Final Notes of 2007
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 Comeau and Jackman. Hilbert has been moved up to the third line to center Hunter and Ruslan. While we have all hated on Hilbert early through the season, he is certainly starting to win me over little by little with his hard work and somewhat new found ability to actually put some points on the scoresheet. Let's finish off 2007 and get 2 more points from a Carolina team that is in the ruts right now.
Justin and I want to wish everyone a happy new year as well as thank both the regulars, GG, Bill, shinkdew, nyisles, frank, andy norway and those who read for joining and contributing with us here on Bleeding Blue & Orange.
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Update: Isles win 4-1! Happy New Year from B&O!
-justin
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10 comments:
Although I had to sneaks peaks at the game tonight, I liked what I saw. I can't really say I watched it, but Dubie looked like he was more comfortable in the net and MAB got 2 goals off the blueline.
As I said in a previous post, I believe the NJ game really brought the team together. Ever since Nolan brought in the "merit" system, things have changed dramatically.
How did Walter play?
Double G, are you convinced that Dubie is an adequate backup now?
Here's hoping that this little roll can continue and that the team continues to build on it.
I am really looking forward to watching the Buffalo-Pitt game tomorrow. I hope it is a really exciting game and attracts some new fans to this wonderful sport....Bill
Hey Guys,
Happy New Year to everyone as well.
While I still favor a rebuilding effort, I do like how the team has played recently. The effort that I like to see has been there.
Do you guys think Hunter gets locked up long term? Also, anyone have thoughts on Samsonov being available on waivers?
-Frank
Back in the country finally...look for some new articles this weekend...I'll have a chance to watch most of the games I misssed tomorrow...I know, I'm as bad as logan...
DiPietro may be suspended two games because the white pads he was wearing in the first period were not approved by the NHL. I think it'd be pretty ridiculous if Campbell suspends him for this.
Robin Figren scored the tying goal in Sweden's 2-1 overtime win over Russia. He looked pretty good out there. I think they may be replaying the game tonight.
Campbell is an Islander hater from way back. Don't be surprised if he gives DP the max.
Everytime there is a disputed call or goal, Campbell and his henchmen consitantly rule against the Islanders.
I don't expect anything less this time.....Bill
I expect Rick to get the two game suspension just because this seems to be a case what Rick said vs. the League said. As Bill just said Campbell always picks on the Islanders because of his former ties to the Rangers.
This could be a blessing in disguise as Dubie had been playing extremely well the last 3 games and Ricky continued to ice and receive treatment on his knee last night after the game. A few extra days of resting that knee could help us if we somehow make a solid playoff run this year.
The NHL ruled DiPietro's pads were legal, and he will not be suspended.
The US lost to Canada 4-1. The US goalie gave up a few bad ones and the US coach inexplicable didn't call time out or pull his goalie after gaining a PP with less than 3 minutes left. He completely rolled over and didn't even try to win the game. Okposo and Rakhshani both played well. I don't think Okposo is ready for the NHL. I was impressed with Rakhshani, he needs to get stronger, but he is pretty quick and has a good shot.
Judging by the talent at this tournament, this year's draft is going very good. It seemed like there were 2-3 impact players on every team that are draft eligible this year.
No Smyth and Sakic tonight? That's too bad I was looking forward to someone knocking the daylight out of Smyth. But let's take advantage of this offensive shortcoming tonight.
I would like to see 6 out of 10 points on this trip. Colorado and Edmonton are very beatable. We should win one out of two against Calgary or Vancouver and probably be less successful against Ottawa.
I think that that would be a very good trip, considering the travel and competition.
Has anyone else noticed that Hilbert's play is much better when his minutes are reduced? I saw that he played less then ten minutes (or close to that) in a few games where he seemed to really pick up the pace. Perhaps Nolan just overestimated his value to the team. He has played well the last few games and I am thinking that this is why.
The Florida game was a stinker and I am looking for a big rebound tonight. There is no reason that we should not beat this team, considering the absence of their two best players. DP had a clunker versus Florida and I hope that he will have shaken off the cobwebs for this one.
Look for Hunter to score two tonight......Bill
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