Islanders 2 Canucks 1

What the hell was that all about?
Maybe Alain Vigneault's idea of putting the Sedins with Demitra was an ideal concept because they clicked for the Canucks' only goal, but why mess with what was successful against the Leafs? I anticipated Demitra playing with Wellwood and Pylon. So in the end, Dan Sedin played 22:16, Hank Sedin played 23:08 and Demitra played 21:08. Ass. Wellwood played 13:25, Mason Raymond played 10:18, Taylor Pyatt played 13:33 and the ice cold Steve Bernier received 16:17 of ice time. There is an imbalance there that I don't like.
The Canucks' inability to cash in on their power plays didn't help matters either. Nor did the futile attempts in the shootout. Thing is, it never should have gotten to the shootout.
The 1 point is nice, but you have to get the 2 points out of the lousy Islanders. And it only gets more difficult from here. Rangers next on Wednesday followed by the Wild the night after.
For all highlights and stats click here.

Canucks kick off 4-game road trip today against Islanders

It's tough to say what can be expected from the Islanders tonight. The Islanders are a not-so-surprising 6-9-2 this season, with 2 of those wins coming in their last 2 games...back-to-back wins against the Senators. In the absence of Rick Dipietro, Joey MacDonald is doing all he can to make his mark. He has stopped 96 of 101 shots over his past 3 games, as Canucks.com mentioned.
I'm curious as to how well the Canucks will play 3 times zones away after handing the Leafs their asses on Saturday night.
Vancouver is 4-4-0 on the road this season, and needs to establish some kind of consistency there. We'll see how well a great home stand by the Canucks translates out east. It won't be easy. The 4 games are against the Isles, Rangers, Wild and Penguins, in that order.
So how lousy are the Islanders? They are currently 28th in the NHL. Their goals per game is 21st overall. Their goals against is 22nd. Their powerplay efficiency is 26th overall at a 14.6% rate. Their PK is 9th overall at an 84.3% kill rate. The Islanders have more shots per game than the Canucks do, but they allow more shots against per game than most teams.

Islanders scoring stats. Look at Doug Weight still putting up points. Isn't he a Canuck killer? It's about time Trent Hunter started scoring again. 7 goals and 13 points in 17 games is an improvement for him.

Looking forward to seeing how Wellwood and Demitra click again tonight. We're gonna need it. Wellwood has developed hero status here and recognition around the League. He's so popular, even Hillary Duff dropped Mike Comrie for Woody because he "scores more." Woody has 7 goals Comrie has a piddly 2.

I'll guess a 5-2 Canucks win tonight.

T Tags: Canucks Islanders game+preview November+2008 stats

Jason Blake questions future with Leafs after benching

No player with any form of competitiveness likes to be benched. I always get a kick out of what the player says when he does ride the pine and how he responds on the ice afterwards. Yesterday, Blake said:

"Maybe it's not meant for me to be here," Blake said yesterday after a Leaf practice here before the team headed to Edmonton. "It obviously hasn't worked out in the year and 16 games we played here.

"If it's not going to work out ... I know I can play, and I love to play. I'm not going to quit. If it's not here, I don't know."

That's hilarious. I can tell you where you'll play if not in Toronto, Jason.... the minors. At $4 million per season, Blake has not given the Leafs the kind of consistent offence that they intitially paid him to put out. "I'm glad he's upset," said coach Ron Wilson, who has coached Blake on Team USA.

"You don't want a guy to roll over and die. I want him to step on the ice, and play with piss and vinegar, which he hasn't done consistently."

I love this coaching by Wilson. He pulls no punches. He punishes those who sin. The Leafs have needed a Hitler for a long time now. Nobody is safe from being benched in Toronto these days.
Blake is a guy who put up 40 goals and 29 assists in his contract year with the Islanders, and then recieved the raise from the Leafs. In the previous couple years he averaged about 22 goals and 50 points. His first season with the Leafs (last season) he scored 15 goals and 52 points in 82 games. I'm starting to see a trend here. An overachiever in a contract year. God I hate those players.
The Islanders must look at this and laugh, because at least in this scenario they were potentially smart in letting Blake go. When can you ever say the Islanders' organization is smart?
Well, let's see how Blake responds. I'm guessing the inconsistency continues, as he has been benched twice this season already. This situation has fireworks written all over it.
In some form of credit to Blake, he was diagnosed with leukemia last season yet didn't miss a game. That's gutsy stuff, and I recognize that. But you can see that he has the skills to pay the bills when he plays and needs to find his scoring touch back regardless.

More on the story at the Toronto Star.

T Tags: Jason+Blake+benched angry Leafs Ron+Wilson Hitler

Ulfie Samuelsson a candidate to coach the Islanders

Ulf told Expressen.se (translated from Swedish:

"One never knows well when you're done with their education, but after having worked with teams in both the AHL and NHL, I am well soon ready."

I wonder if he'd teach his players how "knee" the opposing guys. Dirty Ulfie. Never liked him.
Samuelsson has been Gretzky's assistant coach since June 2006 and has 1 year left on his contract, but it seems as though he'd jump at a head coaching upgrade.
Ulf would be the first Swedish coach in the NHL if he suceeds.

T Tags: Ulf+Samuelsson+could+coach+Islanders candidate

Ted Nolan fired

"Ted has helped us achieve some success over the last two seasons, however it has become clear that we have philosophical differences and have decided together to part ways," general manager Garth Snow said in a release. "Since last season and continuing into the summer, I have realized we do not share the same philosophies."

Philosophies. I bet Nolan must be thinking of one in particular, and that is that Garth Snow has not provided Nolan with any decent talent in the coach's 2 years at the helm. I mean, c'mon, Guerin, Fedotenko and Comrie were acquired last summer. Those 3 aren't going to get the Isles into the playoffs, or even put up a lot of points. And they didn't.
2 years ago the Isles snuck into the playoffs on the last game of the regular season with a team that looked like this. Quite the differencce. But the skill level of players on Long Island has gone south ever since. Take a look at who is signed for this coming season. Snow has a lot of work to do. Signing an aging Doug Weight to click once again with an aging Bill Guerin is hardly the right answer, Garth.

Nolan's record on the Island was 75-68-21.

For a more in depth look at the Snow-Nolan relationship, check out this blog from a guy named Chris Botta, who worked 20 years in the Islanders' organization.

T Tags: Ted+Nolan+fired Islanders+coach Garth+Snow+sucks

Yashin bashin

Is there a chance that Alexei Yashin could return with the Islanders next season?

"We've had discussions," Yashin's agent Marc Gandler told Newsday. "But it's been very slow because I told them in the beginning how much I wanted. They're obviously not happy about that. But clearly, they missed him. They didn't have a first line last season."

Excuse me while I clean up the stinky mess I just made on the floor. The Islanders are still paying $2.2 million towards their cap for 8 years total in order to continue the buyout process of Yashin's ludicrous deal made several years ago.
The fuel behind this silly story is that the Islanders did not get much offence last year. It's true, they didn't. But did anyone think that Mike Comrie, Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko were going to be the Lords of Long Island? The were only going to "chip in", which they did.
If Hockey Analysis is correct, the only player of the 3 that is locked up for another season is Bill Guerin, at $4.5 million per season. So where is all the scoring going to come from this year? Not liking the UFA market for any means of serious help.
Hey, the Canucks are facing the same issue. So let's get Mogilny back, right? Wrong. Yashin is a gutless puke who only plays with any form of desire whenever he feels like it. In my opinion, Islanders management needs to move on from that gong show and just accept the fact that they fucked up royally with Yashin in signing him for so long. In the meantime, they need to grow from within. They have room to throw some dollars at restricted free agents, but I wouldn't be trading away the farm for immediate help if I was a Wang. Take the hit for the next few years and hope for some overachievment and better performances from some guys.
It really wouldn't hurt if guys like The Prince of Darkness Miro Satan (80 games played, 16 goals and 41 points) and Trent Hunter (82 games played, 12 goals and 41 points) chipped in a lot more. But those 2 are about to become UFA's as well.
Geez, tough times on the Island. It may be another tough year.
It's just that bringing back Yashin would only further prove to Islander fans that the team they cheer for is a joke. Especially if they pay the guy the amount his agent is asking for.

T Tags: Alexei+Yashin+to+Islanders return Joke gutless rumor

Canucks 3 Islanders 2 (SO)

That was frustrating to watch. After outshooting the Islanders 42-26 in regulation, the Canucks had to play an extra period and a shootout to beat their opponent. This is due in part to the fact that Luongo gaffed on both Islander goals (in Patrick Roy fashion), and that Dipietro was that damned good. Technically, this should have been a 7-0 route.
But no, I flicked off the tv last night feeling relieved that the healed Edler bagged the shootout winner, and ticked off at the same time because the Canucks almost pissed this one away.
I am directing a bit of anger at Matt Cooke, who was set up up perfectly and missed a wide open net.
Luongo, on the first goal, completely gaffed because it looked like he was ref-watching again because he thought the play was offside. The 2nd goal he let in was because he lost the puck in his skates while wandering behind the net. So, an off game for Louie.

"But what a performance in the shootout huh?" Luongo said jokingly post game. "At least I finished off on a positive note."

You could see the smile on his face after the game ended. Like a smile of relief.
I like the newly-formed Naslund-Jaffray-Pyatt line. They generated a lot of chances. Especially Pyatt, who had a terrific game, using his size more than I've seen him do in a while.

There are questions arising (again) about the Canucks' ability to score after last night's game. But I'm not really biting. Rick Dipietro, the games' first star, really was that good. Like John Garrett said last night, he could have been all 3 stars.

BOX SCORE

HIGHLIGHTS

T Tags: Canucks Islanders review Rick+Dipietro Roberto+Luongo Cooke+can't +score

Canucks-Islanders Preview: Snow in Vancouver

As Canucks.com points out, this is the last time the Canucks play an Eastern Conference team this year. How do you like that? I don't.
The Islanders, who got smoked 3-0 by the Coilers last night, now march into GM Place, where the Canucks have earned at least a point (11-0-2) in their last 13 games played at home. That's almost like Joe Peschi walking into church. Trouble.
The inconsistent Islanders are officially out of a playoff spot, barely stuck in 9th spot in the East. So much of their fate rides on the offensive output of summer-acquisitions Mike Comrie, Bill Guerin, and Ruslan Fedotenko...3 inconsistent guys. The Isles are 5-3-2 in their last 10.
The Canucks, for the time being, have lost top spot in the Northwest to the surging Flames, and sit in 4th spot in the West.
We look to have lost Alex Edler, who left yesterday's practice with back spasms, as did Brad Isbister, who had the same problems with his back. Both are doubtful for tonight. Mattias Ohlund is not near returning yet from a concussion he suffered against the Devils on December 18. Norm McIver, known more for his goonery than scoring, has been called up by the Canucks today to replace the fallen Edler. Jeff Cowan has been practicing with the team and could return tonight.
My call? I'll take the Canucks to take this one 3-1. Could even be another shutout for Louie. The Canucks are rolling at home. Luongo is cookin'. We own the Atlantic Division this year (2-0-1). It would take a complete lackluster effort by Vancouver to lose this one.

Game Time: 7:00 PM PST
TV: Sportsnet Pacific

T Tags: Canucks Islanders Preview Alex+Edler+injury Brad+Isbister+injury

Sunday Ramblings

I couldn't agree more with what Curtis Sanford said post game after last night's 2-1 shootout loss to Edmonton.

"We know that they got an unbelievable shootout record this year," Sanford said. "Garon and Roloson have been solid for them back there and they have some young guys that can put the puck in the net when it's just them and the goalie. You have to respect that and it gives you all the more reason to close it out in regulation time or the overtime."

The Canucks looked better last night and got stronger as the game went on but really didn't bury their chances. Garon is a Canuck-killer, in regulation/OT but especially the shootout. It seems that players are better to shoot high blocker side on Garon. Kesler did and it worked in the shootout. Garon seemed to leave that side open. But he just cannot be beaten along the ice, as he is way too flexible, as Ron and Don pointed out in Coach's Corner.
In front of fans and family, Jason Jaffray was given over 15.5 minutes of icetime and managed ZERO shots, but one fight against Steve Staios in OT. Too bad. He should have been given a chance in the shootout.

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From TSN:

Just two months after serving a lengthy suspension for a hit on Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg, the New York Islanders forward is facing punishment time again after receiving a match penalty for trying to step on Jarkko Ruutu's foot.

"Trying". Did he actually make contact with Ruutu's foot? Did Ruutu sell it? I have no clue and can't tell from the highlights footage.
But Simon is a 7-time offender and 2 months ago served a suspension for using Hollweg's face as a baseball. TSN has a poll up on what fans think Simon's suspension should be. So far, they don't favor Simon's career in the NHL:

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Bryan McCabe will miss 6-8 weeks as he suffered a broken hand injury against the Habs on Saturday night. Apparently his hand has 3 broken bones. Surgery is obviously required.
Usually, I'd say this is a blessing for the Leafs team, and it still could be perhaps. But McCabe deserves some credit for the Leafs' recent success as he has elevated his game. Check out his stats over the past 10 games over at ESPN. At least he wasn't a minus player over the previous 8 games before last night's loss to Montreal. He was a minus 1 last night only because the moment he broke his hand, the Habs went down the ice and scored.

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Random question: when is Ilya Bryzgalov going to recieve a painted mask or have one made up? His white mask sucks.

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On the topic of goalies: can you believe the play of Alex Auld with the Bruins? Check out the difference in his stats playing for Phoenix compared to Boston.

T Tags: Canucks Oilers Review Chris+Simon+suspension Bryan+McCabe+hand+injury Bryzgalov+mask

Islanders sign Bryan Berard to a 1-year deal

From TSN:

"I came to camp determined to prove to the Islanders I belonged in the NHL and I'm very appreciative of Garth Snow and Ted Nolan for giving me the chance," said Berard. "The guys have already shown this season what kind of character this team has and how strong a team we are. My goal is to do everything I can to make us better."

Berard brings in a great primary offensive punch to the Islander's defence, that has been lacking since Adrian Aucoin left, no offence to Marc-Andre Bergeron.
But can Berard stay healthy. He only played 11 games in Columbus last season because he injured his back (herniated disc). He hasn't played anything close to a full season since 2002-03, where he scored 10 goals and 38 points in 80 games with the Bruins. Strangely, he played only 58 games the next season with Chicago and scored more points (13 goals and 47 points. The next 2 seasons with Columbus he played only a combined total of 55 games, scoring 12 goals and 35 points.
I wonder what the dollar figures are that Snow threw at Berard. It could be an incentive-laden contract. He made $2.5 million last season with Columbus.

Berard's career stats

BerardTube

The Berard Freak-Deeky eye accident

T Tags: Islanders+sign+Bryan+Berard

Blake's battle / more

From TSN:

"This morning I shared with my teammates news that I was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia," Jason Blake said on the team's website.
"It is highly-treatable, and I have begun taking a pill on a daily basis that has proven to be very effective in controlling this cancer. The prognosis, and certainly the expectations of my physician, myself and my family, is that I will live a long, full and normal life. This situation will not impact my ability to live my life as I otherwise would, and will not affect my ability to perform at my highest level for the Toronto Maple Leafs. I'm looking forward to my first season with the Leafs and helping our club compete for the Stanley Cup."

Hopefully, Blake fully recovers from this disease.
From a professional standpoint, Blake is in a bit of a dilemna. During preseason, Blake looked to click with Sundin on the top line, but in Toronto's game on Sunday, Ponikarovsky and Antropov rejoined Sundin on the top line and showed instant chemistry.
Blake needs to find a good fit in T.O. and earn his $4 million per season salary. In time he just might.
It's too bad Wellwood is injured. I'd like to see those 2 play together, with Wellwood as the great setup guy to the sniper Blake.

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TSN is also reporting that the waiving of Freddy Meyer by the Islanders may have been done to clear way for Bryan Berard to play on Long Island. We'll see. He was there on a try-out basis already.
Meyer will make a decent depth addition to Phoenix. But they need more offence don't they? Meyer showed alot of offensive flair in 2005-06 with the Flyers, scoring 6 goals and 27 points on 57 games, but has fallen dramatically since.

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It was great to watch Mike Keenan on HNIC's After Hours on Saturday night. Mike had to settle down a bit after the Canucks had just beat Calgary's sorry asses. But when he did, you could see the friendly fun side of him. A music buff. Loves to sing on stage. You know, just to shed a bit of that "Iron Mike" perspective that we have of him. I always did appreciate the honest side of the guy. He pulls no punches.
Keenan does have a way of getting the best out of some players and the worst in others. It appears that Daymond Langkow is already reaping the rewards, scoring 4 goals in 2 games. It's early. But you know that Langkow, Iginla, Huselius, and Tanguay are going to get a ton of icetime under Keenan, who loves to shorten his bench whenever necessary.
Now, is Keenan going to get the Flames to win on the road this year, or how about win at all?? The Flames still don't look like they have established the obvious lacking identity of a winning team.

T Tags: Jason+Blake+Leukemia Freddie+Meyer+waivers Mike+Keenan+After+Hours

Wang loves goalies

It's late. This is the best Photoshop image I could drum up in relation to this story.



T Tags: Charles+Wang loves Islander goalies Mike+Dunham

Back from the Woods

We just got back from a 4 day campout up in Manning Park. As you can see from the picture, the wildlife there has been in a lot of contact with humans. The pic is of a marmot that lived on top of one of the mountains. We drove by his den and he ran out to great us at the car, looking for food. My wife and I fed him about a half container of sour cream n' onion Pringles and took about 20 pics of the ordeal. Hopefully the poor bugger didn't get sick. He actually bit my thumb knuckle at one point.
The deer in the park were overly tame as well. The doe's would hang out with their fawns and show hardly any fear at all. Closest I've ever been to a deer (within 4 feet).
Sheeit. I haven't showered since last Friday night and I still smell Zestfully clean!
So what the heck is going on in the hockey world? I had no cell range at the park and refused to listen to the radio or buy a newspaper.

I see the Devils are busy trying to assemble a team. They signed JL Grand-Pierre, Ian Moran to increase their defensive depth and also signed Noah Clarke. I wonder how competitive these Devils will be next season. A lot of that will depend on how well Zach Parise replaces Scott Gomez.

I wonder how much more Locomotiv of the Russian Super League will be paying Alexei Yashin than anyone in the NHL would. They sought after Yashin pretty hard apparently.
Oh well, adiose Yashin. Let the door hit your ass on the way out of North America.

The Bruins finally relieved their log jam in goal by trading Hannu Toivenen to the Blues in exchange for 22-year-old Swedish center Carl Soderberg. Soderberg has no NHL experience and was drafted by the Blues 49th overall in 2004. Is it just me or do his stats look completely inconsistent?

I really like the Emery signing at 3 years, $9.5 million. That is affordable and fair. But that does make Carolina's signing of Cam Ward at $2.66 million per season after winning the Cup look like a complete bargain doesn't it?

Well, this country boy is heading to the big city in the next few days. If I see Jan Bulis I'll kick him in the nuts for you guys!

Later.

T Tags: Bruins+trade+Toivenen Manning+Park Devils+sign+three

New Islanders / Blue Jackets / Hurricanes jerseys?

I pulled that one off a Canucks Board. Not sure if I like it. Too much going on in the front with the number added there.

The following is from NHL 08, not yet released. It could be a true glimpse at the new Canes jerseys.

New Blue Jackets jerseys.




T Tags: New+Islanders+Blu+Jackets+Hurricanes+jerseys

Canucks re-sign Kevin Bieksa / Wings acquire Drake / Updates

The Canucks have re-signed Bieksa to a 3-year $11.25 million deal. That means he will be around just long enough to win a Stanley Cup with Vancouver. This also avoids a major headache next summer for Dave Nonis. Bieksa was looking like a steal last season at $525,000 per season. He has earned his raise no doubt about it.
Last season he played 81 games, had 12 goals and 42 points. He had 6 goals and 13 assists on the power play. He averaged 24:16 of icetime per game. I'd say that's well worth $3.75 per season. That's actually a bargain.

Pay no attention to new rumors of the Canucks being interested in Brian Gionta. One week it's Elias, next it's Gionta. It's all speculation and/or lies. Can you really see Nonis pulling off a blockbuster at this point? That will depend on how talks are going with Mattias Ohlund for an extension. Ohlund hits the free agent market next summer.
Nonis is probably going to bargain hunt a replacement for the departed Smolinski.

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The Red Wings have announced that they have signed Dallas Drake to a 1-year deal. More details to follow. The Trail, B.C. native is an excellent gritty depth player who can chip in once in a while. The 38 year-old averaged 12:53 ice time last season with the Blues.
Drake career stats.
Here's another guy that would have made a decent Canuck.

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The Coyotes have signed Mike York to a 1-year $1 million contract.

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Oh boy. Daniel Briere's agent has said today that he never even received a call during this past season from Sabres' management to iron out a deal, according to the Fourth Period. These kinds of reports are only going to makes Sabres' brass look that much more stupid for not keeping one or both of the departed Briere and Drury. You can add the Oilers' stab at Vanek potentially to the above scenario. GM's need to secure their core guys early, or else possibly face the consequences.

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I see Bill Guerin has already been named the Captain of the Islanders squad. Below is a picture of the Islanders press conference announcing the new guys, Sim, Comrie, Guerin, and Fedotenko. Look at Comrie, he looks like an 18 year-old choirboy!
















John Davidson looks pretty smug having lured Paul Kariya to St. Louis.












Kariya throws the first pitch at a Cardinals/Diamondbacks game on July 3.




More images found here at Yahoo Sports.



T Tags: Canucks+sign+Bieksa NHL Signings
Islanders+press+conference+pictures Blues+Kariya+press+conference+pictures Kariya+pitch+Cardinals+game+picture

Islanders sign Bill Guerin (UPDATE: and Mike Comrie)

Guerin has received a raise for his improved play by the Islanders, signing a 2-year deal worth $4.5 million per year.
Guerin scored 36 goals and added 20 assists in 66 games with the Blues and Sharks combined last season. He was acquired at the trade deadline by the Sharks for a spark heading into the playoffs, but only managed 2 assists in the post season with San Jose.
To me, it's a bit of a gamble to sign him at that high of a price. Those 36 goals were the second-best totals of his 18-year NHL career. He had 41 goals with the Bruins in 2002. He is 36 years old.
But the Islanders were desperate to replace the goals lost now by the departures of Yashin, Smyth, Kozlov, and Blake.
The Isles have now added John Sim, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Bill Guerin through free agency. Hardly enough to compensate for the loss the the above players. They will have to score more by committee.

This evening, Mike Comrie has agreed to a 1 year $3.375 million deal with the Islanders. It's amazing what happens when you ditch a lot of Yashin's contract isn't it??? Wow, Garth Snow has been busy.

T Tags: Islanders+sign+Bill+Guerin

And just to prove a point....a little

An interesting piece from Newsday:

Free agents across the NHL continued to bypass the Islanders yesterday on their way to lucrative contracts elsewhere. In some cases, general manager Garth Snow said last night, he made a value judgment not to waste money on players who aren't worth it.

But when it comes to players, such as Ryan Smyth, for whom he was more than willing to open the vault, Snow said one big drawback he keeps hearing is that worn-out Nassau Coliseum isn't exactly a selling point. If all things are equal, players tend to choose a more modern, exciting environment.

Although the Islanders offered Smyth a five-year deal worth $32.5 million, he took Colorado's five-year offer for $31.25 million. Asked if he considered upping his offer to Smyth to see if that would make the difference, Snow said, "No. We knew our offer was better than anything else out there.

"I'll be honest. One of the reasons for Ryan not coming back was the facility that's here right now. We all know we're trying to put a new Coliseum up. It seems to me the common theme of why players aren't coming here is not because of Long Island or the organization. It's the facility when visiting players come here.

"I don't want to make too much of an emphasis on it, but we do need a new Coliseum. The agents I talk to tell me the same thing."

There you have it. Smyth took a pay cut to sign in Colorado because he WANTED to play there. My beer-infested rant wasn't far off.
New York (MSG), Colorado are attractive places to play hockey. Players are always going to want ot play there or will be lured there, cap structure or not.

T tags: nassau+colisseum free+agents Islanders

Ryan Smyth unsure of his location come July 1

Ryan Smyth has a lot of decisions to make prior to July 1. From Newsday:

Asked if he wants to wait until July 1 to field offers from other teams or if he would consider signing earlier with the Islanders, Smyth shook his head at the thought of the sizable offer he's likely to receive and said, "Well, I'm sure they're not going to make it easy."
To say no, he meant.
"I want to explore this next couple of weeks with my family and my agent. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I came from a place where I obviously loved to play in Edmonton, and I came to another historical team that sees the Cup and knows [what it's like to win]. Even those ex-players are still around, so it's nice to see that they keep pulling for the team. It's not going to be an easy decision. That's for sure."

Smyth said he expects to talk with general manager Garth Snow and coach Ted Nolan about the direction of the franchise. They spent yesterday conducting exit interviews and are scheduled to meet with the media today. Blake and goaltender Rick DiPietro said they previously spoke to Smyth about what it's like to live and work on Long Island.

Besides the money, the key will be whether the Islanders can put enough pieces together to improve their chances of contending for the Cup. "There's a lot of great leaders in that locker room," Smyth said. "Ricky's locked in for a long time. You can build a championship team around him. We've had our talks, but I haven't leaned one way or another."

His decisions may adversely affect what fellow UFA Jason Blake does as well. Blake made it known that he admired the Islanders' decision to trade for Smyth at the deadline as it showed commitment to winning.
Of course, I think that the players saying that they want to see a 'commitment to winning' is a cop out. If they were honest, they'd mention that it's mostly about the money, bling bling. Smyth is no exception to that. He may have cried his way out of Edmonton, but it was all about money.
I guess we'll have to wait and see.

T Tags: Jason+Blake Ryan+Smyth Unrestricted Islanders

We didn't start the fire

I see NHL.com had this pic in their header yesterday. It seems that Christie Brinkley has bad taste in men and hockey. I kid, I kid.

T Tags: Christie+Brinkley Islanders Jersey

Islanders 3 Devils 2 (SO)

It's all Islanders so far. They are pressing hard, and the Devils look very uncoordinated.
Richard Park bags the first one after a scramble in front of the net. The 2nd goal for Park in his last 2 games. Why couldn't he still be a Canuck?
I don't like Lamoriello's decision to start Clemmenson in goal. It's a big fuck-you to Toronto, and maybe that is his point. There is no love between Toronto and New Jersey....at all.

7:30 2nd Period
Same same. The Devils have generated nothing at all so far. The Islanders are fighting for their lives. No knocking Clemmenson though. He is holding a lifeless team in it. One more goal by the Isles and it's pretty much over.
Isles goalie Wade Dubielewicz looks like he's going to post a shutout.
Where the hell is John Maclean and Claude Lemieux when you need them?

Brodeur's response to not playing tonight:

"We went from playing half a game, one period, two periods, the whole game, not playing," said Brodeur, referring to a conversation he had with Lamoriello pregame. "We went through everything, and I think this is the right thing to do."

As far as the backlash from the Leafs for not playing, Brodeur said:

"I've got to put it out of my mind. I am going to make the best out of this week to get myself better preparation and be injury free and be free of the workload. You get calls from everybody. You can't please. Hopefully we'll win and I won't have to deal with this."

13:30 3rd period
NOW the Devils are playing with more effort. But they can't beat Dubie.

12:00 (3rd)
Richard Park scores again! Richard Park the Leaf destroyer! The Leaf raker! 2-0. This game needs to end now. The Devils have accomplished their mission: Screw the Leafs!!!

3:00 (3rd)
Well, the Devils are making a game out of it. John Madden deflects one in. At least we get a good finish here!
Will Park get an empty netter?

1:34 (3rd)
The Devils are pressing now, and the Islanders look stressed.

1:17
Devils call a time out. Lou says nothing. The assistant coach does the talking.
Play resumes, Clemmenson is on the bench. Brendan Witt blocks a point shot, puck goes out of play.
Devils keep pressing, Ryan Smyth blocks a shot! 36.6 seconds left and Gomez goes in offside. There are 3 Islanders laying in front of every point shot.
Devils tie it with 1 second left!!! Holy shit!!! Or did they???
.9 seconds left on the clock!!! We are going to OT!!!I don't fucking believe it!!
John Madden is the new John Maclean!

OT
I can't believe this is happening.
The Isles are shaking it off and pressing. But both teams are. At least the Devils are finally inspired.
Clemmenson stones Satan with 2.5 minutes left. Is this going to a shootout??
Ryan Smyth is an animal by the way. He's pouring his heart out, laying in front of shots, giving his left testicle.
Oh shit. A hooking call on Madden, who hooked MA Bergeron. There's only 30 seconds left. Oh boy.
Phew. The Devils kill the clock, and we are going to a shootout.
Can you imagine the Leaf players right now? They're all drinking I'll bet.

Shootout
Dubie has Yoda on his mask. May the force not be with him.
Lou and the Devils are laughing about something on the bench.
Satan- scores over Clemmenson's right pad.
Parise-woa sweet moves and makes Dubie look silly
Kozlov-5-hole goal!....
Gionta-poke check by Dubie!
Smyth- uh-oh....stopped by Clemmenson!
Brylin- poke check again by Dubie! It's over!!!

What a great set of poke checks by the Islanders goalie. Man oh man.

Islanders play the Sabres.
Leafs play the links.

Tech Tags: Devils Islanders Leafs Playoffs