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
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