Flame On!

I said something has got to give, didn’t I? 

After three more aggravating losses, terrible officiating, and injuries, your New York Islanders defeat the Calgary Flames 3-1 at the Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum tonight.

The shake-up in lines may have worked, at least for now in motivating and refocusing the Islanders.  More flagrant infractions by the opposition on Isles players seemed to spark the much-needed fire in the team's play.  I was pleased to see Matt Moulson, yes Matt Moulson react to a dangerous and disrespectful hit with the spirit that would make Trevor Gillies proud.  Moulson answered Stempniak’s shoulder to K.O.’s face with the authority it deserved.  Somehow, the Isles went man down as a result, but it needed to be done.  It is just another example of horrible officiating against the Isles.  And getting back to Gillies, I differ from some of my colleagues on his role with the Islanders organization.  Aside from all the intimadation and enforcer stuff, the team just doesn’t have the same swagger or fellowship without him in the line up.  Some guys are the soul of their teams and Trevor Gillies is that for the New York Islanders.

Andrew MacDonald, John Tavares and Brian Rolston scored for the Isles.  The offensive pressure increased as the game went on and really came to bear in the second period when A-Mac scored the equalizer.  From there, the Islanders seemed to find their groove and make better decisions.  Their momentum helped their confidence and when that happens, they are a dangerous team to play against.  Defensively, they played well.  What more could be said about Andrew MacDonald and Travis Hamonic?  They are so solid and do all the little things needed by key defensemen.  At +2 and +3 in the game respectively, they are key players in the Isles success.  Evgeni Nabokov played well in net making 29 saves on 30 shots and posting a .967 Sv%.

After 35 games played, the Islanders are 12-17-6.  And although they have gone 3-6-1 in their last 10 games, tonight’s effort could be something to build on.  The Moulson-Tavares-Okposo line was definitely exciting to watch.  They generated some exciting chances and were a problem for Calgary from the start of the first period.  The Rolston-Nielsen-Parenteau line made some noise as well.  Rolston came back from injury and helped the team with his play tonight.    P.A. Parenteau has definitely figured into the Isles offense in a big way all season long.  He came close a couple of times tonight.  The most interesting combination to me was Grabner-Bailey-Martin.  This line could be so explosive, it's scarey.  Grabner needs to fire on all cylinders and finish his rushes, and that will mean goals in bunches for the Isles.  With Bailey’s improved playmaking and Martins grit, I am looking forward to what might happen with familiarity.  I have enjoyed watching Martin’s game improve as the season goes on.  The fourth line of Wallace-Reasoner-Niederreiter has more grit, tenaciousness and offensive upside than most "fourth" lines.  Wallace has proven he is here to work and Niederreiter will overcome all the hurdles that have impacted him this season.  His improvement will follow his hard work and opportunities.

My biggest goats are Marty Reasoner and Mike Mottau.  These guys seem to be invisible for the most part until they turn the puck over or make a mistake.  Reasoner tries to make plays from time to time, but with a –15 rating, his 5 assists are hardly worth it.  I thought he would be an upgrade after free agency, but I was wrong.  The amount of young forwards I would rather see in his place are many.  Journeyman Center, Jeremy Collinton and forwards Casey Cizikas and Justin DiBenedetto could be given an opportunity to make an impact like Tim Wallace and David Ullstrom did.

Mike Mottau’s –9 rating and 2 assists on the year are also something to watch.  His sloppy play makes me wonder why a player like Dylan Reese cant get the real shot he deserves to make the team.  Reese would be an improvement over Mottau based on his play this season.  Matt Donovan would be another defensemen who has shown flashes of what could be.

I am hopeful that a top Defensemen or two can be acquired and perhaps another seroius offensive talent that would even out the roster.  I know the talent the organization has in Bridgeport, but the team on Long Island needs something to take the next step now without rushing any prospects.  Will someone rise up or come in and make an impact? 

We shall see.

Isles Notes:


David Ullstrom has been placed on the IR (retro to 12/20).

On Dec. 31, the Islanders will induct Ken Morrow him into the team’s hall of fame.