Isles & a Wild "Homecoming"

While last night's loss was heartbreaking for Nate Lawson and the Islanders, there is no time to sit around and sulk. They've got a desperate team heading into their house and they need points more than the Isles do. They'll probably do anything to get them too.

While the Wild have their fair share of injuries, the Islanders lead the league in man games lost. That fact has put youngsters in the line-up without much NHL experience. That lack of experience is killer when facing teams like Washington as they did last night.

While I read that the key mistakes last night that lead to the (literally) last minute breakdown belonged to Michael Grabner in the final minute and Travis Hamonic in OT, I'd like to say one thing: Butch Goring made a point of saying that in the final minute of the game, Jack was going with four forwards and found that "aggressive." So, that goal at 47 seconds left I put on Jack's head. The overtime goal by Ovechkin was just the great 8 being the super player he is. (Not your fault Travis.)

Okay, Welcome Home Eric Nystrom who comes to town with the Wild who haven't seen the Islanders since they played them twice in 2009. The last time Eric was in the building was with Calgary. Now he is wearing a different sweater, but the memories are still the same.

Look for Al Montoya to be in net tonight (I would think!), but not sure if Radek Martinek who was listed as day-to-day is well enough to be in the line-up. Michael Haley is also expected out of the line-up as he was hit with a puck last night in the knee and is being evaluated today after not being able to continue playing in Washington.

Thanks to @IslesChick Lisa for posting that great photo on Twitter.

Also, here's a new Islanders related YouTube show by two of my best blogger buddies, JohnnyZ from Islanders Top Shelf and Brad Kurtzberg from Insidehockey.com. Give it a try.
If you're heading to the Coliseum tonight, make sure you stop at the Social Media desk at Doolin's and sign in and say Hi. Later!