DEVILS at ISLANDERS, 7:05 pm
DiPietro plays before sellout; Gervais steps up
6:30 pm – Yann Danis is out sick, so Martin Brodeur gets the start. As I just tweeted, Yann will probably get his next chance to start in March.
11:05 am, NVMC: Rick DiPietro starts tonight against the Devils, 3-1 losers last night at home to the Canadiens. DiPietro shut out New Jersey on Monday after beating Buffalo in a shootout less than 48 hours earlier. Isn’t it nice that the news of DiPietro getting a start is not really news?
Although a few tickets were available this morning, tonight’s crowd will be a sellout – the latest indication that the fan base is recognizing what the Islanders have built this season. Key for the home team will be establishing their style of play and not letting the Devils drain the flow out of the game and the passion out of the stands.
The Devils are struggling badly of late. They have lost four of five and they do not have a power play goal in their last eight games. Niclas Bergfors, at one point pushing Tyler Myers, Matt Duchene, John Tavares, the kid goalies and all the rest as a Calder candidate, does not have a goal in his last eleven. With Rod Pelley out, former Islanders farmhand Ben Walter is up with the Devils.
Scott Gordon said this morning the Devils “are going to want to be able to respond” after the Islanders shut them out on Monday afternoon. “We caught them after their road trip and they weren’t as sharp. I’m sure they’ll be better tonight.”
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Coinciding with the Islanders’ recent roll is the improved play of Bruno Gervais, who had a subpar first half after playing so well for long stretches last season with Mark Streit.
“The confidence is back,” Gervais said this morning. “The message from the coaches was that I was trying to do too much. You can’t make chicken salad out of … ”
Asked for the reasons for the defenseman’s improved play, Gordon said that Gervais and Freddy Meyer complement each other well. Gervais, who partnered with Dustin Kohn last game, agreed. “Now that we’ve both been here a while, Freddy and I know how to help each other on the ice,” he said. “We have good instincts about when he should join the play and I should join the play. We back each other up.”
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Nathan Horton is out 4-6 weeks with a broken tibia after absorbing that slap shot dump-in from teammate Dennis Seidenberg in the third period on Thursday at the Coliseum. After the game, coach Peter DeBoer’s preliminary report from Panthers trainer led him to believe, “It’s nothing to be worried about.” Now Florida, an Islanders rival for a playoff berth, loses a key component on their top line for a month.
Comments on tonight’s game and this post.
71 Responses to DEVILS at ISLANDERS, 7:05 pm
DiPietro plays before sellout; Gervais steps up
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Very good news about the tickets. Wish I was able to go tonight but I have at least 5 more home games lined up.
The Devils will be hungry but a good early forecheck and “Overspeed” should be able to calm that down. LGI!!
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big dally mac says:
I hope Tavares has a hell of a night. He’s been walking throught the Darkness of the edge of town lately….me thinks.
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(Sim)ple says:
could really use Andy Sutton for this game. The Devils are due for an offensive output. Bergfors is also due for a good game. DP is gonna have to be on his game.
I know Brodeur played last night and has started like over 20 straight. Any chance we get to face Danis for a full 60? Well how about 59? Hopefully they’ll need to pull their goalie late.
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Madchef says:
big test for the isles tonight. Devils will be looking for revenge. Another test for DP. Lets get it done boys
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TimQ says:
It would be nice to jump on them early again. Need a big game from the energy guys like Bergie, Park, Sim
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The Simtuation formerly known as K-Rob says:
Hope Danis is in net, and if he is, jump on him early. We all remember what can happen in about 10 minutes. A 3rd period 5 goal breakdown.
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Willis says:
I’m really nervous about this game, I don’t know why!
Come out fast and stay the course boys – GO ISLANDERS!!! -
Frank nyc says:
Really good to see the fans are starting to come back around. I attended my first game of the season last saturday v.s. Buffalo and i could tell you i havent heard an Islanders crowd as loud as it was that game. The team is winning and has good young players. The Isles fan is recognizing that.
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thepolishprince says:
I hope DP and JT have great games. Sorry to hear about Horton. He’s a player I’ve liked since he was drafted and was having a real good year.
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James says:
Every game is a big game, lets keep it rolling against a struggling Devils team.
DP getting the start tonight is a great idea just as it was on Monday.
Being in Florida, I watch all the Isles games on GameCenter, but tonight I may have to miss the beginning as it is my Moms’ birthday. Either way I will be sporting my Isles shirt and rooting for them just the same
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!
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Gch says:
Great to see the fans are coming out to support this team! I will be there tonight as well. Lets go isles! This is a huge game!
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german islesfan says:
hopefully we can add another W in the books. 7 homewins in a row? yes we can! Go Isles!!
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Staten Islander says:
If they win tonight they might have to dust off the Fort Neverlose sign
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Joseph says:
Let’s go Islanders!!!!!
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
key to winning tonight is getting on scoreboard early. thats how you beat the devils. if you let them take early lead they just shut down and play that boring trap. this puts the isles players to sleep as well as the crowd.
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the real JD says:
I would ride Rolo. He should at least start the next two against NJ and Washington. DiPi’s next start should come against Carolina.
I hope the boys keep the Devils to the outside the way they did on Monday. Someone tell Rick to close his legs the 5-hole is wide open
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Blizzard says: ….great to see Bruno pick up his game. Chemistry with Meyer, last year Streit not so much with Witt….just sayin.
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iruber1337 says:
Too bad about Horton…I’d love to see him in an Islanders jersey. Maybe Tamby, Biron and our 1st for Horton (I can dream).
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Jim Clark says: Isn’t DP’s record against the Devils a lot better than Roli’s? DP should start when it is medically sound. Wang and Snow have already made in the face of the franchise for the next 12 years.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Nothing like IPB and a cup of coffee!
Exciting game and games ahead.
Let’s Go ISLANDERS!!! -
DP is right call for start tonight. Much better against the Devils than Rollie. Rather save Dwayne the Rock for the Caps.
Calling it here, Tavares has multi-point night. He’s got to break out some time. Why not tonight?
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FourCupsin4yearsnot60 says:
So I guess Brandon Witt was really hurt pretty badly. Perhaps that is the reason his play fell off so much this year. Meyer, Gervis and McDonald stepping up will allow Witt to get 100% healthy again instead of rushing back. That can only help. I’ll tell you, this depth thing does have its advantages.
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joe fred va says:
Nice to finally see a sell out, could it be the whole 4 tix plus 4 dogs and 4 pepsi products for $149.00 helping that cause as well? Spank the Devils tonite, lets go Isles!!
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Jeff says:
It would be great if JT shows his stuff to a sellout crowd. Let’s go Islanders!!
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JP says:
Take advantage of the Devils while they are down! DP starting in net against the Devils in front of a full house makes plenty of sense. I can’t wait to hear the Coliseum rock! Let’s go Islanders!!!
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fan says:
Horton is always a NYI killer. Would be nice to see him in orange & blue someday.
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it would be useful if it was 4 tix 4 pretzels 4 beers for 149.00
I Cant believe they charge 8.75 per beer at the old barn.
I wouldnt mind paying 8.75 if the $ actually went to the NYI.
Cant wait to go tonight! perfect time for the isles to put on a good show for the fans at the sold out barn! -
Peter B. says:
Oh, and who can forget last season when Jokinen accidentally sliced Zednik’s neck with his skate.
I think someone has put a curse on them or something.
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Jimbo says:
Considering the beat down the isles gave them on monday and the fact that the Dev’s have lost the last 4 of 5 and are looking to snap it, tonite’s game will be a true test of the Isles ability to stay focused. They’ve finally made enough noise to get the public out in full force including the legions of suspicious half-fans who will be filling the place tonight…lets hope they give them a good show and really get the momentum going.
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the Flyers win moves them up to 6th and the Isles back to 9th.
Big game tonight as always, in fact if we win and the Rangers lose, we would move from 9th to 6th just like the Flyers did today
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Big fan of Horton too.
But…this is about beating the Devils. Its so cool to have ppl come in on a saturday talking about the Islanders! Its January!!
Didn’t get tix for tonight, I’ll be there Tuesday loud and proud!
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coral springs isle fan says:
Stay focused early and match the Devils intensity. The forecheck will wear them down by the 3rd period much the way it did against Florida. We just need to bury the opportunities when they present themselves. Sell out tonight; makes for a great atmosphere. The Islanders need to keep the crowd in the game and use them as a 6th man. I always love watching games when the building is full and loud. Go Isles; get two points!
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How exciting it is to be an Islander! DP/ Rollie, JT, KO, JB, Streit, Hillen, Sutton, etc, etc…
Let’s Go Islanders!
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Steve says:
Tonight will be a hard game as the Devils will try to snap out of the funk they have been in for last while. I hope the Isles could match the Devils’ intensity tonight and grab another 2 points. The Isles are currently 9th in the Eastern conference standings after Flyers beat Carolina to get up to 55 points. Bruins and Isles are tied with 54, but the Bruins have 1 game in hand.
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Dennis says:
Now can someone in the islanders offices or at the coliseum make the common sense decision and leave the box office open for a half hour or hour after the games. 13000 people leaving the buffalo game last week,all excited and pumped,and dont they think maybe some of those people would buy tickets to another game instead of having to drive back to the coliseum again.The islanders ticket office are their own worst enemies.
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IslesinOside says:
I’ll be dere!!! I bought a 60 ticket flex and got four to this game. I am starting to apprecite my purchase now! Lets go boys!!!!!Get 2!
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Shremp Co 13 says:
I’ll be there tonight. can’t wait to hear this place rock!!
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Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
Goals by Bergs, Johnny T, KO, AMac. Two assists for Steeter and Frans.
Isles win 4-3 in regulation. -
rob76 says:
I think that the Panthers are their own worst enemy – First Ballard takes out Vokoun with his stick – and now this – Its obviously an accident but very unfortunate for them. Thats about as bad of luck as there is
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wmw22 says:
Score-O: Isles win 4-2 in regulation.
Anyone else seeing the coincidence in Gervais’s play, Meyer as well, and Witt going on IR. Understood that Witt was hurt, played hurt, and no one questions his toughness and grit, but the whole “having to do too much” could have been due to Witt’s partners having to compensate for him. … Just a thought.
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Phil F says:
Islanders fans have ALWAYS been here and been true to the core – it is only over the last few years that we have been given a product worth our time, money and passion… I’ve always been an Islanders fan, and now I’m a PROUD Islanders Fan!!!
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Chris in DC says:
I say Weight puts one in and gets rid of that goose egg; PP goal from Robbie Schremp; key goal from JT; Streit pumps one in; strong game from Ricky (fingers crossed all around!) Go Isles!
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puckhead says:
Woooooooooooooooo!
It feels good………
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Mario says:
Were beginning to get taken seriously by every team. GO ISLES!!!
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eastonhockey says:
Im shocked that the ISLES could have a sellout with the overpriced tickets close to the ice. I guess anyone who was complaining about Wang overcharging..can now see why Wang made prices so high. If he sells out charging a fortune for seats..thats alot of money. I guess at the end of the day, long Island still has enough cops and teachers making 80+ grand a year to charge alot of money that other places could never attempt to do..
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Joe says:
Bad start for Streit
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Chris A says:
Kyle Okposo will be the captain of this team for the next seven years at least. He knows what the deal is and I can be sure he will do his part to change it (in this case the slow start to the first and he picked up his game)
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I hope Trent Hunter becomes the captain after Doug Weight. It’s not necessarily being the best player that make one a great captain.
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Jakebrake says:
#51, UHM, wrong Steve
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Islesphan25 says:
I hope its not one of those games…3 posts already…
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If White doesn’t get the same suspension as Sutton I will be pissed.
Hopefully that whiff assist by Tavares gets him going
2 goals so far on the major … Big turnaround
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Who did White board? Is the Islander hurt?
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Bergenheim got slammed face first from behind into the boards at center ice. He was cut but seemed OK
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chris says:
bergy is the one who was boarded.. drew some blood and had to go to the lockeroom
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thanks guys. Hope he’s okay. Bergy’s a tough bugger. Was it dirty? Suspension coming?
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Terry19 says:
dirty stuff, two games. Colin White is a d-bag
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Mike from VA says:
Devils still cant score. need an islander to score for them. ugh frederick the III
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JJ says:
Damn shame the Devils scored at the end of that period. Unfortunate. But still a great period of hockey by the Isles! Rangers down 5-0, if Isles could pull out 2 points, they’re in the 6 spot… in January… Whoa!
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mtrico says:
White had better get at least 2 games on that hit from behind.
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ken says:
if they win they would be in the 6th spot and if they lose they will be in the 10th spot… incredible
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Lorne says:
I still think it is way to early to determine playoff spots right now, we got ways to go before the season is over. Nevertheless, it is nice to be in the thick of it. After all, we all thought we would be where Carolina is right now.
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MattyB says:
Looked awful tonite after the first…no real 5 on 5 chances after the first….Powerplay was a gift from White, DP looked eh, and the D was miserable
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The New Isles GM says:
This is exactly why I haven’t been posting comments losing my mind over the Islanders winning games. I do not want to see PLAYOFFS if we can only generate one shot in the third period. That was absolutely pathetic. What happened to playing with heart? Where did all our young legs go. Time to start focusing on the holes on this team before Olympic break if you want to have any real shot at making the playoffs and seeing something past the 1st round. (see 1993 as a reference)
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isles316 says:
2 softies by dp. they should ride roloson but they won’t. I respect dp and his effort to get healthy but he has never been better than average. 2 softies and one late in the game . the isles didn’t play great but jesus
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Not a good effort in the 3rd. They only showed up for 1 period, the Devils took it to them, and they deserved to lose.
I truly believe that Tavares will be a star eventually but right now he is really struggling. He blew the coverage that left Langenbrunner open for the 1st goal. He was asleep in front on a nice centering pass by KO in the 3rd, and he generally looks lost out there. He should benefit from the Olympic break but might not be a bad idea for him to sit for a game right now.
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Strummer's Army says:
That was in no way DP’s fault #66. Those goals weren’t soft. As KO said most of the team didn’t show up to play tonight. They were pathetic in the third and didn’t have a good game overall except during the 5 minute PP.
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Steven says:
I disagree about two softies. One was a big blast from close in and one a defelction. This game was not lost by goaltending.
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He’s never been better than average? Hmm can’t agree with that statement.
Let’s grab another 2 points!!!