Bryan Berard is Back

Anyone who loves the Islanders who wasn't excited when Bryan Berard scored that goal last night needs to either admit that they are a robot or they simply need to seek counseling. There, I said it.

The media likes to talk about second chances and redemption but Berard has probably had his fill of those kind of stories. He's probably tired of people bringing up his eye injury and probably sick of people saying that they feel sorry for him. What he does like, above all else, is being known as a hockey player--and one who can contribute in a valuable way.

Last night, we saw just how valuable Bryan Berard can be to the New York Islanders.

To me, he always looked like he ran the power plays more like a point guard than a quarterback. And it is true that playing he and Marc Andre Bergeron together is a scary proposition--even when the Islanders are up a man--the fact that each player compliments the other so well forces the coaches to overlook the defensive deficiencies. It also has to scare the hell out of the opposing goaltender because he has no idea which laser is going to hit him next.

The Islanders are building a good feeling in Uniondale amongst the team and the fans in a season where not much was expected by the hockey media. That's perfect. Make us the underdogs, but let's admire a guy like Bryan Berard who shows up without a contract and everything to prove. The guy then scores a five-on-three goal in his return to the team and the Islanders are now 3-1 to start this season.

We also need to make mention of the game Rick DiPietro played last night. The Rangers buzzed his crease in the third period as the Isles were making Berard's go-ahead goal stand up. Rick was spectacular at times; especially in the third period on a 5-on-3 penalty kill highlighted by a pad save on Scott Gomez. DiPietro finished with 36 saves.

Thursday the Islanders are in Toronto to face Jason Blake and the Leafs. Blake will be pumped up to face his old mates. Then, on Saturday, Chris Simon returns to the lineup in Philadelphia.