Sorry for the late post… I had a LAZY day yesterday, which was much needed.  The Stanley Cup champs came in.  And we got 2 points!

What a game.  The team had the lead, lost it, and got it back. The Isles played a strong game, and lapsed a little during the third period, as a result of a Peter Laviolette ‘blown head gasket’ during a time out in the third.  He let into his guys, and they responded with a shortie, and two other goals, to take a lead with about 5 and 1/2 minutes left in the third frame. 

Silly got his fourth goal in consecutive games, and got a wet kiss from Blakey in the celebration.  It was a great second effort, to tie the score 90 seconds after Carolina took the lead.  Carolina’s Mike Commodore took a penalty with about a minute left in regulation to give the Isles a PP that would go into Overtime.

After securing the first point, Tom Poti got his second goal of the season, a blast that Sillinger screened the goalie John Grahame on, to put the Islanders to a 500 record at 3-3-2.  The team is in a 5 way tie for 7th place, but after a tenth of the season in the books, we are not looking as anemic and pathetic as everyone said we would.

Three Stars

1. Alexei Yashin - Many folks are probably saying “FINALLY” - doing what he is supposed to do.  I think he has done a lot, many things that the skeptical fan does not see.  But 7 pts in the last 2 games is a way of silencing critics.  Is he for real?  I think so!
2. Mike Sillinger - Goals in 4 straight - 3rd in the league in face offs.  Great pickup Mr. Smith… Oh - sorry you are not here.. Thanks anyway!
3. Tom Poti - game winning goal.  Again - he is not supposed to be Brian Leetch, but he is playing admirably.  Doing the job.  We will take guys like that any time.  Oh - by the way, how is the Ranger D doing??? Hmmm…
4. Honorable mention - Rick DiPietro - good to see him back - had a good first 40 minutes.  Had a hiccup in the 3rd, but played a strong game.  Thanks to Mike Dunham for holding the spot so well.

Gold Star Award - Two awards: 1. NY Islanders - a great job by the Community Relations team, and all that were involved with the kids opening day.  Two hours befor the doors opened up, games, face painting and all sorts of things were there for the kids to enjoy.  Even with the ‘Auntie M’ Wizard of Oz winds, it went off real well.  Having mascots like Stormy, Storm, Sabertooth and Stinger to hang out with Sparky (All S’s), it made the day special for the kids. 2.  The Hartford Whalers Booster Club - since 1997, the club supporting the ‘Whale’ is still around and still involved.  Twenty or so, took the bus down to Long Island, and sat in 317.  Some were Carolina rooters, some were Islander rooters, some unsure, but it is absolutely great to see the Green and Blue jerseys.  Hartford has a lot of special meaning to me (my first date with my wife was an Isles-Whalers game at the mall).  Glad to see you guys!  I really hope that someday an NHL team returns to Connecticut’s capital.

Tin Twit Award - Don’t really have one.  Nothing really cheesed me off.  It was a nice night. Well - the $7.50 for a beer at Doolin’s after the game is a little costly.  You can almost by an Itish pub for that!

BOOSTER CLUB STUFF - Garth Snow is visiting the Booster Club tonight.  7:30 at the Amiptheater in the Long Island Marriott.  If you are not a member, it is a $5.00 cost to attend.  However, if you join that night, the $5.00 will go towards your membership.  Great chance to talk to the GM, take a picture, or get an autograph.  Will be doing a Q&A session, so come on down.

Talk soon,

Gary