Maybe we are all Islanders. That can be the only explanation of how this team overcame the loss of their franchise goaltender and most of their defense and still made the playoffs.
Since last Tuesday’s victory over the Rangers, which was overshadowed by Ice Girl-gate, the Islanders did everything right. From the second that Wade Dubielewicz stopped Jaromir Jagr in the shootout you had to believe there was a chance. But that alone wouldn’t be enough. Here is a look at all that went right from that point on:
Isles crush Toronto – The 5-2 victory on Thursday, powered by three third-period goals left the Leafs with a bad taste in their mouth. It also cost Toronto two very valuable points.
Rangers top Montreal – For the first time in my life, I was actually happy the Rangers won a game.
Isles beat Philly – It wasn’t as close as the score looked, but they did their part.
Leafs fight back against Montreal – As I sat huddled around my laptop listening to the game on NHL radio I seethed as Andrew Raycroft did his best impersonation of a cardboard Shooter Tutor. I found myself screaming for Jean-Sebastien Aubin, missing Bryan McCabe and forever indebted to some guy named Kyle Wellwood.
Which brings us to Easter Sunday. Gary Bettman had to have been really pleased with his league’s television deal as the Sabres battled Philly in a meaningless game on national TV, while a few hours later the last playoff berth came down to a battle between Scott Clemensen and Dubie. No one predicted that.
So as I sat at Easter dinner, with my Sunday best camouflaging my "Satan 81" tee, I thought they had a chance. Historically Easter has been good to the Islanders. And boy I was sure happy that Brodeur was resting. Clemmensen played a solid game, and fans in Toronto can’t say the Devils didn’t give it their all. However, in a shootout I’d rather face anyone but Brodeur.
So here we are. The play forever known as the ‘Dube lightsaber ‘ has the Isles shuffling off to Buffalo. For me, that means at least two more games in section 307, two more games for the Ice Girls and a chance at Cup number 5.
Comments (9)
What more can be said about this game? Instant classic. What guts these guys showed today. Now we play with house money. I bet Buffalo isn't looking forward to this.
Today's "Easter Sunday" game has to rival another game that started on Saturday but ended early Easter Sunday morning. The famous Isles/Caps Quad OT Game 7 with Pat LaFontaine's goal!
And the comeback has to rival the comeback of oh -3 vs the Pens in the 70's!
Gee, you forgot to call us a laughingstock and an embarassment. Stop pretending to be a fan of our team and credit them for a great season.
Wang was right, you are wrong. It's that simple.
"Now we play with house money. I bet Buffalo isn't looking forward to this."
I agree. What do we have to lose? All the pressure is on Buffalo, they won the presidents cup, no one even expected us to be here. Ryan Smith did it once, let's see him do it again!
LETS GO ISLANDERS!
I guess with the Yoda on his helmet, the force was with him.
Yes, we're all very scared here in Buffalo. But seriously, that was an insane game. We were all rooting for you guys, at least in my house. We hate the leafs, and although it would have been nice beating them in the first round, it's better that they're not even there. Good luck guys, should be a good series!
No, dude. Were not all islanders. Islander fans are compromised of people that are there for the highest points and the lowest points. Not a blog writer who thinks he can sit there one week and bash the entire organization, including the fans, and than a week later when everything goes right exclaims "Were all Islanders."
Do me a favor, stay right where you are. And that includes being outside the Colisuem, because it's fairweather hacks like yourself that give the REAL Islander fans bad name. And by the way, your articles suck.
Where's Ricky?...We're gonna need that guy.
I know we all loved seeing "Dubie" win four straight to lead the Isles into the playoffs, but... Ricky is our MVP. If we are playing to win, and I know Ted Nolan sure is, let's be realistic. The only shot this team has is if Ricky can make a timely comeback and play goal the way only Ricky can.
Rick is quasi-vegetative after his ill-advised foray to the blueline. He will not see any more action this season. If he's extremely lucky, he will not suffer permanent neurological damage from 2 concussions in 10 days. Dubie will man the net for as far as this team goes.