Higgins still goaless for NYR

Through 11 games this season, new Rangers forward Chris Higgins is still scoreless. Though this blog is mainly about the Islanders, I will write about things pertaining to Long Island hockey and since Higgins hails from Smithtown on Long Island, it's worth a mention that he has not scored with his new team, yet.

He has registered two assists thus far, but he is barely noticeable. So much so, that Rangers coach John Tortorella dropped Higgins to a lower line last week. He's in a new setting, closer to home, on a better team. There aren't many excuses for the fifth-year vet. He averaged 20 goals or more in his first three seasons and scored 12 last year, but missed most of the season with a shoulder injury.

On Wednesday, the Rangers will play the Islanders at the Coliseum. Maybe a trip further east will do the Long Island native some good.

Higgins, Gilroy playing for Blue Shirts

Matt Gilroy and Chris Higgins share something in common with me - they're Long Island natives. They are also separated by one distinct measuring point that creates enemies - they are members of the New York Rangers.

Higgins, who hails from Smithtown and was recently acquired by the Rangers from Montreal, grew up a die-hard Habs fan, so playing for the Blue Shirts isn't as sweet as it sounds. However, when I spoke to Higgins last month he was more than thrilled to be playing for one of the Original Six teams.

Gilroy, who is from North Bellmore, finished a stellar career at Boston University, leading the Terriers to a national title and grabbing the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's top college hockey player. He signed with the Rangers shortly after his unthinkable senior season.

Both Higgins and Gilroy have very likable personalities. It's a shame they aren't playing for the other New York hockey team - the one on their native island. But, they are both happy with their place in the hockey world. They both have also been working out and skating at The Rinx in Hauppauge over the summer.

So, Islanders fans, when you are watching the Islanders-Rangers games this year and see Higgins and Gilroy on the ice, be proud. Don't hate on them - just the rest of the team.

Islanders featured on HBO's Entourage, again

Long Island native Kevin Connolly, who plays the role of "E" in HBO's fantastic series "Entourage" showed more love to his hometown Islanders in last Sunday's episode.

An Islanders logo appeared on his computer desktop at Murray Berenson's office building - E's new place of work.

It's not strange that E is seen wearing an Islanders hat or shirt on the show. In fact, Connolly, who hails from Patchogue, NY, does it in real life. He also dropped the ceremonial first puck at a game last season. My girlfriend, who used to work for Starbucks, served him once and he was wearing an Isles shirt then, too. He signed a coffee cup for me "Chris, Best Wishes!!! Kevin Connolly." Had he signed it "Let's Go Islanders!" it probably would have brought a tear to my eye.

Anxiously waiting for NHL season to start

How many of you are anxiously waiting for the new hockey season to begin? Maybe it's just me because my beloved Mets are God-awful and the boys of summer from Queens just don't cut it anymore. Perhaps it's the desire to see John Tavares suit up for the Isles and bring some credibility back to the ice (the Draft Party was amazing by the way). Perhaps it's the uneasy tension from the Lighthouse situation - with the ever-so-possible idea of the Islanders actually moving off Long Island - to Kansas of all places?!

There are so many on-ice and off-ice situations plaguing the organization that it creates for some interesting story lines. Through it all, the true die-hard Islanders fans have stuck by their team and will continue to do so, no matter what.

With that, I will try and give my honest opinion about the Islanders with this blog. I will bring a citizenly report on all the happenings of the team. It helps that I am a sportswriter from Long Island and have connections to the team, but will still be objective as much as possible.