Struggling Islanders Ready for the Rangers
Arthur Staple at Newsday says after a 4-2-1 start to the season the Islanders and their once formidable power play have begun to fade.
The Islanders are winless in their last two going 0-for-14 on the power play in the loses.
Here's Islanders start player John Tavares...
"We're desperate, we've lost two in a row so we have to understand that we have to be desperate. Against the Rangers, it's an emotional game, no matter what else is going on."
Despite the man advantage struggles the Islanders are still a top 10 unit and are tied for sixth in the NHL with nine power play goals.
...man, I'd kill for the Rangers to have power play problems like the Islanders. And btw, how the hell did the Fishsticks get 14 power play opportunities in two games?
...as is always the case, I expect the Islanders to play like tonight is their Stanley Cup Finals. They always do against the Rangers, especially at MSG (Rangers were undefeated vs. Isles at home last year, but that was an anomaly). So expect the Islanders power play to firing on all cylinders. And if the Rangers can't figure out their recent penalty kill woes it could be another rough night for the Blueshirts and their fans.
NYR were 4-1-1 vs NYI last season, 3-0-0 at home
— Kevin Gibson (@TSNResearch) February 7, 2013
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@chrisD I know MDZ was putrid against Devils but no way I'm trading a guy with his potenital for a 36-year old.
@KevinDeLury Yeah - I agree with that but something's got to change on our blue line.
The Islanders are almost too easy to poke fun at between their coming move to Brooklyn and the fact that players traded there continue to resist showing up at camp.
Wow just read that Boyle is a healthy scratch and Cally is in the line up.
I really wish Torts would truly shake things up and sit Hank. Biron looked really solid in Tampa - maybe Hank needs to sit and watch for a change. He's just about the only player that Torts hasn't sat for lack of performance. Sure goal support needs to be there but let's create even more urgency here. Just sayin!
Start:
Kreider, Richards, Pyatt
Nash, Miller, Gabby
Hagelin, Stepan, Cally
Asham, Halpern, Powe
This fish stick squad scares me more than they have in while. And don't forget to kick yourself every time you watch Streit on the PP and how cheap the JV squad got him for vs.good ole Mr. Redden. boo.
Yes, they better be ready, if for no other reason than I don't think I can handle the Rangers losing to both the Devils and Islanders in the same week.
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We need Hank to remember his last name is Lundqvist and not Hollywood tonight. I think he's become a little full of himself. He was one guy who I never questioned his focus, but lately I think he's become too spread out with his interests. Pleeeeeeeease come back Hank!
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG Disagree on Hank. I think it has more to do with him not playing during the lockout. Either way, he needs to be better.
@KevinDeLury he's just not there mentally. This is a guy who used to be able to will himself to greatness and I'm just not seeing that this year.
@chrisD @KevinDeLury @GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG Hank's not the problem. We're 4-1 when we score at least 2 goals. Scoring is the issue.
@KevinDeLury @GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG Hanks still get's his afternoon nap - I've got 2 toddlers - I get no sleep I coach 16 year old travel team and I play Sunday and Tuesday nights. No Excuses for Hank. If ever we needed him in top form it's this season.
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG -- i've only got one kid, but i think it's actually willed me to work harder
Also, if it is the kid...I'll adopt it from him. Because that kid is probably going to be the most talented kid in the world and I'm ready to be a stage dad haha
@KevinDeLury I don't really buy the kid thing. I know it's probably draining but people have kids in sports all the time and it doesn't change their game. If it is his kid wearing him down I'd be really disappointed in him.
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@KevinDeLury @GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG he's still a competitive freak. Before last game, he had a better save% than fatty McFattigans. This ain't about Hank.
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@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG @KevinDeLury Also don't forget he has a kid now. As a father of three, I know they can wear you down physically and mentally.
@KevinDeLury @GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG -- really not sure ... mainly i'm in agreement with the "please come back" sentiment
