Re-live this moment...

Bye Aaron Johnson!!

Apparently I missed this, Aaron Johnson signed signed with the New York Islanders. And, it happened on the 12th and I just now read it...I feel shame. I enjoyed having Johnson on my team and wish him the best with the Islanders! Aaron signed a one year contract with the Islanders.

"Aaron is an important addition for the Islanders," said pro scouting director Ken Morrow. "He is a talented, dedicated player and, at 24 years old, he's just coming into his own as a defenceman.

NYI Blog Box

How cool is this?? I mean seriously the only other team that does something like this, is the Washington Capitals, and that's because Ted Leonsis is amazing! I am writing them to see if someone who is NOT an Islanders blogger could be invited. Anyway, just thought I would share the good word.

Ever dreamed of reporting on the Islanders?

Maybe you crave more Islanders-related articles and columns and want to do something about it?

Well, if you're that type of die-hard Orange and Blue fan, consider this an opportunity of a lifetime.

Introducing the NYI BLOG BOX, the first of its kind among pro teams in the New York area.

The Islanders are challenging their fans with a passion for writing to start their own Islanders blog. Fans with existing Islanders blogs are welcome, too.

But here's the kicker: all chosen bloggers will be given the opportunity to cover select home games and practices with special media accommodations.

We're setting up a BLOG BOX in the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum � sort of like a press box, but away from the scribes and broadcasters because we know you want to cheer, shout, have a pretzel and enjoy the game experience on your own terms.

We will provide you with a media pass for a few games next season and a seat in the NYI BLOG BOX. You will also receive your own set of Game Notes when you enter the Coliseum Press Gate. All you have to do is bring your note pad and/or voice recorder and cheer as loudly as you want. After the game you attend, we will set up an area where you can toss a few questions at a coach or players, based on your requests and their availability.

The NYI BLOG BOX will be your open forum. From start to finish, you'll be in control. All we ask is for the chosen bloggers to act respectfully in the restricted media areas and keep all critiques in good taste.

Perhaps best of all, your Islanders blog will generate tons of hits because it will be highlighted and linked on newyorkislanders.com, one of the most popular websites in the National Hockey League.

Only a handful of bloggers will be accepted for the opening season of this unprecedented concept. So if you're interested, please e-mail the answers to our simple application below to Corey.Witt@newyorkislanders.com and include a writing sample of no more than 500 words to go along with it. And please, passionate Islanders FANS only!

Respectfully,

CHRIS BOTTA
VP, Communications

COREY WITT
Media Relations Coordinator

JASON LOCKHART
Website Coordinator

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/pressbox/archive.asp?id=1665

Wang buys out Yashin

Charles Wang made the decision yesterday to buy out the remaining 4 years on Alexei Yashin's contract...this cost them $17.63 Million. Wang is allowed to pay that over the next 8 years. $2.2 million will go against the salary cap over that time. In a statement Ted Nolan, coach of the Islanders said:

"It was a hard decision, but when push came to shove, it was the best decision for this organization to give Yash a nice, fresh start. For us, it's a new beginning. You start looking for new players to come in. There's a time for people to move, and we just felt it was the right time."

Article Found Here
Margee, has already begun rejoicing.

Happy Birthday to ME!!

So, my birthday is on Sunday. I will be 22. I don't know that I will be posting a lot until like Wednesday because my BEST FRIEND is in town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway send me an e-mail send me a message on AIM or just leave me comments. Hope you all are doing good.

GO DEVILS
GO ISLANDERS
GO SHARKS

Playoff Predictions

Since I don't have time to write an actual post as my life is insanely crazy at the moment I will put up my playoff predictions so here we go.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit and Calgary

I'm going to have to say Calgary in 7. I see Calgary winning this only because of the division they were in...it's a tough one.

Ducks and Wild

Ducks in 6. I love my Ducks team and the Ducks boys...not a doubt in my mind that they will win this series.

Vancouver and Dallas

I want so badly to go with Vancouver but I'm going to have to go with Dallas in 7.

San Jose and Nashville

Wow this is going to be quite the series. I'm going to go with San Jose in 7 only because they are a more complete team than the Preds.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Buffalo and Islanders

Oh wow...a lot of people are predicting a sweep...but it's going to be Buffalo in 6.

New Jersey and Tampa Bay

Shoot Devils in 5. The only possible way Tampa could win is if they stick both their goalies in net. (No offense Tampa Bay fans)

Rangers and Thrashers

Rangers in 7. Simply because I don't like the Thrashers.

Penguins and Senators

Sens in 5. Crosby won't be able to carry his team through the playoffs...sorry but he won't. Pens don't have the goalie or the defense to help. (Not to mention I HATE SIDNEY CROSBY!!!

Ok so here is what I have to say looking back...

I have gone back and fourth on this stupid Ryan Smyth trade. He is one of my best friends favorite player so I do have a certain amount of knowledge about him…and what he was to the Oilers and what he meant to that team. You saw last night the Oilers were lost without him…getting shut out at home to one of the worst teams in the NHL. So, here's what I now think about it.

Could it be that "Captain Canada" really is just another money hungry hockey player…like Zdeno Chara or Jaromir Jagr? I think it's quite possible. You look at a guy like Smyth and you think oh the face of the Edmonton Oilers right? Every team has the face of the franchise…for Columbus it's Rick Nash…for Washington it's Alexander Ovechkin…and for the Devils…it's Martin Brodeur. The first two are so new to the hockey world that I can't really talk about how they compare to Ryan Smyth because quite frankly we don't know that they will be franchise players. Martin Brodeur however will never play for another team. He made sure of it. Brodeur in fact on the last contract he himself negotiated took LESS money in the beginning so that his team could have more money to build a stronger team. Now, granted towards the end of his contract he says he will be making more money than what he is worth. (In my opinion you couldn't give this guy enough money but that's just me) But, Smyth wanted too much money. He is in his prime right now…and 5 years from now he'd be far into a down hill spiral. I am not trying to take away from Smyth at all. He is an amazing player and a great player who plays all heart every night. If Smyth really cared about this franchise don't you think he'd be willing to sacrifice some money so that the Oilers would be able to sign other skilled guys? I do. I really don't think that Smyth will go back to the Oilers. It's a nice thought but highly unlikely. He will go to whoever offers him the most money. So now I wonder…is this the end of all the heart and soul players? Are there any more left other than Marty? I don't think so…and that's a sad thought. I do wish Smyth the best of luck on the Island…and for the Oilers fans…I'm really sorry you lost him.

Captain Canada to...the New York Islanders?

I was going to do a big post on all the trades of the day...but why bother since the only one anyone really cares about is the Ryan Smyth trade. I am in shock. Smyth is set to be a free agent at the end of this season. So he is going to the Islanders...a team that as of right now is only a point out of the playoffs with some games in hand. I know people are saying this is a huge move on Lowe and a great move by Snow...I just don't think so. Smyth is a rental. I seriously doubt he will sign with the Islanders at the end of the season. In all honesty what if the Islanders are out first round they sent 3 guys to Edmonton for a rental that they didn't even use...he doesn't sign with them in the off season...he signs back with the Oilers. I mean how bad is Snow gonna look? I just checked in on the Oilers game...and they are getting shut out...at home...the night they retire Messier's number. I mean...how ironic. This team is known for giving away their heart and soul. I just can't believe it and don't have much else to say. I am sure more will come out about this tomorrow when Smyth talks to the press.