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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The clouds prepare for battle
In the dark and brooding silence
Bruised and sullen stormclouds
Have the light of day obscured
Looming low and ominous
In twilight premature
Thunderheads are rumbling
In a distant overture
Tough matchup tonight against a desperate defending champion team that most still expect to make the playoffs and make another run. I'd like to see Grabner in there, but hopefully Kennedy can make an impact.
I'll be watching my Irish try and get to the elite 8 tonight. I'm sure my friendly bartender will put this game on also.
Couple of more interesting news items:
-Isles secure some goalie depth by signing NCAA FA C.J. Motte of Ferris State.
- MDC and JHS get mentions in this article discussing the upcoming OHL playoffs and the view that Oshawa and Niagra come into the tourney hot: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jrhockey-buzzing-the-net/ohl-eastern-conference-playoff-preview-niagara-icedogs-oshawa-generals-143846268.html
- Viz was back on the ice today after taking a maintenance day Wednesday. Capuano said there was no rush to get the 38-year-old defenseman back in the lineup, but said that he was getting close.
Let's Go Islanders!
I 100% agree that Cappy is missing the boat without Grabner in there. More of a weapon than Kennedy is, even if the respect for his speed does nothing more than create extra space. Again, I am a proponent of optimizing your lineup every night. I have visions of Grabs going bonkers like Forrest Whitaker's character in Fast Times at Ridgemont High after his car gets wrecked once he gets a crack at the lineup again. Maybe that's Cappy's strategy, who knows.
Oh right, no responses on the Leddy thing. Kinda like my rant yesterday in the Minn thread that no one acknowledged. Lets sweep that under the rug. I get no one wants to dog Bailey so staying quiet is the solution.
I saw the Leddy thread and while that's messed up the article didn't include any sort of possible motive.
There's also a chance that Cappy feels that Grabner just doesn't have his speed this year after the injuries and he's just going with the "least bad" option. If that's the case, let's cross our fingers that Grabovski isn't done.
The shots on goal and not scoring thing is weird. We were lighting up the new most of the year and were top 3 in goals scored over a very large sample. What's changed since then? Were we shooting in better spots before and aren't doing that now (maybe)? Have teams scouted our shot tendencies and are adjusting the goaltending accordingly (doubeful)? Are we just having some bad puckluck and are going to break through soon (crossing my fingers)?
I thought he looked solid the past few games so I'm still optimistic, but you're right, he's not finding the net. Neither is your favorite Islander, JB.
JB has been laying people out. Him and Leddy on D is solid. No complaints here.
Not sure if true at all, but Kennedy's shots are like Clutterbuck's...all from about 40 feet out and from along the boards, so easy saves to be made. At least Grabner can get to the net where his likely missed chance can generate a rebound, or he can draw a penalty when taking it to the hoop. Outside of his goal when placed alongside JT, not sure what Kennedy has shown me. Fransie is hurt more than is being told us (remember the article where Cappy said he won't be practicing much as the season winds down)...this is hurting us for sure as well.
Kennedy to me has been Clutterbuck without the same type of physical presence (which is 90% of why anyone has him on the roster). He has slightly better hands, but like you said, you never see them because he fires long distance prayers as opposed to trying to make plays.
Said the same thing at the game against the Wild. He looks OLD and SLOW. Hopefully he can find his game.
Quote:
Kennedys shots are more on target than Grabners. Therefore if we are trying to hit the net and working on it in practice then Kennedy over Grabner makes sense.
Not sure if true at all, but Kennedy's shots are like Clutterbuck's...all from about 40 feet out and from along the boards, so easy saves to be made. At least Grabner can get to the net where his likely missed chance can generate a rebound, or he can draw a penalty when taking it to the hoop. Outside of his goal when placed alongside JT, not sure what Kennedy has shown me. Fransie is hurt more than is being told us (remember the article where Cappy said he won't be practicing much as the season winds down)...this is hurting us for sure as well.
I agree with this. While Kennedy is a feisty player he is a borderline NHL player. He couldn't find consistent playing time on Pittsburgh and San Jose ego I think aren't nearly as deep as the Islanders but he's an every day player for us. IMO Grabner hasn't been bad and has actually accomplished something in the NHL before.
Maybe because he's righty?
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#wishingkwposted
Maybe if they had support from BBI they would play better.
Let's pick it up!!!
Thank goodness for halak.
And it's gone. 1-1
Sounds like a good game so far