ISLANDERS HOME OPENER PLUS/MINUS
Tavares…DP mystery…Gordon…cellphones…
PLUS: John Tavares with a goal, assist and impressive demonstration all week of cool under pressure.
PLUS: Kyle Okposo. Wow.
MINUS: The sense, which may not go away for the entire first half, that the Islanders could have competed for a playoff berth this season if they had signed one veteran forward and one veteran defenseman with skill.
MINUS: Would have been nice if they had at least tried to.
PLUS: Trent Hunter, showing what he can do when he’s able to stay in the lineup.
PLUS: Josh Bailey’s gorgeous pass to Hunter to make it 3-2.
MINUS: Like Coach says, I’d have to look at the tape, but I’m fairly certain Josh needs to do more.
PLUS: Jon Sim, despite the -2, busted it all night. If he keeps this up, Gordon’s going to sign on as Sim Fan Club president.
MINUS: Andy Sutton is still working his way back after an injury-filled season, but he needs to throw his massive frame around.
MINUS: The scoreboard prompt in the opening ceremony telling fans to shine a light by waving their cellphones. That’s what you call a fisherman-logo-bad idea. Cool thing was the audible groan in the crowd and more than 15,000 fans declining the invitation.
PLUS: Otherwise, a first-class, well-executed opening night ceremony.
MINUS: You decide what’s more incredible: 1. Rick DiPietro, in the building, declining to participate in the player introductions when Blake Comeau, Jeremy Reich and even the surgically-repaired Frans Nielsen did. 2. Islanders management letting him get away with it. 3. Rick and the Islanders thinking their fans wouldn’t be talking about it all night or thinking no one would write about it. I’ve probably stood up for DiPietro at least 39 times in this space, but this one is unreal. Where’s the protocol?
PLUS: The Chuck-A-Puck intermission contest. Some tsk-tsk and call it minor league. Thousands obviously disagreed Saturday night.
PLUS: I’d suggest giving a raise to the executive who recommended including Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy in the pre-game puck-drop with Tom Suozzi, but it was probably Charles Wang’s idea.
MINUS: Disappointing that John Tavares’s NHL debut was so much about the Lighthouse Project. As Arthur Staple wrote in Newsday, “I went to a hockey game and a press conference broke out.”
PLUS: Wang’s words were the proper message. Perhaps he and the Lighthouse staff felt the home opener gave them the best stage to tell their story. I can understand that.
PLUS: The Islanders played inspired hockey and picked up a point against the defending champs.
MINUS: They had no answers in the third period for slowing down a Penguins team that should have been physically and emotionally exhausted after their home opener the night before.
PLUS: Scott Gordon is a good coach and teacher and his stuff can work. He just does not have a complete NHL team. Maybe next year or the year after. I didn’t like a few things Scott did last year, but if you’re coming to this blog these days for criticism of the head coach, you’ve likely come to the wrong place. Give the guy a team first.
PLUS: FMIV is a good sixth NHL defenseman. Not his fault, nor any of the Islanders’ other fifth or sixth defensemen’s fault, that the team doesn’t have a legit second or third, and maybe fourth.
PLUS: The proud feeling that the NYI Blog Box was a useful innovation because some young writers have seized the opportunity to build a career and have properly taken advantage of the privilege of team access.
MINUS: The sinking feeling that the NYI Blog Box is an abject failure because other bloggers just stand around post-game like they’re pals with players, coaches and management – getting in the way of people working and disgracing the entire enterprise. Please relinquish your press credentials to others more worthy.
MINUS: Don’t know if you saw the promotion on the scoreboard, but are the Islanders really offering Buy One, Get One Free for all weekend games in the first half of the season? What happened to premium pricing? How do season ticketholders feel? Devaluing the price of tickets, already, on the heels of a memorable event like last night?
UPDATED at 2:43 pm - The Islanders texted me on this subject: “The BOGO offer is for a limited time (til Oct. 11th) and only available to those with tickets to last night’s game as a way to say thank you to everyone for selling the place out and for supporting us through the summer on the Lighthouse.”
PLUS: By filling the barn and staying loud from beginning to end, Islanders fans continue to do their part to support the team and the Lighthouse Project.
EVEN: The Islanders played strong, committed, passionate hockey on Saturday. As is always the case coming off home openers, let’s see how the boys respond when they’re not playing the defending champs, the stands aren’t quite so packed and the emotions are not at a fever pitch. The real challenges have only begun.
Comments on these topics, please. If you missed it, read this before posting. Thank you.
96 Responses to ISLANDERS HOME OPENER PLUS/MINUS
Tavares…DP mystery…Gordon…cellphones…
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fan says:
DP must be held accountable for the snub and neither the team nor fans should let him get away with that behavior.
This issue needs to be pushed. When Nielsen on a bum knee or Reich with a broken hand can come out, you’d expect the ‘franchise’ goalie to at least make a wave to the crowd.
Am I making a big deal, maybe, but as fans paying hard earned dollars in this economy we deserve a bit of respect let alone a professional team.
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doc says:
I have to agree with most all of what Botta said including Okposo!!! Wow is right!
And… I thought Bailey was pretty good most of the night. He looked stronger to me.
A couple of missed nets. Thompson missed… Tavares missed a breakaway and a couple of one timers at the end… but otherwise a great game.
DOC
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shinkdew says:
I don’t see what the big deal is with DiPietro not being part of the intros. If he had taken part, everyone would have been buzzing about him instead of the rest of the team, and more importantly Tavares’ debut. I think it was a good move, it keeps the focus on the rest of the team which is where it should be.
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a REAL hockey fan says:
Great job CB – overall i think it was a good nite, some energy, some passion, some good hockey played and a packed loud Coliseum is great to see and hear. Old building and with some fans worried about the LH project, 1 fact still remains – the Coliseum CAN GET VERY LOUD! As loud as any rink when the fans are packed and excited!!
Its a loooooong season, the team needs more talent and depth for sure, but at least the rollercoaster has ‘bottomed out’ imo and i think heading back up for a good ride, lets go Isles!
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Dean says:
It sucks, because the fans will not come out really. I go to every game I can, and it would be O.K if some fans did the same. Literally on weeknights, we lose close to 10,000 people. I don’t get where these 10,000 people go and why we can’t a few thousand OTHER Islander fans?
Is our fanbase really so small?
I hope we can keep filling the barn. I know a winning team and excitement will be the eventual answer, but we have to try.
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Merrick says:
Great summary–including the observaitons on the lack of any off-season signings for F/D, the cell phone gimmick (my 15-year old son hated it), and the queasy feeling of season ticket holders for the buy one get one free offer.
It’s no secret that a season ticket holder can probably go to 25-30 games on the schedule and pay less online and sit in better seats. I’ll have a hard time re-upping next year–and may just wait to mid-season to pursue a deal.
I was shocked to learn from your post that DP was in the building. We assumed that for some legitimate reason, he was out of town. To learn that he was there and did not participate speaks volumes not only about DP, but the wizards who decided to sign him for 15 years.
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NYIFAN09 says:
I would hope Katie writes about the DP fiasco in Newsday this week during one of the off-days.
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hubie39 says:
DP shows his true colors once again. Might he be a bit jealous of Tavares taking over as the face of the franchise? Cry me a river DP.
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dmen77 says:
I think it’s an overall plus when the #1 pick of the draft, who didn’t score in four preseason games, has a great first regular season game. Tavares scores once, assisted on another, and could have started the Lighthouse project right there without Kate Murray’s approval if he had scored on that breakaway.
This team is full of young players and seriously contending for a playoff spot is just a dream right now. Seeing your youngsters do some special things on the first game of the season is the way to start, and getting a point against the Stanley Cup Champs is another positive.
CB I know you said the Pens should have been tired, but they are the champs, and have two of the best in the world in Crosby and Malkin. I think it’s great we didn’t allow them to score TWO late and get 0 points.
And CB, I know this will be for another thread, but over the next week or two we will have four players returning (debut) – Weight, Comeau, Nielsen and Shremp. Who do you think are the four that will take a seat? You have to think Weight and Nielsen come right back into the lineup….Comeau will be shown some more tough love from Gordon, and Shremp has to be giving an opportunity.
All of a sudden it seems like we have way too many forwards on this team. Could Snow pull something to get that 2/3/4 defenseman we need?
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Ajax says:
Sorry CB, but I beg to differ with you on Gordon here, well, at least his shootout choice of Tambellini to start. VERY BAD IDEA!!
As for DP, just gives the perception to the fans that he may just be a pouting spoiled biotch
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That was the first time Tambellini didn’t score in an NHL shootout. He was 4 for 4 going into last night. Him and Nielsen are statistically the team’s best shootout options.
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BD Hendo says:
Hey, if we lose ALL our games this season in the shootout, we’ll have 82 points, a vast improvement from last seasons’ 61!!!
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Priest says:
Tavares and Okposo looked like they have played together for years last night.
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big dog says:
agree on most
I think DP is a spoiled child at times..
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mike 8 says:
tamby has been good in shootouts, I have no problem with him shooting first. Maybe the Islanders thought DP would get booed because he’s been a giant bust so far. Okposo and Tavares looked really good. I wasn’t impressed with Bailey though.
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EdTurner says:
For years now the Islanders ticket pricing strategy has resulted in thousands of empty seats each night.
They markup their tickets so they can offer them in promotions and packages.
Who is going to walk up to the box office and pay full price when they are as high as they are? I’ll help you with the answer, almost no one.
I know the team does not share in parking food, etc, but they must price their tickets to fill the building. The more fans, the better the atmosphere, the better the team will play.
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Blizzard says: Maybe they didn’t have a walker down at the entrance for DP to use.
KO played well and showed no ill effects of that gutless hit Phaneuf laid on him.
JT and KO, kinda like the fact that they are so young and obviously loaded with talent.
I dont care how hard Jon Sim busted his ass he was a fat -2 in a tie game.
We need another defenseman, Streit cant do it all himself.
Maybe if the lighthouse was approved and not delayed for years Wang would have let Snow aggressively pursue some free agent talent.
SAVE THE ISLANDERS!!!!!!
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Tavares and Okposo and even Moulson impressed me. Tavares missing some attempts just seemed like nerves to me. I was a bit disappointed in Bailey. He seemed invisible most of the night (I expected a bit more from Bergie too). I thought Tambellini and Hunter were both solid. Streit is still awesome, but the rest of the defense is not, although Martinek is still solid. Nice netminding from Roloson. I guess DiPietro is not an Islander this year, unless they made him an assistant GM or something. If anything, I’m seeing that Snow needs to make a bigger jump into FA or make some trades to get this team to the next level next summer. The core seems almost intact. I look forward to the next game.
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
Plus – nice thought of the Isles to congratulate the Pens on the Cup and to wish Bill Guerin well. How I hope that when his playing career is over – that perhaps Bill G. can be part of our organization in a mutually agreeable manner………if this is what he would want to do.
On Tambellini – if the shot was 1 inch or so lower and went in the net – would Gordon have made a bad choice on the shootout ? Way I see it – he beat the goalie clean – just not the crossbar. Tambellini will be an expert in the shootout – not his fault we lost the game
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Islesin2010 says:
This thing about DP is really quite upsetting. It seems like he’s not grasping the “first-class athlete/teammate” that we all aspire him to be. I love Rick. I think when he’s healthy he is a great talent and competes as much as anyone in the league, but I wish he would have handled the last few difficult seasons in his career better. It’s been just as hard on the fans
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Isles_Goal says:
I’ve always maintained that DP is selfish. People say how much of a team guy he is…I say BULL!!! If it’s not about him…he has no interest…and to me it was always evident in his style of play…with the need to control the flow of the game…by constantly interfering with his d-men. DP craves the big stage…but he needs to have it all to himself. Personally, I can live without him…but my seven year old son was very disappointed that he was not part of the festivities.
BIG thumbs down to DP!!!
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beatlebailey says:
DP is a drama queen…the ship is passing him by…either get healthy or get retired..NO ONE IS IRREPLACABLE…don’t forget that “15 year contract havent earned it” boy
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Why don’t we withhold judgement on DiPietro until we learn why he didn’t participate. Maybe he didn’t want to steal the spotlight from Roloson and Biron. Afterall, I think he would have received the 2nd or 3rd loudest ovation last night. (behind Tavares and Okposo).
He’s well aware of his popularity and maybe he was just trying to play it “classy” and allow the other two goalies there “moment in the sun” with the Islander fans.
Isn’t that a possibility??? Before he gets crucified again for NOTHING!!!
DOC
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Signit says:
ppl getting back from the autograph party said DP was a no show today
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Chris R says:
Awesome. The ticket sales are beginning!
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MJS says:
#15 – it’s when the lease expires, so the team will be moving in 2015 at the earliest unless Wang want to pay millions upon millions to get out of the lease or in damages.
Gordon’s system can work. It’s not even about the players he has. It’s about their conditioning. What happened last night was what happened in so many games last season. The isles would make a good show of it until the third period, and then just fold up like a cheap lawn chair. Conditioning is also likely the reason why there were so many injuries last season. Letting the players get away with their standard training routines is no good for Overspeed. Gordon’s failure to account for the impact the system has on his players is going to lead to a number of losses as much as not having a star player will. If the team switched to playing a trap in the third period the Isles might’ve skated away with a 3-2 victory. Overspeed could make this team shockingly difficult to play against, just ask the Pens radio crew, but even this season it needs to be refined.
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Jane says:
The Isles are offering a BOGO for ONE weekend game of your choice in the first half when you present the ticket stub from last night to the box office or on ticketmaster.
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kevin27nyi says:
not to big on the dp thing. yesterday was about tavares.
great game. the younger players looked great and well simply it was great lol.
the crowd was friggin electric. cant get over that. tavares chants, lets go islander chants, even a build the lighthouse chant. and they filled the arena. i hope we can expect this outcome and energy for at least half the games. last year was just terrible. it was quiet, half filled.
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Hey 24, DP was a no show at the season ticket holder party today. The more he hides…the more difficult it will be for him to show his face at different events. This guy is selfish…and doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt on things like this. Last night was about the team and the organization as whole. He obviously doesn’t want to be part of anything with a new Golden Child…
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I noticed Moulson and Tambellini all night. Of course Streit as well. I don’t know if Tamby will be what we want, but I think he can contribute. Something excites me about Moulson… and I love having JT..love it!!
KO back on the ice…amazing. Glad he’s got the “A” on too. Seems like he shows great leadership.
I want to see Bailey and Bergenheim together.
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rob d says:
Jon Sim Fan Club! Did you see the 3rd and tying goal for the Pens? A guy in a #16 sweater failed to check or prohibit Fedotenko from scoring. Lame effort! That was Sim’s defining moment!
DP is a piece of &*@#. Always has been! Never ever want to see him play here again. He is all about himself and has always been. No wonder him and Piazza got along well. We don’t miss him. We are a better team without him. Hope Roli and Marty thrive all season. Ricky Red Light can take hike. Go back to Fiji with his supermodel. He has cost this franchise enough!
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Adam says:
DP was the only player not at Adventureland this morning.
I agree, okposo was a beast, sim is all over the place, and bailey was non-existent. However, we need to start talking about witt. Great body check, however he is a liability out there the majority of the time. -
Jim Clark says: Let’s remember that while DiPietro is a good goali when healthy (4 days every decade) he was drafted because Mike Milbury liked his character. That should send up warning flags. But if he comes back 100%, no one will care about him not being there Opening Night.
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Staten Islander says:
Maybe DP’s electric wheelchair needed to be charged
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Shoe says:
True colors came shining through.
It has happened before, such as when Dp was accidentally tripped by an ice girl when coming out for an on-ice interview.
I am sure DP will be say something about not wanting to be a distraction, but that is transparent BS. He is no longer the face of franchise and he can’t stand it.
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If I were DiPietro, I may have declined an introduction as well – but only b/c I’d feel I would need to earn a spot back onto the team. Not sure if this was his reasoning though.
KO is simply an animal. Great play to get JT that breakaway.
Queens ho!
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sth says:
As a second year STH, I’m annoyed only because I think what’s the point in renewing? I can’t even imagine what it must be like for people that have been able to have STH all this time. At this point I wonder what is the point of having STH except for getting playoff tickets. Many prior events that the Isles organization used to have for STH are gone really. It’s not the same “mystique” as having STH anymore. Plus it’s still relatively easy to get Islander tickets, let’s face it.
Overall the game was entertaining.
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Mary in 117 says:
How can you call Gordon a good coach? Three major errors last night. Having Jackman and Thompson on the ice in the last minute of the third period in a tie game – Pittsburgh had Guerin, Fedotenko and Crosby out. Last minute is not a time for your fourth liners.
Second was not putting Hunter on the ice in OT. Guy had a goal in the game, and you’ve got fourth-liner Thompson out there instead.
Third was not taking the timeout with thirty seconds to go in the OT and a faceoff in the offensive zone. No better time to use the TO – as shown by Pitts. eight seconds later. They had a faceoff in our zone with twenty two seconds left and used their TO to have their top line fresh for one last chance before the shoot-out.
Failing to call that timeout has nothing to do with personnel. Open your eyes, CB.
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Matt says:
another top 3 pick in 2010, get rid of the useless players and a couple of free agent signings next summer, this team could be a playoff team. you see that core of players forming as we speak.
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JayK says:
I was heading to the concourse when they were doing the Chuck a Puck, and I noticed that Gary Bettman was sitting in one of those “luxury” boxes atop each gate. I went to shake his hand and thank him for his support for the Lighthouse, but before I did I noticed that he was INTENTLY watching Chuck a Puck and smiling like a kid. He clearly approved. And I did get my thanks in after that. He said “So is this Kristin McElroy as nice-looking as everyone says?
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Will says:
CB, I agree with most of the assessment. I thought the Isles’ play in the third period was reminiscent of last year in games when they held leads going into the third period. Despite the “lack of a complete team,” Gordon can still have his guys play aggressively and maintain defensive positioning so as not to give the impression that they’re playing “not to lose.” … Trent Hunter’s quick response to put them ahead 3-2 was great, and an encouraging sign. For one game, despite the SOL, the team looked good. Nowhere to go but up.
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Hale says:
Dp was the only player missing at the carnaval today
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Ray B says:
I’m excited about the KO/TAVARES/MOULSON LINE. VERY CREDIBLE DEBUT. When Franz is ready he should replace Bailey. Sim serves his purpose as an agitator we missed since 55 left. Maybe it is Bailey who would benefit most by playing along side Weight. If not Bailey needs to take the ferry to Ct. Bailry is to hockey as Katie Strang is to writing. Often the do or write nothing and are certainly not intense at all. Neither os worthy of their spot on or covering the team.
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season tix holder says:
Very discouraged about the D last night. I do think they have and will play better. Terrible passing and clearing….they looked nervous. Coughed up the puck in own end after face off wins.
Too early for 2 for 1 tix.
I now prefer that the team move to 1)queens 2)suffolk. Can’t take anymore of this lighthouse squabble whether it is dev vs. politicos or the civil war among residents.
DP is traded at the deadline if he comes back strong.
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Joanny says:
Did anyone see Guerin trying to pick a fight with Okposo in the final minutes last night and then take a violent and cowardly hack at the back of Okposo’s legs? When the Islanders thanked Guerin last night, it should have been a thanks for being such a selfish cancer to the team that we lost enough games last year that we were able to land JT. For that, I definitely thank Guerin as he was primarily responsible. JT and KO are going to take us back to glory! Guerin is a nice guy off the ice for signing autographs and being nice to kids (mine included), but make no mistake about it, he splintered the team in the lockerroom last year. There was no reason to be going after KO last night, except for his selfish and personal grudge that KO is going to resurrect this team that he helped destroy.
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mLem says:
I liked what I saw from Tamby…he had a bit of an increased role too. I noticed him on the PK as well as the point on our 5 on 3 PP for a bit. Okposo was an absolute beast and I hope everyone saw that nifty little move he pulled, almost resulted in a goal. Can’t complain about the shootout choices, tamby was a half inch or so from crossbar and down.
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CM says:
Enough of the DP bashing. We don’t know the story. I’d rather be bashing our Newsday beat reporter for not getting the story yet.
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admin says:
UPDATED at 2:43 pm – The Islanders texted me on the subject of the Buy One Get One: “The BOGO offer is for a limited time (til Oct. 11th) and only available to those with tickets to last night’s game as a way to say thank you to everyone for selling the place out and for supporting us through the summer on the Lighthouse.”
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Matt Scordato says:
Chris, excellent observation about the buy one get one free promo. I have been a season subscriber in years past and at times have felt like a dope for plunking down thousands of dollars for seats then only to see later in the season many ticket give aways, discounts etc… The one promo that really bothered me was the loudville thing, I know lots of people were big fans of that, but that was really cheap and cheezy and was an insult to season ticket holders.
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
aside from winning you could not ask for better night opening night. Tavares, whom some here in this message board feared would not come thru after seeing him in just 3 preseason games played 20+mins had goal and assist. Isles played great. Insert Weight in lineup last night and maybe they could of won.
If they keep playing hard like this we might all be in for pleasant suprise tonight.
Way to go.
LETS GO ISLES>
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Ethan K says:
Before last night, I’m not gonna lie, I was nervous for this team. I assumed they were gonna get beat into the ice in their home opener, and I thought it would be a few games before Tavares got his first goal. I thought Okposo wouldn’t be fully recovered from his concussion, and I thought I’d see the Pen’s tough guys cut open the Islanders’ faces.
But last night, I regained my hope in this team. Tavares showed, in one game, that he can become a star in the NHL. His backhand goal was great. Remember how bad we were on the PP last year? Tavares helped give the Isles 2 PP goals in the first game. Okposo drove the net like nobody’s business, and I can see him becoming one of the top power forwards in the game. Bailey looked good, Hunter actually looked very good, Moulson played well. Roloson did great, even though he didn’t get a win. We didn’t even have Comeau, Shremp, Weight or Neilsen. With another good draft year, and their youngsters continued development, and the addition of one more top-6 forward and top-4 d’man, and a fighter, and we have a team.
As for DP, he probably knew he’d be booed by the fans, and that’s probably what he would’ve gotten. He hasn’t been our goalie for over 2 years now, I think we should stop giving him so much credit until he comes back and shows us an all-star caliber effort.
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hathead68 says:
Don’t think the the DP no show was that big a deal. Agree with post #4 and #49. Thrilled to have Roloson and Biron, but can’t wait till Dp is back in net …we’re a much better team with him. Bailey is going to have a good year. Franz replacing Bailey? … Really? Love the JT, KO and Moulson line. Maybe Moulson will be this years surprise?
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potvin rocks says:
KO was the best player on the ice. Roloson showed that he doesn’t play like he is 40. Bailey does need more time to grow. And do you think Tavares has a flair for the big stage. WOW!
As far as DP goes, I’m glad he didn’t come out. He is like the Carl Pavona with a longer contract. Islander fans have moved on. the fanbase is entralled with Tavares Fever. -
RHL Vin says:
I was speaking to someone who works for the Islanders during the game and he told me that DP was in the building earlier in the day but did not stay for the game. And now Im hearing he didnt show up at Adventureland this morning………something is up.
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CB: I could care less about the BOGO offer. Even though I am a season ticket holder, I like it because it fills the building, and a crowd like last night make a much better game experience than when we get 7,000. What I do not like is the constant BS you get from the Islanders office, specifically including the ticket office. How many long time ticket owners have tried to upgrade seats or move to aisle seats, only to be told that “none are available”? This happened to me three years in a row. The seats I tried for ended up being sold to a new ticketholder or a partial plan ticketholder. There is no “priority” for season ticketholder upgrades. Only when I cancelled my subscription and purchased a brand new one three weeks into the season did I get the prime seats in my price range that I had always coveted. This is one area where season ticket holders are really treated like saps. I have complained but been ignored.
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same thing happened with me johnny.. we were told to write a snail mail letter saying what sections and locations we want.. at the draft party, seats in each of our sections reequested had a sign saying they were open for sale.. but we didnt get a call from the isles saying they were as we requested.. so we call to find out and get the bs treatment, or the best excuse yet that “the intern put it there”, then we finally got a new ticket rep who was actually helpful and found the seats we were talking about and 2 days later he calls us saying they sold them already.. how the hell is that possible? you just told us you put in the upgrade request.. how were they sold? who are these bogus ticket managers who handle seat upgrades? ive yet to hear 1 story from A STH saying they were ever successful moving to a location they wanted withotu any hassles…
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Mikey Cavs says:
Great time last night. Great game. It’s pretty clear that Dwayne Roloson doesn’t look too comfortable against Breakaways/Shootouts but he does look awesome being square to the puck and good positionally against the pipes and making the NORMAL saves. Great Job Rolo! Great job with the Security Department squelching lots of fires that could’ve brewed. I agree that the Cell Phone thing was silly. Jon Sim on the Power Play? Okposo looks Awesome, looks like a man on a Mission just like Hunter. Imagine if Hunter could skate?? I’ll 81 more games of that effort!!
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Daniel says:
To be honest I didn’t even think twice about DP not being introduced but now that I think about it, that was definitely a bad move. I think Okposo was a real force out there, every time he touched the puck he made something happen. He is definitely going to be a dominating player in the future and if he stays healthy I can easily see him putting up 55+ points. Him and Tavares looked amazing together and I hope they continue to produce for a long long time. Watching Tavares score last night was amazing, it was so nice to see him get that goal and the reactions of everybody on the ice was great.
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Lawrence Teller says:
Hard to think this team would not be better, that they might have been able to handle last night and gotten the win with Mike Komisarek on D. There is your No.2!!!
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mrlbem says:
Veteran signings? The D would be better had they just signed Gilroy.
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Isles Fan says:
CB,
Can you give us the scoop on the DP no-show last night and at today’s event? Team should release some statement. -
UIF says:
Bailey just looked like he wasn’t clicking with Sim and Hunter, imo. He threw some checks, made that nice pass to Hunter, but the line was a little disjointed. I was thinking his line and Park’s line should switch centers.
Wish they could have held on at the end there, but then again I think Fleury had a lot to do with why the Isles weren’t up by more.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
I don’t see the DP absence as a big deal. It’s nice to introduce the Isles and a plus to show off some of the walking wounded but don’t see it as a snub. If anything, I’d give him some props for not taking anything away from Roloson or Biron, regardless if they’re only here temporarily.
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Oh and can we please address the whole goal song thing…I’d be ecstatic if they just brought back Gary Glitter honestly…I was glad to see Okposo get so pumped for JT and Hunter scooping the puck before he did anything else, but found myself wishing we as fans were all on the same page for our end of the celebration.
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dp says:
I really enjoyed the game last night, felt a real buzz even through the tv. Isles need to lose the cell phone thing quickly that is lame. As for DiPietro perhaps he still walks with a limp and didn’t want the fans to notice?? Not showing at Adventureland was not good.
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JPinVA says:
This may be “the wrong place”, but I definitely can find fault in Scott Gordon’s approach.
1. Yes, he has done a good job pushing his system, and it is more entertaining than a clogged up center ice scrum.
2. There is NOTHING less entertaining than watching the other team play keep away for 25-30 minutes every game.
3. Now I know why they have 6 healthy goalies in their system. 40+ shots every night is going to burn out at least three of them. -
mike says:
Now that we have 2 goalies that are better then the GOLDEN BOY it is time to tell DP RETIRE and GO AWAY!
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john says:
great post cb. it summed up a lot of my thoughts. i love this blog.
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4. NO TEAM? That has been the mantra for 15 years. Laviolette took a team led by a statue to the playoffs. Stirling gave us the “wait until your father gets home” grimace all the way to the playoffs. Nolan took a bunch of “Nolan type players” led by a utilty /40 goal scorer and a 20 minute defenseman that was more beat up than a Tyson sparring partner to the playoffs. Could you imagine if one of those guys HAD A TEAM.
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5. Last year Gordon ex-isled Sim (on a one way) for not “buying in”. He didn’t use a 2 minute a game TREE while his team was getting killed. He’s been a co-conspirator on an injury coverup that now extends to its second season… and what the heck are we doing with Thompson on the roster when you let Colliton float into the ether.
6. He is a horrible interview, and I’d have to believe he’s even less inspiring when talking to anyone over 24 not fighting for a job.
7. In his defense he now has a better staff. The PP looked very good in its debut. A healthy defense, properly coached, should improve the GA stats. The team has become younger in the second year of the rebuild giving him fresher legs to work with. But by the time they are “A TEAM” these guys will all be smart enough to realize that they can’t physically push themselves like this for 90+ games (to be successful) and not sustain serious injuries. -
Mario says:
I have never said one bad thing about DiPietro. Last night was a bad thing that he did not participate. Even if he was afraid of getting booed or whatever might have happened, he SHOULD have been introduced. Rick, I think the majority of the fans here want you to come back. I am one and I hope its a successful one!!!! But I have to say you lost points last night. Hope to have you back soon!!
Another quick tidbit, when the ISLES finished their warm ups, Matt Moulson came over and pointed out my 5 yr old and told everyone that the puck was his. MATT, you have a fan for life now. THANK YOU!!! Mario & Damian -
BringBackNyles says:
Thetickets are devalued. I hate to pile on the season ticket holders, but I am so glad I sat this year out. Already I got a AAA discount flier for any non-Ranger game through Dec..including the pre-Thanksgiving Flyers game, Sat nights vs the bruins, etc….my total cost per seat for 300 levels behind the goal is $30..that includes all fees/handling
Why anyone buys a package from this iteam escapes me.
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ny711ot says:
Mary(40)
Bless u for watching the game. The only explanation for gordon to have thompson on the ice in the last period for an extended time after the faceoff is’playing not to lose’. It made no sense. Would have loved if okposo buried just one of his oppty’s. As for the attendance moaners; guys its real simple… if you win they will come. Any organization with expectations like our isles will have attendance issues..and yes I was there last nite. -
Mark Fishbein says:
MINUS… Signs being passed out BY ISLANDERS STAFFERS to the fans sitting in the 200-level seats behind the bench (facing the TV Cameras) that voice support of the Lighthouse. I’m all for the Lighthouse but let the fans be the ones to voice their support on their own. Don’t prompt us and don’t make us pawns in a political battle between Cahrles Wang and the TOH. It was a cheap stunt and I found it very offensive.
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Rachel G says:
CB, It’s just one game. A bit too much with your plus and minus review. I thought the Isles played great. If they can continue this type of effort all year, they could be in the hunt for that 8th playoff spot. A big if.
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Bill 83 says:
excellent analysis! thanks.
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any word on how KO is feeling the day after his 1st game back? thought he and JT looked good together
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Strummer's Army says:
The DiPietro not coming out for introductions is a none issue and I can’t even believe being discussed on here.
Don’t expect more from Bailey when Jon Sim is on his line. To quote former NFL Offensive Coordinator Gary Stevens “Don’t expect me to make chicken salad out of chicken Sh*t.” Sim is an embarassment. -2 last night. Tried to get in Fluery’s face well after the whistle attempting to draw a penalty and then Pens knocked him on his ass with all the refs right there and no call. Sim never draws penalties which is what Snow claimed he’d do for the Isles. Why in the world would Sim get more ice then Bergy or Hunter?
If Snow and Gordon claim the reason they won’t sign any quality free agents is because they don’t want to take ice time away from their young players then how do you explain Jon Sim? Bergy would score 20+ if given the ice that he’s never gotten.
I guess the proper translation on why the Isles didn’t sign any free agents is really, “We don’t want to take ice time away from Jon Sim”.
Botta is right on the Isles not having enough quality d-men, it’s been years since they have.
Really liking what I’ve seen from the youngsters. A shame the Isles went to sleep for a large part of period three.
Roloson looked strong.
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Jeff Kuntz says:
Should DiPietro have been introduced? That depends entirely on what the team’s policy is about this situation (injured players) and how they have dealt with it in the past..
Do the Islanders require the injured players to be introduced? Or do they allow the player the option?
CB?
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dominic says:
Rolo played great in net last night and we have to show him more love from the crowd. Finally got the ROLI chant going in the third.
KO looked incredible handling that puck.
Overall thought the team played great…very entertaining game.
Who cares about the DP thing for now, we will all know soon enough but you can’t blame the guy for getting injured. Im sure its a management decision to keep him hidden…not a DP decision.
I know its a bit of a mediocre subject but Jesus, what is up with the Goal Song…no rythym no excitement…sorry but it just really sucks and the NCVMC sound system doesn’t help any. If the LHP doesnt get approved at least by a set of speakers please? -
KO is fine.. he was playing in the bumper cars with the rest of the team at adventure land today.. im sure the last thing u want is a guy with an active concusion riding a bumper car..
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Also interestingly – as much as a character as he is, I did not see the guy who is always there with the gold wig. Hope all is ok with him.
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Les Beaver says:
Is it possible DP feels snubbed cause he didn’t get an A?
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dose says:
great effort all night and they played well enough to beat a lot of teams. not a big margin for error to say the least, but good enough for now.
bailey does look stronger to me. is the kid even 20 yet? even though not a huge goal scorer he’ll get his share, and bushels of assists. i’ll be surprised if in a couple or few years he isn’t one of the best two-way centers in the league. -
isles72 says:
next year Rick will come out and drop the puck with boss /trotts
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Jeff says:
Witt is not a top four D-man?
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sparta says:
dp needs to hit the road. his arrogance and stupid contract need to go with him. he looked very P.O that rolo and biron are here. im glad.
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jethro09 says:
I respect the fact that Wang is frustrated with the TOH about the Lighthouse and wants a decision he should have had months, if not years ago, but his “announcement” minutes before the puck was dropped that he’s going to shop the team and Lighthouse was the dumbest thing Wang could have done. What a fool he is. Its almost as if he wanted to sabotage the positive energy surrounding the home opener with his moronic “announcement”.
Wang’s timing for his “announcement” couldn’t have been worse. Only a fool would have did what he did. Enough is enough. If he wants to move the team, then shut up and do it. Stop toying with the fans’ emotions and using the team and its fans as pawns for this Lighthouse.
Personally, I think he shouldn’t have made the announcement that he did. Everyone knew when his self-imposed deadline was. He didn’t need to announce minutes before the game started that he was shopping the team and Project to new venues.
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And if DP refused to be included in introductions out of spite for his ego, then the heck with him. I hope he donsn’t come bacl all year. This team doesn’t need a self-interested and self-absorbed guy like that. They’ve got enough problems.
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318J1 says:
PLUS- I would like to thank all fans from sections 317, 318, 319 for participating with the orange balloons, I was nervous I may be wasting my money buying almost 720 balloons for fans to throw up at the opening puck drop, but you all made it VERY worth it! thanks so much! the LOUD Island corner outdid loudville again!
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Plus-I would like to thank every fan who was in attendance during the game and those tailgating before it for making the game such a positive experience. All of the energy in the parking lot before and in the building during the game made the game very enjoyable, despite the outcome. Even Charles Wang’s ridiculous and ill-timed “announcement” couldn’t kill the positive energy. Lets hope it lasts more than one game.
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Mike in Bohemia says:
Minus – Scott Gordon
This is intended to be honest criticism, not bashing.
It is a given that he doesn’t have much to work with, but lets get past that.
How many third period collapses do Islander fans have to endure (many last year were monumental – remember Montreal?). In my opinion, Saturday night was another monumental collapse. Losing a period 2 to 1 to the Stanley cup champs is understandable, but after 2 periods of inspired hockey and a 1 goal lead, they were outplayed & outshot 18 to 5. Yes, I said 18 to 5.
There is something inherently wrong with the mindset of a team that can play well for 60 minutes, but cannot play the third period with a lead. You have to look to it’s leadership. It happens from time to time with any team, but it has been a given since Gordon took over this team. -
jbranny says:
Other than his hit on Fedotenko in the second Witt looked old and slow again. He now starts the season -2. Will he end up -34 or worse again? Sutton was not very good either. The only reason they have him is because of his size, but he doesn’t use it to any advantage. I would have rather seen Hillen out there than either of these two guys.
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CIsle says:
>>>
MINUS: They had no answers in the third period for slowing down a Penguins team that should have been physically and emotionally exhausted after their home opener the night before.
<<<This bothered me the most. Pittsburgh showed signs of weariness heading into the third period. A shame the team couldn’t take advantage of that.
i thought the islanders played very well last night and i saw alot of trent hunter. He had a great game i thought. he was out there a lot and made things happen. and great game tavares and congrats on your fist goal