Final Score: Caps win 5-1
Champ:
Paper Bag Guys - these guys pretty much summed it up for the rest of the Islander fans at the Coliseum tonight; they had Islander jerseys on with paper bags covering their heads; we should all be embarrassed by our teams play tonight.
Chump:
Mark Lawrence - can this guy look any more confused out on the ice? I mean he is totally useless. It took Henning two periods to realize that Kolnik was surely the better choice.
When we last had a snowstorm roll through town I chose to miss the game rather than venture out to brave the elements. And what happened? The Isles, down 3-1 after the first, came back to win a thriller against the Flyers in overtime, 4-3. So, looking for something positive I rationalized that maybe the Isles play their best during a snowstorm; boy was I wrong.
The Islanders played a game that we have all gotten used to; a game that cost a good man his job. Erratic passing, lethargic skating, and low intensity plagued the Isles throughout the game. DiPietro let in two soft goals to begin the game and the Islanders could do nothing to get the offense on track. After falling behind by 4, they were able to only muster 1 goal on a beautiful play by Czerkawski; the only bright spot of the game.
Earth Calling Lawrence
Mark Lawrence has been horrible all season yet the coaching staff continues to give him steady ice time. The guy looks totally lost out there just seeming to be going through the motions. He skates like he is in mud, and can never keep the puck on his stick. I can't believe there was a time when this guy held out for a bigger contract and we gave it to him! Incredible. Henning finally wised up and sat Lawrence's butt on the bench and gave Juraj Kolnik the ice time he so sorely deserved. Lets hope Kolnik continues to receive more ice time and Lawrence gets a bunch more splinters in his behind.
Blondes Have More Fun?
Was it just me, or was DiPietro supposed to be a blonde? After visiting the Isles web site and reading that DiPietro's name had been picked from the hat, I was curious to see what he would look like. Pretty sad to think that this is something I look forward to after a win. But when a win comes so few and far between I need something to give myself a good laugh. Hey, since he wasn't a blonde this game, it gives me something to look forward to for next time; I wouldn't dare look forward to a win at this point.
Shoot, Shoot, Shoot
I am absolutely sick and tired of fans yelling
SHOOT
during every second of a power play. Then, when the Isles do shoot the puck and the opposing penalty killers block the shot and clear the puck, everyone boos. If these people had any hockey sense at all they would understand that it is extremely important to pass the puck effectively during a power play and look for the open man. Shooting the puck through a stream of players is not the answer. So, please keep your mouths shut and let the players do their job; that is why they are getting paid to play hockey and you are not.
Ice Chips
(tid bits you may have missed)
:
The last time the Islanders defeated the Capitals was during a 2-0 win on March 2, 1997 in Washington. Can anybody explain to me why Taylor Pyatt was scratched for this game? If you can, please fill me in. Chara made a beautiful pass tonight; too bad it was directly onto the stick of Adam Oates, who had an assist on the resulting fifth goal. I gotta say, during the "Getting to Know Your Islanders" segment, Steve Martins response to the question "Is it true what they say about men with big feet?" was hilarious. Rubbing his rather noticeable "shnoz" he responded something to the effect of "No, but I know what they say about guys with big noses." It was great to see Mark Parrish back in the lineup for tonight's game. Lets hope Milbury has the common sense to hire Ted Nolan, a coach who will literally kick this team's butt and get them going in the right direction.
Until Next Time..."We'll Miss You Butch"
- Mike