Islander News Articles 3/4-TRADE DEADLINE

Added in Tsn rss feed even if we get a few non-hockey stories. Once deadline heats up it will be all hockey trades.

Live Radio links added to a second spot with coverage usually starting around 9am.

Tsn.ca: Had a staff 2am update on some of the potential players to be traded that did not include any New York Islanders.

Newsday: Greg Logan/Katie Strang report on the trade deadline with more speculation about on Bill Guerin's destination who the beatwriter says contact has been very limited with while Doug Weight had the following from the Islanders optional practice Monday:

"I don't want to speak for Billy. It's been a crazy year. The last 72 hours, the situation kind of spun out of control a little bit with him and it's unfortunate.

"Everyone's trying to do the right thing and he's stuck at home and that stinks. But Billy's professional and we'll all get through it and Wednesday, we'll find out what team and what destination we're all gonna be whether it's here or somewhere else."

If the Islanders can't complete a deal for Guerin, his return could be awkward?
"It's strange right now but it'll take all of 10 minutes," Weight said of the adjustment. "He's easy to get along with and he's got the respect of everyone in the room. It wouldn't be a problem at all."

Also reported Trent Hunter has a walking cast on his left ankle, but he said it's not broken.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I guess that means the Islanders did not lie and violate league policy Saturday when Hunter took warmups and they reported an injury, right Mr Logan?

For myself, Garth Snow has an obligation to improve his hockey team, if Bill Guerin being traded or sat is part of this to help improve his roster.

It's also Garth Snow's job to listen to all offers or he would not be doing his job properly.

Doug Weight is correct that's it's been a crazy year for the Islanders, however considering his earlier praise for Gordon, how he was traded and then a healthy scratch for Anaheim last season with the media writing him off, why did he give what bordered on ultimatums (to me) a few times in the media about his playing time?

Did he do that to Brian Burke or their head coach last year when he was on their fourth line or outright benched?

I have no doubt Weight will be classy and professional (as Guerin will) but those comments a while ago took me aback. He can say whatever he likes but the Islanders may have helped extend his career and were very classy about his honoring him when he hit a thousand points. Scott Gordon gave him a role here few teams would have and Weight's repaid them with some very good production.

Giving him that spot on the left powerplay point was a big reason Chris Campoli was not on that side with Mark Streit last fall before Kyle Okposo starting playing that side on the powerplay.

Sure, it's been a terrible year in terms of the standings. Everyone should be very frustrated about that or they would not be the right players to turn it around moving forward.

Newsday: Mike Casey in Newsday's hockey blog (written at times by Mark Herrmann) reports the following players were scrachted Tuesday.

Florida's Nick Boynton, Atlanta's Eric Perrin (waivers), Columbus' Michael Peca and Tampa Bay's Marek Malik and Mark Recchi.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Mr Casey incorrectly reported Hagman was a healthy scratch but corrected himself than wrote Guerin sat out the last three games when he only sat twice so caveat emptor with a lot of stuff written even by the media at this time because everyone is rushing or over-speculating and in this case making outright sloppy mistakes.

Columbus Dispatch/several outlets: Tom Reed and Aaron Portzline also reported Michael Peca was injured in a recent game so Mr Casey got that wrong also.

Even I knew that one a few days ago.

NY Post: Dan Martin writes the trade deadline is now a " fiasco " for the Islanders as he repeated Doug Weight's comments to Newsday in an article on Bill Guerin.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio recaps Bridgeport's 3-1 loss at home to Norfolk with Trevor Smith, head coach Jack Capauno and goaltender Peter Mannino with blog coverage here.

Mr Fornabaio also reported it was not clear if winger Jesse Joensuu would stay in Bridgeport or return to New York but was in Bridgeport on tuesday. Goalie Nathan Lawson sat out with a sore shoulder.

Trevor Smith had Bridgeport's goal.

Norfolk Virginian Pilot: Paul White likely was not dispatched for the trip to Bridgeport but here is the link to Admirals coverage.

Islander News Articles 3/3

Newsday: Greg Logan's game coverage has comments from Jon Sim, Jesse Joensuu and Bruno Gervais.

Newsday: Mr Logan's other article was more speculation on Guerin & Doug Weight with head coach Scott Gordon again commenting on the beatwriter's Saturday article that he does not think Mr Logan's report tells the full story and maintained he has no problems with Guerin staying here as he had no objection with the decision for him to sit out pending a possible trade.

The coach speculated the comments may have been from players no longer here like Campoli, Comrie as sour grapes and maintained he has continued to talk with his captain since the Canadian trip (Jan) several times and has no problem with him and it could be from other areas.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
I wonder how some players feel about this all getting into the paper, causing somewhat of a distraction or if they felt this would go on the record anonymously and if they want to continue to speak with Greg Logan/Newsday?

One thing for sure is Mr Logan is getting max play out of this. The silence from Mr Botta is deafening as he is clearly in the middle in terms of confirming or denying which may have someone unhappy with him in the end but he did get Brendan Witt's comments who made it clear he has no problem with Scott Gordon Point Blank and felt what was reported in the paper should stay in the room.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
As always, visit Mr Botta's blog for the full article he produced.

NY Post: Dan Martin's coverage has some of the same comments from Scott Gordon on Bill Guerin but added Garth Snow did not speak to other teams without Guerin's approval. Jon Sim comments on the teams play, defended Guerin as a " good guy " and that the team would have to be professional if he does return to play.

The coach also maintained the importance is on the younger players making progress and that it works out well for everyone else with Guerin or whoever having an opportunity to win a Stanley Cup.

Daily News: Peter Botte's limited space only has room for Jon Sim's quotes about Guerin as he speculated about possible trades and had no comments or game recap beyond light attendance, who scored and Hunter's late injury that forced him out.

Daily News: Thomas Zambito did receive about the same space for a sports section article on the latest legal update concerning former Islander execs Paul Greenwood and Stephen Walsh.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Nothing from Joensuu, Danis, they deserve better. So does the team the way it has played.

Denver Post: Teri Frei recaps Colorado's loss on Monday but had a full interview with Ryan Smyth Monday here.

"You see the banners and the history the Islanders have had," Smyth said, gesturing at the huge pictures of Islanders past and present and the Stanley Cup flags hanging from the rafters. "There's just something special with what went on."

"It was an emotional time," he said. "I didn't think a trade would ever happen out of Ed-monton, but it did. The Islanders welcomed me with open arms, treated me with a great deal of respect. I have nothing but great things to say about that organization. "We made the playoffs, we got beat out in the first round, but the ownership — Mr. (Charles) Wang — was nice, and was nice about having me and we sat down and chatted for a while. Garth Snow was fresh at being a general manager in the league and he treated not only me but the whole team really well."

Smyth said he did feel a twinge of regret for not re-signing with the Islanders "because they gave up quite a bit to have me. I think overall, it was tough for me to make a quick decision about something that involved not just me, but my whole family. They made offers right up to July 1, and they were right in the mix, too, when we finally made our decision to come to Colorado. I have a great deal of respect for how they treated me in those two months."

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Funny how Mark Herrmann did not write all of that in his no top players will sign here article when he only printed a few words from Smyth. Not like Smyth was obligated to throw that kind of praise around about a team he only played a month or so for two years ago.

Metro News.ca: Perry Lefko has an interview with Mike Sillinger about all the times he has been traded in his career but had nothing about his future playing status or the current team.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Funny thing is Sillinger has not been part of the NHL trade deadline for a long time now, maybe by default because of his injuries but he will finish his entire three year contract and talked like a man who will be in Saskatoon this fall.

USA Today.com: Mike Brehm reports Yann Danis ended January with three consecutive wins, and his play in February earned him USA TODAY's Clutch Goalie title for that month. The computerized formula factors in shutout time, saves, penalty kills and the amount of time playing in a tie game to figure out who's best when the score is tight.

His comments are from the Islanders website in the article.

Harvard Crimson: Jake Fisher has a feature on Islander prospect co-captain Doug Rogers who is credited as a major reason for the Harvard's success. The 6’1, 195-pound center has recorded a point in each of the last five games and leads Harvard with four goals in that stretch.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabio's previews Tuesday's home game against Norfolk and has the Sound Tigers weekly here which happen to include some Jesse Joensuu comments pre-callup.

Islander News Articles 2/18

Newsday: John Jeansonne does a very good job with an article on Frans Nielsen where head coach Scott Gordon praises the young center for his makeup and smarts on the ice while the center discussed how Gordon talked to him every day which helped him be less afraid to make mistakes.

NY Times: Bryan Heyman has an excellent feature on Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo with comments from head coach Scott Gordon, general manager Garth Snow and team captain Bill Guerin which looks like it was put together last week around the time of the Devils game in Newark.

NY Post: Dan Martin has the first comments from head coach Scott Gordon about his job security with a few words on Frans Nielsen.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I guess my only question would be did Gordon adjust his defensive strategy for his job security, but like a professional he will do his job and whatever happens beyond that is out of his control. Given Snow's earlier endorsement and the injury circumstances I do not see a change unless the draw of Peter Laviolette proves too much but that's doubtful and a long way off.

AHL.com: Reports Bridgeport defeated Norfolk Tuesday in overtime 3-2.

Tobias Stephan started in goal and had twenty three saves for the Sound Tigers.

1. BRI Bentivoglio, (6) (Lee, Callahan), 1:59
1. NOR Segal, (17) (Smolenak), 19:22
2. NOR Segal, (18) (Smolenak), 12:27
3. BRI Walter, (12) (Iggulden, McLean), 0:29 (PP)
OT. BRI Fraser, (6) (Smith, McLean), 4:39


Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's recap of Bridgeport's overtime win against Norfolk with blog coverage here has Jamie Fraser on his overtime goal, Ben Walter and head coach Jack Capuano.

Ct Post: Mr Fornabaio also previewed Wednesday's game against Hartford who now has Dallas forward Sean Avery for the same reasons Bridgeport has Stephan who has won a lot of games for Bridgeport in goal.

Mr Fornabaio reported there is a chance Joel Rechlicz could be called up to Bridgeport.

Norfolk Virginian Pilot: Usually has staff reports as opposed to Paul White's coverage for road games.

Norfolk 2, Bridgeport 1 Shootout: Mitch Fritz plays

AHL.com: Reports Bridgeport lost 2-1 against Norfolk Sunday afternoon in a shootout at Harbor Yard.

1. BRI Smith, (24) (McLean, Walter), 18:03 (PP)
2. NOR Segal, (16) , 9:04 (PP)

Mitch Fritz was back in the lineup for the Sound Tigers, Nate Lawson started in goal with thirty six saves.

Dustin Kohn had four penalties, one fight, three minors including one in overtime.
Penalties in overtime are only one minute long in the AHL which is a new rule.

It should be noted Fritz in his twenty one games for Bridgeport only has twenty four penalty minutes. Billy Jaffe's comments Fritz has not fought recently would not be correct with fights credited for Bridgeport twice in mid-late January here against Brandon Sugden.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's game coverage has comments from Jesse Joensuu, Nate Lawson and head coach Jack Capuano with blog entries here.

Norfolk Virginina Pilot: Paul White's Admirals coverage if his paper let him make the trip.

Islander News Articles 2/15

Newsday: Mr Logan's article has comments from general manager Garth Snow about the trade deadline while the beatwriter speculates about the value of some players in trades vs their salary/possible return and reports a West Coast source says the gm is looking for additional draft picks in any package.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
The general managers comments are the only thing that matters here so let's just go with that.

"Some people think there will be lots of action on March 4, and others think there won't be much. Every team is in a different situation and has its own obstacles, whether it be a salary cap restriction or its internal budget. Any move this organization makes will be in our best interests for the future."

"People know our situation," Snow said. "We haven't had many calls until recently. I'm leery of whether there will be much action."

Newsday: Mr Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog had comments from Doug Weight's agent, Steve Bartlett about a contract extension in which the subject was mentioned but not discussed seriously but because of Weight's injury there is "no urgency" while according to the article Weight and his family have enjoyed Long Island and the New York Islanders organization.

Newsday: Mr Logan's second article was on Mitch Fritz with his comments about his callup. Sean Bergenheim's seven shot game was also noted.

Note:
What would a Sunday be without a cheapshot from the Post? Jay Greenberg's turn who barely covers hockey at all but tells us the Islanders are hockey's last stop in a recap of New York good guys and bad guys with Guerin getting some praise.

I guess times are tough for Mr Greenberg with Jason Blake and Rick DiPietro out of the picture who would usually make the bad guy list.

Cherry Hill Courier Post: Chuck Gormley's coverage of the Flyers win Saturday.

Philadelphia Inq/Daily News: Combined Flyer coverage.

Delaware County Times: Also has Flyer coverage.

THN.com: Justin Bourne's lastest blog entry is posted in Sunday's Hockey News on an injury that likely could mean the end of his playing career

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Justin Bourne's wordpress blog here is proudly featured on the sidebar of this blog, excellent article with a lot of great insight.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article has comments from forward Mike Iggulden on the club scoring in their last game with head coach Jack Capuano. Sunday's home game against Norfolk is previwed here.

Islander News Articles 2/8

Newsday: Greg Logan's game recap of the Islanders loss to Tampa has comments from Bruno Gervais on the game winning goal Gary Roberts got position against him and Yann Danis on the loss.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I cannot remember the last time a Bruno Gervais quote made it into Newsday.

Newsday: Mr Logan's other article is mostly a repeat of his pregame blog on Bergenheim where apparently he was skating for two weeks but could not get in the lineup because of Nate Thompson with the head coach adding " I think if his focus is on scoring goals, then it's not in the right place, He's got to make sure he's skating and finishing his checks, and the rest will take care of itself."

NYI Fan Central Comments:
You mean like it has for Thompson, Hilbert, Jackman and Park recently? All due respect to these players but they simply cannot carry any kind of offense load for long if at all.

I understand where the coach is going with Bergenheim and wants players thinking defense but to phase out Bergenheim who was getting pushed to the fourth line before his injury (after three goals) for other players without his skills simply does not make a lot of sense in a team that supposedly is going with prospects but leaves first round picks like Bergenheim-Tambellini in the stands while they reside in 30th place?

I have no idea what Scott Gordon sees in Nate Thompson who is virtually invisible when he plays.

St Petersburg Times: Damian Cristodero & Tampa Tribune:Erik Erlendsson has the recap of the Islanders 1-0 loss at Tampa with a very good write-up by both local papers on Mike McKenna for his first career shutout.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Very nice job by both Tampa publications on McKenna.

AHL.com: Reports Bridgeport finally won a game in Norfolk 3-2 on Saturday. Dallas prospect Tobias Stephan had thirty saves in goal for Bridgeport.

2. NOR Lundin, (3) (Bochenski, Konopka), 4:46 (PP)
2. NOR Keller, (8) (Bochenski, Jackson), 6:18
2. BRI Iggulden, (19) (Walter, Smith), 16:25
3. BRI Colliton, (4) (MacDonald), 11:43
3. BRI Joensuu, (14) (Smith, Kohn), 19:03

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio recaps Bridgeport's game (phone interview with Jack Capuano) in Norfolk against the Admirals Saturday with blog entries here.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
For some reason the Ct Post has not been sending Mr Fornabaio to Norfolk the last few double-headers or for maybe the later game.

Ct Post: Bridgeport plays Sunday at 5pm in Philadelphia to wrap the weekend.

Norfolk Virginian Pilot: Paul White's Admiral coverage of Norfolk vs Bridgeport and Jesse Joensuu's goal in the final minute.

Islander News Articles 2/7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jordan Hart played for Bridgeport.

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

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

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

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

Norfolk Virginian Pilot: Paul White has Admirals coverage.

Islander News Articles 2/6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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