New York Islanders Bits: Rangers post-game; Realignment; Analytics; Coaching

Yes, the home OT loss to the Rangers happened, and it stings. Here's a little more coverage in which to wallow, plus other more fun reading:

• Recaps and such: LHH | Newsday with some officiating talk | The Post in a very Rangers-are-heroes way | The Post on old man Hamrlik | Daily News is very Nash gaga | The Times has an overview | NYIFYI on playoff atmosphere
  
• This topic isn't going away (we'll have a different angle later): IPB: Where has Michael Grabner's ice time gone?
• If you missed it yesterday, the NHLPA "consented" to the NHL's realignment plan, probably because there is no CBA war on the horizon.
• Reliving Brett Lindros and the oddest jersey era in Isles history.
  
• Great write-up from Scott Cullen at the 2013 sports analytics conference. Look for more on it from him.
• Speaking of which (given recent discussion in comments here): Shot quality matters, but how much? | NHLNumbers.com
• And one more: Boys on the Bus " The Statistical Relationship Between Hits, Shots, and Points
• So, um, "forcible touching" outside an Islanders game? I hope this gets the NHL to reconsider forcible touch icing.
• This is even worse: Alleged abuse of students at Shattuck-St. Mary's known, not reported | Grand Forks Herald
• The Bruins have waived Chris Bourque, which means ... more Jay Pandolfo? But look for them to find a more lasting solution.
• Alex Ovechkin on one of the many issues with Milbury.
  

Ken Hitchcock on what ails the Blues, with deeper meaning for Isles fans:

"Your 5-on-5 play is a direct reflection of how much time you spend in the other team’s zone, and we just don’t spend enough time in the other team’s zone right now to be a consistent winning hockey club," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. "We have to manage the puck better. I think when you manage the puck well, you just end up being a really good 5-on-5 team. You end up creating garbage scoring chances – zone-time, wear-down scoring chances. When you don’t spend enough time in the offensive zone, it’s hard to be a good 5-on-5 team."

Pshh, what Hitchcock really needs is to get angry and violent behind the bench. Isn't it great when a Real Coach (TM) goes crazy and throws things, to show he cares?

And finally, looking ahead: The Capitals, Saturday's opponent, put a whooping on the Cats.