Your 8-11-5 New York Islanders have played much better lately. Scoring and effort is back to where it should be, but the team needs continued consistency. Give credit to Coach Capuano and the coaching staff for the recent recovery effort. Credit the players for continuing to fight for each other in the face of uncertainty and painful loses. They had a successful road trip, going 3-0-1. In those games vs. Devils, Buffalo, Chicago and Dallas, the Islanders got 14 goals from 7 different players as follows:
NYI vs. Devils: M. Moulson (11:28 - 1st) , J. Bailey (11:59 - 2nd) , M. Grabner (SHG, 05:51 - 3rd)
NYI vs. Buffalo: M. Moulson (PPG, 06:47 - 1st) , B. Rolston (09:23 - 3rd)
NYI Chicago: K. Okposo (PPG, 04:07 - 1st) , M. Moulson (14:27 - 1st) , P. Parenteau (PPG, 00:46 - 3rd) , N. Niederreiter (08:55 - 3rd)
NYI vs. Dallas: M. Moulson (PPG, 08:55 - 1st) , M. Moulson (10:54 - 1st) , D. Reese (02:48 - 2nd) , M. Moulson (05:57 - 2nd) , M. Moulson (17:10 - 2nd)
(Islanders.nhl.com)
The only faltering came in a tough O.T. loss vs Chicago. The Islanders fought hard and their best players led by example. What more can you say about Al Montoya other than he was strong again and Kyle Okposo’s hard work was finally rewarded with a goal.
In the Game against the surging Dallas Stars, Nino Niederreiter suffered a concussion on a "questionable" hit from Mark Fristic. Michael Grabner and Rick DiPietro will be out with groin injuries they suffered in the same game. This is a set back for Grabbner, who has been part of some exciting plays, but has come up somewhat short in the finishing department. The same thing happened with him last season, until he caught up to his game and became a big time goal scorer. Here is hoping he regains his magic scoring touch to go with his strong skating and blistering speed. Another bad break for D.P. on the injury front as he struggles to regain his form.
The Islanders will need to focus on team play for the upcoming 3 game home stand. Their records vs the next three opponents are 1-3-2 vs TB, Chi and Pit. They need to just keep playing like they have been and things should continue to improve. Matt Moulson has been consistent all year and his game has gotten even better. To watch he and line mate, John Tavares set up plays is worth the price of a ticket for Isles fans. Moulson had 7 and 1 for 8 pts. on the road trip and finished with a +3 rating.
The Islanders will need to focus on team play for the upcoming 3 game home stand. Their records vs the next three opponents are 1-3-2 vs TB, Chi and Pit. They need to just keep playing like they have been and things should continue to improve. Matt Moulson has been consistent all year and his game has gotten even better. To watch he and line mate, John Tavares set up plays is worth the price of a ticket for Isles fans. Moulson had 7 and 1 for 8 pts. on the road trip and finished with a +3 rating.
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