A Solid Rebound Vs. Sabres

Islanders 4: Sabres 2

Something must have gotten through on the plane ride to Buffalo.

One night after getting drubbed by the Devils, 4-2, the Islanders reversed the tables on the Sabres last night, winning by the same score and getting their fourth win in five games. Captain Bill Guerin, who earlier had lashed out about Mike Mottau's two-game suspension for hitting Frans Nielsen, scored the game-winner, and Mark Streit had an empty netter in the closing seconds, sending thousands of Sabres fans, no doubt hoping for another smackdown, home dejected.

The Islanders came out strong in the first, with Andy Hilbert scoring on a wrist shot at 14:20, but allowed a late goal by rookie Mark Mancari on a nice setup that Joey MacDonald (35 saves) had no chance on. Then in the second, Jon Sim scored his fifth on the power-play, on a tip-in assisted by Streit and Chris Campoli on what was the only goal of the period, although the Isles were outshot 18-2. Finally, Guerin put the Isles up for good, and although Derek Roy scored to cut the lead to 3-2, a Buffalo penalty squashed any chance of a man-up situation by way of pulling the goaltender, and the Isles pulled off the quality win.

Now, they look to Monday night, and the Montreal Canadiens, who have a raucous home crowd. As it was, they brought troops with them when they came to the Island, so if that is any implication of just how dedicated Habs fans are, the Isles should pack some earplugs.

Notes: Nielsen will be out for 8-12 weeks (leg)... the Isles are 3-0-0 in the back end of back-to-back games this year...Jeremy Colliton was recalled from Bridgeport to replace Nielsen, and led with five hits.