EFFORT, NOT LUCK IN ISLANDERS’ DRAW SUCCESS
Also: Election Day Mini-rant; Live Chat Vote
The 5-4-5 Islanders now have enough of a body of work in the faceoff circle to prove their success is not a fluke. The team’s ability to win key draws through most of the young season is a result of…
1. A Scott Gordon-mandated commitment to improving in this area after his team struggled through most of last season
2. The teaching ability and work ethic of assistant coach Scott Allen
3. Dedication to the craft by…
Frans Nielsen – 63%
Doug Weight – 58%
Richard Park – 57%
Nate Thompson – 55%
Josh Bailey – 52%
John Tavares – 50%
NHL-calculated faceoff stats can be misleading because they do not place an emphasis, for example, on a key draw in the defensive zone during a close game over a neutral zone faceoff two minutes into the first period. However, what cannot be denied is that the Islanders have been sharp in this key aspect of the game since the beginning of the season. Their success has played a pivotal role in the team winning four games in a row and getting points in six straight (4-0-2).
In his search for new assistants, Gordon made Faceoff Professor “part of the job description.” The second-year head coach wanted faceoffs to be part of the everyday routine at practice – not always the case in the NHL. As much as he wants his players working at draws on the ice, Gordon also makes sure his players are prepared. This is where Allen comes in.
A new video system installed by Gordon’s geek squad in the Islanders’ main locker room at the Coliseum allows Allen’s students to analyze that night’s opposing centers with the touch of a button. On a typical game day, Gordon says, his centers can watch video assistant Ryan Ward’s reel of faceoffs before hitting the ice for the morning skate. This way, when Allen drops the puck for faceoff practice after drills are over, his players can work on strategies for their 7:00 pm opponents.
“Scott Allen is the same as a coach as he was as a player – relentless in everything he does,” said Gordon. “You give Scott a responsibility and he gives you back more in preparation and dilligence than you could ever ask for.”
Gordon continued: “In the end, it all comes down to the players. We’ve asked them to compete harder and they’ve put in the time. When we don’t win a faceoff cleanly, they’re battling for possession.
“Fransy has been dominating. Josh and John, for such young players, have really done a nice job. Doug’s won some big ones for us when called on. And to my mind, with Nate Thompson and Richard Park on the same line, we have one of the best 1-2 tandems in the league on crucial defensive zone draws.”
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Lineup: Barring illness or injury, expect the same lineup (with Martin Biron in goal) when the Islanders play in Buffalo on Wednesday. Trent Hunter needs more practice time before he re-joins the lineup.
Election: For the many emailers inquiring about my ho-hum attitude toward today’s Town of Hempstead election, allow me to explain. For the last 4-6 months, the Democratic Party had a golden opportunity to ride the support of thousands of voters who cared about the Lighthouse Project. They chose not to.
Kristen McElroy’s efforts the last few weeks were simply way too little, way too late. If Kate Murray’s political rivals were not motivated or organized enough to take advantage of the thousands of Islanders fans who might have done a lot of work for them, this little blogger sure as heck had other, better things to do. Sorry.
In the short time between Murray’s re-election and the holiday period, it will be fascinating to see if Charles Wang and the Town Supervisor get anything done. Wang’s deadline for “certainty” passed a month ago today. I would expect a news leak on Hempstead or Queens sometime between now and when Rick DiPietro returns, around Thanksgiving.
Live Chat? You Make the Call: I’m as big a Yankees fan as there is. They are the one sports team in my DNA, via my Bronx born and raised dad. That said, I’m willing to keep my commitment to hosting live chats whenever possible for Islanders weeknight road games. The Islanders are on a roll and the fans have been responding on the Internets. The way I see it, Game 6 of the World Series will be in the third inning when the Islanders game ends.
Your call. Please only respond in Comments only if you are a Yes. If we get enough interest, we’ll have another live chat for Go-Go’s gritty-gutties beginning at 7:00 pm Wednesday.
78 Responses to EFFORT, NOT LUCK IN ISLANDERS’ DRAW SUCCESS
Also: Election Day Mini-rant; Live Chat Vote
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Seth says:
2nd that!
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Eye on the island says:
StIll hope we have your vote today cb!
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Dan says:
The Dems needed a stronger candidate with a lot of money to spend on this race. I voted against Murray today. I would like Kate at least to get nervous with the early returns.
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Danbury Islanders Fan says:
I am in for a live chat
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Anything to occupy my time away from the WS is a good thing (to this Mets fan at least). I vote YES for another live chat.
CB, I honestly think that the current gov’t in the TOH has too much of a stronghold to change parties. Even if Kristen McElroy had made a big issue about the LHP I regretfully feel that it wouldn’t have made that much of a difference in the election results. My long time feelings are that the project needs to be scaled down significantly and given the opportunity for growth if the early stages of development prove successful. This is something that could have been addressed ages ago by both sides and it wasn’t. Now are are in the unfortunate position of holding our breath waiting for answers from either side…
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rob76 says:
I’m in for the live chat – will be watching Isles while listening to John Sterling in the background – a lot to talk about if we can get it to 5 in a row – the live chat is always a must when possible for all us die-hards
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Tim says:
I’m all for the live chat as I don’t have MSG Plus 2. I miss Steve Mears as Billy/Howie don’t work as well on the radio with thier “Look Here” as they show the reply to those watching on T.V.
Today was the first time I have ever voted against Kate. I also threw a vote to Tom S. for his assistance.
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Steve L says:
YES!
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beatlebailey says:
yes to the live chat
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1) Let’s Go Bombers!
2) Nice background on how the Isles/Gordon/coaching staff are preparing so well. Nothing like good ole fashioned hard work!
3) WE continue to ask what did wang’s ‘line in the sand’ deadline mean? With a lease for another 5 years. Or can they get out of it? -
Brian G says:
everyone get out and vote, no matter who you are choosing
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Isles81 says:
Knowing how badly we needed this, I’m disappointed that you didn’t rise above the Dems lack of effort and try to drum up support for Kristen in the election today.
I expected better than that from you. I guess you feel it’s OK for the Isles to quit on us when they are overmatched huh?
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Another reason besides the Lighthouse to vote against Murray- I can’t take all of her mail/propaganda the town sends out(with Kate’s face all over it). It gets crazy. I doubt other towns on LI sends out so much garbage.
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Fantastic. The faceoff dot success is a surprise I didn’t expect during the summer.
Big credit to Park, who’s nearly 50% on PK faceoffs (PK faceoff rates are typically far lower, as it’s harder to win the puck with 4 players than it is with 5):
Park is 21-23 on the PK, simply outstanding;
Nielsen is 14-6 on the PP, which rocks.Park’s work at the dot doesn’t happen without the rest of the PK unit fighting for the puck. But keep staying out of the box, Parkie – you’re needed!
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DP says:
In for the live chat
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UIF says:
I’d definitely swing in for the live chat.
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I will not be able to attend the chat on Wednesday as I will be attending the game. Section 121!!
As for the election. It is not important for the Democrat to win (she won’t), but it is important for Murray to feel pressure. If this election is close, she will know that the people want this lighthouse project and that her future re-elections will not be a slam dunk if she doesn’t approve the project. The ONLY thing politicians care about is keeping their jobs.
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mtrico says:
I will be at the game, but I always enjoy reading the chat transcripts after the fact if I have missed the live discussion.
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kevin27NYI says:
ill pop in for the chat after the first!
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Lance says:
The next key date for the lighthouse is December 7th. This is the date that potential developers must submit credentials/interest in the Willets Point development. If no submission is made, Wang and Queens will not be an option.
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Matt says:
beating buffalo will be very tough especially since they haven’t played since Sat night. i am thinking this may be a let down game.
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Hockey Guy in Canada says:
I heard that Kristen McElroy got off to a late campaign start due to health related issues during pregnancy (not expected). Shouldn’t really hold that against her and she hasn’t seemed to make a big excuse out of it either.
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geduffer says:
I don’t live in the Town of Hempstead, but I sent a message to Kristen McElroy offering to volunteer to do ANYTHING to assist her campaign and never got a response. It’s sad. I’ve never been in politics and could have run a better campaign than that.
I’ll follow the chat, but it moves a little quickly for me to comment.
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LouD says:
CB perhaps you should do a story about the coaches or GMs problems or mistakes because it seems the comments section is dead after stories like this one. It’s a common theme among Islander fans to rant and rave about losses and mistakes and then hide under a rock when our team and coaches are doing good. Who wants to talk about something positive? Not Islander fans.
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Islander says:
Thompson and Park congratulations on having the best 1-2 tandems in the league on crucial defensive zones. Keep up the good work!
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dan says:
I think we will know soon after the election if the LHP will be passed and what (if any) concessions have been taken.
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Islesfan is Vancouver says:
Will be home halfway through the game but yes to the live chat
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Bryan says:
Go vote against Kate Murray. What’s the harm in trying. I’m on my way now.
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nyi91 says:
it could be a let down game but if they keep up doing on what there doing, it would tell us they have there identity…..
side note Witt doesnt really look that happy out there has he asked to be trade yet ifor one thinks that him and one of the goalies would be a good package to get a Mark Striet type of player **try and get Acoin back here** only WHEN DP IS 100% healthy of course.. -
Willis says:
It’s great to hear that Scott Gordon has been planning and it is pretty obvious that they have worked on a LOT. I would love to see some stats from this season’s games compared to any good 14 game span from last season. I bet almost everything would be better.
I really have to give kudos to the Scotts, thumbs up and we do notice!And LouD, why don’t you give people a CHANCE to say something nice? I was all fired up about the blog and was ready to come in and give praise to what I believe is a good NHL (not AHL!!!) coach – reading your post sorta took something away. It’s like being yelled at when you didn’t do anything wrong.
Anyway, still love the Scotts!
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Hock says:
Tavares seems to have improved on draws since the began. I’ll bet his first few games brought his percentage down.
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What I meant to say…..
Tavares seems to have improved on draws since the beginning of the season. I’ll bet his first few games brought his percentage down. Anyone know the numbers?
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Matty Ice says:
I just refuse to be bullied by Wang into voting for McElroy. I think the Lighthouse project gets done with Murray, but it gets done EXACTLY THE WAY WANG WANTS IT with McElroy.
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battfist says:
Gordon wasnt named an assistant coach to the USA hockey team for nothing.
Nice work CB…To the Islanders…you guys are making us believers!
Yes
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Eric Cup says:
One thing I’ve noticed on faceoffs is when Park and Thompson are out there together, Park tries to “steal” the faceoff as some linesmen tend to drop the puck quickly. If he gets thrown out, Thompson is next in as a phenomenal 2nd faceoff man. Usually, when a linesman throws out a centerman, he does not delay the drop with the new guy and Thompson has been right on it. Arbour used to have 2 centermen on the ice for important draws too in case one got thrown out of the circle.
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Sean says:
Make sure you vote, all the town of Hempstead Locals vote McElroy and get Murray out if you want something done.
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BobNystrom711OT says:
CB, I know you said to reply only if a “yes” to live chat in Buffalo, but I am replying a NO and adding this: You have done and continue to do a great job keeping us in touch and up to date, so enjoy game six, root on your Yanks and the only thing you should be worried about is the inventory of cold brews for the game! Enjoy, you deserve it CB…
One since 40!!!!
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Steve says:
Wang should submit a bid to Willets Point ASAP. He will get more or less of what he wants in Willets Point: (i.e: up to 9.5 million square feet of development).
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Jimmy Sparx says:
Yuppers
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Mike for Philly says:
Queens!
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RD says:
Happy with the play! Still think we should try to land some more talent from a team with cap trouble. Their are many of them. If Rick EVER gets healthy, maybe we can deal Biron or Roloson to a team like Detroit or Chicago for a decent prospect. Get crackin’, Garth! I’d say trade Rick, but who take that crazy contract.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I also have noticed a huge improvements on faceoffs compared to last season … heck … even over the past few seasons. The only faceoff weapon the Isles had was Mike Sillinger … and the last 2 years we all know how that worked out for Mike.
Faceoffs as fundamental as they are should be worked at to improve. I play center myself and when you take that part of your game lightly you don’t win many faceoffs.
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Glad you kept politics off the blog the past few weeks CB … Dems had plenty of time to ride the orange and blue wave … but didn’t … We all know KM is going to win anyway.
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I’ll be on live chat tomorrow also … then over to my Yankees for game 6. -
JPinVA says:
As a Met fan who sees the WS as the taliban vs al quaeda, I am up for the game time chat. I would also completely understand if you chose to watch the first three innings live.
As far as the TOH election goes. Maybe the whole TOH is casting their vote in respect to the LHP today.
Couldn’t Buffet fit NHL Hockey into his spending spree. The Buffett Centre At Willets Point would be cool. “Where are you going, honey”… “Heading to the Buffett” -
admin says:
I’m well aware of Mrs. McElroy’s health concerns. I was the first reporter to write about her pregnancy. The issue is not with the nominee. My problem is with her party. There was so much they could have done without McElroy pounding the pavement herself…CB
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Justin says:
I am in for the live chat. I’m an Orioles fan so my season ended around May 4th. I’m hoping the Isles can continue to give me something to be excited about and I think they can.
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K-Rob says:
GIVE US CHAT!
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I am certainly not a politician or a real estate developer. Doesn’t the LHP seem fishy to anybody else?
CW agreed to accept the terms of the lease where it is impossible to make any money for 15 years. He wins the bid to develop the land with what made me scratch my head as soon as I saw it.
THERE IS NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION THERE FOR A SMALL CITY.
That’s tens of thousands of people added to the population (temp and permanent)… Expand that for single and double occupancy vehicles, then add that most of the parking is below ground.
Minor league baseball? Sports medicine facility? Skating rinks? More rooms for the Marriot… RENOVATED COLISEUM… not even a NEW one.
Maybe politicians just want to AVOID this whole thing. People are going to jail because of this… I see it coming.
Maybe… just maybe… KM is fighting hte good fight.
- advocatus diaboli
“George Bailey died years ago, everybody lives in Wangville… RIIIING… gedda loada me… I’m makin’ ANGELS!” -
Craig says:
I voted today and when it came to vote for town supervisor, i chose neither. I didn’t vote for either candidate. Murray does not deserve my vote because she refuses to see the big picture for Long Island. As for the opponent, McElroy, she has no experience and hasn’t said anything to make me think she’ll do anything different.
Some may say it’s a waste of a vote but I feel my no vote says how dissatisfied I am with the entire system and how people need to stop playing politics and just do what’s best.
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Who says all Isles fans are also mets fans? And who says all Mets fans live on Long Island? LOL
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Blizzard says: Im a big Yankee fan too. But I was watching the Islanders win their fourth in a row….lol. I would trade a Yankee world series for an Islanders Stanley Cup any day. That being said GO YANKEES!!!! I will be looking for chat!!!!!
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The Ice Man says:
This Mets fan in Giants/A’s land is in for the chat, if it is on. As much as I can’t stand the Yankmee’s, I do appreciate CB’s genetic imprint and will leave it to him decide where his heart is at.
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BrianAlbany says:
CB,
My vote is YES for the live chat, although I will not be able to attend either way. I work for an AHL team and we have a game tomorrow. I really love your chats and ofcourse all your blogs. Do it for the Mets fans if nothing else, and like you said it will only be the 3rd inning, no champagne popping then.
I agree with your stance on the election. I was puzzled too as to why you were so quiet, but this makes sense. As always you made the right move.
Go Isles tomorrow!
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doc says:
I have been to 3 home games this season including the opener and in each one they lost and blew a third period lead in two of them.
I have been a critic of the following:
The “system”
The “effort”
The “Witter”
The “Sim-er”
Tambellini
Nate Thompson
The Benching of Comeau and MeyerI was wrong and I am sorry. I would like to see Comeau and Meyer get another shot at it, but not at the expense of what is currently working.
Keep it up boys… i will be at the game on Saturday and I want to see a “REGULATION” win.
DOC
PS: Jack Hillen is WAAAAY better than expected!!!
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Bob Bassen says:
Yep, Chat sounds good…
Thanks. -
IslesinOside says:
Yes to Chat CB!
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CB. Take the night off (sort of). Watch the games. Give us a good post game story.
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bCarey says:
Perhaps the NHL could consider instituting a faceoff rating stat that takes into account important faceoffs, opponent, zone, etc. Similar to a QB rating.
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Chris says:
Let’s hope Tom Suozzi wins, him losing would be a big blow to the Lighthouse project.
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Jim Clark says: I should be able to make the chat tomorrow, alternating with some baseball chat rooms.
Nice job by Gordon and his minions. I’ll point out the Rochester Amerks are in first place in the North division of the AHL. They named Ted Nolan Assistant VP of hockey operations last July after going 29-46-8 in 2008-09. But the Islanders told us Nolan couldn’t work with young players.
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Signit says:
Nassau County Executive — 910 of 1,137 precincts reporting (80%)
Edward Mangano (R,TR) 92,384 49%
Tom Suozzi* (D,I,WF) 88,649 47% -
I am not sure that Suozzi losing would result in the death of the Light House project. Think about it. Mangano has said he supports the project. If he is elected, he and Murray, both Republicans, can take credit for the project, and perhaps the last hurdle has been cleared. I am not counting on this. However, it is a plausible scenario.
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Shoogah says:
Live chat, please! Love ya, CB!
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Al L says:
Wow!! With 98% of the Precincts in Suozzi leads Mangano by 194 votes! QUESTION: If they end up in a tie,is there a SHOOTOUT????
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Islesin2010 says:
Agree with 58- You deserve a night off, you do enough for us as it is, watch the yanks win the series in peace. I myself will be in attendance. Taking the 3 hour trip up with my roommate and if I happen to miss my 10:50 am journalism ethics class, so be it, hopefully they’ll get a W.
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Peter Mandzych says:
You may disagree with me but this was a bad night for the Lighthouse Project.
We knew that Kate Murray and the Hempstead Town Board Republicans would win tonight.
However….Tom Suoizzi is in the political battle of his life tonight. He is only a few hundred votes ahead.
Here’s the big one…The Republicans will take control of the Nassau County Legislature by a 10 to 9 majority !!!!
That mean’s when the vote comes for the lease on the Lighthouse Project… doesn’t the Nassau County Legislature have to vote on this ??? Will they vote on this before the end of the year or will they vote on this in the beginning of the year when control is turned over to the Republicans. I believe they have to vote on this 120 days after the lease was agreed upon and I know that the County is waiting for the Town of Hempstead to approve the Lighthouse Project Environmental and Zoning Changes. If this goes beyond 120 days…isn’t the Lease Agreement NULL AND VOID meaning Mr Wang has the freedom to escape his Lease obligations or his he bound to the previous lease agreement with SMG until 2015 ????
Will Kate Murray and her Hempstead Republican Town Board members attempt to “RUN OUT THE CLOCK” on the County’s new lease agreement since now the Republicans hold power in the Nassau County Legislature ???? All sounds confusing…doesn’t it ???!!!!!
Things just got a little more stickier !!!!!
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The Mick says:
Yes on the live chat.
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hyedray says:
As a life long Dem, I was very disappointed with the election results but not surprised. McElroy was a no show from the beginning. He pregnancy issues caused her to be a non factor early on, and she never really campaigned—something that seemed to plague ALL democrats this year—including Suozzi. He was as much a factor in Democrats losing Nassau as any other issue or cause. They layed a huge egg this year.
The funny thing about this is that one of 2 things will happen. Either Murray disappears for two more years—as she usually does after an election OR with the change in the Legislature going to republicans—she may now be ready to cooperate and pass something. Now that the GOP has control perhaps they can take the credit for getting it done. I think that if Suozzi holds on for the win, it will NOT get done. If Mangano wins, suddenly they will get it done.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
Murray only got 65% of the vote — an impressive job by McElroy to put a dent in the voting population. Imagine if her campaign actually made some effort, regardless of her medical issues. At one point she responded that this election was all about the last month anyway…I gather not.
Anyway, given the results, perhaps this will be the mandate Kate needs to end the LHP.
As for the Isles, it certainly is all about effort. It’s the same effort they’ve put in just about every game (except the 5-1 MTL loss), things are just starting to click. It takes me back to the Boston win when I felt this team could really go farther than expected (And makes me regret garth couldn’t steal the 2nd overall pick for hedman by trading this year’s #1 and a few other picks.) c’est la vie. GO ISLANDERS! GO YANKEES!
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
I agree CB, if McElroy ran with it more she woudl of had a chance. what more interesting is despite winning, how few votes were casted for Anthony Santino.
I guess Local Rockviller Ctr Christian Browne didnt take my advise. I suggest to him that he come public and say he is for the LHP. Maybe he lied to me that that why he never stated it. To think he lost by alittle over 300 votes. He could ahve won those just on POINTBLANK.
Isles come on and make it 5 in a row. and Lets see the yanks close it out tonight so i can focus more on hockey, And catch up on some sleep.
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Well I voted for McElroy but apparently nobody else did.
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AM says:
I don’t see the Republican Party, being that they have control now, making the Lease Agreement Null and Void as that is real bad for SMG as they lose their cash cow and that has a direct effect on Al D’mato’s pockets.
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Marty says:
The only reason that Kristen actually had a campaign the last month was Islander fan and pointblank reader Joe Conte. Joe, great job in trying to organize the late push and getting her name out. Wang should still give you season tickets for life for all the time you put towards the campaign the last 5 weeks. Apparently it takes more than one 25 year old Islander fan to win an election. I am still impressed with all you accomplished in such a short time. Too bad you didn’t call McElroy’s people last year. If you had the extra time, there is no doubt you would have pulled out a victory.
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Sorry Willis. But read the posts in here and tell me how many good things are said about the players as opposed to the coaches and GM. It’s just the reality of following a losing franchise I guess and my point was proven correct. Win= Look how great the players are doing, Loss= fire the coaches and GM because they suck.
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This is not a good day for the light house project. Murray won by 37K votes with a 30% margin. This was horrible & Suozzi is up by 237 votes. I’m sure a mandatory recount will happen.
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Fist of Gillies says:
You have to actually campaign to unseat an incumbant and win an election.
Completely agree with CB’s take on McElroy’s efforts in this race. Where was she all summer long when the cameras were out and people were talking Lighthouse?
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Lol, of course you’re right, but you’re preaching to the choir here, bud. When they do well it’s because they followed what the coaches taught. And vice versa. Maybe we all need to be reminded of that from time to time, in a subtle way.
yes do the live chat for the met fans!