Rivalry Day - Isles v. NYR

Isles faced off in a matinee with cross-town arch-enemies the NY Rangers on Saturday at the Coli.

First observation: there is a VERY small crowd for a NYI/NYR game. I get it, it's a Monday at 1:00 - but so what. This is THE game for NY area hockey fans. Where is everyone? Between periods we (media) interviewed Commissioner Gary Bettman and he was asked about the sparse crowd and used the same lame excuse - its a Monday afternoon game. OK - then why schedule a game involving one of the biggest rivalries in all sports on Monday afternoon if you know there is a chance the crowd will suck. You know the Isles need help selling tickets - so the league screws them by scheduling this game as a matinee. I digress.

Second observation: Ranger fans are IDIOTS. How disrespectful -- all the moronic shout-outs during the national anthem. I get it - Potvin sucks, you hate the Isles, whatever. But it's the NATIONAL FREAKING ANTHEM. Have some respect, stand up, take your hat off and SHUT THE F**K UP. Seriously.

Third observation: Both teams skated well. Both teams came out flying and hitting. No surprise here. DP looked sharp early and came up huge on Gaborik's penalty shot. Early reports on Bailey are correct. He is skating better and looks like he is brimming with confidence. He has shown some additional maturity already this season - looks like an experienced veteran out there. Bailey displayed some SICK stick work in front of the net to tuck one past Lundquist as he was getting knocked down. As I said earlier, talk about Bailey’s elevated play are not exaggerated. Just before the goal he made pretty set-up in front to Parenteau that was denied. Isles have shown some resiliency so far -- coming from behind in 2 of their first 3 games.

Final observation: Commissioner Bettman was asked between periods about the Isles and/or Phoenix moving to one of the cities allegedly begging for a team (Winnipeg, Kansas City, etc). He stated - the league has NO plans to expand and currently has no interest in moving one of its existing teams to either city. He continued by agreeing that the Isles NEED and DESERVE a new facility and that the clock is ticking. The Isles are still a few years away from having to make a critical decision about the arena. He said maybe Nassau Cty needs to step in and cut the Town of Hempstead out of the process to get things moving in a positive direction.

Commissioner had all god things to say. Hopefully the local politicians were listening.