ISLANDERS 4 NEW JERSEY 0
The bar-is-raised-another-notch Plus/Minus
4:35 pm - Full-disclosure: the game was so one-sided, my sons and I left after the second period. I watched the rest on TV while they enjoyed a rare nice January day outside.
This is how beautiful life is in Islanders Country.
The Islanders were so dominant, I ripped up the pages of my little notepad that had the Pluses and Minuses to type up when I got home. It hit me that every player on the Islanders was so good today, so much better than the Devils in every aspect of the game, that it would be unfair to single anyone out.
Instead, I’ll share just a few random thoughts I had during the game, and then guest contributor Andy Facini – a Long Islander attending Boston University who graciously volunteered via email yesterday – will share his Plus/Minus.
It did the heart good to walk into the Coliseum and see a packed house. No question, the Islanders were inspired by it.
Never understand the rush for referees to blow the whitle because they can’t see the puck. What, are they afraid someone is going to get hurt? Geez, this is a sport that only punishes bare-knickle fighting with five minutes in a glass booth with all the Gatorade you can drink.
The Islanders’ forecheck was so good, Lou Lamoriello likely watched in admiration – at least until he couldn’t take any more by the middle of the second period. How many times in the last 15 years have we seen the Devils dominate like they were dominated today?
The Good Ship Islander is sailing so smoothly, the coach can bench the team’s current MVP – coming off a shutout – for two straight games, and it’s no big whoop.
In these three games against Detroit, Buffalo and New Jersey, the Islanders allowed less than a combined total of 20 scoring chances. I counted four against the Red Wings, maybe six today.
No one knows for sure that the Islanders are going to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. What is for certain is that team executives will have to start meeting soon to discuss pricing, ticket design and how to maximize the excitement to win new customers. Again, the Islanders have a long way to go before any talk of locking in a playoff spot. But they will have to start planning – something they probably weren’t banking on a month ago.
On the drive home, Devils radio color commentator Sherry Ross said on WFAN, “The Devils are better on paper, but not on the ice today.” The way the teams have played the last week, I’m not sure there’s any point to the paper/ice discussion. The Devils are playing their worst hockey of the season. The Islanders are playing their best in several years. This is the rollercoaster of the long NHL season. Nothing else matters except how you’re playing today.
This is the best the Islanders have played since the two-year reign of Peter Laviolette.
*
Andy Facini starts off the interactive Plus/Minus…
Plus: The first three minutes. ‘Nuff said.
Plus: Isles finding a way to get Yann Danis back on Coliseum ice.
Plus: Martin Brodeur showing up after six minutes, preventing at least a 4-goal first period for the NYI, but it didn’t last.
Plus: Jumping ratings get some respect: Isles get the nod on MSG+, Devils placed on MSG+2.
Plus: Matt Moulson is officially on track for 30 goals.
Plus: Smart work by Doug Weight & Co. to keep the tone after the buzzer in the 2nd without dropping the gloves.
Plus: If you’re going to pick a game to blow out the division leader, a matinee with a packed house is the one you want.
Minus: Someday, Richard Park will score a goal that stands.
Plus: Really struggling to find any more minuses about today.
Join in.
116 Responses to ISLANDERS 4 NEW JERSEY 0
The bar-is-raised-another-notch Plus/Minus
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Kevin M says:
What a game! Pure Domination in our favor! I’m starting to believe they have a great chance to win every game… Something I haven’t felt in a long time.
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VinnyMoose says:
Plus: The emergence of Josh Bailey as a FORCE every time he’s on the ice.
Plus: The consistent threat the BTO line poses.
Plus: Rick DiPietro smiling in the closing seconds of a shutout. Ricky deserves it.
Plus: The emergence of Sutton-Hillen, Stret-MacDaddy, and Meyer-Bruno as a steady six, who can chip in up front and get back.
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RAMen says:
WOW.
Lets see if the Devils have any excuses today. Maybe they all got food poisoning or something.
I love rolling 4 lines, playing all 18 skaters.
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StevieL says:
Nothing but Blue skies right now in Islander land! Some of the best Islander hockey seen on LI in 15 years! Is this the start of something big? I think so! Watch out!The Isles are on their way!
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Austin says:
Thanks to Yahoo for streaming the game (2 in 3 days)! Loved seeing the Isles pile on instead of hanging on. Ricky’s getting back in the groove…playing pucks he has no business playing. Made this rainy and windy California day much brighter!
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Jethro09 says:
The Islanders should always be on MSG+ over the Devils. Always. The Isles are a Long Island and New York team. The Devils are a Jersey team. Cablevision and MSG+ are primarily New York Cable providers, exclusive on Long Island (sans Fios). Jersey is served by many cable providers, with Cablevision only reaching a small portion of their population. Why the Devils get priority for the quality broadcast over the Isles is beyond me.
Besides, MSG should be ashamed of the MSG +2 “broadcast”. Its like watching fuzzy 50′s TV. Its disgraceful.
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Dan says:
Great, game too bad I was at work hearing the TV version on the radio. I had trouble knowing which zone the Isles were in. Lets Go Islanders….
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Isles fan in CA says:
Stoked that the Isles continue on their roll after a solid game of hard work at both ends of the ice. Lets keep this train rolling. Off to see the Sharks/Calgary game out here on the West Coast..but I bet won’t be as exciting as today’s matinee!
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JD (e_godard) says:
its been a hellova week!
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pj says:
I Love this team..I really do. The chemistry is amazing. I understand there is still lots of work to be done, but how do you not love what we see game in and game out. I just hope if garth makes a trade, it wont be a chemistry killer. For some reason, i am not worried, I trust Garth. All we need is an arena and this team is going to be a force for years to come…
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James says:
Plus: Everything
Minus: Nothing
I don’t think you can get much clearer than that lol, but I will share some things that impressed me the most
As was said on the Isles broadcast; their support is so impressive at this point. The Devils had nowhere to go with the puck all game long. There were no breakdowns and the Devils had no odd-man rushes.
Everyone is noticeable on the ice, for the right reason.
+ The BTO line is playing with great confidence.
+ Hunter is throwing the body more and more.
+ That 3rd line of Comeau, Sim and Schremp line is driving team nuts
+ Bergy is back and looks great.
+ Weight gives this team great leadership.
+ No one should ever discount Parks’ effort, soon he will finally get one that counts.
+ The defensive pairings of Sutton-Hillen, Streit-MacD and Meyer-Gervais are a great fit right now. I really feel the D being as solid as it has been, is the biggest difference in why we are winning games
+ Roloson and DiPietro could quickly becoming the best goalie tandem in hockey
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Plus- What had to be THE EASIEST shutout of DP’s career…
Plus- When is the last time the Isles had TWO goalies coming off of shutouts going into the next game? (Shall we go for 3? What’s Biron doing tomorrow night?)OUTSTANDING JOB Scott Gordon.
BRILLIANT WORK Garth Snow… (What other GM’s work can compare with Snow’s over the last 2 years….with the F/A signings of Streit, Hillen, Moulson and Schremp)?
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Great 5-0 win (I’m counting that lame no goal) and the team’s effort lately has been outstanding! Keep up the great work boys!
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Bryan says:
Plus: DP showing alot more maturity than he did in the past. Still a madman at some points.
PLus: Great article on Matt Martin on Nhl.com
Plus: Roloson gets some rest which any 40 year old can use when talking about the marathon this season is. -
Extra “minus” about the MSG+ scenario:
“Every local team in HD” is still a through-and-through Cablevision lie. Let’s not forget it, even though today we got the long straw. -
Scott VanVoorhees says:
While I love DiPietro’s shut-out, Damn, I had him on my fantasy bench because Rollie was supposed to start – according to this column this morning. I’ll gladly take it. He must be on top of the freaking world right now. Way to go Rick! That’s a nice statment game. Keep them coming! Listened to the game here at work, made for a nice afternoon!
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Chris Mc says:
Heres the stat that I feel is most representative of the Isles domination: when you get 10 shots from your 3rd line (Comeau 4, Sim 4, Schremp 2) and they don’t even score one of your teams 4 goals. I honestly think this game was even a better performance than the Red Wings game. Best of the year. Bring on the Pens!
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#6 You could’ve written my exact post. Rainy windy day in Los Angeles… FREE Online Hockey rules!!! Garth Snow is GM of the year, Who else could possibly match his record this year alone. Schremp,Moulson,Hillen etc pulled off the scrap heap!! Wow!!
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Billymac says:
Great all around game by the boys!
BIG MINUS: Goes back to the last discussion we had about officiating, but the officials ALWAYS miss at least one call in every game the Isles play. Today, they missed/muffed at least 4 calls. (no goal, high stick on JT, Niedermayer running into DP, and I forget the other)
Someone needs to be held accountable for shoddy officiating…Let’s Go Islanders!
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JP says:
Plus: It has an extremely entertaining season and incredible run- I can’t remember being so excited about the Islanders since the Isles/Leafs playoff series (and maybe their ’06-’07 late season run as well)
Plus: Is 2010 the year of the underdog? The Islanders AND the Jets (NY, not Winnipeg)- Are these guys kidding me?
How long until the Islanders become a story to the average sports fan? Will they start getting some back pages of Long Island’s newspaper? Times are good- enjoy them!!!!!
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!
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billy says:
holy cow!!!!! we beat the snot out of detroit (both howard,and osgood),buffalo (although miller was ridiculolus) and now the devils (we chased brodeur).
speechless, but for one question:
Are all you ricky-bashers choking on your foot that you have stuck in your mouth right now??? hahhaha
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JPinVA says:
+ CB giving his kids playtime.
+ Nice +/- by Andy.
+ Ricky gets the donut
- Richie gets the donut
+ Packed house
+ Cracken/Jack 2a, +6 Cracken doling out punishment, Jack taking it.
+ Moulson one shy of a team milestone that they coulnd’t reach after 82 games last year. He’s an RFA, and he likes it here. Let’s here it for the garbage can kids. (Schremp would be the other one).
+ PP Goal!… just the PP in general. So this is a plus for Doug Weight being healthy again, and the other GBK who help them move the puck so much better than they were without those two.
+ Goal differential. The year that Al Arbour took over the Isles improved their GD by 100. The team was -78 last year, they are -13 now. If they continue playing like they have over teh past two weeks, and stay healthy, Scott Gordon will get them there. THAT will be a great achievement.
+ What a fun game. I can’t believe I’m getting up at whistles and applauding the team in my living room. I guess there’s a lot to be said for drinking in the afternoon.
+ Great piece on Matt Martin on NHL.com today.
IT’S GOOD TO BE AN ISLANDER FAN AGAIN!!!! -
Staten Islander says:
+DP getting a shut out and back to back wins
+2 more foe Mighty Matt
+JT continuing to impress
+++Ladies and gentlemen, ANDY SUTTON!
+Chasing Marty, never gets old
+Jon Sim, MSG needs to mike him the next time, unedited
++++A sellout crowd
++++++ITS FUN AGAIN!
-REFS!
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Doug F. says:
Here’s a quick story for everyone. My son and I went to see the Islanders at the Rock in Newark Thanksgiving weekend(the Islanders got thrashed 6-1. As we were leaving when it was 5-1, some Devil fan yelled out “Put DiPietro in” and everyone had a good laugh…well they did put him in this afternoon and he pitched a shutout…I don’t think any Devil fan is laughing this afternoon…Go Isles…
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rb says:
Sherry Ross is a homer. The Devils are NOT much better “on paper” than the Isles or most other teams in the NHL.
What the Devils have is an all-star in Parise, a HOF in goal and gritty character guy in Langenbrunner. That’s it, IMO. The rest is a product of system, very well played. So you can beat them if you get coaching and commitment from your players.
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stopthepain says:
Schremp was a pickup off waivers, not a FA signing…
Awesome game by the isles. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the past month has been the increasing confidence the team shows game after game. They come out expecting to win. That mindset is a tough one to teach to a young team. Whomever is responsible for it, be it Gordon or Doug Weight coming back from injury – should get the biggest plus of all! -
Radek says:
Minus – Between periods, PA announcer asks everyone to stand up for God Bless America, and then, during song, the Ice Girls on the Zambonis keep shooting t-shirts for people to fight over. Someone please set these girls straight. If they cannot be set straight, the God Bless America performance should not be repeated while these girls have t-shirts in their hands.
Plus – Everything else.
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Hector Marini says:
@ DEVON #12 : VERY CLEVER !!
LET’S HOPE WE “AINT SEEN NOTHING YET”!!
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Loved the way we played today. The only minus I have to say is the amount of times Ricky felt he needed to play the puck. I counted 3 in the second and 2 in the third, that were an attempt to clear from him, which were turned over and kept in the zone for another 1 minute. Not good when your trying to maintain a one goal lead….something to think about Ricky.
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OJK says:
Starting to feel like Winter around here again !
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Hector-
I’m glad to “Let it Ride,” at least “For The Weekend.” And if that’s too much for the other teams, they should learn how to “Take It Like a Man” and then “Roll On Down the Highway,” cause we’re just “Looking Out for #1.” -
Steve says:
+Great game to watch and be in the stands for. Finally I am getting my money’s worth for season tickets.
+Sparky for trashing the Devils fan sitting in fromt of me.
+The system is working. They believe, we believe and everyone now believes in it.
+Bergy is back OMG did you see that stick handling and skating. They had to trip him otherwise he would have scored and really embarrassed 3 guys.
-John Sims seems to have been infected with averyuenza
—-The refs they are getting worse as the season goes on.
—-The refs. Oh I mentioned that already but they still suck and deserve a double minus.
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Willis says:
Just a great site to see, that game. Wonderful support and effort by all. Tomorrow is vs Pitt and I can’t wait to see if that will be another exciting game – maybe even turn it up a notch! I know the boys are still working things out but they really deserve this winning streak they’ve been on. Congratulations to all.
And also I would like to give a nod to Coach Gordon – thanks for your effort as well and I am glad to see you sort of smiling once in a while now – Go Go Gordon!
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isles316 says:
Plus- My friends and I saying we can’t remember the team playing better hockey since the 92-93 playoff run. Even Laviolette’s group never impressed me, nor had the upside that this group of forwards has.
Plus- Brodeur getting lit up.
Plus- full house at NVMC
Plus- Isles 13, Wings,Sabres,Devils 2
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Eric Nystrom says:
PLUS – CB could have played goal for the Isles today and the Isles would have still won..
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Dan says:
Say what you want about DP but we can clear the zone 100% better when he plays. I missed it so much.
After coming home from Cancun and getting ready to start school at fordham tomorrow, this game really brightened up my day.
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Strummer's Army says:
I disagree with Sherry Ross. I was thinking the other day that I’m surprised the Devs are in first based on their roster.
PLUS: Our elite franchise goalie is back. 3 games in, he has an assist, a shutout, and a one goal game after missing a year.
Plus: The players who don’t fit in longterm are increasing their trade value.
Plus: Martin, Joensuu, Riechlecz, Harmonic, Petrov, De Haan, Donovan, Koskonin, Poulin, Nilsson. Ullstrom on their way. I’m sure I’m missing a couple too.
Plus: DP haters getting humble pie shoved down their huge mouths!
Minus: Since the team is playing so well the past few games, if the playoffs are possible then you need to get the big center and 2-3 d-men. Secure the best placement in the standings, and go hard into the playoffs. If not it’s not worth making the playoffs.
Plus: Moulson and Streit coming back into full stride.
Plus: How fun this team can be to watch when they play their game.
Minus: Still lacking the toughness they need.
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Port says:
Awesome effort again, it really is entertaining watching a young team built through the system.
I appreciate the efforts by Thompson and Jackman but the Isles are much more effective rolling these 4 lines. Witt should also be scratched when healthy as Meyer has been very solid.
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thepolishprince says:
I haven’t felt this good about this team for a long time. I love them every season no matter what but today I am truly proud to be an Islander.
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Peter from Virginia (Soon to be Atlanta) says:
It was great to see the post game interview with Rickey. He was very emotional talking about the fans and the organization. Whenever someone asks him where he is from he says “Long Island”. He is a proud Islander. As a fan, I want my players to want to play for my organization. It seems that is all we have heard over the past year. Players love playing for the Islanders (e.g., Weight, Sutton, etc). When was the last time you heard of someone not liking the Island? As the team gets better and the fans start filling the Coliseum, the rest of the league will take notice. We will very soon not need to recruit players. You build a hockey team and they will come. The Islanders are doing it the right way and we should all be proud of Charles, Garth, Scott and all the players. We are all Islanders!
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MJS says:
Plus – DP using his rehab time to get in some technical work, if he stays healthy this injury time could take him from a once in a while all-star to a guy you get sick of seeing in that game.
Plus – the Isles giving up an average of 23 shots per game. It’s easy to dominate on the score board when the other team can’t get any good shots on net. Hopefully the D will keep it up and Rolo (and DP apparently) won’t have to have any 50 save performances the rest of the way.
Plus – solid team scoring lead by the kids who are all happy to be living up to their potential.
Plus – the Detroit shutout was marred by their poor play and injuries, like it wasn’t that dominating cause they were hurt and tired.
Even – the team keeps surprising people evidenced by their #22 rank on TSN’s power rankings. Great because we get wins like the last three, not so great because the teams that “look better on paper” might actually start to take the Isles seriously.
Even – It seems every other goalie is available via trade this season so moving Marty Biron may not help too much to bring in a player to help keep the #7 or #8 playoff spot. He deserves to be moved though. I hope Garth lands him in a good situation.
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Blizzard says: Minus….having to work and missing the game. Drats!!! Well another impressive win by the Islanders. I am starting to get use to this. Its wonderful, and scary all at the same time.
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Paul in ABQ says:
Plus – Having to work but secretly watching the game on Yahoo!
CB – “with all the Gatorade you can drink.” Classic.
GO ISLES! DP!
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Chris in DC says:
Plus: Matt Moulson putting the puck in the net while not playing on the Tavares line.
Plus: Josh Bailey over not only Filatov, but also Luke Schenn (remember how many people were crying about that one?). I know there’s a lot of hockey in the careers for all three players, but I’m really liking how that draft has worked out so far.
Plus, the extra picks Snow gained by trading down turned into grabs at Hamonic and Petrov.
Go Isles, and welcome back Rick! -
cusi says:
One thing I would like to see. Switch sim and bergie. Begrie deserves the 3rd line. Plus he can convert those great passes from Schremp.
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joe fred va says:
The key to the playoff run is beating Atlantic division rivals, it will be interesting to see how the Devils respond to this loss against the isles later in the week. The kids are allright!!
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Since72 says:
Plus: That perceptable “click” when the team suddenly and collectively gets it, that they belong and can compete with any team, even the elites, in the NHL. The mindset just has to stick and then you have your perennial powerhouse. The Islanders have heard the click.
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Phishstyx says:
I’m starting to get excited this young team reminds me of the 1975 squad
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Zeike says:
Plus: I could have played goal these last three games and the Isles still would have won two of three.
Plus: Dominating three of the league’s top teams.
Plus: Team defense at it’s finest. The amount of scoring chances the other teams are getting these past three games is unheard of. The Isles had more scoring chances today than Detroit, Buffalo and Jersey had combined.
Plus: The forecheck is so good that by the thrid period teams are wiffing on passes and turning the puck over at alarming rates, even without the pressue of the first two periods. Jersey d-men today acted as if they had no time to make a pass, and for the most part they didn’t.
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Jim Clark says: Unlike CB et garcons, I stayed for all three delicious periods. We don’t get games like this too often, might as well savor them just in case Wang decides to rehire Mad Mike.
Islanders forechecking/defense was so strong that even Gordon could have gotten a shut out. DP is back but he needs to learn how to handle the puck better (i.e. stop making bad passes to the other team).
Why is Lemaire playing Brodeur so much???
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Jzimm says:
Plus- With this line up, at the very WORST, the Islanders will give ANY TEAM fits!
Minus – NOTHING!
Personal desire – To see Tambellini be trigger man for Rob Schremp!
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Hud says:
First, I go the Jets game yesterday and see a great win, then the Islanders dominate today. Not a bad couple days.
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4theisles says:
Rare not to see the goalie not getting first star, after a shut-out but it demonstrated that the rest of the team was so dominant that DP did not have to be brillant to blank the NJD. But after going thru so much the last couple of seasons it was great for Rick and the 2nd star was really earned!
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Just got through the game on the DVR …
Major Plus … DP beat the two best goalies in the league this season in back to back games … I’ll be back with more pluses … I just had to get that one out.
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schremp says:
whoever the home team is gets msg +.. its always been like that.. plus the isles only have 5 games on overflow the rest of the way.. the devils have 7, and the rags have 11..
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#39 says:
Great game, it is nice to be excited again.
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Wow- Miller, Bryzgalov, Brodeur, the Isles have chased three of the vezina frontrunners out of their nets this season!
What a GREAT game… plusses all around!
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Islesin2010 says:
+ Everyone playing their roles to perfection. To his credit, Gordon has found line combinations that not only work but increase the productivity because they aren’t trying to do too much. When you have guys like Park, Bergy, and Weight as your 4th line, grinding it out and drawing penalties you know the pieces will fall into place.
+ BTO line excellent once again.
+ Mark Streit returning to form and making the Islanders powerplay effective. Even when they don’t score there is constant pressure and opportunities.
Even- Hopefully if this team loses a game or two in the next few weeks people don’t jump off the wagon. This team has shown that when on its game there ain’t a team around that can beat ‘em. Loved the intensity at the Coli
- Refs. Funny how they didn’t make such a quick whistle when it appeared DP had the puck held in the 3rd period before a few sticks jammed it out and almost into the net. Which reminds me…
++++DP
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TimQ says:
Plus: Great start out of the gate and the Devil’s didn’t know how to respond
Plus: Positioning and mobility of the defense. I don’t think there’s a spot for Witt anymore
Plus: Smothering forecheck
Plus: Comeau, Sim, and Schremp cycling like mad men
Plus: Creativity in the offensive zone. A couple really nice passing plays to create space and scoring chances
Plus: Nice crowd. Thanks to all the Devil fans for providing your cash for our cause
Even: Could have easily been 7-0 with some better finishing
Minus: The guy that gives the breakdown between periods mentioned that the 2 goalies are both known for their stickhandling prowess. PLEASE don’t encourage DP like that! -
JoeRiverside says:
I see references to the “BTO” line above. There was a rock group in the 70′s called BTO and there hits were “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”, and “Takin’ Care of Business”. Appropriate!
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isles420 says:
look how good they r now
now think how good they will be 6 years from now
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Nova Scotia Isles Fan says:
All right. Now comes the hard part. I think we can all agree that when Garth and the bobbleheads (remember when the haters used that term?) started this little journey, we all (yeah right) agreed that we would have faith in management, a belief in the plan and the patience to wait out the inevitable growing pains. Well, we saw the worst of the pain last year.
This year, we’ve seen some wavering in the faith, but generally no serious crisis. The biggest things we’ve had to whine about is the lack of an enforcer.
Nw, we’ve got the question, fairly put, and stated above once. If we have a playoff team (and I’m not saying for sure we do), what are we doing at the trade deadline? Are we thinking about trading one or more of the pieces we’ve suffered so long to acquire? Or are we going to be patient and allow the build to stay on schedule?
I for one am in favour fo staying the course. I don’t want us talking about trading de Haan for a rental of Kovalchuk. Let ‘em develop and see what we have, Garth.
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I guess what I am saying is, now that we appear to be at least a year ahead of schedule, do we have the patience to stay the course?
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Nova, it depends on what deal is in the works. I wouldnt trade for Kovolchuk, you’d have to be able to sign him and I don’t see anybody doing that this year.
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Joe says:
This game was so awesome, its just nice to see some consistency now.
How is not dropping the gloves a minus? I would think more like “Minus: The Islanders had no one to match Leblond after he tried to goon it up with our captain”.
Another plus: Andy Sutton – just being awesome.
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SeanG says:
CB: I did not see the game today, as I had to work. I listened to periods 2 and 3 on FAN. I did not see the disallowed goal but my friend texted me how bad the blowing of the whistle was. This happens way too often now and I am sick and tired of “no goal, the whistle had blown,” and that covers all matter of sins. This must be changed so that a play like that can be reviewable to determine if it was indeed a “bad whistle.” The referee “losing sight of the puck” just does not cut it anymore as the reason for blowing a play dead. Just because it is said you can’t reverse a whistle, it must be so? Yes on mistakes for offsides or flase icing touch-ups it’s usually no big deal, but in the case of a goal being scored when the whistle blew or “the intent to blow the whistle,” this must change. It just doesn’t fly anymore.
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steve says:
highs and lows, long season. hopefully a few teams drop out of the chase. then garth can get some rentals for a lesser then current asking price.
winning..never overated. if not for miller and brodeur, these games woud have lopsided. ottawa has a lot of road games ahead, and the bruins are banged up. lets make some hay, cause its still 35 games til the end. -
Joe in Massapequa says:
I did some math a few months ago and I think I came up with 90 points to almost guarantee a playoff spot. 38 points in the 32 remaining games? I definitely think so…
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puckhead says:
Awesome……that’s it…..Awesome!
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Its been a while, and it feels good! Let’s keep it up!
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!
+feels like the sky is the limit
+finally won a matenee
+glad to hear NVMC was packed, a statement to what winning like this does
+after being laughed at, now we can laugh
Let’s hope the good times continue! -
just T says:
plus: four win streak since :
watched in a bar in new orleans(cooters); i know hockey in new orleans , yeah i was the only one watching; went for a bike ride on the muddy miss before and after the game, sunny day, great day
excepected more from the devils
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Steve says:
Keep it up Isles. Hopefully they will make the playoffs this year. In terms of marketing they should emphasize in promoting the team in Brooklyn and Queens just as much as they should in Nassau and Suffolk.
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No matter what the world is going through right now, life is so much sweeter when the isles our winning!I love these guys. Keep it up boys—I can’t get enough of them. First thing in the morning, buying more tix. Lets keep the old barn burning and full!!!!
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Frustrated Voter says:
Does all this winning start thawing the frozen discussions for the Lighthouse? We need the Islanders on Long Island! How does Kate Murray feel now?
My only suggestion for Garth Snow and Islander fans is to be patient. Stay the course. We don’t need to pull any more Ryan Smyth type of trades for a first round play-off exit. Keep building talent, depth and team chemistry. The plan is paying dividends earlier than expected, which is awesome, but there will be rough spots. When they come, I hope we can all be rational and not call the lynch mobs again.
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Vas says:
You know whats a joke? TSN comes out with their power rankings and have the islanders at 22. Up only 1 spot from last week. I would like to know the person or persons who choose go into what spots! Cause they don’t know the first thing about the nhl!
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nystrom23 says:
Awesome game saw the highlights on isles website…we need to put together a good streak of games and try and pull away from the 8th spot
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TM says:
Steve 71 – Don’t hold your breath. NYI ignore everyone west of Nassau including Brooklyn/Queens. They’re too LI centric. That’s why attendance always stinks.
Howie commented on the awful uniforms today and reminded us NYI switch to the retros next year. If NYI make the playoffs this year they can wear the 3rd retros this year at home but does anybody know what they’ll wear for road playoff games? (should they be so lucky)
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The New Isles GM says:
IslesRock & Bring back Nyles
According to NHLNUMBERS.COM
HERE IS WHAT GARTH HAS IN FRONT OF HIMUFA- Weight, Sim, Park, Jackman, Sutton, Meyer and Biron
RFA – Berggy, Schremp, Moulson, Tamby, MacDonald
It seems that all of our RFA’s should be re-upp’ed while Park, Sutton work out a 1 way deal and Meyer and Tamby get 2 way deals…
I still think we should keep Tamby in the system, but attempt to get him to sign a 2 way deal. Let him figure out the system some more in the AHL.
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jonsson3 says:
Wow what a game!!
plus + witt not playing
plus + the guy sitting behind gordon giving the ref the finger when he was explaining what happened on the park goal
plus + chasing marty
plus + only 1 islander in the olympics=tons of rest, lots of practice, and really ready for the home stretch
peace -
Eastonhockey says:
Missed the game. Glad dipietro got his shutout but upset that they would be handing dipietro these starts instead of roleson. Both players are good neither are top 5 goalies in NHL …don’t like the idea that dipietro has to plat cause he is “the franchise”. I want to root for a team that plays the best players …period. Devils would sit breodor if they had someone better then him. I just don’t like it at all. The scary part is…even if dipietro plays poorlly he will still get his starts. Just like gordan keeps his job playoofs or dead last..winning is not priority #1 with isles.
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Big Van Vader says:
Just had ONE gripe: Why do have to keep hearing excuses as to why these teams got their asses anded to them by the Isles? Lemaire said, “they were tired from the road trip”. Babcock the other night complaining about the schedule.
Quit crying. Maybe, just maybe, the Isles are actually outplaying their opponents.
By a wide margin. Deal with it.
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The New Isles GM (75): Youre right about the UFAs and RFAs. The prob with the FMIV/Tambs part of the plan you present is that giving guys 2-way deals does NOT mean that you can play them in the AHL whenever your team wants to. This is a common assumption about 2-way deals that isnt really true. Those guys would have to pass through waivers even with 2-way deals because of the number of games they have played. Giving a guy a 2-way deal is no free non-waiver pass to the AHL or back again, it just has to do with the idea that, if the player IS playing in the AHL, he gets AHL-level money… while guys on 1-way deals get the same money no matter where they play. They could maybe be called two scale deals instead of two way deals and that would help to prevent people from thinking that about players in positons like FMIV and Tambellini, but what are ya gonna do?
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Alan says:
It was great being at the game — having the ole barn sold out and rockin…goood times. Let’s keep her goin boys!!!
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Adam says:
Everyone gets mad that we don’t have an enforce to protect Tavares. Listen, if the problem was the he was getting check hard and roughed up legally, then we need some toughness to lay off. The problem is, however, that Tavares is consistently getting hit ILLEGALLY! Elbows to the head, late hits, a crosscheck today. It is the refs job to make sure that garbage doesn’t go on.
Also, what makes us so effective is the fact that we legitimately roll 4 scoring lines. Our 4th line is weight, bergenheim, and park. Those guys can all handle the puck. IT gives the other team fits that every guy can skate and stickhandle. Look at bergenheim’s awesome play to draw a penalty today. He deked the guy out of his shoes and had to be drawn down. That only happens against a third pairing dman which, as a 4th liner, he will see a lot of. -
Kbulger22 says:
Lesson of the day from the captain: end of the second, Leblond (sp?) takes a cheap shot and knocks Weight to the ice. Weight immediately gets in Leblonds face and in the ensuing scrum pops him in the gob. It wasn’t much more than a love tap, but it sent a message. The rest of the Isles, youngins anyway, need to take notice… JT, this means you!
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eye on the island says:
its awesome we finally went on the winning streak needed to put us back in serious playoff contention
as long as the isles dont go on any prolonged losing streaks and they handle the upcoming roster logjam-i say we get in
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Everyone who has a problem with DiPietro playing today PLEASE think about it. The Isles are playing back to back games. Each goalie was getting one start. DiPietro has a good record vs NJ, Roloson has never beaten them. Doesnt matter which one DP started bc he was starting one either way. Plus, and no offense to Rick, but Id much rather have Roli facing the high powered Pens offense.
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Onesinceforty says:
It is 10:45 and after THAT game, the Newsday site is still not updated from the 2nd period. Woeful! She has only 1 comment. If that is a measure, I cast my lot with IPB. Drive for Five!
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Danielle says:
#58 – I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the Islanders get shafted to MSG 2 while they were playing a home game. Why should a JERSEY team be given the better spot, even if they’re playing a home game, too? Their home isn’t in New York.
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Beatlebailey says:
+ this team makes great passes the best I have seen this decade..they constantly motor no one takes a shift off….this is the best islander team of the decade period. Gordon is a great coach he will do for us what lavi was not given the chance to do. The rebuild is over we should make the playoffs this year!!! UNFREAKINBELIEVABLE!!!
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Its almost as if everything has clicked in the last month…..We were known as a team rebuilding w/ no star players and seem to be a team still rebuilding w/ talented #1 picks and vets …….I think we are all amazed…..I have to say Gordon system is starting to pay dividends and opposing teams seem to be lost playing the Islanders…….
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I LOVE this team. Even Bruno looks much better these days…
DP + so great for him to get a shutout. Whole team played amazing.
Moulson is no joke. +++++ I still marvel at how good he is in front of the net.
Shremp ++ I too noticed his excellent passing.
Bergie ++++ could have got 3rd star. Played with so much energy and was a problem out there for Devils. Hunter +++ as well though.Lately Streit ++++ is looking reallllll good. I notice a lot of subtleties to game but he’s just clicking now.
I can go on and on but nevermind. So gratifying after a long stressful day at work to come home to a DVR of this gem of a game.
Get those Pens!!! -
TM, actually the Isles have been going to many schools in Brooklyn and Queens this season for school assemblies earlier in the season. Hopefully they do the same thing in marketing the team.
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Patience says:
The BTO line is 19, 20, and 21 years of age. If you think they’re good now wait a couple of years!!
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RD says:
I was there. I witnessed the NYI dominate the Eastern Conference leader in every facet of the game. Score should have been 8-0. No excuses. We also dominated the Detroit Red Wings! No Excuses! Finally, we beat another first place in Buffalo. We beat Team USA and Team Canada’s best between the pipes in the last 2 games! When will we get credit. Save the excuses! This team is for real. Even Bruno has elevated his game!
Devil fans were so pissed that one jackass was asking me if I ever saw a dragon on Long Island. Guess he was referring to Sparky. I looked at him as he were nuts and didn’t bother asking him if he saw any Devils in New Jersey. Perhaps the New Jersey Smokestacks would would be more appropriate!
Finally, Devil fans are getting little to arrogant. One thing Islander and Ranger fans have in common are some recent lean years. Many Devil fans, espeically young one’s, have known nothing but success. Time for them to come down to Earth. Marty’s retirement is going to be a harsh reality check to them.
Stanley Cup champs tomorrow night with a fresh Rolie in net! Wonder what is in store for us?
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Steve, yes I know about NYI going to schoos in Queens and was delighted to hear that for a change.
But the radio situaation and marketing to Queens/Bklyn/Westchester, NY City etc. is terrible. Many local news stations barely mention NYI if at all because the marketing is so bad. NYI marketing executives just don’t get it. Maybe they like small attendance and small ratings.
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TuxTax says:
+Weight being back
+Bailey on the Wing
+Bergie drawing penalties
+Schremp making great passes
+Tavares Shooting and Skating
+Streit hitting the net
+Hillen getting better game by game
+Sutton scaring the heck out of right wingers
+McDonald succeeding as an NHL DMan
+Okie Park and Bailey setting the pace of this team at the beginning of each game
+Okie being one of the best all around players I have seen in an Islander Sweater in a long time
As they say on a hockey bench…Keep it up Boys! Eh! -
Eric says:
Just a little post game nugget from DP….
“This crowd’s been great. This organization’s been great. I consider myself a Long Islander. As much as my friends in Boston hate to hear that, this is a great place to be. I’m proud to be an Islander and I look forward to continuing to help us win games.”
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Jay says:
I’m so glad to see this team start to click. Now let’s keep it together for the stretch. One big difference lately is not only are we protecting third period leads, but sticking it to the other teams and scoring more and we need to keep that up!!
I’m so happy we have a bright future and respectability again! -
Frank nyc says:
I have been waiting to see the Islanders become a good team for about 16 years. This is what i have been waiting for. A team that has been been the right way and could be good for years to come. The future is bright. Thank you SNOJANKS.
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doc says:
Never thought I would say this… but that Jon Sim can really play…
When your team is winning… everyone looks good.
(there’s only a touch of sarcasm in there).
DOC
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oh… one more thing… I can’t wait till Garth gets us a true heavyweight so that we can get back to fighting again… that will be so much better than winning.
(full sarcasm)
DOC
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Will OC says:
That was the most active I’ve seen a defense in the offensive play as far as I can remember, I’ve never seen all 6 d-men touch the puck consistently as the Isles blueliners did today…The 5 on 5 passing the Isles displayed made it seem as if the Devils were a man down…….lets keep the confidence high and the wins rolling vs Pitt tommorow
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Shremp Co 13 says:
i really hope we start selling out the home games or packing it more at least. its always fun with a full barn for the players and for the fans.
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Brian G says:
hopefully there will be a good crowd on thursday vs. Florida
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dose says:
JPinVA”+ What a fun game. I can’t believe I’m getting up at whistles and applauding the team in my living room. I guess there’s a lot to be said for drinking in the afternoon.”
oh, the beauty of national holidays. thanks dr. king.seems like they come out flying almost every game now. even if they don’t score right away the opposition is on its heels and the tone is set. what a diff, and it’s a reminder of years past. now if they had a couple of thumpers to plant some guys into the boards right at the start,….
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I agree about teams whining that they are losing because they are tired. What a bunch of big babies reaching for excuses to cover up the fact they got their butts handed to them. They won’t get any sympathy from me or anyone else I’m sure. Middle and lower class families who are underpaid and who do actual work for a living are all rolling their collective eyes right about now.
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jimfromstjames says:
CB – Could this all be attributed to “OVER-SPEED” ??
Now that the groin injurys have stopped? -
Marc from Troy says:
Yesterday’s game was 2nd straight Devils visit to LI where Brodeur got yanked early due to getting shelled by the Isles.
I don’t give a damn what excuses the coach or anyone else wants to use, that stuff usually gets evened out just by having Brodeur in goal. Well, not against the Isles, and not in our house.
Hard to complain about anything this week, but swap Sim & Bergenheim and I think it gets even better.
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
i’ll throw a plus up there that didnt show up on score sheet but his impact has been huge to our recent success.
PLUS – BERGIE -He is so fast and so strong on puck that opposing teams have to hook him or trip him just to keep him from blowing past them.
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Dave-Brookyn says:
This is simply amazing. Plus-How about the Islanders scoring on cue as Howie Rose says this is the best hockey they have played in years.
Selfish Plus- I live down the street from where the new Nets arena is to be built. If the reports are true, we’re the favorite for an Isles change of address. Come on over Isles!!!
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RobC says:
Jacques Lemaire blamed the beating the Isles laid on the Devils on the same excuse as the Wings coach, fatigue. “We were a step slower, his team looked tired”, Lemaire was quoted in the post, saying.
How bout this, “your excuses are your own”.
Let’s Go Islanders!!
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After the excuses the Wings and the devils coached made makes me respect Lindy Ruff for respecting the Isles although it didn’t stop the Isles from dominance.
Plus: Robbie Schremp’s passing and vision are truly impressive.
Plus: Bailey over Filatov isn’t looking so bad anymore.
Plus: The Isles have two goalies playing exceptionally well at the key point of their season!