Islanders Preseason: 'Trapless' Lemaire's Devils and the other Niedermayer's debut
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 6:31 AM EDT
in Previews
48 comments
New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils
7 p.m. EDT | [commerce-like outfit] Center | TV: What is zis 'TV'? Audio: WFAN.com
Fans of the underworld: In Lou We Trust
"This game [playing the trap] is not anymore the nicest game. It used to be great. Not as much now. It's still good, though."
>>Jacques Lemaire, on discouraging his team from resorting to the 1-2-2 that
he used to kill 1990s hockey and make small children cry everywhere
Ah, the trap. Lemaire says: Homey don't play that no more. You wouldn't know it from watching his teams play (more on that in the video), but Lemaire can actually be tremendously entertaining when talking hockey. His press conferences are sometimes hilarious. He's a brilliant hockey mind who doesn't pretend everything is a state secret, so you can learn a little something from the man.
So as much as I loathe the form of hockey Lemaire is associated with, he was just taking advantage of the lax rule enforcement of the 1990s, which was in part fueled by competitive parity concerns in the age of expansion. The game gave Lemaire an opening, and he took it. That's a coach's job. Devils fans will tell you winning, at any cost, is paramount; I'll tell you it's serene to know I never sold my hockey soul.
Of course, tonight the Devils debut a very trap-friendly player Rob "oh, that" Niedermayer, who doesn't have much time to get up to speed for the season. But every team needs those.
Meanwhile, in the final preseason game of 2009 (have mercy!), Martin Brodeur is expected to get the full game for the Devils (full Devils lineup is also at that link). The Devils still have six cuts to make, so tonight's game could have relevance to the final jobs available in Newark.
For the Isles, Dwayne Roloson will be in net after missing his start in Kansas City thanks to a Trent Hunter shot to the neck. The Islanders bubble players clearly are looking to make one last impression, but Scott Gordon says he essentially has his mind made up for this season's opening roster; tonight's just a chance to make waves or cement a positive impression.
While Kyle Okposo practiced with no restrictions yesterday, prudence keeps him out of the lineup tonight -- and hopefully for the home opener, considering the Islanders then have four days before game 2 in Ottawa, and this young star's future cranial health is far, far more important than a 2009 regular season game.
When the full lineup is available, we'll update this post. But tonight's non-bubble player story might be Sean Bergenheim's return, which is scheduled to be on a line with John Tavares and Matt Moulson. Can they create sweet music together? Can Moulson keep his scoring run going?
Beyond that, there are no points at stake tonight. Thank Bossy that's the last time we say that in 2009.
Some video fun:
The issue of the moment, Okposo discuses his health:
Brendan Shanahan is "not a back seat guy":
Jacques Lemaire defies my praise, and gives an interview as dry as an old Wild game:
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I can only guess that Jacques’ interviewing strategy includes lulling the interviewing to sleep so that he doesn’t have to answer any more questions. “Every coach do change.”?? Really?
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 9:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That interview sounded willfully sleep-inducing. So I had to post it after claiming he can be funny (He can! It’s true!). Maybe when he cuts up it sounds all the funnier because it’s in contrast to … whatever that was.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last night Iheard an interview with Brian Burke that cracked me up. He said that his teams play with equal levels of “Pugnacity, Testosterone, Truculence and Belligerence.” Now I have to clarify that I don’t like the guy but you have to give him credit for skirting the real words. Thugs and punks were more suiting but way to make them sound better Brian!
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh yes, that one’s made the rounds and already become a mantra among Leafs fans. I will always give Burke this: He has an understanding of the game as entertainment product, and he more than does his part to sell it as a GM.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d sit Okposo the entire month of October. Don’t need to be risking his future to finish 14th in the conference instead of 15th. Watching Patty LaFontaine go down that road was awful. Give Kyle a CT Scan every few days. Wang can afford it. The Isles actually turned an $800,000 profit last season.
by FireGarthSnow on Sep 29, 2009 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Forgot to source it
That was the number the team submitted to the NHL and NHLPA for purposes of re-evaluation of the salary cap, etc.
by FireGarthSnow on Sep 29, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did you see that?
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry I didn't get back sooner..
The league’s final audited profitability numbers as agreed upon between the NHLPA and the NHL and used in evaluating the salary cap for the 2009-2010 season
Profitable Franchises
1. New York Rangers 38.9MM
2. New Jersey Devils 27.4MM
3. Los Angeles Kings 18.8MM
4. Toronto Maple Leafs 18.1MM
5. Chicago Blackhawks 17.6MM
6. Philadelphia Flyers 13.9MM
7. Anaheim Ducks 12.7MM
8. Dallas Stars 11.9MM
9. San Jose Sharks 11.3MM
10. Pittsburgh Penguins 11.1MM
11. Boston Bruins 9.4MM
12. Washington Capitals 8.1MM
13. Columbus Blue Jackets 5.9MM
14. Colorado Avalanche 5.3MM
15. Florida Panthers 4.4MM
16. Detroit Red Wings 4.2MM
17. Montreal Canadiens 3.8MM
18. Carolina Hurricanes 3.6MM
19. St. Louis Blues 3.1MM
20. Minnesota Wild 2.9MM
21. Vancouver Canucks 2.6MM
22. Buffalo Sabres 1.9MM
23. New York Islanders 0.8MM
Unprofitable Franchises
24. Calgary Flames -4.4MM
25. Atlanta Thrashers -6.1MM
26. Nashville Predators -7.4MM
27. Edmonton Oilers -10.3MM
28. Tampa Bay Lightning -11.8MM
29. Ottawa Senators -22.7MM
30. Phoenix Coyotes -37.2MM
by FireGarthSnow on Sep 30, 2009 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No problem. Did you pull that from the Yahoo! Answers page? I’m just wondering about the source, unless it was from a Coyotes bankruptcy filing. That list looks very suspect.
Last I heard, Nashville was supposed to break even last year and St. Louis would fall just short, while Toronto should be far above New Jersey (and LA??) and in 1st. And Montreal in 17th?!
I’m not sure what factors are included or excluded there, but it doesn’t add up.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 30, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree
I take things with a grain( or is that a strain?) of groin pulls as well. However, The only reason I can think that it is real is if the team’s fiscal year( or all teams) begins every July 1st. Then the increase in season ticket sales and other items in relation to the drafting of John Tavares would have to be reported for the 08-09 season as income for accounting purposes, as sales are recognized when occurred, not when the product is delivered to a consumer……..unless I have been doing my books wrong for the past 5 years. I think the team’s payout from their cable deal increases as well each season. Add that with the shoestring budget the team operated on last year, it is reasonable to believe, as unlikely as it appears.
by FireGarthSnow on Sep 30, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So theyare not televising this game either
WTF is wrong with the management of this team?
by Chickendirt on Sep 29, 2009 7:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Banner night for Rechlicz already
05:03 NYI Joel Rechlicz : Fighting (maj) – 5 min
05:03 NJD Andrew Peters : Fighting (maj) – 5 min
08:56 NYI Jeremy Reich : Fighting (maj) – 5 min
08:56 NJD Bryce Salvador : Fighting (maj) – 5 min
15:02 NYI Joel Rechlicz : Misconduct (10 min) – 0 min
15:02 NYI Joel Rechlicz : Fighting (maj) – 5 min
15:02 NJD Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond : Fighting (maj) – 5 min
15:02 NYI Joel Rechlicz served by Tomas Marcinko : Instigator – 2 min
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
These announcers are horrible. How do Devils fans put up with this. This intermission interview feels like the announcer is analyzing you or trying to put you into a trance. It is like the Cats skit from SNL. “I loved it. It was the greatest show ever. I am going to come again and again…”
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 8:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bahahaha! “Cats.”
I haven’t gotten a chance to listen in yet — I was on a call. Now preparing to be put to sleep…
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1-1 in the 2nd
Hillen has scored on the PP; Parise (oh, is he good?) has tied it up.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
More fightin' n' wrastlin'
Clarkson and Witt. Sounded like a long-ish fight. I think I’m going to like Devils-Islanders games this year, with the bad blood they’ve been building lately.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
2-1 Isles
Streit scores on a 5-on-3. Comeau and Tambellini with the assists.
(btw, Moulson had a second assist on the Hillen PP goal.)
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, primary assist I believe.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure wish I coulda seen it
Great for him though.
BTW; i was reading Botta’s latest on fan house. I wonder if he did the same with Tambs last season as he plans on doing with Tavares this season; Don’t worry about points just play a well rounded game.
Hopefully it worked with Tambs and we are starting to see some results from that now.
by Chickendirt on Sep 29, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully. That’s got to be the approach with Tavares, too. Obviously a little more points out of him, but the list of franchise centers who have had paltry rookie point totals is long.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2-2, Rolston PP goal
Sean Bergenheim in the box for hooking. Bergie needs to avoid that kind of penalty this season.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
'Roloson gets up and throws a punch'
On Pelley, for invading the crease on a smother. The Devils announcers are shocked, shocked! No calls.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
3-2 Devils
Announcer: “Last year was the boy-to-man transition for Zajac.”
I’m gonna leave that one alone…
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As Jon Stewart was call it…NAMBLA
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha, bingo.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great 2nd intermission. What happened to the hypnotizer? Did they fire him already?
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Now this Rob Niedermayer intermission interview is putting me to sleep.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh-oh: Reich has a broken wrist
So reports Strang.
Also from Strang, a backhanded compliment of Rechlicz: “it’s hard to not come away from every Rechlicz fight marveling at how well he can take a punch.”
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Painful thought
Yikes.
Looks like the Wrecker is a human punching bag.
Maybe he can become more of an antagonzer/ pain in the ass ala Steve Webb.
by Chickendirt on Sep 29, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s had that look. But I agree, he sure can take a punch!
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder how long we are going to go without his services? My typing skills really leave something to be desired tonight. was call it…I’m really to tired to be typing. But these announcers leave me no choice. I believe I would rather listen to Fran Drescher announce the game.
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just to be fair the color guy isn’t bad but when he is between plays it sounds like he is reading off of a card.
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tavares with another assist. I wonder how nuts the NVMC will go when he scores against MAF on Saturday?
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That would make my month.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colin White hit
“Oh a big hit on Tavares in the corner, and the youngster is sent flying.”
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 9:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Moulson sends a return shot to Parise. Nice. I think I like this guy.
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
4-2 Devils
Shanahan with a wrist shot created by God and perfected by Brett Hull.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 9:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Third fight for Rechlicz
…with an automatic misconduct — and apparently a faux pas by pushing White down after the fight was over.
Again, I’m looking forward to the Devils-Isles games this year.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 9:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did he just say pushing Whitey down? I guess he is sticking it to the man. LOL!
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
They also suggested a suspension. I mean, really?!
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This game has overtones of Colorado v Detroit circa early 90’s
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 9:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Final: 4-2 Devils win
Getting a bit tired of that scoreline there, I am.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 9:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. I have a feeling that will be pretty common this year.
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 9:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who were the three stars of the game? I didn’t catch that…oh good they are playing it again…for the 5th time.
by metalcoconut on Sep 29, 2009 9:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bahaha, I went away for several minutes, came back and still heard the organ. Glad to learn I’m not crazy.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Sep 29, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pittsburgh
|
71 | 42 | 24 | 5 | 89 |
|
New Jersey
|
70 | 42 | 24 | 4 | 88 |
|
Philadelphia
|
70 | 37 | 28 | 5 | 79 |
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New York Rangers
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New York Islanders
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Next 5 Games
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Los Angeles
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Sat 03/20 | 10:30 PM EDT |
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New York Rangers
|
Wed 03/24 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
Calgary
|
Thu 03/25 | 7:00 PM EDT |
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Columbus
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Sat 03/27 | 7:00 PM EDT |
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New York Rangers
|
Tue 03/30 | 7:00 PM EDT |
Last 5 Games
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Anaheim
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Fri 03/19 | OT - L 4 - 5 |
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Vancouver
|
Tue 03/16 | W 5 - 2 |
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Toronto
|
Sun 03/14 | W 4 - 1 |
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New Jersey
|
Sat 03/13 | W 4 - 2 |
|
St. Louis
|
Thu 03/11 | SO - L 1 - 2 |
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