Islanders News: Greiss check; Goalies Night; Barzal Turner Overdrive

Folks, it’s been a wild 60 games for the Islanders. I’m as cynical as the next person. But as of this morning, the team is back in a playoff spot after recording two of the weirdest, stupidest and least-likely shutouts ever. I’m gonna sit back and bask in the fresh air before Monday’s matinee versus Minnesota (I’m also seeing Black Panther that day so hockey’s taking a backseat either way). Just, uh, don’t look at each Metro team’s games played.

Enjoy your Saturday.

Islanders stuff

• Recaps: LHH | Newsday | Islanders | NHL.com | NYI Skinny | Canes Country
• Yowza:

• Arthur Staple on his takeaways from the game including Thomas Greiss’ gutty performance that might mean much for the rest of the season. [The Athletic]
• A bizarre bit of pre-game news: Railers goalie and Islanders third round pick Eamon McAdam lost his temper in a loss and will be suspended two games for it. Eamon not feelin’ irie, I guess. [LHH]
• Newsday’s Neil Best says that the Islanders should stick with Garth Snow... for now, to see how the rest of the season plays out.
• Staple popped by the Isle Seat to talk Tavares, trades, Weight, The Athletic and other topics.
• Mathew Barzal is a rock star. And it’s not just because of his hair. [Sporting News]
• Dimitri Filipovic takes a look at how the Islanders (and other teams) could handle the trade deadline. I’m afraid he’s all in now. Poor guy.
• Good news: Christopher Gibson earned a shutout for Bridgeport. Bad news: The Sound Tigers lost 1-0 in the shootout. Ugh. [CT Post | Soundin’ Off]
• Mitch Gillam had himself a night, too, making 42 saves in Worcester’s 4-1 win over Orlando. [Telegram]
• Meet T.J. Syner, veteran presence for the Railers. [Telegram]

Around the NHL

• Last night’s NHL scores. Columbus lost in OT to Philly, allowing the Islanders to climb back into eighth in the East.
• The Flames signed versatile forward Mikael Backlund to a six year contract extension. Story by some HockeyGoalie guy. [Matchsticks]
• ESPN ranked the 31 NHL GMs into tiers and Garth Snow’s place is... interesting.
• The era of Blackhawks dominance appears to be sorta over. [Puck Daddy]
• For maybe the first time ever, the Sabres are facing an attendance issue. [Buffalo News]
• The winter of Melnyk continues as the Senators owner names himself CEO and vows to actually leave the Caribbean and set up shop in Ottawa. Leave the shorts and Tommy Bahama shirts in Barbados, Gene. [Ottawa Sun]

The Commish and The Maven sat down before Thursday’s game against the Rangers to talk Islanders topics.