Last night was a microcosm of what it feels like to be an Islanders. The night started off in grand fashion, the team promoted all day long that the game would be televised on the NHL network. However, in typical fashion our friends at MSG network decided to not broadcast the game and would not allow the blackout rules on the game to be lifted. When 7pm rolled around Islander fans were left in the dark, however, we Islander fans did what we do best: we whined, harassed, and complained for two periods, then somehow the blackout rules were lifted just in time to see our beloved team blow a two goal lead. Thankfully, the Isles rebounded and defeated Boston by a score of 5-3. If we can get measly blackout rules lifted, Islander fans, together we can take over the world! I would think this sentence would be followed with an evil laugh.
The Islanders were outplayed in stretches but were able to cash in on their chances. After falling behind 1-0 after one, the Isles scored three times in the second frame. T.J. Brennan, Kyle Okposo and Cory Conacher found the back of the net in the middle period and after 40 minutes, New York had a 3-1 lead. That quickly evaporated on shoddy defensive plays by Kyle Okposo and Matt Donovan and before you could blink, the game was tied, however, the Islanders pushed back and eventually Cal Clutterbuck scored the game winner and Scotty Mayfield sealed it with an empty netter. The Islanders were able to walk away with the win and are now 4-1 in the preseason.
Many players stand out right now and let us start with the negatives. Matt Donovan struggled again last night. Donovan does need to clear waivers to be assigned to Bridgeport and his play this preseason may leave Garth Snow no choice but to expose him to being claimed. If I was making the decision he would not be on the Islanders final roster. Josh Bailey looked exactly like Josh Bailey of old which is not a compliment. I know we are pretty much stuck with him at this point but I cannot take another year of Bailey passing out of great shooting lanes.
As for the positives last night, I thought the play of the first line was solid. Kyle Okposo scored a gorgeous second period and John Tavares had a gorgeous assist on Cory Conacher’s goal. If Conacher is going to play like he did last night, he will have a place on this team and quite possibly he may deserve time with the top line. He plays bigger than his size, annoys the other team, and drives the net. I know we all have our favorites as to who should play with Okposo and Tavares but this is a results oriented league and if Conacher is producing, you leave him there.
T.J. Brennan also impressed me last night. His play in his own end is spotty at best but I was really impressed with the way he ran the power play. I loved his aggressive nature and if you noticed when the puck got to his tape it was instantly sent to the goal. There was no hesitation. I really like the decisive nature of his play on the power play.
Kevin Poulin was also solid in net, which bodes well in case the Isles have any injuries to their goalies. The play at even strength steal needs some work but overall I think the team is showing signs of progress. We still need to see how this team plays in games that matter but for once I don’t think there is a reason for doom and gloom. We all know the blueline is a huge question mark but as we sit a week and a half away from the opener this team is showing us reason to have a positive mindset going into next week. I’m sure two games against Carolina will destroy all of that but until next Friday let us hope this team gets through the preseason without any major injuries. As always, for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.
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