End of Two, Islanders lead 3-1

Islanders goals scored by Jeff Tambellini, Josh Bailey (#3), and Kyle Okposo.

I don't want to use the 'O' word, but the system is really working well these last few games. The kids come up from Bridgeport where they've been doing it all year and no one misses a beat. Tambellini's been heading to the net which is just incredibly nice to see.

With Hunter out for the year, Kurtis MacLean was called up from the Bridge.

Billy Guerin has three points so far today for the Penguins.

Kansas City

Got some emails about why I haven't written about the whole Kansas City deal.

Well, for one thing, I am hoping that if I put my head in the sand that the whole thing will just blow on by.

And to "Calvert DeForest", who was kind enough to email me (from the grave) and blame me as probably not caring if the team moves because I don't live on Long Island, all I can say, son, is that you're full of it. I've bled with this team for over 30 years. And what's more, I also know what happens when a team leaves because I live in Connecticut and interest in hockey has nosedived in my home state since the Whalers left Hartford.

I also know myself well enough to understand that if the Islanders leave, I am going to super-miserable. I may be in West Hartford, but the Islanders mean a ton to me. That logo is all I care about in sports. If they go to Kansas City, it's going to be like a bad breakup...for all of us...and that doesn't matter where you live.

As I type this, the Islanders are dopwn 1-0 to the Capitals. Ovechkin ripped one by Danis but so far, the Isles are playing a much more competitive game than they did Saturday night against the Devils.

Latest injury report: Chris Campoli is day-to-day with a groin injury. Trent Hunter is day-to-day with a lacerated finger. Up from Bridgeport come Jack Hillen and Kurtis MacLean, who is making his NHL debut.

End of the first, still 1-0.