Rebirth of a Rivalry

It didn’t take long for things to spark up in last night’s Rangers vs Islanders game.

Just a few minutes into the first period started a round-robin tourney of dropping the gloves that came to a climax in the second period when goaltenders Rick DiPietro and Al Montoya joined in the festivities.  They, along with other brawl participants, earned an early exit from the game.

Preseason boxscores are never the clearest, and last night’s game has a couple of versions, neither of which paint a clear picture of what was called.  For our log it was easy for the most part due to emails from those in attendance and many who watched the game online thanks to online feeds at newyorkislanders.com and nhl.tv.  If anyone has any corrections to the scoresheet/log, please email them to me.

One thing that is definite is that this rivalry looks like it can once again be one of the best in the NHL.  The two teams play again on Friday night.  The first regular season meeting is Oct 10.

Boxscore/game summaries: Yahoo, TSN
Recaps: newyorkrangers.com, newyorkislanders.com, AP, Sports Network
NY Post: Fightin’ From the Get-Go
NY Post: Simon Says He’s Trying to Move on From the Incident
Newsday: Islanders, Rangers brawl at Nassau Coliseum
Newsday: Blow to Callahan sparked brawling
Newsday: Islanders and Rangers duke it out (photos)
CBC: No common sense behind Simon decision
A poll from Newsday: Too much fighting in hockey?

Extratime: Brian Burke

Due to this weekend’s upcoming Ducks-Kings games, the BBC interviewed Brian Burke.  There’s a 25-minute video interview (Real Player).  I know many here are fans of Brian Burke and will enjoy it.  Thanks to KK for the tip.

Videos added

Danny Bois vs Nathan Perrott Sep 24, 2007
Al Montoya vs Rick DiPietro Sep 24, 2007
Colton Orr vs Kip Brennan Sep 24, 2007
Brandon Dubinsky vs Andy Sutton Sep 24, 2007
Thomas Pock vs Andy Hilbert Sep 24, 2007
Jason Strudwick vs Kip Brennan Sep 24, 2007
Kris Newbury vs Jeff Hoggan Sep 22, 2007
Jay Harrison vs Dennis Wideman Sep 22, 2007

Some notes from friends say there will be some more filling in from last night’s games soon.