Edit, Edit.

I'm going to backtrack for just a second here.

I'm not blaming the Islanders entirely in my post from yesterday; at least, I'm not trying to. I've just gotten into a huge discussion on NHL Arena regarding this, so I've decided to cut and paste one of my posts here, just to clarify where I stand. Because I think we should all remember that two teams were involved. So here goes.

This is a game that left a horrible taste in my mouth for a few reasons. I was proud of the Isles for standing up for themselves and I was happy that they won; however, I was more upset that they had veered so far from the game plan. I was angry at what Trevor Gillies had done, and as a fan who doesn't particularly like fighting, I was just embarrassed that it broke out on such a huge scale. Not to mention that the game happened on my birthday, and I spent my 20th fighting with Penguins fans who were calling the team I love more than any other in the league "classless" while wishing death on players like Michael Grabner and John Tavares. Not exactly a great way to celebrate.

I'm well aware of the hypocrisy regarding this situation. The Penguins were definitely not blameless in any regard. I agree with [someone I was debating with] when she says there should not be two sets of rules in the league- one for the Isles, and one for everyone else. I think everyone should be punished and disciplined accordingly when something like this goes down, and I absolutely hate that no one takes notice of the Isles unless something this bad happens. But that's also a huge part of the reason I don't want this game to be celebrated as the pinnacle of our success.

Let's face it, that game was a huge turning point for us. And yet not many people care about the score. They focus on one moment out of an entire three-hour game- Gillies's hit on Eric Tangradi that resulted in a concussion. They don't even realize that Hillen got hurt, too. And when it comes to this viewing party, I know the idiots over at Pensblog and all of the people tsk-tsking over the choice our org has made are going to be reminded of that moment. It's a HUGE negative moment, one that has made me want Gillies off the team since, and I would rather forget this entire game just because that's the only thing people focus on ANYWAY about it.

Is it fair? NO. It is reality? Yes, of course.

I'm not saying the Isles should shy away out of fear- all I'm saying is that they could have been a bit smarter. Don't give anyone a reason to call us "classless" again. Shut 'em up with the wins to come this season. That's all I'm saying. As far as MSG+ goes- like I said, they can re-broadcast it. I just don't think it's smart of the Isles to call this much attention to it again.