Bolts losers of 5, Isles losers of 10

Yep, this game is going to get chippy for sure.

So I'm here tonight at the Coliseum with some of my closest friends in this very intimate setting and all I can think of is -- WHY is Rob Schremp a healthy scratch? @IceCreepsMike said it was just to upset me. They are succeeding.

Dylan Reese is in the line up for Jack Hillen who at first was said to have the flu but now has a concussion. Yeah, I can see how you can misdiagnose that: not.

I had a very pleasant conversation with Sean Bergenheim this morning, but I don't have time to write it up today since I had to work, but I will get to it.

Suffice it to say that when I asked about tonight's game, he said yes, both teams would be playing to win and that no, he wouldn't be telling his team mates too much about Jack's style of coaching. The Isles have only had two days to practice with Jack and while he may have made some changes to the system, he said the Bolts didn't pay much attention to anything but their own game.

Photos and more as the game progresses.

5:02 left of the first and the Islanders are on the PK with Dylan Reese in the box for stick holding or should I say stupidity. When this game started the Islanders were outshooting the Bolts, now they are behind 9 - 12 and Roli has had to make numerous close rang saves and Steve Downie fanned on a puck right in front of the crease, so that helped kill the penalty.

With only 46 seconds left, Bailey was sent to the box for slashing and Stamkos scored on Roloson with only .3 seconds left. The goal was reviewed, but it was good. The ended the first period down by one.

With the second period going full force, teh Bolts are already at 25 SOG to the Isles 11. While Roloson has made some excellent saves, he's also been pretty damn lucky as the rebounds have sat waiting to be pushed in. This is a game of missed opportunities for both teams so far.

It is a good thing that Scorpios have such hard heads because Matt Moulson was charged at and his head bounced off the glass. JT took offense and had to spend two minuts in the box for roughing. (he he he... JT) Ritola got five for charging and the Islanders had a 3 minute power play once JT was sprung. And... nothing.

However, while Trent Hunter was in the box, the Bolts scored and with only 3;00 left of the second, the shots are now a very unbalanced 32 (bolts) to 23 (Isles.) yep.

Matt Moulson seems to be the one man playing tonight with a purpose and with 2:34 left has cut the lead in half. He doesn't look happy, just resigned. But it does get the Isles that much closer to saving face tonight

With 3:45 left of the third, the Isles are still down by one. The SOG have become a little better and currently stand at 33 Isles and 38 Bolts. But it looks like this will indeed go to 11.

In these final minutes it looks as if someone finally woke up Blake Comeau and Dan Ellis isn't having any problems tonight. He's managed to stop everything that's come his way since Matt snuck one by him. But we'll see.