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!

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!

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.

Let’s face it - I do not like the hockey player….

However, as a member of the human race, I hope that he recovers from the lacerated spleen that he suffered last night.

No matter what rumors you hear, that is a scary thing. He should make a full recovery before camp begins, and will be back to his usual pest ways.

That’s fine…

I may wish that he never has to play the Islanders again, but not for those reasons. Get better Sean.

Isn’t yours???

Well - mine is….

NOT

As the media did when the season started, they basically anointed the Rangers the champs. Just what you need to start up the “Mutant Fans”. And by the way - that does not categorize all Rangers fans. There are many that are good fans, and do not act that way. However, the muppets that do - make Rangers fans the most obnoxious fans in hockey. That is not my opinion, that is of many others that I have encountered.

However, you just do not think that all 29 teams were to bow to you, and let you walk away with the cup, do you?

I dont think so.

The reason that you are down 3-0 is simple. Making the most of the opportunities and not playing stupid. (Ask Ryan Hollweg that…). Taking stupid penalties, not taking advantage of your own situations, and most of all - the wining….

Crying about Crosby…. Take the limelight off of him, and shine it on Malkin. He has abused the Rangers in last night’s game. This has been great seeing the focus on Crosby, because it has allowed others to shine. The defense for Pittsburgh has been brilliant! Blocking shot, taking players to the outside. The Rangers got their chances, but the defense for the Pens have done a great job. The inept Devils D, just made the Rangers think that all other opponents would just succumb to the same play….

I say HA!

By the way Derek Felix… Look at the Detroit series…. Colorado has given more effort than the Islanders have in this playoff series. Right - the Isles are not in it - about as much as Colorado is right now…

Well - let me go to the corner and do some more crying for the Rangers. As Joe Mac would say, they are DOEN!

I saw an article on ESPN.com today, and it mentioned about a SWB Penguin (AHL) captain being arrested over the weekend for drunk behavior and indecent exposure. Supposedly over a bet, the baby Penguin streaked around the streets of Wilkes Barre in a drunken state.

The article was nothing much, but in the comments section below it, there was a great comment…

I am sure that Rangers fans will accuse this Penguin of Diving!

That quote was priceless.

So - what do the Rangers need to do to win tonight? Keep their heads and maybe score a goal or two….. Especially on the PP.

The Pens - keep presurring the Rangers at every turn, and when they say “Uncle”, do some more…..

Will San Jose drop dead and give up….? Well - they need a shock treatment tonight!

Tune into versus tonight, and see what brews.

- Pens look real strong. I think the ending of game 2 made the thoughts of game 3 be real interesting to say the least

- Wining and moaning from the Rangers about Crosby. They are not totally off base, but they had their chances on the PP, and did NOTHING. So quit crying, you bunch of babies, and try to put the puck in the net. It makes you sound like children.

- Detroit looks like they may do it in 4. See Derek, Patrick and Steve from the NYHR last week, I do know what I am talking about once in a while.

- Montreal/Philly should be quite interesting tonight, as the Kostopolous incident will make to the forefront. Expect Cote, Downey, and other enforcers to be ready to take on the Habs at home tonight.

- San Jose - I think they forgot to bring the defense to the 3rd period.

- Brad Richards came out of his slumber with a 4 point night in the 3rd period. He works in spurts.

- Officiating has been tough - but better than the first round. I am glad they removed the guys that were real poopy!

Make sure you tune into Versus for Game 3 in Philly tonight, as this is the only game on tonight. And BTW - Go Pens!

Also - Ducks gets 6 runs in first three innings to win 10-6 at Home against Newark. Day off today, before a 3 game series against Lancaster starting tomorrow.

Yes - I have climbed aboard. I hope the rest of my Islander brethren, as well as Devils Nation jump on too….

The last series, I was not that confident about the Devils chances of moving on (Sorry Devs fans - just being honest). However, I am very confident about the Pens. This team is for real!

Crosby and Malkin have been fabulous this year. This is a team that is created to win now. I know that their goalie would not be rated higher than Lundqvist, but I like how he did in the last series. Yes - Ottawa was a team that slipped faster than Danica Patrick on a Japanese race track, but any team needs to play at their best, to win. Pittsburgh had their chins up, and manhandled the Sens.

Will they do the same to the Rangers? I don’t think it is a 4 game sweep, but I think they can take the Rangers. The Rangers will not have the ability to deal with the top 3 lines effectively. They will have to take advantage of the #5 and 6 d-men. The lower lines will have to step up even more, and gain opportunities, in order for them to come out on top.

And as an Islander fan - the last thing you want, is a playoff successful Ranger team. There, I said it!

As far as last night is concerned, I wanted to see the Rangers end up playing Pitt instead of Montreal. I just feel that the opposition has a better chance, if it has a bird on their crest, as opposed to two letters. Montreal does not match up against the Rangers as well as they do against Philly. However, I feel bad for the Caps. They played a great series, got the comeback goal from Mr. Ovechkin (My MVP pick). However, a tough way to end it, as former Isle Tom Poti in the box, as Lupul gets an easy goal past Huet to give the Flyers the series win.

Congrats to the Caps and their fans for a great season, and I know that their team will be even stronger next year!

Well - my picks… Pens in 6. Habs in 7. Wings in 5. Dallas in 7.