10:28 pm: Well, Howie had it right when he said everyone who had Mark Eaton scoring the game winning goal, raise your hand -- "you're lying."
This was one of those games that you just didn't expect. But that's a good thing. Perhaps it's better to have teams caught off guard by the likes of a Matt Martin and a Mark Eaton. Jack asked for secondary scoring, and maybe he's about to get it.
He told Peter Ruttgaizer they are a defense first team, and offense takes care of itself. I wouldn't go that far, but they need to make sure they take care of the defensive element.
There was a bit of a scare as Milan Jurcina hit the ice when his feet were taken out from under him by -- wait for it -- Zenon Konopka, but he managed to return without having to hit the quiet room.
He also broke the rounded glass on the turnbuckle with one of his shots. Oooppppsss... But seriously, that's got to make a guy feel pretty good.
PA Parenteau had the assists on both of the Isles goals. Funny that he should do that during a game that Howie Rose was asking General Manager Garth Snow about how he may handle keeping him or not.
Kyle Okposo also had another one of those ring off the post chances. John Tavares had the same that could have ended the game. I think he was a little surprised. I think the Sens were too.
Good work Islanders. That's another two points. But get on the plane. You've got to do it all over again tomorrow.
9:41 pm: Matty, Matty, Matty -- Matty Martin. Nice.
9:14 pm: Ugh! Nabokov should have had that one. It's always tough giving up a short handed goal, but they can't let it get in their heads. A lot can happen in 20 minutes of hockey.
Billy Smith and Denis Potvin both in the house and as Howie said, it's like old home week.
8:15 pm: Well, it's the end of the first period and there is no score as of yet. Zenon Kenopka visited with his old friends last night, but tonight, he's looking for a way to make them lose. So far, it hasn't worked.
If you caught Howie Rose's interview with Garth Snow I'm sure he gave you a few things to think about.
1) Nabby's not going anywhere.
2) Nino is only 19 and he's developing just the way they want him to -- slowly.
3) He has a plan for trade day, and he's not sharing it.
4) He won't talk about contract negotiations with his free agents.
5) and Howie is old enough to have Nino for a Grand Son.
Okay then.
Also if you're wondering what that pin is on Garth's lapel, it's for a very special reason. It's for Luc Richardson's daughter, Daron, who took her life a year ago. Such a tragedy, some information is here http://www.ottawasun.com/news/columnists/earl_mcrae/2011/02/02/17132251.html
Although I haven't been able to find out anything about purchasing the pin.
12:23 pm: In a minor move, the NY Islanders have placed Anton Klementyev on Unconditional $125 waivers to mutually end his contract with the Isles.
And in other news, that to me is sad, the Caps have put ex-NYI Joel Rechlicz on Waivers. That big lug, nicest guy in the world.
11:17 am: Capuano has announced that Nabokov will be between the pipes and the line card will remain the same as Tuesday.
Good Morning Hockey Fans! We’ve got Hockey again! Today the Isles are back in Ottawa for the first time this season to see Daniel Alfredsson and company. It’s the first time this season and for some strange reason, the Sens have played four more games than the Isles. They stand at 60 points to the Isles 47. That’s a big gap.
John Tavares was the NHL’s first star of the month for January, but the calendar has turned a page and this is February. Can the young star continue to make the hockey world sit up and take notice? Can he continue his point streak to help put his name up their with the elite? Let’s hope so.
Just like every other game in this league, special teams will be key. The Isles seem to have the slightest of margins against the Sens in both the PK and the PP. Now, if it’s the same officials that called the Isles vs. Leafs game a little while ago, they may not get a chance to use any of them, but we’ll see.
With Kevin Poulin, who as named an AHL star for the week along with Casey Cizikas, being sent back to Bport, it will be Nabokov or Montoya getting the nod. The Big Cubano hasn’t seen much action at all since his concussion and Nabby has been a work horse. Whether Garth Snow, who told commissioner Gary Bettman last night that he will be active at the trade deadline “if it makes sense,” is looking to use Evgeni Nabokov as a bargaining chip or not an argument for him to play or sit can both be made. Ugh, Decisions! I’m glad I’m not the one making them.
Rhett Rakhshani has not been returned to Bport and will hopefully (for his sake) be back in the line-up tonight. He is making every argument for himself and doesn’t look out of place at all. If he can manage a point tonight against the surging Senators,
The one the Isles have to keep an eye on (along with Spezza of course) is Erik Karlsson. He has 40 assist points and seems to be a real difference maker for the Sens.
Puck drop at 7:30 "Believe" in Miracles?” Oh… wait… The Anaheim Ducks are using that slogan. They’re in the same pickle as the Isles. Their shirt says "Miracles Do Happen." Well, if THEY can Believe in Miracles, SO CAN WE!
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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