Do You Hear What I Don't Hear?

I have not heard a freaking peep about the Islanders' coaching situation.

Isn't that weird? I mean, we know that Tortorella is next in line for the interview and that Garth Snow has reportedly talked to Paul Maurice and Bob Hartley so far. And yet, we don't hear any speculation on how those interviews went, what they talked about, or what how long these interviews went.

We all have been on interviews and we always leave with a general impression on how things went for us. Every interview I have ever had, I was pretty sure that I was getting the job. And of course, I have been in the same job for like twelve years now so you can figure out just how good my prognosticating skills have been.

Still, we hear nothing. The organization wants to control the flow of information and that is their right, I suppose, but not giving the paying customers even a scrap to work with is truly annoying. And disheartening.

The news black-out also is because of another insidious reason: the newspapers aren't covering it much. It is much easier to sit back and write lazy horsecrap like John Rolfe on si.com. We all know how easy it is or the members of the so-called media to just sit back and throw darts at something they know precious little about. Am I the only one who gets his shorts in a wad over this lazy horsebleep? I mean, I don't sit here and write half-truths about annoying sports columnists with sketchy grooming abilities and dubious sweater choices for their headshots, do I?

No, I would never be like that. Let's just say that John Rolfe and the like are sort of like those kids in little league who'd hit the ball and then forget to run to first base. He's not even admiring his hit because there really isn't anything to admire. There just isn't any follow-through. Isn't that sad? We can't even believe what is written under the vaunted Sports Illustrated banner anymore because casual readers like me and you can poke holes in almost all of their mediocrity. Besides, does anyone aside from old media types and people waiting for haircuts even read SI anymore?

I know the next argument...and let me help you out before you say anything. I don't pretend to be real media and I don't even want to play reporter. I am fine and dandy and not compensated at all for sitting at my keyboard throwing out my opinions. From the email I get, a good many of you enjoy these rants and like what I do talking about something that you an I all have in common...so, thanks for that. My main point is that people like me see this sleepy inadequacy in journalism as a real problem in society because if they can't get sports right, how do we know they're not faking their ways through the real important things like war and disasters? Of course, I could write about this all day and I'd only end up sounding more and more like the old guy who yells at kids to get off his lawn. So I'll stop. But seriously, get off my lawn.

We haven't said much about the rookie camp but from what I've seen on Islanders TV and from what I've read, Josh Bailey made a heck of an impression. I am wondering whether he'll get the long look in camp or not. I mean, if he is truly making plays like we've been hearing and if he is mature beyond his years, he may be one of those kids who would be best suited to start the season playing with the Islanders. Give him some ice time with Okposo for a few weeks and then send him back to the Windsor Spitfires and then watch him play for Canada at the WJC. Worth a shot anyway.

So if you know me and you want to know what is going on in the search for a new coach, trust me when I say that I got nothin'. It's because I truly have nothin'. And the picture of MXC's Guy LeDouche is there just because I like that show and I think it is funny. Plus, you'll notice Guy isn't wearing a dubious sweater and stuff.