Flash forward to the present, Tavares has grown leaps and bounds. He’s more confident, he’s a stronger skater and for the most part, has proven he can shoulder the weight of his team.

Look no further than last season, when Tavares would get muscled off the puck, or taken down while skating and compare him to today just to see the difference. It’s night and day how far he’s come, credit that to his character.

Sure, there were knocks on his skating and defensive skills – but he’s improved in those areas tenfold.

John Tavares is who the Islanders needed to rebuild around, he is an integral part of the nature of the team. It’s a good thing he signed that contract extension over the summer, as he will be with the Islanders for a while.

Here are some notes per the Islanders release:

The National Hockey League announced today that Islanders center John Tavares has been selected to participate in the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend.

Tavares, 21, leads all Islanders in scoring with 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) through 40 games this season. The first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft also led the Islanders in points during each of his first two seasons, but 2012 marks his first All-Star selection.

Only 20 players in the NHL have more points this season than Tavares, who has recorded 10 multi-point games, including two four-point efforts and one hat trick. The Oakville, ON native, leads all Islanders forwards in ice-time, averaging 19:39 a game.

Tavares joins some other recent Islanders who’ve gotten a taste of the All-Star weekend: Mark Streit, Rick DiPietro, and Michael Grabner.

It’s great to see Tavares noticed and rewarded for his great work here on Long Island. It’ll be interesting to not how well he’ll do skating alongside some of the greatest players in the game, and if the Garth Snow takes note of whatever chemistry he may have with them.

Either that, or get a dose of reality in what a shot in the arm by way of “upgrading” his roster could do for this team.

Only time will tell.

I think this is a great signing, and as I said the other day, Staios has looked great during camp and preseason. I felt he earned his contract after coming to the Islanders on a PTO.

With Milan Jurcina’s health in question – Staios being signed is that much more important depth wise.

Per the Islanders release:

The New York Islanders have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with defenseman Steve Staios.

Staios, who originally was attending the Islanders Training Camp on a tryout basis, has played in each of the Islanders three preseason games this month and is set to dress against the New Jersey Devils tonight at 7 p.m. at the Prudential Center.

The Hamilton, ON native has played in 936 career National Hockey League games, scoring 56 goals and 156 assists for 212 points. He has also accumulated 1,269 penalty minutes over the course of his 15-year NHL career.

Staios, originally drafted in the second round (27th overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, played the last two seasons with the Calgary Flames. In 57 games, he totaled four goals and nine assists for 13 points.

He played in 573 games over the course of eight seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. Staios recorded 35 goals and 111 assists with the Oilers. The 6’1, 200 pound defenseman also played two seasons with the Atlanta Thrashers, three with the Vancouver Canucks and two with the Boston Bruins.

Internationally, Staios has represented Team Canada at the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007 World Championships. He tallied two goals and four assists for six points in 33 games.

All things considered, this time of year is usually a tad depressing. The summer weather gradually shifts to cooler temperatures, the wardrobe tends to get heavier and more cumbersome, leaves begin to change colors and then fall to the ground. That being said, the cooler temps mean hockey season is right around the corner.

The Islanders started their training camp last weekend. Several Islanders reported to camp with contracts bearing that still-wet ink look. In case you’ve not heard by now, 2009 First Overall draft pick – John Tavares signed a six-year $33 Million Dollar contract extension. This put to rest many of the rumors (we will call them rumours as they originated to our north…) that Tavares would bolt as-soon-as he reached free agency. Next on Garth Snow’s to-do list was a new contract for Josh Bailey, whom did not sign his qualifying offer earlier this summer. Bailey agreed to terms on a 11th hour deal, a two year contract worth $2.1 Million Dollars.

This means that a majority of the teams core young guys: Okposo, Grabner, Moulson, and now Tavares are locked up for the next five years, at reasonable prices too. Next on the list, as we have all speculated – Frans Nielsen. I expect him to earn a raise as his contract has been a bargain for the last several years.

Today, the Islanders held a press conference – confirming what many of us have speculated on for the last while. Mark Streit was named the franchise’s 13th Captain in team history, and the first Swiss born player in the NHL to be named captain.

From the Islanders Press Release:

The New York Islanders announced today the appointment of defenseman Mark Streit as the 13th captain in the organization’s 40-year history.

Streit, 33, enters his fourth season with the Islanders in 2011-12. He missed the entire 2010-11 campaign with a shoulder injury, but in his first two seasons with the club, Streit led all Islanders in ice-time. He also led the team in scoring during the 2008-09 season, while ranking third in that category in 2009-10.

The Bern, SUI, native becomes the first team captain in National Hockey League history from Switzerland.

“It’s truly an honor to be named the captain of such a historic franchise with a rich history,” Streit said. “To follow in the foot-steps of so many legendary leaders that represented the Islanders is a role I am excited to fill. It is a privilege to be considered one of the leaders of this team and I’m committed to taking this team to the next level.”

The Islanders’ 12th captain, Doug Weight, relinquished the position after two years of service when he retired on May 26, 2011. Streit has served as an assistant captain at various points throughout his three-year Islanders career.

“Throughout his three seasons with the Islanders, Mark has been a steadying presence in our dressing room,” said General Manager Garth Snow. “He is constantly pushing himself to be the very best and demands the same from his teammates. Mark is a leader both on and off the ice and we are pleased to name him the 13th team captain in Islanders history.”

The Montreal Canadiens selected Streit in the ninth round (262nd overall) of the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft. In 361 career NHL games, he’s scored 52 goals and 162 assists for 214 points. Streit has also played in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording one goal and three assists.

In international play, Streit has served as captain for Team Switzerland at numerous World Championships and Winter Olympic games. In total, he’s played in 74 World Championship games, 15 Winter Olympic games and 11 World Junior Championship games.

Mark Streit has been one of the most surprising players on this young Islanders squad. Signed as a free agent after spending time in the Montreal Canadiens organization, Streit dominated on the Island. Watching his steady progression has been a great experience. His presence on the back end can be compared, at least in my eyes – to that of Kenny Jonnson. Big hits, timely goals and extremely sound positionally.

It absolutely killed the Islanders when Streit fell to injury last year in training camp, he’s that big of a player for them. Hopefully he’s put the injury behind him and really shines this season.

A chartered plane for the KHL’s Lokomotiv hockey team has crashed, allegedly killing a majority of the clubs roster.

Per the AP story:

TUNOSHNA, Russia (AP)—A Russian jet carrying a top ice hockey team crashed into a river bank Wednesday while taking off in western Russia, killing at least 43 people and leaving two others critically injured, officials said.

The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry said the Yak-42 plane crashed in sunny weather immediately after leaving an airport near the city of Yaroslavl, on the Volga River about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of Moscow.

It said the plane was carrying the Lokomotiv ice hockey team from Yaroslavl to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, where it was to play Thursday against Dinamo Minsk in the opening game of the season of the Kontinental Hockey League. The ministry was carrying 45 people, including 37 passengers and eight crew, and two people survived the crash.

There were quite a few NHL names among them: Defensemen Karel Rachunek, Ruslan Salei and Karlis Skrastins, as well as forwards Pavol Demitra and Josef Vasicek  all spent a good deal of time in the NHL and were listed on the most current roster on the KHL website. Forward Alexander Vasyunov played in 18 games with the New Jersey Devils this past season.

Josef Vasicek played for the Islanders for 81 games in 2007, scoring 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points. He signed with Lokomotiv in 2008 where he’s played since. Note: It is unknown at this time of Vasicek was on board the downed jetliner at this time. He is on the roster however.

Here is a video made by Two Man Advantage during the Islanders 2007 training camp, as a good tribute to Vasicek’s character.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Vasicek wasn’t the only player, or ex-player with ties to the Islanders organization. Lokomotiv’s head coach Brad McCrimmon was an Assistant Coach on the team from 97-99.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved in this tragedy, the Hockey World mourns the loss of some of our brothers.

Flash back to the 2002 Playoffs – Islanders vs Toronto

Shawn Bates is screaming down the left boards and gets taken down in front of CuJo. The Islanders are awarded their third playoff penalty shot in team history….well you know how it ends.

Many people are using attendance as a reason to Vote NO on Monday. History has shown that there are a ton of Islanders fans waiting, wishing and most importantly – WANTING for another shot at the playoffs. The Coliseum can be a loud and intimidating place, many teams have said so and continue to say the same.

Take a listen for yourself, 16,000 Islanders fans – all rooting for Long Island’s only professional sports franchise. If you vote no on Monday, the only thing you’ll here is silence – so go ahead and listen to the amazing sound and excitement the Coliseum is set to hear in the near future:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you build it, they will come. Jobs will be saved, you’ll help the local economy and most importantly – keep Long Island, specifically Nassau County, a destination for people to come and enjoy for generations.

Without the Islanders and the Coliseum there’s not much more than some white noise and the occasional strip mall – if you can find a store that’s still open anyway.

Do Long Island and Nassau County a favor – Vote YES on Monday August, 1st. Help the Islanders create more history, and complete their Drive for Five!

Looking back to last year, the team suffered the same fate when Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis spurned the Islanders for “better” teams.

Apparently, Jesse Joensuu has opted to sign in Sweden with HV71 of the SEL for two years, as opposed to the Bridgeport to Islanders shuttle he’s ridden the last few seasons here in North America.

This has been Confirmed by the Islanders this morning.

Update: translated link to HV71

While this doesn’t have too much of an effect on the Islanders – the Sound Tigers lose a pretty integral piece.

While the organization loses Joensuu for the time being, they will retain his rights and could always wind up back in North America.

Great pick, no movement in picks – mystery over.

More to come.

By the way, Strome has worked out with BOTH Tavares and Moulson – he’s also on Twitter, trying to figure out his name.

@strome18

For the last three years, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of covering the draft LIVE from the event. Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond my control – I could not attend this years draft in Minnesota.

My lead up to the draft, coverage of prospects as well as draft rumors – missing in action, and I apologize. This is the busiest summer I have had work wise, and my blog has suffered (as it has been) as a result.

Fret not Islanders Country, for I will be live blogging and tweeting from tomorrow nights Draft Party at Nassau Coliseum.

Don’t forget that there is an Isles Draft Party Meetup before the event at Doolins, and I’ve been asked to help out at the Islanders Social Media table. Stop by and say hello to your fellow Fans and Tweeps alike.

Will Garth Snow trade his fifth overall selection? Will he package his later round picks to move up in the the later part of the first round? Will we see other transactions?

One never knows, that’s the beauty of Draft Day and what makes it so exciting!

Later on this evening I’ll be taking a look at who should be available to the Isles at the fifth pick, and continue my tradition of “Islesbloggers Draft Wish” that I have done the last several years.

Stay tuned!

From the Islanders release:

The National Hockey League announced today that New York Islanders forward Michael Grabner has been named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given annually to the league’s top rookie. Grabner is one of three finalists who will attend the 2011 NHL Awards Show on June 22 in Las Vegas, NV.

Grabner, 23, led all NHL rookies and all Islanders this season with 34 goals, while his 52 points ranked third amongst league rookies and fourth overall on the team. The Villach, Austria, native also led all rookies and finished second in the NHL with six shorthanded goals this season, and he ranked first amongst rookies and tied for second overall with seven shorthanded points.

Ten of Grabner’s 34 goals this season came during a stretch in February in which he scored goals in six consecutive games to match the NHL’s longest goal-scoring streak of the season. Grabner’s 26 even-strength goals also led all rookies and trailed just seven players overall.

To go along with his goal-scoring prowess, Grabner posted a team-high +13 rating this season and was one of six Islanders to finish with a plus rating. The two-way forward also recorded fewer penalty minutes (10) than any other Islanders player who appeared in at least 21 games.

At the season’s midway point, NHL Hockey Operations selected Grabner to represent the Islanders at NHL All Star Weekend in Raleigh, NC. He made his mark on the weekend and helped Team Staal earn a victory at the Honda Superskills event by winning the Bridgestone Fastest Skater competition.

Grabner made his NHL debut last season with the Vancouver Canucks, playing in 20 games and posting 11 points (five goals, six assists). He was traded from Vancouver to the Florida Panthers this offseason, before the New York Islanders claimed him off of waivers on Oct. 5, 2010. In 96 career NHL games, Grabner has scored 39 goals with 24 assists for 63 points with a +15 rating.

Terms and dollars, as per team policy were not announced.

I’ll have some more in a bit after the conference call!

Good for Jack on this, I’m very happy with this move and I’m anticipating some good stuff down the line!

It also appears that assistants Dean Chynoweth and Scott Allen will remain in their positions as well.

Today, the Islanders have found another defensive stop-gap measure in Jamie Doornbosch.

Doornbosch, a 21-year old defenseman for the OHL Kitchener Rangers, will make his NHL debut tonight at Nassau Coliseum in the much anticipated rematch of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Per the Islanders release today:

The New York Islanders announced today that defenseman Jamie Doornbosch has signed an NHL regular season amateur tryout agreement. The club is under emergency conditions, with injuries to Jack Hillen and Milan Jurcina.

Doornbosch, 21, scored 19 goals and 29 assists in 68 games in his overage season with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. The Richmond Hill, ON, native also added one goal and one assist in seven playoff games with Kitchener. Doornbosch finished second amongst Rangers defensemen and scoring and ranked second on the team with 12 power play goals.

In 264 career OHL games with Kitchener and the Peterborough Petes, Doornbosch recorded 41 goals and 106 assists for 147 points. The 6’ 2”, 190-pound blueliner was acquired by the Rangers in a 2010 trade with the Peterborough Petes, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection Draft.

What will the team do for this seasons closer in Philadelphia you ask?

My friends on Twitter seem to think that Garth Snow Should sign me to an ATO contract, as it would make for some great story lines.

I'm hoping the #isles sign blogger @islesblogger MIke Schuerline to an ATO for their last game of the year. Would be a great story.

April 8, 2011 1:05 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@YesIslanders

John Zadrozny

@islesblogger When is @islesblogger going to be signed to an ATO? I can see you taking out Carcillo on Saturday.

April 8, 2011 2:43 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@RealKenDick

Ken Dick

From the Press Box to the Players Box: Blogger Turns Pro!

Yep, that would be something!

I’d like to preface this post, with a simple explanation. In no way shape or form – am I a member of the Pro Hockey Writers Association. I acknowledge that I am not a pro, but at the same time – after four and a half seasons of press access with the New York Islanders, I consider myself more than a typical blogger.

For example, I’ve gone to THREE NHL Entry Drafts now, with plans to go to my fourth this year in Minnesota (on my own dime) to cover the draftees and ultimately the selections of the club, I have done guest blogs, live chats, radio, video – the whole spectrum. I take what I do seriously and maintain a level of respect for the actual members of the media, as I should.

When news broke of the New York Chapter of the PHWA (and now Long Island and NJ following suit) protesting the NHL Award voting in support of Chris Botta’s credentials being discontinued by the Islanders, initially I thought it was admirable that they would do such a thing. I think that Chris is an excellent writer and I really enjoy his insight and knowledge. Without the support of Chris four years ago, I would never be writing the words that I am writing today, nor would I have experienced all of the great things that I have – so I am and always will be grateful of that.

That said, I have supported and continue to support the New York Islanders decision to discontinue his access. I know – that doesn’t really make sense given my enjoyment of his blog and writing, but hear me out.

What has transpired over the last several years has been a growing problem. Chris Botta was the long serving PR Director for the New York Islanders, he made his way up the ranks during his long career and was even honored for his many years of service during an on-ice ceremony, received a watch and a framed jersey sporting his name. Eventually, the tides turned, and Chris Dey (then Team President) removed and/or asked Botta to resign from his long-standing post.

He landed on his feet however, starting his blog and even being “sponsored” by the Islanders in ways that weren’t exactly clear, but from what I could tell – footed the bill for his site and perhaps even allowing him to collect some form of payment in the process. After two seasons, the Islanders removed said sponsorship and Chris moved onto other avenues – writing for AOL Fanhouse, the New York Times Slap Shot blog and eventually the SNY Sports Network. He’s turned his blog into his new career, but it obviously wasn’t without some sort of resentment towards the Islanders.

Chris was all things Lighthouse Project two summers ago, attending every Town of Hempstead meeting and even getting up on stage to say his piece as a resident and supporter of the project. During my own experience with the Lighthouse Project, I got a taste of my first bit of what I expect was his resentment to the Islanders. I won’t go into details, but during an argument on differing views Chris was not very nice to me, dragging my PERSONAL LIFE into the mix to the point I had to notify Islanders Management. If he could take that route with me, I can only imagine some of the other little tricks up his sleeve.

Fast forward a bit and we come to the negative things he’s said about the team – which, according to everyone watching, wasn’t all untrue. That said, if you read between the lines – Chris has been extremely critical of the Islanders to the point you had to raise an eyebrow. I’ve written some critical things over the years myself, perhaps out of entitlement as a season ticket holder (you know a PAYING customer and all…) but what he has said has often come off as bitter and aimed DIRECTLY at those involved with decisions, rather than what should have been directed at the goings on at the time.

As writers, we have every right to be critical towards the teams and/or subjects we write about. That’s part of one of the greatest freedoms we enjoy here in the United States. At the same time, it is our duty to maintain a level of professionalism, fairness and respect. The issue here doesn’t just lie in the critical writings by one person, but the lead up to how things have gotten to the point they have.

The PHWA is up in arms about one of their members credentials being discontinued, but the point here is that the Islanders have not done anything wrong and the NHL even supports them in their decision. Like it or not, Chris Botta is a former employee of the Islanders who has become somewhat of liability. Their decision to discontinue his access, doesn’t really need explanation, they are within their rights (if you read the back of a credential any member of the press wears, myself included) to remove or discontinue access at will. The Islanders aren’t the first club to remove access from a member of the press either, so why the fuss?

Much like coaching changes that happen during the course of seasons, like with the New York Islanders this season when they removed Scott Gordon; how is the removal of someone from the group covering the team any different? Perhaps his attitude didn’t fit with the team, perhaps his relationship with the players or coaches had come into question, perhaps – he contributed to a wave of negativity the Islanders were trying to change? What if scouts, players AND coaches had grown tired of reading his sometimes non-stop hammering of the team and it’s decisions and asked management to step in?

Instead of the PHWA examining these potential issues, Larry Brooks, the Chairman of the NYC Chapter of ten writers voted 7-3 to protest the NHL Award voting. According to various accounts, the Rangers group have also gotten the Islanders AND the New Jersey Devils writers on board as well.

Earlier I mentioned that it was an admirable movement, but the more I think about it – it’s just a waste of effort.

What will this prove? It’s only going to hurt several players in the Tri-State market in the long run – including three players spread over the two teams these writers cover. Michael Grabner has continued to make his case for the Rookie of the Year award with 31 goals, Frans Nielsen and the Rangers Brandon Prust could each be Selke Trophy candidates. As individuals who watch those players on a daily basis, their vote is all the more important as out of market writers may not see, or appreciate what they have done this season.

What’s more, these same writers could also vote for players from teams LEAGUE WIDE – so in their attempt to protest a decision of a local team, their reach has a much further impact then they may have anticipated. Protesting rarely ever has the intended outcome, and I do not foresee a favorable outcome for the PHWA in this situation.

But the rumors just did not stop.

Aaron Ness on Draft Day 2008

Earlier today, Newsday’s Katie Strang said via Twitter that there was something up with the Islanders and Ness once again.

Cryptic I know, but expect something to be happening with #Isles and Aaron Ness soon....

March 16, 2011 12:44 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@KatieStrangNYI

Katie Strang

We all knew how a previous situation played out with the Golden Gophers and Kyle Okposo being lured to the Islanders – this was aired out in the media all over the place, with Garth Snow and Gopher’s head coach Don Lucia verbally sparring. After Ness was drafted and committed to Minnesota – Islanders fans raised an eye brow, and ear marked that page out of curiosity.

Aaron Ness skates for Minnesota Golden Gophers

Flash forward to today – and the rumors and speculation turned out to be correct. The Islanders announced around Noon today, that they had agreed to terms with Ness on his entry level contract and would be reporting to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders AHL affiliate.

Per the press release and Islanders website:

The New York Islanders announced Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Aaron Ness to a three-year, entry-level contract. Ness will report to the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and play out the remainder of the 2010-11 season on an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO). The entry-level contract will commence in the upcoming 2011-12 season.

Ness, the Islanders second-round selection (40th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, signs after completing three seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota. The 5’10”, 177-pound defenseman appeared in 35 games this season with the Golden Gophers, recording 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) and 41 penalty minutes. The 20-year-old blue-liner concludes his collegiate career with 111 games played and 43 points (six goals, 37 assists).

So, Bridgeport will get to see how Ness could help their defensive and offensive woes – the Islanders get to take a look at another one of their defensive prospects, all the while not even burning the first year of his contract in the process. Lastly, Ness will now be under the watchful eye of the Islanders and Bridgeport coaching staff which will help in his development.

Seems like a win, win, and WIN situation to me.

WINNING!!

You can listen to the radio stream, watch videos, order tickets and more! You can download this FREE application in the Apple iTunes store by clicking here.

Here is the release:

The New York Islanders announced today the release of their official app for iOS devices (iPhone, iTouch, iPad). The Islanders app is free and currently available for download in iTunes as well as in the app store on iOS devices.

Fans can now listen to the Islanders live radio broadcast of every game directly from their iPhones. The app will also keep fans more in touch with their favorite hockey team with all the top news, statistics, videos and features from newyorkislanders.com.

The app was developed by Synergy in conjunction with the teams’ radio broadcast partner, WRHU, Radio Hofstra University.

“The advent of smartphones has put the world on to our hand-held devices,” said Paul Lancey, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “Our organization has made a real push in the digital space, this is just the next step. We look forward to watching it take shape, and we couldn’t ask for better partners than our friends at Hofstra.”

Dr. Evan Cornog, Dean of the Hofstra University School of Communication, said: “I’m delighted that the partnership between Hofstra and the Islanders is continuing to grow. We are pleased the role our University plays in broadcasting Islanders games on WRHU as well as in the new media space.”

And some screenshots!

]]> http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/03/05/official-islanders-ios-app/feed 0 http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/17/islanders-sign-pa-parenteau-to-extension http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/17/islanders-sign-pa-parenteau-to-extension#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:01:36 +0000 Michael Schuerlein http://www.islesblogger.com/?p=5511 News straight out of the Islanders morning skate, Islanders forward PA Parenteau has been signed to a one year contract extension. Terms are not yet available.

Parenteau has had a pretty good season so far on the top line for the Isles, many were attributing his success to being on Tavares’ line – but like many players the Islanders have taken a chance on – he has really grown during his time with the team.

Per the Islanders website:

Parenteau, 27, is currently tied for second place on the Islanders in points with 35 (14 goals, 21 assists) through 56 games this season. Prior to signing with the Islanders as a free agent on July 2, 2010, the Hull, QC native had only played in 27 career National Hockey League games.

“I’m really excited to stay on Long Island,” said Parenteau. “The Islanders organization has given me the chance to prove that I belong in the NHL and I look forward to being a part of the success that is building in our dressing room for the near future.”

Originally selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the ninth round, 264th overall, of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Parenteau completed a four-year junior hockey career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2003.  He played his first professional season in 2003-04 with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League (AHL). Prior to joining the Islanders, the eight-year veteran had played in five NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks and in 22 with the New York Rangers. Parenteau’s AHL resume includes stints with Cincinnati, the Portland Pirates, the Norfolk Admirals and the Hartford Wolf Pack.  Parenteau scored 166 goals and 237 assists for 403 points in 450 career AHL games.

]]> http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/17/islanders-sign-pa-parenteau-to-extension/feed 1 http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/12/islanders-defend-their-image-score-nine http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/12/islanders-defend-their-image-score-nine#comments Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:32:33 +0000 Michael Schuerlein http://www.islesblogger.com/?p=5501 Of all nights I pick to skip an Islanders game!

I went out to dinner with my girlfriend and some friends of mine last night, so I couldn’t attend the game. I checked on the score via iPhone and much to my surprise the Islanders were up 4-0 after the first period. I got a little involved in dinner and talking…..

Then my phone rang.

It was my Uncle – telling me what I was missing, I could just tell it was something of a spectacle. 9 goals for, countless fights, ten game misconducts, another altercation involving Johnson – outright mayhem it seemed.

After dinner I got home and had to turn on MSG to catch the highlights…..and well, you know some lowlights too.

Where do we start? I’ve been trying to digest what I have seen today both online and on Twitter – so here goes.

A few weeks ago, the unofficial Islanders leader Zenon Konopka gave an earful to some writers in the stands watching their practice – he said “We’re no longer going to accept being called the doormats of the NHL”. I certainly don’t blame him for saying that – the Islanders have been heckled both on and off the ice by their fellow players, the press and even fans for far too long. Sometimes it takes that one spark, the one player with the gusto and personality (and most importantly the mouth) to begin a change. That change is upon us.

In my four and a half years writing about the Islanders, I have seen a lot. I’ve seen leaders come and go, even players you wouldn’t expect, rise up and have a voice. The team has had a high turnover, changing gears, direction, coaches – and often being unable to lure big ticket players for reasons we won’t go into now. For the first time in as long as I can remember, there is a fire and more importantly a DESIRE – to change the perception surrounding the team.

For all the lumps the Islanders have taken over the last few years, Garth Snow has sat back and taken those high draft picks, scooped up players via waivers and free agency – and most importantly, drafted very well. He’s now assembled a team that for the most part, is homegrown. A team born out of necessity, in the image of what a future contender will be. What happens is players begin to buy into the direction, to team mantra and protect one another.

All that starts with a leader. No knock on Doug Weight, he’s been that calming veteran player for the team the last few years (and well, 53 games or so) – but maybe he hasn’t been what this team has needed. I feel as though the Islanders have been waiting for a player like Konopka far too long. A player that isn’t afraid to scrap, to yap, to yell at the press – and the best part, align his team and get them to stand up for themselves. The Islanders have been like that kid who has always been picked on, waiting for their moment to change. Konopka is that kid’s big brother, who teaches them how to stand up and defend themselves.

Just this past week, the Islanders were incensed with the lack of calls and respect for their star players. They spoke of far too many instances of liberties being taken and should it continue; they would make a statement by showing the league they mean business. I guess what occurred last night is a testament to that.

The Game Heard Round the League

I’d like to preface this by saying the fireworks last night weren’t totally directed at the Penguins, Talbot, Johnson or any one particular player. This has been something in the making the last three or four seasons.

Having said that; the Islanders suffered some humiliating losses to the Penguins the last few weeks. They were shut out twice, DiPietro got his face broken and the Penguins just laughed at their expense – on camera, on the bench and in the press.

You mess with one of us, you mess with ALL of us. That is the new mentality the Islanders have taken on for the rest of the season; and my guess is the remainder of Konopka’s tenure with the club. For this, and because he came out and openly said he WANTS to be part of the Islanders future – I hope Garth Snow signs him to an extension. Zenon Konopka is everything you want from a veteran leader – oh, and he’s clutch with faceoffs too.

In a show of support for their oft-injured goaltender Rick DiPietro, and to Blake Comeau who is concussed do to a hit that was deemed clean by Pittsburgh’s Max Talbot – the Islanders made it look mean last night.

The boxscore is chock full of info – goals, assists, penalties, game misconducts, fights – it’s likely the longest and most complex boxscore the NHL has seen this season (aside from Montreal – Boston last week). It’s actually so long, you should just go read it for yourselves.

After that bit of light reading, I think we need to watch some highlights.

Click here to view the embedded video.

And some more:

Click here to view the embedded video.

I think Butch Goring said it best on the telecast, calling it “Old time hockey” – because that’s what it was. There will come some suspensions because of this, no doubt – but the Islanders will take them in stride this season, because they made their intentions known. “We will not be walked on, or laughed at anymore – you mess with one of us, you deal with all of us”.

The Islanders have been through a lot this season – namely injuries being the biggest obstacle to overcome. I find it silly that a team who’s collectively lost over 350 man games to injury and featured almost their entire AHL club in the NHL being called out and “congratulated” for defeating an injured Pittsburgh team. The Islanders scored nine goals on their NHL goaltenders….then beat up the rest.

Grabner, Moulson and Tavares all scored their 20th goals of the season, Micheal Haley had a goal and assist, and something like 400 penalty minutes in his season debut, Jesse Joensuu got on the board after some strong play in Montreal, Josh Bailey and Travis Hamonic mixed it up with some Penguins and had a few points each. I liked what I saw for the most part – the Islanders definitely showed the league they won’t be taken lightly any more.

Keep in mind the Islanders have one game against Pittsburgh remaining – that’s one I will certainly have marked on my calendar.

]]> http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/12/islanders-defend-their-image-score-nine/feed 2 http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/09/islanders-acquire-al-montoya-from-phoenix http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/09/islanders-acquire-al-montoya-from-phoenix#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:21:55 +0000 Michael Schuerlein http://www.islesblogger.com/?p=5496 Dealing with the injury to rookie netminder Kevin Poulin, who suffered a dislocated kneecap last night during warmpups, the Islanders suddenly found themselves in serious need of veteran goaltending.

The rookie who’s job it was to back up the rookie Poulin; Mikko Koskinen – was thrust unexpectedly into the Islanders lineup in relief of his fallen Bridgeport and Islanders teammate. Koskinen did not fair well though, allowing two goals on his first four shots and then allowing five before the night was over. The Islanders summoned Joel Martin from Bridgeport on an emergency basis and he arrived at the start of the third period of last nights game.

Earlier today, Islanders General Manager Garth Snow said he was actively searching for veteran goaltender help today – apparently finding Al Montoya.

The cost? A sixth round draft choice in 2011 went to the Phoenix Coyotoes in exchange for Montoya, who coincidentally was involved in a fight with Rick DiPietro during a preseason Rangers game a few seasons ago. The Islanders immediately assigned Montoya to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers where he will most likely wait for the Islanders to return home from Montreal.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Per the Islanders press release:

Montoya, 25, has an 11-8-0 record with a 3.19 goals against average (GAA) and a .891 save percentage (sv%) in 21 games this season with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL. The Chicago, IL, native has played in five career NHL games, all with Phoenix, and posted a 3-1-0 record with a 2.08 GAA and a .925 sv%.

Originally selected by the New York Rangers in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Montoya has played in 197 career AHL games with the Hartford Wolf Pack and San Antonio, compiling a 96-72-7 record with nine shutouts. Prior to his professional career, the 6’2”, 195-pound goalie enjoyed a three-year career at the University of Michigan. He led the nation in minutes played (2358:51) in his final season (2004-05) and finished his college career tied for the all-time best career save percentage (90.8) in U. Michigan history, third in GAA (2.36), third in shutouts (13), and fourth in wins (86).

]]> http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/09/islanders-acquire-al-montoya-from-phoenix/feed 0 http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/08/trent-hunter-out-remainder-of-season-poulin-hurt http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/08/trent-hunter-out-remainder-of-season-poulin-hurt#comments Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:58:23 +0000 Michael Schuerlein http://www.islesblogger.com/?p=5491

Just in case those in Islanders country expected otherwise, or just haven’t noticed that Trent Hunter has been missing a while – the Islanders confirmed today that Hunter will sit out the remainder of the season with a torn MCL.

Katie Strang had the scoop today (subscription required) – saying Hunter would undergo surgery at some point this afternoon.

Hunter apparently tried to rehab the knee and push the surgery for the offseason but couldn’t, as his knee only got worse.

The 30-year old Islanders forward, played in only 17 games this season – scoring a goal and three assists.

Earlier this season I had posted an entry on the Islanders man games lost to injury. That number (back in December) was 162. Since then, the number has DOUBLED and is now sitting at 336.

As I was writing this, the Islanders apparently had EVEN MORE bad luck – Kevin Poulin was helped off the ice after what appeared to be an injury to his knee during warmups. Mikko Koskinen will likely get his get his first NHL start unless Poulin is no worse the wear – we shall see.

The puck is set to drop against Toronto shortly.

]]> http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/02/08/trent-hunter-out-remainder-of-season-poulin-hurt/feed 0 http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/01/29/snw-shines-bright-in-moulson-extension http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/01/29/snw-shines-bright-in-moulson-extension#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 18:40:23 +0000 Michael Schuerlein http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/01/29/sbiw-shines-bright-in-moulson-extension The last week and a half has been rough for Islanders fans. We went from a high profile waiver claim holding out and being suspended, to fans around the league blasting the organization for the claim, to a few losses to end the week prior to the All Star break.

Let’s not forget to mention the NHL snubbing the Islanders by not choosing a player to participate in the actual game on Sunday in Raleigh. Instead, and rightfully so; Michael Grabner will represent the team in the skills competition tonight.

There was a bright spot this week though, and it wasn’t even the result of snow blindness – pending unrestricted free agent Matt Moulson has been signed to a three year contract extension.

Moulson had been quoted in Newsday last week saying that he wasn’t interested in playing anywhere else, despite the murmurs that he could potentially be dealt in a trade either before or on the deadline. It’s not often as Islanders fans that we hear players wanting to play for the organization, let alone basically begging to stay.

In his post extension interviews with Katie Strang of Newsday, Moulson was elated. He talked about his excitement of the chance to stay with what he termed “the best group of guys he has ever played with” and wants to be part of the organizations turn around and ultimately wants to hoist the Stanley Cup.

Over the last two seasons I have witnessed a player blossom from someone trying to find his game, to a thirty goal scorer, and now into a young veteran who’s about to prove his success wasn’t a fluke. Moulson has confidence and most importantly a skill that many lack – the ability to drive to the net and score gritty goals. For his play, he has justly been rewarded with the three year extension worth just over $3 million a year.

One quick note worth mentioning, holdout Evgeni Nabokov and Matt Moulson share the same agent – Don Meehan. Clearly, Garth and Don continue to share a good professional relationship – a very important and necessary evil in professional sports.

The Islanders will have to visit extending several more pending UFA and RFA players in the coming months – one of which is a player I’d like to see locked up long term as well in our All Star, Michael Grabner.

Better times are ahead of us – patience is certainly something that Garth Snow will reward us for. You’ll see.

]]> http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/01/29/snw-shines-bright-in-moulson-extension/feed 0 http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/01/25/nabokov-suspended-by-islanders http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/01/25/nabokov-suspended-by-islanders#comments Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:25:38 +0000 Michael Schuerlein http://www.islesblogger.com/2011/01/25/nabokov-suspended-by-islanders Just like how many guessed that Nabokov would be claimed by the Islanders, we were also correct in guessing he’d fail to report and ultimately wind up suspended by the team.

Our comrade Evgeni decided he didn’t like his “raw deal”, so he can now sit comfortably on his duff in his lavish California home pondering what his next move could be – until at least July, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The option to “toll” his contract still exists for Garth Snow and the Islanders, so he may eventually wind up on Long Island even of he’d prefer not to.

The catch with tolling a contract, it would have to get through both the NHL and the Players Union (NHLPA) first. If it does, dear Evgeni would be on the hook for the majority of NEXT season instead of the remainder of THIS season.

You wanted to play the game, check – your move Evgeni.

Speaking of games, an interesting theory to rise out of this debacle – what if Garth Snow played this situation the exact way he wanted? For arguments sake, let’s say that he heard rumblings that Nabokov was on the verge of signing and knew he’d have to clear waivers. By filing a claim, we know it prevented other teams (even KEY teams in the Western Conference playoff race) from acquiring the goaltender. But what if he flat out knew he’d refuse to report. Is Garth Snow savvy enough to parlay a holdout for a bargain basement price into a contract for 2011/12? What’s more, what if he was savvy enough to get 4 months of good hockey out of Nabokov next season and then flip that sweet contract to a contender for a cap clearing player or players and picks?

These are certainly things that make me go hmm.

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