9:42 pm: That's why it's a 60 minute game, folks. Yes, composure, even on my couch. It's so important to keep focus.
Butch felt it was the fighting that changed the momentum of the game. Maybe they were, but I don't know.
Jack Capuano was asked what happened for this team to be playing so much better than they used to. "For whatever reason, we've put that behind us. We've moved forward." He talked about "good puck support" and "getting pucks to the net."
He was happy with the team's play even if they were a little sluggish in the third period.
He agrees about the momentum change with from Boulton and Carkner. Okay then.
He praised Amac for shot blocking and his 'good stick' and effort and said he even has video of his play from Bridgeport. He has some real history with Amac and Hammer.
Brad Boyes "pulled the monkey off his back" when he scored tonight after being basically pointless for way too many games. He added two assists also to have a three point night. Not a bad belated birthday gift.
9:35 pm: The Leafs have a 5 on 3 opportunity as Travis Hamonic joins Boulton in the box. This is sort of silly, but that's how this game will end.
The Leafs score to make it 5 -3 with a goal by Phaneuf and there is still 20 seconds left of the game and there is an empty Leaf's net.
Capuano quickly leaves the bench9:20 pm: Kyle Okposo continues to turn into a great set up man as he feeds Frans Nielsen who gave the Isles a 5 - 2 lead at the ten minute and change mark of the third.
He is all smiles.
8:51 pm: In his in-between period interview with John Tavares, Peter Ruttgaizer asked if it was good to be home, and all JT wanted to talk about was winning this hockey game. Home cookin' don't mean much when the playoffs are on the line.
John talked about making the right puck decisions and being in the right spots. Recently it's been JT with the turnovers. So yes, decisions with the puck will be crucial in the last twenty minutes of this very important game.
8:37 pm: Johnny on the Spot! Tavares with another goal in the game does exactly what Capuano wanted -- the top line needed to produce and so it has.
BTW, it's not a hat trick for Tavares as goal number two was rightfully given to Moulson.
8:25 pm: I missed Art Staple tweeting that a Matt Moulson shot towards the Leafs' bench sent Scott Gordon ducking for cover.
I miss Scotty & his great suits!
Keep the puck away from Kessel Gentlemen.
No additional scoring as of yet.
8:18 pm: Interesting that Butch Goring said the Leafs were complaining to their management about their April schedule. Love how he said "Excuses are for losers, I always say."
You tell 'em Butchie! How do you expect to compete for a Stanley cup if you bitch and moan about a packed schedule that everyone else is playing as well?
You don't.
8:46 pm: Anyone else get agita from that first period??
Early Leaf goal, followed by penalties, followed by a useless 5 on 3 opportunity, followed by two fights, followed by a second Leaf's goal and I thought I was going to just throw up.
And then... miraculously.... the Isles remembered their game.
First Boyes, then what looked like Moulson, but turned out to be Tavares, then Tavares again and the Isles are up 3 - 2 after twenty minutes of play.
Even the smooth voice of Jiggs McDonald wasn't making me ocomfortable. Shots on goal are uneven at 19 - 5.
Let's see what happens in the second.
11:36 am: Both Casey Cizikas and Josh Bailey are on the ice for this morning's skate. Good sign.
Also, Isles owner Charles Wang is the guest speaker at a Sports Business Journal conference in Brooklyn today. He is being interviewed by none other than ex-Islanders employee, Chis Botta. While following the Twitter feed, I found this interesting.
SBJ/SBD @SBJSBD 4m
Wang says maybe an opp to move to Barclays a year early. Would be nice if it makes sense for all parties concerned. #sbjsff
Yes, a YEAR earlier because if they back the trucks up and run before next season, that would be a slap in the face to the die-hard fans who have supported them for decades. They need to honor 'Fort Never Lose' properly -- and cash in on it as well.
Brilliant marketing will make next season spectacular.
Speaking of marketing, while the Barclay's colors are Black & White, Charles Wang danced around the idea of rebranding the Isles saying the name and the colors will remain the same. However, the third jersey will be black -- as I believe -- it already is. Coincidence? I think not.
Also in his favor for money making is this piece of information:
SBJ/SBD @SBJSBD 25m
Wang makes a bit of news: his NeuLion will be tech provider for live streaming of Barclays Center events. #sbjsff
10 am: Matt Martin has coined the hash tag #BeLIeve for the Islanders playoff push. I like it. But I'm pretty sure in Leafs Nation, they've got their own Twitter handles going.
Both teams need the points. Both teams have been out of the playoff picture for a really long time. Jack Capuano will be discussing 'battle level' until the bitter end tonight.
This made me chuckle when noticed on Twitter:
pauljsquire
RT @theroyalhalf: #StuffNoOneHasSaidForYears RT @Real_ESPNLeBrun: Leafs on the ice for morning skate. Big one tonight with the red-hot Islanders.
A quote from a reporter then taken to the next comedy level by adding another hashtag.
When it comes to these two teams there is plenty of Stuff No One Has Said For Years. I just wish Brian Burke was still around.
James Mirtle reports that Reimer will get the net tonight against the Isles, and you know damn well it will be Nabokov in net unless he breaks an arm in practice this morning.
There's a viewing party tonight in Syosset. I think you should go.
More as it comes in.
Let's Go Islanders!
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