Round two begins.

If the Islanders ever needed a win this season, it would be tonight. Hopefully, they learn from the mistakes they made on defense and play tighter against the Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery and Brandon Dubinsky line. Even though they weren’t a huge factor in the outcome of the game, they had way too much room on the ice and the Isles were lucky it didn’t come back and hurt them.

While that may be a huge concern tonight, it’s not the only one. There’s a question as to who gets the start in net today, Wade Dubielewicz or Rick DiPietro. I for one think DP should sit for as long as Dubielewicz is playing well. Competition for playing isn’t something DP has ever had to deal with in his playing career and it will probably do him some good. He hasn’t had the same luster and polish to his game that he had in the fist half and it’s hurt the team on a few occasions. As far as big games go, I understand that when you sign a goalie to a ridiculous contract like the one DP signed last season that you expect him to play in games like these, but you have to ride the hot hand.

I also think that the Isles defense, over the last five starts Dubie has had, has been much better than they usually are. I think they know that they have to skate harder and they’re not going to have DP playing the puck all the time, so they’re naturally more physical and hustle a little more. That’s what this team needs right now, an injection of hustle, grit and passion.

Send Bergie Up!- Speaking of quality attributes in a hockey player, Sean Bergenheim, despite his lack of finish this season, has grown immensely as a player over the past few weeks. He’s skating with more of a purpose out there and isn’t the uncontrollable firecracker he was his first two seasons with the team. I personally think that he could have twice as many assists if he played with people that could finish more as well. He brings energy to whatever line he’s on and takes the body, something the Islanders don’t have too much of aside from Trent Hunter. What I’m trying to say here is that Bergie should get a shot on the first line and with the team struggling on offense, it should happen SOON. Andy Hilbert can go and play with Miroslav Satan and Richard Park and it won’t hurt the Isles at all; as a matter of fact, it can only help them at this point..

Taking Bergenheim off of that line won’t kill its production either because Hilbert and Park will still create space for Satan for hustling in the corners. Bergenheim’s role with Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie would give that line the energy and spunk it desperately needs right now.

Just my crazy thoughts on what looks to be another crazy game tonight.

Posted under Isles Thoughts 2008, Pregame Musings