Haters Are Gonna’ Hate.

The whole Pittsburgh Penguin fan reaction to the 8^th Islander viewing party of the summer has been as ridiculous as one could imagine.  I think the fans crying the loudest need to really get over themselves and look into what the viewing parties actually stand for, regardless of the opponent they played in the game in question.  The parties that are scheduled around the big wins and meaningful Isles games of the past season are ones that the MSG network chooses to run to help their NHL audience get through the hockey depraved summer months.  It’s a way of keeping the culture intact.

"Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be. But what happened Friday night on Long Island wasn't hockey. It was a travesty. It was painful to watch the game I love turn into a sideshow like that.”

”The NHL had a chance to send a clear and strong message that those kinds of actions are unacceptable and embarrassing to the sport. It failed.”

"We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players.  We must make it clear that those kinds of actions will not be tolerated and will be met with meaningful disciplinary action.”

"If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to re-think whether I want to be a part of it."

These were from the statement made by Penguins owner Mario Lemieux in the aftermath of the 2/11 contest between the Islanders and Penguins.  This wasn’t the first time he had an insulting thing to say about the NHL.  In 1992, he was heard calling the NHL a “garage league,” after a 4-2 New York Ranger win in which both he and Joe Mullen were injured by questionable hits.  The fact is, Mario Lemieux was always vocal on and off the ice, and like most star players with tremendous skill; his words carry weight, so why not complain and complain often and loudly. 

The important things to remember when speaking of that game are that the Penguins were the most penalized team by way of minutes and major’s.  That is a team that knows how to instigate and will certainly try to intimidate an opponent.  Lets not even speak of Cooke’s resume’.  Besides, why give the Islanders any respect?  OK, you want to bring up the spirit or intent of a couple of suspend-able hits by Gillies and Martin, go ahead.  Punishments were handed out for more games lost that would be handed out to players on other NHL teams.  That’s right, I said it.

What I saw on that night was a young, frustrated Islander team, beset with injuries and reeling from months of bad calls and unfair treatment by the officials, make a statement.  Yep, I said that too.  They forged an identity for themselves when they stood up for each other and answered every challenge given to them by the elite and “league darling” Pittsburgh Penguins.  Let us also not forget that the Isles held a commanding lead throughout the game and the bulk of the fights erupted when some would have considered the score out of hand for the Penguins.  A 9-3 win cannot be done to a team of that skill level by goonery alone.  The Penguins were outplayed and dominated by an opponent with daunting confidence as they watched themselves collapse under the challenge.

When I think back to that game, I can remember the Boston vs. Montreal game from a few days previous.  I found it humorous that fans and media called it old-time original-six hockey.  But, when the Islanders are involved, I guess in the view of some, old-time hockey is cheapened to a disgraceful display of sportsmanship.  I am proud of my guys and that they stood up for what they needed to do.  I am grateful for Gillies, Martin and Haley in that game.  That’s the kind of grit that will stick in the memory of an opponent before he makes a run at a player or considers a cheap shot.  I guess I am saying if you want to play, then play.  Do onto others, but don’t lose focus.  It was Trevor Gillies who said of the Islanders, "We're willing to bleed for each other." This is the kind of statement that builds character and sends a message.  It can easily be construed as a coming of Age.

Dee Karl posted a link about the issue being discussed on CNN.  What really amazes me is that before the matter was discussed in the segment, no one bothered to do any simple research on the facts.  It was a game chosen and broadcast on MSG and was the 8^th such party to be offered to Islander fans this summer.  No intended disrespect.  Not Islander slander against the princely Penguins.  The fact that the Isles promoted the event to watch a game on a cable network at a sports bar on their site makes them guilty of what?

Here is the CNN Segment for your review: http://www.criticalmention.com/components/url_gen/play_flash.php?autoplay=1&clip_info=2179592177%7C0%7C59%5E2179593752%7C0%7C47%5E

Dee calls it perfectly with the following observation. “ ‘Oddly, the scroll under the description of ‘NY Islanders Celebrate Replay of Pittsburgh Fist Fest’ are more newsworthy items such as ‘Car bomb injures 33 in Algeria,’ ‘Militants launch deadly attack on Afghan governors compound’, ‘Roadside bomb in Baghdad kills Iraqi solder, Injures 10.’ "

The fact is that the team, the fans and the bloggers sit back and hear all the trendy Islander bashing, all the jokes and all the slights from those who seem fit to judge.  We are all tired of it.  The team is trying to improve on and off the ice and navigate the challenge of the best league in the world just like 29 other teams are doing.  The fans, often maligned and bruised, are the greatest bunch of fans in sports.  I should know.  I attend events, gatherings and games with these people.  From the casual fan to the wannabe writers like myself.  We will call out the Islanders if we don’t like a move or effort and understand viable criticism.  What we take exception to is being a punch line or a scapegoat when it isn’t deserved.

Respect is not given, its earned.  The Islanders are poised to start earning it.  They are ready to compete and make another step towards the goal of restoring the tradition of the past with the team of the future. 

If you don’t like it, too bad. 

Haters are gonna’ hate.



Edit:  Thanks to Dominik’s Light House Hockey, NHL looking into viewing party. 

I have no words.  Unreal.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2011-08-15-islanders-promote-viewing-party-of-fight-filled-game_n.htm