Pens vs. Isles 4/9/09 Preview

by Blaine Volpe

Well, we’re at the last home game of the regular season, and it’s Fan Appreciation Night! Two months ago no one including fans would have thought we’d be in this position, no one. Though the Islanders are playing horrible and were embarrassed when they lost 9 – 0 against Carolina (who seems unstoppable as of late), tonight’s game will be tougher than expected, and might I add important. For the Islanders, a loss tonight would mean they officially have the worst record in the NHL; so at this point a win is a matter of dignity for them. My guess is they’re going to be playing beyond physical tonight almost like their fighting for their own post season. Why is it important on our end? Well it’s always important to finish strong, but there are three very big games concerning our own positioning in the conference. Carolina takes on Buffalo tonight in Raleigh where they have has won 13 straight and where they will try to win their 10th consecutive game. Carolina is currently in tie of 4th place with Philadelphia. Buffalo on the other hand is 2 points out of a tie for 9th place with Florida. They both only have 2 games left including tonight. Philadelphia plays the New York Rangers tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers are barely hanging on to the 8th and final playoff spot and with a win they can move ahead of Montreal for 7th place. But Philadelphia is tied with Carolina and they have 3 games left to play including tonight. So let’s say the Flyers and Hurricanes fall flat, we can get a tie for 4th place and home ice advantage. Awesome right? Hell yeah! So let’s win and win BIG! Let’s not have ourselves a shootout loss or a boring 1-goal game please!

Game Notes:

Philippe Boucher is playing tonight. Looks like in place of Hall Gill after he did not skate yesterday, though the team said it was just for rest. Mathieu Garon is in the pipes tonight. Also Max Talbot won’t be playing for the purposes of rest. It’s nice to see Boucher play finally as he has been out since January 30th for foot surgery.

Notable Mention:

Tonight the Penguins will be collecting donations for the Fallen Heroes Fund for the three police officers that were killed in the line of duty tonight. Here’s a link if you can’t go to the game tonight. http://www.pittsburghpolicefop.com/ A lot of information on how you can donate money or how if you go to a few places portions of what you spend go to them.


Below are the highlights of last games Shootout loss. Let’s Go Pens!

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