That was a preseason game??

Wow....

If your an Islanders season ticket holder....or plan holder.....or just decided to take in an Isles -Ranger game on a Monday night....and you witnessed what I did tonight?....Give the rest of your tickets away. Don't go to another game this season....cause it doesn't get any better than this.

The newest Islanders left their stamp on this game on all fronts in a wild 5-4 OT victory over the Rangers. About 40 seconds into the game, Andy Sutton nearly beheaded a Ranger at the Islander blueline setting the tone. After being assessed a 2 minute minor for elbowing....(which I don't understand since Sutton's elbows are in line with just about every one's head). As he came out of the box....and was stopped on a breakaway....fight number 1....decision Colton Orr. Less than 2 minutes later....Kip Brennan wins bout number 2 with a vicious blow to the head to some Ranger player....(it's not even important who it was).

The entire first period was all about hitting and fighting. This Islanders squad is a very scrappy team. They hit....they skate and they are not afraid to mix it up. All of them. The second period is where it got wild....when Simon and Ryan Hollweg....(who I'm convinced can not hit a player who's facing him) got into it....as did just about everyone else. Just as Simon and Hollweg are getting started....Jason Strudwick jumps on Chris Simon....at this point Rick DiPietro grabs Strudwick and tries prying him off....getting in a few shots along the way.....reluctantly, Rangers prospect Al Montoya came down the ice, and judging from his body language, was there solely as a spectator. DiPietro had different ideas....as Montoya skated near the pile of players....DiPietro realized that Montoya had left his crease and was going to be automatically ejected...as was Ricky. At this point DiPietro is going to get his money's worth. Ricky immediately removed his mask and gloves in preparation for his own battle. Montoya was a little hesitant with this. He didn't remove his equipment for a few moments as Ricky skated around him....it actually took some coxing to get him to remove his helmet and actually fight. When it was all said and done...Montoya landed on the ice as Ricky was punching him from above. Now it wasn't the same as Cloutier pounding Tommy Salo many moons ago....but it definitely exacted some revenge.

With the resulting penatalies....the Isles fell behind 4-1 midway through the 2nd period. As for many fans....it didn't matter as they were still buzzing from the excitment. With 2 quick late power play goals....(both setup by Bryan Berard)...heading to the 3rd it was 4-3.

The 3rd period was much more like an actual hockey game....as the concentration was on scoring goals and winning the game. The Isles tied the game on a beautiful rush by Josef Vasicek.

The OT period was much the same as the 3rd as both teams were gunning for a win like it was December not September....

On a stupid penalty taken by Brendan Shanahan....the Isles had a power play....and with this new unit of Guerin, Comrie, Berard and Bergeron....they are dangerous. Comrie banked in the winning goal off something or somebody....and we have a happy recap.

Here are some thoughts

1. Bryan Berard pretty much locked up that final defenseman spot....as Freddy Meyer was loosing it...Meyer took 4 penalties...as Berard had 4 assists and was running the power play. You could see Berard shouting directions to Bergeron at the other point. This is a much different unit than last season....much more unpredictable....as both Berard and Bergeron have good shots and are not afraid to use them.

2. Andy Sutton is a man without fear. This guy will put himself in front of everything. He threw big hits....had 2 fights, and he set the tone early with that monster hit less than a minute into the game.

3. How the hell did no one sign Josef Vasicek? This guy is a solid 2 way player....he has some speed...and that was a beautiful goal he scored to tie it. Somewhere I am hoping Oleg Kvasha was watching Vasicek score that goal, as that rush was exactly what many coaches have tried to get him to do.

4. Mike Comrie is always around the puck. He is always around the net....and he seems to have very good chemistry with his linemates already. Personally 75 points is not out of the questions. And as it was pointed out to me....I would trade Carol Alt for Hillary Duff anyday of the week.

5. If this was just a preseason game....can anyone imagine what that last game of the season is going to be like at the Coliseum?.....and yes....it's against the Rangers.

6. I like Blake Comeau and Jeff Tambellini...and like the kid on the Verizon FIOS commerical so innocently asks...."Can we keep em??"

Thats it....bed time....

Would love to hear your thoughts....you can contact me at

Tony@islesnation.com

Thanks!

Tony