N.Y. Islanders: Garth Snow's Seat Getting Hotter

From the desks of: 

FIVE FOR FLATBUSH  and  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

THE RIVALRY - III

Islanders lead series 3-0

I - NYI 4; NYR 3*

II - NYI 7; NYR 2

III - NYI 3; NYR 0

*shootout

I read in Friday's Newsday how the Islanders are now 10-1-0 in their last eleven games against the Rangers, and that Jaroslav Halak is 13-1-0 in his last 14 head-to-head match-ups against Henrik Lundqvist.

There you go ...

Look what the Islanders did to the Rangers ... again!

Josh Bailey scored on a power play less than five minutes into the opening period of Thursday's game at Barclays.  Jordan Eberle and Thomas Hickey added goals in the second and third periods respectively.

Halak, meanwhile, turned away all fifty Rangers shots on goal to best Henrik Lindqvist, whom faced 35 shots but only made 32 saves.

The Islanders have now outscored the Rangers this season by a 13-5 margin through nine periods of regulation hockey.

Flatbush blew into Carolina like a hurricane the very next night.  The Islanders equaled Thursday's output with another three goals against Cam Ward and the Canes.  But the eye of this storm was goalie Thomas Greiss.  He followed Halak's golden effort with a 44-save effort of his own.

Playing in his fifth game back after missing all of January, the sorely missed Johnny Boychuk opened the scoring in the second period with his fourth goal of the season.  Second year winger Anthony Beauvillier scored his fourteenth goal of the season midway through the third (he scored nine goals in 66 games last season as a rookie).

John Tavares capped off the scoring with an empty-netter in the closing minute of regulation.  It was his 30th of the season, marking the fourth time in his nine year career in which he's achieved thirty or more goals.  The number one overall selection of the 2009 entry draft, Tavares notched the 600th point of his career on Feb. 13 against the Blue Jackets.

JOHN TAVARES

600 POINTS

That makes four huge points when they needed them most.  The Isles leveled their record in February to 4-3-1, but more importantly temporarily elevated themselves back into the playoff picture.  As of Saturday night, the Islanders are eighth in the conference standings, one point ahead of Columbus and Carolina, and four points behind the New Jersey Devils.  The Islanders and Devils face off next Saturday at Newark.

MATHEW BARZAL

60 games; 16 goals; 46 assists; 62 points

Joins Mike Bossy and Brian Trottier 

as only NYI rookies to achieve 60 points

Snow Must Go ... is now an official movement.

In his twelfth season as general manager, Garth Snow's seat is getting hotter by the day.

Fans are pretty fed up with the team's defense; their two-headed goalie situation is what it is; and even head coach Doug Weight has his detractors.  But fans want Snow active as the trade deadline draws near and being sellers is strictly out of the question. 

They're already riddled with anxiety over the seeming lack of progress in the John Tavares contract negotiations.  Snow arguably has the Islanders well positioned for the near future.  He has a couple of extra picks in the first two rounds of the June draft.  I would stay the course, though, and ensure Tavares gets signed. 

Otherwise, Garth Snow is in a real bind.  If he fails to upgrade the team by the deadline, fans may light his chair on fire (not that I'm trying to give them ideas).

I'm a Rangers fan ... what would I know.

The "rebuilding" Rangers, continue skating in the opposite direction.  They have now lost seven of their last nine games - outright (no overtime; no shootout).  After recent losses against the Wild and Islanders, they got scrubbed again on Saturday by the Ottawa Senators.

Good!

ICYMI: Read This!

Ryan McDonagh was a scratch for the fifth straight game.  I'm not buying this crap he's suffering an upper body injury.  But I also think it's pure coincidence that he hasn't played since Feb. 7 after infamously lashing out at team mates fresh after sustaining a 6-1 drubbing against the Bruins.  I simply believe a trade for McDonagh is being negotiated and the Rangers are not risking injury.

In the meantime, the Rangers continue getting poor two-way play; they don't hit; they don't pick up the hangers; and Alain Vigneault continues letting teams take point blank shots at Henrik Lundqvist.

I was beginning to rant ... sorry.

There's just something about losing 6-3 against the fourth worst team in hockey.

Watching Derick Brassard playing for Ottawa also reminds me of this team's piss-poor cap management.  I'm just saying ... Brassard was a salary cap hit same as Keith Yandle; Carl Hagelin; Brandon Prust; even Colton Orr!  The list goes on - all in the name to shave a buck.

I'm still shaking my head over Yandle.

The Rangers are firmly anchored to last place of the Metropolitan Division, and have fallen to eleventh in the conference standings.

N.J. Devils: Bring On The Capitals

From the desk of:  THE BRICK CITY STYX

METROPOLITAN DIVISION

1) Capitals  28-14-3 (59-points)

2) Devils      23-12-8 (55-points)

TONIGHT

CAPITALS

vs.

DEVILS

FROM

THE ROCK

New Jersey Devils: Not So Fast! Newark Turns Back Surging Islanders; Snap Six Game Skid.

Payback's a pitch..fork.

As things turned out, Cory Schneider seems to have picked the right night to call in sick.

When Anders Lee scored just 1:36 into the opening period, it looked as if the Islanders were merely picking up where they left off against the Rangers and Canadiens, and that the Devils were in for another long night.

But the league's second most potent offense failed to score again, mustering just 24 shots all game against Devils back-up Keith Kincaid.

Looking to avenge last week's shootout against the Islanders, Newark rolled into Flatbush where they punished the taxed and defensively challenged Islanders at Barclays Tuesday night.

After Kyle Palmieri tied the game at the 15:20 mark of the first, the period ended with Andy Greene and Brock Nelson dropping gloves.  The Devils then took over with three more unanswered goals in the second.  Fourth year defenseman Damon Severson set a new career high with his fifth and sixth goals of the season, and Taylor Hall closed out the scoring with his team leading 16th goal.

All told, the Devils peppered Jaroslav Halak with 42 shots.

The victory gives the Devils 54-points on the season.  For the moment, that's good enough for second place in the Metropolitan Division, and fourth in the conference.

New Jersey's biggest problem has been leaving points on the table.

The Devils finished at the bottom of last year's Eastern Conference standings with a 28-40-14 record (70-points).  Their 14 OT/SO losses were second most in all the NHL.  Their eight OT/SO losses so far this season are once again tied for most among current playoff contenders, and tied for second most in the league.

Tonight, they host the first place Washington Capitals with another two points up for grabs.

Devils vs. Islanders: Flatbush Avenue Face-Off

From the desks of:  

NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT  and  THE BRICK CITY STYX

METROPOLITAN DIVISION RIVALRY

TUESDAY

DEVILS

vs.

ISLANDERS

FROM

Barclays Center

FLATBUSH

New Jersey Devils: Cheating Themselves Out of Valuable Points Now Threatening Their Place In The Standings.

The New Jersey Devils are demonstrating the value of fast starts.  With a 22-12-8 record to date, they enter Tuesday's game against the Islanders in third place of the Metropolitan Division, and in sixth place of the conference standings.

But how much longer can Newark keep this up?  Remember how they jumped out to an 8-2 record in October?  They have played sub par hockey since then, going 14-10-8 over their last 32 games.

Just when they appeared to be turning things around with five straight wins in late December, they start the New Year losers of six straight.

Now they draw the Islanders, whom with a victory, can tie New Jersey in the standings with 52-points.

The Devils finished at the bottom of last year's Eastern Conference standings with a 28-40-14 record (70-points).  Their 14 OT/SO losses were second most in all the NHL.  Their eight OT/SO losses so far this season are once again tied for most among current playoff contenders, and tied for second most in the league.

... all the hallmarks of a young, rebuilding team.

The inexperienced Devils are nevertheless doing well - far better than fans could have ever expected.  Perhaps sooner than later they'll learn how to finish games instead of giving away points.

They can start by not exposing Cory Schneider to so many shots of goal.  The opposition is averaging 32 shots on goal against Schneider this season.  But that doesn't explain Saturday's performance against the Flyers - does it? -  when he allowed five goals on just 25 shots.

In Cory's defense, his .911 SV% over his last 93 games is somewhat reflective of the New Jersey's rebuilding.  Otherwise, he previously averaged a .923 SV% during his first three years with the Devils.


New York Islanders: Look Who's Number Eight! Thomas Greiss Rewards Coach Weight; John Tavares Takes Care Of The Rest.

Speaking of goalies, the Islanders two-headed monster must surely be killing Doug Weight.  While it would be prudent for him to chose one, and just give it a go, what's a head coach to do with two troublesome goalies?

It took consecutive wins in his two most recent starts against the Devils and Rangers just for Jaroslav Halak improving his record to 13-12-2 through 28 games.  At present, his 3.19 GAA is way above his career 2.46 goals against average, while his .906 SV% is down from his usual .916 save percentage.

Instead of allowing Halak a fourth straight start, Doug Weight elected to play Thomas Greiss against the Canadiens on Monday.

It was Greiss' 21st appearance of the season.  Entering Monday's game, he owned an unsightly 3.89 GAA, and an equally unsettling .882 save percentage.

But were it not for Thomas Greiss, the Islanders do not defeat the Habs on Monday; they do not win their third game in a row; and most importantly, they do not leapfrog over the Rangers into eighth place of the Eastern Conference standings.

Greiss made Doug Weight sweat, though.  He faced an absurd 56 shots, allowing four goals.  The Islanders blew leads of 2-0 and 4-2 before Max Pacioretti's game tying goal at 13:01 of the third period.  It was Greiss, though, who kept the Islanders alive allowing John Tavares to end the game in overtime with his 24th goal of the season.

Then again, scoring isn't this team's problem.  Defense is.

The Islanders are second in the league in scoring, averaging 3.6 goals a game.  Their power play is slightly above average, ranking 12th in the league.  Ponderously, the Isles rank 31st in goals against, and 30th on the penalty kill.

N.Y. Islanders: No Rest for the Weary; Complicated Off-Season Ahead

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

Hockey Thing One

VS.

Hockey Thing Two

Where do we go from here?  

And by we, I do mean Brooklyn and Long Islanders.

I - Brooklyn's Foster Hockey Club

Hello Islanders fans.  Sorry it didn't work out.

If you are a regular rider of this blog I call The Trolley, then you know I've been a Rangers fan since the mid to late 1970s.  In turn, that once made you my enemy.  But I'm much older now, and no longer harbor such anger within me.

Above all, mine is a Brooklyn-centric blog, and so I think I've handled the Islanders very fairly.  I just call it as I see it without dumping a cooler of Rangers Hate-o-Rade all over them.  In fact, I feel I've been quite supportive, and even suggested the Smurfs Rangers could have learned a thing or two from the Isles.

I hope you'll agree.

I still say this team belongs in Long Island - not Brooklyn.  Understandably, they did not necessarily move to Flatbush Avenue by choice.  So when the residents of Nassau County voted down the final arena proposal, I temporarily named the Islanders portion of this Trolley - Brooklyn's Foster Hockey Club.

Once they settled into Barclays Center, I changed over to - Five For Flatbush - because I thought it would acknowledge the team's toughness, pay tribute to their previous history and the pursuit of a fifth Stanley Cup, and incorporate their arrival on Flatbush Avenue, all in one title.

The old Brooklyn Americans only practiced in Brooklyn.  They never played NHL games here.   Therefore, the first NHL regular season and first Stanley Cup playoffs in Brooklyn history are now officially a matter of record.

The Islanders last won a playoff series back in 1993, or 23 years ago - pick your poison.  But with their first round victory over the Florida Panthers, Brooklyn is now vested in this too..


II - Charles Wang isn't leaving the building, but he'll be occupying a much smaller office.

Upon assuming ownership of the Islanders, Charles Wang's first challenge was restoring a demoralized fan base's faith in the aftermath of the Mike Milbury, Stephen Walsh, and the utterly ponderous Jon Spano era.

Wang seemingly tried as best he could keeping them in Long Island, but ultimately lost tens of millions of dollars floating them until faced with no other alternative but to move the team out of Uniondale.  A sadly outdated coliseum, the doomed Lighthouse project, Nassau County bureaucrats, and a justifiably overburdened and fed up tax base, all seemingly conspired against him.

Right?

By his own doing, Charles Wang will now take a back seat as a minority owner, while new majority owners Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin take over the helm.

The $99,000 dollar question is what will their personal ideas be for the Islanders?  Will they decide playing in Barclays Center is an untenable situation, and therefore pursue relocating out of the metropolitan area all together?  Or will they continue tolerating their present condition, and just stay?

Then there's the matter of branding.  Is there such a thing as dual identity?  How long will new ownership continue with this split personality?

After four consecutive Stanley Cup championships, the Islanders traditional jersey is still iconic.   Should they opt to stick with it full time, unchanged, they'd be completely within their right.   Flatbush, after all, is still terra firma of Long Island Proper.  There's no real need to change the name, or re-brand for that matter.

But they did just that ... kinda.

The question, then, is will they take an additional step forward, above and beyond the black/white BKLN alternate uniform, and embrace a larger allegiance to Brooklyn, and market themselves as such?

I noticed no attempt by the Islanders to wear their Brooklyn alternative uniform during the playoffs.

That's fine - correct even.  I'm just saying...


III - Garth Snow

Will Garth Snow move forward with the organization, or will new ownership opt to go in a new direction?

Whoever the general manager is, he or she will have major financial decisions to make with regards to Kyle Okposo and Matt Martin.  Among the Islanders soon-to-be free agents, I consider them indispensable.

Afterward, who knows if new ownership is interested in resetting the team's spending limits.  That remains to be seen.  What the Islanders do have is prospects, which they should consider moving a few for more established players.

The Islanders posted back-to-back 100-point seasons.  There's still time to keep this together and win. But they're two quality players short.  Re-Sign Okposo and find both him and John Tavares a quality line compliment.  Then either bolster the 2nd/3rd line, or add a bruising, reliable stay-home defenseman.


IV - So What Happened?

Hard to say....

By Game Five, the damage had been done.  Through Game Four, the Isles had been outscored by an 11-14 margin.  Here's the best way I can explain the 3 goal differential:

• Jon Cooper pulled the goalie late in Game Three, and Tampa tied with just 0:38 left in regulation, then won in overtime.

• In Game Four, Tampa tied the game in the 3rd, and send a second consecutive game into overtime.

• The rest, as they say is history.

Now for the painfully obvious - despite playing without Steven Stamkos and Anton Stralman, the Lightning still won the series by a decisive 4-1 margin.

In hindsight, I'm still not sure where debating Thomas Greiss versus Jaroslav Halak may lead.   Thomas Greiss was screened on far too many shots by Lightning skaters, and that's exactly why I'm not up to having the Jaroslav Halak debate.  Refer instead back to Garth Snow, and on-ice lapses
in effective traffic control.

What I do know is the Islanders continually gave up back breaking goals within the final two minutes of a period.  Two overtime losses in Brooklyn?  Don't know what to say about those either, other than the Isles actually did a lot of things right.  But once you get into overtime ... pffff!  The original misstep occurs in regulation.

Here's another item I refuse to tackle - as John Tavares goes, so go the Isles.  This is no time for finger pointing.  We know who the contributors were, and who the under performers were.  My only answer to that, again, is ... see Garth Snow.

One thing is certain, and they proved it again, the Islanders had the best 4th forward line in all of hockey.  They should look into keeping them together.  They're a tremendous asset most NHL teams can not handle.

N.Y. Islanders: Brian Boyle Foils the Brutes of Flatbush

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

So much for stealing away home ice advantage from Bolts..

Lightning lead series 2-1

I - NYI 5; TBL 3

II - TBL 4; NYI 1

III - TBL 5; NYI 4*

*overtime

New York Islanders did everything they wanted in Game Three ... except win.

It also makes complete sense Ryan Callahan and Brian Boyle would thrive in such a physically played game.

The Islanders turned Game Three into a grudge match - just as planned.  That's when they're at their best, and I believe their physicality will indeed wear on Tampa as the series continues.  And that's why the Islanders should continue playing in this manner despite suffering a brutal overtime loss Tuesday night at Barclays Center.

Even I have to admit my guilt, though, in so far as overlooking Ryan Callahan and Brian Boyle.   Shame on me as a Rangers fan, I should have known better.  The two obviously benefit from their familiarity with New York City, and particularly playing in front of Islanders home crowds.   Moreover, they were easily Tampa's two most resilient players on the ice.  After all, they were indoctrinated under John Tortorella, and so found the Islanders' style quite to their liking, and it showed.

There's an argument to be made the Islanders partly blew Game Three in the 1st period, which was actually their best session of the game.  I say that because John Tavares registered so little ice time, with Coach Cooper temporarily getting the better of Jack Capuano in so far as line changes and match-ups.

But with Jack Capuano left decoding his counterpart, the Islanders fourth line carried the action.

Misstep Number One

• With everything seemingly going the Islanders way, they literally tripped themselves up late in the 1st period by committed one of the cardinal sins of hockey - allowing a goal within the last two minutes of a period.  

At 18:27, Casey Cizikas was dispatched to the sin bin for carelessly tripping Brian Boyle.  In turn, the Bolts wasted no time converting what amounted to a costly lack of situational awareness.  With just 0:13 left in the period, Ryan Callahan established position in front of Thomas Greiss, and deflected Alex Killorn's wide shot back on net and beyond Thomas Greiss, tying the score at one.

The Bolts and Isles fought to a 2nd period draw on the judge's scorecards, after swapping goals from Victor Hedman and Nick Leddy.

Misstep Number Two

• After Josh Bailey converted a power play opportunity just 2:27 into the 3rd period, the Bolts returned fire a mere minute later, tying the score again at three.

That was a punch to the gut, but New York's fourth line continued carrying the night with Cal Clutterbuck finding net, and putting the Islanders ahead 4-3 at the 11:23 mark.

Misstep Number Three

• With 2:00 left in regulation, Jon Cooper pulled Ben Bishop in order to give the Bolts a man advantage, and it worked.  With just 0:38 left in regulation, Nikita Kucherov got lost in the slot, and zapped one beyond Thomas Greiss to tie the game at four.

Brian Boyle reared his head again in overtime, but this time in a most controversial way.  He separated Thomas Hickey from the puck high in the Isles defensive zone but with a questionable hit to the head area that went unpenalized by the men in stripes.  The play remained on side for Tampa, and while Boyle rejoined the rush, Hickey remained laid-out on the ice.

• Was Boyle's hit retaliation for the even bigger hit Thomas Hickey laid on Jonathan Drouin?  I don't think it was, but I won't get in anyone's way if they think so.  I'm also not so sure Brian Boyle deserved a penalty either.

With just 0:38 second left in regulation, Ryan Callahan was credited with an assist, but in truth the puck caromed off the backboard and found Brian Boyle positioned on the weak side, who snapped it beyond Thomas Greiss for the game winning goal.

Brian Boyle also got into a pre-game scrum during warm-ups, then had a 1st period goal waved off for a high stick.  In other words, Brian Boyle had his fingerprints all over this game, with Ryan Callahan right there with him, and both standing tall after a very physical game.

Just the way they like it...

Power Outages

I still say both teams are flirting with disaster.  Each committed four more penalties in Game Three.   Despite trading power play goals Tuesday, both PP units continue to flounder.  Tampa is 2 of 11 with the man advantage (which does not include Coach Cooper pulling Bishop in the 3rd period of Game Three).  The Islanders are 2 for 13 on the PP.  All hail their respective PK, but eventually, something is gonna give.

Behind the Mask

There's been talk of Jaroslav Halak's improvement, and potential return.  An obvious question, then, begs to be asked. Should Halak be reinstated, if and when available, or is this playoff run now firmly in the pads of Thomas Greiss?

Game Four @ Flatbush

We already have all the context we need - Screaming for Vengence with be the anthem of the night.

The Islanders must win Game Four at home before heading back to the Sunshine State. It's not critical they do, just terribly necessary.

They started Game Three perfectly, with big hits, and a 1-0 lead, just like the doctor ordered.  For the game, the Islanders out-hit Tampa by a 44-34 margin.  In turn, the Islanders incurred 14 takeaways.   They also muscled their way to a 38-27 victory in the face-off battle.  The Islanders additionally raised their number of shots on goal.  Now they must do more.

• Josh Bailey is such a difference maker when he's healthy.
• I'm having trouble recalling a better fourth line in hockey.

N.Y. Islanders: Flatbush Ave Braces for Brooklyn's First Ever Stanley Cup Playoff

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

Series tied 1-1

I - NYI 5; FLA 4

II - FLA 3; NYI 1

III - SUNDAY

GAME THREE

Florida Panthers

vs.

New York Islanders

FROM

Barclays Center

BROOKLYN

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: A bit of thanks for the team which brought NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs to Brooklyn...

For one season (1941-1942) the old New York Americans moved to Brooklyn.  World War II canceled their second season and essentially caused them to suspended team operations, but not without a promise from the league they'd be allowed reinstatement.  When ownership reapplied in 1946 after the war, the New York Rangers blocked them, thus ending NHL hockey in Brooklyn.

After a 73 year adjournment, the Islanders bring the first ever NHL Stanley Cup playoff game and series to Kings County.

A quest that started back in 1985 after winning four consecutive championships in Uniondale, the Islanders' Drive for Five resumes tonight, only this time along Flatbush Avenue.

The Other Ghosts of Flatbush: Brooklyn Americans Hockey Club

ICYMI

N.Y. Islanders: Five For Flatbush

If the Islanders want to get by the Panthers, 

they must slow them down!

This is a team that posted back-to-back 100 point seasons.

Don't get me wrong, the Islanders can skate along side Father Time Jaromir Jagr, and his young band of Florida sunshine.  Game Two may have been just one of those things ... after all, they peppered 37-year old Robert Luongo with 42 shots.

The Isles, however, have been playing without their own starting goalie, Jaroslav Halak.  Backup Thomas Greiss has been in net the first two games.  Since Jaroslav last played on March 8, Greiss started 11 of the Isles final 18 games, in which he posted a 4-7 record.  The Isles were outscored in those games 34-29 (including the decisive goal in shoot-outs).  Greiss' worst moment to date may have come on March 25, when the Isles fell to Tampa by a 7-4 margin.  He faced 41 shots that evening, allowing 6 goals.  In the 3rd period, he allowed a pair of even strength goals within 23 seconds of each other, and three goals overall.

After two games in Florida, the Islanders have been outscored by a slim 7-6 margin.  That's too close for comfort, and something the Islanders' forward lines must change - not necessarily Greiss, or any potential return of Halak.

That said, defensive issues have long been a point of contention for Coach Capuano and the Isles.   Look no further than Game One, when five goals barely held up.

John Tavares brought the Islanders to within a goal of Florida at the 16:27 mark of the 3rd in Game Two.  The Isles nevertheless fell short, with the emphasis being Tavares (and his line) can not carry the Islanders by himself - he/they can, but he can't ... not in the playoffs ... and not with this kind of depth.

Quick item - Brock Nelson must continue being a leading scorer for the team.

Otherwise, the Islanders strength is their depth of forward lines, from the first to their fourth units, and their overall physicality.

Lean on that.  Lean on them.  Grind the Panthers down to a crawl.  The Islanders let the Panthers skate around a bit too much in Game Two and paid a price.  Said another way, it's time to make wall paste art out of Panthers jerseys along the side boards of Barclays Center.

That falls on all four lines, but, particularly the fourth.

An early goal and big hits will go a long way towards educating an only somewhat newer Brooklyn fan base in playoff hockey etiquette, and what is expected of them tonight at Barclays Center.

To all you Long Islanders coming into Brooklyn aboard the LIRR, I hope this playoff run makes all your efforts worth while,

.....for as long as it doesn't come at the expense of Tex's Rangers - whom are incorrectly referred to as an Original Six member.  The Americans came first and got screwed.

Just saying...

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Brooklyn is in the house.

N.Y. Islanders: The Thrill of Victory and Agony of the Seats

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

Year One in Brooklyn

45-27-10 (100 Points)

Kings County's second ever NHL season is done.

The Borough's first ever NHL Playoffs is underway!

New York Islanders: The Brooklyn Americans were first to play in Kings County.  The former Long Islanders now bring the Borough into their first ever NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

*The 1939-1940 New York Americans qualified for the playoffs.

The Islanders first season in Brooklyn was a difficult adjustment to say the least.

I knew it would be.  

I settled on the blog title Five For Flatbush in order to capture the Islanders' quest for a 5th Stanley Cup, and to inaugurate their arrival on Flatbush Avenue.

There was a reason, however, why I initially titled this blog Brooklyn's Foster Hockey Club prior to their actual move into Barclays Center.  They are here due more to circumstance, than by choice.  An overburdened Long Island (Nassau County) tax base was unnecessarily forced to vote with their wallets instead of their hearts on a new arena proposal - which could have been avoided if local gov't would have simply worked more cooperatively with Charles Wang and his originally proposed Lighthouse Project.

Looking back, the timing couldn't have been worse.  Barclays Center was never intended to host NHL hockey - nor was there a reason to even consider it.

At the time, the New Jersey Nets were still working in cooperation with the New Jersey Devils on a proposed arena in Newark.  When that plan fell apart, native Brooklynite/real estate developer Bruce Ratner purchased the Nets from motivated sellers.

Since the day Ratner announced intentions to move the Nets into a new arena to be built in Brooklyn, and even throughout the construction of Barclays Center a decade later, no one anticipated the Nets and Islanders reuniting under the same roof ever again.  The two ceased being room mates back in the late 1970's when the Nets moved from Nassau Coliseum, and into the Meadowlands Brendan Byrne Arena.  The hockey Devils then moved from Colorado to join them during the early 1980's.  

The situation left the Islanders alone - a situation very unlike that of the Knicks/Rangers, and aforementioned Nets/Devils.

Quite honestly, I have no idea how many locals are attending home games.  I know some due.   Obviously, wearing Isles gear throughout the decades has not been uncommon here, but I see more now than at any other time I can recall.  Long Islanders may very well be carrying attendance largely by themselves, though  I don't know that, but I'm sure of it.  These figures, however, speak truth...

Local Attendance:

• New York Rangers: NHL rank #18.  They averaged 18,006 per game;100% capacity.
• New Jersey Devils: NHL rank #26.  They averaged 15,073 per game; 91% capacity.
• New York Islanders: NHL rank #28.  They averaged 13,626 per game; 86% capacity.

Here's the rub - the remaining 15% of Barclays Center potential seating for hockey games are (terrible) obstructed views.  Were it for more suitable seating, their attendance would perhaps be on par with that of the Devils, if not better (relatively speaking...) considering capacity is roughly 15,000 at Barclays Center for hockey.  In fact, the Islanders ranked #25 during their last season at the Coliseum, averaging 15,334 per game, or 95% capacity.  A now competitive team playing out a swan song season played into that, but they nevertheless outpaced the Devils whom ranked #26 last season.

Therefore, the Islanders' attendance figures might actually be healthier than meets the eye, but still does nothing to help the fact Barclays is somewhat unsuitable for hockey.  The scoreboard isn't even centered on the rink, adding to the general aesthetic detraction.

Then there's the partial re-branding of the team.  What choice did Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark have?  He had to keep the traditional Long Islanders content, while at the same time entice a new local market with its own very strongly held identity.  As a result, we essentially have a team with an alter ego, donning a completely distinct alternative (or primary?) uniform designed in part to compliment the Brooklyn Nets and the reuniting of one-time arena mates.

At this point, Brett Yormark's mind is undoubtedly pinned on Sunday's first playoff game at Barclays. Only winning playoff games, building a winning atmosphere, and sustained success, make other problems (perceived or real) magically disappear.

Even then, the nuances of this whole arrangement will continue dominating any conversation unless parading a Cup down Flatbush Avenue can change more minds..,

...or one of these parties opt out in a few years.

*          *          *          *

Much like life around Brooklyn, the 2015-16 regular season itself can be summed up with a simple - damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

Four teams exceeded 100 points in the Metropolitan Division this season, led by Washington's eye popping 120 points.  The Islanders came in at an even buck, while the Blueshirts finished just a mere point better.

The Islanders arrived in Kings County replete with a genuine star performer - John Tavares.  For several seasons now, his forward line (w/ Kyle Okposos/various third skater) has routinely been the best among any formed by either of the three local hockey clubs.

2015 - 2016

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE 

PLAYOFFS

Game One Final

Islanders    5

Panthers    4

As presently formed, John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, and Frans Nielsen led the Islanders to a 5-4 victory in Game One of their opening round series over the Florida Panthers.

The seasoned Islanders opted to counter-punch with the feisty Panthers.

Florida opened the scoring within the first two minutes of play.  Just under five minutes later, Brock Nelson tied the game at one.  But the Panthers converted a power play at the 13:51 mark to inch ahead.  Not for long though ...  Frans Nielsen reciprocated at 16:46 with a power play goal of his own, assisted by Tavares.

One again, Florida opened the 2nd period scoring within the opening two minutes.  Flatbush then embarked on a methodical grinding down of the younger cats.  With 0:22 second left in the session, John Tavares converted feeds from line mates Okposo and Nielsen, tying the game at three.

Flatbush continued turning the tables with Kyle Okposo's early score opening the 3rd period - fed once again by Tavares.

At 6:01, Ryan Strome next scored what proved to be the difference in the game, because within another minute, Florida scored giving the Isles their eventual one goal margin of victory.

Goalie Thomas Greiss, starting in place of injured Jaroslav Halak, faced 46 shots and made 42 saves.

For the moment, home ice advantage has switched over into the Islanders hands.

Playoff hockey arrives in Brooklyn this Sunday for Game Three.

The Rivalry: Rangers vs. Islanders - II

From the desks of:

RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS  &  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

THURSDAY

New York Rangers

vs.

New York Islanders

FROM

Flatbush Avenue Ice House

BROOKLYN

The Battle for Second Place Begins ... Now:

With the Washington Capitals dominating the Metropolitan Division by a 16 point margin over both the Rangers and Islanders, the battle for second place is on.

The Rangers are in Kings County for only their second ever appearance at Barclays Center.  Their first trip over the bridge came on December 2nd, which ended in a 2-1 shootout loss.  Prior to the Islanders departure from Uniondale, the Rangers last played in Brooklyn way back in 1942 against the Americans.

After Thursday's game, Madison Square Garden will then host the final two meetings of the season series.  If the mid-season standings are an early indication, then the series finale between the Rangers and Islanders on April 7 is shaping up to be one of their more epic clashes in decades.

The Rangers and Islanders enter Thursday's action tied with 51 points apiece.  Therefore, Thursday night's game will be an interesting case study in styles.  The Islanders grind teams down with four lines, whom all know how to throw their weight around.  The Rangers, on the other hand, try to play faster than the physicality.

I think this is a non issue for Isle fans.  I think it's an issue for some Rangers fans, and it's certainly an issue for this one, your truly.

Code Blue:

Midway through the season, the Rangers defense is a mid-level unit.  They're presently ranked 14th in goals against, which is well below their usual standard.  Adding insult to Rangers injury, the Islanders are ranked 12th in goals against, and that's just not something Rangers fans (nor Islanders fans for that matter) are accustomed to.

Don't Look Now, But...

Have the Islanders finally gotten over their long suffering Achilles heal?  Don't look now, but they are ranked #2 on the penalty kill.  That's been Coach Capuano's pet peeve for years, and one of the few, yet most self-destructive Islanders shortcomings these last few seasons.

Henrik the Busy:

Jaroslav Halak will be making his 23rd start Thursday.  Back-up Thomas Greiss has made 20 starts of his own.  Meanwhile, Henrik Lundqvist has made all but 8 starts for the Rangers.  In 34 starts, he owns 19 wins, a .920 SV% and a 2.49 GAA.  Combined, Halak and Greiss have posted 23 victories, with a .923 SV% and a 2.27 GAA.

Montreal Canadiens Conclude Week Long Siege of Metropolitan Area

From the desks of:  

ALL MOTHER LEEDS CHILDREN,   FIVE FOR FLATBUSH,

and  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

N.H.L.
Eastern Conference Standings:

#1 MON  18-4-2 (38)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#2 NYR  16-5-2 (34)

#8 NYI  11-8-4 (26)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

#10 NJD  11-9-2 (24)

Les Habitants posent le siege a la region metropolitaine; distancent NY/NJ dans la ruine.

The Habs Lay Siege to the Metropolitan Area; Leave NY/NJ Behind in Ruins

While most Americans were busy preparing for, then partaking in our nation's annual Thanksgiving Holiday, les Habitants de Montreal sprung hockey's version of Tet (Offensive) into action against the NY/NJ metropolitan area member clubs.

Their week long siege of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Newark, concluded Friday evening with one last 3-2 shootout victory over the Devils at the Rock.

In truth, Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, and the Prudential Center all crumbled under Montreal's Godzilla-like rampage through downtown Tokyo.  The combined forces of the Rangers, Islanders, and Devils are thus far 0-5 versus the Canadiens in November, and were outscored by a heavily tilted 24-9 margin.

Heading into Saturday's Devils/Canadiens game, an area team has yet to defeat the (now) Eastern Conference leading Montreal Canadiens.

Oct. 15 - MON 3; NYR 0
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nov. 5 - MON 4; NYI 1
Nov. 20 - MON 5; NYI 3
Nov. 22 - MON 4; NYI 2
Nov. 25 - MON 5; NYR 1
Nov. 27 - MON 3; NJD 2 (so)
Nov. 28 - NYD @ MON

As of Friday night's final scores, the Montreal Canadiens lead the conference with 86 goals scored.   The Rangers are a distant 5th with 70; the Islanders 64 goals rank 6th, and the Devils 53 goals are 11th in the Eastern standings.

Defensively, the Rangers 47 goals allowed are still best in the NHL.  Montreal's 53 GA rank 4th; the Devils 55 GA are 6th, and the Islanders 57 GA are 7th in the Eastern Conference.


New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider Keeping Newark Within a Pitchfork's Distance of Top Eight.

Saturday

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

vs.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

FROM

The Great White North

With little question, Cory Schneider is the lead story in the Devils .500 start this season. Were it not for Schneider's play, where would New Jersey be other than much lower in the Eastern Conference standings?

For the moment, there are four NHL goalies with at least 17 starts: Cory Schneider, Henrik Lundqvist, Ben Bishop, and Braden Holtby.

Newark is playing representative defense, as Schneider has faced the second fewest shots, is second with a .927 Sv% among the four aforementioned goalies, while his and Henrik Lundqvist's 2.05 GAA average rank tied for 3rd.

The Devils obviously lack in the scoring department, which doesn't forecast to be changing much as the season progresses.  New Jersey is averaging the least shots on goal per game in the league.

Adam Henrique, now the seasoned vet, leads the team with 10 goals.  Winger Mike Cammalleri leads with 22 points.

• Patrick Elias made his first appearance of the season against the Florida Panthers Friday, and after a change in scoring, he was credited with the 612th ever assist career, giving the Devils all-time points leader 1,018 for his career.

The Devils were the only team of the three locals able of taking the Canadiens beyond regulation time.  While that's no consolation, New Jersey did expose some chinks in Montreal's amour and gained a point.  Losing in shootout was just plain unfortunate, and should be taken as a failed opportunity to at least tie idle (#9) Tampa with 25-points.

And so begins life under a new regime.  Head coach John Hayse is an AHL promotion, while Ray Shero, whom constructed a Cup winner in Pittsburgh, assumed GM and Vice Presidential duties from the departed Lou Lamoriello.

It's still too early in their respective tenures for them to impact this team.  Instead, certain players should bet they're being evaluated very closely - maybe Adam Larrson among them. Otherwise, Patrik Elias will be moving on after the season.  The face of the Devils will begin changing in earnest either at the trade deadline, or next off-season for sure.

There's certainly several teams behind them in the standings that should not be underestimated.   Florida and Columbus might interfere with even the best laid plans of clinching the 8th seed.  But, Tampa, NYI. etc., will factor plenty as well.

The Devils, in other words, have no margin for error.  In a sense, not much has changed, then.  They have no star player to speak of, and must rely on a highly disciplined system in order to get by.

The Canadiens and Devils will finalize their home-and-home engagement north of the border on Saturday.


New York Islanders: Flatbush Itching for a Fight?

Saturday

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

vs.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

FROM

Sunny Hot Florida

Just as the New York Rangers and Devils learned, Montreal is fast turning into the Eastern Conference team of all measure.

The Islanders are already 0-3 against them this month alone.  They fell 4-1 in Montreal on Nov. 4, then dropped a home and home against the Habs just prior to hosting, and defeating the Flyers 3-1 on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve.

But, to hear Casey Cizikas put it, you'd think the Islanders arrived upon the Rubicon.

As the 3rd period against the Flyers devolved into typical mayhem, fists flew as one could expect.   But, Cizikas (as per Thurday's Newsday/Laura Albanese) thought -

"that's exactly what we needed.  A good, hard game like that ... They're fun.  When they get testy like that, when they get physical like that.."

Despite losing in a shootout at Sunrise, Florida, against the Panthers Friday night, the Islanders brought that same fighting spirit with them, and employed their hands once things got chippy for a second straight game.

When the Islanders play aggressively, and utilize their size and physicality effectively, the Islanders play their best hockey - Friday's outcome withstanding.

They're starting to feel good about themselves ... Clutterbuck, Martin, and Cizikas that is - which spells trouble for any team.

Under those circumstances, Jarolsav Halak could, and really should play well enough for them.  He's only made 12 starts so far (and therefore was not included in my previously sampled goalie comparison).  He's pitched two shutouts, with a .921 Sv%, while a 2.03 GAA puts him right there with Schneider and Lundqvist.

The newly transplanted Brooklynites seemingly tightened up their defense this year, particularly on the penalty kill.  They are presently 11th best, which as Isles fans know is a marked improvement over previous seasons, when they routinely averaged among the league's bottom tier PKs.

Ponderous, however, has been their inability to consistently score on the power play this season - which has traditionally been their strength in previous seasons.  To date, the Islanders are 24th on the power play.

The Islanders play Tampa and Colorado before they welcome the New York Rangers to Brooklyn, in what will undoubtedly start the next chapter of their long running rivalry.

Now it's Borough against Borough - or maybe it will build up to that over time, as Long Islanders are the one's largely attending games during this early going.  Expect hoards of Rangers fans in the building as well.

This intra-city situation has a way to go before getting ironed out.


New York Rangers: Some Things Just Never Change...

Saturday

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

vs.

NEW YORK RANGERS

FROM

33rd Street and 8th Avenue

Fellow Rangers fans, I want you (us) to consider what (NYI) Casey Cizikas said for a second.

(tick).

Now I want you to consider the hit Boston's Matt Belesky put on Derek Stepan Friday afternoon.

Matt Belesky is a marginal NHL player at best, whom enjoyed one decent season last year with the Ducks - perhaps the product of being on a good team, aye?  Although he does not usually go about the ice accumulating an obscene amount of brutish penalty minutes, his hit on Stepan was nevertheless a gross disregard of common sense.  Avoiding that play is constantly being drilled into player's minds.   It's outright dangerous.

Derek Stepan is now out indefinitely with several broken ribs.   Seems like a fair trade-off, right?

Exactly!

We know teams have freely taken their liberties against the Rangers for several years now, because they're generally secure in the fact there will be no reprisals.

Enter Dylan McIlrath, whom followed the play and proceeded to throw Matt (marginal player) Belesky a beating.

Thank you Dylan McIlrath!  That's the kind of element that makes other teams think twice about taking runs at your mates, or goalies for that matter.

But therein lies the physical player Alain Vigneault has no use for.  McIlrath has only played in five games, and has accumulated 17 penalty minutes, most of which came Friday.  Are there deficiencies in his game?  Sure.  But, I'd argue he needs playing time.  In return I would ask if his physical presence on the ice is becoming more critical by the day?  And to that I say unhesitatingly, absolutely, resoundingly, yes.

In fact, I find this whole start disturbing.  Pretty crazy to say considering the Rangers are third in all the NHL with 34 points.  But is it really, after the way they played Montreal on Nov. 25th?  I don't think so.  What was supposed to be a battle for Eastern Conference supremacy, instead turned into the Rangers poorest performance of the season.  One bad line change very early on got Montreal started, while the Rangers night just continued deteriorating.

In two games against the Canadiens to date, the Rangers are 0-2, and have been outscored by a commanding 8-1 margin.

Next item...  Time to start keeping tabs on Henrik's playing time.  He's been brilliant thus far, as usual.  The soon to be 34-year old, is arguably enjoying one of his best seasons, and is easily carrying the team.

Prior to Friday's disappointing loss against in Boston, Henrik was leading the league with 542 saves made, a .939 Sv%, and a 1.94 GAA.

Henrik Lundqvist is now tied for the league lead with 19 starts entering Saturday's action.  He also leads the league with 611 shots against.  He's the only goalie in the league above the 600 mark.   There's many reasons for that, which I'll get into another time.  Ottawa's Craig Anderson is second with 588 SA.

We're basically talking about an untenable situation over the long haul of the season, and we're only one-quarter of the way through.

Defensively, the Rangers have given up the third most shots on goal.  It is what it is - Rangers defensemen do not have enough physical presence, and as a result, fail to clear traffic effectively.   They rely on positioning, stick work, and anything but moving bodies around.

Offensively, this also means the Rangers aren't spending nearly enough time in their own zone.  It's usually one shot and done, then back the other way.  They've only taken the 20th most shots on goal.

N.Y. Islanders: Opening Night was a Flatbush Flop

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

No one ever said life in Brooklyn was gonna to be easy.

OPENING NIGHT

Blackhawks  3

Islanders       2

FINAL ~ OT

New York Islanders: With youz guys being new to the neighborhood and all, neutral zone gaffes are akin to playing in Flatbush Avenue traffic during rush hour - just brutal.  Way to throw your goalie under the bus!

The Chicago Blackhawks are no strangers to Thomas Greiss.  He previously part-timed in the Western Conference with San Jose and Phoenix during the first two of Chicago's recent three Cup championship runs.

After spending last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Garth Snow signed the free agent goalie to back up starter Jaroslav Halak.

The Fates, it seems, had other plans.

Let the record show, on October 9th, 2015, Thomas Greiss started the Islanders first official home game in Brooklyn against the defending Cup champions, and did well.  He will continue to start until Jaroslav Halak recovers from the proverbial upper body (chest) injury.

Greiss faced 32 shots and made 30 saves during Barclays Center's inaugural 60:00 minutes of regulation hockey.

Just beyond the midway point of the opening period, Chicago got whistled for too many men on the ice.  Then towards the latter end of the ensuing power play Brock Nelson committed the dreaded neutral zone turnover which resulted in Artem Anisimov's break-away short-handed goal.

It was only fitting that Captain John Tavares tied the game at 5:22 of the 2nd period on a nifty initial shot and his own rebound.

Fan relief was short lived, however.  At 15:11, Patrick Kane put Chicago back ahead.

The Isles struck back very early in the 3rd when Brock Nelson assisted on Marek Zidlicky's game tying goal at the 1:18 mark.

The Islanders were unable to convert their second power play of the game half way through the session.  The teams then remained scoreless for the balance of the 3rd period, which in effect provided Brooklyn ticket holders bonus hockey on Opening Night, and their first view of the NHL's new overtime rule change - five minutes of 3 on 3 hockey.

Barclays CEO Brett Yormark (who was resoundingly booed by the crowd) might have given traditional Islanders fans their goal horn back, however, he never promised them an ideal outcome.

Thomas Greiss turned away the first two Blackhawks shots in overtime.

Nick Leddy's slash on Marian Hossa at 1:18 perhaps only delayed the inevitable.  First off, the penalty was born of a defensive end turnover.  Then one could argue with an unobstructed Hossa bearing down upon Greiss, Leddy's infraction was justified.

No matter.  With Marian Hossa in the corner and traffic building in front of Greiss, Patrick Kane tipped in a rebound at the 1:49 mark.  Kane's game winning power play goal was his second of the game.

Tough break for Thomas Greiss, but look no further than Brock Nelson's gaffe in the 1st period as to why and when things went wrong.  It effectively cost the Islanders an Opening Night victory in their new home.

Despite the final score, the Islanders new beginning appeared well received.  All that's left is for them to post their first home victory.  Tonight, they'll finish out the back end of this home and home series against the Blackhawks in Chicago.

Then starting Monday, the Islanders will play three straight at home - along Flatbush Avenue that is.

On a side note, going out on a Friday night is somewhat of a lay-up.  With no work the following day, a hockey game is as good a destination as any.

Monday's and Thursday's games against the Jets and Predators, respectively, will prove far more telling about who's really dedicated to the new process, and who is not, I think.

Lets face it, with little to no designating parking (unlike Nassau Coliseum), we're going to find out how conducive the LIRR and MTA will be in so far as getting fans in and out of the immediate area.

The D-train is too simple for me.  It might be manageable for Mr. Smith coming from Franklin Square, but what about Mrs. Crabtree and her son coming from Islip?

We'll see.

Week days usually look like this.....

That's not exactly the Flatbush Freeway you're looking at.

N.Y. Islanders: Washington Capitals Veto Uniondale Extension

From the desk of:  BROOKLYN'S FOSTER HOCKEY CLUB

Washington wins series 4-3

I - NYI 4; WAS 1

II - WAS 4; NYI 3

III - NYI 2; WAS 1

IV - WAS 2; NYI 1

V - WAS 5; NYI 1

VI - NYI 3; WAS 1

VII - WAS 2; NYI 1

Long Island is eliminated from their last ever Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Islanders will now commence their move to Brooklyn;

Barclays Center will be their new home.

New York Islanders: The Washington Capitals played like an experienced Game 7 team, and knew how to finish.  These modern day Uniondale Islanders did not.

The end of an era has come.

The 43rd and final season of New York Islanders hockey in Uniondale is complete.

Mark it down - on April 27, 2015, in front of a raucous Long Island crowd, the last official game played at the much disparaged Barn was a 3-1 first round playoff victory over the Washington Capitals.

It's now time for the unceremonious task of melting the ice and disassembling the rink where a historic four consecutive Stanley Cups were hoisted, for there will be no more NHL hockey played at Nassau Veteran's Memorial Coliseum ever again.

Two seasons ago, these upstart Islanders nearly knocked off the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs.  Last season, however, they were unable to overcome a dismal start and inevitably failed to qualify for the playoffs.

To that point, a close knit group was nevertheless gaining valuable experience together, and their ability to score was never in question.  The Islanders rolled out four strong lines very effectively, and continued doing so through this season.

What the Isles desperately needed last off-season was to improve their defense and upgrade the goalie.  General manager Garth Snow did just that.  In two rather stunning transactions, he acquired defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy, and solidified his goal situation by acquiring Jaroslav Halak,

By the midway point of the regular season, the Islanders were riding high atop the Eastern Conference.

Sputtering down the home stretch, and entering the post-season as the #5 seed is a minor, rather inconsequential factoid in the bigger picture.

Because....

Say what you will about numerous injuries to Long Island's blueliners.  The Islanders were no doubt depleted, but not debilitated.  Defense, and/or Jaroslav Halak's goal tending, were not the decisive issues in the end.  In fact, Jaroslav performed brilliantly Monday evening.  Instead, the Islander's #4 rated offense short circuited down the stretch against the league's #7 defensive rated team, and the league's 14th rated penalty kill.

Aside from Cal Clutterbuck's empty-netter to seal Game 6, the Islanders were limited to just 7 goals in the final 5 games of the series.  Worse, they were 0 for 14 on the power play in the series.

When the Boston Bruins won their most recent Cup, they were similarly atrocious on the power play, but played brilliantly at even strength.

Just saying...

The Washington Capitals clearly looked, and played like the more comfortable team.  They looked every bit more experienced in Monday's Game 7 situation than did their competitors.  And when the Islanders finally mounted a comeback to tie, the Capitals demonstrated how to finish.

The Islanders, on the other hand, looked like exiles; strangers playing in a strange land.  Washington D.C. may have well been 2000 light years from home considering their days in Long Island and the Barn were ending.

They were every bit of the inexperienced Game 7 competitors they appeared to be.

Content to sheepishly clear the puck from their defensive end, the Isles only took a ponderous 3 shots on goal in the 1st period, 4 SOG in the 2nd, and 4 more in the 3rd, for a total of 11 shots on goal for the game.

The first two periods were particularly mystifying to watch.  No team is winning a Game 7 like that.

When the Islanders finally decided to play in the 3rd, they scored.  Washington, however, was more practiced in the art of closing.

Why the Islanders should be kicking themselves in the ass...

Blame?

I know John Tavares had a questionable game...  Tough call.  I wouldn't go there.  The Isles are four lines deep...., right?

Dare I say Islanders fans take a pass?

No finger pointing - for as long as the bitter taste of this defeat lasts all off-season and fuels a bigger and better effort next season in Brooklyn?

I'm a Rangers fan, so what do I know...

The Long Island/NYC rivalry WAS great.

And so, with all deserved respect..., Potvin Sucks!




Mike

N.Y. Islanders: Defenders of Fort Never Lose Marching Toward Washington for Game 7

From the desk of:  BROOKLYN'S FOSTER HOCKEY CLUB

Don't lock The Barn doors yet!  Moving Day has been put on hold..

Series tied 3-3

I - NYI 4; WAS 1

II - WAS 4; NYI 3

III - NYI 2; WAS 1

IV - WAS 2; NYI 1

V - WAS 5; NYI 1

GAME SIX FINAL

Capitals   1

Islanders  3

New York Islanders: Long Island's Swan Song Takes Flight To The Nation's Capital For A Game 7 Showdown Against Caps.

The Islanders are barnstorming to Washington intent on extending Long Island's final season of NHL hockey.  With a Game 7 victory over the Capitals Monday night, the Nassau Coliseum would be ensured of at least two more games, not to mention a second round match-up against the New York Rangers.

But, if Saturday's clash against the Caps indeed belatedly turns into the final game at the old Barn, it was a fine one.

Coach Capuano must first be credited for making adjustments after Game 5's debacle.

The captain, John Tavares then led the way with a 1st period goal at the 6:56 mark.  However, when the stripes whistled Tavares for slashing at 19:27, John Carlson converted an Alex Ovechkin feed for a game tying power play goal with just 0:05 left in the period.

After a scoreless 2nd period, Long Island's hero emerged midway through the 3rd.  At the 10:33 mark, Washington overplayed John Tavares in the corner, leaving Nikolay Kulemin all alone to work the puck through Braden Holtby for a 2-1 Islanders lead.

Cal Clutterbuck sealed the Islanders victory for their frenzied fan base with an empty-netter 0:53 shy of the final buzzer.

Once again, the Islanders did a fine job minimizing Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, whom combined to take just 4 SOG.  However, Troy Brouwer, John Carlson, Joel Ward, and Evgeny Kuznetsov all registered 5 or better.

Working overtime on the blueline, Johnny Boychuk logged 27:00 minutes, and Nick Leddy put in 28:59 minutes of ice time.

Washington's lone score came with a man-advantage.  Otherwise, Jaroslav Halak effectively outlasted Braden Holtby, facing 39 shots on goal and making 38 saves to extend Long Island's run by at least one more game.

Game Six was a very physical affair, that devolved all the way through the final buzzer, and beyond.

A total of 8 penalties were assessed at the tail end of the game; 4 for Washington, 4 for the Isles.   Cross checking and roughing penalties came standard, but only Cal Clutterbuck was levied with a 10-minute misconduct.

An empty-net goal aside, the Islanders have scored just 6 times in the last 4 games.  John Tavares has 2 goals in the series, and may very well need to score another on Monday.  Meanwhile, the power play is now 0 for 13 in 6 games.  Ideally, the Isles need a goal from their special teams now more than ever in order to off-set any potential (Game 7) scoring by (WAS) what is still the #1 power play in the league.

Should the Islanders fall in Game 7 at Washington, they may as well pack a bag full of remorse for their trip to Brooklyn over losing Game 2 in Braden Holtby's absence.  Although 3 pucks found net, the Islanders must ponder having only mustered a mere 21 shots on goal.  That made back-up goalie Philipp Grubauer's performance good enough.

At the other end, and after a fine 1st period, the Isles played poorly in front of Jaroslav Halak whom faced 35 shots (18 in the 2nd period), and allowed a pair of 2nd period goals, and another pair in the 3rd.

The balance of Long Island hockey now lies in the success or failure of Game 7.  The move to Brooklyn either commences post haste by midnight Monday, or gets delayed through another round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The New York Rangers await the winner of this series.

One last Rangers/Islanders post-season battle would be epic.

Mike