This is it. Win or go home. I'm not ready to go home. Hope you're not, either.
Rule of the day for the Islanders: keep your composure. The Caps are gonna be physical, as they've been all series. So what. Turn the other cheek. The Isles can't, and shouldn't get caught up in any retaliation. Stay out of the box. While each team has 14 goals in the series, the only place where the Caps have any advantage is on the PP, where they've outscored the Isles 2-0. That's it. Stay out of the box, the chances of winning increase.
The Isles, while relatively green in playoff experience, are unfazed by the situation. Cappy says they're gonna be the same team they've been all year:
“They’ve had that refuse-to-lose attitude, and I’ve said that. They’re a relentless team. It doesn’t matter how young we are or the rookies we have, they’ve got a veteran team on that side. They have a veteran hockey team from the back end to their goaltender right on out. I think we respect them but we don’t fear anybody.
That’s been our attitude all year. We just keep coming. We’re not going to go away. Whatever happens, and I told you going into tonight’s game, I knew our guys would work hard and give us everything they’ve got." |
Boychuk brings the perspective we knew he would, with his pedigree:
“Don’t be scared out there. Play with confidence. It’s one game, but it’s a very important game.”
“You have to stay in the moment and not let emotions get the best of you. That’s the main thing. You don’t want to take a penalty. You could be going home because of that penalty.” |
Finally, Cal Clutterbuck touches on what we're all feeling:
| “I think there’s a feeling of guys realizing how hard it’s been to get to this point—and I think there are a lot of guys in this room who aren’t ready to let that go.” |
Jaro Halak brings the playoff experience you'd want in a goalie with the series on the line. In playoff elimination games, Jaro is 6-1 in his career with only 12 goals allowed. He's relaxed heading into tonight:
| “I’m not trying to put extra pressure on myself. I’m just trying to go out there, have fun and help the guys try to win the game.” |
Regardless of the outcome, I'm proud of our boys. Let's get it done tonight.
Let's Go Islanders!
He's got a problem with his power
With weapons on patrol
He's got to walk a fine line
And keep his self-control
In comment 12251740 EricNY33 said:
While I agree with you on this, in my eyes if they don't win this series after how they started this season it's a failure.
He smiles and says he's pleased to meet you
Beneath his hat the strangeness lies
Take it off, he's got three eyes
Truth is false and logic lost
Now the fourth dimension is crossed...
You have entered the Twilight Zone
Beyond this world strange things are known
Use the key, unlock the door
See what your fate might have in store...
Come explore your dreams' creation
Enter this world of imagination...
You wake up lost in an empty town
Wondering why no one else is around
Look up to see a giant boy
You've just become his brand new toy
No escape, no place to hide
Here where time and space collide
You have entered the Twilight Zone
Beyond this world strange things are known
Use the key, unlock the door
See what your fate might have in store...
Come explore your dreams' creation
Enter this world of imagination...
Let's get off to a quick start and put all the pressure on them.
Let's Go!!!!!
For your sake, I hope it's not Joe Beniati and Craig Laughlin on that feed.
Josh Bailey - Frans Nielsen - Kyle Okposo
Nikolay Kulemin - Mikhail Grabovski - Colin McDonald
Matt Martin - Casey Cizikas - Cal Clutterbuck
Nick Leddy - Johnny Boychuk
Thomas Hickey - Brian Strait
Matt Donovan - Scott Mayfield
Jaro in net.
My mouth is watering for this game... I'm chomping at the bit!!!
Yaay! Locker and Beninati it is for me. Guess I'll watch on my tablet on the NBCSN app. Why watch a game on a 60" with surround sound when you can watch on 8"....FML.
Catch you guys after the first...sons are getting some scouting awards tonight, gotta rep for my dudes.
Isles fans eveywhere
YES YES YES.
Let's drop the puck!!!
They need to relax their play and gain composure
Isles looked a little shaky at the end where the Caps dominated possession and had a couple of quality chances that didn't pan out. I think the Isles actually gain confidence at the intermission, knowing they withstood a push from what should be an energized Caps team playing for their lives in front of their home fans. To emerge with zeroson the board should let the Isles know that if they play their game, there's opportunity to take this one. Jaro looks calm. Good sign.
I missed most of the first, so curious to your takes on how physical it was for each side.
Grabbo had serious speed and has potential for game winner tonight.
Isles looked a little shaky at the end where the Caps dominated possession and had a couple of quality chances that didn't pan out. I think the Isles actually gain confidence at the intermission, knowing they withstood a push from what should be an energized Caps team playing for their lives in front of their home fans. To emerge with zeroson the board should let the Isles know that if they play their game, there's opportunity to take this one. Jaro looks calm. Good sign.
I missed most of the first, so curious to your takes on how physical it was for each side.
It was physical but not at the level of the other games in the series. Caps had the advantage in that too.
We better get our shit together. Ugly game so far.
It says a lotthat the Caps have taken away much of the ice on D.
However, I think there's a bit of cat and mouse going on here where the tanks will get emptied in the 3rd.
It feels like the difference tonight is either gonna be one mistake, or a fluky event leading to a score.
Eh, just take 2 guys and tackle JT, there won't be any call. Good strategy by WAS...lmao.
Typical