3-8-08 Islanders vs. Flyers - not really

I’m watching the game from the couch, but considering the third is about to start, and they are down 2 - 0, I really don’t’ want to write about the game I’m watching. What’s the point? It only goes to prove that DiPietro can lose just as easily as Dubie and no one can score.

Instead my thoughts wander to what happened in the locker room on Thursday night after that devastating loss to the Rangers. The room belongs to Greg Logan, it always belongs to Greg. He IS the voice of Islander Country. He is our eyes and ears and the best at disseminating what’s going on. Granted, others ask questions, but everyone does give Greg his breathing room and respect. I think this is why Guerin, in his obvious frustration over the ineffectiveness of the power play said “I don’t know what to tell you Greg, I wish I did.”

The captain takes the weight of the team on his shoulders, and it shows in his face. He has no answers and it is eating at his insides. While the media throng was interviewing Dubie, Guerin sat on the bench with an older gentleman with a pad. I don’t know who he was, but they chatted as friends. It seemed like confession, and when dispensation came, Guerin actually smiled and let out a barely audible laugh. “Email me.” he said as he left to go shower.

Brendan Witt entered the locker room shirtless and quiet. He was there to show he wasn’t injured that badly, except maybe his spirit. I was only four feet from him, but I couldn’t hear him, he spoke in pained whispers. They didn’t pressure him. Blogfather Chris Botta turned to Logan with a smile, “Greg, I brought him in here for you.” But I think he had what he needed, and if not, he would go out into the hallway and get it.

CB was in a very good mood considering what transpired on the ice; he even jokingly smacked Tiger Track Tom Liodice around before walking to the back of the media pack. This took Tom by complete surprise and he looked at me and just mouthed “Ouch!” Blog Boxers soon to receive hazard pay.

Scott Gallof (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=13950) was quiet and wide eyed in the room as all this was going on. This proved only one thing… we have all become jaded. This was his first experience and he was quietly amazed. The rest of us have integrated so well, we are no longer awestruck. Maybe it’s time to send us into the visitor’s room in order to get that excitement back. (hint hint hint)

I could hear Sillinger outside the room; I took a peek and saw him on his crutches with a weight belt walking gingerly down the hallway.

Blake vs. Blake: It was time to go but the Blog Boxers were the last out of the room. As Master Corey Witt was handing out the final game summary, he actually spoke to me. “He’s playing in Toronto now; don’t you think it’s time to take that off?”

I think my eyes almost left my head. Mr. Witt is the epitome of professionalism and a man of very few words, so I was stunned that it has taken this many months for him to say something about the necklace I wear everyday. I needed a good comeback, but couldn’t think of one immediately and he already was 10 paces ahead of me.

“Give me something to replace him on this ice, and maybe I will! ‘Cause right now, I got nothing.” There were collective “oooohhhhsss” from my BB buddies behind me. This was a verbal smack down.

“Change the five to a seven, they have the same name.” His response was quiet and emotionless, but direct non-the-less.
“Comeau? Not even close!” I snapped back.

What Master Witt doesn’t realize is how much this necklace has come to mean to me over the past several years. I can’t just arbitrarily change the number on it. It was special to me when my husband gave it to me for our 11th Anniversary. It’s still special to me now, even if the little water bug is in a Leafs Jersey.

But I’ll give you this Master Witt: IF you allow me come to the morning skate on March 18th, and you can get the OLD Blake to spend two minutes with me, I will have the “55” removed from my necklace before the start of game that evening. I promise. And if you don’t know how hard that will actually be for me…… Just ask my husband.
BTW: Islanders lose 4 -1 … AGAIN.