With the 10 game streak done, the Isles are playing much better lately, especially on the defensive side of the rink. Not allowing much on 5 on 5 lately, ironically after the comments by Witt, are a good sign that the team is improving.
As we all know, Islander teams improve when they go to the Garden, regardless of the hows and wheres. The guys always get up for it, and in the past few years, there are a lot of Orange and Blue in the stands. If you can not get up for a game like this, you need some serious kool-aid.
Now – for the other night – a great effort against the Leafs. I think that there were very few negatives to take from this game. All four lines were real good, and the D were playing smartly.
By the way – my three stars from that game:
3. Okposo – 2 points – and his best game as an Islander
2. Ricky – welcome back, and played well to boot
1. Guerin – congrats on 400
We all thought Bailey got #1 – but to no avail.
On the Buffalo match – the Isles looked well, and played a fantastic finish. They did not give up, as well as not looked like a team in desperation in the last few minutes. Again – I thought Kyle O played a great game. He seemed to mature two years on the ice in a few days. His set up of Campoli for the last second shot was brilliant. Great to see Tinkerbell finally get on the scoresheet. I just wish he would stop pushing his pixie dust, and make non-highlight-attempt passes to open guys. Defenses have to know that 89 is going to try something cute, so they just gang up on him, and oops, a gaffe!
It was real tough to lose Amazing Andy H. He has played so well, and deserves a great deal of kudos from the fans. Hopefully the ‘hairline’ won’t keep him out as much as Plus Champ Andy S. Good to see Silly back. He was kept out for the back to back, and I hope that within the next few games, that his experience gets to help this stat… The faceoff. This team is winning only about 40% of the time lately, and it hasn’t bit them in the butt, at least yet…
Tonight – the Rangers, fresh off a beating at home against the Devs. This team should just decline power play opportunities, and play 5 on 5. They have 11 shorties given up, by far, the worst in the NHL. 26th on the PP, with all of that talent. Interesting to see how they come out tonight.
And as for the “King”? He has looked mighty mortal lately. Is it the number of games, or is it the playboy life? Hmmmm??? Have another Apple Martini, Henry?
Well – hopefully it is the typical Islander-Ranger game, that brings the passion of this rivalry to a peak! Enjoy it – and talk next on Wednesday. I will be at the game to end the year.
Have a great one! And hopefully, 2 points in our box.
Posted under Islanders 08-09
This post was written by Gary Harding on December 29, 2008
Tags: Best Game, Campoli, Congrats, Desperation, Faceoff, Gaffe, Game Streak, Great Game, Guerin, Hairline, Islander, Kool Aid, Kudos, Leafs, Okposo, Orange And Blue, Pixie Dust, Scoresheet, Three Stars, Witt