Home & Home May not Be Sweet

Finally.

The players may have needed a five day gap between games, but the fans didn't. Riding a tiny ripple of momentum by earning four points in six games. That's how Matt Moulson said it to me. He didn't look at it like three games. He still was thinking about the losses.

But it's not just points lost, it's also man games. Tonight the Islanders will face the Rangers without Trent Hunter and without Mike Mottau. They get back (FINALLY!) Andy MacDonald. How big will his head be if they go on a winning streak with him back in the line-up? Do we care?

With Doug Weight helping to coach the power play, will they improve their 0 for 29 record tonight? How big will HIS head get if they can turn THAT around? Again, Do we care?

Rick DiPietro will face off against the Blueshirt squad. If he can maintain the same form he has had in his recent starts, this could be a very interesting match-up. Not that it ever isn't.

The ad today in Newsday says this game is for Bragging Rights. It always is. These games are for the Metro Cup, the trophy the Islanders have far more of a chance to win than the Stanley Cup (again).

Tortorella told Newsday that Sean Avery has played well and been effective recently. He has been moved up from the fourth line to the first. He will just be more annoying there. I'm pretty certain it will all start in warm-ups and go from there. Anyone else calling for Trevor Gillies to be in the line-up tonight? Yes.

I am not sure if young Travis Hamonic will get his first chance at playing against the Rangers and experiencing the Rivalry. Andy MacDonald said he's ready for it. I'm pretty sure Rick is too.

The question will be -- Is Jack?