3/27: New York at Pittsburgh 7:30pm Msg+

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/27/2008 09:41:00 AM | |
Islanders website: Has the preview for tonight's game in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
The final trip out of state for a game this season, Mike Comrie did not make the trip.

The recall of Tim Jackman again makes me think Mike Comrie's flu is more about being banged up as Ted Nolan talked about. The Post reported a hip injury which was not reported in Newsday. Miroslav Satan may play center again.

I'm not sure what Islander or Penguin team we will see tonight or how much rust Crosby will have on his game but I expect if the Pens did take the Isles lightly at the Coliseum that will not happen tonight. The idea that the Islanders will roll over for any club at any time just will not happen because they have been in virtually every game down the stretch. Of course they cannot score enough to win on a regular basis but that was the case before the injuries. Will Pittsburgh's team defense allow the Isles to get position in the offensive zone and will the Islander forwards fight forn the high quality area's as they did Monday? Vasicek was creating chances and doing very well.

Another chance for Okposo, Comeau, Colliton and a game Tambellini needs to be more visible.

I expect Dubie to play this game and give the Isles a chance to win. I do not expect Mole to see a game in his callup but it would be interesting to see Utah's ECHL goaltender play.

Someone also has to tell me why at this point Colton Fretter is not getting an NHL look because he's saved Bridgeport with his scoring and earned a contract? Same for Trevor Smith, Sean Bentivoglio who the Isles signed last spring. I know the Sound Tigers want to keep some regulars but another week in the NHL is not going to make any difference for Kyle Okposo but could for Bridgeport.

The idea here should be for Bridgeport to get in the AHL playoffs and make a long playoff run which could extend into June.