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.

Unbe-Leaf-Able Loss

Tonight, your New York Islanders face the surging Toronto Maple Leafs led by Isles fan favorite, Dion Phaneuf.

Head Coach Jack Capuano: "We need to be better with our sticks & positioning on D, but offense also needs to get to the tough areas & take away goalie's space."  He adds, "We're looking for a spark. We need the energy that someone like Boulton brings to the lineup."

Boulton's play is the spark the Islanders were missing?  Really?

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

Defensive Pairings:  MacDonald-Hamonic, Hickey-Visnovsky, Finley-Streit. Nabokov between the pipes.

 

The Islanders start the first period with some good energy.  Josh Bailey makes it 1-0 Islanders on the 1st shot of the game from his knees off a nice feed from Kyle Okposo and Andy Mac Donald.  Per Arthur Staple, its the first time Isles score on first shot of game so far this season.  Bailey puts another off the post shortly after the goal.  Almost 2 for 2 there.  Kadri scores for the Maple Leafs with Andy Mac Donald out of position, tieing the game at 1-1.  Michael Grabner breaks in on net, gets pulled down.  Penalty shot awarded.  Grabner goes high, wide right.  Grabner is 0-2 in penalty shots this season, and the Isles, 0-3.  Per Eric Hornick, "Grabner 1/5 in career pen shots; Isles have failed on 17 of last 18 home penshots (Grabs had only gl-last April)." Game still tied, 1-1.  Toronto fans start a "Go-Leafs-Go," chant in a silent Colisieum of 9,222.  Isles fans answer back.  Toronto outshooting New York 9-6.

 

In the second period, the Isles get pressure in Toronto's zone, and John Tavares scores in the ensueing scrum.  The officals investigate and wave it off because it was tapped in above the crossbar.  Later, Casey Cizikas sets up Lubo Visnovsky (with Andy Mac Donald) for a lazer that beats Reimer, 2-1 Islanders.  It is Visnovsky's first goal as an Islander and first of the season.  Evgeni Nabokov keeps the Islanders in the lead with a few big saves following the go ahead goal.  The Maple leafs keep up the pressure and see Kadri and van Riemsdyk make it 3-2 Toronto in :90.  The Islanders need to be better on changes and defensive responisibilities.  They have kept Toronto in the game.  Reimer is unable to hold the puck on control any rebounds.  New York needs to elevate there physical game and scoop some garage into the net.  Kadri scores a Hatrick on a rush through a loose Isles defense.  4-2 Toronto.  Isles outshoot Maple Leafs 11-10 in period.  Toronto holds a 19-17 shots advantage in the game.

They third period starts with a Isles goal waived off because it hits the post and never actually went in to the net.  The Isles keep coming and this time, their efforts pay off.  Andy Mac Donald (Streit and Okposo) scores his first of the season with a blast from the right circle.  Score is now 4-3 Toronto.  The Isles need to be more physical and crowd the Maple Leafs net.  Time out, Toronto.  Officals have punched out in the game, penalty free thus far.  The Isles are getting a little more physical.  Kyle Okposo with a blast from a top the right circle midway through the period.  Awesome goal.  Hopefully, that will jump start Okposo's offensive punch.  He's 1 and 2 for 3 pts. tonight so far.  Game tied, 4-4.  Evgeni Nabokov, quietly contributing to the defensive stability when the team needs it, but he can only do so much.  Reimer loses puck behind net, Moulson mishandles and Toronto clears.  That was a huge scoring opportunity missed by Moulson.  Isles take time out with :45 to go in the period.  Nabokov with a big save and Isles press Toronto net, time expires.  Isles out shoot Leafs 9-8 in period, Toronto with the 27-26 advantage in the game.  No penalties called in regulation.

 

Overtime.

 

Michael Grabner hits a post seconds into O.T.  John Tavares with a split lip on the bench.  Defense watches as Phaneuf beats Okposo and shoots past a sprawling Nabokov (.852 Sv% tonight) for the score.  Maple Leafs win by a score of 5-4.  Isles get a point, but lose at home.  Again.

 

Secondary scoring was on point tonight with Bailey, Lubo and A Mac getting their first goals of the year.  If Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo come on, the offense becomes much harder to defend.  If Frans Nielsen can just join his linemates on the scoresheet, this is a good second line.  If Lubo, who has been a solid defensive and PP addition catches on offensively at even strenthg, threat level rises again.  The Isles continue to fight and the Cizikas' and Martins bring emotion to their game.

Goalposts and waived off goals add to the fans frustrations.  Despite the efforts of the Islanders, a couple of mistakes and a bad change results in 3 Toronto goals in 5:17.  This team is to fragile to be coached by Jack Capuano.  They are sloppy on changes,soft, defensively vacant, undisciplined and erratic.  Far to many defensive breakdowns and soft defensive play by the forwards on the back check.  Too little, too late.  Good effort, but not enough.  Blah, blah, blah .... 

 

The Islanders have the players to comptete now if they work hard and play aggressively.  A few more additions and call ups, and they get even better.  An experienced NHL Head Coach would be great.
 

Consistency is the key.  The Isles seem unable find the lock. 

 

 

Isles Notes:

 

Tonight's penalty free game was the first for New York since a game in 1980, when the Isles played the Hartford Whalers.

Brian Compton observes, "Isles have yet to win a game this season without scoring a minimum of 4 goals.

 

Per @mirtle, Frans Nielsen is 24-for-39 (61.5%) in shootout attempts - the highest percentage among players with at least 13 career attempts.

 

Per @NHLhistorygirl, "On February 29, 1984, Isles Pat LaFontaine and Patrick Flatley made their NHL debuts."

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

 

BST Player Transactions: Forward Max MacKay has been loaned to Wheeling (ECHL), forward Adam Huxley signs PTO.

Rick DiPietro: The Aftermath Of Being Waived

News12's Kevin Maher's interview with Rick DiPietro can be found here.

 

Kevin Maher:  DiPietro told me Isles waiving him felt like, "they ripped my heart out, stabbed it, set it on fire and flushed it down the toilet."  I asked DiPietro if he thinks he's still part of the Islanders future plans. He said, "I don't know."  DiPietro also admitted injuries, losing and fan hatred over the past 3 years made him think about killing himself at one point.

 

Garth Snow's official response to DP's comments, "We are aware of Rick’s comments today and the severity of them. We will handle them internally as we do with all player matters. This is an opportunity for Rick to play lots of games in Bridgeport.”

Kevin Maher, "While I appreciate the retweets I think it's awful to see what some Islanders fans are saying about DiPietro. Borderline disturbing stuff."

Rick DiPietro later stated that he was kidding about the suicide threats and that he has a dark sense of humour.  This sentament was mirrored by colleagues and reporters.  When I watched the interview, I saw depression and a real sense of frustration in Rick DiPietro, and rightfully so.  He has endured a lot and still struggled to compete.  He has my respect and I will always appreciate his heart.  He credits his wife as a stabilizing force in his life during all the challanges he was forced to endure.

 

However, to say he didn't see this waiver wire move coming after his play over the last couple of seasons, I say how did you not?  What is important now is doing the best he can in Bridgeport.  If he can somehow overcome his injuries, maybe he can come back with a team who believes he can still play.  

 

 

If that happens, where might that be?  We will see.

 

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

 

Per Arthur Staple, "In actual on-ice news, Rick DiPietro will start for BST tomorrow night in Hartford. Scheduled to play Sunday vs. Whale in BPT as well."