So many things to write about, so little time – seems that is always the case during hockey season.
So what is in store tonight? Chris Campoli is set to return from an Upper Body, Arm, shoulder injury tonight – just in time to face the Dallas Stars. What’s great about this is Campoli has been practicing with Mark Streit and the pair will likely be together at the points on the power play. Should be nice having two guys back there who are known to move the puck – we can sure use some more points on the power play. The Islanders are currently 25th in the league 11.1% – if you crave some more stats head on over to Islanders 360 for a complete breakdown of this season and last year.
A new look for Campoli? Greg Logan had a little snippet of information in his blog today regarding Campoli’s switch from a helmet without a visor to wearing a visor:
For the first time in his NHL career, Campoli plans to wear a visor. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while,” he said. “I practiced with it this week, and it was good. I’m going to try and make the transition.”
Take this from someone with experience with and without a visor – it takes a few practices in order to get used to the way a visor warps the vision. Hopefully Campy is used to everything by tonight and doesn’t whiff on the puck like most do first starting out with one. However, another little gem of info – I never got hurt when I played without a visor, but the second game I used a half visor I broke my nose and needed seven stitches in my mouth from a high stick. Granted, it could have been much worse without – but it was still ironic. Good luck Chris!
Continuing with the good news, Rick DiPietro will be starting in goal tonight for the first time this year in front of the home crowd. Everyone agrees that The Rick played well in the 2-0 loss to the Panthers last Saturday – let’s hope he comes out extra sharp tonight against Dallas. Unfortunately, Dallas is coming off a nasty 5-0 shutout loss to the Devils and will come out equally pumped to round out their road trip with a win. If they do win, DiPietro and Campoli can do their jumping shoulder bump deal – so long as both of them promise not to re-injure themselves.
Keep an eye out for the ever present pest Sean Avery tonight, apparently he has wreaked havoc on both Lundvist and Brodeur the past several games. If you cannot watch or listen to the game, stay tuned right here for the Live Tracker all game long!
Only got to listen to some of the 3rd period but saw the highlights. It seems that DiPi is still very rusty but the defense is just not doing anything to help him. Too many open shots on the net.
Also, how has Okposos not scored any goals yet? I thought he was going to lead the charge for the offense this year? Without Hunter’s hot start, how much worse would we be?