Monday, March 22, 2010

Peepin' Foes: New York Islanders

Nothing like a rivalry game at the Garden right? The Rangers play the Islanders on Wednesday at 7pm on MSG - or in MSG on 3d or even real life 3d. Considering the state of the franchise, there should be plenty of seats available inside the Garden itself for lower-than-face values... And still, why would anyone pay $20 to watch it on tv wearing stupid glasses at the Theater? To hear Messier and company re-hash '94 during breaks? Shameless money grab by the Blueshirts as per usual, they just want blood from a stone. But we knew that.

Where We Are: Just signed a kid from Alaska who likely won't see the light of the NHL for at least two seasons, if at all. I read somewhere Jess from Prospect Park being unimpressed by the kid but don't recall where it was. Either way, even with Girardi getting the boot this summer, the other five guys aren't going anywhere for a while and Ryan McDonagh is already being pencilled in for next season by some. And next season is what we should be concentrating on as the Rangers are five points behind the Bruins, who have a game in hand.

Where They Are: Despite a roster that is largely devoid of talent outside of JT, the Isles are just three points behind the Blueshirts. How pathetic is that? Damn Rangers. The Isles are 4-4-2 since the Olympics but only one of the six losses was by more than one goal. The kids are trying, and it is admirable considering that their captain is out for the year and the blueline is so badly battered; they have Radek Martinek and Andy MacDonald out with injury and had traded away Andy Sutton at the deadline. DP is also injured, but there is no news with that, just laughs.

Who To Watch For: JT is good, Kyle Okposo may actually be a decent player some day and Matt Moulson has surprised many with his work this season. But it would be no surprise to see Blake Comeau, Jon Sim or Trent Hunter come through for the Fishermen. Hunter hasn't scored in 16 games, looks like he is facing the Rangers at the right time. I enjoy watching Richard Park - just look at the picture, the guy will do anything for his team. He doesn't have much skill but the guy works his ass off, and that is always appreciated. Even for an Islander.

What To Watch For: If Rolo starts in net, we know he can face a lot of shots and shut down the opposition. And with Avery and Cally possibly out with injury, there should be little actual pressure on the Isles net so Rolo's life will be that much easier. See how many bad penalties the Rangers take, if Olli Jokinen can get break that three mark he set last game. See how bad the Ranger power play is. See all of the Islander fans in the building - and there will be a lot of them - talk trash and pick fights, because everyone loves to kick a dog when it is down and these Rangers are dogs.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Cally and Avery taking the night off to heal and Alex Auld giving Hank a break ... hey, I said hopefully. You know Torts will start Hank and pressure Cally and Avery to come back in a futile gesture to get the points and keep the illusion of playoff hopes alive. Some goals would be nice. A good fight or two - it can be in the stands for all I care; actually it would be better there because the fans actually care. Someone to hit Sean Bergenheim, that guy is annoying.

Also Check Out: Mike the Islesblogger, Dee the obsessed Isles 7th Woman (she has another at Eklund's site but I won't link that place), Chris Botta's Point Blank and Lighthouse Hockey, the mandatory SBN blog.



 "Peepin' Foes: A Comprehensive Look at the New York Islanders"



The New York Islanders, a team steeped in history and tradition, have had their share of highs and lows in the world of professional hockey. With a passionate fan base and a storied past, the Islanders continue to be a fascinating team to follow. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the New York Islanders, exploring their history, notable players, recent performance, and frequently asked questions about the team.

Chapter 1: The Legacy of the Islanders

The New York Islanders were founded in 1972 and quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL. We'll delve into the team's early successes, including their remarkable four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983.

Chapter 2: Iconic Players and Moments

No discussion of the Islanders would be complete without recognizing some of the legendary players who donned the blue and orange jerseys. From Mike Bossy to Bryan Trottier and Denis Potvin, we'll highlight the contributions of these Hall of Famers and their memorable moments with the team.

Chapter 3: Recent Performance

The Islanders have experienced a resurgence in recent years, making deep playoff runs and earning a reputation as a defensively sound and disciplined team. We'll examine their recent performance, including their playoff appearances and their competitive roster.

Chapter 4: The Fan Experience

Islanders fans are known for their passion and unwavering support. We'll explore what it's like to be part of the Islanders' faithful, from attending games at the Nassau Coliseum to the unique traditions and chants that make the fan experience special.

Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Where do the Islanders play their home games?

A1: The Islanders play their home games at the UBS Arena, located at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Prior to this, they played at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Q2: Who are some of the current star players on the Islanders roster?

A2: The Islanders have a talented roster, with players like Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, and Josh Bailey leading the way.

Q3: How can I get tickets to an Islanders game?

A3: Tickets to Islanders games can be purchased through the team's official website, authorized ticket vendors, or at the UBS Arena box office.

Q4: What is the significance of the "Yes! Yes! Yes!" chant among Islanders fans?

A4: The "Yes! Yes! Yes!" chant has become a rallying cry for Islanders fans, celebrating goals and victories. It was inspired by WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan's "Yes!" chant and has become a symbol of fan unity.



The New York Islanders have a rich history, a devoted fan base, and a promising future in the world of professional hockey. Whether you're a die-hard Islanders fan or a casual observer of the sport, there's no denying the unique charm and significance of this franchise. As they continue to compete at the highest level and make their mark in the NHL, the Islanders' legacy lives on, and their story continues to captivate hockey enthusiasts around the world.




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