Islanders Return to Coliseum, Vegas, Injuries & All-Stars

The latest chapter for the Isles return to the Island proper unfolded today. In a much speculated press conference to announce that the Isles will split time between the Barclays Center and refurbished Nassau Coliseum while waiting for their new diggs, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo confirmed it. Johnny Boychuck, Andrew Ladd, Cal Clutterbuck and John Tavares were all on stage as the announcement was made. Tavares called the Coliseum a “special place” and sounded like he had an opinion on returning to play at the Coliseum. “For me, it’s where I started my career, it’s where so many great things have happened,” said the captain. About playing on the Island, Tavares said, “It’s where the team was born and created its identity. It’s really who it is. If that’s the case it’s going to be a great opportunity, a great experience to go back there and relive and create some more great history.”

The Islanders won’t play their first game at their new arena in Belmont until the 2021-22 season, so that gives the Islanders an opportunity to spend some time at the Old Barn. The lead up and final announcement got a mixed reaction by fans on social media. Governor Cuomo announced that the Isles have a 12-game commitment at the Coliseum for next season and 48 more over their next two NHL campaigns and the state will help with a $6M contribution for any necessary “modifications” to the 18 month, $165B, 13,900 seat, renovation already done to the arena for final NHL compliance. According to Newsday, It is not known yet what upgrades Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment agreed to make to the arena to account for the Islanders time there. Among the issues discussed have been; ice quality, dehumidification, closed luxury boxes, locker rooms, training facilities, wiring for media broadcasts, etc.

“If the team wants to play more than half their games here, we encourage it and welcome them back,” said Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, which operates both Barclays Center and the county-owned Nassau Coliseum. Per Jim Baumbach, “The Islanders and BSE have until Tuesday to complete the contractually obligated opt-out process from their existing 25-year arena deal, which began in 2015.” According to Yormark, any possible Playoff games haven’t been discussed as-of-yet. Islanders co-owner, John Ledecky said that would be up to the NHL. So that’s approximately 60 games, including pre-season contests as early as next September, over the three-year waiting period.

Per Newsday, “This agreement also means BSE will — for three seasons, at least — get a reprieve from paying the $1 million penalty to Nassau County for not providing the two preseason and four regular-season Islanders games they promised in their Coliseum lease agreement.” The NHL’s Bill Daily, Kris King and Dan Craig briefed an environmental sub-committee to discuss the things that need to be done to make the facility league ready.

The Islanders had a big win in front of several fans who made the trip to see their team play against the Vegas Golden Knights last Friday, just before the All-Star break. They executed a much-improved defensive scheme, especially clogging up the middle to negate the Vegas offense. Jaro Halak played a very strong game and gave the Isles the edge in a 2-1 win and tightly contested game. Eberle: “Jaro was the star of the game and made some huge saves. You take the two points. It was huge. We found a way to do it. With how tight everything is in our division, it's a big win." Per Eric Hornick, “Ross Johnston scored his 1st NHL goal and Jaroslav Halak made 38 saves as the Islanders became the first opponent to sweep a season series from the Golden Knights, as they defeated Vegas 2-1 before a crowd of 18,184 at T-Mobile Arena.” Jordan Eberle (23rd of Ssn) added the second goal for New York. The Islanders turned the corner a bit with a win against the Blackhawks and now, Knights on the road, going 4-0-1 in their last 5 away from Brooklyn. They are 10-13-3 in their last 26 games overall.

Injuries have probably played a part in the mid-season slide for the Isles. Doug Weight is aware of it. "You can say makeshift, you can say whatever you want; the fact is we have seven, now eight guys out. Listen, no one has a violin here. I'm not looking for it. But it's tough." A few days later, Weight didn’t even want to talk about the topic of injuries with the media. “I am no longer discussing any injuries. It’s been a long time coming. I try to do the best I can to update you, I know it’s your job to ask. When they say they can play or when they’re healthy, they’re healthy. Right now we’ve got to win with whoever’s in there. I’m not going to update any more, it’s kind of tiring for me as far as stick-handling around upper body, lower body. Whoever’s in, I’ll give you the lineup and that’s that.” Ross Johnston (11pts. And 113 pins w BST) was the latest call-up (Jan. 19th) and added some much-needed physicality and a touch of scoring.

John Tavares and Josh Bailey attended the 2018 NHL All-Star game in Tampa Florida and took part in the puck relay and fastest skater competition, respectively. Tavares finished 2nd in the relay. Tavares and Bailey had an assist in the Metro’s loss to the Atlantic division. "It was fun. That's the biggest thing. Obviously would have liked to have moved on to the final game, but it was all in good fun," 1st time All-Star, Bailey said. "It was good to get to know everyone a little better and ultimately it was just a great experience."

As expected, Islanders Captain was barraged with questions about his contract status and answered the questions as he has throughout the season. "I try not to approach anything differently because of it being in last year of my contract. I haven't really gone out of my way to talk to guys and find out how they've handled it. I try to be myself and be the best I can, be the best teammate and player I can be for the Islanders." Tavares has 26 and 31 for 57 points in 50 games this season and is set for a career year. It’s clear his approach to the game hasn't changed and Tavares believes in New York’s depth and organizations potential within the talent in the Isles system. It seems he is in no hurry and hopefully, Garth Snow has things in hand. If the unmentionable were to happen, a very unpopular, but necessary Plan B scenario would likely be set in motion.

Much like his GM, John Tavares doesn’t like to bring attention to team business. "I've always stated that I've really enjoyed being there," Tavares said. "I haven't thought about anything but mostly focusing on this season and taking my time and being patient. When the time is right, I'll make my decision. Anything that we've talked about, I prefer to keep it internally between me and the organization. Talks are always open and they've been great so far. I'm not going to get into specific details.

"The way I look at is anything that affects my daily life, whether it's at the rink or not at the rink, will go into my decision. Obviously, you want to play for a team that's doing everything it can to win, and the Islanders are certainly doing that. You can see a lot of the potential and the young talent we have, as well as guys who've been there for a while, like Josh, Anders [Lee], [defensemen] Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk, the veteran guys we have. We've got a solid foundation there." I’m sure rookie standout, Mathew Barzal will help weigh in to the decision as well. Barzal (51pts) has been a huge factor in the Isles offense and is among an elite group (Crosby, Malkin & Ovechkin) for 50 points in 50 games over last 20 years of NHL play.

The Isles get back to action tomorrow against Florida in Brooklyn and then go to Toronto on Wednesday.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, “Asked what his priority is in making a decision, Tavares said: “I want to stay on Long Island... I haven’t thought about being anywhere except with the Islanders.”

"Tavares on interim play at Coliseum, “Just when this place is full, there’s nothing really quite like it. It was always a big family atmosphere coming to the Coliseum. To get to have that again and in the transition into Belmont which I think is a big part of the identity of this team.”

“It’s going to be exciting with the long term development of Belmont. In the short term basis being able to come back somewhere where really the heart of the franchise is.”

Tanner Fritz and Ross Johnston have been recalled from loan.

Per Eric Hornick, Pulock has tied #Isles record for points by a defensemen-- last done by Uwe Krupp. Potvin had 5 points 5 times and Persson once.

Per StatsCentre, “Isles are 2nd team in NHL history to have 3 or more 5+ point games from rookies in a single season- 1 shy of the 1980-81 Nordiques for the most (2 from Peter Stastny, 2 from his brother Anton).”

Aho and Sorokin make the list, with Bellows and Ho-Sang among the honorable mentions.

Per Eric Hornick, “Only Edmonton (1986-87) has gone longer than the #isles (1987-88) without finishing 1st in their division. (Current streaks only) #NHL”

Ex-Islander, Canadian Olympic goaltender Kevin Poulin has signed with EHC Kloten for the remainder of the season. #NationalLeague

Sound Tigers Notes:

Congratulations to @CGibber37 & @mitchv_97 on being added to the #AHLAllStar playing roster!

Jeff Kubiak (F) has been loaned to the @RailersHC.