Race Horses & Hockey Players --

They'll break your heart.

I heard that line on a radio program a few years ago and I never forgot it. I think it had to do with betting, but I can't be sure. All I know is... I shouldn't make bets. I'm really not a gambler. But I made the deal, I'll stick by the deal. I'll also stick by my beliefs.

Matt Moulson is at LEAST a 20 goal scorer. I'm sure of it. And while he sits at 16 goals half way through the season, barring any unforeseen injury, he'll exceed my expectation. Maybe I just shouldn't have been as over zealous (Or over served) to say it would only take him until January 1st to get there. But it's okay. He's still one hell of a hockey player.

I'm very happy to see Robbie Schremp getting his chances too. He's been called my newest "charity case" since I do seem to spend time coddling the underdogs in this business. But I'll tell you that Schremp has a great gift coupled with a great personality. He won't be an underdog for long.

The man with the smallest fan-club has been doing quite well too. That would be Jon Sim. Sorry people, I can't help but be happy for him after seeing him so miserable when he was out for the season.

Speaking of someone being miserable while out -- Ricky D! Making his presence known back at practice. Woo hoo! This poor guy can't sneeze without someone tweeting about it. Everyone has to know his every move or all hell breaks loose.

Rick! Rick!! What did you have for breakfast?? But then again, I guess Rick will ALWAYS be big news. For me, the biggest news of the day was seeing Rick getting pointers from Scott Gordon and seeing "Flash" flash that winning smile of his.

"Did you get that on camera Dee? Because no one would believe it!" I don't know why so many think that Scott Gordon has no personality. He has a wonderful sense of humor. Maybe they're just not used to someone who carries himself with such decorum.

But there he was in net, giving Rick pointers. And there I was, at the glass. It's blurry, but it's not photo shopped!

Okay, so the big news is Ricky being recalled from Bridgeport and making the trip with the team. Okay, so we've got three goalies on the trip. It's good for him to get back with the team. After all, he still is, and always was, a huge part of it.

Does that mean that somewhere on this trip #39 may be between the pipes for a period or two? Maaaaaayyyyyyybbeeee. We'll just have to wait and see. We've had plenty of spare parts all season. Having a spare goalie won't kill them.

On the injury front, I feel very bad for tough-guy (but really, really GOOD-guy) Tim Jackman. That guy can't catch a break. I hope you all read the recount of New Year's Eve at the ER on the Islanders Authorized blog on their main website. It's well worth the read. http://islanders.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=59682&navid=DLNYIhome

Sean Bergenheim will play at some point over the next three games. (Yeah!!!) But Bruno Gervais took a puck to the face today and walked off the ice bleeding. I'm sure he'll be alright, but still, there's always a risk.

Matt Moulson had his lip split when he took a stick to the mouth, but the stitches seem to be healing. The scar will match the others he has.

I saw Jiggs MacDonald at the practice today. I was glad as I thought for sure I'd miss him during this visit to the Island. What a pleasant man to be around. And such a wealth of hockey history. I should have taken a photo with him, just to make Big Angry Man a little jealous. Just like every other Dynasty Die-Hard, he loves Jiggs.

Isles practice tomorrow before heading off on their road trip. The hardest part of the West Coast stints for us fans? Staying up long enough to watch the games. The hardest part for the Islanders? Winning.

WE have it far easier than they do.