Former Islander Watch

Moved to Twitter

2010-10-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Former Islander Watch has moved to Twitter. Follow us @FormerIsles (http://twitter.com/FormerIsles). See you there!

On Hiatus

2009-10-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

We regret to inform you that Former Islander Watch has torn its ACL and will be out 4 to 8 months.

On a more serious note, FIW has struggled to get posts out, even at this early juncture in the year, and it has become apparent that regularly postings are near impossible with the current stressed here in Orange, California. Until further notice FIW will be on hiatus. Please check back with us in the future as we determine whether to continue this historic mission or fold it like the Lighthouse Project.

Trade: Aaron Johnson

2009-10-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

Calgary obtained defenseman Aaron Johnson on Thursday from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for winger Kyle Greentree. Johnson had played in 38 games last season with the 'Hawks but had yet to suit up for a game this season. Last year Johnson notched 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in those contests.

A 184 game veteran, Johnson was originally selected in the 3rd round, 85th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by Columbus. He has 10 goals and 26 assists for 36 points on his career. The Flames will be Johnson's fourth team after the Blue Jackets, Isles and Blackhawks.

We wish Aaron the best of luck in chilly Calgary!

UFA Signing: Marc-Andre Bergeron

2009-10-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

After losing veteran defenseman Andrei Markov for at least a month the Montreal Canadiens immediately sent out for some support. On Tuesday they signed Former Islander blueliner and unrestricted free agent Marc-Andre Bergeron to a 1 year deal. MAB played 72 games for Minnesota last year notching 14 goals (7 powerplay) and 18 assists for 32 points, a semi-resurgence after a trade from the Isles to Anaheim the season before landed the hard shooter in the minors. Bergeron has played in 339 games scoring 62 goals (36 powerplay) a 98 assists for 160 points. He has suited up for the Oilers, Isles, Ducks and Wild before joining his second Canadian squad. Financial terms of the deal are not yet known. We wish Marc-Andre the best on his new team.

2009-10 Season Kickoff Half-Week

2009-10-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

With a tight start to the season cram-packed with games from Thursday October 1 to Saturday October 3 things were exciting for Former Islanders, some in new locales, some comfortable in familiar surroundings. Here is a quick look:

Pittsburgh Penguin wingers Ruslan Fedotenko and Bill Guerin are the FIs of the week after having a fabulous start each receiving 2 points in their first 2 games. Fedotenko had a goal and an assist in the Pens 4-3 SO win over the Isles on Saturday including netting the tying goal. Guerin split assists over the Pens' first 2 games to notch a point-per-contest. Staying with Pittsburgh may pay off big dividends for the two two-time Stanley Cup winners.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo bombed his first week surrendering 7 goals on 49 shots between those two contests notching and 0-2-0 record with a 3.53 goals against average and an abysmal .857 goals against average. If the Canucks are to succeed it will be on the heals of Bobby Lu and vice versa.

Speaking of goalies Detroit's 1A backstopper Chris Osgood had a less than spectacular start surrendering 4 goals on 23 shots in his first start. He has an 0-1-0, an .826 save percentage and a 4.06 goals against average. Do you hear that ticking sound? It is the impending end of Ozzie's illustrious career.

Speaking of Red Wing washups, winger Todd Bertuzzi notched an assist for 1 point in 2 Detroit games over the opening weekend. Inane fact: Bert now has 370 assists on 826 games.

And to return to the Northwest let us look at a pair of FI centers. Calgary's own Olli Jokinen looked clueless notching only 1 assist on 2 games. He is going to have to step it up if the Flames are going to succeed. Surprise, surprise coming from Mike Comrie. The Brick notched 1 helper in Edmonton's lone weekend game, not surprisingly against the Flames. The born-again Oiler is looking to overcome his absolute awfulness that nearly destroyed his career last season.

For a much more impressive debut than any other FI we can give a head nod to Los Angeles winger Ryan Smyth who notched 2 powerplay assists in his first game as a King. Smyth received the 3rd star honor despite the fact that the host Kings were crushed heartily. It looks like Anze Kopitar may have found a new best friend.

In the "a Norris Trophy does not make you special" category we have Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara who wowed with 1 assist in 2 games. Way to go Big Z... no sarcasm at all.

Now to a more memorable FI defenseman, John Erskine. The blueliner had 1 assist in 2 games equaling Chara's excellence.

Oh and let us not forget Roman Hamrlik who notched a shorthanded helper in Montreal's lone weekend game. The shortie assist was Hamr's first since January 7.

While we are still in the Northeast let us peak in on two high-flying FIs. Buffalo center Tim Connolly notched a powerplay goal in his first game of the season. Way to go TimCo! Also helping out with the man advantage was Toronto winger Jason Blake who had 1 powerplay helper in 2 games.

Check in next week as we recap the FI events from Monday October 5 to Sunday October 11 here at FIW!

New Format

2009-09-19T20:39:00.001-07:00

As we approach the beginning of the 2009-10 season there are a couple of changes to note here at FIW.

#1 Daily updates are gone! In this age of micro-blogging who has the time to do an extensive blog post everyday? Instead we will recap Former Islander accomplishments on a week-by-week basis meaning less posts to read.

#2 Snappier and quicker summmaries! Less about the particulars of the big plays and more about the things we really care about - the stats. Player recaps will be about numbers, numbers, numbers.

#3 Updated pictures! As soon as the NHL teams role out the new team photos we will have new player pictures.

#4 More snark! As the NHL continues to be the bastion of major league sport intellect we will continue to find retorts that mean something. Take that Gary Bettman. (p.s. We love Charles Wang and company! Blue and Orange forever.)

#5 No Shawn Bates! He has not played in years for an NHL squad but it is never too late to keep reminding ourselves of that sweet fact.

By the way we do not recap preseason statistics since they are essentially meaningless. Join us after October 3 when the NHL kicks off.

Until then thank you for enjoying FIW.

Late-August Becomes Pre-Season

2009-09-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Realizing that one has been lax to one's blogging requirements is daunting knowledge. As school, work and life role on here in Orange County Former Islander Watch has suffered. Here is the end of summer update featuring news so old it cannot truly be called "new":

Defensive veteran and living fossil Mathieu "Coelecanth" Schneider signed a deal with the Vancouver Canucks on August 28. Schneids, who scored 32 points (9 goals, 23 assists) in 67 games last season between the Atlanta Thrashers and Montreal Canadiens will join his 9th team and 5th in the last 4 seasons. It is believed that Schneider signed a 1 year, $1.55 million deal. Best of luck Mathieu!

On September 2 goaltender Roberto Luongo signed a 12 year contract extension with the Canucks essentially ending all trade rumors involving the stud backstopper. Bobby Lu is all but guaranteed to be a 'Nuck for the rest of his playing career. The deal will net Luongo $7.5 million this year and about $80 million over the life of the contract at an average of $6.75 million per year but an exceedinly generous $10 million next year. Congratulations Roberto... wow!

That same day winger Taylor Pyatt said his final goodbyes to Vancouver and joined the Phoenix Coyotes (a.k.a. the Hamilton Blackberries) on a 1 year deal for an amount yet to be announced. The winger has 19 points (10 goals, 9 assists) last season with the 'Nucks in 69 games before sitting out the last part of the season and a portion of the playoffs due to the untimely passing of his fiance. We wish Taylor the best as he finds a home far from the colder confines of Long Island, Buffalo or Vancouver.

Center Mike Duff nee Comrie signed a 1 year deal with the Edmonton Oilers, a former squad, on September 10. Comrie struggled last season with a meager 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) on 63 games between the Isles and Ottawa Senators. The deal is believed to $1.125 million... that should buy a lot of Hilary Duff cds. Congratulations Mike... Hope you find your touch again!

FI camp invitees include: winger Mitch Fritz with Phoenix, winger Mike York with the Florida Panthers, winger Mark Parrish with the Canucks, winger Kip Brennan with the Oilers, a shortlived relationship with center Shawn Bates and the Colorado Avalanche that has already ended... more as they are discovered.

More transactions when they pop back to memory... Thanks for reading.

Mid-August Updates

2009-08-19T21:05:00.001-07:00

It has been a pathetically slow reaction time here at Former Islander Watch as we have been snoozing in these dog days of summer. Here are the recaps, signings and FI happenings for roughly the last month (i.e. July 18-August 18). Will the hockey season ever start? By the way, Santa Barbara is a beautiful city... so much more so than San Jose. However, at least San Jose has a successful hockey club with many Conference and Stanley Cup championships to their credit... oh wait. Here is the not so new news:

Stud defenseman Denis Grebeshkov got a big raise from the Edmonton Oilers on July 21 garnering a 1 year, $3.15 million deal - a compromise result that had both sides avoid the arbitration table for the 26 year old Restricted Free Agent. Talks had broken down on a longer term deal late last season and this was the stopgap measure put in place. Greb earned $1.5 million last season, a career year with 7 goals and 32 assists for 39 points on 72 games.

2008-09 1A/1B goalie for the Isles, Joey MacDonald, inked a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on August 10. Terms of the deal have yet to be released but the deal is probably a two-way signing since the Leafs currently appear to have two one-way goalies. Mac played in 49 games (46 starts) last season for the Isles recording a 14-26-6 record with a 3.37 goals against average, a .901 save percentage and 1 shutout. In 66 career games between the Isles and Detroit Red Wings MacDonald in 17-34-9 with a 3.31 goals against average, a .900 save percentage and 1 goose egg. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native, MacDonald joins his first Canadian squad.

Finally, winger Todd Bertuzzi inked a 1 year, $1.5 million dollar deal with a former team, the Red Wings on August 18. After spending a month and a half on the free agent list Bert was finally picked up for next season albeit at decreasingly declining contract amounts ($1.95 million last season with Calgary). Bert had 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) on 66 games last season with the Flames and came out storming but cooled off considerably in the last 2/3rds of the season. Originally drafted in the 1st Round, 23rd overall by the Isles in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft Bertuzzi has 624 points (255 goals, 369 assists) on 859 career games. Bert has played for the Isles, Canucks, Wings, Panthers, Ducks and Flames.

Check back soon with FIW for more updates and news.

Mid-July Updates

2009-07-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

There are a pair of signings of note in the Former Islander world. Let us take a look at the happenings:

FI defenseman inked a deal with the President's Trophy winning San Jose Sharks on Thursday July 16. Originally drafted in the 3rd Round, 70th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, it would take 7 years before the blueliner would break into the league midway through the 2008-09 season with the Isles. Callahan suited up in 18 games with the Islanders compiling 2 assists, a +5 rating and a gentlemanly 4 penalty minutes. Callahan could compete for a regular role on the Sharks' backend, one that features such seasoned veterans as Rob Blake, Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich. Terms of the deal have yet to be released.

FI backup goaltender Wade Dubielewicz signed with the Minnesota Wild on Friday July 17. Terms of the deal have not be released yet. Dubie played with the Columbus Blue Jackets late last season after being dropped from his Russian team in the Kontinental Hockey League midway through the year. Dubie played in only 3 games (2 starts) compiling a 1-2-0 record with a 3.56 goals against average and an .870 save percentage. An undrafted signing by the Isles midway through this decade, Dubielewicz has played in 40 games (29 starts) with a 17-5-1-1 record (W-L-T-OTL), a 2.64 goals against average and .916 save percentage. Dubie's signing adds an extra level of depth to the Minnesota goal sending their lineup 3 deep in the backstop position.

Check back soon for more signings as they happen here at FIW.

More FI Movement

2009-07-12T23:14:00.001-07:00

There has been a handful more Former Islander happenings of note over the last week. Let us take a look at the activity:

A pair of FIs inked with the Atlanta Thrashers including center Jason Krog, a one-time Thrasher and young goaltender Peter Mannino. Krog, an AHL powerhouse, suited up for the Vancouver Canucks last season netting a goal. A sporadic NHLer, Krog has played in 202 games scoring 22 goals and adding 37 assists for 59 points. An undrafted acquisition by the Isles during the 1999-2000 season he has played for the Blue & Orange, the Ducks, the Rangers, the Thrashers and the 'Nucks. The terms of Krog's deal are unknown but it is probable that the contract features a two-way deal in which he would have an AHL salary schedule and an NHL salary schedule in case he finds his way to the big leagues. If not Krog should be back with the AHL Chicago Wolves, the team with which he took league's scoring title during the 2007-08 season. Another unsigned Isles acquisition, young goalie Mannino has already found a new squad. Mannino played in 3 games with the Isles last season compiling a 1-1-0 record with a 4.52 goals against average and an .885 save percentage. Since the 2008-09 campaign was Mannino's introduction to the NHL that win served as the first of his career. The terms of the deal were not yet unveiled and only time will tell if Mannino finds some more NHL starts in his future.

Chicago defenseman Aaron Johnson avoided salary arbitration and signed a 1 year, $540,000 deal with the Blackhawks. The move all but guarantees that Johnson will find some more playing time with the 'Hawks next season. He played in 38 games for Chicago during the 2008-09 season netting 3 goals and adding 5 assists for 8 points.

Boston inked defenseman Drew Fata to a 1 year deal on Tuesday July 7. Monetary and other terms of the deal have not yet been released. The tough blueliner has only ever played in the NHL for the Isles despite having signed with the Phoenix Coyotes after the 2007-08 season. Originally picked in the 3rd Round, 86th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Fata eventually signed with the Islanders and played in 8 games over 2 seasons scoring 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points.

Goaltender Yann Danis signed with the rival New Jersey Devils on Friday July 10. Terms of the contract have not yet been released. With backup goalies Scott Clemmensen bailing ship and Kevin Weekes in limbo Danis may have lined himself up to be Martin Brodeur's new backup tender. Considering Danis came into last season with only 6 games of NHL experience under his belt he increased his ability exponentially with 31 appearances (29 starts) compiling a 10-17-3 record with a 2.86 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. Originally an unsigned pick up by the Montreal Canadiens Danis has had the privilege to play for the Blue & Orange and the Rouge, Blanc et Bleu. He has a career 13-19-3 record in 37 games (34 starts) with a 2.84 save percentage, a .910 save percentage and 3 shutouts.

Check back soon for more signings and movements at FIW.

Front Office: Tom Fitzgerald

2009-07-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Former Islander winger Tom Fitzgerald signed on as the new Pittsburgh Penguins Assistant General Manager on Friday. Fitz weighed continuing to coach or return to management after becoming an assistant coach with Pens Cup winning rookie coach Dan Bylsma. Fitzgerald's primary objective will be to track and cultivate prospects here and abroad. A former 1st Round pick, Fitz was chosen 17th overall by the Isles in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He played 1,097 games with the Isles, Panthers, Avalanche, Predators, Blackhawks, Maple Leafs and Bruins before retiring after the 2005-06 season. Over than time he notched 139 goals and 190 assists for 329 points.

UFA Signing: Bill Guerin

2009-07-05T19:52:00.001-07:00

Pittsburgh winger Bill Guerin opted to take a large pay cut ($4.5 million down to $2 million) to stay with the championship team. Guerin notched 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) on 78 games last season including 12 (5 goals, 7 assists) on 17 games with the Penguins after being trade near the deadline. Billy G then went on to score 7 goals and add 8 assists for 15 points on 24 playoff games as he captured his second Stanley Cup and first since he was a member of the 1995 New Jersey Devils. An 1,185 game veteran, Guerin was chosen in the 1st Round, 5th overall by the Devils in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He has played for a wide variety of squads including the Devs, Oilers, Bruins, Stars, Sharks, Blues, Isles and Pens. On his career he has an impressive 408 goals and 403 assists for 811 points.

Former Islander UFAs and Signings

2009-07-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

With the free agency market having opened on July 1 things have been busy for Former Islanders. Here is a look at the action to date:

Edmonton signed defenseman/winger Jason Strudwick to a 1 year deal worth $700K after the 12 year veteran put up a career best 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) on 71 games last season. A fusion player who can play the blueline or a 4th line winger role has played in 559 games for the Isles, Canucks, Blackhawks, Rangers and Oilers. Over that span Strud has posted 13 goals and 34 assists for 47 points. Strudwick was original taken in the 3rd Round, 63rd overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Islanders.

Veteran defenseman Adrian Aucoin bailed on Calgary and is heading to the Phoenix Coyotes on a 1 year, $2.25 million deal. Aucoin had spent the last 2 seasons with the Flames after suffering back injuries as captain in Chicago. Aucoin has revived his career and last season posted a respectable 34 points (10 goals, 24 assists) on 81 games. Originally taken in the 5th Round, 117th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft by the Canucks, Aucoin has played for the 'Nucks, Lightning and Isles as well as the Blackhawks and Flames. Aucoin has played in 851 games scoring 108 goals and adding 228 assists for 336 points. He has posted back-to-back 10 goal seasons for only the second time in his career.

Winger Ruslan Fedotenko opted to take a pay cut if that meant staying with the championship Pittsburgh Penguins as the forward signed off on a 1 year deal worth $1.8 million, a nearly half a million dollar cut from last year's contract. Fedo played well in his first season in Pitt notching 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) on 65 injury-shortened games. He also notched 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in the team's 24 game playoff run. A 597 game veteran, Fedo has 139 goals and 139 assists for 278 points and can now boast of his 2 Stanley Cup rings. Fedotenko has played for the Flyers, Lightning, Isles and Pens.

The Colorado Avalanche have offloaded "Captain Canada" Ryan Smyth and his hearty $6.5 million dollars due next year and the $10 million due for the next 2 years after that in exchange for Los Angeles defensemen Tom Preissing, Kyle Quincey and a 5th Round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Smyth played well this past year leading the team with 59 points (26 goals, 33 assists) on 77 games but never really met up to the Avs' expectations as the team has failed to make the playoffs for 2 straight years. On the flipside the woeful and youthful Kings have been trying to bolster their team with a veteran presence. A 920 game veteran Smyth has 310 goals and 350 assists for 660 points on his career. Originally selected in the 1st Round, 6th overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Smyth played his first 12 seasons in the league with the Edmontion Oilers before going to the Isles late in the 2006-07 season. Smyth bailed on the Isles lures to keep him and opted for a 5 year deal with Avalanche and now finds himself in exile from the Mile High City after a failed experiment. Smyth was one of the major catalysts as the Oil made it to Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Final - the closest taste of success for the vaunted winger.

A pair of notable FIs have decided to take their chances at arbitration. Young d-man Denis Grebeshkov has spurned Edmonton's lowball offers and has decided to leave the decision up to the league about how much he deserves. Greb is coming off a breakout year in which he compiled 39 points (7 goals, 32 assists) on 72 games. He now has 176 games under his belt with 10 goals and 53 assists for 63 points. A former 1st Round pick, Grebeshkov was taken 18th in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. Greb has played with the Kings, Isles and Oil. Slightly more seasoned is Chicago d-man Aaron Johnson who is looking for a pay raise. Johnson had a hot start last season with the Blackhawks before tailing off midway through and then being demoted. He notched 3 goals and added 5 assists for 8 points on 38 games. Johnson has played in 184 games scoring 10 goals and adding 26 assists for 36 points. Johnson was originally taken in the 3rd Round, 85th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He has suited up for the BJs, Isles and 'Hawks.

Check back soon as the players continue to fall into place for the 2009-2010 season.

Norris Trophy Winner: Zdeno Chara

2009-06-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Former Islander defenseman Zdeno Chara cleaned up at the 2009 NHL Awards held on Thursday June 18 in Las Vegas. This is the first major award for the gigantic Boston Bruins' d-man. Chara had another impressive season recording a single season best 19 goals and a respectable 31 assists for an even 50 points capping his 2nd straight 50+ point campaign. Congratulations to Zdeno - you earned it, well almost as much as Mike Green (Washington) did!

Assistant Coach: Dean Chynoweth

2009-06-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Somewhere between Orange, California and Long Island there exists my Dean Chynoweth rookie card. Why does it exist? Not quite sure. But on Friday the Islanders announced that they signed alumnus Chynoweth as an assistant coach for the 2009-2010 season. For the last 5 seasons Chynoweth has been the head coach/general manager for the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. Over that span Chynoweth compiled a 162-163-6-1-1 record (W-L-T-OTL-SOL). Before that Chynoweth had been with the Utah Grizzlies of the now defunct International Hockey League (IHL), a former Isles affiliate.

Originally drafted in the 1st Round, 13th overall in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft by the Isles the defenseman went onto a 10 season career spending 7 with the Isles and the last 3 with the Boston Bruins. On his career Chynoweth played in 241 games scoring 4 goals and adding 18 assists for 22 points along with 667 penalty minutes.

Welcome back to the organization Dean. We wish you the best of luck behind the bench with Scott Gordon!

Friday June 12: Game 7, Stanley Cup Final

2009-06-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

With all the cards on the table, the most beautiful trophy in all of sports out of the case and the title of Champion up for grabs the Pittsburgh Penguins tangled with the host Detroit Red Wings in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final on Friday night. The game was amazing, the outcome somewhat surprising as a hobbled Sidney Crosby and the Pens pulled off a 2-1 victory of the Wings to pull a complete 180 defeating the team that had downed them just a year prior in the Final. Let us put it simply: the Pittsburgh Penguins are the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions! Only one Former Islander played a major role in the game. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood gave a valiant effort stopping 16 of 18 shots but it was 2 of 3 shots off the stick of Pitt forward Max Talbot that stumped him as his team's offense failed to pull him even in the closing minutes of regulation. Ozzie played well throughout the 2009 playoffs sporting an impressive 15-8 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a save percentage right around .925 with 2 shutouts. However Ozzie lost 4 of his last 5 starts as the Pens overcame 2-0 and 3-2 series deficits. Our kudos go to Chris for playing with talent and overcoming a terrible regular season to become the most commanding backstopper of the playoffs.

Congratulations must really go, however, to the 4 FIs who will now sport Stanley Cup rings as members of the Penguins. First up is aging winger Bill Guerin who was traded right before the deadline by the Isles for a draft pick. Guerin wins his 2nd ring after being a member of the triumphant 1995 New Jersey Devils. Guerin had 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) on 24 games but was scoreless in his last 5. Alas, way to go Billy G! Also sealing up his second Stanley Cup victory is winger Ruslan Fedotenko who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning when they won in 2004. Fedo had 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) on 24 games including 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) against Detroit. Congrats Ruslan! Despite going point-less in his last 6 games, winger Miroslav Satan is now a Stanley Cup winner. Satan has 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points on 17 games. Way to earn it Miro! Finally, though he did not play in a single playoff game winger Eric Godard should receive his name on the Cup after putting in 71 games of service during the regular season. Congratulations Eric.

Well that wraps it up the 2008-09 season here at Former Islander Watch. Check back occasionally during the summer months as we will have some updates especially when we reach the opening of free agency on July 1. Thanks for reading!

Tuesday June 9

2009-06-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

With the Stanley Cup repeat only 1 win away the Detroit Red Wings fell short on Tuesday opening the door for a Pittsburgh comeback as the Penguins downed the visiting Wings 2-1 to even the series at 3-3. Game 7 is Friday night and after that we will officially have a champion. The home team has won each of the first 6 games which would seem to swing the pendulum in Detroit's favor but Pittsburgh does have 3 active Former Islanders which undoubtedly gives them the upper hand. Ooh... Only time will tell. However, 2 FIs did try to help in Game 6. Here is a look:

Pitt winger Ruslan Fedotenko had the secondary assist on the game winning goal at the 5:35 mark of the 3rd Period. Fedo now has a balanced 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points on 23 games. Tank has been inconsistent, however, in this final with only 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) on 6 games. Playing like a champ but taking the loss was Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood who looked stellar stopping 29 of 31 shots faced. Ozzie still deserves some serious Conn Smyth consideration and Game 6 was one of his best this postseason. Alas the loss drops him to 15-7 on the postseason while his goals against average remained steady at 2.00 and his save percentage raised slightly to .927. How do you like them apples?

Check back soon as Friday will officially end the 2008-09 season/2009 playoffs. What a glorious ride it has been here at FIW. Thanks for reading.

Saturday June 6

2009-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Detroit put those two recent losses to the Penguins behind them as they crushed Pittsburgh 5-0 at home to grab a 3-2 series lead. The Red Wings are now 1 win shy of their 2nd straight Stanley Cup Championship. One of the keys to the Game 5 victory was goaltender and Former Islander Chris Osgood. Let us take a look:

Ozzie stopped all 22 shots he faced and received the 3rd star honor in recording the blanking. The Detroit offense did the rest of the work staking the backstopper to a 4-0 less than half way into play. Osgood is now 15-6 on the postseason with a 2.00 goals against average, a .927 save percentage and 2 shutouts. To add to that, Osgood assisted on the Wing's 2nd goal, his 2nd helper of the playoffs. Those 2 assists sent a single postseason record for the goalie who now has 5 playoff helpers on his career. The blanking was the 15th of his playoff career.

Check back soon as play continues on Tuesday June 9 as the Red Wings can close out the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2nd straight year to grab Lord Stanley's Cup - the holy grail of sportsdom.

Thursday June 4

2009-06-08T20:47:00.001-07:00

Two games at home has done good for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they swept their visit to Mellon Arena and evened their series at 2 wins apiece against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. Just like the first 2 games of the series, Games 3 and 4 had a familiar look with the Pens pulling off 4-2 victories in each of those matchups. No Pitt Former Islander stepped up in this one but of course we can take a look at the effort from the lone Detroit FI:

Wings' goaltender Chris Osgood performed just adequately stopping 27 of 31 shots en route to the loss. Ozzie is now 14-6 on the postseason and has lost 2 straight for only the second time in this playoffs and first since the 2nd round series against the Anaheim Ducks in the only time this postseason the Wings have trailed in a series (down 1-2 at that point). Osgood will look to regain his 1-goal form that he had in that 4 game bridge between the Chicago series and the Final when play resumes of Saturday June 6.

Check back with FIW soon for more updates.

FI Coach: Joe Sacco

2009-06-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

The day after they cleaned house, including the expulsion of Former Islander goaltender and team goalie coach Jeff Hackett, the Colorado Avalanche announced the signing of another FI, Joe Sacco, as the team's new head coach. A 738 game veteran, Sacco played a career that took him the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the Isles, the Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers. Sacco played 98 games for the Blue & Orange between 1998 and 1999 in which he notched 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 points. On his career Sacco had 213 points on 94 goals and 119 assists. Sacco ended his NHL career during the 2002-03 season.

In 2007 Sacco became the head coach for the Avs' AHL affiliate the Lake Erie Monsters where he compiled a 26-41-13 record in his first season. With a move to the big-time we will have to wait and see how Sacco fairs in the Mile High City. Best of luck to you, Joe!

Tuesday June 2

2009-06-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

As the NHL official enters the summer months the Stanley Cup has not yet been hoisted by a victor. The Pittsburgh Penguins, desperate clinging to dreams of hockey hardware, made a considerable dent in the armor of the mighty Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. The Pens downed the visiting Wings 4-2 to pull the series a little bit closer with Detroit now sporting a 2-1 lead. Play picks up on Thursday night - essentially a make-or-break game for the Pens. Yet again 2 Former Islanders helped out their teams. Here is a look:

Even though it was a gimme point, Pitt winger Ruslan Fedotenko received an assist on a timely goal. Fedo helped out on the empty net goal with 57 seconds remaining, a goal that insured a Penguins victory. Fedo now has 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) on 20 games with 5 (3 goals, 2 assists) coming in the last 5 games overall. Receiving a relatively rare loss was Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood who stopped 17 of a measly 20 shots in a performance that made the powerful backstopper look merely pedestrian. Ozzie is still 14-5 on the playoffs with a 2.00 goals against average, a .927 save percentage and 2 shutouts. Osgood should still be in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Check back soon with FIW.

Sunday May 31

2009-06-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings look to be in cruise control doing in a 24 hour span what seemed nearly impossible considering the hot play of the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the 2nd straight time, and in back-to-back games, the Wings downed the visiting Pens 3-1 to grab a 2-0 series lead. Again, a pair of Former Islanders helped out their respective squads. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood looked good again repeating stat-for-stat his prior performance with 31 saves on 32 shots as he received the first star honor yet again. Ozzie has 4 straight wins and has recorded victories in 7 of his last 8 overall. He is a commanding 14-4 on the postseason with a goals against average now below 2.00 and a save percentage lingering around .930. He has not given up more than 1 goal over the last 4 starts (albeit one of those starts was only 40 minutes of ice time). Again, a FI helped out on a late 1st Period goal from Pittsburgh. Bill Guerin received the secondary assist on the lone Pens' goal, a powerplay tally, with just over 3 minutes remaining in the opening frame. Having a career best postseason, Billy G now has 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points on 19 games. However, the powerplay helper was the first of the playoffs for Guerin who has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) with the man advantage. That means that Guerin's accomplishments have come almost solely in the 5-on-5 situations.

Check back soon as the Stanley Cup Final chugs along.

Stanley Cup Final Kickoff: Saturday May 30

2009-06-04T10:19:00.001-07:00

The rematch of the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off on Saturday with a rare back-to-back set of finals games set for the weekend. The Wings grabbed the early series lead with a fairly commanding 3-1 win. The lead 1-0 looking to repeat last year's Stanley Cup success. A pair of Former Islanders helped out in the game. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood was masterful stopping 31 of 32 shots faced to seal the victory and grab the first star honor. Ozzie has won 3 or more for the third time in the playoffs and is now 13-4. Scoring the lone goal for the Pens with less than 90 seconds remaining in the opening period was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. With 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) over the last 3 games including a goal in each of those contests the winger now has 7 goals and 5 assists for 12 points on 18 games.

Check back soon for more recaps at FIW.

Wednesday May 27

2009-05-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Stanley Cup Final matchup is now set as the Detroit Red Wings pulled off a 2-1 OT home win over the young Chicago Blackhawks to win their Western Conference Final series 4-1. Without a handful of regulars Detroit succeeded on the heels of some of the consistent understudies. However, one Former Islander shone in the crowd. Here is a look:

After a rocky regular season goaltender Chris Osgood has earned himself a repeat trip to the Stanley Cup Final and has done it again after having an excellent playoffs. Ozzie stopped 30 of 31 shots faced to secure the win. He received the first star honor for his effort and is now 12-4 on the playoffs with a slim 2.06 goals against average, a hearty .925 save percentage and 1 shutout. Compare the gaa and save % against his regular season numbers (3.09, .887) and we can see a clear picture of the effort the veteran backstopper is bringing with him game-after-game to the playoffs.

Check in soon as the Stanley Cup Final kicks off on Saturday (moved up from Wednesday). It will be a rematch of last year's final except with Marian Hossa wearing Red and White this year. Quite a few Former Islanders are chasing Lord Stanley's glory including Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and of course Chris Osgood of the Wings. In the running for his name on the Cup as well is winger Eric Godard of Pitt who has not had any ice time in the playoffs but did suit up for 71 regular season matches with the Pens.

Tuesday May 26

2009-05-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Eastern Conference champion was crowned on Tuesday night as the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins deconstructed the host Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 to sweep their series 4-0. The 'Canes, who made it to the Eastern Conference Final with relative ease, never found their form during the series and were literally made to look silly by the Pens. Three, count em, three Former Islanders helped seal up the victory for the Penguins. Here is a look:

Winger Ruslan Fedotenko kicked off the scoring for the Pens at the 8:21 mark of the 1st Period after the 'Canes had grabbed a 1-0 lead only 96 seconds into play. Fedo has had goals in back-to-back games and now has 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points on 17 games. Up next was once-exiled winger Miroslav Satan who received the assist on the fluky game-winning goal by Max Talbot at the 18:31 mark of the 1st. With 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 5 games Satan now has 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) on 11 games overall. Last up for the cavalcade of FIs was 1st star Bill Guerin who scored the beautiful insurance goal midway through the 2nd frame. With a 3 game point streak in which he has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) Billy G has had a high-flying playoffs with 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) on 17 games. Of all Pittsburgh FIs Guerin has stood out as the most capable and his veteran experience and hockey sense has earned him a chance to win the Stanley Cup ring for the first time since he was with the New Jersey Devils (1995).

Check back soon for more updates as we continue to follow the Chicago/Detroit series.

Sunday May 24

2009-05-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

The Red Wings smacked down the host Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 all but stymying the young corps' dreams of Stanley Cup glory as Detroit took a stranglehold 3-1 series lead with the victory. Here is a look at the Former Islander happening:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 18 of 19 shots faced in 40 solid minutes of work before ceding the 3rd Period to backup tender Ty Conklin. Ozzie had played essentially every possible minute of the playoffs for the Detroit and earned a much deserved rest as Conk Block took the Wings home to victory. Osgood is now 11-4 on the playoffs with a 2.14 goals against average and a .921 save percentage.

Check in soon with FIW for more highlights and recaps as we fly headlong into the Stanley Cup Final.

Saturday May 23

2009-05-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

The Pittsburgh Penguins made an emphatic statement crushing the host Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 in Game 3 to grab a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final pairing. A pair of Former Islanders helped the surging Pens to the commanding victory. Here is a look:

Winger Bill Guerin assisted on the team's 2nd goal and capped the scoring on the powerplay with only 68 seconds left to play. The 38 year old winger is literally having the best postseason of his career and now has 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) on 16 games. The 13 points is a single playoff best for the player who secured a Cup ring with the New Jersey Devils in 1995. Over the last 2 games he has 4 points on 1 goal and 3 assists. Scoring Pitt's 4th goal and adding an assist on the Billy G netter was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. The game was the 3rd multi-point night of the playoffs for Fedo who now has 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) on 16 games. The extra man helper snapped a 25 game playoff game streak without an powerplay point dating back to June 7, 2004 - the fated Game 7 when Tank, then with the Tampa Bay Lightning, defeated the Calgary Flames to hoist the Stanley Cup.

Check back soon with FIW for more updates and recaps.

Friday May 22

2009-05-26T16:21:00.001-07:00

There was one game on tap on Friday night as the Western Conference Finals reached Game 3. The upstart Blackhawks pulled within one win of the defending champion Red Wings with a 4-3 OT victory at home. Chicago now trails Detroit 2-1 in their series. Here is a look at the Former Islander happening:

Chris Osgood had perhaps his least spectacular game of the playoffs stopping onl 23 of 27 shots faced including surrendering only the 2nd shot of OT. Ozzie is now 10-4 on the postseason and saw his 3 game win streak come to an end with the loss.

Check back soon with FIW for more updates as we continue to follow the conference final matchups.

Thursday May 21

2009-05-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins was a doozy with Rushan center Evgeni Malkin netting a hat trick as the Pens downed the 'Canes 7-4 at home. The victory increased Pitt's series lead to 2-0. Here is a look at the noteworthy Former Islander accomplishment:

Winger Bill Guerin assisted on the Pens' 1st and 4th goals. Guerin snapped a 4 game assist-less streak and now has 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points on 13 games. Billy G has been in top form since joining the Penguins late in the season scoring 10 goals and adding 16 assists for 26 points on 30 games between the regular season and the postseason. The 11 points equals his prior playoff high from the 1995 playoffs when Guerin was with the Cup-winning New Jersey Devils. However it took Billy G 20 games to score 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) instead of the much faster 13 of this current postseason.

Check back soon with FIW as we may have already reached the midpoint of the two conference finals.

Tuesday May 19

2009-05-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

The defending Stanley Cup champions looked good, real good, as they took on the cinderella Blachawks on Tuesday night. Again, the key Former Islander in this series stood out. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 37 of 39 shots including the 2 he faced in OT as the Red Wings edged Chicago 3-2 at home to take an early 2-0 series lead. Ozzie has now won 3 straight starts and is an impressive 10-3 (.769 win percentage) in his 13 starts with a 2.04 goals against average an a .925 save percentage. While the numbers are slightly lower than his unbelievably 2008 playoff run Osgood has looked at times like the true leader on the ice making timely saves and finding great positioning.

Check back soon with FIW for more as the conference finals roll along.

Monday May 18

2009-05-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

The surprisingly good Carolina Hurricanes marched into Pittsburgh Monday night ready for a fight and a fight they did receive. The Penguins edged the 'Canes 3-2 to grab a 1-0 series lead. One of the numerous Former Islanders on Pitt stood out. Here is a look:

Winger Miroslav Satan scored the opening goal just 9 minutes into regulation, his first playoff goal in over 2 years, to help lead the charge. Struggling to make the roster each playoff game, Satan earned a little more credibility with the score. The last time Satan scored a playoff goal was on April 20, 2007 when the Isles fell in 5 games to the Buffalo Sabres. The netter snapped a 7 game playoff goal-less streak as the Czech national now has 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) on 8 games.

Check in soon with more updates at FIW.

Sunday May 17

2009-05-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

If a movie were to made of the 2009 NHL playoffs through the eyes of Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood it would likely be called "Ozzie's Excellent Adventure" or "A Tale of Two Seasons". The goalie who suffered an enigmatically bad regular season stats-wise has been a crackerjack top form backstoppper through the first two rounds. Entering the Western Conference Finals keep all eyes on Ozzie. Here is a look at the Red Wing's first game against the hated Chicago Blackhawks.

The Wings manhandled the visiting 'Hawks in the final 13 minutes of play as they downed the upstarts 5-2 to grab an early 1-0 series lead. Osgood stopped 30 of 32 shots faced to improve to 9-3 on 12 playoff games with a goals against average just above 2.00 and a save percentage hovering around .920. Could this be the postseason that Osgood will finally receive the Conn Smythe Trophy he deserves? Only time will tell.

Check back soon as the Eastern Conference Final kicks off on Monday.

Thursday May 14

2009-05-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

The last two 2nd Round playoff series wrapped up on Thursday night solidifying the Eastern and Western Conference final matchups. Two attempted come-from-behinds were thwarted as a giant fell and a defending champ rose to the occasion. A lone Former Islander came to the rescue in one contest while in the other the mighty Boston Bruins were felled by the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in OT at home as the 'Canes capped a one-time 3-1 series lead to pull off a 4-3 series victory. Here is a look at the FI notable accomplishment of the evening:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood was just good enough stopping 24 of 27 shots faced as the Red Wings pulled out a 4-3 win over the visiting Anaheim Ducks with only 3 minutes remaining in regulation. The Wings have now won 6 straight playoff series and advance to the Western Conference Final for the 2nd straight season. Most of that success has come on the heals of Ozzie who has been a rock for this team when the pressure is on. Osgood improved to 8-3 on the postseason with a 2.06 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. Ozzie has gone an amazing 22-7 (.759 win percentage) over the last 6 series.

Check back with FIW soon as the Conference Finals kick off on Sunday with the Wings hosting their bitter rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. On Monday the surprisingly good 'Canes will tangle with the host Pittsburgh Penguins, last year's defending Conference champion. Only 2 teams (Pitt and Detroit) are housing FIs with Osgood starring in net for the Wings while the Pens have a stockpile of FIs in wingers Ruslan Fedotenko, Bill Guerin and Miroslav Satan. Tough guy Eric Godard has failed to make an appearance yet in the postseason. These 4 players represent the last hope for potential FI Cup winners. Thanks for reading.

Wednesday May 13

2009-05-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

With the pivotal Game 7 in the Washington Capitals/Pittsburgh Penguins series on tap it was bound to be a hot night for hockey. The Pens jumped to a quick lead and never relinquished crushing the host Caps 6-2 to take the series 4 games to 3. Here is a look at the game:

When 3 FIs step up and make it to the boxscore it was bound to be a good game for the Penguins. Wingers Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan all got involved. Billy G scored the game winning goal only 28 seconds into the 2nd Period. Guerin has 9 points (5 goals, 4 assists) on 13 games this postseason including 2 game winners. On his playoff career he has exactly a point-per-every-2-games with 59 (33 goals, 26 assists) on 118 games including 4 game winners, half of them in this playoff stretch alone. Second star Fedotenko assisted on the Pens' game changing 2nd goal late in the 1st Period. Fedo has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) on 13 playoff games but has been a difference maker as of late with 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) over the last 5 games. Tank has reached 25 career playoff points on 17 goals and 8 assists in 66 games. Satan kicked in 2 assists on Pitt's 4th and 5th goals for a multi-point night. He has 4 assists over the last 4 games and now has 4 points on 7 postseason tilts. Satan has 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) on 63 postseason contests. The Pens win advances them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2nd straight season.

Check back with FIW soon for more updates and highlights.

Tuesday May 12

2009-05-14T15:42:00.001-07:00

With 2 series on the brink of being wrapped up on Tuesday night there were 2 squads that avoided elimination and brought their 2nd Round series to pivotal Game 7s. Alas only 1 Former Islander was involved in those games with the Boston Bruins surviving against the host Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 to even a series they trailed 3-1 in at 3 wins a piece in the other contest. Here is a look at the other game:

The Ducks pulled off a must-win 2-1 victory over the visiting Detroit Red Wings to even the series at 3-3 forcing the final game at Joe Louis Arena on Thursday. Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood played well stopping 26 of 28 shots but the Wings' offense failed for 2nd time in 6 games letting the now top-form backstopper down. Ozzie is 7-3 in all 10 of the Detroit playoff games with an impressive 1.97 goals against average, a .924 save percentage and 1 shutout.

Check in soon with FIW for more recaps.

Sunday May 10 and Monday May 11

2009-05-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

Finally caught up, Former Islander Watch is now covering Sunday and Mondays contests. FIs were involved in both Sunday games and both Monday games as the 2nd round series start wrapping up. Here is a look at the FI action:

Sunday

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood did not have much to face as the Red Wings defense stepped up allowing only 17 shots on goal with only 1 slipping passed the goalie as the Wings thumped the visiting Anaheim Ducks to snatch a 3-2 series lead. Ozzie has played a pretty excellent 9 games going 7-2 on the playoffs with a slim 1.97 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. It has been a tale of 2 seasons for Osgood who struggled through the regular season but has found top form in the postseason.

Somebody finally found Zdeno Chara. The Boston captain and defenseman made an appearance notching 2 assists as the Bruins blanked the visiting Carolina Hurricanes. The win kept the much favored Bruins alive as the 'Canes hold onto a 3-2 series lead. Chara assisted on the powerplay game winner at the 14:48 mark of the 1st Period and the Bs' 3rd goal early in the 2nd. The helpers snapped a 5 game point-less streak for the giant on skates. Chara now has 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) on 9 playoff games.

Monday

Washington center Viktor Kozlov led his team with 2 big goals as the Capitals staved off elimination with a 5-4 OT win over the host Pittsburgh Penguins. The series, predicted by Caps' owner Ted Leonsis to be a "classic" in the making, has lived up to the billing. Despite being outshot 42 to 24 the Capitals persevered on timely goals including the 2 tallies but 1st star Kozlov. He snapped a 3 game point-less stretch and now has 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) on 13 games. Winger Bill Guerin opened the scoring only 5:55 into the 1st Period. Billy G now has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) on 12 games.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo was embarrassed surrendering 7 goals on 30 shots as the host Chicago Blackhawks shocked the Canucks with a 7-5 win. The victory sealed the series for the 'Hawks 4-2 and makes them the first team to advance to the Conference Finals round. The Blackhawks were down 5-4 with only 7:45 remaining in play before they busted out 3 goals in a span of 3:17 to seal the victory. Lu was helpless dropping his 4th loss in his last 5 starts. After a 5 game win streak to start the playoffs the wheels for else for Luongo who finished the postseason with a 6-4 record, a 2.52 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. The 7 goals against was a single game postseason worst for the usually solid backstopper.

Check in soon as we continue to track the 2nd round series as they wind down.

Saturday May 9

2009-05-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

It was another sweep on Saturday as Former Islanders stepped up in both games. Here is a look at the FI happenings:

There was another trio of FI scoring as the Washington-Pittsburgh series clunks along. Winger Ruslan Fedotenko scored only 51 seconds into the 3rd Period as the Penguins overcame a late Capitals for a 4-3 OT win. With the win the Pens take a strangehold 3-2 series lead. Fedo score for the 3rd straight game for the 3rd time in his playoff career and first since May 18-22, 2004 while with the future Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning. Fedo now has 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points on 11 games. Also aiding the Pens' cause was winger Miroslav Satan who assisted on the opening goal early in the 2nd Period. With 2 assists in the last 2 games Satan now has 2 points on 5 playoff games. Notching a helper on Washington's first goal was defenseman Tom Poti. Snapping a 5 game point-less streak since his big 4 point night against his former New York Rangers in the first round, Poti now has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on 12 games.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped only 26 of 29 shots as the visiting Chicago Blackhawks doubled up on the Canucks for a 4-2 win and a massive 3-2 series lead. Lu lost for the 3rd time in his last 4 starts and is now 6-3 on the playoffs despite a goals against average a shade above 2.00.

Check back soon with FIW for more recaps.

Thursday May 7 and Friday 8

2009-05-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

We continue to try and catch up here at Former Islander Watch and are now setting our sights to Thursday May 7 and Friday May 8. FIs helped out in the 2 Thursday night matchups but only 1 of the 2 Friday night pairings. Here is a brief look:

Thursday

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo played well but the Canucks fell fate to a timely Chicago goal as the host Blackhawks edged the 'Nucks 2-1 in OT. The series is now even at 2 wins apiece. After winning 5 straight to start the postseason Lu has now dropped 2 of his last 3 games for a 6-2 record.

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood played well stopping 25 of 28 shots as the Red Wings crushed the host Anaheim Ducks to even their series at 2-2. Ozzie is now 6-2 on the postseason snapping a 2 game losing streak that gave the Ducks a short-lived series lead.

Friday

A trio of FIs helped out the Penguins as Pittsburgh got past the visiting Washington Capitals 5-3 to even their series as 2-2. The highlight of the night, however, was the return to the boxscore of winger Miroslav Satan who was playing in only his 4th game this postseason after spending the last 17 games on the NHL regular season in the minors at the Pens' AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre Penguins. Satan last scored a point on March 1 snapping a 4 game point-less stretch. He also snapped a 3 game playoff point-less streak dating back to April 20, 2007 when the Isles played in the first round against the Buffalo Sabres. Satan received the primary assist on the game winning goal just over 4 minutes into the 3rd Period. Receiving the 2nd assist was fellow Isles teammate Bill Guerin who also added a goal earlier in the contest. Billy G has done well, not great, scoring 3 goals and adding 4 assists for 7 points on 10 games. The final FI in the group was Ruslan Fedotenko who scored a goal and added a helper on the insurance goal. Fedo has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) over the last 2 games and now has 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points on 10 games.

Check in soon for more updates and highlights as the Conference Finals loom just over the hill.

Tuesday May 5 and Wednesday May 6

2009-05-12T16:19:00.001-07:00

We are way behind on the times here at Former Islander Watch. We will try to catch up by doubling the days. Here is a look at Tuesday May 5 and Wednesday May 6. FIs were involved in both games on Tuesday and 1 of the 2 games on Wednesday. Here is a peek:

Tuesday

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped 23 of 24 shots as the Canucks downed the host Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 to take a 2-1 series lead. Lu has been an impressive 6-1 in his first 7 games in the playoffs surrendering only 14 goals in that span.

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood looked good but the offense failed him as the Red Wings fell 2-1 to the host Anaheim Ducks. With the victory the Ducks grabbed a 2-1 series lead. Ozzie stopped 21 of 23 shots faced but lost for the 2nd straight games as Anaheim is stunning the defending champions in a lackluster offensive performance all around. After winning 5 straight to start the playoffs Osgood is now 5-2 with only 13 goals finding their way past him.

Wednesday

Pittsburgh winger Ruslan Fedotenko scored his team's first goal as the Penguins pulled out a 3-2 OT win over the visiting Washington Capitals. The win cut the Caps' series lead to 2-1. Fedo now has 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in the first 9 games of the playoffs. A Stanley Cup ring wearer, Fedotenko can be an immense help to his teams. When Fedo has notched a point in this playoff the Pens have a 2-1 record.

Check back soon with FIW for more updates and recaps.

Monday May 4

2009-05-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, it was a classic in Washington as the Capitals edged the Penguins 4-3 and the two top superstars, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, each netted their first career playoff hat tricks. Add to that the fact that 2 Former Islanders helped out and right there you have a beautiful picture. Here is a look at the contest:

With the victory the Caps now lead Pittsburgh 2-0 as the squads head to Steel City for Game 3. Washington center Viktor Kozlov assisted on Ovie's 1st and 3rd goals, the final one the game winner, to help support the winger. With 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) over the last 4 games Koz now has 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) on 9 games this postseason. Pittsburgh winger Bill Guerin assisted on Crosby's 2nd goal midway through the 2nd Period. Guerin has one assist in each of the last 3 games and now has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) on 8 games. The last time Billy G had points in 3 or more consecutive postseason games was between April 18-25, 2002 when he had 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) in 4 games while with the Boston Bruins as they faced off against the Montreal Canadiens.

Check in soon with FIW for more updates and highlights.

Sunday May 3

2009-05-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

There were 2 more games on Sunday as the playoffs chug along. With every second round series now started it is now time for the meat of the competition. There was only 1 Former Islander happening of note. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood's win streak came to end over 101 minutes into the game as the Anaheim Ducks edged the host Red Wings in 3OT 4-3 to even their series at 1-1. Ozzie stopped 42 of 46 shots including 16 of the 17 he faced in the 3 overtimes but it was the one off of the stick of Todd Marchant only 1:15 into OT #3 that got past him. Ozzie never even saw the puck. He is now 5-1 on the playoffs with a 1.95 goals against average and a .928 save percentage. This is definitely a different Osgood than the one who struggled with consistency throughout the regular season. This is Playoff Osgood-Man.

Check back with us soon for more updates at FIW.

p.s. Paging Zdeno Chara. Looking for Zdeno Chara.

Saturday May 2

2009-05-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

There were a pair of games on Saturday and a pair of Former Islander happenings. Lovely how that works. Here is a look at the (mis)deeds of the FIs:

Pittsburgh winger Bill Guerin assisted on his team's first goal only 4:09 into play as the Penguins were edged by the host Washington Capitals 3-2. The Caps quickly grabbed a 1-0 series lead with the victory. Billy G has had assists in back-to-back games after going scoreless in his last 3 games and now has 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points on 7 contests.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo got torn up for 5 goals on 31 shots as the Chicago Blackhawks crushed the host Canucks 6-3 to even the series at a win apiece. Lu had his worst performance in exactly a month previously surrendering 5 goals in a game on April 2. Due to the performance Lu's numbers fell off a little bit with his goals against average rising to 2.06 and his save percentage dropping to .933.

Check in soon for more recaps and playoff antics at FIW.

Friday May 1

2009-05-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

There were 2 games on tap on Friday night as the second round series continue to kickoff. There was 1 Former Islander accomplishment of note. Let us take a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 22 of 24 shots faced to improve to 5-0 on the postseason as the Red Wings edged the visiting Anaheim Ducks 3-2. The Wings grabbed a quick 1-0 series lead with the victory. Detroit walked away with this one having scored with only 50 seconds remaining in regulation in what was a tight tilt. Over those 5 games Ozzie has let in only 9 goals for a 1.80 goals against average and a .933 save percentage. In other news, Osgood received the secondary assist on Detroit's first goal, a powerplay tally. The helper was the 4th of Osgood's playoff career coming in his 110th postseason game. During the regular season Ozzie averages one assist per every 39.44 games but in the playoffs that number drops to one helper per every 27.50 games.

Check in soon for more playoff highlights at FIW.

Thursday April 30

2009-05-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

The second round of the 2009 NHL playoffs kicked off with a battle between the well-rested Canucks and the spry Blackhawks. Here is a look at the Former Islander effort in that game:

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped 28 of 31 shots to improve to 5-0 on the playoffs as the host Canucks overcame a 3 goal collapse to pull off a 5-3 win. Vancouver now leads Chicago 1-0 in their series. The 3 goals were the most Lu has surrendered so far this postseason. The goalie has managed to surrender only 8 goals over this 5 game span. To go along with the 5 straight playoff wins Luongo has won 8 overall dating back to April 7 of the regular season.

Check back soon for more updates and recaps at FIW.

FI News: Zednik and Odjick(!)

2009-04-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Well Thursday brought a pair of interesting Former Islander stories including 3 terms you thought you would never read in the same article: Vatican City, sorrow and Gino Odjick. Let us take a look:

It has been reported that Florida Panthers' winger Richard Zednik has signed a 2 year deal with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League on the same day he was nominated for the Bill Masterson Trophy for the most perseverence of any NHL player in 2008-09. The 12 year veteran just wrapped up his comeback season in which he netted 17 goals and added 16 assists for 33 points on 70 games. Midway through the 2007-08 campaign Zed nearly lost his life after taking a skate blade to his neck in a game against the Buffalo Sabres. Zed's return, and 70 games, was a literally triumph for a player whose life was on the brink. If Zednik really leaves for Russia he ends his NHL career with 745 games played, 200 goals scored and 179 assists for 379 points. In his mini-stint with the Isles at the end of the 2006-07 season Zed scored 1 goal and 2 assists in 10 games and managed 0 points in 5 playoff games. We wish Richard the best in Russian.

If you want those 3 terms from the header to make sense read this story about Algonquin chief and former NHL tough guy Gino Odjick joining his fellow tribal leaders on a trip to the Vatican City where those Canadian Indians received a semi-apology from the Pope about the poor living conditions and awful treatment in the now defunct residential schools. Odjick, a 605 game veteran, retired following 2001-02 season after spending most of his career with the Vancouver Canucks. Odjick played parts of 3 seasons with the Isles racking up 82 games, 9 goals, 13 assists, 22 points and 254 penalty minutes.

Check back soon for more with FIW as the 2nd Round of the playoffs kicks off on Thursday night.

Monday April 27

2009-04-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

Two more series wrapped up on Monday as a mighty giant fell (San Jose) to a surprisingly good #8 seed (Anaheim) and a youthful troupe (Chicago) kicked out the pathetically pathetic (Calgary). There was only one Former Islander happening of note. Here goes:

Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi scored his team's lone goal as the Flames fell at home 4-1 to the Chicago Blackhawks. The 'Hawks took the series 4-2. Bert was all but invisible in the series as he snapped a 4 game point-less streak with the netter. He compiled a measly 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in the 6 games. The score snapped a 13 game playoff goal-less streak dating back to May 17, 2007 during Bertuzzi's brief stay with the Detroit Red Wings.

Check back soon with FIW as Tuesday will round out the first round.

Sunday April 26

2009-04-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

There were 2 more playoff games on Sunday with 2 more teams making a second attempt to close out their respective series. Both teams failed meaning game 7s on Tuesday. Former Islanders helped out (big time help!) in one of those two outings. Here is a look:

Washington defenseman Tom Poti had a dream game scoring a goal and adding 3 assists for an impressive 4 point effort as the Capitals downed the host New York Rangers 5-3 to pull their series even at 3-3. Poti was, of course, the first star for his effort. In 6 playoff games this postseason he has 6 points on 2 goals and 4 assists. With 1 goal and 4 assists Poti has had 5 points over the last 2 games alone. Not known as an offensive source in the postseason, Poti now has 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) on 37 playoff games. Poti has literally doubled his postseason points in this series and with the 4 point game literally boosted his playoff scoring by 50 percent! Scoring the game winning goal for the Caps was center Viktor Kozlov. He snapped a 4 game point-less streak and now has 2 goals in the 6 games. The winning tally was Koz's first in the playoffs and he now has 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) on 27 postseason games. For the 2nd straight game Rangers' backup goaltender Stephen Valiquette made a 3rd Period start stopping a meager 2 shots in his 20 minute stint. Vali has 2 no decisions on his playoff career with 9 saves on 9 shots for a 0.00 goals against average. (Maybe the Rags should start him in Game 7!)

Check back soon as we wind down the first round here at FIW.

Saturday April 25

2009-04-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

There were 3 games on Saturday as the first round series of the 2009 NHL playoffs chugged along. Former Islanders aided their teams in only 1 of those trio of games. Here is a quick look:

Pittsburgh winger Ruslan Fedotenko scored the first of 5 unanswered Penguins' goals as the Pens rallied from a 3-0 deficit early in the 2nd Period to stun the host Philadelphia Flyers 5-3 to wrap up the series with a 4-2 record. A ill-advised fight started by Flyers aggressor Daniel Carcillo was the catalyst that drove the Pens comeback. Fedo also added an assist and received the 2nd star honor. The Tank had 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points on 6 games. In his 59th playoff game Fedotenko notched his 19th and 20th postseason points. He has 14 goals and 6 assists over that span. Pens winger Bill Guerin received the primary assist on his team's 3rd goal. Billy G snapped a 3 game point-less streak and finished the series with 2 goals and 1 assists fr 3 points including 1 game winning tally.

Check with FIW soon for more updates, highlights and recaps.

Friday April 24

2009-04-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

As the first round series of the 2009 NHL playoffs grind on, many already having come to an end, Former Islanders continue to help out their hopeful squads. With 1 game on tap FIs helped out both sides as the Washington Capitals pulled off a 4-0 blanking over the visiting New York Rangers to pull their series to 3-2 with the Blueshirts still on top. Here is a look at the contest:

Washington defenseman Tom Poti received the secondary assist on the first insurance goal. With a 1 goal and an 1 assist over the last 3 games Poti now has 2 points on 5 games. Poti has 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) on 36 playoff games. Rangers' backup goaltender Stephen Valiquette came in to start the 3rd Period as starter Henrik Lundqvist surrendered those 4 goals on only 14 shots. Vali was perfect stopping all 7 shots he faced in his first career playoff appearance. In fact, Valiquette had not appeared in a game since March 26, his last start of the regular season.

Check in soon with FIW for more recaps and updates.

Thursday April 23

2009-04-24T16:12:00.001-07:00

With 4 games up for grabs on Thursday night, as we continue to plow through the first round of the 2009 NHL playoffs, Former Islanders stepped up in 2 of those outings. Here is a look at the FI happenings:

Tough Philadelphia winger Arron Asham scored the game winning goal only 6:32 into the 2nd Period as the Flyers shutdown for the host Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 to stay alive in their series. The Pens now hold a 3-2 series lead as the teams head back to Philly for Game 6. The goal was first career winner for Asham in the playoffs and only his 2nd in the postseason. The netter snapped a 13 game playoff goal-less streak dating back to April 12, 2007 while Ash was still a member of the Isles. The score also snapped a 10 game drought dating back to April 1.

Columbus finally cracked Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood. The problem? It was too little, too late. Ozzie surrendered 5 goals on 32 shots but the Red Wings scored with 47 seconds remaining in regulation to pull off a 6-5 win over the host Blue Jackets to seal up the series in only 4 games. The BJs scored 4 goals in the 2nd Period to entered the 3rd Period even at 5 but the Wings found a way to sneak away from Columbus with the sweep, a sad end to the Jacks' first playoff experience. Ozzie is 4-0 on the playoffs with a 1.75 goals against average and a .936 save percentage. Pocketing 2 assists for Columbus was winger Raffi Torres. He had 2 assists in the 4 games and snapped a 3 game playoff point-less drought dating back to June 19, 2006 while still a member of the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Final.

Check in soon for weekend recaps at FIW.

Wednesday April 22

2009-04-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

With another 3 games up for grabs on Wednesday there was prime opportunity for Former Islanders to help out. Alas, FIs only aided their team in 1 of these three contests. Here is a quick look:

Calgary center Olli Jokinen scored his first 2 career playoff goals and added an assist to lead the charge as the Flames confounded the visiting Chicago Blackhawks for a 6-4 victory. The win pulls the Flames even with the 'Hawks 2-2 in the best of 7 series. With points in 3 straight games, O-Jok now has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) on 4 games. Jokinen's assist came on a goal by fellow FI and defenseman Adrian Aucoin, his 2nd of the series. Aucoin has 2 goals and 1 assists for 3 points on those 4 games.

Check in soon with FIW for updates and highlights.

Tuesday April 21

2009-04-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

There was a quintuplet of games on Tuesday as the first round of the 2009 NHL playoffs chugs along. Former Islanders helped out in a meager pair of games. Let us take a look at those 2 tilts:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood continued his hot play again shutting down the Columbus Blue Jackets with a brilliant performance as the Red Wings beat the first time playoff host BJs 4-1. Ozzie stopped 31 of 32 shots faced to improve to 3-0 on the playoffs with a 0.67 goals against average and a .974 save percentage. Over all, Osgood has won his last 4 playoff starts dating back to last season's Stanley Cup Final. The victory puts the Jackets up against the ropes as the Wings now lead 3-0.

Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo finished off his series with a brilliant performance as the Canucks pulled out a 3-2 OT win over the host St. Louis Blues to sweep the series 4-0. Lu was literally standing on his head stopping 47 of 49 shots including 18 in the OT frame as the 'Nucks pulled out the win with only 19 seconds remaining in the extra period. Luongo is 4-0 in the playoffs having surrendered only 5 goals for a 1.16 goals against average. He has faced 131 shots stopping 126 of them for a .962 save percentage. It will be exciting to see if he can keep up the momentum considering Vancouver will have a considerable break since they are the first team to wrap up their first round series.

Check with FIW soon for more scores, recaps and updates.

Monday April 20

2009-04-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

There were a trio (3) of games on the NHL schedule on Monday as we begin to reach the midpoint of the 8 first round matchups. Former Islanders kicked in their support in all 3 of those outings. Here is a look at the FI happenings:

Washington defenseman Tom Poti netted the final goal, a powerplay tally, with only 85 seconds remaining in play as the Capitals plunked and blanked the host New York Rangers 4-0 on the heals of a brilliant performance by rookie Caps' goaltender Simeon Varlamov. Poti scored for the first time on his career in the playoffs and snapped an 8 game postseason point-less stretch with the goal. Poti has 34 playoff contests under his belt to the tune of 9 points (1 goal, 8 assists). With the win the Caps pulled back into the series cutting the Blueshirts' lead to 2-1.

Boston d-man Zdeno Chara was credited with the secondary assist on the empty net goal with only 37 seconds remaining in regulation as the Bruins doubled up on the host Montreal Canadiens for a 4-2 victory and a commanding 3-0 series lead. The assist was the 2nd point (1 goal, 1 assist) of the postseason for Chara in 3 games. He now has 18 points (5 goals, 13 assists) on 55 career playoff games.

Calgary d-man Adrian Aucoin assisted on the Flames' first goal as the host downed the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 to pull the series within a game at 2-1 'Hawks. Aucoin now has 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) on 3 playoff games this postseason. Assisting on the 2nd Flames' goal was center Olli Jokinen who now has points in back-to-back playoff games and has 2 assists over the 3 game set.

Check back with FIW soon for more playoff highlights.

Sunday April 19

2009-04-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

There were 4 more games on tap as the 2009 NHL playoffs chugged along on Sunday. Former Islanders again helped out in half the competitions (2). Here is a summation:

Tough Philadelphia winger (aren't they all?) Arron Asham assisted on the first insurance goal as the Flyers crushed the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 to narrow the Pens' series lead to 2-1. Ash now has 1 assist on 3 playoff games this postseason. The helper was Asham's first postseason since April 13, 2008 while with the New Jersey Devils snapping a 4 playoff game point-less streak. Asham has 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) on his 26 playoff game career. Assisting on the Pens' first goal was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. The point was the first of the postseason for Fedo in 3 games and snapped a 12 playoff game goal-less streak dating back to June 7, 2004 when Tank netted both goals in the Stanley Cup winning Game 7 with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo did it again stopping 24 of 26 shots as the Canucks edged the host St. Louis Blues 3-2 and put them on the edge of elimination as the 'Nucks now own a 3-0 series lead. Luongo, who was not as solid as his first 2 games, has won 3 straight games and is sporting some impressive numbers with a 1.00 goals against average, a .963 save percentage and 1 shutout.

Check back with FIW for more playoff updates and highlights.

Saturday April 18

2009-04-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

There were 4 games on the schedule Saturday as the 2009 NHL playoffs continued. Former Islanders aided in 2 of those contests. Here is a quick snapshot:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped all 25 shots he faced as the host Red Wings downed the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 4-0 victory. The win gives the Wings a 2-0 series advantage. Ozzie, the first star, is now 2-0 on the postseason having surrendered only 1 goal on 46 shots for a .978 save percentage and a 0.50 goals against average. The goose egg was the 14th of Osgood's career in the postseason and improves his playoff record to 61-41 in 108 games.

Calgary defenseman Adrian Aucoin scored a goal late in the 1st Period that staked the Flames to a 2-0 lead which evaporated as the host Chicago Blackhawks pulled off a 3-2 come-from-behind win to snatch a 2-0 series lead. The netter snapped a 14 game postseason goal-less streak dating back to April 16, 2003 when Aucoin was still a member of the Isles. The playoff goal was the 5th of Aucoin's career coming in his 36th postseason game. He has 1 goal on 2 games in this series so far. Assisting on the goal was center Olli Jokinen. The helper was Jokinen's first career playoff point.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Friday April 17

2009-04-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

There were 3 games up for grabs on Friday as the 1st Round matchups continued. Former Islanders helped out in 2 of those contests. Here is a brief look:

Pittsburgh winger Bill Guerin scored 2 goals including the powerplay game winner as the Penguins edged the visiting Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in OT to take a 2-0 series lead. Billy G now has 2 goals in his first 2 playoff games with Pittsburgh. The netter snapped a 10 game playoff goal-less streak dating back to April 30, 2006 while still with the Dallas Stars. The playoff winner was his first since the 1997 postseason while still with the New Jersey Devils and was only the 3rd of his career. Guerin now has 50 points (30 goals, 20 assists) on 99 career playoff games.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped all 30 shots he faced as the Canucks blanked the visiting St. Louis Blues to grab a 3-0 win and a 2-0 series lead. Lu has surrendered only 1 goal on 56 shots for a .982 save percentage through the first 2 playoff games. The shutout was a career first for Luongo in the postseason.

Check back soon with FIW for more updates and recaps.

Thursday April 16

2009-04-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

By the end of the night each of the 16 playoff teams had a taste of the 2009 NHL playoffs. Former Islanders came out to help in 3 of the 4 Thursday night contests. Here is a quick look:

Boston captain and defenseman Zdeno Chara netted the game winning powerplay goal just over 11 minutes into the 3rd Period as the Bruins downed the visiting Montreal Canadiens 4-2. Chara scored for the 2nd time in his last 4 playoff games. The score was the first game winner in the postseason for Chara and the 3rd powerplay tally he has scored at this time of year making it 1 extra man goal in each of the last 3 playoffs he has been in. The Bs took an early 1-0 series lead in a flip-flop rematch of last seasons 1st round matchup.

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced as the Red Wings took advantage of a key Columbus error to beat the visiting Blue Jackets 4-1. This capped off the BJs first franchise playoff game giving Detroit a 1-0 series lead. Ozzie continues his good playoff work winning for the 15th time in his last 19 postseason starts. The defending champs, the Wings jump out to an early 1-0 series lead.

Calgary left winger Todd Bertuzzi assisted on the short-lived game leading goal as the Flames fell 3-2 in OT to the host Chicago Blackhawks. Bert snapped a 3 game postseason point-less streak dating back to April 15, 2008 - the 3rd game of the Anaheim Ducks' first round series against the Dallas Stars. Bert now has 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists) in 47 playoff games. Calgary falls in an early hole 1-0 to the 'Hawks.

Stay in touch with FIW as we will continue to track the progress of FIs in this race towards Lord Stanley's Cup.

Opening Night: Wednesday April 15

2009-04-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

Tax Day in the U.S. decided to coincide with the start of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. We suffered a little glitch here at FIW so we will not have the Eastern Conference Former Islander list like there was for the Western Conference since it takes forever to write. So here is the fastest possible list of FIs:

#1 Boston: Zdeno Chara (D)
#2 Washington: Viktor Kozlov (F), Tom Poti (D), John Erskine (D)
#3 New Jersey: Kevin Weekes (G)
#4 Pittsburgh: Miroslav Satan(?) (RW), Bill Guerin (RW), Ruslan Fedotenko (LW), Eric Godard (RW)
#5 Philadelphia: Arron Asham (RW)
#6 Carolina: Nobody for this bunch of clowns!
#7 New York Rangers: Stephen Valiquette (G)
#8 Montreal: Roman Hamrlik (D), Mathieu Schneider (D)

Now onto the games. There were 4 contests on Wednesday night. FIs stepped up 2 of those contests. Here are the recaps:

Washington forward Viktor Kozlov scored the Capitals' 2nd goal as the hosts fell to the New York Rangers in a close 4-3 game. The Blueshirts took a 1-0 series lead with the victory. The tally snapped a post-season goal-less streak of 17 games. In his 18th career playoff game Kozlov finally found the net. Koz has, however, managed 6 assists in the playoffs.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo dominated stopping 25 of 26 shots, which was just enough, as the the Canucks edged the visiting St. Louis Blues 2-1 to take a 1-0 series lead. With the victory Lu snapped a 3 game postseason losing streak dating back to April 27, 2007 when the 'Nucks were in the 2nd round against the future Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks.

Check back soon with FIW as we will continue to follow the playoffs.

Playoff FIs: Western Conference

2009-04-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

Let us take a look at the Former Islanders who should be gracing the NHL squads during the push for Lord Stanley's Cup - the pantheon of sports trophies. The glittering epitome of silver beauty. The greatest guerdon known to living man. Digression. The teams have been arranged by conference and according to rank. Here is the Western Conference:

Western Conference

#1 San Jose: The best team in the league and Stanley Cup favorite, the Sharks feature a lone FI in defenseman Brad Lukowich who wound his way to NorCal during the offseason trade that sent blueliner Dan Boyle packing from Tampa Bay. Luko suffered some major injury time playing in only 58 games this season. In those games he managed only 8 assists. We will have to wait and see if the true impact for Lukowich will be his presence on the blue line.

#2 Detroit: The perennial powerhouse Red Wings feature a lone FI, as well. A large part of the team's Cup-winning success from last postseason, goaltender Chris Osgood is going to try to regain last season's awesome form which may be a daunting task in light of his less than stellar season. Ozzie split time with Ty Conklin managing starts in only 44 games and appearances in 46. Over that span Osgood sported a 26-9-8 record which looks deceivingly good. Beneath the surface Ozzie surrendered an average of 3.09 goals per game while stopping shots at only an .887 clip, the latter of which being the worst of any season for the veteran goalie. He managed only 2 shutouts. Only time will tell if Osgood can find his true self.

#3 Vancouver: On the other side of the coin is stellar goalie Roberto Luongo who came back from injury to dominate the Northwest Division. Luongo went 33-13-7 on the season in 54 starts. At one point Lu had won 12 of 13 games helping the Canucks rise from potentially out of the playoffs to division champs. Lu pulled off a 2.34 goals against average, a .920 save percentage and a single season high 9 shutouts. Questionable to make it back for the playoffs is winger Taylor Pyatt who lost his fiancee to a car accident shortly before the end of the season. T-Py played in 69 games posting 10 goals and 9 assists for 19 points. Also questionable is defenseman Rob Davison who played in only 23 games on the season with the 'Nucks recording 2 assists. Davison has not seen ice time with the team since February 10.

#4 Chicago: The fate of Blawkhawks' d-man Aaron Johnson is currently unknown for the playoffs but we will keep a watch on whether the blueliner makes an appearance. Johnson started the season off hot for the 'Hawks and then rapidly cooled off. With 7 points in the first 17 games of the season Johnson seemed poised for a big year but fell apart soon thereafter managing only 1 point in his next 21 games. Johnson only played in 38 games recording 3 goals and adding 5 assists for 8 points.

#5 Calgary: Calgary made some major moves during the season including the acquisition of center Olli Jokinen which, when you look at the record (8-11), not only caused a late season slump but also lost the Flames the division crown and home advantage in the first round. O-Jok headlines a trio of Flames' FIs which also includes winger Todd Bertuzzi and d-man Adrian Aucoin. Jokinen is making it to the playoffs for the first time in his 799 game NHL career though he backed into it via the trade north from Phoenix. Jokinen finished his weakest season in the last 6 years with 57 points (29 goals, 28 assists) on 76 games. Bertuzzi started the season off hot, a streak tempered by injuries and fatigue. He finished the season respectably with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) on 66 games. Bert is looking to regain some form in the playoffs. D-man Aucoin had another 30+ point season managing 10 goals and 24 assists for 34 points on 81 games.

#6 St. Louis: With captain and d-man Eric Brewer out indefinitely following December back surgery the cinderella Blues feature no FIs.

#7 Columbus: Making their first appearance as a franchise in the NHL playoffs the Blue Jackets feature a trio of FIs. First off is winger Raffi Torres who was instrumental late in the season for the BJs. Torres scored 12 goals and 8 assists for 20 points on 51 injury-shortened games but it was his 6 games winners, including 4 in March, that helped vault Columbus into the playoffs. Center Michael Peca played another grinder of a season scoring 4 goals and adding 18 assists for 22 points on 71 games. Of those goals scored by Peca 2 were game winners. Finally, late season pickup goalie Wade Dubielewicz will be warming the bench for rookie sensation Steve Mason. It is unlikely Dubie will see much playing time. During the season he started 2 games and appeared in 3 going 1-2-0 with an obese 3.56 goals against average and a sickly .870 save percentage.

#8 Anaheim: If it were not for a late trade the Ducks would not feature an FI, but alas they received center Petteri Nokelainen from the Bruins before the deadline. Noky played pretty well in his 17 games with the Ducks scoring 4 goals and adding 2 assists for 6 points. On the season the muscular winger had 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) on 50 games. Look for him to lead the Ducks' 3rd line in the first round of the playoffs.

Check back soon as we will be following all the matchups here at FIW.

Final Day of Regular Season: Sunday April 12

2009-04-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

With the 2008-09 NHL regular season down to its last day there were 4 games still up for grabs yet nothing of major importance (i.e. playoff spots). With the remaining games a formality Former Islander involvement was relative low with FIs aiding in only 2 contests. Here is a recap:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 20 of 23 shots but it was not enough as the host Chicago Blackhawks blanked the Red Wings 3-0. Osgood, who started 44 games, finishes the season with a 26-9-8 record and less then stellar stats. Ozzie had an .887 save percentage and a 3.09 goals against average to go along with 2 shutouts. As the Red Wings enter the playoffs their presumably #1 goalie, Ozzie, has lost 2 straight (0-1-1).

Philadelphia winger Arron Asham rounded out his season nicely with 2 assists as the Flyers were edged by the visiting New York Rangers 4-3. Ash ends the year with 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) on 78 games. For the 5th time in his career Asham has reached the 20+ plateau and the first since the 2006-07 season, Asham's last with the Isles. Ash snapped a 4 game point-less streak with only his 3rd multi-point game of the season.

Check back soon as FIW prepares for Lord Stanley's playoffs and the dreams of hockey glory for more than just a few Former Islanders.

Saturday April 11

2009-04-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

The final Saturday of the 2008-09 NHL season was a frantic one with 26 teams battling in 13 (unlucky?) contests. Former Islanders aided in 6 of those games. Here is a quick look:

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo had another stellar game stopping all 22 shots he faced as the Canucks pulled off another 1-0 victory, this time over the host Colorado Avalanche and in OT. Lu finishes the season with a 33-13-7 record with an awesome .920 save percentage, a tidy 2.34 goals against average and a single season high 9 shutouts. While Luongo was injured for a large chunk of the season the 54 games the goalie did play in were often excellent.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly had another multi-point night scoring a goal and adding a powerplay assist as the Sabres thumped the visiting Boston Bruins, the best team in the East, 6-1. TimCo finishes the season with 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in his last 2 games and 47 points (18 goals, 29 assists) on 48 - a near point-per-game pace. The helper was a big one as it was career #200 for Connolly coming in his 486th career game. More impressively is that despite playing in only 48 games TimCo sent a new single season high in goals scored.

Florida defenseman Bryan McCabe scored a powerplay goal and added an assist as the Panthers dispensed with the visiting Washington Capitals 7-4. McCabe finishes the season with 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points on 69 games. For the 5th time on his career Big Mc has notched 15+ goals and his 8th extra man goal of the season pushes his career total to 67. Assisting on the 4th Washington goal was forward Viktor Kozlov. He wraps up the season with 13 goals and 28 assists for 41 points on 67 games and would foreseeable enter next season only 2 goals shy of 200 on his career.

Pittsburgh winger Ruslan Fedotenko assisted on the opening goal as the Penguins felled the host Montreal Canadiens 3-1. Fedo ends the regular season on a 3 game point streak (1 goal, 3 assists) and finishes with 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) on 65 games. The 39 points leaves Fedotenko 5th on the team in points scored. Netting the lone Habs' goal was d-man Roman Hamrlik who snapped a 10 game goal-less streak but has had 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) over the last 5 contests. Hamr ends the season with 6 goals and 27 assists for 33 points on 81 games.

Minnesota blueliner Marc-Andre Bergeron scored his 3rd goal in the last 2 games as the Wild again thumped a competitor, this time the host Columbus Blue Jackets 6-3. MAB ends the year with 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points on 72 games. Entering next season Bergeron is only 2 helpers shy of 200 assists on his career. The powerplay goal was the 7th of the season for MAB and the 36th of his career.

Calgary d-man Adrian Aucoin assisted on the first insurance goal as the Flames tore down the visiting Edmonton Oilers 4-1. Aucoin snapped an 8 game point-less streak and ends the regular season with 34 points (10 goals, 24 assists) on 81 games only 1 point shy of his 35 point effort from the 2007-08 season, his first with the Flames.

Check in soon with FIW as we wrap up the regular season!

Friday April 10

2009-04-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

There were 4 games on tap on the final Friday of the 2008-09 NHL season with Former Islanders stepping up to help in 3 of those match ups. Here is a quick summation of the FI action:

Minnesota defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron scored 2 goals, including the game winning powerplay tally, as the Wild crushed the visiting Nashville Predators 8-4. The netters snapped an 11 game goal-less streak and now gives MAB 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points on 71 games. The powerplay scored was his 6th this season with the extra man while the winner was his 3rd of the year and the 9th of his career.

Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov had a pair of assists on insurance goals as the Oilers thumped the visiting Calgary Flames 5-1. Greb has 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 3 games and now has 7 goals and 32 assists for 39 points on 72 games. Greb has shined for the Oil and is 6th on the squad in points scored. Assisting on the lone Flames' goal was center Olli Jokinen. He has 2 assists over the last 2 games and now has 29 goals and 28 assists for 57 points on 76 games. Despite putting up what appears to be an impressive 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) in 18 games with the Flames O-Jok has notched a point in only 8 of those contests and over that span the Flames have compiled a 7-11-0 record.

Anaheim forward Petteri Nokelainen assisted on his team's first goal as the Ducks pulled off a 4-3 SO win over the visiting Dallas Stars. Noky now has 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) on 50 games but has stepped it up since joining Anaheim managing 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points on 17 games. Nokelainen has set a new single season high in helpers with 5 this season.

Check back soon for more updates and recaps as we approach the end of the regular season at FIW.

Thursday April 9

2009-04-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

It was a ridiculously busy final Thursday to the 2008-09 NHL season as 22 teams faced off in 11 tilts. Former Islanders continue to help their teams out even if playoff mirages of the recent past have now disapated. FIs kicked in their efforts in 6 of those contests. Here is a quick look:

Boston captain and defenseman Zdeno Chara scored the game tying powerplay goal early in the 3rd Period and added and powerplay assist to help lead the Bruins to a 5-4 OT win over the visiting Montreal Canadiens. Chara now has 19 goals and 31 assists for 50 points on 80 games giving the giant blueliner his 2nd straight 50+ point campaign. His 19 goals (11 powerplay) both set new single season highs while his 17 extra man helpers equaled another high from the 2006-07 season, his first with the Bs. Scoring a powerplay goal for the Habs was d-man Mathieu Schneider. He has points in 7 straight games (2 goals, 5 assists) and now has 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points on 66 games. In only 22 games with Montreal Schneids has notched 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists). He is now only 1 extra man score away from 100 on his career. Assisting on that goal was fellow blueliner Roman Hamrlik. With 4 assists over the last 4 contests Hamr now has 5 goals and 27 assists for 32 points on 81 games.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly notched 2 assists as the Sabres crushed the host Carolina Hurricanes 5-1. TimCo has 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) on 47 games reaching that mark for only the 3rd time on his career and first since the 2005-06 season. Connolly is now only 1 assist shy of 200 on his career. For the 13th time this season Connolly has recorded 2 or more points in a game.

Pittsburgh winger Bill Guerin scored an even strength goal against his most recent squad, the Isles, as the Penguins heartily trounced the visiting Blue & Orange 6-1. Billy G snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 21 goals and 27 assists for 48 points on 77 games. Guerin has played well for the Pens recording 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in 17 games. Pittsburgh is now the 7th team that Guerin has scored 5 or more goals with in a season. Assisting on the first Pens' goal was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. With 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) over the last 2 games Fedo now has 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points on 64 games.

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 22 of 25 shots faced including 2 in OT but let 2 of 4 go in during the SO as the Nashville Predators edged the host Red Wings 4-3. Ozzie is now 26-8-8 on the season snapping a mini-2 game winning streak. The 8 OT losses sets a new single season high for Osgood who has been subpar, at best, this season yet has an impressive record due to the excellence of both the Wings' offense and their impressive blueline.

Dallas Stars' winger Mark Parrish scored a goal as they eked by the host Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in a SO. The netter snapped a 4 game point-less streak and an 11 game goal-less streak for the spotty forward. Parrish now has 8 goals and 5 assists for 13 points on 44 games.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo was unbeatable stopping all 20 shots he faced as the Canucks edged the visiting Los Angeles Kings 1-0. The victory was the 2nd straight for Lu who is now 32-13-7 on the season. The goose egg was his 8th of the season, a new single season high for the highly prized backstopper surpassing his 7 blankings from 2003-04 season while with the Florida Panthers.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Wednesday April 8

2009-04-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

There were a pathetically low 2 games on the final Wednesday of the 2008-09 NHL regular season. Former Islanders, however, took part in both of those contests. Here is a quick look at the FI night:

Toronto winger Jason Blake assisted on the opening goal, the lone Maple Leafs' score, as the visiting Buffalo Sabres won 3-1. Blake now has 25 goals and 37 assists for 62 points on 76 games. The helper was a huge one for Blakey who now has 400 points on his career (174 goals, 226 assists) on 666 career games. With 3 assists over the last 3 games Blake is literally having the 2nd best season of his career behind only his final season with the Isles in 2006-07 when he recorded 69 points on 40 goals and 29 assists. The assist was also a big one for Blakey as it equaled his single season high from last season, his first with the Leafs.

Columbus winger Raffi Torres assisted on the Blue Jackets' 1st goal as the Jacks pulled off a come-from-behind 4-3 SO win over the host Chicago Blackhawks to secure their first ever playoff berth. Torres now has 12 goals and 8 assists for 20 points on 49 games. He has 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) over the last 3 games and has reached the 20 point mark for the 4th time on his career and the first time since 2006-07 while still with the Edmonton Oilers.

Check back soon for more at FIW as we are now down to the last 4 games of the season.

Tuesday April 7

2009-04-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

So the final Tuesday of the 2008-09 NHL season was a wild one with 26 teams facing off in 13 high energy contests. For some teams these matchups could mean the difference between still being in the playoff hunt or even moving up or down in playoff positions. Here is a look at the Former Islander contributions which spanned 6 tilts:

Washington forward Viktor Kozlov scored a goal as the Capitals doubled up on the host Atlanta Thrashers for a 4-2 win. With his 3rd point (1 goal, 2 assists) in the last 3 games Kozlov has pushed his stats up. The netter snapped a 7 game goal-less streak. Kozzer now has 12 goals and 27 assists for 39 points on 64 games.

Toronto forward Jeff Hamilton scored the game winning goal midway through the opening period as the Maple Leafs thumped the host New Jersey Devils 4-1. Hammy snapped a 3 game point-less streak and a 7 game goal-less streak and now has 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) on 15 games. The game winner was the 1st of the season for Hamilton and the 6th of his career making it 3 straight seasons with at least one winner. Assisting on the first insurance goal was winger Jason Blake. Blakey now has 25 goals and 35 assists for 60 points on 74 games. For only the 2nd time on his career Blake has reached the 60+ point mark. He is only 2 points shy of career #400.

Boston defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara had a powerplay goal with only 9 seconds remaining in the 2nd Period but all was for naught as the Bruins fell to the host Ottawa Senators 3-2. The goal was a big one for Chara as it was his 18th of the season setting a new single season high for the offensively gifted blueliner. Chara now has 18 goals and 30 assists for 48 points on 79 games. His 10th powerplay score of the season also equals a prior single season high from his 2005-06 campaign with the Sens.

Pittsburgh winger Ruslan Fedotenko scored a goal and added an assist on the game winner as the Penguins downed the host Tampa Bay Lightning 6-4. Fedo now has 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points on 63 games. For the 2nd straight season and 7th time on his career Fedotenko has recorded 15+ goals. For only the 4th time Fedo has reached the 35+ point mark. Over the last 5 games he has been particularly effective with 8 points on 3 goals and 5 assists.

Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov assisted on the lone Oilers' goal as they were felled by the visiting Los Angeles Kings 2-1. Greb now has 7 goals and 30 assists for 37 points on 70 games. He has reached the 30 assist mark for the first time on a season and each point has pushed his single season highs up.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo had a fabulous game stopping 46 of 47 shots, a literal barrage, as the Canucks downed the visiting rival Calgary Flames 4-1. Luongo snapped a 3 game winless streak and is now 31-13-7 on the season with a 2.43 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. Assisting on the lone Flames' goal was center Olli Jokinen. O-Jok snapped a 4 game point-less streak and now has 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points on 74 games. In 17 games with the Flames Jokinen has 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) but has been wildly inconsistent recording points in only 6 of those contests.

Check back soon with FIW as we wind down the regular season and prepare for the playoff push.

Monday April 6

2009-04-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

There were 3 games on the NHL schedule as the final week of the 2008-09 NHL season officially kicked off. Former Islanders helped out in 2 of those contests. Here is a quick look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood was nearly perfect stopping 32 of 33 shots as the Red Wings thumped the host Buffalo Sabres 4-1. Ozzie has won his last 2 starts and is now 26-8-7 on the season. He has raised his save percentage slightly to .887 while dropping his goals against average to a slightly more respectable 3.10.

Ottawa defenseman Chris Campoli opened the scoring midway through the 2nd Period as the Senators edged the host Montreal Canadiens 3-2. With points in 4 straight games (2 goals, 2 assists) Campy now has 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points on 72 games. Since joining Ottawa Campoli has 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points on 21 games. The goal was #25 of Campy's career as he continues to push his single season high in netters even higher. For only the 2nd time, and first since his 2005-06 rookie campaign with the Isles, Campoli has reached the 30+ plateau. Assisting on that powerplay tally was center Mike Comrie. He snapped a 6 game point-less streak and now has 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points on 59 games. In 18 games with the Sens Comrie has 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) including 3 powerplay helpers. Assisting on Montreal's 2nd goal, a short-lived leading scored, was d-man Roman Hamrlik. He has 3 assists over the last 2 games and now has 5 goals and 26 assists for 31 points on 77 games.

Check in soon with FIW for more updates as we wind down the 2008-09 NHL regular season.

Sunday April 5

2009-04-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

There were 6 games on tap on Sunday, the 2nd to last of the 2008-09 NHL season. Former Islanders helped out in 4 of those half dozen tilts. Here is a summation of the FI activities:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 21 of 23 shots for the win as the Red Wings downed the visiting Minnesota Wild 3-2 seriously impacting the Wild's playoff dreams. Ozzie is now 25-8-7 on the season. For the 2nd straight season and 9th time on his career Ozzie has recorded 25 or more wins.

Florida defenseman Bryan McCabe scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Panthers' charge as they doubled up on the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins for a 4-2 victory. McCabe received the 1st star honor for his effort. Big Mc now has 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points on 65 games.

Anaheim center Petteri Nokelainen scored a shorthanded goal as the Ducks were edged by the visiting San Jose Sharks 3-2. Noky snapped a 5 game point-less streak and now has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) on 48 games this season. Since joining the Ducks Nokelainen has netted 4 goals and added a helper for 5 points on 15 games. The shortie was the first of Nokelainen's young career.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped only 22 of 26 shots and took the loss as they Canucks were downed by the lowly visiting Colorado Avalanche 4-1. Lu is on a small slide with an 0-2-1 record over the last 3 starts. Luongo is now 29-13-7 on the season as the 'Nucks continue to battle for the Northwest Division crown.

Check back soon at FIW.

Saturday April 4

2009-04-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

The 2nd to last Saturday of the 2008-09 NHL season was an active one as teams continue to battle for and secure playoff spots. Former Islanders helped out in 6 of the 11 tilts of the night. Here is a recap of the FI efforts:

Ottawa defenseman Chris Campoli had the primary assist on his team's 2nd goal as the Senators edged the visiting Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in SO. Campy now has assists in 3 straight games meaning he has 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points on 71 games. Since joining the Sens via trade Campoli has 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points on 20 games.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly had the secondary assist on the too-little-too-late goal as the Sabres were felled by the visiting New Jersey Devils 3-2 putting a serious dent in their playoff hopes. TimCo now has 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points on 43 games, an impressive point-per-game pace for the oft-injured centerman. With less than a handful of games remaining in the season Connolly is only 3 assists from 200 on his career.

Montreal d-man Roman Hamrlik had 2 assists, including 1 powerplay, as the Canadiens thumped the host Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2. Hamr snapped a 6 game point-less streak and now has 5 goals and 25 assists for 30 points on 76 games. For the 8th time Hamrlik has managed 25 or more helpers and for the 9th time he has reached the 30+ point mark. Assisting on the opening goal, also a powerplay score, was d-man Mathieu Schneider. He has a point-per-game over the last 6 outings (1 goal, 5 assists) and now has 8 goals and 23 assists for 31 points on 65 games. In literally half the games (21) with the Habs as compared to Atlanta (44) Schneids has past his offensive support from the first half of the season. With the Canadiens Schneider has 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) while with the Thrashers he had 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists). Receiving an assist on the first Leafs' goal was winger Jason Blake. He now has 59 points (25 goals, 34 assists) on 73 games.

Pittsburgh winger Ruslan Fedotenko assisted on both his team's goals as the Penguins fell to the host Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in OT in a battle of 2 playoff contenders. Fedo now has 6 points (2 goals, 4 assists) over the last 3 games. He has 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points on 60 games. For the 4th time in his career Fedotenko has reached 20 or more assists.

Columbus winger Raffi Torres had an assist on the game tying goal as the host Nashville Predators downed the Blue Jackets 5-4 in SO. Torres has a goal and an assist over the last 2 games. Torres now has 12 goals and 6 assists for 18 points on 46 games.

Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov had an even strength goal as the Oilers downed the visiting Vancouver Canucks 5-3. Greb now has 7 goals and 28 assists for his first 35 point season. The goal was a big one for the young defenseman as it was the 10th of his career. Taking the loss in net for the 'Nucks was goaltender Roberto Luongo. He stopped 20 of only 24 shots in 60 minutes of ice time. Luongo is now 29-12-7 on the season and is a subpar 0-1-1 over the last 2 starts.

Check back soon.

Friday April 3

2009-04-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

There were half a dozen (6) games up for grab on 2nd to last Friday of the 2008-09 NHL season. Former Islanders aided in 5 of those contests. Here is a quick peek at the action:

Philadelphia winger Arron Asham assisted on the Flyers' 2nd goal as they bashed the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 8-5. With 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) over the last 3 games Asham now has 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points on 72 games. For the 5th time Ash has notched 10 or more assists on a season. For the first time since December 10-19, 2005 Asham has recorded points in 3 or more consecutive games. During that particular span, while still with the Isles, he had 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) over a 4 game stretch.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly notched 3 assists including the singular assist on the game winning OT goal as the Sabres edged the host Washington Capitals 5-4. With 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) over the last 5 games Connolly now has 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) on 42 games. For the 2nd straight season and 5th time on his career Connolly has reached the 25+ assist mark. Caps' forward Viktor Kozlov recorded 2 assists including 1 on the powerplay. Koz snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 12 goals and 26 assists for 38 points on 62 games. For the 3rd straight season and 6th time on his career Kozzer has recorded 25 or more helpers.

New Jersey backup goaltender Kevin Weekes, who was meant to give starter Martin Brodeur, suffered a leg injury only 1 minute into the 2nd Period as the Devils pulled out a 5-4 OT win over the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning. Weekes received no decision on the start and remains 7-5-0 on the season with a .920 save percentage and a 2.42 goals against average. The start was only the 2nd for Weekes since March 18.

Florida winger Richard Zednik had the primary assist on the lone Panthers' goal as they fell to the visiting Atlanta Thrashers 3-1 putting a serious dent in their playoff hopes. Zed now has 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points on 65 games.

Minnesota defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron had a powerplay assist on the game winning goal as the Wild blanked the wildly inconsistent and visiting Calgary Flames 4-0 as the Wild continue to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. MAB snapped an 8 game point-less streak and now has 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points on 67 games. The powerplay helper was the 11th of the season for Bergeron, a new single season high for the offensive d-man.

Check back soon for more updates and recaps at FIW.

Injury: Ryan Smyth

2009-04-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Did you really think Colorado winger Ryan Smyth could make it through all 82 games? Ha. The winger has been shut down for the last 5 games of the season with a fractured right hand. However Smyth did have a good season and currently leads the Avalanche in points with 59 (26 goals, 33 assists) in 77 games. We look forward to seeing Smyth return healthy next season. Get healed soon Ryan!

Thursday April 2

2009-04-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

There were a whopping 8 games on Thursday in day 2 of the final push to the playoffs. Former Islanders were involved (let us no say "helped") in 5 of those contests. Here is a look at the FI happenings:

Ottawa defenseman Chris Campoli assisted on his team's lone goal as the Senators were edged by the host Boston Bruins 2-1. Campy has 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points on 71 games. Since joining Ottawa Campoli has played very well with 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 20 games.

Montreal d-man Mathieu Schneider scored the game winning powerplay goal against one of his old teams as the Canadiens thumped the host Isles 5-1. With goals in back-to-back games and points in 5 straight Schneids now has 30 points (9 goals, 21 assists) in 64 games. With 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 20 games since re-joining the Habs Schneider has equaled the offensive output he had in 44 games with the Atlanta Thrashers earlier this season. The game winner was the 2nd of the season for Schneider and the 36th of his career. For the 11th straight season (!) and 16th time in his career (!) Schneider has reached the 30+ point mark.

Edmonton winger Robert Nilsson had the primary assist on his team's lone goal, a powerplay tally, as the Oilers were edged by the visiting San Jose Sharks 2-1 ostensibly ending their playoff dreams. With his 6th helper in as many games, Nilsson now has 9 goals and 20 assists for 29 points on 61 games. Nilsson has had 20 or more assists for the 2nd straight season. He has 11 points this season on the man advantage including 7 assists.

Los Angeles center Derek Armstrong scored his team's lone goal, unassisted, as the Kings were bested by the host Phoenix Coyotes 2-1. For the first time this season Army has had points in back-to-back contests with a goal and an assist over the last 2 games. Armstrong now has 9 points (5 goals, 4 assists) on 53 games. The last time Armstrong had points in consecutive games was exactly a year prior from April 1-3, 2008. For the 6th straight year and 7th time on his career Army has notched 5+ goals on a season.

Tragedy hit Vancouver winger Taylor Pyatt on Friday but the night before he helped out in the boxscore with an assist on his team's 2nd goal as the Canucks fell to the visiting Anaheim Ducks 6-5 in a SO. Pyatt's fiancee was killed in a car accident while on vacation in Jamaica forcing him to leave the team indefinitely as of Friday. Our best wishes to Pyatt and his fiancee's family. T-Py set a mark with his latest helper recording 100 assists on his career in his 532nd game. Pyatt has 19 points (10 goals, 9 assists) on 62 games. Taking the OT loss in net for the 'Nucks was goaltender Roberto Luongo. He stopped 27 of 32 shots including all 3 he faced in OT but only 1 of 2 in the SO. Lu is now 30-11-7 on the season with a .918 save percentage, a 2.39 goals against average and 7 shutouts. Over the last 6 games Luongo has been subpar with a 3-2-1 record.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Wednesday April 1

2009-04-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

There were half a dozen (6) games on tap on the first day of April - the final "month" (actually a couple of weeks) of the NHL season. Teams are still jockeying for playoff positioning and Wednesday featured some high stakes, high energy competition. However Former Islanders only contributed in a pair of those contests. Here is a quick look:

Philadelphia winger Arron Asham scored a goal midway through the 1st Period as the Flyers were downed by the host Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2. Ash has 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in the last 2 games and now has 8 goals and 9 assists for 17 points on 72 games.

Pittsburgh winger Bill Guerin scored the game winning at the 6:31 mark of the 1st Period as the Penguins crushed the visiting New Jersey Devils 6-1. Billy G snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 20 goals and 27 assists for 47 points on 73 games. Since joining the Pens Guerin has nearly a point-per-game with 11 (4 goals, 7 assists) in 12 contests. The winner was Guerin's first since joining Pittsburgh, his 4th of the season and the 73rd of his career. For the 3rd straight season and the 12th time on his career he has reached the 20+ goal mark. Receiving the primary assist on the Pens' 4th goal was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. He has had 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 2 games and now has 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points on 60 games.

Check in soon with FIW for more.

Tuesday March 31

2009-04-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

With the month of March officially on its last day and the playoffs only a few weeks off the race for spots has become rather intense with each point in the standings pretty much ensuring a spot in the dance or seasonal demise. Former Islanders were especially active helping out in all 7 contests. Here is a look at the plethora of FI happenings:

Boston captain and defenseman Zdeno Chara had a huge night compiling a "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" (goal, assist and fight) and sealing up the first star honor as the Eastern Conference best Bruins downed the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1. Chara scored the game winning powerplay goal less than 7 minutes into the 2nd Period and added a powerplay assist minutes later to lead the Bs' offensive charge. In the 1st Period Chara mixed it up with impossible to spell Lightning forward Evgeny Artyukhin. The "Gordie Howe" was the 3rd of Chara's career and ironically came on Gordie's 81st birthday. With 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 2 games Chara now has 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists) on 76 games. The netter equals his prior single season high from last year while also snapping an 8 goal-less stretch. The assist makes it 3 straight seasons of 30 or more, a mark he has now reached 4 times. The game winner was the 3rd of the season for Chara and the 17th of his career.

When Columbus winger Raffi Torres has scored recently it has been quality. Torres netted the winning goal just over 4 minutes into the 3rd Period as the Blue Jacket edged the visiting Nashville Predators 2-1 at home. With 6 winning tallies out of 12 goals this season Torres has been an effective game changer. He has 18 points (12 goals, 6 assists) on 46 games. In the last 11 games Torres has knocked home 4 winning goals meaning he has had the deciding tally in all 7 Jackets' wins over that span. Receiving the primary assist on the netter was center Michael Peca. He snapped a 4 game point-less slide and now has 4 goals and 18 assists for 22 points on 67 games.

Florida d-man Bryan McCabe netted the game winning powerplay goal and added an extra man assist as the Panthers thumped the visiting Ottawa Senators 5-2. Big Mc was the 1st star and now has 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points on 64 games. He snapped a 7 game point-less stretch and a 10 game goal-less streak. For the 5th time McCabe has reached 35 or more points on a season. The winning score was his 3rd of the season and the 23rd of his career. Scoring the 2nd Florida goal was winger Richard Zednik. The goal, Zed's 3rd in the last 6 games, was a big one as it was the 200th of his career coming in his 740th game. Zednik now has 17 goals and 12 assists for 32 points on 65 games. Scoring Ottawa's 2nd goal, a man advantage score, was d-man Chris Campoli. Campy now has 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points on 60 games. He snapped a 3 game point-less run and a 7 game goal-less streak. He has averaged a point-per-every-2-games since joining the Sens with 10 (4 goals, 6 assists) in 20 games. Campoli now has a new single season high in goals breaching the 10+ mark for the first time.

Montreal d-man Mathieu Schneider scored an insurance goal with less than 4 minutes remaining in play as the Canadiens dispense of the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 4-1. Schneids now has points in 4 straight (1 goal, 3 assists) and has 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) on 63 games. Since joining the Habs Schneider has lit it up with 4 goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 19 contests.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped 33 of 34 shots including all 4 he faced in OT as the Canucks edged the host Minnesota Wild 2-1. Rewarded with the first star honor Luongo is now 30-11-6 on the season. The victory was Lu's 3rd in his last 4 starts.

Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov rocketed home the Oilers' 2nd goal as Edmonton were bested by the visiting Anaheim Ducks 5-3 severely impacting their playoff hopes. The goal was his 6th of the season and first in 4 games. Along with 29 assists Greb has now reached 35 points for the first time in a season. Grebeshkov has averaged better than a point-per-every-2-games with 35 in 68 games.

Los Angeles center Derek Armstrong assisted on the too-little-too-late goal as the Kings were felled by the visiting Dallas Stars 3-2. Army snapped a 5 game point-less stretch and now has 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points on 53 games. Armstrong is only 1 helper shy of 150 on his career.

Check in soon with FIW for more updates, recaps and highlights as we speed to the regular season finish line.

Monday March 30

2009-04-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

With 3 games on the NHL schedule Monday night it was bound to be a slow evening for Former Islanders. Only one FI aided their team. Here is the sole FI happening of the night:

San Jose defenseman Brad Lukowich received the primary assist on the game winning goal with less than 8 minutes remaining in the 2nd Period as the Sharks edged the tailspinning host Calgary Flames 2-1. Luko snapped a 4 game point-less stretch and now has 8 assists on 53 games.

Check back with FIW soon as we continue to track the race to the playoffs.

Sunday March 29

2009-03-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

With 7 games on Sunday the situation was prime for a Former Islander breakout which indubitably happened. FIs helped out or hindered in 5 of those contests. Here is a look:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood had his 3rd straight poor start stopping 22 of 26 shots for the loss as the Nashville Predators edged the host Red Wings 4-3. Ozzie dropped his 2nd straight start and is now 24-8-7 on the season with an .884 save percentage, a 3.18 goals against average and 2 shutouts.

Boston defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara had 2 assists as the Bruins skipped by the host Philadelphia Flyers 4-3. Chara snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 16 goals and 29 assists for 45 points on 75 games. For the 2nd straight year Chara has reached the 45+ point mark and currently sits only 6 points behind his single season high of 51 set last season. Assisting on the opening goal of the game was tough winger Arron Asham. He snapped a 4 game point-less run and now has 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points on 71 games.

Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov kept up his solid play with an assist on the Oilers' first goal as they were edged by the visiting Minnesota Wild 3-2. Greb's single season highs keep getting higher as he now has 5 goals and 29 assists for 34 points on 66 game. The helper was career #50 for Grebeshkov coming in his 170th game. The helper snapped a 4 game assist-less stretch.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo was perfect stopping all 26 shots he faced as the Canucks downed the host Chicago Blackhawks in a fight-filled 4-0 contest. Luongo had his 2nd shutout in his last 5 starts and is now 29-11-6 on the season with a .918 save percentage and a 2.38 goals against average. The goose egg was a big one as it equaled Luongo's prior season high of 7 from his 2003-04 campaign while still with the Florida Panthers.

Colorado Avalanche winger Ryan Smyth had a powerplay helper on the lone Avs' goal as they were thumped by the host Anaheim Ducks 4-1. Smyth snapped a 4 game point-less streak and a 9 game assist-less streak and now has 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points on 76 games. The assist was a big one as it was career #350 for Captain Canada. Smyth has 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) this season on the man advantage. It was only the 4th time, and first since the 2005-06 season as an Oiler, that Smyth has recorded 10 or more assists on the powerplay.

Check back soon with FI for more updates and recaps.

Saturday March 28

2009-03-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

With the playoff pressure on Former Islander contributions have mysteriously tailed off. FIs helped out in only 4 of 11 contests on Saturdays continuing a recent streak of disappointing happenings. Here is a look at the slow FI day in question:

Pittsburgh winger Ruslan Fedotenko had a nice game tallying a goal and adding 2 assists, including the lone helper on the game winner, as the Penguins edged the visiting New York Rangers 4-3. Fedo earned the 1st star for his 3 point effort, his 2nd of the season. Tank snapped a 9 game point-less streak and a 15 game goal-less stretch with the points and now has 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points on 59 games. Fedotenko has now had 30+ points in 6 straight seasons and 7 times on his 8 year career.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly had yet another good game scoring an unassisted powerplay goal and adding an assist on the game tying goal as the Sabres dumped the host Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in the SO. Connolly had a chance in the 1st of 6 rounds of the SO but was stopped on his attempt by Habs' goaltender Carey Price. With 2 points in each of his last 3 games Connolly is riding a point streak that has seen him notch 4 goals and 2 assists. TimCo failed to score the game winner for a 3rd straight game but was recognized for his effort with the 2nd star honor. He now has 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points on 41 games. Assisting on Montreal's 3rd goal which led to short-lived 3-2 lead was defenseman Mathieu Schneider. The netter, a powerplay score gave Montreal the advantage late in the 2nd Period. With an assist in each of the last 3 games Schneids now has 7 goals and 21 assists for 28 points on 62 games. Since joining the Habs Schneider has played impressively with 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) in 18 games including 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) on the man advantage.

Toronto winger Jason Blake had 2 assists as the Maple Leafs were felled in a home-based score-a-thon 7-5 to the Boston Bruins. Blake has had 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 4 games and now has 25 goals and 35 assists for 60 points on 72 games. The diminutive winger is only 2 points shy of career #400. For the 2nd straight season Blakey has notched 35+ assists and is only 3 short of surpassing his single season best from last season. For only the 2nd time in his career, and first since the 2006-07 season, his last with the Isles, Blake has reached the 60+ point plateau. With one powerplay helper Blake has kicked his new single season high even further up to 13.

Back for only the 2nd game since suffering an injury on March 1 winger Todd Bertuzzi already began helping out. Bert had an assist on Calgary's 2nd goal as the Flames eked by the visiting Minnesota Wild 3-2. He now has 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points on 59 games. Receiving the secondary helper on the game winning goal was center Olli Jokinen. He snapped a 3 game point-less streak after a fiery (pardon the pun) start with the Flames. O-Jok now has 29 goals and 26 assists for 55 points on 69 games. Since joining Calgary Jokinen has 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) in 12 games. For the 6th straight season Jokinen has managed 55 or more points.

Check back with FIW soon for more recaps, highlights and updates during this playoff push.

Friday March 27

2009-03-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

With crunch time officially upon the NHL it was a slow Former Islanders night around the league. FIs contributed in only 2 of 6 outings. Here is a quick look at their contributions:

Buffalo center Tim Connolly pocketed 2 goals including the game winner as the Sabres pulled out a 5-3 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs. The multi-goal effort earned Connolly the 1st star. With 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) over the last 2 games TimCo now has 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points on 40 games. The winner pushed his single season high up to 5 and Connolly now has 17 deciding tallies on his career. It was the 2nd straight game in which TimCo has netted the game winning goal, a feat he has accomplished twice this season. Assisting on the 2nd Toronto goal was center Jeff Hamilton. He snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 5 points (2 goal, 3 assists) in 11 games with Toronto.

Facing FI goaltender Chris Osgood for the first since the lockout the Isles faired well enough slipping 2 goals past the goaltender on 30 shots for a 2-0 win over the host Detroit Red Wings. In a case of vice versa Islanders' starter Joey MacDonald recorded his first career shutout against his original team with the victory. Ozzie was unsuccessful for the 2nd straight game yet took the loss for the first time in those two starts. He is now 24-7-7 on the season. It was also a momentous night as an Islander goalie shutout the Red Wings in Detroit for the first time since 1981 with Isles' great Billy Smith the last player to accomplish the feat.

Check in soon with FIW for more updates and recaps soon.

Thursday March 26

2009-03-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

There 8 games up for grabs on Thursday night with Former Islanders aiding in 4 of those tilts. Former Islanders are trying to help many of their teams seal a coveted playoff spot. Here is a look at the FI happenings:

Montreal defenseman Mathieu Schneider had a powerplay helper on the opening goal as the Canadiens survived a near collapse to pull off a 3-2 OT win over the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning. With an assist in his 2nd straight game Schneids now has 7 goals and 20 assists for 27 points on 61 games. Since coming back to Montreal the typically offensive d-man has been clicking with 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) on 17 games. For the 11th straight season and 17th time on his career Schneider has reached 20 or more assists. Nearly half of his assists this season (9) have come on the man advantage.

Columbus winger Raffi Torres netted the 2nd Blue Jackets' insurance goal as they trashed the visiting Calgary Flames 5-0. With 3 goals over the last 3 outings Torres now has 11 goals and 6 assists for 17 points on 43 games. Torres' play has taken a considerably upswing with the embattled winger notching 8 goals and 1 assist for 9 points over the last 13 games including 4 game winners.

Sometimes putting your backup in to start, even against one of the worst teams in the league, might not work out the way you hope. Such was the case with the New York Rangers who started bench warmer Stephen Valiquette as the Blueshirts faced off against the host Atlanta Thrashers. The Rangers staked themselves to an impressive 4-0 lead late in the 2nd Period before the Thrashers systematically tore apart Valiquette and beat the Rags in a stunning 6 round SO 5-4. The OT loss set Vali back for his 3rd straight start (0-2-1). He is now 5-5-2 on the season with a .907 save percentage and a 2.84 goals against average. Over his last 3 starts he has surrendered an appalling 16 goals on 104 shots (.846 save percentage).

Vancouver winger Taylor Pyatt opened the scoring only 4:12 into play but all was for naught as the Canucks were felled by the host St. Louis Blues 4-2. T-Py snapped a 4 game goal-less and point-less streak and now has 10 goals and 8 assists for 18 points on 65 games. For the 3rd straight season and 5th time on his career Pyatt has notched 10+ goals. Taking the loss in net for 'Nucks was goaltender Roberto Luongo who stopped 28 of 32 shots. Lu lost for the 2nd time in his last 3 games and is now 28-11-6 on the season with a .917 save percentage and a 2.43 goals against average.

Check back with FIW soon for more updates and recaps.

Wednesday March 25

2009-03-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

With half a dozen games (6) on the schedule on Wednesday night and the push for the playoffs so intense it seemed prime time for Former Islander contributions. However, FIs only helped out in 2 of those contests. Here is a quick look:

Buffalo center Tim Connolly recorded an assist and pocketed the game winning powerplay goal as the Sabres downed the visiting Florida Panthers 5-3 after trailing 3-1 in the 3rd Period. TimCo snapped a 7 game goal-less stretch and now has 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points on 39 games. Connolly has 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists) with the man advantage. For the 2nd straight season and 5th time on his career Connolly has recorded 35 or more points. The game winner sets a new single season high for Connolly with 4 and makes it 16 deciding tallies on his career. Scoring Florida's 2nd goal was winger Richard Zednik. With 2 goals in the last 4 games Zed now has 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) on 63 games.

Anaheim forward Petteri Nokelainen recorded a multi-point game with a goal and an assist as the Ducks thumped the host Colorado Avalanche 7-2. Noky has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) over the last 4 games and now has 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points on 42 games this season. Since joining Anaheim Nokelainen has 4 points (3 goals, 1 assists) in 9 games. It was Noky's first multi-point night since November 13, 2005 when he was still with the Isles - the 4th game of his career snapping a 109 game streak of 0 or 1 point games.

Check back soon for more news and updates at FIW.

Tuesday March 24

2009-03-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

There were 8 games up in the air on Tuesday night as we trudge along in the late playoff push. Former Islanders were helping out in important games lending their support in 4 of those tilts. Here is a quick peek:

Toronto winger Jason Blake notched a powerplay assist on the Maple Leafs' 2nd goal but missed on his attempt in the 2nd round of the SO as they eked by the visiting Washington Capitals 2-1. Blakey now has 25 goals and 33 assists for 58 points on 70 games. Over the last 7 games Blake has been consistent with 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points. Scoring in the 1st round of the SO for the Leafs was center Jeff Hamilton.

Montreal defenseman Mathieu Schneider had the secondary helper on the opening goal as the Canadiens spanked the visiting Atlanta Thrashers 6-3. Schneider now has 7 goals and 19 assists for 26 points on 60 games. Since re-joining the Habs Schneids has been great with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) on 16 games.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo got back into the winning swing of things stopping 35 of 37 shots as the Canucks downed the host Dallas Stars 5-2. With his 5th win in the last 6 games Lu is now 28-10-6 on the season with a 9.18 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average with 6 shutouts. Over the last 21 games Luongo has been impressive with a 17-3-1 record more than doubling his wins on the season since returning from an early November injury.

Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov opened the scoring with only 71 seconds remaining in the 1st Period as the Oilers were edged by the visiting Detroit Red Wings 3-2. Greb snapped a 19 game goal-less streak and now has 5 goals and 28 assists for 33 points on 63 games. Grebeshkov has now notched 5 goals for the first time in a season. Receiving the primary assist on the too-little-too-late goal with exactly 1 minute remaining in play was winger Robert Nilsson. With 5 assists over the last 4 games Nily now has 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists) on 59 games.

Check back soon for more updates and recaps at FIW.

Monday March 23

2009-03-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

There were just 3 games on tap Monday night around the NHL. Former Islanders only aided (or unaided) in 1 of those contests. Here is a quick look:

Calgary defenseman Adrian Aucoin assisted on the Flames' 3rd goal as they pulled a 5-3 win out against the visiting Detroit Red Wings. With 4 assists over the last 4 games Aucoin now has 10 goals and 23 assists for 33 points on 72 games. Getting beat up by the Flames was Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood who surrendered 3 goals on only 13 shots in 26 minutes of ice time. Yet Ozzie escaped the lost receiving a no decision leaving him at 24-6-7 on the season. Osgood's save percentage is a lowly .884 while his goals against average is pretty appalling at 3.18. The no decision snapped a streak of 4 straight wins.

Check in soon for more at FIW.

Sunday March 22

2009-03-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

With a surprisingly high 7 games available on Sunday Former Islanders "phoned it in" providing support in only 1 game. With the final push the playoffs the centerpiece of the hockey world this lack of FI happenings is, needless to say, disappointing. Here is a look at the FI contributions:

Ottawa center Mike Comrie opened the scoring for Ottawa 6:09 into the 2nd Period knotting the score at 1 as the Senators edged the host New York Rangers 2-1. Comrie snapped a 5 game goal-less and point-less stretch and now has 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) on 12 games with Ottawa. The born-again Sen Comrie has 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points on 53 games. For the 7th straight season Comrie has notched 10 or more goals. Assisting on that tally was defenseman Chris Campoli. He snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 9 goals and 17 assists for 26 points on 66 games. Since being traded to Ottawa Campy has 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) on 15 games.

Check back soon for more as FIW continues to follow the playoff push.

Saturday March 21

2009-03-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

It was an unusually slow Saturday as only 16 teams faced off in a scant 8 games around the NHL. Former Islander participation was especially low for the typically busiest weekend game day as FIs only popped in support in 4 of those contests. Here is a quick recap:

San Jose defenseman Brad Lukowich snapped a frostily cold 21 game point-less streak with a helper on the Sharks' 2nd goal as they dumped the visiting Dallas Stars 5-2. Luko now has 7 assists on 48 games this season after recording his first helping hand point since December 13. Sadly, Lukowich had spent most of January and February on the Injured Reserve list.

Toronto winger Jason Blake netted his team's 5th a final goal, a powerplay tally, as the Maple Leafs downed the fading Montreal Canadiens from the Bell Centre 5-2. With 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) over the last 6 games Blake now has 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points on 69 games. The tally was a big one for Blake who now has 25 goals on a season for the first time since 2006-07, his last with the Isles when he notched a career high 40. It was only the 4th season that Blake has reach the 25+ goal mark as he narrows in on career point #400 (only 5 shy). The powerplay tally was the 5th of the season for Blake who has had 5+ extra man goals in 3 of his last 4 seasons.

Red hot winger Raffi Torres netted 2 goals, including the game winner, as the red hot Columbus Blue Jackets shut down the host Florida Panthers 3-1. Torres scored the tying goal with only 2:46 remaining in play and then sealed the win 1:07 later with only 93 seconds left in regulation. With 7 goals over the last 9 games Torres has lifted his numbers. He now has 10 goals and 6 assists for 16 points on 41 games. Torres has built on his single season high and now has 5 game winners on the year. With 10 goals he has reached the multi-digit tally mark for the 4th time in his last 5 seasons. Assisting on the winner was center Michael Peca who has 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) on 62 games. Peca has had 4 helpers over the last 4 tilts.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo was roughed up with 3 goals on 23 shots in only 40 minutes of ice time as the Phoenix Coyotes thumped the visiting Canucks 5-1. The 'Yotes feasted on the 'Nucks even scoring a rare touch up penalty call empty net goal on Vancouver midway through the 2nd Period. The boff was officially recorded as a rare, middle of the game empty net goal. Luongo took the loss and is now 27-10-6 on the season with a .917 save percentage and a 2.40 goals against average. Lu was pulled for the first time since November 5 when he injured his groin 5 minutes into play. For the 9th straight season Luongo has secured 10 or more losses.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Friday March 20

2009-03-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

With the weeks lest in the 2008-09 NHL regular season winding down it is bittersweet for Former Islander Watch as we begin our goodbyes to another impressive FI season. Friday night saw 7 games with FIs chipping in their help in 5 of those contests. Here is a peek:

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 31 of 34 shots for 4th straight win as the Red Wings doubled up on the host Atlanta Thrashers for a 6-3 victory. Ozzie has looked sharp letting in only 7 goals over this 4 game span including a shutout. He is now 24-6-7 on the season with an .885 save percentage and a 3.14 goals against average. Osgood has looked better in the last 4 games than he has had in the whole rest of the season. The 4 consecutive wins marks the longest winning streak of the season for Ozzie.

Tough Philadelphia winger Arron Asham had an assist on his team's 3rd goal as the Flyers pulled out a 6-4 road win over the Buffalo Sabres. Ash now has 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points on 66 games. The helper was a big one as it was career point #150 for Asham coming in his 564th career game. For the 5th time on his career Asham has reached 15 or more points, his first since the 2006-07 campaign, his last with the Isles. Center Tim Connolly had an assist on Buffalo's 1st goal as the forward is mired in a slump with only 2 points in the last 6 games. TimCo now has 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points on 37 games. For the 2nd straight season and 6th time on his career he has notched 20+ helpers.

Winger Bill Guerin notched the final insurance goal as the Pittsburgh Penguins thumped the visiting Los Angeles Kings 4-1. Billy G has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) over the last 3 games and now has 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) on 8 games with the Pens. On the season Guerin has 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points on 70 games having already surpassed his 44 point, 81 game effort from last season with the Isles.

Edmonton defenseman Denis Grebeshkov recorded the primary powerplay assist on the game opening goal only 3:12 into play as the Oilers pulled out a 5-4 SO victory over the host Chicago Blackhawks. Ever point keeps pushing Greb's single season high even higher. He now has 4 goals and 28 assists for 32 points on 61 games. For the first time ever Grebeshkov has recorded 10 assists on the powerplay during a season. Assisting on Edmonton's 4th goal was winger Robert Nilsson. He has 4 assists over the last 2 games and now has 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points on 57 games.

Calgary center Olli Jokinen notched 2 assists but the Flames continued their tailspin losing 3-2 to the visiting St. Louis Blues. Since joining the Flames they have compiled a 3-5-0 record. Jokinen, however, has been impressive with 12 points (8 goals, 4 assists) on only 8 games. On the season he has 29 goals and 25 assists for 54 points on 65 games. For the 6th straight season O-Jok has notched 25+ helpers.

Check in soon for more recaps and updates at FIW.

Thursday March 19

2009-03-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

It was a fairly busy night around the NHL as 16 teams battled in 8 games around the league. As we rapidly speed toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs each game, each point and each goal can be the difference between playoff position and early tee times. About 15 of the 30 teams around the league are still not in confident playoff position meaning the scramble for points is intense. Former Islander accomplishments have also ramped up recently. FI involvement has risen considerably and Thursday was no different with FIs making differences in 7 of those outings. Here is a quick summary:

Los Angeles center Derek Armstrong assisted on the game tying goal with only 96 seconds remaining in regulation as the Kings pulled off a late comeback from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the stunned host Boston Bruins 3-2 in OT. Army snapped a 6 game point-less streak and now has 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists) on 46 games.

Washington center Viktor Kozlov recorded 3 assists, all even strength, including the primary on the game winner as the Capitals crushed the host Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2. The real story was Alex Ovechkin's 50th goal and his "lava stick" celebration but Kozzer's effort should not go unmentioned. Kozzer has 4 points (1 goal, 2 assists) over the last 2 games and now has 12 goals and 25 assists for 37 points on 58 games. The 3 point night was the 3rd of the season for Kozlov. For the 3rd straight season and 7th time on his career he has recorded 25+ helpers. As well, for the 3rd consecutive year and 8th time Koz has reached the 35+ point mark.

Montreal defenseman Roman Hamrlik scored on his team's 4th and final goal as the Canadiens were bested by the host Ottawa Senators 5-4. Hamr snapped a 4 game point-less streak and now has 4 goals and 24 assists for 28 points on 70 games.

Florida winger Richard Zednik scored the game winning goal a little over 6 minutes into the 2nd Period as the Panthers dispensed with the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1. Zed snapped a 4 game point-less streak and a 6 goal-less stretch with the tally and now has 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points on 60 games. For the 2nd straight season and 9th time on his career Zednik has recorded 15 or more goals. It was also the 7th time Zed has reached 30 or more points on a season. Zednik has an impressive 4 game winners this season lifting his career total to 37. He is only 2 goals shy of career #200 and could foreseeable accomplish the feat before the end of the season.

Edmonton winger Robert Nilsson had a nice night recording 3 even strength assists as the Oilers crushed the impotent host Colorado Avalanche 8-1. With his first 3 point night of the season Nily now has 26 points (9 goals, 17 assists) on 56 games. For the 2nd straight season Nilsson has reached the 25+ point mark. The 3 point night was a first for Nilsson since April 8, 2006 in his rookie season with the Isles when he notched a goal and 2 helpers - a span of 135 games without such an offensively powered effort.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped all 30 shots he faced for his first shutout since November 8 as the Canucks blanked the visiting St. Louis Blues 3-0. Luongo, who has 5 shutouts in the first 14 games on the season, snapped a 38 game goose egg drought. He is now 27-9-6 on the season with a formidable .918 save percentage, a tidy 2.37 goals against average and 6 shutouts. Over the last 19 games Lu has been an unbelievable 16-2-1 yet despite winning streaks of 8, 4 and 4 games this was the first blanking Luongo has managed.

Recently acquired center Petteri Nokelainen netted Anaheim's 2nd goal as the Ducks pulled off a 3-2 SO win over the host Phoenix Coyotes. Nokey now has 2 goals in his first 6 games with Anaheim and has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) on 39 games this season. The goal was the 10th of Nokelainen's young career and came in his 111th career game.

Check in soon with FIW for more updates and highlights.

Wednesday March 18

2009-03-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

With only 4 games on Wednesday night there was not much fodder for Former Islander happenings. FIs did, however, help out in 2 of those tilts. Here is a peek at their workload:

Center Michael Peca assisted on Columbus' 2nd goal as the surprisingly strong Blue Jackets are in playoff position and sticking with more points in a 4-3 OT win over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks. Peca has 3 assists over the last 3 games (all against Chicago) and now has 4 goals and 16 assists for 20 points on 61 games. For the 2nd straight season and 11th time on his career Peca has reached the 20+ point plateau.

New Jersey backup goaltender Kevin Weekes' 5 game winning streak came to an end as he stopped 28 of 32 shots in the Devils' 4-2 loss at the hands of the host Carolina Hurricanes. Weekes dropped to 7-5-0 on the season after surrendering 4 goals for only the 3rd time this season and first since December 13. He is sporting a handsome .920 save percentage and an attractive 2.40 goals against average.

Check in soon for more updates at FIW.

Tuesday March 17

2009-03-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

It was a Happy St. Patrick's Day for 11 teams as there were a boatload of beer-fueled games around the NHL on Tuesday. With Monday's 2 games a wash for Former Islander action we received a with FIs posting their help in 8 games on St. Patty's Day. Here is a look at the plethora of FI contributions:

Toronto winger Jason BLake notched a goal and added an asssist as the Maple Leafs came back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the host Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in SO. Blake has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) over the last 4 games and now has 23 goals and 32 assists for 56 points on 67 games. For the 4th time Blake has reached the 55+ point mark surpassing his 52 point effort from his first season with the Leafs. Center Jeff Hamilton scored a goal with about 5 and a half minutes remaining in regulation to tie the score and then popped home a goal in the 1st Round of the 6 Round SO. Later in the frame (3rd Round) Blake missed on his attempt. Hammy has goals in 2 straight games and now has 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) on 7 games. The point was career #75 coming in his 149th game which means Hamilton is a point-per-every-2-games kind of player.

Pittsburgh winger Bill Guerin had an assist on his team's first goal as the Penguins crushed visiting Atlanta Thrashers 6-2. Guerin has 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 2 games and now has an impressive 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) in 7 games since joining the Pens. Billy G has 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) on 68 games. For the 10th time on his career Guerin has reached the 45 point level.

Montreal defenseman Mathieu Schneider had an assist on the Canadiens' first goal as the Habs were edged by the visiting New York Rangers 4-3 in SO. Schneids now has 7 goals and 18 assists for 25 points on 57 games. Since re-joining Montreal he has 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) on 14 games. Eight of those points (3 goals, 5 assists) have been with the extra man. For the 17th time on his career Schneider has notched 25 or more points.

Recently refreshed goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 24 of 26 shots for another win as the host Detroit Red Wings downed the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2. With 3 straight wins Ozzie is now 23-6-7 on the season with a 3.14 goals against average and an .884 save percentage. He has stopped 77 of the last 81 shots he has faced for a recent save percentage of .951 while surrendering only 4 goals for a slim 1.33 goals against average.

Washington d-man John Erskine had 2 assists including 1 on the shorthanded game winner as the Capitals blanked the host Florida Panthers 3-0. Erskine snapped a 31 game point-less streak with the helpers and now has 4 assists on 44 games this season. The 2 point night was a first for Erskine since December 10, 2007 during his 2nd season with the Caps. Notching the first insurance goal for the Caps was forward Viktor Kozlov. He snapped a 3 game point-less streak and an 11 game goal-less streak with the netter. He now has 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points on 57 games. Kozzer is only 3 goals shy of career #200.

Winger Ryan Smyth scored the Avalanche's 2nd goal as Colorado was toppled by the host Minnesota Wild 3-2 in SO. Smyth now has 26 goals and 32 assists for 58 points on 71 games. Eight times this season Smyth has scored goals in consecutive games.

Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo stopped 24 of 26 shots as the Canucks doubled up on the visiting Dallas Stars for a 4-2 victory. Lu is an unbelievable 15-2-1 over his last 18 starts and is now 26-9-6 on the season. He has won 3 straight games, his 3rd winning streak of this 18 game stretch which has also including 4 and 8 game streaks. He has been even more consistent in these last 3 games surrendering exactly 2 goals-per-game while his team has staked him to consecutive 4-2 wins.

Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov had a powerplay assist on the opening goal midway through the 1st Period as the Oilers slipped by the visiting St. Louis Blues 2-1 in SO. Greb has 5 assists over the last 6 games and now has 4 goals and 27 assists for 31 points on 59 games pushing his single season highs further and further up. For the first time on a season Greb has 10 powerplay points (1 goal, 9 assists).

Check back soon for more updates and highlights at FIW.

Sunday March 15

2009-03-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

There were 7 games on the schedule on Sunday with Former Islanders helping out in 4 of those competitions. Here is a look as the NHL steamrolls towards the playoffs:

Winger Bill Guerin put up a big effort scoring a goal and adding 2 assists as the Penguins surpassed the visiting Boston Bruins 6-4. The recently acquired winger has been a boon for Pittsburgh with 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) on 6 games. Billy G now has 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) on 67 games this season. It was the 2nd 3 point night for Guerin since joining the Pens a feat he had not accomplished all season with the Isles. Assisting on Boston's 2nd goal was defenseman Zdeno Chara. He has had 1 assist in each of his last 3 games and now has 16 goals and 27 assists for 43 points on 71 games.

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood shut down the hottest backstopper and one of the most on teams in the league as he blanked the host Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0. The goose egg was Osgood's 2nd in the last 4 games after not recording one in the first 31 starts of the season. The shutout was the 49th of his career. Ozzie is 22-6-7 on the season.

Minnesota d-man Marc-Andre Bergeron scored his team's final goal as the Wild were downed by the host St. Louis Blues 5-3. MAB has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) over the last 4 games and now has 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points on 59 games.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo notched yet another win stopping 18 of 20 shots as the Canucks doubled up on the Colorado Avalanche for a 4-2 home victory. Over his last 17 starts Luongo has been red hot with a 14-2-1 record. He is 25-9-6 on the season. Lu has now recorded 25 or more wins for the 5th straight season. Recording the game winning goal for the 'Nucks was winger Taylor Pyatt who has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) over the last 4 games. He now has 17 points (9 goals, 8 assists) on 60 games this season. The game winner was the 1st of the season for T-Py and the 14th of his career. The last time Pyatt had the winning tally was on March 15, 2008 - the second-to-last game of last season. Recording one of the 2 Avs' goals was winger Ryan Smyth. He snapped a 3 game point-less stretch and now has 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points on 70 games. For the 7th time on his career Smyth has reached the oft-ellusive 25 goal mark.

Check in soon for more updates at FIW.

Saturday March 14

2009-03-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

There were an unbelievable 26 teams in action on Saturday as 13 games raged around the NHL during this final push towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Former Islanders were no lightweights putting up their efforts in 8 of those contests. Here is a quick peek at the FI action:

Philadelphia winger Arron Asham had his yearly 2 goal against the New York Rangers as the host Flyers downed the Blueshirts 4-2. Ash scored goals about 9 minutes apart in the 3rd Period including the game winner and the insurance tally to notch the first star honor. Asham snapped a 6 game goal-less streak. He has 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points on 63 games. The winner was Asham's 1st of the season and the 7th of his career. The goal snapped a 97 game streak without a winner dating back to December 16, 2007.

Boston defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara recorded an assist on the game winning goal as the Bruins edged the visiting Isles 2-1. Chara has 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) in 15 games against the Islanders. He now has 16 goals and 26 assists for 42 points on 70 games.

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 30 of 32 shots for the win as the Red Wings thumped the host St. Louis Blues 5-2. Ozzie is 2-0-1 in his last 3 starts and is now 21-6-7 on the season.

Ottawa center Mike Comrie rocketed home the game winning goal in the 5th round of the SO as the Senators eked by the host Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4. Teammate Chris Campoli knotted the score at 1 in the 1st Period with his 9th of the season. Since joining the Sens Campoli has 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) on 11 games. He has 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists) on 62 games this year reaching the 25 point plateau for only the 2nd time. Campy also tied his single season goal high. Both the 25 point mark and the 9 goals were highs set during his rookie 2005-06 campaign. Opening the scoring was Pens tough guy Eric Godard with a rare offensive effort. Godard now has 2 goals and 1 assists for 3 points on 63 games. The 2 tallies equals his prior single season high from 2005-06 while still an Isle. The netter snapped a 34 game goal-less and point-less stretch. It took only 263 career games but Godard has recorded 5 goals.

Recently acquired center Olli Jokinen lit it up for the Flames with a hat trick and 2 assists for 5 points but the goaltending was horrendous as Calgary fell 8-6 to the host Toronto Maple Leafs in a score-a-thon. With his 2nd hat trick in his last 10 games Jokinen now has 29 goals and 23 assists for 52 points on 56 games. He has reached the 50+ point mark for the 6th straight season. Since joining the Flames O-Jok has been out-of-this-world with 10 points (8 goals, 2 assists) on 6 games yet Calgary is 2-4-0 in that span. The last time Jokinen has 5+ points on a game was March 17, 2007 when he had 6 (2 goals, 4 assists) against the Isles while still the star center for the Florida Panthers. Notching 3 assists, including 2 on Jokinen goals, was d-man Adrian Aucoin. He has 4 assists over the last 2 games and now has 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points on 69 games. For the 2nd straight season Aucoin has reached the 20+ assist level and the 30+ point barrier. The assist mark makes has been reached in 6 seasons at 20 or more while the 30 point mark has been broken in 7 seasons. The 3 point night was a first for Aucoin since March 3, 2001 when he had 4 assists during his brief tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning! Winger Jason Blake notched a powerplay goal for the Leafs that staked them to an early 2-0 lead. Blake now has 23 goals and 31 assists for 54 points on 66 games. The powerplay goal was his 4th of the season doubling his extra man output from his first season with Toronto. Scoring his first goal since returning to the NHL was center Jeff Hamilton. He has 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 6 games with the Leafs. The goal was Hammy's first since March 28, 2008 while still with the Carolina Hurricanes. The tally snapped a 7 game goal-less stretch.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly was stopped on his attempt in the 2nd of 4 SO rounds as the Sabres were edged by the visiting Atlanta Thrashers 4-3. TimCo has only 1 assist over the last 4 games and is mired in a mini-slump.

Washington center Viktor Kozlov was stopped on his attempt in the 1st round of the SO but all was righted as the Capitals felled the visiting Carolina Hurricanes 5-4.

Edmonton winger Robert Nilsson opened the scoring only 3:09 in to regulation as the Oilers were downed by the visiting Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in OT. Nilsson has goals in back-to-back games for the first time this season and now has 9 goals and 14 assists for 23 points on 54 games. The last time Nily had goals in consecutive contests was between December 5 and 7, 2007 in his first full season with the Oil.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Friday March 13

2009-03-17T17:22:00.001-07:00

Former Islanders made a clean sweeping helping out in every game on Friday night: all 2 of them. Here is a look at the FI effort:

Columbus winger Raffi Torres netted the game winning goal again as the Blue Jackets downed the host Chicago Blackhawks 5-3. The goal was Torres' 3rd in his last 4 games. He now has 8 goals and 6 assists for 14 points on 38 games. The winner was his 2nd in the last 3 games and he now has 4 winners on the season - a new single season high. He has 12 deciding goals on his career. Assisting on that tally and Jacks' 2nd goal was center Michael Peca in only his 2nd game back after 10 days of injury downtime. The helpers snapped a 6 game point-less streak. Peca now has 4 goals and 15 assists for 19 points on 59 games. For the 2nd straight season and 10th time on his career Peca has notched 15 or more assists. Backstopping the Jacks to success was Wade Dubielewicz who started for the first time since February 6. Dubie stopped 27 of 30 shots for the victory, his first of the season and first since April 4, 2008 - his last game with the Isles. He is now 1-2-0 on the season with an .870 save percentage and a 3.56 goals against average.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped 24 of 26 shots as the Canucks doubled up on the visiting Los Angeles Kings for a 4-2 victory. Lu stopped a mini 2 game winless streak and improved Luongo's record to 24-9-6 on the season. He has won 14 of his last 17 starts compiling a 11-2-1 record in that span. Assisting on the opening goal midway through the 1st Period was winger Taylor Pyatt. T-Py has 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) over the last 3 games and now has 16 (8 goals, 8 assists) on 59 games. The helper leaves Pyatt 1 shy of career #100.

Check back soon for more recaps and updates at FIW.

Thursday March 12

2009-03-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

There were a whopping 13 games on the schedule on Thursday night with Former Islanders aiding in an impressive 7 contests. FIs are trying to push their respective teams into the playoff fray as March speeds away. Here is a look at their efforts:

Calgary's top center, Olli Jokinen, scored 2 goals in regulation and capped the game off with the deciding goal in the SO as the Flames edged the host Detroit Red Wings 6-5. O-Jok was of course recognized with the first star honor for his outstanding effort. In 5 games since being traded to the Flames Jokinen has scored 5 goals. On the season he has 47 points (26 goals, 21 assists) on 62 games. For the 6th straight season Jokinen has notched 25 or more goals. Assisting on Calgary's 2nd goal was defenseman Adrian Aucoin. With the helper he snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points on 68 games.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly assisted on his team's opening goal only 3:04 into play as the Sabres downed the visiting Florida Panthers 3-1. Ending a mini-2 game slide, Connolly has 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points on 34 games. In a fraction of the time of his teammates, TimCo has moved up to a tie for 6th on the Sabres in scoring. He is currently tied with winger Ales Kotalik in every scoring category yet has played 22 less games than him.

Toronto winger Jason Blake assisted on the Maple Leafs' lone goal as they were bested by the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1. Blake has had assists in back-to-back games and now has 22 goals and 31 assists for 53 points on 65 games. Blake is only 9 points shy of career #400 and could foreseeable reach the feat by the close of the season.

Edmonton winger Robert Nilsson scored his team's 3rd goal as the Oilers were downed by the visiting Atlanta Thrashers 4-3 in OT. Nily snapped a painfully long 15 game goal-less streak and an 8 game point-less streak with the tally. Nilsson had not found the back of the net since January 27. He now has 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points on 53 games. The goal was the 25th of Nilsson's young career coming in his 181st game. Assisting on the first Oilers' goal was d-man Denis Grebeshkov. He has helpers in 4 straight games and now has 30 points (4 goals, 26 assists) on 57 games. Greb has reached the 30+ point plateau for the first time on his career and keeps setting his single season bar higher and higher with each point he racks up.

Montreal d-man Mathieu Schneider had an assist against one of his old squads as the Canadiens fell to the visiting Isles 3-2 in OT. Schneider assisted on the game tying goal just over 9 minutes in to the 3rd Period. In 11 games since coming back to Montreal, Schneids has 9 points on 3 goals and 6 assists. On 55 games this season, Schneider has 7 goals and 17 assists for 24 points.

Boston captain and d-man Zdeno Chara had a shorthanded helper on the opening goal only 3:17 in to play as the Bruins dispensed with the visiting Ottawa Senators 5-3. Chara has 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) over his last 3 games and now has 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points on 69 games. For the 6th straight season Chara has notched 25 or more assists. The shortie helper was the 2nd of the season for Chara and the 16th of his career.

Minnesota d-man Marc-Andre Bergeron scored the lone Wild goal, a powerplay netter, midway through the 1st Period as they fell to the host Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in a SO. Bergeron snapped a 4 game goal-less stretch and now has 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points on 57 games. For the 3rd time on his career MAB has netted 10+ goals. Half his goals this season (5) have come on the man advantage.

Check in soon with FIW for more updates and recaps.

Wednesday March 11

2009-03-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

There were a pathetic 3 games on tap Wednesday night with only a pair of Former Islander happenings to not in 1 game. Here is a recap of that contest:

In only his 3rd game since being acquired by Anaheim center Petteri Nokelainen scored his first goal as a Duck and first of the season as they edged the visiting Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in OT. Noky now has 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) on 36 games this season. The netter snapped a 49 game (7 playoff) goal-less streak dating back to March 22, 2008 while still a member of the Boston Bruins. Out with an injury since February 10, Nokelainen has played well in his last 5 games of actually ice time scoring 1 goal and adding 2 assists for 3 points. Taking the OT loss for the Canucks was goaltender Roberto Luongo who stopped 37 of 41 shots but only 2 of 3 in the extra frame. The loss dropped Luongo to 23-9-6 on the season. He is sporting a .916 save percentage, a 2.46 goals against average and 5 shutouts.

Check back soon for more highlights.

Tuesday March 10

2009-03-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

There were 11 games on the NHL schedule as we are already a third of the way through March. The playoff push is strong for a ton of teams around the league and Former Islanders are helping out when they can. FIs tipped in their support in 6 of those contests. Here is a look:

Columbus winger Raffi Torres netted yet another game winner as the Blue Jackets blanked the free-falling host Boston Bruins 2-0. Torres now has 7 goals and 6 assists for 13 points on 36 games with 3 game winners this season. Over the last 4 games Torres has 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) including 2 deciding tallies. The 3 game winners ties his prior single season high from the 2003-04 and 2005-06 campaigns while still with the Edmonton Oilers.

Calgary center Olli Jokinen popped home the opening goal as the Flames were downed by the host New Jersey Devils 3-2. Calgary would have lost 3-1 if it had not been for a 2nd Flames' goal at the 19:59 mark of the 3rd Period. Jokinen 24 goals and 21 assists for 45 points on 61 games this season. In 4 games with the Flames O-Jok has knocked home 3 goals and no assists. For the 6th straight season Jokinen has recorded 45 or more points.

Montreal defenseman Mathieu Schneider had 2 assists including 1 on the game winning powerplay goal in OT as the Canadiens edged the visiting Edmonton Oilers 4-3. Schneids now has 7 goals and 16 assists for 23 points on 54 games. Schneider snapped a 3 game point-less streak and has done well in his first 10 games with the Habs compiling 8 points on 3 goals and 5 assists. Six of his 8 points with Montreal (3 goals, 3 assists) have come with the man advantage. Assisting on Edmonton's 3rd goal was d-man Denis Grebeshkov. He now has assists in 3 straight games and has notched 29 points (4 goals, 25 assists) on 56 games. The helper officially marked Greb's first 25+ assist season. For the 3rd time this season Grebeshkov has had a 3+ game point scoring streak.

Offensively capable blueliner Marc-Andre Bergeron had an assist on the Wild's first goal as Minnesota was just barely downed by the visiting San Jose Sharks 5-4 in OT. Bergeron now has 9 goals and 17 assists for 26 points on 56 games. MAB is only 3 helpers short of 100 on his career. The helper snapped an 8 game assist-less stretch.

Washington forward Viktor Kozlov had assists on both Capitals' goals including the game winning tally in OT as they squeaked by the host Nashville Predators 2-1. Kozlov, who struggled with injuries during most of February, recorded a point for the first time since February 1 snapping a 6 game point drought. The Russian giant now has 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points on 54 games. It was the 8th time this season the Kozzer has had a multi-point game.

Newly acquired winger Bill Guerin assisted on the the Penguins' tying goal 5 and a half minutes into the 3rd Period as Pittsburgh overcame a 2 goal deficit for a 4-3 SO win over the visiting Florida Panthers. Guerin is riding a 4 game point streak in which he has recorded 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists). He has points in all 3 games since joining the Pens to the tune of 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists). On 64 games this season Billy G has 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists). The assist was a big one for Guerin as it was career #400, this only 2 games after recording his 800th career point. Florida winger Richard Zednik was stopped on his chance in the 1st round of the SO.

Check back soon for more updates and recaps at FIW.

Monday March 9

2009-03-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

With 3 games on the NHL sked on Monday things looked to be lean for Former Islanders. Alas, FIs stood up and provided their help in all 3 tilts. Here is a quick peek:

New York Rangers' backup goaltender Stephen Valiquette stopped 33 of 35 shots as the Blueshirts were felled by the host Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Vali gave is a valiant effort but all was for naught as he took the loss falling to 5-5-0 on the season. He raised his save percentage to .910 while dropping his goals against average to 2.77. Valiquette has not won since January 27 going 0-2-0 in 2 starts.

Recently acquired center Jeff Hamilton assisted on the Maple Leafs' lone goal as Toronto was edged by the host Ottawa Senators 2-1. Hammy has 2 assists on 3 games since being acquired by the Leafs late last week. He has taken 8 shots to no avail.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo lost for only the 2nd time in his last 14 starts as the Los Angeles Kings eked by the visiting Canucks 3-2. Lu stopped 19 of 22 shots but it was not enough. He is now 23-9-5 on the season with a .916 save percentage, a 2.45 goals against average and 5 shutouts. Notching the 'Nucks' 2nd goal was winger Taylor Pyatt. T-Py snapped a 9 game goal-less and point-less stretch and now has 8 goals and 7 assists for 15 points on 57 games. For the 3rd straight year and 7th time on his career Pyatt has reached 15 or more points.

Check back soon with more updates, scores and recaps at FIW.

Sunday March 8

2009-03-10T17:23:00.001-07:00

There were 7 games on the NHL schedule on Sunday with Former Islanders helping out in 4 of those collisions. FIs are helping to push their respective teams deeper and deeper into playoff contention. Here is a quick summation of the day's exclamations:

Boston defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara netted an assisted and added a goal as the Bruins edged the host New York Rangers 4-3. Chara snapped a mini-2 game point slide and now has 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points on 67 games. He has reached the 40+ goal mark for the 5th straight season and is only 1 goal shy of tying his single season high from last year.

Penguins winger Bill Guerin was the 2nd star after scoring a goal and adding 2 assists as Pittsburgh eked out a 4-3 SO win over the hated host Washington Capitals. The goal was Guerin's first with the Pens and he now has 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) on 2 games with Pittsburgh. On the season he has 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points on 63 games. For the 10th straight season and 13th time on his career Billy G has reached 40+ points. It is too early to tell but Guerin's presence is seemingly helping to lift the Penguins back into playoff contention. Caps' center Viktor Kozlov was stopped by Pens' goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury on his attempt in the 2nd Round of the SO.

Ryan Smyth had yet another multi-point night scoring an inconsequential goal and adding an assist as the Avalanche thumped the host Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. The Colorado winger has been on a torrid pace as of late and now has points in 4 straight. Over that span he has 6 points on 4 goals and 2 assists. On the season he has 24 goals and 32 assists for 56 points on 66 games. For only the 6th time (and first since the 2005-06 season) Smyth has reached 55+ points on a season.

Montreal d-man Roman Hamrlik had the primary assist on the game winning goal as the Canadiens downed the host Dallas Stars 3-1. Hamr now has 4 goals and 23 assists for 27 points on 65 games. He is second only to offensively potent Andrei Markov for the Habs' point scoring lead among team blueliners.

Check back soon for more updates and news at FIW.

Saturday February 7

2009-03-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

There were a neat and tidy 10 games up for grabs on Saturday around the NHL. With teams still in the playoff hunt every point in the standings counts. Saturday featured an energetic series of contests with Former Islanders providing support in 7 of those tilts. Here is a quick look:

Ottawa defenseman Chris Campoli put up on heck of an effort scoring the game winning goal and adding an assist as the Senators trounced the visiting Buffalo Sabres 6-3. Campy has done exceptionally so far with the Senators having notched 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) on 7 games with both goals of the game winning variety. On 59 games this season between the Isles and Sens he has 24 points (8 goals, 16 assists). Half of his goals this season (4) have been game deciding tallies. Campoli is only 1 goal short of equaling his single season high of 9 from his 2005-06 rookie season with the Blue and Orange.

New Jersey backup goaltender Kevin Weekes successfully stopped the 1 shot he faced while playing 17 minutes of relief time as the Islanders shellacked the host Devils 7-3. Weekes received no decision for the appearance and remained 7-4-0 on the season. His stats improved slightly with his goals against average dropping to 2.27 and his save percentage increased (barely) to .924. The appearance was his first since February 19 and his first relief appearance since January 8.

Florida winger Richard Zednik received the sole assist on the insurance goal with less than 3 minutes remaining as the Panthers knocked off the visiting St. Louis Blues 5-3. Zed now has 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points on 55 games. Florida d-man Bryan McCabe had a powerplay assist on the team's 3rd goal. He has 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points on 56 games. The powerplay helper was his 10th of the season making it 5 straight years and 7 overall with 10+ extra man assists. Nearly half of his points this season (16, 6 goals, 10 assists) have come on the powerplay.

Columbus winger Raffi Torres opened the scoring just over 4 minutes in to play as the Blue Jackets de-constructed the host Detroit Red Wings 8-2. Torres now has 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points on 35 games. He has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) over the last 3 contests. Taking the beating in goal for the Wings was starter Chris Osgood who stopped a meager 16 of 23 shots in 43 minutes of play. For the 2nd time this season Ozzie has surrendered 7 goals in a game an amazing fact considering we have yet to find a game in which he surrendered so many goals prior to this season. Osgood's numbers are bad with an .878 save percentage and a 3.30 goals against average but his record is great at 20-6-7. Hmm.

Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov assisted on the Oilers' 3rd goal as they handily dispensed of the host Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. Greb has 3 assists in 4 games since returning from an injury and now has 28 points (4 goals, 24 assists) on 55 games. He is second among Oilers' d-men in assists and 4th among blueliners in points scored.

Philadelphia tough guy Arron Asham assisted on the second insurance goal as the Flyers cut down the visiting Nashville Predators 4-1. Asham snapped a 5 game point skid and now has 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points on 60 games. Ash is 3 points shy of 150 on his career.

Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo stopped 28 of 29 shots en route to yet another win as the Canucks stopped the visiting San Jose Sharks 3-1. Luongo is now 23-8-5 on the season and is riding a 4 game winning streak. He has won an amazing 12 of his last 13 starts.

Check back soon at FIW.

Friday March 6

2009-03-07T13:06:00.001-08:00

There were 5 games on the NHL schedule on Friday night but there was only 1 Former Islander accomplishment of note. Here is a peek at the FI night:

Buffalo winger Tim Connolly sealed up the first star honor with a 4 point (2 goal, 2 assist) effort as the Sabres thumped the visiting Phoenix Coyotes 5-1. Connolly opened the scoring at the 7:07 mark of the 1st Period and then added another powerplay goal and 2 helpers (1 powerplay) to lead the Sabres' charge. TimCo returned to a point-per-game pace on the heals of the effort and now has 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) on 31 games. For the 2nd straight season and 6th time Connolly has notched 30+ points. He has 14 points (3 goals, 11 assists) on the man advantage this season. The 4 point night was his first since January 13, 2001 when he notched 4 assists while still a member of the Isles.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Thursday March 1

2009-03-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

There were 9 games on tap Thursday night as the league was re-shuffled a little bit following Wednesday's trade deadline. A few players made splashes with their new squads including a new signing of Former Islander note. Here is a look at the FI night:

Forward Jeff Hamilton, who just signed early in the day with the Maple Leafs, assisted in his first game back at the NHL level kicking in a helper on the game winner as Toronto edged the host Washington Capitals 2-1. Hamilton had not played since April, 2008 while still a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. The last time Hammy had recorded a point was March 28 while his last helper was on March 19. This helper snapped a 5 game assist-less streak. Hamilton joins winger Jason Blake as Toronto's resident FIs.

Center Olli Jokinen made a huge entry for his new team the day after being traded from Phoenix to Calgary. Jokinen scored 2 goals, including the game winner, to lead the Flames to a 5-1 win over the host Philadelphia Flyers. O-Jok took no time to gel with wingers Michael Cammalleri and Jarome Iginla on the team's top line. Jokinen now has 23 goals and 21 assists for 44 points on 58 games. Over the last 5 games he has recorded 7 points on 6 goals and 1 assist. The game winner was Jokinen's 3rd of the season. Assisting on the capstone goal late in the 3rd Period was defenseman Adrian Aucoin. After going point-less in 4 games Aucoin now has 2 assists over the past 2 outings. He has 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points on 64 games.

Ottawa d-man Chris Campoli netted his first goal as a Senator, a powerplay game winner, as the Sens outpaced the visiting Edmonton Oilers 4-2. In 6 games with Ottawa Campy has 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists). He now has 7 goals and 15 assists for 22 points on 57 games. The powerplay tally was his first of the season but the game winner was his 3rd of the year setting a new single season high. Scoring the 2nd Ottawa goal was center Mike Comrie. He now has 9 goals and 16 assists for 25 points on 47 games. For the 4th straight season and 6th Comrie has recorded 25 or more points. Assisting on Edmonton's first goal, a powerplay tally, was recently returned d-man Denis Grebeshkov. Since returning from a minor injury, Greb has 2 assists in 3 games. He now has 4 goals and 23 assists for 27 points on 54 games. With each goal and assist Grebeshkov continues to push his single season high even higher. He has 8 points (1 goal, 7 assists) this season on the man advantage.

Playing in his first game with the Penguins since being trade on Wednesday winger Bill Guerin instantly made a difference assisting on Pittsburgh's first goal as they thumped the host Florida Panthers 4-1. Guerin now has 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points on 62 games. The assist was a landmark one for Guerin who now has 800 career points (403 goals, 397 assists). Number 800 came in career game #1,169. Assisting on the final goal was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. With 3 assists in the last 4 games, Fedo now has 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points on 49 games. Notable FIs not are the Pens' roster were winger Miroslav Satan who was sent down to the team's AHL affiliate Scranton-Wilkes Barre Penguins and healthy scratch winger Eric Godard.

Minnesota d-man Marc-Andre Bergeron had the primary assist on the Wild's first goal late in the 2nd Period as the Wild rallied from a 3-0 deficit to down the host San Jose Sharks 4-3 in OT. Bergeron has 8 goals and 17 assists for 25 points on 53 games. For the 4th time on a season MAB has recorded 25 or more points.

Dallas winger Mark Parrish assisted on his team's 2nd goal as the Stars were edged by the host Los Angeles Kings 5-4 in OT. Parrish snapped a 6 game point-less streak and an 8 game assist-less streak with the helper. He now has 7 goals and 5 assists for 12 points on 39 games. Albeit a minor accomplishment, Parrish has recorded 5+ assists for the 10th straight season.

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

UFA Signing: Jeff Hamilton

2009-03-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

The Toronto Maple Leafs inked unrestricted free agent forward Jeff Hamilton to a contract on Thursday. The terms of the deal are not known. Update: Hamilton signed for the league minimum ($475K) and will pull in just over $100K if he plays out the last 18 games of the season with Toronto.

Hamilton had spent the season with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, the Atlanta Thrasher's minor league team, scoring 53 points (16 goals, 37 assists) on 50 games.

A 142 game veteran, Hamilton has 29 goals and 42 assists for 71 points. An undrafted signee of the Isles, Hamilton made his appearance with the Blue & Orange during the 2003-04 season. Hammy wound his way to the Chicago Blackhawks where he had a breakout season during the 2006-07 campaign and eventually the Carolina Hurricanes who dropped him this past summer only 1 year into a 2 year deal.

We wish Jeff the best with the Leafs.

Wednesday March 4

2009-03-06T15:41:00.001-08:00

With the trade deadline over at 3 pm Eastern time the NHL had 2 games on schedule that night. The moves that day barely affected the rosters for the night with a couple of minor exceptions. Former Islanders were active in both of those contests. Here is a quick look:

Buffalo winger Tim Connolly, who earlier in the day signed a 2 year, $9 million contract extension, assisted on the opening goal with just over 2 minutes remaining in the 1st Period as the Sabres thumped the visiting Montreal Canadiens 5-1. TimCo snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points on 30 games. The powerplay helper was the 10th of the season for Connolly. It was the 5th time Connolly has notched 10 or more assists on a season. Assisting on the lone Montreal goal with only 66 seconds remaining in play was defenseman Roman Hamrlik. He now has 4 goals and 22 assists for 26 points on 63 games equaling his total point output from his 73 games with Montreal last season.

Colorado winger Ryan Smyth assisted on the Avs' too-little-too-late goal with less than 2 minutes remaining in play as the Avalanche were edged by the visiting Detroit Red Wings 3-2. Smyth has either scored or assisted on 4 of the last 5 Colorado goals and he has 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) in the last 3 games. He now has 23 goals and 31 assists for 54 points on 65 games. Smyth is 2nd on the Avs in goals and leads the team in helpers and points.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.