DEVILS 3 ISLANDERS 2
A quiet game, a final flurry and a loss.
by Kevin Schultz
If you turned off the television because you couldn’t sit through the beginning of this game, I don’t blame you. The Islanders were in New Jersey for a hockey game tonight, sure, but there really wasn’t much going on for the first 50 minutes. The Devils took an early lead and were not threatened for the early part of the game, making it look like another low-scoring snoozer in the swamp. A hockey game did take place in the final 10 minutes, however.
The Isles sleepwalked through much of the game and found themselves down 2-0 halfway through the third when Marc Katic went off for a very questionable four-minute high sticking penalty. Frans Nielsen scored his league leading 7th shorthanded goal and the Islanders didn’t allow a shot on that PK, looking as if they had started to wake up. Nielsen would score four minutes later to tie the game in a scrum inside Marty Broduer’s kitchen, that goal serving to apparently wake up the Devils. A little over a minute later Andy Greene regained the lead for New Jersey and despite some chances for the road team in the final minutes, that would be all.
Two minutes into the first, Zenon Konopka exacted revenge on David Clarkson for the perceived slight toward coach Jack Capuano last time these teams met. According to pre-game reports from the venerable Kate Strang the Isles had no hard feelings and didn’t expect any retaliation. Clearly, there was at least one person on the roster who felt otherwise. Matt Martin also fought New Jersey’s Jay Leach, making it two games in a row the Isles had two fights early in the first period.
For those keeping score, that’s now three divisional opponents the Isles have made – or at least tried to make – retaliatory statements against. The Devils tonight, the Flyers last Saturday and of course the Penguins. It will be interesting to see what happens on this front next season and the next time someone takes a cheap shot at an Islander.
I don’t want to over-hype the significance of one player – let’s be clear, there was a lot going wrong tonight – but with Michael Grabner out of the lineup we got to see how this team looks without his speed and energy. It’s not a pretty picture and would have helped some messy looking penalty kills early in the game. When Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo had some offensive chances on the PK in the third period, the difference without Grabner’s blazing speed was obvious.
A few weeks ago the Isles had two hard fought losses against a red-hot Devils team. Tonight’s game was the complete opposite as the play of both teams has cooled off considerably with the playoffs fading and the end of the regular season coming into view. In the end, the Islanders didn’t really test Marty Brodeur outside a few minutes in the second period and the second half of the third. This was, until they started scoring, very nearly the opposite of a complete effort. On the other side, the Devils didn’t get a shot and gave up Nielsen’s SHG on a four-minute power play in the third and feebly surrendered a two-goal lead before taking back the lead.
With five games to go in the year, the Islanders handed the team directly in front of them in the standings two points (in regulation, no less). Given that, it may be time to look ahead towards the draft lottery. Currently, the Isles are tied for fourth with the Florida Panthers who are winless in their last six and host Ottawa tomorrow night. The Islanders will host the Rangers tomorrow night at 7 PM. Each team has five games left to go.
Comments on tonight’s game in this thread.
87 Responses to DEVILS 3 ISLANDERS 2
A quiet game, a final flurry and a loss.
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Isle B A Fan says:
As usual the Islander only needed to score 4 goals to win a game DP played in.
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Staten Islander says:
Ya gotta love what DP does for their Draft positioning. This was a tough one to watch.
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Exilesurfskim56 says:
When is the lottery drawing anyway?
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Larry Satler says:
Please tell me Big Al was the designated driver for Grabs tonight otherwise who made the decision to start DP? The game was one where the Isles clearly mailed it in…..not even worth $20. The Tavares line was so quiet I had to put my DVR on slowmo to see them at all. DP gave up the winning goal to a guy the Devils fan want to see gone by next season. If Caps really believes DP is the #1 goalie then he needs to go. Funny team, when they seem to be playing like they belong in the NHL they come out and play games like tonight. Thanks Frans for representing.
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claude says:
So tired of DP and his three goal games. He should have stopped that last one.The locker room must be a real party. Every time I turn on MSG and see him in net I become nauseous.Caupano was pissed during the post game. Can you blame him?
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Islesphan25 says:
Kevin it was Katic that got the 4 min Pen.
Katic is going to be a very good D-Man for the Isles…Does everything right…
Red light Ricky does it again….Let him play the rest…Give BIG AL Rangers game….
Top 3 here we come…Red Light Ricky in perfect form…
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mm says:
dp cant make a big save.
this team is spinning it wheels with him in net.im over it.
im over him. -
LuvMyIsles says:
You mean it WASN’T all DiPietro’s fault? You look at the posts on Facebook and Twitter and you’d think he single-handedly lost the game. I agree the Isles really missed Grabner tonight. As for the rest of the team, I’m sorry but you can’t just show up for a portion of the game and expect to win.
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NYI FAN says:
Kevin, you left out DP being out of position, bad rebound, etc & putting the Isles out of it. Otherwise, it is 1-0 going into the third or better yet, 0-0. DP needs a season in Bridgeport.
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Dan says:
DP has to make that a save on that last goal. The last 2 games he has made this team lose.
Rest of the team played like crap too.
I hope we can resign Nielson after this season. Im getting worried he will be traded or let go after next season. I hope not because he is our best all around defensive player.
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caber09 says:
DP 17 saves/20 shots (1 for 3 in the 3rd, after Isles battle back to tie game) 85% Save %…DP IS BACK TO FORM!
This team will go NOWHERE with DP in net next year, same pattern will happen, no progress. All the improvements of the team as a whole will go down the drain again due to DP..just like it has every year he has been with the team.
Great Goaltenders make great saves when their team needs it the most…DP have NEVER done that and NEVER will. -
16 expiring says:
DiPietro number 1 goalie in 2013 = FORFEIT OF 2013 SEASON.
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Strummer's Army says:
ENOUGH! The insane DP haters are blind because of their hatred. Martinek and Hillen are the guys who lost the Islanders the game. On ice for 2 of the goals and it was their terrible play that led to those goals being scored against. First one Hillen didn’t want to check the oppossing player dispit numerous opportunities, then one of the worse d-men in Isles history Radek Martinek lost Kovi giving his a point blank shot. They were equally as bad on the other goal. The announcers saw it but those stricken with blind hatred of a person will never see the truth. I’m not saying Rick is playing anywhere near where he is capable but any goalie would have been scored on based on the play of Martinek and Hillen.
When you are ready to start winning there will be no Martinek, Hillen, Geravis, or Parenteau.
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Jon in Chicago says: I never advocate losing for a better draft pick, but with the exception of tomorrow’s game against the Rangers, I wouldn’t have much of a problem if the Isles blow the rest of their games. Who cares if they finish with 72 points, 74 or 76? It is interesting how Montoya, Poulin and even Koskinen have winning records while DP doesn’t.
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Merrick says:
Whether you want to criticize DP or not, how can you write a long story on the game without even mentioning his name?
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Les says:
congrats to michael grabner and family on the birth of his son
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Why don’t we make D.P a forward? He is usually half way up the ice anyway! Seriously, yes, the team played poorly for 2 periods, but letting that 3rd goal go in like 10 seconds after we tie the game from close to the blue line without being screened from a guy that never scores….how deflating to our guys that worked so hard to tie it! Play Montoya tomorrow, I don’t want to be humiliated in my own building by moronic rag fans when D.P lets in 7 goals! You can play Rick for the rest of the games after that, so we have better drafting position. P.S. Where was Grabner? Is he injured?
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moonshine says:
played well enough to win. slow start, but imo the islanders came into the game before the last ten minutes. they just couldn’t find the net until late. on the whole they played nj even, at least. but at each key point (early 1st, and then late with tie score) the goalie got beat. nj’s defense is weak, but the goalie bails them out.
dp needs to save at least one of those three. and if he’s good, two.
amazing pk, considering who played. i made the short (for me) drive to newark. in warmups i saw gillies. i saw joensuu. i saw konopka, haley, and martin. and so i realized someone good was missing… when i figured out it was grabner, my heart sank. which reminded me how badly they need to re-sign this guy.
i love going to the barn, but the comparison to a state-of-the-art arena like prudential center is simply embarrassing.
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51 FN & 21 KO says:
Frans Nielsen deserves this years islanders MVP award. He is without a doubt, the smartest player on the team. Very rare to see him giveaway the puck or make bad decisions. Very skilled, just needs to score more 5 on 5. He played great tonight as he did consistently all year. KO was in top 4 in NHL last year in takeaways (& didn’t even play full season). Hope he becomes the next captain. He deserves it with his consistent leadership and hard work on the ice.
RDipetro does not look like he will ever return to his semi-elite status liked we all had hoped he would. Just doesn’t look like his reaction & reflexes are there anymore. I would like nothing more than for him to back to his old form. He has a great personality & he actually loves being on LI. Too bad though because it will take a miracle to bring him back to # 1. Well CB said he is going to be #1 so let’s just hope. But I love the way Al Montoya has been playing, so hopefully he gets his revenge on the Rangers tomorrow. Let’s go Isles!! -
Adam says:
20 shots and he can only stop 17. I’d rather take the hit on the cap then keep this bum around. The Isles have to score over 3.5 goals a game to have a chance to win. He is 74th in the league in GAA & 73rd in save % w/ a .889%. Pay him to play in Bridgeport so the REAL Isles can win a Cup!!! THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE Mr. WANG!! GET RID OF HIM!!!!! If he was a real man he would give back the rest of that contract!!!
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Jim Clark says: Roloson didn’t have a winning record either.
That being said, we all knew that when DP started and that Capuano saved Montoya to give us a better chance against the Rags. Which is fine as far as it goes. But next year, if Poulin recovers fully, Wang’s pet better be in Bridgeport or in a tv studio after a buyout.
Just like in “I, Claudius” were Tiberius nurtured Caligula to bean asp in Rome’s bosom to get revenge for not being loved, Milbury nurtured his fellow Massachusettean to get revenge on New Yorkers (bay State residents see no difference between Rangers and Islanders).
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for once i am glad d.p. gave up his usual game losing goal after the isles fought back to tie the game i am not upset because thinking of next year ( the draft) its for the best. with montoya in goal tomorrow ( unless cappy wants to give the rags a automatic 2 points) there should be a lot more energy but it will be very difficult without grabner. just goes to show you what i said yesterday and in the past, for once wang has to open up his wallet and sign grabner. there is no excuse. as snow says in his usual pr line, “when ever i needed something, charles never said no” if thats the case, lets see wang for once do the right thing. whats the excuse? there is none. for once wang has to stop being so cheap. to end the year on a positive note,lets see wang sign grabner til 2015.
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Al says:
What a stinker. I hope they play better than this tomorow… Montoya and Grabs should make a difference.
DP, letting the air out of the balloon again. How about a big save when we need it. -
The New Isles GM says:
I actually got a little worried after we tied it up. The last thing I want to do is take ourselves out of the draft lottery. After this season that has been filled with little highs and many lows, at least the hockey gods are giving us a shot at the 1st overall pick. Maybe this is all part of their plans, so that we can win a cup one day like Chicago.
I’m not going to sit here and bash on DP. Everyone does that enough on this blog, it’s becoming a bit stale at this point. I’m sure his game is not where he wants it and he knows how we feel. Didn’t he get boo’ed on opening night by his own home crowd, chanting ROLO by the end of the 1st. He knows what’s up. We’ll see how this whole DP thing pans out. Let’s stop talking about him from here on out and focus on the draft. That’s next up for the Islanders….then July 1st UFA
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islesfandanburyct says:
I’ve been an avid reader on this site for the past 2-3 years and have been a die-hard isles fan since I was a little kid over 20 years ago. I’ve been suffering season after season and this one is no different. However, I’ve been optimistic about Garth’s slow rebuild and I have to say that there has been some progress. From some good drafting (Hamonic, Martin, Tavares) to great scrap heap pick ups (Moulson, Grabner); this team has shown some promise and I’m excited about next season.
BUT…like the vast majority of fans have been saying, DP has to go. If he is the number 1 goalie next year I have no doubt this team won’t make the playoffs. I kinda feel bad for the guy because myself and many other fans are actually hoping for him to get injured again. I wish the team would either buy him out or he would just give up and retire because his performance is barely even at the AHL level.
I’m not going to say that I’m going to stop heading down to the island for a few games a year or stop watching them on TV if DP continues to give away games next season.
As for Wang, I think he is a stubborn owner, unwilling to recognize his mistakes (keeping milbury around for WAY too long, signing DP for an eternity) but I do think he is committed to keeping the team in NY, which I’m grateful for. This team would probably have moved away 10 years ago if he didn’t buy the team. I’ll stick with this team like I always have, unless they move. Then I probably don’t know what I’ll do. -
Jmig15 says:
I know the season has been done for a while, but man can DP suck the life out of the party.
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DP=Draft Position
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Eric says:
@24: It’s hard to stop talking about him when he continues to cost this team games and is too selfish/stubborn to admit it. When he either a) becomes a legit NHL goalie again, or b) goes away, then we’ll stop talking about him….and I wouldn’t put money on a).
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TimQ says:
The only thing that matters right now is that we improve our draft position. As difficult as it sounds a regulation loss is the best thing right now. Next best thing is a 3 point game between Florida and Ottawa tomorrow
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EricCup says:
Kevin – “Very questionable”? Call it what it was – a HORRENDOUS call! 4 minutes when he never touched him after he was hit with the puck. More horrible officiating. PA hooked down with a loose puck in front of him and an open net. The funny thing about the 4 minute penalty is NJ didn’t get a shot on net but Franz got another shorty – unreal!
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Anthony says:
We will never win with DP in net period. Broduer makes big saves at end of game and DP lets in a wrist shot from face off circle with no one in front,after we fight hard to come back and tie it.Hes a joke.
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steve k says:
Hopefully DP will play the rest of the season so we may be able to bump a spot or two up in the lottery.
DP is truly a disaster.
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David says:
Didnt get to watch the game but can someone please tell me if DP is still wearing that old school mask or is he back to his normal mask? Thanks guys.
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@28 – that is probably the best thing I’ve ever read on this blog. CLASSIC!
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Islebethere4u says:
Watched most of the game. with only one senior D-man on the ice, it really showed. I agree with CB, not having Grabner really showed with a lack of spark. Only bright spot was Frans. I say again, there really isn’t any DP hating going on here. People are simply stating fact. DP is injured too often and on IR too many times to really be consistent. He looked lost at times tonight. Especially on the second goal where on the big rebound he simply had no idea where the puck was. That just happens too many times with Rick. AS for the rest, you simply cannot expect to win by playing only 10-15 minutes a game. As Al Arbour used to say, “you just can’t turn it on and off when you feel like it.” We are out of it and not even spoilers that much any more. We are playing for pride and the draft lottery for these last five games, so no one should be upset about what the team does from here out. Really…its no big whoop. Congrats to Michael Grabner on the birth of his new baby!
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geduffer says:
No doubt about it, DP sucks. As long as they refuse to bite the bullet and buy out this clown, they’ll never need to sell playoff tickets. Oliver Perez is a better pitcher than DiPoo-etro is a goaltender.
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DP is 76th out of 85 NHL Goalies this year in Save Percentage. And he is 74th out of 85 NHL Goalies this year in G.A.A. Kevin Poulin & Al Montoya are near the top. I mean give me a Break !
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mtrico says:
DiPietro really was terrible tonight. Every time they force him into the lineup, it kills whatever positive momentum the team has. It really is too bad, because we will never get rid of the guy.
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jamal says:
i get the feeling capuano is being forced to put dp in the net. If it was really his choice he would want to win games and put montoya in.
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Spittin'chicklets says:
… and I don’t want to hear anyone whining about stop all the Dipietro bashing.
It’s not bashing or unwarranted if its true. Sure he’s missed a but load of hockey, sure he’s made bad decisions and put himself in harms way ultimately hurting the club.. and he also hasn’t shown any reason to think he should fill the number one spot in net either. It’s really just that simple. -
DenP says:
I did see it a little different than CB, myself. I was at the game and I saw a lot of good opportunities that Marty robbed from us. Yes we were a bit flat at times and we need to find more ways to finish period! We went from scoring 4 to 5 goals a game to 3 in our last two. However, I think two of the three Devil’s goal should have been stopped! I think this one falls mostly on DP.
I too am frustrated with DP, and would love to see more AL. But, the reality is he has a 10 years left on his contract. Cappy has probably been told by Snow to get him up and running, hoping to build him back up for next year.
The DP thing is tough! He is a great guy that loves it here. There was a time when the Old Barn was filled with chants of D-P! He will get back to form, but if he doesn’t or he gets hurt again, its great to know we have AL waiting in the wings.
Final note, I too was hopeful to see AL tonight. However, it is quit common for teams that have back to back games to use two different goalies. I’m figuring Cappy saved AL for the Rangers; he needs vindication. Lets hope he gets it.
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LInCO says:
Wish I could add something original but I pretty much hate the sight of DP just like everyone else and that ruins the games for me. It just seems he always lets in an early goal or 2 (or 3) and we get the life sucked out of us like “here we go again”.
CB, I think it would help us fans if you thought it was possible that DP could end up at least in a 1B role next year if Montoya plays well and DP plays like…well…DP. Would you think this is a possibility?
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Vato Kakes says:
Maybe Di-Pity can host swamp thing next season..
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Or it is swamp people…anyhoot lets go ISLES…crash the city girls tonight..And Butchie, damn did I love ya in the 80′s bro but ur killing me of late with ur commentary or lack of..
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Darren says:
Looked like a team with nothing to play for and looking forward to the offseason and next year. DP was uninspiring, but needs the work. I want to root for him, but he needs to stop being a distraction.
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14, no hatred here, at all. As someone else has said, if you can’t see that DiPietro is an American League goalkeeper, now, then you, frankly, don’t know what you’re looking at. I will grant you that Kovalchuk’s 1st goal was from the slot, but even on that goal DP slid the wrong way before the puck was even relased. And dumping four defensemen, as you suggested, smacks of Mike Milbury deja vu.
Look, I have no ill will personally against DiPietro. In fact, I fill badly that he is physically broken and really needs to start exploring retirement because you don’t screw with concussions (much less his multitude of other serious injuries). I believe that anyone, including ownership, management, media, or fans who overlook Rick’s history with multiple serious concussions are complicit, if he develops an organic neurological condition later in life. This is never discussed with DiPietro’s situation, but to ignore it is truly hatred for his physical and mental health. The fact that he is even being considered as number 1 goalie actually smacks more of avarice then anything else, in my opinion.
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Nick from Austin, TX says:
HELLO DRAFT LOTTERY!! Anybody else down for an 0-5 finish (and yes that includes the Stangers game tomorrow night, we got bigger things to worry about at this point, right?).
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rob says:
#1 Ladeskog is good and will be gone 1 or 2 but Larson is the real deal and is the big nasty d man this team is craving. Picture a bigger Amac with a mean side who hits like Web. So draft position is important.
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dan says: If DP needs that much conditioning do what everyone else has to do play in the minors until you get you game back. In his case I don’t think its coming back. They sign him to a huge contract yet it seems like pulling teeth when it comes to signing young prospects. Weight is having a better season then DP…… exactly. With poulin and Montana and I’m pretty sure nilsson will be arriving soon I really don’t see dp here much longer. Can the front office really be that stupid. No offense DP but you make good money and us fans are paying money to see you we have a right to be pissed and to be honest that you stink. Athletes more often then not don’t except the fact when its time to retire because your body just doesn’t do what it used to. DP you want to win the fans hearts? Retire.
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KaiserVanIslander says:
1st goal- went right shot was to the left
2nd goal- big rebound, no clue where the puck was
3rd- goal gotta have that one! Greene 2 goals this season
NO BIG SAVE from DPDid you see how Marty moves the puck? No turnovers, doesn’t play it if he doesn’t need to. Seems like DP always has to touch the puck in some way. How many turnovers a game for DP 5-6? DP always skates with the puck or throws it out after the whistle. Do you see Marty doing that?
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Salon says:
The team has a terrible record with Amac out of the lineup and also with Jurcina out. So with both out and DP in net there was no surprise tonight. Great game by Franz. Looking forward to the draft, hoping for Landeskog, Nugent-Hopkins, or Larsson. Can’t wait for next year!
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Chris says:
Chris/Kevin Why do you not acknowledge DP’s play to tonight
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Bill says:
Some people here must have been watching a different game than I was. DP made several outstanding saves before giving up a goal on a near perfect shot. If you feel the need to blame someone, than blame the guys who failed to cover Kovy from 10 feet out or the players who couldn’t clear the rebound from the Devil player who just walked right in and scored without being touched. How many NHL goalies can stop Kovy from 10-15 feet out in the slot wthout a D-man near him?
The Islands lost this game because their number one line generated zero, nada nothing. Moulson and JT were invisible all night. Both looked like they were skating in mud.
Extend Frans Neilsen now before he gets too well known and we end up losing him
to a team that wants to spend money on players.As an aside, I just bought a season ticket package for next year. After having been a season ticket holder since the first season, I gave them up after the 2005 season. But now, I see a ray of hope and am really excited about next season. And the price is right. Nice going
on the new ticket packages. -
Anth says:
I know the Isles played a terrible 1st and 2nd per.. but the team did battle back with 2 goals in the 3rd…. sometimes your goalie needs to make a big save or stand on his head! Part of the reason the Isles turned things around was because of good goalie in net! DP has not proven to anyone that he has what it takes to be the number 1 goalie for this team! Go Al Montoya!!!!
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Onesinceforty says:
Don’t be so negative everyone. By only allowing 3 last night, DP actually lowered his GAA.
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RuudfromtheNetherlands says:
If Donovan, Katic, Wishart and De Haan are going to be solid defensemen. Then you’ll have:
Streit-De Haan
MacDonald-Hamonic
Eaton-JurcinaHillen, Donovan, Wishart, Mottau.
Should the Isles draft a defenseman? I don’t think that, cause I think this D is more than capable, if they stay healthy.
I think Nugent-Hopkins, Landeskog or Couturier will be the best fits. They all can play at the wing. So does Tavares.
Also, the Isles need that veteran player with loads of experience up front, why not try to get Martin St. Louis as a free agent this year? I’ll bet Tavares’ numbers will go tru the roof with him on his side! Dispite his age, he’s putting up really impressive numbers and he will to that for at least 3 more years!
Hopefully the Isles get to 3rd place from below in the standings, not that I want the team to be losing. But if you see the D at this moment, there is a good chance the Isles will lose 4 of their 5 final games. Maybe we’ll get really lucky and win the lottery!
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@50…While I agree with the fact that the #1 line needs to do more. I have to disagree with you on the D.P. part. He does make big saves every so often, the problem is he doesn’t make the BIG SAVE when the team needs it. That last goal he had nobody in front of him and let a guy who hadn’t scored in ages look like Pierre Turgeon with a wicked wrister. D.P.= No Playoffs!!!
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Jisles says:
first post in a while. why this game bothered me, a game of no signifigance but it did. Three things in particular:
1. Once again DP cant make a big save late. Even when he was healthy he gave up soft goals late in games. Im so tired of this guy. I was hoping he could make it back but it is OVER!!! RETIRE ALREADY!
2. KO. I think if there is one player who is overated it is this guy. Thats right islander fans KO is not a top line player. this guy has played 33 games and has 5 goals. that equates to a 10 goal season just about. Is that the production we are looking at for a top 6 forward? How many times am I gonna see the toe drag move down the wing and him turning it over. How many times will he miss the net or hit the post or shoot the puck into the goalies glove with a wide open net!!! We are hoping for ko to be a 60-70 pt player on this team. I dont see that happening. KO is a 3rd line grinder. he has value for sure but will never be a big scorer. More the reason this team needs a veteran top 6 forward.
3. Another loss to a divisional opponent. This is killing them. They only have 5 wins in the division. If they want to make the playoffs next year this has to change.
Lets go Islanders!!
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Bob Bassen says:
Yeah, right. It’s ALL DP’s fault. (AHEM) I was watching a team (except for our 4th line) that is clearly more concentrated on making flight reservations for golf outings than much else. Guess I shouldn’t blame them. I wonder just what kind of *pressure* this team is ever under to win and from whom? Maybe it’s there…who knows. Even under Gordon I seem to remember slow starts out of the gate…
Anyway, guess it’s that time of year for ME to decide which team I want to root for in the Stanely Cup Playoffs. (sigh) -
there’s also such a thing as bailing out your d-men with a good save. which, for anyone who also notices the other team, is exactly what brodeur did all night long. the devils’ defense was much worse than the islanders. look at how many penalties the islanders killed without dp having to make miracles.
i’m not a dp (or anybody else) basher. i think he should play as much as possible the last few games. with this back-to-back i’m fine that he played last night. but you can’t blame JUST the d-men for the goals. the goalie is there precisely to clean up what the d-men didn’t prevent.
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Winning says:
Dipietro has a save% that makes him worst goalie in the nhl. If the dynasty islanders had dipietro and his save% as a starting goalie the team gets eliminated in the first round instead of winning 4 cups.
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nosebleed says:
The only way this turd becomes the #1 goalie is by length of contract, not ability. Chis continues to state that if healthy, DP will be #1. Well, what about talent? Obviously, he has lost whatever talent he had.
How does he give up that last goal? Again, I turned the TV on (Doc and Chico, Going burns my ears), and I see this puke in net. I quickly change channels and watched an hour of househunters. I then turn it on to see 2-2, only to see him watch the puck float right past his arm. How deflating is this guy?
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sect 107 says:
Was this game predictable or what? Isles go down a cple of goals then come back to make it even only to have DP let in the game winner. LOL Its getting comical to watch. If these games meant something then it wouldn’t be so funny. Snow HAS to see what we see. He has to figure a way to keep Red light Ricky out of the nets next yr for this team to keep improving. Period.
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It really doesn’t matter if Snow sees or not. This guy has Wang in his pocket and ten years remaining on one of the most disgraceful contracts ever. What we are learning is that ability does not matter. If he is healthy, then he is #1. Healthy, is better than ability.
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Frankie D says:
Strummer, you have to be kidding. On Kovies goal he tried to outguess him and moved right and left half the net open for him. Kovi’s not going to miss that. On the 2nd goal he gives up the rebound to his left and looks to his right for the puck. I won’t fault him on that, could happen to any goaltender. The 3rd goal, and the game loser, he fans on a puck from 15 feet out. He wanders out of the net, takes too many chances with the puck and we’ve seen him get burned in the past. He just doesn’t get it. But, Charles saw fit to hand him a 15 year contract and we’re stuck with him. The only thing I see is that Montoya blows him away next year and Ricky becomes the backup. (an expensive one at that) Maybe it will be a blow to his ego and he’ll retire.
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91NYfan91 says:
would any one do this trade. dp and the isles 1st round pick this year for a 7th round pick.DP is not even close to the same goalie a few years ago, hes much slower. still got another 10 years with him, I rather be done with him.
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Bjorn Holland says:
Do yo”fans” blame DP for everything?
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Alan says:
Bottom Line:
Ricky has no lateral movement, quite evident on the first two Devil goals. This situation needs to be resolved before the start of next season. Nino with another goal and an assist last night and Landeskog with two more goald last night. Thinking about April 12th and the draft lottery.
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Scott S. says:
3rd goal was a great shot, but would have liked to see it saved. Not sure Montoya lets that one in.
But seriously, how many times have you seen a goalie do what DP did on the 2nd goal when he looked the wrong way for the rebound…
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Bob E says:
Kevin no need to sugar coat it. Devils did not outplay Isles. Isles lost b/c DP was in net. Difference in game is Broduer makes big saves. DP does not. I cant remember last time i said “wow what a save by DP”. If montoya plays last night, Isles win. Plain and simple.
If we want to get another top 3 pick. just keep playing DP.
I Like DP, but sometimes the body just tells you, sorry you cant do it at this level anymore. Weight played 2 season more than his body told him too.
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David from Sweden says:
In 2029 I hope we draft Grabner Jr. God he was missad tonight. Congrats btw!
Looking forward to the draft. Any in the top 4 is fine with me.
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Peter says:
Mr. Duncan Siemans to keep the net area nice and tidy in front of Big Al and Kevin. The kid has a definite mean streak.
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MarioGazz says:
Was at the game last night and was sitting 5 rows behind Dp and he was awful!!!!!!! He was so out of position on some shots that it was hard for the devils not to score. Thank god they missed the net. That 3rd goal was a joke. My 6 yr old son could make that save. Dp is slow and cant move side to side anymore. Im sorry but he is finished. As far as the rest of the team, the devils were closing everything down on them. Watch the other games the devils play, its the same thing. Nobody plays open against the devils. Also, give marty credit. He made some great saves to keep us off the board.
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NewtownJack says:
Having to start DP is probably beyond Coach Jack’s control. After they tied the game at 2, I would’ve loved to see them swap goalies in an attempt to get the win and play spoiler.
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Hockey Guy in Canada says:
I’m surprised some young guys on this team do not seem more hungry to acheive personal milestones at this point. Grabner missed last night but has been stuck at 31 goals while Jeff Skinner is not slowing down and proving why he will be named rookie of the year. John Tavares’ time is running out to reach 30 goals. Matt Moulson got his 30th and seemingly packed it in. Also, agree with poster calling Okposo overrated. Looking more and more like a Brad Izbister type career. Next year he must show his worth. Personally, I would be persuing trade options with him at this point but can’t blame Garth for doing what he said he would do in terms of patience. This team needs to show us something against the Rangers plain and simple.
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G says:
RICKY REDLIGHT.
early goal to deflate us in the beginning. then we’re down 2-0 to Brodeur. we battle back to tie it in the 3rd. 5 minutes to go, DP lets in a soft goal from an unknown….what a surprise. DP is the reason we lose. great heart, but he’s done. -
LouD says:
“Questionable” high sticking call? Kevin didn’t you watch the game. There was no question involved, it wasn’t high sticking in any way shape or form. Katic took the shot or tried to put the puck around the boards and it went off a stick and hit the guy in the face. He was hit with the puck and even the Jersey announcers said it was a horrible call after replay.
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Bill A says:
Unfortunately as long as DP is our #1 goalie, we will never have a realistic chance of being a contending team for the cup. He is a lose cannon and is too inconsistent in net.
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The Rags will be desperate. Please, Please, just win tonight for the fans who supported this team all year and are tired of hearing rag fans louder than us in our own building. We have a shot if Montoya and Grabner play. For the rest of the games…put D.P in so we can improve draft position!
ARE YOU LISTENING TO YOUR FANS, GARTH AND CHARLES??? -
Wally Grodner says:
DP’s best spot on this team should be at the MSG sports Desk!
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Thats the only job his ego will allow. Front and center infront of the camera.
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Still think he would be great at shooting the t shirts from off the zamboni. Don’t know how good he would look wearing an ice girl outfit though.
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Alfred says:
How could this entire summary of last night’s game not say anything about the poor goaltending from DP?
To the Kevin Schultz who wrote this posting, why no mention of at least two week goals that Rick let in? Letting in that third goal was a true rally killer after the Isles tied it up 2-2.
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Eddie Shack says:
Word is Grabner still out tonight with his girl friend awaiting the birth of his son. What is this….the NBA????
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Gene F says:
Kevin, is there any specific reason you didn’t mention DP’s awful performance last night? It was painful to to watch how the team worked pretty hard to tie the game and then he let the soft goal in. (not to mention how he looked the opposite way on the second goal)
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Hey Di-pity was able to capture the #3 knockout of the year when johnson fed him a kah-nuckle sandwich….see there is a postive in a negative..
I only want the Isles to get Landeskog. I dont think theres any chance Colorado passes on him. I feel Edmonton will draft a center. So as long as the Isles stay in the top 5 i dont think theres any difference. All guys can be interchangeable.