Some thoughts….

MacDonald has looked well tonight (we are all surprised…). Hope DP plays tomorrow for the home crowd. Will we know the real problem?

Jon Sim looks like an eager guy, that looked like he so wants to play, and being out for over a year will do that to a guy.

Like Weight’s comments after 1. He gets it, and I hope that some of the guys really listen when Dougie talks.

Seems some of the guys look a little tentative. Hillen made a few mistakes in his zone, but I think he will recover quickly.

Great speed shown by Okposo. However, he did not fool Brodeur with the penalty shot.

Every time that I see Parise doing damage to the Islanders, I want to KILL Milbury for passing on him. Yea, Robert Nilsson is a real star….

Stay in the booth, you dummy!

Is Scott going to say this to the guys before the head out to the Pru ice tonight?

The screen test is over, the action scenes are going to begin.

What to expect: Tough question… However, from what I can see from Scott, I can see that he will be one that will make 100% sure that his guys will not only be focused, but ready to breathe fire on those Devils.

How will Ricky respond? Being a former goalie, I think Scott has more of an idea what is going through DP’s psyche than most… Will DP go all 3 games in this weekend? I hope not. I could easily see MacDonald into action, probably on Monday against Buffalo.

Bailey, I can safely assume will be out of the lineup tonight, and possibly tomorrow. I am sure that the disappointment will be mounting. If it was me, I really would send Josh to Windsor. He will be the captain, and get to work on the leadership skills, and be the ‘MAN’!

Interested to see the new line combinations. I think Hunter would look good with Tambellini and Nielsen. He would be the grinder and mucker to get the other guys the puck. I would assume that Guerin and Weight will be together. They know each other like peas and carrots.

Who on “D” will sit? Hillen has impressed, and I wonder if he will get the nod over Pock, or Gervais. It will be a difficult decision.

Although the Devils are a stronger team on paper, the Isles have done well against them, going 6-1-1 last season. Ricky always like to play against MB30, so it should be a good matchup.

We are under 12 hours from the start of our season, and under 36 hours from the home opener. I really am excited for the start of play. I enjoy watching the team that wins the cup the prior year hoist the banner up. And Detroit does not disappoint. They had Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Alex Delvecchio among others, present the banner to the Wing Captains (Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Lindstrom), and they brought it over to have the picture of the organization with it, before it was raised. Nice touch.

Game on!

Season preview tonight!

Special time - 9:30 PM.

Derek, Joe and I will be talking about the start of the season for all three teams. The Rangers open at home with Chicago, and our Isles head to Newark to take on the Devils. We will look at the plusses and minuses for all three locals, and make our predictions for the season.

We have not all been on together in quite a while, so it should be some interesting banter. Try to make a listen, won’t ya?

To get to the New York Hockey Report Page on BLOGTALK RADIO, go to this link:

NY Hockey Report Show

Also - I will be on Hockey Night on Long Island’s Blog talk show on Saturday afternoon. That show starts at 3:30. I should be on around 3:45 or so. The link to that show is:

HOCKEY NIGHT ON LONG ISLAND

Hope to see you then!

Gary

Comments:

When he looked at the Metro Mug, Scott commented:

“I would like to see a shinnier silver trophy instead of that one…”

Was surprised that the hit on Chris Lee did not warrant a suspension. He did not know about it until I asked the question.

Was pleased that Ricky played 60 minutes, despite the lack of playing. Is confident that he will be in the lineup, and if the timing is right, he WILL play. Ricky is chomping at the bit.

Bailey - he has so much hockey intelligence. He may be here one game, he may be here for the season. The process of the NHL will be so much easier for him, because of his intelligence. He is
head and shoulders’ better than some guys I know with three years of experience.

Nate Thompson - (Gordon’s former captain in Providence) classic blue collar player. We will like the intangibles..

Thoughts on Tambellini - we have to see if his ability will translate to the same success at the NHL level. He was not given the opportunity to fully play to your potential. He has to play, make the mistakes, and learn from them.

Working with the teams. There are times that I will have to be tough, and I will let them know that. The players welcome direction. He is not a ‘my way or the highway’ coach, but the players and the coaches have to work together.

System - training is the core of the matter (over-speed). Doing it in practice, will make the game easier. Making the practice more intense, will make the game a lot easier to handle. It does not happen overnight, but in time, the system will take over. Some games in the exhibition were good (even the 6-0 game - Scott thought the team executed, and there were positives, with the less than full lineup). The idea of game setup is making sure that the team is constantly moving forward, instead of the opponent coming to them. We have to be efficient coming out of the zone.

Penalty Kill - be aggressive….. We dont want our horses to play with snow tires.

Power Play - not normally a 4 forward 1 d - not liking to be high risk…

Riding the goaltender - It usually comes down to the schedule. Want to give Ricky every advantage to be successful. He wants to play every game. Any rest that goals to the #1 goalie is dependent on the schedule.

The injury bug - thought the early injuries may have been to the change in the system. Scott seems to be leading to the skates being stiff. Talking to some of the other coaches, they feel it may be the same thing. The soft ice surfaces can be a problem…

Playing days in Quebec. Probably like being in Atlanta and not saying y’all. Quebec was passionate about the game, but at least he had his chance to play and experience the NHL.

Sillinger - hopefully be back in November.

Shootout - Gordon may have a secret weapon. (I am not allowed to say, but it is someone you would NEVER expect) Looks as shootouts as ties. Looking at a half full glass instead of half empty. It is entertainment. What happens is secondary, just have fun.

Coaches on the bench - they go about it the right way… They come across as great professionals with excellent attitudes. They go about it the right way, and the veterans that take that attitude, seems to rub off on the younger players. They exert, and make he efforts in practices, will keep from letting down the teammates.

Thoughts on Jack Hillen - not big - but extremely intelligent. Would not play professionally if he did not have the smarts. Has the tools as well; he gets it! Instincts far more than exceed what a minor leaguer can do. See what he will handle the change from the college schedule to the NHL schedule.

Great meeting - 2 days to hockey, yea!!!!

So - our #1 pick not only got the entry level contract, but has made the squad to boot.

He (Bailey) definitely has the profile to make it as a 19 year old. He has a great way of handling himself, and knows his plusses and minuses. He also has a great presence for someone so young, according to bystanders and media alike.

The only thing that is a little troublesome, is the fact that he has not had the game experience. He has only played in 2 of the 7 exhibition matches and that, to me, does not tell me about his ice presence. You can be all that you can in practice and in shinny, but when it counts for real, does he have it?

Now - personally, I WANT him to succeed! I really want him to make it - and do well in the process. However, I am just concerned about the lack of playing.

Honestly, if I played the GM role (sorry - Garth - I will NEVER want your job!), I think I would have sent him back. He would have been the captain of the Windsor Spitfires, and would be a sure star in the World Junior Championships this December. The tournament is in Canada, which would be another chance for Mr. Bailey to shine…

But Gary, the Islanders can still send him there?

Yes they can - up to 9 games can be played (not the team’s 9 games, his), before the decision had to be made. And that can very well still happen.

I just don’t want to see a kid with such potential being wasted, if not starting. There are a lot of centers on the depth chart, and it will be a tough decision for Coach Gordon to make. Who will be sacrificed? Glad I am not in those shoes either.

Speaking of the coach… Tonight - 7:30 Marriott Ampitheater - Scott Gordon will be the Guest at the NYIBC meeting. Come on down, won’t ya?

First game since 3/15/08…

Not a good way to start.

I know the game was on XM204, but by the time I got home, I did NOT want to put on my computer… After looking at one for 12 hours, it was just not the right thing to do.

I hear Rusty Olesz laid out Chris Lee with a nasty check from behind… Got a Game, and I am sure a review with the league. Good - get a few games for that Rusty!

Final of 4-3 for the Preseason… Not bad.. Friday - it counts for good. No - I will not be in NJ. I hope to get home for the start of the game, however, and I hope I will try to write a little at home. I will be writing at the game on Saturday. My wrap up will appear after the game…

Wow - I sound like a writer now!

Tomorrow - NYIBC Booster Club meeting - LI Marriott - guest is Scott Gordon. 7:30 at the ampitheater. You can join that night, or else it is $5 to come (but that can be applied towards membership - if you join that night).

A great chance to find out what is in the mind of the coach, as he prepares for his first NHL game (for real) behind the bench. I am interested in his comments.

Well folks, it is official now….

I will be a member of the 2008-09 Islanders BLOG BOX!

I just received a letter from the organization, and it will be updated on the Islanders web site, with the new group of writers…

Honestly, last year, I did not send an initial e-mail. I was not sure if I really wanted to do it; but after a while, I realized it would be a lot of fun, and a chance to get more visibility to my page.

So now - starting Opening night - I will be in section 201, with the rest of the Blog Boxer’s giving our take of what is happening in Islanderland!

So maybe I should change the name of the page to Section 317/201???? Hmmm???

Nah - my loyalty is still to 317. 5 Days until the season starts - can not wait for it to come!

BTW - tailgate - Saturday 3:30 PM - SW Corner of Coliseum parking lot - (NO GLASS), come on down! Look forward to seeing you there!

Gary

Congrats and Happy Birthday Josh!

Nice to see that the team has confidence in you to sign. We all know what Garth did to get you, and he feels that he got a steal by moving in the draft to get you. He (Garth) had you pegged all along, and getting an extra few players in depth, allows the team to grow.

Get better soon, and let’s see what you got!

As far as the game the other night, I was unable to go. Work has been nuts lately, and I am averaging about 14-15 hours a day of work/commute. So it was impossible to make it. It is going to be tough to make certain weeknight games, so it was get words from others and make my own opinions…

It seems like it is going to be a tough year of scoring goals again. Hopefully, as the team futher understands and develops the “Gordon system”, the offensive capabilities increase. If we managed to get that .25 goals per game average last season, we could have been playoff bound. That can make a big difference.

Sutton’s loss will be a big blow. We were expecting much more from him this season. Hopefully, he gets back soon. His size is a big factor. Campy too. This is a tough loss, especially for his development. Tomas Pock could be a help. He just was not able to crack the Ranger lineup. Although he is not the fighter that Eric Carins was, let’s hope that another Ranger defensive castoff can pay dividends to us.

As Newsday reported, Tambellini can be a person that can really help this team, or bring it down. It is totally up to him, to bring his AHL play up to this level. Franz Nielsen is also in this situation too. It is time for these guys to take the “put up or shut up” attitude and get it going.

Well - back to work… Eight days until the home opener… Tailgate party - 3:30 PM - South West Corner of parking lot… Be there, aloha!

The sun is out (with a little clouds, but nevertheless, a dry day today), and it is sunny skies for the Isles on their preseason debut.

Albeit, half the team is youngsters and junior players looking to make a squad, but it is still the Orange and Blue, no matter who is donning the sweater at this point.

Nice to see Jon Sim back and playing. There is betting at Ladbrokes (a UK betting firm) to see if Sim makes it to more than 5 periods this season. I am betting that this will happen…. Sim will make a big presence on this team for the 08-09 season. He is the type of guy that if he can play to his potential, he will allow other players to be able to maximize their potentials. You look at the Atlanta Thrashers two seasons ago, and Sim was a major pain in the butt on his opponents, and we all know what happened to the Thrashers in 06-07? They won the South East Division for the first time. Yes, the Rangers beat them in a sweep in the first round, but the contribution of Sim to the Thrashers team was crucial to their success. That need to continue for the Islanders this season.

Rumor mill… We are hearing once again - that Ricky may not start the season. From others in the know - I would seriously DOUBT that statement. Patience and restraint will need to be placed on #39 shoulders, and I know that coach Gordon will do just that.

I see that Campoli had an undisclosed injury last night. This scares me - and we need to keep our d-men healthy for this team to be successful.

Good start for the guys. I know we have another game tonight (not sure on opponent, because I have not surfed that much today). We have to keep the momentums going. With a young team like these guys, preseason success can mean a lot. It is the veteran teams that it does not matter as much if the team goes 8-1 or 1-8.

As for Orlando - chance of rain all week, but the weather held out for the most part. Went to Epcot yesterday - always a nice place to go…. Friday, it is off to Ocala for my nephew’s wedding. By the way, I have a time share at the Marriott Grande Vista. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to anyone. To check it out, go to this link
If you are interested in checking it out - please let me know. I could get you a deal on a vacation visit (with NO OBLIGATION - but a 90 minute visit to the sales office), but honestly, once you go, you may get hooked. We did, and I do not regret it for one second.

As they say here - have a GRANDE day!

The words that many a NHL fan can not wait to say…

“Training Camp is about to begin!!!”

The Isles will start on Thursday with their physicals and head to Moncton, NB, for a week of intensive training. Scott Gordon will have his first chance to get his new players to read into his new system, and hopefully it is a transition that the players will not only take seriously, but pick up and master along the way.

Some early questions???

With Sillinger not ready to start the season, how does one of the newest Islanders, 1st round pick Josh Bailey work himself into this group, and find a chance to head to Long Island in October.

Will Kyle Okposo take a giant step forward in his rookie season (eligible for the Calder this year), and be the person that everyone expected him to be when he was drafted a few years back?

Are we FINALLY going to see the NHL caliber play of Jeff Tambellini, or are we just going to see him fade away…? (Truthfully, this is the one question that can make huge dividends for the Isles, if Jeff comes through)

Will Scott Gordon be able to curtail Ricky just a little, so that he has rest and injury free days for all season? The over/under for Joey McDonald (or other backup) starts is 10.

Will Marc Streit be the answer to a struggling power play? Was his year in Montreal good, because of the teammates, or his play?

Basically, will this team be healthy? We can not endure another year of 12 men on the IR.

Now these questions that we were asking in July and August, are now major topics of conversation. The time is here, get the pads on boys. Time to start skating. Time to get your shooting skills in order.

Hockey is back, and I love it!

And the best part - my season tickets came in the mail yesterday, and I am so stoked!

Other notes:
On a personal note - my mom is doing better. She should be heading to a rehab center shortly. Thanks to all for the kind wishes. I will not be on the NY Hockey Report tonight, as I have so much work to do, before my vacation starts on Friday. I will be in Sunny Orlando Florida when camp begins, so I will have my ears to a large coke bottle, and will try and report as much as I can. Add a little flavor, if you will.