PGP (New Year's Eve Edition!) Game 38 Isles @ Canes 12/31/07 8:00 PM

The Isles will face off in Carolina tonight in the last game of 2007.

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BIG MATCHUP:

Check Back

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19-16-2

The Isles have had an on and off first half of the year. After having a suprisingly good start, the Islanders' scoring took a downfall, and pucks weren't going in. This has seemed to be overcomed now, and scoring isn't much of a problem anymore.

Battling injuries, the Isles have a lot of backups in the lineup tonight. Here is my most recent injury update.

-G Rick DiPietro will miss his 3rd straight game with a sprained left knee. He wants to get back in there, but Ted Nolan reccommends being very careful with DiPietro, so he does not sustain another injury. He did not make the trip to Carolina, and will be watching the game in his own home. Dubielewicz will get his 3rd start in a row.

-D Radek Martinek will miss another game as well with a leg bruise.

-F Mike Sillinger will miss the game tonight for undisclosed reasons. Ben Walter will fill in his place in the lineup tonight.


Morning Skate Notes: (USA Today)

-The New Year's resolution for the Islanders is to get healthy.

-Ted Nolan's team is banged up going into Monday's game at Carolina. Goalie Rick DiPietro (knee) and top defenseman Radek Martinek (leg) were sidelined again Saturday because of injuries, and Ruslan Fedotenko (finger) and Chris Campoli (black eye) are playing through bumps and bruises.

-"It's a full-contact league," Fedotenko said before the Islanders' 5-2 win Saturday behind backup goalie Wade Dubielewicz.

-"You look at our schedule," coach Ted Nolan said, "and we've had a lot of tight-checking, hard-fought games. It takes its toll on you. That Christmas break was a nice couple of days to get some rest. Then you go right back at it and have another tough game against Toronto. Then 24 hours later we play in Ottawa.

-"With this game you have to make sure you're physically and mentally fit all the time. Injuries are part of the process. We're like every other team in the league. We just have to pick ourselves up and play hard."

-Defenseman Aaron Johnson, who hasn't played since Nov. 3 because of a knee injury, skated with the team Saturday for the first time in almost two months, but still appears to be a couple of weeks from returning.

-DiPietro also skated with the team Saturday morning but missed his second straight game after suffering a sprained knee but no structural damage in warmups before playing one period of Wednesday's overtime win against Toronto.

-"Ricky wants to play all the time," Nolan said. "We just have to make sure we're 100plus percent sure before we put him back in."


Tonight will be yet another edition of the classic New Year's Eve Islanders game. It should be a great way to close off 2007.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
34 Wade Dubielewicz
35 Joey MacDonald

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 8 Bruno Gervais
25 Andy Sutton – 44 Freddy Meyer
14 Chris Campoli – 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron

Forwards
10 Richard Park – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 11 Andy Hilbert – 7 Trent Hunter
28 Tim Jackman – 29 Ben Walter - 57 Blake Comeau

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20-17-3

The last time the Hurricanes and Islanders faced off, the Hurricanes came out on top with a whopping 8-3 victory. Rod Brind'Amour, Ray Whitney, and Justin Williams all had great games, coming out with 7 of the 8 goals. The 8th goal was scored by Eric Staal.

Both teams are pretty equal in records, except for the Hurricanes having 1 more win, loss, and OT loss.


Morning Skate Notes: (hurricanes.nhl.com)

-Both Matt Cullen and coach Peter Laviolette list the player's chances of playing tonight at 50/50. Cullen, who broke his nose and was briefly knocked unconscious last week after taking a hit from the New York Rangers' Colton Orr, will take the afternoon to consult with doctors and see how he feels.

-With Justin Williams, David Tanabe, possibly Matt Cullen and now Bret Hedican on the shelf, the Hurricanes have now lost 96 man games to injury. Only four players, Glen Wesley, Eric Staal, Ray Whitney and Tim Gleason, have appeared in all 40 games thus far.

-Monday’s game marks the sixth time the Hurricanes have hosted a New Year’s Eve game since moving into the RBC Center in 1999. The Hurricanes post a 2-3-0 record in New Year’s Eve games played at the RBC Center. Carolina scored New Year’s Eve home wins against Chicago in 2000-01 and Montreal in 2005-06, while suffering losses to the New York Rangers in 2002-03, Anaheim in 2003-04 and Philadelphia in 2006-07.

-The Hurricanes and Islanders have met once this season, an 8-3 Carolina win at Nassau Coliseum on Oct. 27. While neither team has swept a season series against the other since Carolina did so in a five-game set in 1998-99, the Islanders have not won a season-series against the Hurricanes franchise since the Hartford Whalers went 1-2-1 against the Islanders in 1996-97.

-Carolina’s eight goals on Oct. 27 against the Islanders marked the second time in franchise history the team has accomplished that feat. The Hartford Whalers scored an 8-2 home win against the Islanders on March 14, 1989.

-Of Hurricanes captain Rod Brind’Amour’s 1,098 career NHL points, 88 have come against the Islanders marking his highest scoring output against any NHL team. Of Brind’Amour’s three career hat tricks, two have come against the Islanders, including one this season in the teams’ Oct. 27 meeting at Nassau Coliseum. Brind’Amour has played 80 career games against the Islanders in his 18-plus NHL seasons, the second-most games he’s played against another team (Washington – 90).

-After not recording a shorthanded goal in their first 37 games this season, the Hurricanes have netted shorthanded tallies in two of their last three games. Scott Walker scored a shorthanded goal on Dec. 26 at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers, and Chad LaRose followed that up by beating Boston’s Tim Thomas with a shorthanded penalty-shot goal on Dec. 28.

Injury Report: (hurricanes.nhl.com)

-Defenseman Bret Hedican, knee (suffered 12/28), day-to-day, expected to miss 10-14 days, missed one game. MISSING TONIGHT'S GAME.

-Forward Matt Cullen, illness, day-to-day, missed two games. POSSIBLY MISSING TONIGHT'S GAME.

-Defenseman David Tanabe, concussion, day-to-day, missed five games. MISSING TONIGHT'S GAME.

-Forward Justin Williams, ACL/MCL (left knee), injured reserve, out 4-6 months, missed four games. MISSING TONIGHT'S GAME.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
30 Cam Ward
47 John Grahame

Defensemen
2 Glen Wesley - 5 Frantisek Kaberle
42 Tim Gleason - 22 Mike Commodore
4 Dennis Seidenberg - 7 Niclas Wallin
28 Wade Brookbank

Forwards
61 Cory Stillman - 17 Rod Brind'Amour - 24 Scott Walker
13 Ray Whitney - 12 Eric Staal - 26 Erik Cole
16 Andrew Ladd - 8 Matt Cullen - 59 Chad LaRose
51 Jeff Hamilton - 19 Trevor Letowski

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Official Preview:

"Tonight on New Year’s Eve, the Islanders face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes at the RBC Center. For the third game in a row, the Islanders meet an Eastern division leader, taking on the Southeast Division pacers to close out the 2007 calendar.

The Islanders used three third-period goals to earn their third win in four games, topping New Jersey 5-2 Saturday night at the Nassau Coliseum. Andy Sutton recorded the first “Gordie Howe” hat trick of the season for the Islanders, combining his fight with a goal and an assist. Mike Sillinger, who will not play in tonight’s game, Richard Park and Trent Hunter each recorded two assists. Chris Campoli scored a goal and added an assist, and was one of three defensemen that netted goals.

"It felt pretty good," said Wade Dubielewicz . "I hadn't had a win in a game I started this year. Our team, as a group, played a pretty smart game tonight. They kept New Jersey on the perimeter, which made my job a little easier."

Dubielewicz stopped 27 shots for his third win of the season. Dubie will start again tonight.

"It was a big game for Dubie," coach Ted Nolan said. "It helps his confidence, and in turn, it gives the team confidence that they can win with Dubie in the net."

Mike Comrie’s empty-net goal put him in a tie with Bill Guerin for the team lead in goals with 12. Park, meanwhile, has been on a point-scoring tear recently. During a four-game point streak, Park has recorded a goal and six assists. He is tied with Ruslan Fedotenko and Hunter for fifth on the team in scoring.

In a fight-filled game which saw Sutton, Comrie and Guerin drop the gloves, only six minor penalties were assessed – three to each side. The Islanders scored the lone power play goal of the game.

Since being called up from Bridgeport of the AHL, Blake Comeau has impressed the coaching staff. On Saturday, he took a season-high 15 shifts and was a +1. In six games, Comeau has a goal and two assists, and leads the Islanders with a +5 rating.

This is the second of four meeting between the Islanders and Carolina. In their first matchup, the Hurricanes came away with an 8-3 victory at the Nassau Coliseum on October 27.

Carolina sports a balanced attack up front with six forwards having already amassed 30 or more points. Ray Whitney and Cory Stillman lead the team with 39 points.

Former Conn Smyth Trophy winner Cam Ward is putting up another fine season in goal with a 16-12-2 record. He has helped Carolina to a four-point lead over Atlanta for the division lead.

The Hurricanes have traded wins and losses since over their past six games. Tonight will be the sixth time Carolina hosts a game on New Year’s Eve since the RBC Center opened in 1999."

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Isles Win!!! Isles 5 Devils 2

The Isles defensemen come up with 3 goals to top the Devils 5-2.


Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Chris Campoli (SHG) (5:03)

2ND PERIOD

2. Marc-Andre Bergeron (PPG) (12:02)

3. Zach Parise (19:35)

3RD PERIOD

4. John Madden (3:59)

5. Andy Sutton (11:43)

6. Sean Bergenheim (15:02)

7. Mike Comrie (EN) (19:44)


Three Stars:

1. Andy Sutton
2. Wade Dubielewicz
3. Richard Park


Notes From The Game:

-Dubie!

-Dmen coming up big!

-Parkie is amazing!

-Fun game to watch.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
34 Wade Dubielewicz
35 Joey MacDonald

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 8 Bruno Gervais
25 Andy Sutton – 44 Freddy Meyer
14 Chris Campoli – 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron

Forwards
10 Richard Park – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
28 Tim Jackman – 11 Andy Hilbert - 57 Blake Comeau


DEVILS
Goaltenders
30 Martin Brodeur
1 Kevin Weekes

Defensemen
2 Vitaly Vishnevski - 6 Andy Greene
5 Colin White - 7 Paul Martin
29 Johnny Oduya - 8 Sheldon Brookbank
27 Mike Mottau

Forwards
16 Dainius Zubrus - 10 Rod Pelley - 14 Brian Gionta
9 Zach Parise - 19 Travis Zajac - 15 Jamie Langenbrunner
18 Sergei Brylin - 11 John Madden - 23 David Clarkson
17 Mike Rupp - 22 Arron Asham

Okposo Signed To 3-Year Deal

The Isles signed Kyle Okposo to a 3-year deal today. The young prospect will join the team after the World Junior Championships.

Stanley Cup, here we come!




"This morning the New York Islanders signed Okposo, their 2006 first round draft pick, to a three-year contract. Okposo will become a member of the Islanders organization following the conclusion of the World Junior Championships, where he is a member of Team USA.

"It would be an understatement to say we're excited about coming to terms with Kyle Okposo on his first contract with the Islanders,” said general manager Garth Snow. "As a hockey player, Kyle is the complete package. He has skill and character in abundance. Our organization is going to work extremely hard with Kyle to make him the best player that he can be. With the energy, enthusiasm and heart Kyle brings to the rink every night, there's no doubt he's going to be a favorite of Islanders fans for a long time.”

Said Okposo this morning from the Czech Republic: "This is an incredible day for me and my family. I want to thank the Islanders for making it happen and I want our fans to know that I can't wait to begin my Islanders career. My focus right now needs to be on Team USA, but I'll be more than ready when my pro career starts in a few weeks.”

The Islanders drafted Okposo with the seventh overall selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. In a season and a half at the University of Minnesota, the 19-year-old St. Paul native played in a total of 58 games and scored 26 goals with 25 assists for 51 points. As a true freshman in 2006-07, Okposo scored 19 goals with 21 assists for 40 points in 40 games. That season, he was named to the All-WCHA Second Team and the WCHA All-Rookie Team. Okposo also finished second on Minnesota in goals and finished tied for third in the WCHA in freshman scoring.

In addition to being a member of the United States team at this year's World Junior Championships – where he had a goal and assist in Team USA's 5-1 win over Kazakhstan on Wednesday - Okposo also represented his country in 2007 at the WJC.

Prior to being drafted by the Islanders, Okposo played for Des Moines of the USHL in the 2005-06 season. In 50 games, Okposo scored 27 goals with 31 assists for 58 points. He was named the USHL Rookie of the Year and the USHL Playoff MVP. Okposo was also named to the USHL First All-Star Team and the USHL All-Rookie Team.

"I've had the chance to observe Kyle and talk with him at our prospect development camps,” said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. "This is a very gifted hockey player and a special individual. I was asked the other day to compare him to Jarome Iginla or other power forwards in the NHL. My response is that it's our responsibility to develop him and see that Kyle Okposo makes a name for himself.”

Let's Go Isles!!!

Ottowa Tops Isles, 5-2

Dubie could not hold strong in net as he gives up 3 second period goals in route to a big time loss.

Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Jason Spezza (PPG) (1:01)

2. Daniel Alfredsson (2:44)

3. Antoine Vermette (SHG) (19:53)

3RD PERIOD

4. Bill Guerin (8:13)

5. Nick Foligno (10:25)

6. Mike Fisher (11:10)

7. Bill Guerin (2) (15:39)




Notes From The Game:

-Bad, bad game.

-Dubie didn't play good.

-We NEED DP.

-Scoring? Not there.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
34 Wade Dubielewicz
35 Joey MacDonald

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 8 Bruno Gervais
25 Andy Sutton – 44 Freddy Meyer
14 Chris Campoli - 4 Bryan Berard

Forwards
10 Richard Park – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
28 Tim Jackman – 11 Andy Hilbert - 57 Blake Comeau

OTTAWA
Goaltenders
29 Martin Gerber
1 Ray Emery

Defensemen
6 Wade Redden - 5 Christoph Schubert
4 Chris Phillips - 14 Andrej Meszaros
3 Lawrence Nycholat - 2 Luke Richardson

Forwards
15 Dany Heatley - 19 Jason Spezza – 11 Daniel Alfredsson
27 Randy Robitaille - 12 Mike Fisher - 25 Chris Neil
20 Antoine Vermette - 22 Chris Kelly - 10 Shean Donovan
71 Nick Foligno – 58 Cody Bass - 37 Dean McAmmond

Another OT Thriller, Leafs 3 Islanders 4

The Isles defeat the Maple Leafs in their second OT win in a row.


Photo Of The Game:





Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Alex Steen (6:13)

2. Andy Hilbert (7:02)

3. Mark Bell (13:02)

4. Mike Comrie (16:20)

5. Bill Guerin (19:12)

2ND PERIOD

No Scoring

3RD PERIOD

6. Alex Steen (2) (SHG) (1:15)

OVERTIME

7. Mike Comrie (2) (4:50)








Notes From The Game:

-Not many penalties. Nice.

-Uh oh. I hope DP is okay. Re-evaluated Thursday.

-Comrie coming up clutch!

-Dubie!

-PK was good.

-Parky! He's on fire.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 8 Bruno Gervais
25 Andy Sutton – 44 Freddy Meyer
14 Chris Campoli - 4 Bryan Berard

Forwards
10 Richard Park – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
28 Tim Jackman – 11 Andy Hilbert - 57 Blake Comeau


TORONTO
Goaltenders
1 Andrew Raycroft
30 Scott Clemmensen

Defensemen
15 Tomas Kaberle - 31 Pavel Kubina
25 Hal Gill - 7 Ian White
56 Andy Wozniewski – 36 Anton Stralman

Forwards
23 Alexei Ponikarovsky - 13 Mats Sundin - 80 Nik Antropov
10 Alex Steen - 14 Matthew Stajan - 22 Boyd Devereaux
11 Jiri Tlusty - 42 Kyle Wellwood- 55 Jason Blake
18 Chad Kilger – 9 Mark Bell - 16 Darcy Tucker

Bates Out For Season

Yep, just after he makes his return. Bates underwent hip surgery and will likely be out for the season, today's Daily News reports.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/2007/12/23/2007-12-23_islanders_find_offense_in_overtime_beat_-1.html


"......GOPHER IT: The Isles expect to sign 2006 first-rounder Kyle Okposo - who has spurred a sniping match between GM Garth Snow and Univ. of Minnesota coach Don Lucia by bolting the Golden Gophers midway through his sophomore season - to an entry-level deal (capped at $850,000 per) soon after the holiday roster freeze is lifted on Friday. The 19-year-old winger will report to Bridgeport after returning from the Czech Republic, where he's representing Team USA at the World Junior Championships. ... Shawn Bates underwent hip surgery and is likely out for the season."


This is very surprising and upsetting. I don't even recall the play when he injured his hip. He had played 2 games this season, on November 28th and 29th. He had 0 points and was a -2. He injured his hip in the game against the Rangers on the 29th, and has missed 10 games because of it. Now, he may very well be done with his NHL career. It is too risky to get back into the action any longer, I believe.


More on the situation as it unfolds.


Let's Go Isles!!!

2 In A Row, 3-2 Win In OT

The Isles can have a Merry Christmas after defeating the Capitals in overtime.


Photo Of The Game:






Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Miroslav Satan (10:03)

2. Alexander Semin (17:52)

3RD PERIOD

3. Bill Guerin (17:54)

4. Alexander Ovechkin (19:05)

OVERTIME

5. Richard Park (3:43)








Notes From The Game:

-Only 3 penalties. (claps)

-Outshot the Caps 31 to 16.

-Parkie coming clutch.

-Great way to kick off the holiday 3-day break.

-Nice game. Thought we won with Billy's goal, but that wasn't the case.

-Satan is playing great lately.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 44 Freddy Meyer
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
10 Richard Park – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
28 Tim Jackman – 11 Andy Hilbert - 57 Blake Comeau


WASHINGTON
Goaltenders
37 Olaf Kolzig
1 Brent Johnson

Defensemen
3 Tom Poti - 23 Milan Jurcina
52 Mike Green - 26 Shaone Morrisonn
4 John Erskine – 55 Jeff Schultz

Forwards
8 Alex Ovechkin - 92 Michael Nylander - 25 Viktor Kozlov
43 Tomas Fleischmann - 19 Nicklas Backstrom - 28 Alexander Semin
18 Matt Pettinger - 21 Brooks Laich - 10 Matt Bradley
87 Donald Brashear - 39 David Steckel - 53 Quintin Laing

Put Up The W, Isles Take It 4-2

The Isles defeat the Penguins as Blake Comeau scores his 1st NHL goal.


Photo Of The Game:



Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Miroslav Satan (0:44)

2. Erik Christensen (18:50)

2ND PERIOD

3. Jordan Staal (PPG) (4:20)

4. Andy Hilbert (8:42)

3RD PERIOD

5. Blake Comeau (10:28)

6. Trent Hunter (11:05)







Notes From The Game:

-Comeau! Great goal.

-Penalties.

-Good to get another win. Let's turn this one into a streak.

-4 goals. Wait, what? This can't be right.

-Here were the lines-


ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 44 Freddy Meyer
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
10 Richard Park – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
28 Tim Jackman – 11 Andy Hilbert – 57 Blake Comeau


PITTSBURGH
Goaltenders
30 Dany Sabourin
35 Ty Conklin

Defensemen
3 Mark Eaton – 55 Sergei Gonchar
4 Rob Scuderi – 19 Ryan Whitney
5 Darryl Sydor – 58 Kris Letang

Forwards
71 Evgeni Malkin - 87 Sidney Crosby – 20 Colby Armstrong
17 Petr Sykora - 11 Jordan Staal – 48 Tyler Kennedy
10 Gary Roberts – 16 Erik Christensen – 18 Adam Hall
27 Georges Laraque - 37 Jarkko Ruutu – 38 Jeff Taffe

Simon Suspended 30 Games

(tsn.ca)

"The National Hockey League came down hard again on New York Islanders forward Chris Simon on Wednesday, handing him a 30-game suspension for stepping on Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu last weekend.

"There were several factors that were considered in imposing the largest suspension in NHL history for an on-ice incident," explained NHL Vice President Colin Campbell in a statement.

"While fortunate, Mr. Ruutu suffered no serious injury as a result of Chris Simon's actions, the deliberate act of kicking an opponent with a skate blade, especially when that opponent is in a vulnarable position, is and always has been a repugnant and totally unacceptable act in the game of hockey."

With the decision, Simon will forfeit $292,683 to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund and is eligible to return to the Islanders' lineup Feb. 21 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In light of the severity of the discipline, a source close to the case believes Simon will be quick to appeal it.


"In addition, while the act itself was extremely dangerous, the fact that this is the eighth incident requiring the imposition of supplementary discipline on Simon compelled me to impose a very severe penalty in this case," Campbell added.





"When a player repeatedly evidences the lack of ability to control his actions and conducts himself in total disregard of the rules, as well the health and safety of other players on the ice, each subsequent incident is deserving of enhanced scrutiny and more severe discipline. This response serves not only the purpose of imposing appropriate punishment for the player involved, but also the purpose of deterring the player and all other players from engaging in similar conduct in the future - hopefully creating a safer long-term work environment for all NHL players."

Simon was called to an in-person hearing in Toronto on Tuesday to explain his actions from an incident last Saturday in a game against Pittsburgh where he stomped on Ruutu's leg. He received a match penalty with 5:54 remaining in a 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh.

While Tuesday's hearing in Toronto lasted aproximately 30 minutes, a source close to the process suggested the heart of the hearing was quickly dealt with in a 10-minute span.

Simon took a leave from the Islanders to receive counselling. "The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team" said Simon in a prepared statement on Monday.





"I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I'm proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game."

The Islanders reiterated its support for Simon in a release sent following after the NHL's decision.

"Since Saturday night, the focus of the New York Islanders has been on Chris Simon the person, not him as a player or on his place in our lineup," said general manager Garth Snow in a team-issued statement Wednesday.

"As we announced on Monday, the Islanders are going to provide Chris the time and support that he needs for counseling. For Chris right now, hockey must be secondary to the priority of taking care of himself. Chris has played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, has won a Stanley Cup and just as importantly has won the respect of his teammates. He is an Islander, deserves our compassion, and we ask that all Islanders fans join us in supporting Chris every step of the way."

This suspension marks the eighth of Simon's 15-year NHL career and supplants his 25-game suspension last March for a stick swinging attack on Ryan Hollweg of the New York Rangers.

He received a three-game ban in 1997 after directing a racial slur toward player Mike Grier, who is black. Grier and Simon later became teammates with the Washington Capitals.

During the 2000 playoffs, Simon, then with Washington, sat out Game 2 after he cross-checked Penguins defenceman Peter Popovic across the throat in the opener.

In April 2001, he drew a two-game ban for elbowing defenceman Anders Eriksson of Florida. He was given a pair of two-game suspensions in 2004. The first was for cross-checking Tampa Bay's Ruslan Fedotenko and then jumping on him and punching him, and the second was for kneeing Dallas Stars blueliner Sergei Zubov. Fedotenko and Simon are now Islanders teammates after Fedotkeno signed on as a free agent last summer."


Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Lose It Late, 2-1

The Sabres take a victory with just minutes left in the 3rd.


Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Derek Roy (6:11)

2ND PERIOD

No Scoring

3RD PERIOD

2. Brendan Witt (3:50)

3. Maxim Afinogenov (17:43)










Notes From The Game:

-Penalties!

-Witt scored his first of the season.

-Not much good out of this game.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 44 Freddy Meyer
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais


Forwards
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko– 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
28 Tim Jackman – 10 Richard Park – 57 Blake Comeau

BUFFALO
Goaltenders
30 Ryan Miller
41 Jocelyn Thibault

Defensemen
6 Jaroslav Spacek - 51 Brian Campbell
10 Henrik Tallinder - 5 Toni Lydman
45 Dmitri Kalinin - 38 Nathan Paetsch

Forwards
26 Thomas Vanek - 9 Derek Roy - 21 Drew Stafford
55 Jochen Hecht - 19 Tim Connolly - 29 Jason Pominville
12 Ales Kotalik - 28 Paul Gaustad - 61 Maxim Afinogenov
76 Andrew Peters - 20 Daniel Paille - 22 Adam Mair

PGP Game 32, Sabres @ Isles 12/19/07 7:00 PM

The Isles take on the Sabres as they try to get back on a winning track Wednesday night.
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BIG Matchup:

Check Back Later.
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(15-14-2)

The Isles, coming off of a loss to the Penguins on Saturday, have been having a bumpy 1st 1/3 of the season. Starting good, going bad, going okay, and now going up and down every game.

Winning streaks seem very hard to come by for the Isles these days, and they really need them right now. If things can finally come to shape, things may start to go in, and W's will start to get back on the record. Tonight is a must-win in my thoughts, because more losses mean more wasted games that they didn't win. It's only 82 games. Every loss makes it a 1 game shorter season. And when it all comes down, winning means everything.

With the recent act and suspension of F Chris Simon, things can get pretty shaky in the lockeroom. But with Comeau back up, the power of the young may propel the Isles to a victory. You are probably not getting a "Shelly Duncan type" performance by Comeau, but that speed and energy can do some magical things itself.


PREGAME NOTES:

-D Marc Andre Bergeron is scratched. (Thank you!)

-D Bryan Berard is scratched.

-D Freddy Meyer with suit up.

-F Blake Comeau will make his season debut tonight.


MY PROJECTED LINES:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 44 Freddy Meyer
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
? Blake Comeau – 10 Richard Park - 28 Tim Jackman


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The Buffalo Sabres. Last year, hearing that name made me want to run and hide under a table. This year, that's not so much the case.

The Sabres, who are almost equal to the Isles in records, have also been struggling. And, if I was a Sabre fan, I'd say this is a must win for them too. But unfortunately, only one team can win.

The season series between the two teams is 2-1 Isles right now.

"May the best team win."

No, I'd prefer if the Isles won.


PREGAME NOTES:

-G Ryan Miller has played all but one period of the Sabres' last 10 games.

-D Nolan Pratt was scratched for the second straight game, coinciding with the return of D Henrik Tallinder. Coach Lindy Ruff opted for the speed of rookie D Andrej Sekera over the experience of Pratt.


MY PROJECTED LINES:

Forwards
26 - Thomas Vanek 9 - Derek Roy 21 - Drew Stafford
55 - Jochen Hecht (A) 19 - Tim Connolly 29 - Jason Pominville
12 - Ales Kotalik 28 - Paul Gaustad 61 - Maxim Afinogenov
20 - Daniel Paille 22 - Adam Mair 76 - Andrew Peters

Defensemen
6 - Jaroslav Spacek (A) 51 - Brian Campbell (C)
5 - Toni Lydman 10 - Henrik Tallinder
45 - Dmitri Kalinin 38 - Nathan Paetsch

Goaltenders
30 - Ryan Miller
35 - Jocelyn Thibault

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Official Preview:

"The New York Islanders' response to Chris Simon's latest on-ice transgression seemed to suggest they're now used to such actions. They'll look to minimize the distraction from the incident and try to get back on track when they host the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.

The Islanders and Simon agreed Monday that the rugged forward should take a paid leave of absence after he took down and stepped on Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu on Saturday, drawing a match penalty for intent to injure, in New York's 3-2 loss. Simon was playing in only his 26th game since sitting out the season's first five contests while completing a 25-game suspension, levied for his stick attack on the New York Rangers' Ryan Hollweg on March 8.

That was his sixth NHL suspension, and Simon is scheduled to meet with disciplinarian Colin Campbell on Tuesday in Toronto. In advance of what will almost certainly be another lengthy ban, the Islanders opted to have Simon leave the team now.

"We discussed the measures we have to take," coach Ted Nolan said. "Chris is very remorseful and very sorry for his actions. As an organization, we don't condone it. We appreciate the thing he did. On the flip side, we have to have some compassion, some understanding and some support."

New York (15-14-2) is hoping to limit the impact of Simon's transgression and keep its focus as it tries to make a move in the Atlantic Division. While the Islanders are a game above .500, they're in last place in the tightly bunched division and have been unable to put together a sustained run of late. New York hasn't won two in a row since Nov. 16 and 19.

The Isles, who have alternated wins and losses in their last four games, have an NHL-low 71 goals. They haven't scored more than three in a game since Nov. 1.

The Sabres (16-14-1) are also in last with 33 points in the Northeast Division, but are looking to win four straight games since a season-high five-game run from Nov. 16-26. Buffalo has been unable to climb out of the cellar despite going 10-4-0 in their last 14 contests.

"We're taking more pride in playing defensively and blocking shots," left wing Thomas Vanek said. "I think it's paying off."

The Sabres' three-game win streak began last Wednesday with a 5-3 home win over the Islanders, the teams' first meeting since New York opened the season with a home-and-home sweep of Buffalo.

"We have to be able to win those tight ones," forward Jason Pominville said after the Sabres' 3-1 victory over Chicago on Saturday. "That's usually the sign of a good time. It's not every night you'll be able to score five or six goals."

The Sabres hope Maxim Afinogenov can continue to emerge from his offensive funk Wednesday, as he has a goal and three assists during the three-game win streak. Afinogenov has managed just five goals and 10 assists in 31 games, a season after recording 17 goals and 23 assists during the first 31 contests.

The right wing has six goals and 11 assists in 25 games against the Islanders."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Simon Leaves Team

First off, don't take this as meaning he is literally LEAVING the team. He is taking time off to basically, think about his wrongs.

Formally called a "Time Out".


(tsn.ca)

"The New York Islanders and veteran forward Chris Simon have agreed that time away from the team is needed to come to terms with his recent on-ice behavior and potentially, his playing future.

Simon's future should become a little clearer on Tuesday, when he is expected to meet with NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell in Toronto.

Islanders owner Charles Wang met Simon earlier Monday to discuss the direction best suited to provide Simon with the support he deserves.

Simon has been granted time away from the team to seek counselling, or any other method to help restore his career.

"The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team" said Simon in a prepared statement.



"I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I'm proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game."

Wang also met with Islanders general manager Garth Snow, head coach Ted Nolan, captain Bill Guerin, the alternate captains and goaltender Rick DiPietro to discuss the matter.

"The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart," said Islanders owner Charles Wang.

"We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counseling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again."

The meetings stem from Simon's actions on Saturday night where he purposely stomped on Jarkko Ruutu's leg.

Simon was assessed a match penalty and awaits further discipline from the NHL.

"I want to start off by making clear that there is no excuse for my actions on Saturday night and I apologize to everyone involved," Simon added.

A breakdown of Simon's 7 previous suspensions:

- 25 games for a high stick on Ryan Hollweg
- 2 games for kneeing Sergei Zubov
- 2 games for cross checking Ruslan Fedotenko
- 2 games for elbowing Anders Eriksson
- 1 playoff game for cross checking Peter Popovic
- 3 games for verbal comments directed at Mike Grier
- 5 games for slashing Dennis Vial "



(islanders.nhl.com)

This afternoon, the New York Islanders released the following pair of statements from owner Charles Wang and veteran forward Chris Simon. As the statements indicate, Simon has been granted some time away from the team.


From Charles Wang:

"The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart.

"We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counseling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again."


From Chris Simon:

"I want to start off by making clear that there is no excuse for my actions on Saturday night and I apologize to everyone involved.

"The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team. I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I’m proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game.

"I want to thank the Islanders for providing the environment for me to become a better player and person, and our fans for their support along the way."


The call up of Comeau will likely be to replace Simon.


Let's Go Isles!!!

Comeau Up

Blake Comeau was called up by the Isles today.

"The New York Islanders have recalled right wing prospect Blake Comeau from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. In 25 games with Bridgeport this season, Comeau has scored three goals while adding six assists for nine points. This is Comeau’s first action with the Islanders this season since training camp.

Comeau made his NHL debut last season with the Islanders on December 7, 2006 versus Montreal and played in a total of three games and went scoreless. Last season with Bridgeport, his first professional year, he recorded 12 goals with 31 assists for 43 points in 60 games.

The 21-year old native of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan was originally drafted by the Islanders in the second round (47th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He had a standout junior career with Kelowna of the Western Hockey League where he scored 60 goals and 117 assists for 177 points in four seasons."


Let's Go Isles!!!

Pens Take Down Isles, 3-2

The Isles continue their on and off streak as they lose to the Penguins Saturday night.


Photo Of The Game:





Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Sidney Crosby (2:48)

2. Ryan Whitney (6:35)

2ND PERIOD

3. Richard Park (PPG) (4:57)

4. Josef Vasicek (5:42)

5. Tyler Kennedy (PPG) (14:16)

3RD PERIOD

No Scoring










Notes From The Game:

-On and off game. We had a chance, then lost it again.

-BERGERON SUCKS.

-Simon's penalty was a very foolish act. He may very well be suspended.

-Isles scored their 2 goals in 45 seconds.

-Are we going in the dust now? We can't be last in the division!

-Penalties!

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman


PITTSBURGH
Goaltenders
30 Dany Sabourin
35 Ty Conklin

Defensemen
3 Mark Eaton – 44 Brooks Orpik
4 Rob Scuderi – 19 Ryan Whitney
5 Darryl Sydor – 58 Kris Letang

Forwards
12 Ryan Malone - 87 Sidney Crosby – 20 Colby Armstrong
17 Petr Sykora - 71 Evgeni Malkin - 27 Georges Laraque
10 Gary Roberts - 11 Jordan Staal - 48 Tyler Kennedy
37 Jarkko Ruutu– 18 Adam Hall – 36 Connor James

PGP (Finally!) Game 31, Pens @ Isles 12/15/07 7:00 PM

The Isles will take on the Penguins for the 3rd time this season as they look to go 3games over .500%

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BIG MATCHUP:

Youth Vs. Experience

(from islanders.nhl.com)

"Many of the Penguins' best players are under the age of 25, including forwards Sidney Crosby (20), Evgeni Malkin (21), Jordan Staal (19), defensemen Ryan Whitney (24) and Kris Letang (20).

Their youthful energy brought them to the 2006-07 playoffs, but they ran into a more experienced Ottawa Senators squad that easily dismantled them in the first round.

The Islanders, with a much more experienced team, have been able to handle the Penguins well over the past two seasons. With a record of 5-4-1 against Pittsburgh in their past ten meetings, the Islanders will try to out-smart the speedy and talented Penguins team led by Crosby."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------





15-13-2

The Islanders have been up and down this entire season. With 30 games behind them, they have won half of them, and recieved points in 17 of them. A great start, and offensive breakdown, and now, we hope, there will be a winning boost.

Tonight will be a great chance to do it. The Penguins have been struggling quite a bit, losing their #1 goaltender, and being pushed into below .500% winning percentage.

If it weren't for their goalie Rick DiPietro, the Isles would be no where near a playoff spot at this point. Out of the 15 wins, I would credit The Rick on 12 of them with the blink of an eye. And that, if you do the math, would mean 12 out of 14 wins would be all his.

Coming off of a tough, but hard-working road trip, the Isles defeated the Coyotes at the Coliseum Thursday night. Even on the trip, they showed signs of grit and confidence, which is the key to Islanders wins.

The bad offense is starting to wear away, luckily, as things have been starting to go in. They have scored 3 or more goals in the past 3 games, and that is a huge sign of offense, no matter how low that may seem.

Continuing their game-packed December, the Isles will play for the 4th spot in the Atlantic division.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais


Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park - 28 Tim Jackman

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------




15-16-2

The Penguins can't be upset when they look at their roster. But when it comes to winning games, things just haven't been the greatest.

With guys like Crosby and Malkin, the Pens have no shortage in offense. But their goaltending can be an issue at times. Right now, they have G Dany Sabourin in the pipes for the game tonight. He has been playing average for a backup, and will be playing in Nassau Coliseum tonight, for the first time ever.

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury played the previous games against the Isles, going 1-1. Now, a sprained ankle will have him out for 2 months. Not good to see a #1 go down like this, and the Pens will have to find a way to deal with it tonight.

The past 2 games have not been their best. A 8-2 loss to the Flyers Wednesday and a 4-1 loss to the Senators have them searching for problems.

A blowout may occur tonight, not because of the matchup in net, but more for my pre-game feelings. The last thing either of these teams will want is to be blown out, so that can trigger anything.

Battling for the 4th place division spot, the Isles and Penguins are set to give the fans a great game tonight.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
30 Dany Sabourin
35 Ty Conklin


Defensemen
4 Rob Scuderi – 19 Ryan Whitney
3 Mark Eaton - 55 Sergei Gonchar
5 Darryl Sydor – 58 Kris Letang

Forwards
12 Ryan Malone - 87 Sidney Crosby – 20 Colby Armstrong
25 Maxime Talbot - 71 Evgeni Malkin - 17 Petr Sykora
37 Jarkko Ruutu - 16 Erik Christensen - 27 Georges Laraque
10 Gary Roberts - 11 Jordan Staal - 48 Tyler Kennedy

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Official Preview:

The Islanders try to post back-to-back victories for the first time since Nov. 16-19 on Saturday when it hosts a Pittsburgh Penguins team that is having trouble stopping opponents from scoring.

The Islanders (15-13-2) opened this season with 11 wins in their first 17 games, averaging 2.6 goals during that span. But since their last set of consecutive wins in mid-November, they've lost nine of 13, posting 1.8 goals per game.

New York is last in the league with 69 goals and hasn't scored more than three in a game since a 4-0 win over Tampa Bay on Nov. 1.

The Islanders scored three goals for the third straight game Thursday, and it was enough to beat Phoenix 3-2 at home. The Coyotes are the second-lowest scoring team in the NHL with 70 goals.

Captain Bill Guerin scored a pair of rebound goals and his linemates combined for three assists to lead New York to its second win in three games following a season-high five-game losing streak.

"Nobody likes to play poorly," said Guerin, who has three goals in the past three games after he went 13 without one. "I haven't had the best first 30 games. Sometimes you get frustrated, but we have to keep pushing along and whatever gets you going gets you going."

Before the game, Islanders coach Ted Nolan spoke to top-line forward Mike Comrie and made it clear the effort being given wasn't good enough. Comrie responded by assisting on both of Guerin's goals.

"Sometimes we have to realize that we're in here together and we don't want to let the next guy down," Comrie said. "When you go through a funk, sometimes it's hard because you never think you're going to get out."

Pittsburgh (15-14-2) is trying to get out of its own funk.

The Penguins won seven of eight from Nov. 22-Dec. 8, but have lost their last two games by a combined 12-3. Pittsburgh's 92 goals allowed are among the most in the Eastern Conference, and it is without No. 1 goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury for at least the next two months because of a badly sprained ankle.

Dany Sabourin has taken over as the starter for the Penguins, allowing eight goals on the last 50 shots he's faced. Sabourin, who has made just 21 career starts, is 6-6-1 with a 2.54 goals-against average in 15 appearances this season.

Pittsburgh followed an 8-2 defeat in Philadelphia on Tuesday with a 4-1 home loss Thursday to Ottawa, which has the most points in the East.

The Penguins took a 1-0 lead in the second period on rookie center Tyler Kennedy's fifth goal of the season, but Senators goalie Martin Gerber didn't allow another score, even stopping Sidney Crosby on a breakaway.

"When you get that many opportunities, it would be nice to find a way to get one," said Crosby, who hurt his left foot during the second period but returned.

These Atlantic Division rivals have split two meetings this season, with each team winning 3-2 on its home ice. Pittsburgh has lost its last four visits to Nassau Coliseum.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It has been 10 days since my last PGP. Oof. I will start things up again, no need to worry.

Isles Howl At The Coyotes, Win it 3-2

The Isles picked up a win against Wayne Gretzky's team on Thursday.


Photo Of The Game:





Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Bill Guerin (12:57)

3RD PERIOD

2. Marc-Andre Bergeron (PPG) (5:50)

3. Nick Boynton (SHG) (8:04)

4. Bill Guerin (2) (11:40)

5. Niko Kapanen (PPG) (16:05)






Notes From The Game:

-Penalties.

-Guerin puts 2 goals home! Finally!

-Comrie with 2 assists.

-DP!

-Outshot, 36-33.

-Stop the shorties against!

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman


PHOENIX
Goaltenders
30 Ilya Bryzgalov
32 Mikael Tellqvist

Defensemen
55 Ed Jovanovski - 4 Zbynek Michalek
2 Keith Ballard - 53 Derek Morris
5 Matt Jones - 44 Nick Boynton

Forwards
19 Shane Doan - 28 Steven Reinprecht - 88 Peter Mueller
20 Fredrik Sjostrom - 11 Martin Hanzal - 17 Radim Vrbata
13 Daniel Carcillo - 34 Daniel Winnik - 16 Mike York
22 Mathias Tjarnqvist - 39 Niko Kapanen - 15 Mike Zigomanis

Jackman Called Up

As Fedotenko returns to the lineup tonight, the Isles have made one other switch.

Tim Jackman was called up from Bridgeport today, and Jeff Tambellini was sent down.

http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=346467&page=NewsPage&service=page

I don't understand why this move was made. Tamby was playing great.

I'm a bit under the weather today, so I might slow down posting.

Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Lose Yet AGAIN, 5-3

The Isles are now just 1 game over .500 as they lose to the Sabres Thursday night.


Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Nolan Pratt (8:43)

2ND PERIOD

2. Toni Lydman (4:04)

3. Ales Kotalik (5:00)

4. Miroslav Satan (PPG) (6:17)

5. Derek Roy (PPG) (9:34)

6. Richard Park (16:45)

3RD PERIOD

7. Mike Sillinger (4:00)

8. Jochen Hecht (8:14)






Notes From The Game:

-Well, we scored 3 goals.

-DP= Not so good.

-1 out of 7 games right now.

-Still, last place.

-Are we going to win anymore? What's happening?

-Had more chances, should have scored 5 or 6 for sure.

-Oh, I almost forgot. Penalties!

-Tomorrow is the night to pick it up at home. If we don't, we are officially done.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

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

Forwards
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
15 Jeff Tambellini– 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park


BUFFALO
Goaltenders
30 Ryan Miller
41 Jocelyn Thibault

Defensemen
6 Jaroslav Spacek - 51 Brian Campbell
44 Andrej Sekera - 5 Toni Lydman
4 Nolan Pratt - 38 Nathan Paetsch

Forwards
26 Thomas Vanek - 9 Derek Roy - 21 Drew Stafford
55 Jochen Hecht - 19 Tim Connolly - 29 Jason Pominville
12 Ales Kotalik - 28 Paul Gaustad - 61 Maxim Afinogenov
76 Andrew Peters - 20 Daniel Paille - 22 Adam Mair

Short Preview, Isles @ Sabres 12/12/07 7:00 PM

The Isles will end their road trip against the Sabres tomorrow night, who knocked them out of the playoffs last season.



http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=453201



Official Preview:

The New York Islanders scored six goals in a season-opening win at Buffalo. Their offense hasn't been nearly that productive in the two-plus months which have followed.

The Islanders look for a goal-scoring resurgence and try defeat the Sabres for the third time in as many meetings this season when the teams face off Wednesday night at HSBC Arena.

After a very active offseason gave the Islanders (14-12-2) a new top line, the unit of Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie and Ruslan Fedotenko got off to an impressive start in New York's 6-4 victory at Buffalo on Oct. 5.

The line combined for three goals and seven assists in the opener. That trio was at it again the next night in a 3-2 home win over the Sabres, as Guerin, Comrie and Fedotenko combined for two goals and four assists.

Since that early flourish, the top line - along with the rest of the Islanders - has struggled to generate much offense. New York ranks last in the NHL with 63 goals, and has scored three or fewer in each of the last 18 games.

Comrie leads the team with 13 assists and 22 points, but Guerin had gone 16 games without a goal before scoring in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win at Tampa Bay.

Fedotenko, meanwhile, has no goals in his last 10 contests. He will miss his second straight game Wednesday with a shoulder injury.

"It's one of those injuries that it's better to take an extra day than risk another couple of weeks," Islanders coach Ted Nolan told the team's official Web site. "He's pretty close to returning. Hopefully he'll be ready by next game."

Backed by a 32-save performance from Rick DiPietro, the Islanders ended a season-high five-game skid Saturday on Mike Sillinger's power-play goal with 27.7 seconds left in overtime.

"We were desperate for a win," said DiPietro, who allowed three goals or fewer for the 22nd time in 26 starts. "We haven't been playing our best hockey, so to come into Tampa, it's a good win for us."

DiPietro was in net for both of the Islanders' October wins over the Sabres. He has won three straight starts in all versus Buffalo.

Coming off an impressive 7-1 victory Saturday at Saturday at San Jose, the Sabres ran into a red-hot goaltender Monday and fell 4-1 at home to Boston.

Jaroslav Spacek scored the lone goal for Buffalo (13-14-1), which lost for the fourth time in six games despite registering 45 shots on the Bruins' Alex Auld.

"We have to find a way to score," Sabres right wing Jason Pominville said. "We're not going to win many games getting one goal."

Pominville and left wing Thomas Vanek have combined for only 16 goals this season after they accounted for 77 in 2006-07. Vanek, though, has picked up his production lately, scoring three goals in his last five games.

The Sabres - currently in a stretch of four games in six days - are last in the Northeast Division with 27 points. Only Washington has fewer in the Eastern Conference.

Goaltender Ryan Miller has struggled lately against the Islanders, going 1-3-0 with a 4.57 GAA in his last four starts.

Vote For The Rick And The Dollar Bill!

We have all known that Rick DiPietro and Bill Guerin have been in the All-Star ballots. Today, I have finally added a link to go vote. Right on the sidebar, there is an obvious photo of DP and Guerin that you an click on to vote. If you haven't voted already, or even if you already have, click on the link and help DP and Guerin make the 2008 Eastern Conference All-Star Team.

Let's Go Isles!!!

Archiving Game Reviews

I don't have much time to say much today, but I have placed a link behind each game on the sidebar marked "Schedule". You can click on any game to see its review.

Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Cash In During OT, Win It 3-2

The Isles win their first game in 6 games after scoring on a powerplay filled Overtime period.


Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Bill Guerin (12:09)

3RD PERIOD

2. Brad Richards (PPG) (3:51)

3. Andy Hilbert (10:45)

4. Brad Richards (2) (PPG) (13:39)

OVERTIME

5. Mike Sillinger (PPG) (4:32)








Notes From The Game:

-DP! He won this game.

-OT win, I'll take it.

-Stop those darn penalties!

-Thank God for those powerplays in overtime.

-Silly was really showing what he can do.

-14-12-2

-Guerin finally broke through.

-Hilbert scored. Yes, he did. #2 on the year.

-I started the NFTG with DP, and I shall end it with it. "DP! He won this game"

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais
44 Freddy Meyer

Forwards
15 Jeff Tambellini– 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park

TAMPA BAY
Goaltenders
40 Johan Holmqvist
30 Marc Denis

Defensemen
54 Paul Ranger - 71 Filip Kuba
55 Shane O'Brien - 39 Mike Lundin
37 Brad Lukowich - 3 Doug Janik

Forwards
20 Vaclav Prospal - 4 Vincent Lecavalier - 26 Martin St. Louis
17 Jan Hlavac - 19 Brad Richards - 21 Matheiu Darche
74 Nick Tarnasky - 77 Chris Gratton - 16 Jason Ward
36 Andre Roy - 24 Andreas Karlsson - 7 Michel Ouellet

Isles Shut Out Again, 3-0

The Isles take yet another loss this season as they get shut out by the Panthers.


Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Stephen Weiss (PPG) (8:30)

3RD PERIOD

2. Nathan Horton (PPG) (3:31)

3. Olli Jokinen (EN) (19:48)








Notes From The Game:

-We can't score.

-Ugly, ugly game.

-DP coming up big, but it didn't do much.

-Penalties!

-We need to boost up that PK a bit. Too many SHGA.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
15 Jeff Tambellini – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 20 Sean Bergenheim


FLORIDA
Goaltenders
29 Tomas Vokoun
31 Craig Anderson

Defensemen
2 Branislav Mezei - 24 Ruslan Salei
5 Bryan Allen - 4 Jay Bouwmeester
22 Jassen Cullimore - 7 Steve Montador

Forwards
16 Nathan Horton - 12 Olli Jokinen - 18 Ville Peltonen
10 David Booth - 9 Stephen Weiss - 20 Richard Zednik
85 Rostislav Olesz - 15 Jozef Stumpel - 14 Radek Dvorak
54 Kamil Kreps - 11 Gregory Campbell - 37 Tanner Glass