Stats before the period starts:

Ice Time – Marinek – 17:31 Ovechkin – with over 18 minutes – leads the Caps.

Isles start the 3rd with a big runs in front of Theodore; a few shots, but nothing doing. Pressure is great to start. Sustain and hold the pressure, while not collapsing to defend the lead, is what the Isles need to do right here.

Ovechkin making a schoolboy basketball spin move on Martinek to get a shot on Roloson – to no avail.

Witt got a shot off – that I never would have imagined that he could do. The defender slid in, and somehow by a stroke of magic, Theodore had to stop the puck.

Tambellini – deflects a shot from Comeau that was going wide past Theodore – 2-0 Islanders!

It figures – Mike (Islesblogger) and I wee just commenting on the fact that Tambellini seemed to always take such low percentage shots at the goal line, instead of spinning around the net – looking for options in front of the slot.

Excelent for the momentum – need to get more – as I say that – JT gets a great opportunity – but goes wide. Caps come back on the other net, an Roloson does the job.

Green with a blast that no ne would have stopped – got the Caps on the board – 2-1.

13:58 to go – a lot of time remaining – time for the Isles to try and re-gain the play. Caps have been controlling the action since the goal. The tables are swinging the other direction. Comments from the stands are “Awful” and “disgusting”. Guys are “Not hitting”….

Showing on the screen – the battles between Ovechkin and Martinek. Martinek has done a nice job – keeping #8 off the scoreboard.

Another great opportunity by Moulson – denied by Theodore.

Jack Hillen has impressed me a great deal tonight. He has been positionally sound, and has made right decisions. Stepping up when he has to – laying out the body. He is looming to become a solid NHL defensemen.

Frans Nielsen showed Mr. Ovechkin the ice with a nice hit by the center ice dot.

The Isles have not lapsed as much as expected tonight. When their game has slipped – they have found moments to resurrect themselves. I am very impressed with their effort and focus.

The Caps just tied it – when they swarmed the net, and Ovechkin was actually hanging from the top of the crossbar. 2-2 with 6:40 to go..

This is what I was worried about. And afterthe goal – the team is making phantom passes – not getting the clearpass out of the zone. They are on top of their skates, waiting for the inevitable. I was really hoping that this was not going to happen tonight. The fans are getting impatient and I do not blame them.

Roloson just got the wind knocked out of him by a collision between him and Martinek. This is not looking good for the guys.

Chris Clark justgot away with assault atthe blue line. Now – the ref has swallowed the whistle. Nice.

We need to get some opportnities – and now would be nice. Roloson does not show any good signs by his appearance. This is not that promising.

Park made a great move and got adecent shot on net – but with no one else around him – it just doesn’t make sense.

1:23 left – outshooting Wash 30-21 – 15-6 for the period, but gave up two goals. Roloson got hit in the melon but held on. Witt as the puck got to the corner – did not clear the puck instead allowed Washington to get a scoring chance.

Time out Washington – 14.1 left. Expect Ovie to get the ooportunity if presented. Crucial face off -Isles won it and cleared. Going to OT.

Fifth time in nine games – that the Isles have made Overtime. But not happy with the one – need the two. With 4 on 4 – this gives guys like Ovechkin a chance to get more ice and more chances. Need to keep #8 away from the circles. Pick your spot,and make the Caps PAY!

OK – here we go!

Nielsen and Okposo – to start with Martinek and Sutton.

Laich got the puck through Roloson’s legs – Caps win 3-2. Another 2 goal lead sqashed. Should be a fun press conference.

Will have quotes and stuff tomorrow. Have a good night all.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

Photo Op for the TOH Candidate

Got back late from a photo op with Charles Wang and Kristen McElroy.

Isles had a PP to start the period, but did not get much on it.

Roloson got called for tripping. Although a bird (www.islesblogger.com) – also named Mike, commented that Roloson’s real name is ALBERT!. Something only his mother probably wanted to know.

Bergie has done nice job on the PK – skating hard, clearing out the garbage and overall good play. Penalty has been killed, with no shots on net.

Couple of great opportunities by Bailey and Sim right after the penalty ended. Keep the pressure going, and dont slow the intensity.

I see that they ae doing a lot of text viting – and see wh

If you have noticed, and I hope you have – I have not mentioned John Tavares’ name. He has not done a lot and realy has not looked as aggresive tonight as he has in the past.

I like how the defense has been able so far tonight to keep Ovie as much as possible to the outside.

Bergie just got hurt in a little race for an icing call. Not sure if a stick got up. Will see if he gets another shift later on.

How the 2nd period has been

Penalty on Sutton for a hook. Guys need to bring the “A” game back again. There has not been alot of shots this period by both sides. As a matter of fact – a yawning festival is better than this period.

Just as I say that – Nate Thompson – totally flattens Mike Green to the boards, and a little scuffle ensues. He gets caused for Kneeing. Isles down two – but get the man back – crowd getting into it – and the team is looking very focused. Not overly watching Ovie – but making sure he does not get the golden opportunity.

Great work by Park and Comeau – clearing te front of the net – and getting the puck out of the zone.

Bruno and Witt looked good on the 2nd portion of the PK – Isles did well – and the boys get a well deserved round of applause.

Shots with 4 minutes to go in period 2 – Caps 12- Isles 11. Last few minutes have been exciting.

Great opportnity by Bergie – but saw JT coming – got his chances – but could not close the door. Isles on the PP now. Ovie gets the call for hooking.

You can see when JT is on the PP – he always seems to be looking pass more than shoot. It was a nice cross ice feed to Hillen for a shot.

Final summary of the period – guys stood up when needed, but need to get more shots on net – and be more physical. Just as I say that – there is a eight player scrum in front of the net as the perid expires.

Good period – lets see if we can get some more and get a lead in for period 3.

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

********* UPDATING AFTER EACH PERIOD *********

********* PRE GAME SKATE *********

Biron should be starting tonight – (from sources). Biron is one victory shy of 200 for his career. This would be a nice night to accomplish that feat. BTW- both goalies have .500 career records against San Jose (Biron 2-2 Roloson 13-12).

Again – the focus needs to be eneregy and focused the ENTIRE night.

And Biron came out first… Hillen out there again – so it appears that Bruno is sitting out tonight again… However, I have not been overly impressed by Witt this season, and the -9 in some cases is glaringly obvious.

Let’s Go Islaners chant already coming out of the folks by the ice at section 101.

Sutton, I believe played a better game last night. Still a little too slow on the skates for my taste, but I see an improvement nevertheless. The “D” needs to be more agressive, and needs to show a little more foot speed – with this strong skating and offensively GIFTED Sharks team. Adding the talent level of a Dany Heatley to this team, the defense needs to have their “A” game in tact.

For all of you folks from the UK, I just came across a couple from Nottingham here to see the game. I will get a picture from them when they get back home (by the way guys – my e-mail address is nyibc1@aol.com).

Lastly – seeing Josh Bailey taking a lot of shots as the warmup ended. Hope to see a lot of winding up from #12 as the game goes on.

********* PERIOD 1 *********

Coming out to the ice in a smoky fog. Interesting.

Starting lineup:

Biron
Sutton
Hillen
Park
Bergenheim
Jackman

Marleau’s line starts for the Sharks.

First few minutes mean a great deal to this Islanders squad. Have to come out speedy and guns ablazing. Let’s see if they do just that.

And to make that point come home – Sutton ices thepuck just 15 seconds into the game. Oy vey!

First few minutes – the lines have looked up to the challenge. Been hearing comments from folks about Weight’s presence on this team. I think without him – this team would be searching for a lot of identity. He brings the calming influence.

Biron just make a very crucial save from some San Jose attack.

I like Tim Jackman – but in some cases – the man can get knocked offthe puck like a rag doll.

Bergie and Bailey having some nice chemistry early on. Marleau just got away with puhing out Moulson – JT just made a great move spring Moulson in front of the slow for a nice effort on Nabokov. Isles outshooting SJ 8-3 8 minutes in.

Weight just made a nice moving – getting around defensemen – but was too close to the goalie to make it happen. The Isles are steping up their game quite well – if this effort stays throughout the game – there is a chance.

Biron make a nice save with Marleau and comany in front of his net.

Not the most physical of games so far, which could be an advantage to the home team.

Witt just got drilled by Thonrnton. Brendan had that look on his face likehe was going to kill, but held back.

Jody Shelley just got the first penalty of the game for interference with Biron.

The Isles PP has been ok – let’s see how they do tonight. Moulson, JT and Okie out there. And Okie does it. Great shot from the slot, beats Nabokov – 1-0 ISLES. JT with the assist – great setup. This is EXACTLY the start this team needed. Sustaining it – is another thing. Weight got another assist.

Tavares gets his first penalty as a Islander – defending his teammates, giving a Shark player a face wash – and letting the opponents know that he is not going to stand around. He did not go in alone.

Ending my commentary for the period. The Isles look brilliant. I have said this a thousand times – but they need to sustain the effort, and keep it going.

********* 2ND PERIOD *********

The word of the period is SUSTAIN!

Isles on the PP – Blake for interference. Weight back on the point 2 shots – but no big chances. Marty takes the a penalty bu a Shark goes in with him for a 4 on 4 situation. Ortmeyer got 2 for diving.

have just came up with the conclusion that Joe Thornton is a BIG MAN!

Okie had a great shoot opportunity, and Nabokov mde a great glove stop. Jed Ortmeyer drew a penalty – this time – and Witt was te recipient. Marleau makes the Isles pay with a backhand over the glove of Biron 1-1. Shark fans should be thanking Jed for that one.

This is the moment when the Isles need to answer back and answer quickly. Make the Sharks feel the pressure.

Another observation – the Ice is bumps and making the puck do some interesting dances. Right now – the Ises are letting the Sharks dictate the play. Coaching staff needs to get these guys a little enraged. Isles being outshot 9-4 in this period, and need to get their mojo back.

And sure enough Thornton gets a loos puck behind the net and backhands it to Vesce who beat Birn easily. He should have had this one. 2-1 San Jose.

Isles get a Delay of Game power play. If there was a time for these guys to step up – it is NOW! Half way through – and Weight just hit the post. The crowd just went nuts… And the look on Weight’s face just about said it all.

The third period needs to be a return to the first period dominance. The team knows they can do it – they just have to get it done.

And before the period ends, the Isles get such a bogus holding call on Hillen.

********* 3RD PERIOD *********

OK – will the REAL Islanders team, please stand up! Or in this case, make themselves known. We need to see the first period Islanders return to the ice in the 3rd frame.

Isles start the period on the PK = need to get the job done, and return to pressure that they showed early on, but a slap shot from Thornton my have been deflected past Biron – giving San Jose the 3-1 lead..

Well – so much for making a statement… Since the Rangers are beating Toronto right now – there would still be two teams without a victory.

Thornton got the goal. It did not get deflected in by somone else. The Sharks ar still a team that is struggling to gain its identity, but you can see how talented that they really are.

Great move by Okposo maneuvering around a couple of defensemen but unable to get it around Nabakov in net.

If you remember in my post earlier in the day, I was putting my focus on Josh Bailey. Have you noticed that I have not mentioned his mane that much?

Jt got off a nice shot on a good pass from Witt. A little more shots and maybe the fortunes will change.

Isles stating to show a little passion. Bergie made a couple of nice moves an started to get into the face of a Sharks D-man. Passion needs to intensify more – get these guys off their game.

Story of this perid for the Isles -is low percentage shooting. Got to establish a closer game to the slot to be more effective.

With 8 minutes left – time is running out…. Have to make a move now – or we can kiss win number one goodbye tonight.

Setoguchi just walked in and got the puck over Biron’s shoulder. 4-1 – and the fans are leaving in droves.

I am closing the blog for the night. I will add some quotes and other things tomorrow. Have a good night everyone….

Posted under Blog Box, Islanders 09-10

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