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

Young Guns Emerge

"Leadership can be thought of as a capacity to define oneself to others in a way that clarifies and expands a vision of the future." (Edwin H. Friedman)

The Isles have looked like a completely different team the last few games. Hanging in tough against the Rangers, then kicking the Devils' asses and beating the Coyotes over the last 4 days. It has been a pleasure to watch this collection of "young guns" play. A few more games like this and other teams will have to start taking notice. All ye doubters of the "rebuild plan" and the commitment to playing the younger guys may soon have to eat some crow.

The spark, consistent physical play, offensive creativity & results have all contributed to a very positive outlook for the Isles for the future -- particularly since it is all coming from the likes of Okposo, Bailey, Comeau, Tambellini, Neilsen, Bergenheim, and even Joensuu and Iggulden. With the ankle injury to Hunter -- it now looks like the Isles will be comprised of primarily the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

With the departure of Guerin - Gordon is also faced with an interesting dilemma. Who will be the next captain? Some point to Witt (I cannot say this is a bad choice) and Park (I can say this is a ridiculous choice) or one of the other veterans. That may seem like the logical thing to do --- however there is no denying that this team is now "the young guys' team" and as such - I think one of the young guys should be considered for the captaincy. But not just any young guy as clearly some have not truly established themselves yet. Playing well for a handful of games does not a season, a career, or a slot as a captain make!

But I think a very good case could be made for Okposo. He has clearly led by example with his tough physical play, his creativity & puck-handling, his consistent all-out skating when on the ice, and of course - he is also PRODUCING. I think it is important to have a leader, a captain, to whom the team can turn for "results" and production when the going gets tough. The Isles don't have a sniper or a natural goal-scorer - but they do have a consistent point generator in Okposo.

So what do you say Gordie -- give Okposo some consideration when the decision is made about whose sweater will have the "C" stitched into the chest.

Next up: Success is nice -- just not too much success.
MLD

Update on Former Isles

Quick footnote to the Isles recent trades:

Last night - Comrie had a goal & assist and Campoli also scored for Ottawa.
Guerin had an assist on Sidney Crosby's goal for Pittsburgh.

Meanwhile - the Isles picks did nothing in the game against the Rangers.
I'll keep you posted on how Mr. 1st round (for Campoli) and Mr. 5th (but possibly a 4th or 3rd) rounder (for Guerin) do for the Isles in the last 18 games.

MLD

Ranger Fans are A-holes

I just got back a short while ago from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (oops, I mean Isles) v. Rangers game. Sound Tigers lost 4-2.

Despite the loss - it was a good game for the Isles. Not so impressive for the blueshirts. BTW -- Ranger fans are truly A-holes. I guess they should be overjoyed that they squeaked out a win against a team that is essentially a minor league club. Rangers were out-shot, out-hit, and quite honestly, out worked tonight. They got a few lucky breaks (Martinek's tip-in into his own net; and the McAmmond/Hilbert collision that resulted in a 3-1 rush) and really didn't do too much on even strength. In fact, 2 of their goals were with the man advantage against a penalty killing unit with guys that have less than a year of NHL experience. Nothing to brag about.

Rangers fans (because along with being A-holes they are also incredibly stupid) will assume my rant is the result of sour grapes. Nothing could be further from the truth. If the Rangers were my team (then I'd also be a loser & I'd suck on the end of a hose hooked up to a car's exhaust pipe) then I wouldn't be impressed with tonight's win. They have one of the highest payrolls in the league, and they are the wonderful NY Rangers from the awesome MSG -- and they just aren't that good of a team.

Case in point -- there were only 4 players on the Isles roster tonight who did NOT log time in Bridgeport this season. So YES - the Rangers struggled against and barely beat a glorified farm team. No disrespect to the Isles -- I know that they are rebuilding. They played without Witt, they have no Andy Sutton, and 2 of their D-men were recent minor league call-ups. And all the Suck-ass Rangers could manage was a mere 4 goals.

Then to top it all off -- those ignorant, half-retarded, imbeciles (a/k/a Ranger fans) started chanting "Kansas City". How stupid can they be to chant for their biggest rival to leave town. What dumbasses --- I don't imagine Ranger morons (I mean fans) will be frothing at the mouth and running to buy tickets when their arch-rival Kansas City whatevers come to town. They should be smart enough to realize that if the Isles leave town it is not only bad for Long Island, bad for NY, bad for Islander fans, bad for the NHL -- and yes, bad for the Rangers. Who would ever be so simple-minded to root for their best rivalry to be ruined. Oh that's right, I am talking about Ranger fans so I should probably lower my expectations.

Go ahead and chant that Potvin "beats his wife" or "sucks" and we'll continue to sing the "If you know the Rangers suck clap your hands" song and we'll boo that jack-a** Sean Avery. That's all good old-fashioned hating the enemy kinda stuff. But to actually chant for the team to disappear. It is beyond words.

One last parting note to Ranger fools (I mean fans). Yes, we are not a very good team this year -- but when we end up with Tavares this summer - this down time will be worth it. Plus -- despite all of its money & prestige --- your team has only managed to win ONE Stanley Cup in the last 70 years!!!!! My team not only has FOUR cups --- but also is identified as a DYNASTY. Isles won their cups before they could be bought.

Next up: Captain, my captain -- who will wear the "C"
MLD

Only One Deal -- with Guerin to the Penguins

Guerin is dealt to the Penguins for a conditional draft pick.
It starts out as a 5th round pick and moves up to 4th round if they make the playoffs. Then it can go as high as the 3rd round if they make it past the first round of the playoffs and Guerin plays at least half of their games.

Some view this as a weak deal --- and I would agree if there were no other factors at play. Remember - Guerin could have walked at the end of the season & the Isles would get nothing. Plus he is 38 yrs old and had a no trade clause. I think Garth did a pretty decent job on this deal under the circumstances, especially if it ends up as a 3rd rounder. On the open market - with none of the above factors - maybe you get a 2d rounder & prospect for the captain. But that is not reality. As for why this deal took so long -- this apparently wasn't the deal that caused Guerin to be benched. Guerin was quoted as saying he believed a deal was done with another team a few days ago. So that is what pulled him off the ice -- and it appears that deal fell through.

On another front -- Sim gets 3 assists & plays his ass off (I still don't care much for him) and he is sent to Bridgeport? What's a guy gotta do to impress? So Witt, Martinek, Hilbert, and Weight are all still here. It will be interesting to see who is wearing the "C" on Thursday night against the Rangers.

Up Next: More analysis of other deals to come later (when I have time)
MLD