First Showdown With NYR

"It was a close game for thirty five minutes", Islanders captain Bill Guerin said after the Islanders fell apart mid way through the second period during Monday night's game. And, "for the first period and a half, we stuck right there with them", Islanders goalie Joey MacDonald added in the locker room. It is evident that the Islanders would be and could be undefeated if the NHL could make specific accomodations for our team and cut the periods in half, thus having to play thirty minute games. Whether it's fatigue, lack of interest or pressure, the Islanders have begun a trend to let up after the second period in nearly every game this season.

Rookie Kyle Okposo finally ended his scoring drought by sniping a shot with less than ten seconds in the first period to even the score. "It felt like a relief", Okposo said, on scoring his first of the season. Yet, after about two periods of consistent forecheck and hustle, the Islanders melted away, as usual, being defeated 4-2. Even Okposo, who played his strongest game of the season, was beguiled with frustration, despite his best efforts. MacDonald also proved that he can be a helping factor for the NYI this season, with a solid performance in the crease last night. Both the youth and enthusiasm of these two young players seem to ignite the Islanders the last week and a half, however they still need to find a way to keep the flame lit through all sixty minutes.

I can't help but compare the Islanders to the neighboring town's Mets, because every time the buzzer goes off at the second period intermission, you just know a collapse on the verge. If the Islanders can find a way to build off the energy erupting from every Nate Thompson triumphant fight, and a Big Mac save, and clutch goals being wasted and negated by careless penalties, then perhaps we'll start to see more smiles throughout the coliseum, instead of ghost seats.