tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40975211219466416632011-12-20T11:57:42.630-05:00J Pickernoreply@blogger.comBlogger901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-57865206848289158222008-10-14T10:53:00.003-04:002008-10-14T10:56:06.998-04:00

Islander fans across the country knew that the 2008-2009 season was going to be a learning process, but most did not expect the shellacking the Isles got from the Sabers yesterday to come so early on in the season. The Isles would be playing on extra adrenaline through at least the first two home games, right? Wrong. The Isles got their butts beat on the ice, on the scoreboard, and pretty much

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-20457125652998876972008-10-08T16:28:00.005-04:002008-10-08T16:47:08.116-04:00

The final roster cuts from training camp have been made. 2008 first round pick Josh Bailey has made the team to start the season. My guess is that he will not be with the Islanders more then the 9 games he is allowed before being able to return to his junior team. That being said, if he plays well enough in these handful of regular season games, it is going to give Snow and Gordon their first

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-42368178694986330742008-09-29T10:54:00.003-04:002008-09-29T11:24:33.616-04:00

With training camp coming to a close, the only major moves regarding the Islanders at this point, is who will make the final roster. Josh Bailey seems to be in the driver seat of where he will play this year based upon comments made by Gordon earlier in the week as well as the fact that he has made this first roster cut and is penciled in as the 2nd line center. It still pains me that Andy

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-1259616404417011752008-09-25T11:43:00.003-04:002008-09-25T12:41:00.458-04:00

With the season just over two weeks away, this year's New York Islanders squad is beginning to take shape. New coach Scott Gordon has decided against intersquad practice scrimmages and instead devotes all time on the ice to teaching all players, whether veteran or young prospect, Gordon's style and systems of play. Specific line combinations are still being hammered out and probably won't be

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-67359989442943334412008-09-24T10:10:00.005-04:002008-09-24T13:01:25.094-04:00

Is Anyone Out There? ~ B&O Season Preview I hope all of you B&O’ers out there had a great summer and I hope you are looking forward to the upcoming Islander season. B&O has been inactive for quite some time and that’s mostly my fault as I was studying all summer to take the New York Bar Exam. But now that’s behind me and we can concentrate on Islanders hockey from here on out. What is

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-40661695420494944992008-08-12T19:32:00.003-04:002008-08-12T19:39:00.850-04:00

The Islanders have agreed to a multiyear deal with Scott Gordon to coach the team.More to come...

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-46794058509756025942008-07-14T14:32:00.003-04:002008-07-14T15:02:59.435-04:00

In a remarkable turn of events this off season, the New York Islanders and Ted Nolan have decided to part ways. It's interesting and classy that the Isles have adapted the "part ways" philosophy, which allows Nolan to keep some dignity after being removed before his current contract expired. It is also interesting that for the second time in Nolan's coaching career, he has lost a job after

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-11353850800166668392008-06-25T12:42:00.008-04:002008-07-13T04:32:35.780-04:00

After attending the draft day party at the Coliseum and reading just about everything I could find on our new baker's dozen of prospects, here is my analysis of the Islanders 2008 draft.With the 5th, I mean 7th, no wait the 9th pick - the Islanders select Center Josh Bailey from Windsor of the OHL. Time will tell if Snow's plan of picking up the additional 2nd and 3rd round picks from the deals

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-37206496239018702562008-06-20T10:08:00.003-04:002008-06-21T20:01:07.769-04:00

----------------UPDATE; I'm not too sure I liked what Garth Snow chose to do yesterday. He promised fans that he would take the best available player, but he clearly went back on his word. If either Filatov or Wilson turn out to be big time talents and Bailey becomes the next Ryan O'Marra, then it's over. It just isn't meant to be for us Isles fans. The Isles did replenish their farm system and

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-81821270922830445132008-06-05T00:10:00.004-04:002008-06-14T23:40:17.571-04:00

-------------------------UPDATE: Isles talking to Yashin? It appears the Isles are under talks with Alex Yashin's agent on a possible one year deal. Wow.-------------------------As many of you might have recently become aware, the Isles decided last week to cut ties with back up goaltender Wade Dubielewicz. Although Dubie got off to a terrible start last season, he did put in some incredibly

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-63372534997049079502008-04-30T14:13:00.009-04:002008-04-30T15:37:14.435-04:00

Eastern Conferene Penguins v. Rangers - I don't even think Islander fans would have predicted that the Penguins would be currently sitting with a 3-0 series lead on the Rangers. But having watched every minute of every game so far, I can tell you that the Penguins sit where they because they are the far superior team. In game 1, the Penguins came storming back from an early 3-0 deficit and

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-61155938207528571132008-04-14T10:28:00.017-04:002008-04-16T17:11:47.252-04:00

-----------------------------------------------UPDATE: I found a definition for Nolan-type player, for those of you who might be confused. Check it out here...http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Nolan-type-----------------------------------------------Here are my following notes/highlights that must be addressed and/or acknowledged before the start of next season.1. The New York

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-54630180114929210032008-04-06T20:30:00.005-04:002008-04-13T14:39:42.447-04:00

This year we will be conducting our first annual B&O Playoff Challenge. The contestant with the most wins will be our champion. Extra points for correct games. Who knows their stuff? The First round matchups are....EASTERN CONFERENCEMontreal(1) v. Boston(8)Pittsburgh(2) v. Ottawa(7)Washington(3) v. Philadelphia(6)New Jersey(4) v. New York R(5)WESTERN CONFERENCEDetroit(1) v. Nashville(8)San Jose(2

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-30139706025914603882008-04-02T09:27:00.002-04:002008-04-02T09:30:50.549-04:00

By: BIll (Guest Columnist)This summer will be the defining moment for the Snow/Nolan regime. The team, as it stands now, is full of holes and there are teams in the Eastern Conference that are becoming stronger (Washington, Philadelphia, Montreal).As it stands now, goaltending appears to be a real strength. I think that both Joey Mac and Dubie have proved to the rest of the NHL that they are

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-89303783525174168382008-03-23T00:26:00.009-04:002008-03-23T23:37:30.013-04:00

There have been renewed indications that Ted Nolan's future with the New York Islanders is not exactly written in stone. After 1.5 seasons as the coach of the Isles, most would have assumed Nolan would be re-inked by the Isles, especially after leading the Isles to 7th in the East at the all-star break. But then the wheels came undone and now the legacy of the Isles' 2007-2008 season won't be

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-64803275280012290332008-03-12T10:38:00.007-04:002008-03-12T16:25:17.854-04:00

As the 2007-2008 season continues to unravel for the New York Islanders, there isn't much the loyal Islander fan can look forward to. More DP puck-handling gaffs? More ice time for the Bridgeport Islanders? Jon Sim's unlikely return? Like I said, there is not too much to look forward to. Regarding the play of Rick DiPietro...Where in the beginning of the season DP was a cautious puck-handler,

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-20022403479408133582008-03-07T11:13:00.001-05:002008-03-07T11:13:49.384-05:00

Sometimes I feel like Nolan is completely mindless out there—as if his coaching decisions were based on a video game’s knowledge of the Isles. Hear me out…1. In a video game, the PP lines and PK lines are predetermined. It doesn’t matter how many times a strategy fails or the players fail, the game still rolls out the same lines with the same strategy. Sounds a lot like Nolan.2. In a video game,

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-57482439475091169552008-03-05T09:35:00.005-05:002008-03-05T12:55:17.634-05:00

In what could have been the final nail in the coffin on a downward spiraling stretch run, Jeff Tambellini came through in the clutch to give the Isles a much needed shootout win over the rival Rangers. In the 6th round of shooters, Tambellini made one quick move in the slot and unleashed a wicked wrist shot over Henrik Lundqvist's glove. It was nice to see Tambellini have such an impact on a game

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-33508530684182360902008-02-28T17:07:00.001-05:002008-02-28T17:19:20.347-05:00

With only 18 games left to play, the New York Islanders sit uncomfortably in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. After going on an improbable six game winning streak, the Isles catapulted themselves back into the playoff picture, only to drop back to back games soon thereafter. Now, not to discredit the Isles most recent surge, but they did run into a good amount of luck in order to keep that

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-5425532686490023642008-02-24T13:03:00.005-05:002008-02-24T14:15:27.430-05:00

As we close in on 48 hours before Tuesday's trade deadline, us residents of Islanders Country can only imagine which way Snow will move this team. We have all read the countless reports that Snow is neither a buyer or seller for this upcoming deadline but rather a builder. This builder status Snow has taken took its first step when Snow signed Trent Hunter to a 5 yr, $10 million deal on Friday.

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-35085239013328732472008-02-17T17:55:00.014-05:002008-02-22T19:11:16.378-05:00

---------------------------------------------UPDATE: Trent Hunter signs 5 year extension. The deal is worth approximately $10 million. ---------------------------------------------There has been much debate in the hockey world as to whether enforcer Chris Simon should be given a third chance to prolong his career with the New York Islanders. With Simon’s most recent suspension about to expire,

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-52303226538468234332008-02-12T23:37:00.003-05:002008-02-13T00:00:53.181-05:00

Tonight's 4-3 victory over the Flyers certainly represents the feel-good night the Isles have needed for about a month. They turned in a tremendous effort, outworking the Flyers throughout stretches of the game, while playing the type of up-tempo style that saw the Isles right in the thick of things only a few weeks ago. While I do think the Flyers came out taking the Isles a bit lightly, it was

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-41675919557711038182008-02-06T09:45:00.000-05:002008-02-06T10:49:46.010-05:00

Is there anything that has been left unsaid of the New York Islanders this season? Here on Bleeding Blue and Orange, the regulars have broken down the Islanders in a number of ways. We have suggested line combinations, apportioned playing time, contemplated positional changes, and analyzed statistics. Many of our ideas have been utilized, while some of our most obvious notions have been

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-46918387779634662272008-02-01T10:23:00.001-05:002008-02-01T10:33:18.972-05:00

I apologize for not posting this week, but it’s been a rough week in Islanders Country. The Isles completed the month of January with out a win at home, and are thus winless in 2008 at the NVMC. Games like last night’s contest against the Kings makes me wish I loved football or basketball, and not hockey. The Isles have gotten away from everything that makes hockey enjoyable. As I first reported

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-27873191252220008972008-01-28T00:09:00.000-05:002008-01-29T17:23:59.164-05:00

---------------------------------------------------Update: 96 and 97 are tough...clue...they were both defenseman....--------------------------------------------------Can you name the last 10 Isles' All-Stars? Don't cheat...2008 - DP (freebie)2007 - Blake (Nyisles82)2004 - Aucoin (Nyisles82)2003 - Hammrlik (Nyisles82)2002 - Yashin & Parish (Nicky P)2000 - Czerkawski (Nicky P)1998 - Palffy (

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-86163380855135177842008-01-25T10:17:00.000-05:002008-01-25T10:41:48.225-05:00

Last night’s 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins shouldn’t sit well with Islanders fans. The loyal Islanders fan has been told to give this team a chance—that this team will fight for every point and fight for every puck on every shift on every night. But all too frequently, that is not the case. Had the Isles come out with a strong performance in Boston, they might have been able to head into all star

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-14724283696707488962008-01-22T01:54:00.000-05:002008-01-22T09:23:01.907-05:00

A holiday weekend that could have seen the Isles take home 4 out of 4 points, instead saw the Isles take home a measly 1 point. With 2 goal leads both against the Flyers and Canes, the Isles managed to squander ‘em both, while additionally managing to lose for the first time this season when heading into the 3rd period with a lead. It was the weekend of fortuitous bounces. The Flyers got 2

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-20350611505863373542008-01-20T03:30:00.000-05:002008-01-20T03:56:28.784-05:00

The Isles' 5-3 loss to the Flyers last night epitomizes the story of the split personality New York Islanders. The Jekyll Islanders come out flying. They come out skating and hitting and shooting. They give you everything they have because they know the only way they will beat you is if they outwork you. On the contrary, the Hyde Islanders are not so anxious. They are not desperate to create

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-41939512491444698712008-01-18T12:20:00.000-05:002008-01-18T13:23:41.096-05:00

In an effort to keep Dubie sharp, he has been sent down to Bridgeport for a conditioning stint. Recalled to play bench warmer for DP is Mike Morrison. Morrison is a University of Maine graduate who has put up respectable numbers this year at the bridge. He has 13-9-0 record with a 2.70 goals against average, .908 save percentage and three shutouts so far this year.In other news, it looks like we

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-26231339245041842062008-01-16T21:58:00.001-05:002008-01-16T23:36:25.279-05:00

Mark this game down as another that the Isles had no business winning without their all-star netminder. A game that the Isles controlled for a majority of the night saw the Isles treading helplessly for the final 10 minutes as Rick DiPietro turned in a stellar performance. While many will look towards that flash of leather on Elias, the glove save on Zubrus went mostly unheralded. With DP down

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-22888074167092077492008-01-13T21:02:00.000-05:002008-01-15T13:15:05.901-05:00

----------------------------------------------UPDATE: Check out my back & forth with TSN analysis Scott Cullen in the comments section of this post.----------------------------------------------Midterm GradesGoaltendersRick DiPietro - As the team's only representative at this year's all-star game, it is clear what type of year DP is having. While his individual stats have been hurt by a decent

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-37092771745439607782008-01-09T01:54:00.000-05:002008-01-11T12:25:49.816-05:00

------------------------------------------------------------UPDATE: Rick DiPietro an All-Star!!!!------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to a new day and age in New York Islanders history that is now ruled by someone who might seem, at times, "madder" than Mad Mike Milbury. This new replacement? Nut Case Nolan. The most flabbergasting decision by NCN last night was his

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-59961975167121250192008-01-06T01:34:00.000-05:002008-01-06T12:57:18.725-05:00

In my first game in over two weeks, I was treated to another ineffective showing by the Isles' offense. After the Isles took a one goal lead in the first, it wasn't until late in the 3rd period (and long after the game had been tied up) that the Isles attempted to create scoring opportunities at even strength. For a majority of tonight's game, the Isles were outworked and outmuscled which led to

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-75427011974020135282007-12-31T17:05:00.000-05:002007-12-31T23:31:44.097-05:00

As 2007 comes to an end, the Islanders face the Hurricane's tonight. The trio of Ricky, Radek and Sillinger all stayed home on Long Island to nurse injuries. Word is that all three should return thursday at home, or very shortly after that. Another one of our young favorites, Ben Walter has been called up to replace Sillinger's spot in the lineup. He has been placed on the 4th line to center

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-13275270527803965482007-12-29T01:47:00.000-05:002007-12-29T02:02:29.329-05:00

Yesterday, the Islanders officially welcomed Kyle Okposo to the organization, signing him to a three year deal at 2.55 million, the rookie max. So far Okposo is living up to his billing performing nicely at the World Junior Championships with a goal and 2 assists so far in the tourney.Another Isles prospect, Robin Figren is also putting his skills on display. Check out this clip of his goal

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-30459030873768396742007-12-20T15:51:00.000-05:002007-12-21T18:41:11.432-05:00

Yesterday, both the Islanders and University of Minnesota confirmed that Kyle Okposo would be leaving the Golden Gophers and will join the Islanders organization after playing in the Under-20 World Junior Championships. This can only be a good thing for our Islanders, who are dead last in scoring in the NHL. After last night's game, where we outplayed Buffalo and still lost, it is clear this

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-3790117234708622132007-12-16T20:34:00.000-05:002007-12-16T21:07:37.524-05:00

It's time for Ted to show up...once and for all. If he's not going to help improve the Isles on the Ice, then he's got to at least help them off the ice. And that starts with cutting Chris Simon for his inexcusable selfish attack on Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu. Chris Simon has now clearly established that he goes by the motto "I only do what's good for me." And even worse than a selfish agenda is a

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-37021368656943216592007-12-14T17:25:00.000-05:002007-12-14T18:22:55.437-05:00

Something has definitively happened to the New York Islanders over the last few weeks. The Isles started the season on top of the world, sweeping Buffalo in a home-and-home (avenging last year's playoff defeat) and then winning 3 games each from the rival Rangers and Devils, on route to an extraordinary 13-8-1 start to the 2007-2008 season. The critics had counted the Isles out before they first

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-53813428035915699392007-12-13T02:52:00.000-05:002007-12-13T03:21:24.038-05:00

In a post game interview with Isles' coach Ted Nolan, when asked about Jeff Tambellini's limited role thus far, Nolan remarked that he benched Tambellini for much of the latter part of last night's game because the Isles first line of Tambellini-Comrie-Gurein "couldn't get out of their own zone for half the game." This utterance highlights Nolan's one true accomplishment thus far this season:

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-69493768356348470422007-12-09T14:01:00.000-05:002007-12-10T15:18:24.070-05:00

Nyisles has made a very good point about Ted Nolan. An excerpt from his most recent post reads as follows: "To an outsider, I see the team frustrated on the inside beyond belief, but outwardly they're pretending it isn't there. I attribute this to Nolan's leadership style. He's the calmest person I've ever seen coach a sport, and I'd put money on the fact that he spends a lot of his locker room

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-10547530395634493812007-12-07T22:15:00.000-05:002007-12-07T23:45:41.299-05:00

That snowball effect that I grazed over a few days ago is starting to get bigger and bigger. The New York Islanders have now dropped their 5th consecutive game and are on the verge of watching their season spin out of control. Even more strange is that the Isles still boast a winning record and are a mere 6 points out of first place in the Atlantic Division and two points out of 8th in the East

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-47498945278807071922007-12-05T23:56:00.000-05:002007-12-06T00:21:30.579-05:00

By: Frank Mazzola (Guest Columnist) (With apologies to mope rockers The Smiths)"Panic on the streets of LynbrookPanic on the streets of ManhassetI wonder to myselfCould life ever be sane again?"The Islanders are in the midst of a goal-scoring, power play efficiency drought of Biblical proportions and the frustration is starting to mount. The question is: Who and/or what is to blame?Unfortunately,

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-48839391095168277662007-12-04T01:37:00.000-05:002007-12-04T02:09:06.667-05:00

One week ago I proclaimed that us fans should not doubt this team after I had witnessed a tremendous effort against the Ottawa Senators. Today, I'm going to stick by that notion. This team proved for a long period of time that it could compete with some of the best teams in the NHL. We are 3-0 against last year's conference finalists, and 6-1 against the Rangers and Devils, two of the best teams

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-24310707779445246322007-12-02T02:22:00.000-05:002007-12-02T02:47:37.831-05:00

To whom it may concern:The New York Islanders are in a great deal of trouble. While they tease their fans with big wins while their goaltending and defense stands on its head, the Islanders do not possess the offesnsive capabilities to compete in the NHL. This is not about being pessimistic or optimistic, but it is about panicking. Isles fans are panicking because they have seen their beloved

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-67034244714625937162007-11-29T09:15:00.000-05:002007-11-29T09:49:16.498-05:00

Let last night be the last time we doubt the New York Islanders and of what they are capable. In the first meeting of the year with the Ottawa Senators (on paper a far superior team and a team that has dominated the Isles over the years), the Isles stuck with the Sens and managed to pull out a 3-2 shootout victory. The Isles not only competed with the Sens, but they finally looked like they

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-88541643944940179332007-11-25T19:44:00.000-05:002007-11-25T22:07:14.811-05:00

20 games into the season, and it's time to hand out the B&O first quarter grades. The Isles are currently 12-8 and have much to be proud of after most predicted the Isles to be near or around the bottom of the NHL after many core players bolted last summer. After losing Ryan Smyth, Jason Blake, Victor Kozlov, & Tom Poti, Garth Snow revamped the roster wit the additions of new Blood like Bill

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-30207579710686366302007-11-23T18:18:00.000-05:002007-11-23T18:41:43.348-05:00

By: Geoffrey GottliebToday’s 12pm game was beyond sickening. I might be the least liked writer on this site after this article but the truth is the Islanders flat out stink. Let's start with the power play. I don’t get how Nolan hasn’t seen in the past few games that we cant score on the power play. Tell me why Vasicek who has been our best forward night in and night out isn’t on the power play?

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-72339843050485054632007-11-22T12:55:00.000-05:002007-11-22T13:56:21.404-05:00

Last night was the first game of the season in which I attended and what a disappointment it turned out to be.  With the NVMC at about 75% capacity, the team came out in the first very flat and the Habs jumped all over it after Berard floated the puck in front of Ricky, has no shot of stopping Berard's mistake.  The two native Long Islanders, Chris Higgins and Mike Komisarek, both had outstanding

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-16674815739047501992007-11-20T13:23:00.000-05:002007-11-20T13:28:06.961-05:00

By: Bill (Guest Columnist)Boy, I like the look of that. Outstanding TEAM effort tonight. This was the best game the Isles have played all year. Some thoughts:Why can't DP play Lundqvist or Broduer every night? If he played with the focus that he brings to these games he would be unbeatable.Snow needs to sign Vasicek to a long term deal on Jan 1 st.Hunter was everywhere in the offensive zone. So

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-19734309192375274122007-11-17T19:10:00.000-05:002007-11-17T19:14:47.999-05:00

By: Geoffrey GottliebAlthough Ted Nolan might be a great motivator, I strongly dislike and disagree with many of his in game “hockey” decisions. I know this might be overkill, but bare with me as we go back to last season. I agreed about demoting Yashin due to his poor work ethic; there were times when he didn’t back check and other times when he seemingly went through the motions of the game

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-9163143586795995122007-11-16T10:31:00.000-05:002007-11-16T10:40:54.745-05:00

After being swept on their two-game journey through Pennsylvania, the Isles and coach Ted Nolan must take a hard look at some of the reasons these two games felt like two of the most agonizing defeats. Even though these were only two games out of an 82 game season, they highlighted what the Isles need to do in order to take that leap from a competitive blue collar team to a true Stanley Cup

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-78412106101294327822007-11-13T09:58:00.000-05:002007-11-14T13:26:58.113-05:00

----------------------------------------------------UPDATE: Berard set to return against Pittsburgh----------------------------------------------------There were some good signs last night during the Isles’ loss to the Flyers at the Wachovia Center, yet there were also some causes for concern. For the most part, the Isles outplayed the Flyers as evident by a majority of the game being played in

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-71988438810219188612007-11-11T02:51:00.000-05:002007-11-11T03:15:17.410-05:00

A game in which the Isles took no penalties and gave up merely one goal when Brendan Witt accidentally deflected the puck past DP, Martin Brodeur had this to say:"I don't think they beat us. Look at the two goals they got."Wow!Look at the one goal the Devils got Marty. You're team couldn't manage to score on its own and needed to rely on an Islander basically shooting the puck past DP. Shame on

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-82642351077474027802007-11-09T09:42:00.000-05:002007-11-09T14:12:49.910-05:00

With an 8-4 record after 12 games thus far, the New York Islanders have managed to elicit both a feeling of euphoria and of paranoia among the Isles community. The euphoria is an easy one to discern—competing with elite teams, sporting a top winning percentage, and beating the Rags twice will surely give fans their money’s worth. But a hot start for the Isles is a double edged sword because it

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-91302326980024738462007-11-07T16:08:00.002-05:002007-11-07T16:14:35.916-05:00

By: Geoffrey GottliebTonight’s game was a huge win for the Islanders. Not only did they beat their arch rival in the Rangers, but they have also improved their record to 8-4 and have moved into a tie for first place with the Philadelphia Flyers (with one game in hand). I have always been a huge Mike Comrie fan. I really enjoyed watching him play for Ottawa last year, and although he clearly didn’

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-8969954125783865272007-11-02T15:40:00.000-04:002007-11-05T22:37:13.867-05:00

After the first 10 games the Isles are 6-4, which seems to be a tremendous start to the season after the league's expectations werre so low.  I am happy with the record but not as happy with what is actually happening on the ice itself. Goaltending:Ricky has been everything we could have asked for and more, basically picking up where he left off from last year giving this team a chance to win

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-79322232069420219872007-11-02T10:30:00.000-04:002007-11-02T10:38:40.654-04:00

After looking lost in an 8-3 rout to the Canes last weekend, Rick DiPietro and the Isles put in just enough to pull away with a 4-0 victory on Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In what seemed like complete domination on the score sheet, Ted Nolan should be the first to tell you that the score did not necessarily depict how the game progressed. The Isles ran around like headless

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-86249380014253364962007-10-28T02:44:00.000-04:002007-10-28T16:40:00.613-04:00

The month of October has concluded for the Isles, and somehow we boast a winning record with a mark of 5-4. But one thing is pretty clear after tonight's shellacking—this is going to be one long season. For all the times this team has allowed its fans to feel like it could compete with the big boys, there have been equal moments when this team has generated a feeling that would have us fans long

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-84793311318971430032007-10-21T18:12:00.001-04:002007-10-23T11:21:26.482-04:00

---------------------------------------------UPDATE: Berard out 2-4 weeks---------------------------------------------Some things still concern me...1. For the second consecutive game the Isles squandered a 2 goal lead in the third. As alarming as that is, we also have the distinction of being 2-0 when squandering 2 goal leads in the third, which is undoubtedly tops in the NHL.2. For the second

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-19072801229436880352007-10-19T09:28:00.000-04:002007-10-19T14:49:10.961-04:00

We've been asking for an offensive breakout all week, and in a sort of bitter sweet way, we got what we wanted: 5 goals on 21 shots. After building a nice 2-0 lead, even though the Isles were largely outplayed by the Caps, the Isles were feeling just fine headed into the third. But with Ovechkin and the Caps buzzing all night long, we all felt it was only a matter of time before the Caps found

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-9998477518888572342007-10-13T23:01:00.000-04:002007-10-14T13:19:40.647-04:00

Jiggs and Billy characterized the Isles 3-1 loss to the Flyers tonight as a hard fought battle that just didn't swing the Isles way, but I don't buy it. Even DP proclaimed after the game that they battled hard but couldn't find a way to score, just barely touching on what is precisely the problem. 6 games into this young season we are seeing what we feared would be the Isles problem all year long

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-45226621607433868432007-10-07T14:12:00.000-04:002007-10-09T10:07:33.676-04:00

The Isles have signed Richard Park to a 2 year extention. While this is hardly big news, at least it shows that Snow has learned that unless he signs some players over the course of this season, then next summer would encompass a 2nd consecutive team overhaul. On that note, I'd love to see Snow sign some more current Isles with a little more value. While we are all excited about the early

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-4757823884546543362007-10-06T15:11:00.000-04:002007-10-06T15:26:50.724-04:00

If last night is an sign of the year to come then I think we will all be happy where this team finishes at the end of the year. While there was clearly alot of rust on the ice last night, when your new top line puts up 10 points (3 Gs, 7As) how could we complain. For the last 5 or 6 years we have been complaining about the same topics, and it seems that we finally have a top line that will not

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-63480388826399514922007-10-02T15:19:00.000-04:002007-10-02T15:22:17.341-04:00

Disaster is indeed looming. HILBERT! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!! From everything I've read, Hilbert has had an awful training camp, while Tambellini was quite the sparkplug. Bill has been dead on—Nolan simply isn't willing to trust the kids. He insists on going with underachieving mediocre outcasts. Give me a break! Finally we were going to get a chance to see what one of our best offensive

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-41343181086746319002007-10-01T14:07:00.000-04:002007-10-01T14:26:56.678-04:00

I know its been awhile since I last posted, but I finally have a working computer and internet. As I sit here in class, I can only think about who is going to make the final roster cut. I believe we are all hoping that Hilbert, who has been playing on a line with both Satan and Josef V, was merely given one final look. Jeff Tambellini needs to be on this team. If there is ever a seasonto go

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-60751241592881699312007-09-22T00:08:00.000-04:002007-09-22T13:08:59.875-04:00

As of Friday evening, the Isles have compiled a 1-1-2 record in four preseason games while circulating many of the boarder line players who are competing for the final roster spots on the opening night roster. The players competing amongst each other consist of Andy Hilbert, Jeff Tambellini, Sean Bergenheim, Richard Park, and Jon Sim. While the main competition will be more ice time at the start

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-32968316444811251792007-09-11T19:02:00.000-04:002007-09-12T00:10:32.938-04:00

In the blockbuster move of the summer, the Isles traded away former first round pick Petteri Nokelainen for Ben Walter, the MVP of the AHL's Providence Bruins. At first glance, one might note that Walter was a fifth round pick, and it seems odd that a former fifth rounder would be traded for a former first rounder. But the key word is “former.” Anyone who knows a thing or two about drafting

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-86411035453442484852007-08-31T18:20:00.000-04:002007-08-31T19:37:13.491-04:00

Just when we finally thought we had the defense all figured out for the upcoming season, Snow threw us a curve ball and invited former Islander Bryan Berard to training camp. This really mixes things up in camp and possibly could have an effect on what Nolan will do with his two budding defenseman, Bruno Gervais and Chris Campoli. Berard has done it all. At age 30, Berard has been a tremendous

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-4581239739149836922007-08-26T18:00:00.000-04:002007-08-26T18:51:51.443-04:00

We have beaten the analysis of the forwards into the earth and there's not much else we can do to manipulate it. It will be Snolan's call whether Bergenheim and Tambellini finally get a fair shot, or whether we will be horrified with another year of the Hilberts, Parks, and Bates'. Now let's take a look at our big bad defense. If the season started today, our defense would include in its top-6:

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-34725858932099214072007-08-23T12:14:00.000-04:002007-08-23T13:58:25.665-04:00

I know it has been awhile since I last posted, but I was away on vacation for the past week. During my time away I thought a lot about this upcoming season and also where the Isles stand as an organization.Let's start with some organization overview. While things may seem a bit in chaos in terms of the true direction the franchise, I believe we are witnessing the beginning of a transformation,

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-42857990296710402222007-08-20T11:34:00.000-04:002007-08-20T19:37:56.458-04:00

The 2007-2008 season is drawing closer and closer the Isles roster can only be tweaked so much. Although the Isles have ample cap space to make a significant transaction, it does not appear that Garth Snow will be looking to add a prominent player where he would have to sacrifice an Okposo or a Gervais. Let's take a look at the Isles depth thus far and see how the roster will probably round

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-48409520280214966012007-08-15T12:30:00.000-04:002007-08-15T12:42:11.648-04:00

Well we all knew this was coming. We all knew this was coming because for the past 48 hours we have been discussing why this shouldn't be coming. And that's what we have become accustomed to as Islander fans. The "Need for a Center" has been filled by the signing of Josef Vasicek. Vasicek at least gives the Isles an NHL caliber player at center, someone with plenty of potential. Perhaps Nolan can

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-88198601870585647492007-08-12T17:16:00.000-04:002007-08-14T11:31:08.686-04:00

As Snow continues to round out the Isles' opening night roster, a quick glance reveals a glaring need for a 2nd line center. If we assume that Mike Comrie will be given first line duties, then that would leave the Isles with someone like Sean Bergenheim as the most probable candidate to be the 2nd line center. I would feel much more comfortable starting the season with Bergenheim as the 4th line

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-84271403003896984302007-08-10T22:07:00.000-04:002007-08-10T22:56:17.532-04:00

The Islanders have signed UFA defenseman Andy Sutton to a three-year deal worth $9 million. Talk about looking into the Crystal Ball - Justin asks for a crease-clearer, and Snow delivers. Look for more updates this weekend

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-55885229086052446062007-08-10T17:35:00.000-04:002007-08-10T23:00:22.237-04:00

For the first time in a long time on Long Island, Islanders fans finally know they have a legitimate star player. And for the first time in franchise history, their only true star player is their goaltender. Being an NHL goaltender is quite unique. Goaltenders can steal games for their teams and can carry their teams on their shoulders for extended periods of times. Unlike position players who

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-81493954931529588062007-08-08T10:49:00.000-04:002007-08-10T03:13:52.262-04:00

During this roller coaster of an offseason, we have seen plenty of changes to the Islanders roster. Even though we lost 5 of our top 7 scorers from last season, I actually believe we will score more this season then last. Last year we scored a total of 248 goals for the season. Here are my predictions for goals for the upcoming season.Guerin - 33Comrie - 27Fedentenko - 23Satan - 29Sills -

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-48172237334257647162007-08-06T10:05:00.000-04:002007-08-06T10:49:52.798-04:00

It's nice to see an extremely knowledgeable and classy group of Isles fans frequenting this site. Here is my overall take on all of the lingering issues we have all been discussing:1. Markov - A better than average defensive defenseman, many believe Markov's stats and his defensive play have been inflated while playing alongside the best defenseman in the NHL. While playing with Lidstrom would

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-36291401310777343122007-08-03T08:11:00.000-04:002007-08-03T11:01:18.731-04:00

After being named GM of the Year in his first season as Islanders GM, Garth Snow has received some pretty harsh feedback in his first full offseason. However, all of us Islander fans should be grateful that while our GM has slowly taken his time in making roster decisions for the upcoming season, at least he is acting calmly and rationally. This is not the case for a fellow GM currently employed

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-53459908738847987602007-08-02T14:00:00.000-04:002007-08-02T14:32:26.900-04:00

Many Islander fans are worried--and as of now, they have every reason to be. They are worried because when they look at the current Isles defenseman they see the following 6 names: Witt, Martinek, Bergeron, Gervais, Campoli, & Meyer. They are worried because these are the only 6 names signed who have any legitimate NHL experience. Yet this crew is hardly an experienced bunch. Brendan Witt is a

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-11415441990712514002007-07-31T11:02:00.000-04:002007-08-02T14:39:17.393-04:00

During the summer months of the hockey season, there are a few days that keep us going throughout the summer; the draft, beginning of free agency, and for some teams arbitation hearings. Tomorrow Garth Snow will go to court against Trent Hunter and his agent to determine his contractual value for the upcoming season.We all remember our introduction to Trent Hunter. It was our first year back in

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-7521091530840949552007-07-30T11:01:00.000-04:002007-07-31T14:42:13.793-04:00

Jeff and I have conferred and have come to the following conclusion. We believe the struggles of the Isles organization in the late 90's really is due to the poor drafting of the early 90's. I mean the Isles could have ended up with Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. Instead we got Dean Chynoweth and Scott Lachance. There was no secret that Sakic and Forsberg were to be great players at the time of

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-19134167927329197492007-07-30T08:59:00.000-04:002007-08-02T14:39:36.348-04:00

With so many drafting blunders in the early stages of draft/trading during the 90's, it is easy to overlook the players which we drafted that have become solid contributors to the NHL--the steals of the 90's.1989 - In round 10 with the 191st pick, defensemen Vladimir Malakhov was taken. This Dman played 3 seasons with the Islanders before being shipped to Montreal in the horrific Pierre Turgeon

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-37574180837277641952007-07-29T19:45:00.000-04:002007-07-31T16:30:22.832-04:00

About a week ago I promised a tortuous look at some recent Isles draft history if things continued to remain slow on player movement in the NHL. Well the Isles have still done nothing since signing Guerin & Comrie, so here we go...Now I know it isn't exactly fair to look back and see who a team could have drafted amd compare him to who a team actually drafted. These drafting blunders are easy to

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-26905133386136133582007-07-25T10:46:00.000-04:002007-08-02T14:39:47.926-04:00

Based on the rosters that each team has at this point of the summer, we believe this will be the the final standings for the upcoming seasonPittsburgh PenguinsNew York RangersNew York IslandersNew Jersey DevilsPhiladelphia FlyersWith all the positive changes to the rosters of the Atlantic Division teams, it is quite possible for 4 of the teams to make the playoffs in the East, and depending on

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-23908284750082262402007-07-24T14:16:00.000-04:002007-07-27T00:40:00.069-04:00

First we take a look at the revamped Flyers...This team will take on a much more multi-dimensional look than the team that led the Flyers to the cellar of the NHL. Last year's team depended heavily on the play and leadership of Peter Forsberg. The Flyers have overhauled their roster and look much more dangerous in 07-8.Upfront, the Flyers have plenty of firepower. Most notably is the addition of

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-49357270432653896932007-07-24T13:10:00.000-04:002007-08-02T14:40:46.964-04:00

Today, we will be starting our predictions, both Justin and I will be selecting a division for the day and then breakdown each teams current status and then an overall prediction of how the division will play out during the upcoming season. As we begin our predictions for the upcoming hockey season, we take a look at what will most likely be the most competitive division in all of hockey, the

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-8322633942096859672007-07-23T15:25:00.000-04:002007-07-23T16:13:26.941-04:00

No action is action. Another week has flew by in the NHL and the New York Islanders remain idle, although not complacent, regarding their current roster. The upper management has been very quiet regarding any pending UFA signings or trade talks. It has not been kept secret that the Isles have a strong interest in former Red Wing and current UFA Danny Markov. In many ways, Markov is a great fit

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-17630381384442201022007-07-19T11:27:00.000-04:002007-07-20T08:44:03.238-04:00

How many times a day can you check your computer, only to find that the Islanders' roster is the same as it was the day before? After a brief UFA extravaganza comprised of the signings of Guerin, Comrie, Fedotenko, and Sim, Isles GM Garth Snow has carefully let the summer progress without jumping into a contract he might regret in years to come. And that's the thing about Snow, he's sharp. He

Candymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08616412413644561812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-49177712230431269642007-07-18T11:43:00.000-04:002007-07-18T16:13:21.978-04:00

For all us Islanders fans, it has been a roller coaster type of summer. After reaching the playoffs on the last day of the regular season and then being eliminated by the Sabres, in what seemed to be a referee biased series, our team has begun a major roster make over. It started when the team decided to buy out the rest of Alexei Yashin's contract, which was a huge burden on the cap space of the

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097521121946641663.post-18687917997130875002007-07-18T11:37:00.000-04:002007-07-18T16:29:10.837-04:00

Welcome to Bleeding Blue and Orange, a new blog from two die hard Islanders fans, which will give you all a view into our thoughts of the NHL's New York Islanders and the rest of the hockey world. This is a brand new blog for other Isles fanatics like ourselves. We encourage all readers to actively participate in our discussion boards. We have unique points of views and can get deep

J Pickernoreply@blogger.com18