10/14/07 - Week Two

An interesting week, indeed. Following up a gritty win against the Rangers was an embarrassing loss in Toronto, and a tough loss in Philly. But we should have known what was coming, playing in Toronto after last season. (Unsportsmanlike on Comrie? Are you serious?)

Anyway... while parts of the team preformed well, namely Bryan Berard and the 3rd and 4th lines, the Comrie-Guerin-Fedotenko top line has seemingly fallen asleep. If the team is going to be successful regularly, it is going to have to rely on this line for at least one or two points per game. Obviously, it's a lot to ask of a single line, but in all honesty, they have the skills to do it. And the way the defense is shooting, it won't take a whole lot more to take the pressure off of DiPietro and Dubielewicz. Let's not forget that the Isles bought-out Yashin because he was inconsistent; what the team needs is a reliably producing first line.

But in any case, let's not look down on everything. Berard has proven to be a great acquisition, stepping up his defensive and physical games against the Flyers last night. Simon is back, and was almost waiting to drop the gloves. It was a rough week, sure, but the team is still shaking itself down and finding the right spots for everyone. No games until the Capitals on Thursday, giving the Isles lots of time to practice and rearrange accordingly. I'm excited to see what happens.