Islanders Fall To Flyers by Eric

The Islanders lost their third consecutive game last night by a score of 3-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers. The latest loss makes the Isles victims in 14 of their last 17 games. The Islanders battled hard with the Flyers for the first two periods leading 2-1 going into the second intermission. Two power play goals by the Flyers in the third period secured the victory over the struggling Islanders.

The winning goal was recorded by Simon Gagne, who has scored in each of his last three games. The goal came by way of a power play thanks in part to a bonehead penalty taken by recent call-up Trevor Gillies. Can someone please explain to me what this guy was doing on the ice in a tie game with seven minutes remaining in regulation? He is 31 years old and a notorious figher in the minor leagues, playing in only his third NHL game. The penalty opened the door for the Flyers and they capitalized. It was not a snipe by any means, as Gagne attempted to pass it across to teammate Mike Richards standing at the doorstep. The puck luckily deflected off Mark Streit's stick and past Dwayne Roloson with 6:06 remaining in the third period.

Soon to be free agent (cough Garth Snow try and sign this guy) Jeff Carter, scored his 31st goal of the season off a beautiful feed from Danny Briere. The game was nodded up by Claude Giroux who snuck a pretty backhander past a sprawling Roloson.

The Islanders offense was provided by Kyle Okposo who fired a laser right under the crossbar and surprise surprise John Tavares. Tavares' goal was his 18th of the season and snapped his 17 game slump without a goal. Even though it was not a particularly pretty goal, it was a goal nonetheless and can hopefully give the kid some much needed confidence as the season winds down for the Islanders.

Some Sidenotes:

The Flyers have now beat the Islanders 15 straight times, the longest current streak in the NHL of one team against another. The all-time streak for one team beating another is owned by the Boston Bruins, as they dominated the Ottawa Senators for 17 straight games in the mid 90s.

Robbie Schremp suffered a right knee injury and will be evaluated on Wednesday.

Overall, the Isles did some good things against a much bigger Flyers team. They held their own for two periods before the Flyers were able to make a comeback thanks to two power play goals in the third. Once again Roloson did everything he could to get the Islanders a victory. The Islanders will play host to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night where they will battle with U.S. Olympians Erik Johnson and David Backes. I really like the Blues this season. They are 6 points out of the last playoff spot in the west so expect them to come out hungry. Keep an eye out for University of Michigan product TJ Oshie. This kid can do it all.

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New York Islanders Preview For Tonight by Eric

The Islanders will look to avenge their tough loss of Saturday against the Bruins tonight as they head to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers. This is the fifth of six meetings between the Atlantic Division rivals. The Flyers have won all four meetings this season so far, with three of the four wins coming by a score of 2-1.

With the Islanders playoff hopes dangling by a string, this is as close to a must win game in March as you will see in the NHL. They have dropped down to second to last in the Eastern Conference and are a lofty 9 points back of the 8th and final playoff spot occupied now by the Boston Bruins. The Isles have only 17 games remaining on their schedule to make a run at the last spot. In my estimation, they would have to win at least 12 of those games to be in the running.

Prediction:

I am feeling extremely bold today and will say that the Isles will snap their winless streak against the Flyers tonight by a score of 5-3. To further make myself look insane, I will even predict a goal by John Tavares that will snap his 17 game drought without a goal. The kid had 15 goals in his first 31 games in the NHL and today he is going to break out of this abominable slump.

I know Isles fans are down right now, but you really have to look at the positives of this season. With a win tonight, the team surpasses their point total of a year ago where they finished dead last in the league. Hopefully the Islanders can muster up a total team effort and get the victory tonight considering it will be nationally televised on Versus. Puck drops at 7:30 PM eastern time.

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New York Islanders: New Prospects by Eric

With the Islanders clinging to their dwindling playoff hopes, I figured Isles fans could use a little optimism for the future. So I decided to do some research on a few Islander prospects not yet in the professional ranks. Here are a few prospects I came across that are hidden players and may be able to step in and make an impact at the NHL level.

Rhett Rakhshani:

Not the biggest person on ice standing at only 5'10 and weighing in at 180 pounds, this workhorse has tremendous vision on the ice. He hails from Orange, California and played his junior hockey for the National Team Developmental Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is currently a senior at NCAA powerhouse, University of Denver where he is not only the team leader in points, but also the captain of the team. Rhett has compiled an impressive scoring line of 20 goals with 28 assists for 48 points in 36 games this season. Denver is presently ranked the number one team in the nation. Rhett is a smooth skater with very good hands. Selected in the 4th Round #100 overall in the 2006 NHL Draft, Rakhshani has the potential to become a differenece maker for the Islanders in the very near future.

Blake Kessel:

I know what you're thinking, a compact speedster with an absoulute cannon of a shot just like his brother Phil. Sorry Isles fans, but Blake is not built like his older brother Phil, in fact he is bigger. And he plays defense. Standing at 6'2 and weighing 204 pounds, Blake has the prototypical frame of an NHL defenseman. Now Blake does take after Phil in one regard, both possess cannon shots. Blake played his junior hockey in the United States Hockey League for the Waterloo Blackhawks where he scored 30 goals to go along with 65 assists for a total of 95 points in 118 games. Those are nice numbers for a defenseman in his two years of service for the Hawks. He has continued his development suiting up for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats the past two seasons. During his sophmore season, Blake has continued to be relied upon offensively, collecting 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 33 games. With two more years of college eligibility left, look for Blake to be in the running for a Hobey Baker award as he inches ever closer to becoming an elite offensive defenseman at the next level. Selected in the 6th Round #166 overall in the 2007 draft, this kid may end up being a late round steal if he continues progressing at this expedient rate.

David Toews:

Sticking with the brother theme, the Islanders selected Jonathan Toews' younger brother in the 3rd Round of the 2008 NHL draft. If he is anything remotely close to his brother, then we have a legitimate prospect on our hands. For the last two seasons, David has accumulated 9 goals in addition to 16 assists for 25 points in 53 games while wearing a University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux jersey. Not a big guy at 5'11 and 185 pounds, David gives defensemen nightmares with his work ethic and skating ability. Check out this snipe he had against Merrimack College.

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Safe Playing with Ice Hockey Kits by Jason Johanson Lim

Hockey is always welcome in Canada and the United States. More recently, it has become a British pop. Many skating rink opened up a hockey player in the UK can develop and practice their game. Not only professionals, but often have a lot of people have taken this game is now in their facilities. This game has been successful in creating a common interest among the masses.

In ice hockey, the player's safety is a great problem, because the game involves a lot of struggle and waterfalls. Therefore, it is important that the players hockey kit, has been high-quality equipment.

Has a bag in a possession of all the needs of the market while playing ice hockey. There are some good brand manufacturing hockey equipment. One can be sure that these brands are produced by quality of the equipment. These devices the best protection of all ice hockey players exposed to the dangerous game to play players.

The most important protective gear is helmet. It helps protect the head and eyes, the two most sensitive part of the player from any kind of injury. Good companies also help to improve the players performance.

Other safety equipment kits are currently skates, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, neck guard, shin pads, mouth guard and chest protector. The design approach of these devices in order to allow players freedom of movement.

A hockey player also uses the neck lightly. If you buy a good brand it, it will not only help protect you, but you can move around freely in the game. You will not worry about your protection.

There are different types of safety equipment goalkeeper because he is at greater risk in terms of the injury. Their safety is a worn-out equipment more and severe restrictions on freedom of movement. He usually more than the first half of his protection. Because they can damage the ball at any time from the front part of the need to protect more than any other.

People can shop from the movement of goods sold, and even online these security devices. Do provide these different sites. However, to ensure that the site is reputable and true. People simply visit these sites and place orders for the equipment. Payment can be credit card or online banking.

Islanders Lose Tough Contest Against Bruins by Eric

U.S. Olympic backup goal tender, Tim Thomas made 37 saves to lead the Boston Bruins over the New York Islanders 3-2 on Saturday. The Bruins offense was led by Marc Savard, who scored a power play goal in the second period. David Krejci and Milan Lucic rounded out the scoring for the Bruins who are the lowest scoring team in the NHL.

The Isles offense was provided by Josh Bailey and Matt Moulson. Moulson collected his team leading 23rd score of the season. Personally, I do not think Moulson gets enough ice time. He leads the Islanders in goals scored by a significant margin now and still fails to see any substantial power play time. Doug Weight has been used to play the point on the first power play unit and he only has 1 goal on the season thus far. Don't get me wrong, I respect Doug Weight. He has had a heck of a career, but for the Isles to be handing him all this ice time is a bit ridiculous. Let some other young guys develop and see more time. It's about time.

The struggling Islanders are seeing their dim playoff chances fade real quickly after losing their last two games. The Islanders now sit 13th in the Eastern Conference and are 8 points back of the final playoff spot which is currently held by the Montreal Canadiens. If the Islanders want to keep any of their slim playoff hopes alive, they must start by winning in their next game on Tuesday as they travel to Philadelphia. The Isles need to string together a solid winning streak to get themselves back in the thick of the playoff race because there are many teams vying for that final spot.

Other Housekeeping Items:

John Tavares has not scored in his last seventeen games. His last goal came on January 16th in a shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres. I was at that game and it feels like forever ago. He has scored 17 goals on the season and I would like to see him net a few more before the season ends. It will give him some confidence going into a crucial off season where he needs to obviously get stronger physically and work on his skating.

Mark Streit picked up his 200th NHL point, assisting on Josh Bailey's goal at 2:18 of the second period.

Islander Fans: How concerned are you? What needs to change?

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The NHL's future in the Olympics by Colten Spence

Every two to four years the Olympic Games spring up on us yet again. Each year there are new controversies and topics of debate. One recurring topic, however, is that of whether or not professional athletes should be allowed to compete in the games. This discussion is especially rampant among events that involve the NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, and soccer.

The main argument is that the Olympics are a worldwide event meant to bring countries together for healthy competition. This has a way of promoting world peace and harmony. The ideals that the Olympics were based on are still held in high regard, but have declined somewhat. Originally, sports purists will say, the Olympics were an arena for amateur athletes to prove themselves and bring glory to their country. This has evolved into a highly competitive venue for the world's highest paid, premier athletes.

The Olympics have become a sort of marketing tool for up and coming sports and the companies that are related to them. Take, for instance, the clothing the U.S. Olympians wore for the opening ceremonies in Vancouver. Their clothes had a polo symbol that was as large or larger than the U.S.A. badge on the other side. The Olympics are broadcast all over the world and seen on many different cable sports stations and this is a great way for sponsors to get their names out there.

This marketing, however, goes both ways. The Olympics do not bring the ratings that they used to. The introduction of professional athletes into the Olympics helps their ratings rise. Popular athletes also help the world audience appreciate some of the lesser-known sports that are showcased at these events. When Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, or any other professional athlete from the NBA, NHL, or MLB, suit up for the Olympic team they can't help but bring a large following of viewers with them.

All marketing purposes aside, professional athletes set the bar for competition at the Olympic Games. How can you have some events with professionals like Michael Phelps dominating the waters, and have other events that only take amateur players? It sets an odd standard for Olympic Qualifiers. It makes sense for each country to send the best of the best, and watch sports competition at it's highest level. To be labeled "to good for the Olympics" puts the wrong kind of picture in people's heads. The Olympics should be the peak of sports competition, all competitors meeting on equal grounds to battle out for the Gold.

The Olympics not only provide a small solution for world peace, but they are also a collaboration of venues meant to increase national pride. No country wants to send amateurs when they have professionals that can compete. Many individuals are very much opposed to the idea of professionals playing on the global stage, but in light of the times, professional athletes can leave a good impression on the future of the games.

CBA wins Gordon Cup, Middletown South denies Brick Memorial Handchen Cup, Pequannock & Morristown-Beard also win by Kevin Marsef

After upsetting the undefeated Delbarton, St. Augustine headed into the Gordon Cup finals to take on CBA head to head at Codey Arena in South Orange, N.J

The game was nothing short of a blowout as the Christian Brothers Academy Colts rocked St. Augustine 7-0 to win the Gordon Cup for the 2nd time in 4 years. Under Coach Ryan Bogan, the Colts marked a 6 goal lead heading into the 3rd period, icing the cake with one more goal in the 3rd to the 7-0 final score. CBA's Clifton netted two of their goals while Russo, Carlucci, Sarra, Grogan, and Kamberogiannis contributed the others.

In other news, Brick Memorial fell to the Middletown South Eagles 4-3 at Winding River Areama for the Handchen Cup title. This is the second year in a row that Middletown South has won the Handchen title. Eagle goaltender Chris Marsillo turned away 24 shots while Johnson scored 2 of the Eagles goals.

Pequannock also defeated Mountain Lakes to win the Halvorsen Cup while Morristown-Beard defeated Morris Knolls to win the Mennen Cup for the second time in a row.

Congratulations to Christian Brothers Academy, Middletown South, Morristown-Beard, and Pequannock on their victories.

Sources: J.A./C.D.D.

NEHM: Executive Director No Softie by Kevin Marsef

In a cut throat industry there's no room for the faint hearted. When it comes to the roles of agents and managers of rising stars it boils down to one catch phrase that has been said repeatedly throughout history: "Only the strong survive". From music to sports to film, agents and managers play a key role in the careers of each industries talent. Hollywood has captured glimpses into the world of agents and managers through films and shows such as Get Shorty, Jerry Maguire, and HBO hit series Entourage. North East Hockey Management's Executive Director Walt Seaman fits right in.

The young well spoken Executive Director from central New Jersey has already established himself as a formidable competitor and a caring manager. One source, who requested to remain unnamed, formerly worked with Walt Seaman has told me "Walt can either be your best friend or your worst enemy".

The source didn't stop there:

"If I said to you that Walt means business, that would be a gross understatement. When a competitor tried stealing several NEHM clients Walt had told a staff member to go to the local store, buy a frozen fish, and mail it to the competitor. If you think that's far fetched you'd be really shocked to hear that the fish incident is only scratching the surface as to just how cold, competitive, and unforgiving he really is. He's not the type of guy who can ever give just 80 or even 99 percent, he's all or nothing. Since he took on NEHM I swear the man has dedicated 20 hours a day 7 days a week to the company and nothing short of that. It got to a point where employees were beginning to grow concerned with his health and well being because of how much he pushes himself."

The source tells us that when one employee learned of Seaman catching a case of the Flu this past January he actually pleaded with the NEHM director to take time off to recover. "When one of the guys asked him to at least take one day off to give himself a chance to rest, Walt snapped back 'The clients come first, literally before anything. That includes sleep, if you don't agree with me then get the **** out.' The bottom line is here you have a guy cares more about his clients then himself. The other part of that bottom line is that Walt is someone I wouldn't mess with unless I was suicidal."

North East Hockey Management, also known as NEHM, is rapidly gaining momentum in the hockey industry. As the 2009-2010 season pushes forward, NEHM continues to add to its already impressive client list. It's a sure thing in most minds that NEHM will become a mainstay among top management firms as most who know Walt Seaman are sure that he wouldn't have it any other way.

Sources: J.A./C.C.S., F.D., T.L.

NHL Future Odds - Post Trade Deadline by Sports Betting

The Olympic hockey tournament is in the history books and now the focus turns to the stretch drive in the NHL.

If you slept through Wednesday, you didn't miss much when it came to the NHL trade deadline...nothing even approached the neighborhood of an "epic" deal - although it was the busiest deadline day with 78 assets (players and draft picks) in 30 transactions.

Bubble teams traded in the hopes of making a final push for the playoffs and good teams made deals to fine-tune their rosters, with the Washington Capitals definitely fitting into the latter group.

The top team in the Eastern Conference and the entire league, as of Wednesday afternoon, the Caps have 90 points as well as All-Star Alexander Ovechkin.

But while two-time defending MVP Ovechkin continues to be one the NHL's brightest stars, he hasn't had as much success as rival and Pittsburgh Penguin Sidney Crosby.

Obviously Washington didn't acquire any players that are on par with Ovechkin but it did add some very nice complimentary players in the form of right wing Scott Walker, center Eric Belanger and defensemen Joe Corvo and Milan Jurcina.

As it stands, online Sportsbook have the Caps are +120 to take the Eastern Conference and are +375 to win the Stanley Cup.

Phoenix Coyotes: Despite not having a real owner, the NHL-run Phoenix Coyotes are having a fantastic season, sitting third in the Pacific and fifth in the league.

If the season ended today Phoenix would be in the playoffs and the team looks like it wants to maintain status quo or better based on the number of moves it made.

Amongst the major deals at the trade deadline, the Coyotes: -re-acquired defenseman Derek Morris from Boston, -dealt forward Peter Mueller to Colorado for center/winger Wojtek Wolski, -added D-man and power play specialist Mathieu Schneider from the Vancouver Canucks for a minor leaguer and a pick and -traded concussed defenseman Matt Jones and draft picks for Toronto Maple Leafs winger Lee Stempniak.

Unlike the Washington Capitals, the Phoenix Coyotes' odds aren't as favorable in NHL futures betting.

NHL Odds: Phoenix is currently +1000 to take the Clarence Campbell trophy as the Western Conference champ this season and +2000 to go one step further and win the Stanley Cup.

Fittingly enough, the Coyotes will play one of the teams they did trade deadline business with, the Colorado Avalanche.

The two meet in Phoenix on Thursday and the Coyotes have struggled the last nine times they've hosted the Avs with a record of 3-6 SU.

No trade had any real impact on the NHL future odds, but the Washington Capitals got better, as did the Phoenix Coyotes. You might want to keep an eye on them in their next few matchups.

Enjoy the NHL action.