Baseball stole all of the pomp and circumstance that was at the coliseum Saturday night. Now the celebration is beginning at Shea Stadium, and in the Bronx for the start of the Subway Series - while we're back where we ended last season. A struggling young team, trying to get something going. There were no more balloon wranglers, no team announcements, and no fireworks. The season has begun - its time for the Islanders to focus on hockey. And that they did, a little better than Saturday night. There were many offensive chances, close calls that should have been in. They are one of the reasons why we lost this game. This game was one we could have one, if we capitalized on our close chances. We also need production from our top scorers! Czerk and Izzy have had ONE GOAL combined, in 4 games. These are our top 2 scorers? That is not going to get us into the playoffs. Izzy needs to stand in front of the net - he would have had 2 golden opportunities. Passing also seems to be an issue as of late. I saw lots of passes that were way in front or way behind the intended receiver. I am just glad that we saw some offensive 'glimmers of hope'. Signs of things to come, when we have the confidence to finish... Between the second and third period, Jack, the chimp from the hockey movie "MVP (Most Valuable Primate)" was on the ice skating, passing and taking shots. It was really cute. I can't believe they actually taught a monkey how to skate. But then again, Mark Messier can, so its cant be that difficult.... I think we should sign the monkey, and dump Chara. The monkey got 2 goals in 5 minutes.... And as for Chara's 10% raise to become a liability on the ice? I don't think so, Jack will be happy with just another bunch of bananas. All in all, I think it was a good outing. Much better than what we saw last game. At least now we've lit the lamp at home. And fans, why do you have to boo them? Do you expect them to come out and be the Stanley Cup champions? PLEASE! You knew what you were signing up for when you waltzed your way up to the ticket booth to purchase your ticket. This was a much better outing than we've seen so far. Just because it wasn't a win, you don't have to boo them. Turning Point: When the Islanders hit the post in the first period. If they would have gotten that goal, the score would have been 3-1 in the Isles favor - instead we were 2-1, and then ultimately 2-2 a couple of minutes later. For the Islanders, a 2 goal lead is a huge one. This would have springboarded us into the next period with a chance. Player of the Game: Jack, the MVP monkey... just kidding, although, he already has a trainer, we really should sign him. =) Okay, ISLANDER of the Game.... Mark Parrish. 2 goals, nuff said. Who do you think was the Islander of the game? Vote in our poll! The player at the end of the season that gets the most votes will receive the 'LongIsland.com Player of the Year" award, as voted by the fans.

-- Linda