BLACKHAWKS 3, ISLANDERS 2 OT
Plus/Minus for a Good and Bad Kind of Night
For the second time in a week, the Islanders and Blackhawks played a close game that came down to an overtime finish. It wasn’t quite the 60-minute atmosphere that there was last Friday in Chicago, as the Blackhawks played a lot of shutdown hockey in their own zone for the first 30 minutes, but it was again an entertaining finish even if the Islanders were on the losing end.
The Isles had their chances through the first 28 minutes — a Grabner-esque pass break up and breakaway from Brian Rolston in the second sticks in my mind the most as well as big power play slappers — but at even strength the Hawks did a solid job of not letting the Islanders get anything going offensively. Matt Martin did a lot of dirty work against the boards, only to have the puck scoot around the wall and find a defender’s stick on multiple occasions.
Al Montoya wasn’t lightning in a crease as he has been but that will be all the complaining you’ll hear from me when the starting goaltender only lets two in through regulation. The first wasn’t pretty and the second was partially screened — should Jurcina have picked up Sharp there? I’m not entirely sure. The third goal has enough blame to go around for the next week and a half. He did enough to get this team to overtime and stop 25 of the first 27 he faced. The “well DP would be getting roasted for those goals” argument doesn’t really fly for me and is getting old. Goalies with .930 save percentages have earned the right to let a bad one in on occasion.
But just as it looked like the Islanders may head to the third with a chance for yet another home shutout, PA Parenteau somehow found a wide open Travis Hamonic from a scrum along the boards and Hamonic buried it. With new-found energy and two minutes left, the Islanders got a gift of a 5-on-3 that they couldn’t convert.
The third was as entertaining as periods come and showed that this team isn’t the one that we knew pre-Thanksgiving. The Islanders rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to force overtime and, for the second time this week, gave one of the best teams in the standings a run for their money. This one felt like it could turn into a 4-0 home shutout but credit to the Islanders for working their way back. Michael Grabner would even the score at two in his first game back, with a deflection off a shot from Steve Staios (the goal was credited to Staios until after the game was over).
In overtime, Patrick Sharp scored his second of the game to win it for the Hawks, off a rebound from a Marian Hossa shot. It started with a hard pass back to Staios in the high slot that he couldn’t handle. Hossa picked up the fumble and broke out 2-on-1 as Staios lost his footing and was left behind the play. Hossa would get a clean shot off at Montoya, as Okposo hustled back and dove to thwart any pass. Milan Jurcina, the Isle back as the one in the 2-on-1, got caught in no man’s land, not going after either Hossa, the passing lane or the ensuing rebound.
The Islanders defense isn’t particularly fleet of foot and with Andy MacDonald out, Capuano has paired the two best defenders together (Streit and Hamonic). That leaves a very responsible pairing, a sufficient but slow pairing (which was on the ice for the OT goal) and a surprisingly decent pairing. The slowest pairing was on the ice in overtime and got caught in a breakout situation after a turnover. You’d have to think it would have turned out a bit differently with a healthy Andy MacDonald in the lineup, which would change up the lines and put some amount of quickness in each pairing. Instead, in the 4-on-4 drill of NHL overtime, the Islanders got caught with the line out that was least able to recover in the event of a poor turnover.
PLUS/MINUS
EVEN: The powerplay’s failure to not convert the 5-on-3 and goose egg on the game cost the team in this one, certainly a minus. However, they had 12 shots on the man advantage and had very solid shifts. In the span of one game, may be more bad luck than poor play. Although Brian Rolston does need to hit the net at the end of the second.
PLUS: Dylan Reese’s play. He’s been responsible in his own end, done a great job when he’s stepped up into the play or pinched and seemed to be the third-best defender on the ice since he’s been on the roster.
MINUS: I’m not sure why Montoya’s been taking classes at the Rick DiPietro School of How to Come Out of the Net, but it wasn’t good. Montoya’s spill at the end of the second and near-giveaway in the middle of the period were not pretty.
PLUS: Daniel Carcillo is a tough guy and every team needs their ‘gritty’ guys, or whatever you want to call them. Some are more calculated and collected than others. Be glad this one’s not on your team. Punching an opponent (Kyle Okposo) in the face right in front of the refs late in the third of a tie game? Yeesh. This one’s a plus since it resulted in an Islanders power play.
EVEN: Steve Staios. He had a huge shot to help tie the game but a fumble ended up costing the team in OT. And there was that penalty towards the end of the third (although that should have also been a boarding penalty on Frolik — blatant check from behind — see Nate Thompson’s penalty on Tuesday night).
PLUS: The Bridgeport Kids. David Ullstrom looks like he belongs, doesn’t he? And by being moved to a regular recall, Tim Wallace has been given a spot on the team for now. Both were effective tonight.
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 →100 Responses to BLACKHAWKS 3, ISLANDERS 2 OT
Plus/Minus for a Good and Bad Kind of Night
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Ethan K says:
We played pretty well and got a point. Can’t win em all, but we stood with the Blackhawks twice in this stretch. I’m ok with that.
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jisles says:
Man, Staios should have let that pass go Jurcina, where JT intended it to go. Also, He and Motteau (and Eaton when he plays) need to stop playing that east/west game deep in our zone (like when Staios took that penalty), it’s not necessary, let’s stick to a north/south game. Good comeback though! Isles are lookin’ good, and it’s gettin’ exciting! Go Isles go!!!
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JD says:
I don’t know. I don’t feel that great about the 1 point. Nothing out of 1:56 of 2-man advantage, and that was a horrible turnover in OT. Staios looked very old and slow. I guess 2 pts out of 4 against the Hawks isn’t too bad. A win on Sat. would be huge.
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giz says:
Love the way Isles are playing lately but these ot loses are gonna hurt us later in the year if we in the hunt…..0-6 in ot gotta win a few of those.
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claude says:
Tavaras is showing why is was first overall
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upstateIsles says:
TavarEs
hes our star player for crying out loud learn his name
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Damian in Buffalo says:
good game, they earned a point being down two to nothing. 5 on 3 was disappointing, but this is a loss I can live with.
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Mike says:
I’ll take it!!!! this is what I expected this year a competative team every night!!!If any of the players read this blog? THANK YOU for going to the hospitals you visited my 4 year old niece who is pretty sick right now and it is a REALLY COOL thing you guys do !!!!!
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since'72 says:
We’re getting there. We could have won both of these games against these guys, but tonight was a well earned point. This team can beat anybody provided they continue to work hard and remain focused.
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Battfist says:
Im proud of the way this team responded to the start of the season.
However, you cnt accept losing a game, even if it is a point. The next step is to win games like this, not get a point.
Way to come back guys.
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jon from nj says:
Is it pessimistic that I knew they were going to lose in OT, considering we’ve seen it all too often already…or is it simply realistic?
I think they come out too passive in OT’s, especially considering the space that is available out there.
Plus, they need AMAC back. This defense, despite goals tonight, is a sieve. Staios is slow and bad..mottau is slow and bad…jurcina is slow…reese is…an AHL-er. I think this team can score in due time. The defense will prevent them from making any type of run. -
Blizz says: Rolston….not a fan.
Also whats with that bogus call on Baily……
what the hell do we have to do to get some respect in this league. Tin foil hats not required.
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IslesFan says:
I have to agree. Not a fan of Rolston anymore. He was a great player, but I am afraid he is done. He can’t help the Isles if he can’t hit the net with his slap shot. I’d rather see someone else in that spot.
Isles need to improve the power play. They had golden chances to win this game in regulation. However the point is so much better than regulation loss.
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Kerry Fraser says:
Bad call on Baily and a bad non call for the board on Staois after he lifted the puck over the boards for his penalty. Should’ve been a wash. Howie called the penalty on Baily the worst call he’s seen in years. I would have to agree… On a positive note I liked the way the 5 on the ice came to protect Montoya after he was bumped into in front of the net. Sticking up for their goalie and starting to look like a team. Have to to like that.
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islesrock73 says:
I will take the point, considering we were down by two, along with the deficiencies of our roster. Team is playing with heart and it was a fun game to watch.
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jeff w says:
staios gets a goal, good on him but them takes a late penalty and eventually gave the goal back in OT. Cant believe they put mattau on the ice in critical situations late. Im happy with the point coming from behind its soon time not to be satisfied with just one point.
JT is amazing! Please snow throw the fans and cappy a bone and get another Dman
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Mentrualcrampcutie says:
Good effort boys. We’ll get them next time around.
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justin says:
This game should have never went to overtime
Put Martin out front on the 5 on 3 p.p.you win. -
Kevin says:
Liked seeing The Big Cubano getting feisty. About time, after all the shots people take at our goalies.
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Tomas says:
Seems like some fans can’t get the complaining out of their system. Bailey penalty for boarding? Yeah, kinda stupid. They didn’t score on the 5 on 3? Kinda frustrating, but it happens to every team. The pinch in OT that led to Sharp’s eventual game winner? It is what it is. To sit here and pick on all the low-lights is useless! I refuse to celebrate a “loser-point” but at the same time I will definitely take the point after being down 2 goals. The fragile Isles of the first 15-20 games wouldn’t have come back to force OT. It’s been a rough ride for us fans, so let’s enjoy having Montoya as our starter consistently, as well as getting some points. Even with the loss, I’m having some fun . . . they gotta walk before they can run!
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Vato Kakes says:
Dead on Tommy…It’s exciting once again..or for once in a long while..
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Isle Fan in Rye NY says:
2 man advantage and Rolsten misses the net numerous times… can’t have that on a 5 on 3!!! Get Hamonic on the PP!! Rolsten wasting precious PP time..
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your point becomes moot and nobody cares what you have to say when you cant spell our players names right…
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nightbite21 says:
Good comeback indeed. Hope this resiliency will yield an OT win sometime this year. If JT starts burying all these chances then we’re golden. Hamonic playing best D by far. Sorry Jack but Staois should not be out there with all that open ice.
Lastly…can anyone explain to me why Reasoner is getting these minutes let alone playing??? I can’t remember one…NOT ONE stand out play from this bum ALL SEASON. Total waste of a roster spot. At least Haley would start a fight and provide energy for christs sake.
Take 2 on Saturday and keep it rolling!
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stopthepain says:
Actually, Tavares was responsible for that goal against in overtime. He took a ridiculous double shift, tired himself out, and made a questionable pass instead of keeping it down low…other than that, he had a GREAT game. Overall, the Islanders played extremely well also. Passion and drive and hustle.
Nice game guys! Even though it’s a loss…-
Candyman says:
Couldn’t have said it better myself. I guess you played/play hockey as well. Cannot blame Staios, Tavares threw a pass at his knees. Staios wouldn’t know to let that go to Jurcina unless he had eyes in the back of his head.
Tavares is a beast, our best player, but he is capable of a mistake. This was one.
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Agreed Tavares is held accountable for that poor pass but Staios floundering around and his recovery after knocking the puck down clearly showed his age. Strong game otherwise but thats a liability.
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Scott says:
Disagree…. Staios SHOULD HAVE realized that pass was not for him:
A) the pass was knee high (from JT).
B) he’s got to assess that only he and Tavares are down low, meaning that there are 2 teammates up at the blue line where a knee high pass falls flat to one of those players.
and C) In his position there, he’s got to realize it’s JT making the pass, not Michael Haley. Top players, with the time that JT had in this instance, DO NOT make knee high passes.
At worst, Staios lets the pass go and if it WAS intended for him he’s got to realize that seeing only JT down low with him that means there are 2 teammates covering behind him and, at worst, it ends up a 2 on 2 back the other way. Therefore, to me, this play exposes Staois’ low hockey IQ.
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actually, there were 3 Blackhawks down low and Staois made the 3rd Isle down low. so if he let’s it go, worst case scenario is a 1 on 1 the other way (not 2 on 2).
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YOU’RE DEAD ON!
Tavares had the opportunity to change after a very long shift, but decided to go back in the zone after tagging up for an offsides and he found himself deep in the zone making a high to low pass out to Staios who actually had to swat the puck out of mid air to handle the puck (otherwise it would have gone out to the neutral zone past our defenders and Hossa would have been on his horse anyways) and a 2 on 1 would have ensued.
Change it up, play your game, let fresh legs get on and let the team play within its system…
We had em’ if we just stuck to our game..they were making the mistakes late in the game and our goalie was playing (when he was in the net anyways) than Emery, I woulda taken our chances in the Shootout.
I play/played puck too Candyman
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jonsson3 says:
Maybe if Jurcina would go down and try to block the pass on that play it doesn’t get through. Even on the second goal he was screening Montoya, if he went down he either blocks it or doesn’t screen him.
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Joe says:
I was at the game tonight, I thought the Isles had a lot of opportunities to win that game, but the blackhawks are just better. Blackhawks move the puck really well, something the islanders don’t do. If JT wants to be a superstar he has to bury those scoring chances. Move Bailey to the second line to play with Grabner and Okposo, they will get more scoring opportunities. Don’t get me wrong I like Nielsen a lot, but Bailey is more of a playmaker. People hate on Bailey so much, I really don’t get why. Did he ever get to play with really good forwards on his line? Nope. I have been saying this for the last couple of years, if the islanders had a really good defense they would be really good. They need a top 4 DMAN bad, Staios and Mottau need to go.
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isleopine says:
More so Mottau than Staios. I was at the game as well and I could not believe that Cappy actually put Mottau out there on the PK!
The call on Bailey was complete BS.
Love the way Hamonic buried it, this kid will be a good one for years to come.
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Anyone else notice the Isles goal song was different on their first goal? It sounded like The hawks goal song or the from Atlanta Braves . I wonder if it was on purpose to taunt.
I actually think they should keep this goal song.
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Nyifan11 says:
Keep Reese dump Mottau when AMac returns
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Amen to that
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At the game also. Other observation.. Carcillo creating havoc against OP, etc… Too much to ask of Travis to police that creep… Need more toughness on the 4th line (i.e. Haley) so this doesn’t’ happen..
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Chic’s 4th line was playing against the isles 1st line, why do we need more toughness on the 4th, you need toughness on the 1st
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moonshine says:
a team this far in the hole needs to win (‘steal’) a game like this. isles weren’t at their best, if only the pp had worked, they’d have won. you sure can’t blame this one on the refs.
dear cappy, this is why you don’t put your best line on a pp to get the fifth goal against tampa. you might need that goal two nights later.
montoya got peppered pretty good. isles left passing lanes open and didn’t cover the crease. but: montoya lets in a softie to start out, a second one right at the beginning of the next period, and the winner in ot.
parentau can play on my team every night. tavares is good, but he just isn’t a scorer.
if okposo hadn’t been picked so high he might have been gone by now. -
JT is not a scorer… now that made me laugh
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Alex says:
a point is just not good enough when virtually every team in the east outside of carolina is ahead of you. you hear they players and coach say they are “happy” with a point. you lost! good for you coming back from down 2. teams do it all the time. you still lost.
they better win on saturday if they want to salvage this season.
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isles316 says:
They played a cup favorite twice in a week and came back 3 times from 1 goal deficits in the 3rd period and stood toe to toe with them both times. Yes they had chances to win the game and didn’t but we all would have signed up for this before last Friday night.
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TJ Bova says:
very impressed that they battled back from 2-0 to get to OT…but with that being said, being 0-6 this years in OT/shootouts so far is not good. if i’m not mistaken, they are they only team to not win a SO/OT game? thats definitely gotta change. but still…unbeaten in regulation in the last 6 games, ill take that.
oh and brian rolston, for christmas you should by yourself a “shooter tutor” and learn how to hit the net you old fart!!!
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John says:
can anyone, i mean anyone tell me why doug weight is on the isles payroll? it’s not like he was drafted by the team and has a lifelong annuity. the couple of years he played here in the twilight of his career he was injured most of the time and produced nothing on the ice. he got some silly publicity for tavares living in his home but so what? then he gets a front office spot and a position on the bench as an assistant responsible for the power play. the power play stinks. and if you take your eyes off the ice and watch the bench dynamic between weight and cappy you get the distinct sense that cappy isn’t impressed either. the body language suggests that mr. weight is impressing no one. i get the feeling he is being rammed down the throats of cappy, his assistants and perhaps even garth because our owner has taken a liking to him. if weight’s employment is meant more to keep cappy on edge then find another qualified, more-viable coach who can get the job done. if weight is graded on the team’s pp he gets a big, fat F.
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Blackwasser says:
The camera has caught that dynamic more than once. It should be interesting to see where this goes. The last thing we need is Cappy to be distracted by some wanna-be.
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The New Isles GM says:
If there’s ever a time we’re going to play in a three point game, might as well be against these west coast teams. Points are points. Friends listen, it’s exciting to see the team playing the way they ended last season but let’s be real, we’re not very good on defense. I don’t care how much Montoya stands on his head, we need better defenseman. Also, I’m done with the Rolston-Reasoner experiment. It just doesn’t work. Garth really needs to figure something out. Ullstrom looks good, keep him around. Once Nino is ready, I think it’s time for Rolston to sit. Remember, he was more of a cap move then a roster move. Garth better get on the phones and work on getting a steady defenseman. Doesn’t have to be a big name, just someone who can be counted on. Let’s pick up 2 more points against Pittsburgh and keep this train heading North. Keep it up boys. And oh yea…..Tavares, your a beast.
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Winning says:
Isles should have ticket package “montaya + original jersey night”. You know, for the fans over 30years old who remember the islanders.
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Anthony says:
I like the way we are playing and like the energy and spark some of the guys from the Bridge have brought to this team. We need to start winning a few of these o.t and shootout games if we want to be in it. I have seen enough of Rolston on the pp. He cant hit the net, why is he out there he killed us on the 5 on 3. Enough of Reasoner he brings nothing to the table,he is horrible.Would like to see Haley in there we still need more toughness.Hope we can keep this up, we are looking much better then we had earlier.
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KEVIN says:
Tavares is world class! With a little help on defense and some healthy goaltending we can make the playoffs. Please continue your support of this team.
And keep them on Long island where they belong! -
Tom D in NJ says:
At the game tonight. Nice comeback, chance to win against a very good team. We still need to upgrade this line-up. Does Garth do anything but sit next to Charles with his chin on his fist?
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Not for nothing or actually it is since I served this beautiful country (USMC) but wasn’t emery the punk-ass puke who turned his back on the AMERICN FLAG during the singing of the american national athem at the coliseum several years ago..so he spends american cash as he spits in our face..unreal may you rot in hell….GO ISLES..
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Dinerboss says:
We need scoring from our 2,3,4 lines,If we got more scoring from them we’d win more games. We also need more grit.I’m not happy with Reasoner he hasn’t contributed anything for us this year.when Kyle okposo’s stock starts to soar I would consider trading him.I don’t see him becoming anything special,he does absolutly nothing good. Very disappointed in his development.I feel this team the way it’s presently constituted is one toughgritty winger,and a top 4 dman away from making the playoffs! The top dman might be tough to get without giving up alot, but cmon Garth help this team out and bring some (sandpaper) gritty talented player with constant Motor in!
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Rolston is terribly overrated. There just not much value there and he’s sadly reminiscent of MAB.
Speaking of which, did anyone see tough guy Dubinsky fight MAB tonight? I despise Dubinsky, I wish someone would light him up.
Reasoner adds nothing to the team. PA and Streit looked slightly out of it. I hate that the team came out so flat, but I guess I’m thankful for the loser point.
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danfromouteast says: Reasoner sucks. He is by far the worst player on the team if not the nhl. Ill take dipietro rolston pandolfo over this useless human in skates. Honestly can someone answer me as to what this crap adds to the team? Maybe he was alright at one point in his career but that’s a distant memory. He sucks! 24 games he has no goals 4 assists a minus 13 or minus 15 and only 27 shots on net he’s six feet one inch and plays like a figure skater. It should be considered a crime everytime he gets paid. I will nit go to a game knowing that my money contributes to that waste. I personally know players non pro that should have his spot. He as useful as tits on a bull. Please wise up release him and just call up someone e like cizikas. The nerve to waive follies who at least contributes on the bench and on the ice physically. Reasoner is the mist unnoticed player I’ve ever seen. Also he shouldn’t be wearing that number because its an insult. Please bench this bum!
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Dc says:
Hey 2 points from Chicago in 2 games is the same as a win and loss in 2 games vs Chicago!!!
We look solid.
Thought u were a little harsh on Montoya and co. Cas that second goal was just a dirty shot from a dirty sniper!!
Montoya the savior, hamonic is Shea webers little brother!! -
KaiserVanIslander says:
Rolston was bad on the PP does he ever hit the net? Would still like to see Martin on the first line a few shifts.
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Jim Clark says:
woulda, coulda, shoulda. Slogan of the Islanders since 1993
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danfromouteast says:
Couldnt wouldn’t shouldn’t slogan for the 2011 islanders
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To the writer , good you notice what dirty work gets done on the boards by a guy like Martin. Games are won and lost here. Not enough credit goes to the guys that work in the dirty areas winning pucks.
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last night was the typical performance of a mediocre team after they’ve had a fun win the game before. they looked hung-over.
if the standings were different this game would be fine. but in the present case, every point dropped is a step closer to elimination.tavares is a goal scorer like david wright is a home-run hitter.
saturday poulin should play. the turning point last night was that ridiculous first goal. i was at the game and didn’t see ten replays. but it was crappy live and even worse on the scoreboard replay. after a sluggish start the islanders were begging for the goalie to come through on the first chi pp.
after capuano’s tie i suggest a week of topnotch reporting on ruttgaizer’s green shirt. (does he have any shirts that aren’t green? is it always the same one? what does he do about odors?)
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PA ISlanders says:
Not going to moan and groan over this one, the fought back from 2 goal deficit.
Got a kissing your sister point, but this last week it seems the
islanders have at least located the stairs leading out of the basement -
i would put tavares first in every shootout. that way maybe he develops some scoring moves, without which he isn’t a top goal scorer. he’s a very good player and plays center. he can snipe. so he should get up around thirty goals. but when he skates in alone against the goalie, he doesn’t look like the league’s best scorers. just look at the ot goal giroux scored in buffalo the other night, and ‘nough said.
oh, and i forgot… the worst guy for the isles last night wasn’t rolston or reasoner. it was matt moulson, by far.
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IslesCT says:
How was the attendance last night? Watching on TV it seemed pretty decent. The Isles seemed sluggish last night, not the same jump as they had against the Lightning. I guess it was the hangover. Hopefully they bring it on Sat. Go Isles!
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it was decent, by our standards. other than the upper corners at one end, there weren’t any vast sections of empties.
of course there was a good blackhawk contingent, but i don’t mind those guys as much as some other teams’ fans. still, i love when anaheim’s in town and you only see about three of them. -
There was a lot of empty seats in the 300′s. I don’t understand why islanders fans don’t go to games, the tickets are so CHEAP.
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danfromouteast says:
Because the owner is cheap to
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danfromouteast says:
ISLANDERS 23/ 0/ 4 /4/ -15/ 12/ 0 /0/ 0/ 27/ 0.0
Reasoners statsGP/G/A/+-/PIM/GW/GT/S/%
Don’t know how many hits but probably very low.
This guy is one of the worst players to ever dress for the islanders. Capuano or snow are either really ignorant or reasoner is playing for free. This bum needs to be benched! -
danfromouteast says:
Reasoner is the Gretzky of bad fowards
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Ct 74 says:
I’ll taking the point, team is competitive. Too many players fell down with no one around them..terrible ice. Too many pucks bouncing terrible ice.
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terrbile boards, especially behind the isles goal for the 1st and last period!!!
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Reasoner is the invisible man, Rolston is done, and our slow defensemen need to be paired with quicker partners to help cover their butts. I like Cappy, but some of his line-up decisions are a bit baffling. Other than that, it’s good to see the team has fight in it.
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Hey Jersey Steve, your analysis, just like our beloved team needs a little tweaking:
Outside of Streit, Hamonic and Macdonald(injured) and possibly Reese we do not have anyone quick enough for sufficient butt covering.
Set up your D pairing.
Streit and Hamonic right now and then what is left?
Staios, Mottau, Jurcina – you see the problem here Jersey?
we desperately need at least one top D guy to pair with streit when AMAC comes back and is paired with Hamonic again.
Not criticizing just making a point.
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Dan says:
Good game last night. Although they lost they showed great effort and came back from 2 goals down to get a point. As long as we dont see blow outs like 6-0 vs Boston and 5-0 vs Pittsburgh Ill be happy.
Hey they are only 6 points out of 8th with 3 games at hand. Season is far from over if they keep playing like this.
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Brian G says:
Rolston should not be on the 1st PP unit. He always shoots the puck high and either misses the net or hits the goalie right in the crest of the jersey. Shoot the puck lower…as much as I hate Jurcina the last few games he has been shooting the puck low and getting it on net. Also enough with the slap passes, just shoot the puck on net. Hopefully in a month Motteau is on waivers, he is a waste. Staios is an OK defenseman on this horrible put together defense core, at least he plays with heart.
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staios caught out of position again. he was a tryout. now wearing an “a”……something is wrong with this. he is a weak link getting loads of ice.
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Pete says:
rolston and reasoner have been uber disappointing. i’ve been hoping they would get better after adjusting to their new team and atmosphere but it doesn’t appear to be happening. but in the end, it’s our defence that is really hurting us. staios just continue to make below average plays and can’t make a pass if his life depended on it, no offence what so ever, mottau- terrible, eaton- a fine 6th D, jurcina- 5/6 while Amac and Hammer need some time to develop. I know top 4 dmen don’t grow on trees but if we want a legit shot at this year’s playoffs, we must get one. Any sugggestios? What about Tim Gleason from Carolina? I ‘heard’ he’s available and think he’d be a nice fit.
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Reasoner – 23 games – 0 Goals and minus 15.
Kanopka – 23 games – 2 goals plus 1. Tough as nails.
Thanks for the upgrade Garth. -
BanGarth says:
Reasoner is the worst Islander I have seen in a very long time. I would take anyone over him , Wallace , Haley. Just another case of Garth not wanting to accept he has no clue what he is doing. On a side note maybe KO will realize that getting punched in the face doesn t hurt that much and will put the palm palms down and finally get in the game.
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D in Big D says:
Ko looked like a baseball player sliding into a base about 3 feet too early on the game winning goal!LOL.Take the point & move on.If Isles get points from the higher ranked teams & beat the better than average teams more times than they lose they may actually still be in it come Feb.Agree w/ the point about being disappointed w/ the 1 point.If this team actually is happy about it then we have bigger issues.Cannot settle for almosts,what ifs.Also agree Bails needs to get bumped up to Franzys spot on 2cnd line.Isles must take 2 points in their next game.Cappy may not have the most talented team but man his gametime decisions have got to be questioned.I agree w/ post that said put Matt Martin in front of the net on the 5 on 3.All Rolston is going to do is injure one of our own w/ that hard,inaccurate shot.We all know about our D but has anyone noticed Streits bad decisions in offensive zone leading to rushes the other way & not just in this game.I know he missed a season but he hasn’t played the same @ all.If he slips we are in big trouble.Not to constantly pick on the guy but when or what is it going to take for KO to stand up for himself.For GODS sake you got punched in the face!Stand up for yourself!Go Isles.
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Nice comeback against a very good team.
Our forwards are really coming together nicely. I can’t say enough good things about Matt Martin, God, I wish he had a brother who played D! Although Montoya’s game was not stellar last night, I am so happy he is in net. Always gives us a chance to win as opposed to the other 2, which put us behind the eight ball whenever they play.
The Isles have been playing competitively for 6 games now. That is all I could ask for… well, that and…
An upgraded defense…
A new arena…
Senior citizens all go to the home…. -
bababaoey to ya'll says:
The “well DP would be getting roasted for those goals” argument doesn’t really fly for me and is getting old. Goalies with .930 save percentages have earned the right to let a bad one in on occasion.
^ This is all
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Everyone ragging on Staios and Rolston, I kind of agree, but Jurcina has played worse on D and he misses more shots than Rolston! There is a reason 3 other teams let him go.
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danfromouteast says:
Agreed BUT rolston plays offense and it is his hob
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pdebenedetto says:
Loved the game JT is playing…..but the GW came down to him. Staios is not completly responsible there. Tavares took a looong shift, got down in the corner, and threw a low percentage pass to the opposite point. Everyone was skating in one direction, and Tavares, who was completly spent, couldn’t possibly help. One small mistake, but don’t just hang it on Staios.
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hock says:
Someone made a crack about why Doug Weight is on the payroll, but if he is still responsible for the powerplay, I like the creativity I have been seeing lately. The Isles look like they have a variety of plays to enter the zone as opposed to in the past when they tried (and often failed) with the same play. Kudos to Dougie doug doug!
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AFIsle says:
the isles are 9-11-6 they are above .500 in points.
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Christian says:
I think you might want to check the math on that
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Can one of the Staios haters please explain something to me… Who in the hell is going to replace him???
Right now I’d take Staios over Mottau and Eaton in an instant. At least he’s somewhat competent. Maybe I’m missing something, but I really don’t think that just getting rid of Staios (not replacing him with better talent) is going to improve the team.
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danfromouteast says:
I’d take him out of the three
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Richard Lunney says:
Anyone want to comment on this post?
Attn: I don’t know how many of you people know who Larry Brooks is, He is a beat writer for the New York Post, who covers the New York Rangers, in his article in todays paper addressing the realignment he posits that the 1980-1984 Islanders who won 4 cups,and went to the finals against the Oilers in 1984, but lost, has written that the NY Islanders of that era are the Greatest team, and dynasty in NHL history, now imagine what Rangers fans are thinking about that statement, it must really irk the hell out of most of them, I just thought I would post that for a chuckle, besides it is a sentiment I totally agree with,
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danfromouteast says:
My cat has taken dumps that look better than reasoner. Let’s have fun can the fans name players present and past that suck as bad as reasoner and why they do suck as much
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danfromouteast says:
Oh players if you read it feel free to respond you to reasoner.
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Hey Dan, yes, but Reasoner stinks more then your cats dumps. lol
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The Post I posted about Larry Brooks comment was actually in Wednesdays paper, not todays paper, I posted it on Wednesday, but on another thread, and forgot to update the day of the paper when I reposted it on this thread. Sorry,if anyone is interested.
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I read it, they were a dynasty and one of the best teams ever, growing up with those teams in the early 80′s was great. With all the young talent we have lined up we could possibly be great again but the only question is where will it be? The black cloud continues to loom over our teams head..
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Isles4cups says:
The game was pretty good! I will say this…if Okposo had stayed on his feet and continued skating, he would have been able to check the open winger on the left side, when Chicago scored in overtime.
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william says:
The boys have been fun to watch lately. They are winning a few and scoring goals. Some other things have changed too. They are scoring goals in the third period. They have been scored on first the last two games and haven’t got a loss. They are winning road games. They have played with the lead and held it. They have come from behind to force OT. The next step is to win one in OT, and it’s coming they are due.
Down with Steve Staios.