Tonight From the Blog Box

"Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence. In other words, it is war minus the shooting." (George Orwell)

We are a mere 6 days from TD-day... trading deadline. Over the next 6 days GM's around the league will use their best (and for some, their worst) negotiation skills in the game of "trade wars." The air is thick with rumor, hyperbole, assumptions, guesses, prognostications, and outright lies. Imagine what it's like for the players -- going to work everyday and not knowing if it's your last day there. Oh that's right - most Americans can relate to that fear in this day-and-age.... except we're not lucky enough to get traded and get a paycheck from someone else. Lot's of us just get laid off. So let's put these next 6 days in perspective... yes, guys will get traded, tears will be shed, but at the end of the day, they all still get paid.

That being said - I am going to crawl out on a very thin limb here, take a chance with my reputation (to the extent I have one outside my own delusions of my place in the world) and say... yes, I will dare to say.... that the most likely guys to get traded from the Isles are: Witt, Guerin, and Weight. I know... you think me crazy. I am probably the only one putting these guys out there.

OK - reality time. Who hasn't predicted that these guys are trade bait. Maybe some jackass in a turban hiding in a cave in the Pakistani mountains plotting his next act of terror --- but beyond him, any hockey fan that has a pulse (including a hockey-loving monkey) knows these guys are available. So, I am going to spin off on a tangent here and suggest 4 guys that SHOULD be made available & traded instead of the big three. Here they are:

Andy Hilbert: yeah, maybe you get a mid to low round draft pick for him - say 3rd or 4th rounder. But I just think I've spent enough money in the past several years watching him either underachieve or listening to the Isles overstate his abilities. The league is filled with 3rd & 4th line wingers... so he is easily replaceable -- get rid of him.

Radek Martinek: maybe a glass company will take his body (particularly his legs!!) - he's just plain fragile. I think he has more value on the trade market than Hilbert because he's a big D-man capable of moving the puck, is fairly cheap in salary, and I cant' stand to see him out there anymore. I think he's worth a 3rd or 4th rounder.

Jon Sim: please... somebody take him. I'll take a bag of pucks at this point -- although I think a lower middle rounder is all you'll get back. He has just been a major disappointment in his 2 yrs here. Granted, he gets a pass for last year since he missed pretty much the entire season to injury. But since his return - 8 goals (OK, not awful, but certainly not what you expect from a 2nd line winger) and a MEASLY 2 assists. You gotta be kidding me. There are goalies with more helpers than him!!!

Jeff Tambellini: we'd have a better chance of finding Sasquatch or the Loch Ness monster than he has of finding his groove on the NHL level. On RARE occasions he shows a flash of promise -- like that wrister in the shoot out last week. But he spends the majority of his time skating in circles with pretty much nothing to show for it (2 goals and 4 assists in 43 games). I think you could get another struggling prospect back who needs a change of scenery or at best a 4th rounder.

So - for my money... I get the "rebuild" concept - and I support the philosophy - but, the team cannot be made up of all rookies and teenagers. They should keep Witt and Guerin -- they are excellent role models ON & OFF the ice and their mere presence would be a great influence on the younger guys this year and next. These other guys, we can collect a few more mid-round picks and maybe a prosepct or 2. It fits with the plan.

6 more days.... and then we'll all know how this ends.

Next Up: Live blog during Isles v. Leafs.
MLD

Some Family Fun

I know in the past I've written in a very negative fashion about the Coliseum. It is a dump you know. But my assessment of the facility is not a reflection on the Isles -- they are stuck playing in that horrible round eyesore. That said -- I do enjoy going to the games. The "unpleasant" part of going to games is being forced to enter that hideous mausoleum. I'd rather the Isles played on some outdoor pond or even a frozen puddle in some parking lot. At least the ambiance would be better.

That being said -- the actual "game experience" has been good this year. That is a credit to the Isles. Now, by nature I am NOT a lucky person. I generally don't win raffles, 50/50's, door prizes or even a measly $2 from lotto. Now I am not complaining here -- I've been blessed in other ways. A terrific family, a job I love, good health. But those things are more the result of hard work & personal choices. You know - like I'll date that nice girl instead of the easy lay, or I'll pass on the second slice of cheesecake and maybe do a few dozen crunches in the morning instead of stuffing my pie hole with all kinds of crap.

But this year -- for some odd reason -- I've hit a bit of a lucky streak. Of course, naturally, the pessimist in me is sure that my increased luck in situations of chance means I'll be getting cancer or things at work will take a horrific turn south. But that's just me.

Here are some of the "lucky" things that have happened this year -- all Isles related -- that have made my trips to the Coli a little easier to stomach.

1 -- Over the summer, at the open house for season ticket holders (of which I am one) I won a lucky drawing that gave me a luxury suite for a game this season.

2 -- About a week and a half before the start of the season -- I get an email from the Isles that I have been accepted as one of the bloggers for this season.

3 -- At the Isles/Rangers game a few weeks ago, as me and my boys take our seats, we are approached by a "Game Ops" person and told we will be the lucky fan seat upgrade winners. I moved from my seats in section 318 down to the 200's near where the tunnel is where the Isles enter & leave the ice.

4 -- One recent game, my sons & I caught 2 tee-shirts from the wicked Gatling gun.

5 -- I got a letter in the mail from the Isles about a month and a half ago telling me I could have one of the new 3rd jerseys for free since I was both a full season & partial season ticket holder.

6 -- 2 weeks ago I got another letter from the Isles that as a season ticket holder, they were giving me for free a copy of the DVD containing the "great" Islander games of the past.

I've had a few other odd things occur - unrelated to the Isles or hockey -- that has given me pause and a reason to think about my status as a "lucky person." So yes, I broke down and bought Mega Millions lotto tickets the last several weeks -- no winners yet, its now at $171 million. Hey, you never know.

Now that my luck has turned --- maybe the same will happen to the Isles. I think some of the good luck that is out there is self-created. Garth seems to have a plan for this team. I think it is one that makes sense. Now they just need a little luck and maybe there will be some really good reasons -- like the product on the ice instead of merely a fancy barn -- to come to the Lighthouse in a few years.

Next up: Roster Merry-Go-Round -- yes, trade talk
MLD

Charity Begins at Home

"It is always better to give than to receive."
from - The Bible, Acts 20

But it is pretty cool when you can ALSO receive while giving. The Isles are giving everyone that chance.

Go to the Isles website and look up 3 incredible auction opportunities. These are terrific opportunities for you to help some very worthy causes - and at the same time - get yourself some great Isles memorabilia & experiences.

These terrific opportunities help benefit the Islander's Children's Foundation -- this charity works with other children’s charities on Long Island that focus on the areas of education, youth hockey development, and health.

The Auctions are:
1) Sticks out of Hands Auction: Here is your opportunity to bid on game used sticks of the current Islanders team during their February 28th game versus the Buffalo Sabres. The highest bidders will receive two tickets to attend the February 28th Islanders game as well as the opportunity to take the stick out of the hand of the Islander player they bid on as they get off the ice post game.

2) Private Skate on Coliseum Ice: You can bid on the opportunity to have a private skating event on the Coliseum ice following the Islanders February 28th game versus the Buffalo Sabres. The highest bidder for this auction item will receive the following: 1 Hour of private ice time for a group of 12 people following the 2/28 game, 12 tickets to the Islanders game on 2/28, and a visit from a special Islanders guest during the post game skate.

3) Be in the Team Photo: From now through February 26th Islanders fans will have the opportunity to bid on a chance to join the Islanders in their team photo scheduled on March 6th. The winner of this auction will be invited down to the Nassau Coliseum prior to the Islanders practice and join the team for the end of season photo. The winner will receive a framed copy of the photo that will be autographed by members of the 2008-2009 team.

These are some GREAT opportunities to not only GIVE but to also RECEIVE. You get some pretty cool experiences up close & personal with the players and share a special moment with members of your family or friends.

Go to the Isles website and bid on one of these VERY COOL auctions. You'll be helping to raise money for some very worthwhile charities here at home.

Next up: Staying Positive
MLD

The Games Have Begun - Isles Trade Campoli & Comrie

Dean McAmmond
Mike Comrie
Chris Campoli






Well......... here we go. The trading wars have begun.
Earlier today the Isles traded Chris Campoli & Mike Comrie to the Ottawa Senators for Dean McAmmond and Ottawa's 1st Rd pick - which started out as San Jose's 1st Rd pick. Right now, San Jose is the 2d best team in the NHL - so this pick will end up being somewhere between 25th through 29th overall. While I understand the strategy to "stockpile picks" - that strategy only works if you stockpile good picks, you don't send away too much talent, and then you of course have to actually draft correctly.

In light of the Isles long and sad draft history (keeping this to the last decade or so) I am not sure I am excited about more picks. We will have to wait to see what Campoli ultimately develops into and what the Isles get for this pick to see if Garth was a winner.

Comrie for McAmmond was essentially a salary dump and two teams throwing away players. Comrie probably wasn't going to re-sign and quite honestly his production has been disappointing so I am not sad to see him go. I am not happy about Campoli leaving. I am concerned that ultimately this could look like Chara, Redden, McCabe, etc --- where the Isles dump a young, puck moving defensemen who comes to play - and play hard every night - and then he develops into a star elsewhere. Only time will tell.

THANKS to Chris Campoli for his years of hard work here on the Isle. My middle son is crushed again. First - he loved Bergeron. Then Fedotenko. Next Campoli. He has been cursed by the trade bug. I told him he needs to root for Hilbert !!!!!

I think this is only step one for Garth. Let's hope he knows where he is stepping and its not into a pile of you-know-what.

Next up: Charity!
MLD

Glass Half Full

"Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power" (Shirley MacLaine)

I know she is a wacko - but her words are true. I am as guilty as many of my brethren -- focusing on the negative aspects of the Isles season. God knows, there has been enough to complain about & critique. But henceforth (at least for a few blogs) I going to view the glass as "half full." Look at the bright side of things.

Bright side #1 -- the KIDS. Let's face it - the future has some beams of hope to it. Okposo has really developed into a consistent and hardworking forward - and he has had some nice results as well. Consider that he has 10 goals and up until recently he was relegated to approximately 10-12 minutes per game. Ever since he was put on the PP and given more ice time he has done nothing less than impress.

His line mates have been playing well too. Bailey still shows some dazzle with the puck - and remember folks - the KID is only 18 yrs old!!! Remember yourself at 18 - better yet, don't. It's probably an ugly picture. Neilsen has been playing well and has shown flashes of scoring touch of late. Campoli stepped into the PP point when Streit was out and held his own --- and I love when he jumps into the play and buries one in the back of the net. There are some reasons to come to the games. More importantly, they don't get blown out. Even though they are last in the NHL, and have a lot of issues - they are still "IN" most of the games.

So yes - there are some difficult things about this season. The Isles have single-handedly kept the sports medicine industry in business on LI with all of their injuries this season, there seems to be a lot of nonsense that is delaying the Lighthouse project and they have a lot of trouble scoring goals. But looking at the glass that is half full -- there are things to be excited about.

Effort Smeffort! -- We Need to Score Dammit!

"If winning isn't everything... then why do they keep score?" (Vince Lombardi)

So - the Isles are playing hard and Gordon is proud of their "effort." Big effin deal. I am so sick of hearing about their "effort" and how they are "working hard." Hard work is nice - but essentially meaningless if it doesn't result in something positive... like goals. This team skates, works hard in the corners, has been taking a lot of shots.... all for naught. They are anemic. They couldn't score if you gave them $100 and put them in a whorehouse.

They've scored 8 goals in the last 6 games -- and 1 goal per game for the past 4. That's pathetic. This team just CANNOT finish. They need someone - anyone (note to Snow: see if Bossy can still skate) to put the friggin puck in the net.

On the positive side -- they held the Rangers, Bruins and Caps to only 2 goals each. So the "D" has looked pretty good. And yes... I think the kids have looked better and better and will develop into the core of something good. Okposo in particular.

Next up: Isles gameday experience has improved - while the building is still a sh*thole.
MLD

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