Isles Sweep Canes In 4-3 Win

Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau; Grabner-Nielsen-Okposo; Martin-Bailey-Rolston; Niederreiter-Reasoner-Pandolfo

Defnsemen: Streit-Staios; MacDonald-Ness; Eaton-Jurcina.

Kevin Poulin in net.

Your New York Islanders defeated Kirk Muller’s Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night by the score of 4-3.  It marked their first-ever 4-game sweep of the Hurricanes and helped the Isles reach the 25-25-8 mark and pull to within 6 points of the final playoff spot once again.

1^st Period:  Kyle Okposo (13) Wrist Shot - Assists: M. Grabner (10) & M. Streit (27)

2^nd Period:  John Tavares (23) Wrist Shot - Assists: A. MacDonald (8) & P. Parenteau (40)
PPG - Frans Nielsen (12) Slap Shot - Assists: J. Tavares (34) & P. Parenteau (41)

3^rd period:  John Tavares (24) Wrist Shot - Assists: M. Moulson (25) & M. Streit (28)

The Islanders played with spirit and urgency on Saturday.  They passed the puck well and managed to pull together on defense to lend support to their goaltender, giving themselves a chance to win.  And when the defense does its job, the offense led by John Tavares can focus on doing the same.  When the Islanders can play their game, they have shown they can beat anybody.

Kevin Poulin made some spectacular saves, especially late in the game, to preserve the win for New York.  The Islanders were outshot by a 36-31 margin, but Poulin made 33 saves on 36 shots with a .917 Sv%.  With his proven success in the AHL and his strong play for the Islanders, Poulin continues to impress.  He has made a strong case for himself to be given an opportunity with the big club next season, or maybe even sooner.

Arthur Staple reported that Nabokov's agent, Don Meehan, tells Newsday that contract talks with the Islanders will likely start soon.  If this holds true, it may actually be Al Montoya who would become expendable if the confidence is there for Poulin by team management. 

The trade deadline is coming.  What, if anything will it hold for the Islanders?

Tomorrow, I’ll be covering the President’s day matinee vs the Ottawa Senators at 1 p.m. for Dee Karl’s Islanders Blogbox, NY Islanders 7^th Woman’s blog. Thanks to Dee for the shout!