Delayed Live Blog: Lightning 1, Islanders 3, Final

I have some time to sit down in front of the TV and the computer for tonight's game against Tampa Bay. I'm not sure how the entire evening will pan out, so I'm not going to do a full live blog. Instead, I'll post some thoughts from time to time as the game progresses and we'll see where things lead.

First Period Notes

The power play at least showed good patience and generated a couple of quality scoring chances, if not a quantity of chances. On the first PP, the Weight-Streit-Park-Comrie-Guerin line created a good, open shot for Park at the bottom of the right circle, but he was unable to beat Karri Ramo. I do have to wonder how long it will be before Jeff Tambellini gets another crack at the lineup.

Vinny Lecavalier did a good job of neutralizing Tim Jackman in their tussle. Just holding Jackman off for the majority of the fight almost proved to be a good strategy, as both players tired and the Tampa Bay captain found on opportunity to get back to throwing punches. But Lecavalier really only got in one more good shot before the linesmen broke it up.

Bill Guerin leaving with a lower-leg injury after absorbing the brunt of a Mark Streit shot could have implications as the trade deadline approaches. I'll have more on that at Illegal Curve in the very near future. Of course, Guerin could reappear for the second period and make this a non-issue.

One thing you certainly don't have to worry about with Yann Danis is whether he has a quick glove.

Kyle Okposo is continuing to show all he is capable of with and without the puck.

Second Period

This has nothing to do with the run of play, but my vote for next captain of the Islanders is Trent Hunter. I was just reminded of that when he rang one off the iron early in the 2nd Period.

I don't know what to think of Nate Thompson. Scott Gordon obviously likes him. He does bring something to table, particularly on a team at this stage of its development. But I can't help think that in a couple of years, if things go according to plan, guys like Thompson will have a much harder time find a spot in the lineup.

Guerin is indeed back on the ice, so now we can focus on just the normal speculation surrounding the likelihood of his departure. But not right now, not right here (second tease).

There's that guy Hunter I was talking about getting a dirty-deflection power play goal. Assists to Nielsen and Okposo. Islanders lead 1-0.

Wait, we're not supposed to get excited about winning, right? Streit slaps one through Ramo. Great to see after Streit had some arm/shoulder discomfort on the bench earlier. Hmm...right now they're giving it to Comrie who was in front. We'll see...anyway, Isles lead 2-0.

Radek Martinek with a half-slapper from the half-boards makes it 3-0 Isles. That one sent Ramo to the bench for NHL newbie Mike McKenna. That would suggest that the scoring portion of the game is over for the Islanders.

There's that glove from Danis again. Remember, I said it was quick. I didn't say anything about it being sticky.

Prospal beats Danis but not the post. Some would argue that means he didn't beat Danis. Either way, my fantasy team registers nothing.

There it is, a 3-0 lead after two. You can put this one in the books.

Third Period

Mark Streit will not return for the 3rd Period. Assistant Coach John Chabot is calling it precautionary. And to add insult to injury, Streit's goal is still credited to Comrie, who deflected it past Ramo using the Force.

Lightning about to begin a 5-on-3 for about 1:40.

Lecavalier scores with :02 left on the two-man advantage. Isles lead 3-1.

Prospal pitches in by taking a slashing penalty. Of course, with Streit unavailable the opportunity seems less thrilling.

Nice moves by St. Louis. Nice save by non-St. Danis.

This is not exactly what you'd call sprinting toward the finish line.

Were they able to retire Adam Graves's jersey tonight? Or was the Messier ceremony still going on?

In case you're looking for something a little more interactive, the live game thread at Lighthouse Hockey is open. (Which I probably should have mentioned about two hours ago.)

The Isles get a break as they look to close this one out as Tampa takes a penalty in the offensive zone.

Park fanned on a shot while on the power play, leading to a clear by the defense. But this power play also serves to knock two minutes off the clock in the late stages of a two-goal game.

St. Louis thought he had a deflection for Tampa's second goal but instead he was whistled on a delayed cross-check.

A Campoli penalty means we'll finish this one up 4-on-4.

Third-period lead? Piece of cake. Isles win 3-1 and have forged a four-game winning streak.