Agreed, although the funny thing about Boulton..... the Isles somehow seem to play better when he's playing. I think I remember reading late last season that the Isles' record when they dressed Boulton was much better than when he was scratched. Butchie alluded to it last night that the game is a little easier for the skill guys when they know someone's got their back.
- JohnScammo

- eichiefs9

I wasn't quoting him, just interpreting.

- eichiefs9

I don't know the exact words, but Butch was defending the move. He said something to the effect of it was easier for him when he was playing with tough guys because the focus wasn't on him. Agree or disagree that was the essence of what he said.

I don't know the exact words, but Butch was defending the move. He said something to the effect of it was easier for him when he was playing with tough guys because the focus wasn't on him. Agree or disagree that was the essence of what he said.
- JimmyP

I know it wasn't exactly what he said. I'm disagreeing with the notion entirely. Boulton does not protect anyone. It's a tired, beat to death narrative that no longer holds up in today's NHL.

I don't know the exact words, but Butch was defending the move. He said something to the effect of it was easier for him when he was playing with tough guys because the focus wasn't on him. Agree or disagree that was the essence of what he said.
- JimmyP

Thanks, that's closer to what he said.

I know it wasn't exactly what he said. I'm disagreeing with the notion entirely. Boulton does not protect anyone. It's a tired, beat to death narrative that no longer holds up in today's NHL.
- eichiefs9

And yet, the Isles do have a better record with Boulton playing. That's the bottom line regardless of why.

I know it wasn't exactly what he said. I'm disagreeing with the notion entirely. Boulton does not protect anyone. It's a tired, beat to death narrative that no longer holds up in today's NHL.
- eichiefs9

Yep, I agree. Times have changed. Frankly, I don't believe Butch would have been happy playing with someone of Boulton's skill level back then.

And yet, the Isles do have a better record with Boulton playing. That's the bottom line regardless of why.
- JohnScammo

What? He's played one game.

What? He's played one game.
- eichiefs9

The Isles are undefeated this season when Boulton dresses.

No, I was referring to something I read last season that their record was significantly better with him playing.

The Isles are undefeated this season when Boulton dresses.

No, I was referring to something I read last season that their record was significantly better with him playing.
- JohnScammo

It's getting close to a point where you can't dress Johnson. He's a disaster in there the last 3 games he's played

The Isles are undefeated this season when Boulton dresses.

No, I was referring to something I read last season that their record was significantly better with him playing.
- JohnScammo

I'm fine with him being in for a guy like Martin. I think he's a better hockey player.

It's getting close to a point where you can't dress Johnson. He's a disaster in there the last 3 games he's played
- Isles316

How was that his fault? Pucks get deflected. Sh!t happens.

How was that his fault? Pucks get deflected. Sh!t happens.
- eichiefs9

He just looks bad. No mobility. I dunno. I don't have confidence in him

One period but they played with the Kings and didn't look overwhelmed. That's extremely encouraging, the Kings are so difficult to play against. Kulemin is on his horse tonight. He and grabovski both look awesome so far.

One period but they played with the Kings and didn't look overwhelmed. That's extremely encouraging, the Kings are so difficult to play against. Kulemin is on his horse tonight. He and grabovski both look awesome so far.
- Isles_since_6

Are u doing play by play tonight????

- eichiefs9

He's a keeper!

Maybe Cizikas should sit again. What a terrible game he's had.

Pretty sure I'm talking to myself, but...

Strome, 0/4 on faceoffs tonight, takes opening PK draw against Kopitar.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) November 7, 2014

It's getting close to a point where you can't dress Johnson. He's a disaster in there the last 3 games he's played
- Isles316

He's awesome tonight so far

One thing to notice is that the forwards are maintaining much better gap control especially in the neutral zone. Far better than I've seen this year. Very valuable point, getting two would be a great boost.

He's awesome tonight so far
- Dedshark

Our defense has been a lot better and so has he. Dehaan is a beast.

He's awesome tonight so far
- Dedshark

Yea he's had a nice game for sure. Defense has had best effort tonight too

Yea he's had a nice game for sure. Defense has had best effort tonight too
- Isles316

WHAT A WIN! WOW!!!

This is the team they need to be EVERY night!

Good game for the Isles. That Okposo shootout goal was sick. Johnson looked good.