The Islanders were in the game against a very talented San Jose squad last night. However bad teams do what bad teams do; every mistake winds up in the back of the net. The Sharks did just enough to come away with a 4-3 win over the Isles. The Islanders will be looking to bounce back tonight against the Sabres as the square off at the Coliseum. Anders Nilsson will get the start in net for the Isles.
I’m not blaming Evgeni Nabokov solely for last night’s loss. However Islander goalies this season simply cannot make the key save when this team desperately needs one. Case in point after a turnover by Matt Donovan, Nabby was unable to keep a rebound from going exactly to the wrong place on the ice where it was promptly deposited in the net by Joe Thornton. Moving forward for next season the Isles desperately need to acquire a goalie that can make the big save and bail out a subpar defense.
Matt Donovan’s reward for last night is to be sat tonight in favor off Matt Carkner because that makes sense. I’m being sarcastic of course; this season is a lost cause and we have reached the evaluation portion of the year. This team needs to see what these kids have in hopes of them being a part of the club’s future. Therefore you have to put up with the growing pains. After the mistake last night Donovan rebounded with a solid play to set up Brock Nelson’s goal. My point is at this portion of the season play the kids and let them sink or swim. Matt Carkner in the lineup does nobody any good. I know the Sabres have some heavyweights on there team; I just do not feel that Carkner is adding much of anything to this lineup.
The only positives from last night was the continued improvement of the kids. Anders Lee looks like a beast. I don’t want to go crazy as it is a very small sample size but Lee already has as many goals as Josh Bailey in only eight games. What I like about his game is his willingness to score ugly filthy goals by working hard and going to net. That type of game translates to any level of hockey and will be key to his success moving forward. The way Lee has fit in he has to be considered in the Islanders top six forwards for next season.
Finally I need the help and support of the Hockey Buzz family. I had mentioned before that I would be running and online auction. Well this hockey only auction is up and running. I am raising money to help my friend Lisa Berlinski who will be running in the 2014 Boston Marathon in support of the Boston Bruins Foundation. There are auction items from such hockey legends as Mike Bossy, Martin Brodeur, Guy Lefleur and much more. Please follow this link below to bid on some amazing hockey prizes or make a donation to this great cause. I appreciate the support of the hockey community and I really need your help for this great cause.
http://www.32auctions.com/berlinski