New York at Tampa Bay 7:30pm Msg+

Islanders website: Doing a very classy blog on the Dad's week trip with entries.

St Petersburg Times: Damian Cristodero reports Mike McKenna will start against the Islanders even if starter Mike Smith dresses as backup. Andrej Meszaros, his upper left arm injury likely will keep him out of Saturday's game.

For New York looks like Bergenheim slides into Park's spot on left wing with Nielsen and Hunter while Park takes Thompson's spot on fourth line.

Yann Danis is expected to be in goal based on Scott Gordon's comments before Florida game.

No word on Mark Streit but I guess based on coaches comments Callahan could be the one to replace Pock for the duration of his injury. I guess we will see where that goes vs Jack Hillen.

Islanders give up the chances and let McKenna settle in like he did after going in for Ramo they are not going to win here.

Updated:
Newsday: Mr Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog reports Sean Bergenheim will return to the lineup, Mark Streit will miss tonight's game.

Head coach Scott Gordon is quoted on Bergenheim along with the left winger who will skate with Richard Park and Tim Jackman. Andy Hilbert moves up to the line with Nielsen and Yann Danis starts in goal.

Sportsnet/several sources: Report Jussi Jokinen was traded to Carolina for two players and a fourth round pick.

Sporting News: Ray Slover insists the Islanders must trade Mike Comrie, Doug Weight and Bill Guerin if possible.

It should be noted Mr Slover did not note Weight's production.

Islander News Articles 2/7

Newsday: Greg Logan's article is on Chris Campoli taking Mark Streit's role for a game with head coach Scott Gordon's comments.

Nate Thompson was placed on IR, Sean Bergenheim was taken off IR.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Hate to think Bergenheim sat for Thompson, let's hope that's coincidence.

Yes, took Friday Newsday Insider off here, that's why there is a feeder. Only notable was Scott Gordon's comments on Danis looking more like a number one goaltender than MacDonald earlier in terms of numbers which was kind of a curious comment.

Bottom line nothing has been decided for next year with either goaltender.

NY Post: Dan Martin had an article on Yann Danis for Saturday paper despite not being with the club in Florida.

NY Post: Jonathan Lehman has a few quick words on the goaltender as a mini-preview was written for tonight's game.

St Petersburg Times: Damian Cristodero previews tonight's game and updates Tampa's injuries:

D Jamie Heward (concussion), F Paul Szczechura (lower body), G Olie Kolzig (arm), D Marek Malik (ankle) are out; G Mike Smith (upper body) and D Andrej Meszaros (arm) are day to day.

UPI: Reports Wade Dubielewicz lost 4-1 in his Columbus debut against Pittsburgh.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Hard to believe how long it's been since he signed here, he would have played a good five games by now here.

Of course he (or anyone) would have been hard pressed to match Danis play in goal.

One thing for sure is the 2008-09 New York Islanders have had playoff caliber goaltending this season.

Windsor Star: Jim Parker compares Cody Hodgson with Josh Bailey and wonders if Bailey would have been better served to play this season in Juniors?

AHL.com: Reports Norfolk shutout Bridgeport 3-0 on Friday.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reports head coach Jack Capuano was not happy with his top end forwards despite getting forty shots against Norfolk because they did not get in front of Riku Helenius, making his first AHL start in goal. The Sound Tiger coach feels they have to pick up their game but did not single anyone out.

Jordan Hart played for Bridgeport.

Peter Mannino was sent down to Utah on Thursday, Bridgeport received goalie Tobias Stephan from Dallas on a conditioning assignment Friday because Dallas does not have an AHL affiliate.

Nate Lawson faced forty three shots in goal for the Sound Tigers.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
At least he does not have to coach Avery yet. These double-headers in Norfolk have not been kind to Bridgeport this season, round two Saturday.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio did a live blog on Bridgeport's 3-0 loss to Norfolk.

Norfolk Virginian Pilot: Paul White has Admirals coverage.

Islander News Articles 2/6

Newsday: Greg Logan recaps the Islanders loss to Florida with head coach Scott Gordon's comments as to why he went with Joey MacDonald.

Newsday: Mr Logan's other article notes Bill Guerin and Richard Park as the only players not injured this season while head coach Scott Gordon's comments from Joe Callahan's earlier recall are repeated.

The head coach has nothing to add about on Freddy Meyer skating on his own.

Sun SentinelwithMiami Herald & Palm Beach Post: Has the recap of Florida's win against the Islanders.

Chronicle Herald: Has Bryan Trottier's comments on fighting in the NHL.

Newsday: Wallace Matthews has Bob Nystrom's comments on making Bernard Madoff list.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Anyone notice Wallace Matthews/Mark Herrmann tracked down Scott Rechler and Nystrom but did not go near Cablevision which also made the list?

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article is on goaltender Nate Lawson. Jordan Hart was among the players called up to Bridgeport with head coach Jack Capuano's comments.

Bridgeport has a double-header in Norfolk Friday and Saturday.


Note-The Islanders 2/5 prospect watch was added to NYIFC prospect blog.

Florida 3, New York 2

Sports Network: Recaps Florida's 3-2 win against New York on Thursday.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Readers Digest recap here tonight.

Another game where win or lose a second guess has to be made on Scott Gordon as to why pull a goaltender on a four game winning streak with that save percentage?

This is how MacDonald kept playing earlier and no knock on him for his play tonight but the rule is you play the hot goalie.

Overall the game was lost in the first period, Florida for most of the game had the better of play but set the tone earlier, forcing turnovers and creating chances. MacDonald robbed David Booth early but too much pressure on him and not nearly enough on Vokoun.

Nice efforts by the Islanders to hang in and get back in the game on Bailey-Hunter goals but that goal in-between by Zednik was a great effort and the difference.

Bailey needs to use that shot a lot more.

Vokoun needed more shots and pressure against him, especially with powerplay chances Islanders were creating.

Despite the loss one of the better Islander efforts in Florida that last couple of years which is not saying much.

We'll see what the story is with Nate Thompson.

New York at Florida 7:30pm Msg+

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Florida comes into this game off an overtime win in Toronto. David Booth may return against the Islanders but still has the flu that put him in the hospital. Tomas Vokoun also missed the Leaf game with the flu.

Islanders website: Reports on "Dad's Week " and who is going on the trip with the players which includes Head Coach Scott Gordon's father making the trip.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Great idea by the Islanders (I think Garth Snow was credited) and a nice tradition that should be a yearly staple. I'm hoping Rick DiPietro and father made the trip and remember how last year Steve Tambellini left the Oilers to make the trip to see his son play.

As for the game, the Panthers come in with a little momentum with the Islanders having their number in New York but in Florida it's been a far different story.

Rick DiPietro started both Florida (preseason) games this year but the Islanders were outclassed on the ice.

To take Mark Streit with his shot and minutes on defense out of this lineup and Pock is a big adjustment against a fast team, even if they have been without David Booth.

In goal Vokoun has regained his number one spot but Anderson has had the Islanders number, if the flu keeps Vokoun on the bench it does not make a difference because both goaltenders can play.

For Scott Gordon does he change goaltenders or ride the hot hand of Yann Danis who has done nothing to merit sitting?

One thing for sure the Islanders most likely will have to create better offensive chances than they did against Tampa.

Islander News Articles 2/5

Time to roll out the dynasty header to celebrate Dad's Week for a few days.

Islanders website: Reports Tomas Pock will miss about a month with a hand injury, Mark Streit is day to day.

Joe Callahan and Jack Hillen were recalled.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Fun never ends with these injuries.

Newsday: John Jeansonne has head coach Scott Gordon's comments he never felt he was losing his players during the losing streaks in December/January and that the recent play has helped the team building process. The coach also praised his veterans as the coach has given more opportunities to younger players because of the clubs record.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Are we missing something here?

Granted Mr Jeansonne is going to have a negative theme to his questions but where has Guerin or Weight's opportunities been cut with them on every first powerplay unit and seeing a regular shift along with Richard Park a powerplay regular?

Doug Weight made it clear recently if he was contributing he expected to be on the ice.

NY Post: Dan Martin's only real difference from Mr Jeansonne's article was a few words from Mike Comrie about gaining experience and the big picture.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
The big picture is other than Guerin-Comrie-Weight being put together as a line the youth movement has taken a hit with Jeff Tambellini being benched without a reporter getting a single word from the head coach on the subject.

NY Times: Brian Heyman has a feature on Islanders captain Bill Guerin who was praised by Scott Gordon for his leadership in tough times as the captain talks about his season, the no trade clause while Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey and Doug Weight credited Guerin for what he has done for them.

General manager Garth Snow discussed Guerin's NTC after saying he's a New York Islander and praised his value with the younger players.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
As Guerin said, never say never if the Islanders come to him with the right trade or circumstances but I think a trade is unlikely.

AP: Ronald Blum reports Bob Nystrom was among the clients who invested with Bernard Madoff, according to a court filing released Wednesday night.

The family of Lighthouse co-developer Scott Rechler also had a limited exposure here with Cablevision on the list of 14,000 who were caught up in this according to Newsday
here.

St Pete Times: Damian Cristodero reports once again forward Jussi Jokinen was placed on waivers. GM Brian Lawton said he has had contact with another team that expressed interest in Jokinen. We will find out at noon Thursday whether he was claimed. If not, Lawton said Jokinen and his $1.875-million salary will be shipped to AHL Norfolk.

Newsday: Former Ranger beatwriter Arthur Staple tells us the Rangers are in trouble. not Islanders trouble, but our two local teams aren't playing for the same thing right now.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Since when is a team covered by Newsday that plays in Manhattan " our local team " given the city papers do not extend the same courtesy to the Islanders with Larry Brooks pushing our team out of NYC market every chance he can and the other papers editors providing token coverage at best.

Nothing like the paper being owned by the other team telling us we have two teams which is why Arthur Staple was shifted to hockey.

Plenty of pressure on the Islanders win or lose, btw.

Updated:
Newsday: Greg Logan reports in the Islanders Newsday blog that Mark Streit did not practice but could play.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article is on Bridgeport's pk with comments from head coach Jack Capuano and team captain Mark Wotton.

A defender will be recalled from the ECHL to replace Jack Hillen/Joe Callahan.

Scott Gordon's Swagger gone

Scott Gordon had his press conference and talked about winning the Stanley Cup, he took some media aback with his comments at the time.

He had so much confidence and swagger to how he carried himself, it seemed like the coaching change would solve all problems.

Shortly afterward we read and learned about overspeed.

He then went into camp and was reportedly showing everyone how it's done on ice, including his new/holdover assistants.

He told us anyone can play this system at any age and that it helps slower players get to the puck faster, it was impressive.

He spoke about camp (groin) injuries only happening to players who were here last season, then first round pick Josh Bailey got hurt.

DiPietro sat on the bench in games and never played, the coach gave his reasons and talked about his philosophy that goalies finish what they started, then we looked at his record in Providence and saw otherwise.

We also saw some obvious blunders like Fritz not allowed to defend Nielsen and a lot of big leads blown in games, this was after reading about how good his teams played on defense in Providence and that goaltenders would like his system.

We saw the numbers of shots allowed/players injured rise dramatically and finally the bubble broke a period short of five hundred against Pittsburgh.

The freefall began and it was about as dramatic as it can be.

Brendan Witt spoke up against his system and talked about Scott Gordon having to make adjustments sooner or later. Gordon responded to Brendan Witt but the swagger had faded.

Scott Gordon adjusted his system at some point which he spoke about the other day.

Now I watch games and he looks like a far different coach then what I saw earlier, no swagger, no reaction far too often. He did hit back at the media according to Greg Logan but still we have no idea what specific reporter or publication.

One or two times after games the coach would give long answers to where he simply drifted from the question, on occasion we saw a sense of humor from the coach also.

I wonder if this has been a good learning experience for him or if it will be an asset for him as a coach moving forward or something that hurt his abilities?

Players like Weight-Guerin have praised him in print for how he has handled things, it seemed more like frustration with regard to Yann Danis earlier like this was someone he could freely speak up about.

The media and fans picked right up on it also and wondered how come the coach was hard on this player. We finally saw a mild tweak on Campoli the other day by the coach.

Bottom line Scott Gordon's the head coach of the New York Islanders, I'm a fan writing a blog.

I see Okposo on left point and wonder along with why Park, Jackman, Hilbert and Thompson are on the ice at critical moments. I have been wondering all year why Comeau was sent down because I see exactly the same player I saw a year ago.

I could be wrong, the career records are on my side and this coach has had a lot of injuries to work around.

I'm not sure I like Scott Gordon as an NHL coach, part of that is I felt the man he replaced was part of the long-term answer for a lot of reasons that were about perception of his ability.

I go back to ITV and listen to Ted Nolan's press conferences all the time, I want to see the differences.

I'm hoping Scott Gordon can win me over to what he is trying to do. It does seem the swagger he had when he took the job is now a memory along with some adjustments to his system.

How many adjustments does a coach make before the reasons you hired him are no longer an asset?

I also have looked at how many times John Anderson, a winner in Chicago has handled a tough season with Atlanta where he has been critical of his players on several occasions.

As I wrote last week this has to be the longest season of Scott Gordon's life behind that bench with all these injuries and losing.

I only hope Scott Gordon remembers what made him a successful coach, combine that with his experiences this year and be a better coach for it in the long run.

Islanders need to follow Bridgeport plan

I know a lot of folks do not follow the Sound Tigers but Jack Capuano simply keeps moving players in and out of his lineup depending on how many extra bodies he has regardless of the record.

That's been a big reason for Bridgeport's success vs past seasons, they have had injuries but a lot of extra players which means depth. They will need it soon with the upcoming schedule which sees about six games in eight days.

Mark Wotton has been a healthy scratch a few times and he is the team captain.

Jeff Tambellini and Jon Sim should not be sitting this many games in a row.

What's the worst that can happen, the club keeps everyone fresh and maybe we see a few less injuries the rest of the way?

When Bergenheim, Meyer return this club is as healthy as it will get if Streit is ok.

I'm well aware Scott Gordon will keep the exact same lineup until he losses, that's what most coaches do.

All I'm saying is Tambellini and Sim need to play some hockey games.

Islander News Articles 2/4

Newsday: Greg Logan's game recap (without quotes at this time) notes the smaller crowd that turned out in the snow and that things are going well when Radek Martinek scores his first in 101 games.

Newsday: Mr Logan's other article was mostly a repeat of his pregame blog on Josh Bailey vs Steven Stamkos where the Lightning's top pick credits the Islanders for selecting a player he had a big rivalry with when Sarnia played Windsor.

NY Post: Dan Martin after doing his attendance estimate asks head coach Scott Gordon if the winning mean anything changes with regard to his young players while Bill Guerin and Brendan Witt comment.

Looks like Peter Botte was given the game off for sports-ticker coverage while the Devils game had a writer assigned for their game and of course Filip Bondy (big Ranger homer) was an extra covering the Graves/Garden cash grab.

St Pete Times: Has Damien Cristodero's coverage on how McKenna played in goal & Tampa Tribune: Erik Erlendsson has Martin St Louis on his cross-check that negated a goal.

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Mike Knobler has comments from Thrashers rookie head coach John Anderson about his job status with general manager Don Waddell.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Posted this just to get some ground work about a team that just hired a coach with some of Scott Gordon's background may be going through in a losing season as the Islanders have. No doubt Don Waddell has Anderson's back because I cannot see him getting another coach and staying employed himself.

Of course Anderson has Kovalchuk and some firepower, not the Islanders three hundred man games lost to injury and no dynamic scorer/first line talent.

Two of the nine coaches hired last summer are gone with Barry Melrose and Ottawa’s Craig Hartsburg.

AP/CP: Report former Maple Leaf Bryan McCabe was booed every time he touched the puck in his return to Toronto, then he scored the game winning goal in overtime and was named first star.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Good for McCabe.

Never had an issue with McCabe playing for the Islanders, just that his contract combined with his defensive play was a non-starter for any kind of return and the media rumors assuming Snow would hand over any compensation for a bad contract made no sense. He got bullied out of Toronto by the media who were not classy at all with him and created a lot of negative perception.

Now the Islanders have a team to play with some momentum off that game on Thursday.

Sporting News via Sports Busness Journal/several articles: Liz Mullen reports NHLPA ombudsman Eric Lindros resigned Tuesday over differences with director Paul Kelly and is quoted as saying it should be noted that this is not the result of conflict of personalities but a fundamental problem between the Current Executive Director and the office of the Ombudsman and the effort to create transparency.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I can guess what an Ombudsman does but knowing Lindros past negotiating this is hardly surprising, maybe he was right here? People like Lindros and Healy have the ego to drive the NHLPA to another lockout.

Newsday: Mark Herrmann tells us if you are an Islander or Devils fan it's not our business that the Rangers overdo their celebrations and that retiring Graves number is a family matter.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Reads all well and good but when the Islanders honor a homegrown dynasty or coach Mark Herrmann is one of the first to question the motivation behind the Islanders family matter and a franchise who cannot honor a true homegrown dynasty enough.

Mr Herrmann should follow his own advice next time he questions Islander family business.

He's no New York Islander Fan.

New York 3, Tampa Bay 1

Associated Press & Sports Network: Has the recap of New York's 3-1 win against Tampa Bay.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I know when a team wins a game 3-1 and it's their fourth straight for a season high streak there is supposed a lot of positives.

The Islanders won this game, I did not like how they played.

Hunter's post before he scored was as good as his goal. Okposo's touch pass for a three on one was the Islanders best chance of the night.

Nielsen had some chances (as did Park) with that nice shot off the post in the third but for the most part the Islanders were off and did not have a very effective powerplay again.

Choppy game by the Islanders, choppy game by Tampa. Danis was a big difference even though he did not hold some rebounds and some shots hit the post against him.

Were Tampa's goaltenders even tested after Ramo basically beat himself on the last two goals with his defense getting in the way?

High marks to Yann Danis and a team defense that played the third without Streit but they were scrambling far too much against a struggling team all night. They got some calls and a break on Martin StLouis's crosscheck which would have made it 3-2.

Tampa had the better chances and simply did not finish, all night long they seemed one pass or play short and the missed the net a few times. Even on Tampa's goal they kept making mistakes before LeCavalier finally got it in his wheelhouse but that's not a great shot to take with a five on three.

Witt touching that puck early on a hand pass immediately led to a great chance where Danis robbed a Tampa player and Hunter had to take a penalty.

Credit to the Islanders for doing enough in the trenches to earn two points and especially Yann Danis.

Take the two points and move on, Islanders have lost games they generated better chances. Do not want to be tough on our team when they win but I'm looking for chemistry and the kind of offense built to last.

Did not see nearly enough of it tonight.

No one wrote a word why Joey MacDonald was healthy enough to be on the bench but not able to start? Seems like the same plan that we saw earlier with DiPietro.

We'll see what the story is with Mark Streit, he scored after the hit but that shoulder took a good hit.

Tampa Bay at New York 7pm Msg+

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I would expect aside from maybe Joey MacDonald dressing few changes to the Islander lineup because they have been winning.

Do not be fooled by Tampa's goaltending problems, other teams have put in backups or minor league goaltenders who could have sat down on the ice and won handily against this Islander offense. That game the Islanders were doing well John Curry came in for Pittsburgh and was barely tested in relief.

It's all about the quality chances the Islander offense can create. The record says Tampa Bay give up chances and have a spotty defense with players who are working their way back from injury. Like Atlanta do not be fooled because they can score in bunches.

The recent games do not lie. Five against Montreal, five against Buffalo.

How many five goal games have the Islander had?

01/30/2009 PHI 6 @ TBL 1
01/29/2009 TBL 2 @ CAR 3
01/27/2009 MTL 3 @ TBL 5
01/21/2009 BUF 3 @ TBL 5
01/19/2009 DAL 2 @ TBL 4

Flyers 6, Lightning 1: Two Tampa Bay goals were disallowed on Friday, the Lightning also missed a penalty shot and failed to convert on two-man advantage for 1:47 early in the second period when the game was still tied. Fifty-three seconds after an apparent Steven Stamkos goal was waived off for a high stick, Philadelphia took a 4-1 lead before tacking on two more goals.

Seems that early game in Tampa where Nielsen found Hunter in overtime was in another season but like Atlanta this team can score in bunches. Barry Melrose has finally quieted down after being fired (at least for now) so we get our first look at Rick Tocchet beind the bench.

Paul Ranger, who has had an undisclosed upper body injury and missed a handful of games this month, and Matt Smaby return to the lineup, giving the team six NHL defensemen after a patchwork defense for a while skated for Tampa with —Andrej Meszaros, Lukas Krajicek and Steve Eminge playing between 25 and 30 minutes a night for good stretches in January.

Tampa leads Islanders by nine points entering this game, they will play again Saturday in Tampa.

Blog Notable:
My schedule may mean no post-game or articles after this game. I will watch recording at some point. Not completely sure at this time but feeders will be working here.

Islanders to the playoffs in 08-09? No.

We used to have these entries where we would look at the playoff picture and project where the Islanders could accumulate enough points based on schedule to where they would hit the magic 92-93-95 point range that it usually takes to qualify.

Last year we did the projection based on ninety two points, it took ninety five.

I know for a few folks a nice little seven out of eight points is a noteworthy streak, but just for laughs I will present the grand picture for anyone thinking playoffs.

Islanders have thirty five points with thirty three games left. If they go 33-0 they will finish with only 101 points.

Based on last season's eighth place cutoff being ninety five point that means the Islanders can only lose a total of six points out of sixty six available.

Surrender yet?

For book-keeping purposes Carolina currently in eighth needs a combination of forty six points won or lost by the Islanders to officially eliminate them.

Boston's magic number to clinch a better record than the Islanders is at twenty.

What's the old expression from Charlie Brown?
" Tell your statistics to shut up "

Latest Poll/NYIFC Notables

Have not had a poll for a few weeks because I do not believe in them simply to draw votes and have not had anything that interested me.

I like to go with things I feel challenge the readers.

This week our poll looks at the latest benching of Jeff Tambellini and asks why was a player who in my estimation had been doing a much better job recently sitting because Andy Hilbert returned to the lineup while Richard Park shifted to left wing so Doug Weight could return to the lineup play center?

Especially given the standings and the playoff picture.

I guess you know where I sit with the poll but created several options. If you vote other place e-mail/respond and that option will be noted.

Future polls will go Monday-Monday/I have been doing Sunday-Sunday for most of the season.
***************************************************************
NYIFC Notables:
Most likely we will have our first live blog in a long, long time on the day of the trade deadline at around 1pm-4pm for as many who want to show up and talk Islander hockey.

The more folks who respond and tell me they want to chat here 3/4 (1pm-4pm) will determine where I go with this.

With so many folks having live blogs for games with Newsday I did not think it was necessary to do it here this season.

Yes, I did tweak the tag for the Islanders website to include their new logo, there was no space for a Bill Guerin photo. The Islanders tweaked DiPietro out of the latest picture.

The Fox feeder has been updated for the latest.

For Saturday home games we will continue to use the third jersey color as our background.

For the record NYIFC only goes with established media sources for it's main blog content and I have very strict standards about this.

I do have a section for folks who want to link their sites here with a special feeder for as many blog box folks who have a feed. I put links in for everyone else directly below that.

If interested e-mail and we can talk about it.

All I ask of folks wanting to add their links here is no profanity in their content and that they update on a regular basis.

I'm still deciding on the future of NYIFC at this time beyond the season which I can say will run as long at least as far the Sound Tigers playoffs/World Championships barring anything completely unexpected.

Whether the Islanders have a blog box program or wish to include me in it will have no bearing on anything I decide. Last time I did this with Islanders-Sound Tigers the final entry was the first week in May.

I have been a little lazy in going down the entire page here recently but noticed this little blog hit the 90,000 hit mark a while back. Not a big deal but would like to pause and thank everyone for your interest.

Islander News Articles 2/3

Newsday: John Jeansonne covered practice with his article on goaltender Yann Danis who will apparently start in goal against Tampa Bay. Head coach Scott Gordon reports Joey MacDonald is set to return having completed his rehab from his groin injury but will not commit to a number one goalie beyond whoever is starting that day.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Anyone who watched, listended or read the reports on camp knew Danis and MacDonald were solid goaltenders who did not look out of place at this level. That may mean nothing in the future but it's been obvious this teams goaltending has been solid all season even without Rick DiPietro with very few poor efforts in goal.

NY Post: Dan Martin's six short paragraphs talks about a goaltending battle between Danis and MacDonald where only a very small part of Danis/Scott Gordon's comments made the paper.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Those heart of a cash grab ads for Adam Graves surround the Islander article, class act off the ice but not even close to having his jersey retired based on his career.

St Pete Times: Damian Cristodero is not sure of the goaltending story on the Lightning with goaltender Mike Smith injured not flying to New York with the team. Gm Brian Lawton saying he probably won't be able to play which means Mike McKenna and Karri Ramo will suit up but the later is on AHL suspension. The newspaper version has the injury report for Tampa here.

According to the writer McKenna was just called up and signed Monday here.

Tampa Bay — G Mike Smith (upper body), D Jamie Heward (concussion), D Marek Malik (ankle), LW Gary Roberts (elbow), F Paul Szczechura (lower body) and G Olie Kolzig (arm) are out.

Tampa Tribune: Erik Erlendsson also reports on Tampa goaltending problems with head coach Rick Tocchet's comments he would have no problem going with McKenna.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Best way to attempt to explain all this would the equivalent of Nate Lawson being recalled to start a game for the Islanders while the AHL has suspended him?

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article is on Tomas Marcinko with Jack Capuano's comments about the big wingers physical play and potential.

Stamford Advocate: Patrick McNamee has a feature on career day with AITE students visiting the Sound Tigers offices working in community relations, ticket sales, advertising and media relations. The workers gave insight into running charity-themed games, selling advertising and the overall challenges of running a sports franchise.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Given the attendance with no television and very limited media, team President Howard Saffan and the entire staff have done an amazing job this year in this tough economy.

NHL Notables

NHL.com/several sources: Dan Rosen reports Craig Hartsberg has been fired as coach of the Ottawa Senators forty eight games into his three-year contract while general manager Bryan Murray talks about trying to make the playoffs.

Cory Clouston from from the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League will take over for the rest of the season behind the bench.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
How many coaches can Bryan Murray fire before he pays with his job. Paddock, Hartsberg, he even kicked himself back upstairs. Maybe Garth Snow will be allowed another coaching choice.

I would be shocked if Murray is general manager beyond this season, the defense and goaltending the general manager provided was not nearly good enough and this problem began last season.

NY Post: Jay Greenberg magically appears on a Devils off day to get the players talking about Brent Sutter not returning as head coach next season.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Mr Greenberg just appears to do an article for the first time on the Devils in who knows how long (nothing recent) and in his article after Sutter does not know where the rumor came from writes:

But this newspaper does and considers the source, one close to Sutter, to be credible.

Seems to me like the Post and Mr Greenberg wanted to create a distraction for the club because they are playing so well. The Post does not even know the length of Sutter's contract which in Newsday/Islander reporting country would be big headlines about management contracts being kept private.

With the Devils it's just a footnote.

Call me cynical but I think Mr Greenberg and the Post wanted to rock the boat a little here.

Why are the Islanders giving up less goals?

Not just goals but quality chances.

I know there has been talk of adjusting the system but has anyone even considered some players who have been in and out of the lineup playing hurt have simply gotten healthy?

You put Brendan Witt into this lineup healthy he will make a big difference, you add in Radek Martink at his puck-moving best and that helps a great deal.

I'm not sure how healthy Campoli is at this point but his defense does not hurt the club.

Not seeing anything but solid work from Gervais and Pock. No falloff from Mark Streit.

Another huge reason is Frans Nielsen is healthy down the middle as is Kyle Okposo.

My impression despite Bailey taking a penalty against Florida he plays a very solid overall defensive game.

Whether it be MacDonald or Danis the goaltending has been as solid as you can ask for on any NHL team. Cannot point to many games where the goaltending was the reason for a loss.

Not writing some changes to the system have not helped but there have also been some other basic reasons. Too early to credit Hilbert/Thompson/Weight's defense.

Too bad we will never get to see the full picture with Sutton and Meyer added in and completely healthy or for now Sean Bergenheim.

Sorry Mr Botta, Our fans should always respond

Point Blank: Mr Botta makes a entry our fans should not write or respond to items like Steve Simmons article in the Toronto Sun because it gives the writer more page views which helps him with his editor.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
I think I'm starting to understand how come the Islanders all these years sat back and let their perception take a huge beating in the media with virtually no response which is how we got to where we are today.

I have no idea what part Mr Botta played in that and you have to pick your spots, but you don't sit back and ignore something when it's unfair. It's this kind of philosophy that got a Long Island label stamped on a New York team far too often that put the team in a bad spot today and limited it's fan base.

You have to stand up and hit back. A lot of articles on the Islanders are negative but fair, many others are not.

For that matter where is Cory Witt to do a little hitting back as he has done recently on a few items? If he can do it for the Avalanche he can do it for the team he works for.

Larry Brooks takes shots his shots at the Islanders viability and local presence but because he feels the Islanders should receive revenue sharing he's done a good article?

Is this how far things have fallen we give thanks for insults?

Nonsense.

Mr Brooks knows who owns Islanders marketing on television, he knows they do not get a fair shake in his Newspaper, if he wants to talk about the Islanders viability he should start at his editor's doorstep and the double-standards they set.

This is the same Larry Brooks who reported in 2006 Mike Bossy (and Bryan Trottier) were not attending the 25th anniversary without compensation, a few weeks later he had to do a retraction where he blamed his staff for giving him incorrect information.

Then he ignored the event entirely despite covering that team in 1980.

Mr Botta told folks over the summer when it came to Newsday when Mr Rieber/Mr Baumbach would write things just to stir up Islander fans to ignore them.

Mr Botta would pick his spots in his old job ripping Newsday/Alan Hahn/Glen Healy when the former goaltender starting ripping Yashin's personal life.

My point is you cannot just pick your spots, one day tell folks ignore and the next hit back.

Our fans should always respond when they think something is not fair or correct long and loud. This is how you show these writers they cannot get away with misinformation or things that are not fair, that our fans are passionate about this team and will not let misinformation or outright poor journalism pass.

Perhaps Mr Botta does not see it but the more you sit back and take it, the further the media will go until you do respond.

By then perception is created and it leads to more articles along the same lines.

Islander News Articles 2/2

Newsday: Greg Logan asks head coach Scott Gordon to elaborate on his comment about Kyle Okposo doing things that he did not know were in his repertoire with the head coach responding about Okposo's ability to carry the puck, change speed, pull back, look-away combined with patience when he has the puck to find holes and play deceptive.

Okposo for his part feels his situation is far more settled than it was a year ago that this takes pressure off of him while he explains he is scoring because he is finding the " soft " area as he credited Blake Comeau and Josh Bailey for their patience with the puck helping the line to jell.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
It should be noted Okposo's goal against Florida partly came off the work of Frans Nielsen, but so far it seems the change from Comrie to Bailey at center has not hurt the line in any way.

For now it seems Scott Gordon perfers Okposo's right handed shot off left wing point on the powerplay so Hunter-Guerin can play right wing.

The story for me is not just Okposo's scoring but the plays he is making to create quality chances.


File this under 2/1 pm:

USA Today: Kevin Allen has comments from team USA general manager Brian Burke that he is not counting out Rick DiPietro for a spot on the club for the 2010 Olympics.

My Forward Plan for the Islanders at Deadline

There are about fifteen games (thirty one odd days) left until the trade deadline so I felt a good time to look at the forwards and what my plan would be looking ahead.

I could be wrong but I do not see higher than a second round pick at the very most for a Doug Weight or a Bill Guerin who may not even waive his NTC regardless.

If another team did make such an offer I would have to move Weight which may bring Guerin to waive his NTC.

Having written this Weight and Guerin are not the problem with the 2008-09 club, they are not going to score a ton of big goals but will get their numbers if healthy and provide a solid veteran presence. I have seen no dramatic decline in either one of these players that tells me they cannot contribute next season.

Weight is having a fantastic statistical season on the powerplay.

What needs to happen for Garth Snow is they need to address the size, skill, scoring problem. The prospects are not going anywhere (aside from maybe Tambellini who for some reason may be out of the mix for good) unless a top prospect is the return so forget Nielsen, Comeau and Bergenheim moving.

Bailey and Okposo will not enter discussion.

I think it's Weight or Comrie, not both with Nielsen and Bailey locked in down the middle.

That brings us to where Garth Snow has to remake his roster which means Richard Park, Andy Hilbert, Mike Comrie, Nate Thompson and Tim Jackman. Never say never but I do not see Trent Hunter in a trade unless it really improves the club.

This is where they have to add in some twenty goal scorers to make a skilled play, along with other players who can score with size. Players with grit who cannot score more then ten goals are not going to address the problems who are not big or physical.

Easy to do? Not at all or it would have happened.

That would be my template moving forward. Resign Guerin/Weight if the offers do not give a second or better and let them be the veteran nucleus with the kids.

I have little doubt Garth Snow will be able to land some players in UFA if the money is right. So many clubs are capped out there is no choice for many teams but to walk away from players.

Defense is for another day soon.