HN ISLANDERS REPORT

THUMBS UP - NYI BOOSTER CLUB

2005-12-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

I recently attended my first New York Islander Booster Club meeting. I must first say that I was a little skeptical because I almost felt like I was going to walk into a Star Trek convention like atmosphere. When I first arrived, I had to register, and that only took a few seconds. The people were very helpful and encouraging to new members. The guest for this night was Alexei Yashin, the captain. Due to a mix up of events and traffic getting into the Marriott, the Islander captain was about an hour or so late.

As Yashin made his late, but fashionable appearance, he was greeted with applause and cheers from the happy and patient crowd. As Yashin took the podium to address the crowd, the first thing he did was apologize for being late, which I thought was a classy thing. The standard opening for guests at these meetings is to give a little background on their hockey careers. Now this part threw me off a bit because I didn't expect Yashin to be all that talkative. Alexei Yashin is booed every time he exhales in Ottawa, he is maligned by every media personality in Canada, and has a reputation for not caring or not being too outgoing. Having said that, Yashin proceeded to give a run down of his hockey career from age 4 until present day. One interesting comment he made was to the effect that when growing up in Russia when he did, the dream was to play for the Red Army Team, not the NHL. He spoke sincerely and even cracked a few jokes(saying that the fans in Ottawa even booed his selection in the draft), not what you would expect after reading so much negative about him. You would think that seeing him like this that he would, at least, get a positive article from time to time from the local media - but that is a topic for another day.

After speaking to the crowd about his hockey career, it was opened up to the audience. Guests were allowed to ask questions directly to the captain. Now this was a cool touch because you got to ask what you really wanted to know(within reason that is). People asked about the new rules, the refs, different line combos, toughest teams and players to compete against,etc. Yashin took question after question and answered with sincerity and interest towards, not only the person asking, but to the entire audience. After the audience was done asking questions we were allowed to go up and meet the captain, one on one - kids first, and rightfully so. As I approached Alexei, it was nice to see the ease at which he interacted with everyone. Now it was my turn, I said it was a pleasure to meet him and that I am huge fan - pretty much what everyone says. I was able to get an autograph and my picture taken with him. I then asked if this team was making the playoffs, and he said they were going to try really hard(actually crossed his fingers) and with our support. And that was it, the night was over,well almost. I went out into the lobby walked around and then was on my way to the exit. Who do I run into? The captain, this time alone. As we pass each other and I nod, he says, "thanks for coming, it was good to meet you", which is ironic because that should have been my line.

Before I conclude, I must say that the organizers and people behind the NYI Booster club are just very good people who really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and provide the fans with a great opportunity to meet the team they root for. So a big thanks to Claire, Bill, Rose, Gary, Diane and the rest(sorry if I forgot any names, it was my first meeting).

It was also a great way to meet many of the fans who post on the message boards, and match some faces to screennames. So if there is anyone who is curious about going, I encourage you to check out at least one meeting. Yearly/seasonal membership is only $20 and you get opportunities to meet players up close and personal, there are also raffles for cool merchandise. The Booster Club also works with many charities and allows members for a chance to donate. Overall, it was a great time, big thanks to the NY Islander Booster Club for their efforts.

ISLANDERS STILL A MYSTERY

2005-11-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

After 24 games the Islanders stand 12-11-1, with 25 points, third in the Atlantic and 9th in the conference. Ever since their 4-1 victory over the Devils on November 8th, the Islanders seem to be playing better hockey. In that stretch they have gone 6-3-1 and have shown much more effort than earlier in the season. Aside from a 6-2 thrashing by the Senators they have been in most games. The alarming trend though, is that they seem to be unable to hold a lead and close the opposition out.

The Islanders are a tough team to figure out. When they lose 2 in a row it seems the wheels are ready to fall off, but conversely, when they win 2 or 3 in a row, you get the feeling they are ready to take off. To this point, neither has happened, leaving them a .500 team almost a third into this season.

It remains to be seen if coach Steve Stirling can get this group over the hump. His constant line juggling, brow-raising separation of Alexei Yashin and Miro Satan, and sputtering power play are all things that can make it hard to have confidence in the second(technically 3rd) year coach.

It also remains to be seen how long General Manager Mike Milbury will remain silent. You have to think the feisty GM is not happy seeing this team fight to stay around .500 after he proclaimed them to be built for the "new" NHL. It could be a coaching change, a trade or 2, or even a new GM - but something seems to be lacking with this team. It is no longer early in the season, so if the Islanders continue to tread water, one would suspect that a change or two will occur with this team.

A FEW PLAYER OBSERVATIONS:

Alexei Yashin - He has been pretty much all you could ask for - a point a game, +2 rating, more vocal and overall more involved.

Miro Satan - Streaky! All pure goal scorers are. But he is the only pure sniper the Islander have and when he is on, he is dangerous. He has pretty much been what the Islanders expected.

Jason Blake - You can't bring any more heart and effort than this guy and it has paid off - he is 2nd on the team in scoring with 20 points - second behind Yashin(26 pts). Also notched the teams first hat trick of the season.

Shawn Bates - The often misused Bates catches a lot of flack from fans, but the currently injured forward deserves some credit here. He has played through pain, and found a way to score 10 goals in 17 games. He is also a solid penalty killer.

Arron Asham - My pick for most underrated Islander. He has 13 points, sticks up for teammates, play the body hard, kills penalties, skates on the top unit, etc, etc, etc. Without him, the Islanders are even softer.

Mark Parrish - 5 goals, 8 assists(5 in the last 2 games) is simply not enough production.

Mike York - He has 12 points and seems to be coming around offensively. It is the -12 rating and a poor faceoff record that is alarming. But considering Michael Peca is down on the 4th line for the Oilers and wearing out his welcome - the trade seems to favor the Isles here.

Janne Niniimaa - He has played better in recent weeks. Staying out of the box and protecting the puck will keep his game improving. He always plays hard, sometimes to a fault. A little more brain, and a little less braun and he may be a valuable blueliner again. He also could be traded in the "right" deal.

Alexei Zhitnik - Aside from a few lapses, he has been the Islanders best blueliner(Chris Campoli gets honorable mention). Zhitnik also leads all Islanders in assists with 16.

Rick DiPietro - The talent is there and so is the skill. Needs to lay off the puck handling at times. Also needs become the "man" and bail his team out with a big save or 2 and help them avoid these late collapses.

UP NEXT, THE LUCKY 7?

Philadelphia(tomorrow), at Detroit(12/4), at St. Louis(12/6), at Columbus(12/8), Edmonton(12/10),Minnesota(12/13), Colorado(12/17)

This is an interesting batch of games with some tough opponents, but all should be deemed winnable with Detroit posing the biggest challenge. When the Islanders skate and work, good things happen. More so now, the flow of the game is very important. Players have to skate and keep their legs moving because with the new rules, hard work can draw many a power play.

PREDICTION: The Islanders go 4-2-1 in these next 7.

A TIME FOR CHANGE

2005-11-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

The time to change things on Long Island has come. It may seem like an over reaction for team that is only 6-8. It may seem like an over reaction since these Islanders have a lot of new faces and may still need to come together. But if you watch this group and see how they have given up on the coach and how they don't stick up for each other, you make think change is overdue. Just take the last 2 games as an example. The Penguins looked like the Penguins of the early 1990's thanks to the Islanders just taking the night off. The Isles lost that game 5-1. The Senators, who have a very strong team, physically abused the Islanders and blanked them 6-0 with a showcase of speed and skill(sound familiar?). Out scored 11-1 in 2 games, they showed virtually no signs of life. At best, you could see small samples of the Islanders skating against Ottawa, but any game you lose 6-0 must be considered a bad loss.

This is where it can get confusing though. Who do you blame? Is it the coach? Yes, he is part of the problem. Is it the GM? Yes, he is also part of the problem, maybe a large part. Is it the players? Yes, they are also part of the problem. But you just can't fire the GM and the coach, while trading all the players on the roster. It doesn't work that way, this isn't fantasy hockey.

STEVE STIRLING - He has not had this team ready for games this season. They seem out coached on a nightly basis and often look lost on the power play. The Islanders seem to play not to lose, rather than to win - there is a big difference between the two. He hasn't been able to get them to understand that you can't take stupid penalties. He seems over matched by this level, as evidenced by his use of personnel, lack of discipline strategies and an overall disorganized approach.

MIKE MILBURY - It seems he has been the GM since 1975. Maybe he got the same deal as SMG and can't be fired. Charles Wang seems to have an unusual loyalty towards him. One theory is that Wang possibly feels intimidated by having to navigate a sport he is relatively new to, and having to hire a new GM would be too complicated. I think that theory may be a bit of a stretch, but why else would Wang keep Milbury around so long without seeing the team show more signs of growth? Milbury has been through more coaches than you could count, including himself more than once. Milbury is feisty, and has competitive fire but that just isn't enough. He has made some good trades, and Islander fans can rattle off the bad ones. But that is in the past, it is the now that fans are concerned about. This is Milbury's coach, these are his post lockout players that he called the "new" NHL type players. Speed and skill were two words the GM used frequently to describe his club. The only thing that is speedy is how fast this team is dropping. Besides, Milbury is the only link between all other parts of the franchise, he has to be on the hook as his fingerprints are on everything.

THE PLAYERS - Alexei Yashin has done his part, he is more vocal in his new role as captain and, most importantly, he has produced over a point a game. Miroslav Satan has given you what you could have pretty much expected. Rick DiPietro has been brilliant at times, and awful at others - often being his own worst enemy. Alexei Zhitnik has been a solid defenseman until the last few games. Janne Niinimaa has been been brutal for the majority of the season. You could go through player by player, but that may not be fair. It seems this group of players are not being used to their strengths and have not been given a set system to work in. Add this to a team that seems to have quit on the coach and you have a pretty unmotivated bunch. I would reserve a full evaluation on most of these guys until they are put in a system with a new coach and a fresh start.

HOW CAN IT BE FIXED? - Well I won't claim to have all the answers, but I do know that standing pat is not an option at this point. If it was up to me and I could be Charles Wang for a day(or two), this is what I would do:

Hire a consultant, a Bill Torrey type and have them evaluate the overall operation of the franchise. They could even act as an interim GM and help with the selection of a new GM and coach.

Hire a coach who has NHL experience and a reputation for discipline and work ethic.

Hire a GM that has NHL experience, someone that can evaluate all levels of talent - from minors to professionals to coaches, someone who is respected in the NHL community.

Send a message to the players that you expect they try, show pride in the organization, and play for each other.

Get capable alumni more involved in the overall operation. If a former player could be GM or assistant GM, great, but they must be experienced and skilled, it can't be a publicity stunt(we don't need to see Gary Howatt driving the zamboni or John Tonelli selling beer).

Of course this seems easier from where I sit, but I believe it is worth a shot. This team has three straight first round losses and they are off to a start this year that may leave them out of the playoff race. There is talent on this team, and maybe a change of the coach could be a shot in the arm. Maybe there needs to be an overall change in philosophy throughout the organization which would mean the GM goes. Perhaps a trade or slight adjustment in personnel could work. Maybe all of the options listed are needed, as long as they pick one it will be a good start. Standing pat is no longer an option, so the time for change has come - it will be interesting to see what changes happen first or if any changes happen at all.

Islanders Less Than Stirling, So Far

2005-11-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Islanders enter tonight's game against the Boston Bruins at NVMC with a record of 5-6 on the season. Most will agree this is below expectations, even this early in the season. With the frenzy of player movement after the lockout this summer, the Islanders were able to add plenty of talent to replace the personnel they lost. Some think this is the most talented Islander team since the mid 90's. Either way you stack it, this team should be better than 1 game below .500 and fourth in the division. Many of the Islanders shortcomings seem to be born out of poor coaching and lack of preparation.

Coach Steve Stirling has decided to tinker with the lines for tonight’s game in an effort to get some players involved. The curious part of this, is the move of Alexei Yashin to wing. Yashin and Miro Satan will now flank the recently promoted Oleg Kvasha. Perhaps this will work and provide the Islanders with a talented trio on the top line, but Yashin has 15 points in 11 games and Satan has 8 goals - so they are already producing. Kvasha, yet to notch a goal, has just 4 assists all season and often plays uninspired. Also of note, Arron Asham has done a decent job on that line, notching 5 points while playing physical and giving 100%. Stirling has ruled recently with a heavy hand, benching players for a lack of effort or taking bad penalties(ask Brad Lukowich). This may send mixed signals as some players could interpret this as a double standard.

Changing the lines seems like less of a priority for a coaching staff that could use it's time more constructively. The Islanders power play has been a total bust and often leaves you thinking that they are still at even strength. The penalty kill has been brilliant at times, but failed in key spots. Maybe the coaching staff can figure out a way to instill a work ethic in this team. Or if they really have nothing to do, maybe they could spend some time on Janne Niinimaa's skating and positioning. But since they are going to change up the lines, they should see to it that the youth on this team gets a defined role.

Whether or not Stirling is on a short leash remains to be seen. Mike Milbury may be hesitant to axe another coach, as this will bring the fire closer to him. But he may have no choice as Stirling seems to be coaching scared, which is a formula for failure. Changing the lines and pulling DiPietro in Saturdays game is the equivalent of putting a new air freshener on the rearview mirror as the wheels come off the bus. If Stirling doesn't take command of this team and give it direction, their current position of fourth in the division may become home. The players have to shoulder some of the responsibility here, but they can't be held accountable until the coach has given them a copy of the plan. Maybe it is too early for this talk, but then again, isn't it getting too late for "maybe"?

ISLES FALL AT MSG

2005-10-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

Poor coaching and bad penalties to blame for loss.

The Islanders took only a total of 6 penalties all night, which is not bad in the "new" NHL. Unfortunately, it was enough to dig a 2-0 first period deficit. Brad Lukowich took 2 consecutive penalties that resulted in Ranger goals for Martin Straka and Fedor Tyutin. Tyutin's goal actually came seconds after the second penalty to Lukowich expired, but was the result of the disarray caused by being a man down.

This is where the game seemed to take a turn for the worse as Islanders coach, Steve Stirling, decided to make an example out of someone and show the rest of the team that you can't be undisciplined on the ice. Sounds good so far, right? After all, you need to show players that they will be held accountable for poor play and bad decisions. This is where the good idea went out the window and Janne Niinimaa escaped the dog house for another day. Instead, Brad Lukowich was benched for the rest of the game. Not only did this take one of the better Islander defenseman out of the game, it forced Janne Niinimaa to log more ice time. Now this the scariest part since Niinimaa has looked flat out terrible this season. Niinimaa often looks like he still has his skate guards on, and his stick is missing it's blade, so it probably made most Islander fans sick to see Niinimaa get increased time.

The Islanders took only 2 penalties in the second and third period combined(none in the third) so maybe the message was sent. One possible angle for benching Lukowich is that he is a leader on the team and does wear an "A", so maybe Stirling feels you can reprimand the best and it will send a message to the whole team. But this is about winning games, and Lukowich probably should have played in the third period.

Another problem for this coaching staff and Stirling is the power play. The players are ultimately responsible, but they must be given a system to work in and it must be worked on until it is mastered. The Islanders power play looks slow and unorganized, Mike York looks out of place on the point and the players fail to create space for each other. Mark Parrish(injury) is sorely missed as a presence in front of the net, as he screens the opposing goalie and deflects the puck as good as anyone in the game, but there is more than enough talent to compensate. The Islanders finished an ugly 0 for 11 on the power play, and not another day should be allowed to pass without an overhaul in the philosophy of the power play.

Despite all of these follies, the Islanders entered the third period with a chance, as they were still down only 2-0. They would pull to within a goal at 9:20 when rookie Chris Campoli slammed a rebound behind Ranger goalie Henrik LundQvist, who played well when he had to. The Islanders really picked up the play after they scored, and in general the whole third period. Now it was the Rangers who seemed to catch the penalty bug as they took 4 in this period. The most crucial seemed to be at 15:40 when Michal Rozsival took a cross-checking minor. The Islanders were unable to convert on their last man advantage, leaving them with the option of pulling the goalie as time became a factor. The Rangers shut the door at 19:29 when Blair Betts found the empty net to cap the scoring at 3-1.

This was a game the Islanders probably didn't deserve to win because they didn't play hard all night. But, the coaching staff needs to be held accountable also. This was a team that looked unprepared, unmotivated and clearly showed no organization on the power play and never showed any real desire until the third period. The "new" NHL is a game that places a lot of importance on special teams, so it will be crucial for the Islanders to adapt - and this starts with coaching.

GAME NOTES

Tomi Pettinen played a decent, if not good, game.

You have to think Janne Niinimaa is being showcased or that there is some reason he continues to play so often when he is clearly struggling.

Robert Nilsson looked pretty good with Yashin and Satan, he seemed to be a real sparkplug and catalyst. Asham has been solid on that line, but I would give the kid a few games, minimum.

Is the snowman melting? Garth Snow needs a start soon, maybe even Saturday.

When Kvasha skates hard, it shows. He had two strong drives to the net last night and must do that more often.

Asham hit Darius Kasparaitis hard several times.

Is Mike Milbury watching? Just checking, because if he is, he can't be thrilled with the speed and skill of this team. Remember those words? Milbury used them often this summer, but hockey is a winter sport so it will be interesting to see if any changes are in order should the Isles stick around .500 too long.

BIG THREE CARRY ISLES

2005-10-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Alexei Yashin, Miroslav Satan, and Rick DiPietro are arguably the three most important players on this Islander team. Last night, they proved why this is probably true. Rick DiPietro made several keys saves to bail out his team when the Thrashers were out playing the Islanders. He also showed his leadership abilities as he barked at teammates when they showed no urgency on a delayed call that would give the Islanders a power play. DiPietro also traded jabs with Marian Hossa, one the few times he got physical with a member of the Thrashers. This type of feisty play often brings back memories of Islander legend, Billy Smith.

On the offensive side, Miro Satan and Alexei Yashin continue to come together as linemates. Yashin extended his point scoring streak to 7 games and now has 12 points in 9 games on the season. Satan scored the Isles first goal, giving him at least a goal, in four straight games. Yashin's first goal, at 11:00, was vintage Yashin as he came from the side of the net inside the face off dot, and ripped it past Thrasher goalie Adam Berkhoel.

A key point of the game seem to come at 12:03 of the 2nd period. Petteri Nokelainen took Shane Hnidy hard into the boards on an icing call. There was a brief scrum and Nokelainen emerged limping, only to be taken to the Islanders dressing room. The Islanders seem to pick up the intensity at that point. Nokelainen returned a few minutes later without an injury. The period would end with the Islanders leading 4-2.

Atlanta would score the only goal of the third period at 15:40 off the stick of Ilja Kovalchuk, who is starting to round into all-star form. Kovalchuk actually broke his stick twice, negating two good scoring chances. Kovalchuk also scored early in the second period. Atlanta had 36 shots and was 3 for 11 on the power play but was unable to notch the tying goal as the Islander held off a late power play and a pulled goalie.

The Islander were sloppy at times, but showed enough effort to sustain a 4-3 victory, thanks to the "big three".

NOTES, LIVE FROM THE GAME

I was lucky enough to be at the game last night, so here are some enhanced notes:

Arron Asham continues to mold him self into an all-around, important part of this team. He is skating on a top line that is producing, killing penalties, has a wicked shot, plays the body better than anyone on the team, sticks up for his teammates and always works hard.

Janne Niinimaa looks worse in person than on TV. This is the second time I have seen him live this season and thought the same thing. He has skill, and was once a very good defenseman, you have to assume it is mental at this point.

Tomi Pettinen is not an NHL caliber defenseman, pairing him with Niinimaa raises eyebrows about the coaching staff.

Trent Hunter is one of the best Islanders when it comes to navigating tight areas with the puck.

Chris Campoli flattened 2 Thrashers and continued his steady play.

Alexei Yashin is much more connected to this team than any time in the past. There were numerous times you could see the physical and verbal communication between Yashin and teammates. This is his team, and he is taking ownership. Yashin may not be the most vocal(that belongs to DiPietro,Snow,Blake or Lukowich) but he is definitely more involved and his peers acknowledge it.

The ice girls serve no other purpose but to provide eye candy, great for some, but a gimmick to me.

Attendance(10,371) was not as good as expected.

OTHER NOTES:

Alexei Zhitnik is quietly the Islanders best defenseman and he has 1 goal and 9 assists to go with his solid play.

Parrish(hip) and Sopel(wrist) both missed the game.

The Isles defense is still a bit shaky. Time will tell if it is a question of the wrong personnel or personnel needing to adapt to the new rules. The Islanders may need to make a call-up or a trade to address this.

Power plays: Atlanta 3/11, Islanders 2/6

Shots on goal: Atlanta 36, Islanders 26

UP NEXT

On Thursday the Islanders meet the NY Rangers at MSG for a 3rd time in 9 days having won back to back meetings last week. Game time is 7:00 PM.

HABS AND HAB NOTS

2005-10-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

Some may call the Islanders persistent last night for coming back twice. Others may say they just didn't have enough in the tank to win. Either way, the result was the same, a 4-3 loss. Montreal's Steve Begin scored with 1:45 left to deny the Islanders from getting, at the very least, one point.

Miro Satan scored twice and Alexei Yashin had a goal and assist. Yashin leads the team with 9 points and Satan leads in goals with 6. It appears the two are starting to develop chemistry and will soon be considered a top threat to the rest of the league.

If there is one positive to take from this loss, it is that the Islanders have played their 3rd straight competitive game and appear to be getting their act together.

GAME NOTES:

Alexei Zhitnik had 2 more assists, giving him 7 for the season.

Koivu, Kovalev and Higgins had the other Montreal goals.

Mark Parrish(hip) and Brent Sopel(hand) did not play.

Shawn Bates made his return after missing the last few games.

Petteri Nokelainen continues to impress with relentless effort and grit.

QUOTES:

"We put a lot of hard work into getting back into the game," forward Miroslav Satan said. "But we didn't handle the end of the game properly."

"I thought our forwards were sloppy," said Steve Stirling

"I thought the last two goals were mental errors," Stirling said

"We lost. It's never something you want to do in the last three or four minutes of the game," said Rick DiPietro

THE WEEK AHEAD:

The Islanders play the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday before meeting the Rangers at MSG on Thursday. Atlanta has a lot of weapons so the Islanders shouldn't get caught looking ahead. They will need to bring strong efforts to both games as Atlanta is talented and the Rangers will be looking for revenge. The Islanders end the month by hosting the hard working Buffalo Sabres. They will have to work hard to finish the month above .500.

SWEEPING SUCCESS

2005-10-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

The first 3:00 minutes of this game were just what Islanders and their fans were hoping for. They jumped the Rangers and put their first 3 shots on goal, behind net minder Kevin Weekes. Miro Satan opened the scoring on pretty play that started with Aaron Asham feeding Alexei Yashin, who quickly sent it across the slot where Satan roofed it. This goal looked like what you would expect from these two talented forwards and may be the start of them developing chemistry.

Just 26 seconds later Jason Blake notched his fourth of the year as he redirected a Trent Hunter feed, Mike York also picked up an assist. With the Islanders now on the power play, Mark Parrish redirected an Alexei Zhitnik shot to give the Islanders a 3-0 lead after playing only 2:47 of the first period. This was definitely their best start to any game this year, not just because of the scoring, but because of the jump they had.

The place was buzzing, but the Islanders couldn't add any more to their cushion. One shift in particular around the 5:45 mark almost produced a goal as the Yashin-Satan-Asham line was really buzzing. Weekes may not have been sharp, but he managed to keep the deficit at 3-0.

Rick DiPietro picked up where he left off the night before but was finally beaten by Jaromir Jagr who is on fire this season. Jagr got the Rangers on the board at 19:02 and you figured the period would end at 3-1. A very sloppy series at the end, that saw the Islanders unable to clear the zone, resulted in Jagr's second of the night, and second in 55 seconds. So after a dominating start, the first period ended a one goal game.

The second period got off to another quick start as the gutsy Asham scored on shorthanded breakaway. He was actually on the ice when he scored because he was hooked down. That goal typifies Asham because he never quits and is always willing to get dirty on a play. If he stays an Islander, he will become on of their leaders in the near future. Just 43 seconds later at the 2:31 mark, Martin Rucinsky scored to get it back to a one goal game. This game could have been a blowout, but credit the Rangers for not giving up - a trait they seem to have adopted this season. It appeared that both teams may still be in shootout mode, and you got the impression this one could end 13-12. But once again these 2 teams took an unexpected turn and didn't score again for the rest of the period. Both teams seemed to tighten up a bit defensively, but it didn't stop the action. There was pretty good hitting all night as the Islanders had a 19-5 hits advantage with 3:17 to go in the second period.

Well here we go, the 3rd period starts as a one goal game but Mark Parrish changes that :51 in with a power play goal on a beautiful deflection. Parrish may be on the verge of one of his hot streaks that produces 12 goals in 8 games. DiPietro made a great poke check to stop Rucinsky from even getting a shot as he broke in. As we approached the 10:00 mark you could feel the intensity rise as the teams braced for an exciting finish. Jagr would complete his hat trick at 14:18, bringing this back to a one goal game. Parrish also had the chance for a hat trick but lost control of the puck before he could take a shot. There were a couple of scrambles but the Islanders held on to gain a rare home and home sweep of their cross-town rivals. So rare it had only been done once, in 1981 - not a bad omen at all.

NOTES

* The most important thing to come from these 2 wins may actually not have even shown itself yet - it will be how the Isles respond and play starting Saturday against Montreal.

* Radek Martinek was a healthy scratch again - WHY?

* This was probably the best game in terms of jump, grit, and physical play for the Isles all year. They played with purpose.

* Godard seems to wasting a spot for a younger player that can contribute more, insert name here_______.

* Niinimaa seems to be slow on learning the new rules, his penalties are so blatant.

* The Defense may be turning the corner and starting to play better, except for #44 who seems lost at times and rushes too many plays.

* The PP may have been 2 of 7, but it still needs to create more space for the players to operate.

* You just have to love Brad Lukowich and Aaron Asham, these guys stick up for their teammates and they care. You need guys like this. Add Trent Hunter also.

* The Isles definitely played the body more, you even saw Satan throw a couple of good hits. One area they need to be more aggressive with, is in front of DiPietro. Asham got in Nieminen's face after he sprayed DiPietro last night, they need more of that.

* Zhitnik 2 A, Asham 1G 1A, Parrish 2G

* Steve Stirling teased us by briefly playing Weinhandl on the Yashin/Satan line.

THE RICK DIPIETRO SHOW

2005-10-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

10-20-05

This night could have been similar to the debacle in Philly Saturday, except for one thing, Rick DiPietro stood on his head. The Islanders young goalie, and emerging star, bailed his team out in a game that could have easily seen the Islanders lose by 4 or 5 goals.

One save that sticks out was a first period glove save on Martin Rucinsky that set the tone for the night. You really can't say enough about DiPietro who was coming off a mild concussion. Not only did there appear to be no ill effects from his injury, he looked sharper than ever.

The Islanders opened the scoring when Alexei Yashin ripped the rebound of an Alexei Zhitnik shot into a wide open net. The first period would end 1-0, and the Islanders were fortunate they weren't trailing, let alone leading.

The second period didn't include any scoring, but featured a few good scoring chances, mostly by the Rangers. The Rangers continued to skate hard and show speed as they outshot the Islanders 11-2 in the period.

Heading to the 3rd period you got the feeling the Isles would be nursing a 1-0 lead for most of the period. That changed, however, when Miro Satan settled down a pass from Alexei Yashin in the high slot to rip one past Ranger goalie Henrik Lundqvist at the :28 mark. That goal provided only 14 seconds of relief for the Islanders and Rick DiPietro as the Rangers got the goal right back to end the shutout bid. Jagr who had been stopped numerous times by DiPietro throughout the evening, shot the puck off defensemen Tomi Pettinen's stick for the goal. It may have been the only way Jagr was going to beat DiPietro on this night. It was a play that may have landed some on the bench, but coach Steve Stirling arguably showed confidence in the blueliner and put him out there again.

Rick DiPietro could only be a machine for so long. With Jason Blake in the penalty box, Petr Prucha redirected a Fedor Tyutin shot. The game was now tied and overtime seemed like destiny at this point. As regulation came to an end, the Islanders carried a powerplay in the extra session. The Islanders were unable to capitalize so the teams were forced to skate it out. After a few end to end rushes, the buzzer sounded and we had the first shootout of this rivalry.
You really got the sense that the fans wanted this as they were on their feet for the rest of the way. Yashin and Prucha went first for their teams and both were denied. Up next, the 2 top breakaway guys on their teams; Miro Satan and Jaromir Jagr. As Satan skated in, Lundqvist gave the sniper a small area on the left side of the net that he took full advantage of and ripped a wrist shot for a goal. Now it was Jagr's turn to try and get it right back. Jagr has more moves than John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, so DiPietro was going to have to be ready. The showdown between the two fizzled as Jagr broke his stick on a shot attempt. This set up Mark Parrish to be the hero, as a goal would win it. Parrish was unable to convert, so it would be up to DiPietro again, as it had been all night. Michal Nylander skated in and hit the outside part of the goal post to seal the victory for the Islanders.

On a night when they weren't at their best,the Islanders escaped the night with 2 big points in this young season, because of their young goalkeeper who seems be maturing with each game.

DO IT AGAIN

The two teams meet again tonight, and it will be interesting if they can generate the same drama. The scene shifts to Long Island and gametime is 7:00.

ANALYSIS AND NOTES

* Imagine this back to back series with Cairns, Webb, Godard, Scatchard, Wiemer, Purinton, Simon, McCarthy, Fleury, Lindros, etc

* The Islanders didn't play that well, but the difference from Saturday in Philly is that they were outplayed by the Rangers, against Philly they didn't even compete.

* The Islanders need to establish what their identity is, also whatever system they decide on - it must be implemented ASAP because this team keeps looking lost.

* It will be interesting to see how each team comes out tonight. The Islanders shouldn't be satisfied and should have more jump. The Rangers shouldn't change a thing, except ask Steve Stirling to rest DiPietro.

* Radek Martinek needs to play, can he do worse than Janne Niinimaa or Tomi Pettinen?

* Petteri Nokelainen has a natural nose for the puck. The kid plays hard and finds the puck. He should be kept on a line with Weinhandl and Nilsson, they should be given a chance to develop some chemistry.

* Other line suggestions:

Satan-Yashin-Parrish or Hunter

Blake-York-Parrish or Hunter

Asham-Bates-Kvasha

I would give these a shot, the way Stirling juggles guys it may not be long before
we see these combinations.

Mini Preview: Islanders at Rangers 10-19-05 7pm

2005-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the first game of a home and home series between the NY Islanders and the NY Rangers. The Islanders enter MSG for tonight's contest heading in a different direction than their cross-town rivals. The Rangers have shown a good work ethic and the ability to blend grit with skill. Their goaltending has also been solid, to say the least.

The Islanders have yet to show what they really are and what Mike Milbury thought he put together this summer with respect to the "new" NHL.

Key Numbers

NY Rangers :

Goals- 6 Jagr
Assists- 9 Straka
Points- 10 Jagr
GAA- 1.23 Lundqvist
Goals For- 25
Goals Against- 15
Points-10

NY Islanders:

Goals- 3 Blake
Assists- 4 Kvasha
Points- 4 Kvasha, Blake, Yashin
GAA- 3.17 DiPietro
Goals For- 14
Goals Against- 19
Points- 4

Reason For Concern With Isles?

2005-10-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

The New York Islanders have only played 5 games but there is already concern within Islander country. Is this just paranoia or well placed concern?

Here is the skinny, the Isles are 2-3 which isn't terrible. It is more about how they have played though. They have yet to show the speed and skill that all fans thought they would see on a regular basis. General Manager Mike Milbury mentioned these words all summer, so it is only fair to expect fans to be wondering where all this speed and skill is hiding.

Another concern on the Island is coaching. Steve Stirling has not exactly put his stamp on anything. We live in a time now where coaches are to blame, but not always to credit. One criticism that most can agree on is that the Islanders lack structure, and at times, a work ethic. A crash course in chemistry couldn't hurt either. Every time I see the scene from Miracle where Herb Brooks makes all of his players skate for hours after a bad loss, I say that is just what this team needs. But this is a different time and these are paid professionals.

I know it is early, and winning 3 or 4 in a row can change things in a hurry, but when you see a team out worked at times and often unorganized or disinterested, it sends up a flag.

Check back, the Islanders will be playing the Rangers tonight and tomorrow, it is sure to spur some thoughts and opinions. Enjoy the game.

Just a Test!

2005-10-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Just a Test