The long wait is over for Shawn Bates. The groin pull he suffered against Detroit last Jan. 30 turned into a season-ending injury when he pushed to come back in March and suffered an abdominal injury that required surgery and a long rehabilitation process.
But coach Ted Nolan made it official after the morning skate that Bates will be in the lineup at wing on the fourth line with Richard Park and Sean Bergenheim against defending Eastern Conference champion Ottawa tonight at the Coliseum. Bates has been taking a ribbing from teammates about his long vacation, so, he’s fired up and ready to go.
“I’m definitely hungry,” Bates said. “There’s no question about it. I’m going to come in and do what I do, skate, hit and chip in if I can and try to bring in some energy to the game.
“It’s been a long time. My last game was almost 10 months ago to the day. It’s been a battle. Mentally, it’s been frustrating, but it’s nice to be back with the guys and get into a game.”
Nolan said he plans to keep Park at center because he’s the better defender to cover the middle of the ice. He expects to use Bates for 7-10 minutes in the beginning, which will allow him to go back to rolling four lines.
“We have to play four lines in order to compensate for some of the things the other teams have,” Nolan said. “We have to have some energy.”
Bates’ return means one of the seven defensemen Nolan used the past two games will be a healthy scratch tonight. Judging by the fact Bryan Berard met with the coach after the pre-game skate, it appears he’ll get the night off. And Marc-Andre Bergeron will remain in the lineup for a third straight game. But it’s quite possible that could change again when the Islanders visit the Rangers tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden.
With forward Jonathan Sim out for the season with a knee injury, it’s conceivable the return of a veteran like Bates could help the Islanders balance their lines a little better and get an offensive spark. In his three-game conditioning stint with Bridgeport, Bates scored two goals and was a plus-2.
“It was good to go down there,” Bates said. “I played somewhere between 20 and 25 minutes a game. I got to play in every situation, penalty kill, power play, regular shifts. It was good to skate a lot, be around the guys and be in a game atmosphere…It was fun to pop in a couple goals and get on the scoreboard. It’s a different game down there as far as the tempo and the speed and things of that nature.”
Bates admitted to having a case of butterflies before tonight’s game. “I missed 60 games, and that’s close to a year,” Bates said. “It’s going to be fun but weird at the same time getting back into an NHL game.”
Comments (120)
good for batesy, maybe it will spark some damn offense... when do you think he will be re-injured again? haha.
God. We're looking to BATES to spark the offense???
Finally!!!!
I may very well be the ONLY Shawn Bates fan, I'm thrilled that he's back. Hopefully, he will be able to help the team in some fashion.
GO ISLANDERS !!!
Watching game ... 2-1 ... Thanks Howie Rose for thowing that wammy out there ... Talking about the 2-1 games and mentioning Ottawa being a high scoring team. Biggest jinx since Mad Mike. ..... I'll be back to post at end of game.
GO ISLES!!!
Can you say GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!??? 2-2
Another 3 point game about to proceed.
Just so there is no confusion. I HATE 3 point games ... even when the Isles lose and get a point out of it.
The Isles have benefitted less than most teams have thus far.
Jaffer just said the Isles haven't scored on 4 on 4 ... maybe he'll jinx Ottawa ... LOL!!
3 point games in the Conference are worse than inter-conference games.
Here we go ... checking in later...
Park Neeeds More CONFIDENCEEE!!!!
Take the shot .... looooowwwww..... Tank is there for the rebound ... you don't have the passing lane there.
Other than that ... he's playing great hockey.
Oh well ... shootout time.
I was just going to say ... Let Bates take a shot ... But Thank You Silllllly...
I just want to say .... DP is playing like a Goalie God right now. He does make some nerve racking decisions ... but I'm happy he's on our side.
Guess Ottawa stole a point with the late goal ... I just hope the Isles don't have an Ottawa Hangover against the Strangers tomorrow ... LOL!!
I'm trying to get my buddy Kelly to post on here. He's a former Long Islander living in Vancouver. He watches the games when he can ... but it's funny ... without reading these boards he says the same things most everyone here notices without the influence of other's comments.
He's mostly a Sabre fan since he lived in Buffalo till he was 10 .. but he still roots for the Isles. He said that as frustrating the low score 1 goal games may be ... the Isles don't have the fire power to play run and gun hockey. They have to be primarily a defensive team and try to score on opportunities. I can't argue with that success so far ... however ... I don't have to like the lack of goal scoring.
THEY DID IT! THEY DID IT!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Im so proud of this team I cant believe it.
Thank the Lord those fluke goals were not enough to beat the ISLANDERS! Let's get our heads together now and earn two points tomorrow night against the blueskirts.
Amazing game by King Ricky again. This is some incredible defense the team is playing. I just hope they don't sleepwalk through tomorrow's game vs. the rags and use the "tired" excuse.
WOW.
What a game...
Alfredsson/Heatley/Spezza SHUT DOWN!!!!!
Two Ottawa goals scored by WHO?
On floaters sent to the net? (Take a memo Isles).
Guerin comes up the hero after aiming for the goat horns all game?
Park and Hilbert with even MORE outstanding play?
Bergeron with another solid game?
Can't forget DP.....ehhh just another SOLID game.
CAN IT GET ANY BETTER?
Oh yeah, playing the Ranger's tomorrow night.
From Two Time Zones Away.....
GO ISLES!!!!
I just got back from the game. I don't know how it looked on tv but it seemed the Isles D played pretty solid. Then again they did give up 30+ shots. JoVas's goal was unreal. The Isles seemed to play a full 60 minutes and DP got them to the shootout and eventually won it for them. He is easily the team MVP thus far. Hopefully we can get at least 1 more tomorrow against the Rangers but I will gladly take 2.
The fans really need to come out. The please was DEAD. I know it is a weeknight and still early in the season, but cmon. We are playing a top caliber team and hung with them and pulled it off. I don't know what else the Isles can to do help boost attendance. I myself will be going to the game on Saturday night representing the Town of Oyster Bay, but lets get a good showing and get behind this team. IMO they are one or two players away from being dangerous enough to get deep into the playoffs.
On a funnier note, my seats were in section 103 just to the left of the Sens penalty box. When Neil and Witt got the coincidental minors, Neil skates over and looks into the crowd. I give him the finger and that f*cko has no teeth and sticks his tongue out at me. It wasn't as good as AZS's salute during the last Isles/Rangers game on Versus, but I thought it was quote funny.
Great way to take 2 tonight boys. Onto the next. LETS GO ISLANDERS!
Great game.
DP: Solid. Almost glued to the crease, but when he did come out he made good decisions.
Nolan: Great line shuffles. I really like Guerin-Comrie-Park, Tank-Vasicek-Satan,Hunter-Sillinger-Hilbert, Simon-Bates-Bergenhiem.
The fourth line didn't get a lot of time, but that should change when they don't have to kill 7 penalties.
Refs: The second straight game with MYSTERY calls. At least they got the goalie interference right. Can anybody tell me how Simon got the extra two at the end of the second period. The guy who threw a PUNCH got two, Witt, who turtled got two, and Simon
just looked like he grabbed the weakest link gets two.
Marty: Showed some stones finishing the game with what I think was a skate inflicted gash.
MAB: Solid game.
Park: earned 15 mins... hopefully that continues.He was a huge part of this win.
Hey, maybe Steady won't talk about how much they suck for another 24 hours! A win tomorrow night puts them in second place with games in hand on everybody in the division.
The guy in the Sportcenter teaser during the college b-ball game just said, "Plus Barry Melrose will be here. That's a ratings spike." I really have had it up to here with ESPN and their comments. It is sooooo frustrating. They really all drink the same kool-aide, huh? I wish Vs. had a sportcenter, this way they can rip on NASCAR the whole time instead of shoving it down our throats like ESPN does.
Man, my heart was racing during the shootout, as it does the last 2 minutes of any Isles game. I'm a huge sports fan, but no regular season game in any other sport gets my heart pumping. I'm sure everyone here knows exactly what I'm talking about.
Just back from the game ...I'll keep this short and sweet ...
1) Fantastic effort beating the best team in the league ...I could do on about how much I liked certain things ...but I'm gonna keep it short ...way to go Hillbert ...another point ...if he keeps this up I may not loath him anymore ...
2) Under 10,000 again tonight ...really, I understand that not everyone can make it to every game ...and I understand that the Isles usually get rocked by Ottawa but this is embarrasing ...2 games in a row with under 10,000? When Wang moves the team I hope no one gets upset about it ...and I'm not attacking anyone on this board because I realize many of live far away, but Long Island has plenty of people who live here who could take the short drive and buy the $16 seats (if money is an issue) to come and support the only pro team on Long Island ....
My 1st quarter review...
If you told me before the first game that the Isles would be 3 points out of first place in the division after 22 games and 2 games inhand over the division leader I'd think you were nuts ... but also would love that situation. So over all ... I'm estatic.
Forwards.... I don't have to tell you ... but it's putrid. Vasicek is a pleasant surprise. Satan is doing what he always does. Streaky .. but I'll take it. Hilbert ... cough .... nuff said .... Comrie ... take away his first two games and he's not producing. Not happy with Mr. Hot Dog right now ... Guerin ... brings lots to the rink ... not scoring goals but doing everything else fine. Tank ... He's doing a fine job .. Sillinger .. very happy with his production (tonight's game is a fine example) ... Park ... he's playing strong and doing his part. Hunter ... beast on blades ... seems like a great scoring threat ... I kind of expected more ... maybe we'll see it. Simon ... I'm growing weary of his inconsistancy ... love his competitiveness. Bergy ... He is another competitive fiesty player that brings it to the rink .. just not enough. We need offense. We don't have it ... we have to get used to it. The guys that need to produce more ... Comrie, Hunter, Guerin, Satan .. maybe even Tank. We need about 1 more goal a game collectively as a team for more comfort.
Defense: How can you really complain? True ... DP helps them out a lot, but they play a solid game. As far as offensive contributions goes, it seems to me they need to get the puck to the front of the net more. They throw it in the corners a lot. The safe play away from defenders. They don't take many shots through traffic creating chances. Maybe it's because the forwards aren't getting to those shots. I'll have to look at that more. Campy ... He's grown ... I like what I'm seeing game in game out. Gervais. He's playing well also ... maybe a little inconsistent ... but he's an NHL level D-man. Sutton ... sometimes I want to strangle him & sometimes I want to toss him a high-five for a great check and defensive play. He's not as bad as I expected ... Witt, I have no complaints ... he's a very effective D-man does more than one can expect. My buddy said he reminded him of Gordy Lane ... not an offensive force ... but make things happen when he's on the ice ... and god help you trying to get to the slot in his zone. I remember Gordy .. but I think it's hard to compare someone 20+ years later... when you haven't seen someone play. Martinek ... playing awesome in both zones .... MAB .. hasn't really played much ... but I think he is being coached out of effectiveness ... I think he's being asked to play a kind of hockey he isn't that effective playing. He's a high velocity puck bomber ... let him play to his strength ... not a top 4 d-man in 5 on 5 situations at this point. Berard ... He looked really good before his injury. I'm wondering where he is at now.
Goaltending... DP ... simply awesome. He gives the team the chance to win every night. He even seems to be improving during the season. Dubie ... I really don't know. He's gotta get some games in ... I just don't think it's going to be at the NHL level. The Sound Tigers don't seem to be getting the goaltending down there.
Callups .... I only really was impressed with Ben Walter ... he stands out and holds his own.
Special Teams. In the first 10 games their power play looked monsterous. Now it's just plain scary .. and not in a good way. The penalty killing is still playing tremendous. DP is one of the best penalty killers. I think this is where Hilbert's strength is also.
I have missed a bunch of games this year .. probably about 5 or 6 .. so maybe I've missed a few things.
The July Exodus: Not missing Blake, Smyth, Poti or Kozlov as their production isn't stellar for their new teams. Smyth is 6-8-14 and -8 in 22 games. Nothing special. Blake is 2-15-17 +4 on an offensive team. He wasn't acquired for his setup skills .. he was supposed to be their finisher. We are hurting from not having last season's Blake production, not this season's T.O. Blake. Kozlov 3-11-14 -2 in 24 games. Again not a big loss in goal production. Tank eclipses him and then some right there. Poti? Poti who? We aren't missing him at all. I think our D is better without him. he has 0G 7A and -3.
It's impossible to gauge a team's progress or lack there of if they had their old roster intact. However we can't argue with the results thusfar. Other than 3 games this season the Isles were in every game. Even one of those 3 games the Isles were in it for a bit.
Here's to an even better 60 more games. GO ISLES!!!!
DP gets too up for games against the Rangers to allow his team not to show up. They will be fine. They didn't look too tired late in the game.
They deserved to win that game, even if they had to give away a point. We should feel great, that was a big win.
What's up with the attendance???? I have to imagine the players were dissappointed. I was.
Certainly Hilbert isn't a point a game player... but he does have 2 points in last 2 games.... but what an effort this guy gives... he saves several odd man rushes, breaks up long outlet passes... creates havoc on the forecheck.... puts pressure on the goalie when the goalie is handling the puck behind the net.... etc.... the guy deserves his ice time... he earns it. Does everything pretty much the right way except put the puck in the net. Oh well.
DOC
NJ, nice assessment. I would like to add a couple of things.
Can we put a moratorium on the complaining about scoring?
Bottom line is they are WINNING... and a win against OTT is HUGE.
3-0-0 against the rangers.
3-0-0 against the devils.
Can we just say they are doing an excellent job with the talent that they have. 25% of the season done and they are still waist deep in the division race and starting to put some distance between themselves and the ninth conference spot... WITH GAMES IN HAND. (NOT BAD FOR A TEAM ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE)
Yes, they might be a solid scorer away from being even better... but where they are now is not such a bad place.
Three months ago we all had to read the postings from the dark side because they bought a run at the cup (like they do every year). Well.. right now we are in a better position.
Great job Ted...and THE WHOLE TEAM!!!
AS FAR AS JULY LOSSES...
Blake... TOR... 14th place
Smyth... COL.. 9th place
Poti, Kozlov...WAS...15th Place
Yashin.... well... I have a feeling he won't be skating around with anything bigger than a coffee cup this year.
BTW: Nolan was glowing over the performance of Park in the post game. Wouldn't it be great if he turns out to be the 25 goal guy they might need with 20 mins per game. That would be awesome, he really has been playing tremendous hockey.
Simon....inconsistent? I don't get that.
Hunter... definitely expected more this season after his performance towards the end of last year. But that line as a whole has done a very good job of shutting down the opposing top lines. If that means they don't put up 50 goals... and they continue to win... then they are doing what it takes to win.
When assessing these guys you have to remember the old saying, "you play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back"
Bring on them rangers!!!!
AZS
:..and I'm not attacking anyone on this board because I realize many of live far away, but Long Island has plenty of people who live here who could take the short drive and buy the $16 seats."
AZS,
I feel your pain. The crowds from the last 2 nights were downright saddening.
Sitting in the recliner (upright position, edge of my seat most of the game), I was embarassed and feeling a little "noncontributory" watching on TV from 2 time zones away.
So, I decided to do something about my guilt and I fired off an e-mail to the Isles after the game in which I am gonna put my money where my heart is. I came up with a little idea/plan where a part of me can at least be at some of the games, as well as get some more fannies in the seats.
And based on what I see on this blog board, as well as other message boards just within the Newsday scope, there are a LOT of out of town Islander Fans (moreso than I see for other teams) who might consider doing the same.
When I hear back from the Isles on the feasibility of this "idea" I will run it up the flagpole here for all the out of towners. Every little bit helps keep the Isles where they belong.
Cuz no matter where you live....
WE ARE ALL ISLANDERS.
And BTW Greg Logan, if it was you who "headlined" tonight's game out in the main sports pages.....well, like I said in the comments section....ENOUGH WITH THE NEGATIVE HEADLINES AFTER A WIN!!!!!
Ho Ho Ho, ask and ye shall receive!
This is my handle through Christmas. Fantastic effort last night, and a great way for the team to make a statement that it can hang with the best in the league. Not much to add above what people here have already said, but DP was once again an absolute beast. I really wish he would start getting some love from the mainstream hockey media, because he's playing like a top-5 goaltender. I would take him over a guy like Lundqvist because, frankly, I've seen DP will the team to victory. Reminds me more and more of Billy Smith (what I've heard about him at least - thank you KH for reminding me I'm a youngin').
Another big one against the Rangers tonight, so no time to celebrate. Let's put forth another great effort and get ourselves 2 more points!
First, I know I have to say this every year, but PLEASE stop complaining about the attendance during the holiday season. People are spending their money on gift shopping right now. Complain if the attendance is low in February.
Second, Jinx no more! It was beautiful.
Third, Thank You GREG for the side note article on Randy R. I was wondering how the heck he was on the ice last night. Interesting about Yashin in Russia as well. It's those types of tidbits that make reading your columns a must!
Great to see Bates back last night. He looked pretty good.
Islanders beat the best team in hockey last night and Newsdays back page focus is more Johan Santana speculation. What a joke.
JP...Seriously lose the man love, you sound like a stalker.
Nice game last night. DP simply is off the charts. I got my wish beating Ottawa. So sick of that team owning us. Off to msg. for some fun.....Two points tonight would be beyond anyone could of asked for!
AZS....Get that jersey and finger ready! :)
Merrick...Have fun and be safe @ msg!
***Comrie...ZERO shots on goal, and ZERO body checks. If you cannot get fired up against the team that treated you like a cast off, when can you get fired up? ****
Greetings from western NY. Good to see a nice win last night. Just an FYI: Directv up here is broadcasting the NHL Network. I don't know if anyone mentioned this previously. It's great. Lengthy highlights and analysis of each game. Nolan is getting lots of love from the Canadian press. Last week they showed 1980 Game 6 with in progress comments and interviews w/Gillies anmd Nystrom.
Posted by 19 ISLE in NJ 22 | November 28, 2007 23:45 My 1st quarter review...
If you told me before the first game that the Isles would be 3 points out of first place in the division after 22 games and 2 games inhand over the division leader I'd think .......
this is a great post. i think '19' is right on on almost everything. the defense is the strength of this team. it really is developing into a cohesive unit and is getting better daily. this team gets bottled up in its end so much less than it used to. i am even higher on the kids than '19' and i also am surprised by sutton. he seems to be assterting himself more and more and last night in particular i thought he was real strong. the gord lane comparison is pretty good, though lane's meanness was more like witt's. the 1 big problem on D may be depth. losing even 1of the top 5 could be a blow.
"Forwards.... I don't have to tell you ... but it's putrid ..."
this may not be as big a problem as is seems. i think hunter will get going and sillinger already is, and 1 or 2 additions could help big time if snow can swing it. i definately agree about comrie. the guy obviously has great skills but is it me or does he seem to shoot when a pass looks like a better option, AND visa versa ? i am surprised and dissappointed in bergenheim so far. but he's a tough kid and i won't be surprised to see him blossom yet. i think the coach has made him a special project.
the goalie?
the kid is arrived. he's not just a top tier goalie but a great hockey player. ironic isn't it? dipietro , campoli and gervais. this portion of the milbury legacy looks pretty good to me.
Yeah, I don't get why Bates isn't in the shootout lineup. That kind of situation is his only claim to fame, really. As for the game...excellent job by the Isles. Credit guys like Hunter, who despite not being blessed with speed, gave it his all and matched faster guys stride for stride when he needed to. Tank, too, throwing his body at anything that moved. I've thought that the Isles' forwards of this year haven't been as consistently physical as the team was last year, but last night they showed why teams just didn't like to play against them last year. The D, too - It got to a point where Witt would go to the boards to get the puck, and Ottawa's forwards would pretty much just back off and let him take it. Although, Ottawa's D has some great checkers back there as well. Not just hard hitters, but smart ones, too. I'd give just about anything to have Volchenkov on my team...definitely my kind of player.
DP was great...but he has to stop that first goal. The second one was a change of direction, but the first one was a horrible shot from an even worse angle. The good thing is that DP's cut down a lot on those types of goals since early last year.
Park is the man. Bergy is a really good forechecker. Hunter and Guerin need to spend every second of practice shooting pucks at the net. The both of them were missing all night from 10 feet out...that just can't happen. Hunter especially...where the heck was that shot in the shootout supposed to be aimed?
By the way, you guys should try to find video of Havlat's goal for Chicago last night, and play it at normal speed (didn't watch the whole game, so if he scored more than one, it's the first one). It was an amazing backhand...but doesn't look as impressive when it's slowed down.
To my fellow loyal Islander Fan brothers and sisters:
PLEASE KEEP YOUR POSTS SHORT.
Most of us are interested in your perspective on the Isles but not a book report.
And I say this with the utmost respect.
This blog is usually fun and insightful....but lets have some laughs and not feel like we're school teachers reading book reports.
The bottom line on Blake is that he brings A LOT of hustle each and every night, but he really does not have a ton of talent. Although, he is a gifted skater, mostly because of his SPEED. That creates openings, but he is certainly NOT a natural goal scorer. I believe last year's output was a bit of a fluke and would be very hard for him to repeat.
WOW. What a game. So I took the game in last night and the Islanders looked and played great.
So how many of you Islanders fans closed your eyes and said a prayer when DP made another sliding play miles from the crease. I could not believe what I saw when he went charging out.
Made me ask DP a few questions in my head, because of his head:
DP don't you want to win a cup one day?
Of course that would be about 14 yrs from now when he is on another team...
DP don't you want to start the All Star Game one day?
Of course that will be after Lundqvist retires...
DP don't you want to win a Vezina one day?
Again Henrik would have to retire...
LOL ;)
The questions and answers are all in good fun and ribbing considering it is rivalry game day. Going to be an interesting one at the Garden tonight. I am looking forward to it. See some of you there?
Kristie,you aren´t alone.I always liked Bates grit and character.So he isn´t the goalscorer we need right now but for that we have to make a trade.
Well said AZS,I´m right behind here from Sweden hahaha!
And for all you blueskirts out there,tonight were back for some icingcalls,slow things down you know.Let´s make four in a row,shots to the net and look for rebounds.
Work hard guys!
Start the weeknight games at 7:30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have no idea why anyone who doesn't work within 15 minutes of the NVMC would fork over money for a ticket wondering if they'll make the opening faceoff--even when the they leave their jobs early. Yesterday, I left my office in Lower Manhattan at 4:45 and got to the barn at 6:30! On Monday, I went one mile in 20 minutes on the Northen State and arrived at the NVMC at 6:50 after leaving my office at 4:20!!!!!!
Tonight, I'll leave my office at 6:00 and will be there in plenty of time for the warmups at 6:30.
The number 1, 2, and 3 reasons why I would consider giving up my seasont ickets are the 7:00 p.m. weeknight start times.
Oh, by the way...great win!!!!
good old Saint Nick....Hilbert is on fire now...2 points in 3 games...
just a few comments:
1. Park has become the most consistant islander, I love watching him gain confidence and excell!
2. I guess we should keep Hilbert. I sence that something good is happening for him
3. Maybe Comerie should take a seat
4/ Fun to watch the first shoot out. Very exciting!!
Two hard fought close games, hope we can muster the energy for tonight. The Rags have had a nice rest.
Go Isles!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Claire
The opportunities are there to score goals. You have to finish and with regards to last night you have to hit the net. They missed the net on 4 great scoring chances.
Park deserves the minutes and really helps this team. He is really fast and plays really smart. i liked the chances he created on the top line last night. i hope to see him there again.
Bates was effective in limited action. He did not look lost out there. He had a chance to put one in but the puck bounced off of his stick as he got hooked.
The penalty to Simon was warranted, I saw a replay from a different angle that showed Simon punch the guy in the head.
The ice in the Coliseum is terrible, especially the end that the Islanders shoot at in the 1st and 3rd period. The puck will not sit down and is bouncing all over the place.
I live in Florida and watch Isle games on Center Ice and sometimes listen on NHL.COM when on the road... I don't understand what's wrong with Islander fans... I guess a lot of kids come to games because these weeknight games are embarassing with the attendance.... At least the team didn't let down the last 2 games with small crowds.... Unless you are a season ticketholder, since all the games are on TV, there is no urgency to go out to watch a midweek early season game especially since the track record of the team had been poor against the Sens.. Last Wednesday it was a good crowd and I was there for game against Montreal were they stunk it up... If I lived on LI, I'd be there every night!!!
That being said, another big win and lets make it another win against the Rangers!!!!
D
Troy -- Sorry, but I respectfully disagree... I like the long posts. I've learned a lot about hockey from the windbags on this board!
Mookie, I have considered your Christmas list, and I need to make a few key revisions:
I will grant DP a Cup, as an ISLANDER.
I will grand Henrik a continued inability to win a game his team absolutely has to have.
I will grant you a Hilary Duff photo album. That should keep you busy and OFF OUR BOARD (just kidding).
Now I'm working on granting myself the Yankees getting Santana without giving up Hughes or Chamberlain. This is impossible, even for ol' Saint Nick.
Oh well, my shuttle sleigh flight from Washington lands back in NY around 5:30, so I'll be ready with my beer to take in the game. Let's beat them Rangers!
- Good Saint Nick of North Bellmore (left the North Pole - the melting ice presented a problem for me)
December schedule (as of standing's today) feature 11 of 15 games against teams seeded 9th or lower in there respective conference. Not sure if that stat means much though with the parity in the league, but it beats having it the other way around.
I liked the fact that the Islanders had the Bridgeport players at the game last night to make them feel a part of the organization. Plus the extra 5 fannies in the seats helped boost the attendance. I figured I would say that before some Rag fan thought of it. Steal the glory much like we will steal the 2 points tonight.
That's all I will say as I am border line windbag at this point.
I guess I was wrong about Steady... didn't even make 18 hours...
" ***Comrie...ZERO shots on goal, and ZERO body checks. If you cannot get fired up against the team that treated you like a cast off, when can you get fired up? **** "
I wonder if toronto would trade blake for him straight up...
Saint Nick,
That was a good one. Good Laugh. You are one that knows that I come in peace for the fun of it. Going to be a great game at the Garden tonight. Hopefully it doesn't end with that chant you Islanders fans like...Something about beating someone.
Also, please have the photo album full of pictures that will keep me off the board. That would be great!!! LOL
Man I have to say Richard Park might be a 2 goal game away from becoming a 30 goal guy for this team. His puck handling skills have come out of no where. The reason I say hes a big game away is his lack of confidence in his goal scoring ability. 10 seconds left in overtime, and he tries to make a perfect pass with the defender on the ice on a 2 on 1?
Also on Hilbert, I know his offensive skills have been pretty awful, but the hunter, sillinger, hilbert combination was out against spezza alfredson and heatley all night and shut em down. Hilbert has 4 or 5 defensive plays a night that break up potential scoring chances and the way this team is lacking for goals, this is crucial!
Man I'm a packers fan, and can't believe that Im going to have to divide my attention tonight between 2 great games...GO ISLES!
I was at the game last night, and the attendance was sad. I understand the justifications, but the place was quiet up until the third period, overtime and shoot out. Anyway a couple of observations:
DP made a lot of mental mistkas last night. Yes he played well but the charging out of the net that Mookie mentioned along with the rush to get rid of the puck from his glove. Twice he slapped the puck to the boards just to give it right to the Sens. I love his feistiness but those mistakes nearly cost us, good thing the Islanders have gotten better and better and sweeping up the slot of those loose pucks. They deserve as much credit as DP.
Andy Hilbert - In the third period there was one particular sequence (it may have been a sens powerplay) where he kept 3 senators and puck pinned in there zone just by his hustle and position play. It was fantastic to watch.
Comrie - I think after the hot start he's lost his confidence and is trying to do too much. He keeps trying to stickhandle his way passed everyone and turns the puck over 95% of the time.
Bates - He looked good in limited ice time, his cherry picking led him to have a fantastic opportunity that he would have buried for sure (had Emery beat with an empty net) if not for being hooked.
Refs- Wow a goal call that went our way, I will mark it down in the books. I felt the officiating was pretty even in this one.
KH,
I respectfully disagree with your disagreement but agree that you are entitled to disagree, How's that?
I certainly want to hear everyones take..that's why I'm reading...but it's sometimes frustrating when there is no clear point....sometimes short and sweet says it all.
But I do appreciate your posts...I'm formerly TD...I changed my name to the name I call into Home Ice (XM Radio) with.
Mookie,
You're still pushing Henrik being better than DP? Based on what? That he's a Ranger?
DP's overall skill is far superior to Lundqvist, it's so obvious....and Rick has dramatically improved from last year already...Lundqvist is great but his talent is maximized.
If you notice the difference between DP this year...he is getting back into postion much quicker...he does not lay on the ice like he did last year...he gets back up into position quickly which makes his range phenomenal.
Henrik willl never have his range...as far as discipline...I'll give the edge to Henrik...but in a big game DP is still my choice.
Good Luck tonight...Blueskirts are gonna need it.
I agree with a lot of what people are saying here. As for the bates fans, i agree with you completely. A few weeks ago I went out with 5 of my friends to dave and busters to watch a giants game and bates was sitting at the next table. When his date got up to go to the bathroom I mentioned to him that I was a big fan and I was there for his penalty shot goal and asked him when he was coming back. Long story short, he talked hockey with me for a good 15 minutes and for the next hour while he was there kept buying my friends and I buckets of bud light (dont worry we're all 21). He spent about $100 on us that night, which isnt about the money, but its the point behind it. He's a great guy, loves being an islander, loves islander fans, he spent the last year working his butt off to rehab and get healthy, and he deserves to have a spot on this team until he loses it for some reason other than injury.
I spoke last week about Hilbert, defending him when he was still pointless. He does everything that goes unnoticed, and now hes doing the things that will get noticed on the scoresheet. He's more important to this team than most people realize and I'm thrilled that he's finally showing up on the scoresheet. You could tell what his teammates think of him the way they mobbed him last week when he scored against Boston. Park is great, deserves to get locked up to a long contract with a raise. Comrie has all the tools, nolan just has to get him going... and he will. same with guerin. Our D is solid and our goalie is a star.
Love what I'm seeing from this team so far. Boring, defensive hockey but its effective and its winning games. I'll take it. Hopefully they have enough in the tank after last night to beat the rangers tonight.
Matt
Last nights game was on TSN, so I didn't see what you guys saw. TSN was whining most of the game about the trap because they are used to Ottawa having their way with teams. Your former goalie and GM were on the Hockey Panel and Windbagged it up!
Except for trying to play goalie late in the third, Park had an amazing game. Best complete game I've seen of any player on the team so far. I'd love to hear some of what Nolan said about him.
Earlier in the season I picked two teams in the league that I thought the Isles could not beat. Ottawa was one of them (I should have picked Dallas too). Needless to say, the last two games are more a sign that this team is the real deal.
I haven't been complaining about scoring so much as getting the puck in the danger zone. They did a lot more of that the last two games. I think we'll start to see their scoring pickup.
10,000 passionate fans is better that a full house of Corporate Suites and Fairweather fans who don't understand the Sport and only cheer when there's a goal.
They should just have a Lower-Bowl Lotto after the 1st period.
Kevin T.
I just hope the offense doesn't pick up at the expense of defense.
Kevin T,
I agree with the Lower Bowl lottery after the first period..
Kevin T -- Good post. I assume the former GM was Mad Mike? Who was the former Isles goalie? Were they both whining in sympathy with the Sens?
Attendance:
I can't complain about attendance because I only make it to NVMC about 3 times a year. I also see them in NJ, MSG and Philly sometimes for the proximity to my home. I always felt it was important to support them on the road in enemy territory since I grew up in enemy territory supporting the Isles vs the Rags from the 70s on.
I think one major problem is local support for the team. The fact it is taking a decade just to get the ball rolling to approve a new arena is disturbing. Old news so I don't need to preach.
One thing that turned my stomach. After such a great game and WIN by Long Island's only major sports team against arguably the best team in the NHL and it gets trumped by the Johan Santana Speculative article and gets SPLASHED BIGTIME on the back page of Newsday?!?!?!? The Isles received a small ticker sized mention of the game on the bottom. That is disheartening.
The first pitch tossed between pitchers and catchers isn't due for another 2 and a half months!!!! What gives?? The Isles should be annoyed. However what else can they do?
That's it for now ... exceeding my windbag quota. LOL!
GO ISLES!!!
Vote on the likely Newsday back page picture/story tomorrow.
Never mind that the Isles/Rangers play tonight and ESPN will likely, once again, call it the most exciting sport's matchup of the evening.
Will Newsday give a prime time picture/story to:
A/What Johann Santana had for breakfast?
B/What Johann Santana had for lunch?
C/What Johann Santana had for dinner?
D/Who Johann Santana had for a bedtime snack?
E/The latest defense to have Eli Manning for lunch?
F/Jet's fans eating out in Giant's Stadium?
G/Stephon Marbury eating brownies?
I/Theo Epstein eating a first class meal on a NWA flight to Minneapolis?
J/All of the above?
Just my opinion, please prove me wrong.
Just got off the phone with my buddy Kelly for the Pre-Game Rags / Isles pep rally. Attendance was part of our convo.
He's in Vancouver so he's not going to be able to help much with attendance, but he had a good suggestion. The Isles ownership may not like it in the begining because it involves deep discounts for certain games ... but it's a basic business model. The Isles need to not only re-build the team since the 1990s ... they need to rebuild the brand. They seem to be making strides in that way. But to re-build the brand means they have to reach new & old fans, and give them incentive to go to games.
Kelly said when he lived on Long Island through 1986, you can get from Queens to Riverhead in about an hour. You could get two tickets to the game, a couple of beers, 4 dogs, parking and maybe some other snack for under $75. Things are obviously different.
He suggested that the Isles should set baseline ticket prices that change in price pending demand for certain games. Like Rangers @ Isles games should have the highest base price .. Coyotes @ Isles should be a low base price .... supply and demand. Basic principles of capitalism. They can tweak the basics of that. But it should get more fans in seats of those low demand games. Maybe.
I would add to what he said with my ideas.
Create an Islander Club card that awards points (like frequent flyer miles) for fan attendance, store purchases, etc. They can be creative with that system so it can include out of town fans. Give season ticket holders an additional rebate for games they actually attend in the form of extra Club points.... Also, have a sliding scale on those base ticket prices ... as the games draw closer to a sellout. Kind of like how the airlines sell seats.
Also for fans that do show up for attendance under 10k, have them be able to receive free extra bonus points on an Islander Club card account to redeem for Islander merchandise. Fans may even be able to redeem their points to upgrade their seats ... also like airlines do. Maybe even win playoff tix .... etc. The options are as limited as the creativity of the team's marketing / business management are.
Youth hockey nights or days ... should also be implemented. Invite certain organizations for a day with the Isles .. culiminating in a convention for all the teams in attendance during the afternoon .... then treat the kids / coaches and parents to a buffett ... and then watch warmups before going to their seats for the game.
I could go on with ideas ... but turning into a rant.
Book Report over .... Sorry Troy LOL!!
HUGE GAME TONIGHT! How classic if we can start 4-0 vs. Rangers.
As for the Isles ... (1) i agree that park has been tremendous this year so far but one word of advice ... SHOOT THAT PUCK PARKIE!!! He got too "giving" on that 2 on 1 (2) Comrie needs to do something and soon ... we won't make it thru the year if he continues to disappear (3) it would be nice to actually score more than 2 goals in a game ... we haven't had a laugher all year it seems ... we could use one (4) DP pulled a moment from his past last night when he scrambled out of the net ... it was crazy but you know what? it's nice that he's toned that part of his game down and seems to do things more controlled (5) I think we should give Tamby another run ... he's playing well at Bridgeport
I haven't seen MM speaking about the Isles on TV. I did catch him on one broadcast talking about another team and I rememeber how much it reminded me of the steve phillips situation. These are two guys who out and out lefttheir respective teams in shambles, and are put in a position to criticize others...
If Ayn Rand was a sports fan she'd be spinning in her grave.
I will say this, Snow and Nolan have taken this team and made it their own over the course of 18 months. they cleaned house and have replaced it with a good nucleous.... TWICE!!!!
_____________WINDBAG LINE______________
and... I'm still not convinced that Comrie isn't a good fit for this team. He has made strides over the 20 games, and when the cogs mesh he's going to STILL be the leading scorer on this team. Right now he's making some poor decisions with the puck, but it's going to take some time and even when it's good it's going to be good in bunches. You don't get good offensive mis-matches with your top two lines every night...and this team doesn't have an the offensive talent to have those kind of mismatches against 90% of the league. So I'm just cool with the winning... if/when the scoring starts to happen I will be even more happy!
Do I owe somebody money for going over the windbag line?
Just don't make it retro-active... I've got a kid to feed!
Just got off the phone with my buddy Kelly for the Pre-Game Rags / Isles pep rally. Attendance was part of our convo.
He's in Vancouver so he's not going to be able to help much with attendance, but he had a good suggestion. The Isles ownership may not like it in the begining because it involves deep discounts for certain games ... but it's a basic business model. The Isles need to not only re-build the team since the 1990s ... they need to rebuild the brand. They seem to be making strides in that way. But to re-build the brand means they have to reach new & old fans, and give them incentive to go to games.
Kelly said when he lived on Long Island through 1986, you can get from Queens to Riverhead in about an hour. You could get two tickets to the game, a couple of beers, 4 dogs, parking and maybe some other snack for under $75. Things are obviously different.
He suggested that the Isles should set baseline ticket prices that change in price pending demand for certain games. Like Rangers @ Isles games should have the highest base price .. Coyotes @ Isles should be a low base price .... supply and demand. Basic principles of capitalism. They can tweak the basics of that. But it should get more fans in seats of those low demand games. Maybe.
I would add to what he said with my ideas.
Create an Islander Club card that awards points (like frequent flyer miles) for fan attendance, store purchases, etc. They can be creative with that system so it can include out of town fans. Give season ticket holders an additional rebate for games they actually attend in the form of extra Club points.... Also, have a sliding scale on those base ticket prices ... as the games draw closer to a sellout. Kind of like how the airlines sell seats.
Also for fans that do show up for attendance under 10k, have them be able to receive free extra bonus points on an Islander Club card account to redeem for Islander merchandise. Fans may even be able to redeem their points to upgrade their seats ... also like airlines do. Maybe even win playoff tix .... etc. The options are as limited as the creativity of the team's marketing / business management are.
Youth hockey nights or days ... should also be implemented. Invite certain organizations for a day with the Isles .. culiminating in a convention for all the teams in attendance during the afternoon .... then treat the kids / coaches and parents to a buffett ... and then watch warmups before going to their seats for the game.
I could go on with ideas ... but turning into a rant.
Book Report over .... Sorry Troy LOL!!