CAPS at NYI, 7:05 pm: AO’s advice to JT
Boudreau on the NYI: “They scare me to death”
Penguins go 2-0 on their Fathers’ Trip
Chris Conner’s big day in New York
CB’s weekly NHL column for FanHouse
11:55 am - Alexander Ovechkin offered this advice to John Tavares:
“If I was him, during the Olympic break, I would just go somewhere and rest and not even think about hockey.” Ovechkin said he understood how, as a rookie, Tavares could be “physically and mentally tired.”
The Capitals superstar chalked most of Tavares’s troubles to pressure. “It’s hard when you get lots of attention,” said Ovechkin. “Everybody is always looking at you to do something great.”
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11:40 am - Dwayne “The Rock” Roloson and your gutty-gritty-gifted Islanders host Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals tonight at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
“People underestimate the Islanders, and they shouldn’t,” Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said this morning. “I’ve coached against Scott Gordon teams for a long time and Scott’s teams are always hard-working. I think they’re a really good team. They scare me to death.”
Few other teams do. The Capitals have won six in a row, tied for the longest active streak in the NHL. Ovechkin has points in nine straight games. Since returning from injury, Alexander Semin has 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points in 24 games. Jose Theodore is expected to start in goal for the Capitals. Boudreau is 6-0-3 against the Islanders since becoming Washington’s head coach.
There will always be a drop-off with weeknight crowds, but with the fans starting to come back to the barn you have to figure a match against AO and the true Wizards of Washington should be a good draw.
Josh Bailey is under the weather and had a doctor’s appointment this morning. Bailey will be a game-time decision. If he can’t go, it won’t hurt to play Jeff Tambellini. All three games this season between the Islanders and Capitals have gone to overtime or a shootout, with Washington winning two. The last for Islanders-Capitals games in Uniondale have gone to overtime.
Tambellini could be a good shootout option after the money boys - Frans Nielsen, Rob Schremp and Matt Moulson.
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With Howie Rose sidelined with a stomach virus, MSG Network has chosen Rangers radio announcer Kenny Albert to call tonight’s game with Billy Jaffe. Kenny certainly has some Islanders cred, calling their games on the radio when we were both a lot younger. He is also one of the best play-by-play broadcasters in the game.
While Islanders fans may find it odd that a current Rangers broadcaster is calling an Islanders game tonight, to me what’s even more surprising is that the Rangers apparently have no issue with it. After all this time, can you picture Howie Rose subbing for Sam Rosen? Kenny Albert has been calling Rangers games on the radio since 1995.
MSG didn’t make the call this time to Chris King, who bleeds Islanders orange, is in the Islanders “family” as a jack-of-all-trades on the radio side and even calls play-by-play for high school hockey games on MSG Varsity. Here’s hoping the next time they need an Islanders play-by-play man in a pinch, Kinger gets the call.
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Media Alert: I’ll be a guest on a pair of satellite radio programs today.
5:30 pm - “Hockey Night in Canada” Radio with co-hosts Kelly Hrudey (!) and Jeff Marek on Sporting News Radio 127 on Sirius.
6:00 pm - “Faceoff” with the great Boomer Gordon on NHL Home Ice 208.
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And finally, if the Islanders have a problem with Colin Campbell, it’s up to them if they want discuss it privately with the NHL or share their thoughts publicly with the media. For his part, Sean Bergenheim told Katie Strang, “It was a really stupid play by (Colin) White. I don’t believe he wanted to cut me, but it was a stupid play and for stupid plays like that there should be consequences.” Good for Sean for speaking out.
I’ve written plenty about Colin Campbell, who is really bad at what he does. But if you’re looking for someone to make it his mission to ride Campbell out of town because you think he has it in only for your team, you’ve come to the wrong place. Again, this is an issue that seems to mean a lot more to the fans than it does to Islanders management.
Comments on tonight’s game and this post.
99 Responses to “CAPS at NYI, 7:05 pm: AO’s advice to JT
Boudreau on the NYI: “They scare me to death””
Please Wait
“They scare me to death” haha, gotta love it
We’ve played Washington tough all year. Hockey is a team sport and is all about “matchups”. We match up well against them. We do not match up well against Philly, for example.
That said, this team is much improved and has deservged the recent respect. My fear is that we go on a downward spiral because of all the flattery.
Is this a joke ?
Kinger got Jobbed my MSG. Not fair, I would much rather listen to King that Kenny.
Its great to hear good stuff from the opposing coaches. It means we have arrived and getting some respect.
Once Taveras gets goin, they will scare a lot more people to death.
What else would the coach say. “we own this team? Easy game for us”. Only the jets coach talks like that. I personaly hate the caps forever as they stole illegally, the only chance I will ever have of seeing isles win a cup in my lifetime.
I’d rather go through the torture of watching Brendan Witt log 30 minutes of ice time than have to listen to Kenny Albert call this game!
If the Devils weren’t playing tonight, would we have had the pleasure of Doc Emerick as substitute announcer/play-by-play man?
I will be there looking to the scare-fest tonight! I hope Bailey can go though…
Chris King would have been fine - Kenny Albert come on.
CB -Could tonight be Tambellini’s last chance, if he plays?
the way it is set up now - Roloson & DP could go every other game with starts until the Olympic Break
Hopefully JT breaks out. This would be a perfect time against Jose-Go-Ahead-and-score. A break out offensive flurry would be nice tonight!
I need someone on the Islanders to get a hat trick tonight. I really need a new blackberry.
JT hatty tonight if Bailey goes cause the BTO line is the shizit.
I’ll be in my season seats tonight all ready to see our isles take out the 1 team in the east
What a joke by MSG. Do any of us want to listen to a Ranger announcer who doesn’t watch a lot of Islanders and has no insight on the team announce our game tonight. Shoe on the other foot, no chance this happens. Another slap in our faces by the Dolan run Cablevision/MSG. Unreal and disgusting.
every time a player gets hurt it does not deserve a suspension—enough said
Here’s hoping Josh and Howie feel better
Looking forward to having Tambellini back if only for a night - feel better soon Josh.
Wish I wasn’t going to miss most of the game - I hope the Isles play THEIR game tonight.
It’s a shame Chris King isn’t getting the chance tonight although I am not too familiar with him having not listened on the radio too often in the past, but since he bleeds orange…..
The idea of the remote possibility of Sam Rosen calling the play-by-play for the Islanders game “scares me to death”.
I like Ovie’s advice to Tavares. I’m sure he’s speaking from experience, so it’s definitely worth noting for JT.
It’d be interesting if Tambs subs in on Bailey’s line w/ Tavares and Okposo rather than being relegated to the fourth line.
On the announcer deal, no big deal…we’re forced to watch a Rangers announcer every game anyway
But while I don’t really care for Rose’s play-by-play, I hope he shakes that stomach bug soon. Those things are brutal.
Much to do about nothing.Kenny Albert is a true professional.He does Fox NFL,Fox MLB,NY Knicks on MSG in addition to his NY Rangers work.No complaints from this viewer.
Kenny Albert?? Glad I am going tonight.. It’s not easy being green.. Or being an Islanders fan..
The problem I have with the announcer thing doesn’t have anything to do with Kenny Albert’s ability. He’s fine. But this whole Isles-Rangers-Devils MSG family has gotten a little too incestuous for my taste. I don’t like that there are Rangers commercials on during Isles games. I guess I’m used to the Devs commercials, being that we’ve been married to them from the times of SportsChannel, but its just weird watching promotions for upcoming Rangers games during our games. I can’t imagine them doing Isles promotions during the Ranger games, but I guess its possible. Either way, they’re our rival, but we play effectively on the same channel (I know MSG and MSG+ are different, but c’mon), and even worse, we play on their network. Imagine the Rangers playing on the Nassau Coliseum Channel? I just hate this arrangement. It’s better being on TV than not, and obviously the TV deal has saved us for years financially, but I’m looking forward to when SNY or YES takes us and makes us a prime product.
who cares that howie is out. He jinxes the isles pretty much all game. Besides i will be at game so i dont have to listen to commentary.
welcome back andy sutton. I really hope he doesnt become hit shy. everyone knows he is not a dirty player but he can use the fear opposing players have now to his advantage. He can really set nice tone plastering Semin right at the blue line with a famous andy crunching hit.
If Bailey feeling good, give tambo a chance on first line. Im sure he is dying to play.
Tonight smells of Isles win. Goals by Tavares, Sim, and Tambellini. 4-3 win.
call me crazy, but I’d like to see sim moved up to play with JT and KO if Bailey sits out. Tambs might work, but I feel that JT could really benefit from someone else on his line drawing the abusive attention he’s been getting this year. Sim might actually work well there.
Thats good advice from Big Al… I hope John relaxes and has fun during the break.
Calssy words by Ovie!
Classy I mean….
It’s bad enough I get stuck listening to Kenny Albert during Giants games. If he’s calling this game tonight, I guess I’ll find something else to watch.
I disagree with many of you. I think that Kenny Albert is a high-quality play-by-play guy. Even though he works with Maloney most nights, he will be prepared for this broadcast and will have plenty of insight on the Isles. He knows hockey and that’s most important.
Now as far as the game goes, let’s see what two JT’s together can produce. Let’s go Isles.
Hey CB, I’ve always wondered, how is Alex Ovechkin personally? I mean sometimes it seems he could be someone who is stand offish, but most of the time he seems like a passionate guy who loves to play hockey. Just an off topic question.
But anyway, GO ISLANDERS
I was hoping for Vin Scully in the booth with Jaffe.
Colin Campbell is a fool. An absolute fool who’s lacks objectivity and the ability to do his job adequately.
Maybe it doesn’t bother the Isles’ management, but it should. Campbell has been treating the Isles as “second-class citizens” years. His matter-of-fact dismissal of the idea of disciplining Mike Mottau last year for his cheap shot on Neilsen was eggregious. Especially in light of his ridiculous 5-game suspension of Thomas Pock for the same thing. His failure to be consistent with his punishment for identical infractions is also disturbing.
I thought one of the goals of the NHL was to protect its players? When an idiot like Campbell doesn’t punish certain players on certain teams and practices a double-standard, its the players who suffer.
why would the rangers have a problem with kenny alberts doing our game.. they are owned by MSG its their move!!
Would it not been fun if we could have drafted ex NY Islander announcer John Sterling back into duty?I will bet most people on this blog never ever heard John’s Islander broadcasts circa 1979.
I heard Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman were recently cast in the third installmaent of the Dumb & Dumber movies aptly titled Dumberer & Dumberest.
Glad that Bergie is ok. Its a shame that the league is clueless about so many things. The ineptness is more sad than funny. Oh well, I don’t foresee anything getting better anytime soon.
Good luck against the Caps tonight! And CB, tell my favorite goalie of all-time that I said hello!
Islander goal!!!
I remember John Sterling very well.
Chris King should have got the call not Albert.
I’d go to John Sterling, I know he’s a clown now, but it’d be fun to hear him do a game and scream “ISLANDER GOAL! ISLANDER GOAL!” again
I dont remember sterling, but i do remeber barry landers and jean potvin
The impending Sutton vs Ovie collision may cause the coliseum to implode tonight.
I don’t care who calls the game. I’m just glad the Isles are still televised.
I’d LOVE to see Sutton just absolutely truck Ovechkin tonight at the blue line. While Ovie might have some nice words for Tavares, I hate his attitude. He’s very cocky and shows off too much. Say what you want about Crosby, but he’s at least a good sport when it comes to celebrating.
Hope Josh Bailey plays, really like seeing him on the ice! Though I still feel bad that Tamby never gets ice time. If we see a shootout against Theodore, Tambellini should be the first to shoot. His high wrister against Theodore’s non existent glove is an easy goal. Shoot em high tonight boys, get pucks on net!
And for the record, I think that Bergie is great on and off the ice. At least SOMEONE on this team said something.
Oh, and teams like the Caps SHOULD fear the Islanders. We have four lines that can play two way hockey and forecheck. The Capitals have one great line, one good line, and two lines that I can’t name a single player on.
CB,
Have you ever had a chance to speak to John Sterling about the early years of Islanders radio? His “Islander Goal! Islander Goal! Islander Goal!” calls are among my favorite memories of the 74-75 team. Do the Islanders hold any kind of special place in his heart?
King is the #2 King, only Elvis would be better - can you imagine Elvis doing the play by play? KO flattens AO…
“this is an issue that seems to mean a lot more to the fans than it does to Islanders management.”
Sadly that is true. Isles ownership and management cares nothing about defending it’s players on or off the ice. They have a real bend over and take it mentality.
In our house, we still say “Islander Goal!, Islander Goal!” whenever the Islanders score and the kids have no idea where this started.
A Ranger announcer calling an Islander game. Just another kick in the face to the organization by that incarnate of evil Charles Dolan.
Kinger deserves to do tv for the Isles given the radio experience he’s done and he could do both pxp or analysis. I loved hearing him and John (forgot his last name but now he does the radio for the Hawks) back in the early to mid 2000s
“They scare me to death”…
…like a mouse scares an elephant.
…like Rosie scares the Donald.
…like Wile E. Coyote scares the Roadrunner (Meep Meep).
I enjoyed Harold Moskowitz’ call when it was all I could get as a kid in Brooklyn(no cable)… Tonight I’ll be forced to listen to Laughlin. I like Beninati, but Laughlin reminds me of fingernails on a blackboard. I envy those who will get Kenny and Billy.
If the Isles got their own network, or signed with SNY I’d love a team of Beninati(childhood Islander fan) and #5.
Yeah maybe John Sterling back in the day was good but now he just drives me batty. Can you imagine the call “And the Islanders score on a shot from the point…a killin’ by Jack Hillen!’
Ethan K– i would take ovechkin’s cockiness (which is entirely deserved… he is leap years beyond crosby and every other player in the league in terms of talent) over crosby’s attitude (ie whiner, complainer, sense of entitlement, etc) any day.
I’ll be forced to listen to Laughlin (nice guy but he sounds like Squiggy from Laverne and Shirley) as well, hopefully the Islanders will put the “biscuit in the basket” (how I hate that phrase) often.
I believe his last name was Wideman or Weidman #49. And I agree it was great listening to those guys do the game on the Radio. Big game, hope the boys come out with a good effort
Actually I think Tambs in the shootout would be tough against Theodore because his glove hand is different than most goalies….
I’m fine with Kenny calling the game. He’s fine on Giant games (At least compared to Buck). He’s Marv’s son, correct?
And to Ethan K. who criticizes the Caps; while the Isles are certainly making progress, this is a 1st place team you’re talking about! Let’s not get too cocky
I’ll listen to the “radio” broadcast tonight to avoid Kenny Albert. Oh wait a minute……..
Grew up listening to the Albert Brothers, and each were professional about the game they were covering. I know Kenny would be no different. However, Chris King should have been the first call from MSG. Hell, I would love to hear old man Stan call an Islander game!!
It’s highly unlikely, but is there anywhere one can find old John Sterling Islander footage? It would be really strange listening to him do hockey.
I just want to hear sterling go “Islanders Win!! THEEEEEEEEE ISLANDERS WIN!!”
I think the Islanders keep it close but Theodore is an Islander killer and the Caps are hot.
does anyone have a WORKING stream for this? i live in dc and they aren’t showing it..
Doesnt need to be scared, they look bad.
boy this is going to be a long night. Hunter looks winded already.
Tavares has to start producing if the Isles are going to continue to win.
OK, nice shift there hitting the post.
Oh no - Hillen is done.
some sloppy plays by sutton on the pp including the goal
1:4 game over i’am going to bed.
The Isles caught Detroit and New Jersey during some bad streaks and injuries when the beat ‘em … not taking away from those victories … they were well deserved dominating victories … but since Pittsburgh … the Isles look very mortal.
unnecessary penalty by Bergenheim (as usual) and suddenly it is 3-1 game, and then 4-1. i wonder of the guy has brains. I know he has a lot of energy and speed, i am just not sure about his brains
Men against boys.
hey JP, i’m watching the caps feed on the internet. you are spot on about that man’s voice. horrible!!!!!!!!
Roli chased, DP in
boudreau was right, the caps really do look scared to death.
We got’em right where we want’em
Awful game, no one to even make it entertaining.
I hope Hillen is OK. Looked like an awful injury. He’s had a solid season so far. The team will miss him if he’s out for an extended period of time.
This is the worst Isles game ever.
I give him credit for skating off the ice under his own power and refusing the stretcher. You’d never see an athlete in another sport do that.
Hillen taken to the hospital. DiPietro taken to hell, starting second period…CB
i guess we don’t need Tamby for the shootout tonight
Scary alright. 5-1 with 15 Mins left still in 2nd Period
Wow. Getting clobbered. Caps feed is in SD, so the Wizards can be in HD. WTF? Chalk this one up fellas. We’re just not to their level yet. Remember the caps were where we are a few years back. Btw, we all need full face shields.
And BOOOM! goes the dynamite
i have 2 words - dp sucks
yeah #87. DP is the reason why they’re losing. Roloson started the game, and with Bruno Gervais having the greatest game of his career, and the fact that the islanders can’t play a body. Goalies have not had any help. Tough game, shake it off tomorrow and play hard. Theres a reason these guys are gonna be either #1 or 2 seed. But for the hell of it, lets cue the taylor hall talk. Hahaha, maybe Seth was right with his prediction. (Sarcasm)
not watching the game. Can someone tell me exactly what happened to Hillen? I know he was taken to the hospital but what happened?
Ovechkin slap shot to the jaw while Hillen was standing in front of the net. Flush. Pretty ugly - nasty blood stain on the ice. Clean play, just bad luck.
Hillen took a shot in the face by Ovechkin…
The Islanders need more of a physical presence like a Bufylien from Chicago..who can canscore 20 goals. How about Matt Martin? Is he ready…
jesus that sounds brutal!! Sucks that it couldnt have been Bradley or Erskine taking that shot lol. What luck, he gets a guy who probably gets the gun to 95+. hopefully he’ll be ok.
The thing that gets me mad about this team is simply the fact that they don’t get mad. They’re getting embarassed and they don’t get pissed. I’m not saying to take stupid penalties, but make someone pay for getting in front of the net and going to the corners.
So would it be considered “progress” if this team makes the playoffs in the 8th spot and then has its ass handed to them by the likes of WSH or NJ? Frankly we’ve seen that show before, see the 03,04 and 07 teams, I’d prefer another top 5 or 10 draft pick, as opposed to getting smoked out of the 1st round in a sweep.
92- i totally agree with you mike, it doesnt even look like anyone’s mad about being destroyed in their own building.
10 minutes left, i turned the game off, at least they could have come out and competed in the third.
Our power play actually looks like a power play, but they have to stop trying to set up from the corner behind the net, its doing nothing for them.
2 more goalposts, tavares was really creative tonight, i think the isles really need to win 3 of these 4 road games coming up
I don’t want to get too down on him seeing as he has been turning his game around the last few weeks but Bruno Gervais was abused tonight. By far his worst game in quite some time. Players, no matter how skilled, should not be allowed to easily weave through an NHL defenseman like numerous Caps did to #8 tonight. Bounce back Thursday Bruno
Man, all you guys were crying about Sim and Thompson earlier this season. Well with Thompson gone and Sim having a respectable season for someone of his calibur, do we shift the new focus to Bruno? I don’t know if he could play any worse than he did tonight. Besides his blatent lack of any physical play every night, he lets Brooks Laich walk right in and score on DP, same with Knuble and same with Semin. I counted -4 for him, but it may be worse. Bring up Kohn for the next game because if you have a game this terrible, you need to know that your roster spot is not safe.
billy, it would be great if they could win 3 out of the next 4 but if they could split the next 4 games, I think it would be considered a successful road trip…
I miss Hillen!!!!