An independent blog on the New York Islanders, the NHL and AHL by a guy from New York.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Isles Dominate Canadiens


Your New York Islanders will look to ruin the season sweep by the Canadiens in Montreal.  Thomas Vanek and Montreal have already made the dance and are fighting for home ice in the playoffs.  The Islanders will meet their challenge with 11 rookies in their line up tonight.  Johan Sundstrom is in the lineup for Cal Clutterbuck (upper body).  Matt Carkner will be wearing the third Alternate "A" previously worn by Clutterbuck.  The Isles will have the Jiggs advantage with him in the booth with Butch tonight.


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

D-Pairings:  Hickey-Hamonic; Czuczman-Mayfield; Donovan-Carkner.

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

 

Your New York Islanders hit the ice flying in the first period moving the puck well and playing the body.  Ryan Strome is everywhere with the puck and steals the puck from Price, but isnt able to tuck it in the open net.  Isles defense doing a nice job joining the offensive rush and really look comfortable, especially Czuczhman and Mayfield.  Carey Price is the difference thus far.  The period ends with no score, Isles hold the edge in shots 10-8.
 

In the second period, the Isles continue to turn up the pressure and are clearly out playing Montreal.  Anders Lee continues to work hard and to make something happen.  Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin are energizing the Isles.  Montreal has been good at helping Price by blocking a load of shots on net here.  Gallant goes with Parros, and gets another TKO, amazing.  Johan Sundstrom hit from behind into the boards by Douglas Murray in his first game back from suspension.  Sundstrom off to the dressing room.  Murray gets a misconduct and should see some more suspension time for the hit.  Later in the period, Ryan Strome (Donovan & Bailey) with a slap shot that beats price.  Goal is under review, but is definitely going to count.  Goal counts and so does the Isles lead, 1-0.  Josh Bailey's assist has given him a new career high with 36 points this season.  Despite that stat, I feel Bailey has been invisible for most of the season.  With time expiring, Brock Nelson (Hickey & Nabokov) with a PPG to give New York a 2-0 lead.  Nabokov with some nice saves to preserve the score.  Isles were 1/1 on PK and 1/1 on PP.  Shots, 14-6 NYI in period, 24-14 in the game.




Islanders Injury Update:  Johan Sundstrom will not return. Taken to hospital for further observation.  Hopefully, Sundstrom is OK.
 

In the third, Montreal finally showing some life.  They have more steam in the Isles zone, but the Isles defense are equal to the task so far.  Nabokov getting better as the game goes on as the Isles respond to Habs surge by buckling down and playing a smart game with 5 minutes remaining.  Isles call a timeout after icing the puck.  Montreal pulls Price with 1:33 remaining.  Isles to PK, Canadiens go to 6 on 4 PP chance.  Time expires and Evgeni Nabokov made 19 saves and gets the first Montreal based shut out in team history, 4th shut out of the season and 350th career win.  Isles finish game with a 30-19 edge in shots, 2/3 on PP and 3/3 on PK.

 
 

Scott Mayfield had a break out game as a pro tonight while Czuczman continues to impress.  Its great to see the young D improving with each game, especially in de Haan's absence.  Brock Nelson had a great game as well with Strome and Persson.  Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas were everywhere tonight on both sides of the ice and really made an impact in throwing the Canadiens off their game.  New Jersey is next.


 

 

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, "Capuano: none of the injured guys will return this season. "No need to rush anyone back. The standings won't change."

 

Sound Tigers Notes: 
 
Ryan Strome has been named to the 2013-14 AHL All-Rookie Team.
 
 

NHL Notes:

Per Eric Macramalla, "NHL hit with second concussion lawsuit." 


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