Monthly Archives: November 2009
Congratulations to Anders and to Ryan Jankowski, Vellu-Pekka Kautonen, Anders Kallur, Sudsie Maharaj and the scouts who selected the goalie with the first pick in the third round in June. Florida stud prospect Jacob Markstrom is the expected No. 1 for Team Sweden, but this is a great honor and experience for Nilsson – who is on our list of the Islanders’ top ten prospects (out any day now!).
FanHouse: Outdoor Game Talk (including Islanders info)
The Islanders report to Katie Strang of Newsday first that their plan now is for Rick DiPietro to play his first conditioning game with Bridgeport this Saturday. The plan is for him to play only part of the game. The Sound Tigers host Springfield on Saturday at 7:00 pm at the Arena at Harbor Yard. If DiPietro plays, Point Blank will be there.
A Notice to PB Readers: The team only shared this news with Cablevision-owned Newsday, not with any other media outlets. I can only assume they did not want the tens of thousands of daily readers of this blog to know – or they prefer to only provide information to a newspaper website that a large section of their fanbase must pay to read. Steven Marcus of Newsday and I were the only two daily reporters who worked the locker room and the coach’s office at practice today. Scott Gordon, and I believe him, told me he only had Rick’s schedule through Wednesday. Rick, and I believe him, did not know earlier today. The Islanders confirmed Katie’s report after I called to check.
Sorry, folks. I can only do what I can. As I’ve written before, if you really want to be guaranteed the latest on your Islanders first, you will have to pay Newsday and get Katie’s excellent work or hope the team site posts it. Maybe Newsday‘s business plan, with the help of the Islanders, is genius after all. Just want to shoot straight with you. With the Islanders’ current PR protocol, do not expect team news first here. Thank you…CB
FanHouse: Outdoor Game Talk (including Islanders info)
No other major news from practice. Rick DiPietro participated in the entire 75-minute practice and stayed on for 15 extra minutes of shots. His final save was a glove steal on Rob Schremp, and then he exited the ice. About his progress, Scott Gordon said, “Everything’s been good. Each day has been better.” The coach said DiPietro’s long-discussed protocol was established by team doctors, trainer Garrett Timms, GM Garth Snow and goalie coaches Mike Dunham and Sudsie Maharaj.
Asked if DiPietro would join the team for workouts on the road, Gordon said the schedule as of now was only established through Wednesday. DiPietro will practice for the next two days. He will play a few games in Bridgeport before making his NHL comeback. Garth Snow told Newsday today that could be “the middle of December.”
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1:40 pm - Good news for the Islanders: C Frans Nielsen is only listed as out day-to-day with his upper body injury.
1:10 pm, Iceworks: Kyle Okposo, according to the team, has the day off. Rob Schremp is in Frans Nielsen’s spot. By the looks of it – and it’s only Monday and the next game is not until Thursday – Comeau is the 13th forward. Andrew MacDonald is here for Andy Sutton.
Moulson – Tavares – Comeau
Bergenheim - Schremp – Hunter
Tambellini - Bailey – Sim
Thompson - Park – Jackman
Day Off: Okposo
Streit – Gervais
Witt - Hillen
Meyer – MacDonald
(those D pairings are placeholders)
Roloson
Biron
DiPietro
Tavares at NHL Store: John Tavares will be signing autographs (on league-supplied cards only) at the NHL Store in midtown Manhattan on Tuesday from 4-5 pm. The store is located at 1185 Avenue of the Americas between 46th and 47th St.
MacDonald’s Back: After scoring a goal yesterday in Bridgeport’s 3-2 shootout win, Andrew MacDonald is back with the Islanders. Andy Sutton is sidelined an estimated 2-4 weeks with a groin injury. MacDonald has not been on the ice for any even-strength goals against in his three NHL games this season.
The Next-Best Options in Bridgeport: While there aren’t many prospects ready to step in immediately and contribute, the Islanders have some options should they need more recalls from the Sound Tigers. On defense, Dustin Kohn is likely the next in line to be brought up. At forward, the Islanders could go with a skilled youngster (Trevor Smith), veteran grinder (Greg Moore) or the Sound Tigers’ small but effective leading scorer (Sean Bentivoglio).
Jesse Joensuu could come up for a game on the hope that playing with NHLers may inspire him. However, Joensuu (4-8-12 in 25 AHL games this season) still has a lot to prove. Matt Martin continues to impress and will be an Islander at some point in the next two years. Robin Figren (0-2-2 in 19 games) was a healthy scratch Saturday and needs to go to Utah of the ECHL to try and turn his game around.
Comments.
8:45 pm – Andy Sutton’s groin strain will keep him out 2-4 weeks. 7:45 pm - Bridgeport beat Hartford today, 3-2, in a shootout. Andrew MacDonald scored a goal for the Sound Tigers. The Islanders didn’t tell anyone that Andrew was sent to the AHL. Matt Martin had the clincher in the SO. Trevor Smith had a goal and an assist.
Tortorella calls for instigator and head shot rule changes
(please discuss on FanHouse)
News: Garth Snow tells Larry Brooks that he has the green light to add players and payroll to help the team in its pursuit of a playoff berth.
Views: Well, I certainly would hope so! The only question should be, when?
The Islanders are 10-10-7. They are 6-10 in games that end in regulation, 4-7 in games that go to overtime or shootouts. (Strange how one loss skews everything, eh?)
But the Islanders are very much in the playoff mix. With all those home games coming up, they are in a swell position to make a run. Scott Gordon is getting just about everything he can out of a lineup with plenty of holes and hardly any depth. Several players – you know who they are – are having terrific seasons. (Yesterday, the Islanders finally deleted their official website depth chart – the one without Matt Moulson on any of the top five lines).
Garth Snow opted only to spend where he had to last summer – on a pair of good goalies and on The People’s Choice, John Tavares. Last Sunday, Snow was actually praised in the hometown paper for passing on these three players:
Maxim Afinogenov: 10-14-24 in 23 games, thriving in the Go-Go Anderson system in Atlanta
Nik Antropov: 2-19-21 and +12 in 23 games, also in Atlanta
Alex Tanguay: after a slow start in Tampa Bay, now 4-12-16 in 24 games – still good enough to be the Islanders’ third-leading scorer
Garth has done a fine job, but it’s his press agent who deserves a raise.
Now the pressure is on the GM. His team is hanging in. Everyone is playing hard. Many are over-achieving. A few are under-achieving, but only if you believe they are top-six forwards. (As they are currently developed – not what they may become – the Islanders have four top-sixes: Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Trent Hunter and Moulson).
With the team Lighthouse towers below the salary cap and a hair above the floor, the pressure is now on the general manager. Although it went without saying, Snow is now on record saying he has the authority to spend and help his team make the playoffs. Go for it. There is no question he should be able to make an effective trade without giving up one of his 4-6 solid prospects or a high draft pick.
Most significant NHL deals won’t be made until February and in the days leading up to the March 3 trade deadline. However, the Islanders are now without key pieces Andy Sutton and Frans Nielsen (word could come down late today or tomorrow at practice). Can Snow use all this cap space and stop the bleeding? Even better, can he convert his competitive team into a very good one?
Islanders Country turns its excited eyes to him.
Comments.
JVR Enters Calder Race (written before JT scored GWG!)
FanHouse nods to the Islanders and the Country
The New Jersey Devils do find a way, don’t they? After a spotty first period with a few big saves from Martin Brodeur, they found their game. They also received some really friendly assistance by a quartet of clueless on-ice officials. Two invented calls gave New Jersey a 5-on-3 and put the game out of reach. The linesmen couldn’t even spot an obvious high stick before the goal to make it 3-1.
Nevertheless, the Islanders need to show more in closing out a game – win or lose.
Power plays: Devils 2-3, Islanders 0-4.
Shots: 42-23 for New Jersey, including 16-4 in the third. Richard Park and Trent Hunter had four each, Kyle Okposo and John Tavares three each. Getting no shots on goal: Matt Moulson, Jeff Tambellini and Josh Bailey.
Six goals ties a season high for an Islanders opponent. The Islanders have only scored one goal in each of their last three losses – in St. Louis, Wednesday to the Flyers and today.
Someone give a rosary or a rabbit’s foot or something to Marty Biron. “We certainly can’t fault Marty for this one, that’s for sure,” said Scott Gordon.
The Islanders’ post-game TV show on MSG Plus ended at 3:45 pm. The Devils’ post-game TV show on MSG ended at 4:00 pm.
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3:17 pm – The Devils get a 5-on-3 on not one, but two incredibly weak penalty calls. The second call, a hold on Richard Park with New Jersey already on a power play, is mind-boggling. It appears today’s referees decided to have the game be about them. Elias scores on the 5-on-3, Zach Parise and Rolston again make it 5-1. Three NJ goals in 2:02.
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2:35 pm – Would love to know Chris Rooney’s explanation for why he thought Andy Greene’s shot went through, when the ref was standing in perfect position. This time, NHL replay prevailed. Islanders continue to create offense, but allowed a lot more in the second period – a sign they have lost their game a bit.
Facing a beat-up Devils team, no reason why they can’t bounce one in and at least take the game to overtime. They were down 2-1 after two periods yesterday, too. Maybe the rallying cry can be Do it for Biron.
Icetime through two periods: John Tavares – 15:20 – Richard Park – 12:54, Josh Bailey – 8:36, Nate Thompson – 6:48.
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2:20 pm – Rolston on the power play for the lead after Mike Mottau gets a perfect pinball off the skates of Bergenheim and Streit to tie the game. Worse for the Islanders, cracks are showing in their team defense.
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1:52 pm – Frans Nielsen is out for the game (and maybe more) with what the Islanders have termed an upper-body injury. (See my comment about Doug Weight question earlier in thread).
1:41 pm – Both teams have excellent chances – Tavares gloved by Brodeur, the Devils hit the post on a wide-open net – but it’s a slapper over the blueline from Richard Park with too much room that goes in.
Mark Streit has a period where he looks like Denis Potvin. Kyle Okposo is a terror on the forecheck. Devils are missing six regulars and look like it.
Frans Nielsen may be injured.
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1:05 pm – Jack Hillen starts with Streit. MacDonald in for Sutton, who will have an MRI. Same forwards. Biron vs. Brodeur.
Colorado puts Tom Preissing on waivers. Would not be bad for depth, can move the puck. Unfortunately, Preissing seems to have lost his game two years ago. The scouts will discuss.
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11:15 am - Andrew MacDonald has been recalled from Bridgeport. Andy Sutton is out with a groin injury. The Islanders say Sutton will be evaluated today.
I would suggest checking the Islanders’ website for up-to-date lineup information, but the official team depth chart continues to have the following as your left wings: (in order of lines) 1. John Tavares 2. Blake Comeau 3. Jeff Tambellini 4. Sean Bergenheim 5. Jon Sim. Doug Weight is listed as the first-line center. When your organizational pride and professionalism is such that you’re giving out Bill Guerin and Alexei Yashin merchandise to your fans that win in-game contests, this is just being consistent. Good thing the hockey side is not afflicted.
Martin Biron vs. Martin Brodeur.
Scott Gordon should be meeting the press a little after his 11:30 am team meeting, so check Newsday around noon if you can and are interested.
The Devils will be without David Clarkson, who has a non-displaced fracture in his lower right leg, Dainus Zubrus, Jay Pandolfo and defensemen Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya, among others.
After today, the Islanders have a day off on Sunday and then have practices scheduled Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before leaving on a four-game trip.
In response to the Comments and email, who exits the lineup when Doug Weight returns? 1. It’s too early to ponder that. Doug has not even practiced with the team yet. 2. If the Islanders are playing well, it’s not a layup that Doug is immediately placed in the lineup the moment he’s ready. In his 11 games this season, Doug had no goals and six assists. 3. Don’t you think you’d know better by now to ask that question? Someone almost always goes down with an injury, taking the decision out of the coach’s hands.
Bridgeport defeated Albany last night, 3-0, behind 39 saves by Scott Munroe. Matt Martin scored a goal for the Sound Tigers. After player development director Bryan Trottier stood behind the bench on Friday, assistant development director Eric Cairns served as an assistant on Saturday.
Stat courtesy of SI’s Sarak Kwak: Of the 366 NHL games played this season, 17.6% have gone to a shootout. 65% of overtime games have gone to a shootout.
Since it’s a holiday weekend matinee, I’ll just do brief updates after each period in this thread. At least that’s the plan for now. You’re invited to talk about the game all day in Comments.
JVR Enters Calder Race (written before JT scored GWG!)
FanHouse nods to the Islanders and the Country
6:45 pm update: Andy Sutton out with a groin injury. Andrew MacDonald up for game in New Jersey.
5:05 pm - Just got back from the Coliseum with my three sons. Good times, good times. Feel free to join in the Post-Game Plus/Minus. I’ll get it started with a few:
Plus: A magnificent, inspired performance from the Islanders for almost the entire 60 minutes. Could have been 7-2 if not for all the missed nets – open or with Brent Johnson in it – but 3-2 is good enough.
Plus: I’m thinking it’s time John Tavares and Kyle Okposo are kept together, at least most of the time. They’re too good together – witness today’s third period – and they’re the future of the franchise. If some combination of Frans Nielsen and Trent Hunter or Josh Bailey and somebody can’t get it done for secondary scoring, so be it.
Plus: The Islanders get the two wins they needed this week. Better still, they serve up another showing that gives the Country confidence they’re going to hang around the playoff race for a long while.
Plus: Evgeni Malkin created scoring opportunites on almost every shift, but the broken look on his face after Freddy Meyer held him up at the blueline late in the third was priceless. Still, that was a superstar performance from Malkin – Sidney Crosby, not so much – so the Islanders’ victory is all the more impressive.
Plus: You can’t go wrong with a Baby Crawl between-periods.
Plus: Best thing about Sean Bergenheim potting one is it makes his relentless approach to the game look so much better.
Plus: In the first nine minutes, the Islanders had two shots on goal and a half-dozen missed nets. In the tenth minute, Mark Streit put his shot on goal and Bailey pounced on a juicy rebound for the first goal of the game. Four goals in five games for JB. Those four goals have come in Josh’s last seven shots.
Plus: Any fan can bring a hand-made sign for Tavares. But for a family – not named Sim – to be in the Coliseum today with a “We (Heart) Sim” poster, that’s just priceless. Kudos also to Sim for provoking three Penguins to give him the smelly glove. The ref watched the first two in amusement, but called a penalty on Craig Adams for the third.
Plus: Okposo let out a hearty F bomb in the first period after missing a golden op for a shortie, but if he’s going to out-work Malkin, Crosby and Sergei Gonchar while he’s on the penalty kill, no one’s going to complain about a goal-scoring drought.
Plus: John Tavares dancing around Martin Skoula, who obviously does not read the clips.
Plus: Fantastic fourth line shift from Richard Park and Co. after the Penguins made it 2-1 in the second leveled the momentum. Little moment, big deal.
Plus: Finding a way to get the win for Dwayne Roloson, who miraculously carried them the last time out.
Plus: Watch how Streit moves without the puck, setting up for an offensive chance. Good stuff.
Plus: All for the privilege of taking five Nate Thompson rights to the face, Jordan Staal cost his team a third period power play and took himself out of the game. All because in today’s culture, he thought he was doing the right thing. Another game-changer for the Islanders.
Plus: The Islanders are now putting their Goal Song to a website poll. Silly that it’s come to this, but this is a Plus nevertheless because it means they are going to change it. The current one is not going to win. (“Rock and Roll” is not on the ballot).
Plus: The D pair in the final minute with the extra attacker? Streit and Jack Hillen.
Plus: The Islanders didn’t blow all their energy in the first two periods. I mean, they didn’t make any unforced errors in the third period.
Plus: Scott Gordon, Dean Chynoweth and Scott Allen continue to do something right…whatever that may be on a given day.
Even: Strong showing today by Penguins fans. I must have missed all of them five years ago when the only Pitt fans in the Coliseum were the relatives of Rob Scuderi.
Go. No idea what I’m doing for tomorrow’s tilt in Jersey. Thank you to everyone who said hello today at the rink. Very nice meeting you all. Nice to see that even a reader who goes by “Bloodyskull” is just a good, normal guy with a beautiful family.
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