Lighthouse Hockey - Islanders vs. Penguins Game 6: Isles out after overtime lossLighthouse Hockey: Try to fixate on something else.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50729/lhh-fav.png2013-05-12T11:56:42-04:00http://www.lighthousehockey.com/rss/stream/40869292013-05-12T11:56:42-04:002013-05-12T11:56:42-04:00Isles Bits: Game 6 hangover
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<img alt="Salud." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WROeoby3ghKHbH3aKvbuJP3q6iE=/29x0:3971x2628/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13044959/168575516.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Salud. | Paul Bereswill</figcaption>
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<p>Players, fans mourn missed opportunities, appreciate a special step in the team's growth.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a>' loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> in Game 6 brought into focus how everything is so close, yet so far:</p>
<p>It was just one round, as an eighth seed, they have far to go. Yet it was a round where they routinely outplayed a top seed but for lack of a few more saves.</p>
<p>They outplayed the conference favorite on aggregate, yet they had two bad blowout losses.</p>
<p>They went further in the playoffs than the franchise has gone since 2002, yet it was still just two playoff wins.</p>
<p>Longtime minor-league star and free agent <span>Keith Aucoin</span> was key on two of Game 6's goals, and unrestricted free agent <span>Brad Boyes</span> had a good series; yet prospect <span>Brock Nelson</span> got his first taste of NHL action and will be among many pushing for those job openings.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for reading, writing, contributing, and commenting this season. Thanks for treating this as wonderful entertainment and diversion rather than life and death.</p>
<p>Domestically, it's Mothers Day, one of the few greeting card holidays you best take seriously. Personally, I'll be spending most of it with the many mothers in my life, but this week instead of previewing the Isles in round two we'll continue our Isles coverage with post-season grades, draft outlooks and free agency -- all of which will come up in a hurry.</p>
<p>Some coverage after last night:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Post: <a target="_blank" href="http://m.nypost.com/p/sports/islanders/nielsen_rating_for_finale_k2W6hQ22wnJpKeQWvdCpzJ">on Frans Nielsen and Brock Nelson</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://m.nypost.com/p/sports/islanders/not_for_long_yjzvlEQJfTsPdU6JbcCDvO">And Tavares</a>: "I've appreciated every single time someone has come up to me and told me they're an Islanders fan."</li>
<li>More recaps: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-season-ends-with-ot-loss-to-penguins-1.5244336">Newsday with Travis Hamonic</a>: "It literally could have gone either way. That's the frustrating thing." | <a target="_blank" href="http://islanderspointblank.com/islanders/penguins-4-islanders-3-ot-season-ends-as-pens-win-in-overtime/">IPB recap</a> | Herrmann: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/mark-herrmann/islanders-pump-new-life-into-their-fans-1.5244924">Isles pump new life into their fans</a>. | Oh good, thankfully <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-earn-respect-of-crosby-penguins-in-tough-series-1.5244858">they have Crosby's respect</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/12/sports/hockey/penguins-beat-islanders-in-overtime-and-win-series.html?ref=sports&_r=0">A very Times-ian recap</a>: "Islanders put on show, but Penguins drop the curtain" | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/isles-season-orpik-nets-ot-goal-penguins-win-article-1.1341593">Daily News</a>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-05-12/islanders-nhl-playoffs-john-tavares-penguins-cap-space-luongo-trade-rumors?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=jessespector">The Sporting News</a>: Islanders in great position for years to come</li>
<li>Newsday: <a href="http://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-now-1.1732330/hofstra-broadcasters-shine-during-islanders-playoff-run-1.5246418?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed" target="_blank">Hofstra broadcasters shine during Islanders playoff run</a>
</li>
<li>Fun archival read mentioned in comments yesterday: <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1082250/1/index.htm" target="_blank">If You Like Hockey, Basketball And Fierce Fighting Fans, - 03.31.69 - SI Vault</a>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Oh, and this from the Post-Gazette beatwriter:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Islanders fans were impressive. Games 3, 4 and 6 were some of the best hockey experiences of my life. Passionate to no end.</p>
— Seth Rorabaugh (@emptynetters) <a href="https://twitter.com/emptynetters/status/333435055328342017">May 12, 2013</a>
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<p>It was something. (From Game 4):</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mlOupXnFxB4" frameborder="0" height="281" width="500"></iframe> <br id="1368374064567"></p>
<p>Cheers, people.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h5yD9CqZABg" frameborder="0" height="281" width="500"></iframe> <br id="1368374044367"></p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/5/12/4324012/new-york-islanders-news-game-6-league-wide-respectDominik2013-05-12T01:30:29-04:002013-05-12T01:30:29-04:00Islanders-Penguins Game 6: A Fun Season Ends in OT
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<img alt="Raiden! Versus! Sub-Zero! FIGHT!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t2nUPS2sg3S5zWH_-rUqKwOmprs=/0x117:3247x2282/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13030579/168567814.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Raiden! Versus! Sub-Zero! FIGHT! | Paul Bereswill</figcaption>
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<p>The Islanders controlled play, outshot the Penguins by an almost 2-1 margin and kept the pressure on for the majority of the game. Alas, it was not enough.</p> <p>Let's leave the philosophizing and postmortems for tomorrow. For now, we'll recap the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a>' final game of the 2013 season, one in which they pressured and punched the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a><span> for sixty-plus minutes, only to lose a <span>heartbreaker</span> in overtime.</span></p>
<p>Line-up intrigue kept inquiring minds guessing whether reliable center <span>Frans Nielsen</span>, who left Game 5 with a lower body injury, would play or be replaced by rookie reverend <span>Brock Nelson</span>. In the end, the answer was "[C] - All of the Above," and each showed little to no signs of slowing or nerves during the course of the fast-paced game. Instead, <span><span>Jesse <span>Joensuu</span></span></span> was scratched and once again, <span>Thomas Hickey</span> was sat in place of <span><span>Matt <span>Carkner</span></span></span>.</p>
<p>Each period, as well as overtime, played out in a similar way: The Islanders dominated possession, scoring chances and shots, <span><span><span>Evgeni</span> Nabokov</span></span> made some effective, if inelegant, saves and yet the scoreboard would be tight thanks to <span><span>Tomas <span>Vokoun</span></span></span><span>. The Islanders had three <span>powerplays</span> to the Penguins one and had good movement and chances on all of them. But not cashing in cost them, and did little to help them pull the game away. On other words: "It's the playoffs."</span></p>
<p align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/GS030116.HTM">GS</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/ES030116.HTM">ES</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/FC030116.HTM"><span><span>Faceoffs</span></span></a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/PL030116.HTM"><span><span>PBP</span></span></a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TH030116.HTM"><span><span>TOI</span></span></a><span> (<span>NYI</span>) | </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TV030116.HTM"><span><span>TOI</span></span></a> (PIT) | <a target="_blank" href="http://timeonice.com/H2H1215.html?GameNumber=30116&submit=Go">H2H</a> | <a href="http://timeonice.com/default.html?GameNumber=30116&submit=Go" target="_blank">Shift Chart</a> | <a href="http://timeonice.com/shots1213.php?gamenumber=30116" target="_blank"><span><span>Fenwick</span>/<span>Corsi</span></span></a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ShutdownLine/status/331946881913585665">Scoring Chances</a> | Recaps: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2012030116"><span><span>nhl</span>.com</span></a> | <a href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2012030116&navid=DL%7CNYI%7Chome" target="_blank">Isles</a> |</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 16px;">Game Highlights</span></p>
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<p><span>Penguins coach Dan <span>Bylsma</span> must have predicted his team's later struggles, calling a timeout less than two minutes into the game after the Islanders had slightly tilted the play their way. It didn't help and the Islanders, and their top line in particular, kept the pressure on. </span><span>Josh Bailey</span> showed some nifty moves behind the net and a few second later fed a backhand pass to a driving <span><span>John <span>Tavares</span></span></span><span> in the slot. A perfect shot on <span>Vokoun</span> sent the Coliseum onto its first of many eruptions.</span></p>
<p>A scary moment followed in which the skate of a falling <span><span>Pascal <span>Dupuis</span></span></span> came a little too close to <span><span>Casey <span>Cizikas</span></span></span><span>' chin. <span>Cizikas</span> would go off for a check-up, but would return quickly.</span></p>
<p><span><span>Pittburgh's</span> scoring chances were few and far between, and would actually decrease as the game wore on. But one early chance resulted in a tying goal, as </span><span>Sidney Crosby</span> had a step on <span>Brian Strait</span> and drove towards Nabokov. The initial sliding save left a small rebound that seemed to be cleaned up by <span><span><span>Jarome</span> <span>Iginla</span></span></span>. But replays showed that Strait shot the puck into his own net in an attempt to stuff it under Nabokov.</p>
<p><span>The Islanders went right back to their <span>forecheck</span> and a line of </span><span>Matt Martin</span>, Nelson and <span><span>Keith <span>Aucoin</span></span></span><span> had a good cycle following the <span>Penguins'</span> goal. <span>Defenseman</span> </span><span>Douglas Murray</span><span> did his best Al <span>Iafrate</span> impression with multiple shots from the point in one of the few instances of sustained pressure from Pittsburgh. But with about 90 seconds to go in the period, </span><span>Colin McDonald</span><span> scored a tap in on a feed from <span>Aucoin</span>. The key to the play was </span><span><span>Michael <span>Grabner</span></span></span> pressuring Pittsburgh's <span><span>Kris <span>Letang</span></span></span><span> with a hit and finding the trailing <span>Aucoin</span>.</span></p>
<p><span>The second period started with a strong backhand chance by Bailey and very lively first Islanders <span>powerplay</span> after Brendan Morrow dangerously boarded <span>Radek</span> <span>Martinek</span>. Although only two shots were officially recorded, it felt like 50, with the Islanders spending nearly the entire two minutes on the attack. At the 13 minute mark, shots were 19-7 Islanders for the game.</span></p>
<p><span>The <span>Penguins'</span> <span>powerplay</span> has crushed the Islanders in the series, but their only one tonight, following a <span>Martinek</span> cross-checking penalty, was killed effectively. A short-handed two-on-one chance for <span>Cizikas</span> was blocked by a sliding </span><span><span><span>Evgeni</span> <span>Malkin</span></span></span><span>, who will surely now receive votes for the <span>Selke</span> Trophy. But a few seconds after returning to even strength, </span><span><span>Joe <span>Vitale</span></span></span><span> patiently passed to <span>Dupuis</span>, who had good position on Travis <span>Hamonic</span>. The quick shot tied the game, and <span>Hamonic</span> was none to happy about it on the bench during a chat with assistant coach Brent Thompson.</span></p>
<p><span>Any momentum shifting was negated by two consecutive Islanders <span>powerplays</span>, one following a </span><span>Matt Cooke</span><span> cross-check and the other on a bench minor for too many men on the ice. For a moment, it looked as if the second penalty would be overturned in possibly the first ever successful referee lobbying job in professional sports history. Unfortunately for <span>Bylsma</span>, he was unable to talk his way out of it. Again the Islanders had good looks with the man advantage - <span>Tavares</span> wheeling on the first and </span><span><span><span>Lubomir</span> <span>Visnovsky</span></span></span> just missing from the slot on the second thanks to some canny stick play by <span><span>Brooks <span>Orpik</span></span></span> - but came away empty.</p>
<p><span>Nabokov, whose performance in this series could be very generously described as "erratic" (and less-generously described as "awful"), had by far his best game of the series. He made several key saves in each period and a point blank save on Chris <span>Kunitz</span>, who received a pass from some strong behind the net dancing by Crosby, was easily <span>Nabokov'</span> s best save of the series and possibly of the last three weeks.</span></p>
<p><span>Tied at 2 and leading in shots 28-13 after two periods, the third could have gone either way for the Islanders. But play continued to remain in the <span>Penguins'</span> end, including some dogged <span>forchecking</span> by the second line - with a scoring chance for Nielsen - and a go-ahead goal by <span>Grabner</span>. McDonald's pressure on <span>Letang</span> turned the puck over to an open <span>Aucoin</span> who found <span>Grabner</span> on the side of the net.</span></p>
<p>But don't take my word for it. Here's guest analyst Brett Hull:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Pitt is a turnover machine ! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23stoppassingtothem">#stoppassingtothem</a></p>
— Brett hull (@2ndBestHull) <a href="https://twitter.com/2ndBestHull/status/333389799295709185">May 12, 2013</a>
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<p>The Penguins mounted an attack with some good forechecking by Malkin, and a Crosby attempt was blocked by Strait. The Islanders soon wrested control back and Martinek had a golden opportunity to score the goal of his life but couldn't get enough juice on his shot from the slot. A couple of two-on-ones for the Islanders and some quality cycles seemed to be just the kind of clock-draining the doctor ordered.</p>
<p><span>But with five minutes and change left, a point shot from <span>defenseman</span> </span><span>Paul Martin</span> was tipped off the stick of Nielsen and sent over Nabokov's shoulder. A fluke deflection, especially from a normally defensively sound forward, can't really be blamed on a goalie. But it counts anyway, and the remaining minutes of regulation were played out disjointedly by both clubs.</p>
<p><span>Once again, overtime could go either way. The Islanders had dictated play all game but were tied in goals. Little changed in the extra period, with a rush by <span>Letang</span> and a chance by <span>Kuntiz</span> - broken up by the stick of <span>Tavares</span> - being the only real scoring chances the Penguins had. <span>Grabner</span> had two wraparound chances, and a shot by </span><span><span>Mark <span>Streit</span></span></span><span> took a wild bounce off the boards and seemed to catch <span>Vokoun</span> by surprise. A great keep-in by the third line and a <span>Martinek</span> shot wide of the net, off a feed from <span>Tavares</span>, were also unproductive. The majority of the OT looked like an Islanders <span>powerplay</span>.</span></p>
<p>Finally, at 7:49 of OT, a pass from <span>Tyler Kennedy</span><span> found <span>Orpik</span> at the point. Nabokov was screened slightly on the right by <span>Martinek</span> and as he looked for the puck, it sailed over his right shoulder, off the corner post and into the net. It was a savable goal, but also a pin-point shot at a perfect height. The <span>Islanders'</span> most successful season in years ended with a ping.</span></p>
<p><span>After a moment of shock, the sold-out Nassau Coliseum crowd began a loud, proud "Let's Go Islanders" chant that serenaded both teams during the handshake line. The Islanders, in their final home game, had a thankful skate around the ice to salute the fans - those that had returned after some separation time and those that had never left. Although the <span>occasion was </span>disappointing, the sentiment was encouraging, enriching and appreciated.</span></p>
<h3>NOTES</h3>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>On that crowd: it was absolutely a living, breathing entity throughout the game. Penguins goals were countered with pro-Islanders chants, including a "We Want <span>Fleury</span>" call after <span>Dupuis'</span> first period score. At no time did the energy level dip, even after <span>Orpik's</span> winner. I'll leave it to the eloquent Keith Quinn to sum it up:</span></li>
</ul>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Kudos to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Isles">#Isles</a> franchise and once dormant Isles fans. You've proved that when given something to cheer about, you show, and show well.</p>
<span> — Keith (@<span>KeithLHHockey</span>) </span><a href="https://twitter.com/KeithLHHockey/status/333412192546349056">May 12, 2013</a>
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<ul>
<li><span>Nelson looked fine in his debut and seemed to slot right in on a line with Martin and <span>Cizikas</span>. He crashed along the boards like his <span>linemates</span> and, on one shift in the third, found Martin with a quality long pass and had a shot himself. He even had some <span>playerplay</span> time during the too many men on the ice minor. Playing a rookie in an elimination is a gamble, but Nelson seemed up to the challenge.</span></li>
<li>Nielsen seemed a little slower than normal, probably due to his injury. His line with <span><span>Matt <span>Moulson</span></span></span> and <span><span>Kyle <span>Okposo</span></span></span> was active all game although they finished with no points.</li>
<li><span>The best lines for the Islanders were the third line of <span>Grabner</span>-<span>Aucoin</span>-McDonald (cue the #freeGrabs40 tag), and <span>Tavares</span>-<span>Boyes</span>-Bailey. I thought <span>Boyes</span> in particular was creative and busy all night. I don't know if he's back next year. But if he isn't, this game will be a good memory to leave on.</span></li>
<li><span>The <span>Carkner</span>-Hickey switch is a hot button issue. Hickey has youth, an upside and skills that <span>Carkner</span> doesn't, but something about the rugged veteran made him a better fit for the Islanders in this series. Be it toughness or composure or bringing donuts to practice, whatever <span>Carkner</span> did, it was in games the Islanders won (or almost won). Go figure.</span></li>
<li><span>The <span>Penguins's</span> stars seemed a little off tonight, and the most dangerous offensive threats seemed to be Kennedy and <span>Vitale</span>. Crosby and <span>Malkin</span> weren't exactly quiet - in fact, <span>Malkin's</span> assist and <span>Dupuis'</span> goal gave them points in each game of the series - but they went for long stretches will little activity. <span>Letang</span> played his usual high risk/high reward game but seemed to be under pressure all night. When the heroes are scoring machines Paul Martin and Brooks <span>Orpik</span>, something is very, very amiss.</span></li>
<li> <span><span>Vokoun</span> was good and kept the score close. It's safe to say the Islanders would have probably pumped in another half dozen goals on </span><span><span>Marc-Andre <span>Fleury</span></span></span><span> had he been in goal. But <span>Vokoun</span> was tested more often and more closely than he had been in Game 5 and gave up some well-played goals. I really have no idea what's going to happen to the Penguins against Ottawa in the next round. The </span><a href="https://www.silversevensens.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Senators</a> are as speedy and shifty as the Islanders, with arguably even more firepower at forward. Pittsburgh may have taken care of business against a lower seed, but their next opponent will pose some new challenges for them.</li>
<li><span>Personally, I feel no disappointment or shame in this season. If you feel the same, don't let any troll or enemy or media wise-ass tell you different. With every eye in the world watching, the Islanders and their fans came ready to battle with guns blazing. This was a big season for the Islanders, one that might have happened last season were it not for <span>Streit</span> and <span>Okposo's</span> injury-marred 2010-2011 campaigns that I think set the team back a year. Now the worry turns to the future and the constantly evolving story of this franchise. Whatever happens, I'll know that this chapter was a satisfying and tantalizing one.</span></li>
<li>OK, so a little philosophizing. It's late. Sue me.</li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/5/12/4323046/islanders-vs-penguins-game-6-recapDan Saraceni2013-05-11T22:26:36-04:002013-05-11T22:26:36-04:00Islanders/Penguins game 6 instant reaction thread
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Raise a glass, have a cry, punch a wall.</p> <p>The New York Islanders left everything on the Nassau Coliseum ice tonight, controlling much of the play against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Alas, Brooks Orpik's point shot in overtime ended the Islanders' successful season.</p>
<p>After the initial shock, the arena chant of "Let's Go Islanders" was all you needed to hear. The pride is back.</p>
<p>This is your instant reaction thread. Be angry, be proud, be sad. But, above all, <b>be excellent to each other</b>.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/5/11/4322104/islanders-vs-penguins-game-6-instant-reactionsDan Saraceni2013-05-11T21:57:09-04:002013-05-11T21:57:09-04:00No Pressure: Brock Nelson's NHL debut is in Game 6
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<img alt="Welcome to the big stage." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gUgTm5EpanaG-qvehQk_LXuKz0o=/0x180:550x547/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13028711/gyi0060987095.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Welcome to the big stage. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>No pressure, young lad. But you're in.</p> <p>There have been easier debuts: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> 2010 first-round draft pick <span>Brock Nelson</span> played his first NHL game Saturday night ... in an elimination playoff game.</p>
<p>Nelson entered the lineup for Game 6 of the Islanders' series with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>, after the Warroad, Minn., native had an impressive pro debut season with their AHL affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers.</p>
<p>Nelson's appearance was something of a surprise. It was thought he would replace <span>Frans Nielsen</span> if the Danish Islanders center couldn't recover from an injury suffered in Game 5. But Nielsen was good to go, and Nelson appeared too. He replaced Finnish winger <span>Jesse Joensuu</span> in the lineup.</p>
<p>The Islanders eased Nelson in carefully, playing the natural center on wing with former Sound Tigers teammate <span>Casey Cizikas</span> and <span>Matt Martin</span>. He played an average of four shifts per period and 7:44 overall ice time through regulation.</p>
<p>Nelson appeared to get a brief appearance on the second power play unit too, though <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TH030116.HTM">NHL sheets</a> didn't reflect that. He was minus-1 through regulation, on the ice but not to blame for <span>Pascal Dupuis</span>' second-period goal.</p>
<p>Christian Arnold had this from Nelson after the morning skate, after it became clear Nelson was likely to get his debut:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It’s a lot of mixed emotions. It’s a big time of the year," Nelson said. "This is when you want to be playing hockey. A lot of excitement and I’m just trying to take it all in. I’m Just not worry about the big picture and just take it in little details one at a time."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=532860">Islanders traded up at the 2010 draft to acquire Nelson</a>, giving the then-Stanley Cup-winning champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Chicago Blackhawks</a> the 35th and 58th overall selections for the Hawks' 30th overall selection, the final slot of the first round.</p>
<p>After two years at the University of North Dakota and a full year in Bridgeport, Nelson thus far looks to have a bright future. It starts now.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/5/11/4322940/brock-nelson-nhl-debut-playoffs-islanders-vs-penguins-game-6Dominik2013-05-11T15:36:22-04:002013-05-11T15:36:22-04:00Game 6 Lineup Question: Nielsen or Nelson?
<figure>
<img alt="Frans be with you." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/24Va5lUa80CuZJlsv1YTAsMinAk=/392x678:3979x3069/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13016517/20130322_jla_aw8_365.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Frans be with you. | Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The long-awaited name confusion is upon us.</p> <p>Today, for the first time in what will hopefully be many, many more occasions, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> fans get to consider Nielsen and Nelson at the same time. (And maybe one day soon: Nielsen and Nelson <i>and</i> Nilsson. But <a target="_blank" href="http://api.ning.com/files/bFy*f3rg7D5iaYBiPSNWMSs7pmb9KhnlrRk9ocNNgEPAFL5j1UDJJ*0TJ7ey9SewVgAjyI5Q9ClzIInqghcBxA__/laju193gzypxxpg.jpg">never this</a>.)</p>
<p><span>Frans Nielsen</span>, who left Game 5 with a lower body injury, is a gametime decision for Game 6. He skated at today's morning skate and was optimistic, but if he can't play then it sure looks like rookie <span>Brock Nelson</span> would be his replacement.</p>
<p align="center"><i>[<b>UPDATE</b>: Turns out the Islanders are going with both: Nielsen is healthy enough to play, Nelson makes his NHL debut in place of Jesse Joensuu.]</i></p>
<p>Nelson has never played an NHL game, but he had a very good pro debut season in AHL Bridgeport, with 52 points (25-27) in 66 games interrupted by a mid-season broken jaw that slowed his production even after he rushed back. His ideal potential is a Nielsen-type two-way center with more of a shooting instinct than the Dane.</p>
<p>Still, replacing Nielsen in one's first NHL action during a do-or-die playoff game is a tall order. If he plays, expect the Isles to have to rework some things and rely more on <span>Keith Aucoin</span> and Nelson's occasional Bridgeport linemate <span>Casey Cizikas</span>.</p>
<p>The concern if Nielsen plays:</p>
<ul>
<li>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> may target him, probing to see if it's a groin or knee that can be re-aggravated.</li>
<li>The risk of re-injury (which docs are no doubt evaluating) with or without Pens shenanigans would have a bad impact during the game.<br>
</li>
<li>And even if he makes it through the game, the NHL has Game 6 and 7 on back-to-back nights, so there's no recovery time if the Isles win tonight.</li>
</ul>
<p>So, will Nielsen play?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=17469&navid=nhl:topheads">Jack Capuano</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"He'll get more treatment," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said after practice. "I really haven't talked to him since the skate, but he went through the practice OK. We have some options as to what guys we can utilize if he can't go."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://nyiblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/game-6-penguins-isles-pre-game/">Nielsen</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Yeah (it’s the coaches decision)," he said after the skate. "I guess they have to talk to the doctors too about it and if they’re comfortable and don’t think it’s something that’s coming back."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Whatever happens, I'm not thinking Brock Nelson will have gotten much sleep during pre-game nap time today.</p>
<p>Separately, a fun <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.post-gazette.com/sports/empty-netters/37930-the-right-stuff-05-11-12">question with some interesting answers</a> when Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked several Islanders if they have to adjust shooting on the right-catching <span>Tomas Vokoun</span>, including this from <span>Josh Bailey</span>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The fact that he’s a different style goalie too … he’s not as traditional as we see nowadays with the butterfly. He’s really good at reading where you have to shoot. The key really is getting people to the net.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's deep into the series, on home ice to stay alive. No pressure.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/5/11/4322154/islanders-vs-penguins-game-6-frans-nielsen-injury-brock-nelsonDominik2013-05-11T06:30:04-04:002013-05-11T06:30:04-04:00Isles-Pens Gameday 6: May history repeat.
<figure>
<img alt=""We have them right where we want them."" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f3h6ZX02xfHOPjtc9N82r6uGQO0=/0x63:4000x2730/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12997085/168285652.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>"We have them right where we want them." | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As a franchise, the Isles have a long history of winning Game 6 at home to force a Game Volek.</p> <p>We're nearing the 20th anniversary of David Volek and all that, but we've been over that history so much (and it was a Game 7, whereas tonight is a Game 6), that another bit of history may be more appropriate: As a franchise, the last four times the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> have returned to the Coliseum needing a win in Game 6 to stay alive, they've gotten it done each time.</p>
<p>Of course Volek's winner couldn't have happened if the Islanders hadn't won Game 6 at home first. (Of note: After Game 5 that year, Kevin Stevens pledged, "We're not going to come back here for Game 7." Oops.)</p>
<p>And the last time the Islanders won more than one game in a playoff series, in 2002, it necessitated a victory on Coliseum ice in Game 6.</p>
<p>Well before 2002 and 1993, however, was 1986-87. In the first round, the Islanders fell behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> 3-1 in the series before pulling off one of those almost routine (in Capitals terms) reversals of a 3-1 deficit. That one ended with the Easter Epic quadruple-overtime winner by Pat LaFontaine in Game 7.</p>
<p>The next round, the Islanders again fell behind 3-1 in the series, this time to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a>, when they almost pulled it off again. The Islanders forced a Game 7 by winning Game 5 in Philadelphia 2-1 and Game 6 at the Coliseum by 4-2. They lost big in Game 7, however, and the Flyers went all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.</p>
<p>That 1986-87 season was Mike Bossy's last, at age 30, and his only non-50-goal season. He still scored 75 points in 68 games (with 38 goals), but injuries were taking their toll and both he and Denis Potvin missed several games in the playoffs. Bossy played in only six of the 14 playoff games; the 33-year-old Potvin played in 10.</p>
<h5>Series Notes and Other Links<br>
</h5>
<p>This has been a hectic series already, with several games featuring multiple lead changes sandwiched between two blowouts. If the Islanders win tonight, it will only get more hectic with a travel back-to-back for Game 7. (In contrast, had the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> won last night, Game 7 wouldn't have been until Monday.)</p>
<p>Each team made multiple lineup changes for Game 5, some by choice and some by force. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a>' choices obviously worked out. The Islanders' are at least open to debate, so we'll see who of <span>Jesse Joensuu</span>, <span>Radek Martinek</span> and <span>Thomas Hickey</span> remain in the lineup tonight.</p>
<ul>
<li>No surprise,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/evgeni-nabokov-remains-in-goal-for-islanders-in-game-6-1.5240612"> Evgeni Nabokov will start</a>. The big question is whether <span>Frans Nielsen</span> can go.</li>
<li>A simply fantastic read at Deadspin: <a href="http://deadspin.com/the-nassau-coliseum-was-not-a-dump-what-the-isles-are-499081559" target="_blank">The Nassau Coliseum Was Not A Dump: What The Isles Are Leaving Behind</a>
</li>
<li>Grantland (midway down the page): <a href="http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/61654/nhl-grab-bag-ovechkin-unplugged" target="_blank">In praise of the John Tavares contract</a>.</li>
<li>Nice tale about how Tavares <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/hockey/post/_/id/13579/mvp-candidate-tavares-enjoying-isles-run" target="_blank">found out about his Hart nod</a>.</li>
<li>Tonight's game, at 7 p.m., will again be <a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=670171&navid=DL%7CNYI%7Chome">on radio via WFAN</a>. On TV, it's MSG+ or NBC Sports in the U.S., TSN and RDS on the north side of the border.</li>
</ul>
<h5>FIG Picks</h5>
<p>Leave your First Islanders Goal <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/5/11/4320940/fig-picks-isles-vs-pens-game-6">picks in this thread</a>.</p>
<p>There is nothing left to do but make this another great night at Nassau Coliseum.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/5/11/4320946/islanders-vs-penguins-gameday-6-history-must-repeatDominik