Thursday, October 2, 2008
Joshua Bailey Signed
The 9th pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, center Joshua Bailey signed a 3 year entry level contract with the Isles on Thursday. Coincidentally enough today is Bailey's 19th birthday. We wish Joshua the best as he makes the leap from amateur player to pro now.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Too Much Thinking?
We're back from Nassau Coliseum for what was the first (and last) preseason game of the year in that building. The Islanders took on their other area rivals, the New Jersey Devils. After lots of talk about good team chemistry, "overspeed," new systems, and general love, peace, and harmony, we were eager to see the product hit the home ice. Well, you know we don't pull our punches here at Okposo Net, and by the end of the game our hand-written notes contained three bold letters scribbled on the bottom: SOI. Same Old Islanders.
Speaking of punches, they were certainly flying early. The sparse crowd of 9,701 (most dressed as seats) witnessed more fights in the first period than they did all of last season. Okay, perhaps we exaggerate a bit, but the pugilism enthusiasts amongst them were treated to three (3) separate bouts of flying fists. The Devils' Bryce Salvador tangled with bruiser Brandon Sugden, soon followed by a Tim Jackman/Sheldon Brookbank tilt. The fight card continued after New Jersey winger Mike Rupp dumped our man Kyle near the benches, but found out that every action has an equal and opposite (and quite possibly painful) reaction courtesy of big Mitch Fritz. Somewhat lost in this was a horrendous communication breakdown between defenseman Jack Hillen and goalie Joey MacDonald in their own end which led to an unassisted, shorthanded Zach Parise goal that gave NJ a 1-0 lead. Had Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden been there to see the own-end shenanigans he would have surely commented, "That's not change, that's more of the same."
Fast forwarding, when the dust settled the final result was 3-0 Devils. To be fair, though, the scene wasn't all bleak, it just felt that way. Despite only generating 16 shots on Marty Brodeur, the Islanders limited the opponents to 22. Right from the start we noticed that this Isles squad was more readily giving up their bodies on defense than last year's version, and on offense they were moving their feet better. Unfortunately, the problem of not creating traffic and screens in front of the opposing crease has not been rectified. And once again the power play was powerless, netting nothing in four tries. These areas are going to need major amounts of work if the Isles hope to improve last year's dreadful offensive numbers.
Coach Scott Gordon had a few things to say after the whitewashing, explaining that the team is still in a learning phase, but he praised the work of his defense. He felt the team played tentatively in the Devils' zone, and feels that his playmakers, Kyle especially, need to shoot more.
Kyle acknowledged this point when we finally met up with him in the locker room, saying that he made some poor decisions with the puck and needs to think less and just shoot. Linemate Mike Comrie echoed this sentiment as well, stating that Kyle is quick, big, and strong and thinks that it'll just take some more repetition before the goals start flowing.
Their next chance will come on Friday (10/3), this time on the road against New Jersey.
Speaking of punches, they were certainly flying early. The sparse crowd of 9,701 (most dressed as seats) witnessed more fights in the first period than they did all of last season. Okay, perhaps we exaggerate a bit, but the pugilism enthusiasts amongst them were treated to three (3) separate bouts of flying fists. The Devils' Bryce Salvador tangled with bruiser Brandon Sugden, soon followed by a Tim Jackman/Sheldon Brookbank tilt. The fight card continued after New Jersey winger Mike Rupp dumped our man Kyle near the benches, but found out that every action has an equal and opposite (and quite possibly painful) reaction courtesy of big Mitch Fritz. Somewhat lost in this was a horrendous communication breakdown between defenseman Jack Hillen and goalie Joey MacDonald in their own end which led to an unassisted, shorthanded Zach Parise goal that gave NJ a 1-0 lead. Had Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden been there to see the own-end shenanigans he would have surely commented, "That's not change, that's more of the same."
Fast forwarding, when the dust settled the final result was 3-0 Devils. To be fair, though, the scene wasn't all bleak, it just felt that way. Despite only generating 16 shots on Marty Brodeur, the Islanders limited the opponents to 22. Right from the start we noticed that this Isles squad was more readily giving up their bodies on defense than last year's version, and on offense they were moving their feet better. Unfortunately, the problem of not creating traffic and screens in front of the opposing crease has not been rectified. And once again the power play was powerless, netting nothing in four tries. These areas are going to need major amounts of work if the Isles hope to improve last year's dreadful offensive numbers.
Coach Scott Gordon had a few things to say after the whitewashing, explaining that the team is still in a learning phase, but he praised the work of his defense. He felt the team played tentatively in the Devils' zone, and feels that his playmakers, Kyle especially, need to shoot more.
Kyle acknowledged this point when we finally met up with him in the locker room, saying that he made some poor decisions with the puck and needs to think less and just shoot. Linemate Mike Comrie echoed this sentiment as well, stating that Kyle is quick, big, and strong and thinks that it'll just take some more repetition before the goals start flowing.
Their next chance will come on Friday (10/3), this time on the road against New Jersey.
Bettman: Lighthouse Progressing
As we wait for the start of the real hockey season, Gary Bettman spent a few minutes earlier this morning talking with Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on WFAN. I know, I'm as shocked as you that there was actual hockey talk on the FAN.
In any case, Boomer asked Bettman about the current situation of the Isles. Bettman praised Charles Wang's ownership and noted that fans shouldn't worry about the team as long as the Lighthouse project is approved, and he mentioned that the town and the team are progressing well. But he made sure to mention that the Isles very much need a new or renovated arena soon.
Now, what Bettman said is probably no surprise to most Isles fans, but it underscores what needs to happen to keep the Islanders on Long Island. With the Atlantic Yards facility in Brooklyn looking very unlikely right now, the Lighthouse project would appear to be the last opportunity for the Isles. Should the town of Hempstead kill the project (and assuming the rumor of Pilgrim State in Suffolk as an alternate site is merely a rumor), the great likelihood would be that the Islanders would move into a lame duck format until out-of-town ownership purchases the team and moves it off the Island.
The Lighthouse project and the progression of the youth will be the two main storylines as the Isles open up their 2008-09 season next week. While no one expects the Isles to contend for a playoff spot, many fans will be content if new coach Scott Gordon can turn the young Islanders into a potent force by the end of the season. And if the Isles can get the Lighthouse approved, then in spite of what is almost sure to be a terrible record, it will be a productive year for the Islanders franchise.
In any case, Boomer asked Bettman about the current situation of the Isles. Bettman praised Charles Wang's ownership and noted that fans shouldn't worry about the team as long as the Lighthouse project is approved, and he mentioned that the town and the team are progressing well. But he made sure to mention that the Isles very much need a new or renovated arena soon.
Now, what Bettman said is probably no surprise to most Isles fans, but it underscores what needs to happen to keep the Islanders on Long Island. With the Atlantic Yards facility in Brooklyn looking very unlikely right now, the Lighthouse project would appear to be the last opportunity for the Isles. Should the town of Hempstead kill the project (and assuming the rumor of Pilgrim State in Suffolk as an alternate site is merely a rumor), the great likelihood would be that the Islanders would move into a lame duck format until out-of-town ownership purchases the team and moves it off the Island.
The Lighthouse project and the progression of the youth will be the two main storylines as the Isles open up their 2008-09 season next week. While no one expects the Isles to contend for a playoff spot, many fans will be content if new coach Scott Gordon can turn the young Islanders into a potent force by the end of the season. And if the Isles can get the Lighthouse approved, then in spite of what is almost sure to be a terrible record, it will be a productive year for the Islanders franchise.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Okposo Assists in Isles Win
The preseason got off to a good start for Kyle and crew Tuesday night with a 2-1 overtime win against Boston. Kyle had a hand in the season's first goal, assisting on Jon Sim's 2nd period power play tally. Unfortunately, only a certain other team's game was televised in New York, so you'll have to settle for a text recap of the Islanders' tilt here.
From what we read, though, the energy was high, Coach Gordon was pleased, and Kyle made some scoring opportunities for himself. A good beginning for the boys.
From what we read, though, the energy was high, Coach Gordon was pleased, and Kyle made some scoring opportunities for himself. A good beginning for the boys.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hey, Hockey's Here!
Hockey is finally back! It's been 172 days since the Isles last took the ice for a (somewhat) meaningful NHL game, but that clock will be reset come Tuesday when they take on the Boston Bruins. Sure, we know you're probably hesitant to get excited over a preseason game, and perhaps your enthusiasm for the coming season has been tempered by some of the grim forecasts out there. But this will be our first look at the "New Islanders," if you will. Plus, talking hockey with your buddies and co-workers is certainly more fun than rehashing the latest baseball bullpen breakdown-du-jour, right?
The game will be played in Moncton, New Brunswick and apparently will not be aired on local television in New York. So, if you need something to pass the time with until the result and boxscore are posted, you can listen to Scott Gordon (courtesy of ITV). He certainly has some unique ideas; we'll leave it at that.
The game will be played in Moncton, New Brunswick and apparently will not be aired on local television in New York. So, if you need something to pass the time with until the result and boxscore are posted, you can listen to Scott Gordon (courtesy of ITV). He certainly has some unique ideas; we'll leave it at that.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Botta Bing!
Training camp opens on Friday, and we promise we're going to have some real news and more frequent updates once the ball (puck?) gets rolling. Until then, we're pleased to report that our good friend, mentor, and Blogfather Chris Botta is officially back in the fold! While his many loyal readers have been checking his informative site all summer, he'll once again be featured as an Islanders blogger beginning September 25th.
This is great news, because as a former Islanders insider he has been able to bring the public stories and angles that you just will not find anywhere else. His league connections and status allow him to provide a unique insight into the workings of the organization, and moreover he conveys his thoughts clearly on even the toughest hockey subjects. For that, we say welcome back, Chris.
This is great news, because as a former Islanders insider he has been able to bring the public stories and angles that you just will not find anywhere else. His league connections and status allow him to provide a unique insight into the workings of the organization, and moreover he conveys his thoughts clearly on even the toughest hockey subjects. For that, we say welcome back, Chris.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Not Necessarily (Islanders) News
Finally, the Brian McCabe-to-LI rumors can be put to bed. Clearly not part of "The Plan," McCabe was shipped elsewhere on Tuesday. We know Brian enjoyed his time as an Islander, and we wish him the best as he earns his pay playing for a different kind of New York crowd.
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