The Islanders came back from the break in grand style last night defeating the Rangers by a score of 4-1. Winter Storm Juno did not keep the Coliseum from rocking as it was about almost full and officially listed as a sellout. The Isles have now won six of their last seven games since returning from Western Canada and I think everyone is over their loss in Edmonton.

Jaroslav Halak was the story of the game turning away 40 of 41 shots. When this game was still in doubt, Jaro stood tall stopping all 18 shots he faced in the second period. This is the difference between Halak and Islander goalies of past years. When the game is in the balance he is making the saves that the team needs him to make. This is such an important difference, when you know every mistake you make is not going to end up in the back of the net. This becomes such a confidence booster for the team in front of Halak as it just creates confidence throughout the lineup.

The Isles carried the play in the first period as the Rangers are having a very difficult time handling the Isles forecheck. The Islanders were able to create chances and force many turnovers which led to 17 shots on goal against Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist played great last night and kept his team in the game but he has still given up 13 goals in three games against the Isles this season.

Mikhail Grabovski looked at home on the top line and he opened the scoring with a tap in goal after a gorgeous passing sequence. The Isles have just been able to impose their style on the Rangers. The Rangers have good team speed and skated well but don’t look as fast collectively as the Isles do. The Isles also wear on the Rangers and the bottom six forwards, especially the 4th line bang on the blueshirts and annoy and frustrate them to no end. If I was a Ranger fan I would probably despise Cal Clutterbuck as he really seems to get under their skin so easily.

I can’t say enough about the play of the 4th line this season. They have stepped up their game to no end. They have been physical and a general annoyance to play against. However unlike the beginning of the season when they were struggling, the line is not chasing the puck. They are now playing their shifts in the opponent’s end of the ice far more often and that makes a world of a difference. It is easier to forecheck, it is easier to be physical, when you dictate the play and that is what this line is doing so well.

The loss of Kyle Okposo will be a new challenge but the Islanders showed last night how deep their roster is. Depth is what separates teams in this league. You have to have the ability to overcome injuries and still rack up points. The Isles return to home ice Thursday as they will take on the Boston Bruins. At some point, Chad Johnson needs to play again. He cannot continue to collect rust on the bench. Thursday might be a good time for him to play against his old team. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.

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