Kyle Okposo

As the puck hits the ice, two eager centers begin to claw for possession. Resembling a flock of birds during autumn migration, the offense takes form.

It’s a sport that requires exciting aggression and skilled finesse on every play, and lot of heart for three periods.

The feisty New York Islanders have plenty of heart but lack the talent to compete right now... but they’re on their way.

Following the 2000-01 season, the New York Islanders were desperately looking for a new way to draw fans to the dilapidated Nassau Coliseum to watch a hockey team that was in rebuilding mode. 

The organization came up with the simple concept of ice girls, who were "cheerleaders on skates" that would clean around the net during timeouts and commercial breaks.

The idea quickly caught on around the league.  Currently, there are 17 teams in the NHL that incorporates some form of a cheerleading squad or ice dance crew.

Rick DiPietro's swollen knee and Dwayne Roloson's lackluster play of late gave the New York Islanders no choice but to call up Nathan Lawson from Bridgeport to start Saturday night's game against the Phoenix Coyotes. 

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN via Twitter, the New York Islanders have claimed right-winger Michael Grabner off waivers from the Florida Panthers.

Mark Streit can't be replaced without some miracle trade, but we all know that the Islanders aren't the big-name trade type team. With the injury to Streit crushing the team's hopes of making the playoffs this season, an opportunity has risen for veterans brought in through free agency, and the younger Islanders.

If you're an Islanders fan, you would know about General Manager Garth Snow's youth rebuilding plan.  After not panning out just yet, I finally think all his hard work and waiting is about to pay off, this season or the next.  The Islanders were able to make this possible after enduring year after year of finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. 

Day 5: New York Islanders

2010 Record: 34-37-11 (79 Points), 13^th in the Eastern Conference

Roster Changes

2010-2011 Notable Arrivals: D James Wisniewski (ANH), D Milan Jurcina (WAS), C Zenon Kenopka (TB),  D Mark Eaton (PIT),  RW P.A. Parenteau (NYR)

The New York Islanders begin their Western road trip tonight in Vancouver, but they do not arrive with every player 100 percent healthy.  Having escaped the injury bug for much of the year, several players are either banged up, will be sitting out entirely during the trip, or even missing the remainder of the season.