ANALYSIS AFTER 2: STARS V. ISLES

After a lackluster 1st period the Islanders followed with yet another mediocre period. Although they managed to put some pressure on Dallas for spurts, the overall feeling of the period was definitely in Dallas' firm grasp.

Bill Guerin got the game close at least with a tally off a nice passing play from Bergenheim and Streit. But the Islanders inability to score (despite 2 posts and a review by the War Room in Toronto) on a full 2 minute 5-on-3 and the 5-on-4 that followed it showed huge flaws after a 4 day rest that should have energized the team.

Mike Ribiero is having a fantastic game with 1 goal and 4 assists to this point and is certainly the stalwart of the Dallas offense this evening. It just doesn't look like the boys in Orange and Blue are gonna pull this one out. The energy is lacking, the discipline is poor and the shots they're taking are mostly from the perimeter. This is the 2nd disappointing home showing this week and if the team doesn't pick up the pieces soon we might find them battling for the #1 draft spot by the end of November.

I'll return tonight with a post-game analysis and thoughts for the coming weekend of games. At least we can still celebrate Hockey Fights Cancer tonight with a raffle and some good recognition.

It's Dallas 5, Isles 1 after 2.

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