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
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In comment 12926528 BrettNYG10 said:
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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.
In 4 of those 5 years we were in the NHL's final 4, and in the final 8 in the 5th year.
Link - ( New Window )
Well okay, but still, the idea that you were in the "Final 4" four out of five seasons, not winning in any of them... still had to have been torture, lol
If the Giants got to the NFC Championship game 4 out of 5 years, sometimes yes having a bye along the way, wouldn't that be such a tease if they didn't get a Super Bowl out of a stretch like that?
You are to going to see below the faceoff dots in that end
If you want to see the game in its entirety it appears as though you could go and stand at the top of section 217. but you would have to get there pretty early on and you probably wont be able to leave or you'll lose your spot.
you could see the scoreboard to watch the game when the players disappear.
In comment 12928069 JayBinQueens said:
If the Giants got to the NFC Championship game 4 out of 5 years, sometimes yes having a bye along the way, wouldn't that be such a tease if they didn't get a Super Bowl out of a stretch like that?
I agree. I was too young to remember 75 but that was the biggest surprise run. Upset the Rangers, fell behind Pitt 3 games to 0 then won 4 straight. Fell behind Philly 3-0 then won 3 straight before losing in 7. For a team in its 3rd year that's a great run.
79 I remember. Won the President's cup only to lose to the Rangers in the semis. That hurt...
Section 229, row 2, seat 16,17
I sat here for the series clincher. From this seat I had a view of everything except the nearest corner and behind the net. My view was basically cut off at the goal line. I never lost sight if the goalie and could just about see the top of the goal iF i leand forward. I could just barely see the net. For instance. On the 1st and only florida goal I knew the puck beat Griess but I didn't see it go in. I saw the player reactions.
In this row I would say seats 1-12 have a clear view of the entire goal. And I would say the same for the first row, as well.
The seat view on ticketmaster showed that I would have a clean view of the entire goal but that wasn't the case.
All said and done I'd sit there again. Face value on ticketmaster was like 75 bucks.
And guess what I got a full view if. The tavares tying and winning goal. Because they were down the other end.
#Isles are bringing seven players up from BPT: Cliche, Florek, Dal Colle, Kearns, Mayfield, Wotherspoon, Gibson. Will meet team on LI.
#Isles are bringing seven players up from BPT: Cliche, Florek, Dal Colle, Kearns, Mayfield, Wotherspoon, Gibson. Will meet team on LI.