The Isles got two much needed points in the standings tonight as they defeated the Calgary Flames by a score of 2-1. Islander goalie Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves enroute to his 33rd win of the season which is a franchise record for Isles netminders. Halak had his shutout bid ruined with 20 seconds to go in the game, but his play was strong and he stopped Michael Ferland on a penalty shot in the first period.
What a difference a year makes for Islander goaltenders. Halak has truly done everything that the Isles have asked of him. He has been a calming, steady force between the pipes and has made the timely save night in and night out. This is what the Isles were expecting when they traded for Halak’s rights over the summer and this is what they are getting; quality starting goaltending.
Ryan Strome got the Isles on the board half way through the first with his 14th goal of the season. It was also his first power play tally of the year. Travis Hamonic and John Tavares assisted on the goal and for Tavares it is his 64th point of the season which now ties him for the league lead.
The Islanders carried the play the entire night and if it wasn’t for the strong play of Flames goalie Karri Ramo this game could have gotten out of hand. New York thought they had made it 2-0 half way through the third period but Cal Clutterbuck’s goal was waived off by the officials because of goaltender interference. I’m very happy this didn’t cost the Islanders because in my opinion that was one of the worst calls that I have seen in years. It was even worse than the Thomas Vanek skate incident last season against the Blues. The officials ruled that Brock Nelson interfered with Karri Ramo but Nelson was clearly mugged and pushed into the Flames’ netminder. If that call cost the Islanders, I might have lost my mind.
Clutterbuck did get the goal he deserved though as he found the empty net. The Isles did have to hold their breath for the final 20 seconds after Josh Jooris quickly responded to Clutterbucks goal by scoring on a pretty deflection off a pass from Joe Colborne.
In the end though the Islanders hung on and regained the top spot in the Metro Division. The Isles are back on Coliseum ice tomorrow evening as they will take on the Carolina Hurricanes at 5pm. If you are at the game tomorrow please support this great cause.
The New York Islanders have teamed up with the Nassau County PBA and the Nassau County Volunteer Firefighters to help raise money for an important cause. On December 19, 2014, Ex-Chief Joseph Sanford, Jr. of the Inwood Fire Department, suffered serious injuries in the line of duty. Four days later, on December 23rd, Sanford succumbed to those injuries and passed away. On Saturday, February 28th, the Nassau County PBA Hockey Team will be facing off against the Nassau County Volunteer Firefighters Hockey Team in a Charity Game. The game will be taking place at 7:45 pm at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum following the New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes game which starts at 5:00 pm.
Proceeds for this event will be going to the family of Joseph Sanford, Jr. Sanford was a 17-year veteran of his department and in the wake of this tragedy, leaves behind a wife and three children.
The New York Islanders had offered discounted tickets, which allocated a portion of the sale price directly to the charity. However, with the level of interest in this event combined with the fact that the Islanders have been at the top of the NHL standings, the game sold out a few days ago. Even though the Islanders game is now sold out, you can still come and support the cause. Come to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 pm on February 28th, make a $10 donation (per person) at the door, and come in and enjoy the game. The puck drops at 7:45 pm.
For those who cannot attend the charity event and would like to contribute can donate money to the family of Joseph Sanford, Jr. Please send a check made payable to: Inwood Fire Department Memorial Fund, c/o Joseph Sanford, Jr. 188 Doughty Blvd. Inwood, NY 11096