A few days to cool off.  A chance to let the frustrations of an ended season go by.  For me - I got a chance to do some lawn care - shopping, things you normally ignore when the playoffs are on.

I really loved it…. Yea, right!

But now - nearly 90 hours after the elimination, now I can look back - and see the good that came out.  We proved prognisitcators wrong, acquired players that normally Isles fans would only see in our uniform if they were playing NHL 2K7.  We made the impossible task - to get into the playoffs when we needed 4 straight wins with games with the Rangers, Leafs and Devils, leapfrogging over the Leafs and Habs to get into the 8 slot.

We were supposed to lose 9-0 to the Sabres every game.  However, we won a game at their barn, and would have won more - if the whole world wasnt against us….  And to make matters worse, we almost made the improbable comeback.  The team left the arena with their heads up high.  We the fans are proud of this team..

But there is more to do.

But before we get to that - let’s review the men that wore the uniform.  I will present my grades, and outcome for next year.  This first round, will be the goaltenders:

Rick DiPietro

Year 1 of the 15 year plan was progressing quite nicely, until a lapse of common sense (my opinion), caused a slam with Steve Begin, causing a concussion.  After returning, and returning quite nicely again, Sean Avery decided to use Ricky’s head a seat for his frumpy ass.  We lost Ricky at the most important time of the season (thanks to Dubie - we held on…).  He performed ok in the playoffs, but a shadow of the man who was ridiculously hot in February.  I think he needs to learn a little humility, and put in his head, that he is the cornerstone of this franchise, and sometimes taking the cool chance to be on ESPN may not be the right move.  Grade B+.

Mike Dunham

Performed well in the first two thirds of the season off the bench.  Got some key wins, and did admirably in numerous occasions.  However, when we needed him the most, he flauntered.  Maybe because of lack of playing time (41 days between appearances), and maybe because he just stunk the joint.  In all honesty, I think he needs to head out to pasture.  He has had a nice career, but we need a little more spark out of the backup.  Grade D.

Wade Dubielewicz

With no disrepect to Dunham, “Dubie” should have been the backup out of camp.  He had nothing more to prove in the “A”, along with having the all-time GAA in the leagues 70+ year history. He is a true pro - who was ready when it was his time to shine, and his effort in the last four games, will make him a player that will be forever remembered in Islanders history.  He is not stylish, will flop and run around the net, but gets the job done.  All we may remember, will be that poke check of Sergei Brylin in the shootout on the 82nd game of the season, but that is fine with me!  He MUST be the backup next season.  I am giving him a better grade than Ricky, because it was “Doob” that got us in.  Grade A-.

 Next entry - I will look at the defense.  Until next time…