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New York Islanders (11-12-7, 12th/East) at Toronto Maple Leafs (9-13-7, 14th)
7 p.m. EST | [something about air] Centre | MSG+2 (twice the plus!), radio
Rabble-Rousing Foes: Pension Plan Puppets
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So the long road ends here. After tonight, the Islanders don't leave New York for the rest of the month.
Meanwhile, a huge night for Rob Schremp Hockey and Blake Comeau, because they're not only scratching to get back in the regular lineup -- they're competing against each other. When the next body comes back (or gets called up), one of them likely sits. Unless they can demonstrate greater value than, say, Jon Sim or Tim Jackman or Nate Thompson [insert your jokes and rants here].
Katie Strang reports Schremp has been in good spirits: "I'm closer to playing in the NHL now than I ever was last year." Before this epic run of 11 straight scratches ends tonight, Schremp said this ride in the press box was better than last time, because last time he was scratched because he wasn't getting it done. This time he was scratched because healthy bodies returned: "In the two games I was in I felt like I produced and did some good things. Then it became more of just a numbers thing."
Note: If the comments fill up during the second period, then you know a PPP invasion is in effect. Like good hosts, drink the good stuff and offer them the dregs.