Overall, Jack Capuano was pleased with the effort of tonight’s 5 - 3 Islander win. He wasn’t thrilled with the power play goals they gave up. There is still work to be done, but this was a good start and since it counted, nice to have the two points.

Halak made his Islanders debut and truthfully, he looked far better than he did in pre-season. He was especially good in the first period when he made some excellent saves. “That’s what he’s paid to do.” Jack mentioned. Even though he was run over by Kyle Okposo, he popped back up and continued to do just that -- stop the puck.

In his post game interview, Halak told Shannon Hogan, “We got two points that’s all that matters. We didn’t want to give up three goals in the third period. We gotta learn from it. We’ll try to play better and harder than tonight.” He went on to explain the goals he let up, disappointed at each one. “Just, third one; I couldn’t see it. The second one the D man made a good play. The first one was questionable.” The camera doesn’t lie. Travis Hamonic didn’t quite get to it before it was two inches over the line. “ We be a little better tomorrow -- sharper.”

Halak understood how badly the Canes wanted to win last night’s game as they had their fans behind them in their home opener. He realizes he’ll have the same thing tonight. “Everyone was excited and waiting for this moment all summer. We have to get ready for tomorrow. We have to do a little better.”

Brock Nelson had a four point night with two goals and two assists. Nelson was the beneficiary of the hard work of John Tavares, but he works hard himself and everyone has commented that he was exceptional during training camp. “He’s matured and come into his own.” He certainly has.

“There are things we did well, but there are things we need to work on.” Jack’s sentiment was echoed by all who new MSGPlus correspondent, Shannon Hogan, spoke to in the locker room.

John Tavares, with a three point game of his own, was already putting the win behind him. “It’s one game. Don’t want to fall in love with it too early.”.

Johnny Boychuk my new JB in 55, said the team is fast and skilled we “…worked extremely hard. There’s still some mistakes, we’ll go over that when we have time.” Boychuk’s presence was felt early with a power play goal to close out the first period..

Matt Martin was starting off his hit count with an impressive seven for the first game of the season, followed by Josh Bailey at five. But a great stat that probably had something to do with the win was the “two” in the column for giveaways. Can’t score if you don’t have the puck.

Three stars were: Brock, Boychuk and Tavares. The only one who was a minus was -- Conacher. Not surprising; Boychuk had the most ice time with 23:11. While I thought Boychuk’s shifts were too long, Leddy (who didn’t make it on the score sheet) averaged six seconds more per than Boychuk at :55 each.


Butch and Howie said the fans will feel urgency this season, just as the players do. They mentioned that
Strait said practices have been at a different tempo and pace. “Everybody got the message from Garth, basically said, you told me you needed this, I got the pieces. You’re out of excuses, get out and get it done.” You tell ‘em Butchie!


So tonight it starts again at the barn. This will be a season to remember win or lose, but it should be a ‘win.’ While the morning weather is damp, the barn will be rocking tonight and no matter how bad the rain, there will still be us die-hards in the parking lot getting in the last Home Opener Tailgate Party EVER for the New York Islanders.

Don’t forget to #LightItUp when told to during the intro. I’ll be in the stands tonight with family and friends instead of sitting on my hands quietly at my keyboard in the press box -- savoring every moment and committing it to memory.

Sidboard: One last thought... anyone else catch the reaction between Boychuk and Tavares as they were congratulating Halak on the win? They were playing as if they've known each other for years. Chemistry? I think they've found it.

Join the Discussion: » 14 Comments » Post New Comment

» Boychuk for Seven

» Good Ain't Good Enough NYR 2 - NYI 1

» The Return of Isles' Capt. America

» The JT Show in TO in OT

» Kennedy's Debut