NYI at PITTSBURGH, 7:30 pm – Game on…Martin in front…3-goalie blues…Botte in-game Comment-ary
(Kohn, Martin and Joensuu - photo by Rich Stieglitz)
The Islanders are at the, uh, Igloo: The team arrived safely in Pittsburgh at a reasonable hour last night. Game on. Marc-Andre Fleury against fellow first overall pick Rick DiPietro, wouldn’t you say? Unless a possible trade partner would like to see the Islanders start Dwayne Roloson.
Scott Gordon last night: “I don’t think you could have asked for a better performance from (Martin Biron). The guy deserves a better fate than what he’s had this year.” Interpretation: call him Salesman Scotty.
Peter Botte on Point Blank Tonight: Join Point Blank in Comments tonight during Islanders-Penguins. Making a visit will be Peter Botte, Islanders reporter for the Daily News. Pete is a former Islanders beat writer from the Post and the co-author of the pop culture masterpiece “Fish Sticks.” At the end of the first period, you’re invited to ask Peter questions about his book and his Islanders memories of the last decade-plus.
(photo by Rich Stieglitz)
Maximum Martin: According to Gordon, Matt Martin was always going to be on the second-unit power play on Tuesday. He just was promoted to the first unit soon after.
“I’ve watched Matt in Bridgeport,” said Gordon. “He goes to the net hard. I thought of him for the power play right away. He’s the only player who is comparable to the guy in Detroit (Tomas Holmstrom).”
I assume Gordon meant in the Islanders organization, not the entire NHL.
Still, even a little hyperbole is understandable after Martin’s NHL debut last night. When the game started, no one would have envisioned the rookie winger making Gordon’s six-man unit with the goalie pulled in the final minute with the Islanders down 3-2. Martin, by then an easy choice to play, assisted on Mark Streit’s game-tying goal.
“Matt earned the opportunity and he made the most of it,” said Gordon. “If he continues to play like that, he’ll be rewarded.”
The Three-Goalie Blues: Winning goalie Martin Biron did not make the trip to Pittsburgh. He’ll work out with the Islanders’ injured players like Tim Jackman and Jack Hillen while Roloson and DiPietro dress for the game against the Penguins.
Biron was his usual candid self in discussing the challenges of a three-goalie system. “It’s hard,” he said. “Ask Rollie. They had three in Edmonton before they traded Mathieu Garon.” If there was any question, no one is happy with having three goaltenders around.
I mentioned to Biron that in this strange business it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ended up being one of two Islanders goalies on the night of March 3. He said if it came down to that, he would be happy to be an Islander and to talk about a deal for the future. However, he cautioned that he wasn’t sure that’s how this story will play out.
Shooting Stars: One of a few things I don’t like about the shootout is that too much emphasis is placed on who scored the “winning” goal in the breakaway skills competition. As a result, not enough talk is about the actual game. You know, when there are other players in the ice.
Matt Martin was the story last night, as were several others (Freddy Meyer, Rob Schremp, Andrew MacDonald, Martin Biron’s return). John Tavares was not the First Star, nor should he have been anywhere near the headline. He was only the First Star because when teams do the third period polling and a game goes to overtime, they often just automatically leave the No. 1 for the guy who gets the game-winner. Of course, in the shootout, that is silly. Even Tavares looked like he knew he shouldn’t have been in the spotlight.
He Ain’t Healthy: Showing Doug Weight the respect he deserves, the Islanders have pointed out that the captain was not a “healthy scratch” last night. He was rested for one game with his well-documented upper-body injury. So if Doug plays tonight, do we call him “injured-but-in”? (Just a playful jab, not a shot, folks).
Comments on tonight’s game and this post. See you later for the in-game Commentary with Peter Botte. It’s a good night in New York to watch and talk hockey.
74 Responses to NYI at PITTSBURGH, 7:30 pm – Game on…Martin in front…3-goalie blues…Botte in-game Comment-ary
-
Brian G says:
Martin looked good but everyone cannot expect that every night…I still hope guys like Park and Sim could be moved by the deadline.
CB – Anyway the islanders offer Freddy Meyer a 1 or 2 year extention? He has been consistant the last 10 games or so, he is not a superstar but good in his own zone.
-
TuxTax says:
Glad Tavares pushed all the credit to Biron in the post game interview. Is it too much to ask JT or Okie to contribute with a goal anytime soon?
-
Eastonhockey says:
I don’t understand why fans care about who gets the stars to the game. I don’t even keep the tv on long enough to find out. I like the quote by botta on prince dipietro playing. “unless another team scouts want rolleson on”. ….it is so true. Isles want that 4th round puck for biron so bad they throw points out the window. It’s like spending 5 bucks in gas to go to the store to return your can deposits for 4 dollars.
-
Blitz says:
DAL joined the 3 goalie circus last night…
Turco is more expensive, but the better goalie with Cup under his belt. Turco sends the message of “I need a starter” over my current group. Biron is the cheaper/more affordable safety cushion for a contender. He sends the message “I have a 1A I can use if I really need to.” Different values, perspectives, and messages.
The goalie injuries, which is where NYI had the opportunity to move Biron, have occured with the bottom feeders (EDM and CAR) and a former team that dismissed the UFA-to be last season (PHI).
-
Willis says:
Glad they made it safely, I can’t imagine flying thru a storm YUCKKKKKKK.
Also glad Biron got to play a game – I would have been fine with him in again tonight.
Hoping for a good game tonight. GO ISLES! -
RobC says:
I agree. First of all making JT the 1st star prolly embarrases him more than anything else. I don’t think it instills confidence either and prolly puts even more pressure on him to carry the team. Its like saying, here is our teenage savior even tho they keep saying he’s just a piece of the puzzle. I don’t like it at all but I guess its really the least of our worries as Isles fans, like if we’re even gonna have a team to root for in a couple years.
Like Chris said earlier in the week, its never easy being an Isles fan.
-
Gary9-19-22 says:
the team has lack spark for a few weeks.. They were successful because of the kids earlier, let them try to be succesful with them now. I say, if I was Garth that is…
Sutton is a keeper, I dont care what they offer you (unless its something crazy that knocks your socks off. Like Boston giving us Toronto’s 1st pick. LOL)
Trade Biron, good soldier that deserves a better fate.
Make Roli the true #1 and let him play 3 of 4 or 4 of 5 all the way down the stretch. DP’s time will be next year, or until he proves he can win a game on his own.
Between Park, Sim and Weight one MUST go. I say it’s a toss up between Park and Sim. Keep Park only because he can play shorthanded.
Someone explain to this team that they were awesome when they initiated contact and forced mistakes. No one has skated since they declared themselves a play off team.Last thought… Next time the collective team doesn’t skate and play hard pull an Herb Brooks on them. Dont let them take their equipment off and make them practice after the game is over!!!
They dont have to like Go-Go, but they do have to respect him.
-
MJS says:
I think it’s going to be tough to pull off a trade involving Roloson or Biron. It seems that a lot of the teams that are floating around the playoff bubble could use better backup goaltending, but thus far, only starting goalies have been traded and outside of Philly or Atlanta I don’t see too many teams that may be looking for a starter, and Atlanta is only going to be looking for that if they win, say two of their last three before the Olympic break. The rest of the teams looking for a backup are probably going to be disinclined to give up too much or deal with getting rid of the guys they have backing up already, especially in trading for Biron who was a little unsteady last night and even early in the season. If there is a trade, though, I almost hope it’s Rolly that goes. With that “I’m better the more I play” comment he really isn’t setting himself up to be the good soldier backup goalie if Ricky puts it back together again, but Biron has been a champ throughout all of this, and when he gets support a team can win with him in net as well.
-
isles420 says:
i wanna see martin beat the crap out of crosby
-
islesfan999 says:
Im hoping by friday snow has made some nice trades for us. Sutton needs to be traded he is an excellent #2 or #3 defensman. His value has never been higher. I would expecpt at least a #2 and top prospect for him or a #1. Biron should get a prospect or #3 -4 pick. Park should get us a prospect. Sim can maybe get us #5 if were lucky. Lets be smart and get rid of the older guys. I would also like to trade Hunter as he is 2 slow.
-
AJ says:
Last night the Jaff at one point called Joensuu, “Yesse”. Heh.
-
ed says:
If the islanders get any prospect for the players mentioned, I would be shocked. I would expect draft picks but I would enjoy prospects, but the value of the islanders players besides Sutton is not too high to say the least
-
What channel is the gam eon tonight in NYC?? I cannot find it anywhere. Is there a channel they usual use for when there are 3 games on?
-
Amerks44 says:
IMO they should keep Biron and trade one of the other 2.BUT if you heard his interview last nite he sounded like he knows he will be gone. And for all the posters who claims Biron looked shaky in previous listings I don’t think he was…IMO…
-
Bob Bassen says:
Yeah, I really like Sutton and if he LOVES the Islanders, etc. he’ll sign over the Summer anyway, right? That wasn’t fake passion when he crushed his stick on that Sim/Slow line change goal. Nice.
Better to snag the pick. I hate to see Rollie leave but if something Juicy is dangled…
Yep. Gotta like Martin. Not bad at all. Personally I am much more interested to see KO, JT or Bailey (yes, even Bailey!) have their *first* fight, though. I suspect Martin at only 1 NHL game to his name will come first though.
Go Isles! -
Tony D says:
Let’s give Martin a number in the 20s and keep him
-
JR says:
The game is usually on Ch. 198 or 199 on TWC
-
JD says:
Ed#14, game is on msg plus2. Channel 414 if u have cablevision IO.
-
Sutton’s not perfect but how many D men with size and actual skating and even scoring ability like he has are there going to be come July? And who would be inclined to come to the Isles?
I don’t know…whats that saying – don’t cut off your toe to spite your foot? We’re all griping about size and hitting! What if he gets traded and then doesn’t come back? I’d feel like it was a step back. Tough decision. -
Staten Islander says:
Unless a goalie on a top team gets hurt, you’re not going to get much for Biron or Roloson
-
goteamgo says:
if lehtonen can fetch a player and a pick where lehtonen didnt even play this year, biron can fetch the same…
-
Irish Isle says:
Before we annoint Matty Martin the second coming of John Tonnelli, lets see the energy he brings in his fifth game . . .his tenth . . his twentieth. Though it was great to see some big bodies in front of the net.
If I was Garth . . .(Sounds like a possible column/comment section during the break) . . .Well I have previously said it, so I won’t repeat myself, expect lets remember, we are in Year 2 of Rebuild, its not Playoffs or bust.
Hay Chris any word on what Garth, Gordo, Jankowski, the players will be doing during the winter break. I know the Olympics shouldnt trade his travel plans, any word what they are?
-
Hud says:
Good to see Biron get the start, but, shouldn’t Roloson be in the nets tonight?
-
Or if you’re from North Jersey it will be on the back to the future channel again – #66.
-
dose says:
14 ed on Feb 10th, 2010 13:16:56 said:
What channel is the gam eon tonight in NYC?? I cannot find it anywhere. Is there a channel they usual use for when there are 3 games on?i believe the extra overflow channel for time warner is 51 (normally the guide channel). for cablevision in nyc 14 i think.
-
uh-oh. i’m not sure now. yikes.
dose on Feb 10th, 2010 13:55:16 said:
14 ed on Feb 10th, 2010 13:16:56 said:
What channel is the gam eon tonight in NYC?? I cannot find it anywhere. Is there a channel they usual use for when there are 3 games on?i believe the extra overflow channel for time warner is 51 (normally the guide channel). for cablevision in nyc 14 i think.
-
I would like to see Richard Park as the healthy scratch tonight if Doug Weight returns. His -19 is not a screaming endorsement for his value on the ice.
-
Realistic trade value:
Sutton = Prospect & 2nd rd pick
Roloson = Prospect & 2nd rd pick
Biron = 3rd rd pick or minor prospect
Park = 6th rd pick
Meyer = 6th rd pick
Sim = 7th rd pick or waivers -
Sorry, I think biron is a great guy but I have never seen such a big goalie cover so little net. He would almost be better off spreading himself out and staying in one position. Sutton is a keeper. He is big, he hits, he skates and he wants to play here. How can you say you will take a 2nd round pick? If we keep trading all the players that help us, how long will this rebuild last?
-
Scott S. says:
Newsday article was shameful today. How could Matt Martin not be mentioned in an article about last night’s game? I’m not talking about gushing about our new future star – but he had 2 assists in his debut – isn’t that at least news worthy? Real miss by Katie Strange…and yes, Meyer should have been first start, or at least a star. Very odd night…
-
IslesRock says:
I think Sutton will be traded because of his age, trade value, and some team will offer him a three year 9 million+ deal next year, which is out of Isles range. Brian G gives a fair trade value for Sutton, but it better be a top prospect, with size!!
-
ny711ot says:
Agreed irish isle. I like what I saw of martin but if he was bringing it like that every nite in the a, he would be leading the league in scoring….but I really liked what I saw….
-
Desmond says:
went to the game last night on a whim. glad i did.
some various thoughts:
seeing the board and crease work done by joensuu and martin, im beginning to wonder (and this hurts to say as he’s been and still is a personal fave) how much longer hunter is gonna have a place with this group. i love what the guy has done, but there hasnt been much lately. doesnt seem to be shooting anymore, not hitting much either. yeah a 3rd liner that can pot 20-25 is nice, but having guys like martin and joensuu who look like they could chip in 10-15 in less time could offset that output (which he’s not even putting out this year). however, he is the type of guy who i feel comes through in tight games (ie: playoffs).another thing about martin/joensuu: i think either of these guys should take up the tavares area of front of the net/side of the net on the powerplay, and allow JT to be more toward the sideboards/top of the circles so he can get back in rhythm with actually using that shot of his. I think he’s become too programmed for tap-ins that he doesnt seem to be comfortable shooting anymore. and he’s whiffing on the tap-ins now, and actually has been for most of the season.
some trade considerations:
i’d only want to trade Sutton if we think we can pull a Doug Weight-back-to-St. Louis type deal. He’s the only dman with size tha we have that can really handle the big forwards on the other teams. At times he’s reminded me of Witt’s first year here. However, if some team offers a first rounder (Wallin did net a 2nd rounder after all…), that’s a hard offer to turn down.I love Rollie’s game and competitiveness, but you would think DiPietro is only gonna play more next year. So theres probably more value to dealing him rather than Biron, and dealing him before next season starts. Then again, I dont know what GMs think.
Lets get another W tonight.
-
Strummer's Army says:
First off good luck to all of you up north with the snow.
I wonder if Pitt is going after Sutton for the hit last game. I saw Rupp, Guerin, Goddy talking at the bench while the guy was down. Goddy always plays it fair. Hopefully Sutton or Martin can handle Rupp.
Really impressed with Martin and Joensuu. Be even better when we add Petrov and maybe Hall.
Martin played one game and has 2 points. Tim Jackman played 34 and has 3. Plus, Martin is already a better fighter and overall player. Hope the Isles could get something for Jackman but between his play and his broken orbitol he should be done.
Glad to see Sim only got 5 minutes or so last night. Don’t know if he got hurt I fell asleep.
Biron is being evaluted both by the Isles and other teams. Three games in just a few days is a showcase.
Based on Sutton being almost 35 and a UFA I guess I would trade him for substainsal value even if it creates a huge hole for the remainder of the season. Isles can resign him in the summer and I think he’d be eager to return.
Roloson is tough because he could bring in serious value. He fits in so well with the Isles and plays well. Still he’s 40 and the Isles have a lot of goalies. Koskonin and Poulin. Would the Isles do a serious split between Biron and DiPietro to ease Rick back into a normal schedule? Not sure.
Please Snow clean house with the guys we know don’t fit. I wonder what the Isles could get for Comeau?
-
CB – Is Roloson going to be traded?
-
Sutton’s in a walk year and he’s playing for a contract. He is injury-prone, as seen thru most of his stay in Atl and on the Isle. I really hope I’m wrong cuz I love the way the guy plays, but am worried that if they resign him (a huge “if” cuz Wang is obviously doing a salary dump), he’ll be hurt most of the contract again. I also think JT deserved the star last night – he was moving his feet and hitting like a big boy. He darn near tied the guy with a swoop shot before Streit did!
-
7:11 says:
Tonight’s game is also being broadcast on the NHL Network. I don’t know how that works as far as whose feed they’ll be using. Hopefully it’s Howie and Billy. Being in upstate NY with Time Warner Cable, the Isles get bumped off MSG in favor of Buffalo. Tonight, they get bumped behind both the Devils and Rangers. So no matter who’s broadcast I get, at least I can watch on NHL Network.
Go Isles!
-
Hey islesfan999: I’m no CB, but I betcha anyone making decent money has a real shot at being traded so you can bet Roloson’s on the radar!
-
It’d be nice to pull off another win tonight. Hey Gordo, how ’bout some decent lines for a change? How ’bout putting Tamby in instead of Sim or Park?
-
mikef says:
who’s the scratch tonight? judging by 3rd period ice time i’d say is the S-I-M
-
Boss12 says:
Great picture of the kids…
Sutton has to get traded, if we sign him to a long deal, 3 years, he will be just like Witt by the end of it. He plays hard, gets hurt a lot and as any of us over 30 know it starts to catch up with you. Trading now while he has a ton of value and an opportunity to play on a playoff team is a win win win resolution. -
Shremp Co 13 says:
I’m starting to think Roli is prob gonna fetch us more than Biron and that he’s all but gone.
-
Kevin says:
Can the AHL call-ups pick their own numbers? I was hoping Martin would have a lower #. Couldn’t we for once follow Lou Lamarillos lead and restrict these high numbers? We only have 5 numbers retired.
-
dominla says:
trade daddy roli. get something good. this season doesn’t matter. first year for the kid. first year rehab for the dp. who cares if we win a few extra game with grandpa? let him go. keep biron. he’s perfectly capable.
-
#44 Apparently the young actual prospects cannot pick their own numbers but guys like Gillies, Smith and numerous others over the years are allowed to pick their own numbers (14 & 77). I cannot figure out why the guys who’ll be there longterm cannot and the stop gaps can. Martin wears #27 in Bridge and it’s available and would suit him perfectly. JJ wears #6 which is also available but he could find a better number with the Isles, like 11.
-
Honestly, after looking at NHLNUMBERS.COM, as long as Garth has some pieces teams need for depth, we should stack up on draft picks. Example? Matt Martin. A fifth round pick that is only going to get better. Why can’t we part ways with Weight, Biron,Roloson,Park and Hunter. That’s right I said Hunter. If we’re going to keep Matt Martin around full time next year, well then he’s our new hunter. You only need so many guys on a team like him. Plus Martin is a better skater. Stack up on the draft picks. Then maybe you can trade down in the draft for a better first round pick. Hey – Garth has done it before. I’m excited, I don’t think Garth will sit idle on March 3rd. He see’s all the things we’re seeing.
-
VA ISLES says:
Good catch #38. Thanks for the heads up. I freaked for a minute when I was searching the center ice feeds. I know we’re playing the Pens, but us on the NHL nw? Wow. CB, any insight as to why? Just cause its the pens?
-
Jim Clark says: If my Verizon FIOS channel grid is accurate, the game will be on both MSG+2 (81) and the NHL network (87). These things are not 100% accurate.
-
why watch it on the nhl network in hd ch791 , when i can watch it on a crappy sd overflow ch 414. oh yeah cause cable is going to black it out, thanks cable for nothing.
-
when guys are callups they wear whatever number they are given. Thats how its always been. Once the guys make the team they can change their numbers if they want. Hunter, Blake, Steve Webb, Ziggy, its happened time and time again.
-
JP says:
I hate to admit it but Biron should have gotten the nod tonight. With that said I think Rolli is being showcased 100%, perhaps to Pittsburgh. The seasons already in the tank and he has decent trade value. If we can get someone other then a UFA then thats the right move. Besides he’s a proven, established, playoff goaltender. Lets Go Isles…
-
znatokhokkeya says:
when the local channel is broadcasting the game the cable is always blocking NHL Network channel. Time Warner always does this, I am sure the other providers do the same
-
Sorry for Jon Sim, but I think Martin just replaced him. He goes into the corners to get pucks, makes big hits, has a gritty edge and moves around the front of the net instead of standing still. Sim could be Martins less skilled stunt double… I hope him, Weight and Park are sitting in the press box taking notes
-
Oh, great the Isles are on MSGPlus2 channel where they use an old wind up camera.
-
Mike says:
i really hope we do not see a line of moulson/tavares/hunter again that was miserable to watch..that is our 3 slowest players put together
-
Even though #27, let Matty Martin keep the assigned nmuber until he ‘makes the team’. He has three more games on this tryout, then he goes back to the Bridge for the Olympics, get some playing time, work on whatever Gordo tells him he needs to do more of. Then depending on the state of the team, bring him back as long as he will get suffecient playing time. Then next season, if
-
Blizzard says: ….If Martin replaces Sim on this team I will rejoice like we earned a playoff birth. ENough is enough already.
-
tonight should be interesting. my main hope is that the defense is not tired and awful like they can be for some games.
and a note to those who hate MSG plus 2′s ‘my first sony’ camcorder: there will be some very high quality streams on the internet tonight that will be of the pittsburgh feed if that is preferred. if you know where to look then you’re alllllllll good for the evening. just no howie and billy.
-
antonio says:
im a islander lifer for life.I just dont understand how people think there is any “plan” going on here.Any true islander fan,that is one who spends enough attention to what is going on knows the real deal behind all the lies and false illusions.Mr.Wang is holding the islanders hostage as leverage in his mega real estate bonanza also known as the lighthouse project.We have the lowest payroll and free agents would come to the islanders if they were being offered fare market value.But Mr.wang wioll not spend unless he gets his deal or a compromise with which he is happy about from the town of hempstead.THE BOTTOM LINE IS EVEN IF THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT IS APPROVED,THE ISLANDERS WILL NEVER BE A GOOD HOCKEY TEAM AS LONG AS WANG IS THE OWNER….THATS THE BOTTOM LINE MY FRIENDS.
-
If you were Dwayne Roloson this season, wouldnt you be scratching your head big time?
You went from being a red hot starter (Team MVP), to waiting for your turn in a 3-man goalie rotation.
(He’s currently waiting longer than Andy, CC, or AJ had to for their turn in their 3-man rotation).
All threw no fault of his own, he was in the midst of leading the team into a 9-1-2 streak, now he cant get more than a start a week.
Anyone else find this nuts, or even criminal?
Poor Guy is 40, and we are wasting his strong twilight year’s last hoorah for rehabs and auditions……..
D U M B…………
-
Yashin for President says:
Isles22Isles, Roli knew what he was getting himself into when he signed here. On top of that the Isles were the only team to come to the table with that kind of money and years..
-
Biron would be a good backup on a playoff team. Rollie is the reason why the word “playoffs” and “Islanders” can even be spoken in the same breath! I always thought D.P. was average but I liked his edge. Bottom line: with Rollie and D.P. we have a shot at being competitive during the rebuild. With Biron–not so much.
-
Jim M says:
I kind of dont even want to watch the game because this channel looks so awful
-
Mike L says:
I guess this is the one day us Fios subscribers get to watch the game in HD and Cablevision subscribers cant.
-
antonio says:
i agree with #62 antonio wholeheartedly.Look we can make the playoffs if we can make a run its within reach,but is snow doing anything to get us some outside help????noooooooooo.IF IT WAS OK TO TAKE ON SALARY (AND THATS THE BIG QUESTION) then we obviously have the money and some assets we could trade to get us some bonafide nhl talent here right now without sacrificing any of our core players like tavares okposo moulson comeau etc.DO SOMETHING FOR CHRIST SAKE MAN ITS ABOUT TIME SNOW AND WANG IM SICK AND TIRED OF LOSING
-
Lol forgot about blackout restrictions. I guess I cant watch the NHL network HD feed after all. Damn Dolan
-
sim is scratched tonight
-
Themass says:
Damn my directtv is out. Any online feeds?
-
isles316 says:
This isn’t the season to add on salary or trade picks or prospects to help the lineup. I’m tired of losing too, but in the big picture, trading Sutton and Biron/Roloson would be the best thing we could do.
-
Gchnyc says:
Anyone have any idea if the game is blacked out since nhl network has the game? I dont have nhl network and cant find msgplus2 in nyc optonline cable. normally there on sports extra 198..
Thanks.. -
admin says:
New game thread started at top of blog, with commentary also from me and Peter Botte…CB
At the end of the day, you just ask for the honest effort….and that’s what a kid like Martin and Jesse did….play hard every shift like it’s their last…because in reality for these guys, it could be. That being said, Schremp has shown me enough that he warrants a solid look at a future here on the Island. Can’t say enough about Andy Mac either. He, Kohn, and of course Hillen look very good….and still kids. How about Sutton’s passion??? I don’t need some unknown draft pick, 1st round or not, to convince me Sutton should not be traded.