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Ducks 5, Islanders 4 (OT): A late-night stabbing.

File this under "another third-period collapse" or file this under "that's hockey." However you spin it, giving up the tying goal with 32 seconds left, then the OT winner just 42 seconds later, that feels like a firm knifing.

Game Sum. | Event Sum. | Corsi | Recaps: nhl.com | Isles



As in Vancouver, the Islanders entered the third period with a 4-2 lead, but this time it didn't hold. Though the Ducks' third goal came on the powerplay and the equalizer didn't come until the final minute, the third period was filled with plenty of shots and close calls for the Ducks. The 14-2 third-period shot tally might be overselling it, but not by much. The Ducks spent the period loading traffic in front of Martin Biron -- who made several sight-unseen saves -- and Scott Niedermayer alone set up several should-be tap-ins.

Yet the Isles almost survived. Almost. Jason Blake saw one powerplay shot bounce in off him -- garnering a fist pump, of course -- and brilliant deadline acquisition Lubomir Visnovsky tied it with his second blast of the night through traffic, this time with the Ducks net empty. A Bruno Gervais turnover early in OT sent Saku Koivu in for a breakaway on which he beat Biron stick side.

Star-divide

Game Video


This and That

  • On the bright side, Kyle Okposo not only returned to the lineup, he potted two goals. One came after his move led him to the outside and around the net, where he banked a lucky bounce off Jonas Hiller. The second came on a powerplay squibbler through Hiller's legs, which got Hiller pulled.
  • Also on the bright side, John Tavares scored again, shoveling in a backhand on the powerplay after a pass into traffic from Frans Nielsen.
  • Nielsen got some time on the point on the powerplay, where he was able to display his finesse side with some nice passing. I could see that again. He also continued his excellent defensive work -- before the tying goal, he made a great fake and clear that I thought might have been the final momentum-killer the Isles needed. Ah, but so much can happen in 15 seconds of hockey.
  • Martin Biron was on for most of the game. He was hard done by with this loss. He wasn't afforded the courtesy of seeing many of the Ducks goals. His robbery on Corey Perry's redirect was my favorite.
  • Richard Park returned to Southern California and scored in front of his parents. It's really nice to see Park in his more typical form of late. Free agency awaits.
  • I'm glad Teemu Selanne didn't get his 600th goal against the Islanders, but it was cool to see the Finnish Flash still has wheels and hands.
  • By blowing the lead, the Isles gave back-up Curtis McElhinney the win in relief on 14 shots.
  • Ice Time: Mark Streit got over 27 minutes, Dustin Kohn got under 8. Dylan Reese got 16:52.

The point for earning a regulation draw ties the Isles with Tampa Bay and keeps them one point ahead of Florida and two ahead of Carolina, though each of those teams has at least one game in hand.

Next up: We do it again Saturday, this time at the other [corporate something or other] center in SoCal. The Kings should pose a more serious challenge, which is good news for the tankers.

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Shakes Fist!

Dam you Third Period!

Oh well, a point is better then a loss.

We Chased Hiller? Another Olympic Starter bites the dust!

I believe in 15-0-0, Lets do these Playoffs!

by WebBard on Mar 20, 2010 3:06 AM EDT reply actions  

For those Following the Dream...

Of a Playoff Birth

From Sports Clubs Stats

Playoff odds down 0.4 to 1.2% after Last Nights Loss
11-0-0 and 10-0-1 still put us in the 90% chance of making the playoffs

Worst we can do and still make it?
6-3-2 (0.2%) 7-4-0 (0.4%) 5-2-4 (0.1%)

And just for the hell of it, these teams winning in regulation help us
Flyers, Sabres, Canadiens, Capitals and Penguins

I believe in 15-0-0, Lets do these Playoffs!

by WebBard on Mar 20, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions  

Hey Bridgeport is winning six in a row, so … IT CAN HAPPEN!

/drinks

Lighthouse Hockey: What's wrong with lotteries? I've been in lots of lotteries.

by Dominik on Mar 20, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

They’re winning six in a row but dropped out of the 8th spot… I’m so confused.

We're doomed. Doomed!

by David Hanssen on Mar 20, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Someone is gaming the system, dag dern it…

Lighthouse Hockey: What's wrong with lotteries? I've been in lots of lotteries.

by Dominik on Mar 20, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

At the very least

It should be re-assuring that BP is winning without any defensemen. Or That shows we have two insanely talented Goalies in BP. Cause I can assure you one thing, BP’s offense isn’t lighting the world on fire.

Or it might be. I’m saying this without checking.

Come on Isles! 11-0-0 or 10-0-1 I'm not picky! Playoffs!

by WebBard on Mar 20, 2010 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Another 3rd period let down.

It comes with a young team i guess, they play real well for 40 minutes and then the wheels seem to come off. I wonder how much better the team would be right now if it wasn’t for the third period let downs.

by Zenfoeracer on Mar 20, 2010 3:07 AM EDT reply actions  

This game would have been a lot more of a letdown if that final goal was 15 seconds earlier (the end of the 3rd.)

The Isles are 3-0-2 in their last 5, even with the onslaught of injuries and the most inexperienced, smallest defense I have ever seen the NY Islanders ice. And they are getting big contributions from the kids who we all want to see develop. Sure Id like to see them win, but- Im just not all that upset is all. The losses that upset ME were the 7 losses in a row that flushed any realistic hopes for a post season.

Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)

by TheMetalChick on Mar 20, 2010 3:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Koivu scored the game-winner on a breakaway in OT

Surely Koivu’s move was the triple-deke.

by HugoAgogo on Mar 20, 2010 4:09 AM EDT reply actions  

No Flying V?

I believe in 15-0-0, Lets do these Playoffs!

by WebBard on Mar 20, 2010 4:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

Breakaway Flying V? I think not…

by HugoAgogo on Mar 20, 2010 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Unsung Heroes

Sure, the result was disappointing, but there were definitely more positives than negatives.
Besides the pros you mentioned, I thought Comeau had an OUTSTANDING game. The top six of this team is starting to solidify. It’s getting harder to think of a free agent top six forward that I’d want to see push guys that are starting to blossom off their ice time. But I guess I’ll cross that bridge when it SNOWS.
Another Islander highlight reel last night was Freddy Meyer. The guy has turned in some of his best performances since Sutton was traded. They are going to need some help on the back line… Kohn getting less than 10 minutes in a game where they were being pummeled in their own zone is a testamony to their wafer thin D. They have a lot of 5-6 defensemen playing good hockey, but it’s clear where they need to spend the most money in July.

Jesus would probably turn the other cheek too… but in a league where everybody walks on water I bet you couldn’t get a third rounder for the lord at the deadline.

by JPinVA on Mar 20, 2010 9:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Kohn & Co.

Kohn must have been hurt or something. I’m not a big fan of his, although he’s been solid. But this first period was the first time I’ve really been impressed. I’d be hugely surprised if Gordon benched him for no health-related reason after 20 very good minutes in the first night of a back-to-back weekend.

Meyer definitely played very well. Comeau, hmm, he was ok, the best player of his line, but I didn’t like Tambellini-Tavares-Comeau all night. Corsi doesn’t lie here, they indeed were stuck in their own zone quite often.

And Bailey has been very quiet. I anyway didn’t fully agree with those who thought he had played very well from the first match at center again. To me, he seemed to play with less confidence back then already. However, he’s been more and more quiet lately indeed. And he’s been brutal at face-offs. Obviously, he could get more confident again quickly or just improve generally at center, but for now, I’d be happy with Tavares, Schremp and Nielsen at center going forward.

by BenHasna on Mar 20, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions  

JT v JT

I agree about the line. I tried to key on Comeau because he’s been playing well… and I really thought he did a lot of good things on both sides of the ice. JT Express played a good game… so.. maybe the Tambellini bus riders will get the picture eventually. Probably 5 LWs going into next year if they keep Bergy and allow Bailey to be where he’s most comfortable… and Tambellini isn’t one of them. (Bailey, Moulson, Bergy, Joensuu, Martin)

Jesus would probably turn the other cheek too… but in a league where everybody walks on water I bet you couldn’t get a third rounder for the lord at the deadline.

by JPinVA on Mar 20, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

I anyway didn’t fully agree with those who thought he had played very well from the first match at center again. To me, he seemed to play with less confidence back then already.

I agree he’s gotten quieter. I liked him in the first game or so back at center, but now…

I can’t help wondering if this emerges from the center crowd with Tavares and Nielsen. JT gets JT ice time, and Frans gets important defensive assignments, so sometimes Bailey gets scraps or has trouble getting in a groove? I don’t know; haven’t felt like I’ve seen enough or paid attention enough to form a theory.

Lighthouse Hockey: What's wrong with lotteries? I've been in lots of lotteries.

by Dominik on Mar 20, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Double Play Balls

It may be hard to digest for those who only know the Islanders as Ricky’s team… But isn’t it a bit suspicious that they play a little better when he’s out of the picture? I’m sure there is no correlation between the two, but it appears that everybody is coming together nicely with a two goalie rotation that doesn’t involve any 15 year contracts.
I sure do hope it’s not true, because if he doesn’t retire we have12 years left of trying to figure out THE DP SITUATION.

Jesus would probably turn the other cheek too… but in a league where everybody walks on water I bet you couldn’t get a third rounder for the lord at the deadline.

by JPinVA on Mar 20, 2010 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Streaky Team

Is Streaky. Nothing to do with DP

I believe in 15-0-0, Lets do these Playoffs!

by WebBard on Mar 20, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Gordon... Torts Jr?

I just saw my first Gordon-Carlin bought. I’ve heard they were pretty entertaining… but that was downright amateurish (sp?). I’m going to have to find more highlights…

Jesus would probably turn the other cheek too… but in a league where everybody walks on water I bet you couldn’t get a third rounder for the lord at the deadline.

by JPinVA on Mar 20, 2010 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

I need to see these

Almost never get to. I noticed the players don’t butt heads with Carlin, so…

Lighthouse Hockey: What's wrong with lotteries? I've been in lots of lotteries.

by Dominik on Mar 20, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Corsi

I still don’t know what Corsi is, but I now know that our 3rd Period Corsi rating when leading or tied is horrible

In Short
During the First Two Periods when we’re up 1-2 48.6
During the first Two Periods when tied 45.8
During the first Two Periods when down 1-2 49.2

We’re actually 13th in the league when we’re up during the first two periods, 24th when down. But, here’s were it gets fun

During the Third up 1 38.6
During the Third Tied 36.7
During the Third down 1 51.7

We’re ranked 25th when Up and 27th when Down in the third. Which isn’t all that surprising. Funny this post comes up a day after another heart breaking 3rd period loss.

I believe in 15-0-0, Lets do these Playoffs!

by WebBard on Mar 20, 2010 10:57 AM EDT reply actions  

Corsi explained

Here is a Corsi explanation from that same site, Behind the Net.

In brief: During your 5-on-5 play, how many shots were directed at the other net (whether blocked, saved or missed) minus how many shots were directed at your own. It’s like a plus/minus that tries to mitigate for the fact you might have Yann Danis behind you while the other team has Terry Sawchuk.

I see it as a nice, alternative look, but hardly an end-all be-all. There are tons of other factors that could be in play on any given night (Was your team sitting on the lead? Were you put out only against the other team’s best players, or only in defensive zone situations when a shot against was more likely? Was the other team taking desperate shots from outside? Did some dumb linemate take multiple offensive zone penalties and botch your offensive rushes? Etc.). But it gives another quick perspective, which is nice.

Lighthouse Hockey: What's wrong with lotteries? I've been in lots of lotteries.

by Dominik on Mar 20, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is Gervais Canadian for "Girly-Man"?

I’m a first-time poster, but a long-time reader. Dominik, you do an outstanding job with everything from the stat analysis to the comedic relief (much needed) to the professional writing and grammar you use.

What brings me to post is Gervais’ unbelievably horrible play over the last five years. He gets worse every time he hits the ice. He’ll never figure it out. He costs the Isles AT LEAST one goal EVERY night. What does Gordon see in him? Meyer has been outstanding. Play Meyer, and dump that bum Gervais.

by tony2177 on Mar 20, 2010 2:24 PM EDT reply actions  

Welcome aboard

Flattery will get you nowhere — except with me, of course. (Seriously, thanks for the kind words.)

I think everyone’s had their frustration points with Gervais, but I think TMC had it right in another thread when she said (I’m paraphrasing) he gets into trouble when #2 minutes and tasks are asked of a #5-6 defenseman.

It’s something most low-pairing D-men go through when they’re used a lot and against better lines. And it’s almost made more maddening by the fact he’s had some occasional very bright spots this year. (Really, he has.) The non-stars, they’re not only learning the league, they’re also learning what role fits them. Take the career of Meyer — who’s been outstanding here for a few weeks — he’s gone through these ups and downs. Meyer’s been everywhere from being billed as a steal of an offensive defenseman as an undrafted college free agent to a guy who was waived by two bad teams twice within a month.

Lighthouse Hockey: What's wrong with lotteries? I've been in lots of lotteries.

by Dominik on Mar 20, 2010 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

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New York Islanders Roster

# Pos. DOB W H
Josh Bailey 12 C 10/2/1989 188 6-1
Blake Comeau 57 RW 2/18/1986 207 6-1
Rick DiPietro 39 G 9/19/1981 210 6-1
Mark Eaton 0 D 5/6/1977 204 6-2
Mark Flood 4 D 9/29/1984 190 6-1
Bruno Gervais 8 D 10/3/1984 205 6-1
Trevor Gillies 14 LW 1/30/1979 215 6-3
Michael Haley 59 C 3/30/1986 202 5-11
Jack Hillen 38 D 1/24/1986 200 5-11
Trent Hunter 7 RW 7/5/1980 210 6-3
Milan Jurcina 0 D 6/7/1983 236 6-4
Anton Klementyev 48 D 3/25/1990 198 6-1
Dustin Kohn 56 D 2/2/1987 200 6-2
Zenon Konopka 0 C 1/2/1981 213 6-1
Andrew MacDonald 47 D 9/7/1986 188 6-1
Matt Martin 46 LW 3/8/1989 192 6-2
Radek Martinek 24 D 8/31/1976 203 6-1
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
P.A. Parenteau 0 LW 3/24/1983 198 6-0
Richard Park 10 RW 5/27/1976 190 5-11
Joel Rechlicz 40 RW 6/14/1987 220 6-4
Dylan Reese 42 D 8/29/1984 195 6-0
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
John Tavares 91 C 9/20/1990 195 6-0
Doug Weight 93 C 1/21/1971 196 5-11
James Wisniewski 0 D 2/21/1984 207 6-0

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