UP ALL NIGHT II
Calgary 5, Islanders 2
Thanks to everyone for getting involved in quite a passionate discussion and saving me from having to write a post-game recap!
If you have more reaction to what we discussed last night, go for it.
Comments.
351 Responses to “UP ALL NIGHT II
Calgary 5, Islanders 2”
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Chris Botta. Started as an Islander fan in 1972. Grew up in Hicksville, now live in RVC. Married with three boys. I try to take them to the day games.
Chris….Is There Anything That Can Be Done About DP and HIS Contract?? or Do we just have to hope he Retires due to injury
Hey Greg - Here is question, I’ve been curious about. Have you always been Islanders/hockey fan? Or did it morph out of your working for the organization for 20 years?
hey chris thanks for having this
my question is about weight
is he playing tonight? thanks
LOL. You answered my question while I was typing it. Do you read tarot cards in your spare time?
crap, that was fast. I was gonna sneak in 20 minutes of TiVo of “The Office.” CB
P.S. - Sorry about the Greg thing. Don’t know where that came from. I don’t ever post to Greg Logan’s blog, though I do read his posts.
The constant injuries to this team is getting frustrating. Especially the ones where the player is rushed back prematurely. Is it Gordon? Timms?
CB - Here is another. I’m fast but not furious. What is up with the lack of pre-game shows the last few games?
Heading home from my terrible city job now. Never thought I’d have problems making it home for 9PM games…unreal.
Anyway, the reality of Dipietro is that he hasn’t been that great of a goalie like NYI would like you to believe. Just look at his stats or just watch his careless flopping and roaming in the cage.
Dallas MacDonald Cape Breton, Nova Scotia had the day off work today I’m a teacher and there was an ice storm here in Sydney (home of former Islander and two time cup winer Paul Boutlier). My question is: let’s say the season continues to go the way it has been going and we get Tavares or Hedman or Duchene do you think Snowman would be more apt to speed up the re-build process by signing maybe the the Sedins or Komisarek or others or will be stay the course and keep collecting good draft pick in the first round next year…ie Taylor Hall. I know we have a problem getting people to sign here.
Jim from Welland, Ontario.
Hey Chris… Can you explain the DiPietro contract.
If you know anything about it.
There must be insurance clauses in there, does it count against the cap if he can’t play anymore.
Thanks,
I dont believe Gordon is responsible for rushing players back from injury. He is listening to Snow and his training staff…who are listening to DP, unfortunately. Ultimately, he’s making the decision based on the info he’s getting. It’s not his fault his team is made up of injury-prone players.
YIPPPEEE
Up all night part deux!!!!
I’m from good ole beantown.
Can’t wait to watch a few of our prospects in the beanpot!!!
CB -Is there anyway the Isles will just shut DP down for the year?
doug here from sunnyside qns
as i suggested to chris get a twelver for the isles.
well i did that in case he has foregone the adult beverages for this game.
gotta say this DP thing has became a running joke. hey i hope the guy heals up but as a fan of this team, i wonder if its not to late to ask sny to broadcast the sound tigers instead of these heartbreak kids
Glenn from Madison CT…Go Giants.
If lighthouse fails, does Wang sell team?
Dino - I remember from when he signed that if DP retires due to injury, he still gets paid for the full term of the contract. From what I saw with Snow being listed on Salary Cap sites while he was a GM, I would say DP would count against the cap even if he does retire. DP is the Golden Albatross in that light. Whether he ends being worth it. When I’m 50 maybe we can talk.
How excited should the PB Nation get about the success this year in Bridgeport? Gordon had success at Providence and now look at the Bruins and Mike Richards and Jeff Carter were Calder Champions with the Phantoms and are now allstars with the Flyers, enjoy the game tonight fellas!
Hello CB…Doug from Leland,NC….My first year w/o Live Isles games…thanks for all you do…..Any updates on Fans Nielson(Sp)…is he still out from that nasty hit he took?
Just re-read CB’s opener. Born and bred in Massapequa. Islanders fan since 1979 when I was 8 years old. This is my first year as a full season - season ticket holder (Section 313).
anyone know if the nhl network and the voices show ever did Jiggs?
i loved when he was announcing. still have that tape of him saying….its off to montreal for the conference championship…that darn dale hunter
Meg from Queens. Looking forward to reading everyone’s responses throughout the game
Why dont the isles just shut ricky down for the year? I dont understand? Why does this franchise have to do everything backwards. We must get Tavares. If we dont, we may as well move to Oklahoma City.
Brian G: do you realize you’re almost done with posting, and the puck hasn’t even dropped yet? LOL
Friends, just way too early to get into what-ifs with the DP contract. There’s really no mystery to it. The Islanders are on the hook for 15 years. What he has been through is serious, but there is no evidence to suggest it is career-theatening. Until we see how DiPietro makes it through this latest setback, just too early to get too deep into it.
Will they shut him down for the season? Not by Go-Go’s words today: “He’s medically cleared to play.” I honestly don’t know what the hell that meant. Let’s see what the next announcement is on Rick’s health. I imagine that won’t come until Monday…CB
CB..I need to understand something. Does BP have a swollen knee…or a swollen head? It seems obvious to me that DP is calling the shots…and making the decisions. How else can you explain him sitting dressed on the bench…but not healthy enough to play. How can he be cleared to play when he is still injured. If not DP…who is making these decisions? Because who ever it is needs to be re-evaluated for risking a more serious injury to TGC.
Atlanta 4-0 over the Devs in the 3rd
medically cleared to play meant if he is needed to stand for the national anthem he is able….but not both anthems, thats too much strain on his “lower body”
i’ll sit back for a few and not be a post hog
Lack of MSG pre-games: They don’t do them on Western trips, just as they didn’t do them for the NYR.
The Sedins: not signing here.
Komisarek: I’d call it a longshot.
Frans Nielsen: ahead of schedule, maybe the 5-game homestand beginning on Tuesday vs. NYR. Maybe they will be cautious and hold until after the All-Star break.
That’s some homestand, eh, folks? Rangers, Devils, Boston…CB
Was curious what ’70s porn set CJ Papa got his suit from?
looking forward to hearing Jiggs - last game for him I think.
Anyone else see a little Turgeon in Bailey?
To me, wins don’t matter - it’s all about seeing the future develop the rest of the way! Let’s go Isles!
I’m Willis, I live in the burbs, have 2 girls and I hope the Isles don’t get shut out tonight.
I’m doc… and I’ve been an islander fan for 32 years… I can’t help myself.
Donna, Massapequa, anyone else having Cablevision ch 414 audio problems?
Welcome back, Marti. Please don’t feel you have to absorb every hit.
Success in Bridgeport: great stuff, excellent work by Jack Capuano, Pat Bingham, Matt Bertani, especially with all the Islanders callups.
That said, team success does not matter as much in the big picture as the development of individual prospects. In that area, the Sound Tigers are doing well. However, there may not be any players on the current Bport roster who will see a regular shift for the NYI next season…CB
Dean here from Ottawa Canada, was at the gold medal game and I really hope we can get Tavares
Let’s start an over-under pool on when the Plus broadcast discusses the DP injury in depth. But, of course, I’m just making too big a deal of it…CB
Hey CB, Alan from CT, Isles fan since 1997 thanks to Peter Karmanos.
I know a lot of Isles fans would love to see Komi playing back on the Island (and so would I), but whats the deal with Jason Bouwmeester? Do you think the Isles have any chance to make a move for him in the off season?
By the way love the blog, its a lone bright spot in this dark season; thanks!!!
Hi Chris my name is Kevin. I currently live in Rochester NY. I was born in Smithtown but grew up just outside of Albany. I am a life long isles fan (26 years old). This whole DP thing is actually starting to get me worried. I made a half joking comment in your last post about how buying him out would cost 1.5 million over the next 24 years. If he cannot get healthy what do you see the organization doing about this? He cannot continue to be our number one goalie and always be hurt. Thanks Chris
They didn’t even mention that he wasn’t starting the last game against Edmonton… so what makes you think they will mention it tonight?
DOC
Donna - No. (CB please don’t count this one)
jimmy massapequa been an isles fan all 19 yrs of my life
Jesse D from Syosset (jessedlovesnyi on Islander Mania). The only fan under 15 that actually cares about this team in my town, pretty much.
Well anyway, do you think there’s any chance we’ll get to hear Weight tonight with Billy and Jiggs?
Blah, 1-0..Awesome passing by Calgary on the PP
and in .
Bouwmeester: can’t rule it out, although if he doesn’t re-sign with FLA, he’s going to go to the team that offers the most money AND is in position to win. The Islanders are more than one year away…CB
anyone know what channel the game is on for direct tv?
I don’t know how to put this eloquently… Pock sucks.
put cj pappa in goal!!!!!
Martinek is so soft I cant handle watching him. We dont just need a heavyweight, we need an overhaul of the team and inject size.
hockey fans your ny islander john tavares
Steve from Staten Island, grew up in Brooklyn as an Isles fan, one son, used to work at Topps Trading Cards, now in city government-i used to play goalie, maybe I can tryout as a backup when it’s announced DP is finished for his career…JK, he shouldn’t play, No.1 pick baby!
Good morning, my Islanders’ friends.I’m Slavko,it’s 3:00 am here in Slovenia & minus 20 degrees Celz. outthere.
Chris, I wanna make bet with You, that Hedman will become much better player than JT. Deal?
Hey CB and fellow islanders fans. My name is steve im 23 and have been an islander fan all my life. I wish i was alive to see at least one of the cups but maybe theres one in the future for me. My dad raised me an islanders fan, he was good friends with all the stanley cup players. He still hangs out with Bobby Ny every once in awhile. Cool story, my sister who’s 5 years older than me, got to sit in the stanley cup when she was a baby the day Nystrom got to have his day with the cup. Needless to say im a little jealous. Favorite player of the current roster: my boy blake comeau
637 dtv
welcome, Dadi from Slovenia. No, I won’t make that bet. I just hope one of them plays for the Islanders…CB
Jo-ey
CB,
Is Tom Renney on the hot-seat?
Also, people tend to take issue with the Isles attendance problems (most recently ESPN with the power rankings) but do they realize the coliseum only hold 16,234. That’s not a lot at all compared to today’s standards.
OMG Jesus joey!
I’d love to see Eric Nystrom score a goal tonight. Incredible kid from a family that was so, so kind to me for 20 years.
True story: when Eric started playing hockey he never wanted to wear 23. But on the day we retired his dad’s number, he told Bob that he was going to wear 23 for as long as he played hockey…CB
John from Mineola - Season ticket sufferer for 6 years
CB: 2-15-3 over the last 20 games and the Isles put you in timeout? How do i get a refund?
was that joey mac or ricky d in the net with that move? haha exciting stuff
STAY IN THE NET RICK…er…Joey?
Josh, Senior at Duke University (Durham, Nc) here.
I must admit, the isles have driven me partially to taking the Carolina Hurricanes as a 2nd team.
Question for you, Chris, if the Isles get Tavares, do they compete next year or are they like TB this year? And if the KHL folds in a year due to financial problems, does Petrov join the Isles? And if he does with Taveres, how far would that take the Isles?
Grew up in da Bronx. Parise’s OT goal got me hooked. Too many Rangers fans up there so I moved to Manhattan.
AM (57): I understand what you’re getting at, but you can’t say the NYI don’t have attendance problems. Even the NYI would tell you they have attendance problems…CB
Larry from East meadow, have had season tickets for 15 years, and have only missed 4 games in that span. i don’t know if that’s a good thing
CB quick question for you (if ya can answer) of your dealings with the isles past and present who was the least personable to talk to?
Dan from. . well you can see where! My picture and sound are terrible but at least Time Warner switched over to the Isles from TV Guide network so I won’t complain too much.
When Jiggs said at the top that Kiprusoff had “never beaten the Islanders”, you just know the way this one will turn out, don’t you?
UlF… you beat me to it man, I was just going to say it
Hello to everyone from Brooklyn, NY
P.S. How come the game isn’t on Center Ice??
isles on direct tv? anyone know? msg plus is the devils… help?
is this game on HD somewhere. Cablevision has it on channel 414. this stinks. I just bought a new tv
Married, semi-retired software engineer (34) with no children from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Followed Ziggy, Butchy and the Utah Grizzlies to an IHL championship and became an Islanders fan by proxy. (Watched Sim and Park in the minors before they made the bigs…)
Win or lose, I am an Islanders fan.
Ryan Yuhas from east moriches, Ice Rink Supervisor…First Mike Komisarek is not coming to Long Island, and more then likely not even making it to free agency
Chris, in your eyes, which player is the player most likely to go at the deadline, my choice is Brendan Witt….Great stuff Chris
Direct tv 637
Looks like Gordon is trying to get Gervais going.
Bergenheim is fastly becoming one of my favorite players on this team. It’s been a long time since I cold say that about any player on this team.
scott its 637
Josh: Tavares, plus a complete overhaul of the roster so there’s 18 skaters believing and thriving in Gordon’s system, and they could compete for a playoff spot. Since that’s a lot to ask, you’re likely looking at another rough season ahead. As I’ve said many times before - much to the disgust of several readers - I have no problem with that. That’s the only way to get it done for this franchise in this market and without an arena on the horizon…CB
Chris,
It kills me every time I see Parise and Nystrom play and we had chances to get both.
That always reinforced to me that milbury never embrassed the Islanders history. JP has a special place in my memory. How did you feel at the time????
Chris, regarding DP and his value to the team, we all know he has great puck handling skills that some times get him in trouble. On the positive side however that skill also means his D men take less hits and aren’t as exposed down deep. Do you think with him not playing it has added to the injuries suffered by the defensemen?
Nystrom might be a great kid, but please dont score tonight! The “Im in love with Mitch Fritz” comments have finally slowed down” a goal by Nystrom only changes the name Fritz to Nystrom for the next 3 weeks!
BJ - NJ
Just wanted to tell you that it’s a pleasure to read your daily blogs. Keep up the fantastic work Chris.
Chris I know this is a real random question but a number of years back the Islander signed Kevin Haller. The few games he played that first season (horrible year for the team) he was great to watch. What was the team’s opnion of him during those 3 years of barely playing?
here’s a question.
now that we know the team needs a goaltender, which was apparent to some a long while ago, is the tavares/hedman debate calmed down?
Hi Chris,
I am not sure how to post this on the comments section. I was most upset at your post this afternoon that the organization is treating you differently because of your posted opinion that they are incompetently handling the health of the “franchise goaltender” and that the lines of communication with the players and the media is not nearly professional and smooth.
What you stated was exactly what I and my best friend, Islanders fans of 35 years, feel. We simply do not understand why Rick’s health is at all and issue, and why is in a position to play even one game until he is completely recovered.
Additionally, we are dumbfounded by the lack of a steady, explanatory, and communicative stream of information from the General Manager. We do not understand why the team has not got a mature and battle tested NHL veteran in a position to advice, if not influence, the General Manager through the season. Lastly, we do not understand why the team does not have a defensemen coach, considering its horrific defensive performance in terms of goals allowed.
We understand that this season amounts to an 80 game band-aid pull to achieve a high draft pick, we understand the necessity to rebuild - but we are concerned that the men the Mr. Wang has charged with this task are unproven, have failed to announce a cogent and logical plan to their fan base, seem to make glaring mistakes with Rick, and give us no concrete faith that they are competent in that plan’s execution.
Hey Chris…My name is Mike, I now live in Philly but am from Floral Park in Nassau County (hopefully I get back to NY sooner rather then later). My questions is have you heard anything regarding the Islanders making their current 3rd jersey (the throwback) the permanent jersey next year? Going through the hockey package on TV, I hate seeing all these teams with rich history like the Habs, Leafs, Rags, Hawks, etc. not messing with their jersey layout and then having to see the Islanders wear these jokes. Thanks for the answer and as always “Lets Go Islanders”!!
Save us Tavares!
This is Chris from Selden. I’ve been an Isles fan since 1986 and was a season ticket holder for three years until I got married and had a son. He is 2. Go Isles.
Hey CB,
Would you consider any player on the Isles in the coach’s dreaded dog house? Obviously Sim has a foot in there. Anyone else?
And what happens if Eric becomes an Islander one day. He’ll have to do the reverse and start a new player to play homage to, Brad Lauer.
Doug (67): Kirk Muller, but that was a special circumstance. All the guys were great.
Patrick: I’m sorry, but I’ve gone over that a few times already. In fairness to the Islanders on Eric Nystrom, he went before the NYI pick. It’s nowhere near the same thing as passing on Zach, who’s an amazing player.
Ryan (73): Of the players with value, Witt and Comrie…CB
really wish we got to see mlore westerd hockey. I’m watching the calgary feed. No mention, pre-game, of Comrie-Okposo-comeau… I haope they are the line to tie it up.
How did marty sneak in under teh radar… you are in TIME OUT, aintcha?
Do these Refs know the difference between holding the stick and hooking anymore?
Thank you to everyone for the kind words…CB
Chris, what’s your thoughts on contraction/expansion of the league? I’ve heard comments about possible expansion of the league in the future, and I would think the league would consider contraction instead. But if they did, the Isles would be one of the teams I’d get rid of (I’d also get rid of Florida, Phoenix, and Nashville) And it’s an absolute shame.
Hey Chris..Nick from Miller Place, just wanted to ask your opinion on Jon Sim getting power play time over Jeff Tambellini, Tambellini is a proven scorer in the AHL and I believe would be comfortable on the p.p. thats were this kids going to produce. Jon Sim is a healthy scratch every other game and when he comes in he gets power play time right away? I’m not getting it.
cb and everyone-
thanks, now the whole bar can watch them win!
Hey, I grew up in Miller Place!!!
Rob From Huntington - long suffering Season ticket holder - basically my question is - in each professional sports league there are teams that have no chance at ever getting good. In the NBA the Clippers are a joke and there is no light at the end of the tunnel - the Royals were good in the 80’s but are they ever going to be able to compete in the MLB - and the Lions well i think there is something to the initials of MM - Millen, Milbury - are the islanders that team in the NHL - its been 15 years since a playoff win/run. We get excited over 8th place finishes - and our owner, GM and organEYEzation seems lost - are we the nhl Royalcliplions?
I just got in and cannot stand that the game isn’t in HD. What a crock of BS that IO commercial is - all 9 local sports teams in HD. Anyways, here’s to another game that brings us closer to JT.
CB, love your blog man. I think I spend as much time here when I am at work. When do the real trade winds start blowing - late January/early February?
Gaz: no one major in the doghouse these days. It is what it is - 2 wins since the start of December.
Mike from Philly: I mentioned at UAN 1, the Islanders would like to go to the vintage, but I do not know if they made the deadline to get it done in time for next season. It should happen soon. I would go to the jersey they won the 4 Stanley Cups in, but that’s just me.
Mr. Teller: I appreciate the note. Hopefully it will all blow over.
skeptical dose: No way the Islanders take a goalie, even if their first round pick in 09 is somewhere between 5-10…CB
Yes, he’s fragile, but I wanna see Radek back next year
josh i see a true isles fan you are.. get rid of the isles?? are you serious?
if this team was moved or folded this metro area would take a huge hit on rivalries. its not happening
lighthouse or not the isles will be staying and playing whether the colisuem is the only renovation or the full project moves ahead
Nick: that is an excellent point about Jon Sim. I don’t see why he has ANY PP time. That is one of the few things I wish Gordon would change.
Here here Dadi!
When healthy, most underrated defenseman in the league. I know…when healthy
CB,
Anything new on the Lighthouse front?
Hmm so eric was just saying how calgary gave him the number by coincidence in training camp. Kind of clashes with the more feel good story you related to us CB. haha not to call you out on it just curious to see who remembered it more accurately?
hello everybody. i live in rvc. late 20’s. best isles memory is the spring of 93. not much has gone right since. pretty boring first period. i thought that a goalie couldn’t handle the puck past his own blueline but i guess i’m wrong since macdonald did and wasn’t penalized. very happy that atlanta beat new jersey tonight. how did that happen?
Did I miss an injury report somewhere. how does Pock get the nod over freddy if both are healthy?
Nice story about Eric Ny. Not sure I’d want to see him on the island unless they throw in Iginla or phaneuf..:-)
hey CB - great job on this blog.
Are the Isles locked in long-term with the MSG network? If the lighthouse project ever completes, I’d love to see the Isles join SNY. It almost seems as if the Isles are just on this channel for pity now.
JP: It was reported that Freddy has a groin strain, I believe.
Freddy is out tonight
@Sunnyside, I’m not asking for it to happen. I’ve been an isles fan since I was born (1987), with some of my first sports memories being of the isles shocking upset over the penguins.
But if you contract 4 teams, the Isles make a great deal of financial sense. Now, the league is silly and is more likely to greedily expand, but you could substitute “move” for “contract”. The Isles great history i cant imagine convincing any owner who cant get a lighthouse project/new stadium built here to actually keep the team where it’s doing so poorly.
Nick: I’ve written about that a lot. I have no idea why a rebuilding team has a waived Jon Sim getting PP time over just about anybody.
Josh: There will not be expansion. The next two regions to get teams will be Kansas City and either Vegas or somewhere in Canada, probably Ontario. If they get teams in the next 10 years, it will be re-located teams - not new franchises. That’s my view.
AZS: I’ll have some stuff on the Lighthouse, hopefully by Monday. But to answer your question, not really.
Steve: on the Eric Ny jersey, I should have clarified to say he would wear 23 with his peewee clubs, etc., until the day he didn’t have a choice what number he wore. Thanks for pointing it out.
Thrashers win! They win!
rob (96): If done right, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Steve from EI: Islanders not leaving the Plus. Not an option…CB
Hi, everyone. My name is Gas and I am an Islander fan. I am powerless over the Islanders. My addiction started around 1990 when the Isles drafted Scott Scissons, and it’s been a constant battle with abuse since. I will break this bad habit soon because if I do not, I fear it will be too late. Most importantly, I wonder about my child. I hope he never grows up to become an Islander fan. May this awful battle with this affliction end with me.
Man, that’s sad - all this talk about how Calgary needs to “respect the game and the opponent” because they’re playing the last-place NYI…geez…CB
there’s more pulled groins on this team than most summer camps…
Is “pulled groin” the new “general [B]ody [S]oreness”?
Brian, raised in NORTH Merrick, LI, live in Long Beach now, vaguely remember the dynasty (God bless Uncle Bob for having cable, too bad he was a Ranger’s fan!), damn near broke my knee celebrating Volek’s goal in ‘93.
Beautiful move by JoeMac, but that’s because he lead with his legs, not his head!
CB, any chance we lure Nystrom to the Island, or is that just too much pressure?
Supposedly Optimum cable has “all the local sports in HD” Oh yeah, except the isles, where we put you on a channel that comes through so fuzzy you need to drink to see the screen clearly.
one last thing, Okposo’s save/pass at the blue line on the PP gives me hope for this organization…
Let’s go Isles!
Any reason, why they can’t put the damn game on MSG + upon conclusion of the Devs game?
haha Gas, I was just joking with my sister about getting my nephew into the Isles/Mets/Jets…poor thing…but then again, it builds character and makes you a stronger person!
chris, what do you think the level of interest from other teams will be in joey macdonald at the deadline? we could sign dubie to replace him for the remainder of the season. what do you think of us signing gionta this summer?
i wonder if Dubie got paid his whole contract? What was the story with him and Russia?
sorry CB, late on the intro part. I live in SJ right outside Philly and I am surrounded by Flyer fans, who like to remind me the last time my team mattered was when we were all at a high school party and Volek scored the game winner. please rebuild end soon!
Coach Gordon angry!
josh no offense but in your words the isles would be one of the teams i’d get rid of..
a real fan doesnt speak of his/her team that way.
i will never go with that thinking even with a 1 win season
in my mind a fan thinks of their team with heart not what the league thinks
2-0…tavheduch!!!!
PS shut down Ricky, for his own sake and for our future
ping pong balls baby
Is Witt gunning to get EX-ISLED???
Sunnyside, I was speaking from the financial perspective of the league.
Sorry if you misunderstood.
ah, 2-0. great. by the way, CB, this is by far the best news site for the isles I have ever had the pleasure to read (no offense, Logan, but the comments section got out of control…)
thanks for the response CB, I shouldve known that eric was too young to be choosing nhl numbers during the retirement ceremony considering i was there that night. my comment after watching that last goal is that witt really seems to be struggling lately. I know it may be bad luck or coincidence but he certainly isn’t the same player he was last year. It’s hard for me to say too because he was one of my favorite players to watch last year.
PS the quality of the picture on this game is horrid
God, these Calgary announcers are terrible.
yeah a goal no shutout
No shut out, whew!!!!!
congrats - 1st career goal
Bailey having one of those game full of rookie mistakes.
Then again the same can be said of the whole team tonight. Their timing just seems off in all areas of the game tonight.
Have we had a play where we’ve completed more than three passes?
yeah Smith!!! Congrats on your first goal!
smitty!!
I still think Witt’s still getting over his injury…congrats Trevor Smith!
I hope Tambellini was taking notes… Congrats Trevor!
way to go trevor smith
Chris— I know Tavares is a great player and I pray every day that the Islanders get him. Did you see he got traded to London? How, if possible, will this help him develop in the next 6 months
Eric “Ice Man” Altman born in Brooklyn, grew up in Oceanside, lived in Manhattan before moving West and now living in American Canyon (Napa County), CA. Isles fan since they were born, attended 1st game ever at NVMC (exhibition game -Isles V Atlanta Flames with Rangers GM Emile “the Cat” Francis in the stands). Married with 1 son (10 months old). Branch Manager for Surety Bond company. Former Season Tix sharer (during the Glory Years!).
CB, here’s my question - do you think that Charles, Garth, etal, will stay the course and build through the draft, or will the fans disgust and weak attendance force them to make some, probably unwise, Free Agent signings?
speaking of tambs,, i know some players have that knack to score, were tambs goals in the ahl more of a goal scorer or in the right place at right time?
Yea!! Trevor Smith my fellow UNH alum. I’ve been hoping he got that goal soon so that there aren’t any second thoughts about him getting the call up. Not that he gets much playing time but I think he’s shown that he can belong. CB any word about the chances he stays with the team the rest of the season or what the upper management has thought about his play so far? (sorry in advance to bring up your relations with the isles brass during your timeout)
congrats trevor!!! he showed some sweet hands corralling that and putting it home. looked a little like some other guy that used to wear #77 for us. i have a good feeling about smith.
B-ri, he will get a chance to play in the Memorial Cup which is the championship of the Canadian Junior Leagues, he probably wouldnt have got the chance with the Generals
Chris,
Do the Islanders have any players capable of being 1st liners in the system>
Petrov maybe?
Okoposo better than Petrov?
Do you expect us to trade weight?
Thanks so much for all ur great work..
Can the isles sign another good ufa this summer like streit???
Oy, Trevor Smith….
And yes, I’m Nick from North Bellmore with detours in Boston and London. Fan since I was 8 years old, member of a non-profit group dedicated to supporting the Lighthouse, and I try to see the glass as half full, though that may be because the Yankees and Giants have filled my championship quota in many ways.
CB, 2 quick questions here:
1. Am I the only one who sees the stark difference in ability between DP and Joey Mac? I love Joey and think he’s done a lot of good for the team, but he has issues with playing the angle, holding the post, and rebound control.
2. Will there be any more information soon about Milbury, Kovalchuk, and the 01 draft? I’m very interested in this since it seemed to me that Milbury was looking to make a splash from day 1 and would’ve traded the pick for the best offer he got.
Of the prospects playing in Bridgeport or elsewhere for that matter, you do you see graduating to the Isles next year. One Defenseman and one forward if possible….my choices would be Smith and Hillen…not going out on a limb there.
Frank from Jersey City. Became an Isles fan during the 79 playoffs when my female classmates in 4th grade became Ranger fans because of the Sassoon Jeans commercials.
Tonight, same old same old lately. I like Smith however, he seems to know when to be around the net, I think he can turn into a nice junk goal guy.
Glad it didn’t take Trevor “tamby time” to get his first NHL goal, but it made me wonder what Capuano is saying about Hillen?
chris,
what are the chances marian hossa, henrik zetterberg, or johan frabzen sign here? that is if the isles show them the money. detroit can’t keep all of them and they all would do great in this system.
ps, atlanta won, and if tampa wins and we lose, ill be one happy kid
ah the good ol days when our defense was solid. aucoin, jonson, hamrlik, niinima. who else am i missing?
good to see the refs helping out
witts playing like he doesnt care
witt clearly does not want to be here anymore, or he is hurt.
MAC stacks the pads. WOW. The poor guy is getting pelted with shots on these PPs. It is about time for us to stay out of the box and play some even strength hockey.
I don’t know what it is, but Witt looks lost out there. I hope he can either right the ship or fetch an attractive return.
Chris, really enjoy reading Your blog and appreciate Your work for us diehards.Two more quick questions and that’s it from me for tonight:would You re-sign Mike Comrie and what do You think about my countryman, Anže Kopitar? Thanks…
woooo tampa tied it
Hi. My name is Keith, or around the Isles boards, you all know me as KP. Born in Massapequa, grandpa and dad took me to my first game when I was 3 and I was hooked ever since. Had season tickets for 6 years before I had a baby last year that made me cancel unfortunately, but my little girl loves to sit with daddy on the couch and watch hockey. That’s just as good as being at the Coliseum and a little bit cheaper for me.
Can someone explain to me why Cablevision has 700 channels worth of crap and can’t create an HD channel for MSG3 or MSG+++ or MSG +-= or whatever the hell channel I’m watching?
Oh, and about me - the name pretty much says it. My first memory was the Easter Epic and thinking that the Easter Bunny was in my basement. Instead it was my father being up past midnight watching the game. My first game was an 8-2 loss to the Pens. I was born at the end of the dynasty years so I don’t have many fun memories except for the epic, 93, 02, and Dubie a couple of years ago. I hope the future turns out to be brighter than the past.
omg tambs
Donnamarie, from eastern LI, Islander fan since late 70’s
I hope as the saying goes he’s young he’ll bounce back but I kinda tend to agree with those that say Dp having the series of injuries at this stage of his career and although young it will impact his career next 13 years, and more likely then not he’ll be in an out, hip an knees are two parts of a goalies body that take abuse.
Even with that goin on, I still feel our defense needs more attention. Just my thoughts.
OH MY GOD Go Tambs wow
guerin (113) on interest in Joey: There could be some, but not enough that you’ll get back anything very significant of value.
B-ri: Tavares getting traded to a top team in the OHL will give him a better shot at strong playoff experience.
Ice Man: Yes, I think Charles, Garth, etc. will stay the course.
Steve (142): They have been very pleased with Trevor Smith’s development since he went to the ECHL in Utah and had a great attitude. Can’t say he’ll be here the rest of the year. Depends on trades and injuries.
Everyone: Easy-easy-easy does it on Petrov. No. 1 prospect on potential, but KHL or North America, years away from making an impact in the NHL.
IslesFan999: Sorry for the copout, but right now it’s very much 50/50 on Weight.
Nick Classic: Joey is a potentially a really good No. 2. People forget he, at best, split the net with Morrison last season in Bridgeport.
I have to hold the Milbury/Kovalchuk story for a day when I need something to post. It’s not a classic story by any stretch, but c’mon - I can’t blow my you-know-what in the middle of a few hundred Comments!
Dally Mac: you’re on target, and I would add Andrew MacDonald. But I can’t guarantee any of them will be here full-time.
Dadi: Kopitar can play on my team anytime - the kind of analysis you only get at Point Blank.
Nice going, Jeff…CB
Tambs with a goal scorers goal. What am I watching???
jeff tambellini!?!? what a shot!
“…but there is no evidence to suggest it is career-theatening.”
huh? 2 years of his prime is already gone. do you think his peak physical condition is still to come? his condition is already beyond “career threatening.” his injuries are major, and chronic. a good chunk of his career is already wrecked and now they need to think about a new goaltender, which they should have started doing a year ago but didn’t. what a surprise. meanwhile, everyone’s thinking about tavares or hedman.
of course dipietro still gets the dough though.
Tamby! What a shot!
I never thought I’d hope that Meyer would get better fast so he could replace WITT.
In the first period the CAL announcers said, “This team just needs a game where their goalie stands on his head”
How bad does your team suck when the goalie IS STANDING ON HIS HEAD every night and they still lose by two or three… every night.
I guess tambs was taking notes…
There we go Tambs. I just love the reactions Guerin gives to the youngsters scoring i.e. Tambs and Bailey
Wow, Tambs gets anotehr goal and it ties the game!!! Oh wait, that’s no good, that might make getting the 1st pick tougher.
even if we lose this game 7-2, i will be happy tonight.. tamby scored the exact kinda goal he should be scoring.
How bout that wicked little wrister!
Did I just hallucinate that? Kid has some skills, hope that gives him some confidence.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s Tamby’s first goal that’s come from a clean shot, right?
beauty tamby!!!hell of a shot
oh crap
Ice Man, no worries about the pick. We’re back down again. Haha.
Fear not tankers, the Isles will not let us down.
Win or lose, when the scoresheet reads Smith and Tambellini in the goal column, that’s what you wanna see.
Kyle O has been the best Islander tonight, I hope he pots one. He looks awesome tonight.
ping pong
Snow needs to save the $2.5M next year and just commission a sculpture of Witt with his shoulders shrugged and place it in front of the net… then get a red light that jsut stays on…
is it me or is witt is always out there when the opposition scores?
there ya go…tambs goal and hopefully another loss closer to No. 1 pick. Lombardi skating circles, makes our Isles D men look like statues
Nice ~~~ Tambellini!!
It’s bizzaro world… tambellini scores and Witt is like a ghost with people going right through him.
Welcome, everybody. I especially want to thank everyone who came on and introduced themselves and told us a a little bit about themselves. Nice stuff…CB
Well I like the thought of Andrew MacDonald making the team. He’s a good Cape Breton boy from Port Hawsbury. Maybe he’ll bring home a cup like Boultier did all those years ago (82-83). Is it just me or is Witt on the ice for every goal against lately?
CB:
Are you ready to copy and paste your answers from the first “all-nighter” yet? lol.
Vinny, In Brooklyn. Mr. C-Botts, Sir, How does the forward corps of Nielsen, Okposo, Bergenhiem, Bailey, Comeau, Tavares look for the next decade or so?
How about Tambellini’s shot tonight, gang! Maybe He’ll get it going.
Who do y’all think we see first, Robin or Kirill?
Larry. Current resident of Great Neck. Raised in Jericho. Fan since 1972. Currently stuck working late across from the Coliseum in my firm’s offices in RexCorp Plaza. Hey did Ottawa manage to get a point tonight? Why does Charles Wang fear putting a real hockey mind in charge of the team? Why does the man value loyalty at the expense of competence? And what is the criteria for selection to play in the Young Stars game? That is all for now.
Hey B-ri… on Tavares and London… I live in London, and have seasons to the Knights… this is a good thing for Tavares… the Hunters who own the Knights know how to prep players to the next level and a Memorial Cup run is now in the offing for the Knights. (Think Patrick Kane, Sam Gagner, Dave Bolland and Rick Nash). I am totally jacked by the prospect of being able to watch Tavares every Friday night along with another top 10 draft prospect in Nazeem Kadri.
Question Chris… as far as ex London Knights go… what are the chances the Isles try to trade for a guy like Rob Schremp in Edmonton’s system. Not great defensively but a real treat to watch in the offensive end and has never received much more than a cup of coffee with the Oilers.
Readers: I may have missed it, but has The Plus broadcast - other than the quick mention late-first period - talked in any detail about DiPietro’s injury? CB
Wow, Tamby got himself in scoring position twice in a period. This could be the start of something positive.
Ottawa lost to Boston
Hopefully Okposo is picked tomorrow for the Youngstars game
They said they were going to talk about DP CB but I haven’t heard it yet.
speaking of introductions,
im rocky and im a freshman at fordham, been an isles fan since i was in the 5th grade however long ago that is, i was drawn in by that great start we had that year we lost to the leafs in the playoffs…been a hockey fanatic since
Sorry,
Netminder39= Paul from North East PA.
Originally from Mineola,NY. First NHL game was Mike Bossys 50 goals in 50 games as a kid, grew up playing goalie and right winger.
Been a fan through good and bad times.
I forgot to do the intro thing:
I live in Nassau county and work in Manhattan. I wear my Islanders or Lighthouse hat every single day to work and get looks form people a lot (could also be that it doesnt exactly match the business casual attire lol) I love this team and music more than anything else!
My question: Can you get us some stats on Mangames lost due to injuries? They are absolutely impossible to find.
and soon his main priority will be to walk normally when he’s 30.
Who knows if they will talk about DP’s injury…Jaffe sometimes co-hosts an NHL talk show on Sirius XM and the NHL Network, and when someone asked about DP’s state, he seemed to be frustrated in never knowing the stats of our franchise goalie during the morning skate…
CB,
Jaffe mentioned that he is having inflammation in the knee that underwent surgery and that was the extent.
@ Dally Mac - I’d love to see some more Atl. Canada content on the Isles. I’m from new glasgow originally, so we’ve got Sim and Joey Mac!
PS: Go Mooseheads!
Is it my imagination or has Billy Jaffe all of a sudden developed a Canadian accent?
On another note: Trevor Smith doesn’t look out of place.
they have not said a word on DP
a franchise goalie (in there mind) oft injured and not a word on medically able to play but…not playing..
thankfully i got a 12 pack instead of a sixer…now too bad i didnt tivo this so i could be let down in 90 mins rather then
150
Intro:
Josh from Northern Virginia. I’m a 2007 graduate of the University of North Dakota (Go Fighting Sioux!), and was recently pink slipped by Toyota where I did corporate and government sales. Unfortunately, Toyota did not provide me with a sponsored blog
. I love hearing Chris’ stories of turmoil in the lean days!
Way to be Isles99, bringing back memories of the last great playoff series! even though it didnt end the way we all hoped it would
Wait… these days are pretty lean too…
Hi Chris - - I currently live in the ‘burbs north of NYC, but was born and raised in Northport. I rarely comment here, but always read your posts and love the blog.
My question: What is the prognosis for Sillinger’s return? We met him at Bridgeport when he was there on the rehab assignment. He’s a great guy, and quickly became my 9 year-old son’s favorite player (it helped that he scored against Hartford that night!). I know seasoned vets are not the direction the team is taking, but would like to see him back and healthy. Thanks!
When you listen to other announcers, you really start to appreciate Howie and Billy (and jiggs of course)
anyone want to tell me why brendan witt is on the ice for seemingly ever goal scored against the isles? I said this the other night too…its getting ridiculous, if it hasnt been already.
CB… outstanding site… love the work. Sorry to see you’ve gotten the cold shoulder for nothing more than printing the truth.
(wow… just watched Trottier truck some poor 13 year old over… sheesh, it’s a Project Hope game guy).
Anyway, I’m with you CB. So long as the youngsters play well, I’m perfectly content w/the Isles dropping games. They need their “Crosby” to begin to turn the tide.
Witt is probably still playing with an injury. He has never been fleet of foot, but he has been even a lot slower this season and seems to favor his leg when skating.
CB,
Any verification that he is still hurting?
Chris,
Haven’t heard much about what Nolan’s up to these days. Any idea how’s he doing? Your thoughts on him getting another gig in the NHL?
JKP my sister lives in New Glasgow now, her husband works for the Sobey’s Corportions (where else right?). Yeah there are a few Nova Scotia Islander fans around. Actualy speaking of my sister and her husband, Sim’s father was the broker on their mortgage. Anywho, I’ve been praying for losses all year, does that make me disloyal or simply a realist not sure. Hey JPK go Screaming Eagles….M.A Fleury’s old team boys.
I’m Dan From Massapeqau
I am 19 years old and have been an Islanders fan since I was very young. My all time favorite player was Ziggy. I remember going to the games in the 90’s with my father and only a few thousand others. I wish I was a season ticket holder, but I still get to about 30 games per year. My greatest growing fear is that somehow this team will lose. I do not know how I would spent my money if this team moves.
I am ready for a long term rebuild, much like Washington, Chicago, and Pitts have done.
Dan
Nice meeting everyone. I’m here til midnight…CB
Yeah, Ken. These Calgary guys are brutal… although no one is worse than Rick Jennaret.
hi, name is Dan from East Northport. I’m 27 and been a fan since I’m about 9 and really got into it when my mom bought a house and we got sportschannel so I could see all the games during the 92-93 season, even the late OT games vs Washington.
Witt looks terrible tonight. He looks like he can’t move but it’s great to see the younger players contribute now on a regular basis.
CB… should Sillinger return, any thought as to what he might command in terms of a trade? To me, an old, but healthy Sillinger could be that MacTavish-like addition (ugh, 1994) that helps put a team over the top. Strong on draws, smart, defensively responsible, veteran moxie, and the occasional goal/assist make him a valuable asset that, in my opinion, might garner more that one might think.
Your thoughts?
CB, can you comment or are you willing to comment on DP and his maturity level and if he can be a true leader even if healthy? The times I have had contact with him have made me wonder and that’s putting it lightly.
Dally mac: Nice to find another Isle fan in these parts. I think that makes 5 now that I’ve encountered.
I spent some time myself working for the great Sobeys empire at head office about 10 yrs ago.
I got tickets for the Eagles - Mooseheads next month. Mooseheads are terrible this year (like the Isles - only worse), but there’s always a good scrap or two when CB is in town (not you, Chris).
i hate to say it but #32 is looking more and more like Brendan Quit. as long as Joey Mac refuses to cover up rebounds the more ping pong balls we get. keep it up Joey. Chris any stories from that 89/90 playoff game against the Rangers where James Patrick leveled Lafontaine with a cheap shot and Sam Rosen and Johnny St. Louis called Arbour classless?
forgot to intro…34, grew up in Dix Hills, LI. don’t really remember the glory years, but had a blast in 93 going to Bennigans for 2fers and watching the playoff games…I guess illegaly ;-P
One night, we watched the Isles/Devils, then went to Huntington where we ran into Fichaud(underage), Green, King, a few others and did some shots…good times. Huge Turgeon fan and waiting for another team like 93!
If this keeps up the Isles may be better off dumping some vets sooner rather than later.
The kids have been carrying this team for quite some time now.
I’d be interested to see how they can hold up for thirty games or so.
I missed the intro as well.
John, originally from Brooklyn. Spent 15 years on the Island and now in Richmond. Most memorable Islander moment was during the 1979 playoffs. As a 14 year old kid I went to the felt forum to see the game on the closed circuit (no cable in bklny yet) with the parish priest and a crew from St. Athanasius. While cheering for a potvin goal a big fat ranger fan dumped a beer on me… He learned a valuable lesson that night…and we all prayed for him the next day.
kjh0517, yup that was a great playoff series, its been lean times since but ive always supported this team. i live in flushing so i can only make it to like 10 games a year but i try to go whenever i can… first game i went to was ottawa vs isles 4-5 years ago (we lost 4-0)… i immediately fell in love with hockey when i saw the godard vs brian mcgratton that night…i knew hockey was my type of sport right then and there…the perfect balance of finesse and strength
Oh yeah… follow the assignment: I’m Steve, 54, live in East Hampton, can’t get Isles on radio out here.. In 1972 (when I was 17), my Dad turns me on to the Isles…. I was hooked then (Billy Harris, then Drouin, Parise, Trots and you know the rest.. was at THE GAME when Nystrom scored the winner for our first Cup..I am a hard core Islander fan - not from the standpoint of going to a million games or anything, but I always watch em. Always. Love these young guys: Okposo, Comeau, Gervais, Smith, Bergy, Tamby, Nielson, Campy, Bailey…love to scout/dream about our prospects…
I want Taveras.
Curtis Glenncross just gave us another ping pong ball.
You can find me in Ontario, Canada. I’m a teacher, married, with 2 little girls.
Just wondering if we really do need a legit tough guy? How often is he needed?
Is the d-man from Columbus that you mentioned the other night Methot?
And if Streit keeps up this pace, does he get many Norris trophy votes?
Oops. We are now that much closer to him.. 4-2.
Matty from East Meadow, married, 35, The Hasselhoff of Coliseum ushers (Think I’m a sex symbol but just a portly pepperpot with nice hair and skin tone)
Anywho? For CB. Ever heard it explained by trainers/medical staff why hockey teams don’t take an hour during training camp and get everybody flu shots. This has always bugged me. -The Hoff
JP in VA, I guess you were right, Tambs was taking notes! John in London, I got to a Knights game in ‘00, lot’s of fun, lot’s of booze, sort of like a minor league game. I think that was my first Foster’s in a plastic bottle.
I guess that ends the comeback!
I always thought “the flu” was a catch-all term used in sports for any time a player feels under the weather. Am I off on that?
I really cant get over how much
1- I hate Comrie
2- I feel Howie nose should go amd how much I miss Jiggs’ voice
Hunter was just a beast at 14:30
I love the Isles energy, but the core is still young. It has been an entertaining game. Nice to see Smitty and Tambs get goals.
All I ask is to sit DiPietro for the season. Absolutely no reason for him to play again this season. Let the kids learn from this season which will be the greatest lesson for next season.
crap, coyotes scored…come on tampa
Marc Methot in Columbus… another ex London Knight… played for Hunter and a Memorial Cup winner… classy player… he’d look good in an Isles uni.
CB, any chance the Isles can package a player or two plus one of their second rounders to move into the first round?
Also, who do you think the Isles target in free agency this summer… and who do you think might actually come to the Island?
cjdv16: I would not factor Mike Sillinger into lineup or trade plans.
isles316: I’m going to write about DiPietro, probably tomorrow. And it probably won’t be a popular piece with some of the fanbase.
dalcy: yes, it’s true: about a half-dozen Rangers fans rocked Patty’s ambulance. An ugly night on a lot of levels. That was the night Neil Smith said Bill Torrey and Al Arbour should be in the Hall of Shame.
the trade talks with Columbus about Weight, as of this date, have been the figment of one writer’s very active imagination.
No, Streit will not get any significant push for the Norris. His team is 30th.
Matty: a lot of teams do get flu shots. I’m pretty certain the Islanders have. Maybe they don’t always take. They definitely save you from bad salmon at the team hotel…CB
Geoff (aka Strickland) from Garden City, 25, a die hard who cried in sixth grade when he found out Turgeon was traded (at school no less).
My question for CB is this: Can you share any interesting “almost” trades the Isles have been involved in that fell apart for whatever reason?
and that’s game.
To Bloody Skull:
I agree with both, even more about Jiggs. Grew up listening to him and it makes me dislike Howie even……..
What a mess that goal was….
Sigh…
ANYWAY-
isles99- I went to Fordham, too (LC not RH)
Interference, much?
alan h from hartford, ct — converted hartford whalers fan. 5 to 2 now. this is getting so upsetting. is DP going to ever be back this season or what?
time for me to get a more unique handle name. formerly just steve, now UNH Steve. Oh and this game is starting to fall apart
Pardy. well theres the token scrub that scores on the islanders every game.
Thanks CB, I’m looking forward to the read.
Also when Moss was in front of MacDonald can’t someone knock him on his rear? This team is so soft
Another useless roadtrip! I guess the whole concept of a team coming together on the road is not applying to this team.
Just got in from a game of my own … now gonna play Tivo catch-up at 4X speed while I read these posts … Up All Night ROXXX
Ken (208): I hear ya’. I’m at the mercy of Center Ice, which often doesn’t give me the Islanders’ feed on the road. (I got Jiggs twice on this trip). Particularly these regional Canadian broadcast teams are shockingly subpar and make me pine for Jaffe & friends.
[intro/bio]Oh yeah, I’m Dominik in St. Louis, the only Isles fan I’ve met in the midwest
Dad encouraged me to follow the Isles because they took Arbour after the Blues let him go — have never regretted it. I like to blog/chat about the Isles but try to keep it fun and even keel.
Oh, and speaking of even keel, I bet (hope?) this Point Blank “timeout” will be over after the road trip’s over and they’ve come to their senses
My god, the Rangers/Pat’s ambulance story … just horrid. CB, thanks again and always for this blog!
CB;
Regarding Flu shots.
They only work on past strains of the flu. They don’t protect you against current strains. And the Flu bug is one of those bugs that constantly evolves.
The Flu shot doesn’t 100% protect ANYONE from getting the flu.
They are also contraindicated for people with egg allergies.
Forgot intro: North Jersey. 33 years young. Male. Married. 2 kids (boy - 3yrs., girl - 1 yr.) — 3rd on the way. Isles fan since age of 5 watching Isles 1st cup in NJ on one of 3 cable channels (WHT, Cinemax, SportsChannel).
Favorite Player: LaFontaine
Favorite Islander Memory: Weird one… Wife and I house hunting 4 years ago. Midland Park, NJ. Home owner comes to door wearing an Isles hat (Very odd for NJ). I’m eyeballing him… looks familiar. We chit-chat. Tells me he ‘worked’ for the Isles (had recently resigned to open his own business). I ask him if he’s Sean Donnellan (Isles Strength & Cond. Coach). He looks at me like I have two heads as if to say “how the heck did you know that?”. Proceeds to ask me “how the heck did you know that?”. Shows me all of his Isles memorabilia in his basement. We put an offer on the house — it’s accepted. We back out due to structural damage (cracked beam).
Footnote: Sean opened up a strengh/conditioning training facility at Ice House in Hackensack, NJ and from what I understand, it’s a very good, reputable, and succesful program.
Witt on the ice for another goal, man I really believe he might have folded the tent up. But I guess all this losing can’t be fun for your shutdown guy. Maybe it is time for him to go? He was my favorite Islander the past two years.
way to go chris TMC for being a fordham alum,
and take it easy man, 1 more goal for flames=that much closer to john tavares
ps. only reason i go to rose hill is because its a georgeous campus..i like that setting
Moose (188): You’re going to need a lot more, starting with size and toughness.
John: Sure, Schremp could always come here in a trade. I’d be worried about what the Islanders would have to give up. (I feel a Schremp-to-NYI web rumor coming on).
JKP: last I heard about Teddy was he was throwing his dedication back to First Nations and charitable issues. I thought he might get considered in Carolina.
Geoff (239): I’ve written about that before. I’m not going to go there…CB
I am so hoping that Comrie scores 10-15 goals before the deadline, so they can at least get a bucket of pucks for him…..
At least the Isles are sticking to the rebuilding plan and all Islanders fans will be happy in the long run.
I like Smitty wearing #77
CB…Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch has also mentioned Weight to the Jackets. Not sure if that was the writer you meant or not.
Thanks, CB!
I know he hasn’t shown much, but why hasn’t Danis seen more playing time? Just seems like they’re burning out Joey Mac now that DP was on the shelf.
I always thought Nolan would do very well in Tampa Bay. Player’s coach to work with all of those FAs they signed…plus Lecavalier and St. Louis could be sort of like his “LaFontaine and Mogilny”.
Here’s an idea why don’t the Isles try to resign Dubie? He’s back from Russia and not doing much. We can go with Joey Mac and Dubie for the rest of the year and let the medical mishap rest up and maybe he can give us 40 game next year. What a mess…
Yeah, I figured. Thanks anyway, CB.
One more maybe you can answer: How close did the Isles really come to trading Ziggy to the Rangers? Did Bettman really have to step in?
cb you say the piece on dp wont be popular with the fan base….
you mean the ones who request he wrapped in bubble wrap or the ones who see him as a competitor who wants to compete but knicks and bangs along the way keep him in a, day in and day out kinda way but we know he is ok?
Ted Nolan will never work another day in this league - bank on it.
I’m am celebrating the 15th anniversary of my 39th birthday and have been a season ticket holder for 2 years (had to pay off mortgage first). I hope the Islanders stay with the rebuilding plans. Was watching the Montreal-Toronto game earlier and as part of the “Original Six” ceremony they had 84 year old Johnny Bower out there. Maybe Garth Snow can sign him to a 10 year contract.
I do get frustrated with this team’s lack of information policy. The team is leading the Tavares sweepstakes., covering up things doesn’t help them win any games
is it me, or aeet islanders not playing bad despite the score
witt is on the road out of here and honestly at his age id wanna go.. he is not getting any younger and the longer he stays here he will never get a chance at lord stanley.
sadly i really think hunter is gone this year too..
I agree Scott. This is just one of those games where the kids are taking their lumps.
Growing pains game.
I don’t see them playing badly. There have been too many shots against, but I’ve seen some good things from the team and especially the kids. Bailey looks a lot more confident; I’ve seen him crashing the net trying to get in scoring position more than once. Tamby’s looked good. Smith looks good, and I expect him to be promoted soon. KO too…maybe these guys aren’t too bad.
Chris: Do you think that if the current cast of vets are traded/not signed next year, the Isles might choose a guy like Okposo or Bailey as their captain next season?
honestly i think they’re all just ready to get the heck home
WOW .. shame about DP … starting to remind me of my best friend who played goal 20 years ago … he never played again after trying to come back … he was in late teens.
———-
FYI … I told a few other Islander fans at the central NJ rink I just played at to get on here for up all night … apparently they didn’t know about CB’s blog … they do now
———
From the Delayed Reaction Division: … way to go Trevor and Tamby!!!
Ouch … scored against before the end of 2 … I’m catching up still obviously.
Chris: IMO all of those players are too young to be the “Leader” of this team. My view is a Captain should be someone who has more experience in the league.
that was a good play by bailey to drive the net. he drew a penalty with it. progress. he doesn’t do that a few weeks ago.
The Isles have been so putrid in the 3rd period I don’t know what to think anymore. I know this team isn’t going anywhere no matter if healthy or with a different coach but part of me has to look at Gordon and the coaching staff. They look unprepared and don’t make adjustments and get killed 9 of 10 third periods. It’s just brutal.
They give up 4 goals a night and they could have given up 10 tonight. Macdonald has been good.
Geoff: Ziggy could have been traded to the Rangers. Mike Milbury did everything he could to get a second team involved and try to get as much as he could for Zig - even tho the whole league knew he had to dump him.
Doug: yeah, that’s it. Nicks and bangs.
KP (264): I’m not 100% about that with Ted. Wouldn’t be so sure this time.
Josh (270): no way on Okposo or Bailey being captain anytime soon…CB
cb, honestly looking into the future as best you can this deadline who stays who goes?
Scott (266): I think the effort is there. We’re just giving up way too many chances, and they’re way too high quality. The marks of an underskilled team. (Although former THN columnist Mike Brophy said during the 2nd intermission that the Isles were unlucky tonight. Hmph.)
Chickendirt (251): “Contraindicated” is my favorite word-that-only-medical-people-use!
Even moreso than that, do you think there’s a chance of getting a solid young player, or would we mostly see draft picks?
Hey all– I’m Bryan and I’m a lifelong 29 year old Isles fan from Long Beach…I’m named Bryan with a “y” after Bryan Trottier so i was born into Islander nation. Out here on business in Denver so I’m watching on NHL gamecast, without Joey Mac tonight I think we’d be down by 5 or 6…Anyone still miss Dubie?
This sucks that Jiggs is going. He is just so good in the both.
I may have to watch the rest of the season with the mute on.
Thanks Jiggs
Wow… Im getting a little choked up listening to Jiggs. This might be the last time we ever hear this, guys.
I may be in the minority, but I do miss Dubie ChocolateGuy
somebody needs to hide Jaffe’s thesaurus
I’m sitting here wondering what game Nick is watchning. have our expectations sunk that low…
So is there really no way another coach might be brought in over the off-season.
Not that anybody would miss me… but I might have to boycott a year.
That is it……….
For the rest of the season the TV will be muted. I do not want to hear Howie.
THANKS JIGGS!!!!!!!!!!
I miss Dubie and his pokechecking too KP, but Joey has been the only reason we haven’t got a strangle hold on either of the top 2 picks as of yet!
well at least smith netted his first career goal. that was pretty cool. thanks for the answers chris.
too bad the Lightning lost too…
Thank you Jiggs, I’ll miss you.
JP, give it a rest, OK? Saying that they’re taking steps doesn’t mean they’re superstars. It means that our kids are actually taking positive steps.
Thanks Jiggs is right!
Rangers next.
ping pong balls baby we tried hard calgary just too talented
How much do you think it will cost to hire Jiggs to sit in my family room and call the game for me while I have the mute on after Howie returns?
Well … I caught up .. LOL!!! Just as the game ends.
I’ll split the cost with you.
My idea was to set up a booth in his house so he can call the game without having to be there.
Janne is the real name, but in the U.S. it’s always turned to Yanni, although I don’t have a moustache or play new age, so Jethro sounds somewhat more comfortable, although i still don’t have a moustache nor do i drop my gloves as often as Gillies did, but still he’s still closer than Yanni.
To me the most memorable Islanders moment is the 1982-83 Stanley Cup finals, when as a 5 year old kid I watched the Isles beat the Oilers 4-0 and everyone I knew (in Finland) was rooting for Jari Kurri and the Oilers so going against the grain had a certain appeal right from the start and rooting for the Islanders has been that ever since.
Just so annoying to see names like Nystrom and Gillies on the wrong jerseys these days…
I will make this statement and CB will agree……….
“If I survived the mid-late 90s as an Islanders fan, then this will be a cakewalk.”
The Islanders are sticking to a plan….
Jimmy Sparx - when the games are not broadcast in Mandarin Chinese on the alternate language setting, it has no announcers at all, and just the ambient sounds of the arena. I flipped that on a couple of times when I got sick of Howie, and it was pretty cool - you can hear the skates on the ice, players calling for passes, the crowd chants, etc.
LOL Nick C … you got it … like the new handle .. but it ages ya
“The Nick”
just another game in islander country, what are you gonna do. Thanks CB for all the great answers, info, and attention you give us fans. You’re the man and thats why I visit this site ten times a day. see you next time
I’m sticking it out through this whole postgame show to savor what might be Jiggs’ swan song.
I’ll tell you, if I owned this team I’d give Jim Hughson whatever he wanted to call our games….him or JP Dellacamera, the guy from the Thrashers.
UIF…. That is awesome. I bet it is when the Isles are away??? Anyway I will try the next game………lol.
the mid to late 90’s. ziggy palffy had 3 hat tricks in 3 nights i think.
Nick Classic and Jimmy: The subject of who’s going or not will be written about a lot over the next 8 weeks. I’m not sure you’re going to see any blockbusters or good young talent coming back your way.
thanks, UNH Steve.
Jimmy Sparx (297): I probably won’t be around for the whole ride, but I’d have to agree with you on that one…CB
297 - Jimmy - Abso-frickin-lutely.
It was one thing when we iced the worst team in the league with no light at the end of the tunnel because that’s all we could “afford”
At least this version of crap has some direction. Garth and Co. have a long term vision, one that will make the Isles better over the long haul.
Go on message boards folks and ask the fans of the Blackhawks and Penguins if they would trade their years of misery for a few years of being the 8 seed.
Me too Nick … wish the Isles got him a win on his way out … Enjoy Florida Jiggerz … don’t be a stranger. Hopefully he’ll come up for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Light House … maybe put a shovel in the ground too.
hey not for nothing i like howie to a point but id love to have jiggs full time (althought i know he retired from ft announcing)
CB youre the best thing that happened to the isles in a while keep it up..i hate losing but i cant turn my back on a team i followed for the last 25 yrs and youre insight is appreciated.
thank god for twelve packs woohoo
Maybe the Isles should have a Jiggs McDonald night at the Colliseum.
If he ain’t gonna do no more games at least we fans can have a night to honor him and wish him well. He’s been such a huge part of this franchise.
I can’t imagine going to rest of my life knowing he’ll never call another game. Everytime I listen to Howie and Jaffe (No, I do not hate them) I miss Jiggs.
Jiggs is still the man for my money. What is it with the Isles not being able to handle criticism? They run Jiggs outta town, now CB… what’s next?? LOL!
It would be awesome if Jiggs was back full time and Howie stuck to baseball full time.
UIF … I do the same thing … I figured out that trick last year by accident … originally I thought their mics cut out.. LOL!! Then I noticed I was on SAP.
Nick Classic - I personally consider Hughson the best in the biz and would love to hear him calling the Isles. But he barely agreed to HNIC because he’s a Vancouver guy. I loved him when he called the Expos back in the late 80s.
chickendirt on Jan 8th, 2009 23:09:16 said:
CB;
Regarding Flu shots.
They only work on past strains of the flu. They don’t protect you against current strains. And the Flu bug is one of those bugs that constantly evolves.
The Flu shot doesn’t 100% protect ANYONE from getting the flu.
They are also contraindicated for people with egg allergies.>>>>
That’s not at all true…..before the flu season, they try to predict the two or three likely strains based on their expertise and inoculate on that basis. Last year they guessed wrong but that’s rare. You are correct in that it’s not 100% effective but the protection is around 80% or so and if you do acquire the influenza virus, it’s usually of lesser severity then if you were not inoculated. The allergic point you brought up is accurate but you must sign a release on that note before they will give you the shot.
I think the Isles should hire Nystrom. He was awesome on the radio.
Really funny and always aware of the fans listening.
293 19 ISLE in NJ 22
if you do about 6 shots of johnny walker prior to a game howie ends up sounding like jiggs…i dont suggest this behavior on back to back game nights though
Chickendirt I agree. King and Mears are horrid.
CB is our modern blog version of Jiggs … 30 years from now we’ll be wishing CB would continue this blog after he annouces his last Up All Night in 2039
thanks cb, appreciate everything you do keep your head up while your in the box, your the best coverage us islander fans can look to these days keep up the great work we’ll stay loyal to you just like we do our islanders
Chris, Of the team that started tonights game, who would you consider a top six forward on any other team. Name names. Thanks…..SW
lol … I’ll keep that in mind doug … but usually I’m catching Islander games around my own games and practices or coaching … try to stay away from that stuff around the rink. But yeah … it would make Howie sound better.
Jimmy (297): I couldn’t agree more, and that’s why I can’t quite understand the overwhelming negativity sometimes. Things have been a lot worse than this, and it’s nice to at least have them formulate and stick to a plan. There’s hope, and a structure in place that’s committed to spending money when it makes sense. If we survived the “pigs at the trough,” this is easy.
It has been a pleasure tonight fellow Islander buds.
We will look back in a few years when we rule the Wales Conference and say the growing pains were worth it.
Good night all
Sir William (318): As they currently play, maybe Guerin and that’s it. In a few years they’ll have a couple…CB
I agree times have been worse guys but we are in the worst economic times and we really need a new building which may or may not happen we might not see this team become good if they move.
Live in East Rockaway, Grew up in West Hempstead. 34 yrs old, with a 4yr old girl and one yr old boy. Remember being 5-9 yrs old watching the islander’s dynasty years on cable in the basement with my dad,mom, brothers and sisters.
Love the way the young guys are playing. Would like to see someone young from the Bridge to take Pock’s place on D.
Need you, Logan or BD to write about what the deal is with Witt. It has been over 2 weeks, shortly after the newsday article. Bottom line is one of two things….either he is hurt or has given up. Please spread some knowledge my way. This guy was my favorite islander the past few years. But he is a shell of his former self.
Great work. The Islanders should realize…if it was not for your blog, bd’s and logan’s their would be MANY LESS people interested with the Islanders these past 2 seasons.
Chris, What’s wrong with Hunter. He stared out the season great and has disappeared. Is it the change in linemates or is Gordon’s system catching up to him…..SW
Well …. Jiggs introducing CJ Papa as a Matre D in training wasn’t how I expected Jiggerz to close out his broadcasting career before his final sign off … but I liked the way he told CJ to knock it off…. Good Luck Jiggs!!
————
CB … thanks for doing this again … admittedly I’ll have to catch up on the bulk of posts tomorrow ….
signing off for now …. later skaters
And yeah, living now in the town where Mikko Makela is from(who’s old or geeky enough to even know who Makela is?).
Full support to your ability/freedom to report things as they are without all the “politburo”-treatment.
mike from brooklyn .. been a fan since 90-91.. remember the 92-93 year as if it was yesterday.. i have a vhs tape of almost every goal, great save fight and what nots from that season and the 94(ugh)season..partial season ticket holder and 20-25 game attendee.. anyways, thanks chris for giving us your time, knowledge and dedication.. my question is, should garth and company start questioning the medical staff who is clearing dp to play? if the dr tells garth, he’s ok to go, how can garth make a decision “nah, were gonna sit him for the year till we think he’s ready”.. wouldnt there be a uproar from his agent and the nhlpa? thanks chris
cusi: regarding Brendan, it’s nothing deeper than his style being ill-fitted to the current system…CB
That’s a wrap for me. It was good to argue with you all by day and cheer together for the Isles by night.
hextall72: on the Rick injury clearance, everyone makes the decision together. I doubt very much it’s all on one person. If Rick is okay with how everything is being handled, there’s no PA issue…CB
Will DiPavano start against the Rangers Tyesday night? Will the Colisuem be 60% or 80% Rangers fans? Will the Islanders get a win in the 5 game homestand? Will the Lighthouse get approval as an infrastructure project the pols love so much?
Jim Clark: We’ll know more on Monday, I bet. 60%. Yes. Not soon…CB
Currently, there is an article on THN.com (The Hockey News) regarding the situation Don Waddell, GM of the Atlanta Thrashers, is in regarding his superstar winger Illya Kvalchuk. I am wondering if the Islanders would ever engage Waddell in talks about a possible trade for Kovalchuk. Obviously, the Islander organization would be a tough sell for Garth Snow due to the fact that the Islanders are just as bad as the Thrashers in all aspects of the game, on the ice and off (i.e. attendence, community support). However, Kovalchuk is a player that the Islanders need, badly, as he provides goal scoring and a superstar status that people would pay to see. Your thoughts on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
CB one question.. with how bad this team is now do you agree with the road they are on or do you see this road as one milburesque?
Thank you for your insight, Chris! Another loss and a Thrasher win bodes well! Why don’t we play Fritz on a regular shift and help him gain experience and respect no matter how bad his skating is !!!???
Sir William: I believe Hunter went thru a dry spell the last 2 years but then got it back in Feb/March. Lets see if it happens this year.
CB, thanks for doing this, and when do you think we’ll hear something concrete on Sillinger?
John (334): if you want to trade Okposo and your 2009 first pick, you’re on your way to a deal…CB
Will tomorrow’s Ricky article be a positive character piece designed to make those of us who criticize him look foolish? Just askin’.
I think Hunters going to benefit from Frans coming back. They were looking great together IMO.
Willis: waiting offical word from the org on Sillinger. Probably waiting to get back home and settled. Maybe next week…CB
Doug (335): I’ve been pretty consistent - despite getting killed by fans for it - that I’m totally for the complete rebuild. Which makes it all the more funny that the organeyezation is so pissed at me!
And on that note, thank you for all the kind words and thanks for being involved tonight. Always fun, and far better than trying to do a traditional postgame entry. The 5-game homestand before the All-Star break should be an interesting watch…CB
what ive noticed is DP is on lockdown when it comes to media…he is a big mouth and loves to talk so with hm not speaking like normal i think we are lead to believe he i not well at all.
As bad as things are they are supposed to be this bad. The team is rebuilding with youth and the kids are gonna take their lumps.
With that said, I don’t want Kovalchuck or anyother high priced UFA here. Not now and not next year. I’d rather do this the right way, build a core and some chemestry. That’s going to take a long time.
There are no quick fixes.
The only UFA signings I want are for a few vets here or there that can guide the kids. Right now we have that with Weight and Guerin.
CB
i hear ya.. even when big brother need not watch.. they do..
i just hope rooting for this team doesnt turn into a drowning feeling.
John Sim had too much ice time tonight… anything more that a 45 second cameo is too much.
Witt looks terrible. Can’t even clear a puck out of the zone with no one near him and 15 feet from the blue line.
But I am on board with the “plan”. I will happily struggle through this season and wait for a major youth invasion next.
DOC
ok i have to be honest. I fell asleep before the third. 38 yr old islander fan in pearl river ny….(noticed rockland county wasnt represented but there are LOTS of isles fans here). brooklyn born and dad and i shared season tix from 79-90…..when i wasnt there barry landers and jean potvin would keep me entertained on WMCA …
will always miss harpo, the mouth in sec 314, the sparklers, smoking in the arena, goal judges, low boards and that weird guy in the bossy jersey who sat right behind the the isle net during the great yrs and seemed to always get tv time.
i have to admit i was a real skeptic about this rerebuild but i am buying in. i thought about the +disastrous Islanders 2 campaign in the late 80 s when our fortunes rested on the shoulders of guys like Dale Henry. But I like the effort lately even though it feels like we havent won a game in 12 years. we need the planets to align and get Tavares. We need a defensive veteran who knows how to win and teach and can play in this system(witts a goner, sutton is fragile and likely not that guy)….and for those of you who say no to kovalchuk i say reconsider. the guy has as much upside as anyone in the game.
Before we sing the prasises of Bailey, wouldn’t it be nice if he scored a goal every now and then. You would think, considering his ice time, that he would more than one goal almost by accident. A puck dflects of a few players then hits him in the knee and flops into the net or something. That type of goal.
Bailey has done well he just doesn’t have the goals to show it but he’s only 19 so give him a break few years from now he’ll have the goal scoring ability alongside with the playmaking ability he brings to the Isles.
Sorry I missed Up All Night 2. I’m not so good at multitasking - just trying to watch the game w/o falling asleep was almost too much for me to handle. That said…
Witt (injured and/or uninspired) & Martinek (waaay rusty) are a pale imitation of what was, not all that long ago, as good of a “shutdown” d-pair that the Isles have had in a long time. Those days appear long gone. Painful to watch now.
DiPietro saga becoming damn near unbearable. I just don’t want to hear another thing about it until and unless he’s being introduced in the starting lineups. It’s wearing on us - how are his teammates dealing with it?
Through the gloom, some very bright rays trying to shine through. Many of the kids appear to be making nice strides. Only hope more of them are allowed the chance the rest of the year. Well done, Smith and Tambellini.
Finally, already sad that I missed Jiggs’ last game (hopefully not forever) in the first place, but even more upsetting having to listen to the Calgary dopes instead (via Center Ice). More proof that Canada’s perceived - by them, anyway - superiority in all things hockey is but a myth. Just terrible.
Enjoy the long weekend w/o games, everyone. I know I won’t mind the break.
I’m Pete, raised in Hicksville, moved to Brielle NJ….3rd grade teacher making all of these Jersey Kids Islander fans.
Did I miss it again??