Yes, I know, it is PRESEASON.

Yes it is a meaningless game, about eight or nine days before the season actually starts.

Yes it does not give you a real two points in your standings grid.

BUT I WILL TAKE IT!

I will preface this next statement by saying that in this rivalry, feud, whatever, called the Ranger-Islander rivalry, I usually (about 99% of the time) take the HIGH ROAD.  I will usually be easy going (even some will say it looks like a poker face) about these things.  Just another game, yada yada yada!

NO WAY - WE BEAT THOSE GUYS!

I know - no Jagr, Straka, Nylander, Prucha, Lundqvist what-freaking-ever.  You damn well know that if we played our FULL squad, and the Rangers had all rookies and they won…..

We would never hear the end of it!!!!

So for once, I am going to say, “WE RULE THE DAY!!!!” 

Plusses:

1. Jason Blake - strong game - 2 goals
2. Tom Poti - 2 helpers with 10,000 + people letting him have it with evert touch of the puck.
3. Yashin - was definitely ‘in it’ today.  Played well - 1 assist, doing the PK - he looked like he WANTED to play
4. Dunham - some great saves in the 3rd.  Looks like he is in.
5. Asham - is this the good year?  I hope so.

Questions:

1. Simon - looked like a lollygagger…. However, he is a 13 year vet and may be saving it a little… Will give benefit of the doubt.  He will be a guy come the end of the season who will show that he will eat fire for Ted Nolan
2. Witt - see #1
3. Zhitnik - hope he is still kicking the rust out…

I like that the guys kept pouring it on, even when the lead was strong.  They lacked that last year - with both coaches. (Yea - Keith even Chi Chi couldn’t help).

Wonder how Joe is going to be with me tomorrow night on the NY Hockey Report.  Should be fun.  However, Joe likes to start confrontations.  I am just not that way, no matter how much he wants me to be.  I know it is good radio, but you just can’t be someone that you are not.

But I will say, for one night, WE ARE THE KINGS OF NEW YORK!

Word up!

G