Islanders News: Jaroslav Halak eases in as Isles goalies lit up by North America

Not much to add after Sunday's bits (which had a number of worthwhile reads in case you missed 'em), but hopefully you enjoyed Sunday's launch of concussion-ball season and World Cup exhibition drama, or had a therapeutic 9/11 memorial experience.

Here's some more:

• Team Europe and both Islanders goalies were kind of torched by Team North America (aka Young Guns). But Jaroslav Halak is using the tournament to ease back in after offseason surgery, and he likes the concept of Team (Rest Of) Europe. [NHL]
• Meanwhile, the Isles turned out for their now-former teammate Matt Martin's charity poker night. [Isles]
• The Canadians are starting to gel after some eventful pre-tournament games against the their American rivals. [National Post]
• ...and those Americans are following John Tortorella's lead, which is always a sure plan for success. 0_o [NHL]
• And one more on the World Cup: In a familiar theme, Russia hopes it's explosive offense compensates for shaky D. [NHL]
• Five reasons the Senators' season could go south. [Silver Seven]
• Finally, this is a posting from the 10th anniversary back in 2011, but here's a Puck Daddy look back at how the NHL responded in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, which -- in hockey terms -- came before the Islanders had one of their franchise-best starts.