Updated 7/31: Expecting A No Vote Monday Or Later & Then It Gets Ugly/Approved

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/30/2011 09:14:00 AM |


Relax about Monday regardless, that's NYIFC message to all it's readers.

Of course vote YES early and often.

Polls open at 6am, close at 9pm. Decision could come via exit polls projections earlier or if it goes into overtime days/weeks.

Board of Elections: will have have numbers.


Updated 7/31:
Folks have asked, I expect at least a twenty point defeat of the referendum. We provide our reasons below. NYIFC is not a political blog, so take it as the guess work it's intended to be, hope our thoughts are incorrect.

Practically everyone has done their partisan dances, or given their endorsements, lukewarm or otherwise. The silly, biased or uninformed season of media misinformation is almost finished with the sensationalism.

A day more of this, then a vote on Monday, which at best brings it to a legislature brick wall/dead end.

Never believe this is a referendum of the teams fan support, not even the strongest political opposition wants this team to go anywhere or that building to close. Even Jay Jacobs--was adamant about keeping Charles Wang and the Islanders here, despite his comical grasp of the issue.

The Pittsburgh Steelers referendum failed in 1997, this is not about the teams popularity, but taxpayers being asked to spend money.

Charles Wang was fantastic. He has a ton of people to thank Monday, starting with his staff, who have worked very hard all summer.

Hopefully he keeps it classy because in a lot of ways he has won regardless, everyone now knows about the Nassau Coliseum issue, about the New York Islanders with coverage even a Stanley Cup would not have brought to this problem.

I fully expect a NO vote on Monday, then it gets ugly for a while.

Even if this does pass by some chance, no way it receives a super-majority when it's this polarized. When you have people like Jay Jacobs comical idea of PSL's leading the opposition, it's like getting past Kate Murray and those who owns her.

Not happening on those terms. Even Wang said Friday he does not know if he has Kate Murray's support.

No chance NIFA endorses a Mangano plan if that miracle happened.

As I wrote in the beginning back in May expect Ed Mangano to hide behind the will of the people, and use his out. Then it's up to Charles Wang to explore his options, that he's locked into over the next four years unless he has a buyer willing to take on the current lease now?

Bottom line, Mangano-Wang have their out, however this was all done to stay in.

It will get unpleasant, it has to, but it may be the only way to arrive at a solution.

Referendum's have failed and later been constructed.

I have changed views on this because it comes down to individuals, who have worked desperately hard to make this happen.

NYIFC initial instinct was eventual approval of a deal, we're going to stick with it.

Why A No Vote Projection Now:
This is a huge public issue, front-page news for weeks locally, getting national attention. Our guess is very strong turnout regardless of 8/1 date. I would also speculate a defeat of the referendum by a huge margin of over twenty percent.

Wang's interview on WFAN about thirty-forty percent of the season ticket base living outside Nassau County, so many folks writing, I wish I could vote but do not live in Nassau.

It's been the single greatest consistent trend.

Many Nassau residents worried about survival day to day in horrible economic times, vs many more who don't know the difference between a doughnut or a puck?

I have read far too much of it and respect that view, it's overwhelming and nothing to do with a sports team. The Yankees would lose by twenty percent in the Bronx, but Mike Bloomberg is not Ed Mangano and makes sure these are approved in the backroom in a sea of pro baseball propaganda.

Add in the incredible horrid luck of a national default as a backdrop on 8/2 if that is not enough?

The fan/community support has been incredible, it's not a defeat of the Islanders or sports, just higher taxes.

16,000 people need to fill those seats every game next season to force politicians to keep working at it, buying season tickets 8/2 is what makes Wang keep trying, and where every yes voter should put their money on regardless of Monday.

The misguided Long Island campaign (by Wang/Islanders) for a New York team over so many years never got the message this is a New York franchise, same as the other teams who got something built here.

That kind of support mandated deals had to be done behind closed doors, many took years and several false stats, but everyone locally got their agreement.

The Long Island campaign contributed to less media/less interest which equals less fan support, it also invited more biased media against the club taking liberties or to drop/limit coverage and drive away fans.

Win or lose Monday, the New York Islanders/Charles Wang have won already in several ways, receiving genuine support at the worst possible economic times from so many.

Next:
We hope this has no effect on immediate player negotiations with Bailey or Comeau.

Next on the Coliseum:
The framework is there for a compromise deal on a new Coliseum, it's likely going to get unpleasant for a while, with the usual Canadian outlets going into full Phoenix mode fueling strong national reaction/misinformation.

Unfortunate, however that comes with the territory.

As written above, it all comes down to Ed Mangano and Charles Wang. Are they enemies by this time next week with an idea the other cannot support? Are Mangano/Wang finished trying, or do they refuse to give up?

Charles Wang is not doing this for real estate anymore, it was kind of dragged out in interviews he's only paying 25m above 350m for construction overages, and it's his option to walk away beyond that. Mangano's general fund is no guarantee to taxpayers supporting this of a clear return which was no favor to Wang.

Wang said probably not on financing a building himself, however did not give an outright no.

If Mangano has a quick plan B, that could be something that forces a Coliseum back to the forefront....or not.

Remember Ed Mangano said he approached Charles Wang with this idea.

If Charles Wang has had enough of trying, it would be impossible to blame him however he's committed to his lease over the next four years (unless Mangano let's him out) his hotel and cable contract are not going anywhere, or his deal in Bridgeport signed this summer.

He has financial reasons to keep working and thousands of people in his corner.

One thing everyone agrees on they don't want the Coliseum closed or the Islanders to leave, that's a good start to the eventual compromise written about in May here.

Hopefully that places negotiations in the backrooms and a deal everyone can sign on to without the political football I have been writing about back in May.

Sadly virtually everything has played out exactly as projected here, there really has been no reason to write any blog entries beyond a few brief updates. Dolan's coverage has done a great deal to hurt a yes vote, lukewarm endorsements notwithstanding.

Monday win or lose is not going to bring a new Coliseum, only more debate, which can always continue.

If anything the only blog entry, NYIFC wanted to do was on the departure of a first class gentleman in Trent Hunter and the best of luck to him moving forward.

Updated:
Bergen Record: Has Trent Hunter's first comments since leaving the Islanders.

"I’ve been there just as long as Charles and he’s been working so hard to get that building, so I really hope for him and the organization that it goes through because he really deserves it."




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UPDATED 7/30: Dolan's Newsday & Those Who Need Him Cannot Be Trusted On Nassau Coliseum Referendum Reporting/Coverage

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/17/2011 05:58:00 PM |


Updated 7/30:
Nice to see a Cablevision/Newsday lukewarm endorsement has finally arrived, good luck finding it buried in an article packed with downside before you get to it.

Overall it came off as forced and written as a transparent deflection of being the company that would directly benefit by everyone going to NYC, the downside of the project got the greater depth and billing.

Of course, the damage has already been done already by Newsday to influence a no vote.

Lou Lamoriello, as usual, proves himself to be one of the classiest ambassadors of our sport.

Updated 7/29:
I feel bad for Charles Wang having to run around like this and fight so hard.

Mr Wang's been fantastic getting his message out on every level displaying dignity & class, with the energy of a man half his age. Another interview Thursday NHL.com

Has any owner in this town ever fought so hard or been this visible, as other teams received huge taxpayer funded modern buildings in backrooms?

Updated 7/28:
Regarding Dolan owned media, do not fall for this transparent shell game folks. The people who have the most to gain by defeating this referendum are not going to come out and say so directly, the people involved in sports, and their support are of course genuine and above this.

Glen Sather's turn for a whole-hearted statement of support, the dancing employees then enter on cue, while those who need Msg access for their business benefit sing for their supper/credential by over-hyping it.

Is an Isiah Thomas endorsement next?

Meanwhile the Dolan family crucial voter influence (News12/Cablevision/Msg/Newsday) that spread to other media outlets, quickly provide negative referendum coverage the higher billing/depth with the other hand.

All this discussion about revenue going to NYC if the Coliseum closes for events. Who owns the permanent tax exemption Cablevision Garden? James Dolan.

Shell game.

Meanwhile, nothing on their own companies huge financial gain by by the Islanders leaving has been reported, or the yearly cable contract revenue at stake until 2030 which should be stamped on all coverage.

Democratic Party Chairman, Jay Jacobs, horrible WFAN appearance, was barely a footnote in Dolan owned Newsday. Nothing from the political reporters on Jacobs classless twitter message insulting Islander fans, then telling people to vote no?

Mangano is not legally allowed to tell people to vote one way or another.

Mr Jacobs sophomoric performance was not even mentioned on Dolan-owned News12 Wednesday night ninety minute special?

A lot of voters have been influenced already and likely know where they stand. If a very late Newsday transparent endorsement happens does it even change anyone's mind, is it be page one or will it be top billing for something negative?

A very respectful Thank You to Mr Sather, who scored the first goal ever at the Nassau Coliseum in an exhibition game. Fair to write most New York Islander fans do not want him to go anywhere either.

Updated 7/22:
James Dolan (ten seconds/less) were one of many celebrities in a one minute ITV spot on 7/22, where he encouraged everyone to vote for thousands of jobs on 8/1.

The New York Islanders were not mentioned.

James Dolan's media coverage (since 1998 on television/purchasing Newsday) is what reflects his true overall voice/agenda. This may not be the last Dolan moment before 8/1 because no doubt Wang has demanded for him to finally show some half-hearted support after his team has been treated so poorly on television and in his newspaper.

I'm not sure if this is what they had in mind.

Dolan's personal appearance likely only hurts any effort because of how unpopular he is generally perceived.

Let's see some ads supporting this project on Msg/Msg+ run next week like Knick ads during Islander games. They can run them like Ranger updates during the last Islander game in Philadelphia.

Our viewpoint stands, no doubt those who need James Dolan for a credential or whatever else, will hype those ten seconds to dismiss the last thirteen years.

When our fans read front page articles in the Dolan's newspaper that this team is a public trust and should never go anywhere, we can talk when the television and print coverage is equal that of his own teams.

Not before.

That is what being a partner is, regretfully the long-standing record since 1998 reflects the complete opposite.

Do you really want NYIFC to include all the local teams/events taken off Cablevision or bitter fights against them for leaving Msg? The Jets Stadium in Manhattan, their lawsuit against the NHL, among other items?

Anyone have fifty thousand dollars in Metro Ice Challenge money to spare?
*****************************************
Updated 7/17:
NYIFC has received many e-mail request to re-post our recent entry on highly selective/questionable Newsday coverage (which only seems to be increasing on the negative end) to influence/defeat an August 1st referendum vote.

Updated 7/18:
A note has to be added here. Cablevision/Newsday/Msg have done nothing illegal, it's newspaper viewpoint has every professional/legal right to publish information that is positive or overtly negative regarding the referendum or outright oppose it daily.

One of NYIFC's purposes is to examine the coverage, asking only fair/reasonable questions regarding the reporting.

Cablevision/Newsday/Msg's own long-term massive potential gains in cable contract money saved, which includes possible future expansion into Nassau County for their own brand, has not been included in any coverage to date.

NYIFC has noticed the articles on a new Coliseum's financial benefits, was not given the same top billing/depth as NIFA front-page article (with another George Marlin feature), that now includes Sunday's latest push-back by the Dolan's writing staff to influence voters. When the benefits of a new Coliseum were published, Newsday included a university economist viewpoint, to dispute, where people would go instead of the Nassau Coliseum to spend their money locally.

Obviously those who need Dolan to make a living/retain credential to Msg, must do like-wise, and will in their space even if they support the project. PHWA President, Kevin Allen, made clear teams determine who is credentialed among bloggers so taking the subject to Dolan's coverage/potential gain will-not happen.

Our Strongest Recommendation Moving Forward:
As things progress to 8/1, if you read these articles concentrate on the direct quotes only, tune out the writers slant/spin/headline writer. Question anything that does not point out everyone's personal gain in this referendum being passed or rejected starting with Cablevision/Msg/Newsday, include any blogger that needs an Msg credential for their personal business.

Question the messenger's motivations everywhere, not just in Cablevision's newspaper. Spread the word. Let people know long and loud, Cablevision, Msg and Newsday have a huge vested potential gain in the New York Islanders leaving.

Per our loyal readers request, I will re-post our earlier article, however this will be the final NYIFC blog entry before any referendum vote.

All hockey updates/signings will be posted on our twitter feed exclusively.
**********************************************
Dolan's Newsday & Those Who Need Him Cannot Be Trusted On Nassau Coliseum Referendum Reporting/Coverage

NYIFC has tried for years to get it's message out on this subject. If Charles Dolan bought the Islanders from John Pickett, or there was no James Dolan, we would likely have seen a true partnership that would have only helped hockey's viability in New York.

The New York Islanders for Charles Dolan/Cablevision in the 1980's was what the Yankees are to YES Network.

That was then, this is now.

Sorry folks, anything who believes or does not report the Cablevision Dolans stand to gain a great deal from the referendum failing, simply have another agenda.

That would be an agenda that, runs/hides from the long-standing poor treatment of the New York Islanders in their print or television coverage, which contributed to putting their viability in question.

Many need the Dolan's to stay employed and have nothing to gain by going there, or will even ignore what has happened and defend the company that owns the Cablevision Knicks and a hockey team with one more playoff appearance than the Islanders since 1997.

Those folks will be self-muted or defend Cablevision for their own gain.

The coverage is running exactly as expected here, mostly negative, with anything positive being quickly questioned by Dolan's writers and publication.

What are Dolan's writers going to do? Anything that questions their employer will not be printed, the writer sent packing faster than you can say John Mancini.

Scrutiny of the Garden's 1981 tax exemption is not to be mentioned, anything negative from another outlet receives top billing. The word Dolan never to be used, while Wang is a constant subject, despite his requests to keep negotiations out of newspapers.
********************************
What Can Wang/Islanders Do?
They do not own a newspaper or a major television outlet beyond their own website, the folks that own media (representing the other side) will call up their friends and request time to control the message.
********************************
Ultimately:
If a referendum fails, Mangano has his out for good, Wang too.

I fully expect Ed Mangano to use that out and be rid of the Nassau Coliseum issue for good.

Charles Wang owns the hotel, it's in his best interest to keep trying, however this could well mean the end of his efforts to retain the team at it's present location.

Sure a rejection could lead to the compromise I first wrote about when the project was announced, still what happened in Phoenix will officially be stamped on everything that happens moving forward, the push will be on for the team to leave from all circles.

If a referendum passes on 8/1, I see Nassau Democrats making sure it dies in a legislature vote, or ultimately NIFA because of political party agenda.

A positive referendum vote will be dismissed as not-legitimate because it was done in summer.

Marquette.edu: Has a list of all stadium/area referendum's that have passed and failed back to 1990. Many failed and were constructed anyway.

Ultimately it depends on how much further Charles Wang wants to go. It would be impossible to blame him if he decided he has tried enough. Charles Wang is going to be over seventy if a new Coliseum is approved and constructed, his time as owner is going to end at some point.

NYIFC Viewpoint On Coliseum Referendum:
The New York Islanders are a public trust, with a tradition that is special among all sports teams, never to be placed into the embarrassing position Mangano has put them into.

The Coliseum referendum is a good project that will bring in new revenue, new jobs, and finally get something happening there, it will pay for itself and a lot more. No more Smg taking the revenue Nassau handed them from the Islanders.

Still, Mangano is a joke. Can you imagine if any other team had it's future put to a public referendum? Most/all of them would fail as Mike Bloomberg closed fire-houses to give baseball teams absurd tax bonds.

All those teams in NYC/NJ carved up the taxpayers in the backroom. Edmonton and Quebec will do likewise to it's taxpayers if an arena is built.

Unlike the New York projects which closed neighborhood businesses, or placed the revenue streams inside the owners new theme-parks, a new Coliseum adds capacity, it includes a new baseball stadium, new development on that parking lot. Those projects lowered ballpark capacity.

Updated:
Wall Street Journal: provides comments from local businesses around Yankee Stadium that support this viewpoint.

A new Coliseum helps what already is there on Hempstead Turnpike.

If a new Coliseum received naming rights, the final four, other major events, a great deal is realistic in what can be gained by voting for this.

Wang's paying for overages, I cannot see a new building coming in at only 350m based on so many other local facilities.

The loss of the team and a shuttered Coliseum will take away the jobs, revenue and tax money a million visitors currently spend going there. The demolition of the Coliseum will take away from outside businesses that desperately need that revenue.

The loss of the Coliseum revenue, has to be passed on the taxpayers, which includes the demolition.

A nightmare for Nassau County on countless levels.

Maybe after a decade of all the politicians running off everyone who does not make their friends money (sound familiar Desmond Ryan?) something will get done there, the taxpayers will be on the hook for that too.

See Roosevelt Raceway.

NYIFC Blog has created a special section on the referendum via the Islanders website.

Dolan's Coliseum End Game:
Dolan rides in like he did with Hartford.

Cablevision pays Wang for the television rights, regains the territorial right for their own teams expansion into Nassau County.

A renovated (naming rights) Cablevision Coliseum becomes a reality with the Long Island AHL Rangers taking over (Wang keeps business at his hotel) games go on Msg+ and that will be it.

NYIFC Endgame:
It's up to each individual to clearly determine who's future interest is being best represented in referendum coverage, which will influence voters.

You know where NYIFC stands on this subject, it's a viewpoint that comes from a sincere and honest place with no agenda or gain ever.

NYIFC is our public trust to give you an honest blog, never anything else.

Regardless what happens, this is as far as we go on the subject, our best effort has been provided to NYIFC readers.

Thank You Always.

Hockey coverage will resume after the referendum.

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New York Notables 7/15

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/14/2011 11:44:00 PM |


The twitter box will return at 3pm Friday.

Basically the side show continues with the New York Islanders again in the middle of a political football game.

NIFA's 7/14 meeting is now available webcast 13:55 on Coliseum referendum but frankly NIFA members after not having an official position, called the Coliseum referendum nothing more than a property tax of 3.5-4 percent, asking if the highest taxed people in the nation have an appetite for more?

The official position is the vote passes/legislature passes, it will be taken up again.

NYIFC Comments:
For an entity with no official position, they made clear enough they do not support this in any way at all. The contention on both sides between Mangano's office on County finances, and NIFA speaks for itself.

Obviously the Islanders, Wang, are clearly caught in-between.

George J. Marlin's personal blog in December 2010 did share his thoughts on Charles Wang's hockey team, but his viewpoints receive top billing in James Dolan's Newspaper.

Mr Marlin has never written anything on Cablevision's teams, or made personal comment of construction of team facilities in taxpayer bounded/exempt stadium/arena currently in the New York-New Jersey area.

Next Up:
Unless by some chance Desmond Ryan can get Mangano (and his staff) charged with using public funds to promote the Coliseum project (they are only allowed to inform residents) NYIFC will be going back into full-time hockey mode via twitter starting Friday.

A lot of good news coming out of camp, tons of features. NYIFC is not a political blog. The agenda's on all sides (media included) will play themselves out as they will.
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I'm somewhat disappointed, I was unaware, Jeremy Colliton, was Bridgeport's all-time leading scorer. He is only twenty six, so this is not adding a player with absolutely no potential for a breakout year.

I would love to see the club get Jack Hillen signed to a AHL-NHL contract, but the defensive prospects here suggest no.




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New York Notables/Prospect Camp/NIFA Meeting Updated 7/14

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/13/2011 09:38:00 PM | | | | | |


Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio is reporting UFA Jeremy Colliton will return on a two-way contract. Confirmed by Sound Tigers website.

Updated 1pm:
Writing the NIFA meeting will be live here Thursday at 4pm may not be correct.

NIFA meetings are archived for viewing. It may have been a bit presumptuous on NYIFC part, that automatically (like Nassau) the NIFA meeting would also been shown live at 4pm via live web cast.

We apologize in advance if the meeting is not live-streamed at 4pm.

NIFA will be Meeting 7/14/2011 at 4pm from Charles Wang's Marriott Hotel, where they are expected to comment on the Coliseum referendum in their agenda.

Like Nassau County all NIFA meetings can be seen with no media spin. NIFA had it's Jan-April meeting (likely others) at the Marriott, so there is nothing to be read into that.

Many past NIFA meetings are available for viewing, most are only a few minutes with none of the debate/lobbying you see in County meeting process.

NYIFC 8.1.11 section (right sidebar bottom of page) has all available information, including all Stadium/Arena referendum outcomes since 1990.
*******************************************
New York Islander Fan Central twitter on side-bars & special section set up for rookie camp, has had plenty of coverage.

7/13: ITV had video interviews with Ryan Strome, Calvin deHaan, Anders Nilsson, among others.

7/16 ITV: will show Blue vs White Live Saturday at 7pm.

NYIFC Comments:
Only expectation I have from prospect camp is no players are injured. The Devils, Adam Larsson, and several prospects have sustained injuries in their camp this week here.

Eric Boguniecki : signed by Bridgeport as as assistant to new Head Coach, Brent Thompson.

NYIFC Comments:
This is somewhat of a surprise given the club has a lot of folks, who have had brief appearances on the Sound Tigers bench, Matt Bertani was retained as an assistant.

Seems management felt a need to add a second assistant or Thompson was permitted his own hire?
**********************************
New York Notables:
1. Funny how Charles Wang is spending the same forty million he was before there was a cap floor or ceiling, and not one person writes about it? Roloson/Wisniewski were traded with no replacements and the New York Islanders did not go below the floor, which means they were at least four million above it.

But why go there?

2. It's already 7/13, how dare the Islanders not sign Bryan McCabe for three million, Alexei Kovalev/Zherdev for another two million and subject us to actually seeing if Calvin deHaan, Nino Niederreiter can make the club out of camp?

At least replace Godard and Mike Rupp? We have no one to stand up for John Tavares. (wrong Atlantic team and era)

2A. It's not 1998-2008 for Bryan McCabe or Kovalev anymore. The right wings in the system may be a lot better than Zherdev now. Kyle Okposo will likely be back with Tavares and Moulson on the first line, with Parenteau going down a line or two.

3. How are the Islanders going to compete with a defense that has Eric Brewer, MA Bergeron, Bruno Gervais and Matt Gilroy?

3A. Victor Hedman is a very good player, spare me about the rest being better than the Islanders or most other teams at this time.

4. Make an offer sheet (insert star player name) what are they waiting for?

4A. Matched.
End of story.
**********************************
How Low Can You Go Department:
1. I watched the Nassau County meeting Monday which included spending four million dollars in repairs to the Nassau Coliseum, it quickly and quietly passed, but those needing to create a story out of nothing (beyond selling themselves) did what they do best for their own selfish purposes.

1A. Not like the Nassau Coliseum had to cancel an Islanders home game because of asbestos issues, but those same folks would not dare write one word on that and retain a credential.

1B. Instead let's interview some former players to whole-heartedly, without question and from a completely honest place support the Islanders staying, while in the background, it's kept as negative as possible in the owners paper, which contributed greatly to the teams attendance/coverage issues since they started pulling games off television in 1998.

1C. What's next the Islanders refused their Metro Ice Challenge Winnings, or a pregame a few years ago because their TV partner is so wonderful? That the Islanders do not even want preseason games televised/or preseason specials? That the team does not even want our great partners to be burdened with live web-casted preseason games to help interest? Just place all the games on an insulting channel named for Madison Square Garden and hold the HD/ratings, while spamming Msg teams across every telecast.

1D. Anyone have a bridge to nowhere to sell cheap beyond the one going up at a renovated Msg? This end game is all about October 2015, quietly riding in as the good guy while saving hundreds of millions.

Since 1998, the history reflects the truth.

2. PHWA President, Kevin Allen, has no answers on what to do with blogger vs writer credentials issue here beyond letting the teams decide or who vouches for individuals in markets where there is less coverage?

I personally like Kevin Allen's work, but his answer seems to be pass the buck or stay above it as association president. Perhaps he's too smart to take a stand?

3. Beyond comical the same article reports the NY Times, does not allow it's hockey writers to vote for NHL awards? You may recall this was the same publication demanding transparency last November on Islanders media policies? NYIFC called out this hypocrisy once again on April 5th.

4. Yes folks, it's 2011. Hockey information has regressed so much we have comedy sideshows playing insiders on teams finances, with select professional media outlets so cheap and lazy they use them as actual resources.

Then those same publications, call out the teams for not spending enough?

4A. Where's X-Ice when you need them with long memories of Islanders earliest website versions.

5. Maybe we can get some of these comedy sideshow kiddies to publish the salaries of all the professional North American hockey writers? Then we can see which editors, publishers, and owners are the real hockey coverage problem?

5A. Will be fun to see the NY Post calling out Rupert Murdoch (NEVER), which needs to save a little money these days, firing Larry Brooks/Mark Everson and replacing them with AP coverage which would be a dramatic improvement for New York hockey credibility at the Post.

6. Let's end on a good note-Type the words Fort Neverlose into Google maps.
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Personal advertising is not permitted under any circumstances, this is a non-profit site.

Thank You.



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Dolan's Newsday & Those Who Need Him Cannot Be Trusted On Nassau Coliseum Referendum Reporting/Coverage

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/09/2011 05:17:00 PM |


NYIFC has tried for years to get it's message out on this subject. If Charles Dolan bought the Islanders from John Pickett, or there was no James Dolan, we would likely have seen a true partnership that would have only helped hockey's viability in New York.

The New York Islanders for Charles Dolan/Cablevision in the 1980's was what the Yankees are to YES Network.

That was then, this is now.

Sorry folks, anything who believes or does not report the Cablevision Dolans stand to gain a great deal from the referendum failing, simply have another agenda.

That would be an agenda that, runs/hides from the long-standing poor treatment of the New York Islanders in their print or television coverage, which contributed to putting their viability in question.

Many need the Dolan's to stay employed and have nothing to gain by going there, or will even ignore what has happened and defend the company that owns the Cablevision Knicks and a hockey team with one more playoff appearance than the Islanders since 1997.

Those folks will be self-muted or defend Cablevision for their own gain.

The coverage is running exactly as expected here, mostly negative, with anything positive being quickly questioned by Dolan's writers and publication.

What are Dolan's writers going to do? Anything that questions their employer will not be printed, the writer sent packing faster than you can say John Mancini.

Scrutiny of the Garden's 1981 tax exemption is not to be mentioned, anything negative from another outlet receives top billing. The word Dolan never to be used, while Wang is a constant subject, despite his requests to keep negotiations out of newspapers.
********************************
What Can Wang/Islanders Do?
They do not own a newspaper or a major television outlet beyond their own website, the folks that own media (representing the other side) will call up their friends and request time to control the message.
********************************
Ultimately:
If a referendum fails, Mangano has his out for good, Wang too.

I fully expect Ed Mangano to use that out and be rid of the Nassau Coliseum issue for good.

Charles Wang owns the hotel, it's in his best interest to keep trying, however this could well mean the end of his efforts to retain the team at it's present location.

Sure a rejection could lead to the compromise I first wrote about when the project was announced, still what happened in Phoenix will officially be stamped on everything that happens moving forward, the push will be on for the team to leave from all circles.

If a referendum passes on 8/1, I see Nassau Democrats making sure it dies in a legislature vote, or ultimately NIFA because of political party agenda.

A positive referendum vote will be dismissed as not-legitimate because it was done in summer.

Marquette.edu: Has a list of all stadium/area referendum's that have passed and failed back to 1990. Many failed and were constructed anyway.

Ultimately it depends on how much further Charles Wang wants to go. It would be impossible to blame him if he decided he has tried enough. Charles Wang is going to be over seventy if a new Coliseum is approved and constructed, his time as owner is going to end at some point.

NYIFC Viewpoint On Coliseum Referendum:
The New York Islanders are a public trust, with a tradition that is special among all sports teams, never to be placed into the embarrassing position Mangano has put them into.

The Coliseum referendum is a good project that will bring in new revenue, new jobs, and finally get something happening there, it will pay for itself and a lot more. No more Smg taking the revenue Nassau handed them from the Islanders.

Still, Mangano is a joke. Can you imagine if any other team had it's future put to a public referendum? Most/all of them would fail as Mike Bloomberg closed fire-houses to give baseball teams absurd tax bonds.

All those teams in NYC/NJ carved up the taxpayers in the backroom. Edmonton and Quebec will do likewise to it's taxpayers if an arena is built.

Unlike the New York projects which closed neighborhood businesses, or placed the revenue streams inside the owners new theme-parks, a new Coliseum adds capacity, it includes a new baseball stadium, new development on that parking lot. Those projects lowered ballpark capacity.

Updated:
Wall Street Journal: provides comments from local businesses around Yankee Stadium that support this viewpoint.

A new Coliseum helps what already is there on Hempstead Turnpike.

If a new Coliseum received naming rights, the final four, other major events, a great deal is realistic in what can be gained by voting for this.

Wang's paying for overages, I cannot see a new building coming in at only 350m based on so many other local facilities.

The loss of the team and a shuttered Coliseum will take away the jobs, revenue and tax money a million visitors currently spend going there. The demolition of the Coliseum will take away from outside businesses that desperately need that revenue.

The loss of the Coliseum revenue, has to be passed on the taxpayers, which includes the demolition.

A nightmare for Nassau County on countless levels.

Maybe after a decade of all the politicians running off everyone who does not make their friends money (sound familiar Desmond Ryan?) something will get done there, the taxpayers will be on the hook for that too.

See Roosevelt Raceway.

NYIFC Blog has created a special section on the referendum via the Islanders website.

Dolan's Coliseum End Game:
Dolan rides in like he did with Hartford.

Cablevision pays Wang for the television rights, regains the territorial right for their own teams expansion into Nassau County.

A renovated (naming rights) Cablevision Coliseum becomes a reality with the Long Island AHL Rangers taking over (Wang keeps business at his hotel) games go on Msg+ and that will be it.

NYIFC Endgame:
It's up to each individual to clearly determine who's future interest is being best represented in referendum coverage, which will influence voters.

You know where NYIFC stands on this subject, it's a viewpoint that comes from a sincere and honest place with no agenda or gain ever.

NYIFC is our public trust to give you an honest blog, never anything else.

Our best effort has been provided to NYIFC readers.

Thank You Always.

Hockey coverage will resume via twitter next week.

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2011 New York Prospect Camp Roster

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/06/2011 11:47:00 PM | |


Jason Gregiore has signed with Winnipeg.

Islanders News Page: Put together profiles of some (perhaps all) of the players invited to the teams prospect camp. As of this time, I cannot find a starting/ending date beyond Blue vs White game.

Kirill Petrov, Anton Klementyev, Shane Simms/Brian Day (both on 8/15 deadline to sign as graduated college prospects) Tony DeHart, are not included on these lists as of this time. Tomas Marcinko resigned, however he is on an NHL or Europe contract, and not listed here.

Updated:
Islanders website: released the complete list of players coming to camp.

Michael Fornabaio of the Ct Post speculates, last summers pick, DeHart, did not receive the obligatory offer to keep his rights, nothing to confirm.

Head coach, Jack Capuano, is the uncle of Max Capuano.

Here are the names so far:
Justin DiBenedetto
Casey Cizikas
Max Capuano
Stephen Alonge
Matt Martin
Cody McNaughton
Tyler McNeely
Johan Sundstrom
Ryan Strome
Ben Rosen
Rhett Rakhshani
Tony Romano
John Persson
Dan O’Donoghue
Nino Niederreiter
Brock Nelson
Cody Rosen
Teigan Zahn
Mike Marcou
Brenden Kichton
Mark Katic
Travis Hamonic
Matt Donovan
Calvin de Haan
Art Bidlevski
Anton Zlobin
David Ullstrom
Scott Mayfield
Aaron Ness
Benn Olson
Nicola Riopel
Chris Rawlings
Kevin Poulin
Anders Nilsson
Mikko Koskinen
Mei Ushu
Bennett Schneider
Robbie Russo
Andrei Pedan
Corey Trivino
KJ Tiefenwerth
Mitchell Theoret
Danny Linell
Max LeSieur
Anders Lee
Kirill Kabanov
Brett Gallant



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New York Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/06/2011 10:38:00 AM |


As expected, Blake Comeau filed for arbitration. Not necessarily a bad thing, most of those negotiations do not make the arbitrators table.....rarely do teams walk away from an award. The comparative for a twenty goal player can get expensive depending on how an arbitrator rules.

If a player does have a hearing, the only recourse the team has is to reject the award, meaning the player becomes an UFA. There is no lose an arbitration hearing, then trade the player option.

There could be a one year contract, or a long term contract announced before. What's certain is filing means another team cannot sign him to an offer sheet.

The larger potential problem may be Josh Bailey. Bailey and his agent likely want the same commitment/perhaps not back-loaded, that Kyle Okposo received after getting hurt, and struggling most of last season.

Bailey/agent have a good argument not to be thrilled with being moved from center to wing and back. Butch Goring noted this several times last year before Schremp was traded, and after he was recalled from Bridgeport.

As for the rest of the Islanders RFA players, we'll see who accepted their qualifying offers vs who did not.

An article was posted on twitter from Wishart yesterday at a charity event, that he was very happy to be qualified.
**********************************
Mark Streit, Milan Jurcina, Mark Eaton, Mike Mottau.

This team cannot afford another veteran signing along the lines of the later three, which includes Kaberle to Carolina or whatever happens to McCabe.

Not unless one of the those three are traded.

Best move here is patience, if the market remains the same, you go into the season with the back-line you have.

I will be shocked if Martinek is an UFA much longer, unless his WC injury has other teams/Islanders concerned.

Updated:
Radek Martinek has signed a one year contract with Columbus.

NYIFC Comments:
Congratulations and the best of luck to Radek Martinek, he will be greatly missed.
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PA Parenteau is not a first line right wing? Ok fair enough.

Explain why Kyle Okposo will not be the first line right wing, as he likely would have been from day one a year ago if he was not hurt? He was used there for the bulk of his NHL career.

There is also Niederreiter, as a natural right wing.

No law Parenteau cannot slide down next to Nielsen as his right wing.
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Keith Yandle got an excellent deal for the NHL/himself and the Coyotes, easily the most sensible long-term contract this summer.
***********************************
Regarding Trevor Frischmon, I'm having a hard time seeing how this signing helps, however management has singled out some players that fit this organization. On paper it does not seem to add up for New York or Bridgeport.

Andy Hilbert (failed as that turned out) with Jon Sim presented viable veteran scoring options for Bridgeport last summer.

I have to give management the benefit of the doubt on this one for now.
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All I'm going to write about Zenon Konopka (beyond wishing him the best of luck with Ottawa) is anyone who writes whether he was good in the lockeroom or not, has to be in the room daily to make such a statement.

That goes for every single NHL player.
**********************************
Very sad day to see Nate Lawson leave, the three goalie system makes thing very rough but with so many goaltenders injured, there is little alternative. He is expected to start for his new AHL team.

Lawson, Koskinen, Montoya, DiPietro, Nabokov, Poulin all were injured at points of last season or had spring/summer surgery.
**********************************
Vacation is coming here, with a return to the twitter box format.



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New York's Game Plan Moving Forward In Free Agency:

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/04/2011 03:18:00 AM | | | | | |


The deadline for players filing arbitration is 7/5 at 5pm EST. Blake Comeau will be the player to watch here, we could find out here if Haley/others accept their qualifying offers.

Updated:
Comeau has filed for salary arbitration.

Updated 7/5:
Islanders website: announced today they have agreed to terms with center Trevor Frischmon on a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract.

Colorado Springs Gazette: June 30th had his comments about playing in the NHL and why he was considering moving on from Columbus.
****************************
The best move so far by the New York Islanders is the one they have not made.

Still, Garth Snow has spots to be filled/key players to be signed/re-signed.

Forwards:
Given the forward prospects that have left Bridgeport, the current open roster spots, with the possible chance of Blake Comeau in a year going UFA, Snow should be working hard to sign left wing Jason Gregoire.

Grand Forks Herald: who broke Gregoire's leaving school reported he was at the draft, and interviewed with nine teams.

Gregoire is not Blake Wheeler, even if he used his clause to explore UFA, but he is a talented prospect with scoring ability.

If Gregiore signed here and did well in camp, it could open the roster for a possible Comeau trade (if he cannot be signed) without some of the contracts comparable left wingers were given on 7/1.

Unless Snow and his staff have targeted another Matt Moulson or P.A Parenteau for Bridgeport, this is the best move to supplement his AHL prospect base after losing Figren, Joensuu.....likely Tomas Marcinko, unless he makes the NHL per his new contract.

Another thing to consider is before Matt Martin uses up his NHL waiver eligibility (160 games) it would be only prudent to seriously consider him returning to Bridgeport and rediscovering his offensive game on the top lines, while Marcinko receives a full look here, who has been signed.

Martin was not as visible as he was offensively the previous year (granted a five game sample) on a regular basis, perhaps it being on the fourth line/perhaps not?

Bottom line here, the Islanders second/third round picks in 2006 are gone, one of the fourth rounders from that draft is signed to play only in the NHL or Europe.

Martin needs to play more, Gregiore would be a good player to have in your system, Marcinko should get an NHL chance before departing likely for good.

Backline:
This team has Eaton, Mottau, Jurcina signed for next season, they CANNOT afford another middle of the road veteran blue-liner like McCabe, Kaberle ect taking a spot in this lineup. Their limited offensive/defensive ability, with declining skills makes that a non-starter at this point in their careers.

The players in Bridgeport are better potential options, especially Calvin deHaan, perhaps Wishart and Katic right now.

Katic's speed/skill flat out impressed me.....a lot.

If Snow wants to trade Eaton, Mottau or Jurcina, then sign McCabe or Kaberle that's acceptable, not before.

There are twenty eight other teams interested in trading for Keith Yandle, it's not happening unless he's signed long-term in advance and Garth Snow includes a top prospect, or a top draft choice.

You cannot trade for Yandle as a rental, Phoenix needs to win immediately so someone will purchase the club and keep it in Arizona. Don Maloney is likely not going to be retained if the franchise is moved, so his personal best short-term bet is Yandle.

Goaltender:
No one is trading a top defender for Nabokov, who's 500k right now looks expensive compared to what Vokoun got, but a steal compared to what so many others received.

What's Next:
For the moment getting contracts done with Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau, perhaps Frans Nielsen beyond one year, along with the move stated above, should be the priority.

If something cannot get done with Nielsen or Comeau, you can include both in a trade for a quality defender. Nielsen's trade value may never be higher, if he has another year struggling on offense it will decline.

No law Tavares-Strome-Bailey cannot be your three centers by fall 2012.

The Dany Heatley NHL tour has now stopped in Minnesota for Martin Havlat here in a late Sunday trade.

From The Hypocrisy/Double Standard Or Selective Amnesia Department:
NY Daily News: decided on an unnamed editorial blasting the Coliseum project 7/4 that is so pathetic, it ignores the same NY Daily News article Yankee Stadium and Citi Field are the Houses That You Built from January of 2009.

NYIFC Comments:
Would not shock me at all if Cablevision picked up the phone and asked for a negative editorial as the LIBN did on June 30th displaying some very selective amnesia regarding other local teams.



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New York Day Two Free Agent Summary:

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/02/2011 10:13:00 PM |


Another very smart day for Garth Snow, another foolish day around the NHL.

Nothing out there was done today that could improve the New York Islanders, which was just another brutal day for the NHL market.

What's happening in basketball will be happening in the NHL here by next summer, the agents for our soon to be RFA/UFA will be lining up for the same deals as they should.

That's the real bad news.

Garth Snow has three left wings more productive than Simone Gagne. Michal Handzus had less goals than Marty Reasoner last year, he played in all eighty two games.

Twenty eight other clubs want to trade for Keith Yandle, he's going to want his forty million when he reaches UFA. It's not worth the talent it would take in return to trade for him.

Phoenix needs to make what could be their last stand by winning now.

Jack Hillen scored the same four goals Kaberle did for two teams, is this the player you want to give Calvin deHaan or one of these kids spot to? Not me.

Outside of Tomas Vokoun, who signed a one-year contract with Washington for 1.5m, a ton of poor contracts again on Saturday.

Vokoun's agent played this as poorly as Nabokov's last summer. Wonder how Ed Snider feels about blowing up his roster now for Ilya Bryzgalov, even Tampa giving Roloson three million dollars?

All those backups who got the same or more than Vokoun?

Washington robbing Colorado for a first round pick/signing Vokoun were the biggest winners of UFA this summer by a mile.

What was Dale Tallon thinking with all that money to reach the floor with a true top flight goaltender? He then overspends on mediocrity/retreads, then let his one star get away?

Where is Bill Torrey to explain this to him?

Sadly, there is media defending the spending so out of touch, who don't follow the Panthers.

Someone needs to explain how Tampa's defense is improved with MA Bergeron, Bruno Gervais & Matt Gilroy?

So Toronto gave Tim Connolly almost five millions dollars for a thirteen goal player/minus ten player on a playoff team? That's less goals than Josh Bailey scored two years ago.

What can be said about the Cablevision Rangers that was not written already? I only wish Richards robbed them for even more at that age/price but that's about as foolish as any team can be. Unless the money is absurd or front-loaded no one signs to play for Cablevision.

If it keeps Cablevision from making a run at Tavares or the true star center's upcoming entering their prime, it's worth every penny to our franchise.

Go look at the Dallas Stars scoring last year, Richards had an excellent core group of scoring players. It's a poor gamble at that age, a bad contract, it would be just as bad here. Cue Newsday/Dolan's paid spin-doctors, who's jobs are at stake.

Anyone who claims he signed for any other reason than the money are kidding themselves, he took no discount, as no one ever does to play at Cablevision.

That's 20m pre-lockout up-font to read off the Dolan/Trautwig cue-cards Ted Drury's brother left behind on Ranger tradition.

The good news for him is like everyone else, the spotlight will not be on him in baseball city USA. He had far more attention in Tampa and Dallas.

I could not have hand-picked someone out of UFA to be a worse signing for that franchise. Not jealously, same thinking when Sather was hired/no real plan, but who clearly takes his marching orders from Dolan.

They have a coach who two weeks before he was hired said, Avery does not belong in the NHL, a gm who said if he had Cablevision's payroll they would never lose a game.

Dolan is the dumbest owner in professional sports by a mile. I guess eventually you buyout/front load/hide enough brutal contracts, one pays off.

Richards will not be that player, but he can start talking about Sean Avery again
here who he's reunited with from Dallas.

Twenty million dollars upfront in lockout protection helps to clarify uncertainty.

It will not make for success.



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New York Day Two Free Agent Summary:

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/02/2011 12:00:00 PM |


NHL.com Updated Blog Of All Confirmed Signings.

New York Day One Free Agency Summary:

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/01/2011 10:58:00 PM | | |


Isladers website: Has Marty Reasoner's comments on coming to New York along with, General Manager, Garth Snow.

Video Highlights: of Reasoner's goals.

Updated Saturday AM:
Rochester Demorat & Chronicle: has an in-depth interview with Reasoner, about how UFA went for him in the past, and why he signed with New York, for 2.7m/two years.

NYIFC Comments:
I'm thrilled Snow stayed out of that mix today.

Reasoner received a bit much in terms of salary, but given today's ridiculous/absurd contracts being give out, it was one of the better signings out there.

Reasoner has the ability to produce double-digit goals, kill penalties, and win faceoffs on the fourth line. Zenon Konopka had two goals, was a minus fourteen and had a ton of fighting mileage on him.

He looked hurt from it at the end of last season.

I have no idea what Konopka is like in the room, what take management had on his outspoken comments. In general fans (this blog included) love it/media like reporting it, but team management's like their players guarded with non controversial statements.

Reasoner will not be controversial, is healthy in terms of games played and most importantly, has far greater potential to produce some goals and points. He is above acceptable in the faceoff/pk department. Your fourth line cannot be a minus. The fight by appointment is one thing, the final score the other.

The Islanders did Konopka few favors with a rookie in Martin, or Gilles as his wingers, but Tampa moved on from him also. Pittsburgh paper asked if the Pens should sign him, so it's possible he will be putting Mario's picture back up.

Will be fun watching the same Pens media that ripped him, now defend him, but they have that act down pat with Matt Cooke.

Only thing more biased was Leaf media giving Brian Burke a pass for going to Afghanistan. If Snow went there, the same media would be all over him and Wang.

They would be all over the other twenty eight teams as well.

How come no one calls out Richard Peddie? Bad for business in those media outlets.
************************************
Kabanov was a little surprising, however he must stay in juniors unless he plays in the NHL, there is no Bridgeport option.
************************************
Today's disappointment was Joensuu going to HV-71. Out of that trio group of forwards, Figren/Joensuu are gone, Marcinko signed, but unless he is in the NHL, he will play in Europe.

Would have been a good day to revisit Gregiore as others were getting paid.
************************************
What Should Snow Do Next:
If Snow wants to move Eaton, Mottau or Jurcina to bring in a lateral signing like McCabe, what's really gained? Same on Kaberle? I would rather see the players here now receive those spots. Martinek is a far better defensive defender than most of those player left available.

Notables:
You have players out there getting massive front-loaded contracts/salary, who had less/even production than Blake Comeau, P.A Parenteau, who's agents must be celebrating tonight.

I completely understand folks who saw Buffalo lose it's stars (to Philadelphia) get a chuckle out of the tables being turned, however those are brutal signings, even for an owner in his honey-moon spending period.

Today was a day that's going to force another lockout unless the plan is thirty multi-billionaires in a contest to see who can lose the most money a year?

Many of those teams over spending to fill out a roster, seem to have no plan, beyond scuffling the chips, did anyone really improve? I liked Mike Rupp, but at that price/term Cablevision can have him.

Anaheim signed and traded the Islanders, James Wisniewski so Andy Sutton could get huge money/term to get hurt and become a forward? Then they dumped him today while, Wisniewski got what was a desperation overpayment from Columbus.

I like Wisniewski, but not even close to that price. Did Anaheim or Edmonton have any plan at all today?

How's the new season ticket commitments looking Winnipeg?

Guess those riots really rallied the free agents on re-signing with Vancouver?

Do the Flyers have a plan, beyond raiding the Pens, who just crossed the Islanders off their new main rival list?

Ed Snider is just bad for hockey, his impatience only hurts his team. Only thing worse was the Tsn.ca salesman protecting the Leafs/Brian Burke for being in Afghanistan which is a worthy cause, but if it were Snow, Wang would be getting roasted alive for not being with his team.

A few Tsn salesman were heaping massive praise on the owners who spend, and are committed to their teams/fans.

Sounds nice, reads well, but those kind of deals were bad for the teams, the fans, who will see their ticket prices increases, and gain virtually nothing but unrealistic exceptions. They are not superstar talents.

Michael Peca, did a nice job praising Peter Laviolette for how he handled things here.

The dancing backup goalies, what they were getting paid to sign elsewhere was ridiculous. Nabokov is a flat-out steal if he was tolled (which we never got official confirmation) at 500k.

What was Colorado thinking?

Why doesn't Toronto want to solve it's Flyer-like goaltending issues and bring in Vokoun? Dale Tallon went off the reservation today, signing popular former names to over-priced contracts is one thing, but they are not improved. That kind of term for Bergenheim makes this blog happy for him, but that's another terrible overpayment.

Roman Hamrlik must have nine lives to receive a two year contract from Washington.

Out long national Sheldon Souray nightmare ended.
Philadelphia's long Jaromir Jagr nightmare began.

I guess the Ranger media fans can once again bash him like they did when he was a cap when they are not covering baseball.

The NHL let Don Maloney spend a lot of money for a franchise that posted a 13m loss above what Glendale gives the league.

Did Al Traugwig fax Mike Rupp that statement to read on Tsn.ca?

People do understand Brad Richards is a twenty goal/seventy point player... right?

Alexei Yashin had seventy five points his first season here.

We can only hope Dolan does all he can to land him, then again, if Dolan did the talking he will sign elsewhere for sure.

Where's Isiah Thomas when you need him?
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Sometimes the best move is the one you do not make, the winners today were the teams that mostly kept quiet.

I liked the deal Tyler Kennedy re-signed in Pittsburgh as the best decision of the day.



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