RANGERS 6 ISLANDERS 3
Islanders’ 4-0-3 streak ends; DiPietro return near
UPDATED: 3:00 - Despite his agent calling reports this week of his leaving Minnesota “irresponsible,” Aaron Ness has signed with the Islanders, per Katie Strang.
Wednesday, Noon - NYI make it official. DiPietro off IR, Lawson to Bridgeport.
Random thoughts while watching the end of the Islanders’ 4-0-3 streak tonight at MSG, as the Rangers won their fourth of five games this season against the New York rivals:
Jack Capuano may learn to not bother going public with criticism of referees, and instead keeping the dialogue internal between Islanders management and the NHL. The hooking call on Michael Grabner, putting the Islanders shorthanded 3-on-5 while trailing 4-2 late in the third period, smelled a little bit like, “Take that, Jack,” from the on-ice officials. Capuano smiled as Grabner skated to the penalty box, as if he knew his team just paid the tax. This is how it has been done for a long time in the NHL.
His team down 2-0 at the start of the second, John Tavares temporarily took over with the skill level and passion that helps franchises win games and sell tickets. Another night, another majestic Tavares pass from behind the net (this time to Jack Hillen for Matt Moulson’s 30th goal of the season). Another night, another feather/saucer pass (this time to P.A. Parenteau). If Nino Niederreiter continues to develop properly, he and Tavares are going to make some combination in a year or two.
The 19-11 shot totals in favor of the Rangers aside, Henrik Lundqvist was the difference in the first period. He had every right to take it personally when the Rangers started the second like they just finished a nap.
The Islanders’ inability to continue the momentum after they tied the game at 2-2 was a disappointing failure by the players and the coaching staff. Despite the Grabner ticky-tack, it was stunning to see them end the period down three goals after such a spirited start.
On the subject of disappointments, there were ineffective performances tonight by Blake Comeau (usually excellent against the Rangers), Josh Bailey, Kyle Okposo, Milan Jurcina and Al Montoya.
Sean Avery deserved more than two minutes for his hit from behind on Micheal Haley. Haley’s two-minute penalty for hitting Brandon Dubinsky from behind was spotty, but Haley has to know he’s a marked man – especially after just getting back from the trainer’s room from the Avery hit.
Not smart of Avery to wake up the Islanders late in the third. The bad is out-weighing the good for his own team, as you could tell by the look on the face of John Tortorella.
Tortorella can talk all he wants about how the Rangers focus on their own team and didn’t bother to coach specifically against the Islanders. Then give the credit to assistant Mike Sullivan or someone else on the staff. The Rangers may be the first team in two months that actually seemed to be ready for Grabner’s breakout speed. He wasn’t always kept in check, but Grabner never quite managed to cut loose like he almost always does.
Matt Martin could do worse than to watch some tape of Brandon Prust’s shorthanded and even-strength shifts. Martin’s got the fighting down just fine.
One last top-five overall draft pick would do wonders for the Islanders’ rebuild. The staff has put together a strong list filled with many good prospects, but Niederreiter is the only player with star potential. One more would make a big difference.
With just eleven games remaining, and after losing tonight, the Islanders remain relegated to playing the role of spoiler. But to those watching closely enough the last two months, they are finally getting closer to taking the next step in their rebuild. With health and a few changes, they should absolutely play better than .500 hockey next season and compete for a playoff berth.
DiPietro in the Bullpen: Jack Capuano told Newsday today that Al Montoya is not a lock to start both ends of the Islanders’ upcoming sets of back-to-back games. However, do not assume Nathan Lawson will be the starter. Rick DiPietro, returning from facial fractures and knee swelling, has increased his workload with each day. Point Blank has learned that DiPietro may travel with the team to Carolina, Sunrise and Tampa Bay and is on target to get some starts over the next two weeks.
Jaffe on MSG/Jaffe with Isles: Billy Jaffe will make another appearance on MSG Network when he joins host Al Trautwig and the crew for “Hockey Night Live” on Saturday at 9:30 pm. Here’s the Jaff’s sitdown with Michael Grabner and Andrew MacDonald in Manhattan on Monday:
Comments?
131 Responses to RANGERS 6 ISLANDERS 3
Islanders’ 4-0-3 streak ends; DiPietro return near
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D. Meng says:
The refs were once again a major factor in the outcome of this game.
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joe says:
very disapointed after they fought back to tie it up. Since we are now officially playing spoiler, bench Gervais and bring back Katic. I hope the isles return the favor in a week when we play then at the coliseum!
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Pilonfan says:
My JV soccer coach in Pat Med was fired once cause we didnt win enough games 15 years ago. The Islanders? They come in bottom 5 again and consider the season success..Snow will get extended..what a joke. How will they make the playoffs with lowest payroll next season?
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JD says:
Yes the refs did a bad job tonite but when you give up 6 goals and 40+ shots its kind of hard to put all the blame on the refs. I am all for Cappy opening up the offense and letting the players be creative but there are times when you need to have some type of defensive structure. It would also be a good idea to get a forecheck going to create chances instead of always playing on the perimeter.
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Steve C says:
Absolutely inexcusable the way they played tonight.
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Danny says:
Bad reffing was definitely present in this game too, but the rangers straight up out played them. Also, Chris…Nino is a LW, no? I don’t see them breaking up JT/MM, unless either Nino or MM can switch to RW?
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Refs were terrible AGAIN the call on grabs was cheap Avery should have gotten 5 and a game but noooooooo we get screwed once again i can’t wait till next year when we SPANK everyone
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Islesfan3 says:
3 for 4 on the powerplay. No 5 minute major on avery. Where was the comuea hook and same for grabs. Hamonic deffinatley going through growing pains and his penalty was acually the right call. Tavares is looking better and better. Okie didnt have his best game at all. Cant wait to play them again and cant wait to watch the devils get in and the rags are on the outside looking In. Mark the date last game of the season devils rangers at the garden winner is in the playoffs. Go isles
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Jim Clark says: That was Montoya in goal? He played like DiPietro.
The worst Ides of March since Julius Caesar.
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KBelanger33 says:
CB-your headline should read Rangers and Referees 6, Islanders 3. Us against the opposing team+refs seems to be happening on a nightly basis.
Why should the isles play the game, why should we watch, why should we pay to go, we have no chance to win if the refs are unfair all the time.
You know its bad when Goring is calling out the refs.
Can you do an interview with Stan Fischler. I thought his pregame was great. He called out the NHL/referees on the bias against the isles. Including non-suspension on clutterbuck hit to DiBo+gillies suspension on a clean hit. He also brought up the crappy refereeing from Sat. nite against the Devils.
As a die-hard I have just about had it with the league and the refs. They refuse to call it fair, as an Islander fan I feel alienated from the rest of the league.
This is the NHL. Whats this crap I hear with the Isles need to win and gain respect.(yeah maybe from other teams) but This is pro sports, you are allowed to be one of the worst teams-standing wise, and still have a FAIR chance at winning the game, which we dont get.
I’m sick of it! -
91NYfan91 says:
they didnt play well and deserved to lose even though the refs are horrible. defense is too soft, cant clear the puck once again.
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Tom D in NJ says:
Excellent analysis Chris. For the first time in a while I was genuinely dissapointed in the overall team effort, less Tavares. Too many guys played like their heads were up their rears and that should never happen against the Rangers. I dont believe the officiating cost them the game, but I do believe the NHL has some real credibility issues to address.
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cgs878 says:
I can understand Capuano’s public debasing of the NHL referees. He’s frustrated and upset with the league’s disrespect for the Islanders. Why not starting being vocal? What’s he got to lose? He’s already making more $$ than he expected this year. He’s got some extra to spend on fines, etc.
I agree with ya CB… another Top 5 pick would be great. Who cares about points and playing spoiler? Every game should be a teaching moment for Capuano and the coaching staff. -
Bob Bassen says:
The refs didn’t cost the isles tonight’s game or the Devils game. Period. The officiating stinks. I get it. But EVERYBODY, fans and coaches alike (except Pittsburgh
) can’t stand the officiating or Cambell! Not just we poor, poor Isles fans.
This game proves to me that the Islanders ARE NOT ready for the “big time”. Absolutely BS that they didn’t have this game circled on the calender and not to play their best game of the year.
I guess Coach Cappy (who as a rookie coach feels he’s earned the right to publicly question the integrity of the officials), didn’t have his team playing *fun* and *loose*. Sheesh.
The Islanders have had very little REAL pressure since Gordon
was fired and it’s gonna take a lot more than Streit coming back and Captain Weight putting on a suit to get them into the ELITE 8 that make the show.
JT was incredible. But where was The People’s Choice for Captain, Okposo?!?!
Sorry…just really disappointed. -
WOW!-Avery’s hit on Haley, only 2 mins.WOW! It is free reign on the Isles. “Cheapshots here folks, Come get your cheapshots here.”
-Im scared to see what Matt Cooke does to us on April 8th…and whatever it is -he will get away with it. -
moonshine says:
such a thin line btwn playing loose, and playing out the string. the islanders tonight were on the wrong side.
this game showed all the several reasons why this still isn’t a solid team.
here they are briefly:
defense – it takes the isles forever to get to a puck carrier. the d-men are slow. the fast forwards don’t commit to defense.
goalie – montoya is getting way too much love. the only hope is poulin, and the health of his knee is a question after the surgery.
indiscipline – sure, the refs can be obnoxious. but there’s also dumb penalties. hamonic is out of control after too many whistles. and i agree that coach’s complaining doesn’t help. that’s indiscipline too.the isles have played poorly in three of the last four (toronto, with those gifted goals; nj; and tonight).
one word on avery’s boarding: if instead of being a tough kid, haley wanted to swoon and report ‘concussion symptoms,’ avery would get a ban. but in any case, that hit is exactly what they’re talking about in florida. so how about it, a three game stop to send the message? somehow i doubt it.
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rochambou says:
See just the mention of DiPietro returning and the Islanders lose.
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justin says:
I was at the game. Here are my observations:
1.). They were weak defensively. Giving up 40+ shots is not acceptable.
2.) Montoya is weak blocker side high.
3.) Rags just had more jump.
4.) JT has some moves. Can’t wait to him convert even more.
5.) Martin can def fight.
That’s it.
Fingers crossed for health next year. A healthy team and we are in the playoffs. -
Jim says:
I love all these players and Jack, but being a fan of this team is so excruciatingly painful. I write these words with extreme sadness. Just seeing the name “Billy Jaffe” is depressing.
Refs decided this game. Isles didn’t necessarily deserve to win, but neither did the Rags.
“Refs don’t lose the game for you.” Bull. They did tonight.
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Oh and by the way Chris, Okposo had an ineffective game? Seems to me he’s the only one that gave a consistent, 100% effort (other than Nielsen, that comes standard). Okposo is ALWAYS effective, and that’s why he will be captain next season.
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Justin#17-gimme a break. This team healthy makes the playoffs? I dont think so. They need to add some key pieces in the offseason. And I’m not just talking about Streit.
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Michael B. says:
This one stings a bit as we needed these two points in order to continue our improbably playoff run. Instead of being 9 points back, we move 13 behind the Rangers with only 11 games to play. I want to see the boys finish strong so maybe we can have the best of both worlds and get lucky enough to have some of these other teams at the bottom of the standings gain some points too.
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How does Haley not go and rip Avery’s head off on that last shift he got with about 3 minutes to go in the game.(same shift avery tried to rip Dibo’s head off with a high stick-would have been the perfect time for haley). Not like we were going to come back at that time.
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isles3113 says:
Pilonfan… have u been watching this team the past 3 months???????… they have the most points in the eastern conforence since mid-december… with eaton, mottau, and of course streit back and with the addition of neiderreiter, there is no reason to believe this team wont compete next year… get out of ur shell from november and dont judge the team on one bad game in a while (tonight) and say they r a joke
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i want to change what i said in saying tonight was a bad game by the team and insert the refs had another bad game… also tavares is a beast and has definitely become a better skater
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the script was there. payback for when the rags won big over the isles earlier this year at msg. montoya to show the rags what could have been. continue to show everyone how this is a up and coming team and more importantly hurt the rags chances of making the playoffs. when that low life avery hurt haley in what should have been a 5 min. penalty and the rags scored, i knew tonight was not meant to be. however when you look at the big picture, it shows the isles need help for next year starting with a big strong tough d man to clear the puck as well as a big tough scoring foward. scoring help will not come and even the big tough d man so vital for next year probably wont come either because that costs $$$ which we know wang wont spend. to think that hunter will be back next year as well as d.p. coming back very soon is sickening. bailey and kyle will never amount to anything and a game like tonight shows as great as j.t. will be, it isnt enough. the best case senerio for the isles for the rest of the season is to lose every game they have left for a great pick and d.p. to come back in a few days since after 1 game he will be out again injured for the rest of the season. by the way, in the post game show when cappy was asked if he is concerned that the isles always start slowly every game, he did not storm off like scott gordon would of but he did not really answer the question, and just deflected it with the guys are playing hard.
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Hockeypuck11 says:
Just a few things….KO has to start playing like Stewart from the Blues. It’s funny how there’s always a player on the other team that hasn’t scored in some time and then that same player plays the Islanders and scores and now he’s out of the slump.
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Anthony L says:
So… I can’t stand Rex Ryan, but I think it would energize the fan base a bit if Cappy got even more vocal. Not exactly like Rex, but maybe a “Rex Lite”? Thoughts Isle fans?
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jim says:
Uh Oh DP coming back…. Buzz Kill!
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IslanderFAN says:
The NHL is run by a bunch of morons!!
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Strummer's Army says:
Wonder if Avery will be suspended from his hit from behind? He is a repeat offender and allegedly the NHL wants to reduce those kind of hits.
The Grabner, Comeau, Haley and numerous other calls showed the refs bais once again. How did the Rangers get a PP at the end of the game? Dubinsky was the third man in jumping Hamonics back and was the most aggressive guy in the scrum but NYR get a PP? Why can’t the refs just call a penalty when there is a penalty and call it even for both sides? They shouldn’t influence the game, let the teams decide who wins.
Montoya wasn’t sharp at all. CB was right many dudes had the night off.
Cannot wait for Nino and I am hoping it is Landeskog or Larson who joins him this summer. Then Snow manuever and grab as many as he can of Seimens, Mayfield, and the 6’7″ 244 Oleseik (not sure I spelled them right but those guys). Landing two of those D would be a game changer. All huge, all skilled, all fighters.
Sean Avery runs the other teams goalie several times per game. It is dangerous and against the rules. He isn’t fooling anyone with his acting that he’s trying to avoid it. You’d think the refs might have a short tolerance for it but nope? How does KO get a roughing for shoving a guy off his goalie? We’ve seen worse when a guy wasn’t on top of a goalie.
Hoping Snow and Wang figure out a way to get this team a fair shake in terms of on and off ice penalties. Gillies is serving a suspension he didn’t deserve right now.
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Oh, Tavares and Moulson each had 3 points in the loss, no NYR had that many and neither can get the 2nd or 3rd star?
Really, Strumm? In a 6-3 game, short of a hat trick or something really spectacular, I have no problem with the victors getting all three stars…CB
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Jon in Chicago says: I love Okposo and it’s obvious the Isles are better with him in the lineup, but I expect more offense from him. He’s got 23 goals in his last 107 NHL games. He gets a pass this season because of his injury, but he needs to produce more next season.
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West Coast Fan says:
I was afraid they were going to come out flat tonite when I read the skate today was optional and six players showed up…
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93 Miracle says:
#22 adding streit and signing a solid defensemen like a Joni Pitkanene will allow the islanders to have a solid top pairing. Then Hamonic and Amac as 2 yound defensemen with Hamonic still a few years away from breaking out…Jurcina and eaton as a solid 5-6 and Hillen who has played great the past month in the 5-7 mix. Then you can have Mottau as the 8th because we know there will be injuries to our defense. You then have Katic and Wishart who you bring up at any time. We can even trade Mottau if somebody wants him. But yea adding streit and signing someone to play with him ABSOLUTELY puts us in the playoffs and we might be able to overcome an injury to say a Comeau, Grabner, Neilsen while doing so because that will allow us to be deep. Remember Tavares is getting better hes only 19, Bailey will definitely get better..this kid will be good this should be his rookie season. And while Okposo might not turn into a star once invisioned, he will be a solid 2nd line player that will get you 20-25 goals and 40 assists a season. I dont see how you can say the Islanders are not a playoff team. Add Nino to the mix he will be a 1st liner. Hey maybe we even add another young peice this summer like a Nugent-Hopkins hes supposively fast like a kane and the most polished player in the draft. I know tonight was hard>BRUNO GERVAIS IS THE WORST PLAYER IN THE NHL HE IS THE REASON WE LOST TONIGHT! at worst we lose by 1 with katic instead of Gervais and we might even win because we were playing a solid game before Gervais could not clear the zone and they made it 3-2…islanders had all the momentum.
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The Pork Chop Express says:
Other then the first line the team played awful. They were going through motions while playing a division rival which is totally unacceptable. We had hope during the first 10 mins of the second and then it all fell apart. Once again Grabs fails to cash in on an opportunity and it turns around in a Ranger goal. Same thing happened against the Devils. Granted Grabs did what he can do but when he doesn’t cash in it seems to comes back and hurts us right away. The Rangers were then presented two gift calls which resulted in goals. After that the isles knew they had no chance in this one. I can’t believe I have to whine about refs again. I haven’t spoken about the refs in 30 years of hockey and now I do it two straight games. However unlike the Devil’s game the Isles were equally to blame or maybe more so in this one. Failure to play is once again unacceptable.
He are some other notes I would like to share.
1.JT, MM, PA have produced some very pretty goals however they need to be better in their own end. Hopefully, we can develop or acquire a two way forward that can stablize that line.
2. KO needs to play a lot better. We have a lot hope in this kid and I don’t see him progressing. We need him to step up and dominate when he is out there. I see it in JT but not KO. Granted he is not as gifted as JT but he needs to be smarter, and stronger with the puck. Last year, he showed glimpses but was never consistent.
3. The same for Bailey. We really need him to step up. The last couple games he was showing so much promise and today he was non existent.
4. Overall, I liked the first line’s play and Frans. Grabs and Comeau were average. The rest of the forwards were failures. I enjoyed watch Hillen again while the rest of the D were average to failures.
5. The real test now is how do the Isles respond? Does this set them off in a losing streak or can they rebound and play the way they have been playing? This will determine if this season is progress forward or not.
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Ct 1970s says:
Since when do anyteams in the NHL have to earn the respect of the damn refs??? They are there to call a fair game, keep it under control and let the players play. Seems to me they cannot be allowed to stack the deck in the “new” nhl. If the league cannot supply enough good refs go back to one ref per game. I think they can find 30. Is the pride refs have is that they can get even using whistles? If this is the big time let’s put them on the public hot seat. Make them answer to the press; let them have the self respect to put their names on their shirts. Maybe they will ooncentrate on calling a fair game. Haley gets sent into the boards by avery no less and only two minutes. How many game majors do we get when we do so. Another point, sure was obvious the league told Butch to stop pointing out ref mistakes. I guess it is true, as Truman said, “if you can’t stand the het get out of the kitchen”. New refs. What maeks refs think NHK players have to earn THEIR repsect, they can’t even play the game.
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TimQ says:
I agree with CB. The best thing for this team is another top 5 pick to build on. The talent is coming along nicely and useless points now do nothing for us. I’m willing to sacrifice a loss to the Rag$ now in exchange for years of bragging rights.
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The Isles played way too loose tonight, and putting in Lawson in the third showed me they were throwing in the towel. Can’t stand the Rags, but they are the grittier of the two teams. that shorthanded goal was just inexcusable! How many shots do you want to give the rag??? The young Isles will soon learn how much bragging rights are at stake. Still I see really good things from this team and am sticking by them!
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claude says:
Perfect example of why you need veteran leadership. Guys who can settle a nervous team. Montoya was bad tonight , but hey guy’s only human. We are three pieces short of a eighty point season. Fun why it lasted but 10/11 definitely in books
Go ed’, bring DP back and let em’ try to win back the job. -
Sidd Finch says:
Three stars of the game is a bit homerish. If the home team wins, its usually got all three, what do the fans give a rats patouty about it otherwise. As for the refs, do they watch the news, get twitter updates, anything. If they are having a “summit” in Florida on bad hits and how to prevent concussions and the refs can only give Avery 2 minutes for that hit, I don’t know what to say. My kids are actually a little afraid of me tonight because I was cursing at the TV so much tonight. Not exactly a stellar game from Montoya, his positioning was off in the third goal, he needed to be tight on the post. But he should never have had to be there because Bruno was fumbling the puck so much he had to retreat behind the net and they never got the puck out of the zone. All in all it was a pretty sad night aided by some piss-poor officiating. Sorry, but the league cannot allow this type of one sided officiating to go on if it wants to consider itself a major sports organization. This is getting like the NBA, where the calls change according to the clock. Clearly, MLB and the NFL have the most consistent call patterns from beginning to end of the games (maybe not so much from game to game). Bettman’s failure to have Avery suspended for tonight’s hit will make his FLA VACA look like just another spring break to forget. As for DP, he needs a new nickname, because, not for nothing, the only DP that we should ever really to refer to is Denis Potvin, especially after his comments supporting the team in the past few weeks and his comments regarding the Chara hit. Priceless!!!
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Marc says:
The only thing good about the loss is that it improves the chances for a Top 5 pick. Perhaps one of the NHL refs can announce the selection at the podium.
In all seriousness, the refs were weak, but the Isles did themselves no favors. This is a tough sport to watch, not knowing what is a penalty from one shift to the next, from one game to the next.
Now the key is to keep losing the rest of the way except the Rag$ game at the end of the month. Of course, no Islanders’ injuries either!!!
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Westfall says:
In addition to whining coaches having to pay a tax, another way “its done” in the NHL is that teams out of the playoff race are going to get screwed from the officiating. No ref wants to be responsible for a team missing the playoffs, so those that have no shot at making the post-season, when playing a playoff contender, always get shafted. Hopefully next year we’ll be battling for the playoffs and not have to be talking about this.
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since72 says:
think its only the second or third time ive written but HAD to vent tonite. DONT UNDERSTAND WHY MARTINEK IS ALWAYS BACKING UP! Always allowing the shooter to get off the shot. Doesnt cappy see this nite in and nite out? MUST stand a guy up once in a while,get his stick in front,something. Poor Bruno is just not a top 6 guy-cant clear,cover in front. Also his failure to get puck out of zone DIRECTLY led to two goals. Really need 2 big,tuff guys on d next year. Montoya was fine-maybe Gabbys goal a softie,thats it.They just looked young and tentitive throughout.bright side is JT is really becoming a star and Hamonic will be all-star shut down guy with Amac for years to come. Rags didnt really do anything when they were on the ice. Officiatingwas the usual -worst of the 4 majors. hope they get what they need for 2011-12 and it could be a fun year!
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I may not have a problem with it either Botta if at Isles home games in clear wins oppossing players end up with the 2nd and 3rd stars without doing much. Under those conditions an Isle player (2) out producing the other team needs an acknowledgment.
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Confused Islander Fans says:
Chris, how was Milan Jurcina a negative in your eyes this game but Bruno Gervais wasn not?
I really do not understand the love Gervais gets. He may be a nice guy but he is a bad hockey player.
I was only referring to guys for whom the bar is higher…CB
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valentino says:
all victories from here on out are moral victories….and what good is that???….we are not making the playoffs….so why not try and draft as high as you possibly can at this point. Play for the pick….
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stjamesBri says:
Please stop. You sound like Habs fans. We were stymied by a top 2 goalie in the world during the first and then outclassed by a better team in the second and third. Let’s not keep blaming the refs. We had plenty of guys who didn’t show up tonight, CB mentioned some. And I agree CB, Prust is an honest, well rounded hockey player. What I wouldn’t give to have Lundqvist, Prust, Callahan and Dubinsky. Especially a Lundqvist, he’s gotta be the best in the world, him or Miller.
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Lets Go Isles 21 says:
They def deserved to lose but the score should have been a lot closer. 4-3 is more like it. The reason, well there’s two to be exact. Grabby’s hooking call if that’s what you want to call it and the Comeau hook. Staal clearly held Comeau which was obviously missed by the refs. Had the original call been made they wouldnt have been a Comeau penalty and therefore potentially no Gaborik goal. But Monty had a poor showing and 40+ shots against doesnt help.
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Oh, Strummers Army. Hamonic was actually the third man in and Dubinsky was the fourth. The whole scrum started between McD and Anisimov. Hamonic grabbed Anisimov from behind and then Dubinsky jumped in. I can understand your frustrated rant but take of the Isles glasses and watch the game.
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StevieL says:
It is interesting to see who steps up and who disappears when the games get intense and the other teams really come to play.
JT is now scoring at a 100pt a season pace! JT has arrived! Give him the “C”! Hillen played well tonight. He is really picking up his offensive game! I thought Martin was more involved tonight also. AMAC is just simply a pro!
OK needs to add some edge to his game. He has to be more aggressive and it will open space for himself!
I hate to say it but , Bailey stinks! Somebody tell me what this kid does well. He doesn’t carry the puck, lead the rush, hit, dig in the corners, shoot or score. I doubt he needs to shower after the games! He has 10 goals and is 6 goals behind last years total. He has less than 90 shots in 59 games. He is 2nd unit PP (God knows why!) PK and is logging plenty of ice time. Finishing his 3rd year in the NHL, the 9th overall pick is not getting any better! There was a lot of good young players , from both teams, on the ice tonight. Bailey is not 1 of them! Sorry Josh, I’d be happy to see you prove me wrong!
The NHL should be embarrassed by the officiating in this league right now! How obviously biased is it against the Isles! -
"WeWantTen" says:
5 more home games …3 will be sold out flyers/rangers/penguins …
please do NOT start d.p. in these games.
he is NOT 100% and these are important wins for the psyche of the team. -
okpososcores21 says:
I didnt watch the game but i guess this how the islanders react under pressure. doesnt bode well for them. This is exaCTLY why we need some ESTABLISHED vets. The islanders arent very good with dealing with adversity although they have been getting better at it lately. This one is a step back as was the devils game. It seems when things don’t go there way they give up on it.
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LInCO says:
Agree with 36 that Gervais is the worst player in the NHL. CB you say you didn’t mention the poor game by the Chef because the bar is so low – I guess a -2 is pretty standard. Does the guy do ANYTHING other than shoot the puck up the boards and point to the guy someone else should cover?
Here’s a fun question for readers: who would you rather have under contract for the next 12 years- Rick DiPietro or Bruno Gervais?
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GlenS says:
The game tonight,
1) Weak calls by the ref’s
2) But at the end of the day you can’t be outshot 40 something to 20.
3) The game is 60 Min long.
4) DP is coming back the losing begins!!! -
Bob E says:
i cant blame the refs. isles got lazy after they took tied it up. Then deflated after rangers scored again. take a few bad penalties and rest was over.
I thought tavares was sensational.
I dont blame Montoya. he got no defensive support tonight and faced alot of rubber. -
And oh yeah – 51 is spot on as well. Does Bailey even break a sweat? The guy has been and continues to be passionless and invisible all game long; game in and game out. Calling him a “two-way forward” cannot hide his complete disappearance as an NHL-caliber player since November.
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I don’t think the Islanders played that bad a game. Montoya was dreadful and Lundquist was terrific. The Isles had just about as many scoring chances as the Rangers did. Many of the Rangers shots came from the outside. Isles do need to tighten up in the neutral zone at times.
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Also i dont think cappy adequately got these guys ready for the past couple games. maybe hes a little to loose with these guys and cant lay the hammer down when it needs to be put down
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2Bit says:
Bruno Gervais, you are a great kid. You’ve made it further in the NHL then most of us could only dream. There were games this year where are thought you played fairly well. Then there were games like tonight where I see how outmatched you truly are. I’m sorry, but this club needs someone a bit stronger on the puck & the body back there. I have no problem with the Isles icing you the rest of the season. Only it can’t go beyond that. I wish you all the best in the future, but it’s time for you to move on or find another career path. Unless, you’d be just as happy playing in the Bridge.
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David, Sweden says:
A little bit worrying that as soon as games starts to mean anything, they loose. Especially against the tri-state teams. Nino can play either LW/RW and should be playing with JT next. Will help his transition to the NHL. This years top 5 draft pick will be final piece in the puzzle.
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handlanger says:
#7: Nino plays both wings, and he actually prefers to play RW.
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Jerky says:
I agree with others that the officiating was awful. But why? Is it simply because the Islanders have been at the bottom of the league for several years so the refs think they can take advantage and kick the team while they’re down or is there another reason we don’t know about? I can’t think of a realistic reason why they would conspire against the Islanders. It just doesn’t make sense – what do the refs have to gain?
As far as tonight’s game, Tavares continued his exceptional play and his line is really clicking. I’m not a huge PA fan but they look like they’re having fun playing together.
I’ve never been a huge Comeau fan and I think tonight I realized one of the biggest reasons. While he has a great shot, he doesn’t know how to pass the puck. He is a selfish and one-dimensional player. I hope the coaching staff works with him to see if he can become a better-rounded player, otherwise he should be trade bait next season.
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I want to take that back i just watched the game. The islanders were slow until the 10 minute mark of the first. Kyle okposo had 2 glorious opportunites but wasnt able to finish something that has plagued him for his career. I thought montoya played a strong first not much u can do on the first one or the second one. Islanders grabbed play early into the second great plays by tavares to tie it up really got the islanders going. Nielsen with 2 gorgeous opportunites. He was flying tonight. Third goal buy the rangers was a bad break nothing montoya could have done. Again a bogus penalty that totally changed the momentum of the game. Comeau did hook the ranger but it was barely anything. I guess it could of been called you just hope they call the game consistently and all those marginal calls are called. Just a wicked shot by gaboric i dnt think any golaie in the league had much of a chance on that. That goal gave the rangers life adding a few scoring chances. montoya did make some big saves again. That penalty by hamonic was a terrible play by him. The grabner call could of went either way but was consistent how they were calling the game. he did get his stick in the hands of the player causing a turnover and who knows perhaps a scoring chance. I really cant fualt the reffs on that one. The goal by mccabe was a good one. Im not going to get into the third period because it really didnt matter at this point. The islanders just had a series of one bad event after another at key times durring the game. I think the hamonic penalty was the turning point of the game the timing was terribnle the islanders were down 2 and just weathered the surge from the rangers after they scored their 4th goal. They were still in the game at 4 2 and probaly still had belief they could tie it because it was a closer game than the stats made it out to be. I thought it was a bad decision to take Montoya out for the third,Especially since there wasnt much he could of done on 3 or 4 of those goals. It kinda made you get the feeling the game was over.
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Bravo JT but this was a bad one.
I hate the refs…how long will this go on??I agree – many Isles didn’t bring it.
I know KO always plays hard, but he’s already being crowned our future captain (which i’m hoping is true for next season), but I’d like to see him come up with a MONSTER game in a big spot like this here and there.Konopka didn’t seem himself – maybe that would change if he knew he was staying…
Avery gets away with nonsense yet again. Someone has GOT to handle that next game.
At least Martin won decisively.Bailey and Comeau…i like these boys but they’re terribly frustrating to be enthusiastic about over a whole season.
I was enjoying not talking about possible draft picks, but now i’m kind of ready and looking forward to a best 10 available article or something…
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sean says:
We had a a terrible defense game, montoya was not Sharp and the two bs penalties calls on us didn’t help. Avery hit on Haley should have been a game misconduct but refs once again gave is the shaft.
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brian says:
The Isles lose to a team with scoring problems 6-3 and everyone is all warm and fuzzy because Cappy’s Gutty Gritties played hard. Golly gee it was a learning experience for the Gutty’s. Let’s go out and get them next time.
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TM says:
NYR hit 3 posts and Gaborik missed a breakaway and a wide open net. NYI came out flat as a pancake and blew it themselves. The refs only added salt to the wound but didn’t cause the wound.
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CJCB says:
Brutal Gervais needs to be gone and it cant happen fast enough.
Martin is a nice middleweight glad he is finally getting a little more time. Just think Sim took time away fromthis kid???
Gilles back in 5 games in time for Philly and the next Rags game
Pretty boring game overall for Isles/Rags bring back old time hockey for this rivalry before it dies.
NHL is getting kinda lame with the refs the rules and the gimicks
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Hollywood says:
Terrible First period. The officiating has been complete bias against this team. It’s obvious that the league is making an example of the Isles. Montoya played his worst game for us, it happens. I wouldn’t get to upset with about it. The team just looked scared and stiff. Tavares continues to show the player how great a player he
Will be. Better days ahead. -
Alan says:
The team simply got manhandled tonight. While I agree that the refereeing was a little spotty, watching Hillen, Martinek and Gervais getting manhandled behind the net was tough. Why wasn’t Martinek traded? He isn’t coming back. And can someone please tell me why Gervais is in the line-up and not being replaced by either Wishart or Katic. Bruno is the worst Dman in the league, bar none.
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Ike Snowden says:
Would we be better with Wischart or Katic in and Bruno out? Did Haley get hurt on that Avery hit. Seemed quiet the rest of the game.
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Tortorella called the Isles a dangerous team playing with “no pressure’. Obviously, other teams believe the Isles are benefiting from having no pressure. But with it being a Ranger game, I believe there was pressure last night. And they got crushed. Makes you wonder if the Isles would be successful if they were playing pressure, playoff push games every night????? Also have to wonder if the Isles benefit from the playing at the empty Coliseum. For example, teams like St Lou and Minnesota played like the last place they wanted to be was the Coliseum. They barely competed. Wonder how the Isles would handle playoff like intensity on a night to night basis.
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islesrock73 says:
We lost a game, big deal.
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bryan says:
This game was lost when no one took care of Avery after the cheap shot on Haley. Some one needs to make a statement to that punk, when you cheap shot our players and refs don’t take care of it, then we have to. They must have forgotten that since Gillies is not with the team. Haley looked different the rest of the game, i would bet that the rags don’t dress Avery next game vs isles, because Haley will look to get him back for that one. Haley would have taken care of it but i think he was playing hurt the rest of the game plus Avery runs when it comes to dropping the gloves. Regardless of the bad officiating the Isles did not play physical and just let the rags do what ever they wanted in there zone. This team needs to play with an edge right now and the last two games vs. tristate rivals i havent seen it. Jt is something special enough said on that, grab-franz-ko line does what it does creates chances next year most of those will be goals. I’d have to say there are only 3 games really left this year, 1st they need to beat the flyers just to get that off there back. Behind the rags its the flyers that i hate the most. we need to show them we arent push overs any more and next year they have to take us seriously. 2nd we need to get revenge for the last two rags games and show them this is still a rivalry, I’d like that to be a nice win on both the scoreboard and the fight sheet. The last and not least is the Pens, they will be looking for revenge but i think we should be looking for revenge on them as well. We need to make statements in those 3 division games for next year and for the teams confidence.
Dp coming back is horrible news. I bet you the pressure of him coming back is why montoya had a non stellar game. This Dp chump dps us again. He already is stealing money from us just make him assistant gm already so other goalies dont need to worry about it. Brutal gervais might be the worst pro athlete at any level in any sport if that guy is back next year we are guaranteed lottery pick again -
MoreDraftPicks says:
Its not the end of the world. As much as we dont want to admit, the Rangers are the better team. Next year will be different, but right now, it is what it is! first regulation loss in 8 games – why the bashing? Even the Red wings look like doodoo every once in awhile. Ryan Miller gave up 7 goals to us last month. RELAX -look forward to next year with a healthy Streit, possibly Nino, and another surprise or 2. LOOK UP, “the kids are alright”
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i’ve heard a lot of talk about ‘since december 16.’
well, since december 16 i haven’t seen a bit of improvement in the defense. none. absolutely none. i keep waiting for a little more aggressiveness in their own end, a little more defensive team effort, a little system, but i keep seeing the opposition parked in the islander end for entire shifts until the puck inevitably gets to the net (and often goes in).which leads me to say capuano doesn’t look capable of coaching the defensive side.
i guess the ideal coach would be half gordon for the defense, and half capuano for the young guys on the offense. -
Dan- Wilton CT says:
For Once just once i would like to see the islanders blow out the rangers, I don’t think its happened since Yashin, Peca days……
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UIF says:
Would have been nice to see the Isles take 3 or 4 points in the back-to-back games against the local rivals, especially since they were the teams the Isles were battling with for their loooong shot playoff hopes. It would have squashed some of the talk about only winning when the games mean nothing. Now, taking only one point in arguably the two most important games of the year, the questions linger.
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Al R. says:
So Konopka does “the right thing” according to the league and doesn’t pummel Avery after the cheap shot on Haley and all that comes out of it is a 2 minute power play. Gillies got suspended for 10 games for half the hit.
Tortorella whines in the press regularly about calls and officiating and the ex-Rangers at the NHL offices stick their heads in the sand. Capuano speaks up once and it’s a full blown investigation. The league’s double standard once again rears it’s ugly head. -
DANO says:
Just a thought,why doesnt everyone stand up ,the next time D.P gets a start at home and just boo the socks right off him ,at least he may get the picture or maybe Wanger will see its time to move Ricky to his new job as goaltender equipment manager .Dont get me wrong i do feel for Rick but this team cannot will not move forward with him in the fold .ITS TIME TO RETIRE RICK if you love this team like you say you do , then do it
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Battfist says:
The team isnt quite there yet.
I still think Hamonic will be wearing the “C” one day.
The refs did suck but blame the Rangers for beating us.
On that note-how does Avery get away with his dirty, cheap shenanigans on the ice?!! What a piece of crap. That last penalty in the 3rd should of been a game tosser. Haley-you know your mission if you choose to accept it next game.
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jon from nj says:
dipietro will send this team into a tailspin at the end of the game. they can’t do anything or go anywhere with him.
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AFIsle says:
all they need is the defense and 1 more power forward (nino) and they should be playoff bound next year. horrid game by the players and the refs.
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Stumpy32 says:
I am usually the last (read: THE LAST) person to ever blame the refs. But last night’s loss was on the refs. Yes, we played a piss poor first period, but we rebounded, and the game was 2-2. Even.
Even at 3-2, we were still in the game. But to give the Rangers so many opportunities, and especially, a 5-on-3 for a ticky-tack hit after Comeau was sent sprawling to the ice? Give me a break. That was complete nonsense, and an embarrassment to the league. Usually, when you complain about the refs or a certain issue, the refs go out of their way to avoid giving creedence to the allegation. However, to show how little respect we have within the league, the refs pretty much said “those little Islanders can’t talk to us like that!”
I’m disgusted, because this was the game we absolutely had to have to continue playing meaningful games. We are out now. No question about it. That slim chance was changed to none after the loss. And it’s on the refs as to why it went from 2-2 to 5-2 so fast. No one else. I’m sick. I want to bludgeon the league into understanding the amateur hour of what happened last night with their employees.
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jeff says:
we should have all saw the ref issue coming before we placed our bets on PB..in retrospect chris said it spot on and we had it coming. What hurts the most was gervais..the chef brewed that 3rd goal up so bad……enough is enough already. The guy is playing his best hockey in 3 years and i still cant watch when he is on the ice. Give someone else a game… katic..wishart….ill even take reese..
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Isles66 says:
went to game last nite. refreshing to see how many NYI fans show up in the Garden w/ jerseys on. certainly wasn’t like that 20 years ago. the call on Grabner was a complete joke but the NYR had more jump and were the better team tonight. i’ll take a tired Montoya over a fresh Lawson any night.
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Gene F says:
you want the highest pick possible – start DP for the remaining games.
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dp…..just when you thought the circus left town for the season….it will be interesting to see how montaya reacts to this distraction
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PotvinRocks says:
I actually disagree with you about the refrees, at first that some calls seemed to be “you want to critisize our breatherhood” type calls. But then I realized that anytime a stick blade touched glove they called it, and they didn’t make one tripping call all game. So they were just being consistant with their calls and I have no problem with that.
Horrible news about DP. Can’t he just leave us alone already. I’m sick of him. Montoya tied him in wins in half as many games. Who does that make our number 1? DP’s contract. -
Nosebleed says:
I had to force down the vomit when I read that DP will be returning soon. Get used to it people, this guy will be around for the next ten years. I can imagine what Darth Snow will say after the season ends; “Our young guys really came together during the second half of the season. I feel confident they will mature and with the return of a healthly Rick, we are in great shape.”
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dedshark says:
They played an awful game and still pulled 3 goals outa it. Coulda been a ton worse
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BanGarth says:
JT is going to be scary good , this kid is only 20. When he hits puberty and the weight room going to be a superstar. Avery hit on Haley only 2 minutes is just absurb , Garth should be contacting the commissioner this morning even though it will fall on deaf ears. The team should have stood up for him , he left the ice and they crawled into their shells for rest of the period. They need to sign a defenseman who hits everything and everyone and clear the front of the net. Sign a veteran two way power forward and let Nino ripen. KO played his heart out last night , don t know what you were watching CB. Bailey and Comeau might as well stayed in their room playing Fifa , don t know what they were doing last night.
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How is Gervais playing over Wishart and Katic?
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JT27 says:
DP BACK! OH NO WE SUCK AGAIN!
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corey says: It seemed to me like after that 3rd weird ranger goal when the puck somehow got through the post and Montoya’s pad, the momentum went back to the rangers and the islanders started to play like they did in the first. The refs didnt help much either. That hooking call of grabner was weak
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Fred says:
I bought my tickets for the re-match on 3/31 as soon as I got home from MSG.
MSG is a horrible place to watch hockey, there are always tons of people walking during game play and tons of people wearing Rangers jerseys but more interested in talking about Jersey shore & Charlie Sheen.
That was the kind of game Konopka has to stand up in and Martin’s fight was great to watch but way too late.
If you know the NHL is going to punish you for complaining publicly then you have to be extra careful to keep the sticks on the ice.
It honestly looked like when the Islanders came straight up the gut they had time and space and forced their defenders on their heels but they kept dumping the puck, it was frustrating to watch.
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LouD says:
“The hooking call on Michael Grabner, smelled a little bit like, “Take that, Jack,” from the on-ice officials. Capuano smiled as Grabner skated to the penalty box, as if he knew his team just paid the tax. This is how it has been done for a long time in the NHL.” And that is exactly why no one takes the NHL seriously. Referees have so much power and are allowed to affect the outcome of important games. There is no accountability for their actions. They are like a corrupt police force with a cowardly mayor sweeping every transgression under the rug.
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Patrick Lough says:
Score should read Rangers/Officials 6, Islanders 3. You would think with the way the Isles have been playing of late that we would start to get some respect from the league and the officials. Was this just a get back at the coach game for questioning calls in a previous game. Can’t wait for the next one at the coliseum, maybe Sean Avery will try and fight one of the ice girls, god knows he doesn’t have the sack to fight any of the players he “cheap shots”. He remains a punk and a poser.
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gary91922 says:
excuses are like a&$%^#(, everyone got one..
The Isles need to stop blaming others for losses. They need to lick their wounds and step up.
This is why they need at least one veteran forward (ala peca) and one veteran stay at home d-man and one veteran assistant coach. Vet’s guide the team when they hit rough waters and can spot choopy waters before they do any damage.
One day JT, AMac and the bunch will be able to right their own ships. However, the next two years they need help on the maturity side.
Efforts like yesterday are not acceptable EVER. Capo should make that team skate until they colapse today. They need tough love once in a while to compliment the spirit he has built so far.
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Gary91922 – Well said!!
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black ice says:
Good analysis of game, but: I’m not sure about the holding the tongue. It just might be time for Capuano to say (and I didn’t hear the comments you’re referring to), what the hell: the call on Grabner, making it 5-3, was perhaps the worst call I’ve ever seen in my 40 years of hockey. And more to the point: Avery should have gotten a major for his hit. Giving a team a penalty to show who’s boss is one thing; letting an opponent seriously injure one of your players is entirely another.
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AJAX says:
DP is back.
Welp, winning was fun while it lasted!
Lets chase the draft pick now!
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DenP says:
That hooking call to put us down 2 was ridiculous.
The team just looked flat, maybe all the positive attention and parading around the city Monday distracted them from being as focused as needed.
That loss really hurt, but we dust off and move on.
I didn’t think AL was that bad, he was screened a lot and the team, let the Rangers get in and shoot way too much. I tend to blame a goalie ( I coached a lot of LAX) when a team plays great team D, and on the occasionally break down the goalie doesn’t step up. Team D was weak last night and AL got hammered.
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Dr Phil says:
This is going to get a lot of you mad, but here goes…..! Okposo is a waste out on the ice. Very few shots on goal. Very easy to take the puck away from him with a poke check. Anybody ever hear of a poke check? Weak along the boards and gets pinched in easily. Passes either to the intended team mate is in the skates or behind him. Lousy in a scramble in front of the net. Should not be on the point on the PP. He is not the second coming of Mike Bossy or even Mariusz Czerkawski; more like Mattias Weinhandl. Where is he by the way? Wake up and smell the coffee!
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Thank you gary91922
Good teams overcome adversity. Bad teams make excuses. Watch other games on Center Ice. One set of announcers complain about nearly every call that is made.
And speaking of setting the bar higher – perhaps next season ownership and management will do just that. You know, take a break from patting themselves on the back for two solid months of play after the season was already over in December, and yet another bottom five finish.
At least Tavares continues to shine. Can’t wait for the day that PAP is replaced by a power forward type. That line could use some toughness.
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As soon as the rumor that DP might be back soon, the team lose. Coincidence? Please, sort out the goaltending issue before next season starts.
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DP off IR. Lets start a POINTBLANK Pool. How many Games before DP back on the shelf. I say ONE
Also, Where have all our we should have drafted DUCHENE over Tavares guys gone?
Tavares – 68 games 26G, 34A
Duchene – 66 games 21G, 30ADo you still feel we made a mistake?
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Come on Dr. Phil! Okposo is not the second coming of weinhandl and although he might not be as good a scorer as czerkawski he will be a better all around player. Okposo struggles at shooting the puck he will not be a great goal scorer probably 20-25 goals a year but he can add those 40 assists to be a solid 2nd liner. Okposo is 23! Bailey was rushed..this should be his rookie season. Some fans need to get a grip this team is still so young. Dubinsky has only become a first line player this season and he is two and three years older then okposo and bailey respectively.
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
Hard to reconcile the first six minutes of the second period with the rest of the game. Too many power play goals allowed, Sam Rosen almost peed all over himself on MSG. Get ready for the end of March, we seem to do better on the remembrance games and we will get two chances back to back with the Devils and Rangers to take out Clarkson and Avery (if he isn’t waived by then). The Penguins will be bringing Matt Cooke and the rest of the Wilkes-Barre team for April 8th, the real Pens will stay home.
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Several years ago Montoya got into the fight with DP in the pre-season game. Today they are sharing the net. What an irony.
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Al D says:
What possible good could come out of DP playing again this year? None whatsoever.
Prove you can play a full season in the minors before you constantly break up any consistency with the Islanders. Earn your way back on this team. -
the bomber says:
Bring back Ricky and play him out the string. We will definitely get a top 3 pick, and maybe one of his legs will fall off his body and we can make him asst gm and we can end the biggest mistake in sports history once and for all.
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Mark In Ottawa says:
@the bomber,
Amen, brother, Amen.
Another day closer to him retiring and this franchise not being the joke it is.
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Ugh, that waste product is back. Here comes the vomit.
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Regarding DP, I swear, if they say next season that they need to review his performance to see if he can make it long-term, I might set fire to the Coliseum.
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mht says:
As July 1 2015 quickly approaches,this franchise is really at a critical junction.A lot of the posters who come on to this blog have already given Jack Capuano a contract extension.Excluding the Islanders recent run,has Jack Capuano ever been part of a championship hockey team either as a player,or as coach at the AHL,ECHL,or any level? Without interviewing other candidates for the Islanders head coaching job is insane.I have repeatedly posted on this blog Craig Mac Tavish,John Stevens {And now I would like to add Mike Haviland to the mix} would improve this franchise in the long run more and quicker.This is not hate for Jack Capuano,but my opinion that my choices for head coach will improve the team in all facets so that our politicians will finally take notice,and somehow a deal can be struck so that the Islanders remain in the NY area.
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Courtesy of Arthur Staple:
As it happens, the Islanders have a bad track record in this rivalry down the stretch of the last few seasons — since the lockout, the Rangers are 13-1-3 in post-All Star/Olympic break games against their Long Island rivals.
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@mht Agreed
Why hand over the job until you see what is out there?
I like Cappy, but he may be less qualified than a few others.
Lets explore all options on that one. -
Reality Check says:
I can’t stand DP just as much as anyone and at first glance I was pissed to see he is back; however I think him coming back now (as opposed to the beginning of next season) might be great. Lets assume he plays as the DP that we have all come to know and love I.E. he sucks and the team loses confidence when he is in net. Maybe, just MAYBE, management will realize the team was HOT and played as well as any team in the league while Rick was injured and once he came back the team started struggling again. There has to come a point where even the higher-ups will say “enough is enough” and in order for this team to progress, RDP has to go. This could be the perfect time for DP to prove he isn’t what people thought he would be…not to mention a higher draft pick doesn’t hurt either.
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Jeff W. says:
Holy cow, the level of vitriol towards DP is remarkable. Here’s a guy who was signed at a reasonable cap-friendly salary (OK, length is questionable, but since his contract was signed, we’ve seen some 12 and 13 year deals) who has had an incredible run of adversity, who clearly wears his heart on his sleeve, and WANTS desparately to be an Islander (take that, Paul Martin). All he wants to do is revive his career. I don’t know if he can do it, and it sure hasn’t looked like it this year when he was “healthy” (remember, 2 year layoff), but for Goodness sake, he is NOT the symbol for everything negative surrounding this franchise. Have a heart, people.
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RA says:
Honestly, I think we have two NHL ready goalies who are showing flashes of briliance between Montoya and Poulin (when healthy)….but how do we move on from DP with that albatross on a contract and the medicall history that makes him an immovable object?
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@RA
Moving DP? Thats easy, you don’t.
The Isles are stuck with him. Hate to say it, but the best thing to do is play him until hes too injured to walk and forced to retire.
Thats a shame too. I don’t wish that on anyone. -
#113, you are right. At least let him play the balance of the season in Bridgeport. I am sure it’s Wang’s doing. I think Snow knows he belongs in Bridgeport for an extended stay. For the benefit of the team, and DP too.
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jeff says:
DP will lead the Isles straight to the top — of the draft lottery!
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good to read Ness is leaving school. these two years did nothing to further his career as a pro hockey player.
DP isnt going anywhere fellas, so why wish him poorly? he had the skill set to be a topshelf goalie before he hurt everything. we better hope he stops overplaying the puck, and stops the puck, say 91.5% of the time. the contract is the contract, and considering the annual cost, it was a VERY cap friendly deal. the downside for the team, but upside for the player, is the length of the deal.
since the playoffs seem impossible, lets finish with a top 4 pick. based on recent production, maybe NINO deserves to be up with the big club. but if he has troubles, they isles can not send him to BPORT, correct? -
NYI says:
I thought this was a pro NYI site. To all the DP bashers, are you really islander fans? Disgusting, you dont deserve a hockey team. DP still in potential is the best goalie we have
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Don from RI via St. James says:
Agree with all the critical comments above regarding Gervais. He is terrible. On the go ahead goal last night he got the puck near center ice, backed all the way up behind his net and then failed to clear, subsequently leading to the goal. I cringe when he is out there. Would like to see the younger guys get his ice time. JT did look awesome. I got the MSG feed so had to watch with the sound off. Bummer.
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CM says:
Why does it matter if DP comes in now. Win or lose does it realy matter at this point? Treat it as a callup. Let’s see him perform. Would rather have DP as back-up than Lawson. Next year use this tandem, play who ever is hot.
Geez. Botta and Jaffe are blamed for negativity but never personalize it. However most of the posts here are negitive and personal.
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admin says:
Thread closed. See you tomorrow for a St. Patrick’s Day special…CB
One day the isles will play legit games with fair refs saturday and today were not those days