ISLANDERS at VANCOUVER, 10:05 pm
Brooklyn latest…Envy on the Coast vid…lineup stuff
Chris Botta on TwitterI’ll host in-game Commentary throughout Islanders-Canucks starting at 10 pm EST.
Although Gary Bettman does not see the borough as a realistic option for the Islanders, Brooklyn’s new arena will have the capability of hosting hockey games and Bruce Ratner says Charles Wang’s team is invited. Still, Ratner is rooting for Wang to get his wish of staying in Nassau County.
“It’s an option,” said Ratner in an interview last week on WFAN. “It’s not likely, but it’s always an option. First, we have to hope that Charles Wang does get his arena built and the Islanders stay (on Long Island) and they have a great place to play. That’s foremost.
“It’s important for the Islanders to stay, and I hope they do stay. If there’s somebody who can do it out there, Charles is the person.”
Here’s a piece of the press release from Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (the code word for the Nets) distributed at the groundbreaking of the Barclays Center last week. In this portion, the Nets discuss an alignment with event managers IMG:
In addition to college basketball, IMG will assist BSE in staging college hockey, high-profile tennis events and high school sports at the Barclays Centers.
“Our strategic alliance with IMG, the world’s premier and most diversified sports, entertainment, and media company, clearly demonstrates the first-class programming that is in store for the Barclays Center and Brooklyn,” said Brett Yormark, President and CEO, BSE. “The Barclays Center will have the best in sports and entertainment and will provide visitors with a memorable experience each and every night.”
(h/t to our friends at Nets Daily)
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Pop Culture Segment: The great young Long Island band Envy on the Coast plays hockey at a rink you may recognize in the new video for their song, “Head First in the River.” Check it out.
(UPDATED at 1:15 pm: Lead singer Ryan Hunter responds via email: “Hey Chris, I just wanted to shoot you a personal thanks for posting the link to the video. We love your blog and our guitar player and I are avid readers as well as big Isles fans. Artistdirect.com has the exclusive on the video today, but tomorrow we’ll be able to post it anywhere. Thanks!)
The latest episode of the late-night HBO animated comedy for adults, “The Life and Times of Tim” featured a storyline in which a guy thinks his wife is hanging out with a fictional Islanders player. The episode may not have been a laugh riot, but the visuals of the Coliseum and Islanders fans and players are sure to bring a smile. Check it out if you’re older than, let’s say 16.
The Islanders are also seen briefly in the new movie, She’s Out of My League, in a scene of a date at an Islanders-Penguins game at the Igloo. The hockey clips were shot on March 27, 2008 during a real game. I was there. The Islanders didn’t have to do anything except play. The Pens won, 3-1. According to Dominic, the Islanders fan screenwriter in LA, you see Dubie and Tamby in the flick.
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Actual Islanders Stuff: As the lone writer on the Islanders’ West Coast trip, Katie Strang of Newsday has the market cornered on all breaking team news this week. If you want to know who’s in and out of the lineup and everything else, make sure you follow Katie on Twitter. When I just looked her up for the link, I noticed she’s just a few followers shy of 2,000, so put her over the top today if you’re one of the few not getting her regular updates.
What we do know is Trevor Gillies is still with the big club and Matt Martin returned on Sunday night to Bridgeport. Trent Hunter is on the trip. Rick DiPietro – whom the Islanders have said they want to play a few more games this season – is not.
Boston lost last night. The Rangers can jump over them for eighth with a win tonight at home against Montreal. If the Islanders get two points in Vancouver tonight, they stay very much in the race.
Comments on tonight’s game and this post. See you for the late-night commentary.
78 Responses to ISLANDERS at VANCOUVER, 10:05 pm
Brooklyn latest…Envy on the Coast vid…lineup stuff
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Harold C. says:
I can see the Islanders coming home with 1, MAYBE 2 points out of 6 on this trip.
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Alex says:
speaking of college hockey… y doesn’t Hofstra have a D1 hockey program?
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Irish Isle says:
I find it a little disturbing that more is coming from the Nets about a new Islanders arena, than the Islanders themselves.
The only way this roadtrip looks promising for the Islanders is if you are in full draft mode – TayTyCam. Here We Come.
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Priest says:
IIRC, the Air Canada Centre was under construction as a Raptors-owned basketball only facility before MLSE bought the Raptors and had the plans altered to allow for the Leafs to play there. So until the building is finished, I would rule anything out (and even then I can’t imagine huge renovations being required for a pro-level facility that is already equipped for college hockey)
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Chris R says:
I would love to see College Hockey there. Especially the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament.
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Sheppy says:
IRISH ISLE, I could not agree more. Ideally, the players will show progress (see Comeau), but the team will lose (sorry Rolo or Biron). This team needs a high draft pick more than a few more wins. While picking a few spaces earlier is no guarantee, I like the team’s chances with the earlier pick. I agree that this (losing) can’t go on indefinitely, but the worst outcome would be just missing out one of the top players.
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Alex – there aren’t any other top-tier college programs in this immediate area. Closest is Quinnipiac…who would they play? I’ve thought for a long time that area schools should embrace college hockey to a greater degree but they’d need support and infrastructure.
This is interesting news…at this point I have no idea what to believe anymore.
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Patrick says:
Why Gillies over Martin? Is he really part of the plan here in the long term? Why not give Martin a taste of the road in the NHL? Maybe bond with his new teammates a bit. Don’t get this. I generally think they are doing a good job with the rebuild, but things like this leave me scratching my head.
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EJ-1since40 says:
Vancouver can be had tonight. Upon returning home to GM Place after that time warp of a road trip, they have won both of their games, beating the Sens and the Flames, both spirited tilts versus rivals, especially on Monday against Calgary.
If there ever is a formula for a major letdown for the Canucks, it’s tonight against the Isles. All the experts predicted the Canucks to be in a funk returning home after more than a month away.
Has not been the case, BUT, tonight, IF Roly is in and the Isles bring their last 2 games to BC, they can skate out with a much needed two points.
The Sedin twins do not like to get hit and enjoy free wheeling around, so, not to goon it up, but finish all checks, Freddy “the new hitman” Meyers can throw a few open icers, and if need be, let Trevor Gillies loose.
Roly can steal one tonight, with help..
Let’s go Islanders!
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1972 means I'm Old says:
The five stripes are missing from the cuckold’s Islanders shirt in “Tim.” Heresy!!!
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jimmy says:
haha i play pick up hockey with envy on the coast all the time there pretty good especially the guy with the dreads
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Brian G says:
Please no more playoff talk they have to jump 5 teams to get a playoff spot…its not realistic
at this point I would rather see a top 3 pick
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RDC says:
The Isles playoff chances go up to a whopping .9% from .4% if they get a win tonight. Yes… that’s less than 1%.
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EAF says:
I know for a fact that there will be no playoffs and no Lighthouse this year.
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dose says:
ratner would have said nothing at all about this if he and wang had not discussed it, but obviously we can’t know how seriously. as far as i know it’s the first mention even of the “option” by any of the principals. but again we can’t know if that in itself is signifcant. on the other hand, i can’t imagine ratner would throw the “option” word out there simply to help his ‘great friend’ charles wang with some pressure on toh etc. also, i think it will a while, if ever, before it’s “too late” to conform the arena for the nhl.
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Jon in Chicago says:
I knew the Life and Times of Tim was fictional when they referenced the Islanders player in the plot was a 400-goal scorer. Either way, full points for the 1983 Stanley Cup banner hanging in the sports bar.
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Saw She’s Out Of My League. You can also clearly see Martinek on defense. Here’s hoping he actually gets back on the ice for good next season. Hoping.
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admin says:
Lead singer Ryan Hunter responds via email: “Hey Chris, I just wanted to shoot you a personal thanks for posting the link to the video. We love your blog and our guitar player and I are avid readers as well as big Isles fans. Artistdirect.com has the exclusive on the video today, but tomorrow we’ll be able to post it anywhere. Thanks!
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
good times tonight hopefully! I’ll be at the game tonight and we’ll see how it goes. I’m looking for JT to score since I only get to see the Isles live once every couple of years. By the time he comes back, I may not recognize much of the team!
Now I know by the time the last week of the season is on us that we’re all going to be in full draft mode, as I’m sure we’ll be eliminated before that, but I do find that talking playoffs at this point is more than a little wishful thinking. They may not be eliminated yet, but right now to make the playoffs every team between them and 8th would have to lose all their games in hand, plus the Isles would need to win 4 more games than any of them in order to squeak into 8th.
I’m not going to spend the last month of the season thinking they can suddenly turn it around at that pace with a depleted defense core and a ton of injuries. Sorry. I’d rather just watch and enjoy the rest of the season without unrealistic wild dreams and then focus on the draft.
I’ll be there tonight, I’ll be cheering for the Isles, but if they lose, I’m not exactly going to be upset about it.
They took us on a wild ride for 3/4 of the season and at times looked like they could be playoff bound. Reality has now set in but at least I see progress. I think next year is critical and that we must find a way to attract some good free agents to take the next step, but it’s closer to a real team than we have seen in years.
The future is bright, but let’s not cloud the present with pipedreams.
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mtrico says:
The more time that passes, the better Brooklyn looks as a solution.
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OA PEST says:
If anybody has the chance next season to catch a game at Yale, Quinnipiac or Princeton (especially Princeton great old gothic barn) do it. Great atmosphere there for hockey. And yes they do sell out almost all games. I still don’t understand why Charles has not signed a letter of intent to play at the Barclay Center. How much longer will he jerk around the fans on Long Island. Between what he has done to season ticket holders and the casual fan with the insane parking fees why isn’t there more of a uproar. Do you people think the Lighthouse will get built??? You are all still drinking the kool-aid??? Why???
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hockey8 says:
The NVMC has the best sight lines for watching Hockey in the league. Better than MSG, Thunderdome/ST Pete Times Forum, Comcast Arena, HSBC,ETC. Lets hope the team stays and the coliseum remains and is renovated!!!
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hale78 says:
martin will get his time…there is no reason to rush him…let him get his 15 minutes a night battling for a playoff spot in the ahl..then bring him up next season if he is ready
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Ratner says the right things about LI, but an NHL team to book for at least 41 nights is a key revenue stream that any arena would love to have.
Can Envy the Coast write a legit new goal song? If nothing else, that song should be played during warmups on March 25th.
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Stumpy32 says:
Who knew that Ratner was part of the CW appreciation society? Anyway…I can’t believe a major arena is built in the NYC metro area and is not configured for both the two major sports that play in the metro area. No way does that happen. It will be ready for a NHL team, should one just happen to need a new place.
Now…the big question remains of how long we wait.
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Double W says:
Tamby in game action? That is rare footage to say the least!
still want a top five pick as opposed to a four game sweep against the Caps. -
Mike says:
Isles are looking good as of late – however dropping this road trip would suit us well. Time for Garth to step in and scratch some big names. Not just Tambellini.
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John says:
Top 4 pick is a must!!! Would love to get one of the two forwards, but Fowler or Gormley works for me
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Ethan K says:
I honestly just want one more really high draft pick. Just one more for the core. I’d love to add a future phenom like Fowler, Hall, or Seguin. Who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky and move up a spot in the lottery!
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(Sim)ple says:
I hope I’m wrong but tonight has the potential to be a rough one. Does Sedin really have 23 more assists than Okposo, has points?
Oh Luongo….. what could have been?
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nyislanders93 says:
The team is out of the race this year. There is no more shot at the playoffs even with the last 2 wins. It isn’t the 7 points that is too hard to make up, it is the fact that there are 5 other teams fighting for that 8th spot. That includes Boston, who currently has the 8 spot. The focus should be on Fowler, Hall, or Seguin.
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rochfire says:
Would agree that college D1 hockey is awesome. Our local program, RIT, went D1 a few years back and Rochester is hosting the semi and finals this weekend for a right to advance to the NCAA tourn. Been to games in the North Country and Ithaca- great atmospheres at all those rinks..
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Isles fan says:
The playoffs are not happening for us this year.
If the Isles go 10-2-1 in their last 13 games and Boston goes 7-6 we tie.
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Terrance says:
Isles fans are used to seeing D1 hockey played each week.
We’d like to see some NHL hockey take place once in a while.
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orngfan says:
if the barclay center got the frozen four thatd be awesome! or at least a regional of it. thats what i dream of when i think of a new lighthouse. that and the islanders actually playing in a real arena. secondly, the nassau coliseum just lets any band play on their ice for a video shoot? i need to make some phone calls..
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Jim says:
Rochfire: You are right on the money about D1 hockey. In some cases it’s better than NHL. BUT, Atlantic Hockey is not a REAL division. Drop the kid’s stuff and join Hockey East…LOL
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Eric says:
#37 the COLISEUM is a REAL ARENA with the best sightlines in the league and a place I love calling my second HOME! They won 4 cups in that building. The knicks and ranger$ in total have won 3 at msg a so called “real arena.”
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Steve says:
Well, it’s somewhat encouraging taht Barclay’s center will accommodate a hockey link. Hopefully Ratner allows Wang to build and own other components of the buiilding, such as residential and commercial complexes. In someways I can understand why Wang has not signed a letter of intent to play at Barclays; there is a Queens option where he can own ALL of the development. Meanwhile, I wonder what Kate Muray and FP Clark and Associates have in mind for the Islanders around the NVMC for this summer.
As an Isles fan in Vancouver, I am looking forward to watch the game tonight on Rogers Sportsnet pacific. Hopefully Isles skate out of Vancouver with 2 points. -
Hockey1919 says:
Sound Tigers need the wins more than the Islanders do. So there is no point bringing up Matt Martin for the road trip. Bringing players up if they aren’t ready for full-time duty isn’t the best way to develop them. If the Islanders really want some of their young players to get some playoff experience and bond it is more likely that it will happen in the AHL this season.
Besides the Isles are in a Bizarro “win-win” situation. If they win that’s great, since I never root for them to lose, but if they lose it improves their draft position.
PS
Is IMG involved in professional hockey in terms of organizing events? This may have been a reference to IMGs involvement and not the stadiums NHL capacity. -
Hollywood says:
As far as Playoffs go, if this team can win 2 out of 3 on the west coast then we are back in business. I know it’s a long shot but it would be nice to get a taste of playoff hockey again. It can happen! Lets Go Isles!
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Good to see an Envy on the Coast video. Those guys can play. Maybe the Isles can catch a Vancouver team napping tonight after a couple of tough games. Here’s to that!
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4theisles says:
MY opinion the Bklyn story was a planned leak br Ratner and CW to hustle the TOH. However it also shows they have been talking and if I were a betting man I would say that if the LH fails then the Bklyn option is ahead of anything else.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Forget the playoffs. This is not the ’69 Mets who were just chasing the Cubs. Too many teams to jump…too few games.
Just go along for the ride, hope for some good hockey and see some improvement in guys like Comeau, JT, Kohn, et al.
Rest assured, we’ll be drafting pretty early. -
TM says:
NYI would become relevant in Brooklyn or Queens. If they stay on LI they’ll remain small potatoes with no media attention, no mass transit and a small fan base.
Chris, Bettman didn’t say Brooklyn wasn’t a realistic option, he said Queens was a better option because it’s closer/easier for the current fan base to get to. Nice to hear Ratner say it’s an option.
CB, I thought of you when ground broke on 3/11 in Brooklyn. What did you say about the LH happening before Brooklyn? Just busting them buddy.
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JayK says:
There are shovels in the ground in Brooklyn. There are no shovels in the ground in Queens. I realize there are other considerations besides just raw speed, but that fact should be noted. There was a recent story in Crain’s New York about Willets Point — I only really glanced at it — but it was about the usual snags at the Willets Point site.
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ton loc says:
CB, would the Ranger’s have to approve a move to Brooklyn? My gut says yes. If they gave the green light then I say go for it.
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boss15 says:
I want the Isles to destroy Vancouver, next season. This year I want Seguin. I know its not happening but I hope we get a high enough pick that Snow doesn’t feel the need to do something crazy, either trade a young asset to move up or try to pick up another second round pick to move down. Last year was stressful enough when I was 90% sure of who he would pick.
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Top 3 pick or bust….when is the draft party? Fri June 25th
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Danbury Islanders Fan says:
I still love Brooklyn as a plan B for us. At this point I just want the team to stay in NY.
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Donna says:
Wish I could join you online from home, but alas LIPA has still not restored my power- – living off the grid since Saturday.
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Radek whoo!?
BTW CB I have no intention of feeding the Newsday machine. I get my news right here. I’d rather get it late than get it from Newsday and KS. -
Ray's Team says:
that song/band is pretty good-there next single should be “where the F is Matt Martin”
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Kyle Okposo is out tonight. Undisclosed injury and timetable…CB
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AngryPete says:
“No word yet on the severity of the undisclosed injury”…..Must this team be vague about EVERYTHING? You would think they employ Belechik and Mangini as PR people.
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that’s extremely disappointing news. I was looking forward to watching JT and KO live.
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LouD says:
CB I’m not trying to change the subject but have noticed more than a few posters are always wondering why Martin isn’t called up and instead we keep this guy or that. In my opinion it has to do with what is going on in the minors. They’re fighting for a spot and Martin is a character guy that gets everyone pumped. Our team doesn’t need to be pumped to win meaningless games. And for many other reasons Martin staying down in the minors is helping that team more than it’s hurting our team and it’s certainly not going to hurt Martins development to stay down. Fighting for a playoff spot and getting more minutes on the ice for the minor league team is a good thing for him at this point.
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daddy says:
isles game live stream on yahoo tonight for free
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Strummer's Army says:
Loungo gave up 5 goals in the first period alone not long ago. After the game he said he pulled himself because “it easily could have been 12″.
Why do the Isles only go with one tough guy? It’s not wise. If Gillies takes out O’Brien tonight they still have plenty of guys who can go where the Isles have no others.
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I prefer the Lighthouse and Nassau-
..But..
I would gladly take the new Brooklyn Arena
I prefer the Isles make the Playoffs-
..But..
I would gladly take a hot run at the end of season even if we MISS the playoffs-
(Dont see how going 11-4 can ever hurt a young team’s rebuild and confidence)
I want a Top3 Pick in the Lottery
..But..
I would gladly take whatever pick we land on (+let Snow & Ryan J. Earn their Salary Over the Summer Making the Magic Happen)
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islesfan999 says:
TOP 3 PICK PLEASE
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#59-i agree with you and see what you are saying…but if matt martin is not on this team next year-no if ands or buts..then there is a big problem with this management-he is nhl ready right now..
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Cuillzy says:
I hope JT can over come his struggles starting tonight. The fact that Duchene is way ahead of him for the Calder trophy doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t know if its just that he needs to get bigger and faster or maybe its the fact that he has no support. I don’t know why I care so much but I do.
Chris, do you think Taveras will be a better player than Duchene? As of now the difference in skill set is night & day. -
So far I remember Matt Martin because he has shown the entire team how to stick up for his team mates. That’s an enforcer and what a man is supposed to act like. I loved how he pointed straight at Phenuef asking for him to go. The okposo hit was from preseason and he let the flames know, “we didn’t forget and to watch your back”. He also showed Okposo and his team mates “LOVE”.. So far all I remember Gillies for is he took a bad penatly and lost a game, recently.
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Bob says:
Maybe Martin gets the call now for KO.
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Matt Duchene has 11 more pts than john Tavares and speed does help which is Matt Duchene’s strong suit. He might very well be better than John Tavares right now. He might very well be the better play for there careers. BUT…does John Tavares have more points on a playoff team right now? Definitely. Colorado has 19 more points than the islanders! With that said John Tavares needs to get better and he will. So will Matt Duchene who I think is going to be a very good player for a long time, but I said that the day he was drafted from what I read about him.
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GGC says:
I understand that it’s a nice story this late in the season to keep referencing the playoff race, but enough is enough already.
(:
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“Playoffs!, Playoffs! Are you kidding me!, Playoffs”-Jim Mora
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Islesfan is Vancouver says:
Isles just about to come out for the pregame skate. Love it. Wish they’d come more than every two years
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Big Dog says:
had good feelings about tonight..without KO just got that uh-oh this ccould be long night.. kids gotta have there legs moving tonight bigtime..
win one for st pats!!!(will be st pats day when this game ends)
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Ray says:
Yikes, Carlin
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50 in 50 says:
#39 well said. I am fond of the Old Barn and all its’ history as well. I have been to a few “real” Arenas around the NHL and none have the same electric feeling as the Coliseum. It’s a “real” shame that electricity is now a fluttering spark. I say forget moving, refurbish the House the Bill built and lets move forward.
To comment on the Martin hit on Dion Phaneuf and pointing that he wanted to drop the mitts with him. That was in part because of KO’s preseason bell ringing. However watch the replay boys and girls He led the hit on JT with his elbows HIGH. That was 95% of the reason Martin went after him.
Gillies is in the line up because he is a HIGH ENERGY player. Ck out the interview on the website. The staff and management like his attitude and the toughness he brings to the locker room. You don’t think hes’ tough type his name in youtube and watch the powerful left he has… Hopefully he plays 5+ minutes tonight. Since he has been around the Isles seem to have woken up from their Coma… 2-1-1
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Gotta say, having watched jt in the pregame skate that he does have some sweet hands. The whole team is much much smaller than the Canucks. It’s a lot more pronounced in person
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playing good.. skating well..passing decent getting to loose pucks.. gotta keep it up.. ya can see jiggs is a homer but what do ya expect
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I’m so happy to see JT not only score a goal but also assisted on Reese’s goal and made a temendous defensive play as well. Awesome! I’m thinking he is taking charge since KO is out.
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I wish that I never ever tested out guitar hero – I ought to be investing additional time together with my own family members but it really is simply too much fun.
I think the reference to college hockey is a bit disturbing. College hockey would not bring in the crowds that the Islanders would, and it is a fact that the Barclays Center is not configured at present for an NHL-acceptable hockey arena. I guess it means only that the developer’s current plans only allow that, and we could change…but at a certain point, it may be too late to change.