ISLANDERS 5 CALGARY 2: 7-1-1 last 9
DiPietro leaves game with strained adductor
Two goals by John Tavares, two by Matt Moulson, an empty-netter by Michael Grabner (his ninth of the season). The Islanders are 7-1-1 in their last nine games. Tavares has 13 points (5 + 8) in those nine games. Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald have been a revelation. Frans Nielsen was injured. Rick DiPietro left during the second period with what the Islanders termed an “adductor strain.” Michael Leighton has next year left on his contract, so it’s tough to see the Islanders adding an injury-plagued veteran just after trading Dwayne Roloson. Kevin Poulin may have to come up for a little while. Nathan Lawson was superb in relief, stopping 28 of 29 over the final 34 minutes. Congratulations to the Lawson family, who dropped this blog a few emails of pride when he was starting out in Bridgeport. They knew Nate would get his chance. Comments.
71 Responses to ISLANDERS 5 CALGARY 2: 7-1-1 last 9
DiPietro leaves game with strained adductor
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Fred says:
That was a lot of fun, a bit back on their heels in the 2nd half of the game but it was a great game to watch, I hope everyone had fun out there. Maybe DP will be OK in a few days, Nate the Great did a good job filling in and really knocking down those first chances.
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Brian says:
Great first period and a terrific job by Lawson coming in relief of DP. Calgary was all over them the 2nd half of this game but I’ll take the two points. Nice night by the Tavares line.
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SET says:
the playoffs are out of question for this year but it is time for this team to learn how to win. forget about the draft and focus on getting 2 points every night.
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Steven says:
Hope DP injury isn’t serious – not because of the Rolo trade, just because a guy that hardworking and dedicated deserves a good break.
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The New Isles GM says:
Bob E at #1,
Comeau apparently woke up with a stiff neck this morning. Healthy scratch. It happens…be back in a couple of days max.
The Islanders looked good. Here’s how I see it. Pick Up Michael Leighton. The guy was in the finals last year and won his first game back in action this year. Philly is in a tight bind this year. We could use stability back in net. With DP’s condition, and a team trying to become better, we need stability for the rest of this year and next. Add the guy, see if it’s Philly’s loss. We took a chance on Grabner, Parenteau, Moulson and MacDonald. Why not try this?
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Jim says:
great game tonight. Hopefully DP will be back quick…. or retire. This back and forth stuff is infuriating!
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TM says:
I tell ya, it’s MAJOR LEAGUE all over again. Management keeps dumping players trying to make us lose and we keep on winning. Where’s WILD THING? Where’s Charlie Sheen and the porn star hookers?
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Chris Mc says:
Comeau has neck spasms. He’ll probably be back in the lineup against Edmonton. Hopefully Franzy isn’t hurt too badly. Concerning DiPietro, it just figures. He looks like he’s starting to come around and then those knees become a problem again. Its a shame too. This team is playing good hockey right now.
JT’s first goal is the kind of thing Ive been waiting to see out of him. Hopefully there’s more of those to come.
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Real hockey fan says:
.. Its a combination of sad, frustrating and expected with Ricky getting hurt, hope its not long
.. Isles have played very well of late, (Better late than never!) real nice game by Tavares, this is the type of game you need several times a month from a franchise type player, he was really good tonite!
..Hamonic is going to be a REALLY good Dman with time, the kid has skill and toughness, a nice big upside with him
.. Overall good effort on a west coast trip, we all want to see more of this as the year goes on – big picture going foward is the development of this very young team, thats the #1 priority here on out, go Isles
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NYINetherlands says:
Okay, Isles need to lock up MacDonald, Hamonic, Tavares, Schremp and Bailey for a long time! Especially AMac has been fantastic since he returned (already 10 assists and he had none before the injury). Very nice goal by Tavares, I think he’s on pace for 60 pts this year. Hopefully when Okposo is back John gets even more points. A powerplay with Streit, AMac, Tavares, Okposo and Nielsen would be very good. Although PA Parenteau needs to be given credit as well. Hopefully DP’s injury is not that serious otherwise I’d take Nabokov or Leighton fast. Lawson was a beast in goal tonight. But guys, in The Netherlands it’s 6 in the morning now so I’m gonna call in a night;) Gooooo Isles!
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Dinerboss says:
We need a goalie,nothing ever works out for us. We need a veteran goaltender .believe it or not were not totally out of the 8th playoff spot.There’s still alot of hockey to be played, but snow has to help the guys by bringing in a few bodys here and their!
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purify says:
#11 a mac is locked up for at least another 3 or 4 years on the cheap. signed extension at end of last year
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Hey set, the playoffs are never out of the question in early Jan. They are something like 14 points out. That is 7 games. I agree it probably won’t happen, but it is so important for this team to at least make some strides. Imagine if they play like they have been for the past 9 games and even if they don’t make it, they will be close enough to smell blood–and once that happens, next year they will play desperate, guaranteed!! Unless Garth does something totally mind bogling like let Moulson walk, which I doubt since he was quite a prize for Garth! So far his best acquisition! Go Isles!!! Go Garth!! Go Wang!!! I love everyone when they are winning!
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Will C. says:
Rooting for DP. Keep on fighting while hurt, I was impressed, but scared he might damage something worse. Certainly a warrior. Give him credit.
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Orange&Blue says:
Great win but the Isles must address this Hillen-Gervais defense pairing. They get bullied around the net and are chasing the puck all over the defensive zone. We can’t survive with them as a pair. Bring up Wishart and send Reese back to Bridgeport. Also, bring up Poulin and Ullstrom. Lets see what the Swede can do and our best goalie prospect to back up Lawson. Congrats to him, be played fantastic. lets keep it rolling against a beatable Oilers team.
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great win! the team is gaining confidence every game. sad but lets face it, d.p. will be injured over and over again and even though he should hang it up after this season, we will see this just about every time he is in goal for the next 12 years or so. there will never be consistancy with this team due to this but wang will never let d.p. retire even if he has to use crutchies as his goalie stick because wang will never admit his mistake in signing d.p. for 15 years. j.t. and moulson are hot and like i say the future of this team til 2015 will be answered when we see if wang tells snow to trade moulson for the customary 2 nd. round draft pick or he is signed. this will also go a long way in seeing if j.t. really wants to stay here or not.
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Eric says:
Honestly who cares about Dipietro? Other than the stupid contract this is a non issue. Lets face it, the contract is the only reason why we talk about this guy. Guys, Tavares is the face of this franchise not Dipietro and their are a lot of faces that come before him. Hes done. Lets just hope he retires before 31 so its not a cap hit. I feel bad for the guy but I feel worse for Islanders fans such as myself over the last 15 years. He would have been an elite goalie, but even before the contract I said the guy seemed he was always aching in pain. You would see the trainer come out during games during the 05-06 season before the mega cotnract was given out, before DP was playing like an elite goalie which was for nearly 2 seasons before getting hurt in a skills competition of all things. Capuano deserves all the credit in the world. CB: one thing you could have mentioned is the islanders are 4 for 4 on there last four attempts. Thats ALL Coaching. Forget the goals for a sec, the Power Play looks so much better. Macdonald looks like a real pro out there. But its ALL coaching with the PP. Got to give credit where its due. Capuano has done a very solid job.
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Riles says:
My prediction is the Isles make the Playoffs. #14 is right. There are plenty of games left in the season. Hell we’re not even at the half way mark. If they can play a little over .500 for the rest of the year they can possibly make it. I also agree that we need consistent healthy goaltending. I don’t blame Garth because I feel he did the right thing with Roloson. However, he needs to keep Moulson and bring in Leighton. It’s time to show that he truly feels that this is a playoff team. When Kyle comes back, it will be like making a mid season trade that costs nothing. I truly believe that we will make the playoffs, and I think the players do too. c’mon Garth show the fans that you haven’t mailed it in. ‘LET’S GO ISLANDERS!’
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Davie says:
Fan in Alberta, nice to actually get to see a full game. Excited to see them live in Edmonton on Thursday.
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islestyle says:
I’d definitely pick up Leighton. I understand what you’re saying CB, he is oft-injured and has a year left on his deal, but we can acquire him, then if he doesn’t work out or we decide to go another route in the near future, we can waive him or maybe trade him to a contender looking for a more reliable backup. i see no issue with taking a flyer (no pun intended) on a guy like Leighton, especially when we have room for err.
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Mike O says:
Just got back from the game. Great win by the Isles tonight. Tavares really impressed me with his poise. The guy is such a good playmaker. Too bad about DP, and I hope Lawson can get the 2 pts in Edmonton!
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Frank nyc says:
I am loving the way this team is playing lately.
The reason for that is probably all the wins.
whatever it is they are doing they need to keep it up.
GO ISLES! -
Al L says:
The Isles are on a nice little run thanks to the stand on head Goaltending of Dwayne Roloson and adrenalin assisted Nathan Lawson tonight. Its also good to see JT,PA and Matt working so well together.That is what extraordinary Goaltending does in this sport. It raises the energy level of teammates.
It was a nice touch seeing Mom teary eyed after the courageous effort of her son. Our overall defensive core is still weak and wins are still dependant on exceptional goaltending,something only a true #1 Goalie can provide over time. Nathan is a great kid,but not that guy.
Poulin may be,but it would be counterproductive to expose him to onslaughts on a nightly basis this early in his professional career.
CB! Labeling Michael Leighton as injury plagued is inaccurate. He had numerous injuries last season but was good enough to be trusted in the Stanley Cup Finals,and is completely healthy now. His Cap hit and salary is 1.5 and 1.6 mil for this year and next.
Leighton is not World Class,but is a legitimate NHL Goaltender,who arguably is a #1. If Snow with Wangs blessing is really focused on rebuilding properly,he must claim Leighton NOW!!!!
If they are going to chance him passing thru the rest of the League and depend on claiming him at half salary upon re-entry waivers after a stint at Adirondock,it will only further my suspicion this so called rebuild is nothing more than a 2015 death watch!!! -
CIsle says:
I saw the Calgary broadcast. They said nothing about Nielsen. He was out for the entire third, right? Did the Islander TV or Radio broadcast give any explanation whatsoever???
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MattNC says:
Great night for Tavares and Lawson. JT’s first goal showed his coolness in traffic and near the net. The second one was encouraging because JT seldom scores from further than 15 feet from the goalie. Last year I think he had only 2 goals from beyond that distance. ESPN has tonight’s slap shot (which was really more of a snap shot, with nice control) as a 30-footer. If JT continues to improve his medium-range sniping, and he gets some more help, in a few years we may have the 40-goal scorer we’ve been lacking for so long. Of course, he’ll have to keep working on that defense, too. Two nights in a row he was involved in 3 Islander goals, but was only +1 each night.
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ODG says:
Fran took a stick to the face. He returned after the incident, in fact nearly scored on a long shot. Hopefully, he’ll be ok for Thursday.
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Hud says:
No more JT is a bust comments here eh, kid is turning it on, awesome. Great passer, showing he can bury the puck. Now that DP is hurt do we trade for, um, Roloson?
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brian says:
It has to be mentioned that the Islanders are being bombed in shots on goal differential at near historic proportions, including when Hamonic and McD are on the ice. It has to be mentioned. I’m not sure you can continue to win this way. The Isles are benefiting from very shabby goaltending from the opposition.
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Ari (Not Haanpaa) says:
I’ll be darned. This run is actually starting to get pretty impressive. Still doesn’t make up for losing 18 of 19, which barring a miracle killed the season, but at least a glimmer of hope looks to have appeared once again. Of course we may be ruining our draft position and seeing DP go down once again is beyond aggravating, but maybe it gives another one of our goaltender prospects a shot at the NHL level.
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JT’s goal was a thing of beauty! Made me sooo happy. I liked his half-slapper too, I’d love to see more of that.
Moulson is the man.I hope Shremp doesn’t fall off, I’ve been enjoying his play very much.
AMac and Hamonic!!! I am ecstatic about them! I hope Hillen can step up and be what he was developing into prior to the Ovie slapshot to the face..
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Jim Clark says: Rick DiPietro injured in the first game after they trade Roloson away? Does Al Bundy own this team?
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isles72 says:
so is it safe to say the isles play better using the easier Capuano system .
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Djmc93 says:
LOVED the PA-JT-MM line like everyone else!! Phenominal first goal by JT. That’s the kind of stuff he’s gunn a bring in the future and I’m excited. I am a HUGE DP fan, but this is just horrible. I’m going to be on the computer all Evay today trying to figure out how bad this may be. Does anyone agree that MATT MARTIN has been playing amazing as a forechecker and grinder? I believe this guy is someone to put on the “need to sign long term” file! GO ISLES!!!!
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Tom T says:
About mid-day yesterday I read a “preview” article over at tsn.ca/nhl that naturally was Calgary-centric (nothing wrong with that being it’s a Canadian website), but the problem I did have was the amount of Calgary fans that chalked last night as a “sure 2 points”!! Ahhh I love sneaking up on teams and throwing it in their faces!! #1) Really, Flames fans? Like you have ANY reason to look past ANY team, even one with the Isles’ record, and #2) I’m just loving the fun of winning games, injuries or not!!
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Staten Islander says:
WOW! How did I know DP would get hurt again the minute they traded Rollie. Great game for JT and MM
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sean says:
Dp should just retire, tired of him having problems. Bruno and martinek should be traded. One is a waste of space and the other gets hurt if you look at him sideways.
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Joe G says:
You know whats really ashame about this streak the islanders are on? A real owner and GM who want to win would go out and add veteran pieces to the mix. But sadly with Wang and Snow the Islanders will do nothing. So its hard to get real excited about this when you have an owner who doesnt care and wont make this team better and more competitive. Its reality and it really is a shame. Wang should be looking at guys like Iginla right now. How would a line with Tavares and Iginla look right now? But the reality is Wang will continue to unload players and stay at the cap floor. Just sell the team please Wang.The Islanders and their fans deserve better!
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steve says:
as frustrated as i am and we all are and goaltending has been the backbone of the 7-1-1 streak you have to be impressed with some of our young talent.jt,nielson,schremp,amac,hamonic,bailey.not to mention we get okposo back.i think next year 2 forwards in ulstrum and niederreiter could be on the team.maybe dehaan and wishart.with poulin,nilsson and koskinen developing in net.
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dan says: I have been a fan since the 70′s. It’s frustrating to watch your home team with so much history being run like this. People losing jobs for being honest, veterans that don’t want to play here,etc. But I’m a die-hard fan and just hope they turn it around. Need some big bodies on defense maybe 6’8″ Emmerson from Utah (if he’s Isles player). With DP hurt now what. It’s nice to read all these comments from other passionate fans.
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dan says:
Hey is Snow going to be in goal? So Wang can save money by avoiding another paycheck to another goalie.
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Paul G says:
Islanders have 5 games in hand with Atlanta and 3 with the Rangers and Canadiens. When you realized that the Islanders are only 18, 17, 15 points back respectively with said games in hand. The Islanders are not as far from a playoff spot as one would think being ony 7 games below .500
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Ct 1970s says:
Great to see Islanders last night. The “kids” are coming along nicely. We have a lot to look forward to. This could well be the last year we are at the bottom of the heap. Give Poulin a chance to develope in Bridgeport, same with the other future Islanders. All seems to be looking up.
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Hollywood says:
Great first half not a very good second half but they didn’t fold which was promising. Lawson was incredible as was Hamonic and A Mac. Good roll they are on, no reason to think they can’t keep it up vs Edmonton.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
No comment on DP. I think we’ve seen the end of the age of the money goaltender with Brodeur’s career winding down anyway. Teams seem to be doing more with very good goaltending, excellent defense and solid forwards. I think we have a solid goaltending prospect corps.
Excellent 1st period.
Lawson did outstanding job coming in cold to weather the storm. A great homecoming of sorts.
What’s the deal with Neilsen? Serious injury?
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rob hock says:
Where was bailey last night? He has to be more active to be as effective as he has been. Jon Sim looked out of place playing with Shcremp, he couldn’t handle any of his saucers. But JT carried the team for 30 minutes- great to see
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Isles66 says:
I’m still PO’d about the Roloson trade but the team is really playing well and w/ character. First, to all the JT critics, keep quiet. The kid is coming into his own and unlike Stamkos, does not have the benefit of St Louis and Lecalvier to take the spotlight off him. Second, look at the record w/ Andy Mac in the lineup and out of the lineup. He has quickly become one of the top 5 guys on the club. I say give him the “C”. Doug Weight’s back spasms have been giving me stomach spasms. He’s a complete after thought at this point. Never even mentioned in the media. The captain needs to play every day and Doug Weight is balsa wood at this point. If we’re going young, Andy Mac should wear the “C”. Third, undecided about Leighton but i think we all know DP’s history and the likely outcome for this season in terms of health.
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j.branny says:
How can all you people above who are calling for Wishart to be pulled up into this lineup immediately to replace Gervais be serious? The guy hasn’t played in an NHL game in almost 2 years and has been with 4 teams in the last 3. None of the reports say he is NHL ready and only talk about him as having potential or being a project.
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Bronx 56 says:
This road trip is gonna tell us a lot about this team.The biggest change is that they are getting more than 1 or 2 goals a game. I don’t know about the playoffs but this team seems to be growing up in a hurry.Maybe the GM does have a clue?
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dave b says:
these last 9 games go to show that if any teams’ top player (tavares) is doing what he is supposed to be doing, the team will be successful. This is what everybody thought tavares was going to be, not a great skater, but hands as smooth as 21-year old scotch. the team is looking like they are on the right track but there is still a long way to go until we reach our full potential. when okposo returns and we bulk up on D-men a bit, we have a real playoff team.
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Joe says:
Great Job by the Isles for playing well over these last 10+ games. On a side note, does anyone know the status of Kyle Okposo??? I thought he was supposed to be back in December. Did he have a setback??
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People are nuts talking about bringing up Poulin. Why? To ride the pine? The kid needs starts, not backup role. With Koskinen and Lawson until DP returns he will get a good string of games in at the Bridge as the man.
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Brian G says:
No Leighton please…he is not worth it. He is another goalie who gets injuried all the time. Just bring up Poulin for a few games or if Snow wants to get creative, sign Nabakov for the rest of the year and trade him at the deadline for another one of his favorite – a 2nd round pick??
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shlo says:
They looked good.
Claim Leighton (getting him for nothing) and deal him later for a draft pick. That is Snow’s MO. Besides, Wang saved a lot of money dealing Wiz and Rollie. If cannot be dealt you have insurance in goal. DP cannot possibly last through his his contract.
Can’t believe JT first goal ,looked like he was against Islanders D during the losing streak…or maybe he is just that good. -
bhockey47 says:
Look haven’t we had enough of DP injuries, this guy would get hurt playing badmitton…isn’t it time to say enough is enough. The Roli thing was a good move for all, especially Roli, he truly deserves a run for the cup,,,but despite DP getting hurt AGAIN (OMG what a joke already) Lawson was sensational…why not go with him, the entire team is a bunch of rookies, shouldn’t the goalies be rookies too…enough is enough with DP, the guy would pull a groin muscle just going to the john.
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streit02 says:
Not sure if this has been mentioned, but DP’s injury supposedly isnt serious because it was not his knee. However, isn’t a abductor a hip issue? Which he has also had surgically repaired. Anyway, great win by the Isles. The whole team played great. They clogged up the neutral zone great and were anticipating the play all night. Good game by the boys
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Andre says:
JT is the real the deal. Always was and always will be. I never had a doubt in my mind. Forget Leighton. I would bring Koskinen up depending on how long DP will be out. If it extended, then I would look to sign Nabolov for the rest of the season. Bailey needs to move back to his natural position at center. That is where he will be most productive. At the end of the day, the Islanders are not going to continue winning giving up over 40 shots a game. They are not as bad as the long losing streak and not as good as they are now. They are still a lottery team that will get a top 3 to 5 pick. In the long term PA can’t be on the first line, but nevertheless the team is playing well and getting some nice bounces along the way.
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gordy lane says:
I could care less that the team gives up a lot of shots over the last few games. It is the quality of the shot that worries me more. A hot goaltender has the final say. I would gather that when KO gets back he goes on the line with Frans and Bailey. Move grabner to the 3rd line and sim to the 4th line.
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Brett says:
It’s been said many times, but Hamonic has been unreal. He looks like he owns the ice out there. He always makes the right play, is tough and is an obvious leader on the ice. I’ve really paid close to attention to him over the past few games and am really impressed by the way he sees the play. He is always telling his teammeates where to be in the defensive zone. Hope he keeps it up.
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Brian says:
DP has an adductor strain. That’s a hip muscle not a knee injury.
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Sumo Goalie says:
No way we sign Nabokov. First someone else has to sign him and with TB out of the picture and the Caps getting hot with Varly, that isn’t happening. He isn’t coming to the Island unless we get him on waivers. Leighton? Everyone here seems to forget he was nothing special for a while in Carolina…but there’s a reason Philly couldn’t get a back of pucks for him. Pass.
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PotvinRocks says:
This just in “Adductor” is number 1 google search by Islander fans today. DP really can’t buy a break. I mean this is a little ridicious. He is like Samuel Jackson in Unbreakable.
Hamonic and MacDonald have been great. They have been consistantly great. They have been our best Defensemen. Their future looks great.
Tavares has been fantastic. That 1st goal was beautiful. That is a great goal scores goal. Take an inch and make it a foot. Impressive.
These ebbs and flows of the this team is really manic. With the winless streak and the 0 for 25 on the PP and then they score on 4 straight PP and have won 7 of 9. They need to find someone or something that they can all look at when things are bad that can help them turn it around. A Captain or Kyle Okposo. -
Over the last couple of years everytime they lose neilson to a injury the isles always go on a losing streak.coincidence or dismissed as chance?
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puckhead says:
Nate the Great….4get Leighton…this team has some fire right now…perhaps a glimpse of the future?
JT is playin like the man we all had hoped 4….keep it up kid
Lookin forward 2 Thursday…..beatable Oil…
Lets Go Islanders!
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“where’s Dubie when you need him”!!!!
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
We have plenty of goaltenders on the ice, in Bridgeport, in the front office and in the coaching ranks so please take a pass on Leighton. Much like Brooklyn Dodgers fans used to pray for Gil Hodges to get out of his slump, we should do the same for Ricky’s health.
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Frank says:
Just a quick note about the Rolo trade.. I happened to come across Dale Tallon, the GM of the Panthers, while I was at the World Juniors. I asked him what he thought of the deal and he told me that Snow pretty much got all he could for a 41 year old goalie at the end of his contract!! Just thought I should add that little tidbit. Let’s go Islanders!!!!
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Irish Isle says:
Happy that Nate the Great got to play in front of his family
Impressed by Tavares sick first goal, and impressive game all around.
Worried about Ricky’s lower body. The very first game following the Roli trade and he is injured.
Dumbfounded why Capuano didnt have either Tavares or Moulson out there with the open net as both had the chance for the hat trick.
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ClarkGillies says:
DP has the heart of a lion but the body of a scarecrow might be time to consider walking away gracefully. Can we get a defenseman who has seen that inside of a weight room ? We don’t have one defenseman who can hit or clear the crease. Who are they trying to market to with the shirtless chain wearing hockey player working out? It is unacceptable and strange.
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sign guy says:
Travis Hamonic will be the next Dennis Potvin, the kid just has it!!
isles on a roll. Tavares 1st goal was downright nasty. I want to see more of that.
where was Comeau tonight?