Hard to Soar Like an Eagle When You Work with Turkeys

"Management is, above all, a practice where art, science, and craft meet." (Henry Mintzberg)

It has been frustrating to watch this team lose 16 of its last 19 games. If that were not bad enough, this organization continues to operate in a way that baffles me. Knowing that they are putting a suspect and borderline minor-league product on the ice - and having a hard time drawing fans - you'd think the Isles would do all they could to make going to a game as hassle-free and pleasant an experience as possible. But they just don't.

Here are 2 recent examples of why this organization is still poorly managed.

First - I attended the Dec 23rd game. I only had 3 tickets and needed to purchase one additional ticket to get my kids into the game. I also had vouchers for 6 additional tickets that I needed to turn in to the Will Call window so a friend and his kids could get in as well. So, I arrive at 6:20 (for a 7:00 game) and proceed to stand on the line at the Will Call window. I was 7th in line. Not too bad - figuring I had 40 minutes until game time. Do you know that it took 28 minutes for me to REACH THE WINDOW and then another 7 minutes to get my tickets!!! I ended up barely making it in for the start of the game and when I got my tickets, there was still another 25-30 people on line behind me. I imagine they all missed some portion of the game - a game they were paying a minimum of $19 bucks each to attend.

Now why am I griping about this -- well, first, the number of will call windows they operate (a mere 2) for a professional sports franchise is just pathetic & woefully insufficient. Moreover, as I stood on the will-call line, on 6 separate occasions, Isles personnel CUT the line to deal with ticket issues for other people. Are you telling me that the Isles don't have a separate location for their staff to go to to resolve ticket issues!!!! It was f*&king absurd. Two times during my wait BOTH will call windows were occupied by Isles staff resolving ticket issues for people who WERE NOT ON THE WILL CALL LINE!!!! This was insane and is just plain and simple poor management. You cannot ask people to stand in line to pick up tickets and then have your own staff cut the line whenever they feel like it to resolve other people's tickets issues. STUPID.

Second gripe - I had the same situation occur for the Dec 31st game. I needed one extra ticket. So, this time I waited on the regular ticket line. I was third in line -- and again, a mere 4 windows were open. Even worse - as the guy at the window in front of me finishes (again, we are about 20 minutes before the start of the game) the window abruptly closes -- with NO EXPLANATION. The woman just shut the metal screen. So, now I am forced to move to a different line - except now I go from being 2nd in line to being 8th because my line just closed. I was livid. No explanation - just an F.U. - window closes - and I am forced to switch to a new line. Ridiculous management AGAIN. How can you do that to people?

They already have a hard time attracting fans - and then the ones that do come - get treated like crap. There HAS to be a better way to handle tickets on game day than the way the Isles do things. This is just pathetic.

Next up: How much more can we take?
MLD

Stick a Fork in Em - They're Done

"Be aware that a halo only has to fall a few inches to become a noose." (Dan McKinnon).

When he was hired, Gordon was viewed as the perfect guy for the job - and that job was rebuilding. We also heard a lot about his "system" and how it would generate excitement and offense. It's obvious that the "system" is not generating offense and in fact, it seems to be more successful at generating discontent.

Earlier this week Witt complained about defensive breakdowns (this could be one of those - if I shoot my mouth off they'll send me packing statements) and then Gordon somewhat reluctantly concurs. They now have a 9 game losing streak (0-8-1) and they have averaged a mere 2 goals per game (20 goals in the 9 games). That's pathetic - and they can't even blame it on facing top notch goalies (e.g., Brodeur, Luongo, etc.). Guys have been in-and-out of Gordon's "doghouse" for failing to play "the system" for a full 60 minutes and the team has shown it can hang with most teams if the games were only 40 minutes. (Note to Snow: ask league to shorten games to 40 minutes).

I've been saying it since DAY ONE - this team does NOT have enough talent to win consistently - regardless of what "system" they play. That being said - I do like Gordon's approach. It can be more exciting & daring. They need to get themselves more talent. The fact that Snow & Gordon apparently stepped through the looking glass and the funny looking hare with the big watch told them that Park & Hilbert could be first-liners and score enough is symbolic of this team's mushroom induced fantasy that they can compete. Even with Okposo (and I firmly believe he will never be more than a 15-20 goal scorer) and Comeau (he too, will never put more than 15-20 in the net) they just DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH TALENT. And all of you "Weight is putting up big numbers" need to take your heads out of your asses and realize that 90% of his points come with the man advantage. So unless teams are going to start playing with only 4 guys during the weight's shifts - he will continue to be largely unproductive during even strength.

We are closing in on the trading season - expect the Isles to be big time sellers of bodies and collectors of draft picks. You don't need a sixth sense and a swami hat to know that. The question is - which of the bodies will be sold.

Next up: Bring out your dead, bring out your dead! (who will be dealt)
MLD

Gobble, Gobble - Puke

It's the day after Thanksgiving & after spending the morning hanging the outdoor Christmas lights I decided to relax for the afternoon on the couch and watch the Isles vs. Bruins.

First - hate the Bruins uni's - what happened to the "B" on their chest? Is this their version of a 3rd jersey? Anyway - like the turkey in the attached cartoon - I think the Isles are "done" Yeah - I know its only 21 games in - but they have not shown much growth or development. They are STILL making the same mistakes they made in the first dozen games. Playing on 40 minutes of hockey (see the result of the Penguins game); still sloppy with the puck and having difficulty scoring (see the Bruins game); they are still taking stupid and careless penalties (see Tambellini in Bruins game). I think we are going to watch as this team wins a few, then loses more than a few, then wins a couple, then loses more than a couple - for the rest of the season.

They still have not established a consistent and sustained offensive attack. They are good on special teams -- Weight with lots of PP goals and the PK is still playing fine. They are just not potent enough.

Last blog I remarked that I wasn't buying the feces that some bloggers were selling about them getting better --- and I was right. I do think, however, that after 9 games Bailey has shown himself worthy of staying in the NHL. I've seen him live in a few games and on TV the rest - and I am impressed with his poise, his maturity, and definitely his gift with the puck. Now he just needs to find the back of the net. As we get deeper into December and then the new year, I wouldn't be surprised to see Garth start moving some bodies & collecting draft picks. In fact, I think that is the smartest strategy at this point.

On to the topic I promised: Fighting.
All 3 of my boys play both ice & roller hockey. Right now - they are playing roller (in the spring comes ice hockey). Anyway - the roller league they play in -- St. John of God CYO Roller Hockey in Central Islip -- is a fantastic league. This is my boys' 4th year in the league. It is FULL CHECKING and NHL rules play. So my boys all know how to deliver & take a hit - and they have taken & delivered their fair share of gorgeous hits. But the one thing the league does NOT tolerate is fighting. Many of the non-hockey or casual hockey fans point to fighting in the NHL as a reason to hate the sport - or call for a ban on fighting altogether. As Charles Barkely once said -- he can't believe you can get into a fight, sit out for 5 minutes, and then play the rest of the game. Yet, amazingly it works.

It's now the "new" NHL - so gone are the days of my childhood when each team had their resident goon who was no more than a glorified boxer on skates. Guys like - Dave Shultz, Joey Kocur, Marty McSorley, Tie Domi, Tiger Williams, Rob Ray, Chris Nilan... and others. Granted, some of these guys could play too - but many just earned a roster spot with their fists. That is really not the case anymore. Yeah - their are some goons left - but they are rare, and most can at least skate, pass, and not embarrass themselves. I think a guy like Mitch Fritz is an old-time tough guy - a/k/a he ain't being put on the ice for his offense, his defense, or wonderful puck handling skills. He dropped the gloves in the Pittsburgh game - and it was largely a draw.

Anyway - kids understand more than we give them credit for - well, at least the one's who possess at least a minimum of intelligence & discipline (and I know the number of those is dwindling). Yes, my boys stand, cheer, hoot & holler when there is a fight. But they understand why there was a fight and not one of them desires or dreams of mimicking the experience. They "get it" and quite honestly I think what they see in the movies and on video games is MUCH MORE harmful to their psyche than watching 2 guys drop the gloves and "have at it" during a hockey game.

Just my 2 cents on the issue.
Next up: Bringing my home equity checkbook to games!!
MLD

Fat, Drunk & Stupid is No Way to Go Through Life

What are you people on? Dope?
(Mr. Hand: Fast Times At Ridgemont High)

I've been reading some posts over the past few days about how the Isles' measly 3-game winning streak was a sign of better things to come for the team, etc, etc, etc. Quick wake-up call here -- 2 of those victories were against the Senators, a team with a worse record than the Isles, and that's hard to do since there are only 2 teams in the whole NHL with worse records. I might be a buyer of the feces these delusional prognosticators are selling if the Isles were going to play Ottawa another 20-30 times this season. Reality is - this team is still a collection of unproven (and largely mediocre-talented) young guys and some overly ripe veterans of which the sum total seems to still be difficulty in scoring.

Since tonight's game (against Buffalo) is game 20 - we have reached the quarter mark. So let's look at some stats:

There are 30 teams:

• Isles are 27th overall

• Isles are 23rd in scoring (and 4 of the teams behind them all played 1-2 games less. So they would probably be even lower (possibly even 28th) if everyone played the same number of games)

• Isles are 22nd in goals allowed (and 3 of the teams behind them have played more games)

• Isles are 27th in PP percentage

• Isles are 6th in the PK

• Isles leading scorer (Hunter) has only 7 goals and, if he continues on this pace, will have 28 goals and 52 points.
  

• Tambellini has 2 POINTS and NO GOALS; Comrie has 2 GOALS and 8 points - on pace for a huge 8 goal, 32 point season; Okposo - 2 goals; 3 of Weight's 4 goals have been on the PP, so he has been largely invisible at even strength; Sim has only 4 points; Gervais has no goals; Thompson has only 1 point (and that was when shorthanded); Neilsen with only 2 goals and 9 total points (most of which have been on the PP) and on and on and on.
  

OK - let's sum up. This is a bad team, except for the PK. With guys like Park, Hilbert, Witt, Sutton, Campoli, and Bergenheim you'd expect the PK to be good. In fact, they have 6 shorties. So the PK appears the be the one bright thing.

By the way - some in the psuedo-media (a/k/a - us bloggers) have anointed Bailey the next great play maker after a mere 5 games. I'll give you that the kid looks decent - but when you look at the team he plays on its no wonder he stands out a little. Plus - as we all know - 5 games does not a season or a career make. Plus - 3 of the 5 games were against the lowly Sens and .500 Flyers. Not exactly the best tests.

So - at the 20 game mark - I think the team gets a C. I'd give them a lower grade except they get some consideration due to youth and spirited play. If they continue to play this way for the rest of the season - they will succeed in one very important mission - getting a nice high pick in the 2009 draft.

Next Up: Explaining fighting to the kids.
MLD

News Flash: Santa Slashes Elf Workforce in Half - Christmas Will Officially Suck!

It's the holiday season. So - instead of talking about the Isles (that's for the next blog) I'm gonna talk about the dilemma faced by many a parent this holiday season. No... not the ethical quandary associated with deciding whether to return most of the gifts friends & family gave to your kids and pocketing the cash to pay the mortgage or car loan - although in the current economic climate that presents less of an ethical problem than perhaps it did in the past - rather; the question centers on purchasing "gear" - Isles' gear to be precise.

As you readers may remember, I have 3 sons who are hockey players and huge Islander fans. Last Christmas, one of their favorite gifts under the tree was their authentic Isles jerseys. My oldest son got number 32 (Witt); my middle guy got number 26 (Fedotenko); and my youngest got number 39 (DP). At the time - these were their favorite players. Well, my middle guy got screwed and is struggling with wearing his jersey since Fedotenko is now a Penguin (with 4 goals, 4 assists) and not an Islander. As a quick aside, his second favorite player was Bergeron - go figure. Anyway, I am debating whether to replace his jersey this Christmas - and of course, if I do, then in fairness to the other 2, I should probably get them new jerseys as well. Now before any of you go & tell me I really only need to buy 1 jersey and that I should tell the other 2 kids that "life's not fair" and they should just deal with it since Witt & DP are still on the team - let me just say.... I agree. That being said, as a Dad - I like getting sports gear for my boys.

OK - so let's get down to brass tacks here - the real question is - who the hell do I put on the back of their jerseys? There is the old-school fan in me (I've been a fan for 30 yrs) who says they should get one of the retired guys' names - Bossy, Trots, Nystrom, Smitty, etc. By the way, this also appeals the frugal (a/k/a cheap) side of me since I never have to worry about those guys being traded or leaving as a free agent. In this day & age where there is no loyalty between players and teams you are taking a risk by having a current player's name stitched into the back of your jersey. Here today, gone tomorrow. But in all honesty - like some of my blog box cohorts - my boys are so young they never experienced the thrill & pride of watching the Dynasty guys play and they are really not much more than mythical figures or sadly, another story Daddy trots out about "the good ole days."

On the flip side - how do I get my kids to be invested in the current players on the ice and root for more than just the jersey if I don't let them get their favorite player's numbers & names on their gear? They can't live in the rafters like so many of us do as we wait for this team to mature & compete. But, if I buy a current guy's jersey, am I going to be making another short term purchase?

Of course, whatever I decide - Mommy will NOT be part of the equation. I remember my 16th birthday & my parents surprised me with an Isles jersey. It was a big deal b/c we didn't have much money. Since my dad is not a hockey fan and knows nothing about the sport - my Mom picked out the jersey. I saw the logo on the front as I opened the box... but imagine my horror as turned the jersey over and saw the big #16 in the middle, and then above it MY LAST NAME. I felt like Ralphie from Christmas Story when he opens the bunny pj's. How could she!! I can't walk around wearing this! Everyone will think I'm gay with LaFontaine's number on my back and that I'm an idiot because it had my own last name on it and not his. That is just NOT correct protocol for jerseys - any self-respecting hockey fan knows this. Of course, Mom's rationale was - it was your 16th birthday, so I got you number 16. She should have just bought me a dress. Needless to say - I hardly wore it.

Back to my dilemma - and Mommy will not be part of the decision here because quite frankly, she doesn't understand the nuances of picking a jersey and what your choice says about you. This is an important decision as a fan. First and foremost - I have to decide - old school rafter guys, or new possibly temporary guys?

Some of you may say - what's the big deal, just get the damn jersey and stop whining. You may be right, except for some of us, the $150-$200 we spend on a jersey (and in my case, multiply that by three) means we don't have that $150-$200 to put toward some other important bill. Let's face it, the stock market has gone in the toilet, the economy is a disaster, every day more huge layoffs are announced, and some of us are praying we don't have to figure out how to squeeze a Christmas tree into the cardboard box we'll be living in after the bank forecloses on the mortgage. So - yeah, a few hundred bucks is important. Fortunately, things are not that dire for yours truly. But - money is money and I don't want to just throw it away.

After weighing the options I decided to take the safe route.......
No, I didn't buy the jerseys with the Hall of Famers on them -- I bought 3 Charlestown Chiefs jersey with numbers 16, 17, and 18 - and they all say Hanson. Now I just need to get them the glasses!!

Until next time... subject- a 20 game report card.
MLD

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

And sometimes - that lining is draped in a Ranger jersey.
Boo hoo! Isles beat the sinister Rangers!
Rangers SUCK.

Guess having the best record in the NHL doesn't guarantee a win against the team with the worst record. Just goes to show you - with some of these rivalries, throw the stats out the window, all bets are off. These teams "get up" to play one another.


OK - I am not delusional, I know the Isles didn't necessarily outplay their evil sibling to the west. But sometimes being lucky is better than being good, and lucky the Isles were. When was the last time they got 2 shorties in a game? It also looked like the Isles win helped continue the start of a slide for the girls in blue. NYRs have lost 4 of the last 5 - gives me a reason the smile.


Today - this blog comes to you live from the Isles v. Broadstreet Bullies. Although at 4-6-3, they look less like bullies and more like what comes out of the back of a bull. Isles come into today's game after yet ANOTHER 3rd period collapse. I hear Wang is petitioning the Bd of Governors to change the rules to make the games only 2 periods. If that was the case - Isles record would be 7-6-1 instead of 4-8-2; and they would be one point behind the Devils for 3rd place instead of dead last in the east. The Isles have allowed a staggering 21 goals in the 3rd period and have been outscored by a two-to-one margin. Maybe Witt & Martinek would help. But I still think they need someone who is a true sniper - and this team doesn't have one.


The OT loss to Cindy Crosby & the Penguins over the weekend was just depressing. Most telling - being out shot in the 3rd period by a margin of 18-1. I must confess - as games enter the 3rd period I am fairly confident they will lose. Not a good mindset. If I had the answers - I'd be behind the bench instead of ranting behind this screen.


Today - military appreciation day. Nice! Isles have done a great job acknowledging these fine men & women who kick ass around the world while wearing Old Glory on their shoulders and the hopes & fears of loved ones in their hearts. Take a moment today - and thank a vet. Gen. Colin Powell (wouldn't it be nicer to say Pres. Elect Powell, or VP Elect Powell instead of just General?) dropped the ceremonial puck to open the game. Army guys rappelling from the rafters & the Air Force brass band playing the Anthem - gives you the ole lump in the throat. Kudos to the Isles for putting on a good show. One side note - the little "military" costumes the ice girls are wearing should do wonders for recruitment into the armed forces. Grrrowl.


Game Notes:
Big news to start the game - - Comrie is out - he of the pathetic 2 goals & $4 mill in salary. Good grief, Streit, Sim and HILBERT all have more goals. In his place - rookie 1st rd pick - Bailey. He is playing on the 4th line with Sim and Jackman so he probably won't have too many chances or too much ice time. He did pop his "penalty cherry" by getting called for hooking at about 9:00 into the first period. All-in-all, the first period was fairly even with the Isles having a few more scoring chances and a 5 on 3 power play that they did NOTHING with. On to the 2d period.


Second Period:
Bailey makes a few nifty passes with the puck & seems to possess that intangible "awareness" of the whole ice. Tambellini on the other hand - can't buy a goal. Isles are expecting him to contribute - and no goals and one assist in 12 games is just not enough. Early prediction here - he doesn't finish the season as an Isle. He'll either be gone in a trade or playing for Bridgeport. He had another great chance in this period & buried into Biron's chest. One positive - I like the D-pairing of Campoli & Gervais. They are poised, tough, and responsible in their own end. Sutton - another great hit at the blue line. Then again - this isn't the 3rd period so they should still be playing well.


They get their second 5 on 3 power play - and they are equally sucky. Then, less then a minute after the PP ends - BANG, goal for Briere. With only 6 minutes left in the 2d the Isles must be trying to start their 3rd period misery early. Well - at least they go into the 3rd period without the possibility of blowing a lead.


Third Period:
Okposo, Hilbert, and Bailey now on a line together. Isles just cannot establish a sustained attack. Oops - late in the period Flyers get a shorty. Roll up the carpet, close the door & turn off the lights - this one is over folks. Of course Hunter gives the fans a tease by breaking the shut out & making it a 2-1 game with under 4 minutes to play. No confidence they'll pull it out. In the end - I am right.


Overall:
Joey MacDonald looked good. But this game was all about the SPECIAL TEAMS play - or lack thereof. Some startling stats:
Isles were 0-8 on PP
They gave up a shorty
They were 0-2 on the 5-3 PP.
Even sadder - they never really even established a sustained attack.

Be interesting to see what Gordon has to say about this effort.

Next up: More Gripes.
MLD

And What Would You Like Mr. Lion? Courage!

"Any coward can fight a battle when he's sure of winning, but give me the man who has pluck to fight when he's sure of losing. That's my way, sir; and there are many victories worse than a defeat." (George Eliot).

Alas, it took me a week to post this - tough to write after a week of games like the ones the Isles played against Dallas, Carolina, NYR, Flyers, and the Habs. Let's take the disasters one at a time:

Dallas: (5-3 Loss) Horrendous penalty-kill, too many penalties (making Avery look good), and some sloppy play in their own end = a recipe for disaster. The 5-3 score makes it sound like a closer game then it was. Isles were outplayed, made mistakes, and DP looked shaky. We find out days later - his shakiness could be because he just wasn't 100%

Carolina: (4-3 Loss) The story of this game - 60 shots by Isles and Weight's missed potential game-tying penalty shot with under a second left in the game. First - 60 shots sounds like they sent an overwhelming barrage on net - when in reality, many of those shots were not high quality or high percentage shots. They did have plenty of chances - but again, their lack of scoring punch was evident - as is their lack of a sniper to take the penalty shot. Can't fault Gordon's choice of shooter - Weight knows the Canes & is a crafty veteran who likely wouldn't be impacted by the pressure of the situation. All great - except in the end, he didn't get the job done.

One ancillary observation -- DP's handling of the puck has been awful. He leads the team each night in giveaways. He needs to get better in his decision making when he goes for or has the puck. He is now pretty much a veteran - he's gotta cut down on the mistakes.

NYR: (4-2 Loss) Another example of 20 minutes of good hockey and then tailing off with defensive lapses and too much time spent with guys in the penalty box. MacDonald has at least shown that he can play at the NHL level - but they will need him to step up his game if they are going to hang with the big boys.

Flyers: (3-2 OT Loss) Well, now they upgraded to 40 minutes of good hockey. If they could just remember the game is 60 minutes long. Hilbert's goal was pure luck -- shouldn't be a reason to think he is going to do much this season. I am getting a little tired of the post-game "we are playing the system, I see improvements, we had good momentum in the 2d period, if we could just do what we did for 20 or 40 minutes for a full 60 minute, we are getting better" coach-speak. Please, save the Kool Aid for someone else. Fans are shelling out LOTS of money - not just for game tickets but for food, parking, beverages, and gear, and they DESERVE better than half efforts or excuses about adjusting to a system. This is starting to get extremely frustrating.

Habs: (5-4 UGLY Loss) I will cover this game in my next blog otherwise I'll just vomit.

Since reporting on the games is beginning to be a bit boring -- how many ways can you find something positive to say about another horrendous loss? - Next up, along with a Habs wrap-up, I will provide some insight for those of you out there who wonder what it is like to be part of the "media." Yes, as a blogger, I am considered media - sometimes, I am amazed myself. It is a nice perk. We get little badges at the game (not very sophisticated - made of flimsy cardboard & a sticker); we get the "game notes" that are provided to mainstream sports writers; and we get access to the post-game press conference with Gordon & can interview players. So.........

Next up: A window into the life of a blogger.

MLD

An Absence of Offense Can Be Offensive!

"Futility = playing a harp before a buffalo" (Author unknown).

On Saturday night that could have read: "Futility = believing the Isles will have a consistent offense." OK, against Florida they weren't dreadful - but that's like getting excited about only having to eat half a sh*t sandwich instead of a whole one. The Isles play was sloppy and they generated very little in the way of decent scoring chances. Vokoun easily brushed aside those high-percentage shots from the outside, the one's from past the circle, and the lazy floaters from the point. The Isles were definitely out skated -Florida has some speed - and they used it to neutralize the Isles' speed.

Oh well - you win some and then you lose a few more. As predicted - this season will be filled with ups & downs. Looking at the games against the Blues, then the Sabres, then Tampa, then Florida - I feel like I am riding a see-saw with this team. One night they skate well and put the puck in the net and the next night they get outplayed and barely look capable of sustaining any offensive pressure. This teams makes me think of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde!!! Only I wish we saw a little more Mr. Hyde and a lot less of that pansy do-gooder Dr. Jekyll.

Alas - for me, the dilemma became - how do I explain the Isles' inconsistency to my boys? The answer - I don't, I just tell them the Isles, like everyone else, occasionally have an off day. Like when Daddy comes home smelling like booze and rants about the mean Mr. Prickstein he works for and then shouts at & argues with Mommy, and then Daddy cries like a little girl and takes his "medicine" and then..... ahem.... a little off course here. That of course, never happens to yours truly. I digress - like I said - I chalk it up to a "bad day" and tell my boys the Isles just need to work harder and it will take time for them to adjust to such a different system. Then I gently pat my boys on their heads, send them off to bed with a warm cup of milk, and look for the misses to help console me!!!!

Next up... I'm seeing Stars!!!

MLD

A Good Sign Emerges

"Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did." (Newt Gingrich)

Last night's victory was a good sign for the Isles. No - not the fact that they blew a 2 goal lead in the third period, or that they appeared to play Gordon's system for 40 minutes and then started to look a little lazy & tired. The fact that they didn't quit and kept fighting back to scratch out a win. When the Rays tied it at 2-2, it looked bad. You could see a momentary & collective slumping of the shoulders of the guys on the ice. It looked like the Isles were getting tired from all the work they did in the first 40 minutes. In the past, I would have shut the TV off, gone to bed, and expected to wake up this morning and read about a loss -- and not just any loss - but a painful one, where the winning goal is scored on some defensive breakdown or scramble in front of the net with under a minute to play. We've all seen plenty of those in the past few years. But I decided to take my chances & leave the TV on and see what this team is made of - and I was able to go to bed with a smile on my face (and not just from my post-game celebration with the wifey!).

The Isles' aggressive play and fast skating put them right back in front. They kept moving the puck and pressing. I was really impressed with their aggressive attack on the PK. I used to scream from my seat in section 318 (or from my couch) for them to put pressure on the point men - skate at them and force them to make a play instead of sitting in the box defense and hope to break up a bad pass. I like Gordon's aggressive approach. Sure, they will inevitably get burned on occasion. But is seems to be working and is more exciting to watch.

I think we are starting to see some really good things. Now, like the players, the fans (including yours truly) need to have a little patience as this team gels, the young guys develop, and they get better in the system. Perseverance.

Next up - the return of DP

MLD

Braveheart - Witt Would Eat Mel Gibson for Lunch

"Toughness is in the soul and the spirit, not in muscles." (Alex Karras)

Good news ~ the warrior Brendan Witt should not miss any time as a result of the cut to his head that occurred in the game against Buffalo. When interviewed about his injury he said, and I quote, "Brendan Witt - 1, Nassau Coliseum ice - 0." He is the definition of toughness. He guts it out night after night and plays hurt. He is not a superstar - but he is solid and steady. In previous blogs, I've mentioned that my oldest son (who is 11) proudly wears a Witt jersey - and he also tries to mimic Witt when he plays defense for his hockey team. Witt is not only a good player - he is also a good guy off the ice.

I had the privilege of meeting Witt once - away from the Coliseum. He was making an appearance at an elementary school as part of the Isles literacy program. He was there with Josef Vasicek. They were finished & had already left the building and were walking across the parking lot to their cars. I happened to also be making a visit to that school that day (I have my own business on the side wherein I present a fun, interactive educational & mock trial program to 5th graders). We were in the parking lot - they were done with their appearance - there was no reason for them to stop & talk to me. But stop he did.

I introduced myself to Witt and he shook my hand & asked me why I was there that day. I told him a little bit about my program and he stood there listening intently (OK - maybe he was feigning interest but he waited patiently until I was done). He asked me a few questions about the program and then asked if I was a fan - which of course I responded yes, and told him about my son. He offered to autograph something for me to give to my son. We are not autograph collectors in our house so I said "thanks, but I didn't have anything with me." He wished me luck, told me to say hi to my son for him, and went on his way. Immediately one word came to mind - Gentleman.

In this day & age of overpaid, Prima-Dona athletes who can't be bothered to spend 5 seconds with a fan, give a kid an autograph, or give back to the community with making sure they are seen by the press but not bothered by the fans, Witt's attitude was remarkable, refreshing, and only bolstered my respect for him as a professional and a man. Islander fans are truly lucky -- we have access to the team's players & management that is unparalleled in today's professional sports. Between all of the fan-friendly events they run (visit the locker room, bar-b-ques for ticket holders with players present, and special events over the summer with management to talk about the direction of the team) and their many community service activities (visiting hospitals, schools, and camps) the Isles are truly a team that is connected with their community.

Are they the most talented team? No. Are they the best run & managed sports franchise? Of course not. But there is NO doubt they are the franchise that makes the biggest effort to give something back to the community & the loyal fans that support the team.

Brendan -- it's good to know you won't miss any games. My son & I were happy when you agreed to a contract extension. Your toughness on the ice is not the only reason my kid looks up to you. We'll be looking for the old number 32 next game.

Next up... Isles are going to Disneyland! OK, not Disney - but Florida.
MLD