9:32 pm: I am so happy listening to Matt Martin recieve so many accolades from the MSG crew.
9:21 pm: John Tavares with his 4th career hat trick roofs one on the NJD. Doug Weight may have diagramed that play for JT. But sadly with the price of hats... there weren't that many on the ice.
It's really is a big night for JT. This man will carry the Isles on his back to a winning record. He is all heart and talent.
8;34Pm Matt Moulson makes it 3 - 0 for the Isles after a John Tavares two point flurry. But we do know, the three point point lead is the hardest to keep.
7:36 pm: I am basically sitting in my living room getting so angry I can't see staight. So I appologize for not being able to spell correctly. I would like to know if Chico Reesh is high since he didn't think Ullstrom should have had a penalty shot.
I'd also like to know if I'd be drinking downstairs at Doolins with Howie Rose had I opted to go to the game tonight. (this is not good. I will pay for these comments come Monday.)
7:09 pm: MSG+ is airing a basketball game from somewhere which has not only preempted the Isles pregame, but also the actual game. Those who have center ice cannot watch the game until the basketball game is over.
I would like to suggest that every Isles fan complain to MSG NEtworks and Cablevision for their decision to aire the NJD pregame show on TWO of their three MSG networks while prempteing the Isles pregame.
I am so angry right now I could spit nails.
5:42 pm: Art Staple confirmed early this afternoon that David Ullstrom will be in the line-up and Eric Boulton is out. I don't think we'll miss his 1:33 of ice time against the NJD.
Ullstrom will be on a line with Grabner and Aucoin and of course, you guessed it, Evgeni Nabokov will be in net.
Heberg gets the net for the Devils tonight and we'll see Ponikarovsky in a Devils' sweater once again after bein reacquired from the Jets.
This condensed schedule and perpetual play against division rivals is becoming slightly - boring. I know people who have actually turned this game out before he starts. I heard "They're playing the Devils again? Forget it, I'll go to dinner."
But two points is two points and the Islanders need them badly.
I say it every time they play the Devils, keep the puck away from Elias. He can pull a goal out of his butt at will.
I like this stat from today's game notes:
Immediate Impact: Lubomir Visnovsky has been on the ice for seven of the nine Islanders goals during his first three games with the team
6:30 pm pre-game is only a few minutes away. So, LET'S GO ISLANDERS.
8:30 am: You may have missed this 'signing' by the NY Islanders yesterday. After all, it was only a 'one day' contract. But if you'd like a little light viewing this mornig, check out Erin Colton from News12 as she gets a taste of life with the Islanders. My favorite part of this little video is her locker room interview. She has most of the patented phrases down pat and adds one I know the'd all love to say - "Don't step on my bag."
So, the Isles face the first place NJ Devils yet AGAIN. This is the fourth time this season and the Isles have lost to the Devs two of three games. The Devils have 21 points to the Isles 11 so you know this game will have a bit of 'intensity.'
Jack was busy working on the team's five-on-five play the last few days and has been trying to find some tweaks that will offer the most success. He is happy with the Martin-Cizikas-McDonald line and their 'work ethic.' Let's hope they can continue their success tonight.
Cizikas said it was easy to play with Martin and McDonald "We all know what we have to do. We all know what our type of game is, that's get pucks deep. We're not a pretty line."
They may not be pretty, but they sure are effective.
Martin echoed the sentiments adding they wanted to finish their checks and wear down the opponents defense. Jack was double shifting this line against the Rangers, it will be interesting to see if he'll do the same tonight.
I'm guessing that David Ullstrom will be back in the line-up tonight, although we'll know more once Jack speaks with the media this morning. Until then... watch Erin Colton skate.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»