 Instead of starting the year in Western Canada, it seems the schedule makers forgot there was a team on Long Island for a while and have decided to make up for it by scheduling the Islanders for 9 games in 16 days (5h, 4a). As unrealistic as some may feel, if you are like me and do your best to hold out some optimism, you still belive the playoffs are an option for this team. I really think the record at the end of this stretch will define this seasons' teams season as well as some of the players. There are several players on the cusp of even having a job in the NHL. Jeff Tambellini, Jon Sim, Schremp, Thompson, Comeau and you could argue several others. There is little doubt in my mind that this stretch could cost some players their jobs and possibly even careers (ahem, Tambellini). We'll also get to see if JT is all he is cracked up to be, if Bailey can step up rather then be sent on his butt, if Gervais is starting slowly or if he will regain his form from the end of last season. The entire D should be under the microscope, sans Streit, as they all have all been a bit slow/off their "A" games. There is a lot of room for speculation and "what if's", but we all know these 9 games will be very demanding for the team. Let's hope they are in shape and the groin alter will receive no more offerings. Bookmark/Search this post with:
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