ISLANDERS 4 DEVILS 2
Slump over…Parking clarified…Plus/Minus
9:45 pm: Looks like my prediction of a four-point three game weekend is going to be short by a point. Good for Go-Go’s Gritty-Gutties for ending the four-game losing streak.
As mentioned a few times in this space, Mark Streit, Kyle Okposo, Dwayne Roloson and the rest of the Islanders young and oldish do not give a Cam about The Fall for Seguin and Hall.
If you want to know how much the Islanders are still playing for pride and expect 100% effort from each other, check the tape and watch Scott Gordon’s reaction after Ilya Kovalchuk scored to make it 3-2.
Tonight was the proof. After an iffy start, the Islanders played hard and smart and beat the Devils, who were coming off impressive wins over the Rangers and Penguins. The key moment was a four-minute power play for New Jersey in the third period in which the only goal scored was by Sean Bergenheim. Then the Islanders killed the rest, even when it turned into a 5-on-3.
As he has been for almost the entire season, short of a three-week stretch of a three-goalie rotation before the Olympic break, Roloson was superb in stopping 38 of 39 shots he could see.
You couldn’t find anyone in Devilsland who thought coach Jacques Lemaire was going to sit Martin Brodeur anytime soon. Yet there was Yann Danis starting against the Islanders tonight. Butch Goring said he hoped Scott Gordon used the sign of disrespect as motivation. “He’s saying you guys suck,” said Butch. “Now go out there and show him how good you are.”
No word if Gordon said anything to his team about the slight, but he really didn’t have to. The Islanders got the message, and the two points. The pressure is now off the Islanders, which makes them a dangerous team.
Sunday at 5:00 pm at the Coliseum is a crucial showdown with the Maple Leafs. Islanders can pull to within seven points of eighth-place Boston. I hope to be back from the road and at the Coliseum.
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Parking details finally clarified via a Coliseum source. The cost to park at Islanders home games next season will be $10 or $15. It’s only $10, if you can deal with parking in the outer reaches of the lot. The cost is $15 if you want to get a spot closer to the rink and get out of there quickly.
“Media parking is going to cost $50,” said the source, who pretended he was joking.
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Tonight Garth Snow took his play-in playoff idea to Stan Fischler on the Devils broadcast. Snow said, “Single-game elimination would take 5-7 days, and everyone would battle it out for the eighth seed. It was an idea. It was obviously talked about at length.” Snow cited the Carolina Hurricanes, hurt by injuries in the first half, as an example of a team that could benefit by the all-in tournament.
As for his Islanders, Snow said, “It’s never fun when you don’t win. Our future’s bright. There’s a lot of good things we can take from our season. Where we stand is unacceptable. We don’t like losing.”
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Best wishes to Islanders ticket sales executive Theresa Coscia, who is leaving the team this week for a management position with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL.
Theresa, whom I worked with in my last season at the Islanders, had a tough job on the frontlines working with fans on a daily basis and during some tough times. Yet, through everything, I’ve never heard anything but the highest praise for her integrity and ability to communicate with clients. Long Island loses another great one, this time a graduate of Connetquot high school.
Best wishes, Theresa. I have no doubt you will attain all of your goals.
Toronto and Florida win, Edmonton, Columbus and Carolina lose. Comments on tonight’s game, including your Plus/Minus, and your thoughts on this post. Drive safely.
60 Responses to ISLANDERS 4 DEVILS 2
Slump over…Parking clarified…Plus/Minus
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TimQ says:
Nice 2nd period tonight. Go-go system at its best
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Hell of a game, one of those that really makes you happy for the future. And I missed it, what happened to Nassau Coliseum that they showed on MSG+?
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Justin says:
#1
um, u should be happy cuz your team won, im tired of this happy to lose to get a better pick business. U want to c ur team, especially a young team with mediocre player beat a team like tge devils, even agaisnt danis -
4theisles says:
Devils thought the Isles would not be motivated and we know the result. The isles are playing for respect and tonight they earned it – thats really a big plus.
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jimmy says:
+freddy meyer IV
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paulson says:
Great win for the Islanders. Theresa Coscia is gorgeous. Wow.
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dose says:
…Sunday at 5:00 pm at the Coliseum is a crucial showdown with the Maple Leafs….
crucial??
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Very mixed emotions.. Always nice to win, but also nice to look to a brighter future.
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geduffer says:
Wow, that parking clarification really makes me feel better. I look forward to going to several out of town games in lieu of the season ticket money that I would have been spending.
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Lance79 says:
Great game for the Isles, that forecheck was unbelievable; next up payback time for Dion Phaneuf – new uniform won’t exonerate him
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IslesNation says:
#7- crucial in the fact that CB believes the goal of the team is still to make the playoffs, which is respectable being as close as they are. I, on the other hand, after watching this team the last month feel that this win is more of special night than a sign of things to come. Still nice to see the team win. At this point, with everything going on off the ice, winning and losing isn’t a huge concern for me. If they win it could be good for their confidence moving forward, if they lose it’s one step closer to a top pick. I highly doubt they win enough to take themselves out of the worst 3 records in the league.
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eastonhockey says:
Isles see the backup goalies more then any team in the NHL. THis has been going on since they Traded Turgeon to save some $$ and became the Pirates/Expos of hockey.
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Ethan K says:
“Sunday at 5:00 pm at the Coliseum is a crucial showdown with the Maple Leafs. Islanders can pull to within seven points of eighth-place Boston. I hope to be back from the road and at the Coliseum.”
Hahahaha. This is true. I still like the Oilers’ chance at the Cup this year as well… seriously, the optimism should be from securing the top-3 pick and doing well next year. Why do we want to even think about the playoffs now?
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Staten Islander says:
+FM IV
+I heart Jack Hillen
+Rollie
+++Jon Sim is THE MAN!
+Great win
-A great win, draft concerns ya know -
I am always happy to see the Islanders win- whatever to draft picks. Kyle was a 7th overall pick, Josh was a 9th, and we should be so lucky to get another kid of either of their caliber.
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Reese in Chelsea says:
Just got back from The Ol’ Barn on Hempstead and I have to say the Isles looked really good. Delayed because of weather, and then re-routed halfway around the the Coliseum due to “falling debris” I missed the first ten minutes. I guess it was just as well. From what I saw, The Boys played a disciplined, hard-nosed, aggressive game. This game and the Chicago game, two weeks ago are the only times I’ve been able to get to the Coliseum this season–thanks to a very generous older brother who’s also a fan–and it’s been a privilege both times. Thanks for playing your hearts out as a team. A couple of years and a couple of pounds on some of these guys and we’re going to have something special on our hands. Let’s Go Islanders!
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JP says:
+ Isles special teams
+ Roloson solid after a soft goal
- Rain! Wind! Why was the entrance to the box office closed? -
goteamgo says:
the fornt area was closed b/c a part of the front of the coliseum where it says “nassau Coliseum” tore off from the building and landed below.. a large chunk of it, not some small piece..
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The Pork Chop Express says:
+Roli, Streit, Meyer consistently playing hard every night.
++ Comeau- this guy handles the puck very well and is the most consistent forward on team in all areas. Every game he shows more confidence. Its about time a forward drives to the net with the puck. Continue to play him!!!!
+Sim, Park, Jackman playing on the 4th line. That’s where they belong!
+Tor & FLA won
+Tamby on the ice and for more then 5 mins. hopefully he continues to play and is allowed to prove himself on a conistent basis.
-Car. Columbus lost
-Weight out for the season. Class act.
-We still need to take more shots between the circles. We shoot too much from the boards. -
miket239 says:
Ummm this win is nothing special. The Devs had their back-up netminder and they played like it was just practice. These are NOT the Devils youll see in the PLAYOFFS, which the Islanders will NOT make. Just drop to last in the league and go for the highest draft pick possible. Itll work itself out that way once again and rightly so. I’ll be rooting for Andy Sutton and the Sens in the Playoffs! Woo Hooo!!
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Steve M says: after watching tonight it looks like we have a great future ahead of us. The crowd sounded great, even in this crazy storm.
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+Freddy Meyer did have a good game.
+Dwayne Roloson, again. Oh if Dipietro never played this season. -
Strummer's Army says:
Isles need to reinforce Gillies before the battle with Toronto tomorrow.
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JerseyIslander says:
start of a 15 game winning streak? Haha, I agree with you #3, always go for the win, just look at the “bright side” if they lose. I’d take the win any day.
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The New Isles GM says:
Plus – The Boys Looked Good Tonight
Minus – No Goals By Tavares
Plus – Kovulchuck Looked Like Crap
Minus – I Still Want To See Him In An Islander Jersey Next Year
Plus – John Sim Scored
Minus – I Still DON’T Want To See Him In An Islander Jersey Next Year
Plus – Beat The Devils At Home Again
Minus – Bruno Gervais
Plus – Toronto Won Tonight
Minus – We Won Tonight
Plus – Kyle Okposo
Minus – Kyle Okposo Without The “C”
Plus – People Attended A Non Playoff Team In This Weather
Minus – I Had A Ticket For Skybox Tonight That I Had To Pass Up
Plus – Freddy Meyers Hip Check Right After Comeau Was Nailed
Minus – No More Sutton Back There
Plus – Dwayne Roloson
Minus – Probably Had A Shot With Chicago For The Cup
Plus – Still In The Bottom Three
Minus – Still 3rd To Last
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Jim Clark says: Parking fees clarified with an increase of only 43%? Okay, I’ll only reduce my attendance by 43%
Roloson was bad on first shot but terrific after that (although he looked like he was screened on Ilya Kurachkin’s goal in the third when we went “uh-oh, another third period meltdown”. But Bergenheim decided this was a game he would show up for.
It makes sense from the Devils point of view to play Danis the day after Brodeur plays against the defending Stanley Cup champion. If you aren’t going to play a back up goalie against the 28th place team, why is he on the roster? There are no Glenn Halls with 500 game played streak.
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Jim says:
Wish people would stop picking apart Tavares, the kid plays hard and has been making some great passes to setup people. Wait til next year when he adds some pounds and they work with him over the summer. Look at Bailey what a difference from last year. I see Tavares, Baily and Okposo as something special in about 2 more years. We fail to remember how young thesee kids are and they are playing against guys 10 years older than them. Be patient good things to come. They just need a couple of more pieces to put it together and become a tough team to play. You could see that tonight and all season long – you get glimpses of whats to come. I myself am enjoying watching this young team develop – win or lose. Yes its frustrating sometimes but we’ve been waiting a long time to see them return as winners.
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Vealchop says:
Jim,
my only issue with Tavares is that he doesnt shoot much. It seems like all his shots are off rebounds and are w/in 2 ft from the net. I would like to see the NHL’s #1 overall pick to take some wrist & slap shots from 10+ ft out from the net. It seems like he cant get or create those opportunities.
I look at Moulson, Comeau, and others and they have many opportunities shooting in front of the net.
Also KO needs to start hitting the net with all his wrist shots. The wrist shot is his main shot. Wrist shots are supposed to be accurate. Hit the net and shoot sooner KO and you will have 10 more goals.
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JayK says:
This is what a rebuild looks like for a team that’s getting there, but slowly: a four game losing streak sandwiched between pretty decisive wins over two potential Stanley Cup finalists (Blackhawks and Devils). Though I don’t think Danis is going to see much time in the playoffs…..
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Candor says:
Tambellini was worst player on ice
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Lighthousemylasthope says:
Watching the NHL Network show “NHL on the Fly” is kind of enlightening as to how pathetic this whole situation is. Did you hear the tremendous excitement in the Stadium for the Montreal/Boston game. Man, its been a long time since we’ve had that…. Sigh…
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dudley leiwicker says:
PLUS: A 10×18 piece of the Coliseum siding blew off. Maybe the Building Department will condemn the dump and Charles will get the new arena the team needs.
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Austin says:
+ Win
- Garth and his idiotic play-in games -
Brian G says:
Today’s game vs. T is the one game I want them to lose..The Isles would only be 3 pts out of the 2nd spot in the Lottery.
I am Guessing the Goalie matchup would be Biron vs Gigure
Hopefully Wang starts renovating the Coliseum Since he is gouging the fans with the $3 parking raise…also the 30% raise in tickets next year…way to show thanks for a 3rd consecutive losing season…spend some money over the 40mil salary cap floor chespskate….real smart Wang, Mr. real estate..no care about the product on the ice.
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Candor, I disagree. Mr. False Positive (AKA Park) was just as bad.
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Viper says:
Okay, nice home win for the fans. Now it is time to tank once and for all.
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Greg says:
Minus — I was at the game and they closed the exit by the box office due to “inclement weather” — caused pandamonium getting out as everyone had to exit to fewer exits.
Plus — game played with the intensity this team has shown only intermittently this year.
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billy says:
so after sitting for a month and stopping 35 of 36 shots against the blues and losing in the shootout, they go with roloson yesterday? Rollie could have had a 90 save shutout and i’d still be furious.
Considering gordon used to be a goalie, he has no idea how to manage the net. Biron isn’t a 20 year old rookie, in fact he has had more nhl success in the last 2 years than rolo (by success i mean playoff victories).
If you want to use the “biron got lit up in the shootout” excuse, please don’t because roloson is the WORST goalie in shootouts.
Glad to see bergie on the scoresheet, just wish they’d show biron any respect at all. -
UIF says:
Plus: Bergy-Bailey-Okposo
Plus: The PK
Minus: Weak start, and weak third up until the shorty.
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Peter says:
Great to see the Islanders stick it to Lemaire and the Devils.
I listened to the game on the radio and their female(don’t know her name) sportscaster was saying even with an 85% effort, the Devil’s should have won this game. I was pissed to say the least. Devil’s along with the Rangers suck! -
Cuillzy says:
Long Islands Clock is Ticking. Its so tragic that we’re losing another young and promising LI’er. Depressing
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Dan says:
10 dollars is not bad. Its only a 3 dollar increase and is by far the cheapest sports team parking lot in the area. Also its easier to just give a ten then a 5 and 2 singles (trying to get some possitives)
Great game by the Islanders and a huge crowd considering the weather and the fact that we are the 3rd worst team as of now.
LETS GO ISLANDERS
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BringBackNyles says:
That’s Sherri Ross…she is a good listen
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Ray's Team says:
#11-u really think there will be any payback for phaneuf-please-these are the softie isles-as much as i want to see it -it wont happen-only way is if okposo himself drops the gloves
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MileHighIsle says:
Very entertaining game. Plus for Roloson, Bergenheim & Comeau.
I’m not sold on Okposo for captain. He needs to be out there getting more physical by laying out hits, getting into an occasional fight and standing up or setting the tone for his team. Or he should start scoring more.
Hope Martin and/or somebody else are called up for today. Gillies will have his hands full with Orr and there will be nobody to go after Phaneuf. Here is your opportunity to earn the captaincy Okposo.
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Boo Radely says:
Happy the boys won. However i would personally like to see them win 1 out of 4 games the rest of the way so we can keep a top 3 pick and atleast see a win every now and than. I hate rooting for a lose but in reality a top 3 pick will be better for next year. The rest of the way i would just like to see the young guys show some strides in their games
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Benjamin A. says:
Islanders have called up Matt Martin for this afternoon’s game.
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va says:
Well Jackman will not be able to go after Phanueff, poss Gillies? somebody needs to samck him around for what he did to okoposo in that pre-season game. Some one needs to step up and hit him.
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Joe from Bayside says:
this team has a snow balls chances in hell of making the playoffs and have been playing meaningless games for a long time.
while “mark streit, kyle okposo, dwayne roloson and the rest of the islanders young and oldish do not give a cam about the fall for seguin and hall”, i do and so do more fans than want to admit it. if we miss out on a top 3 pick this will allow the isles to do what the isles do best and go off the board and with our luck well have another parise/nilsson situation. at least theres always free agency where we can pick up a few dozen fourth liners and 7/8th dman…ilkka pikkarainen, jeremy yablonski, and david van der gulik are all very attractive options….. -
Jason says:
The Islanders can’t try to lose, as much as the fans may want them to. Fear not, they will be getting a good pick. It could be Hall or Seguin, but is more likely to be Gormley, Fowler, or Gudbranson. The Islanders will come away with a good player.
This year’s pick will NOT have a huge impact on next season, unless it’s Hall. What is most important is the continued development of the young players on this team.
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MN says:
The shift change before the Kovalchuk goal was easily the worst change this team had on the season. At one point there was only two guys on the ice for the Isles, and that is when the pass went to Ilya. He shoots and scored. It looked like a 5-player change gone terribly wrong. I did not see Gordo’s reaction, but I know I woulda been livid.
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Minus: Tamby getting hurt, see what happens when you play once a month and aren’t in game shape? Plus: Matt Martin getting called up to take his place
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So if you get to a game late, and only want to spend $10 on parking and have to spend $15 cause there are no spots left? Not cool.
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Doug says:
CB,
I wouldn’t be suprised if the Isles get the 2 points today…
Doug
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Jeez- $10 is cheaper parking than ANY other sports venue I know of. Come on, why not complain about the things that are actually WORTH complaining about?
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dominla says:
i found this headline on yahoo news funny… “Islanders beat backup Danis, Devils”. love the need to mention danis and backup.
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Jim Clark (#27) – They might get the message faster if you reduce your attendance by 100%. This is what I’m doing. As for the game, it showed more about where the Devils are at right now.
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Matt Martin better be in an Islander uniform on opening night next year. Love watching real hockey players stand up for their teammates.
++++Blake Comeau looking like a very good two-way player lately. Solid effort until the buzzer.
+Bergie has been doing really well on the PKs.
+Freddy Meyer is a great checker. He doesn’t have the size to really drill people, but he knows the “checking handbook” forward and back. Checking is as much strategic as it is about strength.
+John Tavares’ moves. They’re not paying off yet, but give it time.
+Richard Park… who’s this guy and where has he been all year. Scoring with a nice shot, great work both sides of the ice.
+Kyle Okposo. Nuff said.
+Josh Bailey, using hands and body. Nice assist.
+Moulson with a Moulson goal, right in the office to cap the game.
+Marty Biron of old. Good for him.
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Lorne says:
So if you enter the arena off of Hempstead Tpke or by the Marriott, I assume that will still be $10.00, right?
should I be happy or sad with this win?