Another day with no hockey for Islanders fans. The Devils face the Sabres tonight if you want to scout the Islanders' next game in Newark or you're having trouble sleeping and need some non-addictive medicine.
In Memorium
Devastating news came down last night that Matthew Wuest, a sportswriter and creator of CapGeek, had lost his battle to cancer at far too early an age. I don't need to convince anyone here of CapGeek's importance to the modern hockey fan, journalist or executive. Its value was incalculable and it may never fully be replicated or replaced. But what I hope resonates in the coming years isn't just a simple website but Wuest's drive to take a single idea and expand it for the benefit of scores of people across the world.
What started as a way for him to track the Red Wings salary cap situation eventually gave way to an enormous, expansive resource that was packed with vital, up-to-the-minute information but remained easily readable and digestible for the everyday fan. He did this in his own spare time, out of his home and mostly shunned taking credit for it despite the ravenous daily appetite for the content. This is the kind of pioneering spirit we need in sports today, where it has gotten increasing more difficult to find the true gems of knowledge under the ceaseless, relentless noise of blowhards, braggarts and big businesses.
I didn't know Wuest personally, but I visited CapGeek regularly and didn't thank him enough for his work while I could. His code might not be available any more, but his passion and initiative should make us all think outside the box a little more and better appreciate those who do.
Islanders links (with lots of videos)
- That game against the Devils could see the return of two very important gentlemen: Jaroslav Halak and Nick Leddy. [Islanders | Newsday]
- Halak and stability in net has been the key to the Islanders season and their playoff hopes. [SI.com]
- Video: Newsday's Last Season on LI series talks to the Coliseum Sign Guy.
- Visit this story about the Islanders visiting Long Island kids but stay for the hilarious picture of Johnny Boychuk. [Island Now]
- Mark compiled a fun video round-up of prospects across the Islanders systems. Includes game film, interviews and much more.
- Long losing streaks are nothing new for the Sound Tigers, and they face a gauntlet this weekend. [CT Post]
- Harry Zolnierczyk is day-to-day [Soundin' Off]. And here's a video recap of Bridgeport's last week. [YouTube]
- One youngster's season is over as Eamon McAdam and the Nittany Lions lost 3-1 to Ohio State in the BIg Ten tournament. [Onward State]
- Joshua Ho-Sang scored in Niagara's win over Barrie. [St Catharines Standard]
- The "new and totally gonna be built you guys we mean it this time" Nassau Coliseum will host a Kentucky basketball game in 2016. Don't hold your breath, Coach Cal. [Newsday]
- Video: Ralph Macchio talks to New$12 Long Island about his Islanders fandom.
- Congrats to John and Vanessa on their wedding, which featured an Islanders ice sculpture at the reception. [Essence]
Links from teams that are actually playing
- Yes, you heard correctly: The Senators won again, fans threw hamburgers on the ice and Ottawa forward Curtis Lazar ate one as he skated off. Food poisoning is a hell of a thing, son. Be careful. [SBN]
- Craig Berube hates Steve Mason for some reason. [BSH]
- Credit Where It's Due Dept: Ondrej Pavelec was very good in a big win over the Blues last night. [WFP]
- How 3-on-3 OT will work from a coaching perspective. [Bourne]
- The Canadiens have entered a groundbreaking partnership with the Montreal Stars of the CWHL which could mean more presence for women's hockey and spur popular interest. [EOTP]
- Unfortunately, "women in hockey" still means "wives and girlfriends" to most people. There's even a Real Housewives-style show on Canada's W Network featuring the significant others of a few players including Dustin Brown and Ryan Miller. Here's a review of the first episode and it sounds pretty dire, even compared to the originals. [Sportsnet]
It's Nick Leddy's birthday, but we're the ones getting the gifts: