Now that was an exciting game, albeit one that was full of ups and downs, resembling an episode of “Days of our Lives,” than a professional hockey game. However, it was nice to see the hard work of guys like Richard Park and Andy Hilbert start to turn into something that really helps this team win. For most of the season, these guys have done the little things on defense that kept the team in games. Last night that obviously wasn’t the case, as both of them scored key goals over the Leafs.

I know this may sound scary to some of you, but Richard Park’s transformation this season has reminded me of the transformation another former fourth line pest made with the Isles. His name is Jason Blake. Okay, I know it’s a stretch, but being able to turn a career fourth liner like Park into a solid contributor [six points and a +2 in his past seven games] on both sides of the puck has paid huge dividends for the Isles this year. It just feels like every assist or goal this guy racks up comes at a time when the team desperately needs a push in the right direction. If he keeps it up, it’s going to be interesting where the team puts him when Kyle Okposo comes to town.

Over the past week and change, Andy Hilbert has been doing something he hasn’t done much of since donning the orange and blue, finishing. With six points and a +2 rating over his past ten games, Hilbert is doing exactly what a fourth line center should do. While it’s obvious that Hilbert has chemistry with Trent Hunter and Mike Sillinger, putting him in a situation where he is depended on to produce offensively hasn’t worked out for him or the Islanders. Having him on the fourth line as an energy guy that can put the puck in the net every once in a while is a job he is much more suited for. Having him play center as well seems to be a better spot for him too.

Despite the play of Hilbert and Park, it was great to see Wade Dubielewicz and Mike Comrie come through in the clutch like that. I said yesterday that it was going to be tough for Dubie to get playing time. Well, the news from the papers is that DP has tweaked his knee and is scheduled to get an MRI today. That means Dubie gets another shot in net tonight against a tough Senators team. As far as Comrie goes, it felt like forever since he scored a big goal and last night’s game could be exactly what he needs to get him going.

Without DP in net, the Isles are going to have make sure they get enough offense and play as strong defensively as they possibly can. They’re already without Radek Martinek, so in order for them to stay afloat, they’ll have to continue to get the best from what they have.

Injuries are just another thing to deal with in any professional sport. Good teams find a way to win. The Isles will have to do the same.

Posted under Post Game Rants