Wakey, wakey (actually, that's for the Islanders, not you), there's early hockey today. I can also get if you're inclined to just pull the covers back over your head and sleep this one out...as the Isles did last game.
Last game against the Farting Cannons resulted in a touchdown scored against us. The Winnipeg "effort" wasn't really much of one. And we all know how we
really shine in Saturday daytime games. So I get the, okay, PGA, you waste
your Saturday afternoon sentiment. I think some of you know I've worked in the investment field for about 25 years, and there's a pretty common disclaimer we use in discussing investments: past performance is no guarantee of future results. I'm really, really hoping that's the case today. It needs to be, frankly.
Greiss to start in net. Casey Cizikas returns earlier than expected from a broken bone in his hand. I'd also assume Beau will be back in the lineup, so potentially Quine and/or Gionta to sit. No Boychuk, again.
Dougie better have the boys fresh because here's what he expects:
“We’ve been in our houses now for three days. I expect a really energetic effort, a red-eye effort. I think we’ll be crazed dogs out there . . . We had to go on the ice today and wrap our heads around a couple things in our structure.”
And from the recent struggles encountered in the heat of a playoff push: “It’s like a bike race. There were seven teams a week ago, now there’s three. We’re in the separation group,” he said. “Just [try to stay] even keel. I know the world is ending here when you lose, but you go home, you wake up and we’re one point out, same place we’ve been for the last two weeks . . . We’re in a really good spot and we just have to get some consistency back.” |
Good to remember, as TOR and TB also need to keep winning, so forget the potholes already hit and find a way to get to the finish line first.
Let's Go Islanders
Having said that, Weight once again is spot on and his comments on working on structure are great to hear. It's our biggest weakness in the defensive zone.
LGI.
Hickey is a healthy scratch (good, I think he needs it) and Scott Mayfield takes his place. With 2 big defenders in Mayfield and Pelech, I hope they put Foligno, who chirps too much and always engages the cheap after the whistle stuff, firmly on his ass a few times.
tie game!
Great pressure. .Let's goooo
With the B2B coming up this week, call up Halak, fire Berube into the sun, and sit Seidenberg. Pelly & Mayfield aren't hurting us in any way. And if Weight doesn't want to go to those two, there's a guy in BPT with a howitzer that could also help the anemic PP. Nah, that'd make far too much sense...
Not just because of the ED, but I think the Isles will also thin the pack. It seems like they'll be more active in trading than by acquiring by FA. These players should be useful in picking up a quality forward. Some of these D will be moved, with also Graham, Wotherspoon (particularly on the staff's radar), Vande Sompel and Quenneville also good performers although the latter 2 are on the smallish side. Isles also have the rights to Jake Bischoff (Hobey Baker list d-man at University of Minnesota) and Doyle Somerset, who brings size and grit from BU (although I don't think he finds his way to a regular job in the NHL).
“I told them after the second, ‘You should thank your lucky stars it’s only 2-1 and you have a chance to win a game.’ I was just disappointed with some guys who’ve had really good years.”