Trade: Wyatt Smith

The Tampa Bay Lightning packaged up and sent out center Wyatt Smith to the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday. In exchange the Lightning will receive "future considerations," whatever that may mean.

The veteran NHL/AHLer Smith has played 18 games this season for the Norfolk Admirals registering 8 points on 3 goals and 5 assists. Smith has played 211 career NHL games, most recently with the Colorado Avalanche last season, and has recorded 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points as well as a -18 rating and 65 penalty minutes.

Originally drafted in the 9th Round, 233rd overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the Coyotes, Smith played parts of 3 seasons for Phoenix before bouncing from Nashville to the Islanders, Minnesota and Colorado. Smith had signed a deal with the Lightning during the offseason but never really fit in to that "franchise's" plans.

We wish Wyatt the best as he makes yet another move.

Tuesday November 25

There were a paltry 3 games on the NHL schedule Tuesday night. Former Islanders turned in hearty performances in 2 of those contests. Here is a quick look at their contributions:

Atlanta defenseman Mathieu Schneider netted an unassisted insurance goal as the Thrashers pounced on the host Toronto Maple Leafs for a 6-3 victory. Schneids snapped a 6 game goal-less stretch with the tally and now has 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points on 15 games. Schneider has done well since returning from a hip injury recording a goal and an assist for 2 points on 3 games.


Calgary d-man Adrian Aucoin recorded a powerplay helper on the game winning goal as the Flames decimated the visiting Los Angeles Kings 6-2. Aucoin has 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) on 22 games. Over the last 5 games Aucoin has recorded half his season points (4) with 1 goal and 3 assists. Winger Todd Bertuzzi snapped a 4 game point-less stretch with a powerplay helper on the Flames' 5th goal. Bert has 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points on 22 games. The countdown to career point #600 is on as Bertuzzi is currently at 595.

Check here soon at FIW!

Monday November 24

There were 2 games on Sunday with no Former Islander noteworthies. However, Monday was a plentiful night with 7 games, 5 with FI happenings. Here is a peek at their contributions:

Phoenix center Olli Jokinen assisted on the team's lone goal as the Coyotes fell to the host New York Rangers 4-1. The goal staked the 'Yotes to a short lived 1-0 lead only 4:08 in to play but all was for naught as the Rags stormed back. Jokinen snapped a 2 game mini-point-less drought and now has 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points on 20 games.



Dallas winger Mark Parrish had an assist on his team's 2nd goal as the Stars fell to the host Philadelphia Flyers 4-3. Parrish has been impressive so far with the Stars notching 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) on 8 games.





Montreal defenseman Roman Hamrlik snapped an 8 game point-less streak with an assist on the Canadiens' first goal as the Habs fell to the visiting Islanders in odd form 4-3 in SO. A fluke own-goal by Canadiens' d-man Ryan O'Byrne tied the game up at 3 goals a piece late giving the Isles an opening to win it in the extra frames. Hamrlik now has 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points on 19 games.


Minnesota d-man Marc-Andre Bergeron snapped a 4 game point-less stretch notching 2 assists, 1 powerplay, as the Wild survived a near 4 goal comeback by the visiting Washington Capitals to hold on for a 4-3 victory. Bergeron assisted on the opening goal at the 13:54 of the first period receiving the lone helper on Cal Clutterbuck's (great name, right?) 1st career goal. MAB then added a powerplay helper only 3:07 in to the 3rd period to stake the Wild to a 3-0 lead. Bergeron now has 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) on 19 games. Seven of those points (2 goals, 5 assists) have come on the man advantage.

Vancouver winger Taylor Pyatt notched a goal 2:27 in to the 2nd period and was rewarded with the 1st star of the game honor as the Canucks pulled off a 3-2 come-from-behind OT victory over the visiting Detroit Red Wings. Pyatt now has 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points on 22 games. He snapped a 5 game goal-less run with the tally. In net for the Wings was goaltender Chris Osgood who 21 of 24 shots including 7 of a resounding 8 in the OT frame. Osgood's record fell to 8-1-4 on the season while his goals against average dropped to 3.26 and his save percentage raised slightly to .881. Ozzie has not lost in regulation in his last 12 starts managing an 8-0-4 record over that span.

Check here soon for more updates, recaps and news at FIW.

Saturday November 22

With a dozen games on tap on Saturday it was a ripe opportunity for Former Islander action, or so one would think. FIs made it to the scoresheet in only 5 of those tilts and even then the action was paltry at best. Here is a look at their contributions:

Less than 5 minutes in to play Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo was sidelined with a groin injury. A tweak seems to have rattled and rendered the starter unable to play for at least the next week. MRI findings were slight for injury but he will be reevaluated upon return home to Vancouver. Luongo faced and stopped only 1 shot and backup Curtis Sanford carried the rest of the load as the Canucks downed the host Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1. On a slightly sarcastic note, Luongo dropped his goals against average to 2.17 and increased his save percentage to .928 while keeping his record static at 11-5-2. We are wishing Roberto a speedy recovery.

Not injured, but not very effective, was New York Rangers' goaltender Stephen Valiquette who stopped 32 of 36 shots as the host Ottawa Senators thumped the Blueshirts 4-1. Vali dropped his 2nd straight start and now has a 2-2-0 record on the season with a .911 save percentage and a 2.60 goals against average. After starting the season on a mild hot streak Valiquette has surrendered 9 goals in his last 2 starts, both in the month of November.

Chicago defenseman Aaron Johnson had an assist on his team's 2nd goal as the Blackhawks overcame a 4-2 deficit to pull off a 5-4 OT win over the host Toronto Maple Leafs. Johnson snapped a 5 game point-less stretch and now has 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) on 17 games. The helper was the 25th of Johnson's career and came in game #163. Receiving the lone assist on Toronto's 3rd goal was winger Jason Blake. Blakey has seemed to struggle this season but now has 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points on 18 games. He has, however, managed 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 4 games.

St. Louis d-man and captain Eric Brewer was credited with the primary assist on the team's game winning powerplay goal as the Blues edged the host Minnesota Wild 2-1. Brewer has a less than stellar 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) on 18 games this season. Getting involved in the Blues' first goal is a surprise call up Steve Regier who received the secondary assist. On 3 games with the big club Regier has wowed with 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points. The helper was the first of Regier's NHL career.

Washington d-man Tom Poti scored the first of only 2 Capitals' goals as they were thrashed by the host San Jose Sharks 7-2. Poti snapped a 5 game goal-less and point-less run and now has 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points on 15 games. The 3 goals already surpasses his 2 goal effort from last season, a feat that took 71 games to accomplish.



Check back soon for more updates and highlights at FIW.

Friday November 21

A long weekend of sickness here at FIW has us backed up. We will try and catch up the last 4 days of action. There were 6 games on Friday with FIs making strides in 3 of those games. Here is a quick look:

Big Mac, Florida defenseman Bryan McCabe kept up his points scoring streak on Friday night notching 2 assists as the Panthers fell to the host Boston Bruins 4-2. McCabe has 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) on 9 games this season with 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) over his last 6 games overall.




New Jersey goaltender Kevin Weekes notched career win #100 against one of his former squads as the Devils pounced on the visiting Islanders for a 5-2 victory. Weekes stopped 25 of 27 shots to secure the win and improved to 2-3-0 on the season with respectable numbers including a .903 save percentage and a 2.86 goals against average. Weekes has a career record of 100-161-33-6 (W-L-T-OTL).


Winger Steve Regier has been a pleasant surprise for the St. Louis Blues in only 2 games of work. Do not be fooled by the picture accompanying this post in which Regier looks like he just took a mugshot while coked up, Regier has been finding the net for the Blues and recorded a goal, his 3rd in only 2 games, to help the Blues to a 3-2 OT win over the visiting Anaheim Ducks. Despite being bounced from AHL to NHL to AHL to NHL, Regier has impressed with those 3 tallies including 2 on the man advantage. This is all very surprising considering Regier never recorded a point in 18 games with the Isles over parts of 3 seasons.

Check back soon for more updates!

Thursday November 20

With 8 games on tap it was a busy Thursday around the NHL. Things are in flux for Former Islanders (well for everybody really) and some big time contributors from early on (read Bertuzzi) have cooled off while others are just getting started (read McCabe). FIs made contributions in 5 of those contests. Here are their efforts, in brief:

Florida defenseman Bryan McCabe was credited with the secondary assist on the Panthers' lone goal, a powerplay tally midway through the 3rd Period, as they fell to the host New Jersey Devils 3-1. McCabe is on a near point-per-game pace with 7 (3 goals, 4 assists) on 8 games this season. He is currently riding a 5 game point scoring streak in which he has mopped up 6 of his season points (3 goals, 3 assists). Despite missing 10 games McCabe is tied for 2nd with Jay Bouwmeester on the Panthers in defensive scoring.

Atlanta d-man Mathieu Schneider, in his first game back since November 2 after suffering a hip injury, already got back on the scoresheet. Schneids assisted on the opening goal, a powerplay score, only 4:41 in to play but the Thrashers still fell to the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Schneider snapped a 4 game point-less stretch and now has 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points on 13 games. Also getting involved was Pens' winger Miroslav Satan who netted Pitt's first goal at the 10:57 mark of the 1st. The goal was Satan's team leading 9th of the season. He also has 7 assists for 16 points on 19 games. Satan scored point #700 only 3 games earlier and finally broke through with #701 on Thursday night.

No matter what people might say if things continue this badly for the Dallas Stars the Mark Parrish signing was still a good one. Parrish continued to show off his offensive upswing by recording his first helper as a Star only the opening goal of the game but the woeful Dallas defense failed them as they were thumped by the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 6-3. Parrish now has 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points on 6 games. Creepily enough, though, Thursday's game was #666 for Parrish... Spooky!

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood recently complained that he is sick of giving up 3 goals a night when he was used to giving up 1 or 2 last season. Well his numbers might not be impressive but Ozzie is receiving the same results thanks to the offensive and defensive prowess that plays in front of him. Osgood stopped 31 of 34 shots which was just good enough as Detroit survived a near-collapse from a 3 goal lead to edge the host Edmonton Oilers 4-3. Ozzie is a deceptively good 8-1-3 on the season with a mediocre .881 save percentage and a sumo wrestler-like 3.21 goals against average. But despite the stats Osgood is unbeaten in regulation in his last 11 starts going 8-0-3 over that time. This is not new territory for Osgood, however, because between the end of the 2006-07 season and the start of the 2007-08 season Ozzie had compiled a 21 game streak in which he had not lost in regulation. Over that span he compiled a 16-0-5 record. Receiving an assist on the first Edmonton goal, a powerplay netter, was winger Robert Nilsson. Struggling a little bit this year, Nilsson now has 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points on 20 games. He has recorded over half of his points on the man advantage with 2 powerplay goals and 2 powerplay assists. Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov recorded the primary helper on the Oil's 2nd goal. Greb is doing well for himself with 1 goal and 7 assists for 8 points on 17 games. With the helper Grebeshkov snapped a 3 game point-less streak.

After flat out outplaying the Anaheim Ducks the Washington Capitals did not have quite the same umph against the Los Angeles Kings. The Caps fell to the youthful Kings 5-2 in the West Coast matchup. Receiving an assist on the Caps' first goal, a powerplay netter, was forward Viktor Kozlov. Kozzer now has 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) on 14 games. He is riding a 4 game point-scoring streak in which he has recorded 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points. The extra man helper was Kozlov's 2nd of the season and the 99th of his career.

Check back soon for more recaps, updates and highlights at FIW.

Wednesday November 19

With 3 games and teams loaded with Former Islanders Wednesday was destined to be an FI kind of night and it was. Five different FIs made contributions in those matchups. Here is a quick peek at the night's events:

It seems that it is now safe to say that Boston defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara has arrived offensively this season. Chara rocketed home 2 powerplay goals and walked away with the 2nd star of the game as the Bruins overcame 3-1 and 4-2 deficits for a 7-4 victory over the visiting Buffalo Sabres. Chara has 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points on 19 games this season but has amped it up as of late with 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) over the last 7, a span in which the Bruins have gone 6-0-1. The 2 goal effort was the first for Chara since February 26 when he also netted a pair in Boston's 4-0 victory over the visiting Ottawa Senators. Seven of Chara's 9 points (2 goals, 5 assists) have come with the man advantage this year.

Vancouver winger Taylor Pyatt contributed 2 even strength assists including the primary helper on the game winner as the Canucks thumped the host New York Rangers 6-3. Pyatt snapped a mini 2 game point-less run and now has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on 19 games. The multi-point effort was his first since March 8 of last season when the Canucks downed the visting St. Louis Blues 4-2. Roberto Luongo kept up his not-losing-in-regulation streak with the victory stopping 39 of 42 shots faced. It was the first time Luongo had given up more than 2 goals in his last 7 starts but he was solid enough to improve to 11-5-2 on the season with a low 2.18 goals against average and a very healthy .928 save percentage. Luongo has not lost in regulation during this current 7 game run going 5-0-2 in the process. Also seeing net time was Rangers' backup Stephen Valiquette who posted a perfect half-shutout. Making his 4th appearance of the season, and first non-start appearance, Valiquette stopped all 15 shots he faced in 33 minutes of ice time. Vali earned a no decision leaving his record at 2-1-0 but he did raise his save percentage to .919 while dropping his goals against average to 2.21.

Washington forward Viktor Kozlov received an assist on his team's 3rd goal and also snagged the 3rd star of the game honor as the Capitals outmuscled the Anaheim Ducks for a 6-4 road win. Kozzer is riding a 3 game point scoring streak and now has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on 13 games. Over the last 3 games Kozlov has netted a goal and added 3 helpers for 4 points.


Check back soon for more updates and recaps.

Tuesday November 18

It was a busier than to be expected Tuesday night as 12 teams faced off in 6 contests around the NHL. Former Islanders are not disappointing and were factors in 4 of those tilts. Here is a recap of the FI events:

Edmonton defenseman Jason Strudwick tacked an assist on to the Oilers' 5th goal as they thumped the host Columbus Blue Jackets 7-2. Strud snapped a 7 game point-less run and now has 3 assists on 16 games this season.





Florida d-man Bryan McCabe netted 2 of his team's 3 regulation scores as the Panthers downed the host Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in the SO. McCabe opened the scoring 7:50 in to the 1st period and then put the Panthers up 3-0 on a powerplay goal at the 7:48 mark of the middle frame. McCabe now has 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) on 7 games. On his current 4 game point scoring streak McCabe has 5 points on 3 goals and 2 assists. The last time McCabe had a 2 goal night was on November 11, 2006 while with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a span of 79 games without a multi-goal effort. Assisting on the other Florida goal, a powerplay netter, was winger Richard Zednik. Zed has 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points on 17 games. Over the last 2 games Zednik has 3 points on a goal and 2 assists.

The first star of the game for the Calgary Flames in their 4-1 home victory over the Colorado Avalanche was d-man Adrian Aucoin. Aucoin rifled home the unassisted game winner at the 12:28 mark of the 3rd period and then addded an empty assist with 28 seconds left to cap a strong effort. Aucoin now has 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points on 19 games. Over the last 2 starts Aucoin has 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists). The game winner was his first of the season and the 14th of his career.

Phoenix center Olli Jokinen tacked on a helper on the game tying powerplay goal 5:57 in to the 3rd period but all was for nought as the Coyotes fell to the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in the SO. Jokinen snapped a rather uncharacteristic 3 game point-less stretch and is now back to a point-per-game pace with 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points on 17 games. O-Jok still leads the 'Yotes in assists but has fallen a point behind winger Shane Doan for the team lead.

Check back here soon for more updates and recaps at FIW.

Monday November 17

There were a handful of games on tap Monday night as 10 teams battled for points. Former Islanders gave valiant efforts in 2 of those tilts. Here is a look inside the numbers:

On NHL Draft Day in 2000 the Islanders shipped off goaltender Roberto Luongo to the Florida Panthers to usher in the Age of Rick DiPietro as the face behind the mask but in front of the net. Since then Luongo's path has taken him from overworked task master in South Florida to workhouse goalie for the Vancouver Canucks. Since Luongo no longer plays in the Eastern Conference last night was a rare matchup against his original squad as the Isles hosted the Canucks. Luongo stopped 34 of 35 shots through OT and 2 of 3 in the SO but all was for nought as the Islanders walked away with the 2-1 SO victory. Luongo is now 10-5-2 on the season with a .928 save percentage (wow!) and a 2.14 goals against average (double wow!). He also leads the league with 5 shutouts (triple wow!) but got no offensive support in the final 64 minutes of ice time after his team staked him to a 1-0 lead in the first 49 seconds of play. Luongo has not faired well against the Islanders with a 5-10-2-3 (W-L-T-OTL) record on his career.

Toronto winger Jason Blake snapped a 6 game goal-less stretch with a tally late in the 1st period as the Maple Leafs fell to the visiting Boston Bruins 3-2. Blake now has 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) on 17 games this season. It has been a struggle early on this season for Blake who has twice been scratched by coach Ron Wilson. Blake, who has been the subject of trade rumors, is mired in 7th on the team in points.


Check back soon for more updates, recaps and highlights at FIW.

Sunday November 16

There were only 5 games on a fairly slow NHL Sunday. There was only 1 Former Islander contribution of note meaning it was an even slower Sunday for FIs. Let us take a look at the one highlight:

St. Louis winger Steve Regier, playing in his first game of the season, popped in 2 goals and received the first star of the game honor as the Blues were edged by the visiting Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in the SO. Regier scored the first goal of his NHL career only 3:48 in to stake the Blues to a 1-0 lead. Regier then added goal number 2, his first powerplay tally, only 3:24 in to the 3rd period to again give the Blues a one goal lead. Regier had played 18 games over parts of 3 seasons with the Isles but never registered a point. The Blues picked Regier up in the offseason after the Islanders cut ties with him and he made some appearances in the preseason for St. Louis. Regier was tearing it up for the Blues' AHL team, the Peoria Rivermen, with 17 points (9 goals, 8 assists) on 17 games before getting the call up before an injury to center Andy McDonald made a spot available for the youngster. Congratulations to Steve on the start to what we hope is an eventful career!

Check here soon for more info and updates at FIW.

Saturday November 15

There were a whopping 10 games on tap on Saturday meaning 20 teams could notch early season points. Some are struggling early while others are soaring. Former Islanders are trying to make contributions to all their respective teams. Saturday night was no exception as FIs made it to the boxscore in 6 games. Here is a quick peek at their contributions:

Washington forward Viktor Kozlov dropped in a goal and added an assist but was stuffed on his attempt in the first round of the SO as the Capitals fell 6-5 to the host New Jersey Devils. The Caps split the home-and-home series with the Devs but did managed 3 of 4 points with the SO loss. The multi-point effort lifted Kozzer up to 6 points (2 goals, 4 assists) on the season with 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in the last 2 contests. Kozlov has suited up for 12 games this season. The multi-point night was Kozzer's first since April 3, late last season, when he had 2 assists. After hitting career point #500 in his last game Kozlov wasted no time notching 501 and 502.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo kept his recent excellent play stopping 28 of 30 shots faced as the Canucks knocked off the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2. Luongo improved to 10-5-1 on the season and is sporting a handsome .924 save percentage and an enviable 2.22 goals against average. Luongo is only one victory behind league leader Henrik Lundqvist but is pacing the league with 5 shutouts. He as not lost in regulation in his last 5 starts going 4-0-1 over that span.

Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara opened the scoring only 8:44 in to regulation as the Bruins fell to the host New York Rangers 3-2 in SO. Chara now has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on 17 games. He has registered a point in each of the last 3 games notching a goal and 2 helpers.




Pittsburgh forward Ruslan Fedotenko had a powerplay assist and added an insurance tally as the Penguins handily defeated the visiting Buffalo Sabres 5-2. Fedo has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) on 16 games but has ramped up his play as of late with points in 3 straight contests (2 goals, 2 assists). All 8 of his points this season have come in the last 9 games overall. While all 4 of his goals have been at even strength Fedotenko has notched 2 assists on the man advantage.

After breaking out the big guns with a hat trick in his first game as a Star, Mark Parrish went silent in the next 3 games. He broke that silence with a powerplay goal in game 5 as the Stars edged the host Phoenix Coyotes 3-2. Parrish has 4 goals on the season in 5 games with 3 of those tallies coming on the man advantage. Goals-wise this is the hottest start that Parrish has had to a season since the 2001-02 campaign when he notched 8 goals in his first 4 games. That was Parrish's career high season when he netted 30 goals and added 30 assists for 60 points while in his second season with the Isles.

Edmonton winger Robert Nilsson opened the scoring with a powerplay goal 6:44 in to the 1st period as the Oilers fell to the visiting Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in the SO. Nilsson has had a slow start to the season and snapped a 4 game point-less run with the tally. He now has 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points on 17 games. The goal was the 20th of Nilsson's young career. His offensive woes this season have not been an isolated event as the so-called Kid Line has struggled to make a major impact. Colorado winger Ryan Smyth knotted the score up at 1-1 about 4 and half minutes laters with his 5th of the season. Smyth snapped a 9 game goal-less stretch and now has 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) on 16 games. Both players had opportunities in the SO had fell short. Nilsson missed the net on his shot in the 3rd of 5 rounds while Smyth also missed the net on his attempt to start the 4th round.

Check back here for more recaps and highlights soon!

Friday November 14

There were half a dozen games up for grabs on Friday night from Washington, D.C. to Anaheim, California. Play is hot right now and Former Islanders are no exception. FIs are contributing at a torrid pace and made contributions in 4 of those games. Here is a look:

Washington forward Viktor Kozlov had the primary assist on the Capitals' game winning goal as they skittered past the visiting New Jersey Devils 3-1. Kozzer is off to a slow start with only 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points on 11 games this season. An injury early on has still seem to have a little nagging effect on Kozlov's progress. The assist was the 500th point of Kozlov's career (187 goals, 313 assists) and came in game number 841.



Columbus center Michael Peca score the game winner only 7:13 in to play as the Blue Jackets crushed the host Buffalo Sabres 6-1. The goal was the first of the season for Peca who now has 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) on 12 games. The game winning tally was the 32nd of Peca's career and his first since January 3, a 50 game span without such a goal. Buffalo center Tim Connolly had a powerplay helper on the lone Sabres' goal. With the assist Connolly extended his point streak to 4 games (2 goals, 4 assists). TimCo is off to a quick start with 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) on 6 games. Despite suffering a chest injury in their last game against the St. Louis Blues, Connolly suited up and played over 21 minutes in the Columbus game.

Florida winger Richard Zednik was involved with both Panthers' goals as they were edged by the visiting Detroit Red Wings 3-2. Zed netted the first Florida goal just over 6 minutes in to the 2nd period and then added an assist less than 6 minutes later to lead their offense. Zednik received second star of the game honor and has 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points on 16 games. He is 6th on the team in points and is only 3 behind the team leaders. Defenseman Bryan McCabe had the secondary assist on Zed's goal. McCabe has points in 3 straight games (1 goal, 2 assists) and now has 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) on 6 games.

St. Louis d-man and captain Eric Brewer had a helper on his team's 2nd goal as the Blues eked by the host Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in OT. The assist was his first of the season and he now has 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points on 15 games. The point was the 175th of his career and snapped a 14 game assist-less stretch dating back to April 6, the last game of the 2007-08 season.


Check back here soon.

Thursday November 13

While more of the Islanders' future stepped up last night to contribute (i.e. Josh Bailey's first NHL point) much of the Isles' past are making major strides in the early going. FIs made it to the scoresheet in 6 of 8 of the the games from Thursday night. Let us take a look:

We have yet to see a big offensive night from him yet however slowly but surely Boston captain Zdeno Chara is starting to rack up some points. Chara had an assist on the Bruins' 4th goal as Boston crushed the visiting Montreal Canadiens 6-1. Chara now has 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points on 16 games but has recorded 3 (1 goal, 2 assists) in just the last 4 overall. Chara is typically a slow starter and this season is no exception. The question remains, though, about when we will see the defenseman really break through.

Miroslav Satan continues to provide some steady offense for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Thursday night was yet another example of him chipping in. Satan had a powerplay helper on the Pens' 3rd goal but all was almost lost as they blew a 3-0 lead to the Philadelphia Flyers before tying it up late in the 3rd period and then securing the win in the SO. The host Penguins skimmed by with a 5-4 victory. Satan missed the net on his opportunity in the 5th of 6 SO rounds. Satan now has 8 goals and 7 assists for 15 points on 16 games. He has recorded at least 1 point in 10 games this season and is pacing the Penguins in goals. On nights Satan scores a point the team is 7-2-1. Also getting involved was Ruslan Fedotenko who was credited with the primary assist on Pittsburgh's 2nd goal. Fedo now has 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points on 15 games but has been a force recently notching all 6 of those points in his last 8 games.

Detroit goaltender improved to a stunning 17-0 lifetime against the Tampa Bay Lightning stopping 15 of a meager 18 shots to record the victory. Despite the fair performance his Red Wings staked him to a 4-3 victory. Osgood's numbers are not good yet he has not lost in regulation in his last 10 starts and is sporting a 7-1-3 record for the season. His save percentage is a lowly .877 while his goals against is a healthy 3.31 but nevertheless Ozzie is cruising along thanks to his team's offensive prowess.

Minnesota d-man Marc-Andre Bergeron recorded a hat trick... of assists to help lead the Wild to a 4-0 thump and dump of the visiting Phoenix Coyotes. Bergeron recorded 3 powerplay helpers as the Wild went 4 for 7 with the man advantage. MAB now has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on 14 games. With the assists he snapped a 4 game point-less run. Bergeron has been a cannon on the powerplay this season recording 6 of his season points (2 goals, 4 assists) with the extra man.

Toronto winger Jason Blake responded to his healthy scratch from last game by adding 2 insurance assists (1 powerplay) as the Maple Leafs pulled off a 5-2 upset victory over the host Edmonton Oilers. Blake is still lagging a little bit offensively but now has 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) on 15 games. Blakey snapped a 4 game point drought and inched close to his 200th career helper. Assisting on both Oilers' goals was d-man Denis Grebeshkov in only his 3rd game back after suffering what was believed to be a mild concussion. Greb snapped a 5 game point-less stretch and now has 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points on 13 games. One of the 2 helpers was on the powerplay his 3rd extra man assist of the season, a new single season high for Grebeshkov.

Finally, the Calgary Flames are an enigma. Some days the Flames are an offensive force to be reckoned with while other days they get knocked down with a whimper. Check one off for whimper were crushed by the host San Jose Sharks 6-1. Receiving a powerplay assist on the lone Calgary goal was d-man Adrian Aucoin who snapped a 5 game point-less stretch. Aucoin has 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points on 18 games.


Check back here soon for more updates and recaps!

Wednesday November 12

Is it mid-November already? Wow time really does fly. We are now over halfway between Canadian Thanksgiving Day and the superior American version. Sorry Canada. Anyhoo, Wednesday featured 7 NHL games with Former Islanders making efforts in 5 of those contests. Here is a recap of the FI happenings:

If only Buffalo center Tim Connolly could stay healthy for extended periods of time than he would be among the elite point getters in the league. Seriously! He can run at nearly a point-per-pace when some body part is nagging him or threatening to fall off. Yet irony has it that Connolly left last night's game after a hard check due to a "bruised upper body" injury. However last night was still pretty good for TimCo as he banged home his second goal of the season as well as an assist to help lead the Sabres to a 4-3 home win over the St. Louis Blues. Connolly has 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points on 5 games. As well, he has registered 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) over the last 3 contests. We hope the injury to Tim is only temporary.

To say Devils' goaltender Kevin Weekes has not lived up to expectations/hopes would be an understatement. Then again how much expectation can you have for any New Jersey goalie after Martin Brodeur had played 98% of the team's games over the last 3 decades? Weekes took the loss against the visiting New York Rangers surrendering 4 goals on 25 shots as the Blueshirts walked away with a 5-2 victory. Weekes was pulled after 2 periods and replaced with 3rd stringer-and-rising Scott Clemmensen. Weekes fell to 1-3-0 on the season while his save percentage dropped to .874 and his goals against average bloated to 3.06. Time is running out for Weekes to prove he can take the helm in net for a Devils squad in unknown territory.

Defenseman Bryan McCabe scored his first goal as a Panther, a game winner, to help lead Florida to a 4-0 blanking of the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning. Playing in only his 5th game with the Panthers due to injury McCabe knocked home the winner 16:33 in to the 1st period. He now has 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points on 5 games and has managed a goal and an assist over the last 2. The game winner was the 21st of his career and extends McCabe's consecutive seasons with at least one winning tally to 9.

Nobody is quite sure when Boston defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara will break out of his early season offensive slump but Chara did at least make it to the scorecard. Chare registered a powerplay helper on the lone Boston goal of regulation as the Bruins edged the host Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in SO. The boston tally came with only 54 seconds remaining in the 2nd period. Chara now has 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points on 15 games this season.

Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo topped his own shutout streak going 242 minutes and 36 seconds before surrendering a goal early in the 3rd period snapping his chance for his 4th straight shutout as the Canucks fell to the visiting Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in SO. Last season Luongo set the franchise record at 212 minutes and 12 seconds topping that time by over half a game on Wednesday night. Luongo stopped 33 of 34 shots between regulation and OT but only 1 of 3 in the SO to take the OT loss. Luongo now has a 9-5-1 record on the season with a tidy 2.23 goals against average and a steadily rising .924 save percentage. Luongo is 3-0-1 over his last 4 starts. Scoring the lone goal for the Canucks was winger Taylor Pyatt who netted his score on a penalty shot only 2:43 in to the 2nd period. Pyatt stopped on his attempt in the 2nd round of the SO. T-Py now has 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points on 16 games. Pyatt has stepped it up as of late with 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) over his last 7 games.

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