Updated 3pm:
ITV: Has Al Arbour behind the bench at practice, addressing the team Saturday.
Islanders Website: Has the early pregame for tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"It will be a special night for the alumni, the organization and everyone involved," said Arbour. "I'd like to thank Ted, Garth and the owner for making this possible for me. It's a great thrill for my family and me to be back in our hometown of Long Island."
NYI Fan Central Comments:
If the Islanders cannot win the Stanley Cup this year, I want a win tonight.
Lot's of pressure on the Islanders and the staff here with an outstanding skating and scoring team that will not lack the confidence Tampa did. Bergenheim out and Ben Walter went to the Island according to the Ct Post.
A little risky and unheard of having a banner ceremony after a game. If they lose badly it could ruin it for some but hopefully the fans attending will separate the two regardless of result and understand that Al Arbour did not want any pregame distraction for the team if he is going to be behind the bench.
I will be in attendance tonight and will update the blog tonight or tomorrow. I hope Islander fans of all generations have a great night and congratulations to Al Arbour.
As for the game I have a personal observation, could be dead wrong but it would be very interesting to see this come down to a shootout and something Al Arbour never saw in his career to decide a game he coached. Islanders are due to play one and I just have this feeling were going to get one tonight.
Dany Sabourin has challenged for the starters spot with solid play and is expected to start according to some publications. Ray Whitney sat out practice with a groin injury as a precaution and Georges Laraque is expected to play. Ben Walter should be in the lineup for the Islanders.