Double Bagger

In recent pop culture, some hip lingo, or slang, for bedroom talk involves the term" bagger". A bagger is a person or thing which is so hideous that you HAVE to place a paper bag over it so you aren't repulsed by it. And the back to back losses the Islanders had over the weekend is a "double bagger". A double bagger is a person or thing where both the other person/object must wear a bag AND so should you, so just in case one of the bags slips off, you are double proof not to be exposed.... Both of these losses to murder the four game winning streak were unbearble to watch, because the reason for losing is getting to be ridiculous already.

With a hot Dannis in net, and a worn out, injured MacDonald back in the lineup, Gordon opted to start MacDonald in the Isles' loss to Atlanta. Then, Dannis is placed back in net on Saturday, where the Islanders lost a crushing bout, 1-0, unable to produce, not even one goal. Both losses were horrific in different ways, and the Islanders four game streak has taking a downward slope, once AGAIN, for a number that I can't even name times this season.

The Isles take on the Kings tomorrow night, and L.A. has been hot as of late, wining 6 of their last 8, inclduing a hard foguht, 3-1 victory over the Devils this weekend. L.A. has crept back into the eighth slot this in the West for playoff contention, whereas the Islanders have put themselves in last place, amongst all NHL teams, and seem to not even care. Let's just hope that we can see more of the young guns becuase lately, they are the only reason I even watch the games.

4 In a Row!! WOO WOO WOOO

The Islanders fought off both Florida teams this week, by the scores of 3-1 in each contest. Saturday night, it was the Panthers, and last night, it was the Lightning from Tampa Bay. The Islanders are showing some vital signs of life as of late, and the emergence of the triple deep young guns threat is sprialing the team in a positive direction.

Rookies bailey, Comeau and Okposo are all performing at their best, with Okposo carrying a five game point streak and goals in 3 consecuitve , and Bailey tallying up assists like Islanders' fans are grabbing their chili! Comeau, who has re found his stride, has been coming through with key hits, great hustle and back check and a positive plus- minus rating during the last few weeks.

The Islanders, although appearing to be out of the playoff picture, have a solid 30 games left to develop this young talent, including four winner in a row goalie, Yan Dannis. The Islanders must remain sizzling to even daydream about April hockey, but things seem to be coming together since the Montreal break.

Sorry For the Delay of Game!

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't written much over the last few weeks, but my server has been down, just like the Isles have been. Anyways, I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts, expressions and critiques for the second half of the season with you all!

Let's re cap a bit what has been going down. the Isles have skid down a patch of black ice and into a bottomless pit coated in quicksand. In other words, are the league's worst team and must get on a roll, NOW. Let's take a look at some info regarding the team from the last month. Backup turned starting goalie Joey Big MacDonald has pulled a groin and is now on the bench. Third string goalie Dannis has played the last few games and looks as if he will start a few more, to say the least. The Islanders have dressed 5 different goalies this year. On a side note, Mark Streit, however, has been a silver lining on the cloud of doom that has hungover the Isles for the season, being named a starter for the Eastern Conference in last week's all star game. Streit was very productive in returning back to Montreal, posting two assists in the game. Once booed when the Islanders visited the Canadiens earlier in the season, he received great ovation during the opening ceremonies.

The Islanders, oddly, have won their last two games and look for a three game winning streak tomorrow versus Florida. Almost blowing a four goal lead into the third last night, again against Atlanta, they were having troubles holding onto a big lead. Somehow, the Islanders squiggled out alive, with Okposo netting two goals in the 5-4 victory.

And The Downward Slide Continues

Dropping their third straight game, the Islanders again let the contest slip through their hands in the third period. For another 40 minutes, the Islanders battled tough, killed a few key penalties and skated with angst. But for 40 minutes. 40 minutes. 40 minutes. 40 Minutes! That seems to be the maximum amount of the time the team can stomache on the ice.

Mike Sillinger, looking better than he had in his previous two games,scored his first goal since last February for the Islanders, a power play goal which tied the game. It was then spoiled by former Islander star Jason Blake, who scored the go ahead third goal in the third period. Blake, who tallied three points, was a big factor in the Leaf's victory over the Isles.

The Islanders will be on the road for their next three games, including another tough battle with the Fylers in Philly. The Islanders have lost both games this season versus Philly, and must pull a trick out of theier sleeves tonight in order to prevent a four game losing streak. Let's pray that maybe 40 minutes is enough tonight to pull out a victory, or that we might even see a 60 minute hockey game for the first time in 2 weeks, but don't count on it !

Toronto Preface

Big Mac and Co. take on the Leafs tonight in Toronto for the first time. A long rival, the Islanders and leafs have a bump and grind physical history dating back to the playoffs a few years back. Former Islander, Jason Blake, now playing for Toronto, will be on the radar screen for Islanders hitmen Tim Jackman and Nate Thompson. Also, the Islanders are most likely going to maximize Comeau and Bailey's ice time tonight, trying to use their youngstars to get the team rolling. Since the Islanders caught fire the past weeks ( 5 wins and 1 loss), they have slipped and lost three straight. Tonight, the Islanders will need to come out fierce, early, and set the tone of the game. Look for lots of physical play, carrying over from Saturday night's end of the game brawl that broke out. And that of which relased some of the frustration and anger in some players, especially MacDonald, he should be settled and nestle himself back into tip top form tonight.

A Weary Weak of Woes

The Islanders had a few major losses this week, both on and off the ice. Surrendering losses to Washington and Atlanta this week, it dropped the team into last place in the Atlantic East division. Also, they are now six points out from being in the top 8, whereas 2 weeks ago they were only one win away. Off the ice, the Islanders note that rookie sensation Kyle Okposo will be out for a month to six weeks, and top defensemen Radek Martinek reinjured his shoulder. Plus, the Islanders sent down struggling forward Jeff Tambelleni to Bridgeport, to help him find himself( only 2 points, b oth assists, in 20 plus games played) and reboot his confidence.

The Islanders did however welcome back Mike Sillinger, who ahd missed the first 25 games this season, nursing his hip injury he received last season. In addition, the Islanders called up Blake Comeau, the impressive rookie from late last season who spent the beginning of the 08-09 season in Bridgeport. Sillinger and Comeau were line mates during Silly's rehab start last week, and Gordon place3d them side by side for most of last night's collapase against Atlanta.

It seems as if the Islanders are looking tried and worn out, judging from their lack of back check, multiple icings and lazy peantlies taken in the offensive zone during the last three games. MacDonald also seems a bit frustrated and tiresome, and could use a few nights off to recharge. The Islanders have been giving key mintues to youngsters like Hillbert, Bailey and now Comeau and these fresh legs need to get going if the Islanders are to make a push in the next upcoming weeks.

Isles Own The Rubber

The Islanders are really starting to own that little piece of rubber that gets slapped, kicked and flicked around the ice for sixty minutes. And, after a two game road split this weekend with Buffalo and New Jersey, the Islanders won the thrid game they played in four nights, outlasting the hungry Canadiens in a shootout. The win came with a ton of breaks, luckily , and rare, in the Islanders' favor. A wacky, misplay from a Canadien's struggling defensemen led to a crucial tying goal. The Islanders were being called for a penalty, and while there was a possession delay, Price had gone to the Montreal bench for a sixth skater,and an innocent feed, intended for another defensemen ended up in between the goal posts of their own net. In soccer, known as an own goal, as well in hockey, this actually does happen but usually occurs off a deflection or a misclear; where the goalie is unable to see or react quick enough. However, this situation was quite different, and quite more devastating becuase the Canadiens would have been up 3-2, with 4 minutes remaining and a power play chance. On the swing, the Islanders tie the game and kill the penalty, earning them at least an overtime berth and one point.

Although outplayed for most of the game, the Islanders hanged tough throughout the entire sixty minutes, an aspect they have drastically improved over their last games, and crept away with two more points. The Islanders gave Montreal lots of pressure in the final half of the third period, creating a few power play chances, where Hunter was able to shrink the lead to a one goal deficit. Then, with tough forechecking from the Islanders Doug Weight, who also had two more assists tonight, was able to force the own goal( Credited to Guerin, his sixth). Immense fore and back checking from a hustling Andy Hillbert and Richard Park also helped keep Montreal's lethal threat suppressed. And, as usual, without even having to state, Big Mac had another solid effort, especially two great stuffs during the shootout.

Next up, Pittsburgh. The Islanders lost a heartbreaker in the most bone chilling fashion two weeks ago to the Penguins via shootout. However, a more confident and resilient team we're seeing in the Islanders might be able to improve their record to .500 ( would be 10-10-2 with a win), and push them into the top 8 in the East. Key notes are to watch are Bailey, now playing with Hunter (assisted on his goal), Witt's progression and comfortability and the steam rolling Weight and Guerin who are showing the rest of the NHL that age isn't as important as knowledge and experience.

Split Decision

The Islanders were bi polar this weekend, having played horrific Friday night and terrific Saturday night. Their slight, split personality disorder may have been a result from an exhausting week where the Isles climbed up in the standings significantly, and more importantly, out of the quick sand for the league's worst record. After crucial hits and beatings from New jersey, the Islanders came out aggressive against Buffalo and were able to win their fourth in five games.

Literally, not just figuratively, the Isles were two different teams this weekend. They skated flat footed, heads down, sticks off the ice and half assedly for most of the New Jersey beating. However, they turned a 180 the next night, dominating the Sabres in all aspects of the sport. MacDonald, who looked out of rare form Friday night, allowing five goals, on Saturday, collected over 35 saves, again, and allowed 2 past him for his eighth win of the season. Hillbert and Bregenheim were almost invisible in New Jersey yet seemed to radiate in Buffalo. Basically, all this weekend proved was that the Islanders are in fact resilient, and just seemed a little gased from their triumphant week, prior. Tongiht, the Islanders finish their 3 game, 4 night road trip in Montreal, and let's hope that they have the taste of vengenance on their lips from their collapse during their first meeting. And another quick sidenote, Nielsen out, Witt in. The Isles defense should be at its strongest tonight whereas they must get some offensive sparks from unlikely heroes.

Hopefully, This Isn't Nap Time

With the Islanders having a few days rest before a big , 3 game 4 night road trip, let's hope for the best in that they are not sluggishly sitting around in hotel rooms. Yes, it's very important to stay relaxed and not feel so tense,especially since this is a very important weekend for the team, but it's also crucial they stay focused and in a light mood. This previous week, they've been proving themselves that they aren't just a young, inexperienced and talentless team, but a band of brothers that pick up each other up when things are looking dismal. Clutch goals from Hunter, solid penalty killing, as always from Park, big time stops from Big Mac and aggressive checking from Jackman and Sim are all examples. The islanders should be preparing for the weekend with the off time, with maybe some exercise and some sauna action, but definitely not with bags of doritos watching crummy movies at $5 a pop!

Vancou Who ?!?!

So the Islanders earned their first three game winning streak of the season, completing a spectacular show of 65 minutes with phenomenal poise into the shootout. The Islanders were knocking on former goalie Roberto Luongo's door for the entire evening, and came ever so close to finishing off the Canucks in the second and again in the third periods, however; Luongo continued to prove why he is the league's top netminder. For awhile there last night, it seemed as if both Lunogo and Big Mac had magnetic chips in their equipment, smothering rubber all night.

The Canucks got on the board early in the game, which could have easily rattled Big Mac. However, it had the complete adverse effect. Big Mac allowed only one past him, 49 seconds into the game, and that was the only puck that the Islanders net would see, even during the shootout, for Big Mac had denied all three Canucks' attempts. Big Mac's record is now above .500 for the season for the first time, and his overall stats and more importantly, his confidence, growing with each effort. Hunter's tying goal, his eighth of the season, has pushed him into the team lead. It also seems as if Hunter has turned out his jet pack as of late, picking up key goals and finishing crucial hits. The Coliseum was electric last night, a vibe that hasn't really been felt there all season.

The Islanders face a long road trip ahead of them this week, and if they are to keep climbing the walls, closer to the top of the East's totem, they must continue the effective, small play they have been exhibiting over the last 2 weeks. They are 5-2-2in their last nine games, and another win or two can very easily suppress the slow start they had in October. And as for Bailey and Okposo, they are gaining experience with every shift, and last night both had key scoring chances and I wouldn't be surprised if either or both break out of their shells on the road this week.

Rookie Face Off

It's been interesting watching once former, and now again current team mates Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey play together for the same team, and even on the same line. In both games versus Ottawa last week, Gordon had mixed up his power play units, sending out Okposo with Bailey, along with Weight, Hunter and Guerin. The two of them seem to have chemistry , but must be able to combine with the entire unit to form a strong enough compound so they can bury chances with the man advantage.

Also, the two could be seen playing together late in the third period during Saturday night's game, and generated a few scoring chances, one of which Okposo just missed beating Ottawa's goaltender. In my opinoin, both players are adjusting to Gordon's new system, and will need a few more games to really have the gameplan embedded. When you watch the next Isles game, try and pay attention to the line arrangements, although being switched and matched frequently, like a chess match with the opposition,you should be stunned to see both of their speeds and stick handling abilities. And perhaps Bailey's first NHL goal will come from an assist from buddy Kyle Okposo, and what a cool feat that could be!

2 Big Macs and Some Chili !!

After the Islanders lost a tough, girrty battle tuesdsy afternoon against the Flyers 3-1, they bounced back faster than a handball on a court. With two straight victories over the Senators, the Isles picked up four much needed points in the Eastern Confernece.

It's starting to seem repetitive, most of the criticism and credance, but hey- that's the way things are unfolding 17 games in. The Islanders power play picked up three goals in the two meetings with the Senators, but the major dissapointment is how they failed to score, twice, with the 5 on 3 advantage. Very rarely are the Isles presented with a golden opportunity like that, and when so, they MUST cash the check. On the flip side, the penalty kill has been as strong as it has been, and Park and Sutton are eating up minutes while devouring the opposition. Joey Mac has also been proving that he is cpable of handling such dangerous threats, like Jeff Carter and richards from the Flyers, and the Triangle of Terror, Alfredsson, Spezza and Heatley. Overall, the Islanders managed both games very well, and are starting to exhibit the stamina and endurance that has been lacking for the full sixty minutes, earlier in the season.

With two straight victories over the Sens, Big Mac improved to 6-6-2 on the season, and lowered his GAA under 3 and his save percentage over 90. Also, he is showing some surprising talent, making a bid for the Calder Trophy thus far, something many expected from Okposo, who has played well as of late, but still needs to find his niche. And since the Islanders scored 3 goals in last night's victory, I received my free bowl of chili, as customary at every Isles game, if they score 3 or more goals in a game, Wendy's offers each fan with a valid ticket stub a free chili! So this week ended pretty great, two solid victories, stellar play from rookie sensation Joey Mac, and a warm bowl of chili!

2 MORE 2 GOAL LEADS, 2 MORE 1 GOAL LOSSES

It seemed as if Saturday night's devastating disastrous destruction versus Pitt was a projected reflection of an image from Thursday's loss in Atlanta. Again, as I've stated in every single bog, every other line on this web page as a fact, the Islanders are explosive in the first two periods, then trickle down to the ground as the 9 minute mark approaches! And you all know it! Big Mac, after his first shootout experience said, " We always just seem to sit back..." It's almost like the tortoise and the hair effect, where the Islanders are pressuring and effectively taking control of the race(game) and then seem all too comfortable and fight back, either in overtime, or after they have surrendered the go ahead goal and can't catch back up. "We haven't played a full sixty minutes since the St. Louis game", MacDonald stated. And he's absolutely right. The Islanders must be able to go the distance if they are eyeing April hockey, even this early in the season.

The icings, the lack of back check and inconsistent line changes might be a result from less than aggressive coaching discipline from Gordon, or just sloppy, lazy play from the Isles. Against Pittsburgh Saturday night, the Islanders did not generate a scoring chance, or even one single solitary shot on goal for nearly 17 minutes into the recurring, haunting third period. "At some point, someone has to grab the bull by its horns", was Gordon's motto during his press conference after the SO loss. It's evident in Gordon's eyes the frustration and disappointment that he, the players, the writers, and the fans are becoming all too familiar with. Although the Islanders should have snuck away with two points, I think most of us are glad they even pulled away with one!

Line mates Hunter and Nielsen have finally begun to click, and are becoming the Islanders most productive, and exciting pair New York has seen in some time. Each netted a goal in Thursday's loss, and were responsible for most of the chances in Saturday night's game too. Short handed, on power play, or even in overtime, these two are continuing to prove that they are the Islanders top two go to guys. Maybe the Islanders will feel refreshed for a 2p.m. start tomorrow, and might be able to cling onto a lead for a change. As for Gordon, his system seems to be working for most of the game, but he needs to spice it up a bit late in games, so the fans don't look as dreary and blue eyed as they have been all month.

Two Straight Shorthanded, Two Straight Winning Hands

The Islanders fought fiercely for the entirity of a game this season for the first time Tuesday night against our rivals. The Isles proved that they can be a competing team and threatening force in the Eastern Conference with the value meal of a BIG MAC, clutch defense with offensive sauce, and a side of remarkable penalty killing. For the thousands in attendance at the Garden and the tens of thousands viewing at home, I think they were all shocked as how the Islanders have bounced back from Saturday's destruction.

My two M.V.P's for the season thus far both had exceptional games, once again. Richard Park, a clear cut example of a two way player and leader, paved the way for the Islanders with huge penalty killing, and his second goal, this one shorthanded, in as many games. Joey MacDonald, rookie replacement goalie, now has a .500 record and nearly recorded his first NHL shutout. MacDonald made a few outstanding stops late in the third to secure another victory for the Islanders. It's almost ironic how the Islanders have set a trend this season: Score goals early, and blow games late...and... score goals late, sneak away with two points. Perhaps this is suggesting that the Islanders are explosive in first periods ( 4 goals against Montereal, 5 against St. Louis) and tend to run on "E" as the game clock wears down. I think they are finally beginning to dance to the same rhythm from Gordon's drum and are learning to consume some energy for late in the game.

The Islanders face the Trashers Thursday night in Atlanta, and if they can keep their hard work up, they can head into the coliseum Saturday night with their first three game winning streak in months. The major keys in doing so; is for the Islanders to possibly take penalties, get Park,Thompson and Streit on the ice, and generate some more shorthanded opportunities. It seems to have been working, crazy as it sounds. Being shorthanded seems to be New York's vice this season. Plus, one of Campoli's goals came with a man down Monday night and both goals by Park and Thompson were on the penalty kill as well against the Rangers. If I were Scott Gordon, I'd probably prep up the team by saying something such as this, " Guys, let's not score in the first, let's take some penalties in the second and then turn on our nitrogen boosters in the third and steal two more points tonight." And if the Islanders are able to pull away a point or two against Atlanta Thursday night, their horrible start doesn't seem so awful anymore.

Take Deep Breath, We Finally Got One !

So after the Islanders fell and toppled like a set of pathetic dominoes on Saturday night, the newly resilient team fought hard, and, for almost sixty minutes last night, crept away with two points. Winning rookie goalie Big Mac stated after the game, “We need to play sixty minutes; tonight we played fifty minutes... It's really disappointing." And he's right. The Islanders must play the full sixty minutes and not hesitate or back off for the remaining ten odd minutes, even if they re leading by three. The Islanders made an improvement from Saturday's collapse, but they need to play an entire hockey game, like the rest of the league's teams. The islanders’ seven points is not a direct reflection of how the team has played overall, but how the team crumbles late in games.

Again, the familiar follies occurring game in and out are the lazy penalties, the lack of back checking after a neutral zone turnover and icings. "It seems like every game we struggle with the penalties", coach Gordon stated after the game. Late in third periods this season, nearly every game the Islanders have taken poor penalties, giving their opponents enough chances to take the game back from them ( Carolina, Philadelphia, New York, Montreal, and now Columbus). The solution to this problem is quicker shifts, more line changing and more heads up play from veterans who need to set the tempo of the game, late in the third. This team has the potential to play deep into April but they must seal the lid on the Victory Jar in the third.

Unexpected, yet timely, clutch offense from Islanders' defensemen Chris Campoli, and forward Richard Park sparked the Islanders during Monday night’s win over Columbus. On park, Coach Gordon added, “On the penalty kill, he did a tremendous job, and the face-offs... this was his best game of the year." Not only did Park accredit for two of the goals, but it's his consistent, every day simple play hockey style that he contributes to help this team. Camploi, who scored shorthanded in the second and the winning goal in overtime, said, “Tonight was a great win. We're a team trying to find our identity." Well, just what is the islanders’ identity? They appear to be a fresh, young team that pounces early and passes out late. The Islanders face cross town rivals the New York rangers tonight and Campoli mentioned that the islanders need to go in there (Madison Square Garden) tonight and show them (Rangers) what they've really got.

During last night's second period intermission, around the time in the locker room where Gordon may or may not be giving his standard "Let's Blow the game now speech", i happened to ctach my third tee shirt of the season in the Blog Box courtesy of the Ice Girls. Here, I am pictured with three young Islanders fans, who in fact sat in the box for a brief moment with me and discussed hockey. One of the lucky guys got to keep my shirt as he answered three Islanders' trivia questions I had asked him.





If the Islanders can build from last night's victory and the momentum from the last two games hustle, they should prove to the Rangers that they are still a New York team that can beat them six times, like they did last season. Let's hope tonight that Okposo is still paired up with top line mates Guerin and Weight, and we see Park, Hunter and Comrie just as often because for the last few games, Gordon's offense has been clicking, producing back to back four goal efforts.