The Islanders are really starting to own that little piece of rubber that gets slapped, kicked and flicked around the ice for sixty minutes. And, after a two game road split this weekend with Buffalo and New Jersey, the Islanders won the thrid game they played in four nights, outlasting the hungry Canadiens in a shootout. The win came with a ton of breaks, luckily , and rare, in the Islanders' favor. A wacky, misplay from a Canadien's struggling defensemen led to a crucial tying goal. The Islanders were being called for a penalty, and while there was a possession delay, Price had gone to the Montreal bench for a sixth skater,and an innocent feed, intended for another defensemen ended up in between the goal posts of their own net. In soccer, known as an own goal, as well in hockey, this actually does happen but usually occurs off a deflection or a misclear; where the goalie is unable to see or react quick enough. However, this situation was quite different, and quite more devastating becuase the Canadiens would have been up 3-2, with 4 minutes remaining and a power play chance. On the swing, the Islanders tie the game and kill the penalty, earning them at least an overtime berth and one point.
Although outplayed for most of the game, the Islanders hanged tough throughout the entire sixty minutes, an aspect they have drastically improved over their last games, and crept away with two more points. The Islanders gave Montreal lots of pressure in the final half of the third period, creating a few power play chances, where Hunter was able to shrink the lead to a one goal deficit. Then, with tough forechecking from the Islanders Doug Weight, who also had two more assists tonight, was able to force the own goal( Credited to Guerin, his sixth). Immense fore and back checking from a hustling Andy Hillbert and Richard Park also helped keep Montreal's lethal threat suppressed. And, as usual, without even having to state, Big Mac had another solid effort, especially two great stuffs during the shootout.
Next up, Pittsburgh. The Islanders lost a heartbreaker in the most bone chilling fashion two weeks ago to the Penguins via shootout. However, a more confident and resilient team we're seeing in the Islanders might be able to improve their record to .500 ( would be 10-10-2 with a win), and push them into the top 8 in the East. Key notes are to watch are Bailey, now playing with Hunter (assisted on his goal), Witt's progression and comfortability and the steam rolling Weight and Guerin who are showing the rest of the NHL that age isn't as important as knowledge and experience.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Split Decision
The Islanders were bi polar this weekend, having played horrific Friday night and terrific Saturday night. Their slight, split personality disorder may have been a result from an exhausting week where the Isles climbed up in the standings significantly, and more importantly, out of the quick sand for the league's worst record. After crucial hits and beatings from New jersey, the Islanders came out aggressive against Buffalo and were able to win their fourth in five games.
Literally, not just figuratively, the Isles were two different teams this weekend. They skated flat footed, heads down, sticks off the ice and half assedly for most of the New Jersey beating. However, they turned a 180 the next night, dominating the Sabres in all aspects of the sport. MacDonald, who looked out of rare form Friday night, allowing five goals, on Saturday, collected over 35 saves, again, and allowed 2 past him for his eighth win of the season. Hillbert and Bregenheim were almost invisible in New Jersey yet seemed to radiate in Buffalo. Basically, all this weekend proved was that the Islanders are in fact resilient, and just seemed a little gased from their triumphant week, prior. Tongiht, the Islanders finish their 3 game, 4 night road trip in Montreal, and let's hope that they have the taste of vengenance on their lips from their collapse during their first meeting. And another quick sidenote, Nielsen out, Witt in. The Isles defense should be at its strongest tonight whereas they must get some offensive sparks from unlikely heroes.
Literally, not just figuratively, the Isles were two different teams this weekend. They skated flat footed, heads down, sticks off the ice and half assedly for most of the New Jersey beating. However, they turned a 180 the next night, dominating the Sabres in all aspects of the sport. MacDonald, who looked out of rare form Friday night, allowing five goals, on Saturday, collected over 35 saves, again, and allowed 2 past him for his eighth win of the season. Hillbert and Bregenheim were almost invisible in New Jersey yet seemed to radiate in Buffalo. Basically, all this weekend proved was that the Islanders are in fact resilient, and just seemed a little gased from their triumphant week, prior. Tongiht, the Islanders finish their 3 game, 4 night road trip in Montreal, and let's hope that they have the taste of vengenance on their lips from their collapse during their first meeting. And another quick sidenote, Nielsen out, Witt in. The Isles defense should be at its strongest tonight whereas they must get some offensive sparks from unlikely heroes.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Hopefully, This Isn't Nap Time
With the Islanders having a few days rest before a big , 3 game 4 night road trip, let's hope for the best in that they are not sluggishly sitting around in hotel rooms. Yes, it's very important to stay relaxed and not feel so tense,especially since this is a very important weekend for the team, but it's also crucial they stay focused and in a light mood. This previous week, they've been proving themselves that they aren't just a young, inexperienced and talentless team, but a band of brothers that pick up each other up when things are looking dismal. Clutch goals from Hunter, solid penalty killing, as always from Park, big time stops from Big Mac and aggressive checking from Jackman and Sim are all examples. The islanders should be preparing for the weekend with the off time, with maybe some exercise and some sauna action, but definitely not with bags of doritos watching crummy movies at $5 a pop!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Vancou Who ?!?!
So the Islanders earned their first three game winning streak of the season, completing a spectacular show of 65 minutes with phenomenal poise into the shootout. The Islanders were knocking on former goalie Roberto Luongo's door for the entire evening, and came ever so close to finishing off the Canucks in the second and again in the third periods, however; Luongo continued to prove why he is the league's top netminder. For awhile there last night, it seemed as if both Lunogo and Big Mac had magnetic chips in their equipment, smothering rubber all night.
The Canucks got on the board early in the game, which could have easily rattled Big Mac. However, it had the complete adverse effect. Big Mac allowed only one past him, 49 seconds into the game, and that was the only puck that the Islanders net would see, even during the shootout, for Big Mac had denied all three Canucks' attempts. Big Mac's record is now above .500 for the season for the first time, and his overall stats and more importantly, his confidence, growing with each effort. Hunter's tying goal, his eighth of the season, has pushed him into the team lead. It also seems as if Hunter has turned out his jet pack as of late, picking up key goals and finishing crucial hits. The Coliseum was electric last night, a vibe that hasn't really been felt there all season.
The Islanders face a long road trip ahead of them this week, and if they are to keep climbing the walls, closer to the top of the East's totem, they must continue the effective, small play they have been exhibiting over the last 2 weeks. They are 5-2-2in their last nine games, and another win or two can very easily suppress the slow start they had in October. And as for Bailey and Okposo, they are gaining experience with every shift, and last night both had key scoring chances and I wouldn't be surprised if either or both break out of their shells on the road this week.
The Canucks got on the board early in the game, which could have easily rattled Big Mac. However, it had the complete adverse effect. Big Mac allowed only one past him, 49 seconds into the game, and that was the only puck that the Islanders net would see, even during the shootout, for Big Mac had denied all three Canucks' attempts. Big Mac's record is now above .500 for the season for the first time, and his overall stats and more importantly, his confidence, growing with each effort. Hunter's tying goal, his eighth of the season, has pushed him into the team lead. It also seems as if Hunter has turned out his jet pack as of late, picking up key goals and finishing crucial hits. The Coliseum was electric last night, a vibe that hasn't really been felt there all season.
The Islanders face a long road trip ahead of them this week, and if they are to keep climbing the walls, closer to the top of the East's totem, they must continue the effective, small play they have been exhibiting over the last 2 weeks. They are 5-2-2in their last nine games, and another win or two can very easily suppress the slow start they had in October. And as for Bailey and Okposo, they are gaining experience with every shift, and last night both had key scoring chances and I wouldn't be surprised if either or both break out of their shells on the road this week.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Rookie Face Off
It's been interesting watching once former, and now again current team mates Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey play together for the same team, and even on the same line. In both games versus Ottawa last week, Gordon had mixed up his power play units, sending out Okposo with Bailey, along with Weight, Hunter and Guerin. The two of them seem to have chemistry , but must be able to combine with the entire unit to form a strong enough compound so they can bury chances with the man advantage.
Also, the two could be seen playing together late in the third period during Saturday night's game, and generated a few scoring chances, one of which Okposo just missed beating Ottawa's goaltender. In my opinoin, both players are adjusting to Gordon's new system, and will need a few more games to really have the gameplan embedded. When you watch the next Isles game, try and pay attention to the line arrangements, although being switched and matched frequently, like a chess match with the opposition,you should be stunned to see both of their speeds and stick handling abilities. And perhaps Bailey's first NHL goal will come from an assist from buddy Kyle Okposo, and what a cool feat that could be!
Also, the two could be seen playing together late in the third period during Saturday night's game, and generated a few scoring chances, one of which Okposo just missed beating Ottawa's goaltender. In my opinoin, both players are adjusting to Gordon's new system, and will need a few more games to really have the gameplan embedded. When you watch the next Isles game, try and pay attention to the line arrangements, although being switched and matched frequently, like a chess match with the opposition,you should be stunned to see both of their speeds and stick handling abilities. And perhaps Bailey's first NHL goal will come from an assist from buddy Kyle Okposo, and what a cool feat that could be!
2 Big Macs and Some Chili !!
After the Islanders lost a tough, girrty battle tuesdsy afternoon against the Flyers 3-1, they bounced back faster than a handball on a court. With two straight victories over the Senators, the Isles picked up four much needed points in the Eastern Confernece.
It's starting to seem repetitive, most of the criticism and credance, but hey- that's the way things are unfolding 17 games in. The Islanders power play picked up three goals in the two meetings with the Senators, but the major dissapointment is how they failed to score, twice, with the 5 on 3 advantage. Very rarely are the Isles presented with a golden opportunity like that, and when so, they MUST cash the check. On the flip side, the penalty kill has been as strong as it has been, and Park and Sutton are eating up minutes while devouring the opposition. Joey Mac has also been proving that he is cpable of handling such dangerous threats, like Jeff Carter and richards from the Flyers, and the Triangle of Terror, Alfredsson, Spezza and Heatley. Overall, the Islanders managed both games very well, and are starting to exhibit the stamina and endurance that has been lacking for the full sixty minutes, earlier in the season.
With two straight victories over the Sens, Big Mac improved to 6-6-2 on the season, and lowered his GAA under 3 and his save percentage over 90. Also, he is showing some surprising talent, making a bid for the Calder Trophy thus far, something many expected from Okposo, who has played well as of late, but still needs to find his niche. And since the Islanders scored 3 goals in last night's victory, I received my free bowl of chili, as customary at every Isles game, if they score 3 or more goals in a game, Wendy's offers each fan with a valid ticket stub a free chili! So this week ended pretty great, two solid victories, stellar play from rookie sensation Joey Mac, and a warm bowl of chili!
It's starting to seem repetitive, most of the criticism and credance, but hey- that's the way things are unfolding 17 games in. The Islanders power play picked up three goals in the two meetings with the Senators, but the major dissapointment is how they failed to score, twice, with the 5 on 3 advantage. Very rarely are the Isles presented with a golden opportunity like that, and when so, they MUST cash the check. On the flip side, the penalty kill has been as strong as it has been, and Park and Sutton are eating up minutes while devouring the opposition. Joey Mac has also been proving that he is cpable of handling such dangerous threats, like Jeff Carter and richards from the Flyers, and the Triangle of Terror, Alfredsson, Spezza and Heatley. Overall, the Islanders managed both games very well, and are starting to exhibit the stamina and endurance that has been lacking for the full sixty minutes, earlier in the season.
With two straight victories over the Sens, Big Mac improved to 6-6-2 on the season, and lowered his GAA under 3 and his save percentage over 90. Also, he is showing some surprising talent, making a bid for the Calder Trophy thus far, something many expected from Okposo, who has played well as of late, but still needs to find his niche. And since the Islanders scored 3 goals in last night's victory, I received my free bowl of chili, as customary at every Isles game, if they score 3 or more goals in a game, Wendy's offers each fan with a valid ticket stub a free chili! So this week ended pretty great, two solid victories, stellar play from rookie sensation Joey Mac, and a warm bowl of chili!
Monday, November 10, 2008
2 MORE 2 GOAL LEADS, 2 MORE 1 GOAL LOSSES
It seemed as if Saturday night's devastating disastrous destruction versus Pitt was a projected reflection of an image from Thursday's loss in Atlanta. Again, as I've stated in every single bog, every other line on this web page as a fact, the Islanders are explosive in the first two periods, then trickle down to the ground as the 9 minute mark approaches! And you all know it! Big Mac, after his first shootout experience said, " We always just seem to sit back..." It's almost like the tortoise and the hair effect, where the Islanders are pressuring and effectively taking control of the race(game) and then seem all too comfortable and fight back, either in overtime, or after they have surrendered the go ahead goal and can't catch back up. "We haven't played a full sixty minutes since the St. Louis game", MacDonald stated. And he's absolutely right. The Islanders must be able to go the distance if they are eyeing April hockey, even this early in the season.
The icings, the lack of back check and inconsistent line changes might be a result from less than aggressive coaching discipline from Gordon, or just sloppy, lazy play from the Isles. Against Pittsburgh Saturday night, the Islanders did not generate a scoring chance, or even one single solitary shot on goal for nearly 17 minutes into the recurring, haunting third period. "At some point, someone has to grab the bull by its horns", was Gordon's motto during his press conference after the SO loss. It's evident in Gordon's eyes the frustration and disappointment that he, the players, the writers, and the fans are becoming all too familiar with. Although the Islanders should have snuck away with two points, I think most of us are glad they even pulled away with one!
Line mates Hunter and Nielsen have finally begun to click, and are becoming the Islanders most productive, and exciting pair New York has seen in some time. Each netted a goal in Thursday's loss, and were responsible for most of the chances in Saturday night's game too. Short handed, on power play, or even in overtime, these two are continuing to prove that they are the Islanders top two go to guys. Maybe the Islanders will feel refreshed for a 2p.m. start tomorrow, and might be able to cling onto a lead for a change. As for Gordon, his system seems to be working for most of the game, but he needs to spice it up a bit late in games, so the fans don't look as dreary and blue eyed as they have been all month.
The icings, the lack of back check and inconsistent line changes might be a result from less than aggressive coaching discipline from Gordon, or just sloppy, lazy play from the Isles. Against Pittsburgh Saturday night, the Islanders did not generate a scoring chance, or even one single solitary shot on goal for nearly 17 minutes into the recurring, haunting third period. "At some point, someone has to grab the bull by its horns", was Gordon's motto during his press conference after the SO loss. It's evident in Gordon's eyes the frustration and disappointment that he, the players, the writers, and the fans are becoming all too familiar with. Although the Islanders should have snuck away with two points, I think most of us are glad they even pulled away with one!
Line mates Hunter and Nielsen have finally begun to click, and are becoming the Islanders most productive, and exciting pair New York has seen in some time. Each netted a goal in Thursday's loss, and were responsible for most of the chances in Saturday night's game too. Short handed, on power play, or even in overtime, these two are continuing to prove that they are the Islanders top two go to guys. Maybe the Islanders will feel refreshed for a 2p.m. start tomorrow, and might be able to cling onto a lead for a change. As for Gordon, his system seems to be working for most of the game, but he needs to spice it up a bit late in games, so the fans don't look as dreary and blue eyed as they have been all month.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Two Straight Shorthanded, Two Straight Winning Hands
The Islanders fought fiercely for the entirity of a game this season for the first time Tuesday night against our rivals. The Isles proved that they can be a competing team and threatening force in the Eastern Conference with the value meal of a BIG MAC, clutch defense with offensive sauce, and a side of remarkable penalty killing. For the thousands in attendance at the Garden and the tens of thousands viewing at home, I think they were all shocked as how the Islanders have bounced back from Saturday's destruction.
My two M.V.P's for the season thus far both had exceptional games, once again. Richard Park, a clear cut example of a two way player and leader, paved the way for the Islanders with huge penalty killing, and his second goal, this one shorthanded, in as many games. Joey MacDonald, rookie replacement goalie, now has a .500 record and nearly recorded his first NHL shutout. MacDonald made a few outstanding stops late in the third to secure another victory for the Islanders. It's almost ironic how the Islanders have set a trend this season: Score goals early, and blow games late...and... score goals late, sneak away with two points. Perhaps this is suggesting that the Islanders are explosive in first periods ( 4 goals against Montereal, 5 against St. Louis) and tend to run on "E" as the game clock wears down. I think they are finally beginning to dance to the same rhythm from Gordon's drum and are learning to consume some energy for late in the game.
The Islanders face the Trashers Thursday night in Atlanta, and if they can keep their hard work up, they can head into the coliseum Saturday night with their first three game winning streak in months. The major keys in doing so; is for the Islanders to possibly take penalties, get Park,Thompson and Streit on the ice, and generate some more shorthanded opportunities. It seems to have been working, crazy as it sounds. Being shorthanded seems to be New York's vice this season. Plus, one of Campoli's goals came with a man down Monday night and both goals by Park and Thompson were on the penalty kill as well against the Rangers. If I were Scott Gordon, I'd probably prep up the team by saying something such as this, " Guys, let's not score in the first, let's take some penalties in the second and then turn on our nitrogen boosters in the third and steal two more points tonight." And if the Islanders are able to pull away a point or two against Atlanta Thursday night, their horrible start doesn't seem so awful anymore.
My two M.V.P's for the season thus far both had exceptional games, once again. Richard Park, a clear cut example of a two way player and leader, paved the way for the Islanders with huge penalty killing, and his second goal, this one shorthanded, in as many games. Joey MacDonald, rookie replacement goalie, now has a .500 record and nearly recorded his first NHL shutout. MacDonald made a few outstanding stops late in the third to secure another victory for the Islanders. It's almost ironic how the Islanders have set a trend this season: Score goals early, and blow games late...and... score goals late, sneak away with two points. Perhaps this is suggesting that the Islanders are explosive in first periods ( 4 goals against Montereal, 5 against St. Louis) and tend to run on "E" as the game clock wears down. I think they are finally beginning to dance to the same rhythm from Gordon's drum and are learning to consume some energy for late in the game.
The Islanders face the Trashers Thursday night in Atlanta, and if they can keep their hard work up, they can head into the coliseum Saturday night with their first three game winning streak in months. The major keys in doing so; is for the Islanders to possibly take penalties, get Park,Thompson and Streit on the ice, and generate some more shorthanded opportunities. It seems to have been working, crazy as it sounds. Being shorthanded seems to be New York's vice this season. Plus, one of Campoli's goals came with a man down Monday night and both goals by Park and Thompson were on the penalty kill as well against the Rangers. If I were Scott Gordon, I'd probably prep up the team by saying something such as this, " Guys, let's not score in the first, let's take some penalties in the second and then turn on our nitrogen boosters in the third and steal two more points tonight." And if the Islanders are able to pull away a point or two against Atlanta Thursday night, their horrible start doesn't seem so awful anymore.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Take Deep Breath, We Finally Got One !
So after the Islanders fell and toppled like a set of pathetic dominoes on Saturday night, the newly resilient team fought hard, and, for almost sixty minutes last night, crept away with two points. Winning rookie goalie Big Mac stated after the game, “We need to play sixty minutes; tonight we played fifty minutes... It's really disappointing." And he's right. The Islanders must play the full sixty minutes and not hesitate or back off for the remaining ten odd minutes, even if they re leading by three. The Islanders made an improvement from Saturday's collapse, but they need to play an entire hockey game, like the rest of the league's teams. The islanders’ seven points is not a direct reflection of how the team has played overall, but how the team crumbles late in games.
Again, the familiar follies occurring game in and out are the lazy penalties, the lack of back checking after a neutral zone turnover and icings. "It seems like every game we struggle with the penalties", coach Gordon stated after the game. Late in third periods this season, nearly every game the Islanders have taken poor penalties, giving their opponents enough chances to take the game back from them ( Carolina, Philadelphia, New York, Montreal, and now Columbus). The solution to this problem is quicker shifts, more line changing and more heads up play from veterans who need to set the tempo of the game, late in the third. This team has the potential to play deep into April but they must seal the lid on the Victory Jar in the third.
Unexpected, yet timely, clutch offense from Islanders' defensemen Chris Campoli, and forward Richard Park sparked the Islanders during Monday night’s win over Columbus. On park, Coach Gordon added, “On the penalty kill, he did a tremendous job, and the face-offs... this was his best game of the year." Not only did Park accredit for two of the goals, but it's his consistent, every day simple play hockey style that he contributes to help this team. Camploi, who scored shorthanded in the second and the winning goal in overtime, said, “Tonight was a great win. We're a team trying to find our identity." Well, just what is the islanders’ identity? They appear to be a fresh, young team that pounces early and passes out late. The Islanders face cross town rivals the New York rangers tonight and Campoli mentioned that the islanders need to go in there (Madison Square Garden) tonight and show them (Rangers) what they've really got.
During last night's second period intermission, around the time in the locker room where Gordon may or may not be giving his standard "Let's Blow the game now speech", i happened to ctach my third tee shirt of the season in the Blog Box courtesy of the Ice Girls. Here, I am pictured with three young Islanders fans, who in fact sat in the box for a brief moment with me and discussed hockey. One of the lucky guys got to keep my shirt as he answered three Islanders' trivia questions I had asked him.
If the Islanders can build from last night's victory and the momentum from the last two games hustle, they should prove to the Rangers that they are still a New York team that can beat them six times, like they did last season. Let's hope tonight that Okposo is still paired up with top line mates Guerin and Weight, and we see Park, Hunter and Comrie just as often because for the last few games, Gordon's offense has been clicking, producing back to back four goal efforts.
Again, the familiar follies occurring game in and out are the lazy penalties, the lack of back checking after a neutral zone turnover and icings. "It seems like every game we struggle with the penalties", coach Gordon stated after the game. Late in third periods this season, nearly every game the Islanders have taken poor penalties, giving their opponents enough chances to take the game back from them ( Carolina, Philadelphia, New York, Montreal, and now Columbus). The solution to this problem is quicker shifts, more line changing and more heads up play from veterans who need to set the tempo of the game, late in the third. This team has the potential to play deep into April but they must seal the lid on the Victory Jar in the third.
Unexpected, yet timely, clutch offense from Islanders' defensemen Chris Campoli, and forward Richard Park sparked the Islanders during Monday night’s win over Columbus. On park, Coach Gordon added, “On the penalty kill, he did a tremendous job, and the face-offs... this was his best game of the year." Not only did Park accredit for two of the goals, but it's his consistent, every day simple play hockey style that he contributes to help this team. Camploi, who scored shorthanded in the second and the winning goal in overtime, said, “Tonight was a great win. We're a team trying to find our identity." Well, just what is the islanders’ identity? They appear to be a fresh, young team that pounces early and passes out late. The Islanders face cross town rivals the New York rangers tonight and Campoli mentioned that the islanders need to go in there (Madison Square Garden) tonight and show them (Rangers) what they've really got.
During last night's second period intermission, around the time in the locker room where Gordon may or may not be giving his standard "Let's Blow the game now speech", i happened to ctach my third tee shirt of the season in the Blog Box courtesy of the Ice Girls. Here, I am pictured with three young Islanders fans, who in fact sat in the box for a brief moment with me and discussed hockey. One of the lucky guys got to keep my shirt as he answered three Islanders' trivia questions I had asked him.
If the Islanders can build from last night's victory and the momentum from the last two games hustle, they should prove to the Rangers that they are still a New York team that can beat them six times, like they did last season. Let's hope tonight that Okposo is still paired up with top line mates Guerin and Weight, and we see Park, Hunter and Comrie just as often because for the last few games, Gordon's offense has been clicking, producing back to back four goal efforts.
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