What a beatuiful afternoon.. Snow is melting – crocuses should be blooming soon.  Spring is coming. 

But it is a hockey game in Uniondale today, and I am here in the Blog Box (FOR A CHANGE), to cover the game.

Warmups notes

No sign of Tambellini… Are you surprised?  Not me; and  I was always one to defend him, but his play, in a word, STUNK!   He needs to make a decision as to what direction he wants his career to go.  Rob Schremp did, but Tamby has not done that.  Hence, a return to the press box.

Rollie shouold be in net – as he came out first.  I believe that Tim Thomas is between the pipes for the B’s.  Thomas’ stock has declined more than AIG since the Winter Classic.  Boston has struggled mightily, and the play of Thomas has not helped their cause at all.

LOTS of Black and Gold in the stands today.  Should be interesting to see how loud it will be if the Blues get one in the net.

 

Player to watch today: Jack Hillen – I just get more and more impresed with his play with every game.  He just brings out a quiet sense of confidence that helps out the rest of the team.  It is great to see how he came back so early from that horrific jaw injury thanks to Alex Ovechkin.  But Hillen is  team player, and is not only back, but playing a pivotal part of the Islander D and getting major minutes a game.  Look to see what he does.

1ST PERIOD

0:00  – Isles starting lineup – Roloson, Streit, Gervais, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen – Boston – Thomas, Wideman, Stuart, Recchi, Bergeron, Krejci

GAME TIME!

0:30 – you can see that the strength factor on Bailey has increased greatly in the past year.

1″00 - the Let’s Go Bruins – and the subsequent BOSTON SUCKS chant behins.  How long until we hear the Let’s Go Yankees chant.  Oh – we did.

1:27 – Penalty on the Isles – Sim for tripping – or just being a pain the arse?

2:30 – the PP for Boston is mightyaggressive, but the OK has stood up to them – even with broken sticks. Postionally well – as Billy Jaffe would say.  Good kill boys!

3:45 – Streit got away from the defenders, and got a great shot off – just past the glove of Thomas, but just wide of th post.

4:45 – Jackman trying to get under Charas skin.  Tune in later to see if it worked.  Savard – doing a nice toe drag to get his shot off, and was deflected ove the glass.

5:40 – first real opportunity for Isles offensively – scrum in front of Thomas- one shot, but relief came for Boston.

6:50 – Boston sucks chant comes back with a vengence.   If I have to hear about Red Sox Nation again….

8:40 – meyer streaking down the right wing – got a shot off – good stop by Thomas

9″00 – not  a great deal of chemistry with the lines or the basic game process at this point.  A lot bustle, but not the most amout of hustle.

10:30 – is it just me – ir is it the defensive guys that are providing the most spark on this team today. 

11:20 – Dylan Reese just looks about a half step behind.  Hillen, MacDonald and Kohn have been able to fill the level up quite nicely.  Not that he can not do it – I just think he is a little more raw than the other guys.

12:15 – Tavare misses a golden opportunity.  He has to STICK those.  Keep charging and keep trying John.

13:10 – Isles outshot right now 12-3.  Got to make more opportunities on net.  Got to come out of the neutral zone with some confidence.

14:40 -  Freddy IV great garbage clearance in front ot the Isles net – saving a goal.

15:00 – Isles are just getting beaten so much in the puck battles, and the decision making, after the debacle on Thursday – you would think that the team would respond better.

16:00 – Bergie got off a beauty – just wide

18:25 – I am just talking to m conterpart saying that we had 22 shots in the 1st period on Thursday, and gave up 4.  Wewere looking this sloppy, and there was no score…. Oh well – a shot from between the circles by Lucic gives the road eam the 1-0 lead on their 15th shot of th period (as opposed to New York’s 4).

1st period conclusion – this team needs a shot of adrenaline – or maybe a taser or two.

2nd period

2:18 – ISLES tie it up on the power play- a lot of pressure in front of Thomas – with Bailey jamming it home on just their 8th shot of the contest.  Streit and Okposo got the helpers on Bailey’s 14th of the season.

3:10 – I think that the wake up call came through – Bergenheim got through about 4 Boston players  and got a shot through with Schremp providing support as well.

5:04 – Bruins take the lead back as Krejci got his second of the game on an empty net as Roloson went to the left corner to block the side.

6:15 – again – Reese looks a little intimidated…  Chara just rent off the ice, but I believe it is for equipment reasons.

7:40 – found out that our old friend Miro Satan got the assist on the second goal.

8:00 – Isles get a little flourish going, with Schremp getting a nice pass off to Reese who nraly got it glove side.

8:26 – Penalty to the Islanders – Reese for Interference.  Chara returns to the bench.

9:20 – Roloson commits probably the most major faux paus of the year, he slid back as the puck went over the net, and then slid right in front of the crease to a very fortunate Savard who tamely slid the puck into another open net. 3-1 Boston.  So much for the momentum swing.  Hey Mark – make sure that you buy the Isles some alcohol…

9:50 – Thornton takes down Roloson and no call.  Interesting….

10:40 – once again – sloppy decisions, and basically – the inability to bring the puck out of their defensive zone – is making life a little difficult.

12:00 – Thomas makes a great stop on Comeau, and 5 seconds late – Boston hits the post.

13:15 – Milan Lucic sets up for his bog slap shot – and Richard Park comes in and steals it before the blade can touch the puck.  It is so cartoon like.. Then Blake Wheeler, skates by the puck as he is ready to get a cross ice pass.  It is so keystone cops.

14:25 – Jackman and Chara going at it again…..

14:25 -Hillen just about a little anonymous tonight.  Done some good work with his puck movement, but looks a little tentative in only his 3rd game back from injury.  Not making thisa negative, but a work in progress.

15:10 – Bergie had a chance for a breakaway, but 1/2 twist of a puck made it look lie a missed opportunity.

16:06 – Michael Ryder slams Blake Comeau to the boards, landing face first to the ice.  After a few minutes – he is on his knees, and is getting on his skats and leaving the ice.  Ryder gets a five minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct.  If there ever was a time to change the momentum of a game – this is IT!

17:30 – 1 minute into it – and they seem to be looking for the highlight net.  Need to crash the net and make chances.  Schremp, Tavares and Moulson were going that – getting a couple of shots on net.

18:45 -what this PP does NOT do is keep the feet moving. 

19:30 – Bailey misses a wide open net, which gives the crowd a warm fuzzy feeling.

2nd period conclusion – A little better – but this team needs to take advantage of the last 66 seconds of the power play and get the score closer.

3rd PERIOD

Notes – Streit leading all D with 17:35 of ice time.  Kohn the lowest on the D with just over 8 minutes.  On the forwards, Okposo is just under 13 minutes, and Bailey is the only other forward with over 12 minutes.  Schremp and Tacares are the shot leaders at 4.

 1:30 – PP ended a little flat – Isles have a little hill to climb here – and can not make any mistakes.

At one point late in the first period- the Bruins had a 15-4 shot advantage.  With 16:55 left in the 3rd, it is now 28-28.

3:37 – Congrats to Mark Streit on getting his 200th NHL point with the assist on the Bailey goal.

5:47 – Moulson – left alone in the slot, gets it by Thomas – it is now a one goal deficit.  Team leading 23rd goal of the season.  Not bad for an AHL’er with nowhere to go…

7:00 – one more to a CHILI goal – on

8:30 – Boston is now playing a rope-a-dope style, trying to hold on.  This is not the team that was at the top of the East last season.

9:40 – Gervais just clanked, and the Isles seem to turn the tide around.

12:20 – Sim gets clipped in the face – and of course – no official saw it.

14:40 – Boston getting a few chances on Rollie, and he stands up to the pressure.  Big stat that I saw on the scoreboard.  70-30% face off wins for the Bruins.  You should NOT be losing that many draws at HOME guys!

15:10 – time for the Isles to take some more chances – and get more aggressive in the O zone.

16:30 – shift with Okie and Moulson performed good  got some action on the net.  Have to keep that pressure going.

17:00 – ok boys – time to get desperate.

18:45 – Rollie leaves the net.  However, get the puck into the O Zone.

19:10 – Okposo get raped, but no call.

Game over.. Nice try guys.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Pregame

—————————–

The last home game of 2009 – will the Isles snag two points from the visitors from Ohio?

Roloson in net tonight – Steve Mason in nets for the visitors. The Jackets come in with the ame record as the Isles – and are fresh off a 1-0 win against the Red Wings in OT.

Jeff Tambellini is in - Thompson is out.

————————————-

Period 1

Lineup – Roloson – Streit -MacDonald - Sim – Jackma – Park

Goals for the Isles – YES – get them.  There isnot a lot of offense other than Huselius, Umberger (an Islander killer) and Nash.  Keep them down – and there are opportunities.

Sim had a chance off a deflected shot in front of Mason – 4th line needs to establish the energy, and bring it all around.

Sutton starting the physical play an early, but missed a check on Voracek. 

First few minutes – Bailey a little sloppy.  Tavares - beginning to show some signs of a little tentativeness in his play.

Looks more like a feeling out process – rather than any swing of the pendulum.

Player to watch…. Mark Streit – needs to get involved in the scoring and less mistakes.

Can you believe that Andrew MacDonald is a +7?

“Trade Jon Sim” chants going up in Loudville right now.

7:30 – great save by Roloson on Vermette.  Isles come right back with some pressure by Moulson and JT.

WJC Note – Kirill Petrov scored for the Russians today.   Get the “We want Petrov” calls going. 

Ice girls back to their blue skirts.  Much better than the Xmas outfits.

10 minutes in – shots 6-4 —> not a lot of fluid play – about equal in puck battle

1-0 Isles – Bailey put the puck in of an Okposo blast  that went over Mason’s head and trickled behind him.  Mike (Islesblogger.net) claimed that Bailes stole the goal from Okie, which would have mke Ken from Okposo.net very upset.

This is just was the Isles needed.  This team needs to crash the net more.  Park with Moulson an Comeau had a good shift afterwards.  The opportunity is there – now time to capitalize.

The goal was credited to Okposo – we thought that Bailey tapped it in – and I guess that the video folks upstairs have a better view of it than I do.

Congratulations to Sgt. Jason Edwards who ws Celino and Barnes military salute of the game – who just engaged during the break to his girlfriend- who is a former ice girl.  Sgt. Edwards is off to the middle east in a few days – best of luck to you both!

14:00 – Sutton saved a goal – as he cleared out a Blue Jacket opportunity.

Game is starting to get a little chippy, as Nash blind sided Hunter – who appropriately gave him a whallop as they got to the bench.

Isles winning face offs at abot a 65% clip - that makes a big difference in they way that they can dictate the play.

Gordie How is at the game today!  Just thought you would like to know.

1st penalty of the game goes to Sutton for interference.  The PK has improved of late – Thompson, although, not in the lineup.  Comeau takes his place on the first unit.  Okie and Nielsen on the second unit.

Looked well – only one shot – and were effective – and nearly had one great opportunity on net.

Despite being outshot 14-7 – the Isles had a decent period – just need to crash more, and make smart decisions.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

2nd Period

So far – first few minutes were pretty tame – more feeling out – like kissing your sister.

4:11 – Park – holding the stick.  Columbus on their second PP of the game.  Columbus is 4th on the road pp with a 24% efficiency – Isles 27th on the PK at 74%

Goal scored was changed to Okoposo – 7th of the season.

Good solid kill for the Isles – it seems that the extra practice has seemed to pay off.

JT gets boarded by Jan Hejda – and no call. 

Park saved another chance on net – and gets dumped (with no call) for his troubles.

I would not say slow and mythotical is the word of this period… zzzzzzzzz.

Tambellini work up and had a breakway – but had the puck stripped from him by Vermette.

Observation:  Too many times, the forwards looking for a streaking winger to take a 40 foot shot, rather than try to penetrate between the circles, and get a deke in front of the net.

Observation2: will Columbus ever get a penalty tonight?  They are getting into a great of extra-curricular activities, but nothing to show for it.

Huselius – got a nice snap shot off – Roloson right pad save.  We were supposed to have tried to get him – I think he would have been a great acquisition for us.

Comeau has been real physical for us.  He has been a good fit with JT and Moulson – JT – is just not in sync.  That is normal for any 18 year old.  However, so many people are looking at him.  That makes it kind of tough.  He has to rise above, and for sure – he will.  This is a chance to prove his perseverence.

__________________________________________________________________

Period 3

After 2 periods – 26-15 shots in favor of the visitors.

Comeau leading the forwards in ice time with almost 14 minutes.  Andy Sutton with just over 16 leading the defense.  Andy MacDonald with almost 15 minutes, along with Hillen.  Gervais and Witt (with a combined -32) with just over 10 minutes taking the rear. Coach Gordon is keeping the lineup shuffled, with fowards between 8 and 11 minutes, with the exception of Comeau.

Goal for the third period – keep the smart defensive position, but they need to improve the offensive mentality.  The decision making process needs to be smart and decisive.

Finally – a penalty against Columbus.  Umberger  gets the sin bin for the trip.  Time for the anemic power play to get on track.

NYI 28th on PP at home – 13.8% – Col 15th on P – 79.4%

Columbus gets 2 for dlay of game – 47 seconds 5 on 3 – need to cam thenet and get shots on – well not yet…

Great chance by Okie on a cross ice pass from Streit.  A couple of bangs in front of Mason to no avail.

1st penalty over – with no shots.  Crowd getting on JT – he just needs to realx.  Best shot on PP was by the visitors.  This man advantage should have hd the chance to decline the penalty.

Best chance – when the penalty ended. Nielsen chunked a pass from Moulson, but Sutton got a blast on net.

Columbus dictating the play over the past few minutes; Isles not playing rope-a-dope, but it is a close facsimilie.

Too many of the forwards are on ther heels.  Columbus may not be the Washington Capitals, but theyhave forwards that can get the puck in – if you are not discipined enough.  Something to watch for over the last 10 minutes of the game.

Umberger made the Isles pay – the Islander killer does it again – stuffs a backhander throught the five hole of Roloson – Tied at 1. 

OK – no more rope-a-dope.

And another Ranger fan happy that the opponent scored a the Coliseum. 

Roloson makes a fine glove save on former Islander Raffi Torres, as Mike (Islesblogger) said, a great move my Milbury – letting him get away.

Gordon calles a time out with 9:31 left.  Smart move.  This team needs to get their collective heads together, and fight through this.

Half way though the period – shots are 9-3 Columbus.

Interesting stat of the game – Isles have blocked 27 shots as opposed to 11 for the Jackets.

Nash was denied on a quick opportunity on Rolle.  Witt gives Torres a face wash as another chance is given to Columbus.

Hi to Jiggs McDonald – covering the team for the week fo the vacationing Howie Rose.

Moulson missed a great chance on a tic-tac-toe effort.

Sutton plastered Umberger to he glass, and Matthieu Roy gets two for roughing for going after #25.  A great, clean hit, and did not retalliate.  Power play – Isles.

Now is the time to take advantage and get the goal – with the crowd pumped up.  Streit – blasted it ff the post!

Another good chance for Okposo – not there.  With a couple of great chances, Schremp gets two for goalie interference.  Momentum lost!

Now – Isles on the kill.  Smart and keep the box.  Sacrificing the body – an a LOUD chant of DEFENSE going on.  With 3:12 left – shots now 40-19 Jackets.  Time out Columbus.

Penalty killed – 150 seconds to go.  Crowd urging the team on.

Columbus gets another delay of game penalty (Modin) - with 1:42 left in regultion.  PLEASE, score!

Confusion between JT and Schremp loses another 20 seconds of time – and then an offside play.  28.8 to go.

____________________________________________________________

Overtime is coming….

Shots 12-5 in the 3rd.  40-20 for 3 periods.  Isles still on power play for 18 seconds.

Moulson and Nielsen out with Okposo and Streit. 

Moulson just missed high glove  – Okposo snapped one off in Maso’s jersey crest.

Comeau blasted one that just missed.  Sutton was pulled down with no call.

Isles did come out aggressive.  Nash can be quite scarywhen he makes his moves. Rollie makes his 40th save of the night.

Okposo and Park now the front men.

Two minutes left.  3- shots in OT – Hunter with a one-time – just missed the right post.  Gets another chance – that Mason gloves.  Where was this effort in the thid period?

Columbus with a 3 on 2 just had a stupid offside play.

1 minute to go.

Bailey hits the post.  That is two in OT.

Moulson with a dynmite chance to put one in with 4 ticks left – not enough wood (or synthetic).

SHOOTOUT!

Tambellini – NO

Huselius – NO

Nielsen – Missed an open net…. Ugh!

Nash – Rollie denies him the post!

Schremp – Great move to beat Nash!  GOAL!

Tyutin – A Defenseman? Missed!

ISLES WIN 2-1!  YES!

Great finish to a blah game – but they will take the two points!

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Well – the guys in Toronto have those great lenses?  Not that it mattered in the final outcome, but no angle shown on TV made any conclusive evidence to the goal actually being scored.

OK – the streak is over, the team laid an egg.  Getting a little too high?  Perhaps.

Buffalo had players return from the Flu bug.  A goalie that was pissed from his last performance, and wanted to redeem himself.  All important cogs in the recipe for Islander disaster.

It all came to a head.  Nothing to be proud of.

The biggest thing that bothered me is the faceoff percentage.  At one point in the end of the 3rd, they had won 8 out of 38.

I repeat, 8 out of 38!

The main point that got the Islanders into those wins over the last 4 games, shot them in the arse last night.

Menu for today – revisit the system – get the motivation going and prepare for the Devils.  Since they are playing in NJ, there is a chance, since the Devils have not lost a game on the road.

Well – congrats to the Yanks… I am happy that Philly did not repeat.  I am a Met fan – but I do not hate the Yankees.   I respect them enough to say that the best team won this year. 

Now – I said it – that is it!

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Ramblings

Well – it is nice to be back at the Coliseum for another season of Islanders Hockey. The big question on my mind, is that the October 3 date is almost come and gone… So what is the state of the Islander franchise?

We should soon find out.

Two minutes before the warmups begin, and therer are John Tavares chants…. Hmm , what about the rest of the team? That was a quote from my friend John Klos. I can not take the credi (But DAMN, I wish I would)….

Roloson is starting tonight (Doug got that one right – I missed that one). Robbie Schremp is playing though. No Blake Comeau.

Will continue blogging at the start of the game.

The slogan ths season is take it to the limit….. Well – it is as loud as you can get it.

Opening line = Thompson – Park Jackman – Streit and Martinek in back wih Roloson in net.
Good luck boys

Tavares second shift of the game – on a line with Okposo and Moulson. No jitters whatsoever.

Matt Moulson gets the first penaly of the season – interference. Well – the refs hate us already….

After a good effort on a PP – Crosby gets a bounce pass and gets 5 hole on Roloson – 1-0 Pens.

Jackman gets in the first fight of the year with Mike Rupp. Call it a draw. Got the fans up and yelling….

Posted under Islanders 09-10

I like the look of this kid. I think he can be a real gem for Garth… All he needs is seasoning and being ‘the man’ on the team now. He will be able to do just that this season. Go to the WJC and shine in Saskatoon.

There is a news conference with Suozzi and Wang about the new lease for the Coliseum…. This is step 1 in the right direction. Now if only Kate Murray will get off her hind quarters and give this the blessing it deserves….

Only God knows the answer, and hopefully, he is an Islander….

2 more days until the opener.

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Lighthouse

A 4PM Conference call is happening today, where it is expected to be announced that Mike Sillinger is to retire.

A former 1st round pick of Detroit, and has spent time with 12 different teams, is calling it a career, after two hip surgeries. Sillinger is class personified, and was a great contributor and mentor to many a player during his short stint with the Isles.

He possessed a great love for the game, and I expect that Garth Snow tried to offer him a position with the organization. He is too good a guy to let just slip. Unless Silly truly wants to go back to his home in Regina, SK, I hope he is still an Islander in some way.

I wish Silly nothing but success, happiness in what he does. Class should always have success and happiness, don’t you?

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Well – if the great detective needed to get a case to work on – here it is. Proceed to Plainview, and head to the Islander offices immediately.

The Isles sign goalie Marty Biron from the Flyers for a one year 1.4 million dollar contract.

Well, Mr. Tracy, what does that tell you?

“Hmmmm. I guess Mr. DiPietro will not be starting the season!”

And they pay him the big bucks…

Well – Garth Snow – just got himself an insurance policy that is etched in stone now. He has two quality goalies that can take the load, should #39 start the season on the mend (and no one has to tell Dick Tracy – that is a given with all the clues out in the open).

To me – that is a good sign. Not that Yann and Joey did not do the yeoman’s job last season; in fact, there were times that Danis and MacDonald shined in the spot light. However, with the advent of Tavares in the blue and orange, along with the kids improving and getting stronger by the day, the idea of having solid veterans behind the net would help the confidence of the rest of the team.

I really think that this is a good move. Well done, Garth…

What do you all think about it?

Posted under Cool A-C League, Islanders 09-10

Just heard that Steve Mears and Chris King will be not returning to the radio airwaves next season. The feed from Howie and Billy on MSG whatever, will be used in a simulcast on the radio.

It is a shame.. we will miss the voices on the radio, as well as the people. THe Isles gave Steve his chance at the NHL, and he did well. Kinger was a fixture for over a decade. Chris was offered a PT job with the pre and post game shows. He may also get a job with the team as well. I hope that happens. He is an ISLANDER, and hopefully will be taken care of.

This is strictly a cost-saving measure. With this team, any way that they can save money – it will happen.

Also – see that our Governor will have a presser to put his official support to the Lighthouse project. Hopefully another piece of ammo to get the town going. With local elections coming soon -this will be a help.

Again – best of luck to Kinger and Steve. I hope Steve gets a new position real soon. He is a good guy and deserves it. Also – Kinger should get settled fast. He is a loyal employee and deserves good treatment.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

I noticed horrible officiating, chippy play, an attempted comeback, and a disappointing loss.

Was I at an Islander game?

No. This was Bridgeport’s turn.

It was a 3-2 loss to Scranton Wilkes Barre that put the Tigers down 1-0 in the best of seven series; with Game 2 tonight at Uniondale.

Positives:

1. Mike Iggulden had a strong game with two helpers on the night.
2. Trevor Smith got the opening goal

Nathan Lawson – an AHL all rookie player was a little shaky. I believe that we will see Mannino play tonight – as Game 3 will be held tomorrow in Pennsylvania.

It was interesting to see the Bridgeport graphics and the amazing Chuck A Puck contest. By the way, my two pucks were SO FAR from the target – it’s not funny. I will have to do it again tonight, and see what goes.

Tonight – I will be blogging at the game, and will get to go to the locker room after the game. Look for quotes.

All photos courtesy New York Islanders/Getty Images

Posted under Blog Box, Sound Tigers

Well – first observation – a lot of black and gold in the stands. Even though they are not playing for anything significant (Congrats San Jose on the President’s Trophy – a well deserved honor), you know that they will be out to prep themselves for the series against the hated Habs starting mid week.

Trevor Smith is up, along with the Wrecker. It was nice to see Kyle back (I did not see the game yesterday), knowing that he should be ready for the Worlds.

Danis will be starting in net today. From people that were at the game yesterday told me, he played well. It should be an interesting conversation between the scouts and the coaching staff, and Garth, as to which goalie that they will keep for next season to be the backup for Ricky.

Starting lineup for Isles:

G – Danis
D – Witt, Martinek
W – Hilbert, Jackman
C – Weight

1st Period

Many Bruins out of the lineup. Including Bergeron and Chara to name a few. And 23 seconds in – Ryder get a pass from Krejci and just like that 1-0 Bruins.

15 seconds later – Bruins on their second breakaway chance, but Danis got a hold of that one. Danis is definitely shaken up and needs a mental adjustment.

Great chance by the Isles to get one, in – and then led to a breakaway by Wheeler. Last few minutes, Isles have done much better.

Power Play by the Isles – first 50 seconds – great movement side to side. As Doug The Isles Officials Blogger said, Weight and Streit give this PP an identity.

Congrats to Mark Streit on being named Islander of the year, by the players. A great honor won by a classy guy.

Nielsen got a great shot off on Thomas.

Bergenheim – high sticking. Great job by thr PK.

4:40 left – Kessel got a gift off a deflection, and now Boston is up 2-0.

Period ended on a Bruins PP. Witt got away with a slash.

2nd Period

Park had a great chance – going towards an empty net – but the B’s come back down the other end and now 3-0 thanks to Marc Savard

Even with a smaller and less formidable lineup – these Brunis are hunting bear, and we are the sitting Ducks so to speak…

Hilbert – tripping and Boston back to the PP.

Jackman breakaway attempt and Thomas with a great poke check – and Kessel makes them pay. 4-0 Boston and Joey Mac is coming on the ice.

5-0 Boston now as Kobasew pushes a backhand shot past Joey Mac. Thank God we are getting free Chili for the game. We do not need 3 goals for that…

Amazing that at the 10 minute mark pf period 2 – the half way point of the game, we are at the same number of shots (18) as Boston does. Joey Mac gets slammed to the ice, and shakes it off like a good hockey player.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!

Martinek - with a blast from the left point, finally puts the Isles on the board! 5-1 Bruins!

And with that goal - the play has gotten a little chippier and the boys seem to have the groove back. Great play by Streit to save a goal by Yelle trying to circle the back of the net. What to look for in the 3rd period: Put the petal to the metal, and just go out with a bang!

After 2 periods:

Faceoffs - 18/36
Penaties - 5/10
Hits 17NYI/7Bos
Ice Time - Streit - 16:05
Shots - Nielsen/Hilbert with 5

3rd period

Isles take control – great passing, and Weight puts in the garbage in front of Thomas. Bruins are now up 5-2.

It looks like a different team out there for this final period of 2009.

Isles on the PP – and they looked real good for the first half – getting shots on net – passing crisp and tape-to-tape. No results.

Kessel – puts a knuckler past Joey Mac for the hat trick – his 36th of the season. Boston 6-2.

Time to end this piece and wrap the season. Will have quotes in my piece tomorrow night.

My Three Stars
3. Okposo – strong game – assist and
2. Weight – all around decent play and his 10th of the season.
1. Islanders fans – the ones that always support this team 100%

Thanks for the support during the season.

I will blog from my seat on Saturday night’s game. Hopefully – we will be going up 2-0 on the Baby Pens!

Posted under Islanders 07-08

This post was written by Gary Harding on April 12, 2009

Tags: Bergeron, Breakaway, Bruins, Chara, Classy Guy, Deflection, Deserved Honor, Habs, Hilbert, Islander, Islanders, Kessel, Krejci, Marc Savard, Martinek, Power Play, Starting Lineup, Thr, Trevor Smith, Witt, Wrecker