Today the New York Islanders really made their intentions clear as they picked up a huge road victory against close rivals New Jersey Devils. Ths Islanders scored 3 goals and recently demoted backup goalie Dominik Hasek made all the right moves for his fourth win of the season, and first as an Islander. Furthermore, the Isles came out with the win without star forward Petr Forsberg who was still day to day and did not make the trip to Jersey. Instead, 3rd line centre Petr Nedved was put on the 1st line and seldom used Mike Cammalleri was put on the 3rd line where he was able to score the opening goal of the night.
Although they have been plagued with injuries throughout the season, the Islanders have now vaulted into 8th place in the Eastern Conference. This is a historical day as it is the first time ever that a OTHL team run by James Jones has been in playoff position. Of course it is early in the season, but the 2nd highest scoring team in the league is starting to get on a real roll. With yougsters like Cammalleri, Zajac, Radulov and Penner just chomping at the bit to make a big impact, the Islanders can no longer be considered the doormat of the OTHL.