Somehow, Islanders fans did not come away impressed with the effort in D.C.:

• NYI Fan Central: "frankly terrible with their skating, passing and decision-making."
• Drive for Five: "The Islanders didn’t put up a fight in front of the net, leaving Joey MacDonald, who played his tail off despite giving up four goals, out to dry."
• B.D. Gallof: "Very few highlights to take away from this one."
• View from Section 317: "I just dont get Fritz being here taking 100 seconds a night? It does not serve a purpose." True. Perhaps we just have no one for Fritz to protect?
  

In a happier place, some other bits around the Island:

• Not Your Average Ice Girl had a field trip to IceWorks, uncovering the mullet contest between the injured Bruno Gervais and Nate Thompson. I miss college.
• Islanders Outsider says don't even think about a goalie controversy.
• 7th Woman -- who can seemingly charm anyone -- got a sit-down with Bettman last week. His responses: Tekmology yay; bloggers yay; ice conditions boo; Lighthouse Project yay.