It's always nice when former Islander greats are in the building. This season has been filled with the returns of many former Islanders that have given crowd some more volume and the boys an extra spark. Tonight will be no different. Thomas Vanek is back in Hempstead.... oh, and so is Pat LaFontaine.
Earlier this year, the Wild stunned the Islanders with four 3rd period goals for a 5-4 victory. This was before devastating 3rd periods became "our thing." Minnesota played in Toronto last night, so perhaps we'll have the legs to finish the 3rd period the right way this time.
Our power play has gone cold in recent games and it won't get any easier tonight. Minnesota is 1st in the NHL, killing off 86.5% of opposing team's penalties.
Some may say the Rangers are the hottest team in the NHL. The Wild might disagree. They are an NHL-best 21-5-1 since the All-Star break. They've won 9 straight road games... a franchise best mark. Thomas Vanek has an eight-game point streak coming in.
Also, the Wild basically have one goalie:
Devan Dubnyk continued his incredible run for Minnesota on Monday, making 35 saves in his 32nd straight start. He started his final game with Arizona before being in net for all 31 with the Wild since being acquired Jan. 14, a stretch during which he has a 1.74 goals-against average.
If Dubnyk is in goal for this contest, it will mark the most consecutive starts in the NHL since Antti Niemi started 34 straight for San Jose in 2011. |
The Islanders have not won at the barn since February 27. Enough is enough with that.
JT on the Wild:
| “It seemed like everything kind of came together for them,” John Tavares said. “They had been struggling and there were expectations for them, but they all seemed to dig in and play well. [Dubnyk] came in, gave them stability and has played great for them. They are a complete team from top to bottom.” |
Other tidbits:
Ryan Strome's little brother Dylan won the OHL scoring title the other night. He'll be a top 10 draft pick like big brother in a few months.
Cappy's coaching continues to be a topic of much debate. Are the Islanders winning because of him, or in spite of him?
Halak says Islanders must play with desperation the rest of the way.
No word on the lines yet. Let's get two points.
still a good job