PB THE MAGAZINE: Lighthouse, Zherdev, Joensuu, Ness, DP, Smitty, Parrish, top prospects and KJ
So what’s next for the Lighthouse Project?
The Public Comment period on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) ends August 17. That’s when the lead agency, aka the Town of Hempstead, has to turn the DGEIS into a Final EIS. Although Tuesday’s hearing was a clear victory for the Lighthouse developers, the Town will likely hear over the next ten days from many groups, including:
- The Department of Transportation
- The Department of Environmental Conservation
- The Department of of Public Works
- The Department of Health
and more!
The developers should also hear from the ToH staff in the next few weeks about a date for – wait for it – a “zoning” hearing. Oh, brother. If they’re not going to have it on a Saturday in September so students and the working world can participate, no one should expect another jam-packed auditorium.
The hosting of more than 200 community outreaches by the LDC is probably the biggest reason for the shocking lack of public opposition on Tuesday. That said, there is still time – and Garden City is the one village in the Town of Hempstead to hire outside attorneys to examine what the project means to them.
“This is why the pressure on the politicians cannot cease,” said one observer. “Just because the hearing is over, that doesn’t mean the developers and supporters of the project should feel the work is done. It’s not.”
This is why I continue to believe October 3 will pass without Charles Wang getting “certainty” from the Town of Hempstead. This is why I continue to believe the Lighthouse Development Corporation will be accepting calls on October 4 from outside the 516 area code.
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NIX ZHERDEV
Nik Zherdev an Islander? Tough to see the point, or it happening.
The argument for the Islanders’ acquisition of the Rangers’ walk-away is that he’s very gifted offensively and he’s only 25 in November. Got it.
Then you have to question if this is a player you want as a cornerstone of your rebuild. No matter how you want to view his four-year career, two teams have already decided they could do without him. Believe me: if Cup-winning head coach John Tortorella really wanted the Russian wing, the Rangers would have found a way to keep him. As for the Blue Jackets, Scott Howson could not get rid of him fast enough.
Yes, Zherdev is young, but if the Islanders chose not to make big offers to free agents between the ages of 26-31, I find it hard to believe they will dig down for $3-4 million a year for Zherdev. This isn’t about the Islanders being stingy, just sticking to a plan. Does an enigmatic (there’s that word again) young man who takes the long way to the net, has trouble putting a good week together and has one eye on the KHL sound like a part of this plan?
Of all the moves the Islanders can potentially make to bring in top young talent, Nikolai Zherdev should be far, far down the list.
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HOME OF THE FREE AGENTS?
I disagree with Garth Snow’s statement that the Lighthouse Project will be a lure for free agents. No, the Lighthouse Project will enable the Islanders to simply compete with the rest of the league.
Still, the project must be approved for the Islanders to have any chance to flourish as a major league operation. An all-star player with plenty of options is not going to commit the prime of his career to the depressing parking lot on Hempstead Turnpike. You wouldn’t.
And oh by the way, this doesn’t just relate to other teams’ unrestricted free agents. This is as much about keeping Kyle Okposo here. This is about keeping John Tavares…assuming he’s any good.
(Settle. Just some August humor with those last four words).
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NYI ON…JESSE JOENSUU
Jesse Joensuu is one of the top 5 young Islanders to watch when training camp opens in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan next month. (Boy, it would be so much better on many levels if the team, you know, set up Camp Tavares a few thousand miles closer to home. But I digress, again).
If Joensuu has a first-rate September, an NHL lineup spot is available to him – no matter how many forwards the Islanders have on one-way contracts.
“I’m definitely going to camp with the intention of making the Islanders,” said Joensuu, who said he now lists at 6-4, 215 pounds. “I have that motivation. I believe in myself. Last season I learned a lot with the Sound Tigers. There were ups and downs, but I felt like everything was working for me in the second half.”
Joensuu, who turns 22 during the NHL’s opening weekend, also earned seven games last season with the Islanders – more than he or the team planned for his rookie year in North America. The native of Finland scored his first NHL goal, was credited with a pair of assists and learned a whole bunch.
“Best thing that could have happened for me,” said Joensuu, who must prove his modest totals of 20 goals and 19 assists in the AHL were the results of those ups and downs. “I saw that I could keep up, that I belonged. There is a lot I need to improve, but the experience last season with the Islanders was enough to put in my mind that I can make the team this year.
“If I don’t make it out of camp, it will be a disappointment but it won’t be the end of the world. I’ll go to Bridgeport believing that my chance with the Islanders will come if I do my part.”
JJ’s Improvement Needed: Joenssu’s commitment to his personal development is such that he has hired three-time Olympic speed skater Janne Hanninen as his personal skating coach. I asked Joensuu what he feels he has to work on to be an everyday NHLer.
“Maintaining my speed and tempo. I have the skating. A big thing I worked on with the coaches in Bridgeport was keeping the legs moving. Because of all the work they put in with me, I feel I’m an even better athlete than before I came to the United States.
“I have to use my legs to make a hit. And if I’m hit, I have to find a way to keep driving. It is a physical skill and a mental one.”
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AARON NESS IN NEW YORK
Lake Placid, that is. The Islanders’ 2008 second round pick and – according to this blog anyway – a major prospect, will be at the evaluation camp for Team USA at the World Junior Championships.
Joining Ness will be fellow Islanders draft pick Matt Donovan (4th round, 2008). Other notables at the camp include potential 2010 top-3 pick Cam Fowler (joining the Windsor Spitfies this season) and 2009 Team USA returnee Jordan Schroeder. Many members of the gold medal-winning Under 18 team will be there, including Drew Shore, Ryan Bourque and Jeremy Morin.
Ah, Lake Placid. I could get at least two book chapters out of my memories of Islander training camps there. Maybe even a complete chapter alone on the story behind the writing of Peter Botte and Alan Hahn’s classic “Fishsticks” and how I almost lost their manuscript. (Speaking of which, there are rumors there could be a shakeup on the Islanders’ beat).
For a few years, one of the best times of the year was going to the site of the “Miracle on Ice” for training camp in September and loving every minute of the sunny-and-70 weather. A few tips: bring your bikes, a camera and, if you can do it, stay at the gorgeously rustic Mirror Lake Inn. Saskatoon has a lot to measure up to.
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TOP 10 JUNIOR, COLLEGE OR EUROPEAN PROSPECTS
August, 2009 edition
1. Calvin de Haan: Could make it to the end of training camp. Could make it to the middle of October.
2. Aaron Ness: Minnesota sophomore probably can’t wait to get to the NHL. This way at least he’ll get paid to answer questions about his size.
3. Corey Trivino: The most intriguing prospect from this group, because now he gets his chance at the BU second line under the legendary Jack Parker.
4. Travis Hamonic: Probably the most likely bet among the ten to have a long NHL career.
5. Kirill Petrov: Oh, just trade his friggin’ rights already! Kidding.
6. David Ullstrom: You’ll him him in Bridgeport in 2010, maybe even April of 2010.
7. Rhett Rakhshani: Passes up the cash to be the captain of the U. of Denver Pioneers. Makes you realize how much you miss the college days.
8. Matt Martin: As of this publication, no news to report.
9. Kevin Poulin: They like him. They really like him.
10. Anders Nilsson: One last time – goalies with the first picks of the second and third rounds?
Worth a Mention: Blake Kessel, Jason Gregoire, Matt Donovan, Casey Cizikas
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TOP PROSPECTS IN BRIDGEPORT
1. Mikko Koskinen: Not saying he should, but it’s possible the 2009 second rounder could play some games in the ECHL this season.
2. Jesse Joensuu: It’s a long way from 39 points in 71 AHL games to a regular job in the NHL, but the Finn has a chance.
3. Trevor Smith: All he needs is consistent intensity and he’ll be an Islander.
4. Mark Katic: Requires at least one full season in the AHL, and probably more, before he’s under consideration for the bigs.
5. Justin DiBenedetto: Coach Gordon certainly seemed to go out his way to show some Dibo love.
6. Robin Figren: The most intriguing Sound Tigers case study this year.
7. Andrew MacDonald: Teddy’s boy is now a man with a chance.
8. Joel Rechlicz: A fascinating combination of Sound Tigers healthy scratch and Lighthouse rally leader, the Wrecker has as good a chance of making the big club as any of the above.
Worth a Mention: Dustin Kohn, Tomas Marcinko, Tony Romano, Mark Flood, Matt Moulson
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IMPACT FREE AGENTS STILL AVAILABLE (2 1)
Between now and the opening of Islanders training camp, the Islanders will sign a few players and invite one or two other veterans to training camp. Some may even incite some cheers from the faithful. Count on none being worthy of the chatter. The reality is, the unrestricted free agent list is down to very few players who could a) make the Islanders a better team in 2009-10 or b) at least give the young players some talent to work with. Here’s the list:
1. Alex Tanguay
2. Jason Williams (signed today with Detroit)
Nope, didn’t leave anyone off. That includes Afinogenev, Prospal, Sykora, Bertuzzi (sure, let’s have him before and after he was really good), Satan, Pyatt, Seidenberg for the defense. None of those players improve the Islanders enough to make it worth even a minimal salary.
Prediction: if the Islanders go back to the well for some veteran power play help, it won’t be for Satan. It will be for 32-year old Mark Parrish. For not much more than the league minimum salary they can trust him to be a leader for the kids, plus he could maybe pop in 15-20 goals again. He made it to the Island for the recent Nickelback scrimmage at Iceworks, so he’s obviously still part of the family. I would pass. Love the guy, but if you’re not going to sign a difference-maker, then there really is no point.
As for a legitimate tough guy, the Islanders would have to add one via waivers or a trade. No one in that category of value left on the UFA list either.
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LEFTOVER Q & As
Found a few of these from when we last did some Q & A…
Jared: Hey Chris, with the Isles not expected to contend next season either, assuming we get another top 5 pick is there anyone eligible for next year’s draft that we should keep an eye on?
Point Blank: Respectfully, Jared, with the Islanders being out of the playoff race last season before Christmas and the subsequent non-stop Tavheduch discussion, I can’t even think that way right now. Let’s see how Scott Gordon’s 2009-10 Islanders look 30 games in. For next summer’s draft, all I know is what you know: Taylor Hall, Cam Fowler, Kirill Kabanov, etc.
#13: CB, any good tales of Battlin’ Billy Smith?
Point Blank: Legend has it that the wife of an Islanders doctor put her hand on his shoulder when she saw him in the hallway an hour before a big playoff game during the dynasty. As you know, Smitty was known for not wanting any human communication on game days. Without even looking to see who was there, Billy whipped around and whacked her hand with his goalie stick. Merely a flesh wound.
Smitty was a good guy when I got to know him at the end of his playing career, but the DiPietro character assassination by comparison is amusing. Billy didn’t have much time for anyone. DiPietro would stay an hour past the end of the season ticketholders party to make sure everyone got an autograph, after the rest of his teammates left. Smitty won big. Rick hasn’t won anything. In the end, that’s what it’s all about.
Jason: What was your first reaction when you were shown the Fisherman logo? Any interesting stories to tell about trying to pitch that to the writers?
Point Blank: Here’s my story from the early days of PB on the subject.
Hextall72: Hey CB, any Ron Hextall stories that come to mind? How was he in the locker room? On the road?
Point Blank: If you ask anyone who’s ever worked with Ron as a player or now during his front office career, they’ll tell you there’s isn’t a better person or professional. I had the privilege of getting to know him when I was with the Flyers and he helped carry the team to the Stanley Cup Final as a rookie and won the Conn Smythe Trophy. Another nut on the ice who was completely different out of uniform.
It’s really unfortunate that he’s known around Islanders Country for his poor play in the first round sweep by the Rangers in 1994, but that’s hockey. As I said at the Lighthouse hearing, it’s a humbling game. Fact is, the Islanders were out of their league in that series and didn’t have a chance even if Smitty was in net. If the LA Kings successfully complete their rebuild, Hextall – their VP/assistant GM – will get a GM job. He has that level of credibility and respect around the game.
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KENNY KILLING ME SOFTLY
Must be something about the grace, intelligence and skill of world-class athletes from the beautiful country of Sweden.
Reading “Strokes of Genius,” L. Jon Wertheim’s wonderful book about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, I started to day-dream. How much would I pay to be transported back to watch Bjorn Borg play tennis in Queens again?
And then that led to another daydream. Oh, how I wish I could watch Kenny Jonsson play a few more games in the National Hockey League.
Yeah, I know. Borg won 11 Grand Slam tournaments, Jonsson played for the Islanders and Maple Leafs. Borg retired prematurely to a world of excess, Jonsson left the NHL and big money early to play more great hockey back home.
I can try to explain Kenny’s brilliance when he was healthy and at the top of his game. I can mention that he won the gold medal with Team Sweden at the 1994 and 2006 Winter Olympics. I can point out how he was named Best Defender in the latter. I can write that the recently-retired Jonsson was such a winner, in the last competitive hockey game he ever played he captained Sweden in May to the title at the World Championships.
Or I can just accept the fact that you are either in the cult of Kenny, or you are not.
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BOARD-UM
At 3:20 pm on Tuesday at the Lighthouse hearing, Charles Wang was given the floor to make a final statement after five hours of speakers. As Wang spoke with intensity about the next steps, he looked up and saw – as I and many other speakers did that day - ToH supervisor Kate Murray not listening. Waiting for Murray’s aide to stop whispering in her ear, the Islanders owner stopped and said, “It’s okay, I’ll wait” without a trace of bitterness. Murray looked up like a kid in second grade and said, “I’m listening.” Wang continued. Murray’s aide went right back to chattering.
The Hempstead Town board and staff have done some outstanding, hard work over the last few months. However, they are going to have to live with the fact that in maybe the most significant hearing they will ever host, hundreds of people came away with the memory of many of them playing on their Blackberrys or looking like they had something else to do.
One board member reacted angrily to the accusation of indifference, using the defense that they have to rule on the Lighthouse. Another said they were there only to listen to environmental concerns, although they pre-approved a long list of speakers. What a cop-out, what an utter crock of BS.
And faced with the only heckling of the day, one Town Board member cracked. Dorothy Goosby defended the honor of the panel by sharing a scoop with the 50 audience members still around. Goosby broke the news that the hearing was supposed to be August 11, but Charles Wang could not make the date so they all changed their schedules around. Look how cooperative they are! Cue Artie Lange yelling, “Wah-wah-wah”!
Confidence in Town of Hempstead leadership took a hit.
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WRISTERS
Individual game tickets for the entire 2009-10 season will go on sale next Saturday, August 15. The sale begins with an exclusive two-hour window from 10 am – noon at the Team Stores in the Sunrise Mall and Broadway Mall. The Islanders will have players at both stores. At 1:00 pm, tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets…
Fair column by Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News wondering if John Tavares has enough help…
Hey, I thought Tanguay signed with someone weeks ago!
This just in for the die-hards: Calvin de Haan and Travis Hamonic have been paired on D for parts of practice at Team Canada WJC evaluation camp…
You won’t get a more thorough review of Tuesday’s hearing than this piece by Nick of Let There Be Lighthouse…
The Islanders Business Club is hosting its second annual golf outing benefitting the Islanders Children’s Foundation. All golfers are put in a foursome with an Islanders player, coach or distinguished alum. It’s at Tam O’Shanter Country Club, now famous for being the place where Garth Snow took John Tavares out for 18 holes. Call 516.501.6764 to book your spot.
If I could add one more thing to that spirited dialogue with Seth Everett of 1050 ESPN Radio about the viability of the Islanders, it would be this: “Just because baseball-loving sports editors don’t think hockey is worthy of a lot of coverage doesn’t mean the Islanders are not the world to a lot of people.” And then I would add, “You dope,” because I know Seth does care…
I stand by my Rick DiPietro projection of Thanksgiving at the earliest for his 100% return to regular action. As I said on XM Radio, with the acquisitions of Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron, there is no urgency to DiPietro’s return, no big whoop to any “setbacks” in his rehabilitation. All the Islanders have to do is tell the truth and communicate with their fanbase in a timely and accurate manner. The only way the Islanders mess this up is by being loose with the updates and the facts. I’m sure that will not happen.
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PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND PIMs
On December 15, 2007 Islanders enforcer Chris Simon came off the ice after the pre-game warmup. Spotting my twin sons Luke and Cole (the first two heads), he took off his right glove, wished them a happy 7th birthday and warmly shook their hands.
A little more than an hour later, Simon slew-footed and then stomped on Jarkko Ruutu. You know the rest.
Troubled man. Not a bad man. There’s a difference.
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(The 4 people I live with got a dog. Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Molly.)
In my Emmy-winning video from the weekend, aka “The You Tube Panic on the Pier,” I said the following:
“Give me a month to find a home for Islanders Point Blank. Give me a month. It’s on me. It’s not on the team. As I wrote, the team offered to sponsor me. The team offered to support me in making it my own business. Step away from the team and put this on me.”
I’m proud of the work the readers and this blog did for Tuesday’s Lighthouse hearing, from the promos in the media to the Comment-tators keeping the focus where it belonged. Now I ask for that month.
Thanks to the incredible support this blog has received from its readers, there may be some opportunities out there. I will continue to touch on this on Twitter if and when it’s appropriate. I’m also knocking on a few doors to see if there are any other options for the next act of my career.
I promise to keep you posted and to keep it honest. If Islanders news breaks in August, I don’t know if I’ll be around to immediately write about it. There’s no way I can do thrice-daily updates until I figure something out, but hopefully a long-form post like this is a good read for you. I’m going to at least try to do what’s right for as long as I can.
I appreciate the support and understanding and thank you for everything. Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated ranked you No. 10 in his Media Power Rankings for July. Please stay tuned and stick by me, at least for a little while. See you down the road…CB
Comments. Comment Guidelines.
180 Responses to PB THE MAGAZINE: Lighthouse, Zherdev, Joensuu, Ness, DP, Smitty, Parrish, top prospects and KJ
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Bedell says:
ahhh so much great info. Totally needed something like this during the boring part of the offseason. Great job CB
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TC says:
That was like a Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanks CB.
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JKP in Halifax says:
Thanks, as always, CB for your insights and memories. Hope you can find a way to make Point Blank work for you and us.
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pointblank rocks says:
Class Act have a great August CB
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jpa says:
I’ve been following your blogging since your first tested the waters during your last season with the islanders and it’s always been interesting.
If PB stops I’ll miss the candid and insightful posts. There are only a few precious, well written, NHL blog reads out there, and even less of those who are as active and in depth and accurate. Shame talking hockey is a career for only very select few.
Nothing against certain beat writers, but I can think of a nice middle ground where you could make a decent buck and still blog and write to your hearts content. In a perfect world, perhaps, but rumors have to start somewhere, eh?
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Joe in Massapequa says:
CB, you have cured my PB withdrawal. Even if it is temporary, thank you and good luck.
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dose says:
wow! great communique.
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Dreu Theran says:
Yes, the long-form entry is warmly welcomed. I’ll take what I can get. In fact, if this were to be the direction the blog takes (one long-form entry once or twice weekly), that suits me just fine, thank you.
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Healy says:
This made my night
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ItsGoodToBeRich says:
That video of Nickelback at IceWorks is great. I was at that concert, did anyone else go?
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UIF says:
Long-form once in a while >>>> nothing, that’s for sure.
Re: Hextall and 94…I think he gave up like 6 goals on 15 total shots one of those games…the Isles were certainly the weaker of the two teams, but Hextall was far from decent.
I am in the cult of Kenny
Congrats on the dog.
No thanks on Parrish…I’d maybe take a flier on Pyatt if I were Snow.
Re: the hearing…I’ve covered public meetings/hearings, etc. I’m amazed at how poor body language is among public officials. They never look interested or attentive. Heck, I was covering a state senate committee hearing once and there were only two committee members left on the panel by the time it ended. Most screamed out a good sound byte and left immediately.
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Jon says:
CB, Jason Williams signed today so you can take him off the market
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JD says:
Boy was I glad to see a new blog post! Good stuff as usual, and glad to hear that there may be some hope for PB.
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Bob says:
Does anyone know what day the Isles open up training camp? Thanks
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art says:
What stands out in your blog is your concern about the Oct. certainty green light from the TOH. Without that all this great talk about our future stars means very little if they are playing off the Island.I agree with you that there probably not enough time for the TOH to say yes, I think there will be a yellow flashing light which allows the driver to continue forward slowly and with caution. Remember if there are concerns with the EIS, the TOH can allow the project to go forward understanding that the courts can make adjustments and fine tune some of the details. This occurs routinely in many projects including Ground Zero, where most of the holdups are political and financial.
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Oliver says:
Thanks for the update CB, I really hope you can work something out because it will be a sad day everywhere for Islander fans if the blogfather ends up sleeping with the fishes.
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CMB says:
Best of luck finding a home for your first-rate reporting and writing.
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kevin27nyi says:
ddaaammnn that was a long, good, read. thanks for your insights. i was going to add more but lets just say your insults were worth reading but too many to comment on lol.
it was such a shame about simon…
i hope you find a home soon chris, as always, best of luck!
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The PolishPrince says:
Thanks for the update Chris. Great to see you back even if only for one post! Please Snow get a legitimate enforcer and also sign Martin. Can’t wait to see how Trivino and deHann pan out down the road. Likewise for Hamonic.
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geduffer says:
Bob (#15) – September 12 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
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islesfan999 says:
I would like to sign Zherdev. He is young and definitely has skill. I would give him 2 yrs 7.50 mill.
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Barbara says:
I have just sent a VERY respectful email to The Mayor of Garden City.
Here is the email address for any of you who would like to send thoughts on how The LIghthouse Project will only enhance the value of Garden City and its surrounding areas!
mayor@gardencityny.net -
AZS says:
CB,
If I can stick with the Isles for as long as I have I can sure stick around in hopes you continue this blog.
I’ve been saying for weeks than JJ should be up with the team. He really showed a nose for the net when he was up last season. He was always driving to the net. A big man …driving to the net …are you watching Mr. Hunter?
Shame about the ToH …you would think that they could atleast fake like they’re watching …hoping this all works out …
Looking forward to the next update …
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Hubie McDonough says:
Terrific CB …..
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cgs878 says:
Great, so, after reading ALL of that, the only thing I get out of it is that Tanguay is the only difference maker left on the market that the Islanders should go after. The rest is hypothetical or opinion. Ugh, why can’t we just fast forward to October 3 so Wang has his (non)answer and the season starts?? Watching the Mets is useless again this year.
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BrianAlbany says:
Thanks Chris! This made my night and I think I still come to the site as much as I did in the past. I would take “long-form” posts than nothing at all any day. I think I’m going to just print it out cut up the post and read a piece each day…presto, my IslesPB posts are back to normal!
Thanks again CB
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Blizzard says: Ahhhhhhh………whew, was going through withdrawl. Thanks CB.
Id still sign Tanguay however.
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upstatenyifan says:
#27 lol. Great idea!
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onesinceforty says:
Pretty much the same drivel as we’ve been reading this last week on Newsday, the Official, Mania, and HF. CB, you gotta stop ripping other people’s Isles news. Just kidding!, there’s nothing else like this. It was really missed and we appreciate what you do. Welcome Back!
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Sign Tangauy or Zherdev.. Trade for an enforcer and then call it a summer.
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Viper says:
Thank you for delivering what we needed, Chris. Great Insight as always. Tell us what you need to make Isles P.B. a permanent fixture and we will deliver for you. Trust us.
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KO21 says:
Artie Langes the man, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
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beatlebailey says:
i ask you how can some media outlet not pay for this content. Sign CB! Sign CB!..two year one way deal sounds about right!
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joeybagodonuts says:
i never understood why newsday moved alan hahn from the isles to knicks…best of luck cb.
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kjh0517 says:
Thank you CB
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Keith says:
1. I am from the cult of Kenny
2. Not the first time Artie got a mention around here
3. The doctors wife deserved what she got -
Railbait says:
Great read CB. If that’s how the blog continues, I will be happy. However, I do wish you the best month ahead, as I hope you find a home for the blog that is a perfect fit for you. This blog provides us with more Islanders behind the scenes info than any other. I do not want to see it go. I wish you great success with the search, as we will all benefit from it.
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db says:
STAY AWAY FROM ZHERDEV! KvaYashin all over again!
Parrish intrigues for the right price. Would he take 1 yr for about $1-2M? Great team guy and always good for a dirty goal. I always loved Parry.
Great to read another CB post. The world seemed a little better today.
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hextall72 says:
Hey CB, thanks for the response to my hextall question.. A very interesting answer indeed about the 94 series.. just like the 86 mets season, 94 turned out the same way across the hudson!! Good luck on whatever you choose.. Hextall72
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Brett says:
KO21 beat me to it, but love the love for Artie. I use that line all the time. Thanks for the great post CB. I should have read one chapter a day for a week to have something new to digest daily, but I’ll get by. My wife seriously had to help me through the first few days of mourning, but I’m hopeful PB will live on in some form.
I know you won’t be posting for a while, but I want to put this prospect question out there for when you come back. I actually posted this before, but only got a response from ChrisTMC. When we read your posts you seem to feel the Islanders have improved their talent pool over the past few years, yet when you look for some perspective outside the Islanders circle, they seem to think the Islanders talent level is at the bottom of the league (i.e., the article in The Hockey News). Have you talked to anyone or do you have any additional thoughts?
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dahammer says:
db – 40…..At this point, coming off an awful season for Dallas where he made the 500K minimum, I think it’s safe to say Parrish would sign a one year deal for anything. I think he would be nothing more than a non-roster invite to camp.
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Dyingfour#5 says:
This just made my evening. No one does it like you CB. Hit it all on the nose! Lets sign Tanguay already..
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JPinVA says:
That was like the garden hose after 2 hours of pick up basketball games in the August heat.
As Bobby Bland would say.. “there ain’t no sunshine when you’re gone.”
No Zherdev
Yes, K-Cult member
Nice to see somebody go out of their way to say something nice about Chris.
I am really looking forward to seeing the Tigers in Norfolk this year… hopefully Martin will be part of that squad.
Next to the Patty incident, worst MSG crowd chant ever was “Buy a porsche Hextall, Buy a porshe” NO CLASS AT ALL!As you’re knocking on doors, remember that the POST[ING] MAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE!
Good luck
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Section 320 rocks!!!!!! says:
Thanks for the update CB this really cured the withdrawl I have been expierencing the last few days. As usual it was some great stuff!
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I just want to say that I agree with you 110% on KJ. He is the reason I am an Islanders fan. When I was younger he was my favorite player, and I tried (not very succesfully) to play just like him. I wore #3 (and continued to even after he changed numbers). I wish he stuck around for more time in the NHL.
Good read all around.
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isles99 says:
well its good to see you post again and i completely agree with you about the hempstead board…they are all frauds…i get the feeling they will cop out once myrray gets re-elected…i mean, if they’re playing on their blackberries at work, what type of message does that send…be aware folks…murray is saying yes to the LHP right now to get votes and get relected…know the truth
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Battfist says:
Why no mention of Jeremy Reich CB? He’ll be the tough guy everybody is looking for….
Ryan Kennedy’s piece is junk. He thinks Tavares will be between Bergie and KO. Why would Gordon break-up Bailey and KO? Second-the front office doesnt seem to want to put too much pressure on JT. Therefore I believe JT will be on the 2nd line.
Good to hear from you CB.
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Big Van Vader says:
Sign Tanguay already! Show him the money.
Hextall SUCKED in 94. Every time in years since we saw an awful performance by a goalie we called it a Hextall. Isles defense blew in that series but I can still see Raggers players going in on breakaways and beating Ol’ Five Hole Hextall over and over again. What a nightmare that was. I think Dam Marois scored a goal for us in that series. When Ferraro finally got one in Game 3, we thought we could stage a comeback. We all know how that ended up.Zherdev we should pass on.
Garden City WILL be a problem SOMEhow. And the TOH will pull SOME shenanigans b4 this is all said and done.LET THERE BE LIGHTHOUSE!!!!!
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Marc says:
Chris — Are YOU going to be the Isles’ new beat writer for Newsday??? Probably wishful thinking on our part. Thanks for the great work, as always.
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Bri on Li says:
Thank you, Chris, for this most needed fix. I scarfed it down like a platter of sliders, then came back to it for a more leisurely read.
It feels like my best friend (don’t worry, it’s an example, I’m not really a stalker) is moving across the country. Sure, we’ll see you again, but it just won’t be the same. I don’t think there’s a professional sports team that has or had a blogger with such dedication and passion for his/her team. I hope you are able to bring that passion to whatever you do next, and the Good Lord willing it will be related to your New York Islanders.
Good Luck,
Brian -
Steve K. says:
thanks for the update cb!! i was dieing here without you.
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Domincd1 says:
Thank God!!!!!! The world has become whole again even if it may be only for a short while!
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Isle_in_LA says:
I think that was your longest blog/entry ever! Awesome stuff. If Newsday hires you, it would be the smartest thing they ever did.
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Marc from Troy says:
Good stuff, CB, as always. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for you.
And you can deny it all you want, but I can tell – you love that dog already, don’t you? (Just like the 4 people you live with…)
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Strummer's Army says:
Sigh….with the long and awesome post tonight CB I thought you were 100% back already until the end. I support you all the way and pray this keeps going. If not do you think Wang might hire Dr. Drew for all of us addicted to ISLANDERS Point Blank? I admit I do have a problem with clicking it too many times per day but I don’t really want to change the behavior.
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
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KJ fanclub says:
CB your assessment of KJ could not be more accurate. I hope Isles can bring him back at some capacity or maybe use him as a European scout. The most underrated player to play “d” for the Isles, I think.
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potvin05 says:
That was some quality info. Very enjoyable read. As far as Kenny Jonnson (sp), he is the most under appreciated Islander since the playoff run in ’93. When the man was on the ice, he was invaluable to this team. Just a very, very smart player. I will always hate Gary Roberts because of that filthy, stinking hit.
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MattNC says:
Excellent update.
CB rules! He rules hard!
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Alex in BKNY says:
Chris – i am a first time commentor but a long time reader. You have something really special here and as a fan I can only hope that it continues. Thanks for your honest opinions and daily Isles news. This site is one of a kind and it is all because of you. I hope that you find a way to keep this going but if not I wish you and your family the best in the future. Thanks, Alex Brooklyn NY
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jonsson3 says:
I still say “GET AFINOGENOV”
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Jeff Kuntz says:
Re: Parrish
CB says, “I would pass. Love the guy, but if you’re not going to sign a difference-maker, then there really is no point.”
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Mark Parrish — while he was an Islander — tell Newsday that he would be interested in playing for the Wild?
Needless to say, I would pass too.
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oh, I’d like to point out of all the guys the Isles have right now Joensuu is the best fit for the Tavares and Okposo line.
Yes, please get Matt Martin signed.
I’d pass on all the FA’s.
Let’s get some trades.
Please no Parrish.
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Andy Badger says:
Didn’t read all the posts so maybe it’s already suggested. But why don’t you just start a magazine? Have you considered how many subscriptions you need to keep it afloat?
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19404ever says:
I agree with post #53,LOL, as I reacted the same way, eyes bugged out, hands shaking, and letting out that orgasmic “oh yeaaahhhhhh” (kinda like how CW did on with Francesca a couple of weeks ago)when I saw a NEW header! Thanks CB, as I/we needed the fix!
CB! CB! CB! CB! CB! CB! CB! CB! CB! CB!
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Someone touched on this, but I forgot to ask in my earlier post what rumors there were regarding the Newsday coverage. Always liked Hahn better than Logan. And would certainly like you better than any of them.
When you get a second if you want to elaborate I’m sure we’d be ok with that
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Jay says:
Thanks so much for this post Chris. This was a big help for my PB withdrawal. I love the stories from the old days. I definitely would not want to see Nik Zherdev on the island either.
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
NO problem with the Isles inviting Parry to camp and give him a shot to make the team. He has to take that chance and actually make it….
Kenny Jonsson was a fine player for us – and I miss him. From that era, I also miss Claude Lapointe as well. Hope he is doing well. Respected his tenure on the Island.
Just say no to the Ranger Zherdev. If THEY reject him – he must be bad news – or – very very high maintenence.
Just say yes to hoping that Point Blank continues – and here’s hoping that Chris is able to sort something out in line with his career plans. Best of luck
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Thank you CB. Great read! Even if it is this every few days and not thrice daily updates, it is well worth it to us (your die-hard readers).
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Carmine says:
I would have to say pass on Mark Parrish, loved him when he was here but he is not going to help this rebuild in any way. I have to disagree with Seidenberg not helping this team. I think that Garth should be targeting him. He is solid dman and can be had on the cheap I would imagine since it’s August now.
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Gillies Goring says:
Man, I love this blog.
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I’d pass on Parrish, I like Zherdev but trust the evaluation you wrote, and Tanguay, eh I could go either way wth that decision.
So glad to read this update though, will try my best to be patient.Big time member in the cult of Kenny…outstanding player.
Loved reading the updated rankings of the kids, here’s to hoping more updates come soon. -
WECLOME BACK BOTTA.
lots of good stuff in there. i have a really good feeling about joensuu. of all those guys, i like his upside the most. but then, sandy koufax said in 1986, “i’d trade anybody’s past for dwight gooden’s future.”
that shot of smith and cheevers is awesome, and it still seems bizarre to me that hextall was even on this team. he was a wildman. in the ’89 playoffs in the middle of play he suddenly abadoned his net and skated way over the dasher to attack chelios. the man completey lost his mind. he also is one of few guys to win the con smythe for a non-winning team.
CB – whatever happens – or doesn’t – for this site in the next month, you should be proud. you’ve done a great job keeping us informed and handled some pretty wacky stuff with dignity and class. and all the time you were very ‘real.’ (ie. the ‘panic on the pier’)that is cracking me up. -
Dr. Generosity says:
I learn something new and interesting every time I visit. We’ll hang in there, Chris; you hang in there too! PS Nice to see you mention a book, even a future or hypothetical one. : )
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To poster 69: I’m pretty sure Hahn once said covering the Knicks was his dream beat. I could be wrong about that but I think I recall him writing that when he first took over with the Knicks. Logan isn’t too bad, though.
73: Totally agree. We could def. use one more d-man and I think Seidenberg would be a good fit. Throw him 2 yrs./5 mil or 3 yrs./7.5 mil. and I’d be happy with it. -
just 1 more thing. CB is so right about kenny jonsson. that guy was as elegant and smart a player as ever played in the nhl. we only saw him at his best for stretches because of the head injuries, and that’s a shame.
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Paul says:
Afinogenov is worth a shot. Parrish is not.
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Brian G says:
Islanders Please keep this Blog with Botta – thanks
PS NO Zherdev
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Willis says:
Damn, that picture just makes me want to get in my car and go. Anywhere.
Loved the long post, will have to read it again.
Good luck resisting Molly’s earnest eyes!
P.S. – Re the Lighthouse, maybe its time for you to step back for a little while and trust that things will work out for the best. You’ve got enough on your plate right now and probably should try to put aside some of the things that get you down…..no sense thinking about it when nothing’s going to happen for a little bit. (I mean that in a nice way in case that didn’t come thru)
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Daniel says:
Wow I really needed that. So much info, you gotta love it. Thank you for taking the time to update all of us. I hope you land something quickly, we will definitely miss the updates but I think I speak for everybody when I say we support you with whatever you do. Oh and by the way, loved the Artie wah wah wah!
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Ugly Roe In Massapequa says:
From the sublime to the grotesque.
I stayed at the Mirror Lake Inn up in Lake Placid this past winter, and what an absolutely beautiful place and stay it was. By mentioning that place in your article, you brought a sublime memory into my head.
Then, you show a picture of that disgusting, fat, heroin addict loser pig Artie Lange. That was grotesque, even for someone as ugly as me.
In any case, count me in as being a member of the Kenny Jonsson cult. I miss his performance on the ice. He was tremendously underrated, especially by Islanders’ fans.
Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
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DP says:
Thanks for all the news, stories updates etc. The best magazine I’ve read in quite awhile. good luck on finding a new home for your talents, whoever hires you will be lucky.
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Isles81 says:
Thanks CB for another great read. We are all hoping that something can be worked out and you can continue to give us our Isles fix.
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Frank nyc says:
Thanks CB for the long post. I think many of us were having withdrawels from the lack of PB.
Hope Joensuu works out. He adds some of that much needed size to our forward group. -
Tavares #1 says:
Yea lets sign Parrish so he can disappear for 15 games at a time. The guy is bum, no thanks.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Love the Islander Point Blank magazine version CB!!
To much to comment on … but I’ll say this … I enjoyed reading all the tidbits you provided. Some were affirming … some were fresh information to me.
I always enjoy those background stories.
*
I know that you put the continuation of PB on yourself … but you have to understand from our point of view that we are part of your Point Blank Army … so anything you need us to do … just let us know.I’ve been clicking those ad banners and even purchased some items … I think if you do continue with IPB into next season you should take a break like this after Prospect Camp … and of course update when there is actual news … We can’t expect us to be posting every day in the Dog Days of July and August … just leave us with one magazine version in Mid July and Mid August then a Camp primer in the begining of Sept.
We’re here for ya CB!
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Irish Isle says:
Wow, CB talk all out smorgasborg of a blog
Is it just me or does Nik Zherdev seem alike Kvasha?
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K-Lo says:
Best read i had in a long time!! Thanks CB. Hope you have some luck and IPB stays online.
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I still wouldn’t mind the Isles going for Tanguay and/or Zherdev to add some offensive punch/creativity to our line-up. And the team still needs size and toughness so Big Bert wouldn’t be the worst signing although he is obviously on the downside of his career.
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Helene says:
As for Newsday, since they are owned by the Dolans (who coincidentally own our bitter rivals), we don’t expect too much coverage of Islander-Land. Your leaving will leave a huge gap in the information that gets to all of us interested Isles fans. We wish you well and will keep our fingers crossed that the powers that be will reverse their decision. (I don’t “Twitter” so I have no idea how to find you)
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Doug F. says:
CB,
If I was Garth, I’d offer Afinogenov, Zherdev and Tanguay each a 1 year contract. Whoever says yes,that’s the one I would sign. If we’re not close to a playoff spot (probably won’t be)then I trade them for a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick…
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FourCupsin4yearsnot60 says:
Wow, PB came back with a vengeance. I guess we should not tease him about taking a day or 2 off anymore. Hey Chris, you know you could have broken up that huge, multifaceted, article and given us an article a day for the next month while you look for a new home.
Seriously, I really do hope you find the time for PB. It’s the best Islanders coverage since Newsday in the early 80s, really even better. Great luck to you, and to all of us who would miss this blog.
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VanVoorhees says:
what, was this your freaking curtain call?
All I can say is:Will the government give me $4500 for trading in my Gordan’s Fisherman Jersey?
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mht says:
Chris it was really great to hear that you are alive and well. If you haven’t you should go to you tube and type in Garden City Lady Speaks under search.What narrow minded self serving propaganda that she delivered on Tuesday at the lighthouse hearings. I still do not trust Kate Murray, She will sell Islander fans and Lighthouse supporters down the Street as soon as her next political campaign contribution from the Garden City End property Owners arrives.Where is Kristen McElroy? Your speech was really fantastic as it was from the heart.
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WTG #80
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Izzy Franchise says:
and I stand by my prediction that Rick DiPietro will retire.
I’d much rather take a chance on Zherdev than another one on Parrish.
Miss KJ. no doubt.
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Thanks for the Smitty story. My kid brother played baseball with smitty’s kids at Tri-Village Little League in Centerport. Smitty was always a class act on the field with his boys. Totally different guy between the pipes. God, I miss that ferocity. Todays players dont seem to have that kind of passion for there jobs, considering the differential in pay scales from then to now.
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Ajax says:
I dont see any of those players coming here anytime soon, well, in an isles uniform anyway.
We are going into camp as is. Face it. -
chip saunders says:
I love the picture of Billy Smith and Gerry Cheevers. Two kindred spirit’s and Great MONEY goaltenders.
And,why bother with anyone on ESPN radio other than Don LaGreca. There is NOBODY on that awful station[And less on WFAN}who knows or cares about hockey. -
We all know that Islanders management reads PB so c’mon Mr. Dey in the past year you put the radio broadcast on crappy signals, then you fire the radio broadcasters, you support this GREAT blog for a year and now it looks to be coming to an end. What is up with that. Season ticketholder here ( 2 more years!?!) demanding you support this blog like it deserves to be supported. The Isles get ZERO respect and coverage from the local media. THIS BLOG is the only place for Islanders fans to get in depth coverage of our favroite team. C’mon Mr. Dey DO THE RIGHT THING keep PB going!
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Eyes to Sky says:
PB is the best blog there is.
Islander management please realize how it keeps fans interested in your team!!!!
It’s not too late,work something out. -
fishsticks.. as much as i hate that jersey, i have one signed by every player on that first club, including a “x” as Kaspar the Unfriendly Ghost had an injury. somebody skated over his ungloved hand. hate the jersey, but man, how could you not love kaspar, or that handful pages Sports Ill did on him. good luck and better health in your future C.B. i love this site, and so do my friends.
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Smokey says:
God that fix felt amazing
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Cary says:
What a great read – thanks for sticking it out for another month CB.
No Zherdev. Loved KJ but not in a cultish sort of way.
We need someone with some scoring ability more than we need a true heavyweight.
I’d love to see Joensuu up this year – but who makes room for him? Tamby? Wrecker? Jackman? I wouldn’t doubt it if Sim makes things complicated for Isles management in training camp either.
Our defense needs to get younger.
Just some thoughts…
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Tim F. says:
I got the Fisherman hat as a gift from my wife when they changed the logo. To this day, I’ve never worn it out of the house. The only reason I haven’t thrown it out is so that I can use it one day to teach my kids a lesson: “This is your brain on bad marketing ideas.”
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I would like to add that I will gladly take any “fish sticks” isles merchandise off people’s hands… Mainly caps, jerseys, and anything else quirky.
Contact me if interested in unloading. My email can be found on my link.Oh and I forgot to say NO to Parrish, like the guy, but his play doesn’t work in this NHL, and sometimes in the old.
I still expect a trade because I really feel 1 or 2 kids will make the team which I think someones gotta go. I think we’ll actually see a good amount of Wrecker, so yeah…who’s gone? -
leviticus says:
The best asset we have (aside from JT, KO, and JB, is CAP SPACE…please please don’t screw it up with offers to anyone thats still left…the rebuild is just starting…let’s do it right. another high draft pick, and then we start picking up good players teams like Philly and Boston won’t be able to keep when the cap goes down next year. Stay the plan and ignore calls for silly short term signings…and oh yea, it’s 2009, no goons (aka enforcers) that can only play 4 minutes a game.
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isles72 says:
ahhh , something to quench my islander thirst .thanks chris
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RichM says:
It would be nice to have a 20 goal scorer on the team. Get someone Garth.
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Keith says:
I would take a chance on Zherdev. Give him a 2 yr contract. He is still young and he puts the puck in the net. And please get an enforcer!!! TJ & the Wrecker won’t be enough.
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I think it is obvious the strategy now for Garden City is to hire an attny and stall the project and hope Wang cracks. Now that they know Wang demands an answer by 10/3/09. I can see them filing suit on 10/2/09. Murray can play the babe in the woods card and act like she is no longer the bad guy and have no problem getting re-elected. I am still hopeful queens could be the answer but will tell you from being in Toronto recently, they want a team in Hamilton bad! They would love to have Taveras up there.
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Forgot to add this, “only the paranoid survive”…keep after our wonderful elected officials.
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mike says:
i think JT should be on a line with Weight and tamby..see how jeffy plays with players that have real talent..and KO Comeau and baily should be on the same line
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Madchef says:
hate to think but are we destined for any better than last place again this year. I can understand another year of trying to get a high draft pick but man it will kill me to watch this team get clobbered and pushed around all season again
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frank says:
Great job CB. I hope you continue this great blog.
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Bri On LI says:
You know you’re an addict when you keep checking IPB, even though you know CB’s taking time off… sigh.
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isles71 says:
Nice article…hope the Town can come to its’ senses…I’m from Port Washington, so it gives you another reason to hate Garden City…Parrish sould be invited to camp on non-roster status…if Tanguay avaiable by the end of the month, could probably get him on the cheap. Maybe Garth is playing the waiting game…How can we not assume that to at least start the year, Joel “The Wrecker” will be our tough guy? He’s out reading to kids, marching on Hofstra, washing Charles’ limo, heard he built a deck at Garths’ home a week ago and is taking the Stu Grimson on-line minister courses…..whatever it takes!!!!!
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Islesin2010 says:
I will second 119. It’s really disappointing
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CB…….Can we ask but one favor of you??? The photo of the empty Coliseum parking lot and cracked concrete is all to symbolic of what were feeling without IPB! Truly intesifies the withdrawal as soon as IPB opens.
Can you make one last post?…..even if it is not a blog how about just a picture, perhaps our cups? Or the banners on the rafters? or even better Miss July? -
IslesFanInBkNY says:
#122 I was thinking the same exact thing… Very depressing picture…
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Wait three hours. Refresh for comments. Repeat. I’m definately an IPB junkie. Miss you, CB! Love you, IPB commentators!
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the bomber says:
billy smith was a winner on the ice during the game, while being a total prick once the final horn sounded. hard to respect a guy who wouldnt shake hands after winning 19 straight series’. dont care how superstitious or angry or cool you thing you are, thats a total lack of class. how many signings at the sunrise mall you think he’d show up at??
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
hi guys, i have been on vacation and was devestated when i heard news of pointblank.
i dont understand why it would happen. It pretty clear that Chris provides best isles coverage handsdown.
Is this something can can be resolved.
Great to hear the LIGHTHOUSE talks have taken a huge turn for the better.
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AAAARRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!
LOL, apparently not seeing a new PB article turns me into a pirate. Ahoy, mateys!
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ziggs16 says:
I usually don’t post very much, but live on this site. Very depressed…
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Phil says:
Has anyone else noticed since Chris stopped writing daily that there hasn’t been much from Newsday? It’s like Logan was inspired (threatened) by chris.
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Tom B says:
now that the site has gone dormant it feels like same old same old. It is August but I was hoping for continued dribs and drabs of info..
Thank you Chris for the Blog. I hope you can find time to update once in a while.
This is a very good vehicle for the ISlanders, they really should keep this around and get someone with an independent voice to report on the team. (IMO)
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WM says:
Yeah, but this is far and away the deadest month of the year when it comes to hockey news and coverage, so I wouldn’t read too much into that.
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Phil (#130)- Logan’s on vacation in August. He’s entitled. People shouldn’t be picking on Logan. I’ve met him, he’s a nice guy and he works at his job.
I hope Chris pops in to let us know how he’s doing from time to time.
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pablo says:
You Islander fans should be voicing your anger and opinions to the Islanders front office and Chris Dey.
You should not let up. This whole thing about IPB is the fault of the Islanders Org. Yes they did offer CB to go out on his own.
However, they could have continued in the same manner as it has been going. In another words,just leave it alone and continue on with CB and the site. Was it not Successful? Does it not have the attraction of the fans and more? Why not leave CB and the site unchanged?
Beleive or not fans the Islanders feel they dont have control over it to an extent and it breaks their code of silence rules! You can believe it or not, this is not over Money because the Islanders can continue with the site but they choose to put it on CB with the intention of knowing CB can not maintain it enough to live on and also to maintain the Blog.
You must keep the pressure on the Islanders. To say they cant continue on with it is NONSENSE, Mr.Dey and Mr.Wang choose’s not to, so they can silence a popular voice that they created.
Dont give up Fans keep the pressure on! -
22Isles22 says:
Phil (#130)- Good Comment, whether or not Logan is on vacation or not.
I know CB has specially instructed no hating or speculated. But the correlation is a fair one, the threat of CB overshadowing him is a reality.
James Dolan, Cablevision, and Newsday are all the enemies of the Islanders. Even if they perpetuate themselves as otherwise (the worst kind of enemy if you ask me).
Think about the conflicting interests of the Dolan Monopoly, and all the Islander coverage cutbacks (recently and historically).
Is it a coincidence that PointBlank, the one entity, on any communication platform that actually puts the Islanders on the forefront, with superior coverage (RIVALED BY NO OTHER- for any ny sports team) gets cut?
Does Logan, Newsday, and Dolan want this overwhelming shadow cast by IPB? NO WAY
Dolan is pathetic, the way he gets away with minimizing and muting our franchise is a crime of the highest degree.
No Shock to me that they cut IPB leggs off at the Knees.
Its not just a conspiracy theory its a reality in Islander Country.
THIS COMING FROM VERIZON FIOS SUBSCRIBER that leaves 3min from the Evil Cablevision Headquarters, and refuses to switch even though Dolan blocks ALL MY HD ISLANDER GAMES, and will for years (essentially wasting my 50 inch flat screen that I bought mainly to watch Isles/Sports in High Def)
I hope Karma gets this guy (Dolan) sometime soon.
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This sucks, they eliminated Logan and Botta. We got used to top notch and year round coverage and all of a sudden we have nothing. We’ve all seen Newsday’s over hyping of the Rangers since they Rags owners monopoly bought the paper and less Isles coverage. We went from the top of the mountain to zippo city.
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Blizzard says:
Yeah I seen a few articles in Newsday about the Rags. Not a peep about the Islanders from our homwtown Newspaper. Dont know what Dolans role could be regarding CB and this blog. But along with everyone else I am suffering from a lack of coverage of the Islanders. I know Football is winding up and Baseball with the Yankees destrying Boston and the Mets god aweful there is plenty to write about….nevertheless Newsday seem fit to write about how Lundqvist likes Torts new philosophy. Gimme a break.
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Frankie says:
22Isles22, I hear ya. I went to FiOS and even though they don’t have the Isles in HD, I could no longer support them/give them my money when they clearly do not have the interests of the Islanders at heart.
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I meant that I could no longer support CABLEVISION.
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True the Isles are not on HD on FIOS, but FIOS standard def blows away cable, although not quite HD. How much did we all pay for high school and college, learning that monopolies are either illegal or regulated? Does anyone know when/if Logan is coming back? BD will continue his coverage next year?
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What Long Island needs is Long Island’s own Teddy Roosevelt to break out with some trust bustas up in Cablevision’s face. I am stuck with Cablevision too … and not because it’s a superior product … but because they don’t allow Directv and VIOS broadcast rights to HD.
I don’t know how so many conflicts of interest in finance (banking), media and communications have gotten through anti-trust barriers the past 15 years.
CB if there is some way to get IPB attached to NHL.com, you could expand your reader ba$e and provide multi-media content for membership fees. We gotta figure out how to help CB out… He’s the Islanders Country town crier … and we are the Army behind CB.
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Matt says:
I would love to see Mark Parrish in an Islander uniform again but only if it were the league minimum, maybe a little more. It saddens me to hear that Kenny has retired cause I still had a flickering flame of hope we would see him again someday, in fact if I had the means I would have loved to go see him play a game in Sweden. Great defensmen/team leader and if him and Peca don’t get hurt in the Toronto series we would have had much better shot at winning it.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
I would take a chance on a short term contract with Zherdev. At one time they called it the “Rick and Nick show” in Columbus. If he likes NY in general and does not want to leave, it could be a win- win situation if we see the best of Nikki Z!~
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Will C says:
Need update……blah.
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Maverick says:
A magazine???? Sign me up, you would get a lot of followers CB. Keep up the great work, anything you need we will be right there for you.
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dalcy says:
this is the end. my beau-t-iful friend, the end.
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isles316 says:
nicely done CB.
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come back soon i’m going thru withdrawals!!
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Maverick, Joe, this WAS the “magazine”- it was just his comment on how long this blog entry was.
And Dalcy, Im not going for this “the end” stuff yet. CB asked us all to be patient and see what can be done, I guess thats what we have to do.
That and IMO we should continue to let the Isles know how important this blog really is to us.
I wrote to Chris Dey again. Chris politely wrote back, too- which was really nice to see. But, he didnt really say much other than thanking me for writing. At least I know he read it, which is a good thing.
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Tony F. says:
Well….this sucks.
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Dan from NJ says:
Another morning, another day with no posts…boy does this really suck! Hurry back CB we Islander fans need our daily updates!
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Pete DeBenedetto says:
I’ll check again tomorrow……ho hum.
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Jimmy Sparx says:
Bummer………….
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Blizzard says:
Im gonna start breakin the rules……
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this is depresssing. this has nothing to do with lack of hockey news. CB is definately not putting out stuff b/c of this whole isles situation.
Give me something.
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kevin fitz says:
#156 – CB needs to find a place for this blog or a new job at this point. He can’t be worried about posting every day. He has a family to think about. YOUR boredom at work is not his number 1 priority right now.
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Chris,
Great stuff as always, you are top notch! You keep writing when you can and we will keep coming back. -
I have a feeling everything will work out with this website. Continue to email the Islanders though. Don’t give up!
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i think joey macdonald signed with toronto to be their #3. Will that hard hitting news keep us all at bay for the next few days?
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AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!
CB, it’s been a few days since the LAST injection IPB, please, when you find some time, hit us up. I/we are not forgetting what you said about “give me a month”, it’s just that there is no coverage on the other sites. Newsday sucks, the Isles web page is a joke for relevant information, and the only way windbag Francesca covers Hockey is if it were played on a sheet of baked Ziti! (can’t take credit for that zinger as it was shot out from another Isles fan on a diffrent IPB blog). See what you have done? LOL, PLEASE keep up the good work! Miss ya bro…
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The Term “Magazine” may have been a goof regarding this long entry of the week (no longer daily blog- However this may not be the dumbest thing I ever heard-
I was an Islander Illustrated Subscriber, and like everything else the Isles cut it back and discontinued it (they also sent me a check for $7- LOL).
With that Being Said, I’d pay double the annual subscription for 12 Issues of “Islanders Point Blank the Magazine” which could include an on-line password, with extra content, and a blog/comment area-
Just a thought……
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Joey303 says:
Since there is no thread here – We need to sign a scorer and nforcer………Glad to see Pogge was traded to Anaheim, I was afraid Garth would try and get him.
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On a Separate Note-
(#141) ISLE IN NJ- I love this quote: “We gotta figure out how to help CB out… He’s the Islanders Country town crier … and we are the Army behind CB”
They keep doing everything to muzzle and mute us Islander Fans, we are the most unwanted, untended to fanbase ever. Problem for them is we are also RABID, and LOYAL…….
DONT LET THEM WIN&BREAK OUR STRONG SPIRIT
They want to take everything away from us, strip us bare, toss us in the attack, and wait for us to wither away, and die (or go away to KC, and essentially die- the latter is WORSE)
WE HAVE TO FIGHT BACK-
SUPPORT CB/IPB & THE ISLANDERS (+fanbase)!
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Baffa says:
You all are laughable.This pining over Botta’s blog like teenage girls missing their boyfriend, some of you really need to get out of your parent’s house.
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Matt says:
RE:165
This is an excellent forum for discussing a similar interest. Botta often puts up insightful posts that really makes many of us feel as if we are part of the insiders; how is this any different than visiting a forum for talking about any other subject?
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jim in 226 says:
in case you guys didnt see CB’s latest tweet ..
“Interest in Point Blank is strong, and I’m grateful. Outstanding meeting last night. Dinner and scenery at Cippolini, wow. Thx, gentlemen”
sounds promising to me -
baffa says everyone is losers for wanting bottas blog back yet is still checking the site. oops i gotta go my mom needs her computer.
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btw, arent the isles signed to some long term cable contract that is really the only thing keeping them close to in business right now?? dont you think that the owner of the cable company would like to get out from under that contract? and if the isles left town, isnt that a way out?? and doesnt the cable company who would stand to gain by the isles moving also own their closest rival who would also gain by the isles leaving town so the rangers are the only game in town east of the hudson.
i wonder how much the dolans give kate murray and the rest of the hempstead tools? this whole deck is so stacked against us….
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Hockey1919 says:
Good news, it looks like Zherdev has signed to play in Russia. That ensures we don’t have that freeloader in our lineup next season.
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rickisajoke says:
It’s been days since Botta’s last blog, and wow, the sun came out! Life goes on. Out of sight. Out of mind. The Islanders are doing the right thing.
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Missing the blog dearly, need islanders info from Botta badly. Hope that he can keep it going!
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Al L says:
Hey,#171! The Sun did indeed come up! Are you an ardent Islanders fan? If so,please fill us in with the goings on within,since you evidently would care and have a method of reconnect with the Organization you would like to be close to.
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IslandersWin86 says:
CB, when is the “GOTCHA!” coming?
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#169: The cable contract is one of the reason we’re doing so poorly, financially. It excludes us from the NHL’s revenue sharing.
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robby d says:
Is the picture for this post supposed to represent the setting sun on this franchise or a new light, as in lighthouse?
You certainly do not sound optomistic about the Lighthouse Project being approved?
Was the support not vocal or strong enough? Should we prepare for the worse?
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Shoogah says:
Is it October 3rd yet?
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ok, but dont you think cablevision is getting killed on that contract?? how many viewers you think the doormat isles actually get?
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Must hit refresh and hope for somethng new . . .
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The Bill Wirtz clause for large markets also keeps the Isles out of revenue sharing.
This will take a while to completely digest, but great meaty stuff CB. Seems like you hit every talking point in the Country.