We really need to put some pucks in the net tonight.
I hate to open with something so simple and so fundamental, but it's never been more true. We've all had some time to digest the last one and I don't think, despite the loss, we really can walk away from that game dissatisfied with the way the team played. No they weren't perfect and yes Minnesota had some nice chances you'd want to avoid, but that's going to happen... particularly when facing a team has red hot as the Wild.
But moving on... it's really time to just light up the lamp.
A lot. In a perfect world, I'd love to have to count the goals with two hands, but before we get there we need to see if we can even reach two fingers first.
Some notes: Apparently, Capuano has introduced some funky tactics to practice in order to jumpstart the offense.
Jack Capuano had his forwards behind the net with the goal turned backward to practice getting shots up high from a tight space.
"I think we're there in some ways, but we're not there as far as taking away [the goalie's] eyes," Capuano said. "You have to be dynamic in the offensive zone, you need your D to activate a little more. We were scoring a lot of goals early in the year doing that." |
I know it seems gimmicky, but I personally like the idea because we've had no issues generating pressure... burying the puck has been a huge hurdle. Maybe this will help create a mentality more inclined to finish what's been started.
From the same link, it's unlikely there will be any changes to the forwards tonight:
| Despite some lengthy dry spells for his forwards and one of the Isles more prolific goal scorers of the past five years sitting out as a healthy scratch, Capuano does not seem inclined to put Michael Grabner back in. Grabner, Colin McDonald and Eric Boulton all did extra work on ice Wednesday, meaning at least for Grabner it's likely a fourth straight healthy scratch against the Kings. |
The Islanders have outshot their opponents in eight straight games... for a record of 2-4-2. We need to finish. Period.
I created a thread yesterday that I'm pretty sure got zero responses (c'mon dudes!) but the FBI is investigating
threats made against Nick Leddy on social media:
Newsday reported that a now-suspended Twitter account posted pictures of Leddy's Minnesota driver's license and a credit card. It also made violent threats against him.
The Twitter account had been posting harassing photos of Leddy, a teammate and others in recent months. |
As for the Kings, they're coming off a very strong effort against the Rangers and are desperate for points, trailing Calgary by 1 for the final spot in Pacific division, and trailing Winnipeg by 2 for the final Wild Card spot. Much of Central and Western Canada will be Islanders fans tonight. Jonathan Quick will likely be in net.
Pittsburgh, Washington and the Rangers are all taking the ice tonight. As I said in my defunct game thread last time out... let's get two f'n points, please.
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Sooner or later you have to think these 1 goal games against very good teams pays off in them figuring out what to do to win/what not to do to lose. If there's a plus here, it's that Halak looks ready to carry this team in the playoffs. Just cut the meek shit out when trying to clear...do it fucking definitively and not like sissy boys afraid of breaking a nail. And while not "the" answer, please get Grabner back in there. And move KO to L2 and Lee back to L1.
27-91-18
I'm not bringing up bailey. You guys do it.
27-91-18
Dave, its the combo of JT and okposo. They both are awful in their own end. Its no coincedence that jt became a + player for the 1st time when okposo was out. They are just not a good match.
I agree 27-91-18 and then 12-51-21
I will believe changes are coming when I see them. Cappy cant hurt any of his friends feelings
27-91-18
I totally agree, and you know what? I think that's gonna happen on Saturday.
27-91-18
21-29-12
26-51-86
17-53-15
It needs to happen.
Mike, flip Bailey and Okposo on the wings, and replace 26 on L3 with 40. Good to go.
Even though they are pissed there will be a change or 2. Something along those lines
- Capuano: "You know what? You can't just turn a switch on and off. I've seen enough of some guys playing like that, certain guys."
- Capuano said that the guys were getting cute late in the game, trying to make "sexy plays" and it led to puck mismanagement.
- Capuano, using the word "frustrating" at LEAST three times said to expect lineup changes. Doesn't like the chemistry between certain guys.
I want Grabs and Viz back in the lineup too. I know they keep saying there is no rush to get Viz going but at this point I'd be pushing to make it happen.
Maybe they are just trying to freefall themselves into a first round series with the RainJizz. /sarcasm
It's hilarious because they're basically the 2013 Giants on steroids. Wouldn't sniff the playoffs if they played a normal amount of starting goaltenders.
Oh, and sweet pic above of Brett gargling Run with 81's manchowder.
Oh, and sweet pic above of Brett gargling Run with 81's manchowder.
Oh great choice, lets not start the goalie standing on his head to play the backup who has been pretty shitty. I know we have back to back this weekend but you go with the hot guy to get out of a slump. How bout he calls out the pussies on D who get manhandled in front of Halak leading to deflections?
Conversely it was probably the best game I've seen Halak play in a long time.
They're struggling right now no doubt but hopefully they work out the kinks by the time the playoffs start.
Getting tired of saying "hope they kick it in gear before the playoffs..." Those are rapidly approaching...
And I could give a rat's ass about what the Rangers and Pens are doing on nights that we're playing... Means dick if we can't take care of our own... which we certainly haven't.
Enough now! Let's get this thing back on track...now!
Also, NHLN at 7:30 has MDC's Oshawa Generals kicking off their OHL playoff series.