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
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