The injury bug has taken another bite out of the Islanders’ lineup. Third-year defenseman Chris Campoli, who was in the process of nailing down a roster spot and developing a two-way game, has been lost for the season to a shoulder injury. Campoli is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic to repair a torn shoulder ligament.
Together with forwards Jonathan Sim and Shawn Bates, Campoli is the third Islander to suffer a season-ending injury. In his third season, Campoli recorded four goals and 14 assists for 18 points in 46 games, which had him on track to equal or surpass his 34-point rookie season. Campoli and Marc-Andre Bergeron formed an especially effective pair at the points on the Isles’ top power play unit.
“Chris Campoli showed in the playoffs against a fast Buffalo team how effective he can be, and he carried that over into training camp,” general manager Garth Snow said. “I thought he matured and learned a lot in the first half of this season. I don’t think we’ve scratched the surface on how good Chris can be.”
Luckily for the Islanders, Snow stockpiled nine NHL caliber defensemen this season. Although he lost Freddy Meyer on waivers early in the season before reclaiming him, Snow always believed in Meyer’s defensive ability and physical play.
The Islanders’ GM backed up his conviction yesterday by signing Meyer to a two-year contract extension worth slightly less than $1.2 million. Meyer's salary this season is $525,000. After the Isles reclaimed Meyer from Phoenix on re-entry waivers, he sat for 18 of the next 19 games, but he joined the lineup on Dec. 19 and he stepped up and performed well in a major role in the top defensive pairing after Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek went down.
Witt and Martinek both returned on Monday, which allowed Meyer to return to the second pairing with Andy Sutton, which has been effective in the Isles’ defense-first strategy. Signing Meyer solidifies the defense, especially if he continues to play as tough as he has recently.
“Freddy got caught in a numbers game,” Snow said of his earlier release. “We knew when we let him go there was a good chance he’d be picked up. It was a bonus when he was put on waivers again and we got him back. Freddy handled himself like a professional, and his character was evident as a player and as a person with a new baby in the family.
“He’s played great, and his hockey sense and ability to skate makes him really effective. He’s one of our better defensive defensemen, and his numbers on offense in Philadelphia show there’s an upside on offense.”
Campoli’s injury means the Islanders are less likely to trade Bergeron, who leads the team with seven power-play goals. Bergeron has shown flashes on defense, but he also has games like Monday against the Canes, when he was charged with four giveaways. If Campoli hadn’t suffered a season-ending injury, coach Ted Nolan would have faced a tough decision between Campoli and Bergeron when the former returned. That’s no longer a consideration, and Nolan still has offense-minded Bryan Berard and defense-oriented Aaron Johnson in reserve on the blue line.
GAME NOTES: Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro betrayed a hint of pain near the end of the second period of the Isles’ 3-2 overtime loss to Carolina last night at Nassau Coliseum. But that has nothing to do with the fact that Wade Dubielewicz is starting against the Hurricanes tonight at RBC Center.
The plan all along was for Dubielewicz to start the second game of the back-to-back against the Canes with DiPietro to finish as the starter Thursday in his hometown of Boston before heading to Atlanta for the All-Star game as a backup to starter Martin Brodeur of the Devils. DiPietro downplayed the situation after Monday afternoon’s game.
Asked if he suffered an injury, DiPietro said, “No, it was just a little tweak.”
Had it been anything serious, DiPietro would have been replaced as the backup tonight by Joey McDonald or Mike Morrison of Bridgeport. But he’ll be behind Dubielewicz, whose last NHL appearance was a 4-1 victory over Carolina at the RBC Center on New Year’s Eve.
Comments (81)
Repost from end of last article blogging...
The flyers came out after the second and focussed on putting pressure the Isles Defense. They succeeded. But the Flyers gave up lots of chances to put the pressure back on them. The forwards made too many bone-headed plays and sent the play back in our end.
Hunter may have indeed had an off game, but I think that is the exception for him. True, some improvement in fighting skills may be needed, but I think he is a keeper.
Steady, I'll take you up on the free beer at the next game if the Giants win. I can send a cardboard cut-out of myself or a blow-up doll. Your choice!
:)
Kevin T.
Major ouch on Campoli.
Good news for Freddie IV
Big loss. The kid was progressing nicely. He now cannot be further developed nor traded. Ughhhhhhhh
Kevin T...Ever since my last blow up doll incident, I am banned from them. I'll take the cardboard cut out. LOL
This is not good news, not good at all...but I sure am glad that Snow did stockpile D-men, because I just don't think our depth at the Bridge really could compensate.
That being said, I hope MAB and Berard are never paired together, even on the PP. That could be a nightmare. Let FMIV take Campoli's spot on the PP and move Johnson in to play with MAB.
From the previous blog,
Merrick
"FWIW, Trent hunter plays a lot on the PK.."
I can't substantiate either way, very possibly he does and I am out of line with that statement, however from the barcolounger I DO notice when Park and Hilbert are on the ice during the PK and I am comfortable seeing THEM. Hunter is giving me the willies anymore.
"..--and the tying goal came on a long shift for his (line). The failure to clear early in the shift and pressur the points (fatigue?) is what did them in"
Well, if fatigue was an issue, laying down on the ice in front of Wallin and sacrificing the body (and taking a nap) would have been appropriate. Yes?
Disclaimer.
I am being rough on Hunter lately. I DO like the guy.
But he is having a LOUSY season.
Well, at least we wont be hearing anymore MAB trade pleads here for this season. Losing Campoli really hurts. Signing Meyer was a good move for this and next year. I think Johnson needs to now step up he way Meyer did when Witt and Martinek went down. Both Johnson and Meyer can score a few goals, but as long as they both play smart defense, the Islanders should be in good shape.
So far i've seen nothing physical about the Islanders. They were a bit sloppy, but not a lot of hitting at all. Main theme: SHOOT THE PUCK STOP WITH THE FANCY PASSING.
Okay, who's the rube that posted a comment earlier about Hunter not being on the PK? He even got a point on the PK. (Nice D by the Canes- 4 guys below the goal line).
What games is he watching?
Move the Cheeto bag and pay attention to the WHOLE screen.
Netminder
"SHOOT THE PUCK STOP WITH THE FANCY PASSING"
There is nothing fancy about "Here, have the puck" Comrie.
Let's see a 4th line PP.
505
i know i saw him trying to pass instead of shoot during that 2 on 1.
I would like to see hilbert and comeau take a PP. That actually would be fun to see.
PARK SHORT HANDED!!!! 2-1 ISLES!!!!
ANOTHER SHORT HANDER!!!! 3-1 ISLES!!!!
Three Toe Drags and zero shots by powder puff Comrie!
Why don't the Isles use 4 Offensive players along with MAB on the Power Play ???? Bruno Gervais? Sutton?? Come on be creative !!!
Grinders doing it yet again.....Our so called skilled offensive players are so poor it is scary. Thank God for Park and Sillinger or we would be 10 points out of a playoff spot.
**On the Miggsey front....We all gave props and I ate some crow about how well he played this year. He hit like we all thought he could not. But did it cost him? Is his body meant to play the way he played this year? I kind of think his shoulder suffered the consequences of him listening to me rip him for being weak! :)
Oh yeah,,,,,,,Trade MAB for a used water cooler and a bag of hockey tape. (Sorry netminder, couldn't resist)
BERGIE!!!! WHAT IS GOING ON TONITE!!!?
steady: i want a gatorade cooler, not water for MAB. lol
I meant on the CAMPOLI topic...Not the "Miggsey Front"
LOL......I think they are one and the same!!!
Sorry miggsey. Actually a compliment b/c you made the call he would be good!
Much better period. The Islanders need to stay aggressive and keep Carolina on their heels, and flat-footed. That last goal by commodore was just a bad bounce.
Okay Isles,
Can we put away the nightmare of the last two games?
We're back in the same situation, as Jaffe said, almost a replay of the PHL game.
Solid 3rd period here. No "prevent defense" please, let's give some consideration to making this gift 4 minute PP productive.
Wow, Maven and Trautwig just called Nolan a "magician".
C'mon Isles. Make me put salt on my crow, Trent. ( I am already eating it, it just needs a little salt).
Whoever scores first in the third is going to win this game. If Isles give up one ................ Get ready to break some remotes, b/c they will cave.
nice to stay positive there steady
Eat your words Steady!!!!
Would you like some of my crow Steady?
God I love Blake Comeau.
Great game by Dubie
If not for Dubie and the grinders they would of lost. Thank God Dubie stood on his head in the third. Glad I was wrong, but I was CORRECT that they would cave...They played horrible!
As for your boy MAB "net" YES....TRADE HIM He is so pathetic it is scary.
The other thing we should all be thankful for is Comrie has only a one year contract. He is the worst player that has skill I have EVER seen. He could not touch Blakes JOCK STRAP!!!! Yah he may have better numbers this year, but that is b/c of Blakes illness and his current team.
DO NOT RE-SIGN COMRIE !!!!
I do have to reiterate that as long as the team continues to win and still in the playoff race, i wouldn't even bet that the Islanders will trade anybody. This is the team, and we're gonna have to face that until this season is over. So I don't think Comrie will get traded, and, sorry steady, neither will MAB. Unless something drastic happens that the Islanders are out of contention, everyone should stay put unless there is a really sweet deal out there for Snow to make.
Trent Hunter a Plus 3 tonight.
NICE JOB TRENT!!!!
The final score doesn't indicate it .... but that game made me reach my target heartrate for the day.
505 ~ Don't be so hard on yourself for criticizing Trent before the game. We all knew your strategy .... you took a page out of Steady's book with regards to MAB ... and knew that if you criticize Trent he'd have a great game.
Personally ... I wasn't comfortable with tonight's game at all. I think the Isles took good advantage of Carolina's use of forwards at the point during their power plays. The grinders and Dubie made the difference.
Watching that game also galvanized my opinion of the Isles' team speed ... which looks reverse at times. I keep forgetting ... that the Isles have some players that are soooo slow.... that the average speed guys on the team look like speedsters compared to them. When the Isles play a team with good team speed ... the Isles "speedsters" look like they are skating in cement. This has to be addressed in the offseason ... b/c their is no way it's going to be taken care of the rest of this season.
"505 ~ Don't be so hard on yourself for criticizing Trent before the game. We all knew your strategy .... you took a page out of Steady's book with regards to MAB ... and knew that if you criticize Trent he'd have a great game."
;)
Love it when I am proved wrong.
Just throws credence on the theory that this blog is read on an hourly basis by everyone in the Islander organization!!
;)
Let's see...
Go on the road, get outplayed, give up roughly 40 shots, have no PP and you win.
Play at home, do reasonably well, have a few lapses, even totally outplay the other team, and you lose.
Basically, that has been the Islanders in January. Why do we even bother evaluating their play!
But anyway...
Richard Park has looked like a real goal scorer on his last two breakaway goals against Philly and the Canes. He even had a killer instinct look on his face when coming in alone.
Having watched Blake Comeau several games, especially live when you can see the entire ice, I don't think it's an overstatement to say that he might have the best ice vision on the entire Islanders team. This is a guy who when he gets the puck almost always carries or passes it to the place of least danger or greatest opportunity. I think he still looks to dish more on the offensive end than shoot, but that's a reflection on non-selfishness. Contrast him to Comrie in terms of hockey smarts/vision...it's night and day.
We'll miss Campoli...even Steady hasn't made any comments this year about Campy sliding all the way to the Meadowbrook!!!! Have fun in Boston...I wish I could join you, but I might have to settle for Okposo in the Bridge tonight and giving my son his first look.
Steady: "Why don't the Isles use 4 Offensive players along with MAB on the Power Play ????"
Were you being sarcastic or were you serious (tough to tell in print)? Nolan tried that earlier in the year and it resulted in something absurd like four shorties against in three games. I'd rather not score and just hum the circus music in my head while the Isles stumble around for two minutes on the power play than go through that again.
Last night was wild. They got completely outplayed in the third; we always credit DP with "saving the game" for them, and I think we should say the same about Dubie last night. It looked like the ice was tilted against them in the third until the Isles snapped out of it with a nice play by Comeau. Until that moment, though, it seemed to me like it was only a matter of time before the Canes put another one in there, but Dubie was a rock. He faced a ton of shots - many of them quality shots - and stood tall...relatively speaking.
Blake Comeau is a keeper. Its so nice watching someone on the Islanders that can actually skate with the opposition. Put this guy with some skill players Ted!!!! The boy can dish!!! We NEED to trade Satan and Comrie at the deadline for some prospects, the both of these guys are frustrating to watch.
Comrie has only a one year contract. He is the worst player that has skill I have EVER seen.
dead on. i said this once and i'll say it again, for a guy who supposedly is a "skilled" player this guy spazzes out and gives away scoring chances more than anyone since mikko makela.
I completely agree about Comrie being horrible. This guy never ever takes the puck to the net and his toe drags are killing me. He consistently turns the puck over and falls down. DO NOT RE-SIGN him and unload him at the deadline if we can. He is painful to watch.
Same goes for Vasicek, and Fedo..... These guys bring nothing to the table.
It would be a better move for the future and even for the present. If Tambellini and Okposo get called up to replace those guys we would be much better.
Funny how everyones opinion of Freddy Meyer has completely changed........
One more thing...
Comeau looks outstanding and should play on one of the top two lines. He has great vison, loves to play the body and is one of the best skaters on the team. This kid is solid and gets better every game
Upstate Isles Fan
"I'd rather not score and just hum the circus music in my head while the Isles stumble around for two minutes on the power play"
ROFL!!!
Great line, I may use that elsewhere, I'll send you a royalty check.
Oh for a team (management) that had the gazoongas to actually play that the next time the Isles have a power play at home. Or, hmm....next time the Rangers are in? Play it on one of their PP's?
That just might generate a letter or phone call or two.
Too funny.
Sean Bergenheim's goal received Number One Play of the night from NHL on the Fly last night.
ATTABOY Bergie!!!
That was the best shot on net he's had all year.
Nothing like "lowering" one's expectations?
Or...
Someone told him he better start playing off his ass?
On to the B's who got whomped by Les Habs last night.
Since Steady will be in the house, I'm parlaying an MAB hat trick with a Comrie Gordie Howe hat trick.
At which point Steady is assigned the task of convincing the Boston faithful that a deal involving MAB/Comrie for Chara is a no brainer for the Bruins.
The 2nd best news from last night???
Ottawa drops another one to Florida.
Humble Pie is being served fresh and hot in the Ottawa broadcast booth.
Ah, that Garth Snow has an eye for talent.
Anyone remember my post the other day about the Chinese Kid (Number 6) who was on the NTV clip? I said to get that kid's "Xuan Do" on a contract now?
Well read below:
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=350818
My name is Liu Qing...and I'm an Islander.
It is great to see Comeau get more ice-time and start to make an impact. True fans like to watch the young players develop.
Andrew, I agree about with you and everyone else about Comrie, but I like Vasicek, and Fedo. There is a lot pressure on these players on this team. Sometimes they are asked to do too much.
Kevin T.
19Isles,
re your "Outta Towners" weekend at the Marriott/NVMC.
Won't be long before the banquet menu will have to be changed from the traditional baked ziti/Italian sausage/stuffed clams etc to one including something with a distinctive Szechuan flavor.
How does one say "Steady" in mandarin?
Invite MAB and Comrie to the banquet and there will be new meaning to the term "Duck" sauce.
Merrick
"My name is Liu Qing...and I'm an Islander."
I guess you could say that the future of the Isles is Liu Qing good?
Forgive me, I haven't had a drink yet this morning.
I''ll go to work now.
I think Garth Snow has done a great job in setting the Islanders up for the 2008/09 season.
We're set in goal: DP and Dubie
D: Marty/Witt/Campoli/Gervais/Sutton/Meyer/MAB: just have to re-sign the two youngsters who are RFA's
O: I'd bring up the kid line from Bridgeport by the end of the season: and skate them as the 3rd line.
Trade Satan/Comrie before the deadline: get prospects for 09/10.
line 1: Park/UFA/Guerin
line 2: Sim/Sillinger/Comeau
line 3: Nielsen/Tambellini/Okposo
line 4: Bergenheim/Hilbert/Hunter
Instead of last year when it seemed like we needed to sign an entire new team, the big need for 08/09 will be a top line center.
If we can sign that center, and the kid line comes along, look for more scoring with a good D, and stingy goalies.
Blake Comeau has got an unbelievable amount of natural hockey sense. Bergenheim's got a ton of energy, and I like him - but Comeau's a freaking keeper. I think that kid's gonna be one hell of a pleasant surprise.
Catman,
A little juggling to your lineup for next year:
line 1: Comeau/UFA/Guerin
line 3: Sim/Sillinger/Hunter
line 2: Nielsen/Tambellini/Okposo
line 4: Bergenheim/Hilbert/Park
The "perfect blend" of youth and experience. (With a tilt towards the youth). Pray for 30+ goal years from Comeau, Tambs and KO.
The "key" is the right centerman for the NBR 1 line.
I was gonna say break the bank on Ribiero for the UFA centerman, but he just signed an extension with Dallas.
Daymond Langkow of Calgary??
There are no centers on the UFA list that make my mouth water.
Joe Sakic, as much as I love the guy, is long in the tooth. As is Sundin. Most of the quality centers are 1-2 year contract guys.
Just looked over the Isles list of potential UFA's. Only Dubie and HUNTER jump out as losses that might bother me.
If Hunter leaves through UFA, bring back Asham, we need a boxer and put him on 4th line and move Park up to 3rd line.
While I am happy with our D corps, Campoli is now, unfortunately, a question mark. I am willing to see how Johnson measures up. Otherwise there's a UFA named Campbell up in Buffalo that would look good in an Isles jersey, mostly because it just might put his old man in a looney home. Wayne Redden would be nice but he may well break the bank.
Just my opinion.
West Coast Isles Fan,
"Blake Comeau has got an unbelievable amount of natural hockey sense."
As evidenced by the drop pass to Witt last night.
Replay showed Comrie wide open to the right of the net. But it would have taken a pinpoint pass from Comeau to get it to him, and then he risked watching Comrie make a toe drag on the open net, then gently flipping it toward the twine. Or else Comrie might have waited for Ward to slide over so he could skate to the other side of the net, after attaching a neon "take me" sign on the puck.
Think I'm joking?
How many out there are now visualizing those moves?
This just in from Entertainment Weekly.
Dateline Los Angeles.
The entertainment empires of Kristi Yamaguchi and Hillary Duff announced an agreement in principle on a trade of leading men Bret Hedican and Mike Comrie. Details are incomplete, but first reports indicate that Hedican will be sent to the Duff empire in exchange for Mike Comrie and a baby to be named later.
"It's the toe drag" Ms. Yamaguchi explained. "I've been wanting to incorporate it in my skating routine, and Mike Comrie is clearly the world's leader in that element of skating. Although Bret has done wonders in bringing speed and power to my routines, Mike can take my show to a more aesthetic level".
When reached at the Milli Vanilli studio in Midtown Manhattan, where she is ghost writing a new album with Ashlee Simpson, Ms. Duff was quoted as saying.."Bret Hedican? Is he a hockey player? Okay, cool. At least I'll be able to move around in my condo again after all the damn furniture is taken out".
In related news, Long Island's Newsday readers can now look forward to yet another "Back in Time" article from Jim Baumbach as he tracks down Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson.
My buddy (Sabres fan) heard on the radio today rumours of Guerin for Campbell. Of course trading Guerin seems unreasonable but maybe there is something to the Isles trying to get Campbell.
I've been on a BIG BLUE HIGH lately.... so I'm just here to play Devil's Advovate:
Is there anybody else out there that might think that Comrie has been playing through a shoulder injury this year.
I can't say I saw a whole lot of him before this year, but I was really excited when he signed with the Isles. He was one of those second tier guys who I thought would flourish in this system.
First he played great, but was skiddish around the rough stuff, and the back-check... not his MO. Then he completely lost his shot... not that he was known for it, but he did have a pretty good wrister... at least it was better than Witt's... now... not so much.
All arrows point to an upper body injury that he has played through, rather than jeopardize his 2008-09 contract value.
that being said, he's probably worth a bag of pucks at the deadline. Satan has some value, but if there'sa shopping cart in our aisle it will be for Hunter and/or Sillinger. Going into crunch tme teams want those kind of guys to fill roster spots, and Silly is starting to heat up.
If I'm right you won't see a lot of movement by the Isles. But what I would like to see is Comie getting 15 days to heal up and let tambellini see if he can carry the mail. I don't think he'll break down walls, but he should be able to help the team more than comrie has lately. I still think Comrie is a good re-sign (if it is a mendable medical issue) becasue of what else is available and the fact that a mediocre year (he still leads the team in points) could be the dented can value that the team should take advantage of... especially if there is another UFA they may have targeted.
JoVas and Tank are keepers... Comeau may be playing one of them or Hunter off the team. He'll be fine given 15 minutes with 2 or 3 PPM's per game.
Brian Campbell is not Colin Campbell's son as one astute blogger noted earlier (Islander505).
Colin Campbell's son is Greg Campbell of the Panthers.
And ummm.... it's Wade Redden not Wayne... also posted by the same astute blogger.... (Islander505).
Just trying to keep at least some of the information on this blog somewhat factual.
DOC
Oops doc,
Thanks for reading.
Find the third
Steady -- I know I mentioned a while back that I would be at the game, but it turns out I won't be able to make it. It became less urgent once I was able to take my Newton nephew to an Islanders game on Long Island (I had once thought taking him in Boston would be the only opportunity), and then work intervened and put paid to my plans to go up there for this game.
But enjoy it, and let's take two!
So guys, I had a meeting with the Islanders yesterday. I can't remember if I mentioned this on the board, but I submitted a proposed TV ad to the Islanders based on the "We're All Islanders" slogan. Well, they liked it a lot and are going to use it. Yesterday I met with front office people for the first time to talk about the ad and what else my co-writer and I (I write with a partner) might do for them. I have no prior experience in advertising, I was just inspired to write the ad out of fanly passion.
Anyway, the reason I'm posting this info is that I wanted to let everyone know that I conveyed to them some of the great marketing ideas that people have posted on this board, and also told them where the ideas came from and what an exceptional discussion goes on here. I have no idea if they'll now be looking in on the blog, but it seems at least a bit more likely. I mentioned the shuttle buses from the LIRR and aggressive marketing in Queens and Brooklyn ideas that I and others have been advocating here, 19 Isle's 3d jersey idea (they loved it), the travel packages for Islander fans who no longer live in the NY area, season ticket plans that allow the purchaser to sit in different seats at different games... can't remember what else. They were very receptive to all of it so, we'll see what happens.
By the way, I was very impressed with the professionalism and graciousness of the Isles' front-office staff that I met. It's definitely a new day in that organization.
One more thing. Steady, from watching the B's, is there anything positive to say about the Nokelainen trade? The guy has 5 goals in 36 games played with only an average of 7:53 of ice time. Seems like he's got more skill than Walter, about whom there seems to be no buzz based on what he's doing at the Bridge. Please tell me I'm wrong on this one.
Good job KH!
Comrie: An upper body injury is plausible. Against the canes he had a perfect opportunity to check someone in the corner (and should have), but totally put on the brakes.
Walter: Saw him in Bridgeport last night (crowd was no bigger than 500--and I'm being generous). He scored a goal on a rebound, but otherwise was nothing extra special. Hard to judge since I was down by the galss most of the game, but I was a Nokie fan and never liked the deal.
Okposo: Most impressed last night with his stick handling and strength on the puck.
For those like KH and a few ho are wondering how the youngsters are doing, Chriss Botta gave his opinion from the following link.
http://nyipointblank.blogspot.com/
Can't really judge that trade about Walter until he actually comes up and plays, but I think we have a good future on offense, and from what I read it looks like we might be drafting a defensman in the first round....enjoy.
Excellent KH .... nice to have a voice from here getting inside the front office. You must of been beaming coming out of that meeting.
I used to do promotions for rock bands in the 90s .. so I feel your enthusiasm when it comes to translating your passion into a workable advertising / marketing campaign .... keep it up. You received positive feedback and actually scored on your plan on the first try.
My first attempt at promotions and advertising, I got laughed at by the adsales VP at Time Warner NYC with my first ever advertising / marketing plan. LOLOL!!! However, I must say I went on to become the golden boy of all music and sports related promotions ... because my stuff actually got noticed by their target market (I was their target market as well) .... just goes to show ... advertising starts at the grass roots .... not Madison Ave. (sorry to those marketing professionals). Great Job once again KH!!! ^5
Oh, and thank you for passing on my ideas too ... I never would have had the opportunity to have done that myself .... and for passing on other's ideas as well. You can be our advocate. :)
I had done a little research last night and since I don't have to work until tonite, I wanted to do a piece on what i thought were a few keys to success for the Islanders coming into the "Second Half" after the All-Star break. It turned out longer than I thought, so I will just give you the link, and you are all welcomed to read it, and please comment to let me know how far off i may, or may not be, because i do value opinions here.
http://islandersblogger.blogspot.com/
Nice job KH. Let me know if there's anything I can do on the "Out-of-town" side to help the cause.
It was especially good for you to make the Isles' management aware of the quality and depth of discussion that's been taking place here. Regular posters to this blog are certainly among the nucleus of the fan base, and these observations / suggestions / rantings reflect essential needs of what could be a much larger and happier Islander nation. It’s also very beneficial for all of us to somehow communicate to the team what we feel the organization is doing right.
One suggestion… Rather than simply pointing out the existence and quality of the comments on Logan’s blog and hoping the organization commits a resource to wade thru the daily postings, it might be best to occasionally forward a document containing some of the more insightful “highlights” from recent comments. Did you happen get an email address that could be used for this. Let me know, as I’d be happy to help out.
Oh and by the way......Happy belated anniversary goes to Mike Bossy and is 50 goals in 50 games done last night 27 years ago!!!! Thank You!!!!
Was just reading over some of the bloggers from the bloggers website and 7th women had an interesting post with Garth answering some questions from a radio interview he did with Don & EJ....not much to the interview i thought except for this one very interesting comment about simon...i hope its not true but here it is....
On Chris Simon: Okay people, hold onto your hats, here goes. “The team, I think, everyone supported Chris to a man. He took it upon himself to get some counseling. Chris Simon is a player who was my first roommate when I came out of the Nordiques. He’s a quality person in the community… reading at schools, visiting hospitals… he’s the first player to volunteer. … When he is ready to come back, we’ve got a spot open for him.” (There you have it. You were curious what would happen? There ya go. )
for the rest of the blog if you want to read it heres the link
http://www.7thwoman.blogspot.com/
Hate to do this, but I just heard them talking about it on the FAN. And, as a hockey fan it needs to be recognized.
Congrats to Brian Leetch for tonight's ceremony. As much as I can't stand the Rangers or their fans I always liked Leetch. Great offensively and underrated defensively. IMO, one of the best there ever was. Captain of the US team during that great World Cup in '96, Norris trophies, Conn Smythe and just an all around class guy.
Congrats to Leetch.
Vukota -
Agree with everything you said. And I'm sure most of us feel the same way, and we all would have posted the same comment if the penalty for so doing hadn't been in existence. That said, I regret to inform you of the following decision...
You are hereby suspended from this board for the duration of one (1) Islander game.
Thanks for taking the hit. ;-)
Ouch, Cincy!!! I'll abide by the Kangaroo Court's decision!! Just thought it had to be said. See you guys on Friday.
7th Women: Speaking of look a likes; throw a blonde afro on Bergenheim and he could be ayoung Art Garfunkle (check out album artwork).
Well now that I know soemone from the Islanders organization may be popping by to see what is being said by the fans, I will post my opinion on Miro Satan and his pending free agency.
Miro is close to the same age as Blake was ( less than one years difference). Blake got a five year deal which will end when he turns 39. We were looking to offer 3 years at the most. Don't you think a guy like Miro with 9 consecutive 20 + goal seasons will get that same kind of deal this summer? If you do not plan on offering that kind of deal then please make a move prior to the trade deadline so we can get something in return for him. He has 11 goals thus far, he is streaky and he could score 5 next week for all we know. I really like Miro and he is a great Islander but I don't want to lose an asset again without getting anything in return.
Warning ... reading this post may be hazardous to your eyes and your precious time... LOL
Hockey Purgatory:
From the Spring of 1994 to the June 2001 draft ... the Isles were an organization deep rooted in the NHL's chambers of burning hell fire. Without rehashing the details of those seasons ... we all know how bad those years were .... it is safe to say those years were the darkest and bleakest the organization has ever known.
During the 2001 draft weekend ... Mike Milbury led Wang down a path that Wang would later regret ... mortgaging the future of the team for a breath of hockey mediocrity ... which the Isles are still deep set into. Again ... we all know the details of which I'm refering to without getting into it.
Today the Islanders are still entrenched in the mediocrity from which Mad Mike steered the course of the franchise .. 7 years later.
In my analysis of the last 7 years I noticed a pattern about the Isles that occurs roughly ever 7 years ... so it is safe to assume ... that this year is another turning point year. From the team's first year to its first Stanley Cup ... 7 years ... roughly 7 years after that ... the Isles began losing the main cornerstones of the franchise (ie: Bossy retires in 2007).
That great run of 1980 to 1987 began with winning 19 series in a row on the way to winning 4 Stanely Cups and a run to the Finals for a 5th cup attempt. This 7 year period was capped (no pun intended) with a memorable Easter Epic playoff game against the Caps which was punctuated by Pat LaFontaine's quadruple OT goal.
The next playoff year started a new era ... a shocking loss to the Devils in the playoffs to begin a frustrating era in Islander history ... a strugge with futility and mediocrity ... again another 7 year phase ... with really low lows (missing playoffs) and some nice high highs (1993 playoff run) ..... That era also said goodbye to all the remaining players, ownership and organization members that wrote the script of the Islanders 1980s dynasty. The sole remaining soldiers from that era that were actually in the Finals for the Isles in 1984 were Flately ... and Arbour. The end of this era also marked the begining of another era for the NHL .. Gary Bettman, exploding player saleries and expansion. A bad time to be rebuilding a team.
Spring 1994 through June 2001 ... a 7 year period of Hell ... Mike Milbury .. some bad draft picks (ex: 1998 Michael Rupp 9th overall pick), horrible trades and ownership problems. Need I have to say anything more about this 7 year period of fire and brimstone?
June 2001 through present .... a 7 year period of Purgatory ... of Hope ... Promise ... and Disappointment in the End. This also was an era of bad trades and questionable draft picks ... but yet an improvement over the previous 7 year era ... that improvement is primarily based on ownership stability.
Now I see an overall positive feeling from the organization ... an organization that is innovative and makes an effort to improve. The organization seems to be moving slowly in the right direction now. Wang has really learned on the job ... but there still is glaring evidence that there is still a lot more to be done. I give Wang credit for saving the Islanders .. because the Islanders could of been easily moved to Seattle or Houston by now if some other owner took the Isles off the scrap heap. Thanks Charles.
I didn't bring this all up .. as a history lesson. We all know the history ... I just wanted to point out the 7 year pattern. I really feel that this winter and spring leading to this summer's 2008 draft and into the free agent period is really going to point the direction the organization will be headed for the next 7 years. The next 7 months into August will probably have a huge impact on the next 7 years of this organization.
I guess that explains why the passion for this team by fans like us has piqued more this season compared to seasons past. Maybe it's part of the Isles presense on the internet, and the team's defiance of hockey critics by playing much better than expected into the All-Star break.
I even notice more and more buzz about the team at local hockey rinks in NJ even. Saturday I saw a kid with an Islander #39 DP jersey at the mall here in central NJ ... and it wasn't my nephew .. it was great to see.
These next 7 months there are a lot of critical events that will impact the team for years to come. These key events include: the Light House Project hearings, what Snolan's plans are before the trade deadline (buyer / seller), where the Isles finish in the standings to affect their draft position and how well the Isles do in this summers FA period. If the Isles fail at any one of the above key points I have mentioned ... that could have grave effects on where the organization is headed for the next 7 years.
This is a crossroads year ... the Islanders as an organization need to be hitting on ALL cylinders with regards to how they rate and determine the fate of their prospects / prospects to be.
The 7 year pattern has a peculiar way of reflecting the Isles as an organization. It's about to take another turn one way or another as the Isles wind up this season. Lets just hope the management is up to the task.
Remember ... Garth Snow has never had the opportunity to draft in the first round or even the second round as of yet, so his drafting of premiere prospect talent and his work with the scouting staff is yet to be tested as a team. His trades on an overall scale are to put it bluntly... stink ... although I'm liking the Freddy IV deal more and more. I know he was waived and returned since ... but still a good deal. Some low level trades like Walter for Nokie are still to fresh to evaluate.
How the current prospects develop under his watch is also non-tested. Remember ... almost everyone that we look forward to seeing move up to the big team is a product of MM's drafts and trades prior to the 2006 draft. Okposo and his fellow 2006 draft mates were a part of the committee's 2006 draft. That 2006 draft actually seems to have given the Isles organization as a whole some prospect depth.
Also on a side note regarding Mike Milbury ... did anyone see what he said on Sunday's NBC game regarding long term deals? What an A-- Munch!!! He was criticizing long term deals ... in regards to the recent ones made ... I was left a gasp. He was actually not just making a negative statement ... but chastising those long term deals including DP... without mentioning DP .. he kinda said ... how goaltenders are harder to judge and it's a real gamble to put long term faith on a goaltender when in 10 or so years you can have someone better anyway .... and how forwards peak in their mid-twentys .. yada yada yada ....
Hello Mike Mill-weed .... How about Yashin!!!??? Didn't his deal that you made with him break records at that time? Thusly in the process broke the Isles future.
Personally I agree with his premise about long term contracts... but he should of said in his commentary... "Look... I F'd up and signed Yashin to 10 years ... I know from experience the risk of long term deals"... and coming from the horse's mouth I could of respected him for at least admitting that... he never even hinted at that.
Nuff said about that ... now we know why he failed as a GM ... he couldn't admit and come to terms with his mistakes ... it was always someone elses fault.
Vukota,
I agree with your speech on Leetch, him and Richter are the only two rags i have respect for. Congrats Leetch. I really hope they lose the game even with the NHL helping out with Kolvachuk being out (he deserves the game suspension though). i m done ...kill boston
Mab gets 3pts for Steady
congrats KH.
I ll wait and see on our prospects playing in the NHL and rather hear some other teams scouts talk about our prospects. We all know about our future all star prospects that we have drafted and traded away
While I have nothing negative to say about Vukota's comments, I support Cincy's decision,
KH
BE-YOU-TEEFULL!!!!
Doc,
I asked you to find a "third mistake" in my post to you last night cuz once a blogger makes 3 or more mistakes of the nature you pointed out, Newsday automatically cuts a check to the blogger and give him the title of reporter.
With regards to Simon, who is he going to replace?? Jackman would be the only player that would make sense. And personally I would be fine with that. I don't see why Walter is up instead of either of them. As far as Comrie sitting for a week or two to heal, I dont think they are going to recalls just Tambs, because i think the isles are trying to keep that first line together in Bridgeport for a month or two. This would allow them to develop some chemistry with hopes that they can keep them together for years to come