People forget hockey is a ‘game.’ As such, even the best at it will have their bad days and bad plays. That was all too evident last night against the Washington Capitals.
The Islanders took an early two goal lead over the Capitals and it was in spite of their top line of John Tavares, Matt Moulson and Brad Boyes. Not only did I have to hear that fact in my own home as family members screamed obscenities at the TV, but I also read more politically correct observations from the Isles only full time beat writer, Art Staple of Newsday.
Arthur Staple@StapeNewsday
And now #Isles have to use time out at 13:17 of 1st because Tavares line laid an egg defending Ovi line. 3 lazy clear attempts, then icing
2 more poor clear attempts by Moulson/Boyes... Capuano may need to break that line up midgame just for D purposes.
Another turnover by Tavares line leads to Laich semi-break, good save by Nabokov in closing seconds of 1st. 2-0 #Isles after 1 in DC.
Lead made all the more impressive with Tavares-Moulson-Boyes playing one of their worst periods of the season
You get the picture. It wasn’t a pretty one either. The Isles were credited with 11 giveaways, five of which belonged to the top line. Of the 31 shots on net the Isles managed last night, John Tavares is credited with a single one -- the Game Winner. (Note: As @ChrisWasselTHW from TheHockeyProgram.net mentioned to me, Mike Green had an assist on that JT goal too.)
Matt Moulson did have six shots on goal, but that’s because he pays the price for them every night by ‘putting himself in the dirty areas.’ (I’ve always hated that description. Can’t they just call it the dangerous areas?) Michael Grabner, who did score the Isles first goal of the night had five shots on net and Keith Aucoin, who also earned an assist point on Grabner’s goal had four.
While Marty Reason still struggles to get points from his chances, he won five of his six face-offs. There lies his strength, because you can’t do anything good if you don’t have the puck. He at least gives them that chance. Frans Nielsen was good in the face-off circle last night as well winning eight of 12 attempts.
Two points are two points and we all know how desperately the Isles needed them. They are off today, took the train to Philly to face the Flyers on Thursday. That will be a huge test of skill and WILL. The NY Rangers beat the Flyers last night 5 - 2, so expect the Flyers to be doubly angry. As Jack Capuano said, that building is always difficult to play in, but if the Isles want to still be playing in the post season they have to find a way to win there.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins have added win number 13 to their streak. Now THAT is something the Islanders have to learn to do. Not win two games in a row and be excited about it, but into double digits. That is how the best prize of this GAME is won.
They always say, you win 16, you win the Stanley Cup. Let’s win four on this road trip and maybe they’ll look like contenders.
Sideboard: Anyone think that maybe picking up Ryan Miller for his last year of his contract would be a good idea for the Isles? Hey, like when Marty Biron moved to the Isles, he didn't have to change his driver's license. Just a thought.
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