Finally a 3 - 2 win in a game that was almost lost in the third period like all the others.

Grabner finally scored on a breakaway stripping the great Ilya Kovalchuk of the puck. This is good for @Grabs40 since he hasn‘t been able to hit the broadside of a barn for many games.

Future Hall of Famer Marty Brodeur kept the score from being a 6-2 game by making spectacular saves and yet he complained (along with the rest of the NJ Devils) that they were robbed of the final Zach Parise goal while Parise was in the crease beating Al Montoya with his stick. Hey Marty… Put Matt Moulson in your face the same way and let me know if the goal would have counted. Thanks.

“It was just -- we had a breakdown. Like I said, you never want to leave #9 standing alone. Brian Ward gave us a little bit of an update (from the video truck) and saw him kick it in.” That’s why Jack looked quite calm behind the bench during the controversy. “We were fortunate.” Yes Jack, in many ways, you were. He chalked it up to miscommunication.

John Tavares would have had a beautiful goal against Brodeur, but once again -- he didn’t. The goal drought continues for our brightest star.

Jack Capuano finally had a road win. Crap. Jack Capuano finally had a WIN. Two points gives Jack a little breathing room from unemployment line speculation.

“I thought we played real well last night too.” Jack told the media. “It was one of those games. Our D left the front of the net and we were fortunate.” It was a defensive collapse that left Zach Parise (who would look OH so very good in an Islander sweater, even the new ones) alone in front of Montoya to bang away at the puck with only 5 seconds left on the clock.

Did the Isles get a little complacent thinking nothing could happen in the last few seconds? Think again! Until that final buzzer sounds, ANYTHING can happen. That’s hockey.


“I think we battled against Philly and we got some timely goals. We had some chances. We battled hard and that’s all that counts.” Yes, it’s the battle that has been missing in the Isles game (along with the goals of course.) Jack has complained a few times that his team seems to not want it enough. Perhaps realizing that anyone is expendable will light a fire under their butts.

Blake Comeau was unceremoniously put on waivers on Thanksgiving and claimed by Calgary. Big Angry Man is betting me $5 that he scores for them today if he plays.


Jack correctly stated “Marty Broduer and Al Montoya stole the show today. Both goalies are terrific.” Broduer has nothing to prove. Al is a different story. He WANTS that 1st goalie spot. In all honesty, he DESERVES that 1st goalie spot.

Jack could sleep a little better after Saturday afternoon’s win. I couldn’t. I also had to stay away from the net for a little while. It seems that the losing streak and the questions about Nino Niederreiter’s failure to be in the line-up has made for some “lively” and “pointed” conversation. None of which I enjoyed being part of.

A few years ago I was told I had sold my “objectivity” for “perceived friendships” within the Isles organization. The truth of the matter is I was never “objective” when it came to the Isles. I’m a fan. This is my team. I may get angry at loses, but I’m not going to start flailing my arms screaming the suck. They’re still my team. I’m still a fan.

So, of course I begin to take it quite personally when fans of other teams, some of which I actually like as people, begin to express their opinions as facts. I recoiled as to not get into fights that will get me no where.

If you think this team WANTS to be 29th in the NHL AGAIN, you’re wrong. If you think the management of this team has ulterior motives that are financial in nature, I can’t agree. If you think it’s all the coach’s fault, I’d beg to differ -- but won’t argue.

I can’t any more. It’s too emotionally draining and this is the holiday season and I need my energy for the grueling tasks at hand.

The Isles play again on Tuesday. If they manage to eek out another road win, perhaps the tides will turn a little and the stress level will begin to decrease. However, that won’t do much to get them out of the NHL basement once again. A very LARGE string of wins will do that.

They’ve got one.

Okay, Question for all you armchair GMS. Nino Niederreiter was taken out of the line-up because of the amount of games he had played originally. Now he sits. But the question is, who would YOU take out of the line-up in order to get him in? Blake Comeau was obviously moves for reasons, but one of which was roster flexibility.

Knowing that Nino will return to the line-up sooner rather than later, I think it's time for you to GUESS who will be taking his place in the press box. then we can see who is right.

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