End of first period: Islanders 1 Devils 0

Gotta love the Center Ice package. We get the Devils announcers and not the regular Islanders crew. You know, for the biggest game all season you want to habe the announcers of the team that is already in the playoffs.

First impressions: I forgot how much Steve "Decidedly Not Doc" Cangialosi looks like Deuce Bigelow. He used to give me piles whenever I would watch Metrostars games. Now he is stinking up the hockey game.

Chico Resch is the man. He always has reminded me of that favorite uncle of yours that is a bit absent minded but always well meaning. He is always pleasant and excited. But that toupee...

Chico did have a great line when Tom Poti whiffed on a bouncing puck. He said something approxomating "Poti thought that he had half a net (to shoot at) but he had none of the puck." It was funnier that it reads, I swear.

I wonder if the people in Toronto are up-in-arms with Scott Clemmensen in net and not Marty Brodeur. Remember: just because Marty is sitting it out that it doesn't mean that the Devils aren't going to win. I have to admit to a perverse thrill knowing that the Toronto media is now devising their own conspiracy theories as I type this.

The Isles came out with great jump. That had to be expected with their backs against the wall. The Islanders goal was scored by Barnacle Boy himself, Richard Park. Another great effort by Park.

See you after the second...