The white hot Sabres come to Long Island tonight. Martin Biron in net for the Isles.
Some post game stuff out of Washington and some random links from the web.
Links:
Islanders vs. Sabres Preview
Tavares breaks through in OT to halt Caps' streak
Capitals Plus
BACKCHECKING: THIS YEAR'S NHL ROOKIES
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Islanders Change The Script
The Islanders fought hard and persevered with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Capitals. Washington had came in riding a six game winning streak but were foiled by great goaltending from Dwayne Roloson. A sub-par performance by Caps goalie Jose Theodore contributed as well.
It was another strong showing for John Tavares. He set up Mark Streits' game winner with great board work and beautiful backhand feed from behind the net. JT hit a crossbar and was stopped point blank by Theodore on several other chances. Tavares also fed a nice pass to Sean Bergenheim in the crease that was foiled by Theodore.
The Islanders (3-4-5) celebrate their first back to back wins as they head back to the Island to
take on the Buffalo Sabres tomorrow night.
Game Stats
1A/ +2/ 5SOG/ 19:33TOI/ Faceoffs 6-9
Highlights:
Links:
Streit’s OT goal lifts Isles past Caps
Isles end Capitals' winning streak with 4-3 OT win
Streit's OT goal gives Isles victory over Caps
It was another strong showing for John Tavares. He set up Mark Streits' game winner with great board work and beautiful backhand feed from behind the net. JT hit a crossbar and was stopped point blank by Theodore on several other chances. Tavares also fed a nice pass to Sean Bergenheim in the crease that was foiled by Theodore.
The Islanders (3-4-5) celebrate their first back to back wins as they head back to the Island to
take on the Buffalo Sabres tomorrow night.
Game Stats
1A/ +2/ 5SOG/ 19:33TOI/ Faceoffs 6-9
Highlights:
Links:
Streit’s OT goal lifts Isles past Caps
Isles end Capitals' winning streak with 4-3 OT win
Streit's OT goal gives Isles victory over Caps
Thursday, October 29, 2009
10/29/09 Links
A couple of stories from the web today.
Links:
Tavares proving he isn't out of place in the NHL
Islanders hope to cap plenty of games with new tradition
Links:
Tavares proving he isn't out of place in the NHL
Islanders hope to cap plenty of games with new tradition
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tavares Strong As Isles Top Rangers
They finally won a game in regulation and from the net out they earned it with a superb effort. The Islanders defeated the Rangers 3-1, they never trailed and not only did they hold on to a 3rd period lead they increased it.
Dwayne Roloson was outstanding in net. The defense held up. The team as a whole was solid positionally and when they bent they didn't break.
For my money John Tavares had his finest game as a pro. Yes, JT broke a scoreless streak with a 3rd period goal but his complete game was a strong one. The 19 year old looked like a grizzled veteran in his first contest in this legendary rivalry.
Tavares was hit hard by Rangers defenseman Marc Staal in the first and appeared to hurt his oft-injured shoulder in the second on a hit by Brandon Dubinsky. But the kid has shown not only is he mentally tough but physically tough.
Johnny T created countless opportunities and if it wasn't for the great goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist it could have been a 5 point night for JT. He played his most complete game as a NHL'er yet.
Game Stats:
1 Goal/ +2/ 3 SOG/ 16:14 TOI/ Faceoffs 7-4
Post Game Interview: (Representing the hard hat!)
Goal:
Highlights:
Links:
Islanders avert a late collapse to beat Rangers
Tavares scores in Isles win over Rangers
A Stark Contrast Benefits the Isles
Healthy Weight assists on Okposo's winner
NHL has become teenagers on ice
Long Island iced team
Dwayne Roloson was outstanding in net. The defense held up. The team as a whole was solid positionally and when they bent they didn't break.
For my money John Tavares had his finest game as a pro. Yes, JT broke a scoreless streak with a 3rd period goal but his complete game was a strong one. The 19 year old looked like a grizzled veteran in his first contest in this legendary rivalry.
Tavares was hit hard by Rangers defenseman Marc Staal in the first and appeared to hurt his oft-injured shoulder in the second on a hit by Brandon Dubinsky. But the kid has shown not only is he mentally tough but physically tough.
Johnny T created countless opportunities and if it wasn't for the great goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist it could have been a 5 point night for JT. He played his most complete game as a NHL'er yet.
Game Stats:
1 Goal/ +2/ 3 SOG/ 16:14 TOI/ Faceoffs 7-4
Post Game Interview: (Representing the hard hat!)
Goal:
Highlights:
Links:
Islanders avert a late collapse to beat Rangers
Tavares scores in Isles win over Rangers
A Stark Contrast Benefits the Isles
Healthy Weight assists on Okposo's winner
NHL has become teenagers on ice
Long Island iced team
Islanders/Rangers Tonight
Not much needs to be said here.
It's an important game for the Islanders fans and with 10 out of the next 13 games on the road after tonight it's a huge game for the team.
Former junior teammates John Tavares and Michael Del Zotto will get their first taste of the rivalry tonight. Both have been impressive with Del Zotto even stealing some of Johnnys' thunder...how dare he? Well, he is a Ranger now dammit.
Links:
Islanders vs. Rangers Preview
SIX MEMBERS OF 2009 DRAFT CLASS LIKELY TO STAY IN NHL
NHL draft picks continue to stick
and because this is indeed Tavares Country, a nice news bit on Johns' sister Laura Tavares' field hockey team.
Devils, Raiders denied trip to senior field hockey final
It's an important game for the Islanders fans and with 10 out of the next 13 games on the road after tonight it's a huge game for the team.
Former junior teammates John Tavares and Michael Del Zotto will get their first taste of the rivalry tonight. Both have been impressive with Del Zotto even stealing some of Johnnys' thunder...how dare he? Well, he is a Ranger now dammit.
Links:
Islanders vs. Rangers Preview
SIX MEMBERS OF 2009 DRAFT CLASS LIKELY TO STAY IN NHL
NHL draft picks continue to stick
and because this is indeed Tavares Country, a nice news bit on Johns' sister Laura Tavares' field hockey team.
Devils, Raiders denied trip to senior field hockey final
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Deja Vu All Over Again
The last time John Tavares was drafted 1st overall he was a 14 year old wunderkind who was granted exceptional player status. The Oshawa Generals, coming off a 15 win season finished at the bottom of the OHL giving them the opportunity to draft Tavares. They won 18 games the next season.
See where i'm going here.
That first season with the Generals had a roster consisting of 1 current NHL'er (Cal Clutterbuck) and 2 prospects with potential (Brett MacLean and Dale Mitchell). The rest was a rag tag bunch.
Tavares still produced and went on to win the CHL and OHL rookie of the year honors. But we are talking about the top level of hockey in the NHL and the Islanders decision to not add at least 1 proven veteran scorer or a NHL proven enforcer to police for Tavares is a questionable one.
It's the 2nd year of a 5 year plan, I understand that. I realize the intention is to peak when the team has a new arena, but there has to be progress. There has to be recognition and firm decisions with regards to what works and what doesn't work.
What works:
The Islanders. They always work hard, if not smart. I am tough on Scott Gordon to a point but I also respect the fact that he can motivate and his team always works hard. It's that smart thing that needs to be worked on, but then again this is the roster he was given.
What doesn't work:
As of right now, the system. Gordons' aggresive forechecking system could be successful, but his insistence to force it upon a team that is neither skilled nor fast enough to perform it effectively needs to be looked at.
Brendan Witt is a -44 in 75 games under Gordon.
You either have to change the players or change/adjust the system. This is Gordons 2nd year, the organization knew this system was going to be played and they gave him exactly one player to add to that, John Tavares. Matt Moulson was a suprise and they should be commended for signing him, but there is no way he was considered on their NHL depth chart before camp.
In closing, I understand a playoff spot is a longshot. But the last I looked there are still fans paying money to see the Islanders. There needs to be progress, and it can't be measured by 40 minutes of playing good hockey. If it's broke and it's not working then you have to fix it.
Links:
Upon further review
Off day before Rangers
Halak's hot hand ices Price
Habs play down to Isles' level
See where i'm going here.
That first season with the Generals had a roster consisting of 1 current NHL'er (Cal Clutterbuck) and 2 prospects with potential (Brett MacLean and Dale Mitchell). The rest was a rag tag bunch.
Tavares still produced and went on to win the CHL and OHL rookie of the year honors. But we are talking about the top level of hockey in the NHL and the Islanders decision to not add at least 1 proven veteran scorer or a NHL proven enforcer to police for Tavares is a questionable one.
It's the 2nd year of a 5 year plan, I understand that. I realize the intention is to peak when the team has a new arena, but there has to be progress. There has to be recognition and firm decisions with regards to what works and what doesn't work.
What works:
The Islanders. They always work hard, if not smart. I am tough on Scott Gordon to a point but I also respect the fact that he can motivate and his team always works hard. It's that smart thing that needs to be worked on, but then again this is the roster he was given.
What doesn't work:
As of right now, the system. Gordons' aggresive forechecking system could be successful, but his insistence to force it upon a team that is neither skilled nor fast enough to perform it effectively needs to be looked at.
Brendan Witt is a -44 in 75 games under Gordon.
You either have to change the players or change/adjust the system. This is Gordons 2nd year, the organization knew this system was going to be played and they gave him exactly one player to add to that, John Tavares. Matt Moulson was a suprise and they should be commended for signing him, but there is no way he was considered on their NHL depth chart before camp.
In closing, I understand a playoff spot is a longshot. But the last I looked there are still fans paying money to see the Islanders. There needs to be progress, and it can't be measured by 40 minutes of playing good hockey. If it's broke and it's not working then you have to fix it.
Links:
Upon further review
Off day before Rangers
Halak's hot hand ices Price
Habs play down to Isles' level
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Song Remains The Same
Isles fall in overtime.The Islanders were able to get a point tonight thanks to great goaltending from Martin Biron and clutch goal scoring from Jeff Tambellini. A little luck too, courtesy of a non-call from the refs.
Mark Streit knocked down a loose puck at center ice that was not called and led to the tying goal from Tambellini, his second of the game. Of course, the Islanders lost in extra time again 3-2. The Isles now stand at 1-4-5.
John Tavares was held scoreless for a 4th straight game. He had some opportunities and was offensively involved, including a nice play on the forecheck to help lead to Tambellinis' tying goal. But, JT has been developing some bad habits and his game has fallen in the last week. It will be interesting to see how he battles through his first bout with adversity at the pro level.
Game Stats:
-2/ 1 SOG/ 2 PIM/ 21:25 TOI/ Faceoffs 2-2
Highlights:
Mark Streit knocked down a loose puck at center ice that was not called and led to the tying goal from Tambellini, his second of the game. Of course, the Islanders lost in extra time again 3-2. The Isles now stand at 1-4-5.
John Tavares was held scoreless for a 4th straight game. He had some opportunities and was offensively involved, including a nice play on the forecheck to help lead to Tambellinis' tying goal. But, JT has been developing some bad habits and his game has fallen in the last week. It will be interesting to see how he battles through his first bout with adversity at the pro level.
Game Stats:
-2/ 1 SOG/ 2 PIM/ 21:25 TOI/ Faceoffs 2-2
Highlights:
Post Game Reaction:
Links:
Montreal: Take Two
Isles are back up in Montreal tonight for their 2nd game in Montreal in 5 nights. After their worst effort of the season Thursday night, the Isles followed with a strong effort against the Caps but were still unable to close it out. Martin Biron keeps the Scott Gordon goalie rotation going. JT will play will be between Okposo and Moulson again.
On a side note, the hard to believe bad luck continues for this franchise. 2nd round pick, goaltender Mikko Koskinen will miss 8-10 weeks with a torn labrum. Koskinen had drawn rave reviews for his early work down in Bridgeport.
Links:
Canadiens vs. Islanders Preview
LEAFS SEARCH FOR ELUSIVE WIN WHILE CANADIENS RIDE HOT STREAK
THN.com Blog: Defenseless Isles search for winning formula
Islanders' season must be about hockey, not future projects
On a side note, the hard to believe bad luck continues for this franchise. 2nd round pick, goaltender Mikko Koskinen will miss 8-10 weeks with a torn labrum. Koskinen had drawn rave reviews for his early work down in Bridgeport.
Links:
Canadiens vs. Islanders Preview
LEAFS SEARCH FOR ELUSIVE WIN WHILE CANADIENS RIDE HOT STREAK
THN.com Blog: Defenseless Isles search for winning formula
Islanders' season must be about hockey, not future projects
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Another Loser Point
The Islanders blew another 3rd period lead tonight and fell in overtime 3-2 to the Capitals. Dwayne Rolson had a solid game but was not good enough to prevent another Islander collapse.
It was also the 3rd straight game that John Tavares was held without a point. He had some chances but you could see his frustration building due to not cashing in. It should be interesting to see how JT deals with his current funk as not only are the Isles thin offensively, they will play 17 or their next 23 games on the road where the opposing teams will be able to key in on Tavares.
Game Stats:
-1/ 2 SOG/ 17:22 TOI/ Faceoffs 10-5
Highlights:
Links:
Capitals beat Islanders in overtime
Green leads Caps comeback
Laich’s OT goal lifts Caps to comeback win
It was also the 3rd straight game that John Tavares was held without a point. He had some chances but you could see his frustration building due to not cashing in. It should be interesting to see how JT deals with his current funk as not only are the Isles thin offensively, they will play 17 or their next 23 games on the road where the opposing teams will be able to key in on Tavares.
Game Stats:
-1/ 2 SOG/ 17:22 TOI/ Faceoffs 10-5
Highlights:
Links:
Capitals beat Islanders in overtime
Green leads Caps comeback
Laich’s OT goal lifts Caps to comeback win
Saturday, October 24, 2009
JT and Ovie Show Tonight
The two former number one picks will meet for the first time in their careers. The Islanders are coming off a dismal effort in Montreal and the Capitals are coming off a victory over the Thrashers. Both Tavares and Ovechkin were scoreless in their previous games so they should be itchin to go.
Pre-Game Interview:
Links:
Ovechkin on Tavares
Class of 2009 shaping up nicely
Islanders vs. Capitals Preview
Pre-Game Interview:
Links:
Ovechkin on Tavares
Class of 2009 shaping up nicely
Islanders vs. Capitals Preview
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Canadiens Defeat Flat Islanders
It was the least impressive game yet in the career of John Tavares. The Islanders were flat and were never in this one. JT looked like he might of been feeling the effects of the hit he received last night from Carolina D-man Andrew Alberts. He was a step off of the puck and couldn't create much.
Of course the Islanders incredibly weak offensive depth was exploited without Tavares' A game. Captain Doug Weight missed another game, Kyle Okposo was ineffective and the defense was in an especially giving mood tonight.
They might want to burn the tape on this one as they will have one day to prepare for Alexander the Great coming to the Island Saturday night.
Game Stats:
-2/ TOI 17:03/ 0 SOG/ Faceoffs 7-9
TSN.CA Feature:
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip226702#clip226702
Highlights:
Links:
Canadiens beat Islanders 5-1
Sky's the limit as Islanders top draft pick John Tavares excels as NHL rookie
Gomez and Bergeron score in first and Habs cruise to 5-1 win over Isles
Of course the Islanders incredibly weak offensive depth was exploited without Tavares' A game. Captain Doug Weight missed another game, Kyle Okposo was ineffective and the defense was in an especially giving mood tonight.
They might want to burn the tape on this one as they will have one day to prepare for Alexander the Great coming to the Island Saturday night.
Game Stats:
-2/ TOI 17:03/ 0 SOG/ Faceoffs 7-9
TSN.CA Feature:
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip226702#clip226702
Highlights:
Links:
Canadiens beat Islanders 5-1
Sky's the limit as Islanders top draft pick John Tavares excels as NHL rookie
Gomez and Bergeron score in first and Habs cruise to 5-1 win over Isles
Isles/Habs Tonight
Coming off their first victory of the season, the Islanders travel up to Montreal to visit the Canadiens. Both teams are off to a slow start but are coming off wins.
Doug Weight did not travel with the team. If Frans Nielsen does not play back to back then Rob Schremp and Jon Sim should get the call tonight. Martin Biron will start in net for the Isles, Halak for the Habs.
Links:
Tavares scores shootout goal for Isles first win
Canadiens vs. Islanders Preview
Canadiens shuffle lineup for Isles
Inside the Crease: Tavares, the savior of the Islanders?
Doug Weight did not travel with the team. If Frans Nielsen does not play back to back then Rob Schremp and Jon Sim should get the call tonight. Martin Biron will start in net for the Isles, Halak for the Habs.
Links:
Tavares scores shootout goal for Isles first win
Canadiens vs. Islanders Preview
Canadiens shuffle lineup for Isles
Inside the Crease: Tavares, the savior of the Islanders?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
They Finally Win A Damn Game
To quote the late, great Bob Murphy "The game's over. They win the damned thing!" It wasn't easy by any means and with the Islanders it never is but they notched their first victory of the season 4-3 in a shootout over the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Isles again were unable to put 60 minutes of consistent hockey together. They took a 3-1 lead into the 3rd period thanks to the first goals of the season for D Andy Sutton and W Tim Jackman, plus another goal for team leader Matt Moulson.
The 3rd period again proved to be a nightmare and nearly was catastrophic as John Tavares was hit into the boards (late and dirty in my opinion) by Andrew Alberts and did not get up until play had stopped. Andy Sutton came to JT's aid but the lack of an NHL level enforcer on this team again nearly proved costly for Johnny T. Then again, that's a blog for another day for sure.
The Canes tied it up on goals by Eric Staal and Jussi Jokinen, but Johnny Hockey would put the finishing touches on the victory with his first career shootout goal. Tavares was all over the puck tonight and you could certainly see the Carolina defense keying in on him and trying to limit his space. A win is a win, but if the poor play of Doug Weight and Josh Bailey continues then it will become even tougher for Tavares to avoid the D's attention.
Isles head to Montreal tomorrow.
Game Stats:
-1/ 17:50 TOI/ 6SOG/ Faceoffs 10-6
Goal:
Highlights:
Post Game Interview:
Looking Out For Number 1
Isles will look for win number one once again tonight when the Carolina Hurricanes visit the Nassau Coliseum.
Coach Scott Gordon has decided to break up the Islanders only consistent line of offense by moving Kyle Okposo off the John Tavares/Matt Moulson combo. Gordon is hoping to create better balance in the lineup by moving Doug Weight to Tavares' wing. Weight is questionable for tonights game.
Links:
Winless Islanders have Maurice edgy
Tavares trade now paying off for Generals
Tavares still waiting for 1st NHL win
Early-Season NHL Storylines
Weight a game-time decision
Coach Scott Gordon has decided to break up the Islanders only consistent line of offense by moving Kyle Okposo off the John Tavares/Matt Moulson combo. Gordon is hoping to create better balance in the lineup by moving Doug Weight to Tavares' wing. Weight is questionable for tonights game.
Links:
Winless Islanders have Maurice edgy
Tavares trade now paying off for Generals
Tavares still waiting for 1st NHL win
Early-Season NHL Storylines
Weight a game-time decision
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Isles Remain Winless
Sorry the blog is up late, I remained in Buffalo for the Sabres/Thrashers game last night and missed Isles/Sharks.
John Tavares added another assist as the JT/Moulson/Okposo line continues to be the Islanders only source of offense.
Game Stats:
1 Assist/ -1/ 3 SOG/ 2 PIM/ 18:11 TOI/ Faceoffs 8-5
Highlights:
Links:
Islanders start well but lose sixth in a row
Thornton has goal, 2 assists in Sharks' win
NHL in Saskatoon?
John Tavares added another assist as the JT/Moulson/Okposo line continues to be the Islanders only source of offense.
Game Stats:
1 Assist/ -1/ 3 SOG/ 2 PIM/ 18:11 TOI/ Faceoffs 8-5
Highlights:
Links:
Islanders start well but lose sixth in a row
Thornton has goal, 2 assists in Sharks' win
NHL in Saskatoon?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Still Looking For A Win
Isles take on the Sharks tonight on Long Island looking for win number one.
No morning skate today so we'll see come game time what changes, if any Scott Gordon will make. Martin Biron is expected in goal.
Links:
Islanders vs. Sharks Preview
Islanders' Tavares takes center stage
No morning skate today so we'll see come game time what changes, if any Scott Gordon will make. Martin Biron is expected in goal.
Links:
Islanders vs. Sharks Preview
Islanders' Tavares takes center stage
Friday, October 16, 2009
Little, Not Enough
Isles fell to the Buffalo Sabres tonight 6-3 and remain winless on the season.
John Tavares scored his 3rd goal of the season, couple that with Matt Moulsons' goal and assist and that's pretty much where the positives end.
Yes it is early, but in this league if can get late awful quick. Dwayne Roloson was horrible tonight and the defense in front wasn't much better. You have to really question what the Islander vets have left. Brendan Witt looks very slow out there, Andy Sutton just does not use his big frame enough. Outside of All Star Mark Streit, this defense looks very thin in terms of quality.
Then we have the forwards. Bottom line, the only line that generates any pressure consisitently is Tavares/Moulson/Okposo. JT and KO are clearly the two true building blocks for this team and Moulson has been a nice suprise. Beyond that you have a very small and marginally talented lineup. Doug Weight is playing the wing, where he is not effective. Tim Jackman and Joel Rechlicz are great team guys i'm sure and they try, but they are NOT NHL players. Rechlicz took another stupid penalty and does not belong in this league. Josh Bailey needs some AHL seasoning in my opinion, he shot the puck tonight which is good, but he has no explosion in any aspects of his game. Sean Bergenheim has to score, he's 25 and he hasn't shown it.
Sure looks like it's going to be another tough year and little players and little progress from this team isn't enough.
Game Stats:
1 Goal/even/7 SOG/19:36 TOI/Faceoffs: 4-8
Goal:
Highlights:
Links:
Miller leads Sabres to 6-3 win
No, not that John Tavares
Ask Adam: Island unto himself
John Tavares scored his 3rd goal of the season, couple that with Matt Moulsons' goal and assist and that's pretty much where the positives end.
Yes it is early, but in this league if can get late awful quick. Dwayne Roloson was horrible tonight and the defense in front wasn't much better. You have to really question what the Islander vets have left. Brendan Witt looks very slow out there, Andy Sutton just does not use his big frame enough. Outside of All Star Mark Streit, this defense looks very thin in terms of quality.
Then we have the forwards. Bottom line, the only line that generates any pressure consisitently is Tavares/Moulson/Okposo. JT and KO are clearly the two true building blocks for this team and Moulson has been a nice suprise. Beyond that you have a very small and marginally talented lineup. Doug Weight is playing the wing, where he is not effective. Tim Jackman and Joel Rechlicz are great team guys i'm sure and they try, but they are NOT NHL players. Rechlicz took another stupid penalty and does not belong in this league. Josh Bailey needs some AHL seasoning in my opinion, he shot the puck tonight which is good, but he has no explosion in any aspects of his game. Sean Bergenheim has to score, he's 25 and he hasn't shown it.
Sure looks like it's going to be another tough year and little players and little progress from this team isn't enough.
Game Stats:
1 Goal/even/7 SOG/19:36 TOI/Faceoffs: 4-8
Goal:
Highlights:
Links:
Miller leads Sabres to 6-3 win
No, not that John Tavares
Ask Adam: Island unto himself
Greetings from Buffalo
Just got back from the Sabres morning skate...Isles were due up next but the staff alerted us that the visiting teams skate would be closed. Look for Ryan Miller to get the start tonight as he did not participate and Patrick Lalime was the only goalie suited up and he took extended shots with the Sabres injured and scratched players.
A couple of side notes, the HSBC arena is beautiful and the team shop is the best I have ever seen. They had all the new merch and beyond. They also put a nice hit on my wallet.
Should be interesting tonight as the Isles will go with John Tavares, Rob Schremp, and Josh Bailey as their top 3 pivots tonight. Thats your top 3 centers with less than 100 NHL career games combined. Doug Weight moves to the wing.
JT will makes his debut in an arena that his Uncle John has dominated as a lacrosse player.
Links:
Sabres vs. Islanders Preview
Weight agrees to play on the wing
SABRES: Can Buffalo beat bad teams, too?
A couple of side notes, the HSBC arena is beautiful and the team shop is the best I have ever seen. They had all the new merch and beyond. They also put a nice hit on my wallet.
Should be interesting tonight as the Isles will go with John Tavares, Rob Schremp, and Josh Bailey as their top 3 pivots tonight. Thats your top 3 centers with less than 100 NHL career games combined. Doug Weight moves to the wing.
JT will makes his debut in an arena that his Uncle John has dominated as a lacrosse player.
Links:
Sabres vs. Islanders Preview
Weight agrees to play on the wing
SABRES: Can Buffalo beat bad teams, too?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Isles Fall 2-1
If you know Islanders history then you know the recent track record on holiday day games. It's not good and today they came out strong with an impressive 1st period but got away from their system and fell 2-1. Matt Moulson continued his impressive play with a goal to narrow the deficit to one goal late in the third but the Isles fell short.
John Tavares had some opportunities and misfired on a one timer late in the game, but the Isles offense in general had a tough time clicking, especially on the power play. His three game scoring streak comes to an end.
JT Game Stats:
0 Points/ 1 SOG/ +1/ 22:58 TOI/ Faceoffs:10-12
John Tavares had some opportunities and misfired on a one timer late in the game, but the Isles offense in general had a tough time clicking, especially on the power play. His three game scoring streak comes to an end.
JT Game Stats:
0 Points/ 1 SOG/ +1/ 22:58 TOI/ Faceoffs:10-12
Post Game Interview:
Highlights:
Links:
Quick stops 28 shots in 2-1 win over Islanders
Islanders making transition easier for Tavares
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Back From Boston With 1 Point and a Point To Make
I just returned from my road trip to Boston with equal amounts of positive feelings and negative frustration.The Positives:
Johnny hockey continues to impress and justify all of the hype that has surrounded him for the last 4 years. The Boston Garden faithful were buzzing "Who is that Tavares kid" or "Tavares has already made the Islanders better". Rob Schremp also had a very strong game and if he can maintain a level of consistency, he could provide the offensive depth the Isles sorely need.
The Negatives:
The Islanders aren't as young a team as one would have you believe. There are plenty of veterans on this team, especially in goal and on defense. The kids are alright and developing nicely. The vets, as they have in the recent past have let the Islanders team down. Whether it's the gray beards such as Roloson, Witt, Sutton, Park, Martinek etc...inability to shut down games in the 3rd period or the the leaders such as Weight and Hunter failing to maintain health. The players who have 'been there' need to make a statement and start earning their keep, otherwise I rather shuttle in some fresh faces.
JT game stats:
1 Goal/ 1 Assist/ 4 SOG/ +1 /Faceoffs:9-10
The Goal:
Highlights:
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip222632#clip222632
Links:
Isles’ John Tavares impresses
From near shutout to shootout loss for Islanders
Islanders, up 3-0, lose to Bruins in shootout
Bruins rally for 4-3 shootout win over Isles
Bruins rally late to score two points
Bruins roar back
Frantic finish nets two points for Bruins over Islanders
Friday, October 9, 2009
Off To Boston
Heading to Boston to catch JT and the Islanders take on the Bruins. Should be interesting to see how Boston responds after being blown out 6-1 by Anaheim at home.
Links:
Johnny wants to 'be good'
Bruins vs. Islanders Preview
Handle with care
One point no consolation prize for Islanders
Links:
Johnny wants to 'be good'
Bruins vs. Islanders Preview
Handle with care
One point no consolation prize for Islanders
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tavares Nets Assist In OT Loss
The Isles fell to the Senators 3-2 in overtime. John Tavares registered an assist on a power play goal by Matt Moulson but had several chances of his own including being robbed by Sens goaltender Pascal Leclaire in the 2nd period. Tavares was parked at the right post and had a one timer roll of the heel of his blade allowing Leclaire time to get over and make a sprawling save. Kyle Okposo added a highlight reel goal as the Islanders picked up their 2nd point in two games.
Final stats of the night.
1 Assist/19:46 of ice time/-1/4 SOG/7-11 on Faceoffs.
Highlights and Feature from TSN:
Post Game Reaction:
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip222112#clip222112
Links:
SENATORS SPOIL TAVARES' CANADIAN DEBUT; EDGE ISLANDERS
TAVARES MARVELS AT PASSAGE OF TIME UPON RETURN TO OTTAWA
Senators defeat Tavares-led Isles 3-2
Fisher silences Islanders in overtime
Tavares back in Ottawa, but not as the good guy
Tavares comes north: A look back at some prominent Canadian debuts
Islanders lose to Ottawa in overtime, 3-2
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tavares Set For Canada Debut
JT will return to Ottawa tomorrow night, the site of his dominant 2008 WJC tournament. It will also mark Tavares' NHL debut in his native land north of the border. Should be interesting to see the effect that the return of Doug Weight and the debut of Rob Schremp will have.
Pre-Game Interview:
Upper Deck Signing:
"She gave me the look"...too funny. Also Hedman is pretty hilarious.
Links:
Monday, October 5, 2009
10/5/09 Links
Here's some news from around the net today. Not much going on in Isles nation with 4 days off before Thursday nights game in Ottawa.
NHL Reality Check: Opener Is Clash of “The Kids”
First impressions of the new season
Time for Kostitsyn to look in the mirror; plus, 30 random thoughts
NHL Reality Check: Opener Is Clash of “The Kids”
First impressions of the new season
Time for Kostitsyn to look in the mirror; plus, 30 random thoughts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
JT Delivers
Despite a 4-3 shootout defeat, John Tavares' NHL debut was a special one. Tavares showed that all the hype was deserved with 1 Goal and 1 Assist. Tavares was also thwarted by Marc Andre Fleury on a breakaway but created offense every shift for the Islanders. It was a loss but it also was a look into the future for the Isles. JT has arrived.
Tavares finished with 22:05 of ice time, an even rating, 2 SOG and 9 of 19 in the faceoff circle.
1st Goal and Assist:
Post Game Interview:
TSN.ca Highlights:
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip220310#clip220310
Links:
TAVARES SCORES FIRST GOAL, BUT ISLANDERS FALL TO PENGUINS
Penguins start 2-0 after shootout win; Crosby outduels Tavares
Islanders Fall in Opener, but You’d Never Know It
Penguins Notebook: Tavares Era begins for Islanders
Penguins ruin Tavares' debut with Islanders
Tavares gets his first goal but Islanders lose
Tavares looks like start of something good
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Dreams Comes True
John Tavares will play his first National Hockey League game tonight against the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. It will be a night of celebration for a young man who started his hockey life under a microscope at the age of 15. No other major junior player has been followed, analyzed, stripped down and created the buzz that JT has.In the grand scope of life it will not be about the score or the stats tonight. Many young hockey players around the world have dedicated themselves to the sport they love with the dream of wearing an NHL sweater. They leave their families and friends behind. They face tremendous pressure and it's possible that none has faced greater than the kid from Oakville.
Tonight, Johnny Hockey comes to Long Island. Dreams come true.
Pre-Game Interview
Links:
The torch is passed to Tavares with hopes of lighting up Island
Penguins Notebook: Crosby to face Islanders' Tavares
Islanders spotlight shines on No. 1 pick Tavares
Tavares set to make NHL debut
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Hook With Norm James Tonight @ 9PM
On the eve of JT's debut I will be going on with the great Norm James tonight at 9 PM EST to discuss Tavares, Isles, Schremp, etc...Should be fun.
To listen online:
http://www.am980.ca/home/
Check out Norms' work here:
The Hook With Norm James
http://www.normanjamessports.com/
And don't forget this outstanding JT interview from earlier this year:
Links:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/2009/10/02/2009-10-02_tavares.html
http://www.antonnews.com/columns/barry/3174-islanders-new-look.html
To listen online:
http://www.am980.ca/home/
Check out Norms' work here:
The Hook With Norm James
http://www.normanjamessports.com/
And don't forget this outstanding JT interview from earlier this year:
Links:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/2009/10/02/2009-10-02_tavares.html
http://www.antonnews.com/columns/barry/3174-islanders-new-look.html
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