Isles Finish With A Win, Isles 4 Bruins 2

Isles end a 3-4-2 pre-season strong, defeating the Bruins in a tough one.

The Bruins took an early lead in the first when David Krejci put one behind Dipietro on a 4-on-4. With just over 2 minutes left in the 1st, Miro Satan put a puck between the pipes to tie it a 1.

Early in the second, Glen Murray put one in, making it 2-1. 5 minutes later, Comrie showed his smooth hands as he tied the game up at 2.

With just a few minutes remaining in the 3rd period, Miro Satan picked up his second goal of the night, giving the Isles a 3-2 lead that they would never look back from. With just over a minute left in the game, Jon Sim gave the Isles some insurance as he lighted the lamp, making it a 4-2 win.


My 3 Stars:

1. Miroslav Satan- Two goals, big game.
2. Mike Comrie- Had a smooth game, scoring 1.
3. Bill Guerin- Assist, and dropped the gloves to show some team spirit.


Notes From the Game:

-The Isles did one consistent thing this pre-season; sit in the box. I can't seem to say it enough.

-Comrie and Satan have been showing what they can do.

-We got to see our real team for the first time today, and we played very well.

-DP! (clap clap)

-Here were the lines:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
4 Bryan Berard – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
16 Jon Sim – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
11 Andy Hilbert – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
15 Jeff Tambellini – 10 Richard Park – 27 Darryl Bootland



Isles fans, Opening Day is on Friday in Buffalo. This week is going to seem like forever, but try to get through it. Can't wait for Friday!!!


Let's Go Isles!!!

Third Loss In A Row, Devils 2 Isles 1

The Islanders suffer another pre-season loss, falling to the Devils 2-1.


Kip Brennan gave the Isles an early 1-0 lead as he stuffed one in the net in the middle of the period. The Devils got a power play goal to tie the game at 1, with just over a minute left in the first.


Late in the second, the Devils made it 2-1 on a 5-on-3 power play goal by Parise.


-There was no scoring in the 3rd period-

My 3 Stars:

1. Wade Dubielewicz- I felt he has had a very poor pre-season, but he stepped it up tonight, saving 37 out of 39 Devils shots.
2. Martin Brodeur- A 2-1 game means that the goalies owned it. 20 out of 21 shots. Nice.
3. Zach Parise- Would have been a completely different game without him. He got the winner.


Notes From The Game:

-I am very pleased how Dubie turned it around tonight. Great game for him. He was named the first star of the game, and was mine, too.

-Who wants some more penalties? Do I have to say it every game?

-We were basically facing the regular-season Devils team. We did a pretty good job for a basically AHL team.

-I hope we don't play like this in the season. New York Sound Tigers?

-Here were the lines:

Goaltenders
34 Wade Dubielewicz
33 Mike Morrison

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 4 Bryan Berard
2 Aaron Johnson – 44 Freddy Meyer
56 Dustin Kohn – 6 Matthew Spiller

Forwards
11 Andy Hilbert – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
15 Jeff Tambellini – 29 Ben Walter – 20 Sean Bergenheim
57 Blake Comeau – 51 Frans Nielsen - 28 Tim Jackman
12 Chris Simon – 72 Jeremy Colliton – 37 Kip Brennan


Tomorrow- The final pre-season game. Isles @ Bruins.


Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Lose AGAIN, Isles 2 Rangers 5

Isles continue their poor pre-season, losing to the Rangers by 3.


The Isles took the lead as Sean Bergenhiem put a puck in late in the first, making it 1-0.

Then, the game was basically over after the Rags netted 4 pucks in the second, making it 4-1.

In the Third, Trent Hunter scored a goal. The Rangers put in an empty-netter to put the icing on the cake on a 5-2 victory.


My 3 Stars:

1.Brendan Shanahan- He deserves it. He put in 2.
2.Fredor Tyutin- He was nasty out there, and put 2 points up.
3.Scott Gomez- Goal, Assist.


Notes from the game:

-A little less fighting, but it still gave you an Isles-Rangers feel.

-P-to the-E-to the-N-to the-A-to the-L-to the-T-to the-I-to the-E-to the-S!!!!

-I love how Bootland is playing; so nasty.

-So much for the "First televised game". Could have picked a better day.

-Here are the lines from the game:

Goaltenders
35 Joey MacDonald
33 Mike Morrison

Defensemen
2 Aaron Johnson - 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
8 Bruno Gervais - 14 Chris Campoli
6 Matthew Spiller - 49 Drew Fata

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 29 Ben Walter - 7 Trent Hunter
16 Jon Sim - 51 Frans Nielsen - 28 Tim Jackman
20 Sean Bergenheim - 10 Richard Park - 54 Gordie Dwyer
27 Darryl Bootland - 57 Blake Comeau - 37 Kip Brennan


Tonight- Devils @ Isles.


Let's Go Isles!!!

Pre-Game Post

It's time for game two of the Isles-Rangers pre-season series. This time, we travel into the city to play a game at Madison Square Garden.

As any Isles-Rags game would be, it should be physical. Simon and Dipietro will have the night off, so that takes away a quarter of the action. But yet, it will still be a fun game.

I had previously stated that Monday night's game would be televised. I seemed to get that confused with today's game. At 7:00 PM tonight, you can tune in to MSG to watch the Isles and Rangers go at it again. If you can't get in front of the TV, the game is also on IslandersTV, on the Isles website.

This is the first of three games to end the Isles pre-season. Tomorrow, the Isles will face off in Bridgeport for game 2 of the Devils series. On Sunday, it will be game two of the Bruins series. It's kind of interesting. The first game was against the Thrashers, and the rest were part of two-game series. The Canadiens, Rangers, Devils, and Bruins are the teams that the Isles faced.



Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Get Pounded- Isles 1 Devils 6

After an exciting Monday night win, the Isles fall to New Jersey 6-1.

The Devils put 3 pucks in the net in the first 4 minutes of game. The Goals were scored by Gionta, Madden, and Zajac.

Early in the second, Invitee Gordie Dwyer scored the Isles only goal of the game.

Dubie and MacDonald would combine to give up 3 more goals, giving the Devils a 6-1 victory.

My Three Stars:
Brian Gionta- Who else? It was his day with a hat.
Martin Brodeur- Saved 25 of 26 Isles shots.
John Madden- Netted two.


Notes from the game-

-Ugly game. And as Allen Iverson has so famously stated, "We're talkin' about practice"

-Gordie Dwyer had a great game, and I might have put him as the 4th star.

-Here were the lines:

Goaltenders
34 Wade Dubielewicz
35 Joey MacDonald

Defensemen
4 Bryan Berard - 8 Bruno Gervais
14 Chris Campoli - 24 Radek Martinek
44 Freddy Meyer - 2 Aaron Johnson

Forwards
16 Jon Sim - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
15 Jeff Tambellini - 29 Ben Walter - 57 Blake Comeau
20 Sean Bergenheim - 51 Frans Nielsen - 28 Tim Jackman
54 Gordie Dwyer - 10 Richard Park - 27 Darryl Bootland



Throw this one in the garb-er- I mean dumpster. Look forward to tomorrow night at MSG. Should be another exciting Isles-Rags game. Hopefully, there won't be any goalie fights.


Let's Go Islanders!!!

Notes...

As today's Isles-Devils game approaches its end, (I believe the Devils have just won 6-1; I'll post a Game review later) I have a few notes to keep things going.

-I took Bates off of the Isles roster, just as the Isles website did. He is still hurt, and will miss quite a bit of time. Maybe it's time to get rid of this guy. He is one of the truest Islanders still on this team, but he is not helping us now. We can waive him, and pick someone else up.

-The Isles and the Lightning have a trade looming again, and could involve Chris Campoli. Tampa wants 2 Dman, and we will be very pleased to take Lecavalier on our team. We'll see if that gets done soon.

-Back to tonight's game. It was seriously disgusting. All Devils. A good thing it wasn't on Isles TV. Like I said, I'll post that review later.

-Friday-Isles @ Rags!!!!!



Let's Go Isles!!!

OT Final at the Coli- Isles 5 Rangers 4

Yet another game going into OT. This time, the Isles win.


-There was no scoring in the 1st period-


After a scoreless first, Tank got one in for the Isles early in the second. But the Isles failed to hold that, as DP and Dubie combined to give up 4 goals. In the last minute of the second, Comrie and Guerin scored goals separated by 22 seconds. It was 4-3 heading into the third.

At 9:09 of the third, Josef Vasicek slipped one into the net, tying the game at 4.

In OT, the Rangers and Isles got into their last of many scrums in the game. This last one led into and Isles powerplay, which led to a Mike Comrie goal, to win the game.

My 3 Stars:

1. Mike Comrie- Who else would it be? This is the guy to be our leading scorer, and he proved that in this game.

2. Bryan Berard- He could of locked up a defensive spot.

3. Penalty Boxes- These things should be given some respect. There was basically someone in there the entire game. What about the 5 Isles boxed at once? Funny.


Notes from the game:

-Penalty trouble. But it's an Isles- Rangers game, it's going to happen.

-Comrie proved his 1st line center job, I believe.

-Like I said before, Berard seemed to lock up a spot for himself.

-This was absolutely the most exciting pre-season game there can ever be. Wait, this was pre-season?

-The DP-Montoya fight was something I've been waiting for. Amazing to watch. DP was pounding him!

-These new jerseys really look sweet on the ice.

-Here were the lines from last night:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
24 Radek Martinek - 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
2 Aaron Johnson - 25 Andy Sutton
4 Bryan Berard - 44 Freddy Meyer

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
15 Jeff Tambellini - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
11 Andy Hilbert - 20 Sean Bergenheim - 57 Blake Comeau
12 Chris Simon - 72 Jeremy Colliton - 37 Kip Brennan


-Great game last night. Can't wait for Friday at the Garden!


Tomorrow- Isles @ Devils


Let's Go Islanders!!!

Pre-Game Post

First off, I want to apologize for stating that tonight's game will be televised. I seemed to have gotten confused with the next game. I again apologize for the inconvenience. If you didn't get the message, it is NOT on TV.

Anyway, the Islanders will be back at the Coliseum tonight for the first time since the "No Goal" Game 4 against the Sabres. Who else would the game be against, other than the Rangers? It'll be a toughy, but I see the Isles coming away with the victory.

Here are the players who made the last cut:

Goaltenders (2)
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen (9)
2 Aaron Johnson
4 Bryan Berard
8 Bruno Gervais
14 Chris Campoli
24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton
32 Brendan Witt
44 Freddy Meyer
47 Marc-Andre Bergeron

Forwards (18)
7 Trent Hunter
10 Richard Park
11 Andy Hilbert
12 Chris Simon
13 Bill Guerin
15 Jeff Tambellini
16 Jon Sim
17 Shawn Bates
18 Mike Sillinger
20 Sean Bergenheim
26 Ruslan Fedotenko
27 Darryl Bootland
37 Kip Brennan
57 Blake Comeau
63 Josef Vasicek
72 Jeremy Colliton
81 Miroslav Satan
89 Mike Comrie


The game can be watched on Isles TV or listened to on Bloomberg 1130.



Let's Go Isles!!!

Today's Post

Unfortunately, I have nothing to post today. Except this.

-Tomorrow at 7 PM-Rags@Isles. This is going to be a fun one. As are all games against the Rangers. The first televised game, and the first game at the Coliseum. I hope all Isles fans can tune in to FSN and watch the Isles blowout the Rags!

-Allison is either signing with us or the Oilers. This is really annoying me. First we are seconds away from signing him, then we are as far apart as ever, then there was more speculation, and then, he is once again about to sign. Make something happen already!!!

-The Tank-Comrie-Guerin line seems to be sticking, and will likely be our opening day first line.


Let's Go Isles!!!

Islanders 2 Canadiens 3 OT

The Isles are now 1-3 this pre-season as they drop another one.


D'Agostini got things going as his wrist shot got behind Dubielewicz to give the Habs a 1-0 lead.


Tambellini tied the game up in the second period as he wristed one in the net. Latendresse gave the habs a 2-1 lead when he got one past Mike Morisson.

Martinek got his revenge at the place where he got injured last year, making it a 2-2 game.

1:45 in OT, D'Agostini got his second goal of the game, giving the Habs a 3-2 victory.


Notes from the game:

-The Isles loved the box again tonight, getting 7 penalties.

-Vasicek had a 2 assist game.

-Isles lines last night:

Goaltenders
34 Wade Dubielewicz
33 Mike Morrison

Defense
14 Chris Campoli - 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
2 Aaron Johnson - 24 Radek Martinek
62 Jamie Fraser - 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
15 Jeff Tambellini - 63 Josef Vasicek - 16 Jon Sim
12 Chris Simon - 27 Darryl Bootland - 11 Andy Hilbert
20 Sean Bergenheim - 57 Blake Comeau - 67 Sean Bentivoglio
54 Gordie Dwyer - 29 Ben Walter - 72 Jeremy Colliton



On Monday, the Isles are back at the Coliseum, against the Rangers. The game will be televised on FSN.

You can watch last night's game on Isles TV. Click games, then current games, and click the Isles @ Habs video.



Let's Go Islanders!!!

Isles Cut 6

According to Eklund, the Islanders have placed the following players on waivers:

Steve Regier
Tim Jackman
Kip Brennan
Matthew Spiller
Drew Fata
Joey MacDonald


I would be terribly upset to see MacDonald go, so I hope no one picks him up. Seeing the way he played in that 1 pre-season game, he is a good pick-up for us.


But have no fear, well, at least, not a lot of fear. These players have a 1-way contract, so they need to clear waviers before entering the AHL. I have a feeling at least one of them will be picked up, but let's all hope not.

Teams have until 12:00 PM Eastern Time tomorrow to pick them up.



I will do my best to cover tonight's game. It is blacked out on Center Ice, so I can't watch it. But don't worry. I will at least have the final score up.

Right now, the game is tied up at 1.

Informational Update

Did it get you to read? I couldn't think of a title.

-If anyone hasn't seen DP's new pads, here they are:





-Jason Allison is about to sign with a team in the east, but I have no clue what it is. It could be the Isles.

Isles Grab First Win Of Pre-Season, Isles 3 Canadiens 1

After two tough losses to start the pre-season, the Isles come up with a win to end the 3-games-in-3-nights stretch.


Jon Sim got things going, scoring 2 goals in the first period. Captain Billy Guerin put another tally on the board to make it 3-0 Isles.

-There was no scoring in the second period-

In the third period, the Habs got their only goal of the game as Sergei Kostitsyn wristed one past Dubie.

My 3 Stars:

1. Jon Sim
2. DP
3. Bill Guerin


Notes from the game:

-Penalty trouble for the 3rd night in a row.

-Great penalty kill, once again.

-Sim was all around the ice tonight, he was given those two goals in return.

-DP played fabulous in his first game. New pads, again.

-Dubie also played good, but screwed up on the one goal.

-2 hour game. You don't see that much.


Next game is also against the Habs, but at the Bell Centre.



Let's Go Isles!!!

Final in Newfoundland: Bruins 3 Isles 1

The Islanders lose for the second day in a row as they fall to the Bruins, 3-1.

Hogan got things going when he scored with 4:06 left in the first. Two minutes later, Kobasew scored on a rebound to make it 2-0 Bruins.

Early in the second, Hogan scored again, to make it 3-0. Not even a minute later, Chris Campoli fired one behind Tim Thomas, to make it 3-1.

-There was no scoring in the 3rd period-


My 3 Stars:

1. Jeff Hogan
2. Josef Vasicek
3. Mike Morrison

Notes from the game:

-Vasicek played an unbelievably hard-working game.

- Morrison followed up MacDonald's great performance last night, looking sharp on every shot.

-Kip Brennan played as the tough guy tonight. He dropped the gloves two times, and had some type of scrum with Chara throughout the game.

- Once again, we took a lot of penalties tonight. But on the good side, we had a fabulous penalty kill.

-Martinek got into a lot of penalty trouble.

-These jerseys really seem to be giving us the EDGE (with all the pun anyone could even think of intending.)



0-2. Let's try to get our first win tomorrow against the Canadiens.



Let's Go Isles!!!

OT Final In North Bay- Thrashers- 4 Isles-3

An amazing first pre-season game has come to an end.

The Isles jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Freddy Meyer slipped the puck past Hedberg at 3:45. The Thrashers then tied it up when Joey Crabb put a power play goal behind MacDonald. Atlanta made it 3-1 when Brett Sterling and Joey Crabb put in goals. But just 29 seconds later, Matt Spliller got the Isles to a 1 goal deficit.

Spiller tied up the game at 3 when he blasted another one past Hedberg.
The game then went to OT, and the game was over when Exelby got it past MacDonald.

An entertaining first game, for sure. Although we could have done better, we did play very well.

My 3 Stars:

1. Joey Crabb

2. Joey MacDonald

3. Matthew Spiller


Notes from the game:

-Vasicek and Simon played very well, and knew what they were doing during their chance on a top line.

-Tambellini played well also, and was credited with an assist that he definitely deserved.

-MacDonald was exceptionally good, played the full game and kept the Islanders in it.

-If you were upset with the amount of penalties the Isles took last year, get prepared for a disturbing repeat.

-Tomorrow- Bruins @ Islanders, 7:00 PM.



Let's Go Islanders!!!

Pre-Game Notes

I am as excited as any Islander fan today. That is, if you actually are really excited.

If you want to see the game, be sure to check out isles TV at islanders.nhl.com. I can't wait to see those new jerseys in action. I'm sure it will change some of you jersey haters minds. A few other things to watch for this pre-season:

-How that Tank-Comrie-Guerin line will work out.

-DP

-Comrie

-Most of all, how the new boys and the returning Isles are when they hit the ice. I hope we have built good chemistry.



Once again, I will be covering ALL pre-season games either the next morning or that night. The same goes for ALL regular season games.

Here is the starting linup for tonight's game.

Goaltenders
35 Joey MacDonald
33 Mike Morrison

Defense
8 Bruno Gervais - 14 Chris Campoli
44 Freddy Meyer - 56 Dustin Kohn
2 Aaron Johnson - 6 Matthew Spiller

Forwards
15 Jeff Tambellini - 63 Josef Vasicek - 16 Jon Sim
20 Sean Bergenheim - 10 Richard Park - 64 Olivier Labelle
12 Chris Simon - 51 Frans Nielsen - 28 Tim Jackman
37 Kip Brennan - 29 Ben Walter - 57 Blake Comeau




Let's Get Pumped Up Isles Fans!

Let's Go Islanders!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TC Day 4

At the Lobster Cup finale this afternoon, team Trottier took the win over team Gillies.

-Tambellini scored 2 goals, leading Trottier to a 6-4 win.

-Comrie proved himself again, scoring a goal right away.

-According to the Isles website, the three stars of the LC were:

1. Comrie

2. Tambellini

3. Vasicek

HM- Blake Comeau


-Tommorow- Thrashers at Isles!!!!!




Let's Go Isles!!!

TC Day 3

Today's Lobster Cup matchup was Gillies against Bossy. Bossy jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but it didn't last for long. Mike Comrie had his first chance to prove himself as a number 1 center, and he used the chance well. Comrie put up a hat-trick in the game, leading Gillies to a 4-3 victory. Dipietro was fairly good, and made a few great saves.

-Team Bossy is 0-2, Gillies and Trottier are 1-0.

-Once again, Nolan was impressed with D Bryan Berard.

-9/17, Isles @ Thrashers

-------

On another note, Former Islander Eric Cairns has been helping out coaches at training camp. He will continue to be doing this.




Let's Go Isles!!!

Training Camp in Moncton, Day 2

The battle has begun at the New York Islanders training camp in Moncton.

- A few people that stood out today were Dubie, Vasicek, and Berard. Those are the people who do need to prove themselves, so it was a good idea to step it up.


-In the Lobster Cup Tournament, team Trottier defeated team Bossy 6-1.

-Here are the teams of the tournament, directly from the wonderful islanders.nhl.com.

Team Gillies
Forwards
Ruslan Fedotenko - Mike Comrie - Bill Guerin
Sean Bentivoglio - Ben Walter - Jeremy Colliton
Jason Pitton - Chris Gaudet - Steve Regier
Kip Brennan - Tomas Marcinko - Masi Marjamaki

Defensemen
Chris Campoli - Bruno Gervais
Aaron Johnson - Freddy Meyer
Martin Frechette - Simon Lacroix

Goalies
Rick DiPietro
Mike Morrison



Team Trottier
Forwards
Jeff Tambellini - Josef Vasicek - Miroslav Satan
Blake Comeau - Trevor Smith - Tim Jackman
Justin Bourne - Tyler Haskins - Maxim Gratchev
Robin Figren - Marc Cavosie - Olivier Labelle

Defensemen
Brendan Witt - Marc-Andre Bergeron
Dustin Kohn - Andrew MacDonald
Mark Katic - Jordan Hart

Goalies
Wade Dubielewicz
Michael Mole



Team Bossy
Forwards
Jon Sim - Mike Sillinger - Trent Hunter
Chris Simon - Richard Park - Sean Bergenheim
Andy Hilbert - Frans Nielsen - Darryl Bootland
Derek Damon - Shawn Bates - Gordie Dwyer

Defensemen
Andy Sutton - Radek Martinek
Bryan Berard - Drew Fata
Matthew Spiller - Jamie Fraser

Goalies
Joey MacDonald
Maxime Ouellet




-Nolan was impressed with Dwyer and Brennan today, who do have a slim chance of making the team.


-Monday, 9/17. Thrashers @ Isles.





Let's Go Isles!!!

Training Camp Opens

I have to do this in my attempt to post everyday.

Today, training camp opened in Moncton. All the new guys were settling in, everyone else getting used to the ice again. But tomorrow, the battle will start. Tambellini and Berard are the two guys that are battling for a spot. They both have to have great training camps.

-Note- G Mike Morrison was in camp today, which means he was invited unknowingly. He will be battling for an AHL spot.

-First pre-season game is Monday, September 17th, Against the Atlanta Thrashers.

-I will be covering every training camp day, along with every pre-season game.



Let's Go Isles!!!

Josef Vasicek

Happy Birthday Vasicek!




The final scheduled "New Islander" review. Josef Vasicek. Take it away, Josef. Oh, right, I have to do this.


Josef Vasicek was acquired by the Islanders on 8/15/07, our last signing of the offseason.


Vasicek is entering his 7th season as an NHL player. He has spent most of his career in a Hurricanes uniform,(00-06),(06-07). In his first, 5 season tour of duty in Carolina, he scored 55 goals and 71 assists in 316 games. In the 2006 offseason, he was dealt to the Nashville Predators for Scott Walker. In his short 35 games with the Predators, he scored 4 goals and 9 assists. He was then dealt back to the Hurricanes, where he would play the remainder of the season. In those 28 games, he scored 2 goals and 7 assists.

In Josef's post season career, he has played 37 games, scoring 5 goals and 2 assists. He fell short in the Stanley Cup Final in 2002 to the Detroit Red Wings. But in 2006, in the first playoffs of the "New NHL", the Hurricanes went on to defeat the Edmonton Oilers in 7 games. I remember watching that game. In Carolina, the crowd was just hectic. It's always enjoyable watching the cup come out. Although I don't recall seeing Vasicek with the cup, he still has that great experience of having Lord Stanley's Cup in his hands.


Vasicek has struggled with injury trouble the past couple years. It is highly important for him to stay healthy this year. He is the 3rd line center, without question. I think he will get 15 goals and 20-er, I'll give him an extra birthday assist. 21. That is, of course, if he stays healthy.


Vasicek's Player Page: http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8467416&service=page



Once again, I would like to wish Vasicek a very happy birthday. I hope you like my little picture of Vasicek at the beginning of this post. I felt like I should do something like that, for the hell of it.


And this marks the end of the NIR's. For now.



Let's Go Islanders!!!

Night Time News

I don't plan on making this a series, I just had to find a title for this.


-Isles are still in the running for Jason Allison, but I'd give it a 1%.

-Nolan Pratt rumors have still been flying around, and could be our extra defensive pick-up for training camp. (60%)

-Still, we could be involved in another trade. This one today was only a prospect swap, as far as I know. (40%)



Vasicek's review has been delayed until tomorrow, if you didn't read my past post. Interestingly, it is Josef's birthday tomorrow! Therefore, I shall not disappoint in the review. I'll do my best.


Let's Go Isles!!!

ISLANDERS ACQUIRE BEN WALTER

The Islanders have acquired prospect Ben Walter from the Boston Bruins for Petteri Nokelainen. The Islanders also received a 2009 conditional draft pick.

Amazing. A center that could be our #2 prospect. Maybe even better that Oky. I'll update this later, I just want to get this up now.


UPDATE: 4:13 PM

Official news two days in a row. Wasn't expecting that.

Walter is 23, and coming off a fabulous AHL season. He is ready for the NHL, and will be battling for a roster spot in training camp. I definitely think he could make it.

I don't think the Isles are done yet. Training Camp will start Thursday or Friday, and we may pull out a defenseman trade tomorrow. Remember, this trade is only MINOR.




I'm going to push the Vasicek review to tomorrow. Sorry. If camp starts Friday, then I have planned things out wrong. So I'm assuming it will start Friday. Speaking of the NIR's, Walter's will NOT be done unless he makes the team. I said the young guys don't count, didn't I?







Let's Go Isles!!!

Mike Dunham is Isles New Goalie Coach!!!

Today, it has been confirmed. Dunham will return to the Isles as the new goalie coach. I am very excited right now, and I can't explain it. I'm sure this is good for DP and Dubie, because they are now getting taught by someone that they have a great relationship with.

"I'm very proud of my career and really enjoyed playing my final year on Long Island," said Dunham. "I'm very appreciative of Isles coach Ted Nolan giving me this opportunity to be part of his coaching staff and work with all of the goaltenders in our system. I'm really looking forward to beginning my coaching career."

Nolan commented, and said, "Mike had an outstanding NHL career and was very well-regarded for his work ethic and his leadership. I'm very happy to have all of his experience on our coaching staff."


Nice stuff, isn't it?

Remember-Vasicek review tomorrow!!!



Let's Go Isles!!!

Andy Sutton

The 2nd to last "New Islander" Review. Andy Sutton. Read on.


Andy Sutton was acquired by the New York Islanders on 8/10/07. The 32-year-old is entering his 9th NHL season, and in my opinion, our best pick up of the offseason.


The Isles are Sutton's 4th team. He began his career with the San Jose Sharks, (98-00), scoring one goal and 4 assists in 71 games. Then, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he played 00-02, scoring 5 goals and 8 assists in 88 games played. The Wild then sent him to the Thrashers, where he would play 5 seasons, (02-07). In Atlanta, he scored 21 goals and 66 goals in 273 games. Along with Sim, he was part of the Trashers playoff debut. He put up no points in the four games.



Sutton plays a huge part in the Isles defense. He isn't our offensive D, as I see he only scored 27 goals and 78 assists in his career. But along with Witt and Martinek, he will give us needed defensive help. I see him getting 6 goals and 10 assists this year, but should give us a lot of help in our zone. He's a big guy, and you don't want to mess with him.


Sutton's Player Page: http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8467304&service=page&tab=prf




The last review will be Josef Vasicek, which I will give on Tuesday. Berard's will not be done until he makes the team, which I highly believe he will. I'll do that when it happens.


Let's Go Isles!!!

[Place Headline Here] #2

No Isles news today, so I wanted to leave you with a video.

It is from NHL 2K8.(ugh)
DP making a sick save, and Satan scoring a goal. Notice, they are wearing the new jersey. A little hint to how it will look like on a player.





Tomorrow, I will be giving Andy Sutton's review.

I also want to say that I am working on a couple new features for the blog, and hope to get them up soon.


Let's Go Isles!!!

Jon Sim

Here we go. "New Isles" review #5. Enjoy.


Jon Sim was acquired by the New York Islanders on 7/1/07. Although the 29 year-old is entering his 9th season in the NHL, he really only earned a spot as an NHL regular two years ago.

In Sim's eight years playing hockey, he has spent much of it in the AHL. In the NHL, he has played with the Stars, (98-02), split the 02-03 season with the Stars, Predators, and Kings, split 03-04 with the Kings and the Penguins, split 05-06 with the Flyers and Panthers, and was on the Atlanta Thrashers last year. In his NHL time, he has played 307 games, scoring 52 goals and 45 assists. Yet another Isle that gets more goals than assists. He has been much better in the AHL, scoring 74 goals and 65 assists in just 146 games played. Absolutely amazing. I hope Jon can be like that in the NHL!

In his playoff career, Sim has played 15 games, and scored one point, which was a goal. In the AHL, he scored 10 goals and 7 assists in 21 games, and that was just one postseason! Last year, he was also a part of the Thrashers' postseason debut. But the Thrashers' debut wasn't too good, as they were swept in the first round by the Rangers.


This year, Jon's playing time is questionable. But I expect him to be a solid 4th liner all year. If he could play like he did in the AHL, I'd say he'd get 30 goals and 15 assists. Unfortunately, that is nearly impossible. If he were a first liner, he could do it. Honestly, I expect him to get 17 goals and 12 assists, a complete repeat of last year. He is capable of doing better, but he needs this season to settle in. He has been bouncing around a lot, and hasn't been comfortable in one place. This time, he could be here for a while.


Sim's Player Page: http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8465024&service=page&tab=prf




Next up on the "NIR's" will be Sim's teammate from Atlanta last year, Andy Sutton.



Have a good evening everyone. Remember, any official news or serious rumors will be posted here right as I find out.



Let's Go Islanders!!!

Mid Day News #4

Today, I've got a lot of information for you. I'd call it a successful day.

-A trade is looming. And it really is close, (90%). Whether it is a D or a C trade, I do not know.

-I've still been hearing Lecavalier trade rumors, (20%), and now, Martin St. Louis is popping up in the rumors, (15%).

-Nolan Pratt talks are still going, but I don't think we'll sign him. (50%)

-Allison talks still exist, but it's unlikely that we will get him. (20%)

-After the bucket for a defenseman trade being empty, Bryan McCabe has just come in.

-No news on Dunham, but like I said yesterday, expect it to happen. (99%)

-I will be giving Jon Sim's review later today. (99.9%)


Let's Go Isles!!!

Dunham Staying on LI?

I'm not sure if you all know that last year's back-up goalie, Mike Dunham, retired this offseason. Well, he did.

Our fellow Isles blogger, Corey Witt, at http://nyimediablog.blogspot.com/, reports that Mike Dunham could be coming back as the Islanders new goalie coach.

Very interesting, isn't it? I was never expecting Dunny to even retire, and now he can possibly start a new job in coaching. I like the idea. A great veteran who can teach DP and Dubie.

Here's the full post by Witt:

Quote:
"Here’s what we do know for sure: The Islanders will have a new goaltending coach this season and that he will travel with the team to training camp. We also know that former Islanders goaltender Mike Dunham is now retired as a player and that he’s on Long Island. And it wouldn’t surprise us if he is the man for the job. Dunny was very instrumental in a few early season victories for the Islanders last season. He’s also a very smart hockey guy and has a great relationship with Ricky and Dubie. He knows the sport and knows the position. Dunny’s also one heck-of-a nice guy. Nothing official yet, but expect it soon."


Of course, Corey has way better sources that's rumors could become official. And that's comparing to myself. Expect this Dunny thing to happen guys.


Sorry for the holdout in "New Isles" reviews. Training camp starts one week from today, so I'll have to get it going. Three more to go. Tomorrow, Jon Sim.




Let's Go Isles!!!!

MDN #3

Yet another MDN today.

Eklund reports that we are still in the runnings for Jason Allison. I'm also hearing that the Isles are close to Nolan Pratt. That would be an interesting signing for us. It's important to get all of the talent we can get, though.



I also have to say, I am getting very impressed with my site. Day by day it is getting more popular. A huge thanks to everyone who visits. I made this blog for you.




Let's Go Isles!!!

Mid-Day News #2

I haven't done a MDN in a while, so why not do it now?

-Joel Bouchard was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets today. It's sad to see him go. He was a tough guy who would always take the body.

Updated trade rumors:

-Center trade-(60%)

-Defenseman trade- (60%)(Rapidly going up)


Not going at Bouchard could mean we have something up our sleeve. The Dman trade has come back into action, and actually appears imminent now.

More later? We shall see.



Let's Go Isles!!!

Just to Clear Things Up...

I didn't have enough information for a NaN this morning, and I'm not sure when I will have enough for another. Here is something to keep things going.


The San Jose Sharks signed Roenick today, so that makes the trade for a center even more likely,(70%). Why? Because now we know that we are not signing a center. And yes, there was speculation that JR was coming to the Isle.



Not much, but it is something. Not sure if I'll do Jon Sim today. Maybe tomorrow.




Let's Go Isles!!!

Ruslan Fedotenko

Sorry for the delay. Here is the 4th review, for Ruslan Fedotenko.

Ruslan Fedotenko was acquired by the Islanders on 7/4/07, the day before the Isles best day of the offseason.


The 28 year-old is entering his 7th season in the NHL. He has spent two years with the Flyers, (00-01) , (01-02), where he scored 33 goals and 29 assists in 152 games played. And four years with the Lightning, (02-03) , (03-04) , (05-06) , (06-07), where he scored 74 goals and 70 assists in 313 games.

During the playoffs, Tank has scored 13 goals and four assists in 53 games played. He had made the playoffs in all 6 of his NHL seasons. In 2004, he won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He scored 12 of his 13 playoff goals that post-season, and scored the 2 goals for Lightning that gave them a 2-1 win in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against Calgary.

Just like Guerin, Ruslan wants the puck. It would make sense for him to be on a different line than Guerin, but I am not Ted Nolan, so I don't know. I expect him to have 20 goals and 14 assists this year. He never has had injury trouble, so we don't have to worry about this guy. As long as he plays a full season, (75-82 games), he should easily get 20 goals, even though he has only done it once in his career,(05-06), 26 goals.


Fedotenko's Player Page: http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8468172&service=page&tab=prf


The next "New Islander" review will probably be Jon Sim. Enjoy the rest of your day, I probably won't have any more information for you.

But hey, you never know.



Let's Go Isles!!!

News and Notes #7

The news bucket has been slightly refilled for the holiday. And this gives me a chance to continue this series.

-Gordie Dwyer try-out rumors have been confirmed. He is coming to the Isle. (100%)

-The trade for a center has still made no progress. (60%)

-The trade for a defenseman has sprouted back into action. (20%)

-Today, I'll be giving Tank's review. (100%)


I have to wonder which trade will happen. Chances are, we are only going to make one trade. At least this gives us something to think about. Also, I believe Eklund has been right. We are not getting Allison.






Let's Go Isles!!!

Bill Guerin

Here is the third of the "New Islander" Reviews. Enjoy.


Bill Guerin was acquired by the Islanders on 7/5/07, the same day we signed Mike Comrie.

The 36 year-old is entering his 15th season as an NHL regular. Over his long career, he has played for the Devils, (91-98) , the Oilers, (98-01) , the Bruins, (01-02) , the Stars, (02-06) , and split the 06-07 season with the Blues and Sharks. For a Captain, he has been tossed around the league a bit, as the Isles would be his 7th team.

In the regular season, Bill has scored 364 goals and 355 assists in 1,026 games played. In the post-season, he has played 105 career games, scoring 28 goals and 22 assists. For those who won't bother to do the math, that is 392 goals and 377 assists in 1,131 games played. Looking at those stats, he wants the puck. You usually see more assists than goals, but not for Billy.

This year, he serves as the Islanders Captain. I expect him to score 35 goals and 24 assists. Last year, he scored 36 and put up 20 assists. He is getting up there in age, but that shouldn't stop him from scoring. Guerin and Comrie should be the ones getting the most goals this year, in my opinion. He is going to be playing at least two years of hockey on the Island, and then his career could be over. I expect him to retire happily, as a New York Islander.


Guerin's Player Page: http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8456464&service=page&tab=prf


Tomorrow, I will post Ruslan Fedotenko's review.



Let's Go Islanders!!!

News an Notes #6

Today, there is really no information to give for the NaN series, but of course, that doesn't end it.

-Sorry for the lack of posting yesterday and today. I can't post anything if I have nothing to post.

-Get excited for this week. It should be a big week in the NHL.

-I will be posting Guerin's review shortly.


Was that a good attempt to save the series? I don't think so, but it doesn't matter. This series shall never end.



Let's Go Islanders!!!

News and Notes #5

As we begin our weekend today, we can be looking forward to next week. Chances are, we are going to have something big happen. Here are today's News and Notes.

-Nothing has confirmed Allison talks are over, but it sure seems like they are.

-Lecavalier trade has made no progress, but as I said yesterday, expect it to heat up a bit.

-Nothing else has been said from Gordie Dwyer or his agent, but I'd give the try-out a 90% chance.



Sorry if you feel ripped off that I didn't give you Guerin's reveiw yesterday. Lecavalier's news was not much, but it was something. Well, I have more bad news for you. No review today, either. But I will promise you the Captain's review tomorrow, and Tank's review on Monday.


Let's Go Isles!!!