Bridgeport and Prospect Roundup 3/27
by Mark D on Mar 27, 2011 1:40 PM EDT
in Islanders in Diapers
Email
Print
Since the 7-0 pounding that Manchester laid on Bridgeport on March 12th the SoundTigers have gotten points in 7 straight games. That includes 4 straight games that went to the extra frame. This week BP put up 13 goals in 3 games, while only giving up 6 including back to back games in which they held the opposition to 1 goal. Also in the news for Bridgeport is that Brian Day was signed to an ATO to finish out the season.
On Sunday BP dropped an OT game to Binghamton 4-3. They never had the lead, but continually fought back from being one goal down. Your goal scorers were Justin DiBenedetto [David Ullstrom, Robin Figren], Jeremy Colliton [Rhett Rakhshani, Ty Wishart] and Ullstrom [Mark Katic, Rakhshani]. Ullstrom was named 3rd star of the night. Joel Martin took the loss with 31 saves on 35 shots.On Friday they beat Portland 5-1 including 4 PP goals and a hat trick by Rakhshani. Rakhshani's assists were [Colliton, Tony Romano], [Rob Hisey, Dylan Reese] and [Colliton, Brett Motherwell]. Also scoring for BP were Rob Hisey [Colliton, Katic] and Brian Day [Colliton Ullstrom]. Mikko Koskinen had a strong return, giving up 1 goal on 18 shots.
On Saturday BP beat Connecticut 5-1, including 3 PP goals. Aaron Ness got his first career goal and Brian Day got his second point along with a fight. Goalscorers were Ullstrom [Katic, Rakhshani], Colliton [Ullstrom, Katic] Rob Hisey [Joe Pereira] Ness [Colliton, Hisey] and Hisey [Day, Olsen]. Nathan Lawson held the door closed, giving up only 1 goal on 22 shots.Rhett Rakhshani has also broke Jeremy Colliton's rookie point record (53) for Bridgeport this week. Also recent acquire Art Bidlevskii got into two fights, winning both fights via KO. [Fight 1][Fight 2]
Half a Kirill update
It's been an interesting week for Kirill Kabanov to say the least. Not only is he playing his former team, the Montcon Wildcats, in the first round of the playoffs, but he was nominated for the QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year award. Kabanov had an assist in Lewiston's last game putting his season total at 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 37 games. Kabanov has no points and is a -1 in 2 playoff games.
Kirill Petrov is enjoying his vacation.
OHL
Oshawa finished off their season with a 3-1 win in which Tony DeHart had an assist. Calvin De Haan had the night off. De Haan had 6 goals and 42 assists for 48 points in 56 games this season, while DeHart had 4 goals and 26 assists for 30 points in 58 games. Oshawa is facing Kingston in the first round of the playoffs and in 2 games has dominated them by a score of 17-4. DeHart had 3 assists in the two games, while De Haan only played the opening game and had 1 assist.
Casey Cizikas hasn't returned to the Lineup for Mississauga, but they are easily handling Belleville as they have a 2-0 series advantage.
WHL
Portland dropped their final game of the season 6-3 and Nino Niederreiter was held pointless. On the season Nino had 41 goals and 29 assists for 70 points in 55 games.Portland dominated 4-0 over Everett and Nino had 2 assists
The Wheat Kings split games with Medicine Hat this weekend, winning game 1 7-2 and losing game 2 5-2. David Toews had 1 goal and an assist in game 1, but was held pointless and a -2 in game 2.
College and Europe
North Dakota routed Rensselaer 6-0, with Jason Gregoire notching a goal. Brock Nelson was injured after being caught with his head down, no word on how serious it is but he did not return to the game.
Anders Lee came to life after a tough playoff run. He had a second period goal, a primary assist on the game tieing goal in the third and the game winning goal unassisted in the OT period to give Notre Dame the 4-3 win over Merrimack. [Postgame press-conference including Anders Lee] Notre Dame is playing Blake Kessel's New Hampshire tonight at 8 PM EST and it should be available online at ESPN 3.
Matt Donovan tied the game with 3 minutes left and had the secondary assist on the game winner in double overtime to help lead Denver over Western Michigan. Denver is playing North Dakota this afternoon at 3:30 PM EST on another game that should be available online on ESPN 3.
UNH defeated Miami of Ohio 3-1 with Blake Kessel getting an assist. Tonight they play Notre Dame.
Lulea took a 2-0 series lead on Skellefta following two 4-3 OT wins, and then dropped the next two games 2-1 in OT. Anders Nilsson has been outstanding for Lulea as he has faced over 30 shots in each game, including 42 saves on 44 shots last night in a losing effort. Highlights [Game 1][Game 2][Game 3]
Rosen had a good performance at the Coliseum yesterday (Yes, this is the same joke as yesterday, just a different link)
61 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
We have ourselves a All-Star Prospect NCAA and Europe Team
Isles have 5 NCAA players still active (that will end today) … and one Euro Goalie for an interesting All-Star team.
Forwards – Anders Lee, Jason Gregoire, Brock Nelson
Defense – Matt Donovan, Blake Kessel
Goal – Anders Nilsson
NICE!
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Mar 27, 2011 2:52 PM EDT reply actions
Wow, a 4-point night for Colliton
I wouldn’t mind if he got another look at the NHL level, sometime.
And the Rakh! Way to go, kid.
Founder, President and sole member of the Bruno Gervais fan club
he seems to be playing well
I didnt think much of him being signed earlier this season but he has been pretty impressive
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
by Rickfansince76 on Mar 27, 2011 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Until we need him, we have plenty of 3rd/4th line players.
Hunter said he was just finishing his check.
The sound tigers played well against the senators even though they lost. Also the capitals signed one of their russian prospects to an AHL tryout contract a week ago. Could Is that something that can be done with Kirill Petrov?
No
Petrov is still under contract for at least one more year, unless he can buy himself out
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
With only one season remaining on his contract
That could be a viable possibility. He would use his savings to do so, it would be considerably less than it would have been a season or two or three ago, and he would start getting paid on an NHL scale sooner.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Mar 27, 2011 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Casey Cizikas
I understand that they want to protect their high scoring forward but isn’t it a bit strange that Mississauga are in the playoffs and Cizikas isn’t playing? Keep him out for the garbage games at the end of the season I get; but I want my prospects on the ice, playing hockey, getting experience, in the playoffs, eventually.
He is recovering from an injury, I believe
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Mar 27, 2011 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Mississauga is so high powered, I don’t think they are worried about the first round opposition
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Brock Nelson Top Shelf Backhand Against Denver
Watched Denver-North Dakota this afternoon. Nicest goal was Nelson’s backhand right under the cross-bar that popped the water bottle. Very nice hands!
Just posted it
It was sick! Crosby did the same thing in practice this week, and the announcers thought it was amazing!
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Mar 27, 2011 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fanshot
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Mar 27, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
It's just a relief he's OK after yesterday's concussion scare.
You mean to tell me shooting the puck from 70 feet out doesn't earn us extra goals?
Did you see Donovan's play in the first?
He get’s hooked down behind his own net & draws the penalty, get’s up takes the puck past 3 ND players, passed the blue line before he finally lost possession. He nearly went coast to coast (I’ve seen him do in a previous game and score). He adds a real offensive dynamic to the back line. If he can make that translate at the NHL level he will make a great second pair/PP specialist.
You mean to tell me shooting the puck from 70 feet out doesn't earn us extra goals?
The Lees defeat the Kessels 2-1
to advance to the frozen four.
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
Nino leads WHL playoff scorers
Nino is tied with RNH for most points in the WHL playoffs so far. He has 2 goals and 3 assists through 2 games. http://www.whl.ca/stats/show/type/top_scorers. It will be great to have Nino in the playoffs when we finally make it. It seems like he really rises to the occasion.
Nino's a beast, especially at scoring.
Plus he’s big, physical, and defensively responsible. Going to be awesome when he gets here.
Proud Islanders fan, the organization that iced the greatest team to ever play the game and won 4 straight cups.
I'm also an optimistic Knicks fan, pessimistic Mets fan, and a happy Jets fan.
Great Job as always Webbard. Always a fun read to see how the boys are doing in a short summary.
And do you know what Kirill is playing? I recall at one time he was given 3rd/4th line minutes this year and wonder where he sits now.
Proud Islanders fan, the organization that iced the greatest team to ever play the game and won 4 straight cups.
I'm also an optimistic Knicks fan, pessimistic Mets fan, and a happy Jets fan.
Which one?
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Wow, my bad. Kabanov.
Proud Islanders fan, the organization that iced the greatest team to ever play the game and won 4 straight cups.
I'm also an optimistic Knicks fan, pessimistic Mets fan, and a happy Jets fan.
“I’m trying to save this girl’s life…”
I admire this kids intensity, albeit incredibly ridiculous, but I’m pretty sure the first step to cancer treatment is not to have an adolescent male sing pop music to you. Uplifting, sure I’ll give you that if that’s what you are into, but saving a life…let me check with the judges…they said no.
What’s up with De Haan? I seem to have missed that update. He’s in, he’s out…is this something serious? It is beginning to be a regular occurrence with this kid. What is the latest on him?
Not sure about De Haan, couldn’t find any info.
I’m sure that the kid’s appearance raised some money
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
No, it is the AI guy. Apparently he is a faith healer that is into alternative treatments.
by metalcoconut on Mar 28, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting.....I can speak at length about that.....
…..not sure what his grounding is in but there’s absolutely a great deal of value to certain alternative approaches; as Dom knows, I’ve used alternative means exclusively for almost 15 years and I can tell you, it’s truly amazing stuff – one might’ve been instrumental in saving my brother’s life in 2000 (brain tumor) had he the strength and not previously contracted MS from an FDA trial vaccine…..if you’re curious I can tell you more about it.; done an immense amount of research in the past 3 years especially. I’m actually involved in intense response reprogramming at this moment and the results have been kinda miraculous…..
As much as I don’t want to offend on this topic I can say that I tend to use oriental remedies over modern medicine if possible and as a result I feel that I am healthier. However Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry do not factor into my modern or alternative concoctions to living a healthier life. In fact I would say that music could be a method to improving many areas of ones life. However regurgitated pop music doesn’t factor into that equation.
I think this may say it better than I could ever phrase.
by metalcoconut on Mar 28, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Well-put....
…..if there are 2 people I would expect to have much to offer concerning holistic medicine, it would be those two – well, MAYBE Kelly; she seems pretty thoughtful in some ways…..
…and I’ll keep your alternate approaches in mind. How long have you been engaged in alternate treatments? What lead you in that direction?
by metalcoconut on Mar 28, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
.....since spring of '97......
…..have environmental illness (managed well for the most part) but am possibly correcting it with the more intensive (epi)genetic therapy – had met an ex-cop through where I worked and he had me headed in that direction already, but then my immune system had pretty much collapsed with conventional means, so I took a leap of faith and haven’t looked back but once – my homeopath/naturopath is one of the most gifted healers I’ve ever encountered…..if you’re wondering about anything specific, MC, you can definitely sound me out – should be able to lend some sort of perspective no matter what….
I appreciate your offer and I can almost assure you that I will have questions for you in the future. I just got over a really tough case of acute bronchitis and I haven’t dipped entirely into the asian persuasion. I just know a couple of things here and there but for the most part I seem to be like Bruce Willis from Unbreakable.
by metalcoconut on Mar 28, 2011 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry to hear about your trials and I’m glad we had this discussion. If there is anything that I may add well then I hope I can help you one day but that there will be no need for it in the first place. :) I can let you know ahead of time that I will not have any AI contestants singing to you…especially during a hockey game.
by metalcoconut on Mar 28, 2011 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t get me wrong, I understand the cash part helping the child. However I am having flashes of South Parks cure for AIDS running through my brain. Directly inject concentrated amounts of cash into the bloodstream to wipe out the disease. If he would have said “helping” to save this girl’s life I could go along with that but to actually think that he is saving the girls life…judges are now laughing and shaking their heads at me.
Thanks for letting me know about De Haan. It is kind of suspicious as to why they are pulling him in a playoff game.
by metalcoconut on Mar 28, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Better than not giving a sh*t...delusions of grandeur can be good sometimes
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
by Bryan2112 on Mar 28, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tell that to Jim Jones and Jim Bakker. However, as I said earlier, I do admire his intensity and I’ll expand that to his efforts.
by metalcoconut on Mar 28, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
The college guys
watched two North Dakota games, two Denver games, two UNH games and two Notre Dame this weekend.
Donovan – They lost to the Sioux but it wasn’t Donovan’s fault. He’s their best defenseman and spends a ton of time on the ice in all situations. He’s very solid in his own zone and will occasionally join the rush. He’s completely in control out on the ice. He uses his body well and even when he’s a step out of position is able to make up for it.
Lee – played better the first game but still was good in the UNH game. Lee is noticiable as soon as he steps on the ice b/c of his size, but this guy can skate too. He’s constantly looking to get out in transition. In the first game this weekend, he showed an Okposo type leverage ability, using his body and stick to steal and shield pucks. This guy also never saw a shot he doesn’t like. If he’s coming down the wing with puck, he’s not pulling up in the corner, he’s shooting. He was the best player on the ice on Saturday.
Gregoire – First of all, North Dakota is the best team in the country and I don’t even think it’s close. Their top line is 3 seniors, one of them, Fratton, was being called the most NHL ready player in college (property of TOR). Gregoire is firmly in their top 6 and sees a lot of PP time and some PK time. His line, (Gregoire along w/ Hextall and Knight), created plenty of opportunities but didn’t really control play. Gregoire was hard to get a read on for me, but he is a featured player on that team.
Nelson – reminded me a lot for Tavares last year. Looks like he’s still figuring it out but the coach is clearly grooming Nelson to jump into the 2nd line center spot next year after the first line graduates. He got hurt early Saturday (got crushed, didn’t think he’d play yesterday) but came back Sunday. He was getting a regular shift in the 2nd and 3rd when the game was still close and he was on the 2nd PP unit, with Gregoire. He wasn’t that strong along the boards, made some bad passes, but he also polished off that sick backhander and was solid in this own zone. Wouldn’t be surprised if like JT, he starts to get it real soon and is making an impact on that team.
Kessel – the most underwhelming of the 5 players I saw but still the featured Dman on that team. Made one sick pass to set up a goal on Saturday, a diagonal pass from the right point, to the left side of the crease thru the opposition for a tap in goal.
Overall though, all 5 of the Isles prospects played a prominent role, or in Nelson’s case, will be soon. I was very excited watching Donovan and Lee especially. I think both could go pro and handle the AHL no problem, Donovan especially. But I wouldn’t be opposed to each on staying and really dominating in the near future.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
oh yea North Dakota also has this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wymDuRsQsQ4
he’s on their top line, undrafted
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Great hands
That is a cool hot dog move … but… That would NEVER translate into the NHL … First of all he’d be shown a seat in not such a polite way by an NHL defenseman … Except for maybe Gervais.
To put it more in perspective … In my old beer league … during practice … my line mates and I would pass the puck to each other … without the puck hitting the ice. We’d flip it and catch it on our sticks and skate with the puck on our blades … it was ALL in fun … and We NEVER tried that in a game. A little Harlem Globetrotters on ice if you will. So if us no better than college club hockey players could do that (with lots of trial and error in practice) … it’s not that crazy to see an NCAA Div 1 player be able to do it … However … that was very cool to see it done in a game … That took a set of marbles. Al Arbour would have him doing a bag skate though after the game. That much I do know.
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Mar 28, 2011 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Cool breakdown.
Proud Islanders fan, the organization that iced the greatest team to ever play the game and won 4 straight cups.
I'm also an optimistic Knicks fan, pessimistic Mets fan, and a happy Jets fan.
Tell you what: from my vantage point - perhaps a BIT skewed.....
…..Matt Donovan, NOT Calvin deHaan, will be the successor to Mark Streit on the power play – yes, if Larsson is picked he may also be in the running but I’ve had a feeling about Matt from the start and he’s borne it out handsomely this season…..
Isles' NCAA Diaper Derby
Which future Isle(s) are going to come out ontop in the end.
Leave it to us Isles fans to support our prospects in their respective seasons / playoffs and root as hard for them as we do the big club.
Gotta love it!!
Am I nuts for being an Islander fan, or has being an Islander fan drove me nuts. Either way … if it’s a sickness I don’t want the cure.
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Mar 28, 2011 7:40 AM EDT reply actions
Nah, None of Us are Nuts
It’s just been a VERY long time since this franchise has focused on drafting and player development, stuck to it (yes, that means you, Milbury) and had this many potential prospects.
Late to this...
but just wanted to add that there is one sure NHLer being mentioned on this page every Sunday, and two probables (by year’s end). There is nowhere else for them to put Nino. I think now he’d have to have a TERRIBLE camp not to make it. Rhett will be the first call up, and deHaan will likely get a look see.
Even with our Russian darlings being outside looking in next year there are a few NHLer’s who will have to be very careful with their jobs next year.
An excellent position to be in at the draft table for Snow.
Again.. great work Webby!
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
I Think Nino is in the NHL Next Year
Everybody talks about rushing prospects, but I think it can be just as bad letting a guy continue to play against inferior competition. A kid can get bored and sloppy that way because he can beat competition by not having to work too hard.
I tought he'd get another year in the WHL...
because there is no place to put him if he fails. But I think the “fail” isn’t really a question anymore. They should have two good spots for him to get adequate TOI. He is DOMINATING against junior competition at 18… there’s no reason for him to spend more time there.
I wonder if they are thinking:
Moulson-Tavares-Parentau
Grabner-Nielsen-Okposo
Comeau-Bailey-Nino
Martin- Haley—Rakhshani
Reserve: Ullstrom, Joensuu, Colliton
I mean, that’s the way my white board looks like going into the draft. The biggest issue is Zeke. I’d love to have Zenopka back, the idea of having four lines that have three components with double digit goals… wow. If Zeke is signed he’s more of a 50 game asset, Gillies gets the gold watch.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
I believe it's actually a gold mustache trimmer
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
by Dominik on Mar 28, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No Konopka?
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Maybe...
Petrov-Ullstrom-Rakhshani/Joensuu in the AHL. This is a lottery team, but there is nothing about Kirill Petrov that tells me he is better than anybody on the current roster (in respect to roles).
the key to Nino’s success may be Bailey taking a step forward in consistency at 22. Comeau is a given in that third line slot… I don’t think Petrov can GIVE that third production without two linemates to be supportive of his growth. So only one rook at a time per line please.
The formula works.
Moulson showed last year he could produce… JT is a phenom… so that gave PAP some time to become a full time NHL guy.
Nielsen and Okposo know their way around the NHL, and that let grabner fly. Grabner-Weight-Nino… not so good.
Comeau-Bailey will have a full season together. They look okay with Joensuu, they looked very good with Martin, I think they can support and draw from Nino… that line may be next year’s FNGO line.
If Petrov was to come to NA it would be to BPT… I don’t see Kabanov as being professionally ready, but if he was signed, he’d also be going to BPT (IMHO)
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Does anyone else think it's intriguing that we hold the rights to "little Toews" and "little Kessel"?
Though they might not be as good, it’s still pretty cool in my opinion (even bearing in mind what happened with “little Lindros”).
Dont forget little Biron! :)
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Mar 28, 2011 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions
call me crazy
But I’d trade little Toews, little Kessel, and little Biron straight-up for little Parise and little Nystrom. Just sayin’ is all.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
by mikb on Mar 29, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just so we don't miss (again)
Are there any draft-worthy little Gillies, little Trottiers, or little Bossys coming in the next coupla years?
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
If justin Bourne hurries up
we can get a Bourne/Gillies hybrid…a fast, tough, fighting son of a gun that would be…Probably a yotes fan though.
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Mar 29, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Bourne/Gillies hybrid
Speed of lightning, roar of thunder… All of Terry O’Reilly’s kids just threw up in their mouths.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
by mikb on Mar 29, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Crossing fingers
for recessive genes!
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Lighthouse Hockey
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Featured Stories
Islanders Schedule
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- NHL Playoff Beard Watch: Blood, Sweat and Beards of unsung unshaven heroes
- Devils guarantee they’ll downplay 1994 conference finals for Game 6 vs. Rangers
- Dodger Stadium Winter Classic; 10 worst NHL fans; ‘While The Men Watch’ debate (Puck Headlines)
- Lightning GM Yzerman suggests he won’t be trading for Luongo, strengthens position for Luongo trade
- Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Ron Hextall, Luke Richardson and Rangers/Devils
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Shawinigan wins, advances to Memorial Cup semifinal
- Cataractes romp to 6-1 win, eliminate Oil Kings from Memorial Cup
- Despite loss, Phoenix Coyotes build solid foundation in the desert with run to West finals
- Coyotes finish off best season ever
- Maple Leafs sign defensive prospect Petter Granberg to entry level deal
SBNation.com Recent Stories
1979-80
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
May 24, 1980: Tonelli to Nystrom. At long last, the steady build of the New York Islanders from expansion doormat to surprise semifinalist to annual contender reaches the promised land: Buoyed by a late season trade for Butch Goring that gave the team the depth up the middle GM Bill Torrey had been seeking, the Islanders knock off the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.
The victory justified the faith in coach Al Arbour who guided them from their second season to their first Stanley Cup seven seasons later. The Islanders would not be the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, but they would be the only one capable of a dynasty.
1980-81
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
May 21, 1981: This time it was much easier. After falling to "only" 91 points in the 1979-80 season, the Islanders returned to their division title tradition, piling up 110 points -- a whole 13 points over second-place Philadelphia.
Between the quarterfinals (where they beat the upstart Oilers in six games) and the finals, the Islanders reeled off eight consecutive wins -- with a four-game sweep of archrival Rangers in between. As they defeated the Minnesota North Stars in five games for their second Cup, their goal difference in the final was a combined +10.
1981-82
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
May 16, 1982: Another year, another landslide title. The Islanders won the Patrick Division by a whopping 26 points over the second-place Rangers, and were seven points clear of their nearest competition for the President's Trophy, the still-not-quite-ripe Edmonton Oilers.
A first-round scare against the Pittsburgh Penguins turned in the Isles' favor thanks to John Tonelli's heroics, and a true dynasty was on its way: Past the Rangers in six games, then an eight-game sweep of the Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks to run away with the Stanley Cup.
1982-83
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
May 17, 1983: Not so fast, whipper-snappers. The Edmonton Oilers' steadily rising challenge for league supremacy took them all the way to the finals for the first time, where the New York Islanders summarily dispatched them in a four-game sweep. For the Islanders, the Dynasty was secured. For the Oilers, it was a powerful lesson in where talent ends and the demands of playoff hockey begin.
Four years, four Cups, 16 consecutive playoff series wins (a record that would grow to 19 until the rematch with the Oilers the following year). Mike Bossy scored 60 goals yet again, and Wayne Gretzky became acquainted with Billy Smith's crease.
