ISLANDERS 3 BUFFALO 2 (SHOOTOUT)
Post-Game Interactive Plus/Minus
Point Blank mini-Q & A with Rick DiPietro after the game:
After everything you’ve been through, did you appreciate even getting bumped a few times by the Sabres?
I appreciate everything. I love the contact, the competition, everything. I especially appreciate the guys in this room. They’ve been incredible to me all season. I missed all of this so much. When you’re gone this long, you appreciate everything. The only thing I don’t love are some of Sudsie’s drills.
Roy in the shootout might have been the first time tonight you really had to extend yourself on a save. How did that feel?
Good, but to be honest with you, I was pissed. I had two chances to close out the shootout and missed. I pride myself on finishing games, so that was really disappointing. Thankfully, Hunts backed me up with his goal.
You made a point of thanking the fans in your post-game interview on the ice and were pretty emotional. Tell us about that.
I’ve always appreciated the support of our fans, but after the last two years I appreciate them even more. The Islanders and the fans have been incredible to me since the first day I got here. It had been a while, so I wanted to make sure the fans knew how I felt.
*
Scott Gordon: “Because it’s Ricky, the first thing he said to me after the game was, ‘I gotta work on the shootouts tomorrow.’ He’s a perfectionist.”
Plus: An important, event-feel game in mid-January.
Plus: Rick DiPietro announces he’s on his way back with a sprawling save on Derek Roy in the shootout. Two goals allowed on 33 shots, an extra-inning victory in the shootout? Yes, the Islanders will take that.
Plus: An emotional DiPietro to the fans after the game: “I can’t tell you how much I love you guys. I appreciate it.”
Plus: Some missed nets, crazy bounces and Ryan Miller’s brilliance aside, the Islanders proved once again they have a pretty darn good hockey team.
Plus: Team defense was solid in front of DiPietro, who did not have to make any spectacular saves in the first 65 minutes.
Plus: John Tavares breaks a nine-game goal drought, which is more like 27 games in JT’s life.
Plus: Mid-first, Kyle Okposo curls over the Buffalo blueline and turns an innocent 2-on-3 into a pair of Sabres hanging on his back and two minutes for hooking on Tim Kennedy. Early in the second, Okposo draws a crosschecking penalty by Tyler Myers. Assist on the first goal, made the play on the goal robbed of Richard Park. Team Canada assistant coach Lindy Ruff has to be laughing that Okposo wasn’t picked by Brian Burke’s, uh, committee.
Minus: A pair of momentum-draining power plays by the Islanders in the second half of the first period.
Plus: Would you sign up right now for Aaron Ness in four years being as good as Jack Hillen? Yes, you absolutely would.
Plus: Mark Streit looking the last week like vintage 2008-09 Mark Streit.
Plus: Jon Sim with another filthy, yappy, effective hockey game.
Plus: Everybody not associated with the Sabres hates Patrick Kaleta. Let’s see how many teams hate him when he’s a UFA in a few years.
Plus: Considering he throws the same punishing bodycheck in the same spot every time, you’d figure the Sabres would have started to see Andy Sutton coming after the first two.
Plus: Ruff was right - the Islanders do flash some skill. Finishing was a problem, but the Islanders displayed some eye-popping playmaking. In the case of the Andrew MacDonald’s shot-pass to Sean Bergenheim, they completed the job.
Minus: Before Roger Luce even announced Bergenheim’s goal, Buffalo made it 2-1 when Mike Grier deflected a Tim Connolly shot past DiPietro. Connolly now has an 11-game point streak (5+11), the current longest in the NHL.
Minus: A referee wanting to insert himself in the game costs the Islanders a goal to make it 3-1 with 13 minutes left. Guys, it’s 11 years too late to make up for Brett Hull being in the crease.
Plus: “There’s a penalty on the ice” replaced, thankfully, by the brief call of “penalty.”
Plus: Stat from the Sabres - Since Ruff was named Buffalo’s head coach on July 21, 1997, there have been 150 coaching changes in the NHL.
Plus: Islanders host an Open Practice for all fans on Sunday at the Coliseum. Doors open at 10:45 am. Practice starts at 11:00. Rob Schremp Skills Show at noon. Just kidding about that last part, although you never know. Enjoy.
Your Plus/Minus and thoughts on the game.
Yes!
congrats Dipi! so excited for the boys.
I got back home just in time to watch the shootout. Glad to see DP hang in there through an uneven shootout performance. The score says he had a pretty good game. I’m pretty happy about that. After another start or two we may even be able to send Marty Biron out.
Ricky:
I don’t know if you read this blog, but I hope you do. I’m proud to have you back. Thanks for the win and for appreciating your fans in the face of what has been a lot of questioning and criticism. Keep it up.
Also, GREAT to see JT score a goal-scorers’ goal.
And for the rest of the Isles: you outplayed a good team for the second game in a row.
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!
Very happy for DiPietro. You could see the emotion in his face following the game. Such a long hard road back to the win column.
Would have been very mad if they lost that game. That call was awful. Ricky didn’t look to bad. He could use work on his five hole, but thats timing and he’ll get it back. Nice Win!
DP+JT= WIN
++Ricky looked good, a little timid, but good. THRILLED he is back, I will feel ok with that as long as Newsday reports he is healthy tomorrow.
-Ref. That was TERRIBLE.
+,+,+ JT KO Hillen
….Great for Ricky. And also nice to see JT score…and on the shootout too! So glad we got 2 points after that totally bogus call.
PLUS - DiPietro tears up in his post-game interview…”I can’t tell you how much I love you guys. I appreciate it.” Your back baby
We crushed the Red Wings, and we outplayed the Sabres and won in a long shootout. If we can get one more win over the next 2 games, then look out Eastern Conference.
The Devils are currently on a “losing streak”, maybe their biggest of the season - two. I hope they don’t expect an easy win on Monday.
I loved this game. I felt so proud watching the team play. The effort was awesome and its great having Ricky back.
That MacDonald to Bergemheim play was a thing of beauty.
Great under the radar game from Freddy Meyer. Shows he truly deserves to stay in the line-up for a while. Don’t wish anything poorly on Witter, but Meyer provides more upside at this point.
DP - Good when he had to be and had the fire from seasons past.
I only wish Aaron Ness would become another Jack Hillen. Go figure, Ness a 2nd rounder and Hillen un-drafted. Just goes to show, draft is a crap-shoot. Don’t want to hear anyone saying we should play for draft position anymore.
flat out big win on several levels….that’s all you really have to say
Thanks also Schremp, Moulson, JT and Hunts in the shootout. Tough luck, Sutts, Parky, I thought it was a goal. Brett Hull won the Stanley Cup with more interference than that.
Great effort! The Refs sucked the big one. Ricky,we love u! A total team effort!
Can someone tell me why ,they wait so long to put Hunter in the shootout,he always scores. It should be schremp ,nielson and hunter no questions asked. Nice to see the boys come out with 2 pts ,,,,nice came Ricky
Great game
Big Plus - DP playing a great game, I really laugh now after reading some of the things I did in the previous thread saying that playing DP tonight would be a disaster.
Plus - JT gets a goal tonight and plays a great game.
Plus - that slap pass by MacD to Bergenheim was incredible.
Plus - Sutton playing that physical game again that is so great to watch.
Plus - well really everyone else, it was a great team effort. No one played a weak game.
Plus - I love watching the Sabres play too, they are a classy team and I have great respect for them
Plus - the teams reaction after getting the goal disallowed; it was a horrible call and the Isles should have been up 3-1. Yes the Sabres did tie it, but the Isles didn’t back down after that and won in a shootout. This shows the team is maturing.
Plus - we got 2 points after an epic shootout.
Plus - Rangers lost in regulation tonight, we win and they lose, cant beat that.
Plus - Seeing the Isles on the high end of the TOP 10 in Goals, Saves and Hits of the week with Suttons’ hit in the Avs game at #2, Schremps sick goal in the Avs game at #3, and Rolosons’ ridiculous save at #2 (which should have been #1 easily).
Great night all around, enjoy it fans, this team is headed in the right direction.
Another solid game by 19 Islanders working as a team. I know theres a lot of season left and dont want to get ahead of myself, but can you believe that this team is only 4 points out of the FIVE spot in the Eastern Coference?
He played very well. A tip of the cap to Rick tonight. I’ll give him credit when he deserves it.
Plus: Kyle Okposo just looks bigger and better each game.
Minus: Another blown lead.
they play hard every nite. they hit, skate and have a forecheck that drives teams crazy. they may not finish well, not yet, but how can not like the effort these guys put in every game.
Ryan Miller can steal a game or 3 at the olympics. Ref missed that one, but we still came away with 2 points. a very nice run, thanks for the effort guys.
Plus - the thought of possibly having a healthy DP/Rolo tandem carry us into the playoffs.
Plus - team chemistry and budding skill letting the Isles go on the up and up, especially the last few games.
Plus - the Isles actually looking like they believe that they can win games. That’s a change in attitude from the beginning of the season.
Minus - Despite potentially being buyers at the deadline, not having tons of chips to use, and having to move anyone other than Marty Biron.
DANO: Hunter doesn’t get many shootout attempts because this was his first shootout goal in nearly 4 years, a span that saw him miss 14 in a row until tonight.
I don’t know what Hunter you were watching haha.
I questioned Gordon putting the Captain in the shootout to be honest but I cannot complain about this game. Billy and Howie said it right, the Islanders are now playing their best hockey not only in the Gordon era, but since our last playoff bounce.
Plus - Nice crowd at the Coliseum tonight.
Minus - A sellout to welcome back the franchise would have been better.
Minus - The ref calling interference on Sutton when there was no contact.
Plus - The fine looking young lady sitting next to my lady in 313.
Plus - Okposo continuing to be a beast.
Plus - Tavares getting a goal and looking solid out there.
CB it’s hard to do a plus minus when you pretty much cover all of it.
—
I guess for me it’s great to see DP get a win, and not have a monkey on his back by getting a win in his second game. He looked really quick to me in the crease.
I hope it quiets the DP hate for a bit … but it probably will not.
—
Josh, Franz, Blake & Kyle not getting any goals … but they looked very sharp … really fast and great play making … pushing Buffalo around and backing them up.
—
Only negative was the 3rd period they gave back a bit … maybe it was the “no goal” followed by the tying goal that took the wind out of their sails. They gotta get mad, and take it to ‘em.
Looks like the dp haters turned tables.
DP played well tonight. 33 saves. great game tonight other than the refs. I was happy seeing ricky playing the puck!
Lets go Isles!!!!
Sutton’s foot was in the crease. It was a good wave off. If we want to be fair to the fans, we have to be objective. I want the Islanders to win as much as anybody, but we have to be fair. We all would have been hissing if it were the other way around. Good call by the ref. All’s well that ends well, the Islanders won.
Having said that, Brett Hull’s goal in 1999 was also a legal goal. He had control of the puck, then his foot entered the crease, which was the letter of the law back then. Good goal by Hull. Good call by the ref tonight.
Plus: bergie scoring his first goal since coming back from the injury
Plus: the boys not giving up the fight after the awful call on the park goal. This team is hungry and I can’t get enough of it
Plus - Islanders beating good teams not because of an outstanding goaltending performance or a couple lucky bounces; but because they are AS good as the these teams.
Wow, extremely exciting game and the crowd was really into it. The shootout was great and it was really nice to see DP get the win!
Plus - resurgent game from Tavares. Played with a fire we haven’t seen in a while after the quick goal. Let’s hope it lasts.
Plus - Bruno Gervais slowly morphing into the ‘08-’09 version. Very nice game from all 6 d-men, in fact.
Minus - Campoli being the first Isle seen in MSG’s “that time is now” promo
Plus - Bergenheim being Bergenheim. I don’t think how much he was missed on the ice can be overstated.
Plus- Nobody attempting to physically harm the ref’s for that bogus call.
Minus- Guy sitting behind me was cursing Gordon during shootout and yelling he should have used Schremp…I guess he forgot Schremp went first.
Plus: everything including that this string of great hockey must be a very positive influnce on everyone who is involved in keeping the team staying on the Island.
Plus: The franchise goalie & USA goalie played very well and the bonus is it’s not even as well as he can play when he’s fully back.
Plus: Ricky outdueled his Team USA sidekick (Rick’s always been #1 & Miller #2 in international play) and Miller is having a terrific year and Rick is playing his 2nd game.
Minus: The goal wave off was a joke. Worse it’s not eligable for review. That needs to change.
Minus: Another Isles goalie getting run over and Isles do nothing. Sutton stands there watching it and then MacArthur comes over and shoves him. Go figure….
Plus: Tavares back.
Plus: Joensuu is very hot right now and putting it all together. Should finish the year with the big club but looks like a full timer next year.
Plus: Continued overall good play of most of the team.
I think if the Isles are serious about wanting to be in the playoffs then they should grab the big center and the 2-3 d-men now. Go 100% or don’t go at all. This puts them in the best standings then making trades later and trying to squeek in.
On the Kovi trade possibility. His best has been 96 points. He has offensive talent but there are currently three Isles who could hit 96 points in Tavares, Bailey, Okposo. Not sure on Kovi’s defense (OK it’s not great) and he’s not as good as Ovechenkin who makes 9.5 but Kovi wants 11 per year, so I’ll pass. Perhaps Nielsen, Hillen could be the bases of the trade if they are as well thought of as we are told.
Very exciting, entertaining game. Very, very happy for Ricky
The consistent effort is what makes this team effective. Gordon needs to get more credit for that. Even though they’ll continue to have ups and downs this team is really becoming fun to watch.
Not to get ahead of myself … but can you imagine what a boost a player like Matt Martin as a 3rd line muscle player will do for the Isles in a couple of years? Then sprinkle on some Harmonic & di Hann on the blue line …
Still … I think the Isles will need a #2 in the 1-2 offensive punch … but so far JT, KO & JB are looking like a good start … need a young stud goal scorer to go with them so they have 2 solid offensive lines in the future.
Good win tonight against a really good team.
KO once again with a performance that has to have Burke scratching his head before the Olympics.
Doug Weight does not get enough credit for the way he Captain’s this team. Not just chance they are playing some of their best hockey since his return. This guy is the leader this team needs on the ice and the bench. Hope he stays healthy enough to be around this team the rest of the year.
+Dp looking good
+JT breaking his slump
+KO proving once again he’s THE MAN
+I know he’s the opposition, but how bout Miller putting on a clinic tonight?
-Getting robbed by the refs, the game wouldn’t have gone into OT if it weren’t for that lousy call
+This team improving by the game, they are so much fun to watch
+++If the season ended tonight, they’d be a playoff team, and they’re only about 4 points out of the 5th slot
++++Watching Robbie Schremp in the shootouts
+++++Yes, there are areas that he didn’t address, but Garth has gotten us Moulson and Schremp this year, who saw THAT coming?
Man did I lose my mind on that “no goal” call. You just knew the Sabres were going to tie it up right after that, too. But maybe it was worth it for that ultra-intense shootout.
I love this team, they are a GOOD young TALENTED Hockey Team! I think DP should back up Roloson the rest of the year though. I wish I could watch this team more often, living in vancouver they never show their games unless they are playing a canadian team.
Just got back from the game. Great energy at the NVMC.
plus: DP of course
plus: JT, KO
plus: Sutton forcing sabres off-sides (puck carrier seeing Sutton starting to line him up for a hit, changes direction)
minus - too many Sabres fans around me
JoeRiverside
this is the most fun Islanders team since the cup years
one of the better ones too
don’t settle guys - anything is possible if you want it bad enough
Well…as much as I choose to hate on DP and his issues, I was very happy for him tonight. He got the win, played great and deserved it fully. Still its very tense to watch him play not knowing what may or may not happen at any moment. But anyway, Congrats to Ricky he was an All Star tonight going head to head with Ryan Miller and coming out on top. That being said, I dont how the Isles didnt score like 5-6 goals in the first period alone. It was like the puck and Millers net were both positively charged and they just repelled each other. I was sure this game wasnt going to go the Isles way after those points. The Sabres did manage to tie it eventually, but DP stood tall in the shootoout and whats his name oh yeah Trent Hunter scored a sweet laser beam goal to get the extra point and W. If the Playoffs started today we’d play the Devils. Wouldnt that be fun…
Once again, CONGRATS to Ricky D and heres to many more like tonight for him.
Refs missed a lot of calls tonight. The no goal was a phantom call. They also missed an Islander off side by 2 feet. Lot’s of noise in the building tonight, but when are people going to come out to the game? Too many empty seats for a Saturday night game. Keep winning and the seats will fill up!!!!
Great game. Although not a sellout the feel and reaction of the crowd was more typical of past Islander games and not the lame crap we have been seeing this season and last season.
Congrats Rico!! Real glad to see you back and glad the first win is behind you but if you come out of that Net once more to play the puck we’re gonna make a 3ft chain as part of your mandatory game gear and latch you to the crossbar!!!
Okposo is just simply this teams leader!!!!!!!!
I have to give kudos to Gordon…I don’t know who else to give credit to for Andy Suttons play and development(other than Andy himself). That Blue Line is like a train track for the 5:15 Sutton Express barreling through! As CB pointed out anyone crossing that line gets flattened in the same spot everytime!
plus moulson starting to develop into a must start shoot out guy. would have no problem seeing schremp neilsen moulson to start every shootout the rest of the year.
plus seeing tavares goal scoring hands on the goal and especially on the shootout goal he is looking very good the past few games
35- I am not sure about messing with what they are starting to develop here, i am not denying Kovalchuk would be a huge pickup i just think if they are going to look to deal any young players i believe it should be for a D-man like Phaneuf.
#46 Don’t forget Dean Chynoweth! He’s working magic with Sutton, Hillen, MacDonald, and Streit. Can’t blame him for Witt he doesn’t fit the system or Geravis and Martinek (they aren’t very good).
Plus - Team defense! DP had to make maybe one really tough save before the shootout, and that may be pushing it (myers on a wide open wrister from about 15 feet). Jack Hillen looks like an all-star out there, no joke.
Minus - An idiot ref trying to make a name for himself by making what he surely thinks is a brilliant call. Refs like to screw us against buffalo…cough playoff series cough…
Plus - Tavares’ future. His skating will not be an issue. I admit, I was fooled in pre-season when I saw him pull the puck through his legs at full speed and go around a dman. I thought he was going to be a one-man wrecking crew like ovie, kovalchuk, nash, etc. Instead, he will consistently score 40 to 50 because he knows where to be. Get used to him scoring every goal within 5 feet and loving every minute of it.
Minus - Tyler Myer’s for calder. Does he have good stats? Yes. Does he look like he could be a future all-star? Maybe. Did he turn over the puck a lot? You betcha. I especially liked when he threw a pass to his defensive partner only to find that in overtime there are 4 players and no one was on the other point. Some people will argue that it is harder for a young dman to adjust. He gets a partner. Tavares has the weight of an entire team and fan base on his back. Not even a comparison.
Minus - Yes, miller was solid. But, a little disappointing that we kept hitting dmen when he was down and out. Also, inexcusable that twice with open nets we hit the iron (Streit and Neilsen). Need to take advantage and put teams away.
Biggest plus - Early in the season, win or loss I would finish watching the game and point out at least 5 players who made no impact. After tonight’s game I can point at every player on the team and think of a specific play they made. Hockey is the truest team sport because everybody must play. We are starting to have a TEAM on LI.
Lets be honest…Lets not make a big thing out of this. Ricky was average at best. He wasn’t exactly stellar in the shoot out. He wasn’t clutch until the final shot of the game.
Loved having Weight mic’ed up for the game. He is a great communicator and a superb role model for the younger players. We truly missed his leadership qualities and ability on the PP.
If he was guaranteed to play 50 games next season I’d give him another year.
We are not just playing like an 8th seed. This team could do some damage in the playoffs!!
Nice post Adam. But I thought Myers had a good game. Stopped Okposo one-on-one, and maybe Islanders fans are the only ones who realize how difficult that is.
The Isles need that mechanical finisher when the other team’s goalie is down. That will absolutely be Tavares in the future. When he gets comfortable, those scrambles in front of the net will finally resolve in our favor.
very happy for Rick. I’ve always been very hard on the guy but I’m proud that he has always played his heart out for the Islanders. Lets hope he keeps it up, especially for his sake.
Great game to be at. Got there late and got my money’s worth with the OT and shootout. DP looked solid, but not spectacular. I thought JT played better the last 2 games and hopefully gets back on track with this goal. Another important 2 points.
First I want to congratulate and thank Rick for a great game. Tonight was my 7th game of the year and it definitely had a different feel for me. You could tell his nerves were getting the better of him early on, and the Sabres gameplan of firing pucks at all angles might have ended up biting them a little bit as it seemed to ease him into the game without making any really tough saves.
— Huge minus, as it’s been all season is the ice surface at NVMC. It’s brutal to watch a third period where the puck is bouncing as much as it was tonight. The crew there has to make it better, for the home team and their fan’s sake.
++ Outplaying a very good Buffalo team that even got a huge hand from a terrible officiating call. Even if Sutton’s skate were half a foot in the crease (which is questionable) there was absolutely no contact whatsoever.
Great win, let’s keep moving forward against NJ and Pitt
bad call by the refs on parks goal, hard to believe the crease incident was 11 years ago already.
great game allaround, the speed they generate through the neutral zone now is outstanding.
+ Solid game by DP.
- I have to admit I was not crazy about the goalie choice before the game. Still not… but I’m glad he got the win and I know we are all hoping he stays healthy… but Roloson is still #1 for now.
+ Is a fourth line with sean bergenhiem, Doug Weight and Richard Park really a fourth line?
+ As much as I like the style of play that Radek martinek exhibits night after night any one of the hits that Jack Hillen has taken in the last three weeks (and there have been plenty) would have ended his season. Jack just might be made of rubber, but getting up unscathed after absorbing those hits is T O U G H. Add that to the monsterous play of Sutton, the Cracken/Jack defensive pairing has been SPECTACULAR.
- note to NHL officials… if you really need to be part of the game, learn to skate with a stick in your hands.
+ 8th place with a bullet.
…and finally
+ SCOTT GORDON… Moulson was exiled by other coaches. Schremp was exiled by other coaches. Gordon takes lemons and makes lemonade! If Martin and Joensuu are their answer for size and “grit” next year, I am cool with that… because the ability to roll four with relentless checking and responsible defense is better than having a 4 minute a game “heavyweight”. I find myself applauding the islanders in my living room… and I applaude Scott Gordon for getting a healthy lineup and making it look awesome.
Claude, I thought DP was very solid, anytime you make 31 saves on 33 shots; that is solid, no matter what kind of chances they were. He gave up 3 goals in the shootout, well so what? Miller; arguably the best goalie in the NHL; gave up 4. Not sure what your point was there.
DP had a Good game, he didn’t have a great game. Don’t over hype it and make it more than what it was.
+FMIV looking good. he moves pretty well and his shot looks good too, just has to work on some accuracy.
-Wish Bailey continued his streak.
+I like this lineup a lot. Glad Bergie’s back. His line seems thrown together but skating well together too. AMac…glad he’s still with us. Solid game.
+I’m just thrilled for DP. I love that he didn’t hide his emotion. I’m really so proud to have him back and healthy. I hope the best for him.
+I’m even more thrilled to think I’ll be able to see most of these players play together. On the Islanders. Continuing to grow and progress before our eyes.
Nice to get two points. Dp gets one win and now everyone forgets about about roli. Roloson is our 1 and it’s his job to lose. He is the reason the isles have a winning record.
HUGE Plus….the obvious continuing confidence that each player (kids) is displaying, both in themselves as well as their teammates.
These Islanders are not simply competing with “better” players and teams, both individually and as a unit….they are BEATING them.
If this team just happens to make the playoffs….healthy……with a by then sharper DP and an always reliable Rolo….I wouldn’t wanna be their 1st round much higher seeded opponent…It will not be a walkover.
I’m looking at this upcoming Devil’s game as the best test of where this team is right now….Cuz the Devils have pretty much owned us for a long time now.
TIME TO CHANGE THAT BOYS!!
Looking ahead at the schedule, are we looking at Rolo/DP alternating starts for the next 8 games?
Minus: Not enough people in the seats.
Big minus: Did I mention wayyyyy too many empty seats????
Shameful fans don’t deserve a winner.
Plus: fans doing a Buffalo version of the “Clap your hands” song “If your team has never won the cup, clap your hands”.
Plus: DP! DP!! DP!!!
Minus: any reason why the scoreboard is often hit or miss with out of town scores? Got to do that many commercials and “stir up the masses” light shows?
Won’t argue much about the disallowed goal. With the sitting ducks goalies are nowadays, you gotta keep out of the crease.
8th place team!
What did the scoreboard mean in announcing “Limited seats for Saturday’s game against New Jersey”? How many remaining is that?
Minus: Trying to explain to 52 Swiss fans that that’s as loud as it get at the Old Barn these days…sometimes using the NFL playoffs as an excuse.
Plus: Mark Streit, ever the classy, unpretentious gentleman he is, signing for his fans and talking to everyone who popped by to say hello for two hours after the game.
DoublePlus: We won. That’s all that counts.
is it just me .or does it look like jt is skating better?
+ Overall a solid game. Ricky looked decent, played pretty well. He has matured a great deal since his injury trouble, and is becoming a better leader for this team. Good for him!
+ Having Weight mic’d up was pretty cool. Could the Isles do that for every home game?
+ DP with an solide game.
+ Tavares break out his slump this goal will help him like medicine.
++ the whole team.
+ and the DP chant sounds very clear and loud.
keep it up boys and i’am proud of my isles.
#38 Heck I can see what a boost Martin would be now? Hits are hits! and this kid hits NHL.
Plus: Andy Sutton playing like a human wrecking ball
Plus: A-Mac going from Bridgeport to our top defense pairing…and not looking the least bit out of place
Plus: Rob Shremp finally finding a home in Islander Country…can’t help but love his enthusiasm and hope it’s infectous
Plus: Rick DiPietro’s post game interview. It’s not often a professional athlete goes out of his way to thank the fans. A classy, heartfelt moment.
RvaGuyinVA - I think an attendance of 13,635 (83.7% full) is not bad for a team that has been through as much as this team. One year removed from worst team in the league and similar expectations for this season.
Add in the economic downturn the country has been in the past 2 years and the fact that most of the empty seats were priced at over $100 per seat, I think that’s pretty impressive.
Most importantly, the crowd was loud, into it, and supported their team.
We do deserve a winner, thank you very much.
Really fun game to watch. I’m glad Ricky got the win. He didn’t play superbly but well enough. I’m very happy he’s back. This team is becoming something special right before our eyes. As an aside how good is Tyler Myers going to be for Buffalo in a couple of years….
That game makes coming from CT a much happier ride. KURVERS28 apologize, tipping your cap does not equal all that youve said on this blog. You didnt deserve to be at the game and see that awesome performance by the whole team. You brought everybody down on this blog, be happy with your team and enjoy it. RICK is gonna be the goalie and if the team plays well like tonight this team is going places.
+++++ The whole team and staff.
+ Another great win for the Islanders
+ Isles DOMINATE the second period
- Isles should have had a 2,3 or even 4 goal lead after 40 minutes. Miller was good,but not THAT good
+ Welcome back DP- good win for him
- I understand the excitement about Rick’s return, but can we please remember Roloson is the #1! Roloson should still be starting 75% of the games
+ Isles playing the Devils twice next week while the Devils are “down” and possibly without Elias
+ They are so fun to watch! Let’s go Islanders!
nice q&a with Rick. wish i had been there for this one.
Everyone has covered the pluses very well here so I will stick to reiterating the one minus that reallu got to me. I rarely complain about the officiating but tonight, especially in the third they had me fuming.
-the waved off goal. Sutton did bump Miller while battling for position but he was already at the side of the net when the shot came. Miller had plenty of time, but instead chose to push Sutton for the contact which is why he wasn’t set for the shot. Look at the top down replay, its very clear its Miller’s fault. But again, the ref has to make a decision in real time and thats what happens when you are one of the top goalie in the league, respect.
-DP clearly being interfered with, in the crease! He was crossed checked down and it wasn’t result of an Islander pushing a Sabre into the crease, thats interference! Be consistent!
-Interference on Park as he split the D in the third. Parky through the puck passed both defenders, raced in to get it and was physically held up, what is supposed to be called interference in the new NHL. But the refs seem to be putting their whistles away on this in general.
Glad the above didn’t cost the boys 2 pts.
Great win by the Isles and they have become must see tv, can’t wait for tomorrow’s game. I really hope snow doesn’t pull a Milbury and trade the futre for a playoff run, continue the rebuild with the youth.
I wonder what is going tohappen with Witt when he comes off the injured list? Meyer has been playing very well and the D moves the puck so much better without Witt.
GO ISLES!!!!!!!!
Great win last nite! If you look at the isles website, they did some charity bowl a thon, all the top plyers were there and they are all kids just living the dream and having a ball. There is alot of commaradere (sp). the isles are a bunch of kids who really have no idea just how good they can really be, they just love to play and win! Also respect players who thank the fans..nice work DP.
I agree, DP was average at best last nite, but give him time. He drove me nuts giving up 2 shootout goals when we would’ve won, but cam up big on the last one. As for Biron, if the Islanders can get a 2nd or 3rd for him, turn around and package that for a big Dman or to entice Wadell with a conditional 1st, a 3rd ( from Biron) and a few from columns B&c, we could get Kovy as well. I really am starting to feel good about the possibility of the playoffs. And if it means sacrificing some column B’s and picks to do it - GO FOR IT GARTH!!
Nice win for the whole team, it wasnt easy but they got the 2 points. The game shouldnt have even been that close. We need to keep the great play going, keep the ball rolling and this team could start making some big noise in the east. a couple divison rivals coming up, lets take it to them! Keep working hard and smart!
Loved the game, great fun again, but it always is when your team wins. Really great to see DP back in the game and getting a win. Hope he feels good today, saw him grimacing on the ice before the shootout. . .
hope he is all right. KO just so much fun to watch. love schremp and sim shows kids to never give up. nuff said lets beat those Devils and get back for that nasty Mottau hit last year.
I believe!! Lets go Islanders!! That was an awesome game, thankfully the ref didn’t cost them 2 pts. This team is becoming dangerous!!
Great game. As far a DP being avg at best tonight, try to think of it this way, the team knows DP still may have some rust to shake off just as we all do. Therefore if that causes them to pick up their game a little bit to cover for him, thats a GOOD thing. The mid game collapse has seemed to improve. Perhaps this is actually what the team needs.
Great win, eventhough it was in the shootout. Isles and Park got robbed on the disallowed goal. The power play still needs work. Streit is still moving the puck up too slowly on the PP. Hillen, Neilsen and Schremp seem to be able to bring the puck up on the PP and get it set up better than Streit.
DP needs to work on closing up the 5 hole that’s where most of the goals are getting thru him. Overall though at this stage of his comeback he looks OK.
The Defense looks better with Meyers over Witt. But, this is one of those times were the fans (including me) are getting on a player (Witt in this case) and don’t know the player is gutting it out and playing hurt.
Nice to have Weight back on the bench, in the room and in the players ear. It’s great to have a quality leader, player and person on the 4th line.
Got a feeling Tavares is going to go on a roll.
Moulson has some of the best stick handling skills on the team. I thought he was a more of a grinder and positional goal scorer from the circles in. However, on that shootout goal his head was up the whole time made 3 moves with the [uck never looked down and fired it past Miller. I love this kid’s enthusiasm as well. JT will be so much better next year is will be scary. Think of the improvement of Bailey. Now times that that by 4 or 5 and that’s what JT will be next year. The future is bright. Hey CB haven’t posted in a while but we openly debated Josh Bailey and the pick last year. I told you he would be a strong 2nd liner this year. Please go back and look at your Bailey post’s from last year. The kid is a great playmaker. He will be Oates lite. I love the direction the team is heading but can Garth pull off another heist. A top 2 big dman is the need. Can we obtain one without sacrificing our future or destroying our chemistry. CB I know you don’t think so…but Snowy is proving a little more cagey then we may have all believed. Lets go Isles..Do not settle for 8th spot. We are 4 out of 5th. No reason to think we couldn’t get to middle of pack with Roloson playing like a true #1. Sorry for the long post but this the best hockey I have seen from this team in 5 to 7 seven years.
The Isles are playing awesome in their own zone. The team defense is one of the best I have seen. I counted 7 good scoring chances for Buffalo. Most of the shots in the first 2 periods came from the boards and any remote chance of a rebound was cleared out.
If they can work the PP a bit more this could get really interesting!
Rich, I’m sorry, Moulson does not have some of the best stickhandling skills on the team. He has a nice shootout move but there are ten guys on the team with better hands.
Rob Schremp; More moves than a SINGLES BAR
64 phil - no one forgets roli the mvp of the first half. no one is mentioning him here because he DID NOT PLAY!. cant isles fans even let isles fans enjoy a win once in a while?!? geez..
Agreed with CB on the Park goal that was waived off. On the telecast, Billy Jaffe recited the rule that the player has to have “impaired the goaltender’s ability to play the puck.”
Looking at the replay again in both real speed and in slow motion, Sutton’s foot was in the crease just barely. He was working the other defenseman trying to gain position for a screen. And Miller actually had a clear view to the puck and missed it with his pad.
Still a great win. This team is showing incredible resolve right now, but that was a momentum changer.
Big win against a real good team on a hot streak and 2 games over.
I’m starting to really buy into this team!
Mario - 77 - one game and I should apologize? Haven’t you ever learned to stop going crazy after one decent Rick start? He never keeps it up. You must be all excited that he is now a whopping 5 games over garbage NHL .500 for his career. Talk to me at the end of the season and we’ll see how happy you are with your prodigal son.
Welcome back DP!!! Now let’s go boys, tied for 8th spot, don’t look back!!!
The vitriolic words regarding DiPietro the past several days on this blog has been amazing to me. I question the brain power and the ability of “our” fans to properly analyze the situation regarding his value to this team, his commitment to the Islanders and the community, his work ethic and preparation etc.
Many on this blog act as if he’s raped and pillaged our own family.
He’s been injured…? - YES! GUILTY as charged.
But geez… Give it a break. For all intent and purpose, the guy has been a gentlemen, a role model and “PRO” Long Island since he’s been here. Get over the fact that he was handed a great contract and then got injured or that he “over-handles” the puck.
DOC
+ DP is coming along. Nice game
+ This team is starting to get it.
+ Hillen jumping up after that big hit. It hurts just watching the replay.
+ JT scoring
even = disallowed goal a marginal call. People should realize it could have been called a penalty for goalie interference. Lucky the ref saw it the way he did. Sutton was already engaged with the the d-man when Miller decided to make contact with Sutton.
+ Big win against a good team.
+ Schremp is coming along nicely
+ KO is playing awesome
+ Gordon. I was on him badly early this season, but he has shown he belongs here!
The play as of the month of January has been great. After going 6-8-1 in the month of December, it really looks like things are turning around. The defense has very good. The one problem is their power play. If they can fix that power play to be shooting around 18%, they will make the playoffs. Good to see DP back.
Rolo has been our mvp so far this season but love when DP is in the net. We are sticking around the playoff hunt this year boys.
as i see it… DP and islander fans here have a lot in common.
1) maybe not the best in the league right now… because they are both rusty and emotional but there’s potential for a wonderful comeback
2) thrived in the early years,
3) early success may have gone to their heads a little and it was taken for granted
4) forces out of their control knocks them down
now… hopefully… with no other problems… they both rise from the ashes… or worst case scenario get squished like a speeding train hitting a penny
Isles Fans and DP.. two halves of the same heart
Kurvers the issue is, like it or not, Dipietro will be this franchise’s goalie for the next 10 years or so barring injury. However you seem to want him to not return to being a top 10 goalie in the league. While Roloson has played amazing, you have to remember he is 40 years old. He isn’t going to be around when this entire team and our prospects come together.
And I don’t think winning percentage should be valued as highly for goalies as other statistics. I agree winning games is very important for goalies, but a goalie’s record can be affected by the skill of his team, and lets face it Dipietro has played on some below average Islanders teams in his career.
You CAN NOT have a foot in the crease where the goaltender is attempting to gain position. Sutton’s foot was in the blue, butted up against Miller’s pad. He didn’t mean it, but it’s hte way it is. It was a good call by the ref. I’m an Islander fan, but I’m a rarity in that I can be objective.
#28, you have to make contact with the goalie for the goal to be waived off. The call on the ice was incidental contact and there was none. The crease rule is no longer in effect unless you touch the goalie.