Not The Blogging Type Of Day

I've been having some trouble getting my info together today. I couldn't get the info for the PGP, which is a serious problem.

Hopefully, I'll get it tomorrow morning, so I can get it done early. Also, the game review was not done, which was based off of a silly mistake of me not doing a live review. You know what this leads to.

To assure you, things will get done early tomorrow.


Let's Go Isles!!!

Isles Lose, Isles 2 Rags 4

Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Jaromir Jagr (9:18)

2ND PERIOD

2. Miro Satan (PPG) (3:53)

3. Chris Drury (PPG) (6:20)

4. Scott Gomez (PPG) (16:20)

5. Mike Comrie (17:57)

3RD PERIOD

6. Brandon Dubinsky (16:44)



My Three Stars:

1. Brandon Dubinsky- GWG and an assist.
2. Martin Straka- Two assists.
3. Richard Park- Strong game.



Notes From The Game:

-Park was great.

-We need to score more than 2.

-Too many penalties.

-DP looked terrible. Put Dubie in the next game!

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais
47 Marc-Andre Bergeron

Forwards
10 Richard Park - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 17 Shawn Bates


RANGERS
Goaltenders
30 Henrik Lundqvist
40 Stephen Valiquette

Defensemen
18 Marc Staal – 3 Michal Rozsival
51 Fedor Tyutin – 5 Dan Girardi
34 Jason Strudwick – 27 Paul Mara

Forwards
82 Martin Straka – 17 Brandon Dubinsky – 68 Jaromir Jagr
81 Marcel Hossa – 19 Scott Gomez – 14 Brendan Shanahan
25 Petr Prucha – 23 Chris Drury – 24 Ryan Callahan
44 Ryan Hollweg – 15 Blair Betts – 28 Colton Orr

PGP Game 23, Isles @ Rags 11/29/07 7:00 PM

The Isles will take on the Rags for the 4th time of the season tonight at the Garden.

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BIG MATCHUP:

New York vs. New York

The matchup is self explanatory. No need for me to keep writing on this.

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After a shootout win last night, the Isles are now 13-8-1 on the year.

Things should be pretty confident in the Isles lockeroom. They are 3-0 this season against the Rangers, and will look into #4 tonight. All games were won by a 1-goal margin, which leads into a new problem.

You probably know what it is. Things are not going in the net anymore. Josef Vasicek seems to be fine, though, as he leads the team in scoring.

The Isles can pass the Rags in the standings with a win tonight. Expect everyone to be trying hard tonight.


My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
12 Chris Simon - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
10 Sean Bergenheim – 10 Richard Park - 17 Shawn Bates

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The Rangers haven't been to bad either. Led by G Henrik Lundqvist, the Rags put up a 13-9-2 record so far this season.

The game probably won't have as much action, as Sean Avery is having wrist surgery today.

The Rangers will always put in a great effort into games, no matter how nasty their players are. Two hard-working and physical teams going at it will go for some extreme fun tonight.

My Projected Lines:

Forwards
82 - Martin Straka 17 - Brandon Dubinsky 68 - Jaromir Jagr
81 - Marcel Hossa 19 - Scott Gomez 14 - Brendan Shanahan
25 - Petr Prucha 23 - Chris Drury 24 - Ryan Callahan
44 - Ryan Hollweg 15 - Blair Betts 28 - Colton Orr

Defensemen
3 - Michal Rozsival 18 - Marc Staal
51 - Fedor Tyutin 5 - Daniel Girardi
34 - Jason Strudwick 27 - Paul Mara

Goaltenders
30 - Henrik Lundqvist
40 - Stephen Valiquette



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Official Preview:

A year later, and the Islanders once again look to start the season 4-0 against the cross-river rival Rangers, when they visit Madison Square Garden tonight at 7 pm. Already three games into the season series, the Islanders have captured three one-goal victories – one coming at MSG.

The Islanders have captured a pair of 2-1 victories and a 3-2 contest. In their latest outing – on November 19 – the Islanders used second-period goals from Ruslan Fedotenko and Josef Vasicek to win 2-1 at the Garden. Rick DiPietro earned his tenth win of the season and 100th of his career, making 18 saves.

The Islanders did not skate this morning after coming off an emotional 3-2 shootout win over the Ottawa Senators last night. Playing against the top rated Eastern Conference team, the Islanders did not surrender. Ottawa out-shot the Islanders 37-22, but DiPietro kept the Islanders ahead 2-1 until the game’s final two minutes of regulation.

Andrej Meszaros scored with only 1:55 left in the game to force overtime and ultimately a shootout. In the skills competition, captains Bill Guerin and Mike Sillinger came through in the clutch, while DiPietro made one final save on Dean McAmmond in the sixth round to seal the victory. Sillinger and Josef Vasicek scored the Islanders two regulation goals. It was Vasicek’s team-leading ninth.

From one tough game to the next, the Islanders find themselves. While the Rangers have had as much difficulty scoring as the Islanders, it’s inevitable they will be pumped up for this one.

The Rangers sit only one point ahead of the Islanders, who have two games in hand. Since winning five games in a row, the Rangers have gone 1-2-1 in their latest four-game stretch.

Henrik Lundqvist leads the league in goals against average, but the offense has not been there for the Blueshirts. In their last four games, the Rangers have not scored more than two goals. Their latest loss came to Dallas on Monday by the score of 3-2.

It won’t help the offense that the Rangers will be without Sean Avery, who will receive surgery on his hand, which was injured in a fight against Darcy Tucker earlier this month and then by a slapshot from Brendan Shanahan.

Final After Shootout, Sens 2 Isles 3

The Isles take an exciting game in their first shootout of the season.

Photo Of The Game:





Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Josef Vasicek (19:34)

2ND PERIOD

No Scoring

3RD PERIOD

2. Andrej Meszaros (PPG) (1:05)

3. Mike Sillinger (4:58)

4. Andrej Meszaros (2) (18:05)

OVERTIME

No Scoring

SHOOTOUT

New York Islanders (1-0) (Mike Sillinger)



My 3 Stars:

1. Rick DiPietro- It's a no-doubter. He won this game.
2. Mike Sillinger- 1 regulation goal, and the GWG in the shootout.
3. Andrej Meszaros- 2 goals.




Notes From The Game:

-7:16- Uh oh. To the PK right away.

-7:18- Nice kill there.

-7:19- DP looking very sharp already.

-7:20- Bates on his first shift.

-7:21- 9 minutes over. Isles looking pretty good.

-7:24- Ah, Silly! We should of had a goal there.

-7:25- What? That was a clear penalty. Bad missed call.

-7:29- Bates, breakaway.....misses the net.

-7:29- PP time!

-7:32- Bad PP, but now we have another one!

-7:37- No goals, but that PP was much better.

-7:37- Penalty on DP.

-7:41- Vasicek...scoooooores! 1-0 Isles.

-7:43- Great 1st period. Definitely got better at the end. After 1, 1-0 Isles.

-7:59- Time to start up the 2nd period!

-8:03- Penalty Satan. High-sticking.

-8:05- Nice penalty kill.

-8:08- Ouch. Hope Martinek is okay. Going off the ice now.

-8:11- What a chance! Silly had a goal there.

-8:12- DP! Stoppin' those pucks.

-8:13- Wow. Satan missed 3 chances there.

-8:14- EXACTLY half way through the game now. I give the Isles an A- on this first half. In other terms, an 8 out of 10.

-8:15- Looks like we got a PP now.

-8:21- More chances with no results.

-8:22- Park was so close to a goal there.

-8:29- Wow. I wish we could score more.

-8:33- What's going on? PK now.

-8:34- Great 1st 2 periods. 1-0 Isles.

-8:51- Here come the Isles! Back on ice.

-8:53- Sens score. 1-1.

-8:54- Penalty on Comrie.

-8:56- Sens score...wait. It's under review.

-8:57- No goal!

-8:58- Penalty over.

-8:59- Guerin, you can NOT miss that.

-9:00- Sillinger, scooooores! 2-1 Isles.

-9:07- Back to the PK.

-9:10- Good PK.

-9:14- I can smell that W.

-9:24- Nooo! Sens tie it up.

-9:27- To OT we go.

-9:32- PP! Do it guys!

-9:35- To the PK.

-9:40- To the SO

-9:47- Isles Win the the shootout!

-Amazing game. I was very impressed overall.

-DP! (clap clap) DP!!

-Park with another amazing one.

-Bates had an okay game.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Forwards
12 Chris Simon - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
10 Sean Bergenheim – 10 Richard Park – 17 Shawn Bates

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais


OTTAWA
Goaltenders
1 Ray Emery
29 Martin Gerber

Defensemen
6 Wade Redden - 14 Andrej Meszaros
4 Chris Phillips – 24 Anton Volchenkov
7 Joe Corvo - 2 Luke Richardson

Forwards
15 Dany Heatley - 19 Jason Spezza – 11 Daniel Alfredsson
27 Randy Robitaille - 12 Mike Fisher - 25 Chris Neil
20 Antoine Vermette - 22 Chris Kelly - 41 Alexander Nikulin
5 Christoph Schubert - 37 Dean McAmmond - 10 Shean Donovan

PGP Game 22, Sens @ Isles 11/28/07 7:00 PM

The Isles will take the ice tonight against the Ottawa Senators, the Eastern Conference leader.

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BIG MATCHUP:

Comrie vs. Senators

Mike Comrie will play his first game against his former team tonight. Will things get heated up? I'm thinking not, but there may definitely be some action centering Comrie.
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The Islanders (12-8-1) have been suddenly dropping from their good start.

G Rick DiPietro is now showing signs of tiredness. As much as the Isles want DP in there, it doesn't make much sense to push him so early in the season. He will be getting the call tonight, undoubtedly.

Finally, tonight marks the return of Shawn Bates. Hopefully, the fans will give him a warm welcome back. He deserves it, after all he's been through.

Monday, the Isles PP scored for the first time in a long time. These past few games have showed that every game relies on scoring, definitely with the solid netminder. The problem is, they can't score. This needs to change, and change fast.

D Bryan Berard will likely be out tonight after getting shaken up in a collision in the last game.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
12 Chris Simon - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
10 Sean Bergenheim – 10 Richard Park - 17 Shawn Bates

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The Senators have started the season on an even higher note than the Isles. With a record of 16-5-1, they look to continue their nice start.

The big suprise on the Senators this year has been Martin Gerber. He has been absolutlely fabulous filling in for Ray Emery. But when you put the pieces together, Emery is really their #1. He's totally fine now. With Gerber struggling a bit lately, they might turn to Emery tonight. But still, I'm pretty sure it will be Gerber between the pipes.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
29 Martin Gerber
1 Ray Emery

Defensemen
6 Wade Redden - 14 Andrej Meszaros
4 Chris Phillips – 24 Anton Volchenkov
7 Joe Corvo - 2 Luke Richardson
5 Christoph Schubert

Forwards
15 Dany Heatley - 19 Jason Spezza - 37 Dean McAmmond
27 Randy Robitaille - 12 Mike Fisher - 25 Chris Neil
20 Antoine Vermette - 22 Chris Kelly - 41 Alexander Nikulin
10 Shean Donovan - 16 Brian McGrattan

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Official Game Preview:

After a red-hot start to the season, the Ottawa Senators have slowed down and are on the verge of losing four in a row for the first time in more than a year. A meeting with the New York Islanders might help them get back to their winning ways.

Ottawa looks to end its skid and beat New York for the ninth straight time Wednesday when the teams meet for the first time this season.

The Senators (16-5-1) began 2007-08 with 15 wins in 17 games, but have since dropped four of five, including their last three. They haven't suffered four straight defeats since a five-game slide from Oct. 28-Nov. 8, 2006.

Ottawa gets a chance to break out of its slump against an Islanders team it has defeated eight straight times since a 5-2 loss at Nassau Coliseum on Jan. 19, 2004. The Senators also knocked the Islanders out of the playoffs in 2003 by winning their first-round series in five games.

Including postseason, Ottawa is 38-11-0 with 11 ties against the Islanders, and 19-5-0 with six draws at Nassau Coliseum.

Ottawa's skid continued Saturday night with a 4-3 loss at home to Philadelphia. The Senators played without captain and leading scorer Daniel Alfredsson for the first time this season because of a groin injury.

Alfredsson, who tops Ottawa with 16 goals and 30 points, told the team's official Web site that his status for Wednesday is uncertain after he skated on his own before Monday morning's practice.

"It's much better than it was Friday, there's no question, which is very encouraging," said Alfredsson, who has 40 points in 39 games against New York. "(The groin) is responding to the treatments I'm getting, so we'll see how it feels (Tuesday)."

Ottawa led the Flyers 2-1 after the first period Saturday, but allowed three goals in the second. Starting goaltender Martin Gerber was replaced by Ray Emery after giving up three goals on 25 shots.

"I'm not overly concerned," Senators first-year coach John Paddock said. "You don't go from all those wins and the best winning percentage to all of a sudden being bad."

The Islanders (12-8-1) have been bad lately, losing three of four following an 8-3-0 stretch. New York, though, did earn a point for the second straight game Monday, falling 3-2 in overtime to Dallas.

Miroslav Satan's power-play goal with 2:38 remaining in regulation tied it for the Islanders, but Dallas scored 35 seconds into overtime to hand New York only its fourth loss in 12 home games.

The Islanders haven't scored more than two goals in nine consecutive games, going 4-4-1 in that span, and have an NHL-low 51 goals.

"We got a good power-play goal at the end," center Mike Comrie said, "but it's disappointing when you give up that point."

New York coach Ted Nolan, however, was pleased his team didn't walk away empty-handed.

"It was one of those games where maybe we shouldn't have gotten a point," Nolan told the Islanders' official Web site. "We found a way to get a point and it all equals out in the end."

Insert Clever Title Here

Sorry, but I don't have time to put together a pre-game post for tomorrow night's game. That will get done as soon as I can tomorrow.

I have an overfull bucket of posts that need to get up here, I've just never had the time or patience to type them up. With all the games packed into the schedule now, all I seem to post is pre-game posts and game reviews. But I wish I could have the time to put up posts that don't strictly involve games.

If I'm on overload, then why am I posting this? Simply because this is one of those posts that was on the list of things to be posted.


Let's Go Isles!!!

Final In Overtime, Stars 3 Isles 2

The Isles lose quickly in OT to the Stars on Monday.

Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Richard Park (SHG) (9:07)

2. Mike Modano (11:37)

3RD PERIOD

3. Jeff Halpern (6:07)

4. Miro Satan (PPG) (17:22)

OVERTIME

5. Mike Modano (0:35)



My 3 Stars:

1. Mike Modano- 2 goals and the GWG.
2. Rick DiPietro- Another great game in net.
3. Richard Park- Hard-working game, and a nice goal.




Notes From The Game:

-7:25- Great chances so far. Put it in already!

-7:26- PP time!

-7:29- Bad PP.

-7:36- Ouch. Hope Berard's okay.

-7:37- Lines aren't like Saturday's.

-7:40- This 1st period sums up the past few games. Chances, but no results.

-7:52- 1st Period Shots: Isles 12 Stars 8

-7:59- Uh oh. Kill this one off fast!

-8:00- Wow. That didn't last long. Some 4 on 4 action now.

-8:07- Pace slowing down now. Thanks for stealing the words right out of my mouth, Jaffe.

-8:08- Ugh. Time to get those penalty killers out there!

-8:11- Yes! Shorty! Wow. Park had an open net. Amazing play Park, bad play Turco. 1-0 Isles!!!

-8:12- Nice kill! Isles rolling here.

-8:18- Ah, man. Modano nets it. 1-1.

-8:23- Ahh. Guerin didn't need to take that penalty.

-8:29- What? Killed it off and then another penalty?

-8:31- Wow. Guys obviously upset with the refs. Nolan stare down!

-8:45- 2nd Period Shots: Stars 12 Isles 6

-8:58- No! Halpern put it in. 2-1.

-9:04- PP Isles!!!

-9:14- Another PP. We HAVE to convert on this one.

-9:16- YES!!! Miro tying it up!

-9:21- OT baby!

-9:24- Ah. Wasted OT. Modano nets the winner.

-Overall, it was just like the past few games. We just can't put the puck in the net!

-DP solid as always.

-Penalties?

-Finally, the powerplay converts. A nice goal, too.

-12-8-1-0. First OT loss.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais
25 Andy Sutton - 4 Bryan Berard
47 Marc-Andre Bergeron

Forwards
12 Chris Simon - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
20 Sean Bergenheim - 10 Richard Park


STARS
Goaltenders
35 Marty Turco
41 Mike Smith

Defensemen
5 Matt Niskanen - 56 Sergei Zubov
6 Trevor Daley - 43 Philippe Boucher
2 Nicklas Grossman - 3 Stephane Robidas

Forwards
15 Niklas Hagman - 9 Mike Modano - 36 Jussi Jokinen
21 Loui Eriksson - 63 Mike Ribeiro - 10 Brendan Morrow
29 Steve Ott -11 Jeff Halpern - 14 Stu Barnes
13 Krystofer Barch– 39 Joel Lundqvist 16 Brad Winchester

PGP Game 21, Stars @ Isles 11/26/07 7:00 PM

The Isles will try to make it 2 in-a-row as they face off against the Dallas Stars Monday night.

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The Islanders are coming off of a 2-1 victory over the Bruins Saturday night. Everything seemed to be going well for them, and for the first time, Andy Hilbert scored a goal in a game this season.

Goalie Rick DiPietro has been solid all of the way, playing 15 games in a row heading into Monday. It's likely that back-up Wade Dubielewicz will get the call. Also, F Shawn Bates is ready to return on the ice for the first time in 10 months.

A 12-8-0 record isn't bad for the Isles, nor is it too good. This game will be a great chance to improve on it. No matter who's between the pipes or who's on what line, the Isles will make it an exciting game, and give it their best effort. I predict the Isles will get a 4-1 victory, as their offense will finally start to pick-up. It really is about time.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz


Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais


Forwards
10 Richard Park - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 17 Shawn Bates - 10 Sean Bergenheim

UPDATE: -4:38- Looks like DP's getting the start tonight. 16 in a row? Ouch. Dubie's going to get rusty.

UPDATE: -6:45- No Bates tonight. MAB's dressed. Looks like the same lines as last game.

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The Stars are now on a 5-game winning streak. Coming off of a solid homestand, they defeated the Rangers Sunday at the Garden. They were completely out played. Here's that one stat that is astonishing: SHOTS: Rangers 40 Stars 18. Despite that, they pulled of a 3-2 victory.

The Goaltending sitiuation is very questionable. Obviously, we all know that Marty Turco is on the Stars. But he isn't getting as much playing time as expected with Mike Smith battling in every game he plays. Smith played Sunday, so Turco should get the call against the Isles.

With the Stars being a west coast team, I can't give you much info on them. That's just because I don't have it. But the Stars haven't been here in 4 years, so welcome back.

My Peojected Lines:

Goaltenders
35 Marty Turco
41 Mike Smith

Defensemen
5 Matt Niskanen - 56 Sergei Zubov
6 Trevor Daley - 43 Philippe Boucher
3 Stephane Robidas - 2 Nicklas Grossman

Forwards
11 Jeff Halpern – 9 Mike Modano – 65 Chris Conner
21 Loui Eriksson - 63 Mike Ribeiro - 10 Brendan Morrow
5 Niklas Hagman - 36 Jussi Jokinen – 14 Stu Barnes
29 Steve Ott - 39 Joel Lundqvist – 16 Brad Winchester

Hilbert's Lucky Day Leads To 2-1 Isles Win

With the help of Andy Hilbert's first goal of the season, the Isles sneak past he Bruins in game 2.

Photo Of The Game:





Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. PJ Axelsson (3:51)

2ND PERIOD

2. Andy Hilbert (17:25)

3RD PERIOD

3. Richard Park (7:30)



My 3 Stars:

1. Andy Hilbert- 1st point, 1st goal, hard work.
2. Richard Park- GWG.
3. Rick DiPietro- Held up the Isles in the 3rd.



Notes From The Game:

-Great game to watch from the Coliseum. I enjoyed it very much.

-Hilbert! Hard work pays off, buddy.

-DP!

-New lines worked well.

-Win 1,200 in Isles history.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz


Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais
25 Andy Sutton - 4 Bryan Berard
47 Marc-Andre Bergeron

Forwards
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
12 Chris Simon - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
20 Sean Bergenheim - 10 Richard Park


BOSTON
Goaltenders
30 Tim Thomas
40 Tuukka Rask

Defensemen
33 Zdeno Chara - 44 Aaron Ward
41 Andrew Alberts – 6 Dennis Wideman
38 Bobby Allen - 45 Mark Stuart

Forwards
11 P.J. Axelsson – 91 Marc Savard - 27 Glen Murray
72 Peter Schaefer - 81 Phil Kessel - 10 Brandon Bochenski
16 Marco Sturm - 13 Glen Metropolit - 12 Chuck Kobasew
60 Vladimir Sobotka - 56 Petteri Nokelainen - 53 Jeremy Reich

PGP Game 20, Bruins @ Isles 11/24/07 7:00 PM

The Bruins and Isles travel down to Nassau for the second game of the home-and-home.

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Scoring. For the Isles, it seems that it just isn't happening anymore. Yesterday's game was absolutely terrible. Same with the game before that. At least the goaltending is holding up with future star Rick DiPietro. That's if he's not a star already.

He has really given the Isles a chance the past few games, but the Isles aren't answering. It is a question if he will get the call tonight, though. Most likely, he will still play. Also, F Shawn Bates is done with his conditioning stint with the Sound Tigers, and will rejoin the team today. In those 3 games, he picked up 2 goals. Will he play tonight? Probably not, but anything can happen.

The Isles will work hard to try to pick up their 12th win of the season tonight, and will do it at home.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman

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Things are looking pretty good for the Bruins. After passing the Isles in the standings at the end yesterday's game, they can really start to shoot up past the big teams.

The starting goalie tonight may be only picked right before the game. There is a pretty good chance Rask could get it, but I have a feeling they will stick with Thomas after the win yesterday. Will fatigue show? Probably not.

The Bruins can really put the Isles in the dirt tonight. If their goaltending shows up, it may almost be a sure win. Should go for a really fun game.

My Projected Lines:

Forwards
11 PJ Axelsson - 91 Marc Savard - 27 Glen Murray
16 Marco Sturm - 13 Glen Metropolit - 12 Chuck Kobasew
72 Peter Schaefer - 81 Phil Kessel - 10 Brandon Bochenski
? Vlad Sobotka - 56 Petteri Nokelainen - 53 Jeremy Reich

Defensemen
33 Zedeno Chara - 44 Aaron Ward
41 Andrew Alberts - 6 Dennis Wideman
38 Bobby Allen - 45 Mark Stuart

Goaltenders
30 Tim Thomas
40 Tuukka Rask


I will be going to the Coliseum tonight, so you won't see a Live Coverage post or a game review at night. You probably have to wait until tomorrow morning for that.

Final In Boston, Isles 1 Bruins 2

The Isles take yet another loss in a game that they just couldn't convert.

Photo Of The Game:




Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Glen Murray (17:23)

3RD PERIOD

2. Glen Metropolit (12:41)

3. Mike Sillinger (14:21)



My 3 Stars:

1. Tim Thomas- No doubt about it. He saved the whole game at the end.
2. Glen Metropolit- Game winner.
3. Rick DiPietro- Would've been a different game without him.



Notes From The Game:

-Again, we just couldn't score. Someone has to pick it up.

-Powerplay sucked.

-If hitting the post counted as a goal, the Isles should have dominated.

-We need a real goal scorer. We really need some Goals For.

-Terrible 1st 2 periods, again.

-Great 3rd, again.

-Lost 4 of the last 6. Not good.

-Finished the game with exciting chances, hopefully they can carry over to the Coliseum tomorrow night.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais
25 Andy Sutton - 4 Bryan Berard

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 89 Mike Comrie - 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon - 10 Richard Park - 28 Tim Jackman


BOSTON
Goaltenders
30 Tim Thomas
40 Tuukka Rask

Defensemen
33 Zdeno Chara - 44 Aaron Ward
41 Andrew Alberts – 6 Dennis Wideman
38 Bobby Allen - 45 Mark Stuart

Forwards
11 P.J. Axelsson – 91 Marc Savard - 27 Glen Murray
12 Chuck Kobasew - 13 Glen Metropolit - 16 Marco Sturm
72 Peter Schaefer – 10 81 Phil Kessel - Brandon Bochenski
17 Milan Lucic - 56 Petteri Nokelainen - 53 Jeremy Reich

PGP Game 19, Isles @ Bruins 11/23/07 12:00 PM

The Isles will wake up on Friday in Boston for an early face off at Noon.

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In the last matchup against the Bruins, the Isles took a 4-1 back in February. The Islanders are 11-7-0 this season, and just coming off of a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night. The schedule will really start to kick up for the team, as they start with a back-to-back against the Bruins. Then the games will head to the west, and they will be seeing some different teams in town. Facing a team like the Bruins, the Isles need to get their win column to 13 by the end of Saturday night. It won't be easy, as the Bruins are starting to kick things up with their rising star in net.

My Projected Lines:


Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman

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The Bruins, who weren't a team high up in the rankings for this year, have proved the "experts" wrong. They are 10-7-2, and stacking up the W's. With G Manny Fernandez going down, the young goalie Tuukka Rask has gotten called up, and been spectacular. That won't matter for this game, though. Tim Thomas was announced as the game's starter after today's practice. They've also made a slight line change that would in no way be irritating their fans. Shouldn't be a factor.

My Projected Lines:

Forwards
11 PJ Axelsson - 91 Marc Savard - 27 Glen Murray
16 Marco Sturm - 13 Glen Metropolit - 12 Chuck Kobasew
72 Peter Schaefer - 81 Phil Kessel - 10 Brandon Bochenski
17 Milan Lucic - 56 Petteri Nokelainen - 53 Jeremy Reich

Defensemen
33 Zedeno Chara - 44 Aaron Ward
41 Andrew Alberts - 6 Dennis Wideman
38 Bobby Allen - 45 Mark Stuart

Goaltenders
30 Tim Thomas
40 Tuukka Rask

Isles Fail To Win Again, Isles 1 Habs 4

The Isles take their 7th loss of the season as they fall to the Canadiens 4-1.

Photo Of The Game:



Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Steve Begin (0:56)

2ND PERIOD

2. Chris Higgins (6:14)

3. Steve Begin (2) (7:18)

4. Tomas Plekanec (PP) (13:22)

3RD PERIOD

5. Mike Comrie (16:10)



My 3 Stars:

1. Steve Begin- 2 goals.
2. Cristolbal Huet- Great game in net.
3. Chris Higgins- The Long Islander gets the game winner in his old hometown.



Notes From The Game:

-Drew plenty of powerplays, but didn't convert.

-1 goal? That's not good.

-DP played terrible.

-Good 3rd period.

-Penalties!!!

-Terrible 2nd period. Lost the game in it.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman


MONTREAL
Goaltenders
39 Cristobal Huet
31 Carey Price

Defensemen
79 Andrei Markov - 8 Mike Komisarek
44 Roman Hamrlik - 71 Patrice Brisebois
51 Francis Bouillon - 32 Mark Streit

Forwards
21 Chris Higgins - 11 Saku Koivu - 73 Michael Ryder
46 Andrei Kostitsyn - 14 Tomas Plekanec - 27 Alexei Kovalev
22 Steve Begin - 20 Bryan Smolinski - 25 Mathieu Dandenault
84 Guillaume Latendresse - 28 Kyle Chipchura - 6 Tom Kostopoulos

PGP Game 18: Habs @ Isles 11/21/07 7:00 PM

The Isles look to continue their hot-streak as they take on the Canadiens on Thanksgiving Eve.
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The Isles are coming off of a great win against their rivals on Monday night. Rick DiPietro picked up his 100th career win, and his 10th win of the season. They've been keeping things close, though. They have played in heated 1-goal games the past 7games, in which they were 5-2. The 4-game road trip has ended, and now they are back on home ice for their 18th game of the season.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman


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The Canadiens have the best PP in the NHL right now, with almost a 30% powerplay percentage, and a league-leading 28 powerplay goals. Fourth in the Conference, they look to maintain a good position against the Isles tonight. Should be a fair and fun game, for all I know.

My Projected Lines:

Goaltenders
Cristobal Huet
Carey Price

Defensemen
Andrei Markov - Mike Komisarek
Roman Hamrlik - Patrice Brisbois
Francis Bouillon - Mark Streit


Forwards
Chris Higgins - Saku Koivu - Michael Ryder
Andrei Kostitsyn - Tomas Plekanec - Alexei Kovalev
Steve Begin - Bryan Smolinski - Mathieu Dandenault
Guillaume Latendresse - Kyle Chipchura - Tom Kostopoulos

Blogger Problems

Blogger is having another one of those bad days today. I can't seem to upload photos at all, so I couldn't finish the review, or post something else.

Everything will be finished tomorrow by the start of the game. A pre-game post and Live Coverage will also be in affect for the game.


Let's Go Isles!!!

DP Picks Up 100th Win , Isles 2 Rangers 1

The Isles win yet another game against the Rangers as they defeat them in the Garden.

Photo Of The Game:



Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Ruslan Fedotenko (PP) (0:08)

2. Josef Vasicek (5:51)

3. Michael Rozival (SH) (6:37)

3RD PERIOD

No Scoring



My 3 Stars:

1. Rick DiPietro- Picked up his 100th career win.
2. Josef Vasicek- Another great game and a goal.
3. Henrik Lundqvist- Kept the Rags in it.



Notes From The Game:

-7 penalties.

-Open ice checks are back!

-Finally some fighting action again.

-Avery sucks.

-Exciting game. Couldn't disappoint anyone. Except for the goal-lovers.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman


RANGERS
Goaltenders
30 Henrik Lundqvist
40 Stephen Valiquette

Defensemen
18 Marc Staal – 3 Michal Rozsival
51 Fedor Tyutin – 5 Dan Girardi
34 Jason Strudwick – 27 Paul Mara

Forwards
81 Marcel Hossa – 17 Brandon Dubinsky – 68 Jaromir Jagr
16 Sean Avery – 19 Scott Gomez – 14 Brendan Shanahan
10 Nigel Dawes – 23 Chris Drury – 25 Petr Prucha
44 Ryan Hollweg – 15 Blair Betts – 28 Colton Orr

Protesting The Schedule

There was nothing that irritated me more the past few weeks than taking a peek at the Islanders schedule, and only seeing 1 or 2 games per week.

Now, things will start to kick up. We are playing back-to-back games for the next 6 weeks, so we should have more than enough hockey to watch. That is my whole point. I'd love to have a more evened out schedule. There really is no reason to be pushing these guys to playing 5 or 6 games a week so early in the season. It is completely unnecessary. Push the players hard in the playoffs. Not this early.

It isn't an excuse at all to say that these games make up for all the days that they could have played earlier in the season. I really don't understand why someone could think that. It's really good to hear that Bettman is doing a complete overhaul of the schedule, though.

That was just the first part of it. Of course, I'm extremely exciting to see the Isles and Rangers square off at the Garden tomorrow night. But when you think about it,this is the third time we are playing against them already. And it's only the 17 game. That is the same thing with the rest of our division. We played the Devils 3 times in the first 16. And the Penguins and Flyers 2 times each in the first 16. So, that is 10 of the 1st 17 games against our own division.

I really can't wait for more games in the Northeast and Southeast. And how about some games in the west? That will be very enjoyable.

I'm not trying to focus this on only the Isles, though. A bunch of other teams are having this problem. The Red Wings are actually having some empty seats now because they have the same teams in town all of the time. There really has to be something done about this. It is no more enjoyable for the players as it is for the fans.

I guess I picked the perfect time to complain about this. 12 of our next 14 games are against teams that aren't in our division. And the 2 other ones are against the Rangers, which wouldn't create a decrease of excitement.

Phew. Just had to get that off my back. I'm pretty sure a lot of you agree with me, though.


Let's Go Isles!!!

Information Central

To start things off, I want to talk about the poll that closed on Thursday.





As you see there, most of you seemed to like it. A couple people disagreed, but I can't satisfy everyone. I really didn't get as much feedback as I had expected, or wanted. 13 votes is really not what I was looking for. But if you didn't like it and never voted, then your opinion doesn't count. Islander Zone is staying how it is, for now.


I never really talked about it, but GM Garth Snow is trying to sign LW Ruslan Fedotenko to an extension. Nothing can be done until early January, but an agreement could take place soon. I'm expecting a 4-year extension.

Here is the rumor of the day right now. If you are reading this, do not stop. There is a rumor that appears could be true by the end of this week. Marc-Andre Bergeron is very likely to be traded to the west coast. Not sure which team, but take the "coast" part as a help. With Sim out for the season, and Johnson's status for the season uncertain, we could really get another forward. A team that would be a strong possibility is Vancouver. I'd only expect a mid-round pick from them, though.

Final At The Rock, 1-0 Isles

The Isles grab their 10th win of the season after defeating the Devils on Friday night.

Photo Of The Game:

Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

No Scoring

2ND PERIOD

1. Josef Vasicek (SHG) (5:25)

3RD PERIOD

No Scoring


My 3 Stars:

1. Rick DiPietro- A shutout, and 2-0-0 against Brodeur.
2. Josef Vasicek- Game winner.
3. Martin Brodeur- Showed his talent trying for his 500th win.


Notes From The Game:

-Guerin played with Comrie and Tank again.

-Vasicek is now the Isles leading goal scorer.

-Again, no PPG's.

-4 penalties each. Not bad.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 7 Trent Hunter
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 13 Bill Guerin
20 Sean Bergenheim – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman

DEVILS
Goaltenders
30 Martin Brodeur
1 Kevin Weekes

Defensemen
6 Andy Greene - 28 Karel Rachunek
27 Mike Mottau - 29 Johnny Oduya
8 Sheldon Brookbank - 2 Vitaly Vishnevski

Forwards
16 Dainius Zubrus - 26 Patrik Elias - 14 Brian Gionta
19 Travis Zajac - 9 Zach Parise - 15 Jamie Langenbrunner
20 Jay Pandolfo - 11 John Madden - 10 Rod Pelley
23 David Clarkson - 18 Sergei Brylin - 22 Arron Asham

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Three Star Selections:
1. Rick DiPietro
2. Josef Vasicek
3. Martin Brodeur

Winning Goalie:
Rick DiPietro

Losing Goalie:
Martin Brodeur
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Isles Fall Again, 3-2

The Isles take their 6th loss of the season as they lose an exciting game in Pittsburgh.

Photo Of The Game:



Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Mike Comrie (14:17)

2. Sergei Gonchar (18:22)

2ND PERIOD

3. Petr Sykora (PPG) (0:58)

4. Josef Vasicek (8:51)

5. Georges Laraque (16:45)

3RD PERIOD

No Scoring This Period


My 3 Stars:

1. Georges Laraque- Ddin't do much, but got the winner.
2. MA Fleury- An outstanding game. Deserved the win.
3. Richard Park- Another great game overall.


Notes From The Game:

-DP played pretty well.

-Isles still looked tired out there. Not sure why.

-Penalties! They cost us the game.

-We just couldn't find the back of the net. Props to Fleury for a great game.

-Park played another unbelievable game. Skating so well.

-Berard looked great in his return from his injury.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltenders
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt – 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton – 4 Bryan Berard
14 Chris Campoli – 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
11 Andy Hilbert – 18 Mike Sillinger – 13 Bill Guerin
26 Ruslan Fedotenko – 89 Mike Comrie – 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim – 63 Josef Vasicek – 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon – 10 Richard Park – 28 Tim Jackman


PITTSBURGH
Goaltenders
29 Marc-Andre Fleury
30 Dany Sabourin

Defensemen
3 Mark Eaton - 55 Sergei Gonchar
44 Brooks Orpik – 58 Kris Letang
4 Rob Scuderi – 19 Ryan Whitney

Forwards
12 Ryan Malone - 87 Sidney Crosby - 17 Petr Sykora
11 Jordan Staal - 71 Evgeni Malkin - 48 Tyler Kennedy
10 Gary Roberts - 16 Erik Christensen - 18 Adam Hall
37 Jarkko Ruutu- 25 Maxime Talbot - 27 Georges Laraque

PGP Game 15, Isles @ Pens 11/15/07 7:30 PM

The Isles play their 15th on the 15th against Crosby and the Penguins tonight at the Igloo.
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The Islanders are coming off of an absolutely disgusting game against the Flyers on Monday. They look to turn things around tonight as they face the worst team in the Atlantic division. After starting off the season well, the team has to not let things get out of hand. They travel right across Pennsylvania into Pittsburgh, so fatigue shouldn't show from traveling. With players starting to come back, things can get happy again on the Island.

My Projected Lines:

Goalies
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais
25 Andy Sutton - 4 Bryan Berard

Forwards
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 89 Mike Comrie - 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 13 Bill Guerin
12 Chris Simon - 10 Richard Park - 28 Tim Jackman
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The Penguins, on the other hand, are the worst team in the division, as stated before. With 10 regulation losses already, things are stacking up. This would be a game they can turn around in, but it won't be at all easy. They have plenty of rising stars on the team, but will they come up clutch tonight? Who knows.

My Projected Lines:

Goalies
29 Marc-Andre Fleury
30 Dany Sabourin

Defensemen
55 Sergei Gonchar - 3 Mark Eaton
5 Darryl Sydor - 44 Brooks Orpik
19 Ryan Whitney - 4 Rob Scuderi

Forwards
12 Ryan Malone - 87 Sidney Crosby - 17 Petr Sykora
11 Jordan Staal - 71 Evgeni Malkin - 8 Mark Recchi
10 Gary Roberts - 16 Erik Christensen - 18 Adam Hall
37 Jarkko Ruutu - 25 Maxime Talbot - 27 Georges Laraque

Isles Fall In Philly, 3-2

The Isles take their 5th loss of the season as they fail to tie the game up late.

Photo Of The Game:


Scoring:

1ST PERIOD

1. Scottie Upshall (10:38)

2ND PERIOD

2. Mike Sillinger (5:06)

3. Scottie Upshall (11:43)

4. Chris Simon (18:17)

3RD PERIOD

5. Mike Richards (SHG) (3:24)


My Three Stars:

1. Mike Richards- 21:06 TOI, and the game winner
2. Scottie Upshall- Two goals
3. Richard Park- Great game all around. On fire lately.


Notes From The Game:

-Penalties a problem again.

-Ugly, ugly game. Not sure there was much good in it.

-Players looked very tired and not confident. That needs to change.

-Here were the lines-

ISLANDERS
Goaltender
39 Rick DiPietro
34 Wade Dubielewicz

Defensemen
32 Brendan Witt - 24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton - 47 Marc-Andre Bergeron
14 Chris Campoli - 8 Bruno Gervais

Forwards
11 Andy Hilbert - 18 Mike Sillinger - 10 Richard Park
26 Ruslan Fedotenko - 89 Mike Comrie - 7 Trent Hunter
20 Sean Bergenheim - 63 Josef Vasicek - 81 Miroslav Satan
12 Chris Simon - 29 Ben Walter - 28 Tim Jackman

PHILADELPHIA
Goaltenders
43 Martin Biron
30 Antero Niittymaki

Defensemen
5 Braydon Coburn - 21 Jason Smith
44 Kimmo Timonen - 6 Randy Jones
8 Rory Fitzpatrick - 28 Lasse Kukkonen

Forwards
20 R.J. Umberger - 48 Daniel Briere - 15 Joffrey Lupul
19 Scott Hartnell - 18 Mike Richards - 22 Mike Knuble
14 Stefan Ruzicka- 17 Jeff Carter - 9 Scottie Upshall
55 Ben Eager - 34 Jim Dowd - 32 Riley Cote