Why can't hockey writers be questioned?

Globe & Mail: William Houston of the Globe & Mail asks his readers should Hockey Night In Canada commentator Don Cherry be allowed to put down Jermain Franklin, a TSN reporter who asked a question of San Jose Sharks coach Ron Wilson and was ridiculed on Cherry's Coach's Corner for doing so.

Mr Houston speculates at TSN, the hockey people are upset with Cherry over his denouncing Franklin on Monday night and says can you imagine TSN's Mike Milbury airing a clip of a muddled query by Hockey Night host Ron MacLean or one of dozens of leading questions by reporter Cassie Campbell, and then belittling MacLean or Campbell on the air?

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I really have nothing to write about Don Cherry, Ron MacLean or anyone else in terms of what happened in this instance. But I do have to ask why not put the print media under the spotlight and question their hockey viewpoint, what they are asking and why?

Bill Guerin jumped on a Newday writer earlier this year with the Ranger-hangover questions. It was more like the writer had Ranger hangover and after a few questions Guerin got tired of being asked. Any writer asking questions can create any theme they want to an article.

For all the talk of bloggers being fans the only difference seems to me (beyond some professional writers having their credentials) is the bloggers at least wear the teams colors in public.

Seems Newsday pays Steve Zipay to cover media, same for Richard Sandomir in the Times, Bob Raissman in the Daily News and Mr Mushnick over at the Post. Why not do articles questioning the hockey writers and their agenda with coverage and what teams they are die-hard fans of?

Over on the political channels they tell you going in when someone from a media outlet does an interview who they prefer or what party they have a vested interest in.

How come Newsday completely omits Greg Logan's tenure as a Ranger beatwriter in his profile?

I think it would be great to hire someone to watch the writers work a lockeroom and see who they like vs who they do not like and then follow the coverage. I would love to see who Greg Logan wants to speak with after games and who he goes to for quotes vs who he avoids at all costs.

You could do that with all the local hockey writers. Larry Brooks and Jay Greenberg are visibly disgusted with Rick DiPietro after beating the Rangers and are seeing complaining before leaving the Isles lockeroom without a comment.

Watching Peter Botte and the latest Post part-time writer and who they go to would be more fun than the interviews themselves.

Mr Botta could probably write a book about those kinds of experiences.

You see trends in the reporting, some seem fair, others do not. Writers can make or break players or teams and the fans take everything written (including writer speculation vs actual quotes) as gospel.

If Mr Logan wants to speculate Rick DiPietro is hurt that's fair enough
(turned out he was right) but when he's covering games and sees him playing well after the all-star game but the other team simply is scoring on good setups and only goes to the numbers to make a statistical argument he should sit, it's fair to ask is Mr Logan watching the games or was there an issue between him and the goaltender?

Anyone who thinks for a minute sportswriters do not rip players or create issues with players they do not get along with do not understand these writers want quotes, have deadlines and there are some players or teams they simply do not like.

Sports editors and publishers push these folks to stir things up as well to sell papers, a majority of this kind of coverage usually comes from that.

And sure you can bet some players want no part of some writers or any writer.

Of course Isles are not like other clubs where the writers compete with each other but still there is pressure to produce quotes and information.

In the Isles lockeroom the Newsday beatwriter can make or break you as what's written usually is what's quoted in the Canadian press and websites which gives fans their perception of a player. It's why a Radek Martinek can only be under-rated if he's playing well in league circles.

Alexei Yashin was someone who did not fill Alan Hahn's quotebook so he was not protected by the former beatwriter. Mr Hahn flat out misreported Mark Parrish signed only a one year extension in August 2005 and speculated he only took a year because of Yashin.

Sounded nice at the time but the only problem was Parrish did not sign, he signed in September just before the club left for camp. Mr Hahn was so busy running down Yashin in print (who was just named captain) he did not even bother to correct himself.

Mr Botta later ripped Alan Hahn and questioned Newsday's overall coverage back on April 7th 2006 here so it's not something new that I'm introducing here.

Same thing with Mr Logan and Ted Nolan's contract. Out of nowhere the coaches contract becomes this big issue because Mr Logan seemed to want to make it an issue. Ted Nolan said he did not have an agent but next thing we know game day coverage is not even written for articles about so-called rifts where the coach could be leaving or fired?

All Ted Nolan said was he has not met with the club about a contract extension, he was asked and gave an answer. What's the man supposed to do, lie or not answer the question? I guess he did not repeat Garth Snow's comments that management contracts are not for the public discussion.

To me that is simply poor journalism designed to stir things up and makes me question the writer. If Ted Nolan went to Mr Logan and said he feels he deserves a contract extension that's another matter and fair game.

What I do not like about Mr Logan's work most is he seemed to go out of his way to portray DiPietro as someone hurting his team by playing and created this entire issue about his games being cut back, despite playing as much as he did a year ago and facing close to two hundred less shots (something Mr Logan never wrote once) but not a single time did he write the other veterans were hurting the club by continuing to play while injured.

In fact he seemed to bend over backwards to protect the veterans in Newsday, but not Rick DiPietro. Even when Ted Nolan was blowing up at them the final days.

Doesn't that work both ways?

It's almost funny seeing Ted Nolan's answer when pressed about how many games Rick DiPietro should play next year because it's something he cannot answer for certain in advance nor should he even try. I guess that's why he jokes about him playing eight one games instead of eighty two.

I got an e-mail asking why I'm critical of Mr Logan and some of the writers recently?

All I can tell you is what I told the person who wrote me, I do things based on the article for that day. One day I can be critical, the next I have written the writer has done a good job with a lot of information. It's up to them and have credited Mr Logan for good work on a lot of occasions also. I defended Greg Logan for the headline writer making a mistake about Nolan threatening trades (which Mr Logan talked about) and I never criticize a writer for space given to them in a paper for coverage.

I see someone like Mr Fornabaio at the Ct Post and I honestly cannot recall one instance where he wrote something to stir something up. He covers the games, writes the comments and does his own speculation but I have never seen him write to create an issue.

That's why I think his work is excellent. The hockey tells the story.

Islander/Sound Tiger Notables

Ct Post Michael Fornabaio reports in his blog all 24 (24!) guys are still here and practicing.

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

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

Sound Tigers have no game tonight.

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

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

Just finished up Hockey Night on LI

My thanks to Alex and Steve at Hockey Night on LI for having me on their program today. I had a lot of fun doing their show talking Islanders and both do such an outstanding job it was a pleasure to be a guest and the time went just too quick.

My thanks to the Tom Liodice and the folks in the chat room for their kind words as well. Hope I did a good job for everyone.

Michael Fornabaio of the Ct Post was also on and I am a big fan of his work so it was a great hockey afternoon for me and a lot of fun.


For those interested in listening to Alex and Steve's program today with Sound Tigers beat writer Michael Fornabaio and myself feel free to visit here or just find the link to their show which is on New York Islander Fan Central.

Updated Sunday:
We missed this one on the telecast but Aaron Johnson would have to clear waivers, this was confirmed early in the season which I forgot on the show. Also we missed on Johnson being ready to play which is why Tambellini had to travel to Ottawa.

I listened to the show this morning, for someone who hates the sound of his own voice who was hesitant to listen to the replay for that reason I guess I did not come off half bad, Alex and Steve of course did a great job making me look good.

Thanks again Alex and Steve and keep up the great work.

Islander News Articles 11/23:

Newsday: Greg Logan's article was on the first line struggling and Friday's game in Boston.

"I don't think we played that well," Comrie said after practice Thursday morning. "You have to compete every night, and Ted wants our line to be competitive every time we get on the ice ... Our line struggled a little bit. We can't lose focus because it was one game where we didn't play as well as we should have. We've played pretty well as of late, and we've just got to get back to making plays and keeping things simple. We won't worry about the score. We'll worry about our work ethic."

"Yeah, we took a little break," captain Guerin said of the benching Thursday. "Our line was awful. We generated nothing, and we were on the ice for two goals. Everybody is subject to that. It's going to happen to everybody at least once during the year. Ted doesn't have to say anything. Actions speak louder than words.

Newsday: Greg Logan's Thanksgiving day blog is a full update on what's going on with Freddy Meyer.

“It was an interesting month to say the least,” Meyer said of his time away from the Islanders. “I’ve never experienced anything like that before, but I’ve come to learn it’s part of this business. I’m not the first guy to get bounced around to a few teams in a short period of time. You’ve just got to take it in stride.

“I got the phone call from my agent that I was heading back east. I spoke to Snowy while I was at the airport, and he said, ‘Welcome home.’ It’s been good.”

NYI Fan Central Comments:
About time Logan got a comment from Meyer. Not many players are placed on waivers, go to another conference, then the AHL, then are reclaimed and we do not even know where they practice.

Boston Herald: Rich Thompson previews Islanders-Boston home/home, reports Tim Thomas will be back in goal and defenseman Matt Hunwick from Providence was recalled.

Newsday: Neil Best has an article on the NHL network and how it relates to the Islanders, a local radio show on the club, and some games on Chinese radio that was posted here a while back. He also reported on Billy Jaffe becoming a father and told our fans who cannot find the games to go to nyoverflow.com.

InsideCollegeHockey.com: Jess Myers has an update on Kyle Okposo even though the Gophers as a team are struggling.

"I'm back," Okposo said after last Saturday's 4-2 Gopher loss to Alaska Anchorage. Okposo's face displayed a shy smile that betrayed his dislike for talking about individual accomplishments after a team loss. "I think I'm starting to play well. I feel like I've got a pep in my step and I'm starting to play like the player of old."

"We've got to start bumping guys, being more physical and just getting a little jam to our game," Okposo said. "We've got to be making plays, making short passes, making the right plays at the right times. We do that a lot. We do that at many points in the game, but there are some points where we don't do those things, and it comes back to haunt us."

Washington Times: Corey Masisak on Thursday reported on the Capitals firing coach Glen Hanlon and replacing him with AHL coach Bruce Boudreau.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Considering how well they played with injuries to open the season it's surprising the Caps struggled this badly with the improvements they made last summer to a hard working roster already. Semin being out was a problem but the hard working edge that was their trade mark the last few seasons seemed to be missing for far too long and this was a change I thought was a week away at best. Atlanta is back at five hundred and playing well even though I though the wrong person was fired.

Hanlon had a very long run in Washington, his teams did not win but worked very hard for him. I wonder how much blame Poti and Kozlov share in this. Personally I would have fired George McPhee because he brought in the players. Poti had a terrible turnover recently in a one goal loss.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's Friday article is on the Sound Tigers record when they fail to hit the three goal mark in games.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio had two blog updates, one on the Sound Tigers being in last (seventh place) but with many games in hand and only a few points out of second and how they have responded in the past when at the bottom of the standings.

It is frustrating," centerman Ben Walter said. "Everyone's working hard, playing hard, drawing penalties. We go out on the power play, and we're not putting the puck in the net. "The guys who are counted on for scoring, myself included, have to get the job done."

"We had a few of those," Capuano said. The puck just wouldn't go in, though the Sound Tigers generated chances with help from their young defensemen. Andrew MacDonald and Dustin Kohn — a late addition when Drew Fata went down with back spasms — joined the rush and protected their defensive end as well. "They did the job. They played well," Capuano said. "Their gaps were good. They played really well."

Hartford Wolf Pack at Bridgeport Sound Tigers
WHEN — Tonight, 7:30
WHERE — Arena at Harbor Yard
ON THE AIR — No radio; Webcast and B2 Networks Internet pay-per-view at www.soundtigers.com

NYI Fan Central Comments:
If I'm in Howard Saffin or Garth Snow's spot here, I'm watching the Sound Tigers three games this weekened very close.

It's time for this group to step up or some pressure should be on head coach Jack Capuano's status. This team has not have major injuries, the top prospects have not been called up beyond Ben Walter and for the most part have played with a roster surplus that Greg Cronin, Dave Baseggio and Steve Stirling did not have as they played games shorthanded in the past at times. First place is basically over for the season considering the Phantom's record.

This roster on paper should be much better than what it has shown to this point and they are not responding. It's great Hershey's goalie had to be their best player on Wednesday and sometimes a goalie does steal a game but the Sound Tigers have had a few very bad trends this season that seem to indicate a problem that speaks to the coaching.

11/21: Bridgeport at Hershey 7pm

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's game day article is on Steve Regier tying Justin Mapletoft's record for games played as a Sound Tiger.

"He has been one of our better forwards," Capuano said. "His work ethic, his determination, his professionalism are better this year than they were last year."

"It's my fourth year. It's time to put up or shut up," Regier said. "I'm trying to bring more professionalism to my game, be a little bit mature about the job and the business of being a hockey player."

Bridgeport Sound Tigers at Hershey Bears
WHEN — Tonight, 7pm
WHERE — Giant Center, Hershey, Pa.
ON THE AIR — No radio; Webcast and B2 Networks Internet pay-per-view at www.soundtigers.com

Kip Brennan is out with an injury.

Sound Tigers.com: Has a preview of tonight's game.

Islander News Articles 11/18:

Newsday: Greg Logan's Sunday article is about the change in leadership since last season and what Bill Guerin brings to the locker room. He writes people from one end of the organization to the other credit the subtraction of Yashin and the addition of Guerin for creating a new sense of togetherness and purpose.

"He's been great in our locker room," said enforcer Chris Simon, who is close to Nolan and understands better than anyone what kind of leadership is required to play the coach's style. "Billy's play speaks for itself," Simon said. "He plays in the hard areas. He's not a perimeter player. When a guy plays the way he does and carries himself the way he does, everybody listens from young guys to older guys. That's a real good thing."

"The biggest thing to me was the chemistry and the camaraderie on the team, making sure everybody wanted to be there and wanted to be a part of the Islanders," Guerin said Saturday. "I think we have that. We've got a great group of guys. We support each other, and we're trying to make it like a family.

Asked what needed to change, Guerin answered quickly. "It's just a feeling," he said. "There's more a sense of unity this year than there was last year. There's not 17 guys on one page, two guys on one and one on another. Everybody's on the same page."

NYI Fan Central Comments:
No direct quote from anyone regarding Alexi Yashin which is unfair if Logan is going to make such a claim on a team with so many new faces.

No doubt Guerin is a huge positive in the locker room but Guerin himself said it's what you do on the ice, the rest is just words.

Simon's comments are interesting but Guerin has been almost entirely a perimeter player all season who's offensive contribution has been one game Olaf Kolzig struggled where he took a lazy shot from long distance on a five on three that squeaked through. His only goal in front of the net was against Kevin Weekes in overtime on another players hard work. To this point Yashin's season a year ago has been better on the ice than Guerin's.

Alexei Yashin's Islanders made four of the last five playoffs, only he knows how much he wanted to be captain or what he failed to do in the job behind the scenes but it's fair to say Yashin did not have anyone like a Comrie, Guerin to work with either and he's scapegoated for not be supported. He also has to be given credit for a good statistical year from Blake, Simon and especially Viktor Kozlov.

As Blake said himself when he signed in Toronto, Yashin was expected to perform miracles. Kozlov praised Yashin when he signed in Washington also.

Let's not pull punches here either, Yashin was not good with the media and that's not going to win him points with someone who's on a deadline and needs material.

Guerin's grade as captain comes down to the club's record, not how players get along off the ice.

Newsday: Greg Logan also did a second feature on Josef Vasicek who leads the NHL in shooting percentage.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's blog has comments from Bates about his first game and the loss against Hershey.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article in the paper.

Islander News Articles 11/16:

Newsday: Greg Logan has player reaction on the 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh Thursday and complaints about the penalty disparity.

"These are four-point games," forward Mike Sillinger said. "We don't want to look back and say we played a good game, but we lost. We've got to find a way to win these one-goal games, and I think a big part of it is executing on the power play."

"We made some mistakes," DiPietro said of the turnovers. "I don't think that was our best effort."

"Sean Bergenheim bumps their goaltender and they [get a power play], and Crosby bumps ours [and gets no call]," coach Ted Nolan said. "I don't know what the difference is. We've just got to live with it, but [eight penalties to four] is kind of lopsided."

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Dave Molinary has the Pens centric coverage.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Rob Rossi has reaction from the Pens on breaking their losing streak.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has a feature on Shawn Bates. Thursday he updated his blog with a practice report where Bates played left wing on a line here with Ben Walter and Steve Regier.

Everything feels good," Bates said after Thursday's practice at the Arena at Harbor Yard. "I'm feeling ready to go, ready to play a game."

"It's one thing to ride the bike. It's one thing to do what Garrett (Timms, the Islanders' trainer) has been doing with him," Capuano said. "It's another thing to play a hockey game. Conditioning is going to be a big thing for him."

"For anybody who hasn't played that long, it'll be a little tough," Capuano said. "His enthusiasm, his excitement, being ready to play, that's going to off-balance some of that rust."

Vancouver Province and countless articles: Report Brett Hull has been named to interim gm of the Dallas Stars. This article examines the trends which began with Garth Snow.

Islander News Articles 11/15:

Erik Boland: Has an update on Bill Guerin for Thursday's game against Pittsburgh who will wear a protective visor while Ted Nolan talks about the captain's value to the club.

"Something fluky like this is tough because other than that you feel great," Guerin said. "It's not like a wrist or arm or a leg, or something like that where you know you can't skate. Physically you feel fine, it's just this fluke incident that you're missing time for."

"It could have been much worse."

"Just his presence," Nolan said. "His mannerisms, the way he talks to his teammates before the game, the way he gets ready on the bench, the respect factor he has. All the intangibles. He's one of those guys you can get by without for a game or two but more than that, it's tough. We're glad he's back."

In terms of Lighthouse Project reaction in Newsday:
Chris Mascaro & Edin Laikin had positive and negative comments from residents and civic leaders with concerns and praise for the project. Peter KIng: Does on article on how Mr Wang decided on this concept when he visited NHL arena's a few years ago.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review & Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Have the Pens coverage which centered around Kris Letang joining the club to give them the right handed shot they need from the point and struggling Marc Andre Fleury getting the start against the Islanders. DiPietro is quoted about the ten pounds he lost helping his legs as the season progresses. Former Penguin Richard Park had a few words about how dangerous Pittsburgh's powerplay is. Former Sound Tiger Alain Nasreddine cleared waivers and was sent the to Pens AHL team in Scranton.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio notes Walter and Bates going to Bridgeport and why Bates can only stay with the Sound Tigers until around Thanksgiving. As usual he's well ahead of the New York papers and has the Pens stories on LeTang and Nasreddine.

Ct Post: Listed the Sound Tigers individual player statistics.

Ben Walter, Bates to Bridgeport & 10,000

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio updated his blog Wednesday and reports Ben Walter and Shawn Bates should be joining the Sound Tigers at practice Thursday. Bates will be with the club until around Thanksgiving on a conditioning stint.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I guess this means Guerin returns to the lineup against Pittsburgh and a decision on
whether the Islanders dress seven defenders with Berard's return or Jackman sits down. Still no word on where Freddy Meyer is going to play. It will be interesting to see what happenes with Bates when his conditioning stint ends.

Updated 7:30pm
Point Blank: Chris Botta updated his blog and confirmed Guerin went to Pittsburgh and his playing status will be determined after the morning skate along with Walter and Bates going to Bridgeport.

USHL.com: Finally released it's fan Q & A with Islander prospect Blake Kessel today.

New England Hockey Journal: Matt Kalman has an update on Petteri Nokelainen now that he is healthy and getting an opportunity with the Bruins.

FastHockey: Announced Pat LaFontaine has joined its Strategic Advisory Board. This company claims to be the Web’s leading resource for amateur hockey content and player recruiting and lists several major NHL figures as part of this company including former Islanders Marty McInnis, Ray Ferraro, Scott LaChance, Ted Crowley.

Took a little look at the page counter today folks, 10,000 page views for New York Islander Fan Central, thanks so much for the great support.

I added a feature today asking for feedback about what you like about this site and put in a spot if you think the site needs more work. Anything specific please send an email with comments and suggestions as always.

Ted Nolan state of the Islanders

Islanders website: Has an update from Ted Nolan on the state of the team where he praises players and updates the injury status of Berard and Guerin for the next game. He also makes comparisions to last year's team. Richard Park is singled out by the coach for his efforts.

"Last year the players didn't know me and I didn't know the players," said Ted. "We didn't know each other. We probably started building that trust halfway through the year. We built upon that at the start of this year with the strong leadership of Sillinger, Witt, Park and all the guys from last year. With new guys we brought in this year, the adjustment has been much quicker."

"We're happy with where we are now," said Nolan. "Guys are getting better and everyone is feeling more comfortable around with one another. We're on the right track to where we want to be."

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio updates his blog today on the Sound Tigers.

Islander News Articles 11/13:

Newsday: Greg Logan has comment and player reaction on the club's loss to Philadelphia where the special teams were a reason given. Berard if cleared will return to the lineup Thursday.

"You hold a team to 17 shots in their own building, you can't be too disappointed," coach Ted Nolan said. "Their three goals all came on broken plays."

"There was no power in the power play," Nolan said. "You have to get shots through."

"We were not sharp on the power play," Sillinger said. "You have to take the shot when you have the shot. Every time we got to the middle of the ice, we threw the puck back to the corner. If there was one area where we lost the game, it was special teams."

Newsday: Logan's second article was an update on Bill Guerin, Bergenheim's return to the lineup, finding DiPietro some time to rest in the schedule and a few other items.

NYI Fan Central Comments:

Note-Of course after Dan Martin did his preview to ask about attendance he was not permitted to travel to Philadelphia for the Post. Why did they even bother with a preview?

Philadelphia Daily News & Phiadelphia Inquirer Phillyburbs.com Delco Times have the Flyer centric coverage.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article is on Sean Bentivoglio starting to score for the Sound Tigers.

Islander News Articles 11/11:

Newsday: Greg Logan has the coverage on Islanders 2-1 win over the Devils Saturday with comments from Satan, Devils coach Brent Sutter

"It's the first time I've been in that position on the power play this season," Satan said. "Those are plays I'm used to. It felt like my office. I was very comfortable there, so it wasn't that hard. I'm sure everybody would like to be there, and I'm no exception. That's the fun time to be out there.

"We passed it around for awhile and heard some impatient noise from the crowd, but it worked out perfectly. It came right to me."

Newsday: Logan also had an article on Freddy Meyer claimed on re-entry waivers, an injury update and more from Satan on his sticks.

NY Times: Dave Caldwell makes a rare Coliseum appearance to cover both sides where Brodeur, Satan and Brent Sutter are quoted. Brodeur did not get his five hundredth win Saturday.

“Whether it’s legitimate or not, it’s still a 1-1 game at the time,” Sutter said. “It’s tough. You can’t lose hockey games that way.”

NY Post: Devils beat writer Mark Everson covered the game for both sides at the Post with comments from Rick DiPietro and several players.

"We didn't panic. We got that power play and we capitalized. We had to be equally patient as the Devils tonight," Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro said. "We're playing well and getting consistent effort."

"It was a [bleeping] terrible call. There's no way around it," the Devils' Zach Parise said.

"I don't think he needed to call that," Jay Pandolfo said

Daily News: Peter Botte provided coverage of the Islanders win with quotes from Satan, Brodeur and Sutter, a brief update on Bill Guerin is given.

Newark Star Ledger Jeremy Cothran & Noth Jersey.com/Bergen Record: Tom Gulitti has the Devils centric coverage on Satuday's game.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article is centered around the teams toughness and how it's an element the Sound Tigers lacked last season.

Hershey Bears at Bridgeport Sound Tigers
WHEN — Today, 4 p.m.
WHERE — Arena at Harbor Yard
ON THE AIR — No radio; Webcast and B2 Networks Internet pay-per-view at www.soundtigers.com

Ottawa Sun: Bruce Garrioch in his weekly rumors section (which is extensive) mentions the writer this summer Adam Proteau of THN callling the Fedntenko signing the worst of all free agent signings and brings up his production as proof the Islanders must be satisfied. Garrioch also claims sources say general manager Garth Snow is quietly working on a long-term extension for Fedotenko.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Don't read too much into Garrioch rumors or speculation folks, even if it's potentially good news. Garrioch puts countless rumors from sources in his weekly article and most are not true.

Don't worry gang Newsday has a Sunday writer to address NHL features like this.

Forgot, it's Ranger beatwriter Steve Zipay who mostly provides Ranger centric information in the Islanders primary paper.

Islander News Articles 11/10:

Newsday: Mark Herrmann's article is on Miroslav Satan who has had the game winnners in the last two Islander wins and his hockey background in Slovakia.

It feels like I'm doing things right," Satan said, adding that he had not felt like he was doing things wrong earlier. "The only difference is you feel a certain satisfaction when those are going in and you feel like you're contributing to the team."

"I was noticing it today at practice," coach Ted Nolan said Friday, after the team prepared for the Saturday night game against the Devils at the Coliseum. "He was shooting the puck as well as he has since I've been here."

NY Post: Mark Everson reports the Devils are getting close to being fully healthy after coming off a big 4-1 win against Philadelphia, but Colin White and Jamie Langenbrunner will not play against the Islanders.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio updates his blog on the Sound Tigers 3-2 ot loss against Philadelphia Friday where Bridgeport led 2-0 with two minutes left in the game.

Sound Tigers website: Has a game recap on it's website.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has the newspaper coverage on another very tough loss with comments from coach Jack Capuano, Jeremy Colliton and Frans Nielsen.

"If we think we're going to be a team that competes at a high level in this league, this is not acceptable," Jeremy Colliton said. "It can't happen."

" At the same time, you can't get down about it. There needs to be a change made — I don't know if that's the right word, 'change,' but we have to find a way to get it done if we want to be at the next level."

Philadelphia Times & Philadelphia Daily News: Has full coverage of the Phantom's.

Espn praise for Islanders?

Espn: David Amber of our favorite network where Scott Burnside, Teri Frei and THN's Adam Proteau who make their living at bashing the Islanders today rates the moves that have worked out best to this point so far among NHL teams and has the Islanders signings this summer at third.

3. Comrie, Fedotenko and Guerin sign with Islanders
The Islanders took a huge hit this offseason after losing three of their five top scorers (Jason Blake, Alexei Yashin and Viktor Kozlov) and failing to re-sign Smyth. With 40 percent of their offense gone, GM Garth Snow had some work to do. On July 4, the fireworks began as free agents Mike Comrie, Ruslan Fedotenko and Bill Guerin were all signed within a 24-hour period, and Snow did it without having to destroy the team's salary cap by getting locked into long-term deals. In the Isles' first 10 games, the trio combined for 14 goals and 33 points. Comrie and Fedotenko are proven scorers who are both playing for contracts next season, while Guerin is coming off a 36-goal season and provides leadership to a young team.

The specs
Comrie signed a one-year $3.375 million deal; Fedotenko signed a one-year $2.9 million contract and Guerin has a two-year, $9 million deal.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Good job overall by Amber here and the words " so far " are the key.

It's kind of boring to write this but you cannot make a determination in July, August, September, October or November. Nice comments but a season is a marathon, not a sprint.

Islanders are off to a good start so far and have reached twelve games. Ask me when we get to March and April and if the Islanders are in contention and if they are built to win come playoff time. Then we'll know if these signings were the right call.

Would have been nice to see Burnside or Frei do this and give a little credit instead but its not laced with sacrasm or insults.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio blogged and reported Scott Burt was sent back to Utah by the Sound Tigers with some other items.

Islander News Articles 11/8:

Newsday: Greg Logan's early Thursday article is on Mike Comrie's play making ability that was huge in Tuesday's win against the Rangers, despite the lack of goals in the recent games.

"When Comrie made that great play at the end, you don't draw up plays like that," Nolan said. "You let natural ability take over; that was a big-time play."

"We were trying to be patient," Comrie said. "We couldn't penetrate their triangle, so I decided to give them a different look and fake the pass over to 'Berger.' The defender gave me half a second, and Tank made a great play to bury it."

"Teddy does a good job of keeping [Hunter and Guerin] going back and forth and keeping us on our toes," Comrie said. "Trent's playing really well now, but they both have great shots and can get open."

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's coverage of Wednesday's game.

Worcester Gazette and Telegram: Has the Sharks coverage of their win at Bridgeport.

Islander News Articles 11/7:

Newsday: Greg Logan recaps the Islanders 3-2 win on Tuesday.

"For us, it's great that we are able to turn the last two games being down after the second period," Satan said. "It's a good confidence-builder for the future, but hopefully, we can play better in the first two periods so we don't get into too many of these pressure-time situations."

Newsday: Mark Herrmann compares the goalies and gives this round goes to Rick DiPietro. He also notes the Ranger defensive system as Captain Bill Guerin talks about his goaltender.

"He's the backbone of our team," said Bill Guerin, who should know, considering he is the captain. "This is a guy who we rely on every night to be our best player. He's a guy who invested in this organization with his whole career. He's a kid who's into it. He's happy to be here, he wants to win here and he comes to the rink every day and works."

Newsday: Steve Zipay has the Ranger centric point of view.

NY Times: Lynn Zisner's Ranger centric coverage.

Espn: David Amber did a Q & A with Mike Comrie and asks him all about signing with the Islanders, if he wants to sign a long term deal here and what he thinks of the team so far.

Q: Why did you sign only a one-year deal?
A: I wanted to see how I fit in on the top line and to see if I enjoyed playing in the New York area. It's better to see that it works for me and works for them, then we can move forward.

Q: So, how has it been so far?
A: I like it here. We have a great group of guys. We have to win games by everyone chipping in. We don't have a $10 million player on this team. Everyone has to come and play hard every night.

Q: So, if they were to offer you a contract extension right now and the money and terms were right, what would you do?
A: [Laughs] We'll see. You're trying to hurt my future negotiations [laughs]. We're actually not allowed to talk until after January because of the new collective bargaining agreement. So, that's my excuse right now [laughs].

NY Post: Larry Brooks was the only writer assigned the game. He covered the Islander side of things a little which means he kept asking Bill Guerin about how important it is for the Islanders to beat the Rangers. Rick DiPietro's outstanding efforts or a quote from the Islander goaltender or even Ted Nolan were not included.

Daily News: Peter Botte was allowed to cover game and did a limited space article but had the following from Miroslav Satan and Ted Nolan:

"We were talking about the character of this team from the beginning and it's showed the last two games, to be able to come back like that," said Satan, who had scored just once in the first 10 games. "We're on a nice little streak right now."

Ted Nolan walked into the locker room and asked if his players were giving their all.

"They said, 'We can give more,' and they did," Nolan said. "That third period was a total team effort."

Daily News: John Dellapina's Ranger article has their viewpoint on why they lost.

Journal News: Sam Weinman blames the Rangers being tired as the reason for losing the game in the third peirod.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Three games in four days with virually no travel is tiring? Islanders also won earlier against the Rangers playing in a five game in seven day stretch to start the season.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article is on the penalty killing, the club's system and more roster changes with Bootland leaving the team for a game. Bridgeport plays at home this morning at 11am in a school day game for the kids.

"It's a developmental league. Obviously, you're trying to win hockey games," Capuano said. "At the same time, Teddy (Nolan, Islanders coach) and Garth (Snow, the GM) and their staff, if they need guys, we have to make sure they're well-conditioned, they know the system and they can be put into positions to help any way they can."

Worcester Sharks at Bridgeport Sound Tigers
WHEN — Today, 11 a.m.
WHERE — Arena at Harbor Yard
ON THE AIR — Webcast and B2 Networks Internet pay-per-view at www.soundtigers.com

Islander News Articles 11/5:

Newsday: Mark Herrmann's Monday article has more on Saturday night's event and what it meant to the alumni and the current players. The team provided nothing Sunday on DiPietro's eye injury beyond the initial report it's not considered serious or career threatening. A new report will be issued today as to his playing status. Article claims Berard is progressing in his recover from a groin injury.

Sound Tigers Website: Has more on Sunday's 3-0 win at home against Norfolk.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's game recap singles out Pascal Morency and Mike Morrison for their efforts in the win among other players.

Virginina Pilot: Paul White has a brief recap.

Boston Herald & Boston Globe have more on Petteri Nokelainen's recall which has him a fourth line.

Sound Tigers win Sunday at home

All good things must come to an end which means an incredible weekend for Islander fans is over. The special Al Arbour page header up for the weekend goes into moth balls but the new fifteen hundred banner is saved on the page for posterity along with some great new memories.

The old header is back and has been sharpened up as has Bill Torrey's picture.

The Hockey continued today with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers shutting out Steve Stirling's Norfolk Admirals 3-0 on home ice. Jeff Tambellini had a goal, Ben Walter was not in the Sound Tiger lineup as Bridgeport just finished up a three game in three day stretch which is common for those who follow the AHL. Mike Morrison had twenty two saves for the shutout.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reported on the win in his blog and notes former Islander Petteri Nokelainen was called up by the Bruins.

Newsday: Mark Herrmann updated the Islanders Newsday blog Sunday afternoon and wrote Rick DiPietro will return to the doctor tomorrow to determine whether he can play Tuesday along with some other peripheral items.

Islander News Articles 11/4: DiPietro update

Newsday: Anthony Rieber has reaction on an incredible night and Rick DiPietro's eye injury.

"It was an electric atmosphere," Trent Hunter said. "It was a lot of fun for the guys. We were grateful to get that win for him."

"It feels really great," Arbour said afterward, "but I didn't really do that much."

Newsday: Mark Herrmann blogged at 1:40am, reported on DiPietro and wrote the tribute was dynamic and not a museum piece that made the game anticlimactic. He felt current players and today's fans were an active part of the show, not just witnesses with Pat Lafontaine
saying on his way to a reception afterward, we have not seen the likes of this anywhere else in sports.


Newsday: Former Islander Patrick Flatley tells some incredible stories about Al Arbour and how hard he pushed him to make him a better player that falls along the lines of the Arbour/Potvin bus story in 1975.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I never heard these stories before on the Arbour-Flatley relationship, fantastic stuff.

Newsday: Mark Herrmann does an article on what Al Arbour means to the Islanders along with a lot of great quotes from former teammates and Scott Bowman.

NY Times: Joshua Robinson covered the game for the Times.

NY Post: In a big shocker Larry Brooks covered the Islander game and put up a good article and praised the Islanders for putting on a great show. He praised Al Arbour, the alumni and talked of the history but as always Brooks fails to understand the Islanders are not the problem, the New York Post and their poor hockey coverage in the New York market is the problem. He questioned if DiPietro had vision problems before quoting the teams statement on the goaltenders health.

"For me, being an Islander now, this represents what the organization has done, and what we're capable of doing as we go forward," said captain Billy Guerin. "We're all happy to be here, we all want to play here. This is a franchise with such a rich tradition. We all want to do our part in carrying it forward.

"We wanted to win this one really badly. We wanted to win this one for him."

NY Post: Larry Brooks in the no good dead goes unpunished department of course does not talk more of Al Arbour in his regular Sunday NHL column but instead questions why Neil Smith's contract status with the Islanders still has not been settled.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Larry Brooks national past time and one of his favorite kinds of articles. Shots at Gary Bettman, a little airing of dirty Islander laundry on a day that it's not an updated story and not single quote from anyone with new information. This could have been written at any time in the last year so why now?

Daily News: Mike Lupica writes
Al Arbour was the same model of class and consistency and excellence when he was winning four Stanley Cups with the Islanders as Joe Torre was winning four World Series with the Yankees.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Absolutely true, but make no mistake, the New York Islanders did not have a two hundred million dollar payroll advantage to slaughter most of the competition long before the games were played on the field. Joe Torre was a model of class long before he became Yankee manager. Al Arbour could have went to a lot of teams on the rise after his first tenure as coach and written his own ticket and won more Stanley Cups but the Yankees will never be anything like the family concept that the Islander franchise is all about which is why he came back and why Joe Torre has moved on to another team again.

Point Blank: Chris Botta Saturday in his blog tells a wonderful story from the heart on Al Arbour attending his father's funeral days after Al Arbour's retirement night in 1997 and the pin which I still have from that night.

Daily News: Peter Botte covered the game and reported DiPietro told Ted Nolan by telephone before he arrived at the doctor's office that he thought he'd be fine in very limited space.

Canadian Press: Reports Islanders spokesman Chris Botta said DiPietro did not suffer a severe eye injury, but was taken from the arena to the office of team ophthalmologist Dr. Bruce Zagelbaum for an evaluation and remained in the building until post-game ceremonies honouring Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour were completed.

Nolan hugged DiPietro before the goalie left the building.

"I just asked him how he was and he said he was all right," captain Bill Guerin said.

Updated 12:15am:
Islanders website: Reported Rick DiPietro received the news from the team's medical staff that Rick DiPietro did not suffer any permanent damage to his eye but a facial contusion and cuts near the right eye. An examination late Saturday evening with team ophthalmologist Dr. Bruce Zagelbaum confirmed DiPietro did not any serious damage to the eye.

For now, DiPietro will be listed as day-to-day and the team expects to have its next update on Monday afternoon.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Dave Molinary wondered if it was like old times from the Pens side of things on the night Arbour made a 60-minute comeback predictable.

"Maybe it was the hockey gods," Penguins forward Ryan Malone said.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Dave Molinary also had quotes from defender Rob Scuderi who is from Syosset about Al Arbour.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Rob Rossi has the Penguin centric coverage and knew very well about the Islanders history against Pittsburgh.

Sound Tigers Website: Has full recap on the game.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reports on the Sound Tigers 4-1 win against the Hershey Bears Saturday night. Jeff Tambellini had a goal and three assist in the win.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's blog talks about how many shots Bridgeport gave up for the win tonight.

Patriot News: Has the Bears centric coverage.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Sound Tigers again face Steve Stirling's Norfolk Admirals Sunday at home today in a 4pm start which is their third game in three days.

Islander News Articles 11/3:

Newsday: Mark Herrmann has highlights on Al Arbour's press conference and how the current teams feels about him coaching them Saturday.

"Well, he coached one of the dynasties," Guerin said of Arbour after practice Friday at Nassau Coliseum. "There are not too many coaches out there you can compare to Vince Lombardi, but he's one of them."

As his news conference went along, the coach seemed more and more like the old Arbour. He joked that he hadn't read the contract. Snow said, "Trust me," to which Arbour replied, "I've heard that one before."

When it was mentioned that one of his former players called him a father figure, Arbour cracked, "Well, he didn't say that in those days, I tell you that. They called me all kinds of names in those days. I was very hard on some of the players, for one reason. I wanted to bring the best out of them."

NY Times: Legendary writer during the Islander dynasty era George Vecsey came out for Al Arbour's press conference and does an outstanding article.

“I wanted to be Guy Lafleur or Mike Bossy,” said Nystrom, who is still affiliated with the Islanders. “Al would talk to me quietly and tell me what he expected. He was a psychologist. We would practice three-on-two endlessly because Al wanted to cut down on our goals allowed. We might not always do it right, but we knew what he wanted.”

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Yes everyone, believe it or not this is the kind of daily coverage we used to get at the New York Times for our hockey games. Vecsey called the Islanders the greatest team of it's generation back when they were winning the Stanley Cup and his work was at a level far above anyhing today. I only hope the Times let's him go cover the game tonight.

Daily News: Peter Botte makes a rare appearance today in the Daily News to cover the press conference.

" I'm sure I'll be a nervous wreck," Arbour said after watching his new assistant, Isles coach Ted Nolan, run practice yesterday. "I know Ted better do a good job (tonight) or I'll be on his back. ... Whatever they want me to do, I'll do. I'm hoping to have a good time."

"It's going to be an exciting time, an honor for all of us to get a chance to play for such a legend in the game," DiPietro said. "But this is a real two points. There's consequence to this game, so our main focus has to be Pittsburgh."

NY Post: Larry Brooks who was Islander beatwriter in 1980 showed up and covered the press conference.

"I don't understand the game today," said Arbour, who turned 75 Thursday and was surely underestimating himself. "I can't believe what I'm seeing."

"It's a no-name team, but it has a lot of character," said the Coach, accompanied on the trip to what he called, "home," by his wife, Claire. "They play hard every night."

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Shelly Anderson has Pens coach Michel Therrien's classy words about Al Arbour. Ryan Whitney was held out of practice with a groin injury.

"He had such a good career and was such a great coach," said Therrien, who hopes to meet Arbour. "I remember the first time I coached against Scotty Bowman, that was something special to me because I grew up watching him. And watching Al Arbour win all those Stanley Cups, to see him behind the bench is going to be special."

Cbs Sportsline: Wes Goldstein has an excellent feature on Al Arbour.

"That first year he came in, we knocked off 100 goals against as a team," said Hall of Fame defenseman Denis Potvin. "We had allowed the most goals ever by a team in its inaugural season, but he had a system and a style of play that made us responsible, and ultimately it was a major reason for all our success."

"He took over that team when they were starting out and brought it up to the level of a champion," former Islanders captain and current New Jersey Devils coach Brent Sutter said. "You can't understate the role he played there."

Newsday: Bob Glauber reports Islanders owner Charles Wang is interested in purchasing a team in the new UFL Football league that could play at Hofstra University starting next August.

NY Daily News: In the latest Ranger defeat and humiliation in court John Dellapina reports the Islanders were one of three teams to vote to keep control of their website.

Sound Tigers Website: Reports on Bridgeport's 5-2 loss at Binghampton Friday night. Blake Comeau and Frans Nielsen had the Sound Tiger goals.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reports in his blog Ben Walter will be called up to likely replace Sean Bergenheim in the Islander lineup Saturday and writes about the loss to Binghampton.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's game coverage is on the Sound Tigers getting lot's of shots but not finishing, second round pick Dustin Kohn and Gregg Johnson were scratched as Joe Rullier made his debut.

It's just a funk that — it's tough for us," Capuano said. "You can't fault the effort. You can't fault the way we played."

Press & Sun Bulletin: Has the Binghampton Senator's coverage.