Ziggy Stardust

I saw a great note earlier by @cyclelikesedins on former Islander star Ziggy Palffy.

Leads me to this:

Palffy, now 40 years old, last played in the NHL in 2005-06 with Pittsburgh.  He has since retired a couple of times, only to come back and play for HK 36 Skalica.  After going 26-57-83 in 48 games last year, Palffy is 11-26-37 in 19 games this season.

Palffy made his NHL debut in the 1993-94 (Al Arbour's final season).

His first NHL goals came in the same game the following season--he scored twice 2:04 apart in the third period as the Islanders rallied for a 2-1 win over Florida at the Coliseum.  The date was January 21, 1995 -- the first game after the lockout.

Palffy scored 329 games in the NHL and has added 273 more in the Czech (before his NHL career) and Slovak leagues.

Ziggy has also appeared in three Olympics (1994, 2002 and 2010) -- might an appearance in Ufa in 2014 make it four?

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Time to end this "hill" of a lockout: NHL makes offer

It's been three weeks since Bill Daly described the difference between the NHL and its PA on term limits (and other contractual issues) as a "hill to die on".

However, this morning, it appears that that hill may soon be flattened:

from TSN:

<<The NHL has made a new CBA proposal to the NHL Players' Association, an NHL player told TSN on Friday.

The player, who requested anonymity, said the NHL made a new offer to the NHLPA on Thursday, one which moved on term limit for player contracts, salary variance and buyouts.

According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the NHL adjusted its maximum contract length from five to six years (seven years if a team is re-signing its own player) and boosted the variance from five to 10 per cent.

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun adds that the new offer includes the 'Make Whole' provision that stays at $300 million and allows each team one compliance buyout prior to the 2013-14 season. The buyout would not count against the cap, but it would against the players' share.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly would not confirm what the player said when reached by TSN. There is no scheduled meeting between both sides for Friday, as the NHLPA needs time to review the offer from the league.

More to follow.

<<
 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Big day for Strome in Canada win

From TSN.ca:
<<Ryan Strome scored twice and defenceman Morgan Rielly had a goal and two assists as Canada overcame two game misconducts and a pair of two-goal deficits to rally past Slovakia 6-3 at the World Junior Hockey Championship.>>

Strome scored on both of his shots, and also was Canada's best face-off man, winning 11 of 14.

Griffin Reinhart had an assist, and was +2 for Canada, who improves to 2-0-0-0 in the tourney.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Following Mr. Marginal

About a year ago,an ESPN contributor named Neil Greenberg raised quite a stir around these parts when he failed to named John Tavares to his "Top 25 under 25" list.

Howie picked up on it, and noted: "You could make the case that John Tavares is among the best 25 players in the league, period, never mind under 25 years of age."   It helped that Tavares would then go score both goals in the game, including the overtime winner, earning him the tag "Mr. Marginal".   (You can enjoy Howie's rant here: http://islanderspointblank.com/news/video-howie-rose-trolls-neil-greenberg-for-not-including-john-tavares-in-top-25-list/ )

As the lockout drags on and on....apparently Neil has taken to being Tavares' social director, retweeting the following:

Mackenzie Tout ‏@Tout23

Funny, my ex gf is at the Spengler Cup cause she's now dating John Tavares #dagger

Mr. Tavares' current girlfriend's former boyfriend is a collegiate golfer in Canada.

Somehow Canada lost their Spengler Cup opener today, 2-1 to a German club team (Adler Mannheim) on an OT goal by locked-out Jason Pominville. apparently the poultation of
Pominville continues to grow --even in the lockout (classic clip : www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmB-_XK5i1Q )   Tyler Seguin had Canada's only goal.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

EA Sports NHL 13 simulation

Of all the silly ideas in this silly lockout, apparently EA Sports has been simulating the entire NHL season.

EA has the Bruins with the worst record in the entire NHL --maybe that's why Jacobs won't let anybody play?

Their Christmas week Atlantic Division leaders -- the NY Islanders.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8780403/2012-2013-nhl-season-week-12-simulation#standings

Apparently Evgeni Nabokov simulates well -- he's been credited with 9 shutouts (When they actually play on the ice, the Isles as a team have reached only 9 shutouts in a season once in their history --they had 10 in 1975-76.) and a league-fake-best 94.11 save percentage.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8780404/2012-2013-nhl-season-week-12-statistics

Today -- Boxing Day (12/26) is a traditional day for the Isles to play -- having played on this date in every season between the lockouts.Had they hosted New Jersey tonight as originally scheduled, they would have been looking for points 35/36 on games played on Boxing Day. (34 points on 12/26 second only to 35 points on 12/17 --which would have been an off-day this season.)

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Hey, the NHL made Time Magazine (.com)

Of course, the league is not going to want you to read what they have to say.

I, on the other hand, do.

http://business.time.com/2012/12/19/hockeys-wealth-redistribution-problem-whats-really-behind-the-nhl-lockout/

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Mears/EJ to voice Team USA's run for gold

Former Islander radio voice Steve Mears will have the play-by-play of all Team USA games in the World Junior Tourney, which begins next week in Ufa, Russia.  Mears will be paired with NHL Network/NHL.com's EJ Hradek.  Rob Simpson will be the rink side reporter.

More details from Ken Schott (Daily Gazette, Schenectady NY) here: http://www.dailygazette.com/weblogs/schott/2012/dec/17/nhl-network-to-televise-all-usa-games-from-world-j/

and from NHL Network here: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=647851

There are no Islander prospects on the Team USA preliminary roster, but there are some familiar names to New York fans, including Stefan Matteau (1st round pick of NJ and son of Stephan), as well as Ranger first round picks JT MIller and Brady Skjei.  Steve Zipay noted today that Miller may end up being the team's captain, while Skjei, a defenseman, may not make the final roster (which also includes Union College [ Let's go U!] defenseman Shayne Gotisbehere).

Two pre-tourney games will also be shown on NHL Network  (Thursday at 12:30pm and Saturday at 6 AM, both with repeats in prime-time).

Islander prospects Griffin Reinhart and Ryan Strome (the OHL's leading scorer) are both on the Canadian squad-- all Canadian preliminary games will also be on NHL Network in the US; the US faces Canada on Sunday December 30th.  The game will air live at 4:30 AM, with a repeat in prime-time.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Isles/Rangers Game 5/1990 tonight on MSG

The Greatest Rivalries series continues with the 5th and final game of the 1990 Patrick Division Finals.  This was a wild game, one that would have been Bryan Trottier's final game in an Islander uniform ... had he not been benched by Al Arbour.

In the end, it was a big night for Mike Gartner and the Rangers...who survive a furious Islander onslaught late in the game. The Rangers' victory came on the 50th anniversary of their 1940 Stanley Cup championship. The game airs on MSG at Midnight tonight --and repeats at 2pm tomorrow.  (I can only imagine the Islander fans complaining about the time slot had this been an Islander victory.)

NY Times coverage (no subscription needed) http://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/14/sports/hard-hitting-rangers-reach-patrick-final.html

Earlier tonight (10pm) -- a new episode of the Garden Transformed ... which features a special guest: Denis Potvin.  Preview it here: http://tinyurl.com/c3yhr6y

BTW -- MSG has a Christmas present scheduled for Isles fans as well.  The next episode of Greatest Rivalries will premiere on Christmas Night at 9:00, and repeat at midnight.  It's the April 2, 1993 game in which Pierre Turgeon's 50th goal of the season comes in overtime at the Garden.  While there were still two weeks left in the season, the win gave the Isles a three-point lead over the Rangers, and propelled the Islanders towards the playoffs.  The Rangers would lose 11 of their final 12 under former Islander Ron Smith (who had replaced Roger Nielsen).  Smith's replacement: Mike Keenan.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Talk...talk..talk tick...tick...tick

As the NHL & its players continue to talk (or not) -- apparently they were even seen in the same room at some point today  --  and a $3.4 Billion biz becomes a $2 Billion biz (or less),

both sides should be concerned about the results of a poll conducted by CBC.

The complete results are here:  http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/nhl/survey-results.pdf

Some notes: 80% of respondents are either "angry" or "don't care"; 55% support neither side, with 1/4 backing the players and 1/6 behind the owners.  78% says they won't buy a ticket this season if they play and 85% won;t buy merchandise.  71% did say they would watch on TV.

While we know these polls aren't scientific, important to realize that since this is a CBC poll, most respondents were Canadian.  One can only imagine how much worse the results would be for a US-commissioned poll.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Isles- Rangers set for MSG -- December 22

Of course it's a charity alumni game:

<<Two hockey rivalries are renewed, as the FDNY and New York Rangers alumni team up to face their rivals from the NYPD and the New York Islanders alumni. 

 

This unique event hits the ice at The World's Most Famous Arena in "Rivals for Relief," a benefit for Hurricane Sandy victims with portions of the proceeds going to the Red Cross and the Stan Lee Foundation.

 

http://www.fdnyhockey.com/

http://www.facebook.com/NYPD-Hockey/

http://rangers.nhl.com/

http://www.stanleefoundation.org/

http://www.redcross.org/

 

Alumni currently scheduled to appear:*
 
NY Rangers
1. Steve Vickers
2. Rod Gilbert
3. Ron Duguay
4.Chris Kostopoulos
5. Brian Mullen
6. Pete Stemkowski
7. Ed Hospodar
8. Peter Ferraro
9. Chris Ferraro
 
NY Islanders
1. Gordie Lane
2. Pat Flatley
3. Mick Vukota
4. Benny Hougue
5. Eric Cairns
6. Randy Wood

>>

The Islanders may have youth on their side --Gilbert is now 71 and Stemkowski 69.

If they can find another Ferraro (Ray) -- maybe he could convince Mullen to give him credit for the OT goal in 1993 vs the Caps.  (Ferraro is already credited with the other two OT goals in that series)

Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

It's apparently a lot cheaper to see old hockey players than old musicians...

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Brooklyn, why Brooklyn?

Change "Nets" to "Islanders" and "Knicks" to "Rangers" in this story and you'll start to see why the Brooklyn move certainly made sense for the Nets and will likely be the same for the Islanders.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-12-11/nets-rivaling-knicks-creates-505-percent-ticket-gain-at-barclays-center

As you do, think of this Saturday at the Nassau Coliseum -- the only day the building will hold an event between now and Christmas.  Not including a blood drive, of course.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

They tweet the truth

 A couple of tweet on the ongoing lockout that gave me a giggle:

Seth Rorabaugh @emptynetters 10 Dec  
Nine current NHL franchises have played fewer regular season games than Gary Bettman has canceled (2,224).  
________________________________

Sporting Charts @sportingcharts  10 Dec  
#NHL has now cancelled 526 games from the season. 2,224 games have been lost to lockouts/strikes - 670 more than the other leagues combined.  

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick     

MSG's Rivalries series: 1990-Isles/Rangers Game 3

The 1989-90 season was one of the strangest in Islander history-- from last place to first place to a 14-game winless streak to sneaking into the playoffs on the last night of the season (and possibly costing the Isles a shot at Jaromir Jagr in the process).  I referred to that playoff clincher here: http://www.nyiskinny.com/2011/10/isles-40-in-40-honorable-mention.html

In the Patrick Division playoffs, the Isles faced the first place Rangers (who had finished in first place for the first time since 1942 -- 31 seasons before the Isles first played).

The rivalry between the squads is in full-force.  It was in game 1 of the series that Pat LaFontaine was knocked unconscious on a hit from James Patrick (the Isles' Jeff Norton noted it was "Clean"). There was a disagreement regarding the medical treatment of LaFontaine -- Islander trainer Mark Aldridge also complained LaFontaine's ambulance was "rocked and pounded by fans" leaving MSG.  The Rangers won that game 1, 2-1 and then beat the Isles 5-2 in game 2.

That set up a must-win game 3 for the Isles at the Coliseum. It is that game 3 that is featured on MSG tonight (9:00pm).  It turns out to be the first of only three double-OT games in Coliseum history, won by Brent Sutter early in the second OT.

A couple of personal memories from that night:
1. It's one of the only times in recorded history (because who records such things) that two statisticians were jointly interviewed on radio between periods -- the late Joel Blumberg needed guests on Isles radio between the 1st and 2nd overtime so Kenny Albert (who was working with his dad on Ranger radio) and I were Joel's guests.  I wonder whatever happened to Kenny? :)
2. The game was played on the first night on Passover.  So while I was breaking matzvah with Blumberg, Landers, Fischler and Albert at the Coliseum, my fiancee was at a Passover seder ...with my extended family!   (FWIW, the Isles are 3-1 in playoff games played on the first night of Passover...and we're still married!)

The Rangers would win the series in 5, but would lose to the Capitals in the Division Final, extending their Cup-less streak to an even 50.

In addition to tonight's 9pm airing, the broadcast will also air at midnight Mon/Tue, as well as at noon and 4 pm on Tuesday, and noon and 4 pm on Thursday.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

SBA to counsel Nassau businesses faced with NHL Lockout losses

On the one hand, this is a sad story, as business-owners face losses from sales related to Islander games that haven't occurred this fall.

On the other hand, it's a bit comical ...given the games that will be lost in 2015/16. 2016/17, 2017/18 and the 22 seasons that follow that....

The story is here (Subscription required): http://libn.com/2012/12/03/sba-to-counsel-businesses-affected-by-nhl-lockout/

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Potvin passes Orr

In another edition of NY's Greatest Hockey Rivalry, Denis Potvin passes Bobby Orr in career points in a 2-2 tie at MSG.  Premieres tonight at 7 on MSG Network.
(Also airs at  2AM, 10AM and 4PM tomorrow and at noon Saturday)

This game was played during winter break of my senior year in College -- could it really be this long ago???

A bit more on Potvin passing Orr, twice: http://www.nyiskinny.com/2011/12/isles-40-in-40-31.html

Stan's memories here: http://www.msg.com/blogs/stan-fischler/rangers-islanders--december-20--1985--potvin-breaks-orr-s-record.html

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Hamonic drawing rave reviews

From Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts:

<<Another New York Islander getting good reviews is Travis Hamonic. "A beast," said one scout. I mentioned this last year, but a couple of teammates said he just had to understand how good he is. Sounds like he's figuring it out.
>>

That followed a mention on Nino Niederreiter (9-9-18, leading Sound Tigers in both goals and points) and how good the AHL has been for him.

Complete column here: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2012/11/30-thoughts-harding-has-kindred-hockey-spirit-in-sigalet.html

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Mazel Tov! Jaffe/Nystrom to lead US to Maccabi games

Congrats to Billy & Eric. Ann Arbor should be proud of the two Michigan men!

http://t.co/AfCT6XbS

<<Jaffe and Nystrom to lead US Ice Hockey bid

November 29, 2012

Team USA have named William (Billy) Jaffe and Eric Nystrom as Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the USA Team Ice Hockey squad competing at the 19th World Maccabiah Games in July 2013 in Israel.

Jaffe, an NHL Network analyst, and Nystrom, an NHL Dallas Stars player, were selected by co-chairs Phil Pulley and Devra Schorr.

Jaffe participated at the 15th Maccabiah Games as the captain of the Open Men's Ice Hockey team, leading them to a silver medal. He also played hockey for the University of Michigan from 1987 to 1989. After many years as the color analyst for the New York Islanders, Versus Network, MSG Network, NESN and Rogers Sportsnet, he currently works as an analyst for the NHL Network.

"Going to Israel in 1997 as the team captain was a fun learning and cultural experience that I wouldn't have had if it wasn't for Ice Hockey," Jaffe said.

"My expectations are to help the players understand what a wonderful opportunity it is to experience something unique and special like the Maccabiah Games. It will be an incredible athletic and life experience."

Nystrom will be assisting Jaffe and expects to set a great example for each one of the athletes on the team. He has experience representing the United States at many different levels; from the under-18 Juniors World Cup to representing the United States in the Ice Hockey World Championships in 2010. He also attended the University of Michigan, qualifying for the All Rookie team during his debut season and becoming the captain during his final year at the University. He has also played on many different Teams in the NHL including the Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild and currently the Dallas Stars.

"It's an exciting day for Maccabi USA to have an NHL player and analyst as the coaching staff for the Open Men's Ice Hockey Team," Schorr commented. "Their contribution to the team will elevate the Games as a whole, along with the support of professional players participating in the return of Ice Hockey at the Maccabiah Games.

"The selection of Billy and Eric was not easy, given the significant number of highly qualified applicants for these coveted coaching positions. Many elite players will participate as members of the USA Open Men's Team due to the appointment of Billy and Eric as coaches."

>>

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Sometimes the best trades you make...

...are the ones you don't.

Five months ago, the Isles were rumored to be discussing a deal with Columbus in which they would have sent all of their draft choices to the Blue Jackets in exchange for the second overall pick.

That pick, Ryan Murray, will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury:  http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=646456

Murray signed a 3-year contract with the Blue Jackets last summer (that will roll forward because he will not appear in the NHL this year).

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

NHL Payroll Range implications

The NHLPA proposal includes the following:
" +8M/-8M payroll range becomes +/- 20% of midpoint beginning in 2013/14

The Upper Limit may not fall below 67.25 M in any year of the agreement.  This is half way between the 11/12 Upper Limit (64.3 M) and the 12/13 UL (70.2 M). "

What does this mean?

Based on the original numbers for 2012/13, the Upper Limit was 70.2M which meant that the Lower Limit was 54.2M and the midpoint was 62.2M.

At the 50% midpoint, the midpoint would fall to 54.56M (+ an additional 182M/30 teams to equal about 60.6M)

Under the PA's proposal the range would widen significantly.  For example, it the midpoint was 60M next year, the Upper Limit would be 72M and the Lower Limit would be 48M.  This would be a range of 24M, vs the 16M that exists today. 

The higher the midpoint goes, the wider the range would become (the opposite would hold true as the midpoint becomes smaller).  It would always be larger than the current $16M as long as the midpoint stayed above $40M (as 20% of 40M is $8M).

The PA's clause that the Upper Limit would not fall below 67.25M would become relevant if the midpoint dropped below $56.0416M (120% of $56.0416 is $67.25); the midpoint was 56.3M in 2011-12 but given the change from 57% to 50% would more likely be in play over the next few years.

The PA's proposal would allow the high spending teams to spend 50% more than the cap floor teams (120% / 80% = 1.5); under the expired CBA the range from low to high was only 30% (70.2M / 54.2M =1.295).

The ratio between cap and floor has changed significantly under the expired CBA.  In 2005-06, the cap was 39M and the floor was 21.5M, meaning the cap was 81% higher than the floor (39M / 21.5M = 1.81)  The PA's proposal would move the ratio back in the direction of the ratio when the last contract was signed.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Turkey Eve

While the turkeys met in Manhattan today, game #18 of the season should have been played tonight.

Thanksgiving Eve has been a traditional home night for the Isles and based on results BTL (Between the Lockouts) let's just say it would be a good night for the Nets to play at home starting in 2015.

The Isles at played at home on this night 15 times since the 1994 lockout wiped Thanksgiving off the NHL calendar, missing only 1999, 2004 (lockout) and now 2012 (lockout).  After going 5-0-2 between 1995-2002  (losing in OT to Theo Fleury and the Rangers in 2000 and tying (remember those) Ottawa two years later), the Isles have gone 1-4-3 in the last eight (including 1-3-3 since the last lockout).  You'll recall last Thanksgiving Eve, when Daniel Briere scored the tying and winning (OT) goals after the Isles had an early 3-1 lead.  A locked-out Alan Hahn tweeted afterwards "DiPietro was loss for words (rare) for those ridiculous bounces that led to goals".

Game 18 is an interesting reference point, because that means the Isles were scheduled to play 64 games after tonight -- which is equal to the intra-conference games under the current schedule format.

Will we get anywhere close to those 64 games? Who knows.  The issue for the NHL and for the players should be the growing sentiment among fans and sponsors of "who cares".

At least there's football tomorrow.  Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Bruce Ratner to Rebuild Hub

...and what an interesting development this is.

According to LIBN http://libn.com/2012/11/19/monti-ratner-picked-for-nassau-hub-project/   Bruce Ratner, who helped lure the Islanders to Brooklyn, will be "selected to either rebuild the aging Coliseum at the site or construct a new sports/convention arena that will be designed by Populous, an internationally known arena architect".

Populous (formerly HOK sport) has designed premier sporting venues around the world, including the Olympic Stadium in London and CitiField.  Ironically, the company is headquartered in ... wait for it... Kansas City, Missouri.

The development rights for the 77-acre parcel will be awarded to Donald Monti of Plainview-based Renaissance Downtowns,according to LIBN.

The Ratner angle may help explain Charles Wang's rather gracious comments about Ed Mangano when the Isles announced their move 3 1/2 weeks ago.

Monti was interviewed by Islanders Point Blank over the summer http://islanderspointblank.com/news/exclusive-renaissance-downtowns-ceo-donald-monti-if-charles-wants-to-stay-here-i-think-we-can-help-make-it-happen/ and stated his intention to keep the Islanders on Long Island.

"I go back to the four successive years that they won the Cup and at that time I was a season ticket holder. To me it would be an absolute shame for any area to lose a professional franchise. What's going to keep the Islanders here is a positive momentum and we have to make sure that's the message that resonates constantly. I think I'm the only respondent that's committed to do that."

Monti wasn't right on one point: "Certainly Brooklyn beats Kansas City," Monti said when the subject of the Islanders moving in 2015 was broached. "But there's something that tells me if Brooklyn could have been done, it would have been done."

With Ratner involved in this project one has to wonder whether the Islanders' time at the Coliseum could end before 2015.  If the NHL could get an agreement done with its players anytime soon (and preserve a 64-game season), it would appear that there would be 114 games left on the Coliseum lease for the Isles.  

I wonder how many of those 114 might end up being played in their new home in Brooklyn.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Joensuu injured in Finland

From LighthouseHockey (which probably needs a new name):

<<According to the Ässät official site (h/t Francesca, he suffered an injured hand Saturday and is expected to miss approximately two months. >>

Joensuu's team is middle of the pack in the 14-team Finnish league but Joensuu was tied for 5th in scoring in the league (11-13-24) while banging out 67 penalty minutes. (his teammate, a Penguin draftee from Nova Scotia -- not Sidney Crosby, but Stephen Dixon, is 3rd in league scoring)

More from Lighthouse here: http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2012/11/19/3666946/jesse-joensuu-injured-hand-new-york-islanders-assat

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Niederreiter piling up the points

Had the NHL season started on time, many believed that Nino Niederreiter would have still opened the season with Bridgeport.

With the NHL locked out, there was no decision to make and Niederreiter has been a model of consistency at the AHL level.  The Sound Tigers have played eight games this month, and Nino has at least one point in all of them, going 5-6-11 in the 8 games and is now 9-8-17 in 14 games this season.

David Ullstrom had his second consecutive 2 goal, 1 assist game today, as Bridgeport pounded Providence 6-2.  Anders Nilsson picked up both wins as the Sound Tigers moved into a tie for the AHL league in team wins: 10.

Bridgeport will face the Phantoms in Glens Falls on Wednesday before hosting the Whale (Rangers) on Friday.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

DiPietro sit streak reaches 35 days

Rick DiPietro did not play again in today's SC Riessersee game.  It's now been 5 weeks (35 days) since he appeared in his only game.

Of course, as he told the Post's Brett Cyrgalis -- he's healthy.

I wonder if you could get odds in Vegas on whether DiPietro will get in a game before the NHL settles this silly lockout.  SC Riessersee next plays on Tuesday.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

DiPietro still can't get in a game

Rick DiPietro denied a report by a German newspaper that he was injured in a text to the Post's Brett Cyrgalis.  http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/islanders/dipietro_not_hurt_in_germany_PSm4PD74691zCABKewZLfN

Perhaps it is time for the follow-up question: why are you not playing?

DiPietro has now not appeared in a game in over a month...including Friday's 5-4 SC Riesersee win over Bietigheim.  Bietigheim is the team Josh Bailey joined and Bailey had a goal and two assists in the game, giving him 5 points in his first two games in Germany.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

8 Isles-Rangers games part of "New York’s Greatest Hockey Rivalries"

With the lockout continuing, MSG has put together a series of 16 regional rivalry games, including 8 Islander-Ranger games.

The series will debut on Monday at 9pm with game 5 of the 1984 Patrick Division Semifinals. Pretty sure Ken Morrow wins this one.  :)

Update: This broadcast utilizes original audio from the Islanders telecast on SportsChannel, with Jiggs and Eddie.

Stan Fischler's memories of that night are here: http://www.msg.com/blogs/stan-fischler/greatest-rivalries--rangers-islanders--april-10--1984.html

I drove home from college to work the SportsChannel telecast that night.  My most vivid memory -- passing Frank Brown -- then of the Daily News in the Coliseum stairwell that led to the press box in the overtime intermission.  I remember asking him who would win-- his response "we both know who SHOULD win" (the Rangers) -- my response "we both know who WILL win" -- 7:56 into overtime, Morrow made sure I wasn't a liar.

Update: Perhaps Dave Maloney said it best on the wrap-up of the game that he recently taped: "That Ranger team was as good a team as I probably played on.  There were so many times when you played the Islanders that you felt you were good enough to win...but you never won.  To me, that was the magic of the Islander franchise. They always found a way to win.  And that night, it happened to be Ken Morrow."

The other Isles-Rangers games in the series:

NY Rangers vs. NY Islanders – December 20, 1985    Denis Potvin Breaks Bobby Orr's Record for Most Points Scored by a Defenseman (Game ends 2-2)

NY Rangers at NY Islanders, Division Semi-Finals, Game 3 – April 9, 1990  Islanders Come Back from 3-1 Deficit to Win on Sutter's 2OT Goal

NY Rangers vs. NY Islanders, Division Semi-Finals, Game 5 – April 13, 1990  Rangers Beat Islanders in Playoff Series For First Time Since '79

NY Rangers vs. NY Islanders – April 2, 1993 -- Islanders Win, Rangers Miss Playoffs, Turgeon Scores 50th Goal

NY Rangers at NY Islanders – March 5, 1994 -- Rangers Win on Long Island for First Time Since '89

NY Rangers vs. NY Islanders – December 3, 2006 --Islanders Win 7-4 at MSG, Viktor Kozlov Scores Four Goals

NY Rangers at NY Islanders – December 2, 2010 --Rangers Win Game 6-5, Gaborik Scores Hat Trick

For the record, the Isles go 4-3-1 in the eight games selected for the series.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

It was 33 years ago tonight....

If not for Gary and Donald, there would be hockey tonight at the Coliseum -- in fact the Islanders and Rangers would have met for the first time this season--on the 33rd anniversary of one of their most famous games.

Last year, I started putting together an Isles "40 in 40" series -- maybe someday I'll even finish it.  Moment #26 dealt with this famous game...might we see another game anytime soon?  Who knows ...and I know a lot of people who are now saying...who cares.

But for now...enjoy this helping of Chili.  Double Chili, in fact.

November 13, 1979 -- Double Chili

For nearly 40 years the Islanders and Rangers have been delighting their fans with tremendous games against each other.  Moment #28 already dealt with Pierre Turgeon's 50th goal OT'ing the Rangers at Madison Square Garden, and you know that there will be Islander-Ranger playoffs moments to come later in this series.

However, two regular season games that the teams played in 1979 are remembered by fans of both teams as more than regular season games.

The first was played on February 25, 1979 at Madison Square Garden.  That night a Denis Potvin hip check inspired a chant that remains three decades later.

After the Islanders would clinch first place overall by winning at Madison Square Garden on the final day of the regular season that April, the Rangers upset the Islanders in a classic playoff series, winning game six on Garden ice.  (In some ways, the Isles were lucky to get this series to six games, winning twice in overtime.)

All of that is only background to Moment #25, which would be the first meeting of the teams after that playoff series. The Islanders struggled out of the gate the following season, and were below .500 (5-6-3) when they entertained the Rangers on November 13th. That game would produce two words that Islander fans would always remember: Double Chili.

In those days, the Islanders needed six goals to send their fans to Wendy's the next day for Chili. It didn't start out that way.  Steve Vickers scored first for the Rangers, midway through the first but Billy Harris and Bryan Trottier responded to give the Isles the lead later in the session.  A Don Maloney goal tied the game heading into the first intermission.

The second period though was all Islanders. Trottier scored three minutes in and when Mike Bossy and Denis Potvin scored 12 seconds apart, the rout was on. Wayne Merrick scored the Chili goal 7 1/2 minutes into the period and by the time the session ended Billy Harris (shorthanded) and Stefan Persson had made it 8-2 in favor of the Isles. As it so happens, a Wendy's executive was at the game and over the PA came the famed announcement that if the Isles reached 10 goals it would be Double Chili for all.  All except Phil Esposito, that is, who made an obscene gesture upon hearing the announcement. Midway through the third period, Garry Howatt and Denis Potvin scored 2:50 apart, raising the Isles' total to ten, and the Coliseum scoreboard told the story.

A few years ago, a highlights package was put together on youtube.  The video quality is actually quite good, considering the age.  The highlights are from the MSG broadcast, with the late Jim Gordon and the late Bill Chadwick at the microphones. (Somewhat ironically, the package runs 7:11)

Earlier in the 2011-12 season, the Islanders needed seven games to score ten goals.  In their 10-5 win over the Rangers on November 13, 1979 they did it in 41:29.

Moment #25 needs just two words: Double Chili.

When I think of Double Chili, I also think of Jeffrey Bourne, who was born two days before this game in Syosset Hospital.  Bobby missed this game, and this was how his teammates responded.

For more on Jeffrey's triumphs, follow him on Twitter @sledgehockeyguy  and see this story on the Hockey Greats Fantasy Camp.  http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/local-sports/hockey-greats-fantasy-camp-great-times-greater-impact-71812.html

Postscript: from longtime Isles' voice Howie Rose: "Don't forget my initiation upon taking the Islander job (in 1995)....Once the deal was done, Barbara took me to the Wendy's on Jericho Turnpike off of Brush Hollow Road for a heaping double bowl of Chili. It's actually much better than Skyline Chili in Cincinnati which somehow has achieved iconic status."  

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Losing the #Isles. Who's to blame?

Interesting piece by @BDGallof here: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/11/12/gallof-astonishing-political-bickering-ultimately-led-to-islanders-leaving-nassau/

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

DiPietro not in lineup again

SC Riessersee played their first game in 8 days today, losing ...again... this time to the Fischtown Pinguins 3-1.

 

For the 2nd straight game Rick DiPietro did not play, or even dress.  Hmm.

 

Riessersee is dead last in their (2nd) division, with just 1 win in 11 games.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Interesting Q&A on Isles Finances from NY Times

Jeff Z Klein has a blog post on the effects on the Isles finances from the Brooklyn move.

You can find the entire post here: http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/25/islanders-brooklyn-move-raises-complex-issues/

Here's a particularly interesting set of numbers:

<<Q. Why would the Islanders move from the Coliseum, where they are tenants, to Barclays, where they will still be tenants?

A. The short answer: $35 million in extra revenue per year. That goes a long way toward wiping out the club's current operating deficit, estimated at $8 million per year.

The main benefit in this move "is not in the increased revenue the Isles will get from the average fan; it's in the huge increase they'll get from selling luxury suites and premium club seats," said Tony Knopp, chief executive officer of Spotlight TMS, a company that manages corporate tickets at Barclays Center and other sites around the country.

The Coliseum, built in 1972 and barely renovated since, has 31 luxury suites and a relatively small number of high-priced premium seats. Knopp estimates that the suites generate about $3 million a year and the premium seats about $16 million.

Barclays Center, which is far more geographically convenient to corporate customers than the Coliseum, has 104 luxury suites. Knopp estimated that those suites would generate about $21 million for the Islanders, while premium seating would generate an additional $33 million. That comes to $54 million from suites and premium seats — $35 million more per year than what the Islanders generate at the Coliseum.

"I'd happily ride the train for another 25 minutes to watch $35 million more in talent on the ice," Knopp said.

>>
 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

KHL on MSG

With the (never-ending?) lockout ongoing MSG has begun to fill its programming with KHL games.

The first game is airing right now on MSG, with John Giannone and Joe Micheletti at the microphones.

Date	Game	Time	Network
Friday, Oct. 26	Dinamo Minsk vs. Barys Astana	1 & 8 p.m.	MSG
Wednesday, Oct. 31	SKA St. Petersburg vs. Dinamo Riga	1 & 8 p.m.	MSG

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Goodbye November - more cancelations

Several sources reporting that the NHL will blow away the entire month of November today.

The Isles were scheduled to play 13 games in November, which when added to the 9 October games lost, mean that 22 of their games would have been canceled.

Of the 22 games, 12 were home games, meaning that (barring reschedulings or a buyout of the remaining years) 111 games remain on the Nassau Coliseum lease.

The earliest game remaining on the Isles schedule would be December 1st at home against Phoenix, with a visit to MSG on the calendar for the following night.  Of course, the longer this silliness goes, the less chance that the original schedule would be used in any configuration.

Former Sabres executive Larry Quinn had an interesting analysis (from ESPN.com) that both sides should read:

"No matter what system there is and no matter how much fear is instilled in the players about what the future is going to be, the future is that they're always going to make more money. Always; no matter what the system is," Quinn explained. "The proof is in the pudding from the last CBA that their salaries went up 30 percent, and that CBA was supposed to be the mother of all salary reductions.

"Given the fact they've got $3.3 billion in revenue, I believe instead of fighting each other all the time, if there was a clear collaborative effort between players and owners once and for all, that $3.3 billion could be $5 billion. The NHL needs a culture more like the NFL and less like MLB."

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Now this is bizarre....

Never seen an old building advertising for a new, competing one before...

(If you cant see the picture its the Nassau Coliseum newsletter --announcing the Isles move)

---   First NHL Team to Play Home Games in Brooklyn in 2015        BROOKLYN, NY (October 24, 2012) -- New York Islanders Owner Charles B. Wang, Barclays Center Majority Owner and Developer Bruce Ratner, and Onexim Sports and Entertainment announced today that the Islanders will move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The 25-year agreement begins for the 2015-16 season. The announcement was made at a press conference in the GEICO Atrium at Barclays Center, which was also attended by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Islanders General Manager Garth Snow, and Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. In support of the illustrious history of the team, the New York Islanders name and logo will remain unchanged.  "It was our goal from day one to keep the Islanders in the local New York area." Wang said. "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to play in Barclays Center, a first class arena. This has been a long journey for the Islanders family starting with our loyal fans, sponsors, and employees. I want to personally thank them for their patience, loyalty, and support. I am excited about today's announcement and I am looking forward to a long and successful future in Brooklyn."  "We are delighted to welcome the Islanders to Brooklyn and to bring NHL hockey to the borough for the first time," Ratner said. "Eleven subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road come directly to Barclays Center at Atlantic Terminal, offering great accessibility for current and future Islander fans. I want to thank Charles for his determination in keeping the team in New York and for having the vision to bring his club to Brooklyn."  "More than ever before, Brooklyn is the place where everyone wants to be," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Barclays Center has already brought an incredible amount of excitement to Brooklyn since opening last month. Now things will get even more interesting, with Brooklyn's first-ever NHL franchise. Whether or not you're a hockey fan, more events at Barclays Center will lead to more economic activity and more jobs, and that's good news for all New Yorkers."  "Today is another great day for Brooklyn," BP Markowitz said. "When I first campaigned for Borough President, I made the promise that I would bring a major-league sports team to Brooklyn. But never, in my wildest dreams, did I think we would be home to both the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Islanders. With the Nets and the Islanders, Brooklyn is beginning a dominant power-play."  "The Brooklyn Nets are excited to welcome the Islanders to Barclays Center and Brooklyn!" Yormark said. "Barclays Center will offer the Islanders with an exciting opportunity to grow their fan base and to build their brand. Islander fans are going to love Barclays Center for its intimacy, sightlines, Brooklyn Taste culinary program, and customer service. We are looking forward to opening our doors for the Islanders and bringing the best in sports and entertainment to Brooklyn."  Barclays Center will hold 14,500 seats for Islander games. Current Islander season ticket holders will have first rights to purchase season tickets in Brooklyn. Non-season ticket holders may gain priority by leaving a deposit. Click the following link to leave your deposit today: http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/r/?id=t19466e17,2d479f84,2d47da4a   For more information about Islanders season tickets at Barclays Center, please visit www.barclayscenter.com For more information regarding programming, please go to http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/r/?id=t19466e17,2d479f84,2d47da4b  For more information regarding premium seating, please go to http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/r/?id=t19466e17,2d479f84,2d47da4c  For more information regarding transportation, please go to http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/r/?id=t19466e17,2d479f84,2d47da4d  Facebook: http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/r/?id=t19466e17,2d479f84,2d47da4e Twitter: http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/r/?id=t19466e17,2d479f84,2d47da4f   To read the latest headlines, simply go to http://neweratickets-t.neolane.net/r/?id=t19466e17,2d479f84,2d47da50                                                               FOLLOW NASSAU COLISEUM ONLINE VIA:     CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS ONLINE.  TO ORDER TICKETS IN PERSON; VISIT THE NASSAU COLISEUM BOX OFFICE, OPEN M-F 9:30A-4:45P & DURING EVENTS UNTIL INTERMISSION. ALL ACTS, TIMES, DATES, PRICES & SEATING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE NOTE: EXPO CENTER EVENT TICKETS CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED IN CASH ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT @ THE NASSAU COLISEUM BOX OFFICE (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED) *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** GROUP SALES: Discounted tickets & great seats available now to upcoming events when you attend as a group!  Birthday Parties, Religious Groups, Youth Groups, Corporations, Not-for-Profits, Senior Centers, Community Groups & Service Orgs.  We provide special offers for Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts; such as patches & clinics and special educational performances with great discounts on field trips for schools and day cares.  Call 1-800-882-ISLES ext. 3 or e-mail: groupsales@newyorkislanders.com to place your order today! *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** TICKET PRE-SALES/ON-SALES: PRE-SALES offer Coliseum Connection members the opportunity to purchase tickets to a specific EVENT before the general public with a password.  When buying during a presale, if you are not satisfied with the seat selection at the time you are presented with them through Ticketmaster, you have the option NOT to buy at that time and to instead wait for the Public ON-SALE when additional seats are made available to the public.  EVENTS may schedule pre-sales / on-sales as much as 6-12 months in advance of an EVENT, so check our website frequently for the most up to date information and sign up for the FREE Coliseum Connection E-newsletter for special pre-sale passwords. *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** SEATING AVAILABILITY: Calling Ticketmaster by phone at 800-745-3000 OR coming to the Nassau Coliseum Box Office in person are the only ways to check exact seating availability and will call status.  The best seats for most events are generally purchased online within only a few minutes of the scheduled start time of the public on sale, depending on the popularity of the event; Nassau Coliseum Box Office sells tickets 24-48 hours after the Ticketmaster public on-sale; or the next business day. *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** ACCESSIBLE SEATING: Customers seeking Accessible seating to New York Islanders games should call 516-501-6700 ext. 2. All other customers seeking Accessible seats can purchase Accessible seats on line or over the phone through Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or 1-800-745-3000. Accessible seats can be purchased directly at the Nassau Coliseum box office. Prices for Accessible seats are the same prices as non-Accessible seats. To see a list of upcoming events and to view seating maps and ticket prices please visit the Nassau Coliseum website at http://www.nassaucoliseum.com/ or visit Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to email coliseumconnection@nassaucoliseum.com. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ 1255 HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE * LONG ISLAND, NY  11553 * TEL: 516-794-9300 * FAX: 516-794-9389* Coming soon to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum: View Our Entire Event Lineup @ http://www.nassaucoliseum.com

This email was sent to you by Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY 11553-1200. You are receiving this email advertisement because your email address was used for a ticket purchase or you signed up via our website.