ISLANDERS 5 CHICAGO 3: Comeau Hat Trick
NYI 26th win; Sutton deal II; Your Plus/Minus
FanHouse: Odds of Finding a Player in the 2nd Round
9:35 pm, NVMC: In his first 43 games this season, Blake Comeau had six goals. In his last three games, Comeau had six goals.
In the first 151 games of his NHL career, Comeau had no multi-goal games. He has two multi-goal games in his last two.
With their win tonight, their 26th, the Islanders have tied their win total from last season with 19 games remaining.
Chicago was not called for a penalty tonight. The last time that happened with an Islanders opponent was Nov. 17, 2006 at Tampa Bay.
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If could lead to nothing, but lots going on – primarily involving the Islanders’ goaltenders. I maybe saw half the game. Certainly saw the Hawks’ goalies. As I half-jokingly tweeted during the game, the Blackhawks cannot trade with the Islanders now. For this night, they are in a position of weakness.
Ten feet to my right, Chicago announcers Pat Foley and Steve Konroyd were raving about Dwayne Roloson from the drop of the puck. The Islanders certainly showcased him early on.
You take over the Plus/Minus tonight while I work on a few other things. Could have another post late tonight.
Mine is only regarding the trade of Andy Sutton today to Ottawa for San Jose’s second round pick.
Minus: Before you get to the game, I get a minus for my first draft of the Sutton trade post. By initially writing that the deal was a “steal” for Ottawa GM Bryan Murray, I mistakenly left the impression for a while that I thought Garth Snow was ripped off. He was not. I later changed the post from a “steal” to a “great pickup” for Murray.
Murray made an excellent acquisition for his team, of that there is no doubt. As a rental, Sutton makes the Senators’ blueline a lot more dangerous in a seven-game series against the best in the East. For a pick that should end up between 55-60th overall, that’s a no-brainer for Murray – no matter what the fans in Ottawa may think of Sutton’s ability. With Sutton healthy this season, anyone who watches Islanders games knows better.
Snow got as much as he could. He had at least two offers on the table for second round picks. Since only sure playoff teams would trade for Sutton, those deals were for picks that would land between 50th and 60th overall. The Islanders GM, rightfully so, waited as long as he could to see if he could get a little more. When those offers started to come off the table as GMs shopped elsewhere, Snow did the right thing by getting the late second for a 35-year-old defenseman he wasn’t trying to re-sign.
Florida got a higher pick for Dominic Moore because he was acquired by new Montreal GM Pierre Gauthier.
Maybe in the best-case scenario on Wednesday, Snow could have squeezed a late-second plus a fourth round pick. No big whoop that he didn’t get a sweetener. He could have been left holding the bag.
Plus: Scott Gordon to Katie Strang on Andy Sutton: “I don’t think Ottawa realizes how much of a player they got. It’s a very good acquisition for them.”
Your Plus/Minus on tonight’s game and thoughts on the trade deadline are welcomed in Comments.
58 Responses to ISLANDERS 5 CHICAGO 3: Comeau Hat Trick
NYI 26th win; Sutton deal II; Your Plus/Minus
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Patrick says:
Trade Comeau while he’s hot.
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As much as I hate to potentially lose a top pick,this is a game that might be worth it especially if Rolli’s play get his value up…Plus its great to beat a quality team.
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Carmine says:
+ Islanders win
+ Islanders match last years win total with 19 games left
+ Blake ComeauThe only thing I have to say about the Sutton trade is I think it was a fair deal. People keep bringing up Dominic Moore but are missing the fact that it is a 2011 pick. A weaker draft compared to this year. Now move Rolie for more pieces to the puzzle and lets move forward. Go Isles!!
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Swan says:
Keep Roli, unless it is an overpay (e.g., 1st round pick). He will help the Isles more next year than any 2nd round pick the Isles get.
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Jeff says:
Plus: a win
Plus: the hat
Plus: Rolie
Minus: No scoring from JT or KO
Minus: Could be Rolie’s last game as an Isle -
Andre says:
The only way I would deal Roloson would be to package him with Bergenheim. The asking price? Olsen, Beach, and a 1st Round pick. Otherwise I wouldn’t trade Roloson. The price will be very steep. Blackhawks desperately need goaltending help.
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JP says:
+Isles start their 20 game sprint with a win against a good team.
+Isles find their legs after a sluggish first period
+Roli keeps them in the game (he should only be traded for a first rounder)
+Atlanta on Thursday- a team the Isles have handled!
+Nice to see Jack back
-PK unit suffered -
Chris Mc says:
I think Swan just made a good point (and we’ve argued about Comeau before so its about time we agree) but if this team does take the next step next year and is to battle for a playoff spot, with the uncertainty surrounding DiPietro and Roloson actually being under contract next year, the Isles need someone solid in net. And Rollie has proven that he is just that.
With that said, I have a feeling hes played his last game with the Isles. Blake Comeau Hat Trick. I’m loving it.
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Brian G says:
Plus: the trade value of Roloson, Park, Weight, Meyer, and yes I said it Jon Sim. They all played well tonight.
Plus; The horrible goaltending of Neimi & Huet
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+ Comeau
+ Roloson boosts trade value
+ tying last year’s win total
+ 13,000 + on a tuesday night
+ the goaltending of huet and nietti- sim scoring might encourage gordo to keep him in the lineup
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MJS says:
It would be so worth it to trade Roloson right now. More or less a great game from him, and it sucks that the Hawks scored close to the end. He’s had a rest, and he’s good to go, so Roloson’s probably pretty valuable right now. I hope the Blackhawks cough up something good for him even if we have to take Huet back. There’ll be another good 1B type goalie out there over the summer to setup a good tandem with Huet if he comes in a trade for Roloson and we can get a good defenseman over the summer as well. That’s one reason why it’s great to have cap space.
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Oh, and big plus, starting out of the break with a big win over a great team. The Isles may not make the playoffs, but they sure can make the last 20 games entertaining.
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Steven says:
I though Garth did the best he could. A 35 year old oft injured free agent to be will not land a good package. I do not understand all the anger for this deal. The Hawks need Rolo. I really hope the Isles get good value for him. I hope Sim and Park also can bring back a pick. Nice to see Blake playing so well.
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billy says:
plus- comeau
plus- hillen had some good jump for being out for so long
minus- they didnt go for the throat and put up more goals in the third. They need to stop thinking trying to play defense only in the third
minus- okposo and tavares. I saw their jerseys but they were invisible
plus- rolo saved us in the first -
Eric says:
How about Blake Comeau? I have praised this kid for a while now while many on this board have bashed him and have said that he is a bust, should be shipped, does not show heart. I dont know what people are watching. Yes he hasn’t always gotten the results and mind you he has played in what half the islanders games? I barely saw him the first half of the season. I have always said that Comeau is a keeper. Here are the reasons why. He is a good skater. Can bring the puck in on transition plays something the Islanders do not have a lot of. He passes well, has a rocket of a shot(should shoot more) and can be physical. He wont be a star but the guy is a good all around player. He will either be a solid 3rd liner or a 2nd liner, either way he is a keeper and will score a big goal in the playoffs when the Islanders are back!
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kurvers28 says:
The Moore trade was for a 2011 2nd round pick. Isn’t that draft supposed to be terrible? Maybe that’s why it was a 2011 draft pick and not 2010.
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Bob says:
+ A win
+ Comeau
+ DP not playing- The break hasn’t helped Tavares
- Our “enforcer” wearing a full cage
- Could be Roli’s last game as an Islander -
ars9x says:
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE, PLEASE, EXPLAIN TO ME WHY IT IS IMPERATIVE TO TRADE ROLI??
Caps on purpose. I seriously don’t get it. I’m not trying to be a samrta$$. To me no Roli = throwing in the towel on the season. Will we get something so wonderful that it will be a real team changer next season? I’m confused.
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IslanderNation says:
CB, I just wanted to comment that I respect you as a writer for doing a revision on your opinion of the Sutton trade. Most writers wouldn’t do that.
I think Isles fans, and sports fans in general, are easily persuaded to think a certain way based on what’s written. If their favorite writer(which is you for just about every Islanders fan) says that it was a bad trade, they’re going to jump on the band wagon and bash Snow. As your revision stated, I think Snow got as much as he could without risking the chance of not being able to make the trade if he waited.
As for Roloson, his trade value is probably high right now. I don’t think a first round pick is reasonable considering his age but a 2nd rounder(with maybe another pick or prospect) is possible. He’s signed through next season so the isles can always pursue trades for him next season if they don’t find the right deal.
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A game of irony.
- No Bergenheim
- Roloson is a key factor in beating one of the league’s best teams
- That team’s biggest weakness is in goal
- That team’s big goaltending weakness was ohhh so present tonight
- Blackhawk broadcasters raving about Roloson
- Boy would some of those Hawks look good in an Islander uniformJust a few hours away until we know more!
Gettin’ excitin’!
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John says:
Keep Rollie. He has been our MVP all year and has a great attitude. Unless we get a #1 pick for him, he is more valuable as our starting goalie for the next year.
Next year at this time, would be a better time to trade him when he becomes unrestricted again.
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SneakyPete77 says:
Garth really needs to put the screws to Philly. They are in trouble in net. Emery is done for the year and Leighton is not a playoff goalie. They’ve made no secret of how much they covet Roloson. I read that they are also lacking picks to deal and are in cap trouble. Maybe we can get an actual player and not stinking picks for Roloson. I hope! As long as the key player coming back is not named Asham. Philly traded away a lot of players to get Pronger so you know they are in a position of weakness. They need to compete for a cup. Maybe we can nab Giroux from Philly or a top young AHL player. Enough with the picks!
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We will not make the playoffs this year. Even If we went on a crazy tear there are so many teams in the hunt. The prize? Getting swept by the Ovechkins…While I agree Roli would help us more next year ,what about DP? Rolli plays 35 games next year,but a 1st rounder helps us for 10 years…Cmon man be real…
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Nick says:
Everybody seems to be pretty on point here…Every move that the Snowman makes must be with an eye on the future. We are still in the infancy on this rebuild and grabbing a solid 2 for an aging D-Man was acceptable. We lucked out (aside from last seasons injury) with 3 solid to real good years from Sutton, but considering his age the next team to sign him might not be so lucky. As for Rollie, if we trade him we are basically signaling that we have no expectations to seriously compete this year or next, which considering that we were the 4th worst team in the NHL heading into the Olpympics seems to be the case. Again, trade the 40 yr old goalie for whatever you can get, hopefully a 1!!! SNOWMAN WORK YOUR MAGIC!!!
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purify says:
biggest minus how SMALL and weak our defence really is. anyone notice our guys being pushed back consistantly and how small our backend really is. roli stole this game like many others. sutton’s presence is already missed.
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BringBackNyles says:
Was there a big ticket promotion or giveaway tonight? Or was it a legit crowd of 13,000+ ? Maybe the Olympics will give the league a short term bump..any idea what the walk up was?
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cgs878 says:
Minus- Hunter? who?
Plus- Roli! Roli!
Minus- Tavares who?
Plus- Okposo still shows up every game and plays with heart.
Minus- lots of Hawks chances + shots on goal
Plus- Islanders’ good luck in the D-zone -
NYICHAMP39 says:
PLUS: Roloson’s trade value went up to a late first rounder with this performance tonight and the dire need of many teams for solid goaltending down the stretch
MINUS: Garth Snow will get a 4th round pick and a bag of pucks for him tomorrow
MINUS: with two weeks rest JT looked invincible
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or invisible…with regard to JT lol
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KP says:
FYI CB – The Dominic Moore deal is for a 2011 2nd round pick.
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M Howard says:
+Comeau
+Rollie
+Park
++Rollie for increasing his trade value
+Blackhawks backstops: Increasing their need for goalie
-A blind person can see the Islanders are WAYYY too undersized to compete in a playoff series
+Isles wearing white at home. Why did the Isles wear white and the B’hawks wear their winter classic unis? I always have held out hope the NHL will one day return to home whites. -
Austin says:
+ Roli may bring some good loot tomorrow!
+ Leaving my car to get my son, 2-1 Hacks, return 4-2 Isles!
- Where’s JT? -
Eastonhockey says:
You know what the sad part is? Snow dumps sutton bcause isles payroll will b bottom in NHL next season again which doesn’t permit isles to afford average player like sutton. It’s like a baseball team trading it’s 2nd best starter to the Yankees who can afford him
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Reese in Chelsea says:
I had the privilege of being at the game, thanks to the generosity of my eldest brother. He got us fantastic seats right on the ice and I had a fantastic time in the Old Barn cheering on the Isles. I cheered as hard for them tonight as I did at the beginning of the season, when I was forced to listen to the games over the internet as I was working for months in Arizona. All is to say: I love this team. I always have and always will, win or lose.
Do I have an effing point to make in this post besides my gratitude for being at the game? Yes, I have two:
Please don’t trade Roloson. I’m a huge DP fan but Rolo has saved our bacon on more occasions than I can count this season. With Ricky’s full recovery still in question and the chemistry and intangible zing Dwayne brings to the lineup when he gets regular starts just might get us into the playoffs.
I’m sorry to see Sutton go just when he really began to shine for our team.
Hang in there, JT. Poor b*stard looked to the stars as if snakebit after having his empty netter thwarted. Kid’s amazing. Kid’s incredibly hard on himself.
That’s it. I might be ridiculed for such a verbose post, but for a rare and special trip to NVMC by a lifelong, Westchester bred, NYC living, blue-and-orange bleeding Islander fan, it was a special night. Thanks again for such a great blog, CB. -
Craiggers says:
+ Comeau
- Snow’s unwillingness to trade Tamby
- The Isles D……easily could have lost the game 10-5 if it wasn’t for Roli….they will never last the way the D is built currently. -
#18 – No one said it was imperative to trade Roloson, but they went over it in the post game that the Isles probably need to take 30-40 points to get into the playoffs. So, they basically need to win at least 15 of their last 20 to be close to the playoffs. Tonight was a great start, but given the way they finished before the all-star break 15 of the next 20 games seems kind of tough for the Isles. So, it makes a lot of sense to get something out of this situation, right? How about picking up a first round pick and an NHL ready player that’s capable of scoring more than Park, Sim, and Weight combined who would also be able to speed up the rebuild a little bit? The cost for something like that is trading Dwayne Roloson and going with Marty Biron and maybe a goalie that would come back in return. Given how tough it is going to be to make the playoffs, it makes sense to trade Roloson, but, of course, it is not imperative especially because they are only five points out right now.
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I agree 19. I think many fans did not stop and think logically about this trade. The fans were lead to believe Sutton could bring back a lot more then he did.
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What does DP stand for ….. Done Playing
Roli is our #1 DP (if he ever plays on a regular basis is no longer a starter.)
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Jim Clark says: I must have poor eyesight because I thought Roloson in the first period was asimmobile as my grandmother when she was 90. He did a poor job clearing. After getting outshot 22-9 in the first period, I figured the roof would cave in during the second period. It did but for the Blackhawks. Rolo was better in the third, not really tested in the second. Frank Nitti was horrible for the Black Hawks.
Trent Hunter showed he was the Islander of the first decade by hitting the post on an empty net shot.
See if Comeau gets chained to the bench for scoring a hat trick like Tambellini.
I didn’t throw my P.C. Richard “Whistle” doll on the ice like so many did because my arm is worse than Johnny Damon. Don’t know what I’ll do with this doll..it doesn’t even whistle. False Advertising!
Lots of people in the red Blackhawk jersey, none in this hideous ugly one they wore tonight. They were quiet all night. The Second City jersey equivalent of Fish Sticks.
I got to my seat around 630PM, was there the entire time except for going during the first intermission for a tasty brew and never heard the PA/ Rich Barbari announce the Sutton deal. They have to show the “Stock Market Guess”, “Behind the Mask” (Sarah Hughes). No news involving the team.
Do you think Joel Quenneville ever regrets turning down the Islander goal so he could coach Park, Gervais and Comeau?? He has to settle for Kane, Toews, Hossa and
Keith along with an anthem singer who can sing, not a bunch of warbling 8th graders.What happens first: DiPietro plays a game or Taveras scores a goal?
I think 13,000 is an exaggeration. Maybe 9K
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amerks44 says:
Was Tavares even dressed tonite? He must still be on the Olympic Break!! He looks disinterested in playing the game///
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Brian from Massapequa says:
#26 – This was a bring-a-friend night for season tickets holders and it was also Labor Union Night where labor union members got discounts of about 50%.
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dan says:
Well after the first 20 minutes I thought it was gana be a long night. The hawks had 24 shots in the first and it looked like canada vs germany at times. It turned out well but we are still a long way from making the playoffs. Trade roli only for a mega deal and I think it is going to happen.
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steve says:
richard park, if you read this site, thanks for the post game puck during the three stars. you made my 8 year daughter both a isles fan, ansd a hockey fan, for life. spent an hour calling everyone in my family about a simple gift of a hockey puck. best sport, played by the best men, on the planet.
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chris says:
So i was at the game tonight (1st of the year) and here are some of my +/-
+ i’m going to switch gears a bit and tell you how incredibly solid that Macdonald was tonight. Honestly, played like a beast out there..saw him block a few shots, clear out the garbage(prevented 1 goal) and really is looking like a strong keeper
+ garth signin him for another 4
+ Comeau
- First game seeing Tavares play..oh wait..i didnt even notice him out there
+ best line tonight, sim, park, weight? really?
+ Rolo, give him all the props in the world.
+ excitement about hockey being back
+ heres to the isles playin with heart, somethin the last few years, i forgot they knew how to do. -
Examiner says:
+ wearing white at home
+ return of Jack Hillen
+ Comeau’s wristerGreat game! Happy to match last years win total and still have 19 games left. They’re better than last year and will develop to be stronger for next year. This MacDonald kid is real solid.
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+Comeau using his shot and finding space. Consistency from a player I like, when he’s actually on his game. Good job!
+Defense looked small but good. Best of luck to Kohn. Gervais had some energy in his game. Love Hillen, Streit, and AMac!-i do miss sutton and his big hits…and the crazy look in his eye.
-okposo needs to figure out breakaways. He seems to overthink them.
-howie kept ripping the blackhawks 3rd jersey. While I love their classics, I’m a big fan of this 3rd and 3rd jerseys overall.I already read the other article. I will check this probably at least 600 times before 3pm tomorrow
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Tonight’s game was one of the biggest thrills of my life and it had nothing to do with beating Chicago. At the end of the second period, I got to go on the ice and shoot pucks into the net to try to win a TV and I did it. I got three in, same as Comeau. Just being on the same ice that Bossy, Potvin, Trottier, etc. once skated on, and looking up at the crowd, the scoreboard and the banners in the rafters from the blue line was an unreal experience. But then to come through and win, and have the Isles win too was just incredible. Thanks to all those who didn’t go the restroom or concession stands between periods and cheered me on. This was the best day I’ve had in the Coliseum since I was at Game 6 of the finals in 1980.
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Murray is a liar says:
Minus: what’s up with Kyle? He seemingly slowed down.
Minus: should I be worried about Taveras? He’s only 19 but when you watch Duchene its hard to deny that Duch is More dynamic.
Plus: Roli
A Plus: Comeau gets a hatty using his quick shot.
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Smitty031 says:
didnt Park score 2 goals last night? why are all the boxscores saying Sim still scored?..on the TV last night Howie said they changed that goal to Park.
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Minus – I miss Sutton. He was a good soldier and I hope he comes back in the offseason.
Plus – Comeau’s hat trick….I wish he played with that fire every game.
Plus – Roloson in net. He was outstanding.
Minus – Our “top” line of Bailey-JT-KO was all but invisible.
Plus – Our young Dmen coming into their own.
Plus – Wearing home whites
Plus – Getting guys back from injury
Minus – DP out again
Anyway, a good win for the team. Let’s hope the keep it up.
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battfist says:
Plus-Nice team win
At least Hunter is consistent…he shoots wide on open nets too.
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Bingo Bongo Roberto Luongo says:
minus: the franchise is down again
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Minus: missing Suts aleady. He stood out, blocked shots and was good for a bone crunching hit in every game.
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+ Isles hockey is back
+ Comeau is a wildman last few games!
- Big Andy is gone
+ Everything Roloson (please dont trade him unless a team is grossly overpaying!)
+ Sitting against the glass and getting a really close-up look at all the expressions on the players faces. Its actually pretty funny.
-Less than 20G left in the season.Hey Phil(48)- way to go! My friends and I were talking about how great it is when someone goes out there and just pulls it off for the big prize. I felt so bad for the fan who was gonna win thousands if the Isles scored in the first 2 minutes of the 2nd, but they scored two RIGHT after that. There was nothing that fan could do to change things, though- but wait. You on the other hand, it was all in your hands. Congrats on getting the job done!
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Flal says:
JT now officially worst plus minus on team and 6th worst in the whole NHL.
He does not exactly look like he back-checks. I was at game last night, and he looked disinterested. Okposo was only guy on line that did anything. Bailey looked a step off, but he just came back, so have to give that time.
Hope if Rollie goes, we get some value back.
Even though we beat the Hawks, there top line really passes the puck well – good chemistry they have
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Zeike says:
I was wrong. Thought the Hawks were just too talented. Great game by Roli, especially in that first and early third period. Isles played a solid second and got some great shots and some shabby Hawks goaltending (specifically on the Park goal). Very interesting that Bergenheim sat, seems odd on the trade deadline eve, even if the Isles are showcasing Sim. Was expecting more from the rested kid line.
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GE of GN says:
+ Wow, Comeau looked hungry to score! Those weren’t cheap goals either, all those wristers went clean to the back of the net.
+ Schremp making the great pass plays to set up Comeau.
- It’s getting harder and harder to watch Trent Hunter. Is he skating in quicksand??
plus- blake’s hat trick
plus- roli’s trade value increased
plus- bailey is looking good
plus- win
minus- still no goal from tavares
great game i wish i was there