4/3: Rangers at New York 7pm Msg+

New York Islander Fan Central | 4/03/2008 04:30:00 PM | |
Islanders website/AP: Has the preview for Thursday night's final home game against the Rangers.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
To me it's all good at this point and a bonus with a solid prospect making his debut.

Something positive for Islander fans will happen on Thursday night, that's how our fans should take tomorrow as we root for our team and then see where things stand on Saturday.

So what's good you may ask?
1. Isles will improve their odds of getting a franchise player in Monday's lottery if they lose the game and having a very realistic shot at Stamkos who can set this franchise up for a decade between him and Okposo. You going to be upset Monday if a loss here gives them a first overall pick in a great draft?

2. Isles win they put the Rangers in a very tough spot for another day in terms of them making the playoffs which puts a ton of pressure on them Friday in the rematch, Washington's schedule says they can run the table and Carolina then enters the race for the final spot with Boston and Philadelphia.

Wade Flaherty stole a few meaningless games for the Isles one year that kept them from a franchise changing prospect, will that be what the next two days brings with a few wins no one will remember next season?

I expect Isles to play a good game and keep things close because frankly that's what they are doing against New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and what they did when they beat the Rangers in March. The idea they are not playing competitive hockey just does not add up as they have been in every single game. The Rangers are hardly an offensive powerhouse.

I have no doubt Dubie will give them every chance to stay in the game. Can the Isles generate something from their offense?

Will Renney drop his trap and attack knowing the Isles cannot score, will that create chances for the Isles?

That could play into Ted Nolan's hands here. Can that powerplay give them anything but grief for one night?

Ted Nolan's been talking about Gervais making his return the final games, it's now or never in that department.

One other good thing, half the current Islander roster will be playing Saturday for Bridgeport.

Today's changes:
Michael Fornabaio reported in his blog Joey MacDonald is back with Bridgeport, Mike Morrison got the call up to the Islanders along with Matt Keith and Drew Fata.

Jeff Dwyer/Ryan Cruthers are up from Utah as is Mike Mole.