If you have been reading the blog all night, you may have read my comment on it looking to be a long night – well, it was. Our boys were downed by the New Jersey Devils 6-1 tonight, which featured a Hat Trick by Gionta. Here is the skinny per the Islanders site:
"Brian Gionta scored three goals, including two on the power play to lead the New Jersey Devils past the Islanders, Wednesday night at Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA.
The Devils got off to a quick start, scoring three goals in the game's first four minutes. Gionta, John Madden and Travis Zajac gave the Devils a 3-0 lead and Martin Brodeur did the rest, stopping 14 of 15 shots he faced through two periods. Madden finished the game with two goals and New Jersey scored three power play goals.
The Islanders' lone goal came from Gordie Dwyer early in the second period off a feed from Richard Park. Dwyer also participated in one of the game's four fights. Tim Jackman dropped the gloves twice, while Darryl Bootland was involved with the game's other scrap.
Wade Dubielewicz gave up four goals on 20 shots, playing in 31:21, while Joey MacDonald surrendered two goals on eight shots in 28:39 of playing time. The Devils out shot the Islanders 28-26.
The Islanders drop to 2-2-2 in preseason and next play against the Rangers on Friday evening at Madison Square Garden."
Like I said at the start of these preseason matches, win or lose there is no need to get all concerned just yet. Teams rarely go to battle with their full season roster, so there will be improvement. Having not seen the game first hand, this is a tough one to breakdown frame by frame – but I expect Nolan and Co. to come out with a game plan for Friday.
Have a good night!
