CAROLINA 4, ISLANDERS 3
The DP-is-down-and-can-u-bleve-60-shots? recap
11:10 pm, The NVMC - The recap from Uniondale after a raucously-entertaining 4-3 Carolina win that also included Rick DiPietro leaving after the first period with an undisclosed injury.
The Game: Despite out-shooting and out-chancing Carolina by a huge margin, the Islanders make four big mistakes that lead to four Carolina goals. Besides that, the Islanders did everything but win. Doug Weight’s penalty shot with 0.7 seconds left is stopped by Cam Ward to save the ‘Canes victory and deny the Islanders at least one point.
Power Play: Carolina 0-3, Islanders 1-8.
Shots on goal: Islanders 60, Carolina 28.
The No. 1 Story - Down 2-0 after the first period despite his team out-shooting Carolina 17-12, Islanders coach Scott Gordon pulled Rick DiPietro to start the second in favor of Joey MacDonald. The two goals were not good – the first was on a bad giveaway down the center of the ice – but Gordon’s move was shocking.
After the game, Gordon said DiPietro was pulled because he was not healthy enough to continue. DiPietro watched the rest of the game from the bench.
The No. 2 Story: The Islanders are becoming a reverse-big-play team. While they work hard and create tons of opportunities in one end, they commit huge gaffes that continue to end up in the back of their net.
The No. 3 Story: Scott Gordon is right to point out that elements of the Islanders’ game are working well. While the fan base is just as right to be irritated by the 2-5 record, Gordon needs to continue to sell his ideas in the locker room.
Post-Game Sound
Scott Gordon – (On the 60 shots and countless scoring chances) “Like I told our guys, ‘That’s the way it can be.’ It was good to see the team have success on the shot clock. The difference was the goaltender (Ward).” Gordon also said his team drawing 8 power plays was an encouraging sign.
Rick DiPietro - Declined to discuss injury (see other blog entry). He described the first Carolina goal, off his giveaway, as “a bad play.”
Doug Weight (on his penalty shot) - “(Ward) came out like 10-12 feet. I tried to put it high-glove. With the ice conditions, I just wanted to get off a good shot. Those were some of the worst ice conditions I’ve ever seen. He made a better save than I did a shot.”
3 Standout Islanders:
Nate Thompson: Maximized his 7:43 of ice. Big bomb of a check led to Freddy Meyer goal that made it 2-1 early second and then dropped the gloves with Tim Gleason his next shift. That’s what Gordon was talking about.
Chris Campoli: When Niclas Wallin wanted to kill Doug Weight after the veteran Islander nailed Brandon Sutter with an open-ice hit that likely left Brent’s kid concussed, Campoli - cranky shoulder(s) and all – did not hesitate to stand in for Weight. We love that stuff. He also played 24 minutes in his second game back.
Mark Streit: This guy’s a much better player than we (and maybe a lot of people) thought. A very bright spot in a 2-5 start.
What We Learned Tonight:
- Kyle Okposo and Jeff Tambellini each need to score a goal…somehow…badly.
- The Islanders have already blocked more shots in the first seven games this season than they did in the last 20 last season. Officially they were credited with 18 tonight, but they had a lot more.
- Carolina’s wide-open play up 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2 was entertaining, but kinda crazy. We’re all for it.
- Cam Ward’s good. His exclusion from the Three Stars must have been human error.
Game Rating (out of 5 stars): 4.5 - Plenty of shots, real scoring opportunities, great goaltending, a real live fight and a penalty shot with 0.7 seconds left. Energy. Passion. Heartbreak. Chili. Very entertaining.
Islanders Performance: 3.0 - The Islanders did so much well, but it did not add up to anything except a third straight loss at home.
Event Rating: 2.5 - Fairly standard fare. The kids dig that Gatlin gun/T-shirt sprayer. Letting the fans pick the Islanders enter song via text is neat. (Ironically, the Fratelli’s “Chelsea Dagger” – the choice of many PB commenters for a goal celebration song – was one of the nominees).
Attendance: 11,219.
Just Keeping it..Ya Know: Not in the words of The Piano Man, that’s not a pretty good crowd for a Saturday.
Statsheet Notables: Bill Guerin, 22:10 and 10 shots; Mark Streit, 27:19, 6 shots, even and 3 blocked shots; Bruno Gervais, 14:19 and minus-2; Kyle Okposo, 12:39 and one shot; Sean Bergenheim, 12:22 and 7 shots; Doug Weight, 23:46; Mr. Ward, 57 saves.
Just Sayin’: We really hope the DiPietro injury non-announcements are for good reason, because it’s ticking off the fanbase a lot more than the media.
Point/Counterpunch: Prior to Islanders-Hurricanes, the Devils and Flyers just completely beat the hell out of each other in a Philadelphia 4:00 start. Thanks to a PB Commenter for pointing out this story on the current state of fighting in the NHL. The Islanders are the only team in their division that currently do not employ an enforcer.
Scouts in Attendance: Phoenix, Montreal, Detroit.
Islanders Press Coverage: from Newsday – Greg Logan and Katie Strang. Dan Martin of the Post and Peter Botte of the Some Days Daily News.
Bizarre Press Release of the Night: The one from the NHL about Boston and Atlanta having to switch ends mid-third period out of fairness because of “incorrect markings” on the West end of the ice. The release went on to say “the ice sheet will be replaced prior to the Bruins next home game.”
Ex-Isle Stunner: Jason Blake, healthy scratch. Not a match made in hockey heaven with Ron Wilson, you wouldn’t think.
The Goal Song, Take 4: Jim Baumbach of The Final Score blogged yesterday that he really likes it, he really, really likes it. When the Islanders scored their third goal tonight, most everyone joined in.
Next Up: The Islanders host the Broadway Blueshirts on Monday at 7:05 pm. Tickets still available.
Oh Yeah, And…The team unveils its new-old Third jerseys Uniforms on Monday at 5:00 pm for members of the Islanders Business Club and throughout the night all over the Coliseum concourse for everyone else. Except for some minor alterations (to us, maybe not to you), it appears to be what’s been all over the hockey blogosphere for the last several months.
The Lineup
Park – Comrie – Okposo
Bergenheim - Weight – Guerin
Tambellini – Nielsen – Hunter
Sim - Thompson – Hilbert
Campoli - Streit
Hillen – Meyer
Pock - Gervais
DiPietro
MacDonald
Open up about the game. Do it all in Comments.
29 Responses to CAROLINA 4, ISLANDERS 3
The DP-is-down-and-can-u-bleve-60-shots? recap
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kevin says:
still tho it was awsome
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TuxTax says:
I think the concern would be stopping the brain farts.
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Chris TMC says:
I enjoyed the game… much better than the last one.
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Brian B says:
Hey CB…
The Park, Comrie, Okposo lline seems non existent to me. Comrie has a unique ability to just disappear in the course of the game, and when he does get the puck he seems to confuse his teammates more than th opposition by holding on to it too long…and he doesn’t seem to like to shoot the puck.
I know its early but do they need to make a change…Okposo doesn’t seem to be getting many opportunities.
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Mike says:
C.B. – can’t be to surprised at the attendence, 15 years of rebuilding without results are really starting to show at the box office. I think the fans need something positive to belive in.
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toorude says:
rick is killing us – sometimes his ego really out does his own talents. not what this team needs righ now. i wish he was smart enough to control his desire to be an offensive contributor. we win this game tonight with a traditional conservative goalie.
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"The Dissillusioned Brian" in VA says:
Must have been a nice finish. When I was driving to watch PSU I listened to XM and it was 2-0. At that time we were getting heavily outplayed. Then we through the everything but the ktchen sick at Cam. Didn’t catch these last two periods. Guess its fair to say DP is starting to become the Chad Pennington of the NHL. No disrepect to Chad as he is a good guy and smart QB. I think we should starting thinking about replacing DP in the next couple of years. Can you say insurance buyout clause? Stephan Ridderwall best get primed and ready… Anyways a nice game by our boys 60 shots! The standings say we are DEADLAST in the NHL. OH WELL!
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Volek93 says:
CB, great job on the site – really enjoy getting the truth about what’s going on – hard as it may be from this organization.
Much better effort tonight. . Don’t really understand some of Gordon’s line combinations, though. Also seemed like way too much ice team for Tambellini and Nielsen. Would have liked Nate Thompson to get more ice time tonite – he really had it all going.
Why not play Richard Park with Kyle Okposo? The Comeau – Park – Okposo line was the Isles best towards the end of last season.
At least a little optimism heading into Monday night.
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Dont really agree, Brian- Okposo has gotten some opportunities, he just isnt looking very good when he does. But he’s still a lil baby, he will get the hang of it.
We need to remember to have some patience and throw all this “Ive had enough patience, fifteen years, blah blah blah” out the frickin window. Guys like Kyle were in preschool the last time the Isles went deep in the playoffs, it isnt fair to act like we have already showed “enough” patience, because like it or not the patience you showed with other players in other eras with other coaches and other GMs simply doesnt count anymore.
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Joe says:
Hillen proved he isn’t ready for the NHL, Tambellini continues to be useless, Gervais has been bad lately. Its sad that this team cant bury the puck. At least Thompson showed up.
Another stat- this team was outhit 25-16, maybe they should play a little more physical.
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based on the level of talent -tonights effort might be the best we get – the best we are capable of. some nights a few pucks might bounce a bit more our way – but these guys cant finish and its not an issue of bad luck – we just dont have any real goal scorers.
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rickistrash says:
DUBIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Boy did I love my man Dubie! If we had him I’d say we would be in pretty good shape BUT the “China Prima Donna” who is way OVERRATED didn’t like him being his backup said GET RID OF HIM to the PUPPET and of course they agreed, can’t get the franchise DUD upset… I really can’t stand the prima donna. He once snubbed me at Champions (I just said keep your head up Rick) when he was “bit**y” about being Ozzie’s back up! Hey prima donna your just not that good!
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Strummer's Army says:
I saw progress tonight overall.
It will be a season of getting better as the year goes on.
Anyone see Brashear jump and take advantage of the rookie Bognosian from ATL? Brashear is such a scumb bag. Don’t think he won’t do that to anyone on the Isles too.I think we should all file a class action law suit against the Islanders for false advertising. I watched their 2008 ad and I see a ton of hard hitting and fighting. LOL I think I’ll just keep replaying the add.
Anyway, if you look at the Isles current roster and the depth at the wing with guys like Josenu, Petrov, Figren, Rashanski and numerous others that should be NHL ready in the next couple years it becomes pretty apparent even with the older guys parting way with the team that there is just not room for all.
What young forward do you guys think won’t work out for the Isles. Money seems to be on Tambelleni or Comeu (all of a sudden). I think Comeu will learn his lesson about staying in shape and be fine. So I think Tambelleni eventually gets traded. I also think Snow cleans house with the older guys at the deadline.
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Andrew says:
nah, please. he’s just hurt. he’ll get healthy, and be back to being rick dipietro. its still really early in the season people.
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Oh, its just that guy says:
no we should sue them for violating our damn rights! start a damn class action suit! the islanders are giving us, their fans cruel and unsual punishment!!!!!!!!!!!
goddamnit, we suck! maybe we should all scream that after we get scored on (and its happening a lot)
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beatlebailey says:
When will we hear from Garth on the injury policy??..does he realize that after his diminishing fan base stops being angry over this they will stop caring….tick tock here we come hamilton!..
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what does being rick dipietro mean? How good was he when he was healthy?…can you name a more overhyped player who has accomplished exactly nothing yet is spoken about like an all-star (one token appearance not withstannding and he couldnt stay healthy for that??…please let’s let ricky lead a team to a playoff series victory before we call him a top 10 goalie…
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and let’s not blame the team in front of him..it was obvious how good luongo was on crappy florida teams…
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playoff victory?
not any time soon buddy
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Loungo still isn’t that good. Remember he has been traded twice. Loungo is a better then average goalie but not top 5 in the NHL. I’d put him in top 10 for sure. I never liked Loungo’s personality.
Rick is an excellent goalie. He has played behind the worst defense in the NHL for most of his career. Most of his injuries are a result of having to do too much to compensate for the horrible defense and because the d is small and soft guys running him and diving on the back of his head. Snow’s philosophy is to have Rick Compensate for the defene but it should be he ices the best defense he can to maximize the strength of the team which is Rick.
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luango had a crappy team so his stats were bad so its not like he was awsome. volek, agree with tambs but neilson has looked solid in preseason and this year. also, park is playing with okposo. i think okposo should be with another power forward like guerin or hunter
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Chris,
Nice touch on the Lubyanka Prison pic. Made me laugh. We used to do creative stuff at Okposo Net. I said used to…
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Pride-N- Passion NYI Hockey~ says:
well writen blog tonight CB good points & minor spin;)
quick observation, i meant to get back to you on….
Bruno Gervais is rounding into what kind of defence-men?
CB.
I have not seen this offensive defencmen they thought might be for 2+ seasons now,Nor can i candidly say without a small “sarcastic grin”…
That Bruno Gervais is rouding into an all around defensive defecnemen!
Still soft , still afraid to man up in front of the net & and absolutely feras the puck when standing on the oppositions blue line… when he does shoot very rarely any accuracy or velocity!
Small Glimpses of Talent in Gervais , on The Island….
Yet NO CONSISTENCEY!!
Change of scenery off of the Island may do both him & the Islanders better in the long term!Thats my opinion & I stand by it!
Thanks CB, had to get that off my chest
“Die Hards Forever”…..
CB im with ya’ along with the overall concept the NY Isles are tying to accomplish….Short & Long term..
Not just I…..
All the other Die Hards who devote time to this club as well!!just hope most of the season we play with pride like we did tonight….
heck who knowes maybe one of these days instead of thompson (did what he had)
scraping wise that is.I dont mind a year or so of Thompson he tries… and maybe with aq little more power skating or strength in Balance he may win a fight @ the Nhl level for now he serves his role!
just a thought….
we could have fritz drop em’
with LaCouture & really get the momentum
in the Building flowing?Without the need to worry about a goofy song.
Or worry about what the ice girls/ccheerleaders are up to?(who cares)I mean really now,
this is not the NFL & they certianly do not have the Age, maturity & skill of say The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders)the Ice dancers & girl deal is a little overboard now…
Care more about getting out of the 1st round of the playoffs… then watching a club/bar scene break out at the Hockey game!
Sorry (side tracked for a minute)
that one was for the boys& girls in the marketing of our club!!Honorable mentions added
Freddy meyer! even with the mistakes makes up for it with effort and the occasional goal!~Weight & Guerin busted tails tonight to try and make it happen
as well, Sim showed up today!
(hope he does on every night)last mention
Park….
if his hands only matched his heart n Hustle! always workes hard out there )Patience we have CB!
Pride-N-Passion…?
hmmm, after some serious thought…… at least on this night??I think we may accomplish some of our goals this year! (organization&fan wise)
I’ll offer a small toast….
To the NY Islanders Tonight……
Heres too a dream for a better tomorrow,
(hockey wise)
OH AND A SECOND TOAST FOR THE SHOVEL IN THE GROUND BY LATE MAY EARLY JUNE..(hey np here if next october we spend it all on the road)
This source…..
Courtesy,one of the the head security guys at NVMC(he’s beeen here since the late 80′s)
So i would deem it a decent source.On the Thumbs downside Tonight….
DiPietro plays a not ready for regular season stinker!
(gotta hope its because of no training camp) hope its nothing more or L.I. …..
“We Gotta Problem”If DiPietro is up to speed we win tonight!
fingers crossed that this guy is okay.im used to him wondering out of the net for the occasional goal,
just feel even with that lousey habit,
he is still a cornerstone of this franchise..I will reserve any harsh criticism at this time like it or not he is our hope!
(and he has the contract to prove it)..
As for adressing the Defence thus far this season…..
Sutton Martinek &Witt will be there as well..(D-will be better when they return)
Silly soon?
nielsen more weight training @ Bridgeport(nielsen has better then avergage wheels & showes occasional softness with puck both passing and shot wise)
though its obvious on most nights he is out muscled for the puck
Okopso…
Efort tonight much better!
execution & shots on net?
time people,give the kid patience & time!Overall much better the the Dallas Game !
LETS GO ISLES….LETS GO ISLANDERS!!
p.s. BEAT THE RAG’S MONDAY &all is forgiven…;) -
As is my calling card,
forgive the typos! -
CB ty for the mention on the Fighting post!
Wonder if sir william is still denying this fact over on logans blog? lol
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straightshooter says:
CB – could not agree more with the Mark Streit observation, he clearly has superior ability. Hopefully he embraces the pressure of having to be one of the better players every night. Your take on Okposo and Tambs are spot on. They need to get one soon or it will grew increasing (mentally) difficult for both. On a night when 60 shots are registered you’d think Kyle would put more than 1 on net! They both need to go to the front more when they don’t have the puck and throw it there more when they do. Maybe they get an ugly one, either have one go in off them or someone else.
Despite the blatant turn over tonight and some pretty regular bashing in the comments here, I have no problem with Freddy Meyer. I believe he brings it every night and for an undersized D-man, happens to be the most physical of the group when missing Witt and Sutton.
….By the way to: “Volek” Kyle is skating with Park and Comrie.
Best line tonight: Thompson centering Hilbert and Sim. -
isles72 says:
a much better effort and a somewhat entertaining game
I think some of the young guys are coming close to having a breakout game which will get that monkey off their back
great game.it would be great if they could put the puck in the net