CAPITALS 5, ISLANDERS 3
The kids are alright
By Kevin Schultz
Point Blank guest contributor
All in all, it was a pretty exciting night in Washington for the Islanders. Eight goals were scored, there were a couple of fights and lots of up and down action. The Islanders fell 5-3 after some third period penalties led to two power play goals from Washington’s Mike Green, giving the defender 30 on the year.
The Islanders played well for most of the night – we can’t accuse them of tanking, that’s for sure. They got goals from Park, Okposo and Nielsen with the latter two adding assists to their totals. On the other side, it seemed like the Capitals were sleepwalking for much of the first two periods only to wake up in the third and showcase why they are one of the best teams in the East and have the second best power play in the NHL. They out shot the Isles 21-9 and netted three unanswered goals in the last period.
And how about the Verizon Center in Washington? I can’t say I’ve been there in person, but that arena comes across awfully loud and wild on TV. There were a few air horns throughout the night too, something you don’t usually hear at American venues. Anyone who has been there have any opinions to share?
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Please excuse me while your editor-for-a-night goes all John Buccigross up in this blog. Back in the 1990s there was a band called the Offspring who wrote a few nice ditties. They’re probably before your time so I’ll spare you the details, but one of their songs was titled The Kids Aren’t Alright. It was about how some kids all had promising futures and in life, well, things don’t always go according to plan.
When we were young our future was so bright
The old neighborhood was so alive
And every kid on the whole damn street
Was gonna make it big and not be beat
That’s where the Islanders are right now. They’re through the first verse of the song. The future looks wonderful and promising on the ice and will look even better after the draft in June. And then eventually reality will set in, where we need the kids to fulfill the hopes and dreams that we’ve laid upon them. That’s probably not next year, likely the year after or maybe even three years out. But that day is imminent, whenever it comes.
In the meantime, all we can really do is sit around, wait and enjoy the fact that last Friday we managed to shutout the defending Stanley Cup champs on their home ice. Scientists are still not entirely sure how that happened. They are currently studying the game’s black box to determine the cause of the incident. But hey, things are looking good. We got rid of some dead wood (*cough* Comrie *cough*) and the kids are coming along nicely.
On January 20th, the Islanders were 2-17-3 in their last 22 games and 12-29-5 on the season. The next night they beat the Anaheim Ducks at the Coliseum and have made a nice run since, coinciding with increased production from the kids. Since that point, they’re 13-13-4.
Here’s a look at some of the production from the kids during that time. It’s not ground breaking statistical analysis, but it’s a nice look at what’s been going on. This is what the numbers looked like on January 20th.
| (prior to 1/20) | GP | G | A | P | PTS/G |
| Okposo | 34 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 0.41 |
| Comeau | 21 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 0.38 |
| Bailey | 32 | 1 | 10 | 11 | 0.34 |
| Nielsen | 23 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 0.43 |
| Bergenheim | 39 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 0.28 |
| Tambellini | 36 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 0.17 |
Here are the numbers since January 20th, with the DIFF column being the difference in Points/Game between the pre-1/20 numbers and the post-1/20 numbers.
| (since 1/20) | GP | G | A | P | PTS/G | DIFF |
| Okposo | 29 | 12 | 12 | 24 | 0.83 | 0.42 |
| Comeau | 29 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 0.55 | 0.17 |
| Bailey | 30 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 0.40 | 0.06 |
| Nielsen | 30 | 6 | 16 | 22 | 0.73 | 0.30 |
| Bergenheim | 16 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 0.69 | 0.41 |
| Tambellini | 23 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 0.35 | 0.18 |
The great news is Okposo and Bergenheim are up nearly half a point per game (nothing stunning for anyone who has been watching the games). A .06 ppg increase from Josh Bailey is marginal. The good news is that all of the kids are up across the board. No one has taken a clear step in the wrong direction. Of course, this could all be the result of increased ice time and to some extent it probably is, but isn’t it nice to know that the kids are alright?
Comments.
63 Responses to CAPITALS 5, ISLANDERS 3
The kids are alright
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Blizzard says: I went to a Caps game at The Verizon center last year. A few co-workers of mine like to get together and once a year go on a trip and see a game a different arena. We decided to go to Washington and bought the tickets like in november. It was the last regular game of the season and caps had to win to get in the playoffs and win the division. It was a beautiful arena and the place was LOUD. There was alot of enthusiasm and pretty knowledgable hockey fans there. It was a great game. Someday I would love to go to an Islander game in a venue like that.
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Mike from Philly says:
So true C.B, the biggest question is whether or not the Islanders are well…still the Islanders in a few season. Lets hope if they do move it is no further then Queens!
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rob says:
Game was good.
Okposo and frans had good games.
Okposo – 12G 15Points
A stud in the making
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Pritchett54 says:
Does anyone know for sure that Okposo is ok? Has it been said anywhere what his status is?
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Hey Schultzy … great follow up … Sure I’ve been to Verizon center 5 times … it’s a nice building … not as nice as some of the even newer buildings … but it’s pretty good … Comparing Caps fans they seem more like being at the Rock … distracted at times … a lot of people at the V-Center are natives of other cities so they get large amounts of fans from visiting teams. I haven’t been there since Ovie got there … so maybe that place is louder.
Atlanta … officially eliminated from the Isles catchin’ ‘em … and Phoenix can be eliminated too … but we’ll put that off one more game and take an Av win … but they suck are hockey’s version of brain dead right now.
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Greg says:
Awesome game tonight,even though they lost.What can you do about Ovechkin and Green?They’re amazing.Okposo played awesome tonight,and hopefully he’s fine after leaving the ice there towards the end of the game for a short time.
The Offspring is an AMAZING band.That whole album that ‘The Kids Aren’t Alright’ is on (Americana) is one of the best albums (or CDs) I’ve ever heard.
Awesome stats and research there.Nice job,nice article.
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Justin says:
Watching the Coyotes-Avs game on the Avs feed and they just did a thing comparing Tavares and Hedman. They also lamented how may man-games they have lost (303) this season. Is the Islanders’ number worse?
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mLemb says:
I have actually been to the Verizon Center…this year too. They played the Rangers. The arena has an electricity too it and obviously with an exciting young team they keep it pumping the entire game. It’s a beautiful venue, and surprise surprise I was able to ride the DC metro(DC’s subway) directly to the stadium.
It’s not an air horn…not powered by a canister of air atleast. The caps have “horn guy” much akin to the Mets cowbell guy except he doesn’t roam the arena.
I was seated up pretty high as thats all me and my girlfriend who attends American University(which is where we took the metro from) could really afford. The view was still very good and I assure you it is louder in person then on TV. Their fans are very welcoming and knowledgable, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a father who was able to afford 2 season tickets and was schooling his 8 year old son on the finer points of the game…obviously I was rooting with them against the Rags, but I found I’ve grown to like them. While I’ll always be an Islander fan I will certainly be rooting for the Caps come playoff time. I could only imagine how loud the Verizon Center is for a playoff game.
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cgs878 says:
Announcements tomorrow: Okposo out 2 weeks with bruised/strained MCL. Green suspended 1 game for leaving his feet on his freight train hit to Hilbert. Lou fires Brett and takes over as Devils coach.
Let’s go Avs! Just take lots of penalties and such. Hey, it works for the Islanders.
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(#8 Justin) – Islanders man games is over 500 now.
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Matt says:
cgs, don’t even joke about Okposo being hurt.
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michael says:
i gotta say, i like this guys writing.. good change of pace
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Thanks Neil says:
Many thanks to Neil Smith for drafting KO…where would we be without him?
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Coach B says:
Great research Kevin. The kids and the Islanders are getting better, as they get more expirience they win games like tonight.
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Neil says:
Smith did not draft KO. Jankowski ran that draft.
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besides that point…Mueller and Little got drafted after him…so it’s not like there weren’t other good options had someone else been picking…
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sbeer says:
Just got home from the game. I sat in the second row of Section 432 and I must say even though the building was not at capacity it was a loud place to watch a game. (Although not as loud as the game I was at a few years ago when Shawn Bates scored on a penalty shot against Cujo in the playoffs!)
I was fortunate to sit next to two Islander fans who were also living in D.C., and can you guess we talked about most … Kate Murray. Yes … even us remote Islander fans are tracking this story and we are hoping that this is just a blip on the radar. All in all it was good to see a fair amount of Islander fans at the game tonight … I just hope we don’t end up like the Quebec Nordiques … putting in all the work only to have the team move and become dynamite. -
Smith had the final say though, glad he did.
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bCarey says:
does not 5 and 3 equal 8?
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Chris says:
I just got back from the game. Considering the Caps were playing the Isles on a rainy weeknight, the place was absolutely packed. The upper deck was completely sold out over a week before the game. I was only able to get tickets from a friend who interns there. I’ve been there several times before and the place is absolutely electric. The crowd goes nuts every time Ovenchkin is remotely involved in the play. There is definitely an exciting atmosphere present but I do prefer a sold out Coliseum to the more sanitized Verizon Center. Overall it still is a great place to watch a game with a ardent fanbase. The game featured some exciting hockey. KO was the best person on the ice until he got hurt. Take away a couple of soft goals and some bad penalties and you have an Islanders victory. Finally, that hit by Green on Hilbert was terrible. He deserved at least a major for that.
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Kevin Fitz says:
i think he was leaving out the empty net goal bcarey.
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Pete says:
The NHL should check in to Colorado, no way a team with all that talent loses 8 straight in a row at the end of the year. Can you say tankin it?
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Willis says:
Yes Kevin, the kids ARE alright and it IS nice to know that!
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mtrico says:
If we get 6 points the rest of the way, we will not have the top lottery spot. Yep, Colorado is that bad.
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vigs says:
I’ve also been to a handful of Caps-Isles games at the Verizon center, it’s a nice building. It is very loud like someone else mentioned even when the place is not at full capacity. Each time I went I’ve sat in completely different spots and I’ve liked the view from all of them, even the one behind the net. I especially like the fact that it’s right next to the DC Metro at Chinatown. CB, I recommend going if you get a chance, although be careful, I nearly got thrown out the last time I was there. This guy kept calling me fish stick. Some fries doused in ketchup tossed his way shut him up.
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Strummer's Army says:
Ya but The Kids are Alright is a Mott The Hoople song so it would have been a stronger reference then Offspring.
Loved seeing Callahan putting the Caps player on his butt in the crease, it is what all Islander d-men should do.
Again some biased calls against the team. Wrecker bumps into a guy and skates away and gets a double-minor but Fehr throws his gloves off and takes Comeua’s helmet off and get a single minor.
I’m not overly complaining about it because I want the first pick but as well all saw in the past playoffs it can cost you series.
Kids are looking great. Weight hasn’t done much since his return.
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HilbertSnipe says:
Kevin, good article and good job. As for the kids so far, even better (sorry Kevin!) Great reference to The Offspring, I have a brother who is 9 years older than me so they have been one of my jams since I was realllly young. Great album.
And for Colorado, I used to love em as a kid… there wasn’t not much to love, especially when they played the Devils. However, I now officially hate them after losing their 8th game in a row. No, I don’t think the Isles are “deserved” the first pick, but it just seems like it isn’t fair if we don’t! Especially if we lose it to Colorado b/c of their success!!!
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Gary says:
The Offspring were my favorite band in 8th grade and they still are now! 1990′s?? They came out with a new album a few months ago! OK, OK, back to hockey …
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Am I alone here in feeling Green won’t be suspended at all for leaving his feet and leading with his elbow to Mr. Hilbert’s head?
Colorado really does appear to be tanking it. It’s amazing Smyth’s amazing leadership abilities and HUGE contract can’t prevent that kind of play.
I had suspected Bill Guerin was floating his last several weeks as an Islander. He wasn’t himself. Whether he intentionally just checked out because he was unhappy or it is just a mood thing he is again himself in Pit.
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Fist of Gillies says:
Colorado may not score again this season. Another MUST LOSE game tommorrow. Let’s hope the Habs bring it tomorrow.
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Lance79 says:
Kevin,
Good article, good stat legwork but I think you’re actually selling Okposo, Nielsen and Bailey short – if you really want to skew the stats by talking about increased ice time, how about some numbers since the trade deadline including tonight?
Player GP G A Pts
Okposo 13 6 9 15
Nielsen 13 5 7 12
Bailey 13 4 3 7Yes obviously these numbers glitter a bit brighter after a 1g 1a game from the former two (and Bailey’s would look better if they hadn’t taken that assist on Park’s goal away) but I think these numbers say it all, esp. when you consider we haven’t exactly been playing fellow dregs; loads of playoff contenders have been in that mix and the kids have done their part.
On a side note (and be honest here) what did everyone have pegged back in training camp for a good season statwise from KO? I had him down for 10g 15a for a decent rookie year. KO’s really making a believer out of me.
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Staten Islander says:
wish i had seen the game, does anyone know how bad KO is hurt?
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oops just caught my mistake on the songs it was the Who who performed the Kids Are Alright.
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Staten, Okposo returned to the game and doesn’t appear hurt. Sure he could probably use some rest but he shouldn’t miss anytime.
I would like to say I hate that play that injured him. It’s that “unintentional slew foot” that is so freaking intentional and dangerous.
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fafa says:
The Verizon Center is pretty nice but let’s not pat the Caps fans on the back too much here. It’s mostly a bangwagon fanbase as the town is very transient. It wasn’t until the end of last year that the building started to fill up.
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Austin H says:
Went to Caps games before Ovechkin and after (mostly to see the Isles). They still sucked when I left, but Ovechkin made the place much more fun (and better attended). He is amazing to watch live. I’m sure the Verizon Center is a blast now.
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Fearthewrecker says:
With the results of tonight are we guaranteed a top four pick in the draft?
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doc says:
Okposo did return for 1 shift after injury and with about 8 minutes left. He did not make another shift after that however.
DOC
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Thanks Strummer
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Will C says:
Was at the game. Pretty good game from the kids. Recher is really starting to look like an NHL agitator. THis team is tighter than earlier in the year. they stick up for eachother. I was 3rd row and saw the look in Hillen’s face when Ovie came down 1:1 in the 3rd. Not much can describe it, but he looked pretty damn confident after he played him well.
Just ask if you want more 1st hand info.
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alex says:
anyone else feel as if we are living that South Park episode where the kids are trying to loose on purpose to end their baseball season, but they keep on winning even though they try not too?
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volmeeezy says:
ive been in australia for the past 3 months but i caught some of the game today online..looks like night and day since the last game i saw back in december…kids are looking good and i felt a great sense of pride when i saw we shut out the red wings 2-0 last week
alex…thats one of the best episodes of south park , great reference lol
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Will OC says:
Very entertaining game on both ends. Isles are becoming the antithesis of the Wild in the NHL, it seems to be an entertaining game no matter who they play.
Definately thought Green should have gotten a Boarding major for leaving feet and targeting head, since the refs failed us, its only fair for him to get suspended…Witt got 5 for a headshot
I’m not so sure Colorado is tanking. They really might be as bad as they’re showing. 4 of their D-men tonight are AHLer’s. Their most talented player, Stastny is out. Smyth went off and didnt come back this game, and they have the worst Goaltending tandem in the league. Only good news in Colorado is that Sakic may come back for a couple games. Hopefully good old Joe can do right by us.
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UNH Steve says:
nice recap of the game, maybe CB can keep you aboard to do these little postgame writeups since he doesn’t seem to interested in doing them himself. i like him focusing on the other stories anyway. btw nice offspring reference as well, anyone whos a fan should check out rock band. they have a few songs in the game including the kids aren’t alright.
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You’re right, the Isles definitely aren’t tanking it. However, the Avs are. They are pathetic-looking and seem desperate for the 1st overall pick. It’s a shame. At least they seem to be the only team out of the bottom-feeders going down without a fight.
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Gloobenberg says:
Seriously…Can the Avs be investigated for tanking? c’mon now…it’s getting ridiculous! I’ve always loved Joe Sakic. I know he’s not a tanker..hope he can help us.
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isles316 says:
I watched the AVS last night. It’s not that they tanked, they just suck. No system, no offense at all. Bad team.
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Joey303 says:
lose the next 2 games then win the 3 of last 4 and we will be last overall. the lanche will at least get 1 point in the last 5
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Tom says:
kevin,
I live in the DC area, attended the game last night and various other caps games, great place to watch hockey, this city has caught the fever, loud as hell, not a bad seat in the place….isles looked good, like u said it was a fun game to watch, okposo looked great again -
#50 – I take that back. Looking at the Avalanche sched, they play the Canucks (L) Sharks (L) Stars (maybe a point) Caunucks (L) and Blues (L). Colorado has won 3, count em, 3!! games in the last 18 – Tampa plays Devils (they cant lose forever L) Isles (L) Penguins (L) Caps(L) Thrashers (maybe a point)Tampa has won 1 in the last 8. We wont finish last
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Mike R says:
We need the Hockey Gods to pick that ping pong ball with the Islanders logo on it in a few weeks. There is no reason to torture yourself everyday calculating the percentages. Like I said it is in the hands of the Hockey Gods. We have suffered and been punished enough for winning those 4 cups. Let’s get back to being an NHL powerhouse.
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Quez says:
The “Tankalanche” should be ashamed of themselves. In true “My Name is Earl” fashion, KARMA will reward or Isles for their solid play down the stretch. As for Colorado, whomever they draft shall be a bust. Alex(43)–GREAT South Park reference! The Av’s are playing like a team full of Towelies…”wanna get high?”
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Marc from Troy says:
DOC (40) is correct. Okie took one brief shift shortly after he got hurt, but that was it. All you needed to see was that the next couple of Neilsen/Tambellini shifts had different wingers – first Park, I believe, then Hilbert. And, these days, no way he wouldn’t have been on the ice for at least the last minute – esp. with the goalie pulled. He’s always out there in important situations, certainly when this team needs a goal, and last night that didn’t happen. Keeping my fingers crossed that he’ll be ok.
And, based on what I’ve seen lately, my pick would be Danis for Ricky’s backup next year. He ain’t perfect, but I see way more bad goals (floater from the blue line? really?) and huge rebounds from MacDonald than I do Danis. Younger and more upside, too.
Finally, probably not best to hold your breath waiting for any league suspension for Green. Remember, the hit was TO an Islander’s head, not BY an Islander to someone else’s head.
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Kevin, I live in Maryland (about 30 min outside DC) and have seen several games at Verizon Center. It is a great place to see a game. No bad seats, acoustics are great. Food is great. Metro directly beneath the arena. Plenty of bars/restaurants around the arena as well. I am a diehard Isles fan and have watched every minute of every game for as long as I can remember (some of those minutes were fast forwarded in disgust, lol) but my 4 year old is getting into sports now and we joined the Caps Kids Club and sat in the top row and the view was still very good and you had no obstruction of the scoreboard. Definitely a great hockey arena.
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Wolverine Girl #28 says:
Nice photo of Okposo! Looking good!
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Hockey1919 says:
Pre-Christmas last season the Verizon Center was a morgue even with Ovechkin. The stretch run last season to squeak into the playoffs ignited the fans (DC has a notoriously fair weather fan base). The production values at the game have gone through the roof, there is less background noise and more attempts to keep in tune and pump up the fans. However, I agree it still isn’t as loud as the old barn was during the series against the Leafs.
Sorry to see Green’s cheap shot rewarded with two PPGs. Okposo was back out on the ice last night, but not sure what that means long term, he seemed like he wanted to stay down, but was still willing to block a shot. He was dominant for long stretches last night.
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The kids are alright … but will they be great??? That is the question … No team goes far in the playoffs without some greatness.
KO shows the most hope for greatness… Bailey looks like he can be a solid reliable #2 center in the future … Comeau a solid second liner … Nielsen … an above avg. #3 center … Bergy got injured on a high note … can he re-amp himself up next season and play consistently?
What kinda players are Yan Danis and Joey Mac really? Is DP going to play like DP can when he returns? Will he retun as an NHL caliber goalie?
Will the Isles draft 1st overall? OR 4th?
Will Kate Murray single handedly be the cause for the re-existence of the KC Scouts? A city of less than 500,000 people.
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Steve says:
Thanks for those stats!
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mike says:
Cryin Ryan must be proud that his team has folded like a cheap tent? If there is any justice they should get the 5th pick.
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Kevin says:
#2 I have been to the Vz center when the Caps stunk and the fans there are yuppy ignorant people who know nothing about hockey. Wonderful facility but there guys are complete fair weather fans. Btw that stupid horn with the Lets Go Caps chat every couple minutes is extremely annoying. Remember this team nearly left not that long ago then they got a new arena. Who does that sound like today?
Just came from the game here in DC which was a great one despite the loss. They played hard. I’ve gone to the Verizon Center a few dozen times, and however it may seem on TV, it is 10x louder and more energetic in person. Every time Ovechkin even touches the puck the fans go crazy. The arena is enormous and they still manage to fill almost to capacity even on a weeknight against the last place team. The place is absolutely going to rock during the playoffs.