The Islanders, and by Islanders I mean Jaroslav Halak, defeated the Flyers in a shootout last night by a score of 4-3. This contest was not pretty, not by a long shot. Halak recorded a career high 43 saves as he stole two points from the Flyers. New York will have plenty to fix when they return to the ice in Columbus on Saturday to square off with the Blue Jackets.
The Islanders were fortunate that Flyers’ goalie Steve Mason could not stop a beach ball as two goals by Frans Nielsen and another by Brock Nelson propelled the Isles to a 3-1 lead. This was a lead that their play said they didn’t deserve and after a constant siege by the Flyers the game was tied early into the 3rd period.
The Islanders were clearly outplayed through overtime, which has been an adventure for them this season. Watching New York make a line change during the 3 on 3 portion of the game is reminiscent of 30 clowns trying to get into a Fiat. Another too many men on the ice penalty occurred which negated a power play but despite its shortcomings in execution and coaching this team remains resilient and continues to win.
Do not apologize for winning, ever. Yes you have every right to be concerned with the teams play last night but this is a results oriented league and the Islanders are 6-0-2 in their past 8 contests. Despite some frustrating short comings this team is good and good teams find a way to win when things are not going right.
The first line continues to be a major concern and while we all scream for better wingers for captain John Tavares, he shares in some of the blame too. When JT is off the turnovers and length of his shifts can be maddening at times. This is where you need a coach to reel him in a bit and reminds everyone that it is a team game.
Tavares’ 10 to 12 games of average play seem to occur this time annually and I fully expect that he will bounce out this slump. I don’t think JT and his line mates have been awful, they are simply forcing the game right now. I’m not one for individual awards but when Tavares falls one or two points short of the scoring title you can look at this time of the year.
While Art Ross trophies are nice, the team result is far more important and we are seeing that the Isles are fully capable of winning games, even when they are not at their best. I know the results aren’t as flashy as they were last season, but the defense as a whole has been better. Special teams have improved, especially the penalty kill and the goaltending tandem of Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Griess have been the MVP’s of this roster.
We are seeing that this team can win games. It is far from perfect but as we reach the second week of December the Islanders are tied for 5th in the league in points. I know this team has been bailed out at times by its goaltending but don’t apologize for winning. You don’t have to give those points back. Remember years ago when the Isles goaltending were unable to make a big save at a key moment and the team left points on the table? We are now seeing what is possible when you have goalies capable of turning in consistent big game performances. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter @DanDanNoodles78.