Game Day: Isles @ Caps

So we all sat around waiting to hear the "big" news and had less than 20 moves the entire day.  If not for the 2:55 pm drama of Cody Hodgson the day would probably have been a complete bust.

Once Brian Rolston cleared waivers, he seemed to be Bridgeport bound.  But perhaps as a favor to him, Garth managed to move him to the Boston Bruins along with Mike Mottau.  In return Garth received an AHLer and an ECHLer, but most fans would have been happy if the Isles just paid the Bruins to take both of them.  Sad, but true.

In Washington the Capitals didn't do anything.  In what basically proves Brian Burke's theory of "If you don't like your team in March, you didn't do a good job in September," as GM George McPhee told reporters "I just didn't see anything that makes us better."  And there's the thing. 

At this point in time every team is eyeing what will make them better either for the end of this season or NEXT season.  Also, some of the biggest moves are no longer made at the deadline, but prior.  Deals are signed, trades are made well before the dreaded "Trade Deadline Day."  This is a trend that will probably continue until "Trade Deadline Day" is no longer such a big deal (and then can officially be removed from the Canadian calendars as a National holiday.)

On ice, the Washington Capitals have managed to win their last two games.  They're looking for their third straight win to help them inch closer to a playoff spot.  The Islanders are looking to spoil their party.  If history repeats itself, they will. 

The Isles have won the last two meeting with the Capitals in November and January.  With the stress of the trade deadline behind them (PA Parenteau!) they can concentrate on finding ways to win games. 

Speaking of PA Parenteau, the idea that Garth Snow would entertain offers for him could have been a very clever ploy to show his agent what PA is worth on the open market.  I'm pretty sure a deal will be done, but at least he's set the stage.

Talks with Nabokov's agent also continue, but that one may be a little trickier to get done.  Maybe he wants too much.  Maybe he has other "personal" concessions he expects.  I'm not sure.  But that's another deal that should get done.

Does that leave Montoya in or out of the mix?  I believe I read that Garth was entertaining offers for Montoya as well leaving huge question marks about the future status of Rick DiPietro.  Too many questions -- No answers.


Josh Bailey is still day to day with back spasms and Nicklas Backstrom is out indefinitely with a concussion. All-Star defenseman Dennis Wideman has no points in the last eight games while P.A. Parentau has ten points in his last eight games.  Looking to improve his negotiation position, he'll add a few more tonight I'm sure.

Puck drop at 7 pm as the Isles start the final stanza of the 2011-2012 season.  Make it a good one.