Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

I Like it Halak

March 25, 2017, 9:42 AM ET [242 Comments]
Dan Petriw
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Isles return home tonight riding a wave of success. The team is coming off a thrilling 4-3 shootout win in Pittsburgh last night. Jaroslav Halak was stellar in goal and despite the score both Halak and Fleury were outstanding as defense was optional at times. Brock Nelson, Anders Lee and Casey Cizikas scored, John Tavares added two helpers AND the game winning shootout goal.

There is no time to soak in last night's win and every game seems like a must win and tonight is no different. For all extensive purposes tonight is a playoff game between the Islanders and the Bruins. The two teams are tied in standings with New York having a game in hand. The Bruins are floundering losing 4 in row, opening the door for the Islanders who desperately need to take advantage of a struggling team tonight.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are only one point behind these clubs and a recent hot streak gives Carolina an outside shot as well. The bottom line is that the Isles need points desperately.
The Isles finally did the right thing by bringing back prodigal goalie Jaro Halak. What a difference that made last night getting quality goaltending from someone other than Thomas Griess.
Perhaps, maybe just maybe, Ryan Pulock will be called up as many Isles dmen continue to struggle. Thomas Hickey has been awful lately and I simply do not know what Pulock needs to do to get a call up.

Finally I wanted to touch on Josh Ho-Sang. He has clearly sparked this lineup. Every shift he is making something happen, from creating scoring chances to drawing penalties, is his game has been electric and it has added a much need boost of skill to the team's roster. It has also taken some pressure off the top line as all lines are now generating chances on a consistent basis.
Join the Discussion: » 242 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Dan Petriw
» Thank You Hockeybuzz
» Isles roster set
» Thoughts through Two
» Isles Buzz Podcast - Non John Tavares training camp storylines
» Bettman: Coli is not an option