3/1: New York vs Philadelphia 2pm FSN

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/29/2008 10:39:00 PM | |
Islanders website: Has the pregame for Saturday's 2pm start against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Flyers are without Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Joffrey Lupul and Modry did not make the trip. Frans Nielsen is out for this game.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Isles are 7-2-1 in ten games. The two losses they took over fifty shots and wore down against the Devils but were in position to win starting the third period.

Flyers are coming off a shootout win against Buffalo and a win against freefalling Ottawa. In the Buffalo game last Monday they fell behind 2-0 giving up two goals in eleven seconds and 3-1 before tying the game.

Islanders are going to have the get the puck deep and out work Philadelphia's defense while keeping down the shots against. Something will have to click on the powerplay and no doubt the Isles are going to shoot first as has been the pattern in recent games. Setups against Atlanta were quality plays that led to the Isles goals.

Witt, if he returns will be a big boost to the Isles defense. If a forward is recalled Davison played well enough to sit Aaron Johnson. Comeau and Tambellini need a center and minutes becausse the Isles lineup needs their speed.

I guess I could write it's a big game once again but I can write that for all of the remaining games until they qualify for the playoffs or are eliminated so today will be the final preview that I bother including it.

Islander News Articles 3/1:

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/29/2008 09:20:00 PM | | | | |
Newsday: Roderick Boone covered today's events at practice and reported Rick DiPietro's preference is to play and that the coach has not been informed of his goaltender's status beyond Saturday after the loss of his grandmother.

Brendan Witt is a gametime decision, Frans Nielsen day to day. A few words with no comments on the Core of Four plaque ceremony.

Daily News: Peter Botte filed a mid-day Friday article reporting DiPietro may miss Sunday's game and updated the Core of The Four ceremonies Friday. Aaron Johnson practiced on the wing Friday in Frans Nielsen's spot.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Twice this week now the News filed a story in the middle of the day. Hopefully a full article appears for Saturday morning but that's doubtful. Mr Botte's doing a little too much speculation on DiPietro writing Dubielewicz will start Sunday because there are no quotes to support it.

My guess is someone is recalled from Bridgeport or Witt returns and Johnson plays forward in Frans Nielsen's spot. Will Dubie get a road tune-up game on Saturday night for Bridgeport who are at home, then start Sunday afternoon.

Courier Post: Chuck Gormley reports Martin Biron will start in goal for Philadelphia Saturday. Jaroslav Modry (left rotator cuff) practiced but did not make the trip and is doubtful for the weekend.

Sound Tigers website: Reports Bridgeport won at WBS Friday 3-2 against the Penguins with Trevor Smith scoring the game winner. Ben Walter returned to the lineup, Joey MacDonald had thirty five saves. Colton Fretter's equipment never arrived so he did not play.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's game recap on Bridgeport's win includes Dustin Kohn having problems again with his shoulder and Jeremy Colliton looked good if the Islanders decide to look to the AHL to replace Frans Nielsen.

Times Leader: Has the WBS Pens coverage.

ISLANDERS HALL OF FAME PLAQUES UNVEILED

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/29/2008 09:08:00 PM | | | | | |













Islanders website: Islanders website has the ceremony kicking off the Core of The Four Weekend with, Friday marked the official unveiling of the Hall of Fame plaques and a ceremony which Jiggs McDonald served as Master of Ceremonies.

Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Bill Guerin and owner Charles Wang gave their comments.

NHL.com: Mike Morreale has a full feature article on Mike Bossy.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
First class. Clearly it will not be the end of ceremonies as Mark Herrmann felt the other day given Jiggs McDonald comments speaking at the event.

Islanders website: Reports on the Islanders hosting a private dinner for the Core of The Four Friday night with comments Bryan Trottier.

Projecting out the standings Part IV

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/29/2008 07:47:00 AM |
Has been a while since this feature was updated.

Seems the Islanders are making me look good based on recent results for now as they needed to go 5-1-1 to stay on my projected pace of 93 points.

Projections vs game results.................93 points projected.
Jan 29, Senators-Loss 54 points 24-21-6.....Isles lost
Jan 31, Kings-Win 56 points 25-21-6.........Isles lost two points below pace set.
Feb 2, at Canadians-Loss 56 points 25-22-6..Isles lost
Feb 5, Ducks-Loss 56 points 25-23-6.........Isles lost
Feb 7, at Penguins otl 57 points 25-23-7....Isles lost three points below pace.
Feb 9, at Wild W 59 points 26-23-7..........Isles lost ot four point below pace set.
Feb 12 Flyers L 59 points 26-24-7...........Isles won two points below pace set.
Feb 14, at Maple Leafs L 59 points 26-25-7..Isles won even with pace set.
*******************************************************************
Feb 16, Thrashers W 61 points 27-25-7.......Isles won even with pace set.
Feb 18, Sharks W 63 points 28-25-7..........Isles won even with pace set.
Feb 20, at Capitals ot L 64 points 28-25-8..Isles won ahead of pace set by one pt.
Feb 21, Lightning W 66 points 29-25-8.......Isles won ahead of pace set by one pt.
Feb 23, at Devils L 66 points 29-26-8.......Isles lost ahead of pace set by one pt.
Feb 26, Penguins W 68 points 30-26-8........Isles lost behind pace set by one pt.
Feb 28, at Thrashers W 70 points 31-26-8....Isles win behind pace set by one pt..
*******************************************************************
Islanders despite going 5-2 fell behind pace I set them on at 5-1-1 which would mean a total of 92 points.

Given how the clubs in front of them are playing it could take even more than 93 points which was origional projection.
*******************************************************************
Upcoming game projections have only one regulation loss in seven games 3-1-3 and a possible nine of fourteen points, Isles would need to gain a point on this to get back to a 93 point pace for the season.

Mar 1 Flyers ot-L 71 points 31-26-9
Mar 2, Panthers W 73 points 32-26-9
Mar 4, at Rangers W 75 points 33-26-9
Mar 6, Rangers ot-L 76 points 33-26-10
Mar 8, at Flyers L 76 points 33-27-10
Mar 11 at Lightning W 78 points 34-27-10
Mar 12, at Panthers otl 79 points 34-27-11

*******************************************************************
I only have two regulation losses listed for the remainder of the seasonn in the next set of games.
*******************************************************************
My Projections of the entire schedule in the first part of this feature are
here for those who wish to reference.

Islander News Articles 2/29:

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/29/2008 03:18:00 AM | | | | | | | | | | |
Newsday: Greg Logan recaps the Isles win with Ted Nolan's comments that it was a bad hockey game and did not like how his club fell apart but was glad they got two points. Rick DiPietro talked about Atlanta's offense and that he should have had the second goal while Hunter and Vasicek talked about their big goals and play in the win. Frans Nielsen reportedly said his x-ray looked good.

Newsday: Greg Logan disclosed in his blog after some speculation about a possible injury to Rick DiPietro he suffered a loss in his family Thursday but still decided to play against Atlanta. Speculation is he could miss a game this weekend to attend a funeral.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Condolences to Rick DiPietro and his family on his loss and highest marks to him for trying to play under very tough circumstances. Dubie will find a way to get himself ready if necessary.

Islander Insider added Friday morning here and linked to Newsday's Islander blog will feature a contrast of this year’s trade by Pittsburgh with the Islanders’ rental of Ryan Smyth, Miro Satan’s contract situation and Sean Bergenheim's development.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
With Hossa already out for a week because of a knee injury in his first game for Pittsburgh so far the edge goes to the Islanders.

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Craig Custance has the recap of Atlanta's loss with Ken Klee's comments where he took the blame and credited Josef Vasicek for a good play to set up Trent Hunter for the game winner.

NY Post: Justin Terranov writes a full preview of Islanders-Rangers for next week with Dave Maloney and Bill Jaffe's comments.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
For all the substandard coverage decisions this season this ranks near the top because it makes no sense.

Dan Martin is out writing on the PSAL, the Islanders win in Atlanta got about sixty words and the Post decides to preview games next week with a full article?

NY Times: Michel Schwirtz has a full interview with former Islander Alexei Yashin and his wife Carol Alt on players from the NHL coming back to Russian as the league builds itself to one that they hope surpasses the NHL and the preimer league.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Nothing negative or Islander-related for those curious. Congratulations to Yashin for getting married and best of luck. I miss his big shot. Too bad he never spoke up for himself or let the fans get to know more about him because it did not help him in the end. That written he never said a bad word about anyone and many players spoke well of him.

USA Today/AP: Dave Campbell in an article on efforts made to create new rules regarding college prospects leaving school has Kyle Okposo's mother who recaps why his son decided to leave school along with what seems like new quotes from Don Lucia, Garth Snow.

Bill Daly is also quoted as is former Islander Mark Parrish, who also left school early to sign with Colorado in 1997. The writer adds his personal speculation Okposo will see some games with the Islanders this season.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has Sound Tigers president Howard Saffan's comments about acquiring Colin Fretter, Jason Pitton on his season ending shoulder injury and more on the clear day roster as injury status for Bridgeport is updated.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
WHEN — Tonight, 7:05
WHERE — Wachovia Arena, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
ON THE AIR — No radio; Webcast and B2 Networks Internet pay-per-view at www.soundtigers.com

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's blog updates the fallout in the Sound Tigers division from the trade deadline and how it effected teams in terms of clear day.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Sorry folks, I thought lists were released the day they were due. Mr Fornabaio got everyone the advanced version but it still has to be approved by the league for their official news release.

New York 5, Atlanta 4

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/29/2008 02:41:00 AM | |

















Islanders website: Jason Lockhart has the recap of tonight's
5-4 overtime win against the Atlanta Thrashers with Ted Nolan who was critical of his powerplay, but praised Vasicek's line for their solid play. Trent Hunter talked about the game winner.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Would have been a disaster to come out of this game with only one point. Easy to put the Klee and Holik goals on DiPietro and even the Zhitnik goal but he made two of three great saves (Thorburn, Recchi) to keep them tied/ahead and the Isles defense was running around a little.

A 5-4 game and no points from Kovalchuk? Good thing the post cooperated.

Isles were the team with more life to start the game and took advantage of Atlanta who came out with no desperation. Comrie got a nice pass from Rob Davison and got it past Lehtonen on his backhand for the lead. After that the Thasher goaltender
gift-wrapped one. Vasicek made it interesting on his backhand but got a perfect pass from Hunter.

Isles played well against a team that showed very little life until the Islanders powerplay got on the ice and once again not only did not score but helped Atlanta finally get into the game. It's beyond a problem now and they cannot blame Bergeron anymore. No doubt teams scout this powerplay and know it's fragile. Bergenheim took a penalty to kill one of those powerplays. When Meyer was on the point in the first period you could see most of his plays were not shots but passes down low going for deflections.

Berard's pass to Hilbert for the 3-0 was one of the best setups of the season, and he found Comrie in great position for the 4-3 goal.

Klee handed Vasieck the puck in the corner who found Hunter for the game winner.

Tambellini and Comeau only saw seven minutes and Nielsen could be out with a shoulder injury. Ben Walter is about to return from his shoulder injury which could mean Colliton gets a callup for Saturday?

All in all Islanders took thirty seven shots and outlasted a struggling team. Given the out of town scorboard all the Isles did was keep pace and Philadelphia officially is out of it's losing streak or Ottawa is in a complete freefall.

Core of The Four Weekend Begins

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/28/2008 05:51:00 PM | | | | | |
















Islanders Website: Kicked off The Core of the Four Weekend with Mike Bossy, Kenny Morrow, Bryan Trottier and Bobby Nystrom at the NHL team store today as well as their comments.

NHL.com: Adam Kimelman had a full feature on the Islanders today on the events in the city with comments from the players and general manager Garth Snow.

The honored guests are:
Bill Torrey
Al Arbour
Mike Bossy
Bob Bourne
Clark Gillies
Butch Goring
Lorne Henning
Anders Kallur
Gord Lane
Dave Langevin
Wayne Merrick
Ken Morrow
Bob Nystrom
Stefan Persson
Denis Potvin
Billy Smith
Duane Sutter
John Tonelli
Bryan Trottier

Trainer Ron Waske and equipment manager Jim Pickard, who were with the team for all four Stanley Cups, will also be honored as part of the event. Hall of Fame broadcaster Jiggs McDonald will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
New York Islander Fan Central has kicked off it's celebration also with a new header for the event honoring the four championship clubs. I have not been able to do all the profiles of the players as the team released them with the trade deadline but I will have all the articles posted over the weekend.

Hockey Night on LI Saturday 4:30pm

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/28/2008 04:18:00 PM |









I will be making my second appearance this season on Hockey Night on LI here with Alex and Steve who do a great job with the program this coming Saturday 3/1 at 4:30pm as we recap the Flyers game Saturday and talk about everything surrounding the New York Islanders including the NHL Trade Deadline for anyone who would to listen or call in and talk some New York Islander Hockey.

Butch Goring feature from NHL.com

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/28/2008 04:08:00 PM | |










NHL.com: Evan Weiner released a full feature on Butch Goring regarding the Isles dynasty, his unique helmet, the origns of it and makes a strong case for him being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Sound Tigers trade for Colton Fretter

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/28/2008 03:12:00 PM | | | |
Sound Tigers.com: Report the Bridegport Sound Tigers have acquired forward Colton Fretter from the Chicago Wolves. The 25-year old center-man is in his second professional season and has played eight games with the Wolves this year. Fretter played 51 games with the Gwinnett Gladiators last season, totaling 36 goals and 32 assists for 68 points with 46 penalty minutes.

Fretter was originally drafted in the eighth round (230th overall), of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, by the Atlanta Thrashers.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reports in his blog on Colton Fretter and has the Sound Tigers clear day list pending league approval.

Jason Pitton will miss the rest of the season with shoulder surgery.

FORWARDS (13) -- Sean Bentivoglio, Kip Brennan, Jeremy Colliton, Blake Comeau, Colton Fretter, Tim Jackman, Matt Keith, Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, Steve Regier, Trevor Smith, Jeff Tambellini, Ben Walter

DEFENSEMEN (7) -- Drew Fata, Scott Ford, Jamie Fraser, Dustin Kohn, Andy Sertich, Matthew Spiller, Mark Wotton

GOALTENDERS (2) -- Joey MacDonald, Mike Morrison

Entering 7/1/08 it's already completely different

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/28/2008 10:26:00 AM |
Howie Rose had a radio interview a few days ago where he made the point the Isles could be looking at the same situtation as they were a year ago where in essence they would have to restock the club if they could not resign their free agents and were constantly stuck in the same pattern.

I felt that judgement was unfair on his part and wanted to review last summer vs this summer for everyone to make my point significant progress is being made here and next summer will not be like last summer at all.

Last summer the Islanders went into July 1st 2007 with the following lines:
Smyth-(UFA)-Silliger (signed)- Hunter (rfa)
Zednik-(UFA)-Yashin(boughtout)- Satan (signed)
Asham-(UFA)-Robitaille(UFA)-Blake(UFA)
Simon-(UFA)-Hilbert-(UFA)-Park (signed)
Bates-(signed)
Bergenheim-(rfa)

Islanders after buying out Alexei Yashin had seven unrestricted free agents at forward and only Hilbert and Simon resigned.

July 1st 2008 Islanders enter free agency with the following lines:
Hilbert-(signed)-Comrie-(signed)-Guerin(signed)
Bergenheim-(rfa)-Park-(signed)-Satan(UFA)
Fedotenko-(UFA)-Vasicek-(UFA)-Hunter (signed)
Tambellini-(?)-Nielsen-(rfa)-Comeau (signed)
Sim-(signed)-Bates-(signed)-Sillinger-(signed)
Okposo-(signed)

Frans Nielsen was signed for two years on 5/16/06
Blake Comeau was signed to a three year extension 3/22/06
Jeremy Colliton-signed a three year contract 7/28/05

Jeff Tambellini was signed to a mult-year contract extension 12/9/05 to where Dave Taylor gave indications it was longer than three years. At worst he is restricted for Isles entering July which is why I will leave him as a question mark.

We already know on the backline: Campoli, Witt, Martinek, Sutton, Meyer are under contract and Bruno Gervais will likley receive something close to what Chris Campoli got for an offer last summer. Aaron Johnson was not qualified a year ago which is why he was available as an UFA.

So I have to ask how is Fedontenko, Vasicek, Berard and Satan as the only pending UFA on the current roster anything close to the situtation a year ago in any way to say nothing of all the prospects that are playing well and only getting better getting a full opportunity and doing well to say nothing of Bergenheim?

We are seeing the hockey staff's plan and it seems they are in good position entering this July to attract free agents if they want.

This does not even include reports Isles have been in negotiations with the unrestricted forwards.

I hope anyone who thinks the Islanders are anywhere near the same position they were in a year ago reads this because it's simply not true.

2/28: New York at Atlanta 7pm FSN

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/28/2008 09:59:00 AM | | | |
I'm not going to be available to watch tonight's game but will record it and have a full post-game report Friday morning.

Islanders website: Has the early preview of tonight's game in Atlanta against the Thrashers.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
For Atlanta Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis are gone but Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen replace them and the Islanders face a team a team that is not only desperate but facing a club that dominated them in New York less than two weeks ago.

Injuries
C Steve Rucchin Concussion IR

Transactions
2/27 Colin Stuart LW Sent to minors
2/26 Bryan Little C Called up from minors
2/26 Colin Stuart LW Called up from minors
2/26 Joe Motzko RW Traded

Alexei Zhitnik missed a game with the flu this week.

On the Islanders end of things simply put Boston, Buffalo, Rangers keep gaining points with games in hand and they are getting some seperation from the Islanders who need two points from this game to carry into the weekend and just to keep pace on some of these clubs with most of the teams playing three point games. Brendan Witt traveled to Atlanta after practicing so we'll see if he plays.

Cory Will will likely have game notes in his media blog here after the morning skate. I would expect before the game whoever traveled to Atlanta will have something in the Newsday blog.

Ct Post: Will likely have the Sound Tigers clear day roster on his blog this afternoon or Bridgeport Sound Tigers.com will release the list after AHL.com provides the update on the 3pm deadline today.

Islander News Articles 2/28:

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | | | | | |
Newsday: Katie Strang's article on practice was about the club's powerplay and how it struggled against Pittsburgh with Ted Nolan, Bill Guerin and Bryan Berard's comments. Mike Sillinger had successful surgery, Brendan Witt traveled to Atlanta after practicing.

Newsday: Katie Strang blogged on the Islanders page on new defenseman Rob Davison with Ted Nolan and Bill Guerin's comments.

Star-Tribune: Michael Russo reported on Chris Simon's first game with the Minnesota Wild in a win and how he played with his comments. Simon was given # 16.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has the Sound Tigers weekly explains clear day, reviews the upcoming schedule and had an injury update on Ben Walter among several items.

A few words from NY Post Phil Mushnick

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/27/2008 07:10:00 PM | | |
Phil Mushnick of the New York Post responded to an e-mail I sent him with questions about the Islanders coverage on Monday. Here is my e-mail and his response.
*********************************************************************
Mr Mushnick,
I would like to ask you a few questions question regarding the Post and it's Hockey coverage of the New York Islanders with relation to your job as someone who covers the media.

You have told me in the past you remember the old days of the Islanders and gave me a few names of their players in the seventies, don't you have an obligation of someone who holds the media under the spotlight that you turn that same spotlight at your own editors and writers for not having a full time writer on the Islanders beat at the New York Post considering Mr Everson reports full time on the Devils and Jay Greenberg is allowed to add occasional Ranger coverage?

How come the sports editor at your paper cannot add a full time Islader blog to supplement coverage, it cannot be that expensive to add a blog page and update it after games to make up for small articles?

Do you feel an obligation to point out Larry Brooks is entitled to his opnion that the Islanders are not New York but in fact as a New York area team and entitled to the same media standards given to the East Rutherford New Jersey Giants and Jets considering you recall how much print space and backpages the Isles used to receive?

Isles if I recall correctly within the last two years have paid for backpage advertising in the Post.

I think the standard is very subjective at the Post regarding hockey as the person assigned the media beat don't you have an obligation to point this out in your space, even if it's at your own paper including what the real hockey ratings are and not what Barry Watkins Msg's media department has claimed earlier this season.

I want to thank you in advance if you take the time to respond but have to let you know up front I have a blog and will be printing my question and any response you provide word for word for my readers because my site holds the hockey media under the spotlight just as you do with other media.

Thank You
NYI Fan Central
*****************************************************************
- Brother, if I were King of The Post a lot of things would be done differently. But I'm assigned to cover TV and radio. To that end, MSG does a rotten job covering the Isles, especially since it owns the rights to the team's telecasts. The Post's (lack of) coverage of the Isles is a financial (cost-cutting) decision. I happen to be an Islander fan. Bothers me, too.

Thanks - mushnick

Islander/Sound Tiger/NHL Wednesday Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/27/2008 06:32:00 PM | | | | | |
Islanders website: Has a state of the Isles after the trade deadline where Ted Nolan talks about his club his new defender, Rob Davison and Brendan Witt returning to the lineup no later on Saturday but did travel to Atlanta today with the team.

Mike Sillinger's surgery was successful.

Anaheim Ducks Website: Has Marc-Andre Bergeron's comments about being traded after his first practice with his new team.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio had a blog on some of the players listed for clear day in the AHL tomorrow which include former prospects Robert Nilsson and Petteri Nokelainen.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
AHL clear day is basically a list each team submits this time of year (Thursday for this season) listing it's AHL playoff-eligible rosters. New players can be added only after all the depth on the list is used up on an emergency basis.

I will post Sound Tigers list tomorrow when available.

Tsn.ca: Report general manager Bryan Murray fired John Paddock as coach of the Senators and will assume both jobs for the rest of the season.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Seems a bit unfair with the injuries and Murray a part of the problem with no resolving his goal tending issues for the coach. Only thing I know is Bryan Murray gets less out of more come playoff time and never wins the big game back to the days Al Arbour beat him with Washington. Moves like this never work to where a club wins a cup.

Finally:
I saw the reports in the Philadelphia Inquirer and Courier about a Ruslan Fedotenko trade and the Isles supposedly wanting a first rounder among a bunch of things the Flyers attempted to do and did not consider it noteworthy for this blog because it seemed more like speculation with no direct quotes from any Flyer official specifically about Fedntenko and both articles included a bunch of possible trades.

My final thoughts on Isles and trade deadline

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/27/2008 04:24:00 AM |
First rounders were too valuable to give up in this draft class for practically all of the clubs. Anyone who had expectations of that for Satan or Fedotenko could tell it was not going to work that way for any club this year.

At the end of the day I think the Isles picked their posion between being bullied without Chris Simon vs giving Jeff Tambellini the rest of the season and improving this teams speed and offensive skill that is badly needed in this lineup.

I think the Isles made the right call here.

I was shocked the Isles moved Simon after such a strong show of public support for him the last year but even Simon himself was looking for a change. I have no doubt Charles Wang, Ted Nolan and Garth Snow and the club stood by him because for as long as they did because they felt it was the right thing to do. I disagreed with letting him return to the ice but I respect them for taking responciblity and the loyality they showed. Simon now is back in the league with another chance and the respect for him from many of the players speak for itself. I wish him luck.

A year ago the New York Islanders badly needed a shot from the point from the powerplay and acquired Marc-Andre Bergeron, who without his great shot would not have made the playoffs a year ago. Today they are back in the position they were before that deal (without Chris Campoli) and for all the criticism made about his defense at times did a lot better than he got credit for.

I have no doubt the Isles last night against Pittsburgh with Bergeron would have scored with his big shot or it would have produced a rebound goal. It may also have produced a turnover for a shorthanded goal but to me it was a risk still worth taking for the rest of the season and a deal that could be fatal down the stretch.

Brian Burke has Pronger, Niedemayer and added him to his depth chart for the same reasons, sing no sad songs for Bergeron unless he rides the bench in Anaheim because he's going to a cup contender who could repeat.

Isles now have Freddy Meyer, Bryan Berard, Bruno Gervais and Radek Martinek as their powerplay defenders. If this were done to give Dustin Kohn or an incoming pp quarterback a spot, I could see it.

I'm having a hard time seeing this for the same reasons a year ago Ted Nolan said he had to aquire a shot from the point for the powerplay. A third rounder is not going to help now.

I hope subtracting his defense was worth it.

Overall every team in this division added and those are clubs Isles have to play for most of the rest of the season.
********************************************************
Good hockey trades around the league and a few shockers.

Colorado-Columbus: They gave a conditional first rounder for Adam Foote? He's not that good a defender anymore.

Atlanta-Pittsburgh: Don Waddell get's back his first rounder from a year ago and Angelo Esposito with some solid depth players. Pittsburgh goes for the cup with Hossa and a returning Crosby/Roberts. Kovalchuk cannot be happy with losing Hossa because he's loaded with skill.

Washington-Montreal: Strangest deal of the day, the Corey Price era begins, the Olaf Kolzig era of being number one ends. George McPhee traded like his job was on the line today and went for it which hurts the Isles but it may not work.

Buffalo-San Jose: Steve Bernier and a first rounder is a good return, but why can't Darcy Regier ever open the bank at the right time? This is how he got himself in the same spot with his free agents last summer. A full commitment to Campbell should have been made just like Tampa did with Boyle.

Rangers-Phoenix: Sather calls up Don Maloney and trades Montoya to a club that seemed to solve it's goaltending problems earlier this year long-term? Not exactly upcoming stars in return.

Tampa Bay-Dallas: That's a heck of a hockey deal from both sides. Tampa addresses it's goaltending with Mike Smith and uses Richard's money to lock up Boyle while adding some good sandpaper players while Dallas get's some major speed and skill to go with Modano and the veterans.

Chicago-Ottawa: Martin Lapoite for a sixth rounder, how the mighty have fallen since he got that big contract.

Toronto-Impossible to blame Cliff Fletcher for players not moving no trade clauses they had negotiated into their contracts. He did what he could with little to move and got a few picks.

Appeared on IslesNation Tuesday 3pm

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/27/2008 03:29:00 AM | | | | |
Had a great time at the trade deadline on Tuesday as I appeared on Islesnation here with Tony and Pete who as always gave everyone an excellent show. Alex from Hockey Night on Long Island here also called in with some great insights and even though Tom Liodice from the Tiger Tracks blog here was at the Coliseum covering events live from the blog box he called in and did a great job for everyone answering questions from the Isles blog box here with several updates.

For those interested in listening to the ninety minute show that ran from 3-4:30pm check it out here or check the sidebar for the show as well as Alex ans Steve's hockey night on LI who also do outstanding work on their Saturday program.



Thanks again everyone for a great trade deadline day and once again all time records set at New York Islander Fan Central.

A quick e-mail chat with Phil Mushnick of the NY Post will be appearing here on Thursday after I give my final thoughts on the Isles trade deadline later today or tonight.

Islander News Articles 2/27:

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/27/2008 01:46:00 AM | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

















Newsday: Mark Herrmann's game article was on the all the shots the Islanders got but did not finish with Rob Davison, Ty Conklin and Sean Bergenheim's comments.

Newsday: Greg Logan blogged during the game on the Islanders youth and Garth Snow's plan to build.

Newsday: Mark Herrmann's other article had Ted Nolan and Garth Snow's comments on the trades of Chris Simon and Marc-Andre Bergeron and what Mike Comrie brings to the roster. Garth Snow talked about working the kids in, Ted Nolan about having to coach who he has. Mr Herrmann points out this team will not be winning the Stanley Cup.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
It could well be true that the Isles do not win the cup this year but it's a little early to write off anyone who has a chance at a playoff spot is out of any chance at winning a cup this year. Conklin had to play very well in the game and the Isles did outwork Pittsburgh for most of the night. Isles took fifty shots and lost, Conklin had to make a few great saves.

Newsday: Greg Logan's article is on Chris Simon's trade with Ted Nolan's comments. Chris Simon declined comments, Mr Logan talked about the compromise between the coach and gm to keep the core players for a playoff run but did subtract Simon so Tambellini could play. Mike Comrie talks about why he wanted to resign here.

NY Times: Dave Caldwell had Ted Nolan, Garth Snow and Chris Simon's comments on his trade to Minnesota, the Islanders moves at the trade deadline and Miroslav Satan's comments that we have basically the same group and do not have to change anything.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Other than noting the game result into the article, nothing was written, why no game article?

Daily News: Peter Botte's game article was on the loss of Chris Simon with Ted Nolan's comments as well as a full article on the Comrie signing and the other Isles moves around 4pm. here.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I'm satisfied, not asking for huge articles but two articles in one day with updates is fair. Let's see more space and a Daily News Islander blog now so this team get's more exposure and more fans attending.

NY Post: Mike Puma covered the beat with a small article on the game and the trade deadline with a small portion of Garth Snow's comments with nothing on Mike Comrie resigning.

NY Post: Also reported Dan Martin's father passed away Saturday.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
My condolences to Dan Martin and his family.

Minnesota Wild Website: Jamie MacDonald has Chris Simon's comments from the Wild site on his trade. The video pondcast included during Minnesota's game Tuesday has a full interview with Simon between periods where he says he was quietly hoping something would happen in terms of being traded.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Dave Molinary recaps the Penguins win after a big day with a lot of coverage on their deadline trades.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Rob Rossi recaps the Penguins win.

Anaheim website: Has Brian Burke's comments on adding Marc-Andre Bergeron to his teams lineup and his expectations for him.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Hopefully at some point I can add some comments from Bergeron. Not the worst day going to play on a defense with Pronger and Niedermayer but will he play is the question?

Pioneer Press: John Shipley was critical of Wild management for adding Simon but had reaction from Gm Doug Risebrough. coach Jacques LeMaire, Chris Simon and Gary Bettman where he said I am a believer in progressive discipline at some point, under some circumstances, you get to a point where enough is enough.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Chris Simon made it clear no one has ever missed a game or a shift from one of his suspensions, that may be true but as he has said at times it does not excuse his actions.

Going to be interesting to see the Minnesota press reactions after some media there felt Kyle Okposo was signed by the Isles to distract from Simon's suspension in December.

Yahoo spots.com: Ross McKeon gave Garth Snow a D+ for his trade deadline deals citing he did not improve the offense.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I'm not sure this is a deadline day only grade but he did resign Hunter and Comrie which to me has to be a part of the overall grade.

Star-Tribune: Patrick Reusse was very critical of Doug Riesbrough and has his comments on the acquisition of Chris Simon.

Espn.com: Scott Burnside had a quick paragraph on each team and noted the Isles did not improve but of course feels it's inexplicable but they will hang around the playoffs for a while longer.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
He credits Chicago and Edmonton for modest winning streaks but never credits the Isles. They did have fifty shots against Pittsburgh, close to fifty against Philadelphia and Atlanta so how about a little acknowledgement they simply are not as bad as you expected.

Why would anyone pay for their IN service for such shoddy hockey coverage across the board if the limited free coverage is this bad?

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio had a brief update on the Sound Tigers at the NHL trade deadline with Jack Capuano's comments. Isles on paper demoted Blake Comeau and Frans Nielsen to make them eligible to play in the AHL playoffs. They were recalled immediately after.

The AHL's clear day roster must be submitted by Thursday at 3 p.m., the AHL's Clear Day deadline, is when teams have to set their rosters for the remainder of the season.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's blog had several updates at the trade deadline.

Pittsburgh 4, New York 2

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/27/2008 01:17:00 AM | | | | |
Islanders website: Jason Lockhart has the recap of tonight's
4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins with Ted Nolan, Sean Bergenheim and Bill Guerin comments.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
What can I write? They took over fifty shots against a team that had to call up a bunch of players to ice a team, the powerplay was terrible and Pittsbugh has a franchise player like Malkin that can make big plays. Conklin played well but the shots were more quantity than quality.

The kids looked like the best line. Fedotenko's goal was off a rebound in garbage time. DiPietro had little help on three of the four goals against.

Boston shutouts Ottawa, the teams in front of them are getting seperation again.

Final Poll Results:

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/27/2008 12:57:00 AM |
Thanks to everyone for participating in our latest poll, it was only up for a day and a half but it produced big numbers. What the Isles basically did was highlighed.

Your the gm, make the final call:
Final Numbers:
Buyer 3 (7%)
Seller 14 (33%)
Both to a degree 21 (50%)
Tambellini goes 7 (16%)
Fedotenko goes 25 (59%)
Satan goes after waiving NTC 26 (61%)
Vasicek goes 13 (30%)
Comrie goes 4 (9%)
Stick with everyone, hope to resign them later 1 (2%)
Anyone not resigned goes by Tuesday 8 (19%)
Someone under contract is traded 3 (7%)
Prospects are traded 1 (2%)
Prospects go nowhere 22 (52%)
Tired of waiting, go for it now 2 (4%)
Stick to the plan, even if it means not winning now 17 (40%)
Trade a top pick 1 (2%)
Keep the top picks 26 (61%)
Trade mid-late rounders for help 11 (26%)
Stand pat and trade nothing Tuesday 1 (2%)

2/26: New York vs Pittsburgh 7pm FSN

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/26/2008 05:35:00 PM | |
Garth Snow will be in the broadcast booth with Howie Rose and Billy Jaffe during part of the first period of FSN’s broadcast tonight of the Islanders-Penguins game at the Coliseum.

Islanders website: Has the preview for tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

New York Islander Fan Central Comments:
Trade deadline is past and a team that produced thirteen out of fourteen points before Saturday takes the ice tonight with Marc Andre Bergeron/Chris Simon gone and Jeff Tambellini/Rob Davison in the lineup.

Davison has been sitting in the press box since January and has not been in the AHL or injured and has played fifteen games this season so like Freddy Meyer will be hungry to show the Isles something.

Pens have been dominating without Crosby and Malkin leading the league in scoring but likely will not have Hossa, Dupuis or Hal Gill in the lineup tonight nor is Marc Andre Fleury expected to return according to his coach this morning.

Simply put Buffalo only got one point on the weekend, Rangers got four, Boston has games in hand and the Islanders have no time for anything but hard work and two points.

Win or lose tonight folks, the post game will be tomorrow morning after a long day.

Bergeron, Simon traded, Davison acquired

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/26/2008 01:32:00 PM | | | | | |
Garth Snow's press conference after the trade deadline is posted on the blog sidebar for those wanting to hear what he had to say.

Islanders website: Has a post deadline Q & A with Garth Snow.


Islanders website: Reports the Islanders have acquired defenseman Rob Davison from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a seventh round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The 27-year old Davison, currently in his fifth NHL season, has played 15 games for the Sharks this season. In 176 career NHL games, the 6-3, 220-pound native of St. Catharines, ON has recorded two goals with 12 assists for 14 points. He is regarded as a tough and very reliable stay-at-home defenseman and high character player.

Yahoo Sports.com: Has a player profile of Rob Davison.

Sportsnet.ca: Has a full profile of Rob Dsvison.

Tsn.ca: Reports the Islanders traded Chris Simon to the Minnesota Wild for a sixth round draft pick.

Tsn.ca Reported the Islanders traded Marc-Andre Bergeron from the New York Islanders to the Anaheim Ducks for a third round draft pick.

Updated 4:30pm
Newsday: Greg Logan blogs on the Chris Simon-Bergeron trades. Davison will dress tonight on defense against Pittsburgh, Jeff Tambellini has been called up and the kid line will be reunited and Brendan Witt skated today and is hoping to be ready to return from the injury list by Saturday.

Islanders website: Has Garth Snow's comments on the trades of Marc Andre Bergeron and Chris Simom.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
A lot to digest after a big day around the league and maybe a step backwards for the Islanders short-term as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Rangers, Devils added while Isles subtracted from the mix.

Isles have to beat these teams to make the playoffs, that's the schedule. Two of them improved significantly with Hossa in Pittsburgh and Prospal in Philadelphia.

Simon's departure has got to be a very bitter pill for Ted Nolan after he fought very hard to keep him and brought him here and he get's a fresh start with Sean Hill in another conference. I have mixed feelings here because you need someone to protect your players but the Isles desperately need Tambellini speed and offensive skill and the kid lined looked like a fourth line with Simon in that spot.

I think perhaps the fan opinion maybe had a hand here in Simon's departure, the Isles supported him enough to get back into the lineup, his career is in his own hands with a fresh start.

Garth Snow picked his posion with Simon and did the same with Bergeron's shot
shot vs his mistakes on defense. Isles also had too many defenders signed for next year and none of them right now are a number one defender with a big shot and great defensive ability.

That said Berard is going to have to be the offensive threat on a very shaky powerplay on the lowest scoring club in the league and stay healthy.

Trade market did not yield many first rounder, far deeper draft from other years and Satan had his no trade clause.

Isles keep a veteran mix into next summer signing Comrie that makes this different than last year with Comrie, Guerin, Sillinger and Hunter in place and Bergenheim, Comeau and Tambellini.

We'll see what happens but they had to keep the kids and the picks, last year Snow traded Milbury's past.

Islander/Sound Tiger Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/26/2008 12:09:00 PM | |
Ct Post Michael Fornabaio reports in his blog all 24 (24!) guys are still here and practicing.

Note-Mr Fornabaio has had several updates today who apparently is doing some live blogging for the deadline that is also Islander centric.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Someone can be called up but if something were that close with a game tonight you would think that player would be at Isles gameday skate which is usually optional.

Sound Tigers have no game tonight.

Updated 12:50pm
Newsday: Greg Logan reports in his blog Satan attended an Islanders team meeting this morning but left the Coliseum without taking part in the optional skate. Fedotenko went on the ice and seemed. Agent Allan Walsh, who represents both players, said it’s “highly unlikely” that Fedotenko will receive a deadline-day reprieve with a contract extension. Mike Comrie talks about his contract extension and why he only resigned for a year.

Updated 2:30pm
Newsday: Greg Logan's blog has Ruslan Fedotenko's comments with a half hour to go.

Tuesday confirmed NHL Trades/Transactions

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/26/2008 10:48:00 AM |
10:50am
Tsn.ca: Reports
the New Jersey Devils have acquired defenceman Bryce Salvador from the St. Louis Blues for forward Cam Janssen. Salvador, 32, has 11 points and 43 penalty minutes in 56 games this season.

This thread will have all non-Islander moves updated through the day.
********************************************************************
Updated 11:15pm
Tsn.ca: Reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have trade forward Wade Belak to the Florida Panthers for a 2008 fifth round pick.here.
********************************************************************
Updated 11:30am



Tsn.ca reports Brian Campbell was traded to San Jose for Steve Bernier and a first round pick here.
********************************************************************
Updated 11:45am
Tsn.ca reports the Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to trade one of their 'Big Three' forwards, sending centre Brad Richards and goaltender Johan Holmqvist to the Dallas Stars for goalie Mike Smith, centre Jeff Halpern and winger Jussi Jokinen. here.
*********************************************************************
Updated 11:52pm
Tsn.ca reports the Montreal Canadiens have traded goaltender Cristobal Huet to the Washington Capitals for a second-round draft pick. Huet, 32, has a 21-12-6 record and 2.56 goals-against average this season with a .916 save percentage. here.
*********************************************************************
Updated 12:20pm
Tsn.ca reports the Colorado Avalanche have acquired defenceman Ruslan Salei from the Florida Panthers for defenceman Karlis Skrastins and a third-round draft pick here.

Tsn.ca reports The Chicago Blackhawks have traded forward Tuomo Ruutu to the Carolina Hurricanes for winger Andrew Ladd here.
*********************************************************************
Updated 12:37pm
Ottawa Citizen: Reports Martin LaPointe was traded to Ottawa from the Chicago Black Hawks for a sixth round pick.
*********************************************************************
Updated 1:05pm
Tsn.ca: Reports
The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded veteran defenceman Adam Foote to the Colorado Avalanche for a conditional 1st round pick.
*********************************************************************
Updated 1:16pm:
Tsn.ca Reports
Columbus Blue Jackets have traded centre Sergei Fedorov to the Washington Capitals for blueline prospect Theo Ruth.
*********************************************************************
Updated 1:43pm
Sportsnet: Reports Vancouver traded Matt Cooke to Washington for forward Matt Pettinger.
*********************************************************************
Tsn.ca: Reports the The Atlanta Thrashers traded Marian Hossa and winger Pascal Dupuis to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for prospect Angelo Esposito, forwards Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen and a first-round pick.

Other confirmed deals announced at deadline:
Rangers acquire Christian Backman from Blues for a fourth round draft pick.
Leafs trade Kilger to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday for a 2008 third round draft pick.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded defenceman Hal Gill to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a second-round pick in 2008 and a fifth round pick in 2009.

The San Jose Sharks announced Tuesday that the team has signed goaltender Brian Boucher to a one-year contract.

The Rangers and Phoenix Coyotes pulled off a multi-player deal with the Coyotes sending forwards Fredrik Sjostrom and Josh Gratton and goaltender David Leneveu to the Rangers for forward Marcel Hossa and netminder Al Montoya.

The Detroit Red Wings added Brad Stuart from the Los Angeles Kings for a pair of draft picks.

Nashville Acquire Time (ET) Anaheim Acquire
F - BRANDON BOCHENSKI 4:30 PM FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Nashville Acquire Time (ET) Tampa Bay Acquire
F - JAN HLAVAC 3:49 PM 7TH ROUND PICK

Atlanta Acquire Time (ET) Washington Acquire
F - JOE MOTZKO 3:32 PM F - ALEX GIROUX

Anaheim Acquire Time (ET) Los Angeles Acquire
G - JEAN-SEBASTIEN AUBIN 3:25 PM 7TH ROUND PICK

Quick Blog Update

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/26/2008 10:22:00 AM |
I added team 1040 streaming audio to the trade center sidebar for anyone wishing to listen to the full-time trade deadline hockey coverage today, I'm not sure who the hosts are for the trade deadline.

I also added the streaming audio link to TSN's trade deadline full-time coverage for anyone who wants to hear Mike Milbury, John Ferguson Jr and the Tsn personalities live on the radio today as this is written.

As Chris Botta talked about last night in his Point Blank blog here a lot of these trades hit the media in Canada sometimes before the players and even the Islanders can release the informaton because of the approval process in how deals are made.

I will be on Islesnation chatroom at times between 1-3pm and on the radio program at 3pm here for those interested in calling or listening in.

Thanks to everyone who visited NYI Fan Central yesterday. All time records across the board for a single day.

Islanders resign Mike Comrie

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/26/2008 08:48:00 AM | | |
Canadian press: Reports the New York Islanders have resigned Mike Comrie to a one-year contract at 4m.

Cbc.com: Confirms the story with Garth Snow's comments to Scott Morrison... "He has been everything we had hoped he would be,"

Islanders website: Confirms signings without contract details with Mike Comrie and Garth Snow's comments.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Little to add that I did not write in the news articles when Darren Dreger said it was likely to happen around midnight. He's now tied to Guerin and got a healthy raise for a one year extension and a year for both sides to see if this works long term.

Newsday: Greg Logan has more on the signing snd reports one source involved in several high-profile negotiations today suggested Snow’s moves to lock down key players might be laying the groundwork to become a buyer later today.

Islander News Articles 2/26

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/25/2008 11:14:00 PM | | | | | | | | |
Newsday: Greg Logan reports according to an NHL source, the Islanders have made an offer to right wing Miroslav Satan in addition to their previous offers to centers Mike Comrie and Josef Vasicek. Ruslan Fedotenko's agent is engaged in discussions and has made it clear his client wants to stay, but it's doubtful that will lead to a contract before Tuesday's 3 p.m. deadline. Forward Chris Simon also is headed to free agency without an offer.

Garth Snow's comments are included while Mr Logan has a lot of speculation across the board.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I think Comrie and Fedotenko's comments speak for themselves on the video. If Satan got an offer to resign we'll know soon enough and the silence could mean anything as we found out with Trent Hunter.

What we do know is going into Tuesday the clock is running on resigning these players or getting something for them. As Hossa and Richards go off the market it increases the value of the Islander forwards if Snow does want to make a deal.

No outright law here that says the Isles are not in the mix for Richards either. Prospal traded to Philadelphia and the Bolts wanting to dump that big salary after signing Dan Boyle could make him a target for Snow if the Isles can unload some salary the other way.

SooNews.ca: Craig Huckerby reports Ted Nolan will be the subject of a tv documentary Tuesday night on CBC Newsworld at 10pm. Ted Nolan: Behind The Bench follows Nolan's dramatic return to the game of hockey following his controversial departure eight years ago.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Hopefully the Isles can work something out so the fans here have some access to the program. Curiously quiet day for the Isles head coach who was on the ice at Iceworks.

Updated-Ted Nolan was interviewed on Msg Network Monday.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Bridgeport just played three games in three days and rested Monday. The Isles play Tuesday night so if a few players are reported as not being at Sound Tigers practice tomorrow that's where we get an idea of what the Isles are trying to do if anything because they have no spare players in the NHL and have to have someone around just to have a complete roster.

Tsn.ca:Darren Dreger reported shortly after midnight Mike Comrie is close to signing a one year contract extension with the Isles.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
That's a new twist into this and maybe something both sides want. Garth Snow did about the balance about him being a first line center vs a second line center, a one year contract basically becomes a restart for him.

It also ties him to the club for as long as Bill Guerin's contract runs.

Newsday: Shaun Powell writes his first Islander-centric article of the hockey season to basically call the Coliseum a dump who had comments from Islanders senior vice president Chris Dey and compare it to Newark's Prudential Center and the ballparks rising for the Yankees and Mets.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I understand the Isles need to have this done for too many reasons to write in one blog posting, but Mr Powell goes a bit overboard. Does he write Madison Square Garden which is four years older than the Coliseum and the second oldest NHL facility is a dump?

The biggest problem with the current Nassau Coliseum is it's lease with Smg taking the parking, concessions and even a percentage of the gate. No massive renovation solves that problem.

Newsday: Steve Zipay reports the local television ratings for all winter teams and FSN in March will now be named Msg plus. Michael Bair, president of MSG Media, says the station wants to capitalize more than we have on the Islanders and Devils he concedes have undernourished on some level for a number of years.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Undernourished? More like left starving to death. The idea in buying the rights was to keep the Islanders and Devils coverage kept behind the scenes so the Garden could control it's competition, they pay big money for the priviledge. They want to enhance coverage put some exhibiton games on television and find space for some ITV programming.

Now the Isles who cannot get any games on Msg at all compared to the Devils have to be televised on a channel that's under the Garden's name? It just get's worse and worse folks.

Ironic how whenever the Garden has an update on it's programming rating numbers are released Mr Zipay takes the Garden's report and runs with it. Last time it was reported ratings were reported by Msg's pr department so why would this be any different?

I'm not accepting these ratings numbers as factual until an independant media source steps up and reports these numbers from Nielsen.

Even in that limited report Isles ratings are down since the last time they released the numbers. Funny how the Rangers are always bumped to Msg-2 or FSN for the Knicks, if they were really more popular that would not be happening.

NY Post: Tim Bontemps is the lastest assigned an Islander article with some mild speculation on Miroslav Satan as the Pens game is previewed. Michael Therrien said yesterday he wasn't sure when Fleury would start, because he has yet to practice with the team.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has a few words of speculation in his blog on the trade deadline but nothing specific.

AHL.com: Kimber Auerbach had a full feature article on Kyle Okposo that is a must read.

Mark Everson from the Post does a trade deadline article with virtually nothing significant on the Isles to a point the Isles are not even in the headline and given a quick sentence of speculation. Daily News has no article from Peter Botte and only a short sentence of speculation in a Ranger centric coverage from John Dellapina.

Times/New York Sun had nothing or a an AP article.

Islander/NHL Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/25/2008 02:59:00 PM | | | |
Islanders TV had full interviews with Ruslan Fedotenko and Mike Comrie on the team and the trade deadline today after practice which is now on the sidebar here for those interested.

It's best you click and listen to get your own impressions directly from them. Very good job on the interviews and the questions. Someone yelled out in the background Mike Comrie is going nowhere while he was doing his interview.

Steve Mears and Chris King also reported from Islanders practice at Iceworks for about seventeen minutes on ITV, all players practiced and a lot of things regarding the trade deadline were speculated on.

Brendan Witt walked around and Jon Sim skated on the side.

Fox Sports.com: Al Strachan had a very interesting article where he does a little creative accounting with his theory being that an accumulation of high draft picks guarantees the development of a powerhouse is simply unsupportable.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Mr Strachan works for the Toronto Sun to the best of my knowledge and makes some good points here about smart drafting in the lower rounds being a major factor of a club's long-term success but he only needs to look at the Toronto Maple Leaf team he covers as proof you cannot continue to trade top picks for quick fixes or go for it at the deadline every year.

Monday NHL Confirmed Trades/Transactions

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/25/2008 01:58:00 PM | | | | | | | | |
Tsn.ca: Reports the Detroit Red Wings have signed right wing Darren McCarty to a one-year contract and assigned him to Grand Rapids on a 14-day conditioning loan.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Were off and running with the first transaction. Unless Peter Forsberg decides to change his mind and play for a club I'm not expecting any more moves along these lines.
****************************************
Updated 4:45 pm
Tsn.ca: Reports Peter Forsberg has signed with the Colorado Avalanche for the rest of this season.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I had no idea when I mentioned him earlier today, I guess he changed his mind but it made me laugh.

Good news is we can stop hearing the reports on his injury, better news the league is a better place with him in it. Bad news we have to go through this again as soon as the summer.

All these news feeders all set up for trades and we get two signings......lol

Garth Snow, you go right ahead and sign Kenny Jonsson.
******************************************
Updated 9pm:
Tsn.ca: Reports the Flyers The Lightning have shipped forward Vaclav Prospal to the Philadelphia Flyers for defensemen Alexandre Picard and a second or third round draft pick in 2009.

If Philadelphia qualifies for the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals Tampa Bay will receive Philadelphia's second-round pick in 2009, and if they do not the Lightning will receive Calgary's third-round pick in 2009.
*******************************************
Tsn.ca: Reports The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed the 31-year old defensemen Dan Boyle to a six-year, $40 million dollar deal.

TSN has learned that the deal will pay Boyle $6.66 million per year for six years. The deal will include a no trade clause in the first four years and a modified no trade in years five and six.
********************************************
Tsn.ca: Reports the St. Louis Blues have signed the Barrett Jackman to a four year contract extension worth $14.4 million.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
That noise you hear in the background is Brian Campbell's agent cheering.
********************************************

NYI Fan Central Trade Deadline Plan

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/25/2008 10:25:00 AM |




The final choices have been made and the plans for the deadline day coverage at New York Islander Fan Central are official. Let's hope the Isles do not mess with my page header and trade some of those players on the right side of the header.

Big changes to New York Islander Fan Central blog for the deadline. All of these features will be removed after it's over but I think we are setup very well to cover the deadline. As always all hockey comments are welcome on the blog and message board for those who would like to talk about whatever happens.


What's New?
**Countdown clock added with some bouncing things but color format works.
**Sportsnet trade tracker added to sidebar for announced trades.
**Poll closes at 3pm on sidebar Tuesday.
**NHL Trade Center added with direct links to the trade pages of the most reliable sites added.
**Islanders website crawler added to top of page for updates.
**Spector's Hockey crawler added to top of page for confirmed trades.
* TSN widget added to sidebar that includes NYI.com/NHL.com/Sportsnet.com updates.

**Removed after deadline

What's out?
*NHL scoreboard taken down for faster page loading.
* NYI Fan Central crawler taken down, feedburner for this blogs updates remains.

*Back on blog after deadline passes.

Here is the plan
Monday's format:
* I will have one blog for any incoming trades announced if any major deals are made Islanders or otherwise and add updates to the one blog posting.
* If nothing major happens I will do a Islanders/Sound Tigers/NHL notables late afternoon or early tonight when I can.
* Check blog feeders for all late night updates if you visit. Mr Logan had a blog after 10pm last night. Mr Botta, Mr Witt and Mr Fornabaio all could update at any time.

Islanders invited all blog box members to work from the Coliseum tomorrow starting at 11am so check their blogs for the latest word inside the Coliseum here.

My Format Tuesday will include the following:
* Daily articles to start coverage.
* Two blogs that will be updated constantly as all trades are confirmed, one for the Islanders, one for all other trades so keep checking back. Obviously the NHL blog will have the most updates.
* Isles centric blog will be added when/if they make a signing or trade, there is a chance we may not need one but if nothing happens I will do one blog with the Isles statement.

* Islander moves will have NYI Fan Central Comments, other trades will depend on time I have. At the end of that blog Isles statement will be posted.

* Islesnation chatroom 1pm-3pm but will be in and out.
* Islesnation talkshow 3pm-4-4:30pm here
* Isles vs Pens game preview posted 5pm/same for message board.
* Isles vs Pens recap 10pm or Wednesday morning.

Wednesday:
* Islesnation recap message and code to show for those who missed it.
* Daily Articles/game results/trade reaction from players ect.
* Poll results.
* Final trade deadline thoughts if time allows.(late afternoon)
* PM Isles/SoundTigers NHL notables if time allows. (late afternoon)
* Changes to roster/prospect sections on sidebar if time allows. (likely Thursday)

My thanks as always to Mr Prospects for the great job he does on the message board for everyone with game updates on Isles prospects in the system and my thanks to everyone for the great support this blog has received and of course the Islanders for including this blog on the website.

My trade deadline speculation

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/25/2008 07:32:00 AM | |
Let me preface my speculation by writing any team can add almost any contract at this time of year. You are only paying for one month of salary in most contracts so even if you add an eight million dollar contract you are taking on 1/6th of that players cap hit.

You can move salary in the summer to pay for the player long term if he has a long term deal.

The no trade clause to me is the star of this trade deadline. It's amazing how many players on the trade block have this built into their contracts now and it is a major factor as the deadline approaches.

You go back a few years ago and even to last season and it was extremely rare to see so much speculation on players who now completely control their destiny. In the past this was almost unheard of.

Miroslav Satan got it put into his contract when Mike Milbury signed him after the lockout even though Buffalo bought him out, his agent knew.

Many of the key players available tomorrow have that option to turn down any trade they want. As fans it's funny how we demand loyalty from players but many Leaf fans want any return they can get for Mats Sundin because they cannot win with him and it's no lock he will play next year anywhere.

I'm almost shocked Jason Blake did not negotiate a no movement clause into his deal after the Leafs signed him day one of free agency but apparently he does not have one.

By contrast Mike Sillinger did not want to burden the Isles with one when he signed according to his recent comments and that is a man who has moved around more than anyone.

Another exception is former Islander Olli Jokinen who told us recently he asked to be traded from the Isles his one year in New York so don't count on him returning here if the Panthers do move him. Florida is in a desperate situation and it looks like Jacques Martin's mandate from ownership is to make the playoffs or he's gone and has permission to move Jokinen if he wants.

My guess is Martin does not move Jokinen, the Panthers do not make the playoffs and Martin is fired. They have not played well recently which is not their trademark for this time of year where they make a big underdog run.

Does Don Waddell move Marian Hossa to make up for the picks he traded away last season? I think so and I also believe Atlanta will not make the playoffs and fire Waddell.

Remember the Isles were reportedly interested in Eric Perrin last summer? He signed a two year 1.5m contract with Atlanta and could be someone Snow considers trading for.

Tampa Bay? Richard's controls his destiny and will pick and choose and my guess is he's gone by choice but for a small return so the Bolts save cap space. He's not a seven million dollar franchise player and Jay Feaster may pay for that deal with his job unless John Tortarella takes the hit. Dan Boyle could go either way but the money they save on Richards would help them keep Boyle if they want. I keep seeing Cory Stillman entering the mix for the Isles.

I have a hard time seeing Rob Blake moving East and will likely stick around in Los Angeles and veto any trade, same for Ed Jovanovski in Phoenix which only ups the market for Brian Campbell who I think will survive the deadline in Buffalo even if he's gone in the summer unless Darcy Regier chances his trends from the past.

Tsn.ca: Has an update on Alex Tanguay who has a no trade clause and a year left on his contract which could become a factor in a possible Islander trade.

Anyone else think Montreal is shopping for the final piece and is ready to make a big time run at a championship? I do.

I may be the only one but I see Boston become buyers, altering their mix which has worked and taking a step back. Sometimes you change chemistry and what overachieved on paper suddenly stops working.

We all know Garth Snow does not mind trading with Kevin Lowe or Paul Holmgren, some general managers do look to people they work well with at times. My guess is Garth Snow and Brian Burke are not the best of friends after some comments last season and it's hard to see one calling the other but this time of year anything is possible.

Of course Mr Burke and Kevin Lowe would make for great reality television if they got involved in a trade after last summer and you can add Darcy Regier to that mix with Philadelphia or Edmonton.

It's kind of funny Glen Sather only seems to talk with the Edmonton media about the Rangers. Hard to see them not adding a defender and moving some prospects or getting something for Montoya now that they have signed a goalie.

Good luck finding league sources talk about Lou Lamoriello's Devils beyond personal speculation or shaking up a team that's first in the conference. As usual the Devils made the experts look foolish and still have not learned with David Conte and that staff they are three steps ahead of everyone and the plan is to be better later than earlier. Brent Sutter looks smarter by the day and given his background comes from Al Arbour makes his team very dangerous moving forward.

You can bet the panic is on in Philadelphia with the injuries and this losing streak. No doubt Ed Snider is not going to go down without a fight after the money he has invested in Briere, that is a club that could move prospects and a first rounder at any time.

One final thing, it took a six game winning streak for the Isles to move from fourteenth to a point out of a playoff spot. Any club going on a big winning streak can enter the playoff mix and any team outside of the top three clubs going into a big losing streak can find themselves on the outside. The key is to get games to overtime and add points every game.

It should be a fun couple of days, only wish the league did not have games on the day of the trade deadline and just scheduled it on a Monday.

Islander News Articles 2/25

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/25/2008 06:02:00 AM | | | | | | | | | |
Newsday: Greg Logan reports NHL sources say the Islanders are fielding offers for forwards Miroslav Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko and Mike Comrie, all of whom are headed to free agency this summer and that the real offers start coming in today.

Garth Snow would like to sign Comrie by tomorrow if he agrees to fit in the salary slot for a second-line center. A lot more speculation here dominates the article with only one unnamed Western Conference personnel expert comments.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
At this point it's up to everyone to separate the fact from the fancy and as always, it is interesting how un-named NHL sources always seem to know the Isles business and talk to the local media which was the same back when Mike Milbury was general manager.

You do not see this as much with the Devils or Rangers.

We will get our answers today or tomorrow. With a game scheduled tomorrow night a sign to look for are possible call ups from Bridgeport in advance to replace traded players to fill a lineup.

Newsday: Greg Logan had a late blog on Bryan McCabe with all the twists and turns from most of the last year including the Sun article posted here last night where he said he did not want to be traded but would be interested if Cliff Fletcher approached him. His speculation is the Islanders would want the Leafs first rounder to take McCabe's contract.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
That's my price to add McCabe to the Islander roster and take the Leafs off the hook for his salary. I think Cliff Fletcher would get a lot of grief for trading a top ten pick for a franchise desperate for top draft picks and a rebuilding and doubt the Leafs will part with the pick under any circumstances.

Just remember this is the same Cliff Fletcher who gave the Islanders a first round pick with Kenny Jonsson a long time ago. It says a lot about McCabe if they go to that extreme to move him when a buyout is not part of a no-movement clause according to section 11.8 (b) of the CBA:

A no-move clause may prevent the involuntary relocation of a Player, whether by Trade, Loan or Waiver claim. A no-move clause, however, may not restrict the Club's buy-out and termination rights as set forth in this Agreement.

I also find it hard to see the Islanders having this many defenders under contract going into next season. McCabe, Witt and Sutton all take up over ten million of cap space and none of them are complete defenders who can be considered top two defenders. To do this leaves no space for a franchise defender to solve the problem and limits money to improve the offense with top six forwards.

Pittburgh Tribune Review: Rob Rossi reports Pens Goaltender would love to return from injury and start against the Islanders on Tuesday. He started five games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and went 3-2-0 with a 1.41 goals-against average and a
.950 save percentage

NYI Fan Central Comments:
That team has stepped up huge with Crosby and Fleury out, a ton of credit to the Pens who have proven they are far more than about one player and will be a very dangerous team down the stretch. Mike Terrien for all his critics pushes hard and gets results.

Espn.com: EJ Hradek obviously does not feel the way David Amber does about the Butch Goring trade but reviews some other past trades.
Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reports on the Sound Tigers shootout loss to Albany with Mike Morrison and Jeff Tambellini's comments.

Micheal Haley got back into the lineup, replacing Justin Bourne. Jeff Dwyer and Andy Sertich were scratched again on defense. Walter was out, the team hopes for the last time, and Kip Brennan served the eighth game of his 15-game suspension.

The three papers covering the River Rats seemed to have provided AP/Staff reports on the game unless the Troy Record here has an update later.

Check back for more incoming updates:

Islander-Sound Tiger Sunday Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/24/2008 06:10:00 PM | | | | | |


The folks over at Islesnation.com here were kind enough to ask me on the program Tuesday at a special 3pm time this week for the trade deadline show they are having. My Thanks to Tony, Steven and Pete for the kind invitation once again. I will also be visiting their chatroom between 1-3pm when I can.




Best of all it looks like I will be appearing on the program with my old friend and HF co-mod Tom Liodice who does an excellent job with his blog called Tiger Tracks here that is a must read for our fans and featured at NYI Fan Central with outstanding game updates from Bridgeport and the Coliseum. Tom is also part of the Islanders blog box for those who do not know here.

Toronto Sun: Mike Zeisberger has Bryan McCabe's comments where he makes it perfectly clear he does not wish to be traded after talking it over with his wife but would consider it if Fletcher came to him with an offer.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Unless Mr Fletcher is allowed to include a number one pick with McCabe Isles should have no interest in a weak defender who is grossly overpaid.

AHL.com: Reports the Bridgeport Sound Tigers lost 2-1 in a shootout Sunday to the Albany at Harbor Yard.

Jeff Tambellini scored to tie the game in the third, Steve Regier assisted. Mike Morrison made twenty six saves.

That's 0-2-1 this weekend for Bridgeport and another big crowd at Harbor Yard.

New Poll: Final call you decide

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/24/2008 04:11:00 PM |
NYI Fan Central trade deadline poll puts you on the hot-seat and the final decisions are now in your hands with the clock running.

This pressure packed poll ends at 3:50pm on Tuesday, shortly after the trade deadline ends and all late deals are filtering in.

I hope those who vote take the time to repond and tell us why you voted as you did and give us your plan.

Thank You and good luck.

Buyer
Seller
Both to a degree
Tambellini goes
Fedotenko goes
Satan goes after waiving NTC
Vasicek goes
Comrie goes
Stick with everyone, hope to resign them later
Anyone not resigned goes by Tuesday
Someone under contract is traded
Prospects are traded
Prospects go nowhere
Tired of waiting, go for it now
Stick to the plan, even if it means not winning now
Trade a top pick
Keep the top picks
Trade mid-late rounders for help
Stand pat and trade nothing Tuesday

Speculation on Isles at deadline

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/24/2008 03:42:00 PM | |
This is a really tough call for me because the Islander management is hard to read but there are a few trends.

Seems the Isles committee would rather let someone walk away as opposed to overpaying to keep them, but that does not mean it will work like last year when the Isles were in sixth place, added two players and kept everyone until they signed with other clubs in July.

My speculation is we will see that with a few players, but not all of them.

I do not think they want that many open spots come July and want a core group in place for potential free agents who may want to sign.

We know the circumstances are not as good as a year ago when they were in sixth at the deadline and that may influence them to try and get something back for a veteran but it's hard to say what they are looking for and who they are willing to move but it all seems to start with Satan and Fedotenko.

I also do not see any special dispensation to Mike Milbury's former draft picks.

Here is how I see it:
Ruslan Fedotenko-Toughest call of the bunch given his playoff success and recent scoring outburst which has been critical in the winning streak. My guess is he stays and the Isles take their chances on signing him later unless the offer is too good to turn down.

Is he expecting the Isles to give him a contract for three million again given the inconsistent season he has had, even with injuries being a factor?

This would become Tambellini's spot if he's traded but it's fair to speculate if Fedotenko is moved the Isles see themselves as sellers because his current offensive play will be hard to replace on a roster that does not score enough unless the incoming return plays here now and can produce.

Miroslav Satan-For a trade to happen he must approve it and that's far from a given at this time. If he agrees to go the Isles lose a key player in terms of offensive production and leaves them with a line of Park, Bergenheim and no right wing in the organization who can replace his offensive skills. Blake Comeau does not look comfortable as a right winger even though he played the position as a prospect, Kyle Okposo is not that kind of right wing in terms of shooting skill.

Bill Guerin-With Sillinger now virtually un-tradable does this change the captain's status as someone who they do consider trading? I doubt it.

Josef Vasicek-Considering the injury to Sillinger who would take his spot?

Even if he cannot be resigned and seems too inconsistent to produce as a second line center he's getting the job done at present. If someone calls asking about him you have to listen, especially with Jeremy Colliton and Ben Walter deserving a full look and Frans Nielsen looking good.

Andy Hilbert-Has done a good job as a first line left wing and producing very well but was this a showcase and could he be a throw-in to a bigger trade? I think it's very possible.

Mike Comrie-I see Comrie as the players the Isles keep and will go until July to try and resign. I expect the Isles have made close to their best offer but do need him for the stretch unless he's traded for a center who can score.

Brendan Witt-You never know what offers are coming and if the right young players
with skill are offered how do you not take a chance here to improve your roster?

Richard Park-Unless another team wants him in a trade it's hard to see the Isles including him.

Sean Bergenheim-No doubt other teams will be interested but unless his agent is threatening another holdout or a great young player is part of the return I cannot see Bergenheim moved.

Blake Comeau-A great prospect would have to be part of the return and given the gm's comments on keeping the prospect's it tough to see any deal involving Comeau despite other clubs who will want him.

Frans Nielsen-Only seems to be getting better and not a player you throw into a deal unless a ton of potential comes the other way.

Jeff Tambellini-Teams will be asking for him, if Fedotenko, Bergenheim, Sim, Comeau are all left wings and in the teams plans how do you not listen? Of course how do you let him go without him playing fifty-sixty games at left wing in the NHL.

Chris Simon-Given his playoff experience and how popular he is with other clubs I can see the Islanders moving him and interest from a few gm's. Isles have done their part and beyond to support him but you always look to improve your team, but they do need someone to fill his role because the team has been bullied a few times.

Shawn Bates-He's the player you demand another club take back in a deal if you add salary.

Campoli-Gervais-All depends on the return but it has to be a great one, not for a defensive liability like McCabe who will eat cap space and likely not be as good as eiher one of these players in two years.

Radek Martinek-Teams would have to anti-up big time to take his cap friendly contract and strong defensive play.

Andy Sutton-His recent play and now his injury takes any possible trade off the table unless someone will take his contract to offset one the Isles add.

Jon Sim-Same as Sutton and Bates in that this is a contract you make another team take as filler if you take another club's big contract. Unwritten rule is it takes a year playing to fully recover and we have seen it with Peca, Martinek and Nokelainen.

Bryan Berard-Depth problems on defense make this a tough trade unless you add a defender you can play here now. This is a player who had to sign a tryout contract who will be available again in a few months.

Freddy Meyer-Isles just extended his contract, he cleared waivers twice and is doing a good job.

Aaron Johnson-Depth issues and some good upside make this a player you consider trading if another team is interested if you acquire something to make your team better but it's hard to see huge demand for Johnson considering he was a free agent.

Wade Dubielewicz-Doubtful he will be in big demand.
Rick DiPietro-Not going anywhere.

Larry Brooks Islander bias old news

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/24/2008 12:27:00 PM | |
NY Post: Larry Brooks as usual shows up to write something on the Isles and even when he throws in some half-hearted praise about the DiPietro contract maybe being a good signing (after he gets in his shot at Charles Wang) or Trent Hunter's resigning while acknowledging the club's hard work and leadership under Ted Nolan and Bill Guerin only seems to be writing to make sure he gets his message out which is he considers the Islanders last in New York in terms of popularity and no one in New York notices or cares about the club and that they are not good enough to win.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Let's just call a spade a spade. The editors at the Post choose to treat the Islanders this way and are more of a New York franchise then the East Rutherford, New Jersey Giants or Jets and thousands of people care and notice and have since the team first appeared on WOR-9 in the 70's.

The lack of coverage is subjective, done by design and no doubt a few life-long Ranger fans who have enough problems getting any recognition for their own team in New York City who control the agenda behind the scenes at the Post, Times and Daily News want it this way. The space in the paper designated for hockey coverage today is extremely limited.

In other words the Rangers are just as invisible inside New York City and are desperate for coverage because they cannot compete with the major sports who dominate year round.

Bottom line, it's reflective of a few individuals regulating the limited space for hockey coverage, no more and no less. It has nothing to do with any teams popularity in a market.

Mr Brooks writes something once or twice a year on the Isles and there is always some kind of negative spin or outright insult thrown in there about the franchise because he cannot help himself as a life-long fan of an Islander rival and today is no different.

This former Devils employee also has no problem getting in his shots at his former employer.

Mr Brooks was stuck with the Islander beat when they did win the Stanley Cup which he does praise but never could personally accept as a New York Championship Franchise that won like his favorite team never could. He makes sure to keep the New York Islanders on the outside whenever the chance presents itself. His disgraceful conduct claiming Mike Bossy wanted money for a retirement ceremony where he had to issue a public retraction then not writing a word on the event speaks to his true agenda.

Mr Brooks finds it very comfortable doing all he can to distance the Islanders from being a New York franchise but the reality is he even acknowledges indirectly on occasion is how many Islander fans are inside the city limits and at Msg for games and have been for close to two decades and only serves to contradict himself.

They came out in big numbers in March 2000 to cheer a club dead last heading for their seventh straight year out of the playoffs at a time Larry Brooks called the Garden, Nassau Coliseum Mainland in an old article I posted on my Islanders-Sound Tigers mailing list.

At the time Mr Brooks wrote this Butch Goring was just fired as coach at the worst time in franchise history with no reason for any New York Islander fan to attend a game of a team destined to finish out of the playoffs for a seventh straight year but did in New York City and in substantial numbers.

No, in this 75th anniversary season the Rangers had to go even a step
farther and turn the Garden into Nassau Coliseum Mainland, as the
substantial number of Islander fans, who invaded Manhattan last night,
filled the arena with chants of "Let's Go Islanders!" as their team
whipped the heroic home boys by 5-2.


Devils have the same problem with Post beat writer Mark Everson, who has been known in New York circles as Mark Neverson for his gloom and doom on the Devils.

As for Larry Brooks:
What's the expression, a picture is worth a thousand words?






Does Mr Brooks really think all these Islander fans inside Msg cheering for the NEW YORK Islanders are only from Nassau County?

Another sad day from the very limited hockey department at the New York Post, your act has gotten very old Mr Brooks, save the
half-hearted complements because it's clear the insults are the real agenda behind them.