Comeau hot, but he wants to be consistent

The only thing that has ever held back Blake Comeau has been inconsistency.

In the past, he would combine his speed and physical play into bursts of success, but he also struggled to maintain it.

In the past, he found himself demoted to the minors or scratched from the lineup.

In the past, there were times when he began to doubt himself.

In the past.

That's precisely where Comeau intends to leave all those things.

"The thing I've wanted to carry from Christmas on until next year is consistency," Comeau said. "I want to be one of those consistent players who goes out and plays hard every night. I want to be a guy that contributes to this team, that's not just a body out there."

Comeau certainly has been more than an auxiliary part in the Islanders' lineup in recent weeks, showing an increased willingness to shoot the puck and improved decision-making.

He delivered his second straight two-goal game in Thursday's 6-4 win over Philadelphia for his fourth multigoal game of the season. He had his first career hat trick, ranks fourth on the team with 16 goals and has contributed 16 assists.

"We're obviously encouraged. He should be encouraged with the way he's going," coach Scott Gordon said. "The key for him is to be able to do that over the course of the whole season. For me, that will be the next step as far as identifying what he is as a player."

Comeau knows that is the next item on the agenda. And so heading into this offseason, he realizes what is at stake. If he proves he can continue such productive spurts, he might earn an increased offensive role.

"Maybe Scott might rely on me more than he has previously for offensive output, which I enjoy," Comeau said. "I enjoy the challenge. I'm a competitive guy, and any time I get that, it's something I thrive upon.

"I've had ups and downs my first three seasons, but I feel like I've always had a positive attitude and come out on top of the adversity every time."

Notes & quotes: Rob Schremp, who recently had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee,, skated on his own . . . Bruno Gervais (groin) practiced and is a possibility to play Saturday against Ottawa . . . Goaltender Martin Biron won the annual media-designated "Good Guy Award.''