Nothing is better at the end of an Islander game than seeing Ted smile.  You don’t even have to watch the game to know exactly what happened when you see his face light up as he leaves the ice.  Certainly, last night’s 4-2 win over the Penguins made that smile that much broader, and the trip home, that much more relaxed.

So Hilbert gets moved to the 4^th line and lights a fire with Bridgeport call-ups Blake Comeau and Tim Jackman.  You know what this tells me?  We really should pay more attention to Bridgeport.  They’re obviously playing some good hockey there. I think Tom Liodice has known this all along!  I’m going to start checking out SoundTigers TV while I’m working waiting for NHL.Live to come on. 

Greg Logan has some really great quotes in his two articles today in Newsday.  I’m wondering if Hilbert had anyone in mind when he said “Everyone knows you have to come out and play.  It doesn’t matter who you are.”……. (Mike Comrie…. Ok… that’s just in my head.)  At least Hilbert realizes, as Jaffe said last week, being on the power play is a PRIVEDGE.  Good going Andy.

Also good to read this morning is Sidney Crosby’s respect of our own Brendan Witt.  We may not have “Super-stars” on this team, but when you hear the super-stars themselves are taken off their game by seeing #32 out on the ice, it’s a bonus.  And since Sid-The-Kid is getting a little more respect now after his recent “Gordie Howe Hat Trick,” the fact that he said Witt is one of his toughest opponents just means maybe he won’t be able to light the lamp too often on our ice.   I hope.

The Capitals were relaxing on Long Island last night while the Islanders worked.  Hopefully the Isles will take the momentum from the game and bring it back to the barn tonight.  I don’t mind the Caps spending a lovely December evening on Long Island; I just don’t want them to leave with two points.  I’m sure Ted doesn’t either.  I think he actually enjoys being able to flash that smile of his.  I know I love seeing it.