Bring on the LEAFS!

Once again - another IMPORTANT game.  However, every game in the stretch drive is the MOST IMPORTANT GAME of the season.

Nothing short of 2 points will do.  At that point, we will be eliminated.  And folks, once again - I do NOT want to be eliminated on home ice…..

I am hoping that the guys got healed up, as they will need to be in 100% warrior mode.  Witt and Hill are the type of guys that will ignore the injury and pain, and persevere.

The offense needs to pick it up a little.  We need to get some success on the PP.  It has improved to the point where we are in the teens instead of in the twenties in the league rankings.  But we have to take advantage of potential Toronto mistakes.  They are going to be just as desperate as we are.

Now - onto other things…  Check out the front page of Newsday.  It seems that the “CLASS LESS” Rangers are at it again.  From the Ice Girl incident where that ’supposed ladies man - Lundqvist slams his stick into the Ice Girls squeegee and injures her, to the rest of the Rangers spitting at one of the other girls as she cleans by the benches.  It just shows the upstanding mentality that it is being a Ranger.  I really think that the NHL should show some balls and make a stand on this.  But the will try to throw it under the rug, as they do a lot of other things.

Hey Sean Avery - you are the biggest creep in the league, and Elisa Cuthbert, I lost 100% of the respect for you, for dating this cretin!  Too bad we can not get to Slapshot mentality and put a bounty on his head like Tim McCracken…. Add him to Fleury, Lindros, Messier, and the rest of the “Mutant list” of players that have worn the Ranger uniform.  He (Avery) will get his just desserts sometime, and I will not feel one ounce of pity!

C’mon Islanders - three more wins to go….  Then we get to see Buffalo in the first round, where ANYTHING is possible.

Hopefully tomorrow - we will have a Happy Recap, as Bob Murphy would say.

The prayers worked…

Whatever happens, will happen is what I kept saying all day yesterday.  But the following statement always followed:

As long as the Rangers do not ELIMINATE us - that will be fine!

My prayers were received, as “Dubie” played the role of the mighty swordsman whose role it was to slay the grim reaper and keep his friends safe.  Well for the next two days - we have the luxury.

Now on Thursday, as we take on the Leafs and attempt to blow them out of the playoff rush, we all will have to be staunch RANGER fans.  The Blueshirts take on the Canadiens at the Garden, and we need that Ranger win, in order to see the Isles live for another day.

Back to last night’s game - I was most impressed by the warrior-like play of veteran D-men Sean Hill and Brendan Witt.  They left their energy on the ice, and did everything possible, to keep the team in order.

These guys sacrificed their bodys for the team, and made sure that the middle was cleared as much as possible, allowing Dubielewicz to see the shots coming through.

Dubie was brilliant!  He deserves this shot, and deserves to never be an AHL player anymore.  One of the only moves that I was upset about, was the fact that Dubie was not on this roster.  He had done all that he could in the “A” (even made the All Star team this season), and should have been Ricky’s backup.  Also - I believe that Ted was totally wrong by putting a frigid Dunham in net, when Dubie has been playing just about every game at the Port.  Oh well - as long as they admit the mistake and move on - that is ok.

Class move by Satan - explaining to Deb Kaufman after the game, that he did NOT touch the puck that made the Isles get the 2nd goal.  That indeed, it was Alexei Yashin that got the goal, and I believe that is has been changed to reflect that.  Alexei has played real well of late (maybe some say too little too late), and has points in 7 straight.

Chris Campoli got 2 helpers and he seems to get the rivalry.  He plays his best games as an Islander against the Rangers.

Satan had a great move on Lundqvist to get the only goal in the shootout, which kept our playoff dreams alive.  He extended our live by another two days.  Let’s keep the prayer vigil alive to blow the Leafs back to Canada with a loss on their ledger.

THREE STARS

1. Wade Dubielewicz - 38 saves + 3 in shootout to keep the team alive
2. Sean Hill - the mighty warrior - sacrificing his body for the team
3. Brendan Witt - warrior - part 2

TIN TWIT

1. Anyone who sold their tickets to Ranger fans.  If you did - I don’t like you (Dee - you have been absolved).  However, why make our building look like a road game for us.  Such dedication that you have to the team.  Why don’t you conveniently forget to take your tickets next season, and don’t freaking bother coming back!  We DON’T NEED YOU!!!!

Phew… One down - three to go.  Get healthy guys - we will need you at your peak for tomorrow night.

I hate to admit these things… I love the playoffs.  But however, we are starting to look more like we are a non-playoff team that in it.

There is still a chance, and I will never say die, unless we are mathematically out.  However, realism is setting in, and it is making my life miserable.

And what do I attribute us NOT being in?

Sorry DP Fans - but #39 is THE REASON we are not in.  Too many times, he has been burned by rambling out of the net.  This time, in Montreal, he definitely should NOT have left his net.  There was room for him to set on Begin as he would have came down for a potential breakaway.  Steve Begin is NOT Steve Shutt!!!! (for those youngins - Steve Shutt was a 60 goal scorer for Montreal in the 70’s and 80’s)

He has to stop trying to be the hero, and do his damn job, which is making saves right in FRONT of the net - not 60 feet away!  Start being a TEAM guy!

I know I am getting flack for this, but I don’t care.  He (DP) costs us a playoff run, and he should know that it is:

ALL

HIS

FAULT!!!!!!

Well - the last game against the Rangers this season.  God I hope we go on all cylinders tomorrow and can squeak it out.  However, I am not comfortable about this.  The Rangers are playing well, and they are still playing like a bunch of bullies and getting away with murder.  So what will make tomorrow different?

Play fire with fire.  Get them at their own game.  Go after them like gangbusters.  Take Avery out, if necessary.

That is all I want to talk about this…. I am done.  Besides, I have been so busy in the office lately, and the beginning of the month is here, which makes my life even more hectic.

Talk Wednesday after the game - hopefully I am happy!

Was that first period a piece of crap or what?

Five goals in the first - two shorties and two power plays.  I can hear Bob who sits behind me at games, all the way in White Plains screaming at his TV set!

It was a tough night watching it at the Race Palace.  Although we had a good time (and I just about made my money up winning a race at the Meadowlands), a bunch of people left after the second period, and we said that Isles would start scoring when they left.

Were we right, or what???

Three goals made it close, but Buffalo sealed the deal with another one on the man advantage.

And I have to say honestly, that this is the first time this season - that I have questioned the motives of the coach.  Ted, what the heck was Dunham doing in net?  I am sorry - Dunham, to me, is:

D

O

E

N

DONE!

Dubie DESERVES his shot.  He has played outstanding.  Only one goal in 70 minutes in the NHL this season, and the one goal he let up - he really could have gotten that one too.  He has not let us down.  To me, I was EMBARASSED by Dunham’s performance.  To paraphrase the guys from the Faceoff Hockey Show that is on Wednesday nights on the internet, following the New York Hockey Report, “Dunham has gone from the best goaltender in the USA to a goalie where a half-retarded Mike Richter could defeat easily!”

Glad to see Kozlov got his career best numbers last night.  He looked strong on his skates, and showed something.  Blake has one more to 40.  Hope he gets it tonight.

Now - with the loss, we could have cried UNCLE and said it was over.  Well, Carolina lost and Montreal lost - so we did not lose any ground, and if we can steal a win over the Sens tonight - it would mean two things:  1)  Buffalo would clinch the North East Division, and 2) we can still make the playoffs.

Ottawa is talent-laden and can beat you in so many ways.  The one thing that you have to do, is try to match their skating and get to Emery early.   As good as he has been this season, he is so beatable.  Jam the net - get bodies there, and get shots from the point. Create lots of rebounds, and make the most of it.

Can we do it - Islander fans?  Yes - we still can. We just have to believe, and hope the right combination of players are on the ice tonight.  In the words of that great Met, Tug McGraw:

YA GOTTA BELIEVE!!!!

I do - do you???

Another loss to the Devils.  I believe that I have heard that song before.

But at least we got two by Marty tonight.

With no Ricky, Mike Dunham had to step up, and for all intents and purposes, he did.  He let in two power play goals that his defense looked confused and lazy, and the second goal slid in off the body of Chris Campoli.  And that was enough for the Devils to officially clinch a playoff berth with a 3-2 win.

Dunny got a case of the cramps and dehydration after the 3rd goal and was replaced by Wade Dubielewicz. 

Alexei Yashin had another strong game, scoring a power play BLAST by Brodeur.  He has picked up his game of late, but it may be TOO LATE! 

Jason Blake notched his 38th of the season in a scrum around Brodeur with 6 minutes left in regulation.  The Isles certainly played a more inspired game for the second half of the contest, but in the first half looked lethargic and going through the motions.  Sorry, but Ryan Smyth is looking lost out there.

I would like to take this time - to offer a question for all of those who read this column to comment on.  I really would like for you to click on the comment link at the top of this page, and let me know what you think.  Here is the question:

Is Ricky’s careless play in Montreal, the main reason to blame the team for not making the playoffs this year?  If so, why?

A couple of days off, before shuffling off to Western New York for Friday night.  Then Fan Appreciation Day against the Sens on Saturday.  If the Isles have any chance at all, they MUST get 4 points over the weekend, and hope for the best.  They are not out, just set back a bit.  The next two games should seal the fate, depending on what they do.  Time will now really tell the tale.

THREE STARS

1. Alexei Yashin - another strong game, moving his feet, blasting that goal past Brodeur
2. Jason Blake - adding to the career totals
3. Wade Dubielewicz - 6 out of 6 (14 for 14 in an Islander uni this year) - kept the team in late

TIN TWIT

• The fans on various message boards that are already walking away.  Yes - I know that the chances are dwindling.  However, you people sound like bandwagon jumpers only being a real fan when they are winning.  You people make me sick!  Being a fan of a team means you support them no matter WHAT HAPPENS.  Hey - I am not happy when they lose, or end up out of the running for a spot in the playoffs.  But I will never lose my loyalty or my interest, even at the end.  Do you walk away from everything else that does not go your way?  Why should this be any different.  I want no part of you, if you dont stay 100% supportive of your team.

Well - my rant is over - have a good day!

Well - time to rise above it.

Ricky has post concussion syndrome.  Dubielewicz and Rourke were recalled from the Port for tonight.  Will Dubie play?  I think he should.  He has been hot lately, and playing every game - so we should stick with a game shape player.

This is a tough blow, but already I am seeing people wimpering and crying on the boards that we are done…

JUST SHUT UP and support the team, damnit!

I am really sick and tired of people just giving up and saying forget it.  Teams have gotten hot for no reason and made marks.  Do you forget that we have a coach who had a team that was supposed to finish DEAD LAST in this conference playing over their heads?  How about giving him a chance, or do we sit around and play dead?

If you all feel that way, then sell your tickets and dont bother coming.  I definitely DO NOT want to see you there!!!!  Just leave and don’t bother to come back.  This really infuriates me!

We will win tonight - I still have faith! I hope you do too!

Lastly,  this chart shows the number of hits to this site, since I started in August 2006.  Thanks to all of you, this site is growing by leaps and bounds.  Please tell your friends to check it out, as well as make comments.  I appreciate the support!  Have a great day everyone…

Also - as of 4:00 - DP was upgraded to Day-to-day.  However, you naysayers should still be shot by a firing squad.  It was the dopey Canadian media who had Ricky down and out.  They are just a sad lot too….

Sounds like a broken record, doesn’t it?

I have no real ‘hate’ for the Devils.  It is not the same as the Rangers, but the Devils play can drive you to become a serious drinker, or a religious convert.

The team has to ‘forget’ about the past tendencies against the Devils, and come up with a supreme effort tonight.  The goaltending has been fine, but Ricky needs to step it up even further today than he has in the past.  I know that he looks up to Marty, but it is time to lay the smackdown on #30 in white.

I am not ripping on the team’s overall effort against the Rangers, but we are going to have to be extra careful about committing silly penalties against this team, because there is almost a certain chance that the Devils will not be penalized at all.  They are known for being the least penalized team in the NHL.  This should be point number 1 in their attack on New Jersey tonight.

Also - getting all three scoring lines going.   They have to make plays, get the scoring chances in, and find ways to stop the ‘non-trap’ that they use.  They may have to dump more than they are used to, but they have to make a great deal of crazy movements in the neutral zone to stop their blue line defense.  Again, all the lines have to ‘click’.

Hoping for a strong effort tonight.

Player to Watch:  Miro Satan - missed his first game in over 300 consecutive the other day, and just has not been himself in the past few weeks.  We need to get more consistency from him, and get his linemates moving as well.  It may be a 2 goal effort that may win it tonight, so we need to get output from as many as possible.

Again - congratulations to Trent on winning the Nystrom Award.  What a great effort and a class guy to boot!  By the way- that is my lovely wife Claire (not Carol as the Islanders had it on the board), presenting Trent with the award before the game Sunday.  Boy she looks small, doesn’t she?

Well - get the two points guys, and keep the pressure going.  We need everything that we can get.

Talk tomorrow…  By the way - check out Pat (the drive for five’s show) it is on Tuesdays at noon, on BrooklynCollegeRadio.org.  And check out Pat’s site (www.thedriveforfive.com).

Once again, it seems that the Isles, when needed to pounce on the Rangers, did not come up to the test.

I think Yash played his best game in a long while.  He was moving without the puck, he was hitting players, and creating open chances.  He dug in to get that goal past Lundqvist, to even up the game.

Too many people will say that Smyth did not have a good game.  He is a goal scorer, but too many people just decide that when a player does not score that he had a bad game.  Watch a little more of the game, please…

There were too many incidents where the Rangers were simply roughing and getting in many cheap shots at the Isles, which went unnoticed.  I try not to side on the fact that officiating took the game away from the Isles, but in this case, I will say it..

THE

DAMN

REFS

COST US

THIS

GAME!!!

Too much crap went uncalled and simply ignored by the “schmucks in stripes!”  Sean Avery can be a good player, but he is as dirty as they come, and someone needs to take him down.  Enough said.  In too many Islander fans minds, it is simply the fact that an original six team getting the benefit of the doubt.  That will piss off Ranger fans, but I don’t care.  Convenient review calls, but we all know where that puck was, dont we Queen Henrik???  Squeezing the stick of the defender to get a holding the stick call in OT.  If that was reversed, I would bet you big money that the call would NOT be made.

I am just disgusted, and I know Islander fans all over are too.  Yuck!  Onto tomorrow and NJ.

THREE STARS

1. Alexei Yashin - got the goal to tie up the game - good hard working job
2. Rick DiPietro - did a nice job in net
3. Trent Hunter - Nystrom Award winner - and bang up job in front of the net

GOLD STAR - Trent Hunter - the winner of the Nystrom Award.  A class guy who was quite humbled when he was told of his award win.  I like him more and more with every game.

As I write this, the damn Rangers got a tying goal in Boston.  Therefore, they remain in 7th, with the Isles only 1 point back with one game in hand.

The Isles had their lapses, but had great moments throughout the game.

Blakey and Smyth looked real well, and cycled the puck with authority.  As did the Sillinger line.  What an effort by Hilbert to get the game winning goal in the 3rd.

I am still quite impressed with Smyth’s play.  Any one that does not think that he is playing a good game for the Isles, are severly loopy.

I am just happy to get this win.  It is Philly, but the Flyers have been playing strong, and will just not go gentle into that good night.

Now - we MUST get this win tomorrow.  It is so critical.  Cmon Islanders fans - get loud, get pumped - get excited.  Also - check and see who wins the Bobby Nystrom Award.

Talk tomorrow…

Well - I saw that the number of hits were down.  For obvious reasons.

1.  The teams lack of good play

2.  The lack of entries on my part.

Well - I am sitting at the Jet Blue area of Orlando Airport, awaiting for my flight back home.  It was a real good trip.  Other than the loss in OT on Tuesday, and Billy Wagner’s PATHETHIC performance at the Mets Braves game yesterday, it was a great week.  The weather was superb.  High 70’s and low 80’s (today - it was the warmest day of the week - as we hit 85).

The Isles, well, they woke up last night.  Thank Goodness.  The question I have, is why didn’t they smach Yashin in the pie hole weeks ago?  He played well last night, and so did Kozlov too.  This is the type of effort that we need from here on out, if we expect to see some more hockey after April 8th.

We got a supposed cake walk against Philly, but they will take all comers very seriously.  They sure would like to play the role of spoiler.  What the Isles need to do, is put a strong first peiod effort out there, and take the Flyers out of their game.  The Booster Club is going to the game tomorrow (the first club trip that I have not attended in 17 years), we need to make their record 2-1-0 for the year.

Then Sunday, the Rangers, and Bobby Nystrom Award Presentation day.  I know who the winner is, and frankly, I can not tell you.  All I can say, is that it is not a goaltender….. Tune in Sunday night to find out….

Well - the next time I write, I will be back home.  Back to the cold days… Oh well - it was fun.  And by the way, the picture above was at our time share, the Marriott Grande Vista.  If you are looking for a time share property, they are the BEST, and slowly selling out completely, so time is of the essence if you wish to invest.  Please tell them I sent you!

Gary