Brand New Isles, Renovated Coli - Preseason Win 16 Sep 2018 5:46 PM (6 years ago)
Well, it looks like hell hath frozen over; I attended an Islanders game. Okay, so it was a pre-season game and it was at the Coliseum, but I went. It was rather spur of the moment and something my spouse wanted to do more than I did, but that doesn't matter.
I WAS IN THE BUILDING!!! So I have to ask, where were so many of you? I know I have been MIA for almost two years now, but I thought for sure the first game back at the Coliseum would be packed. While it was a "decent" showing for an 80 degree sunny Sunday, and 1 pm game, I was disappointed.
This was the first time I have seen the renovations of the Coliseum for myself. I am still not a fan of the metal fence, space ship exterior, but the interior was clean and sleek. The bathrooms were a huge improvement and we finally have cup-holders. Yeah!! The dark gray seats are comfortable and the floor is freshly painted and isn't even sticky.
The parking was a whopping $25, Big Pretzels are now $7 each, Wine is $11 for a 6 oz bottle and a cocktail is $13.50. Bring cash. Lots of cash. Granted, these prices are all in line with other venues, but personally I won't be able to do this too often. But that's my problem, not yours.
While the original charm of the old barn may be gone, the amazing sight lines and acoustics are still there. So was the sweet, familiar sound of Paul Cartier's Hammond organ perched high above the ice. It would not be an Islanders game without him.
It seems though the Ice Girls are no longer a thing. Yep, the ice crew was a co-ed, prison jumpsuit clad, shovel pushing blur. Maybe they have Santa suit jumpsuits in December, but they at least don't detract from the game.
Right the game! I had no idea who half the players were. Yes, I've been away that long. Then again, some of them that were on the ice today may not be an Islander for too long. Guess I'll check everyone's blog or podcast to find out for now.
The return of Matt Martin brought a collective roar from the crowd along with his starting line mates, Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas. The old "best fourth line in the NHL" started today's game, and we were delighted. Equally delighted when Clutterbuck scored a power play goal. Not delighted that Martin spent two minutes in the box.
New Isles goalie, Robin Lehner received rousing applause and put on a good showing making 8 saves while Gibson, who played the second half made 9 in this shut out game over the Flyers.
Matt Barzal was noticeable on the ice with his great skating ability, and did manage to earn an assist, but it was Kieffer Bellows who managed to get a mark in every column of the scoresheet today: a goal, an assist and two minutes in the box. Nice job kid. The third Isles goal was scored by Sebastian Aho. Like I said, I did a lot of "Who's that?" But a name I didn't even realize I didn't see today until a few minutes ago was Josh Bailey. Nope. Didn't even notice. Then again, I'm sure he hasn't missed me either.
So there you have it. I went to a game, spent way too much money and actually wrote a blog. I had forgotten how long this actually takes me. But it was better than cleaning or doing actual work.
Suffolk picks $1B Arena idea, Maybe the Isles will
Well Halle-frekin'-lujah. Over a decade ago I kept asking "Why not build in Suffolk County, Mr. Wang?" Suffolk seemed perfect. It had many parcels of available property that would have fit the needs of the Lighthouse project. Transportation, ease of access and a favorable political environment. But no. Uniondale was where he wanted to be.
What was to be his legacy for his children is now just a once promising idea. For Nassau County that is. But here in Suffolk County the Ronkonkoma Hub project that has already broken ground seems eerily similar to me. The apartment complexes, the retail space, the restaurant space, the parking garages each brought back memories of that multipage postcard we all got with the concepts of the project. The only thing missing was that bubble of an arena and the much needed Sports Medical Arts building. Well, not any more.
Across from that perfectly planned walking community will be exactly what was needed here in Suffolk; an entertainment and convention venue partnered with a world-class sports medicine facility and jobs. All within walking distance of a major LIRR station, along a bus route and at three exits of a major roadway. Give me an adorable trolley as was once proposed by the Islanders organization, and this is Disney-esque to a T!
But the Islanders have NOTHING to do with this project according to Jim Baumbach from Newsday who says he is "in-the-know." From my past experience with the organization I can say -- they never tell the whole truth because they themselves aren't even sure of the entire truth. The truth is basically a moving target for them.
So maybe they will have a new home in Suffolk, maybe not. Who knows. If they continue to play the way they have been, they can put in an ECHL team and it will be just as successful. Hell, put the Stony Brook SeaWolves in there. That's fine.
The Islanders are the classic definition of insanity. Continue to do the same thing believing there will be a different outcome. Will John Tavares stay long enough to see ANY new arena built for them, wherever it may be? Not sure. But certainly the Islanders have done nothing for him in years other than grant him protection from a Canadian media spotlight and basketball in Charles Wang's driveway.
If John Tavares truly wants to have his name etched on the Stanley Cup, it is time for him to move on. And speaking of moving on, Garth Snow can't possibly be happy with himself or his organization. He has nothing to show for his tenure as GM other than mediocrity. Time to find a new beginning for him as well. But don't be surprised if things stay the way they are. This is after all The Islanders. No matter who "owns" them, they manage to always stay pretty much the same: A work in progress. Sort of like the Sistine Chapel.Suffolk County: What About Us?
So last night I ventured out to a function much like ones I had visited years ago. A public display of proposals for improvement of our region by prominent engineers, designers and investors. Each group looking to come up with a plan that would enhance the already approved Ronkonkoma Hub development. You see in Suffolk, we STILL have large parcels of undeveloped land. Although when looking at the very impressive model of the final Ronkonkoma Hub plan with it's beautiful street arches, spired center piece, 14,500 residential units, restaurant and retail space, I was left shocked when I asked how many acres the magnificent project was occupying. It's about five to six acres. THAT'S IT.
Even more shocking? The density is less than that of the Patchogue redevelopment which we know has done wonders for that downtown area. Yes, Bay Shore and Patchogue have been turned around in my lifetime. I didn't expect it. But there they are. Trendy, cool destinations well designed with the next generation in mind.
But I digress. So now Suffolk has turned it's eyes (for the past few years) to the next project area; the large swath of property by the Ronkonkoma train station that would be on the other side of the Hub. But what to do with it?
One plan proposed was to mirror the development with MORE residential units and offices. That plan left me shaking my head. Too big. Too much. Another plan had three different concepts that seemed like someone took out Legos and just tried to see what fit together. I wasn't that impressed.
But for me, one project possibility stood out because it seemed so desirable, so perfectly complimentary, so .... so... familiar. The key project elements that the Ronkonkoma Vision Project, LLC presented last night were all the things so many of us wanted to see for Long Island in Nassau County. A new convention center, a sports Medicine center, a cultural center and a 17,500 seat entertainment arena.
WHAAAATTTTT????? An NHL size arena in Suffolk County? Within walking distance to a railway? Within a stone's throw of an airport? Be still my heart!!! But there it was. A rendering of a rounded out rectangle that looks like Tupperware but would house ICE. NHL ICE. And as an added bonus, more ice for the public and for practice facilities. I immediately thought of what I had seen in Columbus and New Jersey.
Why you may ask? Why not I counter. Why was Suffolk County never in the mix for a new home for the ONE professional sports team in the region? WHY? So, why not? Would finding a new home in Suffolk have been better than the Brooklyn experiment? I believe so. Would Suffolk work better than the Belmont proposal? For me, oh hell yeah! Even though right now the Islanders are like an estranged ex-husband. I still have feelings, but they just annoy me. But maybe I could love again.
If this project proposal is chosen for the development of the area, it has impressive members: JLL, Spectra (Comcast), HRA Rubenstein, Cameron Engineering. Photos of past, profitable, projects are impressive. If I can get my phone to work, maybe I'll be able to share some!
The Islanders are Back; I May Be 24 Sep 2015 3:37 AM (9 years ago)
Can I even remember how to work blogger? I still get errors when I log on.
Oh well... let's give it a shot since I seem to have 15 minutes to myself.
Isles are playing exhibition games and everyone including the fans are getting used to an entirely new routine. So let me catch up.
Third Jersey: Certainly it could have been better, but in the scheme of things it could have also been worse. My complaint is that it's NOT just the jersey. It was Yormark's attempt to rebrand the team as a sibling of his Nets. There are all sorts of merchandise at the Brooklyn team store with the Islanders logo in glorious black and white. It's void of our colors. Maybe I wouldn't hate it so much if I didn't have an entire wardrobe of Blue, White and Orange.
Yormark: The new head of the marketing machine for the Islanders was honest in telling SBJ that Gary Bateman told him the NHL isn't the NBA. As this transition has been going on for a few years, I'm surprised he needed the Commissioner to remind him that. But he will learn quickly how passionate hockey fans are and how we can turn on a dime if need be. (His dime, the fans will make or break you Brett.)
Michael Grabner: Okay, who didn't see that coming? But for Garth Snow to be able to trade him the half the Toronto Marlies team was pretty impressive. Maybe the Leafs will find him a good eye doctor so he won't miss the net as much when he is dazzling teams with his break-away speed.
Brock Nelson: He gave fans fits with his contract hold-out stance until the very last minute. He better put-up numbers if he doesn't want that stance to come back and haunt him. He did score against the Devils last night.
MSG Relents: As I have stated year after year, nothing in Cablevision contract requires them to air pre-season games. They air the Ranger games because they own them and they air the Devils games -- just to piss off Islander fans. Just kidding. But they have relented this year and are airing three. Certainly the Evil Dolan Empire's change of heart to air an Isles/Caps game is a surprise and a nice change.
LIRR: I DO NOT like the idea that the players will be taking the train to the arena. Unless they are traveling with a security contingent. Sure, it's early. The youngsters aren't recognized yet. But what about in December? What if they're not doing well? What if they are? There are too many "What If's". Get them off the train and get them proper transportation to and from the arena where they are protected. What? Are all of Jay-Z's Mercedes in the Barclay's underground VIP lot and there isn't room for anyone else?
Camera Angles: For some reason, many fans on Twitter last night were complaining about the camera angles. Hey! You were lucky they had a camera... and a crew! Remember, Cablevision didn't need to send anything, but they did. Nice MSG desk for Shannon Hogan to report from and do between period interviews.
Press Meals: The Isles and the catering company of Barclays are in a dispute over pricing for press room meals. I am not surprised at all. Everything in that damn arena is overpriced. I can only imagine what they want to charge the Isles for supplying meals in the press room. Don't get me wrong, when I was there two years ago they put out a spread that was astounding. But you could tell, that was going to cost big. But does the press really NEED a free hot meal? They can expense it if they are working for a paying outlet. For the bloggers -- it's a nice perk. The bloggers are the ones who do this for little or no money and everything comes out of their own pocket. Personally, I was fine with the $1 hot dog and free coffee and popcorn at the Coli. Although I was really miffed when they took away the cinnanuts.
To Recap: This is exceptionally hard for me. I am trying to get back into the swing of what was such a large part of my life for years and I find myself only glancing at it. I loved this team. I loved that I was part of a contingent of people who covered them up-close-and-personal. I had a real connection. The connection is now just a few threads that I can either weave back into a rope or cut ties altogether. This is a difficult choice.
Islanders A to Z for PuckDaddy 19 Aug 2015 8:29 AM (9 years ago)
Yeah, yeah. So you thought I was dead. You're not that lucky. Took a break for awhile, but then I was asked to do a comprehensive "A to Z" about the Islanders and thought -- What the hell. It took me three days, but I didn't mention Jason Blake once... Not once. Not under "B" for Blake or "J" for Jason. And those who know me from the start know why this is so surprising.
So my idea of what every NHL fan should know about the NY Islanders.... sort of...Here at Yahoo Sports.
The Return of Okposo! 10 Mar 2015 7:45 AM (10 years ago)
Tonight's BIG game, just got a little bigger!
Isles vs. Rangers for points, points, points at the Coliseum in their last regular season meeting at the old barn.
I'm going to cry.
Isles Come Up Short In Dallas 3 Mar 2015 7:26 PM (10 years ago)
Desperate teams can do desperate things. No team is a given.
Isles lead 1-0 and the team that "can't score in the third" score two in the third and one in the overtime frame. Thanks Butch. Your fault.
Isles Keep Rolling Along with Wins 13 Feb 2015 3:56 AM (10 years ago)
I like Mike Bossy's breakdown of the games. He's very honest even if he has a hard time hearing himself over the crowd. Brian Strait loves the "Yes! Yes! Yes!" thing and is grateful.
All this and more here.
Colin McDonald Chemistry on Fourth LIne 10 Feb 2015 7:25 PM (10 years ago)
The Isles found a way to win, and that is always a good thing. Luckily the call-up of Colin McDonald fills the hole left by Cal Clutterbuck on the best fourth line in the NHL.
Fish Sticks & Cheese Steaks: Isles in Philly 5 Feb 2015 3:49 AM (10 years ago)
A win is a win -- And the Isles need one now.
The Isles are in a good spot to beat the Flyers who may be well rested, but their winning streak has to end some time. Let it be tonight. Starting a three game road trip with two points will also do wonders for the Isles confidence, which can become eroded with mounting loses and teams closing in on them quickly.
Just win!
Hanging Chad - Isles Drop 2 2 Feb 2015 3:30 AM (10 years ago)
I hate that hockey gets drowned out by 72 hours of NFL reporting and hoopla. Seriously though, isn't the Super Bowl really just about two things? What are we eating? Did we win any money? That's it. I can close to winning $300 bucks, but the stupid Patriots blew that for me at the end. Oh well.
Can everyone now please concentrate on the balance of the NHL season? Thanks.
So the Isles dropped two games in a row and one at the barn. Sad, but it shouldn't push up to the ledge. So... back-up.
Isles Win 4-1 Over Rangers! 27 Jan 2015 5:57 PM (10 years ago)
Another sell-out crowd at the Coliseum with both Gary Bateman and Ed Montano in the building to witness not only the fans loyalty, but the Islanders resilience against the Rangers.
Another sold-out crowd, another Isles win over the Rangers. YES! YES! YES!
First Place! First Place! Yes! Yes! Yes!!! 20 Jan 2015 3:51 AM (10 years ago)
As far as day games go, that one was absolutely amazing! I'd like to thank Chris King and his crew for doing an excellent job keeping me on the edge of my seat -- while I was at work and unable to watch.
I so wanted to be there for this one. But for the sell-out crowd that was -- You sure got your money's worth and then some.
First Place Islanders -- How great does that sound?
The LAST MLK Day Game at the Barn -- 19 Jan 2015 7:02 AM (10 years ago)
You know -- until there is a "minor league hockey team" playing at the renovated Coliseum.
Do not hold your breath. You will turn blue.
So, Bring on the Busses Flyers Fans!
Rivalry at MSG! Are You Ready? 13 Jan 2015 4:08 AM (10 years ago)
Can we wear our jerseys to work even if it isn't a Friday? I don't think so, but I can definitely wear my colors! Surely there will be some good natures (not really) poking by fellow co-workers who just happen to root for the wrong team, but Oh Well! That's what it's all about isn't it?
Bright Lights, Big City
Isles get Oil Slicked in Edmonton 5 Jan 2015 3:54 AM (10 years ago)
If you stayed up until the very end, you did see Brock Nelson score his 15th of the season in the Isles worst game so far. Capuano wants some guys to "look in the mirror" and John Tavares says the blame starts with him. Edmonton 5 - Isles 2
Tavares 2 - Flames 1 3 Jan 2015 5:28 AM (10 years ago)
A late start, low scoring but faced paced game in frigid Calgary give the Isles two more points and John Tavares two more goals for his tally.
Isles in Calgary to start 2015 2 Jan 2015 3:42 AM (10 years ago)
The Isles look to end the Calgary Flames four game winning streak and start one of their own tonight at 9 pm. Get the coffee ready. It's gonna be a long night! http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=65273
Isles Win, But Give Caps a Point 29 Dec 2014 7:31 PM (10 years ago)
Another 3-0 Lead, another shocking third period heads into overtime in order to determine the winner. It's a curse. Sharing first place in their division for the first time in 25-years, can they continue while on the extended road trip?
Two Nights = Four Points & a New Record 20 Dec 2014 7:45 PM (10 years ago)
Usually back-to-back games are tough and disappointing. But not this weekend. Two tough teams, four excellent points Wild Weekend!
It's a Christmas Miracle! 19 Dec 2014 8:08 AM (10 years ago)
YES!!! Johnny Boychuk and Travis Hamonic have been removed from the Islanders IR List just in time for tonight's game in Detroit! It's a Christmas Miracle!
Isles Fourth Line Getting It Done 15 Dec 2014 7:13 PM (10 years ago)
Another home ice win for the Isles, even if it wasn't pretty. They gave the Devils and their young goalie from Farmingville a point, but they grinded it out and both Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey took the game in the shoot out. Confidence is the key.
History Rpeats Itself 9 Dec 2014 7:51 PM (10 years ago)
Make that recent history, as in Saturday afternoon at the barn. The Isles played an impressive 20 minutes followed by being outshot for 40. Missing pieces won't get them where they want to be.
Isles Best Sens 3-2 in OT 2 Dec 2014 6:10 PM (10 years ago)
Even without the Isles top Defensemen, they find ways of winning games -- especially at home. Already without Boychuk and Visnovsky Jack Capuano also lost Cal Clutterbuck and Travis Hamonic for portions of this game that couldn't be decided in 60 and went to overtime. A win, but at what cost?
GameDay! Isles 1st of Home and Home vs Sens 2 Dec 2014 4:12 AM (10 years ago)
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=64458 With a terrific record for November behind them, the calendar has a new page and the Isles have new challenges in the line-up. Can first star of the week, the "Halak-Ness Monster" keep the winning going in December? It starts tonight GameDay - Game Changer