PANTHERS 4 ISLANDERS 3
First career NHL hat trick by Tavares not enough
The heart and drive we’ve seen from the Islanders since Game 1 was there. The execution, not so much. Despite a magnificent performance by John Tavares, the Islanders fell again in Sunrise to the Panthers 4-3.
Radek Dvorak’s goal at 13:28 of the third period broke a 3-3 tie and was the game-winner on Bill Torrey Night. Tavares had his first career NHL hat trick, including two goals on the power play. PA Parenteau had another pair of assists, giving him nine points in eight games this season after getting eight in 22 games with the Rangers last season.
Rick DiPietro did not make the big saves to win this game for the Islanders and turned over the puck and allowed a few big rebounds along with four goals on 30 shots. The Islanders continue to go with a short bench, with Scott Gordon giving Trevor Gillies just 1:03 of icetime. Trent Hunter, still struggling with injuries, played just over nine minutes.
With all that said, the Islanders came back to tie the game three times. Despite a penalty on Parenteau with a minute left in regulation, the Islanders – with DiPietro pulled – mounted a ferocious battle and forced the Panthers and Tomas Vokoun (27 saves) to scramble to the final buzzer.
When the Islanders play next in Montreal on Wednesday, Josh Bailey will be back and the Islanders will be 4-2-2. The team and its passionate fanbase would have signed up for that after Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo suffered busted shoulders. Heck, everyone might have signed up for that before training camp started.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Q & A and commentary tonight. Like Billy Joel sang, “It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday.” Enjoy your Sunday, Country.
332 Responses to PANTHERS 4 ISLANDERS 3
First career NHL hat trick by Tavares not enough
-
admin says:
Tonight’s game is on MSG + 2 and on Radio Hofstra University. Rick DiPietro is the starting goaltender, Josh Bailey is out. The only lineup change is Jack Hillen in for the injured Andrew MacDonald.
-
admin says:
During the game, I may pose questions for you either about the Islanders, your fandom or to help me understand what works and doesn’t work with the blog.
-
AJAX says:
Greetings Botts! Great job with the site/blog upgrades!
-
JTizzle91 says:
CB, in your opinion which goalie should be sent to the ECHL? Poulin or Lawson?
-
admin says:
(4) Thanks, AJAX.
-
admin says:
(5) JTizzle: if the Islanders can find 60 games in Utah or somewhere else in the ECHL for Kevin Poulin to play, I’d be all for it. Poulin may turn out to be the best of the group, or at least give Koskinen a good run. Playing almost every night would be good for his development – better than playing, say, just 30-40 games in Bridgeport.
-
If I can ask your personal opinion, with the recent success of the team, do you see the mentality of “See, you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get results”, becoming a point of conversation of owner & management?
I think you know what I mean. -
NHL fan says:
CB, There never has been any reason given to why Jankowski was let go. Do you know of or heard of why? And do you think that it is smart of the Isles not to replace him? There seems to be a lot of reponsibility on Garths plate.
-
The New Isles GM says:
CB- What do you think is the main reason contributing to the Isles having a fast start?
-
Mike says:
Just wondering your take on Butch Goring. I mean I’m sure hes a good guy and he definitely tries hard and sounds like he prepares but hes horrible. If you had to guess, how long do you think he will be here?
-
Hey, Chris. Thanks so much for the blog. I have a question that’s not about the Islanders, but I thought you might know. In the Rypien debacle, why was the fan ejected? From the video, it just looked like he was clapping and talking. I haven’t seen anyone follow up on the fan. Do you have any information? Thanks again
-
Paul says:
CB, thanks for doing stuff like this, Makes being an Isle’s fan in NYC easier on days like today when I can’t watch (TWC does not have rights to MSG 2+ from what I can tell) and need to be at my computer to listen to the radio broadcast. Keep up the great work!
-
CSKA says:
Hey CB, Thanks for the blog, I check it a few times daily. Here;s my question – I always wonder if management of this team ever checks in with this blog just because it’s such a popular fan destination. I wonder if they see the complaints about Jaffe, ticket prices, etc, but also the good things – praise for Snow’s policy of building through the draft. Do you have any knowledge that someone on the team’s upper mgmt follows this blog?
-
Thanks, My thought was 30-40 games with better competition is better than sixty sub-par talent. Thanks CB, the site has really taken off! Good Luck!
-
Hi Chris…I am not too familiar with the prospects that other NHL teams have. How does our prospect pool compare to the rest of the league, or could you rank us? BTW thanks so much for injecting excitement into our islanders during these last few difficult years.
Alessandro -
NickyL says:
CB – Now that the Isles have more coverage, courtesy of your SNY deal, any chance the team gets more coverage? I’d love to see either a 30minute Islanders show or Hockey Show in the same vain SNY does coverage for the NY Jets. Maybe throw the idea out to SNY?
-
Marc says:
Do you think that Nino did enough in nine games to stay up. Especially when later in the season when Schremp and Okposo comeback
-
CB,
Any chance the Isles try to sign Wiz to a contract extension once the waiting period is over (I believe it’s Jan 1)? Thanks!
DC
-
Brett says:
CB, thanks for doing this. In the Toronto game, it looked like the Isles might have been playing a 1-2-2 once they got the lead. I’m not sure that’s correct, but do you know if they’ve adopted a more nuanced offensive strategy (as opposed to the “go-go all the time” approach that they seemed to take in the past)? Keep up the good work!
-
Joe in Massapequa says:
Hey Chris,
Thanks again for such a great site. I cannot even go to the Isles main site without starting to type “pointblank” after “islanders.” Haha.Any good Adrian Aucoin stories? Him, Kenny, and Roman were a solid group. I was a huge fan of his when he was on the island but felt the rules change would affect his game. Either way he was an iron man for us and you could pencil in 30 points and an average TOI of 28 minutes plus.
-
Ryan says:
Hi CB…Do you get the impression that guys like Tavares, Bailey, and Okposo have genuine interest in staying on the Island long term? I know they say the right things, but with the current CBA, free agents are leaving younger than ever and I worry that the arena situation and general lack of media exposure would make other cities seem enticing. We all know the Isles can’t really draw big free agents in the current situation, but can we definitely keep our own guys in town?
-
michael says:
hard to believe cablevision has over 100 hd channels including broadcasting high school sports on hd and the isles are pushed to msg plus 2. what gives?
-
DC23 #22 – Thanks so much. It isn’t listed in the channel guide and when I “search show” it only ever gives me the 2am replay.
-
STB in Denver says:
I Looooooooooooove the Isles new “retro” jerseys!! I think they have alot to do with their early success. Any chance the league goes back to the way it should be: Whites at home, Darks on the road?
-
admin says:
(8) Ajax: I think it’s way too early for management or anyone else to say this is a successful season or idea. The Islanders are staying close to the cap because they don’t have the revenue streams. It’s nothing more than that. There’s a body of work from the mid to late 90s, plus the last half-decade that might be more definitive about getting what you pay for.
That said, just spending money isn’t the answer either. Garth Snow has done very well, individually, on return on investment. Now he has to complete the job of rebuilding the team. 4-1-2, or maybe 5-1-2 after tonight, does not mean the job is done.
-
admin says:
(9) No, an answer was not given and the NYI are under no obligation to give one. Jankowski’s contract expired and it was not renewed. My hunch is Charles and Garth wanted to keep their scouting system just that much closer to the vest. I can guarantee you Jankowski was not let go for a lack of talent or work ethic.
-
Jeff in Oyster Bay says:
CB – What are your thoughts on the progress Scott Gordon has made with this team. Do you think he will get or deserves a contract extension?
-
Ryan V. says:
Great Job CB, read the blog every day. You provide the best coverage of the team hands down.
Glad to see Hillen back in the lineup tonight. I thought he was really coming into his own last season before the injury. Now that he’s fully recovered why has he been a healthy scratch so often so far this season?
-
admin says:
(10) Hard work, better team defense, good coaching, good goaltending, timely power play goals and a little bit of good fortune combined with a pressure-free atmosphere. Once KO and Streit were out of the lineup, everyone wrote them off. Game is easier to play that way. They’ve made the most of it.
-
27Tonelli says:
Hey CB do you think ” EL NINO ” will be on the ice for Cammallieri’s first shift on Wednesday Night ? That would really show me some thing about Gordon either way, I think “EL NINO” should be get his manhood back Wednesday and give Cammy a beating ! Also CB I have targeted a draft pick for next year already….. Duncan Seimens, you heard it hear first !
-
first of all to the isles fan who lives in nyc and thinks twc doesnt have msg + it does. i live in queens and it is on ch. 198. to chris. it bothers me that the ny post which i always thought had the best sports coverage til now, doesnt even have the sports part where on top it mentions all the ny area teams inc. the nj devils and nj nets but starting this year it doesnt have it for the isles. why no mention or outrage and i also heard the only way that wang told newsday that they can NOT say anything negative about the isles. is this true and if so is this why the post erased the isles from there sports banner? thanks and keep up the great coverage you give us.
-
CB, my question is about the Isles abundance of wingers (both true wings and Bailey/Schremp, who can play center and wing). When Schremp and KO come back, who loses out, assuming everyone is healthy? Do they send Nino down after 9? Scratch P.A. and/or Grabner later in the season? Or do they try to spin some players off? I guess much of it will have to do with the team’s position and who has produced, but what is your take?
-
Alex says:
CB- While we all know how outdated the Coliseum is, and how poorly it is viewed in the minds of many free agents, something special will definitely be lost if the interior is completely demolished in building a new complex, as opposed to renovating only the concourse. I recently watched some highlights from the 93 playoff run (after watching your Ferraro interview) and the 2001-02 series against the leafs (inspired by the team’s best start since that season), and remembered how much louder the building gets than any other arena in the league. The Coliseum actually shakes when the Isles faithful are on their feet after a goal- something that is so rare in the era of enormous, state-of-the-art arenas. Unfortunately, the building hasn’t shaken like this in quite some time. Nearly all of the current players are too young to remember how loud their building can get come playoff time. Do you have any idea if they have seen any of the videos from those playoffs series to get an idea of just how crazy and intimidating the old barn on Hempstead Turnpike can get? Hopefully if they keep stringing wins together, we may be able to create such an atmosphere once again sometime soon.
-
admin says:
(11) Butch is a gentleman who, at age 60, is trying a new job for the first time in his life. Nothing can prepare you for doing color commentary. As someone who did it briefly (and poorly) in the mid 90s, I can tell you it’s not easy. I’d give Butch 40 broadcasts before I’d even think about evaluating.
-
Scott says:
Hey Islander fans. We are once again on the overflow channel. I have been calling cable every time they are put on the nonHD overflow channel. Cant believe I can watch HS sports on msgvarsity but cannot watch professional sports team on HD. When I called they suggested that very one should call cablevision and voice your complaint.
-
mark alberti says:
CB, Great site
I believe scott Gordon has done a wonderful job with the youth on this team….do you feel scott can get this team to the next level of competeing for division title within the next two yrs or will the isles have to get a bigger name coach??
-
chrism says:
#37-we will be on overflow channel for game against habs as well…woohooo
-
T-1 Sella says:
OT:Anybody watching Nhl Network…Kerry fraser is on now…lol…He’s got Huge Cokebottles for Glasses….I think thats too darn funny
-
Blizzard says: ….Flats!!!! On the pregame!!! Loving it!
Mr Botta:How do you feel the presence of Gillies and Konopka benefit the development of our young talent…If at all. Do you think its worth taking up a roster spot for Gillies given the amount of minutes he has played?
-
va isles says:
Cb,
Who is the odd man (men) out when everyone gets healthy? You have to imagine its sim or gillies since ok and Bailey are way more talented, and zenon is a faceoff monster. (65% thus far I think?) Faceoffs win games. Thoughts?Ps love the blog, would be lost here in VA without it. dP or rolie, don’t matter, just win baby. Can’t wait till the barn turns back into fort neverlose!
-
Oye Comeau Va says:
CB: Assuming for a second that Nino sticks around, who gets waived/sent down to make room for Schremp?
-
admin says:
(12) The fan was not ejected after the Rypien incident. He was moved to different seats.
-
admin says:
(14) Yes, some members of the Islanders staff and management read the blog and follow my Twitter feed.
-
admin says:
(16) Thank you, Alessandro. If you take out Tavares as an NHLer but include Niederreiter and the rest, the Islanders are inching closer to being top-third in the NHL in prospect ability and depth.
-
mtrico says:
CB, How’s Jaffe holding up? I know he is doing some work for Versus, but I would think he still has to be disappointed the way things ended with the Isles. He’s probably already heard from a lot of Isles fans, but I hope he appreciates how much we all miss his work on Islanders telecasts. Although I am not down on Butchie like some are, this year’s broadcasts definitely lack a little something.
-
admin says:
(17) Probably too early for that, since I just started with SNY. But they have been a great partner, and I believe they’re blown away by the loyalty (and numbers) they’ve seen from Islanders fans in the first three weeks of our partnership. Of course, an Islanders show like that would also need the cooperation of the NYI. I’d give it a little more time.
-
admin says:
(18) Marc: I just wrote a lengthy column on that subject a few days ago.
-
admin says:
(19) DC: I doubt you’ll see a deal right after the Jan. 1 opening. If James is going to look for a decent raise beyond his current annaul salary of $3 million, it could take a while.
-
Br says:
What ever happened to Bryan Trottier? Did he ever get that other job in the organization they said they were giving him??
-
asher says:
Here’s a question: Why is the Isles TV broadcast pretending this Torrey ceremony isn’t happening? They just showed the 2001 Islanders ceremony; it’s like they’re pretending Torrey’s Florida tenure never happened. Seems petty.
-
islanderfan39 says:
CB is there a chance that sny will start carrying islander games because of all this new coverage on pointblank? I can’t stand no coverage half hour pregame and postgame while the rangers have hours worth and no HD. Thank you for your time.
-
joe says:
isles showed , torry ceremony, whats the deal with that, i wanted to see the kats tribute too ‘ th3e arcetect
-
Chris.G says:
Sorry I couldn’t make it to Social this year. *MidTerms* So what did you think of the Bill Torrey night? I thought it was really special of them to wait for the Isles to be.
-
Fred says:
If playing 60 games with Utah is important for the development of Poulin, how many starts should we expect a healthy DP to get. It is obvious that he will be here next year and Rolloson will most likely retire. Should we expect to DP start 60 games this year…He is their goalie for the next ten years.
-
admin says:
Friends: answering questions about who comes out of the lineup when Rob Schremp (yet to practice) and Kyle Okposo (more than a month away) = a waste of time for you.
-
Nice a PP to begin. Lets score here and begin the quest to reclaim first overall in the east
-
backstop87 says:
Chris,since islander fans are constantly reminded of how decrepid the Nassau Mausoleum is, I was wondering if you could confirm a report that Wang recently spent around 250k to upgrade the locker rooms/training rooms. If so, could you elaborate? If this is true, I think us fans would appreciate the effort from Wang to bring our arena closer to par. Thanks
-
CB,
I always defended T. Hunter when fans wanted him traded but the last few years, probably due to injuries, his play has slipped. With two more yrs on his contract at $2 million per I just cant see the Isles finding a trade partner. Do you think he is buy-out candidate after the season?
-
admin says:
(21) Adrian Aucoin loved Long Island. Had it great here. Played a lot, was a leader, became involved in the community and made great contacts in Long Island business (and golf). When it looked pretty clear that he was out of here, he was kind enough to accept my invitation for a farewell lunch at Vincent’s. Seeing the contract he eventually signed, I didn’t argue when he picked up the check.
-
how can JT score goals when he is behind the net on the PP? Put him on the left or right circles!
-
great clear by DP
-
James says:
bad play by DP there
-
bayduvinislander says:
DP is back!
-
admin says:
More than any gift, I’m sure Mr. Torrey is delighted to see the Islanders wearing major league hockey jerseys again.
-
znatokhokkeya says:
assisted by DP
-
Greg65 says:
Hey Chris, can the Isles afford to outbid every team in the league and still have the lowest payroll when they attempt to sign Moulson and wisniewski? Or will they just unload them at trade deadline?
-
-Dipi kills himself and team with mistakes
-Roli does not make mistakes -
hyedray says:
Hi CB. Time and time again, Rick DiPietro mishandles the puck and either costs his team at best a scoring chance — and at worst a goal — as we just witnessed. 29 teams have scouted DiPietro and know how he always goes to the half wall and it is usually intercepted. He seems to be the man with the $4.5 million contract, but a 5¢ head. To your knowledge — has the staff tried to pull him back and play a more conservative/traditional game? Bottom line — when he limits his movements, he plays well. When he over handles he costs the Isles. Your thoughts?
-
admin says:
(23) John, Josh and Kyle all like it here very much, but this simply is not an issue worth discussing in much detail right now. Even when they are RFAs after their ELCs are over, they are so restricted. This is only an issue if they become UFA at 26. That’s when it will be important how much they love or don’t love it here. Right now, they like it. They really like it.
-
Paul says:
CB, with significant construction in Brooklyn now (well, a groundbreaking), would the Islanders seriously consider moving the twenty measely miles west to Brooklyn if by 2015 (or whenever the lease ends) Kate Murray and Co. are still dragging their feet?
-
Kaszycki's Krew says:
Chris, Any reason why the Isles broadcast did not pick up the Bill Torrey ceremony by the Panthers live – instead of showing us a rehash of the event that they did years ago at Nassau Coliseum? I do understand that the ceremony was celebrating his work as a Panthers executive….but given Torrey’s imporatance in the NHL, Islander and Panther lore – might it not have been worthy to show it to us live? Clearly – it would have been much more interesting than what MSG “ocho” showed tonight.
Thanks
-
whoooo JT
-
Joe says:
CB: I saw a great poll online the other day and I wanted to ask you your opinion:
Who has the better “core four” of forwards:
Islanders (Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Niederreiter)
Or
Oilers (Hall, Eberle, MPS, Gagner)?
-
JTizzle Deluxe Special!!!! Order Up!!!!
-
TGFJT = Thank God For John Tavares.
-
Steve M says: Rolison should be in net, in my opinion.
-
ugh
-
Once more — DiPietro is not “in it” or so it seems. Isles can’t take this team lightly — and that is just what they seem to be doing…..
-
CB–Just wanted to thank you for posting the link to the interview that we did this week. 400+ downloads already and still going strong. Isles fans never let me down. And, thanks for the Spano Exclusive!
-
Chris Mc says:
Comeau is really getting the shaft already this game. He very clearly pushed that puck to JT to score the goal and didnt get an assist and then gets a tripping penalty when the Panthers player just skates over his stick
-
Roberty says:
CB:
How do the players feel about DiPietro being anointed #1 despite the fact that Roloson has clearly played better? What message does that send to the players when management/coaching staff is not giving the players their best chance to win?
-
Misterpink says:
Were going to see this more and more – get Rick to go down from a hard shot from one side – take advantage of the fact that he’s not moving laterally from his knees until the isles d clear the rebound or it’s in the net … Rinse, repeat.
-
admin says:
(26) The league has no current plans to go back to the home whites.
-
admin says:
(29) I’ve written about that extensively. Gordon deserves to be back after this season.
-
admin says:
(30) Ryan: Hillen has mostly been the odd man out, waiting for a chance. There has been some mild concern that Jack hasn’t gotten his game back since his jaw was shattered. I haven’t seen him enough in games this season to know.
-
admin says:
(32) I don’t see how Nino being on the ice for Cammalleri’s first shift proves anyone’s manhood.
-
JP in NJ says:
Like that commercial.
-
gino says:
i don’t think as of now that dp is the problem tonight but the team has no jump so far. i’d like to see nino go back to jr’s to get more playing time
-
Isles316 says:
Florida just had the best period anyone has had on the Isles all season maybe.
-
admin says:
(33) It’s really unfortunate that the Post does not have steady coverage or even an NYI logo on its website. It’s not my place to express any outrage, it’s the Islanders’. And no, Charles Wang does not dictate Newsday’s coverage. Under Cablevision, Newsday has gone to a lighter touch on all of the New York teams.
-
2 softies by DP so far! D and O has to pick it up!
-
Isles so far just not demonstrating the same work ethic that carried them in weeks 1 and 2. Hope Flash is getting their attention in there.
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I’m stuck at work tonight monitoring the Giants / Phillies feed … but I can follow along with the hundreds of fellow Islander fans. On a side note we also monitor the CBC and I got the TO / Flyers game to look at from time to time.
***
CB … It’s refreshing to see the main topics about the Islanders is the team’s on-ice performance so far this season. I almost forgot about the arena issue. Has there been any background buzz about any progress / or lack there of regarding the arena issue?Also … I loved the Ray Ferraro interview series. Ray nailed everything on the head. Any chance of getting more interviews with past Islanders to get their candid opinions?
-
follow the puck, or bring back fox trak,
-
Islanders need to do a better job keeping traffic out of DPs face. Hillen let Bernier set up camp on the first goal and there were a few Panther’s there on the second.
I like Hillen, but he seems to play soft.
-
admin says:
(41) Blizz: if the Islanders are only going to play Trevor for one minute a game – like they are but said they would never do – no, it’s difficult to see the point.
-
Ethan K says:
Here’s my question, Chris: Are there any players with a better bang for the buck than Frans Nielsen in the entire league? 5 points so far in 7 games, +3 rating, doing well in the faceoff circle and is the best defensive forward the Isles have (with Okposo out, it’s not even close). All that and he gets paid just above the minimum salary.
-
admin says:
(47) Mtrico: No one needs to cry for Billy Jaffe. He lost the Islanders games, but he’s added significant shifts for VERSUS and NHL Network (among other places) and has significantly increased his profile as a national broadcaster.
-
I can’t believe how well Zenon Konopka has done on face-offs. Something that Scott Gordon always talked about.
-
Thanks CB. I was afraid of Jack having lost an edge as well since the injury. Especially since he seemed to be improving every game before it. Hopefully now that he’s back, he’ll make the most of the opportunity much like Schremp did last season.
-
NYICHAMP39 says:
Maybe its bc he has improved, or maybe its the 3 beers ive had during this game. But I actually kinda like Butchy on the color side of the broadcast. He has definitely gotten better over the past few games.
-
Hi Chris.
If the Isles remain in serious playoff contention do you think Garth Snow will go after a scorer? Something similar to the Ryan Smyth deal
-
Hearing Bill Torrey talk about the difference between building a team in the 70s versus the 90s make you appreciate how NOT having a salary cap gave memorable teams the space to develop, like our Isles dynasty. Big successful dynasties are good for sport. They give you teams you can love and teams you really, really want to beat. Today it’s more of a crapshoot, and to me that’s more boring than having one or two dominant teams.
-
Paul Bunyon = Brian McCabe
-
admin says:
(51) No, despite what the team told the media, the Islanders have yet to announce a new job appointment for Bryan Trottier.
-
GOAL!!!
Isles have a really good PP this year
-
Order Up!!!!! JTizzle Special!!!!!!
-
JT with 2 goals!!
-
BS call on Hunter. Just saying…
-
Steven says:
This team has real heart. Even when there struggling they keep pushing back. Great job by the coaching staff.
-
Danbury Islanders Fan says:
JT is having a great start to the year
-
Booten says:
Ok refs, we get it. You have authority. Now let the teams play.
-
MT says:
Hey CB, you mentioned a little bit about Konopka getting involved in the room i.e. goal song, etc did you mean that in a bad way?
-
Frank nyc says:
Nice tip by JT.
Also I have to say, pretty much all of Garth’s signings have been good. I feel this team has depth, skill and a solid defensive presence that it has not had in years. He has really done a great job over the last few years.
In Garth We Trust… -
Bishopville Red says:
CB,
You get to see more of the game than TV allows. Looks like the Isles are dropping DEEP when defending & DiPietro is in goal. Recent highlight in mid second had all 5 players in the slot diving in front of the shot! Against TBay, a ton of blocked shots.
Do you notice a difference in the style of play, particularly defensive positioning, when DP or Roloson is in goal?
-
I love hearing Ranger fans say they are really sorry the Rangers didn’t give Parenteau a chance. oh well.
-
geez
-
DP = Mr. Softie
-
Dipietro will make big saves and give up such easy ones. I don’t get it.
-
Steve M says:
DP can’t even hold on to the puck, take him out already before we lose the game to stupid goals like that.
-
Sheltered islander says:
This game is 2-0 isles if Rolis in net.
-
For the third time — DiPietro gives it up.
-
claude says:
guess what?! DP shouldn’t start consectitive games. It’s official….god
-
Isles for some reason always have issues with the Panthers
-
admin says:
(118) 7th Woman is in the Comments! Very closely connected to the Islanders, so some of these questions, you should address to Denise. Go for it.
-
Hello Mrs. Karl
-
ugh! Denise is not in the press box. She’s on the couch with her feet up. Her answers may be unintelligible (as I can’t even spell that word) but sure — why not. It’s comed night on the east end. Go for it!!!
-
JT HAT TRICK!!!
-
Steve M says:
Congrats to JT for his first Hat Trick
-
HATTY for JOHNNY!
-
Order Up!!!!!! U guessed it!!! JTIZZLE SPECIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Congrats to John Tavares on the hattie….I guess that’s a natural with all three!
-
za says:
Why is Trent Hunter on this team? SOOO overpaid and average.
-
JT’s first Hat-Trick
-
JD says:
JT baby!
-
Tavares with one goal in the first, 2 in the second. I expect 3 more in the third!
-
JT with the Hat Trick!
Great, but i wish it was at the coliseum.
Still awesome.
Oh and I hate these Josh Bailey commercials.
I love him as a player, just not so great as an actor. -
nielsen can fly.
-
Rick better buy all jt’s lap dances later.
-
isles74 says:
Is JT the youngest Isle to record a hat trick? Gotta be top 3 at least…right?
-
MJS says:
Anybody think Tavares got any better in the off season? I’m diggin the hattie. I’m excited for Okposo’s return and what the team would look like when all of the youth is together and healthy.
-
Mister: Thanks for the laugh!
-
7th Woman – hi, twitter friend! of all the new acquisitions to the team – who is your favorite?
CB – good to see you! from what you saw during preseason(maybe that was only a little), do you think KO makes a leap similar to his other young teammates – JB, JT..?
-
The Mick says:
Interesting goals by Tavares…a gritty goal by going to the net ont he PP, a deflection in front of the net and a rebound in front of the net. Scouting reports were right about him, weak skater, but strong on the puck, lightening quick hands and a nose for the net. Nice to see, hopefully Isles can dominate in the third for another road win.
-
Chris, is there any news on whether Nino will stay with the team or not? if no news, then what do you think they should do, keep him or send him down?
-
za – 137, I think when healthy Hunter brings a very important part to the Isles game
One of the best along the boards that we have
He is hurt clearly, so I would say that could be why is looks so ineffective
-
DP is so shaky. 2 goals are on him
-
Whats up with the chain and the push ups? Looks like a s&m vid.
-
Roberto, you are about to get CB’d after that comment!
-
ExtraButter: Hmmm… of the new acquisitions…. I’m thinking Jucina is going to produce more than expected. But I really like all of them. I think the pieces of the puzzle of finally coming together and the picture is getting clearer.
-
Hey, 7th Woman –
Is JT really on twitter or is that a pretender? -
Gotta believe it to see it says:
I just don’t ‘see’ what DP does as a Keeper. Very average in my eyes.
-
NO. JT is NOT on Twitter. The boy doesn’t have time for such sillyness. (like me who lives there.)
-
Islander Fan in NJ says:
I think any doubts about JT have been erased tonight. He has shown he has a nose for the net. Great to see him playing well.
-
7th Woman –
Ha! Thanks. Unfollowing him now…
-
Crap. You reminded me. I have to do the same! Oh, and there’s a fake okposo too. He’s not on Twitter either.
-
Dee, What do you think of Trent Hunter? I just think he is taking up a roster spot which belongs to Matt Martin!
-
Hintonio says:
Hunter is a fan favorite and I have no idea why. All he does is shoot high and/or wide, takes up space, and skates as if he was taught by a rink guard at Newbridge Arena… he’s horrible!
-
I can’t wait to read CB’s response to #149!
-
Are you guys doing this because you know I’m vulnerable right now? I think Trent looks like a menonite and should be skating faster since he uses the flat bottom V technology for his skates. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve a roster spot. I’m the LAST human on the face of the earth to decide that.
-
JKP on LI says:
That Moulson commercial is awesome.
-
What is Moulson saying at the end of that “life is full of choices” commercial. The audio is so bad. I’ve heard it three times and still can’t make it out…
-
Matt Martin would be a HUGE improvement on Hunter. Hunter is mediocre when healthy: this “grit” rep is a fairytale: he doesnt hit hard.
-
JD, to see a response for #149, CB wrote a few days ago about what he thinks the Isles should do. That question has already been answered.
-
JPK, I just said the same thing. That commercial is so telling about Matt. he really is not only the product of talent, but of perserverance. Nothing takes the place of persistance. Nothing. Okay, except a restraining order, but that’s a different story.
-
Frank the Tank says:
A lot of mention regarding cap space and being unable to sign top tier free agents. Bottom line is this; It is the best possible situation to be in considering how many prospects and core players we have. When the time comes and we can sign Okposo, Tavares, El Nino, De Haan, and Bailey, no one will complain about how much cap space we have. Look at Chicago, it’s great they won the cup, but it is unfortunate they had to ship out a majority of their roster.
-
7th Woman:
Coming through for me again.
Thanks! -
Amy9x says:
Another wacky game so far for the Isles.
DP is going to take time. I think he deserves the chance to see if he can come full circle. We still see moments of greatness. I’m hoping by mid-season the rust will be off.
And of course JT BABY!!!! Woot!CB: do you know any stats of how early in an NHL career a had trick has happened or is this not that unusual?
-
168, I was being sarcastic.
-
149-i’ll respond for cb, send him down to get more playing time
-
Jack Hillen got JACKED UP!!!!!
-
admin says:
(53) SNY will not be broadcasting Islanders games for at least the next umpteen years. The Islanders are in the midst of a lucrative and very long-term deal with MSG that pays them approx $20 million this season. I’m sure SNY would love to have the Islanders, but it’s not going to happen.
-
The Reis says:
CB – Plain and simple, do you think the Islanders can keep up the impressive play vs the other 4 teams in the division? I’m tired of getting beat by those 4 and strongly believe that the play vs those 4 will be the difference between us making the playoffs and not.
-
Hunter needs a new image. Cut that ridiculous hair patch, grow some hair on top of the head (could try the combover like Comeau), and aim at the chest of the goalie so it can hit a corner of the net, and maaaaybe there’s a chance that you’ll be productive on this team…
-
admin says:
(59) Yes, Charles Wang did spend a lot of his own money to upgrade the Islanders’ locker room facility at the Coliseum.
-
Sorry JD, didn’t know. Saw you wrote it 2x so thought you didn’t know. My bad…
-
Are You Serious!
-
What a horrible call by the ref, he did not even hit Vokoun!!
here we go again; refs deciding the game again!!
-
no problem hintonio.
-
Terrible call…
-
awful call.
-
phantom call on zenon-refs int he process of blowing the game for us
-
admin says:
(60) Love ya, DC, but I can’t get into whether the Islanders are going to buy out Trent Hunter next summer when they haven’t even played ten games this season.
-
i used to think out of the 4 major sports nhl refs were the best and most consistent-this year alone has made me re think that-they are horrible!
-
gordon wanted to work on special teams this season. I think they paid attention in PK class. good thing.
-
special teams have been OUTSTANDING this season! sole purpose of a few extra points for us this season.
-
Mario says:
CB, Is there a rule change as to why the Isles d-men cant clear out the offense screens. Seems like every goal DP is screened by 2 guys.
-
the Florida player made more contact with DP and did not get called then what Zenon did get called for
What a joke
-
cb- what stance does the league take if they feel a game has been poorly officiated? do they review the games w/the officials? it seems as though there’s been a few makeup call this year.
-
I realize that officials make mistakes, but there is no excuse for the pairing of the call on Konopka and the non-call on the Panther player interfering with DiPietro.
-
Let’s move the slider a little further towards offense for the last 10.
-
2Bit says:
Gotta love that the first game Tampa plays after the Isles, Stamkos gets a trick, & the first game the Isles play Tavares matches him
-
Steven says:
Hey CB – pushing the Butchie topic further, I don’t think it’s so much his relative lack of experience as much as Isles’ frustration that the organization let such a great color man like Billy Jaffe go. It’s going to be a real uphill battle for Butchie given the very high standard set by the Jaff…
-
Wiz is awesome.
-
Man grabner can go 0-100 instantly – looks like I’m watching a video game – unreal.
-
DP!!!
-
Isles fail
-
And THAT one he certainly wants back. UGH. Okay, up to Matt Moulson to tie it up again.
-
See post 84.
-
More fat rebounds from DiPietro. This team works too hard for his mistakes to kill them like this.
-
Good Save! Piss Poor Rebound Control!!!!!
-
Why do we always have a problem with this Panthers team??
-
Thats on Hunter ! He is a waste of life ! SLUG !
-
OK, so as USUAL, all the Islanders need to do is score 5 Goals to win when DiPietro is in net.
-
Wow DP
-
MisterPink, couldn’t have said it better myself
-
seriously-does he ever come up with a big save?
-
Steve M says:
and the Islanders will lose to the last placed team in the East. THANKS DP! and Hunter/Konopka for no clearing the puck that shift.
-
Bob says:
When will this team realize that Hunter is a liability?
-
JerseyIslander says:
DP should have let his DMAN play the puck behind the net… that was on him… again. Hopefully we can come back!
-
Hunter can’t even skate out to clear zone ! He is terrible that goal is all on him ! UGGGH he sucks
-
Why are we playing DiPietro? Rebound control terrible. GAA is terrible. Hate to lose to this team.
-
Don’t start with the dp bashing last goal was deflected can’t blame him for the rebound.
-
Lauren says:
Here is my question. Why is Rick DiPietro still playing? He does not control any rebounds, hes never sure where the puck is when he does make a save, he over plays the puck, and sets his teammates up to fail. I understand he is our “number 1 goalie” but why? Because hes signed to a big contract? Roloson should be in, he gives the Isles a better chance to win EVERY night he plays.
-
Terrible rebound control by DP.
-
crossing my fingers for a power play.
-
Its not on Hunter, its not on anybody other than the keeper. This is not Soccer when you can blame a breakdown to a goal. Hockey by definition is going to have lots of SHOTS !! When Goals Against is always this high,….. it is the Keeper. Cannot win with this kid DP. I hope Wang realizes that this year instead of next year.
-
2 turnovers and 2 goals from DP coming out to play the puck. I hope someone leaves this team and throws DP under the bus on his way out.
-
Any chance DP can put some stick-ums all over those pads?
-
Isles cannot get anything going offensively and time is quickly running out
-
I blame Butch for jinxing it when he said “I consider this Islander time! The last ten minutes of the third.” Ugh!
-
The last ten mins has been played in our end
-
admin says:
(68) Yes, if they want to, the Islanders should have no trouble finding the funding to sign both Moulson and Wisniewski. It will be up to the hockey department how much they want them, and for how long.
-
CB, had a great line today! Rollie is the best backup in the league and better than more than half of the # ones! Too bad our # 1 is worse than half of the # 2′s Chris!!!!
-
DP ____
-
Hunter is back on the ice….oh my god!
-
can they bail out DP AGAIN!
-
admin says:
(72) When Gary Bettman went on WFAN and practically mocked the idea of the Islanders ever considering playing in Brooklyn, I think it’s pretty safe to rule out re-location there.
-
Way to hit the net Trent Hunter! Scrub!
-
sim really does everything except score
-
how does anyone not like sim?
-
Lenny says:
agree 7thwoman.. he’s done a great job on the PK and no one mentions that
-
Here’s another log for DP hating fire. He is playing so frustratingly unaware tonight. Not giving his team a chance at all. The team comes from behind 3 times and he’s letting in these super rebound goals.
-
Brian says:
Thanks for the loss DP. We were clearly the best team after the 1st period.
-
Timeout
-
Dee, Andy Hilbert was good on the penalty kill too! One problem though! he couldn’t put the puck in the ocean!
-
Jon Sim is definetly missing a chromosome
-
why does DP go to the bench & trade in for a 6th attacker? They should just let him trade his stick & fulfill his dream of being the 6th attacker!
-
Richie66 says:
this team needs to start making faster and flatter passes
-
Isles penalty, game over
Why can we not beat the Panthers, I do not understand it
-
admin says:
(75) That’s a great question, a fun question. I’d say it’s very close. I’m going to defer on placing my vote because, to be honest, I just haven’t seen enough of MPS to get a read. Regardless, both franchises have reason to be excited. Not just good players, but a fun group to watch.
-
it’s always so entertaining to watch trevor gillies on the bench…. where he usually is.
-
Interference? Game Over!
-
We lose, geez
this game was there for the taking
-
Bryan says:
I would take 20 more years of Yashin than 1 more game of DiPietro.
-
thanks to DP we need a late second scrum witht hem trying to rip JT’s head off-thanks a lot
-
Have a good sleep tonight Hunter….maybe in your dreams you will learn how to skate also…god that guy frustrates me
-
ROLOSON in net we get the W !
-
yup still a good road trip
Roloson in for MTL, get a win and this loss is all forgotten
Still like the effort I am seeing and you cannot win them all
night everyone
-
3 Scrubs of the game!
#1 Rick DiPietro
#2 Trent Hunter
#3 Jack Hillen -
This is the reason for the Rick hate. If Roloson plays tonight, we win. Granted, it’s not all his fault, but this is a game we should have won. On any other team, Roloson would be the number one goalie and would be playing 75% of the games. I really want Rick to come back and be 100%, but he’s losing us games.
-
admin says:
Looks like I got to a little more than half the questions. You guys blew me away tonight. I really appreciate everyone hanging around for the game tonight. Enjoy the rest of the beautiful weekend…CB
-
3 Bums of the Night #3 Hunter, #2 DiPietro, and #1 Hunter ! good night ! Thanks Trent ! BUM
-
I don’t no if anyone turned hockey night live on msg our highlight was in hd but we can’t watch the game in hd???
-
I’m not sure CB what Gary has against Brooklyn? Tough loss tonight. DP was not sharp at all.
-
robbie says:
what does DP have to do to lose his starters job? rolson is playing great and dp has played one good game all year. is there any chance dp gets striped of his starters job?
-
F…ng DP costs us 2 points.
-
3 goals on vokoun needs to be at least 1 point.
Still – I care more about the guys keeping their attitude and mojo going after this one than I care about the lost 2 points. Id almost rather they got blown out for a poor all around effort.
It’s behind us, let’s go islanders. Now where did I put my beer.
-
Have to agree that we need DP to be sharper. We can’t giveaway points. The last goal wasn’t his fault, the first shot was deflected even though that rebound was brutal
-
Islesfan In Vancouver says:
two goals dp was screened on, the last one was a deflection and a rebound as a result. The only thing I could blame him on was trying to play the puck up the wall on the first goal, but we’ve seen Rolli make his own bad decisions with the puck. I think overall we lacked passion and could really have used Bailey. They play with heart on defense but lacked creativity offensively 5 on 5. Still, the Panthers played hard and deserved the win. Montreal for the next two, need a win to keep up the good start.
-
Thinking like that Dee is what makes the isles mediocre! Sorry DO NOT AGREE WITH YOU!
-
Themass says:
I agree with islesfan #218. The last goal was on a rebound off a pretty good deflection. Anyone who has played goal will tell you how much harder it is to control rebounds on shots that change direction. I don’t blame him for the first one either (great screen). The other 2 were hopefully just him getting into a routine. The whole team except JT looked bad today. We were outplayed. The only blame on the goalie is not stealing one for us. And this comes from a guy who wanted to see Rollie in there today. Dp needs to stay healthy. He will get better when his body starts proving it won’t break down
-
Roloson got stung for crappy goals as well last season. This game he gave away the first one, then got burned on a couple of flukey goals. I guess everyone feels the need to blame him for the loss, but the last goal he gave up no one could have controlled the rebound and its lucky that he made the first save at all. Btw, where was the d on that one? Hillen missed his man there and he was all alone to put it in, but I guess that was DP’s fault too right? Rick was pretty great in Tampa and he was pretty good in this game as well.
-
Hillen needs to be better also, I dont want Gervais anywhere near the ice !
-
JJ says:
Hunter missed his coverage on the last goal. IMO, this is Hunter’s last year with the team, whether it be by trade/buyout/demotion.
-
I’m sorry but the game is not all DP’s fault, Plenty of blame to go around! Time to ease up, imo. He made some amazing saves again tonight, The goalie needs the the rest of the D to help and JT can’t win hockey games by himself.
Let’s be happy for where we are and how this season is progressing beyond most of our imaginations.All the defeatist talk, sounds like a bunch of Rangers fans :p
Go Isles. Goodnight. -
Let’s take the positives out of this game and move on. Like for example, Tavares’s first NHL hat trick.
-
Midwest Isles Fan says:
I have stayed silent about DP so far this season, but I’m fed up. You have to be blind to see that Rick can’t move as quickly as he used to. He was an acrobatic goaltender who is no longer acrobatic. He has compensated by being OK positionally, but he cannot control rebounds and his lack of lateral movement doesn’t allow him to bail himself out. And why can’t he learn to let the defense get the puck? All he does is confuse and bottle everyone up, and he can’t scramble to get back into the net and into position like he used to when one of his passes inevitably ends up on an opposing player’s stick. He is not the goaltender that Roloson is. Screw this contract. Admit a mistake. Roloson should get at least 50% of the starts. I’m not a DP hater. I have not made one anti-DP comment in my years following this website, but its time to face reality. Rick’s injuries have greatly compromised his ability to play this game, and we will lose games because of it.
-
Also, you can’t blame DP. The guy hasn’t played more than 15 games in two years, give him credit for atleast making an effort to come back healthy…
-
2 of 4 goals were direct results of DiPietro give aways. He needs to start letting the dmen play the puck behind the net. He sends it up the boards directly to uncovered defensemen.
-
Jeff says:
Can someone please tell me why a head coach without a contract keeps playing the goalie that doesn’t give him the best chance of winning the game? Just saying.
-
isles71 says:
2 dp turnovers = 2 soft goals…you can actually see the turnover and know it will turn out bad…called both tonite…wasted a great effort by JT with poor decisions by dp playing the puck
-
Anyways enough Crying for me! Have a good night everyone!
-
Set says:
how can anyone really blame rick dipietro? the guy had a solid game and he made the big saves in the third period. not his fault that his team gave him failed to give him support.
-
kallur says:
What is the deal with Gordon and DiPietro?!? Obviously Roloson is playing better? Why is DiPietro being used as the number1 ?!?!?!?
-
Yes that was a bad goal but the forwards have to help out more. Not all Rick’s fault. Nite everyone.
-
Chris in DC says:
@Nick, I think we can indeed blame DiPietro (or at least management) because by pointing out he’s only played 15 games in 2 years, you’re insinuating he’s rusty and needs to get his legs/fitness or whatever back; and if that’s the case he should be in the minors on a designated assignment! Or at the least he should be the #2. Eventually management is going to have to answer to this baffling stance they’ve taken that DiPietro continues to play more games than Roloson, who is clearly superior. I don’t care if the guy is 41, 31 or 21, HE’S BETTER, and gives us a better chance of winning THIS YEAR.
-
Colin M. says:
This was a tough loss. Not sure why Roloson wasn’t in net. The goaltending decisions seem forced and unconventional. Roloson plays a good game, then gets benched. DiPietro plays a good game, gets to play another game? Just not sure about the rationale. We’re not exactly dealing with a Mike Vernon/Chris Osgood scenario here. Someone has to take the reigns.
Either way, I agree with an above poster… DiPietro just isn’t as acrobatic as he used to be. He’s mediocre this season. He flops into weak butterflies on virtually every shot, then slowly gets up. Reactive goaltending like that is not the sign of a quality goaltender. His technique looks poor. And he’s not nearly as good a puckhandler as he thinks he is. That first goal was entirely his fault, because of his poor puckhandling.
I’m happy for Tavares that he got his first career hat trick. Wish it could have come under better circumstances.
-
Steve M says:
Roli = win tonight, end of story.
-
Russel Ginart says:
#276 I agree 100%,I see the same thing. Not a DP hater BUT his quickens is NOT there, his lateral movement is NOT there, and overhandling the puck will cost more than just the two goals tonight. I feel bad for him beacuse he really is giving it 100% BUT, how long do they go with him? Until he plays himself out of the line up? IMO, injuries have taken away his best qualities, and I just don’t think he will get it all back. Tonight WAS a very winable game, DP did cost the team 2 points.
-
Failed to give him support? they scored 3 goals and blocked countless shots. NEWSFLASH: Deflections happen on a hell of a lot of shots in the NHL. Good goalies still control the rebound. DiPietro is not a good goalie.
The fact he hasn’t played more than 15 games in 2 years is yet another reason why he should be working off the rust in the minors, NOT costing us points
Both goalies face the same number of shots a game – 29 for DP, 28.67 for Roloson. Yet Roloson has half the GAA of DiPietro and a Save % 60 points higher.
There was a time when a .900 save percentage was a sign of a good goalie. Now, it’s a given that you have to have one if our team wants any chance of success.
DP has managed to break the .900 minimum ONCE in his starts. Time to wake up, folks. He’s not very good. I really don’t care for the reasons why he’s no good; the fact remains HE’S NO GOOD. it’s costing the team. We shouldn’t have to score 4 goals every time he’s in goal just to have a chance of getting a point.
-
Please start shopping hunter. The guys a has been.
Is the DP experiment over yet? This ain’t pee wee hockey where we have to be fair ? Is it.
Dp is Roli’s back up till he proves other wise.
Oh yea,DP and stop handling the puck so much.Your making everybody nervous. -
Blizzard says:
…I really would love to see DP regain his old form. At this stage it seems far away. I agree 100% with #276. Putting DP out there isn’t giving your team the best chance of winning. Would have bee nice for JT’s first hat trick be the difference in a win. Rollie should be the number 1.
-
the sad part of tonight and this proves to me the rest of the season as well that regardless how outstanding rollie plays and regardless how terrible d.p. plays (perfect example tonight)d.p. is in g.m./coach wangs world, the number one goalie and will play at least 80% of the games which means when the season ends, the isles will finish last in the confererence. whats even more sad is if rolie played 80% of the time, the isles would not only make the playoffs but finish as one of the top teams in the conference. its like olie and the mets except wang plays him most of the time regardless if it ruins the team. at least the mets just let olie sit.
-
kurvers28 says:
Playing Rick over Rollie is laughable. I don’t even blame Gordon. He has to take his orders from the genius decision makers of Snow/Wang. Playing Dubie got Nolan fired. So, we are stuck with the golden child.
-
BillyBC says:
PA Parentueau with 9 points in eight games, wow! What is great to see is the team is scoring!
I know its early but through 8 games they have scored 26 goals which is on pace for 266, 52 more than last year.
For goals against, they have allowed 22 goals, which paces for 225 over 82 games. That is 33 goals less than the 258 allowed last year.
With all the DP complaints, as a total product, what the isles are doing right now is working. Trick is to replicate this for the entire year. What is encouraging is every game played thus far, you cant question the effort as a team.
Keep it up Isles!!
-
Mike says:
This lose is all on the coach.
ENOUGH of this DP is a #1 goalie.
He SUCKS PERIOD! -
Mark in Ottawa says:
JOHNNY FEVER’S FIRST !
Awesome – He deserves it ! He never bitched when he was drafted by us. It’d be great it he hit 40 this year !
DP is just being DP. A trade would be nice. Although it would be a miracle to find a taker.
-
Bryan says:
I’m not one to bash DP, but if Roli is playing-we win the game…DP needs to just stay in the net and stop the puck, he doesn’t help us by coming out of the net and he gave up way too many bad rebounds. How many games has he given up at least 4 goals this season? at least 3 or 4
-
Thomas says:
If your honest about it, it’s clear Roloson is the better goalie. I think the Isles win tonight if he is in net..Time to make him the #1 goalie, the contract is irrelevant.
The special teams look SO much better this year and not surprisingly we are winnng more games, I hope it continues.
-
Madchef says:
DP is always the problem when we lose. Are you people kidding me. Did anyone notice that JT did all the scoring. We lost our second game this year people get back from the ledge and put away the torches and pitchforks.
-
steven stats says:
Great effort tonite, none better than Chris Botta. Thank you for excellent answers tonite.
-
Zarley Z says:
If there are a few more nights like tonight, I’m quite sure Roloson will begin to get more consistent starts. I get that the Isles are riding hope that DP will get back to top form, but if his mediocre stats don’t show improvement soon, you have to play the better performer in Roloson. Sure, Rollie could have laid a stinker tonight too, BUT based on performance up until now, Rollie has definitely been more solid.
-
DP is going to be up and down, but the big saves Botta says he didn’t make were neigh on impossible to make. I hate to say it CB, but DiPietro kept the team in the game even if he didn’t win it for them, and if Jack Hillen had been in position on the game winner, the game probably would have gone into overtime. The Isles played pretty sluggish all night while the Panthers were buzzing. I too would like the team to win every game, but it does nothing for anyone to pin a loss where the whole team (save for Tavares) played slow. Roloson should definitely get more starts, and a starter needs to steal games on occasion, but its not going to happen every time, so I would leave the judgments alone for now.
-
Islander561 says:
Was at the game….
DP didn’t even look good in warmups.He was more than a half step behind every play, was clearly having difficulty following the play, I counted 3-4? saves where he looked sure of himself and in control. His positioning was iffy the entire night.
Happened to be sitting next to 2 other Isle fans and with 4 minutes left in the 1st, DP made a save on a shot from his right circle and we both turned to each other and said (simultaneously) “That’s the first save he’s looked good on”.
Lack of side to side mobility was obvious a couple of times.
I won’t even bring up controlling rebounds.
Overall rating for the night?
A backup college goaltender.Should have been a 3-1 win.
DP BLEW JT’s Hatter.
A good goaltender might have had a SO.
-
Is it 2018 already? Jeez I missed out on a few Christmases
-
Potvinscupsx4 says:
I just got back from the game. For all the DP apologists out there I can tell you I watched him the whole game. He’s not square to the shooter, gives up too many rebounds and flopped all the ice. His performance this season has been just short of pathetic.
Why not put him on waivers to send him down?
No one will pick him up with 10 years remaining on the albatross of a contract.
Let him play in the Bridge until he figures it out. He can’t continually blow games for this team. Watching them on the ice, you could actually see there is no confidence in him from them.
Great job by Johnny Fever tonight!! -
dan says:
Well good effort but DP gave up some terrible rebounds.
Can’t win them all. The big test will be to see how this team responds in Montreal after a L.
-
fass16 says:
can’t see the puck, not just this game but every game he’s played, can’t control rebounds, and overplays shots ridiculously. I get getting the rust off, but this should happen in the ahl not NHL where this team has a chance to win games and prove a lot of people wrong!!
-
It’s tough to see DP having such a rough time trying to prove he’s number one. I understand management giving him the opportunity to prove it. He deserves a shot, given all the hard work he’s put in to come back. I’m pulling for him. I hope he can become the number one goalie. But, if he continues to struggle, the team must go back to Roloson. Roloson has been solid since he came to the team. He rarely has a bad game. It’s still early in the season. So, there’s time to let the goalie situation figure itself out. Playoffs….HERE WE COME!!!
-
Lombo9 says:
I really wanted to give DP the benefit of the doubt, but he can not be the “No. 1″ any longer. He just looks slow with his lateral movement and still doesn’t know when to be conservative with the puck. this was a tough one. Could have been that “moment” for JT, basically putting the team on his back tonite, but it was wasted
-
purify says:
congrats jt…. how does rolli not get a start on the fathers trip… hmmmm. boys showed hart I knew this would be a “trap” game. still mad but we will know if this team is real by how they respond against the habs. we bat our selves tonight plain and simple.
-
Islesfaninflorida says:
You guys really need to lay off DIPI, the ma is coming off some major surgerys. I agree he let up some huge rebounds and the led to goals, but there was no islander player on either goal scorer which means smeone wasn’t playin there man. I was at the game, been to every game at panther stadium and believe me, the play a totally diff game against us. Its like a spite thing. I think this was our 7th lose in sunrise in a row, terrible. Congrats JT on the hattie,u deserved better outcome.
-
UIF says:
Just ride Rolli while he’s hot. When/if he cools down, there will be plenty of time to get DP in a bunch of games. But sitting a goaltender with a .942 save percentage coming off an amazing game in Toronto is simply crazy. They shouldn’t waste efforts while the team is playing well by playing games at the most crucial position.
-
Mike Olivo says:
I’m not going to sit here and pretend DP has played great this season. He hasn’t, we know that. If anyone told us we’d be 4-2-2, we would have laughed a month ago. So far, Garth seems to have worked his waiver wire magic again. DP needs to play games to adjust back to the speed of an NHL game, but I agree that Roloson should be getting more starts right now. I think Gordon has done a good job matching goalie to opponent so far. If we stay out of the box and have a few awful bounces go the other way, this is a win…optimism people!
-
DP has never been that good. IMO, he had one decent season when he was named an all star (when the injuries began).
Other than that, he’s always overplayed the puck, let in soft goals, jumped around in his crease, lost the puck in his pads, etc.
Bottom line is that Milbury made a stupid decision on a guy who just isn’t that good a goalie. He’s a fine number two, and that’s where he belongs, even if it’s for the next 10 years!
-
If they keep playing DP say goodbye to any playoff hopes. He stinks and clearly cost the Isles the game. Roloson’s played awesome since his arrival and this is his reward? Riding the pines while a hack gets the starting job? Only on Long Island.
-
brian says:
For a 4-2-2 team, plus/minus figures for most players are not good.
-
ericr says:
Josh Bailey showed how important he is to the team now that he was gone for a couple of games. They play different when he is there especially Comeau. He plays over 20 minutes in any situation well and makes his teamates better. So next game I see a bounce back with him in the lineup. Why can’t DP regain his form being a backup up playing 25 – 30 games this season then next year compete for the starting job?
-
Mike from Maryland says:
Bench DP until he learns to stop over handling the puck. His turnovers lost the game. Period.
While not one of the best games this year, clear a game they should have won.
-
sheppy says:
I agree that Gordon needs to find a way to give Gillies more time to give the other guys a rest. Or, he could consider scratching him against certain teams (Florida would have been a good choice). With that said, I am shocked by all of the posters who want this team assembled minus Gillies. Do you remember how scared the Islanders played without him last year? Do you remember how inspired the team played with him last year? For those of you who doubt that and think this is a spurious correlation, you are wrong. There was obviously something the team saw that earned Gillies a contract. There is also no way to separate Gillies’ contribution…if mainly his presence…this season from the team’s performance. I want him to get more ice time and be scratched periodically, but I believe he needs to be on this squad.
-
You can be optimistic all you want but in the end performance is what matters most…DP’s has been below average…Why Gordon doesn’t see that, is beyond me…The Islanders need all the points they can get…Wayne gives us a better Goaltending…It doesn’t make any sense to cough up 2 points.
-
AOH says:
I am happy with their effort last night. They were fighting until the last second which was great to see, not to mention outright exciting. Typical of a team that does not like and is not used to losing. Awesome night for JT. 5 goals in as many games.. WOW! DP could have had a better night but every goaltender has an off night. Good teams need to compensate for that and the Islanders were right there battling away. Last goal was the result of a Hunter give away. Maybe he should not be playing through his injuries. This one cost us the game.
-
cgs878 says:
The effort was there last night, but then it had to be with all the turnovers that they committed. Still, it was an exciting (if at times frustrating) game to watch. Florida seems to forecheck as vigorously as the Islanders do. 4-2-2 is a decent enough start for me!
-
Randy Wood says:
Rick DiPietro GAA 3.31 Save %.882
Dwayne Roloson GAA 1.65 Save %.942Anybody under .9 % needs to sit.
Enough already
-
What really cost us the game was giving Gillies 1 minute of action. We could have rolled martin or anyone else who could score but we played short handed the entire game cause of it. We got zeno that could fight and sim for hits. Dipi was soft but playin short is why we coughed up 2 points
-
cjcb says:
In suggesting the Islanders went with a short bench mean the Panthers went with a longer bench? Correct me if im wrong but the Panthers only used Hordicuk a mere 30 sec longer? Lame excuse, its just the game was tight and lacked physical play for these guys to get involved. To me it was a pretty boring game.
-
Since everyone is talking about Gillies, I want to tell everyone what I think is going on with his situation. Unless we’re blowing out a team, he’s not going to see any icetime. The reason for him being on the bench is to put fear in other teams. They know our situation. They know he’s on the bench. If a guy like Pronger takes another shot at Tavares, or Pheanuf runs Okposo, well now Gillies can go out their and run their best player. That’s all it is. It makes the other team think a bit before they throw that punch or chop the back of one of our star players knees. I’m sure Pronger wouldn’t want Richards to get hurt or Pheanuf wants Kessel to get hurt. It’s just an intimidation factor. I for one support it.
-
Nawrockstar says:
Rollie in net last night would have won the game… Plain and simple. DP is a fine backup IMO, he played great in the win against Tampa, but he is not a 60 game starter and should be utilized properly at least in a split with Rollie.
I’m interested to see if Wednesday is Nino’s last game of the season. I doubt it is, but you never know with these Isles. Shremp is prolly just about ready to return so who knows. Hunter needs to go.
Time to stick it twice to Montreal!!!
-
Where were all the DP haters after the Pittsburgh and Tampa game? He has one regulation loss and he is blowing the season? When players are wide open 10 feet in front of the net to get defelcted rebounds, it is not on the goalie.
-
and I agree he has turned the puck over but that will get better when his own team gets used to playing with him. We are 4-2-2, calm down.
-
Frustrated Voter says:
To borrow CB’s phrase, we got Milburyed with DP. I agree with the other posts. It looks like we made a huge blunder with DP and good old Charlie is going to have to bite the bullet like he did with Yashin. I hope he learns his lesson and never gives out a 15 year contract again.
-
Swan says:
Roloson Sv% .942 6th best in the NHL
DiPietro Sv% .882 42nd out of 47th in the NHL.There is no credible argument for stating that DP is a better goalie or deserves starting over Roloson. Roloson most likely doesn’t lose last night in Fla and could have just as easily won in Pitt and TB.
-
Frans Dish says:
Cut DP some slack he hasn’t played regularly since 2007. What are you gonna start Roli every game this year, then complain next year or 2 years from now when we don’t have Roli and we have to wait for DP to wipe the rust off.
Welcome to tonight’s Point Plank Q & A and commentary. During the Islanders – Panthers game, feel free to talk about the game or ask me questions. Some of the Qs I will get to tonight, others I may hold for a post during the four days between the next Islanders game.