The Sabres and Islanders meet tonight at 7pm at HSBC. Its the first time they have met since, that opening weekend sweep by the Islanders, which was a signal to Sabre fans of the season to come. The islanders are always that team I feel the Sabres should beat no matter what, because I feel they are always bad. But with Teddy Nolan you know you'll get some fight out of these guys. Plus its always good to have Ted Nolan back in town. And Miro Satan, who shall be booed all night long. But he's probably used to that now.
Whats going on with the Islanders
The Islanders are coming in with only 3 wins in their last 11 games. They got off to a nice start but have been fading the past month or so. They have 30 points on the year and are a 14-12-2, so pretty much a .500 hockey club. They are currently 11th in the conference 3 points ahead of the Sabres. Their goal differential is not that good on the season, standing at a -14. And if you look at the defensemen, none are a + player. So they are struggling in the defensive zone this year. But they are always a tough game and the Sabres could really use 2 points, if they show the effort from Monday, but actually get the puck in, they should win tonight.
Who does what on the Islanders
Mr Hillary Duff, Mike Comrie is leading the team in points with only 22. And is also a bad -11. So if hes on the ice, theres a good chance you'll score. He also leads the team in goals with 9. Old friend Miro Satan is second in points with 16, and is also the highest rated player on the team with a +2! Thats not good when Miro Satan has the highest +/- rating on your squad. But the islanders are full of muckers and grinders, like Sillinger, Hunter, Simon, Guerin( who just broke out of a 16 game goal drought), and Witt. Just the type of style Ted Nolan would want. It just doesn't result in wins right now. But the heart of the Islanders is Rick Dipietro. How he plays determines how the Islanders play. Hes having a good year with a 2.38GAA and a .912 sv%. But who knows if hes playing tonight, but I would guess so.
I'll be disposed tonight so enjoy all the Sabre Islander action without me. So that means they'll probably win.
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