N.J. Devils: Newark Offers Wandering Long Islanders No Quarter

From the desks: THE BRICK CITY STYX & LONG ISLAND NOMADS

THURSDAY

Islanders   0

DEVILS      4

FINAL

Islanders Arrive on Familiar But Unfriendly Shores

Newark, New Jersey, is the closest the Islanders have been to home base since departing for an Oct. 14 game at Carolina in the first stop of a Homeric-like season-opening 13 game road Odyssey.  

The Isles defeated the Winnipeg Jets but lost to the Minnesota Wild on the very next night.  Four days later, they sailed up the Hudson River where their metropolitan area neighbors on Thursday night offered them no quarter.  

With their defeat at the hand of the Devils, the Long Islanders are now 5-4-2 with two more road games left before finally swinging the doors open at the brand new UBS Center at Belmont.

I know Barry Trotz isn't one for excuses and is not exactly pleased with their play of late, but I believe the Islanders are still in a good place and that a significant correction will occur when they play 12 of 20 games at home through Christmas.

Semyon Varlamov finally made his 2021-2022 debut during the Isles Nov. 7 game against Minnesota, who went wild with five goals but only three off Semyon, who stopped 34 of 37 shots on goal.  But Varlamov did not earn a second straight start.  Enter Ilya Sorokin.  Making his tenth start and coming off a shutout over Winnipeg, this may have been both Barry Trotz's and Ilya Sorokin's most frustrating game to date.

Long Island's power-play in the first period fell apart like wet toilet paper.  At 12:12, Janne Koukannen capped off a flurry of activity in front of Ilya Sorokin with a shorthanded goal on assists from P.K. Subban and Nico Hischier.

With 0:50 left in the second period, Tomas Tartar scored during a Devil power-play on feeds from Dougie Hamilton and Pavel Zacha.

Dawson Mercer gave Newark a 3-0 lead at 5:46 into the third period, assisted by Andreas Johnsson and Jesper Bratt. Approximately eleven minutes later, Dougie Hamilton closed out the scoring with his third goal this season at the 16:33 mark.

However, the clear star of the game was Newark goalie Mackenzie Blackwood.  He faced 42 shots on net and stopped them all, including 35 at even-strength and five on special teams.  It marks his second consecutive win through three starts and his first shutout this season. 

The Devils improve to 7-3-2, just four points behind the Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes.

Next, the Islanders set sail for Tampa.

 

N.Y. Islanders Impose Their Will Upon Boston Bruins

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
PLAYOFFS: ROUND TWO

Islanders defeat Bruins; 4-2

I - BOS 5; NYI 2

II - NYI 4; BOS 3*

III - BOS 2; NYI 1*

IV - NYI 4; BOS 1

V - NYI 5; BOS 4

VI - NYI 6; BOS 2

*overtime

Boston Gets Blown Out Of The Barn; Isles Advance To Final Four

Looking back, it took Barry Trotz exactly one game to figure out the Bruins.  Afterwhich, it was just a matter of physical execution.  

Game one was not an aberration.  Boston and their perfection line are that good.  Game three was a coin flip; we know that.  The real story was the one-all tie during regulation.  Otherwise, overtime is risky business.  Take away Long Island's two empty-net goals in game six, and the Isles still doubled up on Boston.  All told, the Islanders wind up outscoring Boston by a 22-17 margin.

Wednesday evening started with an inspiring National Anthem.  Good job by Long Island!

At some point, Lou Lamoriello needs to be shoehorned into this conversation.  In 13 regular-season games after his acquisition from the Devils, 36-year old Travis Zajac registered two points, a goal against Boston, and an assist versus the Rangers.  He played just one game in the series against Pittsburgh in which he posted an assist and a plus-two.  Travis was scoreless through the first five games against the Bruins.  Come game six, the veteran of 15 seasons and 57 playoff games while with the Devils opens the scoring at 8:52 of the first period off feeds from Noah Dobson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau - another Lamoriello acquisition.

This time Semyon Varlamov did not yield an early goal, and thus the Isles could play with a lead.  That is until Brad Marchand made Long Island pay for committing two really dumb tripping penalties when at 17:36 of the first, he scored a power-play goal assisted by David Krejci and David Pastrnak.

We've heard it before about Barry Trotz telling his team to keep pressing with the forecheck.  So you know he must have said something during the first intermission.  With mission statement in hand, Brock Nelson stole the puck near Boston's blue line and came barrelling through the right circle to score at 5:20 off feeds from Nick Leddy and Josh Bailey.  Then, at 12:39, a forechecking Brock Nelson seized the puck in a major Boston defensive zone faux-pas and scored with another assist from Josh Bailey.

Barry Trotz's system and Lou Lamoriello's acquisitions are punctuated by yet another Boston defensive zone turnover.  Kyle Palmieri converts a rebound unassisted at 16:07, giving the Isles a 4-1 lead.  Former New Jersey Devil Kyle Palmieri now leads the Islanders with seven playoff goals; Brock Nelson is next with six.

A third tripping penalty called against the Islanders (Matt Martin) leads to Brad Marchand's second power-play goal of the game.  Otherwise, Semyon Varlamov does not yield an even-strength goal.  He faces 25 shots on goal, stopping all but two during special teams.  Varlamov rewards his head coach's confidence in him with his fourth victory over Boston.  His only loss came after limiting Boston to just one goal in regulation, then losing game three in overtime.

It was quite appropriate that Cal Clutterbuck and Ryan Pulock should both score into empty nets, respectively, a reward for jobs well done.  Pulock led Isles blueliners with 23:21 minutes and a plus-one.  Clutterbuck, there's a reason why the Islanders a few years ago signed him to an extension.  They get their money's worth every night.

Meanwhile, the Islanders out-bullied the brutish Boston Bruins.  Long Island could have fallen upon the Bruins like a ton of bricks (as they did in game one) if they wanted to but realized a need to tone it down a bit to better sync up the rest of their game.  That said, Long Island in game six provided young Charlie McAvoy a lesson in what it's like playing under duress.  He needed upwards of six minutes to recover from a big hit by Kyle Palmieri ... there's that name again.

This was a sound series victory over the Bruins.

Nuf ced.

N.Y. Islanders: Long Island Blows Overtime Budget

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Bruins lead Islanders; 2-1

I - BOS 5; NYI 2

II - NYI 4; BOS 3*

III - BOS 2; NYI 1*

*overtime

GAME FOUR

Bruins

vs.

Islanders

FROM

The Barn

Semyon Varlamov Surrenders First and Last Goal

The bottom line is Boston won on a really bad-angle shot.  

It renders moot which skaters were on the ice at that moment.

Was Semyon Varlamov surprised by this one particular attempt on net after already having faced 40 shots?  Did he not seal his body against the pipe?  Was he also being mindful of a Bruin potentially barreling down the slot?  Did Semyon even see the puck?   

Yes, he surrendered yet another early goal.  Lest we forget, he made five saves during an early Boston power play in the first as well.  That being said, can Semyon Varlamov be criticized for stopping all but one of 40 shots before the curtain fell?

Answer as you will.

Mind you, the Isles laid more hits and won more face-offs.  However, it's no wonder they also blocked more shots as Boston fired off 41 shots on goal, whereas the Islanders mustered 29 shots on goal.  Said another way, the Islanders were outplayed.  The power play was scoreless in three chances.

Islanders centermen (minus their captain) totaled nine shots on goal with one point.  Boston centermen joined together for 15 shots on goal with two points.  That's how close this is, two straight overtime games, and why Coach Trotz faces another dilemma regarding who starts the next game in net.  

Ilya Sorokin, if you remember, yielded five goals in game one, two on Boston power-plays, and three in the third period.  Meanwhile, Varlamov has carried the Isles into consecutive overtimes.  Fans might be split evenly down the middle.  It's just that Varlamov continues rendering the most inopportune goals.  Even then, you know what they say, listen to the fans, and before long, you'll find yourself sitting with them.

In three power-play opportunities, Tuukka Rask made five saves.  Otherwise, he makes 23 saves at even strength.  In fact, he made some rather stellar saves.  The Isles had their chances but simply couldn't convert against Rask.  After keeping the Isles scoreless through two and a half periods, Mathew Barzal decided to finally show up.  He scored his first goal of the post-season at 14:34 of the third period on feeds from Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Pulock, but that's all there was.  

At 3:36 of overtime, Brad Marchant takes a bad angle shot from the left corner that beats Semyon Varlamov.  

Boston takes two games to one series lead.

The Bruins have now outscored the Isles by a 10-7 margin and by a 9-6 margin in regulation.

Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy played 29:11 minutes, which sort of mirrors what Pittsburgh does with Chris Letang.  You do not see the disciplined Barry Trotz doing that.  Ryan Pulock led Isles blueliners with 24:34 minutes, Adam Pelech was next in with 23:21 minutes. 

The Rivalry: Islanders and Rangers Head Down the Stretch

From the desks: RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS & THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

THE RIVALRY

Islanders lead Rangers; 4-2

I - NYI 4; NYR 0

II - NYR 5; NYI 0

III - NYI 2; NYR 0

IV - NYR 4; NYI 1

V - NYI 3; NYR 2

VI - NYI 6; NYR 1

VII & VIII

New York Islanders

vs.

New York Rangers

FROM
Eighth Avenue Ice Hut

Trotz Putting Together a Jigsaw Puzzle While Quinn Is Just Making a Mess

Washington takes three straight from the Islanders and wins the season series six games against two.  Three of the last four confrontations have been 1-0 affairs, with a blowout sandwiched in between.  Long Island slides down to third place in the East, four points behind the Penguins, and five points behind the first-place Capitals with seven games remaining in their regular season.

On Tuesday, the Islanders commit one of the cardinal sins of hockey and pay a high price.  Never surrender a goal in the first two minutes or last two minutes of a period.  The Islanders did just that.  Daniel Sprong scores his tenth of the season within 1:29 minutes of the opening faceoff, and the Caps make it stand.

The Long Islanders are 12-9-1 since captain Anders Lee last played on Mar. 11 against the Devils.  Over that stretch, they still managed to outscore their opponents by a 53-47 margin.  But, truth be told, the Isles are just 4-5-1 since acquiring Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri, and as noted, losers of three straight.  In another indictment, the Isles have been outscored 24-18 since the duo's arrival.  That hints at a correlation.  Or, said another way, Coach Trotz is struggling to reconstruct his forward lines.

Whereas Islanders fans can be confident their head coach will ultimately implement a viable plan in time for the playoffs, Rangers fans, on the other hand, remain confounded by Coach Quinn's allergy-inspiring line decisions.  The Blueshirts remain four points behind the fourth-place Bruins.  However, Boston has two games in hand.

The Rangers are coming off a split against the Flyers and two consecutive wins against the Sabres.  Long Island comes to the city for the front end of a home-and-home.  After splitting the first four games of the season series, the Islanders have since won two straight over the Rangers for a 4-2 series edge.

Last Sunday against Buffalo, Mike Zibanejad scored his third hat trick of the season.

About that ...

We know about his terrible start to the season.  He failed to score in six of eight games in January and similarly failed to score in eight of eleven games in February.  Mika totaled just six points over his first 19 games of the season.  But we also know he was recovering from a pre-season bout with COVID.  He then scored in nine of 16 games in March for 21 points, and in April, to date, Mika has scored in twelve of 15 games for 19 points.  That gives him 40 points in his last 31 games.  His overall season stats now look more representative: 50 games, 20 goals, 26 assists, 46 points.

Now for the truth ...

In 16 games against the Devils and Flyers, Mika Zibanejad has ten goals and 17 assists for 27 points.  Through 34 games so far against the Islanders, Bruins, Capitals, Sabres, and Penguins, Mika has ten goals and nine assists for 19 points.

That's what's really going on.

Heading In Opposite Directions, Islanders and Devils Speed Past Each Other In The Night

From the desks: THE BRICK CITY STYX  &  LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Islanders lead Devils; 3-1

I - NYI 4; NJD 1

II - NJD 2; NYI 0

III - NYI 2; NJD 1

THURSDAY

(1-3) Devils    3

(3-1) Islanders 5

FINAL

Long Island Is On Fire While Newark Remains Frozen In Ice

Another day, another twenty-minute performance by the New Jersey Devils.  In a near mirror image of their contest against Washington, in which they trailed the Capitals 4-1 after two periods, the Devils fell behind the Islanders 4-0 after two periods.  The Devils scored three times in the third period against the Caps but ultimately lost that game in overtime.  Thursday against the Isles, Newark again rallied for three goals in the third, but it clearly wasn't enough. 

Newark successfully killed off five penalties, which is to say they were completely overrun at even-strength.  They generated just 12 shots on goal through the first two periods and 22 shots overall versus 33 for Long Island.  Meanwhile, the Devils power-play hasn't scored since Feb. 27, against the Capitals.

After two more consecutive losses, the Devils have now lost ten of their last 14 games since returning from quarantine.  Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood appears in lockstep.  Back in January, he posted a .947 SV% through his first three games.  He then registered a decreased .904 SV% over seven games in February.  So far in March, Blackwood owns a .815 SV% through three games.  Through 13 games, he presently sports a .900 SV% and a troublesome 3.13 GAA.

This may be an unpopular take, but the Devils should seriously consider trading Kyle Palmieri and P.K. Subban.  After all, they are a rebuilding team.  Despite a minus-18 point differential and a division-low 58-goals for, the Devils nevertheless appear settled at the center.  There are other good young talents here.  But the Devils have clear deficiencies on the blue line.  Therefore, trade remaining assets and continue forging ahead with a full rebuild.

Lest we forget, the New York Islanders are in first place for a reason.  They own a plus-twenty point differential (28 points better than Newark), and with 38 points in 27 games, the Isles continue leading the division by two points over the relentless Washington Capitals.

Congratulations are in order.  Thursday's game marks Barry Trotz's 100th victory as coach of the Isles.

For the first time this season, the home team also played in front of a limited number of Long Island fans.  Those in attendance got to watch their Islanders win its seventh straight game and ninth win in their last ten.  The bad news is they also watched their Captain Anders Lee exit the ice due to an injury.  He is expected to miss some time.  He clearly appeared in pain, but the severity of the (undisclosed) injury is still unclear.  Anders Lee leads the team with both 80 shots on net and twelve goals in 27 games.  There's no denying he is among the league's toughest and most effective goal area loiterers.  If there's a loose puck, he finds it and converts.  

Getting the call, Ilya Sorokin saw little action through the game's first forty minutes.  However, the Isles eased off the throttle.  In turn, the Devils generated ten third-period shots on goal and found net three times.  In his eighth start, Sorokin nevertheless stopped 19 of 22 shots en route to his fifth straight win of the season.

N.Y. Islanders: Short Circuited by Bolts of Lightning

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning lead Isles; 1-0

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

GAME TWO

Tampa Bay Lightning

vs.

New York Islanders

FROM

Canadian Hockey Bubble

I believe Monday's 8-2 final score is an aberration.

Either the Bolts were super charged up after sitting idle since August 31, or the Islanders were completely lagging coming off a seven game series involving three overtimes that didn't wrap up until Saturday, thus leaving them approximately forty hours to recover, fly from Toronto to Edmonton and prepare for the Lightning. 

Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between.

I normally lean towards momentum.  Last thing I want is my team sitting around for a week between games.  So entering game one I thought the Islanders would have that on their side.  However, the break clearly worked to Tampa's advantage.  The disparity in speed and energy was palpable.

Allowing 34 shots on goal is slightly above the Isles standard, but it's nothing uncommon.  Allowing eight goals, now we have a problem.  Seven penalties, just twelve blocked shots and eighteen giveaways additionally hint of lethargy.

Think not?

The Islanders commit one of the cardinals sins of hockey: they allow a goal inside the first two minutes of period one.  Brayden Point comes barreling down the left wing, fakes and freezes Ryan Pulock in place, then stick handles a backhand around goalie Thomas Greiss unopposed.  It was only Tampa's second shot on goal.

Within minutes the Islanders get a power play and Jordan Eberle ties the game at one (it ends up being Long Island's only goal in five power play opportunities).  Less than two minutes elapse when Andy Green is whistled and sent to the box.  Tampa then demonstrates to the Islanders just how bad the Flyers power play was.  Coming within seconds of achieving a successful penalty kill, Victor Hedman converts giving the Lightning a 2-1 lead.  It's the first of six Tampa power plays and the first of three conversions.  That's uncharacteristic for the Islanders.  But it's only a prelude of things to come.  At 10:46 still in the first period, the Islanders fail to account for blue liner Ryan McDonagh who gives the Bolts a 3-1 lead.  At this point Thomas Greiss is pulled in favor of Semyon Varlamov.  This is when the Islanders all but confirm they're simply not up to the task.  Tampa goes on to score two times in the second period and three more times in the third. 

Even without an injured Steven Stamkos, Tampa can outscore their mistakes.  They can be thrown off their game yet still score goals.  In game one Brayden Point is the best centerman on the ice with two goals and three assists.  However, the Bolts also have been knocking at the door for years but have yet to bust it open.  There's something to be said for that and I point my finger at coach Jon Cooper.  The Islanders on the other hand are strict adherents of Barry Trotz' system.  When thrown off their game they do not have the individualists that step in to save the day.  They're more akin to a four line glacier, strong and methodical in their approach.  They're also great counter-punchers.  Problem is Tampa in game one floated like butterflies and stung like bees.  On that note, eight goals is all the motivation Long Island needs heading into game two.  The hope is they recover and restore their energy no later than game three.  A two/one series deficit is very manageable when you're playing in a bubble.

HEY COACH, WHO'S THE GOALIE?

Monday's play in front of net was clearly negligent.

But who will Barry Trotz task, who will he trust with starting game two and beyond?

During the regular season Varlamov appears in 45 games; Greiss appears in 35 games.

In his first year with the Islanders, 32-year old Semyon Varlamov owns a career 2.67 GAA and .915SV% over twelve seasons with Washington, Colorado and Long Island.  He has made 39 career playoff starts to date.  So far in these playoffs he is 9-4 with a .913SV% and a 2.22 GAA.  Two years his elder and in his fifth season with the Islanders, Thomas Greiss owns a career .914SV% and 2.63 GAA over ten seasons.  So far through four playoff appearances and three starts Greiss has posted a .929SV% and 2.02 GAA, but it's obviously a small sample size of work.

Varlamov has now yielded 14 goals in only his last 222 minutes between the pipes (i.e., games five and six against Philadelphia and Monday's relief effort against Tampa).  Meanwhile, Greiss has allowed just six total goals spread out over four appearances and 178 minutes on ice.  Thomas Greiss pitches a shutout in game seven over the Flyers albeit facing just sixteen shots, but he at least earns the start in game one against Tampa.  It doesn't go well.  He yields three goals in the game's first ten minutes.

This is Thomas Greiss's second season playing for Barry Trotz; Semyon Varlamov his first.  Varlamov has started all but two of thirteen games since entering the bubble.  Greiss has now made three starts with a relief appearance.  Greiss made just one relief appearance in last year's playoffs.  If you remember Barry Trotz stuck with Robin Lehner through all eight playoff games.

What does that say about Barry Trotz' trust in Greiss?

N.Y. Islanders: Eastern Conference Final Preview

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

vs.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

FROM

EDMONTON BUBBLE

The Islanders are in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1993, twenty-seven years ago, when they fall to the Montreal Canadiens four games to one. 

The last time the Islanders and Tampa met in the playoffs was in 2015-2016 during the second round, taken by the Bolts four games to one.  After which the Islanders fail to qualify for the playoffs for two straight seasons.  Enter Barry Trotz who last season is hired as head coach and the Islanders return to the playoffs.  They sweep the Pittsburgh Penguins in round one, but suffer the same fate in round two against the Carolina Hurricanes.  Long Island now arrives in Edmonton after defeating the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has been banging on the door since 2014-2015 when they lose the Stanley Cup finals against the Chicago Blackhawks.  The following season they bow in the conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  They fail to qualify for the playoffs in 2016-2017, then fall against the Washington Capitals in the 2017-2018 conference finals.  Last season they are bounced out of the playoffs in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets.  The Bolts arrive in Edmonton having defeated the Blue Jackets in round one and the Boston Bruins in round two. 

Tampa has been idle since last Monday after dispatching the Bruins in five and have played fewer games than the Islanders since entering the bubble.

The major question for Tampa is whether or not Steve Stamkos plays.  He is skating but has yet to return to action since sustaining a leg injury in July.  For the Islanders, Johnny Boychuck remains out after taking a hard hit to the head in game one against the Florida Panthers.

REGULAR SEASON MATCH-UP:

• Nov. 1 - NYI 5; TB 2
• Dec. 9 - NYI 5; TB 1
• Feb. 8 - TB 3; NYI 1

Semyon Varlamov or Thomas Greiss: that is the question.  Barry Trotz will decide which is noblest.  Coming off Saturday's whitewashing of the Flyers, I suspect Greiss makes the start in game one against Tampa.  Greiss faces just sixteen shots in Saturday's clincher against the Flyers, but nevertheless stops them all.  Varlamov is 9-4 with a .921 SV% and Greiss is 2-1 with a .960 SV% albeit with a smaller sample size.  Through thirteen games Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is 10-3 with a .931 SV% and 1.91 GAA.

In almost every respect, be it even strength or on the power play, these teams are near even.  Both feature depth of lines and scoring ability throughout.  Through thirteen games the Bolts are averaging 3.0 goals per game, while the Isles are averaging 3.3 goals per game.  On defense, the Bolts are allowing an average of 2.3 goals per game while the Islanders are allowing a stingy 1.9 goals per game.

So far, advantage Islanders.

N.Y. Islanders: Someone's Bubble is About to Pop

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Series Tied; 3-3

I - NYI 4; PHI 0

II - PHI 4; NYI 3*

III - NYI 3; PHI 1

IV - NYI 3; PHI 2

V - PHI 4; NYI 3*

VI - PHI 5; NYI 4*

*overtime

Once is an Event; Twice is a Coincidence; Three Times is a Trend

Two Clinching Opportunities Wasted; One Chance Left

Can the Islanders hold the Flyers to a pair of goals or less?  The answer is yes, they've done it three times.  Can the Flyers score three or more regulation time goals?  The answer is yes, they've done it three times.  It's no coincidence all three Philadelphia victories come in overtime.  The Flyers in those games outscore the Islanders by a 13-10 margin - makes sense, one goal per overtime.  Otherwise the Islanders own a 10-3 scoring advantage through games one, three and four.  But the fact both teams are heading into game seven means they're dead even.  Stats be damned.

Somehow special teams have been rendered inconsequential.  You might even say the Isles are lucky to have four PP goals in 17 chances.  Meanwhile, the Flyers are scoreless in eleven PP opportunities.
Said another way, all Philadelphia's scoring is occurring at even strength and that's the last thing Islanders fans want to hear.

Heck, you might even say the Isles were fortunate to have Mathew Barzal on the ice.  He leads the team in game six with nine shots, and (at the time) scores the go ahead goal with thirty seconds left in the second period.

Now trend this ...

The Islanders get in big trouble when they let Philadelphia score consecutive goals.

• They allow three unanswered goal in the first period of game two before losing 4-3 in overtime.  
• Late in the second period of game five they allow back to back goals within three minutes of each other, then in the opening minutes of the third yield a third straight goal before losing in overtime.  
• In the first period of game six Philadelphia scores back to back first period goals within two minutes of each other en route to winning in overtime.

With regards to possession, the Flyers are winning the face-off battle four games against two, but what good is that if you give the puck away thirty times as they did in game six.  Otherwise, Long Island is not lacking for opportunities.  They actually flipped the switch on the Flyers from game five to six.  The Isles took 53 shots on goal versus 31 for the Flyers.  However, Philly blocked another 31 shots, making for 84 total Islanders attempts on net; they in turn blocked 29 shots giving Philly 60 total attempts on net.

So, are the Islanders suffering a crisis in net or is the play in front breaking down?

In his defense, Semyon Varlamov needed Superman x-ray vision in order to see Thursday's final shot on goal.  The crease was packed with bodies like pre-COVID Times Square.  Lest we forget Varlamov was pulled in game two which the Islanders lose in overtime, but he bounces back allowing the Flyers just one goal in game three and two goals in game four.  Varlamov was fending off 93% of all shots on goal through game four.  However, the Flyers have now scored nine goals over the last seven-plus periods.

I don't know who Barry Trotz starts in net: Varlamov or Thomas Greiss.  I do know the Islanders have been playing a lot of comeback hockey lately only to come up short in the end.  Whoever starts in net, the Islanders need to prevent the Flyers from scoring in bursts.

It doesn't seem to matter who the Flyers start.  Carter Hart has started five games and Brian Elliott one.  Each has yielded no less than three goals.

Cue the broken record; the song remains the same.  Scoring and playing physical hockey are not the Islanders problem.  Defense and net minding will once more determine the measure of Islanders success.

They aren't going to outscore the Flyers and still lose the series, are they?

N.Y. Islanders: Opponents Yet to Penetrate Isles Defenses

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Isles lead Flyers; 2-1

I - NYI 4; PHI 0

II - PHI 4; NYI 3*

III - NYI 3; PHI 1

*overtime

Games Three and Five I believe are the most pivotal in any playoff series.  There will be a fifth game, that is certain.  For now the Islanders take care of business by securing game three to reestablish a 2-1 series lead against the Philadelphia Vigneault Flyers. 

Since entering the bubble the Islanders have limited Florida, Washington and now Philadelphia within the constraints set forth by Coach Trotz' system (game two's OT loss is no different).

Through twelve games and 36 periods of regulation hockey the Islanders technically are still yet to allow thirty shots on net.  They're also doing an increasingly better job of staying out of the box and in turn playing a great majority of their games at even strength (and their chief strength).

Even their power play is improving.  They've so far traded eight special team goals with their competition.  However, whereas their PP went 4/16 against against Florida and a lowly 2/22 against Washington, they are so far 2/6 against Philly.  Conversely the Islanders have allowed Florida fourteen PP opportunities and Washington sixteen opportunities.  So far they've limited the Flyers to zero tallies in only four opportunities.

Semyom Varlamov faces 27 shots in game three letting just one get by.  Flyers winger Tyler Pitlick opens the scoring at 14:18 of the first period.  The goal marks only the twelfth even strength goal yielded by the Islanders since entering the bubble.  Overall, they are allowing an average of 1.6 goals per game with Varlamov stopping .932% (.914 regular season) of all shots on net.

After Pitlick's goal the Flyers are incapable of withstanding Long Island's ensuing surge.  Matt Martin scores his third goal of the playoffs at 7:12 of the second session.  Then with the second session winding down Philadelphia commits one of the cardinal sins in hockey: allowing a goal in the first or last two minutes of a period - at 19:54 Leo Komarov does just that.  He becomes the 13th different Islanders skater to score a goal though twelve playoff games.  At 3:41 of the third period, Anders Lee puts the game out of reach when he scores on a power play for his sixth tally of the post-season.  The Islanders are outscoring opponents by an overall 40-20 margin - exactly double.  At even strength the Isles hold a dominant 32-12 advantage.

Best news for Islanders fans is that both Martin's and Komarov's goals come off defensive end take-aways.  Varlamov also withstands Philly's 6 on 4 power play in the closing minutes of the game.

Three opponents, no answers.

Game Four awaits ...

N.Y. Islanders: Stay True Through Game Two

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Islanders Lead Series; 2-0

I - NYI 4; WAS 2

II - NYI 5; WAS 2

SUNDAY

Washington Capitals

vs.

New York Islanders

FROM

The Bubble

Through six games now against the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals, the Isles have remained consistently true to their game.  The averages since entering the bubble bear that out.

Semyon Varlamov faces 25 shots, allows two goals, and turns away 23 others.  They do a better job this time of staying out of the box, allowing the Capitals only two power play opportunities, while scoring one goal for themselves in five chances.  Otherwise, they outscore Washington at even strength by a 4-2 margin.  They also keep out-hitting the Caps, continue to win more face-offs, and after two games are out-shooting the Caps by a 59-51 margin.

Washington gets two goals from Alex Ovechkin.  The first comes on a deflection just 0:56 second into the game.  His second comes on the power play at the 6:32 mark of the second period, tying the game at two.  After which the Islanders veto the Capitals the rest of the way.  They get goals across the board from Nick Leddy, Matt Martin, Brock Nelson, Cal Clutterbuck, and Anders Lee.

Versus Florida the Isles average 3.25 goals for, and 1.75 goals against.  The Panthers only average 25 shots per game, while the Isles yield only three goals during even strength over twelve periods.

Washington takes 26 shots in game one, and another 25 in game two.  They've so far been limited to a pair of goals through seven PP opportunities.  However, the Islanders are only 1 for 9 on the power play.

Keep staying out of the box.  As I said after game one, playing at even strength is this team's main strength, second only to the coaching of Barry Trotz.  When they're not killing penalties, the Islanders have so far outscored Washington by an 8-2 margin.

N.Y. Islanders: Game One Goes According to Script

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Isles Lead Capitals; 1-0

I - NYI 4; WAS 2

Josh Bailey's Shorthanded Goal Upends Capitals

There is no belittling the Florida Panthers.  They are a viable opponent, their 35-34-8 final record says so.  But the Islanders handle them rather neatly, three games to one.  They outscore the Panthers 13-7, which translates into 1.75 goals per game for Florida, and 3.25 goals per game for the Isles.

The Islanders limit the Panthers to an average of 25 shots per game.  Semyon Varlamov faces 103 shots overall, making 96 saves.  Four of his seven goals allowed come on the penalty kill.  Said another way, he allows three even strength goals over the course of twelve periods of hockey.

Varlamov starts 45 regular seasons games; Thomas Greiss makes 34 starts.  Statistically, Varlamov is the better between the two, barely.  He is so far outplaying his regular season performance (.914 SV% and 2.62 GAA).

Okay, what does this all mean?

Coach Trotz takes over a dawdling team, and with very little change in personnel other than the departure of John Tavares transforms them into a contender.  But playing with physicality and scoring have never really been issues for the Islanders.  Defense and goaltending, now there's the rub.

Enter the Washington Capitals, who finish with a 41-28-8 (90 points) record, and a plus/25 point differential.  The Islanders go 35-33-10 (80 points), with a minus/one point differential.

In Game One, Varlamov and the Islanders stay true, as if following a script.

Varlamov faces a familiar 26 shots, making 24 saves.  Washington's two goals come on the power play; both by T.J. Oshie; none at even strength.  Down 2-0 midway through the second, the Islanders go on to score four unanswered goals.  Jordan Eberle's goal in the last two minutes of period two, and Anders Lee's game tying goal within the first two minutes of period three are daggers in the backs of the Capitals and goalie Braden Holtby.  Josh Bailey's short-handed goal at the 6:52 is the twist.  Anthony Beaullivier scores at 11:55 just to be safe.  The Isles also dominate face-offs by a 36-20 margin.

Anders Lee and Washington's Tom Wilson join for twenty penalty minutes; nine for Lee; eleven for Wilson; advantage Islanders.  However, they afford the Capitals seven power play opportunities.  It leads to an early deficit.  Credit the PK with thwarting five other opportunities, and picking up a goal.

Otherwise, do what you gotta do, but stay out of the damn box.  Playing five on five has always been a strength.

N.Y. Islanders: Wiped Out By Hurricane Brind'Amour

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

It's Important to Remember What This Organization is Recovering From

New York Islanders: I saw Caroline blow through the Isles like a Hurricane.  My hockey friend says they looked just like the Rangers.

There's an obvious reason why I starting referring to this season as the Barry Trotz Pajama Party.

Isles fans know what I'm talking about ...

Last six seasons under Garth Snow; with Jack Capuano/Doug Weight behind the bench; and captain John Tavares still in uniform:

• 12-13)  *Lockout season; 55-points; lost first round playoffs.
• 13-14)  79-points; did not qualify.
• 14-15)  101-points; lost first round playoffs.
• 15-16)  100-points; win first round; lost second round.
• 16-17)  94-points; did not qualify.
• 17-18)  80-points; did not qualify.

Throughout this time, the Islanders ongoing maladies were defensive pairings and goal tending.

Enter Lou Lamoriello ...

He quietly acquires a goalie who is known to play with a chip on his shoulder named Robin Lehner.  With no other transactions to speak of, Lou leaves the Islanders roster largely in tact - minus John Tavares, that is.  However, despite their season long and some times triumphant battles for first place of the Metropolitan Division, Lou is openly criticized by fans and media alike leading up to and through this season's trade deadline for remaining idle.

To that I say Lou comes with a plan.  He always has a plan.  That's what makes him successful.  If he thought it best to stand pat at the deadline then I have no doubt it was the right move.  The Islanders presently have a fine core of young players led by Mathew Barzal with more prospects on the way and more still in development.

Lou is also the same person who hired coach Barry Trotz, whom arguably has had a far greater impact on the Islanders fortunes than any potential acquisition Lou could have negotiated for at the deadline.  After all, Trotz transformed one of the shabbier defensive units of past years into this season's stingiest unit in all the NHL.

That held true through their fist six playoff games.  Overall the season was an unexpectedly fun ride albeit with a rather abrupt ending.  But in Lou you must trust.  As a Rangers fan, I envy the Lamoriello/Trotz tandem presently in place.  If anyone smooths this out, it will be Lou.  And with any luck, Trotz sticks this out as well.

But why did the Islanders lose?

Being somewhat of a nomad certainly doesn't help.  Having to change home ice locations from one series to the next could have perhaps played a disruptive role in their routine.  The Islanders also played without an injured Johnny Boychuk, and say what you will, Cal Clutterbuck was hurting throughout as well.

I have a close friend with whom I debate hockey all the time.  He participated in summer camps in Canada, played junior level, college, and beyond, before turning in his stick for real life.  He asked me why I think the Islanders got wiped out in four.  I said that I agreed with Barry Trotz insofar the Islanders were playing well, and that they were indeed creating recurring quality scoring opportunities.  Then added the Islanders strength is five on five but were getting beat at their own game.  I said the Canes appeared faster, were winning 50/50 battles against the boards, were protecting their goalie's crease with great physicality, and that their swarming defense did a great job taking away shooting angles.

He said no to all the above while saving a particularly emphatic "hell no" because in his opinion Carolina's 35-year old back-up goalie Curtis McElhinney "sucks."

I asked what then were his reasons.  He said because they played just like the Rangers.  They get into scoring position then opt for one more pass and screw the whole thing up - not enough shots on goal for sake of putting shots on goal.  Said another way, they were trying to be too cute.

Back to the lab ...

N.Y. Islanders: Playing Against The Unseen Hand

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

Hurricanes lead series 2-0

I - CAR 1; NYI 0*

II - CAR 2; NYI 1

*overtime

New York Islanders: Barry Trotz Patiently Waiting For Goal Scorers to Emerge.

So much for home ice advantage ... After a rather unceremonious return to Brooklyn, the question begs to be asked: did the Islanders ever have it in the first place?

Previous to game one they hadn't played at Barclays Center since February.  The Islanders split this season's home schedule between Brooklyn and Uniondale, but finished out the season playing their final twelve home games and first round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Long Island.  Of course the counter is they achieved 103 regular season points partly playing at Brooklyn.

On to the next excuse ...

After a ten game layoff, brushing off game one's overtime loss was the easy thing to do.  Now down two games going away Islanders fans are being led to believe they've secured another moral victory.  As Coach puts it, this is nothing more than the "unseen hand" at work, and that if they continue playing the way they've been, the Islanders will be fine.

With twenty minutes left in game two, the Islanders stood poised to knot the series.  They were leading 1-0 and now facing Carolina's backup goalie.  They had finally scored their first goal of the series back in the first period off starter Petr Mzerak, whom exited the game due to injury early in the second period.  At that point one could only imagine what opportunities potentially awaited the Islanders against Curtis McElhinney.

But Carolina had other ideas.  Warren Foegele's blast from the right wing just 0:17 into the third period tied the game at one.  Robin Lehner had a clean look, but the unseen hand just blew it by him.  Forty-eight seconds later, Nino Niederreiter scored on a deflection.  This time there was nothing Robin Lehner could do to prevent the unseen hand from seizing a 2-1 lead.

Curtis McElhinney took care of the rest, facing 17 shots on goal - all but one at even strength - and stopped them all since taking over early in the second period.

Despite repeated quality opportunities - as Coach points out - the Islanders offensive production was stifled yet again.  It's worth noting Mathew Barzal's first period goal was the result of a Hurricane self deflection.  Therefore truth be told the Islanders are yet to score a clean goal against either Carolina net minder in over 120 minutes of hockey.

Carolina outscored the Washington Capitals by a slim 21-20 margin through seven games.  They averaged three goals per game against the Caps.  But the Islanders defense has so far limited Carolina to half as many through six plus periods of hockey.  Yet they themselves can't seem to find the back of the net after averaging 3.5 goals per game during their sweep of Pittsburgh.

• Useless Stat Alert: the Hurricanes finished the regular season with a +22 point differential while the Islanders registered a +32 mark for the season.

• Cal Clutterbuck is hurt again; details pending.  It's also worth mentioning the Isles are still playing without Johnny Boychuk.

N.Y. Islanders: Game One Loss Apparently No Big Deal

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

ISLANDERS RETURN TO BROOKLYN

GAME TWO

Carolina Hurricanes (1-0)

vs.

New York Islanders (0-1)

FROM

FLATBUSH AVENUE ICE RINK

New York Islanders hit pothole upon their return to Brooklyn.

I'm buying into the consensus take within the Islanders locker room that game one's loss is no big deal.  All is well - there's nothing more to see here.  You can all go back to your homes and get some sleep.  We're on it.

Famous last words ... look how many favorites have already been booted from the tourney.

Make no mistake, Carolina is a very good emerging team.  Young and somewhat inexperienced, they're a more gamely bunch than their seventh place conference finish suggests.  As such they're not necessarily weighted down by over expectations and therefore get to play relatively free of undue pressure.  That makes for an extremely dangerous opponent.  Underestimate them at your own risk.  Just ask Alex Ovechkin and the former defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

In the Islanders case, I believe the effects of rust are a very real matter where it concerns the speed of playoff hockey.  Entering round two, I would have rather been the team coming off an extended series than the one waiting around for an opponent as the Islanders were made to do after sweeping the Penguins.  Coach Trotz after game one eluded to mental rust more so than physical.  Game one may or may not have proved that out.  But like round one the burden of expectations again weighs on the shoulders of Carolina's opponent.  That said, the Islanders were far more sharper than I thought they would be after a ten day layoff.  Thus, despite Carolina's game one victory it is with great confidence I say the Hurricanes are in trouble.

The box score says the Islanders were shut out.  In fact, each team had their power play opportunities and came up empty.  That could turn into a problem for the Islanders.  But outside of returning from a ten day layoff, when has even strength scoring ever been their problem?  Lest we forget the Isles outscored Pittsburgh by a 14-6 margin through four games.

Instead, defensive shortcomings, net minding - and in hindsight coaching - have always been the Islanders undoing.  These days, limiting goals is what the Islanders do best.  And for all intent and purpose Friday proved no different.  The Hurricanes scored 245 regular season goals, while the Islanders tallied 228 goals, but at the same time allowed the fewest in all the NHL.  The Islanders have been relearning hockey under Barry Trotz.  Just as he did at Washington, Trotz gave the Islanders blue liners and his forwards a system and a sense of urgency and turned them into the stingiest unit in the league.  Lou Lamoriello in turn secured goalie Robin Lehner who is in the midst of a hockey epiphany.  Fine performances from the Islanders defense and Lehner were on full display Friday evening at Barclays Center.  Through sixty minutes of regulation time Lehner and Carolina's Petr Mrazic performed superbly matching each other save for save - pitching shutouts if you will.

Overtime be damned ...

GAME ONE

Hurricanes  1

Islanders     0

overtime

I'm quite certain the Hurricanes will encounter a very different Islanders team come game two at Barclays Center on Sunday.  Islanders forwards out shot Carolina forward lines by a 26-22 margin.  However, the Hurricanes got ten shots on goal from their defense; the Islanders just five.  That tells me the Isles blue liners are staying home, while the Canes are not averse to taking risks.  A big question is can the Islanders capitalize on Carolina's over aggression.

Now that the home team has lost a game there is a genuine series to be played.  I know this: ten days of practice simply can not replicate the speed and urgency of playoff hockey.  And so in game two I believe the series narrative begins undergoing a dramatic shift.

N.Y. Islanders: Reeling Pens on the Brink of Elimination

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

HAPPY DAYS!

Islanders lead series; 3-0

I - NYI 4; PITT 3*

II - NYI 3; PITT 1

III - NYI 4; PITT 1

IV - TUE. @ PITT

New York Islanders: Sidney Silenced Again; Penguins All But Done; Isles Fans Reaching for their Brooms.

Any remaining questions as to whether Barry Trotz' system would translate into the playoffs are being answered and put to rest once and for all.  Consider the issue a moot point.  The Islanders  commanding 3-0 series lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins says so.

Through three games, Sidney Crosby has been limited to just six SOG and no points in well over sixty minutes of ice time.  Phil Kessell, who leads the Pens in shots on goal, was limited to just one shot in game three.  Even Evgeni Malkin is being marginalized as the series progresses.  He went from tallying two points in game one; to registering one point in game two; to no points on just one shot on goal in game three at home.  Said another way, the Islanders are outright punishing the Penguins and it doesn't seem to matter whether the setting is Long Island or Pittsburgh.

Any lingering questions regarding Robin Lehner are also being put to rest.  Playing on a one year deal, he wound up having one of the best regular seasons of his nine year career, while playing the most significant hockey of his career.  He is now participating in his first playoff since twice coming out of the bullpen for Ottawa during the 2012-2013 playoffs.  Through three games Lehner has now faced 103 SOG, and stopped 98 (.951) of them.

Meanwhile, the skaters in front of him have played fast, furiously, and physically, and are scoring with plenty.  Through roughly 185 minutes of play, the Islanders have so far outscored the Pens eleven goals to five.

Pittsburgh's Garrett Wilson opened the scoring at 12:54 of the first period.  And with regard to the Penguins, that's all she wrote.  Within the next minute and a half, the Islanders would tie the game on Jordan Eberle's third goal of the playoffs, then take the lead at 14:24 on Brock Nelson's second goal of the playoffs.  After a scoreless second session, the Islanders put the Penguins on ice.  Leo Komarov scored midway through the session. Anders Lee finished em off with 1:28 left in regulation.

N.Y. Islanders: Off to Pittsburgh With 2-0 Series Lead

From the desk of:  BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2018-2019

PLAYOFFS

Isles lead series; 2-0

I - NYI 4; PITT 3

II - NYI 3; PITT 1

III - Sunday @ PITT

Look What the Long Islanders Did to the Penguins ... Again!

After skating through a scoreless first period, Pittsburgh struck midway through the second when Erik Gudbranson converted an Evgeni Malkin feed at the 10:26 mark.  Less than three minutes later Anthony Beauvillier tied the score with assists from Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle.

The third period was all Islanders.  Eberle put his team ahead at 7:54 off another assist from Barzal and help from blue-liner Johnny Boychuk.  If that wasn't good enough, there's this:  The Islanders scored a power play goal.  That's right!  Josh Bailey effectively sealed the deal at 11:38 with assists from Anders Lee and Devon Toews.

Sealed the deal with over nine minutes left?

Yep.

There's a reason why the Islanders were the lone NHL team to keep their opponents under 200 goals this season.  With nary a change in roster, thank Barry Trotz and the defensive system he put in place.  Through two games now, Sidney Crosby (on the heels of a 100-point season) has been limited to just three shots on goal and zero points in over 40-minutes of ice time.  That said, they better keep their eye on Phil Kessel who through two games now has 12 shots on goal.

Then there's Robin Lehner.  Whether or not he's the answer to the Islanders goal tending prayers of the last few years remains to be seen.  But where would they be without him?  He has so far faced 77 shots and stopped 74 of them for a .948 save percentage and a 1.93 GAA through the first two games.  In 46 regular season appearances, he posted a .930 save percentage and a 2.13 GAA.

No John Tavares; no problem.  Under Trotz, the Islanders have gone from an 80-point non contender last season, to a 103-point team poised to exact revenge upon the Penguins, whom eliminated them in the first round of the 2012-2013 playoffs.

N.Y. Islanders: Thomas Greiss Leads Washington Filibuster

From the desk of:  NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

First Place - Metropolitan Division

Tied Second - Eastern Conference

FRIDAY

Islanders   2

Capitals     0

FINAL

New York Islanders: Look Who's Number One..!

A January Metropolitan Division battle for first place, Barry Trotz leads his new team on the road against his old team, and sees the Islanders through to a 2-0 whitewashing of the Capitals.  The victory gives them a point more than both the reigning champions and Columbus Blue Jackets, along with sole possession of first place.  With a 26-15-4 record, they now have 60-points to be exact, tied for second most in the conference with the Toronto Maple Leafs, no less.

Are the Maple Leafs better with John Tavares, or are the Islanders better without him?  On this day, the Isles have it.

Considering their defensive and net minding struggles over the last few years, the Islanders this season have allowed the fewest goals in the NHL.  Barry Trotz has a lot to do with that, but so does the goalie tandem of Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss.  Lehner, the 28-year old former Senator/Saber is so far having a career season with the Isles.  After 25 appearances, he is 14-7-3, with an NHL best 2.11 GAA.  His .928 save percentage ranks second in the league.  Meanwhile, Thomas Greiss is 14-8-1 after 26 appearances, with a 2.50 GAA.  His .920 save percentage ranks top ten.  He faced just 19 shots during Friday's 2-0 shutout of the Capitals

• Combined Stats:  28-15-4 record; .924 save percentage; 2.30 GAA; 4 shutouts.

The Islanders are now winners of four in a row, and 12-2-0 over their last 14 games, which includes last Sunday's 5-1 drubbing of the Eastern Conference leading Tampa Bay Lighting.

*

The Washington Capitals honored Barry Trotz with a touching video tribute, the crowd likewise showered him with applause, respect, and appreciation for the coach whom just one short season ago guided Washington to their one and only Stanley Cup victory.

The Rivalry: Islanders vs. Rangers III

From the desks of:

NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT  and  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

The Rivalry

Islanders lead season series 2-1

I - NYI 7; NYR 5

II - NYR 5; NYI 0

Thursday

Islanders   4

Rangers    3

FINAL

S'up!  Guess who's finally paying attention ...

Baseball withdrawal effects me differently from season to season.  This year hit me especially hard, and took a little longer to shake.  But for good reason, I was compounded with Red Sox hangover.  To that affect, I'll only say it's a family matter ... and man(!) was it a lot of fun.  Otherwise, it usually takes me about three weeks during a normal year to start shaking my pom-poms over football.  This year for a change I was actually engaged by Week One.  As the days go by I tend to slip into a hockey frame of mind somewhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving, with basketball not far behind.  This year, no such thing.  Basketball was first to regain my attention, I'd say about a month ago.  Halfway through the hockey season and only now am I joining the fray.  I can not explain it, that's just me.  As the state or condition of my respective teams of interests have no bearing on when I mentally check in.  I any event, here I am ...


N.Y. ISLANDERS: Hot to Trotz.

Imagine what could have been in 2012-2013; imagine winning that first round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Imagine following up in 2013-2014 with another upwards leap in the standings, as opposed to falling flat on their ass and failing to make the playoffs.  Then imagine back-to-back 100-point seasons and actually advancing beyond the second round.  Such were the best years under former coach Jack Capuano, whom was fired midway through the 2016-2017 season.  The Islanders predominant deficiencies throughout this era lay in net and along the blue line, which invariably meant Garth Snow, with head coach coming in a not too distant third.

Enter Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz.  While on the one hand Lamoriello has yet to dramatically impact the active roster, Barry Trotz has taken essentially the same personnel Doug Weight coached last season and transformed them into the one of the top defensive teams in the league.  For the moment, the Islanders are tied with the Boston Bruins for fewest goals allowed.  With Thursday's 4-3 victory over the Rangers, the Islanders move up two notches into seventh place of the Eastern Conference standings.  They improve their record to 24-14-4, which is only slightly better than last year's 21-18-4 with John Tavares still in uniform.

And there's the rub ...

While Tavares gets to don his Maple Leaf pajamas every night, the arrival of Barry Trotz is a perfect instance where coaching and structure are making a world of difference.  Puts both Weight and Capuano in different perspective, to say the least.


N.Y. RANGERS: You Can Not Be Disappointed With What You Do Not Expect.

The Rangers last year issued a statement saying they were going into full rebuild mode.  So why is everyone treating this season like some apocalypse?  Did some not get the message?  That being said, I will be utterly disappointed if Jeff Gorton does not continue the purge he initiated last season.  As Mats Zuccarello said on MSG channel after Thursday night's game, "This sucks!"

Yes it does, and that's why Gorton needs to continue full bore into this rebuild.  In the meantime, I'll bide my time concerning myself with what will become of last year's blue line acquisitions: Rob O'Gara, Yegor Rykov, Ryan Lindgren, and Libor Hajek.

I'll say this much about David Quinn: the Rangers temperament is much improved.  Despite a 17-19-7 record, I find the post-Alain Vigneault Rangers quite refreshing.  Their improved level of physicality and overall grittiness has not gone unnoticed.

N.Y. Islanders: July 1st Deadline Leaves Isles in Limbo

From the desk of:  NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

Exclusivity period expires; Capitalism now rules the day.

New York Islanders: Two Minutes To Midnight ... and Counting.

As I write this, optimistic Islanders fans might be well into their sleep, dreaming of their franchise player having signed an eight year extension, or, at the very least intending to sleep in late Sunday in the hopes of celebrating a market rate seven year deal by noon.

However, more pessimistic rooters are likely spending a long night sweating through nightmares of him leaving for another team and town ... like the Sharks, or worst yet, the Maple Leafs.  The fact John Tavares wheel-barreled these negotiations - or lack thereof - to its deadline is quite ominous.  It potentially means he's motivated to leave.

And why would that be?

I do not think he ever forgave Garth Snow for disappearing his friend Kyle Okposo, or other quality players of his liking.  Could it be the scars left by previous mismanagement run too deeply; is the trust gone; has the emotional damage of losing worn on him?

That said, I'm sure he is questioning the organization's ability to win in the very near future and whether the new Belmont Arena will be ready for operation in a timely manner.  He knows what every one else in the NHL knows: they still need defense and a goalie.  Where are they coming from, and when?  Otherwise, splitting time between Brooklyn and Uniondale only to miss the playoffs aren't the most ideal conditions to endure ... not compared to the West Coast weather or playing home in the Great White North.  Tavares made no secret of his desire for meeting with several teams before arriving at any decision.  Yet, only the Islanders owned the ability of offering him an eight year deal prior to the July 1st deadline.  Nevertheless, the franchise center and Captain has remained tight lipped like a clam throughout.  Apparently an eighth year of financial security proved unappealing.  It suggests he's seeking something more from his future years.

Despite nine seasons with the Islanders, he does not turn 28-years old until September which makes him a very worth while investment with only moderate risk regarding the latter years of the deal.
Considering the potential money and years involved, there's every reason to believe Tavares' best days are still ahead.  He's certainly been durable, playing in all 82 games last season, and in 323 of a possible 328 games over the last four seasons.  But at the end of the day, his record speaks for itself.  Tavares has scored at least twenty-four goals in each of his nine seasons with the Islanders.  He's topped thirty goals four times, most recently last season when he fell one goal short of his career high 38 goals set just three seasons prior.  Along with 47 assists, last season Tavares posted his third career 80-point season.  He has scored 272 goals with 621 points in nine seasons which averages out to thirty goals and seventy-four points per season - many of the clutch variety.

But what is clutch if not in the playoffs...?

In the waning years of the contract, sure performance tails off, but attention ultimately turns towards celebrating a long-time player, and the seasons him and fans spent together.  That's how clubs ultimately promote and advance their legacy, by endearing old and young fans alike and fostering future ones.  That's how they perpetuate their history.  Just ask the 1980s Islanders.

And that's exactly what new Islanders ownership is banking on.  And that's why they secured Lou Lamoriello, who in turn recruited Barry Trotz into the fold.  In fact, Lamoriello is earning raves for his 2018 Enrty Draft selections.  But after all John Tavares has been through with this franchise, can they convince him to stay?

If we're being fair about ranking the local sports elite, John Tavares is easily among the greater metropolitan area's top ten athletes among the town's Big Nine major league operations.  As a Rangers fan, it would be a shame should the Islanders fail to retain this elite talent.  Only great players make for great rivalries.

Granted the running joke in greater New York is that no one cares about hockey.  But it's just that, a joke.  Islanders need to get this done, or they'll hear from more fans than anyone ever thought existed.