It’s been a while, but the Islanders have a game today. What a fitting opponent as well in the Buffalo Sabres a team that they’ve sometimes looked unstoppable against or downright miserable. That, to me, pretty much sums up how the Islanders have played this season.

Right now, it just feels like this team’s heart beat is mirroring the lethargic one of Monty Burns [C'mon did anyone else see that episode?]. They don’t have the same passion and intensity they had before. What this team probably needs right now is something that gets them going in the right direction and something else that keeps them there.

However, while things may seem bleak, considering all the negative attention surrounding the team the past few days, all hope is not lost. The team is still a game over .500 and only seven points out of the top spot in the Atlantic. If they start scoring goals now, the motif in Islander country can change in a heartbeat.

But for that to happen, I feel two things have to happen. Ted Nolan has to give either Marc-Andre Bergeron or Bryan Berard a vote of confidence and let them be the team’s sixth defenseman. It was a cute move through the first dozen or so games, but now it’s gotten old. This platoon is taking away from both of their games and something needs to be done to get them ice time. The second thing that needs to be done is a firm establishment of a four-line system. Blake Comeau was just called up and with Tim Jackman and Richard Park, could prove to be a nice line that can play well in both ends of the ice.

The other three lines [especially the Josef Vasicek, Miroslav Satan and Sean Bergenheim line]have all shown an ability to put the puck in the net, but haven’t been able to do it on a consistent basis. Setting up a four-line system would allow everyone to get playing time and get involved. This team doesn’t have one player that can carry them on their backs on offense. That’s why it is imperative that everyone starts getting good chunks of ice time. That means getting the cycle going and taking smarter shots, staying out of the penalty box and playing sound defense.

Simply put, against Buffalo, the Isles will have to skate hard and stay out of the penalty box. If the Islanders limit the defensive lapses and keep the penalties to a minimum, they can and will play a solid five-on-five game with the Sabres. The last time these teams played, Buffalo was skating circles around the Islanders and forcing them to commit penalties. If the Isles are willing to play a gritty game, they’ll have more than a fighting chance tonight. The only question is… are they willing to do the little things that made them so successful earlier in the season?

Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Posted under Isles Thoughts 2007, Pregame Musings