Islanders played a full 60 minutes, actually they played a full 65 minutes, but still came away the losers in the end.
They took the St. Louis Blues all the way to a shoot out in front of a very sparse crowd for a Thursday night in March when they are almost, maybe, still in a playoff hunt. Marty Biron played very well and should be happy with his performance. He had a few lapses of judgement, leaving the puck in front of him waiting for it to either be cleared or banged into the net. But for the most part, he played very well and Scott Gordon commended him.
Jack Hillen was a human shield for Biron a good portion of the game, face shield and all, he did everything he could and then some. However, the game left much to be desired on both benches. Whether there was a problem with the ice or it was just the unfamiliarity between the teams, I've never seen so many players sprawled on the ice whacking at the puck or a parade to the penalty box.
The flow to the game was so bad that the Blues GM left saying "That was a three-ring circus. I've never seen anything so sloppy." Now, whether I should have repeated that or not I don't know. But let's put it this way. I had press pass around my neck in full view and he said it while I was standing exactly three feet in front of him. If I shouldn't have repeated it, I'm certain I'll get my hand slapped. Again, I haven't been given the rule book.
I also wasn't given a copy of the proposal GM Garth Snow made at the GM's meeting for his round-robin 8th Seed Playoff idea. No problem. He did explain a good portion of it during the pregame show with Howie Rose. They repeated the interview between periods and I managed to webstream it on 94.3 WMJC.
The funny thing is, that was almost exactly the same interview as he gave to Deb and EJ on NHL Live from Boca Raton. So while there have been many who have chastised the idea as blasphemy to change the playoff proceedures, just remember that there are more teams now then before and the NHL is an ever evolving league.
I actually like what Darren Drager said on NHL Live on the subject. He said you have to give the Islanders credit for trying to rachet up interesting in March and April for teams that are out of it. In the long run it would help the club and league revenues and interest in the games.
So while some have emailed me and called the idea "embarrassing," I say nyet. Not embarrassing, but defintely different. So, Sumo Goalies was embarrassing. This is just creative thinking. A whole different puck.
I saw Rick DiPietro in the locker room hallway signing autograhps and taking photos with a group of youngsters. I made the mistake of saying "Hey, Skinny." when he said hello to me.
"Skinny? Skinny? I'm ripped! I'm doing exactly what they're telling me to do." He is and it seems to be working.
Rob Schremp was on crutches. His surgery is scheduled for Monday or Tuesday to repair that tear. Hope it goes well. We sure could have used Robbie tonight in the shoot out.
Matt Moulson and Dylan Reese do not as of yet have a bet going for the Harvard vs Cornell semis. After being prompted by a Twitter buddy of mine, I asked Matt what they would wager. He thanked me for reminding him about it and would come up with something good to get out of Dylan. Because of course, you know he feels he will win.
One point tonight, two more games this weekend and a GM that told Howie he's looking for Defense. Ya think???
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