ATLANTA at ISLANDERS, 7:05 pm
Gordon on Martinek loss…Comeau in for Weight
UPDATED at 6:00 pm – Blake Comeau in for Doug Weight, Freddy Meyer in for Radek Martinek. Rob Schremp a healthy scratch. Scott Gordon on losing Martinek, out for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee: “It’s a huge loss for us. To me, he’s one of the best-kept secrets in the NHL. I feel so bad for him. He was doing a great job matching up against other team’s top lines.”
On Comeau, the head coach said he’d like the wing to take his strong physical play on the perimeter also to the middle of the ice and to the scoring areas.
The Islanders say there is no word yet on defenseman Radek Martinek, who appeared to suffer a lower-body injury in the third period during the loss on Friday night in New Jersey. The oft-injured Martinek will be evaluated today and the Islanders may have an announcement later.
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After last night’s game in New Jersey, the Islanders did not have a morning skate for their regulars today at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. No doubt extras Freddy Meyer, Blake Comeau and Rob Schremp plus the recovering Trent Hunter got in a workout.
Meyer will be in for Martinek, Comeau could return to the lineup for any number of struggling forwards. Jon Sim is 1-1-2 in 14 games. Doug Weight has no goals and just three even-strength points in 11 games. Tim Jackman has one goal and no assists in 16 games. 2008 first round pick Josh Bailey may eventually break out and exceed the 20-point season he’s currently on pace for, but a game watching from a suite would not hurt him.
Dwayne Roloson is expected to get the start tonight against the Thrashers.
Flukey: Just a month into the season and the Islanders have played 16 games while the Thrashers (6-5-1) have just played 12.
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This is hockey. Now that the Islanders have lost two in a row after winning four straight, that 5-6-5 records reads like they’ve won just five of 16 games this season.
Even without Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta should be a formidable opponent and a fun watch. Check out youngster Zack Bogosian on defense. At forward, 27-year old Rich Peverley has been the waiver wire pickup of the last two seasons (Kyle Quincey the best waiver dman). This year Peverley is 7-9-16 in 12 games.
Ondrej Pavelec has his shaky moments but has stolen some points in goal for the Thrashers.
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Two notes off last night:
Rangers, Devils and Knicks post-game shows – especially on the road – are almost always much longer than the ones provided on The Plus for the Islanders. Last night it was particularly jarring when the Devils stayed on the air for 37 minutes after the game, about 20 more than the Islanders’ broadcast.
Example No. 4,783 why Lou Lamoriello rules. Patrik Elias makes his season debut Friday night after groin surgery. In Devilsland, it’s not even a question about doing the right thing. Jacques Lemaire was adamant – as was Lamoriello, of course – that Elias, although okay, was not getting on the plane for their game Saturday night in Ottawa.
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Score-O!!!: We haven’t done this in a while, but I think tonight’s big home match against Atlanta calls for it.
In Comments, tell us who will win between the Islanders and the IK-less Thrashers?
Predict the score and talk about this post and tonight’s game in Comments.
129 Responses to ATLANTA at ISLANDERS, 7:05 pm
Gordon on Martinek loss…Comeau in for Weight
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Westfall says:
It is extremely frustrating to see Martinek go down with his annual injury. But no one should discount his value to this team. He has played over 20 mins in every game this season and Andy Sutton’s play has improved greatly since partnered with Marty. Interesting stat: last year the Isles were 20-26-5 with Martinek in the lineup and 6-21-4 when he was injured. Hopefully Meyer can step in and play well.
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Justin says:
Rich Peverly and Kyle Quincey – yep, wonder what team’s jersey they would look good in right about now. I don’t like the energy the Isles are playing with right now and Atlanta had some skilled forwards even without Kovy so I’m gonna say 4-2 Thrash. Hope I’m wrong.
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themass says:
Isles come out strong and roloson is sharp. 4-3 isles in regulation.
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ben c. says:
Isles 3-2 in OT/Shootout
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jonsson3 says:
Forget Isles and Thrashers.
Lets see the Ice Girls vs.The Blue Crew!!!!
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matt says:
4-1 isles 2 by tavares one by okposo and one by weight
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Westfall(2): wow, thats very telling. Here’s hoping Radek was just knocked around a bit and will be OK. After all the injuries he has had, perhaps he has Kenny Jonsson syndrome where you think he is really hurt, but then he winds up being OK. God, all the times my heart was in my throat seeing Kenny go down to the ice and fearing, “OMG… this is IT!”
For some reason Im thinking 3-2 in OT for the Thrashers game. I hope Im wrong in that its a big blowout for us… but I hope Im right that the Isles win!
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Nick says:
3-2 Isles…Witt OT winner!
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goowy says:
3-1 Thrash in regulation
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Ugly Roe From Massapequa says:
Martinek evaluation: Brittle!
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isles14 says:
isles 4-3 win baby win
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WM says:
Isles win 2-1 in front of 9,000 yawning fans, 1 beat writer in a region of 8M people, and 2 people in line for an $8 beer and $5.75 pretzel.
Should be thrilling.
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jim S. says:
Atlanta 5-1-1 on the road, Isles 4-2-2 at home. Advantage ATL
Atlanta 42G in 12 gms, Isles 38G in 16gms. Advantage ATL
Isles lost last 2 gms, Atlanta lost last game. EVEN
Roloson vs. Pavelec, advantage ISLES
Kovalchuck out, Tavares against rookie goalie, advantage ISLES
Isles win in OT, 5-4
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german islesfan says:
the most time we have some problems to play the thrashers at home. my predict is a 4:2 Isles win Tavares,Okposo,Streit and Bergenheim scores the goals. Go Isles!!
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Dadi says:
5-2 Islanders
Okposo 2, Tavares, Bergenheim, Park -
big dally mac says:
4-3 Islanders after falling behind 3-1.
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joe fred says:
Isles take this game 4-2….Tambellini gets back on track and so does Okposo, only 10k in the stands though to see the Isles victory!
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Gary Cast says:
Holiday doldrums are starting early this year.Playoffs out of sight by Christmas.Losing streak extends to 3 with 5-2 loss tonight.Last Atlanta goal an empty netter.The 4 game winning streak was just a tease!
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Anthony says:
6-2 Isles
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Hollywood says:
Hopefully a 3-2 win. Probably a 5-3 loss.
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Gary Cast says:
Losing streak to 3
Holiday doldrums beginning early this year.Playoffs out of sight by Xmas.Winning streak was a tease.5-2 Atlanta tonight.Last Thrashers goal an empty netter!
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Jason says:
4-1 Thrashers. I’ll probably be asleep by the second intermission.
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The New Isles GM says:
Isles lose 4-3
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isles316 says:
Losing Martinek stings a bit. He has been playing really well lately.
I love the effort and attitude Jon Sim brings, however I really would like to see Comeau play tonight. I believe in what Scott Gordon is doing and obviously feels like this will make him a better player.
Isles get a win tonight. 3-1, Tavares with a big game.
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beatlebailey says:
How about a pre-game of the IceGirls vs the ThrasherGirls…might draw a bigger crowd!
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RichM says:
4-1 Thrashers.
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dmen77 says:
Isles win 4-2
Tavares, Okposo, Streit and Park are the goal scorers
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2277 says:
big game for the Isles and with no other sports in town (sorry I dont count the awful Knicks) they get a big crowd and blow out Atlanta 6-2 – Doubld Chili
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Staten Islander says:
4-3 Isles in regulation. Hopefully Martinek isn’t hurt too badly. JT and KO get goals and Nate Thompson gets 2
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eastonhockey says:
I predict Baily gets a shot on net..well if not this game by the end of next week.
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justin says:
Isles win 3-1
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
Martinek is pretty important on D. Meyer is good defender though. isles win 4-3.
I’ll be at the game. Isles could have one yesterday. so they be playing with edge tonight. That was a yawning devils loss. No wonder they get noone in attendance.
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Brian in VA says:
2-0 Thrash! Moulson should be demoted to another line!
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ACIsles says:
I’ll predict the first lopsided win of the year…. Isles win 5-1. Goals by Tavares (2), Okposo (1), Streit (1) Mouslon (1).
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Willis says:
3-1 but I can’t get a clear picture of who has the 3.
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IslesinOside says:
My Predictions:
3-1 Thrashers. This team still can’t put the biscuit in the basket!Rolo will play well but the D will be the cause of the goals as well as 1 off of Gervais and/or Baileys skate.
Gordon will come out in his 60 second press conference and blame the players for
not doing there job.Bailey and Sim will play, God forbid they try giving Schremp or Comeau a chance.
Bergy will take 5 shots on net tonight and get close this time by hitting the glass just outside the Trapezoid.
During “LightitUp” I predict 1 cellphone out again.
After our first goal I predict all the fans scratching their head in disgust at yet another new Goal Song!
Teddy will be sitting on his couch at home and thank God he is not part of this Circus anymore.
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doc says:
Bailey has been better the last 8 games… last night was not one of his better ones though.
Comeau in for the god awful SIM. Please take Sim off this team.
Meyer gets a chance to show that he belongs. I like Meyer… not sure why. I bet he shows just like Hillen did, that he belongs.
Islanders 4 Thrashers 2.
DOC
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Matt says:
3-1 atlanta. they are just simply the better team.
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Swan says:
Isles 3-2
Sim is a better player than Comeau, especially this season so far.
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Adam says:
I agree with Brian (#36), moulson needs to be off the first line. We all had our fun with his lucky start, but the guy is not a first liner. He is slow, he never sets up kyle and tavares with opportunities, and he is absent for huge stretches. Get someone with some speed to open up the ice for our power forward (okposo) and slow sniper (tavares). Tamby, weight, or bergie would be fine.
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whalersconvertedtoisles says:
Isles win 4-2, capping it off with an empty netter.
Moulson, Tavares, Fransy & Park all grab goals.
Can’t wait for tonight.
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Bob Bassen says:
5-2 Islanders…my magic 8-Ball is usually never wrong on the the first Saturday of most months between October and November.
Go Isles! -
TimQ says:
3-1 Islanders
Bailey, Sim, and Bergenheim score … then I wake up -
matt says:
islanders 4-2
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Eric says:
Isles win 4-3. Tavares,Neilsen,Comeau,Okposo with the goals. Peverly scores for Atlanta. I saw him play last year against the Islanders and I thought he was awesome.
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volmeeezy says:
i agree with #30 – double chili haha
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Hi Chris, I have not responded in a while, but have been reading all your great articles. 1st, 5-2 Islander’s, feels right. 2nd, I couldn’t agree more with your take on, if the NY Islander’s are rebuilding, which without a question they are. Then why aren’t they going strickly with the young studs? Chris could you bring us up to date with the entire NY Islander’s talent they have. I’ve believe they have a lot of talent playing throughout the world. Why if they are in a rebuilding stage, aren’t these players here, or in Bridgeport? And could you also bring us, NY Islander’s fan’s, up to date, on next years uniform, I hope their plans are to bring back the uniforms worn during the Stanley Cup years. They were the best, “Classic’s”. And finally, could you mention to Terry Goldstein, to reduce the size of the Islander’s Crest, Still way to large, Should be 10 inches all the way around, the same size as the Boston Bruins. The size of the Crest plays strongly, in the look, of the final product. Thanks Chris, aways a pleasure, Go Islander’s 5-2 tonight! Mark/NJ
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Gary P says:
Put Park on first line. He is the reason the 4th line been good. And I think the Thrashers ice girls looks better than ours.sorry to say I feel a loss tonite for us
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i like your thinking gary, park is versatile, he could literally play on any line and look like he belongs. He is the quickest player on the team and he is an above average stick handler. He would create a lot of room and opportunities for the two big goal scorers.
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Trick says:
5-1 isles win. Isles win from faceoff advatages
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Danbury Islanders Fan says:
Islanders win 5-3 and JT has his first multi-goal game.
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billy says:
i say 4-1, and agree with danbury about tavs getting his first multi-goal game
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Shawn says:
4-3 Thrash in a shootout
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Tony F. says:
Islanders win 4-3, Okposo,Meyer,Sutton,Park.
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Alex says:
Isles win 4-2, 2 goals by Bergenheim!
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isles99 says:
im sick and tired of people saying bergenheim will score today, tomarrow, yesterday…..he is a 10 goal player period.
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leviticus says:
4-3 Isles
Think Sim should sit and give Comeau one more shot.
If Bailey is on pace for a 20 point season, Filatov is on pace for 4, Schenn for 8 and -20, Wilson for 10, Boedkker 0, (Don’t know about Hodgson, he’s still in Juniors)…Looks like we got the best of the lot (if anyone really thinks this can be evaluated so soon).
Ups and downs will be, and should be expected to be, the hallmark of a rebuilding team. -
cusi says:
sit jackman.
sim to the 4th line.
comeau, bailey, bergy.
Isles Win 4-2.
Bailey, Tavares, Gervais, Tambs -
max says:
6-4 islanders in a wild one. Tavares has his first career hat trick and goals by nielsen, tambellini, and streit.
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Lets go Isles! says:
6-4 Isles win.
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cgs878 says:
Okposo gets a hat trick tonight & Park gets a shorty on the PK, but Islanders fall in OT 5-4. Biron replaces Roloson for the 3rd period. Peverly with the winning goal 35 seconds into OT.
It’s disappointing to hear that Martinek is lost for the season & Weight is out again due to injury. Ahh well, it’s another disappointing season. Didn’t we expect it by now?
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what happened to the playoff talk?..lol..oh well hope we get to see what macdonald can do. Its a shame Martinek’s career will be defined by all of the injuries instead of his steady play because he really was a solid 4th D man when healthy…
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Gary Cast says:
The holiday season folding act has already started with the past two losses.
Number 3 in a row will be tonight’s 5-2 loss to the Thrashers. The 5th goal an empty netter. Playoff spot dries up prior to the drop of the ball in Time Square on New Years eve.The 4 game winning streak was just a tease.
Radek,s injury is just the start of a long string of Islander injusries to follow. Keep in shape Sound Tigers Garthie will be calling!
Chris, pretty soon you can coin your new three man combo first round draft name the Islanders can chase!!!
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Bossy22 says:
3 games in 4 nights = Atl 4 Isles 2
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The suggestion of Park to the 1st line is ridiculous. He’s a 4th line player that does his job well… playing on the 4th line, killing penalties and the occasion 3rd line duty.
DOC
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Islesin2010 says:
Feel horrible for Radek. Such a solid player even with his tough start this year I had all the confidence he would get his form back and he was on his way. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in an Isles uniform, quiet and just a stand-up guy. Hope he bounces back, but really, how many of these injuries can a guy have before it starts taking a toll on his game. Eventually, those quick turns in his own zone and great first stride have to worsen. Really feeling for this guy right now. Since I am a big believer in not losing 3 games in a row, I predict the Isles win 4-2 tonight. Kids lead the way. Maybe a streiter in there.
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ogam5 says:
RE Comment No. 50: Chris, tell Terry no such thing; logo is fine as it is (although I prefer the replica version much more) and NO bringing back the Dynasty-era designs, ESPECIALLY the redder orange tone…..admittedly, white hems have their good points and bad points but, overall, this present design is much better than the Dynasty-era blues, far more colorful and greater contrast…..Prediction: 4-2 Islanders
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surprise surprise, radek is out with an injury.
despite his solid play when healthy, the isles must buy out his contract if theres anything left on it and move on. Something major happens to him every year, he’s glass plain and simple.
now weights out again?
we need these 2 points against thrashers tonight desperately.
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Madchef says:
bergy has been playin well….too bad no goals to show. radek out again no suprise but a shame as he was playin great. could be a tough stretch ahead with all the road games. shmae the winning streak ended so soon because not sure when it will start again.
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tom says:
4-0 isles
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Mike L says:
Isles win 3-2 in SO
Isles goals: Okposo and Sutton
ATL goals: Peverly and LittleIsles win shootout 2-0 on goals by Tamby and Nielsen
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Steven says:
3-1 Isles. I just hope tonight is a Trap free night. The NHL must put an end to the Trap. It may be one of the most important things the NHL can do to help the game. Fans want offense and excitement. Cracking down on obstruction was nice now finish the job NHL.
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Chris A says:
3-1 Isles Moulson JT and Park
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Chris Mc says:
Looks like no one needs to sit because the fragile keep breaking. Comeau and Meyer should see action tonight and Id love to strong games from both.
Isles win this one 4-2.
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Joe B says:
#61 sit Jackman??? Are you kidding nobody else on this team has enough sack to drop the gloves and show some toughness besides maybe witt and Sutton on ocassion! Jackman has been a solid 4th line player for this team all season, if they need to make any moves to get people in the line up its not with our 4th line! I think almost everyone on here knows that Sim has to go!!
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steve k says:
5-2 thrashers. Islanders goals- Streit & Moulson
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rob76 says:
I dont see us putting the puck in the net much – have no confidence in our offense – however i have seen us trounce the Thrashers at home on a saturday night many times (sometimes 5-0) – we win tonight 4-2
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Done for the season… again. So much for my optimistic theory on Martinek from comment #9.
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puck-o says:
Chelios- would be cheap , could have value at the deadline if we are out and another veteran presence in the room one that actually is healthy sometimes. plus a righty which we lose with marty. ps Okposo back on the point for the pp. unless this happens. ps 4-2 win
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Isles win 5-3. Islanders break out of goal scoring slump and pour it on after being handcuffed by the Devil’s defense 24 hours earlier.
Tavares with his first 2 goal game, and Bergy breaks his slump.
Isles will lead 5-1 after two periods and give up two goals with less than 10 mins in the third but hang on.
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Frank nyc says:
So who is in tonite? obviously freddy and im guessing blake comeau will get another shot. I doubt we’ll be seeing schremp anytime soon.
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Les Beaver says:
Bad news about Martinek. He may not be great, but he’s consistantly very good, and someone you want on your team. This makes me
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#78- Trust me i want sim to sit out over jackman anyday. i don’t think gordon will sit sim. either way the point is now moot, due to comeau in the lineup most likely for Weight.
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Jim Clark says: Thrashers thrash the defenseless Isles 4-2
More of the usual secrecy from the Wang ownership group on how Weight is out with an “Upper body injury”. If they can’t level with their few remaining fans on injuries, how can we believe them on the Lighthouse??
Shame for Martinek. Get well soon and make a complete recovery for 2010-11
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Jerky says:
Feel bad for Martinek losing another 68 games this season because of major injury and do hope he recovers well. However he has been mediocre at best so far this season (even by his own admission) and I think all the previous injuries has impacted his game. With his latest knee injury it’ll take him a full season next year before his play recovers to the level it was at this season and frankly the team will look a lot different by the end of next season having two more years of the rebuild behind us. He will no longer fit on this team and I agree with a previous post that the Isles should buy out his contract if he has any time left after this season.
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Frei says:
I’ve always hated Martinek, because he’s only good for 50 or so games a year, which makes him as valuable as 2/3 of an NHL defenseman.
Good guy? Yep. Skilled? Yep. Far too fragile for the NHL, and a gross liability to the team and roster each season because of it?
You know he is.
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jt91 says:
time to drop the glassman for a more reliable d-man!!!
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Nick says:
Thrashers score fist, then park, and then moulsen. 2-1 Isles
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It’s very unfortunate about Radek … but realisically … what did we expect from him this season? Was he going to show us to the promised land? I feel bad for Radek, because he’s a reliable defenseman … not really great at anything … but reliable. That said we have to all face the reality that he’s nothing more than at best a 2nd pair defender, but more accurately he’s a 5th defenseman on most teams in the NHL. He’s not durable enough to be a shut down defender, and he lacks the offensive vision to be an offensive defenseman. He’s good in his zone, and a good first pass. Being that he’s due to make $1.9M next season he’s not going to be traded, and a buyout is unlikely.
Upper body injury for Weight? So who cares about the specifics? Does it make him come back any sooner. Every team including the Devils and Rangers classify injuries that way. I’m not going to make that an issue with Wang / Snow. I have bigger beefs with them.
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NYICHAMP39 says:
3-2 atlanta on the strength of two ATL PPGs
the D is gonna be the weakness tonight. Did we put robbie schremp back on waivers yet? Sit Sim and call up Trevor Smith!
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thepolishprince says:
The fact that losing Marty for the season is such a big deal for this team just shows how truly awful our defense is. Oh yeah and the Thrashers ice girls are hotter than ours.
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Isletry says:
Feel horrible about Martinek. He has been a favorite of mine since that time he was one of the game stars and did an extended circle reminiscent of Gretzky’s farewell. Get well soon.
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DP says:
My son says Islanders will win 4-3. Gotta say even I don’t see that happening:)
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they seem to be shooting a lot more early
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OMG what a goal
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teddyfusi says:
hahahahha what a move by sutton
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Jerry says:
the hands on andy!
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Great goal, and great feed from JT
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Alan from Hartford says:
terrible news about radek.. he’ll be really missed. i hope freddy can step up. nice to see BC on the ice tonight.
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weaaaak
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mLem says:
Bergie. Got it.
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Mike says:
finally bergie!!..great last shift cant wait till tavares puts on some more wieght and gets stronger on his feet
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why couldn’t we play like this against the devils last nite?
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Pete M says:
Maybe the Devils had something to do with that?
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they’re getting alot of room to skate and pass tonight
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Outside says:
We pretty much matched our shot output from last night
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James says:
I think some are forgetting that a young forward core like the Isles is going to have a tough time against a defensive team; Buffalo and New Jersey are the 2 best defensive teams in the NHL. Those are the teams that will give us the toughest test and you saw it last night
Tonight we play a team that isn’t as solid defensively and it’s giving the kids more of a chance
I agree we did not play well against Buffalo, but a 2-1 loss in New Jersey isn’t the end of the world.
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terry says:
Sim must have some dirt on Gordon for him to play,put him in the bridge already brings no O to the team. He also plays the pp 0 goals this year seems like a good move.Bergy playing hard, great move by sutton
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Cs says:
hmmm you move Sim from Bergys line and he finally scores…sucks that he’s on Tambys line now..although it seems like Tambys doing fine…ncie goal by Sutton!..im still nerveous
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Sim plays hard though, every shift of every game; just cuz the stats don’t show up; doesn’t mean he shouldn’t play
He is not a liability
Also I think we all need to be more even-keeled about this team. They are not a cup contender or maybe even not a playoff team just because we win a few games in a row. At the same time we are not the worst team in the NHL or worst organization in sports just because we lose a few in a row.
I have seen both extremes the last week and it doesn’t make much sense. We have to think of this team in terms of the this season and last season, not the 15 years before that as well.
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Terry19 says:
tavares, okposo, neilsen, bailey, a great pick this year in the draft and in 2 more years, you are looking at a very tough offensive team. a few free agent dmen, and free agent big tough winger, healthy DP in his prime, you are looking at a stanley cup contender.!!!!! patience!!??
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4-2, the goal tending on both sides hasn’t been good
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Blizzard says: ….Sim sucks. Isn’t there some kid that we can give ice time? I cant stand seeing number 16. Its such an insult. It use to be Lafontaine.
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streit02 says:
Aaron Ness playing on ch 405 (cablevision) for anyone interested
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Moulson just made me eat my words from last night with that goal. Way to go Matty and prove me wrong… LETS GO ISLANDERS!!
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JT to MM, hope we hear that for the next 10 years
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WOW 5-2 ISLES in the middle of the second.
the Isles = Offensive juggernaut?? -
pat says:
tavares hurt. damn
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he’s fine. just a little shaken up.
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somebody has to kill boulton
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raul17 says:
MSG owns Rangers & Knicks, of course they will get longer coverage. Those two plus the Devils have a separate radio & TV crews, but the Isles only have to pay the TV duo! Hell, Newsday wouldn’t have a beat reporter if Katie didn’t PAY Newsday to cover the team!!!
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KO21 says:
I’m so rooting for Okposo to score goals…Hes a great player, my favorite player…
Baileys shown he’s got a wicket snap shot over the last few games
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Happy to see Coameu score but I hate to say this, Comeau didnt go the net or use his body enough.
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Well I was off by one goal on my prediction … and JT got 2 assists instead of 2 goals … but Bergy got the goal I predicted …. Oh … and did it not seem the Isles were in a shooting gallery. They moved the puck and didn’t hesitate to shoot.
I like when they put on that kinda show.
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mtrico says:
Poor Marty. Too bad his body continues to betray him. He will never meet his full potential as a player because of how fragile he is.
Isles win 2-1