Sadly, The Season Comes To An End

Tonight’s game in Columbus was the final game of the season for your New York Islanders.  The 30^th place Blue Jackets defeated the Islanders by a score of 7-3.  Despite playing a pretty good game through the second period, the Isles were dominated towards the end of the game.  Al Montoya looked very shaky and has been suspect to the bad goal since coming back from injury in January.  He wasn’t the only thing that wasn’t working for New York.  Several issues need to be addressed this off-season.  The defense and secondary scoring are the biggest two issues I can see.

In the first period, the Isles went down 1-0 to Columbus.  Shots were even at 10-10.

In the second, Milan Jurcina (Nielsen and Grabner) and Kyle Okposo (Jurcina) scored for the Islanders.  Columbus scored 4 goals and started to turn the tables on the Islanders.  The Isles out shot the Blue Jackets 21-15 in the period.

The third period, Michael Grabner (Streit and Reese) was the only one to score for New York.  The Blue Jackets out worked the Isles and scored twice against them.  The Islanders were 0/6 on the PP and their PK allowed 2 goals on 5 opportunities.  Columbus out shot the Isles 12-7 with the Isles out shooting them in the game 38-37.  Al Montoya went 30/37 with a .811Sv%.

Kevin Schultz of IPB comments, “Isles finish with 79 points. The third time they've finished with 79 since they last made the playoffs in 2006-07.”  That means another top 5 draft pick from a 34-37-11 season which places them 14^th in the east out of 15 teams and 26^th in the league out of 30 teams.  With the draft lottery on Tuesday, they should remain at the 4^th pick in the first round this summer.  There is a slight chance to move up to 1^st or fall back to 5^th like last year when the Devils moved up to the 4^th position from 8^th.

I will review the players and the season in the days to come along with any other news that breaks for your New York Islanders.

Thank You to everyone who has followed me this season.  More to come.

Isles Notes:

Michael Grabner scores his 20th of the season. He's the fourth Islander to get to 20 goals for the season.

Per Arthur Staple, Isles are the only team in the NHL this season without a 5-on-3 goal.

Congratulations to Boston College for defeating Ferris State by the score of 4-1 to win their 5^th  NCAA Frozen Four Tournament.  Credit Ferris State for an amazing season.

Eastern Playoff Picture:  NYR vs. OTT, BOS vs. WSH, FLA vs. NJD, PIT vs. PHI.

Western Playoff Picture:  VAN vs. LA, STL vs. SJS, PHX vs. CHI, NSH vs. DET.

Islanders Win In Final Home Game Over Jets

I attended yesterdays Islanders' game against the Winnipeg Jets.  It was the final home game of the season for New York in front of a nice-sized crowd for a team that would finish in April.  This was the view from my seat about an hour before game time.

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Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau; Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo; Grabner-Reasoner-Niederreiter; Haley-Pandolfo-Martin.

Defensive Pairings: Streit-Jurcina; Hamonic-MacDonald; Staios-Donovan.

Al Montoya in goal with John Grahame backing up.

Mark Eaton (upper body) and Dylan Reese out.

Staios paired with Donovan in his 1000th game.

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The Isles ended up defeating cheapshot artist, Evander Kane and the Winnipeg Jets by the score of 5-4 in what was an exciting, back and forth game that even boasted a penalty shot!

In the first period, Matt Moulson (Tavares) opened the scoring with a sweet wrist shot form the circles.  A short time later, the surging Kyle Okposo (Bailey and Nielsen) made it 2-0 through some traffic.  The Jets would score a pair of goals to ties the game at 2-2.  Winnipeg out shot the Isles 13-10 in the first period.

The second period only had one goal, and it was scored by Kyle Okposo (Travares).  3-2 Isles.  P.A. Parenteau was ripped down by Mark Stuart on a partial breakaway with no call by the officials. It was a terrible non-call yet again at the expense of the Isles as they lost a crucial player in their line up with nothing to show for it at the hands of the Jets.  I am referencing of course when Evander Kane brutalized and unsuspecting Al Montoya in his own crease.  It resulted in a concussion causing him to miss time from December 20^th thru January 24^th by Montoya, who was starting to have a pretty solid season, but has not looked the same since he came back.  He needed to be held up by teammates as he grabbed his left leg.  Later, it was reported that P.A. Parenteau had an ankle sprain and would not return.  The Isles out shot Winnipeg 11-5 in the second.

In the third, Winnipeg would go tie the game yet again, at 3-3.  But only a few minutes later, Michael Grabner would get a Penalty shot goal to grab the lead yet again 4-3.  Less than a minute later, the Jets would comeback again to tie the score at 4-4.  It seemed like another melt down could happen.  Travis Hamonic would rip a shot on net that Michael Grabner would deflect past Mason to grab the lead yet again 5-4 with :47 seconds in the game.  The Isles would hold on to win the game.  Shots were even at 7-7 in the third period, with the Islanders having a 28-25 shot advantage for the game.  Al Montoya went 21 - 25 with an .840Sv%

Matt Donovan looked solid again of defense for the Isles.  While he will have a tough time beating out guys like Calvin de Haan and Aaron Ness next season, the depth he will bring is a win, win for all of us.

Per Arthur Staple, John Tavares reached 50 assists on Kyle Okposo's 2nd of the game. He was the first Isles player with 50+ assists since Pierre Turgeon did it in 1993-94.

The three Stars were John Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Michael Grabner with the top honors.

Mark Streit and the team stayed on the ice after the buzzer with a salute to the crowd and thanked the fans for their support all season long.

** Special thanks again to Isles Blog Box members, Dee Karl of Hockeybuzz and Anthony Stabile of Hockeythisweek.com for their help and guidance over the course of the season.  It was great to see you guys at the game. **

Isles Notes:

The Good Guy Award was presented by Arthur Staple to Matt Moulson.  This award is to celebrate professionalism and media courtesy.

John Tavares has been named "Islander of the Year" for the impact he has made for the Islanders all season long.

Per Brian Compton, Steve Staios is the 279th player to appear in 1,000 NHL games.

The Islanders finish the 2011-12 season with only 17 wins at the NVMC.

Per the Islanders, PA Parenteau (ankle) and Mark Eaton (upper body) not making trip to Columbus for Islanders season finale.

The Islanders’ draft party will be held at the NVMC on Friday, June 22^nd.

Per Kevin Pates, Minnesota Duluth senior goalie Kenny Reiter has agreed to an Amateur Tryout Contract with Bridgeport of the AHL. To be in uniform Saturday.

Devils Edge Islanders

There is big news to report before anything else is discussed tonight:

Per Arthur Staple, Isles have agreed to terms with 2010 1st rounder (30^th pick) Brock Nelson on an entry-level deal.  Nelson, who had 28 and 19 for 47 points in 42 Games for North Dakota, signed an ATO with Isles affiliate, Bridgeport and will play for Sound Tigers the rest of this year.  This is great news for the Islanders organization and even better news for Bridgeport in their bid in the AHL playoffs.

Tonight, your New York Islanders face the rival Devils at the Prudential center tonight in New Jersey.  The Devils have made the playoffs and sit in 6^th position within the eastern conference as of tonight.  The Isles are 2-3-0 of 6 against New Jersey, who are currently riding a 3 game winning streak.  The Isles are coming off two dismal losses, but should have no problem getting excited to play the Devils tonight.

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Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau; Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo; Grabner-Reasoner-Niederreiter; Haley-Pandolfo-Martin.

Defensive Pairings:  Striet-Eaton; Hamonic-MacDonald; Reese-Donovan.

Al Montoya will be in net tonight with with John Grahame backing up.

Steve Staios and Milan Jurcina are scratched tonight.

Casey Cizikas is out with a upper body injury (day to day) and Evgeni Nabokov is out with a lower body injury and may miss the remaining games left in the season.

Matt Donovan will make his NHL debut paired with Reese.  Per Dan Rosen, Isles Defensemen, Donovan will be the first player born, raised, and trained in Oklahoma to play in the NHL.

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In the first period, the Devils waste no time and get a goal 90 seconds into the period.  1-0 New Jersey.  Matt Moulson (Streit and Tavares) gets a nice rebound to tie the score at 1-1 a few minutes later.  John Tavares gets his 200^th assist on Moulson’s goal and its reported that he (J.T.) has been on the ice for last 59 goals Moulson has scored.  Matt Donovan with a good hit and a play on the puck in his first shift in the NHL.  Haley goes at Jansen after he hits Eaton in the corner.  Gotta love the way Haley polices the ice for the Islanders.  He and Trevor Gillies have been sorely missed this season.  A solid two way period by Matt Donovan. Isles outshoot the Devils 8-6 in the first period.

The second period underway and Devils score again :22 seconds in.  2-1 New Jersey.  The rest of the second period expires with both teams getting their chances, but failing to score.  The Isles have still not been given the benefit of a PP opportunity, despite the chances being there to make the call by the officials.  Shots were even at 8 aside with the Isles up 16-14 in the game.

The third period, more of the same.  A little slow, including a 17 minute span with no shots on goal.  Another slow paced and painfully numbing Devils game.  Empty net for the Isles to gain the extra attacker.  Devils score.  3-1 New Jersey.  Kyle Okposo gets thrown out of the game for voicing his displeasure at the officials, most likely the no PP chances for New York thing.  Devils out shoot Isles 6-3 in the period and 20-19 in the game.  Al Montoya 17/19 with a .895Sv%.  Devils 3, Isles 1 is the final.

The Islanders played a close game this time, but lost again.  They were sluggish and never really took it to N.J.  The bright spot was Matt Donovan.  He was awesome on the blue line against some quality opposition.  I have been impressed with everyone coached by Brent Thompson in Bridgeport and how they have fit in so well to the Islanders when called upon.  There are a lot of bright spots coming to a numbing Isles team this summer.  Lets pray for a miracle signing or two with a defensemen and maybe a scoring forward, and the kids like DiBenedetto, Rakhshani, Cizikas, de Haan, Donovan, Ullstrom, Ness and Poulin will be knocking on the door.  Add a Nelson, Strome, Kabanov, Petrov and Mayfield to the mix and depth is coming, big time.  There are more names than the few that just came to mind, you get my meaning.

The frustration felt by Kyle Okposo and his teammates is coming from finishing below expectations.  These guys are high draft picks and come from winning programs.  They want to win.  When you feel hamstrung or unable to get ahead despite working your hardest, frustration can ruin you.  Just look at how Michael Grabner and Nino Niederreiter are struggling.  Its well documented here on KoC, I place most of the blame on the head coach.  I dont hate what Coach Capuano has done, he just isn't consistant enough for me with his results or motivation as a leader.

This team will get there.  Budget or not.  It just depends how long and to what lengths you are willing to go as a fan.  The arena situation set back ownership and management very much while trying to move forward as an organization.  Charles Wang hasnt made the greatest decisions, but he kept the Isles here.  And credit Garth Snow for his drafting and ability to re discover players like Moulson.  The verdict on the rebuild is still out and it has taken some time to undo the damage done in the Milbury years.  I know Charles Wang can be blamed here as well, but stop beating dead horses.  Our team stable has become a bloody morgue from all the drama.

Or just keep up with the bashing and the hate. 

Although I will be angry and frustrated at times, I’ll still be here.  I am a fan of the New York Islanders.

Isles Notes:

Per the Islanders.nhl.com, “The Islanders have 1,326 blocked shots, which is the most in the NHL... Matt Martin’s 361 hits, a career high, are the most in the league as well as an all-time single season NHL record.”

Islanders announce preseason game to be played in Barrie, Ont.

Per Darren Dreger, “NHLPA expected to finalize its CBA negotiating committee next week.Between 30-35 players will be named to work with exec director Don Fehr.”

The Islanders and Pat LaFontaine story.

Mike Sielski of the Wall Street Journal – Cutting a star out of the picture:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304023504577319912036433148.html?mod=wsj_share_tweet

Justin Borne’s follow up: 

http://blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2012/04/03/the-islanders-treatment-of-pat-lafontaine-is-embarrassing/

Depleted Senators Destroy Isles

  

Today, your New York Islanders face off against the Ottawa Senators at the NVMC.  The Senators are still alive in the playoff race and need a win here today to make the cut.  They will have to do it without Daniel Alfredson and Jason Spezza.  The good news is that the Isles aren’t wearing the alternate black jerseys in this matinee game, so they have a chance.

Congratulations to F, Matt Martin for being awarded the 2012 Bob Nystrom award.  The Bob Nystrom award is given to the Isles player who best exemplifies leadership, perseverance and dedication over the course of the season.  Martin is well deserving of the award.

Islanders’ owner, Charles Wang wanted to address the fans on fan appreciation day with Howie Rose on the pre-game show.  Wang spoke on the Isles, "Everyone knows how disappointed I am with the (arena) process, and there is nothing to report on,“ and ” Bringing in the right talent, building from within, I know it’s frustrating for the fans and the players. "  He was evasive on spending beyond the cap floor and said, “it was about finding the right players.”  Wang continues, “thanks for your support, we have a young team, moving in the right direction and looking ahead to next season.”  On the Management and Coaching, Wang said, “ (he) has complete confidence in his coach and GM and both will be back next season,” even after 5 straight no shows in the playoffs for the Isles.  He concludes that he is “disappointed in the elected politicians that have weighed into the arena failure” and that they “should be held accountable.”  Wang said he is still “committed” to keeping the Islanders in New York, but he doesn’t know what the future will bring.

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Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau; Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo; Grabner-Reasoner-Niederreiter; Haley-Pandolfo-Martin.

Defensive Pairings:  Streit-Staios; Hamonic-MacDonald; Eaton-Jurcina.

Al Montoya is in net with John Grahame backing up.

Dylan Reese is scratched today.

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In the first period, the Isles come out with a post and some good early chances, but fail to get anywhere on their first PP opportunity.  Tavares (and Moulson) with a sweet pass up to Streit from behind the net and the puck goes off his skate and into the net.  1-0 Isles.  Haley gets into it with a much bigger Neil, hold his own and gets the takedown.  Ottawa scores on a broken defensive play for the Isles in the final minutes of the opening period.  Game tied at 1-1.  Senators out shoot Isles 13-9.

In the second period, Grabner fails to convert on a short handed rush, and Ottawa takes the lead shortly afterwards.  2-1 Senators.  And a puck off Reasoner’s skate in the crease and its now 3-1 Senators.  Montoya looks shaky again today for the Isles.  Montoya loses sight of puck sitting by his right foot; Ottawa tucks it in for a 4-1 lead.  John Tavares shows his frustration at different points in the period and the Islanders look terrible in the game so far.  Ottawa out shoots New York 10-9 in the period and 23-18 in the game to this point. 

In the third period, Michael Haley goes after Neil after he was bullying a fallen Andrew MacDonald, but Neil chose not to answer.  PP Senators.  5-1 Ottawa.  That will be the final.  The game ends in a chorus of boos with the isles out shooting the Sens 12-9 in the period, but Ottawa out shooting New York 32-30 in the game.  Al Montoya was 27/32 with a .844 Sv%.

Without Daniel Alfredson and Jason Spezza, two of their best players, the Ottawa Senators were able to easily handle the New York Islanders led by Al Montoya in goal.  It was fan appreciation day today and the Islanders chance to play spoiler to Ottawa who needed a win to make the playoffs, but despite being physically in the building and as a team, the Islanders not named Michael Haley failed to show up for the most part and fell back down to two games below an NHL .500.  After defensive blunders, more suspect goaltending by the once solid, Al Montoya and a visibly angry John Tavares, there was just more frustration for the 14,210 loyal fans who came out to support Charles Wang’s team, even though they were knocked out of playoff contention yesterday.

We’re all Islanders.

The Islanders have 3 games remaining, at the Devils on Tuesday, Home vs the Jets on Thursday and away at Columbus on Saturday.  All 3 games are 7 p.m. starts.

Isles Notes:

Per the Islanders, John Tavares ranks 6th in the league with a 51.2% face-off win rate.

Steve Staios played in his 999th game today.

Matt Martin broke the NHL single season record for hits at 357 as of yesterday’s game vs the Penguins.  He will no doubt, pad his total in the remaining 4 games of the season.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers have announced they have signed forward Mike Halmo to an amateur tryout contract (ATO).

Bruins Eliminate Islanders

The Islanders face the Boston Bruins this afternoon at the NVMC in their alternate black jerseys.  Boston is second in the eastern conference and 5-4-1 in their last 10.  Your New York Islanders are riding a three game winning streak and playing well with balanced scoring, good defense and strong transitional play.    Game on!

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Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Grabner-Reasoner-Niederreiter, Haley-Pandolfo-Martin.

Defensive Pairings: MacDonald-Hamonic, Streit-Reese, Eaton-Staios.

Al Montoya is in goal with John Grahame backing up.  John Grahame will wear No. 37 for New York.

Milan Jurcina and Casey Cizikas (upper body) are scratched today.

Brian Compton, Isles have returned Kevin Poulin to Bridgeport.

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In the first period, both teams playing tight defensively and getting offensive chances.  Some good scoring opportunities by the Isles, but they are not able to finish.  Boston scores off a nice set up from behind the net.  1-0 Bruins.  Soon after, Kyle Okposo (Nielsen and Hamonic) with a beautiful shot from the slot beating Turco, game tied at 1-1.  Kyle Okposo on a five game goal-scoring streak for the Isles.  Shots are even at 7-7.

Isles come out in the second with some good offensive pressure against the Bruins.  Michael Haley gets into it with Cambell.  Bruins go ahead 2-1, off an offensive zone turnover.  Nice pass by Moulson to Tavares for a beautiful play to set up P.A. Parenteau for the goal.  Game tied at 2-2.  The Isles are getting good pressure off the PP in the second period, moving the puck well.  Isles out shoot Bruins 9-7 in the period and 16-14 in the game thus far.

Montoya with a big save on an Isles turnover to start the third period.  Shaky start fo far by the Isles.  Boston scores to regain the lead again early in the period, 3-2 Bruins.  John Tavares missing from Isles bench for a few minutes but returns shortly.  Probably equipment related.  Boston scores, 4-2 Bruins.  Islanders look a little disjointed here with under 10 minutes remaining.  Lets see if they can refocus.  P.A. Parenteau (Moulson) scores, Boston lead cut to one at 4-3.  It is Parenteau’s 3^rd career 2 goal game.  Boston scores immediately to regain a two point, then 3 point lead, now 6-3 Boston.  Turco makes a big save against a breaking Grabner to preserve the lead for Boston.  The Islanders have been outworked and shaken in the second half of the third despite working hard.  Their playoff race will officially be over when time expires.  Bruins win 6-3.  Bruins out shoot Isles 12-6 in the period and 26-22 in the game.  Al Montoya is 20/26 with a .769 Sv%.

The Islanders fell apart in the late stages of the game and were beaten by a champion today who kept coming each time the Islanders answered.  A few good lessons for a young Islander team that at times, has showed me a lot this season.  But they have also showed me they have inefficient coaching, under performing players and an overall culture of losing.  I think they can win with a few changes with coaching and acquisition of player talent, but will ownership and management be able to do it this summer.  They haven’t corrected the mistakes over the last few years and until they do, the Isles will be doomed to stagnate and finish in the bottom 5 each season.

Isles Notes:

Per Newsday, Evgeni Nabokov hopes to return before end of season.

Tom Mascioli mentions, Matt Martin set an NHL record today for most hits in a single season with 360.

Rick DiPietro will be greeting fans and giving away food vouchers for fan appreciation day tomorrow vs the Ottawa Senators.  Good luck Rick.

Happy 80^th Birthday to New York and NHL legend, Mr. Stan Fischler.

Islanders Ice Penguins, Take 2

First, Per Arthur Staple, "the Islanders have agreed to terms with G John Grahame on a deal to run through end of this season, pending physical.  Last played in NHL w/CAR in 07-08 season.  Grahame, 36, was coaching w/Sioux City of USHL."  Kevin Poulin is needed back in Bridgeport to help the Tigers push for the playoffs, so Grahame affords the Islanders organization security and flexibility in net.

Tonight, the Isles face the Penguins at NVMC for game 2 of the home at home series.  Nino Niederreiter is in the line up tonight skating with Michael Grabner and Marty Reasoner.  Lets hope for something big!

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Forwards: Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau; Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo; Grabner-Reasoner-Niederreiter; Martin-Cizikas-Pandolfo

Defensive Pairings: MacDonald-Hamonic, Streit-Reese, Eaton-Staios.

Al Montoya is in goal, Kevin Poulin backing up.

Jurcina scratched.

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In a back and forth first period, Al Montoya with some big saves early and Nino Niederreiter shows some great moves on his way to the net.  Both teams with scoring chances until Marty Reasoner (Streit and Bailey), yes, Marty Reasoner scores at the 11:07 mark for the Islanders.  It is his first goal of the season and first as an Islander.  1-0 New York.  Streit with 200th career assist.  Pittsburgh is out shooting the Islanders 7-4.

The second period starts with a Dylan Reese clearing attempt hitting Sidney Crosby in the face, possibly breaking his nose.  There is a lot of blood on the ice as Crosby is helped to the dressing room.  Penguins score and tie the game at 1-1 off a neutral zone turnover.  Matt Martin looking good again tonight.  Crosby is back on the bench for Pittsburgh.  Kyle Okposo (Bailey and Hamonic) gets a rebound, then a goal off Penguin defenders, 2-1 Isles.  Okposo has points in 4 straight.  Niederreiter is buzzing tonight.  Huge turnover on Pittsburgh power play, Pandolfo chips it up to Bailey with a nice move around Fleury and a defender hanging on, Bailey scores!  3-1 Isles.  Arthur Staple mentions, "Josh Bailey's second straight 3-pt game. He's 6-9-15 last 15 games; was 6-8-14 first 60 this season."  The play of Bailey and Streit continues to improve and that’s good for the Isles.  Period ends with Isles 9, Penguins 7 on shots in the period with Pittsburgh ahead 14-13 for the game.

In the third period, Montoya continues to keep the Isles in the game.  His confidence is coming back and he looks good.  Kyle Okposo (Bailey and Nielsen) scores his career high, 20^th goal!  4-1 Isles.  What else can you say about Okposo’s play lately as well.  Its good to see a few core guys recover from a shaky start to the season.  Its also Bailey’s first 4 point game of his career.  Penguins score cutting the Isles lead to 2 goals at 4-2.  Islanders continue to keep up their intensity and play a strong fore-checking transitional game.  At 1:40 left in the game, the Penguins net is empty.  Pittsburgh scores.  4-3 Isles.  Penguins continue to pressure isles with the extra skater for 90 seconds.  Time out called by Pittsburgh at :30 remaining to regroup.  Isles with a srong face off win and good zone defense get the puck into the neutral zone and Josh Bailey puts it into the open net.  5-3 Isles!  It’s a 5-point night for Bailey.  Isles get out shot by Penguins 15-11 in the period and 29-24 in the game.  Al Montoya goes 26/29 with an .897Sv%.  Isles win 5-3.

Islanders sweep Penguins putting them further behind the surging New York Rangers.  The Islanders finish strong tonight against a very good team.  Great team game all around and solid defensive and transitional game.  The Islanders reach the .500 mark for the first time since October at 33-33-11 with 77 points and make a statement tonight at home.  Allow me to credit the whole coaching staff for a job well done.  Just need to do it all consistantly.  The new line combinations and resolve seem to be coming into place for the Isles.  Can you say secondary scoring!

Isles Notes:

Per N.Y. Islanders, Matt Moulson has opened the scoring an NHL-leading 11 times this season and the Isles are 9-1-1 when he does so. 

Matt Moulson is 4^th all-time on most consecutive games played with the Islanders.

Per Brian Compton, David Ullstrom returned to Bridgeport.

Per Arthur Staple, Isles recall G Kevin Poulin from BPT. Evgeni Nabokov day to day with lower-body injury.



Isles have Boston on Saturday @ 1 p.m. and Ottawa on Sunday @ 3 p.m.  at home this weekend.

Islanders Ice Penguins

Tonight, your New York Islanders face the rival Pittsburgh Penguins at the Consol Energy Center.  They can bear witness to the new statue of Mario Lemieux beating statues of Rich Pilon and Jeff Norton to an eventual storied goal of Pittsburgh greatness.  Huzzah!  Pat Flatley will be between the benches lending his usual wit and unique perspective.  With the last Isles win in 2007, the Pens have beaten the Isles 13 straight times at home.  They are riding a 10 game unbeaten streak at home, are 8-1-1 in their last 10 and have a chance to capture 1^st place in the east from the Rangers with a win tonight.  The Islanders have gone 4-4-2 in their last 10 and put together some good games against desperate teams.  To run with the #Pengwhines, they need to start fast and play a solid road game.  And Thursday will be a chance to do it all over again at home.

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Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau; Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo; Grabner-Cizikas-Ullstrom; Martin-Reasoner-Pandolfo.

Defensive Pairings:  Streit-Reese; Hamonic-MacDondald; Staios-Jurcina.

Evgeni Nabokov is in net with Al Montoya backing up.

Nino Niederreiter and Mark Eaton are scratched.

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The Islanders start out strong at the start of the first period, skating well and finishing their hits.  Frans Nielsen (Reese and Bailey) scores!  Islanders lead 1-0.  The good effort continues by New York as they match Pittsburgh in all aspects of the game.  Evgeni Nabokov has made some great saves to keep Isles in the game.  Isles with a good back checking defensive game thus far as well against a very good Penguin team.  Malkin is being kept in surprising check tonight.  Michael Grabner scores! Its 2-0 Isles.  It looks like Grabner just put it on net and Fluery deflected it into his own net.  Pittsburgh out shot New York 17-11 in the period.

At the start of the second period, Pittsburgh gets on the board early.  2-1 Isles.  Coach Capuano calls a time out to settle things down.  P.A. Parenteau continues to make good with a corrective defensive fore-check on Malkin.  And just like that, less than 5 minutes into the second, the Penguins tie the game at 2-2.  Nabokov slips and falls awkwardly.  Seems to be ok.  Kyle Okposo goes high, glove side on a self-made fast break.  3-2 Isles.  Okposo has goals in 3 straight games.  Shortly after, David Ullstrom gets his 4^th of the season hanging out in front of the net.  Right place, right time.  4-2 Isles.  Frans Nielsen (Bailey and Okposo) gets his second of the game off a Penguin turn over.  The Consol Energy Center is silent.  5-2 Isles.  Credit the Isles for settling things down and refocusing.  Too bad they weren’t able to do this a few weeks ago.  Brian Compton points out that the Isles have scored 5 goals through two periods with no points for Tavares, Parenteau or Moulson.  That’s big.  Pittsburgh leads in shots for the period at 15-7 and the game at 32-18.

In the third period, Al Montoya and Brad Thissen replace Evgeni Nabokov and Marc Andrej Fleury.  Nabokov reported to have a “lower body injury,” and will not return.  Arthur Staple reports David Ullstrom is not on the Islanders bench either.  Per Islanders, “with three assists tonight, Bailey gets his first 3 assist game of his career and extends his point streak to five games. He has one goal and six assists in that span.”  Montoya comes up big with a few saves mid way through the third period.  Isles need to kill off a 4 on 3 penalty for 1:47 with just over minutes in the game.  Pens pull their goaltender to create a 5 on 3.  Penguins score, 5-3 Isles.  Pittsburgh turning up the pressure on Islanders, Montoya answers.  The Pens net is empty for the extra man.  Montoya comes up big again and again.  Islanders are out shot 20-7 in the period and 54-25 in the game and win 5-2.

Nabokov (lower body) and Ullstrom (unknown) did not return to the ice for the third period.

The home unbeaten streak and consecutive win streak against the Islanders ends for the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight.  Despite being dominated in shots against, the Islanders played a nice game.  While scoring 5 goals against a top team in the NHL, the Isles made the defensive plays when they had to and frustrated the Penguins by limiting the productivity of their top players.  NHL leading scorer, Evgeni Malkin and star player, Sidney Crosby were kept in check while Marc Andrej Fluery was solved by the Islander offense not named Tavares, Moulson or Parenteau.

As I mentioned in previous blog entries, these so called “meaningless” wins that hurt draft positioning are just the thing the Islanders may need as an organization.  High draft picks are always nice, but truly learning how to win against quality teams is invaluable.  Pride and belief in each other will serve the Isles well and mean more to the core than the chance at a better prospect.

If these guys ever find consistency and a readiness to compete each and every night, they will be a very dangerous team in the NHL.  With depth and efficiency and the ability to take their opponents off their game while playing to their own strengths, the Islanders will be able to reach the next level that has eluded them thus far.  I say it’s a coaching issue that factors into preparedness and the ability to maintain a positive psyche regularly, night in and night out.

Here is to building something as important as a new arena, a winning culture.

Isles Notes:

Per Chris Botta, “Brock Nelson weighing options with advisor, family and UND Coach Hakstol. 3rd year of college/Frozen 4 bid vs. year in minors. Isles tell first-rounder Brock Nelson they're ready when he is. They're putting no pressure on UND center to leave school.”

Per College Hockey News, North Dakota Forward, Brock Nelson was added to its 2011-12 All-CHN Second Team.  In his sophomore season, Nelson led the WCHA and his team in goals with 28 and points with 47 in 42 games played, making him the youngest 20-goal scorer since Jonathan Toews (22 in 05-06.)  ”Nelson was named to the all-tournament teams at both the Red Baron WCHA Final Five and the NCAA West Regional. He finished the year with five goals in his last five playoff games, leading UND to a third straight Broadmoor Trophy as WCHA playoff champion and a berth in the regional championship game.”

Per Tom Mascioli, “Islanders defensive prospect, Brenden Kichton is out for the rest of the WHL playoffs for the Spokane Chiefs after undergoing surgery to repair broken jaw.”

Ryan Strome named OHL Player of the Week for 1st week of OHL playoffs, going 3-5-8 in 3 GP. Niagara leads Oshawa 2 games to 1.