Just about every NHL blog says that we are a bad excuse for a playoff team.  We do not belong.  Buffalo can play in 1st gear, and still win in 4 games…

Well - think again.

The blistering slap shot of Marc Andre Bergeron gave the Isles a 3-2 lead, which was held on, to bring the series back to Uniondale at 1-1.

The key to success as I wrote in my last entry was to keep the physical play up, which they did, and did it well.  But not only did the physical play step up - so did the offensive play.  Two of the three goals scored, were off the sticks of defensemen.  Bergeron, and Bruno Gervais, who got his first ever NHL goal provided the offensive spark that the team needed.

I think seeing DP in net, was just as good as a late, but excellent Christmas present.  Not only was DP happy to be back, but was in some cases, tremendous between the pipes.  His presence gives the Isles an chance to get the puck up quicker, allowing the d to pick up their game, and be involved in the offense.  Hence, the two goals by the backliners.

The disappointment continues for the top forwards.  Yashin, and Kozlov look as lost as castaways of the ABC TV show.  For most of the game, the captain was on the 4th line, and played just over 7 minutes of the game.  For many years, I have defended him.  However, he lost lost, and needs to wear the Dunce Cap.  After the season is over, we will talk about whether or not he will continue to play hockey as an Islander.  In my opinion, I think that he should be bought out, and carry the 4 million to other players.

But - back to the game.  It was a nice effort by Trent Hunter - to tip in the first goal.  He is one of the few that always seem to show an effort just about every time he steps onto the ice.

The good thing about tomorrow - is that we will have the last change for the next two games.  We can put out our checking line against Drury and Briere more often.   The philospohy of the way the team plays defense needs to continue.  The ability of the guys to play hard, without taking silly penalties need to be emphasized.  The gameplan worked to a “T” and there is no doubt in my mind that Ted and the staff will continue preaching the physical play, along with the patience.

Hopefully - we will see more instances like this tomorrow night.  I figured that if we were down 0-2, I would simply say that we are ‘on serve’.  Now - I can say, “Advantage Islanders!”

Now - the NHL has seen that Buffalo CAN be beaten.  Getting some more “W”’s in the win column will show the rest of the league and the hockey world, that the Isles are NO PUSHOVER, and we DESERVE to be where we are.

Just remember how Ted did SO WELL in 97 and got Coach of the Year.  The year before, he DID NOT make the playoffs.  The brightness is getting clearer, and we are looking good!  C’mon Islanders - come on the playoff train….

But let’s deal with 1 game at a time, and tomorrow night - we can be 2-1 up!

Posted under Playoff 07