Just as the Islanders did a few days ago, it’s time for me to clean out my locker, pack up my laptop and head into the offseason. I’m going to leave you with a few odds and ends left over from interviews at the end of the season, and I’m going to include a section with answers to some FAQs that are bound to come up in the next couple of months so that you have a handy reference. This is my longest blog ever by far, so, you can read it in sections over several days if you like because it’s the last one for quite some time.
But first, I want to thank all of the people who have read this blog and contributed to it over the course of my first season on the Islanders beat. Right from the start of the season in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to the very end in Buffalo, the Islanders provided all of us with a great story to follow. I’m approaching my 25th anniversary at Newsday this summer and have covered a lot of territory in that time, but I really can’t remember a more enjoyable experience on a beat.
As a first-time blogger, I approached this opportunity a little differently because I saw the space available on the Internet as a way to expand coverage of the Islanders, which is what I promised to do in my second blog. It was a lot of work, and I might have to re-think my approach next season now that this blog is established. But taken as a whole, the blog provided extra full-length articles by the dozens. I like to think that set a tone for the in-depth discussion that grew all season in the comment section.
I can’t tell you how many times I read over the comments and felt proud that so many people with hockey knowledge and interest put so much effort into expressing their opinions and driving the discussion forward. I don’t want to slight anyone by overlooking your name, but the steady posters from Vancouver to Edmonton to Cincinnati to upstate New York to Massachusetts to Toronto to New York City to Slovakia to Merrick Road and on and on even to Rangers precincts across the USA and to other places known only by their initials must be commended for making this spot come alive. I can do my very best, but without your input and effort, this blog never could have achieved the level of readership that it did. And while I am off, you are invited to continue posting comments and discussing the Islanders.
Since the week of the Feb. 27 trade deadline when it set a Newsday record for sports blogs with 56,782 hits, this has been the No. 1 sports blog at Newsday for six of the past eight weeks with numbers ranging from just over 20,000 to more than 33,000 hits. Readership of Islanders stories on our web site also has jumped accordingly, topping 120,000 hits for five of the past eight weeks up to a high of 230,543 the week the Islanders’ first-round series with Buffalo opened. That’s the highest number of hits for a week of Islanders coverage in five years since the first-round playoff series with Toronto, when the numbers included the Rangers and all hockey stories. The interest was reflected by increased space in Newsday, including quite a few back page headlines.
Congratulations to all of you and thank you very much. Despite the empty seats at the start of the season in Nassau Coliseum, it shows the depth of interest and passion for the Islanders still is there. It’s up to GM Garth Snow, coach Ted Nolan and owner Charles Wang to keep building on it. Clearly, the fan base is ready to embrace a quality product. Okay, on to hockey topics.
RYAN SMYTH: You might have seen these comments previously on the Islanders’ web site, but I found it interesting when Smyth spoke about his contact with former greats Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier before leaving. In particular, Smyth recalled a passage from Wayne Gretzky’s book about the scene in the locker room area at Nassau Coliseum after the Isles swept Edmonton, 4-0, to win their last Stanley Cup in 1983.
“It’s pretty special, actually,” Smyth said. “I came from the west side, knowing all those Oilers, and now, getting to meet the other side. I still remember when Gretz wrote in his book the fact that, when he walked down this hall, they were on ice bags. They weren’t even celebrating when they beat [the Oilers]. They knew how hard it was to win and what it took to win. That’s the reflection you get when you see the other side of it and how they deal with everyday life. It’s a great opportunity to get to know them all.”
That history might be meaningless to many hockey free agents, but I think Smyth honestly appreciated it. Whether it’s enough to convince him to return, I don’t know. But Marc-Andre Bergeron, another former Oiler and a friend of Smyth’s seemed to like his experience on Long Island and to think Smyth did, too.
“It’s been great,” Bergeron said of his own time with the Isles. “Right from the get-go when I was traded here, I talked with Garth, and he made me feel really confident about coming down here. He made sure I was comfortable. The players and the staff made it easy to adjust. That’s the biggest part. They showed me confidence on the ice, and I took advantage…I’m closer to home [in Quebec]. I’ve got friends coming down here. I’m in New York, so, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Of course, Smyth’s heart is far away in Edmonton, where he grew up as a kid in Alberta rooting for the Oilers. But when I asked Bergeron how he thought Smyth liked the Island, he said: “I think he likes it. I know he likes it. So, it’s a matter of having a deal that will make him happy.”
JASON BLAKE: It would be surprising to me if Blake signs before July 1 when the free agent market opens. It’s in his best interest to see if there’s a team that will blow him away with a big-money offer. He is coming off a career season of 40 goals despite playing with a wide variety of linemates that went from Alexei Yashin to Viktor Kozlov to Randy Robitaille. He proved in the second half of the season that he wasn’t just a beneficiary of Yashin’s hot start. If anything, it might have been the other way around.
As much as the Islanders need Blake’s speed, he actually might fit in better elsewhere with a team that places more of a priority on speed. “Is there a better fit out there?” Blake asked. “I don’t know that. For me, I’ve been here for six years; I’ve made a home here, I’m comfortable here, I know everyone in the organization, I know Charles and Mike Milbury and now Garth’s the GM. We’ve done a lot to make it successful. Is there a better fit? I’ll never know that unless I do go somewhere else. I’ll be 34 at the start of next year, and I want to win. It’s not necessarily about money. It’s being happy, and I want to win. Hopefully, that’s here.”
Interestingly, Blake said he and Rick DiPietro both tried to sell Smyth on the advantages of Long Island.
RICK DIPIETRO: The goaltender began this season with the pressure of a 15-year contract, but after the team lost him twice with concussions, his value was underscored to the extent that the contract began to look like a bargain. Nolan talked often about how you could see DiPietro mature over the course of the season. I’d be willing to bet that, after his experience with concussions this season, he might recognize the need to rein himself in just to the point where he eliminates the unnecessary risk-taking. His puck-handling still will be a vital part of his game, but as the Islanders improve, DiPietro will grow more secure with his importance to everything they do and just concentrate on providing the edge the Isles need to get past the Rangers and Devils.
As the face of the franchise, DiPietro knows better than anyone how much progress the Islanders have made this season, and he will want to keep pushing that forward. “It was a tough summer as far as p.r. went for the Islanders, but I think we made all the right decisions and right moves, and it paid off,” DiPietro said. “We always think there’s things we could have done better, but for the most part, we had a productive season and we got a lot of people back.
“People saw how hard we fought and the resiliency this team had. That’s the New York attitude: always keep fighting. And that’s what we did. People respect that. It’s nice to see people when you’re on the streets or out to lunch and they come up and say they’re proud of you and the season you had. That’s a great feeling.”
ALEXEI YASHIN: The promise of Yashin’s fast start under Nolan faded when he struggled while trying to come back from a knee injury in late November. There’s no question he was playing hurt when he returned in mid-December, but his production and effort fell so far in January that Nolan felt compelled to shut him down completely in February to eliminate the injury factor as an excuse for poor play. Thereafter, Nolan’s frustration was obvious in terms of his wavering support for Yashin.
“Sometimes, it’s tough with the confidence,” Yashin said. “You start questioning yourself or you start to play tighter. Sometimes, when you shoot the puck, instead of hitting the post and it goes in, it hits the post and goes out. Breaks like that are what make it difficult on any player. From my perspective, I play hockey with whatever ice time I have I try to give my best to this team.”
Yashin said blame comes with the territory as the captain and highest-paid player on the team, and he correctly noted that he never made an issue of the situation to create a distraction for the team. “It’s not about me,” Yashin said. “I never said, ‘Me, me, me, I want this stuff or I want more power play time.’ I know what I can do with support. Players become better players with a lot of support. It’s no question when I got a lot of support, a lot of things went right for me. But I have no regrets about this season at all. I hope my future will be much brighter.”
Yashin’s agent, Marc Gandler, recently said his client would give up the “C” to Ryan Smyth or any other player if that’s what it takes to remain an Islander and avoid a buyout. Whether the Islanders sign Smyth and Blake or not, they can’t ignore the fact Yashin scored 50 points in 58 games. He seemed comfortable at left wing, and if he’s relieved of the leadership responsibility, maybe it would reduce the pressure of expectations. On the other hand, Nolan’s expectations are high for everyone in the locker room.
TED NOLAN & GARTH SNOW: As Snow said, the coach and GM really did become an effective team during the season. They revived the franchise, but the Islanders are at a tipping point after paying such a high price for Smyth at the trade deadline and with 13 unrestricted free agents to worry about signing or letting go. Personally, I will be fascinated to see whether the progress they made translates into attracting enough quality free agents in the offseason to take the next step to contending status. If they lose Smyth, will they go hard after Chris Drury? Can’t wait to find out.
ISLANDERS NOTES: Defenseman Tom Poti is one of the key free agents the Islanders need to retain. He likes to go year-to-year on contracts, but he stated his desire to return. “I have a lot of respect for the coaching staff and for Garth,” Poti said. “We had a great year. I like it here a lot, and I hope to definitely be back. It’s a great group of guys in the room. I don’t know how you could get a better group of guys. With the guys that are signed for years to come, it’s a great nucleus, and with a couple more pieces to the puzzle, we could do some serious damage.”
Backup goaltender WadeDubielewicz, whose mental toughness and skill in net got the Islanders through the last four games of the regular season and into the playoffs, also is unrestricted but would like to return as DiPietro’s regular backup. “I’ve been with the organization since Day 1,” Dubielewicz said. “I’m an Islander, and I want to stay in the organization. I’ve got to be realistic. I’m not going to step into a No. 1 job anywhere. So, being behind a goalie like Ricky with his talent level and his skill level, you can’t ask for a better situation…In the past couple of weeks, they really have shown their appreciation. Teddy said thanks and told me I did a great job and I opened some eyes and proved to some people I can play. It feels pretty good.”
Several calls to defenseman Sean Hill’s agent have gone unanswered in the week since the season ended. Hill’s suspension for the use of performance-enhancing substances was a real shocker. No one is more opposed to the use of such substances than I am, but it would be a shame for Hill’s career to end this way. As much as I admired his toughness on the ice, a quality that defined his entire career, I believe his presence in the locker room was at least as valuable. Hill’s was a voice of reason and honesty, which is why his silence is so troubling now.
Islanders TV analyst Billy Jaffe asked me toward the end of the season to convey his thanks to the fans after his first year with the team. Since I covered 90 of 92 games this season, including exhibitions and playoffs, I only got to hear him twice. But I liked what I heard, and more importantly, I can tell you I’ve never seen a commentator spend more time working the locker room and quietly developing relationships with players and discussing the fine points of the games than I saw Jaffe do on a daily basis. His opinion was a valuable resource for me, and I’m sure those who watch the telecasts will be well-served in the future by Jaffe.
If you recall the blog I did toward the end of the season about six-year-old Cole Botta, the son of Islanders vice-president of communications, Chris Botta, you will be happy to know that Cole has made wonderful progress since undergoing open-heart surgery. Chris said it was hard to slow Cole down on a recent visit to the park. Thanks to Chris and his assistant, Corey Witt, for their invaluable help this season and, most of all, for facilitating coverage rather than obstructing it, as too many teams in pro sports do these days. Thanks also to Deb Kauffman and Howie Rose on the TV side and to radio announcers Steve Mears and Chris King for welcoming me into their midst and sharing their knowledge.
FAQs: Q: What are the chances of 2006 No. 1 pick Kyle Okposo leaving the University of Minnesota after his freshman year to join the Isles?
A: “That decision could come by the summer,” Snow said. “It’s not a rush. We’re not putting any pressure on from the organizational side of things. It’s something Kyle and his family have to talk about. It’s a big change in lifestyle.”
Q: How much talent is left in the farm system after sending Robert Nilsson, Ryan O’Marra and this year’s No. 1 pick to Edmonton for Ryan Smyth and trading this year’s No. 2 pick to Washington for Richard Zednik?
A: In addition to Okposo, Snow mentioned several young players who played with the Isles and Bridgeport, including forwards Jeff Tambellini, Frans Nielsen and Blake Comeau and defensemen Chris Campoli and Bruno Gervais, who were a pair in the playoffs. He said the signing of University of New Hampshire star Trevor Smith, whom he likened to Trent Hunter but with better skating ability, was meant to offset the loss of Nilsson and O’Marra. Smith probably is a couple years away. Snow also mentioned that defenseman Dustin Kohn will be moving up from juniors, and he hopes to sign Sean Bergenheim, who spent last season playing in Sweden.
Q: When will defenseman Radek Martinek return from his fractured leg?
A: He is expected to be ready to go when training camp opens. Snow said Martinek will remain on Long Island during the offseason to undergo rehabilitation.
Q: How is Bergenheim’s knee injury that he suffered at the end of the season?
A: According to agent Marc Gandler, Bergenheim is perfectly healthy and will play with Finland in the world championships. As for signing with the Isles next season, Gandler said discussions haven’t begun, “but both sides are interested in getting a deal done.”
Q: Can Alexei Yashin restructure the remaining four years of his contract worth $26.45 million?
A: Restructuring a contract is NOT allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
Q: What is the procedure for a buyout?
A: If the Islanders want to buy out a contract, they must do it by June 30 or wait another year. The player then receives an amount equal to two-thirds of his contract spread equally over twice the remaining years. In Yashin’s case, he would receive a total of $17.63 million in annual installments of just over $2.2 million paid in monthly checks for a total of eight years.
Q: How long do we have to wait for another blog from that lazy so-and-so Logan?
A: That depends on when news events warrant it and whether the need to use up accumulated vacation and comp time from this and previous years permits it. Without going into details, this could be the last blog for many months. Then again, I’m hopeful we can work it out so I can cover Islanders news throughout what should be an eventful summer. Have a great offseason.
Comments (424)
Marc-Andre Bergeron's comment about Smytty liking the Island and it's just a matter of the right contract will have me flying high for a while!! It's looking good!
Nicely done all year Greg. Way to cover and break news. Not being a big market (or in a big enough sport for the radio sport shows) the Islanders get almost no coverage anywhere else but Newsday. I was worried after Hahn left, but I thought you did a great job. I for one look forward to seeing your article next year, but would really like some articles over the summer concerning F/A, the kids in the system and yes, even the draft, even though we have almost nothing going on there.
Thanks again.
I'll stay optimistic after hearing that quote too
By the way, I'll personally host the street party if/when Smyth re-signs with the Islanders, as I'm moving back to the Island in a month or so
Yo Logan.... thanks for everything bro. I've all but abandoned the Isles website for this blog. I found out about this site from a story at the teams site. I was hooked and now I am here all the time. Thanks for the great blogs and breaking news. What I really appreciate is how you read our blogs and address certain issues that pop up. Thank you for taking your job seriously.
I'll be here during all the offseason because I hate basketball, football and baseball... this is all I have. LETS GO ISLANDERS
Best blog about hockey I've ever seen. Thanks Greg and have a great summer. It was a plesure getting to know you guys.
From Calgary to Long Island
Nick,
When you're having your street party - make sure you keep the partyers under control. We had a playoff-long street party here in Edmonton and of course some idiots (who can't be actual hockey fans) got out of control and decided it would be funny to set garbage cans on fire and then assault the police that were trying to keep everything under control. There ended up being a public address on TV where everyone from the mayor to the police, to hockey players were pleading for people to act "responsibly" is I think how they put it. I'm sure you'll never guess who was the Oiler who was part of that plea. I'm sure Ryan wouldn't be happy to have to do that again in LI. (We all have our idiot "fans" - they aren't only beer-bottle-throwing jokers at the Coliseum).
As an Islander fan living in the hockey "hotbed" of southeast Georgia, I thank you!
Great work all season, it was a great ride and I cannot wait for next season!
Sign Smyth AND Blake!!!!
Thanks Greg, awesome blog...feels lonely up here in ottawa being an isles fan, but always enjoyed your blog and the thoughts of other isles fans.
Great job with the blog, Greg! I've enjoyed it immensely.
I really hope the Isles buy out Yashin and get Smyth signed. If they can then resign Blake and add Drury, wow, look out.
Should be an exciting off season, especially after the Rangers get ousted.
That wasn't so long! I read it in one sitting. Thanks for improving over time, and getting to know us so well. The blog is a great addition to the print coverage that has so many space restrictions on it. Have a wonderful off season, Greg. But for us NYI365ers, there IS no OFF season. Take care.
Greg,
Thanks for the extra efforts. I came to this blog late but really enjoyed the comments from the knowledgeable fans. It is great to see so many Isles fans spread out all over. I am cautiously optimistic about the offseason. Sabres 3-2. Cool.
Make me your captain if Yashin rescinds. I exemplified leadership and hardwork better than anyone else on the team this year. Just check my playoff stats.
-RR
I can't thank you enough for this blog Greg! Great job all year long - now its time to take some well deserved R&R!
Any good-thoughts from Isles fans would be apprecated. My Canucks have me believing more tonight. I'm seeing some Grit, with a capital G, from some players I didn't think had it in them!
After all, who wants the word Duck carved into the Stanely Cup? There's something terribly wrong with that!
Kevin T.
Add my thanks. Only 23 weeks to Opening Night!
Kevin T. - Just turned on the game, and though I have some work I must do, I will be rooting for the Canucks with my available brain cells. Rooting for any Canadian team against a team that represents Orange County is an easy call.
So glad to see the Rags putting up a better effort against the Sabres than we did. Hehehehehe....
TED NOLAN will be doing post-game commentary on Versus after the Canucks-Ducks game, for those interested. It is now 12:24 am Eastern time, and the game is tied 1-1 with 9:20 to go in the 3d period.
Just read Greg's Year-End post. I would to echo what others have said. I have never posted on any other hockey site. This one drew me in, because there seemed to be that extra connection to the team. Via Greg.
islesfan, I think the Isles are trying to re-estabish themselves. I don't expect that kind of reaction.
KH, thanks for sending some good carma the Canucks way. The Ducks are our Buffalo, just with more of a mean streak.
And are you serious about Nolan making comments on this game? If so, how do I tap in?
Kevin T.
CORRECTION: I meant oilerfan, not islesfan.
Canucks and Ducks going to Overtime...
Greg: Nice work all year. The Islanders brought credibility back to their organization with solid management, coaching, and effort on-ice, but you contributed to that restoration with solid reporting. I've been impressed with the sensitivity with which you've covered a number of issues--Simon, Hill, Yashin and Blake's contract power struggles, the pursuit of Smyth--and I look forward to reading more.
I find it interesting that Bergenheim and Yashin share an agent. I know that potential conflicts like these exist all the time in the pro sports world, but in this case it's particularly troubling. Bergenheim is the only real "right now" prospect (with Nielsen and Comeau being "very soon" prospects). I'd be fascinated to know, if you ever get the chance to sniff around, whether their representation has complicated the issues for Isles management.
Kevin T - Nolan is on right now. Don't know how you could see him if you don't get Versus in Canada. He predicted the Rags would play Buffalo tougher at MSG, and said to look for Jagr and Avery to shine. To which Bill Clement responded by saying, in so many words, that Avery can only do something if he can catch up with the Sabres. Hehehe...
Ryan - Great point about the conflict of interest, where the agent could withhold Bergenheim if the Isles don't do what he wants with Yashin. Scott Boras and Drew Rosenhaus have both been known to do that. Greg, I concur, that it worth looking into...
Hey Fellas
I have to give it up to the Isle this season. When things looked as dark as they get, the Isles took the bull by the horns and stepped it up.
One thing that really gets makes no sence to me is the attendence record for the Isles. Come on you guys the ticket prices are reasonable and the trafic isn't all that bad. (I attend ever Rangers - Isles game at the Coliseum). I think I love our rivalry more then the playoffs (well is the only thing I had for 8 years).
As a true Rangers fan I would hate to see the Isles go. Abusing Isles fans is what we love most (especialy since 1994). Take a look at this blog, I love reading all the comment as most of you do. Isles fan continue supporting you team and spread the word HOCKEY IS BACK!!!
Lets all enjoy what we have,a strong Isles team makesthe rivarly better and the game more interesting.
I don't see the Rangers getting past Buffalo so let have a good off season.
I will enjoy my the beach, fishing and camping but once the night sweeps over me with the slight hint of chill I will grin with glee cause hockey season will be with us once again.
Hockey Rues!!!!!!!
Nolan was on again between OT periods, and was gushing about the Sabres' depth and about the contributions they get from the whole team, including role players. Hehehe...
Canucks win!! Congratulations Kevin T!!!!
Thanks KH, you must have been the difference! Nice to see a character guy like Cowan get the winner.
Kevin T.
Nice win for the Canucks...My brother in law is still partying in my bar in the basemant.....Gonna make him do yard work today for keeping me and the family up all night!
Thanks for the in-depth coverage Greg! It truly was a great luxury all year to have just a little more insight on the team. Enjoy your summer and accrued time off. But be warned! If something big happens (signings..trades..hit men taking out Yashin..etc) you'd better not snooze too long! You set the bar for excellence in Islanders coverage and we'd hate to have to rely on knuclheads like Larry Brooks breaking the news!
To all posters, its been enlightening as well as entertaining posting with you, though I tend to read more than post... Some of you guys really know your hockey...
Have a great summer everyone and please, for the love of Nystrom, don't any of you crazy puckheads go stalking Smyth! We don't need to scare him off the Island!!!
Until next time!
Fantastic job, Greg. Hope you have a great summer.
Fantastic job, Mr Logan.
Have a great summer and keep those updates coming.
This blog proved Isles have great fan support and merit coverage as New York's number one hockey team.
Thanks very much Greg for your coverage and the creation of the blog this year. I enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts and sharing the season.
Good luck to your Canucks Kevin T. There are quite a few former Isles on that team, so I'll be pulling for them. Have a good summer everyone.
Thank you, Greg. Loved the blog, and all the extra insight into this exciting Isles team. Can't wait for next season already!
First... congrats to Kevin T. Great to see a Canadian team shine, and to do so with former Isles, although bittersweet, is good to see.
Rangers played well last night. They're obviuously a different team when their top D man is on the ice. But that said, I really do think that Buffalo played one of their worst games in a long time. Their timing and flow were off all night. Obviously the Rangers play, particularly in the neutral zone, had something to do with it. But Buff just wasn't really skating like they could've. That pass from Stafford was, uh... SWEET. Look for Buffalo to skate a lot harder on Sunday.
Greg - What can I say, other than a heartfelt THANKS. I think all who regularly posted here during the year, whether occasionally or frequently, know that something special was established with this blog. So many good, insightful comments - and some good old fashioned smack too - it's been a blast. But I think the real credit needs to go to you Greg. You set the tone with your writing. Sure, we complained sometimes. Some of us complained more than others. But you gave us enough depth in your coverage that it kept all of us coming back. You continually prompted us to want to spill our guts about our Islanders passion. So thanks again. I'll still be posting here as the offseason progresses... and I'm looking forward BIG TIME to a great '07-'08 season.
Let's go Mets.
The coming of age for Campoli and Gervais occurred during the very last game. In the third period they once again played with poise and confidence. It's too bad it took the team being desparately behind before Danny(The Clown)Flynn accidently found out what a large number of us had already known; these guys are ready for prime time. This will at least assist Garth Snow and the management team in ensuring the right people (Flynn) end up in Bridgeport for conditioning next season.
Kevin T. Congrats on your Canucks. With all these overtime games, I'm really glad I don't live on the east coast!!
I've always like the Canucks even though they're in our division. I really hope they can drown the ducks. It's no secret that we're not exactly in love with Chris Pronger here. And you're right - there is something wrong about engraving the word "Ducks" on the Stanley Cup. I think my 7 year-old daughter put it best. When we told her that the Mighty Ducks changed their names to just the "Ducks", she said. If you're going to have the name "duck" wouldn't you want to be "mighty"? Yeah, no doubt....
Grat job this year Greg! Your coverage on the trade deadline was awesome. We all felt we had the inside scoop and were glued to your blog. I am looking forward to next season already. Thanks!
I may be one of the younger real posters on this board, weighing in at a whopping 16 years old but even as a teenager I truly appreciate your coverage... It has given me some good insight on this organization and more of that stuff that those smelly rag fans lack... Hockey Smarts!
Does anyone know where Bouchard is, that man fell off the face of the earth!
Thanks Again Logan! and thanks again Isles for not being a true upset this season.
Greg, Thank you so much for contributing so much valueable infornation to this blog. I was one of the many that found my way here during the trade deadline and I haven't left since. As a transplanted North Bellmore, LI to Glendale, Arizona Islander fan from the mid-seventies, this blog has re-kindled the days when my friends and I would ride our bicycles to the Stanley Cup parades on Hempstead Turnpike and play roller hockey in the street everyday afterschool. This is my first comment and I have a wealth of Islander memories and some opinions to contribute here in the future. But at this time, I just wanted to thank Greg and all the fans who have added interesting comments on this blog for making this some of the most enjoyable hockey and Islander reading I've experienced in years. LET'S GO ISLANDERS FOREVER. Thanks, Jim.
Thanks for the extra effort on the blog, Greg. Very nice job all season long.
Big thanks to Greg for all the great info. I never thought twice about the Islanders before "the trade". Well actually that's not true - did think about them long time ago when we both had good teams (80's) but back then I was just a kid. They just happened to beat our Oilers (not nice!!). I've really come to appreciate this team and will follow them regardless of Smyth signing or not. Having this blog has been great.
And thanks to all the Islander fans who have put up with all my "we love Ryan..." and "I remember when...". I don't have to keep telling you guys how special he is - you know. I hope he signs with one of us. I haven't posted often, but I've certainly enjoyed reading your comments - I guess I'm a closet eavesdropper. July 1st will be interesting.
And thanks to Kevin T. for his regular posting here. I think you've managed to spark some interest in the West for these Eastern fans. It appears that the Canucks have gained a few Islander fans as well. (I don't want to say I'm worried for the Canucks, but more fans cheering can't hurt!!)
Looking forward to next year. Until then Ottawa vs. Vancouver - Vancouver wins!!
Greg,
Thank you for opening up this venue and giving it direction. Have a wonderful vacation. I am looking forward to your coverage.
It should be an interesting few months... and very busy for Mr. Snow. To think of all the good things that COULD happen is silly without realizing where it starts from. For a scarier perspective, here are the players that are signed for next year:
Yashin, Alexei 7,600,000
DiPietro, Rick 4,500,000
Satan, Mir 4,250,000
Witt, Brendan 2,500,000
Sillinger, M 2,100,000
Bates, Shawn 1,200,000
Bergeron, Marc 1,000,000
Martinek, Rad 750,000
Park, Richard 500,000
Meyer, Freddy 500,000
$25M of a $44M(?) cap.
Add another 2.2M for RFA's Hunter and campoli and you go into the free agency period with barely enough to win 20 games... but they do have some cap space. It should be darn interesting indeed!
Good health all, and hope to see your comments as things unfold.
I was just thinking the other day how nice it is for my team to be a regular playoff participant again after always having to root for someone else during the dark seven-year drought Islander fans endured before the past few seasons.
As for next year, I can definitely see a scenario in which Yashin is back, along with Blake and Smyth. Initially, upon aquiring Smyth, I thought it was certainly the end for Yashin on the Island after this season, but now I think they will bring him back and they should. If only this season could have been injury-free for him we wouldn't have this debate on our hands because he was well on pace for 100 points. I think he's gotten a bad rap dring his time with the Isles. Even as one of his biggest supporters, I have grown tired sometimes at his seemingly apathetic approach to the game, but that's just his stoic nature. I think if he's allowed to play on the wing with easier defensive responsibilities, he'll flourish. Also, how many players, a captain no less, would have been subjected to the ignominy of being demoted to the fourth line and maintained a professional approach. No. 79 needs to be back.
I think even with salary cap restrictions, the Isles can afford Yashin, Smyth and Blake with some creative financing. After all if they're going to go after a Drury or Gomez anyway, why not just re-sign your own quality free agents?
I also think as long as they offer him a good deal, Smyth will remain an Isle. He's probably already realized Edmonton isn't the center of the universe after all and that he fits perfectly into what Nolan and Snow are trying to build. He'll be back.
"I want to be an Islander." This is what Blake said upon not being moved at the deadline. Now, when was the last time anyone could be heard saying that in recent years? Enough said.
All in all, I love the direction the team is taking. Can't wait until next season!
The management team has waited far too long to cut Yashin free. Smyth will need a minimum 6 mill to return to the Island and Yash still being on the books only minimizes an already miniscule chance.
"Who's you daddy?"
Nice English moron. Figures the second your teams wins your right back here b/c you have NO WHERE ELSE To go. Sad actually. Your win is not enough. You must of had one miserable up bringing seeing all those Isles cups and having ISles fans stuff you in your school locker.
Just like MSG stole "Sweet Caroline" from the Red Sox...The chimes of the home run bells from "The Yankees," and now you steal Who's your daddy. Don't you have any imagination. How can you be our "daddy" when we were 5-1-2 against you this year? You are pathetic.
Miggsey~ I agree....They need to strike quickly here!
DP ~ Fun game yesterday. Congrats. Game 4 obviously a must win!
Ryan wondered about the Bergenheim situation and I have to say I believe it was down to his agent. The agent underestimated where the Isles stood and his attempt to play it hard backfired on his client. It just wasn't reasonable to turn down a one-way deal at this point in Bergenheim's career. I think Bergenheim himself is a nice kid, I've watched him ever since he played in the juniors in Finland. He had a decent start in the Russian league this season, but his club soon sacked the head coach who had signed Bergenheim and the player was out of favor with the new guy. Bergenheim then came back to Finland to train with Jokerit and then signed to play in the Swedish elite league. He had a very good season there, 16+17 in 36 games, but his team didn't qualify for the playoffs because of a rotten start to the season. He's now playing in the World Championships, he scored against Ukraine and assisted on a goal against Denmark, both easy games for Finland. Franz Nielsen got an assist for the Danes' second goal. Bergenheim also scored a goal in each of Finland's pre-tournament friendlies against Latvia and Canada.
And thanks to Greg for a great blog. Finns can read too, believe it or not.
Yes a big win for the Rangers...9 penalties called on them...could have called about 15...but Buffalo not scoring on the power play, so it's not a bad strategy.
Can't see Sabres losing Game 4, but if they can't score on the power play they will lose again. I would expect them to be practicing their power play, and make adjustments.
They still look like the much better team on the ice to me...in all 3 games.
Steady,
Sweet caroline...It comes from something that was the teams last year. One of the guys actually started it in the locker room and MSG ran with it. Game was an amazing time yesterday and look forward to getting there tomorrow night already.
TD,
Buffalo should have buried us early, just as we could have avoided OT all together. Say what you want and I don't want to argue with you or make it a topic. The officials on and off the ice were HORRIBLE. But, as i said to you guys here and will say it to myself and fellow fans...no use crying over spilt milk. Suck it up and we found the way to win. We played 3 teams yesterday, the same way the Islanders had to many times. The Sabres, The Zebras and the Stooges. lol I honestly like you saying that the Sabres looked like the better team. They are the better team. Bottom line is the better team doesn't always win.
Of course I wouldn't say different. But, I look for the Rangers to win tomorrow. I feel like they have learned alot in the last 3 games playing the Sabres and they are gaining momentum. Tomorrow night this becomes a best of 3. If it does go the other way then I would just hope to use my game six ticket and get to one more game.
Rosival scoring game winner was great! The guy is on a bum knee, a target and played the most minutes of any guy on the ice yesterday. Fitting to me.
Mookie,
Just calling it the way I see it.
The officials called a good game. The Rangers were all over them....and they should do the same if the Sabres can't score on the PP...too fancy if you ask me.
I wouldn't go crazy...they played with heart...didn't want to lose...but they scored one goal at home...pretty pathetic if you ask me.
What did the Rangers learn? That they can't skate with them and have to hook, grab and hold them.
I think they learned that Buffalo is weak on the power play..but I can't imagine they won't readjust.
Good Luck.
TD,
What I meant about learn was the following.
The Rangers pounded on them yesterday. They threw the body and finished more checks in one game yesterday then in previous two. Have to wear Buffalo down physically.
They out shot them. They need to do that and crash the net and score goals like Jagrs. Dirty goals on the door step.
They defended better. Keeping buffalo to the outside and D was better at clogging the neutral zone and getting back with the rush going the other way.
Lundqvist kept them in the game and will have to steel another to keep them in the series.
I am not saying that the Rangers looked stellar and found the secret recipe. I just think that they have made adjustments to play with the Sabres better.
Also, the Rangers 0 for 5 on their PP is totally unacceptable.
You watched the game right? Rachuneks goal was no goal? What you think?
That was a goal....Again Buffalo is getting the calls. I WARNED YOU !
It is funny to listen to wfan on my computer and hear all the ranger fans complaining about the calls, the video replays, etc. Meanwhile these are probably the same people who called us Isles fans all wah wah wah wah babies a week ago. Now you know how we felt!
NOT YOU MOOKIE....I am now writing to the one line wonders.
El Duque on the DL...ughh
Finnish,
thanks for the Bergy update. When he was with the Isles last year he seemed to be just what a Nolan would have looked for. I guess they didn't want to take a chance on a one-way with a new coach and limited options so they went with guys like Park and Hilbert instead. Good plan if bergenhiem was only going to play 30-40 games or 5-8 minutes with the Isles anyway.
I would think he has a very good chance of playing with them this year based on their roster, but I haven't seen him since his NHL games. Do you get the feeling he's NHL ready. I was thinking of him as a second/third liner. A cheaper option than re-signing Zednik... which would add a little grit, but lose a little speed. He could easily replace Hilbert on the roster also, though he would most likely be more expensive.
Is that a fair assessment.
I think your assessment is right on...undebateable.
It didn't feel like they outshot them to tell you the truth...primarily because Sabres didn't shoot enough, when they should of...and I think alot of the Ranger shots were soft..except for the one that counted.
OK...the Rachunek goal/no goal...you have to first know my philosophy going in before you call me a bitter Islander fan. I don't believe that goals off the skate should be allowed when a player is in the crease. If he is outside of the crease, then, I guess, it's ok. In this case...he was outside and then inside the crease
I felt he directed the puck in the net...didn't think it was a redirection.
He obviously turned his skate to redirect, but then he dragged the puck into the net.
I can understand your frustration, it could go either way, but I personally hate those type of goals going in...and what about the 2 no calls leading into that play...the one we're the sabre was dragged down at the redline, and then when another one was dragged down on the side board?
Based on all of that it was probably fair justice...but based on the rule and the "distinct kicking motion" you have an argument.
To me the rule should be "you can redirect the puck into the net with your skate but not direct the puck into the net with your skate."
He dragged te puck in the net, which I believe is considered a kicking motion.
What do you think?
Mookie,
I think your assessment is right on...undebateable.
It didn't feel like they outshot them to tell you the truth...primarily because Sabres didn't shoot enough, when they should of...and I think alot of the Ranger shots were soft..except for the one that counted.
OK...the Rachunek goal/no goal...you have to first know my philosophy going in before you call me a bitter Islander fan. I don't believe that goals off the skate should be allowed when a player is in the crease. If he is outside of the crease, then, I guess, it's ok. In this case...he was outside and then inside the crease
I felt he directed the puck in the net...didn't think it was a redirection.
He obviously turned his skate to redirect, but then he dragged the puck into the net.
I can understand your frustration, it could go either way, but I personally hate those type of goals going in...and what about the 2 no calls leading into that play...the one we're the sabre was dragged down at the redline, and then when another one was dragged down on the side board?
Based on all of that it was probably fair justice...but based on the rule and the "distinct kicking motion" you have an argument.
To me the rule should be "you can redirect the puck into the net with your skate but not direct the puck into the net with your skate."
He dragged te puck in the net, which I believe is considered a kicking motion.
What do you think?
Here's what one Canadian media guy thought of the Rangers game last night.
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/jim_kelley/2007/04/30/no_ones_getting_buffaloed/
Oilerfan,
Good article. As a Rangers fan dead on to me. But, I am a Rangers fan...lol
TD,
The shots were soft and that pissed me off as well. I think it was more about just getting the puck in deep and hoping for the best.
I hear your argument about the redirection and the debate is a fun one. Calls were missed both ways all night long but, the lopsided amount has to tilt the head of anyone watching and involved. 7-2 Sabres in regulation...
How about this, I cant believe I just went to the Rule Book. Pominvilles goal that was allowed the other night:
A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who bats the puck with his hand directly into the net. A goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who bats the puck and it is deflected into the net off any player, goalkeeper, or Official.
So? What happened there? No discretion of intent or not, like all the other calls. This one pretty much says you can't score off your hand. So I hope it didn't hit his hand...
LOL, just for arguments sake and to point out the inconsistency of the NHL, the refs and Toronto.
Mookster,
Fair enough on the calling, if you feel they should keep things equal...but I do feel the Rangers were the more aggressive team and took some more liberties...as they should, they were the home team....I actually think it helped them get some rest as they were able to dump the puck out of the zone. LOL.
Anyway, the rule is "batting the puck" I don't think he batted the puck. If he batted the puck and it hits anything or anyone, it is no goal. I don't think he "batted" it...but he was in the crease, so based on my rule system it should have not been a goal....based on the NHL Rules it was a goal.
Just like it wouldn't be consider a hand pass if the puck hit his glove with his hand on the stick.
By the way...if his hand was off the stick when the puck hit his glove, I am confident it would have been no goal....He took his glove off the stick after the puck hit his glove, to prepare for impact.
Great blogs.. cant wait until next year.
Hopefully Garth will sign Andy Sutton or Sheldon Souray
TD,
Ok, I was reaching...Wanna go round two and go off on each other for a while so I can just let out my frustrations? LOL...Kidding. I guess I need to just be glad that the Rangers have played pretty well the past two games and despite all the outside crap took a W out of yesterday.
You probably have a point. Maybe the penalties are a good thing. Take the physical liberties and let their horrific PP have the puck for a few minutes. Scary part is the Rangers are better on both special teams I believe and they need their PP paying off.
Mookster,
Agreed...be happy with the win, they deserved it...gotta make your own breaks, and with or without the penalties, the Rangers played a more passionate game....but realistically speaking, I think the Sabres will play with their backs to the wall tomorrow...therefore the Rangers better work on their power play, because are definitely going to need it tomorrow night.
Prediction: Special teams will be the difference. Goaltending as expected is a wash...slight edge to Miller but not enough to matter.