Simon Kills the Kid Line

There is an old expression that says "Don't fix what isn't broken". For the Islanders, it seems as though the team is the farthest thing from broken as of late. Despite an incredible number of injuries, the Isles have won five straight games. So, it would seem that there is no need for change.

According to Greg Logan's latest blog entry, Chris Simon will be returning to the Islanders' lineup tonight after the longest suspension in NHL history (topping the record previously held by none other than Chris Simon). On the other end of this return is Jeff Tambellini, who will be sent back to Bridgeport to make room for Simon. Tambellini had previously been playing with the "Kid Line" along with former Bridgeport teammates Frans Nielsen and Blake Comeau. It was this line that provided the energy that pulled the Isles out of their 7 game skid and put the team back on track.

Now, however, Ted Nolan insists on ripping that line apart to bring back longtime friend Chris Simon. There is no doubt in my mind that this move will prove to be a destructive one for the Isles. Chris Simon is not only a nuisance when it comes to discipline, but is also a detriment to the team hockey-wise too. Between his two massive suspensions, Chris Simon had done absolutely nothing positive for this team. He further proved to me that he is too slow and sluggish to keep up and is past the prime of his career. By inserting him into the spot that Tambellini occupied, Nolan is jeopardizing any chance that the Isles have at making a run for the playoffs.

Arbour Returns To Coach One Game with the Isles

The Islanders have announced that Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour will coach his 1,500 regular season game with the team on November 3, 2007 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Nassau Coliseum. Current Isles coach Ted Nolan sent an invitation to Arbour earlier this week so that the legendary coach can reach an important milestone. He will sign a one-day contract on 11/2. The NHL approved the Islanders request of making him the coach for a game. I think this is a great gesture made by the team. Fans will enjoy seeing Arbour coach one last game for the team, having it be his 1,500 with the Islanders. It is great how Ted Nolan, Garth Snow, and Charles Wang continue to be very active in maintaining the great history that surrounds the team. This game is actually very big for the Isles since they are going to be facing Sidney Crosby and the Pens in an Atlantic Division battle. The Pens should be a great team this season and hopefully Arbour will be able to help get the Islander their 2 points for the game. This definitely tops the list on notable games for the Islanders this upcoming season.

Programming Update:

*Hockey Night on Long Island will be having an episode next week. Please keep checking this site for updated schedule information.

NHL Award Show Tonight.....No Isles Representation

My good buddy and co-host Steve just reminded me that the NHL Award show will be getting underway tonight at 7:30 PM EST on the Versus Network (in the U.S.) and CBC (North of the Border).






As I'm sure you all know, not one New York Islander is up for an award this time around. While I agree that no Islanders players proved themselves elite enough for consideration, I believe that coach Ted Nolan truly has a case for a Jack Adams nod. He is certainly more deserving than Buffalo Sabres nominee Lindy Ruff. Ruff, who won the award in 2006, coached an absolutely STACKED team. Meanwhile, Ted Nolan took a team that was projected to finish dead last and took them all the way to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If that isn't deserving of a nod, I'm not sure what is. I'm not saying that he should win, because Therrien of Pittsburgh and Vigneault of Vancouver are both deserving, but Nolan is certainly more deserving than Ruff and should be the third nominee. Or at least make him a fourth like they conveniently did for Henrik Lundqvist, the undeserving Vezina nominee!