2 MORE 2 GOAL LEADS, 2 MORE 1 GOAL LOSSES

It seemed as if Saturday night's devastating disastrous destruction versus Pitt was a projected reflection of an image from Thursday's loss in Atlanta. Again, as I've stated in every single bog, every other line on this web page as a fact, the Islanders are explosive in the first two periods, then trickle down to the ground as the 9 minute mark approaches! And you all know it! Big Mac, after his first shootout experience said, " We always just seem to sit back..." It's almost like the tortoise and the hair effect, where the Islanders are pressuring and effectively taking control of the race(game) and then seem all too comfortable and fight back, either in overtime, or after they have surrendered the go ahead goal and can't catch back up. "We haven't played a full sixty minutes since the St. Louis game", MacDonald stated. And he's absolutely right. The Islanders must be able to go the distance if they are eyeing April hockey, even this early in the season.

The icings, the lack of back check and inconsistent line changes might be a result from less than aggressive coaching discipline from Gordon, or just sloppy, lazy play from the Isles. Against Pittsburgh Saturday night, the Islanders did not generate a scoring chance, or even one single solitary shot on goal for nearly 17 minutes into the recurring, haunting third period. "At some point, someone has to grab the bull by its horns", was Gordon's motto during his press conference after the SO loss. It's evident in Gordon's eyes the frustration and disappointment that he, the players, the writers, and the fans are becoming all too familiar with. Although the Islanders should have snuck away with two points, I think most of us are glad they even pulled away with one!

Line mates Hunter and Nielsen have finally begun to click, and are becoming the Islanders most productive, and exciting pair New York has seen in some time. Each netted a goal in Thursday's loss, and were responsible for most of the chances in Saturday night's game too. Short handed, on power play, or even in overtime, these two are continuing to prove that they are the Islanders top two go to guys. Maybe the Islanders will feel refreshed for a 2p.m. start tomorrow, and might be able to cling onto a lead for a change. As for Gordon, his system seems to be working for most of the game, but he needs to spice it up a bit late in games, so the fans don't look as dreary and blue eyed as they have been all month.