The Lefty Stick

NY Islanders: Season Ticket Prices Going....Up?

2011-03-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of buzz going on about 2011-2012 season ticket prices over the past few days. Big rumors circulating Islanders country about the cost going down in order to get butts to fill the Coliseum seats. The new price points came out today and, in my estimation, it's a whole lot of much ado about nothing.

They brought back a lot of the perks that season ticket holders, like myself, used to have but were revoked for the past year (i.e. merchandise discounts, free game upgrades, player meet n' greets, etc.), however when you do the math, my same lowly seats in 313 will wind up costing me more for 2011-2012 than they have for the past two years. $500 more.

The Islanders organization needs to realize that there are some of us out there who don't have a tremendous amount of disposable income, but what little we do have, we use it so that we can sit through every single humiliating loss.... for the love of the team. We don't ask for much, we just show up and pray for a good game.

When I purchase my season tickets, I don't do it to meet the players, or get merchandise, or autographs, or free seat upgrades (I have never even once requested an upgrade even when I did have the opportunity), I just want the tickets and the parking. That's it. There are some games where I am one of a meager 2,000 fans in that building, but I am there. I would like to be there next season too, but it's hard to justify a price increase in this economy, and with a losing team.

My ticket rep hasn't returned a single phone call or email of mine since the beginning of the season, even after a left a voicemail regarding getting group tickets for an elementary school class trip. Seems like the reward for loyalty is a little lacking these days.

One final thought: Being a season ticket holder should be like being a valuable asset to the team, not like buying a used car.

Islanders Season Tickets: Why?

2010-11-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

I know, it's been a long time since I have last posted something and a lot has gone on in Islanders country (i.e. Scott Gordon being fired, Chris Botta losing his street cred, etc.), but this isn't what I want to air out. Trust me, if you aren't sick of these two stories already, give it another 24 hours...

My biggest issue with the New York Islanders organization this year is the treatment of their fans, namely season ticket holders like myself. Now, I understand that when the team is doing poorly (like, say, an 11-game losing streak) you need to get seats filled in the arena. I also understand that in order to do so, prices must be lowered. I get it. HOWEVER, it prompts my question of: Why the heck is the general public getting better seats at better prices than I am? When I have committed myself to a full 40-game home season?

The New York Islanders were selling tickets to Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning for $18 to the general public to sit in the lower bowl (200's) of the arena, $14 if you were a student! I pay more per game to sit in the upper bowl behind the goal. 313 row G to be exact. I couldn't even break even selling these tickets if I wanted to.

I am not looking to bitch and moan about the cost of ticket prices, I know that if I were a Rangers fan, I'd be paying double. And if you wanted to hear bitching, refer back to the Chris Botta story mentioned earlier. It just seems like the real fans who are committing themselves to this team are getting the shaft by the organization now. As a season ticket holder who truly loves this team (despite how they test that love), there is no chance I would even consider renewing my season tickets if this is what they are going to do. If the current trend prevails, I can attend all forty games for half the price I am paying now just by buying tickets at the box office.

On a final note, I just want to express my hope that the Islanders understand that investing in season tickets is not just a "no big deal" thing for a lot of people. Yeah, you get the corporate guys who entertain clients and whatnot, but the people I see 40 times a year are not those guys. They are real fans. People like me. I am a full-time student, a part-time worker who had to struggle to put aside the necessary funds to do the full season. I am not rich. A lot of times, I can barely afford to buy a beer at the game. But I am there. Every game. I only wish the organization could appreciate such things from their fans, and return the favor.

Foiled Again

2009-10-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

Despite John Tavares scoring his first NHL goal, the Islanders still fell victim to the power of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Regardless of the loss, the game did show one thing: both the team and their fans are serious this year.

Playing to a sold out Coliseum crowd, the Islanders came out strong for the first two periods with goals by Tavares and Hunter. Unfortunately, the Penguins retaliated to take the lead. Mark Streit tied it up in the third leading the Islanders into overtime and, eventually, a shoot out... where the Islanders fell despite the efforts of Tambellini and Tavares.

More astounding than the excitement of the game was the reaction of the crowd when Tavares scored his first NHL goal. The 16,000 fans at Nassau Coliseum might've reacted the same if the Islanders had won the Stanley Cup that moment. With fulfilled anticipation and ecstasy, Islanders fans celebrated with the tenacity of lottery winners.

If this brand of tenacity and excitement continues amongst both the fans and team, this blogger knows that the season will only get better. A winning team is only half of what makes a sport fun to both attend and play, the other part is having a group of people to get behind the team, to support, to cheer, and, every now and again, erupt into an orgasmic outpour of energy for one single event.

Those single events are sure to be on the horizon as the season unfolds.

(photo courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Islanders Preseason Observations

2009-09-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just a few notes on my preseason observations...

Monday night's preseason faceoff against the Vancouver Canucks in lovely Terrace (aka "Hockeyville"), British Columbia could have been the funniest thing I've seen on television in a long while. First of all, they looked as if they were playing at Cantiague Park. Secondly, the television camera was so close to the ice that you couldn't see an actual play if you tried. It looked like there were 50 players on the ice at all times. And finally, due to the Islanders lack of NHL-calibre players on the ice, Josh Bailey appeared to have the talent of Bobby Orr out there!

However, Wednesday's showing in Edmonton seemed to be considerably more professional and considerably less laughable. There was a lot of hype about it being the first time John Tavares put on his NHL boots. No, he did not score 20 goals in one period; no, he doesn't skate at 100 MPH; no, he's not Superman... or the second coming or Gordie Howe. However, he played hard, created chances and admitted that he'd have to play even harder to compete at this level. I think good things are on the horizon for this team... so long as the fans aren't expecting the impossible.

As for last night's debauchery. All I can say is this: the injury's are starting already.... and if Morency gets suspended for messing with Phaneuf, that's crap. Since when are you not allowed to retaliate when a teammate gets hit?

Thugging It: The Changing Environment of the Pro Athlete

2009-08-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

It has become increasingly apparent that the perosona professional athlete has changed in recent years. Once heroes, our athletes have become gangsters, criminals and, in essence, thugs.

Between Michael Vick returning to the NFL after being brought up on charges for engaging in dog fights, Ray Lewis being indicted for murder and aggravated assault, Sean Avery coming out with the "sloppy seconds" remark in reference to his ex-girlfriend, Patrick Kane assaulting a cab driver over a mere twenty cents and the rampant performance-enhancing drug use in the MLB, our idols have become criminals. Granted, when a person, athlete or not, is thrust under the magnifying glass of fame, every flaw does become visible to the naked eye, but the desire to cause trouble shouldn't be so hard to quell.

There has to be a higher standard to hold these athletes to. These are heroes to our children, there must be some repercussion for bad behavior. Instead these athletes get a meager slap on the wrist and a new multi-million dollar contract. What are we teaching the next generation about dreams and aspirations? Kids who want to become baseball players will assume that performance enhancing drugs are the only way to get to the pro league, becoming a football player gives them free reign to do whatever they want to whomever they want, and the fighting of hockey is permissable not only on the ice, but off as well.

Who decided this was okay?

Death of a Hockey Blog

2009-07-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

It appears that the New York Islanders have yanked their sponsorship of Chris Botta's long-time hockey blog, IslandersPointBlank.com. After a lengthy diatribe about how it wasn't feasible to start an independant hockey blog at this point in his career, Botta bid farewell...for the most part.

Maybe I am not the best person to give an opinion on this situation, as a lackluster blogger who can barely nip at the heels of any real news, but for all the people who have been begging to pay a subscription for Islanders Point Blank or corporate sponsorship just to keep it up and running, I have one thing to say to you: IT'S A BLOG!

Granted, it would be awesome for any blogger to be able to sit at their computer and spout their ideas and opinions for hours a day and get paid for it as a full-time job. Who wouldn't love that? But the people who follow these blogs like cults scare me a little bit. Honestly, I think the New York Islanders team moving to Kansas City might have been easier to swallow for some of these people than the news that they couldn't read the musings of Chris Botta every day.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the blog. I think it's insightful, honest and true to the team. However, I don't sit in front my computer hitting the "refresh" button waiting for the next post like some Islanders fans (you know who you are, don't deny it). If this one blog dies, there will still be dozens of others.

I'll probably catch a lot of flack for this post, because I know there are a lot of people out there who feel differently, but I'm okay with that. My advice to all of you who are freaking out over this: go out, have a beer, and get a life that doesn't involve sitting in front of a computer screen.

***

Oh, and yeah, rally for the Lighthouse too!

The Day of 3's

2009-07-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

Maybe I am the only one who noticed the coincidence that today the Islanders signed John Tavares to a 3-year contract, the NHL 2009-2010 season got released today at 3:00 EST and the Islanders season opener is happening on October 3rd. There are many people out there that say that 3 is a lucky number, by all accounts, I hope they're right.

No one is surprised when I say that I am excited for this coming season, however I tread with a little trepidation when I see that the Islanders haven't re-signed ANY free agents in the off season. The only moves the Islanders have dared to venture were the signing of rookie John Tavares and the signing of Yann Danis by the New Jersey Devils (what a lateral move, Devs!).

In the words of a friend of mine, the Islanders will be a solid 9th place team this season. Honestly, I won't settle for less. I feel that for once this team is going in the right direction and I feel that it can only go upward from here. Experts say that the Islanders are now where Chicago was a few years ago, and Chicago did make it to the division finals. That says a lot!

Needless to say, you may call me a sucker for buying in for the full season in a team that has proven failure so many times in the past, I am still a true believer and I am still excited for this coming season.

The New York Islanders select John Tavares

2009-06-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

After spending Friday night at the Coliseum, you would have thought the Islanders had just signed the next coming of Bobby Orr in John Tavares as the 10,000+ fans erupted in sheer emotion as soon as, General Manager, Garth Snow let the word "John" roll off his lips. To add to the jubilee, the Islanders also traded up twice to secure the 12th pick and signed Tavares' Oshawa teammate, defenseman Calvin deHaan.

According to Newsday (i.e. the Rangers-owned newspaper), the Islanders sold $75,000 in ticket plans and $15,000 in merchandise within the first hour of signing John Tavares. On a side note, they are also offering up a meet and greet with the young forward for anyone who purchases season tickets this weekend... so glad I bought mine in advance. Hmmm...

It finally seems like things are going right for our little hockey club. Snow picked up two goaltenders in the second and third rounds of the draft (make of that what you will considering both Yann Danis and Joey McDonald are unrestricted free agents this year). There is also a rumor floating around the halls of the Coliseum about possibly picking up Daniel and Herik Sedin from Vancouver. For once, I can call myself an Islanders fan and not cry about it later.

This is sure to be an exciting season for the Isles... and even more so when free trade opens up!

Crosby's Cup

2009-06-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess it was going to happen eventually... Sidney Crosby's name has officially been etched onto Lord Stanley's Cup.

One can't ask for a more dramatic series, though. Any time a Cup final goes to seven games, it doesn't matter who the two teams are, you are always compelled to watch. Unfortunately, I was unable to devote my time to tonight's game due to a prior obligation (that I tried like hell to get out of). Call me archaic, but I tried to set up my VCR for the game... and failed.

From the highlight reels, it was a good game and a great goaltending match-up. Then again, this whole series has been. I am glad that Pittsburgh's two goals came from Maxime Talbot... not my "favorite" NHL captain. Though this doesn't matter, because Kryptonite Crosby has already gotten twice as much screentime as Talbot tonight.

On a different note, as an Islanders fan, I am glad that Bill Guerin did get to win another Cup before he retired. I do believe, however, that the conditional pick that we got in exchange for Mr. Guerin should've included a 2nd round pick if the Penguins actually WON THE CUP.

Thus concludes this year of hockey season. It's going to be a long summer...

**Looking forward to the Islanders Draft Party in 2 weeks! The Isles claim to have issued 13,000 tickets to this year's party... I'll believe it when I see it!**

Tavares-aholic!

2009-06-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Let's start this off by saying that, yes, this is another Tavares blog.

John Tavares has told reporters yesterday that he finds it to be a privilege to be drafted by the New York Islanders and that he would be happy to be part of a rebuilding team that he believes to be a Stanley Cup contender.

Now, not to be a naysayer, because anyone who knows me knows that I am a Tavares supporter. BUT... Tavares told IslandersPointBlank.com that "[Long Island's] close to one of the greatest cities in the world." Not for nothing, but as a member of the great "city" of Long Island, I have never realized that this is one big city.

I don't expect Mr. Tavares to have a huge knowledge of the area, but after staying at [General Manager] Garth Snow's house for three day, I would like to think that he had a good idea. I do, however, completely support the enthusiasm that the young forward shows when it comes to the topic of a possible relocation to Long Island.

However, he did let it slip that he, Victor Hedman, and Matt Duchene will be all meeting in Tampa Bay for their interviews AT THE SAME TIME. Does anyone else find this odd? I really don't know where Tampa is going with this one...

On a sidebar, Newsday had proposed a potential trade that I am COMPLETELY on board with. Try this on for size: Tampa trades Vincent LeCavelier to Colorado for their third pick. They then trade the second and third picks to the Islanders for the first pick. Tampa takes Tavares, the Islanders get Hedman and Duchene.

Needless to say, I am very excited about this year's entry draft.

In other news, I am finding this year's Stanley Cup Finals very exciting. Pittsburgh is putting up a good fight, but I am still banking on Detroit winning... again. I mean, not for nothing, but Crosby did touch the Prince of Wales trophy at the conference finals.

Question for Versus

2009-05-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

I have to ask one question about tonight's hockey line-up on Versus: Why the hell would you broadcast the West-Coast game instead of the East-Coast game? Not that I don't care about Ducks and the Red Wings, but I do care a wee bit more about the Bruins and Hurricanes... you dummies.

For the record, I still hate the Wings and their octopus.

Also, I am going to end this post before the Carolina-Boston game ends... the last time I sang the praises of the Carolina Hurricanes, I jinxed them.

Hurricane Ward

2009-05-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

There is only one thing I can say about the second round of the NHL playoffs: Carolina... Carolina, Carolina, Carolina. Where did you come from Carolina?

Despite my team being nowhere within shouting distance from the playoffs, this fan still has to religiously watch hockey until the bitter end. Watching the 6th place Hurricanes completely dominate Tim Thomas and the first place Bruins has left me in a state of wonder.

As much as everyone has their own nominee for this year's Vezina trophy, I have heard about Tim Thomas and Henrik Lundqvist to the point where I want to choke myself. Honestly, watching Cam Ward lately, Timmy Thomas has nothing on him! What gets me is Ward's incredible ability to redirect the puck not only away from the net, but at an angle that's next to impossible to catch a rebound.

I think if you couple this level of goaltending with the offensive capabilities of Eric Staal and Jussi Jokinen, you might have a Stanley Cup contender.

I know, I know, you're thinking that Carolina-Boston series isn't nearly so impossible as the Anaheim-San Jose blowout out West, but there's one big difference. Boston is showing up and playing a good game... San Jose, well, fell kind of short.

As far as the current second round contenders out West go, I think it's still anybody's game. The only team I have been pulling for has been Chicago, and you can all see how that's going for me. (I blame you, Khabibulen.)

As the postseason rolls on, I will continually be updating my playoff predicitions and whatnot... and blaming players for team's misgivings (Khabibulen). Or, alternately, mocking their playoff beards (just shave, Crosby, you look ridiculous). Stay tuned, this can only get better!

***

Also, my friend Bryan put up an awesome post at www.nyhockeyrivalry.com regarding the bankruptcy news that hit the Phoenix Coyotes and how it pertains to the Islanders. I'd definitely recommend taking a look.

Meet Me At The... Sprint Center?

2009-05-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Newsday printed a full-color front-page story today about Charles Wang's upset over the losing Islanders and his frustration over the Town of Hempstead's feet-dragging when it comes to the approval of his Lighthouse project.

Now, we all know that Wang loses millions of dollars on the franchise every year. According to Ernst & Young, his total losses amount to $208.8 million (an average of $23 million per year) since his initial purchase of the team. Yes, that is a lot of money. Wang has currently been emphasizing his platform of "if I knew this would be the case, I never would have bought the team."

There are a few reasons for the substantial financial losses that Wang has incurred. One being a substantial drop in ticket sales, another being the SMG lease that doesn't allow Wang or the Islanders to profit from concession sales and parking fees. A lease that requires every Islanders home game to be played at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum until the year 2015 (when the lease expires).

Wang always had a plan to renovate the Coliseum, he has said this since he originally purchased the team. However, since Nassau County has refused to subsidize the cost of the renovation, we now have... the Lighthouse. A complete redevelopment of not only the Coliseum, but the surrounding land as well.

Since the birth of the Lighthouse project, Wang has been butting heads with Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, whom, though claiming that the Town has been more than accomodating to Wang and the Lighthouse group, has been pretty absent and passive aggressive when dealing with the group. She has repeatedly calling for additional reports and a month ago, actually sent out a newsletter to Town of Hempstead residents to approve a "renovation of the current Coliseum" with no mention of the additional development. Note: in that same newsletter she wrote that it would be "the best thing to happen to Nassau County since the Islanders Stanley Cup win in 1984."

After all of these antics, Wang is now threatening to "explore" moving the franchise to another city if Lighthouse development is not approved by the beginning of the 2o09-2010 season. Possible venues for a move would be the Sprint Center in Kansas City and Willets Point, Queens.

I am not going to take sides here, in all honesty, I am a hockey fan who could care less about what goes up around the Coliseum, so long as the team and the Coliseum are still there. I can only say that I think both sides have to give a little in order for there to be some headway here. Nassau County has proposed doing the Lighthouse project in stages starting with the refurbishing of the Coliseum, and then moving on to the surrounding area. I honestly believe that this could be the best option. If they do the project in stages, Wang still gets the development that he wants and the Town and County officials get the time to approve it all as well. Unfortunately, the Lighthouse group is not open to this option.

Now, if this remains a hopeless deadlock, Wang threatens selling the team. The result of which would break the SMG lease, unless they can somehow get it lifted (which seems unlikely). Breaking the lease could mean hefty fines and possible jail time for Wang. Is it worth is?

I will leave you with this: As a season ticket holder for the New York Islanders, it is unnerving to hear the owner of the team regret his purchase. The Islanders are an institution on Long Island. They are the only major sports franchise that Long Island can claim and, despite the naysayers, they are a dynasty. I think one thing all hockey fans can agree on (yes, I do include the rival New York Rangers fans here) is that the Islanders should never leave Long Island.

The Tavares Situation

2009-04-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the Red Line Report has downgraded John Tavares to the number 3 slot, behind Victor Hedman and, get ready for it... Matt Duchene.

The question for Islanders fans now becomes: will the Islanders pick Tavares even if he isn't at the top of everyone's list like he was a few months ago? Or will they pick whomever winds up in that number one slot come June? It's a good question. I do have some (albeit limited) faith in Garth Snow, but Charles Wang I fear when it comes to this draft.

The other concern I have nipping at the back of my mind is the Toronto Maple Leafs' expressed interest in John Tavares and their willingness to pony up if it means getting that first pick. The Islanders aren't exactly known for their Draft Day prowess and Garth Snow hasn't yet ruled out dealing the pick to another team.

I think there will be a lot of suicidal Islanders fans out there if A) the team does trade away their pick; and B) someone else winds up with Tavares.

One thing to note about the whole situation is that, at the final home game of the Islanders' season, Easter Sunday against the Boston Bruins, where the crowd would normally be chanting "Let's Go Islanders!" boisterously from the crowd, instead they were chanting the words "John Tavares!" Losing John Tavares would not only mean something for the game-play on the ice, but it would mean losing whatever hope they have of rallying they fans as well.

I hope that the Islanders team takes all of this into consideration before they decide to blow it in June.

Picks, Tix & Playoffs

2009-04-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

This has been a pretty monumental week of my hockey life. I guess the big story is that the Islanders drew the first pick in the 2009 draft. I know many fans are skepticalc about what they're going to do with said pick, I've heard a lot of dissent directed at General Manager, Garth Snow, lately. In my opinion, they really don't have a choice here. The team needs a goal-scorer and they need to rally their fans. There's only one choice that will accomplish both. I predict that John Tavares will be sharing a line with young Josh Bailey next season.

In other news, this week I officially bit the bullet and sold my soul for season tickets. I own those woodblocks from 10/2009-4/2010. (Let's be honest about the chances of an Islanders playoff berth, shall we?)

And then there's the playoffs! This is my bracket, but Montreal is really not helping me here:

Go ahead and mock me for taking the Habs and Carolina! My pick at the beginning of the season was San Jose and Montreal, so I am still hoping for the Canadiens, but I'm being realistic here. They need to man-up big time!

I was actually impressed by Columbus' game play earlier this week, they didn't seem intimidated by the reigning champion Detroit team... that was until they became the New York Islanders and poured lead into their skates for the third period.

Oh and one final note, I am SO GLAD (insert sarcastic tone) that Guerin is doing so well for Pittsburgh... I know we get a pick out of it and all, but I really don't want to see Kryptonite Crosby hoist Lord Stanley's Cup!

Now the FINAL final note: Versus has decided that bullriding takes precedence over the Chicago/Calgary game tonight. Huh?

Victor WHO???

2009-04-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Even with the Islanders' season at a close, another nail-biting event is still on the horizon: tomorrow's draft lottery.

I actually have to give Chris Botta credit for taking a realistic approach and exploring the possibility of the Islanders picking second tomorrow and what they would do if they landed defenseman Victor Hedman in the draft. I have to agree with Botta, I also believe that Garth Snow would trade down in such an instance.

As I have previously stated, to some people multiple times, the Islanders do not need a defenseman. The penalty kill is awesome! It's not keeping the goals out of the net that's the problem, it's putting them in. We need a goal-scoring, playmaking, power forward! Basically, what we wanted Josh Bailey to be... which I still hope he will be one day.

In a related matter, I did have the chance to convey these beliefs to a Newsday reporter at the game last night. Lo and behold, today it appears in the sports section of the daily newspaper:

So long as you ignore the fact that I said the word "definitely" three times in three sentences, I think I got the point across. It's a little complicated to remain coherent when you have a guy in a dragon suit mocking you from behind the reporter!

Easter Sunday Fallout

2009-04-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

In lieu of spending Easter Sunday with my family, I spent it with my hockey family... the New York Islanders. Might have been a bad call on my part.

The Islanders fall 6-2 to the Boston Bruins with a Phil Kessel hat trick. Not that I didn't expect a result any different than what I received, but I was hoping for a little more of an effort on the part of the Islanders. Especially for the last game of the season.

What baffles me most is that at the end of tonight's game, the crowd began to chant "John Tavares" instead of "Let's Go Islanders." It was as if someone had given all of these fans some inside information that there was a lock on Tavares being an Islander. Almost as if they didn't know that Garth Snow was the general manager and that there was a lottery for the pick.

I suppose that next season can only bring a brighter future for this team. If the team can learn to break away from their lackadaisical performance on the ice.

All in all, I do have to say that, since this year is my first time really investing in the team as a partial season ticket holder, the investment was a success on my part! What will carry me through to October will not be the team's performance, but rather the awesome people I met, the Hoegaardens from the Coliseum's number one bartender (Phil!!!) and being on the up with the conspiracy theories that float through the Coliseum halls. I hope that all of these things will remain a constant for years to come!

Back to Square One

2009-04-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

I have to say, it looks like the Islanders have stopped trying.

Tonight's game against the Philadelphia Flyers looked remarkably like the beginning of the season. It seemed like the Islanders players had poured cement into their skates during the second intermission making it impossible for them to skate with any kind of energy in the third period. Back to square one, I guess.

At this point all a lowly Isles fan can hope for is a brighter day next season. I really hope that the come out with their boots on tomorrow night against Boston and end the season on a good note. At the rate we're going though, I doubt it'll happen.

A Potpourri of Happenings

2009-04-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

I will start this mish-mosh blog with the news that the New York Islanders have signed Mark Katic (a 20-year-old defenseman) and Justin DiBenedetto (a 20-year-old left wing) onto entry level contracts to Bridgeport Sound Tigers from the junior hockey Sarnia Sting. Hopefully some young talent will keep some depth in the Islanders system.

As for the current Islanders team, tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins has been better than expected. Aside from Jiggs and Jaffe's quirky quips. For example, when Matt Cooke scored the third goal for the Penguins, Jiggs remarked that "it's gotta be the mustache!" (in reference to the mustache that Cooke has been working on). Or, his incredible detail when it comes to how Jesse Joensuu should "use his big body." Needless to say, I miss Howie Rose.

On another note, is there anything more humiliating than your ex-captain scoring off your team?

I would like to correct a rumor that I may have started regarding Doug Weight now rooming with Josh Bailey on road trips. Apparently, Tim Jackman has that positions according to IslandersPointBlank.com where Jackman says: "on the road, I control the remote [control]." Point Blank also reports that some of Jackman's duties also include making sure Josh wakes up in the morning... and eats his Cheerios. (okay I made up the Cheerios part)

Moving right along, the Rangers won tonight thus securing their play-off spot.... and I don't really want to talk about it.

FINALLY, and I promise that this will conclude the potpourri! Baseball season has started (who knew?) and I wanted to post this picture of the Newsday headline from today's paper regarding the Mets.

Huh???

Hurricane Carolina Destroys Long Island

2009-04-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

I don't even have the words to describe tonight's bloodshed. Even with Streit and Bergenheim back in the lineup, with Doug Weight happily signed for another year with the Islanders, with Josh Bailey on a scoring upswing, all of these things led one to believe that the Islanders had a fighting chance tonight. I guess the joke was on us.

The final score ended up 9-0 Carolina. A complete humiliation for the New York Islanders. And, as if to salt the wound, the shots on goal totals summed up to Carolina: 57 Islanders:12

It's almost enough to make one jump ship...

48.2%

2009-04-04T22:11:00.001-07:00

The Islanders sang tonight with the win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, but that's not the issue I want to address right now. What baffled me at tonight's game was not the sudden scoring ability against a team that gave the New Jersey Devils a real run for it last night, but rather the fan's outlook on this team.

It has become increasingly apparent to me that Islanders fans have become less focused on seeing their team do well, but rather more concerned with securing their first round draft pick. All I have to say to these fans is this: nothing is ever a lock. Even if the Islanders do end up in last place, that does not guarantee a first round draft pick. Since the lottery system was put into place, it only secures a first or second pick.

For those fans sitting in front of me tonight, who, in Islanders sweaters, were cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning, and berating me by saying, "keep cheering and you'll be seeing Victor Hedman next season," I say this: Regardless of if the Islanders wind up in second to or last place, us fans may still see someone other than John Tavares on this team. There's no use in rooting against you're own team in hopes of securing a pick.

Statistically, there is only a 48.2% chance that the Islanders will obtain that first pick even if they do wind up in last place. That leaves a lot of room for things to not go as fans would presume. Also, keep in mind that the Islanders have a general manager that is less than predictable.

The only thing a true fan can do is keep cheering the current team on and hope for the best for the next season...whatever happens. This fan can't imagine doing anything less.

Canadiens InHABitate the Coliseum...Again.

2009-04-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well, the outcome of tonight's Islanders/Canadiens matchup comes as no surprise to true fans. Once again the Habs came in strong... and with a few busloads of fans imported from Canada!

Looking at tonight's injury report alone led one to the inevitable conclusion that tonight's game could only result in an Islanders loss. Without forwards Kyle Okposo and Dean McAmmond and defenseman Mark Streit, the Isles lost the vast majority of their scoring ability.

Due to the never-ending injury parade, forwards Trevor Smith and Sean Bentivoglio were recalled from Bridgeport. Smith (a personal favorite) had been recalled earlier this season and has been struggling to score goals for his AHL team. Bentivoglio, however, was making his NHL debut.

The only goal that the Islanders tallied tonight came (rather surprisingly) by Jeff Tambellini.

One can only hope that this team fairs better on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning... and that Doug Weight doesn't get into any more fights. (You're 37 years old man, deal with it!)

Oh yes, and how could I forget the last bit of imperative information:
HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY BILLY JAFFE!!!

(Montreal Canadiens photo by the Canadian Press)

Absolutely Priceless....

2009-03-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Flyers Soar: Isles Lose in Shoot Out

2009-03-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Despite the best efforts of the New York Islanders, the game still resulted in a shoot out loss agains the Philadelphia Flyers.

A scrappy first two periods set off the Coliseum crowd. With four players from each team sitting the penalty boxes, a raucous "Flyers Suck" chant emitted from the stands, which riled up Isles players enough to acquire a two goal lead.

One noteworthy play had to be the would-be goal at the end of the first period where Frans Nielsen pushed the puck into the net as the horn sounded to end the period. After review it showed that the puck crossed the line less than a second after the clock had run out.

Unfortunately the Flyers dominated the third period tying up the game and bringing into a shoot out and eventual loss. The ridiculous amount of Flyers fans who showed up made sure to remind us that their team was far superior.

I would have to pose one question: Why would Scott Gordon put defenseman Brendan Witt in the shoot out? A player who hasn't scored a single goal since February of 2008. I found the selection strange, especially when the coach did not choose Jeff Tambellini, whom I am still convinced, is only effective in the shoot out.

Unrelated to the actual play of tonight's game, during the second intermission, they video board played World Cup soccer. Seriously. I can't explain it.

Bridging the Gap: My Sound Tigers Experience

2009-03-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today my Bridgeport virginity was lost. My friend Bryan and I headed up to lovely Bridgeport, CT for our very first Sound Tigers game.

We neglected to take the Port Jefferson Ferry after being told that there was a cut-off time when it stopped running back to Long Island, and if the game had gone into overtime, we would've had to leave early or spend the night in Bridgeport. However the entire car trip took little over an hour and only ran about $11.00 in tolls.

The first thing you notice walking into the Harbor Yard Arena at Bridgeport is the striking difference in size and ticket price (we sat in the second row for $43.00). The entire arena is smaller than the bottom bowl of Nassau Coliseum, and wasn't even half-filled.

After collecting our Jeff Tambellini bobbleheads and purchasing pints of Guinness for a mere $6.00, we headed in to see the Bridgeport Sound Tigers take on the Portland Pirates (the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres).

I expected less when it game to the actual game play. The pass reception was a little lackluster on behalf of both teams and amateur fouls were thrown around like foam pucks in the favorite Bridgeport game, "Chuck-A-Puck." It was borderline remarkable how many players on the Sound Tigers team have actually been called up to their bigger NHL brother, the New York Islanders. To name a few: Trevor Smith, Ben Walter, Jeremy Colliton, Andrew MacDonald and Jesse Joensuu. And the one vet that went the other way...Jon Sim.

The Sound Tigers won the game 4-3, goals scored by Bentivoglio, Smith, Haley and Lee.

This was a great experience for any Isles fan who wants to see where our talent pool is, and, to be honest, I am optimistic about the future of the New York Islanders after seeing the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. I think that players like Trevor Smith and Jesse Joensuu will prosper and become key components on the NHL level. I suppose only time will tell, though...

Isles vs. Boston - Period by Period

2009-03-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

1st Period Observations:

It seems that the Islanders are falling back to their old ways. It is 2-0 against the Boston Bruins after the first period. One goal by Marc Savard, his first in the past 15 games. The other by Phil Kessel. However, the first period has been relatively solid period of good clean hockey...or at least Boston has Lucic on good behavior tonight.

One thing I have noticed is that Kyle Okposo has stepped up to the plate, maybe knowing that he's in contention for the captaincy. His method of play has gotten increasingly more aggressive, which has definitely made a difference in the result of the past few games. Unfortunately, today he's up against one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, Tim Thomas.

2nd Period Observations:

Mark Streit brings the game up to 2-1 with an absolutely beautiful goal past both Zdeno Chara AND Tim Thomas! A breakaway goal that one rarely sees on the NHL level.

Unfortunately the rest of the Islanders team did not really follow that goal up with anything worth mentioning. The Islanders power play has been borderline horrendous, but anyone who knows the Islanders knows that this is nothing new. All in all, it was a pretty uneventful third period.

I do think the line of the period was Howie Rose praising Brendan Witt's screening efforts by saying, "It's not like he's pulling Sean Avery's shenanigans by waving his hands around either." I appreciate any sportscaster who uses the word "shenanigans" in a broadcast.

3rd Period Observations:

Despite a valiant effort in the final 20 minutes, the Islanders lose it 2-1 to the Boston Bruins. My question is this: where was that hard-working gritty hockey for the first two periods? Would things have turned out differently if the ENTIRE team showed up for the first 40 minutes? Except that it was a meager attempt by "Streit & Friends."

Well, maybe this will be the proverbial kick in the nuts that the Islanders need to take on Jonathan Toews and the Blackhawks tomorrow. After which the Islanders have a long week off(during which, honestly, I have no idea what I am going to do with myself).

...for the record, I still contend that Boston is going to choke in the playoffs.

Isles Takes Habs in OT

2009-03-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Despite the amazing acrobats of goalie Carey Price, the Islanders pulled out an overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens.

To add a personal touch to this seemingly epic win, I would like to note that I spent the night at Dave & Buster's in Westbury at the Islanders viewing party... starring your favorite forward and mine, Mike Sillinger! It was a good turnout despite the weening fanbase of our favorite team. Sillinger signed autographs, gave out game giveaway leftovers and a guest appearance by Sparky the Dragon topped it all off. And even better, the waitress, who was an Isles fan herself, slid us some $10 D&B power cards...

The resonant theme from the fans, unfortunately, was that the Islander win wasn't exactly in accordance with the poplular ideal of signing Canadian superstar John Tavares for the next season. I think all Isles fans are rooting for not only their team, but also the Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning (who also won tonight's game) and the Colorado Avalanche in order to secure our draft pick.

Despite flirting with a guy in a dragon suit, getting Mike Sillinger's autograph and getting locked out on a smoke break, tonight's Isles party was good. The waitress even slid us some power cards for games under the table! Even she was an Islanders fan.

Hats off to the goalie wars tonight though! Both Islanders goaltender Yann Danis and Canadiens goaltender Carey Price did their part in tonight's game. Unfortunately for the Habs, despite Price's efforts, let up the overtime goal to Islanders forward, Kyle Okposo. Okposo whom, rumor has it, is in line for the captaincy next year.

I will leave off with this note: There is no greater music to a fan's ears than having your opposition's fans boo their team off the ice. Bienvenue de Montreal!

Isles Fall to Leafs

2009-03-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, it feels a little strange being thankful that the Islanders upswing that began this weekend is over, now that we have recorded yet another overtime loss to the Maple Leafs. I have become less concerned with my team winning and more concerned with scoring the first round draft pick for the 2009-2010 season in the form of John Tavares.

On a positive note, what I can say is this: One cannot help but notice the increased attention to team-oriented play on the ice with these Isles. The "kids" are bringing their A-game to the table and it has been paying off. I am not sure if it's coach Scott Gordon's so-called "system" that we've been hearing about since October (enough already) or if the camaraderie amongst the teammates is what is leading to a higher percentage of pass completion, a more aggressive forecheck and ultimately more goal scoring. I'd like to think that it's both.

The rumor around the Islanders fan gossip chain is that by next season Kyle Okposo will be wearing the captain's "C" on his chest. Just something that I wanted to address because I still think he's a little rough around the edges to be deemed leadership material. Great player, great kid, but I'd like to see the title go to a player that maybe has some more time spent on the NHL level (remember, Okposo has only been out of Bridgeport for about a year). I would think that Trent Hunter or Brendan Witt would be a more logical choice. I guess this is why I am not running my own hockey team!

Anyway, this blogger will remain rooting for Atlanta/Colorado/Tampa Bay along with her Islanders until the end of the season, because if we're doing well... well, they have to stay in front of us.

(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)

Foiled Again!

2009-03-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Amidst the roaring chants proclaiming "Potvin Sucks!" and "Let's Go Rangers!" a group of Islanders fans could be heard shouting "Sloppy Seconds!" at the newly returned New York Ranger.... #16 - Sean Avery.

Despite the loss, which weighs heavy on Islanders fans everywhere (as any loss to the rival New York Rangers does), the Islanders did play a remarkably good game. Forward Trent Hunter stepped up to the plate and really showed that he is more than a good shot. That he has grit (character, and heart). Accepting a two minute minor penalty after boarding Sean Avery, he has proven that has what it takes to play a hard-hitting game.

Also proving that he has the calibre of intensity the Islanders need is the addition of Joel Rechlicz, whom Chris Botta proclaims as "when not fighting, better than Mitch Fritz." We will see how well this young winger plays out in the coming weeks.

All in all, I think the Islanders are playing more as a team now than they did at the beginning of the season when it looking like five individual players skating around on the ice (something Ranger fans know about all too well). I can only hope that this gritty team-oriented play continues through Saturday's game against the New Jersey Devils.

Leaving Long Island...

2009-03-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

I guess now it's time to say good-bye to Islanders captain Bill Guerin as he was traded at the deadline today to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a draft pick that might as well be worth a bag of hockey pucks. The only question that comes to my mind about this deal is this: did they put him in a Hefty bag before they threw him in the dumpster?

The conditional draft pick that the Islanders picked up from the Penguins is this: 5th round off the bat; 4th round if the Penguins make the play-offs; 3rd round if they get past the first round of the playoffs. Not that I am pessimistic about the Penguins' chances here, but I think it'll likely be the 4th round pick, which honestly I thought we'd get more for the goal-scoring power forward. Hell, we got more for Mike Comrie!

It does concern me a little that general manager Garth Snow expressed his inexperience at being a seller today, it makes you wonder what might have happened if he did have a few more years under his belt. I suppose that will be a question that will remain unanswered though.

A question that WILL be answered, sooner than later, is: who is in contention for the Islanders captaincy? I don't know if there is a clear-cut leader in the current organization. My personal opinion would be for Trent Hunter, though one could also make a case for defenseman Brendan Witt, whom the Isles were downright reluctant to wheel and deal at all this week. There is some obvious support for the veteran in the Islanders organization.

All in all, I think we all knew that Guerin wouldn't be around for much longer, I also think we assumed we'd get more out of the deal than we did. It was a pretty anti-climactic draft day for the Islanders... if only the Calgary Flames could say the same.

(Photo courtesy of Mark Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

Wanna Trade?

2009-03-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

The drama continues as the trade deadline nears! There are still a lot of big names being thrown around and no big trades have yet been made. I am currently watching the Bolts/Pens game where Mark Recchi is missing from the Bolts line-up due to a potential trade and Miroslav Satan is playing for the Pens, but has been placed on waivers. If I flip the station I'd be able to watch Toronto play sans Antropov and Moore.

Still, TSN has been tossing around names like Chris Pronger, Tomas Kaberle, Jay Bowmeester, Olli Jokinen, as well as three very familiar names (Guerin, Weight and Witt). It does make things exciting in the wide world of the NHL. I know I have not been able to turn away from it all!

Less substantiated rumors are circulating as well as the ones we've all been talking about (at length). Rumors about the Rangers shopping around captain Chris Drury (and adding Sean Avery back into their line-up), or the Islanders possibly releasing the newly acquired center Dean McAmmond.

When it comes to the Islanders' tomorrow, I foresee them unloading more than doing much pick up, though I think Jay Bowmeester would look amazing in an Isles sweater. If Snow is going in the direction he says he is, we're going to wind up with draft picks instead of new players. Hey, we play well with 17 guys anyway, right?

**Unrelated to the above, does Versus really have to interview Sidney Crosby when he's not even playing? God, I hate him..**

Like Sand Through the Hourglass...

2009-03-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

And so goes the saga of the New York Islanders trade options. Rumors are still flying regarding the potential trade of team captain, Bill Guerin, but another day has gone by and nothing has come to fruition.

According to TSN, the Islanders and the Guerin camp are waiting for "an undisclosed Eastern Conference team" to nail down the deal before the trade can go through. Speculations are circulating that this team is most likely the Washington Capitals. Though skepticism has increased as to whether they will be able to finalize the details prior to the March 4th deadline.

Another rumor circulating out there is that if this "mystery team" does not hammer out the details, that another deal is on the table for a package deal of both Bill Guerin and his buddy Doug Weight. We're appropriately calling that the "Spoon Set" (thanks for that one, Brian).

TSN also has defenseman Brendan Witt listed as possibly trade-worthy. However, Chris Botta of IslandersPointBlank.com seems to think that the Islanders are not as willing to let the veteran hard-hitter go. Botta claims that the Islanders are asking a lot in exchange.

We will bring you more rumors and petty speculation as developments unfold.

The Longest Trade EVER

2009-03-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

I am not usually to blog twice in the past 24 hours, but I do have to mention that for the past day, I have heard nothing else by the probability and secrecy around the Bill Guerin trade.

It has been mentioned that the Islanders might as well have dismembered the captain and given a piece to every team in the NHL and honestly, if they had, it'd be less drawn out. According to Chris Botta, it has come down to the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals. I am leaning toward the latter.

I must ask, what will Little Spoon do on road trips if Big Spoon gets traded?
(your welcome, to all of those who know what I'm talking about)

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

New Home for Guerin?

2009-02-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

Nassau Coliseum was a flutter of rumors tonight as Islanders captain, Bill Guerin was not on the ice for the night's game against the Buffalo Sabres. The rumor mill circulating amongst fans was quite akin to teenagers in high school.

The rumors were not about whether or not the Islanders captain would be traded, by rather where he would be traded to. According to islanderspointblank.com, it has been confirmed that a trade is in negotiations, it will be to an Eastern Conference team and it does not involve the New Jersey Devils or Boston Bruins. The trade is currently pending approval by Guerin. Most likely the final destination will by either Montreal or Washington. Also on the horizon is the possibility of other veteran Islanders trades involving defensemen Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek, and also injured forward Doug Weight.

A formal announcement regarding Guerin's future home is slated to be made Sunday, March 1st.

The question that remains is: Who is going to captain the Islanders team? My personal opinion would have to be forward Trent Hunter.

Other players to keep an eye on the coming months include goaltenders Joey MacDonald and Yann Danis and also my favorite winger Andy Hilbert who will all by Unrestricted Free Agents this year. Though I am sure something will be said about this next comment, I do feel that Hilbert's career with the New York Islanders is not over. With the subtraction of a few veterans, I do predict that Hilbert will earn an "A" on his jersey for the 2009-2010 season.

I believe the next few weeks will be quite eventful for everyone in the Islanders organization.

You're FIRED!

2009-02-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

I suppose the biggest news in the NHL universe today would be the New York Rangers decision to fire head coach Tom Renney. I find this to be a surprise considering Renney's track record of consistently getting the Rangers into the playoffs, despite the decrease in fan loyalty toward the coach.

The Rangers are now talking to ex-Lightning coach John Tortorella about coming in to coach the Blue Shirts. Only one problem with this plan... due to his contract with Tampa Bay, they want compensation to let him go. This blogger has an inkling that their desire for compensation is due in large part to their being a small-market team with big name players (i.e. Vincent LeCavalier).

In all honesty, I do favor John Tortorella as a coach. He led the Rochester American's to the AHL's Calder Cup, the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Stanley Cup and has 239 career wins as a coach. Personally, I favored him when the New York Islanders interviewed him in the 2008 post-season.

I do agree that the Rangers need to rattle things up a bit after 10 losses in 12 games. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist says, "Sometimes you have to accept that you need a change and you have to do it." Unfortunately, it's much easier to fire a coach than players. Most Ranger fans would tell you that getting rid of Redden and Rozsival would have been less shocking and more widely accepted.

Assistant coach Perry Pearn was also fired today.

What the McAmmond is Going On?

2009-02-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

In a shocking turn of events today our beloved New York Islanders have traded away goal-scoring defenseman Chris Campoli and goal-missing forward Mike Comrie for Dean McAmmond, a big centre from the Ottawa Senators. They also threw in a first round draft pick from San Jose that they had acquired last year.

I think sadness and joy are echoing through me at the same time. Yes, I am a Campoli fan. I haven't fired him yet (or at least that I remember). Though islanderspointblank.com has speculated that Campoli asked for the trade. He wanted to go to a team that could feasibly go to the playoffs? Why would he want to do a silly thing like that? What I am not certain of is how this fits into the Garth Snow Youth Movement yet. McAmmond is 35 years old and has only totaled 7 points in his 44 games this season. Huh? Now, those are Comrie statistics.

In all honesty, I think this was a lateral move and I will venture to say that we lost out on this deal by getting rid of Campoli. I do understand that Snow probably made the deal for the draft pick more than the player they were acquiring. Though, a first-round draft pick from San Jose this season is going to be the 25th at best.

I suppose this does, however, fall under the category of "shaking things up." Call me a pessimist, but I predict that he'll quickly become an Islander and have his first season injury by the time April rolls around.

I hate to go all celebrity here, but it's kind of laughable that Hillary Duff will be joining Carrie Underwood in the stands of Scotiabank Place.

Aftermath of the Hurricanes

2009-02-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

The crowd was light tonight at Nassau Coliseum as the Islanders took on the Carolina Hurricanes, unfortunately so was the scoring ability of the New York Islanders.

The Islanders started strong tonight, Mark Streit scoring a power-play goal in the first period to tie it up with the one that Hurricanes' Eric Staal had previously put past goaltender Joey MacDonald. Sadly, Staal would go on to score once more and Streit would not. This led to the steady decline into a 6-2 loss.

What struck me most was the use of Brendan Witt in an offensive position. Due to the absence of Richard Park, who will be out for the next four weeks with broken ribs (or, in NHL terms, upper body injury), it seems that the Isles have decided to shake things up and use the powerful defenseman as the requisite right wing. Witt was taking face-offs and securing an offensive position on the Islanders power play. However, this proved to be an unsuccessful maneuver.

The only other goal the Islanders tallied was put in by Jon Sim. Surprising, seeing has how the lefty forward has only racked up six goals in the 2008-2009 season for the Isles, after missing all but one game last season due to injury.

Mike Comrie, however, did happen to show up, or at least duke it out. Comrie, not usually a fighter, decided it was best to rally the crowd in the third period by throwing down his gloves with Chad LaRose. To quote the very quotable Billy Jaffe, "I don't know if Comrie is a flyweight or a bantamweight. All I know is that my weight keeps going up."

I don't know if you can simply chalk it up to the team being tired after last night's physical game against the Rangers. More likely, the Islanders are reverting back to their old tried-and-true method of lazy hockey. Something needs to shake the team up like a snowglobe, probably in the way of the team's roster. I am hopeful that a day of rest will exhilarate the team for Saturday's match-up against the New Jersey Devils.

On a more personal note, the teenagers that sat behind us at the game needed to be dragged through the parking lot by a semi. But one really can't complain about a night filled with my two favorite things....hockey and beer.

Commissioner Gordon Defeats The Penguin

2009-02-17T19:13:00.000-08:00

It seems apropos that, as an Islanders fan, I should christen this page with an Islander win.

As yesterday's game unfolded at Nassau Coliseum, one question came up more than any other: "What happened to the Pittsburgh Penguins?" From Stanley Cup finalists to barely keeping it up behind Carolina in the Eastern Conference. In only a few short months we have seen this team go from being true contenders, to being defeated by the last-place Islanders.

Sidney Crosby has only racked up one point in his past four games and has gone from being the next Wayne Gretzky to barely nipping at Alexander Oveckhin's heels. He appeared completely irrelevant during yesterday's game and has been overshadowed all season by teammate Evgeni Malkin.

Malkin, it seems, is the backbone of this Pittsburgh team, scoring 11 points in his past 9 games. Unfortunately, he is looked over when it comes to the notariety that is consistently bestowed upon Crosby. In my opinion, the NHL should just put a 2 minute minor into the rulebook for "too close to Sid the Kid."

What has been most surprising is the recent firing of coach Michel Therrien. A coach who has been with the team since the Lemieux glory days. A coach who didn't see it coming. Therrien who told TSN's Michael Landsberg, "I didn't see it coming." Pittsburgh, now being spearheaded by interim head coach Dan Bylsma, have yet to find their footing again. Byslma, whose playing career was cut short due to injury, has been the head coach of Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate) and has served as assistant coach to the AHL's Cincinnati Mighty Ducks and, ironically, the New York Islanders.

So, what is the answer for a Stanley Cup contending team that has dropped off to a meager 60 points more than halfway through the season?

Stop banking on the superstar forwards and create consistency through playmakers such as Jordan Staal, Tyler Kennedy and Kris Letang. Beef up the defense. There's something to be said by goals that are spawned by a team working together, not breakaway shots from your one or two franchise players. The problems with this team cannot be fixed overnight, probably not in time for the playoff race, but if general manager Ray Shero is smart they will be problems that can be fixed during the post-season draft.

Pittsburgh's next game is Thursday, February 19th against Montreal.