Islanders Ambush Panthers

Your New York Islanders are facing the Florida Panthers tonight at the NVMC.  Both teams are finishing up season's that have been a disappointment, but Florida has had the Isles number in the last two meetings and are going for the season sweep tonight.  Kyle Okposo and Michael Grabner will not play tonight.  What does the rest of the season mean to the players?   Per Eric Hornick, Travis Hamonic: "We're going to keep pushing hard for our fan base...we want to put on a good show" 

Forwards:  Lee-Nielsen-Bailey; Persson-Nelson-Clutterbuck; Martin-Strome-McDonald; Halmo-Cizikas-Sundstrom.

D-Pairings:  de Haan-Hamonic; Czuczman-Hickey; Donovan-Carkner.

Evgeni Nabokov is in net with Anders Nilsson on the bench.

 

Prior to the game, Matt Martin was been awarded the Bob Nystrom Award for the 3rd consecutive year.  The only Islander to win the award three times since Claude LaPointe.  The award represents an Islanders player "who best exemplifies leadership, hustle, and dedication."

 

In the opening minutes of the first period, the Isles fall behind 1-0 on a Panther SHG.  Shortly after, A Travis Hamonic (Josh Bailey) slap shot gets the Isles all even at 1-1.  Eric Hornick points out, "Josh Bailey extended his career best assist total ( 24 this season)."  As Matt Saidman points out, the play of de Haan and Czuczman has really improved the Isles blue line.  Isles continue to struggle on the PP going 1 for 3 in the period.  Isles lead in shots 11-5.

 

 

The Isles would come out in the second period fending off a strong Panther push in their zone.  Hamonic with an awesome defensive play on a breaking Bergheim, completely eliminates a prime scoring chance.  Isles remain a step behind themselves from the first period.  Ryan Strome with some solid work behind the net and Josh Bailey puts in a rebound to give the Isles a 2-1 lead.  Its Bailey's 1st goal in 8 games.  A Panthers miscue leads to a Matt Martin (Colin McDonald) goal, 3-1 Islanders.  Its Martin's 8th of the season, a career high.  Per Mark Herrmann, "This morning, Strome, McDonald, Martin all spoke of how Strome's skill and the wingers' physical play bring out the best in each other."  If you haven't ever given credit to Colin McDonald and the way he plays his game, it shouldn't happen any more. The dude brings it every night.  The Isles were 2 for 2 on the PK in the period and outshot Florida 17-8 in the period and lead 28-13 in the game.  Cal Clutterbuck is a real leader on the ice for this young team.  He leads by example.

 

 

Evgeni Nabokov has been quietly doing his job over the last two periods, and when called upon, did so again in the third period by making some huge saves early.  Mike Halmo (Casey Cizikas) breaks in and picks up his own air-borne rebound to beat Clemmensen for his first career NHL goal, 4-1 Islanders.  Panthers score with seconds remaining.  The Islanders recover defensively to break up a 4 on 1 Panthers fast break opportunity with 6:00 to play.  Isles led in shots, 12-9 in the period and 40-22 in the game.  They finish 1 of 4 on PP and 2 for 3 on the PK. Evgeni Nabokov finished 20 for 21 with a .952Sv%.  Isles win, 4-2!

 

Matt Carkner brought a physical brand of intimidation against the Panthers that they were unable to answer.  Arthur Staple, "It's one thing to score some points when the games don't matter anymore. Fighting twice when the games don't matter? Teammates respect that."  I have gotten down on Carkner a few times this season and for good reason, but I also understand he has the kind of grit that can get under the oppositions skin and affect the course of a game.  He was definite factor in tonight's game.  Isles out hit Florida by a 31-17 margin in another strong, physical game.

 

 

The Isles are 4-0-1 with their 10 rookies in the line up and are having their first 5 game point streak of the season.  Eric Hornick reminds us the Isles are 8-5-2 since Olympics without John Tavares. 

Too bad all these wins are meaningless to the team in the locker room. 

Mike Halmo with his first NHL goal puck.

 

Isles Notes:


The Isles are in Ottawa tomorrow, 4/2 @ 7pm, then home against Washington on Saturday, 4/6 @5pm , and in Columbus on Sunday, 4/7 @6pm.


Per Arthur Staple, "Canadiens clinch a playoff spot. Isles clinch an extra 2nd-round pick in June, surrender their 5th to MTL. Vanek deal is officially done."

The Islanders are 17-9-4 with Ryan Strome in their line up.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

 

Per Michael Fornabaio, "ECHL transactions say Jason Clark coming up to Bridgeport. "

Per BST, Joel Broda has been released from his PTO.