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
Nice job men!
TB serving notice that this won't come easy.
Want something fun to think about? 11 more wins...
Schneider talking about how hard it is to play the Isles because of the depth at forward, rolling 4 lines capable of beating you. Said that when they're on their forechecking game,they set the tone and are hard to beat. Wears on you when they spend time in the opposing team's zone.
Still, a win is a win. Very upsetting to see they got so complacent at the end there. Greiss is a very good goalie. He proved it all year. It's not an aberration. Having said that, it's impossible for him to continue at this pace, it just is, and we can't just play like shit for a full period like that.
We have some gifted shooters and some very good goal tending and keeping us winning. The 4 line came alive today as well, which was my biggest positive take from the game. The first 2 periods validated we are good. The 3rd validated that we forget how to be good sometimes.
Another learning lesson hopefully, and it's nice to be "learning" while winning.
God how nice would it be to head back to Brooklyn up a pair?
I thought about that for a bit, having felt they were a bit complacent as you did, and then had to think there's some fatigue factor as well. They had just played parts of 10 periods in what would normally be a 6 period stretch. I think it caught up with them on a fairly quick turnaround, but as you said, a lesson learned while winning, The mental toughness to power through when the tank is on fumes is what winning teams need to have. They're going to have to figure that out to advance.
Anything else I should be aware of? Ecstatic we put up 5 and stole another game 1!
I disagree old5j... it's one thing to expect a push and fall on your heels a bit. It's another to be completely dependent on your goalie playing Vezina quality play just in order to not give up FOUR goals. A lesser effort from Greiss at the end there and we might not even make it to overtime.
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Still, a win is a win. Very upsetting to see they got so complacent at the end there.
I thought about that for a bit, having felt they were a bit complacent as you did, and then had to think there's some fatigue factor as well. They had just played parts of 10 periods in what would normally be a 6 period stretch. I think it caught up with them on a fairly quick turnaround, but as you said, a lesson learned while winning, The mental toughness to power through when the tank is on fumes is what winning teams need to have. They're going to have to figure that out to advance.
That is very fair. If the poor play at the end is the result of fatigue, it's very reasonable for sure, and considering how well they played through 2 periods, I bet that's the case. Perhaps I'm being a little hard.
time to rest up!
I need to say, because I shit on him pretty badly last series, Brock Nelson played a complete game. He competed for pucks, got in the corners, back-checked...all the things I thought he coasted on last series.
Secondary scoring will win or lose this series..it's important for these guys to keep it up.
Very sorry to hear about your loss, 12th Man. Hope your days get better.
we deserved to win the game. definately the better team last night
on the TB 3rd goal the puck got lost in one of their player's pants and I thought there should have been a whistle. it shook out after a few seconds and they scored right after.
they had more shots than us, but mostly as a result of their 17 3rd period shots during thier mad push. it was even heading into the 3rd.
we had less give aways, more take aways and won the faceoff battle 32-21
stupid of NBC to name Kucherov one of the 3 stars instead of Tavares.
In comment 12926218 giantgiantfan said:
"John Tavares is now the best current NY PRO athlete!"
true or not, it was cool to hear the recognition.
Really glad to see Strome get involved as he's a big part of the future. Frustrating to let them back in the game in the 3rd, but it's sort of inevitable for the other team to make a push at home, glad they were able to hold on.
Zid didn't play as good as he did in games 5, 6. I think Cappy rides him again game 2, but we might see Pulock in Brooklyn is Zid doesn't improve.
Are you sure you don't mean since the start of last year? 2010 seems too long ago for just 8 games.
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Is 1-6-1 vs the isles in NY since 2010. So Tampa really has to put everything into game 2 on saturday
Are you sure you don't mean since the start of last year? 2010 seems too long ago for just 8 games.
Ah crap, IN New York. My bad.
One thing about Tampa is that they aren't that good in their own zone at all. When they are attacking they are lethal but the Isles were able to keep the puck moving in their zone and it really exposed them. Bishop was horrible too. You'd have to expect him to bring his A game on Saturday.
Tickets to Game 3, and was on Good Morning America with our very own Michael Strahan this morning.
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They gotta realize that this is New York and this is the big time because they’re a third-rate organization. I’m sorry, they are. They’re a third-rate organization and they don’t know what they’re doing. They’re in the playoffs in the second round now. They don’t even know how to be there.
They don’t know how to promote themselves. They couldn’t even find the time to get the coach to show up here. We were willing to take him. They couldn’t even get him to the show on time.
So I mean, they don’t know what they’re doing. They’re a little lost right now. They’re in a little deep.
Now they’re players aren’t, but the organization is. Their organization right now as far as what it’s doing, especially from a PR standpoint, is lost. I mean, third rate at best.
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Very sorry to hear about your loss, 12th Man. Hope your days get better.
Thanks Brett, not gonna lie, the night was a hell of a lot better after an Islander win.
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You know what, here’s what’s wrong with them right now: They’re not – I’m going to be honest with you – they’re not very good at promoting themselves. I gotta be honest with you: They’re third rate at promoting themselves.
They gotta realize that this is New York and this is the big time because they’re a third-rate organization. I’m sorry, they are. They’re a third-rate organization and they don’t know what they’re doing. They’re in the playoffs in the second round now. They don’t even know how to be there.
They don’t know how to promote themselves. They couldn’t even find the time to get the coach to show up here. We were willing to take him. They couldn’t even get him to the show on time.
So I mean, they don’t know what they’re doing. They’re a little lost right now. They’re in a little deep.
Now they’re players aren’t, but the organization is. Their organization right now as far as what it’s doing, especially from a PR standpoint, is lost. I mean, third rate at best.
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Hey Mike, why don't you try actually showing them or hockey for that matter any respect throughout the season and maybe they'd make time to be on your show. Drop everything everyone. Fatso wants Cappy on.
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throw a hissy fit and attack the Islanders because Cappy wouldn't take an interview?
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You know what, here’s what’s wrong with them right now: They’re not – I’m going to be honest with you – they’re not very good at promoting themselves. I gotta be honest with you: They’re third rate at promoting themselves.
They gotta realize that this is New York and this is the big time because they’re a third-rate organization. I’m sorry, they are. They’re a third-rate organization and they don’t know what they’re doing. They’re in the playoffs in the second round now. They don’t even know how to be there.
They don’t know how to promote themselves. They couldn’t even find the time to get the coach to show up here. We were willing to take him. They couldn’t even get him to the show on time.
So I mean, they don’t know what they’re doing. They’re a little lost right now. They’re in a little deep.
Now they’re players aren’t, but the organization is. Their organization right now as far as what it’s doing, especially from a PR standpoint, is lost. I mean, third rate at best.
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Hey Mike, why don't you try actually showing them or hockey for that matter any respect throughout the season and maybe they'd make time to be on your show. Drop everything everyone. Fatso wants Cappy on.
Mike Francessa that is not MILB.
Very sorry to hear about your loss, 12th Man. Hope your days get better.
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Congrats on the win guys.
Very sorry to hear about your loss, 12th Man. Hope your days get better.
Missed this earlier. Thanks, Brett. Isles are learning to become winners in front of our eyes. It's been nerve-wracking but more fun than anything.
You know what I learned relatively recently... In the five years prior to the Cup run, the Islanders went to the Eastern Conference Finals in 4 of those years, and lost in the 2nd round the other year.
Holy shit.. if you were a die hard fan and didn't know the glory that was coming, my God that must've been torture.