Highs and Lows

Hey all,

Now that we've had a few moments to compose our thoughts, it's time to reflect on a weekend of emotional swings.

If you're a Bridgeport fan, you've got to be elated with their recent play; they won all three games this long weekend (Fri-Sat-Sun) and are just one (1) point out of an AHL playoff spot. They picked up the big 6 points but still trail Wilkes-Barre/Scranton by the slimmest of margins due to that team's win on Sunday.

Bridgeport has enjoyed positive contributions from various sources as of late. Ben Walter, Tim Jackman, and Trevor Smith provided the scoring on Friday night. Newcomer Colton Fretter chipped in with a 2-goal game in Saturday's win over Binghamton, and Jackman did the same in Sunday's win at Lowell. Let's not overlook the solid contributions from goaltenders Joey MacDonald and Mike Morrison either.

Unfortunately, while the party was raging, Kyle O. preferred to stand in the corner and watch, registering only 1 assist the entire time. Oh well.

While we're happy that the kids are prospering, all is not well in Islanderland. The Isles lost on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons and took away none of the potential four points. With 16 games left and sitting now 5 points out of a playoff berth, it is an understatement to say that time is running out on this team. Sunday's loss was not due to a lack of trying though, as the team registered a whopping 53 shots on goal in the 1-0 loss to Florida. Coach Ted Nolan was pleased with the team's effort, though, and is desperate to figure out how to get the pucks flying into the basket.

There was a pre-game emotional lift, however, as the Islanders honored the greats from their dynasty team of 1980-1983. While there was no banner raising this time around, it was great to once again see such luminaries as Denis Potvin, Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies, and of course, Bob Nystrom back on the Coliseum ice.

With an average of 2.45 goals scored per game this season, the current team could use a dose of energy from those high-flying championship teams. But that's a story for another day.