Home cooking coming….
Time to establish some things during the next 20 days.
1. Who is the home team? Get the last change – get the right person for the face off – hopefully get the right combinations on the ice at the right time…
2. Get a lead. Now that would be a concept instead of this constant comeback garbage.
3. Get someone other than Tavares to get a goal. I hope that Matty M is not the new version of Waldo.
4. Solidification on defense. Although I know that Bruno tries, he may need to get the Hockey for Dummies book that Charles has and start to use it… And while he is at it – pass it to Mark Streit. I really do not want to get on him, but since he was n0minated for Swiss sportsman of the year, his defensive play has suffered.
5. Get Okposo off the point. He has gotten points on the PP when he is between the circles or down low. Get someone else to the point.
6. Physical presence. Joensuu is a big body. I hope that Andy Sutton is back – but he has not practiced with the team – so that may not be a viable option.
7. Consistency in net – and the play in front of the netminders. Don’t understand why the team plays more offensively in front of Rollie than it does for Marty. But this needs to improve.
8. Crowds – be loud, proud, and show your support.
That should be a menu for success.
Will not be blogging the game tomorrow – will be sitting with the wife. Enjoy the game everyone – and enjoy the weekend!
Posted under Islanders 09-10
This post was written by Gary Harding on December 11, 2009
I agree on all points, G. I have several concerns that you concisely addressed, so I will not repeat what you already said. I would like to see this team, overall, refocus and go back to the things that make us successful and difficult to play against. Hopefully, they are put through their paces with practice time and take advantage of this lengthy set of games mainly at home.