Sunday 8 pm: TheProgramBTR hard to find, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theprogram/2010/12/13/the-program
But on the air now.
Sunday 12 pm: Yep, another loss. Sad and disappointed as everyone else. No entry today. I'll be on TheProgramBTR with Chris Wassel and many others tonight at 8 pm on Blogtalk radio. I'll be angry. We'll just consider that my post for the day.
http://www.thehockeyprogram.net/
Well, hasn't this been a week of technology in the NHL. Gary Bettman does the first Cisco Telepresence from Florida to reporters in various locations and Garth Snow does a live web stream of Q&A from fan questions. The second is truly a sign of the Apocalypse as we all know how much Mr. Snow loves talking in front of cameras.
But he did it. And he answered all the questions that have been swirling around the fan base for months. Chris King and the PR staff were smart enough to weave some more positive questions in with the ones that everyone has been clamoring to have answered. Matt Martin should be blushing.
Some questions could not really be answered by the general manager. The one about "what is the state of the lighthouse project" is not really a hockey question. He only answered what the owner has been answering all along. Because there really isn't anything else to say. Charles Wang is not going to tip his hand at any option he may be exploring.
I've been asked by a few people as to what my take is on the interview. I think it was just like all of his interviews: honest, guarded and not completely scripted.
When asked about situations with past employees, he answered as any CEO in a corporation would answer. He doesn't discuss those things with the media. Think of it, no one should.
If you are terminated from your job, or your contract is not renewed or your job is not filled after being vacated -- wasn't there a reason? Something caused that termination of employment. Now, even if that reason is subjective, wouldn't it work against you as you tried to look for another position elsewhere? Wouldn't you want your ex-employer to keep whatever reason they deemed enough cause for your termination to themselves so it doesn't reflected poorly on you for your next position?
Is that being cagey with my answer? I'll say this, whether I know something or don't I can say with accuracy that Garth Snow doesn't make any decision without reason. He weighs things out very carefully before coming to a final conclusion, especially when it concerns actual people.
When asked about trade possibilities, some folks were quick to ask me why he wouldn't say he'd trade. My answer is, should he go on Live TV and tell everyone what player he is in talks about getting rid of so that player can find out through the Internet? Should he run down the list of names on the roster he does NOT feel are his "core players"? Wouldn't that be counter productive to a team trying to find a way to win? Absolutely.
So whether you find this 20-something minutes of interview enlightening or annoying, he did what everyone wanted: He spoke. If you don't like the answers, that's not their problem.
Their problem is winning hockey games. Tonight, they will look to rectify that issue in front of a crowd of travelling Quebecois. Hopefully those extra 1,000 hockey fans will be cheering for the Islanders, but I doubt it as they try to show the Thrasher brass in attendance in the press box that their team would be loved in Quebec.
While I'm not happy they will be invading the Coliseum, I think anything that gets NHL hockey in the headlines is good for the sport. Hopefully there won't be any altercations or problems tonight in the stands to turn the headlines ugly.
Radek Martinek was given the day off yesterday to rest the hand that was hit with a puck and while Doug Weight can be seen in the video of the Islanders Christmas shopping for toys for kids in hospitals, he won't be on the ice any time soon. (At least these trips to the hospital won't be for himself.)
I'm thinking Jack should put Dwayne Roloson in net tonight, and not as a slight against Ricky, only because he hasn't played in awhile.
So while two teams with the lowest attendance will be battling for two points on the ice, thanks to those 22 buses of Nordiques fans; all of Canada will be watching.
Hey guys! The Tim Horton's kiosk is between gates 13 & 14. But don't look for any poutine. Try the sushi instead.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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