NY Islanders 7th Woman

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - ASG Over: Everybody back to normal

2012-01-30T07:47:00.000-05:00

I know everyone's preparing for the Super Bowl, but HEY! NHL hockey is almost back.
Almost.
One more day.
HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - ASG Over: Everybody back to normal

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Leafs In Isles Country Now

2012-01-24T13:48:00.000-05:00

Last game before the All Star break.
Let's make it a GOOD one, shall we?

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Leafs In Isles Country Now

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles @ Leafs Home Ice Advantage?

2012-01-23T07:34:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I was told by the players and Scott Gordon that playing in Toronto was very tough for an opposing team. Well, tonight the Isles get to see their old head coach and his buddy Ron Wilson behind the bench in Toronto.

Scott knows how well the Isles first line plays, he'll be looking to shut it down every chance they get. The key to this game may be scoring opportunities for the second and third line. And would it really kill the hockey Gods for Nino Niederreiter to get a goal? Really?

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles @ Leafs Home Ice Advantage?

Let's go Isles!

HockeyBuzz.com - Winter Storm Brings A Hurricane to Uniondale 2-1 John Tavares

2012-01-21T21:58:00.000-05:00

John Tavares the first star of the game again nd the fourth consecutive win for Nabokov.
Nice goingHockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Winter Storm Brings A Hurricane to Uniondale 2-1 John Tavares

Isles @ Flyers: Will Discipline Be The Difference? 4-1 Isles FINAL

2012-01-19T20:43:00.001-05:00

Please please!!!
Can this be the night??? Can it???
Are the Dads the lucky charm? Or is it just the fact that nothing lasts forever?

Isles up 2 - 0 at the end of the second on a Josh Bailey short handed goal!

9:32 pm: YES!!! It worked! The spell is broken! The Isles deserved to win and they did! Unselfish play by PA Parenteau adds another goal to Michael Grabner's totals and the Isles score a goal in every type of situation. A beautiful thing.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles @ Flyers: Will Discipline Be The Difference? 2-0 Isles 2nd

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles @ Flyers: Will Discipline Be The Difference?

2012-01-19T06:53:00.000-05:00

Wishing for a different outcome than we have become accustomed to since 2007 -- Losing.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles @ Flyers: Will Discipline Be The Difference?

Isles Blank Caps in Washington

2012-01-17T22:48:00.000-05:00

The NY Islanders have their first shut-out of the season with Evgeni Nabokov in net. So, how did that happen? Well, it seems that this team that is maligned in the media daily actually CAN play against any team in the league. The problem is that they can't do it on a consistent basis. But they did it tonight.

Here is Nabokov talking to the media after his shut-out. He explains what they DID and what they have to do. (Such a simple game isn't it?)

Isles @ Caps but I'm Still Hurtin'

2012-01-17T07:22:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure Kevin Poulin would like to forget yesterday. Perhaps he can now that he has been returned to Bridgeport after sitting on the bench for a week.

Okay, here is a bit of a rant over at HockeyBuzz.com. But tonight is a new game and we all have to get passed yesterday. ugh...

Isles Tweet-Up at one of my favorite places and one that should be yours too, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Carle Place will host tonight's Tweet-Up and Viewing Party. They always do such a wonderful job and the food is amazing. Check it out.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - MLK Day: Preds Back in Town; POULIN STARTS

2012-01-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - MLK Day: Preds Back in Town; POULIN STARTS

New Camera: Isles vs Flyers Photo Blog

2012-01-12T23:22:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Home: Game 41: Isles vs. Flyers 3-2 Flyers Final updated 10:52 pm

2012-01-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Home: Game 41: Isles vs. Flyers 3-2 Flyers Final updated 10:52 pm

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - John Tavares is (officially) An NHL All-Star

2012-01-12T12:47:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - John Tavares is (officially) An NHL All-Star

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - What a Difference A Win Makes

2012-01-11T07:47:00.000-05:00

Deep thoughts before work.
While the win was spectacular (whether you say it in English or Russian), the warm fuzzy feeling isn't set to last.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - What a Difference A Win Makes

An observation, a prediction, a question.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Nabokov in the Ninth: Isles 5 - Wings 1 Final

2012-01-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Nabokov in the Ninth: Isles 5 - Wings 1 Final

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Back on Home Ice update 5:14 pm

2012-01-09T17:21:00.000-05:00

And the Bridgeport Express runs again.
Nilsson back home, Poulin in Uniondale.
Look Out Red Wings!!

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Back on Home Ice update 5:14 pm

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles in the Desert with the Same Line-up 5-1 PHX Final

2012-01-07T22:31:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles in the Desert with the Same Line-up 5-1 PHX Final

Check out the Commercial for Tonight!

2012-01-05T09:49:00.002-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - The Rumor Mill on a Day Off

2012-01-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - The Rumor Mill on a Day Off

Jack Capuano: No Offense

2012-01-03T23:15:00.003-05:00

And now for something completely different.

When I received an email from Isles PR guy David Hochman, I read it and laughed. I think you’ll laugh too -- in a very good way.

It seems that Coach Jack Capuano will be a guest star on Episode 1 of an Emmy award winning series’ second season premiere show which will air on Thursday, January 5th, on the NEW NBCSports channel which used to be Versus. Please notice I said “EMMY AWARD WINNING” -- Three as a matter of fact. Okay, are you ready for this?

The show is called Charlie Moore’s: No Offense. You may (if you have NESN) know Moore as “The Mad Fisherman.” Much like Zane Lamprey, Moore has a multitude of shows with basically the same premise: His humor and the great outdoors. (Actually, that's one of the titles too.)

The Fishing is where where it gets really weird. Yes, I’m going to tell you about a fishing show. Granted, I always felt that fishing shows are right up there with the Wide World of Poker - complete snooze fests for the Appalachian crowd.

But then I went to www.charliemoore.com and got the shock of my life. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, perhaps the shock of the week. This guy is a frustrated Bostonian stand-up comic who loves hockey and the Red Sox and Fishing around the globe. Let’s go back to that Emmy thing. Charlie Moore has been around for 14 years and this is no flash in the fry-pan fishing show. This guy has a huge cast of characters, a bank of devoted (although regional) advertisers, an impressive website and a message board.

Thursday night at 9 pm, (helps if I have the right calendar) he’ll also have our coach. It seems Jack is an avid fisherman. Of course he is. He’s from one of the most beautiful parts of our country. While Jack didn’t exactly fill out the entry form to have Charlie invade his privacy and hometown, these two New Englanders are sure to be funny as hell. I wonder if Jack brought his rubber teeth with him.

I think this will be the first time I’m actually going to WATCH a fishing show ON PURPOSE. In all honesty, I’m actually looking forward to it.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - On the Road to Start 2012

2012-01-03T07:58:00.001-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - On the Road to Start 2012

OKAY PEOPLE! EVERYONE BACK TO WORK!
:o)

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - On the Road to Start 2012

2012-01-03T07:58:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - On the Road to Start 2012

OKAY PEOPLE! EVERYONE BACK TO WORK!
:o)

NHL Winter Classic: Rangers, Flyers Throw Made-For-TV Script Out Window - SBNation.com

2012-01-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

No one does it better than Dominik and this article about today's Winter Classic is a good one. NHL Winter Classic: Rangers, Flyers Throw Made-For-TV Script Out Window - SBNation.com

But what's an Islander fan to do?

With the two teams that Islander fans hate more than anything playing Network TV's biggest hockey game of the year, do we watch or boycott? Do we sit on the couch and yell obscenities or simply pray for peril?

As these two hated teams play for the top spot, the Isles are once again in the league basement. This is one of the reasons the Isles will probably never end up on a Winter Classic game. Wait, I shouldn't say that. When the network is tired of the hoopla and it's no longer special -- THAT'S when the Isles will play in the Winter Classic. Perhaps in the last year of Rick DiPietro's contract.

So what are we doing? I'm putting on the only Winter Classic gear I have and planning a special lunch to relax on the last day of my vacation.

Now, with these unseasonal temperatures and rain instead of snow, doesn't it give you pause that originally the NHL said that with their ice making equipment, they could indeed host a Winter Classic in a non-traditional warmer market? Also, if the ice is not terrific, how many players will end up with groin strains?

Wait... as an Isles fan, that may not really be a problem. Carry on.

See you at 3 pm or sooner should interesting news somehow break.

Happy New Year.

2012-01-01T10:36:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Isles fans.

Here we are again, another year has passed and we have a fresh new page from which to start from.

I'd like to thank you all for your readership throughout the years. It's been another crazy one for sure, but we've made it through. Even with our (supposedly) small fan base, new hockey blogs spring up on the web daily. The fact that I'm still here amazes me. (Much to the dismay of some of you -- I am -- Still here. Nah nah.)

We're a passionate group but some days our passion falls short then something will cause another spark and we're right back here hoping for the future. I may not live to see the NY Islanders hoist the Stanley Cup but I'll still be here.

Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles vs. Edmonton on Ken Morrow Day: Game Blog 4-1 Isles Final

2011-12-31T15:59:00.001-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles vs. Edmonton on Ken Morrow Day: Game Blog 4-1 Isles Final

2011-12-31T15:59:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles vs. Edmonton on Ken Morrow Day: Game Blog 4-1 Isles Final

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles vs Flames Preview & Quotes Update 1 pm

2011-12-29T13:21:00.000-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles vs Flames Preview & Quotes Update 1 pm

Thank you Isles PR Dept for your hard work at putting together the game notes and audio clips!

Boxing Day Hockey: Isles @ Rangers

2011-12-26T08:44:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for this? I'm not sure I am. I'm still cleaning up the Christmas morning aftermath along with the mess and a half the husky pack made while being left along for all of three hours.

But whether I'm ready or not, the Isles play the Rangers tonight AGAIN. Let's hope THEY are more ready than I am and have a better start than they did against the Leafs on Friday. (Doesn't Friday seem like a month ago?)

Preview and a personal rant here at Hockeybuzz.com

Isles in Manhattan

2011-12-22T07:47:00.002-05:00

Me in the kitchen. Are we there yet?

Pregame thoughts at Hockeybuzz.com

Isles Win in Winnipeg

2011-12-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

The points were nice, but hopefully we didn't lose Montoya and Ullstrom in the process.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Nabokov Returns in 3-2 SO Win for Isles

Isles Hangin in Winnipeg

2011-12-19T08:10:00.001-05:00

Photos & Videos: Active Weather - The Weather Network

Less snow in Winnipeg than I would have expected, but it is cold! The weather at 6 am this morning was -6 C.

The team was excited to get to Travis Hamonic's home town. According to Matt Martin's Twitter account, Travis was taking some heat about it. Guess Hamonic's Mom should set some extra plates for a home cooked meal.

Also learned from Twitter, Matt Martin was looking forward to spending some quality, on-the-town time with his friend Justin Augert. Make that his best friend according to his account. (Also learned from Matty's Twitter account, Nino Niederreiter drives dangerously. Or at least that's what Matty thinks.)

This will be Matt Moulson's first time in Winnipeg and long time Islander fan Billy Pollack is hoping to get his autograph along with those of some others. Billy has been an Islander fan for 24 years in Winterpeg. Not an easy task.

Heck, it's not an easy task 15 miles from the Coliseum.

The main website has a nice article on Travis's road to the Coliseum and you can also send your Isles holiday decoration photos to nyisocialmedia@gmail.com.

Well, it's the Monday before Christmas and I've still got a lot to do on my Christmas list. Sadly, hockey is way down on it. Let's see what else comes over the wire today from the Frozen North.

Have a great Monday.

Isles Downed by Stars

2011-12-16T07:39:00.000-05:00

All I had last night were my Twitter messages to keep me informed about the Isles game. I'll admit, I was not happy with the ending.

But the Christmas party I was supposed to leave by 10 pm was so good, I stayed until midnight.

Thanks to John for covering it for me while I was dancing up a storm.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles Blow It Again by John Madonia

Dallas Stars Visit Uniondale

2011-12-15T07:48:00.000-05:00

Oh, I really hate this. Dragged to the office Christmas party tonight kicking and screaming. Seems if I show up no one notices, but if I DON'T show up it's a Federal case of epic proportion. UGGGGHHHH...

So, here is my pre-game thoughts for the evening at Hockeybuzz.com and then I have a little surprise for post game.

Rather than attempting to write a post game report by watching the highlight reel on NHL.com, I've enlisted a 'guest blogger' for the evening.

I've always wanted an intern. Now, today I'll have one. Can the Isles have a win? i'm nervous about that.

"KA-Boom" in Montreal?

2011-12-13T07:44:00.004-05:00

It's Game Day!
Get your colors on and stay warm. Where is my Isles Santa hat? Gotta find that thing.
Wonder if it's colder in Montreal today. hmmm...

Dee Karl - Will The Isles Go "KA-Boom" in Montreal?

NHLWeekly on SportsTalkNetwork.com

2011-12-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

Another Manic Monday. As if they are not stressful enough for me, tonight at 6 pm Brad and I will be live on air again.

Tonight's guest will be Adam Brady from the Anaheim Ducks. If you have not read his DucksBlog, you should. He is entertaining and enlightening. You can email us your questions for Adam or for anything else NHL on your mind tonight at http://www.sportstalknetwork.com/main/email/. Give us a shout.

I tried to get in touch with Ranger Beatwriter Larry Brooks, but he seems to not answer emails from lowly Islander bloggers. Boo Hiss. Coal in your stocking this year Larry.

On the Islanders front, Kevin Poulin was sent back on the bus to Bridgeport as Nabokov is about to come off IR. No word on RDP though. Guess he'll take the holidays off.

More later. Now, I'm late for work as usual.

Duncan Sheik at the Boulton

2011-12-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

Friday night I took a night off from Holidays and Hockey and went to another fine concert at the Boulton Center in Bay Shore.

We won a contest and was part of a Meet & Greet with Duncan Sheik, a guy who writes music that seems to come from intense pain in dulcet tones.

It was just Duncan and his partner Jason. Duncan had six guitars on stage with him, one of which was "behaving very badly" and had a pick-up problem that made my ears bleed. He kept picking it up any way. Jason was a well rounded musician and played the piano, synthesizer and a Bina Hamonia which is a stand up bastardized accordion that I couldn't take my eyes off.

Sheik's voice has stood the test of time and he has a great sense of humor. He could probably do stand up if he didn't want to continue singing. (Which he may want to consider.) He made light of the fact that he seemed completely unorganized with lyric sheets flying everywhere.

As Dan, whom I dragged away from his office Christmas party to attend this concert with me since I finally WON something, said - he was a bit of a train wreck.

The after show meet and greet was also interesting. I seem to be the only one who carries a sharpie. I was also the only one not really looking at Sheik as anything more than this guy who sings. (I'll credit that to spending five years talking to famous hockey players while they're standing in their under armour.)

He signed a CD for me and wrote it out based on Dan introducing us to him. I thought that was pretty interesting that he listened long and wrote out my name while I was asking for a guitar pick for my daughter. I also asked him if he had any advice for a 17-year-old who wanted to go to Five Towns College for music business because she wanted to be an A&R rep.

He squinted and shook his head. "The music business right now is a shit-show."

And that about sums it up.

Isles 5 - Tampa 1 Final Ullstrom 1st Goal

2011-12-06T23:42:00.001-05:00

8:am okay the RIGHT photo of the puck. tHe other is his first POINT scored at the Buffalo game as an assist!

The mood in the room is so much better after a win. The music is blaring and thumping. The players are poking fun at each other and laughing. There are smiles all around. It is just so pleasant and not something we've had to often this season so far.

David Ullstrom was surrounded, of course, as the guy who scores his first NHL goal usually is. But it was such a beautiful goal on a drop pass by Josh Bailey that he said "I yelled the whole way for it. He heard me at the last second. It was just a great pass." He was the first one to compliment Wallace for his "great job" in his call up. "He works extremely hard."

Being a bit of a prophet, Ullstrom told the PR staff this morning that he had a good feeling about tonight. "I think I'm going to score my first goal today. And I did. So it's pretty funny." Sadly he didn't have the lotto numbers.

The hard work all around is paying off in confidence. "We've been playing hard for awhile. This is a hard working team." He said it's doing the little things and getting them right that make the difference.

For Josh Bailey, I wondered what was different about him that's causing him to play the way we all had hoped he would. "Is it the hair cut?" I asked. He laughed. "I've had it for a little while now so I don't know if you can call it that." Well, if that's not it, what is it?

"I think I've played pretty well personally lately. I think our line is playing pretty well. Ullstrom is a great addition and I think Wallace had a heck of a game. You know, getting those power plays shifts helped too. You get o make those passes and some skilled plays and that helps to get the confidence back as well."

Confidence breeds confidence as the entire team seems to be playing at a different level. "I think winning leads to confidence. We're happy with the way things went lately, but I think we haven't accomplished anything yet. We've got a couple more big games coming up here at home."

They play Thursday and Saturday and have to also make time to visit schools and hospitals for the holidays.

Matt Martin who had a goal, four hits and four shots said they certainly didn't want a repeat of last season. "We don't want the season to be over before we get started. We're 9-11 and 4 or something right now. We right back in the hunt. We're happy to get things rolling."

We're happy too.

Al Montoya on NHLWeekly

2011-12-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

Well, it's 4:23 pm and at 6 pm tonight when I'm freaking out in front of my computer waiting for the phone call and the little "ON AIR" light to go off in my head, we'll also be waiting to speak with Islanders goaltender Al Montoya.

I don't think I'll be practicing my spanish on him, but it should be a fun conversation anyway.

Join us from 6 - 7 pm tonight on www.sportstalknetwork.com on NHLWeekly.

Injuries in Dallas

2011-12-05T08:09:00.002-05:00

Good Morning and welcome to Monday. It's back and I am cranky.

Has anything happened about that hit on Nino on Saturday night that sent the kid into Tuesday? Anything?

Video of hit on HB.com

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Injuries in Dallas - What now?

TGIF! It's Game Day!

2011-12-02T07:16:00.000-05:00

I took full advantage of the time between games, and now that it's December 2nd, I'm looking at the calendar and freaking out. Too much to do for the Holidays and definitely not enough days to do it in.

But tonight we have hockey, so that means come 7:30 pm when the pre-game show is on, I will be parked in front of the TV with the netbook and a hot cocoa and my holiday Isles cap.

Thoughts on the game here at HockeyBuzz.com.

Dear Jack: You're starting Al right? Right????

Ex-Arena Hostess Hits Big Time

2011-12-01T07:42:00.000-05:00

If you've been attending Isles games for many years you should remember Isles Arena Hostess Jill Nicolini. Sure after she left the Coliseum walls she bounced around TV News stations doing traffic reports and other fluff pieces. But now she has landed at NY's Fox Five morning news and is the entertainment reporter who replaced Julie Chang who now does the evening news and special assignments.

So, does a Long Island girl forget her Islander roots? Hardly. I wondered why in heaven's name Fox Five's weather reporter Mike Woods was wearing an Islander jersey and a Santa beard for Halloween. Then yesterday while the Isles were doing their yearly charity toy shopping at 7 am, Jill was on hand with her camera crew to capture the fun and razz the boys.

But as @PinkIsles tells me, Jill is not the only Islander connection Fox Five news has right now. It seems one of the producers is also a season ticket holder.

OOOOOOOHHHHHHH.... maybe the Isles will get a little better treatment from the News. Wouldn't that be nice?

Game Day: Buffalo

2011-11-29T06:24:00.002-05:00

And the return of Nino Niederreiter. That alone is good reason to watch.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles in Buffalo

Hey NJ - Help the Furry Friends

2011-11-28T07:21:00.000-05:00

Those looking for love can find it here.

Isles Win in Newark

2011-11-27T09:19:00.002-05:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - First Road Win Helps Capuano Sleep at Night

Reaction to the first two points on the road and the explanation for my keeping my big mouth shut for 24 hours.

Isles Shut Out Again

2011-11-25T17:41:00.004-05:00

Afternoon games are never kind to the Isles. 1-0 Devils.

shut out again! Sixth times in 20 games. What's wrong here?

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Comeau to the Flames - Isles Shut Out Again!

"I thought we came out strong." Jack started his post game.

"But we played too cute." "We overplayed the puck a little bit. That's the one thing we try to preach. Try to get pucks and bodies to the net. We had some chances. We played on the perimeter and didn't get pucks to the net."

Jack agreed it's frustrating for everyone and it's not Al's fault that they were shut out. "We have to get pucks to the net."

He was brief. Very very brief. Jack is getting tired of these post game media face-offs. That's why when he was asked "how do you explain being shut out so often on home ice." he replied "I don't know. What do you think?"

The reporter rightly answered, "No goals." No kidding.

Isles 3 Flyers 4 OT loss

2011-11-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

Considering the history between these two teams, getting even a point was unexpected.

Full game report at Hockeybuzz.com.

Sadly because of the holiday, I didn't go tonight. I would have loved to considering that Newsday sent bored as hell NBA beatwriter (and ex-NY Islander reporter) Alan Hahn in place of Art Staple who has the night off.

Welcome back to hockey Alan. Welcome back.

Talking Broadcasts With Jiggs McDonald

2011-11-20T23:35:00.001-05:00

It was a wonderful ceremony for a wonderful man. It was an abysmal game. Sad, but true. I also had a feeling that’s exactly what would happen.

I hit the morning skate (which was optional. There were only three Islanders on the ice.) in order to interview my buddy Jiggs McDonald. I got a bonus from getting there early of meeting Ed Westfall and his family. I was there to see Jiggs and Eddie reunite and shake hands and embrace after too much time apart. I became sandwiched in the seats by the Westfall camp all wanting to chat with the hall of fame broadcaster. They thought I was Jiggs wife, Marilyn. I quickly introduced myself as to not get Jiggs stuck in rumors of another woman. I also immediately rethought my decision to go blond. (yeah, it’s not working.)

I stood in awe of the reminiscing and the laughter and the genuine and warm smile of Ed’s brother George. Whatever the Islanders are accused of, mistreating guests is never one of them. Michelle Winter made sure that every detail was taken care of, every need attended to.

Westfall was called into the media room for interviews. Chris King did an amazing interview with the legend for his Islanders radio broadcast on WRHU. Jiggs and I sat in the media room and watched. “He’s pure class.”

The smile was unmistakable and the words were strong and honest. “Hockey -- Hockey is very simple. We were not a strong team by any means when we started out the first couple of years…. In our third years we won more games than when we in our first two years combined. But you have to go through those stages and figure out what does and doesn’t work.”

Wait… was he talking about the Islanders he Captained or the Isles of today?

He laughed while he told the stories of being one of the older players on the team and the comedy of Clark Gillies. But when it came to Jiggs, he looked over and said “I remind him, Jiggers, I was the guy that hired him. He can either blame me or shake my hand. We really did have something special since having known him -- since he was a kid.”

Jiggs actually called games on a radio station in Canada when Ed’s brother George was playing hockey. This is a life long relationship, and it showed on air for years.

I found it really funny when he told Chris King ‘Were really didn’t have to do much, you know that as a broadcaster. We let the players made the broadcast, we just highlighted it.” Personally, I think that what Chris King, Howie Rose, Butch Goring and everyone does that job works their tail off.

I asked Jiggs if there were any stories he could tell me about his broadcast partner that were particularly funny, as in -- “Come on, Jiggs. Throw Eddie under the bus.” But there was no such thing. The harshest thing I could get out of Jiggs about Eddie was of one Saturday afternoon “in Boston, Islanders - Bruins. Stan Johnson playing for Boston at that time. A little ruckus breaks out along the boards and Stan jumped a guy, one of the Islanders. I forget now who. But he jumped him. And it was cheap. And Eddie said ‘I hate that cheap shot “blank”. We looked at one another and thought ‘Nope. Don’t apologize, don’t say anything. ’ Just let the audience think ‘Did he really say that?’

I wonder what he thinks of some of the broadcasters and the liberties they take now. Hmmm.

Thinking about the difficulty of being a broadcaster, I asked Jiggs what the hardest name he ever had to pronounce was. It was a Russian name during the Olympics in France. “I had a mental block. Every time he was on the ice I would tell you where we were, who they were playing, what the score was, how much time was left, what game was coming up, ‘Stay tuned to TNT’ -- I just dreaded it. Then years later, when I was doing the Maple Leafs games, he played for them. I was able to pronounce it by then. But I sat with him in the dressing room one morning and I told him the story the way I just told you, and he just laughed and said ’Jiggs, it’s okay. Remember that time my name go from one arm to the other with all the vowels. More in Russia than in Canada.” The name he couldn’t pronounce? Dimetri Yushkevich.

With the speed of the game today, broadcasting is far different, and the TV broadcast is far different from the radio broadcast. (Yes, we found that out one year when the Islanders radio feed was the TV feed. Who knew what was happening on the ice.)

Knowing that people aren’t always just glued to the set, they are listening but doing other things, “So, in the back of my mind, I’m also trying to do enough of a descriptive call that if the puck is moving around the boards from right to left, I’m going to say ‘to the left corner to the right corner to the opposite side. I think with the vast majority of the audience not being glued to the set, you’ve got to stay with the play but you’ve got to edit on the fly. There’s just no way to get everything in and be understood.”

Jiggs credits his very first NHL boss, Jack Kent Cooke, for the quality of his broadcasts. The details are what makes the calls come to life. If you can close your eyes and imagine the rink, the announcer should give you enough clear information so that you can see it all in your mind’s eye. Think of how tough that is.

The institution of Instant replay changed NHL broadcasts immeasurably. When replays came from a studio a few states away, he would actually have to rely on his own memory of the play to explain it. Now on Versus they have a six foot iPad that they can start, stop and diagram plays for the viewers.

Technology has come a long way and the TV Trucks today are beyond sophisticated. As viewers, we take that for granted.

Technology and the way the NHL has embraced it has been key in garnering new fans. When I asked Jiggs about the growth of the fan base he brought up the Winter Classic.

“The very first go around with the outdoor game just built a whole new audience for hockey. There have been stepping stones along the way. The 1980 gold medal -- there’s a whole generation of players and fans that were developed from that. But I think with satellite TV and the NHL Center Ice package there are no secrets.”

Every thing that happens in the NHL can be found almost instantaneously. Every stat, every play is available for anyone to locate, dissect and review. What a difference from when Jiggs started and NHL stats only came out on Mondays. That’s right. Once a week, not within seconds.

Jiggs called those the dark ages of television. I didn’t realize how right he was.

Also coming a long way is the return of Sidney Crosby. It’s been ten months since Crosby has seen game action and he will make his much heralded return against the NY Islanders.

Great. Just great. Andres Nilsson is backing up Rick DiPietro with both Evgeni Nabokov and Al Montoya placed on IR. (I’m calling for the kid to get the nod. Give him something to tell his kids later in life.) David Ullstrom has been called up from Bridgeport and will play along with released from the doghouse, Kyle Okposo.

The game is so big tomorrow night that Versus had decided to show it in the US. Without Gillies or Haley in the line-up, this will not be a repeat beat-down. However it may be tilted ice, and the Isles will probably be on the wrong side of it.

Isles vs. Bruins

2011-11-19T19:48:00.003-05:00

I'm being really really lazy tonight.

It's on HB.
HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles vs. Bruins, Jiggs & Eddie

They're Here - for 16 Games a Year

2011-11-16T23:30:00.001-05:00

We can finally stop guessing and wondering if the drawing found on the net months ago was the actual design of the new third jersey. Now while they are decidedly (and I repeat DECIDEDLY) different from the team's regular jerseys. They will take time to get used to, but they are NOT the Fisherman debacle. Actually, when in full uniform, they look pretty sharp.

They are slated to be used for 16 total games this season. If you don't like them, don't buy one. There are plenty of other home and away jerseys for sale in the team store and on NHL.com.

But the new Winter Wonderland line is terrific. The new apparel items come in many colors and styles and are soft and inviting. As John Tavares and Matt Moulson told me, there is something for everyone in the line.

It's so nice to see women's items that are actually made for women! It's also nice to see great looking Islander hats in other colors and patterns. Now you can wear your support for the Isles and not have to have nothing but blue and orange in your closet (like me).

The event went over very well with the 120 attendees. Space was limited and those who managed to purchase the charity tickets were treated to a buffet of delicious and easy to eat appetizers along with great cookies and cake.

It took me a few minutes, but I found the bar. Hey! I wasn't actually "working." One small glass of Cabernet and I was a happy camper. Although I had already picked up a bottle of water, so I spent a good 40 minutes juggling the camera, the phone, the recorder and two drinks. And I said I wasn't working?

Ed Westfall looked terrific and spent time laughing and talking to anyone who approached. Mike Bossy was there as well doing interviews and even taking young fans around to get autographs. (Bobby interrupted me as I was trying to interview Moulson. I didn't mind a bit.)

I had a chance to speak with John Tavares about the new Winter line. It was interesting speaking with him outside of a game situation. He smiles. He laughs. He is relaxed. I asked him what he thought about the winter line and the variety.

"It's definitely great. Definitely different. There's a great selection so everyone is going to enjoy it. I know there's a few pieces that I'd like to have and family members would like to have."

I always wondered how players felt when they saw fans wearing team apparel on the street outside of the arena.

"You notice the support. It shows that people care about the team and what the team means to people on Long Island. And even when I see them in different cities, knowing that anywhere you can have an Islander fan and they're proud to be one as well."

I asked JT what his favorite item was and he said it was that new black hat he's been sporting.

For Matt he has a favorite too. "My favorite is a simple white, straight brim, with an Islander logo in black and grey hat." He thought for a split second. "That's my favorite thing in the whole store." But he also admitted "I like a lot of the stuff out there."

I asked the same question about fans wearing Islander items on the street. "It's good to see people support the team. Obviously we have a very loyal fan base on Long Island so it's good to see an Islander hat instead of a.... (another team. ;0) )"

Matt said he doesn't see Islander gear outside of NY too often, but he does see them occasionally in his home in CT. He told me it makes him want to talk to them.

Even the Ice Girls had new outfits to match the new jerseys. The players wives and kids were recruited for duty as well and everyone did a great job.

I had a great conversation with Mike Mottau, but it was off the record so .... I had a quick conversation with Garth Snow as well. That too was off the record so -- this is all I've got.

"We Don't Come in here to Lose"

2011-11-16T08:07:00.000-05:00

"We don't come in here to lose. We don't like it. We don't accept it." John Tavares told the reporters after the game. It was obvious the morale in the room was low.

"On the power play, we had some chances, they blocked a lot of shots." He kept he head down to shield his eyes from the camera lights.

"What is the mood in the room? Is it anger, frustration, what?" That was the question one reporter kept asking. But the answer was obvious if you just looked at their faces.

"We're trying to get better and find a way to win. For sure it's not easy all the time and you don't enjoy this feeling." No one enjoys the feeling. Not the men who poured their sweat on the ice or those who pour their passion into watching it.

Matt Moulson "To battle like that and not come out on top, it's tough. Definitely think the effort was there, I don't think anyone in here didn't want it tonight or didn't work hard. We have to find a way to win."

A major reason the Isles couldn't find a way to win was finding a way to beat Henrik Lundqvist. "He's a great goaltender, obviously. You get guys around him and get guys to the net and try to make life hard on him. At points in the game we did a good job of that and at others, not so much."

When Matt was asked about the mood, his tone didn't change.

"Obviously, it's angry. Guys want to win. We have to win. We should be a winning team in this league. We have to find ways to get it done. We have to figure it out as a group."

Jack Capuano, while unhappy with the outcome, was happier with the effort of his team.

"It's frustrating. We played some decent hockey. Tonight we played one of our better games of the year and we came up short."

The Isles trailed on the score sheet for all but about a minute. Even the physical efforts of Mike Mottau (who earned his 7th fighting major of his NHL career) and Matt Martin couldn't turn the game around.

"I tried to get the guys into the game a little. We tried to apply a little more pressure....I was happy with the effort, but really I thought we deserved the points, even one point at that."

When I heard Matt Moulson even the score at two, I thought for sure the game would go to overtime and the Isles would get a point out of it. I guess, so did Jack. But the Rangers Brad Richards came back to score a third and Jack pulled Nabokov in the final minutes for the extra attacker and while the effort and the excitement was high, the expected outcome never materialized.

Nino Niederreiter playing his fourth game in five nights got a good taste of the Ranger rivalry. Jack was asked about his youngest player.

"When he was out there, he made some good plays with the puck. He showed me he has some poise with the puck. He's going to be a good player in this league."

Yes. He will. El Nino played a little over 11 minutes and had one shot on net.

But he didn't score the goal he wanted and only Frans and Moulson found the back of the net. "If anybody that watched us play tonight they would think the guys played extremely hard. We're not a team that scores a lot of goals. We got one on the Power Play and one 5 on 5. We have to find secondary scoring. We have to find a way to score some goals."

The Isles remain the lowest scoring team in the league. Secondary scoring has been the topic of many conversation over the last few weeks and Jack has attempted to find chemistry by doing minimal shuffling, but to no avail.

The Ranger winning goal was caused by an "egregious" turn over by Josh Bailey. When Jack was asked about it, he didn't throw Josh under a bus. Instead, he explained it from the player's point of view in a high pressure situation.

"When you get the puck you want to make the right play with the puck and it was an unfortunate bounce for us."

When asked if Jack would continue to rearrange lines and sit players, he responded "We always sit down and rate our guys. We have to put the best guys out. We have to try to find a way to get the right mix in there."

There was no mention of call-ups from Bridgeport. I had been begging for two days for one particular call up for last night's game: Michael Haley. Not to say that the outcome would have been much different, but we won't know, now do we.

This is an unusual stretch of losing. The Islanders are not playing horrible hockey. Usually when you go through stretches like this you're playing bad hockey.

"We were dangerous tonight. I like the way we competed." was Jack's consolation for the evening.

In the other locker room, John Tortorella met the media. "I thought we were good at periods of time, I thought we were brutal at periods of time. We found a way to win another hockey game."

He was disappointed his team couldn't find a way to score on the five on three but found it encouraging that they won in the coliseum where they have had trouble before. "To win and win consistently, that's the way we have to be."

That's the way to get into the playoffs. The playoffs that are already getting further in the distance for the New York Islanders.

Isles lose 4-2 to Rangers

2011-11-15T23:09:00.000-05:00

Sold out crowd of mostly red, white & blue. It was very painful to see for me. Also painful to see was the look on Sean Avery's face when he put the Rangers on the board.

Running game info at www.hockeybuzz.com, but here are some photos from tonight.

A thank you to Mike Mottau and hope that Matt Martin is okay.

JUST WIN!

2011-11-14T07:33:00.001-05:00

It was another loss and another lackluster performance by the low scoring NY Islanders. No one is happy. Jack Capuano isn’t happy, the players aren’t happy, I can’t imagine the GM is happy and the fans -- well, they’re about to take things into their own hands.

My favorite Tweet this morning regarding the situation is:

katiesceeKatie Scura
All I know is we better kick ranger ass tomorrow. #orelseiwill

Yep. That is the way it is here on the Island. The Islanders can lose every game to any other team in the league -- as long as THEY BEAT THE RANGERS.

The Rivalry renewed for this season is even more important when things are going poorly in Uniondale. Currently I don’t see how they could be worse. The Isles are at 1-6-3 in their last 10 games. Not the outcome we all hoped for at the beginning of the season. This year we can’t even blame it on catastrophic injury. So what do we blame it on?

Well, if Capuano knew that, they’d be winning. Surely the Isles aren’t the most skilled team in the league, but as Barry Melrose always says “Sometimes will beats skill.” So perhaps the Isles have lost their “will” to win.

They better find it tomorrow night or their season will be on the brink of ruin. They will lose the fans and they can’t afford to do that right now.

By all reports, tomorrow will be the debut of Nino Niederreiter. I don’t enjoy the thought of him playing against the Rangers, but that’s just the mother in me worrying about the youngster. He can handle it. I just don’t know if I can.

Jack Capuano told Art Staple of Newsday that he wasn’t sure who would come out of the line-up in order to get Nino in, but the list of possibilities is a lot longer than we’d like including the guy that some wanted to Captain this team, Kyle Okposo.

The Coliseum is sure to be packed and the chants will be deafening. The Islanders have to shut the Rangers down early or they will lose not only the game, but the crowd as well. Lose the crowd tomorrow and they will not get them back.

Find the Will. Find the Way. Beat the Rangers.

Sidenote: Tonight on NHLWeekly on www.sportstalknetwork.com, guests will be Justin Bourne and Greg Wyshynski. Tune in at 6 pm for hockey news and nuttiness.

The Air Is Thin in Colorado

2011-11-10T17:46:00.002-05:00

Like, can I have an Isles win in Colorado for that? Maybe? You think?

Early birthday cake! on Twitpic

Al Montoya finally gets a start in net and Rick will be dressed on the bench. While Mike Mottau had been a healthy scratch, it will be Jurcina's turn to see the press box.

While both uniondale and Bridgeport have a three goalie rotation, it seems that the crease is just TOO crowded in CT. It was announced by multiple sources on Twitter that Mikko Koskinen could end up back in Europe. Well, with Poulin and Nilsson he hasn't seen much ice.

Late game time tonight. Hope I can stay awake!

The Isles new third jersey and their new winter line will be unveiled on Wednesday. There is a charity event being held at the new team store. Check the website for details.

Um, hey Isles, Can I get a birthday win?

thanks

Bruins 6 - Isles 2

2011-11-08T06:19:00.002-05:00

Is the season over already?

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - 6-2 Loss - The Isles were "Lazy"

Six Game Slide Stopped by a Seven Point Line

2011-11-06T09:09:00.002-05:00

Okay, not mentioned in my HB post game report that is like UBER late, is the pipe problem.

So a water pipe burst in the ceiling of the Coliseum and it caused many to have to change their seats in the 305 - 306 sections. It also poured water onto the ice that had to be taken care of and did one other really bad thing that I was glad I wasn't there to witness.

IT SHUT DOWN THE PRESS BOX BATHROOMS!!

You have no idea how freakin' high up in the coliseum the press box is. Yes, it's on the suite level, but then you actually go up another flight of stairs to get to the lounge where the rest rooms are.

Now, when those are closed, unless they let everyone use ones in the suites (highly doubtful), then it's a three story elevator ride or walk down stairs to get to the concourse. With over 11,000 people there last night, I'm pretty sure the lines were crazy. So then it's another walk around the concourse and down the escalators to the rest rooms that no one seems to know exists down by Doolins.

My biggest question about this is -- Did this water pipe have anything to do with the new ice system that is outside the coliseum making a boatload of noise.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - The Slide Stopped at Six

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - CH-CH-CHANGES... Isles vs Caps

2011-11-05T10:33:00.000-04:00

Jack warned everyone.
Now it's official.
Line changes for tonight's game.
HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - CH-CH-CHANGES... Isles vs Caps

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles Shut Out -- AGAIN

2011-11-03T22:47:00.000-04:00

The slide has continued and grown to six games.
Saturday, the Isles face the Washington Capitals.
Um, great.
HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles Shut Out -- AGAIN

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles Hoping The Slide Stops at FIVE RICK IN NET! 7 pm!

2011-11-03T19:18:00.000-04:00

Keeping one eye on the game, one eye on my stove. Multi-tasking and sickly as I cover the game from my living room.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles Hoping The Slide Stops at FIVE RICK IN NET! 7 pm!

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Two Weeks in BPort Will Do a Nino Good

2011-11-02T07:30:00.000-04:00

I may have to get to Bridgeport on Sunday!

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Two Weeks in BPort Will Do a Nino Good

A New Day

2011-11-01T07:37:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Islander fans. It's a new day. Time to find out what the cosmos has in store for us.

By noon today, Trevor Gillies will find out his fate as he was put on waivers yesterday. Now, the thing is -- I'm not sure if it was just supposed to be to get him back to Bridgeport or not. I tried asking, but no one responded. However their Twitter feed says: Trevor Gillies has been placed on waivers. He has until noon tomorrow to clear and then be assigned. #isles

Also on waivers yesterday to be recalled is Sean Avery who will be able to play on Thursday for the Rangers as we're pretty sure -- no other club will claim him.

Nino Niederreiter skated yesterday alongside Matt Moulson and PA Parenteau at practice. Hmmmm... Interesting. Also interesting was his choice of costume for the NY Islanders Sunday night family costume bash. Nino and Mark Streit went as the Mario Brothers.

The winner of the costume contest had to be Matt Moulson who went as the Johnny Depp version of the Mad Hatter. Not sure if his wife went as Alice.

Today the boys won't be so scary as they head to local schools to read to the kids. Then it's back to the ice at 12:30 for practice. Other developments will come from Art Staple or others as this week I am being held captive at the office learning new software.

I.am.not.happy

Side note: Jiggs MacDonald spent an hour talking hockey around the NHL with us last night on NHLWeekly on Sportstalknetwork.com. It was a great show. I'll post the link as soon as I have it available.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles vs. Sharks 92-93 Night at the Barn

2011-10-29T20:46:00.000-04:00

While stuck in a hotel room 350 miles away from the action, I can cover the game from the bed while listening to Chris King call it on WHRU Sports.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles vs. Sharks 92-93 Night at the Barn

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - The Morning After Update 7:14 am

2011-10-28T07:19:00.000-04:00

A few quick thoughts about the thing that's got everyone -- and I mean EVERYONE -- talking this morning.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - The Morning After Update 7:14 am

Pens 3 - Isles 0: In a word "Frustrating"

2011-10-25T23:58:00.002-04:00

It was a much anticipated rematch of two teams that don't like each other. But they respect each other. Maybe.

They have to respect what they can do - win. And win they did.

While the fans may have looked for a game filled with fights, they got a game with hardly any penalties and ZERO fisticuffs. Matt Martin and Travis Hamonic threw some hits, but no one ever dropped the gloves. Maybe they should have.

There were at least four scouts in the press box tonight; probably more. There were also an abundance of media. Twice as many as last Saturday for the Ranger game. When there are that many reporters and devices in the area - there is no bandwidth. My netbook was a pointless paperweight.

The Isles out shot the Pens in the first period. With 5 minutes left the SOG were 10 - 4. The Isles had their chances but Fleury turned all of them away. Other shots were defended against by the perfect Penguins who seemed to be on their best behavior.

A-Mac played goalie for a moment as the puck just trickled behind Nabby in the paint. With Malkin on the doorstep just waiting to pounce, it was quick thinking.

But at 17:46 the Pens hit the score sheet first on a shot from Orpik to Dupuis and he went in all alone on Nabby and sent the puck past his right elbow and into the net.

There were turnovers. So many turnovers And as hard as he tried, Kyle can’t buy a goal.

Fluery was at the top of his game tonight. JT came in on his right. Denied, Moulson from in front. Denied, Parenteau had one try then skated out, turned and shot. Denied as Fluery grabbed the puck from the air and takes a seat.

The shots were 13 - 7 at the end of the first. With no Internet to keep me busy, I headed to the break room. It was PACKED.

Steve Mears looked fabulous!!! So thin and handsome! As he said, the job with the Penguins is a dream come true. He looks it. He also said he’s been playing hockey regularly and hitting the gym.

Also nice to see Mark Herrmann here from Newsday. He said they’re all pitching in covering the Isles which is interesting. Art Staple was there as well. I guess that means two articles tomorrow in the Newsday.

Richard Park scored 21 seconds into the second period on a pass from Aaron Asham. “Take that Garth Snow.” the ex-Islanders seemed to say as the second goal was posted on the jumbotron. It deflated the Isles.

Streit took the first penalty for interference, but luckily #24 took a diving penalty. Cooke to the box as well at 2:55 of the 2nd.. It was 4 on 4 hockey for two minutes.

As Brad Kurtzberg said, it seemed as if the Isles 2nd line was a half step behind the play. They’re just not clicking. Lines were shaken up a little, but try as they might, nothing went in.

Matt Martin had a few big hits that generated cheers from the crowd but no reaction from the Penguins.
With ten minutes left in the 2nd, Pittsburgh took a penalty for tripping Grabner who had a great chance on the left wing and the Isles were on the power play.

We watched as the Isles set up, Tip, tip, catch. Fluery denied the Isles again.

Power play was over and the Isles were still not on the board. Every pass was blocked ,every great move denied. Parenteau looked like he was on the ice almost every shift. I had to smile watching Isles 17 & 16 sandwich Paul Martin against the boards.

The Isles were out shooting the pens 22 - 14 with less than 3 minutes left, but they couldn’t get a shot into the net. It wasn’t a chippy game at all, but let’s be honest, the Isles left their guns on the rack.

At 16:33 of the 3rd, Reasoner was called for high sticking behind Nabby’s net and the Isles would have to kill off a four minute penalty. In the first few seconds the Isles manage to do a good job of keeping the puck out of their zone. Nabokov covered the puck with 3:13 left of the penalty to get the face off and a breather.
Pandolfo, without a stick, with almost 45 seconds to go in the penalty, his experience paid off. Mark Eaton laid down a few times to block shots from close range. Reasoner waited impatiently to be sprung from the box as the penalty expired.

With Orpik serving a penalty, the Isles had a chance at 11:30 left of the third. The 300s started to try to give them life by chanting “Let’s Go Islanders.”

Every shot was blocked. Everything. And what wasn’t blocked went straight at the Penguin on Fluery’s chest. Every shot Nabby faced went right at his knees.

I couldn’t believe Reasoner lost sight of the puck at his feet in the goal crease… say that again out loud and see how awful that sounds.

When they came around for the 3 stars of the game sheets, I could think of only one. Fluery. There was still five minutes left in the game.

The Isles got away with one when Parenteau jumped on the ice a little too soon and Nabby got a lucky break as the puck went through his goal crease without finding a Penguin’s stick.

With 3:23 left to the game, Jack pulled his goalie for the extra man. It was a good idea at the time. But at 2:00 even, Jordan Staal made it 3 - 0 Penguins. Evgeni headed back to his crease. In my head I wondered, why bother.

It’s hard to go into the locker room after a loss, but it’s worse when it’s the third straight loss. I was surprised that Mark Streit was not offered up to the media. John Tavares did most of the talking. One after another, groups of reporters and cameras surrounded him. Evgeni Nabokov sat in his stall and answered questions. He played well. Were the scouts there to see him? Or were they there for someone else?

Hamonic spoke with anyone who asked and Stan Fischler made his way around the room asking this question: “Do you feel snake bitten?”

In a way, I feel that’s premature. This is the third game they’ve lost in a row. Not the 8th. Then again, we did have some high hopes for this team this season, but I’m beginning to have a little bit of a sinking feeling. And it’s not even November 1st.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Rivalry? What Rivalry? Isles vs. Pens

2011-10-25T08:08:00.001-04:00

quick morning notes before Game Day as I try to get out of the house for work!

This should be an amazing game, no matter what team you root for.

Here is the web address for last night's broadcast of NHLWeekly with Steve Mears and Bob McElligott.
http://sportstalknetwork.com/main/hockey/hockey102411.mp3

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Rivalry? What Rivalry? Isles vs. Pens

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Manic Monday - Isles Back to the Rink

2011-10-24T07:43:00.000-04:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Manic Monday - Isles Back to the Rink

And don't forget to check out NHLWeekly tonight on www.SportsTalkNetwork.com from 6 - 7 pm when our guests will be Steve Mears from the Penguins and Bob McElligott from the CBJ.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles visit Cats, Does Fight Ensue?

2011-10-22T18:17:00.000-04:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles visit Cats, Does Fight Ensue?

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Bringing Thunder to the Lightning

2011-10-20T07:49:00.000-04:00

Three years later, I finally find the feature on HB that let's me share my post on Blogger. Three years!

Game Day! And what a game it will be! I'm actually nervously excited about this one because it could either cement the Islanders as the real deal or have everyone talking in the morning again about inadequacies.

Considering his recent record, I will be very interested to see if Dwayne Roloson gets the net or not. He is looking to redeem himself and looking for revenge. (I've seen him in action up close. He's not a guy you want to piss off.)

Game time 7:30 pm on MSGPlus, 7 pm pre-game. I'm pretty sure the Rookie & the Reporter will have their live blog going as well. So, see you at game time!

Let's Go Islanders!
HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Bringing Thunder to the Lightning

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Road Trip!

2011-10-19T08:17:00.000-04:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Road Trip!

Hockey Fights Cancer - On Many Levels

2011-10-18T13:56:00.000-04:00

Here is the podcast link to last night's NHLWeekly on Sportstalknetwork.com.

Besides the great conversation with our othter two guests, check out VP of Community Relations Ken Martin on how the NHL really donates to Hockey Fights Cancer.

You'll be surprised.

Talk Hockey to Me

2011-10-17T21:42:00.000-04:00

Yep, the second installment for the season of NHLWeekly on SportsTalkNetwork.com went off fairly well.

catch some info about it here and hopefully there will be something new out of Islanders Country. For now, I think I'll nap.

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Talk Hockey To Me

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles: One Line Story?

2011-10-16T08:58:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning thoughts on last night's game and the smile that is still on my face.
HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Isles: One Line Story?

Nabby In Net

2011-10-15T11:30:00.003-04:00

Isles vs Rangers tonight! The Rivalry Continues!

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Nabby Gets the Net

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Who had 10/14/11 In the RDP Injury Pool?

2011-10-14T11:56:00.000-04:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Who had 10/14/11 In the RDP Injury Pool?

Isles vs. Tampa

2011-10-13T19:43:00.002-04:00

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Lightning On The Horizon: Game Time 4 - 1 Isles 1st

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Lightning On The Horizon: Strome Returned

2011-10-13T10:05:00.000-04:00

Thoughts on Strome's return to Juniors and tonight's game. If you're coming to the Coliseum, remember that the boys from HockeyThisWeek.com will be broadcasting LIVE from Doolins beginning at 6 pm, so come on down and say Hello!

HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Lightning On The Horizon: Strome Returned

Everyone Starts Somewhere

2011-10-11T22:02:00.000-04:00

And this is where we started. The new NHLWeekly show on Sportstalknetwork.com debuted last night and truthfully -- I was a bit nervous since we really were unscripted.

It's great to talk hockey off the cuff, but another thing when you have to listen to it played back.

The saving grace was Meg Jarrell from LAKingsCourt and her fabulous info on the LA Kings season and their time in Europe. We even covered the Manchester Monarchs, Brendan Shanahan, Sidney Crosby and the Isles Home Opener.

Listen at your leisure here.

And look for NHLWeekly next Monday at 6 pm on Sportstalknetwork.com.

Isles Wild on Columbus Day

2011-10-10T14:03:00.002-04:00

Here are the photos that I took from the press box today, and here are my post game thoughts at Hockeybuzz.com.
HockeyBuzz.com - Dee Karl - Not Too Wild About a Matinee Win

Isles Home Opener Photos from the Ice

2011-10-09T11:12:00.000-04:00

Isles Home Opener: The Fans Showed Up, The Isles Didn't

2011-10-09T11:11:00.000-04:00

It was such a beautiful day at the arena. The parking lot was filled with tailgating fans early in the afternoon for an 8 pm game.

The free concert was blaring as people waited on line for Bobby Nystrom's autograph or to play the Capital One High 5X game. The smell of bar-b-que permeated the air and random chants of "Let's Go Islanders" could be heard between the laughter and the music.

The Islander Mania crew tailgate was in full force and Dominic was grilling up a storm (as usual).

"You're not walking away without eating something! I just put some more hamburgers on, there's hot dogs and I'll make you a lamb kabob." He is an amazing host and this message board throws amazing parties.

But I was there to talk to the fans. The people that came from far and wide just to be part of the festivities. After all, this was our night as much as it was theirs. (I suggest you lower the volume on your speakers before you play the videos. I am loud trying to talk over the band.)

Neil Mairs drove up from Virginia with his son and an SUV full of bar-b-que and jerseys. I caught up with him to ask why he did it.

I made my way back to Dominick's tent to grab a cheeseburger and a video. Here is what Dom and Scott had to say about the impending season.

Also at the IM tailgate party was a tall, thin young man in a Tavares jersey that I had talked to on the IslandersCountry.com message board. This was Sean from Vancouver. He has a twin brother -- who isn't an Islander fan. He didn't make the trip.

Another one of my readers from far away (and I thank him!) is Dean from Ottawa who turned this weekend into a nice little vacation. I was happy to hear that my suggestion of where to take his beautiful wife Kim to dinner on Friday night worked out. They were looking for Italian and I couldn't help but tell them to hit Borelli's. I've loved that place since I was five years old. Not fancy, just good and homey - and they LOVE Islander fans.

Here's what Dean had to say.

Also out on the lawn between the Coliseum and the Marriott taking it all in was none other than Big Angry Man. Yes, he does exist. And while he may be harder to find than Sasquatch, I managed to get his permission to film him and his fellow Islander fan friend Eric before I headed in to go into "New Media" mode.

Yes, BAM said he had November 15th in the RDP Injury pool. We fight daily about hockey. He also texted me every few minutes with his dismay over how the team played last night. (As if I could do anything about it from the press box.)

The last fan I managed to catch up to was a local Twitter buddy named Aaron who goes by the Twitter name of @MacStainless. He is a great guy to follow and as well as an author. We played Text-Tag for awhile, but I finally caught up to him after the first (brutal) period and the Isles were down by 2, where they stayed.

Now for the bad part.

According to many fans, that was the worst display of hockey every played on the Coliseum ice. They couldn't get anything going, turnovers killed, Mottau couldn't stay out of the box, they couldn't get any shots off let alone on net and their shift changes were horrid.

At one point there were probably nine Islanders on the ice and they managed to NOT get penalized for too many men on the ice. In addition the officiating left much to be desired, but it was the play of the Isles that cost them the game.

Travis Hamonic was the bright spot on the team with his fight with Upshall. Matt Martin had five hits and five shots. MATT MARTIN!!

As is his duty as Captain, Mark Streit faced the media post game.

Monday is another game. There are Family Fun packs available for only $99. A great value. Hopefully the Isles will show up this time.

Commitment Starts NOW!

2011-10-08T09:32:00.001-04:00

It's finally here! The Islanders home opener is tonight and the weather is beautiful for all the fun and exciting entertainment they have planned outside the Coliseum.

I am excited about tonight for a variety of reasons; hockey back, fans are visiting from far-away places, Big Angry Man will actually be in attendance.

Will this be the debut of Evgeni Nabokov in net or will it be Rick DiPietro between the pipes tonight? Only Jack Capuano knows and he will be telling the media at his 10 am availability. (which will probably be over by the time I get this freakin' thing posted.) **10:04 am And Jack says it's MONTOYA! The Big Cubano gets the nod!

Follow @StapeNewsday on twitter for all the player coverage. Today I'll be covering YOU, the fans. That's my focus today. There are enough mainstream media covering the team and personally, I think the fans are just as important today as anyone else.

For "the Skinny" on today's home opener, check out Eric Hornick's column today and every game day for interesting tidbits that will make you more intelligent.

Also, the team store opens today at 4 pm. There will be a special discount for 4-square users. Are you on 4-square? Then take advantage. Promotion runs from 4 - 6 pm only. Need a jersey for the game? Get one at the new team store. It's gorgeous.

Are you on Twitter and Facebook? Meet the Islanders Social Media department and see the guys from HockeyThisWeek broadcast LIVE from Doolin's from 6 - 7 pm (or maybe even longer.)

It all starts tonight. Finally. As @QuickFacts posted this morning, the three hockey words for today are -- SUMMER.IS.OVER.

Leading by Example

2011-10-06T22:30:00.000-04:00

While I see you're having a good time discussing the goal song selection, I still need to discuss the other news of the day which was the selection of "A"s and other junk. If you would like to go back to the comments thread on the other post, click here.

But before you do, let's chat.

First, I personally think Belmont in Elmont may as well be Mars for the Islanders. The proposal didn't mention WHO would pay for a new arena because it sure as hell isn't Charles Wang.

Secondly, the Islanders announced their selection of alternate captains today. In a bold move, they named four, two for the road and two for home games. Two veteran players that are new to the dressing room and two youngsters that will be a big part of the Isles organization for a long time.

When interviewed today by ITV Steve Staios and John Tavares both said they would lead by example. All four said it was a great honor, but Staios said he knows it's easy when things are going good, it's the tough days - which all teams go through - which will be the real test.

Brian Rolston knows they' look to him for sage advice, being one of the older guys in the room. But he said while many of the players in the room are young in years, they are mature and know what it takes to play 82 games.

Rolston also said he was "super happy" for ex-NJ Devil Jay Pandolfo getting a chance to extend his career. "He's not just a good hockey player, he's a great human being."

Tavares met the questions with the same quiet poise that he has always had since he arrived on the island. "The trust of the coaches is a huge honor." But he let on that he is far more vocal in the room now than he was his first year.

Kyle Okposo said he'd be watching both games on Versus tonight and trying to quell those jitters that all players have before opening day. Tavares said the home opener is like Christmas for them and Staios said if a player doesn't have a certain amount of jitters, he probably shouldn't be playing.

The choices Jack Capuano made were based on many factors, but none so important as "character."

When it came to giving Brian Rolston the "A", he said "Character means everything and he's going to fit in our room just fine."

Some fans have questioned the choices made, but the truth is as Jack stated "A lot will lead without a letter."

When asked about Pandolfo making the team after being there on a try-out, Capuano reminded the press how smart Jay is and how well he understands his role. Just as the Islanders management has said all along, the players who produce will be the ones who play.

Lines may move around some as the chemistry is tinkered with, but Blake Comeau has been moved to the opposite wing. He played the position in the game in Bridgeport and Jack knows it's a bit of a change for him but "hopefully he can adjust."

uh, oh.

Art Staple of Newsday held a live chat today at 1:30 pm. If you weren't able to catch it live, play the repeat. It was very thorough and I enjoyed it. Mostly I enjoyed it because 96% of his answers are what I would have said should I have been asked.

Leaving me to believe that maybe -- just maybe -- I've learned something in the past five years.

The Isles New Goal Song

2011-10-06T11:23:00.000-04:00

So what will it be? Here are the songs it has been narrowed down to, click the links to listen.

Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue - Listen here

Hell Yeah by Rev Theory - Listen here

Heaven Can Wait by Iron Maiden - Listen here

Crowd Chant by Joe Satriani - Listen here

And to vote, click this link and fill in the form on the Isles main site.
My personal opinion is only two of these four actually work and for me it's a tough decision.

Art Staple will be hosting a live chat at 1:30 pm on the Newsday.com website. Go chat with the guy who is paid to be at practice. According to Art, this morning's lines were:

Moulson-Tavares - Parenteau
Okposo - Nielsen - Grabner
Rolston - Bailey - Comeau
Martin - Reasoner - Pandolfo & Strome.

Signings Before the 5 pm Deadline: Strome & Pandolfo

2011-10-04T17:22:00.000-04:00

Sneaking a quick hit here at work as news finally hits the Twitterverse of the NY Islanders signings to fill out their roster.

Pandolfo? Yes.
Strome? Yes.
Nino? Still recovering and awaiting his fate.

More words here at Hockeybuzz.com.

A New Voice Talks About the Isles

2011-10-04T07:16:00.000-04:00

Remember last week I said I get requests all the time from people for link exchanges and what-not? Well, I've been holding this one in my back pocket for awhile.

I always thought that I had a unique voice regarding this game since I am old-ish and see things through a mother's eyes and not with a technical manual tucked under my arm. It has not been easy cracking the press box as such, but I haven't done badly for myself in the last five years.

As difficult as it may have been for females in this sport as little as 10 years ago, I failed to think of how difficult it is for the gay community when it comes to hockey.

We've seen it. We've read about it. Brian Burke has championed for it. Well, today I present to you a website that DOES speak about hockey for the gay community called puckbuddys. Started by two Caps fans, the website has a writer for each of the 30 teams.

Here is their Islander writer's season preview team breakdown. I have to say, it's the last time you'll see me link his work. He's too damn good.

Gay or not, @TheLastIslander knows his stuff, give it a read and see if I'm right.

Follow Vinny on Twitter at @TheLastIslander, but -- you probably already do.

Cutting it Close

2011-10-03T23:05:00.000-04:00

With Nino Niederreiter on the IR along with Trevor Gillies, there's some wiggle room with the NY Islanders roster situation, but cuts need to be made and difficult decisions loom.

Brian Rolston is finally practicing with the team and Jay Pandolfo is awaiting to hear his fate.

With so many veterans now signed, the average age of this team has increased by at least five years. Is that a good thing?

New post here on HockeyBuzz.com along with some Player Twitter things I found humorous.

Isles vs. The Bruins in Bridgeport

2011-10-01T09:58:00.000-04:00

Well, I made good use of sitting in the Dentist waiting room for a half hour. And again, I'd like to thank Art Staple from Newsday for having the line-up posted on Newsday before it's anywhere else.

I'd also like to thank Verizon for not shutting off internet from my phone that they so desperately want me to replace. (Tomorrow guys. tomorrow)

Okay then. The A squad featuring the Isles top line of JT, Moulson and PA will be on the ice tonight. It's a great venue and I would urge everyone to attend. And if someone can take my place at the wedding I have to go to, please let me know.

My thoughts on tonight's game here at hockeybuzz.com.

And guys... guess what... WE MADE IT!!! IT'S HOCKTOBER!

Isles blanked in Newark

2011-09-30T21:40:00.000-04:00

Yuck. No goals for the Isles and only 16 shots. Double Yuck.

Rick played the entire 60 and only let up one goal. Not bad.

What concerns me most right now is that Nino will be evaluated tomorrow for a groin injury. Not happy at all.

Running blog and news of the day from IslanderCountry here at Hockeybuzz.com.

Now I have to motivate to get stuff done here at the house! Although all I want to do is sleep!

Exploring the Fan Experience

2011-09-29T22:32:00.000-04:00

The blog world is truly a community and as such we are nothing unless we are connected by helping each other. As such, I generally get a new request for link exchange about once a week. Many of which I just don’t feel works for me. But yesterday I received information about a website that I really think is interesting.

Just as I really like www.StadiumJourney.com that tells you all about a venue before you get there, I really like this new website www.fromthisseat.com. Their motto "Learn All About the Seats, Before you Buy your NFL, MLB, NBA or NHL Tickets."

It’s a simple concept. Look for the seats you’re planning on buying and check out what other people have to say about them. But what I really like about it is -- you can leave your feedback about seats you use. Think of it as sort of a Fan to Fan dialogue about your arena experience.

And it’s easy as anything. I left a little comment about my seats in Section 211, right on the aisle. So many great memories there and so many reasons why we loved them. The view of the ice, the proximity to amenities, and easy egress.
Check out the site and see. These are the instructions:

To leave feedback or find out more about the seats you are interested in, simply click on 'Find Your Seat' on the left. FromThisSeat allows sports fans to leave comments about the seats they had at the game by dissecting every section of every NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB Stadium. In return, other fans now have perspectives to help them decide which tickets to purchase for the big game. Every sports venue has different dimensions and you deserve to know what those are before spending your hard-earned money on tickets. Share all of your experiences from NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB games you have attended with us today. All feedback is greatly appreciated.

If you’ve got your own story to tell about seats you’ve used, tell it. Then you can relive the experience all over again.

From Mangano to Modano

2011-09-29T07:51:00.000-04:00

The Hub:
Yep, it's still in the news and Randi Marshall is doing an excellent job covering the saga. And it is just about the longest running soap opera next to "All My Children." But even that had an end. I really don't see an end in sight for this one.

But after receiving a Tweet back from Ed Mangano yesterday, I thought I'd write a little something about it. Of course, it's pointed at a certain person in the TOH.

You can find my little stiffled rant here at HockeyBuzz.com.

And now for something completely different. I was working on NHL stories for a radio show that sadly didn’t get off the ground on Monday night. I felt so strongly about one of the stories of the week that I had to write about it. Since it’s not Islanderscentric, I decided to ask my good friends at HockeyThisWeek if they would indulge me and put it there. They were kind enough to agree.

Here are my thoughts, along with some insight from Doug Weight, on the retirement of Hockey icon, Mike Modano.

Dear MSG:

2011-09-26T22:20:00.001-04:00

Well, can I get an AMEN! MSG Relents and will broadcast this game. (nothing to do with me though)

Here is the news from the Islanders website.

MSG ADDS NEW YORK ISLANDERS PRESEASON GAME VS. CALGARY TONIGHT

New York, NY – September 27, 2011 – MSG Network and the New York Islanders announced today that tonight’s 9 p.m. preseason game against the Calgary Flames has been added to the 2011-12 Islanders broadcast schedule and can be seen on MSG Plus.

MSG Plus will deliver Calgary’s TSN (The Sports Network) production, via the NHL Network, live from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

MSG Networks will telecast 81 of the New York Islanders 82 regular season games.

The Islanders open their regular season at home against the Florida Panthers on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. on MSG Plus. A half-hour pre-game show will precede all Islanders games this regular season and most games will be followed by a post-game show. "HOCKEY NIGHT LIVE,” which is telecast on both MSG Network and MSG Plus, will follow Saturday night games throughout the season.

MSG Networks continues its unprecedented commitment to the NHL as MSG Network and MSG Plus combine to telecast more than 300 live Rangers, Devils, Islanders and Buffalo Sabres games during the 2011-12 hockey season.

Have we been down this road before? I think we have. But I'd like to ask the reasoning behind not airing any of the NY Islanders pre-season games while airing both the Rangers vs Devils and Rangers vs Flyers games on TWO MSG channels. Seriously.

Please, enlighten me as to why Saturday night's game against the Devils, another one of the three teams you broadcast, was not aired anywhere except a local website feed?

Explain to me the broadcast rights, the cost factors or simply --

YOUR ABSOLUTE REFUSAL TO CATER TO ISLANDER FANS IN ANY WAY.

Yes, we've been down this road before. And while the Dolan family made a video of public support to keep the Islanders in Uniondale, they do nothing to adequately serve the fanbase.

Games are routinely broadcast on overflow channels that are non-HD, HD signal is not offered to other cable providers and each season you can't even offer us ONE preseason game on TV?

Yeah, thanks for the support, but it feels empty.

Islander Fans Everywhere

A 6 - 2 Home Coming for the Isles

2011-09-25T08:44:00.000-04:00

Notes and quotes from post game with Aaron Ness and Mark Streit located here at HockeyBuzz.com.

As Mark was holding court with reporters for a good 30 minutes, here is the video from the Islanders ITV cameras.

Isles vs. NJD 9-24-11 Preseason tilt at the Barn

2011-09-24T19:15:00.003-04:00

Montoya in net faces Johan Hedberg. Mark Streit with the "C" and Eaton and Okposo with the "A"'s.

Team store had a "soft opening" tonight that went over very well.

Okposo scores off a @Grabs40 pass and Streit scores off a pass from Moulson and Nielsen. Palmieri cuts the lead in half before the end of the first and Nielsen sits in the box for hooking less than 2 minutes into the second.

Little extra detail from a Twitter buddy. Palmieri is a home town kid sothat could be why the cheer was so loud for his goal.

5 - 2 Isles to start the third.

A Power Play goal for Matt Moulson, his second of the game with assists for Hamonic and Nielsen at 3:57 of the third.

Isles Fall in Boston, Play Devils Tonight

2011-09-24T09:23:00.000-04:00

For a great recap of last night's game in Boston, please read HockeyBuzz.com's Ty Anderson.

I was at the Roger Daltry concert so I don't have anything to say really about last night's game. I'll be in attendance tonight though, so -- back to hockey.

Last night was all about music and besides Daltry proving he is forever young, I'd like to encourage you to check out Paul Freeman (@PFreemanmusic). Just a man and a guitar standing in front thousands of people who paid a lot of money to see a rock icon. He.was.great. He could also use a few more Twitter followers.

Give blood if you can today, please.

See you at the barn. For hockey this time.

Do You Bleed Blue & Orange? How About A Little Red.

2011-09-23T10:01:00.000-04:00

Before the puck drops on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 the Islanders and the American Red Cross are teaming up for a blood drive at
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The first 200 presenting blood donors will receive a pair of tickets to a select Islanders game for their donation.

There is currently a shortfall of more than 4,700 units of blood and the Red Cross is asking for your help to help others.

The Red Cross blood drive will take place in the Lower Box Office of the Coliseum prior to the game. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting redcrossblood.org.

As if tickets weren't enough of a "thank you," presenting blood donors who are also attending the September 24th game will enter into a raffle for the opportunity to “High Five” the team as they take to the ice.

“The American Red Cross hopes Islanders fans come out and give the gift of life to help replenish the blood supply,” said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications.

Note: To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. The states of Maine, Massachusetts and New York allow those who are 16 years of age to donate blood with parental consent. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

So give the gift of life and feel really good about yourself as you watch the new Isles Hockey season begin!

Media Day with the Isles Part 1

2011-09-22T08:09:00.000-04:00

The mood was jovial today at Islanders training camp. I didn’t see group A on the ice and only spoke with a few of them in the dressing room after their Jack Capuano torture drills. I did manage to get to media day in time for lunch.

It was wonderful to be at the rink and spend a little time with my fellow blog boxers Christian Arnold and Chris Hessel along with Timo Seppa and a friendly face from Patch.com. Brad Kurtzberg had to leave early due to his 1:30 - 2:30 sports show on Sportstalknetwork.com. That’s what he gets for doing a daily show.

To my surprise, fellow Isles Tweep Gotroot801 was there. He is working with a new gamer site called Unwinnable.com. (Check it out, it’s not a betting site but that video game type site.) I didn’t recognize him without his jersey on. Sorry about that Don.

The local newspapers was there in force, but that was because it was announced that Charles Wang would make a statement at 2:15 pm. It was clear that some had no interest in the business of hockey, but in the business of Charles Wang.

I went back to the media room to check work emails before the others were done with lunch. My timing was perfect. By the time I headed back to Doolins (that now has tables, chairs and barstools (real-live-barstools!) to grab a cup of coffee, group B was heading out onto the ice and was piled up in the tunnel.

There they were, like kids waiting to hear the bell for recess, joking and laughing and pushing each other around. I could do nothing but smile -- and try to snap photos with my less-than-professional camera since my good camera’s lens is lost somewhere in that building.

Mark Streit looked good. Real good. He was talking with Nino Niederreiter who seemed to be hanging on his every word. At that moment I knew. This was the next Captain of the New York Islanders. There was no doubt.

This was also the first time I had caught a glimpse of Evgeni Nabokov. He was not what I expected. He looks younger than his years, but that may have something to do with the haircut. Once on the ice, making himself at home in the crease, he became a wall. I watched shot after shot get gobbled up by the veteran. They came in rapid fire. I watched Mark Streit take a shot on him just a few strides over the blue line. You could hear it echo off Nabby’s pads as he made the stop. I’m surprised it didn’t go through him.

Mark Streit seems to have regained his shot. I hope they have invested in more plexi-glass. I believe they will need it.

As Nabokov stopped everything that came near him, I did watch one puck manage to get by. It was one shot by Matt Moulson’s brother-in-law, Sean Backman. I watched as the next time the youngster skated in and parked himself in front of the crease, Evgeni hooked the rookie’s feet out from under him. I searched the ice surface to see if Moulson was going to come in for protection. But no way. This is training camp where the men are separated from the boys.

I sought out Backman after the skate to ask about what happened. He was in the visitor’s dressing room with the others who “don’t have contracts.” I did it again and made the mistake of asking David Hochman which one Sean was. “He’s right over there Dee. Under the plaque with his name on it.”

What David doesn’t realize is that when I walk into a room of young men getting undressed, the last thing I want to do is have to spend time gazing around the room. (Yes, I’m still uncomfortable with this five years later.)

I’ll admit, I had said that Backman looked very small out on the ice. But standing face to face with him, I take back the tweet that he is “Gerbe small.” He’s not. When I asked him why Nabokov hooked him, he chuckled. “I guess I deserved it. I came in a little close and sprayed snow on him. It was all in good fun. He was laughing about it with me.”

I told him he was the first one to get the puck behind the vet. “Really? Yeah than maybe that had something to do with it.”

Back in the Isles dressing room, Nabokov was holding court with the press from his stall. Chris Hessel was amazed that he answered questions almost before they were asked. He is a pro at this. I didn’t speak with him.

But I did speak with Rick. More on that later.

Congrats Mark Streit, the 13th Captain of the NYI

2011-09-21T17:25:00.000-04:00

As I expected, Mark Streit has been named Captain of the NY Islanders. Leave it to the MSM to tweet it out while we were all in the room waiting for the announcement. But at the end of the day, the good thing is, Mark is healthy, happy and ready to play.

The Islanders have always been one for firsts, and this time they are the first NHL club to have a Swiss born captain. They may soon be the first club to have two Swiss NHLers on an active roster in North America. (mark.my.words)

More on today after work.

Later!

Happy Birthdays Are In Order

2011-09-20T07:26:00.000-04:00

Coincidence or by design, the NY Islanders "face of the franchise" turns 21 today. Yes, time is passing and young John Tavares is finally of legal age and can go anywhere without parental supervision or having to ask Doug Weight for permission.

Is it interesting that yesterday was the old "face of the franchise's" birthday? Rick DiPietro turned 30 yesterday without any fanfare and according to Michael Grabner, not much distraction from practice. @Grabs40 announced he had to find out on Twitter that it was 39's birthday.

Seems a bit unusual since years ago, RDP had been photographed getting pied for his birthday during training camp. Where's Shakey?

But things are different for the 30-year-old netminder looking to prove himself at training camp. Listen to the latest video taken on the second day of Jack Capuano's grueling training camp. This is a much more mature Rick DiPietro.

Call An Exterminator Before the Injury Bug Infests Again!

2011-09-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Jack Capuano's first NHL Training Camp as head coach just got off the ground and already three promising rookies have been bitten by the injury bug.

As a fan I'm sitting here praying "Oh, NOT AGAIN!" I can't imagine what the organization is thinking. More here at HockeyBuzz.com

Tavares: Committed to the Organization & the Community

2011-09-15T23:33:00.003-04:00

*told ya I hide in the back!

7:35 am: Oh look! Josh Bailey DID sign over night. Two years is better than a year in the Ukraine, right?

Most of the details had already been posted. The information was published in multiple places, so there was little we didn't know by 1 pm. But the room was filled any way. Yes, signing the NHL 1st over all draft pick was big news in the hockey world. So much so that it was covered by every Canadian sports radio station all morning long and even NBC's veteran sportscaster Bruce Beck (it took me 25 minutes to find his name)made the trek to Uniondale.

After all the speculation, John Tavares made sure it was clear what his intentions for his future are. With a year remaining on his entry-level agreement, John and his agent forged a six year extension that should put all the questions to rest.

Canada's favorite son would continue to skate in an Islanders sweater -- whether Canada liked it or not.

When there is a room full of MSM like this, I tend to stay quiet and let those being paid to do their jobs actually do them. I always come armed with what I believe will be a question or two that no one else will ask. Because it takes me so long to develop something out of the ordinary, should someone else come close to it, I'm screwed. However, today I came armed with a doozy.

While I was waiting for soon-to-be-retired editor of IslandersPointBlank to be interviewed on Fan 590 Toronto, I listened as Jeff Blair and his co-host ungraciously condemned the New York Islanders.

In all honesty, my fan heart couldn't take it. I jotted down notes on a paper towel because I couldn't find a note pad. I didn't want to make a mistake as I wanted to repeat the phrases verbatim to John Tavares. They were amazed that JT, a good Canadian boy, would want to sign for such an extended period of time with such an "insignificant" franchise where "no one will ever see" him play and no one will care.

I waited for a good portion of the reporters to walk away from JT, the reporters I didn't know. Then I stood waiting to ask my question as Katie Strang, now representing ESPN, stood next to Art Staple asking a question that was an excellent lead in to mine. "Did it bother you at all that people speculated that you wouldn't stay here?" He answered that he didn't understand it.

I was interrupted once and after JT gave his typically well-thought and thorough answer to the gentleman next to me, I pounced.

"John, this is in line with Katie's last question..." I spoke loud enough so that no one else would step over me. I explained what Jeff Blair and his co-host said and asked what he would answer had he been on the phone.

It was the first time I've ever seen Katie Strang's eyes pop when I spoke and JT's reaction was one of bracing himself to answer as he thought about what a fellow countryman had just said about the place he chose to develop his career.

"That's just very disappointing. I think it's a wrong judgment about our organization. Charles is a great owner, he's great to all of us. Garth has been great to all of us. We are treated with a lot of respect and dignity. They give us an opportunity to play and compete and they want us to win. We're building this the right way. We're taking our time and now it's starting to show. This is a big year for us, obviously. So, I'm sure once we start winning and we're more successful on the ice people will start to notice us a little more and know what we're all about."

What they are all about is commitment. Whether Nassau County is committed to the Islanders doesn't matter right now. As of today, everyone knows that John Tavares is committed to the team that drafted him.

Garth Snow entertained the media in his usual quiet style leaving all reporters struggling to get their recorders and microphones as close to him as possible. Everyone was very respectful of the general manager, but when the camera lights were off, Art Staple and Katie Strang pressured about Josh Bailey's contract status. There were no real answers coming, but they had to ask. It's their job. I didn't dare even look the GM in the eye after that and scurried off so as not to get caught in the cross-fire should the conversation continue.

As of 11 pm, there is no word of Josh Bailey's contract even though all reports were that Bailey's agent and Garth Snow were holding discussions this evening.

Back to my fan heart: Tick-freakin'-tock Josh. You know the deal.

Considering how well this team is shaping up with Okposo, Moulson, Grabner, and Tavares all signed and happy, your window of opportunity is rapidly closing.

And as a side note; I check Ms. Strang's ESPN.com entry and saw that she called me a "reporter." Considering how well she knows me -- I'm honored (and a little shocked.)

JT Signs Long Term Deal

2011-09-14T16:07:00.000-04:00

I guess he is just having too much fun here to look for greener pastures. *Thanks to the Isles Flicker account for that great fun photo of JT & Grabs40.

For all those who doubted the young man, he stays right where he belongs -- in an Islanders sweater. According to @StapeNewsday the deal is 6 years and roughtly $5.5 mil, but the official annoucement will be tomorrow at 1 pm.

Will we be able to hear the Canadian hockey media weeping from the Coliseum?

Maybe.

Isles 7 Bruins 2 Final - But Losses Mount

2011-09-14T07:39:00.000-04:00

The Isles rookie squad took it to the Baby Bruins hard early in the first period. According to Brett Gallant, just to set the tone of the game. They certainly did. They were physical and dominating throughout three periods. The two Bruins goals weren't scored until 5:02 of the 3rd and 18:46 of the 3rd -- long after the damage had been done.

In game blog and recap with quotes from Brett Gallant and Matt Donovan here at hockeybuzz.

But let's talk about the losses. On Monday the Isles lost Rhett Rakhshani to concussion from a hit. Last night they lost Mark Katic with a separated left shoulder. The Bruins may have lost a kid who was helped off the ice last night as well, but don't ask me to spell his name.

These are on-ice losses, but there were off-ice losses as well in Islander Country. Katie Strang is now working for ESPN New York covering all three hockey teams. (ESPN covers hockey? Who knew.) Deb Placey has been awarded the Devils game nights both home and away with Doc Emerick retiring to only work for Versus and NBC.

Closer to home, just this morning, I read that IslandersPointBlank will be losing it's first and only full-time editor and writer, Chris Botta.

They say things come in threes. There's your tri-fecta.