COLORADO at ISLANDERS, 7:00 pm
Tavares, Wiz back…The night of the $19.72 tickets
FanHouse: Wisniewski clears the air on Avery incident
Point Blank Night is Thursday at SOCIAL: Islanders at Lightning on more than a dozen screens. Free buffet, free shots, raffle and more! RSVP here.
11:05 am: The 1-1-2 Islanders face Matt Duchene and the 3-1 Colorado Avalanche tonight at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Good seats can still be purchased through the team site and Twitter for just $19.72.
Chances are good that John Tavares will return to the Islanders after sitting out three games with a concussion. Will be fun to see Tavares and Duchene tonight. Way too early to tell which youngster is going to be the better and more valuable player, but it’s reasonable to say everything has worked out well for both Tavares and Duchene (a Lanche fan) and their teams.
Do the Islanders give Rick DiPietro back-to-back games, especially after he was knocked down twice last night in Pittsburgh? Nah, they wouldn’t do that, would they? Expect Dwayne Roloson, superb in Washington, in net for the home team.
The Islanders did not have a morning skate today, so lineup details will not be unearthed here. One thing to look out for: Trent Hunter appeared hobbled by a lower body injury against the Penguins. If Tavares returns, perhaps it’s Hunter who sits out.
James Wisniewski will be back on the blue line. Jack Hillen only played nine minutes last night, so unless there is another injury, it would appear Hillen again is the odd man out.
Notes: Congratulations to prospect Travis Hamonic, who scored his first pro goal on Friday in the Sound Tigers’ 3-1 loss in Portland. Bridgeport hosts Hartford tonight.
For the second consecutive game, Trevor Gillies engaged in an exciting bout last night. And that’s all he played: nine seconds. In the first three games of the season, Gillies saw the ice for 1:57, 1:34 and 1:16. Gillies acquitted himself well in battles against DJ King and Eric Godard and is an effective leader from the bench, but his role is still exactly what the Islanders said for a year they were not interested in.
Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau…not bad, eh?
Comments on tonight’s game.
113 Responses to COLORADO at ISLANDERS, 7:00 pm
Tavares, Wiz back…The night of the $19.72 tickets
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First off bailey looks great. second i really love the heart of this team who hasnt played with their best 3 players. Lastly i dotn like DP in net he looks shaky at best. He shouldnt be our number one goalie Rolli is just better and if it wasnt for DPs contract he wouldnt be our numebr one
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Should be a good one tonight. Would make sense to start Rolo after DP got banged around last night. Wiz back in the lineup will be huge – he was such a factor in the first two games. I won’t be there tonight but I will watch when I get home on DVR. Here’s to a good, HEALTHY game. No injuries……please!!!!!
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No Problem with DP playing so much feel like in a month if he stays the course and still healthy will be considerably better. Tonight Isles get the Win no doubt, need to win all their home games during this tough stretch on the road.
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I love how people say Rick should not play so he can rest. Maybe he shouldn’t play because of a GAA of 3.53 and a save percentage of .869?
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Will DVR and watch after kids are asleep. So I won’t visit the board after the game starts till later. I am excited about JT being back. Although DP played well, give Rollie the start. Let DP rest. I hope Nino continues to play like the big boys. Glad to see Comeau and Bailey continuing to show they are playing like they turned a corner.
LET’S GO ISLANDERS
GET 2 POINTS!!!!! -
Its only been 4 games but they’ve been pretty fun games and that’s exactly what I needed after the latest (this summer) crap happening within the organization.
I’m proud of our players and hope they can keep building on the confidence they seem to have as a group. We are seeing some SKILLS now people, not just ‘work ethic’!
There’s seventy-something games left and my excitement is back so a big thank you to the players and coaching staff.
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!
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#4 Should the Rangers sit Henrik because he has worse stats than Rick. You have to give him time. Does it really make sense to have a young team with a 41 year old goaltender who will not be around when the team could be playing for the cup or should play the guy who is going to be around for a long time and make sure he is healthy and can get back into form.
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I agree with Patrick. DP should be getting the starts and get him back into his groove. When healthy he is a solid goalie that keeps our team in games. Lets go Islanders!!! Come on guys pack the barn tonight!!
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What on earth happened to Jack Hillen ? He seemed to be an up and coming defenseman last year, and he looks lost out there with the limited ice time that he is seeing.
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I dont think the argument is if Rick should be getting the starts or not, he is the franchise goaltender. My concern is if he is getting too many starts, too fast in his comeback.
The Isles have a proven #1 netminder in Roloson, in the last year of his contract, playing some of the best hockey in his career. Do we really want that wasted on the bench?
In my opinion the Islanders have somewhat botched a great opportunity to play their stud goalie and slowly get DP back to form healthy. Give Roli 2/3 of the starts and I really think this team would be better off
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If Gillies is not good enough to play more than 2 shifts a game, he’s just taking up a spot. Love his energy, fearlessness and enthusiasm but, by definition, he’s just a goon unless they let him play. Seems like a great guy and teammate but facts are facts.
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Rick has looked better and better with each period played. Roloson was stone cold fantastic in Washington, his caliber of play for most of the last season. I’m glad we have both players on the team. I’m in agreement about Hillen. I thought he was playing terrific hockey last season and he seems a hlaf step off this season. I hope Gordon gives him a chance. That said, I love the skill and experience that Wisniewski brought to the first two games. I cannot wait for the return of Streit, Okoposo, Schremp and especially Tavares.
My overarching comment is that I’m really proud of our team thus far. Up tempo puck pursuit, consistently out-working the opponent, a willingness to take the body, seemingly playing “for” each other: a welcome return of the Never-say-Die-lander mentality and spirit. This is the team I’ve been a fan of for over thirty years. And I miss Billy Jaffe. -
I’ve yet to see anyone ask y follies or keno didn’t kick cookes ass last nite. He had it.coming n we have two tough guys. Oh well good start, we r competitive, n so we’ll be fine. Stick to thr plan of rest for dp.
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Patrick….they should play the goalie who gives the team the best chance to win. Nearly every honest fan knows that’s Roloson. Rick’s numbers were awful in BP and very mediocre with the Isles after he came back last year. How about they make him earn his games?
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J&B. Leave ‘em together Gorton, they make majic!
Johhny with Moulson + Grabs for speed.Let’s go Islanders!!!
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I kinda see the thinking behind playing DP due to the age of this team and its built for the future but what does it say to your young players when you ask them to give it their all but you dress the lesser of your 2 goalies.I think Dp can play some games but to say he’s the future no way.As far as the 12yrs left on his contract it will be no different than the Yashin,Witt contracts in that it will only enable Wang to hit the salary cap floor for years to come.Do like the construction of this team vs years past.I do believe we are witnessing players blossom right before our eyes.I also think the toughness factor has alot to do w/ that as well.I’m not strictly talking about fighting toughness but physical as well.When this team decides to take the body their forecheck is second to none!Go Isles.
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DP has had one good season in ten years and some people talk like he’s the second coming of Billy Smith. He isn’t even Chico, Melanson or Hrudey. Play Rollie and send DP down to the Bridge to get in shape.
Going to the game tonight and can’t wait to see JT back. Let’s face it, JT is now the face of this team. DP will collect Wang’s money, but he will not lead us to the future.
Let’s Go Islanders!!
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I blame Rick DiPietro for World War 2.
I support Rick DiPietro and he gives this team the best chance to win.
Getting Tavares and Wiz back is going to be a huge boost. Guys not playing well are Hunter, PA, Martinek, MacDonald.
Pitt tried intimidating the Isles towards end of period 2, I would have liked to seen Gillies get a shift or two to settle that down, especially after DP was run. The minute the next game against Pit starts Cooke needs to be broken.
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It’s Rolo who played in the single game we got no point right? What’s up with the DP bashing? Isn’t it amazing he finally seems to get healthy. He has gotten better every game. Wow if KO, Streit Schremp and JT would also be in the lineup..
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I am a little confused on the $19.72 ticket thing. Are they on a limited basis?
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Anybody who thinks DP is healthy is on crack it takes him forever to get back to his feet he is clearly struggling.
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Why are they sitting Hillen? If anyone should be sitting its Jurcina. I haven’t seen such weak skating since Eric Cairns.
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The Isles brought Roli in for 2 years for a reason, and that’s not to sit on the bench in the 2nd game of a back to back, especially against a western opponent he is familiar with, when they are trying to ensure their contracted starter will make a successful comeback and be able to play as a quality starter past this season.
People are taking offence to DP bashing – how about enough of the comments that Roli is old and not here for the long term – and therefore seemingly shouldn’t be playing? He’s here to help your long term goalie not push himself too hard and he’s doing a pretty fine job of it so far – last year and in his one game this year. He needs games as well and this is the perfect situation to play him.
As far as DP goes, he played very well last night but by the third period he was slower, looked to be hurting big time, and looked to be completely exhausted. The game definitely took its toll on him – as divisional games will – and he needs to pace himself. There’s absolutley no reason why he needs to play both B2B games here. That is the whole point of having a backup, especially one who is still capable of being a starter, especially when your starter is trying to comback after serious injuries.
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standing o for wisniewski’s first shift tonight? hope Gordon keeps Bailey and Comeau together, and reunites Moulson with Tavares
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Rick was one of the reasons they got a point last night. I don’t understand the bashing. He made 3-4 critical glove saves and none of the goals were his fault. Give him a break
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I think playing last night will help, sometimes in these back to back games, in the beginning of the game at least, the team that played the night before has a little more jump.
Colorado is playing great and have a lot of everything, we can’t come out like we did last night or like against Dallas. The boys have to come out ready to battle, I hope they’re a little bummed out about last night and want to make it up tonight.
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Johnny T needs to sit a couple of more games, why risk it? Ricky D needs to go, he looks like he’s 110 years old in net. Any reason the Isles didn’t go after Niemi?????
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Bought $17 seats (that includes all fees) in same seating zone that I gave up as a season ticket holder where the Isles wanted $42 on a season basis and they are now charging $75 face. Remind me why anyone should buy season tickets at the beginning of a season again????
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Love what i see from blake and josh, makes me wish that we had our team at full strength…DP is playing ok, still more confident in Roli…A win tonight would be huge-i predicted that they would have 20 OT losses, but they’re on pace for double that! Need start getting the second point. Still, they are really impressive with the improvements.
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DP was fantastic last night. As has been said before, the hating is ridiculous…
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Avs have lots of speed, and they will not be shy to shoot. Go with Rollie. Please, no 2nd period lapses. Score first, they are a young team like us. First goal will give us some swagger, as will the return of J.T. and the Wiz–who should get a lot of cheers for giving back to Avery what he gave us for years. Next time, forget the gestures, just try to take his head off. Apparently, that’s not a 2 game suspension, only a game misconduct! Oh wait, unless you are an Islander, then you can be suspended for saying “Hello”.
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Some points to last nights game:
1. DP did not look good at all. Very Shakey.
2. Pitt pushed the Isles around. Never should have had that many opportunities to hit DP. You could see that was part of Pitt’s game plan. Once okay. The second time some one should have turned up Cooke. Third and fourth times bad. Team needs to stand unified in front of DP.
3. yes it is early but Bailey and Comeau clearly have improved and are stepping up well.
4. Isles need to play tougher.
5. referee’s on both ends were horrible.
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Why $19.72? Why not 19 or 20?
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Go Islanders!!! Everyone has been playing great, so lets keep it going tonight!!! If they haven’t figured it out yet, just keep doing what they are doing…and that is get points!!! They are a top 6 team if they get points in 3 out of 4 games. The skill is there, the work is there and soon, those BS phantom calls will go their way as well. You make your own luck, and by getting points in games, you will start to get the calls as well!!! No excuses, go get points!!!
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DP should sit tonight, he gets up slowly, he is probably feeling some effects. I think they should sit JT another game or two, just to be on the safe side. Loving what I’ve been seeing from Bailey and Comeau.
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$19.72, I think it has something to do with their history ! LOL . Learn our team’s history buddy !
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I’d really like to see them move JT to right wing with Bailey centering and Comeau on the left. JT led last years World Championships in goals playing the wing. That tournament was no joke, he out scored Ovechkin, Malkin, and Stamkos to name a few. He’s the sneakiest player I’ve ever seen and could better utilize his elusivness from the wing. He’s magic from the top of the circles in but seems to have trouble getting the puck across center and setting up in the offensive zone, just what Bailey and Comeau are excelling at so far this season.
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glad to have both jt and wiz back. just cant understand the jurcina over hillen decision.. jurcina cant handle the puck at ALL and his skating is poor on top of that. hes not even all that physical for such a big guy. otherwise theres a whole lot to like with this team. controversy aside, dp hasnt been that bad. of the goals he’s given up, how many should he have had in a perfect world. a few were deflected multiple times before it even got to him, so it happens. maybe he hasnt earned the startin job, but he hasnt exactly lost it either. roloson will get his starts for sure, just a matter of when and under what circumstances (ie injuries)also think that Z and the ‘stache shouldve been out on the ice after the handful of collisions dp took. we have the toughness to match just about any team now, but its no use if they never see the ice
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I’m not a big DP fan, but nevertheless think that Cooke should have had to answer for his transgressions last night. He’s worse than Avery, if such a thing is possible. The one thing I don;t understand is why everyone who has a critical comment about DP is dubbed a hater. I want what’s best for my team and I think they have a better shot with Rollie in net. Then when I support my argument with statistics that show Rollie is playing better, that makes me a hater? I don’t think so. We need a name for the DP fans with blinders on–how about Ricophants?
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…. with he emergence of Baily and Comeau, its gonna be fun watching this team when they are firing on all cylinders. I commend Gordon for keeping the islanders competitive, I think he is a real good coach and should be kept here. I am a believer in Gordon and his system.
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Chris, you write: “Way too early to tell which (Duchene or Tavares) is going to be the better and more valuable player…”
Er, not really. Duchene is clearly the better player. He makes things happen, Tavares has to be in the right spot at the right time as things are happening.
Hunter looked old against Pitt; why was he playing? Konopka looked good, Gillies … nine seconds? A place on the bench. Get serious, Garth. -
And re: Hillen: what are we not getting, or is it the Isles? Where’s the weakness in his game? For those of you too young to remember, there once was a player the Isles steadfastly refused to play regularly because they felt his defensive play was a liability, much in the same way the Rangers misused Pierre LaRouche, shuttling him to the minors. That player? Zigmund Palffy.
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What makes the most sense is a rotating goalie every other game situation until the all-star break or beyond. This way, neither goalie would be overplayed or rusty and each could prepare days in advance for his opponents. We should treat them both as equals.
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Hillen should be in the line-up in front of a couple of guys. You can’t get an idea how he is playing with only 21 mins in two games. Not impressed with Jurcina, Eaton and even Mottau. They make a ton of mistakes.
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At this point, if comparing Dushene to Tavares, like other poster said, AVS win easily. Tavares has no slap shot, skating ability, physical play. He is Mark “deflect” Parrish with better passing skills.
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Great efforts by the Islanders on Pitt and Wash — two great teams (even if Pitt has been off to a shaky start).
That said, they’re essentially 1-3. They need to start winning more and grabbing those extra OT points, which will be SO important down the road.
I’m looking forward to getting Wiz back, as he’s so important to the PP. It’ll be nice to have Tavares back as well, but I wonder if we should give him another week off just for precaution.
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# 44…
Dude where have you been? Mottau is solid and Eaton made some impressive defensive plays! I’m with you that Hillen should be in over Jurcina. But Mottau and Eaton against Kohn and Meyer is a difference of day and night!
I think Gordon should put Grabner(or Nino) and Moulson on the first line with JT.
Moulson-Tavares-Grabner
Comeau-Bailey-Parenteau
Niederreiter-Nielsen-Hunter
Weight-Konopka-SimWisniewski-MacDonald
Hillen-Eaton
Martinek-MottauRoloson
JT and Matty for the chemistry, Grabner for speed. The second line had good chemistry. Gillies sits cause he just plays 9 seconds:p Konopka can do the fighting. Maybe sit Hunter, cause he looks like an 82 year old. Then put Weight on 3rd and Gillies on the 4th..
Roli in goal. DP still going easy! But I like the way they handle DP… The Isles are not going to win a cup this year. So plenty of time and opportunities to test his health.
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Kaller @ #42: agree and disagree – while Duchene is much better in terms of defense and skating, his game is as a set-up man. (Notice the stat breakdown: 1 goal and 4 assists.) Lucky for him he’s surrounded by guys who can actually score!
Tavares, OTOH, has the ability to both set up opportunities and bury them. Unfortunately, he didn’t have linemates who could finish, which meant most of his glorious passes went to waste, and other teams could double team him knowing there was no one else to pick up the slack.
Until Johnny T has wingers worthy of his talent, it’s not a fair comparison. (It also helps to have a goaltender who can stand on his head night after night, but credit the Avs for taking a flyer on Craig Anderson.)
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A few points:
1) I watched the Pittsburgh television feed, and the announcers made a point to mention that DiPietro looked, to the naked eye, to be in some level of discomfort. Take it from guys who watch games for a living….he’s clearly not 100%. Appreciate that he’s a gamer, but I hope it’s just rust and not a pro athlete’s stubborn competitive spirit not doing the “right” thing.
2) Comeau and Bailey. No reason why each guy can’t pot 20-25 and score 55-60 points over a full 82 game season. I like what I see thus far. Next step for them is CONSISTENCY. Night-in and night-out effort and commitment to being a difference maker EVERY game.
3)Grabner. Mark my words…give him a little time to settle in and fans will love this kid by season’s end. He’s here to stay.
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Looks like Gordon is making an example out Hillen like he did to Comeau last year. Let’s hope he gets a spot in the top 7 sometime soon because there are a few other people that should be sitting over him
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Duchene better? What would JT have done last year if he had Stastny in front of him on the depth chart? MD has it easier on the 2nd line. JT’s hands are 2nd to none. They are different players and both with be great in their own right but I still would take JT 100 times out of 100 if given the chance.
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Maybe Gordon should play Gillies 4-5 minutes a game and see what he has to offer. Goddard challenged him on his 1st shift. Gillies accepted. What should he have done? Decline the offer? Gillies did what he was suppose to do against King after King ran our “D” man. (should have been boarding IMO) If he doesn’t get any ice time its impossible to say whether he’s hurting or helping the team. I think his presence is vital for these kids even if most of his time is spent on the bench. But I believe 4-5 minutes a game would definitely pick up the pace a notch.
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Hey CB, Did you know CBS Sports is using you on their fantasy sports updates? I just saw this and that it was awesome they referenced you…congrats!
“Trent Hunter, RW NYI
News: Hunter (lower body) may not play on Saturday for the Islanders, according to the Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis: Hunter was seem limping during the game last night versus Pittsburgh, although the injury doesn’t seem to be serious, the return of John Tavares would necessitate that someone has to sit, and Hunter may be given a day or two to rest and heal.” -
Duchene over Tavares? if Garth would have called anyone elses name except J.T on draft day, I swear the crowd would have burned the place down! They are both very good players in their own right. J.T–sneaky( a bit like Turgeon), great hands-has proved he can score and make great passes. Did not have anyone decent to play with last year, but he is a keeper.
Duchene–great speed and the ability to finish. Once he matures just a little more he will be one of the elite. Let’s start the rivalry: tonight—GAME ON!!! -
Great, the isles on on a non-HD station. Maybe I should just listen to it on radio. I was told by a Cablevision customer service rep to have all islander fans call and complain every time they are put on a non HD station.
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Did Hillen kick Gordon’s dog or something?
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Can someone tell me why MSG can’t add one more sports HD channel? What a joke
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At the game now….worst attendance numbers I’ve seen on a sat night in a LONG time!
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a fight in the opening 3 seconds??? am i watching ufc 120?
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No Hunter is a relief-watching his mediocrity and slowness pales in comparison to the revolting facial hair.
Nice opening fight… -
Why the heck can’t they broadcast Islander games??? this is such bull.
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This Colorado feed is horrible, sound is terrible and announcers putting me to sleep.
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MSG plus 2 is TERRIBLE!
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FYI: Broadcast is on channel 99 or 414 for Cablevision customers
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Craig Anderson is SOOOOOOO legit. Good for him getting out of Florida and getting a starting gig with a team that believes in him
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#64…exactly. I can’t believe that girls varsity volleyball has better cameras than a professional hockey team!
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Is it me or is Colorado a whole lot quicker to every loose puck even though both teams played last night?
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If hockey is enertainment , they should cancel this show. What a horribly boring game half way through.
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colorado is a trapping snooze. if i have to hear another Doucheane JT comparison with these Col commetators saying Douche is the more Dynamic player, i think im going to kill my cat.
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For those that have NHL Center Ice, you an get the game in HD on Colorado’s Altitude channel, 773.
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DirecTV
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MSG plus 2 picture is much better this year.
i have Time Warner Cable -
ok we have a powerplay, lets get a goal
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!
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3 on 1 and they don’t score, GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ!
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NICE WE GOT A SHORTY!!
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WHO WON THE fight I got home late?
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Milan Jurcina = Instant offense?
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You cannot stop Milan Jurcina…you can only hope to contain him
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JB! POUR IT ON BOYS! POUR IT ON!
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BAILEY!!
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we need to go back to our old goal song…. HEY!
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Harvey,Orr, Potvin, Coffey, Jurcina
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WE ARE THE ISLANDERS , WE FIGHT FOR NEW YORK!
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I love how much Bailey has grown, great goal showed incredible patience
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Patricio, I definitely agree. Bailey has really grown up fast, looks bigger and stronger. Macdonald however cannot hit the ocean!
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looks and sounds like a very sparse crowd.
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LIVE IS LIFE!
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i think hunter is wearing 47 tonight
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Josh Bailey = Beast
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Live is Life is actually a pretty sweet song if you listen to it
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In 5 minutes Jurcina as half the amount of goals that he’s scored the last 2 seasons combined.
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Weak goal by Roloson
hope this does not trigger collapses of Islanders past
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Rolo should have had that
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What is that old line about a 3-goal lead? Let’s not go into a defensive shell here.
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GRABNER!!!
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NICE! they needed to get that goal back
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They should sign Rollie to a 5 year extension. He is sooooo #1.
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Islanders win!!!
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First Place Islanders..clap clap clap clap clap. (I’m enjoying it while it lasts)
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WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!!
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GREAT win!
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I’m sure that’s not the way JT wanted to get his first goal of the season … but it still was a sweet way to top off the game.
Milan 3 point night. Can’t stop this offensive juggernaut. CB- The Isles averaging 5 goals a game at home?
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Who says Gillies can’t play in the late minutes? Haha. Nice win. LGI!
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Is Comeau hurt?
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Any word on Comeau?
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103
He only played 4 shifts in the 3rd period. -
Roly has looked very good in his two games though I expect DP to start Monday in Toronto. I’d rather it be Roly.
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Attendance – 10,127. Egads.
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..Baily continues to impress. For those ragging that Gillies is bound to the bench remember he is there and his presence makes a difference. Gordon threw him out at the end Colorado was gettin chippy a bit. Gillies settled it down.
Nice win….GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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no denying the attendance is bad but we are not the only ones with bad crowds. Devils tonight drew just over 13K and last night was about 12K. If we keep winning the casual fan will come back.
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YES! 2 Points! All the way! Way to go Isles! Just what we needed. Hope lives on Long Island! Keep it up!
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I was at the game, it was great. What I’m really annoyed by is that there was only around 10,000 people there. It’s saturday night, it’s scary thinking that if they can only draw 10k on a saturday, imagine on weekdays. We’ll see, everyone has been saying it’s because of the Yankees playing, and that people had less expectations of them…oh well. LET’S GO ISLANDERS!





Wish I could watch the game, or even GO to the game tonight… but I have to work. I will be listening on Hofstra radio Iphone stream!! Boo yah! Not bad is an understatement for Bailey and Comeau, of which, I’ve always thought Comeau played well. I guess I never truly understood why he got scratched in so many games last year, or was it the year before? Anyways… Let’s go ISLES!!!! Tonight is gonna make it 2-1-2…