Blue Notes

I think I'd rather have Leetch than Redden @ $6.5 million a year for 6 years.

Are you saying Leetch at his age now?

Why are they going to Denver when the USHHOF is in Eveleth, MN???

USA Hockey is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO. Since the arena there probably isn't big enough to host this, they're going to hold it in Denver.

Thanks, Jeff. I didn't know that.

I had the opportunity to see the US Hockey Hall of Fame a couple of years back. A group of us were doing a motorcycle ride to northern Minnesota and had to go through Evelith. Needless to say we had an "unscheduled" stop for a couple of hours. I was just thrilled. It was great to see the history of hockey here in the US. If you're a hockey fan and have the opportunity it's a don't miss.

I know I am dreaming here...but with no real news going on I figure why not...

Rosival/ Prucha & #1 draft pick and/or prospect(s)
for
Horton & Bouwmeester

Joke,

the cap hit this year for Horton and Jay Bo this year is close to 9 million combined

Rozi and Prucha are only a combined 6.5 million

we need a trade that gets us some cap relief

but, otherwise, those two are the Panthers best two players, I don't think they'd trade their best two players for Rozi and Prucha

The Panthers could do a whole lot better than that if they actually were looking to trade both of them.

Horton isn't going anywhere anyway, he is signed through 2013.

GardenFaithfulinFL, I've been there, too, and I agree. It's a definite must see for any hockey fan.

Rangers fans: something to keep us going through the uneventful August days. I'm somewaht amused by the propaganda coming from that team to the East which is claiming this season will be one of "rebuilding with youth". I may be missing something, but a team with 9 regulars over 30 years of age, with Guerin, Weight & Sillinger all 37+, plus only Okposo & Comeau being the only regulars under 25 when the season ends, doesn't seem like a youth movement. In fact, only the Devils with 12, will have more starters over 30 than the Isles in the Atlantic Div. The Rangers on the other hand, will start the season with 5 players (2 of which are Valiquette & Rissmiller, both 30) 30 or older. I guess NYR is the "veteran" team.

chicago is is the youngest team in the NHL at 26 years old on average. detroit is the oldest at 30.5. NJ is right behind them at 30.1.

wow, time to start the season. im scraping the bottom of the barrel for a post...lol

To be brutally honest, I know the Isles guys on these blogs are going to always focus on the Rangers, pointing out how many players have left, how lousy we are going to be, blah blah blah.

But honestly, I have never felt the Islanders more irrelevant as an organization than what they are at this very moment.

I really could care less about who they have or what their fans are saying at this point.

That team always gets up for games against the Rangers, so they may win a few because playing the Rangers is like the Stanley Cup for their fans and their organization, but we have more important things to worry about.

Like worrying about the Penguins, Flyers and Devils in our own division.

I just see their fans pleading for people to pay attention to them at this point.

Dude- you're right on the money. The playoffs for Islander fans is when the play NYR. The Rangers & we as their fans have "bigger fish to fry".

Dude, you said it all...can't agree w/you more. Wang hires a 2nd string goalie to be his GM w/absolutely no NHL Experience, then they go out and hire a coach with absolutely no NHL experience....it say's alot about that organization doesen't it. Yes, we need to create a team that can play with and consistently beat the Pens, Flyers, Devils and of couse, the R'wings. I think we're on our way and heading in the right direction.

Sorry guys, I have very high standards forthe Hall, and Leetch and Richter were two of my favorites, but really question how 'Great' they were. Its a thin line, but I believe in standards.

Guys, if the world starts to catch on that the Islanders don't matter to the Rangers fans, than they'll lose half their fan base. At 8000 per, that 4000 Isles strong. Not enough to pay the bills, ya know? So let's all pretend the Islanders are important to us, this way when Wang gets ready to move the team next season, the NHL will step in and force new ownership instead. Causing Wang to fall on his face, and 25 more years of nothing special for crappy Islanders fans. Wooowhhhooo! hahahahahahahaha

Finally, some hockey "stuff" to debate. The Hockey News Yearbook is out & NYR is picked for #6 in the East. They're listed behind Montreal, Pittsburgh, Washington- I guess as they're expected to be a division winner-, Phiadelphia & Ottawa. Yes, Ottawa. Don't know how the rest of you feel, but I liked the moves made over the summer. The Rangers will be a skating team & will be attacking in the offense end rather than plodding. Say whatever you willl about Redden, he remains one of the top outlet passers in the League. Staal will only get better & I look forward to Zherdev's highlight reel goals. I expect the Rangers to be as good a team as Philly if not better, & I wouldn't be surprised to see them challenge Pittsburgh.

I think 6th is a pretty good prediction.

I probably would pick the Rangers 5th, but I still don't think this team is exactly what we are going to have October 4th.

I think whoever doesn't win the South East division, either Tampa or Washington, is going to have a great record and they could definitely get the 4th or 5th spot.

Still some things need to be sorted out before predictions can be made I think.

Dude and Broadway Blue,
I agree with you both that we'll be hovering around 5th or 6th. I think at least divisionally it's going to be as tight as last year if not tighter, but that makes it all the more exciting.

I really don't believe that all the maneuvering is done with the team. Just by the fact there hasn’t been any press conferences or releases welcoming some the new guys. It’s just too quiet. I hope the basic core stays together. I think the some of our younger guys will begin to smooth out some of the rough edges as they start putting another season under their belt. Hopefully things will come together quickly (it's going to have to with the pre-season schedule.

Dan - Leetch is a hall of famer guaranteed

Remember,fellows, the GMHC Gay Mens Hockey League is starting Sept 5th at Chelsea Piers, we have a six team league, and have over 75 members from this site enrolled and ready to play. If anyone else is interested, please leave your e mail with a comment.

"I have very high standards forthe Hall, and Leetch and Richter were two of my favorites, but really question how 'Great' they were. Its a thin line, but I believe in standards"

Only a complete imbecil would say that, and this had to be a troll.

Leetch is a first ballot hall of famer for the NHL Hall of fame, there is no question about it.

This blog was talking about Leetch and Richter going to the USA hockey hall of fame. Not sure if the Dan troll knew there were even two of them.

It takes into account their NHL careers but also their Olympic, World Championship and World Cup careers, which Mike Richter single handedly won for the US in 1996.

I agree, any idiot saying they don't feel Leetch is deserving knows nothing about the sport. Brian Leetch is the greatest american born dman in the history of the game. They have also said this is one of the best classes EVER to get into the US hall. Brian was class and greatness, remember, 94 would not have happened if he wasn't so dominating and he scored a goal in both game 7's, that's clutch.

Leetch is definitely in my top ten all time Rangers. He also richly deserves to be in the US Hall of Fame with Mike Richter. Here's my top ten all time Rangers since 1946.

1. Bathgate
2. Ratelle
3. Messier
4. Leetch
5. Giacomin
6. Park
7. Graves
8. Gilbert
9. Worsley
10. Hadfield

Honorable mention to Ron Greschner, Harry Howell, Mike Richter, Jagr, Doug Harvey, Walt Tkaczuk.

Jagr had only one outstanding season, one good season and one below par season, not enough for me to put him in the top 10. Total carreer wise, yes, like Gretzky but Ranger career, no..

I like this game Lenny

I can only say my 10 favorite Rangers since 1977, because that's when I started as a fan.

1. Adam Graves
2. Brian Leetch
3. Mark Messier
4. Mike Richter
5. Ron Greschner
6. Don Maloney
7. Barry Beck
8. Henrik Lundqvist
9. Phil Esposito
10. John Vanbiesbrouck

Honorable mentions to Nick Fotiu, Sean Avery, Mark Pavelich, Mike Gartner, Pierre Larouche, Reijo Routsalanien, Stephane Matteau and Stephane Quintal (haha, just kidding on Quintal)

I have a feeling in 10 years that Marc Staal and Brandon Dubinsky will replace 2 in the top 10.

I need to add Ron Duguay, Anders Hedberg and Don Murdoch as honorable mentions too.

"the Isles guys on these blogs are going to always focus on the Rangers".

The way Mark Messier above just did.
rofl What a genius!

"The way Mark Messier above just did.
rofl What a genius! "

Then again I just did. So i must be a genius too! LOL

Some tidbits about the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame that may enlighten some of you meatheads who use every blog posted by Zipay as a platform to obsessively bash the Islanders.

There are major financial problems facing this Shrine to U.S. Hockey. It is barely able to stay open for any period of time.
And these problems are a poor reflection on the otherwise healthy state of Hockey in the United States.

Because of it's location in Eveleth (pronounced "ehblit" by the locals up there), attendance at this shrine is consistently dismal, year after year.
Consequently, it is open on a very limited schedule due to a meager operating budget.
Ironically, considering hockey is a winter sport, it is generally only open during the week in the summer months.
In fact THIS YEAR, it only opened after the July 4th holiday, after being basically closed for the better part of the last year.
Check this link...
http://www.ushockeyhall.com/events.cfm

Sad when you consider all of the current NHL millionaires who grew up in the shadow of the HOF. (Matt Cullen and Matt Niskanen to name two current players).

The actual exhibit hall is easily the smallest of any exhibit hall for any sports HOF that I have ever attended (Spouse is from Northern MN...I have visited this HOF many times).
The presentations within that Hall are LIMITED to say the least.

The only highlight of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, in my mind, is a little room where they telecast the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Game against the Russians from beginning to end. Constantly.

This U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame is in big trouble guys.
It is an embarassment to any American who loves hockey.
While I greatly admire and respect Brian Leetch and Mike Richter, I am embarassed for them knowing that very few people will ever see their busts or read about them in the HOF with the way things are now.
The fact that their "induction ceremonies" are being held in Denver speaks volumes as to the state of the real location for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Something needs to change.

Quickly.

Just my opinion.

"may enlighten some of you meatheads who use every blog posted by Zipay as a platform to obsessively bash the Islanders"

the pot: "hello kettle, you are black"

Whatever, Dude. (if it's really you).

I will put my comments on any Newsday board up against yours anytime.
My comments are 99% free of any "Ranger bashing".
I may take issue with some of the Ranger meatheads who post their standard inanity from time to time, but I waste no time going out of my way to take a cheap shot at the Rangers.
And I have no patience or respect for Islander meatheads who do the same.

Life is too short my friend.

yeah, it's really me

I consider the Isles to be irrelevant right now, and scold any Rangers fan who gives them the time of day.

My whole point is we have bigger fish to fry in our division, lets stop worrying about the Isles, lets stop posting about the Isles, there really is not one reason to.

Sorry if the truth hurts, I just don't consider the Isles one bit of a factor right now.

Dude,

"Sorry if the truth hurts, I just don't consider the Isles one bit of a factor right now."

Nah, no pain at all. It's your truth, you are welcome to it.

I just chuckle at how often you need to remind yourself of that truth.

tim:

As much as I love Leetch, and he was my favorite player, I'd have to say Chelios is the best US born Dman.

Don't forget Rod Langway, not saying he is as good as Leetch but he definitely belongs in the US Hockey Hall of Fame along with Leetch and Chelios.

Langway is honored in the Washington DC hall of fame for all sports there. They showed the plaque during the mets game last night.

Effigy,
Just a nod toward another little known U.S. born D-man--Bill Nyrop (RIP)

While his career in the NHL was brief (3 years with Montreal, 1 year with MN), he nevertheless made a mark. Never a feared offensive power, he was a classic "Defensemen's defenseman".

3 Stanley Cups in 3 years with Les Habs, a +21 in only 19 games his rookie season, followed up +42 and +56 in the subsequent 2 full years.
Those are pretty incredible numbers for a non-offensive D-man.

And he was named Team Captain for the USA in the inaugural Canada Cup in 1976.

He cut his career short in order to study law.

1- Brian Leetch (Only bc he was a home grown talent)
2- Mark Messier
3- Rod Gilbert
4 - Jean Ratelle
5- Ron Greschner
6- Mike Richter
7- Adam Graves
8- Jaromir Jagr
9- Andy Bathgate
10- Wayne Gretzky(Cant leave him off the list 3 seasons- 250 pts and 20 playoff pts)

505,

I've actually only said that twice now

There isn't any reason for any Rangers fan to talk about the Islanders, so isn't that really what you so desperately want anyway?

I loved Gretzky in 1997, especially the playoff run, but his final two seasons as a Ranger I found very aggravating.

The Rangers became less of a team, and more of a travelling road show for people to say goodbye to Gretzky, especially his last year, the 98-99 season.

Wayne Gretzky is definitely one of my favorite hockey players of all time, but certainly not one of my favorite Rangers.

Top 10....

No Eddie Giacomin?
You cannot have Ratelle and Gilbert on that list without Giacomin.

And I say that as someone who was a Ranger fan in that era.

Dude...PEACE.

Ratty was my all time favorite growing up, then came Mark Messier-my all time favorite (and an easy going & nice guy to talk with along w/Gravy.) And Let us not forget about Brad Park and honorable mention to James Patrick-we'd be solid on the blueline with those two again!!!....and yes, gott'a incl. Giacomin in top 10.....Dude, seriously, how do you figure Phil Esposito??? granted he was just ok, but far and away the most horrible GM the NYR ever had-period! Trader Phil should of done his work on Wall Street. As far as top 10 waste product Rangers: Let's start with "I take dumb penalties" Holloweg, and lets' hear what 'cha all have to say!

Rich,

I was 10 years old during the '79 playoff run, Don Maloney was my favorite player, but Phil was right there.

The Godfather line, Phil and his two Don's (along with Murdoch)

I was too young to understand at the time that Esposito cost us Brad Park and Jean Ratelle, but, at a point in life when hockey was the greatest thing in the world, Espo was one of my faves, so I put him in there just on a personal level.

Rich,
The 1st name that pops into my head for a Top 10 All Waste Team is Gene Carr.

And based on The Big Whistle's (Bill Chadwick) famous radio flame "Marv, Gene Carr couldn't put the puck in the ocean", I would put him top 3.
(I was listening to the radio when I heard him utter those words, one of those sports moments I will never forget).

Embarrassing Islander fans bored and lonely from another re-building off season.
I'll put my post up against yours anytime, blah blah boring!
What kind of mega nerds says that? Oh 505 does. Can't you find something better to do instead of insulting the opinions of others by calling us meatheads for not liking that crap box of a team.
I bet your wife is the size of MN nerd! Or is 505 just her weight?

Only undressed, Bobby S...We have Four Cups since 1925, The Islanders have Four in a 50 less years span...Who should Shut Up.

Dude, really liked your comment at 17:31, as a lifetime Habitants fans living in New York now, you had a nice blend of youth and experience on that team..and JD was in goal. However, you went up against Les Machine finishing off a Four Year Dynasty,,,You guys won game 1 at Forum de Canadien...we were going to go with Michel Laroque in game 2..he gets injured in practice..and Dryden wins four in a row. Coupe de Stanley. Nice try, though. Go Habs AND rangers...Always the Best of Friends.

Which team is on the verge of moving out of town, yup that's right the team that won 4 in a row. 25 years of nothing special. 25 years of sad fans.
How long have they been re-building now? 14-15 years?
How about that Lighthouse project huh? Great idea, though, too bad the city doesn't want more dregs muffing up the land scape.

I remember the Godfather Line real well...and the Big Whistle used to say that once in a while with others. My favorite line was the GAG Line...(Goal A Game Line)-THAT was an explosive line. We need to once again develop a new line and give it a name that sticks...hopefully this year we can do that. And on another subject, the Icelanders....I hope that Lighthouse project goes through...what would hockey life be like w/o the Icelanders here?...that would suk cause we would lose our biggest rivelry and would only be able to pick on the Dev and the Flyers-(a team I have and always will despise..... thanks to those Broad Street Bullies of yesteryear\_ _

Doug,

"Can't you find something better to do instead of insulting the opinions of others by calling us meatheads for not liking that crap box of a team."

Well Doug,
I could come over here and question your definition of "re-building" (in the first line of your comment).
Excuse me for a nerdy moment here, but when a team allows it's leading scorer as well as three more of it's top 8 scorers (in effect 50% of it's top scorers) to walk away from the team in the off season, I have a hard time not calling that "re-building" in some way.
But that's okay Doug, you can call it anything you want.
Reloading, removing, refocusing, redirecting, whatever, if you are not comfortable with calling what the Ranger's did in the off-season "re-building", that's fine with me.

I could come over here and question what your definition of a "mega-nerd" is....cuz in this day and age, I think anyone who posts on blog boards is nerdy in some way. I would be interested in seeing your levels of nerdiness though. I'll accept your characterization of me as a "mega" nerd, I just wonder where you fit in this apparent caste system. Semi? Partial? Unknowing?

I could now come on here now and take you up on your offer of a bet about my wife. But that would, once again, depend on your definition of a "MN Nerd". I have no idea what that is. How's it compare to a "NY Nerd"? Explain the differences to me.
And the 505 crack about her weight?
Brilliant Rickles. Absolutely brilliant. You are leaving a trail of ROFL'S behind you.

Yeah I could come on here and spout a lot of comparable diarrhea. But I won't....Cuz I do respect a lot of the Ranger fans here.

All I WILL say Doug is.......what else ya in that arsenal of butterknives you call insults?

And I'll finish by saying that today's brief stay was fun while it lasted.
I'll leave you and your co-geniuses (sorry for calling you meatheads) to your usual platform of discussion.

"Beam Me Up Scotty".
(How's that for mega-nerd?)

blah blah blah

to quote another mega-nerd on this, the phrase "beam me up scotty" has never actually been said.

505 - yes we are rebuilding. no doubt. we're borderline playoff team at best. as for Isles I hope they win enough to be mediocre. keep Tavares and company away. also if keep the Tavares types away more chance the Isles will move away.

Lenny - put in Richter and Tkachuk for Worsley and Hadfield

Icelander 505 enjoys reading his own novels on the blog boards because he has no life. He lives for the Icelander blog. Just wish he would stay over there.

Zipay's blogs are a much better read than that shill Logan, any day of the week.