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Post by cactusjames on Sept 19, 2007 17:49:39 GMT -5
Terrible. Loudville helmet lickers.
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Post by 9 on Sept 25, 2007 12:30:16 GMT -5
OLD-TIME HOCKEY! And FUCK the Rangers!
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Post by drock2006 on Oct 5, 2007 21:39:54 GMT -5
Your undefated New York Islanders!
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Nov 2, 2007 15:07:43 GMT -5
Yet another nice Islanders blog in cyberspace - they are all over the place. This is a good team. From our friends at the Hockey News. www.thehockeynews.com/articles/10664-THNcom-Blog-Saved.htmlBrothers and sisters, I have seen the light. Oh, sure, I had once led the wrong life, traveled down that wicked path more than once, but I have been redeemed. My mind is clear and my heart is pure and I believe…
I believe, that is, in the Islanders.
Oh, you may laugh, you in your ivory towers (or those who worship the Rangers or Devils), but the Isles have spoken to me and though I cannot pretend to understand their ways, the predicted Apocalypse 2007 has not showered Long Island in brimstone just yet.
The team built by GM Garth Snow, coach Ted Nolan and owner Charles Wang is an unorthodox one to be sure, but effective. And coming off Thursday’s 4-0 whitewashing of the occasionally potent Tampa Bay Lightning, one must assume that barring calamity, these Isles are following in the footsteps of their underdog brethren from last season.
Not that there’s a whole lot left from that miracle eighth seed. What fascinates me most about these Isles is how they took three free agents from different teams and turned them into an automatic force of a top line, a chemistry experiment that re-discovered mercury.
While Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie knew each other briefly in their Edmonton days, that was a long time ago and adding former Bolt Ruslan Fedotenko to the left wing completed the unlikely troika.
Through 10 games, the top line has combined for 33 points and sit 1-2-3 in team scoring. Couple that with the fact defenseman Chris Campoli comes next in line (he’s actually tied at nine points with Fedotenko, but the forward has more goals) and his defense partner, Bruno Gervais, is on pace for 40-plus points and you can see why the Isles are once again in a good place.
Along with young guns such as Campoli and Gervais on the point, the Isles also boast the underrated pair of Radek Martinek (whom the organization values quite highly) and Brendan Witt, the bruising D-line leader who excels at getting superstars off their game.
As for goaltending, Rick DiPietro could be doing better, but assuming he doesn’t see Al Montoya on Lexington Ave., he at least gives them a true No. 1 capable of raising his game (see last night’s shutout, where D.P. also tallied an assist).
And of course, there’s the vaunted coaching strategies of Nolan. Players work for Nolan and that always seems to work in the win column, so why mess with it? With character guys such as Mike Sillinger and Trent Hunter in the mix, there’s little chance of the Isles tuning out their bench boss.
So forgive me, Isles fans. For too long I was a non-believer. Whatever the opposite of smoke and mirrors is, that’s what this team has got. Apparently hard work can pay off and for the Lunchpailers of Long Island, it’s the key to their success.
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Post by IronHorse4 on Nov 2, 2007 17:24:19 GMT -5
Give me a fucking break. It hasn't even been a month yet.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Nov 2, 2007 17:38:58 GMT -5
How bout them Devils!
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Post by cactusjames on Nov 2, 2007 19:13:47 GMT -5
So wait, I'm supposed to believe since the Isles shutout a team that has barely scored the entire season(not that I can brag about scoring better than them) big things are to come for the Islanders? That's the indication the Isles are a special team? I'm not suprised, it's the start of November and the Isles are bragging about a good start and thinking playoffs already.
In case you didn't realize Tom, Tampa got their ass kicked against the Islanders, Devils AND Rangers. What redeeming quality do the Islanders have for beating a team the entire Atlantic Division beat up?
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Nov 2, 2007 21:00:17 GMT -5
Dummy, the story is not based upon the one game, or about the one game. Read it again, you obviously missed the point.
Hey, hows that Gomez signing working out for ya?
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Post by cactusjames on Nov 3, 2007 15:04:07 GMT -5
I did, some doucbhe has seen the light cause the isles started hot and they shutout the bolts.
The way the lines are starting to click, Gomez is going to work out nicely on Jagr's line. Thanks for wondering though, you'll find out tuesday.
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Post by IronHorse4 on Nov 4, 2007 12:51:08 GMT -5
Yeah...3 home games against 9 road games, and we're 2 points behind the Islanders. Can't believe how awful they are.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Nov 12, 2007 16:32:21 GMT -5
How bout them Devils!
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Post by thecaptain15 on Nov 12, 2007 16:55:35 GMT -5
Tom you may want to thread lightly in ramming the Devils in their one down season.....I knew this year would be a struggle and figured we would be challenging for 7th-8th seed at best (due mostly to still having Brodeur)....After the last 10-15 years a down year or two to hopefully to restock retool is ok with me...Now Lou let's see this so called genius again!!!!
By the way I will admit the Newark move seems to be working as anticipated (and I mean that in a negative fashion).....
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Post by drock2006 on Nov 12, 2007 19:53:43 GMT -5
This is not a knock on Devils fans, there are simply not enough of them to filll any building 40 nights. If that arena was built on LI, it would be filled most every night for the first year. It is a gorgeous arena
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Post by thecaptain15 on Nov 12, 2007 20:00:29 GMT -5
I disagree..I think there are enough to keep the building mostly full but most of the fan base are families and young kids and what family has $600 or so to take the family of 4 to a 2 hour hockey game......I won't even go myself to a regular season game cause I am not spending $100 for a ticket (Add in drinks, food etc.) - playoffs are different and it is well worth it. Take out all the corporate seats at The Garden and most would be empty at the prices they charge..and this is not a knock on Ranger fans, I know there are 100X more Ranger fans than Devil fans.....The Devils just don't have the corporate following..Newark has more business and maybe they sell a few more boxes but I think even the people who work there don't want to hang around at night there for a game.....Believe it or not I think the Devils would have been better off following the Nets to Brooklyn....
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Post by IronHorse4 on Nov 13, 2007 10:22:37 GMT -5
I disagree with that.
It's not that there aren't enough Devils fans. There aren't, but there is a bigger reason why. I bring this up roughly once a year, but I'll say it again.
The reason the Devils don't draw is because they are a third team in a two-team town. I mean, the only way the Devils could draw any interest would be to do something crazy like win 3 Cups in 9 years.
Wait.....never mind.
But seriously, the reason why the Devils can't pack the joint is because there isn't enough room for 3 hockey teams in any area. Hockey isn't as popular as baseball or football. And the people in our generation that grew up in North Jersey were mostly Ranger fans, with a smattering of Flyers and Islanders fans. And that is because when you're a kid, you root for the team your old man rooted for, generally speaking.
I've said it many times, but we won't see the impact of three Cups in a decade until a few years from now. A kid in New Jersey that was 10 years old in 1995 is either a Rangers or Devils fan. Yeah, the Devs won in 95, but the odds are 50/50 (if not better) that the kid became a Ranger fan because the Rangers won the Cup the previous year.
The kid in New Jersey that was 10 in 2000 is the best example of how a Devils fan will grow up. At 10 he sees the Devils down 3-1 to the Flyers in the Conference Finals, come back to force a Game 7, and Scott Stevens delivering one of the most devastating legal hits in NHL history to the recently retired pillowhead en route to a 2-1 victory and a trip to the Finals. That hit right there...that makes the kid a Devils fan. They win the Series, go on to beat the defending champs in 6, and the kid is hooked. At 11 he sees the Devils take Patrick Roy to Game 7 of the Finals before falling short in an attempt at back-to-back Cups. At 13, he sees his team rise back to the top of the hockey world in 2003. All while the Rangers are shit and the Islanders back-door into the playoffs (only to show how much they belonged there).
So now the 17-year-old kid is a senior in high school (unless he lives in North Bergen, in which case he is probably only a sophomore and would rather go see a Red Bulls game, but I digress). If he even stays in Jersey, he raises his family as Devils fans, and before that he might have the disposable income to go to games. But that money is 7 years away and the family is 10 years away (unless he lives in West New York, in which case it started 3 years ago). But seriously, folks...the impact of the Cup run and accompanying new arena, if there is any impact at all, won't be seen for a while yet.
Going to Brooklyn...that would pretty much kill the franchise. The only hope they have to succeed from a support standpoint in this area is to stay in Jersey.
Otherwise, they should have either gone (back) to Kansas City before they built The Rock, or they should have moved to Nashville a dozen years ago.
And it would be a good thing for Jersey if the Nets stayed.
They beat Sidney Crosby and the Pens in front of 17,000+ Pens fans and like 4 Devils fans (including yours truly) last night. Thanks for asking!
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 17, 2007 15:22:28 GMT -5
SUPPORT FOR CHRIS SIMON Islanders to provide veteran forward time away from the team
This afternoon, the New York Islanders released the following pair of statements from owner Charles Wang and veteran forward Chris Simon. As the statements indicate, Simon has been granted some time away from the team.
From Charles Wang:
"The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart.
"We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counseling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again."
From Chris Simon:
"I want to start off by making clear that there is no excuse for my actions on Saturday night and I apologize to everyone involved.
"The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team. I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I'm proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game.
"I want to thank the Islanders for providing the environment for me to become a better player and person, and our fans for their support along the way."
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Post by jwmcc on Dec 17, 2007 15:33:05 GMT -5
LOL @ Support for Chris Simon. Enjoy your 7th suspension dick...
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 17, 2007 15:34:25 GMT -5
The guy is an animal and needs help.
I actually still have not seen the play. Someone sent me a link today, but it did not work. I am interested in seeing what this dreg pulled out of his hat this time.
Let him go. He brings a dangerous vibe to the arena, and scares children and the elderly.
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Post by IronHorse4 on Dec 17, 2007 15:43:12 GMT -5
He really needs to go. He's Nolan's boy, because they're from the same tribe. But he is absolutely out of control. He intentionally stepped on Jarko Ruutu's ankle. This comig on the heels of the Hollweg thing last season.
The NHL needs to strongly consider banning him from the league.
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Post by drock2006 on Dec 17, 2007 20:16:08 GMT -5
He should be banned from the NHL for life. His excuse last year was he had a concussion, he has run out of excuses.
He is also a racist..although I guess he didnt mean that either
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Post by 9 on Dec 17, 2007 20:19:07 GMT -5
Tom, I just saw it. It's blatant and it's bad. There's no way anyone could say it wasn't intentional.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 17, 2007 20:39:15 GMT -5
Ah, man, just saw it. Yeah, as bad as advertised. Look, I am not going to make any excuses for the guy. I would be happy if he never sees the ice again. I am glad even the Isle announcers had no spin on it, Howie Rose practically yelled, "he could have severed a tendon!"
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Post by drock2006 on Dec 17, 2007 20:52:24 GMT -5
Not much to spin with this guy. I know Wang and Nolan are tryin gto be good guys by "supporting" him, but he could have killed someone had these incidents gone bad. Get him off the ice.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 17, 2007 21:17:58 GMT -5
Well, I think all the platitudes is all Wang and Nolan not wanting to look like they are cutting the guy to the wind...he has obvious problems, and they are playing good guys by offering to help him get what he needs, potentially. As bad as what he did, they cant just come out and show him the door.
They are handling it correctly. Honestly, I dont think they will ever bring him back, this is just a kinder way of cutting the cord....slow and easy.
By the way, even Islander fans cant back the guy...on the official message board, the question is "do you want him off the team?"
25 say no....235 say yes.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 20, 2007 22:26:54 GMT -5
Okposo Bolts for NHL Mid-SeasonCHN Staff Report MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota sophomore Kyle Okposo has chosen to forgo the remainder of the 2007-08 season and his career with the Golden Gophers to sign a contract with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League.
Okposo was the Islanders' first-round draft choice and the seventh player taken overall in the 2006 entry draft. He is the eighth Minnesota player to leave college early for the professional ranks since the end of the 2005-06 season.
Okposo is departing today for the Czech Republic as a member of the United States World Junior team team. He will join the Islanders following the tournament.
"While I'm disappointed Kyle is leaving at this point of the season, his dream has been to play pro hockey," Minnesota coach Don Lucia said in a statement. "It is unfortunate that the Islanders put him in a very difficult position. I think our team has made strides the last few weeks and I'm looking forward to the second half of the season."
A St. Paul native who attended Shattuck St. Mary's in Faribault, Minn., Okposo burst onto the collegiate scene last season with 19 goals and 21 assists in 40 games as a freshman. He earned second-team All-WCHA honors and was named to the league's All-Rookie Team. Amid speculation that he would leave for the NHL after his freshman season, Okposo announced on June 6 that he would return to the Gophers.
Okposo had a slow start to the 2007-08 season with an eight-game scoreless streak after a three-point game in the season opener against Rensselaer. He scored points in six of the last nine games, totaling seven goals and four assists over the team's first 18 games as Minnesota currently owns a 9-8-1 record.
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Post by IronHorse4 on Dec 21, 2007 9:22:00 GMT -5
No react here on Simon's suspension? 30 games?? That is ridiculous. When does the suspension start? When he comes back from is "absence," or are the Isles going to conveniently start the clock now, so that Simon is eligible with, say, 20 games left in the season for the final stretch.
I think the Isles have every intention of bringing Simon back, and I'm not saying I wouldn't. But the NHL screwed up here. This is his 8th suspension.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Dec 21, 2007 9:37:47 GMT -5
I thought I commented. I think its light. I think he should have been put down for at least the year. I also think the Islanders should cut cord. Even the Islander fans are fed up. Nolan actually got hot when Campbell alluded to Simon's other problems (his savage drinking) and implied that is the root of the evils.
The Islander take is that they are not going to let the guy flutter without help. Whatever happens after the suspension ends is up to the Islanders - obviously suspension starts now, I saw the date - sometime in Feb, when he is allowed to return. I really dont think the Islanders are going to be as quick to put him back on the ice as people think.
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Post by drock2006 on Dec 23, 2007 20:24:34 GMT -5
I'm a diehard Isles fan, but I agree he should have been banned for at least one calendar year
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Mar 16, 2008 17:15:17 GMT -5
OKPOSO TO MAKE NHL DEBUT ON TUESDAY The Islanders' top prospect, forward Kyle Okposo, will make his National Hockey League debut on Tuesday when the Islanders host the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum at 7:05 pm.
Okposo, selected seventh overall by the Islanders in the 2006 NHL Draft, is considered one of the top prospects in hockey. After playing for Team USA at this year's World Junior Championships, the 6-foot, 200-pound wing left the University of Minnesota and signed a three-year contract with the Islanders on January 11. He started his pro career in the Islanders organization by playing for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In 29 games with the Sound Tigers, Okposo had 8 goals and 16 assists for 24 points. He had an assist in Bridgeport's 4-2 over the Philadelphia Phantoms on Saturday night.
"It's the right time to give Kyle the chance to show what he can do at the NHL level," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "From the beginning we said that when it came to Kyle we would do what was best long-term for both him and our franchise. He has played well in Bridgeport and deserves a look. Our organization is very excited to see Kyle in an Islanders unifom, and I'm sure so are our fans."
Okposo, who turns 20 years old on April 16, will join the Islanders on Monday in time for practice, which is scheduled for noon at Islanders Iceworks in Syosset.
"My focus had been on playing well in the AHL and helping the Sound Tigers, so I didn't know when the call would come," said Okposo. "But now that it has, the excitement is off the charts. I just want to have a good practice on Monday and then I'll start thinking about playing a big game against the Maple Leafs in front of our fans on Tuesday. It's up to me to make the most of the opportunity."
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Post by 9 on Mar 16, 2008 19:23:30 GMT -5
That's about the only reason to watch this useless team.
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