Introducing: Blake Comeau

While most of our attention at Okposo Net is aimed this blog's namesake, from time to time we like to say a few words about the other up-and-coming young stars that the Islanders feature.

After Friday night's win in Pittsburgh, perhaps more than just a few words are needed to laud Blake Comeau.

While Comeau wasn't making his NHL debut on Friday (he had 3 appearances with the Isles in '06-'07), he is new to the squad this year. Called up in the wake of the Chris Simon suspension (a topic we have purposefully avoided discussing), the 2004 2nd round draft pick provided 8:10 of energetic 4th line play during Wednesday's loss. On Friday, we were treated to what will hopefully become the norm for the 21-year old.

After falling behind 2-1 thanks to another Andy Sutton/Rick DiPietro mishap, Comeau assisted on a nice goal that featured handsome teamwork with his linemates Tim Jackman and Andy Hilbert, the latter netting the goal (yes, Andy Hilbert can score!). For Comeau, it was his first NHL point, and surely that puck is a keeper for the trophy case.

Midway through the 3rd period, Hilbert and Comeau struck again and put the Isles in front to stay; this time Hibert assisting on Comeau's first NHL goal. Just 37 seconds later Trent Hunter beat Dany Sabourin for his 6th goal of the year, and the Isles were looking good. They killed off the remaining 8:55 and earned a 4-2 win on the road.

While Comeau probably isn't going to become Marian Gaborik, he has the ability and potential to be a Richard Park-type for the Isles, adding hustle, smarts, and a bit of a scoring touch to a team that sorely lacks it right now.

Congratulations to the Isles for having a rare 4-goal night, and to Blake Comeau on his first 2 NHL points and being voted the first star of the game.

Comeau and the Isles will be right back at it on Saturday night, a home affair against the Washington Capitals. See you there!