Devils 4, Islanders 2: Tough posts, tough 3rd, tough night
by Dominik on Jan 24, 2010 3:35 AM EST
in Game Recaps
44 comments
Pretty crazy to hit three posts and outshoot the opposition 14-1 in the 2nd period and only emerge from it tied 2-2. That par result was thanks to the Devils' only 2nd-period shot bouncing past Rick DiPietro during the final minute of the period. Of course, follow that up by allowing the Devils to control things in the third (outshooting the Islanders 14-3), and that's what you get: A 4-2, tough-luck loss and missed opportunity.
Game Sum. | Event Sum. | Corsi | Recaps: nhl.com | Isles | ILWT
Sincere thanks to everyone in the game thread in my absence. I saw Garth Snow, Doug Weight (and even Neil Smith! Seriously?) were brought up, and I must say I don't quite follow that. The Islanders are building something here that takes years, something no single game changes. From what I saw on replay, it looked like a game that could have easily gone the other way. I'm not going to cry over a team that's gone 7-3 in its last 10 games.
As for Weight: Well, he's respected in the locker room, his return to the lineup has been a boost, and at no point in his career has he been a major goalscorer -- no reason to expect him to start tallying goals at age 39. (Of Weight's 1,017 NHL points, 275 are goals.) Oh, and the Isles are 7-3-1 since he returned to the lineup Dec. 31.
My focus turns to Sean Bergenheim -- thankfully he returned to the game. So ... automatic two-game suspension for Colin White, right? That's the standard established earlier this week by Colin Campbell's team? At least the Islanders got to work on that major powerplay, converting twice on slightly broken plays (John Tavares's muffed pass to Kyle Okposo converted, Jack Hillen's shot trickling over the line.)
Game Highlights
Not much more to add for this one since I'm recapping on the run. But I saw Chris Botta noted that the Isles got an extra 22 seconds on the 5-minute major because Jacques Lemaire didn't have White's replacement in the box. Really now ... really now ... twice in the same season for the Isles? Just bizarre. I must confess, sometimes long-established NHL coaches are just far smarter than I.
Bottom Line
The first period was tepid, and the third period was a blown chance to build off the success in the second. I mention the Islanders' hitting the iron, but the Devils won two periods of this contest. The Isles didn't apply their game for a full 60 minutes. Still, this one will go down as a missed opportunity -- hopefully, an early lesson for a team that's building something that goes well beyond this year.
Now the Islanders have an almost luxurious two days off in this Olympic year before the Capitals visit Tuesday in Andy Sutton's return.
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Gotta SAY it, Dom......
…..I’m as scared as anyone who posted last night that, as magical as Snow’s skills have appeared to be as GM, if this team doesn’t make the playoffs after all, will they have forfeited a good pick come June? Certainly most, if not all, of us don’t want them to merely ‘tank’ but how much damage will be done to the newly-gained hope and morale of these fans who were wary not even a month ago (and as we both know, not entirely without cause)? THAT, I suspect, is why such games are even more frustrating to those who’ve been away for a while – and even, to a lesser extent, those who have stuck it out through thick (headed; Milbury) and thin (walleted; Spano & The Gang Of Four)…..
by ogam5 on Jan 24, 2010 7:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Draft Skill
Winning is better for the development of this young team than this years draft position. We aren’t bad enough to finish in the bottom five lottery. Outside the top five picks, drafting 18 year olds is a crap shot, so the 14th pick can get you a better player than the 7th anyway, depending on the skill/luck of the SnowJank brain. There are 6+ teams wishing the picked Tyler Myers when the had the chance, (likely this years Caulder winner) who went 12th in 08. Seeing this young team winning this early in the rebuild shows the quality of the team Garth is building, far better then the number 8 pick. Go Isles!
IT’S STARTING TO LOOK LIKE 1975.
by since70too on Jan 24, 2010 8:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The reason I’m not worried is that its pretty obvious Okposo, Bailey, Tavares will keep getting better. The Drafts have also given us Harmonic, De Haan and the other promising Dman whose name I keep forgetting. Even if we have a bad draft next year, this is obviously a team on the rise which should continue getting better.
Plus not everything is about the Draft. Snow has already shown a talent in signing FA’s and using waivers. Streit, Moluson, Schremp weren’t the biggest names to sign or pick up, but they’ve definitely proven their worth.
"So basically, the Stats make no sense whatsoever."
by WebBard on Jan 24, 2010 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Draft
There comes a time in a team’s development where their ranking i the draft takes less precedent and I think this team getting to that point. The team has a solid core of players to build around; as stated above some key FA’s (Butch Goring/John Tonelli types) could bring this team closer to being a perennial contender.
Since it was Colin White I think even clueless Campbell will go with some consistency for once and give 2 games. Though I’m holding out for no games so I have something to laugh about.
by Nystrom on Jan 24, 2010 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tank meets bubble
I know it’s a lot of highs and lows — I suspect with the tight East and the NHL’s 3-point regime it will be like this well into the Olympic break — but I’m pretty appeased by the way things are going.
Granted, if you’re bottoming out then it’s nice to get one of those top 2-3 picks and get a franchise star who can help right away; the Isles had that last year, Carolina and/or Edmonton look to have that this year. But once you’ve moved beyond that to bubble land, well the team has to play to win and learn from its lumps and successes each night. As others have said, you can still luck out throughout the first round of the draft, and the Isles already have a stable of promising young could-be stars to build around.
I’m pleased they’ve stayed in the race this long, boosted in large part by the last 14 games. Chicago has an admirable team right now, but the nine years of misery they went through before getting it right is not the way to go.
Lighthouse Hockey: Under contract through 2021, knees and hips be damned.
by Dominik on Jan 24, 2010 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Psychology
I am fully aware I have no right to feel this way at this point but it is sooooooo frustrating knowing with a win we couldve been 6th but instead we are in 10th. It doesn’t matter much, but there has to be a psychological jolt to playing when you have a number next to your teams name and knowing you control your own destiny, hopefully we get that number back in short order, we seem to play the caps, and everyone by Philly, well these days.
Claude LaPointe didn't make as good a pun, sadly.
by LaChance at Glory on Jan 24, 2010 2:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Buying or selling
will depend on the next few weeks. If this team can get to 70 points by the break, it will be comfortably in position to contend. I would not go crazy with buying. A lesser pick or two on UFAs like Raffi Torres or Milan Jurcina. If the team has less than say 65 points, its time to sell and any UFA is fair game.
by BCISLEMAN on Jan 24, 2010 2:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
70 points at break????
The Isles would have to go 9 and 1 in that time to get to 70 points before the break. 65 points would be great at the break and still keep the Isles in a position to make the playoff. Even having 60 point at the break will probably keep the Isles within range. I don’t see anyone running away withthe 8th spot and 85 points could get you in at the end of the season.
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bergenheim
I actually got to watch last night’s game, the Rangers were on the NHL network and no Knick game meant I got to see a Devil-Islander game on MSG. It’s like all the moons of Jupiter have to align for me to actually see an Islander game where they are not playing the Rangers.
Anyway, I was very impressed with Bergenheim. Not afraid to go in the corners and muck, not afraid to go into traffic with the puck. Plays a very unselfish game but unfortunately his hard work went for not a lot of times because his line mates were either falling back or late to the party. Give him a good shooter with some balls to go in the middle and that line could do some damage.
by Nystrom on Jan 24, 2010 3:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Flyers lose in regulation to Pens
So all in all a good day for the Isles. Thanks Pittsburgh. Flyers one point up on Isles in standings with one game in hand. Every bit helps.
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 3:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Forgot Bruins had a game later
Go Canes
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Devils didn't play much better than the Isles in the 1st period
They were just throwing shots at DP early but I thought Isles had the better of chances. The goal scored was a result of KO not clearing the puck. DP played well just unlucky for the most part. Some members on this club have to pick up their game. How about letting Meyer go and keeping Kohn on the roster with Witt as a spare part? JT ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 3:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
JT
I think the Olypic break will be good for JT. He looks tired, the adjustment to the rigors of NHL life is tough on a 19 year old.
by since70too on Jan 24, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would suggest giving him a plane ticket home, and let him get away from hockey and enjoy time with his family.
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome Back Jets Fans
Nice season but well they are the Jets. The good news is you have a team on Long Island only one point out of a playoff spot and plenty of good seats available at NVMC the rest of the schedule.
By the way never have anyone make AFC Championship shirts available to the public before you play the game. Those shirts can be sent to a poor central african nation for good use. Please don’t mad at Eli for cheering on the Colts, after all family comes first. So don’t kick that dog and cheer on your playoff contending NY ISLANDERS!
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 5:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Pretty good game by the Jets. They controlled most of the first half, but the experience of Indy came through in the second half.
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 6:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Totally bonehead move by the Jets management. A jinx if there ever was one.
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 6:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bruins losing 3-0 to Canes in 2nd
Bruins broadcaster on NESN is doing the sky is falling skit. “The worst team is the league is running the Bruins out of the building” “Tampa Bay in 13th place is just two points behind” “Bruins were just in 5th place a few days ago”. “Bruins could be in 13th place the next time they take the ice of they don’t rally”. LOL
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 6:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Can't stand Edwards or Brickley
most annoying tandem in the NHL.
Edwards takes the cake for the most unlistenable.
by Chickendirt on Jan 24, 2010 6:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I spend a lot of time in Rhode Island and when I want to watch hockey, I’m stuck with NESN. Between those two and Milbury as their Butch Goring, it’s pretty abysmal. I’ve found myself turning the volume off and playing music on my iPod (Tip, this also works for any ESPN baseball breadcast).
To fight the horde, sing and cry: Valhalla I am coming!
by Hans und Franz on Jan 24, 2010 6:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Boston & Carolina
With Boston dropping like a rock in the standings and Carolina winning, Will these two teams switch places in the standings soon?
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 6:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Kind of hard to make up that much ground
Does make life easier for the Isles. I don’t even see the Bruins a threat anymore for the playoffs. Ottawa is back now that Alfredsson and Spezza are healthy. Philadelphia has been really good as of late. Montreal has unreal goaltending. Rangers look like they are ready to fall apart . Panthers are strong but I think missing Horton will hurt. Thashers are a question mark since a huge trade could happen any day now in Atlanta. Lightning are very good but defense and goaltending is a question mark.
Going to be a tough go for Isles to make the playoffs but at least they are in it and that’s more than we can say than last year.
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 6:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so uch for that BS one shift at a time’ line 5-0 Canes
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 6:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was just thinking of the movie Bull Durham, where “crash” Davis tells the rookie picture “I’m taking it one game at a time”
Thats was the NESN anouncer said just before the period started.
Then Carolina scoed, and its “lets see who we can trade” LOL
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 7:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“wave the white flag” Are they suggesting the Bruins “tank” the rest of the season?
Gotta love these guys cliche’s
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 7:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards makes me ill. He’s like employing a radio sports shockjock as your play-by-play man. So over the top it’s unlistenable.
Lighthouse Hockey: Under contract through 2021, knees and hips be damned.
by Dominik on Jan 24, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
HA HA! They are talking the draft
Too bad we don’t play the Bruins soon
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 7:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well they do have the Maple Leaf’s first rounder…
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 7:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and the Leafs might pass them soon
I assume they have their own pick as well. The Bruins still have cap issues. Drafting high priced unproven early 1st rounders who will get bonus money may not be so great for them.
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True. But the way the B’s are playing, they may not need it…
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On WEEI this weekend they were actually discussing whether the Bruins should trade the pick they got from Toronto for Kovalchuck. Seriously. I used to think that B’s fans were at least rational and knowledgeable (based on spending a lot of time in Rhode Island, attending Babby B’s games), and lately they are really making me reconsider my opinion.
To fight the horde, sing and cry: Valhalla I am coming!
by Hans und Franz on Jan 24, 2010 7:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I used to think that B’s fans were at least rational
My rule of thumb: Every fanbase has smart fans. No radio station has smart callers.
Lighthouse Hockey: Under contract through 2021, knees and hips be damned.
by Dominik on Jan 24, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless the Leafs continue to tank and the Oil finds some life, I suspect that the Canes will climb to #3 overall, the Bs Toronto pick will be #2, and the Oil will grab Hall at #1. Bs probably grab Fowler as they are already quite deep at C. Be interesting to see who they get with their own first rounder.
by BCISLEMAN on Jan 25, 2010 12:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They still do have their own 1st rounder, as well as their and Toronto’s 2nd. They might be getting quite the haul in this years draft.
To fight the horde, sing and cry: Valhalla I am coming!
by Hans und Franz on Jan 24, 2010 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s true but they are built to win now. If Boston has to spend cap money on bonus monye to top prospects who will take a few years to develop they will be maxed out with little ability to add depth.
by rickrays on Jan 24, 2010 10:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
depth is not a problem for the Bs
they are stacked. This draft is only going to add to it. The Boston Globe http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2010/01/24/keeping_toronto_pick_looks_like_the_big_deal/ states that Chiarelli is not likely to trade the picks. If he gets either Hall, Seguin, or Fowler and adds a mid first rounder along with an early second, that will only add to the depth—in addition to adding a prime core player. Their cap problem will be far more manageable adding a prospect bonus or two than adding a star player through the draft.
by BCISLEMAN on Jan 24, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the way the Leafs are playing
the Canes may pass them as well as the Oil (who they just passed today).
by BCISLEMAN on Jan 24, 2010 8:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Minny & New Orleans tied at 7
Lets Go Islanders!!!!
by Martys301 on Jan 24, 2010 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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Chicago
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Tue 03/02 | W 5 - 3 |
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Ottawa
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