Full of cliche’s eh?
That is what the doctor has ordered; well, at least the coach did.
The Islanders look to end their slide at the swamp tonight against the Devils. The Isles have done quite well against New Jersey at the CAA, winning convincingly in their only test this season there.
By the way, just wanted to list the METRO MUG STANDINGS. The Metro Mug is a trophy that is contested between the three local Booster/Fan Clubs. The team who gets the most number of points in games between the three teams gets to hold the trophy for the year. As the Isles go, the last time that we had this award, which has been going since 1990, I believe, is 1993. We had it for 3 years, then in 1994, I had to go to the Ranger Fan Club meeting on the Monday AFTER they won the cup. How tough was that….! So, for almost a decade and a half, it has swapped between the Rangers and Devils Fan Clubs. This year, we hope will be our year! I will provide the info, after a Metro Mug game is played (hence tomorrow - will be another update).
***
So - it is back to work for Ted and the boys. The lines have now been juggled, hoping that the spark between the guys will begin at the drop of the puck. As I said on the show last night, thank God, this is happening now instead of March/April. We all know what happened to the Rangers last season, so the key to averting a slump is a) not have the slump at the end of the season and b) change the system, or the culture of the team.
And for chrissakes, get a man in front of that damn net!
Key player to watch for: the CAPTAIN - Yash has been slowed down a bit, looking a little tentative with that knee. We need to get the October/November Yash back, and spark a little streak of his own. Also - Ricky will be back and he needs to keep his very solid form. There has been some banter over who is better, Henrik, or Ricky. Not biased, but numbers show that Ricky has been a better goalie. He has to keep that up.
For those of you that want a cool place to see the game, check out the RACE PALACE in Plainview (off LIE - Exit 48 - Right turn off service road, and 200ft ahead). Just bring your NYI365 card, or wear something Islander and get in for free. Good food/drink specials, contests for Islander tickets and other good stuff. Also - try your hand on the ponies and trotters. Unfortunately, I will not be there tonight, but i have been to about 3 of these, and it’s a good time. Try it, won’t ya?
Also - getting ready to report from Carolina this weekend as the Booster Club takes the big bus ride down Saturday overnight. Will write some entries from the road.
See ya,
G
Posted under Islanders 06-07
This post was written by Gary Harding on January 4, 2007
