Is the Islanders' four-overtime "Easter Epic," the greatest victory in franchise history? Some critics believe that the melodramatic seventh game triumph over Washington on April 18, 1987 fills the bill. Check out Fischler's Flashback for your answer. Stan was there to see it firsthand! There's every reason for the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-carolina-hurricanes-practice-update-gauthier] to be super-ready to play the Hurricanes tonight in Raleigh, and one of those reasons happens to be on Page 41 of the Hockey News Yearbook. That's where the Canes are predicted to not only top the National Hockey League's Metropolitan Division but also to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Author Jared Clinton calls them "The league's most analytically superior squad in a number of key 5-on-5 categories," among many other reasons. Another is that they "have a roster fit to weather any storm." Tonight we'll learn whether the Isles can produce a storm at PNC Arena that Rod Brind'Amour's outfit will not weather: Game time, 7:30 p.m. MAVEN'S RAVIN'S * Hudson Fasching's not-so-terrific start this fall was enough to give The Maven occasional conniptions. * But after seeing the right wing's recent relentless forechecking and puck tenacity, I confess that the conniptions and nervous laughter have disappeared. * I must confess that -- at training camp -- I had doubts about Simon Holmstrom making the team. How wrong I was on that call. * Frankly, not-so-simple Simon has become the best of the under-stars. * The Holmstrom-Pageau PK duet reminds me of Lorne Henning and John Tonelli killing the clock during the Dynasty Years. * A good five years ago, my editor David Kolb said, "Let's write an Islanders history." With co-author Zach Weinstock helping us row even harder, the book is done and being distributed to longtime Isles season ticket holders. * From my co-author's viewpoint, the best part of the writing was never giving up when potholes nearly flattened our tires. * Neither Mike Reilly nor Robert Bortuzzo will qualify for the Norris Trophy, but they do get the Maven's newly-crowned "Just In Time" prize for plugging the injury-riddled defense. * I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of GMs of contending teams have cell-phoned Lou Lamoriello about Semyon Varlamov. See Toronto's 9-3- loss to Buffalo Thursday night with Ilya (Leaky Boat) Samsonov getting the hook. * It's not like Lou to forsake one of the best one-two goalie combos in the league. * Sam Bolduc is learning on the job. Current projects include outlet passes and defending with more conviction. * It's been said that some extra-extra special defenders could play all 60 minutes of a game. My choice is Noah Dobson, who's currently carrying the D and inevitably finishes in the plus category. * Anders Lee's eight goals in his last sixteen games deserve a nickname. How about Captain Clutch? * You get a wooden nickel if you can guess who was radio play by playman Barry Landers' color commentator on WGBB during the 1988-89 season. (Answer below.) * Bortuzzo is not too bad with those timely shot blocks. * There's still time to buy a good hockey book before Christmas. The Mave suggests "A Stick In The Window -- The Hockey Life of Buzz Deschamps." * It was written by Long Island native Joseph Rossi and is about the legendary Long Island Duck who was the hero of Long Island Arena fans in Commack. * Speaking of heroes, Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier wrote an impressive Foreward. * There are a few solid Norris Trophy candidates, and two of the best in the two Met burghs are Noah Dobson and Adam Fox. (Answer: Jean Potvin.) Have a Sweet Holiday!
