While others are blogging on the fly, I’m writing notes in my little orange notebook that I actually bought for my 13 year old daughter as a joke.  She never used it, so I took it.  Thought it would be funny.  To me, it’s hysterical.

 

So last night’s game and Firefighter appreciation night were one HUGE success.  Kudos to everyone involved; the Islanders organization, and all the participating departments that helped to make the night one for the books.  By night’s end the evening had netted over $40,000 for charity.  Thanks to Greg Logan for mentioning that in his article today.  I truly don’t believe that the Islanders were getting enough credit for the charity work they have done in the past, and now are continuing to do 10 fold.  They have made themselves a strong benefactor of the Long Island community and I’d like to thank them for that.

 

I’d like to thank Adam Jacobs in Group Sales for being able to put up with Big Angry Man and his “better-late-than-never” fire dept. members.  They couldn’t have been happier with the service and perpetual assistance you gave them.

 

So what does my little note book say about last night?  Let’s see.

 

Um… where are my fellow “Blog Boxers”?  There are supposed to be four of us, but only Ken (Okposonet) and I are in the box.  With the additional room at the table, Mr. Botta chose to watch the first period with us and was commenting on the plays as they were happening.  As everyone here knows, the technical aspects of the game are foreign to me, so I just politely smiled and nodded.

 

Parise… less than a minute in and he’s making us pay for not taking him in the draft. 

 

If they can’t score on Weekes on the power play, they may as well hang it up now.  I’m shocked that Marty is sitting on that little stool in the visitor’s tunnel-way.  But I’m thinking that Ricky may be playing a better game because Marty ISN’T directly opposite him in net.  They have such similar styles, and Rick (in my opinion) will be the next “greatest goalie today” and dethrone Brodeur in the very near future.  I think Marty knows it, and last night he had a ringside seat to watch as Rick made some amazing glove saves over and over again. 

 

16:29 and Vasieck ties it up.  The SOG are even, but for some reason there is a delay getting the Islanders goal up on the scoreboard.  14:25 and Miro finally delivers! Didn’t LIKE the Chicken finger meal on the plane, did ya’?  Welcome to the score sheet under “G” and not just “A”.  That’s where you belong, start a trend now.

 

Islanders head to the dressing room tied at one after the first, and I head to Gate 1 for the game day Meet & Greet with IslanderQueen who has come to retrieve me from my perch.  (Ahem… the M&G was small for a night that we knew there were many NYIC members in attendance.)  While on the concourse we watch Bates and Bergeron walk by dressed in their dark suits, and looking not particularly happy.

 

Once back on the ice for the 2^nd period, at 12:03 first the puck goes off the post and then in for a goal by Comrie.  The SOG are now 21 – 10, but Miro balances his first goal by taking a penalty and now we’ll see how well the PK is doing.  I’ve read that it’s high up there in league stats, so we’ll hope they can keep their average up.

 

Bergie was doing a great job on the PK and didn’t let up even when he was down on the ice.  He’s really come a long way.  “Blake who?”  Just kidding.  There will never be another Jason Blake. (Wait?  Who did I hear that from last night?  Never mind.)

 

3:01 left in the second and it was 3-1.  As usual, I’m getting that “end of period” anxiety attack.  Just as I was yelling “Don’t start the 3^rd on the penalty kill!” with 14.8 seconds left, Witt takes a cross checking penalty and heads to the box.  I gotta stop that.  I’m really starting to freak myself out that as soon as I verbalize something, it’s happening.  Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut about negative things.  Positive thoughts… Positive thoughts… oooohhhhmmmmmm….. breathe…

 

Ok, at least they got out of the second still up 2.

 

Out on the concourse Deanna stops and says “hello” to me.  I’m laughing in my head because just today B>A

 

Watching the game highlights on the Jumbotron, I can’t help but wish I could hear the game.  I’d take Jaffe or Mears, but without them calling it, I feel like I’m really missing a huge part of the game.

 

Yet another penalty killed off.  What’s that NHL stat now??? Gotta be good!

 

17:38 and Ricky just misses one over his shoulder and the lead is cut to 3-2.

 

Comrie takes a stick to the face and they’re right back on the Power Play.  “It would really be a comfort to see an insurance goal here gentlemen.”  I figure if my negative thoughts work, maybe my positive ones will too.  But to no avail, all I see are Devils clears.

 

Much to my surprise and delight, “IslesBlogger.com” Michael joins us at the table.  7:49 and they are tied at 3.  It seems to be all Devils now.  The Islanders can’t seem to generate any chances.  With 1:18 Sean, who was doing SO well, takes a bad penalty.  I don’t agree with the call, but what the hell do I know.  With only 1 minute left in overtime, the crowd erupts in a chant that had been missing the entire game.  They are deafening.  With 3.7 seconds left, Guerin, excuse me, CAPTAIN Guerin, lights the lamp and saves the day.  This is a HUGE two points for the Islanders on a very special evening.

 

It couldn’t have been any better all the way around.  Well, except if my BB buddies were there to enjoy it with me.

 

Off to the event in the Park.  Have a pleasant Sunday!