All distractions aside, the Islanders had a pretty good weekend. A win on Friday night against Toronto and a come from behind effort on Saturday in Buffalo that would force overtime and a shootout that ended in a loss. I doubt anyone is asking what kind of distractions – but in case you aren’t following, I am talking about the status of Rick DiPietro. Joey MacDonald is your starter tonight, just to give you a hint.
This is turning into quite the soap opera honestly, think “How the Rick turns” if you will. First, without much warning DiPietro was your starting netminder on Friday. Everyone around the club thought that he should have been given a stint in Bridgeport ala Sillinger – but alas, he did not go that route. DP played, got the win and only gave up one goal. We would later find out that both DiPietro and Sillinger would not make the trip to Buffalo as a precaution, but Ricky would be good to go on Monday. Between yesterday and today I have heard it all – Yes, No, Maybe. Turns out that even the media was confused, as DiPietro practiced with the team, took the bulk of shots and left the ice first – all typical of your starting goalie. WRONG. Turns out it was just a ploy to keep everyone guessing what is going on, even Bridgeport netminder Yann Danis – who by now can do the Bridgeport – Long Island drive with his eyes closed.
In other news, veteran forward Doug Weight is back in the lineup after nursing his sore groin. Weight is only two points away from his 1,000th NHL point, it could very well happen tonight and increase his point total this season, as well as his trade value. Seems Weight’s name is already popping up in the rumor mill, it first started in the back channels – but as BD said this morning it has reached the beat writers as well.
There is one certainty tonight, the Islanders always show up for the Rangers – at least we can expect some spirited hockey tonight. The Rangers are an up and down team despite their record, but they are also coming off a tough loss to the Devils on Saturday – so they will come out just as pumped tonight. Time will tell which teams comes out on top.
“Well Well Well”
Just as i predicted. Joey Mac has officially become the second coming of Eric Fichaud. YES!, i said it, and i stand by it. For those of you who read my last posting would know that i am very upset with Jmac. This is a guy that for some unexplainable reason is AFRAID of the 3rd period. Is it me, am i losing my mind??????? Can somebody please be kind enough to share some light on this subject. I’m about to lose my mind because this bum can’t stop a beach ball.
Th Big One.
Jayy,
It’s all about positioning and MacDonald lacks in that department. The goals he tends to let up are the ones that he SHOULD have saved. Doesn’t matter what period it is really.
This game was the Islanders to win, but of course – penalties and injuries keep them from sustaining any momentum.
Tavares here we come.
Taveres???
YES! Of Course!…but knowing how much of a goat Garth Snow is, he won’t pick him if we had first pick. LMAO..don’t get me wrong…if we have a shot at J.T, No1 and i mean No1 would be more excited than me. But after last year’s draft…it wouldn’t be surprised….Go isles…all the way to dead last with Jmac leading the way.
The fact that DiPi didn’t play tells me that he REALLY did hurt himself with that celebratory bump.
Big Jayy is dead-on. Another 4-goal third period? The Islanders were a -24 in the third period BEFORE last night’s 3rd period.
Where were Guerin and Weight the whole night?
Also, Okposo was manhandled all nighton the boards.
How is Trent Hunter after that run-in with the board door?
Trent seems banged up, he is listed as day to day after a doctors visit.
I don’t care about the third honestly, my vision is jaded by Tavares.
Okposo was manhandled, but he was still effective for the most part.
DP is supposedly back for this afternoons game, I’ll report from the Coliseum as always.