I think alot of writers may have been wrong with their initial assessments of the New York Islanders. Myself included.

The New York Islanders looked pretty sharp last night in a back and forth battle with the Buffalo Sabres that saw the Isles capture a 6-4 win on the road in Western New York. The Islanders newly acquired top line of Ruslan Fedotenko (1 goal, 2 asssists), Bill Guerin (2 assists), and Mike Comrie (2 goals, 2 assists) immediately clicked last night. The Islanders power play provided three of the goals.

Before the game the Islanders were asked what they would consider a successful season, and most provided the artificial canned answers, like making the playoffs, playing to the best of our abilities, etc.... but Isles goaltender nailed his point. "Winning the Stanley Cup. Anything else is a failure." You gotta love that guy.

The Buffalo Sabres looked pretty good last night on 5 on 5, but their penalty kill needs some work. They still pounce on turnovers and make their opponents pay for their mistakes (hence the 4 goals allowed by the Islanders) but they also provide many of their own. The Sabres should get big years from Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford (who both scored last night) and I expect that many of their games this season will be high scoring affairs like last nights. The Sabres and Islanders will face off again tonight in Uniondale, Long Island to wrap up the home and home series.

Quick Shave:
Remember in NHL 94 when Jeremy Roenick was unstoppable? You could do anything with him and you'd score.... especially that breakaway deke move that the goaltenders were never able to stop (personally I was a Theo Fluery man, but that's a story for another day). In any case, Roenick's signing by the San Jose Sharks was an afterthought over the summer, as an opportunity to acquire some affordable veteran leadership for their young team, and give Roenick the chance to eclipse the 500 goal mark that is within his reach. Before last night's game against the Vancouver Canucks, Roenick was five shy of the 500 club.... after the game however he found himself within 3. Yes, Jeremy Roenick led his San Jose Sharks to victory over the Canucks 3-1, providing two of the goals in the win. The Sharks did look pretty solid last night, and following the Anaheim Ducks template, are big, fast and very physical much to Vancouver's dismay. They will be a chore to beat this year. The Canucks didn't look bad, they just fell behind early and were never able to regain the lost ground. Rookie Ryan Shannon had 3 or 4 gift-wrapped opportunities but was unable to bury the chances.... this kid looked good, and was in the right place at the right time. Fantasy owners should watch list this kid, because once he learns how to finish he will start getting goals in bunches. The Canucks started slow last year, and didn't really find their offence till after Thanksgiving, so be patient... they will be there.

Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Ottawa 7:00

If the Rangers want to win the Stanley Cup they are going to have to march through the Ottawa Senators to get there. Tonight is a great bench test for this club as well as the Sens. Enjoy the games!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh