Valtteri Filppula came back from injury and scored twice while Robin Lehner notched his 6th shutout of the season with 29 saves as our New York Islanders concluded their storybook season with a defeat of the champion Capitals in D.C. The 2nd place Metro seated Isles (4th in the eastern conference and 5th in the NHL) were edged out of the division lead by the Capitals, but New York controlled their own destiny for home ice and will now open round one of the 2018-19 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Coliseum against Pittsburgh. It will be the first time hosting a series opener since 1988. Per Eric Hornick, “The win gives the Isles 103 points overall and 51 on the road; both totals are the most in the Post-Cup era. The franchise-record 11th shutout of the season also clinched the Jennings Trophy for the Isles, who allowed the most goals in the NHL last season and the fewest in the NHL this season … Robin Lehner raised his save percentage to .930, which breaks the franchise record previously held by Chico Resch (.928 in 1975-76). He is only the 3rd goalie in Isles history with at least six shutouts in a season (Resch -7 in 1975-76, Halak -6 in 2014-15).” The Isles scored 36 fewer goals and allowed 101 fewer goals than last season, which counted for 13 more wins on the year.
Not bad for a team picked to finish last, struggle on defense and in goal, unable to recover from the departure of Tavares. By the way, the Leafs finished with 100 points. So, while the sky is the limit and our guys are in the playoffs with the #1 defense in the NHL, fans can be happy the team is trending up despite what happens from here, out. Lamoriello did precisely what he was brought here to do. He added experienced coaching and made a few tweaks to change the player culture and work ethic. Mitch Korn helped the team from the net on out, and the ‘new’ coaches (Lambert, Gruden & Greco) helped Barry Trotz forge a methodology and an identity for the players to buy into. After that, the on-ice product flourished under Trotz’s system, and all answered the call for accountability to help earn their place in the postseason, which included a 34-15-3 run in the second half when it mattered most and boast one of the best 5 on 5 defensive units in the league. Only Boston is better.
The Islanders looked good in Brooklyn, and they looked good at the Old Barn (52pts). They were also adept on the road, collecting 51 points from their hosting teams and helping them reach the 50-50 for the first time since the 80-81 season. It was also the first time the franchise won 24 games at home and on the road in the same season. Eric Hornick has been telling us the numbers all season long. Stat wise, they clicked in most categories not called power play or faceoff win percentage. For the year, the Isles were a dismal 33 for 227 on the PP (14.5% for 29th in the NHL, MTL & NSH were worse) and 44-219 on the PK (79.9% for 18th in the league). According to Hornick, they “scored six shorthanded goals and allowed an NHL-low one shorthanded goal. [Kevin Hayes, then of the Rangers, scored shorthanded on 11/15 in a game the Isles won 7-5].” Faceoff winning percentage was at 47.4%, ranking them 29th out of 31 teams. Only the Rangers and Capitals were worse. I mentioned earlier in the home stretch, even just an average PP (around 20%) would have probably meant several more wins for the Isles.
While the team did well as a whole, several players had career years in different categories. Per Eric Hornick, Casey Cizikas established career highs in goals (20) and points (32). UFA, Brock Nelson set career highs in assists (28) and points (53). Cal Clutterbuck (15), Leo Komarov (19) and Anders Lee (23) all had career highs in assists.
UFA, Anders Lee was given the “C” and did what he's always done. He led by example and did everything he could to help his squad win. He had 28 and 33 for 51 pts with a +20, 10 PPGs, and 5 GWG in 82 PPGsgames. Mathew Barzal had a terrific year. Some have pointed out that his goal scoring was down, but others remarked how his overall game has improved. I agree. It will make him a better player for years to come as the team gets better around him. Barzal had 18 & 44 for 62 points (led team) in 82 games. Josh Bailey works hard, and it shows. He has a hard time pleasing everyone, but he managed to tally 16 & 40 for 56 pts with a +8 and 4 GWG. Brock Nelson got a last-minute deal to prove himself. Like Bailey, he has his detractors, but the guy has flashes of solid play that can change the course of a game. He had a great regular season with 25 & 28 for 53 pts and a +20 without missing a game.
Jordan Eberle was striving for another 20-goal season, but the UFA forward fell just short. Eberle was 19 & 18 for 37 pts in 78 games. He, like Lee, had 5 game-winning goals along with 7 on the struggling power play. Casey Cizikas had an incredible season and made a significant impact for New York. His 20 & 13 for 33 pts, 2 SHGs, a +22 and 3 game winners in 73 games played were only part of it. His relentless checking game and smothering play gave him as his line the most significant and most important minutes of a close game. Valtteri Filppula was an epic add for the Isles. His work on the PK and versatility at forward gave him 17 & 14 for 31 pts and a +19 in 72 games. The 4 game winners and an O.T. winner is just part of the reason this UFA needs to remain with the Islanders.
Anthony Beauvillier struggled a bit this season but earned some veteran minutes and contributed offensively. 18 & 10 for 28 pts in 81 games wasn’t the only part of it. The RFA’s 4 game winners and score on the PP showed he has some spark. Leo Komarov showed why Lamoriello signed him in free agency. Like Filppula, Komarov’s presence was worth more than his work on the stat sheet. ‘Uncle Leo’ had 26 pts (6 & 20) and a game-winner to go along with his +18 rating. Cal Clutterbuck (8 & 15 for 23 pts in 73 games) and Matt Martin (6 & 18 for 24 pts in 67 GP) helped Cizikas lock down games and irritate the elite players on opposing teams. Their ability to contribute in the big moment (2 GWG for Clutterbuck and 1 for Martin) spanned their complete on-ice play. RFA, Michael DalColle looks like he finally found his pro game. Dal Colle was doing well in Bridgeport this season and earned call-ups and looks like he fits in just fine.
UFA, Tom Kuhnhackl provided some excellent depth for the Isles forward core. He saw time in 36 games this season (9 pts) and made an impact, especially against his former team in Pittsburgh, with whom he played 47 playoff games and contributed to 3 Stanley Cup wins. He can help the Islanders, especially with some big post-season minutes. Ross Johnston (4 pts in 17 GP) and UFA, Tanner Fritz (1 pt in 4 GP before injury) were good energy players at the appropriate times. Johnston signed a 4-year contract and accepts his depth role like a pro while Fritz made another compelling argument for a look at next years camp. Andrew Ladd had 11 pts in 26 games, contributed when healthy and added some veteran presence, but suffered a season-ending injury (torn ACL) against the Coyotes on 3/24.
For the Blueliners, Scott Mayfield established career highs in goals (4), assists (15) and points (19). Adam Pelech established career highs in goals (5), and points (20) and Ryan Pulock established career highs in assists (28) and points (37).
Ryan Pulock is improving big time. At 9 & 28 for 37 pts with a +21, the big-shot D-man leads all isles defenders. Pulock also contributed 3 PPGs, and 3 GWGs on the season. Nick Leddy is happy with the isles new defensive scheme. Leddy was 4 & 22 for 26 pts (10 on the PP) and broke even in plus/minus, up from his league-worst -42 from last season. Adam Pelech is another prospect, turned pro who has helped the Islanders improve defensively. In 78 games, the physical, defensive first, Pelech was 5 & 16 for 21pts with a +22 rating. Scott Mayfield (19 pts), more of the same. Mayfield brings more of an agitator’s game and a bit of a mean streak but keeps his cool. His +18 is second only to Pelech on the team. Let’s talk about Devon Toews. A bounce back story from last year’s severe, season-ending injury, Toews took full advantage of his call up. In 48 games with the Isles, Toews contributed 5 & 13 for 18 pts with a +7, 4 PP points, 2 GWG and one in O.T.
Johnny Boychuk was 3 & 16 for 19 pts with a +10 in 74 games. Boychuk looked more comfortable this season and showed what a veteran defenseman can contribute to help the play of a younger D-Core. Thomas Hickey took the high road and played well after yielding his spot to Toews after his injury. Hickey contributed 4 pts with a shorthanded helper in 40 games with a +5. Luca Sbisa played in only 9 games (1pt) as a depth defenseman and will be a UFA after this season.
The Isles had a fantastic bounce-back year in net. Robin Lehner was 25-13-0-5 with a .930Sv% and a 2.13 GAA. Lehner established a career high in shutouts with 6 and wins. Per Eric Hornick, “Robin Lehner has played 391 minutes in his last seven appearances, allowing only nine goals, including a shutout. He has stopped 194 of 203 shots in that span, for a 1.38 GAA and a .956 save percentage.” Lehner should be a serious consideration for the Vezina along with his Masterton considerations. He’s certainly overcome every other challenge presented in the darkest year of his life this season. Lehner will be a UFA after this season. Thomas Greiss was 23-14-0-2 with a .927Sv% and a 2.28gaa. He established a career high in shutouts with 5. “Thomas Greiss has 23 wins. He is only the fourth goalie in club history to have at least three 23-win seasons, joining Glenn Resch (5), Rick DiPietro (4), and Billy Smith (3)” – Hornick. Another great comeback story in the strong, stable play of Greiss this season. Isles have a great tandem who are sure to be tested by the rest of the playoff contenders.
Butch Goring told Newsday, “Looking ahead, Goring said the franchise under GM Lou Lamoriello and coach Barry Trotz reminds him of the period of time when the Islanders rounded into an organization that would win four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-83 under Bill Torrey and Al Arbour.” I guess that starts with this week’s series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
I asked the voice of the Islanders dynasty, Jiggs McDonald if he had anything to say about the Isles playoff hopes. “The defense-first approach we saw all season will give the Islanders an advantage rather than have to adjust their style for the playoffs! Also - it isn’t always the best team that wins - it’s always the team that plays the best.”
The Isles and Pens split the season series (2-1-1) and have a coach that knows a thing or two about playing Pittsburgh. If the goaltenders remain solid behind a meshing blueline, they have an excellent chance to beat the Penguins. Their 22nd ranked (223 goals) offense needs to improve, especially on the PP. Scoring once in their last 12 attempts vs. their first-round opponents won’t help when facing a few of those offensive weapons boasted by the Pens 6th best (268 goals) offense. Faceoffs need to improve in both zones and penalties need to be kept at a minimum. More of the same physicality (against an injury prone Pens lineup) and shot blocking can tilt the ice in New York’s favor, and the 4th line can set the tempo for making Crosby and company a bit uncomfortable and distracted. Shut down the top line and I think you challenge them to go to the depth they don’t really have anymore.
Our guys don’t match the Pens in playoff experience, and they need to do a much better job of maintaining possession of the puck in both zones for obvious reasons. Takeaways and odd-man breaks will play a role in this series as will traffic in front of the net. The Isles need to stick to playing their system and not get suckered into a Pittsburgh shootout. Murray is it for the Penguins. He is playing well in net now, but he’s had a season of injury and sub-par performances at times. The pens are an older team and might be ready for deletion from a younger, gritty and hungrier squad. No one picked the Isles to do anything coming into the season, and most are going against them in the playoffs. They can use this like they did the previous lack of ‘confidence’ to play hard as a team and make the opposition win a best on 7 series at the Coliseum.
Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.: Penguins at Islanders
Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.: Penguins at Islanders
Sunday, April 14, 12 p.m.: Islanders at Penguins
Tuesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.: Islanders at Penguins
*Thursday, April 18, TBD: Penguins at Islanders
*Saturday, April 20, TBD: Islanders at Penguins
*Monday, April 22, TBD: Penguins at Islanders
(All games listed in EST)
Our passionate fan base can help be the 7th man. Jeering the guys for underachieving, especially on the PP could bite us in the ass. If the Pens are turning a game, Isles fans can do what they do best. Cheer their team like no one else in the NHL.
The Islanders 103 points are the most in a season since their 104 in 83-84. That was the last time they found themselves in a Stanley Cup Final.
Let’s do our thing and see where it can take us.
#Secure Another Stripe.
No comments:
Post a Comment