RETURN OF RICK DiPIETRO CHANGES THE TIDE
Isles Beat Leafs 4-1
The holiday crowd at the Coliseum was surprised as we were. Arthur Staple of Newsday who was subbing for a vacationing Greg Logan said “Hmmmmm” at practice as Rick DiPietro took a majority of the work. Then at warm-ups, DP is out first. Then, the pre-game interviews seal it as they interview Bill Guerin about how important DP’s return is.
I have even noted here and elsewhere about concerns over even the coach’s demeanor and the team’s mindset during rough times. But, I am still surprised and slightly concerned in DP not getting a bit more practice work and at least a conditioning stint in Bridgeport. After all, isn’t about the future and the health of their franchise goaltender?
Hey, I’m just the guy writing the blog, but here is a goalie who has had a rash of injuries and a lack of playing time. Why rush it? Did someone upstairs blink? Either way, that roll of the dice seemed to be what the Isles needed. They played far better and showed poise as a team.
These questions despite the win will not fade away because they bely a deeper sense of priorities beneath the longterm plans for the Islanders and their star goalies well-being. Obviously organizationally, they were comfortable doing this. They also felt the importance to win now, and less attentive, despite some fans focus, to the upcoming draft.
There is no question that the Islanders came out far more focused and skating hard to start the game. There was a jump in their step and a change in their demeanor. That and there seems to be a renewed commitment to their system. The Isles cycled strongly and created lots of opportunities, despite being outshot the first two periods. They have also been far better on transitional play. It has led to 4 goals and a 3rd period lead that was held.
Josh Bailey takes home a Xmas gift. His first goal, and gets a warm reception from the home crowd. Nope, changed between the 2nd and 3rd period to be a Bill Guerin goal. Bailey gets the assist along with Jeff Tambellini. Guerin then scores another for his 400 goal. Congrats Bill.
There is not a doubt, whatever anyone thinks of the DP goalie move, that this was a different team tonight. There was confidence, energy, moxy, and . . . YES . . . Overspeed. They took it to Toronto for a full 60 minutes, and it was Toronto who blinked. It was in the 3rd period, bane of Isles fans, that they took charge and close the Leafs out.
Not much of a Yuletide gift for Toronto fans, eh?
POST-GAME UPDATE:
Andy Hilbert has a hairline fracture in his foot. Expect him to be another guy on the injury parade.
Coach Scott Gordon stood less slouched, with his shoulders straight. You could see that a great weight was off of him. He felt that Rick played well. He felt the difference in having him in goal is cutting down on 2nd opportunities. Plus, he forces players to take more low percentage shots. He seemed happy with the effort and with DP’s return.
When asked on how they came to the decision to start DP he stated that it had been an ongoing discussion between them. It had to do where Ricky is right now and the lack of hard practice time. Gordon wanted to find a way to get these guys back in, including also Mike Sillinger and Bruno Gervais
Rick DiPietro was asked on how it felt to be out and watching games. He said it wasn’t easy. It took a lot of growing up and maturity to sit out.
Bill Guerin on DP’s return, as well as Gervais and Sillinger: “Big uplift to get a couple of guys back”. Of DP, he said he was focused as ever and they as a team, fed off of that.
So ends our feel good story this holiday season. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s pre-game as the Isles head up to Buffalo for a 7:05pm tilt.
63 Responses to RETURN OF RICK DiPIETRO CHANGES THE TIDE
Isles Beat Leafs 4-1
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Scott from Newburgh says:
Yes Virgina, there is a Santa Claus!
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isles99 says:
there goes our chances for john tavares who by the way has 2 goals and 2 assists tonight
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Jax says:
Relax it was against Toronto. We are still very much alive in the Taveras sweepstakes. Atlanta & Tampa are up in the 3rd period tonight. Hopefully tonights win doesn’t hurt us.
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Islander505 says:
The line play of Comeau and Okposo has been outstanding over the last 2 games, despite the burden of carrying Comrie around.
Okposo a +2 tonight and Comeau a +3 with 2 assists (and they were dandies–coulda been more if he had a centerman who knew how to convert passes with something other than a powderpuff tap towards the net).PUT BAILEY, OKPOSO AND COMEAU TOGETHER….NOW AND FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON.
MAKE THEM THE NUMBER ONE PP UNIT TOO.Just my opinion.
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kevin says:
with hilbert out, fritz is in!
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Sadly Kev they will dress Sim instead
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Alex Kinkead says:
We need Tavares! I’ll take 1 win every 11 games the rest of year, if that’s what it takes!
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I’m with you Alex!!!!!
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Matt says:
We won a game relax. I know we aren’t use to it but take a breath. See what we look like ten games from now. Definetely don’t count us out yet! Taveras would be the best thing for this club. We need him like a fish needs water!
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isles99 says:
in a surprising twist of fate, atlanta blows its 3rd period lead and loses to carolina in regulation. meanwhile, tampa blows a 2 goal 3rd period lead and onto overtime we go. im happy isles got the win but why do this to dp and to our chances of getting tavares who by the way had 4 pts and was named player of the game for canada.
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Isles316 says:
You never know what will happen around draft time. It’s only one win, this doesn’t mean the Islanders won’t come in last. Remember one month ago when all of us pretty much were certain the Isles weren’t bad enough to come in last? I still think that’s true.
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Big SO win for Tampa!!!!!
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mrlbem says:
I have seen the future and it has Tavares in a Maple Leafs uniform. Toronto just plain flat out blows. Their goalie is terrible. They have no superstars on offense (sounds like us). If Toronto finishes in the bottom five, they are, ahem, winning the lottery. On the bright side, this is what most of us have been craving–the kids all over the stat sheet. I agree with the posts above though. Get Comrie away from KO and Comeau and play Bailey between them instead. And by the way, if the rationale for not sending Bailey to the WJC’s is to have Bailey get experience at the NHL level, then why have him center a line between Jackman and Tambelini. This is what you do to a top 2 center in training? Sheesh!
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somewhat relieved by the tampa shootout win but im am still puzzled over this dp decision. either dp is a health freak or the isles have no clue what theyre doing by risking the longterm health of their goalei and franchise. sounds like the latter to me.
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chris who are going to be the coach and gm next year???we cant possibly keep garth and gordon any good ideas??
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AZS says:
Just back from the game …a few thoughts …
1) The Comeau-Comrie-KO was clearly the best out there and have been for the past two games. Comrie takes a lot of heat, rightfully so, but should get credit when it’s due – he really helps that line create. They should be left together for a while …
2) KO just plays at a speed about everyone else out there …nice to see him pick up 2 points (as well as Comeau and nice to see Bailey almost score)
3) Glad they won, because it was a nice crowd and it was a great atmosphere …but as good as they played tonight they still need to lose as much as possible!
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loran16 says:
Agreed with mrlbem about Bailey. Why are you torturing the guy by putting him with tambellini? That probably cuts his assist rate in half.
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Z_ShardZ says:
I do not understand. Our franchise goalie returns, the team plays with life for the first time in a month, the kids [KO, Baily, Tambs, Comeau] are all over the scorecard. Why is anybody’s first thought “Tavares”? What sort of fans are you?
Tampa has Stamkos, Lecavalier, St Louis. Atlanta has Kovalchuk. Clearly one big name does not make a team. Why can’t we take a day to appreciate that our team won, instead of bemoaning that we might lose our chance to draft a player who might have all the immediate effect of … Stamkos? -
Jim (GFIC) says:
I think Rick may have hurt himself again. About half way into the 3rd, he attempted to make a left kick save. When he came up he cursed and shook his head and played hunched over until the next break. He appeared to be in discomfort and never looked right. Forgive me if this was addressed on air; I was sitting 6 rows behind him. I hope I am wrong.
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Valentino says:
Keep our eye on the prize people…..let’s not get overzealous
Tavares or Bust!!!
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joe, give it a rest. what exactly did snow do? and yes shard you would think that but both of those teams have no top goalie IMO and dont have defence at all. plus atlanta has no secondary and stamkos isnt ready according to my friends in florida who are die hard fans and barry melrose who may have been speaking out of spite. vinny and st.louis have no secondary either. garth replenished our pool so we will have secondary. that was the whole reason to trading down. replenish a deprived prospect pool
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beatlebailey says:
no way DP should be playing now…yes it was a nice win yes it was a good crowd but in no way does this matter in the long run…we need to suck big time this year! Take the rest of the year off DP!!
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DP was interviewed after the game by CJ Papa and it seemed like the winged it to see how he felt in a game. Dumb.
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AZS….Comrie was awful tonight….Comeau and Okposo played extremely well….but I don’t want them anywhere near Comrie.
Please play Comeau and Okposo with Bailey….PLEASE!
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islander fans are so screwed up and pathetic having to root for your team to lose so you can get a good prospect so pathetic ..back up goalie as gm and a real weird rookie coach with the big system that has the team in last place so sad .THE SYSTEM what system we suck thats a system??the dream of the lighthouse project in uniondale ny where there are no train stops ..no train stops good planning ..you think with the surplus of housing we need to build condos in uniondale.there are foreclosures everywhere banks are failing and the county is going to build wang world .aint happening
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Jon says:
just got back from the game. comeau looked great. he set up a ton of chances. gotta love him, and gotta play him from here on out.
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oh yeh, WHY WAS KEANU REEVES AT THE GAME? I mean i thought it was cool but when did he become an Islander fan??
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SIR WILLIAM says:
Who predicted the Isles would beat the Leafs 5-2 right after the Atlanta game ended? Who was that masked man?
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randy boyd says:
they are insane for playing dp tonight. i hope tavares can play goal. have you all figured it out yet, there IS NO LONG TERM PLAN. they just continue to wing it, making one dopey decision after another. Garth Snow and Co should be removed by the NHL.
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gm ,ford ,chrysler, citibank .aig are failing with many more huge cos on that list set to go belly up in 09 ..lehman bear fannie and freddie went bust wachovia went bust interest rates are at 0 % people are so scared they are willing to accept 0 percent on their money toyota lost money for the first time in 70 years and we need a lighthouse ther is a lighthouse in montauk maybe the islanders lighthouse can fall under the tarp plan ..and get a cash infusion from uncle sam so wang can build condos
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Steve Webb Jr. says:
^^^ Good points by Joe
Theres a typo Jeff Tamb… not Josh… Fans need to get off comrie he okposo and blake are consistently the best line for the isles. besides he’s far better than Tambo.
To kevin who thinks trading down was smart, Consider that we passed on Luke Schenn, a future franchise d-man for what?
SIMPLE REBUID FORMULA:
NEVER TRADE DOWN! TAKE THE BEST MAN ON THE BOARD! SELL PLAYERS AT THE DEADLINE FOR HIGH PICKS (WHICH YOU MAKE). look at most top NHL teams their lineup is filled with first rounders. -
btw Reeves is a leafs fan, didn’t hear he was there… a lot of celeb leaf fans go to isles home games. Mike Myers sat in front of me for ever leaf’s game for a few years, nice guy
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Sir William did you see the final score? You were wrong. Why are you bragging. Just because they won? If I said they were going to win 4-3 would I be right too?
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doc says:
Jim GFIC:
I was also at the game and sat behind DiPietro. I saw the same thing you did… after making the save and play went back up ice… he snapped his head down as if he was cursing and PO’d at himself. To me it looked like he “tweaked” something.He was hunching over a lot though… between every time-out… in 1st/2nd/3rd periods, even prior to the above incident.
DOC
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Steve says:
I feel like it’s good for comeau and okposo to play with a veteran. Having an all rookie line create chemistry is good, but learning from a veteran on the ice with you at all times is probably more important. With that said you only need 4 vets, one per line, let the rest of the kids play. Good win but certainly not the end of the world or our chances in the draft
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I dont get the “rushing DP” back hysteria. He was out longer than anticipated (8 weeks instead of 4-6) and as far as playing in Bridgeport goes, the only reason a goalie does that is so that he doesnt play crappy and cause his team to lose. Since the Isles lost 10 games in a row was that REALLY a concern? He isnt going to be any healthier from playing in Bridgeport as opposed to playing here.
Good win… and although it is only one game, it certainly helps prove my point- counting on a first overall draft pick as if it is a done deal is madness.
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Wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see DP for another 2 months. These surgeries are not as easy to come back from as everyone thinks they are.
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What did they say about Hilbert on the TV broadcast…? ANything? I was at the game… and it really looked like he was in a ton of pain.
DOC
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Tony,
With all due respect, Comrie was a +2 with 5 shots on goal …his line was buzzing all night and was the best line all night …was he the best player on that line? No. But he still played a good game …I kill him all the time but felt he deserved a little positivity after the game tonight …
Players that looked awful – Gervais and Witt …and they were paired together …just don’t think too much of either guys these days …
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We win a game, look great in the process, and still a certain contingent wants to do nothing but piss and moan. Absolutely unbelievable.
This game reminded me of the time they brought Peca back briefly in 02-03 when he was rehabbing his knee. We didn’t see him for a while, and I hope we take it very easy on DP for the next few weeks. Danis should not have been sent down and MacDonald needs to be in tomorrow night.
Kids looked great – Comeau and Okposo played like men possessed. Comrie blew a few chances they handed him on a silver platter and I also want to see Bailey on that line ASAP.
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OUCH!!!
The Islanders need some breaks… not fractures!
DOC
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mm30 says:
JT with a couple of more goals in the WJC and Ullstrom had two helpers, but tonight was Billy G’s night with DP as the sub-plot.
We need that pick but a healthy DP and the play of Okposo,Comeau, and big sigh! Tambo was great to see.
Lets go Islanders!
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41 Saint Nick on Dec 27th, 2008 00:12:11 said:
“We win a game, look great in the process, and still a certain contingent wants to do nothing but piss and moan. Absolutely unbelievable.This game reminded me of the time they brought Peca back briefly in 02-03 when he was rehabbing his knee. We didn’t see him for a while, and I hope we take it very easy on DP for the next few weeks. Danis should not have been sent down and MacDonald needs to be in tomorrow night.”
I agree with you on all this, other than keeping Danis up. Nothing wrong with Ricky riding the pine and sharing duties with Joey IMO.
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dalcy says:
the first goal of the game is not scored by the islnaders if DP did not play. he is a difference maker, Joey Mac is simply serviceable.
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hey steve webb jr, our prospect pool was low and we needed that. now we have a good secondary in the future that would have been badly needed. now we can get the top guy. plus we got jyri niemi or aaron ness who are offensive defencman and niemi has a booming shot and can fight. plus corey trivino who should be fun to watch. and kiril petrov who should be great to watch. we got a first liner and a second liner depending on what was ours. and a 2nd or 3rd dman instead of one plus this years pick. yes i would do this . now this years draft we can get the a or a+ player
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AZS…
With all due respect, from my seat….two time zones away….Comrie’s +2 came with ZERO ASSISTS AND ZERO GOALS…his +2 came on the backs of Comeau and KO….Comrie had 5 SOG….sure….all FREAKIN CREAMPUFF SHOTS after great setups by Comeau and/or KO.
I don’t buy the crap it’s good to have a “veteran” on the line with the kids. Especially a guy like Comrie.
From what I’ve seen of him over 2 years is BAD HABITS…..SOFT PLAY….WEAK PASSING….AND FEAR OF THE NET DISEASE.PUT BAILEY WITH KO AND COMEAU
…..NOW….AND GIVE THEM 1ST LINE PP TIMEGive us the start of a potential true 1st line.
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James says:
Good all-around team effort tonight… KO was a force, which is the only way he’ll be successful in the NHL… Loving the development of Tim Jackman into a 3rd line PK/lightweight. DP is a game changer, and was in top form tonight. Great job by the whole team, way to end the streak.
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Chunk says:
Yeah what is Charles Wang thinking, does he not know were in an economic crisis. Why does he think that spending tens of millions and creating hundreds of jobs when unemployment is so high is a good thing. Jeesh, that guy.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Here is my question about the entire Lighthouse project. Someone mentioned above that foreclosures are at an all-time high, especially here on Long Island. The project is going to put quite a few luxury condos and apartments within it, along with a 5 star hotel and many high end shops and restaurants. Let’s say it all gets put through – will the place be like a ghosttown because no one can afford to live/spend/eat there? Just north of the area on the old Raceway property are many of the same type of new living spaces. I wonder if anyone knows if they are all accounted for. I guess my point is that as much as I would love to see this happen and help the franchise, I honestly cannot see it happening on this scale because of the current situation in the economy, the traffic it already brings to a very congested area, and the history that our county has. I hope they all prove me wrong but I really don’t know…
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505,
So, what you’re saying is you didn’t like his game last night?
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I’m in the Camp that you have to put the future together now … I’d love nothing more than to see what a Comeau / Bailey / Okposo line would do … I think those 3 guys compliment each other’s games… Do it Gordon!
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I think TMC’s post on Christmas was a statement on what a healthy DP does for the Isle’s chances of getting the 1st overall pick in 09 draft more than anything else. We all saw what a catalyst DP is to this team .. not only does he play better goal than J-Mac … but he also changes the way the opposition forechecks the Isles … DP starts the Isle’s offense as evidenced by KO’s first period goal.
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As much as I love seeing DP back … I know the reality is that he makes the Isles at minimum a 10 point better team with him playing just average.My worst nightmare would be that DP takes the Isles out of the running for a bottom 5 finish …. and then gets injured just before the end of the season…. That is Isles’ luck.
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The Isles do need a player of JT’s caliber … the thing is … JT isn’t just a great player … he’s a franchise saver … I’ve heard him described as a “Generational Player” … JT is more complete a player than even Crosby was at the same age … I hope the Isles have the chance to draft him … but DP makes the Isles just a lil too good for that to be a good chance. -
cgs878 says:
As far as the Lighthouse project and all the naysayers & “who can afford it” – in 2-3 years, when the project is finished, the economy will be flying high again after a rebound in 2009. There will be plenty of people who can afford it. Build it and they will come!
The game last night was very enjoyable to watch, unlike the previous dozen. The effort was exceptional from most of the kids, and Guerin looked like a kid too (well, at least he smiled like a kid). DP looked good until the 3rd, but he probably got tired more quickly because he hadn’t played in such a long time.
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Pat says:
Lighthouse Project – years away from when shovels get in the ground and chances are that real estate market and economy will be on the way to have turned around. I don’t think its an irresponsible project to undertake. It brings construction jobs now – and gives more supply to the real estate market in the future which might help. Nassau County has to re-invent itself. You look at what Newark is trying to do with the performing arts center and the Rock and they seem to have a vision to help turn that city around.
I am not a Public Administration guru – but I would suggest that Central Nassau County could use an overhaul as well. There is a lot of competition for capital, for events, for revenue, for customers, for resources and for jobs.
You take a look at the area around the Coliseum -and its a ghost town at night.
The same people who bitch about the traffic could likely benefit greatly from the creation of the Lighthouse.I dont get it
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we need more supply in the real estate market???wait til banks start doing real credit checks and people have to come up with 1/3 down payments lighthouse aint gonna happen there are people out there that bougt 600 thousand dollar homes that 3 years ago couldnt buy a used car.credit will be so tight the banks dont want to get burned again .there are constuction jobs only if there are loans being made this thing is dead for 4 5 years at best.
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islanders should try to get in by shea stadium thats a much better spot take the rr from port wash or 7 train
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PreOriginal says:
Reeves is a Canadian citizen and a die hard Maple Leaf fan. For him, it was the Night Toronto Stood Still. He didn’t have to travel far, as he has a dig in Manhattan.
The Islanders have lost about 100 admissions from me over the past five years because there’s no rational way to get there from Manhattan. Meanwhile, I manage to hit Shea/Shea Deux (TK) 30 to 40 times a year, Giants Stadium for Giants/Jets/Red Bulls about a dozen times a year, and I’ve seen the Isles at the Rock when KO scored his first NHL goal in a 2-1 late-season win over NJ.
I think it’s time for the organization to address the needs of non-LI or non-car–owning fans with some sort of special bus. Way past time. Will it happen? Nah.
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"Dissolutioned Brian in VA" says:
Do you really think the “Oft Injured Overrated Primadonna” is going to split time with Joey Mac. C’mon now! DP will start tonight @Buff and either get blitzed or injured again. The Isles organization is CLUELESS!
Islanders you are supposed to lose everygame except the 4 I mentioned yesterday! What the blank happened? Lets lose toinght guys I know you can do it because you have been good at losing since ’93.
YOU SUCK SNOW!
I still hate you DP! -
frank nyc says:
Great game.
DP played a great game but tonight
i thought it was about the kids. All three had great games.
This is what you want to see.
Okposo 1 g 1 ast.
Comeau 2 ast.
Bailey 1 ast.
GO ISES. -
505…Your boy played his first good game last night. Hopefully, he can continue at this pace. However, he is not suited to play with Okposo and Bailey because he is too much like Bailey in that they are both pass first, shoot second players.
Comeau played well with Okposo so leave them together. I would rather see them with Richard Park who plays a very smart game and will shoot or pass as the situation calls for.Comeau still has to break the habit of holding the puck for too long. Last night he moved it quickly and had some nice results to show for it. He has to keep this up to be effective.
We shall see tonight……Sir William
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what did snow do? holy crap why does everyone hate him. he is a good gm, so back off. and what did dp DO? HE IS ARROGANT? good argument
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DP's Groin says:
Pat….Long Island isn’t Newark. Long Island isn’t a huge city needing a performing arts center.
Long Island is a suburb.
YES, they need a special railway dropping folks off at the NVMC…..but they do NOT need the Lighthouse, the traffic and congestion and the building up.
You make one big city within a bunch of small villages and a guarantee: all those small villages go south. Fast.
A new Building overhaul and a rail system. Those are the ONLY needs. Sorry. Wang got greedy and will sell after he’s told he’s not allowed to overdevelop and make local residents suffer more than they have under his ownership.
Good for Rick. I haven’t been the biggest fan of him but I do want him to succeed of course!!! Maybe not do to well after seeing Taveras tonight!