Lighthouse Hockey, a New York Islanders community

It was an emotional four months for diehard fans. We've had a week to digest the end of the NHL lockout. How are we feeling about the whole "you can have my money again" thing?

After an arbitration case, some hometown playing and a good ol' NHL lockout, Lubomir Visnovsky still isn't coming to the New York Islanders.

No, the schedule isn't out yet. Yes, it will be an Atlantic-heavy -- and therefore challenging -- slate for the still-young Islanders.

Since July feels like ages ago, a recap of all of the Islanders off-season transactions seems in order.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers faced two tough opponents on the road and came away winless on the weekend. Is NHL their next stop?

The NHL would love the NHLPA (and you) to believe they will cancel the season without a deal. The NHLPA would love the NHL (and you) to believe they'll file for disclaiming interest.

Some people are under the impression that a shortened season can aid a teams chances of sneaking into the playoffs. The evidence may prove otherwise.

Or rather, make that a "comprehensive response," according to NHLPA head Donald Fehr.

Resuming negotiations for the first time since a mid-December tantrum, the NHL continues to inch off hills it previously pledged to die on.

It's beginning to look a lot like Islesmas... except for, you know, not having any Islanders games to watch. What brought us to this lowly state?