Isles shut out by Bolts, Bridgeport Prevails

What was with the the new Tampa 3rd Jerseys? Not quite sure I'm liking them. But then, I don't have to now do I?

Okay, so I was only watching the game with one eye on the TV while I was at our SFD Christmas Party. Of course, the Ranger fans in residence had to poke at me every few minutes, but I'm very used to it.

I had my phone set to vibrate for Twitter updates for both the Isles game as well as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers game. It never stopped buzzing. It vibrated off the table at one point.

It was a frustrating game all the way around. Questions about calls, a powerless Power Play, Hedman's first NHL goal, Okposo's lack there-of. Nate Thompson took a stick to the face and ended up with some stitches to close up the cut. Knowing that the Bolts seem to want to be a physical team, I was wondering who was going to answer the bell. DING... It was Jackman.

So while the Islanders were getting shut out by the Bolts and Dwayne Roloson found out what it felt like to be Marty Biron, Rick DiPietro started to shake off the rust in his first night in net in eleven months. While it may not have been a spectacular outing, it was at least a big step forward.

Rick played the first two periods, giving up three goals, before being relieved. The Springfield Falcons' goalie at the other end of the ice let up three goals in the first. Of course, he's played seven more games this season so far than Rick has. Okay, not exactly a ringing endorsement, but you get the idea. Yes, Rick let up three goals on nine shots in the second period. I'm pretty certain his frustration was evident. The Sound Tigers came out on all cylinders in the third and won 7 - 3 Baby steps for Rick. That's what needed.

However, I have one thing to say and I'd like to credit my friend and co-host Anthony Curatolo from The Hockey Guys for the idea. So, here is my "Mother-Slap" moment for the day:

FWAAPPP!!! Rick! No skating out to the blue line to play the puck! Remember what happens when you do? Maybe not. Once time resulted in a concussion. Trust the team in front of you. Play the puck when you're not wearing the pads. Okay? You're giving me (and everybody else) a heart attack.

Okay, so here is today's early morning episode of Off The Rush, or as Anthony coined it "Off The Mess." Yep. No editing, no polish, no titles, no background music, no make-up. Just us... and a lot of coffee to keep us from passing out.