PREGAME: Toronto at the Isles, 7:05pm
The Day After Xmas
6:40pm UPDATE: Yes, in a mindboggling move, Rick DiPietro is taking the bulk of shots in warmups and would appear to be the starter, which has been a hot rumor when I got the Coliseum. No stop at Bridgeport. Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200. But do start in goal.
3:40pm UPDATE: Per the always excellent Mike Fornabaio, the Isles have returned Ben Walter and Joe Callahan back to Bridgeport. Evidently, Mike Sillinger and Bruno Gervais are ready to return to the lineup tonight.
I hope everyone had a good holiday, whatever you celebrate.
Well, it’s no great secret on what GM Garth Snow might have asked Santa this Xmas. These are difficult days on Long Island and the air is thick with the hope for fans, players, coach and GM that they can snap out of it. Well, unless you are are focused on the next draft picks. It was only a month ago when some were wondering if we can reach .500. Since then, it has been a steady drop with many questions, injuries, and a lot of soul-searching.
LOSING THE MENTAL GAME: The last two games were closer affairs with the Isles keeping within arm’s length of their competition. This is some good news as compared to some of the more disturbing crash and burns like versus the Penguins and the Wild. If this string of losses had all been close games, with the team going all out playing as if it was November, there would be a lot less questions. Instead, we have seen a myriad of injuries, a defense that has looked gaping, an offense unable to score, and some sniping on the system itself. Coach Scott Gordon has seemed to become stiffer and acting as if besieged by press and situation. This tightening and almost wounded visage by the Isles might be indicative of losing the mental game even before they play the physical one.
“Our last two losses were tight games. We have to stay loose and stay ready to work. Our biggest asset is our work ethic. We don’t come in and mope around. We keep it loose, and we keep focused.”
- Bill Guerin
As Bill Guerin alluded to in his post-games comments versus the Thrashers earlier this week, it is supremely important not to come into this game stuck on their December malaise. The mental capitulations will only leave them tight, anguished, and just waiting for another wheel to come off.
The Maple Leafs come to town winning their 5 of their last 7 games. That streak was started with their last win over the Isles, coming off a three-game skid. Their last game, however, was a 8-2 drubbing courtesy of the Dallas Stars. So the Leafs come in looking to make things right against the Isles who have been in freefall. The Toronto press has written that the game against the Isles “might be a Yuletide gift.“
Doug Weight did not play Tuesday, and I will try to find out if he is going to play today. Stay tuned here for updates later on, plus I will be on-hand tonight for the recap.
For your reading enjoyment, here is my news item about the Lighthouse Project which caused a bit of stir.
REMINDER: Please adhere new-look Comments space wishes of Chris’s
More later…BD
69 Responses to PREGAME: Toronto at the Isles, 7:05pm
The Day After Xmas
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EdTurner says:
Is it time for Gordon to switch places with Jack Capuano?
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Dallas MacDonald says:
A nice tight loss would be good tonight. Save our win for Monday against the Rags. Let Toronto get a little further ahead of us like Atlanta the other night. Top two pick or bust.
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kevin says:
well i want the top 2 pick as much as the next guy but holy crap are those guys after them looking good or what. this draft looks extremely deep. matt duchene looks very good as well. this draft looks ten times better than last years. then next year there is taylor hall so lets lose every game next year. o well. guerin should question his work ethic when i looked at the last game. i kept saying hit that guy and skate! skate! and a lot of come on’s. ill miss the first 2 periods so hope all the action is in the third
. no but seriously i wan to win today and against the rangers. win against rivals and lose against everyone else. -
Mike from Oceanside says:
I’m going to the game tonight and I’m bringing my seven year old son. Is this considered child abuse?
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TP says:
Hey Chris, RE: the Lighthouse news item, it all depends on how reliable the source is saying it will start in 2010. With this economy and Nassau’s flawed reputation for getting things done, the Isles might become like the Brooklyn Dodgers. So, how reliable is the source?
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ISLESFAN999 says:
I can’t wait to the dealine. I cant wait too see snow in action hopefully making smart trades and adding some hope for our team in the rebuild. This ur has been pretty much perfect. We suck we get hedman a #1 dmen or tavares a franchise forward. Lets go isles!!!
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Jax says:
I don’t see how the economy would be a factor. Wang is putting up all the money himself. If anything with all the jobs this project will produce I think it would help the economy more then ever.
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Rick says:
Jax I agree 100% – this project would boost LI’s economy no doubt.
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Willis says:
As long as they are still frontrunners in the race for Tavares I’d like to see them win tonight AND against the Rags. Just for morale purposes lol. And kevin, I’ll echo your comment about waiting till last period for anything exciting to happen because it looks like I won’t be able to catch the game till the third either. GO ISLES!
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9 ISLESFAN999 on Dec 26th, 2008 12:32:49 said:
“We suck we get hedman a #1 dmen or tavares a franchise forward. Lets go isles!!!”I cant believe people keep saying this. The Isles “sucking” is NOT guaranteeing them EITHER of those players. The Isles can suck and come in 25th-28th overall too, you know. That wold give them a 0% chance of getting either player unless they trade up or win the lottery. Why is this fact being excluded from the minds of so many Islanders fans???
The Isles “sucked” last year- and I dont see an Isles crest on the chest of Stamkos, do you?
Seriously- you want to “hope” for this its one thing- but to act like getting either of those two players is a done deal as long as the Isles lose is wrong, wrong, wrong.
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Mike from Philly says:
John Tavares please!!
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Sorry Chris TMC I forgot, winning gets you first overall pick. Meaning I’m confused by your rant. The Islanders won 4 of their last 10 games last year ruining a chance at Stamkos or Doughty (Nolan uses the trap to screw Snow over …I call it). So losing as many as possible gives you a better shot of geting first or second pick. You have confused me.
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joey303 says:
As much as it sucks to lose, I cant say I’m bothered by it. Not this year. If we win 4 more all year (all rangers), Ill have to accept that. In fact, doesnt sound so bad now does it? lol
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mrlbem says:
I have a question. Evry month, the team announces an “Islander player of the month.” Usually, there is a brief pre-game ceremony during the first home game of the next month where they announce the winner to the crowd and the winner skates over to the area of the ice where the anthem singer stands to pick up whatever trinket is awarded for that particular month. Joey MacDonald won the award for the month of November. Hell, he was the NHL’s number 3 star for the month. How come there hasn’t been an award ceremony for MacDonald? Just askin’.
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we sucked last year but restocked our prospect pool with prospects and now that the pool is restocked since it was low, we can get that awsome home grown player that every team has. look around the league and you will see that teams suck and then get better. this year if we get the third pick because we suck then we get duchene. or jared cowan or braydon shcenn who is going to be better than his brother some scouts say even though they are different positions. also that swedish guy that is supposed to be good. if we suck then we win in the future chris. sad now but happy later. even though ppl are happy now because they look at the future.
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Johnny Islander says:
In the NHL draft lottery a team can move up as much as 4 spots, but not move down more than one.
If the Islanders finished between 26th and 28th, their chances of drafting first WOULD NOT BE 0%. It would be as follows
26th 8.1%
27th 10.7%
28th 14.2%
29th 18.8% (42.0% second pick, 39.2% 3rd)
30th 48.2% (51.8% second pick) -
Joe says:
We got knocked around again last game, can we please dress Fritz? Were gunna lose anyway.
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Hey Johnny- If you look back, I SAID that would give them a 0% chance of getting either player UNLESS they trade up or win the lottery. If you see that, you will realize that the exlpanation you just volunteered is not correcting me.
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TMC, just let them come in dead last. We all wish theyd win but theres no point, they arent going to do anything with it. Its only right that a disaster of a season like this turns into something good for the future. Be the best at sucking, drop every game. Talking for 25th-28th shouldnt be an option, if theyre going to rebuild, they need something to rebuild around and Tavares is perfect for that. If theyre 28th with 8 games left, I expect them to drop 7 of 8. I mean, obviously, you want them to win, youve brought this point up several times but we all get it already.
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To say they’d have a 0% chance, “unless they win the lottery” Is like saying I’m broke, except for the $100 in my pocket.
Just letting people know what the real odds are.
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In other news, coach Scott Gordon has been assigned to a two week conditioning stint in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and coach Jack Capuano has been recalled to take his place as head coach of the New York Islanders. As with Tambellini, this move is simply to boost confidence and teach the coach how to do more than bite his lip and look mad on the jumbotron.
All kidding aside, I do like Gordon, but I want to see some fire, some passion. If these players don’t want to perform, yell your head off at them. They will most likely be gone by the deadline anyway…
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DP's Hip says:
The Isles picking first overall only guarantees we’re 26.9% more likely going to be angry with the goalie we pick, 18.3% likely to hear how great the 8th pick we traded down to get was and 12.4% likely to get the Gospel According to Snow how we needed the young Massachussetts winger because of his two way play more than whatever Hedman or tavares brought, because **** is a better passer.
Being an Islander fan, you should know not to show any hope….it’ll get emaciated. Zero management since Maloney left, our last good drafter.
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Newf says:
Go Isles tonight!
At Russia and Latvia as I type. Petrov looking Ok. Got this laziness but it is against Latvia. All in all he would like nice on Long Island. -
Whats the chance we make a trade in the next 2 weeks?? Weight to Columbus possble??
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Angelica says:
I must admit I cracked up looking at that pic of Billy Guerin as an elf.
I just want one win out of these guys. Then they can lose all the games they want. Just give me one win is all I ask.
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beatlebailey says:
i say keep losing…although they can lose 3-2 in the final seconds of regulation to keep me entertained!.;-)
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doc says:
I thought Joe Callahan showed enough that he may be a nice presence on the blue line. Bigger than anyone else we have. Steady… defensive minded, but showed a clue out there in regards to taking a shot when it presented itself.
DOC
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BringTheReign says:
Weight to Columbus is gonna happen. I’ll take Mayorov, i hear he’s pretty good
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AZS says:
I’m reeeally excited to see that Sillinger and Gervais are back in the line-up …I reeeaaally love paying to watch a senior citizen and an overrated D-man play hockey …
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BrassBonanza says:
WOW is this true Ken?? This is awesome news. Let the playoff march begin!!! I’m sure there are plenty of great seats available tonight in Uniondale.
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felix says:
that is awful news. let him fully heal. 12 more years. no reason to rush him at this point. let him rest until frebraury get a full month of practice in before coming back. stupid move.
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at least let DP have a conditioning stint at the bridge for two weeks
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Matt says:
I thought I would never hear an islander fan sing Maloneys praise(25). CB where do you find these people. Gervais is by far the worst defenseman we have and having him back in the line up is a negative. Great, send down Walter who I thought was playing well and made some pretty feeds and now we got Sillinger. Some youth movement, what a joke. I mean what are we really being sold here?
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"Dissolutioned Brian in VA" says:
Lets Lose Islanders!!!!! Lets lose Islanders!! I only want 4 more wins all against that fantastic bunch in Manhattan! They have a +1 goal differential. It is catching up to them the freefall of the NYR is at hand!
I want 14-65-3 31pts for my Isles! -
G. Howatt says:
Sign Haley and bring him up from the Bridge…… i need some excitement we are in a LIB’ recession !!!
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Im praying Fritz plays this game! Last game we got run by their fourth line like 5 times. Also, what an awful idea to start DP tonight.
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I’m throwing this out there take it for what it’s worth. Two friends of mine heard through seperate parties that if Wang sells the team it will be bought by a group headed by Pat Lafontaine & Bill Gates. It seems that these two have partnered up on some other business ventures and have become good friends. The word is even if wang gets the lighthouse deal he still might sell to them. Also if the lighthouse fails they would still purchase the team and build a brand new arena most likely a different location. Again this is all hear say but if it’s been heard by more then one person then who knows. Maybe CB can add to this. Again don’t kill me, it’s what I heard that’s all.
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Wonder if Gordon will pull him or leave him if he gets shelled? After all Gordon doesn’t pull goalies….
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Rick DiPietro is taking the warmup tonight and appears to be the starter tonight.
THe game is on MSG+2 tonight.
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Look for Hollweg to cheapshot someone if Fritzy aint dressed!
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22 Joe on Dec 26th, 2008 14:16:49 said:
“TMC, just let them come in dead last. We all wish theyd win but theres no point, they arent going to do anything with it.
…I mean, obviously, you want them to win, youve brought this point up several times but we all get it already.”What you dont get is that I have not been talking about what Id like, what Id want, what would be best for them, any of that- I have been talking about what IS going to happen. You need to separate the two in your mind.
23 Johnny Islander on Dec 26th, 2008 14:24:59 said:
“To say they’d have a 0% chance, “unless they win the lottery” Is like saying I’m broke, except for the $100 in my pocket.”You think that winning the lottery is the same as money in your pocket? HAH… wrong.
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Anyone see Fritz in pre-game?
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TMC, so explain to me, what is going to happen? Im obviously confused about your point.
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Mike says:
Whatever Ricky Red Light wants Ricky gets! PATHETIC
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Joe on Dec 26th, 2008 18:47:48 said:
“TMC, so explain to me, what is going to happen? Im obviously confused about your point.”Anyone who thinks that the Islanders picking 1st overall is any kind of a lock is delusional- thats my point. Read post 83 on the last blog regarding draft prospects for my explanation, no reason to repeat it again here.
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At this point, I dont care really.
No Fritz again, another boring, piece of crap game.
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ILuvJMAC says:
I heard that Ricky was practicing in secret at the Marjorie Post ice rink in Massapequa– playing goalie for a pee wee team. He is ready, never allowed a goal.
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djd says:
did anyone see Tavares’ goal! wow! need that guy. its on tsn.com
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hope DP does well because JMAC wasnt in december
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YEA!!!! Thats what you get when Ricky is in the lineup. He changes the way other teams forecheck. Ricky was sorely missed on this club, he is going to put this team on his back. What a player!!
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YES OKPOSO SCORES!!!!!! dp wit da assist
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Yeah what a player.
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win jackman IMO
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Good fight, goals by Bailey and KO, exactly what I want to see. Now we can lose hehe.
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dmen77 says:
Bailey!!!
The kid finally gets one!
DP back and our future has scored both goals.
Still wishing for Tavares/Hedman though!
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Oh crap it looks like it’s Guerin’s
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Def Guerins
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YES BAILEY!!!!! i didnt see it but the scoresheet says it still is baileys but you guys are saying it is guerins so lemme tune in real quick
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isles99 says:
this is bittersweet, im happy okposo and bailey are playing well but i want the isles to lose…im watching canada vs czech on nhl network and let me tell you guys that tavares is the real deal….canda has 3 goals, tavares has points in all of them..and its not even the middle of the 2nd pd.
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Michael Olivo says:
Love Tavares. DP looks good and the boys look ok on highlights.
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Now Hilberts hurt.
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The greatest thing about tonight’s good game is that Tampa and Atlanta are also currently winning. We won’t lose our spot in the standing by winning tonight if everything stays the same.
Really sucks to hear Hilbert has a hairline fracture. He’s probably been our most consistant forward.
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I am sorry for posting multiple times here in this forum, but I am overly excited about the way this club is playing tonight. The troops just look inspired , what intensity, what heart, what passion, and what a difference #39 makes for this club!!!! I wonder what the record would be if Ricky was healthy the entire season??? Islander fan’s rejoice the future looks bright.
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LOL. We would be #1 in the league if we had him of course.
I will take a nice hard fought 4-3 loss. preferably overtime.