ISLANDERS at EDMONTON, 9:30 pm EST
Weight out…Streit: league leader…KO’s reversal
UPDATED 9:37 pm – Doug Weight (leg injury) out tonight and is listed as day-to-day. MSG Plus shows clip of slap shot deflecting off Weight in the win against Florida on New Year’s Eve, illustrating that the veteran center has played the last two games battling an injury.
Rick DiPietro was first off the ice at today’s morning skate. Joey MacDonald starts the game.
“Why should today be any different than any other day”? said Billy Jaffe on the MSG Plus broadcast.
The Jaff didn’t mean it in any cynical way, but geez…
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UPDATED 7:13 pm – Greg Logan has broken the news on his Cablevision-owned blog that Doug Weight declared himself out of tonight’s game in Edmonton after today’s morning skate.
When I asked for confirmation from the Islanders, I received a text from media relations honcho Seth Sylvan at 7:10 m EST that read: “His leg was hurting after practice. Game time decision.”
Regarding trade rumors, Greg reports that Islanders management told Weight that “nothing is brewing.” You mean Doug hadn’t already read that on our blog? Seems only the young players read PB.
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Streit Street, or Rue Streit: If Mark Streit was the leading scorer among NHL defensemen and was still with the Canadiens, the city of Montreal would have re-named the street outside the arena after him.
Instead, Streit is the league’s highest-scoring defenseman as a member of the 30th place New York Islanders, and there’s actually a hint of uncertainty if he’ll be selected for the NHL All Star Game later this month…in Montreal.
Streit has been outstanding. He’s been so good, there’s no way the Islanders will move him before the trade deadline. At $4.1 million per for four years, he’s been one of the best signings of last summer’s unrestricted free agent class. There isn’t a team in the league that wouldn’t want him.
But such is the underrated life when you’re on a last place team. Only two issues stand in the way of the 30-year old Streit taking his rightful place at the All-Star Game: the league giving the nod to 1,000 point man Doug Weight for lifetime service (and darn good play this season), and some behind-the-scenes politicking by some touchy members of the Canadiens front office to keep him out of the game.
No, seriously, before my friends at the Habs freak out: I’m just kidding. The Canadiens would never do that.
The remainder of the Eastern Conference roster will be announced on Thursday. Did you know Mark Streit of the Islanders leads the NHL in points by a defenseman?
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(Robert's at right)
Robert Nilsson, temporarily out of Craig MacTavish’s doghouse, had an assist, was +2 and received 15 minutes of icetime in the Oilers’ 4-1 win over Dallas on Saturday. Since Robert’s always been one of those kids who could use a nudge to play his best, it wouldn’t surprise us if he has a 3-point game tonight against his former team.
Mike Comrie is back in Edmonton, where they will boo him when he touches the puck. I’m aware of the extenuating circumstances of the hometown boy and the Oilers, but doesn’t every fan base boo just about every former player when they return? They’re still booing Miro Satan in Buffalo, even though he’s on his second team since. Man, I remember even Pat LaFontaine getting booed at the Coliseum in his first game back as a Sabre, and Pat’s like the nicest human being ever. It just becomes sport after a while. It also gets kind of old. Perhaps it’s the best entertainment option on a Monday night in Edmonton. (Oh, relax).
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KO Reversal: Both Kyle Okposo and coach Scott Gordon trace the beginning of the rookie wing’s turnaround to a conversation they had a few games prior to Okposo suffering a wrist injury. The coach challenged Okposo, who was not producing. “You’re playing like you’re just happy to be here,” Gordon told the 20-year forward. “We need to spark more of a sense of urgency in your game.”
Okposo did not disagree. “I wasn’t doing the things that got me here,” said Okposo. “I wasn’t winning every battle. Coach was right to say what he did.”
For four games before the injury, Okposo showed that spark. Gordon told him after one game, “Where’s that skating been”?
Since then – with an intermission while Okposo was on the IR – the right wing has been one of the Islanders’ best players. In a season where the most important developments surround the growth of the Islanders’ young players, Okposo is showing the promise that had scouts drooling when he was a top-10 prospect in the 2006 draft.
Said Okposo: “I had a coach who used to tell me all the time, ‘The hockey gods look with favor on you if you’re working hard not some of the time, but all the time.”
Said Gordon: “He picked up where he left off with those impressive games before the injury. There’s no question that Kyle has the ability to be one of our best players for a long time.”
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They are the Worlds: The other big tilt tonight, of course, is Canada vs. Sweden for the championship of the world. David Ullstrom, an Islanders fourth round pick in the 2008 draft, scored a goal for Team Sweden in the semifinals. Ullstrom will play on a line with Matthias Tedenby (New Jersey first round pick) and Andre Pettersson (Ottawa 4th-rounder).
Other reasons for Islanders fans to watch: John Tavares of Canada and big talent/big mouth forward Magnus Svensson Paajarvi of Sweden.
Game predictions, etc. in Comments (guidelines).
135 Responses to ISLANDERS at EDMONTON, 9:30 pm EST
Weight out…Streit: league leader…KO’s reversal
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DINO says:
4-2 Oilers……….We Win Even When We Lose…….
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Andy says:
The All-Star Game is not worth watching anyway, thanks to the fan voting. The Habs fans ruined the balloting with a shady web program, and now 4 undeserving Canadiens are starters.
Ovechkin sits while Kovalev starts?
Markov AND Komasarek starting over guys like Chara,
Price over Fernandez? Anderson? Thomas?!?The NHL made the wrong choice in using fan balloting… and was right out insane by allowing multiple votes per fan. Forget the All-Star Game until the NHL restores some measure of legitimacy.
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Puck Daddy Wyshinsky (an Isles fan, yes, but also a damn good blogger) mentioned Streit in his list of d-men who should’ve been honored over the lackluster Mike Komisarek, so I’m hoping that enough of this crap gets spread around so Streit gets what he deserves and earns a spot on the roster. He should be the Isles representative, and then someone ELSE should be pulled to make room for Weight if the league is considering “honoring” him for his great turnaround, 1000 points, etc.
Who’s that with Nilsson? haha
Definitely looking forward to tonight’s game. I make it a point to watch the Oilers on the Center Ice package, especially at home, and it’s even better when the Isles are playing there. Best ice in the league, so maybe our youngsters can show off their legs.
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CT Isles Fan says:
Nilsson on the right… burn
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The only way I accept Streit not being in that ASG is if they give it to Doug. Other than that, its a complete crock… no offense to Trent whatsoever.
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Let’s not forget tonight we also get to see the delightfully large, quick, and amazingly talented Victor Hedman. Between Tavares, Duchene, Hedman, and Paajarvi, we get a look at what may me four out of the top five picks. Even if we don’t land Tavares (I pray every night we do) , we still have a center like Duchene up for grabs and he will be a great first line center for a long time. Should be one hell of a game!
Oh yeah, the Isles are playing too. That should be fun, I guess. Maybe next year with all the great youngsters, the Isles will get fair publicity.
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Maydog says:
Personally, the only remaining thing I’m looking forward to this season is March 2, aka “Cry/Throw C Batteries at Ryan Smyth night” at the NVMC. So don’t get on other teams for booing former players just yet. As long as there’s a GOOD reason for it, (you right, it’s unfair with the Satan’s/Jason Blakes of the world) I’m all for booing former players.
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bCarey says:
Isles have been playing tough this trip (other than the second in PHX). NYI 4, EDM 2.
Too bad the WJC isn’t on Versus. I wouldn’t mind watching the game.
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The WJC is on the NHL Network (in the US).
It’s also available on XM204/Sirius 208.As for Streit, he’s had quite a 2008. Based on calendar yeardata from Elias (and repeated from my blog):
2008 was a stellar year for Mark Streit. The Canadien-turned-Islander went 15-55-70 for the year, leading all defensemen in assists and points. Ex-Isle Zdeno Chara led NHL defenders with 19 goals.
One other Islander tied for a league lead — Richard Park, who had 5 SH goals, equalling the total of Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.
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mm30 says:
Maydog – I don’t understand the hate towards Smyth. He never once promised anything or led anyone to believe that he was going to sign long term with the Islanders. Not to mention him not signing with us was a blessing he’s a second line player who makes 6+ million a year.
I have no animosity toward him whatsover, free agency is a players right to excercise…and god bless cause he cashed in. Kirk Muller, now thats a different story.
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Moose says:
Smyth set the franchise back 5 years, he turned down a higher offer and added to the embarassing reality that no one will sign with us…if they signed him no one would be hoping the isles tank this season….instead of booing him, we need to think of something more clever, for example WAAAAAAAAAAAing everytime he gets the puck
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isles316 says:
I think Isles fans should wait outside of the Marriot and let him know exactly what he did to us. I don’t mean throw anything at him but just talk to him respectfully during his entire walk over to the coliseum.
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admin says:
I’ll say it again. Ryan Smyth didn’t do anything to anybody. He was traded for, then signed somewhere else. He was under no obligation whatsoever. “Let him know what he did to us”? “Set the franchise back 5 years”? Actually, I think he did the Islanders a favor.
I also wouldn’t get too worked up about a wild reaction towards Smyth on a Monday night in March at the Coliseum with the NYI likely far out of the race…CB
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guerin13 says:
moose, smyth didn’t hurt the franchise. if we signed him we don’t rebuild which is what needed to happen here. he indirectly helped move along the rebuild by signing with the avs. i don’t think nilsson amounts to anything more than a tempermental 3rd liner. completely agree about streit, he absolutely deserves to be an all star. great signing by snow.
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jon says:
Streit: He is the #1 d-man for the team with the worst record in hockey. He is the #1 d-man for one of the worst defensive teams in the sport.
I dunno…..how could the #1 d-man on the worst team in the sport be all the good? When he is on the ice, the other team is scoring goals. Lots of them.
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JayK says:
Fans also used to boo Chara on his returns with the Senators, which I always thought was the most incomprehensible thing I’d ever heard. The guy was traded, for God’s sake. What was he supposed to do, reject the trade and threaten to retire at the age of 24, or whatever he was?
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We get your shtick, Jon. We get it…CB
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chickendirt says:
Ryan Smyth was a moron for going to Colorado. He took that front loaded contract with the promise he was going to play with his buddy Joe Sakic.
He’s lookin to get two years of that promise out of his seven year deal.
Everyone knew at the time Sakic was on the downside of his career. Even funnier is that because Sakic doesn’t know how to use s snowblower he’s out this year.
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Marc says:
If the league allowed the Montreal fans to do what they did to the starting lineups (and how dare Crosby and Malkin sneak in ahead of other deserving Canadiens? at least Ovechkin was nice enough to stay out of Kovalev’s way…) then there’s every reason to believe they’ll leave out Streit. After all, he left the almighty Canadiens. How could somewhere else be a “better” opportunity for him?
Hope I’m wrong, because he truly deserves the honor, but Streit might as well just plan on enjoying a couple of days off.
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Dan from Westchester says:
The whole All – Star voting system is a travesty. Ovechkin not voted as a starter?? Please. .
Streit absolutely should be on the team – would be very unfortunate if he doesn’t make it.
Really wish they would have televised the Sweden / Canada game on MSG +++ 2 or something like that. Will it be anywhere else besides NHL network – maybe via the web somewhere?
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JP39 says:
I couldn’t agree with you more, CB. As a die-hard fan, it pains me to hear other Isles fans talk about Ryan Smyth like this. He didn’t re-sign here, and he’s not my favorite player in the world for leaving. But what exactly did he OWE us? It’s not like he willingly signed here as a UFA and then 2 months later decided to change his mind. Being traded here was beyond his control, and he was visibly upset about it when the trade went down. We all remember his tearful press conference when leaving Edmonton. But despite not being happy about it, he came here and gave it his all for the remainder of the regular season and the playoff round against Buffalo. Beyond that, he owed us nothing. If he came here and refused to play, then we’d have a right to boo him. Other than that, he gave us everything that he “owed” us.
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Ryan Smyth had the chance to be the face of the Islanders organzation and restore some much needed integrity to it. He didn’t want to be part of it. So in a way, he slapped the Islanders and their fans in the face. I think he did do something to the fans even though he didn’t do it directly.
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Forgot to ask, CB, but can you get any news from the farm? I was at Bridgeport’s game in Albany on Saturday, and Colliton left early in the 2nd period with a – say it together now – “undisclosed injury” and did not return. Fornabaio’s blog mentions that he was on crutches later, but that hasn’t been updated since yesterday.
Quick scouting report: Sound Tigers play very well as a team, particularly on defense, but they are also offensively challenged. Seem to have enough to stay competitive in the “A” all year, though.
As for individual players, I saw absolutely nothing out of Jonseuu. Some of you calling for him to get time on the Island might want to catch a Bridgeport game some time. Not close to ready. Also, for all of his skating ability, Hillen is really small even at that level. And while I’m sure many of you would like to know how Fritz looks playing down there, I can’t tell you. That’s because he was sitting in the stands across the aisle from me along with the rest of the scratches (which also, surprisingly, included Danis and Callahan). Second night in a row Fritz was scratched since he cleared waivers and got sent down. Tell us anything?
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rb says:
not only does Streit lead all NHL defensemen in scoring, he’s also just MINUS-4 playing heavy minutes on a team that is collectively an NHL-worst MINUS-39…whoever believes that Streit has been ineffective in his own just hasn’t been paying attention…if Streit doesn’t get named to the All-Star team there should be an investigation, and a REVOLT…and NO WAY he gets traded…the guy’s only 31, not old at all for a D-man, and IMO he’s as much a cornerstone as any of the real young players
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I’m excited to watch the WJC tonight – really good opportunity to see some top prospects in a high-pressure atmosphere.
I’m with most people here – Streit deserves to be an all-star but given the Montreal connection (and the shots Guy Charbonneau took at him before our game there in November), I highly doubt it. Let’s see what happens.
I will defend the Smyth trade to the death, and while I felt slapped in the face I always knew he didn’t owe us anything. Honestly, it seemed to me that he gave us a lot more chances than he otherwise would have. I have no qualms giving up the players we did, since they weren’t seeing time on the roster, and now they’re actually trying to build the team the right way.
CB – can you end the suspense and answer the REAL question – who’s on the LEFT in that picture?
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BR says:
Just to stick with the Smyth theme for a minute, my own sense is that the Isles organization (and to some extent, the local media and even the fans) share some blame in Smyth deciding to go with the Avs. We all built him up to be the team’s saviour going forward, the “Captain Isles,” and he just didn’t want that kind of pressure.
I watched his first game back to Edmonton, and it was clear from the pre-game interviews and analysis that he is not a player who is comfortable owning the spotlight. He very much considers himself to be a team player — a cog in the machine, and not the keystone.
That’s what the Avs offered him, whereas we went crazy and basically promised to build the team around him. I don’t think he was comfortable with that.
But he gave us all he had for the short time he was here, and I think he really did have a hard time choosing between us and Colorado.
Maybe CB can shed some light on those thoughts later on. Sorry for going long.
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Dmarie says:
I feel the same way, (ASG) If it’s not Streit, then it really should go to Weight, but nothing that happens in the NHL surprises me anymore.
The boo-ing is what it is, but when the whole Country gets things yelled out about it, to me? that sort of thing is disrespectful, as for boo-ing another player that was once on your team but was traded to or left for whatever reasons, yea it happens every game but it’s kinda lame,(just my opinion) don’t everybody yell at me for saying that, I know some love to do that, it’s just not my bag, maybe it has to do with my age, or things I’ve gone thru in my personal life, but if I was offered more money at another job, I’d sure take it, or if I play hockey and a chance to be on a team that just may win the Cup this century comes my way.. if that’s my dream, and its being offered to me then I suppose I’d go for it, I’m sure other teammantes understand those sort of things, the NHL is a business and although these guys love to play, they know the nature of the beast, just my thoughts. -
sometimes this fanbase can really confuse me. ryan smyth owed this franchise nothing more than to finish out the ’07 season as an islander, which he did. after that he was free to sign with anybody. he chose the avs. get over it. it’s probably better it worked out that way for the isles anyway.
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mrlbem says:
Actually, all of us Islander fans owe Ryan Smyth a great debt. Why, you may ask? Because he showed our owner what it’s like for a real player and a real leader to leave it all out on the ice. And I firmly believe that demonstration along with Smyth calling out some of his teammates after the Buffalo series for not doing the same directly led to the Yashin buyout. For that, we owe him our gratitude.
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Maybe he thought we were a bunch of low class fans when when most of the building acted like babies and threw sodas and garbage on the ice against Buffalo in the playoffs. GRANTED the refs were BRUTAL in that game, but it didn’t look very well upon Islander nation. I was a little embarrassed and so was Smyth.
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Yeah, I agree that Smyth did us favor.
But he also slapped us in the face. Wang bought out Yashin with the idea that this guy was gonna sign here. Now we are on the hook for his contract for a few more years.
We also don’t have Smyth either.
I know it’s business but Smyth was clearly using us for leverage. That’s the way it goes. He also kinda slapped us in the face.
But I think Snow did us the real favor in acquirng him at the deadline. We got to see what we’ve been missing for many years; A guy who plays the game with heart and gives his all everynight.
Wasn’t long ago where we used to take that for granted.
Either way, I’d rather the team draft it’s own Ryan Smyth’s, Chris Drury’s, Danny Heatly’s etc. The UFA route rarely works when you are trying to build a team.
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im not saying he owed us anything but we gave him everything we had to offer and he wanted no part of us…this team goes as DP goes anyway, we are still trying to build around him youth movement or FAs
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Chris says:
You can’t blame Smyth for going to Colorado. The have the best school system in the country.
I have a feeling that the league will choose Weight over Streit. Is there a way we can get Streit to start pronouncing his name “street”. I can never get it right!
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Strummer's Army says:
Ah, Chara, the d-man the Isles have always needed (since some idiot traded him for a garbage player!).
I don’t really watch the all-star game either. I did last year because Ricky was so prominent but the game is never that exciting and like all things NHL things are corrupted and fixed and made not to be as good as they can be.
I think the conclusion the Isles got lucky in not signing Smyth, Drury, and Gomez is accurate. None of them has done anything to justify the contracts they signed.
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Oh, no the Candaiens would never intentionally try to keep Streit out of the came to cover up the fact they misused the guy for all these years, that their top ranked PP with him is now beyond pedestrian, and that they let a very talented player go because they didn’t properly asses their own asset. Nah, that could never happen…especially not in a Candian city where hockey rules all. Right……..
ANYONE ELSE HERE THINK COMRIE DROPS THE GLOVES WITH SOMEONE TONIGHT TO REALLY TICK OFF THE EDM CROWD?
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Chris H says:
Amen Paul! Please,enough with Smyth already. I think we need to be happy with what we have and hope that Snow doesn’t do too much damage before the trade deadline – remember these kids do need at least a couple of veterans to look up to and learn from. and if Weight and Guerin are to be believed, they genuinely want to stay here and help the team. I know they are in their twilights but they are both having a hell of a season and guys like Okposo and Bailey are benefitting from their presence – look how hard Guerin was trying to help Bailey to get that first goal! As for Streit, we know he deserves to be an All Star and if he keeps up the pace, possibly the Norris winner but we also know how much politics play into these things…if he doesn’t get either, the Isles should work with the fans to pay tribute to his play and dedication during a terrible season for the team overall.
Sorry to run long…but despite the Isles losses recently, their play does seem to be improving which is all we can ask for right now.
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stevedepot says:
I really wish people in our local media would give the FULL description of what went on in Montreal with the online ballot stuffing. On a Habs message board, a fan posted an electronic script that could be downloaded that every Canadiens fan could use thus continuously sentding multiple votes for each Canadiens player. The NHL claimed it was able to delete these votes but obviously not all of them. It will be no surprise for anyone if Ovechkin has a monster game and wins MVP while some of the habs starters have poor performances. And I hope Doug Weight gets the nod for us. He’s been a 1st class citizen on and off the ice.
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Doug F. says:
Big Whoop, who cares who the Islanders representative in the All Star Game is. The game stinks…it’s like watching a pond hockey game. Watch tonights game and see the next Islanders superstar…his initials are JT…and they don’t stand for John Tonelli…
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Pete DeBenedetto says:
Please….enough with Smyth….he’s half the player he was. Not worth the money.
Streit….worth every penny.
I have the feeling some free agents will look at the Island differently, especially when this sysytem is up and running consistently….it’s just FUN hockey once it works.
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Brian says:
The hard core truth is not one Islander deserves to be in the All Star game. But, league rules require there to be a rep from every team.
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Brian, Streit and Weight both deserve to be there at the all-star game. Look at their numbers compared to who else is going.
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44 Brian on Jan 5th, 2009 16:49:47 said:
The hard core truth is not one Islander deserves to be in the All Star game. But, league rules require there to be a rep from every team.You know what I think? I think that youre probably used to saying that, so you say it again here without really thinking about it. I mean, why in the world would the top pp producing defenseman in the entire NHL not be worthy of the All-star game in your eyes?
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goislesgo105 says:
Atlanta and Ottawa are league disgraces. How can they be so bad with players like Kovalchuk,Little (19 goals) Kozlov, Spezza and Heatley ? Those players are all having better years than anybody that we have and they are only 3 points ahead of the Isles in the standings??? Disgracful !! CB, love this blog. Thanks GO ISLES
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Goisles,
Add TB with Lacavalier, Stamkos and St. Louis to that Wall of NHL Disgrace.
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UIF says:
Can they not send Weight AND Streit? Both are deserving, I think.
Do they have to write that entire last name on the back of that Magnus guy’s jersey?!
I still say while Smyth may not have done anything “wrong,” it still would have have been gentlemanly of him — considering the Isles bent over backwards and practically named him Lord of Long Island to make him happy here — if he would have shot straight and told Garth he had no intention of signing here sometime before July 1…so Garth wouldn’t have looked foolish announcing Jon Sim as his only July 1 signing. No, he didn’t HAVE to, but it would have been nice. Whether I’m right or wrong, I’ll still boo him, haha.
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Okay, the Islanders have given up 146 goals. Only 5 other teams have given up more than 120 goals. The Islanders are the worst defensive team in the NHL. But, they deserve to have their #1 defenseman in the All Star game. I get it.
I got an idea. Instead of the mouthpiece who runs this board declaring Streit an All Star, maybe he should hold the team accountable for the absolute GARBAGE the Islanders have put on this ice this season. Pom Poms waving big time.
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Maybe we can put Guerin, McDonald and Park in the All Star game too?
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So Tampa (Cup a few years ago) and Ottawa (after years of very good hockey) are disgraces, but the Islanders are not? I
mean, do you guys really believe this stuff? -
I wonder if Brian is Steady/Fire Omar from the Newsday Boards.
Dude, the team is rebuilding. This is what a rebuilding team looks like.
It’s not a disgrace when you are doing the right thing. It is a disgrace when you are supposed to be competing and look like this.
Relax.
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Sexier than Usher usher says:
Blame yourselves Islander fans. Hockey is very important top Ryan Smyth. His first game on Long Island after the trade drew unusual press coverage for the isles in this area Smyth was greete with less than 13,000 fans. I stood there shaking my head. Time to work a little harder recruiting your baseball and pigskin obsessed brothers and sisters. The man was used to the pressure and responsibility of Captaining a team in a hockey hotbed. want future UFA’s to treat us differently? Start worrying a little less about El Duque’s bunion in the middle of the winter and a little more about the greatest game in the world. If you’re not talking up hockey to everyone within ear shot you’re not doing your job as an Islander fan. Smyth simply excercised his right to not have to hear about El Duque’s Bunion 24/7, 365.
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So I get it. After several years of excellent hockey, the Ottawa Sens (a younger team than the Isles) are a disgrace, but the Isles with zero playoff series triumphs in a decade plus is not?
Is that right?
See, using the logic of this boeard, the Islanders will never be a disgrace, because they haven’t accomplished anything in two decades. There are never any expectations. I get it.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Andy on Jan 5th, 2009 13:37:23 said:
The All-Star Game is not worth watching anyway, thanks to the fan voting. The Habs fans ruined the balloting with a shady web program, and now 4 undeserving Canadiens are starters.You are absolutely right Andy … that is one of the reasons I’m not into All-Star Games … The Redsox fans did something similar one year also with a software program. Fans that go to the games and fill out ballots should be able to fill out paper ballots …. and ONE IP address per vote via PC … or one vote per membership on NHL.com if it is to have any sense of fairness.
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doc says:
Ryan Smyth just isn’t that good… I don’t get the fascination with him. He’s a “nice” player that gives 100%. I’m sure he’s a nice guy too… but please. I’ll take Richard Park, Andy Hilbert and Trent Hunter.
He owed the Islanders nothing… and I’m happy he signed elsewhere.
Imagine being burdened with his 5 year deal at 6 or 7 mil per year. Talk about money badly spent.
DOC
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And to say that Ryan Smyth didn’t like or couldn’t handle the spotlight of Long Island media is CRAZY…!!!
The guy is nicknamed CAPTAIN CANADA!!! talk about pressure!
DOC
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dp says:
Logan’s blog says Weight is injured again.
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Moose on Jan 5th, 2009 14:50:43 said:
Smyth set the franchise back 5 years, he turned down a higher offer and added to the embarassing reality that no one will sign with usMoose … Smyth didn’t set the franchise back … Smyth didn’t ask to be traded to the Islanders … Smyth never promised anything to the NYI … he played hard while he was here … and then exercised his right to FA … if you have a problem with that transaction blame Snow … not Smyth.
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With Weight out this should be a good test for Bailey tonight. No doubt he’s gonna be relied upon.
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Islanders1984 says:
weight is out?
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Blocknessmonster says:
Brian – you seem to be campaigning to be blocked from this message board. You have violated almost every one of CB’s rules. Allow me the priviledge of saying good bye to you before you are blocked.
I really believe Streit should represent he Isles in the ASG due to his amazing performance this season and his contract that says that he is here for at least a few more seasons.
UNLESS – Having Doug Weight as an All-Star raises his stock for Garth Snow to be able to maximize the return when and if he is traded. -
isles72 says:
can we trade comrie for nilssons girlfriend
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I dunno isles 72 if we trade comrie then we lose his girlfriend
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If you don’t wave pom poms you get blocked? Is that correct. Sorry, no pom pom waving for this last place team from me.
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welcome to the blog, Brian. Just please read the guidelines. Thank you.
Mouthpiece
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Are we having another “Up all night” tonight?
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hope its not serious with weight. Love the guy but the best thing for the franchise is to still trade him
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Swan says:
“Robert’s at right”, heh, heh, heh.
I’m still glad Nilsson is not on the Isles.
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No, sorry, Chickendirt. Gotta space those out. I’m focused more on Ullstrom and Hedman and Sweden tonight, and of course Team Canada…CB
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DAMN YOU BOTA!!!!
DAMN IT ALL TOO HELL!!!
Ok, no more “Planet of the Apes” for me.
lol
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
If vouting rules for All Star Game were fair, and each vouter had only one chance to vote, both Streit and Weight most likely would be on the Eastern Conf Team.
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dmen77 says:
Hey CB,
Back after a few days absence. Flu bug got me and even at my 32 years I could a little vodka on New Year’s Eve could be the best medicine….didn’t work too well.
To counter a few people – well ok…one…Brian of Streit being the best defenseman on our defense-lacking team.
Streit has played all 40 games and is only a -4. Campoli is -15, Meyer -19, Witt -21. Good number compared to the other defensemen on our team. I think Streit’s league-leading point total along with only a -4 makes him very All-Star worthy.
I’ll take another hard fought loss tonight (4-3) and keep ourselves in the running for Tavares.
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Boy, am I glad the WJC game is on tonight. It really would’ve sucked to have nothing to watch but the Rangers-Pens game before the Isles start. I’m surprised Edmonton is even playing – the other 5 Canadian teams probably took off tonight just on the chance that Canada would be in the final!
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About Streit’s +/-
Let’s not forget power-play points don’t count toward that statistic, and Streit gets a lot of points that way.
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MT says:
I know he is probably the furthest from anyone’s mind but we haven’t heard about Nate Thompson in a while, I thought maybe he would’ve tested the ankle by now
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PreOriginal says:
I’ve been discussing Streit with a few Swiss fans on IslesMania (some may notice a die-hard contigent of Streit fans watching the Isles at 2-4 am their time). He appears to be a man of great integrity on and off the ice. Didn’t realize that after Federer, he’s Switzerland’s highest-earning athlete. Dude’s an All-Star. Wish he was more selfish and would shoot more on the PP—his stick is an accurate laser.
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Not a good WJC for Petrov. Hope it was due to the time off b/c of injury
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Chris A says:
Wats up with Markstrom the Swede goalie does he want to be thrown out of the game?
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Jack L says:
Hey Chris I’m happy the team did not send Baily to the WJC. It seams like there is a lot of dirty play in the series overall. Plus it looks like defense and goal tending are optional this year. It feels like being a point per game performer meant something in years past but this year you’re hard pressed to find players not on that pace. Well maybe on the Kazak team.
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JKP on LI says:
I’m fine with booing a former player when there’s a reason. I loved LaFontaine as a young Isles fan, but it’s hard to blame the fans for booing a guy after a contract holdout. Comrie demanding to be traded and Blake giving the team an ultimatum in the newspaper strike me as boo-worthy offenses, too. But Smyth…it’s pretty hard for me to get angry with someone who was brought over at the deadline, gave it his all while he was here, and then decided he would be happier signing elsewhere.
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Observations:
1)These two teams should be wearing the vintages—I know Edmontons’ is dark but it would seem so appropo.
2)DP is such a distraction.
3)Tom Pock has been impressing me.
4)Ullstrom looks like a player to me…Tavares will be a wealthy young man.
5)Okposo looking better and better every game.
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Original Rob says:
Wyshinski is a Devil’s fan, not an Isles fan.
Ricky Franchise on the bench again.
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Okposo scores!!!
Nice!!!
The kids are startin to come on.
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I agree, Pock has been steady for a while now. He is playing much better than Gervais or Campoli most of the season.
Nice one by K.O.
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“cablevision-owned blog”…haha.
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Congratulations Team Canada! but does anybody share my disdain for Pierre McGuire–why doesn’t he just paint his face and hold a sign that says FANBOY!
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jimmy says:
i have to say from what i’ve seen of Trevor Smith i like i hope he finds himself in the isles lineup consistently for a long time
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Maguire is terrible. He was on WFAN before the winter classic talking about the Devils, Isles and Rangers and I think he was wrong about each team.
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Pierre McGuire is so blinded by his bias for team Canada that every cheap shot their players made he covered up for. Plus his commentary is as melodramatic as Olympic coverage. He’s a team Canada drama queen.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
The kids are hot tonight. First KO and then Blake. I like what I see so far.
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KO goes high glove, Comeau goes low blocker. Not bad.
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goood start for the young guns, goal for KO, goal for Blake, assist for Bailey, gritty start for smith looks like there might be a light at the end of this rebuilding tunnel “this time”
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The kids are alive. Bailey, KO and Blake all apart of the scoring. Going to be good to hear Doug weight give commentary mid 2nd. CB your interview with him on 1050 the other day was great. I know its been said before, but the guy real is pure class
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Islander505 says:
Sweet pass by Bailey to Comeau….more Comeau/Bailey/KO
Thought on the WJC tonight…
Tavares might be all world but I liked Hodgson and Esposito more tonight. Would Tavares get away with standing in the garbage slot in the NHL like that?Ullstrom looks like a nice “dirty Swede” with an edge to him.
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Sorry, Original Rob – Thought I’d seen him mention being an Isles fan in the past. At least I know he hates the Rangers! haha
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AZS says:
Obviously loving the play of the kids …it really makes you feel good about the future …
but I’m starting to get nervous that might actually win this one! Ok, boys …let’s keep our eyes on the prize!
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Botta Bing:
I didn’t get to watch the WJC tonight how did Ullstrom, Hedman, and Tavares look? -
BobbyN says:
Im not certain why people “love the kidds” on this board. Is it because we have no one else? These kids are, on their best days, potentially mediocre 3rd liners. We have a dearth of young talent, not a surplus. I think reality is biting here–the long term outlook for this francise if very iffy at best. I think CB spoke of only needing to keep a few guys…couldnt agree more.
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The kids are progressing very well! That is nice to see because it IS the main goal of the season.
Players can say what they wish about playing on the Island but even a small crowd on the Island is way more loud and boisterous then those fans sitting on their hands in EDM. It almost seems like a practice game with no fans there at all. Fans in Edm nothing fans on the Island will drown them out! Their loudest cheer (maybe only) came for the WJC Gold announcement.
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Bobby;
If you look at Okposo and only see a third liner…….I don’t know what to say.
You think Bailey is a third liner as well?
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Strummer;
The loudest I heard from Edomontn is when Comrie touches the puck.I am also very happy with the kids on this trip. Bergenheim I can not say enough good things about. That guy has been amazing these last few games.
Works hard every shift and makes his presence known.
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Who was Hamilton on EDM, I saw they retired his # 3.
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Edmonton is loud in the playoffs and playoffs only. Lets be honest, the coliseum can have some dull nights as well.
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toorude says:
(dim)witt
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Justin says:
Someone likened Thomas Pock to a traffic cone the other night. A traffic cone, though, has more upper body strengthh and better skating ability.
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toronto strikes again!
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ken says:
how is that not a kicking motion??
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That is total BS…once again the officials in the NHL proves their incompetence and bias against the Isles
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So, let’s see if I follow this one…
Fedotenko is falling forward, the puck hits him, and that’s ruled an intentional re-direction.
Strudwick blatantly kicking the puck is not a distinct kicking motion.
Pathetic.
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we got a couple of replays to go our way last week you didn’t possibly think it could keep up for that long did you?
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yup, toronto strikes again. that was def kicked in. i’ll take solace knowing that okposo, comeau, and bailey have all had strong games. doug weight also has a future in broadcasting when he retires. he’s a fun listen.
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Matt Scordato says:
Islanders1984 askes who was #3 on the Oilers? Al Hamilton was a d-man and wore number #3, had his best days with the Oilers during their WHA years and was forced to retire during the Oilers’ first NHL season due to an eye injury. I believe he also briefly played for the Rangers.
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I know what I just saw… that was a distinct kicking motion. He meant to and did kick the puck, he just didnt mean to kick it INTO the net. But the fact remains that he DID kick it in the net.
That they actually allowed the tying goal to be a BS goal like that proves what I have said time and time again- the calls in the NHL fail to be fair or objective far too often. What- a distinct kicking motion has to look like youre going for a flippin field goal now? Tell that to soccerboy Dubinsky.
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mike 8 says:
why did we ever get rid of Jiggs? CB what’s the backstory here. I hear Jiggs, I think Islanders, Howie is okay but he’s a Ranger guy, lets be honest.
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And that wasn’t goaltender interference…
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The refs are going out of their way to hand Edmonton this game. Very uneven calls today, and I think I’m being generous.
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to intentional for the refs to want to call a penlatly on it
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Brian from Massapequa says:
3 unanswered goals!!!
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I give up…Campoli caught sleeping on that one.
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MSA says:
Who wants draft picks??? We want draft picks!!!! Ughhhh
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It’s too cold in NY for Jiggs on a permanent basis. But it’s great to hear him… now that I can and not relegated to my XM. Can’t wait till the boys are home. Win OR lose.
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Isles’ last road win was the famous O’Byrne game in Montreal. Brutal.
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isles are good for at least one goal in the last 3 hopefully they don’t give up any
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Coach should have taken the timeout at before the faceoff at 2:51 left in the 3rd.
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wow…another non-call…this officiating has been atrocious.
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Another non-call…
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atleast they hooked us up with the icing
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another ping pong ball in the taveres jackpot
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This is getting very painful, but I’ll keep drinking the Kool-Aid.
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on the upside, Doug Weight has a future in broadcasting if he wants it…thought he was very well spoken and insightful. and didn’t hold back his feelings on the officiating! I really hope he stays with the team – what a class act!!!
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one more thing after listening to Gordon’s post-game comments…someone needs to get him in touch with Billy Martin – the guy needs to start showing some damn emotion and taking the refs on…they just walk all over us and he NEVER goes to bat…maybe then the players will have more respect and fire.
if there’s one thing snow has done right, its signing mr. streit. if streit was on a team that was higher in the standings, he would be a candidate for the norris as well as a shoe in to be an all-star.