N.Y. Islanders Short Circuit Bolts In Game One At Tampa

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL

Islanders lead Lightning; 1-0

I - NYI 2; TBL 1

GAME TWO
New York Islanders

vs

Tampa Lightning

Islanders Steal Away Home Ice With Opening Win At Tampa

They meet again.  

The long-awaited rematch has begun.

It takes just eight seconds before tempers flare and bodies come together.  But that would eventually play right into Long Island's hands.

New York Islander hockey is the lead story here.  For sixty minutes, they impose their will, offering the Bolts little space to strike and continually directing them outward toward the perimeter.  Tampa finds a big "Do Not Enter" sign hanging around Semyon Varlamov's neck with Islanders' forwards serving as bouncers.

Speaking of which, Long Island's forecheck remains relentless.  They forced Boston into turnovers and did the same to Tampa.  In fact, Kucherov was benched for a spell after making an inferior on-ice decision.  In addition, the Islanders made outlet passes quite problematic for them.

Semyon Varlamov effectively pitches a shutout, but not quite.  At 18:22 of the final period, Brock Nelson gets whistled for high-sticking the now-you-see-him-now-you-don't Nikita Kucherov.  Braiden Point cashes in on the power play with just 0:54 left in the game.  Otherwise, Semyon faces 31 shots, stopping all but one.  He makes seven special teams saves and 23 at even strength.  Said another way, he was brilliant.  Varlamov once again held down the fort and allowed the Islanders to establish a lead - no habitual goal allowed within his first few shots against, just stellar goaltending.

After a scoreless first period, the resurgent Mathew Barzal scores his fourth goal of the playoffs at 12:32 of the second period off a feed from Josh Bailey.  Then at 5:36 of the third, Ryan Pulock scores with an assist from Jordan Eberle.  Barzal now has seven points in his last six games.

N.Y. Islanders Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Boston Bruins

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS
ROUND TWO
Islanders lead Bruins; 3-2

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

*overtime

Three Power Play Goals Sink Bruins

David Patrnak, or should I say, Semyon Varlamov did it again.  He yields an early goal within the first few shots of the game, forcing the Islanders to again play from behind.

A Bruin is a Bruin is a Bruin ... despite dominating play in the first period, Sean Kuraly is whistled for a mindless slash upon Noah Dobson at 18:17 of the first period.  Mathew Barzal continues his personal surge with a power-play goal at the 18:49 mark - a real crowd killer - tying the game at one.

A Bruin is a Bruin is a Bruin II ... at 2:56 into the second period, Matt Grzelcyk is penalized for cross-checking Leo Komarov.  Kyle Palmieri makes Boston pay just before the power play was set to expire.

But of course, the lead does not last.  The Islanders have thus far been caught playing Bruins hockey.  Brad Marchant skates around Ryan Pulock and, at 7:27, ties the game at two.

However, the tide starts to change, and now the Islanders have Boston drawn into their own brand of hockey.  Josh Bailey puts the Islanders ahead at 14:30 on feeds from Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anthony Beauvillier.

A Bruin is a Bruin is a Bruin III ... at 15:18 of the second period, Chris Wagner is sent to the box for high-sticking Mathew Barzal.  At 16:38, Jordan Eberle gives Long Island a 4-2 lead; Noah Dobson and Mathew Barzal the assists.

The Bruins pulled goalie Tuukka Rask for the third period.

Brock Nelson repays Boston for the Pastrnak goal when he scores at the 1:59 mark of the third period.

Afterwhich, it becomes a matter for Semyon Varlamov outlasting the Bruins.  Whereas the Islanders generate just 19 shots on goal, Boston fired off 44 shots on goal.  Pastrnak scores on a power-play at the 3:48 mark, and at 14:43, David Krejci pulls the Bruins within one.  But they would score no more.

Semyon Varlamov faces 44 shots stopping four for the win.  

Physicality remains up to snuff; Islanders hold the edge.

Mathew Barzal now has three goals in his last three games and six points in the series.

Kyle Palmieri scored his team-leading sixth goal of the playoffs and his third against the Bruins.

N.Y. Islanders Take Game Five In Double Overtime at Pittsburgh

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Two Chances To Win One

GAME FIVE
Islanders  3

Penguins   2

FINAL/2OT

Double Overtime Thriller

The Islanders needed another hero.  

They got two, then three, then four ... none named Mathew Barzal.

Anthony Beauvillier made up for Josh Bailey's first-period penalty, which resulted in Evgeni Malkin's power-play goal with his even-strength goal just seconds before the period's end.  It was actually a brilliant goal at 19:05 in the first.  You know the Pens were kicking themselves.  Sloppy play on their part cost them, and Beauvilliere made them pay.  

Unlike game four, this time it was the Islanders answering back and scoring momentum-killing goals.  When Bryan Rust gave Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead in the second, Jordan Eberle tied the game midway through the third.

And into overtime, they went ...

Then another ...

Within 0:51 seconds of the second overtime, Jordan Eberle scores his third of the series, an interception he converted unassisted for the win.  Josh Bailey also assisted on Beauvillier's goal back in the first.

The Pens still won more face-offs and near equaled Long Island in hits.  However, Ilya Sorokin was a man possessed.  Pittsburgh took 22 more shots on goal than the Islanders.  In fact, Islanders centermen generated ten shots on goal, while Pittsburgh centermen alone loaded up with 21 shots on goal.  Ilya Sorokin faced 50 shots on goal, stopping all but two, including five saves on special teams and 43 saves at even strength.  He shut out the Penguins from the 7:37 mark of the second period onward.  Penguins' defensemen accounted for another twelve shots.  Sorokin earns his third victory of the series and now has the Islanders positioned to attempt one more win with two chances for getting it done.

The Islanders lead the series 3-2; they steal back the home-ice advantage and head back to the Uniondale Barn for game six.

N.Y. Islanders Put Forth Complete Game Victory Over Pens

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Penguins and Islanders tied; 2-2

I - NYI 4; PITT 3*

II - PITT 2; NYI 1

III - PITT 5; NYI 4

IV - NYI 4; PITT 1

*overtime

Pens get Sixty Minutes of Long Islanders Hockey

A complete game and near shutout, Ilya Sorokin quells any lingering goalie debate in a statement performance.  He faces 31 shots and stops all but one, an inconsequential one at that, at 17:25 of the third period.  Sorokin must now finish out the series.  

To be frank, the Islanders should be up 3-1 in this series, except that Semyon Varlamov in game three failed to rise to the occasion.  Any time the Islanders score four times, they must come away with a victory, but unlike Sorokin on Saturday, Varlamov yielded very consequential goals time and again.

Long Island toned down the hitting, dominated face-offs, frustrated the Penguins into taking penalties while limited their own mistakes.  Cal Clutterbuck and the Islanders antagonized Evgeni Malkin all night and limited Sidney Crosby to just two shots on goal.  The Penguins committed dumb penalties in the third, and the Islanders made them pay a stiff price.  Oliver Wahlstrom and Jordan Eberle scored with 24-seconds of each other.  After going 0 for 3 in games one and two, the Islanders' power play is now 3 for 9 in the last two games.

The Islanders got top-notch goaltending, tight defensively, the power play was in working order, and they got even-strength goals in the second period from Josh Bailey, his second, and Ryan Pulock's first of the playoffs.

Mathew Barzal assisted on Eberle's goal.  He now has three assists in the last two games but is yet to score a goal through four.  Anthony Beauvillier led the Isles with six shots on goal.  Ryan Pulock led the team with a plus-two.

N.Y. Islanders: First Place Showdown Against Washington Capitals

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

SHOWDOWN

Capitals lead Islanders; 3-2

I - WAS 3; NYI 2

II - WAS 6; NYI 3

III - WAS 3; NYI 1

IV - NYI 8; WAS 4

V - NYI 1; WAS 0

Washington Capitals

vs.

New York Islanders

The Rangers must have been feeling really good about themselves after sweeping four straight from the Devils.  Whatever they were feeling ended Tuesday night when the Isles slapped some reality back into them with a decisive 6-1 victory at The Barn.

• Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba left the game midway through the first period with only five minutes of ice time after getting plastered in the corner by Matt Martin who was the initial recipient of a big hit by Trouba.

Josh Bailey returned from missing two games.  However, Cal Clutterbuck remains out.  Bailey was joined on the same line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Anthony Beauvillier.  Together they accounted for nine points.  Jordan Eberle finished with a goal and an assist, and Brock Nelson scored his team-leading 16th goal.  Even new acquisitions Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri joined for three shots on goal and an assist each.

The next three games will go a long way towards determining the East Division winner.  Long Island and Washington enter the series tied at 62 points each with an equal number of games remaining.  After the Capitals, the Isles finish out the season with two games each against the Rangers, Sabres, and Devils and a one-game season finale against the Bruins.  The Capitals finish up with two each against the Penguins, Rangers, and Flyers and close out the regular season with one game against Boston. 

Semyon Varlamov

• Games: 30
• Record: 17-9-3
• SV%: .923
• GAA: 2.20

Vitek Vanecek

• Games: 31
• Record: 17-9-3
• SV%: .908
• GAA: 2.77

The Islanders are sputtering of late with a 1-3-2 record in their last six games.  The Caps are 4-2-0 in their last six but are coming off a loss against Boston.  Washington leads the season series.  However, the Islanders have won the last two meetings.  When they last played on Apr. 6, Brock Nelson scored the only goal of the game.  Semyon Varlamov faced 29 shots and stopped them all for the shutout.

N.Y. Islanders: Lou Lamoriello Reinforces The Ranks

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

LOU LAMORIELLO MAKES SNOW DAYS 

A DISTANT MEMORY

Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri Dealt to Long Islanders

With centerman and captain Anders Lee out for the season, Lou Lamoriello acquired winger Kyle Palmieri and center Travis Zajac from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for AHL prospects A.J. Greer, Mason Jobst, this year's first-round draft pick, and next year's fourth-round pick.

The Islanders add smart veteran depth and talent.  Palmieri scored no less than 24 goals in each of his first five seasons with the Devils and three times achieved at least 50 points.  This season to date, Kyle Palmieri has eight goals and 19 points through 34 games with Newark.  Meanwhile, Travis Zajac's time in New Jersey comes to an end after 15 full seasons and over 1,000 games in a Devils uniform.  To date, he has seven goals and 18 points through 33 games.  I expect each of them to fit seamlessly into Barry Trotz's system.  

Palmieri is 30-years old, and Zajac is 35-years old, and both will become unrestricted free agents at season's end.  In return, the Devils acquire another high draft pick.  It was the prudent thing to do as something is always better than nothing.

THURSDAY

Devils   6

Sabres   3

FINAL

Thank goodness for Buffalo.  Newark snaps a four-game skip with Thursday's commanding 6-3 victory out in Western New York.  The Devils scored three times in the first period, then three more times in the third period.  Pavel Zacha netted two power-play goals, Jack Hughes scored his eighth goal of the season, and Yegor Sharangovich scored his ninth.

THURSDAY

Flyers    2

Islanders 3

FINAL

SHOOTOUT

The Islanders put up two quick goals in the first period.  But Philadelphia ground out a two-all tie after two periods.  After a scoreless third period and overtime, the Islanders finally defeat the Flyers in a shootout.  Both Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac played their first game as New York Islanders, mustering just three total shots in goal.  The Islanders got goals from Brock Nelson and Jordan Eberle.

N.Y. Islanders: Semyon Varlamov Pitches Shutout Over Washington Capitals

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

TUESDAY

Capitals  0

Islanders 1

FINAL

Battle For The Highground Rages On

With Tuesday's victory, the Isles win their third straight game and, with 54 points, reforge a first-place tie with the Capitals.  

After losing their first three meetings this season, the Islanders have now defeated Washington in consecutive games.  They will clash three more times before the season's end.

The teams engaged in a scoreless duel through the first two periods.  Another 13:05 would go by until Brock Nelson buried a loose puck in front on an initial shot by blueliner Ryan Pulock from the high circle and Josh Bailey's assist.  In fact, Islanders defensemen accounted for 14 shots on goal.  

Since we're talking defensemen, Nick Leddy leads the team with 24 assists.

With his 14th goal of the season, Brock Nelson takes over the team lead in goals over Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle.

Jordan Eberle put a couple of dents into the goalposts.  Otherwise, the Islanders peppered Washington goalie Vitek Vanecek with 39 shots, who stopped all but one.  Washington killed two penalties, and the Islanders likewise killed two penalties.  

Semyon Varlamov wins his second straight decision over the Capitals.  He faced 29 shots on goal and stopped them all for his fourth shutout of the season and his first since Feb. 8 against the Rangers.

N.Y. Islanders: Ilya Sorokin Saves The Day

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

SATURDAY

Flyers    2

Islanders 3

FINAL/SO

Ilya Sorokin Earns the Save in Closing Out His Ninth Win of the Season

After Long Island stormed the Capitals on Thursday, neighboring New Jersey failed to seize the moment against Washington losing in overtime on Friday, thus handing the Caps a two-point edge over the Isles in the East Divison standings.

On Saturday, the Isles and Flyers skated through a scoreless first session.  While on a second-period power-play Anthony Beauvillier opened the scoring at 12:01 on feeds from Jordan Eberle and Matt Martin.  Then, roughly three and a half minutes later, Beauvillier scored his second of the period (and his eighth of the season) on an assist from Mathew Barzal. 

Philly then turned the tables.  At 6:38 of the third, Claude Giroux scored unassisted, cutting Long Island's lead to one.  Then just under four minutes later, Giroux scores his second of the period (and his eleventh of the season), tying the game at two.  And that's the way it remains through the rest of regulation time.

The Islanders closed the final 0:15 second of overtime on a fruitless power play, but not before Philly goalie Carter Hart had already fulfilled the role of a thief.

In the shootout, Ilya Sorokin would outlast Carter Hart.  After three scoreless rounds, Mathew Barzal finally beat Carter for the potential winner.  Sorokin then stopped Philly's final attempt to secure the victory.  Ilya Sorokin faced 32 shots in all, making seven special team saves and 23 at even strength.  

Long Island is now 7-4 since losing Anders Lee for the season from an injury sustained on March 11 against the Devils.  That is not to suggest the Isles do not miss their Captain.  They mustered just 24 shots on goal against Philly, while their centermen accounted for only six shots and one assist.

Trotz's Troop nonetheless gain two points and reclaim their half-share of first place in the East.

N.Y. Islanders Issue Philadelphia Flyers a Reality Check

From the desk: LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Saturday Night Fever

Flyers    1

Islanders 6

FINAL

Islanders Halt Three-Game Skid Against Flyers in Commanding Fashion

Look what happened to the Flyers, again.  Two games after getting undressed 9-0 by the Rangers at the Garden, the Islanders bounce back from Thursday's disappointing defeat against Philly with a 6-1 drubbing of the visitors Saturday at the Barn.

Like thieves in the night, the Flyers in Thursday's match scored with just over two minutes left in the third period to snap a three-all tie and come away with a 4-3 victory.  But on Saturday, the Isles offered no quarter.  Long Island scored four times within the span of about nine minutes in the first period.  Jean-Gabriel Pageau opened the scoring with a power-play goal shortly followed by Jordan Eberle's goal at the 8:01 mark.  Two minutes later, Casey Cizikas scored the first of two first-period goals for a 4-0 Islanders lead.  However, before the period expired, Joel Farabee finally got Philadelphia on the board at 17:52 with his 13th goal of the season.

After a scoreless second period, Anthony Beauvilliere and Josh Baily each scored a goal in the third, giving the Islanders a 6-1 final margin of victory.

Playing without their captain Anders Lee (lost for the season), Long Islanders centermen still generated ten shots on net with four goals and seven points.  The other guy with a C on his jersey, albeit in his name, Casey Cizikas, now has six goals for the season.

• Anders Lee will undergo right knee surgery to repair a torn ACL; he is out for the season.  He last played in a 5-3 victory on Mar. 11 against the Devils.  The Isles are now 3-2 in his absence.

Goalie Ilya Sorokin earns his seventh straight victory while benefiting from an average of 4.0 goals per game worth of support.  He faced 24 Philadelphia shots, including four on special teams, stopping all but one at even strength.

This was Long Island's first victory this season over the Flyers in four tries.  Saturday's game, coupled with the Rangers defeat of Washington again, locks the Capitals and Islanders together in a first-place tie with 44 points apiece.  Since losing five straight back in January (and two postponements against Buffalo), the Islanders are now winners 17 of their last 23 games.  Their plus-24 point differential ranks fourth in the league.

Long Islanders Continue Bedeviling New Jersey Hockey Club

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

Islanders lead Devils; 5-1

I - NYI 4; NJD 1

II - NJD 2; NYI 0

III - NYI 2; NJD 1

IV - NYI 5; NJD 3

V - NYI 3; NJD 2

VI - NYI 3; NJD 2*

*shootout

SUNDAY RECAP

Islanders Gain The High Ground

The Long Islanders defeated Newark for the fifth time this season and thereby extended their consecutive winning streak to nine games.  They also increased their division lead by four points over the Capitals and finished the night with the most points in all of hockey.

Devils Get Lost In The Details

Meanwhile, the Devils continue suffering the agony of defeat after defeat.  Sunday's game marked their fourth straight loss.  It's the ninth loss in their last ten games and the twelfth loss in sixteen games since returning from quarantine.

🏒

Each team was minus their respective on-ice captains, Anders Lee for the Islanders, and Nico Hischier for the Devils.  So, there's that ...

After Kieffer Bellows opened the scoring on feeds from Sabastian Aho and Jordan Eberle just 4:18 into the first, the Devils catch a big break on Andy Greene's delay of game penalty.  Janne Kuokkanen makes the Islanders pay with a power-play goal at the 5:12 mark.  New Jersey then takes their own turn committing a big mistake - it won't be the last one - when Brock Nelson scores on feeds from Nick Leddy and Josh Bailey with just two seconds left in the first period, giving the Islanders a 2-1 lead.  New Jersey tied the game at 16:04 of the third when Yegor Sharangovich converted feeds from Dmitry Kulikov and P.K. Subban.

This brings us to big mistake number two.  Subban appeared to score the game-winning goal in overtime.  But the Islanders challenged an off-side violation and were proven correct.  The devilish perpetrator was positioned in place on the far board but on the wrong side of the line, a clearly avoidable mental mistake and costly one.

Sure enough, the Islanders go on to win in a shootout at Newark.  But it's just hockey.  There's nothing more to see here.  All is well.  You can go back to your home now.

N.Y. Islanders Forge First Play Tie With Capitals

From the desk: LONG ISLAND NOMADS  &  SPICY BUFFALO HOCKEY PUCKS

Isles lead Sabres; 4-0

I - NYI 3; BUF 1

II - NYI 3; BUF 0

III - NYI 3; BUF 2

IV - NYI 5; BUF 2

SATURDAY

Sabres

vs

Islanders

FROM

The Barn

Long Island Back On Top Of Local Hockey Scene

With another convincing victory over the Sabres, the Islanders win their third in a row and five of their last six.

Buffalo has their issues, we know.  The Isles committed no penalties and therefore afforded their opponents no power play opportunities.  Long Island outshot the Sabres by a whopping 45-18 margin.  Matt Martin led the charge with two goals in the first and third periods, respectively.  The first came off a wrister at an incredible angle from the left goal line.  He came rushing from the right side on the second goal, bull-rushed the net, and tucked in his own rebound.

Noah Dobson opened the scoring in the first period with his second of the season.  Anthony Beauvillier made it a 3-1 game in the second also with his second goal of the season, and Jordan Eberle added his ninth of the season at 3:14 of the third.

After starting the season losing six of nine games, including a five-game skid, the Islanders have since posted ten wins in their last 14 games.  Now with 30 points, the Islanders are presently tied for first place with the Washington Capitals for the Ridiculous Division; the Boston Bruins are next in 29 points.

Long Islanders Turn Away Visiting New Jersey Devils

From the desks:  NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT & THE BRICK CITY STYX

THURSDAY

Devils         1

Islanders   4

FINAL

Just a couple of observations:

Mackenzie Woodman did not play, and it showed.  The Islanders edged out the Devils (35-31) in shots on goal.  Backup Scott Wedgewood, making his first start of the season and playing in only the 25th game of his spotty career, made 31 saves.  Mathew Barzal opened the scoring at the 4:43 mark, and Jordan Eberle closed out the first period with a goal at the 19:39 mark.  That stings.  All the Devils could muster was an early second period goal from Nathan Bastian.  In the third period, Jordan Eberle scored his second of the game and Brock Nelson netted the Islanders fourth goal of the game, both on the power play, both early in the period.  Said another way, the Devils were undone by penalties and several ill timed goals.

The four-line Islanders had five forwards with at least four shots on goal, and five skaters all together.  Whereas the Devils had just one forward with at least four shots.  Rather they were led by their blue-liners, six shots from P.K. Subban and five by Damon Severson.  Nikita Gusev was next in with four shots from the wing.

Newark will host Long Island when these teams meet again on Sunday.

N.Y. Islanders: Semyon Varlamov Saves Long Island From Elimination

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning lead Isles; 3-2

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

II - TBL 2; NYI 1

III - NYI 5; TBL 3

IV - TBL 4; NYI 1

V - NYI 2; TBL 1*

*double-overtime

Semyon Varlamov Short Circuits Bolts Through Double Overtime

The pressure was squarely on Semyon Varlamov to steal a game.  It took 92:30 minutes, but like a thief in the night he does just that.  He faces 37 shots and stops all but one.  Once Tampa does score, Varlamov pitches a shutout over the ensuing sixty-seven minutes of play.  It's the first time in five games and only the third time since entering the bubble that Tampa has been held to one goal or less. 

It's a good thing too, as the Islanders are held to just 24 shots on goal through four and a half periods of hockey. 

Through two periods shots on goal were 15-12 in favor of the Bolts.  They out-shoot the Islanders 9-5 in the third, then trade four shots on goal during the first overtime.  But the Islanders were out-shot again by an 8-4 margin in the second overtime making Semyon Varlamov the brightest star of the game. 

The onus is now on the skaters in front of him to get the Islanders through to game seven.  After going just 1/14 on the power play through the first four games, Long Island finally gets a timely goal at 15:41 of the first period by Ryan Pulock giving the Isles a 1-0 lead.  But four minutes into the second period the Islanders get caught in a change; Victor Hedman collects a rebound and blasts it past Varlamov tying the game at one.

Long Island kills three power lays.  None more important than a four-minute minor called against Anthony Beaullivier for high sticking at 18:37 of the third period that spills into overtime.

Midway through the second overtime Kevin Shattenkirk whiffs on a shot attempt.  The puck is poked up ice by Anders Lee who catches up with it along the left side.  Joining him on the right is Jordan Eberle.  Lee feeds a beautiful slider to Eberle who converts on a one-timer that beats Andrei Vasilevskiy glove side for the win.

The Islanders are now 2/17 on the power play.  Tampa is 4/16, however, three goals come in game one.  Otherwise, the Bolts since game two are 1/10 on the power play.  Goals scored since game two are presently 10-9 in favor of the Lightning.

Through five games both teams get "The Point" - the Lightning are 3-0 when center Brayden Point is on the ice; the Islanders are 2-0 when Brayden Point is not on the ice.  On that note, Johnny Boychuck was back on the ice for the first time since sustaining an injury against Florida.

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 Pop Washington's Bubble in Five

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Islanders def. Capitals; 4-1

I - NYI 4; WAS 2

II - NYI 5; WAS 2

III - NYI 2; WAS 1*

IV - WAS 3; NYI 2

V - NYI 4; WAS 0

*overtime

Islanders Rout Washington Capitals

Islanders not only spent less time in the penalty box but also score on a power play!

Who are these guys?

Mathew Barzal and Anthony Beaullivier sit the Islanders only four minutes in the penalty box (too many men on the ice and a holding whistle on Beaullivier).  Otherwise, that's it.  The Isles get to play with five skaters on the ice for upwards of fifty-five minutes.  Net result is a commanding 4-0 victory and five game wipeout of the Washington Capitals.

The Islanders not only outscore their opponent, they double them by a lopsided 17-8 margin, with fifteen goals coming at even strength.  Ten different Islanders score.  Jordan Eberle, Matt Martin, Brock Nelson, Cal Clutterbuck and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each score a goal.  Josh Bailey, Nick Leddy and Mathew Barzal each score two goals, and Anders Lee and Anthony Beaullivier tally three goals each.  Meanwhile Washington's scoring is limited to three players.  Their eight series goals come from T.J. Oshie (2); Evgeny Kuznetsov (2); and Alex Ovechkin (4).  New York's defense limits the Capitals to an average of 24.8 shot per game.  In game four they allow a series high 29 shots, but in game five allow a series low 21 shots by Washington.

Washington averages just 1.6 goals per game.  Semyon Varlamov pitches a shutout in game five, making 21 saves, one on the PK and another while short-handed.  Varlamov faces 121 total shots in five-plus games, making 113 saves.  He permits four even strength goals, and four PP goals.

• Regular season: 2.62 GAA and .914 SV%
• Nine Games in the Bubble: 7-2-0, 1.67 GAA, .934 SV%

Islanders still have work to do.  They were just 2/21 (.095%) on the power play.

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 Complete Sweep of Penguins

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

Long Island Crowd Deserves to Have Islanders 

Remaining Games Played at Uniondale Barn

NHL PLAYOFFS ~ ROUND ONE

ISLANDERS SWEEP PENGUINS

I - NYI 4; PITT 3*

II - NYI 3; PITT 1

III - NYI 4; PITT 1

IV - NYI 3; PITT 1

New York Islanders: The Wizard of Trotz Makes Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin Disappear.

Trailing the Islanders by a goal, the Penguins pulled Matt Murray in the waning minutes of regulation.  But even their best laid plans would be short lived.  Josh Bailey's empty netter with 37-seconds left effectively put the Penguins season to rest.

The joint was jumping very soon after the opening face-off.  Pittsburgh's PPG Watercolor Igloo Arena popped with Penguin mania when Jake Guentzel scored just 0:37 into the game.

Then ... a collective gasp, and deafening Steel City silence.

At the 2:09 mark, Jordan Eberle's fourth goal of the series tied the game, leaving the crowd fit to be tied.  If that weren't bad enough, the Penguins broke one of hockey's cardinal rules: never give up a goal in the last two minutes of a period.  Brock Nelson did just that, scoring his third goal of the playoffs at 18:06 of the first.

The Isles finished the game minus the services of blue liner Johnny Boychuck and winger Cal Clutterbuck.  Ideally speaking, eliminating the Penguins in quick fashion will allow them both time for recovering from bumps and bruises incurred during game four.

This season's stingiest defense allowed the Penguins just six goals through four games; none generated from the stick of Sidney Crosby.  The Penguins captain managed no shots on goal in game four, and was limited to a mere six shots on goal all series.  Josh Bailey and Jordan Eberle joined on seven shots on goal in game four alone.  Crosby's lone point came on an assist in Tuesday's finale.  Evgeni Malkin managed 11 shots on goal (2.7 shots per game) but just one goal and a pair of assists.

Jordan Eberle is skating like a man possessed, tallying four goals and two assists in four games against the Penguins.  Josh Bailey added another three goals.

Goalie Robin Lehner faced 136 shots on goal through four games, stopping 130 of them.  In game four, he faced 33 shots and stopped all but one.  He even engaged in some pushing and perhaps maybe threw a punch or two.

As reward for their series win, the NHL is evicting the Islanders from the Barn at Uniondale, and forcing their return to Brooklyn.  I've always believed the Islanders belong on Long Island.  And so I feel for their fans whom must now forgo tailgating, for sake of trekking back to Flatbush Avenue.  It's an injustice to say, well, it was good while it lasted.  Through the latter part of the season and every game since, Long Island poured their soul back into hometown hockey.

In the meantime, the New York Long Islanders of Brooklyn await the winner of the Washington Capitals/Carolina Hurricanes series.

No Sleep Till Belmont.

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: Penguins Wilt in Overtime Barn Burner

From the desk of:  Barry Trotz Pajama Party

2018~2019

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

ROUND ONE

Pittsburgh Penguins (0-1)

vs.

New York Islanders (1-0)

New York Islanders Open Fast and Furious; Finish With a Flourish.

What a ridiculously entertaining game.  From start to finish, the old barn shook, rattled, and rolled to the beat of Long Island noise!

The Islanders crowd has been jacked throughout the night. Kudos to them. #NYI

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 11, 2019

I tweeted the above comment just moments before Josh Bailey scored the game winning goal in overtime.

Fan took the party from the parking lot inside to their seats and raised the roof straight away.  An off-sides mitigated what could have been a goal within the opening ten seconds of the game.  Far from deflated, the Long Island crowd roared on and were rewarded post haste for their boisterous efforts by Jordan Eberle at the 1:40 mark, assisted by Anders Lee, and Adam Pelech.  But Pittsburgh withstood Long Island's bum rush, and had things normalized by 5:42 on Phil Kessel's neutralizing goal.  But that did little to quell the crowd.  At 15:49 of the first period the place popped when Brock Nelson's power play goal put the Islanders up by a goal.

If the second period proved anything, it is the Islanders should be fine if they play the Penguins at even strength.  But if they're going to be prone to mistakes, Pittsburgh will surely capitalize.  Just ask Ryan Pulock who was whistled for interference at the 12:30 mark.  Evgeni Malkin's PP goal at 13:41 tied the game at two.  The Penguins were 1 for 3 on the power play.

A raucous third period ensued.  Watching at home, the crowd oft times drowned out the broadcast.  The house went completely bonkers when Nick Leddy's shot from the point clanked off the left post and behind a dismayed Matt Murray giving the Isles a 3-2 lead with seven minutes left.  However, the Islanders would break one of hockey's cardinal rules by allowing a goal inside the last two minutes of a period.  The Penguins afforded themselves a man advantage when they pulled goalie Matt Murray, and sure enough at 18:31 Schultz shot from the left circle found net.

Overtime! 

But not for long, though.  At 4:39 of the fourth period, Josh Bailey brought down the house.