So just when you think it might get worse, the Isles pull one out. Sure, it doesn't mean all is well. But it does show there is some signs of life from the waterslide lately. On Saturday night, Bill Guerin scored. Andy Hilbert scored. And Mike Sillinger, fresh of chewing Campoli's ear off, scored.
It reminds one, at least I have to speak for myself here, that despite some flaws and weaknesses...which were railed-on back on Saturday by yours truly, that there are still some good things to take away from this team at the juncture. That the slide does not render the team a losing team. Just with issues and needs. That this team still has lots of room for improvement.
If anyone caught Sillinger's words to Campoli in the game, it was a reminder of why veteran leadership is so important to the young kids. The payoff, a Sillinger goal in OT. Between Guerin, Silly and Witt, you have three men who have been around the block in the NHL. Vet leadership counts, especially when you have a mix of young kids as well as experienced fellows.
"I told Campy we have to control the puck," said Sillinger, regarding his conversation with Campoli before the goal was scored. "I told him we need to create a 2-on-1 and that last time we took a shot too soon. It feels good that we won. If we can win in Buffalo, we can make it a real successful road trip."
- Islanders website
Meanwhile, besides Sutton's hurtin' on Janik, Brendan Witt blocked four shots last night. Sutton might have started slow, but he's coming into his own. Meanwhile, Witt just continues what made him invaluable since being here. He's playing as a premier defensive defenseman.
Trent Hunter is doing all the right things. He hits. He's gritty. He scores. Per the Isles latest stats on their website, Hunter currently ranks fourth in the NHL with 91 hits.
From that same article:
Sillinger leads the Islanders and now ranks tied for eighth in the NHL with a 56.3 faceoff winning percentage.
Witt is now tied for fifth in the NHL in blocked shots with 74.
Duck Season
So with Neider back, does the Ducks make a move, and if so, are the Isles inquiring? Well, might be. But nothing solid. So I figure I'd share I haven't heard a thing, in case you were wondering.
Someone like Schneider would and could do lots of good things here. Excellent PP QB, good shot, defensively reliable. This three things is something Berard and MAB just don't encompass. There was a reason why the Isles were interested in him before Anaheim outbid for his services.
Problem is, other teams are interested in him also. And even then...the real gem might be the "other" dman . . .
Francois Beauchemin is only 27 years old, has a GREAT shot from the point, is 6 feet tall, and well-over 200lbs. Sure, he'll cost more in a trade, but the kind of guy who will really is worth it.
So, you missed out on Isles tickets when I gave them away last time????
Well, you are in luck. I have two tickets for one lucky fan to Saturday's game (12/15) versus Pittsburgh. Stay tuned on how I am going to give them away later today/tonight.
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