On the Islanders Beat

Left wing Sean Bergenheim skated at practice today, but will miss the game tomorrow night at the Coliseum, coach Ted Nolan said. When the coach was asked last night about why Bergenheim played only a few seconds after the first period, Nolan had said, "He's sore."

Today, Nolan wasn't much more specific, calling it "an upper body injury." Bergenheim himself said, "I'd rather not say anything about it." It isn't clear how he got hurt, although it was clear there were some sore feelings between him and the Lightning's Brad Lukowich. Both were penalized and they jawed at each other in the boxes. A player will be recalled from Bridgeport for the game against the Penguins tomorrow, Nolan said.

Andy Hilbert was fine, despite getting whacked in the teeth by a follow-through from goalie Rick DiPietro on a clearing pass that resulted in the first goal. Hilbert said his teeth had a big black smudge last night from the tape on the goalie's stick, but otherwise was OK today. "It could have been worse," he said.

Nolan said that Hilbert luckily just missed getting hurt, as he just missed scoring on a breakaway (the coach said it with a smile).

Mike Sillinger, thankful for his teammates' support on his 1,000th game last night, held a celebration for the team last night at City Cellar in East Garden City.