Random News and Notes

Fans, this will be our last update until at least December 27th, when we'll return with updates on Kyle Okposo's performance in the World Juniors and the return of Jason Blake to Long Island. Until then, here's wishing you and yours the best of holiday seasons, whatever holiday you may celebrate.

Now some random tidbits we've recently cobbled together:

* With a 3-2 overtime win versus Washington on Saturday night, the Isles won back-to-back games for the first time since November 16/19th. The Isles led 2-1 with just under one minute remaining, but Alexander Ovechkin whipped a shot past Rick DiPietro to tie it. New first-liner Richard Park provided the game winner in OT as his defender was clipped by a teammate's stick, leaving Park wide open to net the winner.

* With the win, Rick DiPietro tied Kelly Hrudey with 106 franchise wins, good enough for 3rd place all-time. Rick said he was not aware of the milestone, but was honored since he grew up watching Hrudey. Next up for Rick is Glenn 'Chico' Resch with 157 wins.

* Before the game, Chris Botta (a.k.a. 'The Blogfather') was honored by the team for his 20 years of service. He was presented with a #20 jersey and a Rolex watch. His family was with him on-ice as he received the gifts. Well done, Mr. Botta. The only problem is that Sean Bergenheim wants his number back.

* Congratulations are also in order for Ted Nolan, whose son Brandon made his NHL debut on Saturday night with the Carolina Hurricanes. The younger Nolan wasted no time in making an impact, assisting on a first period goal in Carolina's 4-1 win at Tampa Bay.

* On a related note, it seems that in order to get a question in during Nolan's press conferences you've gotta just jump in and throw caution to the wind. While the rest of our fellow Blog Boxers may think we're big liars, we were about to ask the coach about his son's debut when a traditional media-type beat us to the punch and asked the question practically verbatim. That's at least the second, if not third time this has happened. It looks like we'll have to follow The Outsider's lead during the post game debrief, since he has no problem jumping into the fray.

* For those of you wondering, apparently there is no word in the Czech language for "takeaway." But we overheard Josef Vasicek and Miroslav Satan chatting outside the locker room, and 'Joe' seemed to be proud of his 3 takeaways in the game. As for what else was discussed, we have no idea.

And on that note, we'll catch you later...