Your New York Islanders are in Tampa tonight to face the Lightning. Vinny Lacavalier has been placed on Injured Reserve, but that wont mean much with Stamkos and St. Louis ready to go. Tampa is struggling and will be hungry, but the Isles must win tonight and on the weekend against Florida to stay in the race and they must handle the teams below them in the standings.
Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Ullstrom-Aucoin-Cizikas, Martin-Reasoner-Boulton.
Defensive Pairings: MacDonald-Hamonic, Streit-Martinek, Hickey-Visnovsky.
Evgeni Nabokov is in net backed up by Kevin Poulin.
Colin McDonald is day-to-day, sick.
The first period starts slow, but quickens with some offensive surges for New York. Arthur Staple observes, Lightning matching Nate Thompson vs. Tavares. Isles trying to match Nielsen's line & MacDonald-Hamonic vs. Stamkos." Evgeni Nabokov with a series of big saves early. Isles get some strong chances, but Tampa's D & goaltending is holding so far. Isles getting shots, but the Lightning D play shots well with their sticks. Visnovsky breaks in with speed and fires a nice wrist shot on net, but the save is made. A focused Ullstrom making an impression in the period thus far with a strong offensive effort. Isles getting physical, getting good pressure in offensive zone, making Lindback work in Tampa net. Isles outshoot Lightning 13-6, playing a strong road game. 0-0.
In the second period, the Isles continue with some good offensive efforts. The Isles continue to work and play physically. A lone penalty is finally acknowledged on TB for knocking stick from Martin's hand. John Tavares (Moulson) scores a PP goal with a nice tap in from the side of the net. 1-0 Isles. It's his 17th goal on the season. Nabokov preserves the lead off a nice save off Stamkos. Isles will be on the PK. Casey Cizikas is really developing his game. Penalty is over and the period ends. The Isles outshoot Lightning 9-6 in the period and 22-12 in the game. Islanders are controlling the game thus far. 3rd period incoming.
Tampa Bay have come out strong to start the third period, generating sustained pressure deep in the Isles zone. Nabokov comes up with more big saves, including a great toe save off a deflection by Stamkos. Puck is cleared and Coach Capuano calls a time out. Isles respond with some pressure of their own, Reasoner makes a nice move but can't finish. Linback has been solid in net so far for TB. Isles go back to the PK. Awesome kill against an energetic PP for the Lightning. Isles playing a good, selfless game thus far, an honest effort. David Ullstrom appears hurt as he limps into the tunnel. In the final minutes, TB is pressing hard. TB calls a timeout with 1:18 remaining with Lindback going to the bench. TB net is empty. The Lightning get several point blank chances, Nabokov makes the saves. Puck is cleared, Boyes pounces on a bouncing puck and scores the empty net goal. The Islanders win, 2-0! The Isles outshoot Lightning 7-6 in the period and 29-18 in the game. Evgeni Nabokov records his second shut out of the season with 18 saves. He was a big reason for the "W" tonight.
Butch Goring, " Anytime you keep Stamkos and St Louis off the score sheet you're doing something special. Only 5th time all year they went scoreless."
Evgeni Nabokov, " It was a good performance by the whole team -- the forwards and defense. We did a good job on their big guys."
Tonight's effort was a nice change from the Pittsburgh game. The Isles played a strong team game. The were physical, checked hard and moved the puck to generate scoring chances. The defensive effort was there against Stamkos and St. Louis, and Evgeni Nabokov played well, keeping his team in the game with a one goal lead. The Isles climb to 12-12-3, and get a huge two points, but will remain three points out behind the Jets, and one point behind the Rangers. Coaching was ok tonight. The team really played well.
The Isles will face the Florida Panthers on Saturday. Another must win for New York.
Will Jesse Joensuu be ready to play if David Ullstrom is hurt or will there be another call up from Bridgeport? My guess is Nino Niederreiter (25 and 18 for 43 pts in 57 games and a -4 rating) or Brock Nelson (16 and 25 for 41 pts in 48 games and a +2 rating).
Nabby's ready. Bring it.
Isles Notes:
Per NYI, @MMoulson & @91Tavares have 2nd highest PP goals totals among NHL teammates w. 14(7ea); 2nd to Neal&Kunitz (PIT) w. 16.
More good news for Isles prospect Anders Lee, named a CCHA finalist for Player of the Year & Best Defensive Forward!
Ed Mangano Seeks RFP To Reinvent Nassau Coliseum.
Per Christian Arnold, (@mrkevinconnolly) Kevin Connolly's film on ex-Islanders owner John Spano to premiere at Tribeca Film Festival via @Newsday
Sound Tigers Notes:
Player News: The Sound Tigers have traded forward Jack Combs to the San Antonio Rampage for future considerations.
NHL Notes:
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