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MSGPlus - The Home of the Isles

April 30, 2013, 9:01 PM ET [214 Comments]
Dee Karl
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Well, the MSG press release announced that all round one games of the Isles vs Pens series will be aired on MSGPlus; with the exception of Sunday's game 3. Yes, MSGPlus, home of the Islanders. Sort of like a trailer park, but it's a double-wide.

I didn't even consider why the the Isles weren't on the main MSG channel on Wednesday, consdiering the Rangers don't play until Thursday. I forgot about the other Dolan property -- the Knicks.

But what station will be airing in our neighborhood tomorrow is probably the least of our worries.

While the Isles staffers take care of all the minor details, such as a new backdrop for Jesse D. Eisenberg to have to put up for interviews and custom printed headrests for the flight today, Jack has to get the team ready for a difficult opponent. I've heard that it's better to get the most difficult opponent out of the way in the first round, if you're able to do so. So, this may be the best scenario for them to see what they're really made of.

For additional insurance in net, the Isles are taking Anders Nilsson on the joy ride to Pittsburgh along with six additional skaters. Anders Lee had to head back to school for finals. (Did that make anyone else giggle?)

John Tavares admitted to having to keep emotions in check and to focus on playing the way they need to play. He's an amazing professional. He will.

Perhaps some of the young stars will have a few jitters since they have dreamt of this moment since they could first hold a stick, but there is enough leadership in the room to keep it all together. They can't get caught up in the hoopla.

No. That's for us to do.

Sidney Crosby's status for tomorrow is still uncertain. He was supposed to see the doctors again today after practice. NHL.com said he did not practice with line mates and has not played with the newest big star additions to the Pens.

That could prove beneficial to the Isles. The more Bylsma mixes up his lines, the more disconnected they may become. And when that happens, so do mistakes. And Penguin mistakes will be Isles opportunities.

John Tavares, Colin McDonald and Evgeni Nabokov talk to Alyonka Larinov about the playoffs at yesterday's Net's game. Good stuff.









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