Go with what you know

There's something to be said for routines. And after an abbreviated hounding session Tuesday, I'll try to stick to mine from now on.

Usually, I try to catch NHL teams before morning skates. The crowds are thinner. Players tend to be a little less-focused than at game time. Most of all, though, the time fits into my schedule.

I had to deviate from the norm, however, when a colleague asked for a ride to work. With his car at the shop and my owing him a favor or two, I couldn't say no. Rather than hound the Islanders before the morning skate, I went after the session.

Let's just say that I really have no reason to complain. Though I picked up only eight autographs, including a pair of pucks (above) from Islanders captain Bill Guerin, it wasn't my best effort.

Unfortunately, in my haste to rustle up a few Lightning items for recently acquired players (who are staying at the same hotel as the Islanders), I left my Islanders card book sitting on the breakfast bar at home. I didn't discover my error until I was in Tampa.

I could only say hello as I watched Islander and Islander walk past. If I had it, I'd like to think I would've added another dozen cards to the collection. All I can do, though, is chalk it up to experience -- routines are made to stay intact.