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The Islanders lost last night, and squandered a win late, but picked up a consolation point for reaching the end of regulation tied. I’m both disappointed and relieved, because I went into the night expecting much worse.
Islanders Reading
- About last night: [LHH | Newsday | Post | NHL | 3 Takeaways | On the Forecheck | Islanders Insight | Post-game interview links for Weight, Tavares, Ladd, Pulock]
- In the latest power rankings, Torgo reminds us that while the Metro still may be tight and competitive, it has become the worst division overall. [LHH]
- One thing about the Islanders injury bug: A peek at their youth. Somewhat. [Post]
- Speaking of which, Sebastian Aho is enjoying and adjusting to his time up with the big club. [Newsday]
- Look out below: Stephen Gionta is almost healthy again down in Bridgeport. [Soundin’ Off]
Mentioned this quote in the recap last night, but bears repeating for the bits:
Doug Weight: “We didn’t deserve [the win] from our first two [periods]. 37 shots after two periods, how many were from the blue line that hit Jaro right in the stomach? … We’re talking a big game about being aggressive and blocked shots, but we’re not doing them.” #isles
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) February 6, 2018
Cizikas on a stronger defensive effort in 3rd: 'We did that for 19 minutes and 18 seconds. This hurts.'
— Mark Herrmann (@markpherrmann) February 6, 2018
Elsewhere
Last night’s scores include a Rangers regulation loss, and Connor McDavid had himself a night. Some sweeeet goals:
all FOUR Connor McDavid goals tonight: pic.twitter.com/89UNlSEZlE
— Merry Blinnsmas (@NHLBlinn) February 6, 2018
With his first 5 point game of the season, Connor McDavid is starting to make a case that he might be as good as Mat Barzal
— Alex Novet (@AlexNovet) February 6, 2018
It’s feeling all late ‘90s in NY NHL hockey here. Some Rangerfreude:
That the Rangers have decided to tear down the team this season instead of trying it with different coaching gives me the uneasy feeling that management is saying "sorry, folks, this year is on us," and giving AV another crack at it next season.
— Ian Fleming (@imfleming16) February 5, 2018
- Trade gossip: Rick Nash gives his no-trade list, and the Hurricanes threaten shakeups. [NHL]
- In general, the Rangers sound ready to blow it all up and retool for the future. Nash could land anywhere. Ryan McDonaugh too. [FanRag Sports transcribing Friedman]
- Auston Matthews has scored 25 goals in each of his first two seasons, a feat not done by a Maple Leaf since future Islanders greats Wendel Clark and Dan Marois did it.
- The Jets, who are a scary team now that they have competent goaltending, could get Mark Scheifele back Friday. [NHL]
- Which long-suffering fanbase deserves a Cup more? Arguments for Capitals, Blues, Jets. [ESPN]
- Carey Price has faith in the Canadiens in maybe a John Tavares kind of way. [THN]
- Marc-Andre Fleury returns to Pittsburgh and it’s like weird and stuff. [Trib Live]
- U.S. Olympian Amanda Kessel (who not too long ago feared here career was ended by a concussion) is just your typical 26-year-old...elite hockey player. [ESPN]
- Can the Oilers hope to be like the Lightning with a bounce-back surging-to-the-top season? (No.) [Edmonton Journal of Hope]