http://www.newyorkislanders.com/gameday/postgame110303.html

Isles Break The Streak, Beat Sens
Islanders 6, Ottawa 3
By Kerry Gwydir

(Nov. 3) Not since a 5-4 decision on Jan. 6, 1996 had the Ottawa
Senators lost on Nassau Coliseum ice. Well, the Islanders broke the
funk with a 6-3 win on Monday. Mariusz Czerkawski, Oleg Kvasha and
Shawn Bates each had a goal and an assist while Adrian Aucoin posted
two important helpers. The Islanders penalty-killing unit, the top in
the NHL, killed six powerplays against the league's second-best
powerplay. Rick DiPietro made 29 stops in goal for the victory.

Both teams started this game paying attention to detail in their own
zone and rarely let up an odd-man rush. The biggest cheers from the
Coliseum crowd early on occurred on the same shift when Eric Godard
thumped Zdeno Chara in the Ottawa end. That was followed up with a
Sean Bergenheim flooring of Senator forward Antoine Vermette into the
Islander bench.

The Senators drew first blood at the 8:50 mark of the opener when
Brian Pothier's wrister from the right point was deflected by Peter
Schaefer in front and behind Rick DiPietro. Brian Smolinski won an
offensive end faceoff to Martin Havlat, who freelanced in the high
slot to dish the puck to Pothier.

The league's top PK went up against the NHL's second-most potent
powerplay when Aucoin was shipped to the box with eight minutes to
go. The Isles allowed just one shot and extinguished that
opportunity. During that man-up situation, Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson
put his hip into Jason Blake's knee. The Islander went down hard and
was attended to by head trainer Rich Campbell. He left the game with
a mild knee sprain and did not return. He'll be re-evaluated on
Tuesday.

The Islanders' first quality offensive chance came late in the period
with five minutes to go. A blast by Alexei Yashin was blocked by
Patrick Lalime's right pad. Kvasha followed that up and attempted a
backhander on the rebound that the Ottawa netminder rejected.

Ottawa antagonist Chris Neil shied away from a bout with Eric Cairns
late in the period when the Senator caught Jason Wiemer with a late
hit. Neil refused to drop the gloves with either Islander.

On the next shift, Yashin fanned on a superb scoring opportunity as
he was set up alone on the doorstep. A pass by Czerkawski from the
left corner made it through two Ottawa players, but Yashin could not
pull the trigger and the puck skipped wide.

With 1:02, Trent Hunter tied the game with a wicked slapshot from the
top of the right faceoff dot. The unscreened chance started with a
drop pass from Shawn Bates. Hunter's blast beat Lalime inside the far
post over his trapper.

Czerkawski continued his torrid scoring pace 55 seconds into the
second period with his 9th of the season. A beautiful rush by Kvasha
that began in his own end of the ice saw the Islander dance through
three Senators before finding the right wing trailing for a one-timer
over Lalime's glove.

Hunter nearly had his second of the night five minutes in as Justin
Papineau's hustle negated an icing. That allowed Bates to corral a
loose puck and find Hunter cruising through the slot with plenty of
the net open. Lalime dove across the crease and robbed the Islander
right wing with a chest stop.

The Islanders received a gift at the 7:05 mark of the second on a
Wiemer goal, his first of the year, that beat Lalime from center ice.
Mark Parrish intercepted Marian Hossa at the Islander blueline and
pushed the puck up to the breaking Wiemer. The left wing put the puck
on net and, somehow, the disc squirted through the Ottawa goaltender
and over the goal line.

Yet, a giveaway by Wiemer cost the Islanders two minutes later when
Chara ripped a slapper from the right faceoff dot over DiPietro's
blocker. Wiemer attempted to clear the puck up the left-wing boards.
Chara was right there to block it off and then pump a howitzer, that
appeared to be deflected in front, behind DiPietro.

Less than a minute later, an Ottawa giveaway led to Kvasha's fourth
of the season. The left wing stole a pass from Curtis Leschyshyn
behind the net that was intended for Pothier. Kvasha quickly took
advantage of the sloppy Ottawa play and backhanded a shot from a
tight angle through Lalime.

The Islanders offense was clearly taking over in this game as they
continued to force turnovers that initiated quality scoring chances.
A steal by Yashin from Alfredsson in the left faceoff dot nearly made
it a 5-2 game. The center pumped a shot on net that Lalime stopped,
yet the rebound went out front right to Czerkawski. The right wing
immediately snapped the puck on net where Lalime made a stellar
trapper stop.

A penalty to Michael Peca in the final four minutes forced DiPietro
to make three superb stops on his doorstep. The Islander goaltender
flashed out his right pad to deny Chara of a doorstep one-timer to
begin the sequence. Then, with the Isles' coverage scrambling around,
Hossa had a pair of whacks on top of the crease that DiPietro stopped
while on his back. Yet, the momentum was in the Senators' favor and
they scored as the penalty ended.

Alfredsson got the goal with less than two minutes left in the second
as he wristed a shot from the high slot that beat DiPietro over the
glove. The play was made in front where the Islander goaltender had
two bodies in front of him obscuring his view.

With Havlat in the box for taking a retaliatory slash on Aucoin
during an Ottawa powerplay, the Ottawa netminder came up big once
again with his catch glove. A dump-in by Peca took an odd bounce off
the glass and pinged out front to Parrish, who was unchecked. The
right wing attempted to go over the left shoulder of Lalime, but was
robbed.

Another Ottawa retaliation penalty put the nail in the coffin in this
one after Hossa hacked-down Peca with a slash in front of DiPietro.
It led to a Yashin goal with 4:02 left in the game, his first
powerplay goal of the season. The key momentum on this goal sequence
was a jumping play at the Ottawa blueline by Aucoin to save a
clearing attempt by Chara. The Islander defender found Czerkawski at
the right faceoff circle, who immediately fed Yashin for a blast from
the left dot that beat Lalime over the left shoulder.

A penalty on Kvasha in the final two minutes gave the Senators one
last gasp. They also pulled Lalime to make it a two-man advantage.
But the league's top PK unit did the trick as Parrish nearly had an
empty-netter, but hit the pipe.

Then it was DiPietro punctuating the effort with a superb glove save
off Alfredsson with a baseball-like swing off a loose puck in front
in the final 30 seconds.

Bates scored at the buzzer into the empty net to finally put the
icing on a sweet victory over their Ottawa nemesis. Peca garnered the
lone helper on the goal.

The Islanders' next game is at home on Thursday at 7pm vs. the Dallas
Stars.
**********************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-
isles043525297nov04,0,6775628.story?coll=ny-islanders-headlines

Finally, It's Over: Isles end home winless streak vs. Sens

By Alan Hahn
STAFF WRITER

November 4, 2003

The Islanders didn't want to talk about the streak. They never really
wanted to. But last night's 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators at
Nassau Coliseum put an end to a 17-game home winless streak (0-13-4)
against the Senators that ended three-months shy of eight years in
length.

"It was just one of those fluky streaks," said Kenny Jonsson, who is
the longest tenured Islander but wasn't on the team the last time it
beat the Sens, a 5-4 decision on Jan. 6, 1996. "I didn't pay
attention to it. It's more the media having fun with it."

"Streak or no streak," defenseman Adrian Aucoin said, "they're one of
the teams we're gunning for."

Only 10,957 fans were counted last night, but the energy was provided
by the Islanders, who are 5-1 at the Coliseum this season. The high
score and end-to-end skating was a surprise because these teams play
the neutral zone trap.

A late goal in the first period by Trent Hunter sparked the
Islanders, who took their first lead on Mariusz Czerkawski's goal 55
seconds into the second off a terrific rush by his dynamic line. Oleg
Kvasha and Alexei Yashin started a two-on-one break, but Kvasha let
Yashin cruise up the middle before he slipped the puck back to
Czerkawski racing in as the trailer ahead of Sens defenseman Karel
Rachunek. Czerkawski buried the pass behind Patrick Lalime for his
ninth of the season.

"Perfect pass," Czerkawski said. "I just tried to get rid of it as
fast as I could."

Jason Wiemer made it 3-1 at 7:05 when he beat Lalime with a shot from
the Peconic Bay on the Islanders logo one stride across center ice.
After Zdeno Chara beat goalie Rick DiPietro off a turnover at 9:16 to
make it 3-2, the Islanders got another gift goal at 10:34 when Kvasha
took the puck away from Rachunek behind the Ottawa net and stuffed it
around Lalime to make it 4-2.

Kvasha, who earlier this week swore off post-goal celebrations,
pumped his fist after this one.

Ottawa coach Jacques Martin might have wanted to shake his fist at
his uncharacteristically sloppy team, which is winless in three (0-2-
1). "They're a good hockey club," Martin said of the Islanders. "You
can't give them freebies."

The Islanders almost got another freebie when Czerkawski pounced on a
big rebound in front, but Lalime gloved it out of the air to keep the
score at 4-2. Then Daniel Alfredsson stepped around Janne Niinimaa
and beat DiPietro through a screen at 18:11 to make it 4-3. A Michael
Peca penalty in the final second of the period set up the Senators
power play, second-best in the NHL coming into the game.

But the Islanders' penalty kill, the NHL's best, shut it down and
even after Eric Cairns took a penalty five minutes into the period,
the Sens couldn't capitalize. Martin Havlat was whistled for the
first Senators penalty to negate the advantage. In all, the Islanders
killed all six Ottawa power plays.

Meanwhile, Yashin put it away on the Islanders' second power play. He
one-timed a shot off the far post at 15:58 to make it 5-3. Shawn
Bates added an empty-netter. The Senators had 10 shots on goal in the
period, but very few quality scoring chances against DiPietro, who
finished with 29 saves.

"That's as good a third period as we've had," coach Steve Stirling
said.

The Islanders stuck together, kept it simple and put impressive
finishing touches on an impressive win.

"We finished the game strong, which is what good teams do," Yashin
said. "We have to build this mentality."

Notes & Quotes: Islanders forward Jason Blake suffered a knee sprain
as a result of a first-period hit from Daniel Alfredsson. Blake will
be re-evaluated today . . . Arron Asham sat with a neck strain. He is
day-to-day . . . Adrian Aucoin played 30:20 and was a plus-4.

INSIDE GAME 11

RECORD: 6-3-2-0 LAST YEAR: 3-7-1-0

PLUS: Oleg Kvasha played 23:40, the most of any Islanders forward,
including 4:28 on the penalty kill. He had a goal, an assist and was
a plus-3 with several critical defensive plays.

MINUS: Roman Hamrlik ran over puck-handling goalie Rick DiPietro
behind the net during a confused exchange. DiPietro was shaken up in
the collision but continued to play.

ISLANDERS 6

SENATORS 3

Thursday

Dallas

At Islanders

7 p.m.

TV: FSNY

Radio: ESPN (1050)
*************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/ny-
hall043525294nov04,0,6695157.story?coll=ny-islanders-headlines

Hall of Fame induction for LaFontaine puts . . . Icing on His Career

By Mark Herrmann
STAFF CORRESPONDENT

November 4, 2003

Toronto - From his vantage point, behind a lectern and on top of his
sport, Pat LaFontaine saw one last time that his career didn't come
up short after all. Not even close, by his measure. He took the time
to recall what hockey had given him, not what it had held back.

So there was no regret that he had joined the Islanders dynasty in
1984, just in time to see it head toward collapse.

There were no recriminations over having been part of the generation
inspired by the 1980 Miracle of Lake Placid, then playing on two U.S.
Olympic teams (1984 and 1998) that flopped.

He definitely expressed no remorse over the repeated concussions that
cut down his career in its prime, made him retire at 33, and
prevented him from achieving gaudy milestones such as 500 goals.

No, there were no misgivings from him. Not from the 38-year-old
husband and father of three who has a good, healthy, charitable life
on Long Island and who last night was inducted into the Hockey Hall
of Fame. "It is an amazing honor," he said, his voice shaking with
emotion. "It's something my family and I will cherish forever."

LaFontaine always has been the type to see the glass as half-full
rather than half-empty, but last night it was overflowing. It was a
night to celebrate his 468 goals and 1,013 points in 15 years with
the Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Rangers. It was a time to note that
the Hall considered him one of the top American-born players in
history.

"I owe so much to this game of hockey," he said, at the end of a
speech in which he thanked everyone from coaches and teammates to his
family, agent and arena crews. "I leave it with no regrets, I leave
it with my health and with a beautiful family. This great game has
allowed me to have so much in my life."

His life seemed fuller last night, as he spoke more of his
relationships than his achievements. "I learned from a young age how
fortunate I was just to be playing this game. And throughout my
career, I've met people whose situations weren't as fortunate. I
think the thing I'm probably most proud of is that I was in a
position to help people," he said in an interview earlier.

"When you talk to guys who have gone through post-concussion
syndrome, you learn it changes your perspective on life. You see you
don't have as much control as you think you do. And when you let go,
you have a chance to reflect and really appreciate the little things.
Having gone through some of those injuries, having looked at my life
not as 'What could have been,' but 'What was,' I realized you can
truly embrace what you do have."

He made it as far as a hockey player can go, and he laughed at the
thought he might have regrets. "I reflect back on when I was a kid,"
he said. "I started on double runners and the first time I tried
skating, I cried because it was so hard, and the other kids made it
look so easy."

For LaFontaine, there was no ambivalence in entering the Hall with
goaltender Grant Fuhr, who denied him his only real shot at the Cup.
Fuhr, who last night became the first black member of the Hall, won
the first of his five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers in the
1984 Finals against the Islanders. "He's the greatest goalie I ever
faced," LaFontaine said. What's more, the two men became close
friends when they were Sabres teammates in the 1990s.

"To go in with him makes it even more special," Fuhr said.

The two honorees in the builders category also had LaFontaine ties.
Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch was a patron of Detroit youth hockey when
the center was a teenager. ("I think he made us realize that maybe
some of these kids can grow up and make the NHL because he showed
such outstanding skill," Ilitch said.) Ottawa junior coaching legend
Brian Kilrea spent two years as an Islanders assistant coach, and
LaFontaine found him especially encouraging at a time when he needed
encouragement.

Their presence yesterday helped LaFontaine celebrate what he
called "the chapters of my life." He reverently spoke of his now-
fellow Hall of Fame Islanders, and how much they taught him on and
off the ice. He mentioned that he met his wife on Long Island. He
also fondly recalled "coming into my own" with the Sabres, for whom
he had 148 points in 1992-93. He lavishly praised the Rangers
organization and fans for treating him well in one last season that
gave him closure.

Even the injuries got their due from LaFontaine. In the many times he
was forced to stay away from the rink, he visited children's
hospitals and realized his own problems were small in comparison. He
spoke of the late Robert Schwegler, a hospital-bound child whose only
smiles in his last months occurred when LaFontaine played video games
with him.

It's the sort of thing that led him to form the Companions in Courage
Foundation. His new goal is establishing high-tech interactive
playrooms in hospitals so children can watch plasma screen TVs,
listen to music or hold teleconferences with their
grandparents. "It's an oasis, where they can get some of their life
back," said a man whose life was full and on display last night.

"To be considered a Hall of Famer, to be selected in this exclusive
club," he said, "it's something that normally doesn't happen to a boy
from St. Louis who started on double runners."

Pat LaFontaine By the Numbers

3: His draft position in the first round by the Islanders in 1983.

3: Goals in his first game for the Islanders, in Toronto, in 1984.

3: NHL teams for which he played, all in New York State - the
Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Rangers.

80: Wins for his Detroit Compuware midget team in 1981-82 - in 82
games.

104: Goals as a first-year player with Verdun of the Quebec Major
Junior Hockey League in 1982-83, breaking Mike Bossy's rookie record
and beating Mario Lemieux for the league scoring title.

12: Points in 14 playoff games for the 1986-87 Islanders, including
the winning goal in the Easter Epic.

105: Points, on 54 goals and 51 assists, for the 1989-90 Islanders,
who qualified for the playoffs on the last night of the season.

148: Points for the 1992-93 Sabres, his career high.

30: Goals in a season nine times in a 15-year career.

6: Consecutive seasons of 40 goals or more.

5: All-Star Game appearances.

468: Career goals.

62: Career playoff points. Also, his total in the 1997-98 season with
the Rangers, which brought him over 1,000 for his career.

3: Children, daughters Sarah and Brianna and son Daniel, born to
LaFontaine and his wife Marybeth (a couple introduced by former
Islanders assistant coach Lorne Henning). All three play youth hockey
on Long Island.
*********************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-
nhlpowerrankings,0,1593968.htmlstory?coll=ny-islanders-utility

A look at the NHL, from top to bottom, by Newsday's Alan Hahn and
Arthur Staple.

Islanders 12th from 6th: 5-3-2-0
The best team no one wants to see, considering their home attendance.
The worst team to predict, considering their maddening inconsistency.
This group on a given night goes through more personality changes
than Robin Williams.
*********************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-
stat043525245nov04,0,3824041.story?coll=ny-hockey-headlines

Stat of the Day

November 4, 2003

Empty Nets

Through Sunday, there were 17 goaltenders with goals-against averages
below 2.00, including the Islanders' Rick DiPietro and the Rangers'
Mike Dunham. Those with five or more games played:

Player, Team GP AVG

Jamie McLennan, Calgary 7 1.36

Patrick Lalime, Ottawa 8 1.60

Rick DiPietro, Islanders 7 1.66

Robert Esche, Philadelphia 5 1.77

Nikolai Khabibulin, Tampa Bay 7 1.82

Martin Gerber, Anaheim 6 1.83

Andrew Raycroft, Boston 7 1.85

Kevin Weekes, Carolina 9 1.85

Mike Dunham, Rangers 9 1.85

Dan Cloutier, Vancouver 8 1.86

Pasi Nurminen, Atlanta 11 1.94

Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh 7 1.95
******************************************
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/story/133627p-119139c.html

Yashin & Isles pay back Sens

By PETER BOTTE
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

If the Islanders were going to secure the victory they had been
chasing for nearly eight years, they were going to earn it.

Coach Steve Stirling told his team as much before the third period
last night. The Isles were clinging to a one-goal cushion against the
potent Ottawa Senators, the team that ousted them in the playoffs
last spring and a nemesis the Isles hadn't defeated on home ice in 17
games since 1996.

Instead of adding to that negative history, though, the Isles
responded with what Stirling called "our best third period of the
season" to complete a rousingly entertaining 6-3 decision in front of
a vocal weeknight crowd of 10,957 at Nassau Coliseum.

"Streak or not, they're one of the teams that we're gunning for,"
said defenseman Adrian Aucoin, who was stellar with a plus-4 rating
over 30:20 of ice time. "Obviously, they knocked us out (of the
playoffs) last year. ... so it was a good test for us and a great
win."

The expectation of another clogged-up snoozer between two trapping
teams never materialized, as both sides enjoyed several solid scoring
chances while the Isles (6-3-2-0) carried a 4-3 lead through two fast-
paced periods.

Trent Hunter (fourth in four games), Mariusz Czerkawski (team-high
ninth), Jason Wiemer (a softie from the Long Island crest in the
neutral zone) and Oleg Kvasha (unassisted) had buried the goals
against Patrick Lalime.

Daniel Alfredsson's score with 1:49 remaining in the second had the
crowd on edge going into the third. But Rick DiPietro (29 saves) and
the Isles' league-leading penalty-killing unit (6-for-6) knocked off
two minor penalties early in the final period.

And the Isles, who didn't see a power play until 14:02 remained
despite a physical game throughout, buried Ottawa when former Senator
Alexei Yashin slammed a PP one-timer from the left circle past Lalime
with 4:02 remaining for his fifth goal and a 5-3 lead.

"Ottawa was coming and coming hard ... we found a way to kill the
penalties and do what we had to do both physically and mentally,"
Stirling said. "We showed a lot of mental toughness tonight, they got
the goal to make it 4-3 and they're coming like gangbusters. ... The
mental toughness in the third period is what I saw that stands out
for me."


KNEE BEND: Winger Jason Blake left in first period with what the
Isles termed a mild knee injury; he'll be reevaluated today. Fourth-
line winger Arron Asham was scratched with a strained neck and is day-
to-day. ... RW Mattias Weinhandl (ankle surgery) has resumed skating
at Bridgeport and could be cleared for game action next week. ...
Isles improved to 5-1-0 on home ice, with next two games also at the
Coliseum, Thursday (Dallas) and Saturday (Atlanta).
***************************************************
http://www.nypost.com/sports/islanders/42269.htm

  SENS CAST FROM COLISEUM

By EVAN GROSSMAN

November 4, 2003 --
Islanders 6 - Senators 3

No thanks to the officials, the Islanders beat the Senators on
Coliseum ice last night for the first time since they switched back
from wearing their horrible "fish sticks" uniforms.

The Isles didn't get their first full power play until late in the
third period (versus six for Ottawa), yet they still managed a
resounding 6-3 rout against the elite team of the Eastern Conference.

The last time the Isles defeated the Senators at the Coliseum was
Jan. 6, 1996, in a 5-4 victory. Since then, they had gone 17 games
without a home-ice win over the Sens (0-12-4-1), including a pair of
playoff losses last spring. The Islanders last night avenged all
those winless nights - while upping their home record to 5-1-0-0.

"Streak or not, they're one of the teams we're gunning for," said
Adrian Aucoin, who played 30:20 and recorded a pair of
assists. "Obviously they knocked us out last year, and they have
played quite well against us since I've been here. So it's a good
test for us."

Aucoin made the play of the game, jumping off the ice to keep the
puck in the Ottawa zone before Alexei Yashin rang home his fifth goal
of the year on that power play with 4:02 left to play.

Trent Hunter, the league's top-scoring rookie with four goals, got
the Islanders even at 1-1 when he uncorked a slap shot from the right
point late in the first period. He has five points in the last four
games he's dressed, while Mariusz Czerkawski scored again, putting
him on a pace to score 67 goals this year.

"It was a great challenge today," Yashin said.

While their top-rated penalty kill was snuffing out all six of
Ottawa's extra-man advantages, the Islanders got absolutely no calls
themselves - despite the fact that the Sens appeared to tackle and
hold them on every square inch of the ice. But the Islanders worked,
and they managed to get some breaks against a team that allows so few.

Jason Wiemer's slap - from about where Montauk would be on the
Islanders' center-ice logo - beat Patrick Lalime for a 3-1 Isles'
advantage, and Oleg Kvasha picked off Karel Rachunek's outlet behind
the Ottawa net and stuffed in his fourth of the year on a pretty
wraparound.

* Arron Asham is day-to-day with a strained neck . . . Jason Blake
(knee sprain) left the game in the first following a rubout by
Alfredsson, and will be re-evaluated today.
***********************************************
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/04/sports/hockey/04FAME.html

Hall of Fame Welcomes LaFontaine and Fuhr
By RICK WESTHEAD

Published: November 4, 2003

TORONTO, Nov. 3 â€" A series of concussions that left him with
migraines, fatigue and depression drove Pat LaFontaine from the
National Hockey League five years ago. On Monday night, he was
inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, along with the former Edmonton
Oilers goalie Grant Fuhr, who became its first black member.

"To have this as the final stop in your hockey career is as good as
it gets," said LaFontaine, a five-time All-Star who posted six-
straight 40-goal seasons â€" four with the Islanders and two with the
Buffalo Sabres â€" and scored one of hockey's most memorable goals as
an Islander.

The Detroit Red Wings' owner, Michael Ilitch, and the Canadian junior
hockey coach Brian Kilrea were also inducted.

LaFontaine, a center, has a common thread with the other new members
of the Hall. He left home in St. Louis to play midget hockey in
Detroit in 1982, when Ilitch bought the Red Wings, and he was with
the Islanders when Kilrea was an assistant to Coach Al Arbour.
LaFontaine later played with Fuhr from 1993 to 1995 with the Sabres.

Fuhr, a member of five Stanley Cup-winning teams, including the 1983-
84 Oilers club that ended the Islanders' string of four straight
championships, played down his being the first black player in the
Hall, saying "all the doors had been opened" by the time he began his
professional career.

Fuhr, a six-time All-Star who played 10 of his 19 seasons with the
Oilers, spoke about playing with Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri and other
Edmonton stars of the 1980's and losing to the Islanders in the 1983
finals before beating them the next season in the championship.

"We were a little cocky and arrogant the first time, and maybe didn't
realize the amount of work that went into it," Fuhr said.

LaFontaine, one of hockey's best playmaking forwards in the 1980's
and early 90's, was drafted by the Islanders after starring with the
Verdun Juniors in Quebec's high-scoring amateur league. Two years
after Bobby Carpenter became the first United States-born player
chosen in the first round of the N.H.L. draft, the Islanders selected
LaFontaine with the third choice in 1983.

"I originally dreamed of a college scholarship to Michigan or
Michigan State," LaFontaine said. "I thought maybe I could go on to
the Olympics. I never thought I would cap my career this way."

On April 18, 1987, LaFontaine ended one of hockey's longest overtime
games, beating the Washington Capitals goalie, Bob Mason, in the
fourth overtime in the seventh game of the Islanders' first-round
playoff series.

"I remember looking up in the stands, it was after 2 a.m., and people
were sleeping and they were playing music from `The Twilight Zone,' "
LaFontaine said. "I remember getting the puck and turning around and
shooting, just hoping it would get on net and Mason was screened. It
went off the post and in."

LaFontaine split most of his 15-year career with the Islanders and
the Sabres â€" with whom he scored 53 goals and had 148 points in 1992-
93 â€" before playing for the Rangers in 1997-98 in his final N.H.L.
season. He scored 468 goals and assisted on 545 others, and played
for the United States in the 1984 and the 1988 Olympics. LaFontaine,
38, sustained a concussion after a collision with his Rangers
teammate Mike Keane on March 16, 1998, that ended his career.

"Some people think because an injury ended my career that I might be
resentful toward the game, but it's actually helped me become what I
am today," LaFontaine said. He spoke of the book he had
written, "Companions in Courage," a collection of stories about young
people who had overcome setbacks.

When Ilitch bought the Red Wings for $8 million, the club was
struggling with just 2,100 season-ticket holders. Under Ilitch, who
also owns baseball's Detroit Tigers, the Red Wings went on to win
three Stanley Cups as Detroit become known as Hockeytown.

Kilrea played briefly in the N.H.L., scoring the first goal in Los
Angeles Kings history. A five-time coach of the year in the junior
Ontario Hockey League, Kilrea became the first junior coach to win
1,000 career games.
******************************************
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/04/sports/hockey/04ISLE.html

ISLANDERS 6, SENATORS 3
Islanders Finally Make the Senators Feel Unwelcome
By RON DICKER

Published: November 4, 2003

UNIONDALE, N.Y., Nov. 3 â€" The Islanders' Jason Wiemer shoved one of
those lazy shots from center ice in the second period Monday night,
the kind no one ever expects to go in, certainly not with a
goaltender present. Ottawa Senators goalie Patrick Lalime crouched to
stop the puck, but it somehow squirted by him to give the Islanders a
two-goal lead.

More important for the Islanders, the unlikely score heralded an
evening of possibilities. The Islanders won, 6-3, stopping a bizarre
streak of futility against the Senators.

Whether in the heat of the playoffs or the doldrums of early
November, the Senators have made themselves at home at Nassau
Coliseum, like a guest who breezes by the living room and heads
straight for the refrigerator.

They had not lost to the Islanders here in 17 straight games,
including two victories in eliminating the Islanders in the first-
round of the playoffs last season. Since Jan. 6, 1996, Ottawa's
record on Long Island had been 13-0-4 entering Monday's game.

"It's a nice thing to get off our backs," defenseman Adrian Aucoin
said.

The Isles' string of hospitality ended thanks to some plucky play and
a tired Lalime, who let in another cheap goal on a 45-foot slap shot
by Trent Hunter.

"We had a couple of good bounces," Wiemer said.

The Islanders (6-3-2-0) gained their second victory in a row on this
four-game homestand and fifth in six home games, but their fans were
not buying it. Just 10,957 showed up.

The Senators (5-3-1-1) know the feeling. Booed off their home ice
after a 1-1 tie with Buffalo on Saturday, they came to their Long
Island haven looking to reassert their dominance here and elsewhere.
Still considered one of the N.H.L.'s elite, they had the Eastern
Conference's best record last season and lost in the conference final
to the Devils.

But their last line of defense had an off night, and the Islanders
took advantage.

"He's been sharper," Wiemer said of Lalime, who made his 10th start
in 11 games, not exactly a nod of confidence to the Senators' backup
goalie, Martin Prusek.

The Isles' Mariusz Czerkawski scored his ninth goal of the season,
Oleg Kvasha shoved in his fourth and Aleksei Yashin his fifth. Their
line has accounted for 18 of the team's 35 goals. Shawn Bates added
an empty-netter.

The Islanders responded to a 1-0 first-period deficit with three
unanswered goals and never relinquished the lead.

"Things were going pretty well for us, but we knew they wouldn't
quit," Czerkawski said. "We had it in the back of our head. They're
one of the best teams in the N.H.L."

For the first 19 minutes or so, the Senators appeared headed toward
their 18th straight game here without a loss. They left no check
unchecked, and they always kept potential deflectors parked near the
goal in case of an errant shot.

That came in handy on their first goal. Brian Pothier fired from
about 25 feet and struck his teammate Martin Havlat, then another
teammate, Peter Schaefer, before whizzing by Islanders goalie Rick
DiPietro 7 minutes 50 seconds into the game.

Despite an attack that looked tepid by comparison, the Islanders did
not lose contact.

Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson slammed Jason Blake into the wall,
injuring Blake's knee. Blake did not return.

Soon, though, the Islanders' shots began finding their way into the
goal, helping them reclaim their turf.

"We didn't even talk about that beforehand, but we're happy we won
the game," Wiemer said.
*******************************************
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/Sports/2003/11/04/245985.html

A forgettable Island trip
Error-prone Senators run out of luck vs. Isles
By DON BRENNAN, Ottawa Sun

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- It was a bad night for Patrick Lalime. A bad night
for Karel Rachunek. A bad night for Todd White.

A bad night for everybody in white.

The Senators were as successful in their light road jerseys as they
have been in home-wear lately, losing 6-3 to the New York Islanders
last night at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and extending their
winless streak to three games.

It was also Ottawa's first loss here in almost eight years, dating
back to Jan. 6, 1996 and covering some 16 games.

''Before, we hadn't beaten ourselves. We did (last night),'' said
Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson. ''We made a lot of individual
mistakes. That's what cost us.

''I was probably one of the worst (of the Senators),'' added
Alfredsson, who scored a goal but was minus-3 on the night. ''It's a
game you try to forget. We've got to regroup and go back to work.''

White, who is now pointless in his first seven games, was also minus-
3. Rachunek, who was caught out of position on one Islander goal and
was relieved of the puck on another, was minus-2.

Lalime suffered the most embarrassment, however. On what may have
been the worst goal he has ever allowed as a Senator, an unscreened
slap shot from the centre ice logo by Jason Wiemer somehow managed to
slip between his left arm and side.

''You guys saw the game. What can I say?'' Lalime said. ''I don't do
that on purpose, I try to stop it. Sometimes it doesn't go your way.

''Those are the kind they won't score on you again. You just move
on.''

Overall, three goals beat Lalime that he would have had on another
night.

''It wasn't my best, that's for sure,'' he said. ''You've just got to
bounce back and take the positives out of it. The third (period) was
better.''

GLARING MISTAKES

The teams combined for five goals in a wild second period, and most
were the result of a glaring mistake by someone.

''We gave them three goals they didn't deserve, they didn't have to
work for,'' Alfredsson said. ''That breaks the morale on your team.''

Despite their inadequacies, the Senators still had a chance in the
third when, trailing 4-3, they started the period with a power play.
But as was the case with most parts of their game, they could do
nothing with the man advantage, finishing 0-for-6 for the night.

It was still a one-goal game until the later stages of the final
period, when Alexei Yashin scored at the 15:58 mark. Shawn Bates iced
it with an empty-netter at the buzzer.

Mariusz Czerkawski, Oleg Kvasha and Trent Hunter also scored for the
hosts. Peter Schaefer and Zdeno Chara had the other Ottawa goals.

Alfredsson said it was probably the worst ice ever.

''When you get behind on this ice, it's not easy,'' he said. ''We
were trying to be creative, but the puck would bounce all the time.
You couldn't make a pass.

''It was a frustrating game, for sure.''

The Senators dominated the faceoff circles and led 11-7 in shots in
the first, but still went to the intermission with a 1-1 draw.

Hunter took over the NHL's rookie goal-scoring lead with his fourth --
  a slap shot from just inside the blue line that caused Lalime to
shake his head -- just 62 seconds from the buzzer to tie it.

''We started off good in the first, but that late goal hurt us with
one minute left,'' Alfredsson said.
******************************************
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/Sports/2003/11/04/245986.html

  Tue, November 4, 2003

Game Story
By DON BRENNAN, Ottawa Sun

Islanders 6, Senators 3 HOW THEY SCORED:

FIRST PERIOD

1. SENATORS: Pothier's shot from the point is deflected in by
Schaefer. Sens 1, Isles 0

2. ISLES: Bates drops a pass to Hunter, whose slap shot beats Lalime
on the stick side. Sens 1, Isles 1

SECOND PERIOD

3. ISLES: Rachunek gets trapped up ice on an Islanders 3-on-2.
Kvasha's backhand pass goes through Spezza's legs and finds a
trailing Czerkawski, who rips a one-timer past Lalime's glove. Isles
2, Sens 1

4. ISLES: Wiemer's slap shot from centre ice squeezes through an
embarrassed Lalime. Isles 3, Sens 1

5. SENATORS: Chara's quick shot from the top of the right wing
faceoff circle beats DiPietro on the short side. Isles 3, Sens 2

6. ISLES: Kvasha's wraparound catches Lalime by surprise. Isles 4,
Sens 2

7. SENATORS: Alfredsson cuts through the slot and fires a wrist shot
that beats DiPietro. Isles 4, Sens 3

THIRD PERIOD

8. ISLES: Czerkawski moves the puck to Yashin, whose shot from the
left wing boards goes off the post and in. Isles 5, Sens 3

9. ISLES: Bates fires the puck into the empty Sens net just before
the buzzer. Isles 6, Sens 3

3 STARS:

Selected by Don Brennan

1. Kvasha, Islanders

2. Aucoin, Islanders

3. Chara, Senators

TOP TEN LIST:

IT LOOKED LIKE THEY DIDN'T KNOW: Former Isles great Pat Lafontaine
and former Isles assistant coach Brian Kilrea were inducted into the
Hockey Hall of Fame last night. And there was nary a mention of it at
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum -- until about nine minutes
remained in the game, that is.

WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION: Yes fellas, the lovely and talented
Dina is back as the in-arena hostess. Readers will remember her as a
spectacular Sunshine girl in last spring's playoffs.

A KNOCKOUT HIT: Playing the point on the power play, Alfredsson
looked a little like Denis Potvin the way he crushed Jason Blake into
the boards on a first-period break. Blake, the Isles second-leading
scorer last season, left the game with a sprained knee.

NEVER GETS OLD: They play the Chicken Song here, to which the fans
love to chant "The Rangers Suck." Priceless.

MISTER, CAN YOU SPARE A MATCH?: Isles coach Steve Stirling says he's
not a big one for matching lines. Must of been coincidence, then,
that Alexei Yashin was usually on the ice every time Jason Spezza
was. Mike Peca also saw a lot of Radek Bonk.

A SHORTSTOP-LIKE MOVE: Patrick Lalime dove across his crease to stop
rookie Trent Hunter from scoring his second of the game.

REMEMBER ME?: Vaclav Varada gave his old Buffalo bud, Peca, a solid
two-hander along the boards in the first. No penalty.

PAYBACK: Peca got Varada back with a cross-check to the back of the
head with one second left in the second period. Penalty.

SOMETIMES, FIRST AIN'T SO GOOD: Sens LW Petr Schastlivty was a
healthy scratch for the first time this season. He has one goal and
one assist in nine games.

ALMOST SIN-LESS: The Senators didn't get a penalty until Martin
Havlat was called for slashing six minutes into the third.

Sun Rating: 2 out of 5
*****************************************
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/Sports/2003/11/04/245987.html

  Tue, November 4, 2003

All good things come to end for Bonk
By DON BRENNAN, Ottawa Sun

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Marian Hossa knew, Radek Bonk didn't. "I realize
it," Hossa said yesterday morning. "But I'm not saying anything to
him about it.

"I just want him to keep going."

Hours later, Islanders hotshot Rick DiPietro did something no other
goalie has done this season.

He kept Bonk off the scoreboard.

The longest serving Senator had his NHL-leading point-scoring streak
stopped at nine games in last night's 6-3 loss to the Isles.

Bonk remains co-holder of the Senators record for the most consistent
start to a season, a mark he shares with his buddy Hossa.

Prior to the game, Bonk was taken aback when told he had chance to
bump his buddy's name from the record book.

"I didn't even know they kept records for that," Bonk said. "I'm not
going into (last night's) game thinking about beating the record.
It's kind of a silly record.

"I'm getting some bounces and a little luck right now ... sometimes
you have it and sometimes you don't. But I can play better."

That has to be a thrilling thought for the Senators.

Through the first nine games of the season, Bonk has been an
offensive catalyst. His four goals and eight assists had him among
the NHL's top 10 scorers heading into last night. His 10 power-play
points tied him with the Kings' Ziggy Palffy for the league league.

"It probably goes back to last year," said Senators coach Jacques
Martin. "In the playoffs, he was one of our better forwards ... Since
the beginning of the season, he's been very consistent."

At the same time, Bonk has also made an appearance change. This
season, he's been coming to the rink with a hoop earring dangling off
each lobe.

NEW LOOK

"It's new for Ottawa," he said, "but I've worn two earrings every
summer since I was 14 or 15. I've just never worn them during the
season."

Asked why not, he said: "Obviously, you can't play with them on, and
the pair I had before were kind of hard to put on. These aren't. It's
no big deal."

A big deal is what the 27-year-old Bonk should get from Senators
owner Eugene Melnyk when his contract expires at season's end. At a
salary of $3.5 million, he's a bargain -- especially since his skills
extend to all areas of the ice and he has an obvious, special
chemistry with Hossa, and Hossa and Martin Havlat when the Senators
are on the power play.

Not being able to see such talent play together is going to be dearly
missed if the NHL closes shop over a contract dispute next season.

If there is a work stoppage, Bonk will make alternative plans.

"It's still far away," he said, "but obviously I'd like to play at
home in the Czech Republic.

''We don't want the NHL to stop, but if it happens, it would be kind
of fun to play at home again."
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http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/Sports/2003/11/04/245989.html

LaFontaine 'the luckiest guy'

TORONTO -- Pat LaFontaine beamed a smile when he grasped the irony of
it all. He played midget hockey in Detroit the year Mike Ilitch
bought the Red Wings, he played for the New York Islanders when Brian
Kilrea was an assistant coach, he and Grant Fuhr were Buffalo Sabres
teammates, and fate weaved those connections all the way to the
Hockey Hall of Fame when the four were inducted together yesterday.

"To be here with these three guys, I feel like the luckiest guy in
the world," LaFontaine said during interviews after the four received
their rings and blazers.

LaFontaine, who helped the United States win the World Cup tournament
in 1996, was a crafty centre who scored 468 goals and amassed 1,013
points in an NHL career which began in 1984 with the New York
Islanders and was cut short in 1998 by concussions. He is not bitter
it ended too soon.

"Guys who have gone through post-concussion syndrome will tell you it
changes your perspective on life," LaFontaine explained. "You don't
have as much control as you think you do. You reflect and you learn
to appreciate the little things ... and truly embrace what you have."

Ilitch bought the Red Wings, a terrible team with only 2,100 season-
ticket holders, for $8 million US and turned it into a three-time NHL
champion.

"I sometimes wonder how it all happened," Ilitch, 74, said of the
Hockeytown culture. "But we brought in colourful players and the fans
related to them immediately.

"Our players and the blue-collar people in our community could
communicate very easily and it didn't have to be verbal. It was the
players we had, that was part of it, and we had good marketing
people" who came up with the Hockeytown tag.

Fuhr earned five Stanley Cup rings stopping pucks for the Edmonton
Oilers. He had a great glove hand, and supplied the big-moment saves
that enabled teammates to spend most of their time in the
opposition's end.

He's the first black player to be inducted but downplays the fact in
deference to Willie O'Ree, who in 1957 was the first black player in
the NHL and who now is involved in the league's minorities programs.

"It's a special honour but it's not something I ever really grew up
with," explained Fuhr, 41. "I mean, having got to know Willie and all
the things Willie went through, by the time I got to play all the
doors had been opened."
***************************************
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/Sports/2003/11/04/245990.html

Tue, November 4, 2003

'Nothing better'
Kilrea savours hockey's highest honour
By CHRIS STEVENSON, Ottawa Sun

TORONTO -- They paraded down the red carpet last night at the Hockey
Hall of Fame and their faces, more than the plaque, the blazer or the
ring, will stand as the true tribute to Brian Kilrea and what he has
meant to the game of hockey. Jim Ralph, Jim Fox, Bobby Smith, Doug
Wilson ... one after the other, Kilrea's ex-players turned out to be
a part of his big night as the 67's coach and general manager was
enshrined in the Hall.

"He's like the Peace Tower in Ottawa," said Ralph. "He's always
there. The thing that gets me now is how long ago it was (I played
for him). You think about all the years and all the players."

That's what was on the minds of those who knew him best last night.

"The thing you think about on a night like this is the number of
people he has touched in hockey," said Fox, who played for Kilrea,
went on to play in the NHL and is now a colour commentator for the
Los Angeles Kings.

"You look at the guys here tonight and what a huge impact he has had
on so many guys down through the years."

The other inductees -- players Grant Fuhr and Pat LaFontaine and
Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch -- earned their places as
honoured members last night for producing goals, assists, saves and
Stanley Cups.

When you think about it, Kilrea earned his for producing people,
turning kids into men, prospects into pros. Some went on to hockey
greatness. Many others took the lessons they learned and built
successful lives out of hockey.

Ed Hospodar drove eight hours from Philadelphia to spend some time
with Kilrea on Sunday. Steve Payne made the effort as well.

"It's a tremendous honour, one you can only dream about," said Kilrea
in his acceptance speech.

He thanked his wife Judy, "his biggest fan and supporter," and
remembered how she volunteered him to coach their son's team.

"Dad was supposed to be the assistant, but the fellow who was
coaching said, 'you should coach the team and I'll be the manager,' "
remembered Billy Kilrea yesterday.

Little did that fellow know what a career he was starting.

Kilrea, near as anybody can figure, becomes the first coach to be
inducted based on his accomplishments in junior hockey.

For all but two of his now 30 years in coaching, Kilrea has been with
the 67's (he spent one year as only the general manager of the 67's).
He spent two years (1984-86) as an assistant with the New York
Islanders.

His thousand wins stand as the benchmark in junior hockey, but what
his players remember is the man and his mind.

Smith remembered Kilrea's lightning quick wit. During one road trip,
the boys were acting up after a game, having a water fight in their
hotel. Smith was rooming with Ron Davidson. There was a knock on the
door; Smith loaded up a bucket with water.

When Davidson yanked the door open, Smith unloaded -- on Kilrea.

Davidson swears -- and I don't know if this true -- but he swears he
heard Kilrea say, "Davidson, it that was you, you're suspended.
Smith, if that was you, we'll talk about it tomorrow."

Classic Killer.

Afterwards, Kilrea mingled with the other inductees, guests, friends
and family, looking sharp in his tuxedo.

"I was nervous," he said, "but I got to thank everybody I wanted to
thank."

He also thanked assistant coaches Bert Templeton and Vince Malette,
scout Joe Rowley, and Ted Baker and Dave Branch of the Ontario Hockey
League.

"I never thought when I started a long time ago I'd still be
connected to hockey in any capacity. But my dad always said things
always work out for the best," said Kilrea in concluding his speech.

"And there's nothing better than this."

A KILLER TRIBUTE

The inscription on Brian Kilrea's plaque at the Hockey Hall of Fame
in Toronto:

Brian Kilrea played 15 seasons of pro hockey capturing three Calder
Cup titles and playing 26 games for Detroit and Los Angeles. After
retirement in 1970, Kilrea became head coach of the Ottawa 67's
junior club, spending all but two of the next 31 years training
future stars. Kilrea led the 67's to Memorial Cup titles in 1984 and
1999 while earning five Coach of the Year awards. During the 2002-03
season, he became the first junior coach to win 1,000 games and had
the CHL Top Coach Award named in his honour.

Builder Inductee, 2003.
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http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/OttawaSun/Sports/2003/11/04/245983.html

Isle right at home
Ex-Hab Czerkawski rediscovers scoring touch
By DON BRENNAN, Ottawa Sun

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Mariusz Czerkawski feels more at home on an Isle
than even Gilligan ever did. One of the best players to come out of
Poland, the 31-year-old left winger is off to a lightning-quick start
for the New York Islanders this season.

He is the team's leading scorer with nine goals and five assists in
11 games, including a goal and an assist in last night's 6-3 victory
over the Senators.

It's been an about-face for Czerkawski, whose one-year stint with the
Montreal Canadiens was a disaster.

"I never wanted to leave here in the first place," said Czerkawski,
who averaged 24 goals in five seasons with the Islanders before he
was traded to the Habs in the summer of 2002 for Arron Asham and a
draft pick. "I'm very glad to be back. I've had the opportunity to
play with some good hockey players, with Oleg (Kvasha) and (Alexei)
Yashin, and to get some ice time.

"But I don't want to get too high or too low. I know what the other
side looks like and I don't want to be there again."

MINOR SETBACK

How bad was his experience with the Habs?

Czerkawski, who broke into the NHL with Boston in 1993 and had 35
goals for the Islanders in 1999-2000, was demoted to the minors for
the first time in his career. He wound up on a Montreal-Hamilton
shuttle, playing 43 games with the Canadiens and 20 for their AHL
affiliate.

"It was tough," said Czerkawski, who has already surpassed the five
goals he scored in the NHL last season. "It's not like I didn't want
it. I was excited to be with a great team, with a great history.

''But the third game I was benched, the fourth game I was scratched
and after that it was a rollercoaster, up and down. When I did get a
chance to play, I couldn't score. It was the low point of my career.

"Life is much better than it was a half-year ago," added Czerkawski,
who signed with the Isles as a free agent July 17. "I'm starting to
get more and more interviews. There are Polish (TV) crews all over
the place. There's a big Polish community a half-hour from here, so
when I need a home-cooked meal it's no problem.

"When I had an opportunity, I said to my agent, 'That's the team I
want to be with if they're interested.' They were."

Also taking every opportunity to tell everybody how happy he is on
Long Island is Yashin, who was surpassed by Daniel Alfredsson as the
Senators' all-time leading scorer on Oct. 15.

"Eventually, it was going to happen," said Yashin. "I have no problem
with that. I played eight years in Ottawa and I tried to do
everything I could on the ice for that team. Now, I'm in New York and
I'm trying to do the same thing here."
***************************************
http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?
id=8cefd47e-0934-4ac5-8760-631bb0f912fd

Fantasy on Island comes to an end
Senators' first loss in Islanders' arena since 1996; Islanders 6,
Senators 3

Ken Warren
The Ottawa Citizen

November 4, 2003

UNIONDALE, New York -- The last time the Ottawa Senators had lost at
Nassau County Coliseum, Daniel Alfredsson was an NHL rookie, Mike
Bales was the goaltender and the illustrious Dave "Sparky" Allison
was head coach.

Until last night, that is.

The New York Islanders put an end to their seven-year Senators' itch,
dating back 15 games (11 losses and four ties) to Jan. 6, 1996, with
a 6-3 win.

The Islanders' victory also extended the Senators losing streak to
two games and their winless streak to three.

While Alfredsson registered career point No. 500 with a second-period
goal, he was in little mood to celebrate the milestone.

"Our line had been on for three goals against already. The goal gave
us a chance and I was hoping we could come back and win, but it
doesn't mean a whole lot," Alfredsson said. "We made a lot of
individual mistakes, and I was probably one of the worst (offenders)."

Coach Jacques Martin also wasn't pleased.

"We made some mistakes and gave them some goals," he said. "Sometimes
it's a lack of focus and attention to detail, (instead of) not trying
to force things when it's not there. We gave them some freebies."

The Senators (5-3-0-1) also received goals from Zdeno Chara and Peter
Schaefer. The Islanders (6-3-2-0) goals came from Trent Hunter,
Mariusz Czerkawski, Jason Wiemer, Oleg Kvasha, Shawn Bates and former
Senators star Alexei Yashin.

Yashin's power-play goal with four minutes left put the game out of
reach, and Bates scored into an empty net with one second left.

The Senators started well last night, but were done in by a sloppy
second period, when the clubs exchanged five goals.

Even though Alfredsson's milestone goal late in the period pulled the
Senators to within 4-3 heading into the third, it was not a period
that would be remembered fondly by goaltender Patrick Lalime.

Lalime allowed three goals in the period, including one by Wiemer on
a slap shot from just inside the red-line. Wiemer's end-over-end shot
squeezed between Lalime's body and arm and found its way into the
back of the net.

Lalime had plenty of time to think about the goal as it was replayed
several times on the jumbo video board before play resumed.

"It's one of those goals they won't score again," he said. "What can
I say? It wasn't my best game, but you just have to bounce back and
take whatever positives you can."

At the very least, the Senators showed some heart in attempting to
battle back from a pair of two-goal deficits, but Martin was not
happy.

With the Senators down 4-3 and pressing for the tying goal on a power
play six minutes into the third, a slashing penalty to Martin Havlat
wasn't received well by the coach.

Martin also juggled his forward lines all night and had words with
centre Jason Spezza after Spezza attempted a flashy move inside the
Islanders' zone late in the second period, turning a 2-on-1 break
into a 2-on-3.

It was one of many fundamental mistakes that Martin will attempt to
deal with when the Senators return to practice today at the Corel
Centre. The Senators also went 0-for-6 on the power play, turned away
by the NHL's best penalty-killing club.

Alfredsson said ice conditions were the "worst ever," which he said
made it next to impossible to complete a pass with the man advantage.

The club-record-tying point streak of centre Radek Bonk, who had at
least one point in each of the Senators' first nine games of the
season, also ended. The Senators' overall consecutive-game point
streak remains 13, by Marian Hossa.

Citizen Three Stars

1. Adrian Aucoin, New York

2. Zdeno Chara, Ottawa

3. Oleg Kvasha, New York

Entertainment value: ***

Attendance: 10,957 (16,234 capacity)
******************************************
http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?
id=a4a38f52-6a5a-47d9-90ce-1a25bb0a02f7

Czerkawski revels in quick start
Habs' castoff rediscovers game with Islanders

Ken Warren
The Ottawa Citizen

November 4, 2003
UNIONDALE, New York -- Three New York and three Ottawa reporters were
at Mariusz Czerkawski's dressing room stall following yesterday
morning's practice.

A TV crew from Czerkawski's native Poland was also on hand. Then came
pesky Islanders left-winger Jason Blake with his own video camera,
saying, "I just want to be part of Mariusz Czerkawski media day, too."

Everyone wants time with Czerkawski these days. He's only too happy
to accept the requests.

After going through his own personal hell last season in the Montreal
Canadiens' organization, Czerkawski is relishing being back in the
spotlight for the Islanders, the team he starred for from 1997-2002.

A month into the 2003-04 season, it seems like he never left.
Czerkawski, 31, scored once and added an assist in last night's 6-3
win over the Senators, bringing his team-leading totals on the season
to nine goals and 14 points. He has combined with former Senators
star centre Alexei Yashin and Oleg Kvasha to form one of the NHL's
top lines.

"I'm starting to get more and more interviews, and the Polish crews
are all over the place here," said Czerkawski, smiling for his fans
back home. "There's a big Polish community here and I never have to
go far for a good home-cooked meal. Things are going well so far,
compared to last year."

A year ago at this time, the Canadiens had already dispatched
Czerkawski to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hamilton
Bulldogs. He split the year between Montreal and Hamilton, scoring
only five goals and nine assists in 43 games for the Canadiens. He
was a healthy scratch for Hamilton during the AHL playoffs. Following
the season, the Canadiens bought out the remainder of his contract
for $1.8 million U.S., and the Islanders re-signed him as a free
agent for $900,000.

"That was the low point in my career, and basically, it was either I
make it here or I pack my bags and go back to Europe," said
Czerkawski, who scored 35 goals and 35 assists for the Islanders in
1999-2000. "This is my second chance and I have to try and make the
most of it. I'm not trying to get too high because I know what the
lows are like on the other side, but it's nice to have that feeling
again. You try and believe in yourself."

Islanders coach Steve Stirling says returning to Long Island gave
Czerkawski "a new lease on life" and Yashin says "confidence is a big
thing in the NHL."

Still, Czerkawski is surprised at how quick his start has been.

"If someone told me I would have three goals after 10 games, I would
have taken it, but I'm not apologizing for having eight goals. I've
had some opportunities, some lucky bounces off skates. I know it's a
long season."

Nothing, however, could be as long as last season.
***************************************
http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?
id=8843c913-e8dc-4e44-92ab-a8e6f4c2f0dd

Hockey Notes

November 4, 2003

Being No. 2 Just Fine With Yashin

Three weeks ago, Daniel Alfredsson scored his 492nd point as a member
of the Ottawa Senators organization, bumping Alexei Yashin to second
on the club's all-time points list. But Yashin, now with the New York
Islanders, said yesterday he isn't losing any sleep over the
matter. "Eventually it was going to happen, I don't have a problem
with that," he said before last night's game. "I played eight years
in Ottawa, I tried to do whatever I could on the ice to help the team
win, but now that I'm in New York, I'm doing the same here." Yashin
still holds Senators records for most career goals scored (218) and
most points in a season. Yashin had 94 points during the 1998-99
season.

Now that's a win the Islanders can build on and one I'm satisfied
with. Say goodbye Ottawa streak at Nassau Coliseum, 3-4 in last seven
overall vs Ottawa. (yes, the Sens four were in the playoffs)

That was the kind of game that will get the fans back. How that drew
basically the same on Monday as they did on Saturday is one I have no
idea about.

Sure Ottawa was not having it's best game and is in a bit of a
tailspin recently but the Islanders contained them and shut them down
when it counted even with DiPietro giving up the goals to Chara and
Alfredsson earlier.

And how about the pk, first overall? The asst coaches leave and even
now Parrish is seeing time with the unit, no falloff. No Lapointe, no
Mapletoft, no problem.

The Islander fought harder for the puck and outplayed Ottawa, despite
injuries and some weak calls against them.  The defense played a mean
third peirod and really clamped down on the Sens chances, DiPietro
gutted out the win even if he was hurting and got caught wandering
again. Hamrlik and Niinimaa hit him pretty hard too.

And the forwards outworked the Sens defenders and were simply
hungrier all night and made their chances.

Lalime's game kind of evened out, after letting up the softie to
Wiemer (who should have scored two others) he robbed the Islanders
too many times to count until Yashin (fantastic game) maybe took his
best shot since joining the Islanders to put the game away.

Parrish, Papineau, Czerkawski, Yashin all were robbed by Lalime after
the Wiemer softie.

What can be said about Kvasha-Yashin-Czerkawski, it's really
something special to watch right now. Who know's how long it will
last but Kvasha and Czerkawski are proving all the critics (including
myself) wrong.

Good for them. It's not only Kvasha's offensive game but his
defensive game, the passes between these three are something else.

Best game of the year for the defense. Aucoin was everywhere, as was
Niinimaa, Jonsson and Hamrlik, Martinek played well, Cairns screened
DiPietro on a goal, but played solid.

Hunter leading all NHL rookies in scoring with limited play-time?
What a bomb for that first goal, how many players on this roster do
that from the outside?  He had the second goal too.

Going to be very interesting when everyone returns to this lineup,
but for now Asham, Blake, Scatchard is a big part of this team that
could be missing for a stretch. Over 82 games I suspect they will
need everyone.

Only downer was Peca's play. He played solid on defense (which is
critical) but was not hitting (outside of penalties) and was
invisible on offense again and did not have any jump to his game.

Bring on Dallas.

Bill

--- In Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com, chapin_landvogt@l...
wrote:

> If we now prorate this team's scoring, this is what
> it COULD look like at season's end:>>>

> Player          GM      G       A       TP
> Czerk           82      60      38      98
> Yashin          82      37      45      82
> Kvasha          82      30      52      82
> Aucoin          82      0       60      60
> Blake           82      30      29      58
> Bates           82      15      37      52
> Parrish         82      22      23      45
> Hunter          45      30      7       37
> Peca            82      7       30      37
> Niinimaa        82      7       24      31
> Hamrlik         82      0       30      30
> Wiemer          82      7       15      22
> Butenschon      38      0       22      22
> Asham           75      7       8       15
> Jonsson 82      0       15      15
> Papineau        75      0       15      15
> Cairns          82      8       0       8
> Bergenheim      60      8       0       8
>
> Cool stuff, ehh?>>>>

   Very cool: In which case we may hear those magic words: Captain Czerkawski,
come get the Stanley Cup....

   Bill

   Bill
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wow, the Euro-line came thru again(somebody has to give that #1 line a good
nickname)
No more questioning the competition that Mariusz scores against. I thought
Adrian Aucoin and Mariusz deserved to be stars of the game but there were so
many contributions who can argue? We did this against the class of the East and
I really can see this carrying over to the Dallas game Thursday, not to get
ahead of myself. DiPietro has been pretty good but I am shocked that the Isles
have won so many games w/out dominating goaltending and as Bill pointed out Peca
wasn't that good last night. I thought Papineau even looked very good but Trent
Hunter is the MAN!


    Kevin


   ----- Original Message -----
   From: billbarrisles
   To: Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 8:30 AM
   Subject: [Islanders-SoundTigers] Islanders 6, Ottawa 3 Notables...


   Now that's a win the Islanders can build on and one I'm satisfied
   with. Say goodbye Ottawa streak at Nassau Coliseum, 3-4 in last seven
   overall vs Ottawa. (yes, the Sens four were in the playoffs)

   That was the kind of game that will get the fans back. How that drew
   basically the same on Monday as they did on Saturday is one I have no
   idea about.

   Sure Ottawa was not having it's best game and is in a bit of a
   tailspin recently but the Islanders contained them and shut them down
   when it counted even with DiPietro giving up the goals to Chara and
   Alfredsson earlier.

   And how about the pk, first overall? The asst coaches leave and even
   now Parrish is seeing time with the unit, no falloff. No Lapointe, no
   Mapletoft, no problem.

   The Islander fought harder for the puck and outplayed Ottawa, despite
   injuries and some weak calls against them.  The defense played a mean
   third peirod and really clamped down on the Sens chances, DiPietro
   gutted out the win even if he was hurting and got caught wandering
   again. Hamrlik and Niinimaa hit him pretty hard too.

   And the forwards outworked the Sens defenders and were simply
   hungrier all night and made their chances.

   Lalime's game kind of evened out, after letting up the softie to
   Wiemer (who should have scored two others) he robbed the Islanders
   too many times to count until Yashin (fantastic game) maybe took his
   best shot since joining the Islanders to put the game away.

   Parrish, Papineau, Czerkawski, Yashin all were robbed by Lalime after
   the Wiemer softie.

   What can be said about Kvasha-Yashin-Czerkawski, it's really
   something special to watch right now. Who know's how long it will
   last but Kvasha and Czerkawski are proving all the critics (including
   myself) wrong.

   Good for them. It's not only Kvasha's offensive game but his
   defensive game, the passes between these three are something else.

   Best game of the year for the defense. Aucoin was everywhere, as was
   Niinimaa, Jonsson and Hamrlik, Martinek played well, Cairns screened
   DiPietro on a goal, but played solid.

   Hunter leading all NHL rookies in scoring with limited play-time?
   What a bomb for that first goal, how many players on this roster do
   that from the outside?  He had the second goal too.

   Going to be very interesting when everyone returns to this lineup,
   but for now Asham, Blake, Scatchard is a big part of this team that
   could be missing for a stretch. Over 82 games I suspect they will
   need everyone.

   Only downer was Peca's play. He played solid on defense (which is
   critical) but was not hitting (outside of penalties) and was
   invisible on offense again and did not have any jump to his game.

   Bring on Dallas.

   Bill



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Islanders: Trent Hunter up through the system

Written by Pat Wallace on 11/03/2003
When the Islanders announced the hiring of Steve Stirling as their new head
coach over the summer, Trent Hunter was at the announcement. When Stirling made
his National Hockey League debut behind the bench against Washington this fall,
Hunter was on the roster.

Stirling and Hunter spent some time together in Bridgeport, and now both are
growing into the NHL together.

"Playing for Steve (Stirling) the past two seasons, I think I knew his
tendencies and he knew what I could do," Hunter said.

Hunter scored 60 goals in two years, thirty each season with the Sound Tigers,
but he has more to offer Coach Stirling than scoring. His former Bridgeport
coach knows where his strengths lie already.

"I had him for a couple years now, I used him in the American League killing
penalties and late in the game against a top line. He was on a top line and I
used him head to head against their top line."

Hunter had something to prove heading to training camp this season. He started a
season ago with the Islanders, but ended the year in Bridgeport.

"I had to come in at the start of the year and prove that I deserve to be here,
and that I was good enough to play."

Hunter later quickly showed he could play in the NHL, starting with the 2002
Stanley Quarterfinals against Toronto with a goal in the series. Stirling had
confidence in Hunter when he came up in the playoffs.

"Mike (Milbury) asked, 'Is he going to be alright?' Of course, he's going to be
alright because he doesn't panic," said Stirling. Hunter played four games and
picked up two points in seven game series.

The following season, former bench boss, Peter Laviolette, used Hunter sparingly
in eight games. He picked up four assists in three trips to Long Island, but
back with the Sound Tigers, Hunter had a second thirty-goal season. Hunter was
determined to make a spot on the roster and spent the summer preparing.

"I'm trying to work hard in the summers and be in the best shape and trying to
maintain it," the twenty-three-year-old said.

The Red Deer, Alberta native joined the Islanders this season from the start,
but his impact on defense draws more praise from his coach.

"He's got a good head for the game and hands and the defensive part that I
thought he can do," said Stirling. "More importantly, he's getting a chance and
some ice time."

Stirling will be shuffling his lines until December, due to centerman Dave
Scatchard dislocating his shoulder, which gives Hunter a chance to play.
Stirling penciled in Hunter's name four times on the lineup card since the
injury. Hunter has made the most of his shifts, getting four points (three
goals, and one assist) in those contests. It has also eased Hunter's transition
to the faster-paced NHL.

"I'm starting to feel more and more comfortable with every shift and I've got to
keep building and working on my game," Hunter said.

"Very much I like the way he's staying in position and being patient," Stirling
said. Patience is the way Hunter scored his first career regular season goal
against the Penguins a week ago.

"The goal against Pittsburgh was a classic example of the guy sitting back and
letting his first guy do all the work and sit back -- wait, wait, and wait -- to
get rewarded," said Stirling.

"Everyone takes pride in their defense. When the puck goes in the net at the
other end it feels good, too," Hunter adds. Hunter's had at least a shift on the
penalty kill in the last three games.

Aside from the Isles bench boss, Hunter's effort doesn't go unnoticed by his
teammates. Hunter played on two different lines shifting between third and
fourth line duties in the last three outings. The first was a scoring
combination with Jason Wiemer and Justin Papineau. Most recently on Saturday,
Hunter joined forecheckers Jason Blake and Shawn Bates. He earned a second star
of the game against Anaheim with a goal and an assist.

"Hunter is one of the best forwards I've ever played with or seen down low. It's
hard to take the puck off him," Blake said.

After a game starting together, Blake likes the chemistry the line has. "Both
Bates and Hunter work really good and hard in the corners and they give an
honest effort every shift," said Blake. "It's a good mix almost like last year
with Scatch (Scatchard) and Wemes (Wiemer). Nothing fancy, it's just a hard
working line."

The line could have the potential of becoming consistent second scoring line
like the Blake, Wiemer and Scatchard line that racked up 128 points a year ago.

Despite the early struggles Hunter encountered, Stirling knows the winger is
starting to work though it.

"He's pretty mature, level-headed and doesn't get flustered. You're seeing some
of that out there in the last couple of games."












   ----- Original Message -----
   From: billbarrisles
   To: Islanders-SoundTigers@



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This rumor scares me a little bit because it seems fairly realistic. I was
hoping w/ this being the last season before the new CBA that Charles Wang would
suffer some big
losses one more year. Would this be the smartest thing when he is trying to buy
the Nets
and show to Nassau County and the NBA that he can support two franchises? The
Isles would have to get back something that they don't already have or this team
could quit on
Stirling. Maybe a tough as nails, hard hitting defensive defenseman who makes
less than 2 mil.(Brendan Witt type-1.75) (How about Parrish(2.35 mil. and
Hamrlik for Joni Pitkanen? I doubt Philly would do that unless they started
struggling and were desperate for a shakeup)
How about Denis Gauthier(1.3 mil.) and Eric Nystrom who didn't have a great year
last year in Michigan, dropped from 30 pts to 26 pts)(Jay Mckee 1.7 mil. and
Derek Roy if Buffalo can take on salary)
      Wouldn't it make more sense to trade Kenny Jonsson rather than the Hammer?
Kenny makes 3.0., Hamrlik- 3.6, they are similar age and Jonsson is a huge
injury risk. If they trade Hamrlik and don't get back a defenseman what will the
Isles do if(actually when) Kenny misses another stretch of the season.
    Lets just hope the Isles can continue to afford a 44 million dollar payroll
which is more than 4 mil. more than Ottawa and more than 5 mil. more than
Vancouver to say nothing of
Canadian taxes.
    It is time for the fans to show some damn support for this team. Oh I forgot,
they play the trap and are a boring team, yeah right!

   Kevin
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: billbarrisles
   To: Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 12:10 PM
   Subject: [Islanders-SoundTigers] Isles moving Hamrlik and Parrish...


   Always find it interesting that writers need to fill up space in
   weekend rumor columns by reporting a ton of things that never happen.
   Not that any of the Islander beatwriters have that problem because
   they barely cover the team as is much less have space to talk about
   what's going on elsewhere.

   This became one of Spector's highlights in his trade rumors based on
   this article. (below)

   * The Islanders are shopping defenseman Roman Hamrlik and right wing
   Mark Parrish to shave money off the payroll.

   Being that it was the Detroit News I was kind of curious what was
   written so I checked out the site:

   Before we know who or how (to say nothing of why Newsday does not
   have this information) it's already out there the Isles are shaving
   payroll and we have threads about it everywhere assuming it's true,
   and of course in the end it could be.

   But let's look at how this starts:
   http://www.detnews.com/2003/wings/0311/03/c04-313853.htm

   Notebook
   Lightning are riding hot streak 11/2:

   * The Islanders are shopping defenseman Roman Hamrlik and right wing
   Mark Parrish to shave money off the payroll. Nothing else.

   The rumor above the Islander rumor was * The Wild's Marian Gaborik,
   in a contract stalemate, has returned to Europe.

   Gaborik signed with the Wild on 11/1.



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http://www.newyorkislanders.com/news/skinny110403.html

"The Skinny" - Islanders 6, Senators 3
By Eric Hornick, FSNY

(Nov. 4) - Game 11: Islanders 6, Senators 3

Goodbye, Mike Bales
It took 2,858 days, but the Islanders finally broke the Ottawa
Senators' Coliseum unbeaten streak, as they beat the Sens, 6-3,
before 10,957 at the Coliseum. Patrick Lalime is the new answer to
the question: who was the last Senator goaltender to lose at the
Coliseum? The win ends a 0-10-4-1 stretch against Ottawa at home
[plus two playoff losses]. It's also the first defeat Lalime has
suffered on Long Island since February 1997.

Big Blast for Trent
Trent Hunter now leads all rookies in goal scoring. His second goal
in as many games, and fourth goal of the season, tied the game late
in the first period.

5-1 at Home
The Islanders up their record to 5-1 on home ice, and are 2-0 with
two games remaining on this homestand. It's the first time in 17
seasons that the Islanders have won five of their first six games at
home. The Isles won only five of their first 14 games at home last
season.

2-1 vs Final Three
The Islanders completed a three-game home stretch in which they faced
the final three teams that played hockey last spring. After losing to
the Cup Champion Devils, they rebounded to beat Anaheim and Ottawa.

Can't Lose if You Score
Isles are now 6-0-2 if they score two goals or more but are 0-3 when
they score one or fewer.

Share of First...again
The Isles' win pushed them into a first place tie with idle
Philadelphia.

Top Line Does it Again
Mariusz Czerkawski, Alexei Yashin and Oleg Kvasha each scored a goal
while Czerkawski and Kvasha also added assists. Czerkawski now has
199 career assists.

36 in 11
With their five points, the trio now has 36 points, including 13
multiple-point games [including six by Czerkawski in the last six
games in which the Islanders have scored].

Down Stumpy, Down
Czerkawski's two points give him 260 as an Islander, passing Steve
Thomas [258] for 19th place on the all-time Islander list.

Big Night for Aucoin
Adrian Aucoin was the First Star on Saturday and had another terrific
game. Aucoin was on ice for all six Islander goals and had two
assists. He was a +4 on the night and also played a game-high 30:20.
Aucoin now has nine assists on the season - he shares the NHL assist
lead among defensemen.

Two Points for Wiemer
Jason Wiemer set-up the Hunter goal, and then scored his own. It was
Wiemer's first goal since Feb. 23 against Boston.

Best PK Beats 2nd Best PP
The Islanders killed all 6 Senator powerplays and have killed 50-54
[92.7%] on the season. The Isles held the Senators without a
powerplay goal for only the 2nd time this season and have now killed
49 of their last 51.

DiPietro Sets Career High
Rick DiPietro made 29 saves for his fourth win of the season, a
career high. DiPietro has won consecutive games for the first time in
his NHL career.

400 Club
Mariusz Czerkawski became the 32nd Islander to appear in his 400th
game.

500 Club
Daniel Alfredsson scored Ottawa's final goal. Alfredsson, the
Senators' all-time point leader, now has 500 points. He broke Alexei
Yashin' record of 491 points earlier this season and has 28 points in
29 career games against the Isles.

Hossa, Bonk Blanked
Marian Hossa had at least a point in the Sens' first eight games
before being blanked by Buffalo Saturday; Radek Bonk had a point in
all nine Sens games. Neither earned a point in this one.

Big Z = Big Trouble
Former Islander Zdeno Chara scored against his ex-mates for the
fourth time in eight regular season meetings.

Never in Doubt
Shawn Bates' empty-netter made this a three-goal win for the
Islanders. Five of the Islanders' six wins, as well as all three of
their losses, have been by three goals or more.

Holding the Lead
The Isles are now 5-0-1 when they lead after two periods.

High Octane Isles
Guess who leads the Eastern Conference in goals? Yes, it's the
Islanders, who have scored 37, one more than Philadelphia.

A November to Remember?
It's too soon to tell, but the Isles are off to a 2-0 start for the
month for the first time since 1996. They haven't opened November
with three-straight wins since winning the first five games of
November 1983!

5 in 9 to 4 in 1
The Sens had allowed only five full-strength goals all season, but
the Isles scored four of them in this game.

Chili?
The Isles scored six goals or more for the third time in the still
young season. It's the most goals they've scored against the Senators
at home since 1993.

Battling Back on the Draw
The Sens won 15 of 23 first period face-offs, including 9 of 12 in
the Isles' zone. The Isles improved dramatically as the game went on,
winning 29 of 52, including 14 of 18 in their own zone, over the
final 40 minutes.

Season Series Story
The Isles now lead the series 1-0, with three matches still to be
played, all in the first 19 days of 2004.

Somebody Has to Sit
Scratches for the Isles: the injured Dave Scatchard, Arron Asham
[neck strain] and Sven Butenschon.

Up Next

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6th - DALLAS AT ISLANDERS 7:00PM
[Fox Sports NY (pre-game at 6:30pm); ESPN-1050 (pre-game at 6:50pm)]

The Islanders will look to stretch their winning streak to three and
their unbeaten streak to four as the Stars make their only trip to
Long Island this season.

The Isles have won three-straight from the Stars, each by the score
of 3-2, after beating the Stars only three times in the first 14
games after the franchise relocated from Minnesota.

The Islanders last beat the Stars four-straight back in 1977 and
1978, when they won six straight over the Minnesota North Stars.

It's the first of two meetings between the teams this season; the
Isles will visit Dallas on Feb. 11.

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/news/blake110403.html

Blake To IR, Mapletoft Up

(Nov. 4) LW Jason Blake will miss two weeks with a knee sprain after
suffering the injury on Monday vs. Ottawa. He will be placed on
injured reserve.

The Islanders have recalled C Justin Mapletoft from the Bridgeport
Sound Tigers (AHL). In 10 games this season, Mapletoft has recorded
10 points (7-3-10). The 6-1, 200-pound Mapletoft has appeared in 11
NHL games, recording two goals and two assists.

http://www.theahl.com/AHLNews0311/04.html

Monday, November 3, 2003

Roy named top rookie for October

The American Hockey League announced today that Rochester Americans
center Derek Roy has been named the AHL Rookie of the Month for
October. In six games, Roy scored four goals and added six assists
for 10 points as the Amerks raced out to a strong start in the AHL's
North Division.

Roy made his professional debut on Oct. 10 and recorded an assist in
Rochester's 2-1 season-opening victory over Hamilton. After missing
two games with a concussion, Roy returned to the lineup on Oct. 24
and scored his first pro goal, the game-winner in a 3-1 decision over
Toronto. The highlight of his month was a two-goal, four-point effort
on Oct. 26 vs. arch-rival Syracuse, and a two-point performance
against Hamilton on Oct. 31 allowed Roy to finish his first month in
the AHL with nine points in a span of four games. The Amerks went 4-1-
0-1 with Roy in the lineup in October, and sat atop the North
Division with 11 points entering November.

In recognition of his accomplishment, Roy will be presented with an
etched crystal trophy by the AHL prior to an upcoming game.

A second-round pick by the Buffalo Sabres (32nd overall) in the 2001
NHL Entry Draft, the 20-year-old Roy is coming off a stellar four-
year junior career with Kitchener (OHL). In 2002-03, the Ottawa
native captained the Rangers to the 2003 Memorial Cup championship
while earning tournament MVP honors.

Other nominees for AHL Rookie of the Month for October include
Bridgeport right wing Martin Kariya, Cincinnati center Joel Perrault,
Cleveland defenseman Garrett Stafford, Hartford defenseman Fedor
Tyutin, Hershey goaltender Tom Lawson, Lowell defenseman Brad Fast,
Manchester left wing Noah Clarke, Manitoba defenseman Kirill Koltsov,
Norfolk right wing Matt Keith, Providence goaltender Hannu Toivonen,
San Antonio defenseman Michel Periard, Springfield goaltender David
LeNeveu, St. John's center Kyle Wellwood, Syracuse defenseman Aaron
Johnson and Worcester defenseman Aaron MacKenzie.
************************************
http://www.theahl.com/AHLNews0311/03b.html

Monday, November 3, 2003

Kostopoulos wins weekly award

The American Hockey League announced today that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Penguins right wing Tom Kostopoulos has been named the Sher-Wood AHL
Player of the Week for the period ending November 2, 2003. In four
games last week, Kostopoulos recorded four goals, two assists and a
plus-6 rating to take over a share of the lead in the AHL scoring
race.

Kostopoulos, 24, began the week with two assists in the Penguins' 3-0
victory over Syracuse on Wednesday night. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton then
embarked on a three-game, three-night, three-city road trip, with
Kostopoulos scoring twice and recording a game-high eight shots on
goal in a 4-4 tie with Albany on Friday. The Pensâ captain then
potted the game-winning goal in Saturday's 3-2 overtime victory at
Hershey, and closed out the week with a goal in a 2-1 win in
Worcester on Sunday.

In recognition of his achievement, Kostopoulos will receive a Sher-
Wood leather jacket, presented to him during an on-ice ceremony prior
to an upcoming game. In addition, Sher-Wood will donate five travel
bags to the Pocono Pirates Amateur Youth Hockey Club in Kostopoulos'
name.

A native of Mississauga, Ont., Kostopoulos is the only player to
skate for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in each of the franchise's five
seasons. An AHL All-Star in 2002, he is tied for the league lead with
13 points in 10 games this season, and owns an AHL-best plus-9
rating. In 307 career AHL contests, all with the Penguins,
Kostopoulos has registered 97 goals and 142 assists for 239 points,
while adding one goal and three assists in 19 NHL matches with
Pittsburgh.

Other players nominated for Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week include
Albany left wing Steve Kariya, Bridgeport center Ryan Kraft, Chicago
left wing Karl Stewart, Cincinnati left wing Michael Holmqvist,
Cleveland center Pat Rissmiller, Grand Rapids center Mark Mowers,
Hartford goaltender Jason LaBarbera, Hershey defenseman Brett Clark,
Manchester right wing Scott Barney, Philadelphia right wing Kirby
Law, Portland goaltender Rastislav Stana, Rochester goaltender Ryan
Miller, San Antonio center Stephen Weiss, Springfield goaltender Jean-
Marc Pelletier, St. John's goaltender Sebastien Centomo, Syracuse
center Brad Moran, Toronto center Mike Bishai and Worcester
defenseman Aaron MacKenzie.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=59433

Fleury takes rookie monthly honours

TSN.ca Staff
11/4/2003

Rookie netminder Marc-Andre Fleury has been named the NHL Rookie of
the Month for October.

The 18 year old, who was the first player taken in the NHL Draft this
past summer, got his NHL career off to a strong start, posting a 2-2-
2 record and a 1.96 goals against average in six games with the
Pittsburgh Penguins.

Fleury edged Boston forward Patrice Bergeron, Boston goaltender
Andrew Raycroft and Philadelpia defenceman Joni Pitkanen for the
honour.

Fleury faced 211 shots in his six appearances for an average of 35.2
per game, the most of any NHL goaltender. He made 46 saves, including
a penalty shot, in his NHL debut, a 3-0 loss to Los Angeles on Oct.
10, and was named the game’s first star. Fleury collected his first
NHL victory with a 31-save performance on Oct. 18 against Detroit,
turned aside 35 of 36 shots in a 1-1 tie with Carolina on Oct. 22 and
closed the month with his first career shutout, making 20 saves in a
1-0 victory at Chicago on Oct. 30.

Last season, Fleury led Canada to a silver medal at the 2003 World
Junior Championship in Halifax, leading all goaltenders with a 1.57
goals-against average and earning a selection
to the All-Star Team while being named the tournament's top
goaltender.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/story/133843p-119326c.html

Sprain kayos Isles' Blake

Islanders winger Jason Blake will be sidelined at least two weeks
with a sprained right knee suffered in Monday's 6-3 win over Ottawa.
Blake, the Isles' second-best scorer last season with 25 goals and
55points, was injured in a knee-to-knee collision with Senators
forward Daniel Alfredsson late in the first period. Blake has four
goals and eight points in the Isles' 6-3-2 start. Center Justin
Mapletoft was recalled from Bridgeport.
******************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-
isles053526514nov05,0,5006151.story?coll=ny-islanders-headlines

Blake's a Big Loss
Injured forward key part of penalty killing

By Marty Noble
STAFF WRITER

November 5, 2003

Even a season that is 11 games old can have a high point and a low
point. The Islanders can identify theirs readily. The high point,
according to rookie coach Steve Stirling, was their performance in
the third period of their 6-3 victory against the Ottawa Senators
Monday night. A low point was the first-period knee injury that
probably will keep Jason Blake off the ice for up to two weeks.

The good and bad are connected. Stirling was delighted by the
Islanders' penalty-killing work Monday, particularly early in the
third period after the Senators had reduced their deficit to 4-3 late
in the second. Blake played no role in that stand nor in any others
after he suffered a knee sprain in a knee-on-knee collision with
Daniel Alfredsson. Blake played one more shift before being removed.

He was examined again yesterday. The prognosis has him missing five
games, including the Islanders' confrontation with the Dallas Stars
tomorrow night at Nassau Coliseum.

Although his absence will afford rookie Justin Papineau more playing
time and greater opportunity to demonstrate his offensive skills,
Blake's injury may be more cloud than silver lining, as it involves
penalty killing. Blake, 30 and in his sixth NHL season, has the
second-most penalty-killing minutes (38) among the Islanders. And
that the Islanders rank first in the league in penalty killing looks
good on his 11-game resume.

Their 92.6 percentage is nearly three points greater than the second-
highest percentage, the Flyers' 89.8, and is 9.5 points greater than
the league average; all this from a team that last season ranked
slightly lower than the NHL average.

The 2003-2004 percentages reflect the Islanders killing three third-
period penalties Monday night against the team that began the night
with the second-highest power-play percentage in the league.

"Based on our opponent, the score and pressure of the moment, the
third period probably is our high point," Stirling said after the
team's optional skate in Syosset.

Blake's absence undermines the Islanders in other areas. He, Shawn
Bates and rookie Trent Hunter just had begun to come together as a
line, having played as a unit for the first time Saturday in the 4-1
victory against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Moreover, Blake was the
Islanders' third-leading goal-scorer last season, and he remains a
primary source of on-ice energy.

And so adversity looms on the Islanders' immediate horizon, not that
Stirling seems upset by it. He believes his team was guilty of a
casual play late in the second period Monday and that the Senators'
third goal, the absence of Blake and the Senators' power play that
began the third period helped create urgency and resolve that had
been missing.

"I like the way we responded to the challenge," the coach said. "Bad
stuff has happened before, but we haven't always responded." The
Islanders hadn't beaten the Senators in 17 consecutive home games.
The streak had grown enough that it was no longer just a media issue.

"To me," Stirling said, "the big thing is we beat a good team. I
don't know how much the streak mattered. I know it was nice to get
the monkey off our back. But the two points are far more important."

Tomorrow

Stars at Islanders

7 p.m.

TV: FSNY

Radio: ESPN (1050)

http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96~3761~1745932,00.html

Islanders recall Mapletoft

The New York Islanders recalled center Justin Mapletoft from the
Bridgeport Sound Tigers Tuesday afternoon.

The 22-year-old, who is tied for Bridgeport's team lead with 10
points, had two goals and two assists in 11 games with the Islanders
last year. It's the first recall of the season for Bridgeport's top-
line center, after he was the Islanders' last cut out of training
camp.

New York winger Arron Asham has a neck strain, and winger Jason Blake
suffered a mild knee sprain in Monday night's win over Ottawa,
according to a report in Newsday. The NHL team already had center
Dave Scatchard on injured reserve with a dislocated shoulder.

Blake was placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss two weeks.

Mapletoft is riding an eight-game scoring streak for the Sound
Tigers, with nine points over that span. He has four goals and six
assists this season.

MICHAEL FORNABAIO

Now it get's kind of interesting, out of nowhere what appeared to be
too many bodies for too many jobs becomes a situtaiton where the
Islanders or Tigers cannot afford any more injuries at forward.

Blake, Scatchard and Asham? That's about sixty goals awol from from
last year's roster.

So Mapletoft steps in, he has been playing center and is a center, so
fourth line center or maybe third line center. Does Bates continue
centering Hunter.

Papineau or Bergenheim is the player to move up and see more minutes
on left wing?

And for the moment the Tigers do not have Mapletoft or Hamilton but
should get Weinhandl back in a few days.

It's getting interesting.

Bill

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/news/mapletoft110503.html

Looking To Stick:
Injuries Give Mapletoft an Opportunity
By Corey Witt

(Nov. 5) With three injured forwards shelved for varying amounts of
time, the Islanders have recalled forward Justin Mapletoft from the
Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Mapletoft was the last cut at the end of the
preseason and could be in the lineup Thursday night when the Isles
faceoff against the Dallas Stars at Nassau Coliseum.

"We have enough depth to get through this," said Steve Stirling after
the Islanders practiced Wednesday. "That makes it at least palatable.
Now, some of the younger guys will get more of a chance, more ice
time, to show what they can do. The Hunter's, the Godard's, the
Bergenheim's will all get more time. This gives a chance for Justin
Mapletoft to come back and show where he belongs."

According to Stirling, there will be a few changes to the Isles'
lineup for Thursday's game. Stirling expects Mapletoft to move
swiftly into the lineup with no problems.

"He'll add something different in a positive sense," Stirling
said. "Mapes will help out down-low in the defensive zone. It'll be a
little different, and that's not a bad thing. Mapes is a really good
defender. I have no worries about him and how he'll fit into our
lineup."

Added Mapletoft: "It feels good to be back and skating with the guys.
I've worked hard in Bridgeport and I hope I can contribute here
anyway that I can. I feel that I've worked on my offensive game at
Bridgeport and that I'm ready to come back here and help out the
team."

Though Mapletoft was disappointed that he was sent down to the
minors, he realized that it was a chance for him to improve as a
hockey player and play in all situations. So far this season,
Mapletoft has led the Sound Tigers with six assists and is tied with
Jeff Hamilton for the Bridgeport overall scoring lead with 10 points.
The Lloydminster, Saskatchewan native has also scored four goals in
10 games and had an AHL-leading scoring streak of eight games.

"For the most part, Justin just got caught up in a numbers game,"
Stirling noted. "He played hard in Bridgeport and got the job done.
He got a chance to work on his hockey game and he showed everyone
what he can do. He was one of the leaders for the Sound Tigers during
his time with them. He was disappointed when he was sent down, but he
knew if he worked hard that he would find himself back here (with the
Islanders). And sure enough, he has."

"During my time at Bridgeport, I put a lot of pressure on myself,"
added Mapletoft. "I've been known as a ‘defensive player,' but I also
can score goals. I worked hard on finding my offensive game so I
could become a complete player."

For Mapletoft, this is a huge opportunity to finally stick his foot
in the door and show that he belongs in the NHL. As an added bonus,
Mapletoft's parents are in the area and will be in attendance for
Thursday night's game.

"You can't do other people's jobs," said Mapletoft. "But this is a
big chance for me. I want to showcase myself and show everyone that I
belong here. I have to do the job that's asked of me. The team's
playing well right now and I want to help them win."

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/news/prospects110503.html

Islanders Prospect Report:
The North Americans
By Corey Witt

(Nov. 5) Like the NHL season, the North American junior hockey and
college seasons are well underway. The Islanders currently have many
prospects participating in junior and college leagues, and some
senior leagues, all over the world. NewYorkIslanders.com will bring
you weekly reports on Islanders' prospects in North America as well
as a report on the European prospects participating in hockey leagues
across the Atlantic.

Stefan Blaho â€" Blaho, a 2003 fourth round draft selection, has scored
three goals, one on the powerplay, and assisted on another in 14
games for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. The scrappy winger is
seventh on his squad in penalty minutes with 24 and is a -2 on the
season. The Wolves (5-11-0-0) are currently in fifth place in the
Central Division with 10 points. This is Blaho's rookie season as he
made the jump across the Atlantic from Slovakia and is coached by
former NHLer Mike Foligno.

Cody Blanshan â€" In 19 games for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL,
Blanshan, a 2003 eighth rounder, has netted a goal and two assists.
The defenseman's +6 rating is tied the fourth highest on the club and
he's seventh on the Tigers in penalty with 23. Blanshan left the
University of Nebraska-Omaha after his freshman season to play in the
rugged WHL.

Ryan Caldwell â€" Caldwell entered his senior season at the University
of Denver as the squad's captain for his senior campaign. In the
first six games of this season, the lefthanded-shooting blueliner has
tallied two goals and an assist with a +4 rating, which ranks him
third on the team in plus/minus. He was selected in the seventh round
of the 2000 draft.

Jeremy Colliton â€" After missing the first two games of the season
with a concussion sustained at this summer's Team Canada World Junior
Evaluation Camp, Colliton has netted eight goals and nine assists for
17 points, which ranks him third on the team. He has captained the
Prince Albert Raiders to a first place record of 12-7-1-1 in the
WHL's Eastern Conference. Colliton, a righthanded-shooting forward,
was recently selected to participate in the 2003 Re/Max Canada Russia
Challenge for Team Canada and was one of three second-round
selections in this past summer's draft for the Islanders.

Bruno Gervais - The captain of the Acadie-Bathurst Titian of the
QMJHL rejoined his squad 12 games into their season after being
returned from the Islanders. In 10 contests, the 2003 sixth round
pick has scored two goals and two assists for four points and has a -
2 plus/minus rating. His team has struggled to start the season,
particularly without him and Boston forward Patrice Bergeron.

Marcus Paulsson â€" In his second season with the Saskatoon Blades of
the WHL, Paulsson, a winger, has registered a goal and five assists
in 17 games. He has an even plus/minus rating and has collected 12
penalty minutes. Though Paulsson is posting respectable numbers, his
team is struggling with a 3-12-3-0 record and have recently hired a
new head coach. Paulsson with a fifth round selection in the 2002
entry draft out of Sweden.

Denis Rehak â€" In his first season with the Prince George Cougars of
WHL, Rehak, a 2003 seventh round draft pick, has appeared in 13
contests and notched an assist and eight penalty minutes. His +6
plus/minus rating leads the Cougars, who are in fifth place in the
British Colombia Division of the Western Conference with a 6-11-1-0
record. Rehak was a teammate of Blaho's in Slovakia and also made the
trek over the Atlantic. He participated with many Islanders'
prospects, including Paulsson, Colliton, Blanshan, in the Islanders'
summer conditioning camps.

Brad Topping â€" The 2002 seventh round pick was diagnosed with
mononucleosis in mid-October, but is expected back possibly this
weekend. In the six games that the goaltender has appeared in for the
Brampton Battalion of the OHL, he has posted a 1-3-0 record with a
2.30 GAA and a save percentage of .906. He entered the season as the
Battalion's starting netminder.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/wings/2003-11-05-
thomas_x.htm

Red Wings sign Thomas to one-year contract

DETROIT (AP) â€" The Red Wings signed 40-year-old free agent forward
Steve Thomas to a one-year contract on Wednesday.

Thomas, who has 411 goals and 500 assists over his career, was signed
a day after Detroit learned that high-scoring forward Henrik
Zetterberg will miss four to six weeks with a broken leg.

Detroit will be Thomas' sixth team in a 20-year NHL career.

He was acquired by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim at last season's
trading deadline from the Chicago Blackhawks.

He scored 10 goals in 12 regular-season games with the Ducks, who
went on to sweep the Red Wings in the first round of the playoffs.

Thomas scored four goals and added four assists throughout the
playoffs.

Thomas also has played with Toronto, the New York Islanders and New
Jersey.

Four things I noted from last night's games:

- SHIT, Jersey still seems to be finding ways to win.
I hate that.

- Palffy gets assist number fourteen.  I must say, he truly
is one of the best point-producers in the NHL.  No ifs, ands
or buts.  When you consider that Allison and Deadmarsh
are not there, and may miss the whole season, it's
AMAZING that this guy has 3-14-17 in 12 games.  Just
incredible.  His linemates are currently career minor-
leaguer Derek Armstrong (hmmm, ring a bell?) and
Lucky Luc "I-only-produce-in-LA-no-matter-how-old-
I-am" Robitaille.

- Nashville's Marek Zidlicky got his ninth assist and
has a point in all but two games this season, and 11
points in 12 games on the season.

- I must admit, you have to give Atlanta credit.  With
Savard out, they still managed to score 7 goals last
night.  Imagine this though, Buffalo scored three
unanswered goals and is up 3-1 after 30 minutes.
Atlanta procedes to score 6 straight goals in the
next 20 minutes of the game. Kovalchuk has 3 pts
in the game, as does uhhhhh Robitaille, who now
has 2-7-9 on the season, which would be good
for fourth on our team at this point.  He wouldn't
have done it here, but he seems to have found
a bit of a home there in Hartley's system.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-
prince063527838nov06,0,141558.story?coll=ny-islanders-headlines

A Popularity Pole Winner
Czerkawski is starring for Isles, has celebrity status in homeland

By Alan Hahn
STAFF WRITER

November 6, 2003

The Polish Prince was holding court. His loyal subjects surrounded
him with cameras, tape recorders and even a boom microphone, which
hovered above. They spoke quickly yet casually with him in their
native Polish. Everything he said was recorded. Everything he did was
monitored. He's big news back in the homeland.

He interrupted them abruptly when an English-speaking reporter
approached. With a welcoming smile and a pat on the back, he answered
questions affably, concentrating to make his point.

When the conversation ended, he switched easily back to his first
language and the swarm of Polish media.

Mariusz Czerkawski is more than a developing comeback story of the
year for the Islanders. He is also the hockey hero of his homeland.

Super Mariusz. One dynamic month into his return to Long Island, he
is the darling of the "the Polish Paparazzi" that follows him the way
the Japanese media covers the Yankees' Hideki Matsui.

"He's a huge person in Poland," one member of the press pack
said. "There's not many celebrities who can match his status."

This is status: When Poland's prime minister, Leszek Miller, visited
with President George Bush in January 2001, he presented the
president with an Islanders jersey autographed by Czerkawski. When
Czerkawski re- signed with the Islanders this past summer, it was
broadcast live on Polish television, interrupting regular evening
programming. Upon arrival at Kennedy Airport in August, a crowd of
Polish immigrants and members of the embassy were there to greet him.
He has his own beat writer, assigned to him by the Polish newspaper,
Kurier Ludelski, and there is a television crew here this week to
film a documentary about him.

It's not that Czerkawski is Poland's only star athlete, or even its
most successful. It is a soccer nation. Hockey isn't nearly as
popular there as it is in the other Eastern Bloc countries. But it
hasn't kept Czerkawski from becoming a household name in Poland.

"He's big, well-known," said Calgary Flames forward Krzysztof Oliwa,
the only other Polish-born NHL player and a close friend. "He goes to
charity things, plays soccer with kids and summer hockey. He
participates in a lot of different events there."

Oliwa, an eight-year veteran who is known more for his punches than
points, isn't ashamed to acknowledge where he ranks among the
nation's hockey elite.

"Well, there's only two of us," he said.

Czerkawski, a one-time NHL All-Star and two-time 30-goal scorer,
almost reduced that number to one after last season's forgettable
performance in Montreal, where he scored just five goals in 43 games
and was demoted to the minors. The Canadiens then bought out the
final year of his contract, worth $2.85 million, and, at 31,
Czerkawski was a man without a team.

"It was the low point of my career," he said.

He signed with the Islanders, the team with which he was most
successful in five seasons prior to Montreal. Eleven games into the
season, he has made an emphatic rebound with nine goals and 14
points, matching his entire point total from last season. The
Islanders are again Poland's team. They've already set up a deal to
simulcast a handful of Islanders games there live this season.

"Certainly, last year was very unfortunate for his career," said
Albert Klosiewicz, a friend who was born in Poland but has lived in
East Meadow for 20 years. "But this year, he's definitely doing
extremely well. Everybody is happy."

With Czerkawski's resurgence and the chemistry developed with Alexei
Yashin and Oleg Kvasha, the Islanders finally have a potent top line.

"They just have a feel for one another," coach Steve Stirling said of
the line, which has 18 of the Islanders' 37 goals this season and
seven of the team's eight power-play goals. "They're going to be
outstanding."

There were no guarantees the three would mesh as well as they have.
Two seasons ago, Czerkawski and Yashin weren't the dynamic duo the
Islanders hoped they'd be. Czerkawski's departure started a carousel
of right wing partners for Yashin, along with several trade rumors
that included names such as Tony Amonte, Ziggy Palffy, Miroslav Satan
and Pavol Demitra.

Yashin said he was happy with Czerkawski. "I thought we had success
two years ago," Yashin said. "But for some reason, it didn't work out
and Mariusz was traded."

"We both wanted to make it work," Czerkawski said.

Before signing Czerkawski, general manager Mike Milbury called Yashin
to get his thoughts on bringing him back. Yashin, who endured an
embarrassing fourth-line demotion last season, endorsed it. With 87
goals in the three seasons prior to last, Czerkawski is the most
prolific linemate Yashin has played with as an Islander.

"He's a great player, a very skilled player," Yashin said. "No
question about that."

Along with riding shotgun with the Islanders' star center, Czerkawski
also can fill the long-existing gap between the introverted Yashin
and the jovial core of North Americans - a group Milbury commonly
refers to as "The Good Ol' Boys" - who dominate the locker room. He
already had an established relationship with many of them, who were
happy to have him back.

"He's the same old Mariusz," Mark Parrish said, "always got a smile
on his face, always laughing and joking around ... It's almost like
he never left."

Not quite. The Czerkawski whom Milbury traded wasn't nearly the
determined, disciplined player he has been this season. He also
wasn't as focused. After his marriage to actress Izabella Scorupco
ended in divorce in 2001, Czerkawski's personal life was as erratic
as his play. One example is a catchphrase around the organization
that he coined as he flipped open his cell phone when the team
arrived in a popular road city. "The office is open," he announced.

These days, Czerkawski has a steady girlfriend - she, like Scorupco,
is from Poland - and a steady routine that involves more home time
than party time. "I don't go much to Manhattan," he said. Instead, he
prefers Brooklyn, where there is a warm and welcoming Polish
restaurant in Greenpoint that is always worth the ride, no matter how
bad the traffic on the Belt Parkway. "A place you can go and get a
good, home-cooked meal and speak your language," Czerkawski
said. "It's nice."

Friends such as Klosiewicz also provide comforts and companionship
away from hockey. "I feel like I'm home again," Czerkawski said when
he arrived for training camp in September.

That's why the Islanders were his first and only choice when he was
set free by Montreal. With a $1.9-million buyout already in his
pocket, Polish TV cameras rolled last July as Czerkawski signed an
incentive-laden, one-year contract with the Islanders for the ultra-
bargain price of $800,000.

Milbury called it "a good, calculated risk." Czerkawski called it his
last chance.

"You're either going to make it here or pack your bag and go back to
Europe," he said he told himself.

His performance in training camp went critically unnoticed as young
snipers such as Justin Papineau and Trent Hunter stood out. Milbury
even left Czerkawski unprotected in the preseason waiver draft in
favor of the youngsters. It was another calculated risk by the GM,
who hoped Czerkawski would slip through and remain while also being
motivated by the slight.

A concerned Czerkawski then had a curious discussion with Stirling
before a preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Hershey,
Pa., on the eve of the waiver draft.

"How should I play? Bad, so nobody takes me?" he asked the coach. "I
want to be here."

"Just play the best that you can," Stirling said. "We still have you
in our plans."

Despite scoring two goals that night, Czerkawski survived the next
day's waiver draft unclaimed. He has been on fire since, with 11
goals in 13 games, including the final two preseason games. He's also
putting a noticeable effort on defense within the team's 1-2-2 trap
system. But clearly, offense is what he had to bring to the table to
re-establish himself.

"It's huge," he said of his fast start. "After this month, if you
didn't do anything, you might not get another chance."

After Monday's 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators, in which Czerkawski
had a goal and an assist, there were waves of reporters waiting to
talk to him. The Polish journalists obediently stood on the periphery
and caught it all with glowing admiration.

When the American media was finished, the Polish following converged.

"Get the lights when you're done, Mariusz," one of the equipment
managers said with a teasing smile.

Long live the Prince.

Locked In

Among the NHL's early-season goal leaders, Mariusz Czerkawski is the
most accurate:

Player, Team Games Goals Shots Pct.

Czerkawski, Isles 11 9 29 .310

Rick Nash, Columbus 11 8 33 .242

Bill Guerin, Dallas 13 9 41 .220

Milan Hejduk, Colorado 12 8 41 .195

Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta 12 11 63 .175

****************************************
http://www.nypost.com/sports/islanders/42326.htm

ISLES HURTIN' ON FRONT LINE

By EVAN GROSSMAN

November 6, 2003 -- Jason Blake is out at least two weeks with a knee
sprain. Dave Scatchard is still about a month away because of a
dislocated shoulder. Arron Asham remains day-to-day with a sore neck.

To say that the Islanders have been decimated by injuries up front
over the past two weeks would be an understatement. The team that
normally had to shuffle replacements in on a sometimes-brittle
defense is now tapping its rich farm system to make up for the losses
at forward, which seem to be mounting by the day.

"You know it's going to happen sooner or later," Steve Stirling said
of the injuries.

Including Mattias Weinhandl, who is expected to play this weekend for
Bridgeport in his season debut following an ankle injury, the Isles
are without one-third of their forwards from last year's roster.

Justin Mapletoft, who was summoned from the AHL after Blake's knee to-
knee collision with Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson, will skate between
Sean Bergenheim and Eric Godard tonight against the Stars.

Replacing Blake on what was fast becoming a potent new line in the
arsenal, alongside Shawn Bates and Trent Hunter, will be Justin
Papineau, while Jason Wiemer will continue to skate with Michael Peca
and Mark Parrish.

The biggest loss will be Blake, the team's second-leading scorer of a
year ago, a penalty-kill ace and one of the more energetic and
hardest working players on the team.

Moved to a line with Bates and Hunter recently, Blake found some
instant chemistry primarily because of his speed on the wing.
Papineau is no slug, named the fastest skater in the AHL last year,
and has been given every opportunity to make a name for himself this
year with the Isles.

"The good news is, Papineau's got good quickness, so we don't give up
too much there," Stirling said. "He's hungry and I think he'll
respond to the challenge."

Coming off their biggest win of the season Monday against Ottawa,
Stirling will dress five rookies tonight against one of the elite
squads in the West.

"The young guys are full of vim and vigor, which you want them to be.
And there's some talent, which you always like to see," Stirling
said. "That's a pretty good group of youth coming along to, short-
term, support. But we don't want them supporting too long. We want
them improving, and getting better and being a big part of this,
which they're slowly but surely doing."

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/gameday/pregame.html

Shoot-Out with the Stars (7:00 p.m.)
Dallas Stars at Islanders (FSNY, ESPN Radio 1050 AM)
By Francis Rizzo III

(Nov. 6) There's not much of a rivalry between the Dallas Stars and
the New York Islanders, especially since they play each other twice a
year, at most. There may be some lingering dislike on the Stars'
side, but it is miniscule at best considering the last time they met
with anything on the line was 1981. That's when the Isles defeated
the then-Minnesota North Stars for their second Stanley Cup.

Nonetheless, the two teams will meet Thursday. And with the Isles
riding a three-game unbeaten streak, they'll be throwing everything
they have at Dallas in an effort to stretch that status to four.
Three seems like a magic number right now for the Isles, as they also
have a three-game win streak against the Stars on the line. The Stars
were on a streak of their own until getting shutout by the Rangers
Tuesday night.

Thursday's meeting is the 94th between the two teams, with the Isles
holding a modest edge in the series thanks to the success Long
Island's team had in the early going against the Stars franchise.
Though the Stars have struggled against the Isles in recent games. In
the years earlier, just as the team has handled the league, they have
defeated the Islanders more often than not.

This year's model of the Stars has a slightly different look --
thanks to the removal of Derian Hatcher (free agency) and Daryl Sydor
from the blueline and the arrival of veteran defender Teppo Numminen
and Euro-rookie Antti Miettinen to ensure a proper Finnish quota.
Other than that, it's much the same team, led by new captain Mike
Modano, whose contributions have been lower than expected -- so far.

On Long Island, injuries have changed the look of the Islanders as
well, with Jason Blake the latest to move to the press box. The tiny
dynamo will be out two weeks with a sprained knee, joining Dave
Scatchard and his injured shoulder on the IR. Arron Asham remains day-
to-day with a neck sprain, which meant some insurance was necessary
for Thursday's game. As a result, Justin Mapletoft got the call-up
from Bridgeport. The Isles' top forward corps could be made up of
nearly 50% rookies when they face Dallas, an unusual situation for a
team that's pushed for veteran depth.

Don't expect an offensive explosion when the two teams meet, despite
Bill Guerin and Mariusz Czerkawski's excellent starts. The Stars are
in the bottom 10 in shots on goal and are second in defense, allowing
just 21 shots a game. They'll need to maintain that kind of defensive
pressure if they want to keep up with the Isles, who are tied for
second in scoring in the league.

The other big match-up in this game will be on special teams, as the
10th-ranked Dallas powerplay takes on the NHL's top shorthanded unit.
Currently killing nine of every 10 penalties, the Isles have turned
shorthanded shifts into their own powerplays, often finding ways to
use their speed to get chances on net.

The Stars are one of just three Western teams the Isles will see
twice in the regular season. The two teams will meet again, in
Dallas, on Feb. 11, to wrap up the season series.
***************************************
http://www.newyorkislanders.com/gameday/insider.html

The Insider: The Book on the Stars
Dallas Stars vs. Islanders
7:00 p.m., November 6 @ Nassau Coliseum
by Francis Rizzo III

(Nov. 6) Much like the other big Western Conference teams, the Stars
ice a near-Hall of Fame-worthy line-up laced with top-dollar talent.
A perennial playoff team, Dallas is built from the net out with a
solid defensive unit, despite Darien Hatcher's offseason defection to
Detroit and Darryl Sydor's trade to Columbus. Teppo Numminen was
brought in to fill the void, and, so far, has done so well.

Up front, the team is made up of a group of gritty yet skilled
scorers, with a dedication to strong defensive hockey, a legacy of
the Ken Hitchcock days in Texas. This season, with the addition of
Euro-rookie Antti Miettinen, the team can ice an excellent two-way
Finnish line, anchored by three-time Selke trophy-winner Jere
Lehtinen, though the right wing is currently out with back spasms.

Who's Hot
After publicly expressing his lack of desire in waiving his no-trade
clause so the Stars could move him and his contract, Bill Guerin went
out and showed Dallas why they shouldn't even think about it. In the
next three games after the statement, he had two hat tricks and an
assist. And if you include the game played the day before he spoke,
he had 10 points in four games. Way to increase the trade value,
Billy.

Who's Not
The Stars did everything they could in the offseason to rid
themselves of Pierre Turgeon's contract, including waiving the
skilled center. Not a single team bit on his multi-million-dollar,
multi-year pact. Now we know why. In the past seven games, Turgeon's
had just one point, while his last goal came on Oct. 11.

Between the Pipes
Marty Turco was drafted by the Stars way back in 1994, but it wasn't
until nearly 10 years later that he got his chance to backstop his
team as a starter. After waiting so long, he made the most of his
chance, winning 33 games last season. This year, he's been a
workhorse, starting every one of the team's games. Fortunately, if
Turco should tire, steady vet Ron Tugnutt is right behind him with a
win in two appearances this season.

Last Time Out
The Stars are in the midst of a three-game Northeast corridor tour,
which started Tuesday night at the Garden where they were blanked by
the Rangers, 3-0. Dallas failed to capitalize on three powerplay
chances, and were stopped on all 33 of their shots, including 17 in
the third, when they out-shot New York by 14. Turco stopped 15 of 17
shots faced.

On the Island
Monday, the Isles beat Ottawa on Coliseum ice for the first time
since 1995, winning, 6-3. The winless streak lasted 17 games over
eight games. The Isles ended it in convincing fashion, putting six
pucks in the Ottawa net, including a last-second empty-netter by
Shawn Bates. Bates, Jason Wiemer, Mariusz Czerkawski and Oleg Kvasha
had a goal and an assist each, while Adrian Aucoin picked up a pair
of helpers to give him nine on the season.

Go To Guy
If anyone questioned Trent Hunter's NHL readiness, the questions have
been answered. With four goals in six games this season, he's been a
key cog to the team's third line, paired with Jason Blake and Shawn
Bates. Now that he's figured out how to use his size in the big
leagues (ala Oleg Kvasha) he's become a dangerous threat around the
net, as well as from the blueline as Ottawa learned the hard way.
With Blake out with a knee injury, it will be interesting to see how
Hunter reacts.

In the Nets
Rick DiPietro was back in the nets Monday, stopping 29 of 32 shots in
picking up his second win in two games. Allowing three goals inflated
his goals-against a bit, but the win was his fourth on the season, a
career-high for the young netminder. Garth Snow got the previous
start allowing four goals in a tie against Pittsburgh.

3 Star-gazing
1 - Mariusz Czerkawski (3-1-1)
- Mike Peca (0-2-0)
- Trent Hunter (1-1-0)

In the Corners
The Isles took their only meeting with Dallas 3-2 last season...
Bridgeport Sound Tiger Eric Manlow was the "Star" of the game,
picking up a goal and an assist... The Isles enter Thursday's game
riding a three-game winning streak against the Stars, dating back to
2001... Sven Butenschon was the only healthy scratch Monday, with
Arron Asham (neck strain) joining Dave Scatchard (shoulder) on the
sidelines... Ex-Isles to Watch: Rob DiMaio (1988-1992) and Pierre
Turgeon (1992-1995).

Stirling Says
"Home is a pretty good place to be when you take advantage of it and
work hard at it." - on his team's 5-1 record at the Coliseum
***************************************
http://www.newyorkislanders.com/gameday/scoop.html

The Scoop on the... Dallas Stars
By Corey Witt

(Nov. 6) The Dallas Stars, who are in the second game of a three-game
east-coast swing, are on the Island in a battle of two-first place
teams. Dallas is coming off of a 3-0 loss to the New York Rangers
from Tuesday night and will be without right wing Jere Lehtinen, who
is out with back spasms.

Where They Stand:
The Stars sit atop of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference
at 7-5-1-0 with 15 points. On the road, they're just over par with a
2-3-1-0 record. They've been dominating on home ice with five wins
and only two losses. Entering Friday night's games, they were four
points ahead of the surging Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Los Angeles, who
is five points behind the Stars, played Friday night against the
Florida Panthers.

Opponent Rumblings:
The word around the Dallas lockerroom is that the Stars have some
identity issues. Sure, their record is good enough for third place in
the West, but Dallas knows that they have to be on top of their game
every night to compete in the tough Western Conference. The Rangers'
3-0 shutout of the Stars has made the folks from "Big D" start to
wonder who they really are.

"The effort's been good, but you've got to have 22 guys at the top of
their game, not five or 10 or 15," said Brenden Morrow in The Dallas
Morning News. "Some games, we put on our work boots and score seven
goals. Other games, we might not work as hard. We expect so much from
ourselves. When we don't get that, sometimes we're not putting out
effort."

Added Mike Modano: "I think we're a very good team that needs to play
at a higher level, but that doesn't happen for 82 games.
Consistency's a hard thing, but we've got to find a way to be more
consistent."

One of the Stars' struggling players this year has been rookie Antti
Miettinen, who has had a tough time adjusting to the rigors of the
NHL. In 10 games this season, he has only one goal and is a -5. The
young Finn's harshest critic is, of course, himself.

"I'm not expecting anything to go in right now," Miettinen told the
Star-Telegram. "I've lost my confidence a little bit. I'm not happy
with the way I've been playing. At some point, it will turn around."

All in all, Stars' Head Coach Dave Tippett had one thing to say about
what his squad needs to work after Tuesday night's game: "We've got a
lot of work to do."

Stat Watch:
Bill Guerin, sixth in the NHL in points, leads the Stars in goals
with nine and in points with 14. Jason Arnott, who is 12th in the
league in points, and Sergei Zubov have the team lead in assists with
nine apiece. Arnott also leads Dallas in plus/minus with a +9, while
Guerin has done his offensive damage by collecting a team-high 36
penalty minutes on the side. Surprisingly, Mike Modano, who entered
the season as a +137 for his career, has a team low -8.

Infirmary Report:
Jere Lehtinen and his back spasms are the only entry in the Dallas'
medical log. His back injury has kept him out for most of the season
and has landed him in IR.

http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96~3761~1748281,00.html

NHL veteran Timander a consummate pro on AHL level

By MICHAEL FORNABAIO

BRIDGEPORT

Not only is Mattias Timander happy to be in Bridgeport, he says he
doesn't even mind the bus trips.

After four years in the NHL and playing 80 games last year for the
New York Islanders, the 29-year-old defenseman was told to report to
Bridgeport Sept. 21. He's been here ever since, and he doesn't see a
way he'd be brought back to Long Island.

That doesn't bother Timander, though. The veteran of 380 NHL games is
happy playing plenty of minutes for the Sound Tigers, and he has
impressed coaches and teammates with his bright outlook.

"Absolute professional," coach Greg Cronin said. "He's one of the
hardest workers in practice every day. He's got a humility that
invites coaching and accountability, and that attitude has a real
positive ripple effect among his teammates."

Granted, with a one-way contract, Timander has 1.2 million reasons
not to be that upset about having to play in the AHL, but he
nonetheless arrived with a positive attitude that has translated into
consistently strong play.

Timander's defense partner, Tomi Pettinen, said he respects how
Timander keeps his sense of humor to add a sense of perspective.

"He doesn't take too much on his shoulders," Pettinen said. "Last
year was really tough for him, playing few minutes. Now, he's getting
a lot of ice time on our team. He's getting his confidence back, and
he really likes to play."

Last year, Timander's ice time dwindled. He averaged just under 18
minutes overall last year, but after the trading deadline, he was
playing around 12 or 13 minutes most nights. He played just one
playoff game, getting only 4:08 of ice time.

That's one reason he's not heartbroken to play in the AHL this season.

"I didn't see anything negative about it," Timander said.

"I kind of knew coming into this year my playing time was going to go
down, and I wasn't going to play a lot if I played up (in the NHL).
When I got sent down, I said to myself, 'I'm going to play a lot of
hockey.'"

Timander has taken a regular shift with Pettinen, usually matched at
home against the opposition's best. The two also kill penalties, and
Timander plays the point on the power play with Martin Kariya.

In the first two weeks of the season, Bridgeport was the only team to
hold Binghamton's Denis Hamel off the scoreboard, and Timander and
Pettinen were against his line almost every shift in both games
against the Senators. They also killed most of a two-minute, five-on-
three disadvantage with Justin Mapletoft in the second game against
Binghamton.

"Any time you put (Timander) on the ice, you don't have to worry,"
said assistant coach Dave Baseggio, who runs the defense. "He's so
smart and so gifted. He's been great for us."

Timander has fond memories of his AHL days with the Providence
Bruins; he's looking forward to playing there Saturday for the first
time since 1999.

Still, he knew nothing about the city of Bridgeport beyond what
Mattias Weinhandl told him when the winger was recalled to the
Islanders last season. He has liked what he's seen, and he got an
apartment in Milford, where he's happy.

"My mind is set on being here the whole year," Timander
said. "There's probably not going to be any trades. I'm looking
forward to spending the whole year here."

Timander has three assists through 10 games

though none in the last six games

and has a minus-1 rating. Last year with the Islanders, he had three
goals and 13 assists. In 43 games in his last AHL season, 1998-99, he
had two goals and 22 assists.

"I think I can do a lot better. I haven't played as well as I'd
like," Timander said. "I've felt more and more confident."

Though he suffered through a stomach virus in training camp that set
him back for a week, he's not blaming it for the struggles he
perceives.

"I came into camp in great shape, probably the best shape of my
career," Timander said. "I had some bad luck."

Either way, Timander is making the most of a tough situation, and
that has been good luck for the Sound Tigers.

"If you're a first-year or second-year pro," Cronin said, "and you
watch Mattias Timander work his rear end off in practice and be
receptive of intense coaching every game and be accepting of
responsibility, it's terrific."
************************************
http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96~3761~1748282,00.html

Sound Tigers weekly

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"We got the cycle game going, controlled the puck. ... The defensemen
were intelligent and got involved. We seemed to come at them wave
after wave."

Bridgeport coach Greg Cronin, on Saturday's win in Utah

NOTEBOOK

WHO'S HOT

Ryan Kraft has goals in three consecutive games, including the game-
winner Saturday night.

WHO'S NOT

Opposing goalies. Bridgeport has 12 goals in its last three games.

HAMILTON OK

Right winger Jeff Hamilton, the Sound Tigers' leading scorer with
seven goals and 10 points, practiced Wednesday and looked fine. Coach
Greg Cronin said Hamilton was "just sore" and would be available for
the weekend, though he still declined to specify the injury.

WELCOME BACK

Many promotions await fans on Tuesday, when Bridgeport returns home
after a five-game road trip for a holiday matinee match with Norfolk.

Tuesday is "Military Appreciation Day," with free tickets available
to all military personnel who wear their uniform or show proper
identification at the Arena at Harbor Yard box office on Tuesday. A
special rate is available for friends and family.

The same date is also billed as "Everyone is a Kid Day": Advance-sale
tickets will be available in selected sections for $12.50. Call the
team office at 334-4625 by Monday.

TROUBLE IN HOUSTON

Manitoba Moose players Martin Grenier and Jason Lehoux were attacked
outside a Houston restaurant after Manitoba's game there Sunday
night. The team said the players were attacked from behind by a group
of youths they had not had contact with earlier.

Both suffered concussions, the Winnipeg Sun reported, and will miss
at least a week.

"What happened was an unfortunate incident," Moose coach Stan Smyl
told the Sun. "They're very fortunate and lucky that they weren't
hurt more seriously. ... They were in the wrong place at the wrong
time."

VETERAN ADDITION

Milwaukee received longtime NHL center Tony Hrkac from the Nashville
Predators Tuesday. Hrkac has played 758 NHL games for nine teams.

VETERAN ADDITION II

Providence received veteran center Ted Donato from the parent Boston
Bruins Friday. The longtime Bruin, in his second tenure with the
organization, has also played for seven other NHL teams and three
other AHL teams, including, for one game on Jan. 23, 2002, the Sound
Tigers.

ALL AMERICAN KID

The league selected Rochester center Derek Roy as its October Rookie
of the Month. Roy had four goals and 10 assists in six games,
including a four-point game against Syracuse Oct. 26. Bridgeport
nominated Martin Kariya, who had two goals and three assists.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Tom Kostopoulos, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

Kostopoulos, a right winger, won the honor after scoring six points
in four games, leading the Penguins to a 3-0-1 record.

Kostopoulos had two assists in a win over Syracuse, had two goals (on
eight shots) in a 4-4 tie with Albany, scored in overtime to beat
Hershey and had a goal in a win over Worcester.

Bridgeport nominated Ryan Kraft, who scored a goal in both games at
Utah. Albany nominated Steve Kariya, brother of Sound Tigers winger
Martin Kariya.

WEEK AHEAD

Saturday

at Providence, 7:05 p.m. (WICC-AM 600)

A team with some experience and a good goaltending tandem of Tim
Thomas and rookie Hannu Toivonen, the Bruins have stumbled lately,
going 0-3-1 since a 4-1-1 start. Bridgeport has never won in four
games at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, losing both meetings there last
year; the year before, the Sound Tigers tied one game (Eric Manlow,
then a Bruin, won a faceoff to earn an assist on a late tying goal)
and lost another at the buzzer in overtime. PLAYER TO WATCH

Ex-Sound Tiger Pat Leahy has five goals and three assists.

Sunday

at Philadelphia, 6:05 p.m. (WICC-AM 600)

The Phantoms were winless in six games (0-4-1-1) until taking it out
on Hershey last Sunday with a 6-2 win. This is the first of four
meetings between the teams at the venerable Spectrum (sorry, Wachovia
Spectrum); the Phantoms had a win and a tie in two games at
Bridgeport last month. PLAYER TO WATCH

Winger Kirby Law had four points in that win over Hershey.

Tuesday

Norfolk, 4:05 p.m.

Bridgeport welcomes itself home after a five-game road trip with this
holiday matinee, the first meeting of the season against a new
division opponent. The Admirals haven't lost to the Sound Tigers yet,
but that's a very small sample: The teams didn't play two years ago,
but Norfolk spoiled Bridgeport's home opener last season by a 4-2
score, then won 3-1 with an empty-netter in January. Norfolk went
into Wednesday 0-4-0-1 in its last five games. PLAYER TO WATCH

Marty Wilford's nine assists led league defensemen going into
Wednesday.

Q and A WITH THE SOUND TIGERS

What's the first professional game you remember seeing?

Mattias Timander: "I saw a bunch of Swedish Elite League games. They
didn't show many National Hockey League games when I was young. The
first NHL game I saw was a game (from) Toronto. I was a big fan of
Borje Salming. I noticed the guys didn't have helmets. I thought it
was the greatest thing ever, that these guys must be so good not to
have to wear helmets."

Rob Collins: "A game at the Forum in Montreal, against Philly. I was
about 11."

Cail MacLean: "It would have to be the Nova Scotia Oilers at the
Metro Centre in Halifax. I'd be hard-pressed to remember who played.
Probably (Oilers center) Fabian Joseph was in there somewhere."

Ben Guite: "One I remember, and my dad says it's impossible

I swear I saw Ken Dryden play, but he retired in 1979, and I was born
in '78. The first one I really remember was a Nordiques-Oilers game
(at Le Colisee, Quebec). That was that great Oilers team, and I was
the only one rooting for the Oilers. It was 1985, maybe."

Cole Jarrett: "Detroit and the Toronto Maple Leafs

I don't know how long ago it was, in Detroit. I forget the year,
maybe 1990 or somewhere around there."

POWER RANKINGS

1. Chicago. Wolves beat Grand Rapids last weekend to earn this spot.

2. Hartford. Wolf Pack are the last team without a regulation loss.

3. Grand Rapids. Griffins are still probably best team in the league.

4. Binghamton. Senators have two home overtime losses.

5. San Antonio. Rampage have feasted at home, going 5-1.

13. Bridgeport. Sound Tigers have gotten hot, and so have some of
their close competitors.

28. Toronto. Home cooking was no help; Roadrunners went 0-1-1 opening
weekend.

27. Utah. Sound Tigers knocked them back down again after win.

26. Manitoba. Tuesday's win broke an 0-5-1 streak.

25. Albany. Rats unbeaten in two games to break out of league cellar.

24. Norfolk. Admirals took five-game winless streak into Binghamton
Wednesday.

PLAY OF THE WEEK

(The overtime goal Saturday night in Utah, courtesy of its scorer,
Ryan Kraft:)

"It was just the start of the period, four-on-four, and they won the
draw back and dumped it in. There was kind of a mix-up in the corner.
I went in and picked the puck up and got it to (Alan) Letang. He
pretty much skated it all the way up the ice. He gave it back to me,
and I shot it. It was one of those situations where the puck had eyes
and found its way into the net."

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH...

...reassignment in the AHL?

There was an unusual swap last week, one with implications in the
Sound Tigers' East Division

but none in the NHL.

When the Philadelphia Phantoms sent center Andre Savage to the
Providence Bruins for P.J. Stock, it added grit to the Phantoms'
lineup. Still, neither player's NHL rights were exchanged. The
Philadelphia Flyers still hold Savage's contract, and Boston still
holds Stock's; technically, the parent clubs simply reassigned the
players to their new clubs.

Such deals occur most often just before Clear Day in March, when
playoff rosters are set; teams outside the playoff picture try to
seed young prospects with a playoff team to get the kids experience.

A player reassigned within the AHL can't return to his original club
unless his NHL rights change teams. Last year, veteran Peter White
went from Norfolk to the Phantoms early in the year; in March, the
Admirals' parents, Chicago, traded White to the Flyers. As part of
that deal, the Flyers reassigned him back to the Admirals for the
playoff run.

EX-TIGER WATCH

Mike Souza, Florence Pride (ECHL)

After he didn't make the Worcester IceCats out of their training
camp, Souza joined the Pride, signing a contract on Oct. 27. The left
winger has a goal and an assist in his first three career games in
the ECHL. Also on the Florence roster is former Yale goalie Dan
Lombard, who was an emergency backup for the Sound Tigers for a
couple of games in the spring of 2002.

How great is this. The Islanders are playing such inspiring hockey. No
Scatchard, No Asham, No Blake, No problem!(A little cheesy there, I know)
DiPietro really showed
something out there tonight. He went against Marty Turco who is the most
consistent,
most proven than all of the young goalies out there and DiPi outplayed him
tonight.
Whenever a new coach comes in you usually have one player that brings his game
to
another level. So who is that player w/ Stirling? Czerkawski, Hunter, DiPietro,
Kvasha,
Yashin.
   It's been a while since I felt good about the Islanders youth. But now with
Hunter, Bergenheim, DiPietro, Mapletoft is doing great in the minors
apparently(he just gets a little better every season)Papineau, Butenschon,
Martinek and Godard all look solid this year. Bates and Kvasha are still young.
   I just finished off my 3 game VideoTape of Islander games. Leafs 10-20, Ottawa
11-3, Dallas 11-6. It's a good day to be an Islanders fan.

   Kevin




----- Original Message -----
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   To: Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday,



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com, chapin_landvogt@l...
wrote:

> Four things I noted from last night's games:

> - SHIT, Jersey still seems to be finding ways to win.
> I hate that.>>>

   Chapin, the Devils are going to be a top team in
this conference, for now the Isles are going to have to settle for
beating them out wire to wire in 2001-02. That word can be best
applied to the Rangers because it's going to be very hard for four
teams in this division to qualify, unless Philadelphia's age and
goaltending finally catch up to them. They beat the daylights out of
Dallas physically with several players out and had four players
around the puck in every zone, they have given up eleven goals in
twenty two games. Holik was knocking players all over the ice. Maybe
the money is finally going to pay off.

> - Palffy gets assist number fourteen.  I must say, he truly
> is one of the best point-producers in the NHL.  No ifs, ands
> or buts.  When you consider that Allison and Deadmarsh
> are not there, and may miss the whole season, it's
> AMAZING that this guy has 3-14-17 in 12 games.  Just
> incredible.  His linemates are currently career minor-
> leaguer Derek Armstrong (hmmm, ring a bell?) and
> Lucky Luc "I-only-produce-in-LA-no-matter-how-old-
> I-am" Robitaille.>>>

   And he will be very available next summer. Considering the Kings
history with locking up big ticket free agents, who know's where his
future takes him. To this day one of the worst moments in Islander
history. Only silver lining he did not end up in Manhattan, next
summer it may well happen.

> - Nashville's Marek Zidlicky got his ninth assist and
> has a point in all but two games this season, and 11
> points in 12 games on the season.>>>

    The player in the Mike Dunham trade is off to a good start, Isles
see him soon.

> - I must admit, you have to give Atlanta credit.  With
> Savard out, they still managed to score 7 goals last
> night.  Imagine this though, Buffalo scored three
> unanswered goals and is up 3-1 after 30 minutes.
> Atlanta procedes to score 6 straight goals in the
> next 20 minutes of the game. Kovalchuk has 3 pts
> in the game, as does uhhhhh Robitaille, who now
> has 2-7-9 on the season, which would be good
> for fourth on our team at this point.  He wouldn't
> have done it here, but he seems to have found
> a bit of a home there in Hartley's system. >>>

     Scary. Makes me feel they will make the playoffs if they are near
contention when Heatley returns. One coaching change from last year
that just turned that team for good. Nurminen can flat out keep a
team in a game. And the defense is young but has a few players that
hit.

    There is plenty of parity today in this conference, Washington
destroyed undefeated Tampa and they sure humiliated the Isles on
opening night. Anyone can beat anyone badly on any given night.

    Which is why these November games are as big as any. I really
expect this could be the year where it takes ninety points to qualify
for the playoffs in the East.

    Bill

http://www.soundtigers.com/news/release_110603.htm

MARTIN CHABADA LEAVES SOUND TIGERS
Forward returns home to Czech Republic

BRIDGEPORT, CT - The American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound
Tigers, the top affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York
Islanders, have announced the Islanders have recalled Forward Martin
Chabada. Chabada plans to return to his native Czech Republic, but
the Islanders will retain his playing rights.

Chabada, 26, had two goals, three assist and five points and was a +1
in ten games with the Sound Tigers this season. The sixth pick, 252nd
overall, of the Islanders in the 2002 NHL draft had 17 goals, 13
assists, 30 points and 50 penalty minutes in 66 games with the Sound
Tiger last season in his first year of play in North America. Chabada
played the previous six seasons, 1996-2002, with HC Sparta Praha in
the Czech Republic.

--- In Islanders-SoundTigers@yahoogroups.com, Kevin Hasbrouck
<islesks2@o...> wrote:

> How great is this. The Islanders are playing such inspiring hockey.
No Scatchard, No Asham, No Blake, No problem!(A little cheesy there,
I know) DiPietro really showed something out there tonight. He went
against Marty Turco who is the most consistent, most proven than all
of the young goalies out there and DiPi outplayed him tonight. >>>

   He not only outplayed Turco but really was not overworked, this
defense gave him a chance. And of course his save on Modano was
incredible.

   May not be a lot of fans in the building but the people going to
these games know when a team is putting it together, they were making
a ton of noise to support this team and it looked like it was because
the product is exciting and playing smart hockey and the players are
working very hard.

> Whenever a new coach comes in you usually have one player that
brings his game to another level. So who is that player w/ Stirling?
Czerkawski, Hunter, DiPietro, Kvasha, Yashin.>>>

   I think he is showing them some confidence and that is huge for
players, especially young players. They look like they are having a
lot of fun too.

>   It's been a while since I felt good about the Islanders youth.
But now with Hunter, Bergenheim, DiPietro, Mapletoft is doing great
in the minors apparently(he just gets a little better every season)
Papineau, Butenschon, Martinek and Godard all look solid this year.
Bates and Kvasha are still young.>>>

   It's not that the youth is here it is that they are not out of
place and are hungry as hell to prove themselves. The middle level
young players like Kvasha just are doing all the little things.
Hunter's shift when he dove to block a shot and took the puck circled
the net went all the way out to the point to feed Niinimaa was just
as impressive as his goal to me.

>   I just finished off my 3 game VideoTape of Islander games. Leafs
10-20, Ottawa 11-3, Dallas 11-6. It's a good day to be an Islanders
fan.>>>

    It's a great day to be an Islander fan. That was a lot of fun and
it was not against Pittsburgh. Shocked they went 3-0 vs Anaheim,
Ottawa and Dallas and kids were a big part of it.

    Bill

http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96~3761~1751131,00.html

Chabada heads home, won't realize NHL dream

By MICHAEL FORNABAIO

When Martin Chabada came to North America last year, his dream was to
play in the NHL. Now, 13 months later, he could see that dream wasn't
about to come true.

Thursday, Chabada and the New York Islanders completed negotiations
to allow Chabada to return home to the Czech Republic.

"When I came here last year, the NHL was my first thing, but I didn't
get a chance to play," Chabada said. "I'm almost 27 (June 14). I'm
waiting for a chance."

Chabada will rejoin his old team, Sparta Praha. He played in that
organization for 13 years before coming to the Sound Tigers last
year, when the Islanders selected him in the eighth round of the NHL
entry draft.

A 19-goal season in 2001-02 for Sparta made Chabada a highly touted
player when he arrived, and he was among the Islanders' last cuts
last October, but he never got called up to Long Island.

This fall, 19-year-old Sean Bergenheim won a job in training camp;
Mattias Weinhandl and Justin Mapletoft were also ahead of Chabada on
the depth chart.

His skills made him a top-line player for Bridgeport, but the NHL was
his goal.

"We'll miss his skill, his speed. You could say that Mapletoft-
Chabada-(Jeff) Hamilton was one of the best lines in the league when
it was together for a week," Sound Tigers coach Greg Cronin said.

Chabada scored two goals and added three assists in the first 10
games this season. He had 17 goals and 13 assists last season.

"The thing that's intriguing about Chabby is he's capable of scoring
goals in bunches, and we're going to miss that," Cronin said. "Also,
he's a good-sized player, 6-1 at least, and he's a physical player
for a European. We need that on our team."

Though Chabada stressed his decision was primarily based on his
hockey career, returning home will allow his wife, Lucie, to return
to work.

"Of course I'm going to miss the guys in the locker room," Chabada
said. "This was a good experience for me and for my wife."

As Chabada departs, Weinhandl returns this weekend after offseason
ankle surgery. He slots in Chabada's spot on the top line with
Hamilton. Blaine Down takes the place of Mapletoft, who was recalled
by the Islanders Tuesday.

Chabada's departure has a side effect that's a little bit beneficial
for the Sound Tigers. With Chabada out, Bridgeport is down to six
players with AHL veteran status, the maximum that can play in any
given game. The sixth veteran, defenseman Alain Nasreddine, is also
due to return this weekend from a pinched nerve.

That was an awful lot of fun. Five rookies in the lineup and the
Islanders not only stay with a veteran team like Dallas, but get the
big goal late and take the game and did not have to hang on and
scramble in their own end. Even more impressive the Isles gave the
Stars few quality chances in this game and when they went ahead
2-1, they were all over Dallas and forced a third goal before Turco
could be pulled.

All things good teams do. The game I have been looking for from the
Islanders.

Not even during the 11-0-1-1 start did the Isles show this kind of
effort, that was more goaltending keeping them in games. DiPietro was
not forced to steal two points, his team gave him a chance.

Another win that felt a lot different than last season. One where
this team is showing progress, it's not just the scoreboard but how
they carry themselves over sixty minutes.

DiPietro had to make the one huge save on Modano and did. Incredible
save on Modano. He did not wander as much and when the Stars gave him
room shorthanded he was an extra penalty killer and on the telecast
the annoucers called that the Stars were staying away from DiPietro
with the dump-ins.

As for the team play the pk was sharp, the pp did not do much but
Dallas was not giving much. Isles took a lot of icings and that led
to the Stars goal. Dallas did not give much against Turco, the goal
by Parrish was huge as he banged in the loose chance from Wiemer's
shot. Most of the game the Isles seemed a pass short or a play short
of really getting great chances at Turco, but they were working and
keeping the pressure on, just as Dallas was pressuring the Isles into
those icings.

As for individual play, Bergenheim hardly looked lost with more time,
he seemed even better for it and more visible than Papineau. I talked
about Hunter's work in another post but the patience he took to get
into position and wait for the opening on Turco was fantastic. He was
visible all night with other plays. Yashin had a play in the third
where he got thru the defense and another where he tried to stick
handle between three players and lifted the puck to himself, he is
showing a ton of confidence. Kvasha had the patience to move into the
middle and hit Bates for the goal that put the game away, he also had
some tough shots that seemed very heavy and bothered Turco.
Czerkawski seemed too generous with the passing but was visible.

On defense another game where Jonsson was everywhere, first time he
got some recogintion for it, but it's been every night. A little
scary when he was kneeling on the ice defending a two one one with
his head at knee level.


Even though the defense gave out on Modano's chance, if you can watch
the replay, look at the Islander on the ice ? Full body extension,
gave the player only one place to go with the centering pass to
Modano, it got thru but that's how you defend. As for the rest of the
defense everyone seemed on their game, Aucoin was very visible and
blasted one Star player, he almost found the net and hit the post.
Niinimaa, Hamrlik also had good games and so did Cairns and
Butenschon.

I'll take this over 7-2 vs Pittsburgh any time.

As for the kids, it seems like they not only want to be here but are
really able to help. A lot different than past youth movements.
Mapletoft did not look lost, he played his position as well as in the
past and looked like he wanted to go to the net. Godard is not
playing much but seemed to get more time than usual.

Also seems like the Islanders are giving DiPietro more and more and
he is giving them no reason to play Snow.

Saturday vs Atlanta. And Pat LaFontaine Hall of Fame Night.

Would not ruin my day if they just put his jersey in the rafters.

Bill

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/gameday/postgame110603.html

Late Heroics Shoot Down Stars
Islanders 4, Stars 1
By Kerry Gwydir

(Nov. 6) Trent Hunter extended his goal-scoring streak to three games
with the game-winner with 3:21 to go as the Islanders defeated the
Dallas Stars on Thursday night, 4-1. Shawn Bates iced the game in the
final minute as he converted a pretty feed from Oleg Kvasha.

Rick DiPietro was strong in goal with 27 stops, including a highlight-
reel stop in the second off Mike Modano. Mark Parrish got the Isles
on the board first in the second period while Dallas tied the game in
the third at one apiece. Michael Peca added an empty-netter with six
ticks to go to punctuate the effort.

Neither team broke through on the scoreboard in the first period.
Both DiPietro and Marty Turco were strong between the pipes for their
teams. The Islanders' top-rated PK unit was put to the test just 20
seconds into the game when Janne Niinimaa was shipped to the box for
hooking. With Jason Blake out of the lineup, the penalty killers
allowed just one shot in extinguishing that Dallas opportunity. Then,
the Islanders immediately went on the attack.

The Alexei Yashin line tested Turco thanks to a pretty display of
passing three minutes in. Kvasha set the table for a one-timer on the
doorstep by Mariusz Czerkawski that would be a goal more often than
not. Instead, Turco responded with a superb rejection by diving
across the crease with his stacked pads to repel the chance.

With Blake (knee), Arron Asham (neck) joining Dave Scatchard among
the Islanders' injured, it meant line-shuffling for Steve Stirling on
Thursday. He featured a new combination of recently-recalled Justin
Mapletoft centering Sean Bergenheim on the left and Eric Godard on
the right. The line showed lots of spunk, taking the body and working
the corners throughout the contest.

A penalty on Pierre Turgeon for high-sticking midway through the
opener gave Stirling's club their first opportunity on the powerplay.
Jason Wiemer nearly scored 30 ticks into the man-up time as he
whacked the rebound of a Parrish shot behind Turco. The goaltender
clearly reached behind him in an attempt to pull the puck into his
body. The play went upstairs to the off-ice officials for review and
was ruled no goal.

The Stars carried the play for much of the final 10 minutes of the
opener, out-shooting the Islanders, 7-1, during that stretch which
included a penalty to Sven Butenschon. DiPietro was steady and also
made several important clears during the penalty kill.

Parrish got the Islanders on the board just 1:43 into the second as
he victimized Dallas defender Sergei Zubov twice. First, the right
winger stole the puck deep from Zubov and fed Wiemer behind the net.
The left winger skated out front and flicked the puck towards the net
where Turco made the first stop. But the goaltender left the loose
change out front where Parrish beat Zubov and banged home the rebound
inside the far post.

The Islanders got caught running around on the next shift and
Mapletoft prevented a sure goal off a centering pass ticketed for the
pinching Zubov. On the play, both Adrian Aucoin and Roman Hamrlik
drilled Niko Kapanen to DiPietro's right. However, it put both
defenders away from the front of the net where Zubov crept in.
Mapletoft dove to block off the pass from Antti Miettinen that would
have been a tap-in for Zubov.

As both teams looked to establish momentum over the next 10 minutes,
DiPietro made potentially the best save of the season to this point
with a point-blank denial of Modano with five minutes to go. The
scenario developed as Aucoin got caught at the blueline and Stu
Barnes bolted into the zone on a 2-on-1 with Butenschon back. At the
last second, Barnes threaded a precise pass into the slot for the
trailing Modano. DiPietro read the play and somehow kicked out his
right pad to deny the sure goal as Modano pumped the puck on net.

The Islanders had ample opportunities early in the third to pad their
lead. Aucoin had the best opportunity off a loose puck that pinged
through the high slot. The defenseman stepped in and blasted a shot
that beat Turco, but hit the left pipe.

Dallas finally got on the board with 13:19 to play as the Yashin line
got caught watching the play in front. Brenden Morrow skirted behind
both Yashin and Kvasha to bang home Scott Young's centering pass
after the Stars worked the puck out from behind the net.

With the clock ticking away towards overtime, Hunter had something to
say about it with his fifth tally of the season. The right wing
outworked Dallas' John Erskine behind the net following a turnover,
spun around inside the left faceoff dot and rifled-home the game-
winner over Turco's trapper. The play started with Bates wheeling a
no-look centering pass out front. The relentless Islander
forechecking forced a pair of turnovers that led to the goal.

The Islanders iced the victory on a semi-break by Bates that ended
with the Islander backhanding the puck under the diving Turco. Kvasha
made a heady play at the Dallas blueline to look and find the
breaking Bates, who wheeled behind the Dallas coverage.

Saturday is Pat LaFontaine night at the Coliseum as the Isles honor
the Hall of Famer and host Atlanta at 7pm.
**********************************************
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-
isles073529160nov07,0,7234379.story?coll=ny-islanders-headlines

Youth Groovement
Hunter, DiPietro lead Islanders to third win in a row

By Alan Hahn
STAFF WRITER

November 7, 2003

Rick DiPietro and Trent Hunter have a routine they developed while
they were developing in the Islanders' minor-league system. When
Hunter scores, after the traditional celebration, he skates down the
ice and taps DiPietro's pads.

So when Hunter scored what proved to be the winning goal in the third
period of the Islanders' 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars last night at
Nassau Coliseum, DiPietro couldn't wait to see him.

"I was looking forward to having him come down," DiPietro said.

Hunter's gesture also might have been in appreciation of his
Bridgeport buddy, who had a strong game, making 27 saves for his
third straight win and fifth of the season.

The two are part of a core of young Islanders who have added a new
element to this team. It was one that helped them improve to 6-1 at
the Coliseum this season and extend their unbeaten streak to four (3-
0-1), which includes three straight wins. The Islanders also kept
possession of first place in the Atlantic Division, tied with the
Flyers (16 points).

Mark Parrish ended an eight-game goal drought off a trademark rebound
in front at 1:43 of the second to snap a scoreless tie. Parrish
started the play by picking defenseman Sergei Zubov from behind and
feeding Jason Wiemer behind the net. Wiemer curled around the right
side and fired a shot that hit Stars goalie Marty Turco and bounced
into the slot. Parrish stepped past Zubov and poked it in for his
fourth of the season.

"It's good to keep winning," Parrish said. "I don't care if I don't
score another goal. As long as we win, I don't care."

DiPietro made a spectacular save later in the period against Mike
Modano. Stu Barnes fed the puck to Modano cutting alone to the net on
the weak side for what appeared to be an easy goal. But DiPietro
quickly kicked his right pad out and stuffed Modano's chance at
15:47. It was his 20th save of the game.

"I was just reacting to the pass," DiPietro said. "I was fortunate to
get my pad on it."

He was fortunate to still be in the game. A few minutes earlier,
DiPietro was run over by Steve Ott, who crashed the net for a rebound
that DiPietro dived to cover up. In the process, Ott's skate
inadvertently kicked DiPietro in the helmet.

The Stars broke through at 6:41 of the third when Brenden Morrow,
standing at the right post, buried a pass from Scott Young that got
through the slot and past both Alexei Yashin and Oleg Kvasha. It was
the first goal against the Yashin line in six games.

Kenny Jonsson later made a terrific play to break up a two-on-one
rush by Dallas. A minute later, Hunter put the Islanders on top for
good.

His goal came off more hard work by his line, with Shawn Bates and
Sean Bergenheim, whom Steve Stirling inserted in place of Justin
Papineau midway through the game. Papineau had been put there to
replace injured Jason Blake (knee).

Though the line was missing an energizer bunny in Blake, it didn't
lack for effort. Hunter beat Pierre Turgeon to the puck behind the
net and curled around the left post. On his righty-forehand, he
buried the puck over Turco's left shoulder at 16:39 to make it 2-1.

"I got a step on my defenseman and was able to spin and get a shot
off," Hunter said. "Fortunately, it went in."

It was Hunter's fifth goal in his past five games. He is second among
rookie goal-scorers in the NHL. "I'm just gonna keep shooting the
puck," he said. "Hopefully, they'll keep going in."

Notes & Quotes: Shawn Bates put the game away with one minute left in
regulation when he streaked up the right side off a line change and
beat Marty Turco. Michael Peca scored an empty- net goal with 5.9
seconds left ... The Islanders have won their past four meetings with
Dallas ... Bridgeport left wing Martin Chabada has left the Islanders
organization to return to the Czech Republic. Chabada, 26, was an
eighth-round selection in 2002 ... Steve Stirling changed up the
defensive pairings. He had Kenny Jonsson skate with struggling Janne
Niinimaa and Eric Cairns with Adrian Aucoin. Roman Hamrlik and Sven
Butenschon were the other pair.

INSIDE GAME 12

RECORD: 7-3-2-0 LAST SEASON: 3-8-1-0

PLUS: Michael Peca and Trent Hunter led the hit parade by the
Islanders, who had 23 in the game. Peca, along with linemates Jason
Wiemer and Mark Parrish, did another strong job in checking the
opponents' top line: Bill Guerin, Jason Arnott and Steve Ott.

PLUS: Eric Cairns had four of the team's 24 blocked shots and paired
with Adrian Aucoin in a physical and stingy defensive tandem.

ISLANDERS 4

STARS 1

Tommorow

Thrashers

At Islanders

7 p.m.

TV: Metro

Radio: ESPN (1050)
****************************************
http://www.nypost.com/sports/islanders/42401.htm

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
KEEPS ISLES ROLLIN'

By EVAN GROSSMAN

November 7, 2003 --
Islanders 4 - Stars 1

In a classic battle of youth versus age, the Islanders dressed five
rookies last night against Dallas, the only team in the league with
five veterans of 1,000 NHL games. And it was a battle behind the net
between one of those kids and one of the Stars' senior citizens that
won it for the Isles.

Rookie Trent Hunter, 23, outmuscled former Islander Pierre Turgeon,
34, for the puck behind the Dallas net, curled around front and beat
Marty Turco with a wicked wrist shot to the high corner that snapped
a 1-1 tie with 3:20 left.

The goal was Hunter's fifth of the season, second among NHL rookies,
and powered the Isles to a 4-1 win over Dallas, their fourth
consecutive win over the Stars since 2001.

"We're giving up too many goals," Dallas coach Dave Tippett
said. "The first two goals, we have the puck in our end, have the
puck on our stick, and it ends up in the back of the net."

Such is the frustration being caused by the Islanders' patient
approach. Last night it was that attention to detail that held
Dallas' high-powered line of Jason Arnott, Billy Guerin and Steve
Ott, which combined for nine goals and nine assists in their last
five games, to zero points. That was the result of the inspired play
of Michael Peca, Jason Wiemer and Mark Parrish, who were on them all
night.

And so, the Isles are unbeaten in their last four as they pumped
their home record to 6-1-0-0 against a thoroughly enraged Dallas team
that was shut out by the Rangers two nights earlier.

Parrish opened the scoring at 1:43 of the second with his fourth of
the season and Brendan Morrow scored Dallas' only goal at 6:41 of the
third. Shawn Bates followed Hunter's late goal to make it 3-1 with a
minute left and Peca scored on an empty net with 5.9 seconds left as
the Isles' Baby Brigade came through.

Rick DiPietro, another kid - though not a rookie, made 27 saves, but
it was his right-pad kick that saved the game late in the second
period. With the Isles clinging to a 1-0 lead, Stu Barnes found Mike
Modano all alone in front, but DiPietro was there to slam the door.

"That was huge," Steve Stirling said.
****************************************
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/story/134574p-119933c.html

Hot Isles rook Stars

By PETER BOTTE
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Former Islanders coach Butch Goring used to point out his team's lack
of NHL-ready talent by lamenting that "we're not the Dallas Stars."
The Isles' lineup against the Stars last night still boasted more
than its share of rookies, but unlike Goring's overmatched squads, a
few of these kids actually can help the Isles win games against
anyone.

Sizzling rookie Trent Hunter's fifth goal in as many games with
barely three minutes remaining sent emerging No.1goalie Rick DiPietro
and the Isles on their way to their third straight victory, a 4-1
defeat of Dallas before an announced crowd of 11,268 at Nassau
Coliseum.

"We're all kind of pushing each other," Hunter said of the five
rookies in the lineup who played for first-year coach Steve Stirling
last season in Bridgeport. "We're trying to make our mark."

With DiPietro again starting ahead of Garth Snow in goal, Mariusz
Czerkawski - at 31 - was the oldest player in the Isles' lineup,
which included injury callup Justin Mapletoft. The Stars' average age
was nearly 31 as Dallas dressed nine players older than Czerkawski.

The Atlantic co-leading Isles (7-3-2-0) led 1-0 into the third on
Mark Parrish's fourth goal this season, but Brenden Morrow's one-time
stuffer at the right post ended DiPietro's shutout bid and knotted
the score with 13:19 remaining in the third.

But DiPietro, who has surrendered three or fewer goals in all but one
of his eight starts this season, kept the knot intact until Hunter's
latest breakthrough goal. The most dynamic of DiPietro's 27 stops
came on a post-to-post, right-pad denial of Mike Modano's one-timer
from the doorstep with four minutes left in the second.

"We've all played together for two years, and we've stuck together,"
DiPietro said of the Bridgeport posse. "For me, it's just nice to be
out there."

Hunter, playing late in the game on a cycling line with Shawn Bates
and rookie Sean Bergenheim, feels the same. The 23-year-old winger
stripped ex-Isle Pierre Turgeon behind the net and swooped in front
of the Dallas cage before roofing his fifth goal since Oct. 25 over
Marty Turco's glove at 16:40.

Bates, whom Stirling dubbed "the catalyst" on his line, added a break-
in goal with a minute remaining and finished plus-3. Michael Peca,
whose line blanketed Jason Arnott's unit throughout, added an empty-
netter to extend the Isles' unbeaten string to four games (3-0-1-0).

SUCH A DEAL: Leading scorer Czerkawski's bargain-rate offseason deal
is looking better every day. A team source said the $800,000 one-year
contract he signed to return to the Isles last summer includes no
bonuses for goals scored or other statistical levels other than
standard clauses for major NHL awards.
*****************************************
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/07/sports/hockey/07ISLE.html

ISLANDERS 4, STARS 1
Islanders Show More Weapons
By RON DICKER

Published: November 7, 2003

UNIONDALE, N.Y., Nov. 6 â€" For all the talk about the Islanders'
promising start, a flicker of doubt has hung over the team regarding
its ability to generate goals outside of its top line. Mariusz
Czerkawski, Aleksei Yashin and Oleg Kvasha had accounted for 18 of
the Islanders' 37 goals before their game against Dallas on Thursday
night.

The threesome's teammates passed a critical test. Dallas quieted the
Islanders' top line, and the Islanders received scoring from other
sources in a 4-1 victory at Nassau Coliseum.

Mark Parrish scored to give the Islanders (7-3-2) an early lead, and
Trent Hunter whipped a right-handed shot that blazed past Dallas
goalie Marty Turco's right shoulder to erase a 1-1 tie with 3 minutes
20 seconds to go.

Shawn Bates and Michael Peca added afterthought goals, but the
Islanders had already delivered their message before a giddy crowd of
11,268. In stretching their winning streak to three games and by
capturing their sixth home victory in seven tries â€" which they had
not accomplished in 17 years â€" the Islanders showed the league that
they can be creative when their big three is having an off night.

"That's part of being a team," Hunter said. "When they can't put the
puck in the net, then it's up to the other lines to step up."

Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro snuffed out the Stars' quality shots
among a slightly bloated 28-shot total. He was quietly efficient
until a spectacular play late in the second period. The Stars' Mike
Modano took a center pass three feet in front of the goal and lashed
a shot at the net, but DiPietro whipped his right leg out and stopped
the puck, drawing a hearty applause.

The Islanders held their breath when DiPietro went down after Steve
Ott landed on him in front of the net, but DiPietro got up to record
a third straight victory for the first time in his N.H.L. career.

Czerkawksi and his line had scored goals in all but one of the last
five games, and that was a shutout loss to New Jersey. The Stars (7-6-
1) harassed Czerkawski enough to compel Coach Steve Stirling to
tinker temporarily with the combinations.

Meanwhile, the Stars finally got to DiPietro. Brenden Morrow had not
taken a shot in the game when he stationed himself to DiPietro's
right and Scott Young found him with a quick pass, which Morrow
pushed past DiPietro's outstretched right leg with 13:19 left to knot
the score at 1-1.

Parrish guided in a rebound off Jason Wiemer's shot to give the
Islanders a 1-0 lead 1:43 into the second period. Wiemer's goal set
the tone for a game in which the Stars marked Czerkawski and his
teammates much the way defenses do in soccer.

`We can't rely on them the whole time," Parrish said. "When you play
against a good team like that, everybody has to contribute. And the
more we play teams like that, that's what makes good teams great."

The Stars made their game plan known early. They shadowed Czerkawski,
plowing him away from the center of the ice and checking him hard
when the opportunity arose. Defenseman John Erskine upended him, and
defenseman Richard Mativichuk swiped his left hand in Czerkawski's
face without reprisal.
****************************************
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/hockey/7205765.htm

Star warts: Can't score, can't defend, lose again
By Mac Engel
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/JULIE JACOBSON

Stars goalie Marty Turco watches as the tiebreaking goal by the
Islanders' Trent Hunter (7) finds the net with 3:21 left to play. A
defensive error allowed Hunter to set up for the shot.

GAME STATISTICS

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Mike Modano can't find the net with a beach ball,
the Stars can't score ... and those aren't the Stars' biggest
problems.

"Before we talk about offense, we better talk about the goals
against," Stars coach Dave Tippett said.

Despite rallying to force a third-period tie, the Stars gave up three
late goals, one an empty-netter, and lost 4-1 to the New York
Islanders on Thursday night. The Stars fall to 7-6-1-0; they didn't
lose their sixth game last season until Nov. 30.

The reason? They have one goal in the past two games combined, Modano
has scored only one goal in his past seven games, and on Thursday the
Stars couldn't avoid committing game-altering defensive errors.

"It doesn't have to do with what the New York Islanders did to us or
what the New York Rangers did to us," said Stars defenseman Richard
Matvichuk, whose team is 0-2 on its three-game East Coast road trip
and 2-4-1-0 on the road this season.

"We're doing this to ourselves. We are shooting ourselves in the
foot, and that's what is so mentally frustrating. Our expectations
are so high, and we're a game over .500. And that isn't acceptable."

For a few minutes Thursday, it appeared as if the Stars would at
least salvage a tie and earn a point.

Despite two periods when the Stars flowed like mud, they unstuck
themselves early in the third period.

Wing Scott Young hit Brenden Morrow with a nice pass, and Morrow tied
the game 6:41 into the third period.

But any shot at a tie ended with 3:21 remaining in the game when
Isles wing Trent Hunter skated from behind the net -- untouched --
and came around to roof a shot past Stars goalie Marty Turco for a 2-
1 lead.

It was the fact the Stars had the puck on their own stick during that
possession, and not only failed to clear it but didn't knock Hunter
off the puck that left Tippett frustrated, and angry.

"The first two goals we have it on our own stick ... and it ends up
in our own net," Tippett said. He was equally disappointed in the
Islanders' first goal, which was scored on a similar situation: Stars
turnover equals Isles goal.

The Islanders added two more goals with less than a minute remaining
in the game, including an empty-netter.

So while the Stars' defensive zone coverage earned a hearty share of
the blame, there was plenty of criticism to go around for an offense
that has scored only one goal in the last two games. The Stars were
shut out 3-0 by the Rangers on Tuesday.

Modano, Young (one goal this season), Teppo Numminen (who had five
shots) and a host of others joined in on the Stars' no-goal parade.

"You have to bury chances," Tippett said. "You don't get much credit
for scoring chances. We are looking for goals from somewhere because
we're having a hard time getting goals from anywhere."

No one is more perplexed than Modano.

In 14 games this season, the Stars' captain and All-Star center has
three goals, four assists and a minus-11 rating.

"It's been an unbelievable little run here," Modano said. "It's been
a long time since I've gone through something like this."

Briefly

• Stars defenseman Philippe Boucher left the game in the second
period with a leg contusion and did not return.

• Stars forward Pierre Turgeon had to have dental work done Wednesday
in New York City. In the third period of the Stars' 3-0 defeat
against the New York Rangers, He took a high stick that slid under
his protective visor and smacked his mouth.

• Stars scratches Thursday were defenseman Don Sweeney and wing Aaron
Downey.

GAME REPLAY BREAKDOWN

WHY THE NY ISLANDERS WON

Despite having the highest scoring line in hockey with Alexei Yashin,
Oleg Kvasha and Mariusz Czerkawski, the Islanders played it safe
Thursday, and it paid off. Goals by Mark Parrish and Trent Hunter
were enough to beat a struggling Stars team. Goalie Rick DiPietro was
outstanding in stopping 27 of 28 shots.

WHY DALLAS LOST

The Stars can't score. They have one goal in the past two games, and
on Thursday didn't generate much flow. Their power play was 0-for-2
in the first period. And they had two crucial turnovers that led to
the Islanders' first two goals.

THREE STARS

1. Rick DiPietro, Islanders goalie: Stops 27 of 28 shots. There is a
reason he's one of the best young goalies in the game.

2. Trent Hunter, Islanders wing: Scores the game-winning goal.

3. Kenny Jonsson, Islanders defenseman: Plus-1 rating, and a solid
night in 24:34 of ice time.

UP NEXT

Stars at Bruins, 6 p.m. Saturday, KDFI/Ch. 27

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

A statistical breakdown of Thursday's game:
Category Stars Opponent
Shots on goal 28 23
Faceoffs won 35 32
Faceoff pct. 52 48
Penalties-min. 2-4 2-4
Power plays 0-2 0-2
*****************************************
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/sports/hockey/stars/sto
ries/110703dnspostarslede.269b8987.html

Turnovers strand Stars on Long Island, 4-1

Dallas surrenders 3 goals late in third in defeat to New York

01:33 AM CST on Friday, November 7, 2003

By RICHARD DURRETT / The Dallas Morning News

UNIONDALE, N.Y. â€" Before they can do big things, like score goals,
the Stars have to do little things to stop goals.

On Thursday on Long Island, the Stars didn't do the little things in
their own end, like clearing the puck and putting a body on potential
scorers, and it cost them in a 4-1 loss to the Islanders. The Stars
went 0-for-New York this week and will finish their road trip in
Boston on Saturday.

"We're giving up too many goals," said Stars coach Dave Tippett, who
added that his team gets soft at times in its own zone. "We let in
two goals with the puck in our end, and it ends up in the back of the
net. Before we talk about offense, we better talk about the goals
against."

Turnovers, coverage breakdowns and lack of toughness have contributed
to the Stars' inconsistent play. All three showed up Thursday and led
to the Islanders' first two goals â€" the only ones they needed.

The Stars had just killed off a penalty in the second period and had
a chance to clear the puck but couldn't. The Islanders took
advantage, driving to the net and getting a rebound goal and the lead.

Down 1-0 going into the third, Brenden Morrow's goal tied the score
and ended the Stars' scoreless streak at 117 minutes, 10 seconds. But
in the final four minutes, the Stars again didn't do the little
things to preserve the tie or give themselves a chance to win ugly.

Islanders right wing Trent Hunter took the puck away behind the
Stars' net and skated untouched out in front, scoring top shelf on
goalie Marty Turco for the winning goal. No Stars player got a body
on him or impeded him on his way to the net.

"We've got to quit making the little mistakes," Stars defenseman
Richard Matvichuk said. "We can't have turnovers. And when the puck's
got to get out of our zone, we have to get it out."

Stars captain Mike Modano blamed the team's "tough little spell" on
turnovers and an inability to finish scoring chances.

"It's not going to add up to a lot of wins," said Modano, who was on
one of the more productive lines with Morrow and Stu Barnes. "It's
going to add up to a lot of frustration. We've got to get the puck
moving and get back to basics."

The Stars dropped to 2-4-1-0 on the road and are still struggling to
score. Outside of Sunday's seven-goal outburst, the Stars have two
goals in their last three games.

"Two games below .500 on the road is not acceptable," Matvichuk
said. "We talk about making American Airlines Center a tough place to
play, but we have to be a good road team, too. At times, it's not
going to be pretty on the road, but you have to fight through it and
get the job done."

They have to score goals and stop the opposition from scoring to do
that. Right now, it only sounds simple.
************************************
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dallas/sports/hockey/stars/sto
ries/110703dnspostarsbriefs.6466b.html

Notebook: Boucher leaves injured

Defenseman's status listed as day-to-day because of bruised leg

12:59 AM CST on Friday, November 7, 2003

By RICHARD DURRETT / The Dallas Morning News

UNIONDALE, N.Y. â€" The Stars lost one of their top defenders so far
this season when Philippe Boucher bruised his leg and left midway
through the second period in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Islanders. He
is listed as day-to-day and will be evaluated Friday when the team
reaches Boston.

Boucher went to the locker room with 10:47 remaining in the period
and tried to come back out for one shift, but he was having trouble
skating and left the game for good.

The Stars could have used Boucher's toughness in the third period,
when the Islanders scored three goals.
Stars/NHL

In Boucher's absence, Sergei Zubov got 30:42 of ice time, the longest
time of any Stars defenseman this season. Zubov is averaging more
than 25 minutes, a team-high for skaters. Zubov finished minus-3 for
the night. That included an unsuccessful attempt to push Mark Parrish
away from the front of the net on the Islanders' first goal. Parrish
got his stick on the puck anyway to give New York a 1-0 lead.

Boucher's departure also allowed Richard Matvichuk and John Erskine
to set their season highs in ice time at 28:44 and 18:59.

Erskine was caught behind the net on one of the Islanders' goals and
couldn't get himself in position to make a play.

"I tried to go back around the net and lost the puck," Erskine
said. "It was a brain cramp. We can't keep giving it away."

Power play isn't happening on the road

The Stars' power play unit is hovering around the top 10 in the
league, despite the team's trouble scoring goals.

But on the road, the Stars' power play is hurting. Dallas is 0-for-10
in its last five road games and hasn't scored with the man-advantage
on the road since the third period in Buffalo on Oct. 13.

Part of the problem is the Stars haven't had many chances, something
coach Dave Tippett wants to correct.

"You have to create your own power plays," Tippett said. "You go to
the net harder and make sure the referee knows you're getting there
with purpose or you're getting dragged down. If you go hard to the
net every time; if somebody drags you down, it's pretty obvious."

Briefly ...

The Stars face Boston on Saturday to end a three-game road trip.
Dallas has not beaten the Bruins since Dec. 31, 2001. The Stars lost
to Boston, 2-0, earlier this season. ...Leading after the second
period is key for the Stars. They are unbeaten in their last 42 games
when leading going into the third period (39-0-3). New York led, 1-0,
after two periods Thursday. ...Center Pierre Turgeon played 15:05
against the Islanders a day after having a few false teeth put in and
getting several stitches. A high stick from Rangers defenseman Boris
Mironov cut Turgeon through his mouthpiece Tuesday.

Three stars of the game

The three stars of the game as chosen by Staff Writer Richard Durrett:

1. Rick DiPietro, Islanders. He stopped 27 of 28 shots he faced,
including a huge save in the second period when Mike Modano was in
close with a chance to tie the game.

2. Trent Hunter, Islanders. Put in the winning goal when it counted,
late in the third period.

3. Kenny Jonsson, Islanders. Solid on defense, helping keep Stars at
bay in third period.

Rich Pilon Rounds Out Coaching Staff
Created: Nov 5, 2003

Saskatoon, SK: General Manager of the Saskatoon Blades, Brent McEwen
today announces that the Blades have added former Western Hockey
League player with the Prince Albert Raiders Rich Pilon as an
assistant coach. Rich will be joined on the Blades bench by assistant
coach Bruno Baseotto, and head coach Jamie Reeve. Rich has joined the
club on a part-time basis.

The Saskatoon native Pilon, played for the Prince Albert Raiders
beginning in 1985 through 1988. He went on to play in 15 NHL seasons
with the New York Islanders, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues. In
total Rich played 646 NHL games, collecting 8 goals, 69 assists for 77
points.

Jamie Reeve, Head Coach on Pilon, "We feel Rich's past experiences in
the National Hockey League will benefit our club in the defensive
zone. He has a good understanding of what it takes to be successful in
this game"

Ok, the Tigers went all the way to Utah to play a double-header last
weekend. Any good reason why they are not playing this Friday night?

This is a league where teams have to play Friday, Saturday and Sunday
as much as possible.

On the good news front Hamilton will apparently play this weekend,
Weinhandl is expected to finally debut.

On the bad news front, Martin Chabada has decided to return home
because he is not going to get an opportunity to play for the Isles
at age twenty-six.

I think he should have been more patient or maybe Milbury could have
shopped him. To leave a team in-season is not really acceptable, if
he really wanted to leave he should have done so last summer, but the
best of luck to him. It was clear enough Laviolette did not send for
him last season nor was he really in Stirling's plans for this season
and a lot of younger players were going to get the call ahead of
Chabada.

Hate seeing a player give up. Sure it opens a veteran spot on the
Tigers, but that is not what I wanted.
***************************************************
On the Isles side of things, what world does Czerkawski live in where
the Polish President visits the United States and presents Bush with
a Czerkawski-jersey? It's kind of amazing he is getting this kind of
hype in his own country. Is this channel available with subtitles for
Islander fans?

At least someone with the Isles is getting some hype. Poland only has
two NHL players but they sure do take some pride in hockey. Great to
see.
***************************************************
Between DiPietro, Bergenheim, Papineau, Hunter, Mapletoft and Godard
it's a lot of fun to watch a team of kids be part of something from
the beginning.

I have no idea what will happen when everyone (including Weinhandl)
are finally ready to play here. Bergenheim has played his ten games
and cannot be sent back to Europe. Frankly, I would like to see him
play even more, he hardly looks lost.
********************************************
Is Messier off to an even better start than he was last season? Those
two goals should be good for some twenty minute games, just what the
doctor ordered....to get Holik off his game.

Btw, who officiated that game, Sather and Stan Fischler?

Yes, the Rangers got all those penalties but has anyone ever seen a
player get a penalty shot awarded (Hlavac) like that? He was not
close to being in the clear. And there was huge criticism over Bates
being in the clear two year ago when he got his penalty shot? LOL

I guess that being responcible for the stick rule did not apply to
Alexei Kovalev. He puts his stick into someone's mouth, knocks out
three teeth, blood on the ice all in front of the official...AND NO
PENALTY?

Meanwhile Kovalev get's hit at Msg, stays down and a two minute
penalty become a five minute major against the opposing player and
this was off a play where Kovalev went low and got caught by a player
checking him. That play led to a Ranger five on three advantage where
they scored two goals in a 3-1 win.

Of course, when this happened against Carolina's Shane Willis and the
five minute call was made it was called a tough, mean hockey hit
according to J.D on television and he disagreed with the call.
*************************************************************
So how did Modano get so open for his chance? I looked at the tape
and the Isles had a three on two at their own blueline. Aucoin,
Butenschon and Kvasha. Aucoin tried to clear and it hit the Dallas
player forechecking, where he grabbed the blocked clearing attempt
and rushed in with Modano coming in off left wing, Buteschon was able
to catch up and keep the Stars forward to the outside but no one was
able to see or pick up a rushing Modano.

After the save what I noticed was Kvasha, Aucoin and Yashin rushing
in to get the puck to the corner. Reminded me of how Niinimaa and
Yashin did not clear the rebound against New Jersey.

Did Micheletti and Howie do a little homerism last night showing a
full replay of Czerkawski making a play at both ends of the ice by
hustling? Not for anything but Czerkawski is supposed to be hustling
all the time.

My impression was they hyped it because of what he is doing on
offense?

Kind of the hype Kenny Jonsson deserves a lot more of for what he's
doing on defense.
**************************
Bettman on Wfan yesterday saying he was at Msg during the World
Series and the Garden was full for Rangers hockey?

All three buildings look half-filled for hockey, no hiding it.

Bill

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/news/skinny110703.html

"The Skinny": Islanders 4, Stars 1
By Eric Hornick, FSNY

Game 12
Islanders 4, Stars 1

Home Sweet Home
The Islanders explode for three goals in the final 3:20 to break a 1-
1 tie and defeat the Dallas Stars, 4-1, before 11,268 at the Coliseum.

Winner for Trent
Trent Hunter now has three goals in three games, and five in his last
five appearances. He scored the winner at 16:40 of the third and is
the first NHL rookie this season to record two game winners. Among
rookies, only Vancouver's Jason King has more goals. Only Mariusz
Czerkawski has scored more goals for the Islanders this season.

6-1 at Home
The Islanders up their record to 6-1 on home ice, and are 3-0 with
one game remaining on this homestand. It's the first time in 17
seasons that the Islanders have won six of their first seven games at
home. The Isles entered Christmas week last season with only six home
wins [6-10-2].

7-3-2 to Start
The Islanders are off to their second-best 12-game start in the past
16 seasons; they were 9-1-1-1 in the opening dozen two seasons ago.
The Isles didn't go four games over .500 last season until after the
All-Star game.

Three Straight Wins; Four Straight Unbeaten
The Islanders have won three straight for the first time since a five
game win streak last Dec. 23-Jan. 3. They are unbeaten in four
straight for the first time since February 17-23.

Four for Four
The Islanders have scored four goals or more in each of their last
four gamesâ€"it's the first time they've done that since Jan. 30-Feb.
7, 2002.

Beating the Best
The Islanders have defeated Anaheim [Cup Finalist], Ottawa [Best 2002-
03 NHL record] and Dallas [Best in West in 2002-03] during the
current homestand.

Can't Lose if You Score
Isles are now 7-0-2 if they score two goals or more but are 0-3 when
they score one or fewer.

Share of First…again
The Isles' win keeps them in a first place tie with Philadelphia, who
defeated Washington, 4-2, in Philly.

Team Effort
Four different goal scorers, and three different players with assists.

Team Effort II
Nine different Islanders have been named one of the Three Stars
during this three game win streak.

Big Night for Aucoin
Adrian Aucoin was +3 on the night and is +9 on this homestand. He has
been on the ice for 12 of the 14 goals that the Isles have scored in
the three games.

Jonsson Stars
Kenny Jonsson had another strong game for the Islanders and was voted
the #3 star.

99 for Wiemer
Jason Wiemer set-up Mark Parrish's first goal in the last nine and
now has 99 career assists.

Four for Bates and Kvasha
Oleg Kvasha set up Shawn Bates for the insurance marker at 19:00 of
the third, allowing both to extend point streaks to four.

Happy Birthday, Yash
Alexei Yashin played in his first game since his 30th birthday
yesterday

Still the One
The Islanders killed both Senator power plays and have killed 52-56
[92.9%] on the season. They have now killed 51 of their last 53.

DiPietro Extends Career High
Rick DiPietro, the second star, made 27 saves for his fifth win of
the season, and third straight. Both are career highs. He has stopped
73 of 78 shots on this homestand. DiPietro has allowed one goal or
fewer in four of his five wins.

Never in Doubt
Michael Peca's empty-netter made this yet another three-goal win for
the Islanders. Six of the Islanders' seven wins, as well as all three
of their losses, have been by three goals or more. The six wins by at
least three goals lead the NHL.

Holding the Lead
The Isles are now 6-0-1 this season when they lead after two periods
and are 24-0-4 in the last 28 games they've led after 40 minutes.
It's a streak that began Dec. 28 and is the third longest current
streak [Dallas 42, Minnesota 39] in the NHL.

Third Period Stars
The Isles have now outscored the opposition 15 to 8 in the third
period. Only Atlanta [13 to 5] has a better third-period goal
differential.

Least vs. the East
Dallas is now 7-6-1 overall, but are 1-5 against the Eastern
Conference. Luckily for the Stars, 56 of their last 68 are against
the West.

High Octane Isles
Guess who still leads the Eastern Conference in goals? Yes, it's the
Islanders, who have scored 41, one more than Philadelphia.

A November to Remember
November has traditionally been a tough month for the Isles but
they've started this November with three straight wins â€" that hasn't
happened since the last defense of the Stanley Cup in 1983, when they
opened the month with five-straight wins.

100 Club
The Isles are now 100-72-19-1 in all-time November home games.

50 Club
Stars Captain Mike Modano had a rough night, being robbed by DiPietro
in the second period, and finishing â€"3. Modano just missed tying Rick
Middleton for 50th place all-time in goals.

Top 30
Former Islander Pierre Turgeon assisted on Brendan Morrow's goal for
his 1,239th pointâ€"tying Peter Stastny for 30th all-time. The goal
stopped a 117:09 scoreless streak for the Stars.

Old vs. New
The Stars' roster averages 30.2 years, while the Isles average only
27.1. 10 Dallas players were older than the oldest Islander who
played in this gameâ€"Mariusz Czerkawski turned 31 this past April.

Defending Their End
There were 35 face-offs in the Islanders end, and only 11 in Dallas
territory. The remaining 21 face-offs were between the blue lines.
The Islanders won 32 of the 67 draws.

Season Series Story
The Isles now lead the series, 1-0, and the team will meet in Dallas
on Feb. 11. The Islanders have now won four-straight from the Stars â€"
that hasn't happened against this franchise since 1977 and 1978, when
they won six straight over the Minnesota North Stars.

Somebody Has to Sit
Scratches for the Isles: the injured Dave Scatchard [Injured
Reserve], Arron Asham [neck strain] Jason Blake [Injured Reserve] and
Radek Martinek.

Up Next

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8thâ€" ATLANTA AT ISLANDERS 7:00PM
[Metro (pre-game at 6:30pm); ESPN-1050 (pre-game at 6:50pm)]
The Thrashers become the second team to face the Islanders twice this
season (Pittsburgh the first) as they faceoff at the Coliseum to
conclude the Islanders' four-game homestand.

The Thrashers rallied twice in tying the Islanders, 2-2, in Atlanta
on Oct. 14. Thrasher star Ilya Kovalchuk has 12 goals and eight
assists heading into Atlanta's Friday game in Columbus. Kovalchuk
plays over 25 minutes a game â€" tops among NHL forwards.

The Islanders lead the all-time series 9-6-2, including 4-4 at the
Coliseum. The Islanders have won four of the last five Coliseum games
between the squads.

The Thrashers could be a tired hockey team as they will be playing
their third road game in four nights while the Islanders will be
looking for their fourth-straight win, with all games at home, for
the first time since 1992. The Islanders will also try to complete a
perfect four-game homestand for the first time since December, 1989.

All fans will receive a Pat LaFontaine Puck, compliments of Chase;
the Islanders' newest member of the Hockey Hall of Fame will be
honored in pre-game ceremonies. All fans are encouraged to wear
Orange, as the Islanders will wear their Orange Third Jerseys at all
Saturday home games this season.