Written by Jason Potere

As a huge Islanders fan and an avid reader to the site, I always enjoyed Botta’s “plus/minus” posts to recap the team’s games.  Here’s my take on Opening Night.  Please feel free to add your own Plus/Minus in the comments section regarding Saturday night’s game.

Plus:  It’s great to see the Coliseum rockin’ on Opening Night! With big expectations, come big crowds and with big crowds, come big expectations.

Minus: Streit’s fault on the 1st goal – turned the puck over behind the net, then lost his man (Weiss) off the rebound, 1-0 Panthers.

Plus: Good to see Hamonic defending his goalie at the end of the 1st period.  Travis was the best Islander on the ice tonight.

Minus: Rough 1st period for the Isles…indicative of a team playing with nerves on opening night.

Minus: I promise Kyle, the goals will come!

Plus: I’d love to hear what Panthers’ management says every time Grabner races down the wing.

Plus: Streit’s presence on the power play makes the first unit soooo much better. 4 shots on their first PP.

Plus: Much better 2nd period for Isles, more cohesive, more energy, but no goals.

Plus: Despite the mistake on the Panthers’ first goal, Streit had an all-around solid game.

Plus: Great pass by Hamonic finding Okposo in the slot.  Of course, KO hits the pipe.

Minus: I love Matt Martin’s energy. I also love when he can stay out of the penalty box.

Minus: Some penalties are killer, some aren’t.  Parenteau’s tripping minor with 4 minutes left in the 3rd was a killer.

Minus: Tip your cap to the Panthers. They played a great road game.

Plus: Montoya picks up where he left off last season, sharp in his 2011-12 debut.

Minus: This team isn’t good enough yet to take a period off and win on most nights.  Back to the drawing board for Cappy and crew.