Playing Out The String For New York/Notables

Olympics-Not interested. Amateurs should only be participating, but this is when the players act like the league in their sense of entitlement.

Vanek comments on if it were Penguins-The Islanders got the favorable review against Pittsburgh on Thursday in the third period on the 4-5 goal, even if Kris King's explanation was as insulting as television ratings release of Stadium series games or announced sellout on Wednesday.

I like Vanek, however when he was traded he was outspoken, it did not play well then or on Saturday.

Hold the lead for another thirty seconds, problem solved.

Outdoor Game-Not interested. New York should be hosting the Canadians in the Heritage classic featuring only NHL Dynasties. It's the fake Yankee Stadium funded by taxpayers. (Same as the taxpayer funded monument in Queens)

A twice convicted felon (Steinbrenner) got paid, Bernie Madoff's pal, Fred Wilpon got paid all via taxpayers. 

The Cuomo family defend everyone getting taxpayer money with Mario Cuomo celebrating outside of court with Wilpon. (just not the New York Islanders)

The House that Ruth built (dramatically remodeled 1973-76) was reduced to rubble five years ago. 

Only thing more phony will be shaking hands afterward with a team they play again------FRIDAY.

I guess Friday is when the Msg people will be allowed to comment (like Barclay's game/practice they went AWOL) again as did Msg network in terms of live practice coverage.

So after all the Ranger media salesman for years telling everyone they must host an outdoor game, now the spin is they never could to keep their taxpayer handout?

Go figure someone would have reported that over the years. Any neutral site or European home game should have made the tax money forfeit long ago.

The Rangers were the home team against the Devils, in Halifax in November of 1993 in a neutral site game.

It really screams these tiny updates on Islanders at Barclay's Center are just that with no credible confirmed league information with quotes. 

Looks like Andrew MacDonald's burned out, and Hamonic is hurt, sadly I wrote this was coming in November, what's Capuano to do? 


Kevin Poulin took a team from ten under to three under, on a team with no experienced top four defenders, the sixth goal against the Bruins means he's not ready?

Please stop. 

This team almost had it's longest road winning streak in decades with Poulin  in net.

Visnovsky's return, great news, he's signed for next year you keep him healthy-No Olympics. 

Five games under, Islanders now need to play eighteen games over to have any chance at a playoff spot, and they have not had two days off since 1/8. (unlike most teams)

Sorry, however the rest is simply playing out the string. (it's been that way since November)

Do not know where it will go with Vanek or MacDonald, however I expect both traded at the deadline, unless resigned front-loaded. (which Islanders cannot do)  

Wang went to court on 1/28 for opening arguments on Marriott foreclosure, after again hosting the kids for the Lighthouse Tournament.

Islander Notables

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

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

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


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

Arizona Republic: Has the latest on the Phoenix Coyotes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Islanders/NHL Quick Hits/Notables

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prospect Camp/Islander/NHL notables

Islanders website : Has a feature on Jyri Niemi, the Islanders third-round draft pick in 2008 with his comments as he features a ninety seven mile an hour shot.

Islanders TV have several video blogs from the players in prospect camp and did a great job putting it together, too many names to list.

Sound Tigers website : Had an article on day two of mini-camp.

Telegraph Journal: Nathan White has comments from Ted Nolan who would not be opposed to coaching this season in the major junior league but for now he plans to return home to the Garden River First Nations reserve and contemplate his future. He had no regrets about taking the job, talked about having no offers for almost ten years, was thankful for the opportunity he wad given and that he judged his coaching on how hard the players competed and worked but felt with what he had the players gave what they had to give.

Christian Gaudet, who was captain for Moncton 2006 and played last season for Utah
felt Nolan leaving was unfair and that he is a great guy, person and coach and talked about his ability to communicate and motivate with his speech-making abilities.

Chris Morehouse, a member of the 2005-06 team who wore the captain's "C" for the Wildcats this season, said he was shocked, did not not think it was a smart move by the Islanders and that Ted Nolan is a really good coach and knows how to get players to play and he discussed the Memorial Cup run and brought that team together with his ability to relate to players, communicate combined with how he cares more about the person than the player.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Seems Ted Nolan had to take a lot shot at the end his players did the best they could given their talent or lack thereof, was that really called for but it is those papers in the smaller towns he seems to be most comfortable with speaking.

Espn: EJ Hradek reports Los Angeles may be interested in former Washington/Philadelphia coach Terry Murray and felt Ted Nolan's comments should have led to his dismissal but like many questioned the timing.

He also reported the NHL schedule will be released on Thursday and that the press conference on the outdoor game in Chicago will be announced next week.

Globe & Mail: Tim Wharnsby reports the Kings are in the process of finalizing a contract with Murray.

Ottawa Citizen: Ken Warren speculated Bob Hartley could be on Garth Snow's short list to be named head coach and was a finalist for the job in Ottawa.

Newsday: Kevin Allen blogged on the Islanders situtation regarding Ted Nolan and felt this was inevitable going back to the season but waited because this was Charles Wang's hire.

THN: Ryan Kennedy felt Garth Snow and Ted Nolan should have just admitted it was a firing and kept it real in his words if Greg Logan's reports were correct and also questioned the timing.

Islander News Articles 7/8

Globe & Mail: Tim Wharnsby reports NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly flew to Zurich to take another shot at working out a player transfer agreement, confirmed reports the NHL will indeed announce this week that the New Year's Day outdoor game between the Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings will be held at Wrigley Field, and reportedly said the NHL should look at putting one or two of its troubled franchises in Southwestern Ontario and Winnipeg.

Daily News: John Dellapina has his Ranger spin on the story as to why a game did not take place in New York claiming the mayor's office was on board but with no quotes from anyone but speculates his team could be part of a New Yankee Stadium outdoor game in 2010.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Wake me next summer. I have a hard time envisioning the Yankees agreeing to tear up their new ballfield for this at any price. No way will the Bloomberg administration do anything for Cablevision if they have any say in it at all given the countless millions they have cost the city. Only accurate part of this to me is Dick Ebersol will keep the New York Islanders off his network at all cost because of the Garden's business relationship with NBC that included Knick infomercials during NFL games on Sunday last fall and even a game shifted to the network.

Two years in a row are enough outdoor games. I think after this one the league should not make this an annual event or it will go stale quickly. I have no doubt Mr Dellapina, Mr Ebersol and Mr Dolan are desperate to elevate the Rangers minimal local and national profile just as the Islanders and Devils would like but to shut out one team vs another just is not right nor will any combination of teams at Yankee Stadium produce much of a higher national rating than the other given the poor national ratings with Mr Ebersol's network showing the Garden's team.

New York is a big market, however it's a very small hockey market because it cannot compete with the major sport stories in town, lack of backpages do not lie.

Columbus Dispatch: Aaron Portzline reports in the Blue Jackets blog that former Islander Michael Peca has come to terms on a contract extension that could be announced as early as Tuesday.

Sound Tigers.com: Reports Joe Callahan's contract is a one year/two way agreement.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has an article on the signing of Joe Callahan with comments from team President, Howard Saffan.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio in his Ct Post blog has a few words on Joe Callahan, Peter MacArthur and reports Bridgeport's rookie camp will be in Shelton and that Jack Capuano is in St. Cloud, Minn., this week with USA Hockey's Select 17 development camp before he heads to Islanders development camp next week.

Ct Post: Mr Fornabaio in the Sound Tigers blog notes Steve Regier's profile is now listed with the St Louis Blues.

Islander Notables/Nolan vs Snow

Point Blank: Mr Botta today has a fascinating blog where he talks about problems between Ted Nolan and Garth Snow where neither one were on the same page with a lot of comments the last month of the season where it seems the coach may not be on board with the youth movement and that both should have handled some statements better.

Mr Botta felt the coach damaged his relationship with a lot of key players toward the end of the season. He also feels that there is not much of a relationship between Ted and Islanders management anymore. Mr Botta also speculates the club needs to lock up the head coach but writes the general manager will be here for the next ten years.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I cannot dispute Mr Botta's blog at all.

He was in the room, around these people daily and knows better than any of us what the politically correct thing to say or do is after countless years of experience working with NHL employees who speak to the media.

Obviously both men did not take losing well at the end of last season and the adversity that came with it. For Ted Nolan this was something I blogged on myself going into last season because he has never experienced losing as an NHL head coach and was a bit concerned how he would react to it.

I did not pick up on all the " we-they " statements as well as Mr Botta did.

I also did not see a club trying to play more defense down the stretch because it was hard to tell anything given so many players injured or apparently playing hurt.

I did notice all the games with a high shot total against and the coach ripped into the veterans. Mr Botta likely can tell how that played behind the scenes.

Bottom line your gm and coach have to be on the same page and work as a team or it's not going to be best for the players, in that case someone has to go.

Is it a fair question for the gm to want to add a coach to Ted Nolan's staff who can mentor the young defenders? I'm not there, I do not know, if they work well together that should not be any problem.

If Ted Nolan is not on board with a youth movement and does not want to be part of a team and build something it may well be time for him to move on because that is not fair to the man who hired him.

If Garth Snow cannot control his comments and wants things to be like a family and kept in house he should start by setting an example by not airing dirty laundry about what the coach may have thought about Wade Dubielewicz, if he cannot do that or work well with the coach it may well be time for him to move on because that is also not fair to the man who hired him.

If both cannot work together Charles Wang has a decision to make regarding both of them and the owner deserves a lot better for what he did for both these men because neither would be where they are today without him.

That's why I feel the contracts of both should be tied together.

Mr Botta did not tell us if Garth Snow was given a contract extension, until I know that I do not feel the coach should be given a contract extension. If Garth Snow was given an extension and Ted Nolan was not in my estimation Ted Nolan has more than a fair reason to be outspoken about his future status and wonder how come the gm got a vote of confidence with job security while he did not given the talent on the roster.

What I can write is fair or not Ted Nolan is considered a great coach while Garth Snow is the former backup goalie who was given the general managers job with no experience who did not hire this coach. If Nolan is fired and Snow retained Mr Wang will be heavily criticized for it fair or not and it could even turn out to be fatal with the fanbase.

Hopefully since Mr Botta left both these man got on the same page or will act as a team better and keep things behind closed doors. Both were at the draft and spoke of the club's future. Ted Nolan's comments in a Canadian paper in May about his future coaching status were not good, almost defiant.

I would have to think the Islanders would not be thrilled with Mr Botta releasing this to the public the day before he intends to close his blog. It will not help the fans perspective but I suppose he's just trying to be honest and give us his take of things. He did not play favorites and was critical of both.

Islanders website: John Hill had an update with comments from Jon Sim.

Star-Tribune: Micheal Russo reports the outdoor game will be announced this week with the game at Wrigly Field in Chicago.

NYI Fan Comments:
Wake me when it's finally official. The schedule should be out this week so it's not unlikely the game is announced. Last year this was not confimed until September by the league.

Quick Hits:
It's Sunday and we know that means a Larry Brooks cheap shot or two at the Isles.

Funny how the Isles payed a lot less for Mark Streit than Wade Redden while no one took a discount to sign with camp Cablevision but Mr Brooks omits that part. Next time anyone takes a discount to play at Msg will be a first.

Or course a quick dig at Doug Weight's age but not Markus Naslund as he lobbies for a possible Shanahan return.

A few notables for Sunday

I only took one day off and I added in the final preview on Tim Jackman which was scheduled to be released here.

Monday and Tuesday will be very busy next week, I will not have time for early updates either day beyond pre-scheduled automated blogs.

Time & Transcript: Gerard McLaughlin on Saturday reported Moncton will play it's only preseason home game against the Islander rookies Sept. 22.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
For those putting together a pre-season schedule:
New York vs Florida, Sept 27th at Summerside.
New York vs Boston, Sept 23th at Moncton.
New York Rookies vs UNB Sept 24th at the Aitken University Centre.
New York Rookies vs Moncton Sept 22 at Moncton Coliseum.

One thing for sure, the Isles pre-season and regular season will be beginning a little later this year unless they have no intention of playing any preseson games in the tri-state area before opening night. Isles were done playing in NB by Sept 19th in 2007, pre-season ended on Sept 30th after several games in the New York area or in Bridgeport/AHL affiliates.

For those wondering Rangers opening in Europe means they will be not be around for a preseason game. Prudential Center should be open for business and my guess is a game at Harbor Yard could be possible.

Of course no law against another day game with all the school kids at the Coliseum, good way to market to the kids. No law against two or three home preseason games at the Coliseum.
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The Blake Wheeler sweepstakes started Sunday. Isles should have no reservations making an offer with Kyle Okposo on the telephone. Of course both play right wing but Wheeler was drafted two years before Okposo.

Funny thing is if Isles did sign Wheeler he would likely take Okposo's spot next season as a second line right wing. Guerin and Hunter are not left wingers and with Comeau, Bergenheim, Sim and Tambellini on that side there is no spot for them.

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No shock in the paper that does not have the financial luxury to cover the Isles properly with a professional writer and a blog on Sunday Larry Brooks decided to take his usual dig at Rick DiPietro and Garth Snow about Chris Osgood being the most successful goaltender of the Charles Wang era to open his Ranger-centric feature?

Larry Brooks ever consider if he covered hockey better all these years when they gave him more space he would not be reduced to reporting on baseball while the important US hockey markets never have to send their hockey writers to another sport in summer?

Boston Globe had a five part article today, several major hockey markets had full coverage today with the draft and free agency approaching.

Hope you enjoyed what you help create for hockey fans in New York Mr Brooks?
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NY Times has all these professional writers around to blog, why not let one of them cover the New York Islanders exclusively and provide a dedicated blog? Do they really think feature articles on selling equipment or this SI type coverage that has been a total failure for two years is helping hockey in this market when the finals
ratings for New York are coming in at 24th and 36th among US cities?

The European league coverage is more dedicated than the New York coverage. It is interesting the paper fills in articles with blogs from fans which seems to be a growing practice for papers who need hockey filler to make up for lack of content.
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I did a little looking back and I have to ask how come Newsday's Mark Herrmann did a Ranger playoff features raving about Jagr here defending his poor season/problems through his career, then when the Rangers were losing in five did not write about how they took a step back and barely qualified, that they spent 90m on two centers that could barely play with Jagr?

I did not see these features on Yashin when he had his good playoff against Toronto nor did he ever refuse to participate in shootouts and I did not see him defended by Mr Herrman when he was hurt in the playoffs for the Isles?

If Garth Snow added 90m in forwards and he had Jagr's poor season guys like Mr
Herrmann would be lining up to rip him but he has a good game in a series his club trails 3-0 and we get a feature that reads like someone who's more fan than beatwriter?

What happened the day the Rangers were eliminated?

Mr Herrmann did a feature completely ignoring the loss about a family from California who were die-hard Ranger fans who left the house with them losing which prevented an accident. He then made sure to point out the former LI family were not Islander fans here.


It sure would be nice if a few of these reporters simply dropped the pretense and said what teams they were fans of going into an article. This way when Mr Herrmann is selling one team and putting down another we can figure out whether to take it seriously?

I did not see any articles from Mr Herrmann last spring when the Isles were eliminated in the same five games about a family of Islander fans in another market
instead of articles calling for changes?

Sorry folks, I think these are very fair questions to ask.

Of course with Cablevision coming in to run Newsday this may become the standard for hockey viewpoints in the paper. Good article for the resume Mr Herrmann.
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The Islanders resigned Campoli for three years last 7/16 for those perhaps looking for a time line on Gervais or other RFA. These things seem to get done in bunches.
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Buyout time is coming soon in the NHL with the date around 6/15. I highly doubt the Isles will go that way with Hilbert or Bates because between waives and trades they could help fill out a deal.

Of course the Islanders could keep and play both if healthy. That would create one heck of a numbers game with the prospects.
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Nothing updated on an outdoor game folks. Don't let Cablevision and NBC keep the Isles out of this one, contact the Mayor's office and demand the Isles are included or no construction be done on the current Yankee Stadium and the game shipped out of town.

If there is a game in New York the Isles have to be in it at all cost for the future of the franchise on a lot of levels, including the Lighthouse. If Mr Ebersol does not like that let him take his coverage elsewhere.

Do you part and send a quick e-mail. Mr Bloomberg will not give Cablevsion the time of day but he may do it for the New York Islanders.

Islanders 5/31 Update

Islanders website: John Hill has a very early Saturday am update on the Isles at the prospects combine with comments from Ryan Jankowski, the Islanders Assistant GM/Director of Amateur Scouting on the process and what the club is looking for.

National Post: Michael Traikos also had a few words from Mr Jankowski in an article on the defenseman defining the draft class after the first selection.

NHL.com: Evan Weiner does a feature on Bobby Nystrom and his Stanley Cup winning goal in 1980 against Philadelphia and asked the legendary player if taking a misconduct on a hot day helped get him a rest?

Toronto Star : Rick Westhead claims a secret document on NHL revenue shows the six Canadian teams account for thirty one percent of the $1.1 billion (U.S.) in league ticket revenue with the Isles among eight clubs that generated less than half the amount of ticket revenue of the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators with the Coyotes generating the least ticket revenue of any club.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
The fans had to sit out an entire year for this agreement, both sides agreed to full disclosure and there is revenue sharing so why not simply release the full accounting of each team from an independent arbitrator without secret documents leaking to the media?

If the Canadian dollar is strong of course they are going to take in more revenue along with markets that increase the price of tickets. In many markets this still does not offset the huge overhead to run a franchise in places like New York where many things are more expensive.

Note the pdf file included says the Isles revenue from ticket sales went from five hundred thousand per game to five hundred fifty thousand per game. Seems estimated in many teams cases or at the very least rounded off.

Many of these reports come off like fabricated Msg/Versus press releases on television ratings or announced attendance at games off Espn links. It's practically as bad as all the folks who take the Forbes yearly estimate released around December as gospel even though they have no access to any teams books.

My point being with a lack of credible information folks will believe anything that anyone says or writes.

Telegraph-Journal: Nathan White and Marty Klinkenberg had comments from Ted Nolan on the passing of his former player in Luc Bourdon, former Islander Steve Tambellini also comments. Islanders website also released an article with the coaches comments
here.

Tsn.ca: Has an article on the prospect combine taking place in Toronto with player comments and provided a full blog on the days events here.

Isles profiled prospect Zach Bogosian on the website, I added it to the prospect section.

USA Today.com: Kyle Woodlief of Red Line Report profiled the top fowards in the draft with Stamkos, Filatov a cut above the rest.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Added to sidebar, must read for Islander fans.

Newsday: Neil Best who has the media beat reports New York finished with a 1.6 rating for game three of the finals which was 34th among 56 major markets and claims it must be baseball season.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
It's always baseball season in New York, Mr Best. This is why your paper needs to put in more New York Islander coverage and lower Ranger content in the paper but you only seem to be interested in your favorite team, it's hurt local interest in the sport across the board.

What's funny is folks like Mr Best will be the first ones telling us his Rangers in the finals will be good for the sport but here is Detroit-Pittsburgh and New York could care less.

So why will it be different for other markets if a New York area team did make a final if New York is thirty sixth for a great matchup like this?

Daily News: Ranger reporter John Dellapina who has been selling the Rangers at Yankee Stadium since day one has Bill Daly's comments the big meeting regarding this will take place next week which involves the Mayor's office. The article says NBC wants no part of the Isles involvement or a local matchup and that being excluded could anger the club.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Keep sending e-mails to Mayor Bloomberg folks if you want the New York Islanders involved because it's down to the Mayor's office and a meeting next week. If Mr Ebersol, Dellapina, Flood and the Garden do not want the Isles in that game let them pick another city. Isles put in all the work for this and should not only be in the event but the host New York team as the championship hockey tradition in New York Hockey.

Finally nothing new on the Ridderwall-Johansson front.