking for Campoli to "sweeten" a deal that already favors them! If Snow made that trade he would deserve to be fired immediately. It is not going to happen.
*supposedly
"Then I guess you'll have to watch a REAL team play on MSG"
The Knicks are boring.
KH: I don't know if cheesy is the right word to describe Canadian coverage but I do agree there have been times where they have been blowing smoke. That said, with their very intense coverage of every hockey story day and night, they do tend to be right on top of every happening. I can always rely on TSN, Sportscentre, all the Toronto newspapers, The FAN radio and a host of other hockey hungry venues to uncover the stories because they're so persistent. That fact alone certainly is better than the back seat my Islanders get in any New York venue.
I'm like you on the Satan story because although Miro hasn't done much at all, I can't say Kovalev would be any improvement. I think trading either of them may kick start their careers though, just not in the trade described. I certainly wouldn't be trading Campoli for any other relic either. I think Bob Gainey in a Canadian market is under extreme pressure to produce and extracting Campy for his castoffs would be a major accomplishment for him in Montreal.
KH, i agree that the media is over the top on hockey. My buddy from Anahiem says since he's moved to Canada he can't understand why they lead with a hockey story in July.
Anyway, i didn't really comment on how valid the rumor is. But that is news to me on the players numbers. My take was on the impact that the players appear to have for their teams (from the games I have watched).
I think Kovalev is a more determined player than Satan. Maybe Satan has been able to get by on pure skill?
Kevin T.
What's up Miggsey......
Canadian coverage of hockey is AWESOME! Same as our papers cover Baseball. I would do that trade in a second!!!! Papers are not a non profit organization. They need to be SOLD! Hence the reason rumors are started. No one is going to buy a paper with a headline: NOTHING NEW TO REPORT!! :)
I did comment on the blogs...I really thought it was a joke! :)
Good first period.
Come on Hunter putthe biscuit in the basket!
I did not mean to write that I would be in favor of trading Campoli.
I would like more offense, but not at his expense!
Big 2 points boys!!! Hats off Billy!
Nice win. Good response in the 3rd period after the tieing goal. All of Nolan's "tweaks" paid dividends on night #1.
Isles win; Rangers lose; sweet dreams tonight my friends!
Nolan's tweaks, yes, but I think having a bit of rest also helped. What a messed up schedule we have this season (6 games in the next 24 days?!).
This quote about ISLE bloggers from the link provided by "October" must be a mis-quote "I hope"???
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/richard_deitsch/10/08/islanders.bloggers/
"It was pretty much what we expected," said Botta, who offers an insider's view (albeit through dark blue, orange and white-colored glasses) on his NYI Point Blank blog. "These are good people. We didn't do background checks, but we're fairly confident none of them have records.
I hope he is more than fairly confident that none of the bloggers have records; after all isn't that why most people do not get access to players? If you are a faithful blogger, you don't miss a day; doesn't that show obsessive compulsive tendencies? Don't get me wong; I love the idea and I appreciate and respect the perspective the bloggers bring, it's just that quote is scary.
it was a joke people... a joke... If you know his writing, you know his humor.
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to pay our respects to the departed, to the power play's former bomber MAB. We wish Marc Andre well in his new position of press box public relations officer for the Islanders. In his new posting, Marc hopes to finally and begrudgingly realize his dream of learning how to play in his own end while still being able to contribute at the other end of the rink. When asked about how he'd approach the new assignment, MAB stated it was time to retool his attitude and defensive style after the much younger Chris Campoli.
I've heard rumors about trade Alex Tangay (Calgary) - Alex Kovalev.
I'd really like to see Kovalev in Calgary, he is very talented player. And he still has a lot of skills.
What??? No mention of the no-goal call. To me it went off Tanks shoulder and the Caps were right back in this one. I liked the fight we showed (and a couple of weak goals thru kolzig didn't hurt either). DP looked strong today. Neither of the goals were his fault. Needed those 2 pts badly. Good to see the rag$$$ lose!!!! Sweet dreams for sure!
Miggsey -- Just want to say that in dissing Canadian media rumor-mongering I did NOT mean to diss your post. Definitely interesting to hear what potential trades are being discussed... my mockery was directed at the reporters who concoct some of these rumors, or maybe the GMs who put them out there because they think it serves their interests in some way (giving the fan base the impression they're trying to improve the team, I guess).
2 nothing for Isles when I got home from work. Then they lost the lead quickly. The way the Isles bounced back after that really does show what some rest will do for this team. I think a lot of the early losses were not on heart but lungs/legs.
Washington's D is pretty soft though. Isles could hammer on the Kolzigs pads all night looking for a garbage goal and not even get touched.
Hat Trick for Guerin!
Night All.
Kevin T.
The "no" goal call was predictable and I am getting used to those calls going against us. It seems like every time the phone rings up in Toronto it means the call is going against the Isles. I didn't get the game in HD last night so it was a little difficult to be definitive on my opinion, but it sure did appear to go off of his shoulder. Any other opinions on that would be appreciated.
MAB is sitting to make a point, and maybe to be kept healthy for trade bait! A true contender needing a PP shot at the point might be willing to give up some young talent! Let's hope so!
Nice win last night. I like the way they started and finished after giving up the two goal lead. Good for Guerin to get going. We still need to produce more offense at even strength! DP was solid yet again!
Mookie~ Since I know you will give me a straight answer, what is with the Rangers? Have not had a chance to watch them yet except when they played the Isles. I joking called the new high priced line the LEMON LINE .... Is it true or is it something else???
Another question to Ranger Fans: I never understood why you always take shots at the Isles best players????? I mean now you all go after DP, who besides being the USA's Olympic Goalie, is by far one of the best in the league. I know the whole deal with Potvin so save me the history lesson with your wimpy swede and his ankle, but do you realize how dumb you sound? Why not pick on Yashin, Gordi Lane, Hilbert, etc.....???? We always targeted guys like Barry Beck, Ron Duggay (b/c of his hair and sassoon commercials,) etc. We never chanted Maloney or JD sucked!!!
I liken it to the Sox fans putting down Jeter and the Yanks. Since MOST Ranger fans are Yankee fans you should understand! Yet you all do the same thing ?????????? Ironic, no ????
Woh there Steady... good thing you got that disclaimer in, might have offended us Yankees-Islanders fans :)
The Isles game was a nice distraction to the Torre mess.
And to answer your question, its my thought that the Ranger fans who pick on DP do it out of fear, jealousy which boils down to subconscious respect. They can clearly see that he is a great goalie which means he is a threat to their team, especially when they are supposed to have a gem of a goalie (and they do). Hilbert doesn't really make too much noise either way so why should the Ranger fans really pay him any attention?
Oh yeah, there might also still be some resentment from DP's post game where he said they was going to "kick the Rangers asses" and made good on his promise :)
Can't be sure, but I think all three of Guerin's goals came with Comrie at center? Thought the Isles looked really weak in the second half of the first period and were lucky to come out ahead 1-0. They got stronger as the game went on though, and that's a good sign. The review was no surprise, and it's funny that the league had to call Howie and Jaffe to yell at them for daring to question the almighty Oz in Toronto. Gervais took a step back, and Campoli took another step forward (four assists, I think...plus some nice plays on D). Wasn't crazy about the Johnson experiment. He had heart out there, but doesn't understand the concept of a forecheck. Defensive instincts made him bust back as soon as the Caps touched the puck in their own zone. Witt is Witt...what more can you say. Puck off the face? Ouch. Berard made a couple of good defensive plays. He's been a lot more responsible than I thought he'd be. Good game, but they're gonna have to deal with a pissed off Devils team on Saturday.
Steady,
I don't have a real good answer for you. The top line changes game after game so to try and name it anything doesn't work. The coaches need to come up with a plan and stick to it instead of all this confusion we are watching each night. I have to think that there is more to this team then they have shown in the first 6 games. I would hate to have to say that you Islanders fans called it when looking at the make up of our star studded team.
For your next question we have covered all of that before. DP is a great goalie I would take either him or Lundqvist for my team and think that you would agree the other way around. The chant is tired and sucks.
Healy,
I like when players do that. Pisses you off as a fan but, that was great for him to say and then follow up like that. Good way to get the team going and get under the opponents skin.
Never thought I would say this right now but, thinking about that this team misses Avery.
Hard to assess last nigth's game since watching it on a big screen TV on Cablevision's Channel Guide station was like watching it through smoked glass.
Actually, this was just one of those games where you played hard and got the breaks of less than stellar goaltending from the other team. Basically, it's a wash measured against the last game against the Caps in NY.
I think we need to remember that it still remains very early in the season and most teams are dealing with lots of new faces due to the new CBA. While I recognize how critical these October points may look in March and April and I also enjoy watching the Rangers struggle these days, if your team is deemed good enough to make the playoffs, it's not how you're playing today that matters, but how you play in April.
I think for a team like the Islanders that is not loaded with superstar talent, much like the Devils, success will depend a good deal upon organizational depth and the ability to slot players as interchangeable parts when injuries or fatigue set in later this year. It's clear that Ted is still trying to figure out what he's got, and while some may view this as unpreparedness, actual ice time in games is the only way to make a considered judgment and although this living room pundit may not agree with some moves, I think he's doing his best to make those decisions as quickly and effectively as possible.
Finally, good to see Bergie provide a spark. Speaking strictly on score goaling ability, could you imagine what would have happened if Hilbert got the puck on the doorstep the same way Bergie did on his goal?
Oops. That last paragraph should read "goal scoring ability". I have typing dyslexia.
If Hilbert had the puck he would've fumbled around with the clasp for a good 30 seconds until he finally either hit the post or missed the net.
I know, too easy, but I had to.
Great effort last night (of course I missed half of it coming back from Philly on the Acela...). I especially liked how they didn't let the no-goal call and the Caps tying the game almost immediately afterward send them into a downward spiral. I wonder if even last year's team would have come back like that.
It's great to see Campoli maturing into a good offensive defenseman, and half the time I saw him play the body I thought it was Martinek at first. I was wrong to suggest trading him, and I will gladly eat crow for it. However, Aaron Johnson needs to never play forward on this team again. Is there any reason not to try MAB on the wing and play him on the point during the power play? It seems like the best move for all involved, and if there needs to be a re-shuffling maybe then you move him back to the blueline (or you keep him where he is and put Johnson back there). It's a shame to see his shot go to waste, and I totally agree that the Islanders need to get back to a situation where they're using him in the proper way.
Wait... the toronto office called our broadcast team? I had the washington telecast on Center Ice. Can someone explain this? Who do they think they are
I agree, themass....If the Toronto office actually did that there needs to be some kind of investigation. Since when are people not allowed to question a decision? (Especially considering that was a bad call)
No, no...it wasn't a "conspiracy" or anything like that...I was just having some fun with it. Howie and Jaffe said they didn't understand the call, with Jaffe sounding particularly baffled. Then they got a phone call to "explain the call," and for the next five minutes the broadcast turned into a Toronto love-fest about how careful they are with the reviews, and how hard they work, etc.
Thanks for the clarification....as I said, I was on the Acela when it happened so I didn't see it.
How about the refs gettin us again ?? I realize tha call could of gone either way, but can just ONCE we get the call. JUST ONCE !!!
Amazing how we only hear from the "smart" Isles fans when the Isles win and the Rags lose.....All the trolls go into their holes. So lets keep winning and enjoy some good hockey talk.
Healy: Where I grea up in Port Washington, people for the most part were Mets, Jets, Isles or Rangers, Yanks, Giants...Alwas exceptions :) !
If I am the Devils I trade Brodeur and re-load with a bunch of young studs. Imagine what they could get for him ???? They need a fresh new start. Not that I am complaining, just feel bad for Sutter!
Watching AJ suit up on forward last night was a complete embarrasment to Ted Nolan and his coaching staff. So you want to find a role for AJ Ted? There's a nice role for him down in the Bridge or on the waiver wire. AJ tried to cost the Isles the game by taking a horrible penalty in a close game in the third. If you want to experiment with defenseman at forward, then why chose this guy over MAB. I agree MAB deserved to be benched, but last night was the perfect opportunity to try and tweak things.
Satan has no goals in 7 games on the second line (apparently he's not playing for a contract afterall) and stone-hands hilbert is the only regular Islander player who has zero points. Why not bench one of them for MAB to see if we could ignite any of Miro, Andy, or MAB. And then you could rotate AJ in as the 7th defenseman if you so desperately need to.
http://blueorangeblood.blogspot.com/
Steady, in the abstract I think your idea makes perfect sense. However, thinking about it, how many teams have the perfect storm necessary to acquire Brodeur:
1. Need for a goaltender
2. Cap room for his salary
3. Can afford to lose the players and picks it would take to acquire him
4. Attractive location to him, as he surely has a no-trade
5. Chance to win
I honestly don't think any team. I can't see Toronto having the chips to trade. LA has the chips but they're too far away from contending to make them an attractive location (even with Brodeur in net, especially considering what they'd have to give up). Lamoriello will probably ask for beyond a king's ransom to get Brodeur, and I think given those circumstances nobody will bite.
We need offensive help. We have plenty of cap spance. Who can we trade for? Any ideas?
MAB is not a Nolan guy. Can't play a lick of D. However, I'd play him to showcase him for a trade. I'd take just about anything to get him out of here. Berard has a great shot from the point with one eye and plays better D than MAB.
Satan can and has played under Nolan and produced. He just needs to find the right combo for Satan.
Kovalev? Kovalev? How quick we forget... Remember him on the Rags? No D from Kovs forget this idea.
Look, we have a team that needs to play a tight D and score when the other team makes a mistake. When we win, we'll win 2-1, 3-2. When we have an off night, we lose 5-1. 6-2.
Steady, I think the DP thing comes down to respect and the fact that Rangers fans are always very protective of their goalies. Think of the last four outstanding goalies we've had, JD, Beezer, Richter and Hank. Those guys were/are the most popular players on the team. Hank always get the loudest cheer either opening night or during the 3 star announcements.
We, those who are objective and know hockey, know that DP is a great goalie. But we have Hank and their rivalry causes us to put down DP in order to build up Hank. I guess it's just human nature.
I also think that he has a certain cockiness that rubs us the wrong way. Were Hank is kind of a quiet confident guy, DP is much more vocal. Don't get me wrong a goalie SHOULD be very cocky, but when it's your biggest rivals excellent goalie you target him.
I not certain but that's what I think is behind it. I'd take either one, although for obvious reasons I prefer to have Hank. I just think we have two of the best goalies in the NHL right here, which should make for great games for years to come (see 10/10/07).
Steady:
I am Isles-Yanks-Giants so I guess I am one of those exceptions :)
I really like the DP "kick ass" incident because it was a player being honest and excited with the media. I mean I can understand why most sports figures tow the company line because the media takes honest words and screws you with them. (there were articles over correctness of DP's comment when he made them). But I was glad to see it just because I am tired of hearing: "You know its going to be a tough game, they've got a great group of guys, but we've got a great group of guys and we'll be ready to put up a good effort and see what happens, etc." Rinse and repeat.
I don't think there can be enough D-men floating around on the Island right now...just look what happened to Witt last night. A couple inches here or there, and the puck smacks him straight in the eye, and he's out with a crushed orbital bone. Look at Berard's last couple of years. What happens if he goes down - then where is our PP cannon? I do think Campoli can fill Berard's role as a PP QB with his much improved passing and always solid skating out of the zone, but he just doesn't have the shot (yet - figure him to work on that next offseason).
As much as MAB is a liability, keep him practicing, and send the message with the benching, maybe he gets it, maybe he doesn't. . We have plenty of cap space to carry this guy, and depth on D was a serious issue last year, so calling for his head this quickly might be a mistake.
Not to mention, I am not sure that we would get the same return now as we might come the trade deadline (or even X-mas).
For the Devils Game - I would Scratch Gervais and insert MAB - or just play 7 defenseman again. Johnson on the wing was a waste. That spot on the 4th line will belong to Bates on 10/27 anyway.
Does anyone know what channels the NHL Package is on Cablevision on Long Island?? I took a look last night and couldn't find it anywhere. Are they offering a free preview? Thanks
I was at the game last night in DC. Some thoughts:
1. I watched #2 hustle to avoid an icing call. I didn't realize who it was untile he took a penalty, then I thought, "wow, a D hustling like that to avoid an icing"... then I read this blog this morning and it all made sense.
2. After seeing them live I'd like to see Comrie step up on the forecheck. This team has the talent to put the puck in the net, but not in a constant 200 foot transition game. They need to shorten the ice and keep pressure in the offensive zone. Hilbert does it, but can't find the handle when he has the opportunity to finish. Park does it, but get's limited ice time. Bergy is getting there, and will create chances for the vasicek line... but hte top line doesn't apply pressure at all. Hunter will help when their set up in the ofensive zone, but he's not quick enough... it needs to be Comrie.
3. They are playing so much better than they did last year in their own zone. They are giving up shots, but they're not getting manhandled in front. Even Campoli is better positioned, and is winning his share of the one on ones. He definitely wants to stay in the NHL.
4. Berard/Sutton is so much better than Sutton/MAB. Sutton can be a pylon with Berard. When there is a scrum Sutton is the strength they needed last year to avoid those easy 2nd and third chances, and Berard knows what to do when the puck is on the perimeter of the slot. He is able to clear, or make the first pass to start an offensive rush.
5. DP has matured. He's not wandering. He makes good choices when he has the puck. His rebounds are angled better so there aren't a lot of bouncers in the slot, they go out to the corners. He still has some holes, but who doesn't. He's moving his way up to the A list.
6. I went to the game with a guy who had never seen a live NHL game, so I was trying to fill him in on some of the storylines. I mentioned that the Guerin/Hunter switch was to get more offense on the top line with Hunter.... then Guerin tallies the hat trick... Irony can be so IRONIC sometimes.
7. Ovechkin may be one of the best two way hockey players I've ever seen. He's Trottier with SIZE and SPEED...and a WICKED SHOT. 11k at the game last night tells me they won't be able to afford him forever... I'd love to see him on the Island, but he's a top candidate to be voted on to the smaller island... So I think we had better prepare for shutting him down 8 times a year.
8. Verizon center is a great place to see a game... and there were plenty of seats available... The place is situated directly above the Metro (like MSG/Penn). At one point I was calling out names of open players and I felt like I was doing it from the bench, because there was no noise to drown me out.... weak weak weak. If that place and situation existed on LI I'm sure they would ahve no attendance problems. (well... I'm pretty sure.)
Bring on them DEVILS!!!
3.
Brian G -- I don't know what channel the Center Ice package is, but I know you can order it from Channel 900.
Everyone -- I am going on record here saying Miro will be fine. He's been very consistent throughout his career (when you look at his seasons as a whole) and the Bergenheim-Vasicek-Satan line has really clicked the last few games. Miro had two assists last night. No tinkering needed, just let the guy play and all will be good.
When did DP say he was going to kick the Rangers' asses?
Question about last night's no-goal ruling: Howie and Jaffe seemed to be saying that the rule is that the player can't use his *hand* but it was OK if the puck went in off his shoulder as long as his motion was a "natural" reaction, i.e., not an intentional effort to knock the puck into the net. But after the league bobbleheads called from Toronto to clarify, it sounded like the ruling was no-goal because either it hit off Tank's arm or he intentionally moved his arm (not his hand) to knock the puck in. On the replays, it looked like he flinched to try to prevent the puck from hitting him and without "intent." Can anyone explain what exactly the rule says?
I was also confused by that call. I don't hionestly know what the rule is, but when they start putting "intent" in the rule book it's just a bad idea that leaves too much for interpertation. At that point the game would have been over if that goal was allowed.
I can understand not allowing a goal when it's swatted by the players hand, or kicked in with the skate (becasue you don't want to turn it into a tip drill or soccer on ice) but if a guy can deflect a puck into the net with his SHOULDER, MORE POWER TO HIM!!!
IMO:BAD RULE... if that is the rule.
Either way, it's good to see Tank willing to go to the front of the net consistently. Didn't know he was that kind of player when we got him.
KH - I agree with you about Miro. He'll be fine. He's always been a hot and cold player, and when he heats up, he'll score in bunches until the next cycle, and will end up putting in 25-30. For better or worse, that's who he is.
JP - Definitely agree on the Sutton pairings. He's looked better (not great, but better) since he does not have to cover MAB's abandoned position all the time. He doesn't have the speed to do that.
Nick: How about Ottawa mkaing a run at Brodeur ??? That team would be beyond good!!!! (Not sure of their cap space?) They got talent to spare though!
JP~ No way the Caps ever let Ovechkin go.
Co-workers went to the Bruins game last night for their home opener....Said the place was empty!!! If that can happen in the "Hub" of hockey, the sport is in trouble!
Let's get Two points tomorrow night boys !!!! Get Two !!! Trying to get a weekend pass to LI so I can catch the game!! Not winning that battle right now :) !!
Steady, the sport is definitely in trouble. Sorry if I'm being a broken record here, but Bettman is a disaster. Since he decided to cut ties with ESPN, hockey has fallen off the face of the earth for the casual fan. Lower TV ratings in NYC for Ranger playoff games than for NASCAR! The recent launch of the NHL Network (for a subscription fee!!!) shows that these guys are completely out of touch... they think they're the NFL, but someone forgot to remind them that there are 50 football fans for every hockey fan in this country. Literally -- the most recent Super Bowl had 50 times the viewership of the last Stanley Cup final (93.2 million to 1.8 million). Unfortunately, I don't think it will improve until Bettman is gone.
If Marty goes anywhere hopefully it is out west where we would hardly have to see him. I didn't catch the game last night but hopefully we can put a little run together while other teams try to establish their own 'chemistry'. Let's get another 2 points against the Devils. LETS GO ISLANDERS!!
GO ISLANDERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that the real #22?
No way we should dress 7 defence. I think we've got MAB positioned perfectly now to minimize his mistakes. Is anyone really missing all those tuenovers and booming shote going five feet wide???Ted deserves two thumbs up for sitting him down. The trick now is to stay with that train of thought and let the young guys continue to mature. Bruno has the odd lapse and that's to be expected. Young guys will make them now and then so get over it, we're rebuiding. He's playing well enough to keep MAB in the pressbox. On the PP, my prediction about just letting Campoli play there and showing confidence in him with regular ice time will continue bear fruit. The youth movement has finally begun.
Miggsey~
My friends and I are planning a trip to Toronto to see the city and go to H.O.F....Need to give me advice where to go, stay, etc. etc......???? I want to plan it around an Isles ~ Toronto game.....Best way to get tickets via Ebay ????
Do you guys realize that the Isles play tomorrow night and then are off until the following Saturday?????
This is the worst schedule I have ever seen for a team in any sport!
NHL simply hates the Isles! :)
Let's Go Islanders!!!!!!
Let's Go Islanders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Devils have a bad schedule too. I think they go something like 11 games before they get their home opener.
Upstate Isles Fan -- The Devils have their first 9 games on the road because their new arena will not be ready until November. That's not the league's doing.
Okay, two sections from the rulebook.
First is from the video review requirements:
(iv) Puck directed or batted into the net by a hand or foot. With the use of a foot/skate, was a distinct kicking motion evident? If so, the apparent goal must be disallowed. A DISTINCT KICKING MOTION is one which, with a pendulum motion, the player propels the puck with his
skate into the net. If the Video Goal Judge determines that it was put into the net by an attacking player using a distinct kicking motion, it must be ruled NO GOAL. This would also be true even if the puck, after being kicked, deflects off any other player of either team and then into the net. This is still NO GOAL. See also 49.2 and 67.6.
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Note that it only says if the puck was "directed or batted into the net".
Second is the actual rule about batting the puck.
67.6 Disallowed Goal - A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who bats or directs the puck with his hand into the net. A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who bats or directs the puck and it is deflected into the net off any player, goalkeeper or official. When the puck enters the net on a clear deflection off a glove, the goal shall be
allowed.
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Toronna's justification will be that the video review was inconclusive, but that's horse kaka. You can clearly see that there is no batting motion with the hand. Tank's hand moves _back_, towards his body, and then stays there as his body is propelled forward by momentum. Even if it goes off the hand and not the shoulder (which I think is somewhat indistinct) there is nothing illegal about it so long as the hand doesn't push the puck in. Finally, there's nothing illegal about using the shoulder to direct the puck in, so if it hits the shoulder and not his hand, regardless of the shoulder's motion, the goal is allowable.
I understand the call from the ref on the ice stands unless there's 100% certainty that it was the wrong call. I'm unsure how you don't reach the 100% certainty point with this call.
Ted and Garth aren't about to rock the boat this early in the season, though. Let's hope their reticence to attack the league helps and doesn't hurt.
Ryan -- I completely agree with your reading of the rules. And it was 100% clear from the video replay that Tank did not violate either rule, and the goal should have counted. I hope it gets us somewhere to not complain to the league about everything. I am not sure -- maybe the squeaky wheel gets the grease? God knows we got utterly abused by the officials during the playoffs last year.
You know, now that I have learned that Wang and Dolan are business partners in certain ventures, I wonder if the league mistreats the Isles because they don't like Dolan. (If true, of course, one would expect to see the same happening to the Rangers...)
Rangers will always get the benefit of the doubt. The NHL needs teams like Boston and the Rags to do well to sell the sport.
Anon: Grow some balls and say who you are when arguing with me. I will teach you things about the game.
Lets get 2 points tonight boys!!! Take TWO !!!
???
Big game tonight. We need to get out of winning one losing one and .500 hockey. This is a great statement game against a division rival. Won't be easy. Marty let in some weak ones against philly a couple of days ago. Look for him to bounce back...big time
LET'S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!
That was tough to watch. Pretty ugly first period.
Please get Hilbert off this team. The puck seems to find him on offense and he looks like Charlie Brown.
Well this should cheer you up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYCwyJ9Od6s
#55 got one for Toronto tonight....Is Comrie playing or is he out with Punky Brewster or Whinny or what ever her name is???....As advertised so far with Comrie.....Pretty boy that p