Islanders News: Duck and cover; Tavares and Belmont; Chelsea Blues

Late last night, the California road trip got off to a bang in Anaheim, but not the good kind. We’ll see what Saturday at the Shark Tank holds, besides Sharks.

The Yankees also advanced last night. Congrats to those who rejoice. To come back from down 0-2 against the league’s best team is impressive.

Local Nuggets

• The Islanders really did play extremely well through most of last night. John Gibson gave them very little, only allowing a Brock Nelson tip and a shot from Nelson flying down the wing. The Ducks held on 3-2. Recaps: [LHH | Newsday | NHL | Anaheim Calling]
• Former NHLer Steve Konowalchuk was Mathew Barzal’s coach all four years at WHL Seattle, and he attributes his personal growth to the Thunderbirds’ coach. [Newsday]
• The focus of Elliotte Friedman’s 31 Thoughts this week is the Islanders’ fight for a new arena at Belmont Park, noting the powerful and connected folks behind the Isles’ bid. Also a bit about John Tavares, of course.
• Bob McKenzie addressed the Tavares contract situation as well in the latest episode of his Bobcast, relaying the idea that it isn’t a foregone conclusion he’ll sign, or he would have done so already. [Bobcast | FanRag write-up]
• The Worcester Railers have released goalie Joe Fallon, the first player the organization ever signed, after the assignment of Eamon McAdam there. Tough business, that ECHL. [Worcester Telegram & Gazette]
• Let’s check in on all the prospects, shall we? [Islanders]

Across the Continent

Last night’s NHL scores. The Devils’ Brian Gibbons somehow managed to score while his team was killing off a 5-on-3 (New Jersey also handed Toronto its first loss of the season):

• The new Houston Rockets and Toyota Center owner Tilman Fertitta said that he would consider bringing an NHL team to the city and the arena, either as an owner or landlord. I gotta say, it makes a lot of sense. Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S., in terms of population, and a Houston-based team could slide seamlessly into the league as its 32nd team, into the West as its 16th team, and the Central Division as its eighth. Though Seattle could use a team themselves. Hmm. [Houston Chronicle]
• Jaromir Jagr made his Calgary Flames debut last night against the Kings. Kent Wilson discusses why he’s a perfect fit on his latest team. [The Athletic - paywall]
• Ryan Lambert has some gripes with the Golden Knights and praise for the Maple Leafs’ offense. Fun fact: the 2014-15 Islanders hold the record for best xG/60 over an entire season, though Toronto seems poised to challenge that. [Puck Daddy]
• Mark Scheifele talks about the five toughest players he’s ever faced. Folks, he’s good. [The Players’ Tribune]
• The Hurricanes owe the fans they do have an honest effort to increase game attendance, after drawing under 8,000 for their most recent game against the Blue Jackets. [Canes Country]
• A year ago, a Facebook group announced that a bar in Chelsea would be showing Blues games on their TVs. Since then, Wood & Ales has taken on a St. Louis identity, even serving local favorites. [Blues]