7 Straight

Though the Islanders reverted to their early-season ways of blowing a lead on Friday night (3/20), we're pleased to report that Kyle extended his point scoring streak (with a goal and an assist). The mark now stands at seven games after a 5-4 loss to Carolina, a seesaw battle in which the Isles succumbed on two late Hurricane goals.

Whereas earlier in the season an Okposo point was looked upon as an occasional pleasant surprise, one now looks to the post-game boxscores with an eagerness to see how many points Kyle might have netted in the contest. As we've said many times before in this space, his growth as a player has coincided with the growth of the team. That is what has gotten fans who were formerly despondent excited again about this franchise.

Staying at the right wing position for a moment, we were pleased to learn earlier in the week that Tim Jackman signed a one-year contract extension. The move keeps him on the Island for a very reasonable rate of $550,000 and is understood to be a one-way contract. While Jackman is not a top scorer on the team, his leadership, work ethic, and toughness have been heralded by both people within the organization and fans.

On the subject of leadership, many are opining on whom may be the team's captain next season. We'll expound on this subject some more in the near future, but rest assured that it is our firm belief that Kyle has earned the right to wear at least the assistant captain's "A" next year. With 11 games remaining in this year's campaign, though, we'll have plenty of time to dissect this subject further in the summer.

Finally, old friends Chris Campoli and Mike Comrie welcome the Islanders to Canada for the final time this season tomorrow night (3/21), as Ottawa is the scheduled opponent. We'll see if Kyle can make it a lucky 8 against his former mates!