Goaltender Rick DiPietro was on the shelf, and the Islanders had lost three straight, including back-to-back games to Eastern Conference powers Buffalo and Ottawa by a combined 11-6 margin to fall to 11th with a week left in the regular season. They were down to third-stringer Wade Dubielewicz in goal, and except for the 42 saves he made against the Senators, Isles coach Ted Nolan said everyone else “mailed it in.”
If ever there was a dead team walking, it was the Islanders. The idea that they could beat the Rangers, Toronto, Philadelphia and the Devils and get the help they needed to pass three teams to get the eighth playoff berth was preposterous. Shaking his head over what the Islanders accomplished with their 3-2 shootout win Sunday in New Jersey to reach the playoffs against Buffalo, Jason Blake recalled the feeling a week ago.
“I just think it was the lack of effort,” Blake said of the bitter taste after losing the way the Islanders did to the Senators. “When you’re competing for a playoff spot, the way we basically got manhandled by Ottawa was disappointing, and the effort was disappointing. It was a wakeup call. Either we start playing good hockey, or we’re not going to make the playoffs. We stuck together, and here we are facing Buffalo.”
On the Sunday after that Ottawa loss, Nolan called a team meeting that lasted exactly 11 minutes to reflect on the situation the Islanders were in after 78 games. “We sat down and decided we’ve got to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and start working and you never know what happens,” Nolan said.
“The next [game], we had a great game. There’s no better antidote than playing the Rangers. That got our emotion back. Dubielewicz had a great game, and then, we played the Leafs. That’s got to get you going again. So, we were pretty lucky to play the people we played when we played them and with the meaningfulness of the games.”
When Dubielewicz won the shootout against the Rangers by stopping the likes of Michael Nylander, Brendan Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr, it restored some belief in the locker room. The Islanders already had regained a measure of their former identity by playing a physical defensive game with a strong forecheck against the Rangers, and they continued to embrace the style that had been so successful earlier.
“It’s the character of our hockey team,” Blake said. “With four games left, we knew where we were at in the standings, and we knew what we had to do. We needed some help, and Teddy stressed for us to go out and play hard. We did it, and it feels great.”
No one on the Islanders has forgotten the contribution backup goaltender Mike Dunham made early in the season and at a couple of other critical junctures before things went wrong for him and the team defense after the first of DiPietro’s two concussions. The loss of DiPietro clearly underlined his MVP status and how he cleaned up a lot of mistakes in front of him.
But when you get right down to it, the Islanders know they couldn’t have saved their season without “Dubie.” His play was nothing short of inspirational, which is why he was named the NHL’s No. 1 star for the past week.
“I do have to say the big part is Wade Dubielewicz the last four games,” Blake said. “He’s the reason. Ricky and Dunny all year, but he’s one of the big reasons. He did the shootout against the Rangers, did the shootout against the Devils. These guys are world-class players. But Dubie played unbelievable. He should be very proud of himself and what he’s done. It’s great. We’re fortunate to be in the playoffs, and I think after the last four games, we deserve to be here.”
NEWSDAY PREVIEW: For the latest on DiPietro’s status, the full story is coming in tomorrow’s Newsday. Although his two concussions nearly derailed the Islanders playoff hopes, his determination to return from the first concussion when he probably should have been sitting out longer, in hindsight, actually made a playoff berth possible. The Isles got six of eight points in the last four games DP played and beat out Toronto for eighth by a point in the end…Forward Richard Zednik, who has been home in Slovakia the past two weeks because of a serious family illness, is expected to return for the playoffs. His availability will be determined by his conditioning. Noted as a clutch performer in the playoffs, Zednik’s presence might get the fourth line, which produced Richard Park’s three goals in the past two games, even more involved.
Comments (140)
Dubie is the difference between 8th and 9th place, for sure. Many of us wanted him in goal 2 games earlier than Nolan did. I hope DP sits and watches until he's 110% better. Zednick needs to get conditioned. Gervais will be nice to see again finally!! Let's go ISLANDERS!!!
From NYI "Press Notes" :
A sneak peek at an FSN broadcast schedule shows the following: Game 1 on FSN 2, Game 2 on MSG Network, Games 3 and 4 at the Coliseum on FSN.
good to see zednik will be back. he adds speed to the team which is desparately needed vs buffalo
start hitting the bike Zeddy!
now if only we could get a witch doctor to magically heal martinek and whip him into game shape by thursday!
WHY NOT US?
Ok.... I am not so sure that Zednick is ready for this... what exactly did he show us fans during the 3 weeks that he was with the team? I am sure the coaching staff will do the right thing... and maybe they see things completely different... but Zed looked soft...
I can only hope that Gervais is healthy and maybe... just maybe Martinek can be somehow be ready to play later in the series... has anybody heard anything about Martinek?
Dubie, Dubie, Doo! Lookin' for you, Dubie, Dubie, Doo how are ya. Islanders are here in the playoffs, Couldn't be here without ya... Dubie, Dubie, Doo, Dubie, Dubie, Doo...
(Sung to the tune of the "Scooby Doo" theme song)
its been said over and over again that martinek is out for the season for sure. besides, it would take him a while to get back to game shape and back up to speed.
I know I know... (about Martinek) but wishful thinking never hurt.
far and away this is the first place i check for islanders news..and no wonder there are rags fans blogging here NOBODY is reading the Rags blogs...oh wait my bad most rags fans cant read or rite (for you messier lovers)
Its good this team has all these days off... but its killing me as a fan. I don't know about you fellas... but I have a completely different feel for this team compared to the last few #8 seeds over the years. It doesn't feel like a 8-1 matchup. Dubie has been great, but needs to keep it going. He hasn't really let up any weak goals, and now is not the time to start.
One more thing to remember... yashin has been at his worst throughout his career in the playoffs. He needs to step it up and put all the critics to rest (till next year).
Man... I love this freaking team!!!!!!!!!
same here themass. but i for one a glad to have a few days to rest, the past few weeks knocked me on my ass. but yeah, cant wait to get it going!
Greg- THANK YOU. We ask questions, and you get the answered in the next blog. I think skeletor messier speaks for most of us- we come here for the news!
I think Zednick can jump right in. He obviously heard the news back home, and he's got a few days to ride the bike, if he hasn't been doing so already. First few shifts he'll be winded, but the adrenaline will carry him through the game, and he'll be 85% by Game 2- good enough to play 4th line minutes effectively.
Oh MAN I can't wait!!!!
WHY NOT US? BELIEVE!
Zednick coming back will be good for the forth-line. He will add a bit more p-off experience and speed. Tambo was ok, but I don't think we'll miss him. You never know his # may be called at some time, but I think Zednick is a must.
As for DP; unless he is %110, as someone mentioned, there is zero meaning for him to be rushed back. Dubie has proved to be fine in the pipes. We ride the guy till his blades fall off.
Also, this team is WAY different from those weak teams that got ousted by #1 TB and OTT. We have a hellava lot more heart, and don't count on Yash to be our main scorer. We had sox 20 or more goal scorers, so I think we can score with Buff to a point. Dubie has to be up for the challenge once again and the team has to play sound D. No pressure on the Isles, but Buff. is feeling it after losing last year. I think we can be physical with these guys, just don't get caught out of position.
We also have #94 on our squad. I'm pretty sure there was a reason Garth got him. Oh yeah, to make the P-offs, and make a run. Maybe they can wear the retro 70's jerseys they did earlier this year against Buff. Let's keep this thing rolling. Ya Gotta Believe!!
i don't think they should worry about DP until Dubie has a bad game.... and hopefully that wont happen
You guys are crazy!!!
Gotta start DP...and he will start!!! He wants to go...let's not worry about the next 15 years. Anything can happen. The time is now!!!
Dube will be the backup and it's nice for the team to know we have a credible one...
Dube did his job, now let's see DP do his job...
If DP wants to go and he gets clearance...he's going!!!
Bring back Zednick and Keep Tambellini (How quickly we forget how instrumental he was in scoring the Isles first goal against the Devs)...
If we need someone to drop, you know I'm going to say Hilbert...he is playing hurt as well...
Anyone know Bates' availability...is he assumed out for the year as well?
I watched the TO-MTL game Sat. night and was at the game on Sun. I think my heartbeat has just returned to normal levels. (Sorry I'm late for the party.)
Dubie was particularly amazing in goal, considering the BALLS OF STEEL he has to lug around.
May the Force be with us.
zednik should be a positive for us...hopefully he can use his speed and create some opportunities...i think we should ride dubie for as long as we can, dont want to rush DP to quick again...should be a good series... see you at FT NEVER LOSE
Some of you have been posting that they can't get Isles games on FSNY 2 in Manhattan. This is not the case. If for some reason they throw game one on FSNY 2, the cable company puts it on an overflow channel. Click on this link for listings:
http://www.nyoverflow.com/c.html
Prediction, Zednick will have a great series whether we win or not. Aside from his clutch reputation, whatever advertisty he has been dealing with, I can only imagine those close to him encouraging him to go for it! His career is not young and how more opportunities will he have. He will channel his recent struggle into an MVP worthy performance. He will inspire the Isles and his family out how with something positive to be able to focus on.
I'm the last person to be callous about the health of another human being--by all means, if there's any doubt about Rick DiPietro's health status, force him to sit (if it means tying him up, so be it).
However...
If he's healthy and he's playing top form in practice, then let him play. His job is to go out there and help the team win. If he's ruled just as healthy as any other player on the ice, then he has a duty to his team--and himself--to perform.
I'm not saying this in an effort to sell the future short. If anything, I imagine some solid playoff experience against the best team in the league can only improve his skills. I can't imagine that coddling him will help any more than that.
I checked many Slovak papers to find out what happened to Zednik but Greg (as expected) was faster. As you might already know, Richard was here in Slovakia with his family due to a serious illness.
FYI, Isles making postseason is a very big thing here in Slovakia, there are big interviews with Miro Satan in many national papers. Everybody expected he will lead national team at World Championship (his a Captain Slovakia, just like Ryan Smyth, he is a captain of slovak national team for past let's say 8-9 years...). I would be happy to see him in national team, but I really don't care. Isles rulezzz!
felix the cat: Bates is out for a season... Did we miss him? I'm not sure...
Simon's absence might be the difference in this series, but I we will go through without him...
Richard Park is my vote for unsung hero on this team. While Miro and Yashin and Smyth and others are mentioned over and over, Park is not. Park skates his shifts hard, tries his best to kill off the PPs, and crashes the goal hard. I think this guy is a BIG reason that the Islanders are in!
I think Charles Wang should do what MLB and the Cleveland Indians are doing . . . he should move games 3 and 4 (there won't be a game 6) to Milwaukee with all seats priced at $10 - that way the Isles may have a shot at playing in front of a sold out building. AHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!!!!
Themass: Dubie hasn't let up any soft goals? Check the tape on the Toronto game. Both were soft.
That being said our team defense has kept most everyone out of the crease and odne a great job these last four games.
Hill (when not in the penalty box) is my unsung hero. he looks like he's playin on fumes!
Gervais could be huge if only that he'll give hill and witt some more breathes between shifts.
Dubie Dubie DOO!!!!
The glass slipper fits!!!
The princess just kissed the frog!!!
and the cow just jumped over the moon!!!!
WHY NOT US!!!!!!!!
^^^^^^^^^^posts like this one make me wish the internet had a idiot filter
oops..i meant that genius Joe DiVola posts, not stogy's
Joe DiViolin
Back so we can play you some more huh...Are you actually going to compare the sound coming form the corporate knicks fans at the garden to see the Rags to Nassau Coliseum during the playoffs....EVERYONE in the media even agrees we are top 3 in noise level in the playoffs.
YES we are already sold out....Trust me I am paying through the nose for Weds. Nights game!
Zednick back helps!
Hitting and getting under the fast young Sabres will help more!
I have been the biggest Yashin bash er over the years, but he and Blake get my vote over the past 5 games.....Yash has had a hand in almost every big goal!
Sorry one more .....
IF you want to be jealous of people in Canada go to this website and listen to their sports talk radio compared to ours.....All Hockey ... All the time!!
We have to listen to the talking heads yap about basketball, baseball (which is fine 1/2 the time,) and football in August.
When they do mention hockey it is usually Same Rosans travel schedule!
Here is the site:
http://www.team990.com/home.ch2
Steady,
Whats up pal? Woooo Shea was rocking yesterday! Did you make it?
Think it's great that both teams make the playoffs. Aren't playing in the first round and the creatures are crawling out on both sides to talk smack.
Ridiculous, I hope they both win and we can get some Rangers vs. Isles in the playoffs!
I never thought I would do this, but I have to agree with steady on Yashin. He really has been a puck hog the last feew games. He's been using his size and playing with determination and going towards the net and using his heavy shot. If he can bring that same level of play, along with Kozlov, to the upcoming series the Isles could make this interesting.
AZS - I would add Satan to that as well. Usually, he moves his arms really fast to make it look like he's hustling. But the last few games, he's been moving faster than I've seen since he's joined this team. And yeah, Yashin throwing shoulders into people has definitely been great lately.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EVWtq-_VYk8
doooooooobie
Satan-Yashin-Kozlov will be key to the series.... If they play as well as they did the last few games, we have a legit chance to win this series.
LETS GO ISLANDERS
I've seen the change in Yashin over the last few days too. I've gone from screaming for a buy-out to seeing if maybe we can buy him out and re-sign him for 500,000 to 1 million so we still have him AND get cap relief (unlikely to happen but I can dream). The whole team has stepped it up lately, and I just feel something with this team. Going into the last 2 playoff series I understood there was little chance, but I think we can do something here.
The game on Monday is definitely a sell-out...I got my ticket, but I couldn't get 2 together so my friend is out (oh well, tough luck for him). I'm ready to rock the Coliseum and show both Mr. Smyth and the league what Islander fans are all about in the playoffs.
Thursday can't come soon enough....and Why Not Us?
I really want to know exactly what Nolan said to the team in that 11 minute meeting. I understand that we'll never know for sure, but man did he get bang for his buck!
Speaking from experience here: Buffalo fans are nasty. I live in Raleigh, NC and watched the Hurricanes take on the Sabres last year in the conference finals. The Buffalo fans purchased a lot of seats and were very rude and started fights in the stands and on the concourses of the arena. You can ask any Carolina fan and they'll tell you exactly the same thing. I'm afraid that it looks like a lot of Sabres fans scooped up Coliseum seats already. I hope security is ready come Monday night.
We CAN beat them; I agree, Why Not Us?
Let's Go Islanders!!
"I'm afraid that it looks like a lot of Sabres fans scooped up Coliseum seats already."
WELL THERE IS ALL THE FAIR WEATHER FANS THAT NOW COME HERE, JUST PUT SHINY NEW BUMPER STICKERS ON THEIR CARS AND I BET THOSE PARKING ATTENDANT JERSEYS ARE FLYING OFF THE RACK...
BUT, YOU ARE PROBABLY RIGHT SABRES FANS ARE TAKING OVER!
Great that Zednik is planning on coming back. I don't think conditioning will be that much of an issue. Assuming he made it back yesterday or today, a few days of hard skating should get him back into form. We need him out there on the forecheck. He is fifth among active NHL players in goal differential in the playoffs vs. the regular season. I remember when the Isles picked him up, some Habs fan came in here and told us that Zednik was garbage come playoff time. Nice.
A thought on Dubielewicz. I think all you need to know about him is that, after giving up Madden's second, with .9 left...he came back in the shootout. Bad goalies collapse mentally after something like that. You saw how mad Dubie was...he gave the crossbar quite a whack with his stick, but was able to keep it together under massive pressure. I think that bodes well for him in the playoffs.
I'll say this again, and each day until the end of the season: in a playoff series, when one team is expected to crush the other team, look out for the underdog. Ask last year's Yankees. Ask the '06 Red Wings. Ask the '94 SuperSonics. How about the '99 Knicks, who knocked off the 1, 2, and 4 seeds? For you nostalgia buffs, the '60 Yankees and the '69 Orioles probably thought they had the series in the bag. Oops.
I hope Ryan Smyth is telling the Isles a lot of stories about last year's Oilers. They weren't exactly made up of superstars, either.
And Wade Dubielewicz needs to get on the phone with Cam Ward, who can tell him a bit about what a rookie goaltender can accomplish in the playoffs, with a bit of heart.
So ignore all the media pundits who are saying the Islanders have no chance. History says they certainly can pull off this upset and go beyond.
Why - not - us?
P.S. Yashin has really stepped it up effort-wise since his browbeating from Nolan and Snowy, and it seems to have rubbed off on Satan as well.
What's up DP....My son got a fever so I stayed in MA. and watched the game at home...Actually was a nice day, so I talked some guys into playing hooky and coming over for a bbq and watch the game! They look good :)!
YASH ~ SATAN have stepped up! Now they must keep it going....I am more worried about the Def.....Anyone see the check on Campoli in the Devils game..LOL...Not picking on him Miggs, but he got slammed...HE needs to add some muscle!
SMYTH ~ Keep up the great all around play, but for the love of God score me a few tip in goals in an important game!
Blake~ Don't change a thing!
Witt/Hill ~ hit / hit / and hit again...annoy annoy and annoy some more! STAY OUT OF THE SIN BIN!
Park/Hilbert/RR~ Keep playing your roles!
Sillinger~ win 80% of the face offs!
Poti~Bergeron: No SHORTIES and keep the shots on net!
Hunter ~ Asham ~ Keep playing with HEART!
All of You: Pray ! lol
***Let's steal a game in Buffalo and make Monday nights game CRAZY loud...We sneak one in Buffalo and the pressure will suffocate that team
Mikko ~ I have delt with the Buffalo fans at Jets games as well. Also was in their stadium for the last game we played there!
They are very much loud mouths...Remind me of Flyers fans....If they get out of hand I am sure Merrick~ AZS~ and the rest of em will put them in line. lol
Ignore fans like that and root like crazy for the Isles...I'm one to talk, I will probably be tossed in the first period if I am sitting next to one! lol
If you go on Ebay I think it is the exact opposite...There are Many Buffalo tickets available and not many for the games in LI??? I think their fans are cashing in, and selling the first round to make money. They assume that they can just go to the 2nd round to see the playoffs! Turn the tables on them and go to the games in Buffalo :)
Steady the Maven:
Note that the Isles' PP and PK posted better percentages across the season than did the Sabres. But yer right--no high-sticking, avoid the box, you know, two minutes by yourself, you feel shame, and then you get free. That's very important.
I also noted how Campoli gets knocked around. He has the heart of a checker, but not the body. He bounces off a lot of guys. Maybe we need to take up a collection for some "flaxseed oil" for Campy...can't afford a Barry Bonds regimen on a rookie minimum salary :)
Steady-
I almost forgot to let you know, tell your kid, the only cure for a fever is more cowbell.
It's time to put some trust in the players, especially against Buffalo who will be rolling all their lines and defensive pairings. We saw what trust in Dubie yielded and now we need more of the same with the forward lines and D. We need to keep everyone game ready and involved. Give Campy and Bruno more than 2 minutes a period so that the older guys are fresh when needed.
Steady, I could have sold you a cheap seat for Wednesday!
I really can't add much more than others. All of us understand that we are huge underdogs. In order to win, the Isles have to play near mistake-free hockey, get great goaltending, have the Sabres get poor goaltending, and have lots of luck. That's not an indictment of our team, but the reality of the talent the Sabres have compared to the Isles.
I do believe the Sabres are hungry as opposed to over-confident, and I do fear the officiating in our effort to slow Buffalo down. Buffalo does not play a patient game, but we must--the forwards have to backcheck, and we need to keep the Sabres to the perimeter and protect the house (as Lavi used to say).
And one more thing, when we do get opportunities on offense, such as shots near or above the face off circles-those shots have to be on net or the short side. As much as I like these guys, I have visions of Asham and Sillinger firing the puck wide longside from these angles and watching the puck go up the boards for 3-2 and 2-1 breakouts for the Sabres.
As for Dubie--pound for pound he is an outstanding goalie whose major weakness is simply his size. He will not fill the net as well as other goalies. His kicks and stretches will be a few inches shorter, and he'll leave more room over the shoulders on high shots. He compensates for that with quickness, playing angles well, and not giving up huge rebounds--all tremendous assets. But even better assets if he were 6'2.
Still, why not us?
Miro Satan for slovak daily newspaper: "This is a real team. We were all watching the game (Toronto v Montreal) in a sports bar and shouting for Leafs. We were like fans in Slovakia during World Championships. We were shouting after every goal Leafs scored. I like this team (Isles)."
Sounds like Isles are united and acting like a TEAM! This is what counts in PO!
Good to see you back Piero! It is cool to see what is going on in Slovakia and that attention will obviously affect those players.
Steady I agree with your breakdown on the teams play. What I noticed on the Sundays game is that the team doesn't seem to understand how Smyth scored goals. Maybe they should get out some tapes of the goals he scored in Edmonton.
Here is the typical play:
- Smyth carries the puck over the blue line.
- Smyth drops the puck to player X.
- Smyth goes wide around the D-man and heads for the front to the net.
- Player X counts 3 steamboats and gets the puck through to the net.
- As the shot comes in, Smyth is facing the blue line and blocking the goalies view.
- Depending on the shot, Smyth takes on their D-Man, tips it in or pounces on the rebound.
What is happening now.
- Smyth drops the puck to Player X.
- Player X dumps the puck into the corner or looks pass to the other wing.
Buffalo is the fastest team I have every seen in the league. Isles have some work to do. It will be a learning experience. They might lose the first couple, but lookout if they figure out to win just one.
Kevin T
This team showed some heart during the last four games!! I have been a fan since the team was born in 1972 and I have seen some dramatic wins over the years! I would say that Sunday's game ranks 4th or 5th of all time Isles wins! #1 1980 Game 6 OT win vs. Philly for the cup, #2 1987 Playoffs against Caps OT win, #3 1975 Game 7 Win vs. Penguins (1 - 0), #4 1984 Patrick Division Playoffs vs. Rangers Game 5 in OT. The Coliseum will be rockin' Monday night!! The "Dubie" chants will bring back memories of both the "Chico" and "Billie" chants. LET'S GO ISLANDERS!!
In Va.
If you're an old-timer, then J.P's OT goal in '75 to beat the Rags will forever be #2 behind Nystrom's goal.
the real Brain:
I think you're lost, man. The "Last Call for Isles" blog entry is back there on, appropriately, April 1.
Unlikely? Maybe. Improbable? Sure. "Zero chance"? Heh, they wouldn't bother dropping the puck if that was the case.
Not the best odds, but I'll take 'em over no hockey any day!
Virginia Isles Fan:
Don't forget David Volek's goal. It has to be mentioned in the same breath as LaFontaine's goal to end the Easter Epic, perhaps more so because the Isles knocked off a Penguins team that had all but engraved their names on the Cup. It's all subjective, anyway, as Merrick said.
Let's remember how many times this team was given up for dead. We were picked to finish dead last in the league. When it became clear that wasn't happening, everyone said there was no way we'd make the playoffs. Now we've done that and nobody's giving us a chance against Buffalo. The writer making projections on foxsports.com even had the gall to call it a "first-round cakewalk" for the Sabres.
Anybody see a pattern here?
This team revels in being an underdog, and they have a chance to go down in history as The Team that Proved Everybody Wrong. We can win this game IF the following things happen:
- They park Smyth in front of the net and allow him to chase those tip-ins and rebounds (as Kevin T stated).
- Take the physical play to Buffalo to off-set their speed
- Park D-Men in front of the net and at the blue lines (or rotate if Poti or MAB want to pinch) to avoid odd-man rushes
- Clear rebounds in front of Dubie so he isn't forced to make multiple saves
- Smyth starts showing tapes of last year's Edmonton team, the last Team That Proved Everyone Wrong
It's time to believe in our team, and we need to use our advantages to off-set theirs.
2 days and counting....Why Not Us?
Matt ~ The cow bell line was CLASSIC !!! LOL I already named the poor kid Willy "Shea" (middle name) so he is a Met for life !!!
Merrick ~ What do you mean had?????? I need tickets !! lol No chance huh ??? Beers all night on me!!! If any of you hear of any tickets I will pay...Looking for 2~3 !
Everyone making good posts today! Yah gotta Believe!
To turn my negative as^ around they have something special ! :)
Time for some first-round playoff predictions?
Lightning in 6
Thrashers in 7
Penguins in 5
Predators in 6
Red Wings in 5
Anaheim in 6
Canucks in 5
(I'm reserving judgment on the Isles series until Wednesday.)
I guess 1st round falls to Merrick and 2nd to me now that Steady's not there Monday?
And Merrick, are you actually from there? Just curious, I'm originally from Bellmore
If we shorten the bench too soon like we do most games ( two/three lines and two sets of D) I think we'd be playing right into the Sabres hand. They have too many weapons to be trying that tactic.
Nick:
I'm originally from Wantagh. Weird.
1. I was at a Carolina game last year with a Sabres fan. That crowd was tame to say the least. If you think those guys were out of control, you are lacking a point of reference.
2. Why is everybody saying that Yashin is "stepping it up" now. Are your memories that short that you don't remember the first 20 games when all of us thought he was going to have a 100 point season and FINALLY live up to the "C". He has been playing to his ability all year, and I think he has shown a lot... I'll give him a pass, and say the only rough spot was due to injury. The guy just is not what everybody wants. Let's get a series win and that perspective will change... but he's never going to outplay that anchor of a contract... but don't blame him for that.
3. I love that quote from the slovakian paper. Great stuff. Who can argue that they are turning things around here. Miro has been fine all year. Have we all forgotten when he was playing the point on the PP. The guy should be sniping from the slot, but there are way too many puck hogs on this team.
4. I also like the Smyth assessment. I don't know why he's on a line with Hunter... hunter should be observing... but those two guys should be split up.
I don't want to mess with a good thing... but:
Hunter-Sillinger-Hilbert
Blake-Robbitaile-Asham
Satan-Kozlov-Zednik
Yashin-Park-Smyth
Logic:
Every line has a disruptive forechecker.
Every line has a scoring threat.
HSH has been a terrific checking line all year.
Kozlov doesn't need another puck hog with a wicked shot. He needs somebody to dig the puck out or chase the guy who he just turned it over to.
I can see Park/Blake both on that fourth line at different times. but the balance will give Nolan the ability to roll four unless the refs are calling EVRYTHING... If that happens it's going to be a long series for the Islanders.
They need to finish ALL of their checks. NOTHING evens the SPEED advantage like a good body pounding.
Viktor!!! THIS MEANS YOU!!!
You're a DIESEL BABY... ACT LIKE ONE!
You watch kozlov carry the puck and you think, "JEEZ, this guy has great hands for a HUGE GUY"... but he lacks vision, and the grinder mentality.. so he gives up the puck more than he gives up the body.
Don't get me wrong, he's been terrific, but he could be SO MUCH MORE!
I really think this team is special. I hope that Smyth is OUR Butch Goring...
Isles in 7... OT... Blake puts one on the HIGHLIGHT REEL!!!
okay.. sorry... got carried away.
WHY NOT US!?!
By the way, Games 3 and 4 at the Coliseum are by no means sold out. I just went to ticketmaster.com and was able to get 8 seats next to each other in any price level I chose. I'm sure I could've gotten more, but 8 was the max. Keep dreaming if you think that place will be full...
I'm back. And I'm pissed off. And I'm ready.
that's odd... I could only get the worst two in the building on Saturday. But leave it to the Coliseum to waste an opportunity to sell their own product.
JP, interesting thoughts on how to roll four lines. I hate to say it, but Kozlov is simply a more talented Oleg Kvasha.
Nick, the name is for Wayne Merrick. Don't ask. Also, my beer drinking days are behind me, so for the second round, I'll settle for a souvenir soda for my kid!
Steady, do we still have a brawl scheduled at Doolan's? Btw, I only have two tix and usually try to take one of my kids, but sometimes they simply can't go as is the case for Wednesday--but I had another taker.
ZD34-
Congrats on buying seats for the second round! The Coliseum will be filled and rocking for both series.
ZD34 your as wrong as a rag$ fan thinking there good...it is impossible to get tickets w/o puttin down a $500 deposit towards full season tickets for next year. good try thro
Wait, islesfan222, in order to get playoffs tickets you have to put down a $500 deposit towards season tickets for next year? Please, please tell me you're kidding or incorrect.
Merrick:
But the whole problem with Oleg Kvasha was that he never lived up to his talent potential. Really, Kozlov is just a slightly less lazy Kvasha.
But Koz is having a season that Kvasha dreams about (says more about Oleg than Viktor). Also, Kozlov's numbers this year are a surprising jump up from last year. Overall, I was satisfied with Kozlov's play this season, although it was truly a roller-coaster. Give him a B/B-.
Merrick,
He's WAY more talented than Kvasha, but I have made that comparison myself.
I'm not sure, but I have a feeling the 82 game season is too much for some guys.
especially when they have to pace themselves for the playoffs also. It's like they're just not into it.
I assume russian kids don't grow up imagining they are slamming somebody into the boards, stealing the puck and breaking in one-on-one against ken dryden with seconds left in the seventh game of the stanley cup finals... they're too busy trying to figure out how to get out of their country to make some scratch for their families.
Kvasha had flashes (seconds) of potential... Kozlov shows it every time he's on the ice... it's just that he'd rather stick check than body check which must drive Nolan crazy. You definitely don't want him to regress back to the 15 goal Kozlov, but god, how good could he be if this guy steamed into an offensive zone when he saw the opportunity, or took on somebody in front of the net...
I shouldn't make a positive into a negative, but I'd be on his (_I_) like Bill Parcels or Al Arbour... and most likely he would turtle into a 5 goal guy... Nolan has handled it well.
if anyone winds up having extra tickets for mondays game can you email me at mkaayy201@aol.com
Thanks!
Hey Ho,
I understand your desperation, but you had better have your anti-spam software tuned up... posting your email address with all of the ranger degenerates scanning the blog might not have been the smartest thing to do.
Do you have small children in your house... you might have to move... I hear they eat children...
"..ranger degenerates scanning the blog might not have been the smartest thing to do.
Do you have small children in your house... you might have to move... I hear they eat children..."
winner so far of best blog post
River,
I grew up in Brooklyn. I was the only Islander fan in a sea of Ranger fans. I'm a Met fan that hopes there is a heavan where I can sit at the bar with the Mick, and a Giant fan who'd love to hear some of Broadway Joe's stories.. BUT I CAN'T STAND THE RANGERS... and a good portion of their fans are just uncaught felons. If you see a ranger jersey there's a good possibility that it will be replaced by an orange jumpsuit someday.
Now... to be fair... I do have some friends who are ranger fans... and in spite of their lack of judgement, they are pretty good folks.
EASTERN CONFERENCE.
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders. The Sabres won three of four in the regular season series. The Isles go into this series on an emotional high after qualifying in a shootout in the final game of the season, but one wonders how they'll fare without star goalie Rick DiPietro. They're facing an offensive powerhouse in the Sabres, the NHL's top team as well as one of its fastest teams, who'll be further bolstered by the return of injured players like Tim Connolly. The Isles will give it a good go but lack the depth to pull off an upset. SABRES IN FIVE.
New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts took three of four in the regular season. This will be a battle between the Devils defence, led by goalie Martin Brodeur, and the Lightning's offence, led by Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. Brodeur is capable of stealing a series by himself, while the Lightning's goaltending is shaky and their defence average at best. The Devils top forwards haven't been as strong as last season but are opportunistic, which could prove a problem for the Bolts. The Devils defence will have their hands full containing Lecavalier and company, but in the end Brodeur could make the difference. DEVILS IN SIX.
Atlanta Thrashers vs New York Rangers. The Thrashers won three of four in the regular season series. The Thrashers possess a lethal offence powered by Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa, and were bolstered down the stretch by the acquisition of Keith Tkachuk, but there's not much depth beyond them. The Rangers were red hot down the stretch, and have more offensive depth led by Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan. The bluelines of both teams are average at best, so it'll be up to their respective goaltenders to carry the day defensively. Ultimately, the Rangers experience could be the determining factor in this one. RANGERS IN FIVE.
Ottawa Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins took three of four game in the regular season series. This one could be the marquee matchup of the first round, with considerable potential to be nasty given some of the verbal sparring between the two teams. The Penguins are a predominantly young team with an average at best defensive game, whilst the Sens have experience and defensive depth on their side. However, the Pens, led by wunderkind Sidney Crosby, are also an energetic bunch that never quits regardless of the score, whilst the Senators are still haunted by the "playoff choke" tag. Although defence usually wins playoff games, the Pens exuberance and offensive talent could push them over the top. PENGUINS IN SIX.