Well, here I sit relaxing in SoCal after having spent the day getting a guided tour of Downtown San Diego and the surrounding areas. I must say, I am almost adjusted to the time difference and no long suffering the effects of jet-lag. A brief aside, I can't comprehend playing a hockey game after this type of travel.

I got to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time, at the beautiful Torrey Pines beach. I have to say, even with the slight haze of smoke on the horizon – it was amazing. Not putting down our beaches on the island, but it was awesome. Here is a quick picture:

Another first, fish tacos from Rubio’s – a local favorite. Nothing like good food and being adventurous – something I don't normally do at home.

Now to the hockey talk! Going back to last Saturday after the overtime win against the Devils, Bill Guerin was asked about what it meant to win before such a long break in the schedule. He was quoted as referencing the NFL and how those players would have to wait a full week for another game and how the loss would hurt for the entire time off. The next time the Isles play is Thursday night – 5 days after suffering a blowout to the Carolina Hurricanes. Looks like they will get that “NFL” experience after all – hopefully they will use this as a learning experience, having been scorned in such a big way.

For those who may be interested in what reporters experience being in the locker room after one of these losses – check out Chris Botta's blog as he posted an in depth look on this very subject.

That's about all I have for tonight, we are heading out to Vegas early in the A.M. so I think I am going to relax for a bit.

I will have access to the net and will watch Thursday's game via slingbox, so expect a few more posts between now and then.

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Anyone who said that this crazy NHL schedule will not or cannot affect how a team plays is completely wrong. The Isles initially showed some jump during the first period, but gave up some early goals to Carolina. DiPietro looks shaky tonight, trying to do way too much with the puck and getting caught out of position twice.

We had a few power play opportunities, but couldn't finish. Satan had a great chance but hit the post, he sure did look disgusted.

Overall, I think they are playing ok despite some breakdowns. Like they just said on the intermission report, they are gaining Carolina's blue line with ease and are cycling the puck almost untouched.

We need to get on the board because this game can be salvaged.

More as it happens.

Fedotenko just scored, even though it was reviewed. Excellent drive to the net by Gervais.

Showing some life after that early period goal by Carolina.

Carolina just scored again to make it 5-1.

And again to make it 6-1, DiPietro was just pulled and Dubie is now in the game.

Thank god I am not there tonight.

Isles power play, Bergeron scores off a pretty drop pass by Comrie. Bergeron also showed patience with the puck and waited for a good shot instead of blasting a huge wide shot.

Now that we are in the second intermission, the Isles continue to bring pressure to the Carolina zone, but they are not getting the same breaks as Carolina. Defensively, the Islanders need to pick it up tonight.

Park was just awarded a penalty shot but tried to do too much.

The Rod just completed his hat trick. Another PP goal

Williams just scored also on the PP.

Sillinger scored his first of the season on the PP.

PS: IslesFaninCA, now I know how it feels to watch the game from your perspective. It's crazy watching hockey from across the country at a completely different hour.

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Good evening Islander Country, I am blogging live from my friends house in San Diego – no, there are no fires where we are at so no need to worry.

I am here in SoCal to hang out with my friend Chris, before we head to Las Vegas for the 2007 SEMA Auto Show. For those that may not know, I am a contributing writer and photographer for X7 Media and attend this show every year – it just so happens that it fell in the midst of a long break in the Isles schedule. Unfortunately, I am missing two home games, but as a season ticket holder its hard to make every game. Thank god for Slingbox! I am watching as I type this.

I will be updating as the game progresses, let's drop that puck!

Let's go Islanders!

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For those who may or may not have been so keen on the idea of carrying so many defenseman, should now know why it could turn out to be a godsend. With surplus d-men playing forward and riding the pine pony – a little juggling gives the Isles someone who can cover for Berard while he recovers from his groin injury.

As reported over on the Islanders Website, Berard will miss about 2-4 weeks, which will amount from anywhere between 2-5 games given the Islanders freakishly slow schedule.

Berard has been really solid and even has 2 game winning goals, hopefully this injury isn't too serious and he can bounce right back.

Horrible ice conditions 2, Islanders 0.

At least the depth and well planning (?) of Islanders management gives us some flexibility. But who will get the call? Johnson has looked O.K. at best on the 4th line and covered on defense when Berard went down, Bergeron has played on the PP (albeit with defensive gaffes) and Bates is set to make his return this Saturday – so there really are some tough decisions ahead.

I guess only time will tell.

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Yea yea, I know – I am a day late with the post about last night’s game. I went out after the game for some food and didn't feel like posting when I got in.

The Islanders played very well last night, even though they lost another third period lead. No worries, the boys managed to pull it together and won it with practically no time left in overtime. The man who scored his first three goals against the Capitals on Thursday – came through again on the power play in overtime. Who was that masked man you ask? The Captain – Bill Guerin.

Enough about how the game ended, let's talk about how it started. Zach Parise scored 55 seconds into the game to put the Devils ahead – he really is sticking it to the Islanders for picking Robert Nilsson ahead of him. Such is life though; blame Mad Mike for that one.

The line of Vasicek, Satan and Bergenheim had another strong game – with Vasicek and Satan each scoring during the second period. Bergenheim provided support in the corners, again opening up plenty of room by being a pest – I love what I see from him.

The special teams continue to shine, improving every game and vaulting the Islanders to the top 5 in both the power play and penalty kill.

At this point and time I am not extremely concerned about the loss of another third period lead, but I may change my mind if that trend continues.

I did update my gallery with the pictures I managed to take during and after the game – but unfortunately (or fortunately?) I couldn't take many in the post-game. Why? For one, Chris Botta came into the room and pulled Dee (7th Woman) aside, he came back without her and told Ken from Okposo Net and I that we were going into the locker room with the rest of the media. As you may have guessed, cameras are not permitted in the locker room – so this is the reason why I couldn't take many. I was in complete shock and didn't know what to do while in the locker room. I am sure Ken felt the same way.

We both sat there with our recorders running as the “Big Boy Media” interviewed Guerin and then DiPietro. Going back to the first time we interviewed Campoli and sat through Nolan's press conference – once again, I used the night as a learning experience. I still don't feel comfortable enough to get myself through the crowd of media to ask my own questions. In a way, I realized tonight that I have absolutely no clue what I am doing. There are people who would love this opportunity, but I almost feel like I am in over my head sometimes.

Going back to what I said about 7th Woman earlier, I really feel for her. She often gets put in an uncomfortable position because for one, she is a Woman covering a mans game and two – because of the relationship she has with the team almost feels like she has a conflict of interests. I was joking (or was I?) that I should interview her, because I really am interested in what she feels in those situations. I have enormous respect for Dee and I am proud to consider her a friend – she really does a great job and takes everything in stride.

I could go on and on forever about this – but I will not. Please check out the photos in the gallery and support the other Blog Box members when you can.

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Weekend games are great, there is no work related stress and you can really sit back and enjoy everything about the day. Normally at this time of year, there would be a chill in the air – but here we are on October 20th and I am heading out the door in shorts and a t-shirt.

I apologize for not posting yesterday, but I had a horrible day – my truck got broken into and I had to get the window fixed because of the great weather we experienced.

Before I head out the door to the barn, I just wanted to share that for the second game in a row – I have been contacted by a blogger from an opposing team for some Q&A. Please give Devils Daily a visit and check out this great Devils site.

While there, check out some of the questions Jeremy Kenter asked me this afternoon.

I will try to update from the game tonight, check back regularly and later on tonight for photos from the game.

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