N.Y. Islanders: Ilya Sorokin Grounds Winnipeg Jets

From the desk: LONG ISLAND NOMADS

SATURDAY

Islanders   2

JETS          0

FINAL

Ilya Sorokin Shuts Out Winnipeg Jets; Keeps Semyon Varlamov Season Debut On Ice

With Saturday's victory over the Winnipeg Jets, the Islanders improved to 5-2-2, highlighted by wins in four of their last five contests.  That's nine games down, and four more to go during this North American-wide road trip before the Islanders finally play their first-ever match at their new home arena just off the Cross Island Parkway.

The Jets are lagging in the standings, and the Isles treated them as such.  Ilya Sorokin faced 24 shots on goal and stopped them all.  He has started all nine games this season.  Despite opening the season with two consecutive heavy-handed losses, Sorokin has since turned things on a dime, and Saturday night pitched his third shutout in his last four starts.  Ilya's teammates also blocked another 19 Winnipeg shots attempts.

All this being said, Coach Trotz seems in no rush to insert Semyon Varlamov back into the starting role, although it's understood that day is coming sooner than later.

Anders Lee scored a goal in the first game of the season against the Hurricanes.  Then went the next six games without so much recording a point.  In fact, he is still without an assist through eight games.  But at 3:12 of the first period, Anders Lee gave the Isles a 1-0 lead on a feed from Josh Baily, who together outworked the Jets to force through the game's opening tally.  

After a scoreless second period, Brock Nelson notched his team-high seventh goal just 0:47 into the third period, assisted by Adam Pelech and Kyle Palmieri.  

As noted, Ilya Sorokin took care of the rest.

After a 1-2-1 start, the Islanders are elevating back up to standard.  They have a quick turnaround with a Sunday encounter at Minnesota against the Wild.  

The schedule is indeed as much an adversary as any forthcoming opponent.  But the good teams get through it.

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 Make Statement in Game Four Victory Over Boston

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Islanders and Bruins tied: 2-2

I - BOS 5; NYI 2

II - NYI 4; BOS 3*

III - BOS 2; NYI 1*

IV - NYI 4; BOS 1

*overtime

Islanders Dictate Terms in Game Four Victory

I'm inclined to say this was the Islanders' most complete performance of the playoffs, wherein scoring, goaltending, physicality, and defense all came together.  That wasn't always the case in the first round against Pittsburgh.

Mathew Barzal now has four points in his last three games.  This, after posting just three points through the Islanders' first seven post-season games.  On Saturday, he assists on Kyle Palmieri's game-tying goal in the second period, then scores the go-ahead goal at 13:03 of the third period.  It was the first of three unanswered goals by Long Island en route to a 4-1 victory and a two-all series tie.  Casey Cizikas scored into an empty net at 18:57 and exactly one minute later, Jean-Gabriel Pageau buried his third of the playoffs.  Trade deadline acquisition Kyle Palmieri now leads the Islanders with five playoff goals. 

Boston had more shots on goal in the first period, but the Isles outshot the Bruins in both the second and third periods.  Long Island denied the Bruins any puck continuity and wind up outshooting Boston by a 35-29 margin.  Faceoffs were split down the middle at 30 apiece.  

Scott Mayfield administered some attitude adjustment to Taylor Hall, and Matt Martin squared off with Jarred Tinnordi.  Mathew Barzal even took a spear to the family jewels.  Otherwise, cross-checks and slashing were the order of the day.  All of which worked in Long Island's favor.

Tuukka Rask, simply put, is an excellent goalie.  He knows what it's like to lift the Cup.  Rask faced 32 shots, making four saves on special teams and 26 saves at even strength.  But Semyon Varlamov was a little better this game, facing 29 shots and stopping all but one.  He made nine saves on special teams, and 19 saves at even strength.

N.Y. Islanders: Long Island Blows Overtime Budget

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

Bruins lead Islanders; 2-1

I - BOS 5; NYI 2

II - NYI 4; BOS 3*

III - BOS 2; NYI 1*

*overtime

GAME FOUR

Bruins

vs.

Islanders

FROM

The Barn

Semyon Varlamov Surrenders First and Last Goal

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

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

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

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

Answer as you will.

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

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

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

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

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

Boston takes two games to one series lead.

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

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

New York Islanders Take Game Two In Overtime

From the desk: LONG ISLAND NOMADS

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

ROUND TWO

Islanders and Bruins tied; 1-1

I - BOS 5; NYI 2

II - NYI 4; BOS 3*

*overtime

Goalie Decision Still Altering Barry Trotz's Sleep Patterns

Both teams laid a lot of hits.  In fact, the Isles in game one inflicted seven more than Boston.  Physicality in this series is expected.  But if you remember, Long Island actually had to ease back on the physicality against Pittsburgh to better sync up their game.

Game one against Boston, you look at the disparity in shots on goal, then allowing two power-play goals, then just falling apart in the third period, and no one is really left wondering what happened.  

Boston centermen fired off 19 shots on goal, and three of their centermen, in particular, accounted for six assists, while three centermen each scored a goal.  Playing without Anders Lee, the Isles centermen joined together for 18 shots on goal.  Collectively they accounted for six points, and the Isles also got three goals from their centers.  That's fairly representative.

No skater for either team would post a minus-two for the game.

Tuuka Rask faced just 22 shots, allowing one even-strength goal and one on the power play.  

Meanwhile, Ilya Sorokin faces 39 shots.  He allows two power-play goals which both come very late in the period.  In the first period, David Pastrnak erases a one-goal lead with just 0:24 seconds left.  Then with the Isles trailing by two in the third, he yields a goal with 1:25 left in regulation.  He gives up three other goals at even strength.

And so, Coach Trotz spends another night with much to ponder.

For game two, Sorokin was out, and Semyon Varlamov was back in.  He faced 42 shots and stopped all but three, although it did little to avert overtime.  

Boston gets on the board at 2:38 of the first period.  But Varlamov keeps them out of the net for the rest of the first and all of the second.  Meanwhile, Long Island scores three unanswered second-period goals.  Two come on a slowly improving power play, and Kyle Palmieri tallies his fourth of the playoffs.

In a repeat of game one, the third period once again proves problematic.  Boston scores twice, sending this game into overtime.  That's when Tuuka Rask commits the mistake of a lifetime, turning over the puck, essentially handing it to Casey Cizikas, who ends the game unassisted.

The Islanders owned a slim advantage in face-offs, they increased their shots over game one, and the power play took yet another little step forward.  Physicality among both teams remains high.

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 Beat Themselves in Game Three

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

Penguins lead Islanders; 2-1

I - NYI 4; PITT 3*

II - PITT 2; NYI 1

III - PITT 5; NYI 4

Penguins Unphased By Long Island's Physicality

The Islanders continue pushing the Penguins around.  They once again outhit the Penguins by a 47-29 margin bringing the grand total through three games to 165-111 in favor of the Islanders.  This speaks of the forecheck, back-checking, and every other kind of check.  At 5:35 of the third, all decorum leaves the building.  All ten skaters have at it.  Afterwhich, the Islanders reap the benefits of Anthony Beauvillier's game-tying goal.  They even scored on the power play for a change!

But this is only getting the Islanders so far.  Most times during this series, they're playing right into Pittsburgh's hands.  They're not defending well, and, if truth be told, Semyon Varlamov played a terrible game.  Josh Baily, Anthony Beauvillier, Brock Nelson, defenseman Noah Dobson all finish with a minus-two.

Pittsburgh scored at 2:01 of the first period.  It might as well have been within the first two minutes, which, we know, is a cardinal sin.

After Scott Mayfield tied the game midway through the second, Jeff Carter put the Pens back in front exactly two and a half minutes later - that's a mistake.  Then yielding a third goal with under two minutes left in the second period is indeed a cardinal sin, much less a huge mistake.  

Early in the third, Cal Clutterbuck cut the Islanders deficit to one.  Anthony Beauvillier then ties the game at three at the 5:54 mark.  However, Clutterbuck gets whistled at 6:23 for a costly interference penalty.  On the power play, Jeff Carter does it again, scoring within forty seconds and putting Pittsburgh back in front - a mistake.  Cal Clutterbuck somewhat makes up for his indiscretion with his second goal, tying the score at four.  

At 16:24 of the third period, Branden Tanev scores the decisive goal.  That's what happens when you're playing catch-up hockey.

You might say Semyon Varlamov allowed a couple of soft goals, particularly the first.  He faces just 27 shots on goal and yields five very ill-timed goals.  Coach Trotz is now faced with making a critical goalie decision down 2-1 in the series.

And where is Mathew Barzal?

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: Capitals Claim the High Ground

From the desk: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS

WEDNESDAY

Capitals   1

Islanders  0

FINAL/SO

Swing and a Miss..!

Washington draws first blood, but it was like extracting water from a rock.  The teams may have well played this game in sand.  All that skating around got the Islanders and Capitals nowhere.  Sixty minutes of regulation time hockey and no goals in an otherwise evenly contested game.  With all things being relatively equal, the teams dueled through a scoreless overtime session as well.  

Into shootout, they went ...

Semyon Varlamov made a nifty save against T.J. Oshie.  Anthony Beauvillier cashed in at the other end against Ilya Samsonov, but Nicklas Backstrom answered.  Next up, Brock Nelson inexplicably missed wide left ( I mean wide..).  After which, Evgeny Kuznetsov ended it.  

Washington wins rights to the second point.  They finish the night with 64 points.  The Islanders, with 63 points, fall into a tie with the Penguins, who dismantled the Devils. 

No!  Washington's usual starter Vitek Vanecek did not play.  

Ilya Samsonov entered the game with a .904 SV% and 2.79 GAA through 17 appearances.  He previously allowed the Islanders six goals in a game he started back on April Fool's Day.  This time, the joke was on Long Island.  He faced 26 shots on goal and stopped them all, including 24 at even strength.  But the best save he didn't need to make came against Brock Nelson!

One cannot begrudge Semyon Varlamov.  He faced 28 shots on goal, including three on special teams.

Ironically, the last time these teams met, Brock Nelson scored the game's only goal at 13:05 of the third period.

Expect more of the same this coming Saturday, including the Isles continuing plight on the power play.

N.Y. Rangers: Young Blueshirts Lead Way Against Veteran Islanders

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

THE RIVALRY

Rangers and Islanders tied: 2-2

I - NYI 4; NYR 0

II - NYR 5; NYI 0

III - NYI 2; NYR 0

IV - NYR 4; NYI 1

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT..!! 

The up-and-coming off-Broadway city slickers trekked out to Uniondale, where they achieve a decisive and rather uplifting victory over the division's top team and their chief local rival.   

Quinn's Kids knot the season series at two but, more importantly, close within five points of fourth-place Boston.  

Meanwhile, the Islanders fall back into a first-place tie with the Washington Capitals, who, as you might expect, defeated the Buffalo Sabres.

Making his first start since Mar. 19 against the Capitals but looking far from rusty, Alexandar Georgiev was sharp as a razor's edge in earning his seventh win of the season.  He faced 32 (even strength) shots on goal and stopped all but one by Andy Greene at 14:53 of the second period.  The Islanders were afforded just one power-play opportunity in which they failed to get off a shot.

Islanders' newly acquired center Travis Zajac generated two shots on goal but was 1/4 on face-offs.  Kyle Palmieri skated a quiet 13:54 minutes and participated in Long Island's lone power play.

The Rangers actually split face-offs down the middle at 29 apiece, which for them is a good thing.  And wouldn't you know, they even mustered six more shots on goal.  If you're so willing, one might even agree Isles' physicality was outdone Friday evening by speed and, dare I say, finesse.  But you didn't get that from me ... Long Island laid 21 hits versus just twelve by the Rangers.  However, the Blueshirts peppered Semyon Varlamov with 35 even-strength shots on goal, of which three got by.

Alexis Lafreniere / Filip Chytil / Kaapo Kakko

In what many Rangers find might consider the highlight of the game, 19-year old Alexis Lafreniere opened the scoring at 6:05 of the second period on assists from 21-year old Filip Chytil and fellow 19-year old Kaapo Kakko.  If only Coach Quinn would just leave Lafreniere/Chytil/Kakko alone for stretches and let them develop chemistry together.  I understand they are young and still need a measure of protection, both physically and logistically.  More time together for the sake of familiarity is all I ask.  But here's everything you need to know - Alexis Lafreniere, to date, has seven goals.  His first five goals of the season were assisted by seven different players.  

1. vs. BUF; Colin Blackwood.
2. vs. WAS; Artemi Panarin, Anthony Bitetto.
3. vs. BUF; Pavel Buchnevich.
4. vs. NJD; Mike Jibanejad.
5. vs. WAS; Julien Gauthier, Kevin Rooney.
6. vs. PITT; Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko.
7. vs. NYI; Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko.

Low and behold, goals number six against Pittsburgh and number seven against the Islanders were assisted by Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko.  

Speaking of Kaako, his situation has been only somewhat different than that of Lafreniere.  Artemi Panarin has assisted on three of Kakko's six goals, and Ryan Strome and Philip DiGiuseppe assisted on two each.  Which is to say Kakko has experienced a little more stability and consistency insofar as linemates.  Otherwise, similar to Lafreniere, seven different players have assisted on Kaako's six goals, and Filip Chytil was one of them.  He assisted on Kaapo's first goal this season back in January against the Islanders, but not since, and for that, I blame Quinn.  Let the results speak for themselves.

Cycling back to the game ...

Roughly four minutes later, Colin Blackwell netted his twelfth of the season on Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome's assists.  Midway through the third period, 21-year old K'Andre Miller scored on assists from fellow blueliner Jacob Trouba and Panarin's second for the game.  Mika Zibanejad then closed out the scoring into an empty net with 1:12 left in regulation.

Zibanejad, to date, has quietly amassed 31 points in 40 games played.  After scoring just six points over his first 19 games of the season, Mika has since scored 25 points in his last 21 games.

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.

Hockey Night in Metropolis: Rangers and Islanders Up; Sabres and Devils Down

From the desk: RAISE GRESCHER WITH THE GREATS

TUESDAY

Buffalo   2

Manhattan 3

FINAL

Eight Avenue - Like I've been saying, face-offs mean possession; possession means shots on goal.  The Blueshirts lost the face-off battle 26-18 and were behind in shots on goal 24-29 to Buffalo.  Just so happens that Kevin Rooney was 0/6 on face-offs.  However, the Rangers get away with it because they're playing the beleaguered Sabres.  Otherwise, the Rangers have two players getting into a groove at the same time.  Chris Kreider scores his fifth goal in the last four games bringing him to ten goals in 20 games, and Alexis Lafreniere scores his third goal of the season for his third point in his last three games.  Perhaps still motivated (pissed off) when he got bumped off the first line, Pavel Buchnevich led the team with four shots and notched his sixth goal with an assist for two points, giving him seven points in his last seven games.

Out of 20 regular-season games, Igor Shesterkin has starter twelve and appeared in 13 games.  So we're beginning to get a clearer picture in which direction Coach Quinn (or management, or both) is leaning.  He stopped 22/24 shots against Buffalo and now owns a .932 Sv% and a 2.52 GAA.

You might say Buffalo lost this game right out of the gate and simply failed to make up ground.  Buchnevich scored just 0:28 seconds into the game, assisted by Adam Fox and point-starved Mika Zibanejad.  But the Rangers were guilty of the "two-minute sin" as well when Sam Reinhart scored a mere 27-seconds later.  Alexis Lafreniere then set Buffalo back at the 2:36 mark of the first period.  Chris Kreider put the Rangers ahead 3-1 at the 9:32 mark of the second.  Tobias Rieder cut the deficit to one at the 16:21 mark, but the Sabres would creep no closer.  The teams skated through a scoreless third period en route to a 3-2 final.

Filip Chytil is back!  Thank goodness.

For the Rangers, their fourth win in their last six, and for the Sabres, their fourth loss in a row and fifth in the last six.

🏒

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

TUESDAY

Uniondale 2

Newark    1

FINAL

Across the Hudson - A close game considering the Devils - much like the Rangers - are young and upcoming, rebuilding, with a head coach starting to rub people the wrong way.  Whereas the Islanders are a band of tough established veterans in winnow mode.  What do both teams have in common?  They have vastly superior centermen than the New York Rangers.

I digress ...

The Islanders did what they do, grind, confound, and outlast you.  After two scoreless periods, the Isles finally began wearing on the Devils.  Have stick will find - team assists leader Nick Leddy fed Oliver Wahlstrom at the 1:10 mark of the third period to open the scoring; Jean Gabriel-Pageau had the secondary assist.  Then at 7:51, the Isles strike again.  Anders Lee converts on feeds from Andy Greene and Mathew Barzal.

Miles Woods ruined the shutout with 0:14 left in regulation.  Wood had a team-high five shots on goal.  The Buffalo, New York, native now has seven goals and eleven points through 18 games.  Making just his second start for Newark, goalie Aaron Dell faced just 20 shots, stopping all but two.  Meanwhile, the Devils mounted 29 shots on goal against Semyon Varlamov, who stopped all but one.  He made seven saves on the penalty kill.  Thus the Devils wound up 0/4 on the power play.  But you can't kill Jersey for lack of ... anything, really.  The effort and opportunities were there.

🏒

And now, for the Centermen of Attention:

• BUF: ten SOG; two goals; one assist; three points.
• NYR: five SOG; no goals; one assist; one point.
• NJD: five SOG; no goals; one assist; one point.
• NYI: eight SOG; one goal; two assists; three points.

Rangers vs. Islanders: Local Rivals Reconvene Hostilities

From the desks: RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS & NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

LONG ISLAND WAS HERE

OPENING NIGHT

(1-0) Islanders   4

(0-1) Rangers     0

FINAL

Sure, allowing an early power-play goal in the first game of the season against your local rival can be somewhat deflating.  But two goals within 1:19 of each other, inside the first four minutes of the game?

And so, the 2020-2021 season begins ...

Igor Shesterkin's night only got worse.  Mathew Barzal scored the Islanders' third goal of the first period.  While on the power play in the second period, Anders Lee scored his second goal of the game, giving Long Island a comfortable 4-0 lead.  From then on, it was merely a matter of keeping the young Rangers in their playpen.  Igor Shesterkin faced 33 shots and made 29 saves, allowing two power-play goals and two at even strength.  At the other end of the ice, Semyon Varlamov faced just 24 shots by the Rangers, stopping them all for the shutout.  The Rangers' shot total is a direct result of affording the Islanders eight power-play opportunities.  The Islanders also dominated face-offs by a 30-21 margin.  Mika Zibanejad, who battled COVID, led the Rangers in shifts and with five shots on goal.  No other Ranger exceeded two shots on goal.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

(1-1) Islanders   0

(1-1) Rangers     5

FINAL

RUGRATS BREAK OUT OF PLAYPEN; ROLL THE ISLES

Then with a flip of a switch, the Rangers roll the Islanders in likewise fashion on Saturday.  This time, the Isles afford the Rangers seven PP opportunities, who convert once in the third period.  Conversely, the Rangers limit the Islanders to four opportunities.  The Islanders still won face-offs 31-25, but unlike Thursday, the Rangers could play even strength hockey and put more shots on goal.  Pavel Buchnevich sent an early message with an opening goal at the 2:12 mark of the first.  Artemi Panarin made it a 2-0 game midway through the period.  Buchnevich scored his second goal in the second period, and youngster Kaapo Kakko scored his first.  Panarin capped off the Rangers scoring in the third also with his second goal of the game.  The play in goal was similarly like night and day.  Alexandar Georgiev makes a start.  He faces 23 shots and stops them all for the shutout.  But unlike Thursday, the Rangers played far more competently in front of Georgiev than they did for Igor Shesterkin.  The Islanders also gave Semyon Varlamov the night off, electing to give 25-year old Ilya Sorokin the start.

🏒

N.Y. Islanders: Deep-Sixed

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning defeat Islanders; 4-2

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

II - TBL 2; NYI 1

III - NYI 5; TBL 3

IV - TBL 4; NYI 3

V - NYI 2; TBL 1**

VI - TBL 2' NYI 1*

** double-overtime

* overtime

Why bother breaking down game six and rehashing things like Cal Clutterbuck hitting the post and things of that nature.  Why not focus instead on the fact Clutterbuck was the Islanders best center in game six.

Through six games shots on goal were a lopsided 213-165 in favor of the Bolts.  Some of that has to do with Barry Trotz' system, some has to do with Tampa, the rest has to do with any given five skaters on the ice.  On average the Bolts take eight more shots per game.  Thus the Islanders through six games get outscored by a 20-12 margin.  Omit game one and the Bolts still outscore the Isles by a 12-10 margin.

Blue liners Ryan McDonagh and Victor Hedman were definite thorns in the Islanders side.  Their respective pinching efforts impacted the series.  But the Lightning, simply put, win four games with center Brayden Point on the ice, and lose two when he's not on the ice.  Through seventeen games played, Point has nine goals and sixteen assists.  In 22 games Brock Nelson scores nine goals with nine assists and Mathew Barzal posts five goals and twelve assists over the same number of games.  Does the difference in this series between Tampa and Long Island lie in the Islanders having Jean-Gabriel Pageau at center instead of John Tavares?

Maybe, maybe not ...

Otherwise, neither team does themselves any favors on the power play.  Tampa goes 4/21, but if you subtract three PP goals from game one, the Bolts are just 1/15 with the man advantage.  Long Island fares no better, going 2/19 in six games.

Both Semyon Varlamov and Robin Lehner both bow out of the final four.  Through twenty games and nineteen starts, Varlamov wraps up business with a .921SV% and a 2.14 GAA.  Robin Lehner, who will likely sign an extension with Las Vegas, plays sixteen games while posting a .917SV% and 1.99 GAA.  The difference between the two seems negligible.  Did Lou Lamoriello make the right choice?  It's too close to call, besides, Andrei Vaslievskiy outperformed them both.  He has started every game for Tampa since entering the bubble.  Through nineteen games he owns a .931SV% and a 1.82 GAA. 

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 Pushed to the Brink of Elimination

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning lead Isles; 3-1

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

II - TBL 2; NYI 1

III - NYI 5; TBL 3

IV - TBL 4; NYI 1

Onus Now on Goalie Semyon Varlamov to Steal Game Five 

The Islanders spend the first half of game four playing their style of hockey.  They're finally rewarded when Brock Nelson finds net unassisted at 11:27 of the second period.  But after the ensuing face-off Long Island comes apart like wet toilet paper.  A mere fifteen seconds after Nelson's goal, Tampa's Blake Coleman ties the game.  Just twelve seconds later Ondrej Palat puts the Lightning ahead for good.  The Lightning add goals early and late in the third period en route to a 4-1 victory.

The Islanders go another 0 for 3 on the power play and are now just 1/14 for the series.  Tampa dominates face-offs 34-21 and out-shoot the Isles by a 36-27 margin.  In other words Long Island has no answer for the Lightning over the final half of the game.

Tampa has centers Brayden Point and Alex Killorn back on the ice but the Islanders are officially without center Casey Cizikas who did not play game three and has now exited the bubble.

The Islanders appear slow and neglectful on defense.  But if I'm picking one game out of four wherein the net minder needed to save the day, this was it.  Blake Coleman plays through a feeble poke-check attempt by Semyon Varlamov for Tampa's first goal.

Long Island has identified a roof top weakness in Andrei Vasilevskiy's game but aren't getting the requisite numbers of shots on net.  Last two games Tampa has unleashed 72 shots on goal (back-to-back games of 30+ shots on goal), while the Islanders muster 62 shots and are held under 30 shots for the third time this series.

• Andrei Vasilevskiy: 4 games; 114 SOG; 106 Saves; 8 Goals; .930SV%
• Semyon Varlamov: 4 games; 118 SOG; 105 Saves; 13 Goals; .914SV%

The Islanders are actually getting good opportunities.  But Vasilevskiy has other plans.  At the other end, it seems as if Varlamov is back in regular season form. 

• Varlamov: regular season .914 SV%; post-season .914SV%.
• Vasilevskiy: regular season .917 SV%; post-season .930SV%.

Advantage Tampa.

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: Zapped Again

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning lead Isles; 2-0

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

II - TBL 2; NYI 1

When Lightning Strikes the Same Place Twice

This is the type of game the Islanders wanted to play, proving game one was an aberration.  They had everything going their way.  Tampa enters the game with eleven forwards and seven blue liners.  Midway through the second period the Bolts were playing with only nine forwards - no Steven Stamkos; no Brayden Point; no Alex Killorn.  Long Island yields just 21 shots on goal.  They keep Tampa scoreless in three power play opportunities.  The Isles win more face-offs and inflict more overall hits.  And they play with an early lead.  Matt Martin scores at the 1:24 mark of the opening period.  After which, the Isles spend upwards of twelve minutes in Tampa's end to start the game. 

At 5:55 of the first, Alex Killorn is called for a five minute major and a game misconduct for his vicious boarding of Brock Nelson.  The Isles get off five shots on goal but come up empty.

By the eight minute mark Tampa appears to be recovering from Long Island's opening surge.  But the Isles veto that and continue applying pressure.  Midway through Long Island owns an 11-3 advantage in shots on goal.  At 13:54 Ryan Pulock is whistled for tripping.  The Isles kill the penalty without allowing a single shot on goal.  It's part of a ten minute stretch in which the Islanders prevent the Bolts from taking a single shot.  Once out of the box, Pulock continues covering Brayden Point like a blanket, clearing the way for Mathew Barzal being the best centerman on the ice.

COMMITTING CARDINAL SIN of HOCKEY NUMBER ONE:

In the closing moments of the first period the Isles are called for a ponderous icing infraction.  The stripes clearly get this one wrong.  Back in their end the Isles lose the ensuing face-off.  Victor Hedman, there's that name again, scores with 1:34 showing on the clock.

COMMITTING CARDINAL SIN of HOCKEY NUMBER TWO:

The score remains unchanged for the next forty-four minutes and fourteen seconds.  Tampa does not achieve their tenth SOG of the game until the fourteen minute mark in the second.  But then, Long Island commits a defensive zone turnover.  At 19:51 of the third an uncontested Nikita Kucherov beats Semyon Varlamov; the Lightning lead 2-1; overtime averted. 

Assist by Ryan McDonagh ... a hard cross-ice pass from deep down along the left boards that goes untouched by three defenders.  Kucherov was positioned and waiting the whole time.

For two fleeting moments in time the Islanders slept on Tampa and it cost them dearly.  For a second straight game Ryan McDonagh proves Long Island's phantom menace.  Tampa is being aggressive on the pinch.  Tampa is known to interweaves a forward through the defensemen in order to facilitate just that; no big secret.  But the Islanders are letting McDonagh get lost in the crowd.  McDonagh is alone and free and more than happy to assist.

And so the Islanders had everything going for them except the final score.

They certainly had their chances, many chances in fact.  However, they go 0 for 4 on the power play; costly was their inability to score during a five minute major to Killorn.  But more than anyone, Tampa goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy deserves all three game stars.  Just hand em over.  He has started all fifteen games for Tampa since the NHL's return to action.  In game two he faces 28 shots and stops all but one.  Another way of looking at it: he yields a goal 1:24 into the opening period then shuts out the Islanders the rest of the way.

Tampa also seemed to have it in for Brock Nelson who suffers not one but two major boarding incidents, only the second period infraction goes uncalled.

Otherwise, never allow a goal in the first two minutes or last two minutes of any period!

I still say a 2-1 series deficit is manageable.  But the Islanders must now win game three or else be faced with having to sweep the final four.  Winning four of the next five .. not out of the question.