It may be minor to some, and major to others - but I finally got around to getting my navbar up and running tonight (Look UP ^^). You may notice some teasers up there for a bit of development to come…

If you guys find anything that I may have broken in the process, please let me know! At least I can start concentrating on content again!

Thanks!

This may come as a complete surprise to some, but the NHL has gone ahead with their plans of eliminating the Goal Judge, who sits directly behind the net at each end of the ice. Historically, the man in the box would signal a goal by illuminating the Red Light after the puck crosses the goal line. As any Islander fan would know from last season, there were some times that a goal was waved off on the ice after the goal judge signaled a goal. The referee has the power to whistle a play dead (sometimes without review), or review the play on video replay in tricky situations.

The idea to remove the goal judges from behind the net is the result of a new initiative by the NHL to add several additional camera angles, including a high definition overhead shot of the nets. The goal judges will not be eliminated completely, but will be relocated to other areas of the arena - the exact position will vary from club to club. Some purists claim that this will hinder judgments on hard to determine calls. In my opinion, I feel that the goal judge’s job was obsolete - as technology has allowed the league to monitor goals via closed circuit and live television feeds. Just look at “The War Room” in Toronto - just about every angle is covered at every game any given night. Should they add the high definition feeds, I don’t think there will be much of a problem.

For me - as long as the light gets lit when a goal is scored, I could care less if the goal judge is in an aisle, the press box or at home watching on TV.

One detail that is confusing, the league left it up to the individual organizations to do away with the boxes or keep them. I have not really found any information regarding our Islanders though - so time will tell. If I hear from the Isles PR, I will keep you up to date.

This won't be my post for the day - no worries.

Sorry I was unable to make an update yesterday, I had a family party, and I will make another post shortly.

Anyways, just some minor site updates.

Comments were broken on Saturday for maybe an hour - I fixed them as soon as I noticed.

Added a page with Links to sites I visit. Thanks to those who have linked back to me, if you don't see your link up there send me an email and I will gladly update it.

Added an About Us page, nothing too fancy - just a quick explanation of who I am and what the site is about. It is a work in progress and I will update it soon.

Changed a minor detail that some may not notice. It now posts me as the author on the Byline of the blog, instead of administrator.

In the next update, I hope to add some functionality with a navbar. I just need some free time to work on the code.

I know, by now this is old news - but I fell asleep yesterday before I could give my take on this latest development.

For about a week there were some rumors circulating around the net that someone from a past Isles team (and a fan favorite) would be invited to camp. Speculation was running rampant about who it may be on several message boards, the front runners of discussion being Jonsson, Hogue, Berard and Turgeon. It would eventually come to light exactly who this player was, and it turned out to be none other than Bryan Berard.

Bryan Berard is a former Islander, having played for the team from 96-98 and part of 1999 before being traded to Toronto. Berard received the Calder trophy as the leagues top rookie as an Islander in the 1996 season. In 2000, Berard suffered a severe eye injury and he missed the entire season before returning with Toronto. Other team he has also played for; the Rangers, Bruins and Blue Jackets. Berard is coming off a back injury that forced him to miss all but 11 games of the 06/07 season with the Blue Jackets.

Injuries aside, Berard is an excellent puck moving defenseman, he is the QB type defenseman that the team has been looking for on the power play - but his breakdowns in the defensive zone have most questioning whether he is right for our team. Players often have a downside to whatever upside they bring - it is just a matter of whether the strengths and weaknesses balance out. Berard, when healthy is just as dangerous as any other offensive defenseman in the league. Prior to last season, his point totals were 38, 47 and 32 - not too shabby if you ask me. If he plays a complete season for the Islanders - I expect anywhere around 25-35 points, but it’s hard to predict points on a player who missed most of the previous season.

By extending Berard an invitation to camp, there is absolutely no risk to the Islanders. If he comes to camp completely healed form his injuries and outplays someone for a roster spot, he deserves to be offered a contract. It is simple logic to me - and mind you I am very high on both Campoli and Gervais. Should Berard have a strong camp (much like Richard Park last season) then it will certainly make our defensive situation interesting. We could wind up with one or two tradable players, which could help us down the road. The only other downside, one of Gervais or Meyer will most likely spend the year down in Bridgeport - as a majority of our defensive spots are filled with some veteran defenders.

Only time will tell what happens, but camp looks to be as exciting as ever - with players giving it their all, something Nolan absolutely loves to see.

To read some more on Berard, check out his platyer bio: http://nhlpa.com/WebStats/PlayerBiography.asp?ID=362

Digg this story:

It seems that no matter where you look when reading about hockey, you hear the term "On Paper" thrown around all the time. This has always been a pet peeve of mine, ever since the season Milbury claimed we had a "Contender on paper" and failed to prove that true. I am sure the same can be said for many teams however.

Every mainstream blog has a bunch of readers who claim their team is stronger on paper - and in many cases it may be true, even in raw talent. The only thing everyone fails to take into account - CHEMISTRY.

If a team does not have chemistry, what good does the fact that they look good on paper prove? Nothing in my book, and im sure most of you share that feeling. In no way am I saying that our Division isn't even tougher then it was last season - because it is. I just don't agree with the notion that a team that looks good on paper, will perform up to that standard. If a team cannot gel, without something short of a miracle - it may never.

I just don’t buy into the whole fantasy of how good things appear on paper. I have faith in Ted Nolan, he has a fan in me and I am sure he can get the most out of this year’s roster. I don't expect miracles, I don't expect the best record in the NHL - I do however expect hard work and entertaining hockey.

Now, if you excuse me - I am going to read about how good the weather forecast appears for this weekend, on paper.

While this isn’t exactly Islanders news, I figured it was worthy enough to note for several reasons. Here we have two former Islanders, one came at a time the franchise was at one of its low points and another came at the start of a spat of successful seasons. Without really beating a dead horse with lots of details, here is my take on why Garth made the correct move in not pursuing these players.

Trevor Linden is 37 years old, and had his fair share of success in the NHL - most recently with The Canucks. While his time with the Isles wasn’t the highlight of his career, it would have been nice to see him return and help the franchise restore the respect and credibility the franchise one enjoyed. On the other hand, there needs to be a balanced roster - and for that reason I do not feel that Linden would have been the best addition to our current roster.

Michael Peca, all fond memories aside - while younger than Linden, is a player who up until yesterday was looking for a home in the league. Although his age would normally be a non-factor - his health is what makes teams question if the risk would outweigh the reward, or if he would be the piece that would make your team a true Cup contender. Again, while our roster COULD have benefited with Mike’s presence - I do not think he is the type of player we need moving forward with our current roster.Looking ahead, I hope should a move be made (through signing or trade) - it is for a younger forward (either a left side wing or center) and a defenseman that you can build a team around.