Lighthouse Hockey, a New York Islanders community

Lots of happy talk coming out of today's meeting. And Chris Botta's interpretation of Tom Suozzi's comments today: It's on everyone's shoulders now, and (Botta's words) "The message was clear: everyone needs to stop making this all about [Kate] Murray." We'll see. No one was born yesterday to think a little meeting is all that was needed. But as long as the parties are talking -- that's the most important positive step at this point. Wang's October "deadline" cleared? Heh. Heh. But reason to see a route forward? Yes. So many steps between now and the end point, so many chances for more spin and feigned offense. But talking -- not "talk," mind you, but talking -- is good. Negotiation = progress. Update: Newsday's coverage here.

Why do I feel like what could be a fun Summer of Tavares (or Hedman) will instead be overshadowed by a growing sandstorm of ugly politics? Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray are both up for election this year, from opposite parties, and from increasingly contrasting views on the Lighthouse Project. Overt yet indirect stimulus-related shots are being fired, with Murray still pushing Coliseum renovation as if it could stand on its own. Very thorough takes from Nick at Let There be Light(house) and B.D. at IslandersIndependent, who appropriately finds it reminiscent of the ending of Reservoir Dogs. I have always assumed things will get done somehow, some way, but the voices of locals who told me just how inbred the politics can be always ring in the back of my head.