The Islanders return home tonight to take on the red hot Minnesota Wild. Calvin de Haan returns to the lineup and he will replace Matt Donovan. Jaroslav Halak will be in net for New York who are looking to rack up some points and nail down the two seed in the Metro Division. For the Islanders to do so they will face some tough competition in their upcoming games as after the Wild tonight, they face the Kings, Ducks and Red Wings to finish the month of March.
Jaroslav Halak was truly special in goal Saturday night as the Isles did enough to shutout the Devils by a score of 3-0. By no means was it a perfect performance but considering how bad the Isles were during their four game losing streak, a win is a win in my book. Yes we want to see more from the offense. Yes the defense is still is too loose at times and yes the power play is dreadful but points are points and at this time of the season there is no bonus for style.
Tonight Minnesota comes to town and I am certain fans will give former Islander Thomas Vanek a not so warm welcoming. Vanek continues to amaze me when he opens his mouth as he said today that part of not resigning with the Islanders was because the move to Brooklyn “scared him off.… I don’t want to really get into these comments but someone could have inform Mr. Vanek that he didn’t have to live there. I am honestly very happy that he decided to play for the Wild as we don’t have to listen to his B.S. anymore or watch him glide up and down the ice. I wish him well in the twin cities but I think all parties are better off with Vanek’s decision to sign with the Wild.
Before the game tonight the Islanders will be honoring former star Pat Lafontaine. While the Islanders and Lafontaine have had a rocky relationship over the years, it is good that the team is giving him a special moment that he truly deserves tonight. No word if Pat will resign the honor half way through. I’m joking of course.
This is going to be a challenging week for a New York team looking to steady the ship heading into the playoffs. I am hoping that Kyle Okposo’s empty net goal in New Jersey Saturday will settle him down and he finds his game by season’s end. The cream rises to the top in the playoffs and if the Islanders want to make some noise, beating teams like the ones that they are facing this week will go a long way into instilling some confidence leading into April. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.