Hey, so...this is a new (yet old, deep in the memory banks) feeling. Rack 'em up, a new round and a new challenge. On to Tampa for a matchup against a very similar opponent.
Both sides come in with injuries, although many will run with the Stamkos/Stralman acknowledgement and look past the Halak, Lee and Grabovski gap (although Greiss has, at least for the time he's been in the starter role, rendered the Halak part moot). Meaning: both sides have issues, so deal with it.
While TB doesn't represent the size/speed/skill combo the Panthers had throughout their lineup, they do present a real challenge given their offensive skill overall, the redwood on the back line in Hedman and a world-class goalie in goliath Ben Bishop (who has shown streakiness; against the Isles this year, he's 1-2, with a 4.41 GAA and .842 SV%). But those regular season numbers mean nothing as the playoffs are its own season. We may see some more wide open hockey here as the Bolts don't play a trap system like FLA did.
Staple had a twitter Q& A with the fanbase this morning, and some of the things he discussed were:
- Pulock likely not back until after this weekend, expected to play next week
- Boychuk didn't play well in Rd 1, and he knows he needs to be better
- MDC likely called up after BPT series is over but doubts he'll play
- Feels Grabbo is probably done (his words, "a sad situation")
- Cappy's issue with Strome is 18's play away from the puck
- Outside of JT and Greiss, felt Hickey was Isles best player in Rd 1; one of the few that joined the rush regularly
- Feels there's currently a 30% chance Hammer is back with the Isles next year.
- Doesn't think KO returns, citing Free Agency doesn't come around often and he's gotta do what's best for his family. But the chances for a return are better with the first round win.
- Isles will try to move some contracts and get JT a top line LW
- Bernier's solid play has earned him a spot
- Hall for Hammer unlikely unless Isles sweeten that potential offer. Perhaps more like Draisaitl. And Hammer won't be moved for picks; Snow will demand an NHL-ready player.
But we're not talking housekeeping until the season ends. Too much hockey left to be played, more fun to be had. Drop the puck already.
Let's Go Islanders!
Growing up it all seems so one-sided
Opinions all provided
The future pre-decided
Detached and subdivided
In the mass production zone
I thought the Islanders did not have great match-ups vs. Florida and yet still controlled play when they needed to. I think they control the match-ups better vs. Tampa and the added confidence of winning the last series is what they need to play the winner of Wash-Pitt.
LGI!!!!!
Tonight will be tough, but I think everyone will play a lot looser now that the monkey is off their collective back.
I like our chances to get to the ECF. Let's Go Islanders!!
2 - I would rather any other play besides Hall and Eberle for Hamonic.
Let's go now.
Should be a lot of goals scored in this series, so hopefully lines 2 and 3 get involved. LGI!
Should be a lot of goals scored in this series, so hopefully lines 2 and 3 get involved. LGI!
In order to win, it's time for guys like Nelson and Strome to show consistency and drive in their play.
Although based on above, Strome is not good away from puck and Bailey is.
Although based on above, Strome is not good away from puck and Bailey is.
Bailey did not make the trip to Tampa.
Love it. I hate the "original 6"
Although based on above, Strome is not good away from puck and Bailey is.
Quote:
playing. Fuckin bailed on his team Game 6.
Although based on above, Strome is not good away from puck and Bailey is.
Bailey still has the upper body thing; won't play for the Isles until next week's games (if, even).
I guess I wasn't paying attention. I thought he left the game with a lower body issue. It is sad about Grabbo. If a forward does down are they really going with Wright? It should be a fun series. Let's start this already.
We had more points, but then again the Lightning had 43 ROWs compared to our 40, which in it's purest form should be the truest measurement of success... you know... winning hockey games haha. So I'm not fuming over this one too much. More often than the Islanders, the Lightning went out and won a hockey game without the benefit of a skills competition. Even with the shootout they still won more games.
So the NHL countered their shitty points system with their shitty seeding system and somehow I think it worked out. That's just me. I get both sides of this one.
Quote:
In comment 12924180 Fish said:
Quote:
playing. Fuckin bailed on his team Game 6.
Although based on above, Strome is not good away from puck and Bailey is.
Bailey still has the upper body thing; won't play for the Isles until next week's games (if, even).
I guess I wasn't paying attention. I thought he left the game with a lower body issue. It is sad about Grabbo. If a forward does down are they really going with Wright? It should be a fun series. Let's start this already.
I think we'd sooner see Eric Boulton and Clutterbuck would move to 3rd Line
Thank you, section.
I feel good about this series.
...so obviously, Bolts in 5.
Nastrovia
I think the worst thing that can happen is the Isles come out flat and dig themselves a quick 2/3-0 hole.
I'll probably be saying this all series... just get the damn puck to the net and good things will happen!
I think the worst thing that can happen is the Isles come out flat and dig themselves a quick 2/3-0 hole.
I'll probably be saying this all series... just get the damn puck to the net and good things will happen!
I didn't get the early flight out of Cleveland, so I will be watching from my laptop...
did someone mention that R2 is opened up on Gamecenter??
I didn't get the early flight out of Cleveland, so I will be watching from my laptop...
did someone mention that R2 is opened up on Gamecenter??
Don't know about Gamecenter - but you can find a link on reddit below. They've been cracking down on the Youtube links but others still work.
Link - ( New Window )
I guess last years loss was easier to swallow since you lost to Rangers South...
Wanted the Lightning clean sweep like Florida got
Wanted the Lightning clean sweep like Florida got
at least we got Bucci on board.. the only one on that panel who knows his ass from his elbow (LeBrun is an overrated hack)
maybe some Victor, next.
Caps in 5 (flyers stole 2, shocking me)
Isles in 6 (woo)
Rangers in 6 (this was more WANT than anything..damn YINZ)
Tampa in 5 (woo)
Stars in 5 (close!)
Ducks in 6 (Duck's can still win!)
Kings in 5 (WAY off)
Hawks in 7 (damn)
ok..
Isles in 6
Caps in 6
I will wait to predict the west (wrongly) after the game tonight.
Wanted the Lightning clean sweep like Florida got
Barry Melrose picked the Lighting so that's good. He just figured out who John Tavares was a couple of seasons ago.
from my NHL App
"Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock, who has been dealing with an upper-body injury since 4/20 did travel and was a full participant. Capuano said he could play Wednesday but didn't commit to it."
"It's tough to make those decisions based upon the matchups. I've talked to Pulock plenty of times and have no doubt he can do the job."
HUH?
it was last series when they were still "playing".
Tampa Bay Times Lightning Blog - ( New Window )
Let's get this one. Keep the momentum rolling.
Tonight we need to get off to a solid start take control of the game and let Griess keep doing what he has been doing stopping shots by being able to see them clearly. I like where this team is right now, they believe in each other but it is now time we get more production out of 2nd and 4th lines. Go Isles!
Tonight we need to get off to a solid start take control of the game and let Griess keep doing what he has been doing stopping shots by being able to see them clearly. I like where this team is right now, they believe in each other but it is now time we get more production out of 2nd and 4th lines. Go Isles!
Sorry to hear - at least he's in a better place now.
Are Shannon and DP not doing pregame?
D: 2-3, 44-55, 14-28
If Brock was due to wake up, he hasn't gotten the call yet. Bad job on the defensive zone coverage. Stood and watched Palat instead of skating to him to close the gap.