Well - 12 years of the Mad Mike era is gone.

Statement from NewYorkIslanders.com

Mike Milbury has resigned his position with the Islanders as Senior Vice President of Sports Properties but will stay on as an advisor to Islanders owner Charles Wang.

After stepping down as general manager in January, 2006 Milbury took on a leading off-the-field role in the front office of Wang’s sports teams, the Islanders and the Arena Football League New York Dragons, along with charitable efforts such as Project Hope – a youth hockey initiative in China – and fundraising activities for the New York Islanders Children’s Foundation.

“Charles gave me the opportunity of a new challenge for the last 18 months and I enjoyed every minute of it,” Milbury said this afternoon. “I’m very proud of our staff and the strides we made last season in corporate sales, customer service and community relations. Although it’s time for something different for me, I appreciate the challenge of continuing the work we started with Project Hope and the Children’s Foundation, among other projects.”

In a statement released today, Charles Wang cited Milbury’s role in the revival of the franchise when he purchased the team in 2000:

“Mike remains a close friend and advisor to all of us in the Islanders family and I look forward to continuing to work with him,” said Wang.

“Mike played a major role in getting the Islanders back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs three years in a row. Before I purchased the franchise and provided Mike with the stability and resources he never had in his early tenure, the Islanders were out of the playoffs for almost a decade. Worse than that, most years they didn’t even have a chance when the season started. It was Mike who made the aggressive moves that put the Islanders back on the NHL map. Mike is also responsible for the Islanders careers of some of our fan favorites, including Rick DiPietro, Jason Blake and Trent Hunter, among many others.

“Thank you, Mike, for all of your efforts on and off the ice during our seven years together.”

Well - half of me says good riddance, and the other half says good luck.  More on this over the next week.

OK - the interesting ones are the ones with the highest numbers….

Arron Asham

An interesting decision for Garth to make, on whether he stays or goes.  This one is an enigma.

There are times that he is the best player on the ice; causing havoc, great slap shot, forechecking - just an overall pain in the arse.  Then - it is the return of Mr. Invisible.  Just a swig of Gatorade turns him to the lost man on the ice.   I love what he brought to the team in the last 20 games of the season.

If that player comes back - then we should take him.  Grade:  C

Jason Blake

Here I come to save the daaaaaaaay!  Or - Here I come to Hog the Puckkkkkkkk!

Which one? 

I do not question his work ethic, or his tenacity.  That is never in doubt.  Too may people have said that he can be what I call a ’snooty twig’!  Well - everyone has to have some sort of negative. 

But 40 goal scorers are hard to come by.  It is the third big decision that Snow needs to make.  Jason has mentioned that he wants to remain here - and I hope that is genuine.  Grade:  A-

Alexei Yashin

What can I say…. I was one that supported him through thick and thin.  I kept complaining that he needed someone on his line that really complemented him.  Over the first 25 games, Blakey was just THAT.  He was in the top 20 in scoring, and playing ALEXEI’s Game.  Then that controversian knee-on-knee hit that knocked him out for a while.  Unfortunatlely, when he returned, he left the first part of the season on the bench.

The last 10 games of the season, as the other 13K-16K fans were booing, I saw a revitalization of AY.  He got 10 points in those games, win faceoffs, played hard, and showed that he wanted to belong.  Once the playoffs hit, someone from Hogwart’s took the magic out of him, and the Yashin from the dull days of February returned.  No points!

Snow has said that he will not buy out the last few years, and he remains.  Certain players said that they would NOT return if #79 is here.  That all remains to be seen.  But the player that I really expected to come here and shine, lost a lot of luster.  And I do not think that all of the polish in the world will correct that.  For a CAPTAIN - he should be under a mutiny.  Grade:  D- (I will not fail anyone.)

Miroslav Satan

Ever had an instance where you were lost, asked someone for directions, then went about a block or two, and asked again? That was Miro.

Too many guys could not cash in on chances, and he definitely fits the mold.  He needed to get 40, and be the presence that we know he can fit.  Alas, short on expectations.  Will next season be a big one?  Only God, and Satan’s brain knows… Grade:  B-

Ryan Smyth

Captain Canada came along and showed why any team would be drooling to have him on their squad.  Dedication, hustle, hard work, perseverence.  Too bad he wasn’t here long enough, or he would have won the Nystrom Award.  (If he returns - you heard it from me - he would be the major frontrunner).

Playing in pain at the end, he did not quit.  He personifies what a revered hockey player SHOULD be.  I would want 20 Smyth’s on my team every time.

Garth - do whatever you have to do - but make DAMN SURE - you get 94 to sign on the dotted line before 1 July.  Grade:  A

Wow - it is done…. Thanks for the patience.

I know there are some that are missing (Nielsen for one - he should get a serious look next season and showed signs of good play in Bridgeport.

Congrats on getting the Grizzlies back in the fold.  We won two minor league titles with the Grizz, so maybe some fate might help.

Have a great Memorial Day Holiday - share it with family and friends.

Gary

Here is the article from the New York Islanders Web site today:

Ken Morrow has reached a new multi-year agreement to continue as the team’s director of pro scouting. Morrow, a defenseman on all four Islanders Stanley Cup championship teams and the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, will continue to serve as one of general manager Garth Snow’s top advisors.

“Ken’s incredible history of service to the Islanders has extended from his days as part of the dynasty as a player to being one of the leading voices on our scouting staff,” said Snow. “His experience and advice have been invaluable to me. Ken was at my side last season when we added Ryan Smyth and Marc-Andre Bergeron, among others, and I’m very happy he’ll be there for the foreseeable future.”

Morrow was a member of the “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980 and then joined the Islanders for their run of four consecutive Stanley Cups. The Bowling Green alumnus was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 and won the Lester Patrick Award for service to American hockey in 1996. Upon his retirement as a player, Morrow has served as an assistant coach (in 1991-92 under Al Arbour) and as a scout for the Islanders.

“I’m very happy about staying on and very appreciative of the faith Garth has put in me,” said Morrow. “In my mind, I’ll always be an Islander. To be able to play an important role in shaping our team means a lot.”

 

ABOUT KEN MORROW

By Jason Lockhart

Ken Morrow has often been described as unassuming and underrated, but if there’s one thing the tall, slim defenseman isn’t to any Islanders fan – it’s underappreciated.

A native of Flint, Michigan, Morrow was an All-American at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, earning the CCHA Player of the Year honors in his senior year (1979-80). In four seasons at Bowling Green, Morrow went 34-92-126 in 154 games.

Despite not playing for one of the powerhouse Boston or Minnesota universities, Morrow was chosen to play on the 1980 US Olympic Team head coach Herb Brooks.

On February 22, 1980, the US “Miracle on Ice” Team knocked off the powerful Soviets en route to the country’s most celebrated Olympic Gold Medal. Morrow had the distinction of being on the ice to start and finish the historic contest. Some might remember Al Michaels’ famous call in the game’s final moments:

“…Eleven seconds, you’ve got ten seconds, the countdown going on right now! Morrow, up to Silk…five seconds left in the game…Do you believe in miracles? YES!!!”

The famous American victory was just the beginning for Morrow, who had been heavily scouted during the tournament by the Islanders, looking to bolster their defense for their playoff push. Drafted by the Islanders in the third round of the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft, Morrow joined the Islanders for the final 18 games of the regular season.

With the addition of Morrow as well as Butch Goring and the return of Denis Potvin from injury, the Islanders went an impressive 10-3-5 in their final 18 games of the 1979-80 season to finish second in their division to Philadelphia.

From there, the Islanders went on to win their first of four consecutive Stanley Cups. Morrow became the first player to win an Olympic Gold Medal and the Stanley Cup in the same year.

Morrow would be an integral part of all four Stanley Cup-winning teams. While he didn’t score many goals, Morrow scored a number of timely ones in the playoffs, including three overtime tallies. His most famous one was his series-clinching overtime-winner in Game 5 of the 1984 Patrick Division Semifinals against the Rangers.

You won’t see Morrow’s profound impact by looking at his career stats – 17-88-105 in 550 games over ten seasons – but rather in the way he carried himself on the ice. He was modest, but dished out thunderous checks. He was described as an awkward skater, but was always in the right position. His shot wasn’t the hardest, but it was effective.

Morrow left the ice in 1989 as humbly as he joined the team back in 1980. But that was just the next step in Morrow’s path with the Islanders. After a brief coaching stint with the Kansas City Blades of the IHL, Morrow re-joined the Islanders as an assistant coach to Al Arbour for 1991-92 season before moving to the Islanders’ scouting ranks.

In 1992, Morrow was named the Director of Pro Scouting, lending his insights to player acquisitions at the pro level. His lifetime dedication and service to hockey earned him a place in the US. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Lester Patrick Award in 1996.

Ken and his wife Barbara have three children: Krysten Noelle, Brittany and Evan

Class move by the Isles, if you ask me.  This is one of the most nicest and most gentlemanly person that the Islanders have EVER had.  It is always good to surround yourselves with the best people, and ol number 6 is JUST THAT.

WELL DONE GARTH!

More forward reviews tomorrow and on the weekend.

Now - it is time to talk about the rear line folks.  This, remember, is the view of this poster, and no one else.  You may disagree all you like, please make your comments on it (in good taste).

Ok - here we go - in alphabetical order.

Marc Andre Bergeron

He made an immediate impact on this team, with his arrival from Edmonton.  His blistering slap shot reminds many of Fulton Reed - the kid on the Mighty Ducks movies.  He can blast the living crap of a pane of glass, so shatter the twine in the back of the end.  He also broke more sticks than anyone on the team.  He has such a torque on his shot, that the manufactures must love him for the number of pieces of sticks he needs.  He averaged nearly a point a game - and brought the team’s power play from near the bottom of the pack, to nearly the top 10.  He has some defensive liabilities, but in the right situation, he has been a god-send to this team.  Grade:  B

Chris Campoli

The beginning of the season was a tough one for #14.  He really thought he was going to ‘cake walk’ onto the team - from the looks of things.  However, I really believe that he needed some time in the Port to get his head together.  Once he did - and returned back - he was a little slow at the gate.  However, he started to move up by leaps in bounds.  Especially in big games, such as the last Ranger game, and the Buffalo series - he stepped his game up, and proved what kind of an impact he can be on a team.  He needs to keep that level up next year, and things will be fine.  To me - he needs to keep reminiding himself that he was pick number 200 and something, that he has to work hard all the time to stay in the lineup.  I like Chris, and the future is definitely there.  Grade:  C

Bruno Gervais

The defensive ‘flip-flop’ this season.  Last year, Campoli was up and Bruno was down.  This year, the other way around.  He played hard all through camp, and got the chance.  Unfortunately, the injury bug hit him a few times this season.  However, the last games of the season, and in the playoffs, he, along with his former Bridgeport teammate Campoli, played well together, and showed their ability to hang tough with some of the best forwards in the NHL.  Between his happy-go-lucky attitiude and his “Peeza” making skills, he should be a good Islander for a long time to come.  Grade:  C+

Sean Hill

He was definitely an interesting case.  In the beginning of the season, he could not stop taking stupid penalties; grabbing to catrch up to speedy forwards.  Then from about the 40 game point of the season, showed some grit and toughness, and played a more disciplined game.  Then, before game 5 of the playoffs, we found out that he was the first NHL player caught in the substance abuse system for performance enhancing drugs.  What a complete shame.  He should NOT return next season.  If this did not happen, I would have give Hill a B-.  However…. Grade F:

Radek Martinek

To me - the best overall defensemen this season.  What an unfortunate incident in Montreal that he blew his leg out in an unfortunate accident.  He plays the PP, PK and overall better than anyone on this team, with no one even recognizing it.  I hope he is 100% ready in September.  Most said that if we upset Buffalo - we may have saw him in Round 2.  However, 100% all year in 07-08 will help this team more than you can imagine.  Grade:  A-

Freddy Meyer

Nice acquisition from Philly in the Mike York deal.  He wasn’t flashy, not big, and not powerful, but in most cases, was a consistent player.  He can make it a contest for the number 5 or 6 spot, but I really think he would be on the short end of the stick, if all stay healthy.  A broken finger - at the wrong time - ended his season.  Grade:  C

Tom Poti

The former Ranger fit real well with this team.  Can handle all facets of the defensive game, as well as log big minutes (I think he had at least a dozen games of over 30 minutes played).  He had a career mark in assists, and seemed to do quite well when he went to MSG or the Rangers came to Long Island.  I wonder why???  A good Neil Smith acquisition that has fit well.  To me - speed is the only real problem in his game.  He just does not have a lot of it.  I think he should be paired with either Campoli or Gervais, to balance that issue next year.  Grade:  B

Brendan Witt

The tattoo clad warrior, was a welcome need to this team.  He plays hard all the time - agitates profusely, drew dozens of penalties this season, and always seem to give more of a damn about the game than others.  I am glad we have him for two more seasons.  It will be interesting to see him and Avery for 8 games next season.  Maybe he can give Mr. Elisha Cuthbert a brutal smackdown.  Got career highs in points, as well as his 100th in the NHL.  Points are just a bonus for him.  Once he got his early grabbing penalties out of his skin this season, he was the best defensive D-man on the team by far.  Grade:  B

Yes - in some cases, I may have graded a little higher than most.  I grade from my heart, as well as grade on the potential opportunity for improvement next season as well.

Later this week, I will do the first half of the forwards.  This should be fun.  Enjoy round 2 of the playoffs.  Don’t worry Buffalo - get the win tomorrow - and you should be fine going home to clinch.

Hasn’t the first two games of NJ/Ott  been real good?  So has the Anaheim series.  The Det/SJ series is going to be such a physical bomb blast.  It is fun to watch this season.  I usually don’t when my team is eliminated, but for this season, it is an exception.

Duck season starts this week (Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic Baseball League).  I start covering the Ducks this weekend, and will have some articles on them as well on this site.  QUACK QUACK!

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…

For about 90 minutes, as I stood in Dave and Busters last night - I really thought that the Isles were done.  Everything that they tried to do - was swatted, poke checked away; just basically eliminiated by the Sabres.  This team did not win the President’s trophy for nothing.  They are so strong and so fast, that it just did not seem in the cards for us to get anything going.  I was starting to feel as if I was giving up.

Well - not so fast.  The Isles caught some lightning left in that proverbial bottle.

Miro made up for his defensive miscue and got the team on the board.  Then Trent Hunter - probably my Islander MVP for the series got a goal as well.  Then Chris Campoli rushes in and gets one too.  The crowd is quiet - the Isles are rolling.  We have a chance - we pull DP and swarm Miller.  Can we get it?  Can we tie this thing up - swing the momentum back, and maybe get a game 6 Sunday?

Unfortunately - about two inches away.

It was just like the wind went from gale force to calm in a matter of seconds.  That is what I felt like when it was over.  What started out as stuff you dont even see in soap operas, to a lousy west coast start, to a time in first place in the division, to a lull to start 2007, to a fantastic 15 game stretch in February, to the DP injury, to the “Dubie” show, to the non-called goals, to those two inches away from a tie game, the Islander season is now a complete story.

As Howie and Billy said after the game - this team has NOTHING to be ashamed of.  They were not supposed to even get this far.  According to the brain surgeons in the media, we were probably going to get the first pick in the draft this year.  However, we were better than 14 other teams in the league, and two others were even eliminated before we were.

Am I proud of this team?  Dumb question THAT is!

These guys never gave up, and showed all that a Ted Nolan team will never quit and leave it all on the ice.  There have times that I have been more elated (obviously - the cup years, the upset of the Pens in 93 come to mind), but this season, for the all of the controversy and “us against the world” mentality, I have never been proud to say I am an ISLANDER!

I am going to take some time, and reflect on some things.  I will come up with a final report card for the team, and talk about what is next for the organization.  I will chime in with a playoff thing or two.  I will start to change gears, and get into my two baseball teams that I will be watching:  the Mets and the Ducks (Long Island Ducks for those of you outside the area that don’t know who they are).  I will also put in some banter, some soccer stuff, even some other ramblings that may enter my mind.

This is a fun, but tough time for me.  It is sad, but in a way, good.  Now - I have some time to do other things.  Spring cleanup for one, outside things (now that we are finally getting spring temperatures around here).  Spring is the time for renewal - and I like seeing the flowers coming up and colors on lawns other than white snow and dark lifeless grass.  Well - it always cheers me up a bit.

At this time, I want to thank the thousands that have looked at my little corner of the world, and read my blog.  From all over Long Island, New York, the USA, and other parts of the world, I appreciate that you all have taken the time to visit this site, and read my ramblings.  I also enjoy the comments that you have given to me as well.  Everyone has an opinion, and I respect all of them.  It may not be the ones I have, but the banter has been fun.  Please keep it up - it makes me feel that my words mean something, and will keep me going.

Have a great off season - and we will talk to you soon.  Thanks again!

Gary

We are biased, sure we are, but I think they are DEAD WRONG!

I am not saying that we are going to walk away with all the silverware come mid-June.  I am no dummy. We snuk in on the last day of the season, and walked away with the last coveted spot.  The one that was supposed to be reserved for one of the two ‘old guards’. 

How dare we make it and both Montreal and Toronto are not?  The boards in Ontario were filled with naysayers and little crying children accusing Lou Lamiorello of just about everything you can think of, as he did Canada one big poo poo by not starting Brodeur on Sunday.  They think that was inconceivable.

However, look at the mirror.  You totally blew it on Long Island, when you had the chance.  So blame yourselves, Canada, that your beloved Leafs are now at 40 years and counting.  I feel so bad for Darcy Tucker that he doesn’t get to see the post-season this year….

Yea, and my name is Bill Gates.

Well - most predictors are not even giving us a game.  It seems that last year, the Edmonton Oilers were in the same predicament as they took on the Detroit Red Wings.  Well - two players on the Oilers roster are here, and strangely enough, they made it the exact same way as we did… Make you go hmmmm…

The point is - is that anyone can win a 7 game series from everyone.  It is just typical that Larry Brooks gets to continue ’spewing’ his Islander love fest.  They all gave us NO CHANCE to get through last week, and secure number 8.  Well - we havent heard a real apology Mr. Brooks.  How about getting away from your laptop, and pull a mea culpa!

I never gave up on my Islanders, and still will not this time.  The mountain may be tough, but people climb them, simply, “because they are there”.

As Steve Mears mentioned at the Booster Club Meeting last night - “anything can happen…it should be a real fun ride!”

Get on board….. Time to get the playoff shuttle.  Let’s shuffle to Buffalo!

Leave to our boys to make it an interesting end to the season.

Well - I make Marc-Andre and Ryan cards for public office.  I think it is time to make on for the best backup around, DUBIE!

Was he brilliant or what!  Yes - he gave up two goals (one of a fluky deflection) and the other one - well - I do not want to talk about it…. But Dubie did a great job, and kept us in the game.  And with that poke check on the third shootout attempt, we have been added to the playoffs.  We will take on Buffalo in the middle of the week, up at the HSBC Arena.  We will talk about the matchups as we get closer.  But for now - the excitement is so great!!!!

For the first time since 1994, all three New York teams are in the playoffs!  And that is a great thing!

For all of the folks in Toronto and Montreal - we are sorry to hear that you did not get to make the dance…

Oh crap - no I am not!  I am glad you are done….  Toronto - you had your chance, and on Thursday, your Marlies looked 100% better than you did.  And you nearly BLEW it against Montreal.  See you in October.. Enjoy your golfing!  And Montreal - too little too late.

And it kills me to do this, but I have to thank the Rangers for beating Montreal on Tuesday night last week.  This is as far as I am going to get as far as getting on the Ranger bandwagon.  For 150 minutes or so - we were Ranger fans - but you are the enemy now!

The Devils, speaking of other competition, did not die today, they played a great game, and did not fall over.  Scott Clemmenson did a yeoman’s job today, and played well, and did the Devil uniform proud.  They are going to be tough competition for the Lightning, and they better be prepared.

But Dubie - you are the MAN!  You will be entered into the annals of Islander history forever!  You will always be known as the guy who brought the Islanders to the playoffs.

There were other factors that played a part of the Islanders success.  First is the play of Ryan Smyth.  He has not had the point totals that he had in Edmonton.  Mostly, due to the fact, that he did not have to be the MAN 100% of the time.  However, he play behind the net, his penalty killing performances have been spectacular.  He has done everything asked for, and more, and little by little, he seems to be loving to play on Long Island.  Do I see a future home???

The defense was great.  The guys remind me of the old wrestling character “The Ultimate Warrior”.  No matter what kind of pain they had to take, they were out there, giving their all.  I have more respect for the D than I have had all year long.

Richard Park was my #1 star.  He did not have a lot of ice time (5:52 to be exact), but played with grit and determination, and got the Isles the two goals in regulation.  He has been an unsung hero for this team all season long, and I am so glad that he is an Islander.

Celebrate, Islander fans - because you deserve it!  Talk tomorrow.

G

After Saturday, in order for the Islanders to make the playoffs, 6 things had to happen.  The following is the checklist.

1. Beat the Rangers on Tuesday
2. Montreal lose to the Rangers on Thursday
3. Beat the Maple Leafs on Thursday
4. Beat the Flyers on Saturday
5. Toronto beat Montreal on Saturday
6. Beat the Devils on Sunday

Well - the list is almost done.  It is kind of like getting to the last line of the supermarket, looking for the package of Pillsbury rolls, to complete the shopping list.  Well - we just truned the corner on the last aisle, and I spot the rolls.  We may have to tickle the dough boy.

The Isles got to that 6th item, courtesy of a 4-2 victory over Philly.  The Isles got three goals in the first two periods courtesy of goals from Satan, Yashin and Park.  The Flyers added one late in the second, and also got one late in the third as they removed the goalie for an extra attacker.  Tom Poti scored his sixth in the last 22 seconds preserving the victory for Long Island.

Then the guys were in a restauraunt in a Jersey hotel, being big Maple Leaf fans.  Kyle Wellwood got a early third period power play goal and the goaltending of John Sebastian Aubin saved the day, as the Leafs eliminated the Canadiens 6-5.  Toronto now has 91 points and the 8th spot.  The Isles and Habs have 90.  With a win today - the Isles will get 92 and go to the 8th position.  They MUST win.  Getting a point, will make the Isles tied with T.O. and lose by 1 win in the tiebreaker situation.

Therefore the eyes of ALL in the Tri-State Area and all of Canada will be focused on the game at 3:30.  By the time that you are enjoying your Easter dessert, the Isles will know if they are clearing their lockers tomorrow - or concentrating on the Buffalo Sabres for game 1 of the Playoffs.

We have been saying so much about what the Isles need to do in games, who to focus on, or what situation needs to have some concern.  Today, all I need to do is to commence praying sequences.  Ted said that it was a 1,000,000 to 1 shot of getting into the playoffs.  I think that we should have gave him $20 and get a nice payoff from it.

Keep the faith Islander fans, and we can use our playoff money the right way….

Since I had the day off from the job - my buddy Ron calls and asks what the hell am I doing home?  I asked him why was he calling my wife in the middle of the morning for???

Anyway - he said he was going to practice today, and asked if I wanted to go.  No brainer, but yeah!  So off in my car I went - and I was at Iceworks in about 10 minutes.

Very interesting to not only see Todd Simpson on the ice (he is still helping out the team, even though he can not play) but Chris Simon is involved heavily as well.  The guys looked focused, but calm.  They know that minute by minute is very important.  They can not look too far ahead.  As we saw the guys head to their bus, bound for Philly, the guys are relaxed, confident - but not overly so.  They are on an even keel, and are ready to make this weekend an important one for the team.

Now - to last night.  I am just so glad that all of Canada got a chance to see us lay the smackdown on Toronto.  They worked hard and took chances when they needed to.  Ryan Smyth has played his best two games as an Islander this week.  Most people will say that he only has one goal, but his forechecking and play behind the net has been superb.  He is the real deal, and Garth, if you are listening, you know what to do…

Dubie has another great game in net.  He has been smooth, but a little floppy at times.  But at no time, have we been disappointed with him.  Talking to Peter Botte at Ice Works, we both felt that Dubie should have been put in earlier.  Ted relied on a cold mike Dunham a little too much.  I  like Dunny, he has done a nice job, however, he was cold, not playing a game in nearly 40 days, and Dubie was playing just about every game at the Port.  It is not a wrong move by the coach, it is just a loyalty stand that he took.  We can not correct this, but we move on, and the fat lady has been thrown in the closet, hoping to be left there for a while longer.

I think Arron Asham had his best game of the season last night, playing on a line with Randy Robitaille and Jason Blake, who notched #40 on the season.  Asham had a blast shot past Andrew Raycroft to get goal #4 for the Isles, giving him 11 on the season.  I think that Coach Nolan may be seeing that he may have underutilized Asham a little, and is getting the best out of him.

Well - another BIGGEST GAME OF THE SEASON TOMORROW.  As we had to be Ranger fans last night (thanks to them - but you still blow!), now we become Maple Leafs fans on Saturday night.  Yes Islander fans, you are going to have to like this guy!  I know that it will be tough - but hey - we had to root for Jagr and the Queen Dork (Lundqvist) for a couple of hours…

Cmon you Islanders - we can still do it….