Don’t you think that the word is overly used. Every time you get to a game 4 - the word pivotal always seems to break the surface.

Yes, it is a pivotal game. Pittsburgh needs it - to get the series even at 2, making it a best of three. Detroit wants o sneak out of town with a 3-1 lead, going hme to clinch the whole enchilada.

Nice to see that Sidney stepped up to the plate the other night. Berate him, mock him, call him everything in the book. However, he truly is a great player, and only getting better. The debate on TV was interesting… could he be better than his landlord, Mario?

Highly doubt that. I think that Mario would have been the best ever, if the “Big Casino” and back issues did not come to play. His numbers would have swallowed up Gretzky. And the fact that Lemieux was not just for offense only. Oh, there were times that he ‘hung’ around the blue line. But he forechceked, as well as giving and taking hits.

Unfortunately for the Pens, we have not seen the same effort from Malkin. For the Pens to get this series even, they need some contributions from all.

Let’s see tonight.

The show will be on tonight, as the 3rd period is happening in Pittsburgh. Hope the Pens show some more effort and score some goals. They have the last change, so will be able to match up to Detroit better.

They need this, or it’s over Johnny on Friday!

Went to the Lighthouse Scope Meeting at Hempstead Town Hall last night. Some interesting insights happening, and many people, especially in the Hempstead, Uniondale surrounding area, have some concerns…

1. Affordable housing. This was supposed to be an Environmental Impact Study meeting, but it turned into getting more affordable housing. On Long Island, that is a very hot and important topic. However, this meeting was for other issues.

2. Trolley/Light Rail concerns. Garden City vehemently disapproves of any light rail system going through Garden City. I realize that something along these lines is needed to make this a success. However, I think Garden City is going to be a thorn in the side.

3. Water/Sewage Concerns. I know that this is a hot topic, as you are going to increase the 5% usage of the land to 90%, you are going to have major concerns about seqage, water consumption, the water table and environmental issues. From meeting with the Lighthouse group last month, we know that Mr Wang and Mr Rechler have not only identified the issue, but are putting major $$ into feasibilities and methods to make this not only feasible, but green as well.

4. Jobs. Many are interested in seeing this project get involved in the local job market and create apprenticeships and internships for men and women in the local area. This is a great idea, that I am sure that will be a focus in the Wang/Rechler project.

5. Transportation in General. And no ma’am, the parking is not going to be above ground, but BELOW! Wang/Rechler are spending millions in studies to see what needs to be done to try and limit and/or alleviate transportation concerns. Parking will be invisible, and ma’am, the county gets the revenue. Not one dime goes to the Islanders, so please ask Mr. Suozzi for that.

I am also so glad, that Islander fans (my wife included), got up and spoke about the importance of this project to the arena and the team. Yes, the Islanders are the major tenant, but other events, concerts, etc., are held there. I am sure that nearly every adult has been to that building at some point in time. This can be the showplace of the entire island. As for us Islander fans are concerned, that LOGO with our home on our chest, is SO IMPORTANT, that it needs to be emphasized, that without the Islanders, this area would be tumbleweeds, and NOTHING.

Mr. Wang has done SO Much for this team, spending millions on refurbishments to a building that he does not even own. Getting SMG’s collective arses out of the building will be the first step in a long line of improvements that will allow the Islanders and Nassau County be happy to call Uniondale (Not Garden City East) home.

Tune in next time in the continuing saga.

Amazing what a few days will do to the psyche of a team…

I really expected the Pens to have a chance to ’steal’ a game at the Joe. I really thought the youth and playmaking of the wunderkinds would have allotted to a couple of goals.

Boy was I wrong.

Detroit has totally dominated the Pens in every stretch of the word. The Wings are just so good in transition, as well as making great plays from literally nothing. When it seems that this team is beginning to run around in circles, BAM, not only does a play emerge, but it results in a goal. They just know how and when to pounce on an opponent.

And with this team filled with many ‘vets’, fans are just waiting to see the ball drop on them. However, someone comes out of the woodwork, and makes an impact. Once someone leaves, some late round draft pick will take over and step in like the chemistry NEVER changed.

Pittsburgh should be happy to be at home, and be able to make the last change, as well as get the fans onto their side. They need this big time.

See what happens tomorrow. Will we get a sweep, or will Pitts make a series out of this.

BTW - Islander fans, there will be a Lighthouse Meeting tonight. Here are the details, courtesy of the Islander web site:

The time to support the Lighthouse at Long Island is now!

The Lighthouse project, the exciting redevelopment of the 150-acre Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site from a parking lot to a vibrant destination, has its second Public Scoping session at 7 p.m. on May 27. It will be held at the Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion at Town of Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead.

These sessions are open to the public and anyone interested may enter for consideration their comments regarding possible impacts of the project.

We need you to join us in making the Lighthouse a reality so we can all start to experience the countless benefits of the project.

I hope to make it… See you there!

*** Taken from New York SportsDay.com ***

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY - In the first five matches against the Bridgeport Bluefish this season before today, the Long Island Ducks have surrendered 58 runs. Especially in the first two games of this series, the visitors from Connecticut have taken advantage in of Long Island starters, especially in the first few innings, accumulating leads that they would not vanquish.

After losing the first two of this series, Long Island decided to change the roles, and became the attackers. Scoring in each of the first six innings, the Ducks bats were awake on Sunday, wreaking havoc on Bluefish pitchers. On the strength of two Carl Everett home runs - with the latter being a Grand Slam - the Ducks (14-15) came away with a 19-6 victory over the Bluefish (14-15), in front of 6,211 at Citibank Park.

Everett, among the top 10 in batting average (.369) hit a solo shot off Bridgeport starter Carlos Castillo (0-2), in the first, and hit a massive shot to right in the 5th off Chris Eikhorst. Everett has been on base for 20 consecutive games.

“He is so comfortable at the plate right now, and proves to be a leader every day in the clubhouse”, said Ducks interim manager Bud Harrelson with skipper Dave LaPoint away, attending his son’s college graduation.

Every Ducks starter got at least one hit. Only P.J. Rose did not get a run batted in. Kevin Haverbusch stroked his second home run of the season and had three of the sixteen hits of Bluefish pitching.

Estee Harris, a native of Central Islip, blasted the third pitch of the game for Long Island over the right center field fence giving the Ducks the lead. He also drove in a run on a fielders choice, scored three runs, and stole two bases.

“Carl (Everett) has been such a great mentor for Estee”, said Harrelson. “He has worked with him, and worked on getting his confidence up and keep an even keel at the plate.”

Ducks starter Randy Leek (2-1), gave up a run in the second with only one hit out of four in the inning reaching the outfield. Leek pitched seven strong innings, striking out six and walking none. The former MacArthur High School General from Levittown, has been one of the more consistent starters on the Ducks over the past two seasons, with a WHIP of just under 1.00.

“The bullpen has been overworked of late, so with a big lead like that, it’s my job keep throwing strikes”, said Leek. “I had a game plan to keep the hitters off the plate, get inside a little bit, and keep them guessing.”

With this victory, the Ducks are back to a virtual tie with Bridgeport, six games behind Liberty Division leading Camden. At the 40% mark for the first half, there is still time to chip into the division lead.

“The upcoming road trip (four in Lancaster, and three in Southern Maryland), is very important. A game like this, will give the guys some real confidence for next week. Good things.”

And that’s what they are hoping for next week.

Notes: In each of the first six innings, the Ducks got the first man on base. Those runners subsequently scored. P.J. Rose’s consecutive RBI streak ended at seven. Rob Cafiero, part time player and coach, pitched the ninth inning, allowing three runs on three hits, to raise his ERA from 0.00 to 6.75. Bridgeport’s Luis Lopez who went four for four against the Ducks in Saturday night’s contest, went zero for five today. Jamal Strong made the unusual in the score sheet registering a sacrifice fly to second base and a RBI. Actually, the second baseman for Bridgeport was unable to catch the fly ball, (it was called infield fly rule), but P.J. Rose smartly came down the third base line to score Long Island’s first of four runs in the third inning. The Ducks leave after the game, for a seven day road trip to Lancaster and Waldorf, MD, before returning home on Jun. 2 for a seven game home stand against Somerset and Newark.

Did not get to see the game, unfortunately, because I was at the Ducks game. It sounded like the Wings were totally dominant. A lot of these young kids of Pittsburgh have been calm cool and collected during the past three series, but in this instance, I guess the youth and exuberance was not the best thing for these guys.

Maybe tonight, a little desperation would be the ingredient they need to tie up the series.

However, I have been in DUCK mode for the last few weeks. I went to the game on Saturday, and covered the game on Sunday (the article will shown below). They have had some injuries to their staff, and lost their closer Joe Valentine (AAA- Phillies). After losing the first two games against Bridgeport, the Ducks EXPLODED for 19 runs (scored one in all but one inning), for a 19-5 victory. The Ducks are tied for 3rd with Bridgeport - 6 games behind division leading Camden.

BTW - at 3PM today, say a prayer in silence for those that have been lost in serving our country in the military, and for those who are doing it today. No matter what side of the fence you may be politically (and frankly, I do not care), please give your wholeharted support to the men and women who defend our freedom.

Have a great memorial day, everyone… It is BE-A-UTIFUL! day!

Garth Snow is visiting the NYI Booster Club meeting tonight - along with Paul Lancey of the Lighthous foundation.

Looking forward to hearing his thoughts for the summer and next year. I am interested to see what direction the team is looking to go.

I was unable to make the town meeting last night, so I know that information will be a repeat to some, but it was real nice that Garth was able to give us some time as well.

We are going to get updates from the Lighthouse project. I got to see a glimpse of this before it went to the public a few weeks ago. I am real excited about it. The thought of having a building that will be helpful to not only give us better access, but a showplace for the Island…

Will write more tomorrow about the meeting..

I think it is time for my comments.

I expected to see the Penguins to make it to the Conference finals. I did not expect, however, to see them win as easily and handily as they did.

I think the last few weeks of the season, and heading into the first round against Ottawa, I just felt something special was going to happen to the Pens. And I am sure that the doubters and the naysayers were saying that the NHL wants Pittsburgh to win. Typical response from these people (and I am sure that they all wear the blue and red…)

And let me get this off my chest right now. I am not a big Sid fan. I believe that he has a tremendous talent base, and is good for the league and all of that stuff. I think he will be a definite asset to the game for years to come. He is the type of guy that you hate if you play against him, but the fans in Pittsburgh are in love with him. Along with his comrade Gino, they are the best duo in hockey.

Does he dive?

He may embellish a little. I am sure that in some instances that a penalty may or may not be ready to be called, he may drop his weight to the ice, in the hopes of the referee’s hand going up.

I think he is a better player than that to just up and dive.

These naysayers also believe that the ref’s were told to give Crosby the benefit of the doubt all the time… Yes - I am sure that the post-season payouts would be taken away if they did not constantly give players like Crosby, Malkin, Hossa and others the breaks they need to win the game….

You people are so full of yourselves…

Ranger fans understand - Pittsburgh is just a better team than you, that are playing at the highest level right now. Your team did a good job - and the games were close; but the Pens are just better. I think that your team has great foundation players, and the young guys are moving up quite well. Callahan, Dubinsky, Girardi, Betts, among others are good players and will be counted upon even more, as their experience level increases. But believe me, you did not lose, because Bettman wants to see Sidney, the poster boy, be in the finals. Remember, a lot of the media were saying that Ranger fans should prepare for a parade in mid June down the Canyon of Heroes. So you thought that all of the Eastern teams should just stand aside and let you by…

uh, yea…

Anyway - am I disappointed the Rangers are out?

No.

Did I expect it?

Yes. I just thought the Pens are too much. I think they have a REAL chance to win the cup. It is just my observation that this team is peaking at the right time, and unless these guys just fall down flat, I do not expect to lose any other series. Yes - and this is a conspiracy….

Sparky’s Predictions:

Pens in 5
Detroit in 5

OH - make sure you tune into the New York Hockey Report tonight at 9PM. I should be in RARE form tonight. Make sure you check it out.

Call into the show, if you must… (646) 716-7209. Talk to you then.