Damn, that was a good game for 0-0. Physical, nice pace; good goaltending.

- eichiefs9

You guys keep saying rotate Bailey and Grabs or get rid of Bailey, but at this point in time, he is playing some of the best hockey of his career. He is not yet a problem. Right not it's Martin sits and Conacher waived.
- isles21

It's residual Bailey frustration. He is playing much better, but the jury's not out yet. Keep in mind he's known for disappearing for weeks (or months) at a time. He needs to prove he can keep this up.

Halak first Isles goalie to win 7 starts in a row since DiPietro. Omen.

Damn, that was a good game for 0-0. Physical, nice pace; good goaltending.
- UIF

Yes, there was a lot more skating than you would expect in a 0-0 game.

It's residual Bailey frustration. He is playing much better, but the jury's not out yet. Keep in mind he's known for disappearing for weeks (or months) at a time. He needs to prove he can keep this up.
- JimmyP

im a well documented Bailey apologist and I agree with this post.

When you play defense, you give your team a chance to win every game you play- this was more proof. When the other team's goalie is that good, you have to shut them out- and they did. Those are the points that get you into the playoffs.

It's residual Bailey frustration. He is playing much better, but the jury's not out yet. Keep in mind he's known for disappearing for weeks (or months) at a time. He needs to prove he can keep this up.
- JimmyP

If you're not expecting him to be a point-producing top-6 forward he doesn't disappear. He's defensively competent, can hang with strong opposing competition and can generate some offense. Sucks he was a high pick but they don't always pan out and that years first round turned out generally awful outside of Stamkos, Doughty, Karlsson and Pietrangelo

im a well documented Bailey apologist and I agree with this post.
- Cptmjl

I watched Bailey finishing his checks tonight and remembered that he used to go entire seasons without finishing a single check. I think he can do the math. The Isles have more talented forwards than they have lines to put them on. If he goes back to his old gliding ways, he will glide right into the press box.

When you play defense, you give your team a chance to win every game you play- this was more proof. When the other team's goalie is that good, you have to shut them out- and they did. Those are the points that get you into the playoffs.
- dcb1

Al Arbor style!

I watched Bailey finishing his checks tonight and remembered that he used to go entire seasons without finishing a single check. I think he can do the math. The Isles have more talented forwards than they have lines to put them on. If he goes back to his old gliding ways, he will glide right into the press box.
- JohnScammo

Bailey is much better with no spotlight on him!

I watched Bailey finishing his checks tonight and remembered that he used to go entire seasons without finishing a single check. I think he can do the math. The Isles have more talented forwards than they have lines to put them on. If he goes back to his old gliding ways, he will glide right into the press box.
- JohnScammo

Bailey played well again tonight. If he keeps up the effort and two way play I'm perfectly happy with him as a third line winger. Two more points boys, two more points.

Yes, there was a lot more skating than you would expect in a 0-0 game.
- JimmyP

Lots of pucks bouncing and getting stuck in the ice. Better wind the crank before Wednesday, and get the ice machine turned on- or clean the rat sh*t out of the gas tank...something...

If you're not expecting him to be a point-producing top-6 forward he doesn't disappear. He's defensively competent, can hang with strong opposing competition and can generate some offense. Sucks he was a high pick but they don't always pan out and that years first round turned out generally awful outside of Stamkos, Doughty, Karlsson and Pietrangelo
- eichiefs9

I was one of the biggest Bailey bashers here. I even made the Waldo pic. But I'm happy with his play. It looks like he's figuring it out. If he keeps playing like this and puts a few in the net I think that's great. I just need more time to be fully convinced.

As has been said by many of you before - the competition for ice time is keeping the players motivated this year. It's nice to see.

Al Arbor style!

- BobTrost

Exactly....not the prettiest game they've played, but when it counted, they kept the Flyers and the puck away from their own net.

15-6. Wow. Like Goldberg used to say, "Who's next?"

15-6. Wow. Like Goldberg used to say, "Who's next?"

- Mancalledsting

Bailey is much better with no spotlight on him!

- BobTrost

To be fair, he never had a spotlight bc the overall team sucked so bad that everyone stood out like a sore thumb. Now that we a more complete team, he could be non-existent and no one would care....

At this point, giving Bailey props is like the Fonz trying to say he's sorry....

Howie pointed out that we've won 15 of our first 21 games for the 1st time in franchise history. Wow Not even the Islander teams of the dynasty era did that. This team is continuing to prove people wrong, and I love. The home and home series sweep of the pens proved that the metropolitan division is not a lock for pitt. The issues in november that have historically plagued the isles have practically disappeared. They've found ways to win games like these and ones where they dug themselves a hole but fought back for 2 points. This is what a dangerous team with depth is capable of (even when tavares hasn't been his usual self). And it is truly a beautiful thing to see. The season so far has been a lot of fun and it's only a quarter of the way through. And i'll give credit where credit is due, the coaching staff has the team firing on all cylinders playing complete hockey. Also halak showing why he is a big game goalie is just awesome!

Halak first Isles goalie to win 7 starts in a row since DiPietro. Omen.
- rangerdanger94

DP was drafted by Isles, Halal was not. So, no.

DP was drafted by Isles, Halal was not. So, no.
- David_Volek

Mmmm I love Halal.

- eichiefs9

Not THAT Goldberg!!! LOL

XxNYIxX

DP was drafted by Isles, Halal was not. So, no.
- David_Volek

Huh?

XxNYIxX