A Little Conversation, A Lot of Action, As Isles Go Halfsies on Home-and-Home

The Islanders got another loss, followed by a much-needed home win, as they collided with Boston this weekend. The first game, a noon start (wtf is that all about by the way?) , found the Isles unfocused and struggling to find the net with yet another nonexistent power-play failures to clear that led to Boston chances. Rick DiPietro was solid enough in this one, although he might have wanted to get back a goal by Glen Metropolit that rocketed past his glove. Overall, the Isles knew what they had to work on before tomorrow night's tilt at Nassau Coliseum... and they came out ready.

Last night proved to be a high-octane game, and I was ready for it. So, also, was Christine, who I spoke with for nearly two hours yesterday before and through the first period of the game. We had great conversation about a wealth of hockey-related topics, from the whole Sean Hill situation (which everyone seems to have glossed over, and it's not right at all), to sports psychology, to specific players on the Islanders who have caught our eyes... and that turned around to two, named Andy Hilbert and Richard Park, two players who have done everything possible and just haven't been able to score lately. Park only had one goal on the season, while Hilbert was still hunting for his first point. (I was completely rooting for him by now.) So the game starts, and while it looks like Boston may well take over once again on an early goal by P.J. Axelsson and the Isles while away a couple of power plays (looks like dressing Marc-Andre Bergeron didn't help things- the power play as of late is now 3-for-43 although more shots are getting to the net), I keep watching and hoping that at least there's a bit of hope- the Isles looked pretty sharp despite those things.

And then the second period hits. And the Hilbert strikes.
Let's set the tone: Hilbert carries it into the zone, past the blueline. I'm watching his every move, holding my breath, saying to myself, "He's gonna score. He's gonna score. SHOOT IT!"
Hilbert shoots....

Hilbert scores. Let the psychotic jumping and screaming begin.

The voicemail on Christine's phone goes something like this... "Oh my freaking God, you will not believe who just scored... ANDY... HILBERT...!!!!!! OMG I AM SO FREAKING HAPPY RIGHT NOW, HE SCORED HE SCORED HE SCORED... ok call me back bye."

What I loved about this goal was the team's reaction- they all seemed genuinely happy for Hilbert, and that shows that they knew his frustration and they felt it as well. This is a tight group on the Island, and they definitely rejoice as one... as did Hilbert on the bench, doing a little "Hallelujah" to the rafters at the Coliseum. Too much.

Now, as if that wasn't completely crazy, Christine's guy- Richard Park- just happens to score one in the third, which proved to be the game-winner!- off of a rebound from Fedotenko that got out of Tim Thomas's reach. So two goals, by two guys that were not expected to carry the offense for the Islanders (at least not this night), but were all too happy and relieved to- as the obviously thrilled looks on their faces showed. Complete props to them for a great night offensively, and Park for his usual consistent defensive and PK play. IMO, no one deserves it more.

Complete credit is given to Tim Thomas- I think he put up a great show, in both games, to keep it a low scoring affair, and I admire him as a goaltender. I also would have liked to see Tuukka Rask in goal, because this confident young goalie has gotten me intrigued to see how far he will go as a Bruin.

Another Islander who impressed me-defensively- last night was Chris Campoli. The confidence level of this guy is through the roof, and it shows, as he was tough and assured last night, not taking anything from anyone and laying some good hits out on some Bruins. I'm extremely happy to see him thrive this season to date, as many who have written him off and thrust him onto the trade block last year may have to get their crow prepared for the eating, if his play continues to be this good.
And I'm also a bit worried about Rick DiPietro, after his collision with Radek Martinek and Metropolit... although he said he's fine, it hardly looked that way afterward. I would hate for him to rest tomorrow against Dallas, a strong team with a strong netminder in Marty Turco, but if he needs a break, it may be Dubielewicz we'll see in net. We'll see.