ISLES FALL SHORT IN BUFFALO 4-3
Score Two In Final Two Minutes But Lose Shootout
When the Isles tied the game, the look on Lindy Ruff’s face, longtime coach of the Sabres, was priceless. The Isles fell behind Buffalo and seemed to keep pace, and even when down by two goals, they went all-out in that third period. The result was two goals within the final 2 minutes. After watching the Isles for a month disappear for the final period or when the game was thought to be out-of-reach, this seemed like another team imposing their will and making it happen. However, in the shootout, Ales Kotalik and then Drew Stafford were the only scorers, sealing a Buffalo win.
Jeff Tambellini scored his first of the year. Since his call-up from his play-better-or-else conditioning stint at Bridgeport, he has still had some hiccups, but overall, he has made himself far more visible in the last two games.
Mike Comrie also scored, improving since his return slowly but surely. After all, this is a guy who scored quite a bit last season. With only 3 goals notched this one, many wished if only a goal happened for each toe drag.
Chris Campoli has also been emerging recharged. His score with only two seconds left gave the Isles the tie. For a while there in December, he was in freefall along with Brendan Witt in poise, play, and plus/minus. Speaking of Witt, he was far more effective lately, including some key plays down the stretch. Sure, everyone rightfully were all over his public statements for an internal issue, but he has responded just the same. This is what professional vet players do.
Yes, it is true, that the Islanders announced that Rick DiPietro has a strained groin. However, Howie Rose made a point to say that the Isles might have had to assign him “injured” in order to let him stay home so they could recall Yann Danis for the Buffalo trip. OR, they are trying to soften criticism for Ricky’s start without any kind of conditioning stint. We will know better soon enough at Monday’s Ranger game on just how “strained” it is.
So when are the Isles going to stop going to the box with stupid penalities???They have played better on defense, yet a big reason they were behind this game was due to handing Buffalo powerplay opportunities. Sean Bergenheim, who has been called out here by yours truly once before, still has not improved. His penalty minutes this season are on their way to more than doubling from last season. The same is true of Bruno Gervais who took an elbowing penalty this game. He has also increased his PIM exponentially.
Simply said, this is not the type of team that can offset penalities with prolific scoring or a bruising defense. Hockey is a simple game. You shoot, you pass, control the tempo . . . and you stay out of the box. The Isles have managed to shore up the defense that was coming apart, but still need to get some kids from constantly putting opposing teams at the advantage time and time again.
So what is next for this new-look Isles? The rivalry. They head to MSG to face the NY Rangers on Monday night for a 7:05pm start-time.
Hope you enjoyed my subbing for Chris these past few days. You know where to find my day-to-day activities, besides my work here. I will now leave you back in his capable hands.
Please have a happy and healthy holiday season and new year.
56 Responses to ISLES FALL SHORT IN BUFFALO 4-3
Score Two In Final Two Minutes But Lose Shootout
-
mrlbem says:
Putting all the Ricky stuff aside, that was a great comeback. As much as Gordon has been maligned here by the Islander faithful, give him some props for the way he coached the last two minutes. And the kids were all over the score sheet again tonight. Comeau and KO respectivley made great plays on the last two goals. Losses like this I can deal with.
-
JKP on LI says:
The last two games, they’ve looked like they’re playing hockey. I don’t mind losing close games. I hope we’re starting to turn a corner here.
-
Jon says:
Maybe it will come in time, but Okposo seems to be a much better player in traffic than in a shootout. His breakaway moves are slow and deliberate, but I like the way he forces himself into the play.
-
doc says:
Comeau = Islanders best forward
Okposo = rapidly improving
Comrie = His HARDEST shot is a soft pass!I will believe the “we planned to keep DiPietro home” stuff when I see him in goal against the Rangers on Monday.
I saw him flex and flinch in 3rd period and he was visibly upset after making a save against Toronto.
2 very good efforts back to back while incredibly shorthanded.
DOC
-
318J1 says:
J-Mac-man was all BIG-(Mac)-headed in his pregame interview talking like he is definitely better then DP and then he cant stop a thing in the shootout and Okposo still cant score a shootout goal (he didnt when i saw him last year in Bridgeport and didnt on the penalty shot earlier this season, i think he has never scored in a penalty shot / shootout). great to see that son of an Islander finaly put one in. MC should be getting some of his celeb action tonight for his goal. and what a wonderful late goal by CC, his second huge goal of the season (the 1st was the 2-time O.T. goals), he will become a very very good player in this ”new” nhl, and he should always be paired with Streit on the 1st PP unit (especially when Weight returns as these players are much better in there natural positions and this would help lead to having 2 strong PP units).
Lets Go ISLANDERS ! ! !!!
rangers SUCK!!!
-
MT says:
Favorite part of the game was the reaction to Tamby’s goal, especially Billy. I just like to see that from the team, any team really. Good for him
-
JC Frank says:
Another great effort, I would just like to see this effort turn into some even strength goals once in a while.
-
KO looked great. Hopefully breaking out. This DP thing I hope is what you say it is BD. But a strained groin is much better than a “pulled” groin. He’s probably a bit sore like I believe Gordon mentioned. Just like Sillinger was (is). I think we’ll see him Monday. And if not, definitely Wed afternoon..
-
A strain is a strain is a strain. There’s no such thing as a “pulled” muscle technically speaking.
In effect a “pulled” muscle is equal to a strained muscle… which is disruption or partial tearing of muscle fibers due to excessive force or overstretched fibers.
DOC
-
Joe says:
Im hoping for Orr vs. Fritz Monday. Bergengeim needs to take a seat for a few games if you ask me. Sim shouldnt be in the lineup at all. KO has looked awesome the past two games.
-
The penalty on Bergenheim in the OT was a bogus call… both players inadvertently came together and Bergenheims stick was stepped on causing the trip. Let’s cut him a little break on that one.
He plays hard, a little out of control at times… but isn’t this what this season is about… the younger players that will probably be here for a few more years getting valuable experience in all situations?
He kills penalties (when he’s not in the box …
) and he’s a pretty effect forechecker that shows some offensive upside.DOC
-
Islander505 says:
Can anyone (besides Sir William) dispute that Comeau has not been one of the better forwards for the Isles on the ice over the last few games?
He has been a playmaking fool out there…and I still wonder if he would not be better served at a Centerman position.
What a pleasure to see KO and Comeau on the ice together, THINGS HAPPEN and the overall energy level picks up when they are out there. (Bailey in between them, please?) -
IslesFan in Bkny says:
Perfect game, great penalty kill in OT, wonderful score( we gain one on Tampa). That’s what one good line does to a team spirit. OCO line is great, Witter is Back!!!! Let’s go Islanders!!!
-
isles72 says:
nice to see an entertaining game
would like to see bailey between combs and okposo tho
-
The PolishPrince says:
KO had a great game. Bergie has overdone it with the minors lately, just not real smart penalties at all. That being said some of the people calling for his head on some message boards are calling for the axe a little early no?
I can’t stand watching Mike Comrie anymore.
Does anyone besides me feel that Ricky will just never be 100% ever?
-
GasMD says:
Hey Prince,
100%? Shoot, I’ll take 80% at this point. As long as he can play some stretches of games without another catastrophic setback. -
kevin says:
hey doc, i will agree comeau is a good forward but he is not the best. at best he us a second line winger but will prob b a 3rd liner with skill. i am not saying a i dont like him but he is overated. just becuase he gets some assists and forechecks really well does not mean he is the best islander forward. and that includes the last couple of games.also, just becuase he can pass doesnt mean he should be a centerman. you have to take face-offs and you are in different positioning and that would mean he wouldnt forecheck.
-
You’re right Doc. But there are varying degrees. I hope this is the sort of strain you get similarly after working out when you haven’t done so in a while. If it was worse than that, I think they would call it a “partial tear”, or “pulled” which would keep him out for weeks. Either way, just a play with words.
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
It was good to see the Isles play competitive against two teams that they should be able to compete with … Some of the best plays and setups last night didn’t turn up on the score sheet … but its promising. How many of KO’s shots caught iron last night? One of them from long range.
I also would like to see Bailey between Okposo and Comeau … I think they’d compliment each other’s style of play very well.
I don’t see why you couldn’t try Comeau at center … the Isles lose a lot of faceoffs as it is …. so they aren’t giving up much there. He would just have to change some of his habits to get ready to backcheck more playing center… and watching is defensive positioning more … but in Gordon’s “system” it just might work.
————-
BTW – What is the Isles’ face off % as a team? They must lose about a dozen opportunities a game when losing face offs in the offensive zone … not to mention the amount of face offs they lose in the defensive zone which in turn gives their opponents control of the puck to set up scoring ops.CB … anything on face offs? Stats on goals against resulting from lost face offs?
-
Gary says:
DP should sit out the rest of the season and replace Howie Rose!!!!!
-
Gary … that isn’t a bad idea. LOL! I’m not going to speculate what actually is wrong with DP … but considering his past injuries … it invites speculation.
Oh … and Howie … well … I tune to SAP channel so I hear rink sound … unless they have Chinese SAP … then I’m stuck with Howie who sometimes talks about what a good steak he had during game action.
-
Kevin:
I’m a fan of Comeau… have been since last seasons call-up. The puck just seems to find him… (in effect he’s in the right place at the right time).You’re right… he’s NOT their best forward… but I was more or less judging it on the last few games and his effectiveness.
DOC
-
Jon says:
even if the islanders lost this one, i would have to say they looked good. i cant wait to see bailey kyle and blake play together.
gotta love comeau and park. they set up the most scoring opportunities for this team consistently. -
19Isles…..how the hell are you coping with “The Botta Rules” over here….i.e. comments of less than 100 words?
-
Matt says:
I agree Comeau was once again the best foward last night. I also agree with DOC that the call on Bergenheim was ridiculous. The player did a good job of drawing that penalty “falling” over Bergy’s knee. I don’t know what kind of problem Gordon has with Comeau but he needs to wake the he!! up because the kid is good. The pre-game interview Gordon pretty much refused to compliment his play. Saying he wasn’t sound defensively, which he was last night and last game. If Comeau goes I might not be far behind him. All I have to say about the new DiPietro situation is LOL!!! What a joke.
-
What the he!! is Park and Guerin doing in the shootout? At least he didn’t put Hunter in again. Gordon is really beginning to irritate me.
-
beatlebailey says:
can anyone point me to the nhl drug policy on steroid testing?
-
LOL. Thats about right
-
Its only a matter of time until our allstar pees in a cup.
-
505 ~ Love the rules … keeps me in check for the most part … LOL! I have less time to write novels anyway … and it seems that Sir W and Steady are dealing with Trolls on Logan’s Blog … it’s a shame … because Logan had a good thing going over there in years past… to bad Newsday couldn’t control that blog as well as CB does here.
-
KO/BC are leaders by example. With their energy and teamwork they have inspired the rest of the team to “play as we play” and it’s working. DP is an important part of the current/future success of this team. If they all play and we end up better then Atlanta/TB, that’s that much further we are into the rebuild process.
-
Matt… I missed the pre-game stuff… did Gordon really criticise his defensive play?
Geezzz… if that’s true then Comeau must have really pissed off Gordon somewhere.
Comeau is 1 of 4 or 5 players that I actually enjoy watching and tune in every game for.
DOC
-
Offtopic: CB .. Anything coming down the pike on this season’s Winter Classic?
————
Found a perfect tune in my CD collection that would make a great anthem for the Winter Classic. A classic metal tune called “Winters Call” from the band Badlands .. Jake E Lee on guitar and the late Ray Gillen on vocals .. that was an awesome band .. I’m sure they have it on You Tube … check it out … any other ideas for the Winter Classic Anthem?? -
Angelica says:
You had to love the effort last night, even with the result in the shootout. Okposo was really strong last night, and I was thrilled to see Tambellini finally get his first of the season.
-
Dallas MacDonald says:
If the Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in Weight and we need spend one of our seconds to assure we get their first rounder I say do it. Their first could very well fall anywhere between 1st overall and 19th overall. either way better than our second. So here it goes.
Backman, Mayorov, York, and a first rounder and a fourth
for
Weight, Pock, and (toronto’s) second rounder and a fifthHell if you have to offer up Gervais or Sim to sweeten the pot (some might say “sweeten?”) do it. This would give us a shot, I’ll be it it a very long shot of getting Tavares and Hedman or Duschene or Cowen. Then we are definitely sitting pretty, long shot but a shot worth taking. What do you guys think?
-
York is worse than the combined “worse-ness” of Sim and Fritz!!!
-
York is pretty bad but to get their first I’d do it. It would only help to keep us above the floor. DOC, he did say that during the pre-game. I really don’t see whats with Gordon. Not really a vote of confidence for Comeau. I think we should see a kid line 2009 of Bailey, Comeau, Okposo. That would be fun to watch!
-
DP's Groin says:
Matt…..about the peeing in the cup? I’ll leave that alone but smile. Hittin the weights right before a slew of hip and knee injuries……
About the prior thread where I praised (GASP) Don Maloney…..look at his drafting. Seriously. He was better than Torrey (after Jimmy D left and Tex Ehman came on board), Milbury, Smith and Snow and aside from his trading of Turgeon, was solid. I still hate the man and wish Regier got the shot, but MAN could he draft!
Weight I want traded to St.Loo or nowhere. I like the guy too much and the Blues players are watching and have a posted stat card awaiting Dougy Weight’s goal. THAT is a team……and he misses playing there.
Fat Boy Jon Davidson hopefully chokes on a glazed crueller after what he did to Doug Weight.
-
It’s not about how good York is it’s about the pick…..duh. This similar trade is the rumor right now. Jeesh…I don’t want a great young pick because my team gets Mike York and he sucks…what kind of logic is that Doc.
-
Don’t hold your breath on that trade Dallas. Don’t believe anyhting Ecklund writes because its not going to happen. If he writes it, it WONT happen. It’s not always about the GM when it comes to drafting, Maloney’s scouts left after the Milbury era but they were good. Maloney sucks and always will suck because of the Turgeon trade and his name should never be mentioned with a positive spin. The guy dismantled a very good team because we got blown out by the eventual Stanley Cup champions! We will find out how Snow “is” or should I say Jakowski in couple think its a bit early to judge.
-
jk says:
What is DP situation just now. Any new info here?
-
Jankowski already has a few players who were second best…..but time will tell. Jankowski isn’t the only scout…..we have many (or fewer after Wang cut the scouting budget). Maybe Nilsson turns out better than Parise? Maybe Okposo is better than Mueller? Maybe Bailey is better than Filatov or Schenn or Wilson?
All I say is the home runs aren’t coming and we seem to always have runners on with a prime shot at cracking them out.
We absolutely need a home run and not another bunt single or pop out fly.
-
Yeah he is going to play again in two months and than promptly sit out again for another 2 so he can hit the gym over the summer.
-
The player to watch now is Hogdson, he is kicking butt. I think we can pretty much figure out between Parise and Nillson. I am aware that Jankowski isn’t the only scout but he is our head scout.
-
Unfortunately, my guess is that Rick Dipietro actually hurt his groin and may or may not play tomorrow against the Rangers. If he plays, it wouldn’t surprise me if he plays with a less than 100% recovered groin. I have my reasons listed at http://hockeycard.blogspot.com
-
SIR WILLIAM says:
505….Comeau has played better the last 2 games. He has looked more comfortable out there playing with his new linemates.
Okposo has been the best forward by far and hopefully he is begining to show signs of why he was drafted in the first round……….Sir William
-
Comeau has now played in TEN games this season….and Gordon is questioning his DEFENSIVE play?
Gordon has FOUR defensemen (Witt, Campoli, Meyer, Gervais) who are a combined -52 and he is whining about a young OFFENSIVE winger’s defensive play?
God help us.
-
Thank GOD, Gordon wasn’t around in the late 70′s……
Bossy would have somehow pissed in his Wheaties and NEVER cracked the lineup.
Flash Gordon runs an uptempo, run and gun type system, a la Jerry Tarkanian’s UNLV Rebels, and now HE IS COMPLAINING ABOUT A GUY (Comeau) WHO APPEARS TO FIT THAT SYSTEM….but doesn’t play DEFENSE well enough for him?????
WTF ARE YOU SMOKING GORDON?!?!?!?!?!
Your credibility is beginning to shred itself.
You are quickly devolving into a FRIGGING LYING HYPOCRITE…
A legend in his own mind, a rebel without a clue.And that’s JUST MY OPINION….FROM TWO TIME ZONES AWAY.
P.S GORDON….I will be at the game this Friday….with a few beers in me…..YOU MAY SENSE MY PRESENCE.
-
Obviously Gordon has a thing with Comeau. Also there is the problem (which I think most of us are getting accustomed with) with Gordon having his head firmly planted up his own a$$!
-
I think there is more to the Columbus deal than the typical Eklund garbage. Seems like Logan (Newday) and the Columbus newpaper are specualting on something happening too. The odds of deals happening in this league rarely occur, but there may be something to this as it does make some sense.
-
It may happen but I have a hard time believing Columbus is going to give us their first. I don’t think our second, Pock, and Weight would get us back what you or Eklund proposed. I would be extremely happy if you were right but I just don’t see it. GM’s are more reluctant to give up their first with the cap these days and giving up what might very well be a early first rounder for a guy who maybe has a year left and a defenseman who will never be plus a second rounder will surely get him fired!
-
505 said “P.S GORDON….I will be at the game this Friday….with a few beers in me…..YOU MAY SENSE MY PRESENCE.”
LOL 505 … Well … Good thing for Gordo the game isn’t on a Monday night … or he’d really have hell to pay.
-
Monday’s were the 2008 model 19Isles….
I’m making FRIDAYS the 2009 version.
I thought Okposo looked great again tonight. You see him maturing and getting more confident every game. 2 games in a row with the kids on the score sheet.