Good afternoon.
It’s sunny, it’s warm and that only means one thing. The season is coming to a close.
Today the Islanders take on Andy Sutton and the Ottawa Senators. Walking around the concourse there are a TON of Sens fans. I love seeing fans make the trip south from Canada to Long Island. That’s a dedicated hockey fan and it makes me wish I had the time to travel around to see my team!
The Isles are all but eliminated from the playoffs at this time, they are playing for pride and respect mostly – and also giving the younger players and veterans alike the chance to rally together and build on their growing trust and sense of teamwork.
The Islanders played great the other night against Philly, it should prove to be an interesting afternoon for sure.
Not sure I can stick around for the entire game or the post game today, I have my own ice hockey game at 6:30 tonight.
First Period
2:15pm And we’re off. Islanders get the puck out of the zone and take it down into the Senators end.
2:17pm Blake Comeau already with a shot from the point today, may have been blocked but he’s really come on strong here at the end of the season.
2:20pm Sim with a big hit on Carkner
2:22pm Bergenheim with time and space in the slot, he missed the net
2:23pm Hunter’s shot blocked from the blueline – Senators are doing a good job of stepping in front of shots.
2:28pm Biron with a big save through traffic, there was a scrum in front and the Islanders may be going on a power play – Ruutu for roughing.
2:30pm Some nice passing down low finds Moulson at the doorstep but he was denied.
2:32pm Comeau with another shot towards the end of the power play, Islanders are now 0/1. There was also a penalty on Bergenheim in the offensive zone for high sticking.
2:36pm Senators power play looks great here, thankfully Biron and the penalty killers have been equally strong.
2:40pm Tavares going to the box for interference, it was a bad call – they were battling for the puck. He was getting an explanation from the referee as well – at least he wasn’t pitching a fit.
2:43pm Streit with a great block on the penalty kill.
Final Minute
Wow Bergenheim and Foligno fight after the end of the period, it was more of a wrestling match for Bergy – who caught a few punches to the head.
After one period, both teams remain scoreless and the shot count remains relatively close, 12-7 giving the Senators a slight edge over the Islanders. There hasn’t been much going on otherwise this period, no great chances either way – as both teams appeared flat here in the first. The team who scores first will most likely leave here this afternoon victorious.
Second Period
3:08pm Islanders win the opening draw and control the puck in the Senators zone to start the period.
3:10pm Comeau gains the zone and makes a nice move to get room and finds Tavares streaking to the net and roofs it over Elliott to give the Islanders a 1-0 lead. Assists to Comeau and Okposo.
3:11pm Hunter with a chance down low right after the Islanders goal, Elliott made a big save.
3:13pm Great pass to get into the zone, Reese comes down the wing and fires a shot, it may have been tipped and the score is now 2-0
3:15pm Goal by Reese assisted by Park and Meyer
3:25pm Hillen scores, assisted by Park and Jackman
I just realized I was completely into this game and have forgotten to live blog.
3:27pm Hunter in the box for boarding. Islanders need to kill this penalty to keep momentum in their favor.
3:30pm Islanders kill off the penalty, Sens had some good chances – shot count is 16-15 Sens
3:40pm Bergenheim with a big hit along the far side boards on Kelly.
End of the Second Period
Who is this team?
Islanders came out in the second period flying and scored three quick goals the result of some really great passing. They have now played well for 40 minutes, can they come out the same in the last 20? This game has a lot of the same feel as the Flyers game.
Oh by the way, Campoli has deflected two of the Islanders shots tonight….so technically he has two Islanders goals. Different team, same problem. Sorry Campy.
Stay tuned.
Third Period
4:00pm Islanders chasing the puck for the start of the third period.
4:03pm Some fighting going on, started by Neil – Gillies and Carkner. Senators should have some extra penalties. Ruutu had Nielsen down on the ice and threw punches at him. Ruutu got a 10 minute misconduct. Going to take time to sort this one out. Gillies also got a 10 minute misconduct and was just yelling at Neil as he skated past the box.
4:09pm Bergenheim finds the rebound and buries it for a 4-0 lead. Assists to Tavares and Comeau
4:15pm Neil went in to hit Meyer and missed, he went headlong into the boards and play needed to be stopped. Poetic justice in my eyes.
4:18pm Sim must have said something good to Sutton, he got a rough, cross check and a game misconduct for his response. Isles have a 4 minute power play.
4:27pm Senators on the board, Biron gave up a shot high glove side – even after all the strong glove work the last two games.
4:35pm Gillies ready to vacate the box, as soon as there is a stoppage (well if). 1:16 left
Final Islanders 4 – Senators 1
