Preseason Friday September 26

There were 8 more exhibition tilts on Friday night. Former Islanders are getting primed for the real deal starting October 9. FIs were factors in 3 competitions. Here is a look at their efforts:

Winger Ruslan Fedotenko is starting to look like a really good acquisition by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Tank had 3 assists, including 1 powerplay helper, to lead the Pens' offense as they slipped past the host Toronto Maple Leafs for a 5-4 win. Teammate and fellow FI Miroslav Satan also added an assist. In a moment that could mean really good things for each player this season, Satan and Fedo each logged an assist on Sidney Crosby's goal, a potential look at an offensive line that could mean trouble for teams around the league.

Minnesota defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron had a powerplay assist on the Wild's second goal. The Wild dwindled a 3-0 lead, though, and dropped the game 4-3 to the host Chicago Blackhawks. MAB is looking to rebound from a 2007-08 season that was rife with healthy scratches both before and after his trade from the Islanders to the Anaheim Ducks. Also getting involved in the scoring was Chicago d-man Brent Sopel had an assist on the Hawks 2nd goal. Sopel is looking to recover from an injury-shortened 207-08 season.

New Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi had his first couple of points for his new team as the Flames spanked the visiting Florida Panthers 8-2. Bert had an assist on the game winner less than 5 minutes in to the 2nd period and then added a goal less than 5 minutes into the 3rd to cap off the multi-point effort. Flames fans, who have less than tender feelings for the former Vancouver Canuck, are really going to be peering down on Bertuzzi to impress them with his performance.

Check back for more updates at FIW soon.