2009-10 Season Kickoff Half-Week

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!

Former Islander UFAs and Signings

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.

Injury: Ryan Smyth

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!

Sunday March 29

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.

Tuesday March 17

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

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.

Sunday March 8

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.

Wednesday March 4

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.

Monday March 2

With only 1 game on tap Monday night there was a slim chance of Former Islander happenings. Well one FI lived up to his end of the bargain taking his old team to grindstone. Here is a look:

Colorado winger and one time Islander Ryan Smyth scored 2 goals against his old squad as the Avalanche fell to the host Isles 4-2. Smyth netted a powerplay goal only 33 seconds into the 2nd Period and added a goal only 62 seconds into the 3rd. He has 3 goals over the last 2 games and now has 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points on 64 games. Nine (9) of his 23 goals have come on the man advantage.


Check in soon for more updates at FIW.

Saturday February 28

With February having officially reached its end and the March playoff push only a day away there was a boatload of NHL games to be decided. Former Islanders lent help in a hearty 8 of 11 tilts. Here is a look:

Washington defenseman Tom Poti had an assist on the Capitals' 3rd goal as they survived a Boston comeback for a 4-3 OT win over the host Bruins. Poti now has 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) on 38 games. For the 10th consecutive season Poti has recorded 10 or more helpers. Scoring the tying powerplay goal with less than 5 minutes remaining was Boston d-man Zdeno Chara. He has 15 goals and 22 assists for 37 points on 63 games. The goal was a momentous one for Chara since it marked career #100! Half of all his goals (50) have come on the man advantage. It only took the formerly offensively inept blueliner 750 games to accomplish the task.

Florida d-man Bryan McCabe notched his team's 2nd and final goal as the Panthers were thumped by the host New Jersey Devils and recently returned goaltender Martin Brodeur. McCabe now has 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points on 52 games. The netter snapped an 11 game goal-less stretch dating back to February 3.



Toronto winger Jason Blake assisted on rookie Tim Stapleton's first career goal as the Maple Leafs edged the host Ottawa Senators 4-3 in OT. Blakey has 3 assists over the last 2 games and now has 22 goals and 28 assists for 50 points on 59 games. For the 45th straight season and 5th time on his career Blake has reached the 50+ point mark. Assisting on Ottawa's 2nd goal was recently reacquired center Mike Comrie. He has 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) on 4 games since coming to Ottawa in a trade. On the season he has 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points on 45 games.

Colorado winger Ryan Smyth scored his team's lone goal as the Avalanche were trounced by the host New York Rangers 6-1. Smyth now has 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points on 63 games. He is 2nd on the Avalanche in goals, first in assists and first in points leading the Western Conference worst Colorado in almost every major category.



Unbelievably active Montreal d-man Mathieu Schneider kept up his great play since re-joining the Canadiens notching a powerplay assist on the opening goal as the Habs downed the visiting San Jose Sharks 3-2. In 6 games with the Canadiens Schneids has 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points. All 6 of his points have come with the man advantage. On 50 games this season between the Atlanta Thrashers and Montreal Schneider has 7 goals and 14 assists for 21 points.

Detroit goalie Chris Osgood came in for a little backup support stopping on 10 of 14 shots in 50 minutes of ice time as the Red Wings were crushed by the host Nashville Predators 8-0. Ozzie had no decision so his record remained static at 19-5-7. His save percentage dropped to .880 while his goals against average raised slightly to 3.26.



Phoenix center Olli Jokinen scored his team's lone tally as the Coyotes were felled by the visiting St. Louis Blues 3-1. Jokinen has 5 points (4 goals, 1 assists) over the last 4 games and now has 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points on 57 games. Rumor has it that Jokinen is being held out as trade bait as we approach the deadline on Wednesday. The goal was the 75th powerplay tally of O-Jok's career.


Fresh off a 2 and a half week stay on the Injured Reserve list and Edmonton d-man Denis Grebeshkov is already back in the offensive swing of things. Greb assisted on the game winning goal as the Oilers edged the visiting Minnesota Wild 2-1. Greb has 3 assists over his last 4 games and now has 4 goals and 22 assists for 26 points on 52 games. The helper was a big one as it was career point #50 for Grebeshkov coming in the young blueliner's 156th game.

Check in soon for more updates at FIW.

Tuesday February 24

There were an impressive 11 games on the NHL schedule on Tuesday night as teams battle for points in the standings. Former Islanders helped out in 5 of those contests. Here is a quick look:

Philadelphia winger Arron Asham scored the insurance goal with 7 and a half remains remaining as the Flyers doubled up on the Washington Capitals for a 4-2 road win. Asham has played well as of late with 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) over the last 5 games. Asham now has 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points on 54 games. For the 7th straight season Asham has scored 5 or more goals. His 11 points surpassed his 10 point, 77 game effort from the 2007-08 campaign while still with the New Jersey Devils.

Colorado winger Ryan Smyth assisted on his team's first goal as the Avalanche were edged by the host Atlanta Thrashers 4-3. Smyth now has 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points on 61 becoming the first FI this season to reach the 50 point mark. For the 7th time on his career Smyth has 30+ helpers and is only 9 assists short of tying his single season high from the 2000-01 while with the Edmonton Oilers.


Recently added FIs Mike Comrie and Chris Campoli helped the Ottawa Senators out as they beat the visiting Carolina Hurricanes 4-2. Center Comrie scored the game winning goal with only 11 seconds remaining in the 1st Period to help lead the Avs to victory. In only his second game since returning to the Sens Comrie has notched his first goal and point. On the season he has 8 goals and 13 assists for 21 points on 43 games. The game winner was the 25th of Comrie's career. Defenseman Chris Campoli had a powerplay assist on the insurance goal. He has 3 assists in first 2 games with Ottawa. Campy now has 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points on 53 games. This is only the 2nd time Campoli has 20 or more points on a season and the first since his rookie campaign during the 2005-06 season with the Isles.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo saw his career best 8 game win streak come to a screeching halt as the Canucks were blanked by the host Montreal Canadiens 3-0. Lu stopped 14 of a meager 16 shots faced. With the loss Luongo is now 19-8-5 on the season with a 2.55 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. He also has 5 shutouts on the season but has not posted one since November 8 at the tail end of a string of 3 straight goose eggs. Assisting on the empty net goal was Montreal d-man Roman Hamrlik. He has 4 goals and 21 assists for 25 points on 60 games. Hamr has now has 13 straight seasons notching 25+ points.

Edmonton winger/defenseman/whoseewhatsit Jason Strudwick scored his team's 2nd goal as the Oilers surpassed the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3. With the goal Strud snapped a 16 goal-less streak and now has 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) on 50 games. Strudwick has notched 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) over the last 2 contests marking the first time he has had points in back-to-back games October 24-26, 2002 while still a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. Strud is only 1 goal shy of tying his single season high from the 2005-06 while with the Rangers and with the goal set a new single season high in points.

Check in soon for more updates and highlights here at FIW.

Friday February 20

There were 3 games on tap Friday night around the NHL but only one Former Islander accomplishment of note. Here is a look:

Colorado winger Ryan Smyth scored the opening goal and added 2 assists as the Avalanche bested the host Washington Capitals 4-1. Smyth assisted on the game winner and the final tally to secure second star honor. Smyth now has 20 goals and 29 assists for 49 points on 59 games. The 2nd assists was career point #650 for Smyth who has 304 goals and 246 assists on 902 career games. For the 9th time on his career Smyth has notched 20+ goals.

Check in soon for more recaps and highlights.

Tuesday February 17

There were 7 games on tap Tuesday night as 14 teams battled for midseason points. The chase for playoff spots is becoming furious and each win seems to be a matter of pride for most teams. Former Islanders are no strangers to helping recently and were involved in 5 of those games. Here is a quick recap of their efforts:

Buffalo center Tim Connolly had 2 assists including on the game winner and a powerplay helper as the Sabres downed the host Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. Connolly, who recently saw a 5 game point streak snapped, got back on the boxscore and now has 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) on 24 games. Over the last 7 outings he has 8 points on 2 goals and 6 assists. He has 7 multi-point games this season and despite having already missed most of the season is already 7th among Sabres players in points. Assisting on the lone Leafs' goal, a powerplay effort, was winger Jason Blake. He now has 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points on 53 games. For the 6th straight season Blakey has reached the 45+ point mark. The extra man helper was his 10th of the season and for the 3rd time in the last 3 years Blake has reached that mark equaling his prior single season highs.

Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara had a powerplay helper on his team's 4th goal as the Bruins heartily defeated the host Carolina Hurricanes 5-1. Chara now has 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points on 58 games. Chara now has 20 points (7 goals, 13 assists) with the man advantage this season making it 4 straight seasons hitting the 20+ mark in powerplay points.



Florida winger Richard Zednik kept up his hot play with a powerplay goal and an assist as the Panthers blanked the visiting New Jersey Devils 4-0. Zed now has 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points on 46 games. Over the last 7 games he has 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points. For the 2nd straight season and 9th time on his career Zednik has reached the 25+ point mark. Assisting on the game winning goal was d-man Bryan McCabe. He snapped a 5 game pointless streak and also has 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) on 47 games. For the 8th time on his career has has recorded 25 or more points on a season. For the 9th consecutive season and 12th time on his career he has notched 15+ helpers.

Colorado winger Ryan Smyth scored his team's 2nd goal as the Avalanche pulled off a 3-2 OT win over the visiting Ottawa Senators. Smyth has 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points on 58 games. Smyth is 2nd on the Avs in goals scored and 1st in assists and points.




Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped 38 of 41 shots in the first 65 minutes and all 3 shots faced in the SO as the Canucks edged the host Calgary Flames 4-3. Luongo has won his last 6 starts while surrendering just under 3 goals per game, a fairly unimpressive figure. Unlike prior winning streaks by Luongo we have not seen shutouts or overwhelming flashes of brilliance, just consistency. Luongo is now 17-7-5 on the season with a .914 save percentage and a 2.61 goals against average. This is the longest winning streak for Luongo since December 26, 2006 to January 7, 2007 while in his first season with the 'Nucks. During that streak Luongo won 7 straight starts and similarly racked up no shutouts. Missing on his shot in the 3rd Round of the shootout was Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.