On the Islanders Beat

GO ISLANDERS !!!

Hey Greggy boy, you psychic?

"Tambellini started against the Rangers tonight at the Coliseum but played sparingly."

Good call at 7:38

ISLANDERS WIN ISLANDERS WIN!!!!!!!!

RANGERS SUCK RANGERS SUCK!

ISLANDERS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any questions ????

Big win tonight boys!!! BIG !!!

MAB showed a full array of his Pros and Cons.

Campolli played another Gem as did Martinek!

The Rangers look to have absolutely no chemistry. They have a lot of talent, but it is not clicking.

Please no one ever try and tell me DP is not a super star.....He has made saves this early season that are simply spectacular! Hendrik is very good also, but DP gets the nod so far!

No scraps tonight. It seemed like Mrs. Hollwig was benched right after his first stupid penalty.

Bottom line: Rangers definitely have more skill players, but Isles are playing with more heart and grit. In hockey that is what will win most of the time.

Isles need to get better at clearing the puck. They also need to get some more scoring out of their other lines. Great start though!

YAH GOTTA BELIEVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i wonder where all the rags fans are? notice how they get so quiet when the rangers lose to us.... every time :) too bad we dont play for a while.... i would love to see the rags lose again.

and i would love to see berard win another trophy at the end of the season after he has an amazing year - that kid is all heart and talent and deserves it.... glad hes back in an isles sweater! i wish i could have seen the game... nhl radio only at work. sounded like they were strong and played well though... and DP had to be spectacular to make the stops i was hearing from the play by play.

love it!

isles 6 pts, rangers 2 pts. only the first week of the season and we already have a multi-game buffer! six of the first possible eight points... now THATS inspired.

life is good for now :)

Steady; nice post. I agree with all of your assesments; but don't forget to mention special teams play. Our PP was much better with Berard and our PK continues to look good. This team has a good recipe for success...good goal-tending, good special teams and good chemistry.

For all the skill that the Rangers have (and they do have a lot of skill) they are mediocre on the PP and that will cost them if they don't fix it.

Our defense is really getting solid opportunities and they are shooting the puck. One weakness last year was that we were ranked close to the bottom in the league for defense-man scoring. That will change this year.

Hunter is a force out there and he is shooting the puck. The goals should start to come real soon.

I felt real good when Berard scored. He really deserves a lot of respect for what it took for him to recover from his injuries to make this team. I hope to see him have a good year. That was a huge goal; and I think there will be more to come. That will free up MAB's shot.

Go Isles!

WHOO !!! ISLES WIN !!!
Good game overall....Psyched about Berard but MAB looks bad on defense. Too many giveaways and cannot carry the puck out.
Thought Comrie was a step off and Guerin taking a VERY bad penalty towards the end. Also Hunter looks HUNGRY .. Happy to come away with a hard fought VICTORY !!!

Anybody know what happened at the end with the final face off being in the neutral zone ??
Versus coverage sucks and they couldn't explain it.
Hunter clearly made the clear out from inside the Isles zone that went into the Ranjerks bench, but they brought the faceoff outside the zone which was huge for the Isles.
Just wondering if anyone listening on the radio has any info.

Apparently a Ranger player was hanging over the boards watching play and the puck deflected off of him out of play. Therefore the location of the face off. DP argued that right away,

Would love to here from Merrick who I am sure was at the game.

How was the crowd?

where is all the Ranjerk trashtalk?

our Islanders beat them in every aspect of the game....... even strength, special teams...and goaltending.

GREAT WIN TONIGHT BOYS!!!!!!!

Nice win for the Isles. More bad news about Sim, it always is tough when an athlete is injured, but it's really bad when they go down early in a new season. Best wishes for successful surgery if necessary) and a speedy recovery. Mr. Sim.
I actually just have some questions:
1. Was Campy hurt, or was he "semi" benched for trying to embelish to draw a boarding penalty? The VS crew never even mentioned it. His TOI in the third might indicate injury, but his antics with DP after the game screams BENCHING.

2. Why did MAB get all that TOI with 7 defensemen dressed? He did really look lost in space at times. Nice goal... but BETTER teams are going to EAT HIM UP.

3. Is Hilbert contagious, or does a HUGE PAYCHECK not a goal-scorer make? Gomez is a great player, and I would have loved it if he became an Islander, but he looked like Andy "I'll never threaten Gerry Hart's spot on the all-time scoring list" Hilbert on that PP chance.

4. Where's Jim from Woodbury? It really must suck to have a team with a loaded for bear roster that can't beat the LEFT OVER LINE... Main Meal 0 Leftovers 1.

5. What is there to stop teams from beating up the Rangers, and retaliating for all the crap that Avery and Hollweg dished out last year? Is it that "AWESOME PP"?... 0 for 6... 0 for 15... 0 for OCTOBER.

6. How many games will Nolan use 7 "D", and an extremely short bench. Park, Bergenhiem and Tambellini barely saw any even strength ice time. Why does Bergenhiem, who has looked pretty impressive, only get 2 mins?

It's great to be 3-1 now. It's great to be 1-0 against the Self Proclaimed Stanley Cup Champion NY Rangers. It's great to have a team that is exciting to watch, and play with some measure of heart and grit... I can't wait for the next game!!!

Where is the Rag Troll who post as Slick Willy, Reality Check, enough already and #1.
This guy has been trolling this site all summer, now he his nowhere in site. He probably hanging from rope in his momy basement. His only reason to wake up in morning is to hope the rags win. No girlfriend no friends.... What a pathetic loser..
Gomez 3 games 0 goals 0 pts 7 Million
Berard 1 games 1 goals 1 pts 750,000.00

NICES

Snow is schooling Sather.

All summer long, those Rag trolls wanted us to polish the cup for them, after ALL the Hockey Press proclaimed them favorites to win it all with the $$$$ signings.

In the Atlantic division:

Isles #1

Rangers #4

After this loss to the Isles, Jaromir Jagr said. "When we start clicking, we'll be a great team."

HEY Jar-head: We ARE clicking on Long Island!

The sound of weeping Ranger fans... priceless.

Good win Isles. I'm kinda bummed out on this Sim situation. What the hell happened to his knee that may keep him out for the year? Did he tear the crap out of it? MAB is what he is, we're going to have to deal with it. Even with all his defensive mistakes, it seemed like he was out there the whole game.

Tonight is why I go to the games!

I've definitely seen games with more intensity, but for October, both teams flat out played. DiPietro was sensational--making me happy (for now) putting his name on my new jersey. Actually, the game could have gone either way with a lucky bounce here or there--but tonight, it went our way.

I liked the Islanders first 5-3 because they moved the puck so well, but they seemed to get away from that later in the game--holding the puck and looking. However, I wonder how much the ice has slowed down the skill game. The arena was much hotter later in the game and that may have affected the ice as well. Unfortunately, we now know that bad ice can also take out a player for a year.

Defensively, I was having hard time figuring out what Nolan was doing with his lines. He seemed to be using different combinations against Jagr and Drury, but perhaps I was wrong. Also, this is now the fourth game where the Islanders defensemen have played angles in their zone extraordinarily well against opposing team breakouts --preventing strong drives to the Isles net--even from faster skaters. Is that the ice as well?

Tambellini looked good and drew two penalties, but what's with Miro. He just doesn't seem sharp.

Steady, it was not a sellout and definitely an Islander crowd, but not as much as last year. The Rags fans were in strong force, but even in October, this is such a great rivalry the fans were into it. The horns were honking in the parking lot for at least 15 minutes after the game.

I never would have expected a 3-1 record with our only loss against the Caps, but it's a nice way to start. Unfortunately, the schedule stinks with 5 games in 8 days. We seem to have a lot of 3 in 4's and I wonder how that stacks up with the rest of the league.

In any event, beating the Rangers is always fun. Peace,

Thanks for the insider comments Merrick. I'm real jealous. If only I lived in LI....
Fun game to watch. Hopefully they bring the same intensity to Toronto. Seems like there are a lot of close ones in our future. Satan looks looks horrible (for himself). Hunter is a beast! I can't believe they only signed him for 1 year. Hope that doesn't back-fire.
First look at Blakey tomorrow. Let's hope the boys aren't fatigued

Was at the game tonight , great atmosphere...

Seems like the word on Lundy is to shot high. The Isles missed the net a bunch but any chance they got , they ripped in 3 feet off the ice... Lundy was always on his knees!?!?!

Looking the game now(DVR)... Isn't Bereard a godsend... DP was just effin awesome tonight...

For all the rags fans that made fun of Snow refering to our players as "Nolan type players" - THOSE WERE NOLAN TYPE PLAYERS TONIGHT! Not some guy who is getting paid $7 million to miss empty nets or a captain who doesn't want to be in a shootout. "Nolan type players" are guys who WANT to win every night and do everything they can to ensure that happens, even if you think they're leftover free agents or permanent 3rd line checkers in the NHL.

The thing that stinks is that from a hockey standpoint, the Rangers have a ton of talent and I feel bad for Renney because he's not a bad coach. But all those high school ranger fans who were ruining this blog in the summer and insisting that they were going to be an elite team this year completely made up for that. Not to mention the 18,000 fans at MSG who were chanting "we want the cup" after the first game of the season lol.

islefan, gotta agree with you on Renney. he's not a bad coach and would be great as one of Nolan's assistants. probably next year.

I am thrilled that we beat the Rangers but I do have to say it's a bit early to be talking smack. I am content to say that the Ranger trolls have to eat crow (and go away), but there were things about this game that worried me. I've only seen a bit of the game on DVR, but reading about it, it sounds like the Rangers had a lot more scoring opportunities than they should have if we were playing solid defense, and that worries me. And I am really bummed about this injury to Sim... Anyone want to make me feel better about losing Sim, who had a great first game and, to use the familiar cliché, is a total Nolan-type player. Any hope that Tamby can really step up and spell this guy?

And one more question... for people who watched or attended the game. Did the Rangers, as Lynn Zinser said in the NY Times, dominate the play such that DP stole the game?

Steady,

I was at the game ...I'll have more thoughts on it later, but I saw you ask about the crowd...honestly, this was one of the more passive crowds for an Isles/Blue Skirts game I've seen in a while ...atleast it was until the end of the 1st ...I think people were waiting for the brawls from the preseason to carry over ...once the Isles got on the board the crowd seemed to get into it ...as the game became older the fans obviously became more intense ...great game ...DP is a star ...no doubt about it ...the "D" gave its all last night ...you can see how the double barrel attack from the point on the PP will create a lot of chances ...and once again I've never seen a team whine and cry about calls like Shannahan and the Rangers ...he stayed on the ice for 1 minute after the 1st to cry to an official ...I tell ya ...the Ranjerks have never taken a penalty in their lackluster history ....

Lastly, it was so great to hear the chicken dance ...It wasn't there on Sat and lord knows it probably wasn't there on kids day ...and I missed that preseason game, so its big a few years ;-)

What a game, but I agree we need to remember it's a long season. I could hear on the radio in the first period the DP chant, and a pretty loud "SUCKS!" from the Ranger contingent. I didn't hear that for the rest of the game...

And yes, it's true, VS SUCKS. Their commentary was too focused on the rest of the NHL. Sure, something like twelve games were on in one night, but that doesn't mean we need to hear all about it during the game.

One last thing: Now that I took my daughters to the Kid's Opening day, I have a great excuse to make it to more games this year. During the game last night they kept asking when they were going to their next game.

LET'S GO ISLANDERS!!!

JP: After game interview stated Campoli's leg got caught in a rut as he was hit. There is no long term damage only a momentary stinger which quickly subsided. The minimal minutes were due to the 7 defencemen dressed. Campy is known for showing up and playing hard. If you want actors, look to the Broadway bench for your choice of Academy Award nominees.
As for Ricky and Campy celebrating the win with their trade mark jump; that's called team chemistry and youthful spirit which has previously been sadly lacking. I agree with you about MAB but like the announcer said "thank God he scored in the first period because he was having a terrible time out there turning it over". Yes, the good teams wil continue to eat him alive but let's focus on the positive of a win. Berard played fairly well for his first game and it was nice to see him score. Ted has a delicate job of finding enough ice time for his surprisingly strong D. Maybe the time is right to package a D prospect, one of our many "grinders" and a draft pick for a proven scorer?

I brought my kid to the first two home games and thought both crowds were great. Having a kid at "game two," I am glad they did not do the chicken dance either! LOL ~I am getting old~ LOL

Thanks guys for the update on last nights crowd!

On the topic of VERSUS, anytime someone other then your normal announcers do the game it is hard to watch. We are spoiled in all our sports with the announcers. Having the DISH, I get the away announcers a lot while watching games in MA. 90% of them are horrible. One thing you have to give credit to VERSUS for is their overall coverage. They gave highlights from all games and great in depth analysis. Hey if they become our version of "HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA," I will watch them all the time !!!

As for the Rangers.......Gomez is definitely pressing. He had a few wide open nets. This team is going to be good once they get clicking. Jagr is still top three players in the game. If he were ever to go down with an injury or quit on this team, they will be TOAST !!! He is by far their catalyst!

As for the Rangers poster that just throw jabs and do not talk hockey. ANY AMT. OF MONEY they now use a different sign on and spew their hate once the Rags get a win.....COWARDS! That is why the great Ranger posters that talk hockey will come on today and talk about the game. As they should !!! Their team is going to be good!

As I said yesterday........TONIGHT IS THE BIG GAME!!! We cannot do what we have in the past and play poor hockey after a Rags game! Toronto just got blasted by Carolina 7-1 in their own barn. They are rested. They hate us as it is! Go in their and get at least a point and I will be beyond impressed. It could send us on one heck of an early run with a W or at least a point tonight!

Will Dubie Dubie Dooooooooo play tonight ???????

p.s Martinek is soooooooooooooo important to this team. He MUST stay healthy. By far our MVP on defense!

Versus coverage was horrible. This was not about Isles fans being used to Howie and Jaffe. There were key parts in the third period when the announcers were telling some oddball story about the Hurricanes. Versus also has the habit of showing advertisements along the bottom of the screen while the action is going on, which completely interferes with the view of the play.

I do not think it would be a horrible idea to experiment with MAB as a forward. His blistering shot is needed in this lineup, but his defensive lapses create too much havoc in front of DP. When MAB gets down low he happens to be a very effective cycler, and we've all seen how good his stickhandling and shot can be. So why not try playing him at wing, while maintaining his point position on the PP? Just trying to think outside the box here.

It seems Tambellini's ice time gets reduced after a shift or two, which prevents him from getting into the flow of the game. Nolan should give him a regular shift for a few games to see if he cant hold in own in the NHL. I don't think Tambs will do much to hurt us if given this chance.

Campoli is eons better than he was last year. Hilbert is proving he actually has some value as a 3rd line winger and penalty killer. Now that Sim is out, the signing of Hilbert is looking good. Sutton is by far the worst signing of the summer (so far).

Candyman, you are a NYer why were you not at the game? Thought you were a big fan? That is bad !

I was at the game last night (awesome night, DP kicked arse) and some guy was handing out fliers before the action ... here's what it said:

TO ALL ISLANDER FANS

On Feb. 25, 1979 Denis Potvin broke Ulf Nilsson's ankle on a hard hip check. The play was regarded as clean by the NHL and detractors of MSG have cited ruts in the ice as contributing to Nilsson's season ending injury. Since then rangers fans have chanted "Potvin Sucks"

THE TIME HAS COME TO ANSWER THE "POTVIN SUCKS" CHEER

From now on we will reply with "BRIAN LEETCH SUCKS!!" immediately after they say "Potvin Sucks"

And just in case a Ranger fan wants to argue here's some facts:

POTVIN NHL CAREER LEETCH
1245 Games Played 1300
366 Goals 275
850 Assists 850
1216 Points 1125
3 Norris 2
0 Conn Smythe 1
4 Cups 1

As you can see it's really no comparison at all. And don't forget, anybody named Leetch must suck!!!

LET'S GO ISLANDERS!!!

Yours truly, 318-J-1

****** classic stuff ... if anyone is in this guy's section than buy him a beer next game. And spread the word for the next Rangers game. By the way, chicken dance chants of Rangers Suck were SOOOOOOO LOUD last night ... ha ha ha ha ha .... effin crappy Rangers

Bear,

Thanks for the concern but I was there. I TIVO'd the game and re-watched some of the game.

I can't believe I forgot to mention the Chicken Dance! That WAS loud.

OK, so i will check in and if you want to beat me down have at it.

Great game last night. The two Goalies made the difference. Both stood on their heads and Lundqvist wants the Bergeron one back for sure. All 3 goals were great dead on shots by D-men.

It is funny to see the way things have panned out in the first few games. You guys and the Islanders have alot to be happy about. The Rangers fans have some to worry about but, the main thing is lets all remember that it is 1 short week into the season. Not taking away from what I have seen from the Isles and not ready to panic about the Rangers. The Rangers can be the Mets this year and be a big upset (like most of you will say is common...lol) don't tell me I am a Rangers supporter for over 20 yrs now. I know how that goes. But, the flip side is that if this is adjusting, growing pains and learning the new team then things look bright. Reading through the Rangers blog you would think there was a funeral being planned.

Like I said though great game and it's 1-0 Islanders. The loss last night didn't sting as bad as knowing you guys got the bragging rights. If the Islanders can play like this and this is the team that shows up all season they are going to surprise alot of people.

Isles Bri,
That is pretty funny. I can not stand the Potvin Chant in the Garden. It is retarded! Nothing more than an old time building tradition that has worn out horribly. The funny thing is that half the people chanting it today don't even have a clue. It will be interesting if you guys get it to stick. The only difference is that the play made the chant not the career. Leetch never did anything like that. But, still funny.

Question to you all?
Carol Alt or Hillary Duff? LOL

I want to know when they are installing the 'Duff Cam' so we can watch her all game long.

Something tells me that if she sits at a Garden game and is shown on the big screen she will be warmly welcomed ;)

Isles Bri:

That is some funny stuff. I would never say or chant that a player of Leetch's caliber "sux" though!!! Let the Rags fans make fools out of themselves by chanting it about Potvin. It makes them look so ridiculous and "minor" league!

It is the equivalant of the Boston fans chanting the Yanks "suk!" It is the dumbest chant in sports. No secret I do not like the Yanks, but to chant they stink is ridiculous!

I will stick to the "If you think they bought the Cup, clap you hands" chant!

Best of all time was "OhhhhhhLala Sassooooooooon" and "Shoot the puck Barry, shoot the puck!" ......and of course "1940!"

Candyman~ I understand what you are saying about Versus, but in between periods is what I was talking about. It was exactly like "Hockey Night In Canada," with the way they went around the league and built up the games. I enjoyed it! Better then watching the "Side Talker" or Al Trautwig in between periods! The play by play was poor, but you would of given them more of a break if it wasn't Isles vs. Rangers.....In games like that you need the home voices that get into the game and know the "ins and outs!"

BIG GAME TONIGHT!!! Is Mother Tucker playing? Dubie playing? Bootland get ice time?

Hey Gary.....Again with the crowd huh? Anything to not talk about the game! You need time to gel? Why are the Isles doing well then?

It was you that said we had so much turnover, correct? We are the ones that should not be doing well, correct? We are the ones that lost our top ten point and ice time guys, correct?

Go back in your hole. We will tell you when it is safe to come out!

p.s How is Gomez your 7 million dollar man doing???? Heck you with acne cream in your eyes could of scored on half of his chances.

As for the guys holding the sign.....Who is more pathetic them doing that for one night or you posting on our blog every 20 seconds? Got a mirror? USE IT !!!

Hey Gary ... u get a life. Rangers are a bunch of overpaid, no gelling together wastes. Drury was INVISIBLE last night .... Gomez too. Rangers will make playoffs and then blow up as usual. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!! I feel bad for you .... not really!!!!!!!

first of all ranjerk fans, you lost! its only one game but you still run your mouths, wait a month until we play again, you all are just like avery. he runs his mouth and hes had 2 chances to play the isles this year buy he is nowhere to be found. i heard he is distraught from his break up with Cuthbert. waaaahhhh. about potivn sucks chant get over it, it ws 30 years ago and you wouldnt have one the cup then either. you have won, no wait manufactured a cup once in the last 67 years, starting to sound like toronto. your other 3 cups came with 6 teams in the league, thats a joke. after the game in the coliseum hallways last night every islander fan were rippin ranjerk fans on many different topics but my favorite was us all singing the ranger goal song, if anyone who reads this was there you snow what i mean. last point, someone tell jagr to untuck his jersey, with these tighter jerseys tucked in on him it looks like he is wearing an old mans diaper. it was funny wherever witt or sutton came within 5 feet of him he would slam on the brakes and turn around. CLASSIC

I hope with the new players we brought in we can get past the whole "Ranger Hangover" issue. I will be curious to see how the team responds. We should be able to put some pucks in the net tonight as Toronto's "D" is terrible.

Versus was terrible last night and Engbloom needs a new hair piece or die job.

I do agree with one of the other posts with regrards to being spolied in our market. I have DirecTV and when I watch out of market announcers they can put you to sleep. Our market brings new meaning to the term "in depth analysis".

I thought the first period was a draw, I thought in the second we really played our game at it's best and dominated as the period went on. There were a couple of shifts where the Hunter line had the puck in the Rags zone for the entire shift. The third period belonged to the Rangers and I thought Jagr was great. DP was great but the "D" did a good job of keeping the puck to the outside and clearing the front of the net. DP was able to see the puck. The only time he was really screened was the lone Rangers goal. Gomez really blew a wide open net. DP was hung out to dry and could only cover the low ice. Gomez shot it right into his stick.

I know it is early but last year we started off 0-3 and it quickly becomes a long climb to the top. If we can play consistently and avoid the losing streaks like we had last year we will stay right in the thick of things. We had the 3 game losing streak at the beginning of the year, then the 7 game skid right before the all star break, and then another 3 game skid when DP went down and Dunham was in net.

Steady,
You are playing Toronto tonight and you ask if Tucker is playing?
No love for Blake?

Come on give Blake some love like Isiah Thomas would. LMAO!

Isles are playing tough so far. Only negative from last night was Guerin not burying the puck on that 5 on 3 at end of game that would have iced it. Wide open net ... he just missed it. Oh well, he's a workhorse and you gotta like the first line chemistry so far. Comrie looked off last night though (maybe a bit nervous cause Hillary was there) ... Witt has been a shot blocking monster so far and Hunter is plastering everything that moves!!!!!

I'm not stooping down to the retardedness of the Ranjerks fans.

Brian Leetch is probably the best American born Defenemen ever to play in the NHL. May not have had the defensive prowess as Kenny Morrow. He was the first American Defensmen to win a Conn Smythe.

That's no easy feat.

I never thought Brian Leetch sucked. Renjerk fans chanting "Potvin Sucks" are just eating sour grapes. I still recall how excited they were when rumors were circulating that Potvin was to come out of retirement to play in their 94 squad.

LOL

Denis Potvin sucks indeed.

I don't think the Islanders played a great game last night. They looked a little tired and sluggish from having played their fourth game in six nights.

A few positives.

Guerin looks to be coming around more. He's a very sneaky kinda a goal scorer and he's starting to play to his strengths. Comrie and Fedotenko seem to be getting a better feel for him.

That second line is atrocious right now. It's really hard to tell the difference between that line and the fourth line. Bergeneheim seems like a better fit there. There's now way that that Hilbert deserves 16 mins and bergenheim a mere 2:35.

Yes, HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! A player that we have spent all this time telling you sucks and will do nothing for you is now out, and so NOW we will pretend that he is the heart and soul of your team! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!

"i know ,when the rags aren't there it's empty..."
Correction Mr Islander: The sold out home games at the Crapiseum so far this year were both of the home games when the Isles were NOT playing the Rangers.

Yes we see you retard!

I was at the game last night. Crowd was pretty tame, seems like a lot of groups of Isles and Rangers fans went together. There were a lot of Rangers jerseys there, but thats typical, we are in NY after all. I did however perhaps see some of our trolls in person on line to buy beer. This kid in a Rangers jersey was trying to argue with anyone who had an Islanders jersey on in line around him. He was mostly ignored though, I thought someone would have punched him the way he kepy going on.

Anyways as for the game, I came away with mixed feelings. The first period actually belonged to the Islanders, they were getting the chances, getting the shots on net, keeping the puck in. After the Rangers scored however the flow of the game shifted and the Rangers dominated and it indeed was Ricky that stole the game for us. There were spurts where the Rangers got several shots in a row on him while the Islanders just watched. I don't know if the team was tired but they didn't take the body like they have the last few games.

Guerin and Comrie looked a step slower tonight though they still got their chances. It sucked that Geurin hit the post during that 5 on 3 situation during the third, bad break. On the otherhand I thought Tank was great, he was hustling, hitting, and creating. If only his linemates would have followed suit.

Satan and Vasicek looked bad, they couldn't get much going and Satan turned the puck over numerous times. Tambellini was buzzing around, he got a few opportunities but needs to capitalize on them. This line seemed to get less and less time as the game wore on.

Hunter Silinger and Hilbert all played great games. For as much as we rag on Hilbert, his energy carried him into the thick of a lot of plays and he was very disruptive on the forecheck. He's got no scoring creativity though. The one real chance he had Lundqvist easily stopped.

Bergenheim barely played even though he was skating and hitting hard, I don't understand that. He seems like a player thats just waiting to have a great season but the lid is being kept on. Park looked tired (didn't chase down a loose puck in the Rangers zone at the end of the third, would have had a decent shot at the net)

I was amazed by the Islanders PK, they were extremely stingy, especially in the third. On play in particular where the Rangers made a beautiful cross pass on a rebound with DP down, not sure who it was but he dove across and stopped the puck from going into the empty net with his skates. Its nice to see that kind of sacrifice.

Bergeron was Mr. Turnover again however, watching him play the Rangers its clear that his speed is also just as important as his shot. Numerous time the Rangers were able transition quickly and get behind the Islanders forecheck. It was Bergeron racing back that stopped numerous breakaways and oddman rushes. Campoli also showed some wheels last night catching up to what was a near Jagr breakaway.

After DP, Jagr was the best player on the ice but he didn't have much to work with in terms of teammates. I don't mean this as a trollish dig but Drury and Gomez were nondistinguishable from the rest of the Ranger core. During the preseason you could tell when they were on the ice and that wasn't the case last night.

Sorry for the length, this game could have gone either way really, we have more to work on and a defensemen situation to figure out.

I’m very happy the Isles won. And I think they played relatively well. But Rangers fans (what’s up Mookie) probably don’t have anything to worry about. They’ve got some serious talent and will be right up there in the playoff seedings.

The real difference between these 2 teams is in the 1st and 2nd lines and the defense. The Islander 2nd line is pretty much non-existent. The Rangers 2nd line has Shanahan. Enough said. The guy is a sniper. Isles are better on the back line. So if that was the end of the comparison it would be a wash. But Drury and Jagr are dominant. So that’s really what gives the Rangers the edge.

It’s become obvious that Nolan’s strategy to counter the lack of scoring punch on the front lines is to get more offense from the D. That’s why you see MAB with so many minutes despite his poor defense. But I like the strategy and I think it was a very good psychological move to use 7 D with Berard. Playing Berard and benching a defenseman could’ve caused resentment. This way, at least initially, any resentment felt by a benched forward is much less and the good team chemistry is preserved. But I really like the idea of possibly using MAB on the wing. Not sure if he could do it (learn the positioning, etc), but might be worth a try.

As 'Healy' said, last night could’ve gone either way. The were ebbs and flows to the game for each team. No way either team could’ve been viewed as dominant. No way. Gritty win for the Isles. To win the season series again, they're gonna have to hit more - make it a much more physical game. Too bad Sim is out.

Why do you Rangers fans keep talking about the fans??? I hope it was 100% Rags Fans last night......YOU ALL SAW YOUR TEAM LOSE !!!!

Talk about the Game....YOU LOST !!!

You all came on here saying you would destroy the isles and you got smothered. Who cares how many Rags fans were in NVMC last night. Did it effect the outcome? You got smushed!

ENJOY THE DEMISE !!!

Big win last night! Do you guys think Sutton looks lost out there? He's not playing his size. I thought a big game like last night we would see Sutton hitting everything.

After all the garbage you talk on this site, that is what you come up with? Now that is pathetic.

Reality check: Gomez 0 points
Reality check: DP owned you
Reality Check: you post on an Isles blog.
Reality Check: Last palce
Reality Check: You talk smack leading up to a game and then TURTLE !!! Stay on the ice high schooler.....The men are talking today!

Eastern Conference

NY Islanders
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
New Jersey
NY Rangers

Steady do not waste your time. High School got out early. Guy is clueless and they are all the same kid!

Gary = CJ = Reality=Enough= Roslyn High School

What up Cincy!

Steady,
OH SH*T!!!
The Rangers are tied for last!
Seasons Over, go ahead start the chant!!!! ;)

Unreal, fans from both teams...
UNREAL!!!

This season has been decided 3 and 4 games in.
I LOVE IT!

Just for fun my friend FACTS!!! ;)

It reads like this because we have the fewest goals against.

NY Islanders
Philadelphia
Rangers
New Jersey
Pittsburgh

And one more before I go to lunch:

YOU GUYS WILL GET A KICK OUT OF THIS ONE!
Newest Rangers Blog:

Former Isle Scatchard in for tryout

Surprising news:

Veteran forward/center Dave Scatchard, 32, has been signed to a tryout, and skated on a line with Dubinsky and Orr. Scatchard played for coach Tom Renney in Vancouver and was with Phoenix last season. More on this in a bit...

Marcel Hossa (groin) did not skate and is day-to-day; Petr Prucha took his spot on the No. 1 line

Renney said the two moves were not related...

Gotta run, back soon

Here's a fact: "Reality Check is a tool"

The Rangers were called for 1 more penalty than the Islanders and it was a clear as day delay of game on Henrik Lundqvist because he handled the puck in the corner.

On an interesting side-note: during the TV timeouts Lundqvist moved to above the top of his crease to let the ice-girls do their thing. (and he still played well...surprise!)

Mook ~ How you feel about your team early. Worried at all, or feel like it is just a matter of time for them to take off ????

p.s Your team blows :) kidding

I was just listening to Hockey live on XM 204. The Ranger fans were calling in all paniced about the team chemistry and how that is a bogus excuse. Two seson ticket holders called in and said they will be booing Gomez tomorrow against Washington if he does not score. Geez the guy came to the Rangers having only scored 13 goals last year in the same division. Did you really think the guy was going to score 40 this year? He may be getting paid like Danny Heatly, but he won't score like him.

anyone have Drury's home number? I want to go over and give him a $7 million "man rub". That should get him more active, no???

The Ranger fans excuse that the Rangers have a lot of new faces and they need time to gel doesn't hold up... the Islanders have as many if not more new "faces".... what's the problem?

Also... Rick Dipietro is an absolute star..... top 3 in the NHL right now!

Steady, Cincy, Miggsey & DP (Mookie), John the Ranger fan here. I haven't checked in for a while and when I last did it seemed as if someone hijacked my name. I'll try and stick with this.

I was at the game last night and it was well played by both sides. Why didn't Malik move to the hash mark on the 1st period draw to cover Bergeron? And, why didn't Drury or Gomez take a last second draw in out own end? I have no clue and it is still aggravating me. The Isles looked good, the certainly are a hard-working team. Rangers worked hard as well but the PP is killing us. I'm not going to panic (like some other Ranger fans are doing). I thought this was going to take some time to get all the talent to play together. The Rangers don't play the same crash the net style the Isles do so it is going to take some time the jell. I did like some things I saw last night though.

Both goalies, as usual, played great. I think we've all come to expect that. And Healy, I notice that Hank moved to the top of his crease during Ice Girl stoppages as well. He even went to the bench for some water at times but I think that had more to do with the temerature in that place last night.

Great game which will lead to a great season series between these teams. Ranger fans, keep the faith and don't panic, this will still take some time.

One other item, I never liked the Potvin chant, it should go. But to the guy handing out the flyer last night, please. Brian Leetch is the last Ranger you should disrespect. The guy played with class and heart his entire career and he was much better defensively than he's given credit for. Choose a different guy because even good hockey fan Islander fans know he's not the guy you should target.

Good to see the regulars back and the B.S. that took over these Newsday blogs over the summer pretty much gone. Congrats on the win last night and we'll see you on 11/6, you sons of bitches!!!

;)

Healy,
No need to blame refs in my opinion at all. Great game last night. Glad to hear that Lundqvist didn't abuse any little girls.

Anybody think that Duff would make a great ice girl?
Can they just get her to wear the outfit so we see her in it at every TV time out or when Comrie gets in a bit of a scrum? LOL

Steady,
The Rags (Rangers) will be alright. I am realistic in my thinking and you know that. I am still excited to see what this team is capable of doing. Like you and others have said, this team will be dangerous if it all comes together.If it doesn't then we have the 07-08 Mets of the NHL.

Coral,
That is just stupid. Those are the fans that you hate to have to sit next to at the games. Guaranteed they are fair weathers that bought season tickets on July 2nd after Drury and Gomez were announced. Not fans that have been around for years supporting their team through it all. Every arena has them, you know what I am talking about.

3-1,
DP was a star and is. He was my biggest fear in playing the Islanders last night and will be all season long. Take DP out fo last nights game an the score and outcome are different. I know there is other factors but, just my opinion. As for new faces the Islanders have looked good so far I got nothing on that one.

Welcome back John. A classy Rangers fan...Unlike that punk Mookie! LOL LOL :)

DOH!

I don't think the Islanders looked great last night