Top Shelf : Islanders Daily 5/27/13

Apr 16, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals mascot Slap Shot waves an American flag honoring victims of the Boston Marathon bombings prior to the Capitals game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Middletown, N. J. – With the Eastern conference final all set and ready to rumble with the Pittsburgh Penguins facing off against the Boston Bruins, the Western conference is not yet ready to announce their representation.

The San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings head to a decisive game seven while the Chicago Blackhawks look to do the same when they face the Detroit Red Wings this evening at Joe Louis Arena.

But today is not just about hockey….It is more about remembering and honoring the fallen members of our esteemed and highly regarded military. The men and women who put on their uniform to serve and protect this great land of ours and gave their lives so we can continue to enjoy the freedom that so many times we take for granted. So whatever your plans for today might be, stop and pause for a second. Look up at the heavens and say ‘thank you’……for without their service, we would not exist as the leaders of the free world. And they truly are all our brothers and sisters in arms.

The entire staff at EyesOnIsles recognizes the supreme sacrifice you have made for our way of life and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May your soul be blessed and your spirit live on.

Links

• Our mega collaborative season recap (EyesOnIsles)
• Top 25 under 25 continues with a look at Brendan Kichton (Lighthouse Hockey)
• Randy Holt takes a quick look at Michael Grabner (Rant Sports)
• Allan Maki is still confident in the Kings heading into game seven (The Globe and Mail)
• Joe Kremel of Blackhawk Up details what Chicago must do to win game six (Fansided)
• Rangers pick up a third round draft pick after losing to Boston (NBC)

Around The Twitter-Sphere

• It is pretty funny to see the inter-family intensity that hockey can bring out, especially when rival teams are involved. But I’ll always remember the Bill Cosby skit from when he used to do stand-up in regard to dads. ‘I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!’ HaHa

• Twitter was ablaze yesterday with Isles fans clamoring for Brad Richards ,should he be bought out by the New York Rangers. Such a move would probably mean moving Ryan Strome to wing and I am not sure he fits into Garth Snow‘s plan but it would certainly add a little spice to the re-emerging Isles-Rangers rivalry.

• Put a flannel on big Joe and an axe instead of his hockey stick and there is no way you would be able to differentiate him from a lumberjack.

• No matter what sport you choose to follow this statement is about as accurate as it gets. Game seven, everything on the line, no tomorrow. Nothing better. Enough said.

Around The NHL

• The San Jose Sharks have battled back from a 2-0 series deficit to force a decisive game seven against the Los Angeles Kings, winning 2-1 last night at HP Pavilion. The home team has won each game of this series but in a do or die, win or go home scenario, just about anything can happen. The Sharks have to like their chances and have shown resiliency and character that is different from years past playoff disappointments. The Kings will rely on their experience and status as defending Stanley Cup champions, not to mention the continued outstanding effort of reigning Conn Smythe award winner Jonathan Quick.

TJ with the winner for the Sharks on a twisted wrister

With the results being announced today at noon, does

have a place to stay?

-AG