Good evening all, just wanted to get a post up before the game. Today was another busy day for me, thus such a late post. We had my fiancee’s family come over for dinner because they couldn’t make it Christmas day. It was also the first time my Father met my sister’s boyfriend’s family – as they came over also. At least I am going to the game full for once!
So, Martin Brodeur and the Devils are visting the Islanders tonight, they Devils are fresh off a 2-1 shootout victory over the Sabres and have been pretty successful as of late – gaining the top of a tight Atlantic Division.
Injury Update:
Injured Islanders d-man Aaron Johnson skated with the team for the first time since early November after suffering a knee injury. He should be returning any time now.
Ruslan Fedotenko lost a finger nail the other night in Ottawa, the result of a nasty Alfredsson slash. He is ready to go tonight against the Devils. I love this quote from the Islanders website:
“It’s a full-contact league; you’re going to get injuries.”
Fedotenko has really proven he deserves an extension after the way he as played this season, he may not be tearing up the league in points, but he does the little things out there that give those around him room to play and make things happen. Playing injured isn’t easy, let alone sans fingernail.
Rick DiPietro will be a game time decision, and per Greg Logan’s blog it doesn’t appear that the Islanders are willing to risk the health of their franchise goaltender by rushing him back too soon – proving they learned their mistake from last year.
Per Greg Logan:
It’s significant that backup Joey MacDonald has not returned to Bridgeport. The signs suggest Wade Dubielewicz is in line for his second straight start.
The Islanders should be hungry, coming off a big loss to Ottawa Thursday night. The Devils have opened up their playing style as of late – which should make the 5th announced sellout crowd a loud one if they Isles get on the board early.
I will do my best to post updates from the game.
At least I got my updates on the game from you during the game…. until you shut your phone off… he he he he…