Isles and Devils, Game 1

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

Defensive pairings: Not clear as of yet.


Anders Nilsson, aka "Thor" gets the start in goal today with Evgeni Nabokov backing up.

Michael Grabner (flu) and Dylan Reese (flu) most likely will not play.

Aaron Ness recalled on emergency basis, and subsequently returned to Bridgeport with Mark Eaton (lower body injury) able to play today.

The three game series against New Jersey this week will be a good barometer for your New York Islanders on what to expect in a playoff atmosphere.  They are fighting for every point, so every game can be seen as a must win.  Playing their rival New Jersey Devils will surely be an easy series to get up for.  In addition, they can build on the good team effort they gave in Boston.

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In the first period at the sold out NVMC, the Islanders are playing with a lot of energy.  Cizikas, Tavares, Bailey and Ullstrom have caught my attention.  Some good offensive efforts and strong power play time for New York.  Only a goal could make it better.  The Isles are strong on the puck and are playing a chippy game, standing up for each other with physical play.  Face-offs have been an issue lately, as the Islanders have lost in head to head face off totals in 11 of their last 14 games.  The Isles outshot New Jersey 10-6 and put some good shots against Brodeur.  The only negative is that Nilsson wasn’t really tested.  Hope he can stay focused.

The second period starts with an Islander offensive push as J.T. rings another off the post.  Kyle Okposo (Cizikas) power grinds, pushing through with a devil draped over him to put one past Martin Brodeur.  What an effort by K.O.  1-0 Isles.  Niederreiter is playing a tough game against Devils’ Kovalchuk.  If Nino keeps that up and the goals will follow.  Great defensive effort by the Isles, and a Devil shot off the post breaks out P.A. Parenteau whose relentless effort yields a PP for New York.  Strong offensive play continues, Isles moving puck well and draw another penalty to give them a 5-3 opportunity for 1:08.  Devils’ player closes his hand on the puck, Officials make sure Isles miss out on penalty shot chance.  Brodeur is keeping his team in the game.  Salvador slashes Moulson, bloodying his chin, skates into locker room.  Another missed call, terrible play by officials once again.  Isles fail to score on the chances.  If their strong play doesn’t convert soon, it may backfire by keeping N.J. in the game and giving the Devils confidence.  Good PK to end the period for N.Y.  Matt Moulson is still off the bench.  Isles are out shooting N.J. by a margin of 8-6 in period and 18-12 in the game so far.  Nilsson looks calm and cool in net.  Islanders will have a 1:45 PP to start the third period.

Matt Moulson is on the ice to start the third period with 10 fresh, new stitches!  Staios continues to show a renewed Isles attitude and takes exception to a Devil taking liberties against Nilsson.  4 on 3 PP.  Broduer is the difference for New Jersey so far.  Isles are 0-4 on PP so far today.  Parenteau gets slashed across his hand and skates to the bench in obvious pain, another non-call by the officials.  Devils are applying pressure, but continue to play a sloppy game in all zones.  The Devils net is empty with 1:18 to go.  A time out is called by New Jersey.  Isles out shoot Devils 25-24 and stay focused to hold on in regulation.

Isles win 1-0.

Head Coach, Jack Capuano says that team defense was a key to the win. Says team needs to have "defense first mentality."

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The trifecta.

Isles win 1-0 in a complete team effort.  Anders Nilsson’s NHL debut is a 24 save shut out.  A win in the (2-5-2) alternate black jersey!

The rebuild has yielded organizational depth.  These type of games prove that.  Signing a top Forward and top Defensemen (Goodness willing) will put this team over the top and make them a competitive playoff team next season.

This is the way the Isles need to continue to play against quality opponents and the playoffs are a distinct possibility.  Sticking up for one another, winning faceoffs (23-23 in the game), playing defensively, moving the puck, finishing checks and playing good defense will get the job done.  The Isles get 3 days off and play the devils in NJ, then back home, and then face the Rangers.  Want pressure, you have it and there is still a long way to go.  28-29-9 with 65 points will get them 5 points out of a playoff spot in the East.  Ground will be lost in the next three days off, but the Isles should only worry about what they can create for themselves.  Win and stay in.

Evolve or die. 

Lets finish the rebuild and put the bad stuff behind us.  I know it isn’t likely, but lets get behind them as fans and see where it goes.

Isles Notes:

@drive4fiveNYI reports that “Nilsson is the first goalie in Islanders history to have a shutout in his first win.”

With 59 points, P.A. Parenteau has points on 39.6% of the Isles goals this season and has 44 assists.

Per Eric Hornick, the Islanders now have 4 players with 10 + goals each of last 4 yrs: Moulson and Tavares are the obvious guys. Nielsen & Bailey are the others.

P.A. Parenteau assists on 29.5% of Isles goals (44/149) -- highest percentage in NHL.

Per Brian Compton, John Tavares has factored into 43.2 percent of all Isles goals this season.

Anders Lee has his team-leading 16th goal of the season for Notre Dame tonight.

Final score today from OHL: Niagara 13, Erie 4. Ryan Strome had 5 goals and an assist.