Kings Have No Friends - Senegalese Proverb

Well, not on Long Island tomorrow at least. As the Islanders prepare to meet the LA Kings tomorrow for a Columbus Day Matinee match-up, they opened up their practice facility to some Season Ticket Holders. The crowd of over 100 was very kind and happy to be there.

Considering the three points in three games, I myself was a little worried about the reaction.

Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit did not hit the ice with the rest of the team. They were “getting treatment” as I was told. Scott Gordon called it “getting a day off.” Doug Weight was on the ice and took a full practice and actually seemed to be having a little fun.

Robbie Schremp may have been a NY Islander since only Sept. 29th, but he was out there today looking like he’s been part of this team since training camp. Everyone seems to get along well and there was a lot of communication.

In the notes that I took for today I mention that Matt Moulson looks like he can score even when he’s not looking to. I think the puck just finds him. He was screening Biron and twice the puck hit him and bounced over Biron's shoulder and into the net. It’s like he has magic or something.

It’s amazing how many people just refuse to give up on summer or who don’t realize it’s an Ice rink and show up in shorts, sandals and short sleeves. Freezing on the bleachers doesn’t enhance the fan experience.

Gordon called it a “light practice” but I watched most of them skate full out, including Coach Gordon! He doesn’t skate badly for a Goalie.

Even big guy Joel Rechlicz skated pretty hard, and actually quite well, as they went through their paces for the Season Ticket Holders.

And then it happened! I almost passed out. The door to the rink opened and another goalie in full gear skated out onto the ice. I starting trying to take photos, but for *some* reason, someone always skated in front of him. He skated one lap around the rink. YES! It was true! Those white pads and that mask are unmistakable! It was… RICK DIPIETRO!! IN PADS!!

I chased him down to the far end of the ice. Frans Nielsen took shots on him under the watchful eye of Scott Gordon. They were slow shots from close range for both the rehabbing players. At one point, when Hillen was taking shots on him too, Rick seemed just a little frustrated and banged his stick on the top of the net. I snapped away. Hopefully, I have something to prove it was him.As practice was winding down, Richard Park and Scott Gordon were at center ice talking… and talking… and talking. I’d say it was about six minutes. Wonder what it was all about. There didn’t seem to be any hand gestures to give away the content. No one looked angry or annoyed. But they stayed out there for a long, long, LONG time.

After the practice ended, I spoke with both Scotts about the Monday afternoon match-up. Check here for those two minutes with the coaches.