Sigh.

Stars 3: Islanders 2

Three straight dropped?

The frustration is mounting once again. After a listless loss to the Penguins 6-3 and a spirited effort against Montreal, 5-3, the Islanders were all over the board last night, though none of it reflected either on the PP or the scoresheet.

The second line factored heavily into the scoring, with Michael Grabner and Kyle Okposo tallying goals, but New York forfeited the 2-1 lead and the two points to Dallas in the third period, letting young Jamie Benn secure the win for his club at 4:33. Kevin Poulin did his best in his first start of the season, but the 21-year-old netminder (called up from Bridgeport after Rick DiPietro was placed back on IR) could not weather the storm.

I'll say this much: I knew this game was going to be a mess. It's easy to tell when your team's struggling and when they're flying high, and there was way too much of the former in this match. Too many slow starts out of the zone, plenty of giveaways, getting hemmed into the defensive zone- and worst of all, the power play was completely power-LESS. Doug Weight's got to change something in his strategy, because there is absolutely nothing there. Not to mention the lack of intensity and aggressiveness, underscored by the relative zest and tenacity shown by the Stars as they fought to regain the lead. Overall, just disappointing.

The one bright spot for tomorrow night in Minnesota? Andrew MacDonald and Mark Eaton are game-time decisions, which makes me hopeful that maybe some relatively fresh faces and legs will revive this team. I hope so, at least, because it's getting really discouraging.