I am Mystified

I am mystified about a few things:

1) Why Gordon continues to tinker with the top line of Tavares, Okposo, and Moulson. Last game, Okposo was on a different line again. Now I've heard - on one occasion - that the reason for the line-juggling is to distribute the scoring and maybe help someone else get going. Rubbish! If it ain't broke - don't monkey around with it. That line has been SUPER productive - why screw with a good thing? I just don't get it.

2) Why Sim continues to play and Tambellini, Schremp, and even Bailey take turns on the bench. Oh yeah, I get it -- Sim tries hard. So f**king what! I try hard too - but RESULTS are what matters. Sim has played 18 games and has 3 points (including 1 lousy goal). Tambs has played 5 less games and has 9 points (including 6 goals); Bailey has played the same number of games and has twice the number of points (including 3 times as many goals); and Schremp, who has played a mere 8 games has pretty much the same output as Sim. Keep in mind, Schremp gets less than 10 minutes a game and gets put on the 3rd or 4th line. Bailey has not been playing with guys that hit the back of the net too often and has little PP time. Tambellini finally finds some confidence in his game and he gets benched. I just don't get it. As I said - I understand that Sim tries hard, he skates his ass off (mind you he is still slower than Schremp & Tambs - even if they were going half speed) -- but the fact remains -- he just isn't being productive.

3) Why this team continues to give up leads in the 3rd period. OK - one kudo - unlike last year they have come back on a few occasions too -- but they just seem unable to hold a lead.

4) Gervais has been underwhelming. He made a pathetic pass the other night from behind his own net that resulted in a turn-over and then a goal. He's been getting some PP minutes and is pointless. He only has 3 assists so far. I think the Isles need to acknowledge that he is never going to be more than a 5th or 6th defensemen.

Now -- a few observations:
The Isles need to try to get as much for Biron as possible before he makes himself less valuable by giving up soft goals like he did against Carolina or gets hurt. Let Roloson play a few more games and bring up a goalie from Bridgeport to keep the pipes warm until Ricky is ready to return. It's not like Biron has been blowing people away.

One last note --- 10 of the first 20 games have gone to OT. That is higher than any other team. Imagine if a few of those games went the other way? They are not as bad as some people may think. But Gordon needs to keep the first line together -- let those guys grow, develop & mature as a unit. He also needs to give Tambellini & Schremp some REAL ice time - not that 8-10 minute crap on the 4th line. And let them play for 6-7 games, not 1-2 and then back to the press-box. As I said, the Isles are going anywhere because Jon Sim is getting ice time so it really doesn't hurt them to let him play it out a Bridgport, the pressbox, or trade him somewhere.

Net up: One quarter of the season is complete: Some grades & assessments are coming:
MLD

Spreading the Wealth

Isles finally stopped relying on the combo of Tavares, Okposo & Moulson to do all of their scoring. Nice spreading the goal scoring around in the game against Atlanta the other night. Six goals from 6 different players. Plus - six goals is their most potent output so far this year.

And... I am feeling a little prophetic again. As I mentioned in my previous post - the Isles need their defensemen to step it up a little and they need Bergie to get started. Just like that... viola! Hillen and Sutton hit the back of the net and Bergie gets off the snide with a goal. I am happy for Bergenheim b/c he has been working hard every shift and has come close a bunch of times. This might be what he needs to boost the confidence & put a few more in the net.

Nice to see Comeau get his first and Bailey to tally his third. If the Isles are going to go anywhere this year --- and FYI, I still think that's unlikely --- they are going to need more production from their 2d and 3d lines and from the blueline.

One more pat on my own back --- I've said it for 2 years now -- Martinek is FRAGILE and will NEVER play a full season in the NHL. And now with his torn ACL he is out for the year. That will give Freddy Meyer & Hillen a chance to crack the lineup more often. Despite the fact that I don't drink the Radek Martinek Kool Aid that Scott Gordon or other front office people drink - I do think they will miss his defense when they play Pitt and Wash and he won't be out there to shadow Crosby & Ovechkin. Someone else will have to step it up and take on this role.

Now the team is off on a long and grueling road trip. Twelve of the next 14 games - between now and December 9th - will be road games. This, I regret to say, is when the Isles will get exposed for the mediocre team that they really are. If they play anything NEAR 0.500 hockey during this stretch it has to be viewed as a miracle. Next opponent is the Caps on Wednesday -- the first test of the Martinek-less Isles and the question will arise - "who covers Ovechkin?" My guess is it will be a forward (like a Richard Park) since I don't really see any of the remaining D-men as being a good fit for the job.

Next up: How the Martinek & Cam Ward injuries impact the Isles trade strategy.
MLD

Election Day

Tomorrow is ELECTION DAY here on LI. One important race is for the Town of Hempstead Supervisor. The candidates -- (on the bottom) democratic challenger Kristin McElroy and (on the top) the incumbent Republican Kate Murray.

This could be an important vote for the future of the Islanders. While normally I'd be a supporter of Murray (I am more conservative) - I can't help but think her stubborn and personally venomous approach to the Lighthouse project is detrimental to not just the Isles, but to LI as well. Think of the jobs that project would bring to LI. It would also create a real, substantial, and professional cultural center for LI sports and the arts.

So -- Town of Hempstead residents -- the future of the Isles appears to rest in your voting hands tomorrow. I won't tell you who to vote for ---- I think this is one of the rare circumstances where we actually know an awful lot about a very local candidate.

Get out & VOTE!
Let's go Isles.

I'm BAAAAAACK !!!!!

I haven't blogged in a LONG time -- but now I am back.
Since I've been gone the Isles drafted Tavares, traded up & picked DeHaan, and then picked 2 goalies (one is the Finnish version of Shrek). The Lighthouse project has gone through more drama than Lindsay Lohan, the Isles got off to a slow start and Tavares impressed early.

OK - now that we're up to date -- let's talk 2009-2010 hockey.
Isles are playing Edmonton tonight and are on a 3-game winning - beating some impressive opponents (NYR, Caps, and Buffalo). Plus - their 2 previous games they lost in OT so they still got points. One nice, additional part of the recent surge is the emergence of Jeff Tambellini. Five quick goals - including the trick against Buffalo.

Don't think this streak will last. Isles are still an average team at best - but they do have a bright future. The line of Tavares, Okposo, and Moulson is electric. Ok enough of the happy talk.

Two glaring areas of weakness are (1) consistent net-minding and (2) offensive production from the blueline and Bergenheim. Let's look at them briefly, one at a time.

Netminding: we all know that Roloson is a one-year stop-gap with the idea that Ricky returns to form and can share time with Biron. But Biron has been the subject of trade rumors and the Finnish Mount Rushmore the Isles drafted just had hip surgery (sounds like DP). So what originally looked like an area of strength could become suspect in a hurry. Plus, while Roloson & Biron have played steady, they have not sparkled.

Defense: Let's face it -- Witt's days look like they are numbered. Now those of you that have read this blog know I am a HUGE Brendan Witt fan. That being said - he looke slow and is often unable to keep up with Gordon's face-paced approach. Gervais, Meyer, and Hillen have been invisible on the offensive side of the puck. Sutton has been surprisingly active and Martinek has a pair. Streit's off to a slow start. Look for the Isles to move 1 or more defensemen before the deadline and bring up one or 2 of their youg guys (I hope for DeHaan who was the leading scorer among defensemen during the preseason).

One last rant - and I will repeat this ALL season no matter what points he puts up: THERE IS NO REASON WHY JON SIM IS PLAYING ON THIS TEAM. I don't care if Comeau or Schremp skate in circles with their sticks up their asses - they will still be more effective than Sim. Last season my regular target was Hilbert - and thankfully he is GONE (although I must confess I still get nauseous when I see number 11 on the ice - and then I remember its now Nate Thompson). This season - the bulls-eye is on Sim.

Now, on to tonight's game against Edm: Isles don't seem to have the same jump - lots of action in their own end and not a lot of crisp passing. Finally - 3/4 of the way through the period Tavares buries one off a nice feed from Moulson to tie the score at 1 a piece. Now - just when I started bitching about the defense not scoring, and Witt being slow --- guess what? Brendan Witt puts one in the net about 4 minutes into the period!!! Look out - Witt scored -- next is a plague of locusts and the Apocalypse!!

I am beginning to feel like a prophet! First Witt - next Sim. NO - he didn't score - don't be ridiculous - I said I've been prophetic not a miracle-worker. But he did just make me actually laugh out loud (and those of you that know my grumpy ass know that rarely happens). He blocked a shot with his hand (ouch), he lost his stick so he started a shoving match with the guy that shot the puck. They drift toward center ice jawing at each other - then Sim makes like he's going to drop his gloves, the other guy drops his stick & gloves and Sim skates off the ice leaving the guy unprepared to get into the action b/c he has no stick or gloves. Isles have picked it up a little but have also had a few defensive lapses that Roloson & the post have bailed them out of.

OK - this is getting scary!! I am going to play LOTTO tonight. Brendan Witt just scored his 2d goal. No, that is NOT a typo and I am not high. That's right - Witter with his 2d of the game & 2d of the season. If he gets a hat-trick I know the world is ending! He just got 1/10th of his CAREER output in one night. Witt has 23 career goals and never scored more than 3 in a season (he did that 3 times) and has never had more than 14 pts (he averages 7 pts a year). Maybe Bergenheim is next?

OK -- end of 2 periods - 3-1 Isles. Fans are happy - they get chili!!
Gotta hope they don't repeat the 3rd period collapses from earlier in the season and that they keep the pressure on and maybe put 1 or 2 more in the net.

OK -- about 8 minutes to go in the 3rd -- it's still 3-1. Isles just finished a PP and had some chances but couldn't convert. Hopefully a quick - happy re-cap later.

Next up:
Election Night on LI

Rumors, Rumors, and More Rumors

OK - Isles win the lottery and immediately the rumor mill starts a-churnin!
Here is a small sampling of the things I've heard.

Rumor 1:
Isles send their 1st round pick from San Jose, one or two of their 2d round picks this year, their first round pick for 2010, and Sean Bergenheim to Colorado or Tampa for the 2d or 3d overall pick. I think this deal seems a little LIGHT on the Isles end. This would effectively give them 2 of the three top players from the list of Tavares, Hedmen, or Duchesne. I think this is highly unlikely.

Rumor 2:
Isles swap 2009 1st round picks with Tampa and Isles also get Lecavalier. Thus, Isles get either Tavares or Hedmen (whoever Tampa doesn't pick) and Vinny. While I have no idea if this is likely or not - I would say it doesn't sound awful. Lecavalier is only 29 and has averaged 30+ goals and somewhere between 60 -100 points. I think if the Isles were sure that Tampa would select Hedmen then I'd be happier about the deal. That being said, if Tampa wants Hedmen and if they think the Isles are focusing on Tavares, then I have no idea why they would make this deal.

Rumor 3:
I've rumblings that Isles are considering moving down to the 3rd pick from Colorado to take Duchesne and that they would get additional picks from Colorado. This would mesh with the previous strategy of stockpiling picks and their has been some "experts" who say Duchesne is moving up the charts and some place him equal to or better than Tavares. Not sure I agree with that -- but at least this deal seems less crazy than last year's drop from pick 5 to pick 9.

There are others -- but they start to really drift into the crazy zone. Interesting point made by another blogger -- Isles are running a contest of "you be the GM and state who you think the Isles would pick" and that since it is likely that the overwhelming fan response would be to take Tavares that the Isles would then be foolish to piss-off their fans by going a different direction. Why run the contest - which is essentially a Tavares popularity contest - if you aren't going to pick him?

I'd be interested to hear if any of you have heard other rumors -- or have proposals to offer up. Send them in.

MLD

Isles WIN the Lottery !!!!!

Isles get a little bit of luck and win the 1st pick over all in the 2009 draft. Ken Morrow was at the lottery on behalf of the Isles and would not commit to who the Isles would select with the first overall pick. Some people (bloggers too) have suggested that the Isles should commit right away to Tavares - to give the fans something to cheer about and to show a commitment to Tavares. I disagree.

JT is still playing hockey - as is Hedman. Who knows what could happen over the next 7-8 weeks. I think the Isles should remain a little coy about what they plan to do. Everyone knows they have the pick --- but if they don't tip their hand about their intentions - then who knows what could happen over the next several weeks or on draft day itself. Now I am not suggesting that Garth entertain trade offers for the pick. Unless you are giving me Ovechkin or Kovalchuk I wouldn't bother picking up the phone. But keeping everyone in the dark can impact other trades if the Isles do try to move their other 1st rounder up higher.

Who knows. I just think if you don't have to tip your hand -- then don't.

Regardless -- this is a GREAT day for the Isles, a GREAT day for the fans, a GREAT day for Long Island - and let's hope another GREAT day in the progress of the Lighthouse.

FYI -- in his interview on Versus -- JT did have some nice things to say about the Isles - called them a historic franchise. Of course he'd be foolish to say anything other than nice things.

Let's hope its TAVARES.
MLD

Isles Make Flyers EARN It

Isles continue to impress with another great effort tonight against the Flyers. A small blip during the first 10 minutes of the 3rd period (when they collapsed & gave up 3 quick goals) -- but unlike earlier in the season when they would have just rolled over and faded away -- the Isles fought hard, got the tying goal, and took the Flyers to overtime. It was impressive to see them battle back and tie it up. And the physical play tonight was awesome. Give Doug Weight an extension --- he set the tone when he jumped to the defense of Nate Thompson about 4 minutes into the game. The Isles played like a team battling for a playoff spot - not the first slot in the draft. That is, at least until the shoot out.

Then the Isles gift-wrapped the extra point. Look - I believe in rewarding guys for hard work - and I am a big fan of Brendan Witt, but there really wasn't a person in the building who thought Witt had a good chance of scoring on the shoot out tonight. Wouldn't it have been great if he did!! And while Streit is the team's leading point man -- he's not really known for his breakaway skills. Personally, I think Streit should have taken it a few strides inside the blue line and then let a slap shot rip.

While Isles may be a last place team - they have played with HEART and with passion all season. 25 of the Isles 41 losses this season have been by a mere ONE goal. That is 62.5% of their losses -- so they have rarely been blown out and seem to be in most games.

One last parting comment before turning in for the night. The new goal song SUCKS. It is the worst piece of crap -- it has no beat, the fans are utterly confused, there is not rhythm to help with figuring when to shout "HEY" and there is NO opportunity to yell "YOU SUCK" after the "hey." I think they need to play something that is much more fan friendly.

Good game tonight boys.
Next up: Roster for 2009-2010.
MLD

Looks Like They Can Play with the Big Boys

"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning." (Ben Franklin)

Those young, talented, and hardworking Isles showed that they can play with the big boys. Last night's 2-0 victory over one of the best teams in the NHL was very impressive. Joey MacDonald's shutout was his best performance of the season. He made two TREMENDOUS saves that kept the Isles in the game and gave the young guys time to put a few in the net. Again - the players of the future - Neilsen & Bailey (and even Okposo and Jackman with the assists) were the guys that came through for the Isles. They didn't just beat perennial powerhouse Detroit -- they outplayed, outworked, and out hustled them. This was one of the best efforts of the season all around and maybe provides a little window or glimpse into the future.

There were very few things to complain about -- with the exception of spending a little too much time in the penalty box early in the game. But the penalty-kill unit came through. All throughout the game the Isles aggressive forecheck led to turnovers and poor choices on the part of the Wings. They seemed unable to adjust to the Isles aggressive attack.

Let's see if they can keep it up tonight against the Broad-Street Bullies.

Next up: I promised - evaluation of the roster for next season.
MLD

Going Wild

Live from the Coli -- Isles v. Wild (although a big part of me still wants to call them the North Stars -- yes, showing my age). On that point -- the Wild is really a stupid name. Wild what? It makes no sense to me -- but then again, lots of other sports teams have stupid names -- take the Rangers -- then again, everything about the Rangers is stupid.

I digress. Anyway - end of one and the score is 2-1 Minnesota. Isles played a spirited first period and started out strong, then in the last 7-8 minutes they got a little sloppy, spent some time in the penalty box, and paid the price. Minnesota got a last minute goal to take the lead into the dressing room.

Let's talk about something that really matters --- like how unprofessional and silly Kate Murray is being with the Lighthouse Project. Let's see - the economy is in the toilet, people are losing their jobs, the Isles are in integral part of LI's identity and are the only local professional sports team, and she is playing petty and semantics (i.e., I said they could renovate the Coliseum, just not re-develop the whole site), letting her ego and pride stand in the way of an economic boon to the local job market & economy (i.e., not answering the public's questions and just avoiding any appearances to discuss the issue like the public servant she is supposed to be). Nassau voters --- I hope you are all paying attention to this poor excuse for leadership when she comes up for re-election. Real leaders -- one's who understand economic re-development -- would understand that the Lighthouse Project NEEDS to be looked at as a whole - not a piecemeal patchwork job. That is not how sane, professional, environmentally friendly and rational redevelopment occurs.

Back to the game -- Let's hope the Isles come back and the game is 4-4 late in the 3rd, we go to OT and the Isles lose. This way they put some pucks in the net, get a point, keep the fans interested, and don't do anything to screw up the race to the bottom (a/k/a - the first pick).

In the 2d period ---- Heavyweight bout at about 7 min into 2d period -- Witt goes a few rounds with Sheppard. Mostly a draw although Witt did land 1 or 2 nice pounds to Sheppard's head. Game has gotten really physical. End of the second -- Isles down 3-1.

Third period -- the wheels come off the wagon & the Isles look bad. Sloppy play, stupid penalties, lazy passes, and running around in their own end. It will cost them. Game ends badly. Final score - 6-2 Minnesota. Hilbert with a garbage goal. Hope that doesn't do anything to solidify his roster spot next season.

The DRAFT:
Quick question for all you readers --- assuming the Isles get the first pick --- is there any package from another team (players, other picks) if you were Isle's GM, that may make you consider trading the first overall pick? Of course - you gotta suggest something rational -- nothing like Ovechkin for the first overall pick because that just isn't happening. Washington never makes that deal - so don't even suggest it.

Let's see what you can come up with.

Next up -- looking at roster slots for next season
MLD

Hey Guys -- Please Don't Try Too Hard

"Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing?" (Shakespeare)

Take it easy boys! I know we want, or desire, that the Isles young guys show improvement, development, that they belong in the show, and that we have something to hope for over the next few years. But please don't try so hard. It may sound CRAZY to say that -- but over the last 8 games, the Isles have played some of their best hockey of the season. That could be a problem for those of us that have bought into the "rebuilding" plan and those of us that are hoping that one of the foundation blocks to that rebuild is named John Tavares.

As of the writing of this post - the Isles were still 5 pts ahead in the race to the bottom (a/k/a - the first pick in the draft). But... if they keep playing this good - they could blow it and end up missing out on Tavares/Hedman lottery. As it is, even finishing dead last is not guarantee (the last place team has approximately a 48% chance of getting the first pick). So nothing is guaranteed here. But the likelihood of winning the draft lottery plummets the further away from the #1 position you land. I agree with some of my blogging comrades that it would be tremendous for the organization (and pretty good for the Lighthouse project) if the Isles got the first pick. They desperately need something to go their way. I also agree that losing the first pick could be devastating for the team. I know Garth would disagree ---- but Garth doesn't have to shell out several grand for season tickets like I do -- and I, like a lot of fans, are a little tired of putting our money where our mouth is and then getting our teeth knocked out by the lousy product that has been on the ice for several years now.

Most of us (me included) have been willing to give the team the benefit of the doubt this year - knowing it is in the rebuilding phase - and giving Garth a break. But we do need to see progress and results - and getting the #1 pick would be a huge boost to fan confidence.

So -- keep playing hard guys. Just hard enough to pick up an occasional point and not embarrass yourselves, but not hard enough to blow the lottery. I know that many people think that is not the right thing to say. Screw-em. I want a superstar, a dynamic scorer - something we haven't seen in an Isles uniform in years. I want another legitimate reason for getting excited about going to the games.

Next up: Decision time for Season Tickets.
MLD