Ryan's Fancy...

While speaking to the mother of an eight year old boy in my daughter's class the other day I learned that her son, Ryan Fahey (an Islanders fan), had recently had the opportunity to do something that even now, at 40, would have had me giddy with delight.

Ryan was invited to participate in the Chevrolet/Hockey Canada sponsored 'Safe and Fun Hockey' camp. There, not only did Ryan get to spend time on the ice with arguably the best defenceman of all time, Bobby Orr and one of the most decorated female hockey players ever, Cassie Campbell, but he also got to hang with the greatest pure goal scorer of all time and my boyhood hero, Mike Bossy! I'm getting cold shivers just typing that!

Ryan, the cool customer he is though, took it all in stride. It's older Islander fans like me and his father Sean who can't wipe the grins off our faces.

NFI

Slow start...

With five games in the books and a 2-3 start there's lots of room for improvement. Hopefully DP can stay healthy and steal some wins.

The Isles have Dallas on Thursday who are also off to a slow start. This could be a good opportunity to get to .500.

James Duthie of TSN.ca is in fine form in his recent article which pokes fun at the Montreal Canadiens and their penchant for ceremony. Funny stuff but he's right about one thing; the Habs this year are looking very good. With their chances of going deep into the playoffs looking pretty good, the arrival of Mats Sundin seems more likely all the time. No doubt he's evaluating as he's contemplating.....

NFI

The regular season begins.... really

Great to see the NHL season really start last night. I still can't help but regard the European experiment as some sort of traveling ice-capades or pre-season mini tournament. At any rate it's good to turn on Sportscenter and see some hockey highlights once again. It was really interesting to see the new-look Leafs defeat the Cup champion Red Wings 3-2.



Newfoundlander Dan Cleary make an uncharacteristic give-away that led to a Leafs' goal. His hard work nearly tied it up but in the end the Leafs held on.



Another Newfoundlander, Michael Ryder recorded his 100th goal in his first regular season game with the Boston Bruins. Looks like the easy going Ryder just needed a change of scenery (ie anywhere besides Montreal) and the familiar face of old coach Claude Julien.



The Islanders will get their first taste of the regular season tonight against the Devils and with four games in six nights they have an opportunity to make some quick progress. I'm predicting a 2-1-1 record for the first four games as I think these young, energetic Isles will surprise.



NFI

The Weight is over...

Sorry, couldn't resist the title. Finally some game action tonight against the Bruins in Moncton. I wish the Isles were coming to St. John's again like they did last year so I could see this new 'overspeed' style in person but what can you do. Maybe when they move their AHL team here (we know you wanna) the Islanders will base their camp here.

It appears, from reports, that Doug Weight is excited about the up-tempo style of play. I really think the Islanders are going to get a lot out of Weight this year. He's the type of guy who just loves to play and this is a style that will allow him to skate and have fun. It can't help but rub off on the young'ins.

NFI

Scott Gordon's our man...

After much debate and a lengthy interview process the Islanders have named Scott Gordon as their new head coach. While I still think Paul Maurice would have been an excellent choice I really like this move.

In Gordon the Islanders get a young, up and coming coach who has had great success coaching young players at the AHL level. Undoubtedly he’s learned how to motivate, teach, encourage, cajole, discipline, and even kick-in-the-butt players who are trying to learn how to play the game at the professional level.

I have to say, I’m excited.

I like this move, Garth, because it took some balls. I’m sure there was pressure to get someone established and, given your past relationship with Bob Hartley, there was probably a strong inclination to go with what you know. I really feel he would have been the wrong choice for this young team and I applaud your courage in hiring Scott Gordon.

I’m just glad the mariner logo is gone because I can see the headlines for ‘trusting Gordon’s fishermen’ now. Thank god for small miracles.

Anyway, let’s bring on the camp. I can’t wait.

NFI

Almost there

According to TSN.ca, Newsday is reporting that the Islanders have narrowed their search for a new head coach down to three - Paul Maurice, Bob Hartley, and Scott Gordon. As I said in an earlier post I would like to see Maurice get the job. I think he fits better with the re-building mantra of Garth Snow. He's blessed with a very positive attitude, a lot of patience, and from what I can tell, he's a man of character.

I truly hope it isn't Hartley because I don't think he has any of these characteristics in great abundance. I look at his tenure in Atlanta as proof that he's not the coach for a team lacking in superstars.

I would prefer Gordon over Hartley even given the lack of NHL experience on Gordon's part due to the fact that Gordon is coming off a successful season in the minors and is obviously tuned into younger players.

But, as I said, Maurice is the man for me.

You're almost there Garth, don't blow it now.

NFI

Go West Young Man

It appears that there are two things you can't rush - a turtle and Mats Sundin. There are reports from Sundin's agent J.P. Barry that the list of suitors for the Swede's services has grown to six and it may now be another couple of weeks before he makes up his mind where to go. With six teams now vying for Sundin's affection I think we can at least say he's decided he will play and not retire.

One of the teams reportedly interested in Sundin is the Rangers, of course, so I feel I have to throw my two cents out there and encourage Mats to head West. The last thing I want is to see number 13 in a Rangers sweater - for two reasons. The first is obvious, I hate the Rangers, but the second reason is I love Mats Sundin. He's been one of my favorite players for years - he's tough, smart, enormously skilled, and unbelievably competitive. He's a fantastic leader and the consumate team player..... but if he plays for the Rangers, well, his name becomes mud. I don't want that to happen!

There's just something wrong with him going to the Habs as well. I'm sure Leaf fans would agree. So, the only decision I'm prepared to live with (assuming you aren't going back to the Leafs which at this point seems very unlikely), Mats, is if you pack your bags and your composite sticks and head to Vancouver. They clearly want you given the money they're offering (10 mil per). So this time, take the money and don't think about anyone but yourself....... except maybe me.

NFI