It didn't produce any results on the scoresheet but John Tavares had one heck of a game last night and ended the Islanders 7 game losing streak with a shootout goal on Nashville tender Pekka Rinne. Tavares was unsuccessful on several attempts during regulation and overtime but his confidence with the puck and his skating looked better than it has in weeks.
This looked like Tavares' 1st game as an emerging leader on this team. His desperation and tenacity in the 3rd with the teams fading playoff hopes at risk was apparent. This could be a turning point for the slumping rookie and I am sure the 2 week rest that is soon upon us will help as well.
As for the rest of the team, it was a sparkling debut for Matt Martin. This kid has progressed by leaps and bounds from watching him in Sarnia last year. Martin displayed the need for size and toughness up front on this team. A great first impression indeed.
Also, a thumbs up to Martin Biron. His time here is likely coming to an end and although the on-ice successes weren't there, you could not find a classier guy.
Pittsburgh tonight for a matchup with the champs.
Game Highlights:
Links:
THN.com Blog: Tavares still the most important rookie
Up next: Rick DiPietro, John Tavares and the New York Islanders
Penguins Notebook: Crosby can relate to Islanders' Tavares
Martin Biron, John Tavares guide Islanders to 4-3 win over Predators
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Struggle Continues
It's a 7 game losing streak, it's 8 games of scoring 2 goals or less, its John Tavares with 6 points in his last 26 games and no goals in his last 10. It's numbers that make you cringe and it results in some frustrating and ugly hockey.
The Islanders who had a great surge in January that had the team and the fans thinking about a spring tournament appearance have come crashing back down to earth. The reality is this is a slow rebuild and they are still at least another year and another impact player away from playoff contention.
Obviously as fans we want instant respect, instant gratification, and success. That being said we are nearly 3/4 through the schedule and while the teams progress has been greatly encouraging we need to identify what players we have in the system going forward, what players need to move on and what to do with the Isles most tangible trade deadline asset Andy Sutton.
Sutton becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1st, he has been the teams most consistent physcial force and if the team can extend him prior to March 3rd at a reasonable cost due to Suttons' age and injury history they should. If he does not sign, it's time to move on and keep adding to the future either via draft picks or prosepects.
The Islanders have provided hope and excitement this season, the effort has been outstanding. Yet, here they sit currently with the 4th overall pick in this draft. I don't encourage a tank job, but I do believe in giving a look at some of the better prospects in the system, playing DiPietro more down the strectch to get him back in his flow, and using the younger players in key situations by reducing or saying goodbye to vets like Richard Park and Doug Weight.
Let's see what happens. If they win out the rest of the week things can change in a hiccup. This is life in the NHL these days.
On John Tavares:
The first 21 games of this young mans career was not an aberration. He is a 19 year old who is a 1st line center on a rebuilding team with not 1 proven offensive player in his prime. Does the kid need to work on his strength and training? Absolutely, like every pro 18-22 he has things he needs to work on. His presence, effort, durability, and desire on the ice cannot be questioned. Look at Stamkos last year, and Duchene early this year. Rookies/Young players will struggle.
On another note my early Top 3 for June (strictly Islanders thinking) 1.Fowler 2.Seguin 3.Hall
Play on boys.
The Islanders who had a great surge in January that had the team and the fans thinking about a spring tournament appearance have come crashing back down to earth. The reality is this is a slow rebuild and they are still at least another year and another impact player away from playoff contention.
Obviously as fans we want instant respect, instant gratification, and success. That being said we are nearly 3/4 through the schedule and while the teams progress has been greatly encouraging we need to identify what players we have in the system going forward, what players need to move on and what to do with the Isles most tangible trade deadline asset Andy Sutton.
Sutton becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1st, he has been the teams most consistent physcial force and if the team can extend him prior to March 3rd at a reasonable cost due to Suttons' age and injury history they should. If he does not sign, it's time to move on and keep adding to the future either via draft picks or prosepects.
The Islanders have provided hope and excitement this season, the effort has been outstanding. Yet, here they sit currently with the 4th overall pick in this draft. I don't encourage a tank job, but I do believe in giving a look at some of the better prospects in the system, playing DiPietro more down the strectch to get him back in his flow, and using the younger players in key situations by reducing or saying goodbye to vets like Richard Park and Doug Weight.
Let's see what happens. If they win out the rest of the week things can change in a hiccup. This is life in the NHL these days.
On John Tavares:
The first 21 games of this young mans career was not an aberration. He is a 19 year old who is a 1st line center on a rebuilding team with not 1 proven offensive player in his prime. Does the kid need to work on his strength and training? Absolutely, like every pro 18-22 he has things he needs to work on. His presence, effort, durability, and desire on the ice cannot be questioned. Look at Stamkos last year, and Duchene early this year. Rookies/Young players will struggle.
On another note my early Top 3 for June (strictly Islanders thinking) 1.Fowler 2.Seguin 3.Hall
Play on boys.
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