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 Impose Their Will Upon Boston Bruins

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
PLAYOFFS: ROUND TWO

Islanders defeat Bruins; 4-2

I - BOS 5; NYI 2

II - NYI 4; BOS 3*

III - BOS 2; NYI 1*

IV - NYI 4; BOS 1

V - NYI 5; BOS 4

VI - NYI 6; BOS 2

*overtime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was a sound series victory over the Bruins.

Nuf ced.

N.Y. Islanders 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.

Penguins Outlast Long Islanders in Battle of the Net Minders

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Islanders and Penguins Tied; 1-1

I - NYI 4; PITT 3*

II - PITT 2; NYI 1

Penguins Neutralizing Islanders Physicality

Truth be told, this outcome could have been worse.  Semyon Varlamov was that good.  In fact, he was rather brilliant.  Semyon went from being questionable on Monday to stopping 43 of 45 shots on goal but allowing nothing over the final 48:53 minutes of the game.

Should Coach Trotz have stuck with Ilya Sorokin?  That's academic.  Both goalies through two games have proven their worth.  

This is more about Islanders forwards putting pucks in the net.  

Long Island continues bringing the physicality, outhitting the Penguins by a 118-84 margin.  Case in point: the fourth line opened the game against Sidney Crosby's line; Jake Guentzel got knocked on his posterior; when Pittsburgh crashed the net, Matt Martin and company quickly expressed their displeasure; and Oliver Wahlstrom vs. Kris Letang almost became a thing. 

Yet, the Penguins still own a 63-57 advantage in face-offs and an 87-79 edge in shots on goal.  Meanwhile, both teams remain scoreless on the power play - nothing new for the Islanders.  

Pittsburgh's Bryan Rust scored unassisted just 3:30 into the first period.  The backbreaker came roughly ten minutes later when Jeff Carter made it a 2-0 game.  At 14:41 of the second, Josh Baily closes the Islanders' gap to one.  But that's all there was.  

I guess we say Pittsburgh's Tristan Jarry was just as good as Varlamov and maybe better.  After yielding three regulation goals and losing game one in overtime, he faces 38 shots on goal on Tuesday, stopping all but one.

Mathew Barzal ... where are you?

Casey Cizikas, Adam Pelech, and Ryan Pulock were each minus-two for the game, joined by Matt Martin and youngster Oliver Wahlstrom each with a minus-one.

N.Y. Islanders: Major Letdown Theater

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Capitals lead Islanders; 5-2

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

VI - WAS 1l NYI 0

VII - WAS 6; NYI 3

Islanders Lose Second Straight at Home

No Ovechkin, no problem ...

The showdown that was supposed to be has turned into a major letdown.

Washington doubled up the Islanders 6-3 in the second game of their three-game set.  

The Caps already led 2-0 halfway through the first period.  Anthony Beauvillier scored an unassisted power-play goal at the 14:28 mark.  Adam Pelech then tied it at 7:37 of the second period on a shorthanded goal, again unassisted.  

However, Washington answered right back with goals at 12:21 by Nic Dowd, and at 14:46 by Daniel Sprong.  Before the period was through, Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored on a power-play at the 17:12 mark bringing the Isles within one.  

But two more unanswered goals in the third gave the Capitals six even-strength goals for the game.  Making his 18th appearance, Ilya Sorokin faced 30 shots, all at even strength.  This is his fifth regulation time loss against twelve victories. 

The Islanders afforded the Capitals just one power-play opportunity.  Josh Bailey, Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin, and Anthony Beauvillier were all minus-3 for the game.

That makes two home losses in a row for the Islanders and their fifth loss in seven tries against the Capitals.  Long Island trails Washington by one point in the East standings.  They meet one last time on Tuesday.

 

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: 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 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.

Hockey Night in New York State: Rangers Centermen Do Not Stack Up Against Next Door Neighbors

From the desk: HOCKEY NIGHT IN NEW YORK STATE

TUESDAY

Devils      5

Rangers   3

FINAL

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

On Jan.19, the Devils went into MSG and defeated the Rangers, 4 to 3.  After five games and upwards of seventeen players getting scrubbed due to COVID, Newark returns to the ice at MSG on Tuesday, where they again defeated the Rangers, this time by a 5-3 final margin of victory.  It's like they never left the ice.

Nico Hischier is still out, and Jack Hughes was rather unproductive with no shots on goal through 21 shifts and 18:59 minutes of ice time.  The rest is just bad news for Rangers fans.  Four other Devils centermen accounted for ten of Newark's 36 shots on net, with three assists and two goals.  Novice center Janne Kuokkanen assisted on three goals.  Playing in his tenth game, center Pavel Zacha scored his third goal and notched his fifth point.  

By comparison, Mika Zibanejad has now played 14 games and is stuck at three points despite skating the team's most shifts and minutes.  Kevin Rooney played the least minutes (13:24) of the five Rangers centermen.  The point being, together, the futile five accounted for eleven shots on goal, one goal by Colin Blackwell, and one assist from Brett Howden.

• NET RESULT: Five points by Devils centermen; two points by Rangers centermen.

TUESDAY

Islanders   3

Sabres        0

FINAL

Don't look now, but it appears the Islanders are straightening themselves out.  On back-to-back nights, the Long Islanders take two straight from the Sabres at Buffalo.  After losing five straight, they are now winners of five of their last six games.

But this is still more about the Rangers than the Islanders - although I invite Isles fans to revel in our misery.  That said, Long Island centermen accounted for ten shots on net, with three goals and three assists.  Josh Bailey had two assists, Anders Lee scored two goals, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau had one goal and one assist.

If you go back, Tuesday was a near mirror image of Monday's game.  Islanders centermen accounted for 13 shots on net, with three goals and three assists.  That means in two games at Buffalo, Isles centermen accounted for 23 shots, six goals, and six assists.

• All Rangers Centers: 12 goals; 10 assists; 22 points.
• Mathew Barzal & Jean-Gabriel Pageau: 12 goals; 13 assists; 25 points.

Revived New York Islanders Short Circuit Bolts in Game Three

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning lead Isles; 2-1

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

II - TBL 2; NYI 1

III - NYI 5; TBL 3

THE LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR MOOD MANAGEMENT WELCOMES YOU

What's a Long Islander to do when the opposition shows up for work a few forwards short of a dozen?  You forecheck the crap out of whoever is left.  I do not say that facetiously.  The Lightning were forced to play five different forwards in excess of eighteen minutes each.  They might as well have had "Tenderize Me" stitched on the back of their jerseys.

Tampa is making a big mistake if they're trying to raise the physicality of this series instead of what worked for them in game one: dump and chase and speed to the puck.  Time and again in game one they made Islanders defensemen turn their backs and skates towards the boards.  Lately, not so much.

And there's the rub ...

Coming off the Flyers series, who said the Islanders would need a few games before they get their skates under them?  Who predicted the Isles would be down 2-1 after three games?  And who said they'd be better for it?

Thank you very much, although the latter remains to be seen.

Game two was very much an Islander type game.  But they blinked, twice, and Lightning struck.  It goes like that sometimes.  Make no mistake: the Islanders are feeling good again .. and feisty.  Game three's boxscore says Tampa out-hit the Islanders by a 66-42 margin.  You can believe that if you like.  After all, numbers don't lie.  But if you watched, you know that's not what happened.  Long Island makes up for a disparity in hits via several scrums.  Moreover, Matt Martin exacts a measure of revenge upon Barclay Goodrow on behalf of Brock Nelson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau gives Nikita Kucherov a much needed attitude adjustment.  On a more clandestine level, Long Island also keeps a closer eye on Ryan McDonagh.

If the Islanders let one get away in game two, they slammed the door shut on game three.  Not before Tampa nearly takes over this game, proving once again they can outscore mistakes and in this instance a shortage of available skaters.  The Lightning overcome a 3-1 deficit with two goals in the third period.  But the reinvigorated Islanders strike back.  Brock Nelson scores at 16:35 assisted by Anthony Beaulliviere and Josh Bailey.  At 19:24 Jean-Gabriel Pageau scores into an empty net.

The Islanders finally break through Andrei Vasilevskiy with four goals on 35 shots.  Semyon Varlamov faces 37 shots and makes 34 saves.  But he plays much better than the numbers indicate.

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: 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.

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.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: Kyle Okposo's Four Goals TKO Penguins

From the desk of:  BROOKLYN'S FOSTER HOCKEY TEAM

Metropolitan Division

1st   NYI    30-16-1  61-points

2nd  PITT  26-11-6  58-points

New York Islanders: Kyle Okposo's 4 goals elevate team to the 60-point club; take 3-point lead over Penguins in Metropolitan Division standings.

The Isles remain in 1st place of the Metropolitan Division 
over the Pittsburgh Penguins,
and lead the Eastern Conference by 1-point over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

They're also the first Eastern Conference team to reach 30 victories this season.

Look what the Islanders did to the Penguins, again!

After losing to the Pens in their first meeting of the season, the Islanders have now rolled Pittsburgh in their last three meetings to take outright ownership of the Metropolitan Division.

Despite a pair of goals from Sidney Crosby, and with Bryan Trottier in the building, Long Island overcame a 2-0 1st period deficit on Kyle Okposo goal in the first, and with Ryan Strome's game tying goal midway through the 2nd.  But, Sidney Crosby struck with just 0:05 left in the 2nd to put the Pens ahead again 3-2.

The third period then turned into Kyle Okposo's personal showcase.  He tied the game at three with his second goal at the 6:41 mark.  At the 11:51 mark, Okposos's go-ahead goal capped off a natural hat trick.  But, he wasn't through.  At the 17:29 mark, his fourth goal of the evening, and 12th of the season, came on an Islanders power play.

This was the first hat trick of his career.  Kyle scored 4 times in 6 shots on goal.

Michael Grabner scored into an empty net to give the Islanders a 6-3 victory over the stunned Penguins.

John Tavares and Josh Bailey registered 3 assists apiece.

Both teams threw their bodies around in this game.  Defenseman Simon Despres led the Pens with 8 hits, while Islanders blue liner Johnny Boychuk levied 5 hits.  Long Island's crash lines made a clear difference.  Pittsburgh's Zack Sill and David Perron led with 5 hits each, while Matt Martin issued 8 hits, and Cal Clutterbuck 7 hits.

The Islanders have now won four straight games.

*Goalie Jaroslav Halak will join John Tavares at the NHL all-star game.



Mike