Isles Outworked By Rangers

 

Tonight is the first meeting between arch rivals.  The Islanders at MSG to face the New York Rangers.

 

Forwards

26 Matt Moulson - 91 John Tavares - 24 Brad Boyes
40 Michael Grabner - 51 Frans Nielsen - 21 Kyle Okposo
41 David Ullstrom - 10 Keith Aucoin - 13 Colin McDonald
36 Eric Boulton - 16 Marty Reasoner - 17 Matt Martin

Defensemen

47 Andrew MacDonald – 3 Travis Hamonic
37 Brian Strait - 2 Mark Streit
52 Joe Finley - 14 Thomas Hickey

Goaltenders

20 Evgeni Nabokov
39 Rick DiPietro

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Per Arthur Staple, "Nabokov in goal, Carkner (lower body) out, Finley in. Cizikas likely healthy scratch."

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In the first period, the Islanders scrambled and looked out of sorts.  The Rangers dictated play, out worked Isles and jumped out a 2-0 lead.  Evgeni Nabokov wasn't getting a lot of help, or even able to see all the shots as they came to him.  The Rangers outshot the Isles 11-8.

In the second period, the Isles looked worse.  I cant help but think about Casey Cizikas and his infectious fire, scratched from this game.  I think it was a big mistake by Management.  Isles look better into period, making plays, more positives.  John Tavares made it 2-1.  A defensive breakdown gave the Rangers a 3-1 lead.  Lundqvist, very good for the Rangers.  The slow starts and spotted leads are becoming too common and to reminiscent of a losing season.  Rangers lead in shots, now 18-17.

Islanders are better in the third period, but have difficulty pressuring Rangers.  The reworked 1st and 2nd lines didn't seem to be working.  0-5 on the PP so far, 0-19 over last 3 games.  Empty net goal, 4-1 Rangers a final.  Isles end up out shooting Rangers, 26-24.  Two goals for Ranger prospect, J.T. Miller, 0 points for Rick Nash.  John Tavares was awesome.

 

 

First time in history the Rangers have won 8 straight times in MSG vs. Isles.

Third straight loss for the Islanders.  PP is non existent.  Bad execution in defensive zone.  Just a bad effort in a game they should have had no problem getting up for.  Cizikas scratched.  Keep in mind though, the Isles ran into strong defensive teams with even stronger goaltending performances in their last 3 loses.

Per Arthur Staple, Jack Capuano: "Some guys played tentative, some guys didn't take hits to make plays. I'm disappointed w/ some guys' battle level tonight.  Some guys played tentative, some guys didn't take hits to make plays. I'm disappointed w/ some guys' battle level tonight."  What will come of this?  There may be some reorganization to the roster and game plan Saturday vs. Buffalo.

 

The Islanders should be reeling after losing 3 straight after starting strong, now 9 pts in 10 games with a 4-5-1 record.  They have done some things well, but must improve in their own zone and recover on the PP and minimize missed opportunities.  I hope Lubo Visnovsky is all hes been touted to be for the Isles.  They can use his defense and PP skills ASAP.

 

 

Compete, Overcome and Win.

 

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, Visnovsky arrived last night and has passed his physical. Will join team Friday for practice.

Per  New York Islanders, "Team has lifted the suspension of Lubomir Visnovsky and he has been added to the active roster."

@Dobberhockey remarks, "In the 4 games that John Tavares has played over 23 minutes he has 0 points. In the 5 games he played 23 or less, he has 11 points."

Per @AdamRotter, "Today, while speaking with reporters at the morning skate before tonight's game against the Capitals, Crosby said of Islander fans “The fans didn’t show a lot of class. … I wouldn’t do that.'

@cgray41, He (Crosby) didnt show alot of class when he sucker punched McDonald after the whistle before he got hit with puck.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

 

Per AHL, "The American Hockey League today announced that Bridgeport Sound Tigers left wing Brandon DeFazio has been suspended for one (1) game as a consequence of a slew-footing incident in a game vs. Norfolk on Feb. 2.   DeFazio will miss Bridgeport’s game Saturday (Feb. 9) vs. Portland."