Too many times, it just seems that we play less than 60, and every time that happens, we get shot in the arse.

Last night was no exception.

In a day where expectations were so high with the beginning of the “My Smyth goes to Uniondale” story, we allowed a depleting but energetic Blues team to come back and get 3 goals in 3 minutes for the win.

I just felt that in the second period that the team was a tired and mentally exhausted as Ryan Smyth was.  However, Ryan has a legitimate excuse.  Cross Country travel - big move to Long Island, all the thoughts of leaving his family, hockey home, etc.  The other guys, however, what happened???

Let’s talk about some good things… Ryan.  What a class guy.  He handled everything that came his way like a total gentleman.  (Never expected anything different from him though)  The Islanders video group gets a huge well done - for getting some stuff from practice, and his “I’m an Islander” commercial out so fast.

And it was fate that would have it - that he would assist on the first (and only —- dont get me started on the officiating) power play of the game.  He and Silly went on a 2 on 1 and did a great back-to-back pass with Silly, getting #18 the puck for our first goal of the game.

And if you can score or create a goal for someone else, then find another way.  Who would you think would have the wear-with-all to put the net back on the pegs before Marc-Andre Bergeron scored his goal. 

I just loved that every time he touched the puck, the fans screamed and got out of their seats in expectation of something great happeneing.  Ryan, the fans are going to do whatever they can make sure that you realize how fun it can be to play here.  When this old barn gets going - there is NOTHING like it - NOWHERE!

THREE STARS:

1. Marc-Andre Bergeron - great goal
2. Ryan Smyth - just for presence alone - and a great assist on the first goal
3. Rick DiPietro - for 57 minutes was great.  Three minutes to forget about - but no one else stood up so much

GOLD STAR

1. Islanders staff for getting the Ryan Smyth video up, and jerseys on the coucourse for sale.  I saw over a dozen 94 jerseys, and it looked great

TIN TWIT

1. Why do fans torment opposing goalies?  Especially when it is a close game, and we are up in front.  Root for your own team, you idiots!  Sanford did NOT suck last night!  As a matter of fact, he was fabulous in the 3rd period.  How about spending more of your vocal energy getting the guys in BLUE going, not WHITE??? Ding-dong’s (yes Keith - I blast you as well, because you were doing it too…..)

Well - the blog will be off until Sunday morning.  I will be going to DC with the Booster Club tomorrow - and should be seen on TV.  We will have 68 people in the lower sections of the Verizon Center and our sign will be back on display.  Have a great weekend everyone!