The New York Islanders were really close to a loss last night before Anders Lee saved the day with two seconds left. Well, they still "lost," and technically Lee only saved half the day. But his hallelujah goal off a Stars defenseman salvaged a point, which is like half of a win, even though its very existence made it only a third of the available points on the night because #nhlmath.
Islanders Reads
- Reviewing an eventful (and surprisingly low-scoring) 3-2 OT loss: LHH | Newsday | Isles | NHL
- Matt Martin was ejected on his first shift for a knee-on-knee (video below) that injured Trevor Daley. Jack Capuano in that Newsday recap said he didn't think it was suspension-worthy, but Lindy
WoofRuff says Daley will be out "weeks," and he's tired of losing players and hopes this will be a suspension for Martin. (P.S. The responses to that second tweet are why we should probably blow up the Internet and go back to just books and stuff.) - Ryan Strome took a bad late penalty and had the turnover at the blueline in OT, but maybe he was crosschecked too -- particularly if you consider the weak officiating standard at the end of regulation. [Vine clip]
- Though neither played last night, both Michal Neuvirth and Tyler Kennedy are thrilled to be with the Isles. [Newsday]
- Their new teammates are glad that "trade deadline" now means "add guys" rather than "sell off your women and children." [Newsday] (Also in that piece: Bonus Capuano "we'll have some tough decisions to make" line.)
- Here is Michael Grabner on a road trip. [New$12]
- The Johnson-Neuvirth swap was a good bet for the Isles. [B/R | ESPN] (We may have addressed those points too.)
- The Islanders totally won their trade deadline day. [THW]
- Proceeds from the March 10 game will go to the Smile Train. I like making Rangers fans pay for charity. [Isles]
- The comings and goings in Bridgeport. [Soundin' Off]
- The Sound Tigers are filled with hockey genes. Which is better than skinny jeans. [AHL]
Martin Hit on Daley
Here's the Martin kneeing:
Beyond the Island
What happened in Florida last night is one of those crazy "What if?" scenarios that never actually happens: Roberto Luongo got hurt and went to the hospital. Backup Al Montoya played...and got hurt. There was a long delay as the Panthers and the NHL sorted through who they could put in net. They almost tossed in goalie coach and former cup-of-coffee NHLer Robb Tallas (aside: Never knew he had two "b's" in his name, but then I think he played before the Internet), also considered playing with six attackers, finally put an injured Montoya back in to give up the winning goal, then let Luongo back in to finish. The Panthers lost, 3-2. True story. [Miami Herald | NHL]
- No matter his results on the Island, it's sad this is now beyond Isles news: Chad Johnson thought TSN treated him like crap when he agreed to be interviewed soon after being traded. And he's right. [Buffalo News]
- The award winners of various sorts from the trade deadline. [Grantland]
- Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf and Elisha Cuthbert want an apology and cash from TSN (because I guess it's plausible to sue because a stupid show ran a stupid tweet?). [Deadspin]
- Phil Kessel ripped the Toronto media for being all Toronto media to Phaneuf. [KK]
- Marc Bergevin knows where it's at. [NHL Numbers]
- Flyers fans are on the lookout for new scapegoats. [Broad Street Hockey]
- The laughingstock Oilers used to be fun to gawk at in a carwreck kind of way because misery inspires great art and writing, but now it's just sad to watch Oilers fans digest the latest. [Copper & Blue]