Islanders Home Opener: It's all about this right here
Rick DiPietro is tonight's starter for the New York Islanders, but not even "The Franchise" with his contract and his injury comeback can be the story on Opening Night.
No, Opening Night is about firing up the engines on a new season of hope, of wonder, of sheer joy at the possibilities about to unfold.
Projections and predictions don't matter on Opening Night, she of the proverbial 0-0 record, because tonight is about the franchise as it exists in every fan's mental construction, through their shared experiences and the experiences passed down from their dads, uncles, sisters -- or from their own genesis at that first magical moment when each budding hockey addict realized: "I love the Islanders."
It's about that crest right there, with its endearingly '70s collision of fonts, its old-time-hockey circular container, its one-of-a-kind silhouette of the Island the team calls home, and the subtlest of nods to a storied history. I look at that crest and I get a rush of memories from Bossy to Tavares. I also see a four-stripe tribute to the Dynasty where it should be: Understated, on a stick decoration (stripes above the heel) that is a relic of the past. Honored, but not overbearing.
Teams may feign an entirely unbelievable ignorance about how important a consistent visual look is to fans, but we know. Players, management, even buildings (if we're lucky) change, but our collective history following this team is symbolized by that visual identity that carries through from Westfall to Niederreiter. I'm thrilled the original visual theme is back, because now every Islanders fan -- even those who came on in 1995 -- can identify with the Orange & Royal Blue.
Islanders vs. Dallas Stars (1-0-0)
7 p.m. EDT | Nassau [gloriously unsponsored] Veterans Memorial Coliseum | MSG+, WRHU 88.7?
SBN voice of the South Stars: Defending Big D
The Stars beat the Devils in OT last night, with Martin Brodeur giving up four goals. As is custom, Stars players like Brad Richards, Brendan Morrow, Mike Ribeiro (coming off a disappointing year) and Jamie Benn looked sharp and keyed the win. Loui Eriksson got the winner on a counterattack.
The Stars are in transition now, restrained to an almost Islanders-like budget (minus big buyouts) thanks to the troubles of owner Tom Hicks, who partnered with former Canadiens owner George Gillett to destroy historic English soccer club Liverpool FC. But the Stars still have some nice talent, some of it emerging like the best players on a team we know.
Last season the Stars played the Islanders very well in Rick DiPietro's return. DiPietro looked off that night (and, it turned out, still not back in form), but our reactions at the time reflected how Dallas also had goalie problems. Marty Turco's gone and now comes the former Atlanta enigma Kari Lehtonen. If the Stars don't run him out there on this back-to-back, we get the pleasure of Andrew Raycroft. Between back-to-backs and the new goalies, the opportunity is there for a fun season opener.
Needs
- Needs to prove his health: DiPietro, for the third year in a row
- Needs to prove himself: P.A. Parenteau, whose chances begin now
- Needs to be himself: Nino Niederreiter
- Needs to make a statement: John Tavares, the default offensive leader
- Under the microscope: The defensive unit, which is improved but must organize absent Mark Streit
Links
- Radio Deal: [The Times coverage quotes a commenter at IPB] [Islanders release has details]
- UPDATE: Morning skate and lineup report from Chris Botta at IPB
- LATE: Calvin de Haan returned to Oshawa's lineup as their new captain, but their big comeback fell short and their win streak ended.
- Let the DiPietro stories flood in. [CBS NY]
- More Gordon praise for Andrew MacDonald's growth, confirmation Roloson starts Monday [Post]
- Dylan Reese and First-Base Andy Hilbert get the A's in Bridgeport [Soundin' Off]
- Nino is a little older than Patrick Marleau and Jordan Staal when they made their debuts [Forever1940]
- I Swear I Didn't Do A Community Projection: Andy Sutton breaks his thumb in his Ducks debut.
- Scary business with Ondrej Pavelec collapsing on the ice last night.
- The AP's Islanders preview
- Bob McKenzie with a rant about a pointless fight in a blowout. [TSN]
- As far as prognosis evolution from "it's nothing" to "it's something," the Flyers have their own DP-like saga with Michael Leighton [Broad Street Hockey]
Last year at this time, I was up at the Coliseum with Mrs. Lighthouse when chills ran down my spine as John Tavares collected a deflection and calmly backhanded it high for his first NHL goal. Will we be so lucky with Nino? I can dream.
Whether you're watching, listening, or at the game, you can chat it up in our Lighthouse Hockey game thread tonight.
Community Guidelines
FYI to new and old readers who are commenters or thinking of joining the comment/FanPost zoo: We finally have some codified community standards here. No major changes from the tone most of you have set and embraced here. But with new members coming in, I thought I should lay down some boundaries so that every fits in like one big fun-loving dysfunctional family.
Viewing Distraction
Scott Gordon on the final camp cuts, a couple days ago, including thoughts on Matt Martin going down to get more ice time now that Michael Grabner's here.
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love the radio deal
whatever the financial reasons behind it… this is a great idea. good for chris king and great for the students. people forget we are still a small market club and this fits.
some have whined about how this would affect free agents… i really doubt free agents or other teams fans give a rats ass about the islander radio deal. seriously.
i think this is gonna work out great and it’ll be why didn’t we think of this sooner.
and good luck ricky
by Khan Noonien Singh on Oct 9, 2010 7:16 AM EDT reply actions
It’s a different approach, but I like it. It’s great for the students, especially ones who have aspirations of breaking into the broadcasting business. I can’t think of something better to put on a resume just out of college than having experience broadcasting a National Hockey League game.
It’s certainly a step up from simulcasting the TV feed onto the radio. Kudos to the Islanders and to Hofstra for making this happen.
Hahahaha...AMEN
Lets see…“I really like the Islanders, they have a great young group, a new arena and ready to make a run. But I just can’t over this Radio situation….I’m gonna sign with the Atlanta Thrashers instead.”
HAHA.
FB4Real
"Past performance Is Not A Guarantee For Future Results"
Khaaaaaan!
Welcome and thanks for joining.
It sounds like there is no workable radio option that doesn’t involve paying/begging a bigger station to carry games, so I think it’s a fun idea myself. Great for the kids, way better than a TV simulcast, and maybe someday the radio rights will be worth something again.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
Dom, you know whats great, I remember you being excited about the return to the Old School Jerseys since last years pre-season when they trotted out the Bridgeport guys in the new (Isles-esque) Uniforms. So great to see them back out there.
And gez, a 35 year old dman getting hurt on opening night? One of the reasons I was against bringing back Sutton.
When will the hurting stop?
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
And to get hurt in a FIGHT, ffs.
Speaking of which, did you see Pavel Datsyk stepping up after getting called out (4 years ago) by Corey Perry? Held his own and got the takedown at the end. There’s 5 fantasy points I bet no one was expecting.
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Oct 9, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Datsyuk fought with knowledge.
He evaded the shirt jabs, threw his punches when he had openings, and took down perry at the end. Pretty funny, and it looked like datsyuk’s been taking fighting classes.
Go isles or Go home.
Datsyuk
No way! I gotta look that up, didn’t realize that was part of the demolition.
Sounds like Cam Fowler played really well.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
Gordie Howe Hat Trick
1G 1A 1Fight
The New York Islanders- Give us your scraps and we'll give you a scrappy team.
The Official Committee on Frans Nielsen Accolades provides provisional acceptance of this compliment, but will now meet to review it further for official designation. Decision expected in 4 to 6 months.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
Old School Jerseys
So you can tell how giddy I am? I thought I was staying reserved, hee hee.
/walking around the house with random emissions of “Woooo!”
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
OK, it is FINALLY time, here we go....
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!
by 7:11_OT on Oct 9, 2010 7:52 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Happy Islanders Guys!!!!!!!
Lol. Sorry couldn’t resist. When I was a kid I would say this all day to the adults around me on opening day. Then it became tradition.
So………. HAPPY ISLANDERS !!!!!!!
by Torch7 on Oct 9, 2010 8:59 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Very nice
Anyone else with opening day traditions? I basically walk around all day with a hop in my step, and blast some music right before game time to get the nervous energy out.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
I’ m gonna start this one around here. I like it!
Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
Happy Islanders!!!!
It’s also cool to yell it after they win the cup. (Which I have done!!!)
by Torch7 on Oct 9, 2010 6:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
DOM
Lets hope that their is someone in that room that demands respect of the threads the way Messier famously did when he first joined the Rangers (chastizing a player for leaving a just worn practice jersey on the locker room floor).
Maybe having Butchie around the team all year might provide a little of that. ISLANDERS PRIDE BABY!
P.S. I hate referencing the Rangers…but that was a pretty cool thing that Messier did.
FB4Real
"Past performance Is Not A Guarantee For Future Results"
I have been looking forward to this night
Too bad i have a game at 6. going to record it and watch it later tonight. hoping for the win! lets go islanders!
I didnt notice this...
I also see a four-stripe tribute to the Dynasty where it should be: Understated, on a stick decoration (stripes above the heel) that is a relic of the past. Honored, but not overbearing.
I assume this is an intentional design change.
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Oct 9, 2010 9:56 AM EDT reply actions
Oh yes
It was on the thirds (the new home/blues) and at center ice the last couple of years, too.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
Great seats for the home opener tonight
LET’S DO THIS
by ilopan on Oct 9, 2010 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I can't wait for the parking lot horn chants.
Beep Beep Beep-Beep-Beep. LET’S GO IS-LAN-DERS!
LET’S GO ISLANDERS! Nino! Nino! Tavares! Tavares!
And don’t forget, the DP chant should be going once he makes a solid save. D-P! D-P! D-P! FINALLY!!!! I GET TO WATCH SOME HOCKEY, AND MY FAVORITE TEAM PLAY ONCE AGAIN.
Go isles or Go home.
by OzzyFan on Oct 9, 2010 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Haha
We need keep a running tab of these…
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
CJ
I’m sure it’ll be topped during the first CJ Papa postgame chat.
Setting sail from Brooklyn off to NVMC for some tailgating. As much as I want the Isles at Atlantic Yards, I would certainly miss hanging out in the dilapidated parking lot at the Coli.
WRHU 88.7
Is that Am or FM, and where do they broadcast from?
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
FM
From Hofstra. There are some articles in the links section of the post.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
Great. The kids at Hofstra can hear it loud and clear. The rest of us are screwed. Again.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
Is Botta's description not true?
The marriage is a potentially fascinating one. Radio Hofstra University on 88.7 FM would actually provide Islanders radio broadcasts with a stronger signal than the franchise has had in five years. WRHU covers most of Long Island and carries into Queens and Brooklyn.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
Game On!!!
Finally lets get this started!!!
by mdelbags on Oct 9, 2010 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I am rec’ing all comments of unbridled excitement today.
Game on!! Game on!! ::happy dance::
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
That makes me nervous....
HIllen is the scratch instead of AMac and Jurcina. I hope that slap shot to the face doesn’t become his Berard moment…
My guess is that Hillen finished the season and they want to see if AMac still has it.
When will the hurting stop?
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I don’t know about that. Hillen was paired with Martinek at the beginning of the camp and it looked like that might be their primary shutdown duo this season. Gordon indeed praised Hillen’s defensive play in an interview back then. Later, Hillen and Martinek were obviously split up and Hillen mostly was assigned to the B squad, playing that last exhibition game at Quebec and not at home against the Devils with all other regulars. So, no idea really, but it looks like they were not happy with what he showed in camp. I hope he’ll be back in shape soon, but it indeed makes me a little nervous, too.
I wonder if they feel they know what Hillen can do, and he had a weaker camp (?), and they want to verify that Jurcina has the pulse they think/hope he has.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.

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