The numbers game says Blake Comeau likely is headed back to Bridgeport for another season before he’s ready to make a serious run at an NHL job. But Islanders coach Ted Nolan says no one should take their position for granted.
That means Jeff Tambellini, Sean Bergenheim and Andy Hilbert, all of whom came to training camp ahead of Comeau on the depth chart, shouldn’t look back because Comeau might be gaining on them. All four forwards are scheduled to play in the Islanders’ exhibition game against Montreal tonight at Bell Centre.
On Wednesday in Moncton, Nolan gave Comeau a shot to play on a line with veterans Mike Sillinger and Trent Hunter in the Isles’ 3-1 win over the Canadiens. The coach liked what he saw.
“We want the 20 best players,” Nolan said. “Sometimes, people think you have to get the best skill players. No, we’re looking for the right players. Comeau is making a good fight for it right now. I just like his hockey ability and his hockey sense.”
On the surface, it would seem Comeau, who totaled 12 goals and 31 assists in 61 games with the Sound Tigers last season, might need to step up his scoring to make the big club. But Nolan said, “You look at Andy Hilbert last year, and I don’t think he had a point for 25 games. We just want people who have some intelligence and compete.”
Nolan has praised Hilbert for his work ethic and for the way he played hurt in the playoffs, but Hilbert could be dropped to the fourth line. Veteran Jonathan Sim is penciled in with Sillinger and Hunter, while Tambellini and Bergenheim tentatively are listed with the second and fourth lines, respectively. However, it’s clear Nolan always has been partial to Comeau.
“I think he’s got a bit of confidence in me,” Comeau said. “He’s put me out there in situations where I’m killing penalties and playing four-on-four. I think he wants to give me an opportunity in preseason to see the kind of player I am and see what I can do. I like to play the power forward style and play physical. If I do end up making the team, it’s going to be because I am playing gritty and working hard.”
For now, Comeau is trying not to get too excited about his prospects or read anything into the opportunity he’s being given. “You start thinking a whole lot,” Comeau said, “and your game usually goes downhill. I’m trying not to think about it.”
NOLAN’S SPEECH: When camp opened, I mentioned the Islanders planned to make a gesture to the Moncton community related to the deaths of four 16-year-old high school boys in a tragic car accident. Ted Nolan made good on that pledge with a passionate speech to an assembly at Harrison Trimble High School recently. The Islanders’ coach was introduced as a person who had overcome adversity in the form of his father’s sudden death when Ted was 14 and the loss of his mother seven years later when she was killed by a drunk driver.
Choking back his own emotions, Nolan related his personal misfortune to that of the students when he spoke of how he wished his parents could have seen him play in the NHL. “I look up in the stands all the time for every game that I’ve played or every game that I’ve coached,” Nolan said, “and they have the best seats in the world. Your friends are probably watching over you from the best seats. Never forget them…enjoy your lives, but don’t forget.”
CORRECTION – Several readers were quick to catch two recent errors I made. The Isles’ first goal in their 3-1 win over Montreal on Monday did come on the power play. I was incorrect when I called it in to the paper even though my notes showed a power-play goal. In another recent story, I said former Islander Gerry Hart’s name was on the Stanley Cup. That was wishful thinking on my part. Unfortunately, he was traded the year before the Isles won the first of four straight Cups in 1980. Hey, it’s training camp for writers, too.
Comments (73)
Well I'll keep beating this here drum I've got: Without guys that can score consistently, this team is going to have problems. A team of the 30 greatest guys in the world isn't worth the paper the roster is on if they can't score.
I have to agree. It drove me insane last year that Nolan would constantly praise Hilbert for "competing like a madman" when the only way he could score was if hitting the post suddenly counted as a goal. I think Nolan's a wonderful coach, don't get me wrong, but he needs to keep all things in consideration here. Andy Hilbert has no business being on the team, and frankly I think Comeau should be here until Simon comes back from his suspension, unless his OFFENSIVE play tells us otherwise.
It seems Nolan may be beating the Herb Brooks "I'm not looking for the best players, Craig - I'm looking for the right ones" drum a little too much here. I agree we need a group that will play as a unit, but we need players who fit in with the new NHL style and can light the lamp.
In other news I'm glad the Islanders are stepping up so much to really give back to the Moncton community. I've said for years that they need to start becoming far more visible in the NY metro area to attract and retain their fans.
I try to be a realist, and the best case scenario is that we exceed the expectations of what we have on paper. It's hard to really get a feel for what will happen based on training camp - there are players who want to be on the team and prove they can contribute more then they have in the past. Being a season ticket holder, if they correct some of the bad habits from last year I dont see them doing any worse then they finished in 06/07.
I think the Islanders will be fighting for the 6-8 slot this season.
By December we should be able to see gauge how well this team will do, and if they are a legit playoff team or not. We also should have a good idea where all the other teams in our division actually fall.
I agree that the Isles might continue their struggle to score goals, however I think this team is going to surprise a lot of people.
The team will work hard and stick together. Combined with DP, who's improved every year, I think this team definitely has a chance to make the playoffs (but probably not much more).
The Road Ahead...
Well, here we are in....in mid July....nothing going on....no signings....no trades....nada.
At least not in the news. So lets take a look at the current state of the Islanders and see what lies ahead.
Forwards
Garth Snow made a nice recovery with the signings of Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Jon Sim and Ruslan Fedotenko. Obviously adding Sim, Comrie and Guerin and retaining Ryan Smyth would have been ideal, but it wasn't meant to be. Moving forward here are some possible line combinations....
Guerin - Comrie - Satan
Hunter - Sillinger - Fedotenko
Tambellini - Park - Bergenheim
Simon - Bates/Hillbert - Sim
Guerin and Comrie together is a no brainer....hard shot with a good passer. Satan going into his walk year...playing with Comrie (a superior playmaker) is also a given...even though Fedotenko would slot in here nicely as well.
Hunter and Sillinger play like they have ESP. They are perfect for each other and Fedotenko will also fit in nicely with these 2.
The 3rd line is something me and 2 of my cousins were talking about over the weekend. (Some background...both of my cousins were college hockey players and have a lust for this franchise as much as I do). So as we were discussing this upcoming season one of them suggested that "throw Bergenheim and Tambellini together and just let them play together for a few years...." As we talked about what he meant....it makes a lot of sense. Put 2 young talented players together and let them grow together and learn the NHL game together. Besides the fact that Bergie and Tamby both have excellent wheels, play good defense, and can probably score 40 goals between them....make them a good match. Add Park to the mix (a gritty, defensivly sound forward)....and this could be a real solid 3rd line.
Bates, Simon and Sim obviously would be a solid 4th line as well. Simon and Sim are both capable of scoring 10-15 goals each and adding solid checking along the way. Bates....well is Bates....(I would much rather Hillbert in this spot....but Bates would probably get the nod at this point if he's not traded.)
D
Last Season....Tom Poti and Sean Hill were both major contributers to the Isles blueline. Poti signed in early July by then GM Neil Smith to a 1 year deal. New GM Garth Snow picked up Hill off the scrap heap in mid August as an extra defenseman. Both turned out to be steals....Poti was fantastic leading the Isles in assists and and Hill was the perfect compliment to Brendan Witt. Now both are gone and leave a glaring hole leading into next season. Snow has been busy trying to fill the holes....Missing out on UFA's Sheldon Souray and Mathieu Schneider and failing to trade for Ed Jovanovski and Bryan McCabe to this point. The options are getting thin....(UFA's Danny Markov and Andy Sutton remain on the market and Derek Morris and Jay McKee are available via trade). There is the option of going with the following combos...
Witt - Gervais
Martinek - Bergeron
Campoli - Meyer
Given, there are risks going with 3 young defenseman and one who seems to miss a chunk of each season with an injury. Giving increased minutes to both Gervais and Martinek seem to be a likelyhood at this point. Gervais has improved his game over the last season and Martinek being as spectacular as he was, before he broke his leg, have both earned it. Bergeron showed last season why he is a very important piece of this team...but with his penchant for giving up the puck....he best hang around the 18 min per game mark. Adding a Danny Markov to this group would be a major addition and a steadying force on the blueline. Markov also has the knack for getting hurt every year....(since he plays a very aggressive, hard nosed style game) but would be well worth the gamble.
Goaltending
Rick DiPietro....enough said.
Dubie will be the backup with newly signed Joey McDonald manning the nets for Bridgeport. McDonald, the former top goaltending prospect with Detroit, was an excellent addition for a team that has little goaltending depth throughout the organization.
Coaching
I did a little reading into Ted Nolan and let me share with you what I found.
96 - 97 Buffalo Sabres 40W 32L 12T
06 - 07 New York Islanders 40W 32L 12OTL
a little weird eh??....gets even better....
that team....was a bunch of hustlers....grinders and very few skilled players...like....
Leader in goals....Donald Audette 28
Leader in assists....Garry Galley 34
Points??.....Derek Plante 53.....yes....53 points.
No Pat Lafontaine....no Alexander Mogilny.....the one star player on the team...
Dominik Hasek.
Sound familiar at all....
We signed Sutton, and Berard is on tryout in camp. So Meyer is most likely in bridgeport.
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=338017&page=NewsPage&service=page
It's great how all these critics talk about how the Isles as organization is hurting.
But has anyone notice the name of the company that is powering all 30 teams Internet TV including the NHL's web site. Their called NeuLion and their office is based in Plainview right across the street from the Isles office.
Take a look at the management team all former employees from CA wang's all company.
So all 30 teams, and the NHL are writing checks to Wang.
The isles are setting some new trends. First the ice girls and now Internet TV..
gotta agree there #9. wang and the isles are the driving force behind the new internet NHL.
They are innovating for all of professional sports. Add to the list of innovations above, the Blog Box and their latest move to endorse one of the best Islander forums, IslanderMania. They get how the Internet can forge a deeper relationship with fans and they are not just talking, they are doing. I think this is a good topic for a blog post Greg!
I guess I'm the only one that has seen enough "character" "hard work" and "grit" over the last decade or so. "Skilled" and "Scoring" and "Skating" players rule this league. Not "gritty" ones. This team is almost completely devoid of any proven consistent scoring threat. That to me is boring. Skilled teams are fun to watch. The "gritty", "grinding" game went out with the clutching and grabbing of the old NHL.
I really think that for just one season it would be nice to go out and kick the crap out of teams, and score some damn goals, and not have this garbage soap opera drama with barely making the playoffs in a shootout of the final game. I think it sucks when your team has to overachieve just to be mediocre.
As I said the day Ryan Smyth left.......My prediction is that Hunter puts up better numbers then him. Call it hunch. Not saying Isles are going to have a great year, but Hunter will emerge to make things interesting.
Same way the Maven (lol for all the regs. from last year) predicted the run at the end last year, this one is a lock!
Mook ~ This Met team is getting harder and harder to watch.
Hey Ceasar... I believe in Miracles.
The Islanders have excellent ownership. Charles Wang is at good as it gets. The problem the Isles face is having the worst fan base perhaps in professional sports. The Islander Dynasty ended 25 or so years ago and the fans haven't been seen since. Last year they made the playoffs and finished 28th in attendance. Nuff said.
Is Ted Nolan really a players coach or just a veteran's coach? In watching the pre season training camp and exhibition games, it's become painfully obvious he rarely, if ever, acknowleges the younger players. The only hint of this has been the placement of the alternate captain on Bruno's sweater which surely can't be based upon his play so far. Once again, Gervais was wearing the goat horns at the Bell Centre with his hesitant/ cautious play accounting for Montreal's winning goal. A trip to Bridgeport wouldn't be any surprise here if Nolan continues his history of demoting the proven. It's time for Ted to wake up and smell the coffee. His past coaching laurels will only go so far and the positive encouragement of the team's youth is lacking to date by this coach.
steady - regarding your comment on hunter, wouldn't we be better served with him on the 1st line? i think he's got best scoring touch on the team and believe he can be bertuzzi like very soon. i know that the 3rd line was very effective with him on it but...
Al,
Is it Al, or do I smell Slick Willy? Or, Who ever that troll is who hides behinds all those different names?
If it is Slick Willy then I guess I will bite on this posting.
What stupid comment that is about the fan base.
The Isles fan base is smart, They don't buy into the media spin that rags management spew.
The rag fans supported a team that had highest payroll in the league for years, and failed to win. The rag fans bought season tickets year after year, and watch more broken down players on their way out skate around and collect a pay check.
Here's another thing I'd like to address: What the hell is going on with the priorities of this franchise? I see "KIDS DAY" promotions all over the place. I see the "WEB REVOLUTION" for nhl coverage, I see things like little chinese kids getting free hockey equipment. The problem I have is that the children, the web, and the chinese all have nothing to do with putting a quality product on the ice. Kids are annoying and if they don't care about hockey giving them a free jersey wont help. The web thing is completely broken and useless and even if it weren't it would have a negligible impact, and I just don't have time to care if little chinese kids get to play hockey or not, and probably wouldnt even if I did. All these things seem to be more important to management than getting the team to perform.
It makes me wonder what this team could do if they just concentrated on getting skilled players to come here instead of drowning us in all these meaningless promotions that do nothing for the team's ability to compete.
Maybe we could ditch the whole romper-room circus act and all its corollaries , at least until this team is able to consistently win some games.
And, note to the management of this blog: All one needs to do is record and post IPs along with messages (or subnets to protect privacy) and all your multiple-identity trash-poster problems go away. Ask your web developer how to implement this.
sean avery is a despicable human being and hopefully will be put in a wheelchair this year. i hope witt or sutton cross check him right in the teeth
Willy, Steady, reality, and #1. I'll just call you trollboy
You poor little poor boy.
No chicks to keep you busy on Saturday afternoon? posting all day and night.
What pathetic little life everything hinging on if the rags have good season or bad one.
What will you do if the rags suck and the Isles finish on top??
We'll have to keep the suicide hot lines..
to the ranger trolls:
you have an aging ex-superstar in jagr, who thrived while being past his prime mainly because he was playing with nylander who for some reason the rags let walk away. you brought in two over rated non-stars that you're paying as if they were. you have no stud defencemen and a goalie that only excels when you allow the opponent to take outside shots, one at a time. your announcers talk of all the young players as if they are going to be the next crosby or ovetchkin and they're certainly not. the rangers will take a step backward this year and the isles will beat them down physically and on the scoreboard.........ny rangers = 1 cup in 67 years
ps: bill guerin will score more goals than anyone on the rags!!
ranger trolls:
don't be so afraid of the isles because we're not the only team you need to fear. the devils are better, the penguins are better, the sabers are better and even the flyers will be better than you. so i suggest that you go on all their blogs as well as the islander blog......good luck losers!!
Come on Willy you rag troll I know it's you hiding behind all different name like little girl. You haven't posted under Slick Willy in while you think you are fooling us.
Big night tonight posting all night on the Islander site. No friends or girlfriend to go out with on Saturday night.
Enough Already: While you may feel that the organization is preoccupied with satisfying the younger set, and not making the product a priority, I can tell you that you may just be getting the wrong impression from their marketing efforts. Sports fans are built from the ground up. That is why the kids are very important to the marketing effort. Cultivating a fanbase is not taking a back seat to putting a winning product on the ice. And as far as the charity towards the Chinese children's league, understand that the NHL and the IIHL are working hard to bring hockey to unusual places all over the world. You will see some unusual entrants in the winter olympics in the very near future. It's a GOOD thing, and no charity sponsorship of any kind should ever be degraded. Where would the world be without benefactors?
Isles#9~
Why are you lumping me in with the others? I have been posting here for years? Get a clue!
Bye the way the team that won the Stanley Cup last year was the first team in the history of the NHL to lead the league in major penalty's and win the cup. Maybe the league is reverting back to it's old ways and the ISLES are on board for that type of play.
Peter Botte in Hockey News Yearbook:
"Even with an unexpected playoff appearance, the Isles were 28th in attendance."
and
"THe Ises still remain mostly a media afterthought in a nine team pro sports market, as only one of the four local papers travels regularly with the team". LOL.
7 Woman, I guess what you're saying is, its more important to build a fan base than to put a quality product on the ice. And I'm sure that's true for some teams, and it may be true for this one. But if that is the case, its a grave injustice to the fans of real hockey that are only interested in seeing quality play and a successful team. There are a lot of them around the island. Not all of them have kids. Not all of them need to be "sold" on the team, they would be plenty involved if the team would just be competitive.
Hockey is a great sport, my favorite. But it has very few casual fans, and it has even fewer casual fans on the island because we have access to six other local pro teams. If its the plan of management to sustain the franchise by being "attractive" and "accessible" to as many people as possible, I'm quite sure its going to fail since these people all have plenty of other stuff to do around long island and hockey is a very expensive sport to be attending if you're only a casual fan.
So then the plan becomes, try and get as many people seriously interested in following the team as possible. How are you going to do that? By wearing bright, colorful jerseys to appeal to the kids? That's one way to go about it, but it's destined to meet negligible results.
A better idea would be to build a team that wins games on a consistent basis. That gets the respect of the hardcore and casual fan alike, and it doesn't matter what color your jerseys are or how many talking dragons brandishing t-shirt launchers you have.
Winning games, people, thats what its all about. If you think otherwise, and perhaps more importantly, if anyone in the isles upper management does, then all is lost, before even the first puck drops.
JUst curious to hear why the Isles finished 28th in attendance last season. Only non-playoff teams finished below them. Take away 4 Ranger games, and where the heck would they have finished? THoughts?
"Winning games, people, thats what its all about. If you think otherwise, and perhaps more importantly, if anyone in the isles upper management does, then all is lost, before even the first puck drops."
I'm sorry if you got the impression that I was leaning toward the fanbase being more important than the product. That was not what I was attempting. Ted and Snow, and everyone else at that organization, agrees with your last statement. It's all about winning and effort.
Perhaps you don't like what they did in the off season, perhaps you're not happy with the line up the way it looks currently. But Ted lives by "You win with what you've got." And that's what he will work towards. And if it doesn't work, Garth & Co. will be ready to make changes when need be. Like all businesses success is based on two things. Your clients and your product. The Islanders are definitely working on both of them.
This just in. I think the flyers scored another to make 6 to 0
I can buy and sell you RC.....Careful who you spew your miserable venom at. You post 50 times a day to strangers and are yet to make a true "hockey point!"
My guess....Never played the game in your life. Next guess....single....Next guess minimum wage!
Isles fans on this blog want you off, just as much as Rags fans.
New York Islanders....... zero playoff series won since 1993. How sad, but at the same time, how amusing.
New York Islander Hockey.... at the bottom of the league in attendance since 1987. Hey at least they are winning something. If there was a competition to sell the fewest tickets, the Isles would be champs, LOL!
The funniest thing we saw during the offseason was players leaving the Isles one by one by one by one and then watching the Isles overpay for scrubs and/or senior citizens. LOL.
How is Sanjay KUmar doing in prison? Is he a cellmate of John Spano? LOL.
Isles Rangers at ther Coliseum. Isles probably sell more tickets for that game then they will opening ni9ght. By the way, there are still plenty of 10 dollar tickets left for opening night. Just buy those tickets, and move down. Pleny of empty seats all over the Mausoleum.
the rangers may have good attendance, but their history of winning is dismal. if you stuck the isles in the middle of manhatten, then they would have great attendance. if you stuck the panthers in manhatten, they would have great attendance. the problem with the rangers is that they have so few cups in their history, even though there were only six teams for so many decades. THAT's THE PROBLEM YOU HAVE NO ANSWER FOR
rangers - 1 cup in 67 years
note: it was the remnance of the oilers dynasy in ranger uniforms
islanders - 4 cups in 35 years....not great, but significantly better than the rangers dismal history of non-winning.
if good attendance equaled championships, the rangers would be a very good francise, but it don't and they're not!
must be tough being a ranger fan, when you're an original six team and all you have to brag about is good attendance.
ps: why was messier crying so much when he retired? he wasn't even a real ranger!
you guys looked stellar against the flyers last night. you sure you're gonna make the playoffs?
Hockey talk would be nice eventually. Less than two weeks before we can discuss actual games instead of attendance rankings and management and how many cups each team has won.
On a seperate note; Logan was giving the impression that Bergy will make the team. I guess the jobs were Tambellini & Bergenheim's jobs too lose. Doesn't sound like they have lost them just yet.
Coral Springs:
Bergenheim has a one-way contract, so he's on the team unless the Islanders want to send him through waivers. Whether he gets significant ice time or plays four minutes a game this season is a different story.
Bergeniem has a one way contract. He has to make the team. Or so I thought
Same post same time... How weird
Isles wanted Drury and Gomez, offered the same contracts the Rangers did, but neither would speak with them, LOL.
Isles had to overpay for Fedetenko, who would probably be in some camp on a tryout basis if the Islanders did not come calling and offering 3 million.
Mike Comrie was traded by Pheonix to Ottawa for a fringe prospect last year, yet the isles thought he was worthy of 3.5 million, LOL
See, that's the only way someone will sign on Long Island. Too overpay. Garth Snow pretty much confirmed same a few months ago when he blamed FA"s not signing here on an outdated Mausoleum.
"In the first preseason game for premiere free-agent centers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, the Rangers were prone to giveaways, sloppy in the defensive zone and awful on the power play (0-for-9).
Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was victimized by his defense and his own wandering from the net, as the Flyers scored five goals on their first 19 shots. Other than Drury, none of the Rangers stood out. About the only good thing was that no one was injured." From Zipay.
Anonymous, you might want to stop worrying about the Islanders and start worrying about your own team. Rangers aren't sounding so hot with their new additions. Where's the chemistry? When's the teamwork coming into play?
Can't wait for the regular season to start!
I think Comrie is going to surprise a lot of people this year... he's a much better player and team player than what he is being given credit for.
His reputation as being selfish and not a hard working teammate is unfounded and stems from a contract negotiation that took place 3 or 4 years ago.
Thank god Im not on this pathetic excuse for a team anymore.
My head hurts. I miss Wendel Clark..
Brett Lindros?
Is that Eric's brother?
Well, first off it is good to be watching hockey again. Even if it is pre-season scrub line -ups. With that said, the Rangers lost 5-0 yes but, weren't some of you very same people talking trash about that saying "it doesn't matter it's preseason" just last week?
Steady,
The Mets....not real sure what to think but I do know that I don't want the series against the Marlins to matter at all. Lets get it done with The Nats and especially St. Louis.
Isles #9,
I don't want the back and forth but have to ask what you are trying to prove with this one:
"What stupid comment that is about the fan base.
The Isles fan base is smart, They don't buy into the media spin that rags management spew.
The rag fans supported a team that had highest payroll in the league for years, and failed to win. The rag fans bought season tickets year after year, and watch more broken down players on their way out skate around and collect a pay check."
You are right nailed it on the head. So Islanders fans are smarter and better because they only fill the seats when the going is good?
I have sat in the same seats of the Garden for the last 17yrs. Through crap, through the cup, the crap again and now toward hopefully another cup before I die. lol
Is that not what loyal fans do?
Am I wrong?
Well its Islanders-Rangers tonight...we'll see how it goes. I wouldn't be too worried about either team in the pre-season, its not very indicative of the regular season. (ie a few years ago the Isles swept the preseason but had difficulty out of the gate).
Big suprise, the game isnt being televised tonight.
LS,
Actually it looks like he is removing the "troll imposter" posts. Good to see that being done. Hope that continues.
Mookie,
As to preseason games meaning nothing. They don't. I said that before, and stick with it. But the thing to watch for is how lines develop, jell, and play in preseason, as well as the individual players.
That said, of the Rangers lose to Philly doesn't matter, only the play of the new lines, and new teammates enmeshed with the regulars. Thats what I look at with the Isles as well.
Tonite's game should be fun. Im sure both teams will play well tonite. Have the rosters been released yet for who is playing tonite on both teams?
Dynasty,
That was not meant to call anyone out. If you know me I don't come here for that. It is just pretty evident on both boards that people say one thing pertaining to the other team and flip it for their own good just like that.
I agree with you. I like preseason to see what the kids can do really. that being said I was not that impressed the other night against the Flyers. Rangers still have about 10 or 11 cuts to make. So things will pan out and I look forward to watching the squad that makes it. Sounding like the kid Staal can make it. Which is exciting.
Tonight should be good. I would love to know the reason that this game is not being televised.
Zipay released a probable list of Rangers starters on his blog.
Got a question. Simon still has to serve games on that suspension correct? So I am guessing preseason does not matter?
Because I have read that tonight can be the first time he and Hollweg meet since. If they do, I don't expect too much to happen.
These games are fun, even in the pre-season. Regardless of who suits up, these games get chippy. Hopefully not too chippy. It would be a shame if any players get hurt in a meaningless pre-season game. Too bad it isn't televised. Whoever is going to the games tonight, have fun.
???
Mookie,
I get your point, and your right about that. People can be hypocritical when talking about teams other then there own.
Islanders also have a bit of cuts to make. 18 Forwards and 9 Defensemen still on the roster. Any are probable for tonite.
Yeah for Simon's suspension, preseason games don't count. I also doubt anything will happen, would be stupid especially for Simon to start any trouble.
I am also curious as to why they aren't televising this game. It should be on Islanders TV at least. "Should" is the key word.
I beleive it is on Islanders TV tonight, at least according to Zipay. I'm not sure I can get myself to log into islanders.com though. I don't want to give that site the traffic...lol.
You can blame the powers to be at Cablevision, for the game reason why the game is not televised. They would rather put on reruns of world series of poker than this game.
Gee who owns the rags??
Rag fans; if you put the garden anyplace else besides mid-town manhattan; you would be suffering from the same attendence issues that other teams go through when their teams don't make the playoffs for 7 years straight.
Same crap everyday from the rag fans.
1) My building is better than your building.
2) Our fans support crappy teams better than your fans support crappy teams.
3) Our bad free agent signings aren't nearly as bad as your bad free agent signings.
4) You over paid more than we overpaid.
Come on lets be real; either team has done anything recently. It's not your money so why do you care how much a team is willing to spend. Nobody hands out stanley cups to the team with the best attendance. And as far as the building is concerned; no argument there, the Garden is nicer than the Coliseum, always has been and always will be; except for one element that is, when you look up at our rafters you see all those banners hanging up there and you can't knock that.
Lets play some hocke so we can talk hockey. Peace!
Tonights TV schedule for both teams networks:
MSG:
7:00 PM
MSG Vault 07 #2: MSG Debuts
8:00 PM
MSG Fight Night Presents: John Duddy vs. Anthony Bonsante
10:00 PM
MSG, NY Extra
FSN:
7:00 PM
The Game 365
8:00 PM
In Focus on FSN
9:00 PM
Best Damn Sports Show Period
10:00 PM
Halls of Fame
That right there is a big lineup of???????
Can't even get a MSG2 tonight to see the game?
Coral Springs Isles fan, I agree, let's talk about the sport and the games, not about the arenas and the fans.
He does'nt keep Islander games off TV you fool. If that was so then why is he broadcasting the rangers isles game this friday?
Why are'nt the Islanders pre-season games broadcast on FSN?
He'll say it's Dolans fault lmao
Not sure if this is any consolation to any of you Isles AND Rangers fans but the game is apparently going to be on the radio on 1130AM. I would have liked to go home tonight and watch a game but I guess this is better than nothing. LETS GO ISLANDERS!
rag contraction:
you really make no sense with your ridiculous comments all the time. i hate the rangers as much as anyone, but they are an original 6 team and never needed the isles or the devil's for that matter to continue their existence. what is your point???
Wasn't this blog about an up and coming prospect for the Isles? I know I have taken part in this silly back and forth but no more. Can we all try to concentrate on the sport,instead of the pettiness?
I think "Rag C" is a joke... and I am a realistic Islander fan with an obvious "glass is more than half full" outlook on the season... but really... If I have to read another post by Rag C about contracting the Rangers... I might just lose my mind. Such a pitiful soul he is.
As far as the Islanders moving, re-locating, disbanding... etc... I think the chances of that are just as slim. It's not going to happen.
Obviously, the profitability and the success of the Rangers is probably more meaningful and important to the NHL as a whole vs. the Islanders.
It's similar to the Yankees being viewed as "IMPORTANT" to all of baseball when they are successful. Just look at the attendance figures of Yankee away games vs. that of the other teams home attendance on dates without the Yankees... there's no comparison. The Yankees bring money to all other teams... whether they like them or not.
DOC
The Islanders won't be contracted. They have a good owner, willing to do whatever he could to turn this franchise around. The fanbasae out there is a good one too, they just need something worth showing up to. If the Isles can be consistently competitive, the fans will come out.