Wake up, it’s the regular season!
After a 5-0-1 preseason that gave the Caniac Nation more hope than in many years, these games count in the standings. Lots of change on and off the ice. Rod Brind’Amour is remaking the team in his image. There are 5 rookies among 13 forwards on the roster on the roster and new faces on D and in goal. Coach Brindy did a lot of mixing and matching with the forward lines, so we won’t know for sure who’s playing with who until the morning skate.
The Islanders went through a similar upheaval after missing the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year. Lou Lamoriello is running the front office and Barry Trotz is behind the bench. They also lost some guy named Tavares in free agency. They still have reigning Calder Trophy winner Mathew Barzal, who led the team in scoring and was 5th in the league with 63 assists. Josh Bailey had 71 points in 76 games. Thomas Greiss is back in goal, coming off a 3.82/.892 season. He’s joined by newcomer Robin Lehrer who was 3.01/.908 in 53 games in Buffalo last season.
Gates open at 5:30, there is a South Plaza Party. Petey Pablo will be the siren sounder. Rally towels are already on the seats.
It’s a new world in the broadcast booth too. John and Tripp will simulcast the TV call on the radio.
And here is something to get you in the mood.
[video=youtube_share;bg2G5gf9GHk]https://youtu.be/bg2G5gf9GHk[/video]
After a 5-0-1 preseason that gave the Caniac Nation more hope than in many years, these games count in the standings. Lots of change on and off the ice. Rod Brind’Amour is remaking the team in his image. There are 5 rookies among 13 forwards on the roster on the roster and new faces on D and in goal. Coach Brindy did a lot of mixing and matching with the forward lines, so we won’t know for sure who’s playing with who until the morning skate.
The Islanders went through a similar upheaval after missing the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year. Lou Lamoriello is running the front office and Barry Trotz is behind the bench. They also lost some guy named Tavares in free agency. They still have reigning Calder Trophy winner Mathew Barzal, who led the team in scoring and was 5th in the league with 63 assists. Josh Bailey had 71 points in 76 games. Thomas Greiss is back in goal, coming off a 3.82/.892 season. He’s joined by newcomer Robin Lehrer who was 3.01/.908 in 53 games in Buffalo last season.
Gates open at 5:30, there is a South Plaza Party. Petey Pablo will be the siren sounder. Rally towels are already on the seats.
It’s a new world in the broadcast booth too. John and Tripp will simulcast the TV call on the radio.
And here is something to get you in the mood.
[video=youtube_share;bg2G5gf9GHk]https://youtu.be/bg2G5gf9GHk[/video]