August 31 2009 by Rob.

According to tsn.ca the players have decided that Ian Penny who previously held the position of General Counsel for the Union will now be the exec. director of the players association on an interim level.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=289459

Posted in NHL News | 1 Comment »

August 31 2009 by Rob.

This is old news by now but this mourning the players voted to dismiss Players Association president Paul Kelly.  The Players Association is in turmoil now as it has fired 3 presidents in 4 years.  The below quote is from rotoworld.com:

The NHLPA have fired their executive director Paul Kelly.

“Kelly was fired in early morning hours in Chicago where the NHLPA were meeting. Kelly had been on the job since October, 2007, when he took over for the fired Ted Saskin. The NHLPA seems to be in turmoil as they have now rid themselves of three executive directors in the last four years, with Bob Goodenow leaving in 2005. Assistant Director of player affairs Pat Flatley resigned a few minutes after the announcement of Kelly’s firing. Stay tuned as the 30 member board of the players association will continue meetings on Monday.”

Posted in NHL News | No Comments »

August 31 2009 by Rob.

  (Meet Bobby Hughes the newest Islander)

According to pointblank the Islanders today traded Rob Hennigar to the Hurricanes for Bobby Hughes.  Hughes is 5 foot 11 inches and only 21 years old which is why they probably did it.  If that isn’t it I don’t know why because after looking at his stats outside of his last year in the OHL he just isn’t that good.  But hopefully we are able to develop him into a good player.

Posted in New York Islanders | No Comments »

August 31 2009 by Rob.

      (Above on the left is Paul Kelly president of the NHLPA and to the right is commissioner Gary Bettman)

Darren Dregger of tsn tweeted today in Chicago there is a board meeting in which 30 players voted on the leadership of President Paul Kelly since May of 07.  If it turns out to be a negative vote that could mean another lockout again.  If that happens the NHL and NHLPA should be ashamed!!  How could you keep putting your loyal passionate fans through this?  For more view the post from the 7th women:

http://7thwoman.blogspot.com/2009/08/nhlpa-unrest-spells-trouble.html

Posted in NHL News | 3 Comments »

August 31 2009 by Rob.

According to multiple outlets top rookies including number 1 overall pick John Tavares were spotted at an upper-deck photo-shoot for their first rookie cards.  Below is one of JTs pics:

For those interested word is that his rookie comes out on wed. 9-2-09

Posted in New York Islanders | 2 Comments »

August 30 2009 by Rob.

Now that offense and defense are done lets get to the only position addressed by us in the off-season.  Goalie!!

1) Dwayne Roloson-
                                    23 wins
                                    25 losses

Analysis- Definitely an upgrade over last years #1 in Joey.

2) Martin Biron-
                              13 wins
                              15 losses

Analysis- Having a capable #1 goalie as your backup is a good problem to have.

3) Rick Dipietro- 
                               3 wins
                               3 losses

Analysis- I think it will be another injury plagued season for the net-minder.

So do you agree with my predictions?  Do you think I am nuts?  Post it in comments
                              

Posted in New York Islanders | No Comments »

August 29 2009 by Rob.

According to rds.ca the Bolts have signed the play-making left wing to a 1 year deal.  The Tampa tribune is reporting that the deal worth in ballpark of 2.5 million.  If that is the case then Garth really dropped the ball on this one because he should have paid for his plane ticket picked him up at the airport and paid for him to stay in a suite in what ever hotel he chose to in the area.  I say that because 2.5 million dollars for Tanguay is a freaking steal!!!  He is worth a lot more then that!!!

Posted in NHL News | 1 Comment »

August 27 2009 by Rob.

Now that the forwards are done onto the defense:

1) Mark Streit-
                            17 goals
                            44 assists
                            61 points

Analysis- The Islanders come into this season better then they were last year which means that Streit should have better numbers.  The power-play in improved majorly so expect points to come from there.

2) Bruno Gervais-
                                  4 goals
                                 19 assists
                                 23 points

Analysis- Brunos play flourished last year after playing with Mark Streit.  Hopefully he can continue that this year.

3) Brendan Witt-
                               not many goals
                               not many assists- tons of shots blocked which assists the goalie
                               not many points either
                               118 PIMS

Analysis- Witt isn’t here to be a point producer.  He is here for his stay at home ability and toughness and oh yeah to block a crap load of shots.  I am sure he will do this again this year and make sure anyone that touches any of our young people pays the price. 

4) Andy Sutton-
                              7 goals
                              28 assists
                              35 points
                              140 PIMS

Analysis- These numbers are figuring that he will play a majority of the season.  We all know that probably won’t happen so you can draw your own conclusions.  But hopefully he will do more then block shots and joust.  When I think of Sutton last season all I remember him doing his pushing and shoving with people.  Maybe he will get traded at the deadline as he is in his walk year.  Oh wait that would require him to be healthy so that probably won’t happen.

5) Freddy Meyer IV-
                                       7 goals
                                       9 assists
                                      16 points

Analysis- Again these numbers are assuming he will play a majority of the season which we know this probably won’t happen. 

6) Radek Martinek-
                                     9 goals
                                     6 assists
                                     15 points

Analysis- Again this like the two prior are assuming he will play a majority of the season which we all know is not likely to happen.  But he has shown improvement in the last few years which is good.  How can anyone forget that game when we were missing Witt a few years ago and Radek shut down Ovy?

7) Jack Hillen- 
                           2 goals
                           10 assists
                           12 points

Analysis- Last year we saw some bright spots from Jack and hopefully this year we will see them again this year and at a more frequent pace.

Minors

1) Andrew McCdonald-
                                           0 goals
                                           3 assists
                                           3 points

Analysis- I think he will likely see a handful of games with the big club due in most part to injuries. 

So do you agree with me?  Do you think I am nuts?  Post your reaction in comments

Posted in New York Islanders | 1 Comment »

August 26 2009 by Rob.

Below is a link at which you can send an email to the TOH asking them why no zoning hearing for the Lighthouse has been scheduled yet.  I found out through research that it couldve been done on the same day and since it wasn’t one would assume that the TOH wanted to do them on different occasions.  Three weeks later and still know zoning hearing.  Lets get it together hear TOH!

http://toh.li/content/home/contact.html

Or you can call them, the number to Kate Murrays office is (516) 489-5000 ext 3260 or the number to her helpline is (516) 489-6000

Posted in Lighthouse Project | No Comments »

August 26 2009 by Rob.

Today the 20 year vet hung up the skates.  He made it official during a conference call with the media today.  He was draft 11 overall in the 1989 draft.  Best of luck to Mike in his future.

Posted in New York Islanders | No Comments »

August 25 2009 by Rob.

The other day we did predictions for the top 6 forwards now we are doing the bottom 6 forwards and people that we think may see stints because of injury or whatever it maybe.

1) Trent Hunter-
                               19 goals
                               26 assists
                               45 points

Analysis- I think Trent will come just short of 20 goals this year most likely because the injury bug will strike him again.  But 45 points would be a very productive season for Trent.

2) Frans Nielsen-
                                13 goals
                                31 assists
                                44 points

Analysis- I don’t see why if he doesn’t miss substantial time this year that he can’t reach these numbers.

3) Jeff Tambellini-
                                  9 goals
                                  10 assists
                                  19 points

Analysis- I think we will get another disappointing season from Tambellini which will probably be his last on the Island.  Such a shame he had the scoring touch in the A but has never been able to bring it to the NHL with him.

4) Joel Rechlicz-
                              2 goals 
                              5 assists
                              7 points
                              300 PIMS

Analysis- Wreckers season won’t be judged so much by his goals and assists but how he adjusts to being the full time enforcer for the team.  I for one am rooting for him!

5) Richard Park-
                               16 goals
                               19 assists
                               35 points

Analysis- The hardworking penalty killer who seems like he never misses a game will have another good season in his contract year with the Isles.  I def. see the Isles bringing him back as a veteran mentor.

6) Tim Jackman-
                                7 goals
                                8 assists
                                15 points
                                170 PIMS

Analysis- Although like Wrecker the PIMS will probably mean more then the stats but they will look at the stats a little more with Timmy then with Wrecker.  I think Timmy has a tremendous amount of heart and isn’t afraid to get dirty to get a scoring chance.  Some have even suggested giving him time on the JT Weight line in like Ranger or Flyer games for protection.

Extras who may sniff time

1) Jon Sim-
                     4 goals
                     3 assists
                     7 points

Analysis- Although he won’t have a reg. spot on the team I can see the agitator getting a cup of coffee when there’s injuries.

2) Jesse Joensuu-
                                 3 goals
                                 6 assists
                                 9 points

Analysis- The young Finnish prospect will get sometime with the big club although I don’t think he will have a full time spot.  He has the build to be a power forward in the future.  One can only hope he is to John Tavares what Ryan Malone was to Sidney Crosby.

3) Trevor Smith-
                                2 goals
                                3 assists
                                5 points

Analysis- I think the young player will get a couple of games with the big club in which he will be very productive.

You could post your thoughts in comments.  Do you think I am nuts?  Are we sharing a brain as they would say on the SNY show loudmouths?

Posted in New York Islanders | 1 Comment »

August 25 2009 by Rob.

     (For those that don’t know Joe Mondello is the man on the right)

According to the NY daily news the Republican GOP is stepping down from his position.  Mondello who you may remember is famous for his lines to Islander fans/Lighthouse Supporters at Kate Murrays political campaign rally to announce her reelection.  In case you forgot his quotes were telling 24 year old Joe Conte to “blow it out his duffel bag” then saying that all LH/Islander people were “paid plants by Charles Wang”

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/08/mondello-bows-out.html

Posted in Lighthouse Project | No Comments »

August 25 2009 by Rob.

According to newsday DP is right on schedule and is rehab process is going good.  The thing is they fail to mention what the schedule is.  For months they have said that he will begin skating in August and be ready for camp.  Now there is less then a week left in August and he hasn’t been medically cleared to skate yet.  So its obviously not that schedule.  What is it?  Nov? Mid-season? A couple games toward the end of the year? 

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/dipietro-says-rehab-has-been-on-schedule-1.1392366

Posted in New York Islanders | No Comments »

August 25 2009 by Rob.

I just called Kate Murrays helpline which by the way the number is (516) 489-6000.  The lady on the phone said that there is no new info available with regard to a zoning hearing.  She went on to say that it is currently being reviewed and to try and again in a few weeks.  I hope it comes faster then a few weeks because then I am going to be on a first name basis with some of the ladies because I intend to call again tomorrow and probably the next day as well and I encourage all of you to do the same.  As Katrina at the light post blog said,  No matter where your from, we are all tax payers and we have every right to ask why.

Note: later today expect a predicition article for the bottom 6 forwards.

Posted in Lighthouse Project | 1 Comment »

August 24 2009 by Rob.

(Who knows if we will ever see the person again in uniform like shown)

According to pointblank and sny.tv the Rick hasn’t been medically cleared to do anything yet.  This coming after the Isles repeatedly said last season that he would start skating in August.

http://www.sny.tv/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090824&content_id=6592576&oid=36219&vkey=16

Posted in New York Islanders | No Comments »