Now remember, I have never played the game of ice hockey… My experience is from gym floors, decks and sidewalks of Levittown and the surrounding communities. However, I do consider myself a student of a game.
Watching the first period and a few minutes of the second of last night’s game, I have come down to a quite simple conclusion.
Give me a chance to go one on one with #30…
I know that he is a professional and has been a part of some memoable plays in the past few years, but I am at a total loss for words as to what is happening with Rollie…
In his first three games, hehas had five shootout attempts and one penalty shot. His score?
ZERO.
Five goals and one post. To me – he does NOT get credit for a save, because he was beat, but a piece of iron saved him.
Make all the excuses you want. He has just turned 40, and I just do not see quite a positive upside to his game yet. I noticed that at the opener, he had difficulties getting side to side and needed a big helper from Radek Martinek in order to save a goal. He just does not seem to make his game NHL ready.
Can he improve?
Of course he can. He IS a professional and I am sure that his motivaton can make his game improve. But you have a tested goaltender in Martin Biron that can be an improvement in the net.
Biron did not have the greatest game last night, but did make 20 stops with some outstanding! I think Biron needs to be back in net tonight, as the Isles go Shark hunting.
The Sharks -not have as Presidential of a start this season, have an offensive attack that can floor just about any team. With the struggle they have had to start the season, this is just the type of game, that would make them drool with anticpation.
What do the Islanders have to do tonight?
Simply – PLAY THEIR ASS OFF!
They have been talking about a 60 minute game, in the words of the Nike ad, JUST DO IT! Talk is cheap – so it is time to make it happen. I certainly want to see them take their game to the next step. San Jose would be a great opportunity to get off the schneid.
Player to watch – Josh Baiey. Although his game improved a little last night – he needs to get his game up to the forefront. He is always looking to make the perfect play, as a playmaker would do. However, at thi point – defenses are expecting that. Right now – it is up to him to get the shots going – making the opportunities.
Kudos to Matt Moulson – he is getting his opportunities – and totally taking advantage of them. The chemistry with JT is astounding!
I will be in the Blog box tonight – Will submit my thoughts after each period. Have a great day, folks! See ya at the Coliseum!
Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10
This post was written by Gary Harding on October 17, 2009
I don’t ever like to “put the blame” on a single player for a loss. The argument can be made that the team should have scored more goals, but I am inclined to feel that if Marty had started in goal, we probably would have won the game. I think there were some “bad goals” Rollie gave up, and two were momentum killers.
Yes, it comes back to the lack of playing the sixty minute game, but the goaltending Has to give this team a chance to win and enable the confidence to grow with clutch saves. This Shark offense can be devastating, so I have my concerns. I will be there tonight as well.
Hi Gary
I enjoy the site. You’re getting your wish as Biron will be in net tonight. Confirmed here:
http://www.leftwinglock.com/
come on Gary first of all on a breakaway when the player hits the post it is mostly due to goalie cutting his angle so he dosent have much to shoot out..it is a shot on goal so it is a save…as for being 40 has nothing to do with it being out of shape could be one reason…not as yet game ready another bad defense well yes maybe your team should watch mine play lol [rangers] and I would love to see you go one on one with #30..my money is on him