Monthly Archives: April 2011
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When we were done, the 76-year-old Mr. Torrey shared two tidbits off the air: the best offer he got for Denis Potvin in 1972 was not from Montreal, but from the Rangers. Also, Torrey said he was engaged in the first discussions with Nassau about a Coliseum overhaul after the second Stanley Cup in 1981. Comments on the GM’s views are invited.
Here’s the Denver coach on the recruitment, play and potential of Matt Donovan, and why he feels most hockey players regret leaving school. This was recorded Wednesday – about 20 minutes before Donovan officially left school. You may find this interesting. Comments on this topic.
Please join the Interactive Plus/Minus after the Islanders’ 4-2 loss to Carolina tonight at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Plus: The Hurricanes, playing for their playoff lives, deserve a lot of credit for an inspired comeback in the third period. The final 20 minutes were a clinic in true determination by a team when it counts most.
Minus: There goes any chance of the Islanders getting more games on HD next season.
Plus: This might be a very important result on the night of the NHL Draft Lottery.
Minus: The Islanders showed nothing in the third period. Delayed post-Rangers game hangover?
Plus: All tickets were distributed, resulting in an announced sellout.
Minus: Not nearly all tickets were used. But that’s okay. The fans responded well over the last two months, and this game had little meaning. The old barn will be more full on Friday.
Plus: In the final ten days of the NHL season, Jesse Joenssu has picked up his game and given Islanders management something to think about. He is a very restricted free agent.
Plus: The first period goals were scored by Jesse Joensuu and Jussi Jokinen. Yust a coincidence.
Minus: The Islanders’ power play has been brutal over the last two weeks.
Plus: The bomb of a hit by Kyle Okposo on Chad LaRose as the latter attempted to drive to the net. Attempted.
Plus: John Tavares scored his 28th goal of the season. During an intermission interview, Tavares said he prioritized getting P. A. Parenteau his 20th before scoring his own 30th. Smart, caring young man.
Plus: Mark Katic should have played it safer in the final minute on the power play with the goalie pulled, but he has been good. The coaches developing him are a big reason why.
Plus: Jack Hillen is having a strong final quarter of the season.
Plus: Ty Wishart…not too shabby.
Plus: Organizational depth on defense (with Calvin de Haan, Matt Donovan and maybe Blake Kessel and Tony DeHart also coming)? Unthinkable!
Minus: After the Penguins’ encore on Friday, it will be a long six months before the next important game.
Plus: For Islanders fans, the wait should be worth it.
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On the PHWA Dispute: Until now, I have not responded on Twitter or anywhere else about the issue regarding the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the NHL and the Islanders. But I do feel an obligation to the good people following Point Blank for the last three years, so in response to several emails and Twitter posts, here is what I can share on the record.
So that there is 100% certainty, understand this: I was not, in any way, behind the movement by the local chapters of the PHWA to protest the Islanders’ decision to ban me by not participating in the balloting for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Lady Byng and Selke awards. I also did not participate in any of the voting by the three chapters. I was aware of the New York chapter’s decision because they first voted on it three months ago before confirming its vote this week. I learned of the actions of the Long Island and New Jersey chapters around the same time most of you did.
While I appreciate and respect what the writers have done, you need to know that their protest is not about the person, but about the principle. Even my own relatives know that I’m not worth it. The PHWA is taking a stand for its rights and for future members. The organization has almost no avenues in which to protest. Since the Islanders are only covered daily by one newspaper, a “media blackout” (as suggested by many) was never an option. Blog posts by Andrew Gross (Rangers writer) and Tom Gulitti (Devils) of the Bergen Record shed light on their thinking.
There was no process with my ban. I’m told that some NHL executives lobbied the Islanders to reconsider their position immediately in the aftermath of their decision in November. Otherwise, there were no all-inclusive meetings, no explanations. There has been little activity, except for some attempts to throw dirt on me with a few off-the-record accusations. While this saddens me, that’s life. As for the Islanders’ attempt to blame the LI-NY-NJ writers for “hurting” Michael Grabner, a player highly respected by reporters covering all 30 teams…well, I respect public relations. The statement was certainly a creative way of trying to ignore the notion that with actions come consequences.
Word has it that the NHL may get involved on Monday. The Islanders, as is their absolute right, are entrenched in their position. Although it was a difficult time and I believe Garth Snow and the Islanders have treated me unfairly in this instance, I viewed their ban as a harsh reality months ago and started to move on. The issue raised its head this week because ballots were distributed.
The PHWA has many reasons and every right to fight for its principles. If all parties come together in a fair matter, there is no reason for anyone to be impacted negatively by this. I know how honored the writers are to participate in voting for the NHL awards. The writers that have relinquished the privilege have not done so lightly.
As strange as this may sound, I am on the sidelines in this dispute. There appears to be nothing I can do, and so far no one with the NHL or the Islanders has contacted me. I continue to hope that something is worked out so everyone can proceed cordially and professionally.
Your Plus/Minus and Comments on this and tonight’s game are encouraged in this thread.
