After losing 2 out of three, the Isles are in a very important spot for the next two days.

Get two wins, and the guys will be impressing the ‘experts’.  It will put the league on notice that the Isles can be a force to be reckoned with.

First and foremost - we have to start scoring goals!

Having 2 goals or less, is not going to get the job done in these two games.  We have to be aggressive, and shoot the puck.  The time for being cute, and looking for the Sportscenter highlight play is not the way to go.

Needs for tonight

Overall - a shot of Red Bull - get the guys going…  We are doing a great job in deterring shots from the opponent, but that deterrence does not need to be at ourselves as well.

In other words, shots of Bull equal shots on net.  Ottawa has not been on the tear that it was in October and early November.  In fact, they have been 500 or lower in the last couple of weeks.  They are vulnerable.  Gerber has not been the star or late, and Emery is still shaky.  Pounce, pounce, and pounce some more on them.

By the way, did I say shoot the puck!??

Guerin needs a wake up call too.  Bad penalties, horrible decisions in the game on Monday.  If this continues, you will have fans starting to wonder if he has “Yashin-disorder”!  I know that he is not that type of player, but the Captain needs to step it up a few notches.

And would somebody start telling Mr. Comrie, that he needs to stop trying to impress his lady!  He has her, now just shoot the damn puck, and score that goal.

My boy Joe V has been slumping since he got the facial damage the other night.  As soon as the confidence comes back, I am sure that he will burst out.

The only constant, is the play of DP.  He has been brilliant of late, keeping the Isles in games where most goalies would have flopped in disgust.  He has to keep that brilliance in between the pipes.

Welcome back, Mr. Bates.  After nearly a year of groin problems, and a two-week conditioning stint, it is time for #17 to return to the lineup.  He will be on the 4th with Park, and Bergenheim (I think).  Sometimes, its a little energy that brings a team back when a lineup change like this happens.  We could use it, that’s for sure.

Then - after hopefully a winning result, it is back to preparation for another Islander/Ranger battle.  Can we start 4-0 again, versus the dreaded Rangers?  It would be nice.  Back to high ground again for me.  I don’t want to get Ranger$ fans at me again…  They seem to dish it out, but have trouble having it reciprocated…  Anyway - that’s for tomorrow.  Let’s hope they win.

Hey - if you are at the game tonight - make sure to get your 50/50 tickets at the Booster Club table (between gates 3 and 4).  The proceeds go to the Islanders Children’s Foundation, and that is good, no matter what team you root for.  Any charity for the kids gets a nod in my book!