What Happens Now?

The state of the Islanders going into tonight's game against Tampa Bay is one of desperation- at least, for those who still think a shot at making the playoffs is possible. The listless efforts over the past two games- in the back end of the home-and-home against the Rangers and against the Philadelphia Flyers, both chances to pull closer to the eighth spot- don't give much hope to anyone who will be watching tonight at 7:30. As Christine said in the previous post, the team on the ice on Saturday looked largely like a team neither of us recognized, and the effort was just not there, save for that of a few players who shall remain nameless (simply because the culprits aren't mentioned either).

Tampa Bay, at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, has been relatively easy to play against, with the Isles beating them in their last few meetings. However, if the team keeps playing as though the playoffs to them are a distant memory, we may well lose our third straight. Hopefully this team isn't looking too far ahead to the future, if you get my drift... no matter how meaningless this game may look to the fans, the players are the ones who are on the ice, and they should still try to win. A string of straight losses will top effort is better than game played without effort.

Other news: Brendan Witt is the Isles' nominee for the Masterton Trophy, for his solid effort and play despite the pain and struggle of dealing with a sprained right knee, because after all, there is still some hope. Way to go, Witter.
Greg Logan- http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles0311,0,2192895.story?track=rss