N.Y. Islanders: John Tavares Receives Long Island Jeers in Return to Uniondale

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

"We Don't Need You!"

WEDNESDAY

Maple Leafs   4

Islanders        5

FINAL

Throughout summer I thought it somewhat ponderous the Islanders remained staunchly inactive insofar as making noteworthy upgrades, or said another way spending some cash.  On the other hand, there's the methodical nature of Lou Lamoriello to consider.  But still ... quiet is as quiet does.  Rather the Isles part ways with last season's starting goalie (Robin Lehner whom posts a career best 25 wins and 2.13 GAA) and import veteran Semyon Varlamov to share time with mainstay Thomas Greiss.  Both have each made nine starts.  Varlamov to date is 6-2-1 with a .917 SV% and a 2.56 GAA.  Meanwhile Greiss is doing outstanding, going 7-1-0 with a .942 SV% and 1.88 GAA.  But that speaks only to the pucks that actually get through.  On Wednesday the Islanders blocked 22 shots versus just eight by Toronto.  And thus you have the reasons why the Islanders have yielded the NHL's least number of goals.

Offensively they're middle of the pack with 54 goals but are nevertheless third in point differential (+15).  On Wednesday however they break out for three even strength goals, and two on the power play against a teetering Toronto club.

John Tavares makes his much anticipated return on Long Island as a member of the Maple Leafs.  Fans greet him with chants of "We Don't Need You!"  Then the Islanders go about proving it.  At 14:23 of the first period Mathew Barzal opens the scoring with his eighth goal of the season.  Anthony Beauvillier's power play goal in the final minute of the period gives the Isles a 2-0 lead.  Toronto ties the game at two midway through the second period.  But the Islanders regain the lead on Beauvillier's second goal at the 16:43 mark.  Casey Cizikas' late third period goal effectively puts the game out of reach.  Other than assisting on Kasperi Kapanen's second period goal, John Tavares proves a non factor.  That is until he scores a inconsequential goal with just 0:38 seconds left in the game.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

• #2 - N.Y. Islanders    13-3-1 (27 points)
• #12 - N.Y. Rangers     8-7-2 (18 points)
• #16 - N.J. Devils        5-8-4 (14 points)

After losing three of their first four games to begin the season, the Islanders have since gone 12-0-1 to claim second place in the Eastern Conference standings.