When all was said and done, the Isles lost 7-3. Marty Biron did not look sharp at all and gave up 4 goals in the first period before being replaced by Roloson, who gave up 3 more. Moulson, Okposo and Bailey got the goals for the Islanders and, during the first and second periods, they did get within one goal a few times after the Penguins had taken a 2-0 lead. However, 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3 deficits were lost when the game was blown open in the second 6-3, and that was pretty much all she wrote for the Islanders.

Just 2 more games to go for the New York Islanders 2009-2010 season. The boys have a visit to the Rock in NJ on Saturday night, and then the final game, which is at the Colosseum against the Penguins Sunday at 5 PM. Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia and the Rangers will settle the final playoff picture for the Eastern Conference by weekend’s end with one of those teams heading to the golf course. At the moment, the Rangers are on the outside, but they have a home and home with the Flyers and can still sneak in if they can sweep the pair. Montreal and Boston simply have to win one game to each make it in, though the positioning of 6, 7 and 8 is also still not settled. So, there is still an exciting weekend of hockey ahead of us for the NHL regular season conclusion. Enjoy it, folks.

There were hundreds upon hundreds of  Bleu, Blanc and Rouge at the Coli last night, and you would think if you were just listening, that you were in Centre Bell.

However, it was an Islander home game.

Despite being down a couple of times in the 3rd period, the Isles responded, and ultimately got the second point from the skills competition, sending the Habs fans home unhappy.

This team, even with them being out of the playoff dance, are playing their hearts out, and are not settling for just ending the season.  The grit, determination, and overally intensity is up, and the results show in the “W” column.

For anyone that has the audacity to say that the team should ‘tank’ it – and try to get a better position for a Tyler Hall or Seguin or some other hot prospect, should be just shot!  As a professional athlete, especially a hockey player, can not just drop their play level.  They are the proudest bunch of the athletes in professional ranks, and I am proud to follow these guys.

Poor Blake Comeau – hurts his leg (foot), in the first period, after scoring again.  Such a shame he was not among the top 3 of last week.  He should have been there.  Hopefully, he will be able to suit up for the remaining 3.

Sean Bergenheim was all over the place.  He was a pest, and made some great moves in the offensive zone.  I just wish this intensity was around all year, but I am happy it is here now.  Something so positive to bring to next season.

Would any of us thought that we could say that Marty Biron is 7-0-2 in his last 9?  Wow!  The ultimate team player, and I so wish he comes back next season.

From first hand knowledge – this is a great locker room.  The guys ALL get along so well, and all seem to enjoy playing together.  Even with Jon Sim in his face last week , Andy Sutton, would not rule out coming back to play here next season.  That says BUNCHES about the character of this team.

Just so appreciate that this team is ending the season on such a high note.  They are currently 17 points ahead of last season with 3 games left.

I just hope that more and more folks in Islander Country appreciate the overall effort of the team.  Yes, we did not make the playoffs, but unlike last season, there are a great deal of glimpses of hope, that a corner will be turned again.  With a positive outlook, cap space galore, the continued improvement of the current corps, and the talent that is ready to come up – you have to look forward to 2010-11. 

If you are not aboard the Islander train – we can stop it – and let you come on in.