We have been there, remember?
4 of your top 6 defensemen out of the game with injuries… BUt damn, can this team score.
But the big question to all Islander fans is?
Is John Sim going to be the Waldo in the puzzle book?
He would be a good prize for a playoff team needing an energy like player. Sim just does not fit this team ethic. Not making him a bad guy, just a non-fit in this outfit.
Well – I am seeing a game with a 4 game loser taking on a 3 game loser. However, the 3 game loser has more weapons.
Then again, so did Philly, but the Isles were not out of that game by any margain. They need to do the same thing. Get goals early, and take the crowd out of the game.
Once that happens, sustain. Keep the legs going, establish the forecheck, and keep the main weapons to the outsides of the faceoff circles, instead of the insides. With a younger and inexperienced defense, make sure that the power play takes advantage of the injury bug, and exploit to every chance.
Now – onto other things. I totally agree with Chris Botta on Islanders Point Blank, that Bailey HAS to be at the WJC. I am glad that he is here, but to me – this is the best opportunity for #12 to excel on the big stage. But, Garth wants him to grow and develop here. I am not mad, I just feel for Josh. I know that inside his heart of hearts, I am sure that he wants to be in Ottawa right now, going for the Gold Medal. As I stated on the New York Hockey Report last night (check our show – the link is on the right side of this page), Partice Bergeron had such a great tournament a few years back, and when he returned to Boston, he excelled. Just ask Sid the Kid how he played.
Yea – and about Sid…. In the beginning of this blog a few years ago – I ripped Crosby up and down about his whining and complaining. I can honestly say, that in the past few years, he has grown up a bit, and has matured into a good young man, with the world in front of him. Has he done a 100% upgrade? Not yet, but he has improved. Although, I think he is the SECOND best player on the team… Hmmmm>????
Well – hope for the best tonight – exploit the D and get 2 desperate points. And if he did not get claimed, welcome back Simmer.
Posted under Islanders 08-09, NY Hockey Report, Player Analysis
This post was written by Gary Harding on December 11, 2008
Tags: Chris Botta, Circles, Crosby, Defensemen, Ethic, Game Loser, Gold Medal, Heart Of Hearts, Hockey Report, Injury Bug, Islander Fans, Islanders, John Sim, Margain, Power Play, Puzzle Book, Team Score, Waldo, Wjc, Young Man