Isles Blank Caps

Tonight, your New York Islanders  are at the Verizon Center to face Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.  Both teams are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and Washington holds the series lead 2-0 coming into tonight.  Time is running out for the Isles to put the final pieces in place.

Forwards:  Vanek-Tavares-Okposo, Grabner-Nielsen-Clutterbuck, Bailey-Nelson-McDonald, Martin-Cizikas-Boulton.

D-Pairings:  Strait-MacDonald, Hickey-Visnovsky, de Haan-Donovan.

Evgeni Nabokov is in net and Kevin Poulin on the bench.

 

Both teams came together in what was an uneventful, pretty evenly played first period.  With one failed PP attempt so far tonight, Arthur Staple has the Isles going 0 for their last 21 chances, 0 for 13 since Visnovsky's return.  In the second, the Isles and especially the first line, look lifeless and are having trouble finding their direction.  Evgeni Nabokov continues to stand tall in net for the Isles.  Clutterbuck and Donovan are standouts for the Isles as well so far in the game.  New York finds some energy late in the second and applies some pressure in the Washington zone.  Matt Martin hits Orlov awkwardly and may be looked at by the league, although I didn't detect an attempt to injure.  Vanek pulled down from behind by Carrick on a breakaway, with no penalty shot awarded at the end of the second.  They will start the third period on another PP.  Eric Hornick points out that it is the 9th time the Isles go to 3rd pd scoreless; They've been shutout 4 times.

 

The PP unit fails to register, but a blue line blast from Andrew MacDonald goes over Neuvirth, 1-0 Isles.  Grabner is awarded a penalty shot and goes wide.  Islanders have had the better play of the third period, but the score remains the same.  As time winds down, both teams get their chances.  Neuvirth is pulled with :38 seconds remaining for the extra attacker.  Time expires.  Islander win 1-0 behind a Evgeni Nabokov 22 shot shut out.

 

The Isles finish 0 for 5 on the PP, but go 6 for 6 on the PK and out hit the Caps 36-22.  A resurgent effort by the team as a whole to recover and improve as the game went on.  The defense got stronger in front of Nabokov and I loved the efforts of Donovan and de Haan.  The D exploited Ovechkin's lazy play and really contained throughout the night.  Several forwards worked hard, but Cal Clutterbuck really had a standout effort tonight.

 

The Isles get a big 2 points vs a Metropolitan opponent and improve to 22-28-8 @ 52 pts, 10 points out of a playoff spot with 25 games to go.

 

 

Will they reach the playoffs?  What will the team look like?

 

 

Isles Notes:

Thomas Vanek recently turned down a contract offer from the Islanders.  Apparently the offer was similar to the one Vanek turned down from Buffalo in the neighborhood of 7 yrs, $50 M. It is also rumored that the Isles weren't done in negotiations and could have offered more in term and length if he was interested, but Vanek wants to test his UFA status and some say, sign with Minnesota.  Garth Snow is busy trying to get the best trade available for the Isles and Vanek if the need arises and anything else he cooks up before the trade deadline.

 

 

 

 

Daniel Friedman heard the following on pregame from Milbury, "They're a hard-trying team. They have my admiration for that."

Weekend Lookback: Rangers

Your New York Islanders met the Rangers again at MSG on Friday night after dropping a close game at Yankee Stadium.  It was another chance to claw their way back into the playoff race and settle the score against the Rangers.  But much like Wednesday night, The Isles would not be able to put together a consistent effort or win the battles they needed to win to overcome the play of their rival. 

The Islanders came out in their home blues at MSG so the Rangers could sport their white stadium series uniforms.  After falling behind 1-0 in the first, Kyle Oposo (de Haan & Bailey) would help the Isles even things up in the second, 1-1.  Despite a better effort in the second period, the Islanders seemed to once again on their heels and incapable of getting a good bounce.  Credit to the Rangers and Lundqvist for playing an aggressive check and not yielding anything substantial.  In the third period, the Rangers scored 3 unanswered goals for a 4-1 final, to hand the Isles another loss and secure their season series advantage.  Despite 39 shots on goal, the slumping Isles offense were unable to score, including an 0 for 3 mark on the PP.  The Rangers went on to block another 18 attempts on net by the Isles.

Evgeni Nabokov was pretty good for the Isles in goal going 33 for 36 and a .917Sv%, but got little help on the teams defensive scheme.  The Islanders were 3 for 3 on the PK.  Matt Donovan had a very strong game as did the red hot Kyle Okposo.  The Isles still look like a different team over their last four games and are starting to replicate some disturbing habits and patterns.  Time is running out on the season and the time for room to fight back is fleeting.  Per islanders.nhl.com, “We just looked like we ran out of gas,” Islanders captain John Tavares said. “We just didn’t seem to have that extra gear when we needed it.”

 

Management, Coaching and the players need to stress accountability as the team struggles to discover why they have fallen away from doing what is necessary to win.  Accountability should be something that is expected to the man and if they want to finally shut down the haters, they need to get things going and stop trying to find spots of praise in a failing effort and win some games again.

“You can’t fault the guys because we worked hard,” head coach Jack Capuano said. “Obviously there are a few details here and there, but the work ethic for the most part was there. We have to find a way to get results. That’s the most important thing.”

 

 

 

The Isles travel to meet the Capitals on Tuesday, 2/4 @ 7:30, before coming back home to face the Flames on Thursday, 2/6 and finally, the Avalanche on Saturday, 2/8 @ 7:00pm prior to the two week Olympic break.

 

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

 

 

Per Brian Compton, "Isles have fewest home wins in NHL (8). They went 23-14-4 at Coliseum when Tavares was a rookie in 2009-10."

 

 

 

Rangers Best Isles In Stadium Series Game

Your New York Islanders have won 2 of their first 3 games vs. the Rangers in 2013-14, including their most recent matchup on Jan. 21 at MSG.  Tonight, they come off a tough 3 game stretch and meet a hot Rangers team fresh off a victory against the Devils at their last game on this ice.  This game is huge and the Islanders know it.  Back to back games against their most hated, yes hated rival are crucial to their play into the remainder of the season.  The Rangers are 2-0 in outdoor games.  Tonight marks the first for the Islanders.  Lets see how an Isles/Rangers hockey game plays out with a 7 degree wind chill in front of 50,027 fans.

Forwards:  Vanek-Tavares-Okposo; Regin-Nielsen-Bailey; Grabner-Nelson-Clutterbuck; Martin-Cizikas-McDonald.

D-Pairings:  Strait-MacDonald; Hickey-Visnovsky; de Haan-Donovan.

Evgeni Nabokov is in net with Kevin Poulin on the bench.

 

 

The first period is a series of dumping and chasing as both teams struggle to organize a rush.  Both teams come out flying, but the ice is rough, causing the puck to bounce and make finesse moves difficult. Isles get to the PP early but finish with no shots on net.  They had trouble maintaining possession of the puck.  Nabokov comes up big off a Tavares turnover in the defensive zone.  Isles get back to the PP and generate some pressure, but come up empty.  Isles out shoot Rangers 9-6 in the first.

 

The second period starts with a little more energy from the Isles.  They are winning battles and starting to put some shots on the Ranger's net.  Miscues include Grabner going high with a bouncing puck and Vanek unable handle a nice pass from JT, behind the net.  Nabokov is quietly playing a good game for the Islanders.  Isles kill off a PP chance for Rangers.  As much as the Isles are outplaying the Rangers, they have failed to score. The longer this continues, the worse it will be for the Islanders.  Isles return to the PP, but come up empty again.  The Islanders not following up on shots to the net. There have been rebounds galore, all recovered by Rangers.  Isles continue to press and move the puck to the slot where Brock Nelson (Donovan & Clutterbuck) scores to give the Isles a 1-0 lead in the final :90 seconds.  The Rangers return the pressure and score with Nabokov out of position, score is tied at 1-1 with :45 seconds left in the period.  Isles out shoot Rangers 15-14 in the second period and controlled the play for all but the very end of the period.

 

The Isles first line get lazy to start the third. Vanek gets called for a hook on Nash, but the Isles PK does its job behind Nabokov.  A lot of calls are suddenly not be made here in the period.  Rangers score off some transitional play and a screen in front of Nabokov, 2-1 Rangers.  Nabokov with a huge save off a 2 on 1 Ranger rush.  The Rangers have turned up the pressure late in the period and taken over the flow of the game.  The Isles are doing everything they can to hold on in front of Nabokov.  Defensively, they are in serious trouble.  Nabokov is pulled for the extra attacker at the 1:05 mark of the third period, time out Islanders.  Kyle Okposo comes very close, but fall to Rangers by a score of 2-1.  Rangers out shoot the Isles 34-31 in the game. 

 

I don't think I've seen the Isles timing and sticks so far out of sync all season long. It had to be this game?  They were 0/3 on the PP and despite doing well in the face off circle, seemed to be playing a disorganized catch up for almost all of the third period.  Credit to Brock Nelson for the Isles only goal on such a large stage.  Other than Okposo, the first line did not play well.  Evgeni Nabokov played well for Long Island going 32/34 with a .941Sv%.  Despite a strong game by Donovan & de Haan, the Isles were loose on defense.  They were especially suspect on the forward lines back checking efforts.  Overall, the team still looks lost and seem to be off their mark over their last four games.

 

Friday is another chance to take it to the Rangers at MSG.  Lets hope they find their snarl.

 

 

Capuano: "We're playing well enough to win, but we've gotta find a way to win."

Isles Notes:

 

Per NHL, "The New York Islanders and New York Rangers have met 247 times in the regular season, with NYR holding a 266-241 edge in total points."

 

Per Andy Graziano, "Isles 10-5-1 last 16, 9-2-0 in last 11 road games. 8-5-1 in January. They have won when behind by 2 goals NHL leading 8 times."

 

Per NBC, " Vanek, Tavares, and Okposo have combined for 80 points since Dec 17."

Knight of Cups: N.Y. Islanders Stadium Series Ticket Giveaway

So I have a friend who has season tickets for the Yankees and after Sundays outdoor Rangers-Devils game, she doesn't think she can handle another game in the cold.  If I didn't have family obligations, I'd dress warmly, grab another fan and head down to a sold out Yankee Stadium for an outdoor game against the rival New York Rangers and cheer on the Isles with my brethren.  I am told the two seats are on the upper deck off home plate and have a great view of the ice.

 

 

Since I cant make it, I have access to the two tickets for a follower of my blog.  What are the requirements to win?  Well, while there are no real rules, I would appreciate it if you are an Isles fan who reads Knight of Cups, have liked my Face Book page and follow me on twitter. @Knight_of_Cups_

 

After that, to enter, just let me know by comment (name & best/quickest contact information) at the end of this post that you want the tickets and are willing to drive up (about 1 hr north of Manhattan) to Croton Falls, NY train station on the Metro North, Harlem Line and get them from me no later than 4:30pm on game day tomorrow.  This should give you plenty of time to get back down in time to catch the game.  I will have a co worker choose a winner at random early tomorrow morning, so keep checking back to see if you've won.  I will contact you ASAP to arrange for the ticket pick up.  Please bring I.D. for authentication purposes. Take a picture of yourself at the game and I'll post it here!

 

 

Good Luck and thanks for your continued support,

 

Joe

 

Isles Notes:

 

Isles Transactions: Travis Hamonic has been placed on IR (upper body). Matt Donovan has been recalled from loan.

Per Arthur Staple, "Donovan's 1 missed game means he's eligible to play for BPT during Oly. break. And Hamonic not ready to return tomorrow. "

Per the N.Y. Islanders, Capuano: "We haven't decided yet on our goalie or our lineup yet for tomorrow."

 

Per the NHL, Thomas Vanek has been named Captain for the Austrian national team.

Boston Brings It To Bear

Tonight, the Boston Bruins are at the NVMC to face your New York Islanders.  Tonight represents another big 2 points against a quality team before the outdoor game vs. the Rangers on Wednesday.  But the real exciting news of the night is Lubo Visnovsky and Evgeni Nabokov are back in the line up and Travis Hamonic is said to be day-to-day for a return to the line up.  What difference will they make if any moving forward?

 

 

Forwards:  Vanek-Tavares-Okposo; Regin-Nielsen-Bailey; Grabner-Nelson-Clutterbuck; Martin-Cizikas-McDonald.

D-Pairings:  Strait-MacDonald; Hickey-Visnovsky; de Haan-Carkner.

Kevin Poulin is in net with Evgeni Nabokov on the bench.

 

The Islanders start the game on a very slow and sluggish pace, and quickly find themselves as badly outshot as 18-2 at one point.  Shortly afterwards, the Bruins get an odd goal to make it 1-0 Boston.  A PP chance gets the Isles back on the shooting side of things until Frans Nielsen ties it at 1-1 with a nice wrist shot from in close off a feed from Kyle Okposo.  Credit the Isles and Kevin Poulin for surviving that onslaught.  Michael Grabner breaks out, but shoots wide on a break away chance.  Eric Hornick mentions, "Isles were outshot 18-2 in first 12 mins; outshot Boston 10-0 in last 8 ."  Shots finished at 18-12 Boston.  The Isles finished the period with a much stronger effort.

 

The Isles start the second period on a PP, but failed to score and look a little scattered.  Boston takes a 2-1 goal lead with a breakdown in front of the net with Poulin out of position.   The Islanders regroup and start pressuring the Boston net with sustained pressure.  Michael Grabner scores (Okposo & Hickey) to tie the game at 2-2.  Bruins come back and score on a delayed penalty call, 3-2 Boston.  Immediately afterwards, Okposo goes off for a cross check, Boston to another PP.  Michael Grabner bursts out for another break away, Okposo joins the rush from the box and a beautiful passing play between the two leads to the tying goal from Okposo, 3-3.  Hickey gets turned around and allows Soderburg to put a goal over a sprawling poulin in the closing seconds of the period, 4-3 Bruins.  The Isles defense needs to tighten up.  They cant keep this up if the team wants to win.  Poulin is not having his most consistent effort either.  This team can not keep giving up 3-4 goals a night and expect the scoring to bail them out each time.  Isles now leading SoG 29-27 in the game.

 

Isles start the third on another PP opportunity.  Isles come up empty and allow Boston to to make it 5-3 off some uninspired defensive pressure.  de Haan, MacDonald and Poulin looked bad on that goal.  Isles are disorganized and out of sorts, no fore or back  check or applying the necessary pressure against the Bruins.  Poulin victimized again, 6-3 Bruins is the final.  Nabokov comes in to relieve Kevin Poulin (30-36 with an .833Sv%) who had a tough night.  Evgeni Nabokov was 1-1 in the net.  Shots totals finished at 37-37, but once again the Isles PP was 0/5. Lubo Visnovsky looked pretty good, although a little bit rusty as expected.  Kyle Okposo had a strong effort tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

Isles complete a 3 game home stand and only get 1 point.  They cant let up this many goals each game, especially having to constantly come from behind and expect to win consistently.  I am not a fan of Capuano's style of coaching. Good coaching is more that desperately juggling lines as the ship is sinking.  Tonight's game was an example of why the Isles just aren't where Boston is yet. It takes time, personnel and luck. There are a lot of good pieces in place here, don't panic.  As fans, we tend to dissect every bitter loss and over emphasize team failures.  That doesn't mean there isn't reason for concern.  The Isles defense and goaltending were in need of upgrades since the summer off season, and they are still there today.  Despite a rich prospect pool, the Isles have a lot of gifted players on the clock right now, so success and taking steps forward are a must.  They cant afford to just rely on that pool and that guys like Reinhart & Pulock are coming, when break downs like the ones in tonight's game are so prevalent.  Replacing an aging Nabokov must be done soon.  If the team gets a healthy, veteran goaltender who can keep them in games consistently, it will be easier for blue chip defensemen to cut their teeth while playing a role on the Isles blue line. 

The players aren't happy about this effort tonight.  They wont need any more motivation to face the Rangers in back to back games over the next few days, especially the next game coming on Wednesday in Yankee Stadium.

 

Per Brett Cyrgalis, "Grabner on Wednesday's game: "It's the biggest game of the year for us."

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

 

The Islanders have 1 more game to make a decision on Calvin de Haan and the Olympic break.

Per Kerry Fraser, "When "a distinct kicking motion" isn't in the slightest bit distinct!"

 

Per Brett Cyrgalis," reached an agreement with WCBS 880AM to broadcast the game on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. Chris King and Rob Joyce will be on call."

Per NHL, "Announced attendance of 50,105 at Yankee Stadium pushed total attendance for the first three outdoor games of the 2013-14 season to 209,695."

Per Chris Botta, "50,000+ tickets sold for Isles - NYR game at Yankee Stadium. Sellout almost certain in next 18 hours."

 

Per Mike Kelly, "Visiting teams are 8-1-1 all-time in 10 regular season outdoor games."

Travis Mills.

Weekend Lookback: St. Louis

Your New York Islanders faced the St. Louis Blues on Saturday at the NVMC.  They were coming off a difficult loss on Thursday from the Penguins, and really needed a bounce back effort in front of their home fans.  Once again, the Isles jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first off goals from Thomas Vanek (Tavares & Okposo) and Kyle Okposo (Vanek & Hickey).  Okposo’s two points marks a career high of 54 points in scoring so far this season.  However, once again, they gave up the next two goals to St. Louis who tied the score at 2-2.  Matt Martin (McDonald & Cizikas) scored late in the second period to give the Isles a 3-2 edge going into the third period.  The game would take a few precarious turns as a few posts were rung by St. Louis and Kevin Poulin stood tall to keep the Isles in the lead until the final :30 seconds, where the game was tied at 3-3 and would go into overtime.

 

In the O.T. period, Thomas Vanek would score the apparent game winner, when a puck deflected off his skate in the front of the Blues net.  The goal was ratified by the on ice official behind the net, but Toronto had put the goal under review, and ruled no-goal.  They said that it was put in by a "distinct kicking motion."  Well, to me, it was a ridiculous claim.  Watching the replay over and over again, Vanek was moving in an arc across the front of the crease and made no such kicking motion, but it would not matter.  He told islanders.nhl.com “I thought it was a terrible call, I think we all know what a kicking motion is. To me a kicking motion is if I physically lift my foot and move the puck. My skate never elevated, it was on the ice the whole time. I got lucky there; it hit my skate blade and spun right in.”  The O.T. period would expire and despite another Vanek goal in the shootout, The Blues would be declared the winners of the game with a 4-3, shoot out win.  The Isles edged the Blues in shots 36 to 35 in the game, but went 0/6 on the PP.  Kevin Poulin finished the night stopping 32 of 35 with a .914Sv% and helped the team kill off both St. Louis PP chances for the Isles PK.

 

 

The Isles got a valuable point and played hard, but fell short.  Bad breaks come with the territory and they are still in the mix with a few big games coming up this week.  Boston is at the Coliseum on Monday @ 7pm and the Isles have a "home at home" against the New York Rangers on Wednesday @ 7:30pm and 7pm on Friday at MSG.  Wednesday's game will be the long awaited outdoor Stadium Series game at Yankee stadium.

 

 

 

 

I think the Isles Alternate uniforms look fine to me.

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

 

Per Brett Cyrgalis, “Hamonic, Visnovsky, Nabokov all skated this morning, and could play by Wednesday. Nabokov probable to backup Monday & play at Yankee Stadium.”



 

 

 

 

Isles Short Against Pens

Your surging New York Islanders will face the Pittsburgh Penguins before a national audience on NBC tonight.  The Islanders are 12-5-2 in the past 19 games and 7 wins in past 9, going 9-2-0 on road. They've won 6 games since Dec. 29 in which they trailed by 2+ goals.   Per Sportsnet Ticker, "Tavares, Vanek & Okposo have combined for 43 points in January. That is the most by any three teammates in that time."  The underlying story has to be the  Dan Bysma and Kyle Okposo Team USA saga, but the Isles will just want to start strong and push a good Penguins team as far to the edge that they can make them go.

 

Forwards:  Vanek-Tavares-Okposo; Regin-Nielsen-Bailey; Grabner-Nelson-Clutterbuck; Martin-Cizikas-McDonald.

D-Pairings:  Strait-MacDonald; de Haan-Donovan; Hickey-Martinek.

Kevin Poulin is in net tonight with Anders Nilsson backing up.

The Islanders came out fast and hard behind goals from Michael Grabner (Hickey) and Brock Nelson (Grabner) for a 2-0 lead in just under 9:00 played.  Pittsburgh continues to pressure the Isles in their own zone and score two goals of their own in the next two minutes go tie the game at 2-2 by the 11:30 mark of the first.  MacDonald and Poulin are exploited on the second Pittsburgh goal by Crosby.  They need to play better.  Per Arthur Staple, "de Haan gets clipped in face by Neal, but he's called for interference on Malkin. Pens PP at 12:32."  Sometimes, I am amazed at how officials can make the calls they do.  The Islanders are playing hard again after the Pittsburgh comeback, but Pittsburgh scores again at the start of the second for a 3-2 Penguin lead.  Casey Cizikas took a shot of his leg and limped off the ice, only to return the next shift.  Matt Martin has a terrible hooking call made against him and the Penguins score on the PP, 4-2 Pens late in the second. 

Early in the third, Josh Bailey scores his first goal in 38 games to pull the Isles within one, 4-3 Pens.  A few minutes later, Pittsburgh gets too much space from de Haan and Donovan in the Isles zone, score to make it 5-3 Penguins.  Isles continue to work and Kyle Okposo jams in a loose puck that gets waived off and reviewed in Toronto. For once, a review in the Isles favor, 5-4 Pens.  Isles go to the PP, then a 5 on 3 for :50 seconds after what should of been a penalty shot for JT, Capuano calls a time out.  Isles are denied in 5 on 3 and then the remaining PP.  Huge save against Nielsen by Zakoff in the 5 on 3 for Pittsburgh.  Isles wasted a huge opportunity with under 5:00 left.  Isles pull Poulin (23 for 28 with an .821Sv%) in final minute and get some good pressure at Pittsburgh net, but Zatkoff is equal to the task.  ENG for Pens, 6-4 the final.  Isles led 34-29 in shots, but went 0/3 on the PP.  Per Arthur Staple, "Isles have led by 2 or more goals in a game 14 times (out of 53) this season. 6-4-4 in those games. Yuck.  Isles have trailed by 2 or more goals in a game 27 times this season (out of 53). 9-18-0 in those games, 7-4-0 in last 11."

 

 

The Islanders score 4 goals, but still lose the game.  They played well, but were guilty of breakdowns, suspect defense and surrendered a couple of weak goals.  The skill of the Penguins were definitely a factor, but the Isles made a few too many mistakes.  The Vanek-Tavares-Okposo line were kept in check for the most part, and it showed.  But the Isles went down kicking and screaming and still came close to tying the game with the things they did wrong.  Missing Travis Hamonic & Lubo Visnovsky against a team like this is a tough sell, but they were close.  They have been very good lately and look to be better for the remaining regular season games and push into the playoffs. 

 

The Isles can refocus for St. Louis on Saturday and pick up right where they left off.

 

 

Isles Notes:


Reminder:   I will be away for the weekend and hopefully recap Saturday's 1pm tilt against the Blues sometime before Monday's game vs Boston @ 7pm.

 

Per Arthur Staple, Thomas Vanek tells me he'll understand if Isles trade him. He would even consider signing here after that.  

Per @IslesBlog, "Reported that Lubo is looking like he's 10-14 days away from a possible return, while Hamonic is still up in the air."

Per @StephenCLorenzo, "Isles Lubo on concussion: "Nothing got better and I thought my career was over or something. Right now i feel like a hockey player.  Visnovsky said after a month he was frustrated and "pissed off" after trying everything to get better."

Per Robert Brodsky, "Sources said the New York Islanders engaged in discussions about breaking their lease a year early but the deal never materialized.  End the speculation: New York Islanders won't leave a year early for Brooklyn; my exclusive story via @Newsday.

 

NHL REVEALED - Episode1