Sabres 4*, Islanders 3 (*SO): Frans is not enough
by Mark D on Feb 4, 2012 10:59 PM EST
in New York Islanders Game Recaps
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Last night the Islanders were pushed to OT in a game they deserved to win. They outplayed the Senators just about the whole game. Tonight the Islanders were pushed to OT in a game they never deserved to have the lead in. Despite the 3-1 lead after the first, the Islanders had been outshot 17-9. Their Corsi was -20 and their Fenwick was -10 after the first. Frans Nielsen had 2 goals and the only assist on Josh Bailey's (almost SH) goal.
The Sabres battled their way back from 3-1, while Al Montoya seemed to struggle in net and the defense had some bad lapses. After tying the game halfway through the 3rd, the Sabres looked like they were playing for OT. The Isles gained some momentum going into the extra period and really laid it on in OT. Montoya made an early clutch save in the period and Dylan Reese probably saved another goal before a Sabres too many men penalty gave the Isles a PP. The Isles pretty much controlled the game for the rest of OT and had some fantastic chances. Ryan Miller was clutch though and forced the shootout.
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Miller made the save against P.A. Parenteau and challenged Frans, upsetting the timing of the Danish Backhand of Judgment. Hopefully not too many people were watching, because that was a textbook lesson in stopping Frans on the shootout. Montoya looked bad in the shootout giving up goals to both Sabres he faced.
Game Highlights
Game Notes
Islanders Defense: Milan Jurcina was a last minute scratch, with Reese playing in place of him. Unfortunately Travis Hamonic took a puck to either the nose or eye. It angled just right to sneak under his visor. There is no report on his condition from the Islanders other than his leaving Coliseum and being in the hospital. Considering Hamonic is arguably the Islanders' best defenseman, there is plenty to worry about if he's out for any period of time.
[UPDATE: Official word is a broken nose for Hamonic. Isles expect a two-week absence]
Tonight though it made a bad situation even worse. Already looking tired in the 3rd period, the Islanders had to finish the game with 5 defenseman. If Jurcina isn't ready to go by Tuesday against the Flyers, they will have to call up someone from Bridgeport. After tonight's game, Bridgeport is off till Saturday the 11th. It will be interesting to see who gets the call-up.
Tired JT? Although John Tavares came close to notching himself another game winner, it looked like during some shifts that he might be tired. Cappy has really been leaning on him. In the last 6 games he's been between 20 and 25 minutes of ice time and tonight he played 26 minutes. He also didn't get a break since he was a part of the All Star game. With the Isles off till Tuesday, hopefully he can get a bit of a break.
Rusty Montoya: It's odd to say that a goalie had a bad game when he was named 3rd star with a .919 SV%, but Montoya was leaving a lot of juicy rebounds. He also looked plain awful during the shootout. He still made a few clutch saves that preserved a point for the Isles. With the trade deadline coming up and the possibility of Evgeni Nabokov being traded the Islanders need Montoya to play like he did last season.
Playoffs, are you talking about Playoffs? Lots of scoreboard watching in the game thread as the Islanders already need a lot of help for an outside chance to sneak in. Not only did the 3 point game allow the Sabres to tie the Isles in points, but everyone else in the bubble won. On the bright side because it was an OTL and not a regulation loss, the dream is still alive for the Isles to reach .500 for the first time this last in the season since 08.
Ice Time: Not surprising that with Hamonic (18:26) going down, Andrew MacDonald played nearly 28 minutes tonight. MacDonald also led the team in shifts with 31. Tim Wallace and Jay Pandolfo were at the other end of the spectrum, both getting just around 9 minutes.
First Goal: Not sure when the last time the Islanders did it, but tonight they scored a goal on their first shot. Since they are leading the league by giving up a goal on the first shot 9 times, it was a nice change of pace.
If the Islanders are going to push for the playoffs, they need to win games like this even if they don't deserve it. Secondary scoring has been lacking all season, and tonight they got plenty of it. Letting the Sabres get 37 shots against Montoya is worrying and even more so when the Isles had 24 blocked shots on the night. Almost every game is a must win the rest of the way, and it only gets tougher with the Flyers coming to town.
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There is no report on his condition from the Islanders other then his leaving Coliseum and was in the hospital.
Damn.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 4, 2012 11:10 PM EST reply actions
He got the better of it
He didn’t have to watch the rest of the putrid affair. Watching that game was like a Jurcina slapper aimed at the bench that somehow managed to nail you in the sack while you stood in front of the net.
Amateurs practice til they get it right. Professionals practice til they can't get it wrong.
I'm just worried, because we don't know where he got hit. Hoping it wasn't the eye.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
Kaleta was a douche(I know) before the puck even dropped in the 2nd. He slashed and crosschecked Martin about 5 times before the period even started, then shadowed martin as he threw the hit and goated him into fighting.
Frigging martin, should have drawn the penalty. You are a useful player and shouldn’t be forced into fighting useless players on opposing teams.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
thin line there
I think he did more than enough to draw the penalty. Even after dropping the mitts, you’d have to believe that Kaleta gets the 2-5-10 for instigating… but he’s not an Islander… so it doesn’t comply with the spirit of the rule.
Martin (IMO) did exactly what he needed to do. He skated away twice before engaging, and when he engaged he punished.
If the tables were turned and Martin is down 3-1 and wants to get at Erhoff or Regher it’s instigating without a doubt.
I hope in their next battle Nino makes babyfood out of Gerbe.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
Yeah, we don't need Martin being Dion Phanuef all the time
It’s okay he dropped the gloves. It happens.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
I think the isles have to teach barfalo a lesson and call up Gillies, Haley, or both next time
Martin can answer the bell, but if they are going to treat a player like a goon, Isles have to respond by turning up the heat. Gillies can take out the goon, Martin can hit everything, Haley will take out the next guy.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 5, 2012 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah. I am completely with you. If people are gonna want someone to answer the bell on our team and constantly target Martin with crosschecks and slashes until he drops them or takes a penalty(which seems like the rarer thing of late because the refs
have been calling our games very loose), it’s time to change that player. We have Wallace and Pandolfo on the bottom line. At minimum we should have Haley as a depth scratch for those situations, or even Gillies. I’d prefer Haley though because he can play a little hockey and throw big hits to keep things evened out against physical teams sort of.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
We played pretty sloppy, and then when hamonic went down it was prayer time.
We barely deserved the point, but damn did montoya look like complete crap in the shootout. Did he even have a game plan?
PS-Stupid Reese is back. I saw him make around a handful of stupid plays tonight. WHY DID STUPID REESE HAVE TO COME BACK!!!!
Time to pray for Hamonic not missing any time.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
example?
i thought reese played well for the most part. i think he plays better than staios and at times jurcina. if anything, he should be our everyday 6th dman. as for the “stupid” part, he’s pretty smart for a rookie.
"son of a bitch i'm sick of these dolphins"
- Steve Zissou
I recall
-at least 2 backpasses that were to no one
-at least 1 or 2 weak clearing attempts that he either softly didn’t clear or passed to a player in our own zone that had a man on them
-and a spin o rama or 2 of confusion by Reese on himself
It’s not enough to make me give up on him yet. I still think he’s better than eaton/staios/mottau and likely even jurcina(although being better than all of them isn’t saying much), but this Sabres game reminds me of the Reese that pissed me off with goalcosting mistakes last year. Reese was a + corsi player and -12 plus/minus guy last year not because of luck, because he had brainfarts up the wazoo.
And he’s not really a rookie, he’s a career ahl depth d-man @27yrs old. And I don’t believe he’d even be considered a rookie because he accumulated over 6gms in consecutive nhl seasons, I also believe he couldn’t be considered a rookie for another reason or 2 (I believe because he played enough gms last year to be considered a “full” nhl season by rookie standards). I also think he’s too old to be considered a rookie by the nhl, but not sure. I believe because someone said PAP was over a certain age last year, he was not considered a real rookie and thus couldn’t be up for the calder or other rookie stuff. Anyone?
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
agree
if hes our “everyday 6th dman” we need some help. not to say he hasn’t had some good games (smart, offensive minded d man who skates well and makes some nice passes). but theres not way hes a big minutes guy.
also, i dont think hes better than jurcina or eaton when theyre on their game either.
everybody "wong" chung tonight
thats fair ozzy...
but how many times do we see streit, macdonald, and others also make backpasses to no one or weak clearing attempts? it’s something we see quite a lot in your typical hockey game. more so when it comes to the more inexperienced guys like reese. it makes you think more about the job of an nhl defenseman being one of intense pressure and having to make decisions instantly when opposition is breathing down your neck. coming from a former goalie, i think the defenseman may have the hardest job out on the ice since they quarterback everything while making sure they perform their strict defensive duties. streit is not a great defensive player, but he understands how much more important his defensive duties are than moving/blasting the puck in the offensive zone. sometimes it’s not even the attempts when you gotta remember that the other team can possess the ability to play well too.
as for reese, i think he’s the best 6th dman option the isles have right now over staios and eaton. which is why they really do need to shop for dmen.
"Redemption? Sure. But in the end, he's just another dead rat in a garbage pail behind a Chinese restaurant."
Couldn’t agree more. I think some fans, because of past reputation/“pedigree,” automatically rate one player (Eaton, w/ a Stanley Cup ring, for e.g, as better than another (Reese, many years in the minors). I’d take Reese over both Eaton and Staios. Reese is younger and a better skater than either one of them.
by Potvin's Cups on Feb 5, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think Garth realizes(or doesn't want to explore) how much adding a decent bottom pairing d-man would help.
And what would it cost? A 4th rounder? They don’t go for a lot, but damn would that upgrade help our team out if a Donovan or Wishart isn’t a worthy nhl upgrade over a staios/eaton right now.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
He was playing very well in his last call-up
This call-up he doesn’t seem quite as good, but I don’t know how he lost his spot (to Staios? to Eaton?). That should fall under the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” category.
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 5, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
And just a guess, but I think the Rakh on the 3rd line experiment might be over.
Rakh looked bad a little at times tonight, and I recall seeing Pandolfo replace him for a few shifts of the end of the 3rd period on that line. Likely Cap’s fed up with him for at least tonight. Just a little heads up.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
i agree...
rakh wasn’t the same like he was last night. i’d actually like to see him play w nino more. i think those two could be something fun.
"Redemption? Sure. But in the end, he's just another dead rat in a garbage pail behind a Chinese restaurant."
Not sure it's over...
but it probably began too soon.
Not that I have any true insight to this situation, but it was always my assumption that Rhett would be a fourth line/PKer with middle-six upside. If Nino was a little more advanced I’d like to see him on the nielsen line. that would allow Bailey and Parentau some time together, and when Ulstrom returned you would get to where I would have liked to have been way earlier in the season.
Moulson-tavares-Okposo
Ullstrom-Bailey-Parentau
Grabner-Nielsen-Niederreitter
Martin-(Pandolfo/Reasoner)-Rakhshani
There needs to be a process for inserting players into the NHL. They need a minimum of 40 games in the AHL, and their NHL debuts (if not explisicitely for replacement purposes) should be in guarded 4th line roles. The Isles just can’t/don’t do it… and it really hurts the whole group of forwards. We are starting to see Nino get a shift here and there with better centers… maybe it’s coming.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
According to Fornabaio
(in his chat) I think he mentioned that he wasn’t 100% yet.
According to the write up of yesterday’s Bridgeport loss he is playing RW on a line with haley and mallrat(too lazy to spell this one). No Ullstrom highlights in this one leads me to believe that he is less than 100%.
Wishart scored and the end to end from cizikas was pretty nice (Haley’s goal).
They may want to leave him down there to get healthy.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
Who is mallrat?
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
maybe Ullstrom isn't ready
but some of the other guys are, yet Cap keeps firing a gun without bullets – he isn’t a very good judge of who should play (Rolston, Mottau, Reese, etc.) – the team plays hard, and we don’t need that much more offense
we need a bit more creativity
Mouiliaret
I believe, and I hate his name too. He’s a random forward signed to an AHL contract with BP. Really nothing special about him as per his stats, but he was good enough in his tryout to stick around.
"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.
Just got in
Missed the game but saw the highlights. One thing I can say is Bailey’s goal came from some beautiful passing. With the lack of secondary scoring what are the chances we see Bails on Neilsens wing. If one person can see Baileys passes coming its Frans. I think they could make quite the duo. Maybe we see Cizikas come up and play 3rd or 4th line minutes. He deserves a shot and it could be the end of Rolston or Wallace.
Constantly building for the future.
Perhaps
But as it is, with Reasoner still out, we only have three real centers on the team. A line of Grabner-Nielsen-Bailey does sound tantalizing but I think that isn’t a real possibility until Reasoner’s back, and then we can call up Cizikas to split 3rd and 4th line minutes with him.
Also, that line would be pretty dominant defensively. Definitely one of the better ones (well, as long as Bailey doesn’t play bad on the wing).
by sayvillelax94 on Feb 4, 2012 11:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yea the Reasoner thing was in the back of my head
But yea that line would be a big time shut down line. Maybe even spark some offense from them.
Constantly building for the future.
Yeah I definitely think offense would be generated.
The three of them always find ways to force opportunities on the PK and I definitely think Bailey would benefit offensively from more experienced players who are better passers. (No offense to Martin, who’s played brilliantly, but passing and shooting aren’t the major parts of his game, and the 3rd line RW changes so often that he might as well be picked out of a hat.)
by sayvillelax94 on Feb 5, 2012 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
Its funny how you dont value somone until they dont play
Jurcina’s absence was felt; hes a sold dman and Reese could not step up.
Also, how could you not appreciate Nabby? Montoya seems to need consistent playing time to be an above average goaltender. I think that despite our prospect depth at the position, we may have trouble finding a consistent tandem next season without Nabby coming back (Id be so surprised if he decided to resign).
A combination of a tired team (and a tired tavares) really showed tonight, and it didnt help that our d corp was reduced to 5 with Hamonic out. Heck, the amount of blocked shots shows the lack of effort in the neutral zone to stop the rush. When a few of these things work against us, the isles lack of depth really shows. On the bright side, we did amazingly get a point.
everybody "wong" chung tonight
by potvins_cups on Feb 4, 2012 11:58 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
That's another thing that annoyed me tonight.
At times the Sabres were just cycling and playing keep away against us and we couldn’t stop them from doing it. I know they have some good skaters, so do we, but there is no excuse to have a bottom of the conference team(similar to us right now) cycle the puck like they are the Red Wings against us.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
I WISH they looked like the Red Wings against us.
Unfortunately they passed and cycled more look like the Red Wings against everyone else.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 5, 2012 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
"looking more like", not "more look like". Ugh.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 5, 2012 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
its ok, we allow caveman-ese once in a while
The New York Islanders: saving their best for the wrong conference since '05
by Chris McNally on Feb 5, 2012 1:12 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Isles bad play.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
by OzzyFan on Feb 5, 2012 2:29 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Isles only point one when two should have
The New York Islanders: saving their best for the wrong conference since '05
by Chris McNally on Feb 5, 2012 4:44 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
why no JT top two five?
"Redemption? Sure. But in the end, he's just another dead rat in a garbage pail behind a Chinese restaurant."
by gukid17 on Feb 5, 2012 7:07 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I agree. Jurcina gives the Isles a desperately needed HUGE body on the blue line yet he is still a good skater. He’s also throwing his 245 or so lbs. around much more than he used to.
by Potvin's Cups on Feb 5, 2012 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that's why I don't mind seeing him resigned. We have ZERO size on our blueline without him and our physicality drastically drops without him.
Even if he is only a 6th/7th d-man, he’s got something our team lack and everyteam needs some of on D.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
sabres came to play when it mattered most...
the isles simply couldn’t hold the lead when the sabres decided to pressure more in the 3rd. i noticed how sluggish the isles looked in the 3rd and it showed in their play. i can’t complain too much considering how great they’ve been playing lately, but this one was a tough one to swallow. i hope the injuries are not as bad and that hamonic and jurcina could be ready for tuesday. montoya did alright considering how little playing time he’s been getting. it’s clear that he’s not a good shootout goalie. he’s more of a better solid, rebound, make the big save type of goalie. at least they got a point, but it should’ve been two.
"Redemption? Sure. But in the end, he's just another dead rat in a garbage pail behind a Chinese restaurant."
Buffalo Sucks - 2nd Highest Payroll in NHL at $66 Million
For a team with the second highest payroll in the NHL at $66 million, that team really sucks. They’re locked in with some guys who are marginal players, and the forwards are nothing but a bunch of Oompa-Loompas. Watching Gerbe try and pick a fight with Nino was pathetic.
At this point, I can’t fathom why either Regier or Ruff still are employed.
There's no way you should be blowing a 2 goal lead with 21 and change left in the game
but it is allowed to lose, especially when you still gain a point in the standings. It sucks to not get 2, but if you had told me 10 days ago the Isles would go 2-0-2 in the next 4 against Toronto, Buffalo, and Carolina and Ottawa on the road, I would’ve signed up in a heartbeat.
They still got the cheap consolation point, and as long as it still counts in the NHL, its worth taking. Big one in Philly Tuesday night. Id expect to see Nabokov in net unless there’s a trade before then.
The New York Islanders: saving their best for the wrong conference since '05
would you take a chance trading nabby at this point?
after montoya’s less than stellar last couple of starts? the fact that cappy has been playing nabby pretty consistently (even after montoya came back from IR), coupled with snow coming out and saying that hes going to be with the team til the end of the season, probably means we’re going to keep him, esp. since hes a big part of why this team is winning.
As for the 2-0-2 record, its good but probably not good enough to get me hopeful about the playoffs…also those teams are far from elite.
everybody "wong" chung tonight
It depends
on how well we do to put ourselves into the playoff race between now and 2/27.
If we are in the thick of it, we hang onto Nabby and see how the ride ends.
If we aren’t in it, we hope for a bidding war and see what we can get for him. Then ride out the season on Montoya and Poulin’s backup in the AHL. Poulin needs to stay there, play a lot, and carry the Tigers into the playoffs.
Amateurs practice til they get it right. Professionals practice til they can't get it wrong.
funny you should mention this
bc theres a story on the way that I just finished up. It depends on how much finishing over .500 means to management. Honestly I’m starting to think trying to lock up Nabby for a couple seasons and having a Nabokov/Poulin combo til Poulin is matured and ready to be number 1. But I shouldn’t start this talk here or no one will comment on my story!
The New York Islanders: saving their best for the wrong conference since '05
by Chris McNally on Feb 5, 2012 4:44 AM EST up reply actions
Looking forward to it
Though goalie conversations never generate too many comments here
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
by IslesFanInNJ on Feb 5, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
I agree
At this point, Nabby has looked a lot better than Al. I do hope that they still manage to retain Al in some area in the organization, it would be a damn shame if he’s let go in free agency. He’s had some great stretches for the isles in the two seasons he’s been here.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
I'd like to note
Someone included the following in the preview:
Protecting The Lead: The Islanders are 12-0-5 when leading after the first period and 13-1-4 when leading after the second.
Mush!
Never again!
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
To be fair...
…that means they managed to lose the lead 5 out of 18 times when taking it to the 3rd period. That doesn’t sound all that impressive to me.
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 5, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
.....I said it of JT, and I will of.....the team in its entirety (operative 2 syllables ('tire')!
…..while it’s hardly an acceptable justification, this bunch looked (well, I’m only intuiting as much since I couldn’t actually WATCH – or even listen; STILL can’t solve the blocking of WRHU:( unmistakably fatigued, especially toward the end, and it seems as though Buffalo got a slightly better deal from the refs but, that said, the PP performance in particular was pathetic tonight…..
In memoriam: Virginia Ariel Cayon 1927-2011 R.I.P. Mom
- and again, Montoya just hasn't regained any rhythm following his concussion;
no question they can’t reel off Nabby under those circumstances yet, that’s just what they did with Rolo in effect when it became clear in Snow & Wang’s minds the team had no chance of making the playoffs last season…..
In memoriam: Virginia Ariel Cayon 1927-2011 R.I.P. Mom
that power play
In ot shows why we are not a playoff team….and if we do make it in….we will be out in a ny minute
by WRANGLERICK on Feb 5, 2012 6:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Not to troll... but...
this comment shows exactly why you’re not fully educated on the Islanders’ power play. They had 9 shots in OT, 6 PP shots in the game… they probably had 5 shots on the PP in OT. Also, they have the 5th best PP in the league so far.
Your comment makes no sense… unless, of course you are talking about PPCI.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
by JPinVA on Feb 5, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The only thing about this comment that makes sense is that...
… I think it was Afro or Garik who mentioned that it was a WASTE to have Tavares on the point of that power play. Yes, Parenteau is good down low, but Tavares is more dangerous down there, and he would have attracted more attention, allowing Streit the tiniest extra bit of time/space for his shots, which could have made the difference.
Tavares is okay at the point, but it would be hard to argue he’s better than Parenteau. (Or AMac, for that matter.)
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 5, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, this is the 4-on-3?
I don’t see it as a patent WASTE to use Tavares on the point in that situation. Before I watched the game I read these and thought it was referring to some 5-on-4.
They’ve had issues with 4-on-3 using other setups so far this year, and the more important thing is the rotation to create confusion with the opponent and pull them into opening up space. At 4-on-3, with the two high men set up that low (because of PK collapsing in oh-shit mode) it’s different than the traditional point role.
Honestly, teams do PK’s in different ways and sometimes they play to the opponent, which requires adjustment. People get up in arms when something is different; sometimes it’s different for a reason.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Streit did get a couple very nice looks.
He was unlucky not to score on either of his shots up by Miller’s ears.
It just seemed that Tavares wasn’t a factor— Buffalo seemed to treat him like any other player at that position. When you have a player who has led the league in points for over a month, you want him to be a factor at crunch time…. But I think you’re getting at the point that the man down low is less of a factor on a 4-on-3 than a 5-on-4 because of how the PK guys rotate. (Sometimes it seems that the only safe options are passing back-and-forth between the point men until one has a shooting lane. Otherwise you risk the PK clearing the puck and changing one or two very tired players.)
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 6, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
Yup... having a top 5 power play in the NHL shows why the Isles are not a playoff team.
Just ask the 10-11 Bruins.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 5, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
From Newsday
The loss of top-pair defenseman Travis Hamonic 5:21 into the third period after a deflected shot caught him in the nose
and
Hamonic was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital as a precaution. There was no word on his status after the game
Makes me hopeful. Nose would explain all the blood pretty well. And I like the use of precaution there. Not treatment. Guess we’ll see, but that doesn’t sound as bad as it could have been.
also
if it were a true emergency, he probably would have been taken to NUMC. In this case, looks like they had the time to take him to a different facility. Maybe to see the plastic surgeon to fix his honker? Nose definitely explains the amount of blood, especially if it’s broken. Even in the case of broken nose, I see him coming out Tuesday with a full face-shield a la MacDonald last season with his jaw.
thank for the update afro.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
Missing the point
I think a lot of people forget that they had a pretty tough game against the Sens the night before, and had to travel on a back to back night. They also (for some reason) had to replace Jurcina (instead of Staios) with Reese. i thought Reese was brought up so that Staios didn’t have to play back to backs… I guess I was wrong, or Jurcina was hurt against the Sens. That’s even more of an issue because if it’s for an extended period of time, at best you are losing your biggest defender, and your second biggest, AND BEST defender will be playing with a birdcage.
But back to last night’s game. Their legs were like rubber in the first period. These are the games where you just HOPE they can scratch out a point. Luckily they were playing the Sabres. If they were playing a legit team they’d have lost 4-0.
This game was a throw away, and they managed a point. I’m good with that. Let’s move on, and keep our fingers crossed that Travis is okay… more for his sake than ours.
I believe in ELI! Go Blue!
@JPinVA
by JPinVA on Feb 5, 2012 9:11 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
Fully agreed
They played like a tired team last night, not a lazy one. They’ve gotten worn down a bit. Talk to me after Tuesday, where they have to come out strong @ Philthy.
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
by IslesFanInNJ on Feb 5, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Agee - Isles Didn't Have a Lot Left in the Tank
The Wway I see it, this wasn’t the Sabres beating them so much as the Isles being tapped out. And they still took it to a shoot out.
JT wasn't as beastly as usual in his last couple games...
He might be tired…Everyone else got a break while he was playing in the All-Star competition…
Always fun to read IPB after a loss
"JT looks like he’s ready for his usual 20 game scoreless drought,"
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Whoever said that is a douche.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
by Turgeon1992 on Feb 5, 2012 10:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
Yep
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
My favorite part is the use of "usual"
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
I still like ths one bettter
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 5, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
And I agree
I went there briefly this a.m.
I don’t know why I bother. I enjoy the articles, but I always get sucked into reading the comments.
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 5, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You go there for the same reason I do
Because site with Islanders news are few and far between. The articles on IPB are fine. Just stop when you get to the writer’s picture on the bottom. That’s what I do.
"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 5, 2012 3:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thats really what you have to try and make yourself do.
Reading some of the comments there is, far too often, a lesson in idiocy.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 5, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Well said
Take the money (or the standings point) and run.
"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 5, 2012 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
Islanders Trade Rumors
For what it’s worth (and it may not be worth anything), Garrioch in today’s Ottawa Sun:
Isles GM Garth Snow has been busy working the phones. He’s fielding offers for G Evgeni Nabokov, along with RW P.A. Parenteau and C Frans Nielsen. Sources say the Isles have held talks with Parenteau and Nielsen, but it’s likely they both won’t be kept. Expect the club to sign Parenteau and move Nielsen. It should be noted the Hawks were in the house Friday night at Scotiabank Place and they’ve been sniffing around for goalie help.
I wonder how he knows this?
Sources say the Isles have held talks with Parenteau and Nielsen, but it’s likely they both won’t be kept
.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Leaks from the Agents, Other Clubs Who Might Be in Talks with Isles
Garth himself has said he’s in talks with both. Other clubs might be talking trade with him conditioned on one or the other getting signed. So it could be accurate. But who knows.
But why would they tell him?
He has no clue how those talks have gone and either do we.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
Sources will tell people shit
(1) to make themselves feel important
(2) for a shot of expensive whiskey
(3) because Garth told them to
(4) all of the above
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 5, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
And don't forget
Garth himself could be planting some seeds here. If it is known that a certain team may land Neilsen, who would be a 3rd line upgrade for many teams in the league, those teams direct competitors may be more inclined to part with a little more in exchange for Neilsen.
Bidding wars usually work out well for the seller.
Amateurs practice til they get it right. Professionals practice til they can't get it wrong.
Of course Garth said so, my point is how does this hack knows how the talks are going?
I will stand by my opinion that he made that crap up about hearing how the talks are going.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I know as an Islander fan it’s hard to imagine a reporter ACTUALLY reporting on the team, but it is possible.
I hope he’s wrong, but it doesn’t seem that likely he’d invent it. Not like Islanders’ rumors sell papers.
The good part is we will find out soon.
But I doubt him making up some isles new had to do with “selling papers.”
Just another reporter pretending he has a clue.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
This is
Bruce “Malkin to the Kings” Garrioch.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Feb 5, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The very same
Take all trade rumors with a pound of salt. They are almost invariably one way or another 99% horseshit.
"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 5, 2012 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
Sources, dude. You know, those reliable, unnamed sources. E3
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
by Turgeon1992 on Feb 5, 2012 10:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
As noted earlier
I’m OK with Garth getting the best deal he can for Frans. Godspeed to the little Danish sonuvagun (I hope he goes somewhere he can win a Cup this year), but he is blocking Cizikas, who I’m getting higher on every fricking day.
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 5, 2012 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
I would be sad to see Fransie go...
He’s a seasoned vet on this team by now…We’ve watched his evolution into one of the most trusted defensive forwards in the league… He’s been here since before the rebuild began…He’s a home grown player that can be an integral part of a Stanley Cup team…It would be a huge disappointment if Garth doesn’t sign him…Sign him Garth…
I 2nd this emotion.
I know we don’t have immediate replacements for PAP or Nielsen, but Nielsen is a better checking center imo then PAP is a playmaking forwrad. And I think Nielsen has more of an impact on games/our-team then PAP does in all honesty.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
"John Tavares(a top 10 forward in the NHL)"-Neil Greenberg
Hopefully we can keep them both..
Lets face it…It would be a blow to this team to lose either one…
Nabokov
Hell, why not try to sign him. Really, the jury is still out on Montoya. Nabby is a proven NHL caliber goalie. I say 2yrs at 4 mill. After that, hopefully Poulin is completely ready.
I agree...
I am a Monty guy…I was all for him getting the starts as he earned it…But after he got hurt Nabby played even better than Monty…Nabby even stole a game or 2 and that’s something Monty hasn’t done much of…So basically it used to be Monty’s spot to lose and Nabby’s to win, IMHO…Now its reversed…It’s Nabby’s job to lose and Montys to win…That’s how a healthy goalie tandem should be IMHO…
man, I should be the coach
Gillies is back
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM558xyPfXQ
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 11:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Someone talk Hornick off the ledge
ehornick Eric Hornick
No official word on Hamonic — not a good sign. #isles #nhl
3 minutes ago
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
First, if we lose him we are screwed
But more importantly, we have no clue if this is real bad and how it can affect his career. I’m a bit worried myself.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
Agree that the team is screwed w/o him
Just not reading anything into the lack of reports…
Success was survival and, kid, it still is
by IslesFanInNJ on Feb 5, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
It is going to put a real kink into the rest of the season if Hamonic misses significant time.
And Mottau is not an adequate replacement, but can the Isles call up Donovan or Ness or another of the youth to replace Hamonic if he misses time?
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
Yeah, but he's a fan just like us
And to be honest, he’s the last guy who deserves a puck to the face on our team.
Class kid who has had some really crappy luck this year.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Far and Away
My favorite Islander not named John.
Really really really looking forward to the Kings game I’m making the migration for.
If Hamonic isn’t there it will rain all over my parade but….
As long as this isn’t long term I can deal. This season is what it is.
He's had a grade two IF before hasn't he?
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 5, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
Two grade Islander Face
Too many guys have suffered facial injuries for us in the past few seasons and now it’s known as Islander Face. Funny but sad.
by sayvillelax94 on Feb 5, 2012 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
From a few minutes ago
NYIslanders @NYIslanders
As soon as we have information on Travis Hamonic’s injury we will post an update. #Isles
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Line Juggling & Bridgeport
Capuano/Snow have been very poor this year IMO in trying out the right combinations on Offense
took the team too long to get JT & Matty Mo back with KO – slow to recognize what was right
took the team too long to realize Rolston was a drag on the team
same dynamic played out with the use of Mottau & Reese
Now we have a Bridgeport team showing they know how to play a two-way game coming off a 12 game unbeaten streak before last night’s loss – and the Islanders who don’t have enough secondary scoring
For example, Martin & Bailey are a nice combo, and separately, Grabner & Nielsen
But Grabner-Nielsen-Parenteau isn’t showing enough Offense for a second line – a key problem, yet they keep going back to that combo
Instead try Martin-Bailey-Parenteau and separately Grabner-Nielsen-Nino – PAP’s scoring could spring the other 2 into more scoring mode while they stay defensive experts, and the new FNGO would be a better line 3
Can we not at least try combos like this? Perhaps this is on Capuano
And then line 4 should be used to rotate guys from Bridgeport who are ready like Ullstrom (remember him?), Dibo and yes it is also past time to get Cizikas up here
Why are we so slow on these decisions? When we eventually get around to it, such juggling ends up helping
Prospect report is up btw
"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.
Just want to point out
that, IMO, there was nothing wrong with MM-JT-PAP, it’s just that PAP can help the second lne more than KO and KO is just as good on the top line.
That’s why I want PAP resigned.
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 5, 2012 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It seems like us fans call for these moves way before the Isles management makes them...
After the damage is done…
True, but...
Fans call for about 100 moves every game. Jurcina should be shot, Reese should be promoted. Jurcina’s size is kinda useful, what the hell happened to Reese. Rhett should be called up, why did Rhett look insignificant, Montoya should start, why did they start Montoya when Nabby’s rolling. They can’t beat the real NHL powers, they can’t beat the doormats. They need a line shakeup, wait why’d they change that line. Why is Nielsen on the powerplay, oh the powerplay is doing kinda nice, etc. Et cetera.
I know none of the above applies to any lone person (well, I’m sure there’s one out there), and it’s pretty clear management makes errors of judgment or at least decisions that don’t turn out as hoped, but fans have pretty selective memories as well as the benefit of not having to own up to nor explain to employees (players) their knee-jerk wishes. I know management has many of these discussions all the time and often has more data than we do.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Feb 5, 2012 11:54 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Dom, that post made me lol, but you're missing one thing in your examples
Fans call for about 100 moves every game. Jurcina should be shot, Reese should be promoted. Jurcina’s size is kinda useful, what the hell happened to Reese. Rhett should be called up, why did Rhett look insignificant, Montoya should start, why did they start Montoya when Nabby’s rolling.
You forgot:
Call up Haley!!
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 6, 2012 1:35 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd
for the strong, strong use of irony!
by afrosupreme on Feb 6, 2012 7:01 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hear ya..
But certain things to me seemed obvious a couple months ago…Mottau, Rolston, and Reasoner all are a waste of a roster spot…I kind of like Pandolpho on he 4th line and for the PK…But these other three shouldn’t have been around as long as they were…It took an injury to get No-Reasoner out of the lineup…So I agree with you to an extent…But there are these glaring issues that most Isles fans, who pay attention, saw a long time ago…
And I agree with these bigger issues
Well, I agree on Mottau anyway. They’d every reason to believe Reasoner would be better (really don’t agree he’s a waste of a roster spot, though he hasn’t been what was purchased this year).
I think for a lot of decisions there are reasonable people who disagree on the eval (it’s extreme, but we could mention PAP early last year or Reese at any moment in time).
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I never understood why people hate on Paps..
He’s been great as an Islander…Reese is who he is…I have no problem with him as a depth guy…I might’ve kept him up after his first stint…He might even be better than Staios, I believe…
Nino With Nielsen is a Bad Match
Nielsen usually plays a defensive role against other teams’ best players. Nino is still learning how to play away from the puck. IMO, that’s why you won’t see them on the same line.
agreed
i’d go with:
Martin — Neilson - Grabner—Bailey——Pap
Nino
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 5, 2012 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
Martin would open up ice for Grabs & Frans
plus he kills penalties, would learn to play D with best defensive forwards. Nino and Bailey would get offensive zone starts with assist machine Pap.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 5, 2012 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
I like that..This is what I'm talking about...
Isles fans should take over the managing of this team
Hamonic Update
Arthur Staple @StapeNewsday Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Travis Hamonic needed surgery to repair a broken nose, plus stitches. #Isles say he will miss 2 weeks. Took puck to the face last night.
Why yes, I do have a man crush on Bailey and Martin, and no, I don't care what you think about it
by DarthDoyle on Feb 5, 2012 1:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I can handle that. No eye.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Still hurts like hell
Missing him for 2 weeks is killer.
"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.
oh yeah, it sucks, but better than it could have been.
How do Islander fans spell hope?
T-A-V-A-R-E-S
by BobbyNystromOwnsYou on Feb 5, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'd guess he gets the cage too.
No Sleep 'til....We Find Some Secondary Scoring
Tough one
Not the end of the world. I hope they can get up for the flyers game on tues. We are on a roll versus the flyers, so let’s keep it going.
On s side note, I am a little curious about why the isles continue to run pandolfo and Wallace in the lineup. At this point in the season, I can maybe understand Pandolfo for penalty killing/4th line duties/showcasing for a draft pick come trade deadline but with all the young talent in the BRidgeport, why stick with Wallace? He is not in the future plans so I say give czikas or dibenedetto a shot.
Leave the Sound Tigers alone,
except in case of emergency, tyvm.
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 5, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
LOL
We are on a roll versus the flyers, so let’s keep it going.
A win is ‘a roll’ now?
LOL- Im OK with that. :)
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 5, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
I honestly thought the Isles looked pretty terrible all game long.
True the that 1st Sabres goal was a fluky one but the Isles just looked a step slow all night long and the Sabres were swarming them . I’m sure it is due to the Isles having played the night before while the Sabres hadn’t.
by TMS71 on Feb 5, 2012 3:39 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
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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.
