We could use just a smidge of the Trotz defensive composer and structure as they’re defending a lead.

We could use just a smidge of the Trotz defensive composer and structure as they’re defending a lead.
- streaks

We can use a Larry Robinson type coach for the defense for sure. I know it's on the players but what is Houda coaching them?

Well gotta feel good heading home for game 6

True, he wasn't perfect, especially on the 2nd goal, but he was otherwise really good. Very few rebounds. Tough saves on shots from in close.
- JohnScammo

Not criticizing him believe me. Was just wondering if I remember correctly that group was out there for an extended shift seemed like that would have been the smart play. We wouldn’t even be in the playoffs if it weren’t for him and this series would’ve been over last game. For the couple of questionable goals he gave up in this series there were four or five shots that not many goaltenders could’ve stopped.

I don't know why, but the Isles always make me think this line from Down Periscope, "balls to the walls, boys!"
- psycomkl

Wait….wut?

We could use just a smidge of the Trotz defensive composer and structure as they’re defending a lead.
- streaks

Smidge?

Smidge?
- Cptmjl

The biggest surprise how this defense has struggled.

Not criticizing him believe me. Was just wondering if I remember correctly that group was out there for an extended shift seemed like that would have been the smart play. We wouldn’t even be in the playoffs if it weren’t for him and this series would’ve been over last game. For the couple of questionable goals he gave up in this series there were four or five shots that not many goaltenders could’ve stopped.
- Cptmjl

Don't remember clearly.

The biggest surprise how this defense has struggled.
- ses111

Aho to me was one of if not our best defenseman tonight imo. The other aho’s face with a nice assist also.

Don't remember clearly.
- JohnScammo

I’m not doing anything clearly tonight due to the bourbon.

Still a massive uphill climb but a lot more doable, coming home.
The Canes, like some have pointed out, play a game that is seemingly tailor-made to give the Islanders fits.
The Isles pk, which had been one of the better penalty kills in the league, does sometimes fall prey to backdoor and cross-slot passes. That just so happens to be a Carolina strength. They tried to remedy this by playing a tighter box. It seemingly worked, but there were a few close calls.
As we all know, the Isles lack team speed and therefore are easily backchecked by the Canes' in the neutral zone. They also appeared to show adjustments there by creating a bit of shiftiness with one-touch feeds.
They also seemingly countered Carolina's transition with more responsible gap play later.
For all of the criticism, I think Lane deserves some credit here. They didn't play a dominant five on five game, but did make adjustments and did some of the little things well.
The Canes, like the Trotz era Islanders play a very disciplined well-organized game. It means the Isles need to be really precise in all facets of the game.
The good news is, I think we all can agree the Isles are capable of playing a much better game. On what seems like a never-ending season of second chances....they've got another one.

Wait….wut?
- potvin05

Pull your skirts up and find a way through. Not 100%, but try your best. Maybe I should go back into HB hibernation lol. Anyway, a win is a win and we get at least one more game of Isles hockey.

Still a massive uphill climb but a lot more doable, coming home.
The Canes, like some have pointed out, play a game that is seemingly tailor-made to give the Islanders fits.
The Isles pk, which had been one of the better penalty kills in the league, does sometimes fall prey to backdoor and cross-slot passes. That just so happens to be a Carolina strength. They tried to remedy this by playing a tighter box. It seemingly worked, but there were a few close calls.
As we all know, the Isles lack team speed and therefore are easily backchecked by the Canes' in the neutral zone. They also appeared to show adjustments there by creating a bit of shiftiness with one-touch feeds.
They also seemingly countered Carolina's transition with more responsible gap play later.
For all of the criticism, I think Lane deserves some credit here. They didn't play a dominant five on five game, but did make adjustments and did some of the little things well.
The Canes, like the Trotz era Islanders play a very disciplined well-organized game. It means the Isles need to be really precise in all facets of the game.
The good news is, I think we all can agree the Isles are capable of playing a much better game. On what seems like a never-ending season of second chances....they've got another one.
- keaner17

Completing two passes. It makes all the difference. They had a couple of cross-ice passes through the neutral zone tonight that worked because they were on time and on target.

Engvall's really been a nice surprise in this series. Not the guy I thought would be the one to step up and be noticeable, but here he is.

Pull your skirts up and find a way through. Not 100%, but try your best. Maybe I should go back into HB hibernation lol. Anyway, a win is a win and we get at least one more game of Isles hockey.
- psycomkl

lol, no just shocked to see an OG back. I saw your avatar and was like, what? Always love seeing the people back from when I joined.

lol, no just shocked to see an OG back. I saw your avatar and was like, what? Always love seeing the people back from when I joined.
- potvin05

We had X return a while back too. This had been an odd year for homecomings at HB

We had X return a while back too. This had been an odd year for homecomings at HB
- keaner17

Psycho was up there with chickendirt and enough with the old timers. Like, not even back during the ECF appearances. That’s why I was shocked tonight.

Completing two passes. It makes all the difference. They had a couple of cross-ice passes through the neutral zone tonight that worked because they were on time and on target.

Engvall's really been a nice surprise in this series. Not the guy I thought would be the one to step up and be noticeable, but here he is.
- UIF

Prior to tonight I would have only said he's been 'okay', but he was the best Isles forward tonight IMO. He was all over the place in all three zones. He also showed some physicality, which had been the one place his game seemed to lack (as warned by Leafs fans). Their offseason approach with him will be interesting.

Psycho was up there with chickendirt and enough with the old timers. Like, not even back during the ECF appearances. That’s why I was shocked tonight.
- potvin05

Yeah, his joined date actually predates me by nearly a year. Part of the original flock

Yeah, his joined date actually predates me by nearly a year. Part of the original flock
- keaner17

Yeah I hope he comes back. I definitely wasn’t very verbal with my response. It was one of surprise, not one of what are you talking about.

The pp is def about the players more so than the coaching. They are so slow and indecisive.
- Mancalledsting

Prior to tonight I would have only said he's been 'okay', but he was the best Isles forward tonight IMO. He was all over the place in all three zones. He also showed some physicality, which had been the one place his game seemed to lack (as warned by Leafs fans). Their offseason approach with him will be interesting.
- keaner17

This is like me saying the Isles could use a smidge of Trotz’ defensive structure and composure when closing out a game 😂😂

But I would agree with the rest, he’s been okay, but seemed to put it together tonight.

Dobson picking up where he left off ....
- JohnScammo

Nothing personal but i'm hoping you guys lose tonight. Want that 1st rounder to be as high as possible for the Wings.
- dcz28

nothing personal...

I take into consideration this is his first playoffs but Hudson Fasching to me has been one of the bigger disappointments so far. I really thought he would excel in this series before it started. He has been from straight out bad to mediocre so far imo.

Prior to tonight I would have only said he's been 'okay', but he was the best Isles forward tonight IMO. He was all over the place in all three zones. He also showed some physicality, which had been the one place his game seemed to lack (as warned by Leafs fans). Their offseason approach with him will be interesting.
- keaner17

Nelson line was really good last night and the team as a whole played meh the 1st great the second and really solid 3rd and they avoided stupid penalties Romanov aside