Catch 22

As the Islanders wind down a disappointing season with a home-and-home with the Rangers, fans are split between rooting for the Isles in the interest of dimming the Rangers' playoff aspirations and losing out to obtain a chance at the lottery for the top draft pick in June. While it would be nice to get the pick, it would be a small consolation to end a dismal year if they were to knock the Rangers from contention.

With the exception of the kids' energy and Wade Dubielewicz's stellar play down the stretch, there has not been much to be excited about on Long Island these past few months.

I will have a season in review column up at some point during the playoffs, with some advice for those of you in keeper leagues.

So, without further ado, the final fantasy update of the season.



Hot

Wade Dubielewicz (8-8,2.68 GAA,.917 SV%), with something to prove once again as he finishes out his first ever one-way contract, has filled in admirably for his injured counterpart. Dubielewicz has earned an extension with his steady play down the stretch, which has included stopping 162 of 172 shots (.942 SV%), a 2-2-1 record, and a 1.97 GAA. As Rick DiPietro (hopefully) learns he can't play all 82 games, Dubie would prove even more valuable if he was utilized with any regularity over the course of the season. Dubie struggled during the first half of the season, to no fault of his own, as he started just two games through Christmas.

Kyle Okposo (1-3=4,+2) has done well in his short stint with the Isles, scoring a goal and three assists while accumulating a +2 rating over his last six games.

Bill Guerin (23-21=44,-15) has shown flashes of interest this year, but for the most part has shown he has come back to the East Coast to finish out his career and retire to Massachusetts. Guerin does have a goal and three assists and a +2 rating in his last four games, but there's no doubt the Isles expected more production and a more fiery approach from their captain.

Josef Vasicek (16-19=35,+/-E), like Guerin, has shown flashes, but can't seem to put it together for a significant period of time. Vasicek has two goals and an assist and a +2 rating in his last four.

Richard Park (11-19=30,-6) has fit in well with Okposo and Blake Comeau on what has become the Isles top line. Park has two goals, three helpers and a +1 rating over his last six games.



Cold

Mike Comrie (21-28=49,-21) has just a goal and an assist and a -3 rating over his last 11 games. Notice he signed his inflated contract extension around the same time he started the slump.

Miroslav Satan (15-25=40,-9) will finish the season with his lowest output since his rookie and sophomore seasons, when he tallied 35 and 38 points respectively. Satan has just five points (1-4=5) and a -8 rating over his last 18 games.



Projected lines

Bergenheim-Vasicek-Guerin
Satan-Neilsen-Hunter
Comeau-Park-Okposo
Brennan-Colliton-Keith

Hillen-Martinek
Meyer-Davison
Berard-Fata

PP1: Berard-Martinek-Satan-Vasicek-Okposo



On the mend

*G Rick DiPietro (hip) is out for the season.
*D Aaron Johnson (ribs) is day-to-day.
*D Bruno Gervais (concussion) is day-to-day.
*D Andy Sutton (torn hamstring) is out for the season.
*D Brendan Witt (sprained knee) is out for the season.
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder) is out for the season.
*F Mike Comrie (hip) is day-to-day.
*F Andy Hilbert (ankle) is day-to-day.
*F Ruslan Fedotenko (leg) is day-to-day.
*F Mike Sillinger (hip) is out for the season.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) is out indefinitely.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.



Remaining schedule

Thu. 4/3 vs. Rangers
Fri. 4/4 @ Rangers



Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.