HNLI Breaks Show Records, Chris Botta Entertains the Masses

For an HNLI-record audience of over a hundred live listeners, Chris Botta joined hosts Alex and Steve Saturday afternoon for an exciting Isles interview. Botta, the mastermind behind Islanders Point Blank, discussed everything from the return of Rick DiPietro to Kyle Okposo's omission from the U.S. Olympic Team to potential Isles trade scenarios. Things got even more exciting when the phones started ringing at an HNLI-record rate and Botta faced a barrage of questions from caller after caller. With topics at just about every end of the spectrum, Botta provided both entertainment and insight for a boatload of hockey fanatics (and 2 thrilled hosts for that matter). Following Botta's marathon appearance, Alex and Steve were joined by Travis from Phoenix Coytoes blog Five For Howling, who helped preview the Islanders' Saturday night matchup with the Yotes in addition to explaining the ups and downs of the Phoenix ownership and arena situation.

Join the record-audience who tuned in live by catching Saturday's episode of Hockey Night on Long Island via archive. To do so, click over here or subscribe to the HNLI podcast by searching "Hockey Night on Long Island" in the iTunes Store.

HNLI at Special Time with Special Guest Chris Botta

In order to accommodate those planning to watch the NFL's wildcard playoff game between the Jets and the Bengals, HNLI will be bumped up by a half hour to 3 PM EST this Saturday. Joining us for the first portion of the episode will be Chris Botta (aka the Blogfather) of Islanders Point Blank. As most Isles fans know by now, Mr. Botta is the premiere source for Islanders news, commentary, and analysis and it is a very special opportunity to have him on the show. Along with Mr. Botta, hosts Alex and Steve will discuss the Islanders' recent win streak, the team's west coast swing, the return of Rick DiPietro, and much more. As always, listeners are encouraged to interact by calling, IMing, and chatting in the HNLI chatroom. Remember that if you get your calls in early enough, you will have the chance to talk with Chris Botta himself. So, don't miss a special HNLI at a special time: this Saturday at 3 PM EST

Imminent Doom for DP?

The idea that Rick DiPietro could be between the pipes for the Isles as soon as next week seemed a little too good to be true. It was.

After allowing one goal through two periods in his second AHL rehab start, Ricky was benched for the third period due to what the team called "some tightness". The report claimed that the tightness was unrelated to any of his previous injuries, but considering how many lower body injuries Rick has experienced over the past few seasons, it had to be. There was certainly a sense of further disaster in the Rick DiPietro saga.

Tonight, via Chris Botta of Islanders Point Blank, comes the following statement from GM Garth Snow:

“Ricky has been seen by the team doctors and most recently a specialist. To make sure we are taking the proper steps in his rehabilitation we will seek an additional opinion and should have a timeline by the end of the week.”

Needless to say, there is nothing positive about this report. The notion that DP could be back this month is officially out the window and now fans will play the waiting game for another announcement. But in all honesty, the announcements just don't really matter any more. DP has proven that he is simply not physically capable of overcoming his plethora of injuries and returning to NHL shape. If four total periods of minor league hockey is all Ricky could muster after 11 months of rehab from his countless number of injuries and surgeries, then chances are he is a lost cause.

Sure, the Islanders won't easily give up on their 15-year investment and "franchise player", but the team is already preparing for the worst. The fact that the team drafted goaltenders in the second and third rounds of the '09 draft in addition to signing two "number 1s" in the offseason was certainly a sign about the bleak future of Rick DiPietro.

Now, with a timeline expected by the end of the week, I'll make the bold prediction that we don't see Rick DiPietro starting between the pipes for the Isles for the rest of the '09-'10 season. While there's nothing more I would love than to be proven wrong, I think it's time that those who haven't done so already begin to face the music. It would certainly be sad to see the career of such a talented, charismatic, and just plain likable guy be cut so short, but to suggest that this is far from the truth is being in denial.

HNLI Quick Hits: 12/13

Isles Open Home Stand with a Bang

The Scoop: Kicking off a three week stretch at home (with 2 games at MSG thrown in there), the Islanders won Saturday in overtime by a score of 3-2 over the Boston Bruins. Frans Neilsen scored the game winning goal on a breakaway after a feed in transition by Blake Comeau. Also of note, Rob Schremp scored his first NHL goal on the powerplay in the first period to open the scoring.

Our Take: What a huge win for the Islanders to kick off their "most crucial stretch of the season". While the team was horribly outshot in the third period, the Isles looked very good in the first two frames and in the overtime. Obviously that's not a model on how to win games, but clearly the team has some confidence and momentum after a big win at home. Also, it's important to note that the Isles managed to score an even strength goal for the first time in 3+ games. Also, it's the first time in 3+ games that somebody other than John Tavares has put the puck in the net. There were definitely some big positives last night and now the Islanders have a chance to take advantage of a mediocre Florida Panthers team and then play two games against the struggling Rangers. Last night's victory makes it very possible for the Isles to get just the start they need for this crucial stretch.

Retro 3rd Jerseys to Become Primary

The Scoop: Chris Botta of Islanders Point Blank Reports that the Islanders will be making their retro, royal blue jerseys their primary jerseys next season. The team is in the process of designing a matching white version to be the team's road jersey.

Our Take: This was certainly long overdue. There has been a movement among Isles fans since the team held retro night and the Isles once again sported the royal blue. There is no doubt that in many ways the Isles missed the mark with their current uniform design and it is definitely the right move to switch (back) to the beautiful royal blue.

Stay tuned to hockeynightonlongisland.com for upcoming scheduling information and more commentary and analysis! Lets Go Islanders!

Sutton Recognizes Importance of Home Stretch

As I wrote on Thursday, the Islanders' attitude about being fortunate to survive the recent roadtrip must shift to an attitude of dominance at home.

Per Chris Botta's Islanders Point Blank, Andy Sutton clearly sees things the same way.

Andy, who told reporters that he was completely miserable missing the last two weeks, said playing 8 of 10 at home is huge. “We weathered the storm half-decent on the road,” said Sutton. “Now it’s time to dominate at home.”

Good to see that Sutton, and presumably the rest of the team, recognizes the cruciality of being extremely successful in this upcoming home stand. Hopefully, with a few days off before taking the Coliseum ice on Saturday, the team prepares itself for a make-or-break type run.