Toronto Preface

Big Mac and Co. take on the Leafs tonight in Toronto for the first time. A long rival, the Islanders and leafs have a bump and grind physical history dating back to the playoffs a few years back. Former Islander, Jason Blake, now playing for Toronto, will be on the radar screen for Islanders hitmen Tim Jackman and Nate Thompson. Also, the Islanders are most likely going to maximize Comeau and Bailey's ice time tonight, trying to use their youngstars to get the team rolling. Since the Islanders caught fire the past weeks ( 5 wins and 1 loss), they have slipped and lost three straight. Tonight, the Islanders will need to come out fierce, early, and set the tone of the game. Look for lots of physical play, carrying over from Saturday night's end of the game brawl that broke out. And that of which relased some of the frustration and anger in some players, especially MacDonald, he should be settled and nestle himself back into tip top form tonight.