First of all, let me say thanks for the kind words… It has been a tough week for me. I never wish this situation on anyone, but unfortnately, life happens. My mom is improving, and should be on the road to a better day, but she has a lot of work to do. Not only her, but the whole family as well. We will keep a stiff upper lip and move on.

Well - I am going to try and begin my writing again….

So - what has happened since we last were around…

Oh yea, the Isles have slipped mightily. Tough times. The injury bug, and the disappointing play have left the team very far on the outside looking in. Are we going to make the dance? Honestly, it will be quite tough. I never will lose faith, but I can see what they have to do, in order to get there, and the task is looking more and more monumental.

Ahh - but we did it last year, you say….

Yes that is so right - however, that team was clicking on all cylinders and more in the last 6 games. This team, to my dismay, is not showing those signs. There are good efforts, but some inefficient ones too.

To me - there is one major problem that has become so prevalent over the whole season, and returns again…

When we can get bodies in front of the net, we score and do well. When this team stays to the perimeter of the offensive zone, we are not only inefficient, but inept.

Sorry - but I call it as I see it.

Fedotenko, Vasicek, Guerin, Hunter, Colliton…. They are good sized bodies. They need to create traffic. I have been saying this all along, but it falls through deaf ears on the ice. You can get all the shots you want (see the Florida game on the 2nd), but if you can only muster low percentage shots, you will not be successful; even if your name is Bossy.

Defensively, there have been lapses. Too much responsibility has been placed on players such as Johnson, Davison, among others. Freddy Meyer has stepped up tremendously, to the delight of all. He is not 5′10″, is he? He is playing like Chara at times. He has been a big plus. Missing Sutton, Gervais and Campoli has made this team inefficient. Injuries happen, but this team has not overcame them. Some times teams do, sometimes not.

By the way - this is not berating the team… This is just observation and honestly. I will stay with this team all the way through… that is what being a fan is all about. However, let’s be realistic; do I want this team in the playoffs? I just do not see them doing what last year’s squad did, as well as make up so much ground. Philadelphia, Buffalo, Florida, Washington…. No - not this time fans. I want it, but let’s see this team retool and add on the right way for next season, and get stronger. I know that we can.

Well - I will try to write a little more as the season ends. I will be in the Caribbean from Good Friday for a week, so I will be writing from the ocean….

Again - thanks for the support. Better days are coming… I promise. Beat the Bolts tonight!