Islanders vs. Panthers Gameday: Double-Matinee Weekend
by Dominik on Feb 12, 2012 6:30 AM EST
in New York Islanders Previews
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PrintAt what point do we read Bridgeport's surprising post-New Year surge as a bright sign for the future? While the Islanders squeezed out an OT win yesterday, the Sound Tigers cruised to an 8-1 victory, with Ty Wishart picking up two goals and Micheal Haley picking up three. [Note: With two matinees this weekend, our weekly prospect update is deferred till tomorrow.]
Islanders (23-23-8, 13th/E) vs. Panthers (26-17-11, 7th/E)
3 p.m. EST | MSG+ | Audio: NHL - WRHU
Nassau [gloriously unsponsored] Veterans Mem. Coliseum
The Cats' Meow: Litter Box Cats
After a demoralizing loss to Southeast title rival Washington, the Panthers have reeled off two good wins in a row. Yesterday New Jersey was the victim, leaving the Panthers two points ahead of the now-9th place Caps.
On the Island, the Islanders' search for an answer to their bottom six puzzle continues, with Brian Rolston returning from hiatus yesterday and Rhett Rakhshani taking the healthy scratch. Today is another day, a day that comes all too quickly after yesterday's physically demanding contest.
The Islanders could make it a very significant weekend if they picked up another two points today. But their last three games, without Travis Hamonic, have indicated it will be a struggle at times. Yesterday was ultimately a little better -- to say nothing of the win -- and Aaron Ness logged a young-career-high 18:23, all at even strength.
I had a good time last night trading notes with my Minnesota Gopher friend -- I like to chirp him when Kyle Okposo has a goal -- about Aaron Ness and how his game could translate to the pros. "He just plays smart. That's why I liked him," my friend said. "He's got smarts. Unlike Erik Johnson."
The Hockey Club from Montreal kept the 8th seed bar low yesterday by absolutely destroying the 8th-place Maple Leafs 8-0. Their win, Tampa Bay's win and Winnipeg's loss means the crowd from 8 to 14 just gets tighter. Here's to hoping the whole bubble gets more crowded, just for the fun of it. The Islanders jumped from 14th to 11th back to 13th yesterday. All in a day's insanity.
Overall, the Panthers are starting to get healthier after a spate of tough injuries, and old friend Sean Bergenheim has returned to form to tally 10 goals in 33 games.
Mark Streit on the Comeback Trail:
I thought that I’m coming around, that I’ve played better. It took me a while to adjust, I was away for a year and a half. The first forty games was kind of a bumpy ride. I had some really good games and then some tougher games. Just not the consistency I was looking for...
Nabby stole the day yesterday. Dare the Islanders go back-to-back again with the hot, but old, hand?
The Islanders lost to the Panthers twice back in October, back when we thought losses to such teams were missed opportunities. Time to try again.
Links to Inform, Links to Entertain
- P.A. Parenteau in Newsday, clearly wanting both to stay on Long Island and also to get a nice "only big [contract] left" for his still-young career.
- Newsday's recap of yesterday has lots of "this is playoff hockey" talk. No margin for error.
- Final of the three from Newsday: No worries, Matt Martin's alright after that awkward crash into the boards.
- From yesterday's festivities: Kenny Jonsson Ceremony Video - NHL VideoCenter - NY Islanders
- Hey look, Tavares is underrated: NHL's most underrated players - Yahoo! Sports Video
- Yes, 11 ENG allowed will play a big part in the Isles' minus-18 in the third period.
- Audio of Mike Bossy on the Obnoxious & Blowhard Show.
Around the NHL:
- Hey look again, this could be really useful: NHL Injuries and Scratches 2005-06 to Present - Arctic Ice Hockey
- Also really useful: Percentages & PDO: Home and Away - Arctic Ice Hockey
- The Rangers own the Flyers (how many losses in a row is that for the Flyers to the metro teams?), and Kimmo Timonen rips his team's effort.
- Heh: The NHL’s worst powerplay specialists (things Scott Gomez is not good at) | Backhand Shel
- Leafs a plenty: How Mats Sundin’s no-trade clause controversy made fans reconsider loyalty in NHL | Puck Daddy and Bitter Leaf Fan Page: NHL Fines and Suspensions (aka $2500 and an alligator purse)
- Another angle on an important point, from our pal (You are my pal, aren't you Danny? Hmm? Hmm?) Neil Greenberg: On the randomness of plus/minus - Japers' Rink
- Who here remembers Rendez-vous '87? I not only remember it, I loved every minute of it, and I can still hear ESPN's Tom Meese saying, "Rendez-vous '87 in Quebec City."
FIG Picks
Leave your First Islanders Goal picks for today's game in this thread.
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Comments
Wyshynski (reposted from yesterday's thread)
Isles fans should be used to this sort of laziness from hockey media by now but still manages to get a rise out of me:h
Bolts’ win elicits this comment: "The Bolts are on a 7-1-2 roll, moving eight points out of the No. 8 seed" whereas Isles’ win elicits this: "Evgeni Nabokov made 34 saves in a trade audition, er, strong effort for the Isles." I assume Wyshynski has the same access to the NHL standings table that the rest of us has that show the two teams tied in the standings with nearly identical records over the last 10 games but, hey, maybe I’m wrong.
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 12, 2012 7:13 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Please excuse him
Some people were born without wit. He’s one of those.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 8:35 AM EST up reply actions
You should be more annoyed that he considers the Bolts to have a shot at the playoffs
than us not having one.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
Ness looks like he belongs
At least something positive has come out of Travis’ injury. Ness looks like he belongs. Maybe not a top-4 (who knows yet) but he looks good with the puck and his positioning. I feel really good about his role next year. (and the rest of this one.) Donovan and Wishart next. This defense has some promise! (Promise me Staios, Eaton and Mottau aren’t coming back.)
I’m the opposite with The Rakh. He just doesn’t look like he belongs. If the Isles are both buyers and sellers, does someone like him wind up moved to pick up a decent rental defenseman?
BTW, did anyone see the 45 viewings of Denver vs. Minnesota.? Mayfield isn’t ready yet, but he looked very good against college competition. He looked a lot bigger and stronger than the rest of the kids. In about 3 years I can see him as a Top-4 (assuming he doesn’t regress in school).
Agreed
I haven’t seen all of his shifts, but I’ve seen him muff a handful of pretty setups from Bailey. Took him too long to figure out what to do with the puck.
IMO, Bailey needs to be paired with a talented finisher and I’m not sure Rakh is it.
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 12, 2012 7:34 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I was think Bailey and Moulson would be good.
Moulson has good enough hands to handle Bailey’s wacky passes. Noticed Capuano but them together in OT.
Yep
JT and PAP and Bailey and Moulson. I think they have to get a little more creative when they do mix up the lines. I liked this and I’m getting a little fed up with the idea that Bailey isn’t providing any secondary scoring, but yet, he is the one guy that they never ever put with offensively gifted players.
I think he needs a trial with someone who can pot some.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
This might be possible
when Nino is ready. But you still need a finisher on JT’s line.
The main reason we lack secondary scoring is we don’t have a lot of goal scorers.
Yep
pretty simple when you boil it down.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Feb 12, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
i like this:
Moulson, Bailey, Pap
Nino, JT, KO
Martin, Frans, Grabner
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 12, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
I like this too
Except I’d switch KO and PAP, as I think Nino and KO bring similar skills that both lines need. If you don’t think Nino is ready for top six, put him with Frans who can cover his defensive lapses. And I think Martain may have more finish than he has shown in a 3/4 line role. If Martin with JT seems like a stretch, remember Dave Semenko spent a lot of time on Wayne Gretzky’s wing.
Thou shalt not recognize false enemies, they are the Rangers, you shall have no other enemies before them.
AND "Thank you Dale Tallon"
Rakh Ness Monster
Ness has played well for 3 games. It appears that when things shake out he’ll become what they wanted Hillen (supposedly) to be for a while. A 7/8 guy who will fill in when they need a puck mover. They seriously need to improve the D, because they are back to their sub 2 GFPG performance without Hamonic. 4 goals (1PP) in three games isn’t going to cut it. Not that Wishart or Donovan are the answers right now either, but Wishart has a better chance of being in the top 6 next year, and i think Donovan will be probably be higher on the depth chart as well.
Rhett’s immediate ascension onto (what should be the second line) was due to AHL chemistry with Bailey. That was probably a good call, give the time any replacement would have to work with new linemates. But Rhett belongs on the fourth line. In October, both he and David Ullstrom were better choices to make the team than Nino, but Nino was a bonus baby and Rhett was injured again. I think we’ve seen Nino progress to the point where he deserves a shot at a more “offensive” role, and Rhett can help out more on special teams, and start earning promotions on the NHL depth chart.
Honestly, this would be my lineup for Tuesday (because BPT plays avery important game v the Whale today)
Moulson-Tavares-Okposo… TEH CORE
Ullstrom-Bailey-Parentau… PUB line… where you go to score late in the game.
grabner-Nielsen-Niederreiter… GNN…. “beaking” news 24 hours a day.
Martin-Pandolfo-Rakhshani… PRoM Line… and Pandolfo makes it the SENIOR PROM LINE.
Macdonald-Wishart(when Hamonic returns, Wishart can work with eaton or Ness)
streit-Jurcina
Eaton-Ness
Montoya
If they could get a competent NHL RH defender for Parentau or Nabakov they would be way ahead of the game. Losing both of them probably means no playoffs, and a step backwards for next year. If you’re not going to sign them for next year, any prospects or draft picks would be a bonus to a fuax playoff run this year.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
nice on the Rakh Ness Monster
Agree on the lines and the names. Would really like to see Bailey given that 2nd line role as he has been doing his work as of late. He seems to be shooting more and driving to the net much more as well. He has proven to be an effective PKer as well. It is good to see Bailey finally turn things around, even if it is not on the score board. And it is not even turn things around, it is more just development, confidence, and action.
Butchie mentioned it last night saying, imagine a JT and JB as your 1 and 2, (given JB current confidence and playing). He kept going on about JB’s hands and recent play. So it is not just us, who have been noticing these things.
Ness & Eaton
are both lefties
Ness-Hamonic worked well in the preseason vs the Devils – would like to see this combo on Hammer’s return
would be nice if Garth picked us up a Righthanded D at the trade deadline – that’s a piece we could really really use now
Donovan’s also a lefty – so is Katic
Mayfield (RH and Huge) will be an important player for this team, perhaps very soon
Agree except...........
with the term competent, Parentau is more than a competent forward, I would want in addition a #2 pick [spelled correctly]
Supply v Demand
there aren’t too many deals being made on deadline day anymore. for the most part teams are finding less and less value in rentals. Last year was an exception for us because our rental helped Tampa win at least one playoff series. for that important of an asset we got Ty Wishart in return… and according to Cary, Ty Wishart sucks.
I have a feeling Ty will be in the NHL pretty soon, and he’s probably going to have a fair NHL career… but that’s the kind of return you can expect.
campoli brought back a late first rounder, which got us Brock Nelson. I most certainly would not turn down anybody offering that for Parentau straight up. And I would definitely take another Wishart for Nabokov. If Snow can do better, great. But I wouldn’t get my expectations too high, that’s the easiest way to be disappointed.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
Hoenstly, I don't know that I'd trade Parenteau for Brock Nelson straight up. While we love Nelson, he's done nothing at the NHL level yet. You're underestimating Parenteau and overvaluing prospects.
Parenteau had 20 goals and 53 points in his first full NHL season, and is now near a PPG pace this year. I might make the trade, but it’s far form a certainty. If Nelson produced like Parenteau, he’d be a big success as a prospect.
Don't take this personally...
but if you wouldn’t trade 25 games of Pierre Alexander Parentau for Brock Nelson, or Brock Landers for that matter, you are not co-GM material.
I wouldn’t trade PAP for any of the prospects straight up. PAP is something, like Moulson, that the Islanders have desperately needed for over a decade. A young productive playmaker that can keep the continuity on the team through his most(probably) productive years (27-32).
But this team operates on a budget, and is concerned with the opportunities afforded some of it’s prospects. If PAP is looking for more than 3 years up front, they just can’t do it. By years 4 or 5 you don’t want to be paying a fourth line RW over $3M when you have $800K AHL all stars (we should be so lucky) flooding the picture. These are the problems that come with a “rebuild”. Not such bad problems to have,,, but they must be dealt with correctly. They also have a HUGE NEED for an NHL ready D for next year.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
Mayfield and Pedan are both huge
Pedan is considered more pro-ready, but unlike Wishart, both are physical and will fight.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 12, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
Add Kichton to that mix
He’s not as big as those two, but he’ll most likely be in the AHL next year. He’s got some of TEH GRITZ and he’s following a (draft year) 81PT/+55 performance with another statistical hair raiser. How there were 126 kids picked before him last year is a mystery to me… but probably not to the 30 GMs. I can’t wait until we can see what that mystery turns out to be.
I hope it’s something like he sings show tunes in the shower… because those are numbers that should be getting us excited. He’s not big, but he’s bigger than Ness… and look where Ness is.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
junior numbers don't really mean a whole lot...
but what they translate to could very possibly mean a really good first pass, some defensive smarts and a toughness in one-on-ones. Very Dean Chynoweth! Let’s hope he’s still around in a few years when kichton is getting some NHL games. I’d bet that if Dean winds up somewhere else Kichton is his first target from his old team.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
BP should be very good next year
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 12, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
We made this statement last year...
all over Webby’s prospect reports. Low and behold… they have realy turned a corner.
It would be nice to see some of that magic with the big club.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
by JPinVA on Feb 12, 2012 11:04 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What I read about Mayfield though
is that he’s ascended from 3rd pairing to 1st pairing this season. So that is good. It means he’s now going against better players and most likely juniors and seniors while he himself is an 18 year old freshman.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
the prospect park blog guy
Had some glowing reports re Mayfield recently. Worth a look.
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 12, 2012 11:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ha
that’s where I was getting the info from. He’s a pretty good resource on a daily basis for everything the local prospects (Rags/Isles) have done the night before.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Feb 12, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
True Freshman is important
Many freshman in college programs are actually 20, so for him to be 18 in addition to a freshman makes it even more important and impressive
by Nick (LetThereBeLighthouse) on Feb 12, 2012 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Well Ness gets to be top 4 today
Juice has been demoted to third pair.
No Sleep 'til....We Find Some Secondary Scoring
somehow
I don’t feel too unclean today rooting for the Rag$ to beat Dale Hunter. It’s like I’ve mixed dayquil and nyquil
Amateurs practice til they get it right. Professionals practice til they can't get it wrong.
by Torgo on Feb 12, 2012 7:23 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
I know. THey're so far ahead that at this point I kind of want them to take all the points from everyone else.
Except the Islanders, of course. I hope they lose 12-0, 9-0 and 24-0 the next three times they play the Islanders.
Watching yesterday's game online
I picked up a feed from Sweden. Got a kick out of the guy saying Yack Yohnson.
Any place to watch highlights of Haley's hat trick?
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 8:29 AM EST reply actions
it should be up on
BPT website either later today or tomorrow, their highlights always run about a day late.
Thanks, bro.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
what works & doesn't
team really should be a bit more focused on what’s working and what we have in Bridgeport and make some changes
Rakh – send him back down
Rolston – cut him already
PAP doesn’t work well with FNG – we all know it, but the team doesn’t?
Ness has shown what many of us have been saying for a while – we have some D in BPT that are better than what we’ve had (Mottau…..) – it seems as if IR has become purgatory for players out of favor – fine by me
bring up Donovan – Cizikas & Ullstrom have recent injuries, but bring them up once ready (like perhaps right now) – and perhaps swap Poulin for Montoya as well
We need to have a mentality that its all hands on deck for the playoffs – the winning at all costs attitude should start
& right now
What has Rahk done to deserve being sent back?
Cutting Rolston won’t happen, so why even suggest it? The Isles need his contract to stay above the floor and not have to sacrifice a pick (or whatever the punishment is).
PAP is generating offense with nearly everyone. He is still picking up assists regardless of any shifts in where he plays, so I’m ambivalent on what line Cappy sticks him.
Ness, I agree. As well as IR.
Donovan, Cizikas and Ullstrom are not coming up unless it is to replace an injured player or another call-up. Face it, the Isles have to suffer through players the fans might dislike because of reality. Garth can’t mistreat the vets we feel are unnecessary if he wants to have a good relationship with future vets. It sends a bad message to everyone if Garth blatantly exiles vets from the team (putting them on IR has worked wonders for this).
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
by Turgeon1992 on Feb 12, 2012 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Someone correct me if I'm wrong...
I thought a read during the offseason that the punishment for a team not being above the cap floor was that they forfeit any profits from revenue sharing. And since we are considered a large market team (which is BS by the way) we don’t see anything from revenue sharing to begin with.
Somebody
Posted it before. It’s insane. It’s a large fine plus loss of picks.
I remember loss of picks as part of the punishment.
It’s not worth the risk since picks are the most important asset the Isles have at this moment.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
No
they are fined 1mil and a 1st round pick (for first offense). The Isles will not be below the cap floor this season unless they cut like half the team. They have built up some equity by being a bit above the cap floor over the first half of the season.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
If they lost Rolston, they would still be okay?
Fair enough. I still think it is unlikely Rolston goes anywhere (especially cut) for my other reason about the team’s relationship with current and potential vets
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
Yes, here is the capgeek disclaimer and link
In our “floor” chart (scroll down), we examine the teams closest to the $48.3-million lower limit. The numbers listed are the cap dollars each team can shed today and at the deadline without falling below the floor. Teams can dump more and more salary the closer it gets to the trade deadline. For example, if the Carolina Hurricanes are listed with $5 million today and $15 million at the deadline, they couldn’t trade Eric Staal’s $8.25-million cap hit today because it exceeds $5 million. But at the trade deadline, they could trade Staal, Tuomo Ruutu ($3.8 million) and Tim Gleason ($2.75 million), because the sum of those annualized cap hits ($14.8 million) is less than $15 million.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Rakh is 23 with a total of 7 NHL games.
David Ullstrom is 22 with 14 NHL games (and 2 goals, 2 assists).
I think it is okay if Rhett hangs out a little longer rather than send him down because he “isn’t delivering.” His lines has shown a lot of competency and chemistry.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
I don't want Rakh down
Unless it’s Ullstrom coming up.
That being said I do not understand why he is getting reps on Bails line and Nino isn’t.
Nino
has had a few injuries/concussions
they may simply be looking at this as a learning year for him, get him healthy for next year, etc.
and on line 4 he can learn D which seems to be something he needs to learn how to be better at
kind of makes sense
Anyone want to enter their kid in a chance to broadcast a game with King?
http://islanders.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=75903
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Feb 12, 2012 9:31 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
wiil they get
physically manhandled and dominated today too and steal 2 more meaning less points because of the goalie?
gee, would have been nice to have a guy like haley last night. i know taveras wouldnt have been run countless times like he was. they’ll be sorry when he has another concussion because of it. oh wait,, haley was in bridgeport last night bashing every opposing player in site and getting a hat trick. i know, i was there. and im going back today. that team is so much better to watch than the prima donna’s on long island that just have sword fights with their sticks
We have been pushed around by the Habs. Bolts, Aves and Kings this season
Pretty pathetic.
You know you have 0 toughness when the Habs push you around.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
how would the points be meaningless?
seriously that 1 line made me automatically skip the rest of your comment
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
I'll try an image this time
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
by IslesFanInNJ on Feb 12, 2012 11:07 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Good, go watch them.
Leave us alone in the process. K thanks.
by sayvillelax94 on Feb 12, 2012 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Goal hanger...
I haven’t heard that term since i was a kid playing roller hockey…In todays NHL its a good thing, lol
Playoff Picture
I’m a numbers guy: so this is how I look at the standings:
In the remaining 28 games the Islanders have to accomplish the following:
Toronto – win 4.5 more games than Totonto. Isles have 2 games on hand (the .5 games means a tie)
Washington – win 4.5 more games than Caps
Winnipeg – win 2.5 more games than Jets (Isles +3 games on hand)
Montreal – win 1 more game than Habs (Isles +2 games on hand)
Tampa Bay – win 0.5 more games than Bolts
Buffalo – win 0.5 more games than Sabers (Isles +1 game on hand)
If they can’t catch Toronto, maybe they can catch Ottawa (need to win 5 more games than Ottawa (Isles have 4 games on hand).
The fact that the Isles have 5 teams ahead of them in the standings, and with the stupid loser point, this will be extremely difficult but not impossible. They have to hope none of the teams above them get crazy hot, while at the same time, the Isles need a good run. I don’t think the current top 8 seeds will be the final top 8 at year’s end. One or two teams will drop out. One or two teams out of the playoff picture today will get in. Why not the Isles?
That’s why I am against trading Nabby until it is clear that Isles are out of the playoff hunt (and only if they get some good value). Isles need a hot goalie to get into the playoffs.
At the end of the day, if the Isles fall short but stay in contention until the end, it will be great experience for our young talent. In the past, I didn’t mind the year-end tank. I new Isles needed high draft picks (that brought us JT, Strome, Nino, etc), but this organization is past that phase of the rebuild.
Or you can look at
Zorak…
One of their features, besides ‘magic numbers’ is Projected Final Standings based on the last 10 games.
Assuming teams continue to earn points at the same rate as their last 10 games, this is what the standings will look like at the end of the season.
GP W L OTL PTS SO LAST10 W-L PRJ
NYR (A) 53 35 13 5 75 3-4 7-2-1 +22 119
BOS (NE) 53 34 17 2 70 6-1 5-4-1 +17 102
TBL (SE) 54 24 24 6 54 2-3 7-1-2 +0 99
PIT (A) 55 31 19 5 67 7-3 7-2-1 +12 108
PHI (A) 55 31 17 7 69 1-5 4-3-3 +14 99
NJD (A) 55 31 20 4 66 9-3 5-3-2 +11 98
FLA (SE) 54 26 17 11 63 3-6 5-3-2 +9 97
NYI (A) 54 23 23 8 54 4-3 6-2-2 +0 93
-————————————————————————
WSH (SE) 54 28 21 5 61 1-3 4-3-3 +7 92
TOR (NE) 56 28 22 6 62 3-3 5-4-1 +6 91
MTL (NE) 56 23 24 9 55 2-7 6-3-1 -1 89
BUF (NE) 55 24 25 6 54 5-3 5-4-1 -1 84
CAR (SE) 56 20 25 11 51 0-4 4-2-4 -5 82
WPG (SE) 57 26 25 6 58 3-3 4-5-1 +1 81
OTT (NE) 58 28 22 8 64 5-2 2-6-2 +6 78
Amateurs practice til they get it right. Professionals practice til they can't get it wrong.
Wow, Ottawa fall from grace
and the entire Northeast out besides Boston. Would love that scenario haha.
You should've seen her face. It was the exact same look my father gave me when I told him I wanted to be a ventriloquist.
Sign me UP for that!!!!! :)
This would actually make history- all 5 teams in one division have never made the playoffs before.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 12, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
nice rivalrys too
Isles vs. Rags
Pit vs Philly
And the most feared rivalry in the east, the Bruins vs. Panthers ;)
You should've seen her face. It was the exact same look my father gave me when I told him I wanted to be a ventriloquist.
by mikefromVA on Feb 12, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
.....but wouldn't the Southeast Division winner still get in?
In memoriam: Virginia Ariel Cayon 1927-2011 R.I.P. Mom
As awesome as that would be...
I wouldn’t count on it. teams will level off their play. The islanders actually have a favorable schedule for February, but not so in March. If they can figure out the goal scoring thing, completely dominate their february foes, get Travis back… and it Snow’s a RH D with size and mobility at the deadline… Maybe a March miracle could happen.
I still go by the fact that they have improved over last year, and hopefully will play some IMPORTANT games in March.
Two big decisions will have been made by the end of the month… hopefully both will have been made with more than their 25 or so game future in mind.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
None of this mattres, if we lose today. This is a must win
Florida IS THE ONE TEAM AHEAD THAT HAS PLAYED THE SAME GAMES AS US.
Win today is a must.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
This is why
they have to fix their problems now.
It’s fine for us to look back and say, “wow, they are making strides”…. but in reality they really aren’t.
THE LAST 10: 6-2-2
THE WINS:
Philly(twice) One awesome team win, one awesome Nabokov win. Nabby might not be here in 15 days. Philly’s last 10 have been mediocre. They haven’t been getting stellar goaltending and have been dominated by playoff teams.
Carolina(twice, one OTW) In two games they scored 7 goals… AWESOME??? Not really. 2 empty netters and 2 PP goals and one in OT. two games two regulation 5-on-5 goals against a goaltender against the worst team in the conference is nothing to write home about. Better than the alternative for sure, but nothing to call the parade committee over.
Ottawa: 1 goal in regulation.
LA: 1 goal in regulation
Teams that DESERVE to be in the playoffs don’t win the majority of their games with one 5-on-5 goal in regulation. Teams that do that FIX their problems when they have the chance.
2006-07 they were in a similar situation… Instead of signing or TRADING Jason Blake, Tom Poti or Victo Kozlov they spent two prospects(?) and a number one draft pick on Cryin’ Ryan. I’d still like to think that was a good call by Snow given the time and circumstance… but this is a more mature team now, and very close to getting past a long long period of darkness. they need to sign or get value for their expiring assets and start to see if they can mend some issues with the prospects that are NHL ready (Ullstrom, Rhett, Wishart).
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
Torgo Thanks for the info...didn't know this forecast model existed
Would have saved me all the “back of the envelope” calculations I put together for my above post.
by JoRiverside on Feb 12, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
Isles v. Rags wld be huge
It would revitalize the Isles’ fan base and really put the Isles back into the consciousness of NYers. No matter the rresult.
I alsoo think that it would make an August 1, 2012 referendum an easier sell than last August’s debacle, especially with a somewhat less crappy economy and without a national panic regarding government as story number 1. I’m not suggesting that Mangano will or should try again but that in hindsight August 2012 would have been a friendly atmosphere for it than 2011.
Lighthouse Hockey. Where Islanders fans come to panic with punctuation.
by DP'sknee(andhipandflubugandotherknee) on Feb 12, 2012 12:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Would definitely create some buzz for hockey in NY
But the Isles would get smoked.
by Dorfer on Feb 12, 2012 1:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Can't watch game today
But better see Gigantor make his way in the game thread. I’m superstitious and you don’t fix what ain’t broke. 7-2-2 record soon to be 8-2-2-.
Enjoy!
You should've seen her face. It was the exact same look my father gave me when I told him I wanted to be a ventriloquist.
Interesting Tidbit on Frans
Nielsen’s contract was finalized a few minutes before the start of Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia, but word got to him regardless in this technology age.
Flyers center Scott Hartnell, a players’ association rep, got a group e-mail announcing Nielsen’s deal and the numbers. The two faced off against one another early in Tuesday’s game and Hartnell played journalist by breaking the news to Nielsen.
"He goes, ‘Why aren’t you smiling? You should be smiling,’ " Nielsen said. "I asked why and he said he saw the e-mail and told me it was done. Kind of strange, but it’s good news, you know, so I didn’t mind hearing it from him."
"Mark D: the internet's foremost chronicler of Milburian insanity" - Pretty Good Idiot
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
by Mark D on Feb 12, 2012 10:55 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
yeah read that too.
interesting and must have been strange coming from Hartnell. I would take him on our Team in 5, 4, 3 done.
Nice job, Big Mouth!
Just kidding. That’s good stuff from Hartnell and The Frans.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
by PGI on Feb 12, 2012 11:13 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He was gonna let Briere tell him
They wrote the news on the tape of his stick blade. “Check it out Frans! The contract’s done!”
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
.....stint in Phila. aside, I always kinda liked Scotty - the ASG only made me feel more so.....
In memoriam: Virginia Ariel Cayon 1927-2011 R.I.P. Mom
How bout that goal/fight with Phaneuf
I loved that! Classic Hartnell- Fall down, score goal, fight! 2/3 of a gordie on 1 play!
by 54_Fighting on Feb 12, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
physically thrown arround last night
and on the 1 year anniversary of ferocious friday no less. disgrace
yea nothing like grabbing a meaningless 2 points`
have you watched the Kings? They do that to a lot of teams. While I agree I would love to see some more toughness on this team, getting 2 points from the Kings is one of the best ways to get back at them for what they did.
They are fighting for the playoffs too and losing that 1 point could be huge for them in the end.
And to say those 2 points were meaningless tells me you are not looking at the standings much lately and that you are very much an eternal pessimist with this team.
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
also I saw plenty of heavy hits from our team in this game
this is the game you say we were physically thrown around?
did you even watch? it looked to me like we were throwing the body a ton too. There have been a few other games that deserved this criticism more than this game did.
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
I thought the Isles were giving it right back
It was “let em play hockey”. Streit had a couple of big hits.
by JoRiverside on Feb 12, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
True, they did
But when Martin seemed to be hurt, the hits got more plentiful and more dirty.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
I didn't see any Islanders throw an elbow at Kopitar's head though
like the Kings did to JT. I think if Haley’s there, they think twice about doing that crap.
by Potvin's Cups on Feb 12, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
PAP threw an elbow that did not get called and Amacs hit was close to boarding
we threw our fair share of penalized hits
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
You should change your username to Debbie F*!#in Downer!
Are you ever happy? They lose you bitch, they win you bitch.
Some people won't be happy
until the team is winning 5-0 every game, leading in hits and winning three fights per game decisively, while maintaining a cap friendly roster, with a solid prospect system, winning every trade and getting the best prospect of every draft.
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
these are the same who will bitch that KO is holding the Stanley Cup wrong
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hahaha exactly
“Big deal, they won; they haven’t got a prayer of repeating!”
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
Isles won the cup?
Win 3 more in a row.
then I’ll care.
Tavares: "Hey, we won the Stanley Cup last year."
Costanza: “Yeah, in SIX games…”
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
by PGI on Feb 12, 2012 2:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
"The Islanders jumped from 14th to 11th back to 13th yesterday. All in a day's insanity."
When I first read this I thought it said all in a days “Linsanity.” I have obviously seen way to many basketball tweets in the past few days.
by cleyden on Feb 12, 2012 11:37 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
An amnesty clause gaining steam?
Interesting update from Bruce Garrioch in the TO Sun, that several GMs have asked the NHL to request a one-time amnesty clause to allow teams to buy out a player without having that salary count towards the cap. Scott Gomez’s still-awful contract is mentioned as a likely target.
Please, Garth—step up your lobbying efforts for this amnesty clause to happen!! If this gets put in the next CBA, it would be a miracle.
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/02/11/rink-wrap-habs-want-amnesty-clause
Don't understand how this helps the Isles?
Unless I’m missing something (and I may), with the Isles at the Cap floor why would they want other teams to get cap relief and spend more? This will only allow the Rangers, Devils, FLyers and other cap ceilling teams to sign more talent. The Isles are having trouble reaching the CAP FLOOR. They don’t need amnesty to sign anyone. They could carry DP’s salary on the books and still sign a bunch of UFA.
by JoRiverside on Feb 12, 2012 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Let me add
that amnesty doesn’t mean that the teams don’t have to pay the salary of the player they choose to drop. it just means it doesn’t count towards the cap ceiling. You don’t save the cash layout. So again, I don’t think amnesty does anything for the Isles.
by JoRiverside on Feb 12, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Two things.
One, like a current (Cap counting) buyout for the Islanders, this would require the Isles to basically only pay 2/3 of DiPi’s remaining contract.
Two, in theory, if the Islanders were to move into profitability in the next few years (Hello 2015 move), then the Isles will won’t mind spending and would like cap flexibility, which they could get by getting rid of DP.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
But this amnesty clause only helps the Isles by way of a major "what if."
Whereas is directly helps other teams who can sweep away the buyout amount because they are controlled by big money corporations. In the short term, this clause helps every one of the Isles rivals, and in the long term helps the Isles if they move into profitability (which is unlikely at this moment given the economic times and likelihood of a corporate buyer who wants them to remain on the Island).
With the cap likely to rise over the next few seasons, how does getting rid of DP’s 4 mil (ish) cap hit help the team in a major way that is worth giving their rivals an easy out of moronic contracts? Garth has shown a shrewd ability to sign guys to terms that don’t handcuff the team’s ability to sign future talent (i.e. KO and Grabs backloaded contracts, but small cap hits).
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
For the record, I'm not saying it helps us relevant to other teams.
But it would be nice to not have to worry about where the hell DP goes on the roster.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
I understand.
But, I’d rather make the other teams suffer through their moronic deals. DP will retire before his contract is finished… I’m fairly certain that his body won’t hold up through it all.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
by Turgeon1992 on Feb 12, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
^^^^ EXACTLY.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 12, 2012 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
DP will retire before his contract is finished… I’m fairly certain that his body won’t hold up through it all.
That’s already happened, and yet he’s still here. He’s so broken and awful as it is, I can’t imagine why he would bother retiring at some future point if he hasn’t already.
Really though?
Imagine if he were Ray Emery, without contract after all this, instead of 15-year insulation. Do you think with the different incidents he’d been through that he’d have hung it up at this age?
Each year there have been unexpected setbacks to give him the idea that he just needs that “clean slate” chance — that first summer of concerted training without surgery rehab thrown in. The contract has just given him cover to do it without visiting Russia or the ECHL, but I totally understand why he’s still trying at this point. Likely reality, so near now, hadn’t yet arrived.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Do you think with the different incidents he’d been through that he’d have hung it up at this age?
…
The contract has just given him cover to do it without visiting Russia or the ECHL
That’s the problem. I think there’s a great chance if he didn’t have the contract he’d have hung them up, because the injuries the past three years would have occurred in the AHL, if he was lucky, but very possibly an even lower level. When you are failing and getting hurt and you’re not even in the NHL, the desire to make it back could fade much quicker.
Sure, you can point at Emery, but he at least kept getting tastes of the NHL, and was successful in them (compared to anything DP has done since 08).
Actually rooting for the Rags today against the Caps
they win and we beat the Cats, good day for us again, plus we gain 2 points on everyone else (except either Tampa or Pitt)
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 12:39 PM EST reply actions
These games are kinda must wins.
If the Islanders want to truly get back in the playoff hunt this is the type of game they have to win. They have to win the games against florida, toronto, washington, winnipeg. A win here will be a big step forward. They will be over .500 and only six games out.
by Smoothcatdaddy on Feb 12, 2012 12:48 PM EST reply actions
6 points out
thats 3 games not 6
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
RANGERS SCORE!! Helps Isles postseason cause
Jtdolphins2009 does a happy dance :)
yup
because at this point, even if we do win all of our games, we still need teams ahead of us to lose
it takes two outcomes to make up that deficit
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
right
than isles knock them out in first round of playoffs!
by Smoothcatdaddy on Feb 12, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Fuck the Rangers. Go Caps.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
Not me
IMO, except for the unis they wear, this Rags team is more more likeable for me than the Caps:
1. Torts is the last Amerks coach to win the Calder
2. Callahan is from Rochester and my kind of player.
3. Prust is a cool player.
4. Lundqvist is a pretty likeable guy, even for a metrosexual.
5. Rags are already in the playoffs
6. Dale Hunter
7. Dale Hunter
8. Dale Hunter
9. Dale Hunter
10. Did I mention Dale Hunter?
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
Is it just me?
Didn’t Lundqvist SPIT on an ice girl during a regular season game?
I am 99.9% sure I’m not making this up. Everyone tells me how classy he is and I always bring that up and they look at me like I’m crazy…
Found it.
http://deadspin.com/249879/the-rangers-spit-on-cute-girls
Guess I miss-remembered he didn’t spit but he did slash.
Still feel he is classy?
No it wasn't classy and he was wrong for the slash on the squeegee
I was at that game and was pretty close to the action but admit to missing the whole incident. In Lundqvist’s defense goalies don’t like anyone messing with their crease but he was certainly out of line there. Not sure about the spitting thing but most likely it was by a Ranger lowlife who probably isn’t on the team anymore.
When there’s a commercial break — yes, the NHL has sponsors! Pipe down, you! — the New York Rangers Islanders have Ice Girls clean up loose ice around the goal. They’re young and cute and the fans like them, because fans like young and cute girls who are on ice.
You know who doesn’t like them, though? Goaltenders.
Oh really?
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
lol
I didn’t think it was possible to like Nabby anymore than I do, but this just upped it another level lol
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Needs more Craig Anderson
"Mark D: the internet's foremost chronicler of Milburian insanity" - Pretty Good Idiot
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
by Mark D on Feb 12, 2012 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Don't think he spat on anyone
But he was enormously annoyed at them. Apparently, rink maintenance must be done by old frumpy guys in hoodies, the way Conn Smythe himself intended.
Maybe he’s afraid Belichek won’t get a job after he’s done coaching.
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
I find only 1 error in your comment
the last word should say cheating
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Read the link
He slashed the squeegee out of her hands.
It’s a league wide rule that you have to leave the crease for the team’s ice maintenance crew.
Our crew is just significantly hotter than others.
I love his quotes after the incident. No apology.
by Bleuchz on Feb 12, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But you forgot one major factor in the first five...
1. Rags
2. Rags
3. Rags
4. Rags
5. Rags
Oh it hurts to be given such a difficult decision today. Why oh why can’t the NHL bring back ties!
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
The major fact is 5 (And 6 through 10)
They are already in. While the Caps are not.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Damn it, wanted Montoya.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
This will be a true test of Nabokov's durability today
Both teams are coming off back to back games with no travel except for a bus ride for the Panthers from NJ.
can you get the radio feed on internet?
I am driving up state and want to listen on iPhone. The Hofstra station will fad out right after leaving long island.
Download the Hofstra radio app
Been using it a lot lately since I’m a TWC customer and the Dolans are jerks. It’s a great app.
by Dorfer on Feb 12, 2012 1:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Caps seem to not be playing that great, the goaltending is not as solid
to me they are a team that is just as vulnerable as Florida, Toronto and Ottawa are
I look at the teams that are in and I can see a few of them falling out of the top 8; which means a few of the team out of the top 8 will get in
Why can’t we be one of those teams? because we have yet to prove that we can get in the playoffs the last 4 years when we go on good runs? Well what exactly has Toronto and Florida done the last couple of years? How many playoff appearances do they have?
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 1:33 PM EST reply actions
Anybody still want to complain about our 3rd jerseys?
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 12, 2012 1:34 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Frankly, YES
It’s a slippery slope… ugly and careless designs beget eventual atrocities.
We've gotta draw the line!
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
'07
When we made that absurd comeback to squeak into the playoffs.
I had to root for the Rangers AND for the Leafs.
Ugh what an awful week that was.
I remember that
Not only did we have to root for the Rags and the Leafs, but we had to rot for them in a very precise order.
I’d be interested in knowing what the odds were of those seven days going exactly as they did.
"...I was here on Day 1 when Garth decided to do the rebuild, and I really want to see it through." -- Frans Nielsen
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 12, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Weird times.
I made a promise to Kyle Wellwood that if we got past the first round I would buy his jersey and wear it to the games.
Alas….
holy crap what a save by Lundqvist
with 3 guys in his crease and him down on the ice
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 2:33 PM EST reply actions
boooo Caps make it 3-2, cmon Rags
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Feb 12, 2012 2:50 PM EST reply actions
IN-GAME THREAD IS UP
Here you go: http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2012/2/12/2793684/islanders-panthers-game-thread
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
