http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-spisles3012930345jun29,0,6303000.story
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/What-We-Learned-Garth-Snow-is-a-genius-draft-w?urn=nhl,173418
http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/06/29/07/0009-82/index.xml
Monday, June 29, 2009
Another Reason To Like John Tavares
He hates the Yankees...the Mets actually could of used Johns' hand-eye coordination cause they can't hit or field right now. But onto different matters.
July 1st free agency is soon upon us. It will be interesting to see if Garth Snow adds any weapons to play with JT. A solid backup goaltender is almost a given, plus there are reports that Rick DiPietro is progressing and will hit the ice in August for training.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Tavares Era Begins
#1 Baby. It was a great night a night of celebration and new beginnings. From the happiness at the coliseum to the festivities at R.C. Dugans with Billy Jaffe and Chris Botta.
Congratulations John and the Tavares family...now the real fun begins!
Friday, June 26, 2009
First The Shoulder Pads Now The Draft
Garth Snow certainly is a quirky S.O.B. As of now it looks like a two horse race. Chris Botta on www.islanderspointblank.com is reporting that the merch booths at Nassau Coliseum have nameplates ready for Tavares and Duchene, no Hedman.
Morning News
Some links from the papers this morning. I will be at the Coliseum tonight. If it's a celebration then I will most likely enjoy a few beers and not post till tomorrow. Not going to go there if it's the opposite.
Enjoy!
http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/ny-spstaple0627,0,601531.column
http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/2009/06/25/9943686.html
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282924
http://www.realgmhockey.com/src_wiretap_archives/6233/20090626/tavares_i_want_to_win_a_few_cups/
http://www.canada.com/Sports/Isles+fans+apply+heat+Tavares/1735528/story.html
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Sports/Spin+wheel+make+pick/1734988/story.html
http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1734659
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/657012
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/657013
Enjoy!
http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/ny-spstaple0627,0,601531.column
http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/2009/06/25/9943686.html
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282924
http://www.realgmhockey.com/src_wiretap_archives/6233/20090626/tavares_i_want_to_win_a_few_cups/
http://www.canada.com/Sports/Isles+fans+apply+heat+Tavares/1735528/story.html
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Sports/Spin+wheel+make+pick/1734988/story.html
http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1734659
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/657012
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/657013
Move Over Sean John
JT to have a signature apparel line hit stores in 2010. Tavares signs with CCM Hedman with Reebok.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Day Is Upon Us
I can't in good faith root for a guy who wears a tie with a short sleeve shirt! Just kidding. In all seriousness it should be a history making night on Long Island. Hopefully it will be a joyous night and a symbol of a start of a rebirth for NHL hockey in Islander country.Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Excitement Building
We are almost there folks. Instead of being in Montreal as I originally had planned I will be at the Nassau Coliseum for either the celebration (Tavares) or the potential riot (anybody else).
The Isles will have a jersey personalization machine setup for those nuts like myself who horde jerseys like Brian Burke hordes newspaper quotes.TAVARES 91 PLEASE!
Couple of great features from the TSN boys up north.
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip186859#clip186859
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip186861#clip186861
"When we won the draft lottery I was asked if I knew who we were going to take. I said at the time that I had a pretty good idea but that I wasn't firmly committed to it until we went through the process of doing our due diligence on all the top guys. Let's just say the process re-affirmed what I thought back then. We want the same guy now that we wanted back then." -- Islanders General Manager Garth Snow
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=431650
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles2512915130jun24,0,2877956.story
http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/kurtenblog/archive/2009/06/24/2009-nhl-draft-what-does-the-islanders-future-hold.aspx
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=263999&sc=99
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2009/06/24/9916901-sun.html
http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/kurtenblog/archive/2009/06/24/kurtenthoughts-2009-nhl-draft-tavares-hedman.aspx
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1873659/a_tale_of_two_tavares.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=4284013
The Isles will have a jersey personalization machine setup for those nuts like myself who horde jerseys like Brian Burke hordes newspaper quotes.TAVARES 91 PLEASE!
Couple of great features from the TSN boys up north.
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip186859#clip186859
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip186861#clip186861
"When we won the draft lottery I was asked if I knew who we were going to take. I said at the time that I had a pretty good idea but that I wasn't firmly committed to it until we went through the process of doing our due diligence on all the top guys. Let's just say the process re-affirmed what I thought back then. We want the same guy now that we wanted back then." -- Islanders General Manager Garth Snow
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=431650
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles2512915130jun24,0,2877956.story
http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/kurtenblog/archive/2009/06/24/2009-nhl-draft-what-does-the-islanders-future-hold.aspx
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=263999&sc=99
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2009/06/24/9916901-sun.html
http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/kurtenblog/archive/2009/06/24/kurtenthoughts-2009-nhl-draft-tavares-hedman.aspx
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1873659/a_tale_of_two_tavares.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=4284013
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
My Final 2009 Round 1 Mock Draft
1. Islanders: C John Tavares. Snow wants to be Lou Lamoriello, I get that he wants to play his best poker face but this pick has to be JT.
2. Lightning: D Victor Hedman. No matter how bad their owners are this is a simple pick.
3. Avalanche: C Matt Duchene. A great pick for the Avs.
4. Thrashers: C Evander Kane. Could be the perfect compliment to Kovie.
5. Kings: C Brayden Schenn. Will add toughness to the skilled King forwards.
6. Coyotes: D Oliver Ekman-Larsson. I still think Cowen would be tremendous for them but they will go the safe route with the fast rising OEL.
7. Maple Leafs: F Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. Burke will get solid value here and I could easily see him trading up or down to maximize his asset.
8. Stars: D Ryan Ellis. Sticking to my pick here, the Nieuwendyk regime starts with the dynamic Ellis.
9. Senators: W Zack Kassian. The type of player Ottawa needs and the start of the retooling process along with trading Heatley.
10. Oilers: C Jacob Josefson. Has great wheels, skill, and is gritty. Not the biggest forward but may be the best all around center at this spot.
11. Predators: C Nazem Kadri. They need offense and Nashville will be a great place for this talent to develop.
12. Wild: C Jordan Schroeder. The franchise is on record saying they need a player that can get butts out of the seats. Hometown boy has wheels and skill to electrify.
13. Sabres: D Jared Cowen. They pick him and pair him with Myers for a scary big tandem.
14. Panthers: D John Moore. Might take a few years but will make fans forget J-Bo.
15. Ducks: D Dmitri Kulikov. Slick blue liner continues the transition of the Anaheim D corps.
16. Blue Jackets (Islanders via trade): D Simon Despres. The jacket bloggers have already reported talks at this slot for one of the Isles early 2nd rounders and the 26th pick. Isles get a big D man they desperately crave.
17. Blues: C Peter Holland. Best player available adds to the already impressive crop of yongsters.
18. Canadiens: D David Rundblad. Great pick here for the Habs, puck moving d-man that all teams need.
19. Rangers: W Chris Kreider. Skilled winger with good size.
20. Flames: W Landon Ferraro. The pedigree, the goal scoring ability, and he’s a Red Deer kid. 1+1=2.
21. Flyers: C Jeremy Morin. The rich get richer. More scoring for Philly.
22. Devils: C Scott Glennie. Great pick for Lou here. A steal.
23. Capitals: W Carter Ashton. Some beef to add to their skill.
24. Canucks: C Drew Shore. Could be a steal here. Big, smart, and skilled.
25. Bruins: F Zach Budish. Kid is a project but has big upside.
26. Blue Jackets (from Isles): C Jordan Caron. Nice big pivot with power forward potential.
27. Hurricanes: C Louis Leblanc. Two way forward could be a great replacement when Brindy calls it a day.
28. Blackhawks: C Kyle Palmieri. Speed and skill added to an already loaded roster.
29. Red Wings: C Joonas Nattinen. Two way Finn with size and skill. Will play in the NHL, question is the impact, but this is Detroit so it will be a great spot for him to go.
30. Penguins: D Nick Leddy. Needs time to develop but will get that going to the champs.
2. Lightning: D Victor Hedman. No matter how bad their owners are this is a simple pick.
3. Avalanche: C Matt Duchene. A great pick for the Avs.
4. Thrashers: C Evander Kane. Could be the perfect compliment to Kovie.
5. Kings: C Brayden Schenn. Will add toughness to the skilled King forwards.
6. Coyotes: D Oliver Ekman-Larsson. I still think Cowen would be tremendous for them but they will go the safe route with the fast rising OEL.
7. Maple Leafs: F Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. Burke will get solid value here and I could easily see him trading up or down to maximize his asset.
8. Stars: D Ryan Ellis. Sticking to my pick here, the Nieuwendyk regime starts with the dynamic Ellis.
9. Senators: W Zack Kassian. The type of player Ottawa needs and the start of the retooling process along with trading Heatley.
10. Oilers: C Jacob Josefson. Has great wheels, skill, and is gritty. Not the biggest forward but may be the best all around center at this spot.
11. Predators: C Nazem Kadri. They need offense and Nashville will be a great place for this talent to develop.
12. Wild: C Jordan Schroeder. The franchise is on record saying they need a player that can get butts out of the seats. Hometown boy has wheels and skill to electrify.
13. Sabres: D Jared Cowen. They pick him and pair him with Myers for a scary big tandem.
14. Panthers: D John Moore. Might take a few years but will make fans forget J-Bo.
15. Ducks: D Dmitri Kulikov. Slick blue liner continues the transition of the Anaheim D corps.
16. Blue Jackets (Islanders via trade): D Simon Despres. The jacket bloggers have already reported talks at this slot for one of the Isles early 2nd rounders and the 26th pick. Isles get a big D man they desperately crave.
17. Blues: C Peter Holland. Best player available adds to the already impressive crop of yongsters.
18. Canadiens: D David Rundblad. Great pick here for the Habs, puck moving d-man that all teams need.
19. Rangers: W Chris Kreider. Skilled winger with good size.
20. Flames: W Landon Ferraro. The pedigree, the goal scoring ability, and he’s a Red Deer kid. 1+1=2.
21. Flyers: C Jeremy Morin. The rich get richer. More scoring for Philly.
22. Devils: C Scott Glennie. Great pick for Lou here. A steal.
23. Capitals: W Carter Ashton. Some beef to add to their skill.
24. Canucks: C Drew Shore. Could be a steal here. Big, smart, and skilled.
25. Bruins: F Zach Budish. Kid is a project but has big upside.
26. Blue Jackets (from Isles): C Jordan Caron. Nice big pivot with power forward potential.
27. Hurricanes: C Louis Leblanc. Two way forward could be a great replacement when Brindy calls it a day.
28. Blackhawks: C Kyle Palmieri. Speed and skill added to an already loaded roster.
29. Red Wings: C Joonas Nattinen. Two way Finn with size and skill. Will play in the NHL, question is the impact, but this is Detroit so it will be a great spot for him to go.
30. Penguins: D Nick Leddy. Needs time to develop but will get that going to the champs.
Uh-Oh!
All of the talk of Matt Duchene being the top pick is driving me crazy...I don't dislike Duchene but the potential that JT has to be an all time goal scorer and clutch player will cause myself and other Islander fans major dissapointment if he is passed up.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282668
http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/article/2009-06-23/hedman-tavares-or-duchene-whos-going-no1
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26898-From-The-Point-With-the-No-1-pick-the-Islanders-select.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4280470
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Roundtable-Islanders-bloggers-talk-NHL-Draft-n?urn=nhl,171687
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/655308
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/method-to-the-madness/article1193519/
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4280485&name=lebrun_pierre
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282668
http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/article/2009-06-23/hedman-tavares-or-duchene-whos-going-no1
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26898-From-The-Point-With-the-No-1-pick-the-Islanders-select.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4280470
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Roundtable-Islanders-bloggers-talk-NHL-Draft-n?urn=nhl,171687
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/655308
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/method-to-the-madness/article1193519/
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4280485&name=lebrun_pierre
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
7 Days To Go...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/hockey/nhl/wires/06/19/2040.ap.hkn.tavares.times.two.adv21.0960/
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/hockey/hockey-wires/story/1105023.html
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/06/john-tavares-ive-worked-very-hard-for-this.html
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26840-The-Straight-Edge-First-round-mock-draft.html
http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/?id=282318
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=425864&navid=DLNHLDraftMicrosite
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/hockey/hockey-wires/story/1105023.html
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/06/john-tavares-ive-worked-very-hard-for-this.html
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26840-The-Straight-Edge-First-round-mock-draft.html
http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/?id=282318
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=425864&navid=DLNHLDraftMicrosite
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Let's Get There Already
All the predictions and conjecturing are driving me mad...the Islanders have divulged nothing and now we are hearing that Duchene could be the pick. It's been a roller coaster ride and we have another week to go.
http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?x=articles&p=267853&s=knights
http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?x=articles&p=267853&s=knights
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
6/17/09 Links
The calm before the storm...The Isles have given away over 16,000 tickets to their draft and while they'll be lucky to get half those in attendance for a draft party with the Mets/Yankees game that night. The interest is there and I just can't see them hyping this to the max and letting down the 90% of the fanbase that wants Johnny T.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/06/victor-hedman-it-would-be-great-to-play-here.html
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282124
http://www.timminstimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1616850
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/06/victor-hedman-it-would-be-great-to-play-here.html
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282124
http://www.timminstimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1616850
Monday, June 15, 2009
11 Days...
http://www.diebytheblade.com/2009/6/15/910634/nhl-draft-news-sb-nation-mock
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/06/the-lightning-might-have-a-big-draftday-decision-.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/darren_eliot/06/15/short.summer/?eref=sihp
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=425653
http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/06/15/open-the-door-and-let-in-a-draft/?cxntfid=blogs_iceman_thrashers_blog
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/06/the-lightning-might-have-a-big-draftday-decision-.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/darren_eliot/06/15/short.summer/?eref=sihp
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=425653
http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/06/15/open-the-door-and-let-in-a-draft/?cxntfid=blogs_iceman_thrashers_blog
Lidstrom Is A Tough S.O.B.
Surgically repaired testicles and bigger balls than most of us...get well Nicky.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=281920
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/hockey-guy/hockey-guy/2009/06/let-the-offseason-begin/
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=281920
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/hockey-guy/hockey-guy/2009/06/let-the-offseason-begin/
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Cut Crosby Slack
Kris Drapers comments are unwarranted, Crosby respects the game...it was a young teams' first cup victory and I am sure that Sid was overwhelmed and unfortunately didn't get to the line in time.
Onto JT...here are a couple of nuggets.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11266/islanders2009_draft_preview/
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Sports/Hockey/2009/06/13/9785316-sun.html
Onto JT...here are a couple of nuggets.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11266/islanders2009_draft_preview/
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Sports/Hockey/2009/06/13/9785316-sun.html
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
6/4/09 News
http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/06/doug_weight_on_isles_tough_dec.html
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/9643848/Head-shots-are-a-head-scratcher
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2009-06-04-754179410_x.htm
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/04/sp-bolts-host-3-top-prospects/sports-lightning/
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toronto/2009/06/04/9673316-sun.html
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=1000043
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles0512845898jun04,0,3463198.story
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/9643848/Head-shots-are-a-head-scratcher
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2009-06-04-754179410_x.htm
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/04/sp-bolts-host-3-top-prospects/sports-lightning/
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toronto/2009/06/04/9673316-sun.html
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=1000043
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles0512845898jun04,0,3463198.story
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
6/3/09 News
Interesting stuff from Tampa Bay. I have never heard of a team having the top 3 prospects meet with them at the same time no less work them out.
JT "“I Want To Be An Islander”
A great interview by a top notch blogger and a top notch guy. Lots of good stuff here.
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2009/06/jt/
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2009/06/jt/
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Catching Johnny Fever
Good to see JT making the rounds today with the fellow lottery studs.
Another gem of a quote by Brian Burke. On Tavares falling after a sub-bar playoff
"I wouldn’t drop the kid at the end of a tough playoff," Burke said. "You get a 17-year-old, his girlfriend breaks up with him, he can go in the toilet for a month."
In observing both young men today with the media, no matter who goes first the NHL has two first class young stars in Hedman and Tavares.
Monday News
For your viewing pleasure on this early Tueday morning.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11244/2009_nhl_draft_combine_recap/
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=424623
http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1652044
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26525-.html
http://www.denverpost.com/dater/ci_12491834
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11244/2009_nhl_draft_combine_recap/
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=424623
http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1652044
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26525-.html
http://www.denverpost.com/dater/ci_12491834
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