Boy has it been a while since I have seen some live hockey, well – not really all too long but I never would’ve imagined I would be getting ready to head to the Coliseum on a steamy July evening.

Tonight the Islanders prospects are taking part in a scrimmage amongst themselves – followed by a skills competition. It’s a showcase of talents of sorts and a way to present the future Islanders to their beloved and hockey crazed fans.

I am not entirely sure of the setup, we may be in an area of the arena or we may even be up in the pressbox. The physical location of the Blog Box no longer exists, the format will be a bit different this upcoming season then in years past – so keep tabs tonight both here on my blog and on my Twitter feed for updates one way or another.

I am extremely excited to see Niederreiter, Kabanov and Petrov skate with some of the other Islanders prospects. It should be a great night – so stay tuned.

Jason Clark is a 6′2″ 182lb forward with a left handed shot. Last season he played for Shattuck-St Mary’s HS in Minnesota and has trained with fellow Minnesotan Kyle Okposo. In 54 games this season, Clark had 23 goals and 23 assists for 46 points.

Clark has committed to play for the University of Wisconsin next season.

Clark, according to Kyle Woodlief, of Red Line Report:

“He’s got the size and the tools – good hands and scoring touch – that NHL teams are looking for,” “He just hasn’t put it all together. He needs more intensity and drive.”

“He’s very effective when he plays a physical game”

Woodlief also notes that Clark is more of a shooter, then a playmaker.

It’s a similar situation to Kirill Petrov in that should Kabanov pan out, it’s a great pick – but it differs in that he is already playing in North America (Moncton Wildcats) and the Islanders do not have to wait for a KHL contract to expire. It’s also a safer pick in the third round then it would’ve been earlier in the draft.

However, all reports on Kabanov indicate he is a bit of a wild child and could become quite a distraction if he isn’t reeled in.

In 22 games with the Wildcats, Kabanov had 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points.

For a great read on Kirill Kabanov, head on over to Puck Daddy – where you can also see one of the photos I had taken featured front and center.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Today at the draft we have a rapid fire round of selections, from round two to round seven. There are no photo ops, no long winded introductions, just pick after pick, after well – pick.

The Islanders have no selections here in the second round (for now) and we are currently at pick number 55 – so they may not elect to move up.

Picks remaining:

• Round 3 – 65th overall and 82nd overall
• Round 4 – 95th overall
• Round 5 – 125th overall
• Round 6 – 155th overall and 160th overall (acquired via trade with NY Rangers for Jyri Niemi)
• Round 7 – 185th overall

Should be an interesting morning.

Some info on Nelson, according to Hockey’s Future:

2009-10: Played for Warroad High School in Minnesota. In 31 games for Warroad, Nelson scored 53 goals and added 42 assists for 95 points. He finished with a +55 rating on the season. Nelson was a finalist for the Mr. Hockey Award as Minnesota’s top high school hockey player. Nelson is the nephew of former NHL player and 1980 Team USA member Dave Christian.

Nelson is committed to play for the University of North Dakota next year.

Here is a photo of Brock Nelson on the phone with Kyle Okposo, a fellow Minnesota resident.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Islanders select Nino Niederreiter with the 5th overall selection

By being selected fifth overall, Niederreiter has been drafted highest of any Swiss player ever. The closest was Michel Riesen at 14th overall in 1997.

The addition of Niederreiter to an already stocked farm system means that the Islanders are that much closer to competing at a level they hope they can. The last few years have given them some top tier talent and enabled them an entire crop of home grown players. That’s a great feeling.

8:02pm Showing a video of the borrowed NY lottery picker – lol

8:08pm Ken Morrow up on the TSN set, as he was last year. Garth Snow is the only GM not attending (luck he claims). They just joked with Morrow, calling him a good luck charm.

8:10pm 7thWoman just proclaimed on Twitter that Morrow looks HUGE on stage next to everyone else. I say it makes him look even luckier!

8:13pm It’s all Taylor vs Tyler apparently – so their videos keep saying.

8:20pm They are about to start – nerves are starting. 8.1% chance the Islanders move up….

Top Five Picks:

#5 – Islanders
#4 – Columbus
#3 – Panthers
#2 – Bruins
#1 – Oilers

And like that, the Islanders own the 5th pick and do not move up or down. If history proves anything here, that pick could very well be on the move (up I hope this time Garth). I guess LA will be a little exciting this year after all.

Good afternoon Islanders fans, it’s been a great season in a few ways. As I said earlier this week, it’s not the end of the world that the team did not make the playoffs as there has been growth and experience by everyone in the organization all the way down to Bridgeport.

Next season, Tavares will be a year older and stronger – you can say the same for a handful of other members of the team as well. It’s going to be exciting next season watching these young guys come in and understand the game better. The team is growing together, and that isn’t something the Islanders have been able to experience in quite a while.

This game, more specifically a loss here against the Penguins is extremely important in terms of lottery and draft position. If the Islanders lose and the Panthers beat Tampa in overtime, they can finish with as high as the third overall draft pick. Throw in crazy three point games and an Isles win tonight and it gets more complicated. As always, Chris Botta has everything mapped out for you and even predicted a situation that could happen in a post last week. It’s going to be fun to watch and root for other teams tonight.

The Islanders fourth line tonight is made of – count them – three callups from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers ALL fighters. I joked with Islanders PR man Seth Slyvan that the team was looking to set a single game penalty minute record by a line. It’s a real life version of the Bash Brothers from the cult-movie classic Slapshot.

At least we know the game will be entertaining….

Speaking of entertaining, I watched a majority of the Penguins lineup kicking a soccer ball around for about 45 minutes. They get kinda crazy with these pre-game rituals and warm ups.

First Period

5:10pm And we’re off. Penguins have had two shots already.
5:15pm Penguins on the board first, Malkin on the Pens fifth shot of the game.
5:16pm Islanders power play – get Moulson out there please. He needs number 30, and he almost got it.
5:19pm They failed to score on the power play, I think they only had one shot on goal.
5:23pm Rechlicz and Rupp just fought, Joel clocked Rupp with one punch and dropped him – although he got back up right away.
5:24pm Penguins score again – 2-0 on their 7th shot. Now the Isles can really focus on getting Moulson his 30th and make me not lose my sanity.
5:27pm Gillies called for interference – bad call.
5:32pm Islanders power play
5:34pm And even up, Streit off for interference.
5:35pm Hunter came down the right wing, fired a wrist shot and hit the inside of the far post. Park couldn’t get to the rebound. Penguins on a one minute power play.
5:40pm Guerin to the box for interference.
5:42pm Crosby just scored his 50th of the season and now owns the point lead over Ovechkin. Lots of Pens fans here.

End of the first period.

We just watched the Flyers defeat the Rangers and make the playoffs.

Islanders scored (Tavares) on a five on three – not much else to report about this period, the Islanders were outplayed in every facet.

Second Period

6:10pm I leave to get a pretzel and I miss the action. Crosby scores again and now has the lead. And Jackman tried to take his cage off in order to fight – Crosby wound up with a double minor.
6:13pm Moulson scores his 30th on the power play!
6:16pm Rechlicz and Godard 5 for fighting. Jackman and Malkin are both sitting for unsportsmanlike conduct. I think Rechlicz got a misconduct on his fight too – he’s not in the penalty box.
6:22pm Malkin and Jackman come out, he went right to him and hit him – Malkin cowered like a little kid. Malkin got two[ minutes unsportsmanlike and interference – Jackman two for unsportsmanlike and a ten minute misconduct.
6:28pm Great Isles power play, they have had quite a few chances here this period.
6:32pm Hunter looks like his former self here tonight, hungry and shooting the puck a lot.
6:34pm Haley in the box, for interference.
6:35pm Malkin on the power play – 5-2 Penguins
6:45pm Haley to the box for goaltender interference – he may have blown out his knee on a play, helped off the ice – Tambellini serving the penalty.
6:50pm Final minute of the second period

Well, if that wasn’t even worse of a period then the first I don’t know what is. Lots of penalties, lots of fights and lots of Penguins goals. We saw Crosby score 50 and then 51, but Matt Moulson notched his 30th and Tavares got his 23rd so it wasn’t a total loss that period. It’s good at least to see some of the young players reach milestones, which gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling. At least for now.

Third Period

THIS IS IT, the final twenty minutes of the season. And as Ken Dick of Okposo.net says “It ends with Soundgarden”

7:10pm And we’re off.
7:16pm Okposo scores from a sharp angle
7:17pm And now Sim scores deflecting a Hunter shot and the Islanders pull into one goal 5-4 Penguins

They need to stop scoring, it’s bad enough Tampa beat the Panthers

7:25pm Gervais in the box for interference – Penguins power play – they better score
7:28pm Hillen in the box this is like Christmas day
7:36pm Pittsburgh failed to score on their two previous power plays, this is not acceptable.
7:39pm Islanders tie the game, Meyer from Okposo and Moulson
7:45pm Leave it to the Islanders to screw up draft position by forcing overtime.

Overtime

And if they Islanders lose in overtime, we can still have the 5th overall pick – glancing at the standing anyway.

Yesssss Pens score in OT and we get the number 5 pick next week!

Live Tracker

Yep, this is the second to last home game of the season – a season unlike last year in terms of injury and countless streaks of ineffectiveness. Instead, the Islanders have been entertaining to watch, sometimes dominating teams they had no business winning against – at least on paper.

It’s been about the kids, and not just the young players on the Islanders – but throughout the organization. The Islanders have a core group of young players coming up through the ranks, it’s nice to see players down in Bridgeport get their look up here and give us a taste of the future – and what Garth Snow and Ryan Jankowski have been doing behind the scenes the last few seasons.

The Islanders are coming off back to back impressive wins at home against the Flyers and the Ottawa Senators – should they win tonight it would be one very impressive three-peat. While I love to see my Islanders do well, I also have no problem with losses, as it gives us a better chance at a top five draft pick.

Sitting here typing up this pre-game piece; the Montreal fans are ALREADY loud. They always show up in droves, regardless of what time of year or what day of the week it is. Unfortunately this time, there are a few directly behind me so it’s a bit frustrating trying to concentrate with them yelling at my ear level.

The scratches tonight for the Islanders, Bruno Gervais and Jeff Tambellini. Islanders goaltender, Martin Biron.

First Period

7:11pm Islanders control the opening draw and take it deep into the Go Habs Go zone….ooops I mean Habs zone.
7:13pm Bailey sits for two minutes for interfering with Kostitsyn
7:16pm Islanders kill off the penalty and only allow two shots on goal.
7:19pm Isles have had a few scoring chances, but Halak has been up to task. You would think we were in a battle for playoff position with the Habs the way the fans are yelling all game.
7:27pm Lots of back and forth action – but it’s not very exciting so far, more like a tennis match.
7:30pm Islanders score! Bergenheim with a great behind the back pass to Comeau who rips a shot past Halak for a 1-0 lead. Bergy gets the lone assist.
7:37pm Oh baby, Park just looked up to the heavens because he was robbed on a great chance in front.
7:39pm Gill hooks Bailey who falls into Halak and we have a power play. Gillies popped Gill in the face, then another random player – no penalties. Talk about an agitator.
7:41pm Islanders come up short on the power play, but did manage to get some decent shots off on Halak.

End of the First Period

Another slow start to the first period, but the Islanders manage to finish the period with a 1-0 lead and hold the edge in shots 15-5. They kept the Habs from even getting a shot on goal for periods of 4 and 6 minutes respectively this period. If they continue their strong play into the second, there is a good chance they get into the third still up at least a goal.

Second Period

7:59pm Second period underaway, Islanders had some pressure early now the Habs are mounting an attack.
8:03pm Okposo with a diving jab at a pass to break it up – don’t know how he got that one as it was mid-air.
8:06pm Habs are waking up for sure, they have two shots….this period.
8:09pm Well, Montreal finds a way to tie this game up on their 10th shot – it’s all tied up 1-1 and the Habs fans awaken from their slumber.
8:12pm Bailey with his second penalty of the night, this time for hooking
8:13pm 2-1 Habs, PP goal and like that the Islanders collapse
8:15pm Tavares leads a two on one, but got jammed up and couldn’t get a pass off.
8:21pm Reese gets in the way of a point shot by the Habs and it trickles right to Biron who covers it for a stoppage. Shot count is now 21-16 in favor of the Islanders.
8:27pm Some penalties here, Hunter for the Islanders and Markov for the Habs – looks like two each, Hunter for roughing, Markov for slashing.
8:31pm Sim takes some contact and then a cross check from Gomez – Islanders power play with 1:32 remaining in the second period.

End of the Second Period

Well, that did not go according to play at all. The Islanders are going to the locker room down a goal for the first time in over six periods – can they find what it takes to rally and finish out their 28 seconds worth of power play?

Third Period

8:51pm Islanders win the opening draw again, carry it out and lose control – Habs dump it back into the Islanders zone and the power play is over.
8:54pm Bergenheim goes inside outside on a Habs defender alone and BLASTS a shot over Halak’s glove off the crossbar to tie the game. I mean, BLASTS. Assisted by Reese (who has a point streak now).
9:01pm Tavares was robbed by Halak on a point blank chance.
9:02pm Habs come back and get the go-ahead on Biron to make it 3-2
9:09pm Jackman was just leveled near the Habs blueline – he got up and hit the first person he was near.
9:15pm Biron with a big glove save through traffic – chants of Biron in both French and English rain down from the stands – oddly enough.
9:21pm Frans Nielsen with the game tying goal with two minutes remaining. Assisted by Park and Bergenheim.

End of Regulation

Ok, so two times tonight I was talking about how it would be nice to take a loss like tonight – hard fought and a close entertaining game. What do the Isles do? Tie the game with two minutes left. Figures.

Overtime

9:27pm Some chances each way the first minute here in overtime, Biron with a big blocker save to deflect the puck out of play.
9:29pm Team defense saves a goal for the Isles, Bailey gets robbed the other direction. Would’ve been his third overtime winner this season.
9:30pm Islanders power play – Kostitsyn for hooking
9:32pm Timeout Montreal – Okposo just had the entire blocker side high and shot it right into Halak’s crest.

End of Overtime

Heading into a shootout, Islanders are 0/3 on the power play

Moulson – GOAL
Lappierriere – NO GOAL
Nielsen – GOAL (Patented backhand)
Cammallieri – NO GOAL

Islanders win 4-3 in a shootout

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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

Live Tracker

Perhaps that all will change tonight though, the Flyers come into the Coliseum confident and hungry for the points as they find themselves looking to claim one of the final three playoff positions in the Eastern Conference. Can the Islanders play spoilers? It would be a nice confidence boost for this young squad for sure.

Right from the Flyers head coach, Peter Laviolette had this to say on the very subject:

“Any team is capable of beating any team on any given night. The team that works the hardest and executes better usually wins the game.

“I know that the Islanders are capable of beating us, so we better be ready to make sure we’re ready to beat them. They have a good hockey team and play hard, so it won’t be easy.”

If the Islanders come out tonight playing like they did for the first 20 minutes of the loss to the Rangers the other night, for 60 minutes – they should have no problem beating these Flyers tonight.

I guess we are about to find out.

One lone blogger I be, tonight. Boo.

First Period

7:08pm Flyers control the opening draw. As some kids sprint behind me almost knocking me over in the sacred Blog Box area.
7:11pm Islanders appear to have scored from a point shot, under review currently (for what I do not know exactly).
7:12pm Tavares mat have tipped in Comeau’s shot, they are checking to see if it was hit with a high stick.
7:15pm After a lengthy review, it was not hit with a high stick – 1-0 Islanders lead with 17:33 remaining in the first. Goal scored by Comeau assisted by Tavares, now we know why it wasn’t a high stick.
7:20pm Islanders have tested Boucher early and often, he is all over his crease tonight.
7:35pm WOW two goals in less than a minute and it’s 3-0 Islanders.

Second goal scored by Comeau assisted by Tavares
Third goal, scored by Nielsen assisted by Sim and Hunter

7:34pm Flyers just iced the puck for the fourth or fifth time, safe to say the Isles forecheck is effective tonight. Flyers are beginning to show some life though, Islanders need to stem the tide and continue their strong play.
7:37pm Hunter with a hard shot on Boucher, it was the Isles first since their third goal.
7:38pm Okposo going strong behind Biron gets hauled down by Hartnell, Islanders power play coming up.
7:47pm Final minute
7:48pm Islanders have iced the puck with 7.2 seconds remaining.

Before I get all ahead of myself, that was ONE HECK of a period by the Islanders. However, as we have seen time and time again this season, the Islanders need to put in more than 20 minutes of an effort if they want to win here tonight.

What about that guy Blake Comeau?

He has two goals tonight, two goals against the Rangers and this is his second time scoring multiple goals in back to back (and even back to back to back) games this season. He really must love those new sticks.

The team needs to stay sharp defensively, keep the pressure on with the forecheck, and generate shots – lots of shots, but not just from anywhere – they need to be from scoring areas as they have been doing. If they can keep everything up, no reason why they cannot go into the locker room with a lead after 40 minutes of hockey.

Second Period

8:06pm Second period underway, Flyers carry the puck right into the Islanders zone and put pressure on before they are able to swing it back down briefly.
8:08pm Jackman gives up his body in an attempt to block a shot, it wound up trickling wide.
8:09pm Bailey was hit up high and raised his arms in frustration.
8:10 Bergenheim scoresssss makes it 4-0 How about this line of Tavares, Comeau and Bergenheim?
8:12pm Bergenheim from Streit – it was the second flukey goal scored on Boucher tonight. This time it was banked in off his skate and between his pad and the post. Great play in my eyes.
8:14pm Meyer to the box for roughing.
8:17pm Islanders kill off that penalty and do not allow a shot on goal.
8:20pm Biron with a great save on an opportunity by Hartnell. He came all the way across his crease to make a pad save.
8:22pm Gillies and Cote have a few words and then Gillies destroys Cote. They are still talking in the box, will we see round two?
8:28pm Bergenheim nails Bartulis along the nearside boards. Islanders have been stepping it up in the hits department this period.
8:37pm With 1:45 remaining in the second period, the Islanders are headed to the power play, interference called on Leino.
8:39pm Moulson and Tavares each had great shots on net, but were both robbed by Boucher.

End of the Second Period

Another great period, but not as great as the first. The Islanders allowed the Flyers to get back into the game, although they scored another goal themselves – the lead stays at three goals (Isles lead 4-1).

We saw a little bit of everything this period, great penalty kill, a power play that was getting some shots off and lots of hitting. They Islanders have out played the Flyers for 40 minutes, can they come in strong for the final 20? We shall see.

Third Period

8:59pm Flyers win the draw, enter the zone and take a shot that is deflected into the crowd by Biron.
9:00pm Islanders are now 0/2 on the power play tonight.
9:03pm Hunter scores! Assists to Nielsen and Sim. Hunter’s goal was the result of great hand eye coordination by Sim, who knocked the puck out of the air and started the rush. Flyers yank Boucher who has allowed 5 goals on 24 shots.
9:05pm Islanders on the penalty kill, Okposo for high sticking.
9:05pm After a marvelous defensive play by Hillen, van Riemsdyk slides a rebound through Biron’s legs and it’s 5-2.
9:12pm Islanders are now being out shot by the Flyers 29 to 24.
9:14pm Islanders power play, Hartnell to the box for goaltender interference.
9:18pm Islanders are now 0/3 on the power play. They have also iced the puck two times since their PP expired. 9:06 left in the third.
9:20pm SIM SCORESSSSS. What a game by Sim tonight. 6-2 Islanders, Double Chili!! Assists to Bergenheim and Reese
9:21pm Gillies sticks Cote in the back of the leg going to the bench and gets called for a slash after the play is over. They exchanged words as he headed to the box. Good for him for trying to get him going.
9:26pm Biron just caught a puck to the mask off a slap shot and it deflected out of play. He just shrugged it off and said “All in a days work!”.
9:29pm Briere scores on a wraparound that was decided a goal well after the play. 6-3 in favor of the Isles.
9:31pm Flyers score another, make it 6-4

The streak ends at 15 for these Islanders, as they have FINALLY defeated the Flyers by a score of 6-4.

Shot total Flyers 35 – Isles 28

Live Tracker

It seems I say this often, but in any case – it’s a rainy windy night here on Long Islander and the game should be a great one regardless. It is the final meeting this season between the cross own rivals and this game isn’t any less important than it was last week at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers are still searching for those valuable points to sneak up on the last and final playoff spot, as are the Islanders – who have a tougher path if they hope to make the playoffs.

Back tonight for the Islanders is Andrew MacDonald, whom was injured immediately following his contract extension by the Islanders. It comes at a good time because his reliability will come in handy tonight against the Rangers, who will be without Avery, Gilroy and Ryan Callahan. Should the Islanders win, they will have six points in their last three and 10 over their previous 10 games played.

Your scratches tonight are Jeff Tambellini and Bruno Gervais.

In other news, Rick DiPietro was shut down for the remainder of the season having only played in 7 games, due to knee swelling. He has not played much over the last two years and my faith in him ever regaining full health is fading fast. I should have a post up on this over at Bleacher Report in the next day or so.

First Period

7:08pm And they’re off.
7:10pm Islanders power play, too many men on the Rangers. Huge opportunity.
7:11pm Power play goal Islanders on a blast from Streit that may have been tipped before it reached the net.
7:13pm Goal was Streit’s, from Nielsen and Tavares
7:16pm Richard Park carries the puck into the zone and gets a shot off that’s stopped by Lundqvist.
7:22pm Roloson absorbs some contact from Gaborik and Christensen and let’s them know what he felt about it. It hemmed both of those players in the zone for the entire Islanders breakout.
7:23pm Meter still playing way bigger than his frame, he had three hugs hits on his last shift before going off due to a broken stick.
7:27pm Blake Comeau with a big shot coming down the left wing, hits Lundqvist in the shoulder and crosses the line to make it 2-0!
7:29pm Assists go to Jackman and Park
7:32pm More sharp play by Roloson in his own end, power play upcoming for the Islanders. Prust sits for a crosscheck on Moulson.
7:35pm Okposo called for an offensive zone penalty, hooking – even up for a minute.
7:37pm Two more penalties, Jokinen holding for a and MacDonald also for a hold. Rangers now on a short power play.
7:40pm Final minute of the period.

That right there was a great period. Islanders capitalizing on turnovers due to their strong forecheck. They are playing huge defensively, as is Roloson. They scored on the power play AND held the Rangers to just four shots despite giving them a short power play of their own. It’s up to the Islanders now to come up in the second period in the same way they came out for the first.

Impressive so far, leaps and bounds better than their showing last week at MSG.

Second Period

7:58pm Islanders win the opening draw, and promptly go offsides.
8:01pm Rangers get one back on a shot by Prospal that gave Roloson trouble glove side. 2-1 Isles
8:03pm Islanders power play, Rozsival for slashing.
8:05pm Prust just boarded Tavares really bad, 5 on 3 for a minute plus.
8:05pm Tavares is out on the PP so he isn’t too shaken up I guess.
8:07pm Islanders fail to convert on the five on three and the remainder of the second penalty due to tooooooooooooo many passes.
8:18pm Islanders defense is not clearing out the front of the net. Roloson is continuously absorbing contact and at one point got the stick RIPPED out of his hands – no calls.
8:22pm BAD turnover in front by Okposo, Rangers pick it up and fire it past the now screen named Okposo and past Roloson to make it 2-2
8:25pm Islanders getting chances breaking into the Rangers zone, but they are now breaking up every play and keeping them to the perimeter which is something they did not do in the first period.
8:28pm Bergenheim with a great self pass to earn the slot area but that space was taken away just as quickly.
8:3pm And like clockwork, the Rangers make it 3-2, three unanswered goals. (Goal by Gaborik (40))
8:32pm Gillies two minutes for roughing, Rangers power play

Final Minute

8:33pm Roloson stands on his head for the remainder of the penalty kill. Gillies gathers the puck out of the box and barely musters a shot. End of the period.

Like I said after the first period, it was up to the Islanders to come out ready in the second. It’s not that they failed to do so, they just cannot match the Rangers tempo.

First period > Second

Third Period

8:53pm Third period underway.
8:58pm I feel like I am watching a tennis match, lots of back and forth action.
8:59pm Make it four unanswered goals. Nice passing play gets Roloson moving and an almost effortless goal.
9:03pm If the Islanders plan on staying in this game, they need to come back from this TV timeout with a quick goal, otherwise just pack it in.
9:08pm Great shift by Bergenheim, kept the puck in the Rangers zone and Streit was fed with the puck for a point blast that beat Lundqvist but not the iron. It was a heavy, heavy clang.
9:16pm Islanders are now allowing the Rangers to get shots through on Roloson regularly, thankfully they have not been the best of scoring chances and he’s been able to see them.
9:17pm Islanders march back into the Rangers zone, Bergenheim to Comeau and it’s a 1 goal game 4-3 with six and a half remaining. Assists to Bergenheim and Flood.
9:26pm Final minute of the third.

Final score, Rangers 4 – Islanders 3

Live Tracker

Tonight the Islanders are set to take on the Calgary Flames at the Coliseum, fresh on the heals of a decent western swing but also the night following a horrible showing in Madison Square Garden.

It will be a big night for at least one Islander though, as Defenseman Mark Flood was recalled from Bridgeport on an emergency basis to play in place of Dustin Kohn. Kohn, was hurt last night the result of Avery nonsense that went – unpenalized. Go figure. Good luck to Flood tonight!

The Flames are on the cusp of a playoff spot, only four points in back of 8th place Detroit in the Western Conference. This is not going to be an easy game for the Islanders by any stretch, one for the “Rangers Hangover” and two, because the Flames should come out hungry. I know this isn’t the type of thing that fans want to root for, but I would be completely OK with the team losing out the final games of the season if it meant a shot at the coveted number one draft pick once again. We can sure use the help.

Just a note of importance, there is NO POWER here in the Blog Box, so I am not entirely how sure my laptop will last on the battery. We shall see…

Your scratches: Trevor Gillies and Dustin Kohn

First Period

7:07pm Opening draw lost by the Islanders, iced by the Flames – forecheck working?
7:10pm Flames iced the puck again after some effective pressure by the Islanders.
7:13pm Islanders own the first three shots here so far, nothing really an amazing scoring chance though. Or even memorable.
7:16pm Just as I hit update, Jack Hillen with a howitzer from the point goes wide, followed by great pressure and another great point shot by Nielsen that is gloved down.
7:19pm Islanders forecheck is REALLY effective tonight, but they have still be unable to get great pressure on a consistent basis.
7:22pm Hunter scores. Gritty goal, bangs in a rebound. Assists to Nielsen and Sim
7:24pm Less than a minute later, Calgary notches the equalizer, even before the Isles goal was announced.
7:28pm Calgary scored on it’s second shot of the game. And, the Islanders are going to be a man down. Okposo for hooking.
7:31pm Islanders kill off Okposo’s penalty, start the game off the way they SHOULD have last night at MSG.
7:32pm Islanders headed back to the box, delayed penalty.
7:33pm Okposo back to the box – holding and unsportsmanlike conduct – equating to a double minor.
7:38pm Islanders have held the Flames to just two shots over the course of 6 minutes of penalty kill time.

Final Minute

Overall, that was a decent period, but then again anything would be a decent period compared to what we saw last night. Islanders hold the lead in shots, by a count of 12 to 6. Islanders have to stay out of the box, but credit is due to the penalty killers – they held the Flames to 3 shots on Okposo’s three penalties. They need to keep up the good work in the second and pot a goal or two to take the game over.

We got power here in the Blog Box, by the way!

Second Period

8:01pm Second period underway. Flames have gone offsides two times in a row.
8:03pm Tavares with a great pass to the late man coming in, whom waited and skated around a sliding d-man and the Isles did not get a shot off.
8:09pm Jon Sim just gave Kiprusoff a handful, should have drew a penalty and then got a Flame to drop the gloves on the way to the bench. He simply skated away laughing as always – it was pretty funny actually.
8:16pm Blake Comeau gets the gate for boarding. No penalty for the retaliatory shot to the face though.
8:16pm Fourth straight penalty kill for the Islanders
8:23pm Flames score, play was under review but stands – goal to Eric Nystrom. I hope he remembers the huge hits I had on him in High School – I miss those days.
8:27pm Kiprusoff makes a save on Hillen from the point, through traffic – made it look easy.
8:28pm Okposo draws a tripping penalty, first power play of the game for the Isles. About time.
8:3pm It looks like it is the Islanders first power play of the season, let alone the game.

Final Minute

Islanders gave up two, TWO breakaway’s here in the last minute. Biron came up HUGE on the second one, first missed the net completely.

The tale of two teams lives on. Let’s see if they come out with legs in the third, I don’t even know what to write about here.

Third Period

8:51pm Third period underway, Isles deep in the zone MOULSON SCORES 2-2!! Assists to Streit and Okposo
8:57pm Heads up play by Streit with a diving poke check on a 2-1 in front of Biron
9:04pm Islanders have had some great shots here in the third, something hit the iron a little while ago and they have been in the Flames zone for a decent amount of time down low.
9:05pm Calgary gets called for hooking, Islanders power play!
9:07pm Power play is much better in terms of movement and passing, but they still cannot….wait a minute Gervais just scored!!! Assisted by Streit.
9:10pm Jackman is in the box here….apparently there will be a penalty kill upcoming. Two for high sticking.
9:12pm Freddy Meyer clears the crease in front of Biron with a vengeance – he looked bad ass, per twitter.
9:15pm 7th penalty kill for the Islanders tonight.
9:20pm 2:32 remaining in the third and the draw is deep in Calgary’s zone.
9:22pm Timeout Calgary – draw is deep in the Isles zone and the Kiprusoff has vacated his crease with 1:38 remaining.

3-2 Islanders, Final Score.

Live Tracker

Here we are on this windy and rainy Sunday for a early evening game. Matt Martin is back tonight, as I posted earlier this afternoon. He was just on the scoreboard talking about his call-up sporting a brand new haircut, or should I say lack of a haircut – he was sporting a shaved head.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the Islanders and Leafs this season. However, it is the first time the Islanders are facing the new look Leafs, given GM Brian Burke was extremely busy before the Olympics and at the trade deadline revamping his squad. The Isles are 2-1 so far this season against the Leafs.

Coming off the heels of their 4-2 win over New Jersey last night, the Islanders should be riding high and looking to give the Leafs a taste of things to come for their club. It should prove to be a great game. Should the Islanders manage to defeat the leafs, they will stop short their win streak as they go for four in a row tonight here at Nassau Coliseum.

Martin Biron is your starter for the Isles, J.S. Giguere for the Leafs.

First Period

5:11pm Opening draw pulled back into the Islanders zone, where the Leafs intercept and take control immediately.
5:12pm A non call on a trip in the Leafs zone, they march down the ice and it’s 1-0 a minute into the game.
5:16pm Islanders fourth line ties it up! Jackman bats in a loose puck. Assists to Park and Gillies
5:19pm After two major defensive breakdowns, the Islanders seem to have figured out they were actually playing today, taking the puck right to the front of Toronto’s crease and playing a bit chippier.
5:26pm Matt Martin gets called for boarding and instigating, Lundmark for the Leafs two for unsportsmanlike – they were going to throw down but were stopped. Islanders on the penalty kill.
5:27pm Leafs turnover at their blueline, Park picks up the puck and scores shorthanded. Second consecutive game the Isles have notched a shortie. 2-1 Isles Assists to Comeau and Hillen
5:30pm Islanders power play, Kulemin for high sticking, 2 minutes
5:34pm Leafs killed off the power play. Even strength.
5:36pm Jack Hillen two minutes for holding
5:36pm Meyer leveled someone along the bench side boards and Caputi (who he may have hit) came after him. Two minutes for roughing and we are even up for a minute, Isles will have a minute of power play time after the Hillen penalty expires.
5:44pm Islanders back on the power play, after the abbreviated one expired – Kulemin for interference.
5:46pm Islanders failed to score on that power play, although they had a few shots. Final minute of play in the first.

Great period, but the Islanders really need to capitalize on those power plays.

Third Period

Sorry for missing the ENTIRE period, I met up with a friend for her birthday and wouldn’t you know it – we missed an entire period.

7:20pm Islanders with a 3-1 lead, looks like they are playing great defensively.
7:26pm Islanders stemming the tide of the late rush by Toronto, Biron has been extremely solid. Four minutes remaining here in the third, Islanders power play upcoming.
7:29pm Moulson on the power play and its 4-1 assists to Bailey and Comeau on the PP
7:31pm Sim gets the gate with a minute 20 remaining for hooking. Islanders will be short handed for the remainder of the period.

Final Minute

Islanders win 4-1

Live Tracker

As the season slowly winds down here in a post trade deadline manner, our Islanders seem to be slipping deeper and deeper into a hole in several ways. The team has remained somewhat competitive, remaining in games and always having some chance, they just have not been able to finish well – which is something we have seen all season long.

Another area they are slipping, or should I say falling into – is regarding injuries. Last year the Islanders suffered a record breaking amount of man games lost to injury. Thankfully, that little gem earned us John Tavares. While the Islanders do not earn that awful statistical record this season, their health has suddenly become an issue.

Earlier this season it started with the annual loss of Radek Martinek, Rick DiPietro returned, left, and returned – only to leave again. Andrew MacDonald played outstanding, earned a four year extension and then two games later is lost for the remainder of the season with a broken foot. Trent Hunter seemed to be playing better and he is lost for a few weeks with an upper body injury. The one and only Rob Schremp who has earned praise by this blogger as well as others and countless media types was felled to a torn meniscus in his right knee in loss to Philly this week.

Tough break, pardon the pun.

Tonight, the Islanders are set to face off against a rare opponent in the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are hot on the road, with a record of 18-10-4 but they are still out the outside of the playoff picture in the west. They have not played since the weekend so they are rested and likely hungry for those two points.

Scratches for the Islanders: Rick DiPietro, Jeff Tambellini

Roloson (Change of plans apparently) Biron in net for the Isles and Mason in net for the Blues.

First Period

7:08pm And we are off, instant pressure off a faceoff win in the Blues zone.
7:10pm Gillies with a nice clean check in the Isles end
7:13pm Gervais and Biron miscommunicate and botch a pass, they both speak French. What’s the problem?
7:21pm What a boring game so far, at least Gillies and Kohn are making things interesting for us in their own end.
7:27pm Biron tested a few times this period, but nothing has really been a great scoring chance. Shot count is 7-3 in favor of the Blues. See how boring the game is?
7:36pm Gervais with a good defensive move along the crease to block a cross ice pass. Biron clamped down the glove because he had a clean look.
7:37pm Islanders power play, need to capitalize here, they are behind on shots.
7:38pm Weight with a nice shot walking into the slot and Mason with an even better glove save.
7:40pm Islanders catch Mason moving, Streit threw it from the point and Moulson with a redirection over Mason’s right shoulder. 1-0 and that is the end of the period.

Well, boring period aside the Islanders turned their man advantage into a goal, they generated pressure and got some extra shots on, but still trail 11-6.

There really wasn’t much momentum, but the Blues found themselves taking the puck to the Islanders net freely and were able to keep it deep. The second period could be anyone’s game, here is to hoping the goal lifts the Islanders and their energy when they emerge from their locker room.

Second Period

7:58pm Blues carry the puck straight to Biron, where some contact ensues along with a scuffle.
8:03pm Biron makes a stop through traffic and the puck gets stuck in the feet of an Isles d-man, surprisingly they did not redirect it in and instead managed to clear the puck.
8:05pm Penalty on the Islanders, Jackman gets two for hooking.
8:07pm You knew it was coming the way that the Blues have been moving the puck – game all tied up 1-1 off a power play goal.
8:08pm Islanders going on the power play, high sticking
8:13pm Nothing going for the Isles on that man advantage. Nothing.
8:17pm Islanders short handed again, Sim for slashing. Biron makes two saves in the first 20 seconds of the penalty kill.
8:19pm Tripping call on the Blues, even up for a 1:05
8:22pm All penalties over, Nielsen had a glorious chance, Mason out waited him and then blocked the wraparound attempt.
8:27pm Islanders showing more intensity this period, they are shooting more, intercepting more passes and just generating a lot more offense. They clearly have stepped up the forecheck in this period.
8:30pm And with that, Weight is called for boarding – shorthanded. Final minute of the period.

Much better period all around, which is evident in the shot count – 21-17 in favor of the Blues. Score is tied, lots of penalties this period which lead to odd man opportunities per side, strong defensive play by each. Third period is up for grabs, pretty even match up through forty minutes of play.

Third Period

8:55pm Sorry for the delayed start to the third, I got caught up with some friends. Islanders power play!
8:57pm Weight to Nielsen, denied. Bergenheim with a chance, also denied.
9:01pm Park with a bone headed offensive zone penalty, cross checking.
9:02pm First faceoff of the penalty kill and Gervais is injured. Needed to be helped to the runway to the room. I think he got hit with a shot.
9:12pm Tavares in the box, not happy about it. Decent kill thus far for the Isles, they are keeping them to the outside and allowing Biron to see everything.
9:16pm Good, no GREAT penalty kill late in the third.
9:22pm Late calls against the Isles game after game, why should tonight be any different? Park in the box with 1:40 remaining for high sticking.

And that’s the end of regulation. Islanders have to kill off 20 seconds of a power play going into overtime. Playing for that “loser” point once again tonight.

Overtime

9:27pm Even strength, defensive zone draw.
9:28pm Draw is lost, by Park. Save Biron. Another draw to Marty’s left by Nielsen this time a win.
9:30pm Islanders power play, Nielsen was boarded. Pretty much the remainder of overtime, well there will be less than 30 seconds of time left after it expires.

I should have known this game was destined for a shootout.

Shootout

And we are headed into the Skills Competition (as Howie Rose says).

Nielsen – NO GOAL
Oshie – GOAL
Moulson – NO GOAL
Boyes – GOAL

Game over.

Live Tracker

Even though it never really went anywhere, it sort of shifted into full on Olympic mode/mania!

Not much has changed here in Islanders country, unless you consider Mark Streit coming home medal-less, head coach Scott Gordon returning with a silver medal in tow for assistant-coaching Team USA to second place in the round robin, the trade today of Andy Sutton to the Ottawa Senators for a second round selection in 2010 and two minor league trades – something…. Oh, lest I forget the re-re-re-shutdown of DiPietro. Time frame, unknown.

In any case, Sutton – thanks for everything you have done here on Long Island. I hope your stay up in Ottawa is only temporary and we will see you retake your office at the near blue line pounding opposing player to oblivion as always – back HERE on Long Island come 2010/11.

And before I forget, congratulations goes out to Team USA for winning Silver this past weekend in Vancouver!

Moving on, Dustin Kohn has been recalled from Bridgeport to take the place of Andy Sutton (I hope he realizes the size of the shoes he has to fill here on out). Jack Hillen may be making his return tonight, Roloson and Biron are back as your goalie tandem with DiPietro’s shutdown.

Scratches: Sean Bergenheim, Jeff Tambellini and Rick DiPietro

Islanders are only six points out of a playoff spot and are looking to make up some lost ground. This should be an interesting night for sure.

Curious about the Bergenheim scratch, does that mean his days as a New York Islander are near an end? One never knows this time of year.

First Period

7:10pm Islanders lose the opening draw, Hawks came in and got the first shot on goal right off the draw pretty much.
7:12pm Roloson looks strong early, making a stick save low after a flurry in front. Islanders have not shown much life, this is all Hawks so far – 5 shots already for them.
7:15pm Jack Hillen out on this shift with a full cage, had a scoring chance. That whole sequence is a testament to his toughness.
7:17pm Doug Weight engaged in a lengthy discussion with one of the referee’s – likely about off ice stuff, just my guess.
7:25pm Dangerous situation for Roloson, Byfuglien’s skate came up towards his head as he crashed into the crease. Luckily, nothing came out of it.
7:27pm Roloson makes a glove save but the puck squirted back out at a sharp angle and onto Campbell’s stick – 1-0 Hawks.
7:30pm Despite being out shot by a wide margin, Hawks turnover leads to a Comeau goal 1-1
7:31pm And now the Islanders are shorthanded, Park to the box for a judo-chop to a stick, slashing.
7:33pm Comeau’s 10th of the season, assisted by Schremp, that’s three straight games with a goal for him.
7:34pm Hawks convert on the gift wrapped power play. You feel shame Richard Park.
7:36pm Shot count: 21-5 in favor of Chicago
7:42pm Final minute of the period.

Well, that went as well as we could’ve hoped I suppose. The lack of Sutton is clearly evident as the Blackhawks are just going to the crease every single time they can. They have also gotten just about every shot through, perhaps the move was miscalculated some – especially given Garth’s comment today stating they still plan on making a playoff push.

The Islanders are being outplayed in every facet, which could partly be caused by the long layoff….but more so because the Hawks are a much better club. Shot count after one period is 22-9. The Islanders started to come back later in the first, but if they want to save face and earn those points they need a much better effort in the second. That’s kind of obvious though, you don’t need me to tell you that much.

Second Period

8:01pm And we are underway.
8:04pm Comeau ties it up with his second of the game and it’s aallllll tied.
8:05pm And now it’s 3-2 Islanders…
8:06pm Hawks just yanked Niemi and put in Huet.
8:07pm Comeau from Schremp and Streit on the 2nd goal.
8:08pm Third Islanders goal belongs to Jon Sim from Park and Kohn.
8:11pm Park streaks down the near boards and fires a laser that beats Huet to make it 4-2. Assists go to Moulson and MacDonald.
8:17pm It’s important to note here (I am dizzy with the way this game has gone this period, I digress) – This is Comeau’s second consecutive two goal game and he has 5 goals in three.
8:21pm The game has slowed down a pace here, I wouldn’t expect the scoring to continue at the pace that it has. Shots are 26-17 Hawks.
8:23pm Islanders are going to be a man down, Park off for tripping.
8:27pm Great penalty kill by the Islanders, at the heart of it all – Comeau and Okposo
8:28pm Sometimes I think these Islanders players THINK and even BELIEVE they are better players then they really are, they make passes that shouldn’t be made and think it will work. Keep it simple, stupid.
8:34pm Final minute of the period
8:37pm Comeau completes his FIRST CAREER HAT TRICK to make it 5-2. Delay of game here as the staff cleans up all the hats and giveaway thrown on to the ice. 6 goals in 3 games now for Comeau! He is on FIRE! Assists go to Streit and MacDonald.

Wow. What a period.

Bit of trivia, when was the last Isles four goal period? I sure don’t know.

That was just about as good of a period (offensively) as I have seen all season long. Defensively I would hope they come out sharp as a tack in the third and really prevent any last bit of momentum that the Hawks can muster. A three goal cushion is big going into the final twenty, but it’s not enough for them to sit back and play it safe against the likes of Kane and Toews.

Blake Comeau 3, Islanders 2 – Hawks 2

Shot count, Hawks 30 – Isles 10

This should be fun.

Third Period

8:58pm Islanders won the opening draw cleanly.
9:00pm Scoring change on the Islanders fourth goal – second assist changed to Weight.
9:00pm Roloson just made a HUGE stop. Jackman with a scoring chance right after.
9:04pm Blackhawks were putting on a clinic for the Isles, had them pinned in the zone without being able to clear the puck for about two minutes with a constant cycle – Roloson was forced to make a few stops.
9:05pm Okposo drives to the net with a power move and makes an attempt to go around Huet, Tavares crashed the net for the rebound that was covered quickly.
9:08pm Roloson is making save after save and getting very lucky in the process – Hossa snapped a stick on a beauty of a scoring chance.
9:10pm Blackhawks thought they scored, it was waved off due to goaltender interference. Another lucky break, look for the Hawks to pressure even more now that they have weakened the Isles perimeter….so to speak.
9:15pm Roloson just stopped Hossa at the doorstep – he is playing outstanding tonight.
9:23pm Islanders are going to be shorthanded for half of the remaining 4:39 here in the third – Okposo is in the box for holding.
9:25pm Just like that, Hawks score on the power play just like they did on the last one – on a play generated from behind the Islanders net that caught Rolloson out of position.
9:28pm Shot count now Hawks 41 – Isles 23
9:32pm Huet was pulled for the empty net, Hunter had a layup and hit the post.
9:33pm Huet back in net for the second time as the draw was deep in Chicago’s zone.

Islanders win 5-2, this game represents what the Islanders need to do here through the stretch – hard work and timely goal scoring from everywhere. It was a well deserved two points, great game.

Live Tracker

I am back in action here, there was a period of two weeks (since the last time I live blogged I think) where I was under the weather and haven’t been able to attend a home game. That’s totally out of character for me, I rarely miss a game all year and I have missed a few already this year.

In any case, I am live and direct from the Blog Box in Section 201 at Nassau Coliseum tonight to see if the Islanders can break their seven game losing streak and get a win tonight here on home ice against the Nashville Predators!

Some pretty big news the last few days regarding trades, none of which involve our Islanders….yet. The Islanders chose to look for help from within the organization by calling up the big Jesse Joensuu and equally large Matt Martin. The hope is that these two young, large players will get traffic in front of the opposing goalie and perhaps generate some offense that has been sorely amiss here the last who-knows-how-many-games.

Martin is making his NHL debut tonight, it should be exciting to watch him and the huge smile that will likely be on his face regarding this big step in his young career. He is wearing the number 46 and as he is saying on the big screen right now – he wants to throw the body and play HIS physical game.

Jesse Joensuu on being recalled:

Matt Martin on his NHL Debut:

Another big surprise, the Islanders are starting Martin Biron in goal tonight. Fresh off his two game AHL conditioning stint, perhaps the hope is that the shaky goal tending from Roloson and DiPietro will be repaired by sitting BOTH of those netminders…? In any case, it gives Biron a chance to shake off the rest of his rust as he awaits an inevitable trade that should come before this Friday’s Olympic trade deadline or the NHL trade deadline next month.

The Islanders need the most out of everyone tonight if they intend on breaking out of their funk.

First Period

7:08pm Puck drop and the Islanders push it deep into Nashville’s zone.
7:10pm As I complain about the chances the Islanders are giving up to the Predators, Mark from The View from 111 is with me in the blog box complaining about a missed chance. Interesting conflicting views.
7:12pm Matt Martin makes his presence felt early, laying a good shoulder check on the Nashville’s Jordin Tootoo
7:17pm Third line is buzzing for the Islanders – Martin, Park and Joensuu – I like how Park’s speed is on that line.
7:24pm Matt Martin has broken his cherry and received his first NHL penalty for interference. Islanders short handed. I wouldn’t count on the Preds taking a penalty tonight, they are the least penalized team in the league.
7:27pm GREAT penalty kill, Park and Bergenheim each blocked at least two shots and Streit had a few himself.
7:33pm Joensuu now on a line with Hunter and Schremp. It must have been a line change or a quick trial earlier. That or I mistook Comeau for Joensuu – how I don’t know…
7:35pm Surprise surprise, Thrashers called for interference – Islanders power play.
7:39pm Nothing really on the first part of the power play, but I love Martin’s positioning and shot placements tonight.
7:41pm Four on four coming up, Islanders for slashing (Bergenheim), Predators for diving. Interesting combo for sure. It will carry over into the second period.

End of the first period.

Islanders look like they started to wake up towards the end of the period. For long stretches again here tonight they appeared they had either forgotten they were in the middle of a game or just completely forgot how to pass and play offense. The only bright spots, the solid play by Matt Martin who doesn’t look out of place here in the NHL.

I actually think Martin owns all three of the Islanders shots here tonight so far – which they are behind the Predators who have NINE.

They have to go to the net, and clearly – get more shots on goal if they want to score.

Second Period

7:58pm Still four aside here for almost two minutes, Islanders control going out of the zone.
8:00pm Arnott takes a shot from the point that Biron fought off, but it fluttered over his head and the net, thankfully.
8:02pm Some good chances by the Islanders here in the second – Bergenheim looks hungry tonight.
8:05pm After some great pressure and missed chances, Schremp finds Meyer who walks in a finds the back of the net to make it 1-0 Isles
8:07pm Shot count is now tied at 11 – Islanders have had 8 this period.
8:12pm Islanders a man down, Nielsen called for hooking.
8:13pm Predators think they scored, goal is under review.
8:15pm NO GOAL, kicking motion. Preds still on the PP
8:17pm Islanders with another good kill, finish off with a short handed opportunity by Park and Bergenheim
8:18pm And NOW the Preds score – all tied at one.
8:21pm Islanders are allowing the Preds back into the game here, shot count is now 13-17.
8:24pm Islanders with a really bad change and it leads to a Predators breakaway and goal – 2-1
8:28pm Now I know why Tavares hasn’t played much tonight – he forgot how to play. He just flubbed two passes in two seconds.
8:31pm Islanders were on a power play, another was just called on the Predators – a five on three in favor of the Islanders here! For a minute 40
8:33pm Tavares digs and digs, winds up with the puck after his shot and then it was cleared.
8:34pm Okposo’s shot from the point gets through and is fought off.
8:36pm Schremp got the puck on and Gervais got the rebound – he scored! 2-2

End of the second period

Much better period, although the Islanders seemed to take about ten minutes off again before being awarded a five-on-three in which they converted and tied the game. Islanders had 18 shots and managed to tie in the shot count at 21 as well.

Schremp has two assists tonight, we also have goals by two defensemen….offense from places we need it most – from ANYONE.

Keep on the Predators and don’t give them much room by forechecking like crazy, limit and block their shots, and please – SHOOT the puck.

Third Period

8:55pm Islanders just announced the last Islanders goal, Gervais from Schremp and Martin. That is Martin’s first NHL point! Congrats to you!
8:57pm Comeau is called for cross checking, Islanders will be shorthanded
8:59pm Islanders are now down two men for :17 seconds. Bergenheim for high sticking.
9:00pm Comeau comes out and the Isles are only down a man again.
9:01pm Predators score on the power play, regain the lead 3-2
9:02pm Nashville penalty for tripping, Islanders pp (jeez there are a lot of penalties tonight)
9:05pm MacDonald hit the post and then on the next play had a nice pass that was fanned on in front. :34 seconds left on the power play.
9:08pm Another Islanders penalty, too many men – they have been horrible with line changes tonight.
9:15pm Islanders killed off the horrendous change penalty….still haven’t really done much since.
9:19pm Bergenheim drives to the net and get a shot off.
9:24pm Thrashers Dumont called for high sticking – Islanders power play – no blood, two minutes.
9:27pm Islanders powerless on their “power play”.
9:29pm Empty net Islanders, put pressure on and it leads to a power play. Timeout called by Gordon.
9:31pm Islanders score with the goalie pulled and on the power play with 6 second remaining to tie the game at 3!! Streit from Martin and Okposo – that’s Martin’s second assist tonight!

Overtime

Familiar territory here for the Islanders, let’s see if the boys can rally around their late goal and get the winner here!

Some great pressure here in overtime, goaltending is certainly on par with the chances though.

End of overtime.

Shootout

Nielsen – GOAL (patented shootout move)
Sullivan – NO GOAL
Schremp – NO GOAL
Legwand – NO GOAL
Moulson – NO GOAL
Erat – GOAL (Biron came out for a failed poke-check….)
Tavares – GOAL
Hornqvist – NO GOAL

Islanders win on Tavares’ shootout goal! The streak dies at 7…..

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