Once again, Jack Capuano held no morning skate for the sliding NY Islanders. During Friday's practice at Ice Works, he changed the music in the locker room to try to pump the team up. He doesn't want them to think about the losing streak. He just wants them to focus on winning a hockey game.

Can they win TONIGHT'S hockey game against the Washington Capitals and their scoring machines?

Capuano promises to shake things up a little. He is. Here are the line combinations he has announced:

Moulson-Tavares-Grabner
Rolston-Nielsen-Parenteau
Comeau-Reasoner-Okposo
Pandolfo-Bailey-Martin

And in net to face Backstrom and Ovechkin? Rick DiPietro. Al Montoya will dress to back up RDP. I'm guessing if the first period is a blow-out, he will finally see some action. He hasn't played the last five games.

Looks like Mike Mottau is a healthy scratch as well -- which should make a lot of our HBers in the comment section happy.

So... why Rick? Is it the contract? Is it trying to prove that he CAN or CANNOT play at this level? Is it a Capuano death wish? What? I'm not sure. However I would not have made the choice. For me, it would have been Montoya between the pipes. Especially against this team.

If the Isles head to the dressing room tonight with a SEVENTH straight loss, they won't be able to be reminded of last year's horrible skid into oblivion that cost Scott Gordon his job.

Oh... this will be interesting.

See you tonight. Bring beverages. I'll bring tissues.

*****

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