For those of you just tuning in or awaking from a coma, there have been some hurricane problems in the southern part of the United States. Well, this last one, Wilma, hit HockeyBird's town pretty hard. We are happy to report that Bird and his family are safe and healthy. That's not to say everything is peachy though. To read updates on his situation and to find out how you can help, check out the message boards or head on over to Rodent's place.

As for the Rangers, tonight is meeting #3 with the Islanders at Madison Square Garden. The Blueshirts will have a little different look than the last game, which the Islanders won 5-4. Once again, Henrik Lundqvist will be in net in front of the home crowd. Additionally, newly acquired Jeff Taffe will make his Rangers debut, and there is a chance that Fedor Fedorov will play if Marian Hossa's injury prevents him from dressing.

Coach Tom Renney has backed slightly off of his concrete declaration that Kevin Weekes was the Rangers' #1 goaltender:

"It's getting down to crunch time to see what we decide to do moving forward after tomorrow night - just in terms of who gets the starts and why," Renney said. "We've got two good goaltenders - no doubt about that. I still feel firmly, with his experience, Kevin is the guy who should emerge."

You can read more on the goalie situation here, here, and here.

Larry Brooks of the Post talks about the Rangers 'melting pot' and how a Captain might emerge from the group.

Spector talks about some NHL trade rumors, including one that I hadn't heard before . . . Martin Rucinsky, Dominic Moore, and Tom Poti to Ottawa for Martin Havlat. Don't worry, the Sens have denied any interest in moving Havlat.

Anyway, our best wishes go out to Bird and his family, and all of those affected during this horrible hurricane season. I hope the Rangers go out and win one for the Birdie. (Oh, that was terrible.)

HDH

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