D is for Depth

Chris Campoli is done for the season. I fear I put the jinx on him by awarding the "most pleasant surprise of the year" to the development of him and Gervais, in my previous post. It's like talking about a no-hitter, you don't do it unless you want it to end. So my apologies to all Islanders fans, and to Bruno....BE CAREFUL!

But this is where the Isles much discussed defensive depth pays off. And it puts a spotlight on an unheralded story, the phoenix-like rising (no pun intended from his brief days as a Coyote) of Freddy Meyer, aka The Fabulous Fourth. Coming into this season, I was not a Meyer fan. I had no reservations when I learned he was plucked off of waivers by the Coyotes. Weeks later, after not cracking the mighty Phoenix lineup, we grabbed him back and I was left scratching my head. Now here we are, 19 games later, and his inspired play is proving me wrong. In fact, he was recently granted a 2 year extension, helping to solidify his place on our blueline. So congratulations to Freddy, who seemed to take all the ups-and-downs in stride, and is making the most of his second chance.

Now, some notes on last night's 6-3 victory in Carolina...

- Good resolve shown by the team in bending, but not breaking, with a 2 goal lead late in the third. After blowing two goal leads the previous two games, they allowed Carolina to get within one before snapping out of it. And it's a good thing, too...you can forgive such gaffes for a couple games, but when it hits three it becomes a trend. And trends can be hard to break.

-Nice to see Dubie back in form. Even as a Dubie supporter I couldn't help but wonder if his poor play earlier this season was simply indicative of his lack of playing time, or attributable to something more fundamental. His play over his last few starts has answered that question. He's as solid a backup we've had (with apologies to Garth) since DP supported Osgood.

-Finally, 3 shorthanded goals! What more can I say?