Wow....
If your an Islanders season ticket holder....or plan holder.....or just decided to take in an Isles -Ranger game on a Monday night....and you witnessed what I did tonight?....Give the rest of your tickets away. Don't go to another game this season....cause it doesn't get any better than this.
The newest Islanders left their stamp on this game on all fronts in a wild 5-4 OT victory over the Rangers. About 40 seconds into the game, Andy Sutton nearly beheaded a Ranger at the Islander blueline setting the tone. After being assessed a 2 minute minor for elbowing....(which I don't understand since Sutton's elbows are in line with just about every one's head). As he came out of the box....and was stopped on a breakaway....fight number 1....decision Colton Orr. Less than 2 minutes later....Kip Brennan wins bout number 2 with a vicious blow to the head to some Ranger player....(it's not even important who it was).
The entire first period was all about hitting and fighting. This Islanders squad is a very scrappy team. They hit....they skate and they are not afraid to mix it up. All of them. The second period is where it got wild....when Simon and Ryan Hollweg....(who I'm convinced can not hit a player who's facing him) got into it....as did just about everyone else. Just as Simon and Hollweg are getting started....Jason Strudwick jumps on Chris Simon....at this point Rick DiPietro grabs Strudwick and tries prying him off....getting in a few shots along the way.....reluctantly, Rangers prospect Al Montoya came down the ice, and judging from his body language, was there solely as a spectator. DiPietro had different ideas....as Montoya skated near the pile of players....DiPietro realized that Montoya had left his crease and was going to be automatically ejected...as was Ricky. At this point DiPietro is going to get his money's worth. Ricky immediately removed his mask and gloves in preparation for his own battle. Montoya was a little hesitant with this. He didn't remove his equipment for a few moments as Ricky skated around him....it actually took some coxing to get him to remove his helmet and actually fight. When it was all said and done...Montoya landed on the ice as Ricky was punching him from above. Now it wasn't the same as Cloutier pounding Tommy Salo many moons ago....but it definitely exacted some revenge.
With the resulting penatalies....the Isles fell behind 4-1 midway through the 2nd period. As for many fans....it didn't matter as they were still buzzing from the excitment. With 2 quick late power play goals....(both setup by Bryan Berard)...heading to the 3rd it was 4-3.
The 3rd period was much more like an actual hockey game....as the concentration was on scoring goals and winning the game. The Isles tied the game on a beautiful rush by Josef Vasicek.
The OT period was much the same as the 3rd as both teams were gunning for a win like it was December not September....
On a stupid penalty taken by Brendan Shanahan....the Isles had a power play....and with this new unit of Guerin, Comrie, Berard and Bergeron....they are dangerous. Comrie banked in the winning goal off something or somebody....and we have a happy recap.
Here are some thoughts
1. Bryan Berard pretty much locked up that final defenseman spot....as Freddy Meyer was loosing it...Meyer took 4 penalties...as Berard had 4 assists and was running the power play. You could see Berard shouting directions to Bergeron at the other point. This is a much different unit than last season....much more unpredictable....as both Berard and Bergeron have good shots and are not afraid to use them.
2. Andy Sutton is a man without fear. This guy will put himself in front of everything. He threw big hits....had 2 fights, and he set the tone early with that monster hit less than a minute into the game.
3. How the hell did no one sign Josef Vasicek? This guy is a solid 2 way player....he has some speed...and that was a beautiful goal he scored to tie it. Somewhere I am hoping Oleg Kvasha was watching Vasicek score that goal, as that rush was exactly what many coaches have tried to get him to do.
4. Mike Comrie is always around the puck. He is always around the net....and he seems to have very good chemistry with his linemates already. Personally 75 points is not out of the questions. And as it was pointed out to me....I would trade Carol Alt for Hillary Duff anyday of the week.
5. If this was just a preseason game....can anyone imagine what that last game of the season is going to be like at the Coliseum?.....and yes....it's against the Rangers.
6. I like Blake Comeau and Jeff Tambellini...and like the kid on the Verizon FIOS commerical so innocently asks...."Can we keep em??"
Thats it....bed time....
Would love to hear your thoughts....you can contact me at
Tony@islesnation.com
Thanks!
Tony
Monday, September 24, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Your "New" New York Islanders
Sorry this has taken so long....but with last week being September 11th.....I had some family up from Florida and my back going out again....it's been a rough 7 days.
Training camp has officially started...and with the wonder that is the Internet....it's very easy to keep up with your teams....even though camp is being held some 759 miles away. (yes I googled Moncton)
Through the marvel of Islanders TV....I was able to watch a good part of each scrimmage and take some notes.....
First of all....we are going to see a new brand of hockey this season. With the team that has been assembled....there is going to be a lot of speed....a lot of hitting....and a lot of grittiness.
Surprise number 1
By default everyone thought the Sillinger-Sim-Hunter line was going to be the second line. Teddy surprised everyone by putting Vasicek-Satan-Tambellini as the second. So far these 3 together have been fantastic together. Tambellini....a lot like last year...has been flying around the ice scoring goals....and Vasicek might be the surprise of camp so far, with his calm demeanor on the ice...and his surprising offensive talents.
Surprise number 2
Blake Comeau looks like a ready NHL player. He has been extremely impressive so far as I've seen and scored a very pretty breakaway goal against DiPietro the other day. If he doesn't make the club....he'll back back up very soon.
Surprise number 3
The new kids....
Justin Bourne, Matthew Spiller, Olivier Labelle, Tomas Marcinko, Aaron Johnson and even Maxim Oulette have all look much better than I anticipated. Obviously none of them will be on the opening night roster.....(and other than Aaron Johnson....I don't expect to see any this season at all)....but at least we wont be seeing any Eric Bouginecki's this season.
Some notes so far....
Mike Comrie has come into camp like a man possessed. He has been buzzing around the net scoring goal after goal. He could be in for a monster year.
Btw....I love the new uniforms...
I don't put much stock into exhibition so i wont even bother.
Also....the NHL now will be broadcasting games live through each teams website....much like MLB does....though....I hope they fix the glitches that I encountered last night.
One last thought about Eric Cairns and Mike Dunham. I think it's a fantastic idea that the Islanders have instituted such a plan that allows former players the opportunity to come back and be part of the organization. As of right now....Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Ken Morrow, Bob Nystrom, Steve Webb, Eric Cairns, Garth Snow, Mike Dunham, Anders Kallur, and Kevin Colley all hold positions with the team. It shows both current and former players that the Islanders organization takes care of there own.
More later this week....
Tony
Training camp has officially started...and with the wonder that is the Internet....it's very easy to keep up with your teams....even though camp is being held some 759 miles away. (yes I googled Moncton)
Through the marvel of Islanders TV....I was able to watch a good part of each scrimmage and take some notes.....
First of all....we are going to see a new brand of hockey this season. With the team that has been assembled....there is going to be a lot of speed....a lot of hitting....and a lot of grittiness.
Surprise number 1
By default everyone thought the Sillinger-Sim-Hunter line was going to be the second line. Teddy surprised everyone by putting Vasicek-Satan-Tambellini as the second. So far these 3 together have been fantastic together. Tambellini....a lot like last year...has been flying around the ice scoring goals....and Vasicek might be the surprise of camp so far, with his calm demeanor on the ice...and his surprising offensive talents.
Surprise number 2
Blake Comeau looks like a ready NHL player. He has been extremely impressive so far as I've seen and scored a very pretty breakaway goal against DiPietro the other day. If he doesn't make the club....he'll back back up very soon.
Surprise number 3
The new kids....
Justin Bourne, Matthew Spiller, Olivier Labelle, Tomas Marcinko, Aaron Johnson and even Maxim Oulette have all look much better than I anticipated. Obviously none of them will be on the opening night roster.....(and other than Aaron Johnson....I don't expect to see any this season at all)....but at least we wont be seeing any Eric Bouginecki's this season.
Some notes so far....
Mike Comrie has come into camp like a man possessed. He has been buzzing around the net scoring goal after goal. He could be in for a monster year.
Btw....I love the new uniforms...
I don't put much stock into exhibition so i wont even bother.
Also....the NHL now will be broadcasting games live through each teams website....much like MLB does....though....I hope they fix the glitches that I encountered last night.
One last thought about Eric Cairns and Mike Dunham. I think it's a fantastic idea that the Islanders have instituted such a plan that allows former players the opportunity to come back and be part of the organization. As of right now....Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Ken Morrow, Bob Nystrom, Steve Webb, Eric Cairns, Garth Snow, Mike Dunham, Anders Kallur, and Kevin Colley all hold positions with the team. It shows both current and former players that the Islanders organization takes care of there own.
More later this week....
Tony
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A Sad Day
Today is Tuesday September 11th.
Those 5 words need no explanation.
Unfortunately, that sentence means something different to each one of us. To me...it brings back memories of when times were different. Before I had realized what being a man really was all about.
Let me explain....
I met my wife when I was just 20 years old. She comes from a big Italian family and there are many of them....(more than I can count).
One extremely special family are the Vigiano's. The father, John, is a retired Captain from the FDNY. He is remembered as the most decorated fireman in the history of the Department He battled and beat throat cancer to come back to full duty before retiring. His wife is Jeanette worked with special education children throughout her career in the public school system.....(if not enough being married to a fireman is a tough job). They had 2 sons, John and Joe. Both practical jokers like their Dad...both took different roads.
Joey took the test for the NYPD at age 18....he passed with such a high grade that he was called for the job....but had to wait to be of legal age to be hired. He was promoted to Detective at a young age....was shot on 2 separate occasions....and then entered the NYPD's elite Emergency Services Unit (ESU).
John on the other hand joined the FDNY in his father's footsteps. A die hard Ranger fan (I never held that against him)...he was the Alternate Captain of his Firehouse's hockey team. To this day his jersey hangs in the lobby of the Newbridge Skating Rink. Once a year he would rent out the rink and invite all his family and friends for a night of skating....and if you we're tough enough....some hockey after hours.
Both of these men were married to beautiful women and had equally as beautiful children. Joey had 3 boys...(Joey, Jimmy and John) and John had 2 girls (Nicolette and Arianna). They were good husbands and fathers, a parents dream for their children.
On September 11th....both Joey and John lost their lives at the World Trade Center....doing what each was made to do...saving lives.
I can't tell you what September 11th did to their parents, or wives, or their children...(little John was only a few months old when his Dad died), but I can tell you what it did to me.
It made me realize that life on this planet is way too short. Being a good husband, a good father, a good friend and a good general person is what's important. Not everyone can be a fireman, cop or EMT, but we can all make a difference in our lives. I have contemplated entering the Uniform Services for some time now and have even taken steps towards that life....but I knew most importantly that the above qualities are first and foremost.
Joey and John Vigiano helped me mature into a person I can say that I'm proud to be...and I can only hope that I have the ability to take it to the next level.
A few notes....
The Islanders traded disappointing Petteri Nokelaninen to Boston for Center Ben Walter and a conditional 2nd round Pick in 2009. Walter is supposed to have some offensive upside so hopefully a change of scenery will help both of these kids.
First of all kudos to the BST for honoring fan favorite Kevin Colley on their opening night. Colley is now the Assistant Coach for the Utah Grizzlies, our ECHL club.
Also....the new Sound Tigers jersey has been released....(it's really nice).....go to the website and check it out.
Thanks for reading....
Tony
Those 5 words need no explanation.
Unfortunately, that sentence means something different to each one of us. To me...it brings back memories of when times were different. Before I had realized what being a man really was all about.
Let me explain....
I met my wife when I was just 20 years old. She comes from a big Italian family and there are many of them....(more than I can count).
One extremely special family are the Vigiano's. The father, John, is a retired Captain from the FDNY. He is remembered as the most decorated fireman in the history of the Department He battled and beat throat cancer to come back to full duty before retiring. His wife is Jeanette worked with special education children throughout her career in the public school system.....(if not enough being married to a fireman is a tough job). They had 2 sons, John and Joe. Both practical jokers like their Dad...both took different roads.
Joey took the test for the NYPD at age 18....he passed with such a high grade that he was called for the job....but had to wait to be of legal age to be hired. He was promoted to Detective at a young age....was shot on 2 separate occasions....and then entered the NYPD's elite Emergency Services Unit (ESU).
John on the other hand joined the FDNY in his father's footsteps. A die hard Ranger fan (I never held that against him)...he was the Alternate Captain of his Firehouse's hockey team. To this day his jersey hangs in the lobby of the Newbridge Skating Rink. Once a year he would rent out the rink and invite all his family and friends for a night of skating....and if you we're tough enough....some hockey after hours.
Both of these men were married to beautiful women and had equally as beautiful children. Joey had 3 boys...(Joey, Jimmy and John) and John had 2 girls (Nicolette and Arianna). They were good husbands and fathers, a parents dream for their children.
On September 11th....both Joey and John lost their lives at the World Trade Center....doing what each was made to do...saving lives.
I can't tell you what September 11th did to their parents, or wives, or their children...(little John was only a few months old when his Dad died), but I can tell you what it did to me.
It made me realize that life on this planet is way too short. Being a good husband, a good father, a good friend and a good general person is what's important. Not everyone can be a fireman, cop or EMT, but we can all make a difference in our lives. I have contemplated entering the Uniform Services for some time now and have even taken steps towards that life....but I knew most importantly that the above qualities are first and foremost.
Joey and John Vigiano helped me mature into a person I can say that I'm proud to be...and I can only hope that I have the ability to take it to the next level.
A few notes....
The Islanders traded disappointing Petteri Nokelaninen to Boston for Center Ben Walter and a conditional 2nd round Pick in 2009. Walter is supposed to have some offensive upside so hopefully a change of scenery will help both of these kids.
First of all kudos to the BST for honoring fan favorite Kevin Colley on their opening night. Colley is now the Assistant Coach for the Utah Grizzlies, our ECHL club.
Also....the new Sound Tigers jersey has been released....(it's really nice).....go to the website and check it out.
Thanks for reading....
Tony
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Projects
Now that Labor day has passed....the countdown to training camp has begun. For the Isles....it's only 9 more days until the team reports for physicals. Thank God!.....I can't stand this waiting....this seems like the longest offseason ever.
With practically a new team this year....there is a lot of speculation with this year's squad. The subtractions, the new additions and 2 new assistant coaches, have us again have being picked to come in dead last in the Eastern Conference. As we witnessed last season....with Ted Nolan as our coach....anything is possible. The man who seemingly gets the absolute most out of his players (even the ones it seems will never reach their potential), will again have his work cut out for him. Here are a few "projects" Teddy has on his plate this training camp.
Ruslan Fedotenko - The Tank, as he's called, is a very talented player who as we've all heard has the knack for scoring clutch goals, was signed to a 1 year $2.9 contract. In all likelihood he'll be our top LW this upcoming season. Fedotenko is coming off a 12 goal season and fell into John Tortorella's doghouse. This former 20 goal scorer who once scored the cup winning goal for the Lightning is now looking to prove that last season was a fluke and that he can once again regain that 20 goal plateau. Liken this move to Viktor Kozlov of a year ago....if Nolan can get Fedotenko to believe in himself once again....this could be a very good signing.
Josef Vasicek - Vasicek is a immensely talented player who the Hurricanes were very high on a few short years ago. He has excellent size (6'5") and has a knack for being good in the corners and being a high energy player. The knock against him has been consistency and the ability to stay healthy the last few seasons. Like Fedotenko, Vasicek has the ability to score 20 goals and be a force on the 3rd line. Being only 27, and playing with Radek Martinek (who is amazingly from the same hometown) will be positives for him, and could help him realize some of his potential.
Chris Simon - After the tomahawk he threw Ryan Hollweg that ended his season, Islanders fans realized what a big role Simon plays on this team. Not only does he play policeman on the ice....he is an emotional leader both on the bench and in the room. Simon has an undying allegiance to Ted Nolan and would do anything asked of him. His play was shotty early on....but he improved immensely as the season progressed and was probably playing his best hockey when he was suspended. Nolan now has to worry....will he do something like this again?....or will it be in the back of his mind every time he gets into a scrap?....as insurance the team invited Gord Dwyer to camp.
Mike Comrie - Not exactly a problem having Comrie on your team....but there is some concern for this 27 year old. First of all....Comrie is as talented a player that you can get nowadays. The Islanders will be the 5th NHL team he's donned a jersey for in his short career. Given that he's made some mistakes...(demanding a trade from the Oilers)...was a trade deadline deal (this season to Ottawa...being in his walk year)....it hasn't been all his fault....but it seems that he has top line scoring potential and has never really given a chance. Comrie will now be given the responsibility of leading this team and being the go-to guy. Whether he's up to the challenge....is really up to him. He has been looking for a team to settle down with (Along with Hilary Duff as we've all heard by now)...and this could be the perfect situation for him. During the UFA period, Ryan Smyth called Comrie and gave a pretty good recruitment call, selling him on what a great opportunity the Islanders would be for both his career and Long Island would be to settle down (btw...one of the classiest moves by one of the games classiest players). If I was a betting man....Comrie has a breakout season and ends up with 80 points.
Bryan Berard - As a camp invite....this is a potential high reward for this team. Berard, who is only 30, when healthy is a dynamic offensive defenseman. His big problem has been his back the last year and a half. When he's on....you can expect him to score about 12-14 goals and is good for 40 or so points. A healthy Berard would be a great addition for this team at a relatively cheap price. If Berard shows he isn't healthy or isn't able to make the team....he'll simply be a UFA again. Expect Berard to come into camp like a mad man....the only way he doesn't make this team is that his back gives out.
Chris Campoli - Campoli is coming off an odd season. He technically didn’t make the team out of camp after getting hurt late and basically had to play his way back on the team. When he came back....he was unable to play the same reckless style he was allowed to play under the Stirling/Shaw regime. With Nolan.....Campoli was expected to play a defense first and jump into the play second. During the later stages of the season he saw his minutes decrease and players like Bruno Gervais and Marc Andre Bergeron get more and more playing time. During the first round defeat to the Sabres...he was reunited with his old Bridgeport partner Gervais and the 2 looked dynamic together. Campoli's major problem is his smallish stature and the fact that he's knocked off the puck somewhat easily. With the additions of Andy Sutton and camp invite Bryan Berard, and the emergence of Gervais as a more complete defenseman...there is a real possibility that Campoli could either not make the team...or be dealt during camp as part of a package. Either way...Campoli has to come to camp ready to battle it out with some stiff competition to make this team.
Obviously players like Satan, Bergeron, Tambellini, Bergenheim and etc also come in with questions....but the above are the one who have definitive questions and may effect this team either positively or negatively.
I'll be in chat tonight @ 7 with Steve...
For those of you who need the site again
www.islesnation.com
Thanks....
Tony
With practically a new team this year....there is a lot of speculation with this year's squad. The subtractions, the new additions and 2 new assistant coaches, have us again have being picked to come in dead last in the Eastern Conference. As we witnessed last season....with Ted Nolan as our coach....anything is possible. The man who seemingly gets the absolute most out of his players (even the ones it seems will never reach their potential), will again have his work cut out for him. Here are a few "projects" Teddy has on his plate this training camp.
Ruslan Fedotenko - The Tank, as he's called, is a very talented player who as we've all heard has the knack for scoring clutch goals, was signed to a 1 year $2.9 contract. In all likelihood he'll be our top LW this upcoming season. Fedotenko is coming off a 12 goal season and fell into John Tortorella's doghouse. This former 20 goal scorer who once scored the cup winning goal for the Lightning is now looking to prove that last season was a fluke and that he can once again regain that 20 goal plateau. Liken this move to Viktor Kozlov of a year ago....if Nolan can get Fedotenko to believe in himself once again....this could be a very good signing.
Josef Vasicek - Vasicek is a immensely talented player who the Hurricanes were very high on a few short years ago. He has excellent size (6'5") and has a knack for being good in the corners and being a high energy player. The knock against him has been consistency and the ability to stay healthy the last few seasons. Like Fedotenko, Vasicek has the ability to score 20 goals and be a force on the 3rd line. Being only 27, and playing with Radek Martinek (who is amazingly from the same hometown) will be positives for him, and could help him realize some of his potential.
Chris Simon - After the tomahawk he threw Ryan Hollweg that ended his season, Islanders fans realized what a big role Simon plays on this team. Not only does he play policeman on the ice....he is an emotional leader both on the bench and in the room. Simon has an undying allegiance to Ted Nolan and would do anything asked of him. His play was shotty early on....but he improved immensely as the season progressed and was probably playing his best hockey when he was suspended. Nolan now has to worry....will he do something like this again?....or will it be in the back of his mind every time he gets into a scrap?....as insurance the team invited Gord Dwyer to camp.
Mike Comrie - Not exactly a problem having Comrie on your team....but there is some concern for this 27 year old. First of all....Comrie is as talented a player that you can get nowadays. The Islanders will be the 5th NHL team he's donned a jersey for in his short career. Given that he's made some mistakes...(demanding a trade from the Oilers)...was a trade deadline deal (this season to Ottawa...being in his walk year)....it hasn't been all his fault....but it seems that he has top line scoring potential and has never really given a chance. Comrie will now be given the responsibility of leading this team and being the go-to guy. Whether he's up to the challenge....is really up to him. He has been looking for a team to settle down with (Along with Hilary Duff as we've all heard by now)...and this could be the perfect situation for him. During the UFA period, Ryan Smyth called Comrie and gave a pretty good recruitment call, selling him on what a great opportunity the Islanders would be for both his career and Long Island would be to settle down (btw...one of the classiest moves by one of the games classiest players). If I was a betting man....Comrie has a breakout season and ends up with 80 points.
Bryan Berard - As a camp invite....this is a potential high reward for this team. Berard, who is only 30, when healthy is a dynamic offensive defenseman. His big problem has been his back the last year and a half. When he's on....you can expect him to score about 12-14 goals and is good for 40 or so points. A healthy Berard would be a great addition for this team at a relatively cheap price. If Berard shows he isn't healthy or isn't able to make the team....he'll simply be a UFA again. Expect Berard to come into camp like a mad man....the only way he doesn't make this team is that his back gives out.
Chris Campoli - Campoli is coming off an odd season. He technically didn’t make the team out of camp after getting hurt late and basically had to play his way back on the team. When he came back....he was unable to play the same reckless style he was allowed to play under the Stirling/Shaw regime. With Nolan.....Campoli was expected to play a defense first and jump into the play second. During the later stages of the season he saw his minutes decrease and players like Bruno Gervais and Marc Andre Bergeron get more and more playing time. During the first round defeat to the Sabres...he was reunited with his old Bridgeport partner Gervais and the 2 looked dynamic together. Campoli's major problem is his smallish stature and the fact that he's knocked off the puck somewhat easily. With the additions of Andy Sutton and camp invite Bryan Berard, and the emergence of Gervais as a more complete defenseman...there is a real possibility that Campoli could either not make the team...or be dealt during camp as part of a package. Either way...Campoli has to come to camp ready to battle it out with some stiff competition to make this team.
Obviously players like Satan, Bergeron, Tambellini, Bergenheim and etc also come in with questions....but the above are the one who have definitive questions and may effect this team either positively or negatively.
I'll be in chat tonight @ 7 with Steve...
For those of you who need the site again
www.islesnation.com
Thanks....
Tony
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The Hockey News Top 50 NHL Players
The Hockey News have released it's list of the top 50 NHL players....and quite frankly....I dont agree with alot of it.
Here's the list
1 Sidney Crosby (6)
2 Alexander Ovechkin (5)
3 Roberto Luongo (25)
4 Nicklas Lidstrom (15)
5 Chris Pronger (2)
6 Jarome Iginla (7)
7 Vincent Lecavalier (21)
8 Joe Thornton (4)
9 Dany Heatley (10)
10 Martin Brodeur (11)
11 Patrik Elias (12)
12 Joe Sakic (17)
13 Miikka Kiprusoff (1)
14 Jaromir Jagr (3)
15 Martin St-Louis (47)
16 Marian Gaborik (27)
17 Dion Phaneuf (32)
18 Eric Staal (14)
19 Marian Hossa (24)
20 Ryan Miller (not ranked)
21 Daniel Alfredson (20)
22 Chris Drury (not ranked)
23 Marty Turco (49)
24 Jason Spezza (22)
25 Henrik Zetterberg (38)
26 Jonathan Cheechoo (36)
27 Daniel Briere (Not Ranked)
28 Tomas Kaberle (Not Ranked)
29 Dominik Hasek (Not Ranked)
30 Brad Richards (23)
31 Martin Havlat (26)
32 Daniel Sedin (Not Ranked)
33 J-S Giguere (Not Ranked)
34 Ryan Smyth (33)
35 Simon Gagne (31)
36 Pavel Datsyuk (35)
37 Rick Nash (9)
38 Rod Brind’amour (38)
39 Zdeno Chara (19)
40 Rick DiPietro (Not Ranked)
41 Scott Gomez (Not Ranked)
42 Sergei Gonchar (Not Ranked)
43 Henrik Lundqvist (Not Ranked)
44 Evgeni Malkin (Not Ranked)
45 Zach Parise (Not Ranked)
46 Dan Boyle (Not Ranked)
47 Brendan Shanahan (Not Ranked)
48 Ilya Kovalchuk (18)
49 Mathieu Schneider (Not Ranked)
50 Niklas Backstrom (Not Ranked)
Ok....I have some major issues with some of the names on this list. You cant really argue with 1-10....But lets start with number 11.
Patrik Elias is not the 11th best player in hockey. He wouldn't even crack the top 20 on my list...His line last year was 21-48-69. There are 9 players....not even on this list....that had more points than Elias last year. Read that one again.
Next Gaborik at 16. Sorry....Gaborik is not a better player than Marian Hossa.
Please tell me why Cheechoo, Parise, Shanahan and Niklas Backstrom all are on this list at all?? I can name replacements for all of these guys. Jokinen, Savard, Vanek, and Nabokov. Cheechoo playing with Joe Thornton has a great year 2 years ago....last season 37 goals and 69 points. Jokinen...playing on a horrible Panthers team 39-52-91. Parise 31-31-62...a good season none the less....but Vanek was 43-41-84. Shanahan?....29-33-62 in 67 games....Savard has 96 points on a terrible Bruins team. Backstrom has a fantastic year....but Nabokov has been better over the long run...besides a 29 year old that has a 1.97 could become the next Hasek....or the next Jim Carey.
Also....Kovalchuk is ranked 48th?....Shanahan, Parise, Rod Brind'amour!!, Matheiu Schneider, are all ranked ahead of him?
Here is my list....
1. Sidney Crosby (Best player...hands down)
2. Roberto Luongo (Vancouver is going to be dangerous this year)
3. Vincent Lecavalier (Has become an all around threat)
4. Alexander Ovechkin (Will become automatic 60 goal scorer)
5. Nicklas Lidstrom (Best defenseman of our generation)
6. Chris Pronger (No one can match his size and skill on the blueline)
7. Jarome Iginla (Ferocious player and a born leader)
8. Joe Thornton (Best passer in the NHL, anyone who plays with him is going to score)
9. Martin Brodeur (If you had to win one game...can you think of another goalie you'd rather have play?
10. Dany Heatley (Dynamic scorer....seems to be getting better)
11. Joe Sakic (scored 100 points at 40...now he has Ryan Smyth on his line)
12. Mikka Kiprusoff (Sometimes seems to get lost in the shuffle....phenomenal goaltender)
13. Jaromir Jagr (If he played every shift every game...could probably score 200 points)
14. Martin St.Louis (Amazing player with an amazing story)
15. Marian Hossa (Scoring, passing and going into his contract year)
16. Jason Spezza (Number 1 center on the best team in the east...and is only 24)
17. Daniel Briere (He's not playing with a powerhouse offense this year....but is still good for 90 pts)
18. Dion Phaneuf (Best young dman in the NHL...explosive hitter and has a booming slap shot)
19. Henrik Zetterberg (Plays an amazing 2 way game...2nd best player in the crease)
20. Olli Jokinen (Gets overshadowed...another Mike Milbury nightmare)
21. Ilya Kovalchuk (With some maturity....could be a top 5 player)
22. Marian Gaborik (Needs to stay heathy...but was having his breakout year)
23. Pavel Datsyuk (Unbelievable offensive skills with a top team)
24. Zedno Chara (huge defenseman, good hands....hard hitter....complete player)
25. Scott Niedermayer (hasn't retired yet...is still a top 5 defenseman in the NHL)
26. Marc Savard (Went from playing with Kovalchuk to Boston...and had 96 points....amazing)
27. Tomas Vanek (43 goals....now is the number one option in Buffalo)
28. Patrick Marleau (Is a number 2...behind Thornton....always good for 30g and 85 points)
29. Ryan Smyth (No one is better in the room....or in front of the goalie)
30. Tomas Kaberle (awesome offensive skills....smooth skater....fantastic player)
31. Eric Staal (Coming off a down season....is always dangerous enough to score 100 points)
32. Evgeni Malkin (Can score at will...has great size...plays second fiddle to Crosby)
33. JS Giguere (at 27 has been to 2 finals...and has a Stanley Cup)
34. Mike Cammalleri (2 80 point seasons at 24....undervalued in LA)
35. Daniel Alfredsson (Clutch player....still good for a point a game)
36. Simon Gagne (fantastic scorer....now he has Briere)
37. Rick Nash (Plays on a terrible team....will be a 50 goal scorer for years to come)
38. Brad Richards (Complete player...clutch....does it all)
39. Rick DiPietro (Has a huge heart and is growing into his game...can steal a game)
40. Henrik Lundquist (As fundamentally sound as any goalie in the NHL great rivalry with #40)
41. Chris Drury (Clutch scorer....now is on the big stage)
42. Ryan Miller (Has fantastic numbers....needs to be better in the clutch)
43. Kimmo Timonen (has been under the radar in Nashville....fantastic player)
44. Martin Havlat (If he can stay healthy....he'll be in the top 25)
45. Dominik Hasek (At 42 is a top 5 goalie)
46. Scott Gomez (Will now get a chance showcase his offensive skills with an offensive club)
47. Patrik Elias (Is a talented scorer....but now is missing a center his center)
48. Sergei Gonchar (not the greatest defender....but has fantastic scoring ability)
49. Dan Boyle (another player you dont think of....but his 20 goals and 65 points and top notch)
50. Zach Parise (Great young scorer....will only get better....imagine how many goals he would have scored if he didn't play for the Devils)
I would love to hear your comments and discussions on both the Hockey News' list and mine.
Notes...
Bravo to Isles GM Garth Snow for taking a flyer out on a very talented Bryan Berard and inviting him to camp.
Berard...(a former Islander fan favorite)...if healthy would give the team it's most needed replacement for the departed Tom Poti. A puck rushing defenseman who has very good offensive skills.
September 13th can't get here fast enough....
Tony
Here's the list
1 Sidney Crosby (6)
2 Alexander Ovechkin (5)
3 Roberto Luongo (25)
4 Nicklas Lidstrom (15)
5 Chris Pronger (2)
6 Jarome Iginla (7)
7 Vincent Lecavalier (21)
8 Joe Thornton (4)
9 Dany Heatley (10)
10 Martin Brodeur (11)
11 Patrik Elias (12)
12 Joe Sakic (17)
13 Miikka Kiprusoff (1)
14 Jaromir Jagr (3)
15 Martin St-Louis (47)
16 Marian Gaborik (27)
17 Dion Phaneuf (32)
18 Eric Staal (14)
19 Marian Hossa (24)
20 Ryan Miller (not ranked)
21 Daniel Alfredson (20)
22 Chris Drury (not ranked)
23 Marty Turco (49)
24 Jason Spezza (22)
25 Henrik Zetterberg (38)
26 Jonathan Cheechoo (36)
27 Daniel Briere (Not Ranked)
28 Tomas Kaberle (Not Ranked)
29 Dominik Hasek (Not Ranked)
30 Brad Richards (23)
31 Martin Havlat (26)
32 Daniel Sedin (Not Ranked)
33 J-S Giguere (Not Ranked)
34 Ryan Smyth (33)
35 Simon Gagne (31)
36 Pavel Datsyuk (35)
37 Rick Nash (9)
38 Rod Brind’amour (38)
39 Zdeno Chara (19)
40 Rick DiPietro (Not Ranked)
41 Scott Gomez (Not Ranked)
42 Sergei Gonchar (Not Ranked)
43 Henrik Lundqvist (Not Ranked)
44 Evgeni Malkin (Not Ranked)
45 Zach Parise (Not Ranked)
46 Dan Boyle (Not Ranked)
47 Brendan Shanahan (Not Ranked)
48 Ilya Kovalchuk (18)
49 Mathieu Schneider (Not Ranked)
50 Niklas Backstrom (Not Ranked)
Ok....I have some major issues with some of the names on this list. You cant really argue with 1-10....But lets start with number 11.
Patrik Elias is not the 11th best player in hockey. He wouldn't even crack the top 20 on my list...His line last year was 21-48-69. There are 9 players....not even on this list....that had more points than Elias last year. Read that one again.
Next Gaborik at 16. Sorry....Gaborik is not a better player than Marian Hossa.
Please tell me why Cheechoo, Parise, Shanahan and Niklas Backstrom all are on this list at all?? I can name replacements for all of these guys. Jokinen, Savard, Vanek, and Nabokov. Cheechoo playing with Joe Thornton has a great year 2 years ago....last season 37 goals and 69 points. Jokinen...playing on a horrible Panthers team 39-52-91. Parise 31-31-62...a good season none the less....but Vanek was 43-41-84. Shanahan?....29-33-62 in 67 games....Savard has 96 points on a terrible Bruins team. Backstrom has a fantastic year....but Nabokov has been better over the long run...besides a 29 year old that has a 1.97 could become the next Hasek....or the next Jim Carey.
Also....Kovalchuk is ranked 48th?....Shanahan, Parise, Rod Brind'amour!!, Matheiu Schneider, are all ranked ahead of him?
Here is my list....
1. Sidney Crosby (Best player...hands down)
2. Roberto Luongo (Vancouver is going to be dangerous this year)
3. Vincent Lecavalier (Has become an all around threat)
4. Alexander Ovechkin (Will become automatic 60 goal scorer)
5. Nicklas Lidstrom (Best defenseman of our generation)
6. Chris Pronger (No one can match his size and skill on the blueline)
7. Jarome Iginla (Ferocious player and a born leader)
8. Joe Thornton (Best passer in the NHL, anyone who plays with him is going to score)
9. Martin Brodeur (If you had to win one game...can you think of another goalie you'd rather have play?
10. Dany Heatley (Dynamic scorer....seems to be getting better)
11. Joe Sakic (scored 100 points at 40...now he has Ryan Smyth on his line)
12. Mikka Kiprusoff (Sometimes seems to get lost in the shuffle....phenomenal goaltender)
13. Jaromir Jagr (If he played every shift every game...could probably score 200 points)
14. Martin St.Louis (Amazing player with an amazing story)
15. Marian Hossa (Scoring, passing and going into his contract year)
16. Jason Spezza (Number 1 center on the best team in the east...and is only 24)
17. Daniel Briere (He's not playing with a powerhouse offense this year....but is still good for 90 pts)
18. Dion Phaneuf (Best young dman in the NHL...explosive hitter and has a booming slap shot)
19. Henrik Zetterberg (Plays an amazing 2 way game...2nd best player in the crease)
20. Olli Jokinen (Gets overshadowed...another Mike Milbury nightmare)
21. Ilya Kovalchuk (With some maturity....could be a top 5 player)
22. Marian Gaborik (Needs to stay heathy...but was having his breakout year)
23. Pavel Datsyuk (Unbelievable offensive skills with a top team)
24. Zedno Chara (huge defenseman, good hands....hard hitter....complete player)
25. Scott Niedermayer (hasn't retired yet...is still a top 5 defenseman in the NHL)
26. Marc Savard (Went from playing with Kovalchuk to Boston...and had 96 points....amazing)
27. Tomas Vanek (43 goals....now is the number one option in Buffalo)
28. Patrick Marleau (Is a number 2...behind Thornton....always good for 30g and 85 points)
29. Ryan Smyth (No one is better in the room....or in front of the goalie)
30. Tomas Kaberle (awesome offensive skills....smooth skater....fantastic player)
31. Eric Staal (Coming off a down season....is always dangerous enough to score 100 points)
32. Evgeni Malkin (Can score at will...has great size...plays second fiddle to Crosby)
33. JS Giguere (at 27 has been to 2 finals...and has a Stanley Cup)
34. Mike Cammalleri (2 80 point seasons at 24....undervalued in LA)
35. Daniel Alfredsson (Clutch player....still good for a point a game)
36. Simon Gagne (fantastic scorer....now he has Briere)
37. Rick Nash (Plays on a terrible team....will be a 50 goal scorer for years to come)
38. Brad Richards (Complete player...clutch....does it all)
39. Rick DiPietro (Has a huge heart and is growing into his game...can steal a game)
40. Henrik Lundquist (As fundamentally sound as any goalie in the NHL great rivalry with #40)
41. Chris Drury (Clutch scorer....now is on the big stage)
42. Ryan Miller (Has fantastic numbers....needs to be better in the clutch)
43. Kimmo Timonen (has been under the radar in Nashville....fantastic player)
44. Martin Havlat (If he can stay healthy....he'll be in the top 25)
45. Dominik Hasek (At 42 is a top 5 goalie)
46. Scott Gomez (Will now get a chance showcase his offensive skills with an offensive club)
47. Patrik Elias (Is a talented scorer....but now is missing a center his center)
48. Sergei Gonchar (not the greatest defender....but has fantastic scoring ability)
49. Dan Boyle (another player you dont think of....but his 20 goals and 65 points and top notch)
50. Zach Parise (Great young scorer....will only get better....imagine how many goals he would have scored if he didn't play for the Devils)
I would love to hear your comments and discussions on both the Hockey News' list and mine.
Notes...
Bravo to Isles GM Garth Snow for taking a flyer out on a very talented Bryan Berard and inviting him to camp.
Berard...(a former Islander fan favorite)...if healthy would give the team it's most needed replacement for the departed Tom Poti. A puck rushing defenseman who has very good offensive skills.
September 13th can't get here fast enough....
Tony
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Islanders sign Defenseman Andy Sutton
Late Friday night the Islanders signed 6'6 Andy Sutton to a 3 year contract.
Sutton will essentially take the place of the departed Sean Hill on this year's blueline. Though rumors swirled that the Islanders would in fact sign Danny Markov, they could never come together on a contract. GM Garth Snow found out what many other GM did a while back, that Markov wanted ridiculous money and he wouldn't budge on his demands. After realizing that....Andy Sutton was a no brainer.
Sutton plays a similar game to Sean Hill, he's physical, blocks a ton of shots, and has a hard shot from the point. The fact that he's 5 years younger than Hill and is 6 inches shorter and about 35 lbs. lighter all makes his 3 year $9 million deal a solid one.
Whats next you ask??
Well all signs point to the Isles bringing in a 3rd line Center with offensive potential. Last year Garth did just that with Viktor Kozlov, this season it's looking like it will be Josef Vasicek. Vasicek split last season between Nashville and Carolina getting 22 points in 63 games. Vasicek is still young as he'll turn 27 next month, and displays the type of work ethic that this team is trying to achieve. Though nothing is set in stone....rumors point to this getting done.
An interesting rumor floating around is that the Islanders kicked the tires on Peter Forsberg. Now from what I understand Forsberg is still recovering from offseason foot surgery and wouldn't even be able to play regularly until around Christmas time, but the fact that we have inquired and even gone so far as to keep a pulse on the Forsberg situation....is a very positive sign.
If anyone looks at Greg Logan's blog today....you'll get a little more insight into the day most Islander fans dubbed "Black Sunday". It appears that Garth Snow out bid teams for both Ryan Smyth and Chris Drury, he also had a big offer in on Scott Hannan and remember he contact Bill Guerin on that day as well.
At least we know that Garth had a big plan going into UFA and it just seems that the players he was gunning for were already set on where they wanted to go. As for this coming season....with UFA's like Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatley, Marian Hossa...and others....it's looking like the Isles will be in a position to offer those deals again. Also, another season like last year would further the cause, showing players that the Islanders will be a contending team for years to come.
Enjoy this beautiful weather!
T
Sutton will essentially take the place of the departed Sean Hill on this year's blueline. Though rumors swirled that the Islanders would in fact sign Danny Markov, they could never come together on a contract. GM Garth Snow found out what many other GM did a while back, that Markov wanted ridiculous money and he wouldn't budge on his demands. After realizing that....Andy Sutton was a no brainer.
Sutton plays a similar game to Sean Hill, he's physical, blocks a ton of shots, and has a hard shot from the point. The fact that he's 5 years younger than Hill and is 6 inches shorter and about 35 lbs. lighter all makes his 3 year $9 million deal a solid one.
Whats next you ask??
Well all signs point to the Isles bringing in a 3rd line Center with offensive potential. Last year Garth did just that with Viktor Kozlov, this season it's looking like it will be Josef Vasicek. Vasicek split last season between Nashville and Carolina getting 22 points in 63 games. Vasicek is still young as he'll turn 27 next month, and displays the type of work ethic that this team is trying to achieve. Though nothing is set in stone....rumors point to this getting done.
An interesting rumor floating around is that the Islanders kicked the tires on Peter Forsberg. Now from what I understand Forsberg is still recovering from offseason foot surgery and wouldn't even be able to play regularly until around Christmas time, but the fact that we have inquired and even gone so far as to keep a pulse on the Forsberg situation....is a very positive sign.
If anyone looks at Greg Logan's blog today....you'll get a little more insight into the day most Islander fans dubbed "Black Sunday". It appears that Garth Snow out bid teams for both Ryan Smyth and Chris Drury, he also had a big offer in on Scott Hannan and remember he contact Bill Guerin on that day as well.
At least we know that Garth had a big plan going into UFA and it just seems that the players he was gunning for were already set on where they wanted to go. As for this coming season....with UFA's like Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatley, Marian Hossa...and others....it's looking like the Isles will be in a position to offer those deals again. Also, another season like last year would further the cause, showing players that the Islanders will be a contending team for years to come.
Enjoy this beautiful weather!
T
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Isles re-sign Simon....Is Danny Markov next?
The Islanders re-signed forward Chris Simon to a very cap friendly 1 year $475,000 deal. As we all remember, Simon tomahawked Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg during the Isles run to the playoffs and earned himself a hefty suspention. Simon will have to serve the remaining 4 games of that suspention at the beginning of this coming season.
In other news, reliable sources have assured me that the Islanders will in fact sign D-man Danny Markov in the coming days. This is big news as Markov is coming off an outstanding season with the Detroit Red Wings. His +25 would have led the Isles. He in all likelyhood would be our #1 defenseman.
Hopefully my source is right and I'll have more to write about him in the coming days...
Enjoy your Sunday....
In other news, reliable sources have assured me that the Islanders will in fact sign D-man Danny Markov in the coming days. This is big news as Markov is coming off an outstanding season with the Detroit Red Wings. His +25 would have led the Isles. He in all likelyhood would be our #1 defenseman.
Hopefully my source is right and I'll have more to write about him in the coming days...
Enjoy your Sunday....
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