Today is Trade Deadline Day, somewhat of a National holiday in the US and Canada. Teams have until 3pm Eastern today to make final roster adjustments and in the past we have seen quite a bit of movement.

I wouldn’t expect too much from Islanders General Manager Garth Smow today, although he already made his first move yesterday by trading Andy Sutton to the Senators for a second round pick.

What other players are available? Here is a short list, which is my opinion of course:

Dwayne Roloson wasn’t a lock to be moved earlier in the season, as he had signed a two year deal in July. However, solid play through this point has really increased his value to teams looking for solid veteran goaltending here for playoff stretches.

Martin Biron was considered trade bait from the second he signed with the Islanders in July. Biron hasn’t played spectacular this year, and sat in the pressbox when DiPietro returned. He could be moved to a team looking for a quality backup, seeing he is an unrestricted free agent in July.

Curiously, Sean Bergenheim was a healthy scratch last night against Chicago. Word on the street is that there was some interest for Sean recently, who hasn’t been able to live up to his potential under Scott Gordon.

Jeff Tambellini is an odd man out, used sparingly by Gordon, Jiffy Jeff has been scratched for 3/4 of the games played so far and has taken it like a pro. Another underachiever coould spark interest from another club willing to give him a shot.

Brendan Witt has been playing in Bridgeport since passing through waivers. He’s got a year left on his contract and more than $3 million remaining. If the Islanders were to bring him back up on re-entry waivers, perhaps someone may be interested in the gritty defenseman.

Jon Sim has, at least to me, worn out his usefullness on the Islanders. The return on this role player won’t be much, but with Matt Martin waiting in the wings, he is taking up a roster spot. I could see a playoff bound team bringing him on for depth.

The Islanders don’t really have the assets to be real players this deadline. A majority of their players are more valuable to them than the rest of the league, which is a bit of a problem. one big plus for Garth Snow is that he has PLENTY of cap space to play with, so if a team needs to shed salary, he can pick up a player that may not fit somewhere else.

The day has only just begun, let’s see what happens.

Stay tuned throughout the day and I will update as often as I can!

Even though it never really went anywhere, it sort of shifted into full on Olympic mode/mania!

Not much has changed here in Islanders country, unless you consider Mark Streit coming home medal-less, head coach Scott Gordon returning with a silver medal in tow for assistant-coaching Team USA to second place in the round robin, the trade today of Andy Sutton to the Ottawa Senators for a second round selection in 2010 and two minor league trades – something…. Oh, lest I forget the re-re-re-shutdown of DiPietro. Time frame, unknown.

In any case, Sutton – thanks for everything you have done here on Long Island. I hope your stay up in Ottawa is only temporary and we will see you retake your office at the near blue line pounding opposing player to oblivion as always – back HERE on Long Island come 2010/11.

And before I forget, congratulations goes out to Team USA for winning Silver this past weekend in Vancouver!

Moving on, Dustin Kohn has been recalled from Bridgeport to take the place of Andy Sutton (I hope he realizes the size of the shoes he has to fill here on out). Jack Hillen may be making his return tonight, Roloson and Biron are back as your goalie tandem with DiPietro’s shutdown.

Scratches: Sean Bergenheim, Jeff Tambellini and Rick DiPietro

Islanders are only six points out of a playoff spot and are looking to make up some lost ground. This should be an interesting night for sure.

Curious about the Bergenheim scratch, does that mean his days as a New York Islander are near an end? One never knows this time of year.

First Period

7:10pm Islanders lose the opening draw, Hawks came in and got the first shot on goal right off the draw pretty much.
7:12pm Roloson looks strong early, making a stick save low after a flurry in front. Islanders have not shown much life, this is all Hawks so far – 5 shots already for them.
7:15pm Jack Hillen out on this shift with a full cage, had a scoring chance. That whole sequence is a testament to his toughness.
7:17pm Doug Weight engaged in a lengthy discussion with one of the referee’s – likely about off ice stuff, just my guess.
7:25pm Dangerous situation for Roloson, Byfuglien’s skate came up towards his head as he crashed into the crease. Luckily, nothing came out of it.
7:27pm Roloson makes a glove save but the puck squirted back out at a sharp angle and onto Campbell’s stick – 1-0 Hawks.
7:30pm Despite being out shot by a wide margin, Hawks turnover leads to a Comeau goal 1-1
7:31pm And now the Islanders are shorthanded, Park to the box for a judo-chop to a stick, slashing.
7:33pm Comeau’s 10th of the season, assisted by Schremp, that’s three straight games with a goal for him.
7:34pm Hawks convert on the gift wrapped power play. You feel shame Richard Park.
7:36pm Shot count: 21-5 in favor of Chicago
7:42pm Final minute of the period.

Well, that went as well as we could’ve hoped I suppose. The lack of Sutton is clearly evident as the Blackhawks are just going to the crease every single time they can. They have also gotten just about every shot through, perhaps the move was miscalculated some – especially given Garth’s comment today stating they still plan on making a playoff push.

The Islanders are being outplayed in every facet, which could partly be caused by the long layoff….but more so because the Hawks are a much better club. Shot count after one period is 22-9. The Islanders started to come back later in the first, but if they want to save face and earn those points they need a much better effort in the second. That’s kind of obvious though, you don’t need me to tell you that much.

Second Period

8:01pm And we are underway.
8:04pm Comeau ties it up with his second of the game and it’s aallllll tied.
8:05pm And now it’s 3-2 Islanders…
8:06pm Hawks just yanked Niemi and put in Huet.
8:07pm Comeau from Schremp and Streit on the 2nd goal.
8:08pm Third Islanders goal belongs to Jon Sim from Park and Kohn.
8:11pm Park streaks down the near boards and fires a laser that beats Huet to make it 4-2. Assists go to Moulson and MacDonald.
8:17pm It’s important to note here (I am dizzy with the way this game has gone this period, I digress) – This is Comeau’s second consecutive two goal game and he has 5 goals in three.
8:21pm The game has slowed down a pace here, I wouldn’t expect the scoring to continue at the pace that it has. Shots are 26-17 Hawks.
8:23pm Islanders are going to be a man down, Park off for tripping.
8:27pm Great penalty kill by the Islanders, at the heart of it all – Comeau and Okposo
8:28pm Sometimes I think these Islanders players THINK and even BELIEVE they are better players then they really are, they make passes that shouldn’t be made and think it will work. Keep it simple, stupid.
8:34pm Final minute of the period
8:37pm Comeau completes his FIRST CAREER HAT TRICK to make it 5-2. Delay of game here as the staff cleans up all the hats and giveaway thrown on to the ice. 6 goals in 3 games now for Comeau! He is on FIRE! Assists go to Streit and MacDonald.

Wow. What a period.

Bit of trivia, when was the last Isles four goal period? I sure don’t know.

That was just about as good of a period (offensively) as I have seen all season long. Defensively I would hope they come out sharp as a tack in the third and really prevent any last bit of momentum that the Hawks can muster. A three goal cushion is big going into the final twenty, but it’s not enough for them to sit back and play it safe against the likes of Kane and Toews.

Blake Comeau 3, Islanders 2 – Hawks 2

Shot count, Hawks 30 – Isles 10

This should be fun.

Third Period

8:58pm Islanders won the opening draw cleanly.
9:00pm Scoring change on the Islanders fourth goal – second assist changed to Weight.
9:00pm Roloson just made a HUGE stop. Jackman with a scoring chance right after.
9:04pm Blackhawks were putting on a clinic for the Isles, had them pinned in the zone without being able to clear the puck for about two minutes with a constant cycle – Roloson was forced to make a few stops.
9:05pm Okposo drives to the net with a power move and makes an attempt to go around Huet, Tavares crashed the net for the rebound that was covered quickly.
9:08pm Roloson is making save after save and getting very lucky in the process – Hossa snapped a stick on a beauty of a scoring chance.
9:10pm Blackhawks thought they scored, it was waved off due to goaltender interference. Another lucky break, look for the Hawks to pressure even more now that they have weakened the Isles perimeter….so to speak.
9:15pm Roloson just stopped Hossa at the doorstep – he is playing outstanding tonight.
9:23pm Islanders are going to be shorthanded for half of the remaining 4:39 here in the third – Okposo is in the box for holding.
9:25pm Just like that, Hawks score on the power play just like they did on the last one – on a play generated from behind the Islanders net that caught Rolloson out of position.
9:28pm Shot count now Hawks 41 – Isles 23
9:32pm Huet was pulled for the empty net, Hunter had a layup and hit the post.
9:33pm Huet back in net for the second time as the draw was deep in Chicago’s zone.

Islanders win 5-2, this game represents what the Islanders need to do here through the stretch – hard work and timely goal scoring from everywhere. It was a well deserved two points, great game.

Live Tracker

Per an Islanders release:

The New York Islanders have traded defenseman Andy Sutton to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a second round draft pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

The pick was originally acquired by Ottawa along with Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo from San Jose in exchange for forward Dany Heatley and Ottawa’s fifth-round draft choice in 2010 on Sept. 12, 2009.

Sutton was signed by the Islanders on August 10, 2007 as a free agent and has played on Long Island over the past three seasons. Over the course, Sutton has played in 135 games for the Islanders, scoring seven goals and 23 assists. This year, Sutton totaled four goals and eight assists for 12 points in 54 games with the Islanders.

The Islanders have recalled defenseman Dustin Kohn from the team’s American Hockey league affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

I am back in action here, there was a period of two weeks (since the last time I live blogged I think) where I was under the weather and haven’t been able to attend a home game. That’s totally out of character for me, I rarely miss a game all year and I have missed a few already this year.

In any case, I am live and direct from the Blog Box in Section 201 at Nassau Coliseum tonight to see if the Islanders can break their seven game losing streak and get a win tonight here on home ice against the Nashville Predators!

Some pretty big news the last few days regarding trades, none of which involve our Islanders….yet. The Islanders chose to look for help from within the organization by calling up the big Jesse Joensuu and equally large Matt Martin. The hope is that these two young, large players will get traffic in front of the opposing goalie and perhaps generate some offense that has been sorely amiss here the last who-knows-how-many-games.

Martin is making his NHL debut tonight, it should be exciting to watch him and the huge smile that will likely be on his face regarding this big step in his young career. He is wearing the number 46 and as he is saying on the big screen right now – he wants to throw the body and play HIS physical game.

Jesse Joensuu on being recalled:

Matt Martin on his NHL Debut:

Another big surprise, the Islanders are starting Martin Biron in goal tonight. Fresh off his two game AHL conditioning stint, perhaps the hope is that the shaky goal tending from Roloson and DiPietro will be repaired by sitting BOTH of those netminders…? In any case, it gives Biron a chance to shake off the rest of his rust as he awaits an inevitable trade that should come before this Friday’s Olympic trade deadline or the NHL trade deadline next month.

The Islanders need the most out of everyone tonight if they intend on breaking out of their funk.

First Period

7:08pm Puck drop and the Islanders push it deep into Nashville’s zone.
7:10pm As I complain about the chances the Islanders are giving up to the Predators, Mark from The View from 111 is with me in the blog box complaining about a missed chance. Interesting conflicting views.
7:12pm Matt Martin makes his presence felt early, laying a good shoulder check on the Nashville’s Jordin Tootoo
7:17pm Third line is buzzing for the Islanders – Martin, Park and Joensuu – I like how Park’s speed is on that line.
7:24pm Matt Martin has broken his cherry and received his first NHL penalty for interference. Islanders short handed. I wouldn’t count on the Preds taking a penalty tonight, they are the least penalized team in the league.
7:27pm GREAT penalty kill, Park and Bergenheim each blocked at least two shots and Streit had a few himself.
7:33pm Joensuu now on a line with Hunter and Schremp. It must have been a line change or a quick trial earlier. That or I mistook Comeau for Joensuu – how I don’t know…
7:35pm Surprise surprise, Thrashers called for interference – Islanders power play.
7:39pm Nothing really on the first part of the power play, but I love Martin’s positioning and shot placements tonight.
7:41pm Four on four coming up, Islanders for slashing (Bergenheim), Predators for diving. Interesting combo for sure. It will carry over into the second period.

End of the first period.

Islanders look like they started to wake up towards the end of the period. For long stretches again here tonight they appeared they had either forgotten they were in the middle of a game or just completely forgot how to pass and play offense. The only bright spots, the solid play by Matt Martin who doesn’t look out of place here in the NHL.

I actually think Martin owns all three of the Islanders shots here tonight so far – which they are behind the Predators who have NINE.

They have to go to the net, and clearly – get more shots on goal if they want to score.

Second Period

7:58pm Still four aside here for almost two minutes, Islanders control going out of the zone.
8:00pm Arnott takes a shot from the point that Biron fought off, but it fluttered over his head and the net, thankfully.
8:02pm Some good chances by the Islanders here in the second – Bergenheim looks hungry tonight.
8:05pm After some great pressure and missed chances, Schremp finds Meyer who walks in a finds the back of the net to make it 1-0 Isles
8:07pm Shot count is now tied at 11 – Islanders have had 8 this period.
8:12pm Islanders a man down, Nielsen called for hooking.
8:13pm Predators think they scored, goal is under review.
8:15pm NO GOAL, kicking motion. Preds still on the PP
8:17pm Islanders with another good kill, finish off with a short handed opportunity by Park and Bergenheim
8:18pm And NOW the Preds score – all tied at one.
8:21pm Islanders are allowing the Preds back into the game here, shot count is now 13-17.
8:24pm Islanders with a really bad change and it leads to a Predators breakaway and goal – 2-1
8:28pm Now I know why Tavares hasn’t played much tonight – he forgot how to play. He just flubbed two passes in two seconds.
8:31pm Islanders were on a power play, another was just called on the Predators – a five on three in favor of the Islanders here! For a minute 40
8:33pm Tavares digs and digs, winds up with the puck after his shot and then it was cleared.
8:34pm Okposo’s shot from the point gets through and is fought off.
8:36pm Schremp got the puck on and Gervais got the rebound – he scored! 2-2

End of the second period

Much better period, although the Islanders seemed to take about ten minutes off again before being awarded a five-on-three in which they converted and tied the game. Islanders had 18 shots and managed to tie in the shot count at 21 as well.

Schremp has two assists tonight, we also have goals by two defensemen….offense from places we need it most – from ANYONE.

Keep on the Predators and don’t give them much room by forechecking like crazy, limit and block their shots, and please – SHOOT the puck.

Third Period

8:55pm Islanders just announced the last Islanders goal, Gervais from Schremp and Martin. That is Martin’s first NHL point! Congrats to you!
8:57pm Comeau is called for cross checking, Islanders will be shorthanded
8:59pm Islanders are now down two men for :17 seconds. Bergenheim for high sticking.
9:00pm Comeau comes out and the Isles are only down a man again.
9:01pm Predators score on the power play, regain the lead 3-2
9:02pm Nashville penalty for tripping, Islanders pp (jeez there are a lot of penalties tonight)
9:05pm MacDonald hit the post and then on the next play had a nice pass that was fanned on in front. :34 seconds left on the power play.
9:08pm Another Islanders penalty, too many men – they have been horrible with line changes tonight.
9:15pm Islanders killed off the horrendous change penalty….still haven’t really done much since.
9:19pm Bergenheim drives to the net and get a shot off.
9:24pm Thrashers Dumont called for high sticking – Islanders power play – no blood, two minutes.
9:27pm Islanders powerless on their “power play”.
9:29pm Empty net Islanders, put pressure on and it leads to a power play. Timeout called by Gordon.
9:31pm Islanders score with the goalie pulled and on the power play with 6 second remaining to tie the game at 3!! Streit from Martin and Okposo – that’s Martin’s second assist tonight!

Overtime

Familiar territory here for the Islanders, let’s see if the boys can rally around their late goal and get the winner here!

Some great pressure here in overtime, goaltending is certainly on par with the chances though.

End of overtime.

Shootout

Nielsen – GOAL (patented shootout move)
Sullivan – NO GOAL
Schremp – NO GOAL
Legwand – NO GOAL
Moulson – NO GOAL
Erat – GOAL (Biron came out for a failed poke-check….)
Tavares – GOAL
Hornqvist – NO GOAL

Islanders win on Tavares’ shootout goal! The streak dies at 7…..

Live Tracker

Brendan Witt who has been tough as nails for the New York Islanders the last few years (including a run in with a Chevy Tahoe in Philly this season) has found himself activated from the IR and right onto the waiver wire.

Newsday’s Katie Strang has some great stuff on her blog today regarding this development.

In 42 games this season, Witt has 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 PTS and is a -18. Witt’s play this season has fallen off to what we have seen in recent years – likely attributed to the knee that has bothered him for the last few weeks (he also played through the injury for an unknown amount of time).

Witt has one year and $3-Million left on his contract and was apparently shopped around by Garth Snow for some time. Should Witt clear waivers, he will join Martin Biron in Bridgeport who was recently sent down for conditioning. When and if Witt is recalled, he will be exposed to re-entry waivers where a team could pick him back up at half the price of his contract.

According to Chris Botta of Islanderspointblank, the Islanders could eventually wind up trading Witt at his bargain basement cost of half price.

Something that bothers me a little, is what Snow explained to Katie Strang today:

Snow said the move is less of a knock on Witt’s play and more of an indication of how far along some of the Islanders young defenseman have come and the organization’s confidence in their play

As I said in the Nick Boynton post earlier this week, while the play of MacDonald has been outstanding, giving Dustin Kohn MORE time now isn’t the best option for this club. The team needs help and they need EXPERIENCED HELP.

What do I know though.

Odds are that we will see some moves made with our Islanders before the Olympic break, stay tuned.

Just received word that Islanders goaltender Martin Biron is en route to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League for a two game conditioning stint.

Biron, who dressed in the last two Islanders road games as a backup, last played December 27th in a loss against the Flyers.

Biron left the team in Florida today and will begin practicing with the Sound Tigers for their game on Friday against Springfield and Saturday against Manchester. Biron is expected to dress in both games.

Such is the case that Islanders GM Garth Snow will find himself in should he opt to claim Nick Boynton off of waivers before 12 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

Why should Snow put in a claim?

Let’s see, the team has now lost five straight and is still on the playoff bubble stalled at 54 points. The Islanders defensive corps is battered and bruised, having to resort to calling up two stop gaps in Dustin Kohn and Andrew MacDonald (MacDonald is playing over 21 minutes a game and has been impressive, but I digress). Jack Hillen was felled to a broken jaw thanks to Alex Ovechkin’s slapshot last week and will be out 6-8 weeks. Veteran tough guy d-man Brendan Witt has a leg injury and will be out for another 2-3 weeks at best. Lastly on the injury front, Radek Martinek (aka Glass Man) was lost to a knee injury earlier this season and will be out indefinitely.

Looking further into the depth of the Islanders d-corps depth chart:

Bruno Gervais, is just not cutting it and seems to finding himself in the red in the plus/minus column more often than not. His recent pairing with Mark Streit has allowed him better play, thankfully.

Freddy Meyer (FMIV) bounces in and out of the lineup and has been decent, but he is not a top four d-man.

You’re current top four – Andy Sutton, Mark Streit, Bruno Gervais and Andrew MacDonald. The Islanders need defensive help and they need it now.

Boynton is set to make $700,000 for the rest of this season and is a pending UFA, so it’s not really a high risk move by any means. Should Boynton clear waivers, he will be sent down to the Ducks AHL affiliate and if summoned back to the NHL will be exposed to re-entry waivers and only costing a team $350,000 at that point.

To me, shaking up your team and giving them depth by adding a waiver wire claim seems like a good move. Pundits can claim that Boynton has played for three teams in two seasons, he has had his struggles in Anaheim and doesn’t fit the Islanders system. However, the failed experiment this weekend in Philly with Trevor Gillies should point out the need for toughness in the lineup – which Boynton can bring. Looking over his fight card this season (3 fights in his limited playing time) he has fought some tough opponents.

I say give him a shot Garth, but that’s just my opinion – if he doesn’t work out, no harm no foul and you have given up NOTHING.

What do you all think? Discuss in the comments section.

Home game number 26 brings us a match up between John Tavares and the New York Islanders and Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, always a great time for sure.

I am going to apologize in advance, I am not feeling 100 percent tonight so I may not be so quick on the draw this evening. Enough about me though—onto the good stuff.

The Islanders find themselves jam packed in the Eastern Conference tonight, should they win and Montreal lose they will finish as high as 6th but a loss by the Isles and a Boston and Florida win will find them as low as tenth. Interesting parity as always in the East.

The Islanders will also leap frog the Rangers, whom they trail by one point.

Roster notables for the evening, Dustin Kohn finds himself back in Bridgeport now that Andy Sutton’s suspension is over. Josh Bailey is under the weather (maybe he has what I have) and no word on him yet, Jeff Tambellini appears to be scratched as well and of course Martin Biron is sitting comfortably in the press box as well.

Dare I say it, but let’s see if the scary Islanders team the Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau talked about in the pregame interview is the one that comes out in the first period.

First Period

7:10pm Islanders lose the opening draw, taken by Richard Park
7:10pm Islanders forecheck is on point already, caused a turnover and forced Theodore to make a stop. Islanders find themselves with two shots on goal due to the turnover. Ovechkin accepts a feed and from his knees makes a wrist shot and almost scored.
7:11pm The Capitals are on the board first, a passing play that caught Roloson out of position. Morrison from Erskine
7:14pm Well, Josh Bailey IS dressed tonight, go figure.
7:16pm A Semin wrist shot makes it 2-0 Capitals. Where is Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek to shut him down when you need them?
7:17pm Morrison gonna sit for hooking, Islanders power play.
7:19pm Rob Schremp makes it a one goal game on the power play off a feed from Doug Weight
7:22pm Schremps 6th of the season from Weight and Hunter
7:26pm Capitals get a penalty for goaltender interference (Green), I thought for sure it was on Roloson
7:28pm 12 seconds remain on Green’s penalty, and now they have taken a holding penalty as well. Islanders extend their power play.
7:30pm Okposo looking for something down low, misses the net and it rims around and out. Regain control and are working down low. Islanders hit the post, not sure who shot the puck.
7:32pm Even strength, Capitals shoot and it’s deflected out of play.
7:36pm Tavares the recipient of a great Bailey pass and rang on off the iron. That’s now two posts for the Islanders this period.
7:41pm First Islanders penalty of the period called on Bergenheim for a hold. Jack Hillen was just BLASTED in the mouth with the puck. Ovechkin shot the puck….bloody mess.
7:46pm Capitals score on the power play, Roloson pissed he allowed them to hack away and get it through his pads.
7:48pm Another forward for the Islanders who cannot buy a goal, Frans Nielsen who missed the net completely unimpeded.
7:49pm Semin dances through the Islanders defense and then scoops a backhand over a fallen Roloson from behind the net. Great effort, but it’s now 4-1 Capitals.

End of the period.

I don’t have the energy to really break down the play of the Islanders this period. The Capitals are riding a hot streak and are leaps and bounds the better team.

Second Period

Rick DiPietro comes into the game in relief of Roloson.

8:07pm Islanders are underway, hopefully the change of a netminder gives them some confidence back as DP makes his first save of the game.
8:10pm Early reports are that Hillen was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
8:10pm Capitals score on fresh goaltender DiPietro to make it 5-1 on Erskine’s first of the season.
8:14pm Capitals called for hooking, Islanders fourth power play of the game, they are 1/3 right now.
8:18pm Nothing going for the Islanders on that power play. 1 for 4 on the evening.
8:22pm Islanders score on a nice play – Okposo from Tavares and Bailey 5-2 Caps
8:29pm DiPietro gives the team some life with a nice save moving post to post.
8:31pm Chimera’s hard wrister beats DiPietro to make it 6-2
8:34pm Capitals called for tripping, Islanders 5th power play of the night.
8:38pm Islanders all over the Caps that power play, DiPietro with two long passes to his forwards, three scoring chances but not enough quick shots.

Final minute of the period

Another not so great period by the Islanders, maybe they are all feeling the way I do tonight with the sneezing and burning eyes.

The Capitals are too good of a team, they block almost every shot and pass, they cause turnovers and they seem to be able to score from just about every single spot on the ice. DiPietro is doing his best to stem the tided, but he has allowed two goals himself this period.

All those power play opportunities have been wasted tonight, save for the first one of the game.

Maybe they can work a miracle in the third period?

Third Period

8:57pm Now in goal for the Capitals Michal Neuvirth
9:01pm Capitals beat writer Tarik ElBashir claims Neuvirth was warming up the end of the second period. Perhaps that second shot of the mask late in the second shook up Theodore.
9:09pm There aren’t many times I say this (and it’s more because of the way I feel tonight) – I cannot wait for the game to end. I should have stayed home tonight.
9:12pm Islanders get called for holding, MacDonald did all he could to prevent a Semin hat trick.
9:14pm Andy Sutton just cleared out Laich from in front, it looked like he gave him whiplash the way he moved him from the crease.
9:15pm Islanders kill off that penalty and MacDonald sprung from the box and chased down the puck and carried it into the Caps zone. He made a nice move and found Bergenheim streaking to the net, Neuvirth was there for the save though.
9:19pm I just realized that countless Islanders are invisible tonight. Matt Moulson was just out on the ice and I couldn’t remember when the last time I saw him was, then I said the same thing about four of five other players.
9:22pm Laich just danced around everyone and roofed a wrist shot past DP to make it 7-2
9:24pm If the Islanders cannot rise up and find the will to win a huge game like this tonight, how would they do in the playoffs?

Live Tracker

I didn’t get the opportunity to post up a preview for this, I got called into work on an emergency today and haven’t had much time. However, I just did a quick Islanders chat with The Hockey Guys on their radio show. Be sure to check out the site and the replay of the show when you get the chance.

Once it’s up I will post the link.

Big thanks to Anthony Curatolo, Brandon Augienello and Dustin Leed for having me on today, I look forward to appearing again!

Update!

You can listen to the show in the player below:

Less than a week ago on home ice, the New York Islanders took on the New Jersey Devils and not only chased all star and hall of fame goaltender Martin Brodeur after two periods, but they completely dominated play and shut out the Devils 4-0.

The Devils have been struggling as of late, I guarantee beating them tonight will be no easy task. However, that said they are without the firepower they were once getting with Elias out of the lineup and Bergfors goalless in the last 11 games.

In that 4-0 win on Monday afternoon, Rick DiPietro was between the pipes for the Islanders and earned his first shutout in only his third start of the season. DiPietro is once again your starter, look for some magic in that area given his strong play that seems to grow the more his confidence returns.

In their home win on Thursday night over the Florida Panthers, several players were ALL over the ice—even though they were without points I liked what I saw. The line of Park, Weight and Bergenheim was awesome the other night, as was Jon Sim. Okposo, Shremp, Bailey, Tavares and Moulson all had chances—great chances as did Doug Weight who looks like he is about to break out offensively himself.

Dustin Kohn made his NHL debut and assisted on Blake Comeau’s second period goal, giving Kohn his first NHL point. I witnessed the PR guys shuttle the puck down the hall to Kohn after the game, it’s amazing how many times I catch important small acts like that the more I am around the team. I hope he continues to play the game that earned him a call up to cover for Andy Sutton while he serves his suspension.

The Islanders are on a streak here at home, winning six consecutive games—and it’s no secret to the crowd as this is the second consecutive sellout.

This is a big night, against a conference and division rival so the points are HUGE.

First Period

Delayed start due to some problems with the ice where the Elementary school sang the National Anthem. There was a big carpet near the zamboni door.

7:13pm Islanders pull the opening draw back, the Devils got to it and shot it, it was deflected out of play.
7:14pm Devils taking it to the Islanders early, they look a bit more focused tonight
7:17pm Okposo finds a streaking Streit and Brodeur makes a great save or it hit the post. Devils come right back down and DiPietro makes one of his own.
7:21pm Devils control the puck from behind the goal line and pass out to an awaiting Langenbrunner, stick cocked—Goal 1-0 Devils.
7:24pm 9 minutes into the first, the Devils are out shooting the Islanders by the wide margin of 9-1
7:27pm Devils penalty for slashing, this should jump start the Islanders—hopefully.
7:29pm What a horrible power play, we had one shot. Dis.Organ.Ized.
7:34pm They sure aren’t making Brodeur work much tonight.
7:36pm DiPietro finds a fluttering puck through traffic with his glove. Islanders needs to step up their play here, shots are 11-4 with 6 minutes remaining.
7:38pm Hillen beats his man to the puck for an icing, and then takes exception to Davis’ late hit.
7:45pm This game feels the same way the Panthers game did on Thursday, you know except for the 1-0 in favor of the opposition and everything.

End of the first period.

Islanders got outplayed in almost every capacity during the first period. The Devils must have studied nothing but the tape of the Islanders last three games because they aren’t allowing them to establish their forecheck or generate any shots. They are clogging the lanes and stepping in front of every shot and pass much like the Panthers did the first period on Thursday.

Hopefully Scott Gordon has some heated words of wisdom for the Islanders, they need to find their game—or at least a game that works.

Second Period

8:04pm Devils control the opening draw this period and take it back into the Islanders end.
8:05pm Islanders strong on the puck, leads to another power play. They are 0/1 with one shot so far tonight.
8:09pm Islanders fail to convert that power play, but added four or five shots to their total.
8:10pm Park just rang one off the post behind Brodeur, poor guy cannot buy a goal.
8:13pm Just wanted to add, the Islanders have hit three posts tonight….
8:14pm Nielsen alone in front, takes a few swipes at the puck but Brodeur makes the save, and then three more for good measure.
8:15pm Islanders now hold the edge in shots 14-13, now only if they can notch a goal to knot this up.
8:20pm Bergenheim injured on a boarding play, Colin White assessed a 5 minute major and a game misconduct. 5 minute PP
8:21pm Okposo ties it on the Power Play! Still a man up for 4:42, they can score at will with the major penalty.
8:22pm Okposo from Tavares and Streit
8:24pm Islanders score again on the major 2-1
8:25pm Hillen from Okposo and Shremp
8:26pm DiPietro needed to stop a short handed breakaway.
8:28pm HUGE turn of events, Islanders really capitalize on the major power play and score twice to get the lead. Shot count 18-13 in favor of the Isles.
8:30pm I gather Lamaire didn’t see that Coyotes-Islanders game last week? He failed to put someone in the box and the Islanders had an extended five on four until a whistle.
8:36pm Gervais in the box for hooking
8:38pm :32 seconds left in the period, Devils tie the game on the power play, ending their 52 pp scoreless skid

End of the second period.

Well, that was quite different. A big power play for the Islanders after White boarded and injured Bergenheim gave them two goals. A note of interest, the Islanders—should they have been able to, could have kept the man advantage for as long as they kept the puck in play as the Devils failed to put anyone in the box for the penalty. Hopefully Bergenheim returns, he looked to be cut pretty bad but got up under his own power.

The Islanders had 13 shots that period, the Devils 1—the complete inverse of the first period oddly enough.

The game is tied going into the third, but given the turn of events it should be a great third period.

Third Period

8:56pm Islanders control the opening draw this period. They’re off.
8:58pm Report on Bergenheim as he has returned, full cage and broken nose.
9:05pm Devils controlling the flow to this point, not many shots but they have been in the zone a few times. Islanders FINALLY took a shot this period. Only took eight minutes.
9:13pm Shot did not count, almost 13 minutes into the third and the Islanders are yet to register a shot on goal.
9:14pm Bruno Gervais takes exception to a late hack on DiPietro and throws Salvador out of the crease.
9:17pm Devils take a 3-2 lead off a deflection and screen in front of DiPietro. The way he reacted makes me think he had no look at the puck.
9:19pm Two icings in a row, Scott Gordon needs to take his timeout soon.
9:23pm How this team can be so different from period to period escapes me.
9:28pm Devils make it 4-2 into an empty net.

Islanders managed 3 shots on goal through the last twenty minutes of play, inexcusable. Cannot wait to hear the post game tonight…..

Devils shots 14 and the Islanders 3 in the third.

Live Tracker

Checking in as always live at Nassau Coliseum from the Blog Box located in Section 201 getting ready for another live blog. Tonight we have a special guest, Vancouver Canucks blogger Richard Loat is in town visiting family and came out to support the Islanders tonight as they take on the Florida Panthers.

You can read what he has to say tonight as he will be on Twitter giving plenty of updates. Follow @mozy19 and myself @islesblogger on twitter all night for constant updates there as well as here in the live blog.

Game News

Yesterday the biggest Islanders news was the two game suspension given to defenseman Andy Sutton for his hit on Pascal Dupuis in Pittsburgh, but that overshadowed another piece of news—Nate Thompson being placed on waivers in order to free up a roster spot for a defensive call up from Bridgeport. It was expected that Thompson would clear waivers, but he did not. The Tampa Bay Lightning plucked Thompson off of waivers and he is set to play for them tonight in Florida. It was a risk that Garth Snow needed to take, Thompson has played well for the Islanders but let’s face it he can be replaced. The biggest hit will come on the penalty kill, one of Thompson’s best qualities as a defensive forward.

Good luck Nate, it was always a pleasure dealing with you and I know I will miss what you brought to the Islanders the last two seasons.

To replace Andy Sutton tonight, the Islanders called up defenseman Dustin Kohn from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. Kohn will wear number 56 tonight against the Panthers.

Your netminder tonight, Dwayne Roloson and expect Rick DiPietro to start on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils.

First Period

7:10pm Islanders push the opening draw forward and fail to gain full control, play down in the Islanders zone.
7:13pm Roloson makes his first save of the period, and then looked around to make sure he wouldn’t be called for a delay of game.
7:16pm Game is fairly even up to this point, granted it’s only five minute in. Neither team is setting a tone, for the most part.
7:18pm Bruno Gervais shows his rare rough side as pushes a Panther out of the crease after the whistle.
7:26pm Panthers are out shooting and out chancing the Islanders tonight, it looks like they are skating in mud.
7:32pm I hear this giant sucking sound, yea—that’s the Islanders tonight.
7:38pm Final minute of the first period. Note the lack of updates in my live blog….

Wow what a period! It took both teams a bit of time to get their legs moving but Florida has the edge in shots 14-6. Islanders looked better late in the first and had a few chances of their own, but they definitely need to generate more shots and offense. The forecheck isn’t really working tonight either, they need to wake up and perhaps hit up some Red Bull between periods. Let’s see what happens in the second frame.

Second Period

7:59pm Islanders once again fail to fully control the opening draw and allow the Panthers a chance down low.
8:00pm Moulson finds Nielsen alone out in front, but Frans fanned on the shot as the puck was bouncing.
8:03pm Islanders with several chances bunched up here in the second. Jon Sim looking to get involved physically and catches a cross check or two behind the Panthers net.
8:04pm The Park, Weight and Bergenheim line seems to be getting chances tonight at will.
8:07pm Panthers on the board first, 1-0
8:09pm Islanders spring back to life after the goal, who’s out there? Park, Weight and Bergy – they had maybe four scoring chances. However, Bergenheim should have shot instead of passed in the slot.
8:17pm Islanders tie the game on a nice slap shot by Blake Comeau – Dustin Kohn may have his first NHL point on the play.
8:18pm Comeau from Dustin Kohn and Gervais that is Kohn’s first NHL point! Congrats Dustin.
8:19pm Doug Weight absolutely robbed by Vokoun on a virtual empty net. Nice desperation save there.
8:29pm New line out there for the Islanders, Bailey, Tavares and Okposo – three first rounders (12th, 6th and 1st respectively).

End of the second period

Much better period all around, shot count is now 25-22 in favor of the Panthers. Islanders tied the game on some great work in the Panthers end. No penalties thus far, Jon Sim is being a pest in front of the net and they are not calling a thing on him or the players playing against him.

The Islanders are getting to pucks, passing, shooting and really outplayed the Panthers that period. As I said earlier I think they realized they were actually playing tonight. Let’s see if they can keep it up.

Third Period

8:50pm Islanders working hard already in the third, they need an early goal.
8:54pm Islanders have stormed back in the shot department and are one away from being equal at 26
8:58pm Of course, the Islanders get the first penalty of the game – 45 minutes in on a weak slashing call on Sim.
9:05pm Great pressure by the Islanders, but they called another penalty on Sim, this time for goaltender interference. Pathetic officiating tonight.
9:09pm Islanders kill off the second Sim call, but prior to that Nielsen and Okposo went in on a shorthanded two on one, Okposo gets crosschecked and taken down in front of the referee and there was NO CALL. Pathetic officiating and they hear it from the crowd in unison.
9:13pm Florida “FINALLY” commits a penalty….a high stick, two minutes.
9:16pm Weight with a chance in front but missed the net. Okposo and Tavares both crosschecked in the corner, no calls.
9:22pm Bergenheim just missed a wide open net.
9:23pm Roloson comes up big to preserve the tie late in the third.

And we are headed to overtime, what’s this the 40th time this season?

Overtime

9:27pm Islanders need to wrap this one up quick and sink these Panthers.
9:28pm Islanders penalty to Comeau for slashing. Bad, bad, bad.
9:31pm Hillen caught with a broken stick, Islanders make huge clears. Streit just rocked his man along the boards and we are even up.
9:33pm Odd man rush in the final minute and Vokoun makes the stop.

End of overtime, we are headed to the shootout.

Shootout

Nielsen – NO GOAL
Olescz – NO GOAL
Shremp – GOAL
Frolik – NO GOAL
Moulson – GOAL

Game, set and match – Islanders win in a shootout 2-1

Live Tracker

Sutton attended a disciplinary hearing earlier today and learned he has been suspended for two games as a result of his hit.

My reaction and opinion are up over on Bleacher Report.

Sometimes, it’s best to just accept your punishment and this is one of those times for Islanders defenseman Andy Sutton.

Last night in the Islanders 6-4 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sutton laid a booming check on Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis. This isn’t far from the norm for Sutton, as he hits players hard and quite often on the regular (Sutton is in a three way tie for ninth in hits on the Islanders with 44 and is six shy of the team lead). However, this time he caught Dupuis in the numbers and in a vulnerable position.

Read the entire article HERE and be sure to vote in the poll!

Islanders scratches today, Jeff Tambellini, Nate Thompson and Martin Biron.

Should be a good game today, let’s see if John Tavares can build on his goal on Saturday after going ten consecutive games without scoring. It would also be great to see Josh Bailey, Rob Schremp and Matt Moulson to contribute offensively today. If you noticed I left Kyle Okposo off that list, I did so for a reason—he has continued to contribute in so many ways for the Islanders and that’s one of the main reasons the Islanders have had success as of late.

We are close to the puck drop, check back often for updates!

Ok, this is interesting—Rick DiPietro is your starting goaltender today, which is news to just about everyone in the building. He must be feeling great, apparently. You know how DiPietro LOVES to match up against that guy down at the other end of the ice in Martin Brodeur, I’m sure that has something to do with that.

First Period

2:09pm Islanders control the opening draw (I still want to look back and see how many times they’ve won and lost).
2:11pm After great a great flurry in front of Brodeur the Devils ice the puck and on the next flurry, Moulson bats in a rebound for an early lead. Islanders lead 1-0 1:30 into the game.
2:13pm Moulson from Nielsen and Hunter, that’s Moulson’s 18th of the season
2:14pm Islanders thought they scored again, but it was waved off due to a blown whistle. That’s two games in a two that Park had “scored” but it was blown dead.
2:15pm Devils just shot the puck over the glass, Islanders power play – THEY NEED TO SCORE HERE
2:16pm Mark Streit with a blast from the point beats Brodeur on the power play and it’s 2-0 Islanders
2:18pm Streit (7th) on the PP from Tavares and Okposo
2:22pm Devils have stepped up their physical play, which was a given considering the first period they are having.
2:22pm Devils going to the box for holding, Let’s get chili boys!
2:25pm Brodeur doing what Brodeur does and making seemingly impossible saves look routine.
2:29pm Islanders are out shooting the Devils 12-3 with 9 minutes left in the first.
2:31pm Islanders are on their third power play of the period, they are currently 1/2 and have a tremendous amount of shots.
2:35pm Islanders are now 1/3 on the power play, but I think 12 of their 17 shots have come on the man advantage. Great job tonight, keep plugging away.
2:37pm Islanders forecheck is on point tonight, I think the Devils have iced the puck 7 times this period.
2:38pm DiPietro with his first tough save of the game, a scrambler where he had to kick out his legs from his back.
2:40pm Islanders deviate from their game plan, pressure leads to a penalty in the defensive zone while protecting DiPietro in the crease Tavares for tripping.

End of the first period. Time for refreshments.

Great period, Discuss.

Second Period

3:17pm While I was away, apparently we missed pretty much nothing. More Isles shots and a Devils post.
3:23pm Hunter and Tavares ran into each other and both looked shaken up – then Tavares got tripped as he got up and slowly skated to the bench.
3:26pm Brodeur was just hit up high int he mask on that snap shot. He looked shaken up for a minute.
3:28pm Bailey alone in front redirects a rebound past Brodeur and it’s 3-0
3:30pm Bailey’s 12th of the season from Jack Hillen
3:33pm Jon Sim gitting hammered out there tonight, he skated off the ice sucking wind and looking sore. Doing his job though.
3:34pm Islanders take a 4-0 lead – Sutton with a shot from the point that may have been tipped by Moulson
3:37pm After the final horn here in the second, the goal was annouced as Sutton’s and the assist going to Hunter

So two periods in the books here today and the Devils are sucking wind. The forecheck is absolutely perfect tonight, it’s leading to turnovers, hard hits, icing, and the Islanders are going to those hard areas and taking the body in order to score gritty goals – not to mention goals by defensemen tonight (Streit and Sutton). An all around perfect game so far, the onus is on the Isles to continue the effort going into the third.

Third Period

3:55pm Moulson credited with the Islanders 4th goal, and Yann Danis in net for the Devils.
3:58pm DiPietro shows some nice stick work and bats a rebound out of the zone mid-air.
4:02pm Doug Weight is in the box for tripping.
4:05pm Devils even up man power – four on four for a minute twenty.
4:10pm DiPietro got hit in the mask earlier, a crazy play after that where he had the puck covered and therre was no whistle – turns out NJ dug it out and took another shot. Isles go down into the offensive zone and forced Danis to make a save. First real save of the period for him.
4:25pm Islanders completely own the Devils here today. Final minute of the third, DP chants rain down

The perfectionist also known as Rick DiPietro earns the shutout on 20 saves in his third start of the season.

Good on ya Ricky. Welcome back.

Live Tracker

Look for the Islanders to come out and try to take the lead early on Ryan Miller. Also look for players such as Josh Bailey, Mark Streit, Kyle Okposo and Rob Schremp to extend their point streaks and remain hot for their team. It’s certainly exciting when the team collectively is playing well, it’s even more exciting when they can take a win like the 6-0 romp over Detroit earlier in the week and build upon it with continued hard work.

Should be a great game tonight.

Just shot some video of DiPietro being introduced here tonight, I will have it up when I can.

First Period

7:11pm Islanders win the opening draw and go right to Miller, who makes a save. DiPietro just made his first save at home!
7:13pm DiPietro has four saves already, Islanders have iced the puck.
7:14pm Frans Nielsen with a strong move and gets in for a shot that misses the net.
7:19pm Islanders move in two on one, Okposo makes the initial shot, Tavares crashes the net and he has his first goal in a LONNNGGGG time (10 games). 1-0 Islanders Assists to Okposo and Sutton
7:24pm Islanders came EXTREMELY close to scoring to making it 2-0 there, great pressure in front had Miller scrambling to find the loose puck. Islanders had several attempts and wound up with the rebound and then lost control of the puck so it skipped out of the zone.
7:27pm Islanders going to be a man up here, as Buffalo has taken a hooking penalty.
7:34pm Nothing happened on the power play, some big hits here late in the first – getting physical.
7:37pm Buffalo takes another penalty, tripping this time. Islanders are 0/1 on the man advantage tonight, let’s see if they can even up their chances.
7:42pm Islanders did not manage to score on that power play, in fact Buffalo had more scoring chances.

End of the first period

Islanders came out kind of slow, DiPietro was forced to stop six early shots and seemed good positionally. If anything, it allowed him to get in the game earlier than he thought. They managed to pick up the pace and have a good forecheck and backcheck, this lead to Buffalo taking two separate penalties. Unfortunately, the Islanders couldn’t capitalize on those chances, but they are still ahead 1-0 going into the second period.

I’d like them to step up their intensity a bit and match the physical play of the Sabres, but I gues we cannot ask for everything.

Second Period

8:01pm Sabres control the opening draw this frame and move it up ice into the Islanders end.
8:02pm Islanders on the power play, Buffalo off for cross checking
8:03pm Weight with a point shot that was deflected and it skipped wide, Moulson with a chance out in front off a power move to the slot and it’s deflected out of play.
8:07pm Islanders are now 0/3 on the power play tonight.
8:17pm Islanders going on their fourth power play, let’s see if they can capitalize. Hecht for a slash.
8:20pm Islanders are now 0/4 – Nielsen missed a gimme on a nice feed from Moulson. He put his hands on his head and gazed up to the rafters.
8:23pm Islanders going to be down a man here, Freddy Meyer for a cross check.
8:25pm DiPietro makes a big stop for his Islanders, through traffic. Big Andy Sutton was right there to make sure to keep the crease clear as well.
8:27pm Islanders kill off the penalty, and Meyer finds the puck coming out of the box and does his best to keep it down low and forced Buffalo to ice the puck.
8:29pm Islanders take a 2-0 lead on a goal by Bergenheim, assists go to MacDonald and Streit
8:30pm And Buffalo comes right back off the next face off and makes it 2-1
8:34pm Buffalo turnover, Shremp backhand passes over to a streaking Comeau who shot it right into Miller

Finally uploaded the video I took during the introductions:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Third Period

8:54pm Islanders fail to really control the draw after “winning” the puck back, Buffalo took possession in the Islanders zone.
8:56pm Sutton lined up a huge hit on Kaleta but missed most of it, almost killed him.
9:03pm Big scuffle behind Ryan Miller, coincidental penalties, Tallinder for Roughing and Streit for unsportmanlike conduct. Four on four.
9:06pm Park appeared to have scored, but it was waived off due to incidental contact with Miller. Replay on the scoreboard showed otherwise.
9:09pm Marching Band in attendance tonight, riles up the crowd by starting a chant that shall not be repeated here.
9:12pm That non goal now a factor, as the Sabres have come back to tie the game on a puck that snuck in behind DiPietro. 2-2
9:20pm I just realized nothing much has happened worth writing about. Yikes.
9:23pm Sutton with a big hit on Grier.

For the I’d say, 27th time this season, the Islanders are headed to overtime!

Overtime

9:34pm Islanders with good pressure on Miller, Okposo with a few chances
9:39pm With :15 seconds remaining, Islanders called for too many men on the ice….

And we are going to the shootout.

Shootout

Shremp – GOAL
Connolly – NO GOAL
Nielsen – NO GOAL
Pommenville – GOAL
Bailey – NO GOAL
Vaneck – NO GOAL
Moulson – GOAL
Stafford – GOAL
Weight – NO GOAL
Roy – NO GOAL
Tavares – GOAL
Hecht – GOAL
Okposo – NO GOAL
McCarthy – NO GOAL
Hunter – GOAL
Kaleta – NO GOAL

Islanders WIN, DiPietro with his first win of the season!

Live Tracker

It’s something that I had honestly not intended to do, it just sort of happened.

This is a good a time as any to remind everyone that I am also the FEATURED Columnist for Bleacher Report on the New York Islanders. While there may appear to be nothing posted over here, I urge you to look for some of my stuff over there too—as the better material gets syndicated to some exciting places!

Edit 6:57pm: I was just informed that my article was featured on the NHL website today as you can see in the screen shot, bottom right!

I’ve been looking for a great way to automatically post what I post there over here, but I have yet to figure out the best solution for this just yet. In the meantime, I will post an excerpt of the Bleacher Report stuff over here and direct you there to comment and/or read the article in it’s entirety.

Here is my latest piece over there (a slide show), on which Islanders forwards are hot and which aren’t—it doesn’t encompass the entire forwards corps mind you, just touches on some of the players who have and continue to contribute. I intend on following this up with another batch of players and eventually the defense as well.

On the heels of a 6-0 home victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, we look at some of the Islanders forwards and determine who is hot, and who’s not.

Some quick statistics: The Islanders are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, are one game over .500 (20-19-8 for 48 points) and find themselves in playoff contention. The team is enjoying several players on multi-game point scoring streaks, however, there are several players whom are pointless for multiple games as well.

Read the entire article HERE

Your goaltenders: Roloson in net for the Islanders (backed up by DiPietro) and Howard in net for the Wings. Also in attendance – Kenny Jonsson whom is here “just visiting” following his alleged “retirement” from his Swedish team…..

About to introduce the Isles here, then the National Anthem followed by the puck drop.

First Period

7:09pm Islanders control the opening draw.
7:10pm Sharp angle shot by Moulson on a nice feed by Streit and it caught Howard either unprepared or it was deflected. Early Islanders lead 1-0
7:12pm Assists on Moulson’s goal go to Streit and Comeau
7:12pm Howard looks shaky here tonight, he fumbled two more shots by the Islanders early here, they need to pepper him early and often.
7:18pm Bailey continues to shine with his offensive skills, he just fed a beauty of a pass to Streit.
7:25pm Islanders looked as though they were on a power play here at the halfway mark of the first period.
7:35pm Islanders take a two goal lead late here in the first – it looked like Sim tipped it, but it may have been all Shremp.
7:37pm Goal goes to Shremp assisted by Gervais
7:38pm Okposo just jumped for the puck in center ice, for a guy on skates he sure did get some ups on that. He missed though.
7:40pm Roloson just made a nice save for what seems like the first time all game, despite Detroit’s 7 shots on goal.
7:41pm We end the period with a great set of chances by Bergenheim who is back in action tonight after missing a big chuck of games. He makes a nice steal near Detroit’s blue line and goes for a wraparound. He manages to get his own rebound and passes, gets to a loose puck and loses it only to block an outlet and keeps it deep. Great shift by Bergy there.

The Islanders just played some of their best hockey against a very tough, albeit very hurt Detroit Red Wings team and came out of the first period up a pair of goals. Let’s just hope the period and all the pressure they have been putting on the Wings isn’t a fluke tonight. Great forecheck, awesome backcheck and defense and a team work ethic that seems to fade from time to time are all present tonight. Good on them.

Second Period

7:59pm Detroit won the opening draw, but the Islanders put on pressure and forced a turnover and have been in and out of the offensive zone several times since.
8:01pm Doug Weight late to the party, appears to have been equipment related as he was testing out his skates as he jumped back on the ice.
8:05pm Several chances so far, great pass by Bergenheim to Park – but a better defensive play stopped that. That was followed up by a great Tavares pass to Moulson that was denied.
8:11pm That goal was absolutely Shremptastic!
8:13pm Shremp’s second of the game, unassisted – was the result of a great steal and he completely undressed Howard – while on the heels of his skates with an awesome deke.
8:14pm Now in goal for the Wings, Chris Osgood.
8:15pm Josh Bailey with a chance, off a great pass but he shot it right into the defense.
8:17pm Okposo with another great pass to Bailey and he rang one off the iron behind Osgood.
8:22pm Islanders going on the power play, it is the first penalty of the game.
8:25pm Shremp has a chance for a natural hat-trick here on the PP
8:27pm Streit on the power play and it’s 4-0 Islanders
8:28pm Streit from Bailey and Hill on that Power Play goal
8:29pm Bergenheim follows up a great play by taking a hooking penalty.
8:31pm Okposo just got leveled by Datsyuk, he was called for interference we are even up for 30 seconds and then the Isles go back on the power play.

We have our second octopus incident here, making this Hockeytown East?

And we are at the end of the second period. How about this for a recap:

Shots on goal so far, Islanders 26 Wings 9 – Wings have had maybe TWO shots on goal the entire period and even swapped out Howard for Osgood to no avail. Let’s bring this into the third period boys.

Third Period

8:52pm Islanders lose the opening draw, they have 20 seconds remaining of a power play.
8:58pm Not much going here early in the third, I was eating a pretzel (lol) otherwise I would’ve said – well something.
8:59pm Islanders going back on the power play, Jon Sim was the recipient of a high stick.
9:04pm Thankfully the Wings iced the puck, the Islanders scored off the ensuing faceoff – 5-0 Islanders
9:05pm Okposo from Meyer and Bailey – another multi-point night for Bailey and also points in seven straight games
9:06pm Roloson with a HUGE stop in front on a deflection. Islanders are also whistled for too many men on the ice – im not sure, but I wasn’t counting.
9:09pm Islanders with a big clear on the penalty kill, Detroit still trying to get something going.
9:13pm Roloson with a diving stop, he’s on point tonight.
9:18pm Gervais scores from the point and the Isles are on top 6-0 to chants of double-chili! Assisted by Bergenheim and Park
9:21pm Sutton called for interference on a borderline call

Islanders win, quite emphatically shutting out the Detroit Red Wings 6-0

This game certainly wasn’t close – that is one pissed off visiting team sinking their heads as they head off the ice.

Live Tracker

We’re talkin’ bout Rick DiPietro folks, and he gets the start tonight in Dallas against the Stars.

Check out my latest post over at The Bleacher Report for more on this glorious day:

In a journey that started in a galaxy not far from our own, but in a time that seemed light years away, the Islanders franchise netminder—Rick DiPietro has finally reached the end of his road to recovery and is set as the starter tonight in Dallas.

If you have not been following along, in early December DiPietro was assigned to the Islanders AHL affiliate Bridgeport Soundtigers for a conditioning stint. DiPietro was to play in an unspecified amount of games, but would not play a complete game during his brief stay in Connecticut. Instead, DiPietro would start in one—and only play two periods, he cited “tightness” as a concern after the game and was sidelined once again.

The team erred on the side of caution and shuffled DiPietro to several Doctor’s for help. Claiming the problem was corrected, DiPietro was again cleared for practice and under cloak and dagger type secrecy, was shuttled to the Soundtigers once again for a conditioning stint. This go around in the AHL, DiPietro would play in two complete games and suffer losses in both making his conditioning record 1-2-0 with a 3.31 GAA and .883 save percentage. Read the full article HERE

Here we are once again preparing to live blog from the blog box, tonight’s game featuring the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Last season the Islanders split two games with the CBJ’s shutting them out 4-0 at home and losing on the road 3-2.

The Blue Jackets were hurting as of late, losing nine straight until they managed a win on the road against Detroit. The win, came on the heels of the CBJ’s trading with the Washington Capitals. Columbus sent Jason Chimera to the Caps for Milan Jurcina and Chris Clark. Look for this team to come out fired up as sometimes a personnel change is just what the doctor ordered for a shake up.

An interesting note tonight, each team has the exact same record, 15-18-7 (37 pts)

Let’s see if this busy weekend of hockey is behind the Islanders, they can certainly use the home win – which should (on paper) be easier with Dwayne Roloson in net.

First Period

7:08pm Columbus controls the opening draw.
7:10pm Ex-Isle Raffi Torres narrowly escapes a big Sutton hit in his “office” just inside the Islanders blue line.
7:12pm Bad Isles turnover, Umberger dishes to a waiting Nash in the slot and Roloson makes the save.
7:15pm MacDonald makes a nice steal at the blue line and dishes off….to Jon Sim.
7:18pm You never really know what you have until it’s gone, thankfully Tim Jackman is back – we missed is grit.
7:20pm Islanders register their second shot on goal, albeit on a play that started behind Columbus’s goal line, but they got the puck to the slot. Correction, their fourth shot – they were late to update the scoreboard.
7:22pm Okposo with a big wrist shot, it was bobbled by Mason and Bailey deposits the loose puck into the net. Islanders lead 1-0
7:24pm Goal credited to Okposo assisted by Bailey and Sutton. I thought I saw Bailey push the puck over the goal line behind Mason – I could be wrong though.
7:29pm Trent Hunter shoots twice, it’s blocked twice and Nash catches him blindside as he is following through with his shot. On the way off the ice, Hunter gave Nash a nice punch from behind to let him know he was there.
7:32pm Witt active in front of Roloson tonight, he’s been clearing the crease and taking exception to late hacks on his goalie – something I like to see.
7:34pm Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe is in attendance tonight. How about that!
7:35pm Sutton gets two for interference, let’s kill this late penalty
7:37pm Great kill by the Islanders, I don’t even think they allowed a shot through on the kill.

End of the first period

I like what I see from our Islanders here tonight. They are executing the forecheck, creating pressure in both the offensive and defensive zones and have been blocking shots like crazy. They had a great kill late in the period, and as I previously mentioned I do not believe they allowed Columbus to even get one through to Roloson. The Islanders look fresh tonight, CBJ’s are on a nice little road swing and on the second half of a back to back. They are also playing a much more physical game, which – shouldn’t be a coincidence that they exit the ice after 20 minutes up 1-0.

They need to come out and build on the lead and play the same way, maybe frustrate Columbus into taking some penalties and get Tavares and Moulson some much needed points – and more importantly, confidence.

Second Period

7:57pm Islanders control the opening draw back into their own end, continue their offensive pressure on Mason early on.
8:01pm Islanders shorthanded once again, Park for holding the stick.
8:03pm Bailey just credited with the Islanders goal, as I called earlier – thank you
8:06pm Islanders have killed of both Columbus power plays so far tonight, with minimal chances allowed.
8:09pm Tavares was just leveled from behind, no call on the play although there appeared to be some thought when the referee looked at the play.
8:10pm Islanders being outshot 20-11 here at the 9 minute mark of the second period.
8:12pm Richard Park with speed into Columbus’s zone and is pulled down, another non-call.
8:16pm Tavares with a nice pass to the slot, Mason stops it and Moulson cannot get his stick on the rebound. They exit the zone and return, this time Tambellini on a breakaway but it got broken up by Vermette.

End of the second period

Another nice period by the Islanders, the shot count is not indicative of real scoring chances by Columbus, as the Islanders have been keeping the slot clear and blocking all other shooting lanes.

Roloson has been solid, as he has been – the Islanders just need to work harder for better scoring chances, as Mason appears to be giving up some juicy rebounds. On more then one occasion, an Islanders player has been right in the crease for a rebound, but has either been caught with his stick down or neutralized by a Columbus player.

For whatever reason, the Islanders have not been awarded a single power play, but they have given up two and killed both. It’s not like there have been no infractions, the officials tonight are just allowing both teams to play an open game.

The Islanders are still playing a very physical game, the line of Tambellini, Hunter and Shremp have been hitting everyone and Blake Comeau has been providing great space for Tavares and Moulson. I like what I see so far from that trio.

Let’s see what happens in the third period.

Third Period

8:45pm Islanders control the opening draw here in the third period, that’s 2/3 tonight – wow
8:46pm Islanders going to be a man up, Columbus’s Umberger called for tripping. Power Play!
8:48pm Delay of game Columbus, Islanders up TWO men for :47 seconds
8:50pm Two decent attempts, first penalty has :9 seconds remaining.
8:52pm Two more power plays by the wayside for the Islanders, no sense of urgency and no movement.
8:58pm Islanders and Columbus in what appears to be a tennis match here in the third period. Blue Jackets are peppering Roloson with shots but again, they are all lowe percentage plays with an occasional great stop thrown in for good measure.
9:01pm RJ Umberger ties the game for Columbus 1-1
9:02pm Scott Gordon elects to settle the team down and uses his timeout.
9:09pm Sutton with a BOOMING hit on Umberger and Roy takes exception and drops the gloves on Sutton – he just skated away. Power play Islanders
9:12pm Islanders get about three quarters of the way through their power play and Shremp gets called for goaltender interference to even it up.
9:16pm Islanders kill another penalty off, shots are 40-19 with 2:10 remaining
9:17pm Islanders power play, delay of game Columbus – HUGE opportunity to ice them here.

End of the third period

Penalty carriers over into overtime, Islanders get a point which is important – can they make it two?

Overtime

9:22pm Penalty about to expire – Islanders 0/5 tonight
9:24pm Sutton pulled down in the offensive zone, no call – why would their be?
9:25pm Columbus owns the last two shots on goal here in OT.
9:26pm Hunter with two good opportunities, Sutton involved as well.

Final minute of overtime

9:28pm Bailey with a shot off the iron.

A fight to the finish, Islanders had a few more shots in the waning seconds. We are shootout bound.

I will recap that after the game, going to shoot some video on my new Flip!

Shootout

1. Tambellini – No goal
2. Huselius – No goal
3. Nielsen – No goal
4. Nash – No goal
5. Shremp – Goal
6. Tyutin – No goal

Live Tracker

Brrrrrrr it’s chilly out there, should make for some great hockey tonight between these rival clubs!

Islanders wearing their away white jerseys tonight, as the Leafs are wearing their third jersey tonight!

First Period

7:08pm Islanders actually WIN an opening faceoff and get out of the zone to get down low.
7:10pm A rare good defensive play, albeit a mistake by Bruno to break up a scoring chance in front of Roloson
7:11pm Jack Hillen was just victimized by a hold in the defensive zone, first Islanders power play of the game.
7:13pm Clearly the Islanders have worked on their power play, they had two good chances thus far and a post hit by an Okposo backhand through traffic. They look pretty good.
7:17pm Islanders did not convert on the man advantage – 0/1 so far tonight on the power play.
7:23pm Hillen the recipient of a fortuitous bounce and got a good shot off.
7:26pm Jon Sim is all over the offensive zone tonight, as Doug of Isles Officials Outlook points out “That black hole of offense!”
7:30pm Josh Bailey irked at a non-call to his face, slams the bench door when he got through in frustration.
7:32pm Tavares misses on a two-on-one and Kessel gets held on a breakaway the opposite way. Islanders will be down a man, Jon Sim for holding.
7:38pm Islanders kill the penalty, Sim exits the box to find himself on a breakaway and…….

he shot it into the goalie.

End of the first period.

Well, they didn’t play bad, but they didn’t play great either. Not much going, seemed like a really fast period without many stoppages. If they can generate the same and/or more pressure in then second they should be alright tonight. Penalty kill was good, let’s hope they have stemmed that tide, for the sake of the sanity of all the fans.

Second Period

Yea, I met a friend for beers that turned into a whole period of drinking…..my bad. Two goals, PP by hunter and Tavares netted one for the first time in 5 games two minutes later.

Third Period

8:50pm As I am posting my explanation of where I have been for a period, Hagman breaks Roloson’s shutout bid. Islanders 2, Toronto 1
8:56pm Okposo narrowly missed a breakaway opportunity, it was broken up – obviously, but as Ken Dick of Okposo.net explains “There was Okie’s goal”.
9:00pm Witt is off for a cross check, stupid stupid penalty. Islanders shorthanded
9:02pm Islanders with three short handed chances thanks to Okposo
9:05pm Great kill by the Isles, however they have two consecutive icings.
9:08pm Islanders power play, I can hear Dee Karl yell at him from here – Jason Blake gets two for interference.
9:13pm End of the power play, some good chances but they seemed to resort to moving the puck around a bit too much as they had been on previous unsuccessful power play chances.
9:19pm Roloson comes up HUGE on two saves here late in the third, Islanders take their timeout to settle the team down. Great call by Scott Gordon.
9:21pm One minute left, Empty net Toronto
9:22pm Empty netter, Blake Comeau with a breakaway and he was hauled down. Ruling is a goal, Islanders lead 3-1
9:24pm Toronto delay of game penalty – 12 seconds remain.

Islanders win 3-1 big, HUGE win for the Islanders tonight.

Live Tracker

As I prepare the live blog for the live blog tonight, I just wanted to get a few things out of the way. First and foremost – the site experienced some downtime on Saturday afternoon. My apologies if you tried to reach the site and found a blank white page instead of the usual content. I was doing some routine stuff and like all routine tasks – something broke and took me a bit to figure it out. We are good to go now though.

I also, like many of the other local Islanders fans, chose not to make Saturday nights game against the Montreal Canadiens due to the blizzard conditions. I was able to watch from home, but it appears my decision to stay home was a good one for many reasons.

Tonight is a differrent story as the Islanders face off with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tampa is another one of those Eastern Conference teams log-jammed in the middle of the pack, and tied with the Islanders for 33 points. Players to look out for tonight on the Lightning squad: Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Malone, Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos as they each have 30 points or over. Not one player for the Islanders has 30 points, the three closest players are Kyle Okposo (22), Matt Moulson (26) and John Tavares (27).

The Islanders were shutout the last time these teams met earlier this month on their road trip – by a score of 4-0, for the sake of all things Islanders – let’s hope that a shutout against is not the case tonight.

As I type this, once again the Islanders are skating to the pre-game warmup to Jay-Z’s Interlude off of The Black Album, which happens to be one of this writers favorite songs.

The Islanders have simple goals and simple tasks – which, when executed enable them to dictate flow, breakouts, and forecheck. Some of which include speed through the neutral zone, short quick passes, a good breakout, puck support and their sometimes amazing forecheck. It’s up to them to stem the tide of their recent home losing streak – so let’s see which team comes out and owns the first period.

Something else to watch out for, the power play and the penalty kill – both of which have been dreadful for the Islanders. Hopefully the power play produces for them here tonight, and if not – the penalty kill keeps Tampa off the board.

First Period

7:08pm Islanders do not control the opening draw (I should really look back through my posts and tally the results) and Tampa is controlling the puck deep in the offensive zone.
7:12pm Nothing really going here, Tampa was just whistled for a handpass that started in the neutral zone and batted into the defensive zone. I call it a back court handpass….
7:13pm Stamkos dipsy doodles past the Islanders defense with a step and makes a strong move – Roloson fought him off but Stamkos beat him – although he didn’t beat the post thankfully.
7:16pm Bailey continues to be in position as a winger – getting his second shot of the period which forced Smith to cover it to stop play.
7:21pm After a very strange series of bounces, Tampa thought they scored and the play continued. It is being reviewed now – looks inconclusive from my end….
7:22pm NO GOAL, puck deemed to have never crossed the line
7:23pm Tavares with too many moves going to the net, doesn’t register a shot. He needs to make a faster decision with the puck.
7:27pm Islanders going on the power play – Neilsen was hauled down
7:30pm Even strength, I think the Islanders managed two or three shots on the power play. Okposo continues to struggle with the puck, losing control three or four times. Maybe he should change his sticks up?
7:37pm Tampa takes another penalty, Islanders are 0/1 tonight on the power play – let’s see what they have this time around.
7:39pm Hillen works the halfwall, dishes to Bailey who finds Hunter cruising the slot for an easy tip in! Islanders power play goal, they take a 1-0 lead

MacDonald took a late first period delay of game penalty, Islanders walk into the room up 1-0 thanks to a power play goal for the first time in 19 or 20 chances. They need to come out and kill the remainer of the penalty and build on their lead. I like what I have seen so far, they are making smart choices with and without the puck and are limiting Tampa’s chances.

Second Period

8:01pm Messy opening draw where both teams fought for control. The Lightning eventually ended up controlling the puck near the inside of the Islanders blue line
8:03pm Islanders could have had a breakaway, Tampa holds Comeau and we are 4 on 4 for 20 seconds
8:04pm Abbreviated Islanders power play chance. One minute left. 1/2 so far a man up.
8:06pm Smith makes a save on a relatively routine shot from the high slot and we are even strength.
8:09pm Some good pressure down low, from Hunter (his shot hit Smith in the head), MacDonald from the point (hit the glove and outside of the post) and from Sim whom tipped Gervais shot.
8:10pm Tavares just fed a streaking Moulson and Smith came up big again for Tampa.
8:11pm All it takes is on, shot that is – Stamkos just notched his 21st of the season to tie the game at 1
8:16pm Islanders odd man rush broken up by a timely stick check by Tampa. Comeau lost control of the puck and it went out of the offensive zone.
8:17pm No call on a boarding call behind the net – Okposo just got his face planted into the glass.
8:19pm Moulson deflects a Witt point shot that missed by a narrow margin. They need to get those shots on and crash the net for rebounds.
8:24pm Park beats Smith upstairs, but it sailed over the crossbar. Jon Sim comes from behind in a wrap around and they hack at the rebound under a fallen Smith.
8:26pm Roloson knocked down in front and play stops.
8:29pm Nate Thompson gives the Islanders a 2-1 lead off a beautiful pass from Okposo
8:33pm Hedman delay of game – Islanders power play
8:34pm Tavares gets called for a trip, yet he was trying to play the puck while sprawled on the ice. 4 on 4
8:37pm Penalty over, Tampa ties it with 18.6 remaining in the period. Almost made it out up a goal like the first period.

End of the second period

Third Period

8:56pm For once in I don’t know how long, Isles control the opening draw.
8:58pm Moulson bats a puck out of mid-air but it missed the net and would’ve been a high stick. Hillen just shot the puck over the glass, delay of game penalty = Tampa power play.
9:00pm Roloson makes a save on the first Tampa shot, kicks out a rebound and the score is now 3-2 Tampa
9:08pm Rare Islanders pressure in Tampa’s zone this period.
9:09pm Tampa’s passes short and crisp – Islanders passes long and not so crisp
9:10pm Fourth delay of game penalty tonight, Islanders power play
9:12pm Islanders were in the offensive zone pretty much all 2 minutes of that man advantage, but they couldn’t sneak on in.
9:16pm Sutton called for interference, tic-tac-toe-goal Tampa has a two goal lead
9:26pm Joensuu was crosschecked, PP Islanders who are like 1/6 tonight
9:30pm Nothing going on the power play and the Islanders lose by a score of 4-2

Live Tracker