Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Islanders 2, Penguins 1 (Shootout): DP! DP! DP!

Photo Credit: Isles Official Website
After being defeated 7-2 at the Garden Monday night, the Islanders bounced back and won 2-1 in the skills competition against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby Wednesday night. There's no one better then Rick DiPietro to get the job done.

Bailey opened up scoring for the Islanders - and the game, actually. He picked up a rebound off of Fleury and fired home for his third goal in five games since being called up from his stint with the Sound Tigers, the Islanders AHL affiliate.

At 16:33 of the second period, the Penguins tied it up with Chris Connor lighting the lamp. No one would score for the remainder of the period and the Isles would go into the second intermission all tied up at one.

 The Penguins were awarded a penalty shot in the third period. Apparently Gervais covered the puck in the crease but before anyone could fear a goal, DiPietro came up big with a glove save on Letang. I'm sure that gained his confidence back, if it wasn't already gained.

No team would score and the game would go to OT. With 25.7 left, a scrum broke out in front of DiPietro's net with DP involved. Kunitz was called for goaltender interference, and Nielsen was given a penalty as well.

It would go to a shootout to decide the final score. First up for the Isles was Rob Schremp, who put a series of moves on Fleury and lit the lamp. Letang tied it up, though. Nielsen was the next Islander up and backhanded one past Fleury giving the Isles a lead.

It would stay 2-1 Islanders after Crosby was denied by DiPietro. John Tavares failed to get one past Fleury and the shootout continued on. Though Malkin put one past Rick DiPietro on his turn, Parenteau scored and DiPietro stopped the next shot to win the game. DiPietro darted out of his crease and jumped on 210 pounder Matt Martin.

It was a great win for the Islanders, who now hold a 10-19-6 record. They're still in the playoff picture, in my opinion. They're only nine games under the NHL's version of .500, and can very well still compete for the eighth seed, especially with Okposo coming back in early January.

Semin To The Island?



Updated/revised
Last night it was reported by IncarceratedBob on Twitter that there was a possible deal in place that would involve the Capitals shipping winger Alexander Semin to the Islanders. I would expect goaltender Dwayne Roloson getting shipped the other way, since the Caps need a goalie and are rumored to show interest in Roloson.

We all know Roloson is wanted by many teams - especially including the Caps. If Snow gets a good offer for Roloson, I'm sure he'll trade him. But, this Semin/Isles rumor is starting to heat up and Rollie very well can be involved. No doubt he's not the only one going to Ovi's team, though. Bailey is a possible candidate as well.

Apparently, there's a deal on the table and Snow is just waiting for Wang's permission. Bob tweeted a series of tweets both last night, and this morning:

"**NHL RUMOR** Source is claiming the deal needs to be approved by WANG because Islanders will want to sign Semin ASAP."

Some may doubt his rumors, but this guy has called Scott Gordon being fired (as well as I did), Weight seeking a coaching job, and Wisniewski being traded.

**I'm also hearing that Brian Rolston - the Devils forward that was placed on re-entry waivers today - is most likely going to be claimed by the Isles. Not sure if it's 100 percent true or not, but stay tuned.***

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Wisniewski Traded To Montreal

(Rumor was reported by Islanders411 a few weeks ago)

As first tweeted by Dee Karl, James Wisniewski has been traded to the Montreal Canadians for draft picks. Can something else be brewing? Only explanation...

Here's the official press release from the Islanders official website:
The New York Islanders have acquired from the Montreal Canadiens their compensatory second-round selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft as well as a conditional fifth-round selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for defenseman James Wisniewski.

The Canadiens acquired the compensatory pick after not signing their former first round pick, David Fisher.

The Canton, Michigan native joined the Islanders on July 30 through a trade from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional third round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Wisniewski played in 32 of the Islanders 34 games this season, recording 21 points (three goals and 18 assists). 

Last season with Anaheim, Wisniewski finished second among Ducks defensemen in scoring with a career-high 30 points (three goals and 27 assists) in 69 games. He also led the Ducks in blocked shots with 102, ranked second on the team with 129 hits and finished fourth among skaters in average ice time at 24:20. Wisniewski was Chicago’s fifth round selection (156th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
Hmm...let the speculation begin!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Rangers 7, Islanders 2: Post Game Notes

Tonight the Islanders were defeated by a final score of 7-2 by the New York Rangers, which will place them with only 24 points in the standings.

You can't say Dwayne Roloson didn't play well tonight. He gave the Islanders a chance to win, especially in the second period after he faced multiple shots while the Isles spent way too much time in their own zone. That's a problem, and they need to generate more offensive chances to keep themselfs in the game.

The two Islander goals were scored by Rob Schremp, who beat Henrik·Lundqvist glove side, and PA Parenteau who's been on a hot streak. The rest were all Rangers, with Gilroy netting a pair.

Islander Players Of The Game




I would award PA Parenteau the "player of the game". In just his last six games played, he has netted four goals and three assists for seven points. He's certainly helping the Islanders offense through their recent struggles.

The next player of the game I would award would be Dwayne Roloson. Before tonight's loss, Roloson has only given up one goal a game for three straight games and he stopped 106 out of a total 109. He was also awarded the NHL's first star of the week.


The Islanders will look to improve their 10-19-6 record when they faceoff against hot Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins hold the first seed in the standings with a record of 24-11-2. Crosby has a 24 game point streak, and the Isles will look to end it on Wednesday night.

Islanders 4 Canadians 1; Pregame Notes

Photo Credit: Newsday.com
Last night the Islanders defeated the Montreal Canadians by a final score of 4-1 to win their third in a row. Islander goals were scored by Blake Comeau, Michael Grabner, PA Parenteau and from the point James Wisniewski.

The Islanders will look to win their fourth straight game tonight against their rival, the New York Rangers. The Rangers will come into the game later with a record of 20-14-2 and stand in the seventh playoff seed.

Earlier this month, the Isles battled the Rangers in a home and home series. The Rangers beat the Isles both times, but maybe the Isles will still be hot after earning eight points in their last five games played. Things are definitely starting to go the Islanders' way.

Dwayne Roloson, who was named the NHL's first star of the week today, will most likely start in goal tonight after only giving up one goal each in his last three starts. That's impressive. Capuano said after the game last night that "he'd be okay with starting Roloson tomorrow".

So let's see if the Islanders can face another challenge and overcome it to earn their fourth win in a row.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Canadians at Islanders Pregame Notes

Tonight the Islanders - who are currently riding a two game winning streak - will host the the 20-13-2 Montreal Canadians at the Coliseum. No word on who will start in goal, but Rick DiPietro has been taken off the IR and Nathan Lawson has been returned to Bridgeport.

Notes:

-Matt Martin will be back in the lineup after serving a two game suspension.
-Jesse Joensuu was returned to Bridgeport.
-Per Katie Strang, both Rick DiPietro and Matt Moulson are skating at practice today.

Who's Hot:

Josh Bailey: After being recalled from Bridgeport, coming into just his second game back with the Isles, Bailey beat Martin Brodeur twice in the first period. Bailey now has two goals and one assist in just two games so far with the Islanders.

 Frans Nielsen: Nielsen now has three shorthanded goals and they all came on the road. The last Islander to do that was Shawn Bates, who scored four shorthanded goals on the road a few seasons ago.


Who's Not:

Trevor Gillies: Gillies has been a healthy scratch multiple times throughout the beginning of the season. He's a fan favorite, a good physical fourth liner, and a great fighter but he has to step his hockey part of the game up in order to have success on the Island.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

DiPietro On IR, Mottau Out For Season, Martin Suspended

So today it was tweeted by the Islanders official Twitter account that Rick DiPietro was placed on the IR due to knee swelling. At first I thought to myself "he's done" but Dee Karl pointed out in a blog that in order for the Isles to call someone up from Bridgeport, someone has to be placed on the IR due to the roster freeze and I guess the odd man out was DiPietro.

In the same tweet, the NY Islanders Twitter account also reported that defenseman Mike Mottau - who was just recently cleared to play after a puck to the eye - will be out for the remainder of the season due to a right hip labrum tear. Myself and many others don't understand how an eye injury goes from a hip injury, but it's another loss for the Islanders.

Fourth liner Matt Martin was suspended yesterday by the league after delivering a hit to Vernon Fiddler, which was called a charging penalty by the refs.

Tomorrow night the Islanders will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The puck drops at 7pm and the Islanders desperately need a win. It will be interesting to see who starts in goal. The last game played against the Lightning, the Islanders won in OT from a goal from Matt Moulson after Smith was battling with the puck with his glove. The refs took some time to review before it was called a goal.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Could Things Be Brewing in Islander Country?

This past Friday, it was announced by the Islanders' Twitter account that forward Jon Sim had been put on waivers. Again. Obviously, this has happened numerous times this season, so there is nothing strange about that.

Then on Saturday, Katie Strang of Newsday noted that Bridgeport SoundTigers goalie Nathan Lawson was called up on emergency recall by the Isles and was on the ice at morning skate alongside of Rick DiPietro and Dwayne Roloson. The emergency recall of Lawson was very strange news. Even stranger was when Strang then tweeted that Lawson was the first goalie off of the ice, meaning that he would be starting Saturday night's game against the Phoenix coyotes.

About an hour or so later, the Islanders then announced that DiPietro had some minor swelling in his knee.

Rumors began brewing that if Lawson was called up and starting over Roloson that perhaps Roloson was about to be traded. Maybe that would explain why Sim was also placed on waivers.

By game time, no trade had been announced, Sim had cleared waivers, was not assigned to Bridgeport, and then played against Phoenix. Lawson started, and Roloson backed him up.

No trade was announced after the game as well.

The NHL holiday trade freeze is now in effect. Lawson is still up with the Islanders.

It makes you think that once the trade freeze is lifted, maybe Roloson will be dealt. It seems like the only logical explanation for all of the crazy moves that the Islanders made within the roster on Saturday.

On a completely unrelated note, Pierre Lebrun of ESPN said in his live chat today that HNIC analyst and former Islander goaltender Glenn Healy has said that there is a rumor that a man by the name of Nelson Peltz has expressed some interest in buying the Islanders from Charles Wang.

Nelson Peltz is listed by Forbes as number 366 of 400 on the richest Americans list. He is a board director of Wendys/Arbys Group, the parent company of Wendys, Arbys, T.J. Cinanamons, and Pasta Connection. He is also the former owner of Snapple.

Peltz was born in Brooklyn, NY and now currently lives in Mt Kisco, NY, so he is a local boy.

This could be a great thing for the Islanders. He is a local boy so that should mean he would have no interest in moving the team (hopefully).

Hopefully Charles truly looks at this. At this point for Charles Wang, there is no point for him to own the Islanders any longer. His Lighthouse Project failed miserably. He loses millions of dollars of his own money year after year on this team. The team continues to lose on his watch. it is time for Charles to move on from the Islanders and sell the team. Whether he sells the team to Mr. Peltz, or someone else, his best option would be to sell this team.

The Islanders may currently be 6-18-6 on the year with 18 points, but things may be happening to secure their future. Who knows? At this point it is purely speculation. Let's just hope that whatever happens, the New York Islanders are still a team in 2016, and will continue to be a team for many many years to come.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Roloson Gone After Roster Freeze? It Appears So...

So we all know that the Islanders lost in a shootout last night to the Coyotes. Islander goals were scored by Jesse Joensuu, Michael Grabner, and Rob Schremp. The Islanders would take a lead in the game but in the end, the Coyotes came and tied it up.

You can't say the Islanders didn't play fairly well last night but losing is unacceptable. Enough is enough and this team needs to find a way to win games. They can't give up their leads coming into the third period. Even a roster shake up would probably help this team.

--

Rumors:

Dwayne Roloson: When it was learned that Rick DiPietro would be out for last nights game due to "minor knee swelling", many started to speculate. The reason for speculation is because not only was DiPietro on the ice practicing with two other goaltenders, but Nathan Lawson - the goaltender that was called up from Bridgeport - got the start in goal over Dwayne Roloson, a proven goaltender. That tells you somethings up. And in fact, something is up.

It appears that Roloson was alerted yesterday that he will be traded. Also, the Isles may make a package deal involving Wisniewski, Comeau and Roloson.

Coach Jack Capuano says that "Tonight it was Nate (Lawson) and tomorrow it could be someone else." Interesting...

My Take: I don't believe the Islanders will package all three. I can see Comeau and Roloson going in a deal together, but all three being packaged isn't likely unless it's something bigger in return. Teams definitely want Wisniewski I am told, as well as Roloson. Now Comeau trade talks are starting to heat up as well.

So what do you think? Is Roloson staying or being traded? Also, who do you want to be traded for who and why? Tell us in comments.

Source: IncarceratedBob

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Coyotes at Islanders: It's Lawson Time



Just about an hour ago, news broke that the Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro had been experiencing swelling in his right knee and it'll sideline him - at least for tonight's game. The last time I heard "knee swelling", DiPietro was out for the rest of the season.

So the Islanders called up goaltender Nathan Lawson from Bridgeport. Lawson, who is currently 2-4-2 on the season in the AHL, is expected to start tonight via the Islanders official Twitter account.

The Isles will look to go on a winning streak after defeating the Ducks in regulation by a score of 3-2 Thursday night. Hopefully they can keep their confidence going and go back to winning ways like they did earlier in the season.

Lawson tells the Islanders official Twitter account the following about his NHL debut tonight:

"It's a big opportunity, I've been waiting my whole life for this. So I just need to have fun, take everything in as it is and just go out there, have fun and play my game."

 Remember - The Islanders placed forward Jon Sim on waivers yesterday and he cleared today. Assuming Sim goes to Bridgeport, the Islanders still need to have another forward on their roster. So a possible signing up front may occur or a call up. It doesn't make sense though that Roloson isn't playing and Lawson is. We'll see.

Friday, December 17, 2010

New York Islanders Tribute With Goal Horn And Song



A video that I put together featuring the Islanders new goal song along with some celebrations! Enjoy!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Islanders vs Ducks Pregame Notes

Tonight the losers of six straight look to start a winning streak against the Anaheim Ducks. Starting in goal for the Islanders will be Rick DiPietro, who you could say has been playing well lately besides some bad bounces which led to a few goals.

Some good news for the Isles is that they'll be getting defenesman Milan Jurcina back after he suffered a  hamstring injury that sidelined him for a few weeks. Defenseman Radek Martinek will be in the lineup as well. He sat out for a game after taking a Zdeno Chara slap shot to the hand, which caused him some soreness.

The Islanders have to work the puck to the net and they can't spend time in their own zone. The Ducks are coming off a victory last night over the Capitals, and they may not have fresh legs so the Isles could use it as an advantage.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Your Sunday Islander Rumors

It's certainly clear that the Islanders have been struggling lately, losing 19 games out of 20 played. It appears that they might be interested in upgrading their team, and trying to shoot for the playoffs despite the current streak.

Here are some of the rumors I've been hearing over the past few days:

James WisniewskiJames Wisniewski: Todd Cordell tells me that several teams show interest in the Islanders defenseman, two of those teams being the San Jose Sharks and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Also, Nick Perri reports that the Rangers are looking for a defenseman.

My take: I don't think the Isles will move James unless they get a better player in return. With Mark Streit currently sidelined, they need the d-man in their lineup. The Rangers are looking for a defenseman, though, and if they offer enough to the Isles, Garth Snow might accept.

Simon GagneBruch Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that the Islanders may be looking for a winger to help out former first overall pick John Tavares, who only has netted eight goals so far this season. It appears that Simon Gagne could be their guy.

My take: Tavares definitely needs someone on the wing so he can develop properly. Moulson's there to help him, but PA Parenteau doesn't seem to set him up too often. If the Isles can get Gagne, I'd say go for it. This trade would make sense in the long run (as Snow wants) because not only would it develop John, but it would add top six talent to the Isles lineup.

Dwayne RolosonThe Edmonton Journal reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning show interest in the Isles backup goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

My take: If the Islanders would be willing to trade Roloson and then call up one of the goaltenders from the Sound Tigers, in return they may be able to get Gagne. But first, Simon has to waive his no trade clause. If Garth Snow recives a good deal for Dwayne, there's no doubt Roloson will be traded, as he's entering his final year of the two year contract he was given.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Thrashers 5, Islanders 4: Third Period Goals Cost Isles

The Islanders have now dropped their fifth consecutive game in a row tonight, all because of them giving up four third period goals.

They came out the first two periods and played relatively better than they have the past few games. They worked hard, got the puck to the net, and held a 2-1 lead (thanks to Martin and Moulson) going into the third period. But then, things started to go the Thrashers' way.

The Islanders would come out in the third period first giving up two straight goals by Johnny Oduya. Wisniewski was taken down on the second Oduya goal, but nothing was called. After the goal, Matt Moulson collided with Rick DiPietro and he skated slowly to the bench in pain.

Things would turn around for a few minutes as Rob Schremp picked up the rebound from a MacDonald shot and fired home for the goal. It was all tied up at three.

Then it got worse again on the Isles front. Right off the face off, somehow Bryan Little chipped one past DiPietro. DiPietro just stood there after the goal in shock. It appeared that he wasn't even ready.

Later on, James Wisniewski tripped up Evander Kane which led to a penalty shot. Thank goodness for the whole Isles team, it hit the right post.

The Thrashers were holding a 4-3 lead and secured it when the Islanders gave up another face off goal, this time it being Burmistrov getting the goal. That was Atlanta's fourth goal of the period and their fifth goal of the game.

Later in the period, former Islanders first overall pick John Tavares engaged himself in his first NHL fight with Burmistrov. You can clearly see the frustration on John Tavares which led to the fight. John got the two extra minutes for slashing, and PA Parenteau served it.

The goal horn at the Coliseum sounded once more when the Islanders were on the power play after Stewart went to the box for holding the stick. Blake Comeau picked up a Rob Schremp pass and fired home. The Islanders only needed to score one more goal, but failed to do so as they ran out of time.

The Isles are now 5-17-5 with only 15 points in the Eastern Conference. That's the worst record in the NHL as of now. They need to step their game up and play a full 60 minutes of hockey. It seems like every game they find new ways to lose.

Next up: The Nashville Predators

Thrashers at Islanders Preview; Rumors

UPDATED 10:57 AM: Rick DiPietro isn't on the ice for the optional morning skate, so it appears he will start tonight.

-

The Islanders have another challenge to face tonight: The 15-11-3 Atlanta Thrashers who are holding onto the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. That's good compared to the 5-16-5 last place Islanders' record.

Yesterday, in an interview with Islanders TV, Garth Snow made it clear that he's not going to trade any of his young core unless it helps in the long run. So, there you have it. He's not going to try and improve this team in any way unless it involves bringing up rookies from the AHL, who haven't played an NHL game. Good idea, Garth.

Dear Wang: It's time to sell this team, bud.

So as you can see, it full out frustrates us fans/bloggers whatever, to see this team drop 18 out of 19. There is absolutely no excuse for it. They don't play like a professional NHL sports team at all. They fail to get the puck to the net which results in a low score. Last game vs Boston, Frans Nielsen had a penalty shot goal. That's almost a gimme. Then, Rob Schremp was the only Islander to light the lamp. The Islanders need a better scoring source because you and I both clearly know that this current lineup isn't going to hold up.



Rumors:

 - Elliotte Friedman tells me that several teams show interest in the Islanders defenseman James Wisniewski, but will most likely wait until cap hit is lower.


 - I know some of you may heard this from Eklund, but something may be going on between the Isles and Canucks. No one has denied it yet.


- Also, put  Marco Sturm on your Islanders wish list. I'm hearing that it would only take cheap D or a draft pick for him. I guess because the Bruins are trying to clear cap space. via Brian Huddle.

Garth Snow: It's time to act.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

BRUINS 5, ISLANDERS 2: Isles Drop 18/19

It's Rick DiPietro vs Tuukka Rask in goal tonight.

-
1st period: Radek Martinek went down after blocking a Zedeno Chara slap shot. It doesn't look well for Radek as he went down to the ice and stayed there. When he finally went off the ice, he was holding his left arm in the air where he got hit and there's no protection at all. Milan Lucic scored the only goal this period, and the Isles will go into the first intermission trailing 1-0.

2nd period: With great effort driving to the net by Frans Nielsen, he was taken down and awarded a penalty shot. Nielsen beat Rask gloveside and scored his second shorthanded goal of the year, both coming on  penalty shots. It's certainly a well deserved goal by Frans, but it doesn't get the Isles out of their recent scoring slump. But hey, I'll take it!

Scoring for the Bruins was Brad Marchand after DiPierto came out to challenge him but as DP was trying to clear it out, it hit Marchand and he put it home for the goal. But thanks to Dwayne Roloson's coaching, Nielsen added the goal for the Isles.

3rd period: The Islanders have now dropped 18 out of 19, holding a record of 5-16-5 with only 15 points in the eastern conference. Rob Schremp scored for the Isles but then the Bruins scored two empty net goals, sealing the game 5-2. Will it ever end in Islanders country?

Sunday, December 5, 2010

FLYERS 3 ISLANDERS 2: Struggling Isles Drop Third

The Islanders are now ten games below the NHL's version of .500. They now stand a record of 5-15-5 with 15 points in the eastern conference. They certainly didn't play any better today.

The Islanders would go on the power play but quickly gave it up as Comeau went to the box for tripping. It was 4 on 4 hockey and the Flyers (of course) scored the first goal of the game from Jeff Carter. No one would score for the rest of the period.

Coming into the second, the Islanders killed off Schremp's high sticking penalty. They would later go on a 5 on 3 power play and failed to score.

With 14:48 to go in the third and final period, PA Parenteau blasted one past Bobrovsky from Schremp to tie the game at one. Seconds later, Frans Nielsen would take a shot and it would go in. The Isles took a 2-1 lead but it didn't last long.

Matt Moulson was in the box for holding at 9:37 and Nodi slid one past Dwayne Roloson to tie it up at two. Later in the third, Danny Briere gave the Flyers a 3-2 lead and that's when I decided: enough is enough. Time to go.

The Islanders looked like a mess out there today. They need to start making better plays in the offensive zone and actually make solid passes. I noticed that they've been having a hard time receiving passes from their teammates as well as them just dumping the puck in the zone.

They also cannot spend too much time in their own zone. They only registered four shots on goal in the first because of that.

Here's what coach Jack Capuano had to say to the media after the 3-2 defeat:

"(We made) Bad decisions when we had the puck on our sticks. Have to find a way to win. Losing is unacceptable."

(via @NYIslanders)

Saturday, December 4, 2010

K.O. skating in full gear, Capuano says still no time-frame for return




Earlier today, the Islanders released a tweet reading that Kyle Okposo, the star forward who suffered a shoulder injury back during the preseason, and underwent surgery to repair the torn labrum in October, "skated today for the first time in full gear” before today’s practice.

Okposo noted that it “felt really good” to be back out on the ice with his team. He also added that the hardest part about the injury was having to watch his team struggle while not being able to do anything about it.·“I don’t like watching my own team play,” Okposo said. “It’s frustrating. You know that it’s completely out of your control.”

And while this is a positive sign of progress, interim head coach Capuano was quick to warn that still, there is no set timetable for Okposo’s return to the lineup.

RANGERS 2, ISLANDERS 0: Rangers Sweep Isles In Home and Home

The Islanders have lost their second straight game to the Rangers in a home and home series. It seems like their offense didn't show up last night as they failed to get a good amount of shots on net. Shots on goal were 21-17 Rangers, most of the time the Isles not even hitting the net. That's certainly a problem.

Dwayne Roloson, the Isles starting goaltender, was the story for the Islanders tonight. Him and Rick DiPietro always give the Isles a chance to win and keep them in the game, giving up a few amount of goals, but the Islanders offense fails to find the back of the net.

In the orange and blues last 17 games played, they have lost 16, according to Philly.com. Also, the Isles have gone 0-32 on the power play. That isn't good. The Islanders need power play goals if they want to win. They have a hard time scoring on even strength already so the power play should help them out, but that's only if they do the right things on the ice and obviously, they're not. Coach Capuano stated:

"I'm not going to waste around with the same personnel. If guys aren't going to do it, other guys are going to play".

I really believe that the Isles should make a trade. They need guys that can be top tier talent up front and they don't have that. You might say when Okposo comes back, he'll help this team out but how is one guy going to make a difference? Enough is enough. When you lose 16 games in 17 with the one win against the Devils, the second worst team in the NHL right now, you need a change up front. Something needs to be done if the Isles want to be a factor.

Jon Sim had three penalties in the game. Two for goaltender interference (a questionable call as he clearly had been pushed into Henrik Lundqvist) and yet another one for his third of the game.

The Rangers two goals came from Marc Staal and Brian Boyle. When Sim took a penalty the Rangers were on the power play. Staal fired one from the point and passed a screened Dwayne Roloson. The Isles would pull Roloson with one minute remaining in the third and Brian Boyle wrapped the game up, hitting the empty net with under ten seconds remaining.


The Islanders will go back at it tomorrow night at the Coliseum vs Philadelphia. We all know the Isles aren't too great against them being the majority of the games, they loose. But it's a new season and hopefully these young Islanders can figure out a way to win. Watch out for the Isles fourth line...

Friday, December 3, 2010

RANGERS 6, ISLANDERS 5: They'll Do It Again Tonight

The Islanders played their best game in awhile tonight. You can't say they didn't work hard, scoring five goals. They haven't scored four or more goals since Octobor 16th, which was a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche.

The game had a great pace to it and that's what both teams needed tonight. Trevor Gillies got the crowd going early in the first by dropping the gloves with Derek Boogard. Both of them fought until they were tired and went to their respective penalty boxes. The Islanders knew they needed physical play in their lineup, especially tonight, and Gillies addressed it along with Martin this evening.


Matt Martin squared off with Mike Sauer late in the second as well. You got to hand it to Gillies because as you can see, when Trevor and Derek were lined up ready to bout, there was clearly a big size difference between the two. The best was after the Gilles/Boogard fight, Matt Martin and Zenon Konopka (Trevor Gillies' line mates) skated over to the box to praise Trevor. That shows respect.

Erik Christensen lit the lamp first in the game tonight after he roofed one just above DiPietro's left shoulder. Minutes later, the Rangers would light the lamp again but it was answered by Zenon Konopka late in the period. He netted his first goal as an Islander as he squeezed the puck through former Islanders' goaltender Martin Biron.

With 10:40 to go in the second period, former Ranger PA Parenteau made a nice play to keep the puck in the zone to John Tavares and Tavares found Moulson all alone in front. Moulson pulled off a little deke on Biron who was going for the poke check and it failed. The lamp was lit and Moulson scored his ninth goal of the season.

Moments later in the period, Rob Schremp was set up on a one timer. He took a slap shot and the goal horn sounded again. Rangers head coach John Tortorella pulled Martin Biron with Henrik Lunquist replacing him.
Brandon Prust would tie it up for his second of the season after his shot went off of Andrew MacDonald, who returned to the lineup tonight after suffering a broken hand and being sidelined for more than a month.
Marian Gaborik had the crowd going after he made a nice play over to Brandon Callahan but it turned out that Callahan didn't even touch it and Zenon Konopka did and deflected it into his own net. Gaborik was credited with the goal.

Going into the third and final period, the Islanders and Rangers both acquired 22 shots on goal. Gaborik would change that, though by giving the Rangers a 5-3 lead and scoring his second of the night. It was the 50th time he had a multi goal game. Following the goal, the Isles would go on their first power play of the game but failed to score.

A few minutes after the Isles power play, Radek Martinek took a shot from the point and Michael Grabner deflected it to give the Isles sort of a wake up call to tie up the game. He gave them a wake up call alright. After a nice play setup by PA Parenteau, Comeau barely touched the puck and it crossed the line of the left side of the post to tie the game at five. Defenseman Travis Hamonic recorded his first NHL point as he assisted on Comeau's goal.

Moments after, Marian Gaborik recorded a hat trick which was eventually the game winning goal.


You can't say the Isles didn't play with effort tonight, though. Look at the past 15 games and compare it to tonight. The Isles were in a big scoring slump and tonight they finally got out of it, scoring five goals.



Some blamed the six goals on Rick DiPietro, but most of the goals weren't his entire fault. Two players on the Islanders deflected the puck into their own net. Clearly, DiPietro had no chance and it wasn't his fault.
Following the game, in an interview with DiPietro that was broadcasted by MSG Plus 2, Rick stated the following:

"Both teams fought hard but at the end of they day, it's a loss"


The important factor is that tonight the Islanders fought hard, as Rick stated. They didn't come away with two points but it's certainly a start after recently ending a 14 game losing streak. They'll go at it again tomorrow this time it being at MSG. It is confirmed that Dwayne Roloson will start.
 
 
 

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Special Announcement: SportsHaze

Nick McGuire

I would like to announce that I will be writing as an Islanders analyst for Sports Haze. It's a very nice sports site, giving the latest opinion on all sports. The website is currently down for maintenance, but the new website relaunches December 1st! Not only will there be better coverage for Islanders411, but better coverage for Islanders Hockey Blog and a new blog I write for: Outside The Crease. Make sure to check that blog out as well, as it's an NHL blog bringing you the latest opinions around the NHL, as well as the latest rumors. Also, be sure to follow me on twitter @NickMcGuireNYI . I look forward to working with the SportsHaze crew!

Next up: Islanders vs Rangers pregame blog: You can view it at Sports Haze or right here on Islanders411 or Islanders Hockey Blog.

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

ISLANDERS 2, DEVILS 0: DiPietro Earns Shutout



Finally! The 14 game skid that seemed never ending in fact ended! Let the 14 game in a row winning streak begin.

Early in the first Grabner made a nice pass to Nielsen, and the play maker made a quick feed to Joensuu for the Isles to jump on top early. Colin White placed a hit on Parenteau which was called for boarding. Gervais stepped in for his teammate but was down after two punches. Still, Gervais did the right thing by sticking up for Parenteau. He didn't let it slip.

In the third, Rob Schremp picked a corner and fired it past Hedberg. (Love his celebrations, btw!). You could tell he was happy. The Isles had many chances and that's what they need to win. They need to work on their power play though. It's good to see Sim out there in front of the net causing distraction. He almost got a goal, too.

Rick DiPietro played great, like he has been. He almost looks like he's been playing these past two years. I would of expected him to give up a few more goals since he didn't play for 18 days going into the game in Atlanta. I would expect him to start vs the Rangers. Maybe him and Roloson will split the back to back games home and home. But DiPietro should be getting most of the starts if they want him to play well. It's hard for a goalie to not get consecutive starts.

Trent Hunter had an MRI and has a grade 3 torn ACL in his knee. I looked it up and were not going to be seeing him for a while. It takes six weeks to heal. Surgery is required often.