**10:24 am: Richard Park did not make the plane to Pittsburgh. Greg Mauldin has been called up from Bridgeport to take his place in the line up tonight. Jack loses yet another one of his good players. Mark Flood was sent back to Bridge.

A note about Mauldin: When I was at the game in Bridgeport on that Sunday in late March, when I chased down Mr. Snow on level four, he asked me what I thought of Greg. Keep an eye on this one. This is his Islanders debut, but this may not be the only time you see him in an Islanders sweater!!!

It's never easy saying goodbye to an old friend. It's painful. And no matter how much you may want to look towards the good things to come, the sense of loss will always remain.

That's how it will be when the Pens and their fans say goodbye to the Mellon Arena tonight as it hosts it's final NHL game. Originally I had pondered that the Pens may want to hold onto their superstar talent and keep them in the press box awaiting the playoffs. But since this is the last dance, I'm certain the Penguins will be playing for history and soaking in every second of every shift.

Unfortunately, the Islanders get to be the unwanted guests at this party. This is not going to be a pretty sight for Islander fans. I forsee a very lopsided score and a lot of frustration. I'm assuming Dwayne Roloson will be in net and Biron will be lounging on the bench taking photos for a scrapbook for his kids.

With Blake Comeau out for the balance of the season, I am not sure if they have called anyone up from Bridgeport or will just allow Jeff Tambellini to grace the ice with his presence.

The photo on the Isles website for the pregame report has Sean Bergenheim against superstar Sidney Crosby. BWAAHAHAHHAHHA. My boy Sean? Against Sidney Crosby? That's the best we can do?

Yes, Sean Bergenheim has been hot lately and he has the ability to be very effective. But I hardly think he is any match for Crosby and his 100 points. (Even on Bergy's hot streak, he's only accumulated 23 points.)

This is going to be a mentally and emotionally draining game for a lot of players and fans. Saying goodbye always is.

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