Is there Hope in NJ and on LI?

Probably the only good thing about being an Isles fan in addition to a Met fan is that I get to hear Howie Rose during the Winter. The team last year was not good. Period. There was hope, with a few new signings, but they did not work out. Since the start of this season coincided with the Mets in the playoffs, I had not watched much hockey. The couple of times I turned it on, Jiggs MacDonald was calling the games on TV, since Howie was doing the Mets games on WFAN. Jiggs has not lost it, still calls a good game. It was nice to hear his voice, and it took me back 20 years or so, to when the Isles were a good team, year in , year out.

So far this season, things had not looked good, even with a new coach. The west coast swing to start the season bore no resemblance to the Mets west coast swing, as the Isles were awful. Then, Rick DiPietro is injured, thrusting Mike Dunham into the nets. Well, he played well in his first couple of starts, as they rebounded from a 3 game losing streak to start the season, to win against the Ducks (a favorite this season) in OT, then beating Boston at home in the opener. Then, a shootout loss to Nashville and a OT loss to Pitt. Last night, they played the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, and won in OT. Rick returned to the lineup, stopping 37 of 40 shots. Alexei Yashin continued his early strong play with 4 assists. Free Agent signing Mike Sillinger scored, as did Tom Poti (the skate off goal). Yashin has 11 points in 8 games, Sillinger has 4 goals, as does Jason Blake. However, penalties continue to plague the team. This is something that Nolan will be sure to focus on, as the kill has been poor to date. This team is continually being outshot, no goalie is going to last long facing 40 shots a night. I am pleased with the fact they have at least 1 point in the last 5 games, but they need to take advantage of home ice, as they are in the midst of a 7 game homestand, with 3 games left (Buffalo, which has yet to lose, Florida and Chicago). I'll be watching a bit more, now that baseball is over. Could this team, that everyone picked to finish last in the conference, gel and contend? Hey, the Rangers did last year, and they were picked last as well.

As for the Jets, again, I have not watched a lot of late. I caught a good portion of the 1st quarter today, and was very impressed with what I saw. After going 21 games without a 1st quarter TD, they put up 2. The running game was on track the first drive, behind Leon Washington (who finished with 129 yards on 20 carries). The second drive highlight was a 44 yard (40 in the air) TD pass from Chad to Justin McCareins. I think we can stop with the "Noodle Arm" Chas shit now. He may not throw the ball long on every drive, but he can do it when the play is called.
Chad did have 2 INT's today, not a great thing (one was near the end of the first half), but they won, and the running game seems to be on track, which is vital.

The concern today was the late scores the defense allowed, which follows the pattern established this season. Thankfully, it did not hurt them this time, but it did against the Colts. They need to tighten up the D late in the game, no matter how big the lead. Keep the foot on the neck.

So the Jets have a chance to be 5-3 at the bye week, as they face the Browns next week. Considering they already have tied last season's win total, that is quite a feat. Part of me is annoyed, as they lose a high draft pick, but the other part of me wants to see them surprise some people. And give the fans a nice ride, after last season's debacle.

I'll have a Mets post up later in the week, discussing who should stay, go, and join.
Feel free to comment with your thoughts.