I don't have much to say about this...but I do believe it's noteworthy...and silly for Minnesota to waste their time...according to Bob Mckenzie of TSN, Minnesota is after Lecavalier...check out his twitter here for more info.
http://twitter.com/bobmckenzietsn
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
And the Oscar goes to.... Garth Snow!
I never thought I'd see a better acting display than Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, coupled with a better poker face than Lady GaGa, but I was proven wrong last night amongst the mayhem that was 10,000+ in the Nassau Coliseum. With an uncanny ability to keep the entire hockey world in the dark, Garth Snow fooled scouts, analysts, players and fans into this being a 3 man race to the finish, when this whole time it has been about the man most of us had hoped for, John Tavares.
Little did we know, the anguish suffered at the hands of last years draft and moving back twice has brought us the fortune of moving up in this one. Our 26th pick eventually turned into the 12th as the Islanders selected quick, puck moving defenseman Calvin deHaan. deHaan, a former teammate of Tavares with Oshawa will surely provide more speed in the back as he developes over the next year or two.
The fans in attendance, including myself were treated to a night of happiness, promise and more importantly, hope. A hope purer than 2002 after a Shawn Bates penalty shot, purer than a trade deadline marquis acquisition(Ryan Smyth) and purer then any I have seen in my 22 year life so far as an Islander fan. Finally, an identity that had been long lost since the 80's is back, and more importantly, my generation of Islander fans will finally know what it is like to really have something to lean on within this franchise.
Admittingly, there still stands some substantial work to be done as far as addressing team needs but for the time being, I think its ok for Islander fans to be able to enjoy a drink of their choice, and soak in all that we as a fanbase have been waiting for, a fresh start and something to believe in.
In other draft and hockey related news...
As expected, the Lightning and Avalanche followed suit and made the logical picks as Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene went in that order.
The Philadelphia Flyers made the biggest noise in the trade department, acquiring the rights to Chris Pronger in exchange for Joffrey Lupul (who makes his second stint in Anaheim), Luca Sbisa and a couple of first round picks. HUGE pickup for phille who now boast a very intimidating blueline, even beyond the likely first due of Kimmo Timonen and Chris Pronger.
The Calgary Flames made the biggest news of day 2 acquiring the rights to Jay Bouwmeester from the Florida Panthers for Jordan Leopold and a third rounder. This was a little confusing on my part because Calgary managed to not part with much, and the Panthers managed to not fix anything and create another hole. With many free agents, Florida is now in desperate need of offense and defense as Tomas Vokoun seems to be the only sure thing in Sunrise anymore. I think they could have obtained much more at the deadline.
Now its off for me to get ready for game 2 of the Subway Series at Citifield. I think im going to grill up some Hot Dogs and hope AJ Burnett is off so the Mets can finally get back on a roll.
More later..
-Bryan
Little did we know, the anguish suffered at the hands of last years draft and moving back twice has brought us the fortune of moving up in this one. Our 26th pick eventually turned into the 12th as the Islanders selected quick, puck moving defenseman Calvin deHaan. deHaan, a former teammate of Tavares with Oshawa will surely provide more speed in the back as he developes over the next year or two.
The fans in attendance, including myself were treated to a night of happiness, promise and more importantly, hope. A hope purer than 2002 after a Shawn Bates penalty shot, purer than a trade deadline marquis acquisition(Ryan Smyth) and purer then any I have seen in my 22 year life so far as an Islander fan. Finally, an identity that had been long lost since the 80's is back, and more importantly, my generation of Islander fans will finally know what it is like to really have something to lean on within this franchise.
Admittingly, there still stands some substantial work to be done as far as addressing team needs but for the time being, I think its ok for Islander fans to be able to enjoy a drink of their choice, and soak in all that we as a fanbase have been waiting for, a fresh start and something to believe in.
In other draft and hockey related news...
As expected, the Lightning and Avalanche followed suit and made the logical picks as Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene went in that order.
The Philadelphia Flyers made the biggest noise in the trade department, acquiring the rights to Chris Pronger in exchange for Joffrey Lupul (who makes his second stint in Anaheim), Luca Sbisa and a couple of first round picks. HUGE pickup for phille who now boast a very intimidating blueline, even beyond the likely first due of Kimmo Timonen and Chris Pronger.
The Calgary Flames made the biggest news of day 2 acquiring the rights to Jay Bouwmeester from the Florida Panthers for Jordan Leopold and a third rounder. This was a little confusing on my part because Calgary managed to not part with much, and the Panthers managed to not fix anything and create another hole. With many free agents, Florida is now in desperate need of offense and defense as Tomas Vokoun seems to be the only sure thing in Sunrise anymore. I think they could have obtained much more at the deadline.
Now its off for me to get ready for game 2 of the Subway Series at Citifield. I think im going to grill up some Hot Dogs and hope AJ Burnett is off so the Mets can finally get back on a roll.
More later..
-Bryan
Friday, June 26, 2009
Brian Burke Wired for the Draft?
I'd like to know who runs things at TSN? I mean really...Brian Burke wired for the draft? Are there really people sitting out there saying..."God, ya know what the 2008 draft coverage was missing? Brian Burke wired." I mean it's tough enough to have Pierre McGuire chirping in your ear for 4 hours (not to mention the 9 months you have to listen to him) and now you have to listen Brian Burke utter awkward things to other Leafs management. I guess the real question is...are we supposed to believe that's really aquafina in Burke's water bottle? This guy sounds like John Madden after the 3rd quarter. Come Burke, get it together man.
Instant Classic Quote from Bud Selig
I think this quote was note worthy as steroids are also a hot topic in relation to Major League Baseball, as it comes from Bud Selig in regards to steroids and Hall of Fame ball players.
So when Selig was asked this week about the possibility of adding a "steroids wing" to the Hall of Fame, Selig replied with this witty response;
"If we have a steroids wing then I guess we'll just have to go ahead and attach a cocaine wing now won't we."
I guess people will never stop taking shots at Darryl Strawberry huh?
So when Selig was asked this week about the possibility of adding a "steroids wing" to the Hall of Fame, Selig replied with this witty response;
"If we have a steroids wing then I guess we'll just have to go ahead and attach a cocaine wing now won't we."
I guess people will never stop taking shots at Darryl Strawberry huh?
Twitter Plus Ochocinco Equals Terrible
A blog just would not be complete if we didn't have some type of connection with Twitter...right? Well here's the connection; anytime an athlete makes some type of ridiculous statement via Twitter, it is necessary that we exploit it. With the likes of those characters we all know as "NFL Players" and the clowns we know as "NBA Players" we should have plenty of action in this section. I could only wish that more NHL and MLB players had time to be "tweeting."
So without further a due, our first ridiculous statement comes from "Ochocinco" aka Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals. After the shocking and untimely death of the "King of Pop" Ochocinco has this to tweet.
"Okay, first Mrs. Fawcett now Mr. Jackson, please tell me that this is a mistaken rumor, if not this is just as sad as 9/11
It's like this guys off his rocker. At least he can really put things in perspective.
NOTE: If Ocho doesn't get a job in P.R. after his NFL career, by the looks of his Twitter picture, he could possibly become a photographer as I'm sure he is a self-proclaimed top photographer.
So without further a due, our first ridiculous statement comes from "Ochocinco" aka Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals. After the shocking and untimely death of the "King of Pop" Ochocinco has this to tweet.
"Okay, first Mrs. Fawcett now Mr. Jackson, please tell me that this is a mistaken rumor, if not this is just as sad as 9/11
It's like this guys off his rocker. At least he can really put things in perspective.
NOTE: If Ocho doesn't get a job in P.R. after his NFL career, by the looks of his Twitter picture, he could possibly become a photographer as I'm sure he is a self-proclaimed top photographer.
Brian Burke "I think the Islanders will take Matt Duchene"
Ok first of all I think there doesn't need to be much said when it comes to Brian Burke and his General Managing shenanigans. He turns your average draft day or trade deadline into a trip to the carnival, not saying of course that it isn't entertaining sometimes. But now, when asked who he thought the Islanders would take with their #1 overall pick today, his all knowing self was fairly quick to say "Matt Duchene" as per TSN.
Now, there are many ways to read into something like this. First, being a GM of an NHL franchise, is it possible that maybe he knows something we the fans don't? Not likely. Rather I think this is the Brian Burke way of hoping he can still land John Tavares. Remeber, Burke has made his desire to have Tavares in Toronto well known, and he is known for the heavy draft day trade to make some noise around the league.
The other way to interpret this is that maybe Matt Duchene is who Garth covets and Burke has given us a little insight as to what will happen later on, but also in my opinion, unlikely. Heres, why...
Matt Duchene is a great player, scouting reports from all across the league have this guy pegged as the fastest forward in the draft with the quickest release. Couple that with a fundamentally sound penalty killing ability and you've got yourself a star player. Some have even written that in last years draft, Duchene is a clear #1 over Steven Stamkos, but only time can give that rumor validity. So if all of this stands to be true, then Matt Duchene is a cardboard cutout of the type of player Scott Grodon looks for in his overspeed system of play. While all of this is well and good, Matt Duchene isn't "the player" the Islanders so deperately need right now.
Lets do the Math:
Which Player can have an immediate impact? All 3
-ok were even so far.
Which player can contribute to the "system" the best?
-On paper, Duchene, giving him the advantage so far
Which player can provide sufficient help for DiPietro, the current face of the franchise in front of the net?
-Hedman
Which player has to ability to contribute most offensively?
-Tavares and Duchene (215 OHL goals for Tavares kind of sticks out)
Which player can step up in the big situations?
-Tavares, see Team Canada's world junior score sheets and game summaries over the past two years and if you aren't convinced yet,you'll start to get the feeling this kid is the real deal.
Which player can help save a team from moving?
-Ok, so no single player can save any team, but its a start, and Tavares brings the name that can bring about that change.
Tavares wins the head to head.
More importantly, the acquisition of Tavares can start to put pressure on county officials to get Hempstead moving toward approval to keep Long Islands last professional team around. If 23,000 fans at a draft party, which surpasses the Coliseum seat total of 16,234 isnt a start, then I'm not sure what is. What Tavares does is brings in a marketable name, that will draw league and fan attention and can eventually lead to big name free agent or trade acquisitions. The time is now for Long Island, and right now, all eyes are on Garth Snow.
God speed Garth, our faith and future for the next few hours is in no ones hands but yours.
Draft Day Rumors:Heard from Eklund and hockeybuzz.com, here are my thoughts.
Touching on the rest of the NHL, as previously mentioned, Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs are already in the news as a rumored deal with Boston has been reported. The trade would involve Phil Kessel straight up for Tomas Kaberle. Clearly Brian Burke didn't pull the trigger and neither would I have. Kaberle is right in his prime and could get a lot more then just Phil Kessel.
It seems all but definite that Jay Bouwmeester will be headed out of South Florida today. A few teams are said to be involved in the talkes more notably Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Vancouver is my favorite here as it looks as Montreal has its priorities set on getting LeCavalier and Toronto is busy trying to either move up in the draft or move Kaberle first. Look for Vancouver to try for Kaberle if they fail on Jay Bo. Just a hunch.
As for Dany Heatley, I don't think I could be more confused. He is said to have released the list of teams he would accept a trade to which include Boston, Edmonton, Rangers and some others. To be quite honest, from what I heard Edmonton has their sights set on Spezza. That would either mean Heatley ends up staying or we may be witnessing the Ottawa Senators redefining themselves as a team.
The Islanders also could make a move today, as some on hockeybuzz.com and thefourthperiod.com think it possible that the Islanders could also land the negotiating rights to the Sedin twins as part of a Draft Day double whammie. I am not sure what would be traded to acquire this, but it would be nice having the twins on the Island. I just beg the Islanders make sure they can sign them before they go making a deal like this.
things should get interesting....
Now, there are many ways to read into something like this. First, being a GM of an NHL franchise, is it possible that maybe he knows something we the fans don't? Not likely. Rather I think this is the Brian Burke way of hoping he can still land John Tavares. Remeber, Burke has made his desire to have Tavares in Toronto well known, and he is known for the heavy draft day trade to make some noise around the league.
The other way to interpret this is that maybe Matt Duchene is who Garth covets and Burke has given us a little insight as to what will happen later on, but also in my opinion, unlikely. Heres, why...
Matt Duchene is a great player, scouting reports from all across the league have this guy pegged as the fastest forward in the draft with the quickest release. Couple that with a fundamentally sound penalty killing ability and you've got yourself a star player. Some have even written that in last years draft, Duchene is a clear #1 over Steven Stamkos, but only time can give that rumor validity. So if all of this stands to be true, then Matt Duchene is a cardboard cutout of the type of player Scott Grodon looks for in his overspeed system of play. While all of this is well and good, Matt Duchene isn't "the player" the Islanders so deperately need right now.
Lets do the Math:
Which Player can have an immediate impact? All 3
-ok were even so far.
Which player can contribute to the "system" the best?
-On paper, Duchene, giving him the advantage so far
Which player can provide sufficient help for DiPietro, the current face of the franchise in front of the net?
-Hedman
Which player has to ability to contribute most offensively?
-Tavares and Duchene (215 OHL goals for Tavares kind of sticks out)
Which player can step up in the big situations?
-Tavares, see Team Canada's world junior score sheets and game summaries over the past two years and if you aren't convinced yet,you'll start to get the feeling this kid is the real deal.
Which player can help save a team from moving?
-Ok, so no single player can save any team, but its a start, and Tavares brings the name that can bring about that change.
Tavares wins the head to head.
More importantly, the acquisition of Tavares can start to put pressure on county officials to get Hempstead moving toward approval to keep Long Islands last professional team around. If 23,000 fans at a draft party, which surpasses the Coliseum seat total of 16,234 isnt a start, then I'm not sure what is. What Tavares does is brings in a marketable name, that will draw league and fan attention and can eventually lead to big name free agent or trade acquisitions. The time is now for Long Island, and right now, all eyes are on Garth Snow.
God speed Garth, our faith and future for the next few hours is in no ones hands but yours.
Draft Day Rumors:Heard from Eklund and hockeybuzz.com, here are my thoughts.
Touching on the rest of the NHL, as previously mentioned, Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs are already in the news as a rumored deal with Boston has been reported. The trade would involve Phil Kessel straight up for Tomas Kaberle. Clearly Brian Burke didn't pull the trigger and neither would I have. Kaberle is right in his prime and could get a lot more then just Phil Kessel.
It seems all but definite that Jay Bouwmeester will be headed out of South Florida today. A few teams are said to be involved in the talkes more notably Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Vancouver is my favorite here as it looks as Montreal has its priorities set on getting LeCavalier and Toronto is busy trying to either move up in the draft or move Kaberle first. Look for Vancouver to try for Kaberle if they fail on Jay Bo. Just a hunch.
As for Dany Heatley, I don't think I could be more confused. He is said to have released the list of teams he would accept a trade to which include Boston, Edmonton, Rangers and some others. To be quite honest, from what I heard Edmonton has their sights set on Spezza. That would either mean Heatley ends up staying or we may be witnessing the Ottawa Senators redefining themselves as a team.
The Islanders also could make a move today, as some on hockeybuzz.com and thefourthperiod.com think it possible that the Islanders could also land the negotiating rights to the Sedin twins as part of a Draft Day double whammie. I am not sure what would be traded to acquire this, but it would be nice having the twins on the Island. I just beg the Islanders make sure they can sign them before they go making a deal like this.
things should get interesting....
Thursday, June 25, 2009
2009- A Draft to be Remembered
So tomorrow sets the mark for the next generation of hockey talent to be divided among the 30 NHL franchises, as the first steps toward the 2009-2010 season begin at 7:oo pm among the watchful eye of thousands not only at the Bell Centre, but at the Nassau Coliseum and the rest of North America. In arguably the most anticipated draft since 2005's crop that produced none other than newly crowned Stanley Cup Champ Sidney Crosby. All eyes will be focused on who Garth Snow and the New York Islanders decide to dub the first overall pick in this years extremely deep, and controversial draft.
Now before this continues any further, let me start off by giving a little background on myself since this is only the second post on this blog so far. I am Bryan and one of two bloggers who will be contributing to this site not only hockey, but my opinion on all things sports associated of which I feel necessary. I was born and raised on Long Island so my sports loyalties stay with the Islanders, Mets and Giants. My blogging partner, Adam well reflect on similar things. As opinionated sports enthusiasts, we surely will make all of our interested readers either agree or disagree with how we feel, but we hope that in the end you won't develop a distaste for our feelings. But I guess if you're still reading you can't hate it that much. But I digress....
Back to the exciting stuff now. While I begin my final hourly countdown to when I head to the Islanders Draft Party tomorrow night(18 hours as of now!!) with approximately 23,000 other Islander hockey enthusiasts, I leave with some final thoughts before I drift to sleep not counting sheep, but rather the number of different possible occurrences that tomorrow may bring, that will begin the upswing of what has been a number of years of lack luster hockey on Long Island.
Here are my hopes and wishes for tomorrow, followed by my nightmares as swirls of possible outcomes are running through my mind:
Hopes:
1) That Garth Snow realizes what a mob of 23,000 can do, and draft John Tavares. Especially when they are fans of a franchise that has a knack for not making the wisest decisions on draft day, thus having an already thinned patience, and confidence in their teams management. (Takes one to know one). My first prediction, if any other name other than John Tavares is called, duct tape will no longer hold together our ever aging building, and riot may ensue that would not be a pretty sight. Ask the residents of Vancouver in 1994.
2) Although many may argue for it, our other 1st rounder, whether it be the 26th overall or if we move, should not be used on a goalie! From what I have seen or read, none rank higher than 40 at their most generous. Assuming we take Tavares, we have Center covered with him and josh Bailey. Draft a defensemen or at very least a speedy wing. Landon Ferraro would be my choice.
3) A trade of some kind. Now understand I am not just looking for a trade for the sake of it here, I am talking something to get the fans excited. A shake up that will be beneficial to show that the Islanders have every intention of doing what is necessary to get fans back in the seats so the franchise does not move. Also, get the league and its fans talking again. There should be fans in Dallas, Toronto and San Jose alike all talking about what the Islanders have done at the draft. Get the name back out there so we are more than last years 30th place finisher.
Nightmares:
1)Victor Hedman. Woah, before I get yelled at, let me explain. Victor Hedman is a brilliant defenseman and will make a great NHL level talent. However, this is not the time nor place for a franchise of the Islanders stature to be making a draft choice that seems to be a quiet and in the long run maybe a better thing. No, time is against this team right now and we just don't have that luxury. John Tavares has the immediate impact ability of a marketable name, that is raised in our own system, something lacked heavily since Zigmund Palffy.
2) Dare I say it, a trade down. Now I know Garth Snow has assured that he has had a guy picked for a while now and that a trade down is not an option, but I think all Islander fans know that the franchise is capable of more than just going back on its word and making poor decisions. Although we were seen to be winners trading down at last years draft, I still would have liked to have seen what Nikita Filatov could have brought to the Islanders. Luckily Josh Bailey seems to be progressing fine and it looks to have been an okay decision to trade down to Bailey. This year though, a trade down would all but write a one way ticket to Kansas City.
I will be back on tomorrow before leaving for the Coliseum, now if I can just get to bed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXxTki3Agx4&feature=fvw
Now before this continues any further, let me start off by giving a little background on myself since this is only the second post on this blog so far. I am Bryan and one of two bloggers who will be contributing to this site not only hockey, but my opinion on all things sports associated of which I feel necessary. I was born and raised on Long Island so my sports loyalties stay with the Islanders, Mets and Giants. My blogging partner, Adam well reflect on similar things. As opinionated sports enthusiasts, we surely will make all of our interested readers either agree or disagree with how we feel, but we hope that in the end you won't develop a distaste for our feelings. But I guess if you're still reading you can't hate it that much. But I digress....
Back to the exciting stuff now. While I begin my final hourly countdown to when I head to the Islanders Draft Party tomorrow night(18 hours as of now!!) with approximately 23,000 other Islander hockey enthusiasts, I leave with some final thoughts before I drift to sleep not counting sheep, but rather the number of different possible occurrences that tomorrow may bring, that will begin the upswing of what has been a number of years of lack luster hockey on Long Island.
Here are my hopes and wishes for tomorrow, followed by my nightmares as swirls of possible outcomes are running through my mind:
Hopes:
1) That Garth Snow realizes what a mob of 23,000 can do, and draft John Tavares. Especially when they are fans of a franchise that has a knack for not making the wisest decisions on draft day, thus having an already thinned patience, and confidence in their teams management. (Takes one to know one). My first prediction, if any other name other than John Tavares is called, duct tape will no longer hold together our ever aging building, and riot may ensue that would not be a pretty sight. Ask the residents of Vancouver in 1994.
2) Although many may argue for it, our other 1st rounder, whether it be the 26th overall or if we move, should not be used on a goalie! From what I have seen or read, none rank higher than 40 at their most generous. Assuming we take Tavares, we have Center covered with him and josh Bailey. Draft a defensemen or at very least a speedy wing. Landon Ferraro would be my choice.
3) A trade of some kind. Now understand I am not just looking for a trade for the sake of it here, I am talking something to get the fans excited. A shake up that will be beneficial to show that the Islanders have every intention of doing what is necessary to get fans back in the seats so the franchise does not move. Also, get the league and its fans talking again. There should be fans in Dallas, Toronto and San Jose alike all talking about what the Islanders have done at the draft. Get the name back out there so we are more than last years 30th place finisher.
Nightmares:
1)Victor Hedman. Woah, before I get yelled at, let me explain. Victor Hedman is a brilliant defenseman and will make a great NHL level talent. However, this is not the time nor place for a franchise of the Islanders stature to be making a draft choice that seems to be a quiet and in the long run maybe a better thing. No, time is against this team right now and we just don't have that luxury. John Tavares has the immediate impact ability of a marketable name, that is raised in our own system, something lacked heavily since Zigmund Palffy.
2) Dare I say it, a trade down. Now I know Garth Snow has assured that he has had a guy picked for a while now and that a trade down is not an option, but I think all Islander fans know that the franchise is capable of more than just going back on its word and making poor decisions. Although we were seen to be winners trading down at last years draft, I still would have liked to have seen what Nikita Filatov could have brought to the Islanders. Luckily Josh Bailey seems to be progressing fine and it looks to have been an okay decision to trade down to Bailey. This year though, a trade down would all but write a one way ticket to Kansas City.
I will be back on tomorrow before leaving for the Coliseum, now if I can just get to bed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXxTki3Agx4&feature=fvw
Official First Post for Stars to Benders
In less than 24 hours, true hockey fans on Long Island who aren't sell outs to the Rangers (Alternative Lifestyle Tom) will find out who and what they will have to look forward to this October. We'll also keep you updated on what ridiculous picks Brian Burke makes to compliment that train wreck they call a hockey club up there in Toronto. Our Islanders insider will have more information in the near future.
Fast Eddie
Fast Eddie
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