ANALYSIS AFTER 1: STARS V. ISLES

Well the 1st period basically resembled the entire game against the Sabres. The Stars connected for 3 goals (2 5 on 5 and 1 on the powerplay) and dominated the play for the last 15 minutes.

Two bad penalties taken by the Isles in the period. The first on Kyle Okposo for roughing up Sean Avery in an attempt to appease the crowd at the Isles bench and the second against Sean Bergenheim for holding below the goaline in the Isles end. I would have to say that both penalties should have been avoided as they didn't serve the purpose Gordon requires for penalties: "If they don't save a goal".

The Islanders did get one good rush out of the period which resulted in a great save by Marty Turco. Richard Park came in on a mini-break off a nifty pass by Mike Comrie and was just robbed by Turco. Most of the shots the Isles took were from outside and really were not threatening at all. They will have to do a much better job dictating the play in the 2nd to have a chance in this one.

Another note; Kyle Okposo's inability to keep the puck on his stick tonight is glaring as he's had it in good spaces and has not been able to create any offense save several shots from the perimeter. I'll be back after the 2nd with more analysis.

So far it's Dallas 3, Islanders 0.

For Questions, Comments and Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.