PREGAME: Isles At The Sabres
5:25 pm: Danis, Colliton up; MacDonald to start
UPDATED at 5:25 pm by CB: Greetings from Huntington, West Virginia…where We Are Not All Islanders, but We Are Marshall.
The Islanders have confirmed what Greg Logan reported earlier today: Jeremy Colliton has been recalled, hopefully to win a few faceoffs. Andy Hilbert out with hairline fracture of left foot. Logie also has some nice stuff on 400-goal man Bill Guerin.
Yann Danis is up to be No. 2 behind Joey MacDonald. Rick DiPietro did not make the trip. Whether the plan all along was for DiPietro to play Friday and not travel to Buffalo, I wouldn’t be so sure.
Some of the fiction on DiPietro in Comments has been entertaining. I would never tell a fan who to like or not to like, and I understand the fans who don’t want to wrap their arms around DiPietro and his contract – especially with his run of injuries. But some of the reasons stated in Comments for not liking him – he got Neil Smith fired! he whined when Dubie started! he’s why they didn’t re-sign Arron (effective in about 7 games all season for Ted) Asham – oh my. Ya gotta bring better urban legends than that.
Thank you, B.D., for subbing. Forecheck hard tonight, everyone. Hope to catch up with you tomorrow if the plane’s on time…CB
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The Isles flew to Buffalo last night without the 2-ton gorilla in the room. Rick DiPietro’s full practice first start since the surgery has been a success, whether anyone thinks it a risky gamble or not. Well, as they say, a win is a win is a win. And, well, they won.
They face a team tonight who is also desperate for a bunch of wins. The Sabres have won only two games out of their last seven. They also have played last night like the Isles, with a different result, a loss against the Washington Capitals.
Both Jon Sim and Mitch Fritz were healthy scratches last night. So, with the loss of Andy Hilbert for an indefinate amount of time (usually 2 to 4 weeks depending), will one of these two be activated? My bet is on Sim, who is capable of playing the same type of game, except for the offensive prowess Hilbert was showing this season which will be missed, especially if Doug Weight is still out with his day-to-day groin injury.
So, does The Rick start again? Or will he sit on a more careful rotation to get him back to the NHL grind shape and have Joey MacDonald start instead. One would think it would be the latter than the former. However, it seems anything is possible.
The question remains on how fragile solid this feel-good buoyancy really is. If the Sabres score a couple of goals, can the Isles regroup instead of splintering off the game plan? How about after a loss? The win is well and good, and there was bevy of pressure that was released last night, but they have a ways to go. One focused goalie, even if the team feeds off it, will not be starting every game. The way to winning and equilibrium is a focused team all feeding off one another for success.
Stay tuned for updates in this blog through-out the day if there is anything to report. Tonight, once again, I will provide the game recap. Chris returns tomorrow.
108 Responses to PREGAME: Isles At The Sabres
5:25 pm: Danis, Colliton up; MacDonald to start
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Islander505 says:
DP had one of his best games in two years last night. (Stayed “within himself”, made smart passes, did not “overplay” the puck).
If sitting him down another 27 games or so will get the same result….let’s do it.At this stage of the “rebuilding project”, what the hell.
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It was nice to see DP between the pipes last night. I don’t care what anyone has said on this message board over the past few months, there is a big difference between DP and MacDonald. MacDonald is an excellent back-up, however, he is not even close to the same level as DiPietro. Even in his first return from a long injury ,DP was solid all around. He was smart with his stickhandling, he made key saves, did not give away boisterous rebounds, and he had a firm grip on his lateral movements all night. He did not look rusty what-so-ever. MacDonald, in my opinion, will get the nod tonight. Management held DP out for almost an extra two weeks after his scheduled return, which shows a change in our mindset. Buffalo will be hungry tonight though, so lets watch out…
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Since72 says:
Great to see Rick back, but after watching BUFFALO @ WASH, USA-Germany, and CANADA-Czech Republic y-day in a hockey-filled Day After Christmas, I must remark that finishing with the 1st or 2nd draft pick come June should be Goal #1. Tavares, in my first extended viewing of him in game action, has “IT” and this ISLES team clearly is NOT going to the playoffs, so finishing 5 points out of 8th or 25 — the only difference is the prize come June……glad to see a (RARE) win, but I would anticipate BUFF comes out VERY STRONG in their house tonight vs. Joey and beats us 5-2.
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I still don’t understand why DP gets put down for having the desire to play and to help his team. I highly doubt mgmt bows down to Rick’s wishes to rush back and play (IF he’s even making those demands). Rick is extremely valuable to this team. If we had 20 guys with his mindset, we’d be way better off.
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"Dissolutioned Brian in VA" says:
DP is put down because he is arrogant, overrated, and about as fragile as china. I used to be a fan of him but her turned me off after last year’s FLA loss in March!
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oh yeah and the Ranger game when he sulked when Dubie got the nod.
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lets not forget when he and his pal Wang went to American Idol and complained about contract negotiations and got a REAL GM fired!
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Joe says:
Buffalo will play dirty if we dont dress Fritz today, let him TKO Peters again.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I just replayed last night’s game and skimmed through the previous game vs. TO on my Tivo … and the biggest difference between the two games … The defense and transition from D to O.
Two similarities … the Isles were horrible at face-offs … and the uniforms … that is right … the uniforms … I didn’t notice till I watched the game again (skimmed though that too) … the Isles had on their “away” whites .. I thought I was mixing up game when I togged back n forth between them. I don’t recall Howie or Jaffie even mentioning the uniform change. I prefer Home Whites over the blues.
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There will be 3 big winners this coming June 20091- Stanley Cup Champion
2a- Team that selects 1st overall at the draft.
2b- Team that selects 2nd overall at the draft. -
He’s considered arrogant because of hearsay. There is no substance to it. He is not over-rated because when healthy he is top 5. Yes he seems fragile, but that’s also I think relevant to the type of game he plays. He’s a very athletic goalie in front of an average defense. If he can keep it in the range he displayed last night, he will be great. And how do you know he “sulked” when Dubie got the nod?? Probably more hearsay. Can’t believe everything you read.
CB.. need a blog on DP. All things considered. You’re probably the best opinion and source on the subject that us fans can get.
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Ah revisionism- you are indeed alive in the minds of ‘dissolutioned’ Islanders fans everywhere.
Seriously- the guy just loves his team and wants to play- what the heck fans besides Islanders fans would ever have a problem with that??????
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10 19 ISLE in NJ 22 on Dec 27th, 2008 13:13:34 said:
“…the Isles had on their “away” whites .. I thought I was mixing up game when I togged back n forth between them. I don’t recall Howie or Jaffie even mentioning the uniform change. I prefer Home Whites over the blues.”They did that as a favor to the Leafs so they didnt need to bring two unis on their road trip. I was happy too since I also prefer home whites.
“There will be 3 big winners this coming June 2009
1- Stanley Cup Champion
2a- Team that selects 1st overall at the draft.
2b- Team that selects 2nd overall at the draft.”
Every year there are also players who wind up great who are NOT picked 1st or second overall- every single year. The teams picking them will be winners, too- you just wont know who they are for years. Heres hoping that the Isles are one of those… because I dont see any way they wind up as one of the three winners you pointed out! -
You bring up valid points Jason. But I believe Logan brought those up in his past articles. But he did get Smith Fired! As an Islander and Jet fan I just get dissolutioned by certain members such as Snow/DP and Favre/Mangini… I want all four GONE!
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doc says:
Last night you saw the best goalie we’ve had since Kelly Hrudey… and all you can do is complain.
DOC
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Look guys(girls)… I am 31, the Islanders won their 4 cups when I was 3-6 yrs old. I can’t say I remember those! I was -8 when the Jets won SB III. Just once I’d like to see these two teams which I (we) invest lots of our time win consistently like my Yankees! I don’t even care if the Isles/Jets win a championship just give me (us) hope! Be a consistent contender and quit being circus organizations!
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TMC, if they dont end up as one of those, they are gone. Dont expect to be a fan of the New York Islanders in about two years if they dont get a dynamic player to draw some fans and win some games.
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AZS says:
Brain in VA,
I’m not going to get into a whole thing with you, because it’s clear you’re a passionate fan. I’m the same age as you so I hear where you’re coming from. That being said I really like what Snow’s done so far and I think he’s really interested in rebuilding this thing the correct way.
It’s hard to believe considering what we’ve all been through, but the younger guys on this team are showing signs and really, we need to bomb this year. Look how much fun it was last night watching Comeau and KO do work and throw in a young bailey with an assist (almost goal) …now, throw in Tavares (sweet god please) and maybe a Trevor Smith or someone else and you have yourself the makings of a young squad that has a shot to be the annual competitive squad we all want …hard to hear this I’m sure, but try and be patient and have faith …
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Scott from Newburgh says:
I would alternate goalies for atleast the next month. Rick one game Joey the next, no matter who the opponent is. There is no point to overwork him. As long as all goes well with him by February, then start giving him multiple games in a row. If Rick has learned patience like he said, he should be fine with this.
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kevin says:
well brian in va, im 14 so i wasnt born yet during the 93 run and my high moment was the toronto series where i was 7 so i barely remember that except the bates goal and being happy all of the time. i still play and have played since i was 6 so i know the game better then my age would tell. what i want most is for the isles to win a cup. with garth i think its possible. if we rebuild for 4 years which we wont and will prob be more like 2-3 we should be set by the time ill be able to drive on my own so i can go to the coliseum to watch them win the cup. plus garth is on the right path. should be good times. hope the isles do well today. kinda hopin for a fritz peters round two though. GO ISLES
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17 Joe on Dec 27th, 2008 13:35:22 said:
TMC, if they dont end up as one of those, they are gone. Dont expect to be a fan of the New York Islanders in about two years if they dont get a dynamic player to draw some fans and win some games.Joe, the only way to getting a dynamic player is not to finish last overall. I do not see any way the Isles finish last overall. But you need to understand that me saying that has nothing to do with whether I think a top elite player would be good for the team. Of COURSE that would be good for thet eam. But I still dont think it is happening. Your idea that it is last overall or the team is completely ****ed is simply not correct.
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good point AZS if the young guys pull through ill be one happy fan . tavares, okposo,bailey,firgren, smith, trivino and many more can make this team very good cup contendors.
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TMC, how do you see that though, I mean the injury bug will take out anyone producing and we’ll go back to losing soon enough. This is a last place squad whether you think so or not, theres a reason we are last right now, I see no reason to believe we wont be in the same position at the end of the year.
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How do I see that? He was in net last night! Once again Joe, read post 83 on the top 10 of next years draft blog… I already explained why I feel the way I do on there.
The way I see it is that the Isles didnt come in last overall last year without guys like Streit and Weight, and they arent going to come in last overall this year, either. I think bottom 3-7 is most likely.
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why does everyone hate snow?
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G. Howatt says:
. Micheal Haley – 1 goal and a fight to spark bridgeport in the second period
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kevin on Dec 27th, 2008 14:29:39 said:
“why does everyone hate snow?”
Everyone doesnt… its just that the ones who do seem to feel the need to repeat that fact all the time, while those of us who dont see no reason to keep repeating it. -
i guess, its annoying and i want to know why so i can tell them y they are wrong
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The PolishPrince says:
Just saw a post on a message board that Danis was recalled from BPort. Anyone know if Glass Rick hurt himself at the game yesterday? I was there and was have to admit I had real mixed feelings about him playing. I was pumped ’cause I think Rick is real solid when healthy but the guy is NEVER healthy. Maybe MacDonald is sick or something?
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TMC, dont really feel like reading it, he wasnt in net. We also didnt have rookie coach, a waste of space Tambellini, a waste of space Sim etc etc. No point in really going on, if not dead last, we’ll be bottom 2-5. Now that DP is rushed back, I dont expect him to last till the end of the season.
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gervaismustgo says:
Rick is an arrogant punk who has accomplished nothing in this game. Not only will he never win a Cup, he will never win a playoff series.
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Madchef says:
gervaismustgo arrogant because he wants his team to win, wow that is an intelligent comment. How obvious that DP in net changes the whole attitude of the team last night.
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B-ri says:
just a little FYI I was at iceworks today coaching my middle school team and after us some of the wounded islanders were skating. Weight, Neilsen, and Martinek were out there, so it looks like Weight is out for tonight’s game since the game is in Buffalo and he was skating at noon
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Kevin…
“i guess, its annoying and i want to know why so i can tell them y they are wrong”
Kevin, just filter it out…As Nick has so often stated…..Snow/Wang/Gordon could win the Stanley Cup in 7 games and there would be people complaining that it took 7 games. You will NEVER change some people’s minds.
Al Arbour, Bow-Tie Torrey and Roy Boe were nearly run off the Island a few times in the 70′s before the run of Cup Championships TEMPORARILY shut the never satisfied contingents up.
Real fans, while never happy with losing, display SOME patience with their teams in weak periods.
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Madchef, it could have been because they havent won a game since November too.
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Mile-Hi-Isle says:
Was Colliton called up? He’s listed as not with Bridgeport on http://www.theahl.com
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ISLES FILES: Goaltender Rick DiPietro did not make the trip to Buffalo. Gordon said the Isles chose to err on the side of caution by not asking him to play in back-to-back games coming off his second knee operation this year. “I haven’t spoken to him this morning, but I can imagine he’s pretty sore as far as being tight and the normal aches and pains that come from playing your first game when you haven’t played in awhile,” Gordon said of DiPietro. Looks like Joey MacDonald will start with Yann Danis as the backup, but DiPietro is expected to start against the Rangers Monday at Madison Square Garden…
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Erring on the side of caution is a GOOD thing. I was hoping Joey would be in for this game.
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30 Joe on Dec 27th, 2008 15:05:16 said:
“TMC, dont really feel like reading it…”And thats fine, but you are the one who asked me to explain why I felt that way. If you dont care about the explanation thats fine, but then I dont see why you asked.
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You gave me a much simpler answer with “he was in net”.
Colliton was recalled.
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Strummer's Army says:
I don’t want to see Sim skate for the Isles ever again. Get rid of him one way or another and be done with it.
It would be a major mistake not to dress Fritz against Buf. We saw how dirty they were in the first game and we saw how great it was having Fritz in the rematch.
So happy to have the franchise back! Ya played great Ricky. Hopefully, Gordo gives him tonight off.
The Kids proved they were more then alright with last nights effort. That was the game we all waited on to see the names of Okposo, Tambelleni, Comeau, Campoli litter the score sheet.
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Alright.. I will contain myself from lashing out at Snow/Gordon(who are not the right fit) and DP. I will continue to have patience and hope that the Isles can do something right. I will read the blogs but not post anymore because I just bring the negative! I do want the 1st pick! Happy New Year everybody hope ya guys had a good Christmas/Huannakah(sp?).. Thanks to CB for this site it is GREAT!
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The love for DP by fans is disgusting. I would hate to see what people would do if he ever actually won something. That would mean staying healthy. When you’re loaded up on steroids, I guess that is not easy.
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Exactly Strummer, they WILL lose if Fritz is not dressed tonight. Buffalo ran around and did whatever they want the first game, the second the were silent.
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gervaismustgo – Are you an Islander fan? I feel DP is wrongly accused of a lot of things. I guess it’s just my opinion, but I feel the sources that judge DP’s character are in and of themselves, opinions and accusations. What grounds do they have for saying such things? They add 1+1 and get 3. It doesnt add up. He said she said crap.
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DP IS A WASTE OF TAX PAYERS $$ IN ECONOMICAL SENSE. He is banged up DONE! bring back Billy Smith !!!
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It would be a colossal mistake to start Ricky. I would have to question the decision making of the executives of the team if they let him start a game 20 hours after the previous start. I would question the team’s long term commitment to rebuilding if they decide to start someone who has had 4 surgeries in 3 years. Hips and knees are fairly important to goalies last time I checked.
We are being told by Howie Nose (seems like hourly)that we need to be patient with the rebuilding proess while we rush back the face of the franchise? I didnt see Okposo rushed back with a hand…..yes hand injury. -
Brian from Massapequa says:
CB – Thanks for the update and great response to the DP bashes.
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Rick is a PUNK!!!!!!!! I will laugh even harder the next time he needs yet another operation.
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There is no way most of these people are actual Islanders fans. They must be Rangers fans, there is no other explanation for the continuous negative spamming of made up ridiculousness.
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ILuvJMAC says:
CB: Did DP get hurt in Friday’s game??
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I had a feeling that this was a brief return for DP. I don’t expect him back until after the All-Star Break. However, the comments against him are laughable. He showed how effective he can be when he plays within himself (505 was exactly right, one of his best games in a very long time). In addition, he showed what he can bring to a team. Joey Mac is a great backup, and I’m glad to have him, but DP is at another level. For that reason I hope they take every precaution with him.
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The so-called “fans” that constantly rip DiPietro are not real fans. They may be fanatical… but aren’t fans of the Islanders.
Maybe it was Asham that was a PUNK… and nobody liked him… and that’s why he’s gone. Not only did he get voted off of Long Island… but he got voted off of PHILADELPHIA too… after just one season. We’ll see how long he lasts in NJ.
And by the way… did anyone see how excited the team was to congratulate DiPietro after the game last night… they were like little kids hugging Rick after the game. Genuine emotion. I was sitting in 224 right behind him.
DOC
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volmeeezy says:
tamballinii yaaaaaaa
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Jon says:
I almost choked on my dinner when Tambellini scored!!! Good for him.
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Way to go Jeff!
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The Mick says:
Here we go with the run of penalties.
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Jon says:
Carl Pavano, I mean Rick DiPietro has a strained groin.
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Mikey G says:
not again!!!!!!!!!
DP strained groin!!!
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Wow, people will believe anything they see in print!
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okay, i’m watching the game on a 5 minute delay at this point. Just heard the groin news. Sorry boys
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isles99 says:
wow, this is what the isles deserve for sending dp out there too early. what a shock this is!
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im beginning to wonder is it wang who runs this franchise or is it dp? what was the harm in waiting an extra week or two instead of reinjuring yourself when you come back.
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Good for Tamby …
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303Joe says:
Pass me some of the DP Kool Aid you guys are drinking. The guy is not a top 5 goalie in the league. How do you guys figure this. He has not played a full year in the last 2 year wearing down with the work load. He’s done nothing this year once again sitting down for injuries. At this point with his injury history there is no way you can count on this guy to be a #1 and play 50+ games. Let’s not even get into the playoff grind should the Isles with him in net ever get there.
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Agent 99 – Why do you think that it was that DP decided he was ready to play? He was on track to return and when it was said that he was 2-3 weeks away, the 2 week mark would have been on 12/23 vs Atlanta. So I would say in my uninformed opinion that he was not rushed or did not rush himself. I don’t care if the he is “the franchise”, there seems to be a more appropriate level of control in player personnel decisions these days (excepting the original DP rush in October). I’ve just opened myself to all kinds of comments, so please let it fly.
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I cant believe Tambellini scored, pigs flew over my house right after that.
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brian, i think when you are out of action for the amount of time dp was, you have to get in some sort of practice + game conditioning in bridgeport. dp did not follow either of those routes. tehre was no team practice on christmas and christmas eve. im just saying that dp was rushed in the sense that he was thrown right back into the fire. if he had game conditioning + practice, the chances of him reinjuring himself would significantly be lower
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did anyone ever think that maybe they are just saying DP has a groint strain because they didnt want him to travel tonight since he wasnt gonna play anyway? DP must be injured for them to bring up Denis so a “slight groin strain” may have made that possible… just a thought before all the DP bashers start in
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ive never seen an organization as screwed up as the isles there is no leadership.the gm and coach and starting goalie are all screwed up..who is in CONTROL OF THE TEAM???
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and scott gordon sucks i saw it day ! hes like mangini they are deer in the headlights
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in regards to post 71, ive thought about that but that begs the question of why start dp when you a) have a back to back game b)when he had no practice/conditioning assignment
those questions have got to be answered. i mean if he is healthy enough to play, activate him after the back to back games. seems like common sense to me. -
Michael Olivo says:
WOW!
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Willis says:
Amazing!!!
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This is not the team that lost 10 straight is it? I’m loving the new line combos and the rolling of all 4 lines.
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who are worse organizations ny islanders or detroit lions??nice move kyle o another great prospect
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response to 71 and 74.
The issue began back when surgery took place. It was a major surgery and Ricky never had game simulation prior to returning. He did not play during mini camp or pre-season and any pro goalie will tell you that once he first puts on the pads he needs a month after that. Well Ricky put the pads on roughly Oct 10th and played Oct 18th and got hurt on the 23rd and pulled for IR on the 25th. Now Ricky first puts the pads on again Dec 10th or so and plays Dec 26th.
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOALIES COME BACK TOO EARLY; THEY BLOW GROINS. -
Good effort boys. Definately earned the point against the Sabres.
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BRING BACK TED AT LEAST WE COULD HOPE FOR A PLAYOFF SPOT!!he would have this team playing better
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by the way………….. does Comrie ever skate or does he just glide in the offensive zone. I am getting tired of watching him glide on push the puck rather than shoot it.
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Noted ….um..Bloodyskull. Did you catch tonight’s game?
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never miss one Willis. Are you saying because Guerin put it on the tape of Comrie I am wrong? He is the laziest player on the team.
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joe you want to stopbeing the most negative person on this site and i thought comrie played awsome today. goodgame for the young guys. awsome move by the first saber shooter.
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and i mean RVC, you keep going in the comments and bash this team, so why bother watching them?
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i remember when ok ..stop looking at the isles through rose colored glasses ..like bill parcells once said you are what your record is.we stink we are the worst team in all of hockey maybe all of pro sports.an overtime lose is like time for celebration for the isles i think we should have stuck with ted we would be alot more competitive.
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LOL, Bloodyskull I was replying to your first post about Rick (need to hit refresh more I guess). I found what you said very interesting and we’ll see what happens for Monday.
As for your other post, I haven’t been much of a Comrie fan either. I just hope some team wants him.!
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good stuff Willis
there is a reason he was on 5 teams by the age of 27.
I love the passion of the bloggers except the RVC individual. -
yeah joe we suck last year and were not competitive at all. 5th worst and when we were good we had smyth and blake and kozlov and yashin and more. ted nolan if anything would put us in 8th seed or lower and wouldnt help this franchise at all so stop your sulking. everyone here knows were not good but we look at the positives.
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kevin i went to playoff games when ted was coach thats more than im going to do this year.dude are we not the worst team in hockey??? well then anything else was and is better..can you see us going into next year with garth and gordon and doing much better??/ we need an overhaul new gm new coach new players for the most part
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GasMD says:
Didn’t watch the game. Is Rick really injured AGAIN?
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thats not being negative thats being realistic ..insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result..we have a minor league coach minor league players and i dont know what as gm,,backup goalie??we have the fewest points in the nhl its not working
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mrlbem says:
So either the training staff clears Ricky to play too soon or Ricky convinced everyone in the organization he was OK. Either way, it’s symptomatic of a dysfunctional organization. Who’s running this asylum?!
Exciting last two minutes of regulation, though.
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Dear Rick,
After having over 3 procedures to your lower extremities in the past year or 2, please do us a favor and calm the f*** down. We get it. You want to play. But if it at the cost of years 8-15 of your 15 year contract don’t bother rushing back this year. At the rate you’re going you will need to 4 total joint replacements in your hips and knees by year 10. Also, if you relied less on your reflexes and more on your positioning and balance, you wouldn’t have half of these injuries. -
toorude says:
BD – where are you? are you recapping the game tonight? i have read/heard enough about the DP debate from this comments section. looking for some inteligent commentary on tonights’ effort.
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I think the team doctors and trainers need to share in some of the blame here as well as the head coach. Gordon is a deer in headlights when it comes to dealing with the goaltender situation…from day one.
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ok joe then what will make this team work. no tier one players will come here and oviously you dont want to draft players that are good because to do that you need the top 10 pick so how would you do it?
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GasMD:
That is probably the WORST advice I have ever heard for a goalie:“… Rely less on your reflexes and more on your positioning and balance…”
Stupid… just plain stupid.
DUDE! The position is all about reflexes… and reaction… and adjusting to the puck at 90mph. When exactly is DiPietro out of position???
DOC
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Doc,
Watching him over the years, rarely do I see a goaltender flop around on his back more violently than DP. I understand he is very athletic but his style of play is obviously taking a toll. Finally, very few goaltenders plays at the weight that he does. Gotta wonder if it makes him more injury prone. -
doc,
“When exactly is DiPietro out of position???” Hmmmmmm…. Let me see… How about when he got his head bashed in by Steve Begin’s skate last year after chasing a puck that had barely passed the blue line. Stupid? That’s stupid.Gas M.D.
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You’re right… I’ve never seen Hasek or Brodeur flop around before… only DiPietro.
And again you’re right… Never has a goalie been caught racing out to the blue line to stop a potential breakaway. My bad.
Asking a goalie to not relay so much on his reflexes is like asking Einstein to think less with his intelligence…
DOC
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Flopping is the ONLY thing Dipietro has in common with Hasek and Brodeur. LOL. You know, you’re right. Goalies have been known to race out towards the blue line. But our’s decided to go head first, belly-flopping. I’m simply asking for more efficient movement from DP, that’s all. Whatever he’s been doing up to this point obviously hasn’t been working.
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TRUE – regarding staying injury free.
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DP's Groin says:
GasMD…..I’ve been wishing a guy with his speed and lack of brainpower be trained better to use it. He hasn’t. Every goalie coach who tries has been canned and now Sudsie has taken a decent Joey Mac and turned him into a flop down idiot out there as we all saw last night.
I would love to get a real goalie coach, but we got Dunham to say he’s a goalie coach and that’s sure helped…..our backup turned starter is showing all the worsening DP has shown since Sudsie came aboard.
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Hey DP’s Groin,
At this point, I’m all about Charles Wang’s Plan B regarding his theory on goaltending. Let’s import a couple of sumo wrestlers from Japan and try them out. If they don’t work out, we can give them pompoms and prance them around the arena during the intermissions. -
Matt says:
LOL. Have the ice girls dress in Geisha outfits. Might be on to something here!
“This wasn’t easy,” he said. “Anyone who knows me knows that patience is not one of my many virtues”
Here we see why it’s hard to understand how a player (even one as important as DP is to the Isles) influences management. Not to mention your “Goaltender” telling the world patience isn’t something he’s good at. I understand he’s just being honest, but come on Rick ! Hooray we won and stopped the bleeding, awesome. But you’re a goaltender int he NHL. At this stage of the game you better learn some damn patience or I fear we’ll be seeing the old DP over playing pucks and putting his game before the teams again. Patience is a virtue Rickster, you better find a way to learn that fact because the name on the Front of the jersey is always more important then the one on the back.