Bag of Pucks
November 13th, 2006 by murph
Random Islanders and NHL stories from around the web this weekend. How about them J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!?
- With his hot start (15GP / 7G-12A-19P), Alexei Yashin is on pace for over 100 points this season. That would be a career best, and 25 points better than any season with the Islanders. Yashin’s agent Mark Gandler credits Coach Nolan’s use of Alexei on the PK and PP as some of the reasons.
“He needs the proper environment. So far, Ted has definitely provided that. That’s where the cornerstone of the relationship with the coach is. But Ted’s intentions were to do it, and he actually has done it. That’s what the difference is between him and some other coaches.”
- NewYorkIslanders.com talks with Bryan Trottier about his return to Long Island, and his new job as Islanders Executive Director of Player Development.
Q: What’s it like now working with Ted Nolan and Garth Snow?
A: “Ted is a great addition and Garth is a great person to have as GM. There is a lot of enthusiasm and respect among us and I feel a solid bond is developing. So I’m excited for that. They are both honest hard working guys that are organized and structured. I like the confidence they both portray and the attention to detail that makes for a winning atmosphere and attitude. They have a genuine passion for the game and a determination to succeed. I believe they have the players’ respect which breeds discipline and fortitude. They’re good to ask advice and quick to find solutions; so all in all I am really enjoying working with Ted and Garth.
“The whole hockey group is committed and it’s been refreshing to be around them all. Although the season will have its challenges, it’s all about team commitment. We’ve got a lot of fire here and that should turn into wins on the ice. Ted’s fair, but he’s demanding. I think that’s good and the players need to come ready to play. Fans should feel the energy and see the hard work, hustle and grit. It’s going to be a fun time and it’s a good time to be involved.”
- DP and Asham mixed it up a little in practice last week.
That’s when DiPietro rushed Asham, throwing a right hand as if he meant business. Asham, who hammered Devils enforcer Cam Janssen just a week ago, swung back as the two tried to get at each other, but teammates moved in quickly to stop it before any damage was done. The next time Asham set up in front of DiPietro, the goaltender pushed him in the back, but Asham let it go.
- Ex-Islander and now Ranger Darius Kasparaitis has been playing at Hartford, the Rangers minor league affiliate. Kasper must be brought back up to the big club or placed on waivers today.
- Finally, Larry Brooks of the NY Post wonders the same thing I have been wondering. “Why the hell are the home teams choosing to shoot first in the shootouts?” Seriously. I thought this was no-brainer myself, who wouldn’t want last licks in the shootout? Brooks brings the facts to prove us right.
Through Thursday night’s games, home-team coaches actually had chosen to go first in 22 of the 32 shootouts. Their teams had gone 9-13. Home teams going second, meanwhile, were 8-2.
Through Thursday, there had been 76 goals scored on 259 attempts in the season’s 32 shootouts. This means shooters succeed on 29.3 percent of their chances. What this means is that there is a 7-in-10 chance the home team will fail to take the lead on its first attempt and thus heavily weight the numbers in favor of the visitors.
