The time is near....

We are almost to the point where we can get a dynamic offensive talent that this club hasn't seen since Ziggy Palffy. With a 7 point "lead" going into the weekend the Islanders are hopefully poised to trade Brendan Witt, Billy Guerin, and DOug Weight. And lose some serious games to get John Tavares. Lets have the kids score some goals, a backup goalie develop, maybe a goal from Jack Hillen, and get to the DRAFT!

One Step Closer

The Isles took home a positive loss to the Panthers last night in sunny Florida. It was a productive game that saw Josh Bailey have 2 points (1G, 1A) and Frans Neilsen get an assist as well. More importnantly,every loss gives us a better chance at John Tavares. We are counting the losses with glee, as there is a bonafied NHL star possibly within the Isles grasp, whom said he will play wherever he is drafted. Unless you follow the Canadian media, as they are just as upset about us getting Tavares as they were when we yanked Ryan Smyth out of Canada. We are keeping tabs and hoping the Isles losing ways return....

Canada's Hypocrisy Around The Isles...

So why does the Canadian media praise the lifetime signing of Henrik Zetterberg and yet pan the Isles lifetime contract for Rick DiPietro? This is just the latest in the hope to close down the American Dynasty that put a hold, albeit for a year, the Oilers bringing the Cup to Canada. It seems when the Isles do anything it is attacked, and yet the same move can be done by any other franchise and will be praised. I didn't here the Canadian press complaining when the Oilers named Kevin Lowe GM, did you?

I AM BACK!

Sorry for the chaos, but since having a 1 year old and starting school this season has been a bit crazy. I have been following Chris Botta's Blog at ISLANDERS POINTBLANK.com and it is a great read. I ask you check it out!

NOLAN DONE..."Philosophical Differences"

Ted Nolan's rocky reign as Islanders coach is now over. According to reports GM Garth Snow and Ted Nolan have decided to part ways. Kudos to Owner Charles Wang and Co. for giving Ted another go at an NHL bench and getting his foot back in the door, and at YoDingDong we wish Ted the best.

This is the right move for the Islanders made by Snow, as this team does not need anymore off ice distractions that have plagued them in years past. This is a rebuilding process and youth movement to grow a skill and heart team. Ted seems to believe that given enough grit he can squeeze enough skill out of it to make something better. To his credit, he has in the past, however now you must give kids a chance to grow. There is a great core of heart in this team with Trent Hunter, Brendan Witt, and Ricky D leading the way.

Now we need some skill and scoring to develop out of the likes of KO, Tambellini, Comeau, Hillen, Bailey, Toews, and Petrov. The future looks good, now we need someone who can take young talent and nurture them into winners, and then help them grow to be Stanley Cup Champions. I, along with Snow, didn't think Ted was that guy.

Only time will tell, ie Peter Laviolette.

Islanders Training Camp To Begin, Berard Attending, Allison Possible

The NY Islanders training camp is soon to begin and attending will be a familiar face, former Calder Trophy winner Bryan Berard. Berard was obtained by the Islanders for Wade Redden in a deal with Ottawa a decade ago.

Berard has put up solid offensive numbers from the blueline over his career, despite facing life altering challenges with his loss of sight in one eye and two back surgeries. He is hoping to make the club because of lack of offers for his services in the UFA market. the new CBA has developed the veteran market to be much like the NFL's veteran market (minus the dog murdering) where vet's have to play hard and compete against the youngsters to get a spot.

This is very good for the NHL. To have the youngsters playing harder and the vets leading it creates a much more competitive market for teams, without the cap getting out of hand.

A lot has been happening in the hockey world over the past few weeks. Many signings that will set the direction of clubs for some time as long contracts seem to be the off season flavor.

The Islanders have been making waves by signing Guerin, Fedetenko, Sim, Comrie, Sutton, and Vasicek. This is a major overhaul for a club that squeezed into the show last year and is looking to go to the next level. It may not be so easy....

With the Atlantic Division gearing up for a Cup run, it is hard to imagine that all the clubs in the Atlantic will make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs. However with the aforementioned players along with Briere, Drury, and Gomez relocated it seems that the competition will be amazing in the division this year. The Devils look like the ones who may be left behind, however with new coaching and Lou in the front office, the Dev's may surprise everyone. It will be interesting!