Monday December 17

There were only 2 games on the schedule in a slow night around the NHL. Let us take a look at the Former Islander happenings from Monday:

* Capitals' defenseman Tom Poti can help in big circumstances. On Monday he had a powerplay assist with 1:34 remaining in regulation to force OT. Washington eventually fell 4-3 in the SO to the host Detroit Red Wings. Poti now has 11 assists this season on 28 games. Over half of his helpers (6) have come with the man advantage. FI teammate Viktor Kozlov missed his attempt in the first round of the shootout.

* A recently revived Ryan Smyth is doing quite nicely for himself. Smyth opened the scoring 2:37 into the 1st period as the Colorado Avalanche dropped the host Los Angeles Kings 4-2. The powerplay tally was Smyth's 11th goal of the year. Smyth has improved considerably from a slow start and now has 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) on 33 games this year. Over his last 9 games, Smyth has 5 goals and 9 assists for 14 points.

Check back soon for more FIW updates.