Isles win in Shoot Out over Montreal

11:39 pm: Home now after the shoot out win where Matt Moulson and Frans Nielsen beat Montreal while Marty Biron stopped their first two shooters. Nice. Post game report and some observations about Sean Bergenheim at HockeyBuzz.com. Live blog from game here below in three pieces.

Night all

3rd Period:

Like it could get any worse? Blake Comeau, who took a hard shot off his foot will not be returning to the game as he will need to be re-evaluated tomorrow to see if he can return for the balance of the season.

Okay, this just bites. He was on a tear. This couldn't have happened at a worse time for him. So not fair. But that's our hapless Islanders for you.





But like I said on HockeyBuzz, the Islanders will not lie down. Sean Bergenheim ties the game at two by getting around ex-Islander Roman Hamrlik. Dylan Reese gets the assist. Okay, we're back to square one here at the Coliseum.

But that didn't last long as Lapierre danced around everyone and straight towards Biron. With one little lift of the stick, the puck was in and it was 3 - 2 Habs.

There're are broken sticks littering the ice and Trent Hunter hands his to Freddy Meyer who is protecting Biron. Luckily there was a TV Timeout that needed to be called.

So many good chances around the net that it's staggering! But none of them are getting in. SOG now 31 - 27 in the Isles favor but the score still 3 - 2

JT negated an icing with some good stick work. He is a smart player, he just needs a little more strength.

With under seven minutes to go, the Islanders are starting to play very desperate hockey.

With 2:17 to go, Marty Biron makes another highlight reel save to keep the Isles in it. I decied to start packing up. I should know better. Frans Nielsen said, "No-way. We're not done here." as he ties the game at 3.

It's a 3 point game for Sean Bergenheim and the Isles and Habs head into overtime. Nope. You can't take the Islanders for granted, even with Blake Comeau not playing in the third.

2nd Period

Marty, Marty, Marty. Okay, so I was late getting back for the second period because I wanted to spend some time with my friends. Especially some of my favorites.

I have to say -- what I will miss most about the end of our Islanders season is knowing that I will see m here my friends here at the Coliseum. (I also have one that's leaving me for good. But I'll not speak of that yet as it will send me into a crying fit.)

But while I was catching up on all the gossip, the second period started and the Habs tied up the game at one. They then got one more to lead. Now, I know how desperately their fans would love for the Islanders to just lay down on this one, but that won't be so easy.

With only a few minutes left of the second, when I returned to my favorite seat here in the press box, after I retrieved my evening's quota of cinnanuts and popcorn, I watched Marty Biron make a few brilliant saves. You know, the kind of "flash the glove, I've got it" kind of saves that make highlight reels.

Make no mistake about it, when Marty Biron is on his game, he's an excellent starting goalie. I am going to miss him so much here.

Isles vs. Montreal 4/6/10

Okay, so I'm here. It's a beautiful day outside the rink and it's sad as hell inside. The sun is shining, the air is warm and it's the last weeknight of hockey here at the Coliseum.
Boo hiss!

Some one explain to me how all these Habs fans got here on a Tuesday in April? It's not a weekend. Is there a holiday in Canada right now?

Guess who is sitting tonight? Yep! Jeff Tambellini! Did you guess, did you?

And the winner of the Bobby Nystrom Award for 2010 is none other than Kyle Okposo.

Game Time: Biron vs. Halak. Moulson Park and Okposo, Meyer Reese and a really quick whistle and a quick shift. This sparse crowd teaming with Habs fans is going to be loud for sure. But it will be fun -- for the second to the last game at the barn.

The Isles are leading the Habs in shots on goal and the first power play went to the Canadiens who are still lacking in that area. However, while the game was going on, I was playing FIND THE FREAKIN' ISLANDER GAME ON DOLANVISION!!!

It's buried so low, we can't even get it at the Coliseum. I bet Howie and Billy were wondering why everyone was crowded around them.

PS: Comeau just scored to make it 1 - 0, but I digress.

So the game is on Channel 79 in Fuzzyvision. How does Cablevision get away with the ads that say all NY teams in HD when they bury the Islanders constantly? Oh, I would say they lie.

2:16 left and the Isles go on the Power Play with Gill in the box. SOT are 10 - 5 in favor of the Isles. Little scare as Blake Comeaue hobbled back to the bench not being able to put pressure on his foot. Don't ask me which foot. I'm too high up here.

John Tavares just had a beautiful chance for another goal but the puck just skimmed the red line from post to post. Matt Moulson tried a wrap-around move behind Halak but no go. they are running out of penalty and 1st period. But the Isles will go to the room with a 1 goal lead.

(HA! It's always funny when the NHL stat guys have to scramble to keep track of the game when there are bodies everywhere.)

A Good Deed Done

Because you never hear about the good things that people do, I'd like to direct your attention to this blog entry which was written as a personal Thank You to the Islanders organization and it's PR Director, Seth Sylvan. You never hear about the good things. So sometimes, it's nice to know they happen.

The Islanders are NOW mathematically eliminated from the playoff race and strictly playing out the season to see where they will draft. I had no real hopes of a playoff berth and actually am somewhat relieved they aren't sneaking in at 8th just to be eliminated quickly. That would break my heart.

Sunday is the last game of the Islanders 2009-2010 season. On Tuesday the countdown to the draft lottery of 2010 will begin. The Islanders have a lot of work to do this off season.

So do I. I've got that book to start. But first, I've got a few more games to catch.

Isles 4 - Sens 1 & 2 minutes with Gillies

11:31 pm: Game report and interview with Trevor Gillies at HockeyBuzz. Below you'll find the running live blog, typos and all.


3rd Period


Marty Biron has been able to stop all 20 of Ottawa's chances. Some of them have been EXCELLENT chances at that.

It seems to be old home week here for the NY Islanders as there is a suite down the hall that is just jam packed with Ex-Islanders including the great Ed Westfall. Not sure what's going on, but they are here. Maybe that's why the Isles are winning today! They're all a good luck charm.





I'll steal a photo from Twitter of Kenny Jonnson.



Okay for some reason, Ruutu went after Nielsen and tossed him around. So then when Gillies decided he wanted to play too, Carkner went after Gillies who promptly threw him to the ice. This will be another reason why my husband will love Trevor Gillies. Penalties galore!



In the perfect world that is today, Sean Bergenheim made it 4 - 0 at 4:13 of the 3rd with an assist going to John Tavares. Another multi point game for him today his 4th. So much for my Isles usually lose day games theory!! Okay, but before I get ahead of myself, the Sens have won their last five games, and are well above the Isles in the standings. They must just have jet lag.





Chris Niel is laying on the ice against the boards as he tried to deliver a hit on Freddy Meyer but ended up getting the worst of it himself. Sim and Sutton have words on the ice and need the ref to step in. Frans Nielsen seems to get the worst of it again. Since when does everyone want to take Nielsen's head off? Sutton gets a cross-checking, a roughing AND 10 minute misconduct penalty. Wow!


At 6:33 of the third, Matt Cullen gets the Sens on the board as he lifts one over Marty's right shoulder. Again, Marty, you don't need the shut out. It's fine. but if you let them crawl back in the game in the last five minutes, then I will know something is seriously up.

2nd Period

Well, the first ended with an uncharactoristic fight between Sean Bergenheim and Nick Foligno. I was very upset that the refs didn't stop the fight more quickly as we know Sean is not exactly a fighter. But they were probably waiting for someone to hit the ice, and considering how strong Sean is on his skates, it wasn't going to be him. They both received 5 minute penalties and began the period cooling off in the box.

Just as the second period started, John Tavares put the Islanders up by one with his 22nd goal of this season that is fast winding down. Only a few seconds later, Dylan Reese makes it 2-0 with a slap shot passed Elliot. It is his second NHL goal. One more and it's Wendy's Chili time AGAIN!

No sooner said than done as the Isles make it 3 -0 with a shot from Hillen at 9:46 of the second. I hope you are taking advantage of the free Wendy's Chili!

According to Newsday's Katie Strang, if the Islanders win today they would STILL not be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

Speaking of Playoffs; I almost had a little dispute on the concourse as there was a man speaking with a security guard and being very disreprectful of coach Gordon. Now, free speech is one thing, but sheer stupidity is another. I tried to point out a few actual FACTS to enlighten the gentleman, but it was of no use. I decided to let it be. Sometimes you just can't fight stupid.

Speaking of "stupid"... Gentleman Mike Bossy caught me getting on the elevator with my Bunny Ears. He laughed and said they were fine. I blushed like I was twelve.

Meanwhile, back at the game... Trent Hunter gives the Sens a Power Play and Sean Bergenheim gets a shot off that Elliot gloves down.

Isles vs Sens 1:37 pm at the Barn

It's absolutely beautiful out and I'm having 20 people for Easter dinner. Where am I? At the rink -- much to my husband's audible dismay. But hey... it's what I do.

Today it's the return of the ex-Islanders as both Chris Campoli and Andy Sutton are skating at the other end of the ice in strange jerseys. The Tweet this morning from Newsday's Katie Strang was that Andy Sutton wouldn't rule out returning to the Islanders. Funny, 'cause that ain't the first time I've heard that. Actually, the day big Andy was traded I heard the mumblings "He'll be back."

Now... wouldn't that be a brillliant move if he is? Draft pick AND we get him back. Schnoice.

Mind if I'm a little surprised to see Biron back in net? I would have thoguht for sure it would have been Roloson. But it's Gordon's call. Today, It's Marty again. I know for a fact that his kids are here. So maybe they came to see Daddy play!

Teh cameras keep focusing on Andy Sutton on the Ottawa bench, as if it's going to incite teary eyes in Isalnders fans. Tim Jackman said hello to him as well -- as he checked him -- twice. Hey Andy... How you doing?

Blake Comeau was clotheslined at the edge of the net, Kyle Okposo just simmed the left side of the net with the puck and Sean Bergenheim did the same. There is somehting going on with the left post. It seems to be attracting everything.

Another good chance for the Islanders, but Mark Flood couldn't get the shot off and Elliott quickly covered up.

And Ruutu gives the Islanders their first power play of the after noon as the third man in on a roughing penalty when Gillies and Neil do a little pushing and shoving in front of the net.

The NEW Streak of One

Yep, that's how Scott Gordon called it. Of course, with a win over the bigger Flyers after losing to them since February of 2008, Gordon was in a jovial mood in the post game press conference.



"Blake set the tone for the game by shooting the puck. Obviously, we took advantage of the goal tending tonight and they didn't lie down by any means and we needed all six." Gordon said of Blake Comeau who is on his own streak of multi-point games.

When asked about his game, Blake told reporters "Something that I've changed about my game is I'm shooting the puck more. Obviously, it's going to give itself a chance to go in no matter how hard it is or where it's shot from. That's something I'm going to continue to do and bounces are going my way. So hopefully, it stays that way."

Gordon continued, "Blake has honest intentions of working hard all the time, but with the ability and skill that he has, he should be able to produce offensively. Literally, it's nothing more than getting pucks to the net. Those two goals that he scored, nobody thought they had a chance of getting into the net, but they did. Sometimes, that's what it takes. Just putting on the net and he's doing it."

Could this game be THAT simple? Really?

The Islanders chased Brian Boucher from the net after he let in five goals. Two from Blake Comeau, one from Sean Bergenheim, one from Frans Nielsen and one from Trent Hunter. It was time for rookie goaltender Jeremy Duchesne to get his chance in the NHL. The first shot he blocked was from Jon Sim. The first goal he gave up was to -- Jon Sim. Fate.



On the other end of the ice, Marty Biron gave up goals to ex-Islander Aaron Asham (figures) and James Van Riemsdyk (his 15th). It wasn't until lat in the third that Biron then gave up two more to Briere and Powe.



John Tavares earned his 25th and 26th assist tonight while Dylan Reese earned his first. I think Dylan will remember the game more than JT will.



But the guy who may really burn this game into his memory banks is Trevor Gillies who ended up with the hard-hat in the dressing room after the game. He wore it proudly as he sat removing his gear and checking on his scuffed up knuckles as he sat in the corner talking one on one to Islesblogger.com Mike. I have been hard on Trevor, but perhaps I don't fully understand his role. He is truly a "team" guy. He must be. That's IS his role. That role ingratiates him to his team mates and those who work with him.


"They should have given YOU the hard hat Marty. You deserve it, man!" he said to Biron in sincerity recognizing the performance Biron put up against his old team. As the man in net responsible for many of those 15 Flyers wins over the Islanders, this one was extra special. He, more than anyone, knows how difficult it is when you're playing for your post-season lives. Biron told how last season, his team didn't get into the playoffs until the last two games of the regular season. He knows the frustration of teams on the bubble at this time of year and says it can be mentally taxing. "A lot of teams are playing desperate hockey this time of year."

The Flyers didn't seem that desperate last night. Well, except for the last five minutes of the game when they realized they were going to actually lose to the NY Islanders.

Isles 4 - Flyers 1: start of 3rd

John Tavares has been the man when it comes to face offs as he is standing right now at winning all of his 8 attempts.

Trevor Gillies has 1:06 of TOI. Mark Streit leads the team with 19:22. As much as he said he will miss heading to the playoffs when he spoke with Dan Martin of the NY Post, this man seriously needs a vacation.

I am calling for a Matt Moulson goal before the night is through. Hear that Matty? You! I'm talking to YOU!

I resisted the urge to scream yeah! as Hunter ripped another pased #33 in the Flyers net. Sorry dude. That's five, you're done. Jeremy Duchesne has now taken the place in net as the Isles have 24 shots to thier 21. And Marty Biron made an important save to the right of his net just now but Kyle will head to the box for highsticking. While this gives the Flyers another chance with the Power Play, a four goal differential gives me a little confidence they can get through this period.

That said, once again, with Marty on his butt, James Van Riemsdyk gets one to just trickle by him into the back of the net. Okay, so it's now 5 - 2. Get back in net Marty. don't start taking chances now.

Freddy Meyer tangles with Daniel Briere in Marty's crease and Biron gives him a little help. Play is stopped and we now get the Kiss Cam. Did I mention I really don't like the kiss cam. Pretty funny that they put it on a blond woman and a dark haired guy. She was yelling "It's my SON!!!" Good for her! That will make her night for sure.

Isles are 0 for 3 on the PP tonight and now the Flyers are ahead of them in shots at 29 - 26. Rookie Jeremy Duchesne made his first NHL save on Jon Sim. I'm sure it will be one he'll remember forever and Sim will forget by the time he goes to the locker room.

But he'll remember the goal he gave up to Sim to make it 6 - 2 Islanders.

Tapped on the shoulder for a shift, Gillies steps on the ice and immediately gets called for something and back to the box he goes. I think he now has 1;09 TOI. UGHHHH!

Okay, 2 minutes left ad it's 6 - 3 Isles. I am shutting down because this one is done.

Second Period: 3 - 0 Isles over Flyers

This was a great sign by my favorite fans down at the glass during warm-ups.

Now if Blake Comeau gets a hat trick tonight, it will be a very good night. However, we're still all calling for adding another to #MightyMattMoulson's totals.


The question at hand is: What's wrong with the Flyers? Will they come out looking to take it all back in the second?

The Trevor Gillies TOI watch is now at 1:01 with 2 shifts. Let's see if he can break 3 minutes and stay out of the box.


There's a dogpile on Marty as the Flyers try to get the puck passed him. Finally a whistle.

16:46 and Sean Bergenheim gets one under Boucher for the 4th of the game for his 8th of the season. And yes, Mommy is smiling. Tuscan Dairy Islanders goal seat 326 H4 gets an autographed puck.... If I don't find them first.

As no good deed goes unpunished, the Flyers get their first Power Play as Freddy Meyer (the man I believe will get the next Isles goal) is sent to the box for roughing.

10:34: That's what everyone was waiting for as Gillies and Cote do a little dance in Marty's crease. Gillies wins. They both sit.

I said this earlier today, I would love for Biron to get the win today and break the curse. But it won't be all him. I hear a certain someone was asked to lift the curse and he did. Let's see how strong his powers are.

But it looks like Aaron Asham is the first one to get the Flyers on the board as Marty takes a seat in his crease. It's okay Marty. You don't need a shut-out. Just a one goal win will do just fine. Face it, every ex-Islander likes to score in this building when they come back.

With only 1:45 left, the Islanders go on another power play as Leino is called for interference. SOG are even at 21 each.

Sweet 16 or the Curse is Broken?

Live from the coliseum for the last of this season's Flyer's vs. Islanders match-ups with far fewer Flyers fans than usual. There are a few buses here, but not the usual caravan we see on a weekend.

Brian Boucher will face up against Marty Biron.

I saw Hartnell out there with his flowing locks. Yep, he's a dead ringer for the Gieco cave man. And in all honesty, Aaron Asham is no better.


Okay then. Just about to start. Let's see who can get this party started!

And start they do. 17:49 Blake Comeau takes a shot from the point and it looks like it's tipped into the net. They are reviewing the play. Not sure if they're reviewing it to see who gets the goal or if there was goaltender interference. I would like it to be a goal, but the hockey gods are funny that way.



After much delay, it is deemed an Islanders goal for Blake Comeau with an assist for John Tavares. This is the way to start a game. Now, if they can just keep the pressure on the Flyers, maybe the curse will be broken.

Blake Comeau gets two big goals to start off the game here and Frans Nielsen gets the third. Ladies & Gentlemen -- It's Wendy's Chili time!

Now, of course, we know that the dreaded 3 - 0 curse may still rear it's ugly head, but it's nice to see a few goals on the board when it comes to this match-up.

The Flyers managed 8 SOG to the Isles 13, three of which were tallied while Caveman Hartnell was in the box.

Let's see what they can do in the second.

Jason Blake's 5 Point Night

Because old habits are hard to break for anyone, I have to at least mention that the man everyone seems to love to hate had an exceptional night; without me being able to watch it.

Skating alongside him, Jason Blake tied a club record with five points (one goals, four assists). It was the 13th time a player had reached that total in franchise history, with the last being Corey Perry in October 2008.

"The good thing for us is we're not even worried about who we're playing right now," Blake said. "We're just worried about ourselves. If we keep playing the way we're playing, and the goaltending has been great, it's giving us a chance every night."

This is what Blake is famous for; coming back after being benched by his coach to prove he still has worth to a team. Now granted, it was only his 15th goal of this season in his 76 games played, but he is a 20 - 25 goal scorer. I'll finally admit, the 40 goal season was an oddity.

So, congrats Jason. I'm very glad you're happy with the Anaheim Ducks. Maybe next season you'll get to that 20 - 25 goal mark easier than it's been for you. Now...

IF YOU WOULD JUST SEND ME A DUCKS #33 BLAKE JERSEY FOR MY COLLECTION I'D BE VERY GRATEFUL.
ahem... ;o)

And here's a link to Adam Brady's Duck's blog. I really enjoy reading this guy's work. Very entertaining!