Atlanta at New York 7pm Msg+

New York Islander Fan Central | 12/06/2008 12:26:00 PM |
Comeau recalled, Tambellini on conditioning assignment.

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Mike Knobler's Thrasher update from Friday will tell you about a team that has blown several third period leads that would be in a playoff spot if not for the late game collapses.

No, he was not writing about the Islanders, who apparently share something in common with one of the clubs behind them in the standings.

Of course Atlanta was one club that rallied to beat the Islanders.

They come to New York five games under after a 5-1 loss to Ottawa on a five game losing streak after a recent five game winning streak. They did lose 5-4 against Montreal (fourth goal after an empty net score by Canadians) so this team can put up some goals between Little, Kozlov and with Kovalchuk they have one of the most dynamic players in the NHL despite head coach John Anderson being the latest to try and change his game somewhat.

If Atlanta on a five game losing streak with one game in seven days does not come in and play as desperate as a club can be for December they need some changes.

Ondrej Pavelec has started two of the last three in goal who defeated the Islanders in one of his early starts after being called up.

Injuries
C Steve Rucchin Concussion Doubtful
G Kari Lehtonen Back IR
D Mathieu Schneider Upper body Questionable
D Zach Bogosian Leg IR

From the Islanders side they need to be just as desperate because three games under in this league means you are going nowhere but to the lottery. Without Okposo, Nielsen, with Sillinger-Thompson someone is going to have to step up here (don't count on pp goals from Park-Hilbert) but more importantly this club has to start playing some defense regardless of whether it's Pock in or Martinek because MacDonald is not getting a chance and giving them outstanding goaltending.

This is one of those games Scott Gordon should have his club ready to get after the Thrashers from the opening drop of the puck after what we saw in Washington. I have read alot about the Islanders weathering other clubs storms this seasons to start games. It's time the Islanders come out and get right after Atlanta.

Last time on home ice for a while, they need two points here and something to build on.

If they can't it's time to callup some speed and skill from Bridgeport.

Updated:
Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reports in his blog Blake Comeau has been recalled to the Islanders while Jeff Tambellini agreed to accept a conditioning assignment.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Waste of time for Tambellini, nothing left for him to prove in the AHL regardless of how many goals he scores, we saw this a year ago when he went down and dominated, he was recalled and it amounted to nothing. He either figures it out here and the Islanders give him that time or it's time to find another organization for him.

Apparently Blake Comeau can play Scott Gordon's system in Bridgeport, now we see if he can win over the coach who sent him down or is this all tied in with Tambellini because both play left wing.

At the very least I get Comeau in a third jersey for the header, about a year to the day he was recalled last time after Chris Simon's suspension.

Updated 4pm:
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Mr Knobler reports Johan Hedberg gets the start in goal for Atlanta. No one returning who was on Thrashers injury report.





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