As the recovery from Hurricane Sandy continues, the New York Islanders will host an event on Monday (11/12) to collect food, dry goods, and money to assist the stricken.
Fans will have the unique chance to feel good about lending a hand in assistance, but also the opportunity to skate on the Nassau Coliseum ice.
I would strongly urge all of you who can to take an hour or two out of your day, come to Uniondale, and give whatever you can to assist your neighbors. You'll also make some memories for yourself or your children as they whirl around the same space that John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, and the rest of the Islanders normally occupy. Children's games and food will also be available.
While it might not be the same as attending an Islanders game, it is more important, and you'll feel a lot better about yourself and your community. I will be there with a donation of canned food and a monetary contribution.
The event runs tomorrow from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. The full details of the event are linked here. I hope to see you there!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
We Interrupt This Lockout...
We interrupt this National Hockey League lockout (and self-imposed hibernation of this blog) to bring you some actual news.
The Islanders are moving to Brooklyn!
After years of false starts, false promises, dashed hopes, and political maneuvering, the fans finally have a concrete plan in place for the future of their beloved (and beleaguered) franchise.
At a press conference organized on Wednesday (10/24) afternoon, team owners, officials, league officials, and New York City politicians delivered the news at the new Barclays Center.
The New York Islanders (the name will remain unchanged) will begin play in the borough of Brooklyn on a 25-year agreement beginning in the 2015-2016 season.
Islanders owner Charles Wang described the new pact as "ironclad." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated unequivocally to the fans "You don't have to worry about the future of this club."
The plans currently call for a 14,500 hockey capacity, which would be the smallest in the league, but officials were quick to point out that a similar arena capacity hasn't financially hindered the current Winnipeg franchise in any way.
The focus of the conference was less about financial numbers (no specific dollar amounts were given) and more about the wonderful location and building the Islanders are set to enjoy.
The crowd in attendance was told that "More mass transit under this building than any other stadium in New York."
For those of you unfamiliar with the building or area, 11 subway lines and the Long Island Railroad serve the Barclays Center.
While there are a few questions about what type of fans (meaning 'corporate' or 'die-hard') the new arena will draw and from where, there is no doubt in my mind that this is a positive step for the Islanders on many levels.
With Nassau County unable or unwilling to offer a replacement for the aging Nassau Coliseum, I think Brooklyn is the best, most reasonable solution.
Ask yourself this: Would you rather be able to attend games in Brooklyn or watch your team solely on television as they played fans in a different market?
Throughout the say I received calls from people complaining about making the trip to Brooklyn. But don't many of us make (essentially) the same trip to Penn Station for other sports, bars, clubs, shows, museums, etc.? I know I do.
I know for some of you this is not the OPTIMAL solution, but it is a solution. The team remains in New York, in a place that should have increased revenue streams, with a MUCH nicer facility, and should attract more fans and players.
The biggest issue surrounding this club and its profitability/viability for YEARS has been removed. As we travel into the future together as New York Islanders fans, I think today's decision will be looked back upon as one that was very good for the team.
The Islanders are moving to Brooklyn!
After years of false starts, false promises, dashed hopes, and political maneuvering, the fans finally have a concrete plan in place for the future of their beloved (and beleaguered) franchise.
At a press conference organized on Wednesday (10/24) afternoon, team owners, officials, league officials, and New York City politicians delivered the news at the new Barclays Center.
The New York Islanders (the name will remain unchanged) will begin play in the borough of Brooklyn on a 25-year agreement beginning in the 2015-2016 season.
Islanders owner Charles Wang described the new pact as "ironclad." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated unequivocally to the fans "You don't have to worry about the future of this club."
The plans currently call for a 14,500 hockey capacity, which would be the smallest in the league, but officials were quick to point out that a similar arena capacity hasn't financially hindered the current Winnipeg franchise in any way.
The focus of the conference was less about financial numbers (no specific dollar amounts were given) and more about the wonderful location and building the Islanders are set to enjoy.
The crowd in attendance was told that "More mass transit under this building than any other stadium in New York."
For those of you unfamiliar with the building or area, 11 subway lines and the Long Island Railroad serve the Barclays Center.
While there are a few questions about what type of fans (meaning 'corporate' or 'die-hard') the new arena will draw and from where, there is no doubt in my mind that this is a positive step for the Islanders on many levels.
With Nassau County unable or unwilling to offer a replacement for the aging Nassau Coliseum, I think Brooklyn is the best, most reasonable solution.
Ask yourself this: Would you rather be able to attend games in Brooklyn or watch your team solely on television as they played fans in a different market?
Throughout the say I received calls from people complaining about making the trip to Brooklyn. But don't many of us make (essentially) the same trip to Penn Station for other sports, bars, clubs, shows, museums, etc.? I know I do.
I know for some of you this is not the OPTIMAL solution, but it is a solution. The team remains in New York, in a place that should have increased revenue streams, with a MUCH nicer facility, and should attract more fans and players.
The biggest issue surrounding this club and its profitability/viability for YEARS has been removed. As we travel into the future together as New York Islanders fans, I think today's decision will be looked back upon as one that was very good for the team.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Live At The Draft Party
Okposo Net is live at Nassau Coliseum to bring you the pick(s) as they happen. The fans are in a festive mood, the Isles have provided a host of family activities, and a large crowd has come out despite the unsettled weather.
BREAKING: The Isles have traded their 2013 2nd round pick for veteran defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky.
With the 4th pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the Islanders have selected GRIFFIN REINHART.
Reinhart, who scored 12 goals last season for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League, is a 6'4", 207 pound native of West Vancouver, British Columbia.
Griffin is the son of Paul Reinhart, a former NHLer who saw time with the Flames and Canucks organizations.
With round one of the draft complete, the Islanders will select tomorrow at #34. They also hold picks #65, #103, #124, #125, #155, and #185.
Stay with us for complete coverage of Saturday's events.
With the 4th pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the Islanders have selected GRIFFIN REINHART.
Reinhart, who scored 12 goals last season for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League, is a 6'4", 207 pound native of West Vancouver, British Columbia.
Griffin is the son of Paul Reinhart, a former NHLer who saw time with the Flames and Canucks organizations.
With round one of the draft complete, the Islanders will select tomorrow at #34. They also hold picks #65, #103, #124, #125, #155, and #185.
Stay with us for complete coverage of Saturday's events.
Monday, April 16, 2012
BREAKING: Isles Dismiss Assistant Coaches
Via a tersely written press release, the Islanders dismissed assistant coaches Scott Allen and Dean Chynoweth. No replacements have yet been named.
Here's the one sentence press release, via the team.
More news as it becomes available.
Here's the one sentence press release, via the team.
More news as it becomes available.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Milestone Night For Kyle
Kyle Okposo reached a personal milestone with two goals on Thursday night (versus Pittsburgh). Okposo, who has struggled to score consistently all season, reached the 20 goal mark in a season for the first time in his professional career.
His play has been much better of late, evidenced by his five goals in the team's last four games. The pair also gets him over the 40 point threshold for the second time in his National Hockey League career.
His season line now stands at 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 total points.
He won't reach his career high of 52 points set back in the 2009-2010 season, nor will the team make the playoffs. However, his recent play may serve as a shot of confidence for the remaining five games of this campaign and into next season.
Kyle's career line as of this post is 64 G, 93 A, 157 PTS.
As someone who has followed his hockey career dating back to his days at the University of Minnesota, I am pleased for him. And I know he still has the will and ability to improve.
His play has been much better of late, evidenced by his five goals in the team's last four games. The pair also gets him over the 40 point threshold for the second time in his National Hockey League career.
His season line now stands at 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 total points.
He won't reach his career high of 52 points set back in the 2009-2010 season, nor will the team make the playoffs. However, his recent play may serve as a shot of confidence for the remaining five games of this campaign and into next season.
Kyle's career line as of this post is 64 G, 93 A, 157 PTS.
As someone who has followed his hockey career dating back to his days at the University of Minnesota, I am pleased for him. And I know he still has the will and ability to improve.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Nabokov: From Tolled To In The Fold
News broke on Wednesday morning of the New York Islanders re-signing goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to a one year deal. The team announced the deal via press release and Twitter at around 11:30 AM, though major news sources had the information just moments quicker.
The deal will pay Nabokov a reported $2.75 million in 2012-2013 and comes free of any movement restrictions. The soon-to-be 37-year old, who has been the team's steadiest goalie this season, can leave on his terms next year, if he so chooses. It also allows Islanders management to use the Russian as a trading chip next season, should it come to that.
As you'll remember, it was little more than a year ago that General Manager Garth Snow selected Nabokov on re-entry waivers, then tolled the goalie's contract after he chose not to play the end of the NHL season in New York.
It seems that with today's news the sides have clearly reconciled, with Nabokov saying “I’m thrilled to commit to this team for next season.”
While his season's line (17 wins, 2.56 GAA, .912 save %) will not nominate him for the Vezina Trophy this season, it has been his performance between the pipes and leadership that has prevented this season from become a true disaster.
The deal will pay Nabokov a reported $2.75 million in 2012-2013 and comes free of any movement restrictions. The soon-to-be 37-year old, who has been the team's steadiest goalie this season, can leave on his terms next year, if he so chooses. It also allows Islanders management to use the Russian as a trading chip next season, should it come to that.
As you'll remember, it was little more than a year ago that General Manager Garth Snow selected Nabokov on re-entry waivers, then tolled the goalie's contract after he chose not to play the end of the NHL season in New York.
It seems that with today's news the sides have clearly reconciled, with Nabokov saying “I’m thrilled to commit to this team for next season.”
While his season's line (17 wins, 2.56 GAA, .912 save %) will not nominate him for the Vezina Trophy this season, it has been his performance between the pipes and leadership that has prevented this season from become a true disaster.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Late Breakdowns Leave Isles Adrift
I'm not going to lie. I thought the season would turn out a lot better than it did. Unfortunately, Thursday's (3/13) game against Washington featured another blown lead, another overtime loss, and more fan angst.
Leading 4-1 late in the second period, the Islanders allowed three unanswered Capitals goals and lost in a shootout, 5-4.
The fact that this year's Islanders have failed to close so many winnable games has left me (and surely all of you) completely discouraged.
The scabs don't need to be picked again. Pointing fingers doesn't solve the glaring problems that plagues this team. But I am haunted by the fact that this team has let (and continues to let) so many points slip away. Against Washington (again), New Jersey, the Rangers, and so on. And that has just been within the last two weeks!
The Isles blew the lead yesterday in a game that typified the types of stumbles and missteps they have endured all season. Sure, there were good individual efforts, such as John Tavares' three points and Kyle Okposo's pair of assists.
However, the parts haven't nearly added up to a competitive sum.
Some fans and media are suggesting that the parts need to be replaced. Others have gone with the old motto of "You can't fire the players," suggesting that fresh coaching is the way to go.
I, however, don't think either is the right approach. I think that the only thing that can right this foundering ship is a major influx of talent. Only then will the fans become more receptive to season ticket renewal letters without bouts of anger and scorn.
Manager Garth Snow has his work cut out for him. He has little more than one able scoring line and some serviceable goalies (both of whom are pending free agents). He has some goaltending prospects in his deck and a possible scoring threat (Ryan Strome) on the way.
And that's about it.
He needs to completely rebuild a defense which was an utter failure, save for Travis Hamonic, Mark Streit, and Andy MacDonald. And even Streit didn't have a very good year.
If he can make trades for the Ryan Smiths and Christian Ehrhoffs of the world, and pay veterans like Brian Rolston over $5 million for very little, surely Garth can pull this off. Maybe not build a Vancouver-like powerhouse, but a team at least good enough to capture a #7 or #8 playoff seed.
Sure, it's nice that Tavares has set his career high in points and Matt Moulson has his third straight 30 goal season. But if it means missing the playoffs year after year then it's worth nothing.
To continue on this path is just wasting these players' careers. And that's a shame.
The young players who really care about this team and Long Island deserve better. I, who have been writing about this team for five seasons and have yet to attend a postseason game, deserve better.
Most importantly, the fans deserve better.
I hope that Charles Wang, with an understandably uncertain future in this market, at least allows Garth Snow to try this offseason. That's all we can ask.
Leading 4-1 late in the second period, the Islanders allowed three unanswered Capitals goals and lost in a shootout, 5-4.
The fact that this year's Islanders have failed to close so many winnable games has left me (and surely all of you) completely discouraged.
The scabs don't need to be picked again. Pointing fingers doesn't solve the glaring problems that plagues this team. But I am haunted by the fact that this team has let (and continues to let) so many points slip away. Against Washington (again), New Jersey, the Rangers, and so on. And that has just been within the last two weeks!
The Isles blew the lead yesterday in a game that typified the types of stumbles and missteps they have endured all season. Sure, there were good individual efforts, such as John Tavares' three points and Kyle Okposo's pair of assists.
However, the parts haven't nearly added up to a competitive sum.
Some fans and media are suggesting that the parts need to be replaced. Others have gone with the old motto of "You can't fire the players," suggesting that fresh coaching is the way to go.
I, however, don't think either is the right approach. I think that the only thing that can right this foundering ship is a major influx of talent. Only then will the fans become more receptive to season ticket renewal letters without bouts of anger and scorn.
Manager Garth Snow has his work cut out for him. He has little more than one able scoring line and some serviceable goalies (both of whom are pending free agents). He has some goaltending prospects in his deck and a possible scoring threat (Ryan Strome) on the way.
And that's about it.
He needs to completely rebuild a defense which was an utter failure, save for Travis Hamonic, Mark Streit, and Andy MacDonald. And even Streit didn't have a very good year.
If he can make trades for the Ryan Smiths and Christian Ehrhoffs of the world, and pay veterans like Brian Rolston over $5 million for very little, surely Garth can pull this off. Maybe not build a Vancouver-like powerhouse, but a team at least good enough to capture a #7 or #8 playoff seed.
Sure, it's nice that Tavares has set his career high in points and Matt Moulson has his third straight 30 goal season. But if it means missing the playoffs year after year then it's worth nothing.
To continue on this path is just wasting these players' careers. And that's a shame.
The young players who really care about this team and Long Island deserve better. I, who have been writing about this team for five seasons and have yet to attend a postseason game, deserve better.
Most importantly, the fans deserve better.
I hope that Charles Wang, with an understandably uncertain future in this market, at least allows Garth Snow to try this offseason. That's all we can ask.
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