With baseball & football games for my sons in play today, thought I'd get a thread up early.
Islanders travel to The Phonebooth in DC today to take on Ovechkin, Backstrom, Holtby and POS extraordinaire Tom Wilson. After dropping their opening game on the road, the Caps are looking to start their home slate of games with a division win. I prefer they don't.
Not much to shed light on after one game, but suffice it to say, we all wanted a better outcome. While play for the blue and orange was...rough, for the first 40 minutes, there were signs of life in the 3rd. Closer analysis shows that 5 on 5, the Isles had the better of play, but the special teams weren't so special. 2 goals given up shorthanded and no appreciable PP effort when man-up, there's work to do. But it's early.
No lines yet, but if yesterday's practice was an indicator, they'll probably look like: Ladd - Tavares - Chimera; Prince - Nelson - Bailey; Lee - Barzal - Strome; Kulemin - Cizikas - Clutterbuck. Note the likely debut of Mathew Barzal as something to watch tonight. My guess is Greiss in net given the Isles have a back-to-back with our home opener tomorrow against Anaheim.
With the Kings having Jonathan Quick on the shelf (groin) for a few months, wonder if the Isles' 3-headed goalie situation changes. Would be interesting to see if they're interested in reacquiring JF Berube and what that might yield.
Let's Go Islanders!
Left and rights of passage
Black and whites of youth
Who can face the knowledge
That the truth is not the truth?
Obsolete
Absolute
I don't agree with 2 out of those 3 moves. First is messes up strome getting into a consistent pattern, From center to wing. Also let's see beauvillier and barzal out there same time.
Barzal also will be on the PP1 unit.
Glad Chimera has a sense of humor. Seems needed around these parts. Quote from Staple's twitter:
Caps had opportunities vs Pitt in OT but couldn't hit the twines. I wasn't aware it was already May. ;-)
I don't agree with 2 out of those 3 moves. First is messes up strome getting into a consistent pattern, From center to wing. Also let's see beauvillier and barzal out there same time.
After Snow stated Strome was playing out of position last year, Fred decides to put him at wing after 1 game. I believe that imbecile behind the bench will continue to stunt the growth of all young players. If he had half a brain, Nelson would be at wing.
Caps had opportunities vs Pitt in OT but couldn't hit the twines. I wasn't aware it was already May. ;-)
There will be streaming links online - will probably have to watch myself like that for a little so I'll post if I find one
Look no further than the baboons behind the bench. This team has talent and a staff that doesn't know how to utilize said talent.
Nerves. Hopefully that will settle him down
I see talent, but maybe as should be expected, I also see a lack of identity or chemistry out there.
Nelson looks fantastic. My favorite player through 4 little periods.
Two years ago we weren't good in that department. Last year we were improved, but only because we stacked bodies there so regularly (which negatively impacted our breakout and fancy stats). But this year in the early going, we're making plays on defense in front of the net and having a much more seamless transition into an offensive game.
Now that I'm done with the lovefest, we're still yet to take a lead, though. It's getting there, but the chemistry needs to come together.
He was mainly a radio guy before this so I will give him a little leeway. I like how he calls the game. His "voice" will come.
Yup. Barzal needs to stay. Good player.
Quote:
Saw more from Barzal than Prince. I would replace Prince tomorrow with Tony B. That being said, Fred Flintstone won't play 2 rookies in their second games
Yup. Barzal needs to stay. Good player.
Beau will play tomorrow. It's a real good way to develop consistency and confidence in you players, by flip/flopping-CappyLogic.
Agree moving these players in and out does not make sense. Bailey non existent. Kule barely noticeable. Prince a non factor. Tito and Barzal need to play.
1. Play both Barzal and Beauvillier- Prince can be that swing guy. The kids bring energy and they are not overwhelmed. What impressed me most about Barzal was after two straight penalties, his confidence could have been destroyed. Instead, he regrouped and played well, especially with the puck.
2. Get the Pulock up here. His shot alone will create scoring chances.
3. Which is an extension of #2, get the three-headed goalie situation resolved now.
4. Put Chimera with Cizikas and Clutterbuck. You are doing the player and team a disservice. Chimera needs to be a change of pace pest, and not be relied on as a first line winger.
5. Fire Snow and Capuano (hey it is never too early for that).