NEW YORK ISLANDERS: Official's Outlook

Finally...Compromise

2009-10-20T08:00:00.003-04:00

Very early this morning, I awoke to the blaring of the radio (**Side Note: At this point if anyone were to call me a "glutton for punishment" I'd have to say nothing...other than agreeing with them.**). As I lay there in bed in a half-roused stupor, I caught the most important news I've heard in a month: Charles Wang has finally agreed to meet with Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead Board to discuss scaling down the Lighthouse Project.

Ever since Charles' hard deadline of October 3rd, the outlook on the Project has been relatively gloomy. From the announcement on Opening Night that Charles was looking at all his options, including selling or moving the team, to the recent false report that the Lighthouse had gotten it's plug pulled, to Suffolk County Executive, Steve Levy, publicly announcing via Newsday (which is owned by Cablevision which owns MSG, who in turn also owns the Rangers) that Suffolk County would be more than happy to take the Islanders in if Nassau and specifically the Town of Hempstead failed to approve re-zoning, to even Sen. Dean Skelos (R-NY) trying to get the process going again. Now, at long last, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

We've said all along that the Project most likely would not look the same at the end as it did in the many rendered drawings of the site when planning first began. That's how real estate and property negotiations work. The developer, in this case Lighthouse Development Group, is expected to shoot for the moon and throw every possibility into the mix to see what they can get approved. On the flip-side, the local governments who approve the environmental review, in this case the Town of Hempstead, have the job of paring back what they deem to be unnecessary to the core of the property development and a compromise is reached.

Compromise. There's a word we haven't heard much over the course of this long, overdrawn process. It's time to sit down at the bargaining table and hash out the details boys and girls.

Now, there is finally something to rally around. The people of Long Island have done their part to keep the momentum going. Now it's up to the people in charge of the situation to step up to the plate and give the people what they want. It's time to "Meet Me at The Lighthouse!"

Thank Goodness That's Over

2009-10-15T11:18:00.003-04:00

****UPDATE 12:00PM: I just received the official Press Release from the Lighthouse Development Group. It appears below.****

October 15, 2009

For immediate release

This statement was issued by Charles B. Wang, Principal of Lighthouse Development Group and Owner of the New York Islanders, at 11:30 a.m. today.

“Yesterday’s report on the Lighthouse project which appeared in the Long Island Press is untrue. There are no plans to abandon this project which is so vital to the future of Nassau County and Long Island as a whole.

As far as the status of the Lighthouse project, we have submitted to The Town of Hempstead and Supervisor Kate Murray all the studies and required documents. A lease has been negotiated. Supervisor Murray and the Town Board need to make a decision on the zoning.

Long Island stands in this defining moment waiting for an answer. Yes or no.

Moving forward, we will not discuss any meetings in the media. Any reports of meetings should be considered untrue.

My heart is still on Long Island. I love Long Island. This is where the Islanders belong. Let's play hockey."

I apologize for over-reacting last night to the Long Island Press story on the potential end to the Lighthouse Project proposal.

Charles Wang has come out publicly through a more accredited news source: Newsday, which is owned by Cablevision, who owns Madison Square Garden, which in turn owns the NY Rangers, to state that the Lighthouse Project is still on!

I think the fact that there wasn't any kind of immediate response to the LI Press article is what worried many of us who believe in the Project and in turn maybe we took action too quickly in denouncing the possibility.

Stay up-to-date on every bit of Lighthouse news by keeping it locked here, going to the official blog site and reading my colleagues posts (from the BlogRoll on the left hand side of the screen) and Twitter feeds. We'll keep this situation as updated as possible and let you know if there are any other developments. Let's get the Lighthouse Project approved already!

All That Blood, Sweat and Tears... And For What?

2009-10-14T21:57:00.003-04:00

It's amazing how your personal life sometimes correlates with the goings on of the outside world. Tonight, I had my first Physics exam of the semester. While I was toiling away on said exam, thinking that my world might come crashing down around me if I did poorly, the world surrounding my life on Long Island fell flat on it's face with an audible "thud". The news came pouring in seconds after I had left the classroom: "The Lighthouse Project is dead."

Any one who has read this blog, knows my fervent support for a revitalization of the area surrounding the Nassau Coliseum. Not just to keep my beloved Islanders where they belong, but to give Long Island a new lease on life. Providing people of my generation an opportunity to live, work and grow in the place they've called home for the majority of their lives. All of that came to a possibly sudden conclusion this evening when we learned of Principle Developer Charles Wang's intention to pull the plug on the Lighthouse Project.

To say that I'm saddened and depressed about the subject is an understatement. This was the one chance for me and many like me, to stay here and grow old here. Now it seems, if the news is true, that the dream has faded. The beacon of hope has been shutdown by political squabbling and the inability to compromise. Is this the reason that I've given my blood, my sweat and my tears to see this Project through to approval? All so I could watch it get flushed down the drain like some failed plan for a strip mall that impinges on the landscape of the Island I call my home?

I've had enough. I've invested too much. I don't know how else to feel but betrayed, confused and unsure about when and how this saga will end...

Don't Leave the Kids Home Today!

2009-10-12T14:02:00.020-04:00

The Islanders take the ice for their second home game of the season after finishing a disappointing and short road trip to Ontario and Boston. They came away with OT losses in each game and have yet to lose in regulation this season. Today, as Marty Biron gets his second start as an Islander, they look to reverse the trend of taking games the distance and come away with a win in front of a Kid's Day Crowd at Nassau Coliseum. Click the link below for updates throughout the game and for interviews later on this evening once I get home from class. LET'S GO ISLANDERS!

****UPDATE 12:20AM: Check out the rest of the post, which includes my interview with the newest Islander, Robbie Schremp, about how he is adjusting to life on the Isle and the Press Conference with Head Coach Scott Gordon.****

Also, don't miss the posts on today's game from my fellow Blog Box members:

Dee Karl, the 7th woman who also happens to be on Hockeybuzz, was questioning how size doesn't matter...?

Mike Schuerlein, Islesblogger, who had a Live Blog going during today's game.

Ken Dick of Okposo Net recapped how the Isles don't really do too well during day games.

My buddy Dom over at Lighthouse Hockey had his usual recap.

Gary from Section 317 wonders if the NYI can finally put together a full 60 minutes of hockey.

****

Period 1

So what normally brings new fans into hockey? Fighting, right? Well, the kids in the crowd got a taste of the hockey experience when Joel Rechlicz squared off with Raitis Ivanans about halfway through the 1st period. Not much of bout by any means but certainly a statement that Rechlicz is looking to establish himself as the de facto enforcer for the Islanders lineup.

If you're in my position as an official, fighting is an enigma wrapped in a mystery. It is such an integral part of the game and yet has it's negatives that would almost drive it from the mainstream once someone is gravely injured. This will certainly be a topic that you'll see on here and on Lighthouse Hockey.

Remember that guy...I think his name was Ryan Smyth? Apparently, Islanders fans haven't forgotten the tearful goodbye in Edmonton and then the "business decision" he made to leave the Island. He got his fair share of jeering when he touched the puck for the first time.

The Islanders have really looked like a solid hockey club save for a couple periods and bad decisions so far this season. They're generating chances off the forecheck, cycling the puck down low and managing to be relatively defensively sound throughout the lineup.

Has Rob Schremp made an impression on you, the fans? He certainly has opened my eyes to the possibilities and talent that he brings to the team every time he's on the ice. If he sticks with the team then I have to give major kudos to Garth Snow and the Pro Scouting Team for Schremp's waiver wire pickup. Very impressive.

Period 2

Marty Biron really looking calm, collected and square to the shooter today. Yet another very good decision by Garth Snow. Not only does Marty bring a very good #1 goalie presence to the ice but a very friendly teammate in the locker room. He just seems like he wants to be here and a part of this team (whether he gets traded sometime during the season or not).

Guess who is in the middle of quite a few good scoring chances? Rob Schremp. He's really making a great case to be included in the regular lineup on this Islanders squad. I love me some, Schremp! Butterfly Schremp, Schremp toast, Schremp with garlic and butter, Creole Schremp, Asian Schremp...Jeff Tambellini who?

Dwanye Roloson turns 40 today! Happy Birthday, Dwayne!

Just for the record, Tim Jackman is not John Tavares!

With 1:27 remaining in the 2nd and with Blake Comeau in the box for hooking, Anze Kopitar rounded the net and buried one short-side through traffic. A really pretty powerplay goal. Kings take the lead 1-0 into the 3rd.

Period 3

Drew Doughty shows why he was a Top 5 pick in 2008. He receives a feed at the top of the circle and blows a slapshot by Martin Biron with 14:29 remaining in the 3rd. Stoll and Purcell on the assists. Kings now lead 2-0.

With the Kings still up with 3:32 left in the 3rd, I'm shutting down the operation for now. I'll try to check back with some interview tidbits after I get back from class tonight. Have a good one, folks!

Hold the phone! The Isles just scored! With 1:55 left in the 3rd, Matt Moulson gets his second of the season. Okposo and Streit get the assists. The score is now 2-1 Kings. With 1:44 left. the Isles have pulled Marty Biron.

The Isles put in the effort at the end but it just wasn't enough to overcome the two goal lead. The final score is Kings 2, Isles 1. The overall record for the Islanders season is 0-1-3.

****

Interviewing the newest Islander: Rob Schremp

There has been a lot of discussion on a couple of Islander blogs about the newest Islander, Rob Schremp. So, I just had to find out for myself how Rob is fitting in to the organization and Scott Gordon's system. Here is the short question and answer from my chat with Rob Schremp after today's game:

IslesOfficial: "How do you feel about Coach Gordon's decision to give you the minutes you were looking for in Edmonton and is it true that a 'change of scenery' really does work for a player?"

Rob Schremp: "Absolutely. It's obviously a privilege to be on the ice, so to get those extra minutes shows the trust from the coach. You obviously have to work to get those minutes so I came in with the mindset that I was gonna work as hard as I could and go from there. Things have been getting better and better and my minutes have been going up too. I'm getting some powerplay responsibility, so it's been really good. It's been really good change (for me)."

IslesOfficial: "What did you think of today's game?"

Rob Schremp: "I felt pretty good tonight. We had a lot of good chances. When you're getting that many chances it's a good sign of your line working together. It's getting better every game."

IslesOfficial: "Everyone knows you for your offensive talents and abilities, how do you think you're fitting in on the defensive end of the ice, away from the puck?"

Rob Schremp: "I feel good. We have a great D-corps here, a lot good veteran defensmen back there and having a good D-corps like that helps us forwards."

Head Coach Scott Gordon's Press Conference 10/12/09

Closing One Chapter and the Beginning of Another: A Season Preview

2009-10-03T16:45:00.000-04:00

Tonight is the night we've all been waiting for since April 14th. It's safe to say that Islander fans have been through the gambit of emotions and turmoil during last season and this subsequent offseason. Now, at the very least, we can finally see some vestiges of hope springing forth from the youthful exuberance of a young man who less than 4 months ago didn't know he would be playing in his first NHL game to a raucous Nassau Coliseum crowd. His name is John Tavares and he's an Islander...

****

Whether you believe that this rebuild has taken a turn for the better or you believe that the Islanders will no longer be playing in Nassau Coliseum after 2015, means little to the hype and hope that has been generated this summer. When you combine the smart free agent moves that Islanders General Manager, Garth Snow, has made over the past two years and the excellent job of the scouting team, selecting players that fit the mold that second year Head Coach, Scott Gordon, has instituted, you have the makings of something very special. Tonight, we will have the privilege of seeing the first steps of that rebuild. Tonight, we get our first look at the future.

Forwards

There were very few surprises that came out of Saskatoon's training camp. However, there was one that jumped out at everyone: Matt Moulson. Whether it's his childhood connection with John Tavares or him finally making good on the talent he's been given, we'll never know. Frankly, all I want him to do is what he did during the preseason: put the puck in the net.

Enough has been said about the talent of the OHL's all-time leading goal-getter, John Tavares. Now, is the time to make good on all that talent. He's dynamic and he will make mistakes. I urge Islander fans to not see him as a savior but as a very big piece of the whole. Remember, this is a game where if the team competes together they win. If they rely on one or two pieces to get them through, they'll most likely lose. Just ask yourself, "Who scored two of the Penguins goals in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals?" Max Talbot, a third-line player who scored when it counted most.

The rest of the forward corps is pretty much all returning from last year's squad.

Josh Bailey has especially impressed me by his work ethic and willingness to make good on the promises he made after the final game last season: "I want to get stronger, put on some weight and work on my shot", he said. After an offseason that has seen Josh put on nearly 20 pounds of muscle, I'd say he delivered and you will see a marked improvement in his play this year.

Kyle Okposo is yet another player who I'd like to spotlight in his continued efforts to not only show the league that he belongs in the elite power forward category but also display that there is very solid, young leadership on this Islanders squad. If he's able to stay healthy this season, it's not out of the question for Kyle to break the 60 point barrier.

The rest of the forwards are composed of wily veterans like Richard Park, Trent Hunter and newly anointed Captain, Doug Weight. Adding that kind of wisdom to a relatively young and inexperienced group of forwards will certainly be a welcome group of voices in the locker room.

Defense

Here's where the fewest changes were made and the most mystery lies. How will an aging blueline fare in Go-Go's system. Granted d-men like Martinek, Gervais and Streit (last season's point, ice-time and plus-minus leader) will be able to keep up and probably exceed expectations, but what of Brendan Witt. I would hate for him to repeat last year's extreme minus performance(-34). I doubt this will be the case. Brendan is too proud and too much of a warrior to let a season like that happen again.

However, I think the player to watch this season will be towering 6'6" 245lbs. defenseman, Andy Sutton. Last season, Andy came to camp in the best shape of his life and his skating was markedly better than ever. If he can manage to stay healthy, this might be his breakout year. Unfortunately, if he does play well, there is a very good chance that the behemoth will end up on the trading block when the trade deadline rolls around.

Goaltending

When Free Agency began on July 1st, it was a sure-bet guarantee that Garth Snow would be in the market for a goalie. Well, he got his man and more. Dwanye Roloson and Martin Biron (the most surprising free agent pick up of the offseason) will be your goaltenders for the 2009-10 season (or at least until Rick DiPietro gets his act together). Both are very capable #1 keepers and the competition for time between the pipes should be fierce.

This is in stark contrast to the goaltending situation of a year ago. I'm am a huge fan of both Joey MacDonald and Yann Danis. Please, don't get me wrong here. But this is a completely different situation. When a team knows, that the goalie they have in net will bail them out when they goof up, that confidence will influence every aspect of team play.

Not only do Biron and Roloson being the stalwarts in net help on the ice, but they also allow Rick DiPietro, the former face of the franchise, to heal at his own pace and without him having to risk his long-term health on coming back too early. The situation that happened last year with Rick's knee will not be repeated and that can only make Islander fans happy that their management team is taking steps to ensure the rebuild goes forward as planned.

Coaching

Nowhere in this organization has there been such a steady and educated group of coaches than the three taking the helm this season. Head Coach Scott Gordon and his two Assistants Scott Allen and former Islander Dean Chynoweth will be able to keep the system running at full speed all season. With his penchant for teaching younger players how to be professionals, Gordon was tailor-made for this job. Now that most of his core is intact, he can do less teaching of the system and more refining the on-ice product. I think this will be a very good season for these three men behind the bench.

Final Predictions

Yes, I know. The Lighthouse decision looms large on tonight's proceedings as today is Owner Charles Wang's date for "certainty" about the Project. However, I think if tonight, the fans show how passionate and supportive they are of this team and this organization, everything will take care of itself in the end. There is no reason to panic...yet.

As far as the season prediction goes, I believe there will be a healthy improvement over last year's, Last Place, finish (61 points). With the backstoppers to inspire a young group of forwards and a "D" corps that is eager to make up ground that they lost last season due to injury I believe that the final totals will be:

10th place in the Eastern Conference, 4th in the Atlantic Division and 81 points.

Now, let's go out and have some fun and get this 2009-10 season started off on the right foot by beating the Stanley Cup Champion "Flightless Birds"!

See you at the game!

Another "Potential" Lease on Life

2009-10-01T10:20:00.006-04:00

I know that most of my content lately has been Lighthouse-centric and for good reason. It's simply the most important facet of anything going on in Islanders Country right now (and quite simply the most newsworthy story out there). So without further ado, I present to you the latest in the long line of small victories the Lighthouse Project has achieved in these past few months: a new "Lease on Life" as it were, from Nassau County!

It has been common knowledge for quite some time that the Lighthouse Development Group has been working with Nassau County on a new Lease Agreement for the Nassau Coliseum site in parallel to the SEQRA Environmental Review being conducted and voted on, by the Town of Hempstead. This is certainly not the end, however. Understand that the tentative Lease Agreement can only be approved once re-zoning and building permits are issued by the Town of Hempstead. That means that there is still work to be done. Here are some of the details of what the new lease will provide:

The New York Islanders will be required to play all regular season home games at the newly re-developed Coliseum until July 31, 2030.

The land lease for the entire 150 acre span (77 of that is the Coliseum site) is for a total of 99 years.

The Lighthouse Development Group will be required to pay $1.5 million to Nassau County to lease the land per year (remember how much Nassau County reported losing on the land in maintenance costs per year...$1.4 million anyone?)

The Islanders will receive all profits for ticket sales, parking and concessions (as of right now with the current lease, SMG, the arena managing firm based in Philadelphia, is receiving roughly ~~80%~~ of the ticket sales, all of the parking and concessions. The only pure profit the New York Islanders make is on their merchandise sales **UPDATE: My buddy NYIsles1/IslesTigers corrected my numbers: SMG at this time receives 11% of Isles gate receipts, all parking and concessions and 40% of all the team's advertising revenue. Thanks for the help. I could have sworn the gate receipts (tickets) were higher though...**). The LDG will also be responsible for all maintenance and repair costs on the site that the County has been shouldering throughout the current lease.

The Lighthouse Development Group is allowed to procure monies from many different sources to finance the Project, including Industrial Development Agency Bonds.

Here are the advantages and benefits of IDA funding (directly from the Town of Brookhaven IDA website):

ADVANTAGES & BENEFITS OF IDA FUNDING

The Company may receive 100% financing for the total project cost - including construction, equipment and planning costs and financial expenses.

The Company pays a rate of interest generally lower than the rate on conventional financing.

The Company may receive real estate Tax Abatement of Up to 100% on all new capital investment for Up to 10 Years

The Company may save the sales tax on material and equipment purchased during the construction period from proceeds of the bond issue. This benefit may save a company Up to 5% of the total project cost. For accounting and federal income tax purposes, the Company is treated as the constructive owner of the project. Accordingly, it carries the project as an asset on its books and the total obligation under the lease or sale agreement as long term debt.

The Company is entitled to the investment tax credit under Section 38 of the Internal Revenue Code, and is entitled to the depreciation allowance under Section 167 of the Code (Rev. Rul. 68-590).

The Company may: (a) increase the size of borrowing to include an amount equal to the interest payable during the construction period, and (b) defer the first payment of principal during this period of time. As a result, the Company need not divert cash flow from other sources to make payments on the debt until the construction has been completed.

Tax exempt bonds are generally exempt from the registration requirements of the securities laws and State "blue sky" laws and are consequently considerably less complex and time consuming than the public or private placement of corporate bonds. Bonds subject to federal tax will also be exempt from registration under most circumstances if the bonds are sold pursuant to the private placement exempt transaction rules.

Cost applicable to an industrial development revenue bond issue include fee of bond counsel, Agency fee, fees to trustee or paying agent, other legal fees, and placement fees if outside bond placement is required. However, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with IDA financing, make questionable the feasibility of any project funding under $750,000.

So what does this mean for the Lighthouse approval process? It basically puts the puck back in the Town of Hempstead's end. With a tentative Lease Agreement and re-zoning hearing that occurred on September 22nd, it's the Town's turn to send a counter-offer to the Lighthouse Project possibly scaling back some aspects of the construction. That's how negotiations work until both sides get the concessions they want and reach a compromise.

It's my belief that the LDG and Nassau County tried to accommodate some of the demands of the Town of Hempstead (granted we won't know the details of the Lease Agreement until noon today). It is known that the Lease Agreement will still provide the LDG access to tax-exempt money but another one of the important issues being addressed was that the Islanders stay for more than the original agreement of 2025.

**Side Note: In the Newsday article in today's edition regarding the Lighthouse Project, the reporters only state that the Islanders will be required to remain in the Coliseum for 15 years. This number is not accurate. What the authors did not take into account was that the Lease Agreement for the Lighthouse Project would terminate the current lease on the property. If the Lighthouse is approved for zoning and permits this year or next, then the new Lease Agreement will take effect in 2010 and will provide for 20 years.**

**Side Note 2: Nassau County legislative Minority Leader Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) was quoted in the same article saying that the numbers provided in the Lease Agreement will be inaccurate without knowing what the LDG will build on the site. The only question I have to ask in regards to this line of questioning is, "Why then, would the Town of Hempstead send an open letter of suggestions/demands to the County, the LDG and the citizens of Long Island for the Lease Agreement if there has been no decision on what will be constructed on the site?"**

Any way you slice it, this is a big step forward in the process of getting the Lighthouse Project approved. Now is the time for diplomacy and compromise. Let's look forward to October 3rd, not as date for "certainty" on the Project but as the start of the future on Long Island and the Islanders hockey season.

Be on the lookout for my Season Preview post tomorrow!

Is That A Light at the End of the Tunnel or a Freight Train?

2009-09-25T11:30:00.003-04:00

I'm sure that you've been bombarded by analysis from Tuesday's Re-Zoning Hearing for the Lighthouse Project, but I figured that one more couldn't hurt. I apologize that it's now Friday and I'm finally getting around to this post (two jobs and going full-time to school can hinder some thought processes).

****

I got to the meeting as it started at about 9:30AM and sat through until about 12PM (then subsequently returned for the last 30 minutes of the evening session). Here's what I gathered from my time sitting on Twitter in the back of the room with the rest of the media types:

The Town Board was "cordial" and "polite"...for all of about 5 minutes. I have no idea how the writers from Newsday, which is owned by Cablevision, who owns MSG, which in turn owns the Rangers, got such a different perspective on the proceedings. It was clear from the get-go that those who supported the Lighthouse Project would be limited in their ability to speak their minds. However, on the flip side, those who were ardently opposed to the Project either due to concerns about the water, the traffic, the height of the buildings or what have you, were getting more than their fair share of time in front of the Board.

At one point during the morning session, it seemed that Garden City's representatives (the most outspoken opponent to the Lighthouse Project or any development for that matter) which included the Mayor, Trustee's, Eastern Property Association members and the like, were given ample time (and were grouped TOGETHER, one after the other for the better part of the morning session) to voice their opinions. However, when Nick from Let There Be Light(house) stepped to the podium (as was pointed out in Islanders Point Blank) he was held to a very strict 2 minutes of speaking time. What were the motives for that I wonder?

**Side Note**: It is only a small minority of citizens and civic leaders that are opposed to the Lighthouse Project in Garden City. Please don't take anything said in relation to Garden City's opposition to infer that the majority of citizens living there are against the Project. It is very much the opposite. Many in Garden City believe the Lighthouse Project to be a positive for all Long Island even in it's current iteration.

What struck me the most while I sat in silence in the back of the room was the absolute disdain that the Town Board exhibited toward Charles Wang, Scott Rechler and their consultants. Councilman Santino, in particular was downright belligerent at times with the Traffic Consultant for the Lighthouse Project, Bob Eschbacher. Meanwhile, the others on the Board simply sat indifferent to the proceedings although sometimes asking half-assed questions about hypothetical situations like people backing out of their driveway on a busy street (that's already choked with traffic during rush hour), what would happen if someone ran a red light that doesn't even exist yet or the that height and density of the buildings is a concern because it will seem too much like "The City". If they actually took the time, the Lighthouse Project provided those observations and data in with the voluminous 6,500+ pages of the DGEIS on February 24th!

Unfortunately, I was in class for the dramatic conclusion of the "Traffic Analysis" by the Town Board, so I didn't get to see Charles Wang lose his cool after several hours of interrogation of Bob Eschbacher. What I took away from the whole argument was that the traffic mitigation measures (which were approved by State DOT and DWP) were more geared to roadways leading to the site than actual roads in and around the proposed construction area. Improvements to the Meadowbrook Parkway and Hempstead Tpke. and the roads 1/2 mile from the site and beyond are the State and Town's responsibility and the Lighthouse is merely providing the data, analysis and suggestions to ease the traffic burden(public transportation) to better serve the area in which they're building. Only one Town Board member (I apologize, I didn't catch who it was) pointed out that it was more important to the process to discuss roadways that directly affected the Lighthouse site as opposed to mitigation measures on roadways that would lead to the site (think about the entrance ramp onto the Meadowbrook Pkwy. from the Southern State, which Councilman Santino espoused about for nearly half an hour).

Furthermore, I'd like to address the water and sewage concerns, which are not to be taken lightly at all. If I have my facts straight, the Lighthouse Development Group has entered into negotiations with Nassau Community College (where I'm presently enrolled) to build a well near the Hempstead Plains on the eastern edge of campus. Why exactly, would the lease need to be hammered out for that portion of construction BEFORE the Town Board has even approved the final scope of the Project as a whole? Councilman Santino seemed to think that the well needed to be approved ahead of the rest of the Project (somehow subverting the entire State mandated process). Nice of you to make that clear for us there Santino!

With that said, the consulting company for water distribution and sewage removal, H2M, which is contracted both by the Lighthouse Group AND the Town of Hempstead, went into some detail as to the most recent data concluded. Currently, the area is running at 1 million gallons surplus and the Lighthouse, once fully constructed in 10 years or so, would only draw 0.8% of the total water supply! Pretty damning stuff that the Board was more than a little irked about as they asked the same question of the consultant in about 20 different ways.

In my conclusion, as well as others, this hearing was nothing more than political grandstanding. The Town Board was clearly ticked about the very well-publicized and blatant "shot across the bow" that was the Kansas City pre-season game and they made sure to exact some public revenge. More than once, Board members seemed to be patting themselves on the back, smiling to themselves with an air of, "I just asked an intelligent question that will probably stump this analyst and make the LDG look like a bunch of fools". Not only only were some of the questions wreaking of ignorance, at times they bordered on immature banter to satisfy personal ego.

With all the public politics out of the way, it's time to get down to the real business. It has been a proper assumption since this process started that the Lighthouse would look nothing like the original plans once all was said and done. Now is the time for compromise. It's not unusual for a developer to shoot for the moon and then work out a deal with the municipality to scale back parts of a project. That's how real estate works.

Will the towers be 450ft. once they're completed? Probably not. Personally, I think they'll be just a bit taller or shorter than Nassau County Medical Center (2 miles to the East). Will the roadways be able to handle the increased daily traffic to and from the site? It's very likely that there will be initial growing pains. However, once completed, I believe that the measures being hashed out now will be a great help to mitigating traffic in the surrounding area and beyond. Will the Lighthouse be a destination for all those living on and visiting Long Island? Absolutely.

For all the politics, I still believe that the Town of Hempstead knows the kind of spot they're in. The public overwhelmingly supports the Project and they're jobs are on the line if they don't come through. On top of that, the Lighthouse Group submitted nearly 5,000 pages of FGEIS which was supposed to have been completed BY THE TOWN and their consultant FP Clark. However, due to the events earlier this month, the SEQRA mandated deadline of September 18th came and went. Now is the time to sit down and work out the details in a civil manner. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and finally BUILD THE LIGHTHOUSE!

**Side Note #2**: It has come to my attention that the Lighthouse Group approached the Town of Hempstead following the Re-Zoning Hearing in an attempt to come to a compromise. As of yesterday, the Town of Hempstead had refused to sit down and discuss the options.

Today, however, reports filtered out of the Town of Hempstead that they were preparing to offer the Lighthouse Group a scaled-down version of the Project. I'm not totally convinced that this is the case but it seems logical from the standpoint that the Town of Hempstead certainly understands what kind of support the Project has and still is receiving. We shall see.

The Re-Zoning Hearing Has Begun!

2009-09-22T09:42:00.002-04:00

Catch all of my updates for this morning's Re-zoning Hearing's session on my Twitter at @NYIsles10. Everything will be on there. Enjoy the updates! Hopefully, things will move smoothly.

Time Yet Again to Savalge Our Hopes and Dreams

2009-09-21T11:00:00.005-04:00

Long Islanders Unite!

The horizon, that finish line in the distance, is finally upon us and we have to stand up yet again and fight for a new beginning. Tomorrow, Tuesday September 22nd at 9:00AM at the John Adams Playhouse on the Hofstra Campus, the Re-zoning Hearing for the Lighthouse Project (minus the all-crucial vote on the matter) will begin in earnest as the process creeps slowly forward. We need your help to advocate yet again for your future, your children's future and their children's future. We must stand up and fight for what we believe in: The Lighthouse Project and the Islanders remaining where they belong in Nassau County.

There have been many roadblocks and many small victories along the way. However, now as the Environmental Review Process starts to wrap up and the details of the Project hopefully will be put into place, reports have come to light that there may be those who truly do not want a stake in this future that Charles Wang and Scott Rechler are trying to build. It is imperative that we again show our support and prove to those in political positions of influence that this is a Project worth constructing. Let your voices be heard and your presence be felt.

Now is our time! Join me and many of your fellow supporters tomorrow in one united front to get this Project closer to being approved.

I hope to see you there tomorrow morning.

Sessions	Morning Session	Break	Afternoon Session	Evening Session
Time	9AM-1PM	1PM-2PM	2PM-5PM	6PM-9PM

Revisiting Hits to the Head

2009-09-18T10:59:00.007-04:00

If you're an Islander fan, by now you've heard what happened last night when one of our bright young players was viciously hit in the head with little relevance to the play. Kyle Okposo was hit in open-ice by a very suspect impact initiated by Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf. Here's my breakdown of the play (UPDATED):

Okposo skates up the middle of the ice with the puck barely hanging on to his blade. He’s covered by 2 Flames players, the forward who is properly back-checking and the the left defenseman who is in position to force Okposo to the outside.

Phaneuf conciously makes a decision to skate OUT OF HIS LANE as a right defenseman to come after Okposo.

Okposo loses the puck to a good back-check by the forward and is extending to regain control and if you’ve ever played the game in this situation you almost certainly have your head down (even at the NHL level) to spot the puck.

Phaneuf keeps his elbow IN, until the force of the impact drives his arm up and out. This was a shoulder check with an elbow follow through. Not uncommon but certainly not warranted in open-ice. What irks me about the hit is the total irrelevance to the play as a whole and the fact that he does LEAVE HIS FEET to deliver the hit. Phaneuf has no necessity to be on that side of the ice as proper defensive technique dictates that he stay on his side of the ice (again, if you’ve ever played, this was taught to you).

Frankly, IMHO this was a dirty hit. Regular season, pre-season, playoffs is irrelevant. As far as relevance to the play and the idea of fair-play and keeping an opponent’s well-being in mind in relation to the position he’s in at that moment, Phaneuf disregarded everything that makes this game great.

I ask those of you who think this is a clean hit, what happens at the end of a playoff series? The teams shake hands, right? Well, if this happened in the Western Conference Finals for example, I can guarantee you that there would be a bench clearing brawl. There is a certain etiquette that every hockey player lives and dies by:

Phaneuf stepped over the line and deserves a suspension. What should be 5 games minimum won’t even be a slap on the wrist but at least we know it should be that long.

What I really like about the Islanders response was that it wasn't the usual guys who came to Kyle's defense. Pascal Morency (although deserving of a suspension) should be praised for going after Phaneuf in retaliation ~~albeit jumping over the boards to go after him~~. Matt Martin should also get some merit points in the eyes of the coaching staff for trying to get to Phaneuf as well. Even Marty Biron got in on the act. These are 3 players (2 of them brand new to the organization) that understand that the team is more important than themselves. This could have been a tragic incident, but thankfully it wasn't. I'm just glad that Kyle is okay and that the Islanders showed some feistiness immediately after the hit (unlike with Mottau and Frans Nielsen last season).

Whatever suspensions get handed down, be prepared for the contingency that only one player will receive anything (Pascal Morency). If Dion Phaneuf gets anything for this vicious hit to the head I'll be surprised.

Keep following Katie Strang and her blog Isles Files for the latest updates on Kyle's condition. As of right now, the PR dept. is saying it's a "mild concussion". I'm sure we'll find out more as the weekend gets underway.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Other Sites with News on Last Night's Hit

Dom over at Lighthouse Hockey has a couple of posts on the matter.

Dee Karl, the 7th Woman weighed in on both Hockeybuzz and her own site.

Okposo Net's Ken obviously had his take on Kyle's condition and the hit itself.

On the brighter side of things, Islanders Point Blank delivers some good news at least.

Ken over at Islanders Outsider has some thoughts on the game and the hit.

Link Updates 2:30PM

My buddy Justin Bourne over at Bourne's Blog had a former pro player's angle on the Phaneuf/Okposo incident. (A really good read!)

Islanders Point Blank let's Calgary fans and players know his opinon on how Phaneuf should "man-up" and face the music.

Dom over at Lighthouse Hockey has a nice assemblage of links about the subject matter as well.

The Day We've All Been Waiting For...

2009-09-14T10:54:00.004-04:00

It's been a rough time for Islanders fans since April 14th, 2009 when we first learned that we had won the Draft Lottery and the right to choose John Tavares. Since Draft Weekend where all our hopes and cries for sanity were answered, there really hasn't been much to talk about. At 10:30PM tonight, albeit on a 30-minute delay, we'll finally have something to discuss: IT'S TIME FOR SOME ISLANDERS HOCKEY, BABY!

So get those chips and dip ready, we've got some ACTUAL hockey to watch. I can't imagine how excited the residents of Terrace, B.C. are right now. They've had a few days to soak it all in with visits from Lord Stanley and former hockey greats, Bryan Trottier, Cliff Ronning, Dave Babych and Cassie Campbell. For a town of about 15,000 residents, this has to be the most exciting event that's ever happened for them.

As Ken Morrow stated in his interview with NHL.com in reference to the Islanders second appearance in the Kraft Hockeyville game:

"I think it's a fantastic idea -- one of the best marketing ideas I've ever seen, really. You've got all these towns across Canada who are involved in this. What a fantastic thing to be associated with. Everybody's excited."

My question here is: Why can't American hockey fans do something similar? Wouldn't it be great to have NHL hockey go to the small towns across the USA? You know, non-traditional markets? Oh wait, what's that? We're fighting to keep the Coyotes in...Phoenix? Oh, well. There goes that idea.

Don't forget to tune in tonight for our first taste of NHL hockey action since the beginning of April. I know I'll be up late tonight.

Catch the game between the Isles and Vancouver Canucks on MSG+ Channels 88 and 717 on Cablevision iO and/or on the NHL Network.

I'll be catching up on some Training Camp news as much as I can (school is keeping me really busy and it's only been 1 week). Keep checking Newsday's Katie Strang's Blog, Isles Files and her Twitter account @KatieStrangNYI for the latest and greatest from Saskatchewan and Islanders Training Camp.

Better Late than Never: Photos from Prospect Camp

2009-09-12T12:15:00.001-04:00

With the big camp starting today, I figured I'd reach in to my photo archive and post the pictures from the Prospect Camp. Take a gander and hopefully this holds you over until I get some real material from camp and the recent Lighthouse Project mayhem. Have a great weekend!

If you have any questions about what players are what just let me know. I'll give you hint about the huge goalie in blue pads though: Mikko Koskinen.

Remembering a Day That Will Never Be Forgotten and Looking Toward the Future

2009-09-11T11:27:00.005-04:00

I'm sorry that I haven't been around much this summer to write. Things in my life have turned from hectic to damn near apocalyptic as I've decided to go back to school full time, work at my current job, keep my reffing up (which consequently starts this weekend) and write for this blog. With all the hubbub going on, something had to fall to the wayside and unfortunately for my fans and avid readers, the blog took the biggest brunt of my inability to focus on one thing. For that I apologize.

As the season approaches and the Islanders prepare for Training Camp, which begins tomorrow, I'd like to take a solemn moment to remember the lives that were lost on that fateful day eight years ago:

September 11, 2001 will always be an indellible date in my mind for as long as I live. I will always remember where I was and what I was doing. I will mourn those lives that were lost and those families and friends that were plunged into darkness by the actions of those who filled their hearts with hate. Today is a day that will remain in my memory for those who have risked their lives for our country and our way of life. This is the day that will never be forgotten...

Islanders Related Material

I know things have begun to awaken as the season approaches and I just wanted to clue you in on what will be going on here at Official's Outlook as well as Lighthouse Hockey.

1) With the decision to dissolve the radio broadcasts for the Islanders and move to simulcast, the NYI Blog Box has decided to try and delve into the world of Podcasts. Be on the look out for an announcement from me on when this ball will get rolling. I can promise you that I will try my hardest to get the NYI Blog Box Radio Show off the ground before the season opener.

2) The Lighthouse Project has reached a tipping point in its ongoing political struggle with the Town of Hempstead. Things are still looking up, but your help is still needed to persuade the lawmakers to do what is right and necessary for the residents of Long Island. We still need to stand firm on our support for the Lighthouse.

3) Training Camp begins tomorrow. The season is upon us. John Tavares is about to finally step on the ice as an official member of the New York Islanders. The future looks bright. Let's hope that this year is another of building chemistry and progressing the rebuild.

Finally,

4) I will be splitting my time between this site and Lighthouse Hockey. I'm not sure exactly what I will be covering over there, but I urge you to check out the site and post your comments, thoughts and ideas. Dom runs a really cutting edge operation and I hope to provide him with even more ammunition as the season gets under way.

I know that I've been remiss over the summer and I'm looking to right the ship as my own future gets a fresh start. Keep your ears and eyes open. Things on just about every front are going to bust wide open...very soon. I hope everyone had a pleasant and relaxing summer, but now it's time to get down to business.

Welcome: We'll Leave the Light(house) On!

2009-08-06T20:37:00.001-04:00

After all the posturing over the past two years, the anti-climatic nature of the Public Hearing on August 4th overshadowed the huge crossroads the Project has arrived at. Many a powerful voice came out in support of the Lighthouse including principal developer Charles Wang, former Islander greats Bobby Nystrom and Mike Bossy, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and local politicians and community leaders. However, I'm more concerned about those who have spoken out AGAINST the Project. What are the issues that they want examined?

After the jump, I have a special treat for you guys: A slide show of the pictures I took at the Rally and the Public Hearing. Be sure to check it out...

****

This was a comment I posted over at James Mirtle's From the Rink in response to a post about concerns that were being raised by those in opposition of the Lighthouse Project. You can read his whole article and the myriad of other comments here.

1) Environmental Concerns

Here’s the issue. The State mandated process for Environmental Impact Survey is to DETERMINE ANY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE THAT WILL EFFECT THE OVERALL FOOTPRINT OF THE PROJECT. The reason that this process is so drawn out is due to the fact that many agencies, most importantly the Town of Hempstead, must review each and every area of concern before moving into the Final Environmental Impact Study. Water, sewage and conservation of the Hempstead Plains area are all included in the DGEIS that was submitted in February. Remember, THINGS ARE NOT FINALIZED! Nor will they be until the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County and the State of NY have done their due dilligence as far as reviewing each and every inch of the proposed site.

Another thing to note is that the proposed construction site, what amounts to an abandoned parking lot (at least during the summer), the surrounding buildings (RexCorp Plaza on the South side of Hempstead Tpke., the Omni Building to the North and the Marriott Hotel which sits on the extreme East of the site are ALL OWNED BY THE LIGHTHOUSE DEVELOPMENT GROUP! The only piece of land that is not owned by them is the 77 acres where the Coliseum sits.

2) Development in a County that doesn’t develop

No offense to anyone else who has commented so far on this topic, but you simply don’t have the same perspective that I do. I live here. I’m in the thick of it everyday. Nassau County has no available land to develop. It’s a simple fact that really hampers the status quo. Neighborhood after neighborhood of Suburbia has created more TRAFFIC, SEWAGE CONCERNS and ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT than the Lighthouse will in 25 years. The idea is to build to conform to environmental GREEN standards. The Lighthouse is needed to create a new status quo, a “New Suburbia”.

I’m 25 years old. Don’t I deserve a place to live? Finding an apartment on Long Island below $1000 is a challenge at best. What’s wrong with placing a series of “below-market housing”, not “welfare-housing” as someone stated before, next to luxury condos? These units will be utilized by people my age, between 25-34, to stay in a County that is only comprised of 8% of people in that age group. There are no jobs, no place to live and no where to go but off Long Island.

3) Who pays?

This is an issue that can’t even be a concern at this point. For the Lighthouse Development Group, yes. But not for the general public. Funding isn’t even going to be discussed until the Re-Zoning Hearing which is far off in the distance as far as the process goes. Whether the money comes from China or bank loans as I’ve heard directly from some inside in the LDG, it doesn’t matter. This is the ultimate Republican wet dream: A developer (big business) who’s willing to pay for 99% of a development project. You tell me where else you’ve heard that before? Please remember, this is not going to be built in a day. This is an 8-10 year build out process. The money will not be needed all at once. From what I know the $400 million for the Coliseum is the only guaranteed number right now.

Many of you ask: “What’s is Charles Wang’s motive for building this development project?” Allow me to answer that for you.

Charles is has been losing $20 million+ a year on a team since 2000. The lease that Nassau County has for the site is overseen by a third party company that maintains the building called SMG (the same people who take care of Nationwide Arena in Columbus). The lease is so restraining, that the only pure profit the Islanders receive is from their merchandise and their TV deal. Major percentages (in some cases up to 90%) of tickets, parking and concessions all go to SMG and the current lease extends until 2015. If the LDG builds the Project then the lease is re-negotiated to better favor keeping the team on Long Island.

Also of note, Nassau County which loses $1.5 million on the site a year, stands to gain $60-$70 million in fresh tax revenue annually. The Uniondale School District, which will end up enrolling a significant amount of new students just struck a deal with LDG that will pay them huge sums of money (somewhere in the range of $26 million) to fund revitalization of the District.

If you still think that Charles Wang is only the owner of the Islanders to build the Lighthouse then you are seriously mistaken. If you read any newspaper articles from when Wang bought the team in 2000, you’ll find that Nassau County was promising the new owner a new building in 5-7 years. Nassau Coliseum is in disrepair and is no longer viable to contain a major sports franchise.

Not only will this Project be a reason to keep the Islanders where they belong, but it will be a catalyst to the region. New tax revenues, jobs and the opportunity to keep the younger generation around long enough to utilize the tax dollars that are spent on them to educate them on Long Island will be a significant boon the the local economy. After the Lighthouse is constructed, these younger people (myself included) will be re-insert back into the work force and be a part of the “New Suburbia” the Lighthouse will create.

Things That Make You Go...Hmmm

"I believe community outreach was really the key to the success of the hearing and rally today. But I realize, you can't reach everyone. I was very sad to hear from a woman who was 'horrified' by the project and how things were not on the up-and-up informing the community on its impacts. When I attempted to offer her an outreach meeting, or to even bring her in to discuss the project, she declined and refused to tell me who she was."

--Katrina Doell from
The Light Post: Official Blog of the Lighthouse Project

It's amazing to me how those opposed to the Lighthouse Project try to justify their claims of opposition with little to no information and then simply turn away from any attempt to help them understand the finer points involved in the Project.

Final Takeaway

This was a huge event in the process of getting the Lighthouse Project approved. If I'm not mistaken, about 90% of those who came to the Public Hearing were in favor of the Project. It's about time that people who are out of work and watch other towns around North America re-develop and start with a fresh slate, get their chance at a new beginning.

The fight is not over. Our resolve must stay as focused as ever. The Public Comment period ends on August 17th. Keep the pressure on. We need to see this through...

Live Blog: August 4th, 2009 Lighthouse Public Hearing

2009-08-04T09:36:00.033-04:00

9:37 Kate Murray is addressing the massive crowd of supporters. "Goalie" Don Clavin is in attendance.

9:38 The Hearing begins.

9:39 The Lighthouse is of course not the only Public Hearing topic this morning. Most of it is parking-related topics throughout the Town of Hempstead.

9:40 Joe Ra, Attorney for the ToH stated that the Meeting would go until 5PM. If the Lighthouse Project Hearing goes anywhere close to the speed of the Public Hearings now. Then we hopefully we'll get through this pretty easy.

9:43 The Lighthouse is brought forth as the main topic of business.

9:44 Kate Murray just went over the main points of the DGEIS and what the speaking points will be during the procedeeings.

9:45 Remember that August 17th is the last date for the Public Comment period.

9:46 Charles Wang begins his presentation to thunderous applause.

9:49 Video presentation begins with the latest information for the Lighthouse Project.

9:51 The message is simply: "What if it doesn't get constructed?"

9:53 The video has included video from the Marriott meeting and the June 11, 2009 meeting in the Nassau County Executive Building. It is stirring speech after stirring speech from residents of Long Island.

9:56 Mr. Wang thanks those who support the Project a huge massing of groups.

9:57 Over 15,000 letters were sent to the Lighthouse Project in support and those have been turned over to the Town.

10:01 Make sure to check out my Twitter feed where most of the quotes I get will be. My Twitter

10:05 Charles Wang finishes his address to the audience.

10:05 Hofstra President begins his speech to the Board. The President believes that that Hofstra is intertwined with the region (including the proposed Lighthouse site) and that the Board will find a way to compromise and get the Lighthouse done.

"This proposal is crucial to the future of Long Island"

"The benefits to Long Island are enormous"

"This is the time, this is the place and these are the developers to make it happen"

10:08 "We must stop the exodus of the young, professional workforce members"

10:13 Stu Rabinowitz, Hofstra President, ends his speech with a flourish about how the Town Board will get this right.

Nassau County Executive, Tom Suozzi steps up to the podium with "I am an Islander". Gotta love it.

10:15 Tom Suozzi: "50% of Americans live in suburbia"

"There was a large group of people much like this in 1947 that wanted a new way of life: Levittown"

10:16 4 Issues with Nassau County

"Property taxes are too high"

"Only 8% of young people are in Nassau County (23-35)"

"Pockets of poverty in one of the most segregated place in America"

"The final issue is Traffic"

"The Lighthouse Project is the model for 'New Suburbia'"

10:21 "I know that working together, we can resolve the issues of this Project"

Tom Suozzi ends his speech.

10:22 Bishop Bill Murray from the Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre steps to the podium.

10:24 "We need a new home, a new vision" --Bishop Murphy

10:26 Comissioner Gary Bettman steps to the podium "I grew up on Long Island"

10:27 "It is clear there is probably no worse Major League facility in North America except for the Nassau Coliseum"

10:30 John Kaiman steps to the podium in place of John Durso (speaking on behalf of the Labor Unions) Kate Murray asks those in the Labor Unions to stand be recognized.

10:33 Jim Castellane steps to the podium and states that "We all represent Long Island"

10:45 Look for a Gary Bettman interview up on IslesBlogger.com

10:46 A Sierra Club representative, a volunteer who made the journey here, speaks mainly about the issue of Water and it's use at the development site. She makes several good points about heavy metals and how much the Project will effect the aquifers of upstate NY.

11:00 Keep following my Twitter feed
I'm going to sign off the blog for now.

I'll be back tonight with pictures from the Public Hearing.

Our Time has Come...

2009-08-03T11:50:00.004-04:00

It's been a hard month and half for me blogging-wise to really come up with new content. I'm not really one to just re-hash the news or try to tread on others turf. Let's just say that I hit a creative impasse as far as things to write about.

Well, now I can safely say: "I'M BACK!"

There are so many things that I've been thinking about for weeks to share with you. The Lighthouse Project, the Rookie Scrimmage, as well as recent signings and moves within the organization.

Let me touch on a these subjects beginning with the most important one: The Lighthouse.

It has been a long time coming that we've finally found ourselves on the precipice of a decision. Many of my fellow bloggers have written hundreds of posts about the issue we face and I'd like to acknowledge their efforts. Please, I urge you to visit The Light Post: The Lighthouse Project's Official Blog written by Katrina Doell whose tireless efforts to not only inform the public through the blog and Twitter have been so vital to the education of people interested in the project. Let There be Light(house) by Nick Giglia has also contributed his own brand of eloquent writing and extremely detailed factual information that has lead to explicit understanding of the project and participation throughout our communities. Last but certainly not least, my fellow Blog Boxers, Dee Karl, who writes for both her site, Unique Perspectives of the 7th Woman and for HockeyBuzz, Mike Schuerlein of Islesblogger and several others who have been proponents of the project as long as I can remember as well as mentors to me and an amazing force within Islander Country.

The time has come for YOU, the people of Long Island and around the world, to contribute your voices and your opinions to the building of the Lighthouse Project. Above this post, you'll find banners dedicated to the Rally and March, the Public Hearing and How to Send Comments to the Town of Hempstead regarding the Lighthouse Project. Let your voices be heard as well as your presence felt. Your contribution is vital to the process.

As I stated back in March, right here and now is an unprecedented time in our lives. Back then, as now, history is unfolding right in front of our eyes. What makes this kind of history so special is that we can mold it how we choose. People like you and I have the opportunity to use our voices to move mountains and change policies.

Now, is our time.

Tomorrow, August 4th, 2009 is the most important day that we can show our support for the Lighthouse Project. At 8AM a rally will gather in the Nassau Coliseum Parking Lot 8 to show the world our unwavering endorsement of a project that will help be the catalyst for our well-being as community well into the 21st century. Howie Rose will emcee the event and will introduce special guest speakers who will include NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Lighthouse Project Principal and Islanders owner Charles Wang. Islanders Alumni, many local elected officials and current Islanders current Islanders Josh Bailey and Joel Rechlicz, will be on hand showing their support for the huge development project.

At 8:45AM, the "Just Build It!" march will begin towards the John Cranford Adams Playhouse on the Hofstra campus located across the street. The main hearing will begin at 9:30AM. So if you can't make it to the rally or the march, please try and show your support at the hearing as this will be our final chance to really give those charged with approval an idea of our passion towards the goal of getting a shovel in the ground.

I'm so excited to be a part of this momentous occasion. I've been waiting for this moment in history and can't imagine how this will change my future. If you haven't already, please read this post that I wrote back in February that showcases exactly how I felt then and as I still feel now. I can't begin to replicate the prose that I wrote in that post. It's a piece of writing that is very special to me and describes my passion and desire for this project to the best of my ability.

Isles Notes and Quotes

I have a bulk of material on last month's Rookie Scrimmage. I have plenty of pictures and insight to share and just simply didn't have the impetus to get it all on here. I promise you that you'll see it as soon as I can possibly get all the ideas out of my mind and on to the computer.

I'll also be including some insights into the recent RFA signings of Jack Hillen and Nate Thompson, the hiring of assistant coach Scott Allen, as well as the contract negotiations of Blake Comeau and Matt Martin. There have been plenty of rumors floating around the Isles as well but these need to be put on the back-burner for now.

It's gonna be hard to stay completely on hockey since the Lighthouse Project really deserves to dominate the news. Things are moving along but the work is not done. WE MUST STAY FOCUSED!. We must show up in force to prove to those in political power that the people desire a new economic engine on Long Island. Now is not the time to divert our attention elsewhere! This is the only issue that we as citizens of Long Island need to be concerned with. I hope to see you there tomorrow!

Cheers!

Islanders Sign Martin Biron!

2009-07-22T18:08:00.008-04:00

The Isles sign former Islander-killer, Martin Biron

From beating the ever-loving crap out of the Islanders on Buffalo and Philly to going with: "If you beat them that much, join them."

Here's a signing I definitely did not see coming. What this means is Rick DiPietro WILL NOT be ready for the season. It seems the Islanders will attempt to imitate the Bruins of 2008-09 by platooning their goalies. With 3 true NHL starters in the organization, it will certainly be an interesting season for former goalie and current Head Coach, Scott Gordon. How he manages the rotation and whether or not DiPietro should prove to be very telling over the next few months.

We've been hearing since the beginning of this year that "The Rick" would be ready to start skating in the first few weeks of next month. With the signing of Biron, that simply doesn't seem to be a possibility anymore. Could there be a major setback in his rehabilitation? It would seem so. Unfortunate. after so much postulating that Rick would be ready for training camp in Saskatoon.

ISLANDERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH MARTIN BIRON

Goalie Signs One-Year Contract

UNIONDALE, NY, July 22, 2009 – The New York Islanders today announced that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with goaltender, Martin Biron.

Biron appeared in 55 games with the Philadelphia Flyers last season, posting a 29-19-5 record and a 2.76 goals against average. The Lac St. Charles, QC native led the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording a 9-8 record and a 2.97 goals against average.

“Adding Marty gives us three bona-fide number one goalies,” said Garth Snow, General Manager, New York Islanders. “We learned about the importance of stability in our line-up from last year and he now allows us to have another quality starter.”

Biron has played a total of 433 games in the NHL and comes to the Islanders with a career record of 199-162-25-20-25 (W-L-T-OT-SO), a goals against average of 2.59 and a save percentage of .912. The 6’3, 180 pound net-minder began his career with the Buffalo Sabres where he played parts of seven seasons with both the Sabres and the team’s American Hockey League affiliate at the time, the Rochester Americans. He currently ranks second on Buffalo’s All-Time List in shutouts (18) and third in game played (300) and wins (134).

Confirmed: NHL Grants fans the Matchup of the Season for the Home Opener

2009-07-16T20:11:00.001-04:00

Personally, I can't remember the last time the Isles had their Season Opener the same night as their Home Opener. It seems like it's been a really long time since they weren't on the road to kick things off in October. Nevertheless, on Oct. 3, 2009 the matchup that will generate the most hype around the Islanders since the 2002 Playoff series against the Maple Leafs is officially confirmed: John Tavares v. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bill Guerin and the rest of the 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Penguins. I really can't even think of a better contest to start the season. It's going to be insane with a packed house in the "Old Barn". I really can't wait for the season to start. How long do I have to wait again?

I can't imagine why the NHL would start JT's career against this guy. Do you?

Also, in more NHL related news, the Winter Classic was officially unveiled between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park on January 1st. That had to be the worst kept secret in all of pro sports. I think the NHL League Office needs to start taking some notes from Garth Snow about how to keep a lid on things.

Catch the rest of the New York Islanders 2009-10 Regular Season Schedule here.

Tavares is Now Officially a New York Islander!

2009-07-15T11:45:00.008-04:00

"Who's laughin' now, Burkie?"

Just got the Press Release from Isles PR. It's official. John Tavares is now officially a New York Islander!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISLANDERS SIGN TAVARES

2009 First Overall Pick Signs First Professional Contract

UNIONDALE, NY, July 15, 2009 – The New York Islanders announced today the signing of John Tavares to a three-year entry level contract. Tavares was selected by the Islanders first overall in the 2009 National Hockey League Draft.

Tavares, a native of Oakville, ON, played in 247 career Ontario Hockey League games over four seasons, compiling 215 goals and 218 assists for 433 points. His 215 tallies surpassed Peter Lee’s former OHL record of 214 goals, which Lee held for 33 years. In 2007, Tavares was named the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year, after breaking the OHL record for goals in a season with 72, a milestone previously held by Wayne Gretzky. Tavares played in 38 career OHL playoff games, recording 20 goals and 36 assists for a total of 56 points.

“It’s an exciting time for the Islanders organization as we develop our young talent into a contender,” said Garth Snow, General Manager, New York Islanders. “John provides another important piece to help us achieve our ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup.”

Last season, the 19-year-old center, led the OHL in goals (58) and points (104). Tavares recorded 50 points (32 goals and 18 assists) in 24 games after he was traded to the London Knights about halfway through the 2008-09 season and tied for the league lead in power-play goals with 14. Tavares also finished ninth in OHL playoff scoring with 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points.

“I’m excited to officially become a part of the New York Islanders organization and begin my professional career this upcoming season,” said Tavares. “I look forward to joining the Islanders and be part of a team that’s ultimate goal is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Long Island.”

Tavares won back-to-back gold medals with Team Canada at the 2008 and 2009 World Junior Championships. He was named the 2009 tournament MVP and World Junior Top Forward. Tavares tallied eight goals and seven assists for 15 points at the 2009 Tournament to complete his all-time tournament scoring marks at 12 goals and eight assists for 20 points. His career World Junior goal total of 12, ties him with fellow Canadians Eric Lindros and Jeff Carter for most goals in a career at the World Junior Championships.

Tavares is the fourth number one overall pick selected by the Islanders. In 2000, the Islanders selected goaltender Rick DiPietro first overall. Denis Potvin was picked first overall at the 1973 NHL Entry Draft and in 1972 the Islanders selected forward Billy Harris.

---newyorkislanders.com---

I'll be back later tonight with my impressions on the Day 3 scrimmage. To go with that coverage I have quite a few pictures and an interview with a player I think you'll see on the Bridgeport roster in the fall: Victor Bartley.

A Bout of Randomness

2009-07-10T11:42:00.004-04:00

Update 12:40 PM: IMPORTANT ADVISORY: The Islanders announced on Friday that due to capacity limitations and the overwhelming level of interest, a limited number of wristbands will be issued to fans for admission into the Prospect Mini-Camp open practice at Islanders Iceworks in Syosset on July 12th. Wristbands will be issued starting at 9am and fans are encouraged to arrive early as admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans must have a wristband in order to gain access to the rink to watch the open practice. Additional parking is available at the Syosset Long Island Railroad station just east of the practice facility.

I've been meaning to get this post out for a couple days so I figured it was time to just throw down some of the random happenings in Islanders Country.

In case you missed it, the Lighthouse Project has moved into the Public Comments phase. The Town of Hempstead has setup an email address for people to send comments on the project: lighthousecomment@tohmail.org. You can also send any comments or concerns via snail mail to: Lighthouse Project Public Comment, One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550

Remember, we have to keep up the pressure on the Town, County and State so our best interests are served during the approval process of the Lighthouse Project. Get involved through The Official Website of the Lighthouse Project and Let There Be Light(house).

*****

The Islanders formally introduced John Tavares on Wednesday. Big whoop! I got to see him drafted in Montreal! Being there to watch and hear Garth Snow confidently announce, "The New York Islanders are proud to select...John Tavares" is definitely up there on my list of the best Islander moments (a close second to the Shawn Bates penalty shot goal in Game 4 of the '02 1st Round Playoff Series against the Leafs).

*****

Now that the formalities are over, it's time to get down to business. As I'm writing this, the prospects are taking the ice for the first day of Prospect Camp. Things should get massively crazy on Sunday 7/12, when the practice session at Iceworks in Syosset, NY is open to the public starting at 10:45AM. I'll be there along with my fellow Blog Boxers, the Media and hopefully a whole bunch of jazzed up Isles fans who will get a chance to peer into the future of this team.

Names like Ness, Hamonic, Romano, Koskinen, Nilsson, de Haan, Cizikas, Rahkshani, DiBenedetto, Martin, Trivino and so many others that have a chance to make their mark on the Orange and Blue for this season and many to follow will be there. All will be on display before they part their separate ways to either head to the NHL/AHL or back to their respective college and junior teams. It should be a lot of fun. Be on the look out for some good quotes coming out on Sunday.

*****

I've been hearing along the grapevine that the Isles are looking into signing Alex Tanguay who could turn into their year's Mark Streit. I think having a top 6 forward who's currently 29 and has a ton of experience would benefit this team a lot. Here's to hoping that "Rolie the Goalie" isn't the only NHL-caliber player the Isles sign this summer.

That's all I've got for you for now. If anything major happens between now and Sunday, I'll be sure to get it posted as soon as possible.

Cheers, folks!

One Small Step for the Lighthouse, but No Giant Leap...Yet

2009-07-07T15:20:00.007-04:00

Today was a landmark day for the future of the Lighthouse Project. In a unanimous vote, the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement was deemed ready for the Public Comments period. Mind you (and my friend Nick over at Let There Be Light(house) will be sure to correct me if I mess this up. LOL!), this is only the first small step to getting a shovel in the ground.

In this Public Comments period, any concerned citizens, politicians, surrounding towns, businesses and the like will be able to weigh in on their issues with the project and final tweaks will be made to the EIS. Here is the post that just went up on LighthouseLI.com (the official site of the Lighthouse Project):

Lighthouse DGEIS deemed complete by Town of Hempstead Board

Jul 7, 2009

Today, the Town of Hempstead Town Board voted unanimously on a resolution to deem the Draft Generic Environmental Studies for the Lighthouse at Long Island project complete.

The original application for a Planned Development District was submitted on November 17, 2007, with the final scope of studies finalized on February 24, 2009. The Lighthouse Development Group submitted the first round of studies on April 28, 2009.

This resolution now opens an official public comment period, and a public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra University. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. The public comment period will be open until August 17, 2009.

The public hearing will be the time for anyone and everyone to let their voice be heard on the project.

It's imperative that we as supporters of the Lighthouse Project keep up the pressure on our local politicians in not only the Town of Hempstead but also in Nassau County and New York State. This project will not just effect the Uniondale/Garden City/Hempstead area; This Project will effect all Long Islanders. Revel in this small victory for now, but it'll be time to get back to work tomorrow when the Public Comment period officially opens.

As you can see in the release, there is a meeting on August 4th at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra at 9:30AM. I know I'll be there and you should plan to be there too. If we show up in numbers it will personify the support that this project has throughout our respective communities.

It's One Small Step...but we're not there yet.

Note: I joked before on my Twitter feed about the zoning applications being approved EARLY and Nick almost had a heart attack. Just wanted to publicly apologize and state yet again that this process is far from over. Keep yourself up-to-date on all the Lighthouse Project news at both the Official Site and Let There Be Light(house).

Cheers, folks!

Hockey's Future is Calling

2009-07-03T17:18:00.013-04:00

It's amazing who you can meet an event like the NHL Entry Draft. In my travels, I bumped into the face and radio voice of HockeysFuture.com, Dustin Nielson. After some very interesting conversation, I passed him a business card and really didn't think much of it.

Fast forward to last night when I received an e-mail from Dustin about doing a short spot on HockeysFutureRadio.com for tonight's show. You can't imagine how stoked I was to be able to contribute to such a comprehensive hockey research website. Make sure to head over to their site and give it a listen.

I'll make sure to post the link once it's up so you guys can listen to it here just in case you miss it tonight.

UPDATE (9:43 PM 7/3/09):
Listen to the broadcast on the left hand side of the page. Also, make sure to check out the post that accompanies it.

Thoughts on Some Minor Moves

2009-07-03T16:50:00.007-04:00

If you expected the Islanders to make a big splash in the Free Agent market this year, you weren't paying attention to the plan that's in place. The idea is to build from within, through the Draft, with young players that grow as professionals through the Islanders system.

With a #1-A goalie acquired in the form of Dwayne Roloson on July 1st, the Islanders didn't believe that there would be any other requirements for the upcoming NHL season. However, there were some needs to be addressed for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Here's the Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISLANDERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH THREE PLAYERS

Team Signs Munroe, Reich And Westgarth For Next Season

UNIONDALE, NY, July 2, 2009 – The New York Islanders announced today that they have agreed to terms with three players. Goaltender Scott Munroe, left wing Jeremy Reich and defenseman Brett Westgarth all have signed one-year, two-way contracts.

Munroe, an undrafted goalie from Moose Jaw, SASK, has been a part of the Philadelphia Flyers organization for the past four seasons. He received his first call-up to the National Hockey League last year with the Flyers. The 27-year-old net-minder posted a career year last season with a record of 31-19-0-4, a save percentage of .926 and four shutouts. Munroe led the Phantoms to the Calder Cup Playoffs in each of the past two seasons. During the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs, Munroe made 65 saves in a five overtime contest against the Albany River Rats to earn the victory in the longest game in American Hockey League history.

Reich has played in a total of 99 NHL games scoring two goals and four assists while compiling 161 penalty minutes. The Craik, SASK native has been a part of the Boston Bruins organization for the past three years and played under Islanders head coach Scott Gordon his first two seasons with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Last season, the 6’1, 196 pound left wing, served as the team captain of Providence, setting single-season career high numbers of 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points in 76 games. Reich was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (39th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

Westgarth played the last three seasons in the AHL. Last year, the 6’2, 215 pound defenseman played for the Worcester Sharks, AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, scoring nine points (2 goals and 7 assists) while totaling 137 penalty minutes. Westgarth, a native of Amhertsburg, ON, is a Princeton University graduate who skated for the Tigers from 2002-2007 where he compiled four goals and 20 assists for 24 points.

I find it interesting that Garth felt he needed to go out and get another AHL caliber goaltender in Scott Munroe. Despite the fact that Munroe has proven to be very effective, the Islanders now have to two goalies who will be looking to prove themselves at the AHL level (Nate Lawson and Mikko Koskinen). It does make sense if you're taking into consideration that Rick DiPietro isn't exactly the healthiest athlete around and his "backup" is approaching 40. So it stands to reason that you'd want a capable "backup for the backup" if Roloson or DiPietro ever happen to go down.

The signing of Jeremy Reich seems more like competition for Joel Rechlicz than anything else. He's a Scott Gordon fave from Providence and should prove effective at the AHL level. Scoring 21 goals and compiling 161 penalty minutes is not slouchy by any means for an "enforcer-type". He could prove useful as a callup from the "Bridge" or as a full-timer if the competition for the enforcer role heats up in training camp. I guess we won't know until September.

As far as Westgarth goes, you can never have enough size and mobility on your blueline. He's a good depth signing but shouldn't see much if any time at all with the Islanders this year.

That's my take and I'm sticking to it.

Islanders Sign...Dwayne Roloson?

2009-07-01T14:30:00.011-04:00

Ok, someone explain this one to me. I'm in total disbelief over this signing. A total of $5 million over 2 years. IMHO, 1 year two many and about a $1 million per year too much. At least he's been to a Stanley Cup Final right?

Makes you wonder how Craig Anderson got $1.8 million per year and Ty Conklin got $1.3 million.

Overpaid much?

I'll be back as soon as I hear anything else.

Update:

Ok, so I'll admit it. The more I read about this signing the more Rolie is growing on me. I think the initial shock has worn off. This should be a decent value signing over the next two seasons just in case DiPietro still can't figure out how to stay off his knee for more than a few hours.

Knowing the Oilers offered him 1 year at $3 million helps a lot, too.

Here's the Official Press Release, fresh from the mint:

ISLANDERS AGREED TO TERMS WITH ROLOSON

Net-Minder Brings Veteran Leadership To Young Team

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIONDALE, NY, July 1, 2009 – The New York Islanders have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

Roloson appeared in 63 games for the Edmonton Oilers last season, finishing with a 28-24-9 record and a 2.77 goals-against average. He back-stopped the Oilers to the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes, posting a 12-5 record during the team’s run.

Roloson, a 39-year-old goaltender, was selected to represent the Minnesota Wild at the 2004 NHL All-Star Game and at the end of the season had the NHL’s best save percentage of.933.

“We are thrilled to add Dwayne to our lineup,” said Garth Snow, New York Islanders General Manager. “He is a proven winner having led the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006 and we look forward to him bringing his veteran leadership to the Islanders.”

The Simcoe, ON native, was an unsigned free agent and has appeared in 462 career NHL games, playing for the Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild and Oilers. He has 167 career wins and 23 shutouts.

Playing for the University of Massachusetts-Lowell from 1990-1994, Roloson finished his college career with a record of 51-44-9 and registered consecutive 20-win seasons during both his junior and senior year. In his final season with the River Hawks, Roloson was named the Hockey East Player of the Year and was selected to NCAA East First-All-American Team and the Hockey East First All-Star Team. He finished the year with a 2.76 GAA.

---newyorkislanders.com---

Let's Play Some Crazy Poker

2009-06-30T23:00:00.003-04:00

There's a saying: "To run a convincing bluff, sometimes you have to be holding all the cards". In Garth Snow's case at this year's NHL Entry Draft, he was holding a Royal Flush and no one could find any tells to exploit.

Major props have to go out to the Islanders Amateur Scouting Staff for their exceptional work at choosing talent that the fans can rally behind. Obviously, John Tavares was a no-brainer. Even if the Islanders decided it was better to keep everyone guessing.

However, selecting Calvin de Haan with the #12 (moving up twice from #26 to #16 to #12 to snag him) was about as shrewd and well-received as it gets. What most fans didn't hear from the behind the scenes chatter was that there were A LOT of teams looking to take de Haan. It's been said that when Minny traded the #12 to the Isles, they expected the Isles to take power forward, Zach Kassian (consequently taken at #13 by Buffalo) at 12 and thus leaving de Haan for them at #16. Boy, were they wrong.

Who wouldn't want a defenseman who had 63 points (8 G, 55 A) in his rookie season in the OHL? Well, you can really look no further than Florida, who took Dmitri Kulikov at #14. Kulikov had similar numbers to de Haan's but on a much better Drummondville team. That only makes de Haan more intriguing when one looks at the overall picture.

Day 2 started with choosing a "monster" (sorry Pierre McGuire) goalie in Mikko Koskinen. If you didn't get a chance to check out the YouTube video I found on him, you need to take a look (he's the goalie in white):

Koskinen is the real deal. When he goes into the butterfly, his pads extend beyond the posts. Despite losing the shootout in the video, you can tell that he has a high degree of athleticism for a young man his size. With some work at the AHL level, he could challenge for an NHL job in a few years. The raw talent is there.

The other prospect that really intrigues me is Anders Lee, who was taken with the Islanders final pick in the Draft, in the 6th round. He is a two-sport athlete that has shown a great amount of talent at both hockey and football. Beyond his size and speed on the ice, he's been scouted as a quarterback by Division 1 colleges. Scouts always applaud two-sport athletes because it gives them an extra dimension that only one-sport athletes don't have. His size alone garners a description by HockeysFuture.com, who called him a "man-child". If he's given time to develop then this could be the best value pick behind the top 2 in this entire Draft.

UFA Day is Upon Us

I have some thoughts on what the Islanders might do. I wouldn't expect there to be any free agent defenseman that will come down with a big splash in the Long Island Sound. More than likely we're definitely looking at a backup goaltender and possibly a bruiser/enforcer/4th line sporadic scorer.

My best guesses as to who the Islanders could target for that 4th liner is none other than soon to be former Ottawa tough guy: Chris Neil.

As for the goalies, I can't even begin to guess who will be in the Isles sights. I'd look for the likes of Craig Anderson, Ty Conklin and Scott Clemmensen.

Native Long Islander Joins the Fold
The Islanders swapped a prospects today with the New Jersey Devils and received a former New York Bobcat of the AJHL. Here's the official press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISLANDERS ACQUIRE ROMANO AND CONDITIONAL PICK

Islanders Receive Peterborough Leading Scorer From New Jersey In Exchange for Walter

UNIONDALE, NY, June 30, 2009 – The New York Islanders have acquired Tony Romano and a conditional pick in the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for center Ben Walter.

Romano played the last two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. The Smithtown, NY native was the leading scorer for the Peterborough Petes last season, scoring 36 goals and 33 assists for 69 points in 65 games. The year prior, Romano skated in 66 games for the London Knights and registered 22 points (12 goals and 10 assists). Romano was drafted in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and played that same year for Cornell University where he totaled nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 29 games.

Walter spent the last two seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers where he accumulated 116 points. He played in a total of 12 games for the Islanders during his two seasons with the organization scoring one goal.

---newyorkislanders.com---

That's the info I have for you up until now. I'll be back tomorrow with any updates on the Islander front as the day progresses. Remember, the start of Free Agent Frenzy is 12:00 PM sharp.

Catch you guys tomorrow.

Catch Me on the Preds On the Glass Radio Show Tonight at 8:15!

2009-06-29T15:58:00.003-04:00

It's been a tough day and half. I got back from Montreal late last night and then found out some really sad news after being back only an hour. Things have been going at a kind of strange pace today. Despite that, I've been invited to give my take of the Draft over at Preds on The Glass' radio show Tonight at 8:15.

Here's the web address: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/PredsOnTheGlass

You can either log into the chat or just listen to the radio show from there. I hope to take your questions and your thoughts tonight!

See ya there!

Welcome to Day 2 of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft

2009-06-27T09:33:00.002-04:00

Last night's spotty internet connection and lack of seating has given way to some new found space and bandwith. Things should get rolling pretty quickly as the Islanders hold court with the 31st, 56th, 91st, 122nd and 152nd. I'll be sharing the whole day with you so come in at your leisure and see what's going on Live at the Draft.

Live from Montreal: 2009 Entry Draft Day 2

Live from Montreal: 2009 NHL Entry Draft Round 1

2009-06-26T17:30:00.001-04:00

Hey Folks,

Welcome to the Live Blog coverage of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft courtesy of your own Blog Boxers! Keep it clean and keep it lively. I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions and thoughts.

2009 NHL Entry Draft: Blog Box Live from Montreal

Bienvenue a Montreal: A Blog Box Journey

2009-06-26T12:26:00.005-04:00

Welcome everybody to my first Blog Box excursion. Things went well this morning. That is of course if you consider waking up at 4:30 AM to go to LaGuardia for a 7 AM flight to Montreal as normal.

Either way, we're in our hotel across from the Bell Centre and will be awaiting our media passes for the Draft this evening.

Don't forget to check in with the other guys websites:

Tom over at Tiger Track, Mike over at IslesBlogger and Ken at OkposoNet, as well as IslandersCrazy where I'll be joining in as a panelist later tonight on his Live Blog.

Now on to the heart of this post. Over the past week, I've been trying to finalize an interview with NHLtweetup creator, Dani Muccio (@dani3boyz). If you haven't gotten the memo, NHLtweetup is quite the event and is in town for Draft. I picked her brain for some information on not only the Draft, but the Islanders and the also the NHLtweetup. Here's what she had to say...

1) With the NHL Tweetup becoming such a huge international success, how do you manage to stay so grounded?

I never imagined a simple idea would lead to international events… but I'm not any different a person than I was before the first NHLtweetup. All I've done is give the hockey fans on Twitter the tools and the guidance they need to do what they already know how to do, just on a broader scale.

2) I noticed that you were an "ex-blogger". How come you gave it up and switched exclusively to Twitter?

Twitter is my blog. :) Writing is very time-consuming for me. I tend to be very wordy and critical of myself spending too much time editing and rearranging what I've written. Twitter doesn't allow for any of that. It forces you to be quick and concise. I don't think I'm missing anything tweeting as opposed to blogging, either. I share what is holding my interest more often than one does with a blog. You have the ability to post pictures (Twitpic) that coincide with your thoughts and your messages are delivered to your audience rather than the reader needing to come to you. For me the real benefit is that I can update instantly from just about anywhere when there's something I want to share and get immediate feedback.

3) After doing some "exhaustive" research, I found out that you're a die-hard Islanders fan. What are your feelings on how this Draft will effect the future of the franchise?

This year's Draft is so important to the Islanders, I decided I wanted to witness the announcement of the first round pick in person. It would be the first draft I'd attend which also meant leaving the country for the first time.

4) Put yourself in Garth Snow's shoes for a moment. Who do you choose with the #1 overall selection after 2 solid months of deliberation?

If the first pick of the draft were up to me, Tavares would be it. He has been under a microscope for years being critiqued in every way possible. Regardless of how critics have chosen to pick him apart, his records speak for themselves. He is #1 pick material. If I needed a second choice, it would be Duchene. A well-rounded player who isn't afraid to take it to the net. The Isles need a good shooter. They could have the best defense around but without a goal scorer, the games would end tied at zero.

5) What are you planning for the Draft version of the NHL Tweetup? How many people do you expect to be there and where are they all coming from?

The Montreal Draft NHLtweetup has been collaboration between four Montreal hockey tweeters, the NHL, myself, and a myriad of sponsors and helping hands from all over Twitter. What started out as just a get-together on Saturday to watch day 2 of the draft at Ye Olde Orchard, evolved into a group of us attending the first round of the draft at the Bell Centre with tickets courtesy of the NHL, a ball hockey game between tweeters Saturday morning, the original NHLtweetup that was planned Saturday afternoon and ice skating on Saturday night. From the online RSVPs, we’re expecting approximately 75 people at Saturday’s NHLtweetup. We have hockey tweeters from New York, Boston, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Washington DC, Connecticut, and Toronto just to name a few.

6) How can people who won't be in Montreal join in on the fun of the Tweetup?
People that would like to follow tweets regarding the weekend’s events should follow @nhltweetup, check nhltweetup.com periodically, and filter Twitter for the #NHLtweetup tag throughout the weekend. If you actually want to SEE what’s going on you can watch a live stream of the action shot by Eklund at http://qik.com/eklund. You’ll be able to watch Friday’s draft, Saturday’s ball hockey game and the NHLtweetup will all be live-streamed in addition to various events over Friday and Saturday.

7) What are your plans for your next event after the Draft? UFA Day (July 1st)? Training Camp?

With all of the preparation and excitement revolving around the Montreal event, planning anything beyond this hasn’t been brought up or even crossed my mind. Simpler events can be thrown together rather quickly so keep an eye on nhltweetup.com for NHLtweetups being planned in your area. As long as someone is willing to host on short notice, I’m willing to help them pull it together and promote it.

Let's Hear What You Want to Say!

2009-06-23T09:21:00.004-04:00

This is just a quick post so I can keep the ball rolling this week. Genuinely, I'm interested in any questions that you the fans would like to have asked up at the Draft. Whether it's to the #1 overall pick or Islanders Management, we'll do our best to ask as many of your questions as possible. Keep 'em clean and throw them in the Comment Section at the bottom of the post.

Also, don't forget that I'll be providing a Live Blog (see the right side of the page and enter your e-mail address for a reminder) starting at 5:30 on Friday afternoon and running to the end of the 1st round.

I'll also be providing a Live Blog for the following day, Rounds 2-7 on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 AM and running the remainder of the day.

Since I certainly won't be the only one up there, here is the multitude of Draft Coverage being provided by my fellow Blog Boxers:

Constant updates of the event on Islanders Main Website will be provided by Tom from The Tiger Track.

Opinions, quotes and some "Man in the Street" time will grace the Internet from Ken over at OkposoNet.

Last, but certainly not least, Mike from over at Islesblogger will be providing some high quality images and video (crossing our fingers) of everything going on during the Draft. As well as, his own brand of analysis.

Well there ya have it folks. We're gonna do our best to get you the kind of inside access that you haven't seen and we're open to any other ideas you might have. Please feel free to express any ideas in the Comments Section.

What to Look for in the Next Couple of Days...

One last thing. I'll be doing a piece within the next day or so about a friend of mine over on Twitter. You may have heard of her. Her name is Dani Muccio (@dani3boyz) and she's the originator of the NHL Tweetup. The next stop for this group is up at the Draft in Montreal and I can't wait to get a chance to meet everyone. Be on the look out for that piece as well.

Catch you guys soon.

Cheers!

Dean Chynoweth named Asst. Coach

2009-06-19T12:52:00.006-04:00

Meet the newest member of the Islanders Coaching Staff: Former Islanders Defenseman, Dean Chynoweth.

In a not so surprise move, former Swift Current Head Coach and GM, Dean Chynoweth has officially accepted an Assistant Head Coaching position with the New York Islanders. I have to give some credit to Islanders: Point Blank for laying out the odds on Dean's return to the organization that drafted him. Here is the official press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISLANDERS NAME CHYNOWETH ASSISTANT COACH

Former Islander First Round Draft Pick To Join Coaching Staff

UNIONDALE, NY, June 19, 2009 -- The New York Islanders announced today that they have named Dean Chynoweth an assistant coach. Chynoweth will join current Head Coach Scott Gordon’s staff, after serving as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos for the past five seasons. Chynoweth is a former first round selection of the Islanders from the 1987 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

"Dean has an extremely strong background of developing young prospects from working in the International Hockey League (IHL) and WHL for the past 11 years," said Snow. "With the youth of our team, he is a perfect fit to show them what it takes to succeed in the NHL. His defensive background from his playing days will also serve as a tremendous asset to our young defensemen."

"I am thrilled to return to the Islanders organization and join Scott Gordon’s staff,” said Chynoweth. “I am very aware of the hockey tradition on Long Island from my playing days and look forward to working with the staff in returning the Islanders to the powerhouse they once were.”

Last season, the 41-year-old Chynoweth led Swift Current to the first round of the WHL playoffs. The Broncos were beaten by the Medicine Hat Tigers four games to three in their best-of-seven series. Through Chynoweth’s five seasons with the Broncos, the team posted a combined record of 162-163-6-1-1 (W-L-T-OTL-SOL). The Calgary, ALTA native started his coaching career in 1998 with the Utah Grizzlies, who at the time were a member of the IHL. Chynoweth spent two seasons in Utah before taking the head coach position with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. Chynoweth coached the Thunderbirds from 2000 to 2004.

He began his professional playing career at the end of the 1988-89 season, playing in six games with the Islanders, after completing his fourth year with Medicine Hat. He played eight seasons within the organization and scored two goals and 10 assists while compiling 408 penalty minutes in 147 games. He won a Calder Cup during the 1989-90 season while playing for the Islanders’ former American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Indians. Chynoweth played the final three years of his career with the Boston Bruins and set an NHL single season personal career best for penalty minutes with 171 in the 1996-97 season.

The Islanders did hint at the fact they wanted to bring back a person who had been involved in the organization and was of the defensive school. Chynoweth definitely fits that mold and should be a great sounding board for Gordon.

Also of note, Gordon and Chynoweth are roughly the same age and of the same mindset that developing the younger players is top priority. In my mind, this is really sound choice and only leaves one more Assistant Coaching spot to fill (unless John Chabot is asked back for next season).

The Readers Have Spoken!

2009-06-16T10:50:00.004-04:00

We're a week and a half away from the NHL Draft and I'm starting to get myself ready for the journey up to Montreal. Gotta get that passport, switch my phone over to international service for a week, get the laptop batteries charged and my writing cap on. I'm getting pretty excited for the opportunity to be there.

I ran a poll last week and asked my readers (don't know exactly how many of you there are?) what they would like to see on Draft Night/Day.

Well, you've spoken and I've heard you. There will be a Live Blog on this site starting at 5:30 PM on Friday, June 26th, to coincide with the Versus coverage and give you guys an extra half an hour of talk time prior to the start of the TV coverage.

The boys and I, (Islesblogger Mike, TigerTrack Tom and Okposo.net Ken, in order below) will be walking the streets of Montreal and the Bell Centre doing as much video work as we can to give everyone an idea of the festivities. I'll let you guys know where and when all that will be available.

What a bunch of mugshots!

Lastly, with the 1st Round in full swing, I believe that we'll be calling in to both Hockey Night on Long Island and IslesNation (who I'm sure will be at the Draft Party in Uniondale) radio broadcasts to give even more up-to-date analysis and intelligence from the Draft floor. Be sure to tune in to one or both during the course of the 1st round.

For Day 2 of the Draft, make sure to tune back in here for the second Live Blog of the weekend starting around 9:30 AM as the 2nd Round gets under way. I'll be taking this one all the way to the end of the 7th round and keeping everyone abreast of the situation.

Keep an eye out for the reminders that I'm going to post starting this weekend on as many spots as I can (Twitter, IslanderMania, etc.) for the Live Blog's. Tell everyone you know to stop by it should be a lot of fun. Thanks for your support, I really do appreciate it. I'll catch up with you as soon as I can with some last minute material before the Draft.

For the time being, head over to LighthouseHockey.com and check out who Dom, Mike and I picked for the SBN Mock Draft. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

It's Time for The Prediction

2009-06-09T21:32:00.007-04:00

I've never been one to engage myself in the guessing game that is the Mock Draft. Unfortunately, with my exposure to the inner workings of the hockey culture with the New York Islanders, it has spawned a new-found understanding of the pundits. They are rarely correct in their assumptions of what a team will do but they are absolutely spot-on when it comes to evaluating prospects. So without further ado, I give you my attempt at being a pundit:

With the first selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders select...John Tavares from the London Knights of Ontario Hockey League.

Yes, I know what you're thinking. Didn't you say that it was going to be Victor Hedman two months ago? I did say that, but that's what I believed Garth might do at the time. With just over two weeks to go before the Draft, I think it's time that I spoke my opinion about who I want for the Islanders coming out of this year's Draft.

Click the link to get the full listing of my Mock Draft.

1. New York Islanders-John Tavares C, London Knights, OHL
--I still have my doubts that Garth isn’t just playing everyone for fools and will take JT at #1. Let’s all just hope for the best. Let’s be honest, the Isles could use the scoring and even if he doesn’t turn into Crosby #2, it’s 20-30 goals you didn’t have last year.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning-Victor Hedman D, MODO, SEL
--This is no consolation prize. A generational d-man with size, speed and skill, nothing else need be said. You can’t really say much else except for the fact that the Lightning lucked out and will have a solid blueline starting next season with this young man.
3. Colorado Avalanche-Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion C, OHL
--Give the kid billed as the next “Stevie Y” a little time to develop with Uncle Joe.
4. Atlanta Thrashers-Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants C, WHL
--Kovi+Kane=Whatever winger on the left side you want. Might project better as a winger. At that point, any center will do. Good strength and size for his age.
5. Los Angeles Kings-Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson LW, Timra, SEL
--Another highly-skilled forward to go along with their stable of already highly-skilled forwards. Could be a game-breaker.
6. Phoenix Coyotes-Dmitry Kulikov D, Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL
--Stock has really been on the rise of late and is a complete defensive workhorse. He will be rewarded for a lot of hard work during the Memorial Cup.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs-Brayden Schenn C, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
--With Burke not able to acquire any higher slot and subsequently Tavares, taking the younger Schenn is no slouchy trade-off.
8. Dallas Stars-Jared Cowen D, Spokane Chiefs, WHL
--Coming off a knee injury that kept him out the majority of last season, the big d-man rebounds and will be a huge asset to the Lone Stars. Think Derian Hatcher.
9. Ottawa Senators-John Moore D, Chicago Steel, USHL
--Arguably the best skater in the draft and by far the best American d-man.
10. Edmonton Oilers-Zack Kassian RW, Peterborough Petes, OHL
--Rough and tumble winger fills a need for the Oilers who need to get tougher.
11. Nashville Predators-Oliver Ekman-Larsson D, Leksands, Swe-2
--Slick Swedish d-man who snuck up on everybody. Will be an impact player once he matures.
12. Minnesota Wild-Jordan Schroeder RW, US-NTDP U18
--Although small in size, Schroeder makes up for it with speed and skill; good fit.
13. Buffalo Sabres-Ryan Ellis D, Windsor Spitfires, OHL
--Ellis is the ideal replacement for Brian Campbell. Quick, skilled and a good first pass, combine to make this smallish d-man a real high-quality pick at this spot.
14. Florida Panthers-Simon Despres D, St. John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
--Can anyone say “JayBo’s replacement”? Despres is a smooth-skating offensive d-man with good size. Within 2 years he will be a solid NHLer.
15. Anaheim Ducks-Carter Ashton RW, Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
--Follows the model of large man with skills that Anaheim has built on since Brian Burke was the GM.
16. Columbus Blue Jackets-Scott Glennie RW, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
--A goal scorer, period. Will definitely vie for a spot in the Jackets top 6.
17. St. Louis Blues-Jacob Josefson C, Djurgarden, SEL
--The Blues have always had good luck with Euro imports. Josefson should not be a disappointment as he will grow to be a solid center.
18. Montreal Canadiens-Nazem Kadri C, London Knights, OHL
--After putting up a good showing in the OHL Playoffs, Kadri will get a ride to Les Habitants due to his great hand-eye, complete package and willingness to bleed Bleu, Blanc et. Rouge.
19. New York Rangers-Peter Holland C, Guelph Storm, OHL
--Gifted two-way center that will help solidify the top 9 in the Big Apple. He’s been compared to Tomas Holmstrom for his penchant for standing in front.
20. Calgary Flames-Jordan Caron C, Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
--Size and hands. He should be a really good fit in an already strong offense in Alberta.
21. Philadelphia Flyers-Nick Leddy D, Eden Prarie Rams, MN-HS
--After stealing Sbisa late in the 1st Round last year, the Flyers continue picking up sleeper d-men in this year’s Draft starting with “Mr. Hockey 2009”.
22. Vancouver Canucks-Kyle Palmieri RW/C, US-NTDP U18
--With the Sedins possibly on the way out, Palmieri will provide some scoring punch for the Canucks to aide Ryan Kesler.
23. New Jersey Devils-Landon Ferraro RW, Red Deer Rebels, WHL
--Let the trend continue. The Devils have found success with Parise. How could it hurt to take yet another Islander by association?
24. Washington Capitals-Tim Erixon D, Skelleftea, SEL
--A glaring deficiency arose during the playoffs, namely defense. Pair Erixon with Green on the PP and give him ample minutes at even-strength. It also helps that Karl Alzner, the Caps top D prospect, will be with the big team next year.
25. Boston Bruins-Chris Krieder LW, Andover Academy, MA-HS
--While not playing the most competitive hockey out there, Krieder has managed to impress just about everybody. Had a fantastic Combine.
26. New York Islanders (from San Jose)-David Rundblad D, Skelleftea, SEL
--Skilled Swede with good puck-moving abilities. Should fit right in after one more year in the SEL.
27. Carolina Hurricanes-Louis LeBlanc C, Omaha Lancers, USHL
--The Hurricanes just didn’t have the scoring power to overcome the Penguins in the Conference Finals. LeBlanc should be able to help.
28. Chicago Blackhawks-Jeremy Morin C, US-NTDP U18
--Who doesn’t want more good American players coming from the NTDP? They seem to be producing some solid players these days.
29. Detroit Red Wings-Calvin de Haan D, Oshawa Generals, OHL
--Ever heard of Brian Rafalski? Well, what’s wrong with bringing in a point-per-game younger version?
30. Pittsburgh Penguins-Drew Shore C, US-NTDP U18
--Good size and skill but will need some college seasoning. Will fit right in a couple of years down the road.

Let me know what you think in the Comments section.

Catch Me on Lighthouse Hockey!

2009-06-09T12:11:00.004-04:00

It took me a while to get the material together, but I finally managed to get my first piece up on my buddy Dom's, Lighthouse Hockey.

Don't worry, I'm going to keep the Islanders content right where it belongs...on my site, right here.

Give the article a read and let me know what you think.

I'll be posting my own Mock Draft either tonight or tomorrow to start gearing up for my 2009 NHL Entry Draft coverage.

There's only 3 more days to vote on what you'd like to see; so get those votes in and I'll be sure to do my best to satisfy what my audience wants.

I'll catch up with you guys soon.

Cheers!

P.S. I apologize that I never got to the quotes from the Regional Planning Council Meeting on June 2nd. Things were really hectic for a while there and I didn't get a chance. Plus, 7th Woman, Dee Karl, beat me to the punch and wrote a fantastic piece on those proceedings. As well as, the lovefest of last Friday that was covered by Dee, LI Business News and Nick from LetThereBeLight(house). If you haven't read any of those already, you're missing out.

Did Someone Say...."Progress"?!!

2009-06-02T16:41:00.003-04:00

Today's meeting of the Long Island Regional Planning Council went just about as well as it possibly could have if you are in support of the Lighthouse Project.

First and foremost, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Supervisor Kate Murray for coming in and sitting down with the Lighthouse Group and Planning Council. I'm sure that it wasn't easy (especially since Charles Wang and Kate Murray sat no more than two seats from each other in front of the Council) but she handled the pressure well and was amicable throughout.

Second, I'd like to point out the perseverance and dedication that Charles Wang has to Long Island and it's residents. Many have suggested that the Lighthouse is "dead-in-the-water" and the Islanders should be looking for other alternatives to their current location. To those people, I say, "You have never spoken to Charles Wang." Mr. Wang is doing everything in his power to keep the Islanders right where they are and his considerable dedication to the team and its fans is more than conspicuous as well as generous. The man just loves Long Island and is prepared to do anything to bring the place we live into the 21st century.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to acknowledge the overwhelming support the Lighthouse Project received from the Regional Planning Council. It was obvious from the get-go of the question and answer period that the Council had no intentions of humoring the same political rhetoric that has surrounded the mega-project over the past several months. They questioned Supervisor Murray and her aides directly over many of the issues that are facing this project at present. It was very refreshing and certainly a major victory for the Lighthouse Development Group and Long Island residents as a whole.

I will be back on later to get you guys some quotes from today's proceedings but first I need to run to some pre-Draft discussions with my compatriots.

For Questions, Comments or General Building Issues, please direct all inquires to your on-site Super at DougD84@optonline.net.

The Race for Long Island's Future is On

2009-05-29T11:51:00.006-04:00

Last night I received a simple text message from my buddy Nick Giglia around 7:20: "It's Kristen McElroy."

Frankly, at first I had no idea who the sender even was because my Blackberry decided it wanted to start a new life as a paperweight and I had to take different components from about 3 BB Curves to make the current phone I'm using. So in short, I didn't have Nick's number stored in the phone. After a short back and forth I realized what he meant: Kristin McElroy, an attorney in Garden City, was chosen as the opponent to the heavily-favored incumbent, Town of Hempstead Supervisor, Kate Murray.

I'm gonna go back to my post at the beginning of the month where I compared the struggle of the Lighthouse to Star Wars and define the characters a little better.

As it stands we have:

Kate "Darth" Murray

Charlie "Yoda Momma" Wang

Scott "I'm Goin' Solo" Rechler

Joe "Emperor" Mondello

Tom "Obi-Wan" Suozzi

(Yes, I got a little Photoshop happy this morning but it was too funny after I did Charles to not keep going)

That's some cast of characters. However, now there is a new one that threatens to balance "The Force" on Long Island and bring peace to Galaxy/Town. I give you:

Kristin "Skywalker" McElroy

From what little I remember and what I heard last night, McElroy could be the kind of opponent that has a good chance at an upset. After nearly rocking Kemp Hannon's world last year, it stands to reason that the Nassau Democrats saw potential in Ms. McElroy. As an attorney from Garden City, who is unequivocally pro-Lighthouse, McElroy may be able to bridge the gap between the voters in the Town of Hempstead. It's a promising start.

Please don't ever forget to read some of the most ardent and informed Lighthouse advocates Nick Giglia and Dee Karl as they had their posts up well before mine (The Photoshop took forever).

Also, the Long Island Business News was at the Cradle of Aviation last night and as always wrote a nice piece on the proceedings. Newsday, however, left much to be desired.

Let's just hope that this race is going to be as exciting as it was foretold to be, "A long time ago, in a Town far, far away....."

For Questions, Comments or New Force Abilities you can contact me at DougD84@optonline.net, in the Comments Section or on Twitter @NYIsles10.

So Much Going On...I Just Had to Write About It

2009-05-28T10:04:00.009-04:00

It's getting to be that time sports fans. Baseball is in full swing, NFL players will start reporting to training camp, the NBA Finals are looming, the U.S. Open is coming to Bethpage Black (drool...), but best of all, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals between the Wings and Pens has been scheduled and the Draft is a mere month away. I just love the way sports in America encompasses an entire year of gladitorial combat and emotion. It's plain awesome.

With all the activity going on, I just had to mention a few things before I got into the meat of my Draft ideas:

Congrats to Justin Bourne for a successful, albeit extremely long stay in Phoenix. I hope you get the job, man. Also, I can't forget his fiancee, Brianna Gillies, who absolutely wowed her interviewers and was offered a job at one of the top neurological institutes in the country. Best of luck to both you!

Twitter G-ddess, @Dani3boyz, hosted a get together known as a TweetUp at Croxley Ale House in Farmingdale and Dee Karl, the 7th Woman, made an appearance. I just got word on Twitter that Dani actually made her goal from all the generous contributions of Twitter hockey fans and will be in Montreal along with the Blog Box Boys for the Draft! You have no idea how awesome hockey fans are until you witness something like that happen in front of your eyes. Congrats, Dani! I can't wait to see everyone up there.

Apparently, the Islanders bloggers will be well repped in Montreal on June 26th, as BD Gallof also throws his hat into the ring.

Don't forget to get your FREE ticket to the Islanders Draft Party. Despite the fact that I won't be in Uniondale and rather Nordes de Lignes, make sure you get to the Draft Party. It should be a great experience this year, JT included (hopefully).

Some Draft Ideas...

I want to get a feel for how my readers would like us to cover the Draft. We've kicked around a few ideas and I'm looking for some feedback. Vote in the poll at the top of the site for the idea or ideas you like the best and we'll see if we can pull them off.

Don't be bashful if you have an idea about what or how you'd like something covered. Leave a Comment and share your thoughts.

Sorry BD, it was too awesome not to steal. In Garth We Trust!

Linking to the Lighthouse; Nastiness and Retiring for the Last Time

2009-05-23T12:52:00.007-04:00

Since I wasn't able to attend Kate Murray's re-election kickoff at the Levittown Veteran's Memorial Park, I'd like to acknowledge those who did and give them the credit they're due.

Let There Be Light(house) proprietor Nick Giglia wrote two really good pieces on yesterday's proceedings on both his site and BD Gallof's Islanders Independent.

Our friend 7th Woman, as always, has her unique take on things with this article. As well as some really great quotes.

I can't forget the "Blogfather" Chris Botta, who was also able to attend the event and get a few juicy quotes from Joseph Ra, ToH Attorney.

Lastly, I'd like to show you the Newsday coverage of the rally. Apparently Joseph Mondello, head of the NY State Republican Party, REALLY doesn't like Islanders fans.

I'd also like to acknowledge that some $40/hour jobs after you've retired and collected severance and a pension are about as secure as your daughter's hopes of retaining her current office if she keeps up her current stance.

I'd also like to thank some of the most ardent and perservering Islanders fans/Lighthouse Supporters/Long Island residents/Fellow Voters/Peers.

Like Joe Conte, who defiantly defended his right to free speech and even got Mondello off his game, causing the seasoned politician to tell him, "Blow it out your duffle bag!"

These are the kinds of people and reactions that voters need to see. Let this be a notice to all those who oppose the Lighthouse Project:

We who support the Lighthouse will not go away lightly or quietly... This, I promise you.

Random Thoughts About Living on Long Island

2009-05-15T11:33:00.007-04:00

As I sit here, I think to myself how this whole thing is going to work. It's bad enough that the country as a whole is in an economic downturn, but on top of that I live on LONG ISLAND. One of the most highly taxed and expensive places to live in same said economically challenged country. What the hell is a 25 year old, still looking for what he wants to do with the rest of his life, supposed to do when rent is still through the roof and the opportunities to even find a place haven't improved since the 80's? Live at home...that's what. Where you have to fight with your parents over getting a cable box for the TV in your room because they don't want to pay the Dolan's another cent (not that I can blame them). There's gotta be a better way to go about this.

I've been saying to my friend who works for the Lighthouse Development Group that I've been waiting patiently for my affordable housing for over three years (since I graduated from Stony Brook). If the ToH thinks they're going to take that away from me they're out of their minds. Yes, it would be fantastic to have a renovated Coliseum but frankly, there is no feasible economic way that anything could make money when the lease is still in SMG's hands. Thus, officials and employees of the Town have to quit sipping that KoolAid. For real.

What is needed on Long Island is a forward-thinking project that will not only enhance the public image of the place we live but to make it more livable. THE SUBURBS DON'T WORK IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE THERE! When Levittown was built in the 1950's, the cost to own a home was $7,990! Now, you could pay that much in 6 months worth in rent.

This is what it used to look like

Needless to say, living on Long Island for anyone who doesn't have an established and well-paying job is extremely difficult.

Enter the Mixed-Use Development.

This is what it needs to look like

Here comes the argument from the Town of Hempstead that the Lighthouse Group is trying to overdevelop, scar, maim and destroy suburban peace and prosperity. Oh, no! We're turning into Queens! NOOOOO! NOT IN MY BACKYARD!!

My question to those NIMBY's out there is: "What happens when the same Town of Hempstead, that is 'protecting' your way of life by stonewalling an idea that would bring revenue and business into the community, raises your property taxes? How are you going to afford to live where you are now, then?" Without the influx of young, eager, hard-working (and yes, possibly Liberal {gasp!}) people our Island will DIE! Do you get that?!

I've had to plan on leaving my home since I was applying for colleges 7 years ago. I was born and raised for 25 years on this Island and I can't live here much longer because it's simply too expensive. The average one-bedroom apartment goes for $1000+ a month folks. Plus, you have to drive everywhere which costs money. In gas alone you could spend upwards of $450/month (when gas was over $4.00 a gallon and I have a rather gas efficient vehicle).

A mixed-use development would offer people my age to stay on the Island and prosper because we could work, live and play in the same 5 mile radius. On top of that, there would be public transportation for wherever you would need to go. Imagine the amount of money and traffic congestion that would be saved if there were more buses and trolley's (running on either electric or natural gas) instead of taxis and cars. Not only would it be more "Green" (the buzzword for the next century) but more efficiently conducted. Traffic patterns would be more regulated, money would be saved and the environment would be preserved. I don't see a problem here.

In closing, I'd like to point out the absolute disregard the Town of Hempstead has for it's constituency. When those who live in the Town of Hempstead could be prospering from new jobs and new revenue streams, it's your representatives, the people YOU elected to office, who are standing in your way. Let your voices be heard loud and clear. Now is the time to stop this petty back and forth and just get the damn thing started.

Kate Murray has denigrated the office she now holds. This falls on her shoulders and her political career. By not showing even the tact to speak publicly (isn't that what politicians are supposed to do?) either for or against the Lighthouse, she has created doubt in many people's minds that she is fit to lead anymore.

It's perfectly okay to have your father who just retired with a $40,000+ pension every year, be re-hired by his "loving" daughter the next day, at a similar job, FOR 3x THE GOING WAGE, but then not attend a meeting set-up by the Labor Unions that work in your Town to try and come to a resolution of sorts. That is despicable.

I'm done ranting for now. Check back in the next day or so for my thoughts on the Assistant Coaching changes going on around the NY Islanders and for more about the Draft and Lighthouse.

Please don't forget to check in to my buddy Nick's LetThereBeLight(house) or The Official Blog of the Lighthouse Project: The Light Post, for updates. Nick and Katrina have some great information to educate yourself and others on the goings-on of the Lighthouse.

For Questions or Comments please leave them down in the link below. If you want to get in touch with your on-site supervisor, e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.

The Empire Strikes Again and the 2009 NHL Draft Contest

2009-05-05T11:48:00.002-04:00

A short time ago...in a Town not that far away...

The Galactic Empire ruled by Kate "Darth" Murray and the ToH finally secured a foothold last month on the issue of the ~~Death Star~~ Lighthouse Project. It was clear that the "leaders" over there wanted nothing to do with possibly the biggest kick-in-the-pants that Long Island will ever have during this economic downturn. Instead, Darth Murray and her hoards of Storm Trooper lackeys decided they wanted to start a grassroots "uprising" against the Rebel Alliance led by Charles "Skywalker" Wang and Scott "I'm Goin' Solo" Rechler. This would be no ordinary war...this would be a war for survival.

You are part of the Lighthouse Development Group and a Traitor! TAKE HER AWAY!

What this really means to Long Island is that the months ahead will be a dangerous and arduous trek through the asteroid fields known as Long Island Partisan Politics. Politicians are a devious bunch and cannot be trusted. Their Dark Jedi mind tricks are capable of dissuading the masses from ultimate freedom and prosperity.

Sunday's Newsday Cover had plenty to say for how powerful these "Dark Lords" really are in the latest blow to Lighthouse supporter confidence:

I have a bad feeling about this...WHO NEEDS THIS? Uhh...WE NEED THIS!

This can only mean one thing. The Empire is beginning to tip the scales in its favor in the battle of attrition known as the State mandated review process for development of the Coliseum property. The leader of the Alliance is unhappy with the sloth-like pace of the Empire and would like to end the conflict quickly and amicably. However, wars cannot be fought without the proper amount of funds. The Alliance is bleeding the necessary capital to keep the dream alive despite having plenty of support. Time and patience are fading into the abyss.

Back to reality for now. What truly amazes me is that for some reason I remember hearing the same clips and phrases sometime last month...hmmm. How about 4/15, when Charles Wang was a guest on Boomer Esiason's morning WFAN radio show?

Ahh, how I love sensationalist journalism. Anything to make a quick buck, eh Newsday (who's owned by Cablevision who also owns the Rangers). I had a feeling when the season was starting to wind down and the feeling amongst Islanders fans and Long Island residents was largely positive towards the Lighthouse Project, that it would start to grind to a halt and become a deadly battle of he said, she said during the spring and summer months. All the while, Long Island's newspaper would be right there to cover every verbal barb with an unbiased ~~Ha! Yeah, right!~~ eye. Maybe we need to get some real investigative reporting done considering those who don't even get paid to do it know where to dig.

Brace yourselves, for the worst is yet to come. I'm not saying the end is near because it most certainly isn't. However, things are starting to look pretty bleak as far as actually getting a shovel in the ground sooner rather than ~~25 years~~ later. Step away from the ledge...for now.

2009 NHL Entry Draft Contest

On to brighter news. The Islanders have begun the Who's Your Pick Contest to allow fans to voice their opinion on who the team should select as the Numero Uno Draft Pick in this year's Draft.

Come join New York Islanders management and some of your favorite Bloggers: Islesblogger Mike, Tiger Track Tom, OkposoNet Ken and Myself at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Everyone has an opinion about who the Islanders should select with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Now, you can have your voice be heard by Islanders General Manager Garth Snow—and win a fantastic trip!

The Islanders' “Who’s YOUR Pick?" sweepstakes gives fans a chance to share who they think the Islanders should select with their top pick. The sweepstakes begins on Monday, May 4 and concludes on Thursday, May 28 at 5 pm. Eight lucky fans will win a trip for two to attend the Draft in Montreal, which will be held on Friday, June 26.

“What better way to allow our fans to voice their opinion,” Snow said. “We appreciate the fans dedication and passion and are glad we can give them the chance to experience the excitement first hand with us in Montreal.”

To enter the sweepstakes fans can fill out the ballot by visiting the Islanders website or one of the Islanders Team Stores—at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville, Westfield Sunrise Mall in Massapequa and Islanders Iceworks in Syosset—or the Islanders Kiosk at Roosevelt Field Mall. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes.

The winner’s package will include:

Round trip airfare for two from NYC to Montreal

Hotel accommodations

Tickets to the 2009 NHL Entry Draft on June 26

Meet & Greet with the Islanders No. 1 pick

Promotional partner WMJC Radio will announce two winners per week for four consecutive weeks, beginning Friday morning May 8 on "The WMJC Most Music Morning Show," hosted by Phathead.

“This is truly an exciting time to be an Islanders fan and we’re delighted to provide them the chance to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Islanders President Chris Dey. “We appreciate our fans embracing the team the way that they have. We are on pace to renew nearly 90% of our season tickets and new sales are also tracking well.”

The Islanders won the right to the first pick overall by winning the NHL’s Draft Lottery, held on April 14 at the League’s New York City office.

This marks the fourth time in franchise history that the Islanders have held the first overall selection in the NHL Draft. The last time the Islanders had the first overall selection was in 2000 when the team selected goaltender Rick DiPietro. The other first overall selections were Billy Harris in 1972 and Denis Potvin in 1973.

FANS ARE LIMITED TO ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD.

Click here to read the sweepstakes' official rules.

(Photos courtesy of DarthVader1.com and Newsday.com)

Leave any Comments at the link below. For any other Questions or Bonehead Calls that will ruin your chance at a Stanley Cup, e-mail me at dougd84@optonline.net

Brashear Receives 6 Games for Cheapshot and Antics...plus "Yashin 2.0" Discussions

2009-04-28T14:21:00.013-04:00

In what can only be described by this blogger as a quintessential display of "Goonery" or "Goontasticness" (yes, that's right, I made up my own word), Washington Capitals resident tough-guy, Donald Brashear, showed why the full-time pugilist needs to be excommunicated from the game of hockey.

Before the game even began, Brashear was seen crossing the red line (which is a total no-no to begin with and should have been penalized) and subsequently shoved Colton Orr who ended up being scratched for the contest anyway. So, instead of going toe-to-toe with Orr, Brashear decided to target a far less capable (in the fighting department, anyway) opponent, in Blair Betts.

The hit on Betts was shear disregard for another player's safety and should have been penalized accordingly during the course of the game. Unfortunately, the real punishment didn't occur until after the game was over. Colin Campbell, NHL Disciplinary Czar, had this to say:

"Brashear delivered a shoulder hit to an unsuspecting player. It is also my opinion that the hit was delivered late and targeted the head of his opponent, causing significant injury."

Cue the video replay...

Needless to say, it was an absolutely dirty hit. There is no need to be that late, that vicious and that apathetic to another person's well-being. I personally feel that in this instance, the 1-game suspension for shoving Orr in the pre-game warmup and the 5-game suspension for the hit on Betts, is not enough. This hearkens back to the same kind of blatant disregard shown by Mike Mottau when he hit Frans Nielsen in November. When are these perpetrators going to understand that intentionally hurting other players and ruining perfectly good careers is frowned upon by society?

For his trouble, Betts left the game likely suffering a concussion and it was reported yesterday that he had broken his orbital bone as a result of the hit. One Ranger down, 19 to go there, Donnie.

Please understand that I'm not rooting for the Rangers at all. Quite the opposite. But, when a player as good-natured and upstanding as Blair Betts, gets blind-sided by someone who's on the ice a grand total of 5 minutes a game and is merely there to intentionally hurt people, it gets my feather's ruffled. There is no place for these kinds of actions in the game of hockey. Period.

Could the Islanders end up with "Yashin 2.0" in a trade this summer?

Early this morning, a reader commented on my Garth Snow's Gonna Do WHAT????!!!! Part Deux post, referring to my idea revolving around Vinny Lecavalier. Here's what the reader had to say:

"Anything with Lecavalier is a no go...period!! 11 years $85 million for a post-peak star? Hello! Yashin again? Look the Isles are rebuilding, why would they saddle themselves like that? They could probably sign Marian Hossa as a free agent for less. Plus, with the economy, the cap will probably start contracting, not increasing and teams with cap room like the Isles will be in the driver's seat to pick up high-priced talent for little trade bait in a few years. The only thing you will see, should be a package deal of the 26th pick and some 2nd rounds to move up or a deal with Toronto in the mix to move down to 2 or 3 and bank a bunch more picks. Snow is in rebuilding mode and he's sticking to the plan (and being smart about it)."

First, let me address the accusation that Vinny is past his prime. If anything, Vinny is in his prime. Hockey players generally have their best years statistically between the ages of 27-31. Sure, he might have a DiPietro-sized contract but that hasn't deterred Charles Wang before...has it?

Second, Marian Hossa will never be coming to the New York Islanders. He wants to win a Stanley Cup and news out of Detroit lately has him taking a "hometown discount" with the Red Wings prior to July 1st. So you can scratch that idea.

You're absolutely correct in your assessment of the Salary Cap. If things go as predicted, the Cap will remain close to $56.7 million for next year and subsequently go DOWN for the 2010-2011 season. The amount of Cap room the Isles possess now, will be as good as having marketable players to trade and they'll be in the mix for star players in about 2-3 years if Garth continues to run a tight ship and play his cards right.

I also agree with packaging the 26th pick and possibly two of the 2nd rounders to move up into the 15-20 range of the 1st round. That makes total sense to me and I hope Snow can swing a deal. However, I can't agree with trading with Toronto...AT ALL! Burke and the Leafs have nothing the Islanders can utilize and it would be futile to think so. Burke's posturing prior to the Draft Lottery was simply to create buzz in the Canadian media and served its purpose. Nothing more.

Finishing up, let me say this about the potential Lecavalier trade. I would take an overpaid, locked up for 11 years at $85 million, "Vinny 4" over someone like a Marian Gaborik, who is likely to test the Free Agent waters (at an asking price at roughly $5-$6 million per year). Gaborik has played only 94 games in the past two seasons while Vinny has been one of the more durable #1 center's in the NHL.

Here are the stats since the Lockout:

Marian Gaborik

Year	Team	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	PPA	SHG	SHA	GW	GT	SOG	PCT
2005-06	MIN	65	38	28	66	6	64	10	12	2	1	7	0	252	.151
2006-07	MIN	48	30	27	57	12	40	12	10	1	0	7	0	196	.153
2007-08	MIN	77	42	41	83	17	63	11	13	1	0	8	0	278	.151
2008-09	MIN	17	13	10	23	3	2	2	5	1	0	2	0	68	.191

Vincent Lecavalier

Year	Team	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	PPA	SHG	SHA	GW	GT	SOG	PCT
2005-06	TB	80	35	40	75	0	90	13	19	2	1	7	0	309	.113
2006-07	TB	82	52	56	108	2	44	16	20	5	4	7	0	339	.153
2007-08	TB	81	40	52	92	-17	89	10	19	1	3	7	0	318	.126
2008-09	TB	77	29	38	67	-9	54	10	14	1	1	6	0	291	.100

In my mind, I would personally love to have both of them healthy, but if I had to choose, I'd easily take Lecavalier over Gaborik. Gaborik is explosive and certainly can score goals, however he's more apt to be injured than actually be playing.

As far as Vinny's numbers go, this year is skewed a bit because he was dealing with a wrist injury for most of the season. He's still the #1 center that every team would want and his durability and skill level are a testament to him as a player and competitor. Since the Lockout, Vinny is averaging 85.5 points a year on a Lightning team that has little in the way of secondary scoring.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

I love being able to have a discussion over topics like this so keep your opinions coming. Leave a Comment at the link below.

(Photos courtesy of SILive.com and ESPN.com)

The Truth: What I Think Will Happen on June 26, 2009

2009-04-24T12:00:00.003-04:00

Now that I've taken my turn at "Armchair GM", I think it's time to explain what will almost certainly happen on June 26, 2009 when the 2009 NHL Entry Draft begins. Let's begin with where the Isles will be slotted in this year's Draft:

Round 1

1st Overall (Won in the 2009 Draft Lottery)

26th Overall (UPDATED (4/25/09): San Jose's Draft Pick-acquired in Chris Campoli trade. Conditional on where San Jose finishes in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs)

Round 2

31st Overall

37th Overall (Acquired at 2008 Draft from Toronto in the 5-7-9 move)

60th Overall (Acquired from the Bruins in Ben Walter trade)

Round 3

62nd Overall

84th Overall (UPDATED (4/25/09): Acquired in Bill Guerin trade, Penguins won their 1st round matchup against the Flyers)

Round 4

92nd Overall

Round 5

122nd Overall

Round 6

152nd Overall

Round 7

182nd Overall

Note: The reason for the disparity after Round 2 is due to the pick (47th overall) that was awarded to the Rangers in the wake of the Alexei Cherepanov tragedy.

So what are the Islanders going to do with all these draft picks? Well frankly, I can't tell you how everything will shake out by the time the 2nd Round starts but I can tell you what will happen in the 1st Round.

I've been running the poll above for a week and a half and most resoundingly, fans of this website have voted in favor of drafting John Tavares (89% at the time of this post to be exact). I'm here to let you know.......YOU MIGHT BE DISAPPOINTED!

If my feelings about Garth and the way he operates are correct, then Islanders fans might be calling for his head after he announces the 1st Overall Selection. I'm predicting this today, two months in advance. Garth Snow, with the Islanders #1 Draft pick will select....Victor Hedman.

Ever since the conference call after the Draft Lottery, I've had this inkling that Garth was leaning towards the hulking defenseman over the prolific sniper. I believe that Garth endorses the old adage, "Defense Wins Championships" and it's something that will heavily influence his decision. If the scouts leading up to the Entry Draft are correct then it will be John Tavares who goes with the top selection. However, I have a feeling Garth will defy the experts on this one.

If this scenario doesn't play out as I predicted with Hedman going 1st overall and it is Tavares (or another forward such as Matt Duchene) that claims the top spot, as many Islanders fans hope, then look for the Islanders to utilize that late first rounder (from the Campoli trade) and one or two of the three second round picks to move into the 15-18 range. I'd love to see Simon Despres in an Isles sweater in the future if they can grab him around there. He's a good skater with great size and solid nasty streak. He could be very interesting if the Islanders choose the more traditional route of selecting the consensus best player available.

In some respects, I hope that I'm wrong. In others, I wouldn't be terribly disappointed with drafting a defenseman that could basically do it all with size and speed. However, at the end of the day, it's not my decision and it's going to be two long months waiting for June 26, 2009 to come around.

(Photo courtesy of Victor Hedman's Wikipedia Page)

For Questions, Comments or Draft Day Decisions either Leave a Comment at the link at the bottom of the post or e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net

Garth Snow's Gonna Do WHAT????!!!! Part Deux

2009-04-23T12:05:00.005-04:00

My Dad and I were talking on Sunday about the possibilities of a trade for the #1 pick. Mark Hermann's Sunday article on this whole mess gave a pretty good overview of the situation. What if Snow were to trade the pick? What would you want in return if you're the Islanders? This could get really complicated. Let me try to hash this out for you from my point of view (These ideas are only theoretical so don't go crucifying me for having pipe dreams).

As far as I can see, only a few scenarios actually exist.

First, let's start with the teams that could be involved (No, Burke. Sit down. We don't want the your 7th overall pick, the older Schenn that we already passed on the first time or any of your other prospects that still don't fit the bill).

I would ONLY consider the rest of the top 5 as potential trading partners: Tampa Bay, Colorado, Atlanta and LA. Of those four, the only potential deals I can see involve Tampa Bay, LA and Atlanta.

For Tampa, this is easy. Snag the #1 and make sure the Isles don't pick up Hedman (a franchise d-man they've sorely needed) or Tavares (possibly a younger and cheaper version of their soon to be overpaid franchise center) and possibly the Isles #26 pick. In return, the Isles get (drum roll please)...............Vinny Lecavalier and the #2 pick! Ok, so it might sound ridiculous but bear with me and let me explain my logic.

The Lightning have part of their future already locked up with Stamkos up the middle. Why not give them Hedman or possibly even Tavares and savor the satisfaction of pissing off the entire Canadian hockey community by stealing Vinny from under their noses in the process? The 11-year, $85 million contract with attached NTC is no problem for Charles Wang to swallow. I mean, he did give 15 years and $67.5 million to a goaltender that might as well be the "Bionic Man" at this point.

What if the Lightning do choose to go with Tavares? Then, this situation is more of a win-win for the Islanders. Not only do they get their 1st line franchise center, but a #1 defensive prospect as well. Not a bad deal all around. The Lightning solidify their offensive presence for the next 15 years and the Islanders get two huge pieces for their rebuild. Far-fetched? Maybe.

Now what if the Bolts go with Hedman as has been predicted they would? This is where things get really complicated. At this point you might see the beginnings of another 5-7-9 (see the Atlanta theory below, which would be going from 1-2-4). Now, let's get to the LA connection before someone decides I need to be checked in to the nearest mental asylum.

Now LA is an interesting idea to me. John Tavares might do well where a certain guy named...oh what's his name...damnit...Gretzky? Yeah, that's right Gretzky, brought hockey to United States. Let's try to picture this one.

Any deal that the Isles would swing with LA would have to include either Anze Kopitar or Alex Frolov and one of their major "D" prospects: Doughty, Hickey, Quincey or Teubert or the Kings 5th overall pick.

With the Isles giving up the same package as with Tampa Bay (the #1 and the #26) the Isles could solidify the same issues that the Tampa trade would. The addition of a top flight winger with size and speed plus a young defensive prospect that could help out on either the powerplay (Doughty, Hickey, Quincey) or shutting down the opponent's top line (Teubert) would yet again speed up the rebuild by easily a year (If they can't receive one of each a forward and defenseman in that deal and instead get the 5th pick, I would be very disappointed in the deal). Let's look at the potential in Hot-lanta before you string me up by my toes from the tree in the backyard.

Lastly, the most plausible deal in my mind, that might prove beneficial to both teams would be with Atlanta. Again, we're going to assume that the Isles are offering a package of the 1st overall and the 26th overall. The return...Ilya Kovalchuk and the #4 overall!

I think this might be the best possible deal for several reasons:

First, the Islanders get a bonafide superstar in the last year of his contract, rather than having to deal with an inflated contract for 11 years (this is not to say that if the deal were to happen, that Kovi wouldn't have to agree to a contract extension).
With the #4 pick, things get quite interesting. If things fall into place as they've been predicted, Tavares and Hedman go 1-2 in no particular order. That leaves the next 3 players in the tier below those two, including Matt Duchene, Jared Cowen and Evander Kane.
Of those 3, I'd love to see Matt Duchene fall to #4. He's such a well-rounded center and could really benefit from having a winger of Kovalchuk's caliber on his left and a budding star in Kyle Okposo on his right.
If the Avs get smart and take Duchene at #3, then the Islanders still can pick up Jared Cowan who was easily the best North American defensive prospect despite a season-ending injury in January.

Atlanta benefits from ridding themselves of a frustrated star in Kovalchuk who would most likely be looking at a huge payday come July 1, 2010 and would be able to sign that #1 franchise center to their depth chart that they haven't had since Marc Savard. With Bogosian coming into his own this season, the Thrashers would have two huge cornerstones to build on.

Even the Lightning benefit from this trade. With Atlanta most likely taking Tavares numero uno, that still leaves Hedman at 2.

Now what if the "Snowman" pulls 1-2-4 as a I mentioned above? Think of it this way:

Lecavalier and the #2 to the Isles for the #1 and #26
The Isles package the #2 with 2 or all 3 of their 2nd rounders to Atlanta for Kovalchuk and the #4
Hedman goes #1 to Tampa, Tavares goes #2 to Atlanta
The Avs choose between Duchene, Kane and Cowan (hopefully going with Kane, who I've heard they've been hot for)
That leaves Duchene or Cowan to be chosen at #4

Bottom line, this is the absolute perfect scenario (and totally unrealistic?). The Islanders walk away with a #1 center already under contract, a #1 left winger who needs to be signed and either a #2 center or #1-2 defensive prospect that will have time to grow into the role. Again, this is just me throwing out ideas. It does kind of make sense though. The other teams receive a lot in return for their investment and the Islanders get established stars that can carry the team.

You might be asking yourself...why not trade with Colorado for the #3? Well, as far as I can see they don't have the kind of assets other than possibly Stasny, that would even make a trade of this magnitude worthwhile. Having said that, I also don't think the Avs would part easily with their top point producer and hope for the future, although Tavares would look good in the Burgundy and Blue according to Avs fans.

To wrap this up let me just say this: I honestly don't think that Garth Snow is this crazy ~~at least I hope he's not~~. He's so much better off taking the #1 overall, choosing whoever the scouting staff feels is the best player and walking away from any trade proposals.

I do however prostrate that Snow will utilize San Jose's first rounder (#26) and one or two of the early second rounders to move up in the first round. It's a belief of mine that a defenseman such as Simon Despres (listed at 6'3", 208lbs) or Oliver Ekman-Larsson could be available around 15-18. As well as forwards such as Nazem Kadri (who's had a fantastic OHL playoffs) or Landon Ferraro also might fall that far. Any way this plays out, the Islanders organization and their fans will walk away from the 2009 NHL Entry Draft with a great feeling that the future is upon us.

I know I'm nuts but I welcome any kind of feedback or alternatives to the ideas I've presented here.

(Photos courtesy of TampaBay.com (Lecavalier), USAToday.com (Kopitar) and NHLPA.files.wordpress.com (Kovalchuk))

Garth Snow's Gonna Do WHAT????!!!!!

2009-04-22T10:27:00.001-04:00

Boy oh boy, have things really gotten interesting over the past week. Ever since the Islanders retained the 1st Overall Draft Pick last Tuesday evening, pundits, fans and NHL execs have been drooling over the prospect of what Garth Snow might do with the envious drafting position.

Seriously, how often is a franchise faced with such a gleefully difficult decision. Either you draft a sniper that has been touted as a phenom since he couldn't even shave ~~(although if you we're talking about Sidney "Cry-Baby" Crosby that may still be a concern)~~. A 6'6", 220lbs fleet-footed monster from Scandinavia, swinging his Battle Axe and killing anything that's within 15 feet. Or you could give another team a shot at these two beasts by making said team give away the farm first.

I'm happy to call myself an Islanders fan today, despite that crappy '08-'09 campaign. It's already a distant memory.

Here are the different perspectives as I see them:

Islanders fans are severely in one corner that we'll call, "I Love You, JT! I Want to Bear Your Children!". Also, don't forget to lump Toronto ~~Laffs~~ Leafs GM, Brian Burke in that group ~~(watch that prospect tampering there Bri-dog)~~. As my buddy Dom over at LighthouseHockey.com so eloquently states as the motto for his site: "Taking Bids for John Tavares that Start with your First-Born". Better stock that cupboard because offering up Bozak, Hanson or even your coveted Luke Schenn isn't enough for us, Burkie.

Pundits not known as Central Scouting are torn and are starting to get a little tepid on Tavares. Kyle Woodlief, former Preds scout and purveyor of The Redline Report, labels JT's lackluster skating ability and floundering attitude as cause for concern. In the same breath, of course, he also mentions Tavares will score "40 or 50 goals a season in the NHL". I don't see a problem there and neither did Mike Bossy when he scored 573 career goals. However, the Brett Hull comparison does have me a tad worried.

One player that seems to be flying under the radar and impressing everyone as the OHL playoffs march on, is Brampton Battalion Centre (yes, I used the Canadian/English spelling), Matt Duchene. Talk about a prospect that is tailor-made for Scott Gordon's "Go-Go" System and is defensively responsible to boot. Hmm, makes me wonder...could Garth pull a fast one on everyone (I'll get to the possibilities in Part Deux...tomorrow).

Lest we not forget, our Scandinavian Axe-Wielder. When people have been talking about this kid who "skates like wind", to use a phrase from Garth himself, that is 6'6" and 220lbs and could chew up minutes better than Leif Erikkson eating moose meat, it makes you stop and think. We could use a franchise blueliner, a la Denis Potvin. Although, I think Ken Morrow put it best last Tuesday when he said, "~~There Can Be Only ONE! HIGHLANDER!~~ There's only one Denis Potvin".

When Garth was asked during the conference call following the Draft ~~Powerball Drawing/Dumb Luck, Picking out of a Pot Gold with a Skittles Rainbow flowing into it~~ Lottery if he had a clear-cut favorite in what many believe is a two-horse race, he responded, "Yes, I do. But I'm not going to divulge that information." Good for you Garth. Playing it close to the vest. ~~As close as having a good relationship with Pat Brisson, agent to both Tavares and Duchene over the past several years.~~

So, those are the conventional routes that our now thrust into the spotlight GM is facing. What about the more...unconventional routes? You'll have to come back tomorrow for those gems. Yeah, they might be off the wall, but with the way things are shaping up it could be like the New York Lotto Jackpot's motto goes: "Hey You Never Know!"

What do you think? Leave a comment in the section below.

THE HOCKEY G-DS HAVE SPOKEN!

2009-04-15T00:49:00.011-04:00

Thanks to Arnie and Kerri Winnitt for getting me the Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier Bobbleheads

The New York Islanders are the proud owners of a brand-spanking-new 1st Overall Draft Pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

The Hockey G-ds have spoken!!

Conference Call with Garth Snow following the 2009 Draft Lottery

After the Draft Lottery completed with the Islanders retaining the 1st overall pick, Garth Snow, Islanders GM, made himself available for a short question and answer session with the local media including the Blog Box members.

The first question posed right out of the gate by Newsday's beat reporter Greg Logan was aimed at Garth's reaction to the great news:

"It put a huge smile on my face. It's obviously a great moment for this franchise and a great moment for our fans. It's gonna be a great day in June...We're gonna get a great player for this team. We have meetings coming up at the end of the week. As we've done in the past, we'll have meetings in May and June and we'll go through our process diligently and thoroughly. It will be a great Draft Day for this organization and our fans."

I'm sure like most Islanders fans, the GM and his staff were holding on to any lucky charm they could find that would suit the purpose. I chose the bobbleheads of Islanders legends that you saw at the top of this post. Ken Morrow happened to be one of them. He was also the Islanders representative at the studio in NYC. Garth quipped:

"Kenny had his 4 Stanley Cup rings and his Gold Medal around his neck."

When Snow was asked if the reward for such an awful season was worth the anguish the team endured, he responded:

"The reward is we're gonna get a great player. No doubt about it. It obviously doesn't disguise the fact that coming in 30th place is unacceptable and I think Kenny Morrow said it best that we don't want to be in this position next year. Bottom line, it's a situation we're gonna add a another great piece to the puzzle that we're building on Long Island. There's a lot of good things happening right now in this organization and it's an exciting time to be an Islanders fan and a New York Islander."

With all that's riding on the line, there is obviously a great deal of anticipation going into Draft Day. Garth expressed his feelings matter-of-factly:

"There's a lot of pressure. That's why we're gonna go through our due diligence with the staff. Bottom line, we're looking to build a consistent contender. A team that can win a Stanley Cup."

He went on to give a short scouting report of the top two players in this year's Draft, John Tavares of the OHL London Knights and Victor Hedman of Modo in the Swedish Elite League:

"Obviously both of those players are exceptional talents and they're unique in their own right as a forward or defenseman. The differences are obvious.---With Hedman, you have a 6'6" defenseman who skates like the wind and I had the opportunity to watch both of them play against each other. In John Tavares, you have a forward that obviously who can put up huge numbers offensively. It's two players who are exceptional talents and that's the one great aspect of being in the position we're in right now. We know we're gonna get a fantastic player."

Lastly, the GM was asked how he and his scouting team would evaluate the possible incoming prospects and how the draft choice would fit into Scott Gordon's system:

"Your looking for a fit not only in your system, but in your locker room. We have a strong group now, in our room. We have a lot of younger players that took huge strides this year in the right direction. It's something we put a lot of thought in to (how the next piece of the puzzle is gonna fit)."

Any way you slice it, the Islanders have a rare opportunity to speed up their rebuild by a couple of years. Let the debate about who Garth Snow should choose with the 1st Overall Draft Pick (saying that will never get old) begin.

(Photo courtesy of USAToday.com)

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Draft Choices e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net or Leave a Comment.

Time to Hold Your Breath....

2009-04-14T14:16:00.002-04:00

If you held your breath, you're most likely a Ranger fan who is under the delusion that Ovechkin, Semin and Green aren't going to combine for 20+ goals in the 4 or 5 games it'll take the Caps to dispatch the Rag$. Now that I've taken a shot at the Crosstown Morons who think the Islanders should go to Kansas City, on to more formative topics.

For Islanders fans around the world, tonight at 8PM will mark the beginning of the next chapter in the franchise's storied history. From Expansion, to upstart, to Stanley Cup Champions, to Dynasty, to solid playoff contender, to Cinderella story, to Laughingstock and back, now is the time the Islanders define the next 10 years of their existence. With the Lighthouse Project mired in political upheaval and the team landing itself the chance at a top 2 pick by finishing last in the NHL, it's been kind of a sweet and sour deal. On the one hand, the boys in blue and orange could walk away with a generational player in John Tavares or Victor Hedman or this could get really interesting, really quick.

What happens if things take an odd turn this evening and one of the four teams ahead of the Islanders (Tampa, Colorado, Atlanta and L.A.) does cash in on that 51.8% chance of getting the #1 pick? (I detailed the lottery system in my post, How Does 18.8% Sound?, so give that a read because I won't belabor the point)

Frankly anything could happen. It's not out of the question for Garth Snow to entertain offers for the #2 pick if he can garner some superstar talent and a 5-10 pick in this year's Draft for the right draft in that position. There are a lot of teams that have been salivating over Tavares and Hedman for close to two years. Give them a chance to prove how much these prospects are worth to them (in the case of having Tavares available at #2, I wouldn't think twice if I were Garth and take JT).

If the Islanders do retain the #1 and Garth even sniffs offers for the chance to choose between the top two prospects, then he is out of his mind. Having the opportunity to make a choice between arguably the best prospects since the turn of the century is rare indeed. It's time to end the Islanders fans suffering and do what's best for the franchise and the fans, not just "what best fits the system". Hopefully, whoever gets drafted by the Islanders does fit the mold, but at this point I think it's safe to say that the best available prospect should be taken.

The way the ping pong balls bounce tonight means little considering the opportunity at hand. Either you walk away with one of the best prospects in 25 years or you walk away with a superstar, a pick or picks and a chance to draft even more players in the first and second rounds of this very deep draft. There really is no way the Islanders can lose out on this deal. The only way I could see that happening is if GM Garth Snow decides it's best to trade away the #1. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Stories related to tonight's festivities:

Greg Logan stirs the pot a bit with his article in today's Newsday detailing Garth Snow's willingness to explore of all of his options and not just the ones named "Tavares" and "Hedman".

Chris Botta of Islanders: Point Blank has a couple of takes from "The Architect" Bill Torrey and TSN/NHL personality Pierre McGuire on what they think will happen.

Dominik over at SB Nation's Lighthouse Hockey has his rundown in the LHinks of the Day.

Adam Kimmelman, who writes for NHL.com, has a piece on tonight's Draft Lottery as well.

Also, don't miss TSN's coverage (more comprehensive than anything in the U.S.) tonight.

Whatever happens, I've been told via Press Release that the Islanders will be holding a Conference Call with Garth Snow immediately following the Draft Lottery program airing on Versus in the States at 8PM. I will be back tonight with an update on Garth's comments following the event.

(Photos courtesy of LighthouseHockey.com (Ovechkin), TSN.ca (Draft Lottery), OntarioHockeyLeague.com (Tavares), ProHockeyNews.com (Hedman) and HotStoveNewYork.com (Garth and Wang))

For Questions, Comments or Random Draft Drawings contact YOLANDA VEGA and her associate blogger at DougD84@optonline.net or in the Comment space.

Ra Ra Ree! Kick'em in the Knee! Ra Ra Rass.......Kick'em in the other knee?!

2009-04-09T14:05:00.005-04:00

Welcome to yet another example of political showmanship here on Long Island. I received this Press Release about 30 minutes ago:

April 9, 2009
For Immediate Release:

Media Advisory

Press Conference
Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m.
In front of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Hempstead Tpke. Uniondale

“Save the Island/Save the Islanders”
Press Conference to show for the Lighthouse at Long Island Project

Visual: Giant blow-up of the Memorandum of Support that will be signed by all in front of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick), John Durso, President of the LI Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) and Jim Castellane, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties will co-host a press conference with other elected officials, labor leaders, civic leaders, veterans, residents and Islander fans to demonstrate support for the Lighthouse at Long Island Project. They will add their names to a memorandum of support for the project.

Legislator Denenberg said, “Elected officials, labor, business, community and civic leaders are being asked to show their support for this project. The Lighthouse at Long Island will increase tax revenue, create new jobs and career opportunities, create attractive housing alternatives, grow existing businesses and attract new business to Nassau County. The project will also save the NY Islanders hockey team. The Lighthouse is the most important development in Nassau County since Levittown and is smart growth that Nassau County needs now. This is not the time to sit on the fence; it is the time for real leadership to take a position that this is the right project at the right time for Nassau County.”

I'm certainly not saying that as many Long Islanders as possible should come out and support this initiative. I'm saying that this might be overkill for a situation that's already turning into a powder-keg. As proponents of the Lighthouse Project, we must tread lightly and be patient. Even though I'm sure that the reception of this event will be unanimous and positive, it just seems like more political grandstanding to me. That is not what we need in this delicate time.

However, like I stated, if you support the Lighthouse Project, then it might behoove you to attend this meeting/press conference and show how you feel about the process. Let's keep it together and not try to demonize Kate Murray or the Town of Hempstead.........too much. Have fun kids.

For Questions, Comments or Maintenance Requests, please refer all inquiries to your on-site Super at DougD84@optonline.net.

Weight Re-signed!!!!!!!

2009-04-07T13:49:00.002-04:00

This is something I've been hoping for since the Trade Deadline. Dougy Weight has been resigned to a one-year, $2.2 million contract. Here's the Press Release:

ISLES SIGN WEIGHT TO EXTENSION
Veteran center will return to the Islanders for 2009-10 season

The Islanders have signed center Doug Weight to a one-year contract extension. In his first season with the Islanders, Weight is third on the team in scoring with nine goals and 26 assists for 35 points despite missing 29 games due to injury.

Weight originally signed with the Islanders as an unrestricted free agent on July 2, 2008. The contract runs through the 2009-10 season.

“Long Island has been a wonderful place for me and my family,” Weight said. “It was an easy decision to come back for another season. The Islanders have been a first-class organization and I’m looking forward to helping our team continue its development into a contender.”

Weight is a four-time NHL All-Star and won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2005-06 and was an Olympic Silver Medalist with the United States in 2002. Weight has played in 1,180 games and has scored 274 goals and 730 assists for 1,004 points in 17NHL seasons.

He recorded his 1,000th NHL point on January 2nd, 2009 at Phoenix and became the eighth American-born player and 73rd NHL player to reach that plateau. Weight is also one of 45 all-time NHL players, and one of four American-born hockey players, to have recorded at least 200 goals and 700 assists in their careers.

In addition to the 2002 team, Weight also played on the 1998 United States Olympic Team and represented the United States in the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 and 2004.

A native of Warren, Michigan, Weight played collegiate hockey for two years with Lake Superior State University from 1989 to 1991. After the 1990-91 season, Weight was named to the CCHA First All-Star Team and the NCAA’s West Second All-American Team.

This is a very savvy signing for both parties involved. Weight loves being here and the fans certainly love having him. Here's looking forward to another season with Dougie in the lineup.

Getting Called Up...For My Birthday

2009-04-05T12:54:00.005-04:00

There were 5 players that arrived on emergency call-up last night from Bridgeport. For a depleted Islanders squad in the last throes of a season that is finally coming to an end, these young men were a shot in the arm. Mitch Fritz, Joel Rechlicz, Mike Iggulden, Jesse Joensuu and Jamie Fraser all made their mark on the big club last night. Especially Joensuu, who notched 2 assists in a spirited effort. However, they were not the only ones called up to the parent club.

With Tiger Track Tom in Washington DC for family matters, I was asked to fill in for him to do the Game Recap for Islanders.NHL.com. This was my first byline on any major publication or website and I can't thank the Islanders organization enough for placing their trust in me. However, my truest and sincerest thanks go out to my fellow Blog Boxers because without them advocating for me, I wouldn't have even been in the building.

You guys are the best. Thank you for everything.

I urge my readers to check out the Blog Box websites for recaps of their own on last night's game: 7th Woman, IslesBlogger, Islanders Outsider, View from Section 317, Okposo Net and FSC Faceoff. Don't forget to visit the rest at NYI Blog Box here.

Here's my Game Recap that was posted last night:

Isles Defeat Lightning, 3-1

Apr 4, 2009, 7:00 PM ET

Bailey, Martinek, Park score for Islanders in victory

By Doug Davidson

The Islanders scored before many people were in their seats, and went on to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning, 3-1, Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum.

The Islanders jumped out to an early lead when Richard Park scored just 23 seconds into the game. After some aggressive forechecking by Jesse Joensuu, he fed the puck down low and Park managed to wrap it around the net and slide one past McKenna.

It was Park's 14th goal of the season.

With the Isles up 1-0, at 4:55 gone in the first, David Koci and Mitch Fritz exchanged punches, with Fritz getting the better of his opponent. Koci received an extra 10 minute misconduct.

In the second period, with Paul Szczechura in the box for high sticking, Radek Martinek received a pass from Bruno Gervais along the blueline and rifled a slap shot high on the blocker side that beat McKenna at 14:52. The goal was Martinek's fifth goal on the season. Jesse Joensuu received a secondary assist on the goal.

The Lightning cut the deficit in half with a power-play goal with 3:22 remaining in the second period off of a broken play. Matt Pettinger found the puck on his tape in the slot and backhanded a shot past Danis to make the score 2-1.

Josh Bailey extended the Islanders' lead on the power play, after taking a pass from Blake Comeau. The goal was Bailey's seventh on the season and came at 10:46 of the third period.

"With Josh, the offense for him is going to build as he gets stronger," Islanders Head Coach Scott Gordon said. "The biggest takeaway for me this year is the skating part of it. The fact that he's moving his feet, he's getting more opportunities because of it, he's around the puck more often and as a result he gets that goal because he was in good stride when he received it(the pass from Blake Comeau)."

Danis made 29 saves for his 10th win of the season. The victory came two night's after Danis lost to Montreal, 5-1.

"Obviously, when things are not going well you want every game to give yourself a chance to bounce back." Danis said. "To get the back-to-back games, it helps to get into some sort of a rhythm."

Modells Amateur Hockey Award Winner Mike Lang

Slapshots: The Lightning outshot the Islanders, 30-21....Richard Park tied his career high of 14 goals with tonight's first marker...Jamie Fraser is the 21st Bridgeport Sound Tiger to suit up for the Islanders this season and is making his NHL debut...Mike Lang was Saturday night's Modell's Amateur Hockey Award winner.

Stars of the Game
1. Bruno Gervais, 2 assists, +1
2. Radek Martinek, goal
3 Josh Bailey, goal

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
34 Yann Danis
35 Joey MacDonald

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
8 Bruno Gervais - 38 Jack Hillen
17 Thomas Pock - 62 Jamie Fraser

Forwards
28 Tim Jackman - 93 Doug Weight - 36 Mike Iggulden
57 Blake Comeau - 12 Josh Bailey - 15 Jeff Tambellini
10 Richard Park - 51 Frans Nielsen - 58 Jesse Joensuu
49 Mitch Fritz - 45 Nate Thompson - 40 Joel Rechlicz

Tampa Bay
Goaltenders
30 Mike McKenna
31 Karri Ramo

Defensemen
2 Lukas Krajicek - 7 Noah Welch
32 Matt Smaby - 21 Cory Murphy
55 Matt Lashoff - 56 Vladimir Mihalik

Forwards
20 Vaclav Prospal - 91 Steven Stamkos - 26 Martin St. Louis
12 Ryan Malone - 11 Jeff Halpern - 76 Evgeny Artyukhin
34 Ryan Craig- 38 Paul Szczechura- 44 Martins Karsums
24 Matt Pettinger - 28 Zenon Konopka - 18 Adam Hall

New York Islanders

Thanks again to everyone for all their support.

(Photos courtesy of Islanders.NHL.com)

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls to the Press Box e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net or Leave a Comment.

How Does 18.8% Sound? UPDATE: Lecavalier Done for the Season

2009-04-02T15:37:00.005-04:00

With the season winding down and the final standings coming into focus, it's becoming increasingly apparent to me that the Islanders will not be finishing in the basement. With the league as a whole on an upswing with roughly 20 teams vying for a combination of playoff spots, home-ice advantage and the President's Trophy, this season can easily be ranked as one of, it not the best since the work stoppage. The Islanders, however, are in a bitter battle of their own as the curtain closes on the 2008-2009 campaign.

Since Christmas, Islanders fans have been itching at a shot for either John Tavares or Victor Hedman. It was almost a foregone conclusion that the Islanders would be a lock to finish dead last in this 30 team league. Not so fast. Enter the Colorado Avalanche. If you want to talk about a sad story in this league, you can't find many that would best the pitfalls the Avalanche have endured this year other than the Islanders, of course.

Even with NHL "stars" Ryan Smyth, Milan Hejduk, Paul Stasny, John-Michael Liles and Adam Foote, the Avalanche have managed a paltry 64 points overall. As the Islanders have, the Avalanche also have been racked with injuries (The Islanders have a clear lead in Total Man Games Lost with well over 500 this season). The goaltending duo of Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft have played so poorly this year that they both rank in the bottom five of most goaltending stats. The head coach, Tony Granato, has been on the hot seat for most of the season and probably will see his tenure end as quickly as the final buzzer. Suffice it to say, it's been an absolute mess.

With their loss last night to Phoenix, 3-0, it has become clear to this blogger that the "lead" the Islanders had to secure the last overall spot is in serious danger (the Isles have 59 points). The boys have been playing well the second half of the season and I wouldn't be totally surprised if they ended up in 29th when all is said and done. What does this mean when April 14th rolls around and the Draft Lottery is conducted? Well, a few things. Let's review.

I've been saying this all year; if the Islanders were unlucky enough to secure 30th place they would likely get bumped down to 2nd overall in the Draft anyway. It's been a trend ever since the Draft Lottery was instituted in 1995 where only 4 teams have retained the 1st overall pick.

See the tables below courtesy of Lightning.NHL.com:

Results of Previous Draft Drawings

Year	Selected	Effect On Draft Order	Player Selected
1995	Los Angeles	Moved from 7th to 3rd	D Aki Berg
1996	Ottawa	Retained 1st selection	D Chris Phillips
1997	Boston	Retained 1st selection	C Joe Thornton
1998	Tampa Bay	Moved from 3rd to 1st via trades	C Vincent Lecavalier
1999	Chicago	Moved from 8th to 4th	RW Pavel Brendl*
2000	NY Islanders	Moved from 5th to 1st	G Rick DiPietro
2001	Atlanta	Moved from 3rd to 1st	LW Ilya Kovalchuk
2002	Florida	Moved from 3rd to 1st	LW Rick Nash**
2003	Florida	Moved from 4th to 1st	G Marc-Andre Fleury***
2004	Washington	Moved from 3rd to 1st	LW Alex Ovechkin
2005	Pittsburgh	N/A	C Sidney Crosby
2006	St. Louis	Retained 1st selection	D Erik Johnson
2007	Chicago	Moved from 5th to 1st	RW Patrick Kane
2008	Tampa Bay	Retained 1st selection	C Steven Stamkos****

* NY Rangers obtained Chicago's pick in a trade (via Vancouver and Tampa Bay). The Rangers selected RW Pavel Brendl fourth overall.

** Columbus obtained Florida's pick in a trade. The Blue Jackets selected LW Rick Nash first overall.

*** Pittsburgh obtained Florida's pick in a trade. The Penguins selected G Marc-Andre Fleury first overall.

****At the time the table was created the 2008 NHL Entry Draft had not yet occurred.

Now this doesn't mean that I believe if the Islanders finish 29th or 30th, that they won't get lucky and move up or retain the pick but it's certainly not a proven commodity. No team that has finished 2nd to last in the league has EVER selected 1st overall in that draft year. I would be completely surprised if that trend didn't continue this year. And obviously, even though the team that finishes last has a 48.2% chance of retaining the 1st overall, the roughly 21.7% of the time it has happened certainly is not living up to the law of probabilities.

Frankly, Islanders fans need to come to grips with the distinct possibility that the Isles won't even pick in the top 2 in this Draft. You might want to start buying those Matt Duchene jersey's early to get a discount...instead of jumping the gun and getting that Tavares jersey (thanks to Puck Daddy for catching that one).

UPDATE: As per Jon Jordan, former Charter Member of the NYI Blog Box and currently Hockeybuzz.com's resident Lightning Blogger, Vinny Lecavalier is having wrist surgery tomorrow, April 3, that will effectively end the star center's season. The Lightning who stand only a point ahead of the Avs with 65, have now effectively joined the "race" to the bottom. This should be an interesting last 2 weeks of the regular season.

(Photos courtesy of The Hockey News (Tavares) and (Duchene), ESPN.com (Hedman) and Puck Daddy (Tavares Jersey Foul))

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net or Leave a Comment in the space provided.

I Couldn't Have Said It Any Better Myself.....On April Fool's No Less!

2009-04-01T14:41:00.007-04:00

With the shenanigans that Kate Murray has been pulling lately (I swear that the next person who says "Shenanigans" is getting pistol-whipped. Hey Farva....!), I had the thought of actually going over her press release and tearing her to shreds. Fortunately for me, Kevin Schultz over at Barry Melrose Rocks and BD Gallof at Islanders Independent already took care of the necessary toiling and I would like to present both of their opinions. One for the mullet and two for the show.

Please give that a read and don't forget to laugh out loud at the sheer stupidity of the Supervisor's attempt to "Score" federal funds (Sorry Kev, I couldn't help myself).

Also, if you've got the time, head over to my buddy Nick's Let There Be Light(house) and peruse through his take on the same subject here and here. I swear you put a few intelligent people on a subject and the idiot that generated the news just looks all the more moronic once they're through with her.

Lastly, I'd like to inject my own little opinion here. If Kate Murray is under the delusion that sending a PETITION to 240,000 Town of Hempstead residents is going to get her re-elected in November, she may want to stop digging that political grave of hers with that sparkling golden shovel. I have a feeling that whoever runs against her will win by a landslide. I can't believe that this is what we've come to in the process to re-develop the Coliseum property. Sheesh.

(Photo courtesy of BD over at IslandersIndependent.com)

Don't forget that any questions, suggestions or comments must be directed to your on-site Supervisor at DougD84@optonline.net. If your sink is leaking and the toilet doesn't flush...I don't want an e-mail. Thank you. LOL!

Why Wasn't Brendan Witt in the Shootout Sooner?

2009-04-01T10:09:00.003-04:00

I've read quite a bit about the other night when Scott Gordon selected by far his most defensive-defenseman to take the first shot in the shootout against Philly. Many have questioned his decision from "The Maven", to Islanders Outsider, Greg Logan over at Newsday and even Chris Botta over at Islanders: Point Blank. I'm surprised at the reaction Gordon has received from the media over using Brendan in the shootout.

Apparently, some have forgotten that even during Ted Nolan's tenure two seasons ago Witt's acuity in the skills competition was on display. There was even video on ITV (which I can't get to while I'm at work) showing Brendan putting goalies to shame in practices. I've even been there for a few times when the Isles were nearing the end of their practice and I was coming to IceWorks to work a youth game afterward and saw Witt pot some pretty ones.

I'm sorry to the disbelievers out there, but this has been a long time coming for Brendan and I'm glad that Gordon found a spot to insert him. Don't count out a second go-round for the D-man if the Isles find themselves in a shootout within the 6 remaining games.

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net or Leave a Comment.

(Photo courtesy of IslandersPointBlank.com)

An "Unprecedented" Time in Our Lives

2009-03-26T23:08:00.012-04:00

Last night, I attended the 180th Community Outreach Meeting conducted by the Lighthouse Development Group along with about 1,000 other supporters, politicians and sports figures. I went in with a clear mind as to what topics would be covered and I was not disappointed. The only thing that I regret not hearing about was any opposition to the project. Now please, don't jump to conclusions. I'm completely behind the Lighthouse Project 110%. However, I'm interested in hearing the reasons for people to be against a project such as the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse will effect every Long Islander's life and it's important to garner as much input as possible before hopefully moving forward and getting a shovel in the ground.

A little after 7:00 PM, Charles Wang, Scott Rechler, President of the Lighthouse Development Group, Michael Picker and Nassau County Exec Tom Suozzi all took to the stage to answer as many questions they could in a two hour period.

Mr. Wang began by acknowledging the event as the 180th Community Meeting and referring to it as "unprecedented" that the number of meetings had been reached. Frankly, the sheer number of community meetings that the Lighthouse Group has conducted is staggering. They've done everything in their power to inform the public about the inner workings of the project and what their plans are to move forward.

"Why haven't you started it yet?"

That's a question that Mr. Wang has had to face for quite some time. We all know by now that the state has very stringent laws about how building developments and especially one this size have to be approved. There simply is no way around it. Several times last night, Mr. Wang was his acknowledged for his "patience, vision and passion" to get the project done. Charles in turn replied, "Don't bet against us on Long Island" to rousing applause.

County Executive Suozzi tempered the joyous mood by listing the major problems that Nassau County is facing and how the Lighthouse would be a great starting point to resolving these four issues:

Property Taxes
Young People Moving Away or Not Coming to LI
Traffic
Pockets of Poverty that have been left for far too long

What interests me most about the project is it's effect on the people of my age group and the reality that we face. I'm speaking about the Generation X and Y people out there between the ages of 24-35 who need to find work and a place to live. With little options to remain on Long Island due to rising rental and housing costs and the horrendous state of the current job market, it is becoming extremely difficult to find your way once you graduate college. Many people spoke last night of their friends and family moving off of Long Island to find a better cost of living and quality of life.

I believe Scott Rechler, Head Developer of the Lighthouse Project, put it best:

"We are losing the future of Long Island. This is about competing to keep companies coming to Long Island and bringing young people in who want to work on Long Island."
"When companies are looking, they're not looking to Long Island. They can't find a young workforce who want to come to Long Island because they can't find the type of housing, the type of lifestyle that they want to live by. Instead, they go to places like White Plains, Hoboken or other parts of New Jersey. LONG ISLAND IS NOT EVEN ON THE MAP!"

This is the reality that people my age face. I've even resigned my fate to somewhere off of this Island where I was born and raised. It's simply a fact of life. However, a project such as the Lighthouse would provide ample opportunities for people to find jobs and affordable housing that will be required in what has been termed as "new suburbia".

Last night was an endless parade of supporters, local political figures and sports legends. Each of them voiced their support and many asked what could possibly be done by the public to get the project moving at a quicker pace. Unfortunately, there really is no answer for that issue. County Executive Tom Suozzi made it clear that we would know about the next step "by early to mid-April" and that the process will hopefully be progressing at a faster rate following that milestone (approval of the Environmental Impact Statement by the Town of Hempstead and their issuance of a Negative Declaration. Please see my friend Nick's site, Let There Be Light(house) for a Glossary of Terms used in the approval process).

Correction: My astute friend Nick, the proprietor of Let There Be Light(house),had to set me straight on some of the terminology that I alluded to. Guess I need to read his Decoding the SEQR Series Part 1 and Part 2 again.

The Lighthouse will truly be "Long Island's own Stimulus Package". This is the point in Long Island history where the public needs to take a stand and unite in one voice to approve a project that will not only revitalize the Uniondale and Hempstead area but all of Long Island from Long Beach to Montauk. Our time has arrived and I personally plan on taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded to me by this project. I hope that someday soon I'll be able to say to my friends and family: "Meet me at the Lighthouse!"

Please take in my two previous posts on the subject: Crossroads at the El Coliseo and Meet Me at What is the Next 25 Years on Long Island for further insight.

Also, don't forget to check out the links at the right that will have numerous accounts of last night's meeting. Get them some hits as well because they are certain to have a different take than I do.

I will be back in the coming days with more notes and quotes from the Meeting. There is an enormous amount of information that came out of it and it will take more than one post to cover. Check back soon.

For Questions, Comments or General Housing Development Issues, please refer to your superintendent at DougD84@optonline.net or in the Comments section.

I Went To a Fight and a Hockey Game Broke Out!

2009-03-25T10:50:00.003-04:00

If you haven't heard, a couple of weeks ago the General Managers of the NHL addressed a growing issue amongst hockey pundits, players and fans alike: Fighting's Place in Hockey. What are we to do about this time-honored tradition? It's in the very fabric of the sport and has existed since its inception. In my opinion, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dealing with this problem.

In January, a young man by the name of Don Sanderson lost his life after he was tripp ed to the ice during an altercation in a Canadian minor league game and the back of his head hit the ice. The outcry that followed this accident centered around the fact that Sanderson's helmet had been forcibly removed during the fight. The 21 year-old lingered for three weeks in a coma before passing. His sacrifice has sparked a debate that has spread like a brush fire throughout the hockey community. Mr. Sanderson's death should be viewed as an absolute tragedy and not merely an accident.

The GM's and the NHL addressed the issue, especially referring to the "dancing bear show" known as staged fights of the so-called "super-heavyweights", by adding an additional 10-minute misconduct to those who fight immediately after a face-off or if the fight looks premeditated. Fights such as these may even be planned well in advance of the game and to put it simply are a detriment to the spirit of the game. Think about that for a second. Men who get paid hundreds of the thousands of dollars to skate on a rink in front of upwards of 21,000 people, staging a spectacle that relegates them to a measly 2 minutes of ice time out of 60. That my friends, is something that must be eradicated from our game despite what George Laraque says.

Gone are the days of Clark Gillies, Bill O'Reilly and Dave Semenco, true enforcers and policemen for their team's stars. These were men that were not only protection but they could also PLAY THE GAME! That is what is severely missing in this day and age. The only fights that should occur are the ones that flare up out of frustration or protecting a teammate. Not some staged bout that would be better off in the UFC or boxing ring.

The OHL stepped up immediately in the wake of the tragedy and now mandates its players to keep their helmets on during an altercation or they will receive an automatic game misconduct and a one-game suspension. The question really becomes, "Is this enough?" Will this deter players from fighting at all? This official doesn't think so.

Unfortunately, in my experience at the junior and college levels, fighting occurs all too often. These kids (I'll be 25 for perspective), especially in junior are playing upwards of 125 games a season to showcase their skills to move on to the next level. With the amount of fights that occur in junior games (they are allowed to fight once for a 5-minute major and a second fight or fighting under the 5-minute mark in the 3rd is an automatic game misconduct, just like the NHL) these kids are not able to properly show scouts what they are capable of doing.

Something else that is extremely disturbing to me as a fan, player and official is the reactions after hard, clean hits. It's no longer okay to throw that hip check or slam an opposing player to the ice with a good shoulder without some kind of retaliation from the other team. There is no margin for what constitutes a "dirty play" anymore in the "new" NHL. How can the players showcase the essence of a game that requires body contact if they have to walk on eggshells? None of them will back down from a challenge, I guarantee that, but enough is enough.

Frankly, I'm not against fighting being a part of the game. It's exciting for fans and players alike. Is it essential? No. Does it keep everyone honest, knowing that you have to face the music if you pull something (I'm looking at you Sean Avery)? Sure. But it is far from a necessity. Today's game is meant to showcase the skills of the individual player and the team as a whole. Watching a boxing match ensue during a hockey game should be old news at this point.

The coming months will be quite telling with how the national governing bodies handle fighting as a whole. USA Hockey doesn't let players off the hook that easy at the youth levels (automatic game-misconduct) but the juniors up to this point are still under the same rules I described above. I'll be curious to see where the path leads.

Let me know what you think in the Poll at the right and in the Comments Section.

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls, e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.

(Photo courtesy of Sportsnet.ca)

Mourning the death of a young man who went well before his time. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family, Don.

Crossroads at the El Coliseo

2009-03-17T12:10:00.002-04:00

As Islander fans and Long Islanders we face a myriad of challenges each and every day. Whether it's a team that might as well be compared to Jekyl and Hyde so far this season, our economic woes on this little Island of ours or the daily battle with traffic, Long Islanders still manage to stand up to every hurdle. We simply try to take as much out of life as we can. Unfortunately, there are some of us who would prefer to stand in the way of change and block the quest for progress.

I was reading a post over on my friend Nick's, Let There be Light(house) site and I came across his most recent post on how the politics of the most recent news regarding the Lighthouse may affect proceedings as time moves forward. As we all know, our local political leaders are up for re-election come this November. To be completely honest I think one is trying to win the favor of his constituents, while the other is trying to alienate them.

Tom Suozzi has done everything short of put the shovel in the ground himself trying to win the favor of potential voters for the upcoming elections. He's approved the Lighthouse Development Group as the developer of the Coliseum site and most recently has entered into negotiations for the new lease that will accompany the project.

Kate Murray on the other hand has done everything in her power to basically stall the Lighthouse Project and provide political misdirection as far as the renovation of the aging Coliseum. She's been absent at key meetings and has generally steered clear of any and all questions regarding the development project as a whole.

So where does this leave Islanders fans and their fellow Long Islanders, who will be equally effected by the Lighthouse Project's approval or denial?

To put it succinctly, it leaves us at the voting booth.

Kate Murray is slowly but surely destroying her own political career by not speaking in a more positive light about the $3.75 billion development project that will not only increase tax revenue, jobs and housing options but will also bring Long Island into the 21st century.

I don't want to demonize Kate Murray. She's done a good job for a Town I don't live in (I'm in the Town of Oyster Bay). But, her actions of late have started to solidify her political fate. If she wants to salvage any semblance of a career, she'll be at the March 26th meeting at the Long Island Marriott adjacent to the Coliseum to smile her little smile and answer questions of puzzled Long Island residents.

What this also means is YOU SHOULD BE THERE TOO! The meeting is on Thursday, March 26th and will consist of Michael Picker, the head of the Lighthouse Project; Charles Wang and Scott Rechler, the head developers; Tom Suozzi, Nassau County Executive; and the TOH Board; all of whom will be on hand to answer questions. This is our chance to voice our opinions on the process and support a cause that will positively affect all of us. I hope you can all make it.

(Photos courtesy of Barry Melrose Rocks and Newsday)

For Questions, Concerns or To Talk Everything Islanders, Hockey and Lighthouse, e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net or Leave a Comment in the space provided.

WELCOME UNDER THE BIG TOP!! 30 NHL TEAMS, 6 HOURS, 1 GOAL

2009-03-04T09:00:00.064-05:00

UPDATES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE THREAD

Come one, come all!! Welcome to this year's edition of The NHL Trade Deadline Circus powered by Desperation, Future Considerations, Draft Picks and Rbk.

It's the day we've all been waiting for. In Canada and for our friends Norde de Lignes, today is a national holiday. For us poor Americans (like myself, stuck at work and with no way to get the TSN feed) this is just another work day with some drama thrown in from the hours between 10 AM and 6 PM. Hockey fans rejoice because today will be a day of sensationalism, rumor and intrigue.

Follow me all day as I count down the hours and the trades that go down, hopefully as they happen. The Blog Box will have a direct line into press conferences given by Garth Snow as the Islanders wheel and deal (hopefully) their way to the promised land at the Draft and beyond.

I'll be back soon with the first of what I believe will be many updates on the happenings around the NHL. Stay Tuned...

Don't forget to check out the sites on my link bar for the Blog Box member's opinions as the day drags on.

(Photo Courtesy of Seatwave.com)

9:23 AM- Apparently the deal for Billy Guerin that began a chain of events that started before the Buffalo game a mere four days ago is not dead. Read this little blurb from Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.

9:51 AM- Don't forget to check over at Lighthouse Hockey to catch both Dominik and Islesblogger, Mike Schuerlein, weigh in on today's events for SBN's Trade Deadline Extravaganza.

To refresh your memories, everyone on this list has been rumored in a trade within the last month:

Sean Bergenheim, Richard Park, Trent Hunter, Billy Guerin, Doug Weight, Brendan Witt, Radek Martinek and Andy Hilbert.

My personal feeling is that Billy will unfortunately be gone by 3 PM. I also wouldn't be surprised if you found Martinek or Hilbert on other teams either. Keep checking back because there seems to be a lot of chatter since early this morning...

9:58 AM- TRADE: Vermette from Ottawa is traded to Columbus for Pascal LeClaire and a 2nd Rounder

Ottawa has been looking to replace Martin Gerber for ages now and LeClaire has certainly shown in the past that he can fill the #1 role. Vermette gets a fresh start with a young team and a great coach in the person of Ken Hitchcock. A good trade for both teams.

10:14 AM- Filip Kuba re-signed by the Sens at 3 years, $3.75 mil per year

As per Mark Christopher of Hockeybuzz.com. A good signing for the backliner. Reasonable price for the kind of production that Kuba is capable of (although he is no Mark Streit).

10:40 AM- Chris Neil to the Sharks? Connolly leaving Buffalo?

This rumor seems to be picking up some steam as multiple rumor and hockey sites have started to report that Neil's contract negotioations have soured and the "tough guy with hands" might be on the move.

Apparently former Islander Tim Connolly also has had some problems getting a contract hammered out and might also be packing his bags today.

10:49 AM- Connolly re-signs in Buffalo for 2 years at $4.5 mil per

Apparently initial reports of the Connolly negotiations were false. Hope the Sabres can get him to play more than 60 games over the next two years... (Sportsnet.ca and TSN.ca)

11:06 AM- Random Thoughts: Goalies on the move?

With the trading of Pascal LeClaire and the signing of Backstrom by the Wild yesterday (4 yrs, $6 mil per), there might be some interest in goalies like Joey Mac and Yann Danis (who has played phenomenal as of late). Other names that might be included are Manny Fernandez ($4 mil) and Nikolai Khabibulin (almost $6 mil). There might just be a market for either one of the Isles goalies to bring back some value. Albeit I hope it doesn't happen. (Sidenote: Doesn't Rick DiPietro's contract look pretty decent now, minus the injuries? At $4.5 million per year he's going to end up being a bargain even he plays 8 out of the next 12 seasons.)

11:13 AM- Witt and Martinek's Stock on the Rise, Pronger Officially Taken Off the Tradeable Asset List and Kaberle is hurt

Kinda saw this one coming. The Ducks are in the thick of a playoff chase and dealing their #1 D-man would be a huge blow (even though they did pick up Ryan Whitney last week). Also, Tomas Kaberle supposedly hurt his hand in last night's contest and Brian Burke has openly stated that he would prefer to keep the mobile puck-mover. This might cause the market to shift in the Islanders direction with the lack of defensemen available. Witt and Martinek might be dealt after all...

11:26 AM- Brian Burke Speaks His Mind

In the usual Brian Burke way of going about things, he has sealed the fate of two of his top point producers this season by stating that Antropov and Moore will not be Leafs by the end of the day. Can't you just feel the love? (Source: Newsday.com)

11:33 AM- Olli, Olli, Oxenfree? Is the former Isles Draftee heading to Alberta?

Some pre-lim reports are saying that Olli Jokinen might be headed to already formidable Calgary. The thought of it is simply scary...

11:46 AM- TRADE: Jordan Leopold shipped to Calgary for Lawrence Nycholat, Prospect RYAN WILSON and a 2nd ROUND Pick going to Avalanche

Excellent trade by Calgary to really bolster that backline. With Giordano going down, this was a trade that needed to happen for them. They gave up a lot but will certainly be a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.

11:53 AM- TRADE: Pens swap Danny Richmond to Blues for Wozniewski

1-for-1 that's basically a depth trade. Nothing to really report here.

12:06 PM- WAIVER WIRE CLOSED: Sim and Satan pass through

Maybe Garth Snow knows something we don't. I am mildly disappointed that the Devs didn't pick up Satan, talk about a match made in Heaven (or was that Hell?).

12:08 PM- TRADE: Phoenix deals Tellqvist to Buffalo for a 4th Rounder

Interesting Draft pick choice for a semi-decent goalie. At least Lalime will have an NHL capable backup for the stretch run. What happens when Miller gets back is debatable.

12:20 PM- WAIVER WIRE: Picking out of the Bargain Bin

Brendan Morrison, a sought after center during the UFA period last year was picked up on waivers by Dallas while Martin Gerber finally found a home that wasn't Ottawa when the Maple Leafs plucked him off waivers to solve the Pogge/Joseph backup situation in Toronto. Toskala might get shut down for the remainder of the season so this might have been a necessity move by Brian Burke.

Add to the two above now former Ranger and Wild, Erik Reitz (Maple Leafs) and Craig Adams (Pittsburgh).

12:30 PM- Olli Cow: Calgary supposedly offers Lombardi and a 2009 1st for Jokinen

Calgary is certainly looking like it's gonna make a strong play here. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if this deal or something similar gets done for the star center. This could get REALLY interesting. (Source: Newsday.com)

12:44 PM- Kings sign Ersberg to a 2 year extension; Guerin news on the near horizon

Forgot to post that Ersberg got signed, not that it really interests Isles fans.

What would interest you is the little blurb from Andy Strickland on Hockeybuzz of a pending deal that could be announced shortly for the patient and benevolent Bill Guerin (Source: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/boards/thread.php?thread_id=61804)

12:49 PM- TRADES: THE FIRST BLOCKBUSTER-Olli Jokinen is dealt to the Flames along with a 3rd Rounder for Matthew Lombardi, Prospect Brandon Prust and Calgary's 2009 1st Rounder. Minor Trade- Nokie goes to Ducks for Montador.

WOW! Who saw that one coming? Calgary becomes my instant favorite out in the Pacific. Huge day for them picking up an old face in Leopold and a new one in Jokinen. Phoenix on the other hand receives a great return on their UFA investment from last year.

Sorry to see a former Isles 1st rounder in Nokie getting bounced around again. This time to the Left Coast for a very tough and reliable D-Man in Steve Montador who goes to the Beast of the East in Boston.

1:37 PM- TRADE: Recchi Continues his Pinball Career

The Tampa Bay Lightning have dealt elder statesman Mark Recchi to Boston along with a 2010 2nd rounder for Matt Lashoff and Martins Karsums.

This gives Recchi yet another good shot at a Cup run and gives the Bolts some young talent to line their coffers. Good to see Recchi still has value and this could be the deal that finally sets the pace for Guerin to be dealt.

Chiarelli is really doing a nice job not moving major pieces but still getting the kind of value that Recchi and Doug Weight brough to Carolina when they won it all in 2006. I think Boston is going to be a very tough team to play in the playoffs with the two moves that have been made today.

1:46 PM- Moore headed to the Windy City? Guerin to join the Flightless Birds?

It seems that Brian Burke is a man of his word. Dominic Moore is strongly rumored to be head to Chicago.

Billy Guerin, still awaiting a trade since Saturday, might be on his way to Pittsburgh. Apparently the original deal DID fall through. Time for Plan B, Garth!

2:01 PM- BILLY GOES TO PITTSBURGH BUT NO IDEA OF THE RETURN...?

TSN is reporting that Bill Guerin has been sent to Pittsburgh but the return for the Islanders is to TBD. I will stay on top of this and give you an update whenever I get one.

2:08 PM- TSN is now reporting that Billy has been traded for a Conditional Draft Pick ONLY...Huh?

Per TSN the Conditional Pick starts as a 5th Rounder but could Upgrade to a 3rd Rounder if the Pens win a Playoff Series. I'm with Islesblogger who's over at Lighthouse Hockey in saying I'm officially bummed.

It's obvious to me now that this was simply the only deal that Garth could do with a limited amount of time after the first deal fell through. I believe that original deal was with Washington and they couldn't clear enough contracts to get Billy in. Considering the Caps lack of activity that's the conclusion I can draw. Oh well, c'est le vie.

2:47 PM- TRADE: Tough Guy Carcillo gets Traded to the Flyers for Scottie Upshall and 2nd in 2009

Phoenix has really impressed me today. They've turned their tradeable assets into some really good prospects and picks. Kind of hoped that the Isles might be able to do a fraction of what Don Maloney has been able to do out in the desert. Upshall is good 3rd liner and can put in some goals. Personally, they overpaid for Carcillo's services.

2:50 PM- TRADE: Antropov sent to the Rangers

If things couldn't get any worse, now Nik Antropov is a NY Ranger. The game tomorrow night should be frickin' wonderful. No word on what the Leafs got back yet.

UPDATE: The Leafs received a 2nd Rounder and a Conditional Pick.

3:00 PM

Well the deadline for trading has passed as far as what was done between GM's. Now the only thing left is to report what's gone down. I will do my best to get everything for you guys as it comes in. If you've been checking out my page for the better part of the day or just happened to stop in, I'd like to thank you for doing so. Unfortunately, this has been a very disappointing day in Isles Country.

3:03 PM- TRADE: Derek Morris Also a Ranger

Ok, now this is getting silly. Two big pieces of anyone's puzzle have landed in Manhattan and all the Islanders have to show for it is a Conditional 5th Round Pick. Anyone else a little peeved at this point?

UPDATE: The Coyotes have picked up Dimitri Kalinin, Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes in the trade for Morris. Kind of disappointed the Islanders couldn't have landed either of Prucha or Dawes. Both were good young forwards with offensive upside. Again, I have to praise Don Maloney for the awesome job he's done today to not only get his team younger but I think more competitive for the future.

3:10 PM- Moore doesn't land in Chicago but instead in Buffalo

Toronto receives Buffalo's 2nd rounder in return. I think that both teams made out pretty well but I would say that Buffalo won this deal. Somehow, I think this was desperation by Brian Burke.

3:12 PM- Ducks and Thrasher's swap Youngin's

Erik Christensen who was dealt at last year's Deadline by the Pens has been shipped off again to the Ducks in exchange for Eric O'Dell.

3:31 PM- Eminger Stays in the Pan-Handle

The two Floridian teams hooked up for a minor deal that sent Steve Eminger to the Litter Box Cats and in return the Bolts receive Noah Welch and a 3rd Rounder.

The rest of today's trades can be found at TSN's Live Trade Tracker.

This has been a really disappointing day as far as Isles fans go. The Blog Box is in a conference call right now awaiting GM Garth Snow's reaction to the Deadline deal today.

Chasing the Rumors or Chasing Our Tails?

2009-02-28T19:49:00.005-05:00

Billy Guerin is speculated to have been traded or is very close to being traded. Keep up with the Blog Box tonight on their respective websites (I'm guest blogging on Gary Harding's tonight). Also, don't forget to check back for updates on the game and the Trade Deadline in the days ahead.

Personally, I think it'll be between four teams: Boston, New Jersey, Montreal and Washington.

(Photo courtesy of AllPosters.com)

Brendan Witt Receives 5 Games for Elbowing Incident

2009-02-27T16:04:00.006-05:00

As predicted the NHL was not lenient when it came to disciplining Brendan Witt. He received a 5 game suspension today after facing an NHL hearing. Here is the story from TSN.ca:

ISLANDERS' WITT SUSPENDED FIVE GAMES FOR ELBOW ON HAGMAN

New York Islanders defenceman Brendan Witt was suspended five games Friday for an elbow to Toronto Maple Leafs' Niklas Hagman on Thursday night.
Witt had a disciplinary hearing with NHL's senior vice-president and director of hockey operations, Colin Campbell on Friday.
The incident happened in the third period of the Maple Leafs' 5-4 shootout win over the Islanders.
Witt was assessed a 5-minute major and a game misconduct on the play.
The veteran defenceman has seven assists and a minus-31 over his 49 games with the Islanders this season.
On Friday, Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson said Hagman would be sent back to Toronto and not play on Saturday in Ottawa against the Senators.

For the record, Witt was NOT assessed a Game Misconduct but rather a 10-minute misconduct which effectively took him out of the remainder of the contest.

Brendan's Blunder May Cost Him The Next Few Games

2009-02-27T10:11:00.003-05:00

This year, there have been many a suspension decision handed down by the NHL's resident Dean of Discipline, Colin Campbell, that have left many hockey fans scratching their heads. Mike Mottau's flying hit on Frans Nielsen garnered a measly two games while Thomas Pock's elbow to Ryan Shannon's noggin received 5. The inconsistency of the number of games really isn't the issue here. Brendan will get what he gets and he'll have to like it.

What I don't agree with is the stance that many hockey outlets around the blogosphere are taking with this unfortunate incident. From my vantage point up in the Blog Box last night, it clearly looked like Witt was merely trying to prevent Niklas Hagman from playing the puck. When Hagman tried to anticipate Witt's path and attempted to get around him Witt did what any hard-nosed defenseman would do in that situation: take the body, stop the man, do whatever it takes to get the puck out of the zone. For that I can't fault him.

I can fault him however, on his methods. All too often, even in the youth hockey ranks, I've been forced to call elbowing and high sticking penalties because players are not taught to keep their sticks and elbows down from a young age. Thus, they perpetuate a cycle of unnecessary violence that carries through all the way to the professional level. Obviously, in my mind, Witt was simply doing his job. The unfortunate truth is that he reacted to the situation without thinking about the consequences for Hagman's grey matter and caught him right on the kisser.

It was apparent to me as Referee Ian Walsh skated over to the scorers table, (as Witt was being escorted off the ice) to announce the penalty, that he understood the nature of the play to be accidental. It was almost in a reluctant tone that Walsh assessed a 5-minute major and a 10-minute misconduct to Witt.

My suspicions were confirmed about Walsh's reluctance post-game, as both Head Coach Scott Gordon and Witt himself stated that when they received the explanation from Walsh, he made it clear that he understood it to be an accident. The lack of a game misconduct illustrates that to me. It still however, doesn't afford any leniency in my mind when it comes to supplementary discipline. Even though both Witt and the Coach were receptive to the explanation of the major penalty, it still doesn't diminish the fact that it is a league mandate that blows to the head should be severely dealt with by the League.

After the game, Brendan expressed his apologies for the incident. He made sure to note in his media scrum, that he went out of his way to ask the doctors if Hagman was going to be okay. It was certainly clear that Hagman definitely suffered some kind of concussion just based on how he got up. Despite his attempts to reassure a fellow professional that what he did was an accident, I'm sure this will cost the veteran d-man at least 2 games and possibly more.

From an Official's Point of View

Last night, a man and official I have great respect for, took the ice to ref the game between the Isles and Leafs. Ian Walsh (#29) is a product of the USA Hockey program and a leader and mentor to young officials such as myself. I hope his example of officiating can be used by young hockey players to join our ranks and flourish under a better, more structured system than Ian ever had growing up. It was good to see you out there Mr. Walsh.

Photos courtesy of CBC.ca, PensionPlanPuppets.com and Jamd.com (Cache of a Getty Image)

For any Questions, Comments or Interpretations on Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net or Leave a Comment in the Comments Section.

Our Time is NOW!

2009-02-24T13:03:00.001-05:00

I just received word that the final scope of the Lighthouse Project has been approved by the Town of Hempstead unanimously. This is fantastic news on a major hurdle that had been plaguing the project since early in the application process.

Thank you to everyone who gave their support and their heart and soul to see this project through to hopefully groundbreaking ASAP.

I'll be back with updates later on this evening.

Meet Me at What is the Next 25 Years on Long Island

2009-02-21T17:08:00.001-05:00

I am a Long Islander.

I was born here.

I was raised here.

I learned to have a passion for hockey here.

I am, for all intents and purposes, a part of the fabric of 1401 square miles of some of the most densely populated land on the planet.

That is why I need the Lighthouse.

All of you who read this blog and have a passion for Long Island as a whole, should ask yourself this question: "What does the Lighthouse mean to me?"

I am a young man in search of a path to call my own. It has become a reality in the years after college that I was going to have to move off this Island that I've called home for the first 24 years of my life. The unfortunate truth is the fact that young people simply cannot get a foothold here with the cost of living and the lack of alternatives that would allow me to strike out on my own.

With that being said, it is my firm belief, that if two Long Islanders in Charles Wang and Scott Rechler want to give the place I live an identity, a place to call our own and something we can be proud of, we should give them the support that is necessary.

The Lighthouse transcends anything that happens with the New York Islanders. This is about Long Island. This is about you, me and everyone that has been contacted and shown their support (nearly 180 outreach attempts have brought back a 100% acceptance of the project).

This is about 60,000 construction and 20,000 permanent jobs.

This is about a Sports Complex that will attract State Championship after State Championship for all youth sports on Long Island.

This is about an improvement to the quality of life for all of us on Long Island. With roughly $60-$70 million dollars generated in revenue each year.

This is the "Imperfect Storm" as one Lighthouse Development spokesman stated.

Without your support this whole project could fall through the political cracks like so many before it.

It's time to take a stand and make our voices heard.

Tonight 2/21/09, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, a "white-out" will be held to show how seriously we Long Islanders are about improving our lives. This is our time. This our home.

This...is our Lighthouse.

Please show your support by coming out in full force tonight and on Tuesday 2/24/09 at 10:30AM for the Approval of the Final Scope of the Project by the Town of Hempstead. The Lighthouse Project is ready. The Environmental Impact Study is ready.

Are you ready?

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!! Campoli and Comrie Headed to Ottawa

2009-02-20T17:28:00.008-05:00

Could this be the beginning of what some of us have speculated to be the eventual fire sale here in Islanderland? We could be on the verge of something huge. From the official press release:

Uniondale, NY, February 20, 2009 -- The New York Islanders have acquired center Dean McAmmond and a 2009 first round draft pick from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenseman Chris Campoli and center Mike Comrie.

“We’re excited that we are able to add another piece to our rebuilding plans while bringing in someone like Dean who will provide additional depth for our team,” said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. “The Islanders organization would like to thank Mike and Chris for their contributions both on and off the ice over the past few seasons.”

McAmmond has played in 44 games with the Senators this season, scoring three goals and four assists for seven points. In 916 career NHL games, the 15-year veteran has recorded 176 goals and 246 assists for 422 points and 442 penalty minutes. The 35-year-old Alberta native was originally drafted by Chicago in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.

The Islanders also receive a 2009 first round draft pick, which originally belonged to the San Jose Sharks.

Campoli was drafted by the Islanders in the seventh round (227th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. In 228 career NHL games – all with the Islanders – he recorded 20 goals and 63 assists for 83 points. Comrie was signed by the Islanders as a free agent on July 5, 2007. The 28-year-old Edmonton native has played in 503 career NHL games, scoring 151 goals and 180 assists for 331 points with Edmonton, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Ottawa and the Islanders.

This is the kind of trade that many of us on the inside have been speculating to happen in quite some time leading up to the deadline. What we never knew was that Garth would pull it off and not only pick up a solid two-way player in Dean McHammond but also ANOTHER 1st round pick in this year's draft. Great work by Garth working the phones and getting pieces that the Islanders will need to continue this rebuild.

In my mind, Mike Comrie should have been gone a while ago. I'm just glad I got to meet Hillary Duff before he left. Comrie never really seemed to be the right fit here even under Ted Nolan save for a few games at the beginning of last season against Buffalo. I wish him the best going back to the city and team that he nearly helped bring a Stanley Cup to.

The big surprise for me here is Campoli and I guarantee he was the lynch pin of the trade. It's a refreshing site to see that Garth trusted his coaching staff and his instinct in dealing Chris to Ottawa. They could use a good young puck-moving defenseman and Chris fits that bill. Here he just never found his legs and niche under Scott Gordon. He'll have a long a very productive career and I can only wish him the best as well.

I'll be back to update everyone on Dean McAmmond and what his impact on the team will be this evening. Enjoy this fact while you can: If the Islanders were to finish in 30th place, which seems likely, they will have 4 picks in the top-40 of the draft. Party on Garth!!

Any Questions, Comments or Objections to Bonehead Calls should be directed at directed at you resident Referee at DougD84@optonline.net or in the Comments Section.

Photos courtesy of SportsIllustrated.CNN.com and Islanders.NHL.com

LIVE BLOG TONIGHT FROM THE COUCH: ISLES V. RANGERS

2009-02-18T10:16:00.005-05:00

Live Blog from The Couch: Islanders v. Rangers 2/18/09

Update 9:37

Thanks to everyone who contributed tonight to our Live Blog. I hope that there will be a great turnout for the next two games, especially Saturday's Town of Hempstead Night. Let's get the Lighthouse Project rolling. MEET ME AT THE LIGHTHOUSE!!

Cheers!

Shoot That Biscuit Boys!! But Don't Forget to Stop It Too...

2009-02-18T09:53:00.001-05:00

When you're a young kid trying to learn the game of hockey, your first instinct (once you get past the whole skating thing) is to shoot the puck. Scoring is one of the most fun and obviously pivotal occurrences in our great sport. But what happens when talented young men simply can't pull the trigger? You get a player/referee turned team blogger questioning the Coach about why his boys are simply not shooting the biscuit when they get in prime position.

This is the second question I've gotten to pose to the Isles very astute Head Coach, Scott Gordon and I got a very direct answer for my trouble (thanks for giving me the opportunity Seth). My question hinged on an example of a 3-on-1 opportunity that the "Kid Line" had in the second period of Monday's game against the Pens. Kyle Okposo had the puck and instinctively tried to pass across to either Josh Bailey or Blake Comeau and subsequently hit the outstretched stick of the Penguins' defenseman. I pressed Coach Gordon for a solution to some of the unselfish play, especially when someone like Okposo is in that kind of shooting position:

"I think sometimes you get a 3-on-1 and you think that there's gonna be somebody that's gonna be more open than you are and probably talk yourself out of a shot. These are the types of plays that hopefully the players, when they get in these situations, they identify with them the next time they get the opportunities and then realize when you get to a certain point, we gotta make sure that we get a shot."

I know it's instinct for a hockey player bearing down on a goalie to try to get him moving laterally, but there should come a time in a young player's career where he utilizes the gift of talent that has been given to him. I'm sure that Coach Gordon has told the boys on numerous occasions to simply get the puck to the net. In the example I used for my question, if KO shoots the puck rather than trying to dish it off, one of two things could have happened: 1) The shot rips past the goalie and into the net or 2) A big, fat, juicy rebound pops out to the other forwards who are on the rush. Either way, it's a win-win situation and not a squandered scoring chance.

Let me digress a bit. This is not to say that players should shoot from absolutely EVERYWHERE on the ice. In fact, if you've noticed recently, most of the shots the Islanders are taking are from the perimeter. I think Mike Schuerlein of IslesBlogger and Lighthouse Hockey said it best when I asked him about the impact of my question at the presser:

"That's a question I've had for a long time. Why is it that when these guys (the Islanders) get into a good shooting position they pass and when they are in a horrible shooting position, they're shooting?"

It is my hope that in seasons following this initial rebuilding year will grow that killer instinct to shoot and put the other team on their heels rather than take shots from spots that won't generate any other scoring chances. As fans, we can only be encouraged by the progress this group has made over this season. Even though they lose a majority of their games, they never look out of place and seem to be coming together as a team. Let's hope that continues for years to come.

OK, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS STAND HERE AND LET THE PUCK HIT YOU...

If you're Joey MacDonald this statement has some semblance of truth. I've never truly been a fan of the goaltending style where it looks like you've taken lessons with Michael Phelps for the backstroke. It always seems, at least to me, that Joey is swimming.

During my Live Blog last game, my friend Dominik over at Lighthouse Hockey was kind enough to drop a comment in about my musings regarding Joey Mac.

"THN had some stat a few weeks back on "save % on rebounds" -- Joey Mac's was not good, no sir."

That being said, Joey has done a magnificent job all season with keeping the Islanders in games and has stepped up quite admirably with "The Franchise" Rick DiPietro out for the season. What bothers me most about his style is not that he does give up a lot of rebounds, but more so that the rebounds end up in high percentage scoring areas (i.e. the slot).

Yann Danis seems to have gotten the hang of deadening the puck when it hits him or directing it to the corner. Joey on the other hand still needs to work on his rebound control. Even Howie Rose, the Islanders play-by-play man had something to say about it:

"Oh, and another (MacDonald) rebound creates potential trouble."

I'm sure it's just something that will come with more time at the NHL level and some good Sudsie goalie coaching.

Any Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls Should Be Directed to Your Resident Referee at DougD84@optonline.net or the Comments Section.

Photo courtesy of TSN.ca

Game Notes: Islanders v. Flightless Birds

2009-02-16T14:09:00.030-05:00

Can someone please tell me why the Boston Bruins mascot cannot skate? If the "Beast of the East" can't field a mascot that can skate how can we root for hockey in general.

2:12: Bruno nails one off the crossbar on a broken play in the Pens zone.

Pretty big crowd today, wouldn't be surprised if it's a sellout.

Joey Mac is looking solid in net as he squeezes one at the 14:12 mark.

2:18: Joey Mac tries to make a pokecheck at the side of the net and misses badly almost allowing the Pens to squeak one in. The scuffle that ensues after is from a high stick that he takes to the facemask.

2:23: Bergie drives hard to net down the left side and creates a wraparound opportunity for himself. Not a bad rush. Could he be trying to up his trade value or make himself look better in Gordon's eyes?

2:24: Tyler Kennedy fakes Radek Martinek out of his jock strap and still manages to A) not shoot the puck and then Jordan Stall misses a wide-open net net.

2:27: Tambellini unleashes a Russ Tyler "knucklepuck" at Fleury that he turns aside. Probably Tambellini's best chance that he'll get all season.

2:29: Giggity. giggity, goo, goo, goo The Isles score off a feed in front from Bergenheim that goes off of Campoli's skate and past Fleury. Isles 1, Pens o.

2:33: Dina the Arena Hostess is do-si-doing with the 4 National's President's during a TV timeout.

2:34: Jackman takes a Holding penalty. Didn't see it though.

2:35: Kyle Okposo making his presence felt on the PK. Doing a real good job in the neutral zone.

2:39: Malkin toe-drags his way to a nice one-on-one effort goal. Isles 1, Pens 1.

3:04: Loudville lets out it's usual taunt towards Fleury without any ill effects.

3:11: Sad news for the guys coming to games these days: The Islanders Ice Girl twins Kelly and Kristy have been let go :( . The Ice Breakers have also been retired from the in-game entertainment. This is a sad day for male Islanders fans...

3:18: Bergenheim is certainly playing like a madman these days. Bailey, Okposo and Comeau still need to shoot the puck more. Youth is being served but are they serving themselves?

3:24: GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! A goalmouth scramble by the Isles results in a goal making it 2-1. Goal was scored by Frans Nielsen from Hilbert and Bergenheim. That gives Bergenheim a 2 point game so far.

3:28: Streit gets a Holding penalty at the 4:01 mark. Loudville is chanting for Wendy's Chili. It's MAYHEM!!!

3:32: Whitney finishes off a really nice tic-tac-toe passing play with a beautiful wrist shot blocker side to make it 2-2. Assists go to Crosby and Gonachar. It's a powerplay goal.

3:34: Okposo takes a holding penalty after he was mildly interfered with trying to chase after the puck in the offensive zone. The penalty could possibly carry over to the 3rd period.

3:37: A scuffle happens after Joey covers the puck which results in Malkin being shown a seat, bucketless. Fleury made his way to the blueline but no further. Malkin gets 4 for roughing on the play, Sykora to serve. Campoli also gets a 2 minute rough on the same stoppage.

3:40: Now the MAIN EVENT. The Washington Nationals Presidents race on ice. Roosevelt, Lincoln and Jefferson are dropping the gloves and throwing punches. Roosevelt takes second as Washington makes the full circuit and wins the race.

3:56: Time to start the 3rd period deadlocked at 2.

4:01: Mike Comrie misses on a gorgeous opportunity and Sim goes hard to the net creating a bit of a ruckus after the whistle.

4:06: Joey is giving up juicy rebounds left and right. Gary from View from Section 317 said it's a "Buy One, get One Free Sale"

4:14: Hilbert with some good work on Crosby and nearly clears it over the glass for a 2 minute minor. Witt throwing his weight around is a good sign from the veteran d-man.

4:24: The Isles get Fleury over-committing and swimming but can't capitalize.

4:29: The Isles battled hard and got the game to overtime. 4-on-4 the Penguins are one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL. This should be interesting.

4:33: Joey Mac has made a great save on a Ryan Whitney shot and the Isles have generated some good scoring chances.

4:35: Okposo defending a 2-on-1 and Mac comes up with a great left toe save.

4:37: Okie with another great defensive play on Crosby in the closing seconds of overtime allowing the Isles to get to the skills competition.

4:40: Frans to take the first shot and he SCORES! Forehand to backhand and over the pad.

Sykora scores on Mac with a slapshot from about 10 feet out.

Jeff Tambellini snaps a hard wrist shot glove side on Fleury that beats him. Much like the shootout goal he scored at the end of last season again Henrik Lundquist.

Kyle Okposo takes the next shot for the Isles and misses on his attempted "Datsyuk move".

Crosby rolls in as the third shooter for the Pens and is stoned by Joey Mac on a right toe save. Great, hard-fought win by the boys in Blue and Orange.

Game Notes Islanders v. Kitty Kats Period 2

2009-01-31T19:22:00.003-05:00

This is not Doug... This is Gary Harding with the View from Section 317 (well, tonight in Section 201). For some strange reason, Doug thought he should spend time with his family, rather than tell you all about the wonderful playmaking of the Islanders against the Kats! Oh well - the Isles had a their second straight power play, but to no avail. Was just not enough pressure in front of Vokoun.

I still believe that Okposo should be removed from the point on the PP. He is too much of a physical presence to be wasted, 70 feet in front of the Islanders net. What do you think Doug?

Oh - Doug has still not come back. Maybe he got a date....

5:40 - scrum behind Danis. - Florida just got their first shot of the period. They had 16 after 1 - to the Islanders 12.

By the way - if anyone wants a Dell Latitude computer - I will be selling Doug's machine to the highest bidder on E-bay.

HE'S BAAAAAAACK! But not typing....

And Guerin just got royally robbed by Vokoun.

There have been times tonight that Danis has been more shaky than a 10 year old Vacuum Cleaner that needs an overhaul - but he has stepped up and done the job.

Frolik with a nice breakaway, but the edge of Danis' pad got to it. Streit for slashing at 10:04 - and the Captain is getting his Massachusetts anger going. Panthers now go on their 4th man advantage of the game.

Sorry - I just insulted Doug's meatball. Ask him about it sometime...

The big problem with Danis, is that he still does not do the recovery quick enough, and his side-side moves is questionable.

GOOD KILL BOYS!

Camoy - great opportunity - but just short. Tempo has picked up - and they seem to have enlightened the crowd a bit.

B TW - Doug is having just too much fun hanging out and not typing. He does not know that I am going to steal a $20 from his wallet for this. I don't come cheap!!!!

Now Doug is talking to one of the other Blog Boxer's Glen's kids, and he sounds like Mr. Hand from Fast Times at Rigdemont High...

Another shaky Danis save, and it looks like an old man trying to collect his nickels off the floor. Where is my High Blood Pressure medication.

Doug just commented on Coach Gordon's attire tonight. Come to think of it - he looks a little Sopranoesque. And another penalty on the Isles, and Doug is not pleased, and neither is the Captain - and for the next 4 minutes, he will be in the sin bin.

Panthers hit the post 5 seconds in. Sheesh.

The two to my right, are cat-fighting about the #1 pick, and who are free agents at the end of the season. One of them is in wonderlust with Tavares, and the other wants to not have him. Frankly - these guys need to kiss and make up!

I think I am done with my commentary. Thanks for the time, and make sure to check out my site, THE VIEW FROM SECTION 317. www.viewfromsection317.com.

Now - back the happy typing skills of Doug.

So long everybody....

Hope you all liked Gary's take on the situation going on in the Box tonight. I'll be back later on or tomorrrow with a few new pieces for ya. Enjoy the rest of the game.

Game Wrapup and Analysis from Last Night's Sound Tigers Game

2009-01-17T14:15:00.003-05:00

With the amount of traffic going out of "The City" last night it wasn't hard to believe that it would take Tiger Track Tom and I almost a full 2 hours to get up to the Arena at Harbor Yard. Once we got there though, it turned out to be an even more melancholy night than one could have foreseen.

The game was basically at the first intermission when we arrived in the Press box with most of the action happening in that first stanza. Both teams managed to score 2 with goals coming from Ben Walter and Mike Iggulden for the Tigers and Oskar Osala and Matheiu Perrault for the Bears. From there, you can check out my Live Blog from last night to get the details of the game as they happened.

The action was extremely back and forth for most of the second as the Bears managed to get two markers by Nathan Lawson, who looked to be having his worst outing of the season. After the game, Lawson openly admitted that he was not on top of his game and that most of the goals went 5-hole on him. That simply was not acceptable. Jack Capuano, the Sound Tigers Head Coach, stated he wished to remain mum on the goaltending issues of last night's game when pressed in a question by Mike Fornabaio.

Although the Sound Tigers lost, they never seemed to give up and that certainly is a quality we'd love to keep seeing. That "never say die" attitude should be ingrained in every player that comes into the New York Islanders organization. The young players that are in the system are certainly thriving under the pressure of being a top team in the AHL and I hope that one day that carries over for some of them when the make the NHL and stick.

Also, a quick note, Scott Gordon the Islanders Head Coach, was in attendance last night and did a radio interview in between the first and second period.

Dubie gets plucked off Waivers by the CBJ

Wade Dubielewicz, goalie and fan-favorite, was plucked off the waiver wire before the 12 PM deadline by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is a major blow to both Garth's and Wade's plans for a comeback on the Island. Read Chris Botta's reaction here.

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.

TAKING IN A TIGER'S GAME!!! LIVE BLOG!!

2009-01-16T19:52:00.040-05:00

A big matchup tonight for those Cuddly Connecticut Tigers that the Islanders have relied on so much this season. They're playing the Washington Capitals AHL affiliate the Hershey Bears. The Bears roster boasts some familiar NHL names such as Keith Aucoin and former Islander Kip Brennan.

Unfortunately, Tiger Track Tom and I ran into traffic on the way up here and missed all but the last minute of the first period. I promise to run a live blog for the remaining two periods of what is a 2-2 tie after one. Mike Iggulden and Ben Walter were your Sound Tigers scorers in a very active first.

8:01 The Sound Tigers begin the 2nd on the powerplay and fail to convert on the chance.

8:02 Joensuu gets a nice close in change from the right of the crease that is stopped by Daren Machchesney.

8:05 Hershey penalty on Francois Bouchard for hooking at 16:23 as Trevor Smith burst through down the left side.

8:07 Junior Lessard, the Islanders latest trade asset, gets a redirection on net that Machchesney turns away on the Sound Tigers powerplay.

8:11 Trevor Smith gets a sharp angle shot on net that gives Machchesney little trouble as he gloves it down. The crowd gets pumped up to the tune of "Staying Alive" by The Bee Gees.

8:13 Mike Iggulden gets left alone in the slot and belts one low that gets turned away.

8:14 A terrible offside call is made by Paul Simeon (66).

8:18 Good pressure by the Bears as Lawson turns away several quality chances from in close. The Bears were able to sustain pressure for a solid minute of play.

8:20 Great passing play Bentivoglio to Kohn to Walter who puts one into the pads of Machchesney.

8:21 Lessard tries a stuff job left of the crease. On regaining the puck, Sixsmith gets handed a hooking penalty with 5:57 left to go in the 2nd.

8:23 Huge save on the powerplay as Lawson gets across to his left and gloves one down in the splits as Giroux gets robbed. Great stat from one of the journalists sitting next to me says that Giroux has a 12 game goal scoring streak.

8:25 Giroux barrels into Lawson and his helmet pops off and the net goes flying as the Sound Tigers goalie skates bucketless to the bench. Walter gets a an elbowing penalty on the play as he pushed Giroux into Lawson. Lawson slowly makes his way back to his crease and utilizes as much recovery time as he can muster from the officials.

8:28 Giroux walks into the slot and scores in his 13th straight game on the 5-on-3 to make it 3-2 with 4:06 remaining in the 2nd.

8:30 Trevor Smith steals the puck and center and walks in 2-on-2 and forces Machchesney to make a save while the Tigers force a draw low.

8:31 Chris Lee takes a very lazy hooking penalty coming back on the play with 2:08 left, putting the Bears back on the powerplay.

8:34 Lawson is able to fend off another great scoring chance from the Bears as the puck grazes the crossbar as the net gets knocked off forcing a defensive zone faceoff.

8:35 Andrew Gordon takes an untimely hooking penalty with 3.6 seconds left in the 2nd for the Bears giving the Tigers 1:56 of powerplay time to start the third. At the end of 2, Bears 3, Sound Tigers 2.

8:54 As we wait for the puck to be dropped on the third period we get the announced attendance of 5, 050. That's better than the average weeknight at the Nassau Coliseum (J/K).

8:56 Chris Lee misses the net from the high slot and Trevor Smith is stoned from the bottom of the right circle by Machchesney with :25 seconds left on the penalty that carried over from last period. There is some pushing and shoving after the whistle but nothing else develops.

9:02 Andrew Joudrey of the Bears takes the "phantom" tripping call with 15:04 remaining in the 3rd.

9:04 Andrew MacDonald streaks down the right side and unleashes a wrist shot pad high that Machchesney turns away. As the Bears come back up the ice Mike Iggulden takes a hooking penalty. We're 4-on-4 until 13:03.

9:06 Alexandre Giroux pounds home a one-timer from the far circle beating Lawson glove side giving the Bears a 4-2 lead.

9:07 Now with the Bears up 4-2, Sean Collins takes slashing penalty at the 11:41 mark to give the Sound Tigers a much needed powerplay.

9:09 Ben Walter streaks through the defense at 11:10 and pots a low wrist shot to Machchesney's glove side to keep the game close at 4-3.

9:15 Francois Bouchard fools Lawson and sneaks one through the 5-hole with 8:40 left to restore the 2 goal lead at 5-3.

9:16 Hershey is able to put the puck in the net again however the play was offside and the goal is immediately waved off.

9:17 Greg Amadio takes a cross-checking penalty at 8:14 to put the Sound Tigers back on the powerplay.

9:19 On a doorstep cross-crease pass the Sound Tigers nearly slide one home on the powerplay but the Bears are able to clear.

9:21 Jesse Joensuu takes a very bad penalty in the offensive zone for interference as he fought for the puck down low. The time of the penalty was 5:43.

9:23 On a heady play by Mark Wotton on the PK he's able to draw two penalties from the Bears as both Chris Bourque and Keith Aucoin take a trip to the "Sin Bin". Hooking and Unsportsmanlike Conduct respectively. Sean Bentivoglio also takes an unsportsmanlike to even up the manpower.

9:28 Bridgeport coach Jack Capuano takes his timeout with 2:14 remaining to try and draw one up for a quick goal to get the Tigers back in this one. It'll be 6-on-5 the rest of the way as Lawson takes a seat on the bench.

9:30 Tigers are pouring it on but a heads up play by Lang of the Bears gets the puck down the ice as he gloves it to the Bridgeport zone.

9:32 Even with a 39 shot effort from the Tigers they fall to the Bears of Hershey, 5-3.

I'll be back tomorrow with a game wrap-up and analysis. If you tuned in to my live blog, I thank you. Trust me, as I alluded to in my A Night at Harbor Yard post, get the family up to Bridgeport to catch a Sound Tigers game whenever you can. For the price the Port Jefferson/Bridgeport ferry charges it's a no-brainer.

WELCOME BACK DUBIE!!!! ISLES RECALL MANNINO TO BACK UP YANN

2009-01-15T13:44:00.002-05:00

Well, well, well. Lookie here. I wonder who could be back on a 1 year, pro-rated, 500k contract. Could that be....WADE DUBIELEWICZ???!!!!
Yup, that's right! You're friendly neighborhood Dubester is back on the Island and could be available as soon as Saturday to play for the team he belongs on, according to both Greg Logan and Chris Botta.

Also, in related news, Joey Mac has been given the dreaded 2-4 week recovery time for the groin strain and most likely will not be back until the high end of that estimated time. Peter Mannino has been recalled from Bridgeport to back up Yann "Yo-Yo" Danis. In my opinion, Nathan Lawson, the Sound Tigers best puck-stopper the last month and half, should get a look at the NHL level but cannot be recalled due to not having an NHL contract. Although it would be ideal for Lawson to see some NHL action, maybe for now it's better he stays down in the Bridge.

Enjoy the action tonight versus the "Beast of the East" Boston Bruins. I'll be home for a rare opportunity to sit in front of the flat screen and enjoy dinner before 10:30 on a game night.

Tomorrow I'm travelling with Tiger Track Tom up to Bridgeport to take in their matchup against the Hershey Bears for supremacy in the AHL East. Keep an eye out here for updates.

Cheers!

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.

THE LORD OF THE MASKS, PADS AND BLOCKERS: A GOALTENDER'S TALE

2009-01-14T13:38:00.002-05:00

If you're an Islanders fan this season, you've been hit hard by reality. It didn't creep up on you like the climax of some psychological thriller or the boogie man quietly skulking from your closet door. It hit you right, square between the eyes. The Islanders just can't seem to have ANY good luck. At 5:01 of the first period last night, that was completely clear. The backup to probably the most oft-injured goaltender in the history of the league went down last night with a groin strain that some reported had him in tears (Ouch!). So what do we do now?

I give you "Yoda, Master of the Lightsaber" himself: WADE DUBIELEWICZ!

Or is it more like your resident Goalies Coach: MIKE DUNHAM!

For the record, Dunny was half-suited up in the weight room according to both Scott Gordon and Bill Guerin. The reason he never made it to the bench was due to a rule that said he would have to sign a tryout contract form prior to setting his skate blades on the ice. So I guess Islanders management might have to add that little stipulation to Mike's contract that in the case where the starting goaltender, the backup goaltender and the emergency backup for the backup all go down with injury, he'll be suiting up (I can just imagine him finding the nearest elevator and ripping his suit to shreds as he unveiled the Islanders jersey underneath a la Superman). They might even want to pay him more for dedicated service to the organization. It sure wouldn't have been Scotty "Flash" Gordon, once an NHL goalie in his own right. "Once I went down the first time, there would be no getting back up," he said at the post-game press conference. I can only imagine since it's probably been a decade since he strapped on the pads for any kind of high-level game.

So is this what this team has come to? We have a starting goalie that has had more surgery in the past 2 years than most Hollywood actresses. You have a backup goalie who no one except management had confidence in, starting 36 games so far this season. Then you have an emergency backup that no one, even management, seems to have any confidence in and he comes in cold and plays admirably and thankfully doesn't get hurt. What are we up to now? Just about 263 games lost to injuries this season and counting. As far as I know this is an unprecedented amount of injuries to a team that was already under the gun as far as talent. Pretty soon you might just see the New York Sound Tigers considering the Islanders have plucked extensively from their AHL affiliate.

It's time to stop playing games with Rick's health. Shut him down and let the boy rest. It does no good to listen to the day-to-day "he could start because he's medically cleared to play" line. It's time to take steps to make sure that even though this season is all but lost, there is still a team on the ice to finish the run. We're not making the playoffs. That is the reality. Let's compete and keep the dignity of a once storied franchise. With Garth and Scott at the helm there is at least hope...

Lessard Joins the Tigers

There was a minor deal that went down yesterday if you didn't hear. It was a single player swap for Junior Lessard coming to Bridgeport and Brett Skinner (a P-Bruin last season under Gordon) heading to Chicago (Wolves). At least we know that Snowy still talks to the other GM's in the league.

Photos were courtesy of cdn.nhl.com.

For Questions, Comments or Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.