San Jose 5, New York 3

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Too small, slow, not skilled enough or strong enough on the puck for far too long tonight.

Islanders needed more than half a game to get skating, when they did they got some quality chances and were in this game to the end.

San Jose did not have to be very good to earn the 3-0 lead off Islander mistakes/breakdowns regardless of shot disparity, that's where the game was ultimately lost.

Cannot make mistakes to Mike Grier for goals. Nabakov flat out robbed Weight blind and Bergenheim did everything but finish at the end of the first. Guerin had a good chance and was robbed..

Still after two periods Islanders were in this hockey game, it easily could have been a different result if they skated like this to open the game.

Joey MacDonald played as well as a goaltender can play facing close to fifty shots.

Richard Park is making me look foolish with discussion about his scoring, he was in on all three goals and playing the best offensive hockey of his career.

That was a winnable game, Islanders needed too long to get into this contest.

I think they had part of one powerplay again tonight?

Jiggs and Billy Jaffe again had very good chemistry.


First period:
Okposo and Campoli forechecked into turnovers, Meyer outnumbered for shot against MacDonald.

Islanders look shorthanded running around their own end for the first five minutes, they got the puck to center ice and four Sharks were in center ice back.

MacDonald too busy early, Semenov throws down smaller Jackman in a fight/wresting match.

Some center ice play, Comeau first descent chance about nine minutes in. Nice graphic showing size/weight difference between these teams. Even worse at center.

Man on man defense slow, Meyer-Witt caught in front for the 1-0 goal for San Jose who are just pressing the attack.

Doug Weight a great job stepping in with a big guy like Ehrhoff who punched Streit in the head after Streit threw an elbow, Weight went to lockeroom after sitting in box for a while.

Four on four, puck bounced on Streit for a chance, Comeau lost his man but Sharks did not control the puck.

Islanders got into Sharks end of ice, just a low percentage angle shot.

Meyer, Comeau too slow to react to Mike Grier who is hardly a skilled player and banks it in off Comeau 2-0.

Bergenheim has best chance of period.

Outnumbers in all three zones too often.
16-4 shots against. Islanders blocked thirteen shots.
**************************************************************
Second Period:
Doug Weight returns, left with few minutes left in his fighting penalty.

Meyer does not get the puck in San Jose end, almost leads to a transition goal for Sharks. Guerin generates chance, caught on point two-on-one counter for SJ.

Pock point shot, outnumbered 4-1 going for rebound.

Grier almost scored again on wrap-around, Comrie penalty on a mild crosscheck after the play.

Joey MacDonald outstanding save on cross-ice pass. Shots against 22-5, Park draws penalty skating.

Four on four play, Islanders cannot get puck out, Hunter cannot clear, Boyle walks in for 3-0 goal, Campoli fell leaving Bailey back to set up play.

Guerin forces Nabakov to make a quality save on short Islander powerplay.
Okposo turnover big shot stopped MacDonald. Penalty over another save off Rob Blake.

Islanders being dominating all three ends of ice.

Okposo line with Comrie best sustained pressure down low, no quality shots but good movement. Eight minutes left in second period.

Campoli almost beaten wide, forced Shark behind net.

Fourth line pressure, Sharks come down with quality chance, MacDonald two saves.

Streit to Richard Park who bats in his own rebound 3-1. Six points in five games for Streit.

Sharks come right back with pressure. MacDonald big save on Thornton backhand.

Okposo almost made it 3-2 off a good forecheck by Comrie.
Weight robbed on a rebound off a Hunter shot, open net stick save. Islanders create another chance, Nabakov left net open again.

Islanders seemed to finally get in this game and controlled play.
***************************************************************
Third Period:
Joey MacDonald show to open the third.

Islanders gave up chances but had a lot of good counter rushes and almost got the 3-2 goal with Jackman, Park, Bergenheim generating plays themselves. Campoli was hooked in his own end, it was not called, Comrie was called.

Islanders killed the four on three powerplay.

Hunter just missed Park for a breakaway.

Islanders miss a puck in center-ice Rob Blake leads a 3-2 rush with a perfect pass to Grier for his second goal into an open net against Witt-Meyer. No chance for MacDonald.

4-1 game.

Witt penalty.

Jackman scores shorthanded off the rush 4-2. Park made the play to set him up for his third point.

This is where Islanders have been scoring, penalty to Witt over.

Thomas Pock scores on point shot off Shark, another Park assist.

4-3 hockey game 1:03 left....

Goalie pulled Streit picked, open net goal for San Jose 5-3 final.

Ullstrom third period goal, Sweden advances to final

IIHF.com: Reports Islander prospect David Ullstrom scored the 3-2 goal in the third period goal for Sweden in their 5-3 comeback win against Slovakia to place them in Monday's Final at the WJC on a goal mouth scramble.



Jyri Niemi opened the scoring for Finland against Kaz in their first consolation game tonight and won 7-1. Niemi finished with a goal, four shots, penalty and was a plus two.

Canada-Russia went to a shootout with the Canadians winning 6-5 after tying the game with 5.4 seconds left in regulation.
Kirill Petrov no points.

New York at San Jose 10:30pm Msg+

San Jose Mercury News: Mark Emmons previews tonight's game against San Jose and reports C Torrey Mitchell (leg) and C Jeremy Roenick (right shoulder) are out. D Douglas Murray (lower body) are listed as day-to-day.

San Jose comes in having gained only four points on a three-game trip, but have lost their overall NHL lead to Boston but stand at 28-4-5 entering the game.

San Jose has thirty eight of a possible forty points on home ice this year, they are led by Joe Thornton (9-35-44) Patrick Marleau (18-22-40) D. Setoguchi (18-19-37) & former Tampa Bay Lightning defender Dan Boyle (11-19-30) with a host of other outstanding players and Evgeni Nabokov in goal.

For those who recall the Islanders defeated the Sharks in New York last season during their six game winning streak.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
It's almost on a level of the Canadians historic season where they lost eight games between them and Boston.

We all know what happened in Boston despite it being a close game late.

Nabakov had two days off before this game and another two day break afterward, I do not see the Islanders facing the backup goaltender here.

Sad part is tickets are available for this Saturday game.

Only flaw I can find on paper is San Jose having only one game with more than three goals scored in their last six contest. At home the record speaks for itself and coming back after a trip with only one win in three the Islanders will face some significant problems here unless they play their best game with a much better level of team defense.

Otherwise this could get very ugly.

The team defense did a lot of running around against Phoenix.

Islanders drew only one powerplay last night. I would expect Joey MacDonald in goal, beyond that unless Scott Gordon is going to bench a forward I expect Jon Sim will remain on the sidelines with Martinek & Nielsen just practicing unless a surprise happens and one (or both) return.

I fully intend at this time to do a very late post-game with news articles so check back after the game concludes.


Updated:
Newsday: Mr Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog had a lot more from Doug Weight and Josh Bailey from last night's postgame that did not make it into the paper for Saturday.

San Jose Mercury News: David Pollak reports this will be Alexei Semenov’s first start in the NHL at forward with defender Derek Joslin’s making his NHL debut.

According to the writer Head Coach Todd McLellan made the moves in part because Jody Shelley won’t be in the lineup with upper body soreness.

Here are the line combinations from the morning skate:
Marleau-Thornton-Setoguchi
Michalek-Pavelski-Clowe
Grier-Goc-Cheechoo
Semenov-Cavanagh-Plihal

Islanders at the WJC 1/3: Semi-Finals

Sweden with David Ullstrom plays Slovakia at 3:30pm
Russia with Kirill Petrov plays Canada at 7:30pm

Winners meet in Monday's Final

Finland with Jyri Niemi plays it's first consolation game against Kaz at 6:30pm.

Poll Update: Islanders All-Star?

This week's Poll at NYIFC was one that had to be done with the NHL All-Star game voting concluding soon and asked everyone who would be their pick to represent the Islanders in Montreal later this month?

No e-mails were received writing in a player I did not list and as usual a great response to the poll from the knowledgeable readers here.

Clear winner with Mark Streit dominating the vote in a way I did not even expect to this degree considering how well MacDonald and Weight have performed.

Thanks everyone.

Results with a little over a day left are as follows:
Trent Hunter 1 (2%)
Doug Weight 5 (10%)
Mark Streit 40 (83%)
Joey MacDonald 2 (4%)

Islander News Articles 1/3

Newsday: Greg Logan's game article has comments from Doug Weight on his 1000th point as he credited Wayne Gretzky's franchise for being first class and wished it would have meant the Islanders tied the game. Head coach Scott Gordon talked about the penalty by Chris Campoli on their only powerplay costing them while Rick Dipietro discusses the third goal he wanted back but said he got through the game with no injury problems.

Newsday: Mr Logan also has an article on Trevor Smith and why he was called up with comments from Scott Gordon.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
The competition is on here big time at left wing now with Bergenheim, Tambellini, Comeau and now Trevor Smith. Not sure what this means for Jon Sim unless someone is injured or Tim Jackman sits and someone shifts to the right.

Arizona Republic: Jim Gintinio recaps the Coyotes 5-4 win against the Islanders Friday.

San Jose Mercury News: Has the latest on the San Jose Sharks who put Claude Lemieux on waivers to be recalled and cleared but for now is still in the AHL.

Included:
Defenseman Derek Joslin up from Worcester, forward Jamie McGinn down. Douglas Murray skated and said he hopes to be back tomorrow after missing Wild game with lower body injury, so Sharks might have eight healthy defensemen. Todd McLellan said he might experiment some, including playing Alexei Semenov at forward.

Jeremy Roenick skated with team, doing everything except contact drills.

Canadian Press: Recaps Russia's 5-1 win against the Czech republic on Friday along with Slovakia's win against the US which drops them out of any medal contention.

Lewistonhockey.com: Reports the trade of Assistant Captain Michael Ward and Stephen Horyl to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles has elevated Islander prospect Maxim Gratchev to assistant captain.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio recaps Bridgeport's comeback win with Jeremy Colliton talking about his deflected tying goal with a little over six minutes left, Yann Danis on how well he saw the puck in his first game/win in a while & head coach Jack Capuano discussed one of the Sound Tigers better systematically structured efforts/forecheck all season.

The Sound Tiger coach also credited Phantom goaltender Scott Munroe for his strong play.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Has combined coverage with Daily News on Phantoms.

Phoenix 5, New York 4: Weight 1000th, Bailey 1st

Congratulations to Doug Weight on career point # 1000 & Josh Bailey on his first National Hockey League goal.

Islanders website: Added a classy tribute to Doug Weight on the header and has his postgame comments.

Associated Press: Has the recap of New York's 5-4 loss to the Coyotes with NHL.com here.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Winnable game where the Islanders in the opening minute generated some good chances, then just as quickly gave up the opening goal on a Meyer-Witt mistake where a checking forward made a good move on Meyer to the inside at the two minute mark.

Phoenix took the play at them after that for a few more minutes but then the Islanders starting making some great reads in the offensive zone and controlled play for a good part of the first.

It seemed the way they were working they they would be in good shape for the night based on those few minutes or at least in a one goal game. Comeau, Okposo, Comrie generated chances, Tambellini two very good plays for setups & Bergenheim scored to tie the game at one on a very good shot. Gervais took a puck at the Coyote net on a nice rush.

Billy Jaffe said Trevor Smith has a habit of getting to where the puck is, I agree and what little time he got he was around the puck in the offensive zone and visible, he drew a penalty by fighting through a check.

Islanders got that powerplay, Campoli penalty, delayed penalty Coyotes take the lead back on a shot that was a bomb to end the first.

Second period Islanders came out and were simply outworked, outskated and outhit which set up the rest of the hockey game.

When the Islanders generated chances they stayed to the outside or did not shoot like Comeau having an angle to rush the net and instead skated behind it. Jackman seemed to be on for a lot of shifts and screened DiPietro on a shot he has to stop from a bad angle, earlier DiPietro robbed Jokinen who was a little sloppy but has to be expected at this point.

What they did for a good part of the first they left in the lockeroom until too deep into the third period. I'm not taking goals but generating quality chances.

Mikael Tellqvist when tested made a few good saves too in the first and the third.

Third period Islanders for too long did not generate enough. Jokinen was left alone on a rebound for the 4-1 goal. Guerin made a nice dump in for Tambellini to cycle and Guerin found Bailey in the slot to finish the 4-2 goal, after that both teams hit posts before Meyer and Streit lost to a bouncing puck and Phoenix did get the 5-2 goal.

High marks to Park for his shot on the 5-3 goal on Weight's assist (DiPietro got an assist) and the open net he finished with the goaltender pulled after that. First multi-goal game for Park since the day the Islanders qualified for the 2008 playoffs against the Devils. (three point night)

Too sloppy for two many stretches and it was the difference, Phoenix has goal scorers like Doan & Jokinen, Islanders do not.

Cannot recall this Islander team looking better late in games down goals than they have in the last week or so. They almost got the tying goal, a few more seconds and it seemed they would have.

Not tonight.

Classy stuff from Coyotes fans for Doug Weight, well deserved.

Bridgeport 2, Philadelphia 1 OT

AHL.com: Reports Bridgeport won 2-1 in overtime against the Phantom's in Philadelphia on Friday.

1. PHI Ratchuk, (2) (Nodl, Ross), 14:09
3. BRI Colliton, (3) (MacDonald, McLean), 13:53 (PP)
OT. BRI Iggulden, (16) (Walter, McLean), 4:09 (PP)

Yann Danis returned to the Bridgeport net with twenty eight saves.

Jesse Joensuu & Jack Hillen each had four shots on goal.
Michael Haley had a fighting major.
Mitch Fritz did not dress.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio had the pregame blog with the lines and most likely will have a postgame.

Bridgeport plays in Albany Saturday before a rare home weeknight game against Houston on Wednesday.

Islanders at the WJC 1/2 Updated

IIHF.com: Reports Slovakia defeated the US on Friday 5-3 which drops them out of the championship and places them in a Sunday consolation contest against the loser of Russia vs Czech Republic (Friday 7:30pm) which will be played on Sunday.

No goals/points for Blake Kessel in this game.

Slovakia plays Sweden on Saturday.
Canada plays Russia after defeating the Czech Republichere 5-1 with Kirill Petrov no points in this game.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
From what little I have read on team Russia Petrov is working his way back from an injury (I think it's a shoulder) and is just being spotted when Sergei Nemchinov shortens his bench in games. I did not see a single game boxscore where he played for Ak Bars before this tournament.

That means he went into the WJC with just four games before his injury.

New York at Phoenix 9pm Msg+2

Coyotes website: Reports Mikael Tellqvist will start in goal for the Coyotes who are 6-2-3 in their past eleven games and coming off a win against the Colorado Avalanche along with a video preview from play by play analyst Dave Strader with comments from several Phoenix players on the Islanders.

Phoenix aside from goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, who is nursing a sore back have no reported injuries and start play three games over five hundred in seventh place.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Last time the Islanders played in Glendale they were slaughtered in Ted Nolan's debut as Islander coach. This time they face a much better team with offensive talents like former Islander Olli Jokinen, Shane Doan and Peter Mueller.

A prospect the Islanders did not select last summer in Mikkel Boedker when they traded down twice has seven goals/seventeen points and is a plus four.

From the Islanders side of things we see how the daily waiting game on injuries plays out with Hunter vs Trevor Smith (or another wing) or by some outside chance Frans Nielsen is ready to play.

Coaches tend to play the same lineup after wins so we'll see.

Tonight and Edmonton are the easy games (on paper) in the next few weeks in terms of opposing clubs record but nothing easy for any club in this league. It will be interesting to see how if this club can play well enough to stay together a little longer in terms of some veterans or attempt to win nine of ten and get back on the fringes of playoff contention.

Newsday: Mr Logan in the Islander Newsday blog had the lines from practice (which did not include Jon Sim) and speculated Rick DiPietro would start in goal with head coach Scott Gordon's comments.

Radek Martinek also made the trip and is skating with the club.

Islander Friday Notables

Newsday: Greg Logan in the Islander Newsday blog gives his take as a former Arizona reporter with regard to the Glendale area development vs the Lighthouse.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Seems everyone has a story on their version of what a Lighthouse project could look like with Howie Rose and Billy Jaffe talking about the area around Nationwide Arena (Columbus) when the Islanders played there recently.

More importantly Mr Logan reports Frans Nielsen has been skating, is on the roadtrip and could be close to returning. Trent Hunter is also on the trip.

Looks like Mr Logan's break means no Islander Insider from Newsday.

Point Blank: Mr Botta speculates Mike Sillinger being placed back in IR with his HIP injury could mean the end of his NHL career.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
We'll see, going back on IR for his hip is a terrible sign but we have no inside details or talk from the Islanders this could be it for him. Clearly Sillinger is hurting from playing by his comments but it remains to be seen if he can work through it or the pain he talked about is too much.

Games Islanders had Comrie, Sillinger, Weight healthy? One.

Islanders at the WJC 1/2

IIHF.com: Has the schedule for the quarterfinal games on Friday at the WJC involving the Islanders prospects.

Usa vs Slovakia 3:30pm
Russia vs Czech Republic 7:30pm
(Canada faces winner on Saturday)

I will update this blog entry will game results late Friday.

Islander News Articles 1/2

Newsday:Arthur Staple had a lot of repeat quotes from Mike Comrie after Wednesday's game with head coach Scott Gordon on how much better he is playing now vs earlier this year along with speculation about Comrie's future.

Mr Staple also reported Trent Hunter and Rick DiPietro practiced in Glendale on Thursday with the team.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has the latest on the Sound Tigers as they travel to Philadelphia Friday to play the Phantoms.

Islander Notables

Media Blog: Cory Witt in the Islanders media blog reports on the club traveling to Phoenix.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
This team could badly use some website written or video updates on gameday, practices, roster moves and injuries. I'm wondering when or if Newsday will be sending someone on this trip?

AHL.com: Reports Yann Danis was returned to Bridgeport with Mitch Fritz who apparently cleared waivers.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
This means DiPietro will have to at least dress for games and with back to back Friday and Saturday should play one.

Arizona Republic: Has the latest on the Phoenix Coyotes.

Newsday: Mark Herrmann has comments from Islander players and head coach Scott Gordon who have been part of various past outdoor games in an article about mostly playing this year for this summers top draft pick but making his usual point the Islanders do not have the star power and are too far off the radar for NBC.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
What Mr Herrmann wants no part of writing is NY is the baseball capital of the world and hockey here is off the radar in because of poor coverage of the sport for all three clubs.

If Mr Herrmann thinks that is only Islander-centric in New York he is kidding himself because the star power dominating the backpages or coverage has nothing to do with hockey. New York needs the Crosby, Ovechkin matchup to receive any national attention, never the other way around.

Teams like Chicago were playing in front of lower percentage capacity at games than the Islanders for a long time too. Boston for a long time had been a sea of empty yellow seats also for games.

A year ago the Islanders were ahead of Chicago in the standings and in a playoff spot, but Mr Herrmann wants no part of that or this clubs championship history which would be another attraction of them being in an outdoor game.

For those Islander fans on Marian Gaborik watch, according to Michael Russo in the Star Tribune here may be looking at season ending surgery which could well be the end of his time in Minnesota with UFA pending.

DiPietro vs Sillinger Double-Standard time?

So let me get this correct, Rick DiPietro practices for a few weeks under the radar of the clubs invisible media (with no ITV practice coverage and virtually no pregame video) he returns against Toronto, sits for a few days because of soreness and is back practicing and most of the media takes shots at him?

By comparison Mike Sillinger has HIP surgery, sits out for months and well into the next season, does the Bridgeport conditioning assignment.

Finally he returns and is in/out of the lineup with groin and now hip problems?

So how come the same media taking shots at DiPietro are not critical of Sillinger or the club the exact same way for their handling of his recovery?

They do not even write a word about Sillinger?

Sure seems from here it has nothing to do with any injury and lot more about a double standard in coverage based on personal bias against some players.
*****************************************************
At first I liked a lot of the things Doug Weight was saying about the staff and wanting to stay, playing for Scott Gordon and wanting be part of turning things around.

I agree he should be talking about ten game winning streaks and getting back in the playoff chase.

However the more he talks, the more it comes off like someone making demands saying he is done being rented out or would not return if traded.

Newsflash for Doug Weight, whether you decide to play or not you are in no position to tell anyone you are done being rented out unless you signed a NTC.

If he were traded and decided to instead retire or not resign here, that is his choice and has to be respected. I can also understand wanting to stay in a place where he has been productive and getting a better opportunity than he would on many teams and should be upset with discussion of being traded again.

Having written all this what started off as wanting to stay and a positive from Doug Weight is now bordering on issuing ultimatums when at this point he should know better than anyone this is a business and veterans are traded from struggling clubs.

New York 4, Florida 2

Happy New Year to Everyone from NYIFC.

I'll take the win, sloppy game by both sides.

So much for all the time off and going to Bridgeport for Sillinger not having hip problems flare up. No fifteen year contract or targeted by the media, no criticism.

As for the game...

That's about the worst I have seen an opposing team play against the Islanders this year but the Islanders did some good things here too as the game progressed and earned the win.

Game did not start well for the home team, a high scoring/skilled club may have put the game away early with the chances Florida generated and that is unacceptable.

Nathan Horton, David Booth, and a few other first period chances team defense was just invisible which there is simply no excuse for to start a hockey game, the Islander won but that does not mean it should be ignored.

Joey MacDonald was making some fantastic saves from close in or it would have been 3-0 within the first ten minutes, good to see him finally get a win for as well as he has played.

Trevor Smith had some good early chemistry with Sim and was visible, I know he had to play an off wing today.

I agree with the no-goal call on Sim, the overhead showed Vokoun seemingly at the very top of his crease on this disallowed goal, Sim made contact so even if it were reviewed (I do not think that is reviewable) it would have been inconclusive. The second time in the third when Sim was in front again and the puck entered the net was a fast whistle but at least he is getting involved more.

Having written that we see a lot of marginal goaltender interference calls where the goal is waved off and there is no penalty.

Islander powerplay seemed to have the only sustained forecheck in the first.

Comeau-Okposo-Comrie again looked good. I don't care about the goal so much off Comrie's skate but the position they worked their way into is what I looked for with some other chances they created.

One thing about Comrie, he can create goals and finish. This is why it's not as easy as plugging in Thompson, Park, Jackman or Hilbert and expect the same goals or point totals regardless of how many other things they do to help the club.

Heck of a move by Bergenheim (off right wing side) for the 3-1 goal (Jiggs had him mistaken with Jackman) prior to that but he played well enough.

First time I have seen anything bounce off Vokoun for goals against our team. I guess the Islanders were due for a break and their goaltender got one as well to start the third when he was benched.

Overall a sloppy third period and overall game for both sides with Guerin-Streit getting a two on none and not fooling Craig Anderson while two Islander third period powerplays they almost gave up a goal to Gregory Campbell and the other Okposo got checked in his own end with the team not able to pay two passes together.

After that Guerin got another breakaway, drew a penalty and finally the powerplay set up a good chance in Florida's end of the ice. It looked like Streit's shot changed direction with Weight in front which ended the competitive part of this game.

Isles got more quality chances and a few more bounces, Florida got a bounce for it's goal to open the scoring.

Now we see what happens on the road trip which is four games (not five I wrote) a few times.

Great listening to Jiggs. I think he had the best line in the post-game after Scott Gordon spoke forever and said for the life of me I do not remember the question.

Neither did I, he did not stop talking and was all over the place.

This has to be very tough on Scott Gordon.

Florida at New York 2pm Msg+

Mike Sillinger out with hip problems, Rick DiPietro expected back during road trip, Trevor Smith recalled.

Newsday: Arthur Staple also reported Mitch Fritz was placed on waivers to recall Smith.

Panthers are trying to win their franchise record eighth December game but come in on a three game losing streak with two straight losses to Tampa and one to Montreal.

They had two shutouts before this losing streak.

David Booth is the Panthers leading scorer.

Florida Panthers
Injury Expected Return
12/30/08 Bryan Allen D Knee IR. Out until at least March
12/29/08 Kamil Kreps C Shoulder IR. Out until at least mid-January
12/30/08 Rostislav Olesz LW Groin IR. Out until at least mid-January

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Islanders have been playing a lot of struggling clubs this month and have not take advantage, whether it's Craig Anderson or Thomas Vokoun in goal both have had the Islanders number and this is a Panthers club that wants to stay in the playoff race and no doubt have some confidence against the Islanders.

Last time the teams met in Florida Vokoun shut out the Islanders who were one pass short of a quality chance most of the game. DiPietro started and after a goal in the opening seconds was solid the rest of the game.

Radek Dvorak and their forwards carried the play most of the contest.

Not sure what we will see from the Islanders here in terms of lineup (as usual) or
performance.

After this one the Islanders will be on the road for five straight against teams like San Jose and Calgary.

Islanders at the WJC 12/31

The final day of the preliminary round with all four Islander prospects in action.

I will updated the early games final results, the rest follow the link to the game reports and summary or watch live here.

Sweden plays Russia 2:30pm
Slovakia plays Finland 6:30pm
USA plays Canada 7:30pm

Quarterfinal games begin Jaunary 2nd.

Islander News Articles 12/31

Newsday: Arthur Staple covered practice, had nothing on Doug Weight and instead played the speculation game on Rick DiPietro who discussed his recovery from injury and why he sat out Monday. Head coach Scott Gordon also comments.

Trent Hunter did not practice and went to the doctor, Mr Staple speculated his is out for the Panther game. Brendan Witt, Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie and Mike Sillinger rested.

Miami Herald: George Richard in the Panthers blog is not sure who will start against the Islanders Wednesday between Tomas Vokoun or Craig Anderson but center Shawn Matthias has been recalled for the game from Rochester.

National Post: Mark Masters has a feature on Panthers defenseman Bryan McCabe who will make his Panthers debut at the Coliseum before playing in Toronto.

AHL.com: Confirms Mr Fornabaio's blog James Sixsmith was recalled to Bridgeport from Utah.

Islanders/NHL Quick Hits/Notables

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reported Yann Danis was back in Bridgeport Tuesday and got a practice in but there is no plan to break up the three goalies right now, so they'll all stick around which could apply to Bridgeport or New York, I'm not sure.

AHL transactions has no update (at this time) of a Danis to Bridgeport move, with the Islanders hitting the road after tomorrow someone is likely going to have to play some games for MacDonald on the upcoming trip whether it be DiPietro, Danis or even Mannino unless they intend to overwork him.

Mr Fornabaio among many items also reported Wade Dubielewicz has left AK Bars which is also prospect Kirill Pertov's club who is at the WJC.

No matter where Dubi ends up, best of luck to him.

Point Blank: Mr Botta reported Joey MacDonald took a puck in the neck during practice among several injury updates and items that folks should visit his blog for.


Updated 5:40pm:
NY Post: Dan Martin was given no space to cover last night's game but today had Doug Weight's comments he loves it here and does not wish to be traded as he praised the organization while Mr Martin points out the reality of the situation. Goaltender Rick DiPietro after taking part in a full practice hads a few words on going slow with his recovery and why he missed last night's game.
*******************************************************
Anyone think building with first round draft picks is easy or a guarantee?

Former Islander 2003 first round pick Robeert Nilsson is making the decision to trade him look like the correct one more with each passing day here which Mr Fornabaio linked to in his blog at the Ct Post.

Former Islander 2004 first round pick Petteri Nokelainien has one assist in twenty one games and is on IR for the Bruins.

Former Islander 2005 first round pick Ryan O'Marra has one goal and four points in twenty six games for AHL Springfield.

Takes patience for a youth movement folks with Comeau and Colliton 2003 second round picks just getting started.

I will write it's a good early sign the assist and points Bailey and Okposo have put up here considering their past first round counterparts at the top of the Islander draft board have not produced to this point.
**********************************************************
Someone e-mailed and asked what I thought of the players personally?

I do not know the players personally. My speculation is they are good bunch of people who give all they have regardless if they play well or not and just because someone like myself writes about how they play does not make me an expert about anything.

You see the Christmas video's shopping and the hospital visits and it's obvious the players enjoy giving back.

On the ice I loved the reaction for Guerin's 400th by Tambellini and how the captain responded when Tambellini got his first the next game. I suspect Bailey pointed to Guerin when he tipped in # 399 instead also when many thought it was Bailey's first.

For this year it will not be enough on the ice with injuries being the biggest part of the story from day one but as an Islander fan I'm proud to pull for this group whether they win or lose.

NHL players for the most part are very easy to root for and usually go all out for the fans regardless of what color uniform they wear.
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Last night was the first game all season this club had Weight, Sillinger and Mike Comrie all in the lineup. With Bailey and Nielsen's eventual return something has to give down the middle.
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I may be the only one but I'm completely indifferent to the NHL outdoor game this year and bored with how it is being marketed to death which the league must do.

I watched bits and pieces last year and without the snow coming down I might have tuned out earlier to what was a good game. It was also a curiosity to see Mike Milbury on television at that time. All I wanted was no three point game with the Islanders competing with Buffalo-Pittsburgh for a playoff spot but that's exactly what I got with Ty Conklin standing on his head.

The novelty of this is going go wear off quickly I suspect sooner than later but I hope Chicago-Detroit gives everyone a good show.

Was it necessary to have them play against one another in Detroit tonight?
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Good news is we get the guilty pleasure of Jiggs McDonald returning to call some Islander games for our fans. Bad news is Howie Rose again treats Islander hockey like a job requirement and does nothing for this franchise other than call games.

Does he ever take vacation during baseball season? I think it's time for a change in the Islander broadcasting booth and with Tim Neverett interviewed here I suspect it's something that has been discussed.

I only wish Mr McDonald could come back full-time but it's more than enough he comes out of retirement to call some games at this point and is a loyal friend to this franchise.

As I wrote last year next Hall of Fame New York Islander should be Mr McDonald.
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Moving forward there will be articles/Panthers game coverage and a WJC update early for New Year's eve.

No articles on New Years Day, I may pre-write/schedule a blog entry.

We have no idea about Rick DiPietro

I submit unless we are in the room with DiPietro and the doctors we have no idea if anyone is doing anything right or wrong with regard to his health.

Same goes for what kind of person he is on and off the ice. Michael Peca once said if you are not in the room you have no idea about anything.

Peca got it right. Anyone telling you otherwise is going above and beyond to stir the pot for their own agenda and little more.

You read this stuff from the media with nothing to support it from the club and it seems designed to rile up the fanbase against the player.

Gordon should have done this, Snow should have done that. DiPietro is this or that.

Nonsense, enough hysteria or going for page views with shock jock material.

We read speculation he could go to Bridgeport but he could have been injured there just as easily.

He played against Toronto he was too sore or injured to play against the Rangers.

He could be ready for the next game or the one after or out for the long-term.

Was he handled properly? All hindsight which is very easy to do after the fact by a bunch of fans or writers who are not doctors. He could have sat the rest of the season and had this happen training off-ice in August.

Nate Thompson has had this happen a lot too, Bailey, also.

I would rather DiPietro or anyone sit than risk a serious injury if there is any doubt at all.

The rest of this is a lot of frustration over injuries which no one can control during a very tough season and some obvious media and fan bias against him that has been there since his draft day that would not go away even if he led the team to a cup because of his contract.

Bottom line, we have no idea about Rick DiPietro.

And unless you are an Islander team doctor or Rick DiPietro, neither do you.

Enough hysteria, hockey please.