Yes! Islanders

With 8 games on tap it was a busy Thursday around the NHL. Things are in flux for Former Islanders (well for everybody really) and some big time contributors from early on (read Bertuzzi) have cooled off while others are just getting started (read McCabe). FIs made contributions in 5 of those contests. Here are their efforts, in brief:

Tonight I will actually be in Jersey for tonight's Islanders/Devils game. I will be covering the game for the Isladners Official Site.

I think I'm going to stay away from the live blogging tonight, but that's not going to stop me from dropping in here and there and offering my thoughts!

See you at The Rock!

Newsday: Mr Logan had the Friday Islander Insider with general manager Garth Snow's comments on a wide array of topics.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Mr Logan does an excellent job here on the questions and left nothing off the table as Garth Snow also did very well talking about the working relationship with his first coaching hire back to his interview, how the season has gone along with a full breakdown of the veterans/young players along with Rick DiPietro's injury status from the summer with what's ahead as the veterans were discussed along with Josh Bailey.

Part II of the Islanders 2008-09 Eighteen game report card focusing on the defenders and goaltender who have played more than six games.

Mark Streit:
When Garth Snow signed Mark Streit he was quoted as saying he would solve the clubs powerplay struggles, I would not make that leap just yet but Streit has helped the unit with three goals and assist coming with the man advantage. He has not had an even strength goal yet which is where he did a lot of damage in Montreal but from game one was making plays like finding Hilbert for a goal in the opener with an instinct built for Scott Gordon's system.

Wow - good news, #32 is back in the lineup.

He is one that was sorely missed in the lineup. Although others have admirably stepped up their games for him, it will be nice to have the guys play their normal time and usage.

Also this is a major increase in the team’s physicality. I can see a more stronger team both on the puck and on the boards making nuisances. Also having Fritz up with Jackman, gives the team a strong presence.

Tonight - they are facing a Devil team that won last night - so it is up to the team to get the system moving quickly, and make the home team chase and make mistakes.

Tomorrow - they have Buffalo who were really spanked the other night, and may be a little peeved. Especially Ryan Miller, who gave up a seven-spot, and usually is so good against Long Island.

More updates/Newsday Islander Insider will be added to this blog entry Friday.

Newark Star-Ledger: Rich Chere in his recap of the Devils win on Thursday has comments from head coach Brent Sutter he has not decided on his starter for Friday's game against the Islanders.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has comments from head coach Jack Capuano on the Sound Tigers 13-3-0-2 start as he credited his player while Ben Walter talking about his return also praised the work of Blake Comeau & Jeremy Colliton.

Mr Fornabaio also wrote about the injuries and roster changes from Mannino/Fritz to extra defenders. Mike Sillinger has not reported yet for his conditioning assignment which begins with Sunday's game at Harbor Yard.

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Over the past 15 years, Islanders fans have dealt with bad trades, poor draft choices and lackluster decisions that have fragmented a once proud organization. One of the players that slipped away that is still brought up to this day is Todd Bertuzzi.

While his star has dimmed substantially over the past few seasons, to the point where he’s bounced around the league at an almost Mike Sillinger-esque pace, five years ago, the power forward was arguably one of the best in the league. Playing with players the likes of Marcus Naslund and the Sedin twins in Vancouver, Bertuzzi was a steady 40-goal scorer with the kind of toughness and desire that made many think he was the next incarnation of Cam Neeley or Clark Gillies.

A few years before that however, he was a fresh face on a young Islanders team full of them.

A collection of photos Webb20 has doctored over the years.  Get ready to laugh. 

The Islanders released the weekly prospect watch today which was archived on NYI Fan Central Prospect Blog with all weekly updates.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio in the Sound Tigers blog reported Mitch Fritz will be called up to replace Kyle Okposo and Yann Danis was sent to Bridgeport. Peter Mannino
was recalled to the Islanders.

Bridgeport does not have a Friday game.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Peter Mannino follows Wade Dubielewicz path to the NHL getting his first recall earlier than the 03-04 night Dubie came into a huge game in Philadelphia and won.

Fantasy Stars of the Game
1st Star: Tim Jackman (6 SOG, 1 BkS, 5 PIMs, 4 hits)
2nd Star: Joey MacDonald (W, 1 GA, .969 SV%)
3rd Star: Bill Guerin (1 A, 1 PPA, 6 SOG. 4 hits)

Two bitter enemies. Two obsessed fans. One rivalry.

Everyone at Hockey Night on Long Island (aka Alex) would like to take the time to wish HNLI host Steve a very happy birthday. Lets Go Islanders! Hope your cake is as cool as this one:

Covering the NY Islanders 2008-2009 season from all angles

Per the always excellent Mike Fornabaio, of the Connecticut Post (http://forum.connpost.com/soundinoff/):

Peter Mannino take the place of Yann Danis on the bench so Danis can get some playing time. Mitch Fritz also is coming up to replace Kyle Okposo.

Tomorrow, Isles face the Devils at the Rock at 7pm.

- BD

Fornabaio is saying Yann Danis is heading back down to Bridgeport to get some playing time in. Peter Mannino will be coming up to take his place.

There you go Ken!