We got it….. Phew!

Teddy N got his first win.  Ironically, it came to the team that just about everyone thought we would have the toughest time winning.  We gave the Ducks their first loss of the season.  On the shootout, Anaheim gets a point.  However, since they are in the Western Conference, whatever…

Kudos to Mike Dunham who played SPECTACULAR.  46 out of 50 shots were stopped by him; some in dramatic fashion.  The sixth player to play for all three local NY teams did not disappoint.  He also stopped five out of six in the shootout.

A big key to this victory was someone that you would not normally equate to offensive power.  CHRIS SIMON, got a power play goal and two helpers, as he looked quite strong in his puck possesion and ability to move the play smartly, even with two Duck defenders on him.

Alexei continued his much improved play, scoring the tying goal late in the third, and also getting an assist on Simon’s goal.  I hope this inspired play continues, so that we can stop hearing the crap about him.  Just let him play the game and have fun doing it!

Mike York and Trent Hunter scored their first goals of the season, and looked a lot more inspired with their play.  It is just amazing how much a team looks when their confidence gets a boost.  They finish checks, handle the puck better and overall appear to be 100% in the game.

The Isles are STILL having trouble with taking the penalty.  Although the number dropped in half from the previous night (12 to 6), Brendan Witt, took 3 penalties in the third period, to up his total to 9 minors in 4 games.  We know that his game is extra aggressive, but he has to be smarter with his positioning and ensure that he is keeping both hands on the stick at all times. 

Are we to worry about Ricky?  Hell no!  It was a good idea by Nolan to get Dunham into some action and give Ricky a blow.  We all know that #39 will get the overwhelming amount of duty between the pipes, but to keep him at his best, Dunham will get some spells. 

We got a power play goal (1-5 officially), but we gave up two against as well.  That needs to be addressed and things need to be done to work on that.  If this team is to succeed, we need to get the special teams to be a great deal better.  We know how lousy they were on this road trip, and if we continue this over the large upcoming homestand, we will be in serious trouble, for sure.

Of course being a road game, Anaheim got the first two stars of the game (Pahlsson and Pronger), with Simon getting number 3.  I would reverse it.

Great NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT last night.  Joe and I got on Derek and his Yankee rooting.  It was a lot of fun.  To check it out, put this in your browser for the Windows Media Version of the show. 

http://www.broadcastmonsters.com/NewyorkHockey/nyhockey101106.asx

Two points are on the board for our Isles, as we head to the Home Opener, and actually a great deal of home cooking as we are basically home until early November.  Now we get the guys to their homes, get them into a basic routine, and start adding some more “W” to the win column.

Time to go out and support your team.  Will you be there Saturday?  Be loud, be PROUD!

Gary

Posted under Islanders 06-07