Ben Shelley: Wild third period ends with Game 3 loss for Islanders

Ben Shelley: Wild third period ends with Game 3 loss for Islanders
- Ben Shelley

Neandertal Goons Matt Martin wears his IQ on the back of his jersey

Neandertal Goons Matt Martin wears his IQ on the back of his jersey
- broncohorvath

You’ll be ok little guy.

Neandertal Goons Matt Martin wears his IQ on the back of his jersey
- broncohorvath

This isn't the Islanders team chat. The players all chat over at www.lemonparty.org

Please air your grievances there

Much better game from Barzal. Took shots when they were there and played within the game and took what the Pens gave him. Needs to build off this game and put his stamp on game 4 Saturday.
I can’t see any reason SOrOk1n doesn’t get the nod in game 4. I don’t think Varly made the big save when the team needed it last night. I don’t expect any other lineup changes but giving Ilya the net will give the team a kick in the ass to start the next game better imho.

Wow good thing Staple doesn’t post on here. He would be an instant target for the Girls Club.

“ Scott Mayfield was again one of the best Islander defensemen and his three-point night — the first by an Islander defenseman in the playoffs since Mark Streit had three against the Penguins in Game 4 in 2013 — was a just reward for Mayfield’s effort. But, as sometimes happens when a light-scoring defenseman leads the team in scoring through three playoff games, you have to wonder: Where is everyone else on D?”

Carrying this over:

Insert Beau in Leos place there and Barzal can put puck into a soft spot for Beau to use his speed and chase down. Pens don't have to worry about Leo at all offensively. Just look at that pic...
- TogaIsles

That's exactly the problem with having Leo on Barzal's line.

Two things can be true:

1) Leo Komarov is playing pretty good hockey right now and is contributing positive things to the team

2) Leo Komarov's presence on that line handcuffs the offensive output and allows the Pens to pretty much focus on only 2/3 of the trio

Carrying this over:



That's exactly the problem with having Leo on Barzal's line.

Two things can be true:

1) Leo Komarov is playing pretty good hockey right now and is contributing positive things to the team

2) Leo Komarov's presence on that line handcuffs the offensive output and allows the Pens to pretty much focus on only 2/3 of the trio
- eichiefs9

1) Leo Komarov would be a good contributor on the fourth line.

2) 100%

Tavares is out of the hospital, but is out indefinitely.

https://twitter.com/Leafs...tatus/1395752327827623944

Carrying this over:



That's exactly the problem with having Leo on Barzal's line.

Two things can be true:

1) Leo Komarov is playing pretty good hockey right now and is contributing positive things to the team

2) Leo Komarov's presence on that line handcuffs the offensive output and allows the Pens to pretty much focus on only 2/3 of the trio
- eichiefs9

On #2 this would only complicate their defensive scheme and makes absolutely no sense. They play their structure the same way for every line. No reason to learn a “leave Leo open scheme”, that’s comical really. Their D structure worked well for them all season no reason to change it up now imho.

Neandertal Goons Matt Martin wears his IQ on the back of his jersey
- broncohorvath

Sidney was his biotch last night

Tavares is out of the hospital, but is out indefinitely.

https://twitter.com/Leafs...tatus/1395752327827623944
- JimmyP

That’s good. That looked real bad. Hopefully he fully recovers.

(Said in a robot like voice like Tavares would)

Tavares is out of the hospital, but is out indefinitely.

https://twitter.com/Leafs...tatus/1395752327827623944
- JimmyP

That’s good news.

Wow good thing Staple doesn’t post on here. He would be an instant target for the Girls Club.

“ Scott Mayfield was again one of the best Islander defensemen and his three-point night — the first by an Islander defenseman in the playoffs since Mark Streit had three against the Penguins in Game 4 in 2013 — was a just reward for Mayfield’s effort. But, as sometimes happens when a light-scoring defenseman leads the team in scoring through three playoff games, you have to wonder: Where is everyone else on D?”
- nyisles7

Mayfield is at his best when the Isles engage in the type of game they played in the 3rd. That said, he did misplay Zucker on his goal, of course so did three other Islanders. The Mayfield/Leddy combo has been bad for a while and it just seems that, like Leo, he is being asked to perform a role (top 4) that is above his skillset. Noah has struggled some this year, which has led to perhaps Mayfield seeing more time than he should. He's still a great bargain contract-wise considering the roles he fills, which is why I don't think he'll end up in Seattle

Mayfield is at his best when the Isles engage in the type of game they played in the 3rd. That said, he did misplay Zucker on his goal, of course so did three other Islanders. The Mayfield/Leddy combo has been bad for a while and it just seems that, like Leo, he is being asked to perform a role (top 4) that is above his skillset. Noah has struggled some this year, which has led to perhaps Mayfield seeing more time than he should. He's still a great bargain contract-wise considering the roles he fills, which is why I don't think he'll end up in Seattle
- keaner17

Not a chance he goes to Seattle imho.

My post was about Barzal?

On #2 this would only complicate their defensive scheme and makes absolutely no sense. They play their structure the same way for every line. No reason to learn a “leave Leo open scheme”, that’s comical really. Their D structure worked well for them all season no reason to change it up now imho.
- nyisles7

It doesn't mean teams change their system, but players can behave differently within a system. I played on a team with a strict system for a long time and we certainly behaved differently against various combinations we were familiar with.
I don't think they would literally ignore Leo, but I don't doubt for a second that they discuss in the lockeroom keeping Barzal in front of them and covering Eberle and Barzal at all times. Defensemen will be aware of where he is always, whereas I doubt there's any such concern for Leo.

Not a chance he goes to Seattle imho.

My post was about Barzal?
- nyisles7

Ugh, was trying to respond to your post re: Staple on Mayfield

Ugh, was trying to respond to your post re: Staple on Mayfield
- keaner17

I know, I’ve done it a million times myself

I know, I’ve done it a million times myself
- nyisles7

I'd like to blame it on a tech glitch but my rapidly deteriorating eyesight has me second-guessing that

Sidney was his biotch last night
- nyisles7

Glad you’re happy with the result 😘

More from Trotz on Varlamov's performance:

“Well, I wish we could’ve gotten another save or two. Or maybe it was just one short again. They’re tough, lot of traffic, those type of things. But it just wasn’t his night.”

Doss this mean he's back in if it wasn't his night

More from Trotz on Varlamov's performance:

“Well, I wish we could’ve gotten another save or two. Or maybe it was just one short again. They’re tough, lot of traffic, those type of things. But it just wasn’t his night.”

Doss this mean he's back in if it wasn't his night
- Upstate_isles

I'm still saying that as much as we all think Sorokin should be the guy, Barry is more likely to side/stick with the vet
You also have to wonder if another pour performance and first round exit could change the 2021-22 landscape for Varlamov, whether that be becoming 1b or a whole different destination

I'm a Pens fan and I'm really enjoying this series. I don't feel like Varly was that bad though. That first goal was actually not really stoppable. The last goal was kinda the same. As I've seen going on 17 games now, if Carter has time and space in front of a goalie, he's going to finish...(12 goals in 17 games).

Clutterbuck may have been a force, but that goaltender interference was totally avoidable and an easy call. Stupid things like that have hurt both of these teams in the past. Both teams tend to go a little too far (not amything crazy that's suspension worthy), just a bit too far when emotions get involved.

Carrying this over:



That's exactly the problem with having Leo on Barzal's line.

Two things can be true:

1) Leo Komarov is playing pretty good hockey right now and is contributing positive things to the team

2) Leo Komarov's presence on that line handcuffs the offensive output and allows the Pens to pretty much focus on only 2/3 of the trio
- eichiefs9

I get your point here. But, if the Isles switch it up on Pens ice the Pens will be able to match up that 4th line with with the Isles top line...There's not a ton of scoring depth beyond that top line then. And, the Blueger, Tanev, Austin Reese line seem to be able to shut down almost anyone.

Although, next game, with the home ice advantage, it would be worth a shot moving him. Barzal is starting to slip the Pens defenders...who are pretty damn mobile. That line could do the type of damage the Bruins top line does to us. The only defender duo who actually seems to contain Barzal well is the Cece/Matheson pair because Cece plays simple and Matheson has the speed. Get away from those matchups, let the other lines crash and crash hard...the next game could be the isles.

Regardless, really fun series as these two teams usually are. Of course I'm hoping Pens in 6...and hoping whoever wins this can pull down the Bruins...