After a tough loss Friday, we all knew that Buffalo was coming into town.  The team, that can best be symbolized as a speeding runaway train, are the tops in the East.  But what failed to come up to the surface, was the fact that on Friday night, they also lost.  They were up by a goal heading into the third period against the Blue Jackets, but lost by a goal 3-2.

Buffalo has such a fast team, and transition so well.  You have to keep your guard up, because they will punish you.  In addition, Brendan Wiit, our toughest player, and a true warrior, was out with an ‘upper body injury’.  Alan Rourke was recalled from Bridgeport to play the game, as Bruno Gervais was still nursing a injury.  Not a lot of things to give you a warm feeling in your stomach.

Then, we all knew that Ted Nolan HAD to put DP back in net.  You have to get back on the horse and start riding.  As I sat in Row B Seat 1 in you know what section, all I was saying to myself was:

“Get through these first 5 minutes, then we will be ok.”

Ricky did not get a shot for the first 4 1/2 minutes, so that calmed me down.  The Isles played well, the did not allow the odd man, protected the wings, and stayed pretty simple with the passing and posession.

Is Hunter on freaking fire or what?  Pat, my part-time comrade on the NY Hockey Report said that he thought Hunter’s offense was key for the Isles playoff push.  And I have not watched it today, if Hunter’s goal is not an ESPN Top 10 highlight, then these ding-dongs should be hung in effigy.

Sillinger and Hilbert, along with Hunter, are on a brilliant roll right now.  They are getting loads of opportunities, and making defenses pay.  Hilbert got the ‘fold up the tent’ goal in the last minute to seal the deal.

Yashin, to me, still played a strong game.  He had six shots, was almost 60% on faceoffs and unfortunately is still getting constant double teaming action.  Although I can see why Nolan puts Chris Simon on the line with them, his abilities are almost a down-turn for Yash.  They let loose of #12 and gravitate to #79.  He needs a more skilled player, not necessarily a physical presence as his line mate.  I am not downplaying Simon.  He can do some things, and has shown some signs of life, but he needs to play on a lower responsibility position.

Ricky played OK tonight.  Got beat on some brilliant moves by Buffalo, but hopefully that five minute span was an abberation.

However, the proof of the game, was the excellent job by the entire team in the third period.  Once again, Buffalo had a lead going in.  Arron Ashm came up the right wing, and launched a laser beam that trickled under the pads of Ryan Miller.  He got his ninth, and I can imagine if he played a more offensive effort, how many goals he could have. 

“Any one who has seen Ash shoot the puck in practice knows he can shoot real hard,” Trent Hunter said to reporters after the game. “I know I wouldn’t want to stand in front of it.”

Then Randy Robitaille, launched a slapper from about 40 feet, after he picked up a foiled clearing attempt, which got past a screened Miller, to give the Isles a one goal lead with just about 3 minutes left.  The crowd of over 15,000 went into a frenzy that has not been seen since the Ranger game.  Hilbert, along with Hunter and Sillinger teamed up to put the game out of reach with about 53 seconds remaining.  It made for a happy exit for the Islander faithful, who got 3 out of a possible 4 points from the weekend, and are now 3-9-0 in game swhen trailing after two frames. Most critics were thinking they would get none, but the hard effort of the Isles, and contributions from all lines, the team is not going to relax in their efforts to keep in the playoff hunt.

FOUR STARS OF THE GAME (according to me).

1. Arron Asham (two goals - solid effort)
2. Trent Hunter (on fire, now scoring to go with his hitting)
3. Randy Robitaille (GWG)
4. Allan Rourke (assist on the Asham goal to tie the game)

GOLD STAR AWARD

• The HAVOC Energy Zone.  These tickets behind the goals in the 100 and 200 sections are sold for $19, 90 minutes before the start of the game with student ID.  This is a great opportunity for the future fans and potential future seaon ticket holders of the team, to get involved and be a part of the support.  It has been nothing but huge success for the Islanders, and helps to improve the attendance woes.

TIN TWIT AWARD

• The operators of the arena, SMG.  With the potential of the Islanders getting SMG out of the building, and SMG acting like 3 year old children and wining about it, the people that operate the building make things worse and worse for the fans.  The building used to be open 90 minutes before game time, it has been reduced to 60.  Then last night, my wife drive into the pre-paid parking section, and some guy is trying to get people to park one row at a time, spot to spot.  With over 1,000 spaces, they are going to tell me to park at the end of a row, when there are spots in the front, a few feet back?  Yea, right.  Then, we walk over to the gate, at a few minutes before 6:00.  The security and staff are standing in the warmth of the building, as we freeze waiting.  Someone went to find out what the delay is, at the clock is not at eight minutes after the hour.  He was told that the ticket scanners were not there.  Nice try, ASS, but the scanners were right there in PLAIN SIGHT.  Finally, at 6:14 - we were allowed in.  A few people let out some great one-liners (right 4CUPZ?).  This company is completely ridiculous in the operation and handling of the arena.  Charles, do the fans a favor, get these people OUT of HERE!  We know there HAS to be a way of doing it.  MAKE IT SO!

Today, I am going to a Pizza Party Booster Club meeting with Bruno Gervais and Chris Campoli.  Should be fun.  Have a great Sunday!