Lighthouse Hockey - New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Thomas Vanek returns for pond hockeyLighthouse Hockey: Try to fixate on something else.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50729/lhh-fav.png2013-11-22T22:14:10-05:00http://www.lighthousehockey.com/rss/stream/48995052013-11-22T22:14:10-05:002013-11-22T22:14:10-05:00Pens 4, Isles 3: Turnabout.
<figure>
<img alt="Some saves were made." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_qcczTRaEtg2ks3px-garIlCxxE=/0x45:4000x2712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23768265/20131122_ter_al8_070.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Some saves were made. | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ready for moral victories? Sorry, all we got after 59 minutes tonight.</p> <p>Last meeting in Pittsburgh, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> scored the late dagger to take the game in regulation. Friday night it was the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a>' turn for revenge.</p>
<p>A an all-too-typically wild affair between these two teams included a two-goal comeback by the Islanders and some firewagon hockey to finish the second period. The third period was played far more carefully by both teams until a domino of failed assignments enabled <span>Sidney Crosby</span>, left all alone, to score the winner with just 1:16 left in the game.</p>
<p>The result was a 4-3 regulation win for Pittsburgh, a flip of that<a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/10/26/5029496/recap-new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins"> last meeting one month ago</a>, and a tough result for <span>Kevin Poulin</span>, who made some key saves to give the Isles a chance to win.</p>
<p align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/GS020336.HTM">Game Sum</a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/ES020336.HTM" target="_blank">Event Sum</a> | Adv. Stats (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/game/2013-11-22-islanders-penguins">Extra Skater</a>) | <a href="http://shiftchart.com/" target="_blank">Shift Charts</a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/PL020336.HTM" target="_blank">PBP</a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/TV020336.HTM" target="_blank">TOI</a> | <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/FC020336.HTM" target="_blank">Faceoffs</a> | Recaps: <a href="http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2013020336&navid=sb:recap" target="_blank">NHL</a> | <a href="http://islanders.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2013020336&navid=DL%7CNYI%7Chome" target="_blank">Isles</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-fall-to-penguins-on-late-crosby-goal-1.6484330?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Newsday</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pensburgh.com/2013/11/22/5135618/recap-pens-down-islanders-4-3">PensBurgh</a></p>
<p>The game-winning goal off a Pens dump-in was painful, in more ways than one. A group effort:</p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Radek Martinek</span> tried to seal the puck on the boards but lost the battle to <span>Chris Kunitz</span>. </li>
<li> <span>Pascal Dupuis</span> was then left alone on the opposite side behind the net, so he had options when Kunitz won the puck to him. </li>
<li>Neither Thomas Hickey (guarding the front of the net) nor <span>Cal Clutterbuck</span> (coming back into the play) had taken Dupuis, so Hickey approached him to block the pass (but failed) and Clutterbuck let Crosby sneak free to convert at the opposite side.</li>
<li>Crosby had space to sneak over there because <span>John Tavares</span> had vacated that spot to chase the long way behind the net.<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>It was an appropriate time for Butch Goring to use the "Poulin didn't have a chance" line. The Pens had outmaneuvered their pesky wannabe-rivals at the other end of the Metro table.</p>
<h5>Game Highlights</h5>
<h5></h5>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020336-X-h" frameborder="0" height="395" width="640"></iframe> <br id="1381037524425"></p>
<h5>Notes</h5>
<ul>
<li>So the line of Tavares, Vanek and Okposo is kind of fun to watch. Welcome back, Austrian.</li>
<li>Seriously, that line was fantastic. They nearly opened scoring on the first two shifts, creating multiple chances and a trend that continued throughout the night. <span>Thomas Vanek</span> had two goals in his return to the lineup.</li>
<li>However, the Isles were forced to play from behind as -- stop me if you've heard this before -- the penalty kill was unable to bail them out. Pittsburgh received three power plays in the games first eight minutes, and Chris Kunitz scored on the second and third ones to lead 2-0 by the 7:55 mark.</li>
<li>After Vanek got the Isles on the board early in the second period, Radek Martinek had a great view of Evgeni Malkin's goal that made it 3-1, Malkin's first since Oct. 17. <span>Colin McDonald</span> scored on a nice far-post shot on a 2-on-1 five minutes later. Vanek intercepted a pass and worked the puck with <span>Kyle Okposo</span> for the tying goal that made it 3-3.</li>
<li>Vanek wasn't the only Austrian to return. <span>Michael Grabner</span> was also back in the lineup, following his healthy scratch. He had one shot on goal and just 13 seconds of PK time. (He blocked a shot early, which appeared to keep him off at least the early PKs.) He also delivered a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5135480/gif-in-which-michael-grabner-tells-kris-letang-hes-back">massive hit on Kris Letang, GIF-ified here</a> for your diversionary pleasure.</li>
<li>I'll say this for <span>Craig Adams</span>: He knows how to crosscheck. He delivered a devastating one to Frans Nielsen's lower back in the final minute, then <span>Brooks Orpik</span> sat on Nielsen to keep him in the other zone. Neither move was called a penalty though, because the Islanders were already on the power play and there is an NHL rule against, like, calling the rulebook and adding another one there.</li>
<li>(Not that the Islanders power play would convert. No sir.)</li>
<li>Credit to the Isles for coming back though. Even with a deflating opening via the PK, they seem to know they always have a chance to get back into it against the Penguins.</li>
<li>I don't know what that is, exactly -- not what the comeback belief is, but rather how the Islanders always get the Penguins running around and lured into the trap of trading chances on the transition. I guess players like Crosby and Malkin, at heart, loooove the opportunity to match a team flash for flash.</li>
<li>On the above, Crosby had a theory, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.post-gazette.com/sports/2013-06-20-18-51-15/empty-netters/39864-islanders-at-penguins-11-22-13">via the Post-Gazette in Pittsburgh</a>: "<i>They take chances. They pinch their [defensemen]. When they’re keeping puck alive, they’re going to generate things. But if you get pucks by them, you saw we got a number of odd-man rushes because of that. We just can’t get sucked into making high-risk plays because they are. We get an odd-man rush, we’ve got to take advantage of it. I think if you look at a typical tight checking game, you get an odd-man rush, if you don’t put it in, sometimes you lose that game. You don’t expect to get five or six and sometimes you take it for granted. I think we just get a little too crazy on offense to get those odd-man rushes because we know they’re available</i>."</li>
<li>The comeback might never have happened: Kunitz scored what looked like a hat trick goal that would have made it 3-0, but it was called back thanks to a high stick by Malkin on Matt Carkner. The confused Penguin faces were priceless.</li>
</ul>
<p>Alas, the comeback happened, but ultimately didn't matter. Neither the PK nor the power play could help add the necessary complement to a decent 5-on-5 effort -- a reality that did not escape coach Jack Capuano:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Capuano: "The special teams sucked."</p>
— Sean Gentille (@seangentille) <a href="https://twitter.com/seangentille/statuses/404080824435609601">November 23, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>For once, after a rough start the Isles got some game-saver stops from their goaltender, with Poulin adding to his highlight reel in the second and third periods. It was no dominant performance from him -- still four goals against, again -- but he kept the game from becoming Toronto.</p>
<p>In particular, there was this stop of Malkin on a breakaway with the game still tied at 3-3 in the third:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3618559/Poulin_Robs_Malkin.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Poulin_robs_malkin_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3618559/Poulin_Robs_Malkin_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1385175219030"></p>
<p>That was supposed to be the Moment That Saved the Game, or some such offering sponsored by your favorite P&G product, financial company, or fast food joint.</p>
<p>Instead, it's just a nice GIF. And a remorseful one.</p>
<h5>Up Next</h5>
<p>The Isles play tomorrow night in Philadelphia, where the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> are resting and waiting for them. And the Isles are looking up at every team in the division.</p>
<h4>More from Lighthouse Hockey:</h4>
<p><a data-size="small" data-show-count="true" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/LHHockey">Follow @LHHockey</a> <a data-size="small" data-show-count="true" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/SBNationNHL">Follow @SBNationNHL</a></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5135480/gif-in-which-michael-grabner-tells-kris-letang-hes-back?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">[GIF] In Which Michael Grabner Tells Kris Letang He's Back</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5132252/lighthouse-hockey-t-shirts-announcement-available-now?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Lighthouse Hockey T-Shirts Now Available!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5134246/new-york-islanders-vs-pittsburgh-penguins-preview-thomas-vanek?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Vanek, Grabner back; Nelson, Boulton out</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5131064/ny-islanders-news-kevin-poulin-jack-capuano-video-games?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">[Gameday Bits] Close Shavers vs Flightless Fowl in Metro First vs. Last</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5135390/pittsburgh-penguins-vs-new-york-islanders-crosby-late-winnerDominik2013-11-22T21:26:36-05:002013-11-22T21:26:36-05:00GIF: Grabner announces his return to Letang
<figure>
<img alt=""Did I teach you that?"" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xsP0Kr3iVnzQBw5l8G_p_oObNDA=/0x150:4000x2817/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23766775/20130129_ajl_al8_225.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>"Did I teach you that?" | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Seems Grabner was scratched for lack of scoring, not for not lack of hitting. But okay, here's a hit just in case.</p> <p><span>Michael Grabner</span> is known for his speed, not so much for his hitting.</p>
<p>Generally, you don't want a speedster like him beating his body up too much for the sake of crash derby. But you want any hockey player to be able to do it now and then. In the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/10/6/4808986/michael-grabner-matt-martin-subtle-big-hits">playoffs in mandatory scenarios</a>, for example.</p>
<p>And perhaps upon returning to the lineup after a healthy scratch.</p>
<p>After going 18 games without a goal -- not since he scored a pair in the season opener -- Grabner had such a scratch this week, taking the much-debated (among fans) move <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/20/5125016/grabner-keeps-his-head-up">in stride, even professing to expect it</a>.</p>
<p>So he was back in the lineup Friday night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>.</p>
<p>Frighteningly, he blocked a shot early on that sent him off in the kind of pain that makes a fan think, "I don't want my Ferrari being used for such gritty, utilitarian pursuits like hauling brush and pulling stumps."</p>
<p>But he came back, and early in the second period he also added this highlight with <span>Kris Letang</span>, which probably made the Isles coaching staff smile:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3618495/grabner-letang.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Grabner-letang_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3618495/grabner-letang_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1385173107187"></p>
<p>As a special hockey-strategy bonus, he also drew a retaliation penalty by <span>Matt Niskanen</span> on the play. (The Isles didn't take advantage on the ensuing power play. Because the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> power play had difficulty doing that these days.)</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5135480/gif-in-which-michael-grabner-tells-kris-letang-hes-backDominik2013-11-22T15:15:01-05:002013-11-22T15:15:01-05:00Isles-Pens Preview: Vanek, Grabner back; no Nelson
<figure>
<img alt=""What's that, Niskanen?"" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BDWqu6QWKrsOCG3DPRa7-h_6pOw=/0x240:2667x2018/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23748763/20131028_kkt_al8_119.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>"What's that, Niskanen?" | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One step forward, one step sideways.</p> <p>The big news for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> as they visit the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> is on the injury front: After five games without, and only six games with, they <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=23050&navid=nhl:topheads">have Thomas Vanek back in the lineup</a>.</p>
<p>The Islanders offense, good enough to compensate for goals against much of the season but faltering recently without Vanek nor power play talisman <span>Lubomir Visnovsky</span>, has been particularly challenged since Vanek left the lineup. His sometime replacement,</p>
<p>(In other injury news, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/status/403912240715161600">Visnovsky rode a stationary bike today</a>. So there's that. Long road yet, concussion-recovery-wise.)</p>
<p align="center"><b><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/741375/NYI-stickstripeslim.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Nyi-stickstripeslim_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/741375/NYI-stickstripeslim_medium.jpg" height="40" width="85"></a></b><img alt="Pit-slim_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/585352/Pit-slim_medium.jpg" height="38" width="101"><br><b>Islanders (8-11-3, 8th-Metro) @ Penguins (14-8-0, 1st)<br>7 p.m. EST | MSG+ | <a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/RadioPlayer.htm?id=2013020336">WRHU/WRCN</a><br>[SHOUTING ENERGY AT YOU] Center<br>Pensive: <a href="http://www.pensburgh.com/">PensBurgh</a></b></p>
<p>There is <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/status/403929018388336640">other lineup news</a>. With Vanek's re-entrance, one of the guys who did produce in his absence, <span>Brock Nelson</span>, sits. He and <span>Eric Boulton</span> are out of the lineup, replaced by Vanek and <span>Michael Grabner</span>, who was scratched last game for excessive stick-squeezing.</p>
<p>Nelson is a rookie, which is almost as tough a crime as squeezing one's stick too hard, so:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Capuano: "Brock has played extremely well and the other guys have seen that. You have to make tough decisions." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Isles&src=hash">#Isles</a></p>
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) <a href="https://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/statuses/403929624050032640">November 22, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Further, <span>Radek Martinek</span> is healthy and inserted for <span>Aaron Ness</span>.</p>
<p>One more note from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=23050&navid=nhl:topheads">the NHL.com preview</a>: <span>Casey Cizikas</span> the Un-Shooter, discussing his recent splurge of goals (three in three games, after going the first 19 without):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I found myself kind of watching from the outside and kind of not getting into those greasy areas," Cizikas said. "Those great goal scorers, that's where they get the majority of their goals from, from in front of the net."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>After getting only one or no shots in every game but one of the first 19, he <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8475231&season=20132014&view=log">logged two or more</a> in each of the last three.</p>
<h5>Last vs. First</h5>
<p>After each team has taken its turn putting the "blah" in Metropolitan, the Islanders are suddenly last in the Division, though it's obviously quite crowded:</p>
<table summary="Division Standings. Each row represents a team in the Metropolitan Division. A clickable column header will resort the table results in the most meaningful manner for that column (e.g., by Wins or Last 10 Record). Each column represents a statistical value: wins, total points, home record, etc." class="data standings Division" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="660">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col"></th> <th abbr="DIV" scope="col">Metropolitan</th> <th abbr="Games Played" scope="col"><a title="Games Played" rel="sort by 'Games Played'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=gamesPlayed&type=DIV"> GP </a></th> <th abbr="Wins" scope="col"><a title="Wins" rel="sort by 'Wins'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=wins&type=DIV"> W </a></th> <th abbr="Losses" scope="col"><a title="Losses" rel="sort by 'Losses'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=losses&type=DIV"> L </a></th> <th abbr="Overtime Losses" scope="col"><a title="Overtime Losses" rel="sort by 'Overtime Losses'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=otLosses&type=DIV"> OT </a></th> <th class="active" abbr="Points" scope="col"><a title="Points" rel="sort by 'Points'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=points&type=DIV"> P </a></th> <th abbr="Regulation plus overtime wins" scope="col"><a title="Regulation plus overtime wins" rel="sort by 'Regulation plus overtime wins'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=regulationPlusOvertimeWins&type=DIV"> ROW </a></th> <th abbr="Goals for" scope="col"><a title="Goals for" rel="sort by 'Goals for'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=standingsGoalsFor&type=DIV"> GF </a></th> <th abbr="Goals against" scope="col"><a title="Goals against" rel="sort by 'Goals against'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=standingsGoalsAgainst&type=DIV"> GA </a></th> <th abbr="Goal Differential" scope="col"><a title="Goal Differential" rel="sort by 'Goal Differential'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=standingsGoalDifferential&type=DIV"> Diff </a></th> <th abbr="Home Record" scope="col"><a title="Home Record" rel="sort by 'Home Record'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=homeRecord&type=DIV"> Home </a></th> <th abbr="Away Record" scope="col"><a title="Away Record" rel="sort by 'Away Record'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=roadRecord&type=DIV"> Away </a></th> <th abbr="Shootout" scope="col"><a title="Shootout" rel="sort by 'Shootout'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=shootoutRecord&type=DIV"> S/O </a></th> <th abbr="Last 10" scope="col"><a title="Last 10" rel="sort by 'Last 10'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=lastTenRecord&type=DIV"> L10 </a></th> <th abbr="Current streak" scope="col"><a title="Current streak" rel="sort by 'Current streak'" shape="rect" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20132014&sort=currentStreak&type=DIV"> Streak</a></th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" rel="PIT" shape="rect">Pittsburgh</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>0</td>
<td style="width: 26px;" class="active">28</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>48</td>
<td>+15</td>
<td><nobr>9-3-0</nobr></td>
<td><nobr>5-5-0</nobr></td>
<td>1-0</td>
<td>6-4-0</td>
<td>Won 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" rel="WSH" shape="rect">Washington</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>1</td>
<td style="width: 26px;" class="active">25</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>+6</td>
<td><nobr>8-4-0</nobr></td>
<td><nobr>4-5-1</nobr></td>
<td>5-1</td>
<td>7-2-1</td>
<td>Lost 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" rel="NJD" shape="rect">New Jersey</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>5</td>
<td style="width: 26px;" class="active">23</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>48</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td><nobr>4-2-2</nobr></td>
<td><nobr>5-6-3</nobr></td>
<td>0-4</td>
<td>6-3-1</td>
<td>Won 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" rel="NYR" shape="rect">NY Rangers</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>0</td>
<td style="width: 26px;" class="active">22</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td><nobr>4-5-0</nobr></td>
<td><nobr>7-6-0</nobr></td>
<td>-</td>
<td>6-4-0</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" rel="PHI" shape="rect">Philadelphia</a></td>
<td>21</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>2</td>
<td style="width: 26px;" class="active">20</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td><nobr>5-7-0</nobr></td>
<td><nobr>4-3-2</nobr></td>
<td>0-1</td>
<td>6-2-2</td>
<td>Won 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" rel="CAR" shape="rect">Carolina</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>4</td>
<td style="width: 26px;" class="active">20</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>-20</td>
<td><nobr>5-4-4</nobr></td>
<td><nobr>3-6-0</nobr></td>
<td>1-3</td>
<td>4-5-1</td>
<td>Lost 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" rel="CBJ" shape="rect">Columbus</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>3</td>
<td style="width: 26px;" class="active">19</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td><nobr>4-6-1</nobr></td>
<td><nobr>4-5-2</nobr></td>
<td>1-1</td>
<td>3-4-3</td>
<td>Won 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><a style="border-bottom: 1px dotted;" rel="NYI" shape="rect">NY Islanders</a></td>
<td>22</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>3</td>
<td style="width: 26px;" class="active">19</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td><nobr>5-4-3</nobr></td>
<td><nobr>3-7-0</nobr></td>
<td>3-2</td>
<td>4-6-0</td>
<td>Lost 1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>When eye-balling which teams are real threats to keep the Islanders there and which teams are figments of first-quarter fortune (through views like ROWs, goal and shot differential, etc.), something <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=23051">from the Penguins' last game stands out</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Penguins outshot the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Capitals</a> 40-18, with a 34-10 edge in even-strength shots. Including the Capitals' 4-1 victory against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">St. Louis Blues</a> on Sunday in which they were outshot 47-20, <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/2013/11/21/5129256/the-noon-number-lots-and-lots-of-shots">the 49-shot two-game discrepancy in shot differential was their largest in almost 10 years, according to JapersRink.com</a>.</p>
<p>Washington's 35 shots allowed per game, 26th in the League, puts it on pace to allow 2,870 this season. That would be the second-most allowed by the franchise since 1987-88 and the 11th-most among all teams in that span.</p>
<p>If that is not enough, then consider the Capitals have allowed 30 or more shots in 19 of their 22 games this season, a total only the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> can match.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Last time in Pittsburgh, the Islanders were <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/10/26/5029496/recap-new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins">similarly outshot 42-25 but picked up the regulation win with some late drama</a>. Sadly, that recap began, with caution learned through experienced, like so: "<span>Josh Bailey</span> continued what looks through 10 games like a breakout season."</p>
<p>Bailey has not scored in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474573&season=20132014&view=log">the 12 games</a> since.</p>
<p>Tonight, as on that night, <span>Jeff Zatkoff</span> is in goal for the Pens, who like the Islanders are playing the first of a back-to-back this weekend. May he compensate for any shot deficiencies the Isles have.</p>
<h5>FIG Picks</h5>
<p>Leave your First Islanders Goal <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/21/5132478/fig-picks-nov-22-vs-penguins">picks for tonight over here</a>.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5134246/new-york-islanders-vs-pittsburgh-penguins-preview-thomas-vanekDominik2013-11-22T07:30:01-05:002013-11-22T07:30:01-05:00[Bits] Close Shaves, Cappy Believes & More Poulin
<figure>
<img alt="Hey. What kinda razor do you use?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VhKyi0t1D2v-ynlcEvqFiqrJOmA=/250x10:3779x2363/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23687477/20130319_mje_aw8_928.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hey. What kinda razor do you use? | Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Capuano still believes, Poulin's still getting settled and Tavares gets to be the face of another franchise.</p> <p>Hey,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/10/26/5029496/recap-new-york-islanders-pittsburgh-penguins"> remember the last time</a> the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> played in Pittsburgh on a Friday?</p>
<p>FIG Picks for tonight <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/21/5132478/fig-picks-nov-22-vs-penguins">can be entered here</a>.</p>
<p>And check back at noon for an <b>EXTRA LARGE</b> Lighthouse Hockey announcement.</p>
<h4>Islanders Info:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Jack Capuano believes in the Islanders leadership to get the ship righted. [<a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/jack-capuano-believes-in-isles-character-1.6478454?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Arthur Staple in New$day</a>]</li>
<li>Today in headlines that sound like they were written in sarcasm font: <span>Kevin Poulin</span> gets a second chance as Number One. [<a href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=692561&navid=DL%7CNYI%7Chome" target="_blank">Islanders</a>]<br>
</li>
<li> <span>Andy at Eyes on Isles makes the case for Cappy. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://eyesonisles.com/2013/11/21/new-york-islanders-capuano/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">EoI</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>That softball-tossing numbers-manipulating book cooker Garik says that benching <span>Michael Grabner</span> was a dumb idea. <i>But Grabner doesn't hit anyone!</i> [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://islanderspointblank.com/islanders/why-scratching-michael-grabner-makes-no-sense/">Point Blank</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>Sound Tigers Video: Get to Know Dallas Jackson who, with a name like that, must either be an athlete or a bounty hunter. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugzzmi8OQtg&feature=youtu.be">YouTube</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span><span>John Tavares</span>: Gillette Spokesman. He's such a big boy now. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=692496&navid=DL%7CNYI%7Chome">Islanders</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li><span>Video: And here's the captain on that whole outdoor game thing. [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEKN27DfEro&feature=share&list=PL1NbHSfosBuHC3TyU5yn793y8k6YbASjm&index=4">NHL on teh YouTubes</a>]<br></span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Other People's Business:</h4>
<ul>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/scoreboard/nhl">Last Night's NHL Scores</a>. The Flyers, Rangers and Devils each won (New Jersey despite being outshot 35-15, winning on a Jagr OT goal). The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a> packed some goals with them on the way to Toronto. And Tuuka Lose Shootout <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/11/21/5132206/tuukka-rask-flips-out-after-losing-shootout">Tuuka SMASH</a>!</span></li>
<li><span>Jagr's OT goal tied Gordie Howe's record for game-winning goals at 121. I think Jagr's got a better chance to break the record than Gordie does. [<a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/jagrs-ot-goal-helps-devils-062906104--nhl.html">Yahoo</a>]<br></span></li>
<li> <span>A Reddit AMA with former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Kings</a> owner, coin magnate and felon Bruce McNall. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1r5ucr/i_am_bruce_mcnall_former_owner_of_the_los_angeles">Reddit</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>At Sportsnet, Tyler Dellow looks at Corsi percentages around the league and see who's going to be OK and who needs to worry. (Islanders are in neither camp). [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-teams-due-to-rise-up-fall-down-standings/" target="_blank">Sportsnet</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span><span>Rick Nash</span> has some insightful words about players being responsible for the safety of their union brothers. Be nice if players listened. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://nypost.com/2013/11/21/concussion-alters-nashs-perspective/" target="_blank">NY Pos</a><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://nypost.com/2013/11/21/concussion-alters-nashs-perspective/">t</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>Ted Nolan's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Sabres</a> versus Craig Berube's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> is the first NHL game featuring two first nations coaches. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/11/21/5129892/ted-nolan-craig-berube-first-nation-nhl-coaches" target="_blank">SBN</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>Down Goes Brown checks his pre-season predictions against the quarter-season reality. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/10009118/nhl-quarter-season-evaluation" target="_blank">Grantland</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>Steve Tambellini gets another job, as pro scout for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/">Ducks</a>. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=692517" target="_blank">NHL</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li><span>Those same Ducks that just traded for <span>Tim Jackman</span> for some reason. [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2013/11/21/5131650/flames-trade-jackman-to-ducks-recall-jones">Matchsticks and Gasoline</a>]<br></span></li>
<li> <span>Greg Wyshynski counts down pleasant surprises in the NHL so far this season. <span>Frans Nielsen</span> makes the list. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/13-most-pleasant-surprises-nhl-season-174641073--nhl.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory" target="_blank">Puck Daddy</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Oilers</a> take out a want ad for defensemen. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2013/11/20/5127798/oilers-trade-for-defenseman-needed-apply-within" target="_blank">Copper and Blue</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>A check around the NHL to find out how hybrid icing is working. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2013/11/21/what-the-nhl-really-thinks-about-hybrid-icing/" target="_blank">Backhand Shelf</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>If the NHL really wants to change how goals are reviewed, it needs to get serious. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-11-20/nhl-goal-post-cameras-inconclusive-replay-rules" target="_blank">Sporting News</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li><span>Latest craze in the WHL - kids r<a href="http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jrhockey-buzzing-the-net/whl-trade-requests-stir-conversation-among-general-managers-163939796.html" target="_blank">equesting trades to better teams</a>. The latest is Brandon's Ryan Pilon, nephew of former Islander Rich Pilon, who asked the Lethbridge <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canescountry.com/">Hurricanes</a> to move him elsewhere at the start of a rough season. [Yahoo.ca]<br></span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Friday Fun:</h4>
<ul>
<li> <span>Diver Down! Eyes on the Prize calls out October's bestworst NHL dives. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2013/11/21/5066084/dive-files-octobers-best" target="_blank">HEOTP</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>The highbrow, classical farce maestro behind the @NHLHumor Twitter account stops by Battle of California to clear the air with blog honcho Megalodon. In meme form. [</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.battleofcali.com/2013/11/21/5122954/nhl-humor-twitter-guestpost" target="_blank">BoC</a><span>]</span> </li>
<li> <span>Video game dramatizations: SB Nation's Jon Bois goes to</span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/11/21/5118950/breaking-madden-bo-jackson-tecmo-bowl"> painstaking detail to recreate Tecmo Bo Jackson</a><span> in Madden 21. Meanwhile, NHL 14 <span>Joe Thornton</span> scores four goals and, well... </span> </li>
</ul>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MMoHfyvlMpg" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Lighthouse Hockey:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/21/5128912/ny-islanders-travis-hamonic-john-tavares-olympics?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Islanders News: Hamonic on chances costing Isles; Tavares on Olympics; Bridgeport injuries</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/20/5124576/cappysburg-address-jack-capuano-ny-islanders-satire?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Zeitgeist: Jack Capuano delivers 'Cappysburg Address' to struggling Islanders</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/20/5123952/nhl-power-rankings-new-york-islanders-tread-water?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">NHL Power Rankings 11/20/13: More of the same [noun] for the [adjective] Islanders</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/20/5122836/11-20-13-bits-islanders-maple-leafs-closed-door-clutterbuck-rob-ford-frans-nielsen-non-trade?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">[Closed Door Bits] Just like last night's game, this article gets crazy at the end</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/19/5124258/toronto-maple-leafs-vs-new-york-islanders-no-grabner-no-problem?utm_source=lighthousehockey&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Recap - Toronto Maple Leafs 5, New York Islanders 2: Leafs gonna Leaf</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/11/22/5131064/ny-islanders-news-kevin-poulin-jack-capuano-video-gamesDan Saraceni