I don’t think I’ve said this many times this season, but this is a must win game for the Islanders if they want to make the playoffs this season. Sure, they’re in the final playoff spot and considering where many analysts expected them to finish this season, Islander fans should be happy where the team is…right? I don’t think so. The way this team started this season, fans on the Island thought this team was capable of much more. The way they played through the first 20 games this season also showed that despite a mediocre offense, they could play well against the rest of the league.

Then injuries to Radek Martinek, Brendan Witt and Chris Campoli happened. Now, this team has been forced to rotate in Bryan Berard, Freddy Meyer and Aaron Johnson to fill in and as a result has had to play Marc-Andre Bergeron and Bruno Gervais, much more than they should be. While I like what Bruno does out there and think he’s a great skater, he’s an 18-20 minute a game defenseman right now. In a few years, that will change, but considering how unpolished his offensive game still appears to be, he shouldn’t be playing 25 minutes a game.

As far as Bergeron goes, I wish this team could just play him on the powerplay. In all honesty, he’s a glorified forward out there. With his hands and shot, I don’t understand why he doesn’t play wing anyway. Then it would make sense if he gave up the puck a lot. On even strength this season, he has been a disaster and has coughed up the puck more times than he’s scored or played a part in goals. I understand that he’s been solid on offense, but they do have Bryan Berard waiting to get in games, who is a much more physical player, plays with more passion and if given a chance to play consistent minutes, could possibly put up similar numbers.

On top of all of that, Witt and Martinek aren’t back to their normal selves yet. They just look tentative out there. Los Angeles has a few talented offensive players and Witt and Martinek need to be smart out there. Rick DiPietro was left out to dry the other night against the Senators and despite the Kings record this year, if they get the same type of back door chances, the Islanders will be done before the puck drops.

A few chances on the powerplay and a solid defensive showing is what this team needs tonight. Let’s hope they get it.

Posted under Pregame Musings