Lucky Sevens

Once again – an Islander/Ranger showdown. But at 12:30 on Saturday afternoon – it will be on the corner of 33rd street and 7th avenue.

What does it mean?

To dans of the organization – a lot. For the teams – a great deal more. The Islanders have a magic number of three points to qualify for the playoffs; a thought that Islanders nation were not thinking about less than a month ago. To the Blueshirts, the fight for number one in the Eastern Conference is still hanging over their heads. Losses to Long Island and Philadelphia this week, have given the Rangers a little less comfort, as Boston and Carolina with wins on Saturday will hit 109 points, one less than New York’s 110. Dallas at 109 is one point behind for the President’s Trophy Race. A interesting time indeed.

Patrick Roy, in the middle of his second six game winning streak as head coach, has a tough task on his hands. The Rangers are reeling and will want to show their faithful that they are playoff ready and be at their best. A question on may minds, is will Matt Rempe be brought into the lineup?

Rempe, the very large rookie with an old-style game could be inserted in order to tell the Islanders that they are not happy with the hits they received on Tuesday evening. We all know that the Pelech hit was not an illegal play, the Dobson hit on Trochek could be conceived as a troubling one. But as retribution may be a factor, with what is going on for positioning in the conference, the Rangers may not resort to the physical tactics. If they had won on Thursday night against the Flyers, things may have been different. So expect a serious game from the home team.

For the Orange and Blue – the concern for Noah Dobson is absolutely real! Only 1:26 of ice time last night and the speculations are full and interesting. His game has returned from a two-week set of tough ones. So important on both sides of the ices, the fans are truly hoping for a quick return to the ice on Saturday.

As I have said throughout the season – the tone needs to be set right away. Despite the fact the Isles will not be making the last change and get the matchups they want, you will expect the Patrick Roy coached team to keep the game simple. Ensure your gap control and keep the feet moving. It is a cliche, but it is so right.

However, there is one more important facet to the game tomorrow to consider.

KEEP THE HELL OUT OF THE SIN BIN!

The Rangers dilemma is scoring 5 on 5. As good as they are, the power play is not only the bread and butter of this team, but the full steak dinner as well. Discipline has to be as critical as it can be tomorrow. The Isles need to stay out of the box. Especially with Dobson potentially not in the lineup. This may be the most important game in the career of Samuel Bolduc.

I will be at a viewing party tomorrow with about 50 my fellow Booster Club Members. We are all hoping for a positive outcome, a 7th consecutive win, and the chance to drop the magic number to 1.

Showdown? Yes again – it’s gonna be a showdown!