Islanders Win Streak Potpourri: Irrational exuberance with cause

by Dominik on Nov 3, 2009 1:20 PM EST in Blade Splinters Comment 12 comments

Islanders four-game win streak: Celebration, small-sample factoids, and links galore follow. (Also: If you have feedback on the site's visual refresh, reply in comments. Some of the tweaks are still being worked out, but any feedback helps.)

* As noted virtually everywhere, it was Brendan Witt's first two-goal game (thank you, Nikolai Khabibulin) and his first goal in 92 games, dating back to January 22, 2008. (Said Witt during the in-arena post-game, about the prospect of a hat trick: "I could[n't] care less." I do know this: Witt definitely wouldn't have had a two-goal game had he not regrown The Hair. [His hilarious interview is after the jump in this post; game highlights have been added to the recap]

* As WebBard pointed out last night and looked up this morning, the Islanders are 5-1-2 since Jeff Tambellini and Frans Nielsen returned to the lineup. I will accept all your Tambo love if you grant that Nielsen is the finest Dane that you ever did see.

* Last time the Isles won four in a row (Jan.-Feb. 2009), they beat a struggling Ducks team, plus the Thrashers (5-4, after nearly blowing a 4-0 lead), Panthers and Lightning, by a combined score of 13-7. During this streak, they've beaten the Rangers, Capitals, Sabres and Oilers by a combined score of 15-5.

* Want to get this party started? Eric at Forever1940 notes this is the fewest losses after 14 games since the 11-1-1-1 start of 2001-02, back when Chris Osgood was a strength and not a liability. Ready to turn it up to 11? "The Isles have made the playoffs in every season that they had four or fewer losses in the first 14 games." (loser-point caveat granted)

* Surreal quote of the night goes to Scott Gordon: "It feels good. We talked before the game about being able to handle success and how to handle it. We talked about what gives you success and not to stray from it." Yes, an Islanders coach just said that. Suck it, haters.

Post recap: Weight says it's a similar start to last year, but with a whole different attitude. (I liberally interpret that to mean: "No Mr. Duff sulking, Jon Sim knows his place, no DiPietro injury distraction, and no Chris Campoli wondering why Streit and Weight are on the powerplay points ahead of him.")
NY Sports Day recap: Witt and Weight on not straying from what's working.
Eric's deeper stat trick, noting five consecutive Islanders victories over the Oilers at our Coliseum.
Christine was so stunned to hear Witt score twice, she scared her recuperating dog. [OntheNYIslesScene] At my house, my wife took credit for the four-game win streak ("They responded to my tough love," she said). My dogs remain unmoved.
Botta's +/- included thoughts on Tavares from Pat Quinn, who does not share John Tortorella's belief that it's not his job as an NHL club employee to discuss NHL players.
Okposo Net in two words: Feeling good.
Oilers fan reactions at Copper & Blue: That was awful. Also: The loss may have cost them Horcoff. Ye gods.

7th Woman couldn't get near the star of the night in post-game, but the video is pretty funny -- and testy:

And finally: Newsday also had a game story. That'll be $5 please.

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Consistentcy

The way i look at it are forward lines seem to have been set, we r finnally seeing some production from all the lines as opposed to just the first. Everyone knows their roles and assignments weather your a PK killer or the finisher on th PP

The defence – The D has pretty much been the same dating make to last yr. Even though vets like Witt may of lost a step, guys like Sutton and Hillen have picked it up, it also seems Gerais and Martinek stay the same solid way as ussual sometimes giving up big plays but then again steping it up.

No major injuries – not like last yr where it seems there was a steady bridge to the farm back and fourth. Again theres a consistent roster and Gordons and the players are not scabling line combinations and trying to find chemistry.If u read in general there have been quite a few injuries throughout the NHL, not including health issues like the flu or H1N1.

We have a solid team in which different players are contributing on different nites. The scoring is not just coming from the first line its also coming form the defence chipping in let alone are goalies keeping us from getting in trouble or struggling through a first period (Buffalo game) wear we were outmatched but came back.

A big reason I feel is that theve found a winning formula ane everyone knows there jobs, their linemates habits and of cours a little extra hustle never hurt anyone

by steelermafia on Nov 3, 2009 4:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Given what we have on the team and in the system and depending on how players like Tambellini and Moulson do the rest of the season...

we are 1-2 legit top six forwards and 2-3 top four defenders away from completing the core needed for a championship calibre team.

by BCISLEMAN on Nov 3, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta agree, steeler. You pretty much nailed everything that’s going right and why.

I’m quite excited by this run. And I love that Trent Hunter’s looming return almost gives them a “good problem,” lineup-wise. My “worry,” such as it relates to this year’s standings, is that they’re still so thin, the wrong injury or flu or slump could easily set them back. But like you said, they haven’t had the injuries like last year, and that + Tavares + dramatic faceoff improvement + another year of development + goaltending has been the difference.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 3, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hunter

if he replaces Sim on the third line there’s no-way anyone can say he will ruin the chemistry, or do we sit him till this ride is over

by steelermafia on Nov 3, 2009 6:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

No way Hunts rides the bench for Sim

by BCISLEMAN on Nov 3, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed. I wouldn’t want it, but more importantly the Islanders wouldn’t want it either. Hunter’s spot seems perennially safe with this club.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 4, 2009 3:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what about Bergy

Mabye give him a Tamby wake-up, let him know if I’m not mistaken that this is a contract yr

Sim Nielson Hunter

by steelermafia on Nov 3, 2009 10:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The thing is, I don’t think Bergenheim is doing anything wrong. All his peripheral numbers indicate he’s been very strong 5-on-5 (in terms of the Isles scoring more than they let up when he’s out there). So he may never turn into a scorer — and he hasn’t exactly had prime linemates or prime (PP) minutes — but he’s still doing his job.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 4, 2009 2:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Who, What where and How

Of course being realistic with the return of Depietro, both are goalies playing hot coupled with the injuries around the NHL. What player or trade out there (including draft picks) could you see posible and that would enhance this teams outlook .

by steelermafia on Nov 3, 2009 10:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Really depends on which team needs one more (Detroit? Chicago? Some team whose starter goes down?). Nobody’s going to make a move this early, but if/when it does come up (I assume it will only IF DiPietro returns with sustained health), I’d expect a decent prospect or at least a 2nd-round pick.

At the other extreme, if DiPietro came back, stayed healthy, and the three-headed monster in goal became a team distraction before another team admits the need, then suddenly the Isles’ trading partners have more leverage.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 4, 2009 3:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i find it hard to believe a playoff (contending) team out west wouldn’t come looking for a veteran b/u and #1 capable goalie, on the cheap, for a 2nd rounder if he’s really playing well, or a 3rd if he’s just been ‘ok’ — but i think the isles may be ultra patient with DP…. meaning even after he proclaims he feels in shape and healthy, they give him the 2 week ‘nylander’ conditioning assignment, in order to buy time to make a move to open the roster spot for him…

lets say DP and trainers give the thumbs up Dec 1st, that means you can stall til the 15th, which is about 34-37 games in for most teams, and well enough into the season to get a clearer picture of the “Who’s Who of Hockey 2009-10 Edition”

We also need to see if being 100% healthy now = 100% as effective as say 2006-7
otherwise, he’s no longer a #1 option and this convo is all moot :-)

by bob l on Nov 4, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We also need to see if being 100% healthy now = 100% as effective as say 2006-7
otherwise, he’s no longer a #1 option and this convo is all moot :-)

Yeah, that is the key point about his return. I hope we don’t get stuck in an extended make-believe run because of the contract. A rehab stint in Bridgeport would be nice.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 4, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

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	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
New Jersey In Lou We Trust	58	36	20	2	74
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Nashville On the Forecheck	Tue 02/09	7:00 PM EST
@ Pittsburgh PensBurgh	Wed 02/10	7:30 PM EST
Tampa Bay Raw Charge	Sat 02/13	2:00 PM EST
Ottawa Silver Seven	Sun 02/14	5:00 PM EST
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Last 5 Games

Carolina Canes Country	Sat 02/06	L 1 - 3
@ Tampa Bay Raw Charge	Thu 02/04	L 2 - 5
@ Florida Litter Box Cats	Sun 01/31	L 0 - 2
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@ Carolina Canes Country	Thu 01/28	L 1 - 4

New York Islanders Roster

	#	Pos.	DOB	W	H
Josh Bailey	12	C	10/2/1989	188	6-1
Sean Bergenheim	20	LW	2/8/1984	205	5-10
Blake Comeau	57	RW	2/18/1986	207	6-1
Rick DiPietro	39	G	9/19/1981	210	6-1
Bruno Gervais	8	D	10/3/1984	205	6-1
Trent Hunter	7	RW	7/5/1980	210	6-3
Dustin Kohn	56	D	2/2/1987	200	6-2
Andrew MacDonald	47	D	9/7/1986	188	6-1
Freddy Meyer	44	D	1/4/1981	192	5-10
Matt Moulson	26	LW	11/1/1983	206	6-1
Frans Nielsen	51	C	4/24/1984	172	5-11
Kyle Okposo	21	RW	4/16/1988	200	6-1
Richard Park	10	RW	5/27/1976	190	5-11
Dwayne Roloson	30	G	10/12/1969	180	6-1
Rob Schremp	13	C	7/1/1986	200	5-11
Jon Sim	16	LW	9/29/1977	195	5-10
Mark Streit	2	D	12/11/1977	197	6-0
Andy Sutton	25	D	3/10/1975	245	6-6
Jeff Tambellini	15	LW	4/13/1984	186	5-11
John Tavares	91	C	9/20/1990	195	6-0
Doug Weight	93	C	1/21/1971	196	5-11

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