Islander News Articles 12/28

Will add to this blog entry tomorrow morning with more articles as available.

Newsday: Greg Logan's early recap credited the teams strong defensive play and pointed out they played a part of the second shorthanded for over five minutes but only trailed by one entering the third period.

Head coach Scott Gordon, Mike Comrie, Kyle Okposo discussed the Islanders effort in coming back to tie the game.

Newsday: Mr Logan's second article was mostly a repeat of his blog on Bill Guerin in the future along with Scott Gordon's comments about Rick DiPietro likely being sore but he had not spoken with him. Mr Logan speculated on a possible trade to Columbus for Weight and reported the Blue Jackets had a scout in Buffalo.

Star Tribune: Michael Russo wrote Saturday afternoon with Derick Brassard out for the season in Columbus because of a shoulder injury, the Blue Jackets are reportedly inquiring about the Islanders' Doug Weight.

That rumor seems to be what was floated in the Columbus Dispatch blog Saturday here in sports columnist Michael Arace's shared blog.

Columbus Dispatch: Tom Reed reported the Dispatch has learned the Jackets have been in trade talks with six or seven teams. Gm Howson would not confirm a total.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
We'll see when Weight gets close to returning if anything comes of this but it's interesting. Islanders put a lot of effort into Weight's countdown only two points short but if Garth Snow feels this improves his club it's something he has to do even if Bill Guerin is not thrilled.

I do not think Kyle Okposo was in his spot on the powerplay the way you would spot someone when there is an injury.

It has to be noted Columbus also has a forward Garth Snow tried to trade for last spring in Kristian Huselius here who has a club-worst minus-9 rating (ten goals) and fewer assists (11) than defenseman Mike Commodore (13).

Kristian Huselius is signed to a four-year, $19- million contract.

Hilbert is a left wing who is out, Sim cleared waivers but Trevor Smith is also a left wing. Columbus would have to take back some salary to make this work.

Buffalo News: Has John Vogl's coverage.

AHL.com: Reports the Sound Tigers lost 5-4 at WBS Pens Saturday. Peter Mannino had nineteen saves in net.

1. BRI Smith, (17) (Skinner, McLean), 5:54 (PP)
1. WBS Taffe, (15) (Stone, D'Aversa), 6:45
1. BRI Skinner, (1) (Hillen, Walter), 9:03 (PP)
1. WBS Taffe, (16) (Engelland, Stone), 19:04
2. BRI Smith, (18) (Iggulden, McLean), 19:10 (PP)
3. WBS Johnson, (2) (Letestu, Cashman), 2:25
3. WBS Minard, (23) (Stone, Taffe), 2:48
3. BRI Pitton, (1) (Hillen, Haskins), 11:23 (SH)
3. WBS Minard, (24) (Taffe, Pesonen), 11:29 (PP)

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has the recap of Bridgeport's 5-4 regulation loss to WBS Pens on Saturday with comments from head coach Jack Capuano, who did not feel his team created enough but credited his goaltender. Brett Skinner and Trevor Smith also talk about a game Bridgeport was outscored 4-0 at even strength but had three on the powerplay.

A separate feature was done on local prospect Jaime Sifers of the Toronto Maple Leafs by Mr Fornabaio here.

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader: Covers the Penguins along with Citizens Voice here.

Bridgeport is off until next Friday.

Buffalo 4, New York 3 Shootout

Sports Network & Associated Press: Has the recap of New York's 4-3 shootout loss to Buffalo.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
It did not make up for Satan not finishing in game five of the playoffs in the final seconds to force overtime but that was one heck of a great ending to regulation for the Islanders tonight.

Heck of a play to feed Campoli who made a big time shot.

They did not win the shootout, but they sure did not quit.

This one feels like a win, it's the kind of regulation point they did not get all season to force overtime.

Joey MacDonald was outstanding all night again, he stole the point early with a few great saves on his end, especially early and on one great chance in the third on a full windup shot.

The Islanders had problems with the Sabres speed.

It took about half a game for the Islanders to get going on the offense, a lot of the night they were outnumbered in all three zones but when things starting clicking the chances started coming.

Those chances came from a lot of players too.

Good rush by Meyer, pressure and chances with the Sabres scrambling at times, Tambellini made a great play to start the cycle for his goal before Streit found him with an open net for the Islanders first goal. He also drove the net a few other times. Guerin again had a very big game and took the puck at the Buffalo net with his chances.

Islanders drew some powerplays by working through checks and keeping the legs moving.

You can see how happy Guerin was for Tambellini by his reaction and it was the same the night before with Tambellini thrilled for Guerin. Bailey for a quiet game again made plays to generate chances.

Okposo should be using that big shot every game and at times looked dominating, I'm not sure he belongs on the off-wing powerplay on point.

Comeau when he was not watching the powerplay again looked very good and should be on every powerplay instead of Sim. Colliton for his minutes was very strong on the puck and almost won it in overtime, I wonder what he would do with some skill next to him besides Jackman?

Richard Park gave all he had, not going to finish this often. He had the first quality chances at Miller and one in overtime.

Bergenheim is going to play his way into a benching with these penalties, first one that led to the five on three, then the one in overtime? For all his skating and hard work he is not learning from these mistakes. Almost felt like the Islanders were going to win in overtime before his penalty.

Witt was amazing at the end of that overtime penalty when Colliton and Streit were exhausted and Buffalo countered with a two on one, he spread all out for the block and then made a clear after being out almost the entire penalty kill.

I know Comrie scored later but he admired his nice hit on MacArthur while he got up, drove the net and scored the 3-1 goal that should have finished the game. No excuse for that kind of play despite his line with Comeau and Okposo again having a strong effort.

It would not be an Islander-Buffalo Sabre game if Jochen Hecht did not score his obligatory goal or make his play to lead to a goal. Kennedy looked good and was very visible for Buffalo. I'll take Maxim Afinogenov's speed/skill in this lineup any day if Garth Snow wants to sign him this summer.

In terms of the playoff race it's a point they had to have against a team they beat in Buffalo already however in terms of how they played most of the second half of the game it was a strong effort.

Would love to see this game a year from now with a few players a year older for the Islanders.

Howie Rose sounded like a man who would rather be elsewhere or had a plane waiting, don't let us keep you.

Colliton and Yann Danis recalled by Islanders

AHL.com: Reports Jeremy Colliton and goaltender Yann Danis were recalled by the Islanders on Saturday.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Either the Islanders do not want DiPietro even on the bench tonight or he is hurting today after the game unless something is up with MacDonald.

Colliton is a bigger surprise because Sim could slide into a spot for Hilbert, I wonder how Sillinger responded to last night also?

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio in his post-game blog last night reported Yann Danis is remaining with the Islanders, albeit technically while assigned to Bridgeport and there was scuttle about a forward having to go up, but he had not heard who was hurt.

We'll get our answers when the puck drops. Paper transactions are very typical from the AHL-NHL and back. Comeau was demoted and recalled for the holiday.

Updated 3:30pm:
Newsday: Greg Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog had a lot from Bill Guerin about his future beyond this season and resigning with the Islanders.

Mr Logan also reported Rick DiPietro and Mike Sillinger are sitting out as a precautionary reason.

Poll Update

This week's poll had the following question and was added on the heels of Brendan Witt's recent comments.

Is Scott Gordon's Overspeed system the problem?

Here are the current results as we hit the final day:

Unconventional system, no club at this level can have success playing this way
5 (11%)

Can only work in AHL with days off and depth
5 (11%)

Islanders lack of talent and injuries the problem
18 (42%)

Other teams figure out how to exploit his system quickly
3 (7%)

Better players would have success with it
10 (23%)

It's not a system built to club's strength as advertised
6 (14%)

No system will work with this group
2 (4%)

Scott Gordon better adjust or he should be fired
5 (11%)

Garth Snow should keep coach and find players to play coaches system
12 (28%)

This system put the team on this losing streak
4 (9%)

No system could have prevented this losing streak
8 (19%)

Not sure, let's see more hockey
2 (4%)

Nice job on the voting here, a lot of folks felt it was the injuries and the lack of talent but some sided with Brendan Witt's take also.

A few felt Scott Gordon has to adjust or he should be fired but Garth Snow gave him complete support since the poll started.

New York at Buffalo 7pm Msg+

Sports Network: Has the preview for tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Buffalo comes in off a 3-2 loss at Washington Friday having lost three in a row.

Buffalo News: John Vogl reports among line changes that Defenseman Craig Rivet, who missed his seventh straight game with a shoulder injury, was the only banged-up Sabre to make the trip to Washington. Ruff said Rivet will be evaluated by team doctors today.

Forwards Nathan Gerbe (upper body), Patrick Kaleta (neck/head), Paul Gaustad (upper body) and Tim Connolly (rib) did not come for the Sabres’ morning skate.

Buffalo is 1-4-2 in the second of back to back games and 9-8 at home this season.

This was Buffalo's injury report as of today:
Updated Player Pos Injury Expected Return
12/23/08 Craig Rivet D Upper body IR. Out until at least early January
12/23/08 Tim Connolly C Ribs IR. Out until at least late December
12/23/08 Paul Gaustad C Upper body Questionable for Dec. 26 at Washington
12/19/08 Nathan Gerbe C Upper body IR. Out until at least late December
12/23/08 Jochen Hecht C Ear Questionable for Dec. 26 at Washington
12/22/08 Patrick Kaleta RW Head Out until late December

As of 12:30pm there are no recalls by the Islanders for Andy Hilbert which means Fritz or Sim play.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Only the Islanders know what the story is with regard to Rick DiPietro playing again tonight, a fair/good guess would be Joey MacDonald.

Patrick Lalime has played both games against the Islanders this year.

I have no doubt the Islanders have not thrown in the towel on this season, if a win does not give the club some confidence from here, nothing else will.

Islander News Articles 12/27

Newsday: Has Arthur Staple's coverage of the Islanders 4-1 win along with a second article here.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Sorry folks, as a rule I like to put up the links and the summary/comments, tomorrow is one of those days I simply will not have the time until late in the day when I do a Buffalo preview. The feeders should also have whatever links I did not have here.

NY Post & Daily News: Should have additional coverage.

Toronto Sun & The Star with Globe & Mail & National Post: Has Toronto centric of the Islanders 4-1 win against the Leafs on Friday.

AHL.com: Reports Bridgeport defeated Hartford 3-1 on Friday at Harbor Yard. Nate Lawson had twenty eight saves in the win.

1. BRI Fraser, (3) (Walter, Colliton), 14:41
1. BRI Joensuu, (11) (Walter, Colliton), 18:53
2. HFD Anisimov, (12) (Weise, Soryal), 9:51
3. BRI Haley, (1) (Pitton, Haskins), 15:33

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio recaps Bridgeport's win and previews Saturday's game in WBS Pens.

Hartford Courant: Covers the Wolfpack.

New York 4, Toronto 1...400th for Guerin

Congratulations to Islanders captain Bill Guerin on his 400th NHL goal.

Sports Network & CBC.com & Associated Press: Recaps New York's 4-1 win against Toronto on Friday.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
For one night lets just enjoy the positives, anyone who watched knows the Leafs played like dead team skating (they flew here Friday) most of the night and Toskala handed Okposo a brutal goal, the Toronto defense looked like the keystone cops on Guerin's 400th and they did not have a lot of jump beyond the powerplay.

Having written that Islanders did some very good things in this game starting with keeping the pressure off DiPietro without a lot of second chances or close in that allowed him to play a very compact game. Witt on one knee broke up a three on one in the first, he made another play in the third that looked the same clearing the crease but for the most part they let DiPietro see the puck and make his saves.

Overall defense was solid enough, did not like Campoli losing his man on the goal but Gervais jumped into plays and Toronto did not get a lot of odd-man rushes. The pk overall did some scrambling but kept their composure and made plays with Park passing back to a defender for a third period clear and some good positioning by Bergenheim on one with no stick. Jackman got a well deserved cheer for keeping the Leafs pinned on one of their powerplays.

Comeau-Comrie-Okposo like last game created some very good chances, it will go for Comrie soon, his career trends tell us that much. Bailey made the play for Guerin's first goal on the tip, Tambellini got in traffic and was working also.

Comeau moved the puck very well to Meyer for his goal.

Sillinger was badly needed on faceoffs and looked better as the game wore on. Not sure what Scott Gordon was doing with Okposo on the point for the powerplay, he did not look very comfortable until he moved into the corner.

Not seeing Bergenheim on a fourth line, he moved around a lot tonight. Damn shame what happened to Hilbert who made a great play to block that shot, fracture means Sim or someone else moves back in the lineup and the Islanders lose a player who does a lot of things to keep this club in games.

I don't think I have ever seen a goaltender called for delay of game like that where someone was skating in on him and he held the puck. Sure felt like that was payback for DiPietro getting on the official when he was run into during the second or something was up, very strange to see a call there.

It's been a long-time, a lot of good things happened tonight for the Islanders.

DiPietro's first win since the Atlanta game last season.

Cannot remember if this team cruised to any win this season, will see if the Islanders can carry this into Buffalo.

For tonight, everyone enjoy.

Islanders at the WJC 12/26 Results

Team USA Hockey: Reports team USA defeated Germany 8-2 on Friday. Blake Kessel had no stats.

IIHF.com: Recaps day one of the WJC.

Russia defeated Latvia 4-1.

David Ullstrom had two helpers for Sweden against Finland in their 3-1 win on Friday.

Islanders website: Jason Lockhart also has Islander centric updates from the WJC.

DiPietro starts against Toronto

Newsday: Arthur Staple in the Islanders Newsday blog reports goaltender Rick DiPietro will return and start in goal for the Islanders against Toronto.

Yann Danis was returned to Bridgeport.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Don't ask me folks, I just write the blog here.

DiPietro gets hurt again without extended practice along with Sillinger and Gervais it's more than fair to question what the rush was and if the team looked out for the players?

Only management knows how this was handled behind the scenes.

DiPietro was going to have to play a game somewhere whether it be Bridgeport or here.

Is this desperation or are these players actually ready? It may take a while to know regardless how anyone plays tonight.

Blake Comeau was apparently demoted on paper to Bridgeport on 12/24 and recalled for tonight's game.

Sillinger, Gervais will play/notables

I posted the ITV interview to set up the pre-game.

Islanders head coach Scott Gordon reported Mike Sillinger & Bruno Gervais will play against Toronto on Friday.

Doug Weight is still out according the Islander coach.

According to Corey Witt in the Islanders media blog the home team will wear white tonight to help out the Leafs.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
As of 2pm no AHL transaction involving the Sound Tigers or Islanders in terms of Callahan or another player called up or sent down.

I would guess Gervais in means Callahan out. Sillinger in should mean Walter goes back down. Islanders with Fritz still here have a lot of extra players and some in that post-waiver clear period like Sim and if I'm correct Pock can juggle a little but not forever.

Too bad ITV does not have practice video, no one had any idea Gervais or Sillinger were skating if they did at all. Could work the same with for DiPietro.

Until the Islanders return from the West Coast virtually no stretches for practices.

Updated 3:30pm
AHL.com transactions here reported the following mid-afternoon changes.

Ben Walter (C) Bridgeport ADD Returned on loan from N.Y. Islanders (NHL)
Blake Comeau (RW)Bridgeport DEL Recalled from loan by N.Y. Islanders (NHL)
Joe Callahan (D)Bridgeport ADD Returned on loan from N.Y. Islanders (NHL)

Note-This was exact same wording when Comeau was recalled to the Islanders so it could be a repeat, a paperwork issue or he was in fact demoted. I would guess Comeau is still with New York.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio only reported in his blog Walter/Callahan are back with Bridgeport.

NY Post: Dan Martin had some pre Christmas leftover quotes from Scott Gordon, Andy Hilbert & Mike Comrie after the Atlanta game.

Long Island Business News: David Winzelberg had a few words on the LightHouse project.

Ct Post: Mr Fornabaio had an article on Jeremy Colliton with head coach Jack Capuano's comments and a brief preview of tonight's game against Hartford.

Islanders at the WJC Day One 12/26

Today is day one of the 2009 World Junior Championships.
Islander Prospects:
David Ullstrom-Sweden
Jyri Niemi-Finland
Blake Kessel-USA
Kirill Petrov-Russia

Latvia vs Russia 2:30pm EST Ottawa Civic Centre
Germany vs USA 3:30pm EST Ottawa Scotiabank Place
Finland vs Sweden 6:30pm EST Ottawa Civic Centre

Toronto at New York 7:00pm Msg+2

AP: Has the preview of Friday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto
Player Injury
J. Mayers Hand
L. Schenn Lower body
V. Toskala Groin


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Not too much to be written here, Toronto after playing in Atlanta and beating up the Thrashers came home Tuesday and playing it's fourth game in six nights got beat big by Dallas.

Not sure what Toronto team we will see but they can skate and score, Islanders cannot as they are heading for decade streaks for losing that go back to the late nineties with a group that simply cannot score enough or keep the puck out of it's net.

Islanders are due for a win, but that means nothing.

Maybe things did settle down a little against struggling Nashville and Atlanta to where they played be more competitive or those are just two teams not much better, we'll see.

If Weight returns, another forward has to sit. Does Scott Gordon just go with a different healthy scratch or is Sim the designated bench warmer? I would keep Comeau-Comrie-Okposo as a line for better or worse.

Three games in four nights with a trip to Buffalo followed by a second home/road game at Msg Monday.

Why does Scott Gordon's system work in AHL?

First off before we get to the topic you do need the speed, size and skill Scott Gordon did speak about in his postgame after the Predator game. We all know obviously he does not have it with this roster injured.

He also said anyone can play this system when he took the job and opened camp, I'm very skeptical of this at the NHL level.

Perhaps if Scott Gordon did have the correct players you can have success with any system?

Don't have an answer there.

Having written this a lot of what we read when he was hired was a good defensive coach who would put in a system to suit these players. The Islander injury bug is legendary and part of it now are groin problems.

Practice, overspeed, coincidence? Maybe but sometimes not.

Andy Sutton did not break his foot because of a system, Okposo did not hurt his wrist from it and Martinek's shoulder injuries have nothing to do with overspeed and the same for Frans Nielsen. Sillinger, DiPietro. Comrie did not get reinjured from it and Gervais has been a walking injury for almost a year. Meyer had past hernia problems, Witt past knee issues.

We have discussed the career injury records on the backline long before the coaching change and we all knew this is a group that does not stay collectively healthy.

Hunter and Weight are a new story with groin injuries.

To answer the topic as to why this system works in the American Hockey League.

Most weeks during the AHL season, they do not play a lot from Monday to Thursday, Bridgeport also seems to be carrying a lot of extra players. Team Captain Mark Wotton sits once in a while, Tomas Marcinko and most of the players take a turn.

Is the depth the reason they can play the system with success (with a good mix of skill, speed and size) or is it the four days off most weeks?

Mr Fornabaio has written constantly about the blown leads for Bridgeport too.

I think that is a fair question to ask.

Anyone think we are on to something with this?

I'm not of the school because Adam Proteau and a lot of people who have not watched Islander hockey since the late nineties say this is a bad club it was expected to lose because they traded Roberto Luongo a decade ago.

Too many fans write they were supposed to lose, I'm not buying that because someone who needs a scorecard to name the current roster says so.

This team was in sixth last year before injuries hit and they could not score to save themselves. I expected a team with a better defensive system that could score a few more goals and keep them in playoff position all the way behind outstanding goaltender which MacDonald has provided as well as DiPietro most games. I felt Okposo, Tambellini, Comeau and more prospects would fill in the lost scoring and Streit would be an excellent pickup.

The overall scoring has been improved but only on the powerplay. Even strength may even be worse than a year ago.

I predicted a sixth place club, when they take sixty shots against Carolina I did not see that as overmatched or not good enough. When they had leads against Pittsburgh, Montreal I did not see an overmatched club.

Now I obviously do but for different reasons.

I keep coming back to Scott Gordon's AHL success with this system.

Comments?

Islander News Articles 12/24: Happy Holidays

Newsday & NY Post & Daily News: Has coverage of the Islanders 4-2 loss to Atlanta.

Atlanta-Journal Constitution : Mike Knobler has the Thrashers coverage.

Team USA Hockey: Has the boxscore and recap of Team USA's 5-1 win against Russia Tuesday night. Islander prospect Kirill Petrov had the second assist on Russia's only goal. Blake Kessel was held scoreless in another game where team USA had a huge shot advantage.

This concludes all pre-tournament games before Friday.

New York Islander Fan Central would like to wish everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah.


See you Friday.

Atlanta 4, New York 2

AP & Sports Network: Recaps the Islanders 4-2 loss against the Islanders on Tuesday

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Good effort, especially the second half of the game, just not enough.

Even someone like a Bryan Little with hands and a finishing touch would do wonders for this roster if they could develop or add one player like that.

Hilbert made a nice play for his goal but he cannot do it, neither can any of the other forwards at least right now.

Comrie-Comeau-Okposo looked very good as a line and generated a lot of chances, they did not finish. Comrie reverted to forum with a selfish penalty that most likely cost them a point in regulation which is nothing new.

Too bad when they generated a third period powerplay out came Guerin-Hunter-Park after the tv timeout.

Callahan made some good plays but Todd White took the puck and drove the net when getting past him. Streit, Meyer, Campoli looked good also trying to create offense. Overall defense did not do a bad job here, Pock shot and joined some rushes, Little scored his powerplay goal from a very tough angle against him.

Tambellini-Bailey-Guerin looked like dead line skating most of the night, I know they created a chance late but at times they were pinned in their own end far too long and they looked overmatched.

Bergenheim had his shorthanded goal, he has to produce more. I guess Park-Hilbert go with Hunter while Walter and Bergenheim would be my pick to skate with Hunter.

MacDonald juggled a few but played well enough for a win.

Not much else on this one, Atlanta blocked twenty five shots. That Islander first powerplay when Okposo was on looked very good, did not see the Islanders create or sustain much for about half the game after that but Hedberg had to make a few good saves.

Jon Sim's goal bought him a spot on the sidelines after being on the powerplay? One
extreme or the other.

Atlanta at New York 7pm Msg+

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Mike Knobler recapped the Thrashers ugly 6-2 loss to Toronto on Monday, Keri Lehtonen played in goal but will not be in net tonight according to the paper.

Marty Reasoner did play.

Erik Christensen Shoulder Out until at least late-December
Garnet Exelby Legs Out until at least late December
Steve Rucchin Concussion Doubtful for 2008-09 season. Expected to retire
Zach Bogosian Leg IR. Out until at least late December
*************************************************
NYI Fan Central Comments:
In short Atlanta comes in struggling as bad as they did last time when they beat the Islanders 5-1 and Scott Gordon credited an effort afterward where they spent a lot of time in Atlanta's end of the ice but generated few quality chances.

Difference this time would be Thrashers come in a tired club where last time they were on Long Island (while Isles were on the road) with one game in a week. Having written this Pittsburgh had seven players out and playing a seventh game in ten days scored nine goals against the Islanders so do not put a lot of stock into rest, injury or time off.

For our home for the Holidays (and the playoffs) 2008-09 New York Islanders not sure if Hunter or Weight will play but it's doubtful. Tambellini is here but does he play with the five other left wings or is Comeau going to be moved over to right wing again so he can play like a confused player?

This is about a winnable game as you can find but Islanders have faced a lot of struggling clubs and lost. A nine game streak should be enough, with Toronto scoring and playing well Friday could be a very tough game.

Whatever postgame/articles I have will be after the game in a combined format.

Islander News Articles 12/23

Newsday: Chris Mascaro reports goaltender Rick DiPietro participated in practice Monday while head coach Scott Gordon comments he has made a lot of progress but there is no timetable for a return or a trip to Bridgeport and for now it's just practice. Kyle Okposo comments on DiPietro.

Scott Gordon also comments on making himself available to all the players with regard to his system and discussed the play of Joe Callahan.

Owner Charles Wang attended practice. Andy Sutton is out six to eight weeks, Weight-Hunter day to day.

NY Post: Dan Martin has more from Scott Gordon about goaltender DiPietro while Richard Park talks about the clubs attitude being pretty good but that the players would not be human if they did not have a slippage in morale after losing nine in a row. Park also felt DiPietro was moving a lot better than he did when he returned in October.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Mike Knobler has the latest on the Thrashers who are home to Toronto Monday night and in the middle of fourteen games in twenty six days.

Johan Hedberg is expected to start against New York according to the writer and Garnet Exelby is in a walking soft cast/boot as his hairline fracture heals, Marty Reasoner is day to day with a sore hand.

Windsor Star: Jim Parker reports Spitfire gm Warren Rychel has heard nothing about Josh Bailey returning to juniors as he looks to add Jonathan Tavares to his roster.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
In short folks this is kind of like the NHL trade deadline in the Canadian Hockey leagues. Jonathan Tavares plays on a team that is not very good so they are looking to move him. Sarina with the three Islander prospects in Martin, Katic and DiBenedetto won a little recently but are another club that are what we could call sellers as the deadline approaches.

A year ago Robin Figren returned to the Oil Kings from the WJC and the general manager listened long and hard to offers to trade him.

Pioneer Press: Bruce Brothers has assistant general manager Tom Lynn's comments that former Islander Marc-Andre Bergeron sustained a lower body injury against the Islanders and will be out for weeks, not day.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has a feature on Sound Tiger right wing Mike Iggulden with comments from head coach Jack Capuano as he talks about how well he has played and Iggulden about his one game callup against the Islanders last year with San Jose.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
A six foot three scoring right wing looks like a very good fit in Trent Hunter spot while he's out or in Tim Jackman's minutes. Scott Gordon needs some speed and scoring skill.

No summary from me covers Jack Capuano's endorsement for Iggulden's play.

Ct Post: Mr Fornabaio also has the Sound Tigers weekly with a lot of items which includes five questions with Jason Pitton which should wrap Sound Tiger coverage through Christmas.

Thoughts on Garth Snow

General Manager Garth Snow spoke just before the losing streak began in Newsday a few weeks ago with his club a game under five hundred and looking to make a run at playoff position.

He spoke again Sunday night with Mr Botta, all realistic playoff hopes over with nine players injured.

He gave Scott Gordon blanket support and spoke very eloquently about his long-term vision for this franchise as he did earlier in the summer with Gordon a big part of the franchise moving forward, it was very impressive.

I want to believe everything Snow said just as I did when he sat on that stage last April and told us he had no problems working with Ted Nolan and told Newsday April 12th he saw no reason why Ted Nolan would not be back and that they communicated almost every day.

Having written all this I have to point out it's fair to speculate if Garth Snow went to his boss and requested the coach he just hired be replaced after Ted Nolan is being paid to stay home he could have been told you go before Scott Gordon.

It's more than fair to speculate regardless if that happened Snow and Gordon's tenure will be tied together from here.

What can be said for sure is the pressure is now off Scott Gordon and directly on the current players to work his system better (whether he adjusts his system or not) or calls up other players who can.

Overall I liked what the gm had to say and agreed with it. He felt Brendan Witt should have kept his comments in house but nothing else can be done there.

Having written all this trust for me now must be earned from the general manager, not by words but be actions.

NYI Fan Central? We just keep working..

I got an e-mail the other day asking if this blog will be doing less because the Islanders are essentially out of the playoff race?

I suppose that's a fair question and what some folks may do but whether the Islanders win or lose every game, the hockey goes on at NYIFC.

Anyone who's been here a long time or remembers Islanders-Sound Tigers knows this is a year round effort.

Some spots will be picked to take a few breaks and vacations but between the pre-written blogs scheduled during vacations there is always New York Islander hockey here almost every single day now.

Islanders-Sound Tigers kept going daily through a lockout and the 1999-2000-2001 seasons so nothing ever changes based on a hockey result.

At this point the blog itself is kind of like Al Arbour where it goes year to year, I'm not sure what the future holds for NYIFC but whatever is decided will never be about the clubs record on the ice but what's next?

To that end what's next could be writing a book about the New York Islanders instead of NYIFC or both are done at the same time, or not.

In terms of NYIFC now we have the Islander remaining games, the WJC, the Sound Tigers who at the very least look like a playoff team and will get a lot of help from the Islanders come playoff time.

Always a ton of hockey here for everyone with a lot of folks following and e-mailing so this blog will give everyone our very best effort regardless of any on-ice results.

When the season ends for the Islanders on the ice, it's not even considered an ending point at NYIFC even if the club wins the Stanley Cup. The countdown to the draft, free agency, the WC, hot button hockey topics, contract negotiations.

Hope that answers the question.

Islander News Articles 12/22

Newsday: Mr Logan reports no injury updates will be available until Monday, head coach Scott Gordon's comments on the toll they have taken on his team. Bill Guerin comments on the opportunities for the young players.

Point Blank: Mr Botta had a late entry with comments from general manager Garth Snow on Scott Gordon, Brendan Witt, what's been going on in terms of trades and the long-term plans.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Mr Botta puts in the time to provide this information for Islander fans. I feel folks should visit his site for the details.

Hockey Canada: Reports team Canada broke open a 3-3 game with Finland in the third period winning 7-3, Islander prospect Jyri Niemi had a double roughing in the third Canada scored on.

USA Hockey: Reports team USA defeated Latvia Sunday night 13-2 with a whopping 63-12 shot advantage. Islander prospect Blake Kessel was not one of the fourteen players to record a point but had a first period penalty.

Edmonton Sun: Derek VanDiest has Oilers coach Craig MacTavish on former Islander Robert Nilsson who criticizes his play.

Sports Business Journal: Tripp Mickel reports the NHL projects a two percent increase in league revenue for the 2008-09 season. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly comment as the cap could move up or down a million or two for next season.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio recaps Bridgeport's 4-0 win against Lowell with comments from head coach Jack Capuano, Nate Lawson on his return and the shutout win along with Jeremy Colliton and Trevor Smith.

Lowell Sun: Covers the Devils.

Bridgeport 4, Lowell 0

AHL.com: Reports Bridgeport defeated the Lowell Devils 4-0 at Harbor Yard on Sunday.

Nate Lawson returned to the Bridgeport net with seventeen saves for the shutout.

Scoring
1. BRI Smith, (15) (Wotton, Hennigar), 9:01
3. BRI Colliton, (2) (Smith, Joensuu), 4:34
3. BRI Smith, (16) (Skinner, McLean), 16:09 (PP)
3. BRI Marcinko, (3) (Haley, Morency), 18:55 (PP)

Jeff Tambellini returned to the Islanders according to Michael Fornabaio's pre-game blog with lines here.

Note-Tambellini is part of Islander roster, once his conditioning assignment ended Saturday he could not be assigned to Bridgeport without clearing waivers first. In short do not view this as a recall to the Islanders.

Jeremy Colliton had five shots on goal.

Bridgeport goes 2-1 on the three game weekend homestand, next game Friday against Hartford.

Poll Update

Our poll hits the final day and asks everyone:
Given the standings what players should be moved now?

Keep in mind now and moving forward not as easy as dumping players with a cap floor for Garth Snow and other general managers know it. You take my contract I'll take yours and give me a pick may be the game as things progress.

Poll leader Mike Sillinger may have entered Shawn Bates territory where he simply cannot play any longer if his groin-hip problems are related.

Anyway here is where things stand as of late Saturday:

Mike Sillinger 31 (60%)
Brendan Witt 17 (33%)
Richard Park 11 (21%)
Mike Comrie 29 (56%)
Trent Hunter 2 (3%)
Sean Bergenheim 1 (1%)
Radek Martinek 11 (21%)
Freddy Meyer 4 (7%)
Andy Hilbert 12 (23%)
Andy Sutton 16 (31%)
Chris Campoli 0 (0%)
Bruno Gervais 16 (31%)
Mark Streit 0 (0%)
Bill Guerin 16 (31%)
Doug Weight 12 (23%)
Blake Comeau 1 (1%)
Jeff Tambellini 17 (33%)
Patience-stick with it until everyone healthy 9 (17%)

Tuesday I will try and put some time into articles with the Atlanta pre and postgame but I will be traveling afterward.

Wednesday and Christmas Day there will be no blog updates beyond anything prewritten. Friday morning is up in the air at this time.

Only thing for sure is I will blog if Scott Gordon receives a lump of coal and a pink slip in his Christmas stocking.

Jyri Niemi on Television Sunday

Tsn.ca: Reports Islander Prospect Jyri Niemi will be on Tsn2 Sunday at 7pm when Finland faces Canada in a WJC tuneup. .

Note-I had no box score for Canada-Sweden to see if David Ullstrom played in the hyped Tavares-Hedman contest Friday, his name was not in the game summary.

Only question for the moment seems to be if Kirill Petrov is a go for team Russia.

I have seen some things that he is on the roster but not sure he will play.

Team Russia plays against Kazakhstan Sunday night at GM Center in Oshawa
here in their first camp game.

I will see if Oshawa papers have something on the game Monday.

Team USA with Blake Kessel has it's first game Sunday against Latvia at K-Rock Centre
here.

I have been adding WJC pages and blogs from NHL.com to the WJC section.