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