C-I-Z-I-K-A-S! Isles Beat Florida

Tonight, your New York Islanders are in Florida to face the Florida Panthers.  The Panthers are last in the eastern conference with a 7-15-6 record and 20 pts on the season.  They have only scored 67 goals, and given up 105 goals for a differential of -38, worst in the NHL.  The Islanders have an opportunity to move ahead of the NYR with a win here tonight.  The Isles have been good on the road all season.  Their road power play is 11-for-35 (31.4%), ranked 1st in the NHL.  Its another HUGE game for New York.

Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Cizikas-Aucoin-McDonald, Martin-Reasoner-Boulton.

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Streit-Martinek, Hickey-Visnovsky

Evgeni Nabokov will be in net with Kevin Poulin backing up.

 

In the first period, the Isles come out moving the puck well.  PK for the Isles at 2:15 mark.  Evgeni Nabokov with some strong saves in the PK.  Started poorly, but strong kill for the Isles.  Cizikas with a nice shot on net.  Thomas Hickey looking better and better on defense for the Islanders.  Aucoin with some nice efforts tonight as well.  Florida has matched the Isles intensity as the period progresses.  Bailey skates away from puck setting up his shot.  Boulton & Parros drop the gloves.  New York is fore checking well.  Frans Nielsen sets up Okposo with a nice feed from behind the net, 1-0 Isles!  Eric Hornick notes that its "career assist #124 for Nielsen, tying Benoit Hogue and Mikko Makela for 32nd place on all-time Isles list."  Streit (& Reasoner) finds Martinek who fires it by Clemmensen to make it 2-0 Isles.  Islanders played another strong road period.  Shots are even at 9-9.

The Isles score just :33 seconds into the second period.  Credit Boyes (Tavares) with a deflection off the defensemen's skate.  3-0 Isles.  Isles really moving the puck well and setting up plays while Panthers skate to keep up.  Bailey is really struggling to find his game.  He is fumbling pucks and constantly out of position.  Nabokov is still sharp  Isles answering Florida's pressure in the Isles zone by playing physical and strong back checking.  Casey Cizikas inserting himself into the shooting lanes and creating opportunities for himself and his line mates.  Florida has hit a pair of posts in the closing minutes of the period.  The Isles out shot the Panthers 6-5 in the period and 15-14 in the game so far.  Isles are 11-1-2 when scoring 3+ goals in a game.

In the third period, the Isles open with energy, but have gotten a little sloppy with Florida buzzing.  The Panthers get the puck deep and take several slaps at rebounds sitting right in the crease and get one by Nabokov.  The Isles lead is cut to 3-1.  Panthers come right back and score again just :34 seconds later.  The score is now 3-2.  Another rebound gives the Panthers another goal.  Three goals in just 1:43.  The game is tied at 3-3.  Another meltdown by the Isles, but there is still plenty of time to recover.  Which Islanders team will show up for the remainder of the game?  Isles regroup and aggressively fore check hard.  Credit Nabokov for regaining his composure.  Cizikas (McDonald & Aucoin) gets the go ahead goal, 4-3 Isles!  The energy level is high for both teams as they joust for control of the puck.  Panther net is empty at 1:29 remaining in the third.  K.O. misses the empty net.  Time expires and the Isles win, 4-3.  Florida out shoots the Isles 15-10 in the period and 30-25 in the game.  The Isles are 13-12-3 for 29 pts and move ahead of the Rangers and are one pt out of eighth spot.

 

The Isles appeared to be playing another strong road game and looked good for the most part on both sides of the play.  Several players played well, and the team came out were winning battles for 2 periods.  Things changed and quickly from the 5:00 min thru the 7:00 min mark of the third period.  With the score tied, Casey Cizikas scores to give the lead back to his Isles team at a crucial time.  Much like Bob Nystrom, Cizikas is developing into Mr. Clutch for the Isles.  He never quits, battles through adversity and always gives the Isles a chance when he is on the ice. 

 

 

Ruud van der Borgh of the Lets Go Islanders Facebook Group mentions @zeeker11 for the Bob Nystrom award. 

 

 

I agree.

 

Isles Notes:

 

Per Arthur Staple, David Ullstrom (lower body) went back to NY for evaluation, placed on IR (groin) out 3-4 weeks.

Jesse Joensuu, not a call up, will most likely replace Ullstrom.  Joensuu: Whenever I get my chance, I’m focused on being physical. I’m looking to create space for my linemates and get them the puck.

The New York Islanders sign Colin McDonald to 2-year extension. 600K/675K, both years one-way.

Per Arthur Staple, Isles soon to begin extension talks with Visnovsky, Nabokov. Both players told me that they are open to staying w/ team beyond this season.

Per Arthur Staple, also keeping an eye on NCAA hockey postseason -- hope to sign Anders Lee of ND and Scott Mayfield of Denver when their seasons end.  Also have heard that D Brenden Kichton, Isles 5th-round pick in 2011, has rejected contract offer and is likely to reenter draft in June.  Kichton currently 22-61-83 for Spokane, leads WHL Dmen in scoring. Feels he can go higher than 5th round this time.

 

Per Chris Botta, Isles will play one ex game in Sept at Barclays. Wasn't able to confirm whether they'll play a few 2013-14 season games there, too.

The Isles will have a four game homestand with OTT on Tuesday @ 7:00pm, MTL on Thursday @7:00pm, PIT on Friday @ 7:00pm anf FLA on Sunday @ 5:00pm.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

Tonight, the BST faced the Hershey Bears and @Reiter35 - Kenny Reiter stops 31 shots, but Bears spoil shutout bid as Sound Tigers lose 1-0 in O.T.
 

 

On 3/15 - Per BST, Neither team had a PP for 35 min. until that call on Jackson. Game-changing call. Final score, Monarchs steal a 3-2 win. SOG 31-26.