ISLANDERS 4, CANADIENS 3
Isles Take Advantage of a Great Opportunity at Home
A week ago in Colorado, the Islanders jumped all over a struggling Avalanche team only to fall flat in the third period and surrender a three goal lead. Tonight at the Coliseum there were a lot of parallels to that game but the end result was certainly different. The Islanders found a way to hang on despite some great, then iffy, then great once more, play in the third period.
For two periods the Islanders had more jump than their opponents and took advantage of a few of the opportunities that they were given on a silver platter (and certainly had some excellent goals as well). Leading 3-0 halfway through the second and dictating the play to their opponents, the Habs found some energy putting the Isles back on their heels. Two goals would follow, spurring memories of blown leads from the past. This time — and they badly needed it — the story would end differently.
37 seconds after Erik Cole brought Montreal within one late in period two, Capuano sent the top line to the ice and they answered the call in a big way. John Tavares broke into the Habs zone, flipped a sweet little pass back between his legs to Matt Moulson. Moulson sent what looked like it may have been a pass to Michael Grabner heading towards the crease but it never reached Grabs, knocking off PK Subban and past Peter Budaj to put the Islanders up two.
The third period was full of stops and starts for the Islanders but what was certainly clear for much of the period was that the Habs didn’t have their legs. Not until Steve Staios took a bad boarding penalty with about four minutes to go was the pressure really applied. On the ensuring power play, Brian Gionta would slam home a goal to bring it within one. DiPietro and the Islanders withstood some serious pressure in the closing minutes but hung on for the win. DiPietro wasn’t totally solid in relief of Nabokov (injured in the first), but came up with big saves when the defense couldn’t find the puck to clear it in the final minute. After the game, DiPietro played it humble when asked about his stellar saves at the end saying, “even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.”
DP OR MONTOYA ON SATURDAY?
Nabokov, who started this one in net, is day-to-day with a groin injury. He left in the first after stretching across to make a save. Capuano said that he will be re-evaluated tomorrow morning. Each goalie has their cheerleaders in the fanbase and we’ll likely see the rotation move again on Saturday night.
MOTTAU BENCHED IN THE THIRD
To put it nicely coach Capuano said the team “went with a short bench in the third period.” Two of the Habs goals came square in front of Mottau who did his best to project the spirit of Bruno Gervais. You have to believe Mark Eaton will come out of the sky box on Saturday night after Mottau’s performance. Mottau was the weakest link on a night when some of the Islanders weak links clicked and the Habs’ poor play helped hide others.
BAILEY TO PANDOLFO
We saw it live and in HD tonight, so believe it even if you’re still having trouble doing so. Video of the Lockness Islanders sighting when it’s available… In all seriousness though, the line had a great game, really clicked well and Pandolfo had easily his best game of the year. Kudos to the fourth line on a job well done.
WE KNOW TAVARES IS STRONGER THIS YEAR BUT…
He looked exceptionally strong tonight. In the second, Montreal defender Alexei Emelin got called for holding Tavares. The penalty wasn’t even worth it as Tavares was still able to break through Emelin’s defense and created a great scoring chance.
About Kevin Schultz
Kevin was formerly an NHL blogger for the now defunct AOL Fanhouse and was the creator of the hockey comedy blog Barry Melrose Rocks. He now covers the Isles for Islanders Point Blank. You can follow him for instant updates on the team and talk hockey with him on Twitter @schultz88. View all posts by Kevin Schultz →152 Responses to ISLANDERS 4, CANADIENS 3
Isles Take Advantage of a Great Opportunity at Home
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Jon in Chicago says: Nothing is ever easy. We all knew once Montreal got it to 3-1, it was anyone’s game which is really pretty sad. Habs were dead tired and still came within a inch of the tying goal in the final seconds. Still, a win is a win I guess. Please start Montoya on Saturday.
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Kool-Aid says:
Round of kool-aid for everyone!-it’s on me
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BT says:
That’s fantastic! You’re the best!
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Mike says:
That’s GREAT!!!!!!!!
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crazy j says:
please never put Mottau on the ice ever again!!
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Mark from massapequa says:
A win is a win
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I’m convinced the only reason the habs did not beat us is because they didnt take it to us physically…..when teams play us physical this team turtles
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mike says:
wow…finally lol now garth MAKE A TRADE!!!!!
shea webber would go good in the new black isles jersey haha btw anyone else think d.p might be a little bit slow? -
Brain says:
It hasn’t been pretty by any means… but DiPietro is on a two game winning streak. Looked to have made some improvement with his movement in the crease.
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Chris says:
Eaton is better than Mottau
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
True, but that’s like saying waterboarding is better than starvation!
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And Hillen & Radek are better then both!!!! POOR job by snow!!!!
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Tedge77 says:
Unfortunately Rick will never be the same. BTW can we find another expression besides drinking the kool-aid its way over used
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The only people who say kool-aid word is played out are the ones who drink it..this is by far the best word to describe what wang and garth shove down our throat
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Yeah hahaha you’re the best!
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Ryan says:
I’ve actually been a big defender of his, but man DP really does look slower. He just doesn’t have that sharpness you look for in a top goalie. Anyway, this win feels good and was BADLY needed. It was a bit ugly and problems remain, but maybe we can get Okposo back in the lineup next game and see if he wakes up.
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claude says:
Wow! Captain Jack finally benched Mottau
To my recollection the set on this board have been screaming about Mikey’s AHL skill set, for past three weeks. Better late than never
From what I’ve witnessed El Nino is just as good as KO and can actually produce a shot on net
Bailey played with his grey matter tonight
DP still making me nervous
WE WON,YEA FOR US!!!!! -
yes and scratch reasoner and rolston call up haley put in okposo and start montoya and we’ll have a much better chance of winning Saturday
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The Haley Hammer says:
Not sure if okpso lingering affects from his shoulder surgery has anything to do with quality of play but he was and still is one of the worst skaters on the team. It is hard to watch him try to go from point a to point b.
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Grandma's Boy says:
It’s always nice to win, but montreal didn’t come to play.
Great pass by Bailey on Pandolfo’s goal.
Okposo has to be back on Saturday, no?
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Dave B says:
lucky we squeaked by.
nino was -2
DP had second assist of year.
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nyi 16 says:
I cant believe Pandolfo scored! JT, Moulsen, Grabner..love the top line. Nino looks a little lost. DP is bad, Motteau is worse. But Im glad we got the 2 pts.. now win Saturday for Eddie Westfall..18!!
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rob hock says:
umm…nino is 19 playing in his 2nd NHL game basically…coming of an injury…give the kid a break he’s not going to dominate play just yet…and DP came off the bench which is not an easy thing to do especially coming in when there is PP…he got the win albeit not pretty but 2 pts is 2 pts and this a step in the right direction considering how theyve played recently….and take this as a positive…isles haven’t played really bad and are only 3 games under .500 and have games in hand…now that they have games everyother day for the most of the next 2 months they should start playing more consistent hockey.
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have played*
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I a agree about nino but i think thats because he is just 19 and is thinking to much on the ice trying not to make mistakes instead of just reacting.
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Jon in Chicago says:
There couldn’t be a worse matchup for this team than the Bruins, who aren’t only skilled but big and very physical. Isles usually don’t respond well to physical play…except for Martin.
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D in Big D says:
THE ISLES WIN.TTTHHHHHEEEEEEE ISLES WIN.Fortunate for us Habs were a no-show for period & a 1/2.I don’t care who goes but this team needs a major shakeup.No emotion,again.Also Habs played their back-up netminder in this one.Not a good sign.
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Bob says:
Finally some strategic moves….Mottau benched in the third was a good move. Now here is hoping the next time he steps on the ice is in another team’s uniform
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Also forgot to say thanks to the Isles for the win tonight. I am in Ottawa and it will make going into work tomorrow a lot easier…I feel like I work in Habsville.
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Fran's dish says:
I know he wasn’t too noticeable but, I’m liking what I’m seeing from niño. He hits, plays a good in the boards and has some hands. We need this big boy to pan out so we actually have some size up front on this team.
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Ryan says:
nino is 19 years old in his second game, give the kid a break. same with dipietro, he came in cold off of the bench and played a good game. if the defense could play a full 60 minutes, atleast two of those goals would not have happened. we won the game enjoy it, dont bring more negativity. we get enough of that every other day.
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upstateIsles says:
dude, AMEN!
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gutty34 says:
Nino is going to be a special player. 19 and 2 games into NHL career and he fits in – is not standing out for poor play. Wait till he grows even more and matures – look at Tavres for proof that simple growth from maturation makes a huge diff. He is no longer getting knocked around – his strength and skating have improved 100%. Nino will go through same process and has the skills and size to back up his play. Will be #1 line winger for years to come.
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Dan C. says:
He did play in 9 games with the Isles last year.
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Bob E says:
i think its pretty unanimous to say that Mike Mottau should not he on this team.
Staios bad penalty at 3rd. you cant do that.
Isles offense looked great. Biggest reason was they finally were driving to the net. Not just staying in perimeter.
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Jim Clark says: Only three goals against Rickety while giving up four?
Time for montreal to fire another assistant coach.
Ole ole ole. Ole ole -
everyone take a half stepback from the ledge!
better effort tonight but still many lapses. Penalty on Staios bad call IMO -
Staten Islander says:
So Nabby knows what its like to be an Islander Goalie. DP scares me. Pandolfo scored, can we trade him now? All game I was waiting for Matt Martin to drop the gloves with someone, he sure looked like he wanted to, he needs more Ice time. Bailey looked ok tonight. Hamonic saved DP’s butt at the end. More Nino please.
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John R says:
Was at game tonight. Couldnt believe how quick the DP sucks chants started after first two goals. He was left hanging by mottou, didnt stand a chance. Hes definitely not the same dp but thoae just werent his fault
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RWM says:
Totally agree. Whether or not he is your favorite, you do not boo your own team.
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juniorjunior says:
liked the emotion by DP – good win…hanging on by their fingernails. This team needs to learn how to nail the coffin shut.
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put Martin on the first line with JT, I bet Kactic would have been with the big club by now, is he out for the season? We need to roll the dice on another defenseman in Bridgeport, brink up Wishart and see if he seizes the opportunity. Also what is the status on Rhett Rashk??
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FedUp says:
I agree put Martin on the first line to stand in front of that net. Martin has alot of similarities to Clark Gillies. Big 6’3, tough can fight, has verygood skating skills and knows how to score when the chance is their.
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Mat martin– clarke gillies, give me a break.
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How old r u? Did you see clark play when he was young? He did not make the 1st line until 5-6 years of playing on the Islanders.
You need to see talent before he mature’s, unlike Haley.-
The Sick one Six says:
I did watch Clark growing up – it is still a tough comparison. However, I hope to heII your right! I love Martin’s will to win and he knows his role.
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Brian G says:
Snow waits too long again to make a trade. Pulled Groin means Nabokov goes on IR. He won’t be traded til January. Maybe a defenseman or forward will be recalled?
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snow is in St. lucia getting a massage. H has no clue on whats going on with the isles, nor does he care.
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KaiserVanIslander says:
Good game, really nice to get the win. Would still like to see Martin on the ice more. No more Mottau please. Didn’t think DP was bad but was not good. He never covers for a mistake, never makes the big save, winning teams need that. And whats up with him getting 2nd star of the night? Save % for the game was .889 that sucks!
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Kaiser, I agree. The 3 stars tonight were a joke! While I love Streit, I did not think he had a good game, and neither did D.P. Pandawful, to my surprise actually played well tonight.
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DP will always be an average goaltender, specialy now after all the injuries. Speaking of injuries some one should tell him to tone down his after game celebrations, not only does he look like a fool, but he might just wind up on IR again.
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D.P makes me very nervous with all his flopping. He is definitely slow to get up, but…I do like his heart and his enthusiasm. Start Montoya and let D.P, back up. D.P. is not a starter, but he can still be a part of this team if he is used correctly. We need help on D, big time! while the old guys had a decent game tonight, we should not be foolish enough to think this will continue. Play the young guys so they can string together a few wins and get used to each other. Oh, and maybe shave those sparse little mustaches, lol! Either way, they won so I may actually sleep tonight! Go Islanders…2 more wins and I can buy the black Jersey!
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Erika! Who are you getting? I decided on JT, his skill level is just too awesome this year.
I’m ordering some at the shop so I gotta wait, but I’m very excited!
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Yes to J.T. Unreal how he has improved this year! Let me know when you get them in. I’ll be there, or should I say Isle be there!
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isleopine says:
The way Mottau is playing makes me wax nostalgic for Gervais.
Anyway, is WangSnow put him out on the ice again, even Hasek would not be able to prevent goals from going in.
This really should be his last game for us.
Reese, Wishart anybody but Mottau.-
This “Defense” is terrible.
Mottau should be placed on waivers asap.
If Easton gets scratched twice for Mottau, what does that say about him?
Cammeretti went right around Jurcina on their 3rd goal like he was a gate in the slalom.
Staios is so slow he could make Brendan Witt look like Pavel Bure!
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That would be Cammalleri.
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eaton, mottau, jurcina. Three of the slowest defenseman in the league, not to mention how soft they are also.
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So glad i Went to this one. Although after Price’s shut out last night I had a good feeling about this one…
I’d love to know who KO comes back in place of. Reasoner is still the worst. Might be Comeau’s turn again. I think DP deserves another start he played well.
JT look marvelously stronger again in this game, so many times using one hand, so many times he fought for the puck and kept it – all while getting draped by habs… JT is playing amazing.
I think Martin should have gotten a star, his effort is 100% every game, but even more so tonight. He plays like he never wants to lose his job, unlike others. He plays well with Bailey but I’m not opposed to seeing how he fairs with centers on the top lines eventually too.
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Rich L says:
After Gionta scored in the third to make it 4 to 3, with over 4 minutes left, I was waiting for Cappy to pull our goalie to see if we couldn’t get a 2 goal lead back, it wouldn’t have surprised me, lol
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hahaha
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
JT is the only reason I’m watching these games. God, he is fun to watch! Especially when he does it with one hand on the hockey stick. Love it.
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and he hasn’t hit his prime yet he will get faster and stronger each of the next three years! Think of what he could do with real first line winger!
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No doubt for sheer determination,and heart, the 2 best players of the year so far has to be Tavares, and Martin,and some of you please leave the “old” guys on this team alone, do any of you know how hard it is to skate,and play this game while wearing depends? lol
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Jay says:
I am not trying to be negative, but if or when they struggle again, there will not be changes because of this game. “If we play to our capability, we have shown we can beat any team.” And, sorry to say, but this team NEEDS changes.
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WALT says:
Canadiens were flat and our defense is horrible. Mottau should be waived. Reality comes back when the Bruins roll into town.
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Battfist says:
NIce win!
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Okpososcores3@ says:
And the remedy for the isles was the rangers coming in. Its about time they played some consistant hockey. Effort was great all around dp made a huge save on subban to keep the habs from tying it up. Great save and overall game by DP.
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Isles Fan In FLA says:
Just happy to have a win. But the reality is the Habs had their backup goalie in who was horrible. They also don’t play too physical, which helps our team a lot. Could very well be the reason we seemed to have been in front of their goal instead of our usual perimeter game. Though I still can’t figure out the style of play cappy is trying to install, I will say at least he seems to have a clue in who is performing or not. His benching and scratches are proof of it and he doesn’t seem to care if it’s a higher profile name (Okposo or DP. Let’s hope this starts a win streak.
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mark p says:
Loved JT going back at Suppan on his last shift and decking him…..He just keeps getting better, stronger.
Nino seems to be a little light on his skates….reminds me of YR1 JT….
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islesrock73 says:
Nice win, but we still need a trade for an NHL defenseman, since the Isles only have three on the roster. Still want Haley, as post above makes good point that Habs are a soft team too.
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Chris Willmer says:
Good win. Let’s get ready to be steamrolled by Boston on Saturday night.
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gdmike says:
I think the key to this team is gonna be Bailey and Reasoner. Both had good games tonight and it allows the role players to do their thing which is why Pandolfo had a strong game. If the top 3 lines score Pandolfo is fine shutting down other lines and killing penalties. Reasoner, although not on the score sheet, had his best game this season playing more offense than we have seen from him
On the flip side that was a terrible penalty Staios took at a terrible time. He and Mottau almost cost us a solid effort.
Finally, PA is on the score sheet again and don’t doubt that Moulson will get his goals. Two 30 goal seasons means we shouldn’t doubt him anymore. Solid player. -
Also had to mention the obvious as well…JT is awesome. You see such an obvious difference in his skating and strength since yr 1. He has really worked at it and it shows. He creates so many good chances. He’s awesome.
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ei8hty6ix says:
DP’s great saves are a byproduct of his off-angles & intial misjudgments. Mottau deserves another game before benching, after challenging Avery, although I would seriously limit his ice time & he’d be on a short rope – hey, Cappy gave Bailey a 2nd chance after that aweful give up to the NYR’s and he came up big w/ a great feed & solid effort tonight – no?
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IslanderFAN says:
Nothing to brag about that win…it was just the Habs a mediocre team look at their line up and their defense but its a win….and Motteu, Eaton and Satois are hurting this team.
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No bragging – in fact, that was scary, in light of recent 3rd period collapses. I think this Win was more luck than anything – but then again…a win is a win. I agree – I’d rather see de Haan getting burned than Mottau & Staois. Any chance Nino gets to work w/ some offensive talent to generate some O’?
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Strummer's Army says:
Let this be the end of Mottau! Never again can he be allowed to disgrace and Islander sweate.
Tavares was Hercules! Hercules! Hercules!
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before but I love Matt Martin and Travis Hamonic.
Win is great but it is not overwhelming in a strong sense. A win is great but it was far from pretty and Isles same issues kept creeping up. I don’t want Eaton in, I want a trade or Wishart. Pandalfo scored his 100th big freaking deal he’s been in the NHL for forever. Waive him and Mottau.
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NYIhockey16 says:
JT is the only true top-flight forward we have. Other teams who are resurgent, such as the Kings, Oilers and Panthers have at least three or four. It’s time to realize players like Bailey, Okposo, Nielsen and Comeau are third-liners at best. It pains me to admit this, but looking at the talent levels of other teams in the league, it’s simply a reality. However, tonight, let’s enjoy the victory. One more thing before I go. The Isles have scored 4+ goals now in four of their five wins. Compare that to the four goals TOTAL in the losses following the last win against the Caps. Amazing how when you put more than one or two biscuits in how your chances of winning increase. Congrats to Martin on a great game.
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It’s amazingly scary…but look at the production from Oilers draft picks: Eberle, Hall & now Nugent-Hopkins. Isles have JT & then a few, woulda-shoulda-coulda guys (namely: KO & Bailey)…You know, I was pissed when Okposo didn’t make Team USA, but that explains why they made the Gold Medal Game – and I’m not coaching/scouting in the pros!
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Davie says:
Hall is having a bad year, Eberle has been ok at best and Gagner and Paarjvi are “busts”.
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Dan C. says:
Come on. Hall and Eberle are lightyears beyond Okposo, Bailey, NN and other recent Isles deaft pick whose initials aren’t JT. Get real.
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Amerks44 says:
Great Win… At least on Saturday we will not have to listen to Butch & Howie! They are the worst in the NHL!!
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At least for one period we will have Jiggs and Eddie…Is that DP’s pre-playoff beard!LOL! By the time we make the playoffs it will be down to his feet!!
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Paul says:
Big deal Kevin. They are still in 29th place. This means nothing, they will lose the next game.
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Zigo says:
oh gosh. im pretty sure DP puts gel on her beard. His beard is always looking shiny.
he reminds me of Chubaka. lol -
nick m says:
The isles played great. We all know that the offense is fine. even when they were struggling it was just a matter of time before they clicked. Nino is STRONG for his age. comeau played well. Nino should be on the second line with Franz. reasoner isnt helping the situation. all snow needs to do is improve the Defense . I dont know what he is waiting. Toronto wants a goalie and Franson or gunnerson(sp) are available… they arent the greatest but deffinately better then mottau and eaton. the offense would score even more with some better outlet passes.
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Do me a favor and do not speak for me. The offense is awful.
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Per Daren Dreger the Canes are looking to add an offensive body. They are willing to trade Kaberle.
This is Snow’s change to improve the team. Isles need a puck moving defenceman. Kaberle will help on 5 on 5 and the PP. Kaberle says he is still trying to adopt into the canes system. I have no doubt he will produce with the Isles.
Canes will also like to unloaded his contract. I’m thinking Baily/Combs/eaton/mattue would be a fair deal. This is Snow’s chance to shine. -
Scotty from the Hammer says:
Pretzels and nachos for Mottau on Saturday… Wow what a mess he is, not the first time… But what can ya do with a bunch of scrubs on the Dline… with the exception of Mark, AMac, and Hamonic, the latter of the three is very impressive, good on ya Travis. He is going to be a Tank for years to come!!
Enuff with the goalie merrygoround…. face it, with Nabby hurt he isnt gonna move. I know ya have to “shop” him but at what cost… BUT.. now that you have the chance…START THE CUBANO!!!! HE IS THE ONLY GOALIE THAT HAS EARNED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! FFS!!!!
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moonshine says:
true, montreal didn’t seem to have their legs playing in a back-to-back. their offense consisted mostly of throwing the puck toward the net hoping for a good bounce.
the first montreal goal come off a weak play by mottau, but on the second one as well i thought he had a chance to get to a puck in the corner and didn’t go for it. dp looked a little goofy on the second one too.
lots of montreal fans at nvmc but they were mostly of the quiet type. islander fans did a good job of keeping it a home-game atmosphere. the crowd was small but it got loud in the final minutes.
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DWC says:
How bad could Wishart have been in camp to have been subjected to waivers. He was +5 for us last year. I didn’t think he stood out, but I can’t understand how Mottau made the team over him.
The losing streak last year closely corresponded with the loss of AMac and Jurcina being out leading to more minutes for Eaton and Mottau (among others). During the streak, scoring was the issue as is the case now and I believe it starts with the D-men in both cases.
At this point, we need to waive Mottau and recall Wishart (hoping he makes it through re-entry). Assuming Nabakov goes to IR, recall Ullstrom or DiBenedetto to add grit and roster flexibility to scratch ineffective forwards.
Go with a 50/50 rotation with Montoya and DP and see who emerges.
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justin says:
Good win wasn’t pretty, Martin “you da Man”
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Dan says:
I can’t believe DP has more points than comeau!!!!!!!!!
Comeau should be benched for Okposo! -
IslesCT says:
Isles got 2 points which is the important thing, although again, even a 3 goal lead isn’t safe. Seems to be a big conditioning problem among all other issues. They have looked alot better the last couple of games. A win against Boston can be a huge motivator.
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DP looked shaker than a crack head at a police convention. I hope this win doesn’t make Cappy play him over the big cubano. As a fan i should cringe everytime there is a shot from the point.
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i meant shouldn’t cringe
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Also please stop with the Snow must go. Again its not his fault. everyone on this post thinks he can do what he wants…he has to answer to Wang and Wang doesn’t want to spend money. And for those nah sayer’s just think if your boss wants to hire someone else he needs approval from someone unless he is the owner of the company, and at that point he would be a Wang’s level not Snow.
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Why would you even think you get to dictate what people say? This is Snow’s team and coach. Snow has failed miserably!
Snow lies through his teeth, and does not give a damn about the fans. Here you are kissing his ass. Sad.
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Paul I’m not dictating or kissing Snows ass. Do you think he wants to lose? Don’t you think he would want to field the best team available? Don’t you think he would have wanted to make a splash in the FA market the last couple of years? Com’on, wake up…he only got the job because no other NHL quality GM would stand to be made out to be a fool. Snow needed a job, Wang and Milbury needed an out and Snow was there ticket. And trust me I’m know Snow fan but know other GM would be able to do any different. Wang is the issue and only issue! The scrubs on the team are a result in the lack of compensation wang is willing to pay? And Mottau, Pandolfo and rolston will play anywhere because they wouldn’t even be the best players in my league! Sad but true!
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Hock says:
Not only was that embarrassing, I was thinking it was very dangerous for him to be doing with his fragile body.
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Steve from Jersey says:
Assuming you know someone you’ve probably never met is sad…
I love how everyone thinks these trades are available or for that matter the isles wouldn’t have to insanely overpay… There are so many good defenseman avalaible… I mean come on every team has some to spare we could get one for a 2nd round pick.
If snow made a trade for Weber I’m sure half the people who cry on here everyday would say he payed to much.
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scott says:
You may be right, but even if that’s the case, why would Snow still be there? Because it’s a GM job and he knows there isnt another team in the NHL that would hire him?
Snow’s job is to build a winning team. If Wang doesn’t allow him to do that wouldn’t you think that upsets him to no end? Snow is complacent with losing, as long as he still gets to run the show. He has proven he has doesn’t have the stones to stand up to Wang or make the moves necessary to build a winning team.
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isles says:
DP still looks awful. He didn’t even make an attempt on Gionta’s goal. It’s almost sad to watch. Every surgery takes it’s toll and he has had many. Then he jumps around after game like he has won the cup!! That was embarassing. Next time act like you’ve been there.
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Agree-DP jumping around like that just shows everyone the laughing stock we are…
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Stumpy32 says:
Every time I see a scrum in front of DP, I just assume a goal will be scored, just because his lateral ability in fending off multiple shots off rebounds is so compromised. My guess is that DP thinks this too, which can only hurt him.
At this stage of his career, even if DP was the arrogant, cocky bastard of 2006, he still can’t stop shots other goalies can. I think the Isles are just waiting for some amnesty agreement – call it the DiPietro Rule – in the next CBA. Or for him to just get hurt again. Either way is fine.
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Well last night looked almost like every other game, up a couple of goals and fighting to save the game right down to the last second.
Take away PA’s open net and Pandolfos(will not happen every game) goal it would have been different. However its 2 pts and a win and a start. They needed that! -
The New Isles GM says:
We’re going to win eventually. The problem is we’re not good enough to win consistently. Still to many holes on this team that need to be plugged with the right guys. PA Parenteau is continuelly making a case for himself. Comeau, Bailey, Okposo on the other hand are not. I think we’re starting to determine who the true core of this team is. Low expectations for Saturday. Tavares will probably have a good game though.
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I too am frustrated at the performance of this year’s team, but I can’t understand how some of you continually bash P.A. This guy truly cares about winning. He makes things happen on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd lines. Although Grabner is playing much better with J.T., J.T. is not scoring as much as when P.A. is on his line. Guy is creative, period. Frankly, I’m glad he is an Islander. Caught a glimpse of Strome. WOW!!! This kid looks ready for the N.H.L. Can’t wait for his Islander debut.
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Totally agree, Erika. PA isn’t an All-Star by any means, and he may not currently be a part of the “core,” but he makes things happen. He plays with JT and sets up JT better than Moulson, and he’s fluid on the ice. It’s so easy to bash the guy because he couldn’t get his chance with the Rangers, was a 9th-round pick, and seems like a cheap castoff, but maybe, just maybe, we have a huge steal. Listen, I was there Opening Night 2010 booing the guy, like an idiot, because he just seemed like yet another guy who couldn’t hack it on a better team so we took him. I was totally wrong. He’s one of my favorites now.
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Anyone who is singling out PA as a player to bash on this team this season must not be watching the games at all. They have to be trolling. He’s the only player on this team outside of JT who actually looks better than last season, and he’s the only player outside of JT that actually makes things happen in the offensive zone with any frequency.
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Right on Erika. I have said this before here. Some people bash a guy who has shown us that he is a gifted playmaker. Anyone who has been watching knows thAt he is smart with his passes. Some have said that he wont look as good if he is taken of the JT line, well, he has been great. He is certainly on pace to have a lot more points this year than last. I hope WangSnow give him a three year extension, soon.
Mottau’s got to go now!!!!!!!!!!! -
PA is one of the few forwards who have true poise with the puck on their stick. He distributes the puck and makes smart decisions with it. He understands in zone possession and how to move without the puck on his stick. He may not be a 1st liner on pretty much any other team in the NHL, but he sure as heck isn’t any part of our problem. It’s not his fault he’s filling a role that management has failed to fill. He isn’t a 1st liner, he’s a 2nd or third liner and a playmaker who also has a nose for the net. To criticize him for his efforts to step up and wing it for JT is only asking more of him than any other team would…this is managements problem, not PA..he’s just doing what he can to step up in lack of an immediate solution…
til we acquire the personnel, don’t hate on PAP
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since 74 says:
The only problem I have with PA is as he skates into the offensive zone he’s always looking to pass the puck back against the flow. Scary stuff sometimes. If I was playing against him I would be sitting on that cross ice back pass. It’s going to bite him one of these days. Other than that I really like his effort. One of my favorite players this yr.
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hahahaha “kool aid” that’s the best!
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Vato Kakes says:
nice win..curious to know tho – when I watch and listen to other games – for example in winnipeg last night the crowd sounds like it’s the AFC championship game in Pittsburg (loud and proud) but meanwhile back at the coliseum I feel like it’s a funeral service..or better yet the fans from the movie major league..hey maybe haley is are wildthannng..luv it you hearing me garthy..maybe msg is drowning out the few faithful attending..GO ISLES…
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You can’t compare games in Winnipeg to the Coliseum. If we were good, and it was a big game, no arena in the league shakes and shimmies and gets louder than the Coliseum. Not one other arena. Not even the precious, famous arena 30 miles west.
Currently, though, we suck. We’ve sucked for a long time. And while we’re the loudest 9,000 fans in sports, we’re still 9,000 in attendance. Pack the place, you’ll need earplugs.
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your right on!!
BRING BACK FORT NEVER LOSE!!
the building now known as NVMC
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Nino has played all of 25 minutes of NHL hockey thus far, dont get down on him until you know what he is capable of! His beat writer in Portland used to call him the HUMAN HIGHLIGHT REEL for good reason, once he gets comfortable with a steady line, he will impress you all….MARK MY WORDS!
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hes already impressing people who know jack squat about hockey
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He played in 9 games last year. He scored a goal, didn’t look entirely out of place, but didn’t do enough to impress, either.
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We Still need to Chant “SNOW MUST GO”
“WANG MUST SELL”-
yeah cuz thats goign to make players want to come here…. that wouldn’t accomplish anything but make us be the butt end of more negative BS around the league
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NYI Europe says:
Can anyone explain to me why there are only 9000 visiting games? Is it because of the losing culture? Even against the Rangers at home? Dont you think it was easier getting a new arena when the Coliseum was packed every night?
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Saturday night…Okposo back in and Reasoner in the press box. DP will start.
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Jerry says:
Nabby out 2 weeks or more, I guess we’ll be trading for a goalie soon
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As I have been saying, the more we play him, the more his value diminishes! Another bone headed decision to showcase him instead of playing Montoya, the guy that gives us the best chance to win.
On the flip side, listened to an interview with Eddie Westphal on XM radio last night. He was very kind to the Islanders but basically said he had lunch with Garth and told him to do whatever it takes to ice a winning team and then, and only then, will get the town interested in building a new arena. Finally, the voice of reason. I hope Garth seriously took that advice to heart.-
I would not count on it. Playing Montoya is reasonable, how much of that has Snow done?
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Brian G says:
Nabokov out for at least a month, Montoya has lower body soreness…Time to recall a defenseman or forward from the bridge to compete for playing time….
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there weren’t 9k there last night as announced, but at the end the place was loud. best of all, there wasn’t one single attempt at ‘go habs go’ that wasn’t booed/drowned out immediately by ‘let’s go islanders.’
niederreiter should stay. his size alone should make our mouths water. seeing a guy like that moving around the ice is an extremely welcome sight and i’d bet the other players feel the same way (except the guy eating pop corn
)the islanders have several guys that might be good third-liners, even on a contending team. what they need is another couple of big pieces. but let’s not act like every other team has perfect rosters. there are guys on the rangers, for example, that would get bashed by us fans in an islander uniform.
snow tried to add solid depth in the summer. unfortunately they’re older guys so it’s easy to criticize. let’s hope that from here out the team actually does jell. imo a lot of it is up to the players themselves, as i don’t have much faith in this coach. but i think there’s still room for hope. provided the goaltending doesn’t find ways to lose games.
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kingdm9 says:
Isles escape another third period let down.
This team must lean to play shut down hockey with 5 min. left..they have to utilize all ends of the rink knowing that they can come up and quickly turn back to play to dp for him to send it in the air to clear it back up. maybe for a possible empty netter. this is what he was drafted for . josh has been looking better playing along the wing because he is able to take passes off stride
most of the team still has to open their eyes to see where people are to make a clearing attempt . this is inexcusable at this level of hockey. when isles panic they leave the point unprotected and crowd in front of there goalie . this leaves them looking like chickens with no heads and the point just sends bombs in why isles screen there own goalie. play the body and get the puck out and DEEP.. I’ll take the win but in my opinion this team has yet to show any ability to control a game with there passing. can someone buy grabner some freaking gartner videos to learn to do a wrap around for god sakes. this kid has to lean to use a back hand or go around the net to tuck it in or hit someone breaking in .
Teach the d to flip the puck up in the air like the old days when they use to hit the score board. just dont hit the scoreboard because it took us 20 years to get a new one .. I could go on but i got work to do and jack and snow get paid to do this. lets go islanders nothing short of 9 or 10th spot.the real goal is to make the playoff’s 5 years of rebuilding -
save-the-isles says:
Tavares is a beast..Imagine him on a team like bos or phi he would be killing it and he would be atop the scoring leaders 100%
Its too bad wang and snow cant make it happen to bring in some true help not 3rd &4th liners -
jimbones says:
What I was thinking when we got the 3 goal lead : “There’s still time to snatch defeat from the Jaws of Victory!
Did I say Mottoau sux?
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and can we please get rid of nabokav has to go…we really have a cirus when it comes to goalies…hes washed up give montoya a shot man hasnt been able to get any flow…I bet its coming from upstairs to start him…JUNK
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You might want to check his stats.
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Ted says:
I was at the game. Glad to finally attend a game that they won. Of course the Islander couldn’t win the game without making everyone sweat. Thank God DP didn’t get injured in relief of Nabakov. I don’t know what they would of done. But just like the Caps game, we’ve temporarily stopped the bleeding by winning. Now what happens? Do we finally go on a win streak and get to .500? or do we continue to lose and see our playoff hopes squashed like last November? We’ll see, and pray…
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pruggier says:
to Fedup are you kidding me Martin compared to Clark Gillies. Gillies scored 25 goals his first year Martin may never score 25 in a career. However, I like him too and I think he can get better. you are just living in the Wang World of blind belief in whomever the player of the day is. Wang is a joke and he will never sell the team. His plan to build with the draft and he has no Director of Scouting. They should hire me at least I would draft big people!
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Blizz says: its not that far off a comparison however Gillies was someone you never wanted to tangle with, not to mention some good hands around the net. Martin may get closer to Gillies point production but will never be an intimidater Like Jethro
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Trade Nabokov to Detroit who wanted him for Jimmy Devellano. Why did they bother trading Roloson for Wishart and they are already giving up on him? What Idiots?
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Will says:
idk why everyone on this board thinks montoya is so great he is an ok ahl goalie.. he played 3 good games for us and that was when the team was flying during the start of the year, he hasnt stolen a victory for us yet i dont get what all the hype is he is average at best… nabby was the real #1 AL was #2
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i don’t get the montoya love either.
nabokov would be the only legit nhl goalie on this roster. unfortunately btwn injuries and ‘i want to be traded,’ he makes dp look low-maintenance.
btwn montoya and dp the only difference is that montoya doesn’t get hurt. but he’s pretty awful. -
I rather have Nabby as a #1 but i dont like his russian ego. He doesnt want to be here.
It sucks that he is injured now that i hear the Bluejackets are looking to acquire a goalie to push Mason.
I say Snow goes after Kaberle. He will turn it around on the island. Snow has the cap space but will the Canes take Combs, bailey, Eaton Mattue is my question. -
IslesFan says:
Ok, the Isles should be fine this season.*
*Just so long as they only have to play against the Habs, at home, with the Habs playing their second game in two nights, with their backup goalie in net and two of the top defensemen out of the lineup.
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The people on this blog who bash PA, even though he is playing well, and putting up points, what must they think of underacheivers like KO, Comeau,Bailey,Reasoner and the miniscule offense that they provide, just saying.
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The people bashing PA can’t possibly be watching the games very closely or are obsessed with hitting and physical play to the exclusion of all else. PAP has been the Isles’ 2nd best forward and the only player aside from JT who actually has improved from last season. When you consider just how astoundingly awful all of those forwards you listed have been, I can’t fathom how or why anyone would single out PAP for criticism.
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Anyone else on this blog think that Nino N has the potential to mature into a player like Vincent Lecavier, of the Tampa Bay Lighting, VL is listed as 6’4, and 210 and is a power forward, and when he is playing his game he is one of the best in the league, or do you think he is only good because he plays with Martin St Louis, I think they compliment each other and play well together,what say you? Just asking.
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That’s a fair comparison. I think Vinny will not produce on his own but will do other things on the ice to help his team. Vinny will produce with quality players on his line.
I see Nino the same way.-
Vinny was a 50-goal 100-point player earlier in his career and was absolutely one of the best players in the league when the Lightning won the cup. Injuries have slowed him down since the lockout, but he was able to play at that high level again during the playoffs last spring. Even the most optimistic projections for Nino don’t come close to him having 50-goal 100-point potential. Let’s see him do something in the NHL first before we go off the deep end. It wasn’t long ago that KO was the next Iginla and that hasn’t exactly worked out according to plan.
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Danfromouteast says: Congrats can we tie two wins together or is that too much to ask. Just worried Snow may think all is well. Islanders played a tired non physical Canadians team. As some of you mentioned when a team plays physical against the Islanders they fold
Thank God!