Isles Zapped by Lightning 8-4

Watching the Islanders these days reminds me of the famous exchange between Princess Leia and Han Solo when they were trapped in the garbage compactor:

Leia:  It could be worse.  (Garbage creature growls)

Han:  It’s worse

The Isles played an underwhelming Tampa Bay squad last night that boasts the second worst record in the league,  a very shaky goaltender (Kari Ramo), a couple of disgruntled, seemingly disinterested superstars and a porous defense….and somehow managed to lose 8-4.  Vincent Lecavalier (one of the aforementioned superstars) recorded a Hat Trick and Michel Ouellet had two goals for the home team.  Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko, Ben Walter (who recorded his first NHL goal) and Mike Comrie tallied for the Islanders.

To say the playoffs are out of reach for New York is a staggering understatement.  Injuries certainly have had a huge effect in the matter (Andy Hilbert was a late scratch just prior to gametime, leaving the Islanders more shorthanded).  Even so, the way they’ve played recently, this team would have trouble competing against a good AHL lineup.  From G Rick Dipietro’s constantly misplaying the puck to the forwards’ sloppy behind the back passes that never connect, it is obvious the players have lost their mental focus.  There is a distinct lack of passion resonating throughout Islanderland right now.

One would also need to be blind and deaf not to recognize that Coach Ted Nolan has become frustrated with the situation as well.  His post-game press conferences, which are normally fairly innocuous and boring, have become a collection of snarky remarks delivered with a palpable air of resignation.

The only thing Islander fans have to be joyous about is that the team moved one step closer to obtaining an impact player in June’s Rookie Draft.  There are so many holes to fill, it’s almost inconceivable that they will not be able to garner at least one player who can make a difference in the future.

Then again, these are the Islanders we’re talking about.