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
39 Rick DiPietro
###
Per Arthur Staple, "Nabokov in goal, Carkner (lower body) out, Finley in.
Cizikas likely healthy scratch."
###
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.
@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:
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