WASHINGTON 2 ISLANDERS 1: Late goal, Ovechkin’s highlight OT tally result in fourth loss in a row
9:50 pm: Just as you’re about to sit down to write about a possible Islanders shutout, Alexander Ovechkin paints a masterpiece.
In his spectacular overtime goal that gave the Capitals a 2-1 win tonight, it must be pointed out that it was Frans Nielsen that Ovechkin turned inside out twice. This is not a knock on Nielsen, far from it. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to an extraordinary talent.
Otherwise, this was one of those affairs that prove why you do not bet on NHL games. It’s not because the Islanders were leading for more than 59 minutes and pulled out a point against a top team on the road, mind you. Jack Capuano’s team has played well since the All-Star break and is having fun with the role of the spoiler. The Capitals were shut out in their last home game as well, and are down a full goal per game from last season.
Nathan Lawson shook off the rust and played superbly. Somewhat improbably, the Capitals missed on two dunk shots in the third period. The home team game operations staff was so surprised by the second one, with around eight minutes left in regulation, that they sounded the goal horn.
The Capitals out-shot the Islanders, 42-29, but the visitors created more scoring chances in the third period. Do not discount Michael Neuvirth’s outstanding performance in the Washington net.
The biggest disappointment for the Islanders came on Brooks Laich’s game-tying goal with 48 seconds left in regulation and Neuvirth pulled for an extra attacker. Michael Grabner had time and enough space along the boards, ten feet inside the Washington blue line, to clear the puck. Grabner took the long way to make the play, and he and the Islanders paid for it.
Kudos to Lawson. Also to Matt Moulson, who scored his 28th goal of the season. All in all, a decent effort as the Islanders lost their fourth game in a row to remain in 14th place, 14 points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference. It was a wild route to get there – capped off by Ovechkin’s magnificent one-man goal – but the Islanders probably got what they deserved: one point.
The Islanders are now home for five straight games, including four against teams currently out of a playoff position.
Comments on tonight’s game are welcomed. More tomorrow.
94 Responses to WASHINGTON 2 ISLANDERS 1: Late goal, Ovechkin’s highlight OT tally result in fourth loss in a row
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Staten Islander says:
They had chances and didn’t bury them. I’m satisfied with the effort, and I agree that Grabner should have cleared that puck and that you have to just tip your hat to Ovie when he does what he does.
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Czerkawski says:
Almost…
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Jon in Chicago says: I long for the day when I don’t expect these things to happen. Leading 1-0 late against a very good team, I was almost just hoping we could get it to OT.
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John89 says:
Alan #1 – Its true. I still think this team has taken steps to get better since the beginning of the season. But they are still missing some good quality veterans that can still produce and show these guys what it takes to become a contender. Doug Weight is a great guy, but he’s not going into battle with these guys every night. His veteran leadership doesn’t really mean much if he’s never going to be out on the ice.
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S Bennett says:
Frig. That’s where superior talent bites your hard work in the a$$.
SB
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Tom D in NJ says:
We had our chances to beat this team twice, but were just not quite there yet.
Good effort,but not 60 minutes. -
claude says:
Grabner couldn’t clear zone, led to tying goal. i really hope GS aquires some quality veteran FA’s this off season .#1′s right . Ain’t never gonna win a mans game wth children
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alan says:
perfect example – trading a #2 for Brad Boyes, whose contract runs thru next year, wouldve been a move in the right direction. With free agents steering clear of the Island, Snow has got to be creative, and if that means trading a top 5 pick for Shea Weber or trading a young kid for a vet. Do it.
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Michael B. says:
I’ll take a point on the road vs anybody much less a good team like the Capitals.
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jon from nj says:
Disappointing. I get exhausted by them losing these types of games.
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isles says:
same old Islanders!!!!
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Joey says:
Too bad we got a point. We already runined our shot at the # 1 draft pick – lets not go any lower than 3.
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geduffer says:
The biggest need is Garth’s biggest blind spot, IMO. We need a g–d— crease clearing defenseman. Laich needed to be knocked on his ass in the last minute and we don’t have the guy to do it.
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Luvs19 says:
The Ferocious Friday effect has definitely worn off.
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moonshine says:
deflating loss. same story as the last one. there’s a little thing called ‘knowing how to win a game.’ without it you’re not going anywhere, and it’s the coach’s job to bring that. i don’t want to hear about ‘all the good things we did.’
sure, mac donald has no business racing off into the corner like that. and i don’t know how grabner was carrying his stick when he might have had a chance to clear near the boards. but the real point, imo, is that you have to score the second goal. they had plenty of chances. heck, even konopka had a great look. they saw plenty of net, there’s absolutely no reason not to have put one of those in.
i’m not a big fan of the four-on-four ot. it seems to me that if you still have two d-men but just two forwards, it’s actually harder to make plays. of course if you can make the play all by yourself, everything’s fine. and so ovechkin provides the punch line: it’s not over till the big kid stops skating.
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it would have been a great story. isles win 1-0 with nathan lawson shutting out the caps after being unclaimed in wavers. i knew when the isles had 2 late p.p. chances to put the game away and couldnt, that they would lose in the way they did. the isles are 2-27 in the p.p. and were 0-4 on the p.p. tonight. will things be different next year? sadly as the saying goes “what you see is what you get” this is where the top scoring foward that wang will never pay for would be so needed for next year. regarding tonight, cappy will never learn. p.a. should not be on the p.p. it should be grabner with j.t. and moulson. things will always be frustrating for the team since this team will be unchanged for next year meaning again no playoffs but at least the isles will always be in one race til 2015. the race for the number one draft pick.
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Jim Clark says: The last 17 years have taught us that Islanders fans may occasionally be happy for 59 minutes, they seldom will be after 65 minutes.
Can we blame this loss on DiPietro?
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WM says:
I shut the game off with 1:10 left knowing the Isles would lose. Sorry, but you can’t do squat on consecutive power plays with 6 minutes left and deserve to win. They could’ve iced it with a second goal (at least some pressure on the power play would have been nice!). Young team, I guess.
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MattyB says:
0 wins since Jurcina has gone down…Yea he might be important to this team….
Anyone who really sees a huge difference between this team and last years is crazy….It’s the same old Islanders…Find ways to lose games….Win 6 out of 7, then lose 4 or 5 straight…Same Stuff, Different Year
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Kbelanger33 says:
Stop me if you think you’ve heard this one before
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7:11 says:
Tough break. Hamonic carried the puck deep while 4 on 4 in OT and just couldn’t keep control. Ovechkin takes over, and no matter how good a 2-way player Frans is, they needed a d-man back to have a fighting chance to stop him. All in all, I still see positive signs from a young group of kids learning the hard way what you have to do to get over the hump in this league. Hang in there, Isles fans. I smell good times ahead.
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I having nothing nice to say so i am not going to say anything at all.
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93Miracle says:
I like this team! Remind you Hamonic and Amac are playing very solid but are not top pair defensemen althoug are treated like such playing against teams top lines. Thats a major reason why macdonald and hamonic +- stats are worse then they really are. Hamonic, wow this kid might be special as long as he can stay healthy. I think hes ganna be a top pairing defensmen in the league and now I know why Maguire said “every team in the league would like a play like Hamonic” Its so true and he will ONLY get better hes only 20 which is the crazy part. He looks like he belong and will be a hell of a player by 23 with no serious injury setbacks(always have to include that with the islanders). So I disagree CB with you saying the islanders only deserved one point. If Grabner clears that puck they probably get 2. Islanders also outplayed the caps and got twice as many scoring opportunities as they did in the final 2 periods. Neverich played a solid game for the 2nd straight time agains the islanders. #13 are you watching the games? The islanders are even exciting when they lose like the flyers game and tonight. Both great efforts with a VERY young defense that included Gervais. We need more size, but the ISLANDERS are DEFINITELY coming along! Its exciting. The transition play, the forecheck. I have not been this excited for an islander team….well I guess since they shocked the pens in 1993. THis team will blow away the 01-02 team. This team is more fun to watch and will be deeper and younger. For those of you who are not excited, you are just not letting yourselves be.
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Hamonic out of position on the game tying goal; caughtdeep behind the net on AO magnificant rush. the price you pay with an inexperienced blueline
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Jim#16- no not this loss-but until he is gone him and his contract will continue to hold us hostage-we have him for what another 10 years.
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Strummer's Army says:
MOST of Washington’s scoring chances were generated because of their superior size and will to battle. Guys like Ovechenkin are obsessed with getting bigger and strong in the offseason, not many on the Isles they are more concerned with video games and Harry Potter. Looked like men vs. boys at times tonight.
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isles83 says:
Let’s face it folks the caps would not even have 4 points in the last 2 games if they were playing anybody else. These 2 games we missed numerous chances with the lead and blew both games. Enough of the moral victories. They have to learn how to win these games.
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Al says:
It’s time to trade some of those draft picks for size and grit. Tired of seeing us outmuscled and knocked around.
The frustration continues….. -
Larry Satler says:
Sitting with my son he looks up with 4+ minutes to go and casually mentions the Isles will win 1-0…he hasn’t watched much islanders hockey. After the Islanders went into a prevent defense during their own power play I said they will lose 2-1. When the Great8 picked up the puck and headed to Lawson I said watch him score and end the game. Now if only I could do that with the stock market.
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THE PORK CHOP EXPRESS says:
I think it is about time to change up the Power Play. It has been awful. We should move KO, and FN off the point and back to forward positions. This is the time of year to try new things and see what can work for next year. Right now we are repeating the same mistakes and not learning from them. Also, Bailey’s line had 2 shots, Frans line had 4. That is pathetic. The coaching staff needs to tell them to be more agressive and shoot from everywhere. When they were winning everyone was taking shots. Why did they stop?? Perhaps it is time to try new lines!!
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Steve says:
Uy.
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Bob E says:
Wash goalie played better than Lawson. I thought isles effort was great. The pp looked great. Wash didn’t give up. Isles should learn from this
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caber09 says:
Wow Grabner has empty net and/or free reign to clear the zone easily and moves the puck in the opposite direction, then gets pounced on by 2 caps leading to the goal. Then Hamonic dumps the puck in and instead of keeping it deep, carries the puck around the net and passes it towards Nielsen/Ovechkin…and the rest is history, 2 of the worst hockey sequences I have ever seen…and with this team I have seen some bad hockey. Unbelievable.
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D in BIG D says:
hanging on is not the way to win CUPS!!!CB you said it(not quite)Franz is too SOFT!Okposto is not that good neither.Some changes must come.Worst game of the year by Comeau and I like him as an Isle.Most glaring need size and speed.
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Joe D says:
I give them credit for hanging in for 59 minutes, but we need some veteran experience to put these away. How many times this year? It must be so deflating for a young team.
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TimQ says:
This team is not that far away and most of the burden is on Snow
Consistent playoffs = 2 forwards with size/toughness + Top 3 pick + Top 4 Dman
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Jon in Chicago says:
We all know this team isn’t going to be much different if at all next season. Get back the injured defensemen, add Nino and that’s about it. The goalie situation needs to be sorted out but it’s clear to me the forwards and defensemen for 2011-12 are basically already on the roster.
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Why , oh why is Bruno out there against Ovie??? Why oh why is he even still in the N.H.L?? He must be Wang’s personal chef!
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NYISLES001 says:
Loser organization, loser mentality.
Snow is a friggin moron. Somebody had to say it.
I John Taveras am going to disappear for 10 games now. That will be his whole career 20 great games and 20 missing.
Where is Bailey. Another soft perimeter player.
Does coach ever get mad or is he on tranquilizers?
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JP Preissy says:
Been a fan since I was 6 YRS old in 1975. My son is 6 YRS old and loves the Islanders. The difference is, the 1975 team was about to be great and this team is just awful. Need a stud D-man like Denis Potvin to build around. Need to make a trade like Torrey did for Parise and Drouin; need a big, talented wing like Gillies or Nystrom. Need D-Men like Dave Lewis and Bert Marshall. Then this team might be competitive.
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Linkin says:
When will islander fans do a middle east style protest at coliseum and force Wang out. Enough with the excuses. Wang won’t spend any money. Isles were eliminated before any injuries. Making playlets with lowest paid players is expecting a miracle. Enough is enough.
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How could any coach of the Islanders not be on tranquilizers?
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"WeWantTen" says:
We are closer to greatness than goodness.
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Michael Delman says:
Are you kidding me CB? This was an awful choke in the final minute of a game the Isles should have won…the second time in a week they failed to close a game out they should have won for that matter.
Why didn’t Capuano have Konopka out there to take one of the final two faceoffs?? It was critical that the Isles win the faceoff deep in the Capital’s zone and even more critical that they win the faceoff deep in their own zone…they lost both. Bad decision by Capuano.
We’ve now lost 4 in a row. Tavares and Parenteau haven’t scored in what seems like forever….ditto for Grabner, but at least he was more himself in this game than he has been in the past five. Bringing DiBo up from Bridgeport made zero sense…he hasn’t even shown he’s capable of scoring in the AHL…in addition, he received power play time in his first NHL game…makes us look like a joke.
I am so sick of losing to this Washington team. They don’t play well against us and are a shadow of the team they were prior to that Montreal series last year. We ought to have 3 wins against them this season, but failed to show a killer instinct in each game against them. I can’t even contain my anger at this loss. Lawson may have played well, but the guy is a loser…reminds me a lot of Snow when he played for us…always played well yet found a way to lose.
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rob says:
ERIKA go back and watch it was AMAC who left the front of the net wide open, no reason to chase behind the net. Its safe to say they all collapsed in the last minute. Grabner failure to clear the puck cost the team. Not a big fan of bruno but have to give him credit he hasnt played to bad as of late.
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StevieL says:
Alex Ovechkin is worth the price of admission! A man among boys, he took the game over in crunch time. That’s what great players do! No real knock on the Isles, you just can’t race ponies against Thoroughbreds!
Hey CB,I wonder how we really judge how far the Isles have come. I think we are seeing playoff bound teams having a tough time getting up for games against the Isles. The Caps the last 2 games seemed to find another gear late in the games to pull out points against the Isles. The Isles don’t have that gear yet! Are we better or just another game for most teams? -
Dorfer says:
Gotta love the young talent on this team. In Garth We Trust!
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Anthony says:
We really need size upfront and especially on D.The only size we have upfront is Martin and we play him on the fourth line.How about putting him in front of the net on the power play.God forbid Jack tries something different.Why wasn’t Martin moved up now that Shremp is gone, instead we bring up a kid,no offense to him and we play him in front of Martin.We have too many soft players on our top 3 lines and 5 soft dman right now.So frustrating.
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gordy lane says:
I would say out of all the posts on here and no I did not actually count them but 95% of them are negative. We do not have an nhl ready goalie and the defense is hurting with all the injuries. some would even say without the injuries the defense was not any good anyway. yes the team still has a way to go and yes they lost to the caps twice and to the flyers by a goal (two in ot). a loss is a loss but that might not be the worst thing for this team overall. the isles need as many great to good assets as possible. getting another top 5 and possibly earlier 1st round pick will help the team in the long run. whether to keep the pick or even to use it as part of a future trade. If we had a nhl goalie and we were a lot closer then 14 pts out I would say go for it but otherwise play it smart. The closer we get to the playoffs the bigger the risk that the team might play streit and then ups the risk of reinjuring his shoulder. if they have nothing to play for then no reason for streit to be on the ice.
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Garthsnow says:
I had the over in this game, no more betting for sure.
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Islebethere4u says:
I agree with Gordy. Way too much negativity here. The boys played well. Did everyone forget we were shorthanded? Missing a few big Dmen tonight not to mention Haley. It was a great game to watch. I enjoyed it right to the end. They played well. Period. To paraphrase Howie Rose…”they got beat by a world class player making a world class goal scoring play.” Disappointing? Without a doubt. Upsetting? Not at all. The Caps brought their A game and so did the Kids from the Island. Would like to see more of Dibo. I thought he looked ok, not too out of place.
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16 expiring says:
Well, although Grabner should have been able to clear the puck, the Isles still win this game with a bonafide NHL goalie. Yes, Lawson made a lot of saves, but the vast majority of them were routine to American League in difficulty (many, many 40 to 70 footers). When the Isles needed the big stops, and the Caps didn’t shank their shots, they scored. It’s as simple as that. The Isles overall system looked really good again, tonight, and that really IS good news. They’re playin’ a helluva 1-2-2, like it or not, and would have won with a good goalie.
No matter, July 1 is when it all counts for this franchise.
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David says:
You gotta worry on the mental condition for some of the fans on this site. One moment Grabner is a world beater, next he is responsible for the loss. Amazing. Soon you will probably hear that JT is bust.
Take a look at our defensive pairings this night for the Isles. What did you expect? Not a bad result for an AHL team. This team will be dangerous next season.
Stay the course.
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brian says:
…… But the Gutty Gritties played hard. Yawn!!!!
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CJCB says:
Nah the Isles dont lack size they really arent being pushed around. What you see is only an illusion. Didnt watch game or any really since the GREAT Pittsburgh game but where has Haley been? You cant keep this guy off the PIM sheet in Bridgeport and he hasnt done anything since Pitt game? Why hasnt this guy stepped up and taken on someone with Legit toughness yet? Martin, same question? Are these guys “allowed” to use their size or real talent or are they told by team not to? Which would lead to another question if not than why are they here?
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doug says:
very well said #52 i completely agree… everyone should just stop cheering for this team if they expect to win every game flawlessly with A+ games from every player. I bet these same “fans” forgot how many times Streit got beat to the outside in OT last season to let up game winning goals.. but somehow he’s still an all-star in their minds? Strange fanbase we have here…but I’m sure they’ll hope back on the bandwagon when we start winning again lol.
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Randy Wood's Porche says:
Hamonic is really going through some growing pains. He’s found himself flatfooted and taken advantage of on scoring chances in the last 2 games against the Caps. I realize it’s the Caps, but he needs to be in better position defensively. Anyone agree?
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Isles81 says:
A couple of thoughts – yes Grabner should have cleared that puck but to lay the loss at his feet is wrong. The defense wandered away from the front of the net and left Lawson completely exposed. If they covered the front of the net that goal does not get scored – that is waht cost this team the game.
Also – if we have nothing to lose why didn’t soneone hit Ovechkin as he crossed the blue line – they all backed up and played scared, try not to lose hockey. We need a real veteran to show these guys how to play in the last minute of a game as well as OT.
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91nyfan91 says:
Maybe its just me but I think grabner is trying to do too much. Hes trying to snipe corners when all he needs to do is put the puck on net and good things will happen..they have to close games out late in the game its just unacceptable. once again no one is in front of net. the defense is awful.
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streit02 says:
When is Matt Martin going to get his chance? We put Dibenedetto on the PP in his 1st NHL game and hes not exactly setting the world on fire in Bridgeport. Give Matty a chance to stand in front of the net. I also dont understand the increasingly diminished ice time for the 4th line as a whole. We’re not throwing superstars out there with our other 3 lines. Let the guys play. Just bc theyre not scoring doesnt mean they cant bring us some momentum and establish a good forecheck. All in all tough loss, but the guys put forth a good effort. 2 mental lapses cost us the game and Nievurth (dunno how to spell his name) played great.
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#49. Wow i shouldve read your post before i wrote mine. Agreed 100%
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Gene F says:
Alan,#1 – your summary is absolutely correct. there in nothing else to add. bingo
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Anth says:
I think this goes to show the lack of experience on the Isles D…. Isles don’t have one player on the team that can go coast to coast like that…. it is what it is…
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4theisles says:
The projectd D for next season is still too small. Without some beef and experience on the Blue line, IMO the Islanders are not a playoff team next season.
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Last night just proved how young this team is. Chance late in the game with a PP to step on the opponents throat and they couldn’t get it done.
On the OT goal nearly every player on the ice misplayed the situation. From Hamonic turning the puck over. To Nielsen missing two chances to lay into Ovie. To Hillen committing entirely to the pass (seriously its Ovie—if there is one player you DON’T give the shot to it’s him) and being a non-factor on the 2 on 1.
Capuano still has some work to do. -
Randy Wood says:
Thanks Gordy…..Couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s great that there is alot of passion in here for the Islanders, but the guys in here that when we win 4 in a row say hey only 11 points out of the playoffs are the same ones that when we lose 4 in a row say Garth, Charles, JT, KO, the trainer, and CB should all be gone. RELAX people we are a young team with ups and downs stop ragging on JT, Grabner, KO & company. Enjoy the growing pains cause we are not that far off from being a good NHL team.
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Islesfan83 says:
I cannot even read these fan comments anymore…you guys are the worst. If the Isles win a game… “there great, this rebuild is finaly working” If they lose a game “this team is inexperienced, GS sucks” Seriously, if I played on Long Island I would be praying to be moved. NY fans arnt the toughest fans, they are skitzo!!!
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Hi Ron, I am not saying Bruno was responsible for the loss, It’s just that I heard his name everytime Ovechkin was on the ice. I just don’t understand why our weakest link is playing against one of the best players in the world. He is a great kid, I wish he would do something more than get the puck, take 2 strides, and shoot it down, then go the other way. That said, what lost us the game was our inexperience. Hopefully, a big, solid N.H.L’er in the off season will help. The perfect fit is Bufyglien. Is he under contract with Atlanta for next year? Imagine him and J.T on a line. Worth the price of admission.
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cgs878 says:
Tank the rest of the season and keep yourselves in that Top 3 draft position. Please!
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
Sorry Chris but this was unacceptable for an NHL team. I am tired of “hard fought road one point games”. 40 seconds from 2 points leading to the 4th loss in a row where we could have easily won each game is bit too much take. Good teams find a way to win, we are just playing out the string.
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Tony says:
A defeat snatched out of the jaws of victory!
Great playing, Isles. For 59 minutes anyway.
CLEAR THE PUCK GRABNER!!!!
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Jisles says:
I like Frans alot. But at the end of this season he has to look at that film and understand he needs to get stronger. I mean ovie totally powered around and through him. this should be a wake up call for the whole team that they need to get in that gym hit the weights and start getting stronger.
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Stumpy32 says:
Islesfan83 – damn right. The bipolar nature of this fanbase is sickening. This team is not there yet…clearly. When they go out and effectively crush the Caps for a period on Sat night at home, and then let up and lose, it shows that the building blocks are in the room, but they just need a little more time to get there.
I’m very excited about next season. We had that glimmer, especially after the win over Florida last Monday, about a miracle finish, but that’s clearly not happening. Next season, though…I really can’t wait for at this point. Healthy Streit, DeHaan and Nino on the big squad, everyone else of note coming back…just can’t wait.
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Battfist says:
Growing Pains-Lessons to Learn from a loss like this.
Same old Blake Comeau-
I have to agree-its time to give Martin a chance on a different line…maybe next to Bailey.
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Healy says:
Ice Girl Dad (#25) nailed it. The inexperience bit us in the behind tonight. Grabner with a bit more experience might have just whacked the puck out of the zone rather than try to take posession. Further, Hamonic pulled himself out of position in front of the net on the tying goal. In OT he took the puck deep but tried to make an ill advised pass up the boards towards his goal. Give Travis a few more years and he will learn to stay in front of the net or to keep it deep if he is pinned low. Rookie mistakes in an otherwise solid game from those guys. The Islanders actually made some pretty plays tonight but got Neuvy played very well.
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jerry says:
What are the league rules on contract buyouts? Can they only buy out X# of players over a period of time?
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black ice says:
I’m sure glad I didn’t see Grabner “make” that play as you describe. Nothing but nothing ticks me off more — and Okposo’s been guilty of this many times in the past — than having a chance to clear the puck and not.
Happy for Lawson, bummed he missed the shutout. His last game, that awful loss, seeing him sitting on the bench after being pulled, having to wonder if he had what it takes to play in the NHL … was a face of humanity in the world of sports you very rarely see. -
The New Isles GM says:
I’ve noticed Blake Comeau is becoming a popular trend on here. After watching him last night, I realized Scott Gordon knew how to get the best out of him. He scratched him. Every time Blake came back from being scratched, he came back with tenacity. He always finished his hits and kept his game simple. It bothers me that I found myself putting Comeau on the chopping block when we all know how good he CAN be. It’s like he chooses not to. Doesn’t he watch game footage? At least we know for sure Nino will throw the body. He proves that wherever he goes.
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MoreDraftPicks says:
Lets not automatically put DeHaan on next years team, and even if he makes it, dont expect the second coming of Potvin. I know he cost us like 4 picks, but lets be real. He’s a baby. I see people assuming that, just because the Islanders are young, the future is bright. I like a lot of what we have here, I dislike a lot as well. If Garth does not add at least 2 more vets to the team next year (Streit and Mottau dont count), we will still be in the same position. Look at what L.A. Did. They had something like 20 picks the last 2 drafts and have traded some of the young nucleus to get some proven vets. Some think they overpaid for Penner, and maybe they did, but because they have lots of talent in their system, they were able. As I keep hearing, we have that as well, so start using the “depth” of picks and youngsters to get vets in here. Otherwise, its another long year of no playoffs. We have sucked too long…….
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gdmike says:
off season shopping list:
Ales Hemsky – play with JT and MM
Brooks Laich – Play with Bailey and Comeau
Not sure which defenseman yet, but of course Shea Weber would be ideal -
Bill A. says:
This is where the youth and inexperience play a role with the Islanders. On the tying goal, Grabner had an opportunity to clear the puck and instead he tried to go back with it and on the OT goal, yes it was a great rush by Ovechkin, but if Hamonic didn’t want to be Bobby Orr and rush the puck the entire length of the ice, only to give it up, things may have been different. Again, with experience I doubt either would have done what they did.
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A Real hockey fan says:
.. That was a BRUTAL loss, (and im a OPTOMISTIC Isles fan!) but no need to spin it or try to sugarcoat it, that flatout sucked-hurt!
.. Its becoming obvious that the team needs a veteran presence, if not only to teach but also lead/show the youngsters how its done, (crunchtime and other times) this is REALLY needed 4 the organization – as well as some “size” on the wings and Dfense
.. I know the team has played ALOT better since the infamous fightgame with the Pens, thats sure as hell obvious to anyone with 2 eyes, honestly this is not even a debate imo
.. As much as i love you guys (fellow Isles fans that really care about the team and i appreciate that!) there is a jekyl-hyde mentality with alot of people here and i understand it but sometimes its a bit much. Take a deeeeep breath people and look at the organizations young talent and down in jrs, we are getting better
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jbassman72 says:
Washington didnt even look interested in the 3rd, but they smelled blood near the end and made the kill. We only exhibit that killer instinct from time to time, hopefully its part of the learning process as according to garths 40 year rebuild. That last pp was a disgrace, play not to lose and more than likely you’ll fail. Admire hamonic’s persistence to get the puck deep but he absolutely can’t cough it up in that situation….not with 8 ready to pounce and not with mr softie manning the point. Franz may be a great defensive forward but does he know that you can check people???
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Jim says:
It’s games like this that make me feel the team is not as close to being playoff caliber as I thought.
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gary91922 says:
so close but yet so far….
I like the job Capuano has done for this team but I’m befuzzeled as to why with less than a minute left you dont put your best face off man on the ice to take the d-zone face off?
I like Grabner but why is he out in a defensive situation?
Why does the 4th line get so little ice time?
We need either a respected head coach or a father figure for Capuano.
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DP says:
I thought the game was lost when a delayed penalty was called with 2:45 left. I would have like to see the Isles rag the puck back in their own zone to kill the clock. That way, the Isles could have almost finished regulation play a man up which would have negated the extra skater. Instead, they went for the goal and gave up possession which allowed the Caps time to tie it late.
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nielsen can’t stop ovechkin one-on-one because it’s awfully hard to nail a guy who’s as good an athlete as you are, except much bigger.
hillen skating backward in a straight line until he does no more than just about run into his own goalie, was even worse.on the game-tying goal, true, the d-men scatter to the four winds. the only chance left is for the goalie to pick up laich, meaning anticipate that’s the save he’ll need to make, and stuff him. i don’t think lawson has nearly the alertness to situations that an nhl goalie needs.
capuano is looking like an ahl-lifer to me.
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Jay says:
Love the Isles and these kids, but we are a long ways away. And, face it, they can play looser since nothing is on the line.
They need another scoring winger, some physical forwards who can play, a big time D-man and a real goalie who can play a full season. Musical goalies don’t work. Unless some real additions are made, this team will not be in the playoffs next year. -
The team has played better since the Pitt fight. But, this is not a playoff caliber team. And, while there is talent in the juniors, they don’t have any real impact players. Maybe Nino? Brock Nelson maybe, who is years aways. That is about it as far as impact players.
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Erika (#69) – Unfortunately, Byfuglien signed a long term extension with Atlanta, so he’ll be there (or wherever the franchise moves to) for quite a while.
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bill says:
Regarding Frans…
A Selke winner does not get danced around like that. He also was part of the first goal…him and McDonald left that guy alone in front.
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rob says:
people who think this team as is, plus streit will make playoffs next year are out of there minds and clueless..if garth does nothing this offseason it will be another sorry ass loooooooooooooong season next year
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CM says:
Loss is no big deal. Even in this fashion. For a non-playfoff contender, they kept it close. What do you expect? Like anyone, I want to see them win every game too. Close games and good effort is what is keeping me interested. Bonus, would be nice to see JT, MM and MG all hit 30 goals.
1.5 months to go and season is done.
Who is not looking forward to the off-season?
My observation after watching tonight’s game is that this team will not take that next step unless they acquire some quality veteran help – A top 2 Dman, a winger to play alongside Jt and a gritty physical forwards. While I like kids, kids alone will never win.