The Isles took the brunt of the storm this week as the Carolina Hurricanes tried their best to destroy New York’s playoff run. The Isles were broken in two after Monday night, utterly embarrassed and through the first half of Tuesday night it looked like the season was slipping away. However, two timely goals from Josh Ho-Sang and Jason Chimera turned the tide and allowed the Isles to ride out the storm. Thomas Greiss was brilliant at times and the Isles bounced back with an OT game-winner from John Tavares.
This week hasn’t been perfect but as we come down the stretch the team is in the mix for the playoffs. One thing that must be resolved is the goaltending. Greiss is worn down. It is clear as day. J-F Berube is not a NHL caliber goalie. I’m sorry, I can’t sugarcoat it. Maybe if he wasn’t sitting in the press box for two year we would have a better idea of what he is, but what he is right now is the reason this team may miss the playoffs.
This all falls on the shoulders of General Manager Garth Snow. He created an issue that wasn’t there and his handling of the situation is dreadful. If Snow is serious about making the playoffs, then Jaro Halak HAS to be on this roster. Look, could Halak come up and play poorly? Sure, but if I’m going to lose, I’m not going down without a fight and in that process I want the best lineup on the ice possible. Garth needs to swallow his ego and do the right thing. If the players can’t handle someone that they don’t like in the locker room then they aren’t worthy of making the playoffs. Get over it.
Finally I want to touch on the impact that Josh Ho-Sang has made through eight games. Ho-Sang’s skill is off the charts and he carries a swagger, a presence, a love for the game that makes you drawn to him every shift. The encouraging signs has been his play away from the puck. Yes there have been some hiccups but he has been better than good in his own end and has provided a much needed spark.
Maybe the critics, especially those north of the border will give him a break at some point. I keep laughing at all those who keep citing his “off the ice issues,… but then two minutes later praise Patrick Kane. Its comical, you want “issues… look at a NFL roster.