Dear Coach Capuano

Dear Coach Capuano,

My name is Joe and I am a fan of the New York Islanders from way back. 

During my time as a fan, Ive been both fortunate, and cursed. 

When I was much younger, I was fortunate enough to witness an Islanders Dynasty bulit by Bill Torrey, overseen and nurtured by Al Arbour.  I watched the likes of players like Billy Smith and Mike Bossy aspire to greatness and bring pride to the Isles crest.  I watched a group of young men become a team, and then become four time champions.

I have also endured the Mike Milbury era where I experienced losing, terrible trades and the fishermen jersey that helped Ranger fans develop another chant aside from "Potvin sucks."  During that period, the Isles had many players, some good and some not so good file through a decade or so of embarrassing hockey to the fans of Long Island's team.

But I digress.  My reason for writing to you today sir is to ask a favor.  I know you have worked hard to get where you are.  A successful college career at the University of Maine and some nice accomplishments in the AHL and IHL before being named head coach in the ECHL and later added GM responibilities until that organization folded.  After that, you signed on with the Islanders as an assistant coach under Scott Gordon.  After he was fired and the Isles finished well out of the playoffs, the organization thought enough of you to keep you on as an assistant, and later as head coach for their AHL affiliate, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, going 133-100-8-14.  In 2010, Garth Snow named you interim head coach of the New York Islanders.

Since you were named interim head coach in the 2010-11 season, the Islanders finished 26-29-10, and in the 2011-12 season, they finished 34-37-11.  The team failed to make the playoffs and finished near the bottom of the league in both seasons.  I am aware of the budgetary constraints that some say were on the team until a new arena could be secured on the horizon and that your GM, Garth Snow had difficulty attracting high level free agents.  It was a challenge to get the most out of a little and compete with a young, but skilled team.  Since the Isles are rebuilding, most fans gave you and the organization some leeway.

In this, the lock-out shortened (2012-) 2013 season, the Islanders are currently 11-12-3 with 25 points.  That ranks them 22 out of 30 teams, but also means they are 10th in the eastern conference, just 3 points out of eighth position.  Now looking back, that's a reasonable position for this young Isles team to be in after the halfway point of the season.  I think Garth Snow has done a pretty good job with assembling a roster of good picks, serviceable vets and decent waiver pick ups that have had some success in games this season.  There have been some huge wins, strong comebacks and individual milestones reached.  Please accept my thanks for what positive things you have been able to help the team accomplish and contribute as coach.

While the Isles are ranked 9th in goals for with 2.88 per game, they are 29th in goals against, with an abysmal 3.38 allowed per game.  Special teams are pretty good, with their PP unit ranked 7th at 23% and PK unit ranked 17th at 80.2%.  John Tavares is ranked 10th in the NHL with 29pts and Matt Moulson is ranked 13th with 27 pts in 26 games played.  However, of all the league leaders, Tavares and Moulson have the worst plus/minus rating at -8.  This is where I am going with my letter to you.

As the head coach, you are supposed to provide the leadership and are the man in charge when it comes to team preparation and execution.  Your New York Islanders are very inconsistent. As a matter of fact, they seem unable to find consistency in their overall game.  Its almost like they forget or lose focus on the task at hand during the game.  This is troubling because I think that with consistent direction, honest efforts, an efficiently working D and when more than just the top lines are contributing regularly, the Isles could make the 4th of 5th spot in the playoff picture instead of the 8th.  Unfortunately, I don't think this is possible with you as their head coach.

You have shown me an inability to modify a game plan as the game and/or score spirals out of control.  You have not been able to get a handle on your locker room.  Your superstar center, John Tavares has exploded in frustration as the team shows a constant inability to evolve.  This was most evident when he sat alone, on the bench after the game vs. the Hurricanes on February 11th.  I know that Mr. Snow has J.T. signed until 2017, but I would hate to see him frustrated to the poit that he asks for a trade.  He is our franchise player and a way for the team to return to respectability.

Turnovers and uninspired play or "passengers," as you call them are examples of bad traits that reveal themselves game in and game out.  What is even more disconcerting is when you admit in post game interviews that you "have no idea," what must be done to fix it.  Seriously?  How about you connect with your players.  Talk with your vets, get to know your prospects and take a general interest in the pulse and personality of your team.  There will be times you must motivate them and there will be other times you must settle them down and keep them focused on whats going on.  I think you have failed with each and every point I have made in this letter quite often in games this season. 

I think a change is needed to help the Islanders take their next step.  I think that "change" is an experienced and successful NHL level coach who has wisdom to enact all the things I have mentioned when they are needed.

That coach doesn't leave goaltenders in net who aren't getting team defensive support or might be off their game to be peppered and humilaited.  That coach doesn't take time outs at foolish points in a game or pull a goalie with too much time remaining.

My point in this letter isn't personal.  Its more of an overwhelming frustration that Islanders fans have endured for far too long.  When we watch the current team struggle to maintain their proficient play, we get angry.  When we watch them continuiously meltdown or fail on maintaining a necessary compete level, strong team defense, protection in their own zone, bring physical play, fore or back check, we see a pattern of complacenecy that leads to a losing culture. 

That is unacceptable to us.  Since you will most likely not be fired by Garth Snow, please consider what is good for the team, the fans and the organization.

The fans deserve the best chance available for the Isles to win.  If your best answer is that you have no idea how to correct what is wrong with this team, please stop leading it. 

Step down and help us go in a different direction.

Thanks,

Joe Bondi

Fan

Isles Notes:

Today's lines:  Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Joensuu-Aucoin-Ullstrom, Boulton-Reasoner-Cizikas.

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Hickey-Visnovsky, Martinek-Streit, Finley-Carkner.

Matt Martin & in McDonald are not on the ice for practice.

Jesse Joensuu and Matt Carkner are travelling with the team to Florida.

**

On Monday, March 11th, the New York Islanders "returned" F, David Ullstrom to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  In 19 games, Ullstrom has 2 and 3 for 5 pts and a -2 rating with 1 game winning goal.

On March 12th, Michael Grabner has a shoulder injury he suffered during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He has been placed on IR retroactive to March 10.

On March 12th, Jesse Joensuu was on the ice for Isles practice at Iceworks.

Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Joensuu-Reasoner-Aucoin, Martin-Cizikas-Boulton

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Hickey-Visnovsky, Martinek-Streit, Finley-Carkner.

David Ullstrom scores the game-winner for the BST on the power play!! Final score in OT, 3-2 Sound Tigers!


On March 13th, the New York Islanders recalled F, David Ullstrom.

 **

Per Neil Best, Islanders finished last season averaging 0.21 percent of new york area homes. This season they are averaging 0.47, up 124 percent.

Per Chris Peters, " Austin Czarnik, Anders Lee (NYI), Riley Barber (WSH), Jacob Trouba (WPG), Danny DeKeyser & Brady Hjelle named 1st team All-CCHA."

Per @coreypronman:  In OHL East Conf. coaches poll Isles Strome named best stick handler, best passer, smartest player & best shootout player.

Per New York Newsday, "Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano wants to turn Nassau Coliseum into a scaled-down arena with 8,000 to 12,000 seats for family shows, concerts and minor league sports."

Mangano released the plan Tuesday in a request for proposals to firms to redevelop and operate the Coliseum and is expected to unveil it formally during his State of the County address Wednesday night."

Bruce Ratner will bid on Nassau Coliseum per a Post article.  Based on our review of the arena and the marketplace, we believe that the [Coliseum] can be a viable entertainment venue" per Ratner.

Keep in mind if Ratner does win the bid for the Colisieum, it is possible that the Isles would probably be more able to break their lease and play in the Barclay's Center.

Sound Tigers Notes:

Sound Tigers...WIN!! David Ullstrom on the doorstep open net with the game-winner on the power play!! Final score in OT, 3-2 Sound Tigers!

Player News: The Sound Tigers & forward Chad Costello have signed a mutual release agreement, releasing Costello from his AHL contract.

Soulless

The Islanders travel to Pittsburgh to face Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.  The Penguins are 0-2 at home vs your New York Islanders since erecting that tasteful statue of Pilon and Norton outside the Consol Energy Center.  An Isles victory tonight will bring them closer to a playoff spot (tied, but behind NJ) if they can continue playing well enough to beat the second place team in the east who will take the ice without Evgeni Malkin in their line up.  A win would also lift the Islanders above the .500 mark and make a statement for the second half surge.

 

Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Grabner-Reasoner-Ullstrom, Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

Defensive pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Hickey-Visnovsky, Streit-Martinek. Finley is out.

Evgeni Nabokov is in net with Kevin Poulin backing up.

 

In the first period, Isles come out with some bounce.  Penguins getting more pressure in offensive zone of Isles.  Penguins Dupuis sets up in Isles crease, scrum ensues with Crosby punching a downed Nabokov, Officials award matching 2 minutes penalties.  NHL is all Crosby, all the time.  Pens score to take a 1-0 lead at around the 13:00 minute mark.  Nabokov wants that one back, wasn't set.  Isles need to get their game back on track.  Time to bring back some toughness and grit.  Isles take consecutive minors and give Pittsburgh a 5-3 PP opportunity.  2-0 Pittsburgh.  The Isles making mistakes and not be aided by laziness or officiating.  3-0 Pittsburgh.  Isles out shot 12-4 in the period.

 

The team is out of sync and unorganized.  They are being victimized by terrible officiating and the sloppy play the coaches spoke about at the start of yesterdays game.  It needs to be addressed again tonight.  Here is where your head coach takes control of his teams situation and refocuses them.  We shall see.  We should see Poulin to start the second.

 

Evgeni Nabokov is back in the Islanders net to start the second.  Truly amazing.  Capuano should write a book on optional coaching.  The Islanders seem to have forgotten how they played the last few games and have settled into a wait and see style of game play.  Moulson makes a nice play to Cizikas who sets up Boyes for a nice shot over Vokoun's shoulder cutting the Pens lead to 3-1 at about the twelve minute mark.  Seconds after, Michael Grabner puts the puck into a net off its moorings, no goal.  Penguins have lost some energy and the building is quiet.  Crosby beats Moulson to the puck and Boyes in late getting back, Kunitz gets a hat trick, 4-1 Penguins.  Neil scores immediately after play resumes just :16 seconds apart.  Nabokov remains in net.  The period mercifully ends with the teams even on shots in the second period, 5-5 and the Pens with a 17-9 advantage for the game.  Nabokov was less than stellar, but this disaster is not all on him by any stretch.

The Isles have not showed up tonight and another blow out is in the making that John Tavares and all the other "core" players have to swallow.  Explain how free agents will want any of this.  This team has talent and needs a real experienced NHL coach that knows how to win.  The deal with officiating aside, the team needs to bring the physical edge and fight their way back into the game.  Again, consistency in the recipe for success and we dont even seem to have a kitchen.  Poor coaching is destroying their consistency.

 

Kevin Poulin will start the third period.  Evgeni Nabokov gave up 5 goals on 17 shots with a .706Sv%.

 

Islanders finish off a PP chance to start the third period and generate some movement, but fall short.  Play continues with a slow pace, a little back and forth.  Another turnover leads to hanging Poulin out to dry and a 6-1 Penguins lead.  Per Eric Hornick, "Crosby 1st player to have 5 assists vs Isles since Scott Gomez on 3/30/03 for NJ."  The Islanders have had little physical play in the game.  Penguins win by the score of 6-1.  Kevin Poulin went 10 for 11 and a .909Sv% in the third.  The Isles were out shot by a 28-24 margin in the game.

 

Turnovers and uninspired play plagued the Islanders tonight.  Its a shame that each time they get to the precipice of progress, they falter or deconstruct and fall into disarray.  The team has no ability to find consistency with their roster.  I am big on adding a veteran goal scorer, veteran defensemen and a coach to find it, but I dont see that happening before the off season.  There is always a chance a team that finds themselves out of the playoffs wants to unload salary, but we will have to wait and see.  Damage is being done to the core by fostering this losing culture and I can only hope I am over reacting because I am an Isles fan first.  Truth is, it is only one game and they don't play again until Thursday.

 

My problem is that the Islanders manage to keep replaying this "one game" over and over again.  Then is becomes inconsistency, which becomes losing.  Again.

 

 

Isles Notes:

 

Michael Grabner makes his 200th career NHL start tonight.

 

Per Islander Mania, Today in 1980 - The Isles acquire @91Goring from the LA Kings for Bill Harris and Dave Lewis.  Butch was the missing piece to the Dynasty.

Unbreakable

After losing to their arch-rival in a closely fought battle, creative penalty non calls, JT getting angry again and an assistant coach suspended for his critique of league officials, your 10th place New York Islanders have to move on and win a game against the 12th place Washington Capitals.  Two points today will put the Isles 1 pt out of 8th spot at the start of play today.  If they keep playing the way they have been, they should be ok.

Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Grabner-Reasoner-Ullstrom, Martin-Cizikas-McDonald.

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Hickey-Visnovsky, Martinek-Streit.

Ullstrom in for Boulton, Visnovsky in for Finley.

In the first period, the Isles came out to the cheers of 14,819 fans with some jump and probably a bone or two to pick with the hockey world.  Their physical game has checked in and the 4th line is making some waves so far today.  Casey Cizikas making things happen with Martin & McDonald.  Josh Bailey takes a sweet feed from Frans Nielsen (& Streit), and puts it behind Grubauer for a 1-0 Isles lead.  John Tavares is knocked from his feet going to the Washington net, nothing called.  Crowd chants "the refs suck!"  A few minutes later, Islanders get a PP!  Call Guinness!  Nothing gained.  The period ends with the Isles out shooting the Caps 12-8.

In the second, Washington gets a lucky rebound off Hamonic's skate.  Game tied at 1-1.  Ovechkin turns it over, 2-1 results and Casey Cizikas (Martin & McDonald) scores.  2-1 Isles.  The Islanders continue with playing a good transitional game, jumping on give always and putting pressure on the Caps in their own zone.  Isles out shoot Caps 13-11 in the period and 25-19 in the game.  Assistant coach, Doug Weight has called this game, "an NHL slop fest" so far.  There has been a lot of giveaways, smash ups and loose pucks.  Isles D has been pretty good, but they need to tighten up more to control play.

The Islanders 4th line attacks with Cizikas coming close to another goal to start the third period.  K.O. with a nice feed to Bailey alone and in front, goes wide.  Game remains 2-1 Isles.  Islanders have let up a little defensively, not a good thing. And before I could finish typing the previous sentence, Washington scores to knot the game at 2-2.  The defense needs to wake up and continue playing the game that got them the lead, not a lazy, wait and react kind approach they seem to doing now.  Again, an issue of Isles consistency that gives away the lead - that's on the head coach.  A-Mac takes a puck off his heel and limps to bench.  Isles get a 4 minute minor PP opportunity.  A-Mac returns.  Isles continue to pressure the net and JT scores (Boyes and Visnovsky) to regain the lead, 3-2 Isles (99th NHL goal).  A-Mac takes a stick to the face, goes down hard, another 4 minute minor.  JT scores immediately, but play continues.  Was not called a goal on the ice but they will be sure to review this.  Play continues and Moulson scores in the second part of the 4 min minor.  4-2 Isles.  A replay shows JT scored on initial goal.  That's JT's 100th NHL goal.  No goal for Moulson.  The Capitals lack of discipline has taken them out of the game and Isles took advantage of the opportunity.

Play resumes with 7:15 remaining and Isles on a full 2:00 PP, take 2.  Penalty expires without "another" second goal on the PP.  Isles on the PK.  Nielsen and Grabner break in 2 on 1, Nielsen scores SHG!  5-2 Isles.  Isles back on PK.  Per Arthur Staple, "Matt Martin called for the world's slowest charging penalty in NHL history. Must be a new rulebook." 


The Islanders win 5-2 and add two points to their playoff push.  The Isles led in shots by a 19-5 in the third period and 45-24 for the game.  Evgeni Nabokov was big again today, especially late in the game with 22 saves and a .917 Sv%.  Do the Isles send Poulin back down to get some playing time to keep him sharp as Butch Goring and Howie Rose suggest?  Cizikas, Nielsen and Tavares are named three stars of the game. They are now 1 point behind the Rangers for the 8th spot in the east. 

Oh and they did it in the third jerseys.

We were also a witness to the lack of PP chances called for the Islanders all season long.  Although there were I think 5 called today, John Tavares continues to be mugged to the ignorance of NHL officials each and every contest, including today's game.  I would like to think its just me being pro Islander, but others have said as much to me as well.

The Isles are back to .500, 11-11-3 at 25 points.  They improve to 5-8-2 at home and have pulled the nose up in this 7 game home stand going 3-0-2 after losing the first two, getting 8 out of a possible 14 points.  In my opinion, this home stand was a big gut check for Garth Snow's Islanders and they responded to adversity by digging deep, win or lose and fighting for every inch.  They have character in so many guys with JT, MM, FN, CZ, MM, LV and EN just to name a few. 

The Islanders came out with energy and have been playing a physical game the last few outings.  Their defensive scheme has improved slightly and their forwards are doing more in the back end as well.  With better direction, consistent efforts, an efficiently working D and when more than just the top lines are contributing regularly, the Isles could make the 4th of 5th spot in the playoff picture instead of the 8th.  As I have said, the skill is here now to compete and with the forward and Defensive call ups coming, the team should be even better.

Pittsburgh tomorrow @ 7pm, Lightning on Thursday @ 7:30pm and Florida @ 7:30pm on Saturday.

Isles Notes:

Per Christian Arnold, "Team Staff" got a 10 minute game misconduct at 42 second mark of OT. As did Kyle Okposo."

Per NHL, "New York Islanders assistant coach Brent Thompson has been suspended for two games as a result of being assessed a Game Misconduct under Rule 39.5 for inappropriate and abusive comments he directed at the on-ice officials following NHL Game #341 against the New York Rangers on March 7, the National Hockey League announced today."

Per Arthur Staple, Nearly the whole (Isles) team let the refs know their feelings in the hallway off the ice.

"Thompson will miss the Islanders’ next two games – Mar. 9 vs. Washington and Mar. 10 at Pittsburgh. He is eligible to return Mar. 14 at Tampa Bay."

After Lubo Visnovsky missed the last two games for the Isles returning home to Slovakia attending to a family friends tragedy, he returned to the Island last night and was reported to have found his family a house here.  There is no word on if this means anything more than wanting to bring his family with him for the next month or so.

Isles forward @MMoulson plays his 300th career NHL game today.

Per New York Islanders, Thank you to all Isles and Rangers fans who came out to the game last night, helping us raise $104,097 for @MissingKids (NCMEC)!

Per NHLhistorygirl, On this date in 2006, LA Kingsacquired Mark Parrish and Brent Sopel from the Isles for Denis Grebeshkov and Jeff Tambellini.

Per Spokane Chiefs, Isles D prospect, Brenden Kichton recorded two assists in tonight's win and is now tied for second all-time in franchise history with Pat Falloon.

Per NYPost, Craig Stanley, of West Hempstead, was charged Sunday with forcible touching for bizarrely smacking the woman’s rear outside Nassau Coliseum as a way to “congratulate” her because it was her birthday.

Sound Tigers Notes:

3/8 - Sound Tigers WIN! @SBacks16 nets two goals late in 3rd period, DiPietro makes 25 saves as Bridgeport comes back to beat Albany 4-2!

Per Michael Fornabio, Chad Costello is released from his SPC.

This One Hurts

 

Game 24.  The half way point.

The 8th place Rangers and the10th place Islanders are on winning streaks and only separated in the standings by only 2 points.  Not that either team needs any extra motivation, but this is a big game for Long Island to come closer to playoff contention.  Michael Haley has been called up and is on the Rangers roster tonight.  Matt Martin looking forward to physical game against the Rangers: We'll be ready. Everyone follows through on their checks a bit more when we play them.

Consistency.

 

Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Grabner-Reasoner-McDonald, Martin-Cizikas-Boulton

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Hickey-Martinek, Finley-Streit.

Evgeni Nabokov gets the start in net with Kevin Poulin backing up.

In the first period, the typical energy is there for and Islanders vs. Rangers game.  On the ice, there has been a lot of dump ins and hitting with no real room to start shooting for either team.  John Tavares start the Isles buzzing as he generates some offensive pressure.  Michael Grabner (McDonald and Mac Donald) scores a 5 on 5 goal!  His 10th on the season making it 1-0 Isles.  Brian Compton makes an observation, "Grabner becomes the third player on the roster to reach double-digits in goals."  JT continues to set the tone for his Islanders against the Rangers best attempt to contain him.  The Isles D and check game has been good so far by both Forwards and Defensemen.  Evgeni Nabokov has been called upon and responds with some strong saves in the final few minutes of a penalty free period.  The Rangers outshot the Isles 13-12 and dominated the faceoff circle, 9-3. Isles are 7-1-0 when Michael Grabner scores.

The second period starts with Michael Grabner using his speed to generate a good, but unsuccessful scoring chance.  Bailey follows suit, good save Lundqvist.  Rangers are turning up their compete level here in the second.  Isles defense starting to fail creating odd man breaks.  Matt Moulson breaks in and goes high, right.  Isles continue to pressure, but not been able to score as of yet.  Islanders need to get better in the defensive zone.  Isles to the PK.  Martin with a sweet breakout, but no goal.  Nielsen and Grabner with another short handed breakout, no goal.  Domination with no more goals can be bad.  Isles big in that period, but aside from keeping Rangers on the defensive, there was nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.  Nabokov, another quiet saving performance thus far.  Rangers outshooting Isles 20-19.  Isles are 5-1-0 when leading after two periods.

 

The third period has traditionally not been kind to the Isles.  They will have to change that tonight to take another step forward against a good Rangers team.  This is a huge period for your New York Islanders.  How will they respond?

The Rangers turn up their game early and spend a lot of time in the defensive zone for the Isles.  Nabokov answers.  Isles generate a few chances and put shots on net, Lundqvist is equal to the task so far.  Good fore check and good transitional play by both teams.  Rangers buzz around Isles net, Nash with pressure.  Strong play by Nabokov.  Isles return the pressure.  This game has great flow and is a great example of an Isles vs. Rangers game that means something for both teams.  Nash avoids a tripping call with K.O. trying to break out.  Isles continue to pressure Lundqvist who bobbles puck.  I love the odd man rush, fast break moves the Isles have threatened all game long. Keep that going.  The puck has been in the Isles zone far to much in the third period.  Rangers are running around.  Isles take curious time out.  Rangers tie the game 1-1, off a deflection (Nash) with 5:23 to go in the third period.  Time expires tied at 1-1. The Rangers lead in shots 37-28 during regulation play.  Isles get a point, but so do the Rangers.

 

In O.T., Grabner takes a hooking penalty to hamper a shot on net only :30 in.  Rangers score soon after with the man advantage and win 2-1.  The Isles remain two points out of the 8th and final spot.

 

Positives include the Islanders starting the game with a strong physical pressence, solid defensive play, looked good 5 on 5 and had some nice offensive looks.  Travis Hamonic and Andy Mac Donald had a much better effort tonight.  Matt Martin gets better each game.  His tougness is always there, but he has good vision for developing plays.  John Tavares played offense, defense and everything in between.  Michael Grabner.  What can you say about his speed?  Its rediculous how gifted he is.  The 4th line made an impact again tonight, even with Boulton.  Evgeni Nabokov is a stabilizing force for the Isles.  He may be their strongest defensive asset and one of the most important guys on the team.

 

 

Nabokov: Toughest loss all year. Good game from both teams and I won't complain about the officiating. We had a game on our hands.

The Rangers got 3 PP chances where the Isles got none.  The lack of power plays awarded to the Islanders seems staggring.  It has frustrated John Tavares in a big way.  The Isles couldn't find a way to get another goal.  Credit Lundqvist for stealing that game.  The Isles dominated most of the game, but fell short.  55 minutes of domination with a 1-0 lead wont usually get it done.  Thats the bottom line.  I feel bad for the team because everyone played hard and showed how badly they wanted to win by the way they played tonight.

 

This one hurts.

 

 

They have Washington at home on Saturday @ 1pm.

 

 

Isles Notes:

The ceremonial puck-drop tonight was hosted by Author and Long Island native, Katie Beers who was a victim of abduction and abuse along with Crusader and children's advocate, John Walsh. $2 of every ticket sold for tonights game will be donated to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Isles owner, Charles Wang will match the proceeds.

NYR claim former Isles defensemen, Roman Hamrlik from the Washington Capitals waiver wire.

Per Arthur Staple, Micheal Haley on playing Isles tonight: "There'll be emotion for sure, but there's no ill feelings towards them. They gave me my break."

Per Islander Mania, Today in 1980 - Eric Godard was born in Vernon BC.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

Sound Tigers lose 3-2 in overtime at Manchester. Bridgeport is seven points out of playoff position with 20 games to play.

Sound Tigers forward Brett Gallant had successful surgery on his left shoulder today and will miss the remainder of the season.

 

NHL Notes:

 

Per Arthur Staple, NHLPA gives consent to realignment. Isles will be in 8-team division with NYR, NJ, PHI, PIT, CAR, WSH, CBJ starting next season.

Welcome Home Isles

Tonight is the rematch between your New York Islanders and the Montreal Canadiens.  The Isles are very alive in the playoff race and have put some good games together recently.  Tonight is another test at home against a good team on a winning streak.  Who will bring what is needed to win?

Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Grabner-Reasoner-Ullstrom, Martin-Cizikas-McDonald.

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Finley-Streit, Hickey-Martinek.

Evgeni Nabokov is in net with Kevin Polin backing up.

In the first period, the NVMC is mostly empty to start the game, with 9,498 fans in attendence.  The Isles went down 1-0 because the Canadiens controlled play for much of the period.  The Isles were not able to generate much at all in the way of offensive pressure.  Per Arthur Staple, "Casey Cizikas wakes up the Isles portion of the crowd by knocking Alex Galchenyuk fully into the Isles bench. Cleanly."

Will the second period be any different.  Matt Moulson (Streit and Nielsen) evens the game at 1-1 less than two minutes in.  Around the half way point of the period, Matt Martin (Boyes and Tavares) and Michael Grabner (Hickey and McDonald) score  about :40 seconds apart, bringing the Isles lead to 3-1.  Montreal scores late in the period to make the score 3-2.

Montreal scores early in the period to tie the game at 3-3.  Less than two minutes later, Radek Martinek (Okposo and Hickey) regains the lead for New York, 4-3.  Its Okposo's 100th career assist.  John Tavares scores (Boyes) to make it 5-3.  With time winding down, Colin McDonald scores the empty net goal to seal the deal.  Isles beat the Canadiens AT HOME 6-3.  Montreal ended up outshooting the Isles 32-24 in the game.  Credit Evgeni Nabokov for yet another stabilizing night in net going 29 for 32 and a .906 Sv%.

Matt Martin and the Isles amped up their physical pressence in the game and really took the play away from Montreal.  A necessary event for this team to win.  Their speed will not always be enough.  Rob McGowan sums it up, " Cizikas, Martin & McDonald have really emerged as a great fourth line for the Isles. All are physical and can contribute on the scoresheet."  At least we can give credit to Capuano for this.  D's, Finley and especially Hickey have both come on in their own way for New York.  Credit Garth Snow. 

I know there is a lot of work to do and the team needs to play consistently.  The teams goals against needs to be better (2nd worst in NHL) and that is an overall defensive improvement from the net, outward.  The stronger team play keeps coming in bunches and with smaller gaps in between, so at least give the guys on the team that.  Despite coming out flat and making some mistakes, the Isles turned this into a good game.  The Isles were able to come together and regroup from down a goal, and rebound to control play for a majority of the time remaining.  They stopped an 8-0-3 run by the Canadiens with the win at home tonight. 



Give it to much maligned signing, Radek Martinek for coming off the bench and delivering well defensively and adding a veteran experience for the Isles, including the winning score.  The Isles are now 2 pts out of a playoff spot with the Rangers winning tonight.  They will face those same Rangers at home on Thursday. 

Martin on the win: "It's huge. We wanted to make sure we came and played a good hockey game...we couldn't afford to drop another one.  "We responded well. Everyone played gritty, everyone played tough. Rangers game might be more physical but that's fun hockey."

Statement time.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, Visnovsky apparently headed back to Slovakia to attend to a family tragedy. Scheduled to be back by the weekend.  Visnovsky's personal issue is nothing to do with his son's health.

Per Roman Jedlicka, "Lubo Visnovsky is in Slovakia for "personal"reasons, not "family" reasons. his good friend's 13yr old son passed away in helicopter."

Per NHLhistorygirl, On this date in 1985, Isles Mike Bossy became the first NHL player to score 50 goals in eight consecutive seasons.

On this date in 2007, Rick DiPietro sets a career-high and Isles franchise record by making 56 saves in a game.

Homesick: Finding A Way To Win

This afternoon your 13th place, 8-11-2 New York Islanders face the 5th place, 2-7-3 Ottawa Senators.  The Islanders need this game to stop their home slide and climb back into the race for 8th spot, to which they are 5 pts out at the start of todays game.  Ottawa is still without Spezza, Karlson and Anderson.  The Isles will need to put shots on the third Sens goaltender, Robin Lehner.

Forwards:  Moulson-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Grabner-Reasoner-Ullstrom, Martin-Cizikas-McDonald. Aucoin warmed up as well.

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Hickey-Visnovsky, Finley-Streit.

Evgeni Nabokov gets the start with Kevin Poulin backing up.

* Tavares will play today (Flu) and Ullstrom is in for Boulton.

 

In the first period, the Islanders start with good speed and putting shots on the Ottawa goal.  After the 7 minute mark, the Isles hard work creates fast break and Brad Boyes scores (Moulson and Striet) to give the Isles an early, and key 1-0 lead.  They are 5-2-2 when scoring first.  New York is outworking the Sens so far in the game.  Matt Martin teasing Neil by not dropping the gloves, and continuing to play physically with 8 hits in the first.  As a team, they had 18 hits.  They need this element in their game to win.  New York out shot Ottawa, 11-6.

Islanders pick up in the second where they left off in the first.  Some good pressure on the Ottawa goal and a good fore check.  The second line continues to work, but cant seem to finish consistently.  Cizikas and his linemates continue to make themselves known, to the dismay of opponents.  Ottawa reverses the pressure.  MacDonald makes a terrible play in Isles own zone, creates a turnover near the net and Ottawa scores.  Game tied at 1-1.  This happens way too much.  Hamonic and MacDonald NEED to recover from this kind of thing.  He put it right on Zibanejad's stick.  The game opens up and both teams get their chances.  Ottawa hits a post and Isles get several shots on net at the end of the second.  Lehner is keeping Sens in it.  Isles have a 23-16 edge in shots.  Arthur Staple, "Isles will now have been tied or led in the 3rd period in 17 of their 22 games. 8-6-2 thus far."

 

Matt Martin is up to 10 hits in the game (14 would be a new NHL record) as the third period begins.  Evgeni Nabokov remains a stabilizing force in the Isles net thus far as the Senators try and take advantage of what the Isles have allowed them to do.  The Isles have 1 shot on net this period with less than 7:00 remaining.  Michael Grabner makes it 2-1 Islanders with 3 minutes remaining.  After a late penalty on a contraversial tripping call by Kyle Okposo, Ottawa ties the game at 2-2.  We are going to over time.  Ottawa out shot New York 10-7 in the period.  The Isles led 30-27 in regulation play.  Nabokov made 25 saves with a .926 Sv%.  The Islanders will pick up at least a point.  Matt Martin finished the game with 11 hits, thus falling short of the NHL record.

In O.T., the Isles have a few good rushes that come up empty, including a nice shot earmarked for top right, Lehner with a big save.  Hickey and J.T with pressure, Lehner answers.  Streit with a nice shot from Boyes, misses the net.  Streit with two good shots in final 4 seconds, Sens blocking shots.  The Islanders look good in O.T., but fail to score.  Isles outshot Sens 7-4 in O.T. period.

We are going to a Shootout.

Frans Nielsen scores!  (24/39 -62% in shoot outs.)

Ottawa is denied by Nabokov.

Brad Boyes misses.

Ottawa is denied by Nabokov.

John Tavares scores with a sweet move to win it in the shoot out.

 

 

Islanders win 3-2.

 

 

 MaryBeth's Bitstrips comic of us at the end of the game.

 

Some positives today were the home losing streak is over.  That Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo are making their presence known, while Michael Grabner got a goal.  David Ullstrom continues to make me wonder how Capuano scratches him for Eric Boulton.  Given half a chance, he may be able to make a regular impact on the Islanders offensive game.  The fourth line brings energy on a regular basis and win some face offs.  John Tavares scores in the shootout to win it for the Isles in grand style with a right to left, freezes Lehner and tucks it into the far side.  Evgeni Nabokov quietly remains a solid positive for the Islanders and their team stability.

 

Consistency.

The Islanders really need to focus on playing a quick and physical game.  They need to finish and score more goals.  When they are able to dominate, they need to put away their opponent and keep up the pace until the end of the game.  That's why they give away games in the third period.  They need to control the remainder of their games after getting the lead and close these games out.  If you keep the pace and fight through the opposition, you have a much better chance of getting the win.  If you lack discipline and play an inconsistent game, you have a problem.  Factor "bad" penalties into that, and you will lose a lot of  NHL games, especially in the third period.  They need a total team effort, home or away, each and every night.  The Islanders cant always expect their super stars to win the game for them, especially when they are sick with the Flu. 

 

Isles Notes:

Per Chris Botta, in today's Newsday piece, sources: Nassau owes Isles $ and haven't met lease requirements for years. I expect this to go to court.  There is also speculation that the Isles will use this situation to get out of their lease with SMG and Nassau County early.

The Islanders have the Montreal Canadiens @ 7:00pm on Tuesday, the New York Rangers @ 7:00pm on Thursday and close their homestand against the Washington Capitals on Saturday @ 1:00pm.  On Sunday, they go to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins at 7:00pm.  I will be away this weekend and catch up early next week on the Caps and Pengwhine games.

Per Islander Mania, Today in 1992 - Mike Bossy's number 22 is retired.

Today in 1998 - Trevor Linden was named Isles captain.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

On 3/3 - Kenny Reiter and the BST met the Connecticut Whale.  BST fall to Whale 3-2 in O.T.  They are seven points back with 21 games to go.

On 3/2 - Sound Tigers win.  Nelson w/ the highlight-reel GWG, Combs w/ 3 pts (1g/2a), Rick DiPietro w/ 22 saves in a 4-3 win over the Phantoms.  DiPietro on winning: "Amazing. Can't even begin to describe it."

On 3/1 - The BST fell, 7- 3 to the connecticut Whale.  It was the third time Bridgeport has allowed seven, 15th time five or more.  Reiter replaced DiPietro for the 2nd period after DP allowed 5 goals on 12 shots.

 

NHL Notes:

 

Per Nick Kypreos, Hearing NHL, NHLPA will soon announce an agreement in principle on realignment. Players appear comfortable enough moving forward.