On the Islanders Beat

Greg, great read. Nice to see some response to the debates we've been having amongst ourselves on the board. I'm a bit disappointed the "First Base" nickname didn't get in there, but that's no huge deal.

Overall, I like Andy Hilbert in the abstract. However, given the makeup of this team, he really should be dumped in favor of Ben Walter. The way this team has been struggling offensively, it would make so much more sense to carry 7 d-men so you have MAB on the powerplay (instead of Jackman, and then you can have Ben Walter centering the 4th line. That puts Hilbert on the bench, where he belongs. I understand Ted's motivation to be loyal to his players, but Andy Hilbert has done NOTHING offensively for 16 games, and his plus defensive play is not enough to keep him in the lineup in light of responsible 2-way guys like Park and the possible impending return of Bates. It's time to move "First Base" to "Left Out."

I agree. Getting Bates back and moving Park up will be a winning formula for us. I understand that Nolan doesn't want to give up on Hilbert....but I wouldn't want to wait forever either.

I don't think Hilbert will be playing much longer when Bates gets back....he just doesn't have the type of presence we need right now...and that's scoring.

I completely agree with you guys. Park is a great player and deserves a bump up...Hilbert just isn't cutting it. Everytime I see him touch the puck I want to cover my eyes....he just makes me nervous!

I am scared of tonight's game. I think this will be the game where you see the fists fly. The Rangers for some reason played without fire @ NVMC. Tonight they get the last change and match ups they want. If we can some how take this one to OT, I will consider that huge. The Rangers have been playing great hockey.

The key is to control Jagr and stay out of the box.

If we steal a win at msg tonight, I will be more than impressed and hopefully will start letting my negative side melt away. Being a Met and Jet fan, can you blame me? Although my Jets looked strong yesterday. Good to see they have not quit on the young coach!

LETS GET TWO POINT TONIGHT BOYS, TAKE TWO !!!

Greg - Great reading your opinions on the use of Hilbert. This, along with your piece on Saturday, represents a distinct and welcome departure from your "ruffle no feathers" style from last year. Saturday's article is as informative about the team as any I've read in recent years. Just too bad it had to come a year delayed (although I do recognize that some sensitive assessments sometimes have to be delivered in hindsight).

BTW - pretty sure there's a type in the 5th paragraph from the bottom in your latest post. It reads... "Why not give Park a shot with Sillinger and Hilbert?" I'm sure you meant "Hunter" instead of "Hilbert", right?

Tonight's test versus the Rangers is as stiff a test as the Isles will receive all year. They're playing the Rangers in MSG just as that team is peaking on a winning streak. Saturday's come-from-behind victory against the Pens was pretty impressive, considering the way the Pens were absolutely dominant throughout the whole 1st period. This one tonight has big Ranger victory written all over it, so if the Isles can come out with any points it would be HUGE.

I'm sure Nolan and the coaching staff has taken notice that 4 out of the last 6 Ranger goals have been scored by the defense. The other 2 were by ROOKIE wingers. Rangers have continuously been looking to Mara in deep for the back-door play.

I'll be sweatin' this one out tonight.

We need more offensive minded players getting solid minutes ... how many games can we win 1-0 or 2-1? Don't you just get the feel that if an opponent scores 3 goals on us that the Isles have almost no chance of making that up? We've played 16 games so far and have scored more than 3 goals only 4 times (and that includes opening night plus an OT game vs. Devils). That's not gonna cut it. DP will eventually break under that strain. And do we really need BOTH Jackman and Simon? This is not the 80's anymore so we don't need "enforcers" in the line-up ... plus, we don't have any superstar players anyway (like Crosby, Ovechkin, Briere) that need to be protected. Sit one of those guys and get Walter back up. We've all been saying it .. stick Hilbert on the 4th line and/or carry 7 defenseman and use MAB only on the power play. Cycle Miro or Bergenheim into the 4th line (or whoever's hot) ... let's go ISLES ... big game tonight!!!!

getting Bates back will not be any where close to a winning formula and Hilbert is more an asset to the Islanders than Bates will be or ever has been. The penalty shot happened years ago. Keep Bates at the Bridge.

Bates is going to get us penalties like always and they usually happen in the last two minutes of the game. Sorry but Bates only fits in the Press Box and once again Bates is the last mistake Milbury did by signing him to that contract.

Hilbert may not score and miss some chances but the guy is worker and is very important to this team.

Sorry to be so harsh on Bates but its reality. I rather see someone else come up from the bridge. When Bates plays on the Islanders this year. You are going to be asking steady to find an apartment in Mass. so we can send him back where he came from because he is going to hurt our team.

I really hope i am wrong but Bates =useless

Are we looking for Bates to be some type of catalyst when he gets back? He was the "all legs, no hands" player before Hilbert was here, and now he might not even be able to skate as well given recent injuries. I'd rather have Hilbert than Bates, but I'd only go with only one of Simon and Jackman and then put Walter as fourth line center...with Park on one of his wings. I think Park can bring out a little more in Walter's game. Or maybe Hilbert and Tambs/Simon on the wings if they want to move Park to Sillinger's line. One thing I'm fairly sure of - Park is absolutely being wasted with Simon and Jackman on the wings. One or the other, imo, or alternate them every couple of games, but having both in the lineup pretty much guarantees that we can't roll four lines with any consistency. Especially if Park is moved up mid-game. A line of Bergy-Simon-Jackman is definitely not going to get any shifts, but if you have two centers, like Walter and Park, and Park is moved up, then I can see a line of Bergy-Walter-Simon getting ice time.

It is sad to see that the best rivalry in hockey is slated for a Monday night game. With the NHL struggling to market the game properly it would seem like a great marketing strategy to have the leagues best rivalry slated for a Friday or Saturday night and have the games broadcast nationally.

I heard on XM 204 this morning that the Canadians have just about had it with Michael Ryder and that perhaps they may look to move him. With Nolans track record of re-kindling careers (Kozlov, Poti, Vasicek) it would be a player we could get without having to give up too much. Any thoughts on that?

The 3rd line has been flat all year, I was afraid that the issues would only become exposed when the team struggled to score like it is now. Please bump Hilbert down to the 4th line. We need the 3rd line to produce offense some time soon.

I hope the Islanders continue to try and go high on Lundqvist tonight. I think if our first line can build on their play aginst the Devils they may have a breakout game. I also feel the same way about the power play, they played great against the Devils and if they can get 5 or 6 opportunities tonight I feel they can get a couple of goals. The past two games we only had 3 power play chances, that needs to change.

Usually when the Isles and Rags play at NVMC the crowd is roughly 65/35 Isles fans (sometimes it feels like 50/50 though) ... I have a friend who's a big Rags fan and wants to take me to the next game at MSG (next Thursday) ... I was curious to know, what would you guys say is the split for Isles/Rags games at MSG? Do Isles fans "represent" at all? Just trying to figure out what I'm getting myself into.

Does anyone know Hilbert's plus/minus? From what I can see from watching the games he is a pretty decent defensive forward and he def is a hustler giving what looks like 100% on every shift. I do agree that the lack of goals is a problem especially for a guy who seems to hit the post alot and has tons of chances around the net. The question is how long do we wait for this guy????

C'mon Andy, score 2 goals tonight and assist on another.
YOU CAN DO IT.

With the "unbalanced" schedule, the Isles and rangers are playing for first place in the Atlantic Division tonight. The rangers have 5 point lead, but more importantly they both have exactly 1.25 Points Per Game Played.
The Rangers are playing great hockey, and Lundquist has been super sharp. Their only loss in the last ten games is to the Islanders. The rivalry is getting to where it was in the late 70's.
It should be a good one... could be a nice fuse to some explosive late season battles.

One other point on the standings... if they used a more accurate 3-point game system the standings would look like this:
PHI(34), NYR(33), NYI(29), NJD(26), PIT(25)... It doesn't seem like a big difference, but the isles would be way out in front in the PPG category with 1.81 to the flyers 1.79 and the rangers' 1.65.

As far as the article on First Base, good stuff. It's nice to see that Greg is reflecting what we are talking about here every day. And it's right on target. Hilbert, though liked, may be the link that needs to be changed to spark some offense. Though, if they won 80% of their games 1-0 I wouldn't complain. They are playing good, sound hockey and they're getting more good opportunities than their opponents night after night.
When they start playing out of division games it might be a good time to experiment with Andy on the fourth line or as a defensive partner with MAB in the press box. What we'll most likely see is Park being moved up to the third line when the team is down in the third period... which means FBA disappears, becasue the fourth line won't see the ice.
I'm not so sold on Bates replacing Hilbert. I think I'd rather have Hilbert's man-to-man defensive coverage over Bate's four goals in a week then POOF... he's gone. THough he should supply nice depth when he is ready to return. I think the best move is to bring Walter back up, and move Park up with Silly and Hunter.

Played with my son NHL 2008 on XBOX 360...Hillbert can't score in that game as well... Thought you'd all like to know. :)

Is it just me, or does Richard Park look like Blake did early in his career? He seems to fly around the ice, plays strong defense, and seems to spark the team when its needed. Hopefully in a year or two, he will get used to scoring a few goals and really stand out like Blakey did.

Uncle, Hilbert is a -4 in addition to zero production and bringing his linemates down. Tambellini, Comeau, or Walter would be demoted in a heartbeat if they performed like that, it's time for Ted to stop showing blind loyalty to Hilbert when the current team setup is not the optimal one.

As for the Park/Blake comparison, it makes some sense. However, I think it's a bit reckless to assume anyone who fits the "Blake Profile" will suddenly wake up and start scoring goals one day. Park is a solid 2-way player despite his penchant for going offside at an inopportune time, and he has offensive potential. Let's leave it at that.

MetalChick/KH: I'm in 302 for Wednesday's game against Montreal, and I'm still very interested in setting up a meeting place to discuss our plans to support the Lighthouse project. Let's chat tomorrow about a place.

Big one tonight - let's put Avery in his place and cool off the Rangers. BIG 2 POINTS - LET'S GET'EM!

IslesBri; it depends, last year at MSG you heard this "you cant beat us". After we gave it to them at there home.So sometimes we have a decent amount and sometimes not. It depends if you were able to get the the tix from wall street j/k.

It will be probably 70/30 ranger fans tonight. Lets win tonight

Coral: The habs fans want his head. i love Ryder and believe in our system he will be good.

JP: we need the 3 point system. Since the rag$ keep given points to other teams which i hope hurts them at the end of season

Shoot high Isles, he can stop them

Another joke............ http://www.tsn.ca/fantasy_news/feature/?fid=549

I liked Troy's blog about NHL2008 on XBOX360. Hilbert is just not any good. It's time he goes to Bridgeport and become the career minor league player he's destined to be. If you brought up somebody from the Pee Wee leagues to take Hilbert's place, it would be an improvement.

IslesBri; it depends, last year at MSG you heard this "you cant beat us". After we gave it to them at there home.So sometimes we have a decent amount and sometimes not. It depends if you were able to get the the tix from wall street j/k.

It will be probably 70/30 ranger fans tonight. Lets win tonight

Coral: The habs fans want his head. i love Ryder and believe in our system he will be good.

JP: we need the 3 point system. Since the rag$ keep given points to other teams which i hope hurts them at the end of season

Shoot high Isles, he can stop them

Brian~

Park will never have the scoring touch of Blake. It is not early in Parks career. He has been on many teams, and has played for over 15 years. He is a nice player with speed and smarts. He simply is not ever going to be a pure goal scorer!

Cannot teach an old dog new tricks!!!

Whenever he gets ice time on a line with guys who can move the puck good things seem to happen. His 10 goals last year were pretty impressive given his role.
Maybe expanding HIS role, and limiting the roles of others... who's name may rhyme with Candy Dilbert (not to be confused with sax player Candy Dulfer) this team might be improved.

I don't think they need to change anything tonight though... unless they are behind in the third.

This might be a good night for the Isles second line. The ol' crystal ball has Satan-Vasicek-(Bergy/Park) having a 4 point night.... and the PP will get one to break a slump.

I wonder if Nolan would call up Bootland and sit out Simon. If for no other reason than to protect him from the battery throwing garden animals.

Let's hope that if 3/8/7 is still an issue it gets settled between the two people that it involved... and not some beer swilling stock broker who's wife just left him for a guy who pays for his hockey tickets!

A win here keeps the trolls at bay for at least a week!!!

BY THE WAY... GREAT JOB NEWSDAY. It's nice not to have to scroll through the trollage to read an interesting point of view.

Thanks

Just a thought on the offense first type posts. I think there's a reason we signed guys that were supposed to be good two-way players, (Vasicek was billed as such, as was Sim. Guerin was said to be a responsible player. Sutton was billed as a crease-clearing defenseman). I think the whole idea was that, in the face of other teams in our division beefing up their offenses considerably, the object is not to match them there, but rather to play defense and win games by scores of 3-2, 2-1, etc. With the teams in our division, if we played wide open to score 4+ goals a game, then we'd come out on the losing end of 6-4 matches more often than not. The Devils tried to open their game without the high-powered personnel to do so, and look at how it's worked for them.

Stopping a goal by the other team is just as good as marching down the ice and scoring an equalizer, and that's where Hilbert, Sillinger, etc. have their value. I'd take them hands down over some speedy forwards on other teams that chip in some goals by goal hanging at center ice while the opposition is in their zone.

The downside here is, yes, when the opposition puts a bunch in, it's hard to catch up, but when the games are low-scoring, as they are more often than not, then the Isles stand a pretty good chance of winning. I'm comfortable with scoring three goals, or two, as long as the other team's scoring less. Imo, as long as the team D helps DP keep the GAA as far under 3 as he can, the Isles will win their share of games.

Upstate, I agree with you that solid 2-way play needs to be the hallmark of this team. Hell, this is why Ted didn't like Robert Nilsson - he was too one-dimensional. However, here's my problem: if Andy Hilbert plays solid D but short-circuits every offensive chance in which he's involved, can you call that responsible 2-way play? I don't think so. To me, 2-way play involves responsible defensive play and the ability to contribute to the offense. Ben Walter and Blake Comeau are far better bets to fill that bill than "First Base" Hilbert, and Richard Park would look far better on the wing with Hunter and Sillinger. This is my problem with Andy Hilbert - he's a one-dimensional player the other way, and frankly I find his defensive skills a bit overrated. His role on this team is over, it's time to move on.

I had such an argument sat night with one of my buddies on how the rangers have little history in there franchise.....he thought i was crazy......i asked him to name some hall of famers....he could hardly name any

Nick: Again, Hilbert is -4, but I can guarantee that if Tambs, Comeau, or Walter had that number, it wouldn't be because they were defending against Crosby, Briere, Jagr, and the rest of the league's elite. Also, Hunter's -6 right now, but we'd probably agree that he's a pretty good defensive forward. In fact, on the entire team, there are only three guys on the plus side, and I think that the numbers are largely influenced by the 8-goal shalackings of the Tor and Car games.

“Hopefully, Andy will get his game going and play the way he’s capable of playing. We don’t expect him to score hat tricks for us, but we expect him to play sound defensively, be a force on the forecheck for us and create opportunities for his linemates, which he’s done very successfully so far.”

Ok, was Nolan laughing when he said this? He thinks Hillbert has been creating opportunities for his linemates? Hillber has as many points this season for the Isles as I do ...Sillinger's numbers are down and Hunter has done his damage on the top line ...Park should be winger on the 3rd line ...Hillbert should be on the 4th line and PK - case closed. Getting an assist in the NHL isn't that difficult and Hillbert doesn't even have one ...it's unacceptable for him to have no points playing on the 3rd line at this time of year ...it's funny how Hillbert gets all these chances and time yet Tambellini gets such tiny oppportunities and if he doesn't produce in the 3 minutes a game then he gets sent down ...Hillbert gets a lot of ice time has no points and is a -4 yet gets praised ...what a world ...

In the midst of Greg's piece is the reason why Hilbert plays. In referring to Bergie, Nolan said he loved the energy, but basically said he hated his positioning. And when you you think about it, how many times have you seen Hilbert out of position on the defensive side all year?

One thing that was more evident to me watching Friday's game from the 30,000 foot rafters was how well the Isles played areas/opponents as opposed to simply chasing the puck in the defensive end. IMHO, 1) Hilbert surely covers a lot of area, and 2) the message other players get from watching Hilbert get rewarded with minutes may be soemthing that Nolan believes improves the play of others. It sends a strong message about what it takes to win as a team.

Ultimately, the real question is how much do you lose on the defensive end/team system to get a boost on offense. I see everyone calling for Walter, but he doesn't have about 10 minutes of NHL experience? Obviously, Tambellini hasn't satsified Nolan in this area either.

Having said this, the one complaint I have with Nolan, however, is the same one I had with Laviolette (and remember he won a Stanley Cup--and I'm just a desk fan!) he uses up his horses as far as they will take him. Over the course of 82 games and with so many 3 in 4's, I worry that the heavy reliance of three primary lines is simply unsustainable into March. I think we need to figure out a mangebale way to get extra minutes from a fourth line--and Nolan seems to see this as a negative--or maybe he hasn't reached the point of where he thinks just three lines is a grind.

In any event, off to MSG. Hopefully the villagers will be civilized.

JUST WIN BABY!!!
1-0 or 2-1 works just as well as 6-5.
And I don't give a damn who scores the only goal or gets a hat trick...

JUST WIN.

Upstate - I think you come pretty close to reflecting the thinking of Nolan going into this season. I'd personally assume Nolan still was hoping for a little more offense (recall that Sim had 17 goals last year). But you're not far from the overall approach to this season.

Thanks Nick ..... wow i dint realize Hilbert was on the minus side, in that case I guess it's time for him to put up or shut up. Nolan must recognize this and give him a seat in the rafters or try sending him down. It seemed as though he wasnt in the Isles plans this offseason then all of a sudden he was signed.

Upstate,
That's a valid point... and the basic reason why they play the games.
I don't think there are any teams nt he NHL that can play match up for 60 minutes. there are going to be stretches where you have to put out your top line against the other team's top line.... and the third line against the third line.
I think that this team has been built to be more balanced in that the first line can play responsible enough to shut out the other team's first line, and the third line can score against the other team's checking line.
Well.. the top line is doing their part defensively, but the third line is not doing their part offensively.
This is not a big problem if the first line is getting and finishing their opportunities. But the problem with the current islander team is that they are vastly outmanned in their division offensively, and the better mismatches occure deeper down the roster.
Sillinger and Hunter have 30 goal potential. Sillinger has lost a step from last year, and Hunter has been held back by that and the fact that Hilbert has been lost offensively.
If that line can't produce 50 goals this season they will not make the playoffs. If there is an opportunity to take a guy like Park who is sound defensively and spark that line... then do it.
Another thing, which may be taboo, is that switching park and (yes... I'm going ot do it)... sillinger, may not be a bad thing either. I think Sillinger is a tremendous hockey player, but moving park up to center that line when they need offense could help as well.
the other two centers have been contributing offensively, so there isn't too much you can do with Silly except cut some of his ice time and have him play with the Jackman and Simon for a few shifts...
The fact that the team has choices is a good thing. Maybe the answer is switching Hunter and Bergenhiem...

Agreed. You gotta play your strength and the Isles are a decent group of role players (primarily) that are well directed by Nolan.

I tried posting something before but they said they're reviewing it so I'll give it another try ...Nolans quote about Hillbert doing a good job of setting up his linemates is a joke right? I believe it was Nick who said it earlier and I agree ...if Tamby, Comeau, Walter or any other young guy produced as little as Hillbert they'd be sent down ...Nolan only gives the young guys like 3 minutes a game and expects miracles, yet Hillbert can go pointless for the season and be a -4 and be treated like a slumping superstar ...any shock that Sillinger's numbers are down this year?

I have a bad feeling about tonight, Isles have been struggling to score the Rangers have been winning and winning. This game needs to stay even or tip the Islanders way right from the get go or I see this being a loss. Must avoid giving the Rangers more than 3 power play chances if we can help it. Must ignore Avery's insitgation. Must try to get the Rangers defense scrambling.

We also need to cut down on those bad turn overs in front of DP, those have been heart attack inducing the last few games. Sometimes I feel the Islanders don't chip the puck out/around as hard as they should. MAB is guilty of this frequently but I've noticed it from Witt and Campoli as well.

With regards to the poster who asked why we don't carry the puck into the offensive zone on the power play its because if the other team is playing proper defense, it stands up at the blue to avoid such a thing. Teams know that's the easy way to setup so they wait at the top of the zone to check or pokecheck to disrupt the flow. The extra man is why the Islanders dump the puck in. It gets passed the players standing on the blue line and hopefully with the man advantage they can win the battle for the loose puck. While it does lead to a lot of stupid looking plays when it fails, I believe its more effective than the simply carry in.

And as for Islander fans at MSG, they usually make up about 30% of the crowd. At the pre season game this year it was actually half islander fans. It was certainly a strange game though as the arena was only half filled and it was very quiet and laid back (except when fights broke out of course). I was in a section with numerous Islander fans and we were having friendly chats with the Rangers fans in the section. I can't believe I left there without hearing any name calling.

Nick -- I am not sure where I'll be, so I'll come find you in 302. MetalChick, can you meet us there? I'll be wearing an Isles jersey in the old blue color (royal not navy), and an olive green baseball cap that says "Forest Hills."

Just got a call today from the Lighthouse Project, which is odd because I have no memory of calling them. Early onset senility? Anyway I left the guy a message that I'm talking to people about forming a group to help their efforts if there is a way for non-residents of the Town of Hempstead to do that.

Sounds good....I'll be wearing my new DP jersey with a cream-colored hat that says "2007 US Open - Oakmont"

Also, KH, I'm technically a TOH resident right now - so that could help us.

A few notes on tonights game:

It's great hearing ranger fans chant potvin sucks while their team is down 2-1.

Avery is finally starting to hurt his team more than he's helping them. Great job by King Ricky nailing him when he tried to pull his usual crap in the goalcrease. Showing him he can't get away with that stuff was totally worth the 2 minute penalty.

King Ricky wasn't really tested much thanks to a solid isles defense but he was there when he needed to be. Once again a nice 50:50 split with isles:ranger fans in the crowd. Jagr is the only guy on that team who I have an ounce of respect for. He's the only one who doesn't drop like a rock the second someone's stick touches him.

Any questions?

8-1-2

I as a hockey fan can admit, that when I watch Lundquist play teams on a nightly basis he looks like one of the best goalies in the sport. Even better than DP.

YET......certain players have IT (To steal a line from Parcells!) In my opinion DP has it. He constantly steps up in huge games. He, like Billy Smith before him, is a money goalie. He simply wills himself to win. Lundquits seems to do the opposite. He seems to play tight. Again, I think on a daily basis Lundquist might be better, but I will take DP in a big game over him anyday!

Tank and Vasicek were my two stars of the game. Loved the way Tank got under Averys skin....Simply brilliant to turn the tables. They played skilled, gritty, and smart!!!! What a job.

Martinek and Witt are simply awesome.

Comrie had a nice pass off the face off. He again did his normal toe drag and Sunday skate around the ice...SHOOT THE PUCK! I simply cannot stand how he tries to make every play a highlight reel!

Mr. Avery.....Your nonsense does not work against us. You yap and yap and yap....We do not listen....Than you take stupid penalty after stupid penalty. I cannot believe Stan the Maven compared him to Butch Goring. By far the funniest thing I ever heard. Goring was pure class. He never sought the lime light. You think Butchie would of done ten photo shoots and worn nail polish? I understand Avery is a spark plug, but he does not touch Goring as a player or as a man!

CONGRATS DP ON # 100 !!!!!

p.s Why in Gods name do Ranger fans boo their own team during Power Plays? Their team has won 5 in a row. One poor PP and out come the boo birds? Seems to me that if they are not booing, they are saying someone s^cks!

Meanwhile DP just "Smiles and waves boys, just smiles and waves!"

I would say 40-60, but still a nice showing again at MSG! Thanks to all the cops and firefighters from LONG ISLAND. The police precinct trips really help level the crowd out.

Great win tonight. That was one of the better games the Isles have played in years.
The Rangers couldn't get anything going at even strength or on the PP. The funniest thing about the game is that whenever something was happening for the rangers Avery was involved...
Avery...cross checking DP, and getting slugged for his trouble... Ranger announcers think that is what hockey is all about... getting away with penalties and drawing retaliation penalties.... MORONS
Avery...4 mins for high sticking becasue he hasn't figured out that the blade end belongs on the ice.
Avery...2 for roughing for tackling tank from behind... why tank got a penalty here is beyond me... is defending yourself a penalty?
Avery.. 2 for slashing...that really helps your team when you're down a goal in the third period.

$30M for Shanahan, Jagr, Drury and Gomez... but who is the key player on that team... a second line hack PUNK... HA HA HA HA.

The Isles took the hits... dished them out AND WON.
To contradict myself, I'll add that First Base deserved a star tonight. He was all over the ice tonight, breaking up plays, forechecking, backchecking, and clearing the puck. If there was one thing I would change it would be beam any other player in bridgeport into his spot when he had three opportunities in front of hank.
Bergy should have gotten one also. His physical play and his solid checking is earning him the opportunity to be a factor on this team and in the NHL.
This TEAM has gone up another wrung tonight. They were standing up for each other. They are now in front in their division, and they are dominating their number one rival.
Nolan has put together solid game plans, and is getting even better as a coach as he reaclimates himself to the NHL game.
What a great game... I might have to go watch it again!

Even though he didn't get a point, I really feel like after watching tonights game that as long as Berard is healthy, MAB should never suit up for this team again. Berard is so much better overall then MAB it's not even funny. (score could have been 4-1 if not for Berards two hit posts)

I also really like what I'm seeing from Gervais, stepping up on offense as well as making some sound defensive plays.

Isles looked great tonight!

Just got back from a lovely evening at the Garden. Hands down the best 60 minutes the Isles have played all year. There's really not much to say in that from what I saw, for the most part (I'll excuse the PP), they did everything right. They were relentless on the forecheck, got sticks and bodies on everything, and frustrated the Rangers in ways I've seen the Devils do, but without the neutral zone trap. The Rangers really didn't have many great scoring chances all night. The only real bad play might have been Berard getting turned around in the 3rd period for a scoring chance--something that is not sen much these days on the backline.

On the downside, I think there were the fewest number of Islander fans at MSG for any Islander game I've been to--and the problem on this BB (or a close relative) was sitting two rows behind me with the foulest mouth I've heard in several years. And if you said anything to him, he just got more loud and foul--if that was possible. At leats he didn't throw his beer. (Btw, AZS--was that you in the corner where the Isles shot twice with the Potvin jersey and Nike hat?).

Winning sure is fun! A day off and let's hope we can keep it going on Wednesday.

Posted by Red white and blue | November 19, 2007 17:20

According to a major hockey publication, the Rangers are currently ranked number 5 in the whole league. Only a matter of time before we hit number 1 boys! By the way, the Icelanders were somewhere near the bottom, I believe number 18 or 19. Ah, how sweet it is!

Yep! Just a matter of time boys.

Nice win Isles!!!!

Congrats DP on #100 .. Lots more to go over the next 13+ seasons!!

These low scoring 1 goal games are giving me fits. Someone has to breakout offensively. I was wondering if the low scoring has been because of the games being tight divisional games. I'll take the wins though. Better than losing 5-4 anytime.

On the Lighthouse project. I'm not a resident of Hempstead, or for that matter I'm no longer a resident of NY. However, making some trips to NVMC for Isles games would include some over night stays for sure with the extra attractions proposed for the site. I think that should be taken into account. Not to mention I still prefer rock concerts at NVMC over MSG or Continental (Pru Center haven't been to one yet) or even in Holmdel. Best shows I've ever seen were VH, Def Leppard, Queensryche, Tesla and Metallica ... etc at NVMC. That house just rocks.

That being said ... if you guys need some voices in favor of the Lighthouse Project for commerce's sake spread the word. Day trips to NVMC can be over nighters with the right venue.

How about the way my boy Brendan Witt (for President!) just continues to take Jaromir Jagr completely out of the game? He hasn't done anything in the three Islanders wins.

Radek Martinek's defensive play cannot go unnoticed. On three separate occasions tonight he thwarted Rangers rushes with physical play and good stick-checking.

My pre-game post"

" JUST WIN BABY!!!
1-0 or 2-1 works just as well as 6-5"

2-1 works just fine for me.

Good road trip. 4 points that could have easily been 5-6-7-8.
Had a chance to tie or win every game. AnytIme you split a road trip, it's A DAMN GOOD THING.

Next up a MUCH IMPROVED MONTREAL.
This game presents a real challenge to the "Post Ranger win letdown". The biggest challenge so far this year.
It is IMPERATIVE that the Isles come out with the same type of SOLID team play that has been the hallmark of their previous 120 minutes.

What's done is done. Celebrations are moot at this point.
Gloating is uncalled for.
Busy part of the schedule is coming up over the next 3 weeks. Each game must be approached with the attitude that this game is a chance to grab 2 pts from "a game in hand".

I am really liking what I see in this TEAM.
Have not had this feeling about an Isles TEAM since I was a single man. (24 years ago).

Nolan is working his magic with these guys.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

(The maven was WAY OFF BASE, comparing Avery to Goring.
I watched a lot of games back then and Goring never even spoke to his teammates, much less anyone on the other team. Butch Goring was a CLEAN hardworking hockey playe. PERIOD).

100 WINS FOR RICK DiPIETRO!!!!!!!!!!!
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

There was no better game to have been his 100th win- AND the Islanders 500th Road win!

:)
Kickass!!!

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Posted by KH | November 19, 2007 18:14 Nick -- I am not sure where I'll be, so I'll come find you in 302. MetalChick, can you meet us there? I'll be wearing an Isles jersey in the old blue color (royal not navy), and an olive green baseball cap that says "Forest Hills."

Just got a call today from the Lighthouse Project, which is odd because I have no memory of calling them. Early onset senility? Anyway I left the guy a message that I'm talking to people about forming a group to help their efforts if there is a way for non-residents of the Town of Hempstead to do that.
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Posted by Nick | November 19, 2007 21:28 Sounds good....I'll be wearing my new DP jersey with a cream-colored hat that says "2007 US Open - Oakmont"

Also, KH, I'm technically a TOH resident right now - so that could help us.
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OK, I dont know where I am sitting yet but I can come by and see you guys there. Question is, when? :)

Oh and I dont know what Ill be wearing yet other than my white plain jersey (I havent gotten lettering on it yet) bu once I do Ill post it here lol.

another w against the "big bad" rangers.

There are 6 games between now and the end of the month of November.
4 at home, 2 on the road.
10 points would be great.
8 points is achievable.

Let's get 8.

One last comment about The Maven comparing Avery to Butch Goring.

Butch Goring won the Lady Byng Award in 1978.

Nuf said?

I didn't hear it but if THE MAVEN SAID IT, then I have to believe that he is sitting WAY TOO CLOSE to Trautwig.

Oh man. Great win again. Amazing how they don't match up against us even though they are the better team. Good to see DP get #100. For any that don't know about it...get NHL network. Today I recorded "Classic Searies: NYI vs Pit '93." Tomorrow at 3Pm its isles-edm from '81. I went through the rest of this month and recorded at least 10 programs that include the isles. Truly a must for any hockey fan. Ok, there's my plug... Let's go Islanders!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just couldn't take the Steve Zipay nonsense any more, so I posted the following on his blog. Thought my fellow Isle fans might agree:

Oh my goodness, Steve this is embarrassing. I understand that blogs are less formal and less carefully digested than articles written for the paper but you are still a journalist and presumably expected to maintain basic journalistic standards. Rangers caught "napping"? Gave the game away? "Mystifying how they went down awfully quietly." These descriptions clearly imply that the Rangers were not trying their hardest to win the game. Yet no one who watched the game could possibly come to that conclusion, nor anyone who played in it. Chris Drury was quoted in the NYT saying, "“I think we want to win so bad against them, sometimes I think we get a little too white-knuckled." Went quietly? There were 75 hits in the game -- Greg Logan reported "the hitting was fierce from the outset"! There were several fights. You yourself quoted Dave Maloney as saying this reminded him of the games these teams played against each other in the late 70s. Lynn Zinser of the Times: "The Rangers admit they have become frustrated trying to shake a pesky nemesis, but the Islanders have treated the victories coolly, as if beating the Rangers were not such a big deal." So on what conceivable basis can you conclude that the Rangers weren't trying?

The Islanders played most of the second half of the game in the Rangers' end, holding them to only 19 shots, as you mentioned (compared to the Rangers' average of 32 or 33 -- stat was recited during the broadcast), and the Islander defense swarmed whenever the Rangers were in their zone. It would not be quite right to say the Islanders dominated, but let's say they played an extremely strong game and the Rangers, despite trying their hardest, were UNABLE to win. They did not give the game away by failing to try, and frankly, the Isles had a lot more good chances on Lundqvist than the Rangers had on DiPietro. Without Lundqvist (and in one case, the post), it would have been a more lopsided score in the Islanders' favor.

So one has to wonder why a journalist would report the way you did. I don't think it's laziness, as you're obviously a hard-working reporter, nor an inability to accurately perceive what you're watching. So I have to conclude it's just rank homerism. It is not a reporter, but a fan who WANTS to be able to say, "They didn't beat us, it was just that we didn't try." And if I look at your posts, they reek of that tone, in notable contrast to Greg Logan's. (I can't tell what team Logan is a fan of, and that's as it should be...)

For example:
"Nineteen shots---at home---is simply unacceptable."
"But if you were watching or listening, you know that the Rangers' forwards need to find the net. Good for Rozsival and his shortie, but some forward, any forward, needs to step up."

These are the words of a FAN rooting for the Rangers... I can't think of another NY area beat reporter who is an unabashed fan of the team s/he reports on. I guess that's OK, but not when it causes your reporting to turn into "Our most hated rival didn't beat us... We're obviously better so we must not have been trying." It's in marked contrast to Howie Rose and Gary Cohen, for instance, who are lifelong Mets fans and frankly know more about the history of the team than I know about my own family. We all know they are passionate fans, but it's not apparent from the way they call the games. Though they make the call excitedly when the Mets score, most of the time they are objective, and critical of the Mets when called for. And they're not even journalists, they're just play-by-play guys!! Even Ma and Pa Pinstripe, Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling, give due credit to opposing players for good performances against the Yanks. They do not hesitate to credit the Red Sox for BEATING the Yanks, and performing BETTER than the Yanks.

As you can probably tell, I am an Islander fan, But if I were a Ranger fan and regular reader of your blog, I'd be even more annoyed. With the Islanders 3-0 against the Rangers this season and winning convincingly last night, I'd want some analysis of WHY the Isles are winning in this series that is based on an accurate perception of what's happening in the games. How are they shutting my team down? What can we do to turn it around? If I wanted to hear, "We're better, we just didn't try... this should have been an easy two points," I could get that from the blue-seater next to me.

Nice job guys grabbing two more points from our cross town rivals. I continue to believe the Beemer Line (BMR) will pay dividends but as Steady rightfully pointed out, Comrie needs to shoot more and dippsey doodle less. The rest of the lines played such a disciplined game while DP continues to shine. It's scary to think how good Ricky could be IF he'd just stop over handling the puck. We only allowed one goal and the addition of a top rated scorer will make us very competitive no matter who the opposition is.

Steady:

Regarding booing, we're New Yorkers. We boo the bad plays and cheer the good ones, one of the reasons we are tough to play in front of. I've seen the Isles fans do the same thing after an ineffectual powerplay when the team has been playing well.

Also you have to keep in mind that even though they had won 9 of the last 10, their powerplay has been struggling so the booing is probably frustration over that fact.

I am disappointed we let another shortie in, it shakes our PP confidence a little bit and it robs DP of a shut out. I must say I was particularly proud of the effort shown last night, everyone was skating hard, everyone (even Satan) was hitting and being physical. They made the Rangers battle for every inch of space and thats why they limited them to only 19 shots.

Avery needs to go, I don't even see how Ranger fans can defend him at this point. That stick to the head of DP whether he was really trying to injure or anger him is just an irresponsible play. Of course the news stories just cover DP's reaction which I was happy with.

Sutton frustrated me with his penalties but I could forgive him because he was attempting to keep Jagr and Drury from slapping the puck home in the crease and the PK then bailed him out.

All of these one goal games...can the Islanders even hit the empty net? Giving me heart attacks until the final horn :)

Steady, glad you gave some credit to Marty and Witt. Those two are living instructional videos on how to play defense, but since they're not flashy, they never get stars of the game or get on highlight reels (well, maybe Witt occassionally for some of those open ice hits). Thought Campoli had an off night, and I was clueless as to why they had Sutton out there with 1:30 left in a one-goal game. Other than that, though, it was a great road game against a rival, but more importantly, the Isles went 5-2 against division opponents in that seven-game stretch, and split the four-game road trip that didn't start out so great.

Candyman - Since you hate it when Sillinger's out on the PP, I can't imagine what you were saying to the TV screen when they had Simon out there last night :)

Did anyone else do a double take when Berard stepped up on Drury? I was positive the jersey number was going to be 32.

Two good games in a row by the reconstituted "Leftover Line". If they keep playing like that, the goals will come, and I'm still impressed with how Comrie doesn't give up on the puck as easily as he did the first two weeks of the season.

Very, very sweet to win that one last night. Apparently, this is the seventh one-goal game in a row the Isles have played; that's an NHL record. But I'm far happier seeing the team have success against the regional rivals. Their level of physical play last night was perfect--Avery certainly could have baited Tank etc. into something worse than happened, and Avery came off hurting his team most with really untimely penalties.

You could say the same thing about Andy Sutton, who almost gave me a coronary at the end of the third...luckily, the Blueskirt PP was nonexistent.

One stat jumps out at me, the Islanders had zero giveaways last night. It was obvious they were more careful with the puck than they had been in the Pitt and NJ games, but zero turnovers is impressive for this squad.

And Chris Campoli has really raised his game to the next level this year. It's amazing, he doesn't look one bit like the kid he was the last couple seasons. The stats don't yet bear it out (although 9 assists in 17 games isn't terrible for Campy) but he is definitely more of a presence out there this year.

MTL-BOS-BOS will be a great test of the team the rest of this week...2 wins are vital.

LET'S GO ISLANDERS (and happy turkey day from your neighbor to the north)

Biggest win of the year and no one is talking about it???

Posts must be getting held for some reason?

"Is anyone alive out there?"

ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT (except the way the NHL does) the Isles are in first place...

PPG
NYI(1.29)
PHI(1.21)
NYR(1.19)

WIN%
NYI(.65)
PHI(.61)
NYR(.60)

The rangers have been playing great hockey. The only team to have played better are the Islanders... and the only team they haven't beaten is Philly... This has the makings of a classic season.

Congrats DP on win 100. IMO, if Comrie doesn't stop skating with Shanny, DP would have celebrated his 100th with his second consecutive SO, and a SO streak extending to 123:15.
But two consecutive wins is pr