LOS ANGELES 1 ISLANDERS 0
The visitors do everything except score
Facing a talented home team looking to get a stronger hold on a playoff berth, the Islanders did so many things right. They just could not finish – or Jonathan Quick stoned them – in a bitter 1-0 loss Saturday night in Los Angeles.
The Islanders’ inability to finish was best illustrated when John Tavares threw a gorgeous pass from behind the net to Kyle Okposo, who was stopped by a Quick arm save with eight seconds left and Dwayne Roloson pulled for an extra attacker.
“Once we got our legs under us after the first period, I thought we had the better of play for two periods,” said Scott Gordon. ”We just couldn’t score. Jonathan Quick obviously played a pretty good game for them. They took advantage of a team that played last night, getting the early lead in the first period.”
Brad Richardson’s goal at 13:35 of the first held up. Each team had 26 shots on goal. Roloson has a .951 save percentage in his last three games.
The Islanders, with ten games left, remain six points behind eighth place Boston. The Bruins host the Rangers on NBC on Sunday. To have a better shot of staying in the playoff race, the Islanders need their heated rival to win in regulation. The Bruins and Thrashers play Tuesday, so at least one team is going to get points.
Even with the pointless night, Tavares (seven points in the first two games of the trip) should merit serious consideration for one of the NHL’s Three Stars of the Week when they are announced on Monday.
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4:00 pm: With a win tonight in Los Angeles, the Islanders pull within four points of eighth-place, Marc Savard-less Boston with a host of crummy teams – the Rangers, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Florida, Carolina (the best of the bunch) - around them.
Since the Islanders have been talking playoffs, I didn’t think Scott Gordon’s bolt on Rob Carlin was nearly as big a whoop as another move last night. Not sure why Gordon would start his No. 2 goaltender in the 5-4 overtime loss in Anaheim. Back-to-back games with the playoffs on the line should not be an issue, no matter how perfect Martin Biron’s record was against the Ducks while playing for better teams in Philadelphia and Buffalo. Dwayne Roloson is the man who got the Islanders to this place.
Still, the gritty-gutties charge on, with coreboys Kyle Okposo and John Tavares looking swell.
Tonight is big. A win, and the playoff conversation can continue into games next week at MSG on Wednesday and Calgary at home on Thursday. An Islanders loss, coupled with an (unlikely) win by the Bruins over the Rangers on Sunday afternoon in Boston, and the Fall for Seguin and Hall choir can begin warming up again. If the Islanders are not going to make the playoffs, there is still a very reasonable chance of them adding Tyler Seguin, Taylor Hall or Cam Fowler to the long and steady rebuild.
You’re bound to hear and read a lot about Matt Moulson over the next 24 hours. Moulson is one of the NHL’s great stories of the season and a terrific pickup for the Islanders. But it’s a giant leap to say the Los Angeles Kings goofed or miss Moulson. They made a decision to move on without him and are 16 games over .500, currently in playoff position after a rebuild. The Islanders deserve to take a bow over his acquisition, absolutely. To say the Kings made a massive mistake is losing sight of reality.
As noted by the unstoppable MSG Network statistician Eric Hornick, the Islanders have been out-scored a league-worst 78-40 in the third period. The -38 is bad enough for this young team, but some perspective really brings the pain. Those 40 third period goals are nine fewer than the next-worst team. Only three teams have allowed more than the Islanders’ 78 goals in the third period.
All the Islanders should do is embrace the ugliness as another climb in the learning curve, just as they’ve shouted to the mountaintops about how they have already earned more points this season than last.
Or, as the magical Mark Knopfler wrote for the underrated song on his classic Dire Straits album…
Why worry
There should be laughter after pain
There should be sunshine after rain
These things have always been the same
Why worry now?
I’ll be loitering in the Comments space during the game. Thank you for continuing to check out the blog.
147 Responses to LOS ANGELES 1 ISLANDERS 0
The visitors do everything except score
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Madchef says:
Big game tonight. Rollie in net is the key. If they dont make the playoffs they will still get a decent player(i would think).I say let it all hang out over these last few. The games have been entertaining(aside from last few minutes of last night). If they fall out of contention well then lose the rest and see what happens.
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Jon in Chicago says:
It’s amazing how much better the Isles are this year with capable goalies. Imagine the step they could take next season with another year of maturation from Tavares, Okposo, Schremp, Bailey, and the necessary addition of one or two free-agent defensemen. Love the Knopfler reference, one of the underrated greats.
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Examiner says:
Where would this team be without their loser points?
Perhaps they need to stop trying to hold leads in the 3rd and try harder to add to them. Need to stop playing on their heels in the final 20. They make every team look like the 80′s Oilers.
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Yashin for President says:
Its so hard to say that i wouldnt want to be in the playoffs. But to be honest, I would love a top 5 pick. Especially with the draft after this one not being so deep. Might as well tank now. We have no control of how the Isles play, but i do enjoy watching our core play well. It drives me crazy when the Jackmans, Parks, and Sims are scoring.
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IslesYanks says:
Okposo was a game-time decision yesterday and thank god he could play… But I don’t understand the reasoning behind dressing Tambellini instead of Gillies… The team’s been playin great with him in the lineup, even if his minutes are limited… What does Tambo have to offer against a Ducks team that is much bigger and stronger? Another average sized guy who is young and fast but can’t score. Isn’t having one Bergenheim in the lineup enough?
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2Bit says:
I’ll be at at the game tonight with 7 other people. Hopefully we can bring the Isles some luck. Whether they win or lose though my only hope is that it’s an entertaining & high scoring game. I’d be happy with the Islanders making the playoffs, but would be equally happy with another top 3 pick.
Enjoy the game everyone!! Keep up the good work CB.
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battfist says:
Where would this team be without Gordon?
Agree CB, his walking out on Carlin is a not a big deal…I would like to see Gordon be a little more professional.
I believe Gordon has been able to get the most out of this team. Just look at what this team has done lately.
Im a firm believer if Gordon gets the right “horses”…we are going to have something to be proud about on the Island.
Go Islanders…
Moulson gets two tonite. -
Ethan K says:
CB, do you think if Tavares stays hot for the remaining games of the season and passes Duchene in goals and assists (He’s just 6 pts behind and 2 goals), he’ll be a good contestant for the Calder? I know that Rask has been phenominal in net for Boston, but Boston has a great defense. Tyler Myers also has Ryan Miller behind him and a good team around him, and so does Duchene.
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Brian says:
no chance the Islanders win this game. the last time the Islanders beat the Kings was during the 2002-2003 season when Garth Snow was in net.
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Viper says:
Carolina wins! One big plus no matter which side of the fence you are leaning on! Chris, we are all looking forward to your draft analysis as you alluded would begin following game 70. Thank you for your tireless work to keep fans informed and feeling like a valued part of the organization.
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4195mary says:
Think about it. Compare the depth on teams like Philly and the rangers to the Isles. Not even close. This re-building team is in a real playoff battle with some very rich teams.Combining that with some very ugly stats across the board makes it very difficult to honestly criticize Scott Gordon
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Thomas says:
The -38 in my view has all to do with philosophy. A lot smarter hockey people than me should be able to see this. Standing around playing this zone prevent defense only prevents you from winning. The tieing goal was a classic example, it allows the other team to do whatever they want on the perimeter and take all the time they want. Goal 2 was the exact same thing. No other successful NHL team uses this defensive system and it’s obvious why, it stinks.
PLEASE PLEASE press the puck and rotate and stop backing off players. I literally want to jump through the TV or on the ice everytime I watch it.
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StevieL says:
CB, I don’t believe the plan ever was to make the playoffs this year! There is no doubt mgmt. if they really wanted to win would have been riding Rollie the goalie for all he is worth!I think Snow bringing in DP and trading Sutton tells you what mgmt. was thinking about Playoffs! It is a shame because right now it looks like this team could have really made some April noise!
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M Howard says:
Love the “Brothers in Arms” nod. Great song!
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Pritchett54 says:
I hope they lose every game the rest of the year. I want a top pick.
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va says:
Teams that make the playoffs do not have a 78-40 goal diff in the 3rd period. We are not ready for that step yet. While I want the team to be successful and competitve, I am not sure we would be a very worthy opponent if we made the playoffs, we need another top 3 pick, seguin would be a nice fit. or a Cam Fowler QB the power play.
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Strummer's Army says:
#12 I’ll give you Philly in terms of Forwards but not the Rangers.
It is so true without the loser points the Isles would be so far down in the standings. I’d be interested to see our Stat guy break down how many of the Isles points this year were loser points. There are no loser points and shootouts in the playoffs you have to win the game so the Isles would be very bad.
Way for the Isles to win is to get another high pick, then actually get FA’s this year, dump the garbage on the roster, and make a couple wise trades.
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isles14 says:
i love that we are still talking playoffs.
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John from ATL says:
Well said isles14. With 11 to go the playoffs is still a possibility, even if it’s not likley. Credit needs to go to Gordon for keeping the ship a float after the Sutton trade and the MacDonald and Schremp injuries. With a D-line up that includes Kohn, Reese, Gervais and Meyer, that’e pretty good.
Meyer may be playing himself into a contract offer.
Why did Reese get twice as much ice time as Kohn last night? Was Kohn hurt? Kohn has been pretty good since his call up. Gervais got 23 minutes and did not look good. Too bad Gervais is already signed for next year.
They need a top three pick much more than a playoff appearance and lose to Washington in the first round. Seguin would really fit in well, with the young core forwards. -
Islesrock says:
CB, I must respectably disagree about the Kings letting Matt Moulson go. No matter where the Kings are in the standings, they let a good young player leave for nothing. Someone in that organization blew it. Their loss is our gain. It’s nice to be on the right side of a heist for a change.
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4theisles says:
CB If you are the Kings rethinking the Moulson loss – “should have, would have, could have.” You can only go on the data you have going into the deal. and they really can’t be faulted for that decision made before the season. However if you want to play Monday morning quarterback then I think they would not had let him go.. even with their rebuild and great season to date. afterall 26+ goals is not chopped liver.
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Steve says:
Tonight’s game will probably tougher than last night’s game, hopefully they get at least 1 point out tonight and beat the Rangers at MSG on Tuesday.
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admin says:
Do you think the Kings got a single offer for Matt from the other 29 teams before they let him go? The best offer he got in the summer was a two-way contract, so there wasn’t a line around the block of teams interested in him. It happens. Good for Matt and the Islanders…CB
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Bruce says:
CB why do you think the Isles have been falling apart in the 3rd period all season ? Coaching ? Players ? System ? Conditioning ?
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Dennis Vaske says:
Hey I’m all for watching meaningful Isles games the next two weeks, especially the against the Rangers. I do feel the need to add to the comments section that even if the Isles pull of the improbable, and win about 12 of the final 16 games and make the playoffs, they are guaranteed to play the Capitals. Without Sutton, Martinek,and Mcdonald is there even a chance to slow down the Caps? What is the expectation of Dylan Resses (first NHL goal this week)Dylan Reese, Dustin Kohn (maybe 15 games experience), even Gervais can’t play important situations. Look at last night in overtime. Are we expecting Freddy Meyer to shutdown Ovechkin and hold him to 1 goal and 3 assists in 6 games? Like I mentioned, I am all for the playoff push but this team is not built to beat teams like the Caps…this year. Where is Kasparitis, Pilon, and Uwe Krupp when you need them most? Is is too late to sign Ziggy?
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Yes congrats to MM, I don’t look at the Kings as goofing up at all.
I wonder if JT had anything to do with that, or was the way before?I also agree Biron start was not a good idea. Its no surprise they weren’t able to get much for him. I watched him while I lived in Buffalo, he was never that good, and still isn’t. He’s not bad either, and he seems like a great guy. I thought we were a good fit for him, but I don’t think this is the place. I’ll most likely be around tonight to watch too, I can’t wait to get out of RVC its nuts down here.
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A lot of Kings fans weren’t happy that he never got a chance. My best friend is a kings fan and told me we would love him as soon as we signed him. In a way, he was like our Tambellini with obviously a ton less games. Point is, fans felt similarly. They never understood what he did wrong to get sent down and always noticed him when he played well.
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eastonhockey says:
I see the Isles going in 2 directions at once. A GM who doesnt really want the Isles in the playoffs. And a coach who wants to make the playoffs. All coaches want the playoffs cause they know they might be fired otherwise. Look at what Snow has done to help the Isles get to the playoffs (trade Sutton, force coach to play Biron last night) I hope that he was forced. Cause if Gordan thinks Biron is better then Rollie the NY Islanders got a much longer ways out of the dark then we all thought.
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Ajax says:
Hmmm, so Matt had the same trade value of 3/4 of our team. Interesting.
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Kevin M says:
Honestly, this is a rare game where I will be happy whether they win or lose. If they win, their in the race, good for the rebuild, and if they lose, they stay in the bottom 5, better for the rebuild. I’ll be happy either way.
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Joe says:
They better have Gillies in.
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Tony says:
I’ll be watching the 1st and 2nd periods tonight. I’ll read about how the Isles blew it in the 3rd online tomorrow.
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Marc says:
Lose 6-4. Tavares 1 goal, 2 assists. Get a top three pick.
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Ray's Team says:
big loss tonite-id rather get pick-we would lose in first round of playoffs anyway-we are playing typical inconsistent islander hockey
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Quagmire says:
agree with 32 – want to see continued strong play from Tavares and Okposo, but keep in the running for a top 3 pick. That with a strong free agent signing or two this summer and next year should be much more fun.
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We need more than one or two free agent picks. We need an all new fourth line (including someone over 6-2 who can fight), at least one big defenseman, and a top 6 forward if we really want to compete next year. Add a couple young AHL forwards to that mix and I’ll be fully satisfied.
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Shawn says:
Anyone else see the problem of our “Top 6 Forwards (Okposo and JT” having comparable numbers to Ranger “role players (Callahan and Dubinsky? We have not one top 6 forward.
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Cincy says:
Sorry about the late comment re: Gordon’s bolt from the post-game interview, but I just got finished watching a recording of the game. OK, I gotta life, ya know?
Anyway… I think this is just another example of Gordon’s weakness in his handling of PR. Period. Now, that said, I’m a HUGE Gordon fan. I think he’s one of the best and brightest behind an NHL bench right now, and he’s only gonna get better as he gets more seasons under his belt. I really think Snow hit a home run in this selection. And I think his post-game temperment is a reflection of the guy’s drive to win… he just HATES losing. And I love that. Ironocally, I thought he was handling himself incredibly well in the interview considering he’d just lost a heartbreaker. He was magnanimous an complimentary to his team – which was warranted considering they’d actually played pretty well. BUT… to truly succeed in this league, the coach is gonna have to learn how to handle the media. In this case, unlike what Chris said he should’ve done, he simply should’ve answered the question by citing his response to the first question. Calmly. No confrontation. No temper. Just answer the question. It was a mistake on his part. And Garth should clearly make that plain to him. Then Garth should re-state how happy he is to have him as the coach.
He’s a good one.
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Good evening. Game on…in about seven minutes. Welcome.
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dose says:
if i could have any d-man in the league i’d take doughty. the kid reminds me of #5. and he’s 20?
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cb-thanks for staying up late again to do this-not sure how long i will make it-the margaritas arent helping
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gino says:
cb, what do you think of giving the 17th place team the 1st pick,18th-2nd pick,19th-3rd pick,etc etc. that way it gives non playoff teams an incentive to keep on trying. p.s. saw picks of hhs reunion. good time had by all i see.
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Staten Islander says:
Kings look like they mean business tonight
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
Go Isles! Perhaps Tavares ties Stamkos rookie record points record tonight ( ‘ :
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ok time to throw gillies out there for a shift
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So they look at the Kings roster and see plenty of big tough guys who fight all over it and they decide they can’t do without Tambelleni or Sim for a night and dress Gillies? DUMB!
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0-0, 11 mins left in 1st.
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No matter all the crap that has gone on this season with the Lighthouse, Snow, Wang, Gordon and what you think of them, the Islanders are playing meaningful hockey on March 20th.
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Jeff in Oyster Bay says:
CB, what do you think of Gordon as head coach of this team? Is he the coach that can lead this young and promising Isles team into the playoffs and contend every year ie: Blackhawks?
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BANG! I have a feeling it might be an early night
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Richardson goal. 1-0 LA
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JT says:
Went to Soundtigers game tonight. Martin and Joensuu looked good, not great. Figren and Dibo were not very noticeable. Marcinko was OK. Lawson was bad – gave up a bunch of softies.
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(50) Jeff: I think Scott is a fine coach. I don’t think anyone can answer your question until he gets a complete team. The Islanders are still some roster moves and probably a few more years before they can talk about being a consistent contender.
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Joe says:
Tamby just looks lost out there.
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Its a disgrace they are so soft, no spark, no nothing.
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I don’t think they lack a spark, I just think they caught the Kings at the wrong time. They look very solid tonight.
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Man Drew Daughty’s GOOD
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end of 1st period, 1-0 LA
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James says:
I’m at the game tonight, and was at last night’s as well. Isles didn’t really bring much to the table in the first. Hope they come out with more energy in the 2nd. Both arenas are a trillion times better than the Coliseum. There’s a McDonalds in here.
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Vrinqueens says:
Chris another few years?, We’ve been hearing this line for 15 years. They are last in the salary cap and Wang is refusing to spend the money to make this team competitive until he gets his Lighthouse project.
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I didn’t say they NEED a few years. I said they’re more moves and probably a few more years away before they can talk of being a consistent contender. Does anyone disagree? Think they’ll be a Cup contender next year?
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Chris A says:
Is there an easy way to prevent this whole 3rd period collapse? And how many points counting tonight so that’s 11 games would the Isles need to make the playoffs? (assuming they receive help)
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Josh Bailey playing with an edge after Okposo almost gets rocked. I like it. Worth the 2 minutes. Too bad nobody on this team will fight… this game we needed Gillies and/or Martin.
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Tripping a guy and taking an obvious penalty, I don’t see that as playing with an edge.
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wow we r way too soft-a guy like bailey having to stick up for okposo-this is redicoulous-what other team has no enforcer(or just anone who can fight)
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CB, do you think Bailey plays wing or center next year?
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Gordon now has his excuse to bench Tamby for the rest of the game.
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Not that he was doing much anyway.
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I’m tired of poor officiating. The Tambs call was marginal at best, and Okposo got hit in the neutral zone without the puck surrounded by about 12 Kings that were on the ice. It’s awful.
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Themass says:
One good chance it hit the post. Not good for 30 mins plus. At least we’re only down by 1. Is this team capable of producing a spark tonight?
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5 mins left in the second. Shots on goal: LA 16, NYI 9.
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It is ridicoulous Snow/Gordon won’t add size and toughness to this team. Except for a few plays, the Isles are getting pounded. They cannot compete against bigger and more physical teams.
Shaky get the ice bags ready!
Tambs sucks.
Anyone else stuck with the Kings broadcast? They won’t show any replay that makes the Kings look bad. Even more stunning to me is the fact that a bail bond agency is one of the Kings major sponsors and their commercials are in heavy rotation. I’ve never seen that before but hey it’s LA.
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Ryan says:
Quotes from the LAK Color Man:
“John Tavares is not a player that will dazzle you.”
“Matt Moulson could not break into the top six forwards here in LA but for the Islanders he certainly is a top six forward.”
I hate objective-less homers…
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Islanders end their power play with Bailey-Hunter-Park.
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Quick looking sharp despite the lack of action.
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Chris S says:
The Isles could have more shots on goal if they could actually hit the net. I’ve never seen a team miss the net as much as this one.
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Freddy Meyer IV, you’re my HERO!
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I consider that edge… well maybe that’s just me and my NHL 10 spirit.
If Tavares had any luck tonight, he’d already have a hat trick… One of these has to go in soon.
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Strumm: I laugh when I hear fans talk about non-objective broadcasts with other teams. You have seen the NYI broadcasts this year, right? On Hockey Night Live tonight, Butchie talked about how the Islanders have been “so gosh darn good all year.”
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Pete says:
Freddy is the man!!!!
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Islesfan is Vancouver says:
Tavares getting chances. He is going to be very very good next season
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You know, they have been good this year. I was just with a bunch of Dynasty era die-hards and while they all complain to me – CONSTANTLY- they did say how much they liked the team and the direction it’s going in. But yes, it’s a few years from winning anything substantial other than more fans.
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Mike in FloPo says:
I’m at work and can’t watch the game… You guys are talking about Freddy Meyer right? What did he do?
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Merrick (62) $7 for a big mac? That’s ridiculous. It’s only $4! But if you want to make it a combo, simply add $5.75.
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1972 means i'm old says:
CB: Per your comment 83, I think there’s an enormous difference between hyping your own team on an opinion show (Goring) and insulting the opposition as Strummer reports.
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CB, due respect to you and Butchie but I think there’s a discernible difference between home team, ice-level broadcasters that are trying to inject some passion into the game and a #2 guy in the booth that does not care to admit that maybe the two font offices saw different levels of potential in MM.
and I think the Canucks were “dazzled” by JT.
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NickNY says:
We Need to get bigger, up front and in the defensive zone.
We have speed and skill, but I think we lack tremendously in size.
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1-0 LA. Third period starts in three minutes. Great chance for Islanders to have a strong third period, which would make for a fun postgame show.
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well it doesnt look like we will have a 3rd period melt down
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The Islanders gave Matt a one-year, two-way contract for a little above the league minimum with the hopes he might push for a job on a rebuilding team. I don’t think the Islanders (or any other teams) had a drastically different view of his potential than the Kings.
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If the Islanders keep out working and playing tough teams well, people will start respecting them. I watch a lot of Kings telecasts, and they have been the Kings guys forever and love the team. They show plenty of respect to other teams.
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mike says:
Looks like were just a step behind tonight. But still getting some good chances.
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HubieMac39 says:
Moulson has had a great year, but eventually teams will start closer paying attention next year. The jury is still way put on whether or not he can be a consistent goal scorer. Do you think fans in St. Louis were having this discussion about Brad Boyes a couple of years ago? He came from nowhere to score 30 then 40 goals, now he is down in the teens.
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Fair point with #96, CB and it’s what the color guy should have said.
Would you go into the booth if Billy bolts?
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it just feels like one of those nites that no matter what we do we wont be able to put one home
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Yes 7th, he’s really REALLY OK
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I hear ya CB BUT there are certain teams that don’t do anything but hype their own. Yes, I know Isles broadcast only nicely talks about lack of toughness and size. The Isles broadcast does interview players from other teams and show the highlights of the entire game. If the other team throws a big hit or scores a goal the Isles broadcast shows it. Kings flat out won’t. One of the most dull and HOMER broadcast I’ve seen all year. Can’t figure out why center ice wouldn’t show the Isles broadcast, so many empty channels at this time.
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Can we buy a goal?
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Not JT – rolli. and with that – I’m out. good night, good morning, see ya round campus.
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6 minutes left. Islanders getting closer.
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freddy meyers hit was most spark the isles have showed thus far
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Put one home!
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It’s just Quick’s night…
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Can’t wait for the postgame interview with the coach!! I would expect it will go something like;
Carlin- great tie coach! Yellow is your color for sure!
Gordo_ thanks Rob!
Carlin-Well thanks coach that is all the time we have. Back to Billy and Howie!! -
Doug says:
Ray’s Team: I don’t think this game had anything to do with the Islanders not having any spark. It has to do with LA being the better team and being extremely solid defensively. Isles had lots of zone time, but few chances.
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Flash/Gordon round two
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oops, FLASH/CARLIN round 2
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ravens22 says:
every game Reese is looking better and better. Could be a good depth d-man next season
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I wonder what Park’s faceoff win % was. Looked to me like he got owned.
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Damn… okposo with a perfect chance to tie but is stoned. Comes down to that. Great pass by JT
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Tough one to swallow. How many games and points could this team have? Maybe next year we get a few more of em.
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OMG! One and OUT!
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Woah… one question and that’s it.
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mtrico says:
Gordon and Carlin will probably not be exchanging Christmas gifts this year.
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OMG! Why bother with coach’s comments!! one question!!! Carlin must really hate gordo by now!!
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tom says:
”they took advantage of a team that played last night”. Scott, Scott please. You have richard park on the ice at the end of the game when you need a goal, you play bruno gervais all night, you got beat by a much better team and your goalie kept it close.
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Pete says:
Maybe Gordon has seen those Ten Question Challenges…you know, the one’s where Carlin ridicules and embarasses the players. The ones where the players seem to be holding back the urge to smack Carlin?
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DRIVE45 says:
Good game. Good loss. Toronto wins again. 2nd overall pick still possible! Playoffs would be a waste. 1990. Made playoffs on the last night of the season. Out in 5 against Rangers in first round. Instead of the 5th pick (Jagr), end up with the 6th pick (Scissons). It’s about the future!
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Frank nyc says:
Aside from the 7 points JT scored in 2 games, hehas just looked so confident with the puck. He doesnt looked rushed and is finding the open man. I knew hewould break out of his slump and look forward to seeing what he can do next year witha full offseason of NHL conditioning.
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These post game interviews with Carlin and Gordon are just brutal to watch. I could only speak from an outside perspective but the coach always comes across like a major Richard every time. Players are expected to come across a certain way in interviews, why shouldn’t the coach? I agree with (exiled in)cincy above that he’s a good coach, but someone has to step in and correct this behavior. Just another issue keeping us from being a class organization. I’m not a huge carlin fan either, but he sure beats CJ Papa
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Carlin is only doing his job in asking these questions. Regardless of what Gordon thinks of them, Carlin for the most part asks valid questions and in some cases like last night, asked a tough question that every coach in any other city would have been asked. The fans who stay up to 1am to watch it deserve better as well.
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anthony c says:
If anyone wanted to know about the prospect rankings, the updated version of the ISS rankings have Seguin ranked #1. Followed by Hall, and Fowler. Both Seguin and Hall finished tied in scoring at 106 points. Seguin finished with 48 goals, 58 assists and was +17. Hall had 40 goals, 66 assists and was +46. Hall how ever played in 6 games less this year. Any of you guys think if edmonton wins the draft lottery will they announce who they will pick, even though some say if they get 1st overall they pick hall. But right now Seguin could be there guy. It’s gonna be interesting. I’d like us to be able to get either one of those guys. Preferably Hall since he is a winger.
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Honnold says:
Meanwhile, the Flyers lost another goalie to injury and are down to their 3rd string for playoffs. Serves them right for not dealing w/ us.
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Very good effort by the Islanders and even a better result (losing 1-0.) Edmonton’s pretty much wrapped up the worst record in the league but the Islanders’ can see Toronto (red hot) and Florida (one point behind with two games in hand)can pass them.
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Lorne says:
No way I can ever root for the Rangers to win. I would like to see them out of the playoffs too.
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Jzimm says:
Hate to say it, but 1990 was 20 years ago and that’s too far back to go for an example. Yes, I remember it well, but I can also say that there was not an Islander fan in the world thinking “Jaromir Jagr” going into that game against the Flyers on March 31, 1990. I feel pretty comfortable saying that there was not an Islander fan knowing who Jaromir Jagr was when the 1990-91 season began.
As fans, we’ve had several hauntings since then. Not the least of which is Robert Nilsson of Zach Parise.
Coming down the stretch, we see the Rangers twice, Flames, Blue Jackets, Flyers, Senators, Canadiens, Devils, and Penguins twice. So I see a 8-10 points with what’s left. Top 2 pick is a VERY long shot. Might even be out of top 5. There will still be good players. For those who want to harken back that far, Nino Niderreiter could be this year’s Jaromir Jagr. He’s also a left winger, traditionally a hard position to fill.
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The Pork Chop Express says:
They played a close game last night vs. a good team which shows they are going in the right direction. Yes it was obvious that LA had a size advantage and was able to use it. I am not sure what the aka “enforcer” can do for that. He can’t fight an entire team. A lot of teams are getting away from the Goon player (player who plays 5 mins or less to fight). Instead they dress players who have some skill and can drop the gloves if needed. That is what the isles need. Not a Gillies. To be honest they need a steve webb like player. A type a guy who can skate, throw some good body checks and drop the gloves. Checking has a more of impact then fighting. For the rest of the crew, they need an offseason of strength condition and speed skating!!!! Sign Freddy up as the instructor. lol.
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Ed says:
Streit is just gliding up ice with the puck all the time, he stops skating before the red line, his feet go wide apart and he does that semi pivot from side to side. Bringing no speed into the zone so the defense does not have to back up. No wonder we have so much trouble getting into the zone. He sure was not playing like this in the Olympics.
Hunter has missed the net so badly latey, I’m starting to think he is playing with a lefty stick. Another one of those games when early on, I had the feeling we would not score.Kings move and skate with the puck very well, their PP has motion, not just stay wide and pass around. We try and cycle till the cows come home. ugh. Have we taught our players to believe there are moral victories for cycling?
At least KO tried going to the net once when he makes his around the outside move, too often he does not take advantage of getting that free lane to the net. -
Spartiarti - RVC says:
well that about wraps it up. We have alot of postives to look foward to in next season. But 6 points out and no games against atlanta or boston to gain ground. its not happening.
Just beat the rangers wednesday. that is all i care about.
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I just hope this team enters next season hoping and expecting to make the playoffs. No more rebuild bologna – you can build a team and still make the playoffs. Teams do that all the time.
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IslesNation says:
Tough loss last night. The boys played very well I thought but a bad first period cost them. Gordon has got to condition these guys mentally and physically to play their game for 60 minutes, and be stronger in the third than they were in the first, as Herb Brooks used to preach. Two wins against the rags would be a great way to give the fans a little consolation for an interesting season. One thing is for sure watching this Bruins/Rangers game, these two teams do not deserve to be the playoffs if this is the game they put out in a huge game. Very difficult to watch.
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Albuquerque Mike says:
Minus 38 goals in the third period? Doesn’t anyone recognize that the players run out of gas by then due to Gordons running around system? Does any other club use this system? Also, Gordon has revealed himself to be a petulant, immature and irritable child. Grow up Scott!
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hale78 says:
to post 140…like la chicago..pitt and washington..all of those teams were bad for at least 5 years…this is year 2…don’t expect miracles yet
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Hud says:
At the last two games, impressed with Drew Doughty, kid has some wheels. Sat next to Richard Parks neighbors in LA (had to drink every time he was on the ice, a little rough). They all said, you would never know he was in the NHL, just a good guy.
Tough waiting 4 years to see two losses. Last night, it just never felt like they would score, not many great chances. I am forgetting Friday night, or trying to.
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Isles Moving says:
LOSE LOSE LOSE
We need REAL and READY talent. Why would any of you want to to make the playoffs and be a sacrificial to the Capitals and then get NO real talent to make an impact NEXT YEAR?
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Hollywood says:
Regardless of what happens from here on, I’m proud of this team. They didn’t quit and have battled to the end. Guys like Meyer, Reese and even Gervais have been good. Sure that OT lose in Anaheim hurt but regardless they gave their all. Lets just see them continue to give a good push to the end. BEAT THE RANGERS!
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CJCB says:
#137 I guess Ivanans is one of those players that does more than fight. If you bring that up against a team we lose against atleast make sure that that team doesnt run a 5 min a night Enforcer. La does so whats your point we couldnt do anything against a team that runs a 5 min a night Enforcer? We NEVER beat teams that run evernight Enforcers???
This is a very strange season. The Islanders are straddling a position on a line between a top 5 pottery pick and a playoff spot.