Islanders @ Flyers

Ok, I'll try to update my thoughts after each period.

1-0 Islanders 1st Intermission

The Islanders came out flying knowing they need to win this game. Got a quick power play goal by Satan. They almost made it 2-0 on a shot that hit the crossbar and they had a few other chances. Philly had a few chances but the play was mostly in their zone. They seem like they just want to get out of there and hit the golf course. They also did the Islanders a favor by starting Nittymaki who seems lost. The Leafs must love that decision. Despite the play being in the Flyers zone most of the time they have out shot the Islanders 11-8. The Islanders need to start hitting the net.

UPDATE: 3-0 Islanders about half way through the second.

The Islanders once again got a quick power play goal from Yashin a minute or so into the Period. The Islanders scored again about half way through the period to make it 3-0. This game is all but over. The Devils depending on what happens tonight might control Toronto's destiny.

UPDATE 2: 3-1 Islanders as the 3rd is starting.

Flyers got a second period goal to make it a two goal game. They are getting some chances so this could be a good finish.

Update 3: Still 3-1 Islanders little over 3 minutes left in the game.

Eager took a penalty then went screaming at the refs, got a double minor and a misconduct he is done for the game. Isles on power play for the rest of the game. That will ice it they will win and will need Toronto to win tonight.

Update 4: 3-1 Islander 2:54 to go

Idiot Poti took a penalty. 4 on 4 Flyers. pull the goalie.

Update 5: 3-2 Islanders little over a minute to go

Flyers took a penalty but score shorthanded. Still have a chance to win.

Final: 4-2 Islanders

Poti gets the empty net to seal it. Strong the game by the Islanders but a poor third period. Now they need Toronto to win tonight. Nightmare scenario for the Islander is that game is tied late in the game and Toronto has to pull their goalie and Montreal gets the empty net winner.

Canucks-Sharks in 30, then at 7 it's a bunch of games mainly though Toronto-Montreal.

What a Day for Hockey!

Well this is it the final 2 days of the regular season and what is the biggest day of the the season. Most of the playoff spots will be decided today or make it clear for what has to happen tomorrow. The action starts at 1:00 and Battle of New York blog will be live blogging throughout the day so check them out. I will be in and out giving my thoughts. Here are the relevant games to the last Eastern Conference playoff spot and games that affect the Devils.

1:00pm EDT- New York Islanders @ Philadelphia Flyers (Sopcast channels 10599& 17007)- Islanders need win and some help to stay alive.
4:00pm Vancouver Canucks @ San Jose Sharks (CBC/Sopcast 17007& 22078)- Sharks win ensures that Brodeur will hold onto the single season win record.
7:00pm Tampa Bay Lightning @ Atlanta Thrashers (Yahoo.com)- Lightning lose they will play the Devils in the first round. They win they would need a Rangers loss to avoid New Jersey.
7:00pm Michigan State Spartans vs Boston College Eagles (ESPN)- Non-NHL related but this is the NCAA Ice Hockey Championship.
7:30pm New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Sopcast 16917)- Rangers win they get the 6th seed and the Devils face the Lightning.
7:00pm Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs (CBC/Sopcast 15678& 22078)- This is the big one Habs vs Leafs for the last playoff spot on Hockey Night in Canada. Toronto must win this game in regulation to stay alive and hope the Isles lose on of their last 2 games. Habs win they are in but if the Leafs win in Overtime they will be eliminated and the Isles could sneak by Montreal with a win this afternoon and a win tomorrow in New Jersey.

There you have it 6 great games to keep an eye on today.
NHL Internet Schedule
NHL.com Scoreboard
NHL on Yahoo

Marty breaks Record, Devils Clinch Division

Well the Devils not wanting to wait till the last day of the season took care of business last night and beat the Flyers 3-2 to clinch the Atlantic. The power play finally decided to show up as the team fell behind earlier but score 2 power play goals to draw even twice. The game winner was scored shorthanded by Jumpin' Jim Dowd (Tom Chorske's nickname not mine) who has always been clutch. The win because it gives the team an extra game to play around with. Which means if Matvichuk can go they will probably be able to send a couple guys down (Jassen, who's hurt, and Greene) and get him a game before the playoffs.

Also the 3-2 win gave Martin Brodeur his 48th win of the season breaking Bernie Parent's single season record for 47 wins. The record breaker has set off the debate on whether an asterisk should be placed next to 48 wins because he set it in a season with shootouts (which guarantees each game has a winner) and to a lesser extent overtime (which didn't exist when Parent played). Here is my take on the whole thing. If you asked me which is more impressive I would say Parent's 47 wins. The shootout did give Marty a huge advantage that Parent didn't have. That said I would not place an asterisk next to the record. The reason being is because an asterisk has such a negative connotation to it when it comes to sports record that it is unfair to place it next this. Especially because the asterisk currently is associated with Barry Bonds and his using steroids to climb up the home run latter. Unlike Bonds, Brodeur and Luongo didn't cheat to get this record. The shootout was something out of their hands. If the NHL was to make the eras separate with anew modern era starting after the lockout fine but an asterisk and what one is associated with should not be place next to Brodeur single season win record.

As for the upcoming playoffs the Devils will be the 2 seed. As of now they will rather face the Lightning or the Rangers. The Thrashers clinched the Southeast tonight and they will get the third seed. If the Rangers beat the Penguins or if Tampa losses again the Devils will play the Lightning.

Devils 3, Flyers 2