savetheisles

Cappy On The Way Out??

2013-05-23T14:46:00.001-04:00

According to reports, the University of Maine is interested in bringing in Islanders coach Jack Capuano to be the next coach of their school hockey team.

One may think that there would be no way Capuano would leave an NHL team to go coach a college team, especially after just leading the team on a surprise playoff run. Normally, you would be right but this is a little bit different. See the University of Maine is Capuanos alma mater and Capuanos son will be playing baseball their next season and his daughter is also a student at the school. Also the job security in college is a lot better than that of an NHL coach.

Although one may think Capuano would be crazy to leave, Maine does have a compelling case to at least make him consider it.

Capuano isn't the only person they are interested in. They are also interested in Bridgeport head coach Scott Pellerin who is also a Maine alum. Pellerin, who has an option to come back and coach Bridgeport next year has yet to decide what he wants to do.

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2013/05/21_what,_or_who,_is_maine_waiting.php

http://bangordailynews.com/2013/05/07/sports/ice-hockey-sports/boston-college-assistant-cavanaugh-to-be-named-uconn-hockey-coach-tortorella-gendron-interview-for-maine-job/

Islanders Sign Bruton

2013-05-22T02:22:00.001-04:00

This afternoon, the Islanders announced the signing of minor league enforcer Chris Bruton to a two way contract.

Last season with Peoria in the AHL, Bruton had 10 points and 134 penalty minutes in 69 games.

Even though he was given a two way contract, I would be surprised if he ever sees time with the big club. Although, him and Gallant will sure make sure none of the prized kids get manhandled in the minors.

Islanders Resign Boulton

2013-05-17T17:58:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of http://a.espncdn.com/

This afternoon, the Islanders announced that they resigned enforcer Eric Boulton to a one year contract.

This season for the Islanders Boulton registered zero points and 36 PIMS in 15 games.

Well, I was rather surprised by this resigning. Boulton is a pretty good fighter, but when he isn't fighting he is pretty useless and can usually be counted on to take a bad penalty.

Moulson Among Finalists For Lady Byng

2013-05-17T01:40:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy of http://l2.yimg.com/

This afternoon, the NHL announced the finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy. They were Patrick Kane, Martin St Louis, and Matt Moulson.

The Lady Byng is awarded to the player who best displays a degree of sportsmanship, and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high skill level.

Moulson was a finalist for this award last season but was defeated by Brian Campbell of the Panthers. If Moulson is successful he would be the third Islander to win the award. Pierre Turgeon was the last Islander to win the award in 1993. Before that, Mike Bossy was a three time winner of the award in 1983,1984, and 1986.

Could MSG Block Part Of Ratners Plan?

2013-05-17T01:28:00.001-04:00

Recently, the plans for the four possible developments for the Coliseum property were made public.

The two front runners as of now appear to be the plans from MSG & from Bruce Ratner and the Barclays Center.

A part of the Barclays plan included having the Islanders play six games at the Coliseum including some regular season games. However, yesterday, it was reported by multiple news outlets that MSG could prove to be a bit of a problem with this aspect of the plan.

NHL rules stipulate that if a team wants to have two home arenas that the NHL needs to give its approval as do teams within 50 miles. Although MSG (The Dolans) really don't have a good reason to block it, it doesn't mean they wouldn't. Look at what they did when the Jets tried to get the West Side Stadium built.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/rangers_roadblock_for_nassau_islanders_3zdJmwGQbzapoJpjb0k0aL

Isles Will Not Toll Tim Thomas Contract

2013-05-15T20:09:00.004-04:00

photo courtesy of http://sports.cbsimg.net/

According to EJ Hradek, from the NHL Network and nhl.com the Islanders do not plan to toll the contract of goalie Tim Thomas.

If you recall, the Islanders acquired Thomas back in February to use his cap hit to make sure the team didn't fall below the cap floor and suffer a penalty.

If you are surprised by this then you must not have been following things for a while because the non tolling of Thomas contract will probably be one of the least shocking developments of the offseason in my view. He wasn't acquired for the purpose of playing for us, it was simply to make sure the team didn't get a penalty for going below the minimum cap teams are supposed to spend.

https://twitter.com/EJHradek_NHL

Isles Outdoor Game Official

2013-05-15T13:46:00.002-04:00

According to multiple reports, the Islanders have officially announced their outdoor game with the Rangers for next year.

The game will take place on January 29th, 2014 at 7:30PM from Yankee Stadium. Since the Rangers are the away team in their game with the Devils, that would lead me to believe they to will be the away team in the game versus the Islanders. However, that has yet to be announced.

https://twitter.com/ChrisBottaNHL/status/334724461767032832

Nassau County Received 500K From Isles Playoff Games

2013-05-15T00:29:00.002-04:00

According to Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, the Islanders three home playoff games this season generated over 4 million dollars in economic activity in Nassau County.

Of that money, Nassau County received a half of million dollars.

If you recall, this is the same guy who before the season said the county would be better off if the NHL lockout didn't end so "bigger draws" than Islander games could go to the Coliseum.

Given Nassau Countys current sad financial state, I am sure this money was a nice site for them. Imagine how much more often they could've seen this kind of money and than some if they were able to put politics aside and get a new Coliseum built.

https://twitter.com/NCComptroller/status/332481370888744960

Quotes From Get Away Day At The Coliseum

2013-05-14T17:11:00.002-04:00

This afternoon, the Islanders had their get away day at the Coliseum which included the players final meetings with the coaching staff before breaking for summer.

Here are some quotes from players before departing the Coliseum:

Islanders Salute The Crowd

2013-05-14T17:04:00.001-04:00

Following Saturdays unfortunate loss to the Penguins, the Islanders circled the ice to salute the fans that remained to the tune of "MVP" and "Lets Go Islanders."

Boogard Family Files Suit Against The NHL

2013-05-13T16:47:00.000-04:00

According to the New York Times, the family of fallen NHL enforcer Derek Boogard has filed suit against the NHL alleging the league is responsible for the physical trauma and brain damage Boogard sustained while an enforcer in the NHL for six seasons. On top of that, the suit alleges the NHL is responsible for the addiction to pain killers that eventually took Boogards life.

To learn more, check out the New York Times article below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/13/sports/hockey/derek-boogaards-family-sues-nhl-for-wrongful-death.html?_r=1&

Nets Get AHL Commitment For Coliseum Proposal

2013-05-13T03:16:00.002-04:00

According to Netsdaily.com, Brett Yormark the CEO of the Nets and the Barclays Center told ESPN that his team for the Coliseum proposal submitted a couple weeks ago got a commitment from an AHL team to move to the Coliseum.

Given the fact that MSG made a proposal as well, I would have to think the team being talked about here is the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Having Bridgeport move to the Coliseum after the move would be a smart strategy by the Islanders to keep the Long Island fan base that can no longer constantly go to games in tune with the team. The only catch is that the Tigers lease in Bridgeport runs through the year 2021. It will be interesting to see what comes of this over the next couple months. The winning proposal is expected to be picked by the middle of July.

Penguins End Islanders Season In Overtime

2013-05-11T23:57:00.004-04:00

Tonight, on an overtime goal by Brooks Orpik, the Penguins ended the Islanders season defeating them by a score of 4-3 and winning the series 4-2. Here are some of my notes:

-Well who can't be proud of this team? If you say otherwise you probably just became a fan in the last two weeks. This team was one that went from having no shot to getting out of the top 5 picks in the draft, to no shot of getting into the playoffs, to no shot of doing damage in the first round. Even though they didn't win the series, judging by the Penguins outburst at the end of game 4 i'd say they did damage. This is one of the more likable Islander teams in a while and I for one can't wait for next season.

-The powerplay was a major problem in this series, only getting two powerplay goals in six playoff games is unacceptable.

-Nabby had a decent game for a change!! He wasn't an all star tonight, but compared to his prior five games tonight was a solid performance by him which was good to see. Even with his solid regular season, I would be surprised if he comes back next season.

-Brock Nelson didn't look bad in his NHL debut. After seeing this kid in Bridgeport a lot this year I will be very surprised if he isn't an Islander next season.

-For future playoff games Coliseum staff, towels only, didnt like the sticks.

Pre Game: Penguins @ Islanders Game 6

2013-05-11T12:13:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy of http://cbsnewyork.files.wordpress.com/

Coming into the Islanders first round series with the Penguins, you would've thought it was over before it started with the way some professional analysts were speaking about it.

Well, it isn't over and tonight the Penguins travel to the Coliseum up 3-2 to take on our Islanders.

The goalie matchup tonight features Tomas Vokoun for the Penguins and the struggling Evgeni Nabokov for the Islanders.

For the Islanders, after sustaining an injury on Thursday Frans Nielsen status for tonight is unknown. So, rookie forward Brock Nelson was on the ice with the team this morning. There is some speculation that they could both play and have Keith Aucoin sit.

No matter what happens tonight, we should be proud of this team as they have not only exceeded expectations for the season but they have made noise around the NHL as a team on the rise. Also, we have shown that even though the Coliseum isn't the nicest arena in the world, it is still a heck of an arena to watch a hockey game in.

Penguins Receive A Long Island Welcome

2013-05-11T00:36:00.002-04:00

On Friday, when the Penguins arrived for tomorrow nights game six showdown at the Coliseum with the Islanders they received a nice Long Island welcome from some firefighters at the airport.

Below you can find a video:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=518773698170185

Isn't it amazing how different Long Island is when the Islanders are relevant?

Tavares Named Finalist For Hart Trophy

2013-05-11T00:31:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy of http://hockeytalk.biz/

This afternoon, the NHL announced that Penguins forward Sidney Crosby, Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin, and Islanders forward John Tavares were the finalists for this years Hart Trophy awarded to the leagues most valuable player.

Given the fact that Crosby missed the last month of the season, most analysts are speculating that this is a two headed race between Tavares and Ovechkin.

If Tavares were to win he would be the first Islander since Bryan Trottier in the late 70's to win the award.

Pens Take 3-2 Series Lead As Vokoun Shuts Out Isles

2013-05-10T01:36:00.000-04:00

Tonight, the Islanders were shutout by the Penguins 4-0 giving the Penguins a 3-2 lead in the teams' best of seven first round series. Here are some of my notes:

-Nabokov has to be better!! The defense didn't help him much, but Nabokov has got to bail the team out like other goalies in the playoffs do for their team. He has been incapable of doing that this entire series and it really shows in his atrocious numbers. If the Islanders even stand a chance at winning these last two games, Nabokov has to be better.

-Further on Nabokov, he has been being beat up high all series, and yet tonight the Penguins still were able to score up high tonight. Are Nabokov/the coaches incapable of making adjustments? That is very concerning that it hasn't been addressed yet.

-Defense has to step up! Nabokov hasn't been good, but the defense hasn't helped much either. It seems like the Penguins get at least one breakaway per game, that really needs to change!

-Where has the powerplay gone? Paging Doug Weight! 2-17 is just unacceptable!

-The team overall needs to be better on faceoffs. Even though they are often overlooked, faceoffs are a key to the game and the team hasn't been good thus far this series.

-Even though Joensuu didn't have a bad game, why make the change from Ullstrom? The team won and all season he rarely changed the lineup after wins but does in the playoffs? That doesn't make sense. I can't kill him on the Carkner move because I wasn't to surprised by it because of how bad he is in the defensive zone and his lack of physical presence the last two games.

People during the game started saying that back in 1993 we lost game 5 to but went on to win six and seven. What people failed to remember is that our goalie back then was actually a good playoff goalie. We saw during the regular season that Nabokov is a good goalie, but even back with the Sharks he has always struggled in the playoffs. If the Islanders want to repeat history 20 years later Nabokov and the defense need to play like they did in early-mid April and not recently or things won't be pretty for Islanders fans.

Next Game: Saturday @ Home Game 6 @ 7:00PM

Isles vs Pens: GAME 5 7:00pm

2013-05-09T16:50:00.001-04:00

7PM is quickly approaching, finally. Fans are rushing home from work, their sons practice or everyday nonsense to sit in front of the television screen. Visions of being up 3-2 coming home Saturday puts a chill in a diehards fan, tonight the Islanders can make it a reality.

Some "keys to winning"

Nabby has to be a rock today. I am waiting for him to make that save he shouldn't. That save that gives the team an extra lift. Whether is stopping a breakaway or robbing Crosby or Malkin, Nabby its your turn.
Get pucks early and OFTEN on Vokoun. He hasn't played in a few weeks, sure practice is great but no where near playoff hockey. Throw the puck from all angles.
Stay and remain physical from the beginning. I want from the first to the last shift, keep laying the body on them.
Defense needs to play a full sound 60 minute game. Try and eliminate the breakdowns, cause Pitt doesn't need many chances to put one home.
SKATE SKATE SKATE
WORK WORK WORK
Keep the pressure on them boys, we can do this

So later tonight what will it be? 3-2 us or them, time will finally tell. LETS GO ISLANDERS ( beLIeve )

(Picture From New York Islanders Website)

Happy Birthday Matt Martin

2013-05-08T02:14:00.002-04:00

photo courtesy of http://a.espncdn.com/

After last nights big win, we would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Islanders forward Matt Martin who turns 24 on Wednesday!!

Started from the bottom, now we here!!!

Andrew MacDonald Breaks Hand

2013-05-08T01:43:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of http://a.espncdn.com/

During tonights game, Andrew MacDonald suffered an injury and didn't return. It was later reported by Arthur Staple of Newsday that MacDonald had broken his hand and will likely miss the rest of the playoffs.

MacDonald had been one of the Isles leaders in time on ice along with his partner Travis Hamonic thus far in the series.

With the absence of MacDonald it will be interesting to see if the coaches go for the younger Hickey or the more veteran Martinek.

Isles Take Game 4 6-4

2013-05-08T01:36:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of http://viewfrommyseats.com/

Tonight, before another incredible crowd at the Nassau Coliseum the Islanders defeated the Penguins by a score of 6-4 to even their first round series at two. Here are some of my notes:

-Another absolutely incredible crowd!! It is nice to hear from fans and analysts alike some respect for the team and arena and how loud it gets. Some fans have even gone as far as to say the Coliseum makes other arenas sound like libraries.

-Kyle Okposo has entered beast mode and has just been incredible this entire playoffs.

-Not far behind Okposo is Casey Cizikas who has just done everything this series.

-Love seeing Hamonic edge and how hes gotten under the skin of Malkin. The scrum and "fight" at the end of the game shows the Islanders are in the Penguins head.

-Tavares may start games slow, but in the third period when we need a goal, more times than not he is the one to get it. That is one of the definitions of MVP in my opinion.

-Nice to see the team finally get a powerplay goal tonight! They were long overdue!

-Even though he picked up his play in the third, Nabokov has to be better. He needs to be able to make a big save once in a while! His wildly inconsistent play thus far has been maddening and I get nervous every time the Penguins enter the offensive zone.

-Matt Carkner needs to return to game two form! If he doesn't, he could find himself on the bench come Thursday.

-Nice to see Brian Strait get on the board with the the first goal tonight!

After Sundays loss, no matter how you feel about it, tonight was a must win game! The fact they came out and did is encouraging. If we are able to win on Thursday, Saturday will be an absolutely unreal day, so much so Hempstead Turnpike won't know what hit it. If people thoughts fans were loud now, wait for that! Most media thought we were going to get swept from this series, I guess we are showing them why we play the games on the ice and not in the papers.

Next Game: Thursday @ Pittsburgh

Pre Game: Pens @ Isles (Game 4)

2013-05-07T15:38:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201169019977574&set=o.494380483948386&type=1&theater

Tonight, the Penguins and Islanders continue their first round series at the Coliseum with game 4.

The goalie matchup tonight features Evgeni Nabokov for the Islanders and probably Marc Andre Fleury for the Penguins.

The Islanders lineup will look the same as Sunday afternoons lineup in the overtime loss.

However, the Penguins lineup is in a little bit of limbo because James Neal and Brooks Orpik could be ready to return from injury. If they return it is unclear who would be scratched to make room for them.

For the Islanders, a big key tonight is to come out with a competent defense in the first period. In the first three games, the defense and Nabokov have come out lackluster at best and that has really hurt them. In game two they were able to overcome it. If they do that, avoid the penalty box, and take advantage of what will be another incredible crowd, there is no reason tonight can't be the first time in 11 years the Islanders win a home playoff game.

Sites And Sounds From Today

2013-05-05T18:32:00.001-04:00

In case you werent able to make the game today, here are videos of a couple key moments from the game.

Refs Hand Pens Game 3 In Overtime

2013-05-05T18:26:00.002-04:00

This afternoon, before an incredible crowd at the Nassau Coliseum the Islanders were defeated 5-4 in overtime by the Penguins and the refs. Here are some of my notes:

-The inconsistency of the officials is maddening! Michael Grabner gets speared, John Tavares gets mugged every way possible, Colin McDonald gets elbowed up high when the league is trying to get rid of those kind of hits, and the refs call a borderline at best holding penalty against Brian Strait in overtime nonetheless. If you don't think the fact that Sidney Crosby was the forward on the play Strait was defending had something to do with the call being made then you must not know how things work in Bettmans NHL. That call on Strait today in overtime was one of the worst I have ever seen and I wasn't the only one.

-Not a great game from Nabby and the defense. They have come out slow to start all three games thus far and its costed us twice now. They need to step it up if were going to have a chance going forward.

-Great to see Tavares get on the board! He was overdue for one!

-Okposo is playing like a man on a mission, the points will start to reflect that soon.

-Not Visnovskys greatest game, needs to be better on the penalty kill! Inexcusable to let a guy get behind you like he did on the Penguins second goal.

Even though the Islanders finished on the short end of things today. The atmosphere today was incredible and something I will always remember as will others who went today I am sure. The Islanders haven't won a home playoff game since game 6 in 2001/2002. On Tuesday, the fans will be ready for them to try and lead them to victory over the Penguins and the refs, will the players be ready?

Next Game: Tuesday @ Home 7PM Vs the Pens

Pump Up Videos For Tomorrow

2013-05-05T00:48:00.000-04:00

As if we needed to get more pumped up, but here are some videos for you to watch before you head out for the game to give you the extra rush.