Islanders Puck Talk – Possible GM moves? Also, Brendan Burke already a legend

This is supposed to be the time of year when I do game recaps of the Islanders’ playoff run.  Unfortunately (and it’s been covered many times) the Islanders failed to make the playoffs for about a thousand reasons.  You can read all of my blogs on the defensive failures, the incredibly inconsistent Brock Nelson and everything in between.

HOWEVER, there are a few positive tidbits still to be discussed here in Islanders country.  According to Incarcerated Bob, the Islanders are looking to possibly bump General Manager Garth Snow up to a non-hockey executive role and hire either Devils’ Assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald or Executive Director of NHL Alumni Association Glenn Healy.

Why am I posting this so prematurely even when nothing is confirmed and the Islanders look to be in complete disarray when it comes to their front office?  Because I trust Bob, his sources, and it makes a lot of sense considering co-owner Jon Ledecky’s cryptic statements.  He’s been right on most if not all his Islander scoops, and considering Garth Snow is notoriously tight-lipped it’s impressive that Bob called Frans Nielsen going to the Red Wings, Kyle Okposo to the Sabres, and Jason Chimera being shipped off to Anaheim.

Once again, it’s not a sure thing but it would make a hell of a lot more sense than whatever seemed to be going on beforehand.  Both Fitzgerald and Healy have ties to the Islander organization, as they played for the Islanders for years before finishing their careers elsewhere and eventually fitting into executive roles elsewhere.  Ledecky & Co. could be waiting for the Devils’ season to finish before announcing anything.  It makes you think.

Burke calling Stanley Cup Playoffs for second straight year

In other Islanders news, play by play announcer Brendan Burke is currently calling the San Jose Sharks – Anaheim Ducks series and will continue to call playoff games during this years’ playoffs.  To say Burke has been a godsend to Islander fans in an understatement.

Burke honed his craft as the voice of the Canucks’ AHL Affiliate Utica Comets, and has been a breathe of fresh air for anyone who watches Isalnder games on MSG +.  He is extremely knowledgeable, calls games down the middle and has the perfect voice for a play by play analyst.  He, along with Butch Goring, have made a great team for the Islanders.  Butch isn’t exactly the most eloquent color commentator but they have some serious chemistry and Burke deserves all the accolades he deserves in his short career so far.  He will be the voice of the Isles for a very long time.  It makes all of us happy to see him get some national recognition.