Well, history was made last night.

For the first time since 72-73, we started the season 0-3. 

I am sure that many of you, myself, unfortunately included, did not see the Isles surrender a late second period power play goal to former Islander Brent Sopel, and give another late PP goal to Frolov late in the game to see the Isles lose to the Kings 4-2.

There are many people in various forums ready to jump ship; to cash it in.  I just have one thing to say to those people:

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!

This is precisely why so may people say that Islander fans are the worst in the league.  IT IS 3 FREAKING GAMES INTO THE SEASON.  RELAX! 

Yes we are not playing well.  We are doing EXACTLY the same thing as last year, WE CAN NOT STAY OUT OF THE BOX! Giving the Kings 12 PP opportunities is the main reason as why we are where we are.  Stop grabbing and clutching.  Didn’t you people learn your lesson last year?  Having Ricky make 36 saves game after game is going to make him suffer as the season progresses.  Losing 5-6 minutes of 5 on 5 play is not going to win you games?  Nolan has said so, and I agree, that we are playing well 5 on 5.  That is NOT the problem. 

What it comes down to it is this.  Maybe some Crazy Glue on the gloves may be the trick.  Stop cross-checking the guy, and don’t interfere.  You can find ways to impede progress without having to hang all over him.  The word is DISCIPLINE! Do you know what that means????

On the other side of the rink… We are not going to win ANYTHING, if we are taking only 25 shots as opposed to 40!  I know that Ted is a player’s coach, but he needs to blow a head gasket and get in these guys minds!

This is a team that we SHOULD HAVE BEATEN!  No doubt about it - a goalie that has played weak (Cloutier), and have given up soft goals (especially the two last night).  They should have POUNCED on him.  But careless penalties (3 by Yash - the first caused the winning goal), and not enough attention to details have made this team start 0-3 for the first time in 35 years.  To make matters worse, our former Islander, Mr. Sopel gave a great quote about his time on Long Island, thanks to the LA Times:

“It was a terrible year there,” Sopel said. “I wanted to show the Kings organization and the fans that there was a reason why they traded for me.”

Well Brent, you basically SUCKED for us!  You were as clueless as dirt out there.  What you did in Vancouver, you left on the plane for New York.  Now, you finally WAKE UP, and blame US?  You said at the Booster Club meeting, how happy you were to get out EAST and this organization.  You lying sack of CRAP! 

I usually don’t wish for a guy to get hurt, but maybe this time, it’s different.
Now, tonight, we have the next daunting task.

ANAHEIM!

A Stanley Cup contender.  Solid blue line.  Speed in the offensive zone with many options.  Two strong goaltenders that can singlehandedly take over a game.  Just what the Islanders need.  I usually try to watch these late night games.  However, lately, my body just slows down after 10:00 PM.  I may just crash!  Maybe not watching some, will help the team. I am willing to do ANYTHING (well, almost).

But hey, the METS are playing tonight.  Game 1 - look to see them set the tone early and try to POUNCE on the Cardinals.  At least ONE of my teams is doing the right thing.

Well - back to work, basically, to forget about the game.  Hopefully tomorrow, the team will be heading home with a W or at least a point!  God, please help us!

But I will say this.  I may be upset at the way the team is starting.  I may be really peeved at all the stupid penalties that this team makes.  I can not handle this start.  But it will NEVER, NEVER, downplay my support for this team.  Don’t jump off the wagon.  You can be mad at your team, but keep supporting.. Remember, fan is short for fanatic.  We have to remain fanatical about our team.  They can make you mad, but stay the course.  Things WILL get better!  They can not continue to be this way all season! 

Keep the faith…

Gary