ISLANDERS 2, WILD 1
Plus/minus for the season’s first win
written by Kevin Schultz
The Islanders scored twice in the opening period today against the Wild and held on to win 2-1 for their first ‘W’ of the season. Let’s break down the game with a good ol’ plus/minus session. Be sure to add your own observations in the comments.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME:
MINUS: The Coliseum parking lot was still filled with garbage from Saturday’s pre-game tailgates. Opposing fans love to joke about the Coliseum being a dump, today they have some actual evidence to back themselves up.
PLUS: The Wild came out looking like they never got off the plane and the home team jumped all over them for it.
PLUS: John Tavares draws a penalty working hard behind his opponent’s net, leading to Andy MacDonald scoring on the ensuing power play. Tavares didn’t score today but had a very solid game. He’s not just a goal scorer anymore, folks.
PLUS: I had completely forgotten what a healthy Mark Streit looks like in this lineup. The captain looked great today. That being said, Hamonic and MacDonald were the best defensive pairing.
MINUS: The announced attendance was 11,278. You can knock about 2,000 off for the more realistic number (by my eye). To be fair, a lot of people probably had to work today.
PLUS: Islanders special teams. The power play was 1-for-3 and the penalty kill was 7-for-7 including killing a couple 5-on-3s. The PK was absolutely lights out today.
PLUS: Speaking of lights out, the Wild’s top line of Setoguchi-Heatley-Koivu was completely shut down. Partly because the Islanders defense, partly because those three were non-existent most of the game and fanned miserably on the few chances they did have. The Wild’s 5-on-3 power play at the end of the second was absolutely atrocious. It ended with Setoguchi fanning on a cross-ice pass from below the circles.
PLUS: Speaking of the defense and special teams, it says a lot about who the coach trusts by who he puts out when his team has two men in the box. MacDonald, Hamonic and Pandolfo did a lot of the 5-on-3 duties and did them very well.
MINUS: Someone let me know when Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau are released from witness protection. I didn’t see them out there today.
PLUS: Blocked shots and clogged passing lanes. The Islanders had an unenthusiastic second period and didn’t totally find their legs in the third. 17 blocked shots and 14 takeaways were a big reason they never surrendered the lead.
PLUS: Al Montoya. I expect to see him starting on Thursday figuring Capuano will stay with the hot hand.
PLUS: A win is a win is a win is a win.
Visit SNY.tv for a box score and complete wrap up.
69 Responses to ISLANDERS 2, WILD 1
Plus/minus for the season’s first win
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Big Kev says:
That win was all Al Montoya. He should get the start Thursday for sure. Also, we need Haley up to protect Tavares.
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hangover3 says:
Wow either Dipietro is semi injured or Wang made some new friends to keep himself happy …this is great. I thought for sure we would blow the first 20 games on dipietro like every year.
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save-the-isles says:
Big Win but still need to play better…How bad are these refs…i cant take these soft calls all game long..
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jo says:
Looked like the two worst teams in hockey going at it today.
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Bill says:
Did Isles management not remember that they started to turn things around last year after the players decided they were going to stand up for each other? 2 games in a row with no toughness in the lineup — not only did the Wild drive the net as hard as the Panthers did, but Tavares, Nielsen & Hamonic get run hard in the 3rd period with no consequences.
I know Gillies is hurt but come on — there’s no need for jay Pandalfo to have a regular shift at the expense of someone (anyone!) who can protect Tavares, Nielsen, etc..
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Steven says:
I agree 1000% 6. Need toughness in the lineup unless the NHL bans hitting. Nice to see Al get the start again. He should be the guy if he continues to play well.
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Oleg Kvasha says:
I don’t even know why they signed Pandolfo. The guy was never anything better then a 4th liner and wasn’t even in the NHL last year. What a waste of a roster spot. Would much rather see Haley on the 4th line.
I only watched the first period, did they look that bad the rest of the game? I thought they looked great in the first period, crazy how things changed.
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caber09 says:
If DP is in net, Isles lose today, simple as that. Our fast team is slower than the Panthers & Wild, not a good sign for against the actually fast teams. The high octane offense is non existent, and the “committment” and determination the play seems stale and listless, no creativitiy, no speed, no passing. Maybe it was that the games were meaningless last year…I hope not. No brainer, Montoya should go on Thursday for sure.
PS: Did DP give Montoya a high five after the game when everyone was lined up?I saw Montoya come out as #1 star live and replay, I am not so sure he did.
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Jon in Chicago says: Two games and the Isles have won one period of the six, only won today because of Montoya and the PK. Team still isn’t initiating enough or creating any offensive chances. Have Comeau, Moulson and Grabner done anything so far? Need more from them and yes, having a spark like Haley in the lineup would definitely be a plus at this point.
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Bill says:
Two games into the season, a win today, and already the sky seems to be falling.
Deep breaths everyone….
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Jim Clark says: An unimpressive win (excluding the goalie) is still a win.
Montoya says “what goalie competition?”
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Oh...Marrone says:
Ok so two great games by Montoya(the hot hand)…this is where the management usually messes up and puts in another goalie..lets hope this doesn’t happen…
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Turgeon77 says:
Ok Kevin Schultz. How about you don’t do a “plus – minus” every game. CB didn’t do them every game; he would often discuss the game while putting in his imput when needed…You should try that.
Good Win – let’s keep the wins rolling in and not lose 20/21 like last season.
Montoya looks very good – anything that keeps DP from touching the ice is fine with me. Finally, I agree that we should get Haley up there because there is absolutely no protection for any of the young guys right now. -
Brett says:
The Win and the 2 points are important, but anyone who watched this game like myself has a lot to worry about.
Transition: Major issues transitioning out of the defensive zone. Perhaps its the ice (and I’ve used that as an excuse for myself when I play)but the passing was atrocious. Soft passes into each others feet was mostly what I saw. Also a lot of dumping out of the defensive zone to center ice where the Wild simply redeposited the puck into our zone.
Fore checking: Anytime the puck was dumped into the corners, the Wild were always there first and made a quick pass out. No aggressiveness and very little puck control in the offensive end. They need to race into corners and cycle the puck to break down the opposing defense. They failed at that big time.
Those were my 2 biggest minuses today. Josh Bailey had a few blunders that set me off as well. My fuse is shorter for him, time to get it going.
60 minutes is key for our young Islanders. Montoya is the man. We take two points and corrct everything that sucked today for Thursdays matchup against Tampa.
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AndM says:
This new writer would have more credibility if he knew the difference in spelling between Andy McDonald (Blues) and Andrew MacDonald (isles)
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islesfan999 says:
This team is way too small. We really need some size especially on defense. I wish we would have gotten a player like Shane Obrien. We could also use Haley!!
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claude says:
Is the Bailey experiment over yet? KO couldn’t hit the net if it was two feet in front of him. We played hockey for twenty minutes and won a sixty minute game. All bow down to “Big Cubano”. Has anyone seen Michael Grabner? Bring back Haley
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Staten Islander says:
+Big Cubano continues to impress
+Mark Striet for the Norris, make it happen
+JT is becoming a beast before our eyes
+Matty Ice going to the net
+Hamonic hits
+Coach Cappy having the courage of his convictions and giving Montoya the 1st 2 starts-Paging Josh Bailey, paging Blake Comeau, you guys got new deals, time to start earning your money.
-After the 1st period, it looked like they were just holding on
-All those penalties
-They don’t look like they’re quite insink yet, maybe they could have used another week of training camp -
well at least he corrected the spelling…
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chris says:
i fell asleep..this team is boring
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Sonic Joe says:
A few liberties taken especially on Tavares. Wait until the big yeams come to town. Not impressed so far but yes a win is a win. BTW Plus 9 Minus 3, and actually only 1 minus had to do with the game? R U serious?
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Anthony says:
Even though we won,that is two really boring games and we looked bad in both. This team plays with no energy,grit or toughness. We don’t hit anyone. We need Haley in this lineup or Tavares will not make it through the yr. When will management take notice of this.
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Joe says:
-Another weak team outplays the Isles physically
Drop Pandolfo or Rolston and bring up Haley.
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Isles4cups says:
The first period was fun to watch, but the 2nd and 3rd had me on the edge of my couch, hoping the Isles would hold off the Wild attack. I’m not a fan of a fight taking place when a good check is thrown, but when Tavares gets hit by that punk, someone has to come out next shift and challenge that kid and teach him a lesson. I agree with a lot of comments…Haley should be in the lineup. Love Streit, Hamonic and MacDonald. Noticed Comeau out there with a few hits, but Bailey was invisible.
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paulunde says:
I am in agreement with most others here. We need more toughness and we need it now. Get Haley in the lineup!
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dedshark says:
not to be a downer, but their should be alot more minuses. I am happy with the win tho. cant complain…just really need to play better and work out the kinks.
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BobbyNy23 says:
Please bring up Haley and put him on JT line, we need to protect our budding super star.
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Steve J says:
I wasn’t at either of the first 2 games but on TV the ice looked horrible. Pucks bouncing everywhere and neither game had much of a flow. Haley needs to be here. We can’t rely on just Martin and Hamonic to be the only guys willing to hit and drop the gloves.
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The new isles gm says:
I can’t believe many of you bought into this rebuild being over. It’s clear that Bailey, Comeau, Eaton, Motteau and Nabokov are nothing more then trade bait. With Nino and Strome still being too young and the Islanders inability to sign a legit free agent, our rebuild will take a bit longer then say, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Anaheim. You forget the ducks brought in Pronger, Hawks brought in Hossa and the Penguins had two centers that are top 5 in the league. Until Tavares gets a legit goal scorer on his wing, our third line resembles last years Bruins team and our defense can play physical, we’re in for the long haul. It’s ok…Detroit was in our shoes too once. Hey we’re .500!!!
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Tom D in NJ says:
Didnt see todays game, glad we won, but doesnt seem like the chemistry and energy is in gear yet. I agree, get Haley in the line-up…too many soft guys still on this Club.
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hoser14 says:
I was shocked to see all the trash in the parking lot this morning. Why didn’t they use part of the $10.00 parking fee to clean up the mess yesterday?
As for today’s game, there are no bad wins….but why can’t they play well when the barn is packed like it was Saturday night?
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Well, Finally we scored.
Tavares got manhandled today and it was quite annoying that Bulmer didn’t pay the price for it. First of all his Run that he took at JT should’ve been called Interference. He did nothing but prevent JT from getting to the puck and Bulmer was actually facing the opposite of the puck when he went for the hit. Tough part of the Game I suppose and that’s why nothing was done but I’m sure Haley would’ve dek’d Bulmer. Hey Management, even the RAGS were smart enough not to block someone and instead let go of Avery. Why would we block a Roster Spot with Pandolfo?? Terrible Signing. Haley would fit that spot so much better. Soooooo Glad that someone had the balls to play Montoya over D.P., I’m thinking it must be Capuano because I can’t see Garth having the balls to do that to his buddy D.P. and WANG. So far Montoya hasn’t let him down. So Happy for the Kid!
I’m already tired of watching Bailey. If I’m the G.M., I’d BAIL on him !!
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pruggie says:
I sure see a lot of people wanting Haley-maybe management has to realize that team chemistry is sometimes more important than so-called talent. I mean they should be building on what they did at the end of last season when they were playing tough like the old days-this over 30 hockey just doesn’t cut it with the fans
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goislesgo105 says:
Nice writeup Kevin. Thanks and keep them coming!!
+ JT and El Cubano looked great.
+ PA gets 2 assists!!
+ GOAL for Franzie!!
+ PK and PP
BIG +++ Isles allow only one goal and WIN
the game
– too many penalties -
Erika says:
You guys are all spot on. The biggest deficiency I see is toughness. We are pushed all over the ice. The other teams just look bigger and stronger. That said, J.T. looks like he is serious in taking the next step, his skating looks a thousand times better than last year. Hamonic is awesome! Love that kid!
On the downside, Pandalfo, Reasoner, and whatever other old guys we got over the summer just don’t have much energy. They look like they are just playing out their last years. Bring up Haley and maybe even Czisikas to inject a lively personality into this team. Kudos to Big Al, I knew he was the man! I’ll take the win and hope they get better with each game. Let Strome play a game already, what the hell is he doing sitting? -
Never was really a critic of Bailey- – - until today! I don’t care what the excuses are, but what I saw was just a lack of effort. What was up with him. . . the dude was a complete wallflower??
The team needs some toughness and I think Haley’s the right guy for the job. They also look real slow. Thank g-d for Al – he was phenomenal today.
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The Haley Hammer says:
If my name doesn’t tell you that I’m a Haley fan but he absolutely needs to be in this line up. A few mentioned above that we need to have been building off what we had at the end of last season, and not by bringing in people who are fighting to play every night due to age. Aside from veteran presence in the room, I don’t really believe that Pandalfo has much more of an upside than Haley does. Having this team be confident to go into corners hard and not having to worry about being ran at is a big big factor in wining battles.
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Oh…one more thing.
Was anybody as fortunate enough as me and my friends to notice that Kiril Kabanov was at the Home Opener walking around the Coliseum Mingling with anyone who would give him the time of day? He was awesome to me and my friends, taking pictures, whatever. Not only that but he was giving a heartfelt hello to anyone that noticed who he was. Awesome Start buddy. He also did the same thing at the draft party too!
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Anthony says:
umm, setoguchi didn’t fan on that shot, it hit the post and went out of play. isles got lucky on that one.
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I truely don’t understand the Pandalfo signing.It is without question a waste of a roster spot.He must be from the New England area. Haley definitely deserves to be up with the big club. I don’t get it Garth ?
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Mike From Oceanside says:
For the Bailey bashers out there, please take note that nine other forwards logged more ice time than him today, while only two other had less (Reasoner & Comeau).
Additionally, he and Comeau had the least amount of shifts (thirteen) today with two of his shifts being cut short due to penalties that were called (Comeau & Staios). He also was 2nd in blocked shots by a forward today…I guess you guys only look at goals/assist/points when stat looking?
Just keep in mind that when the parade to the box stops, he’ll log more shifts and ice time. Bailey will be just fine – and he’ll contribute to this team’s sucess in areas that are not flattering. The only gripe I have with him is the 2 for 7 on the draws. That must improve – especially in the defensive zone.
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John P says:
We didnt play good but with good goaltending we won the game. Sure beats the alternative of playing good and losing because of lousy goialtending.
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CG says:
At game today. No flow to it. Both teams were not sharp. Couldn’t have been more than 8,000 in the stands. Was also shocked coming in to the parking lot with my family. Looked like a garbage dump. Really disgusting. At least they won the game. Montoya looked good.
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islesrock73 says:
Right on Haley Hammer and others. I will take the win, but the Islanders are way to soft, upfront and on defense. I would put Haley in over Bailey, Pandalfo. Sorry to say Bailey fans, but the kid shows nothing. Yes he was rushed, but now he is out of excuses. The Isles will be man handled big time when they play the bigger teams in the east. Not sure what gives why we always have an undersized team.
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Joe says:
great to see this blog back and running. appreciate the opposing team analysis….great to have +/- back. I didn’t see the game so will not contribute but i love having Al in net.
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its a miracle that they won the game. shooting about 5 shots on goal for 2 periods doesnt cut it. a real team would have scored at least 5 goals more. j.t. is afraid and scared with no protection and this tiny pint size team will pay the price thanks to the cheap and aragant wang and snow. think about it. if the team was run in a real and professional manner instead of in a cheap and desfunctional way, j.t. as well as the other kids would have real protection and the blue line would be bigger and tougher to compete with the other teams in the toughest division in the nhl.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Plus: Montoya in net
Plus: Montoya showed he deserves to be in net
Minus: Lucky we got 2 goals before they woke up some.
Plus: The Neilson goal was a thing of beauty!
PLUS: Kevin’s Plus/minus!!!!!! -
Joe says:
I didn’t see bailey and comeau play a lot. The 4th line played a lot more than the 3rd line. Not a good sign. Streit’s pass on frans nielsen’s goal is one of the best passes I’ve ever seen! Hamonic is going to be a stud…
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Also, Eaton and Mottau are both terrible.
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Bob E says:
what a difference having a #1 goalie makes. Montoya has been our best player for 2 games now.
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Jerome says:
Islanders Nation,
I was at the game, and originally a skeptic of Pandolfo, I saw his value today. They probably don’t win the game without his efforts on the PK, especially the 5 on 3s. That said, Haley should be in the lineup, and I’m sure he’ll be up at some point, maybe in two weeks for the back-to-back with Mario’s gutless pukes. Al was very good today. Hopefully he’ll seize the No. 1 job and let Ricky be the spot starter. -
PA Islanders says:
+first period
-second and most of third
+al
+penatly kill
-all those penalties -
Mike in Wantagh says:
The Isles need to stop doing this Columbus Day matinee. last year the Coli was only 2/3 filled and the rangers were the opponent.
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Bryan says:
Happy we got the points, but it’s gonna be a long season if we don’t get tougher.We’ve been outplayed for 5 out of the 6 periods so far. Nobody hits or fights, nobody stands up for JT and Montoya has been run into at least 5 times already.JT looks much better,but other than him and Nielsen and maybe Martin, no other forwards are even visible
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Don from Levittown says:
I can’t believe how negative fans are with the responses. 1-1 in 2 games. Not playing great, but give me a break. Again, are we Isles fans really this whiny? And I also don’t get the hype with Haley.
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kingbet123 says:
I love the plus/minus after every game…keep them coming.
Not the most exciting game after the first but I’ll take the two points.
Tampa should make for a more exciting game.
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Orange&Blue says:
Thank you! I am glad I am not the only one who sees that the Bailey-Comeau connection is disastrous. These are 2 guys that are just too inconsistant. Bailey finished a check today that could be best described as “soft”. They got to deal these 2 players. They are also the only 2 players in the past few years to play hardball at contract time. Dump em both!! Bailey has done nothing to deserve a raise and Comeau has had 1 good year. Rolston has his hands full if they think he can mold these 2 players.
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Don from Levit, Haley is a energy player who plays his ass off every shift and contributes in every way. You know when he is out there. He also stands up for his teammates and fights anyone at his small size. He deserves to be on this team. He is exactly the spark this team needs.
In contrast, when the hell is Josh Bailey going to do that. Never!! Bailey produces not points, is a turnover machine, and cant even defend himself. Bailey is here because he was a lottery pick and an awful one at that. You tell me who belongs on the team!!
We have a lot to be negative about when players who can help the team are in Bridgeport and players (Comeau and Bailey) continue to take nights, weeks, and months off. Anyone who watches the game knows this, especially with Bailey. Comeau used to like Bailey and turned it around last year. We cant have guys like this on the team.
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isles316 says:
thought comeau threw his body around at least. Bailey looks completely lost though. That line is stuck in mud. The young center can’t do a thing.
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Frustrated Voter says:
Win ugly, win often.
It will get better.
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This is a game we probably lose last year.
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With all the talk about Tavares needing protection, why not put Matt Martin on that line? He is a wrecking ball…reminds me of Steve Webb only with potential talent. Not to mention he’s tied on the team for total shots.
Nino is supposed to fill that role one day, and I hope he becomes the player he’s advertised as.
In the meantime, if Montoya can get two starts based on character…why not reward Martin as well?
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Cary says:
+Montoya – solid
+Hamonic – growing into a well rounded force-Same big problem as last year: WE’RE SOFT
-Garth knew this and didn’t address it
-Our new guys aren’t very good
-We finished 26th last year and don’t look much different
-Bailey is a waste of a roster spot -
Shane from Nova Scotia says:
That was just about the sloppiest game I’ve ever seen my TEAM play. Turnover after turnover. Minnesota deserved this game. I have to laugh at all the “plus’” by the writer. The only “plus” was Al Montoya, a large body in the net who moves well. I fell asleep watching this game three times. I deleted it from my PVR so my son wouldn’t see it. I have high hopes that all these millionaires show up for the Rangers game. Fingers crossed.
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Hollywood says:
Another poor game. The 2 best players have been JT and Monty. Let’s leave Bails alone and focus on Rolston and Pandolfo who are so Slow. Haley needs to be in this lineup, very soft without him. Coach seems to have forgot what gave this team a punch in the arm last year.
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jeff w says:
#14…just be happy we have a decent writer here and let him do his job
Look forward to a road game because this ice is a killer. It is simply below pro standard, even the most talented teams will suffer out there. We are not tough enough…Gillies is not skilled enough to be the answer, we cant play against the flyers and pens without toughness or injuries and blowouts are on the way. Anyone who is still thinking playoffs needs to be thinking garth needs to make moves for top 4 tough D, and tough top 9 forward guy….and hold your breath for nino…
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Chris says:
Always take the 2 points. If the Isles were not going to upgrade the Defense they should have kept Martinek. It’s early but Eaton & Motteu are not the 5th & 6th Defensemen on a playoff contending team. Haley will be in the lineup when they go to Minnesota in December. Late in game Isles couldn’t afford to do something stupid as the needed a win & were shorthanded for 1/2 the game.
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Dr Phil says:
Is this the movie “Groundhog Day?” The game looked like a replay of most of last season’s games. Play for 20 minutes and then stand around and watch the other team play real hockey. Lots of deadwood on this team:
-Bailey-ok the experiment is over. Trade him,
-Okposo-couldn’t hit a soccer net.
Get him a shovel! Fourth line!
-Pandolfo, Rolston, Reasoner, Mottau, Staios—ALL DEAD WEIGHT.Put some fire in this team. Bring up Haley and DeHaan. Let Strome play. Get Nino on the first line as soon as possible. Watching these first two game gave me heartburn.
Better….not great..still think Haley needs to be in starting line-up…