Canadiens 3, Islanders 2 (OT): Biron, Tambellini salvage a point
by Dominik on Oct 27, 2009 12:02 AM EDT
in Game Recaps
24 comments
That wasn't bad. It wasn't great, but it was much closer to the type of game I expected going into this season: Islanders were mildly outplayed, but good goaltending kept them in it, and they used some timely scoring to steal a share of the spoils in Montreal.
Coming off the previous bludgeoning in Montreal, plus the bounce-back OT loss versus the Capitals, this was a good sign. They played a hot speedy team in the Canadiens, and they drew some penalties and avoided running around chasing.
Game Summary | Event Summary | nhl.com Recap | Isles Recap
Again, there's no fun in losing. But once I get past the day-to-day disappointment and look at it in the context of what this roster is and what Rebuild, Year 2 is about, I can find the little bits of progress I'm looking for.
Starting with, believe it or not, the prodigal Jeff Tambellini.
That Tambellini power move to the net on the powerplay -- well, that might never happen again in his NHL career, we'll see. But if his career is ever to swing to the NHL to stay, we'll be seeing more of that. Follow it up with his second goal -- a pouncing, go-to-the-net-and-good-things-happen jaunt on another powerplay, and Tambellini may have just had his biggest night ever in the NHL.
Quick Hits
The negative: On that OT goal in question, Tomas Plekanec rushed past Tambellini, John Tavares, made a move around Mark Streit at the blueline, and brilliantly saucered a pass over a sprawling Bruno Gervais to enable Roman Hamrlik to convert the 2-on-1. He shouldn't have gotten that far, but that can happen 4-on-4 in the NHL. A magnificent play from start to finish.
And of course, they lost. But this one was consistent with the Baby Steps rebuild standard.
Back to the positive: Tambellini very nearly made it an epic night, as Josh Bailey set him up to rush over the blueline with a shot in OT. Not to be. But that they even got there by coming back late was another reason I'm not crestfallen by this one.
Or, as is easy to say for the guy who got two goals and boosted his argument for sticking around:
"We're taking only the positives out of this game," Tambellini said. "We found a way to come back twice in a really hostile environment."
The Little Performances: Andy Sutton continued his recent strong play. He was blocking shots, making hits that rattle, and making smart plays with the puck. Richard Park was vintage Richard Park: using his speed on the penalty kill and forecheck to be a general pain, and create the kind of marginal chances that nets him 10-plus goals a year.
Kyle Okposo: You can drive him into the boards after the whistle (no extra call to add to an existing Habs penalty), and smear his visor with his own blood, but that kid simply doesn't quit.
The Record: 1-4-5. The Islanders have now gone to overtime six times, more than anyone else this season. A sign of some blown leads and a growing team. But a sign of a team that has been in a lot of games. This team has so much to learn and so much more talent to accumulate, but for the most part they're not giving opponents easy games.
The shots were even, 31-31 -- which is in part due to the powerplay disparity (7 for the Isles, 2 for the Habs). But that penalty disparity was in part due to the Isles' work 5-on-5. (And part due to luck, it must be said, such as Mike Cammalleri's crucial delay of game mishap.)
The Number 1 Line: Ever since I started referring to them as point-per-gamers, they haven't been point-per-game. And the PP, of which they are the fulcrum, has struggled. I'm gonna lay off the hymn book for a little while.
Questions, Questions
Mark Striet, 29:55 TOI. Is he being leaned on too much? He was at the end of a long shift on the goal that made it 2-1. He got caught flat-footed at the blueline on the OT goal. With him as the clear #1, though, it's hard not to keep going back to that well. Speaking of which, Bruno Gervais had a nice game at Streit's side, almost tying the game with a shot off the post on the second-to-last PP.
Martin Biron: A game-changing performance. Did he do enough to earn a second consecutive start? If it were me, I'd say yes. In fact, you might argue it's more important to get him into fine form since he's the more attractive deadline acquisition for a team in need.
Jeff Tambellini: So ... how long of a look did he earn with this performance before his next healthy scratch. The Islanders powerplay has been slumping, and he just got two PP goals. It's worth tracking.
Radek Martinek and the others: Quite a bit better than the last Habs game! 22:22 TOI. He and Sutton were credited with 4 blocked shots each, Streit and Gervais with 3 each.
Whither Brendan Witt? Witt didn't see the ice for the last third of the 3rd period and not in OT. Injury? Strategic move?
0 recs |
24 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
lookin at the TOI
Ive been dissapointed with Witts play and i guess gordon has also he was under 10 min. Or was he hurt, regardless the guy is a good guy playing in the wrong system
by steelermafia on Oct 27, 2009 1:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The last year-plus has been painful to watch of Witt, a solid guy and old standby. Actually, when I noticed him tonight I was thinking he didn’t look out of place.
I’m not sure what happened late — if they mentioned an injury, I didn’t hear it, as I was focused on hoping for a tying goal and then on holding on ‘till the end. Didn’t see any injury note in the recaps, either.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Oct 27, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did I mention...
that I once exchanged emails with the Pred beat writer who said that the Preds, after giving up a huge prospect package including Varlemov, passed on signing Witter because they felt he had lost a step or two back then?
by BCISLEMAN on Oct 27, 2009 4:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
system of winning
Lets also face the fact that this isnt most talented teams, weather its due to the fact that our prospects just havent developed into full time NHL’ers or the fact that our NHLers on the team r past their prime. But BC just brought something to my attention, we can afford (wow believe it or not we havent been hit buy the injury bug like other teams, yet) to rest both the d and the forwards, Gordon should b lookin at the press box and rotating guys into the system thereforegiving guys like Witt a needed rest or to gain some composure, i DONT THINK IT WOULD HURT IF wITT WATched a few and gained a different perspective from th epress box
by steelermafia on Oct 27, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WOW no love f 4 Tamby today
I never thought I hear the word “power” in the same sentence with forward Jeff Tambellini
by steelermafia on Oct 27, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
part of the problem is....
that most of the vets know that they are not part of the team’s future.
by BCISLEMAN on Oct 27, 2009 10:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tamb/4th liners/Witt/OT
Couple of things:
Again, I agree with a ton of stuff here. Glad to see no more talk of coaching changes after a loss. This is exactly the performance Isles fans should be expecting. Close game, showing that with good goaltending this team can compete. I would keep up the rotation. Biron is not a long-term Islander. We want to see more of these games and then see Biron traded at the deadline (Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Anaheim) for more picks. Going to OT 6 times in 10 games, shows we can compete with the core of this roster (look at the positive, not the blown leads).
Was never a huge fan of Tambellini and even his goal the other night was more luck than skill. However, I agree, last night was a revelation. If he continues like that we have a 2nd liner and further reason to trade Bergenheim and shed Shremp.
The 4th line is horrible and if Gordon can be faulted for anything it is this. The second goal, while pointed out by the blogger was at the end of Streits long shift, was actually the end of a more than one minute 4th line shift. They just had zero ability to get the puck out of their own end. Even worse it was against the 3rd line of Montreal. Glen Metropolit and Travis Moen are far from offensive wizards and shouldn`t be hemming anyone in their own end. Especially not for a whole minute. You can point to Streit but, go back and watch Thompson and Jackman fail miserably on that shift. I don`t see what the point of those two players is. I am not a huge enforcer fan and if you need one, put him on the D. Detorit and Pittsburgh are the two most recent Cup winners and neither dresses a goon. Ottawa this year has Carkner on the point. Serviceable D man who can fight. I would way rather see one amazing D-man who gets 30 minutes (Striet) 4 regular D-man (20 minutes each) and one guy similar to Carkner who can fight and log 10 scare-free minutes. To me, Witt is like Jackman and Thompson. Replaceable. Not a long-term fix and someone who should be replaced. It is frustrating to me to watch these three guys on the ice. As fans we constantly discuss re-building and discuss the merits of Berg, Tamb, Shremp, etc. Why, why, why are one of these three sat for Sim, Thompson, Rechlisc, or Thompson every night? Shremp and Tambs development, even on a 4th line, is far more important than dressing Rechlisc or Thompson for 2-5 minutes a night.
End of rant.
by Moneybag on Oct 27, 2009 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t mean to imply Streit was at fault on that goal — as you rightly point out, that was the end of a long shift where the checking line got hemmed in. Just that it was a sign of Streit having to do a lot of heavy lifting. To be fair, there was another shift toward the end of regulation where Comeau, Bailey and Tambellini couldn’t get it out either and looked just as bad, in an even more critical moments.
With Thompson/Jackman though, I just don’t think you’re going to find an NHL coach who doesn’t want low-minute faceoff/physical specialists. It’d be nice if the Isles had more talented grinders, of course, but I think when they can’t even cobble together a consistent 2nd or 3rd line yet, the 4th line is going to look that way. That those two can fight without relying on a one-dimensional enforcer is, in my mind, just a bonus.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Oct 27, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright, who lit Tamby’s fire. Kate Hudson did it for A-Rod, who’s doing it for Tamby :)
by frankd1945 on Oct 27, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Francine Dunlop?
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Oct 27, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!
" Too Little, Too Late"!
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
by Fauxrumors on Oct 27, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Half empty or Half full?
1) So whats the mood in Islander land these days? Glass half full (competative almost every night) or half empty (on pace for under 60 points despite being reletively healthy)?
2) From reading Botta’s blog doesn’t look like the AHL has too many top prospects either. Sounds like its gonna be a (another) long season in Uniondale. Not easy being an isles fan we bet these days!
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
by Fauxrumors on Oct 27, 2009 12:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Depends who you talk to
I’ve seen panic in some quarters, but around here: for the most part, probably just realistic. Wasn’t expecting a huge jump this year and — regardless of what one thinks of the summer non-moves — this is still an evaluation period, so personally I’m looking for signs of progress in individual performances.
Competitive is nice, but we’re a bit limited in the finishing department, so it is what it is. Probably due for a goalie to steal a game or two.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Oct 27, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being Professional
Sure Witter Knows he’s not part of the future but there 3mill reasons why he should out there showing examples of how to prepare whtat to look for given his all. His experience and leadership is why he is there.
Witt and Weight I think even though r excellent role players r just to old and r leading with words and not actions. Streit maybe language or cultral bearers (and the fact he might b apart of this re-build) doesnt have it, but is leading with his production and ice time is certainly setting a good example.
The big picture – I’m fine with the way things r going as long as r youth is getting on the ice gaining all types of experience weathe PP, PK or the in OT. (and it seems that way w KO and JT logginh 20 min a nite)
My take on what’s going to Happen
- we have lots of money but cant fall into trap (CHI)
the trap is going out spending big money on FA and the OMG r own prospects develope and bam we owe Josh, than Kyle followed by JT 2nd contracts or the fact that we dont have roster spots and BRI is winning Calder cups. Anyways plan and simple including this yrs draft (top 5 pick)we r almost there.
we still have trades which we r going to get something worthy
Biron and rolly will fetch us something
Witt and Sutton – see above
Sim – who cares
Park – I think we should keep him (4th line Face-offs heart and soul thi guy)
Up-coming draft we do have 4 picks in top 100 to add to our current pipe-line of prospects
Sum it up – Money-we have lots of money to get maybe 1 or 2 importat pieces to puzzle, but remember out of the 17 mill we mite have we have our own to take care of and ensure a long stable core (like PIT not CHI) for yrs to come or this is all a waste of time
We have – our own FA – out of witt,sutt, sim, and weight we should get some porspects or improve our draft position
the most important – PATIENCE – this is all coming together we need the patience for our own who r currently up with club to develope, the prospects on the BRI or currently playin COLlege,and JR to deveolope. But most important 2 things is
A) trade deadline – Capitalizing on other teams and what their willing to pay, plus big plus r we willing to get rid of a Moulson or a Comeau (for ex) to get something rewarding
B) As BC and Dom have been pointing out capitalizing on other teams mistakes like CHI or Rangers (I really think we can steel staal next yr, but would seattle for a Buff , Skille or a Barker
wer lookin good gentleman we have r current guys, r developing guys, and future guys, we have roster spots and the money to pay for a core of guys who willstay together and hopefeully a state of the art facility (somewhere in N.Y) to accomadate. whew done
Sure
by steelermafia on Oct 27, 2009 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Even Sather would not be so goofy as to deal Staal
We may draft Fowler, we may pickup FAs like Volcenkov or Boynton, or we may leverage trades. Don’t think we are getting Staal. If Sather did trade him, it would NEVER be here.
by BCISLEMAN on Oct 27, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RFA
Bro the guy is a restricted fa if we offer him say 5.5 or even 6 it would either get him or put yuor enemy in a bad position for going out and spending money liken drunken sailors
by steelermafia on Oct 27, 2009 1:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You are assuming that the Rangers will let him become an RFA...they won't
I can just about guarantee you that they will lock him up in a long term deal before the deadline…maybe even before the end of the season. Give credit where due. Sather has consistently refused to deal Staal and will go above and beyond to keep him.
by BCISLEMAN on Oct 27, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good god I wouldn’t offer him anywhere near that, though. That’s the problem with RFAs: To get them, you have to really outbid. Even when a team is in a bad cap situation (Boston:Kessel), you have to outbid or else they’ll just match and sell him off for assets.
The Islanders cannot ever get in a money war with the Rangers, because they will lose.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Oct 27, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
won't be a thing because...
he will be locked up before he becomes available.
by BCISLEMAN on Oct 27, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
Just a pipe dream just thought we could someone from THUNDER BAY (my hometown) the Stanley cups been here visiting so often lately, oh well looks the only boy from the bay that has a chance is bringing in Sharp(CHI)
OT a Dom want still bet a sig that Sharp will score 40
by steelermafia on Oct 27, 2009 4:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wait … are we betting a cigar on whether Sharp scores 40 goals? If so, you’re on — I’ll take the under.
Theoretically speaking. I’m not sure if interstate or interborder wagering is allowed, so I’d never :cough: actually endorse it. :)
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Oct 27, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Featured Stories
Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pittsburgh
|
72 | 42 | 24 | 6 | 90 |
|
New Jersey
|
71 | 42 | 25 | 4 | 88 |
|
Philadelphia
|
72 | 37 | 30 | 5 | 79 |
|
New York Rangers
|
72 | 31 | 32 | 9 | 71 |
|
New York Islanders
|
72 | 29 | 33 | 10 | 68 |
(updated 3.21.2010 at 10:53 PM EDT)
Islanders Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
@
New York Rangers
|
Wed 03/24 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
Calgary
|
Thu 03/25 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
@
Columbus
|
Sat 03/27 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
New York Rangers
|
Tue 03/30 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
Philadelphia
|
Thu 04/01 | 7:00 PM EDT |
Last 5 Games
|
@
Los Angeles
|
Sat 03/20 | L 0 - 1 |
|
@
Anaheim
|
Fri 03/19 | OT - L 4 - 5 |
|
@
Vancouver
|
Tue 03/16 | W 5 - 2 |
|
Toronto
|
Sun 03/14 | W 4 - 1 |
|
New Jersey
|
Sat 03/13 | W 4 - 2 |
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
