Isles go with 13 Forwards against Kings

The Islanders will be playing tonight's game with five defensemen and 13 forwards as Jack Hillen has become ill, as reported by Chris Botta and Katie Strang.

Earlier, it was reported that Rob Schremp would be back in the line-up but it was unclear for who. With us now learning that Jon Sim is serving as the extra forward, we know he was the odd man out.

The Islanders have lost nine in a row now, despite picking up their first point in three weeks on Thursday against the Sharks in a shootout loss.

Dwayne Roloson stood on his head for that game, saving 37 of 38 shots. Because of his recent performance he will get his 5th start in a row, which is much deserved.

The Islanders already have some defensemen playing more minutes than they are accustomed to, so now the job gets enough tougher with only five defensemen going against a very strong Kings team that boasts some great weapons up front. Should be interesting to see how they handle that.

Regardless, the offense HAS to get going. The Islanders weren't as good offensively against the Sharks as they were in the game against the Ducks. As strong as the Kings netminders have looked this season, you have to take that chance of throwing more pucks at the net. The Islanders can't hesitate to shoot, which is still an issue. The power-play needs to move around a little more. That's one thing I don't like with P.A. Parenteau there. While I appreciate the fact that he has put up a lot of points with the man advantage, he seems to be very reluctant to shoot and holds the puck for too long on the half wall. Then he gets pressured and has to make a fast, and sometimes incorrect decision. I had hoped that Schremp's return would solve some of that, but it really didn't. Now he gets his shot back in the line-up, and hopefully he has adjusted himself a little bit.

If the streak gets to 10 games, then we will be in danger territory. Not that they weren't there already, but I had quietly thought to myself that Scott Gordon's time would be ticking away if it ever got to this point. Hopefully, it does not. We'll see what tonight brings.

-CH

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