Because I could not watch the game, I asked fellow Islander Blogger Joe Bondi from http://knightofcups-bondi.blogspot.com/ to do a guest post for me. I had no idea the game would be one we would like to forget.
He did an excellent job covering the details of a game that Jack will find plenty of video to play over-and-over-and-over for the boys. Because those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it.
UGh!
From KnightOfCups:
Today’s game was what you would call a 4-point game. This meant a win would get the Isles 2 points while taking away a possible 2 points from a team they are chasing. With every win, the Islanders also keep the advantage of 1-2 games at hand over the teams they are fighting against to make the playoffs with 58 games played, as of this afternoon.
The Ottawa Senators are such a team.
Your New York Islanders came into today’s game against Ottawa looking in from outside of the playoff picture by only 6 points in 12th position. The same Senators sat at the seventh position in the Eastern Conference, 10 points ahead of New York with Ottawa riding a 3-0-1 record in their last 4 games. Could the Islanders continue to improve and climb over .500?
No.
Actually, since the start of the game where the Islanders soft play in their own defensive zone yielded a bad, no-angle short side goal at just 1:08 and a second soft goal shortly after that at 1:35 by starter Kevin Poulin, you knew what was coming. The Isles would have another game in which they failed to compete and looked as if they were, in the words of coach Capuano, “passengers.”
Within the first two minutes of the biggest game of the season thus far for New York, the Isles were down 2-0 and being out-shot 7-1. Their sloppy play resulted in so many continuous turnovers and giveaways; they looked completely demoralized as a team before the first period was even half way over. Should we blame the infamous third jerseys? I say no. After all – to name a few reasons - the effort of John Tavares and Frans Nielsen was there, the score was not all Kevin Poulin’s fault and Al Montoya could come in and refocus his team en-route to a storybook comeback, right?
Nope.
The Islanders continued to turn over the puck and even when Michael Grabner was able to explode into a short handed breakaway, he failed to get a shot on goal and that ended up indirectly resulting in a third goal by the Senators going back the other way.
P.A. Parenteau, who would have a tough game despite never quitting on his team, would be called with an unsportsmanlike conduct when he reacted to the non-calls he felt the Islanders were due. The Islanders would leave the ice after the first to a chorus of boos from their home crowd. In this writer’s opinion, they could have really used Trevor Gillies in that period to stir things up.
During the first shift of the second period, the Isles turned over the puck and the Sens rung a shot off the Isles post. Things would only get worse. The Senators would make it 4-0 on a delay of game call against Steve Staios. The Isles continued to play undisciplined and sloppy throughout the period keeping Ottawa knee deep in scoring chances from untimely turnovers allowed by the defense. The Isles were being out shot by a margin of 21-9 midway through game. Craig Anderson had an easy game in net for the Senators.
Matt Martin took on Zach Smith and the crowd of 15,818 finally showed signs of coming back to life. Perhaps the Isles could have been more into the game by finishing their checks and playing a more physical game against a Senators team that appeared to be getting far too comfortable. Instead, Ottawa continued to press and hit a cross bar and goal post while the Islanders continued to play from back on their heels. The Islanders continued to struggle while negating power plays with penalties of their own. The Isles were jeered even louder after the period mercifully expired as they made their way to the locker room. New York was being out shot 27-10 at the end of the second period.
Although the tempo in the third period had slowed for both teams, the Islanders put forth a better effort, but it was far too late in the 3rd period to matter. Ottawa made it 5-0 with a long range shot from the point. P.A. Parenteau showed more frustration from all the non-calls missed by the officials and probably just from the full weight of the afternoon in general. He was given a game misconduct and got ejected after his stick was shattered from a slash in front of the Senators’ goal. Ottawa made it 6-0 as a result of the power play goal.
The Islanders finished the game being dominated and embarrassed.
Ottawa out shot the Islanders by a margin of 32-28. Kevin Poulin was 3-5 with a .600 Sv% before being pulled in favor of Al Montoya. Montoya went 23-27 and an .852 Sv% in relief for the loss. Today’s 6-0 loss also marks the 9th time the Isles have been shut out this year.
The Islanders lose a game in hand, lose ground in the playoff race and are back below .500 as a result of today’s loss. Their offense needs to improve throughout their lineup and not crash and burn if J.T., P.A. or Moulson don’t play a strong game. Scoring remains a problem, as does the amount of turnovers and suspect play by the Islanders in their defensive game. They cannot afford to spot their opponent multiple goal leads early in the game.
Some might say after all is said and done, today’s loss only counts as one game and the Isles can change their luck in the next one. The problem is that I have seen this “one” game more than once this season by the New York Islanders and with each step forward they take, I can’t help but wonder how these meltdowns keep occurring.
Each of the guys in that locker room needs to be held accountable for their readiness to compete at the level necessary to win in this league. Each coach on the staff needs to be held accountable to make sure their team is as prepared as they can be to meet each opponent on the schedule for each game that is played.
Head Coach, Jack Capuano said the lack of physicality was a prime reason for today's falter against the Sens. I have mentioned this particular shortcoming as a major component for the Islanders’ struggles several times in my blog this season. Here is just one example. (
http://knightofcups-bondi.blogspot.com/2011/11/islanders-without-heart-and-soul.html).
Simply put, the team continues to need more heart and soul in their game. They need to play their game and outwork their opponents with each and every shift. While they need more passion in their game, they need to control their emotion enough to avoid too many short-handed situations.
I believe they can do these things, but they are running out of time in more ways then one.
Isles Notes:
Head Coach, Jack Capuano also said Travis Hamonic is skating today at noon. Friday is possible, will have to see how he feels.
Arthur Staple reported that you could add Kyle Okposo to list of flu casualties. K.O. missed practice over the weekend, but played today. Lets hope it doesn’t rip through the locker room.
Coming into today’s game against Ottawa, the Islanders led the NHL with 1,001 blocked shots.
The NHL trade deadline only one week away.
The Islanders will face the Buffalo Sabers in Buffalo at 7:00pm tomorrow and the New York Rangers at the NVMC on Friday at 7:00pm.
Anders Nilsson got his North American pro shutout today as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers beat the Devils by a score of 3-0.
You can check in with Joe’s coverage of the Islanders on http://knightofcups-bondi.blogspot.com/ and follow him @Knight_of_Cups_ on Twitter.
Showing posts with label Kevin Poulin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Poulin. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Isles @ Caps but I'm Still Hurtin'
I'm pretty sure Kevin Poulin would like to forget yesterday. Perhaps he can now that he has been returned to Bridgeport after sitting on the bench for a week.
Okay, here is a bit of a rant over at HockeyBuzz.com. But tonight is a new game and we all have to get passed yesterday. ugh...
Isles Tweet-Up at one of my favorite places and one that should be yours too, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Carle Place will host tonight's Tweet-Up and Viewing Party. They always do such a wonderful job and the food is amazing. Check it out.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Total Blogger Fail - Along with an Isles loss
I had been at the Coliseum since 3 pm yesterday. First to watch the Sayville Fire Department do their turn in the Fire & EMS show extrication challenge. They were given the most bizarre, unusual scenario of one car on top of another, roof to roof. I personally think they were given this highly difficult scenario on purpose. They did what they had to and came away with the highest score they have in the years they have been competing, but not high enough to win another trophy.
In other words -- I was pissed. (The Big Angry Man didn't seem to be.)
Social media night at the Coliseum was a huge success and while you couldn't really see all the white Tee-Shirts in the stands on TV, there were plenty of them. It was great to meet so many of my Twitter followers before the game and in between periods. It's always nice to put faces to the names.
And then there was the game -- a game they could have won, but fell short.
Post game report here at hockeybuzz.com.
As we head into the trade deadline, the rumor of the Islanders looking at Atlanta Thrasher Bogosian is swirling around the net. Eklund and I are at odds on this one. I say it's not happening. We'll see.
After seeing Radek Martinek walking around last night with fellow injured D man Milan Jurcina, there could still be truth to the rumor that Martinek could be off the Island by Monday for a draft pick. Katie Strang tweeted that both eastern and western conference teams are kicking his tires.
I also saw goalie Kevin Poulin last night in the hallway. My Blog Box buddies @Islesblogger Mike and @islesRM Rob didn't recognize him. I almost didn't either. In a dark suit, glasses and a beard and his leg in a soft cast up to his theigh, @KevinPoulin60 looked like an accountant, not a hockey player.
Too bad I can't take photos in the tunnel.
Also, if you are tired of the Oscars by 10 pm tonight, you can webstream NYHockeyTalk on WGBB AM radio with Brad Kurtzberg and Rob Kowal as they have a discussion about fighting in the NHL with hockey legends Paul Stewart and Steve Carlson. Give them a listen or podcast the show tomorrow. Always good stuff!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Say Good-Bye To Poulin
I wish there was a time stamp on my camera. From standing in the crease facing shots, to crumpled over being tended to in a matter of seconds.
The dreadful news has arrived. Kevin Poulin has a dislocated knee cap that requires surgery. He is done for the season.
The bright spot that was in net the last few games will now be sidelined with the rest of them.
Mikko Koskinen and Joel Martin have boarded the plane for Montreal and Garth Snow has informed Newsday's Katie Strang that he is actively looking.
NO KIDDING!!!
Rumor has it that perhaps Toronto Maple Leaf's "Monster" could be the target. Seems like a good fit for now.
I would like to know what is happening at the Coliseum. This is not normal.
Oh, and Jeremy Colliton is out for two weeks with a rib injury. Almost forgot.
Just ask Jack Capuano.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Isles Lose to Leafs 5 - 3, But Poulin is the Biggest Loss
Note: For in-game report from the Coliseum, please see Hockeybuzz.com.
First of all, I'd like to say that I think all the bad luck the Islanders endured tonight is the fault of ScottyHockey, but not the fault of his friend, James from jerseysandhockeylove.com, who was visiting the Coliseum for the first time.
Now, I didn't actually see what happened. I was chatting by the glass while I was taking photos. All of a sudden, this happened.
WTF??? On the day the Islanders had to announce the end of Trent Hunter's season and the placement of Blake Comeau on the IR due to concussion symptons, starting goali Kevin Poulin was down on the ice and not getting up. He had to be helped off the ice and could not put any pressure on his knee. Mikko Koskinen was set to make his NHL debut.
He said he had a light meal before the game so he wasn't worried. The rest of the team kept their focus during warm ups.
And then the scramble started. Uh oh. There's no back up goalie. Now what? No one knew. Oh sure, there were plenty of jokes flying around the Coliseum. I went up to the press room to see if anything had been announced. Was it just a little tweak? Could Kevin actually play? Were Mike Dunham's pads still in the building? All this and more was floated around the room like helium hitting the ceiling.
Answers were slow in coming as the scene unfolded.
The game began with Mikko Koskinen making his NHL debut. It was only ninety seconds later that he let up his first NHL goal to Colby Armstrong. At 6:31, he let up his second to Jay Rosehill.
About that time the announcement was made that Joel Martin had been recalled from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on an emergency basis. Trouble was -- HE WAS IN BRIDGEPORT.
Not to worry, the Islanders must have found a Nascar driver to get him to the Coliseum in record time. Joel was on the bench for the start of the third period wearing #34. Shakey Krause must have made the jersey for him while he was enroute.
The injuries didn't stop there. There was a little scary moment when John Tavares went down on the ice and was slow to get up and headed straight to the bench. Then there was Jeremy Colliton, who played only 7:18, he suffered an upper body injury that will require a second look tomorrow.
Matt Moulson scored his 19th goal which makes him the team leading goal scorer, but Michael Grabner is catching up as he scored his 17th goal. Grabner again had a shorthanded breakaway chance, but his hands have to catch up to his feet.
Jack Hillen had one of the best games he's ever played blocking four shots and managing three take-aways.
Rob Schremp scored his tenth goal of the season but still ended the night as a -2.
In all honesty, the way the night started, a 5 - 3 loss was actually better than most of us expected. It's what is yet to come that frightens me.
First of all, I'd like to say that I think all the bad luck the Islanders endured tonight is the fault of ScottyHockey, but not the fault of his friend, James from jerseysandhockeylove.com, who was visiting the Coliseum for the first time.
Now, I didn't actually see what happened. I was chatting by the glass while I was taking photos. All of a sudden, this happened.
WTF??? On the day the Islanders had to announce the end of Trent Hunter's season and the placement of Blake Comeau on the IR due to concussion symptons, starting goali Kevin Poulin was down on the ice and not getting up. He had to be helped off the ice and could not put any pressure on his knee. Mikko Koskinen was set to make his NHL debut.
He said he had a light meal before the game so he wasn't worried. The rest of the team kept their focus during warm ups.
And then the scramble started. Uh oh. There's no back up goalie. Now what? No one knew. Oh sure, there were plenty of jokes flying around the Coliseum. I went up to the press room to see if anything had been announced. Was it just a little tweak? Could Kevin actually play? Were Mike Dunham's pads still in the building? All this and more was floated around the room like helium hitting the ceiling.
Answers were slow in coming as the scene unfolded.
The game began with Mikko Koskinen making his NHL debut. It was only ninety seconds later that he let up his first NHL goal to Colby Armstrong. At 6:31, he let up his second to Jay Rosehill.
About that time the announcement was made that Joel Martin had been recalled from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on an emergency basis. Trouble was -- HE WAS IN BRIDGEPORT.
Not to worry, the Islanders must have found a Nascar driver to get him to the Coliseum in record time. Joel was on the bench for the start of the third period wearing #34. Shakey Krause must have made the jersey for him while he was enroute.
The injuries didn't stop there. There was a little scary moment when John Tavares went down on the ice and was slow to get up and headed straight to the bench. Then there was Jeremy Colliton, who played only 7:18, he suffered an upper body injury that will require a second look tomorrow.
Matt Moulson scored his 19th goal which makes him the team leading goal scorer, but Michael Grabner is catching up as he scored his 17th goal. Grabner again had a shorthanded breakaway chance, but his hands have to catch up to his feet.
Jack Hillen had one of the best games he's ever played blocking four shots and managing three take-aways.
Rob Schremp scored his tenth goal of the season but still ended the night as a -2.
In all honesty, the way the night started, a 5 - 3 loss was actually better than most of us expected. It's what is yet to come that frightens me.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Isles 5 - Sens 2/5/11
And I freakin' MISSED IT!!!
I couldn't believe the Tweets that were coming over my phone while I was at a Fire Dept. Installation dinner. The goals, the fights, the penalties.
The Islanders chased Sens goalie Brian Elliot from the net early. Matt Moulson scored the first goal of the period at 4:10 of the first, something the Islanders haven't been able to do recently.
But it didn't last long, 13 seconds to be exact, and the Senators tied it at one. Then Grabner put the Isles on the board for two and less than three minutes later, Mike Fischer tied it again. Before the end of the first, Kovalev and Schremp had tied the game at three.
There were nine penalties called in the second period. Two on John Tavares and one ,and one ten minute game misconduct call on Andy MacDonald. Yep, the game was frustrating.
But the one penalty that everyone was talking about was the one that Robin Lehner took for knocking Kevin Poulin on his butt. I have a post over at HockeyBuzz.com trying to determine who was telling the truth.
The 19-year-old goalie took a swipe at the 20-year-old goalie because he got angry. Rob Schremp made a remark about not seeing anything like that since Pee Wee hockey. Considering the ages, these guys aren't that far removed.
Sidenote: Garth Snow will be answering questions on the second installment of The GM Show tomorrow at 1 pm on the Islanders website.
I couldn't believe the Tweets that were coming over my phone while I was at a Fire Dept. Installation dinner. The goals, the fights, the penalties.
The Islanders chased Sens goalie Brian Elliot from the net early. Matt Moulson scored the first goal of the period at 4:10 of the first, something the Islanders haven't been able to do recently.
But it didn't last long, 13 seconds to be exact, and the Senators tied it at one. Then Grabner put the Isles on the board for two and less than three minutes later, Mike Fischer tied it again. Before the end of the first, Kovalev and Schremp had tied the game at three.
There were nine penalties called in the second period. Two on John Tavares and one ,and one ten minute game misconduct call on Andy MacDonald. Yep, the game was frustrating.
But the one penalty that everyone was talking about was the one that Robin Lehner took for knocking Kevin Poulin on his butt. I have a post over at HockeyBuzz.com trying to determine who was telling the truth.
The 19-year-old goalie took a swipe at the 20-year-old goalie because he got angry. Rob Schremp made a remark about not seeing anything like that since Pee Wee hockey. Considering the ages, these guys aren't that far removed.
Sidenote: Garth Snow will be answering questions on the second installment of The GM Show tomorrow at 1 pm on the Islanders website.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Kevin Poulin, Islanders #1 Goalie
As luck would have it, and as we all expected, it has been announced that Rick DiPietro will miss 4 - 6 weeks with factial fractures and knee swelling.
Complete audio from today's interviews with Rick DiPietro. #Isles http://ow.ly/3Qu1K
Nate Lawson was already put on the IR as of 1/22 for 2 - 4 weeks.
Here is the audio of Jack Capuano from today's media availability. I am not certain, but I think he said he hadn't even spoken with Garth yet. I hope that is not what he really meant.
Will Nabokov report NOW that he knows he'd be the starter? Or will he sit on his out of shap rump at home and wonder if he'll play in the NHL next season too?
Kevin Poulin owns the Isles net for now. Does Mike Dunham still have pads?
Complete audio from today's interviews with Rick DiPietro. #Isles http://ow.ly/3Qu1K
Nate Lawson was already put on the IR as of 1/22 for 2 - 4 weeks.
Here is the audio of Jack Capuano from today's media availability. I am not certain, but I think he said he hadn't even spoken with Garth yet. I hope that is not what he really meant.
Will Nabokov report NOW that he knows he'd be the starter? Or will he sit on his out of shap rump at home and wonder if he'll play in the NHL next season too?
Kevin Poulin owns the Isles net for now. Does Mike Dunham still have pads?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Isles in Atlanta
The Isles get back to work on a two day road trip. I'm thinking the weather is a little better in Atlanta than here, but there may not be any guarantees for Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Oh, and there is snow AGAIN on the horizon for their home game on Saturday. At this rate, I think even Travis Hamonic might be done with the winter weather we've had this year.
While I am guessing it will be Rick DiPietro in net tonight, there has been no official announcement yet and no UNOfficial announcement made on @KevinPoulin60's Twitter feed. (And you'll never see another one.)
All eyes will be on the bench to see if Ty Wishart will crack the line-up just so Jack can see what he can do. There are plenty of articles and information on this big kid around the net. He had a lot of potential when he was drafted. Perhaps, as with others, he just needs the right place to play in order to succeed. It could happen.
I'm also going to throw this out there, just because: With the weight of his new deal off his mind, look for Matt Moulson to regain his scoring touch.
More as it hits the wire, but other thoughts here at Hockeybuzz.com.
While I am guessing it will be Rick DiPietro in net tonight, there has been no official announcement yet and no UNOfficial announcement made on @KevinPoulin60's Twitter feed. (And you'll never see another one.)
All eyes will be on the bench to see if Ty Wishart will crack the line-up just so Jack can see what he can do. There are plenty of articles and information on this big kid around the net. He had a lot of potential when he was drafted. Perhaps, as with others, he just needs the right place to play in order to succeed. It could happen.
I'm also going to throw this out there, just because: With the weight of his new deal off his mind, look for Matt Moulson to regain his scoring touch.
More as it hits the wire, but other thoughts here at Hockeybuzz.com.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Poulin Shines But So Does Fluery
Outcome not withstanding, that was one hell of a graet game last night.
It had it all, heart pounding, passionate fights, breakaways, exciting scoring chances and acrobatic saves. Yes, that was a great game.
Sadly for the Islanders, it just wasn't one they earned points in. Kevin Poulin deserved a "W" for his efforts. But as Jack Capuano said in the post game, "You can't win any games if you can't score any goals." Nope.
Notes and thoughts here at HockeyBuzz.com.
It had it all, heart pounding, passionate fights, breakaways, exciting scoring chances and acrobatic saves. Yes, that was a great game.
Sadly for the Islanders, it just wasn't one they earned points in. Kevin Poulin deserved a "W" for his efforts. But as Jack Capuano said in the post game, "You can't win any games if you can't score any goals." Nope.
Notes and thoughts here at HockeyBuzz.com.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Kevin Poulin faces the Ottawa Sentators
It will be the battle of the 20-year-old goaltenders in Uniondale tonight as the Ottawa Senators have come to town.
Sadly, ex-NY Islander Chris Campoli is being benched so there are quite a few women here that are highly disappointed.
Someone who shouldn't be disappointed is John Tavares who has more points than any Senator on the roster including Daniel Alfredsson.
I'm heading down to Doolan's for the Meet-up.
They've hit the Ice and Poulin has hit the net.
Let's Go Islanders!
And this is why you have two goalies. Hello Nate Lawson as young Kevin Poulin is pulled after giving up a second goal on only 8 shots. although I don't think it's all his fault.
Congrats to Trevor Gillies on his first NHL goal that tied the game at one. Too bad it didn't last long until Jesse Winchester got the go-ahead goal for the Sens at only 9:50 of the first. The Isles have only 3 shots on goal.
The Isles managed one excellent shift that kept play in the Sens end with numerous chances for their top line to score. None of them came up a winner though. Given a power play due to a delay of game penalty, the Islanders didn't even manage a shot on goal. I'm sure they will have a nice talk in the locker room and come out on all cylinders. Right?
Jack Hillen had flash backs to last season as he was hit in the jaw with the puck just a few seconds before the first period ended. He went down and stayed down but managed to get up as play continued before the buzzer sounded. Very scary.
Start of second and the Islanders couldn'g get a shot on goal. As the Islanders went on their second power play, it was all Senators. The breakaway was broadcast at least three seconds before it actually happened as Milan Michalek not only got by Travis Hamonic, but watched him fly into the boards behind the net. 3 - 1 Sens.
As I said earlier, it would either be the game that breaks the Sens losing streak or not. I'm thinking the selection a
Blake Comeau worked hard and had to take three shots, but the third went in to make it 2 - 3 Sens. And while the euphoria was still fresh in their minds, exactly 20 seconds later, Chris Kelly scored on Nate Lawson to make it 2 - 4 Sens.
Nate Lawson's rebound control is non-existent and at 6:52 left of the second, Andy MacDonald's luck couldn't get any worse as the puck bounced off his stick in a clearing attempt and right in. Lawson gave Amac a look like "Are you serious?"
This is not a good night for the Islanders top defense pair of Hamonic and MacDonald.
Also a bad night for Nate Lawson who gives up the sixth goal to Zach Smith at 14:27. At this point I am wondering if Jack was too quick to pull Poulin from the net.
After a Sens power play where Grabner had a breakaway and a shot on net, the puck hustled back by John Tavares and rocketed into the net by Milan Jurcina at 10:50 of the third to give the Islanders 4 goals to the Sens 6. Well, I guess it ain't over yet.
with 2:48 left of the third it's time to pack up. More later.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
POU-LIN Was The Chant
Which was a lot better that "POO" as was the favorite in the poll posted a few nights ago on the Islanders Live game Blog by the Rookie & the Reporter.
Kevin Poulin was greated with open arms by the Islander faithful that showed up under threat of hazardous conditions to face the Vancouver Canucks.
While he faced 51 shots and only gave up 3 goals in regulation, it was the shoot-out that did him in. Still, one point for the Isles and a glimpse into the future still made 1/11/11 a day to remember.
Full post game report here at Hockeybuzz.com
Kevin Poulin was greated with open arms by the Islander faithful that showed up under threat of hazardous conditions to face the Vancouver Canucks.
While he faced 51 shots and only gave up 3 goals in regulation, it was the shoot-out that did him in. Still, one point for the Isles and a glimpse into the future still made 1/11/11 a day to remember.
Full post game report here at Hockeybuzz.com
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Poulin's 1st NHL Win
Friday's decision to announce that Kevin Poulin would be the starting goalie today was probably the best move of the off day. It gave Kevin's family a chance to get there to see him. It also gave the Islanders a chance to win as he faced 37 shots and gave up only three goals.
There will be plenty for Jack to think about on the plane to Chicago. What to do about a starter and what to do about Jeremy Colliton who scored two power play goals. What does he do if Frans Nielsen is cleared to play tomorrow?
Glad I'm not Jack! Post game report at HockeyBuzz here.
There will be plenty for Jack to think about on the plane to Chicago. What to do about a starter and what to do about Jeremy Colliton who scored two power play goals. What does he do if Frans Nielsen is cleared to play tomorrow?
Glad I'm not Jack! Post game report at HockeyBuzz here.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Kevin Poulin to Start on Saturday
Well, he wasn't expecting to be in net on Thursday, so I suppose it was a gift from Jack Capuano to tell him NOW that he will be starting tomorrow in Colorado.
Rick DiPietro was sent home today to check out his tweaked adductor. Truth is, with no practice tomorrow and none on Sunday, was there really a reason to have him hanging around knowing he wouldn't be playing? Probably not. Get him home. Get him checked out. Get a final word on his ability to return to the line-up.
While the 8:24pm NYIslanders tweet was welcomed, there has been no information on Frans Nielsen. Just as losing Andy MacDonald was a huge hole that could not be filled, losing Nielsen has the same effect.
Jeremy Colliton has been called up from Bridgeport. Colliton must feel like a yo-yo. How many times has he been a call-up? Many. But at least he has some NHL experience in a sea of rookies.
A 3 pm game in an arena where the air is thin doesn't make me feel very confident.
I remember watching Jason Blake play in Colorado and not being able to catch his breath. When you're not used to that altitude, as silly as it sounds, it has an effect.
We'll see what happens.
Rick DiPietro was sent home today to check out his tweaked adductor. Truth is, with no practice tomorrow and none on Sunday, was there really a reason to have him hanging around knowing he wouldn't be playing? Probably not. Get him home. Get him checked out. Get a final word on his ability to return to the line-up.
While the 8:24pm NYIslanders tweet was welcomed, there has been no information on Frans Nielsen. Just as losing Andy MacDonald was a huge hole that could not be filled, losing Nielsen has the same effect.
Jeremy Colliton has been called up from Bridgeport. Colliton must feel like a yo-yo. How many times has he been a call-up? Many. But at least he has some NHL experience in a sea of rookies.
A 3 pm game in an arena where the air is thin doesn't make me feel very confident.
I remember watching Jason Blake play in Colorado and not being able to catch his breath. When you're not used to that altitude, as silly as it sounds, it has an effect.
We'll see what happens.
Kevin Poulin's NHL Debut
Had the game been an Islander win, this would have been Kevin Poulin's finest moment. But the kid stopped everything he faced and should be proud of his effort.
You can see the disappointment in Matt Moulson and the inability of the power play to convert on a five on three gift. But without Frans Nielsen in the line-up, this was a game that just got away from them.
The trite yet true "Manage the puck, manage the clock" mantra should have been followed last night. It wasn't.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Game Day! Thursday in Edmonton
I may have to nap before the game, but I am looking forward to this one. Well, actually it's because I can't stand the three-day layovers that sometimes happens this time of year.
During that time of no Islander hockey we say Dwayne Roloson earn his first shut-out for Tampa Bay, the Russians win the WJC and the final episode of HBO's 24/7. We also saw Dwayne Roloson give up three quick goals, get pulled from the net, get put back in and finally lost 8 - 1. Yep.
Jeff Marek called it the Russian Miracle On Ice and for sure that is what it was. With the Russians trailing 3 - 0 through two periods, I (and everyone else) never expected five unanswered goals in the third to give them a gold medal and an amazing celebration. Just please remember these are teen-agers. Cut them some slack if you were offended with the enthusiasm.
Matt Moulson and Michael Grabner (whom if you are not following on Twitter you are really missing out.) were still making fun of John Tavares and Matt said he sent tissues to his hotel room because Canada's loss (i.e. winning a Silver medal while Team USA came home with Bronze) did him in. JT was a big part of the gold medal winning Canadian team. (Something fellow team mate Josh Bailey wasn't. Wonder how the kid feels about that.) Grabner's hotel desert looked fabulous.
I only managed to watch a few minutes of 24/7 last night but it was the few minutes that included the Penguins game at the Coliseum where they lost to Rick DiPietro and company. It was visually beautiful in the production quality. I'll have to catch the entire thing on demand another time.
As of last night there was no word on Frans Nielsen's ability to play today. I'm assuming we will hear this morning from Ms. Strang. Although, as we know Coach Jack does not believe in mandatory game-day morning skates, not sure how much info will come out.
Still hoping we get to see Kevin Poulin in net today, especially against a sliding Edmonton team. The Islanders have their three game win streak going and would like to extend it. Jack may feel that Nate has more experience to get the job done. His call. We'll see.
More as it arrives on my little Amish phone via Twitter. (What did we do before that? No. Really? Oh... right... waited till game time and for the newspaper to come out. OH the dark days of information delivery.)
During that time of no Islander hockey we say Dwayne Roloson earn his first shut-out for Tampa Bay, the Russians win the WJC and the final episode of HBO's 24/7. We also saw Dwayne Roloson give up three quick goals, get pulled from the net, get put back in and finally lost 8 - 1. Yep.
Jeff Marek called it the Russian Miracle On Ice and for sure that is what it was. With the Russians trailing 3 - 0 through two periods, I (and everyone else) never expected five unanswered goals in the third to give them a gold medal and an amazing celebration. Just please remember these are teen-agers. Cut them some slack if you were offended with the enthusiasm.
Matt Moulson and Michael Grabner (whom if you are not following on Twitter you are really missing out.) were still making fun of John Tavares and Matt said he sent tissues to his hotel room because Canada's loss (i.e. winning a Silver medal while Team USA came home with Bronze) did him in. JT was a big part of the gold medal winning Canadian team. (Something fellow team mate Josh Bailey wasn't. Wonder how the kid feels about that.) Grabner's hotel desert looked fabulous.
I only managed to watch a few minutes of 24/7 last night but it was the few minutes that included the Penguins game at the Coliseum where they lost to Rick DiPietro and company. It was visually beautiful in the production quality. I'll have to catch the entire thing on demand another time.
As of last night there was no word on Frans Nielsen's ability to play today. I'm assuming we will hear this morning from Ms. Strang. Although, as we know Coach Jack does not believe in mandatory game-day morning skates, not sure how much info will come out.
Still hoping we get to see Kevin Poulin in net today, especially against a sliding Edmonton team. The Islanders have their three game win streak going and would like to extend it. Jack may feel that Nate has more experience to get the job done. His call. We'll see.
More as it arrives on my little Amish phone via Twitter. (What did we do before that? No. Really? Oh... right... waited till game time and for the newspaper to come out. OH the dark days of information delivery.)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Inuries, Call-ups & A Signing
This shouldn't be a busy day of news, and it really wasn't until about 8 pm.
First off, there has been no news about the status of Frans Nielsen and his groin strain. However, he did manage to get in a little curling with the boys. Hopefully, he's okay.
Kevin Poulin has arrived in Canada to join the Islanders and was on the ice along with Nate (the great) Lawson this morning for a practice. Mark Eaton, however, has been sent home with a hip injury and will not continue on with the team. This is a devastating blow to the defense. This is why Dylan Reese made the trip, but he is certainly no replacement for Mark Eaton.
As no forward has been recalled from Bridgeport, it is assumed that Blake Comeau will be available to play tomorrow.
While Rick DiPietro's adductor tweak doesn't seem to be serious, I posted a question this morning to my HB crowd about whether or not we should see Kevin Poulin in a game during this trip. Like say... TOMORROW in Edmonton. Personally, I would love to see the kid play just to see what he can do.
Some say that would be rushing him and others feel the way I do and want to see what the future of the Islanders will look like. For a Goalie prospect post, check out Matt Clausen's look at the Isles Goalies and see what he has to say about Nate the Great and Poulin.
Speaking of the future of the Islanders, a little piece of next season has been locked up with the signing of Milan Jurcina to a one year extension. Nice going! Now, stay off the IR, thank you.
So check out Islandersprospects.blogspot.com and let's see who ends up in net tomorrow
First off, there has been no news about the status of Frans Nielsen and his groin strain. However, he did manage to get in a little curling with the boys. Hopefully, he's okay.
Kevin Poulin has arrived in Canada to join the Islanders and was on the ice along with Nate (the great) Lawson this morning for a practice. Mark Eaton, however, has been sent home with a hip injury and will not continue on with the team. This is a devastating blow to the defense. This is why Dylan Reese made the trip, but he is certainly no replacement for Mark Eaton.
As no forward has been recalled from Bridgeport, it is assumed that Blake Comeau will be available to play tomorrow.
While Rick DiPietro's adductor tweak doesn't seem to be serious, I posted a question this morning to my HB crowd about whether or not we should see Kevin Poulin in a game during this trip. Like say... TOMORROW in Edmonton. Personally, I would love to see the kid play just to see what he can do.
Some say that would be rushing him and others feel the way I do and want to see what the future of the Islanders will look like. For a Goalie prospect post, check out Matt Clausen's look at the Isles Goalies and see what he has to say about Nate the Great and Poulin.
Speaking of the future of the Islanders, a little piece of next season has been locked up with the signing of Milan Jurcina to a one year extension. Nice going! Now, stay off the IR, thank you.
So check out Islandersprospects.blogspot.com and let's see who ends up in net tomorrow
Friday, September 17, 2010
Game 2: A Better Showing
SB Nation's Lighthouse Hockey called this group of Isles prospects "Hatchlings." I thought that was truly funny, I'll just call them "rookies." Some of these young men have never played in an NHL arena, so these two exhibition games were very exciting for them.
When I spoke with Scott Gordon on Tuesday, before the games, he didn't expect big crowds for these games, but knew they would mean a lot to his young squad.
"You're playing on NHL ice and treated like an NHL player for a couple of days." Well, almost. They did take the bus to Boston, but everything else was NHL caliber. The estimated 7,000 tickets sold turned into over 11,000 on Wednesday and a whopping 14,180 on Thursday. Basically, as many patrons as you'll see at the Coliseum.
The Isles prospects seemed a little less anxious as pointed out in this quote from goal scorer Tony Romano in the Islanders post game report on their website:
When I asked Scott Gordon what they would have to do to impress him, he told me "Just go out and play their game. We know mistakes are going to be made. They're not really a team. They haven't had the opportunity to play much together so I think that every player has their own special abilities and it's important that they show those. If you fight, you fight. If you score, you score."
Travis Hamonic showed his. As Lighthouse Hockey said "Hamonic will eat your children." Whoa! Okay then. Yes, the kid has grit and spunk -- and he got tossed out of last night's game because of the fight rule. But many of the rookies showed their "special abilities."
Kevin Poulin made some excellent saves and many noted the score would probably not have been kept so close if not for his heroics. Many of the names that have tested the waters on the Bridgeport squad stood out last night as well still trying to impress both Scott Gordon and Jack Capuano. With cut day looming large, the older prospects are hoping to make a line up somewhere within the organization.
The younger prospects will be heading back to their junior clubs, but this camp and these games gave them a good taste of what is to be expected of them. When I asked Gordon if he watches those who have returned more closely than the younger prospects, he said "Realistically, the guys that are going to go back to junior, we have a better idea of what they are doing and what their progress is. The guys that have the potential to make our team; whether it's a draft pick or a player from Bridgeport, we'll be more in-tune with those guys and watching them closer."
With rookie camp about to end and Training camp starting this afternoon, I wondered what Scott Gordon hopes to accomplish in his third year as head coach of the Islanders.
"Obviously, we improved from the first year, and we want to continue to improve. The whole process that we've gone through in the last two years is going in the right direction and you want to make sure we continue to go in that direction. I think a good measure for us will be the way we finish the year in the standings. The objective is for every team to make the playoffs and certainly you hate to think you went into the season not thinking you had a chance to win the Stanley Cup and hopefully our players feel that way."
I read that as heading into the season looking to create a positive attitude in the dressing room that will carry out to the ice.
Scott Gordon has his work cut out for him. While the Islanders improved by 18 points last season, their record must continue to improve whether they earn a playoff berth or not.
As far as this being the last year of Gordon's contract, I have read much speculation on whether he will be extended or if he will play out the remainder of the contract and not be renewed. If anyone remembers what Scott Gordon told the press when he was first hired as a rookie coach, he approaches his employment knowing that any day could be his last in this business. He just works his hardest and does his best.
The saying "The Best is yet to come" somehow comes to mind here.
When I spoke with Scott Gordon on Tuesday, before the games, he didn't expect big crowds for these games, but knew they would mean a lot to his young squad.
"You're playing on NHL ice and treated like an NHL player for a couple of days." Well, almost. They did take the bus to Boston, but everything else was NHL caliber. The estimated 7,000 tickets sold turned into over 11,000 on Wednesday and a whopping 14,180 on Thursday. Basically, as many patrons as you'll see at the Coliseum.
The Isles prospects seemed a little less anxious as pointed out in this quote from goal scorer Tony Romano in the Islanders post game report on their website:
“I felt like a lot of us were in our comfort zone tonight rather than last night,” said Romano. “I know myself, last night I was just a bit hesitant. Tonight I definitely felt like I was playing with a lot more urgency, using some more hockey sense and it definitely made a difference in my game.”
When I asked Scott Gordon what they would have to do to impress him, he told me "Just go out and play their game. We know mistakes are going to be made. They're not really a team. They haven't had the opportunity to play much together so I think that every player has their own special abilities and it's important that they show those. If you fight, you fight. If you score, you score."
Travis Hamonic showed his. As Lighthouse Hockey said "Hamonic will eat your children." Whoa! Okay then. Yes, the kid has grit and spunk -- and he got tossed out of last night's game because of the fight rule. But many of the rookies showed their "special abilities."
Kevin Poulin made some excellent saves and many noted the score would probably not have been kept so close if not for his heroics. Many of the names that have tested the waters on the Bridgeport squad stood out last night as well still trying to impress both Scott Gordon and Jack Capuano. With cut day looming large, the older prospects are hoping to make a line up somewhere within the organization.
The younger prospects will be heading back to their junior clubs, but this camp and these games gave them a good taste of what is to be expected of them. When I asked Gordon if he watches those who have returned more closely than the younger prospects, he said "Realistically, the guys that are going to go back to junior, we have a better idea of what they are doing and what their progress is. The guys that have the potential to make our team; whether it's a draft pick or a player from Bridgeport, we'll be more in-tune with those guys and watching them closer."
With rookie camp about to end and Training camp starting this afternoon, I wondered what Scott Gordon hopes to accomplish in his third year as head coach of the Islanders.
"Obviously, we improved from the first year, and we want to continue to improve. The whole process that we've gone through in the last two years is going in the right direction and you want to make sure we continue to go in that direction. I think a good measure for us will be the way we finish the year in the standings. The objective is for every team to make the playoffs and certainly you hate to think you went into the season not thinking you had a chance to win the Stanley Cup and hopefully our players feel that way."
I read that as heading into the season looking to create a positive attitude in the dressing room that will carry out to the ice.
Scott Gordon has his work cut out for him. While the Islanders improved by 18 points last season, their record must continue to improve whether they earn a playoff berth or not.
As far as this being the last year of Gordon's contract, I have read much speculation on whether he will be extended or if he will play out the remainder of the contract and not be renewed. If anyone remembers what Scott Gordon told the press when he was first hired as a rookie coach, he approaches his employment knowing that any day could be his last in this business. He just works his hardest and does his best.
The saying "The Best is yet to come" somehow comes to mind here.
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