It will be a neat confluence of the past and the future at the Coliseum tonight, with Al Arbour coaching the Islanders (with help from Ted Nolan at his side) against the Penguins with Sidney Crosby, 20, the reigning MVP and scoring leader and the player who figures to be the face of the NHL for years.
That is to say that, amid all the nostalgia and good feeling, the Islanders do have a big game to win. Their hope is that Arbour's presence will be a boost. Still, they can't get caught up in the festivities. "It's going to be awesome," Rick DiPietro said. "But our focus has to be on the Pittsburgh Penguins. It's a real two points."
Crosby is worth watching. He seems to be a born leader who is not burdened by carrying a franchise and a league. It was interesting to hear Arbour talk yesterday about Bob Nystrom (who was present at the news conference), Garry Howatt, John Tonelli and other role players as the guys who win Stanley Cups for you. True. But let's face it, the Islanders needed the bedrock of Denis Potvin, one of the greatest defensemen of all time, and other Hall of Famers.
Grit is great, but there's no substitute for talent. Star power never hurts at the box office or on TV, either
Comments (33)
I'm gonna be at the game and I'm looking forward to all of the obvious festivities, but I just saw on the Sound Tigers site that Ben Walter was called up for the game tonight. I'm looking forward to seeing him play and I hope the Al (or Ted) will give him some time on a line ...I know that they will probably give Hillbert or Johnson some more time, but Walter was putting up some points in the AHL this year, as well as in years past.
ahhh, Rags fans crying out for attention. never ceases to amuse me.
Islanders 3, Penguins 2.
Arbour: 1500 games coached, 740 wins.
Scoreboard.
Just back from the game ....thoughts ....
1) The was electric ...felt like a playoff game ...
2) I like the way they handled the whole Arbour ceremony ...very classy
3) The 4th line was very effective ...Walter looked really good in limited time ...wish they would give him some more time ...created chances everytime he was on the ice
4) For all the talk about empty seats I didn't see that many at all ...a FEW scattered seats ...but nothing more than a few randoms
5) I hope DP's eye is ok ...Dubie came up big tonight, but he's not a #1 ...
6) Saw Bossy and Webb before the game walking around outside ...that's the one thing that sperates hockey from all other sports ...there's no way you could get that close to people in other sports ...
7) typical Arbour come from behind win ...7-4-0 ...not too bad
8) I still hate Hillbert ...
740!!!!!!
As reported by NHL.com
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro was struck in the right eye by the stick of Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby in the second period Saturday night and didn't return.
New York coach Ted Nolan said DiPietro was hit in the eye, but added that he was able to walk out of Nassau Coliseum following the 3-2 victory.
Islanders spokesman Chris Botta said the 26-year-old netminder did not suffer a severe eye injury, but DiPietro was taken from the arena to the office of team ophthalmologist Dr. Bruce Zagelbaum for an evaluation.
Nolan hugged DiPietro before the goalie left the building.
"I just asked him how he was and he said he was all right," captain Bill Guerin said.
Crosby charged the net with just over six minutes left in the second period and his stick came up into the cage portion of DiPietro's mask. DiPietro immediately skated toward the blue line and was attended to by Islanders trainers before skating to the tunnel to the dressing room.
"He (Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek) lifted my stick under his mask," Crosby said. "I had no control over it."
DiPietro was examined at Nassau Coliseum by team physician Dr. Damion Martins and remained in the building until postgame ceremonies honoring Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour were completed. He declined to speak to reporters on his way out.
Crosby was given a four-minute penalty for high-sticking.
DiPietro is in the second season of a landmark 15-year contract with the Islanders. He was sidelined by two concussions 12 days apart late last season, missing the final seven games and the playoff opener. He also had offseason surgery to repair a tear in his left hip.
Wade Dubielewicz came on in relief of DiPietro on Saturday and stopped one shot in the second period and six more in the third to earn his first victory of the season.
Just got back from the game, where I met up with Nick from this board -- nice guy, as was his friend, whose name I forget. Merrick, I looked for you in 322 but did not see a guy in a Bridgeport jersey with a kid. I was bumped into by a bald guy in a Sound Tigers jersey and I saw one other guy with a Bridgeport DP jersey, but neither had a kid with him.
Anyway, Nick and his friend and I had a beer at Doolin's after the game, and Nick had the honor of being insulted by the captain of the Islanders, who we saw along with Josef Vasicek as we were leaving the bar. I'll let Nick tell the story.
Not much info on DP.. we asked Guerin and Vasicek but they did not know anything beyond the obvious. Chris King was also in the bar and told Nick that there was bruising all around the eye and Ricky will have an eye test and be reevaluated Monday.
The game was obviously the most exciting win of the season... After DP got hurt, the Isles played like a team possessed.
I was right behind Al Arbour, which meant my view of the action on the ice was actually terrible... I was blocked by coaches in both directions, players when they stood, etc. But I did sit behind a bunch of Arbour relatives who were very nice and actually showed us some cool family photos. They said Al and Ted Nolan had been in frequent contact for many years... Arbour has been something of a mentor to Nolan. They also mentioned that they had been at practice and Berard will be back next Saturday.
On the subject of attendance.. the game was a sellout, as the box score shows. And almost the entire crowd, except literally a handful of people, stayed for the entire Arbour ceremony afterwards, chanting "740!" and "Arbour!". Nuff said.
newyorkislanders.com reports....
Listed as day-to-day, will be re-evaluated on Monday
Rick DiPietro
At 12:15 am, NEWYORKISLANDERS.COM received the news from the team's medical staff that Rick DiPietro did not suffer any permanent damage to his eye.
The goaltender suffered a facial contusion and cuts near the right eye, but an examination late Saturday evening with team opthalmologist Dr. Bruce Zagelbaum confirmed DiPietro did not any serious damage to the eye.
For now, DiPietro will be listed as day-to-day and the team expects to have its next update on Monday afternoon. The Islanders next play on Tuesday night when they host the New York Rangers.
DiPietro was injured at the 13:26 mark of the second period of tonight's 3-2 vistory over the Penguins at Nassau Coliseum. The goaltender was clipped by the stick of Pittsburgh center Sidney Crosby. After the game, Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek confirmed to reporters that he raised Crosby's stick.
Well, now that KH stole my thunder, I guess I have to tell this.
Andrew (that was my friend) and I were leaving the bar with KH (nice guy as well, turned out to know some people I knew from Bellmore) as Vasicek and Guerin came out. I threw some Czech at Vasicek, and he said something back to me that I can't quite understand (I should stop greeting people in a language I could barely speak). Afterward, Guerin comes out. KH and I congratulated him on what we called the best win of the year, and we asked for more info on DP. Kinger had told me it was an eye contusion, and we didn't hear anything new from Bill.
Now, a quick side story. Andrew and I (as well as Steady's wife) went to BU, and as we know Guerin went to our sworn enemy, BC. Andrew wore his Islander jersey over his BU jersey, but he had taken the Islander jersey off (it was hot in Doolin's). As KH and I were talking to Guerin, I saw him catch sight of Andrew's jersey. His eyes narrowed, and this was the ensuing exchange:
Guerin: Sorry, I guess they were sold out of BC jerseys.
Andrew: Well, I wanted to get something nice.
Guerin starts to say something, and I help the situation with:
Me: Sorry Bill, we went to a real school (I said it with a laugh, I seriously wasn't totally serious - I just figured if he started with us I can get a dig in as well).
Guerin waved his arm as if to dismiss us, screamed "You never would've gotten into BC anyway!" (Trust me Bill, I would've, and I wouldn't have gone there on a bet), and left, leaving all of us wondering what the hell just happened.
It's amazing how the college rivalries carry over. It's even funnier that Andrew and I were trying to explain this to KH not half an hour before this happened.
KH, thanks for the beer - next time is on me. It was great to finally meet a fellow die-hard who knows what he's talking about.
Piero - How happy must you be, man? You get to see the game in Slovakia and Satan scores 2 to lead us to a win. Congratulations, man, and I hope Miro keeps it up because we'll really need him this year.
Now, on to the game....I don't want to rehash too much. The Arbour ceremony was classy, and I hate to admit I actually choked up a bit when they won the game, thinking of the history we were witnessing and all Al Arbour has meant to this team.
I was absolutely terrified when DP got hit. I knew right away it caught his eye, and I hope it's not too serious. In the meantime, if I'm Snow, I call Phoenix and offer a low-round draft pick to take Aebischer off their hands. We need NHL-experienced depth, and he only makes 600k if HEAVEN FORBID we need to use him. Crosby didn't endear himself to us by acting like a little witch after the hit. Martinek didn't lift Crosby's stick into DP. I know it was incidental contact, but the rule states that you're responsible for your stick. I've never even seen a stick go in at that perfect an angle, and I hope for the sake of this season and DP's health that it's nothing more serious.
Great game tonight, boys. Let's take 2 from the Rangers now.
doc -- Thanks for the update, much appreciated.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette game story provides nice historical context about Arbour beating the Pens in big games:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07308/831116-61.stm
Nick... LOL. I wouldn't say Guerin screamed. He had a smile on his face the whole time. You're just seeing him through BU glasses. ;-)
Piero -- Another cool thing was that at the post-game ceremony, as the Islander alumni walked out on the ice, several of them, especially Bryan Trottier, pointed at and thanked Satan. This was a special moment for the franchise and he really came through. Hopefully the fans will be a little more appreciative of his efforts and tolerant of his streakiness. The guy works very hard and all his goals so far have been huge ones.
Thanks, man....I mostly said he screamed because he was walking away from us and projected his voice.
I also noticed the thanks to Satan. He came up huge for us tonight, and I hope this will help get him going. He and Vasicek have great chemistry, and we need them to consistently produce to get wins. We have to remember Satan really hadn't played on a consistent line since he came here. Hopefully being teamed with Vasicek will increase his comfort, because we need him to score goals, lots of them.
Doc, thanks for the heads-up. Let's all give thanks, this could've been a lot worse.
KH/Nick
I was at Doolan's after the game and after the post-game show, my kid got autographs from Clark Gillies, Pat LaFontaine, Bill Guerin, and Eddie Westfall. He also got a game puck! Al Arbour and Brian Trottier would not sign.
What a great game--although I hope DP is OK for Tuesday. As for Sid the Kid, my kid was taking pictures and he has one of just before Sidney hit the net and--sorry to say, you can see Martinek getting underneath and lifting up Sidney's stick. Crosby also asked Sillinger (I think) about DP before the opening face off for the third--so I was not among those booing him.
KH, possessed is the right word. The Pens were buzzing early in the second, but once the Isles got that strange goal from Hunter--it all turned around. The Isles also did an outstanding job keeping the Pens to the outside and shutting/blocking passing lanes. Once gain, however, the ice stunk. At times it looked like the puck was stuck in slush--and on one PP, a Campoli cross-ice delivered as much as ice as puck to the intended receiver.
In any event, it was a fun night.
Merrick, thanks for the clarification....I mostly saw the contact because I was in 123x so my view of intimate details of the encounter may have been skewed. I see even Martinek admitted he lifted the stick, so this is just a terrible freak accident that could've been far worse.
Also, Merrick, if you were in Doolin's you definitely passed us. KH, Andrew, and I were right by the door having a beer and chatting. Glad we all had a great night, and the Coliseum was ELECTRIC tonight. I just wish so many people didn't need an excuse to get that loud, because nights like this prove what kind of fans we really have here.
You were there too? Wow, we all turned out.
And Steady, no comment on my representing BU to Guerin?
Actually, I am glad to hear the stick thing was accidental. I like Crosby, and Nick, as you mentioned at the game, he's good for the league. (He can be whiny at times though.)
Yeah, the atmosphere was fantastic... not quite as intense as the playoff games last year but close. And I was blown away that 16,000 stayed for the entire (long) Arbour ceremony and kept chanting. This was a night when the team bonded with the fans.
Loser troll -- Sorry, you can say whatever you want, but I was at the game and looked around the stands quite a bit. There were VERY few empty seats... fewer than 100 total, I would say. And they must have been sold, because the game was reported a sellout. Unlike the Dolans, the Isles don't falsely report sellouts.
Good stuff tonight.
Al gets 1500 and 740, and the Isles do it right. Fans looked tremendous on TV... great night.
Al and Scotty... wow... that is really some hockey greatness. How'd you like to be sitting by the pool with those two as Claire brings out the Molsons...
Steve Webb... Only on long island do people get excited about a 3 minute a game human torpedo. Gotta love that. I think even he's embarrassed about that. He's standing on the ice with Arbour, Bossy, Gillies, Westfall...even Gerry hart... and HE GETS THE CHANT... almost laughable. Though they did give Mike the BOSS-E
Satan gets the monkey off his back. Let's hope he gets on one of those nice scoring streaks.
There is no doubt in my mind now... Ovechkin is way better than Crosby. Crosby is a wuss... blaming martinek... Comrie should challenge him to one of his cat fights the next time they play...
If they could Kerrigan Malone before their games with Pitt they wouldn't even be close.
Doobie comes in and shuts the door. Well... at least the Isles shut the door, but he did make some good stops.
Hunter got 8 shots... a goal... and played tough... but he needs to be back with Silly and Guerin needs to be back with Comrie. They click. Hunter, not so much. And missed in all that mess is how good Tank is playing... same about Vasicek... they are both making things happen when they're on the ice.
Walter looked really good in his Isle debut. In three minutes of ice time he made things happen. As I had posted after seeing him in Norfolk, he's going to be an NHL player soon. If Bergy is out again vs the Rangers Walter should be practicing with Satan and Vasicek... Park played well... but this kid could be a 15 goal scorer given second line time for 50-70 games. And when Bergy gets back... Andy and Simon may be rotating in the press box...
Or Johnson needs to be in Norfolk. If they are going to play the fourth line for 4 minutes... then that 4th line should be Hilbert getting PK time along with Park...and Simon who fills almost any role on the team, especially one they'll need vs the rangers and flyers.
Bergy, Hilbert, Bates, Tamby, Comeau, Nielsen.. and now Walter. Snolan has some decisions to make... competition is always good... I wish they had Okposo to throw in that mix...
Another point I'd like to make. THE THREE POINT GAME SUCKS.
If the NHL wants three point games then they need to reward regulation wins with three points. The OTL is a nice idea, but it creates a disparity for teams that win and lose... while other teams play cautious third periods to get at least a point.
Another gift from the Bettman NHL.
I don't like responding to civilly-chalenged, but for the benefit of Islander fans, I should have noted that Trots and Arbour didn't sign because by the time they arrived, there were more people looking for autographs and security was keeping people away. At last year's Islander autograph party, Trottier was one of the nicest guys there.
JP -- Thanks for the fine analysis. One thing I'll say about Dubie... he was a big-game goalie for us last year down the stretch and he plays well if he gets work. So it's not the end of the world if he plays a couple of games, even against our archrivals. Obviously we'd rather have DP, but I am not despairing at the thought of Dubie playing.
LOL on the Steve Webb point. Eric Cairns also got a big reception from the crowd for his fondly remembered fighting prowess. But to be fair, the announcer was running through the names quickly and at least where I was sitting, the acoustics were not great. Trottier, who would normally get a huge reception, was kind of lost in the shuffle and didn't get that much applause (Bossy and Gillies did).
Totally agree about the 3 point games.
WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! What a WIN!!!!!!!!!!! :D
I cannot believe how loud the old house was tonight- I was loving it! Tonight was one of the classiest things I have ever seen the Islanders organization do. Thank GOD we have a great owner, a smart GM, an ANAZING coach, and AL!!! They are all so classy, I have never been more proud to be an Islander fan.The ceremony was absolutely wonderful, and on a personal note I love the new bar/martini bar outside, too- WAY better than standing out in the old exposed smoking section and buying beers out of coolers lol! They have flatscreens out there too, so there were people hanging out watching things in there, as well.
My thoughts are with Rick, of course. But, I think he is going to be fine, Id rather them make sure he is OK and not take any chances with a player that means so very much to all of us..
Isles rule!
One win away from the top of the Atlantic with a game in hand!!!
The ceremony was AFTER the game- like 3 hours after things started. The place was PACKED- and yes we know that upsets you lol. Why dont you whine and cray about it some more?
Wait- why am I explaining this to an idiot?
And why was this idiot watching the ceremony and now posting for the 32490587230495320th time on the blog of a team he supposedly doesnt like?
Nick ~
That was not my post earlier....Another kid looking for attention.
What a great game last night. Huge win. Brought me back to my youth seeing radar out there.
This team has class. They have 10x's the heart they did last year.
***Ray aka gary...You follow the Isles closer than we do. Keep up the good work. why are you soooooo interested in our attendance. I could care less if there is 10 people in the barn*****
JUST WIN BABY.....JUST WIN !!! ANOTHER 2 POINTS AGAINST AN ELITE TEAM......
***In my opinion the biggest win of they year****
Rags over .500 yet ??????????
Quick note on Trotts ....I remember when I was in high school my friends and I would wait after games to get autographs and the players were always cool ...I remember one cold night we were waiting and someone came barging out the door - not in an aggressive way, but in a hurry ...he totally banged right into me ...I was thinking "what the ...." then this guy grabs my pen signs my jersery and keeps walking ...before I know what happens someone yells "you just got checked by Trotts!" I looked at my jersey and sure enough the man who checked me and signed my jersey was Trottier ;-)
Also have a great Arbour story which just shows how great and classy a man he is ...
The former Ranjerk announcer Sal "Red Light" Mussina's wife used to work for my step mother and one night after an Isles-Rags game we were able to go down to the lockerroom area. We were let down on the Ranjerk side and I was proudly wearing my Isles jersey so needless to say I caught some looks ...Bobby Ny walked by and as it so happened I ran in a road race out east that he had just ran in (I'm sure many of you see him running in Syossett all the time) so he was cool to talk to but then it happened ...Al Arbour walked by and I asked him for an autograph ...he said that he'd be back in like 10 minutes so ofcourse I'm thinking "yeah ok ...if you just didn't want to sign just say so" ....so about 10 minutes pass and I feel a tap on my shoulder ...sure enough it was Arbour and he said "are you the young man who wanted the autograph?" ....16 years later I remember both of those stories as if it were yesterday ...that's what seperates hockey from other sports ....
I must say the Islanders saved the best for last (in terms of honoring the dynasty). You couldn't have written a better script. I think it was great for the players, they got to witness and be a part of the tradition and history of the Islanders. It is great to see that the team has the likes of Bossy, Trottier, Snow, Webb & Goring working with the team.
The Islanders played a very strong game. Fleury kept the Penguins in the game most of the night. The Islanders dicated the play with 10 minutes left in the second as well as all of the third period. I think Bergeron played a strong game. I like the fact that he is putting the puck on the net with the wrist shot instead od always trying for the big cannon shot. It was his play that lead to the go ahead goal. Just a simple low wrist shot that created a rebound. Satan & Vasicek skated strong all night and they have very good chemistry. Park played well with them, but I do like Bergy on that line much more. The 4th line played solid in their limited time, but I think if the Isles were playing most of the night with a lead the 4th line would have seen more ice time. I would keep that line together for another game to see if they can repeat that performance. Walter fit right in and played well. The one think that stood out to me was the handling of the puck by Doobie. He looked way more comfortable with the puck compared to last year. He hit some home run passes on the PP and was not afraid to play the puck behind the net. Ricky must be working with him on that at practice.
You know on a night when the Isles play I don't tune in to see what the Rags are doing and I sure as heck don't post on their blog. But I guess when you get tired of watching MSG's version of "soccer on ice" you tune into the Islanders for some excitement. Tuesday night:
Islanders 3
Cosmos 0 (nil)
Jeez Ray/Anon, did you set your alarm this morning so you could make that post? Find a hobby bro, you're really taking this stuff way too seriously!
Poor rags trolls. Their team is still trailing the Islanders, despite playing more games. They will never catch up, and won't come close to making playoffs this year. LOL
What is the Rags road record..........LOL
ENJOY THE DEMISE !
Its a minor thing I know, but did anyone notice what happened with Al Trautwig in the pregame? When I got home from that glorious packed game I watched every minute of coverage. I just wanted to say that Trautwig did the right thing last night. By acknowledging how upset Isles fans were by his comment, even mentioning his previous work with the team as a kid, discussing things briefly, and then moving on respectfully, he did as much as anybody could reasonably have asked of him. I personally dont want the guy to kiss the teams butt or say things that he doesnt believe, I just want him to show some respect. And, last night, he did.
I'm a Pittsburgh transplant now living in NJ. Yesterday morning I was asked if I wanted an extra ticket from an Islander fan friend / co-worker to attend last night's game. However, in order to get the ticket I had to write in an Islander blog about how good the Isles are if the Pens lost. So with the bitter taste of defeat still lingering I write this to fulfill my end.
My name isn't Syl that is for Syl Apps my hero of the 70s when I was in my teens.
Just so you guys know the very first playoff game that I ever attended was the Pens vs. Isles in game 7 of 1975. I also was in attendence for game 7 in 1993. Some things never change. Tip my Steeler cap off to Al. I think I'll stay away from Isle / Pen games in person.
I do have to say. I didn't wear my Penguins "K. Stevens or Francis" jersey b/c I didn't want to get harrassed half the game. However, I forgot I wasn't in the garden where I always get some BS when I wear opposing team colors. I've only been to the colesium a handful of times in the 10 years I've lived in the NY/ NJ area, but I have to say you guys really are cool fans. I wasn't harrassed when I jumped up on Malone's goal. He's my current favorite player.
I was sitting in a great spot to see Crosby's stick hit DP. I was bitting my lip, but I knew he didn't do it on purpose. It wasn't worth getting into it with anyone there by arguing about it. I love Crosby on the team, but he's not the type of player I normally like. He reminds me of another premadona that used to play on the team. Not saying that I wouldn't take his goals and assists. Who wouldn't? He'll be gone when more money is thrown his way unless the Pens pull off a DP kinda long term deal.
I was more of an Apps, Ron Francis, Kevin Stevens kind of fan. Even Lemeiux who gave the Pens the best years in franchise history was a couple of notches down on my list of fave players. Point / goal leaders are just to easy to like. I have to say though, he is very loyal to Pittsburgh through our latest me$$. He saved the team.
Back to last night's game.
I was pretty sure of a Pen victory, but Al had the Isles flying. I really am not familiar with some players on your team, but they look very solid. The score could of easily been 7-4 Isles if not for some great saves by MAF and DP. Even Dubie made some quality stops.
I'm not sure how many of you remember the Islanders of the mid to late 70s in the pre-cup years, but the hard work ethic of your team reminds me of those Islander teams. You may be a star young gun away from making some real noise. They don't grow Bossys and Trottiers on trees though. I heard a little about this guy Okposso from my friend. Is he really that good to be mentioned in the same breath as a Neely, Bossy, Sundin, Sakic or possibly an Inginla type player? The guy is still playing in college. I was told to read an article about him in NHL.com. I'll have to check it later.
Well, congrats on a well earned 3-2 victory. The Isles dominated for most of the game so enjoy. There are still 7 more to go against us.
It was a great atmosphere for you Islander fans at the old barn last night. Classy post game ceremony that I was forced to sit through. Congrats Al. You deserve it. I'll tell you one thing about that old building. When you Islander fans fill the house it is thundering in there. Something to be said about old buildings. The Igloo however had a hard time carrying the sound with its accoustics. I haven't experienced a building as loud as last night since I was in the old Boston Garden for the Semi-Finals of Pens / Bruins in 1991. With noise like that the Isles should win 80% of their games at home. Reminds me of old Chicago Stadium noise too.
Oh, and I agree with a posting I saw about the 3 point games. Ridiculous. They have too much impact on the standings. No one deserves a point for losing. Get rid of the shootout too, and play 4 on 4 till someone scores. Chances are it will happen within 10 minutes anyway. By the time they dry-cut the ice down the middle before a shootout and you get through the 6 possible breakaways you could of played another 5 minutes OT. Other sports don't give "mulligan" points to losers. Just another blemish on hockey. I have yet to meet one "real" fan in any NHL city that likes the 1 point award.
I'll be at the new Devils arena tomorrow, so hopefully Sutter "another dynasty Islander" behind the bench will not haunt the Pens.
There Mike. I wrote nice things about your Islanders as I agreed. Now how about another bet.? I say the Pens will still finish higher in the standings than the Islanders. Loser buys tix for both of us to attend 1 playoff game at the home arena of the team with the highest point total if they face each other in the playoffs. That is if your Islanders even make the playoffs. I could use a trip to Pittsburgh next Spring.
Dave
Thank you SO much for posting your take on things, Syl #26!!!
It made me really happy to read it.
You should come over to the HF boards and tell that story- everyone there would really appreciate it, too. :)
As far as your comment about the Pens finishing higher in the standings than the Islanders, to tell you the truth they are the ONLY team in the Atlantic that I would be fine finishing 2nd under. :)
Dave AKA Syl#26
If your buddy Mike doesn't take you up on that I'll take a piece of that action. I think the Islanders will only get better as the season goes on. Sure they will hit their bumps during the season but I'm seeing flashes of the 93 Islanders.
I don't know if Okposo will have an immediate impact since I haven't seen him play except for highlights of NCAA hockey. Does anyone know if Okposo is eligible to join the Isles this spring after the NCAA playoffs should he opt to forego the rest of his college eligibility?
I don't think we'll see many teams be able build a team of the Islanders Dynasty caliber. Especially with free-agency. That team played any game you wanted to and beat you at it. Mostly attributed to the Al and Bill's assembly of the right players over the years.
I only saw the 3rd period of last night's game since I got home late so I'll have to watch the rest on Tivo later.
Hope DP can play on Tuesday. I feel bad he missed out on a great Islander moment last night. He is going to be part of a new Islander legacy one day and I know he's a great student of the history of the Islanders. I'm sure he wanted to be a part of Arbour's latest legacy himself.