On the Islanders Beat

I know this isn't related to Okposo, but check this out: Pronger not suspended for stomp. Check out the video link, too. Unbelievable how some people get away with this stuff, and some don't. It's embarrassing that there's no rhyme or reason to the discipline handed out in this league.

Good to see OKPOSO coming up. Earlier than I ever thought and think he should, but I wish him the best. Seems to me they are trying to sell tickets ;) !

29....I said the same thing the second everyone piled on Simon for what he did to Ruutu (spelling? always get it wrong) This makes at least 7 guys that I have seen done the "stomp" move this year alone. Not saying it is right, but it does happen.

Colin Campbell has been and always will be a FRAUD !!! HE is still heart broken over the fact the Isles ripped his heart while in Vancouver and won the cup. Back then he was called CHIEF...Gillies put an end to that when he knocked him out COLD on the ice ! As a coach for the lowly Rags, he achieved ZIPPO...Like ohhhhhh so many coaches before him!

Just watched the vido link.....ARE YOU KIDDING ME ???? That was FIFTY TIMES WORSE than what Simon did. I do not care about Simon and he is no longer on this team, yet as an Islander fan people should be OUTRAGED !!!!

Everyone should write Colin the MORON Campbell and e mail and ask WHY ????

Simon does not effect us anymore, what happens when our next player gets suspended in a big spot ????

Bring up Kyle! He deserves a taste of the NHL from the wrongful opprobium he received in Minnesota for jumping to the Isles.

Btw, my e-mail to Bettman and Campbell.

I’m an Islanders season ticket holder. I supported the latest 30-game suspension of Chris Simon. However, I also see your inaction on Chris Pronger as further evidence that you two are complete frauds in a modern day corporate version of the Deltas from Animal House. Mr. Campbell, your intemperate remarks throughout your tenure speak for itself. Mr. Bettman, the best description I’ve heard of you is that you were David Stern’s plant to royally screw up winter competition through your ineptitude. While I’m sure the screwy owners love you—the fans wish you’d go away.

What is the e mail address Merrick ? Thank you in advance !

gbettman@nhl.com AND ccampbell@nhl.com.

Btw, I will still mail your Simon jersey...I just need to find a big enough envelope or box.

Even better, we should call Bettman's radio show next Thursday. I'm not in any way defending Simon, just like the rest of you. However, THE SAME ACT DESERVES THE SAME PENALTY....I'm sick and tired of the NHL's double standards that never seem to affect the Islanders in a positive way. Campbell and Bettman need to go in favor of 2 people who will bring actual dignity, accountability, and CONTINUITY OF ENFORCEMENT to the league. This is an absolute abomination, and the league should be ashamed.

We could, of course, also go back in the archives of this blog for the person who published the NHL's phone number. When I called they put me straight through to Colin Campbell's office without even asking who I was.

Here's hoping that Bettman and Campbell and are among Clients 1 through 8!

you know that they dont read their own email right?

Busey, you'd be surprised who reads their e-mail at seemingly obvious addresses. I get direct replies a lot--even phone calls from ones you'd never expect.

Of course, while I'm reasonably sure Bettman can read, I'm not sure about Campbell.

BINGO - As per a KH post from almost 11 months ago, the NHL office in Toronto can be reached at this number:

416-981-2777

Anyone who calls should please keep it civil and respectful to maximize the impact of what we say

Merrick,

I wasn't trying to put you down. I was just letting you know from experience. I work for a big company with a powerful man at the helm, and I know that he has people who read his emails and regular mail and write responses for him. My GF does it. So that response is probably from some 30 year old secretary.

They are too busy to care what you have to say. You know how these rich, powerful guys are.

I did just see the Pronger thing. That is a joke that he's not suspended. It was the same exact thing that Simon did.

Fair enough Busey; I worked for several years on Capitol Hill and signed/responded to countless inquiries under the signature of my boss. But I also know that a fair number of Congressmen and CEOs still read their own e-mail and surprisingly and even get this stuff on their Blackberries--and some of those will actually respond in the first person. And if nothing else, the staff will tell the principle that they've received x number of e-mails on an issue.

True,

I just figured with an issue like this the inbox would be way too flooded with emails since it was BS. I'm a Ranger fan so I have no alliance to Simon, but I do love hockey. If Pronger doesn't get at least 5 games (since he does not have the history of Simon) then Colin Campbell and his department are a complete joke. Did Pronger even get fined?

Avery got fined for throwing a water bottle...LOL but Pronger gets nothing for stomping with his skate.

Campbell is setting the example that apparently the officals are following if you have watched hockey this season. The refs have been terrible all around.

Busey, amazingly enough, Pronger has been suspended as many times as Simon - though, tellingly, the average length of suspension is much shorter. I think that qualifies him as a "repeat offender."

I don't think Pronger needs to be assessed the same punishment as Simon, but at least something. Simon had many more suspensions for harsher incidents. I'm not going to play the Simon was Islander, therefore he got the 30 games, card. Maybe he was just a marked man, repeat offender. But that still does not let Pronger get away with this (or anybody who does the same thing).

Anaheim's defensive statistics should soar now. How many players are going to go into the corner to hit Pronger or battle for the puck? They have no idea what type of injury they could come out with. Nobody's going to go to the front of the net, either. They could get crosschecked without any repercussions.

We all talked about what horrible injury Simon could cause next. What about Pronger? He's already been suspended for concussing players with illegal elbows, and teamed up to try and drive a Red Wing through the glass next year. Now he steps on somebody. So, I'll ask the same question with a different name. What horrible injury is Pronger going to inflict next?

I meant Simon has been suspended for many more games, not amount of times overall. My bad.

Nick,

I'm aware of that. I just meant the severity of the offenses is so different, as you stated.

Coming off the Hollweg incedent, Simon messed up and thats why he got 30 games..

Pronger should get 5-10. Which is a huge penalty since they are on a playoff seeding drive.

Good to see Okposo get a chance to come up. I've had that game circled on my calander since the signing was announced. Predictable Bobble Head move ... sell tickets to the final home games since there will be no other reason for fans to go. Except for season ticket holders of course who already spent their hard earned $$$$.

This is the Snobble head statement that has me kinda .... well .. kinda PO'd to put it bluntly.

Quote from Snow"
“It would be foolish to think we’re rushing him in any way,” Snow said. “He’s been one of the best forwards in Bridgeport averaging just under a point a game.

“He’s earned a chance to put on an Islanders uniform and play at the NHL level. At the end of the day, it will be a good opportunity for him to compete. In no way are we rushing him. He’s proven he’s capable of playing in the NHL.”

Why am I PO'd?? Maybe AZS or Nick can answer that ... When back in November or December ... the Islanders were starving for offense and we were losing low scoring games by 1 goal ... we were urging the Isles to bring up Tamby ... the guy was leading the AHL in goals and points for the better part of the middle of the year. It took a string of injuries and a trade of a worthless Simon to get Tamby up here fulltime at the friggen Trading Deadline. Then he was getting 6-8 minutes a game .... not nearly enough to gain confidence and make a difference.

Tamby might never of lit it up ... but maybe if he had 4 months to get it going ... he could of scored some goals to make a difference in some games .... and have us sitting in playoff position.

What a hypocritical statement by Snow!!!! Okposo plays half of an AHL season averaging under a point per game and he's worthy of the NHL sweater??? Then why the hell weren't these other kids brought up when the Isles were reeling in December ... and when the first prolonged losing streak occured. We were in it then.

Steady ... I'm with you 100% now ... I really was on the fence about Snow ... but that statement sealed it for me. Snow proved to me he isn't GM material.

Yes, I wanted to see what Okposo could do at this level. I think he's worth a look. However Snow's reasoning doesn't match mine. His reason should of been that even though Okposo could use more time developing ... it is important that he sees some NHL competition so he knows how hard he has to work to stick here. That reason I would of embraced ... because it's true.
---------------------------------------------
On the Pronger / Kessler incident.

I'm sorry guys but I disagree ... I was ready to jump all over Campbell until I zoomed into the video with my video player. Kessler wrapped his leg around Pronger's skate. That jerky motion you saw Pronger do was him yanking his skate from Kessler's legs. Then Pronger was clearly off-balance when he cleared his skate from Kessler and when he put his skate down ... Kessler's leg was there .... there was no clear "stomp" or forcing his skate in a downward chomping motion like Simon did. Infact I'm not even convinced that his skate made full contact with Kessler's leg... I have the video enhancement feature enabled and it looks like only the front 1/3 of his skate made contact with Kessler's leg and that infact .. Kessler's leg swung towards Pronger in an attempt to grapple his legs again. IMO,

I was really looking for the Pronger intent to be true ... because with his rap sheet ... he probably would deserve it. But I can't say anything this time ... it looked worse than it was ... and I think the Canuck announcer had it wrong .. and was looking for a reason to convict Pronger.

It wasn't conclusive in my opinion .. even though Pronger is a poster boy for chippy play.

That said ... I think the NHL should scrap their disciplinary system. Colin Campbell has obvious loyalties and prejudices. I believe there should be a tribunal sytem. One rep. from the NHLPA, one rep. from NHL & one independent arbitrator ... that serve for one year. Then every year a new tribunal is selected by the Governors and NHLPA.

Kessel even said he stomped him. Hockey players are tough and arent known for playing things up if they arent true.
IMO

anyways, I'm a huge Ranger fan but you guys are much more hockey intuitive on this board. Minus the DP kool aid you all drink! Other than that, you are very good hockey minds.

On that note, I'm off on my Carribean cruise. See you on the 24th

Busey ~ Hockey players are tough and aren't known for playing this up if they aren't true??

Then what about Crosby? That guy winces in pain if you breathe on him .... LOL!!!

What about players who take dives and act injured to draw penalties etc etc.

Enjoy your cruise.

Crosby doesnt count.

He's a fairy

LOL Busey ... point taken

I'm excited to see Kyle Okposo play. We've seen what others from his draft class have done and I'm interested to see what the state of his game is.

I really have liked what I've seen out of Comeau now that he has been given the ice time and Comrie on his line. The kid has a wicked shot and some stick handling skills. As bad as the team has ended this year, I'm actually looking forward to these last 10 games as a way to see the young players get some more time and losing isn't completely terrible in that hopefully the team can secure a top three pick and get one of those two big defensemen prospects or maybe even Stamkos.

More Comeau.....

From a Logan article on the main pages....
"But after two more failed power plays against the Lightning, Nolan finally relented and sent out Comeau, Tambellini and Walter. Six seconds later, the Islanders had their third power-play goal in 49 chances when Walter went in front of the net and deflected a drive by Comeau."
Key words....."SIX SECONDS LATER........."

And then the quote of the week from Denis Potvin 24 hours later...
(Circle the date on your calendar- March 12)....
"How does this guy Comeau only have 6 goals in 41 games with a shot like that?"

Time to put the future of the Isles in the hands of younger guys.

Bring up Okposo.

GIVE THEM ALL 20 MINUTES A GAME......PLEASE....

Busey...I hope you boat hits an ice berg!

LOL

Kidding....We have accepted MANY strong Ranger fans here that talk hockey. Like you they came out throwing jabs until they saw we are fair and appreciate hockey. We rip our teams more than anyone else could. Do I hate the Rangers...With all my soul. But I love hockey more. IF the Isles are not in the playoffs, I will watch and root against the Rangers and Devils....Either way it is PLAYOFF HOCKEY !!! I'm sure you do the same!

As for DP....Again, until both teams have equal talent we will never know the better goalie. Head to Head Dp wins. More playoff experience Lundy wins....USA = DP, so DP WINS !! :) :)

Busey- Figure out who the troll is and take care of him! IT will help both boards !

p.s Merrick...Just hold onto it .... I will be at one of the last games with my kid....I will e mail you when! Again I apologize for last game. Cell does not work in NVMC and the blog was down for 3 hours before I left. I got your msg after the game!

It's nice to see we are in the lottery now. Another win by Atlanta and St Louis and we are solidly in. I can't stomach this UFA carousel anymore.

I'm hoping for a high pick in this draft. Whether it be Stamkos or another stud Dman. I hate to be a wet sock but I want the Isles to lost the rest of their games. We really need a stud center to play with Okposo.

Anyway. I'm now gonna pimp my new message board. Still tweaking it but it's unmoderated and will remain so. Free Speech will always reign supreme on this board.

Hope to see some of you there;

IslandersPirateHaven
http://z9.invisionfree.com/IslandersPirateHaven/index.php?act=idx

505 ~ I'll be happy if they play 15 minutes a game... after all ... they have more than 2 lines of youth up now. That is if they haven't sent anyone back down.
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I made some comments on the Islander Insider article. If the NHL steamrolls the Isles plans that the Isles already arranged with the Yankees ... I think we can be 100% convinced that the NHL has a biased against the Isles.

Speaking with my Devil fan lawyer friend about such occurances that he has also witnessed... he said it is possible for the Isles and their fans to take civil action vs. the league and present evidence. If nothing else it will bring attention... but also could harm the NHL by revoking their anti-trust exemption. So I think at this time it would be foolish ... besides.... Bettman is a lawyer ... and as dumb as he is about hockey ... he's not a stupid man and I'm sure has insulated himself and the league against such acts.

Still, Wang and Co. should take note of how the league has thrown obstacles in their way from officiating / Toronto war room antics ... to creating financial harm with a Winter Classic between the Isles / Rangers that the Isles originated 2 years ago.

Props to Greg Logan for his "Islander Insider" Edition today....

Who gives a "fig" about a New Year's matchup between the Rangers/Bruins when compared to the potential of an Isles/Ranger matchup?????

What the fig are they thinking in Toronto?

If a Ranger/Bruins game comes to be on Jan 1, I will be THE FIRST to volunteer my time and effort at "eli'ing" (manning) a picket line around Yankee Stadium that day in my Isles jersey.

Yeah, NYR-BB would be a disgrace and a slap in the face to the Isles. So much for all the hype on helping out the small market teams, huh Bettman? I guess you got them a cap and now you are done?

The thought of a team from BOSTON playing in the FINAL EVENT held at Yankee Stadium should be sacrilege to any New Yorker. Especially when there is another team from NEW YORK that is ready willing and able.

Not only that,
Old Babe would be laughing his ass off in hell if the BOSTON Bruins WON the final sporting event ever played in Yankee Stadium.

I call on all New Yorkers and especially NEW YORK Ranger Fans to prevent this travesty from occurring.

It's simply a disgrace, and a slap in the face to all New Yorkers, the New York Yankees Organization, as well as the NEW YORK Islanders, for the NHL to be even considering this matchup.

I just posted the following on Kat's Yankee blog......

A little off topic here folks..

Attention all NEW YORK Yankee fans.....(that includes ME).

The NHL is proposing that the final sporting event to be held at the shrine we all know as Yankee Stadium be a hockey game between the Rangers and the BOSTON Bruins on New Year's Day.
Let me ask all you fellow Yankee fans a question.....
How do you feel about a team FROM BOSTON being allowed access to the final event at this hallowed shrine? When there is another team from NEW YORK that is ready willing and able to play?
Regardless of your hockey allegiances and your feelings to the Islander organization.......aren't you, as a YANKEE fan/New Yorker, even a little upset about the possibility of a team FROM BOSTON playing in the last event at THE Stadium?

Doncha think the Bambino would laugh his ass off in hell if a team FROM BOSTON, God Forbid, WON the last sporting event in the House that He Built?

Comments, thoughts, suggestions?
IF this comes to fruition, I for one, will be picketing the NHL outside Yankee Stadium that day.

Sorry guys and girls but I am just a little bit beyond miffed about the concept of a team from BOSTON playing in the final sporting event at YANKEE STADIUM.

What's next.....
Some Ayatollah lapdog concelebrating the final mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral with Cardinal Egan?

505 ~ I was just driving home and thinking that to myself ... that a team from BOSTON (Sorry DP ... but this if for your benefit too) ... would have a shot at winning the last game every at Yankee Stadium .. albeit a hockey game.

Then I thought .... with an owner like George / Hank Steinbrenner ... NEVER ... he will not allow the NHL to have an event with a Boston team ... knowning full well that the Isles had originally suggested it to him.

Heck ... as an Islander fan ... I wouldn't want the Isles / Boston matchup there if the tables were turned. I'd want it to be the Rangers .... I'd suspect true blue Ranger fans are with us on this.

The league wants ORIGINAL 8 teams to play....What they are failing to see is that Isles ~ Rangers would sell out the stadium in 2 minutes and provide an incredible event!

Rangers ~ Bruins ????????? They are the FARTHEST thing from rivals!

If they are trying to say it will be anything like a redsox ~ yankee crowd they are MORONIC !!!!!!

Yet another mistake by the NHL! SHOCKER !!!

p.s DUMP # 3 , FIRE SNOW, SHIP WANGER to COMPUTER CAMP !!!

505, I share your anger, but in a far different way. I am far more livid at the thought of the NHL stealing the Islanders' idea and turning it into a showcase for the Rags and some other team. That's what infuriates me about this. The Islanders thought of it, the Islanders negotiated with the Yankees about it, and the NHL wants to steal their idea.

I agree that the Rangers should accept the outdoor game only on the condition that the Islanders are the opponent....it's the only fitting farewell to Yankee Stadium (and I say that as a die-hard Yankee fan myself). The national exposure given Islander/Ranger games proves network interest, and THE ISLANDERS HAD THE IDEA IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Seems like a no-brainer, but apparently not when you're dealing with guys like Bettman and Campbell who have no brains PERIOD.

Seems like a no-brainer, but apparently not when you're dealing with guys like Bettman and Campbell who have no brains PERIOD...

You aren't lying...They make it a point to load the schedule to bursting with interdivisional games just for the sake of rivalry, and then ignore one of the biggest in the game.

The small comfort anyone can take from the plan is that no matter what happens, at least we won't have to listen to some talking head p***ins all over himself about Sidney Crosby...

That is typical Bettman ... how can you put anything past him.

Originally when I first hear the suggestion way back when that the NHL was considering 4 on 4 during OT ... I said to myself ... nahhhhh ... that can never happen ... it wouldn't be right ... DING ... it happened.

Then when I heard they were going to create a zone behind the net the trapazoid so goaltenders can't play the puck ... i said ... ridiculous ... it's part of the game ... and if the goalie is willing to risk it and has the skillll ... why not? .... DING .... it happened.

Then they talked about having a 3 point game with a shootout ... and I said ... nahhhhhhhh .. now wayyyy!!! That would bastardize the game and skew the standings .... DING ... it happened.

This is what happened to our GREAT Game .... although the 4 on 4 OT doesn't seem as bad to me right now.

LOL!!! My Ranger fan friend and teammate and I were talking about the Isles game against Tampa ... he was at the game because he's down there for Yankee Spring Training ... he said ... DP looks sooo bad that I figured he threw the game because he's sooo frustrated at standing on his head just to squeek out a win .. and wants the Isles to end in last for a shot at Stamkos.

LOLOL!!! Gotta give him credit for the creativity .... I said ... I think DP would play with a shotgun wound to the calf before wanting to give up a goal to lose. I said ... he basically sucked in that game .... but we all have sucky days.

I like the move bringing up Okposo (assuming it does, in fact, occur), but not for the fact of necessarily winning. ***WARNING*** perfect world scenario forthcoming that has a low end chance of occuring
Anyway.... UFA's want to see a team with direction. The Islanders youngsters have made good progress this year (the best by far comeau and bergenheim with props also to mr. meyer, followed by the upbringing of promising players such as tambellini and walter.) lets assume (perfect world part coming) that the islanders tank the rest of the year and by some stroke of luck draft stamkos.... I think that in of itself could make the Island a MUCH more appealing place to play if i were an upper tier FA because with talented youth a team will grow even stronger...maybe the Isles can even pick up Hossa (idk if hes signed yet or not, im sorry if i am mistaken) on the market if the isles can prove that they have direction.

Perfect world scenario:

Isles win the lottery ... draft Stamkos (He's NHL ready) ... this along with the promising progress of the Isles youth corps grabs the attention of UFA's Hossa and Campbell ... and we sign both.

Tell me right now that Ricky's game wouldn't get even better if we are playing 5 more minutes a game in the opposition's end .. and 5 minutes less a game in our own end.

The PP would take off ... and that would catch the eye of other UFA's for the next season.

Dream 08-09 lines
1st Line
LW Sean Bergenheim
C Steve Stamkos
RW Blake Comeau

2nd Line
LW Steve Tambellini
C Mike Comrie
RW Bill Guerin

3rd Line
LW Jon Sim
C Frans Nielsen
RW Kyle Okposo

4th Line
LW Steve Regier
C Richard Park
RW Trent Hunter

Depth: C Ben Walter, C Mike Sillinger, RW Tim Jackman, LW FA

Defense
1st Pairing
Witt Campbell
Meyer Campoli
Gervais Sutton
Martinek

Depth: Johnson, Spiller, Fata

You guys can tear it apart ... and in all likely hood the Isles will probably add another FA or two .. my lines were in the interest in developing a core while at the same time remaining competitive.

I think with Comrie resigning and assuming on the wishlist the Isles snagged Stamkos you have a 1-2 punch up the middle. Then all of a sudden the Isles are instantly deep down the center. Assuming KO is NHL ready by the fall he can start on the 3rd line and move up throughout the season.

Chances are the lineups will look nothing like that.

For some reason I feel genuinely postive about the future .... I didn't feel that way the last 3 seasons .. but the kids really have made progress ... and sure .... next season we'll probably see some sophmore slumps ... goes with the territory.

I think also the Isles need to look at the Dubie situation .. and decide on whether to resign him or look at a good experienced backup.

I think also that DP's workload needs to be reduced ... the Isles don't have a defense infront of him that will keep his workload down .... the goaltenders that post on here can tell you ... a goaltender's work isn't just stopping the puck .. a lot of work goes into positioning, cutting off angles and playing the puck around the net area. I'm sure they can add more.

DP can get plenty of games in if he takes a once every back to back game in a 3 in 4 night span.

Damn ... through all the interuptions I've had while writing the above I forgot to add Hossa to the lineup ... insert him on the top line and .... damn .... I think we'd have a log jam on the RW .... looks like a trade is in order ... LOL!! Chances are KO will need another 3 months of AHL seasoning .... time will tell.

Any chance, and I mean ANY, the Islanders will have a fight before year end? Any toughness at all on Long Island?

I don't think that we'll slump enough to get a lottery position. Lets just enjoy these last few games with the injection of youth in the lineup. I held up an opinion on #3, but this guy is not too great. The only positive I've seen from the guy is one breakout pass to start a breakaway. Maybe if he dropped the gloves and defended his teamates it would have given us the spark we needed when we were in the thick of things.

I like Dubie... Besides a clunker against Toronto and Atlanta he has been pretty solid... With a few more starts maybe his confidence would have grown and maybe DP would have been well rested and not exhausted towards the end of the season. I won't be upset if he's the backup next season.

I guess all we can hope for at this point is further developing of the youth, smart drafting, and good FA signings.... oh yeah... and and early NYR exit from the playoffs... lol... sorry Rag fans!!!!

I'm staying on my rant here, cuz, well, that's just the way I am.

Quote of the night from my 24 year old daughter (athlete/Vball coach) over dinner at some foo-foo restaraunt on Rte 66 in Snob Hill area of ABQ........

QUALIFIER---She has been to a half dozen or so Yankee games in the Bronx in her short life from a long way away, including all 3 games of the 2001 WS vs the D'backs.

"Dad, no red blood should be shed on the (hallowed) grounds of Yankee Stadium in the final sporting event EVER, that is not wearing a NY uniform, especially a BOSTON uniform."

This CROCK OF SCHIT is JUST WRONG FOLKS.....and if ANYONE AND EVERYONE in NY allows it......well..... I'm gonna have to find a better deli and pizza area to frequent to go visit.

Just my opinion, I will not be wronged.

19Isles.....

I like your lineup .....BUT... I am gonna hold out for Hilbert on a 4th line with Park....Those 2 guys are simply the best penalty killers (with Witt/Campoli/Martinek behind 'em) in the league.
(I watch a lot of Center Ice).
And I am still not sold on Neilsen.
And Sim has to be a question mark---but I am all for giving him a weighted shot. Cuz in my mind Hunter and Sim are gonna have to fight it out for the Tonelli type forward on the team.....and Hunter just signed the 5 year contract.
Regier?----not sure there is room for him here.....YET
(WOW, did I just write that? about THIS team....ew....time to mix a drink)...

Our D-corps (minus 3 and 2) is SOLID....barring injuries-- as is.

But I have a sneaking suspicion that we are gonna lose Campoli or Gervais or Meyer to some kind of trade before camp next summer.

nice lineup, but, any toughness? or, have the islanders given up on physical play?