Shake It Off

The Isles and Devils met today at the NVMC to renew "acquaintances" for the second time in 3 days and third this season.  11, 538 fans came out on Super Bowl Sunday to watch the rematch. 

Forwards

26 Matt Moulson - 91 John Tavares - 21 Kyle Okposo
40 Michael Grabner - 51 Frans Nielsen - 24 Brad Boyes
41 David Ullstrom - 10 Keith Aucoin - 53 Casey Cizikas
36 Eric Boulton - 16 Marty Reasoner - 17 Matt Martin

Defensemen

47 Andrew MacDonald – 3 Travis Hamonic
2 Mark Streit - 37 Brian Strait
14 Thomas Hickey - 7 Matt Carkner

Goaltenders

20 Evgeni Nabokov
39 Rick DiPietro

In the first period, both teams looked ready to play but the Isles were weaker on the fore check and pressing the offensive zone.  The Isles were 0 for 4 in PP chances.  New Jersey started blocking shots and working hard against the offensive push from New York.  Isles playing more of N.J.'s game thus far.  There were a few good offensive opportunities for the Isles, but strong goaltending on both sides is the difference in the game so far.  Scoreless after the first.

Another flurry of activity early by both teams in the first five minutes of play in the second period.  Kyle Okposo is still missing something in his game, looks a little scattered again today.  Evgeni Nabokov has been awesome again.  Isles PP struggling to generate anything, 5 on 5 is pretty even but needs to be better.  Cycling on the Islanders PP got more shots on goal for PP, but still no score.  0 for 7 for Isles #1 ranked PP.

In the third period, the game seemed to slow even more.  Isles are most successful when they are composed and dictate the style of play. They need to get back to their game and come out from NJ's sleepwalking style of play.  When the Isles move, you can see NJ start to run around in their own zone. It seems to me that movement is the key to success of the Isles offense.  The officials put New York at the disadvantage in the period, and the Devils scored once for a 1-0 Devils lead late in the third.  With the momentum in swing just 1:10 later, a second goal by Bernier for New Jersey. 2-0 Devils.  The Isles pull Nabokov for the extra skater and Clarkson makes it 3-0 before time expires.  Devils win a close game, 3-0.

This game was a typical tilt vs. the Devils.  A little on the boring side.  With two quick goals (and an empty netter) late in the third, the Devils siezed control of the game.  B.D. Gallof mentions the 5 on 5 play needed to be better for the Isles and I agreed.  I know you can't use the officials to take the blame because your team lost the game.  But in a close fought game, when a bogus call is made, it can change the course of the game.  A loss is a loss, as it doesn't matter if it looks like a blow out instead of what it really was, giving up 3 goals late in a 1:30 span as the game ended.  John Tavares said it best, We let them off the hook (with our play.)

When you outshoot and opponent and keep a team like the Devils in the game, you are at a disadvantage.  Going 0 for 8 when you have the 1st ranked PP in the NHL is not acceptable.  Credit New Jersey for adjusting their game today and credit Hedberg for playing another solid game vs. the Isles.  Good teams adjust on the fly and maintain focus.  The Isles looked like they lost theirs. 

Shake it off.

 

 

The Islanders fall to third place in the Atlantic Division standings after a Pittsburgh win and an Isles loss to the Devils today.  The team needs to regroup, focus on their play and continue to develop the positives of this season. 

 

 

The Isles have Penguins again on Tuesday, Rangers on Thursday and Sabres on Saturday, all 7:00PM starts.

 

Isles Notes:

Arthur Staple reports that Lubomir Visnovsky's agent in attendance today.  Defensemen, Lubomir Visnovsky is scheduled to arrive in NY on Wednesday to join the Islanders.

Last season, Devils goaltender Johan Hedberg was 3-0 with a .970Sv% and a 0.67 Gaa and 1 shutout.

Per Eric Hornick, Isles fall to 3-8-3 all-time (0-1-0 this season) in their black jerseys.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

Brock Nelson nets first pro hat trick while Kevin Poulin makes 26 saves as Sound Tigers roll past Admirals 4-1.

 

Per BST, Player Transaction: The Sound Tigers have recalled goaltender Kenny Reiter from the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL.

Per Paul Doyle, Sound Tigers President Howard Saffan Denies Rangers-To-Bridgeport Rumor.