Your New York Islanders will look to ruin the
season sweep by the Canadiens in Montreal.
Thomas Vanek and Montreal have already made the dance and are fighting
for home ice in the playoffs. The
Islanders will meet their challenge with 11 rookies in their line up
tonight. Johan Sundstrom is in the lineup for Cal Clutterbuck (upper
body). Matt Carkner will be wearing the
third Alternate "A" previously worn by Clutterbuck. The Isles will have the Jiggs advantage with him in the booth with Butch tonight.
Forwards:
Lee-Nielsen-Bailey;
Persson-Nelson-Strome; Martin-Cizikas-McDonald; Gallant-Sundstrom-Halmo.
D-Pairings:
Hickey-Hamonic;
Czuczman-Mayfield; Donovan-Carkner.
Evgeni Nabokov is in net with Anders Nilsson on
the bench.
Your New York Islanders hit the ice flying in
the first period moving the puck well and playing the body. Ryan Strome is everywhere with the puck and
steals the puck from Price, but isnt able to tuck it in the open net. Isles defense doing a nice job joining the
offensive rush and really look comfortable, especially Czuczhman and Mayfield. Carey Price is the difference thus far. The period ends with no score, Isles hold
the edge in shots 10-8.
In the second period, the Isles continue to turn
up the pressure and are clearly out playing Montreal. Anders Lee continues to work hard and to make something happen. Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin are energizing
the Isles. Montreal has been good at
helping Price by blocking a load of shots on net here. Gallant goes with Parros, and gets another
TKO, amazing. Johan Sundstrom hit from
behind into the boards by Douglas Murray in his first game back from suspension. Sundstrom off to the dressing room. Murray gets a misconduct and should see some
more suspension time for the hit. Later in the period, Ryan Strome (Donovan
& Bailey) with a slap shot that beats price. Goal
is under review, but is definitely going to count. Goal counts and so does the Isles lead, 1-0. Josh Bailey's assist has given him a new career high with 36 points this season. Despite that stat, I feel Bailey has been invisible for most of the season. With time expiring, Brock Nelson (Hickey
& Nabokov) with a PPG to give New York a 2-0 lead. Nabokov with some nice saves to preserve the
score. Isles were 1/1 on PK and 1/1 on
PP. Shots, 14-6 NYI in period, 24-14 in
the game.
Islanders Injury Update: Johan
Sundstrom will not return. Taken to hospital for further observation. Hopefully, Sundstrom
is OK.
In the third, Montreal finally showing some life. They have more steam in the Isles zone, but
the Isles defense are equal to the task so far. Nabokov getting better as the game goes on as the Isles respond
to Habs surge by buckling down and playing a smart game with 5 minutes
remaining. Isles call a timeout after
icing the puck. Montreal pulls Price
with 1:33 remaining. Isles to PK,
Canadiens go to 6 on 4 PP chance. Time
expires and Evgeni Nabokov made 19 saves and gets the first Montreal based shut
out in team history, 4th shut out of the season and 350th career win. Isles finish game with a 30-19 edge in
shots, 2/3 on PP and 3/3 on PK.
Scott Mayfield had a break out game as a pro
tonight while Czuczman continues to impress.
Its great to see the young D improving with each game, especially in de
Haan's absence. Brock Nelson had
a great game as well with Strome and Persson.
Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas were everywhere tonight on both sides of
the ice and really made an impact in throwing the Canadiens off their game. New Jersey is next.
Isles Notes:
Per Arthur Staple, "Capuano: none of the injured guys will return this
season. "No need to rush anyone back. The standings won't change."
Sound Tigers Notes:
Ryan Strome has been
named to the 2013-14 AHL All-Rookie Team.
NHL Notes:
Per Eric Macramalla,
"NHL hit with second concussion lawsuit."
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