Grit, Guts & Promise

Your New York Islanders (38-21-9) currently sit 2nd in the Metro and 3rd in the eastern conference, thanks to a 6-2-2 record in their last 10.  They have 85 pts in 68 games.  The latest stretch included a solid 6-4 effort against the Rangers and gutsy wins against Pittsburgh (2-1) & Florida (3-2).  There were a few stinkers, like a terrible 3-1 loss to the Oilers.

While they have had some lackluster periods, like the most recent game against Pittsburgh, points have been acquired.  Much of these efforts have overcome a troubled PK or an on and off again scoring touch.  These performances are not only built on the backs of guys named Tavares, Okposo, Nielsen or even Halak, they have come from those who continue to make an impression and carve a name for themselves in Brooklyn.  When looking at this year’s team, you have to acknowledge the contributions of the 4th line and the depth in goal.

The line of Martin, Cizikas and Clutterbuck have gotten the attention of everyone in and around the league, putting opponents on notice.  Since the 14-15 campaign, the trio of Matt Martin (7 & 9 for 16, +1 and leads NHL in hits with 323), Casey Cizikas (7 & 19 for 26 with a +4) and Cal Clutterbuck (13 & 7 for 20, +8 with 4 GWG) have made a huge impact.  Both Martin and Clutterbuck are NHL record holders for 300 hit seasons.  The 4th line has changed the pace in contests for quite a while now and is often tasked with managing the opposition’s top players during the most important parts of the game.  They have brought a gritty and physical game without the stigma of playing dirty.  "If the other team is starting to get any momentum," said Cizikas, "that's when we look at each other and say, ‘This is our time to step up, this is our time to get the guys going and get the momentum on our side.”

Jaro Halak (18-13-4 with a 2.30gaa and a .919Sv%) suffered a “lower body injury” and does not need surgery, but he will miss 6-8 weeks. That will take him out for the rest of the regular season and into the 2nd round of the playoffs should the Isles advance.  That is a big loss for New York who will miss their starters’ presence in the rotation.  What that will mean for the Isles remains to be seen.  I do know is that the Isles have one of the best “back-ups” in the NHL with Greiss and a 3rd rostered goaltender in Berube who has shown flashes of a solid NHL level keeper despite limited NHL experience.

Thomas Greiss has shown something all season long, going 19-7-0 with an impressive 2.25gaa (9th in the league) and an equally solid .928Sv% good enough for 2nd in the NHL behind Brian Elliott at a .929Sv%. He hasn't exactly played a backups’ role for the Isles this season and is as good as the team could have wanted.  He has never been the starter in a scenario like the one in front of him.  With Halak hurt and an AHL experienced goaltender behind him, Greiss should probably get the lion’s share of starts and be relied on as the one to take this team to the next level.  If the Islanders are successful into the 2nd round of the playoffs, it will be a tall order for Halak to replace him even if he is fully recovered from his injury.  Thomas Greiss has the reigns and Isles country is eager to see what he can do.  I am sure he has waited for this chance his whole pro career.

J.F. Berube's burden is yet to be measured and he will only show his true worth as the team fights to solidify their playoff position.  He simply needs to play to improve. That's the reality.  Berube is 1-1-1 with a 2.52gaa & a .924Sv%.  He looked very good in a 2/2 win vs the Wild and very capable in the Isles latest 2-1 S.O. loss to the Pens in which he was named the games’ 2nd star.  “I just tried to play as simple as I could, put my body in front of the puck, be square and be on top of the paint,” Berube said. “Just trying to focus on the little details and I knew I’d get my rhythm as the game went on.”  Berube looked focused and dialed in on the puck despite the loss and kept his team in the game.  That’s all you can ask from a netminder.  His inexperience will factor in, especially in the bigger games to follow, but you have to be encouraged by what you have seen so far.

No passengers.

Isles Notes:

The Isles are in Nashville on Thursday, 3/17 and Dallas on 3/19.  Both 8PM starts.

Brock Nelson had played 202 consecutive regular season games for the Isles prior to his scratch against the Pens on Tuesday.

Per @GregBalloch, “Ilya Sorokin had a .953 save percentage in 28 games this season, and did not win "KHL Goaltender of the Week" a single time.”

Head Coach, Jack Capuano had reached 203 wins as an Isles coach, 2nd only to Al Arbour with 740.

NHL Notes:

NHL, NHLPA expected to go ahead with ‘streamlined’ goaltender equipment.

GMs were given framework for possible expansion draft.