"Discipline & Little Things"

The Islanders went to Washington D.C. to face the Capitals in a pivotal game for playoff rivals.  Although the Isles won the two previous meetings of the season, the two pts won from this game were huge.  After falling behind 1-0, Kyle Okposo scored at the 15:00 mark of the third period to help his team force overtime.  The Isles played well and Nabokov was solid in net with a .955 Sv%.  Both teams had some solid chances in the extra period and the Isles had a 36-22 shots advantage in the game.  But who would have the answer in the shootout?  Neither Nielsen, Boyes or Tavares could get in past Holtby in the shootout.  Ovechkin was kept off the score sheet all night, but got one by Nabokov in the second round of the shootout.  Even though they lost the second point, the one they did get helped them move to 7th with a NJ LOSS.

 

 

 

Tonight, the Isles faced the new look Tampa Bay Lightning at the NVMC in their alternate black jerseys.  Eric Hornick reports that tonight's sellout is the first Isles-Lightning sell out since 1/26/2002.  Think things are getting good on the Island?

Forwards:  Grabner-Tavares-Boyes, Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo, Lee-Cizikas-Martin, Joensuu-Aucoin-McDonald.

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

The Isles started strong and kept fighting, even when it meant coming back to recapture momentum with each goal scored by Tampa Bay.  Michael Grabner, Josh Bailey (Okposo & Nielsen), Matt Martin (Lee & Streit) and Andrew MacDonald scored (empty net goal) to make it a 4-2, 2 pt victory for your New York Islanders.  The Isles out shot the Lightning 28-21.  Isles Goaltender, Evgeni Nabokov came up huge, going 19 of 21 with a .905 Sv%.  Nabokov, " It's the discipline & little things. We can't get ahead of ourselves. It's going to take a lot of work & we have a tough sked ahead."

 

The Officiating still sucks.  Now that I have that out of the way, some other big things came into focus tonight.  Michael Grabner looked empowered on 1st line with JT and Brad Boyes.  His speed is so lethal and opens up the ice for impact plays.  Grabner, " Grabner: I just tried to create room; we had a lot of chances. We did a good job out there & didn't give up too much defensively."  What else can you say about Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo?  I know they are fun to cheer for, but their revived game has been relentless and productive for the Isles on both sides of the ice.  Anthony Stabile wont let me leave out the great Frans Nielsen and his contributions in the team's revitalized game.  Jesse Joensuu was active tonight with 8 shots and played with jump in the absense of Moulson (Flu).  Matt Martin brings a complete game and his valued leadership is evident in each game.  What this all means is a crucial element for the Isles is working well.  They have scoring throughout the line up and this is key to taking the next stride towards respectability and culture change.

Special teams have really become a big component of the positive aspects that the team has given for much of the season.  Even the PK  was generating very nice offensive chances in the game tonight.  Thomas Hickey continues to improve with each game.  Andrew MacDonald has changed his luck as well.  Anders lee had an Assist tonight, but needs to improve defesively.  Lee was on the ice for both goals tonight (similar to Washington game).  The Isles played a much stronger checking game and implemented a stronger focus on defense from the forwards on back.  WIth the Rangers winning, the Isles are in the 8th position with 42 points. 

 

 

 

 

 

All these things prove the team is tight, believe in each other and have bought into the Isles plan.  And their black alternate jerseys.

 

Hearing the sell-out crowd explode like back in the day .... well, that is Priceless.

 

 

Isles Notes:

 

The Isles will face the Flyers at home Tuesday @ 7 pm, travel to the Bruins Thursday @ 7 pm and return home to play their arch rival, Rangers Saturday @ 7 pm.

Per Arthur Staple, "@MMoulson has his ironman streak end at 284 straight games, officially out with the flu."

"Isles are still talking with agent for Evgeni Nabokov about an extension, but nothing imminent."

Per Darren Dreger, Garth Snow says he has no intention of trading Mark Streit. $500,000 gap per year (3 yrs) in contract talks with his captain.

Sound Tigers Notes:

 

On 4/6:

 

Per BST, No-goal call on Sundstrom's equalizer proves to be the difference in the game. #BST fall 3-2 to the Whale, outshooting them 14-3 in the 3rd.

Scott Pellerin confirms D-man Andrey Pedan will make his pro debut tonight vs. Whale. Rick DiPietro starts in net.

On 4/5:

D Scott Mayfield has agreed to terms on a 3 year ELC, will report to BPT.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers recalled (RW) Max MacKay from the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.

On 4/4:

Rick DiPietro starts Franchise Game 1,000 (including playoffs).  Sound Tigers WIN! @SquatchDonovan w/ 4 pts (1g/3a), @Bnelson29 w/ 3 pts (2g/1a), @strome18 & @thelnino25 w/ 2 assists in 6-3 W vs. Worcester.

On 4/3:

Isles activate David Ullstrom off IR and send him to BPT.

 

Defenseman Andrey Pedan agrees to terms on an ELC w/ #Isles, joins Sound Tigers on an ATO.  He will wear #19.  

"We Want Playoffs!"

 

Anders Lee skated around wearing #27 for his new team.  The Islanders have wanted Lee in that jersey for quite some time.  After he elected to return to Notre Dame, some speculated he might not want to play on the Island.  Lee dismissed those rumors and said he wanted to play for the Islanders when he was ready. 

He is ready now.

Tonight, your New York Islanders faced the "3rd" place Winnipeg Jets at the NVMC.  Anders Lee opened the scoring in the first period for the Isles.  It was Lee's first NHL goal in his first NHL appearence.  Colin McDonald and Frans Nielsen scored in the second while Matt Moulson scored for the first time in 13 games in the third period.  John Tavares added an empty net goal to seal the 5-2 victory for New York.  The Isles outshot Winnipeg 39-25 while Kevin Poulin gets the first win for an Islanders goaltender not named "Nabokov" on the season.  Poulin went 22 of 24 with a .920 Sv%.  All this to a chorus of "We Want Playoffs," from the Isles faithful throught the old barn.

 

Yesterday, the Islanders closed out their road trip and faced their rival, New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.  Despite being outshot 25-21, Josh Bailey, Travis Hamonic and John Tavares scored to give the Isles a crucial 3-1 victory and 2 pts in the standings.  Matt Martin showed he can battle and still show class in a fight with Tom Kostopoulos. Evgeni Nabokov made 24 saves with a 17-11-3 record on the season.  The Islanders gained 6 of 8 possible points in the road trip.  Erick Hornick mentions, "The Isles have 23 points in their first 17 road games, which is their highest total in the Post-Cup era."  With a win by the Rangers vs. Winnipeg, the Isles gain no ground in the playoff race.

 

 

 

Per the NYI, "Tonight's Isles win ties Head Coach Jack Capuano for 3rd all-time in the franchise win list with 77."  (@Schultz88) He has passed Laviolette and only 4 wins away from the #2 spot.  What can I say, the team is playing better.  I still feel the head coach is benefitting from years of top picks maturing and Snows diligence to add quality personalities to the line up.  But whatever the reason, good for you Jack!

 

 In both games, the Isles started to improve in front of our eyes.  The consistency thing needs to come closer to center for my blood pressure to remain normal, but the corner looks as if its being turned with a brighter summer ahead despite how the team finishes this season.  The playoffs would rock, but the Organization can start showing off their rippened draft fruit now.  Dont you think that guys like Lee, Strome, Pedan and Mayfield would add to an already impressive pool of prospects of both new and current Isles by quite a large margin.  Kabanov, Nelson, Niederreiter, Persson, Sundstrom, Theoret, Donovan, Ness, Reinhart, deHaan, Nilsson (and possibly Kichton) should certainly get you fired up.  The Isles have quite a few players in the pool that are still solid, but lurking around a little more quietly.  Try Hamlo, Petrov, Pelech and Pokka in that mix.  Who knows what trades and aquisitions could be made between Wednesday and into the off season.  This summer will be an important platform to launch the Isles into a statement making 2013-14 season.

 

The Islanders are 18-16-3 after 37 games played with 39 points, with just 11 games remaining in this lock-out shortened season.

 

Isles are tied with NJ for the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference, but NJ has the tie breaker.  So that means the Isles hold the 8th spot to themselves for now.  The Idle Rangers fall to 9th.

 

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

F, Joe Finely placed on Injured Reserve.

Per Darren Dreger, " Mark Streit is unlikely to agree to extension with NYI.Isles may keep him for playoff race, but unless there's change, Streit will be a UFA.  With Streit negotiation stalled, expect teams to make a play for trade. Isles don't want to trade him. Could change overnight. "

Per Arthur Staple, "Strome, Lee only burn 1st year of ELC playing 6 NHL games.  Also, Lee's age requires 2-year ELC, not 3."

Per B.D. Gallof, "Scott Mayfield is currently deciding on if he will leave school or stay another year."

Per BUIslander, "Craziest stat from the Lee signing: when he makes his NHL debut, the #Isles entire 09 draft class will have played at least 1 NHL game."

 

@Schultz88 of IPB points out, " Theoret is another one the Isles will have to make a decision on soon."

@Theoret23, "Honoured to be OHL and CHL Player Of The Week. Thank you to everyone for all the support."

Anthony Stabile looks ahead for the Isles.

A Special Report by B.D. Gallof - How the NY Islanders and Nassau Failed.

The Islanders are away vs. the Capitals on Thursday @ 7 pm and Home vs. the Lightning on Saturday @ 7 pm.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

Sound Tigers WIN! #18 - @strome18 w/ 2 pts (1g/1a), @JDiamond39 scores GWG for first pro tally as #BST comeback to beat Sharks 4-2!  Ryan Strome: 1-1-2, +2 in pro debut, named first star. Bridgeport wins, 4-2.  Watch Strome's 1st AHL goal here.

Per Arthur Staple, "Isles prospect D Andrey Pedan has agreed to terms on an ELC, may report to BPT by Weds."

 

 

 

Finish Lines, Goals & Mis_teps

Yesterday, the Islanders travelled to Pittsburgh to face the streaking Penguins and newly acquired, Jerome Igilna.  In the game, after playing hard and keeping the game tight for 2+ periods, things changed even without Crosby or Kunitz on the ice. Kunitz was given a 5 minute major after hitting Josh Bailey from behind into the boards.  After the 16th minute mark of the second period, Chris Kunitz was given a game misconduct for checking Josh Bailey from behind in the Isles zone at the end of the second period.  Per Arthur Staple, "Pens coach Dan Bylsma called Kunitz's check from behind "a shoulder-to-shoulder battle that Chris won."  Kunitz was given a 5 minute major.  In the final two minutes, the Isles had a 5-on-3 advantage when Orpik was given two for tripping.  The Isles top rated road PP went 0-5 while the Penguins outworked New York in the third by building a 2-0 lead along with solid play by back up goaltender, Tomas Vokoun.

Sidney Crosby took a puck to the mouth in the opening minutes of the game.  Reports surfaced later that Crosby required oral surgery to correct the injury.  Crosby could lose considerable time off the ice while healing.  Isles fans remember the struggles of former Isles D, Jack Hilen's time away from the line up. 

“We had opportunities at the end of the second and in the third,” Islanders Head Coach Jack Capuano said. “Normally when you don’t capitalize on those opportunities, it’s going to come back to get you. That’s what happened today.”

It has become time to man up and evolve for the Islanders.  It seems tht every time the Isles are poised to take the next step after a success, they lose ground and help their opponents gain confidence. My blame still lays with head coach, Jack Capuano. Despite playing hard, when you get major PP chance & big 5 on 3 late in a scoreless game, you need to score.  What has happened to road PP game? And then there's Michael Grabner and his inability to find his scorers grove.  It kills me to help Pitt keep their winning streak going at 15 at the Isles expense and allow their 3rd consecutive team shutout. 


Hopefully the Isles can regroup again and beat New Jersey on Monday.

 

 

 

 

 

The New York Islanders signed Defensemen, Lubo Visnovsky to a 2-year contract extension worth $9.5 million.  Visnovsky first got the attention of Isles fans when he said he was unable to report to the Islanders after a draft day trade where they acquired his rights in a trade from Anaheim.  Per Bob McKenzie, "Lubomir Visnovsky has No Move Clause in new NYI contract altho if Isles are out of playoffs at 2nd yr trade deadline, can be moved then."

D, Mark Streit and G, Evgeni Nabokov have been reported as in negotiations for new deals with the Islanders as well.  It has been reported that the organization has interest in retaining the services of Brad Boyes in the short term as well.

Per Arthur Staple, " Niagara and @strome18 eliminated from OHL playoffs tonight. Would imagine Strome will be joining BPT in next few days."  An ATO contract will most likely be put in place for this season allowing the team to start Strome's ELC starting next season.

D, Andrey Pedan, D, Scott Mayfield and F, Anders Lee have also ended their seasons and may be sent to Bridgeport or the Island soon.  Pedan and Lee will need to be signed by June 1st to remain with the organization.

B.D. Gallof remarks, " Isles camp will be fierce competition for only 2 or 3 spots on D: Donovan, Reinhart, de Haan, Pedan, Mayfield and Hickey."  I completely agree.  Add current and injured Strait with prospects like Ness, Pokka, Pelech and possibly Kichton.  Who isnt psyched for that scenario to unfold?

 

 

 

On 3/28 After spotting the Flyers a two goal lead after the first period, the Isles regrouped and responded with some spirited play.  John Tavares scored his team leading 21st goal of season in the second period.  In the third period, Colin McDonald scored twice in the third for the first 2 goal game of his NHL career.  The Flyers tied the game late in the third with Bryzgalov pulled and the Isles called for a delay of game penaly to force O.T.  Evgeni Nabokov came up big in the shootout while Boyes and Bailey (GWG) scored for the Isles in the shootout to secure the win, 4-3.

McDonald said, "This was the biggest game of the year. We need as many pts as we can get. We have to keep this going into the weekend.  The guys battled hard out there. We have to give a lot of credit to Nabby for keeping us in these games."

The Islanders out-hit the Flyers behind Matt Martin (6) by a 31-13 tally.

 

 

Isles Notes:

The New York Islanders open voting for the Bob Nystrom Award, which is selected by the fans and presented to the Islander who best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication.  While the Islanders have several players worthy of attention, I would vote for Casey Cizikas, @zeeker11. 

Per TSN, "Tavares has scored 20+ goals in each of his 4 seasons in the NHL. Took 70 gms as a rookie and it's taken fewer games in each season since."

Per Isles, "@91Tavares tallied 20th goal of the ssn in his 33GP (3/26). That put him on what would be a 50-goal pace in an 82 game ssn."

The Tampa Bay Lightning announce Jon Cooper as their new head coach with Dan Lacroix and former Islander, Steve Thomas as his assistants.

Sound Tigers Notes:

On 3/30, the BST lose to ADK by a score of 4-1.  The Sound Tigers fall to 27-28-6-5.

On 3/28, the BST score 4 in the 1st only to allow a 3 goal comeback to SPR and losing by a 5-4 margin.

A Tough Week

In their four game homestand, the Islanders got 2 of a possible 8 points, but still remain 2 points out of eigth spot (Rangers) at 14-15-3 with 31 pts, behind Washington and Carolina.  The Isles fell to Ottawa 5-3, Montreal by a 5-2 score and Pittsburgh 4-2 on the last homestand.  These games had elements of strong efforts by the Isles in each with some horrible officiating, and bad breaks.  This being said, the team needs to put themselves in a position to overcome adversity whenever possible.  There were some lost leads, fragile confidence levels and 3rd period melt downs that have become so prevolent in the Isles game this season.  The commonality that I see is Coach Capuano's inability to stabilize his team and lead them into the future.  Unaddressed inconsistencies yield a losing culture.

 

The final game was a long standing 1-0 lead vs Florida that ended up being a 3-0 win with empty net goals from John Tavares and Casey Cizikas.  This was a tightly played contest against a struggling team.  Evgeni Nabokov was huge in net and the team kept it together.  It seems that efforts like this are maintained in spite of Coach Capuano and I almost cringe as the team fights on and limps behind the final playoff spot because it means Capuano's job would seemingly be safe.  I feel like he would remain the coach and be credited with keeping things afloat, where I give more credit to the maturation of the young and improving team in these comebacks instead of their head coach.

 

As an Isles fan, I want everyone in the organization to succeed, but cant stay quiet about my feelings on their shortcomings.  Whatever the answer, the Isles are still in the hunt with the final part of the season coming up. 

 

 

Isles Notes:

The Islanders have a four game road trip against Washington on Tuesday @ 7pm, Philadelphia on Thursday @ 7pm, Pittsburgh on Saturday @ 1pm and New Jersey on Monday @ 7pm.

Per @andystrickland, Told Isles have begun peliminary talks with D-man Lubo Visnovsky.

Anders Lee scores as Notre Dame captures CCHA title.  "For us to go out there and win the last CCHA Tournament is very special and something we'll always remember," said Lee.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

Did You Know: In his last seven starts, goaltender Rick DiPietro is 5-2-0 with a 2.12 GAA & a .922 SV%.

 

Anders Nilsson Skating With the Sound Tigers.      

 

 

Personal Message:

I have had a rough week as well.  My Mom fell and broke her hip on Saturday, 3/16 & my Fiance had spinal fusion surgery on 3/18.  While the love of my life was enduring a slow and painful recovery, I left her for hours at a time and I took my Dad back and forth to a Hospital in another state until Thursday when I went to Boston on buisness for the weekend. Then my Dad got into an accident alone while coming back from visiting Mom in the Hospital this past Saturday.  He was taken to our local Hospital.  I had to work out mistakes by said Hospitals and Physical Rehabs from my cell phone, and returned home around 5 am on Sunday.  Then, I had to visit both Parents in different states on Sunday and organize a plan for the upcoming week.  While I was trying to settle or maintain affairs for my Mom and Dad today, I learned that a close friend lost his battle with cancer.  I am destroyed.

I am not sure how focused I can be on hockey, but I will try and use it as a tether to my sanity with the help of my family and friends. 

 

Thanks again to everyone who visits KoC.

***********************************************************************************************************************************

A part of me died today with my friend Mike that will never return. I love you and miss you Brother.

Rest in Peace Michael Dennis.

May 18, 1982 - March 25, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issues facing my Family will not allow me to work on KoC for a few days.  I will get back to reporting on Our New York Islanders as soon as I am able to do so.

 

Thank you to everyone that comes to this blog each day to read my opinion.

 

Joe Bondi

C-I-Z-I-K-A-S! Isles Beat Florida

Tonight, your New York Islanders are in Florida to face the Florida Panthers.  The Panthers are last in the eastern conference with a 7-15-6 record and 20 pts on the season.  They have only scored 67 goals, and given up 105 goals for a differential of -38, worst in the NHL.  The Islanders have an opportunity to move ahead of the NYR with a win here tonight.  The Isles have been good on the road all season.  Their road power play is 11-for-35 (31.4%), ranked 1st in the NHL.  Its another HUGE game for New York.

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

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

Evgeni Nabokov will be in net with Kevin Poulin backing up.

 

In the first period, the Isles come out moving the puck well.  PK for the Isles at 2:15 mark.  Evgeni Nabokov with some strong saves in the PK.  Started poorly, but strong kill for the Isles.  Cizikas with a nice shot on net.  Thomas Hickey looking better and better on defense for the Islanders.  Aucoin with some nice efforts tonight as well.  Florida has matched the Isles intensity as the period progresses.  Bailey skates away from puck setting up his shot.  Boulton & Parros drop the gloves.  New York is fore checking well.  Frans Nielsen sets up Okposo with a nice feed from behind the net, 1-0 Isles!  Eric Hornick notes that its "career assist #124 for Nielsen, tying Benoit Hogue and Mikko Makela for 32nd place on all-time Isles list."  Streit (& Reasoner) finds Martinek who fires it by Clemmensen to make it 2-0 Isles.  Islanders played another strong road period.  Shots are even at 9-9.

The Isles score just :33 seconds into the second period.  Credit Boyes (Tavares) with a deflection off the defensemen's skate.  3-0 Isles.  Isles really moving the puck well and setting up plays while Panthers skate to keep up.  Bailey is really struggling to find his game.  He is fumbling pucks and constantly out of position.  Nabokov is still sharp  Isles answering Florida's pressure in the Isles zone by playing physical and strong back checking.  Casey Cizikas inserting himself into the shooting lanes and creating opportunities for himself and his line mates.  Florida has hit a pair of posts in the closing minutes of the period.  The Isles out shot the Panthers 6-5 in the period and 15-14 in the game so far.  Isles are 11-1-2 when scoring 3+ goals in a game.

In the third period, the Isles open with energy, but have gotten a little sloppy with Florida buzzing.  The Panthers get the puck deep and take several slaps at rebounds sitting right in the crease and get one by Nabokov.  The Isles lead is cut to 3-1.  Panthers come right back and score again just :34 seconds later.  The score is now 3-2.  Another rebound gives the Panthers another goal.  Three goals in just 1:43.  The game is tied at 3-3.  Another meltdown by the Isles, but there is still plenty of time to recover.  Which Islanders team will show up for the remainder of the game?  Isles regroup and aggressively fore check hard.  Credit Nabokov for regaining his composure.  Cizikas (McDonald & Aucoin) gets the go ahead goal, 4-3 Isles!  The energy level is high for both teams as they joust for control of the puck.  Panther net is empty at 1:29 remaining in the third.  K.O. misses the empty net.  Time expires and the Isles win, 4-3.  Florida out shoots the Isles 15-10 in the period and 30-25 in the game.  The Isles are 13-12-3 for 29 pts and move ahead of the Rangers and are one pt out of eighth spot.

 

The Isles appeared to be playing another strong road game and looked good for the most part on both sides of the play.  Several players played well, and the team came out were winning battles for 2 periods.  Things changed and quickly from the 5:00 min thru the 7:00 min mark of the third period.  With the score tied, Casey Cizikas scores to give the lead back to his Isles team at a crucial time.  Much like Bob Nystrom, Cizikas is developing into Mr. Clutch for the Isles.  He never quits, battles through adversity and always gives the Isles a chance when he is on the ice. 

 

 

Ruud van der Borgh of the Lets Go Islanders Facebook Group mentions @zeeker11 for the Bob Nystrom award. 

 

 

I agree.

 

Isles Notes:

 

Per Arthur Staple, David Ullstrom (lower body) went back to NY for evaluation, placed on IR (groin) out 3-4 weeks.

Jesse Joensuu, not a call up, will most likely replace Ullstrom.  Joensuu: Whenever I get my chance, I’m focused on being physical. I’m looking to create space for my linemates and get them the puck.

The New York Islanders sign Colin McDonald to 2-year extension. 600K/675K, both years one-way.

Per Arthur Staple, Isles soon to begin extension talks with Visnovsky, Nabokov. Both players told me that they are open to staying w/ team beyond this season.

Per Arthur Staple, also keeping an eye on NCAA hockey postseason -- hope to sign Anders Lee of ND and Scott Mayfield of Denver when their seasons end.  Also have heard that D Brenden Kichton, Isles 5th-round pick in 2011, has rejected contract offer and is likely to reenter draft in June.  Kichton currently 22-61-83 for Spokane, leads WHL Dmen in scoring. Feels he can go higher than 5th round this time.

 

Per Chris Botta, Isles will play one ex game in Sept at Barclays. Wasn't able to confirm whether they'll play a few 2013-14 season games there, too.

The Isles will have a four game homestand with OTT on Tuesday @ 7:00pm, MTL on Thursday @7:00pm, PIT on Friday @ 7:00pm anf FLA on Sunday @ 5:00pm.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

Tonight, the BST faced the Hershey Bears and @Reiter35 - Kenny Reiter stops 31 shots, but Bears spoil shutout bid as Sound Tigers lose 1-0 in O.T.
 

 

On 3/15 - Per BST, Neither team had a PP for 35 min. until that call on Jackson. Game-changing call. Final score, Monarchs steal a 3-2 win. SOG 31-26.

Isles Ground Lightning

Your New York Islanders are in Tampa tonight to face the Lightning.  Vinny Lacavalier has been placed on Injured Reserve, but that wont mean much with Stamkos and St. Louis ready to go.  Tampa is struggling and will be hungry, but the Isles must win tonight and on the weekend against Florida to stay in the race and they must handle the teams below them in the standings.

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

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

Evgeni Nabokov is in net backed up by Kevin Poulin.

Colin McDonald is day-to-day, sick.

The first period starts slow, but quickens with some offensive surges for New York.  Arthur Staple observes, Lightning matching Nate Thompson vs. Tavares.   Isles trying to match Nielsen's line & MacDonald-Hamonic vs. Stamkos."  Evgeni Nabokov with a series of big saves early.  Isles get some strong chances, but Tampa's D & goaltending is holding so far.  Isles getting shots, but the Lightning D play shots well with their sticks.  Visnovsky breaks in with speed and fires a nice wrist shot on net, but the save is made.  A focused Ullstrom making an impression in the period thus far with a strong offensive effort.  Isles getting physical, getting good pressure in offensive zone, making Lindback work in Tampa net.  Isles outshoot Lightning 13-6, playing a strong road game. 0-0.

In the second period, the Isles continue with some good offensive efforts.  The Isles continue to work and play physically.  A lone penalty is finally acknowledged on TB for knocking stick from Martin's hand.  John Tavares (Moulson) scores a PP goal with a nice tap in from the side of the net.  1-0 Isles.  It's his 17th goal on the season.  Nabokov preserves the lead off a nice save off Stamkos.  Isles will be on the PK.  Casey Cizikas is really developing his game.  Penalty is over and the period ends.  The Isles outshoot Lightning 9-6 in the period and 22-12 in the game.  Islanders are controlling the game thus far.  3rd period incoming.

Tampa Bay have come out strong to start the third period, generating sustained pressure deep in the Isles zone.  Nabokov comes up with more big saves, including a great toe save off a deflection by Stamkos.  Puck is cleared and Coach Capuano calls a time out.  Isles respond with some pressure of their own, Reasoner makes a nice move but can't finish.  Linback has been solid in net so far for TB.  Isles go back to the PK.  Awesome kill against an energetic PP for the Lightning.  Isles playing a good, selfless game thus far, an honest effort.  David Ullstrom appears hurt as he limps into the tunnel.  In the final minutes, TB is pressing hard.  TB calls a timeout with 1:18 remaining with Lindback going to the bench.  TB net is empty.  The Lightning get several point blank chances, Nabokov makes the saves.  Puck is cleared, Boyes pounces on a bouncing puck and scores the empty net goal.  The Islanders win, 2-0!  The Isles outshoot  Lightning 7-6 in the period and 29-18 in the game.  Evgeni Nabokov records his second shut out of the season with 18 saves.  He was a big reason for the "W" tonight. 

Butch Goring, " Anytime you keep Stamkos and St Louis off the score sheet you're doing something special.  Only 5th time all year they went scoreless."

Evgeni Nabokov, " It was a good performance by the whole team -- the forwards and defense. We did a good job on their big guys."

Tonight's effort was a nice change from the Pittsburgh game.  The Isles played a strong team game.  The were physical, checked hard and moved the puck to generate scoring chances.  The defensive effort was there against Stamkos and St. Louis, and Evgeni Nabokov played well, keeping his team in the game with a one goal lead.  The Isles climb to 12-12-3, and get a huge two points, but will remain three points out behind the Jets, and one point behind the Rangers.  Coaching was ok tonight.  The team really played well.

The Isles will face the Florida Panthers on Saturday.  Another must win for New York.

Will Jesse Joensuu be ready to play if David Ullstrom is hurt or will there be another call up from Bridgeport?  My guess is Nino Niederreiter (25 and 18 for 43 pts in 57 games and a -4 rating) or Brock Nelson (16 and 25 for 41 pts in 48 games and a +2 rating). 

Nabby's ready.  Bring it.

Isles Notes:

Per NYI, @MMoulson & @91Tavares have 2nd highest PP goals totals among NHL teammates w. 14(7ea); 2nd to Neal&Kunitz (PIT) w. 16.

More good news for Isles prospect Anders Lee, named a CCHA finalist for Player of the Year & Best Defensive Forward!

Ed Mangano Seeks RFP To Reinvent Nassau Coliseum.

Per Christian Arnold, (@mrkevinconnolly) Kevin Connolly's film on ex-Islanders owner John Spano to premiere at Tribeca Film Festival via @Newsday

Sound Tigers Notes:

Player News: The Sound Tigers have traded forward Jack Combs to the San Antonio Rampage for future considerations.

NHL Notes:

The NHL Board of Governors vote to approve re-alignment and new plan goes into effect starting next season.