SB Nation - Mark Streit

Panthers 7, Islanders 1: Here, have a breakaway, I insist

Dominik — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:49:47 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Kmonicek - AP

EVERYTHING MUST GO! 100% OFF! The Islanders were giving out breakaways Monday night.

That was really awful in many ways -- turns out the Panthers are fast and voraciously convert when you give them a half-dozen free breakaways -- so the temptation is to throw it out like the Montreal game. I'm sure they will, as they have to ~~look past this~~ get ready for the Rangers home-and-home Wednesday and Thursday.

But other than throwing their bodies around in the first ten minutes, the Islanders didn't play their game and let the Panthers force them into poor breakouts and desperate low-percentage passing. Bruno Gervais' awful turnover helped start the Cats on their way. Mark Streit's -- on the powerplay -- helped send it all the way to make it 3-1 just when the Isles had a chance to tie.

Game Sum. | Event Sum. | Recaps: nhl.com | Isles | Litter Box

Final - 12.14.2009	1	2	3	Total
Florida Panthers	1	2	4	7
New York Islanders	0	1	0	1

Complete Coverage >

The ugliest part was how they came out and gave up two goals in the first minute of the third, to make it 5-1. Add a Nathan Horton hat trick and a pull of Dwayne Roloson and I was kind of numb the rest of the way. I do recall that Jesse Joensuu got his 2nd NHL goal, after a great play by Trent Hunter. That was nice. Rob Schremp was credited with a generous assist on the play.

These blowouts will happen, particularly with below-average teams who possess a thin margin of error. Tonight, that thin margin spiraled, and you could feel them taking a pass and looking onward to the rivalry games later this week (How tired are you of that being an issue ... even if it's not in this case?). Presumably, they'll show up for those.

Philadelphia won, the Rangers made it to the shootout round, and of course the Cats got their two points to tighten up the dregs of the standings all the more.

Vent or analyze here (or continue the game thread strings), but that's about all I can say for this one at the moment. [Note: Per tradition, video highlights from nhl.com are after the jump. Amusingly, the NHL clip package for this game features just three saves and zero hits. Yeah, that's about right.]

Islanders 3, Bruins 2 (OT): Frans Nielsen is the bestest Dane in the whole wide world

Dominik — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:52:49 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

"FRANS NIELSEN IS DELICIOUS!"

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I love Frans Nielsen -- if you visit this site regularly, you've picked up on that and are ready to slap me. I love Frans for his hockey sense, for his savvy play, for how he frustrates opposing forwards despite his smallish frame, for his underrated hands, for his entertaining command of English during interviews. And for his kindly answering my pre-game request, which went like this:

I do agree with Scott Gordon that Frans Nielsen is very proficient in his defensive duties -- that cannot be argued, at this point. But even I, as a registered Frans Fanboy, want to see more offense from the Dane so that I may call him Great.

A sweet OT breakaway goal on home ice, executing his patented backhand deke: Now that's love.

Game Sum. | Event Sum. | Recaps: nhl.com | Isles official

Final - 12.12.2009	1	2	3	OT	Total
Boston Bruins	1	1	0	0	2
New York Islanders	1	1	0	1	3

Complete Coverage >

There are many more reasons to love Nielsen's game-winner that have nothing to do with my personal whims, but we'll get to those later.

More importantly, the Flyers and Rangers each lost in regulation on a night when the Islanders ended their three-game losing streak, which means the Islanders are back up in third place in the Atlantic Division. Much more to consider (and video highlights) after the jump.

Rob Schremp Hockey(TM): No longer goal-less

Like whoa man: The Jesse Joensuu-Rob Schremp-Trent Hunter line showed some spark, eh? They were on for Michael Ryder's longshot goal, but uh, that wasn't their fault :cough:Rolli:. I was really pleased with their work, pleased Joensuu and his linemates made themselves physically noticeable all night and, of course, tickled by Rob Schremp's first NHL goal ... and spread-eagle fist-pumping celebration. Kudos to them for being among several Islanders -- Jon Sim being another -- who had Zdeno Chara pissing and moaning all night long.

My God, the Defense, We're Hosed

This is not your traditional complaint about our underskilled, undersized blueline (although I must ask: When was the last time you saw Brendan Witt break up a 2-on-1 down low? Not on the Krejci goal). Andy Sutton, one of the Isles better blueliners this year, is close to coming back -- but I'll tell you I'm fearful since he's pushing to come back from a groin injury that could recur anytime this season, particularly if they continue to lean on him hard.

So of course Jack Hillen, another of their top three, goes down to a foot injury tonight after just six shifts. That he tried to come back in the second and couldn't go has me fearing the worst -- to say nothing of the very evident pain he was in when the shot hit him.

Bailey at Left Wing: Experiment A

So Josh Bailey's first appearance was indeed on Nate Thompson and Richard Park's left wing. But the bulk of his night -- 15:00 of even-strength ice time -- was spent on the wing with Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo. I thought he had a good night. He looked alive, was physical. Perhaps most importantly, he found more than 10 minutes of ice time, which isn't always the case when he's behind Tavares and Nielsen at center. We'll see how this goes.

The Moulson-Tavares-Okposo Train

Good god, Mighty Matty Mo. Another even-strength goal. That makes 12 now, for a total of 15 goals on the year. And wow, that behind-the-back pass from John Tavares to set Moulson up. And Kyle Okposo, still "struggling" to score a goal but still piling up assists: eight in his last five games, including two tonight. He was also the third forward on the ice for the OT goal.

The OT Win: A Frans Shootout Move and a Bold Gordon

That's right: With Hillen hurt, Scott Gordon "went for it" in OT and had Okposo out there paired with Mark Streit, while the forwards were Blake Comeau and Frans Nielsen. So Okposo forced a Bruins pass that Streit disrupted, a backchecking Comeau (who had a great physical game) picked it up inside the Islanders blueline, took advantage of a pinching Andrew Ference and slid a very slick pass to spring Nielsen on the breakaway, where he converted in front of his mother, visiting from Denmark to see her first live NHL game.

Upon seeing Frans take the puck in the clear, I had the same reaction Gordon did:

"When I saw the '51 (Nielsen's number),' I'm like, 'This is going in,'" he said. "He excels in that area."

You damned right. And you know why I knew it was in? Of course you do: Because we've seen that Frans move beat countless goalies, mostly in the shootout. But you know what else rocked about that goal? Just because it's a move he uses in the shootout doesn't mean it's "a shootout move." No, this was no half-speed, no-backchecker kind of horsecrap trickery that the shootout encourages. This was no lazy Sunday sweeping wide because no one else is on the ice. This was a real-deal breakaway.

Don't take my word for it -- take the word of the goalie Nielsen beat. Here's Tim Thomas:

"He was coming extremely fast, and he almost started to lose it. He ended up making a great move, considering how fast he was moving and that he was losing it. It was way faster than a shootout."

It was way more entertaining and impressive than a shootout, too. But I nearly spit up my beer when I saw Nielsen crash into the boards afterward. I would have licked it back up once I saw him roll over with a smile instead of a grimace, though.

The Negative, and One More Positive

Yeah, so after two very nicely played periods left the score 2-2, the Islanders were outshot 17-3 in the third. At home. Not good. So they were lucky to survive long enough to get to OT. And that luck was pretty much thanks to Dwayne Roloson, who looked great and in control the whole period.

So, to recap: Schremp good, JT/Moulson/KO good (of course), Sim agitating, Roloson good, Comeau good, Streit tireless, Hillen hurt. Islanders in third place. Not a bad Saturday night, eh?

P.S. The goal song: I guess the decision was made. I wasn't happy with the choices, wasn't happy with the winner, but I thought it worked alright tonight. I still maintain that the goal horn and the crowd is what I hear (and like) most. But feel free to weigh in again.

Islanders Gameday in Toronto: Let's really try to win this one, boys

Dominik — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:15:21 -0000

The Maple Leafs penalty kill, at a jaw-dropping 72.1%, remains the worst in the league by a country mile. In the last three games -- two of them convincing wins -- they've killed just 6 of 11.

The struggling Islanders powerplay potted two last night (thank you, John Tavares), but don't let that fool you: One was a 5-on-3, they also gave up a shorthanded goal -- caused by Mark Streit's ill-advised shot, which was preceded by a typical panic pass -- and they could have given up several more.

New York Islanders (11-12-7, 12th/East) at Toronto Maple Leafs (9-13-7, 14th)
7 p.m. EST | [something about air] Centre | MSG+2 (twice the plus!), radio
Rabble-Rousing Foes: Pension Plan Puppets

This isn't the only problem with that unit, but the powerplay point chemistry between Streit and Kyle Okposo just hasn't been there. I keep saying this, but they miss Doug Weight's poise. Okposo is a galloping young thing whose game at this age is suited for relentlessly winning puck battles. Weight is a more circumspect, patient veteran who can no longer rely on speed and so must turn to guile. Hopefully Brian Burke and Ron Wilson don't judge Okposo's Olympic candidacy on that out-of-position side of his game.

For the rest of the unit, at least we know Matt Moulson knows how to create traffic, and when they get the puck down low to JT, he doesn't miss.

Injuries aside, that's the most pressing concern. The Leafs, 6-2-2 in their last 10, continue to handily outshoot opponents 34 - 30.4 per game. And the Isles, 4-6-0 (has it really been 10 games since an OTL?!), continue to get outshot 33.2 - 29.5. So tonight could be a lovely shooting gallery, and even that would be a vast improvement over both last night and the last Isles-Leafs meeting, when Dwayne Roloson took 61 for the team and somehow salvaged an OT win.

But about those injuries. For some reason whenever Sean Bergenheim plays the Leafs, the offensive side of his game -- the one we used to dream about -- comes alive. PIty then that he's out of the lineup with a rib injury. Also out is Tim Jackman, the de facto enforcer. So if that whole overblown "truculence" thing ("Truculence: The Secret Ingredient to One* Cup Since 1975") comes up, the Isles will need a committee to step up and play the NHL's ritual testosterone dance. But I'm expecting more of a throw our guns at their guns affair, which should make for some entertaining hockey, fast-paced hockey. I could do without Phil Kessel and Lee Stempniak getting 20 shots between them this time. And more of the "just throw it at Vesa" approach.

*not even all that essential to that 2007 Cup either, come to think of it. But do not blaspheme our great game's mythology.

That all of course depends on who enters the lineup, too. At the moment, I assume Blake Comeau and Rob Schremp Hockey are in. But you never know whether they might pick up the Rechlicz Phone and bring "The Wrecker" up for his three minutes. He hasn't seen a lot of time in Bridgeport though, so I'd hate to see them do that when Comeau and Schremp are due.

Please Show Up for this Kind of a Big Deal Game

After handing the Flyers a free pass back to the playoff bubble, it would be nice if the Isles didn't hand the Leafs a free advance back to respectability tonight. As mentioned last night, a regulation loss to the Leafs puts them two points back of the Islanders and five points behind 8th-seeded Montreal with a game in hand. Not too shabby, considering the hole they dug in the opening weeks.

In the "Explaining Random Chance through Psychology" department, the Islanders at the end of this long road string could be looking forward to home cooking for the next month. And the Leafs could be looking past the Isles to a revenge match in Boston tomorrow night, the scene of last weekend's drubbing at the hands of the holders of their 2010 and 2011 first-round picks. That's worth mulling over if one team fails to show up tonight, but I've learned that this team consistently surprises me. One game never tells me much about the next game. It feels like the "any given Sunday" mystique that the All About Televised Football and Concussions League professes to offer.

So if the Islanders lay another egg, I won't be thinking about their mental state so much as where they're headed. In their last five games, they've had three ugly losses (New Jersey, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia) and two very sound wins (Pittsburgh, Atlanta). Play the organized, aggressive way they can, and they look good. Don't play that way, they look awful. I guess the answer is as it has been: Their margin of error is thin, their depth is paltry, so they need all cylinders firing to get points (well, except when there is a Roloson Miracle). Sounds kind of like the Leafs actually, save for the miraculous goalie part.

Tonight's Game Thread: Visitors from Leafs Nation?

There's talk over at Pension Plan Puppets of a 2nd-period "field trip" over here to our thread at Lighthouse Hockey. If you've never seen their PPP game threads, they're a lively ribald bunch of Leaf fanatics. One of the things that drew me to SBN's platform is the ability for rival teams' fans to interact without descending into anonymous message board flame wars. So obviously if their tour bus stops off here, I'd expect you to welcome them and banter like fellow hockey fans without taking any jabs too seriously. Bring the funny, the drink and the spirit. Or just take it all in and marvel at their numbers.

That's The Virtual Party, What about the Real One?

For locals, don't forget the Point Blank viewing party at SOCIAL, across from the Coliseum. If you know about it, you know by now you should RSVP at that link if you plan on going. Free buffet, $1 Bud/Bud Lights {holds nose} between 7-8 p.m., and complimentary shots after each Islanders goal. That sounds like a party I could dig -- and it sounds like a great reason for the Islanders to score a lot of goals.

Introducing Your Islanders 2010 Olympic Hockey Hopefuls: crickets

Dominik — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:30:11 -0000

More photos » by Seth Wenig - AP

As long as nothing like this happens, Mark Streit will be in Vancouver leading Team Switzerland.

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There is an exchange in the movie "Airplane!" that sort of goes like this but doesn't really go like this:

Elaine (stewardess): "Would you like something to read?"
Old Woman (not the one who later "speaks Jive"): "Do you have anything light?"
Elaine (hands over a bookmark-sized paper): "How about this leaflet, 'Famous Islanders 2010 Olympic Hopefuls'?"

(The original line is a harmless religious gag that you might not remember unless you're someone who watched that film way too often in the '80s ... someone like me.)

Because 2010 Olympic hockey rosters will start to be announced later this month, several of us hockey site managers on SB Nation are taking turns looking at our respective teams to see who's a lock, who's on the bubble, etc. for each country. Sadly, Team Denmark did not qualify for this Olympic tourney -- cutting Islanders representation by a scientifically estimated figure of 33 to 50 percent.

Fine by me. While I like to have good players, I don't mind our good players getting a big rest in February while everyone else's stars fight it out for ~~bigger endorsement deals~~ the pure patriotic pride that the completely uncommercialized Olympics has proudly represented for so long. Unfortunately, our best player at our weakest position is the most important player on his national team.

[Olympic outlook continues after the jump, after the poll...]

This Guy Right Here, He's an Olympian

Mark Streit

#2 / Defenseman / New York Islanders

Height: 6-0

Weight: 197

Born: Dec 11, 1977

Intl. Experience: "Mark Streit" is Latin for "Swiss god of hockey"

Prospects: "Lay her down and slap 'em yack 'em"

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Mark Streit	27	4	11	15	1	22	2	0	1	0	61	6.6

With all due apologies to David Aebischer, Mark Streit is the face of Swiss hockey on these shores. Be it Olympics or be it the annual World Championships -- where Streit played 10 consecutive tournaments -- Streit is a fixture. He was captain in 2006 (when Switzerland beat Canada and the Czech Republic in group play) and the captain at the World Championships last spring, when I really wish he'd been resting his banged-up body after his first NHL season as a #1 defenseman.

Streit's not only a lock this year (barring injury), he's probably a lock until he gets old and gray, sort of like Petr Stastny was for Slovakia. Why this sort of stinks? As often discussed here, the Islanders blueline is a bit of a weak point, and Streit is their best defenseman, logging the most minutes. I don't relish the thought of him coming back exhausted. Fortunately for the Islanders-centric view, his team is a long shot to make it to the medal round.

Streit might be the only Islander at the Olympics ... but maybe not.

This Guy, He's Got Work to Do, But One Day He'll Be an Olympian

Kyle Okposo

#21 / Right Wing / New York Islanders

Height: 6-1

Weight: 200

Born: Apr 16, 1988

Intl. Experience: 2008 WJC, 2009 WC

Prospects: A Brian Burke-type of player, minus the dumb penalties part. But would need to pick it up, quickly. Or, in short: "Cutter say can't hang."

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Kyle Okposo	26	5	9	14	-6	16	2	0	2	0	82	6.1

The first step for Kyle Okposo was last spring, when he formed the most consistent line for Team USA at the WC with David Backes and TJ Oshie. That line is an ideal, North American-style combo of physicality, hands and determination right there. The coach's stereotypical "Give me 18 Backeses/Okposos/Oshies and I won't have to coach" sort of deal. The second step for Okposo was being among the 34 invited to last summer's orientation camp.

But after a promising second half last year and a nice start this year, Okposo's been in a bit of a slump. He's only 100 games into his NHL career, and his scoring totals will definitely improve (particularly if he re-unites with John Tavares and Matt Moulson on the top line). But for now, his totals and play tell me he's not on pace to make the cut this year. Lots of games in December could change that projection, though. And generally when people watch an Islanders game, they notice when this Minnesotan is on the ice. That talent and love for the game could make him an Olympian one day ... if the NHL is still doing that thing in 2014 or 2018.

This Guy Has Been Shelved, But Deserves a Mention for Service

Doug Weight

#93 / Center / New York Islanders

Height: 5-11

Weight: 196

Born: Jan 21, 1971

Intl. Experience: Led the U.S. team to gold at the 1960 Olympics in Squall Valley

Prospects: Dinner is every day at 4:30 in the cafeteria. Bridge is in the lobby. In the lounge is a TV with SAP where you can watch Wapner and the Olympics in closed-caption.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Doug Weight	11	0	6	6	2	0	0	0	0	0	19	0.0

I'll just be happy if Doug Weight, whose body keeps reminding him this is a young man's game, is healthy in February. When healthy, he's a big help to the Islanders powerplay. But he's on the shelf now, likely for several more weeks, and he wasn't in the picture for this year's Olympics anyway. Of the World Cup '96ers -- man, what a wonderful week that was -- only Mike Modano was invited to last summer's orientation camp as a player. And seriously, Modano shouldn't be in Vancouver either.

Don't Call Us, We'll Call You

Sean Bergenheim

#20 / Left Wing / New York Islanders

Height: 5-10

Weight: 205

Born: Feb 08, 1984

Intl. Experience: Multiple WJCs plus 3 of the last 4 WCs

Prospects: Pretty slim, actually - but he'd fit right in if called.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Sean Bergenheim	27	4	6	10	1	14	0	1	0	0	55	7.3

Sean Bergenheim is a diligent, feisty, responsible two-way player, which is why Scott Gordon trusts him in defensive situations more than the "pure" scorers on the Islanders. Of course, that description fits a ton of Finnish players, so there's no reason Bergenheim should expect to be on the squad. He would have played at last spring's World Championships, but as with Frans Nielsen and his Mottau'd knee, the Islanders wisely talked Bergenheim out of putting his wonky groin through an intense tournament test.

Still, if a plague of injuries wiped through Finland's best players, you know Bergenheim would handle a fourth-line role like a pro.

Sticking with Bergenheim's team: Finnish goalies are as common as Texas quarterbacks and Nebraskan linemen, so no, Mikko Koskinen does not get the call, even if Miikka Kiprusoff is doing the whole prima donna thing.

Sticking with Nordic goalies: Were you like me when you saw Chris Botta's headline about Anders Nilsson being "selected to Team Sweden?" Wha-wha-what?! Oh, that Team Sweden. I always forget about the kids, so of course I was going to forget about the WJCs when it was the Olympics on my mind. Still, the fact Nilsson is in the picture for his national junior team is nothing but a positive for the Islanders' future. Oh, hey, did you hear Rick DiPietro is about to get some game action in Bridgeport?

If Only My Country Had Qualified

Frans Nielsen, the NHL's first Dane, would be there if the rest of his team was. He's a smart two-way center with some savvy puck skills -- okay, and I have a man-crush on his game -- but the fact he's one of Denmark's best hockey products tells you why Denmark won't be in Vancouver. As with Streit and Switzerland, though, players like Frans are the guys who pave the way for national team growth. And unless you're the type of Canadian who thinks the sky is falling each time the percentage of Canucks in the NHL drops, then more hockey played by more people in more countries is always a good thing. Period.

Richard Park, one of the few Korean-born players in NHL history, will not be at the Olympics. But not because South Korea won't be -- Park's actually a U.S. citizen who has represented the U.S. several times at the World Championships. But the pool of willing Olympic players is deeper than the IIHF's annual spring tournament, so the role Park normally plays will be taken by a 20-goal scorer.

Regardless, Park is also a trailblazer with a very interesting route to the NHL, and a couple of times on this site we've had at least one Asian-North American (another Nova Soctian, actually) log on just to share with us what Park's career has meant. That is always cool.

* * *

Related: Full stream of SBN's 2010 Olympic hockey previews.

Note: This is a hockey-lover's site, run as a labor of love. Which means it's hardly authoritative and not sourced by Olympic team insiders. You're not only welcome to disagree with these assessments, you're encouraged to lodge any disagreement or other thoughts in comments, whatever they may be ("Airplane!" quotes, for example).

Side question: How much do you care about Olympic hockey? I feel a bit inconvenienced by it myself. Kind of miss the amateurs and the Canada Cup/World Cup.

Poll

How many Islanders will be at the Olympics in Vancouver?

1

64 votes

2

79 votes

3

29 votes

43 (You better show your work on this one)

22 votes

194 votes | Poll has closed

Devils (a lot), Islanders (a little): And Frans Nielsen hurt, too

Dominik — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:42:08 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

"Aren't phantom 5-on-3s just the bees' knees?" >>"Yeah, they totally are."

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There's nothing to do but throw this one out. Frans Nielsen's departure (shoulder injury?) after just three shifts put the Islanders in an interesting three-plus lines mix that never quite worked out. And the Isles committed several errors while letting a 2-1 deficit turn into a blowout in a matter of minutes.

But I'll still say it: At 2-1 in the 3rd period, the NHL officiating crew did their part to advance this game toward farce, handing an absurd 1:50 5-on-3 to the Devils -- both calls were jokes -- then failing to whistle play on a Devils high stick during the ensuing attempted kill. One of the two clowns in orange armbands, Chris Rooney, also imagined that waived off Devils "goal" in the 2nd period. Nice work, if you can get it.

Game Sum. | Event Sum. | Recaps: nhl.com | Isles | ILWT

Final - 11.28.2009	1	2	3	Total
New York Islanders	1	0	0	1
New Jersey Devils	0	2	4	6

Complete Coverage >

That officiating joke wasn't the story of the game by any means. But I save my rants about officiating for when a game was a win or a blowout anyway -- note that the Islanders whiffed on four PP opportunities, managing only two shots. When it's clear that blame for a loss does not fall on the hands of those who, uh, "manage" the game, I can get this off my chest:

I'm tired of seeing weak, 90-second-plus 5-on-3s handed to Islanders' opponents game after game after game. Today's was the worst of them all. This team gets no benefit of the doubt (nor its own lengthy 5-on-3 PPs, for that matter), and that is crystallized in Richard Park somehow being whistled for "2 minutes, defending" 11 seconds into that pivotal penalty kill. The "new NHL" rule enforcement -- something I heartily support -- still creates an ambiguous standard when a team is already short. Somehow, the Islanders consistently fall on the wrong side of that ever-shifting standard.

What followed barely needs recounting: Brendan Witt's stick was broken by a shot, leaving the Isles doing a 2.5-on-5. The Devils settled a rebound with a high stick yet play continued without interruption. Finally, Patrik Elias converted the 5-on-3 -- the first time a team has converted a two-man advantage against the Isles all season. After that, instant carnage.

The Islanders shouldn't have been caught pitying themselves in the ensuing frenzy when the Devils tacked on two more goals in the next 2:02. But I understand. Sometimes you just wonder what you have to do to get on the right side of one of the NHL's many nebulous standards.

Biron: Strong in Allowing ... Six Goals?

The biggest pity is that the 6-1 final score doesn't reflect how well Martin Biron played initially to keep the Isles within striking distance heading into the third. There were controlling moments for each side in the first two periods, but by the second intermission the Devils had a 26-19 shot advantage. By the end of the game, that was 42-23.

I mentioned before the game how Dwayne Roloson has received far more goal support than Biron, and today was no different. And after the 5-on-3 goal, pretty much the whole team collapsed and Biron was done saving their bacon.

Replacing Frans

With Nielsen out, the lines juggled a bit. Trent Hunter (20:00) and Richard Park (17:49) each had four shots on goal. John Tavares (22:40) and Kyle Okposo (17:44) had three apiece. ~~Thanks to the two goals against in one minute in the third~~, those two plus Matt Moulson, Mark Streit and Jack Hillen were all minus-2 on the day. Carnage. [EDIT: Thanks to eagle-eye commenter BenHasna, who pointed out that the top line was not still on the ice for the fourth goal -- the fourth line had just come on instead. That affects the +/- on the day; will be interesting to see if the league changes it.

Power Play: Looking Ever Weaker without Weight

Again, the Islanders were handed their chances: Four powerplays, eight minutes ... two shots. In fact, they were outshot by the Devils in those situations, as the Devils put up three shots while shorthanded. The Isles powerplay has now fallen to 17.2%, ranking 24th in the league.

It's amazing how much Weight calms things down when he's on the powerplay point opposite Mark Streit. Kyle Okposo is much more of a "play with urgency" style of player, so he doesn't bring the same sense there. I'd like to see more of Jack Hillen in that role, actually. Of course, I'd like to see more of Jack Hillen anywhere, except for the penalty box, where he's been appearing regularly lately.

Speaking of Young Defensemen...

Andrew MacDonald: Plus-1 today, and still hasn't been on the ice for a 5-on-5 goal against. Yep, not even in today's 6-1, four-EV-goal-against trouncing. Interesting.

On the Bright Side?

At WebBard's prompting ... This is the Islanders' sixth loss by three or more goals this year. Four of those have been exactly three-goal margins. At this stage last year ... they'd actually lost only four by three or more (with two ugly blowouts). Difference? Last year, they were 10-15-2 for 22 points and in the middle of a 10-game winless streak that was about to include a 9-2 disaster in Pittsburgh. Today they're 10-10-7 for 27 points. That's progress ... I think.

Looked at another way, including the OTLs, 11 of their "losses" have been one-goal games. Last year they'd only had three one-goal losses at this point.

They've been healthier this year (though now add Frans Nielsen and Andy Sutton -- MRI on his groin -- to the infirmary), they appear to execute Scott Gordon's scheme better, and they don't as often have the meltdowns that they had today once the game was sealed. Overall, each game is more competitive, which is why the Islanders keep dancing around either side of the NHL's version of a quasi-.500 record.

That's progress ... I think.

Next Up: Atlanta

As Pepe Le Pew's intended would say: "Le pant, le pant." Whew, we actually have a few "off days," as the Isles don't resume play until Thursday in Atlanta. Which means I gotta get back out of "gameday, game recap" mode and come up with some new things to say. Wish me luck...

Islanders Matinee: Shout at the Devils

Dominik — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:00:13 -0000

If the Islanders have to play back-to-back afternoon games, at least today's opponent has to do the same. The Devils withstood a shot-heavy day (37-33, video and insight at ILWT) in Boston yesterday to tie 1-1 and win the shootout.

The Isles, meanwhile, gave the kind of 60-minute effort we've been pining for, impressing home fans (and even bringing some fas back after years of tested faith).

New York Islanders (10-9-7, t-3rd/Atl) at New Jersey Devils (16-6-1, 2nd/Atl)

1 p.m. EST | [a rocky non-Scout place] Center | MSG, MSG+, radio

Lamorell-atanic Verses: In Lou We Trust

Andrew MacDonald was called back up last night. We haven't seen enough of him, but I wouldn't call you crazy if you thought the Islanders' top four blueliners were in order: Mark Streit, Jack Hillen, Andy Sutton and MacDonald. But Sutton left yesterday's third period with a groin injury, so take him out. No big hip checks today.

Not that the Devils will shed a tear. They've been banged up all year, which is why our spring romance Dean McAmmond is up with them. Jay Pandolfo, Rob Niedermayer, Danius Zubrus, Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya are all still out. If the Islanders had that kind of talent on the shelf, well, they'd be in one miserable state. The Devils? They're 16-6-1.

A little food for thought on Islanders goalies and goal songs after the jump...

Goaltender Gazing

In 15 games, at 5-on-5 the Islanders have scored 34 goals for Dwayne Roloson, while giving up 33. For Martin Biron's 12 games, that figure is 11 5-on-5 goals for, 19 goals allowed. Shorthanded, per 60 minutes of 4-on-5 (PK) time, Biron is giving up about 10.4 goals. Roloson is giving up less than half that.

Their GAAs (Roloson: 2.80; Biron: 2.78) and save percentages (.916 vs. .913) are very similar, but their win-loss records (8-2-5 vs. 2-7-2) are quite different. The above differences may be part of the reason: The Islanders are giving Roloson more goal support, and their penalty killing unit (of which, granted, the goalie is the most important part) has been weaker for Biron. Just some food for thought to keep in mind while watching today's game.

Coach Gazing

Because I love watching coaches have to translate post-game for the media -- whether they're as engaging as Pat Quinn or as reserved as Scott Gordon. Here's Gordon, considerably less agitated than he was after the sleepy third period vs. the Flyers:

Goal Song: The Topic That Never Dies

They're holding a vote on the official site for a new (or the same) goal song. I am on record as saying I've never lacked for direction after a goal is scored: I cheer and clap my head off and don't even notice what sheep-guiding song is supposed to lead us to do whatever it is they want us to do whenever it is they want us to do it. I prefer organic celebration to spoon-fed singalong.

But if it's a singalong they're after, that "Bro Hymn" song sure sounds filled with "heys" and what-not. If it's my bias they're after, that Zombie Nation "Kernkraft 400" song has a place in my heart: The first time I heard it was in 1999 at an outdoor rally in Munich for their soccer team Bayern Munchen. The players came out in the town square wearing liederhosen. (Of course!)

Strangely, a few years later this song was popping up on the American sports scene, and I had the out-of-body experience of realizing that a European soccer celebration with pro athletes wearing liederhosen was, somehow, ahead of its time.

And you? Since Gary Glitter isn't an option, what's your preference for the goal song? You can also choose "just a little organ and a whole lot of crowd yellin'" if you want.

Prediction: Not many goals are scored today. The goal song vote -- which ends Dec. 4 -- satisfies no one.

Note: I'm not certain I'll put up a separate in-game thread today, so if this is the last post at game time, then just consider this your thread for random in-game observations and tomfoolery.

Game 24 Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders - 11/28/2009

John Fischer — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:00:14 -0000

by Mary Schwalm - AP

Jamie Langenbrunner has the puck and he's going forward with it. This is exactly what the Devils must do more of against the Islanders than what they did against the Boston Bruins. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

View full size photo »

The Time: 1 PM EST

The Broadcasting Info: MSG on the TV; 660 AM WFAN on the radio

The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (16-6-1) vs. the New York Islanders (10-9-7)

The Last Devils Game: The Devils held steady and Martin Brodeur was massive as the Boston Bruins eventually dominated possession. The Devils eventually held on and was successful in the shootout. I recapped the game here.

The Last Islanders Game: The Islanders played all 60 minutes against Pittsburgh and came away with the win. More impressively was that they did it by making a two goal comeback and, get this, not sitting back with the lead. Dominik at Lighthouse Hockey was impressed with the performance.

The Last Devils-Islanders Game: The Devils were hot and getting the job done with one-goal margins of victory. That night at the Rock, long shots by Cory Murphy and Brian Rolston eventually prevailed and Yann Danis was solid in a 2-1 victory. The game was also Patrik Elias' first game this season. I recapped the game earlier this month.

The Goal: Possession. The Devils just played a game where the opposition dominated in possession and it showed. Sure, the Devils outshot the Boston Bruins, but the B's had better scoring chances and owned the third period as a result. The Devils were fortunate to escape Boston with one point, much less two thanks to Martin Brodeur being a legendary goaltender. The Islanders will be feeling confident at the Rock this afternoon. They came from behind against Pittsburgh by playing a full game. Sure, they could be tired; but with the top two lines and the top four defensemen on New Jersey all playing heavy minutes against Boston, I'm more concerned with fatigue hurting New Jersey. Chasing the Islanders for the puck all game long would be asking for trouble. Maintaining possession would allow the Devils to control the tempo that best benefits them and force the Islanders to expend more energy. Therefore, I think possession is the key.

Against the Bruins, David Clarkson blocked a Zdeno Chara with his right ankle and had to leave the game. Jacques Lemaire has already said the injury doesn't look good and Gulitti's speculating that it could be a broken ankle. Even if it's just a bruise and is very minor, I highly doubt Clarkson will play today.

I would keep checking with Gulitti and Chere prior to today's game to see if there are any emergency call ups from Lowell. If so, I would suspect it would be current Lowell leading scorer Vladimir Zharkov. He has 6 goals and 14 assists in 22 games with Lowell and plays right wing like Clarkson. If not, then expect Tyler Eckford to play right wing again.

I'm honestly concerned with the Devils' fatigue, as mentioned prior to the jump. Here's a list of players who played over 20 minutes against Boston on Friday.

Andy Greene (27:59), Mike Mottau (26:52), Zach Parise (24:15), Colin White (24:00), Jamie Langenbrunner (23:47), Brian Rolston (22:45), Bryce Salvador (22:28), Patrik Elias (21:56), Travis Zajac (21:56)

I know the game was 65 minutes long, but that's still significant time played and by the third period tomorrow, I would be concerned about their fatigue. Should the Islanders utilize their speed, this will be a problem. Nonetheless, here is my guess as of Friday evening for Saturday's lineup. Of course, I suspect I'll be wrong on the goaltender - per Gulitti on Friday evening, no decision has been made yet - and on who will step in for Clarkson for at least the Islanders' game.

Zach Parise - Travis Zajac - Niclas Bergfors
Brian Rolston - Patrik Elias - Jamie Langenbrunner
Dean McAmmond - Tim Sestito - Matt Halischuk
Andrew Peters - Rod Pelley - Tyler Eckford

Andy Greene - Bryce Salvador
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Mark Fraser - Matthew Corrente

Yann Danis
Martin Brodeur

I think the Devils will wait to get further confirmation on the extent Clarkson's injury before calling anyone up from Lowell. Since the game is at 1 PM, they'll likely get the bad news tomorrow morning and perhaps with too little time for anyone from Lowell to make it back to New Jersey. As for goaltender, I'm guessing Danis will get the start given that Brodeur was very busy against Boston and Lemaire has given the backup a chance in a back-to-back set. Besides, Danis has beaten the Islanders at the Rock earlier this month, he'll know what to expect from the Islanders.

Still, based on my guess at the lineup, expect another second straight day of heavy workload for the top two forward lines and the top four defensemen.

Speaking of the Islanders, I was fortunate to ask Dominik of Lighthouse Hockey some questions about how the Islanders have been playing. The team may be at the bottom of the Atlantic, but they've been grinding out points and are now outright winning games. They are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games and are definitely not pushovers.

Question #1. John Tavares has certainly exceeded my expectations. I thought he'd struggle but he's leading rookies in scoring as well as the Islander offense. How impressed have you been with Tavares so far?

Dominik: Very impressed. He's logging first-line center minutes while putting up points and not being a defensive liability. Each game he's showing that he continues to learn what can and can't work at the NHL level. Plus, of course his level head and commitment to improving as a hockey player is already pretty widely known. He has been absolutely as billed.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - John Tavares	25	9	11	20	-1	4	4	0	0	0	69	13.0

Question #2. On the flipside of impressive, before Wednesday's and Friday's games, the Islanders have a 5-4-7 record in one goal games. Is this coincidence? If not, what do you think the Islanders have to do to avoid being on the wrong side of a close game?

Dominik: Honestly, four of those seven are shootouts, so I consider those one-goal games the same way I consider fantasy hockey to be watching NHL hockey. Ultimately, I read their high number of one-goal games and OT games as a reflection of them being competitive in almost every game this season. They have a problem protecting third-period leads, but with their shallow depth, I'm impressed simply by them having the lead in so many games to begin with. This will get better as they continue to accumulate better players.

Question #3. Despite allowing 33.3 shots against per game on average, the Islanders lead the league in recorded total blocked shots (458) and takeaways (283). Do the official scorers just love the Islanders, or are the defensemen and backcheckers encouraged to get in front or shots and take pucks back instead of preventing shots?

Dominik: Again, their lack of depth means they have to compensate with hard work, including with blocked shots, relentless backchecking, and by not taking periods off. They have to keep pressing for pretty much the whole game, because they don't have the margin of error that deeper teams have. (Except, of course, the 61-shot debacle they miraculously won over the Leafs in OT.)

Question #4. Mark Streit is the Islanders' #1 defenseman. The stats back this up, leading the blueline in points and in average time on ice (25:33). What I want to know is who is the second best defenseman on the Islanders?

Dominik: It changes by the day, but right now and for the last two weeks Jack Hillen is by far their #2. He can rush the puck, he can get back quickly after pinching in, and though he's undersized he's showing he can handle his own defensively. As of Friday, he also leads the team with a plus-8.

Question #5. Lastly, do you have a prediction for this afternoon game?

Dominik: A low-scoring Lemaire game? The Islanders have had some trouble finishing lately, and I don't expect that will change against the Devils. Lemaire strikes me as the perfect coach to frustrate Gordon's aggressive forecheck -- at least until Gordon has more, better players with which to deploy it. With both teams coming off an afternoon game yesterday, who knows who will wear down first? The Islanders take more penalties on the road (and draw more, too), so at minimum I predict a lot of powerplays.

Big thanks to Dominik of Lighthouse Hockey for his answers. And there you have it. Further reason to believe that the Islanders are not an easy two points. Further reason to believe that John Tavares is some kind of special player. And as a bonus, Dominik offers an opportunity for the Devils - power plays. The Devils didn't get it done in Boston with their man advantages: Zajac came as close as you can get with an opening as wide open as you can get but didn't get the shot off and Rolston ended one prematurely with a "slash." If the Devils do a better job of maintaining possession and use it in going forward, then I don't see why they can't be drawing calls in their favor - leading to those all important opportunities. Possession will be the key to getting those calls, if not getting chances to begin with.

Steve will set up the GameThread but both of us will be at the game. So I invite you to comment, but do keep everything clean and relevant to the game. I also invite you to comment here prior to said GameThread about this game. Due to time circumstances, the recap might be up a little later in the evening after the game; but one will be done on Saturday. Regardless, thanks for reading. Go Devils!

Turkey Day: Pens blow a third period lead in Long Island

Hooks Orpik — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:42:59 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Kmonicek - AP

The kid over Brent Johnson's left shoulder is really excited about this goal by Josh Bailey.

Browse more photos »

Penguins vs Islanders coverage - Penguins vs Islanders recap - Penguins vs Islanders boxscore - SB Nation blog Lighthouse Hockey

The Pittsburgh Penguins trudged through a game against a feisty divisional opponent in the New York Islanders who had no problem sending the Pens away with no points (or turkey) in a day-after-Thanksgiving matinee.

The Pens were outshot 37-21 over the course of the game, and didn't seem to generate a lot of chances.

Scoring was opened in the first period by the Islanders when Josh Bailey scored his seventh goal of the season when he found a Mark Streit rebound and put it by Brent Johnson. Pittsburgh would get an equalizer before intermission when Evgeni Malkin swooped in the offensive zone and, from an angle almost AT the goal line, whipped a backhander that somehow found a hole in Dwayne Roloson's defense.

Pittsburgh would stake a claim to their only lead in the second period when Jordan Staal put a shot on goal that Roloson saved but the rebounded kicked right out to Matt Cooke who slammed it home for a 2-1 Penguin lead.

The Pens had a nasty third period -- credit the Islanders for playing well and taking over the game, but it wasn't pretty from the Pittsburgh perspective. Just 1:24 into the final period, Sean Bergenheim took a heavy wrist shot that caught Johnson too deep in his crease to tie the game. NYI would buzz the whole period, outshooting the Pens 18-5 in the 3rd, and John Tavares got his first career game winner from right in front when he found Freddy Meyer's rebound.

The game seemed to turn in the middle of the second period when the Penguins had an extended 5 on 3 power-play, one infraction was a double minor so they had plenty of time with the advantage. The stagnant PP couldn't make much happen and the Islanders seemed to rally and draw a lot of strength from that point on.
Good on Jordan Staal for his fight against Nate Thompson (it's the thought that counts) two minutes into the third period. Thompson boarded Pens defenseman Martin Skoula in an awkward and ugly looking hit. Staal was the closest player to it and stood up for his teammate. Was it worth the instigator penalty he was assessed and basically took him out of the game? In the big scheme of things, I think it was.
Dwayne Roloson was really good, several big time saves. And while Johnson was the busier of the goalies, he didn't look as poised or as solid as "Roly the Goalie" was on this afternoon. It's tough to blame the goalie too much, but I think Johnny would have liked to have the game-tying goal back.
A giveaway, a hit and no shots on goal in 9:15 of ice-time for Chris Bourque. Ray's kid only mustered a single shift of ice-time in the third period. As the Pens inch closer towards health the opportunities for him to create a niche for himself are running out.
Max Talbot ended up as a -2 on this game and is a -4 in his first five games of the season. Granted it's tough working yourself back into the swing of things when the other guys have been at it for two months, and even tougher when you're on the first line, but how much longer should this be the case?
Freddy Meyer ended up on the game with two assists, a +2, 4 hits and a takeaway. I took note of several good plays he made on Malkin. He was impressive today for the Isles.
In addition to the 37 shots on goal, New York also had 36 more that the Pens blocked or that missed the net. Pittsburgh only had 48 total shot attempts, so that NYI had 73 really demonstrates how much they had the puck (and were firing it). So congrats to them on the effort.

The early start of the game doubtlessly through off the normal rhythm and routines for the players today. More than a turkey hangover, that's the reason Pittsburgh didn't much look like themselves, though they certainly did look like maybe they imbibed too much at a holiday feast. There's little time to recover, as they'll travel back to Pittsburgh to face another division opponent, when the Rangers come to town for a Saturday night showdown.

Habs vs Former Habs at the Quarter Point

Robert L — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:24 -0000

I haven't taken a look at this since the 10 game mark (October 27), but it seems that the former Habs players are now gaining a slight edge on their current counterparts.

At the quarter season point, it is still too soon to draw much of a conclusion, especially considering how unstable the Canadiens' lineup is these days

Most of the players on both sides have kept up their early season pace going, with exceptions being Tanguay, Lang and Koivu, who have picked it up for the former Habs and Marc-Andre Bergeron, who now leads all Canadiens' D in scoring. Tailing off somewhat, are the Bruins' Michael Ryder and Steve Begin.

Most notable among these statistics may just be the save percentages - added to this list for the first time here. I chose to include them for obvious reasons, that being the Canadiens duos numbers as compared to the former netminders now tending goal for stronger clubs.

The Habs much maligned duo of Halak and Price take a beating a little too often, but as it appears here, they could just as well be the team's saving grace.

*Players below are ranking by points and not in comparison.

Jaroslav Halak 8-5-3-0 2.62-9.04 / Jose Theodore 13-5-3-4 3.24-8.83 (Capitals)

Carey Price 13-5-8-0 2.99-9.06 / Cristobal Huet 15-9-4-1 2.25-9.02 (Blackhawks)

Marc-Andre Bergeron 14-3-4-7 / 21-4-7-11 Mark Streit (Islanders)

Roman Hamrlik 20-4-2-6 / 19-0-8-8 Craig Rivet (Sabres)

Jaroslav Spacek 21-1-5-6 / 19-2-5-7 Francois Beauchemin (Maple Leafs)

Paul Mara 21-0-6-6 / 15-2-4-6 Ron Hainsey (Thrashers)

Josh Gorges 11-1-1-2 / 6-0-2-2 Sheldon Souray (Oilers)

Hal Gill 14-1-0-1 / 16-0-0-0 Mike Komisarek (Maple Leafs)

Totals - Defense　

Habs: Total GP: 101 / Goals: 10 /Assists: 18 / Points: 28

Former Habs: Total GP: 96 / Goals: 8 / Assists: 26 / Points: 34

Tomas Plekanec 21-4-15-19 / 20-6-10-16 Mike Ribeiro (Stars)

Mike Cammalleri 21-8-8-16 / 19-3-9-12 Mikhail Grabovski (Maple Leafs)

Brian Gionta 19-8-5-13 / 18-4-8-12 Alex Tanguay (Lightning)

Scott Gomez 21-2-9-11 / 20-5-6-11 Robert Lang (Coyotes)

Glen Metropolit 15-4-6-10 / 18-4-6-10 Alex Kovalev (Senators)

Travis Moen 21-4-3-7 / 20-2-7-9 Steve Begin (Bruins)

Andrei Kostitsyn 21-2-4-6 / 15-2-6-8 Saku Koivu (Ducks)

Maxim Lapierre 21-1-4-5 / 20-4-3-7 Michael Ryder (Bruins)

Max Pacioretty 21-2-2-4 / 20-2-5-7 Sergei Samsonov (Hurricanes)

Guillaume Latendresse 21-2-1-3 / 14-3-2-5 Arron Asham (Flyers)

Georges Laraque 8-0-1-1 / 20-2-3-5 Christopher Higgins (Rangers)

Matt D'Agostini 11-1-0-1 / 20-1-0-1 Tom Kostopoulos (Hurricanes)

Totals - Forwards　

Habs: Total GP: 221 / Goals: 38 /Assists: 58 / Points: 96

Former Habs: Total GP: 224 / Goals: 38 / Assists: 64 / Points: 102

Totals - Team

Habs: Total GP: 322 / Goals: 48 /Assists: 76 / Points: 124

Former Habs: Total GP: 320 / Goals: 46 / Assists: 90 / Points: 136

Incidentally, I'm not much of a video gamer when it comes to such things as NHL 2010 or EA Sports and stuff. (I used to joke that X-Box sounded like a former girlfriend!) A reader of this site has been looking into aligning the teams above against one another for a series of games. That sounded like an interesting offer, and I took him up on it. Once the results come forth, you'll read about it here.

Time To Reward Inspirational Plekanec

Robert L — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:11:22 -0000

Watching the Habs pull one off against the Coyotes last night, I felt an odd twinge of interest I had not felt so far this season.

It wasn't because the Canadiens were ahead in this game, or because Carey Price seemed to be on top of things, it was because I felt I finally had a new favorite player on the team.

I know this feeling and remember it well because I start to feel excitement at every shift. It's like, "Oh good, he's on the ice!", or even, "I think he's coming on next, what's gonna happen now?"

I enjoy that feeling tremendously and I've felt it building for a few games now. The good news about that is that it is making me feel like the fan I want to feel like again.

The player, my new fave, is Tomas Plekanec.

I know what some of you will be thinking. Last year I was a little rough on him. Then again, he was rough on himself. Nodoby's kidding anyone when saying his off year was really a downer.

Now, I'm starting to realize that maybe I was simply critiquing Plekanec as much as I was bemoaning the fact that he'd become a shadow of himself.

It hurt to watch him go at times last season, and his wounds (if he had any) could almost be felt by his fans as he sunk.

Coming into this season, Bob Gainey awarded him a hefty contract increase at a time when many felt he might even be expendable. There was serious concern that he might not rebound from that woeful campaign.

It did not take long this season to erase those concerns. Plekanec has been more than his old self, dutifully going about reinstating all that he has been as a player through his Canadiens career, but he actually seems to have taken on more responsability. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why I see this, but he seems to me to be a player that plays for his teammates.

Against Phoenix last night, he was simply awesome. He did it all, setting up three goals with great passes and inspriring his troops to victory. The manner in which he found the open mates at precisely the right moment was not instinct nor luck - he was simply tuned in.

It was beautiful to watch in fact.

How good has Plekanec been?

He leads team in assists despite not having regular line mates. When it is mentioned that the team lacks secondary scoring, it's hardly Pleks' fault, he's set just about everyone thus far. Despite inconsistent linemates, he's been the team's most consistent element.

From everyone bemoaning his play last season, as well as his new contract, to today, great leaps have been made by the player. He knew he had a bad season and has gone about seeing that it does not reoccur.

In his "About Last Night..." column, Mike Boone rightfully pointed out what needs to be done in regards to Plekanec. Boone was succinct:　

Far be it from me to tell Bob Gainey how to do his job.But I swear to God, if the Canadiens general manager lets Tomas Plekanec go the way of Sheldon Souray and Mark Streit, I'm becoming a curling blogger.

Has Pleks, with a succession of linemates, played a bad shift since the season began?

Not that I can remember.

Three assists last night – and 200 points in his career. Excellent on the power play and shorthanded.....I know: Team policy is no negotiating during the season. That policy was fine when there was no free agency, Bob. There were no player agents (any Tweets about Carey Price tonight, Walsh?), and the Canadiens' had Flying Frenchmen who flew for $25,000 a season....Sign him, Bob. Three to five years, for decent bread. Maybe the fiddles and pedal steels, twanging dobros and heartbreaking ballads (of Nashville) ....will persuade Bob not to take any chances on losing a guy who no longer plays like a girl.

The new contract Boone proposes, was on my mind and then some last night.

I think Plekanec should also be the team's next captain.

His attributes are many...

He's a two way player, who is used on all units.

He needs no one to take him to task when his effort wanes, he recognizes it.

He quietly leads by example and will surely be no cause of any drama.

He's the second longest tenured player in the organization now, after Andrei Markov.

By all appearance, he deals well with the media, the fans and teammates.

I'll go on a wicked stretch here, but he has Beliveau-like qualities.

There are no shenanigans with Pleks. He'll never be confused with a prime donna.

The look on his face on ice is always of serious. His glare says he has a job to do.

No rumours, no discontent, no whining. Other than a sub par season inwhich he was constantly the subject of rumours, his consistency has been without reproach.

As a player who has come up in the organization, from the minors to the big clubs, he's earned and taken every step. That's key in a leader, especially on this team and at this particular time.

The Canadiens have some interesting new players, but if one were to be named the captain, it can present a problem. Younger kids are being called up constantly it seems. Upon arrival in Montreal, they may ask something along the lines of, "How do things work with these Montreal Canadiens?", to which a newcomer could honestly say, "Dunno, just got here kid!"

Plekanec can say, "Listen rook, I came up the same way you did through this organization. This has been the way in which they have done things for some time now. Take it easy on yourself and have patience. This organization offers opportunity, recognizes effort and rewards and recalls contribution. Relax and enjoy the ride."

Tomas Plekanec has never been an assistant captain.

For that matter neither was Jean Beliveau.

A new contract extension and a letter. It couldn't happen to a more deserving player, one who plays for his teammates.

SB Nation - Mark Streit

Panthers 7, Islanders 1: Here, have a breakaway, I insist

Islanders 3, Bruins 2 (OT): Frans Nielsen is the bestest Dane in the whole wide world

Rob Schremp Hockey(TM): No longer goal-less

My God, the Defense, We're Hosed

Bailey at Left Wing: Experiment A

The Moulson-Tavares-Okposo Train

The OT Win: A Frans Shootout Move and a Bold Gordon

The Negative, and One More Positive

Islanders Gameday in Toronto: Let's really try to win this one, boys

Please Show Up for this Kind of a Big Deal Game

Tonight's Game Thread: Visitors from Leafs Nation?

That's The Virtual Party, What about the Real One?

Introducing Your Islanders 2010 Olympic Hockey Hopefuls: *crickets*

This Guy Right Here, He's an Olympian

Mark Streit

#2 / Defenseman / New York Islanders

This Guy, He's Got Work to Do, But One Day He'll Be an Olympian

Kyle Okposo

#21 / Right Wing / New York Islanders

This Guy Has Been Shelved, But Deserves a Mention for Service

Doug Weight

#93 / Center / New York Islanders

Don't Call Us, We'll Call You

Sean Bergenheim

#20 / Left Wing / New York Islanders

If Only My Country Had Qualified

How many Islanders will be at the Olympics in Vancouver?

1

2

3

43 (You better show your work on this one)

Devils (a lot), Islanders (a little): And Frans Nielsen hurt, too

Biron: Strong in Allowing ... Six Goals?

Replacing Frans

Power Play: Looking Ever Weaker without Weight

Speaking of Young Defensemen...

On the Bright Side?

Next Up: Atlanta

Islanders Matinee: Shout at the Devils

Goaltender Gazing

Coach Gazing

Goal Song: The Topic That Never Dies

Game 24 Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders - 11/28/2009

Turkey Day: Pens blow a third period lead in Long Island

Habs vs Former Habs at the Quarter Point

Time To Reward Inspirational Plekanec

Introducing Your Islanders 2010 Olympic Hockey Hopefuls: crickets