It wasn’t pretty. The worst team in the NHL, a team that has won 3, count ‘em, 3 games all season at home, and in the third period, we were tied 2-2.
It could have been worse, but the boys fought hard, and got the needed two points.
As my colleague, Patrick Hickey (thedriveforfive.com) put it, it was time for Campoli to start shining. He did last night. He played very well positionally and got a big assist.
It was also good to finally see Blakey get off the schneid. He had been struggling and so far off his game of late. Hopefully, that momentum will continue onto the All Star Game. I believe that he will be a “BIG” factor in the fastest skater competition.
Is it just me, or does Mike Sillinger make every one of his goals, key ones? God, is this man CLUTCH or what! He plays so hard and so dedicated, no matter what the score or situation, so it is especially nice when his goal means so much to the team. Also - Hilbert had a great goal as well.
What will happen now with the re-emergence of Radek Martinek on the blue line. His great pinching work, led to the Randy Robitaille goal. It now leaves 7 men on D, and with the team running at 20, and no others, it means that one will have to go to B-port. It will be a Bruno/Campy contest, but for now, with Gervais day-to-day, Campoli is taking big advantage of the available playing time.
Good game to finish this end of the year. With two small practices before a 4 day break, this will be a good time for the veterans to take a blow, and get some much needed rest. Guys like Witt, Hill, and Sillinger are going to be needed for the stretch run. Having the ‘away’ time will be beneficial. Even though they are practicing, the Isles are the first team to be free for the All Star Break. I know a lot of guys are heading for warmer climates. The coach, is going to be a coach, this time in the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, where his son is currently playing.
Enjoy the break folks, I may give an update or two, but probably not on hockey. Heck, I do have a section on rambling…
BTW - my ‘brotha’ Patrick does the “Tri-State Hockey Report” on Brooklyn College Radio. It runs on Friday from 1:30 PM. Go to www.brooklyncollegeradio.com and listen to the show. His counterpart is a Ranger guy, and takes the term OBNOXIOUS to a whole new level. I think Patrick is going to give this guy a little hell, so it should be fun!
Have a great weekend everybody!
Posted under Islanders 06-07
This post was written by Gary Harding on January 19, 2007
thanks for the plug Gary, you da man!
Yes, not pretty, but important. We needed a win before the break. Hopefully, they can build on this and use the rest to come back fresh. The battle, as the old saying goes, has just begun.