Isles Own The Rubber

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.