ISLANDERS at DEVILS, 7:00 pm: Live Chat Tonight
Lighthouse Blackout…Biron vs. Danis…Elias back
Devils GM Lou Lamoriello on his business principles and his induction into the Hall of Fame
Live Chat Tonight: The Islanders face Yann Danis (yup, he’s in) and the New Jersey Devils tonight at The Rock. While the rivals battle, hockey fans can bond during our live chat between 7-9:45 pm.
Tonight’s chat will be presented by NHL FanHouse, which doesn’t change your world much except that late this afternoon I’ll link on Point Blank where to access. Once you’re in, it’s all the same.
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Lineups: Martin Biron starts tonight for the Islanders against Danis and the Devils. A bit of a surprise considering Dwayne Roloson won his start on Monday against Edmonton and did nothing to lose his turn in the rotation. Maybe Scott Gordon likes Biron’s regular work the last few years against New Jersey. Update: Go-Go told Katie Strang he likes the way Roloson matches up against Atanta. Uh, okay…so there! Put that on the dry-erase board, John Anderson!
Other than that, looks like the same Islanders lineup - the one where the rebuilding club has 23-year old prospect Blake Comeau sitting for 32-year old waiver wire guy Jonathan Sim.
As per Devils beat writer Tom Gulitti - a must-follow on Twitter - Patrik Elias makes his season debut for the Devils, who have been money on the road and woeful at home. The Devils will be without dmen Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya. Montreal claimed Jay Leach this afternoon on re-entry waivers from the Devils. The 6-4 defenseman had a short stint with Bridgeport six years ago and played for Gordon in Providence (AHL).
From my visits to The Rock this season, I can guarantee you plenty of good seats are available for tonight’s tilt. The days of If You Build It, They Will Come ended a long time ago.
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Lighthouse Blackout: Speaking of which, some insights into the Islanders arena/massive land development situation:
The Lighthouse Development Corporation, it has been confirmed by Point Blank, is in media lockdown from the top (Charles Wang) on down. The group is in wait-and-see mode after the slam-dunk re-election of Kate Murray and uncertainty of the Nassau County Executive position. As one mover-and-shaker told me, “No one saw Tom Suozzi losing. Guess Tom made a big mistake saving all his re-election money for his next campaign - for a higher office.”
Some believe a Suozzi loss means a Lighthouse fold and Islanders departure. Others try to make the case that a Republican ticket of Ed Mangano and Kate Murray could get it done because they know the Coliseum can’t remain a giant parking lot. Plus the party would get all the credit.
Bottom line: anyone who tells you they know for sure today what all this means for the Lighthouse Project and the Islanders is a fraud.
There’s an excellent chance we won’t know for months.
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How to Win Fans: Warning - slightly off the subject, although this blog often discusses fan relations and I feel strongly this merits a mention.
Last night I accompanied my 11-year son Aidan to his RVC Little League dinner. His team was getting their championship trophies. Although I’ve stated my dedication to the Yankees numerous times in this space, I have to say I was blown away by the class, generosity and just down-home friendly spirit young Mets first baseman Daniel Murphy brought to the event.
Over the course of two hours, Murphy shook hands and handed out trophies with all of the recipients. He took questions - a tough spot considering what occurred in the Bronx 24 hours previously - and candidly turned his own struggles in the field last season into a lesson for the kids. At the end of the two-hour event, he signed autographs for each of the 400 children. He did it all with a smile on his face, like he really enjoyed being there. The kids were in awe.
Maybe half the over-flow crowd at the Coral House last night consisted of Yankee fans, but everyone came away a fan of Murphy’s. I’m sure Islanders players participate in youth hockey events like this. If you have a story, share it in Comments.
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Record Month for Point Blank: While we are no longer the team-sponsored blogger, Point Blank’s readership appears to be growing even stronger. I didn’t think we could reach the pageview numbers established in April (NYI lottery victory) and June (Tavaresmania). Well, Point Blank set a new record for readership in October. Congratulations go to no one else but you, the Islanders fans for blowing away the previous high of 1.2 million pageviews during the month.
Allow me to quote a colleague at FanHouse, who noticed the big numbers of NYI fans linked to our NHL page from IPB: “I don’t think anyone will ever doubt the devotion of New York Islanders fans again.”
Comments on tonight’s game, the lineup, fan relations and Lighthouse are welcome all day.
54 Responses to “ISLANDERS at DEVILS, 7:00 pm: Live Chat Tonight
Lighthouse Blackout…Biron vs. Danis…Elias back”
Please Wait
If Gordon likes the way Roloson matches up against Atanta then Lemaire must like the way Danis matches up against the Islanders.
Is Biron being showcased - already?
Your huge hit numbers from Islanders fans just go to show that: (1) there really is a sizable, starved fan base in the metropolitan area for NYI hockey (Islanders Country is bigger than LI); and (2) if you give readers regular, objective, quality content, especially for a team that is otherwise ignored by traditional media outlets, they will follow you anywhere. I’d love to know how badly the hits on Newsday’s Isles blog fell when they went to pay.
not sure i can take many more months of this back and forth.
At least the team is playing solid - last game withstanding - but its hard NOT to make this season about The Lighthouse..its just not easy to forget that this teams future is in jeopardy.
That being said - lets beat the Devils tonight!
CB, if we have been fans of the team this long, why give up on them now?! I could not believe the coverage this blog gave the Isles from the day I found it. What makes it more incredible is how consistent the level of that coverage has been. If there were more blogs like this all through the NHL I am sure the league will gain the popularity that it once had and would no longer be viewed as the 4th (and sometimes 5th behind NASCAR) popular American sport.
When you say “blown away” the 1.2 million page views, can you give any numbers? I thin we’d all like to know how many views that means. Bottom line is this blog is fabulous and your modesty is classy through and through. Chris, YOU are the reason Islander fans and hockey fans in general flock to this blog. Keep up the great work. We all appreciate it and it looks like the numbers support that.
I like the way Jon Sim matches up with Bridgeport
CB, Congrats! I think that number will only grow.
Not to knock Katie, but there are very few posters on her blog before Screwsday went to a Pay format.
I’m met Isles fans all over the country ( I am one of those nuts who always has some Isles garb on. I spent a few mins talking about the team to a couple of die-hards right in front of MSG, waiting for a train.
Problem is most Isles fans have fled the island, I think. Has Point Blank ever done a survey/poll to see how many hits are coming from outside the tri-state area? I’m sure Canada would make a strong showing.
I love Danny Murphy. Im hoping he plays 1B for the Mets next year instead of Old Man River Delgado.
As for the Isles, its starting to sicken me seeing Blake Comeau in the press box. I understand while they were on their winning streak that they didnt want to mess with the lineup but now Im just getting annoyed. Sim hasnt scored since the 3rd game of the season. Hasnt had an assist since, well, last year and is not part of this teams future. At this point I wish theyd just trade Blake because Gordon obviously doesn’t like him and he’s wasting away in street clothes every game
oh geez keep this up and CB’s head won’t fit through the door. Just Kidding CB! What is with “Gordo and Comeau”..sounds like an LI law firm. Personal problem?
Alot of the views and comments are here now that the handcuffs are off. No more comments to moderation.
It is huge for me… I didn’t like commenting on an item then have to come back an hour later to see people respond to your comment.
Plus CB… Your attitude has changed a bit…lol. Now that Point Blank is not Islander sponsored, you can speak your mind without a slap on the wrist.
See you guys tonight… I sense an overtime game tonight.
Chris have you watched Comeau play when he has been in? He has been brutal. Just because he is young doesn’t mean he should just be given a spot. Sim might be a waiver wire survivor but if Comeau worked as hard as Sim has he would be in the lineup. Instead of sulking and pointing fingers he shoul look in the mirror and ask himself why Sim is playing over him..
Murphy is a class act, and i’m not surprised to hear such a story about him
#2 - i’m a freebie newsday guy and the comments are much fewer now, i would estimate i see 1/3 to 1/2 of the comments they used to get
CB, the goalie situation is as frustrating as the Sim one, snow/gordon contradict themselves quite often around these 2 particular situations
and finally - enough about the lighthouse, i’m glad it’s on blackout - nothing worthwhile ever comes out about it anyway
A few thoughts…CB Congrats on your continued success
Post #2 - I dont think Biron is being showcased - with back to back games each goalie was being used this weekend. It seems popular opinion by the commenters on this blog that its a slam dunk that Biron will be the one who is traded when DP comes back - i believe that Biron is better than Rolo - I know Dwayne has a 2 year contract but i personally am hoping to keep Marty around. Just my opinion
If Mangano wins, it can only mean good things for the Lighthouse. Mangano is 100% for the lighthouse, and instead of making it a political issue, he just wants to get it done. Suozzi turned it into solely a Democrats vs. Republicans issue, and many people and politicians will be happy to see him go. As for an Islander story, when I was about 10 or so, so this was back in 97 at the former Long Island Skating Academy (Iceworks) there was a skills competition during a spring league and players were selected to participate. They had Bryan Berard help run it and he was on the ice with us the entire time motivating us and just being great with everybody. I had a picture taken with him after and it was a great experience. Also back in the day during hockey camps the Islanders would frequently come onto the ice with us it was a huge thrill being able to skate around with them.
CB and to all fans - Great stuff on daniel murphy….This was year’s ago but ill never forget as a 2nd grade student on Long Island, Islanders sent Darius Kasperitus to my elementary school to talk about the D.A.R.E program. After it was all over, Darius called several students up to play floor hockey with him. I was one of the lucky ones to be called up and he put a slap shot five whole on me. Great moment
Also, on that stuff about Point Blank’s stats. I wish that Kate Murray, Queens and all those people who question our fanbase take notice. There is a solid and firm fanbase here.
After all this time, gotta think Comeau did something to piss off Gordo as is our lineup that much better with Sim in rather than Blake?
Only other possibility is that Sim has some compromising photos of Gordo ….
jon sim isn’t the answer..but how many times a game could comeau come down on the wing, pull up and turn over the puck..he has a good shot but doesn’t shoot…he has good size and grit but doesn’t drive the net and he stopped taking the body…its like he doesn’t trust he own talents
Great Daniel Murphy story. I am SO rooting for Murph.
Danis is going to feel like he has something to prove tonight… hit him early, get to those rebounds, dont let him flash his nice looking glove saves.
Elias playing tonight = odd. He hasnt practiced much at all and after all that surgery, I dont expect him to be in form. But on the other hand he is Elias.
“I don’t think anyone will ever doubt the devotion of New York Islanders fans again.” = best thing I read here today!
I have been to many school related events which revolved around Islander players. They were all great and signed autographs and posed for pictures with every kid. CB, I agree with you regarding Sim. Islander management really do some strange things sometimes. It’s not like he is an enforcer. He is wasting a roster spot for kids who need to develop.
HURRY TRENT since Gordo wont put Blake
into a game
i need to see Sim off this roster fast
the only thing Sim puts in the net is himself
UGH. Another bench warming goalie gets a start against our Isles. When will it end?
Mick Vukota camp to my camp in 1994 or 1995.Spoke for a little and signed all autographs for a bunch of 8-15 yr olds. Good times.
I appreciate Sims hustle and willingness to get his nose dirty. That said, I’m looking forward to Hunter returning in place of Sim. As for Comeau? I’ve been a supporter in the past but agree with #15. Comeau is a perimeter player at this point. How many times does he carry the puck into the zone only to pull up along the boards? He doesn’t challenge defenders and he doesn’t go hard to the net. He’s got good size and strength but doesn’t play physical consistently. He has a good shot that he never uses as well. Maybe watching KO, JT, and MM challenge defenders, go to the net and take shots will benefit him.
Maybe they could trade Comeau to a team coached by Nolan? Oh, wait, sorry…
Congrats on the record month CB!
On the lighthouse,
My gut feeling is Wang is realizing that he can’t get what he wants. So he is now trying to figure out what he will settle for. As much as I hate to admit it as a Democrat, the Republicans in Nassau County played their cards great the last year and the Democrats didn’t. They knew not to ruffle feathers before an election and they came away the victors because of it.
Joel Rechlicz was at my son’s camp this summer and the kids said that he was very nice to all.
BTW -Steve Carlton attended Syosset’s baseball dinner on Monday night (one night after throwing out first pitch) and he was terrific with all the kids.
miket239 (21): You make it sound like its a bad thing.
“No one saw Tom Suozzi losing. Guess Tom made a big mistake saving all his re-election money for his next campaign - for a higher office.”
Says who! Suozzi is a 3 dollar bill, and Wang is a major contributor to him.
Ahh! it’s all about bad Karma every dog has its day, put Wang in that to.
Wang will give in to murrays demands and Wang will not walk away. Karma Baby! its real! So long to the dummy crats.
Can we just build the ****ing thing already , I know Rome was’nt build in a day but my god!
Brutal? The guy was leading all Isles forwards in hits when he got benched and still has as many or more points than sim and bergenheim, in less games. maybe he wasnt playing to his full ability but brutal is a little extreme
I will be in section 21 tonight with my blue third jersey on. I have to admit the Devils fans are very respectfull in their building. I have never had a problem at The Prudential Center, unlike that other arena that has been made famous by Wrestlemania and college basketball then hockey.
Nothing on the WEB compares to IPB, Great Job CB !!! With Mangano/Murray both being Republicans, they will try to downsize the LHP further then Wangs wants to go and he’ll then realize Queens is the best option.
We have a great fan base. What you’ll learn from history is that as you “oppress and starve” people, or fans in this case, they get hungrier and more passionate. Isles fans, although abused for many years by the team, its management and the media, are hungrier than ever. Watching the news and the feature of the parade for the Yanks, it makes me wonder what it would be like to shut down Hempstead TPK for an Isle’s Stanley Cup party!
#14 - I think your Mangano scenerio would definitely qualify as irony. As a fan of irony, I say, from your lips to kate Murray’s ears…
on the lirr from huntington heading to the game and already mocked twice from ranger fans. I take that as a compliment to the fact the islanders are gaining respect. tonights game with danis in and 2 d-men out is ours to take. great story on daniel murphy. he took a lot of heat this year and I hope he makes francessa eat his words. let’s go isles!
Wang should be publicly negotiating with queens just to let hempstead know he isn’t sitting or fooling around.
CB, Just wondering how Hickey Field is looking these days? I grew up in Rockville Centre, one baseball dinner I remember had Elliot Maddox as guest, if anyone cares. I don’t look forward to Devil games too much, usually pretty ugly hockey, we will see.
Good thing for this website. Not one article on tonights Islanders game. Although they did have room for a full page on the Rangers. I have noticed this more and more lately. The only reason I subscribe to Newsday is that it is the only paper that has Isles coverage. The rest of the paper stinks.
Will be at The Rock tonight, aka NVMC West 2. I wish it was this easy to get to a home game on a weekday! (e.g., hop on the 7 train or LIRR to, say, Willets Point)
I know why Sim is in the lineup over Comeau or Schremp for the “rebuilding” Islanders. It is because the term “rebuilding” is Wang and Snow’s way of masking their unwillingness to spend money on quality talent to surround the team’s budding core.
Anyway, I was hoping to make the game tonight since I am a Jersey guy, but unfortunately I won’t even be around to catch the game on TV. I hope they win. Go Islanders! I’ll try and attend the next game when they trek into Newark.
I actually don’t mind Sim. Never seems to take a shift off anyway…Comeau does *seem* like a better all-rounder though.
Maybe the Isles consider Sim a tradeable player and want to keep him *active*. Or are gonna put him on waivers again and hope that someone picks him up, etc.
Who knows what these players are like day in and day out…?!?Maybe Comeau has an attitude problem…maybe he doesn’t *give-it* in practice…not saying he is or does…just saying.
Anyway,
Go Isles!
I am looking forward to the game tonight. I always liked Danis so it will be hard to root against him, but I want the Islanders to win more.
Congrats on the continued popularity of this blog. It is a quality effort through and through. I check here multiple times each day. My husband says I’m more of a point blank fan than an Islander fan. thanks for all your work on your posts. I don’t miss newsday at all.
Big game tonight, clearly, need a big bounce back effort. If Sim has proven one thing to me it is that he gets under the skin of opponents. I was at the game in Buffalo and everytime he was on the ice he was getting roughed up. It got a point where it started looking ridiculous as Sabre after Sabre took shots at him. He’s a role player, he isn’t expected to light up the score sheet, anything there is a bonus.
Comeau has a lot of unused talent, and Gordon has had a problem with him since he came here last year, when I think Comeau probably thought he had earned a spot on this team from his performance with Nolan. I think if Comeau can crack the lineup and produce the Isles can have 3 lines with real scoring ability though, and that would be huge.
Danis gives up HUGE rebounds. I expect a huge night from Tambellini and Baily. Isles win 5-3.
Danis will be super motivated to beat the Isles..I don’t like it
Please go to Queens!
sim vs blake.. isnt this a repeat of last months “why is tamby sitting, instead of …”. maybe blake has to change/improve aspects of his game to get ice time. i dont think blake’s contract is a burden to the teams finances. it seems since tamy stopped being a perimeter player, he got ice time. i don’t the isles want young players to fail. but rather shape up their game, as required by the coach. not too much to ask.
GOOD STORY…I was in Baseball Camp, as a youth, and they always featured a pro ball player for the kids to meet…That year the Yanks were at home at the time but the Boss was very strict and didn’t allow his players to do such “frivolous” things so the team the Yanks were hosting, the Orioles, sent “Tony Bernazard” to meet and sign autographs…I remember the question I asked was what team would you play on besides the Orioles??? The only team he wouldn’t play for is the Yankees…How hilarious is that????Im a yankee fan, BTW
I also wanted to comment on Comeau and Simmer denbate. I have to believe Comeau isnt doing the things he needs to be doing to get back in the games. Last season, Gordo sent him down, he worked hard on his game and he was called back up with a fire under his @ss. He played with a physical edge and made good decisions with the puck which forced Gordo to keep him in the lineup. Hopefully he will figure it out and keep it up. We dont need another enigma on this team, none the less…
Islanders should feel right at home in a half empty Rock tonight
Sorry to say but Comeau hasn’t played better than anyone, including Jon Sim, to warrant a roster spot. Phoenix is in rebuild mode too and they don’t hesitate sending down or scratching their rookies if they don’t play well. There shouldn’t be some exception here just because your under 25 years old your automatically playing. When he plays well enough to earn a roster spot he’ll play.
Effort was there tonight, teams like Buffalo and New Jersey are going to be the Isles toughest tests this season due to their shutdown style.
Very solid effort in a loss, we can’t win every game
To add to the comment above, while I am disappointed in the loss, this isn’t a loss where they deserve to be hammered by us fans; they put forth a great effort and just didn’t win
# 53 totally agree with you!