Richard Park Signing in Switzerland Official

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AP: Reports Richard Park has signed a three-year contract with Swiss club Geneva-Servette, general manager, Chris McSorley spoke with Mark Streit regarding Park, who did play in Switzerland during the lockout.

NYIFC Comments:
Nothing but thanks and the best of luck to Richard Park, who's effort won many games here and was a huge positive in the team going to the playoffs in 07-08. Without his huge goals in Philadelphia and New Jersey that final weekend, the team does not qualify.

Cablevision-Msg: Superficial release on Msg employee Butch Goring's transfer of duties to Islander broadcast booth which was allowed/ordered to be posted on Islanders website, includes his comments on being reassigned within the company.

NYIFC Comments:
Nothing on Cablevision/Msg announcement of a new Islander personality hired to take Goring's role on telecast or in studio. So a full half hour pre/post game most of the time, we'll see.

Obviously no comment from any Islander employee on these transgressions.

The release is also incorrect. Eighty Islander games did not appear on MSG Plus last season, eighteen schedule games were on Msg+2, which many do not have access to in a standard television format, others were assigned there late in the season on virtually no notice, and some outlets did not carry these channels in HD.

Not one single game appeared on Msg despite several Devil games being given the primary Garden outlet. These details never seem to make it into hockey rating releases.



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Butch Goring's Employer Assigns Him To Islander Broadcast Booth

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Cablevision's Newspaper has reported Msg employee Butch Goring will also become the Islanders new color commentator, replacing Billy Jaffe in the television booth.

NYIFC Comments:
Butch Goring like everyone who appears on a hockey broadcast for the New York Islanders, Devils or Buffalo Sabres, is an employee of Msg regardless of what they do.

Butch Goring remains an Msg employee under contract to Cablevision-Msg, his salary is paid by Cablevision-Msg. He is not an employee of the New York Islanders.

Once again, I'm going to call this as I see it.

Msg/Cablevision just saved salary by eliminating a position (or Goring's studio replacement will be paid far less by Msg) and I suspect that was the plan all along from a company that replaced it's WNBA teams logo with that of a Casino to make extra revenue.

Charles/James Dolan's Newspaper/media people will report what they are told to report.

New York Islander management choices? About the same as when the Islander pre-game was pulled, or it was time to collect the full Metro Ice Challenge money from the same company, that ironically pulled Islander games off television long ago around the time Goring was coach.

No choice.

So now the former head coach Charles Wang allowed Mike Milbury to fire a decade ago, that drew very strong justified criticism at the time from fans/alumni, will move from the stands/Msg studio to the broadcast booth and will be discussing how Mr Wang's team performs during live play?

Only Msg knows if Rob Carlin will remain to do road interviews with head coach Scott Gordon.

A great deal is being asked of Butch Goring here, who has no background doing live game commentary in a broadcast booth or someone who paid his dues like Denis Potvin for years in such an assignment. Only he knows if he had the option to decline and remain employed with Msg.

Of course, Goring has a life filled with hockey experience beyond what can absolutely be strongly argued is a Hall of Fame career. He paid his hockey dues long before going to Anchorage Alaska, to coach the Aces after leaving New York, only to deal with another bad ownership after Howard/Ed Milstein, that did not live up to it's financial commitments. He then coached the Krefeld Pinguine to the DEL championship as head coach in Germany.

Of course, many recall Goring's brief time as Bruins head coach after leaving the Islanders as a player.

After what Msg did to sanitize Joe Micheletti's performance when he left the Islanders booth, this will not be easy for him, but as long as he is muted about his Msg employer his performance will not be an issue for them beyond salary.

So do all the savings on salary for Msg now mean a full post game for the New York Islanders or some programming?

If Sam Rosen can run downstairs and ask all the questions of Cablevision's coach, surely Howie Rose can finally start doing exactly the same and interview Scott Gordon as Deb Placey/Rob Carlin work the full locker room for every televised game, and not depart the air so quickly after the final horn?

Sorry folks, I think the world of Butch Goring, and felt he was treated terrible a decade ago after an excellent first season as coach where a team that won 24 games, played much better than projected.

I'm not the biggest Billy Jaffe fan, the team could be playing awful and be up/down by three goals and his commentary would reflect the scoreboard more than how the team was actually playing.

Bottom line, this has not been fair to Billy Jaffe, who did nothing on camera to not be rehired, this is not fair to Butch Goring, it's not fair to the New York Islanders or our fans.

Seems the only place it is good for will be Cablevision/Msg bottom line.

As I wrote after Msg/Cablevision announced Jaffe would not be rehired you have to make up your own mind about what some will actually now claim are the Islander broadcast partners, despite a record that obviously screams otherwise.

The media will not be giving that to you in Newsday about their own employees and what ultimately was their decisions.
*************************************
At this time there is no official confirmation from a team website Richard Park has signed in the NLA
with Genève-Servette in Switzerland. To the best of my knowledge their regular season opens Friday.




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Islander News Articles 4/13

: Greg Logan's game recap includes Richard Park's comments to the crowd, head coach Scott Gordon on the second half and Rick DiPietro among several things and Josh Bailey.

Updated:
Mr Logan added to his article late Sunday writing goaltender Rick DiPietro recently was seen on crutches at the physical therapy facility where several Islanders do their rehabilitation. No explanation was immediately available from the Islanders, who previously released a statement saying he will be ready for training camp in September.

Boston Globe & Boston Herald: Recaps the Bruins 6-2 win over New York Sunday.

NY Post: Dan Martin's game coverage has comments from Doug Weight and Josh Bailey.

A complete no show from the Daily News again while the Times had money to send a writer to Philadelphia for a meaningless Ranger game after not covering some road or home games.

Point Blank/Mr Botta: Recaps the Islanders season ending loss to Boston and does an excellent job pointing out how this team finished the season is inexcusable in his view.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Reading some of the spin from Scott Gordon about practice time or lack thereof for me just does not cut it because all teams have the same issues. This team in April looked painfully bad at time and even got back Streit, Okposo and Bergenheim and it did not raise their collective play one bit.

Was the goaltending as good? No, but the teams play in front of the goalies was lacking for a lot of young players and some veterans fighting for jobs while teams like Atlanta played hard every night for John Anderson.

AHL.com: Earlier Sunday released the schedule for the opening round of the AHL playoffs for Bridgeport.
Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 17 – W-B/Scranton vs. Bridgeport, 7:30 (U)
Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 18 – W-B/Scranton vs. Bridgeport, 7:00 (U)
Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 19 – Bridgeport at W-B/Scranton, 5:05
Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 22 – W-B/Scranton at Bridgeport, 7:00
*Game 5 – Fri., Apr. 24 – Bridgeport at W-B/Scranton, 7:05
*Game 6 – Sat., Apr. 25 – Bridgeport at W-B/Scranton, 7:05
*Game 7 – Sun., Apr. 26 – W-B/Scranton at Bridgeport, TBA

Newsday Islander Insider

Newsday: Greg Logan's Friday Islander Insider had a full review of Josh Bailey's first NHL season with summaries on Kyle Okposo, Blake Comeau (where Bill Guerin had some interesting comments about his play) Frans Nielsen and Sean Bergenheim who's World Championship participation is in question because of his groin injury despite returning the last two games.

Head coach Scott Gordon is asked about Joel Rechlicz penalties in the Carolina game and that game itself where Richard Park commented. Bill Guerin also discusses about how tough it was losing this season and felt Mark Streit would be an excellent choice to be named captain.

Other items as well.

Islander News Articles 4/10

Newsday: Greg Logan's game recap had comments from head coach Scott Gordon and Richard Park which for now seemed more about the Carolina game than the Pittsburgh loss but did note both the Katic/DiBenedetto signings which were officially announced by the team Thursday.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Shelly Anderson's game coverage of the Pens final home game in the regular season.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Rob Rossi's coverage.

Boston Globe: Nancy Marrapese-Burrell has comments from Islander prospect Corey Trivino Thursday before his BU team advanced to the NCAA Championship winning 5-4 against Vermont on Thursday here with boxscore and more coverage here.

The victory moved BU (34-6-4) into Saturday night's national championship game against Miami University (ESPNHD and ESPN360, 7 p.m. ET).

Sault Star: Kevin Barrett reports former Islander head coach Ted Nolan says he is not allowed to contact other teams because of his Islanders contract until 7/1 and is very interested in returning to coaching as he discussed the junior leagues and his former assistant in Moncton coach Danny Flynn.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I'm pretty sure I read (to lazy to check now) that Nolan was given permission to make a deal with any other NHL club he could. I know on 5/2/08 he told a local paper he guaranteed he would be coaching somewhere next (this) season.

I have little doubt Charles Wang would have let him work for someone this year especially if it meant saving about any part of the 600,000 he would have to pay him.

Newsday: Earlier Thursday reported former Islander captain and long-time broadcaster Ed Westfall is selling his 4.19-acre Lattingtown estate for $1,950,000.

NHL.com: Adam Kimelman reports on the NHL scouting combines for the top draft pick that invitations have been sent out to the top players with comments from NHL Central Scouting Director E.J. McGuire on what this entails as they head to Toronto before the draft.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has comments from Trevor Smith and head coach Jack Capuano on Friday's game against Springfield, the endless tie-breaker and playoff scenario's and what role the recent signings could have this weekend.

Springfield Falcons at Bridgeport Sound Tigers
WHEN -- Tonight, 7
WHERE -- Arena at Harbor Yard
RECORDS -- Springfield 24-42-8-4; Bridgeport 47-23-3-5
SEASON SERIES -- Bridgeport leads 2-1; both teams have a shootout win.

ABOUT THE FALCONS-- Springfield is locked into last place in the Atlantic and is out of the playoffs for the eighth time in nine seasons.....

NYI Fan Central Comments:
It should be noted the clear day roster is the group of players who have to dress first. McLean-Comeau injuries reduce the depth chart to open a spot but everything works off the clear day list.

Max Gratchev has also been playing games for Bridgeport on a tryout contract but does not have to be signed by June 1st as a 2008 draft pick.

Islander News Articles 4/4

Newsday: Greg Logan previews tonight's game against Tampa (mostly about the lottery) with Jeff Tambellini's comments.

Newsday: Mr Logan in the Islander Newsday blog writes contrary to certain contrarians, the sidebar that accompanied the Islanders game story in today's Newsday did not say that injured Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit would definitely miss the rest of the season with their groin strains. It simply suggested that it would not be surprising if that happened as he went on to clarify what happened in the press conference with head coach Scott Gordon's comments.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Of course where Mr Logan fails here is to simply not do a blog entry right after the game on Thursday and cover all angles. This is what Steve Zipay does after almost every game with his blanket coverage so why can't he do that in the only full-time paper that covers this team?

Couldn't the question to Scott Gordon on Okposo and the World Championships wait for another week or an off-day where the winger himself comments?

NY Post: Dan Martin takes his shots at the Isles being well rested because of the lack of playoff series wins while Richard Park feels next year will be different and he will see his first playoff action since he was with the Minnesota Wild that went to the conference finals in 2003.

Sault-Star: Reporter Bill Montague has comments from former Islander head coach Ted Nolan about being a general manager and a return to coaching as he dismissed owning a team. Also reported in this article was former Islander assistant Dany Flynn was named coach of the year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League earlier this week.

AHL.com: Recaps Bridgeport's 4-3 overtime win against Hershey Friday night on Sean Bentivoglio's overtime goal to clinch the first one hundred point season in franchise history in the post-shootout era.

Joe Callahan and Joel Rechlicz did not play, nor did Robin Figren or any of the CHL players on tryout contracts.

Peter Mannino had twenty nine saves in goal.

1. BRI Fraser, (7) (Joensuu, Wotton), 3:36
1. HER McNeill, (3) (Brennan, Joudrey), 17:46
1. HER Perreault, (11) (Giroux, Lepisto), 18:23 (PP)
2. HER Reid, (2) (Gordon), 2:47
2. BRI Joensuu, (19) (Fraser, Kohn), 11:14 (PP)
3. BRI Haskins, (10) (Bentivoglio, Sim), 5:43
OT. BRI Bentivoglio, (13) (Haskins, Kohn), 0:25

1 x Hershey Bears 76 47 21 2 6 102
2 x Bridgeport Sound Tigers 77 46 23 3 5 100
3 x WBScranton Penguins 75 47 24 2 2 98

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Never say never but Bridgeport needed a regulation win Friday. Hershey plays WBS Saturday. With an eighty game schedule is almost up.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio recaps Friday's big win with comments from head coach Jack Capuano, Sean Bentivoglio and goaltender Peter Mannino, who credited defenseman Jon Gleed for a game saving blocked shot in the third period.

Ct Post: Has the following statement from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Team President Howard Saffan not written by beatwriter Michael Fornabaio:

Howard Saffan, president of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, issued the following statement Friday:

I want to take this time to apologize to Lynn Carlotto, General Manager of the Arena at Harbor Yard, for my recent criticism of her management of the facility. I have turned what should have been a private business disagreement into a public matter. My comments were emotionally charged due to the fact that we are fighting for the number one seed in the AHL playoffs and because of the Arena's schedule we will not be able to begin our quest for the AHL championship on home ice. We are working to resolve a difference of interpretation regarding the way playoff dates are established at the Arena.

Patriot-News: Covers the Hershey Bears.

Richard Park breaks rib out four weeks, Hunter in

Reported on tonight's pregame that Richard Park broke a rib or ribs during last night's game and is out four weeks according to CJ Papa, Trent Hunter is expected to return to the lineup with Andy Hilbert moving to center.

AP: Confirms the story.

Note-Newsday did not have a blog entry this afternoon nor did Greg Logan mention this in his chat.

Updated 6:50pm:
Newsday: Mr Logan in the Islander Newsday blog has a quick update on the injury and reported according to a source he was playing with a broken finger.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Terrible break for Park who has done so much for this team, for those wondering this reduces his trade deadline value if he was ever in play for Garth Snow. Funny how DiPietro playing with his HIP problems last season was not called a good soldier by Logan, in fact all he did was run him down and wonder why he was playing hurt?

For those scoring at home no reported callups so Park for Hunter keeps the man games lost count at eight unless Bergenheim does not play. I have been updating this next to Isles roster on the sidebar.

Newsday/Msg+ have a difference of one man game lost to injury.

Islander News Articles 1/5

Updated:
Newsday: Greg Logan's article is on Mike Comrie's latest return to Edmonton (second as an Islander) and the booing from the fans that comes with it from his time as an Oiler. Comrie comments on playing with Kyle Okposo/Blake Comeau, his health and his future along with his relationship with management.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Sounds like a man who wants to stay and be part of things long-term. At his age when healthy his offense will not be easy to replace. Nothing would surprise me here whether he is resigned or traded.

Newsday: Mr Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog had an interview with Richard Park who is now the third forward to hit double digits in goals. Park in the interview says the club is trying to build some good habits and that regardless of results what can be controlled is the teams work ethic and playing right until the end, staying positive and building confidence from the effort. Park feels this is a better club than the one that lost in Boston last month and that they are here to win games.

Mr Logan speculates it would be wise to hang onto Park past the trade deadline and that he is mentally strong enough to handle what is ahead regardless if a Bill Guerin is traded.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Park's been outstanding and brings so much not on a scoresheet to a team and without his huge goals the last weekend of 2007 the Islanders do not make the playoffs. If the team had size, scoring and a top six unit Park makes sense as part of this roster long-term on the fourth line who can be spotted on other lines. He's done outstanding here on every level and been a much better big game player than I have given him credit for.

I would guess he is not going anywhere.

Having written this if I were general manager I would have to move him at the deadline. His career trends do not lie and if Garth Snow is expecting him to become the next Jason Blake that is not likely. Last December he went on a scoring run, beat Washington in overtime and then went thirty plus games without a goal.

As a checking forward this club must get younger, bigger and develop more consistent skilled scorers for it's top lines. This is why they signed Figren, Joensuu, Marcinko and have a lot of other prospects who will push out veterans or prospects.

Richard Park is signed for next season.


Quick word on Sunday morning coverage:
Post-game comments from Scott Gordon & the players did not make it into game story, just a written recap. Not much time for a recap to make the printed version of the paper with the late start time. Good job by Mr Logan to have a recap written while many other teams games do not have an article from the West coast the next day.

ITV had the coaches press conference.

Edmonton Sun & Edmonton Journal: Have the latest on the Oilers entering Monday's game against the Islanders.

Union Leader: Ed Klajman has Blake Kessel's comments on his WJC experience despite not winning a medal as the reporter noted he lead the US in plus/minus entering Sunday's game.

National Post: Had an article on both WJC games Sunday noting Jyri Niemi's goal against Germany.