http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74663&hubName=nhl

McPhee: No Gonchar deal tonight
TSN.ca Staff

3/2/2004

Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee confirmed that a
deal involving defenceman Sergei Gonchar is in the works but that
nothing would be completed Tuesday night.

McPhee said that Gonchar was pulled from Tuesday's lineup against the
Panthers as a precaution because the Capitals are inching closer to a
deal.

When asked by a member of the media if the deal would be finalized on
Tuesday, McPhee responded "not tonight."

"We're working on a trade for him," McPhee said at a news conference
after the game.  "Why play him and risk injury?"

Gonchar is in the final year of a four-year, $13.95 million US
contract that pays him $3,650,000 this season.

The 29-year old veteran has seven goals and 49 points this season,
leading all NHL defenceman in scoring.

The 10-year veteran was taken 14th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry
Draft by the Capitals. He made his NHL debut in the 1994-95 season
and scored seven points as a rookie. He led all Capitals' defencemen
in scoring over the next two seasons and led the team's blueline with
11 playoff points as the Capitals went the Stanley Cup Final in 1998.

Islanders Offer Free Playoff Tickets
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: March 2, 2004

Filed at 9:17 p.m. ET

NEW YORK (AP) -- The next time the New York Islanders reach the
playoffs, season-ticket holders will be watching some of the games
for free.

In a unique plan unveiled Tuesday, the Islanders announced that
anyone who buys a full season-ticket package for the 2004-05 campaign
by March 21 will receive their seats for each home game in the first
two playoff rounds at no additional charge.

``This is a deal without precedent,'' said Paul Lancey, the team's
senior vice president of sales and marketing.

New York entered play Tuesday in eighth place in the Eastern
Conference, nine points ahead of Buffalo for the final playoff spot.
If the Islanders fail to reach the postseason this year, the offer
will be applied the next time they qualify.

The Islanders were eliminated in the first round each of the last two
years after not making the playoffs the previous seven seasons.

``This is a reflection of our commitment to the fans who have
supported the Islanders so strongly, especially during our revival
over the last three seasons,'' team owner Charles Wang said.

Another first-round exit would fulfill the ticket offer.

One downside to the deal is the threat of a lockout next season if a
new collective bargaining agreement can't be worked out between
owners and players. The current contract expires Sept. 15, and many
fear that next season won't take place.

If a lockout occurs, the Islanders will offer complete credit plus 2
percent interest for any games canceled.

``We believe we have made the ultimate commitment to Islander fans,''
Wang said.

The Islanders estimate that it will cost the franchise about $650,000
per playoff game, while providing a savings to fans anywhere between
$1,500-$4,500. This season's ticket packages for two seats range from
$2,940-$10,500 for the 41-game home schedule.

``I challenged our management team and staff, `Let's come up with a
program that is smart for our business, but more importantly
represents a two-sided commitment and partnership between the New
York Islanders and our fans that is unprecedented in professional
sports history,''' Wang said.

It took plenty of planning to reach this conclusion.

``Several meetings, many passionate arguments and several helpings of
sushi later, we came up with something we all felt proud of,'' Wang
said.

The Islanders are not the first to try to increase ticket sales for
next season by offering significant price-cutting incentives.

In January, the Dallas Stars drastically reduced the cost of more
than 2,000 season tickets and lowered the price of other seats,
partly due to anticipated changes in the NHL's economic structure.

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/gameday/postgame.html

Another Point Dropped To Pens
Islanders 3, Pittsburgh 3
By Kerry Gwydir

(March 2) Steve Stirling's club had plenty of chances to put the
Penguins away in a 3-3 tie at the Igloo on Tuesday.

They started off well by scoring the first two tallies of the contest
in the opening nine minutes, but allowed a late first-stanza goal. In
the second period, with a 3-1 lead and a four-minute man-up
situation, the Isles were victimized by a shorthanded score. That
gave some momentum to the hosts, who went on to tie the contest early
in the final period.

Coming into this matchup, Pittsburgh was engulfed in a 14-game
regulation losing streak. With this game's result, that streak was
snapped.

The Islanders won't be seeing a lot of Nassau Coliseum this month,
and the road trek started Tuesday with a rematch with the Pittsburgh
Penguins • who the victors Sunday with a 3-2 overtime triumph. Steve
Stirling's club plays the next six of seven on the road, including a
jaunt to Canada, the west coast and Florida.

The good news on Tuesday was that the Islanders welcomed back Michael
Peca to the lineup for this game. He missed the last pair with an
ankle laceration suffered last Thursday against the Rangers.

But it was Jason Blake who made some noise just 1:10 in with his
first goal in 13 contests. Blake, who hadn't scored since a two-goal
effort on Jan. 31 against Florida, wristed a shot through a Dave
Scatchard screen that beat goaltender Andy Chiodo. The play appeared
harmless with the Isles skating into the Pittsburgh zone on a 3-on-3.
Blake, instead pulled up with Scatchard and Parrish going to the net,
which blocked the Pittsburgh goaltender's view of the shot.

As the play transpired, both teams had their share of giveaways •
much like Islander owner Charles Wang's Playoff Payoff ticket offer
that was announced earlier on Tuesday. The difference was that Garth
Snow bailed his team out while Chiodo didn't nine minutes into the
opener.

With the Isles shorthanded, Janne Niinimaa blindly attempted to clear
a rebound in the slot. Instead, his spin-around clear in front of the
Islander crease hit Pittsburgh's Alexsey Morozov and pinged right
back on net. Snow, making his second-straight start, was forced to
perform an acrobatic kick-out rejection.

On the next shift, Justin Papineau's hounding of Pens' blueliner
Josef Melichar created a giveaway at the Pittsburgh blueline.
Melichar's fumble went right to the on-coming Cliff Ronning, who
stepped into a slapper that trickled through Chiodo and over the goal
line for his sixth of the season.

Though the Isles dominated the first 20 minutes, they allowed the
hosts a chance to get back in the game before the first-stanza
buzzer. Pittsburgh pulled within one on a Rico Fata goal with 2:55
left as the Isles couldn't close out the period. The former Ranger
beat two Islanders in front and managed to jam home the puck as Snow
attempted to pull the loose change underneath him. Matt Bradley made
the key play on the goal by centering the puck in front for Fata, who
appeared to be surrounded by the Islanders.

After both teams traded close calls in the first part of the second,
Parrish notched his 14th goal of the season midway through.
Scatchard, who worked the puck deep in the Pittsburgh end, feathered
a backhander from behind the goal line for a forehander that Parrish
snapped into the top corner over Chiodo's glove. It was Parrish's
second point of the evening, and it appeared the Isles had the
momentum in this contest.

The Islanders were given a glorious chance to pad their lead late in
the middle stanza when Fata was sent off for a double-minor for hick-
sticking Mariusz Czerkawski. In what turned out to be the turning
point of the night, the Penguins, with the league's worst penalty-
killing unit, notched a shorthanded goal courtesy of Tom Kostopoulos
with two minutes to go. The Pittsburgh forward was left untouched by
a pair of Islanders who watched Kostopoulos tap into an empty net off
the rebound of a post hit by Mike Eastwood.

The surging Pens controlled much of the third period, and recorded
the equalizer less than two minutes into the stanza. Stay-at-home
defenseman and former Islander Marc Bergevin's long wrister made it
through an Eric Cairns' screen and beat Snow over the blocker for his
first goal of the season.

Both teams traded great scoring chances in the extra frame. First,
Ryan Malone nearly ended this one a minute in off a 3-on-1 chance
deep in the Islander end. Snow made a huge stop by repelling the
Malone one-timer from in-close range, then Roman Hamrlik cleared the
rebound with Morozov swooping in for a whack. Chiodo matched his
counterpart two minutes later when Peca waltzing down the slot
unchecked. The captain's wrister from 15 feet out was gobbled up in
the goaltender's chest protector, which turned out to be the Isles'
best chance in overtime.

Less than a minute later, Konstantin Koltsov could have won the game
when he was sprung on a breakaway by Milan Kraft. Snow made a huge
stop, denying the one-on-one opportunity with a blocker stop.
******************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-
sptickets0303,0,5307641.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines

Free playoff tickets . . . sort of

BY LAURA PRICE-BROWN
STAFF WRITER

March 2, 2004, 10:47 PM EST

Playoffs for nothing? Tix for free? That's what Islanders owner
Charles Wang is pitching to hockey fans: Buy season tickets for the
2004-05 season and attend the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup
playoffs at Nassau Coliseum. On him.

"We believe we made the ultimate commitment to Islanders fans and
look forward to hearing from them over the next three weeks," Wang
said Tuesday.

The Islanders called the offer, which expires March
21, "unprecedented" in professional sports. As many as 5,000 tickets
are available for the next three weeks as the Islanders -- possibly
only months from finally agreeing on a new arena -- attempt to build
their season ticket subscriptions from the current 7,000.

So far, the hook appears to be working. Islanders spokesman Chris
Botta said that in the three-and-a-half hours since the initiative
was announced Tuesday afternoon 200 new subscriptions had been
sold. "It's like the Stock Exchange in here," he said.

Islanders chief financial officer Arthur McCarthy said Wang stands to
lose $660,000 for every first-round home playoff game and $750,000
per home game in the second round. Wang said he needed no approval
from his fellow owners. "They let me lose as much as I want, any way
I want," he joked. He said he called NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on
Monday to apprise him of the promotion and said Bettman was
supportive.

Other NHL teams, such as the Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks, are
offering season-ticket holders reduced rates, but the Islanders are
the only team handing out playoff freebies.

Howard Rosenberg, a Dix Hills attorney and Islanders season-ticket
holder for four years, had yet to read the offer for fine-print
caveats but said, "if there aren't any it's a great offer." He said
he had planned to renew, but "this only helps in that decision."

At this time of the year fans usually are ponying up for their
playoff tickets. Islanders fans who act by the March 21 deadline may
plunk down one-third of next year's subscription, at this year's
rate, then wait for the Islanders to make the postseason.

After Tuesday night's 3-3 tie at Pittsburgh, the Islanders (30-23-10-
3) occupied the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot with
16 games remaining. Should they fail to get in, fans who bought into
the plan would have their free playoff tickets honored the next
season the Islanders make the playoffs. And in the event a collective
bargaining impasse that results in a work stoppage, subscribers would
receive a rebate for every game missed plus 2-percent interest.

Wang said he challenged his staff three weeks ago to come up with a
way to build the fan base.

"First they had to scrape me off the floor. I said, 'What are you
guys doing?' " Wang said. "Then they explained it and we went through
it and it makes a lot of sense. What you're going to get from the
fans is a commitment for next season; you're going to get the kind of
renewal that we believe will heighten the interest. It brings it
together. Sometimes you have to prime the pump."
**********************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-spwang0303,0,1793613.story?
coll=ny-hockey-headlines

Wang moving ahead on Coliseum plan

BY LAURA PRICE-BROWN
STAFF WRITER

March 2, 2004, 10:50 PM EST

His hoop dreams may be on the back burner for now, but Islanders
owner Charles Wang said his vision for a new arena to replace aging
Nassau Coliseum may become a reality in less than six months.

The retired chairman of Computer Associates said Tuesday he is
in "very serious talks" with Nassau County and has a team of
professionals working on a plan to give the hockey team a new home.

"It probably will be sooner than that," Wang said, "but, again, these
things just take time ... But we're very close."

One Islanders source estimated the timetable for an announcement to
come within months. Wang continued to forge ahead on a new arena in
Nassau County despite dropping out of the bidding for the Nets late
last year. He said the timing of the Nets sale clashed with the arena
process.

"We didn't think it was workable," Wang said of purchasing the Nets
while working on an arena deal. "It was throwing everything out of
kilter in terms of what we were planning our new arena. It was
something that just came out of the blue ... and everybody got
wrapped up in it and we weren't following what we felt was important
about what we were doing at that time. We just weren't comfortable
with that at that point."

Wang wouldn't say whether he would ignore the Nets should the $300-
million sale to Brooklyn developer Bruce Ratner disintegrate.

"I don't think you can ever say we have no interest, but at the same
time I'm not following at all," Wang said. "Bruce has done a
wonderful job putting it together. He won the bid. We had withdrawn
already; let him do it."
*****************************************
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/03/sports/hockey/03NHL.html

N.H.L. ROUNDUP
On Giveaway Day, the Islanders Give Away a Point
By JOE LAPOINTE

Published: March 3, 2004

PITTSBURGH, March 2 — After promoting a giveaway of playoff tickets in the
afternoon, the Islanders demonstrated Tuesday night why they are not certain to
qualify for the tournament this spring.

Twice, they squandered two-goal leads to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the worst team
in the N.H.L., before settling for a 3-3 tie in overtime at Mellon Arena.

With 16 games remaining, the Islanders remain in eighth place in the Eastern
Conference, the last berth for the playoffs. They have 73 points, 8 ahead of
ninth-place Florida, which beat Washington, 1-0.

Earlier in the day, the Islanders announced a plan in which season-ticket
holders who sign up and deposit money for next season will get free seats for
the first two rounds of playoffs this year.

Jason Blake and Cliff Ronning gave the Islanders a 2-0 lead before the first
period was half over, but Rico Fata got one back for Pittsburgh before the first
intermission.

Blake's goal, on the first shot of the game, came on a wrist shot from the top
of the left-wing circle through traffic past Andy Chiodo at 1 minute 10 seconds.
Ronning scored unassisted at 8:04 after intercepting a pass near the blue line.

But Fata put a rebound past Garth Snow at 17:05 after Snow failed to contain a
rebound. Blake was benched by Coach Steve Stirling for the second period after
he committed a turnover late in the first.

"I'm very mad," Blake said.

Stirling said, "When you turn it over, you sit."

Blake said his teammates, including Mike Peca, the captain and center who missed
the previous two games with a cut on his lower left leg, supported him.

"All that stuff is an indication of frustration," Peca said. "We've got a day to
cool."

Mark Parrish gave the Islanders a 3-1 lead at 9:13 of the second period with a
high wrist shot from the near left side.

The Penguins cut the lead to 3-2 while short-handed at 17:45 of the second
period when Tom Kostopoulos scored into an open net on a rebound after a shot by
Mike Eastwood hit the goal post. Pittsburgh tied it, 3-3, at 1:46 of the third
period on a goal by Marc Bergevin.

The Penguins had won two of their previous three games, including a 3-2 victory
in overtime on Long Island on Sunday. Before that, Pittsburgh went 18 games
without a victory, earning a point for a tie.
**********************************************
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/03/sports/hockey/03FANS.html

Islanders Offer Playoff Incentive for Season Tickets
By DAVE CALDWELL

Published: March 3, 2004

UNIONDALE, N.Y., March 2 — In a move they are calling unprecedented among
major professional sports teams, the Islanders announced Tuesday that they were
offering free playoff tickets this season to anyone who buys 2004-5 season
tickets before March 21.

Charles B. Wang, the co-owner of the Islanders, spent most of a half-hour news
conference at Nassau Coliseum qualifying the offer, which the team says it hopes
will bolster its season-ticket base, estimated to be 7,000. "It'll enhance the
interest," Wang said, "and, hopefully, that will translate into more sales."

As would be expected with such an offer, there are a few catches.

¶The Islanders have not yet qualified for the playoffs. They are in eighth
place in the Eastern Conference, and only eight teams qualify.

¶The 2004-5 season may be delayed, or even canceled, because of a lack of a
collective bargaining agreement between the owners and the players union.

¶The free-ticket offer would not be extended past March 21 and would cover only
the first two rounds of this year's playoffs.

But the Islanders say they have worked out contingencies.

The Islanders (30-23-10-3), who are 8 points ahead of ninth-place Florida after
their 3-3 tie at Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, are likely to make the playoffs
for the third straight year. Even if they do not, the free-ticket offer would be
good for the next time the Islanders make the playoffs.

Should there be a work stoppage next season, the Islanders would refund the
money for every game canceled, and 2 percent simple interest — or
substantially more than the Islanders say they would make in interest while
keeping the money.

"Our offer of interest is to be consumer-friendly," said Arthur McCarthy, the
club's chief financial officer. "This is not a grab for their cash."

Wang said the team stood to lose $660,000 for each first-round playoff game and
$750,000 for each second-round playoff game under the plan. He said the N.H.L.
Board of Governors approved the plan.

"They'll let me lose as much money as I want in any way that I want," Wang said,
smiling.

For each season ticket bought for next season, a fan gets a free ticket for the
same seat to each home playoff game this spring. Season-ticket holders can also
buy additional playoff tickets at face value before they are sold to the general
public.

Wang said the offer was not made as a way for the Islanders to amass money in
the event of a lockout. Only a third of the price of the season tickets for
2004-5 would be due by March 21.

If the Islanders make the playoffs this season but are eliminated in the first
round, the offer for free second-round tickets would not be extended to a future
season.

Season-ticket subscribers would receive a savings of up to $2,600 for two
playoff tickets for two rounds, the Islanders said. Season-ticket subscribers
would also be able to purchase next season's tickets at this season's prices.

What the Islanders say they are hoping to do is add to their fan base, which has
grown exponentially since Wang and Sanjay Kumar bought the team in April 2000.
As Wang explained, the Islanders are looking for a return in their commitment to
Long Island.

The commitment includes building an arena to replace Nassau Coliseum. Wang said
he was hopeful that the Islanders, Nassau County and SMG, which owns Nassau
Coliseum, would be able to complete an agreement within six months for an arena
to be built.

"Unless something doesn't go quite right, we're working on that possibility,"
Wang said of a timetable.

The arena, Wang said, would not be built to attract the Nets if the team's
agreement to move to Brooklyn fell through. Wang also said he had had no
discussions with the Nets about the team's moving to Nassau Coliseum under such
circumstances.

As for the near future, Wang said, the Islanders also do not expect to be
overrun with season-ticket buyers who want to take advantage of the free
playoff-ticket offer.

Wang joked that he would be happy if 16,370 fans, the capacity of Nassau
Coliseum, took advantage of the offer, but he also said, "You don't want to have
your whole arena filled with season-ticket holders."

The Islanders said they simply wanted to give incentive to their season-ticket
holders to renew for next season. At the same time, they want to use the
free-ticket offer to entice individuals and corporations to buy season tickets
for the first time.

"This is good for hockey, and good for hockey fans," Wang said.
*******************************************
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/story/169903p-148366c.html

Isles' playoffs payoff

With a lengthy labor stoppage looming, Islanders owner Charles Wang took a
creative step toward ensuring a war chest and an increased fan base for next
season before last night's 3-3 tie with the Penguins in Pittsburgh.
Fans who purchase a 2004-05 full-season ticket plan will get free tickets for
every home game during the first two rounds of this spring's playoffs.

Wang, who absorbed operating losses of $23 million last season, claimed he
didn't need approval from the NHL for the move.

The tradeoff has no downside for the Isles' 7,000 existing full-season
subscribers, who already were facing their playoff bills for this spring. A team
official added the team would be "tickled" if the result is an increase in
season tickets to around 12,000.

Asked how much money the organization expects to earn in interest on the added
ticket sales in the seven months before next season, Senior VP Arthur McCarthy
countered that only a one-third down payment (at 2003-04 prices) is due by March
21, with the balance not due until late August.

If there's a lockout next season, fans also will receive a refund (plus 2%
interest) for every game not played. If the Isles fail to make the playoffs, the
deal will be honored for two rounds the next time they reach the postseason.

NO PRONGER: Mike Milbury categorized a published report of interest in $9.5
million St. Louis defenseman Chris Pronger as "out in la-la land." Milbury
acknowledged he's seeking a physical defenseman, with Washington's Brendan Witt
($1.85 million) believed to be on wish list.
**************************************
http://www.nypost.com/sports/islanders/15880.htm

BENCHING HAS BLAKE FUMING

By EVAN GROSSMAN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 3, 2004 -- Islanders 3 Penguins 3

PITTSBURGH - Some Islanders were disappointed with last night's 3-3 tie with the
lowly Penguins, but nobody was more enraged than Jason Blake, for a different
reason altogether.

"I'm very mad," said Blake, who saw only 5:50 of ice through 40 minutes and was
benched the entire second period because of a turnover he made late in the first
period. "This is the most [ticked] off I've been since I left L.A."

This was supposed to be the second of two consecutive games the Islanders would
use to all but eliminate the teams trailing them for the final playoff spot in
the East. These were two games against a team of AHL players.

Sunday on their home ice, the Islanders had no killer instinct and escaped with
a point in their 3-2 overtime loss to the Pens. Last night, against a team that
had lost an NHL-record 14 straight home games, the Isles were lifeless as they
blew a 3-1 lead and were clearly outworked by their feeble foes.

"It pretty much feels like it was two losses," said Mark Parrish, who had a goal
and assist.

With the OT point, the Isles, with three regulation losses in the last 19
(8-3-6-2), are eight points ahead of No. 9 Florida.

"As only we can do," Steve Stirling said, "we shot ourselves in the foot."



All you need to know is that with a 3-1 lead in the second, the Isles had their
chance to put it away on a four-minute power play, but registered only one shot
on goal, while the Pens cut the lead to one on Tom Kostopoulus' short-handed
score.

It started well for the Islanders, who scored the first goal on a Blake floater
from just outside the left circle on the first shot of the game. It was Blake's
10th point in six games against Pittsburgh this year, but for the second
straight game, No. 55 found himself benched by Stirling.

"Four guys, including our captain [Michael Peca]," he added, "came up to me and
said, 'That's unbelievable.' "

The Islanders led 2-1 after the first period, but a Blake turnover nearly made
it 2-2 in the closing seconds of the period. That was the last shift the
hyperactive right wing saw until midway through the third. By that time Marc
Bergevin's first goal in 102 games had given the Penguins the tie.

* In an offer announced yesterday by Islanders owner Charles Wang, anyone who
purchases season tickets for the 2004-05 season will receive free playoff
tickets to all games for the first two rounds this spring.

Should the Isles not qualify this season, the offer will be applied to next
year's playoffs, or the next time the Islanders appear. In the event of the
expected work stoppage next year, season ticket holders will be credited, plus 2
percent interest, for any cancelled games.
*******************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-sbisles033693941mar03,0,491073\
8.story?coll=ny-islanders-print

Brief benching enrages Blake

BY ALAN HAHN
STAFF CORRESPONDENT

March 3, 2004

PITTSBURGH -- The Islanders' Energizer Bunny, Jason Blake, was unplugged and on
the bench for the entire second period while the Islanders suddenly were
unplugged on the ice. They wasted a two-goal lead in the period and blew another
point to the resilient Penguins in a 3-3 tie last night at Mellon Arena.

The Islanders were angry about coming out of a home-and-home with the lowly
Penguins with only two points, but no one was more angry than Blake. He scored a
goal 1:10 into the game and had a lot of energy reunited on a line with Dave
Scatchard and Mark Parrish.

But after pulling another of his circle routines, dancing precariously along the
blue line, he coughed up the puck (shades of his turnover in Boston that led to
an overtime loss a few weeks ago). It led to a breakout the other way that Kenny
Jonsson managed to break up.

That was enough for coach Steve Stirling, who benched Blake for the second
period.

"It's unbelievable," Blake said, adding he was "clueless" as to why he didn't
get a shift. He was told during the second intermission.

Stirling met with Blake Monday and warned him about hanging on to the puck too
much. He was benched for parts of the third period in Sunday's 3-2 overtime loss
to the Penguins.

Stirling said the benching was a result of Blake's dangerous turnover at the end
of the first. But Blake couldn't accept being punished for one mistake when he
and his line skated with energy, generated chances and had a goal in the same
period.

"I'm obviously mad," Blake said. "Our line was going . . . This is the most --
off I've been since I left L.A."

Blake also said several teammates asked him why he wasn't playing. "Including
our captain," he said. All, Blake said, thought it was "incredible" that
Stirling would go to such an extreme.

Captain Michael Peca said he thought Blake "was one of our best players in the
period" but added that he didn't see Blake's turnover. Of the potential problem
brewing between Stirling and Blake, Peca said, "It won't be dealt with by you
guys."

After the game, assistant coach Butch Goring had a chat with Blake by the team
bus.

Despite Blake's absence, Scatchard and Parrish hooked up at 9:13 of the second
to take a 3-1 lead. The Islanders then had a four-minute power play, but Tom
Kostopoulos buried a rebound on a shorthanded rush at 17:45 to make it 3-2.

The third period opened and the Penguins kept coming at the suddenly stationary
Islanders. Marc Bergevin, who hadn't scored in 101 games, tied it at 3 when he
sent a floater from the left point that went through a screen and past Garth
Snow (21 saves) at 1:46.

Blake got back into the game at 8:38 of the third period and finished with 12:50
of ice time.

The Islanders had to hold on just to preserve the tie as the Penguins ended a
14-game home losing streak, an NHL record. The Islanders' power play went
0-for-4 and was 0-for-9 in the home-and-home against the league's worst team.

"It pretty much feels like it was two losses," Parrish said. "I don't feel like
we got any points out of this game."

ISLANDERS 3, PENGUINS 3

Tommorow

Islanders

At Toronto

7:30 p.m.

TV: FSNY

Radio: ESPN (1050)

It should be interesting now to see if Stirling keeps to his promise
of keeping things out of the press, now that Blake has spoken up.

Jason Blake made it very clear he has never been more upset in the
time he has been here.

Not the way you want a player going into unrestricted free agency in
a few months. Even worse when players are supporting him.

Bottom line, the coach had a talk with him on Monday and he ignored
what the coach told him to do. I could care less about his weak shot
that a screen created for his goal, the coaches coach, the player
play.

Either that or Stirling is dismissed in May and Greg Cronin is the
next baby sitter.

I don't think Stirling even had this kind of challenge from a player
in Bridgeport. Welcome to the NHL, this is a big part of the job and
pushing the wrong button here can send his team into a tailspin in
situtations where the hockey world is watching. It's not prospects or
AHL veterans with no leverage here.

Not that they did not play like a team in a tailspin the last two
games anyway.

Personally, this team cannot get back Alexei Yashin fast enough.

Bill

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74738&hubName=nhl

Gonchar dealt to Bruins
TSN.ca Staff
3/3/2004

After shipping out Jaromir Jagr, Peter Bondra and Robert Lang, the
Washington Capitals have dumped some more salary - this time off
their own blueline - sending defenceman Sergei Gonchar to the Boston
Bruins in exchange for defenceman Shaone Morrisonn and a first and
second round draft pick.

All that is required to make the transaction official is the trade
conference call that registers the trade with the league.

Gonchar is in the final year of a four-year, $13.95 million US
contract that pays him $3,650,000 this season.

The 29-year old veteran has seven goals and 49 points this season,
leading all NHL defenceman in scoring.

The 10-year veteran was taken 14th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry
Draft by the Capitals. He made his NHL debut in the 1994-95 season
and scored seven points as a rookie. He led all Capitals' defencemen
in scoring over the next two seasons and led the team's blueline with
11 playoff points as the Capitals went the Stanley Cup Final in 1998.

In 1998-99, Gonchar played just 53 games, and led team defencemen
with 21 goals and 31 points. He also led the Capitals with 13 power
play goals and was the first Russian defenceman to score 20 goals in
an NHL season.

In 1999-2000, Gonchar finished the season with a team best +26 rating
and became the second defenceman in team history to score a hat
trick.

Since I'm somewhat notorious for liking trades, I figure if
we ain't gonna win a Cup with this club shaped as it is, then
I'd best be served (as a fan) by seeing an offensive weapon
of a team.  Make it exciting WANG and MM.  Let's get some
totally offensively geared players and make a run now ....
and add some tougher Dmen to the backline.

Witt, I'd love him, but I see him as improbable cause too many
other teams will be bidding for him as well and honestly, why
does Leonsis need to trade him?  He's already dumped a
SHITLOAD of payroll and will most likely get rid of Kolzig
and Gonchar too - that's a shitload of payroll more!

Now - this will SHOCK all of you cause you know I love
Weinhanl in the sense that I see him becoming a real
player one of these days, maybe even a Brian Rolston
type with time - but whoever mentioned Paps and
Weinhandl for Satan and Pyatt has gotten my attention.
We'd be trading youth - ohhhh yes - but Pyatt ain't the
oldest and Satan is just plain one of the best RWingers
in the game.  I don't care about his stats now..... he started
late after a contract stalemate.  55 points STILL aren't
out of the question for him now.

I wouldn't stop there either.  I sure as hell don't believe
Pronger is really up for grabs, but if he is, he IS probably
the NHL's most complete defenseman.  Send Parrish,
Hamrlik and a second rounder to St. Louis.  We don't
have the youth they want, but those guys are generally
productive and will cost MUCH less..... and let's face
it.... if they're dealing him, it's simply financial.

Then I'd turn RIGHT around and send Peca's derisive,
non-producing ass out west for once, to Anaheim, for
Visnevski and Prospal (whose contract they wish to
dump) and if need be, I'd send them Martinek too.
He's injured, sure, but they need players for NEXT
season.

Now, you people don't need to get on my ass about this
being COMPLETELY unlikely..... cause I know it is.  But
we live in a time full of dreamers dreaming unrealistic
dreams without paying attention to the budget - most of
them residing in the Democratic party - and thus I say
that the following team would BE much more exciting
to watch than the one we've got - and probably better
too!

You have....

Ricky, Snow (he ain't great, but he's still a good #2)

Pronger - Visnevski
Jonsson - Aucoin
Cairns - Niinimaa
Butenschon

Czerk - Kvasha - Asham
Prospal - Yashin - Satan
Ronning - Scatchard - Blake
Pyatt - Bates - Godard/Manlow

Looks like a fun team to me!!!
Enjoy,
Chapin






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/news/bport030204.html

BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS WEEKLY

(March 2) â€" The Sound Tigers earned three points in three games last
week losing 5-2 on the road to the Hartford Wolf Pack Wednesday,
beating the Albany River Rats 3-1 on the road Friday and losing 3-2
in overtime to the Providence Bruins at home Saturday. The Sound
Tigers finished last week in second place in the East Division with
74 points and a 31-16-8-4 record, including 14-7-5-2 at home and 17-9-
3-2 on the road.

WED FEB 25th at HAR, 5-2 L: The Sound Tigers were done in by another
strong first period as Hartford grabbed a 4-0 lead in the opening
frame on goals by BRANDON CULLEN, JEFF HEEREMA, LAYNE ULMER and
BENOIT DUSABLON. Ulmer's goal was scored shorthanded and chased WADE
DUBIELEWICZ from the Sound Tigers' net in favor of DIETER KOCHAN.
BRANDON SMITH and DEREK BEKAR scored, Bekar added an assist, and JEFF
HAMILTON had two assists in the second period for the Sound Tigers,
but DOMINIC MOORE scored the lone third-period goal for the Wolf
Pack. The Sound Tigers were 1 for 4 on the power play while Hartford
was 0 for 2 and had a 26-24 shots on goal advantage.

FRI FEB 27th at ALB, 3-1 W: JUSTIN MAPLETOFT put the Sound Tigers on
the scoreboard with a power-play goal 1:12 into the third period,
JEFF HAMILTON added the eventual game-winner 2:30 later and his
franchise-single-season-record 31st goal with 5:28 left to play, ROB
COLLINS assisted on both of Hamilton's markers, and DIETER KOCHAN
made 25 saves. The Sound Tigers were 1 for 4 on the power play, 1 for
1 on the penalty kill and had a 28-26 shots on goal advantage. The
win snapped a three-game losing streak, as well as a two-game road
skid. It was also the Sound Tigers' single-season-record-tying 17th
road win of the year.

SAT FEB 28th vs. PRO, 3-2 OTL: COLE JARRETT scored his first
professional goal, shorthanded, to tie the game at 1-1 in the second
period, and ALAIN NASREDDINE added his first of the season, on the
power play, to tie the score at 2-2 early in the third period, but
Providence's MILAN JURCINA scored 1:43 into the overtime. KRIS
VERNARSKY and ZDENEK KUTLAK also scored for the Bruins. DIETER KOCHAN
made 34 saves in a losing effort. The Sound Tigers were 1 for 6 on
the power play and 5 for 5 on the penalty kill. Providence had a 37-
31 shots on goal advantage.

SOUND TIGERS PLAYER OF THE WEEK - RW/C JEFF HAMILTON
Hamilton assisted on both of the team's goals in Wednesday's loss in
Hartford then added the game-winner and an insurance tally in the
third period of Friday's come-from-behind win in Albany. The two
goals tied and then broke the all-time, single-season, franchise,
goal-scoring record, which was set and equaled by TRENT HUNTER with
30 in both 2001-02 and 2002-03. With 31 goals so far this season and
22 last year, Hamilton has 53 all-time as a Sound Tiger, seven shy of
Hunter's career mark of 60. He leads all AHL scorers with 31 goals
and 11 game-winning goals and also leads the Sound Tigers with 51
points and is tied for the team lead among active players with 20
assists in 46 games this season.

THIS WEEK - Homestand Continues With Four Games Including Three Game
Weekend. The Sound Tigers will play four home games this week,
including three in three nights this weekend.

WED MAR 3rd vs. LOW, 7:05 p.m.: This will be the fourth and final
meeting of the teams, the second at Bridgeport's Arena at Harbor
Yard, this regular season. The Sound Tigers are 6-2-1 all-time, 2-0-1
this season, versus Lowell who begins this week in sixth place in the
Atlantic Division with 58 points and a 24-25-6-4 record, including 11-
17-3-1 on the road. The Lock Monsters do not play until Wednesday.

FRI MAR 5th vs. WIL, 7:35 p.m.: This will be the fifth of eight
meetings of the teams, the third of four in Bridgeport, this regular
season. The Sound Tigers are 4-2 all-time, 2-2 this season, versus
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton who begins this week tied with the Binghamton
Senators for fifth place, the final playoff spot, in the East
Division with 60 points and a 24-23-7-5 record, including 11-11-5-3
on the road. This will be the Penguins' first visit to Harbor Yard
since they snapped the Sound Tigers' franchise-record 20-game
unbeaten streak and 22-game unbeaten-in-regulation streak with a 3-2
win on December 17th. They will host Binghamton Wednesday.

SAT MAR 6th vs. HAR, 7:05 p.m.: This will be the eighth of ten
meetings of the teams, the fourth of five in Bridgeport, this regular
season. The Sound Tigers are 15-10-2 all-time, 3-3-1 with a home
overtime loss this season, versus Hartford who begins this week in
first place in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference with 78
points, just four points behind the League-leading Grand Rapids
Griffins, and a 33-16-10-2 record, including 15-9-4-2 on the road and
7-0-2-1 in the last ten games. The Wolf Pack will host the Utah
Grizzlies Wednesday.

SUN MAR 7th vs. BIN, 4:05 p.m.: This will be the seventh of eight
meetings of the teams, the fourth and final in Bridgeport, this
regular season. The Sound Tigers are 6-5-1 all-time, 3-3 this season,
versus the Senators who begin this week tied with Wilkes-
Barre/Scranton for fifth place in the East Division with 60 points
and a 26-28-6-2 record, including 8-17-4-0 on the road. Binghamton
will visit Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Wednesday and the Rochester
Americans Friday.

SOUND TIGERS TEAM LEADERS
Goals - JEFF HAMILTON, 31
Assists - JEFF HAMILTON & BRANDON SMITH, 20
Points - JEFF HAMILTON, 51
Penalty Minutes - GRAHAM BELAK, 138

Goals Against Average - WADE DUBIELEWICZ, 1.55
Plus / Minus - JEFF HAMILTON, +13
Wins - DIETER KOCHAN, 16
Save Percentage - WADE DUBIELEWICZ, .937

SOUND TIGERS SPECIAL TEAMS; AHL RANK
Power Play - 39 for 286, 13.6%; 18th
Shorthanded Goals Against - 6
Penalty Kill - 212 for 233, 91.0%; 1st
Shorthanded Goal For - 9

SOUND TIGERS STREAKS
# The Sound Tigers have scored on the power play in four straight
games going 4 for 21, 19%, in that time.
# C BEN GUITE (3a) is on a two-game assist streak.
# D ALAIN NASREDDINE (1g,1a) is on a two-game point streak.

SOUND TIGERS TRANSACTIONS
# D JAY LEACH was released from a professional tryout contract Friday.
# RW ERIC GODARD was recalled by the Islanders Wednesday.
# LW MIKE SOUZA, who played in Bridgeport last season, signed a PTO
last Friday.
# RW/C BRENT GAUVREAU signed a PTO Monday, January 26th.
# C JUSTIN MAPLETOFT was reassigned by the Islanders Wednesday,
January 21st.
# LW DEREK BEKAR was reassigned by the Islanders Friday, January 16th.

--- In Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com, chapin_landvogt@l...
wrote:

> Since I'm somewhat notorious for liking trades, I figure if
we ain't gonna win a Cup with this club shaped as it is, then
I'd best be served (as a fan) by seeing an offensive weapon
of a team.  Make it exciting WANG and MM.  Let's get some
totally offensively geared players and make a run now ....
and add some tougher Dmen to the backline.>>>>

   You know, last year I felt they had no shot going into the Sens
series. It may turn out that way again IF they even hold on and
qualify. I really think I will get a good read the last two weeks, if
they are playing as they did in late December, anything can happen
this time.

   And all of that hype begins and ends with DiPietro, this is not a
journeyman like Garth Snow this time and to be fair Snow was good in
the playoffs last year and not the reason they lost.

> Witt, I'd love him, but I see him as improbable cause too many
other teams will be bidding for him as well and honestly, why
does Leonsis need to trade him?  He's already dumped a
SHITLOAD of payroll and will most likely get rid of Kolzig
and Gonchar too - that's a shitload of payroll more!>>>

   Gonchar is gone to Boston. Witt's age and lower salary may make him
their new number one defender. Vancouver, Toronto, the usual suspects
are bidding for his services with the Isles. Can the Isles outbid
them and keep their prospects? Not really.

> Now - this will SHOCK all of you cause you know I love
Weinhanl in the sense that I see him becoming a real
player one of these days, maybe even a Brian Rolston
type with time - but whoever mentioned Paps and
Weinhandl for Satan and Pyatt has gotten my attention.
We'd be trading youth - ohhhh yes - but Pyatt ain't the
oldest and Satan is just plain one of the best RWingers
in the game.  I don't care about his stats now..... he started
late after a contract stalemate.  55 points STILL aren't
out of the question for him now.>>>

I did not mention this, maybe Buffalo would like to be rid of Satan's
contract and Pyatt would be a good fit here. Pretty good trade
suggestion but Weinhandl seems like he can really be a top six
forward here. I'm not sure where Bergenheim fits in with Papineau
here.

> I wouldn't stop there either.  I sure as hell don't believe
Pronger is really up for grabs, but if he is, he IS probably
the NHL's most complete defenseman.  Send Parrish,
Hamrlik and a second rounder to St. Louis.  We don't
have the youth they want, but those guys are generally
productive and will cost MUCH less..... and let's face
it.... if they're dealing him, it's simply financial.>>

   The Blues says it's not happening and Milbury today said it's not
happening. Nothing to talk about there. He's restricted and Hahn
incorrectly reported he was unrestricted. Like Kariya it's up to
St.Louis to pick up his option.

> Then I'd turn RIGHT around and send Peca's derisive,
non-producing ass out west for once, to Anaheim, for
Visnevski and Prospal (whose contract they wish to
dump) and if need be, I'd send them Martinek too.
He's injured, sure, but they need players for NEXT
season.>>>

Interesting and not a bad trade, MM said he's keeping Peca-Parrish as
of last Thursday and wants to see them in another playoff.

> Now, you people don't need to get on my ass about this
being COMPLETELY unlikely..... cause I know it is.  But
we live in a time full of dreamers dreaming unrealistic
dreams without paying attention to the budget - most of
them residing in the Democratic party - and thus I say
that the following team would BE much more exciting
to watch than the one we've got - and probably better
too!>>>

   Nothing wrong with dreams and they are all pretty good ones. My
hockey trade dreams would including a three team deal and Leetch
becoming an Islander and retiring here.

   We can play the Rangers for the LaFontaine-Leetch cup.

Another is adding the scoring forward Yashin has always needed when
he comes back and having a true number one line. There are about a
dozen players who would fit the bill.


I also want two bangers on defense to go with the top four and
someone who is an upgrade on Snow.

   I also want a parade down the canyon of hero's in June.

> You have....

> Ricky, Snow (he ain't great, but he's still a good #2)

> Pronger - Visnevski
> Jonsson - Aucoin
> Cairns - Niinimaa
> Butenschon
>
> Czerk - Kvasha - Asham
> Prospal - Yashin - Satan
> Ronning - Scatchard - Blake
> Pyatt - Bates - Godard/Manlow
>
> Looks like a fun team to me!!!>>>

   That is a fun team.

   Bill

http://wfan.com/chrismikeaudio/

Wang's interview was yesterday. Milbury's before the Ranger game.

It's best for folks to just take what these people say as opposed to
articles and writers.

Wang does a lot more than talk about his ticket plan for those
thinking he would get away with just softball questions. I think he
answered things asked on these board going back to last summer with
the ticket price increases.

Bill

Bill,

Great website. It brought chills to my spine to see the Bob Bourne's end to end
goal again. I was there that night. It seemed like everyone on the ice was in
slow motion except number 14.

Thanks,
Mike



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http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74773&hubName=nhl

Blues: We're not trading Pronger

Canadian Press
3/3/2004

The St. Louis Blues are not shopping star defenceman Chris Pronger
ahead of next Tuesday's NHL trade deadline, despite rumours to the
contrary.

"All I'll I can tell is that I don't know where those rumours are
coming from," an agitated Larry Pleau, general manager of the Blues,
told The Canadian Press on Wednesday. "We would like Chris to be here
a long time."

Pronger's agent Pat Morris also dismissed the rumours.

"Chris is certainly an attractive player but at all points and time
Chris has indicated to both St. Louis and myself that he's a mainstay
in St. Louis for a long, long time," said Morris, Pronger's agent for
13 years.

The rumours seem to have started because of Pronger's contract
status. The all-star defenceman will be a restricted free agent July
1 and the Blues must tender a $9.5-million US qualifying offer by
midnight June 30 in order to retain his services, otherwise he
becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Anaheim Mighty Ducks balked at giving Paul Kariya a $10-million
qualifying offer last summer and he promptly signed a free-agent
contract with Colorado.

The other option for Pleau would be to sign Pronger to a new multi-
year contract worth less than the qualifying offer and that appears
to be the plan.

"We've said all along, we want Chris to be with us for a very long
time and I don't know where all of these rumours are starting," said
Pleau, whose club was four points out of a playoff spot entering
Wednesday's NHL games.

The six-foot-six 218-pound Pronger is having another all-star season
after missing all but five games last year recovering from a serious
wrist problem. He has 43 points (13-30) and 80 penalty minutes in 65
games this season and will surely be nominated for another Norris
Trophy.

The 29-year-old from Dryden, Ont., won the Hart Trophy as NHL most
valuable player in 1999-2000 and the Norris as top defenceman. He has
93 goals, 296 assists and a career plus-120 rating in 707 games.

--- In Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com, "Michael J Sclafani"
<michael.j.sclafani@d...> wrote:

<Bill>

> Great website. It brought chills to my spine to see the Bob
Bourne's end to end goal again. I was there that night. It seemed
like everyone on the ice was in slow motion except number 14.

> Thanks,
> Mike>>>

   My pleasure Mike. When I saw this I had to share this with
the group. I had never seen that rush before and had been reading
about it for years because those games were not on local cable here
at the time. I only wish the clips were longer but I sure enjoyed
every one of them and glad they are on my computer for good.

   Bill

I do not know the players Sather got here aside from Valiquette,
these are not Toronto's or Edmonton's premier prospects. On first
reaction I expected Antropov or Calcavecchio? (spelling) or Kaberle.

Leetch will be a Toronto Maple Leaf for this and next season and will
play against the Islanders tomorrow and in the playoffs if they meet.

Edmonton, a team out of the playoffs took on Nedved's salary?

A little worried now about Ziggy winding up in NYC next summer.
**********************************************************
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74803&hubName=nhl

Maple Leafs acquire Brian Leetch

TSN.ca Staff
3/3/2004

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Wednesday evening that the hockey
club has acquired defenceman Brian Leetch and a conditional draft
choice from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenceman Max
Kondratiev, forward Jarkko Immonen, Toronto's first-round pick in the
2004 Entry Draft and the team's second-round pick in 2005.

"Brian has been a premier defenceman in this league since first
coming into the league," said GM John Ferguson. "We look forward to
having a player with his great credentials joining our group."

Leetch, 36, has played 57 games for the New York Rangers this season
collecting 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) with 24 penalty minutes.
He ranks fifth in the NHL in average ice time (26:14) and 10th among
NHL defencemen in points. Leetch leads the team in powerplay points
(19) and average ice time as well as leading all team defencemen in
goals, assists, points and shots (165).

The native of Corpus Christi, Texas has captured the James Norris
Memorial Trophy on two occasions (1992, 1997), the Calder Memorial
Trophy in 1989 and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1994. He has been named
to the NHL First All-Star Team twice (1992, 1997) and to the NHL
Second All-Star Team three times (1991, 1994, 1996). Leetch was named
to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1989 and has played in nine NHL All-
Star Games (1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002). He
won the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994.
*********************************************
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74788&hubName=nhl

Oilers acquire Nedved and Markkanen

Canadian Press
3/3/2004

EDMONTON (CP) - The Edmonton Oilers acquired Petr Nedved and
goaltender Jussi Markkanen from the New York Rangers on Wednesday for
forward Dwight Helminen, goalie Stephen Valiquette and a 2004
second-round pick.

It's the second deal in as many days for the under-achieving Rangers,
who dealt forward Alexei Kovalev to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday
night. Despite having the NHL's highest payroll, it appears New York
will miss the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

The Oilers are six points behind Los Angeles for the last Western
Conference playoff spot heading into action Wednesday and are proving
they aren't giving up hope yet.

Nedved, 32, has appeared in 65 games for the Rangers this season,
registering 14 goals and 17 assists. Nedved is earning $4.75 million
US this season and has a club option for $5 million next year. That
means Edmonton has the choice whether or not to keep him for another
season.

In 478 career games with the Rangers, Nedved collected 149 goals and
202 assists for 351 points.

Markkanen, a former Oiler, has appeared in 26 game with New York this
season. He posted a 8-12-1 record with a 2.56 goals-against average.

Helminen, 20, has played 32 games this season for the University of
Michigan Wolverines of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association
(CCHA). He has accumulated 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points,
along with four penalty minutes.

The native of Hancock, Michigan was originally Edmonton's eighth-
round selection, 244th overall, in the 2002.

Valiquette, 26, has made 35 appearances with the AHL's Toronto
Roadrunners this year, posting a 14-14-5 record and 2.59 GAA. He also
dressed for one game with Edmonton this season.

http://www.theahl.com/SlamScoreboard/ahl-frameset.html

Bridgeport
# NAME G A PTS +/- S PIM

2 Jarrett, Cole 0 0 0 -1 1 0
4 Robinson, Jody 0 0 0 -1 1 0
6 Kariya, Martin 0 1 1 -1 1 0
8 Pettinen, Tomi 0 0 0 -1 2 0
12 MacLean, Cail 0 0 0 -1 0 0
15 Guite, Ben 0 0 0 0 1 0
16 Colley, Kevin 0 0 0 0 1 0
18 Hamilton, Jeff 0 0 0 0 3 0
19 Collins, Rob 0 0 0 0 0 0
23 Bekar, Derek 0 0 0 -1 3 0
26 Mapletoft, Justin 0 0 0 0 4 0
27 Smith, Brandon 0 0 0 -1 1 0
32 Nasreddine, Alain 0 0 0 0 1 2
34 Kochan, Dieter 0 0 0 0 0 0
37 Gauvreau, Brent 0 0 0 -1 1 0
44 Leach, Jay 0 0 0 0 0 0
45 Souza, Mike 1 0 1 -1 3 0
47 Kraft, Ryan 0 1 1 -1 1 2

34 Dieter Kochan LOSS 58:30 27 24

Max Kondratiev -D 6'1 176 4th ranked Maple Leaf Prospect by recent addition of
Hockey News. Played 7 games w/ Toronto in October( 0 pts. -1 15.36 T.O.I.) than
went back to Russia instead of the AHL. Shoots Left- 21 yrs old. Defensive
minded prospect that has physical side.drafted-2001 168th overall

Jarkko Immonen -C 6'0 202 (smart player, decent 2-way player w/ some playmaking
abilities)5th ranked Leaf Prospect by T.H.N.) Plays in Finland-turns 22 next
month. Drafted-2002  254th overall -shoots right

Jozef Balej- RW-(5'11 170 shoots right) 10th ranked Montreal Canadian Prospect
by T.H.N. played 4 games this year for Montreal(0 pts)  Currently 5th in AHL in
scoring, plays w/ some spunk-Drafted 2000  78th overall

Dwight Helminen  2002 draft  244th overall.

   Altogether the Rangers got a 1st rd, 2nd rd and 4th rd pick in this years
draft and a 2nd rd pick in the 2005 draft. Not one of these prospects are a lock
to be in the Rangers opening day lineup next year.
   The Blackhawks came away better off in trading Zhamnov getting Jim Vandermeer
and Colin Fraser
    The Caps got Shaonne Morrisson a former 1st rd pick who already is a regular
contributor to his team.(+10 in 30 games).

   If the Isles are really looking to get Chris Pronger they might be able to get
him w/ only giving up a couple prospects and a draft pick but to equal out the
money they would have to give up Peca or Yashin and I don't see Yashin being
traded. St.Louis supposedly was already considering a Demitra/Peca swap earlier
in the year. I would be very leery of trading Peca. The Isles don't seem to know
how to win w/out Peca in the lineup.

  Kevin




   ----- Original Message -----
   From: billbarrisles
   To: Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2004 8:22 PM
   Subject: [Islanders-SoundTigers] Leetch, Nedved,
Markkanen.....GONE.....Valiquette traded to Rangers.


   I do not know the players Sather got here aside from Valiquette,
   these are not Toronto's or Edmonton's premier prospects. On first
   reaction I expected Antropov or Calcavecchio? (spelling) or Kaberle.

   Leetch will be a Toronto Maple Leaf for this and next season and will
   play against the Islanders tomorrow and in the playoffs if they meet.

   Edmonton, a team out of the playoffs took on Nedved's salary?

   A little worried now about Ziggy winding up in NYC next summer.
   **********************************************************
   http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74803&hubName=nhl

   Maple Leafs acquire Brian Leetch

   TSN.ca Staff
   3/3/2004

   The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Wednesday evening that the hockey
   club has acquired defenceman Brian Leetch and a conditional draft
   choice from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenceman Max
   Kondratiev, forward Jarkko Immonen, Toronto's first-round pick in the
   2004 Entry Draft and the team's second-round pick in 2005.

   "Brian has been a premier defenceman in this league since first
   coming into the league," said GM John Ferguson. "We look forward to
   having a player with his great credentials joining our group."

   Leetch, 36, has played 57 games for the New York Rangers this season
   collecting 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) with 24 penalty minutes.
   He ranks fifth in the NHL in average ice time (26:14) and 10th among
   NHL defencemen in points. Leetch leads the team in powerplay points
   (19) and average ice time as well as leading all team defencemen in
   goals, assists, points and shots (165).

   The native of Corpus Christi, Texas has captured the James Norris
   Memorial Trophy on two occasions (1992, 1997), the Calder Memorial
   Trophy in 1989 and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1994. He has been named
   to the NHL First All-Star Team twice (1992, 1997) and to the NHL
   Second All-Star Team three times (1991, 1994, 1996). Leetch was named
   to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1989 and has played in nine NHL All-
   Star Games (1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002). He
   won the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994.
   *********************************************
   http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74788&hubName=nhl

   Oilers acquire Nedved and Markkanen

   Canadian Press
   3/3/2004

   EDMONTON (CP) - The Edmonton Oilers acquired Petr Nedved and
   goaltender Jussi Markkanen from the New York Rangers on Wednesday for
   forward Dwight Helminen, goalie Stephen Valiquette and a 2004
   second-round pick.

   It's the second deal in as many days for the under-achieving Rangers,
   who dealt forward Alexei Kovalev to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday
   night. Despite having the NHL's highest payroll, it appears New York
   will miss the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

   The Oilers are six points behind Los Angeles for the last Western
   Conference playoff spot heading into action Wednesday and are proving
   they aren't giving up hope yet.

   Nedved, 32, has appeared in 65 games for the Rangers this season,
   registering 14 goals and 17 assists. Nedved is earning $4.75 million
   US this season and has a club option for $5 million next year. That
   means Edmonton has the choice whether or not to keep him for another
   season.

   In 478 career games with the Rangers, Nedved collected 149 goals and
   202 assists for 351 points.

   Markkanen, a former Oiler, has appeared in 26 game with New York this
   season. He posted a 8-12-1 record with a 2.56 goals-against average.

   Helminen, 20, has played 32 games this season for the University of
   Michigan Wolverines of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association
   (CCHA). He has accumulated 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points,
   along with four penalty minutes.

   The native of Hancock, Michigan was originally Edmonton's eighth-
   round selection, 244th overall, in the 2002.

   Valiquette, 26, has made 35 appearances with the AHL's Toronto
   Roadrunners this year, posting a 14-14-5 record and 2.59 GAA. He also
   dressed for one game with Edmonton this season.












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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mike wrote:
>>>
Great website. It brought chills to my spine to see the Bob Bourne's end
to end goal again. I was there that night. It seemed like everyone on the
ice was in slow motion except number 14.

Thanks,
Mike
<<<

Doggonit...... Bill, I accidentally already deleted the mail you sent
containing this
link.  Is there any chance you could send that link to the list again???

Thanks a bundle,
Chapin

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com, Kevin Hasbrouck
<islesks2@o...> wrote:

>  Altogether the Rangers got a 1st rd, 2nd rd and 4th rd pick in
this years draft and a 2nd rd pick in the 2005 draft. Not one of
these prospects are a lock to be in the Rangers opening day lineup
next year. >>>

    It all depends on which part of the hype you
want to believe. Ranger picks have this habit of becoming stars even
when they are not. I'm still waiting for Pavel (Bossy) Brendl and
Jamie (Lundmark) Trottier.

    All I do know is Nik Antropov, Alexander Steen, Carlo Colaiacovo
or Matt Stajan did not go to the Rangers nor did the top prospects in
the Leafs system.

    I do not understand why Sather had to move Leetch, sometimes you
build around one veteran. That veteran should be Leetch, not Messier.

>   The Blackhawks came away better off in trading Zhamnov getting
Jim Vandermeer and Colin Fraser. he Caps got Shaonne Morrisson a
former 1st rd pick who already is a regular contributor to his team.
(+10 in 30 games).>>>>

    The Caps trade was for a player still at a young age for hockey,
it should cost a little more.

>   If the Isles are really looking to get Chris Pronger they might
be able to get him w/ only giving up a couple prospects and a draft
pick but to equal out the money they would have to give up Peca or
Yashin and I don't see Yashin being traded. St.Louis supposedly was
already considering a Demitra/Peca swap earlier in the year. I would
be very leery of trading Peca. The Isles don't seem to know how to
win w/out Peca in the lineup.>>>

    It's over. Milbury said the rumor is pure fiction. The media and
Blues management called the rumor pure fiction and the players agent
called the trade rumor pure fiction. It's not happening.

    Bill

http://newyorkislanders.com/gameday/pregame.html

(March 4) After playing to a draw in Pittsburgh, the boys in blue
cross the border into Canada Thursday for an appointment with the
Maple Leafs. In the first three meetings of the four-game season
series, the Isles went 2-1-0, winning both games at the Coliseum.

The Isles home and home with the Penguins earned them just two
points, as they fell in overtime at home Sunday against the Penguins,
and played to a tie Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The team has to turn
around a stretch of games that's seen them win just once in their
past five contests. On the plus side, they picked up at least a point
in four of those games.

Against the Penguins, Mark Parrish picked up his first goal since
returning from his high-ankle sprain. In his first four games back,
he's had a goal and an assist, while creating several scoring
chances. It seems like his adjustment period is over, as he saw time
in every situation Tuesday, killing penalties and moving the puck
while paired with Dave Scatchard and Cliff Ronning.

************************************************** ************
http://newyorkislanders.com/gameday/insider.html

The Insider
New York Islanders @ Toronto Maple Leafs
7:30 PM; March 4, 2004 @ Air Canada Center

The Book on the Maple Leafs
There were complaints a week ago, when Toronto lost to Carolina, and
worry when they were defeated the next game by Florida. Things
reached a boil though when a third consecutive loss came at the hands
of the Lightning. But, as is normally the case, a shutout win over
the defending champion Devils solved all ills up north. On the
attack, it's all or nothing, as the team is ranked eight in goals,
but have given up the second-most shutouts.

Mats Sundin is the high scorer in Toronto, leading the team in goals,
assists and points. With 63 points, he is over 20 points ahead of the
next best Leaf. Sundin's mastery ends at plus/minus though, as Tomas
Kaberle owns the best rating, with a +15. Tie Domi's 167 penalty
minutes are the most of any Maple Leaf. Bryan McCabe is the top
blueliner, with 41 points and over 25 minutes of ice-time.

Who's Hot
Tomas Kaberle's helped keep the Leafs' attack going, despite slumps
by several of the team's scorers. With four points in his last three
games, and 15 points in his last 20 since returning from a shoulder
injury, Kaberle's provided the consistent effort the team has needed
from the defense. He's also been a +6 in that span. He's had an
assist in two games against the Isles this season.

************************************************** ************
http://newyorkislanders.com/gameday/scoop.html

The Scoop on the Toronto Maple Leafs

(March 4) The Toronto Maple Leafs enter tonight's game in a dog-fight
for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Every game is important
for the Leafs as they are also battling the Ottawa Senators for the
Northeast Division lead. They're currently on a crucial six-game home
stand, which they are 2-0-0 through the first two games, so far. They
last played the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, a game which they won, 3-2.
For the first time this season, Toronto has all of their regulars in
their lineup and uninjured.

Where They Stand:
The Maple Leafs are once again one of the top teams in the NHL.
Entering Wednesday night's games, Toronto was in a four-way tie for
first place in the Eastern Conference with the Philadelphia Flyers,
the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Senators. All four teams had 84
points, with the Senators and Lightning in action in different games,
entering last night. The Leafs have a record of 26-19-9-3 in 67 games
played. They have also posted nearly identical records, in terms of
wins and regulation losses, for home and away games. At the Air
Canada Centre, Toronto has gone 18-10-2-2. In their last 10 games
overall, they have posted a 5-5-0-0 mark.

http://www.soundtigers.com/news/release_030304.htm

SOUND TIGERS LOSE 3-1 AT HOME TO LOWELL
Fall to Lock Monsters at home for first time in over two years

BRIDGEPORT, CT - The American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound
Tigers, top affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York
Islanders, lost 3-1 at home to the Lowell Lock Monsters Wednesday. It
was the Sound Tigers' first home loss to Lowell since falling 3-2 on
January 30, 2002.

The Sound Tigers opened the scoring on a blue-collar effort as Ryan
Kraft worked the puck along the end boards in the offensive zone and
fed Mike Souza who fought free from just in front of the net to tap
in his second goal since re-joining the Sound Tigers on February
20th, his seventh AHL goal of the season, just 2:09 into the first
period. Martin Kariya also assisted on the opening tally.

The Lock Monsters tied the score at 1-1 8:46 into the middle frame
with a similar effort from nearly the exact same spot as Ryan Bayda
batted a loose puck over the shoulder of Sound Tigers Goaltender
Dieter Kochan and just under the crossbar while being hauled down
just outside of the crease. It was Bayda's seventh goal of the season
with Garrett Bembridge notching the lone assist.

Lowell took its first lead of the game 6:45 into the third period as
Sean Curry took a feed from the right point and whipped a wrist shot
past Kochan, who was following along with the pass, for his first
goal of the year off assists from Brad Fast and Brett Lysak, who is
now on a three-game point streak. Lynn Loyns then made it 3-1 Lock
Monsters with 8:49 left to play with his sixth goal of the season off
an assist from Chris McNamara.

The Sound Tigers called a timeout and pulled Kochan in favor of an
extra attacker with 1:30 left to play but were unable to tie the
game. Kochan finished with 24 saves while Lowell Netminder Jamie
Storr stopped 22 of 23 shots for the win as the Lock Monsters had a
27-23 shots on goal advantage. Both teams were 0 for 2 on the power
play.

Curry was the first star of the game, Souza the second, and Bayda the
third.

The Sound Tigers will play the third, fourth and fifth games of an
eight-game homestand when they host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Penguins this Friday at 7:35
*****************************************
http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96~3761~1995659,00.html

Sound Tigers lack punch in loss to Lock Monsters
By MICHAEL FORNABAIO mfornabaio@...


BRIDGEPORT

Three quirky Lowell Lock Monster goals led the visitors to a 3-1 win
over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Wednesday night, with help from the
Sound Tigers' dearth of offense in the last 58 minutes.

Mike Souza's goal 2:09 into the game got Bridgeport a lead, and the
Sound Tigers had chances to increase it.

But Ryan Bayda's goal from the seat of his pants in the second period
began Lowell's comeback in front of 3,146 at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

Defenseman Sean Curry scored on a shot that bounced off Ryan Kraft's
stick and skipped back against the grain past Dieter Kochan at 6:45
of the third period, breaking the 1-1 tie.

"Say what you want, lucky bounces, but they outworked us," Kraft
said. "Hard work creates luck. Hard work creates chances. They
definitely created more bounces."

Lynn Loyns snaked a backhander into the top corner from the side of
the net almost five minutes later to put it away.
Christian Abraham/CTPost
Mike Souza of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, left, watches his shot get
past Lowell goalie Jamie Storr in the first period Wednesday.

"We used to dominate teams in the third period, squeeze them tight,"
Bridgeport coach Greg Cronin said.

The Sound Tigers remained one point behind Philadelphia for first
place in the East Division. The loss snapped a 5-0-1 streak against
Lowell dating to Jan. 30, 2002. The Sound Tigers had been 2-0-1
against the Lock Monsters this year.

The defeat also completed a 7-9-3-1 third quarter of the season.
Bridgeport scored only 37 goals in those 20 games after scoring 101
in the first 40, and Cronin has been lamenting lost scoring chances
throughout.

"It's the same old story," Cronin said. "We easily could have been up
3-0."

Veteran goalie Jamie Storr, wearing an unusual No. 14, denied the
Sound Tigers a two-goal lead in the first period. He stopped Jeff
Hamilton and Derek Bekar in tight early in the period. Kraft, whose
hard work had set up Souza's goal, lost the handle on the puck with
an open net as he tried to spin and shoot it soon after.

Bekar hit the post on a breakaway late in the period, and Storr
stopped Martin Kariya on a late chance in front.

Had Bridgeport scored a goal in that span, this could have been a
drastically different game, but either way, the Sound Tigers didn't
generate much in the last two periods.

"I don't know whether it would have changed the game all that much,"
Kraft said.

"We came to play the first period, and in the last 40 minutes, they
kind of took it to us. Give them credit, but at the same time, we
changed the way we played."

Curry, who had one goal in the ECHL last year, broke the tie, one-
timing a skittering puck and getting a good bounce.

Captain Alan Letang missed the game to be with wife Krystie, who gave
birth to the couple's second child, a girl. They have a 2-year-old
son, Ayden.

Jay Leach, signed to his third pro tryout contract of the season
earlier in the day, replaced Letang in the lineup.

SOUND BITE

"I don't know what to say. We just got outplayed. We had plenty of
chances to make it a 3-0 game after one period."

Bridgeport coach Greg Cronin
****************************************
http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96~3761~1995650,00.html

Jarrett no longer a jittery rookie
By MICHAEL FORNABAIO

BRIDGEPORT

The jittery kid who didn't look ready for the AHL in October scored
his first pro goal on a confident play Saturday.

The journey in between for 21-year-old Cole Jarrett, one that still
has further to go, has transformed the rookie defenseman-turned-
temporary-forward-turned-defenseman from a spare part to a regular
piece of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers' defense.

A frequent healthy scratch early in the season, Jarrett got a chance
to play when Mattias Timander was traded Jan. 22, and he has taken
advantage of the opportunity.

Going into Wednesday night's game, in his 18 games since moving back
to defense full-time, Jarrett has a goal and three assists and is
plus-4. In his first 22 games, Jarrett had five assists and was minus-
2.

"There have been a lot of ups and downs this year, personally and for
the team. I think we've battled through," Jarrett said. "I've played
well lately. Hopefully, that will keep going."

It's a good turnaround for the youngster, who struggled in the first
two games and was sat down in favor of a tryout defenseman, Aaron
Power.

"I was nervous about looking to prove myself to the coaches and the
guys with the big club," Jarrett said. "It was definitely tough."

Worse, he suffered a high ankle sprain in practice Oct. 15, costing
him three more games. After he returned, he was a healthy scratch for
the next seven games and eight of the next nine.

After rotating in and out of action for a month, Jarrett found a
different way into the everyday lineup: up front.

He had played some forward early in his junior hockey career, and he
got nine games on the wing from Dec. 28 to Jan. 17.

"I had a lot of fun with it," Jarrett said. "It gave me an
opportunity to dress every night, to skate around and hit some guys,
create some room. It was a chance to play hockey."

Bridgeport coach Greg Cronin liked giving Jarrett time up front,
figuring that experience would help when Jarrett returned to defense.
He sees bits of it when Jarrett jumps into the play, joining the
cycle along the boards, as the defenseman did Saturday night to set
up a late Martin Kariya scoring chance.

"He still gambles every once in a while," Cronin said. "He's narrowed
it to where it's not dangerous."

Jarrett, who at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds is strong on his skates and
able to play a feisty, physical game, honed his offensive abilities
in the Ontario Hockey League. He had 141 points in the last three
years for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL.

Those skills led the Columbus Blue Jackets to select him in the fifth
round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, but the team didn't sign him last
summer, leaving him a free agent.

"I was a little disappointed at the time. I knew I had a good four
years of junior," Jarrett said. "It was a little wake-up call to work
a little harder and improve all parts of my game."

The New York Islanders were the best fit among the two or three teams
that were most interested, giving him a chance to come to Bridgeport,
where he faced an adjustment to the quicker AHL game.

"When the regular season started," Cronin said, "he was constantly
out of position, chasing the puck around. We sat down with him and
tried to give him some fundamentals, improve his confidence."

Assistant coach Dave Baseggio, an 11-year pro defenseman, has done
plenty of video work with Jarrett, working on positioning. Cronin
told Jarrett to watch Bridgeport's copious veteran defensemen to see
how they handle situations.

"His willingness to learn and work, I think, has improved his
positional play in the defensive zone and away from the puck,"
Baseggio said. "That puts him in situations to exploit his talents."

The confidence that wasn't there early in the season has shown
itself, as well, not the least evidence of which was his goal
Saturday, joining the rush, taking a pass from Kevin Colley and
beating good young goalie Hannu Toivonen.

Earlier in the week, in the Sound Tigers' brutal loss to Hartford,
Jarrett was minus-2 in the first period and didn't play the next
shift. Cronin was happy to see him keep his head when he returned for
the second period, though, and play effectively after that.

"He's really strong on his skates. He's got good speed, good hands,
good skating. He's got a lot of tools," Baseggio said. "It's just
working on the finished product."
***************************************
http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96~3761~1995648,00.html

SOUND TIGERS WEEKLY
QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Me and Cole had a bet who was going to score first, $10. He scored
just a period before I did, but I was happy to give him 10 bucks."

Alain Nasreddine, on his wager with Cole Jarrett. Both defensemen
scored their first goals of the season Saturday against Providence.

NOTEBOOK

WHO'S HOT

Jeff Hamilton had two goals and two assists in the last three games
going into Wednesday.

WHO'S NOT

Justin Mapletoft had one point (a goal) in the last eight games.

STAYING ALIVE

A deal could be close to sell the Norfolk Admirals to an unidentified
group and keep the team in the city, the (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot
reported this week. Current co-owner Mark Garcea told the paper he
and partner Page Johnson were finalizing an agreement that would sell
the team for somewhere between $3 million and $4 million.

The Admirals' affiliation agreement with the parent Chicago
Blackhawks expires this summer, but Blackhawks GM Bob Pulford told
the paper he expects to work out an agreement with the new group.

OOH, BABY, BABY

"Connecticut's Largest Baby Shower" collected 6,500 diapers and 300
packs of baby wipes.

Platex donated 10 boxes of baby bottles. Approximately 400 vouchers
for a free Sound Tigers home game ticket were given to fans who
donated.

HOW'D YOU GET SO SMART?

Sound Tigers players visited nine schools on Tuesday as part of "Read
Across America Day."

Wade Dubielewicz and Justin Mapletoft will cap off a 10-school week
for the Sound Tigers when they visit a school in Fairfield today.

MATTERS MORE IF IT SHOWS UP IN JUNE

The Calder Cup will make an Arena at Harbor Yard appearance Wednesday
when the Sound Tigers host Providence at 7:05 p.m. The Cup makes a
promotional tour of the league's cities to promote the upcoming
playoffs, which open in just six weeks.

SOUND TIGERS PROMO CALENDAR

Pro wrestler Randy Orton will appear at Friday's game. ... It's Scout
Appreciation Weekend, and Saturday is a Scout sleepover night.
Contact the team at 334-4625 for more information. ... Sunday
is "Norwalk Family Night" with specially priced tickets for city
residents.

SHEESH!

Milwaukee left winger Timofei Shishkanov was named AHL Rookie of the
Month for February, scoring nine goals and four assists in 15 games
and earning a plus-11 rating as the Admirals went 12-2-1-0.

WELL, WHO'S THE BETTER TEAM?

Sunday, the Chicago Wolves (12,938 against San Antonio at Allstate
Arena) outdrew the Chicago Blackhawks (12,177 against Florida at the
United Center).

LEGEND DIES

Carl Liscombe, the first pro hockey player to score 100 points in a
season, died Feb. 23. Liscombe, who scored 118 points in 68 games for
the Providence Reds in 1947-48, was 88.

Liscombe's 55 goals in 1948-49, a Reds championship season, set a
league record that wasn't broken until Mitch Lamoureux scored 57 for
Baltimore in 1982-83.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Jason Pominville, Rochester Americans

Coming back from a concussion that kept him out for 12 games, the
right winger had five goals and an assist as the Americans went 3-0
last week.

Pominville scored the game-winning goal Friday in a 4-3 win over
Hershey. The next night, in a 5-1 win over Cleveland, he had a goal
and an assist. Sunday, he scored his first professional hat trick in
a 6-0 win over Syracuse.

Bridgeport nominated Jeff Hamilton, who had two goals and two assists
in three games. Toronto nominated former Sound Tigers goalie Stephen
Valiquette, who won all three games he played while allowing five
goals. Springfield nominated brief Sound Tigers defenseman Nic
Bilotto for his goal and two assists in three games.

WEEK AHEAD

Friday

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 7:35 p.m. (WICC-AM 600)

The Sound Tigers and Penguins meet four times in Bridgeport's last 20
games, including twice in the last seven games and the final game of
the season, April 11 down in Pennsylvania's Wyoming Valley. Those
four games will be important to both teams, with the Penguins trying
to secure playoff position and the Sound Tigers working toward first
place. PLAYER TO WATCH

Center Kris Beech has 34 points and is plus-12 in 44 games.

Saturday

Hartford, 7:05 p.m. (WICC-AM 600)

The Wolf Pack won twice at Hartford in a week in February; the Sound
Tigers will try to return the favor at the Arena at Harbor Yard,
which is expected to be packed with fans of both teams tonight.
Hartford went into Wednesday without a regulation loss since Jan. 31.
PLAYER TO WATCH

Captain Ken Gernander spent a couple of days

but didn't play

with the New York Rangers this week, time well deserved for a
consummate professional.

Sunday

Binghamton, 4:05 p.m. (WICC-AM 600)

The Senators went into Wednesday on a six-game losing streak and a 1-
6-2 drought, streaks that had seen them squander games in hand and
approach the boundary between playoff teams and homeward-bound clubs.
The Sens would need 14 wins in their remaining 18 games to keep alive
coach John Paddock's league-record streak of nine consecutive 40-win
seasons. PLAYER TO WATCH

Second-year goalie Ray Emery's numbers are not as gaudy as last
year's, with a younger defense in front of him. He's still an elite
prospect, though.

Tuesday

NHL trade deadline, 3 p.m.

Last chance for the big clubs to improve themselves. The AHL gets two
more days, but after this day can get no more help from above.

Wednesday

Providence, 7:05 p.m. (WICC-AM 600)

One last chance for the Sound Tigers: Of the 14 teams Bridgeport
plays this season, the Bruins are the only one the Sound Tigers have
not defeated at least once. Providence is 2-0-1, with two OT losses,
this season; Bridgeport is just 1-4-3-3 all-time against the Bruins,
1-2-1-1 at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Everyone needs a nemesis, right?
PLAYER TO WATCH

Center Kris Vernarsky had a goal and an assist Saturday, when the
Bruins beat the Sound Tigers 3-2 in overtime.

POWER RANKINGS

1. Grand Rapids

First team to top 20 wins at home

but have only seven home games left.

2. Hartford

Kings of the goose egg didn't lose in regulation in February.

3. Milwaukee

Loss Tuesday snapped five-game unbeaten streak.

4. Philadelphia

Phantoms sneaked back into division lead going into Wednesday.

5. Bridgeport

Sound Tigers have huge chance to get back on top with homestand.

28. Albany

Two straight losses after a five-game points streak.

27. San Antonio

OT win Tuesday snapped eight-game winless streak.

26. Utah

Even with recent success, Grizzlies have a long hill to climb.

25. Cincinnati

Five-game winless streak dropped Ducks within four points of division
basement

24. Binghamton

Six losses in a row for this team? Hard to fathom.

PLAY OF THE WEEK

Cole Jarrett earned his first professional goal Saturday by jumping
into the play, but he got some good help from the forwards on the
penalty kill.

Ben Guite began the play at the Bridgeport blue line, breaking up a
Bruins play and turning the puck the other way to Kevin Colley.
Colley got the puck on the left wing, skated it up one-on-one, made a
nice play to lose the defenseman and slid the pass across to Jarrett
in the right circle.

Jarrett tucked it back past Providence Bruins goalie Hannu Toivonen
to tie the game 1-1.

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH...

...the trading deadline?

It's that time of year again, so a little review: NHL trades have to
be completed and reported to the league office by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Every NHL team's roster will be set at that time, which has a big
implication for the AHL: players on the NHL roster at 3 p.m. Tuesday
cannot be sent back to the minor leagues for the rest of the season,
including the playoffs.

Therefore, expect to see a bunch of "paper transactions" Tuesday
afternoon as teams position their prospects and help out their AHL
teams for potential playoff runs. A team might send a player down at
2 p.m., only to recall him almost immediately, just so it can later
send him back to the minors and keep him eligible for the AHL team's
Clear Day roster. However, NHL teams can only use four regular
recalls from the minors after the deadline, although emergency
recalls are unlimited.

Clear Day follows two days later, or one week from today. That's when
AHL rosters are set for the rest of the season.

EX-TIGER WATCH

Juraj Kolnik, Florida Panthers

Kolnik has spent most of the season in the NHL, and has put up some
points lately. He had two goals and an assist last Wednesday in a 4-0
win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kolnik has four goals and two
assists over the last nine games, and 12 goals and six assists this
year in 39 games, and he is averaging over 15 minutes of ice time.
****************************************
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20040304/SPORTS/203040388/-1/sports

Monsters pull away

Published: Thursday, Mar. 4, 2004

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - The Lowell Lock Monsters scored three unanswered
goals and kept their American Hockey League playoff hopes alive with
a 3-1 victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Wednesday night.

The win improved the Lock Monsters’ record to 25-25-6-4 and moved
Lowell to within three points of Portland (22-20-12-7) for the fifth
and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division.

After Mike Souza’s goal just 2:09 into the game gave the Sound Tigers
(31-17-8-4) a 1-0 lead, Ryan Bayda evened it at 8:46 of the second
period.

The game remained tied until defenseman Sean Curry beat Bridgeport
goalie Dieter Kochan (24 saves) at 6:45 of the third period. Left
wing Lynn Loyns scored at 11:11, to give Lowell a 3-1 lead.

Jamie Storr had 23 saves for Lowell.

, which hosts the Manchester Monarchs Friday at the Tsongas Arena at
7 p.m.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-
spisles043694973mar04,0,2930877.story?coll=ny-islanders-print

Blake, Stirling talk out Pittsburgh benching
Coach wants his feisty forward to play on 'eight cylinders instead of
12'

BY ALAN HAHN
STAFF WRITER

March 4, 2004

ETOBICOKE, Ontario -- As the Islanders left the ice after practice
yesterday, they passed by coach Steve Stirling and forward Jason
Blake, who were involved in a one-on-one discussion.

During the 30-minute on-ice conversation, Stirling explained to Blake
why he benched him in the second period of Tuesday's 3-3 tie with the
Pittsburgh Penguins. Blake also apologized to his coach for critical
comments made after the game.

"It's behind us," Stirling said. "We move forward."

Stirling said he told Blake he "loves what he brings to the table"
and "how you can never question his effort." But the speedy,
energetic forward "gets into trouble when he tries too hard."

Stirling wants him to "play with eight cylinders instead of 12."
Blake felt bad both for his comments made "in the heat of the battle"
and for ill-advisedly implicating teammates such as captain Michael
Peca when he said they were just as angry as he was for the benching.
Blake scored a goal in the first period in Pittsburgh, but was
benched after overhandling the puck and causing a dangerous turnover.
He said yesterday that he has no problems with Stirling.

"We have a great coach-player relationship," he said.

But overall, there has remained a bizarre, feisty relationship
throughout that locker room. Before Tuesday's game, Janne Niinimaa
and Arron Asham almost came to blows in the hallway outside the
locker room. Some players gather there to kick around a soccer ball
as a way to warm up before taking the ice. It is the third known
altercation between players on the team this season.

Stirling has maintained a belief that such matters are typical and
not a concern.

"I'm not worried about the individual stuff," he said. "You're going
to have stuff like that. It's isolated and you move on."

Most players and coaches believe it's a good sign to see such a
competitive, combative nature on the team. The challenge is to bring
it to the ice every night. Stirling said recently that he doesn't
know until the game begins whether his team will be ready or not.

"I wish I could tell from a pregame skate or the practice a day
before," he said. "But just when I thought I've got it licked with a
great practice or a great pregame skate, we go out and don't play
well. There's no rhyme or reason."

Stirling expects the frustrating experience of getting just two
points out of the home-and-home series with the Penguins will have
the team motivated tonight against the Maple Leafs.

"Unfortunately, we're the kind of team that usually plays to the
level of our opponent," Stirling said.

Today

Islanders

at Toronto

7:30 p.m.

TV: FSNY

Radio: ESPN (1050)
****************************************
http://www.nypost.com/sports/islanders/16805.htm

STIRLING HAS BLAKE IN CHECK

By EVAN GROSSMAN

March 4, 2004 -- TORONTO A day after his post-game eruption over
being benched by Steve Stirling for sloppy play, Jason Blake skated
with Eric Godard, Justin Papineau and Eric Manlow on the Islanders'
fourth line and apologized for remarks he made Tuesday night in
Pittsburgh.

"He felt badly," Stirling said at the team's hotel here yesterday
afternoon.

Blake exploded after being benched for the entire second period in
the 3-3 tie at Pittsburgh, calling Stirling's
decision "unbelievable," and saying it was the most enraged he'd
been "since I left L.A." It was the third straight game No. 55 saw
his ice time slashed after several poor puck-handling decisions led
to goals by the Bruins and Rangers in earlier games.

So after practice yesterday, Blake and Stirling had a half-hour chat
on the ice, which ended well after the rest of the team was showered
and ready to ride back to the hotel.

Stirling showed Blake exactly what he should not be doing on the ice
and offered more of an explanation for what he did, and why Blake's
ice time will again be curtailed if the turnovers aren't curbed. The
two had already talked about the turnovers on Monday.

"It's behind us," Stirling said, quickly shooting down any suggestion
that he would scratch Blake for tonight's game against the Leafs as
further discipline for Blake's caustic comments.

Stirling has been benching players for mental errors since November,
but Blake is the first Islander to publicly lambaste the coach for
doing so. While Mariusz Czerkawski and Arron Asham stayed silent when
they were benched, Blake was not so quiet.

"What I'm trying to get him to do is in the best interest of him as a
person and as a player," Stirling said of pushing Blake. " . . . His
effort is always there; he works as hard as anyone, but he gets in
trouble when he tries too hard."

http://nhlstars.kulichki.net/video/50bestgoals.html

This is a website that happens to be in Russian, but surprisingly has
the highlights of the greatest goals in NHL history in English.

Any time you need to go back to an old message, just visit the list
homepage and go thru the archives:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Islanders-SoundTigers/

Bill

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74899&hubName=nhl

Bruins acquire Nylander from Capitals
TSN.ca Staff

3/4/2004

The Washington Capitals have traded centre Mikael Nylander to the
Boston Bruins in exchange for a second-round pick in 2006 and future
considerations.

It's the second trade in as many days between the two teams. Boston
picked up defenseman Sergei Gonchar on Wednesday for defenceman
Shaone Morrison and a first and second round draft pick in the 2004
Entry Draft.

Nylander, an unrestricted free agent this summer, missed 63 games
with a broken leg before returning to the Capitals lineup on February
27. He's expected to fill the role of No. 2 centre on the Bruins.

Last year, he scored 17 goals and 56 points in 71 games with the
Capitals, including three goals and five points in six playoff games.

"Michael is a good player," Capitals GM George McPhee said. "It's
unfortunate that he missed most of this year with an injury, but he
wanted an opportunity to play in the playoffs. Given the status of
his unrestricted free agency this summer and our reluctance to enter
into new contracts until we know what the new collective bargaining
agreement holds, we felt it in our best interest to acquire an asset
for Michael at this time."

Nylander becomes the sixth Capitals veteran to be traded this season
as the money-losing team slashes payroll. Steve Konowalchuk
(Colorado), Jaromir Jagr (New York Rangers), Peter Bondra (Ottawa),
Robert Lang (Detroit) and Gonchar have all been dealt since October.
*******************************************
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74915

Canadiens pick up Dowd from Wild

TSN.ca Staff
3/4/2004

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired center Jim Dowd from the
Minnesota Wild in exchange for a fourth round draft pick.

Dowd has four goals and 24 points in 55 games this season but has
missed the last 10 games with a groin injury.

''The acquisition of Jim Dowd gives us the opportunity to add
experience and depth to our group of centremen'', noted Canadiens
general manager Bob Gainey.  ''Jim's style of play and his
characteristics as a player will be a good complement to our team and
will help us in our efforts to secure a playoff spot.  He was an
important part of the growth of the Minnesota Wild over the past few
seasons and has the attributes that we are looking for to continue
our progression.''

The 35 year old is a versatile forward who can be used in a variety
of situations and does a solid job at both ends of the ice. He was
also a member of the Stanley Cup winning New Jersey Devils in 1994-95.

It's the second deal in three days for the Canadiens, who acquired
sniper Alexei Kovalev from the New York Rangers on Tuesday.
****************************************
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74924

Capitals pick up Norton off waivers

TSN.ca Staff
3/4/2004

The Washinton Capitals on Thursday picked up defenceman Brad Norton
off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.

Norton has appeared in 20 games with the Capitals this season and has
one assist and 77 penalty minutes.

In 95 career NHL games with the Kings and Florida Panthers, Norton
has three goals, six assists and 219 penalty minutes.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=74930&hubName=nhl

Flames' Turek placed on waivers
TSN.ca Staff

3/4/2004

Roman Turek's days in Calgary appears to be coming to an end.

TSN has learned that the Flames have placed Turek on waivers. Sources
say the Flames are hoping that a team in need of a goaltender might
take a chance on the underachieving veteran who has lost his number
one status to Miikka Kiprusoff.

However, Turek's guaranteed $5-million contract next season with an
option for $5.75-million may prove to be a stumbling block.

Turek is scheduled to clear waivers at noon on Saturday. If he's not
picked up, the Flames could try to deal him to another team but would
likely have to pick up part of his contract in any deal.

Turek was acquired by the Flames in June 2001 in a trade with the St.
Louis Blues. After posting a record of 30-28-11 in his first season
in Calgary, Turek slipped to 27-29-9 last season. This year, he has
just four wins in 15 appearances. Over the course of the last three
seasons, his goals against average has climbed from 2.52 to 2.67 this
year.

Turek's lossWednesday night in Detroit was only his second appearance
in the last 10 games. He missed 39 games earlier this year with a
sprained right knee.

SENATORS-SABRES DEAL IN THE WORKS?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports of speculation the Senators might
ship defenceman Shane Hnidy to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for
forward Curtis Brown, a centre who can also play wing.

MAPLE LEAFS COULD SWING ANOTHER DEAL.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr may
not be finished dealing in the wake of his acquisition last night of
Brian Leetch from the Rangers. The Leafs may still be shopping for a
centre and a defensive blueliner. For centers the possibilities
include Columbus' Andrew Cassels and Minnesota's Sergei Zholtok,
while Florida's Lyle Odelein and Carolina's Sean Hill are the
available defencemen.


BRUINS NOT DONE DEALING.

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reports Bruins GM Mike O'Connell
intends to keep shopping as the final days tick down to the trade
deadline. Yesterday he shocked the hockey world by obtaining Sergei
Gonchar from Washington, and O'Connell says he's still looking for
anything that'll improve his club. He apparently has no interest in
Carolina Hurricanes forward Ron Francis, but Dupont noted forward
Shawn McEachern was still available and might be obtainable for the
Bruins.

BLACKHAWKS NOT SHOPPING BERARD.

CHICAGO DAILY HERALD: Tim Sassone reports Blackhawks GM Bob Pulford
said he has no plans to trade defenceman Bryan Berard, who has been
understandably nervous over the prospect of being dealt before the
deadline, given all the moves made of late by the team. Pulford
admitted teams were calling about Berard, but he said he plans to
keep the veteran blueliner around for next season.

LIGHTNING GM STILL IN THE MARKET.

ST. PETERSBURG TIMES: Damian Cristodero reports Tampa Bay Lightning
GM Jay Feaster is still in the trade market in hopes of landing more
depth for his roster before the deadline. Feaster reiterated he will
not trade any of his roster players to bring in that depth.

FLAMES GM NOT MOTIVATED BY OTHER TEAMS MOVES.

CALGARY SUN: Todd Saelhof reports Flames GM Darryl Sutter has been
watching moves made around the league in recent days, including the
Oilers surprising acquisition of Petr Nedved last night, but he says
other teams moves won't provoke him into swinging a trade. Sutter has
maintained he'll stand pat because of budget restrictions, although
he did add that if he could swing a deal to improve his team that
won't "blow up" his budget he'll do it.

THE LATEST ON THE PREDATORS.

THE TENNESSEAN: John Glennon reports Nashville Predators GM David
Poile said the team's next three games will determine what potential
moves he'll make before the deadline. The Predators GM is believed
interested in bringing in a defenceman and may be scouting Florida's
Lyle Odelein and Andreas Lilja and Washington's Brendan Witt.

Hi all:

I try not to post while the frustration of watching a blowout is still fresh
in the mind, but I can't help myself.

This team is going nowhere.  Will anybody really be satisfied watching the
isles get tossed in the first round yet again?  I am sick of watching this
heartless and soft team get beat and not even seem to care.  Can you imagine how
Toronto would react to a beating like this?

Mike MIlbury has put together a team that has no heart, no size, no
leadership and worse yet...no goaltending.  DiPietro may be a first string NHL
goalie
someday -- but he is not one right now.  Not even close.

Maybe its time for Milbury to trade away some of his prospects.  No wait, we
don't have any prospects left in the system.  Hell, lets put Wang in charge
and let him put a sumo wrestler in goal.  He couldn't possibly do any worse than
MM and at least the team might be somewhat entertaining to watch.

Sorry for the venting...
thomas


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HEy Tom....GREAT POST!!!!!!!!!!!
     I think that time is running out on this experiment and its time
for a real commitment to get some upside on this team. They have
been horrible since they beat Buffalo. I think its time for some
real changes on this team even if it means committing to the eighth
seed in order to do it.
   We can build w/o completely tearing this team apart. I think we
should trade Parrish and Bates for whatever we can get for them. We
need size, any kind of size, anywhere in this lineup. I just wonder
if Milbury has any kind of pull left as a GM to make that kind of
deal w/o giving up picks. I wonder if other GMs see him as a tool
that can be manipulated sometimes.
    I think we should look into getting some size to play with either
Peca or Yashin also. We all know we need that on D but we also nee
it up front. They just don't get in players faces anymore and the
league knows this.


--- In Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com, tomr333@a... wrote:
> Hi all:
>
> I try not to post while the frustration of watching a blowout is
still fresh
> in the mind, but I can't help myself.
>
> This team is going nowhere.  Will anybody really be satisfied
watching the
> isles get tossed in the first round yet again?  I am sick of
watching this
> heartless and soft team get beat and not even seem to care.  Can
you imagine how
> Toronto would react to a beating like this?
>
> Mike MIlbury has put together a team that has no heart, no size,
no
> leadership and worse yet...no goaltending.  DiPietro may be a
first string NHL goalie
> someday -- but he is not one right now.  Not even close.
>
> Maybe its time for Milbury to trade away some of his prospects.
No wait, we
> don't have any prospects left in the system.  Hell, lets put Wang
in charge
> and let him put a sumo wrestler in goal.  He couldn't possibly do
any worse than
> MM and at least the team might be somewhat entertaining to watch.
>
> Sorry for the venting...
> thomas
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/transactions

Recalled defenseman Tomi Pettinen from Bridgeport of the American
Hockey League; assigned center Eric Manlow to Bridgeport.

I think it's finally time to call this what it is. An Islander slump
and a team that is pressing. It looks like a team that badly needs a
boost and some size.

Don't count on it happening.

Nashville went into Pittsburgh and scored four goals pretty quick,
whatever is going on is more about what the Islanders are not doing.

Is it a problem without Kenny Jonsson? Sure, but this is a team, they
have to work hard no matter who is in or out. Losing is ok, but let's
see some effort. They played as if the game was over before it
started and with no life or jump.

Nice that Toronto let up and they scored two late goals and the third
peirod saw some shots, but where is this when the game starts?

First quality chance, a Hamrlik shot with a minute or two left in the
second peirod? Not going to win playing that way, not going to stay
in the game unless the goaltender steals the game.

Today they looked like is a small, slow and inexperienced team with a
lot of veteran passengers (Peca, Scatchard, Ronning, Bates, Blake)
that have to start giving this team more at both ends of the ice and
some goals.

I'm not sure if the Leafs were very good or the Isles were that bad.

All I do know is it was a very easy night for Toronto from beginning
to end.

Was DiPietro the problem? No, but his giveaway to Domi is more of the
same that's been happening for too long. He kept it close until pucks
started finding the net.

Did the Isles get the breaks, no. They did not skate and make breaks
for themselves. That said the calls were horrible against the Isles,
when Peca get's called for a dive on a two on one and Bates does not
draw a penalty when he is pulled down with a clear chance you know
it's a bad night. Even worse when they go down five on three and it
continues.

I was surprised they did not get another seven minute powerplay
against them.

That second pp goal was huge, it happened because a clearing attempt
hit the ref, new faceoff in Isles zone, Leafs win draw...2-0

Third goal Ninnimaa got toasted by Robert Reichel of all people.

Not much else to say. This is not going to get them to the playoffs,
they need some size and and some skill, they need some grit and they
need to get to work.

Bill

To DiPi's defense he can't do it all. Would a little
bit of help be too much to ask? I can't blame him for
4 of the 6 goals. Bad penalties and no legs is the
reason we lost.

Can anybody honestly tell me we don't have a better
defenseman in bridgeport than Niinimaa? This guy is
god awful. Sure the guy may have scored a couple goals
in the last few games but what about the unlimited
misplayed pucks he turned over that lead to goals in
games over that same stretch? I'm not talking about
mistakes in a game here and there I'm talking about
multiple mistakes in nearly every game. If this is our
best option then we're in trouble.

PS- Send him back to Edmonton for Torres. They can
keep Isbister as payment for the rental.

--- tomr333@... wrote:
> Hi all:
>
> I try not to post while the frustration of watching
> a blowout is still fresh
> in the mind, but I can't help myself.
>
> This team is going nowhere.  Will anybody really be
> satisfied watching the
> isles get tossed in the first round yet again?  I am
> sick of watching this
> heartless and soft team get beat and not even seem
> to care.  Can you imagine how
> Toronto would react to a beating like this?
>
> Mike MIlbury has put together a team that has no
> heart, no size, no
> leadership and worse yet...no goaltending.  DiPietro
> may be a first string NHL goalie
> someday -- but he is not one right now.  Not even
> close.
>
> Maybe its time for Milbury to trade away some of his
> prospects.  No wait, we
> don't have any prospects left in the system.  Hell,
> lets put Wang in charge
> and let him put a sumo wrestler in goal.  He
> couldn't possibly do any worse than
> MM and at least the team might be somewhat
> entertaining to watch.
>
> Sorry for the venting...
> thomas
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>


__________________________________
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Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster
http://search.yahoo.com

After games like this I don't get too emotional. I figure if the Islanders
weren't emotional about it why should I be? They were more than due for a
losing streak. If you throw out the Rangers game the Isles have been playing
at a .700 prcnt clip since Yashin and Parrish went down. Now Yashin will be
back soon and the players have lost their edge.
    The one thing that scares me is that this exact thing happened last year
and never recovered. But this time we should have more consistent
goaltending and we will get a bump when Alexei comes back, Parrish is
already snapping back into form, and Ronning has gone through his first real
good emotional few games, than they slump for a bit as they get their
endurance back and Cliff should be back to a top PP performer and solid 2nd
line scorer he has been in the past. If nothing else you would think we will
atleast add a Darren Van Impe/Kip Miller decent addition.
    I agree Janne Niinimaa has been really bad. You wonder if Milbury or his
scouts ever bothered watching his game before they traded for him or were
they
just going by his reputation (like they did w/ Felix Potvin). Hopefully he
can be moved. There's got to be somebody that will fall for his fools gold.
Trade him for draft picks and then turn them over to Washington for Brendan
Witt.

  Kevin



----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Bryan" <mike_bryan_21@...>
To: <Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 11:39 PM
Subject: Re: [Islanders-SoundTigers] Going Nowhere...


> To DiPi's defense he can't do it all. Would a little
> bit of help be too much to ask? I can't blame him for
> 4 of the 6 goals. Bad penalties and no legs is the
> reason we lost.
>
> Can anybody honestly tell me we don't have a better
> defenseman in bridgeport than Niinimaa? This guy is
> god awful. Sure the guy may have scored a couple goals
> in the last few games but what about the unlimited
> misplayed pucks he turned over that lead to goals in
> games over that same stretch? I'm not talking about
> mistakes in a game here and there I'm talking about
> multiple mistakes in nearly every game. If this is our
> best option then we're in trouble.
>
> PS- Send him back to Edmonton for Torres. They can
> keep Isbister as payment for the rental.
>
> --- tomr333@... wrote:
> > Hi all:
> >
> > I try not to post while the frustration of watching
> > a blowout is still fresh
> > in the mind, but I can't help myself.
> >
> > This team is going nowhere.  Will anybody really be
> > satisfied watching the
> > isles get tossed in the first round yet again?  I am
> > sick of watching this
> > heartless and soft team get beat and not even seem
> > to care.  Can you imagine how
> > Toronto would react to a beating like this?
> >
> > Mike MIlbury has put together a team that has no
> > heart, no size, no
> > leadership and worse yet...no goaltending.  DiPietro
> > may be a first string NHL goalie
> > someday -- but he is not one right now.  Not even
> > close.
> >
> > Maybe its time for Milbury to trade away some of his
> > prospects.  No wait, we
> > don't have any prospects left in the system.  Hell,
> > lets put Wang in charge
> > and let him put a sumo wrestler in goal.  He
> > couldn't possibly do any worse than
> > MM and at least the team might be somewhat
> > entertaining to watch.
> >
> > Sorry for the venting...
> > thomas
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been
> > removed]
> >
> >
>
>
> __________________________________
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