Lighthouse Hockey - New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers: Points and 6th place slip awayLighthouse Hockey: Try to fixate on something else.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50729/lhh-fav.png2013-04-26T07:00:04-04:00http://www.lighthousehockey.com/rss/stream/40317212013-04-26T07:00:04-04:002013-04-26T07:00:04-04:00Isles Gameday Bits: One more to go
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<img alt=""Oh, anyone of us could've pulled that off."" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9QlHbWaUYNookeFq4HaxsEgUd2w=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12185417/20130423_ajl_sg5_295.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>"Oh, anyone of us could've pulled that off." | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Last night -- particularly the speed bump -- was a bummer. The only bummer thus far in April.</p> <p>No rest for the road weary. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> finish their regular season (and stake their final claim to a higher seed) tonight in Buffalo.</p>
<p>The past few days I'd been thinking about matchups and preview themes for a possible playoff meeting with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Capitals</a>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4267680/new-york-islanders-vs-philadelphia-flyers-highlights-reactions">With last night's loss</a> I was reminded that we have no idea who the Islanders' opponent will be. Pittsburgh, Boston, Montreal, Washington -- all are still possible.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silversevensens.com/">Senators</a> both clinched playoffs spots -- and leaped the Isles in the standings -- with OT victories last night. Out West, no one clinched but Dallas was officially eliminated. Detroit, Minnesota and future Islanders divisional doormat Columbus are vying for two spots.</p>
<p>Here are a few links as we prep for tonight:</p>
<ul>
<li>From last night in Newsday: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/jack-capuano-opts-to-rest-evgeni-nabokov-against-flyers-1.5143061?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Why Poulin and why Boulton.</a>
</li>
<li>NEW from the Post: <a target="_blank" href="http://m.nypost.com/p/sports/islanders/islanders_turnaround_FH38a0PNBlJiKCFfQTAwKM">Frans Nielsen on the shift that changed the season</a>.</li>
<li>Recap from <a target="_blank" href="http://islanderspointblank.com/islanders/isles-lose-2-1-to-philly-drop-to-the-8th-seed/#more-40419">IPB</a> (Keith joint)| Flyers perspective <a target="_blank" href="http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2013/4/25/4267090/flyers-vs-islanders-recap-yay-buyout-candidates-doing-good-things">at Broad Street Hockey</a> </li>
<li>Oh, and this <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-fall-to-flyers-drop-to-eighth-in-east-1.5143234">from Travis Hamonic in Newsday</a>: "We haven't played a full 60 minutes in almost a week now."</li>
<li>For what it's worth, in post-game Jack Capuano said they'll have their usual coaches meeting to determine the lineup tonight, keeping in mind last night and tonight the idea of keeping guys "sharp" for the playoffs.</li>
<li>The Post on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/islanders/mvp_candidate_tavares_leading_way_kgUeVPUnpZAqLwMZLFblTJ">Johnny T's Hart candidacy</a>.</li>
<li>CBS: The Isles as a sleeper <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/04/25/silverman-islanders-have-opportunity-to-make-name-for-themselves-again/">team no one wants to play</a>? | Also:<a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/04/25/gallof-5-reasons-that-the-islanders-made-the-playoffs/"> 5 reasons the Isles made the playoffs</a>. (You do remember they made the playoffs, right?)</li>
<li>12 great <a href="http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/59613/get-fired-up-about-these-12-great-potential-nhl-playoff-matchups" target="_blank">potential playoff matches</a>.</li>
<li>The unending search: <a href="http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2013/4/25/4262594/nhl-draft-pick-value-trading-up" target="_blank">NHL draft: What does it cost to trade up? - Broad Street Hockey</a> </li>
<li>On awards: <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnhl%2Fcolumnist%2Fallen%2F2013%2F04%2F25%2Fnhl-awards-favorites-kevin-allen%2F2112139%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2013%2F4%2F26%2F4268796%2Fnew-york-islanders-gameday-news" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Kevin Allen's NHL awards favorites</a> </li>
</ul>
<h5>FIG Picks</h5>
<p>Leave your First Islanders Goal <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/26/4268754/fig-picks-isles-sabres-season-finale">picks in this thread</a>. (I just realized the season continues after tonight. So ... continue the FIG pool until it's over? Do a separate postseason FIG standings? Votes, anyone?)</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/26/4268796/new-york-islanders-gameday-newsDominik2013-04-25T22:16:01-04:002013-04-25T22:16:01-04:00Worst Case: Isles lose in Philly, Smurfs, Sens win
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<img alt="Get it out, get it out, all the way out." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oP0t2fCU7LV7psevETxGKQxPVRk=/0x78:4000x2745/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12172173/20130420_lbm_se7_073.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Get it out, get it out, all the way out. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Islanders were sluggish and sloppy early, conceded the go-ahead goal late, and came up empty on a night when the Rangers and Senators won to bump the Isles out of sixth place.</p> <p>We should have expected this and certainly feared this: The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> came out lacking intensity against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a> in the first period of their first post-playoff clinching game.</p>
<p>After conceding first, the Isles got the 1-1 equalizer (John Tavares on a nice zone entry and Matt Carkner follow-up) early in the second period and started to take a little more control over the game. But opportunities were missed, chances exchanged, clearances muffed, and it was the Flyers that got the next goal with just 6:31 left in regulation.</p>
<p>Facing their first regulation loss in April (again), the Isles pressed but could not pull off another late equalizer. The Flyers held on -- icing and icing and icing again -- to defeat the Isles 2-1 and yank control of the playoff seeding from the Islanders' previously sure hands.</p>
<p>Worse, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silversevensens.com/">Ottawa Senators</a> each won their games in overtime to scoot the Isles uncomfortably out of the sixth spot in the East.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/GS020694.HTM" target="_blank">GS</a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/ES020694.HTM" target="_blank">ES</a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/FC020694.HTM" target="_blank">Faceoffs</a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/PL020694.HTM" target="_blank">PBP</a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TH020694.HTM">TOI</a> (PHI) | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TV020694.HTM" target="_blank">TOI</a> (NYI) | <a href="http://timeonice.com/H2H1213.html?GameNumber=20694&submit=Go" target="_blank">H2H</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://timeonice.com/default.html?GameNumber=20694&submit=Go">Shift Chart</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://timeonice.com/shots1213.php?gamenumber=20694">Fenwick/Corsi</a> | Recaps: <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2012020694" target="_blank">nhl.com</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2012020694&navid=DL%7CNYI%7Chome">Isles</a> |</p>
<p>The winning goal befit the fire (or lack thereof) the Islanders played with all game: A scramble and some saves by <span>Kevin Poulin</span>, followed the Isles getting to the inviting rebound but <span>Mark Streit's</span> clear going only as far as the grateful point man.</p>
<p>That point man, <span>Brandon Manning</span> (yeah, who?), calmly moved the puck over to <span>Oliver Lauridsen</span>. With time and space to tee off, the Dane fired a laser that beat Kevin Poulin on the short side.</p>
<h5>Game Highlights<br>
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<h5>Notes</h5>
<ul>
<li>It's been a while since the Isles were outshot 13-4 in a period (the first), and 30-22 overall in a game.</li>
<li>I lost count of how many icings the Flyers committed in the final 70 seconds with Kevin Poulin pulled for a sixth attacker. The Flyers didn't even bother trying to break out; just straightforward "we're firing it down the ice, go ahead and beat us if you can." The Isles could not.<br>
</li>
<li>Kevin Poulin had luck on his side early on, with <span>Wayne Simmonds</span> hitting the post early and another shot ringing off iron, but he looked better and better as the game went on and did well to keep the Flyers to two goals. A good spot start for the youngster.<br>
</li>
<li> <span>Kyle Okposo</span> has just been a different player the second half of this season, and tonight he was one of the few who looked alive. His outside speed rush elicited an "ole" from Luke Schenn. He worked hard along the boards and behind the net to win the puck in the last minute, but no dice.</li>
<li>Every line had moments of sloppiness, but the first line was by far the most dangerous on this night, largely thanks to <span>John Tavares</span> of course. But Tavares, <span>Brad Boyes</span>, <span>Matt Moulson</span>, <span>Lubomir Visnovsky</span>, Kyle Okposo and <span>Frans Nielsen</span> all had moments of out-willing their counterparts during the push for the tying goal. But on this night it was too little, too late.<br>
</li>
<li>After a good forecheck by the third line with around four minutes to go, <span>Keith Aucoin</span> had an absolutely golden chance to set up <span>Michael Grabner</span> alone in front but he was too careful and put the pass too far behind Grabner. No shot resulted.</li>
<li>It's silly to blame this loss on one or another lineup move (irate fans will do that regardless), but it still merits a mention: The worst-case scenario for dressing both <span>Eric Boulton</span> and <span>Matt Carkner</span> came to pass. Boulton committed a bad penalty (a crosscheck either from poor discipline or poor skating), and Carkner turned it over on the ensuing penalty kill, then abandoned his man in the scramble to cover his mistake.</li>
<li>That man Carkner abandoned, <span>Brayden Schenn</span>, had all kinds of time to thread a nutmeg pass through Visnovsky for <span>Danny Briere</span> to easily slam home.</li>
<li>Boulton had five shifts in that period (and one penalty), three shifts in each of the other periods. On his final shift midway through the third, he and <span>Matt Martin</span> got caught running around and it ended with Martin taking a poor penalty. The Isles PK survived that one, but the Flyers scored the winner a minute later.</li>
<li>Speaking of Special Teams: The Islanders powerplay was pretty inert, generating just one shot on its lone opportunity. The Flyers powerplay, one of the league's best, generated eight shots on three full chances. The Isles PK won some timely rebounds and clears but didn't have much of an answer while the Flyers controlled the puck.</li>
</ul>
<h5>How This One Feels</h5>
<p>Like this:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Testy Capuano after 2-1 loss: "Iām not throwing any negativity at you guys. You guys cause all the s--t in the world about every negative."</p>
ā Brett Cyrgalis (@BrettCyrgalis) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettCyrgalis/status/327602632778727424">April 26, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>So Jack Capuano is ticked off, and slapping back at the media. Easy, coach. It's not needed yet, not now and not when the media are finally paying attention for the first time in a while. Keep the team steady for the playoffs. Get them refocused on salvaging tomorrow.</p>
<p>Anyway, let's be honest here: This was the Islanders' first regulation loss of the month. It ends one helluva run, a generally disappointing performance that follows the hangover of clinching the other night. Despite the disappointment, we know one of those near-misses tonight could have changed things in their favor -- just like the good bounce the other night created John Tavares' game-saving equalizer.</p>
<p>For the first time this month, all results went completely against the Isles. (The Rangers and Senators not only came from behind to win, they won in OT instead of the shootout, boosting their ROW tiebreaker creds.) The Isles have one more game, tomorrow night. The Sens have two more.</p>
<p>Things can still end up anywhere from sixth to eighth place, but it's no longer in the Isles' hands.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4267728/philadelphia-flyers-2-new-york-islanders-1-hangoverDominik2013-04-25T13:44:37-04:002013-04-25T13:44:37-04:00Islanders vs. Flyers Preview: Hickey-Viz divorce
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<img alt=""Oops-pow, surprise! Ooooohhhhh..."" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3Z7lXpIyQAwTMCTScf9SJUn7UyY=/0x26:600x426/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12138683/gyi0062707984.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>"Oops-pow, surprise! Ooooohhhhh..." | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>The Islanders have clinched and will rest a couple of bodies, but this game still has important stakes.</p> <p>Having clinched a playoff spot, the New York Islanders are making a few lineup changes, but this clinch-hangover game is far from meaningless: Depending on how this and other games go tonight, the sixth-place Islanders could end the evening in anywhere from fifth to eighth place.</p>
<p>Ottawa and New York are each two points behind the Isles, and regulation wins would give them tie-breaker advantages if the Islanders fail to fetch a point in Philadelphia. On the other hand, an Isles win and a Toronto regulation loss puts the Isles in fifth.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph4" align="center"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/742468/NYI-islestickslim.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="height: 50px;" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/742468/NYI-islestickslim_medium.jpg" alt="Nyi-islestickslim_medium" height="50" width="128"></a> <a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/589947/Phi-slim.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="height: 50px;" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/589947/Phi-slim_medium.jpg" alt="Phi-slim_medium" height="50" width="134"></a><br><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">x-Islanders</a> (</b>24-16-6, 6th/E<b>) @ <a href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Flyers</a> (</b>21-22-3, 12th/E<b>)<br>7 p.m. EST | MSG+ | </b><a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/RadioPlayer.htm?id=2012020694">NHL</a><b> - </b><b><a href="http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/SOC/WRHU/wrhu_listen.html" target="_blank">WRHU</a><br> [</b>branding of some sort<b>] Center<br>Feels like 2007:</b> <a href="http://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Broad Street Hockey</a></p>
<p>The lineup changes? Well Kevin Poulin gets a start to give <span>Evgeni Nabokov</span> a rare chance at a spa and rest.</p>
<p>But the jarring move is removing <span>Thomas Hickey</span> in favor of <span>Matt Carkner</span>, which breaks up the fantastic partnership Hickey has developed with <span>Lubomir Visnovsky</span> over the second half of this season. Given the opponent and the possibility for garbage-time tomfoolery, the Isles arguably have incentive to put some policemen in the lineup.</p>
<p>But more than that, we'll get a look at how different defensemen work together as we head into the playoffs. Ever since <span>Brian Strait's</span> ankle injury, Carkner's rotating appearances (alternating with <span>Radek Martinek</span>) have come next to <span>Mark Streit</span>. With Strait back, the alphabetically tricky Strait-Streit partnership was reformed. So either way Vis gets a new partner tonight.</p>
<p>A look at line combos at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.leftwinglock.com/line-combos/index.php?season=2012&team=NYI&strength=EV&playertype=D&gametype=ALL#A">Left Wing Lock reminds us</a> that Visnovsky has ... played a little with everyone this year. Seriously, at even strength his partner has mostly been Hickey, but he's had minimal bites with Streit, Strait, <span>Travis Hamonic</span>, <span>Andrew MacDonald</span> and <span>Joe Finley</span>. One way or another, the Islanders will be experimenting tonight.</p>
<h5>A Free Agent Named Joensuu</h5>
<p>Up front it sounds like another likely policeman enters. Both <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/status/327471260038746112">Newsday</a> and the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/nhlblog/islanders_to_rest_nabokov_for_final_OzhlpvJdnAHtxrFHk8b11I#axzz2RUo3nI1P">Post</a> suggest <span>Eric Boulton</span> is likely to step in for <span>Jesse Joensuu</span>. That's a shame for Jesse, who has looked good in limited minutes on the forecheck. But we've surely not heard the last of him this season.</p>
<p>As <a target="_blank" href="http://blog.ctnews.com/fornabaio/2013/04/24/packing-up-some-for-the-island/">Michael Fornabaio noted in his Bridgeport wrap</a>, if what he hears about a lockout-pro-rated Group VI games played threshold is true, then Joensuu is just five games (regular season or playoffs) short of <strike>making</strike> <i>keeping himself from becoming</i> a Group VI UFA. That's not a reason to manipulate the lineup (though they know doubt promised Anders Lee some NHL games to burn a year on his deal and entice him to sign), but it is a reminder that the Islanders technically hold Joensuu's future in their hands.</p>
<h5>Philadelphia: Lottery Watching</h5>
<p>It's no secret a huge reason for the Flyers' post-Pronger ills is their shambolic blueline corps. Lots of fine gentlemen, no doubt, but the best ones are battling age and injuries and the worst ones are thrust into too high a role. Last meeting, <span>Matt Moulson</span> equalized after he and <span>Brad Boyes</span> took advantage of inviting gaps offered by <span>Kent Huskins</span> and <span>Bruno Gervais</span>. Tonight Huskins is a game-time decision.</p>
<p>Sounds like <span>Ilya Bryzgalov</span> is in goal, which is separate <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4250568/ilya-bryzgalov-tibetan-monestary-humor">from his monastic duties</a>. And this is fun, reflective of how the tables have turned: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inqflyersreport/Flyers-chances-dwindling-in-draft-lottery.html">Flyers coverage that bemoans</a> how winning four of their last five hurts their lottery chances.</p>
<h5>Watch Party</h5>
<p>Keep suggesting places in your locale to watch the Isles during the playoffs. We've had suggestions come in from several states and we'll try to start to put those together into some sort of dedicated thread. Meanwhile, at home the Islanders are holding another viewing party tonight, this <a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=656544">one at Buffalo Wild Wings in Farmingdale</a>.</p>
<h5>FIG Picks</h5>
<p>Leave your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4264170/fig-picks-isles-flyers-april-25">First Islanders Goal picks in this thread</a>. It's down to the wire at the top.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4265814/new-york-islanders-vs-philadelphia-flyers-preview-substitutesDominik2013-04-25T10:30:04-04:002013-04-25T10:30:04-04:00Bryzgalov to join Tibetan Monastery
<figure>
<img alt="Bryzgalov and his personal guru Gedal P'yrt" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/87YF6XCGzN46xLUT7ZibVb_YTvk=/0x170:1024x853/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11916009/bryzmonk.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bryzgalov and his personal guru Gedal P'yrt</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After a season of distractions and depressing losses, the Flyers goalie intends to seek inner peace far away from Philadelphia.</p> <p>GYANTSE COUNTY, TIBET (AP) _ <a href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Flyers</a> goalie <span>Ilya Bryzgalov</span> will join a Tibetan monastery after the season, citing exhaustion and a need for enlightenment after a very difficult year on the ice.</p>
<p>Bryzgalov will enter the Ralung Monastery on Sunday, one day after the Flyers' final game of the season against Ottawa. The eccentric goalie has visited the 830 year-old monastery and says it will be the perfect place for him to relax and transcend all of time and space.</p>
<p>"It's paradise here," Bryzgalov said after meditating Wednesday with his personal guru. "Here, no one is mad. In Philadelphia, everyone mad at everyone. Here, everyone happy. No mad. Happy."</p>
<p>Bryzgalov signed a 9-year $51 million contract with the Flyers in 2011 and has had a rocky time in Philadelphia. Inconsistent play combined with an off-beat and often controversial personality has made him <a href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-04-24/ilya-bryzgalov-buyout-blouse-steve-mason-stats-philadelphia-flyers?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">a lightning rod for media</a> and fans. The Russian has been blamed by some for the Flyers' <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/3/28/4154736/zeitgeist-ailing-flyers-sign-76ers-to-tryout-contracts-parody" target="_blank">dreadful current season</a>, one in which they will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Bryzgalov's contract <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/eye-on-hockey/22116587/flyers-gm-no-basis-to-ilya-bryzgalov-buyout-speculation" target="_blank">could be bought out</a> by the team this summer.</p>
<p>But Bryzgalov feels that studying and meditating according to the Kagyu, or <i>Whispered Transmission,</i> school will help him achieve the <a href="http://youtu.be/X48G7Y0VWW4" target="_blank">total consciousness</a> and settled mind that has eluded him since signing his massive deal. His guru, Gedal P'yrt, will be the one to lead and instruct him, as per Kagyu doctrine, which emphasizes the master-disciple relationship.</p>
<p>"My guru is like goalie coach," he said. "Instead of skating and blocking, I learn single pointedness of mind and about Six Yogas, which I think may be bears. I'm not sure. I just started. I hope they not bears."</p>
<p>Bryzgalov has had an often combative relationship with the Philadelphia media, whom he <a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/hockey-philadelphia-flyers/angry-bryzgalov-refutes-reports-blasts-media" target="_blank">chastised earlier this month</a> after a report surfaced of him falling asleep in a team meeting. Although he purports to be happy in his visits to the monastery, there are already signs of Bryzgalov clashing with the devout Red Hat sect of Buddhism.</p>
<p>"I no wear red hat, I wear Flyers hat," Bryzgalov said, perhaps not understanding the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Hat_sect" target="_blank">significance of a Tibetan monk's formal headwear</a>. "My Flyers hat is very comfortable. Like robe they give me. It's silky like blouse."</p>
<p>Flyers GM Paul Holmgren did not say how the team would address their goaltending situation should Bryzgalov remain at the monastery into next season. The team signed <span>Steve Mason</span> to a one-year extension after acquiring him from Columbus and carefully vetting his own religious practices, and prodigal Flyers goalie <span>Brian Boucher</span> is expected to be encased in <a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/E-AmHZ17gWM">carbon freeze</a> throughout the off-season in case they need him next year.</p>
<p>Officials at the Ralung Monastery said that a traditional entry-level retreat starts at three years, but that Bryzgalov could be bought out after two for 75 percent of the transcendence over twice the length of eternity.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p><i>This is a parody. So we got that going for us. Which is nice.</i></p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4250568/ilya-bryzgalov-tibetan-monestary-humorDan Saraceni2013-04-25T06:30:05-04:002013-04-25T06:30:05-04:00Gameday Bits: Bridgeport Exit Interviews
<figure>
<img alt="Party move to Philadelphia now?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9zkyYzMvgEQ6kt-u903IVMAyh1w=/0x329:3331x2550/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12111629/166181219.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Party move to Philadelphia now? | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bridgeport conducts its season-end interviews, while the Islanders prepare to march on.</p> <p>Hockey, hockey, hockey! Yeah, hockey is fun. Especially when things are good. Things are good now, no?</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> have two games to go. Tonight and tomorrow. On the road, but that whole "ooooh, road, scary" thing hasn't mattered in 14 of their 22 games away from Nassau Coliseum thus far.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, though the playoff spot is clinched, there is still something to gain -- like ensuring the "Pass Go, Collect $200" 6th seed that ensures a first-round matchup against the Southeast Division "champion" <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a>. Sure, the Caps are hot, but as far as road matchups go that one wouldn't be too shabby. Torgo has<a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/24/4263560/the-end-of-days"> outlined the seeding scenarios</a> for you.</p>
<p>Anyway, that's getting ahead of ourselves. Game tonight. We'll have some <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> humor a little later, followed by a proper game preview in the afternoon to get us warmed up. For now, some links:</p>
<ul>
<li>In Newsday, the Islanders say they <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/mobile/sports/hockey/islanders/isles-don-t-plan-on-coasting-before-playoffs-1.5135963">don't intend to stand pat </a>after clinching.</li>
<li>Playoff spot in hand, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/nhlblog/islanders_tavares_worried_about_WI94xv3vbLbhAKbGHzKSUN#axzz2RSHyMHDL">Post gets to cover the Isles on the road</a> (!) and says they were deciding on which of these games to play <span>Kevin Poulin</span>.</li>
<li>Is this<a target="_blank" href="http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inqflyersreport/Briere-could-be-playing-his-Flyers-home-finale-Bryz-talks-about-Mason.html"> Danny Briere's final home game as a Flyer</a>? If so, will <span>Frans Nielsen</span> spook him for old time's sake? And who would provide the third-man-in kidney shot now that Dan Carcillo is gon-- oh hi Rinaldo.</li>
<li>Lots of playoff reactions out there: Straight outta Compton<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=667365" target="_blank"> at nhl.com on how they made it</a> |<a target="_blank" href="http://thehockeywriters.com/never-say-die-after-six-long-years-islanders-finally-playoff-bound/"> "Never Say Die" from THW</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/are-there-any-playoff-heroes-islanders">Checking Line asks who will be</a> Isles playoff heroes, and adds an <a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/returning-madhouse-meadowbrook">ode to the Coliseum</a> | Another <a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/04/24/capellini-making-a-case-for-islanders-tavares-and-the-hart-trophy/" target="_blank">Tavares for Hart</a> leaflet | IPB: Yes, the <a target="_blank" href="http://islanderspointblank.com/islanders/after-five-season-drought-its-playoff-time-and-the-islanders-need-to-be-hungry-for-more/">Isles must be hungry for more</a>.</li>
<li>Michael Fornabaio has lots and <a target="_blank" href="http://blog.ctnews.com/fornabaio/2013/04/24/packing-up-some-for-the-island/">lots and lots of notes from exit interview day</a> down in Bridgeport. Here is the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/Sound-Tigers-season-wrap-Young-team-grew-but-not-4458031.php">proper season wrap for the paper, too</a>.<br>
</li>
<li>Really great news, h/t Fornabaio: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.westernwheel.com/article/20130424/WHE1101/304249998/0/whe0803/blackie-pick-up-helps-generals-to-allan-cup-title">Jeremy Colliton is healthy enough</a> to try a comeback.</li>
<li>The other <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/25/sports/john-tavares-uncle-of-islanders-star-also-knows-how-to-find-the-net.html?smid=tw-share" target="_blank">John Tavares in the New York Times</a>. (<i>Oh suuuuure, the Isles clinch and the Times decides to talk about lacrosse, eh?</i> But seriously, cool story.)</li>
<li>Here's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.latinospost.com/articles/17423/20130424/espns-big-shot-movie-review-enthralling-account-john-spano-ny.htm">another review of "Big Shot."</a> I really don't need to see that Spano picture any longer.</li>
<li>Video: Updating that "This is Home"-themed <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4264100/video-updated-islanders-playoff-psyche-you-up">video to include highlights from this season</a>.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/nyislanders">nyislanders</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/91tavares">91tavares</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/mmoulson">mmoulson</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/grabs40">grabs40</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/mattymarts17">mattymarts17</a> Congrats boys on the playoff berth, you guys deserve this <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23playoffrun">#playoffrun</a></p>
ā <span>Zenon Konopka</span>(@ZenonKonopka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZenonKonopka/status/327262486208331777">April 25, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The Bridgeport Sound Tigers fan appreciation video:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u-twd4vlqJs" frameborder="0" height="281" width="500"></iframe> <br id="1366872301936"></p>
<p><b>Elsewhere</b></p>
<p>Tonight's opponent, the Flyers had a meaningless win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Bruins</a> the other night? Why meaningless? Because they're out. But a good picture of where they are is in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2013/4/23/4257470/3-questions-with-travis-hughes-of-broad-street-hockey">this "3 Questions with Travis Hughes"</a> from before that game. Man, it's almost like the Islanders have a good defense now where they used to rely too much on guys like <span>Bruno Gervais</span> ... and the Flyers used to have a good defense but now they rely too much on guys like Bruno Gervais.</p>
<p>Seth Jones tops <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=667161&navid=nhl:topheads" target="_blank">the final Central Scouting list for 2013</a>.</p>
<p>Well well well, look who's <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.yfrog.com/0f588xgresjrmdnsdwtzjlsjz?sa=0">taking a very emphatic timeout</a> with a 3-1 lead. Bravo, Mr. Babcock. Bravo.</p>
<p>So I guess junior playoff series really shouldn't end this way, but then teenagers:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xqCBorsPImo" frameborder="0" height="281" width="500"></iframe> <br id="1366871674140"></p>
<h5>FIG Picks</h5>
<p>Leave your First Islanders Goal <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4264170/fig-picks-isles-flyers-april-25">picks for tonight's game in this thread</a>. We are down to the wire. The top of the leaderboard:</p>
<p>23 - Bryan2112 <br>23 - zack779 <br>21 - martylnd <br>21 - PGI <br>19 - Isle in Dixie <br>18 - TheMarvelousStingRay <br>17 - Dan VA</p>
<h5>Hangover</h5>
<p>Finally: Boy, we virtually partied the other night when the Isles clinched. Turns out, so did official Lighthouse Dog #2. She was a bit hung over in the morning:</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2530667/Hangover.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Hangover_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2530667/Hangover_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1366875174204"></p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/4/25/4264282/new-york-islanders-news-flyers-gamedayDominik