Another Loss, 3-1

The Isles get beat by the flu as they are controlled by the Kings, pushing them out of a playoff spot.

Isles Lose Big Time, 5-2

The Isles take another loss as they can't seem to win at home anymore.

SuperSkills A Win For The East

In his first career NHL Skills Competition, Rick DiPietro was nearly flawless as the East All-Stars defeated the West All-Stars 9-6, Saturday night at Phillips Arena. Wearing a microphone for the VERSUS telecast, DiPietro played on-ice broadcaster throughout the competition.

During the final event, Islanders fans got a scare when DiPietro made a marvelous save on Marian Gaborik with his left pad and appeared to be injured. DiPietro told reporters after the competition that he was a little sore, but would still be okay to play in tomorrow's All-Star Game.

DiPietro took part in three events, including the re-vamped relay race, which involved a stickhandling, saucer pass, one-timer and goalie shot. During the goalie shot, DiPietro scored two of four goals from his own goal line in the far net for his heat. DiPietro was the only goalie to score more than one goal.

Later in the competition, DiPietro was in goal for the Elimination Shootout competition. He used a quick glove to stop Mike Ribeiro, who thought he had DiPietro fooled. Then DiPietro stopped Gaborik for a perfect two-for-two in the event.

Prior to the final round of the Breakaway Challenge event, which judged skaters' breakaway creativity, DiPietro gave some humorous advice to teammate Ilya Kovalchuk: "You should light yourself on fire, and then do a backflip and go top shelf." Boy, that made me crack up.

DiPietro's request wasn't fulfilled, but the Islanders netminder made sure not to allow any goals by him in the event. Facing Gaborik once again, DiPietro wasn't fooled by the shifty forward from Minnesota, stopping him twice. On the second attempt, DiPietro out-waited Gaborik's initial deke and then stopped his wrap-around attempt with a full post-to-post extension.

Personally, I think think this was a terribly organized competition. It was great the years before, but I do believe that many events were screwed up this year. At least DP made it fun to watch.

The All-Star Game will take place today at 6 pm on VERSUS.

Complete SuperSkills Results:

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=20414

Highlights:

Part 1: http://www.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=11484&catid=539

Part 2: http://www.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=11485&catid=539

Part 3: http://www.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=11488&catid=539



Let's Go East!!!

2008 All-Star Game Coverage All Weekend

I very pleased to say that I will be covering the 2008 All-Star weekend here at Islander Zone.

I'll be keeping you updated all weekend long with many, many posts.

And, yes, it is confirmed that DP's starting.

Let's Go East!!!

Hey, What's New? Isles Fall, 4-1

The Isles head into the All-Star Break with yet another loss.

New Banner And Logo

I know I don't normally inform everyone when I put up a new banner, because it is pretty obvious if the banner changes.

This time, it features an Islander Zone logo that I have made.

Here is that very logo so you can see it by itself.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)



Yes, I do enjoy making banners for my blog. Just want to get you to know that I believe this is my best one yet.

I'll put a poll up for the new banner and logo to see how many people agree with me.

Let's Go Isles!!!

A Big Win For A Little Guy, 6-3

Dubie and the Isles have a great PK to force a win.

Campoli Out For The Year

Oh boy, lots and lots of Isles news today. This is when my "exclusive" sources become very useful. This time, it's not good news.

Chris Campoli is out for the year due to shoulder surgery that he is scheduled to have on Thursday.

http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=350872

"Defenseman Chris Campoli will have shoulder surgery on Thursday and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2007-08 NHL season.

The 23-year old defenseman will have his surgery performed at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Anthony Miniaci, the head team physician of the Cleveland Browns. Dr. Maniaci was a prime consultant for the National Hockey League Players Association for many years and continues to evaluate and operate on many NHL players at the Cleveland Clinic.

The 6-0, 200-pound Campoli played 46 games for the Islanders this season, his third with the team after being selected in the seventh round of the 2004 NHL Draft. He had 4 goals and 14 assists for 18 points this season. In 177 NHL games, the Ontario native is 14-52-66.

"It's a tough break for Chris. He's been such a good player and he's shown a lot of heart this season while battling the injury," said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. "The good news is that he will be under the best medical care and he has so many good years ahead of him. With Chris out, an opportunity opens up for someone to take advantage of. Thankfully, we had depth at the start of the season with at least 9 quality NHL defensemen. You can never have enough of them."

Let's Go Isles!!!!

Meyer's Contract Extended

http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=350868&nhlLink=true&page=NewsPage&service=page

"The Islanders have signed defenseman Freddy Meyer to a two-year contract extension through the 2009-2010 NHL season.In recent weeks, Meyer has filled in more than capably on the blue line when Radek Martinek, Brendan Witt and Chris Campoli were sidelined with injuries and he has emerged as a regular on the Islanders defense, often playing more than 20 minutes a game. Earlier this season, Meyer was lost on waivers to Phoenix but was reacquired by the Islanders when the Coyotes tried to put him through re-entry waivers."Freddy has earned this contract extension with his talent, work ethic and perseverance," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "He has been through a lot this season, but his attitude never wavered. He is a solid defenseman in all aspects of the game and we're pleased he has made a commitment to us for two more seasons beyond this year."

Let's Go Isles!!!

DiPietro To Start All-Star Game

With Brodeur sitting it out, G Rick DiPietro will start the 2008 All-Star Game on Sunday. He will be backed up by Thomas Vokoun and Tim Thomas.

More on this later.

Let's Go Isles!!!!

Isles Lose Matinee, 3-2 OT

The Canes take the game after an Isles penalty in OT.

Tanguay To The Island?

I've been reading around my sources today, and Alex Tanguay may be coming to the Island.

It was a rumor during the offseason that the Isles wanted to sign him, but that never happened. This is a huge possibility right now, but who would we deal?

It's a great thing to think about. I'm also getting rumors of Brain Campbell coming here, but the Sabres say they aren't trading him.

More on the rumors later.

Anyway, second half is starting in Green Bay. Let's Go Big Blue!


Let's Go Isles!!!

Dubie, Martinek, Witt Back In Action

Wade Dubielewicz has been called up from his conditioning stint.......

Radek Martinek and Brendan Witt will both play in tomorrow's 2:00 start.

"Ted Nolan said today after practice that the Islanders will have the services of veteran defensemen Radek Martinek and Brendan Witt for Monday’s 2:05 game at the Coliseum against the Carolina Hurricanes.

“They’re ready, and we’re thrilled to have them back,” Nolan told NEWYORKISLANDERS.COM at the Coliseum today in the midst of the finals of the Lighthouse Tournament. “You’re always a better hockey team when you get back two veteran defensemen. And in this case they are also our two best defensemen.”

Martinek had missed the previous 13 games with a right leg bruise suffered on December 22 vs. Washington. Martinek will give the Islanders defensive unit a much needed bolt of energy while looking to pick up right where he left off. Martinek, in the midst of another outstanding, unheralded season, had eight points and 67 blocked shots in 34 games prior to the injury.

Witt missed the last four games with an ankle sprain sustained during the Islanders’ victory in Calgary on January 11. Even with time missed, Witt still ranks among the top 10 for most blocked shots in the NHL with 109. He will provide veteran leadership and a physical presence to the lineup.

Goaltender Wade Dubielewicz, who had been sent to Bridgeport for a two-game conditioning stint, will be back in the lineup on Monday after posting a 1-1 record, including a 29-save, five-round shootout win over the Philadelphia Phantoms on Friday night.

With the return of Dubielewicz, Mike Morrison returns to Bridgeport, where he has posted a 13-9-0 record with a 2.70 goals against average, including three shutouts."

Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Lose Big Lead, 5-3

The Isles blow a 3-1 against the Flyers.

Johnson Up, Dubie Down, Morrison Up

D Aaron Johnson has been called up from B-Port today. Also, G Wade Dubielewicz has been sent down for a conditioning stint. To fill in the back-up goalie spot, G Mike Morrison has been called up.

"After suffering a knee injury nearly two months ago, Aaron Johnson will return to the Islanders roster on Saturday, after playing tonight with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders' AHL affiliate.

The 24-year old defenseman played in five games with the Islanders before going down with his injury, and has competed in one game with Bridgeport since returning from injury. Johnson has 121 games of NHL experience, having played in parts of four NHL seasons.

"We're happy to have Aaron fully mended," said head coach Ted Nolan. "With all of our injuries to our defense corps, it's going to be nice to have another reliable player to count on."

Goaltender Wade Dubielewicz has been sent to Bridgeport on a conditioning stint. In eight games with the Islanders this season, Dubielewicz is 4-3-0 with a 3.43 goals against average and .890 save percentage. Dubielewicz went 3-1-0 during a four-game stretch in December when starter Rick DiPietro was out with an injury.

Filling in for Dubielewicz will be Sound Tigers netminder Mike Morrison. With Bridgeport this season, Morrison is 13-9-0 with a 2.70 goals against average, .908 save percentage and three shutouts."

Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Win Another One, 3-1

The Isles are 5-0 against the Devils this season as they take another great game.

Isles Take A Loss, 3-1

The Islanders fall to the Habs in a low-shooting game.

Trade Talk Central

Well, it is obvious that Miro Satan's spot on the Island is on the line this year. There were many thoughts of trades with him over the summer, but nothing really got through.

The Dallas Stars are searching for a Right Wing for Modano, and they are interested in Miro Satan. Some other players they are looking at are Marian Hossa, Martin St. Louis, Michael Ryder, and Phil Kessel.

Out of those, I'd say Hossa would be the only other possibility. The other teams are in no position to trade top guys.

Anyway, if we can be sure at some point that Miro is not signing with the Isles this summer, then this could be a good trade for us. We'd probably get a couple picks and maybe a 3rd-liner, and at this point, that may be what we need.

Satan's play this year has not been up to expectations, so unless he starts to pick it up this month, I can see a trade coming.

With Snow making these little AHL trades, I'm not sure if he suddenly wants to go out and deal Satan. Don't expect anything to happen yet, but keep this in mind at the trade deadline.

Do I want to deal Satan? Hell no. We need all the scoring we can get right now. I'm all for keeping Miro on the Island.

Just something to think about this evening.

Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Win! 3-1

The Islanders pick up 6 points on the 5-game road trip as they defeat the Senators 3-1.

Tambellini To Be Returned To Bridgeport

The only reason Tambellini had gotten called up was to play if Miro Satan couldn't, but Miro will be in the lineup tonight, so Tambs will get sent back down.

Let's Go Isles!!!

Tambellini Called Up (Once Again)

Should be reported on the Isles site any minute now.

Word from Bridgeport is that he isn't playing tonight for the Tigers, but making his way up to Ottawa for tomorrow's Isles game.

Let's Go Isles!!!

Finally A Win, 5-4 In The SO

The Islanders finally get a win as they defeat the Calgary Flames in the shootout.

DiPietro Named An All-Star!

From Newsday.com

"To the distinction of being the first goaltender ever taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL draft and his selection to the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 2006, you now can add "NHL All-Star" to the resume of Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro. His selection as a reserve on the Eastern Conference team was announced Friday, and DiPietro was thrilled.

"Being a fan of hockey growing up, you watch the skills competition and the All-Star Game," DiPietro said. "It's kind of cliché to say the dream came true, but it really did."

Describing his anticipation of taking part in the All-Star festivities, which include a scoring competition for goalies, DiPietro added, "It's kind of like being a kid again. You get a chance to meet all these great players. Being in the skills competition is going to be a great time."




DiPietro and Florida's Tomas Vokoun were selected as the backups to starter Martin Brodeur of the Devils. The Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist was passed over despite running second in fan voting. Entering Friday night's game against Calgary, DiPietro had a 16-14-5 record, 2.52 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and two shutouts.

Coach Ted Nolan praised his goaltender's maturity and puckhandling skills and underlined his importance to the eighth-place Islanders. "I don't know anybody else more deserving," Nolan said. "We wouldn't be in a position we're in right now if it wasn't for the play of Ricky. Now the rest of the hockey world will see how important he is to our club and how talented he really is."

Maybe DiPietro got the nod over Lundqvist because the Islanders are 7-1 against the Devils and Rangers. In any case, DiPietro said the three-way local competition, which was featured in a Sports Illustrated article this week, has sharpened his game.

"When you get a chance to play against Marty on a consistent basis, you're learning from the best," DiPietro said. "I've had the last six years to study him and watch how he carries himself. You learn a lot, and it definitely makes you pick up your play when you look down at the other end and you've got arguably the best goalie to ever lace up the pads. It definitely increases your intensity level."

Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Acquire Matt Keith

Trade news from Isles country today:

"The New York Islanders have acquired 24-year old right wing Matt Keith from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in exchange for forward Darryl Bootland. Keith, who was with the Portland Pirates of the AHL prior to the trade, will report to the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Keith has played in 34 games with Portland this season and scored five goals and added five assists for 10 points. He has appeared in 24 career NHL games, all with the Chicago Blackhawks, over the course of three seasons. Keith has scored two goals with three assists for five points. The 6-2, 200 pound native of Edmonton, AB has spent parts of three seasons in the NHL. In 315 career games in the AHL, the Edmonton native has scored 74 goals, collected 88 assists and picked up 242 minutes in penalties. He was selected by Chicago in the second round in the 2001 NHL Draft.

The 26-year old Bootland was in his first season with in the Islanders organization. He played in four games with the Islanders and recorded an assist before being assigned to Bridgeport. With the Sound Tigers, Bootland scored two goals with eight assists for ten points in 28 games. "


I don't get it. Trade a tough guy for this tough guy? Okay. Even trade. Hopefully it works out well for both sides. Best wishes to Boots for the rest of his career.

Let's Go Isles!!!

Back In Action

If you are a regular reader here, I'm sure you noticed that I haven't made a post in over a week.

Well, it was as simple as time off.

Anyway, I'll jump right back into the groove before the game on Friday.

In that time, I must complete 7 game reviews. Ouch.

I'll do three of those right now, and you'll see a couple other posts up later today.

You may also notice that the big banner that was on top of the blog has now been sized up to become the regular banner for a while.

Oh boy, I don't want to do this break again.

Let's Go Isles!!!

ANOTHER LOSS, 3-2 SO

The Isles lose in a great defensive game.

Photo Of The Game:



Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Markus Naslund (9:22)

2ND PERIOD

2. Bill Guerin (6:26)

3RD PERIOD

3. Blake Comeau (2:58)

4. Daniel Sedin (4:20)

OVERTIME

No Scoring

SHOOTOUT

1. Trevor Linden (1-0 Vancouver)

2. Miroslav Satan (1-1)

3. Alexander Edler (2-1 Vancouver Win)


Three Stars:

1. Rick DiPietro
2. Alex Edler
3. Bill Guerin


Notes From The Game:

-Penalties!

-Good PK.

-DP!!!

-Fun game, not at the end.

-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 – 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron

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


VANCOUVER
Goaltenders
1 Roberto Luongo
41 Curtis Sanford

Defense
18 Mike Weaver - 6 Sami Salo
5 Lukas Krajicek - 4 Aaron Miller
8 Willie Mitchell - 23 Alexander Edler

Forwards
22 Daniel Sedin - 33 Henrik Sedin - 21 Mason Raymond
19 Markus Naslund - 29 Jason Jaffray - 9 aylor Pyatt
24 Matt Cooke - 17 Ryan Kesler - 14 Alex Burrows
13 Mike Brown - 16 Trevor Linden - 15 Byron Ritchie

A Big Defeat, 4-0

The Isles continue to be winless on this road trip as they fall to the Oilers, 4-0.

Photo Of The Game:



Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Ales Hemsky (1:11)

2. Shawn Horcoff (6:31)

3. Marty Reasoner (11:22)

3RD PERIOD

4. Jarret Stoll (PPG) (16:09)


Three Stars:

1. Mathieu Garon
2. Ales Hemsky
3. Shawn Horcoff


Notes From The Game:

-Penalties!

-Shutout?

-Disgusting game. Really.

-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 – 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


EDMONTON
Goaltenders
32 Mathieu Garon
35 Dwayne Roloson

Defensemen
44 Sheldon Souray - 24 Steve Staios
5 Ladislav Smid - 37 Denis Grebeshkov
25 Joni Pitkanen - 77 Tom Gilbert

Forwards
18 Ethan Moreau - 13 Andrew Cogliano - 34 Fernando Pisani
27 Dustin Penner - 10 Shawn Horcoff - 83 Ales Hemsky
19 Marty Reasoner - 16 Jarret Stoll - 89 Sam Gagner
28 Patrick Thoresen - 51 Kyle Brodziak - 46 Zack Stortini

Another OTL, 2-1

The Isles lose a well-played game in OT.

Photo Of The Game:



Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Tim Jackman (3:18)

2ND PERIOD

2. Jordan Leopold (19:28)

3RD PERIOD

No Scoring

OVERTIME

3. Marek Svatos (2:05)


Three Stars:

1. Jose Theodore
2. Rick DiPietro
3. Marek Svatos


Notes From The Game:

-Another OT loss? Uggh.

-DP!!!

-Jackman!

-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 – 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

COLORADO
Goaltenders
60 Jose Theodore
31 Peter Budaj

Defensemen
3 Karlis Skrastins – 5 Brett Clark
4 John- Michael Liles – 6 Jeff Finger
22 Scott Hannan – 44 Jordan Leopold

Forwards
37 T.J. Hensick - 26 Paul Stastny – 23 Milan Hejduk
15 Andrew Burnette – 17 Jarolslav Hlinka – 40 Marek Svatos
55 Cody McLeod – 28 Ben Guite - 14 Ian Laperriere
48 Kyle Cumiskey - 8 Woljtek Wolski – 7 Johnny Boychuk

Isles Take Rough OT Defeat, 4-3

The Isles fall to the Panthers after a blown second period.

Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Nathan Horton (00:50)

2. Mike Comrie (PPG) (2:12)

3. David Booth (6:56)

4. Mike Sillinger (PPG) (11:37)

5. Nathan Horton (2) (PPG) (16:39)

3RD PERIOD

6. Bill Guerin (14:41)

OVERTIME

7. Jassen Cullimore (1:33)



Three Stars:

1. Jassen Cullimore
2. Mike Sillinger
3. Nathan Horton


Notes From The Game:

-We should have won it.

-DP not so solid.

-Why'd they make DP change pads?

-Silly was good.

-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 - 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


FLORIDA
Goaltenders
31 Craig Anderson
29 Tomas Vokoun

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

Forwards
85 Rostislav Olesz - 12 Olli Jokinen - 15 Jozef Stumpel
10 David Booth - 9 Stephen Weiss - 16 Nathan Horton
53 Brett McLean - 14 Radek Dvorak - 20 Richard Zednik
11 Gregory Campbell - 54 Kamil Kreps - 57 Anthony Stewart

Isles Can Have A Happy New Year With A 4-1 Win

Dubie comes up strong in the last game of 2007.

Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Marc-Andre Bergeron (PPG) (2:06)

2. Bill Guerin (PPG) (3:28)

3. Ruslan Fedotenko (5:45)

4. Craig Adams (6:17)

5. Marc-Andre Bergeron (2) (PPG) (13:20)

3RD PERIOD

No Scoring


Three Stars:

1. Marc-Andre Bergeron
2. Mike Comrie
3. Brendan Witt


Notes From The Game:

-Good way to end the year.

-Dubie!

-MAB- great game.

-Witt playing great again.

-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 – 11 Andy Hilbert– 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim– 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
28 Tim Jackman –- 29 Ben Walter - 57 Blake Comeau


CAROLINA
Goaltenders
47 John Grahame
30 Cam Ward

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

Forwards
61 Cory Stilliman - 8 Matt Cullen - 59 Chad LaRose
16 Andrew Ladd – 17 Rod Brind'Amour – 24 Scott Walker
13 Ray Whitney –- 12 Eric Staal - 26 Erik Cole
51 Jeff Hamilton - 27 Craig Adams