The Islanders finally return to Brooklyn after a road trip that lead them through all four North American time zones as they will square off with the Pittsburgh Penguins. After it was all said and done, the team ripped off a very successful 6 and 1 record despite not clicking on all cylinders at times. At this point we all know that this is a flawed hockey team, however, there are about 25 flawed teams in this league and the Isles are simply finding ways to win.
New York heads into this game after a crazy 6-4 win against the Rangers this past Sunday. Every adjective you could think off describes that win. The rollercoaster of play that this team has in-game is maddening at time but at the end of the day, this team continues to win. For years we all criticized this team for not being able to close out games or not being able to win when they are not at their best. This Islander team is doing both. With that being said, a more consistent effort would be much easier for our collective heart rate. As we focus to tonight’s game Isles Head Coach Jack Capuano will go back to Jaroslav Halak in net. Halak was average at best against the Rangers but I think this is a smart move and a strong show of faith in Halak. We all know that the team has a strong number two goalie in Thomas Greiss but if this team is going anywhere in the playoffs it will need Halak to find his game.
As for the lineup, despite this staff’s best effort to keep him out, Ryan Pulock will return tonight and play on the third pairing with Brian Strait. Pulock will replace injured dman Marek Zidlicky. Noel and I will break down some of the staff’s decision in our podcast tomorrow. Let’s just say we both have plenty to say about some of the moves that have been made in the past couple of days.
Despite not agreeing with what Jack Capuano has done with the lines or roster decisions, this team is winning and it is a results league. We can all tolerate some of these moves if the team keeps racking up points. Tonight will be another tough challenged for this team as the Pens continue to nip on the Islanders heels. Two points tonight would be critical.