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Islanders Stories: The Origin of the Playoff Beard
Believe it or not, the origin of the NHL playoff beard can be traced to Nassau Veterans' Memorial Coliseum; even before the Isles won their first Stanley Cup.
Have you ever wondered where the idea of playoff beards originated? Believe it or not, its roots can be traced to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum; even before the Isles won their first Stanley Cup.
Left-wing Clark Gillies is credited with the idea; designed to enhance camaraderie as the players embarked on their trail to The Stanley Cup.
Stan Fischler tells the story:
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Explaining The Islanders Playoff-Making Is As Easy As Climbing Mt. Everest, Backwards
If ever a National Hockey League team could be diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia -- split-personality -- the current playoff-bound Islanders is it.
If ever a National Hockey League team could be diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia -- split-personality -- the current playoff-bound New York Islanders is it.
Its ups and downs over the 82-game marathon would make Coney Island's Cyclone Roller Coaster blush in envy.
Start with the pre-season literary slap that was read by experts all around the league:
"They said we were 'too old and too slow," recalled vet team "shrink" Cal Clutterbuck.
Well that media analysis wasn't pure buck, it sure was full of applesauce.
You want old teams, take the Capitals; you want slow teams, take the Penguins; after Crosby.
With 20/20 hindsight, it became apparent to the high command that Lane Lambert was not the second-year coach Lou Lamoriello hoped he would be.
Not that it was a matter of lack of brains but rather personality. Players simply didn't respond to his urgings.
As a matter of fact, that was evident in Lambert's farewell presser when he ripped his team for its lack of -- for want of a better word -- intelligence. Lane taught, but the Isles seemed to let the messages go in one ear and out the Long Island Sound.
Instead of sitting on his hands, Lou pulled the chute on Lambert and executed one of the most dramatic moves in the club's 51-year history: hiring Patrick Roy.
No fault of the fans, but Isles rooters often fail to realize that Roy's most monumental achievement was re-teaching -- rebuilding, if you will -- his team on the fly, in-season.
And let's remember Lou's unobtrusive -- but key -- moves, such as replacing his decimated D-corps with Mike Reilly and Robert Bortuzzo and upfront speed with hustling Kyle MacLean.
It was January 19 when Roy arrived to begin the "in-season rebuild," which was filled with potholes. Perhaps his most significant achievement was teaching his brigade how to rebound from aching defeats.
What could have been more demoralizing than the blown three-goal lead to the Rangers in the outdoor game at MetLife Stadium and then to lose it in less than half a minute of overtime?
That debacle could have broken the team's confidence to smithereens, and don't ask me how Roy put the pieces together again -- except that he did.
Then he had to find more Band-Aids after the six-game losing streak in March that threatened to scuttle all the good things that had previously happened.
"But," added Clutterbuck, "we did it."
Somehow -- The Maven still maintains, miraculously -- the team crystalized as the The Finish Line came into view. Or, as captain Anders Lee averred, "Good teams play their best hockey at the right time."
For that he can thank Roy's decision to replace slumping Ilya Sorokin with Patrick's old and trusty goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov.
Wow! What a game-changer -- not to mention game-winner -- that turned out to be. Forgive Monsieur Roy for a bit of a smile over that one. Over an eight-game span
Varly went 7-1-0 with a .939 save percentage.
Roy: "With ten games to go, no one gave us a chance to make the playoffs, and now, here we are!"
As far as The Maven is concerned, the ultimate -- and decisive -- series was the end-of-season two-game set with the Rangers.
I vividly recall at the start of the season when I checked out the Isles entire schedule. At the point where I saw the two clashes with the Blueshirts, I said to myself, OY VAY! "That could kill us!"
Our Islanders got three out of a possible four points, and THAT'S what enabled them to eventually clinch the playoff berth.
"We gave ourselves a chance to get in," Clutterbuck concluded, "and, really, that's all you can ask for."
Pardon The Maven while I still shake my head in disbelief!
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The Critics Thought It Couldn't Be Done, But The Islanders Did It By Themselves!
No, it was not a miracle that the New York Islanders have gained a playoff berth. It was more than that.
No, it was not a miracle that the New York Islanders have gained a playoff berth.
It was more than that.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHLvD1Lrfl8[/embed]
If such a thing exists, it was MORE than a miracle; a superhuman effort in which perseverance and grim determination blended to produce a postseason berth.
This was a team picked -- in September -- by The Hockey News Yearbook to finish behind the Hurricanes, Devils, Rangers, and Penguins.
The Islanders were ripped as "too old and too slow." It should have been "too bold and too flow."
It was a hockey club that often drove its fans nuts as it seemed on a treadmill to oblivion only to be saved in the end by its boss Lou Lamoriello; and just in time, I might add.
Lou's decision to sack Lane Lambert and import Patrick Roy to coach the team will go down in the 51-year Islander's history as one of the most courageous and decisive moves by the high command.
It was Roy's orchestration through thick and a lot of thin — that was what eventually turned this team in the right direction in the homestretch when it counted most.
And it counted most in the last two games against the Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers. Capturing three out of a possible four points from the Blueshirts was both a technical and emotional boost that carried through to the clincher last night in New Jersey.
But it was much more than that. At one point in the season, the Islanders had lost half of their starting defensemen.
At the time it didn't seem like much when Lou obtained blueliners, Mike Reilly and Robert Bortuzzo. But each in his own way proved to be an essential asset when it most counted.
The same could be said about the final week when ace D-man Noah Dobson went down with an injury, and Sebastian Aho stepped in and starred.
Ditto for Kyle MacLean, whose elevation from AHL Bridgeport added the necessary vim, vigor, and vitality late in the 82-game marathon.
In a sense, Lou's most strategic move was one he never made. Rather than trade veteran goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov, Lamoriello realized that goaltending with a solid one-two combo was essential.
Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin made beautiful music together. Varly's record in his last eight games was 7-1-0 with a .939 save percentage. And let's not forget nobody knows goalies better than Lou. Marty Brodeur is Exhibit A.
But when I earlier mentioned "Super Miracle" in terms of the third place division finish, I was referring to the Isles desperate position not very long ago.
"With ten games to go," said Roy, "no one gave us a chance to be part of the playoffs, and now here we are. It's nice to see our guys rewarded for their hard work."
Like The Maven said -- and will keep saying -- "it was a super-miracle.”
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After A Successful Night Of Scoreboard-Watching, Islanders Fans Focus On Nashville
Having been treated to coffee and muffins with my hockey-savvy buddies Rapid Rosner and Scott Charles yesterday, The Maven knows as much as anyone about the Islanders playoff chances.
Having been treated to coffee and muffins with my hockey-savvy buddies Rapid Rosner and Scott Charles yesterday, The Maven knows as much as anyone about the New York Islanders playoff chances.
Which is -- nothing.
Us Three Musketeers concluded that this is the most impossible team to fathom.
Bar none.
A couple of weeks ago, our heroes appeared as dead as the New York (or Brooklyn) Americans.
Tonight -- with a surprising Barry Trotz-managed Nashville Predators visiting UBS Arena -- the Isles can make hay now that their challengers went down to defeat last night.
Us scoreboard watchers gloated as Buffalo -- beware of the fast-flying Sabres -- beat Philly; Carolina beat Washington while the Rangers took out Detroit.
It would be simple to say that the Islanders are "hot" again, but we've been through this in-again-out-again routine to get even a little bit cocky about a victory tonight.
But, yes, there is cause for optimism -- why not? -- since the Isles have moved themselves into Wild Card contention.
After an iffy start in Columbus, Ilya Sorokin re-found his game and was stalwart, holding off Blue Jackets shooters in the third period before Kyle Palmieri sealed the deal with an open-netter.
The Maven would be pleased no end with the following:
1. Brock Nelson skating harder and scoring as he did with mid-season ease.
2. Pierre Engvall having another goal game as he did in Ohio the other night.
3. Whoever is in goal -- STEAL THIS ONE.
4. Kyle MacLean's endless hustle, inspiring his linemates to even more intense heights.
5. More accurate breakout passes and an end to mindless giveaways.
6. Noah Dobson regaining the form that once had us talking Norris Trophy.
I can dream can't I; 'cause neither Rosner, nor Charles, nor the other good Orange and Blue followers can figure our heroes from one game to the next.
The good news is that they're in the thick of it; so now we'll see what they do about maintaining the winning streak.
Or, let's put it realistically. If you had told me back in October that the Islanders would be in this playoff-possibility position, guess what The Maven's reaction would be?
"Thank you very much!"
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Maven’s Islanders Thoughts: Still Very Alive -- And Kicking
Watching the New York Islanders on any given night makes you wonder if it's safe to exhale.
Watching the New York Islanders on any given night makes you wonder if it's safe to exhale.
The Maven speaks firsthand, having finally resumed breathing after Kyle Palmieri potted the final minute open-netter in another perilous -- but who cares? -- 4-2 (open netter) victory over the Blue Jackets in Columbus.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OQltV4Lhpo[/embed]
Like the Tuesday night win over Chicago, coach Patrick Roy's skaters "found a way" to win and this time it was by outshooting the BJ's by a ton. In this case The Law of Averages caught up to our boys and paid off two points.
Yeah, there were mistakes, to be sure -- errant passes, heads-down plays, and a "Michigan" style puck that bounced off Ilya Sorokin's back and into the net -- but the Orange and Blue patched the holes and carried on.
The 1-0 and 2-1 starts were not enough to curb a home team that seemed determined to take the lead but never got the chance.
Moving into the third period tied 2-2, the Isles played precarious hockey and survived when Noah Dobson did what he's supposed to do; put the Islanders in front for good.
Even then, it wasn't over by any means. If the checkers weren't going to foil the intruders, then goaltending had to deliver, and that Sorokin did in spades.
Ilya saw to that with a pair of side to side saves that also managed to ensure the win.
Full credit to Anders Lee, who had to leave the game absorbing twin body checks from two different Blue Jackets in the second period.
"Mark my words," said MSG Networks analyst Butch Goring, "Lee will come back."
And so he did in the third period, battling as of yore while helping set up the insurance fourth -- open net -- goal by Kyle Palmieri
That noise you hear in the background is The Maven finally exhaling!
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Coming Back To UBS Arena & All My Pals Was A Penultimate Thrill Times 100
My return to UBS Arena was everything I expected -- and more.
The minute I walked through the doors of UBS Arena on Tuesday night, I was reminded of my childhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and a tune I loved then -- and still do now.
"You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To."
And so it was.
For The Hockey Maven -- alias "Mave" -- it was like a mass reunion as pal after pal either hugged me a "Hey, Stan," or allowed me to do the same and vice versa.
It was all about love -- from me and for me and never stopped being -- well -- just plain wonderful.
Having spent a large chunk of my life broadcasting New York Islanders games -- first for SportsChannel and then MSG Networks -- I couldn't wait to meet again on the sunny side of love.
The second I set eyes on my beautiful and talented pal, Shannon Hogan, it lit up my moment like nobody's business. And then to do a fun interview with her -- Shannon always brings out the laughs in me -- was like gravy on my sirloin steak.
Simply put, we had a sweet time; as we always did.
Off-Ice supervisor Jeff Weintraub -- we go back a zillion years -- warmed my heart with his greeting as did one of my all-time favorite cameramen, Johnny Ackerina and the hockey world's all-time stat king, Eric Hornick.
Interspersed with the broadcast gang were my personal heroes, the Islanders fans.
I made sure to set aside a good pre-game hour to autograph copies of the 50th anniversary Islanders book, which I co-authored with my pal and rep, David Kolb, who was side by side with me as I wrote and -- more importantly -- schmoozed hockey with the Islanders legion of supporters. (My other co-author and funny man, Zach Weinstock, arrived a bit later for more guffaws.)
Play-by-play star Brendan Burke had become fast friends while I still was doing MSG Networks games, and it gave me a big kick seeing him along with my eternal Isles hero -- he SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame -- Butch Goring.
Butch's wife, the ever-gorgeous and gifted Paula McHale, had been my MSG producer for many years, and it was so-so nice to be gifted with a hug from Paula, who looks like she still hasn't reached age 30.
This was an endless dream-come-true highlighted by the fact that my lovely Israeli grandchildren, Odel, 19, and Ariel, 18, were there for the spectacular come-from-behind Isles victory of Chicago. (And thanks to Table Hockey magnate John Fayolle and Ursula Fayolle for shepherding them to UBS.)
I also gave a huge hug to Ex-NHL goalie and Chi broadcaster Darren Pang, who showed up out of the shadows for a brief kibbitz.
You get the message; I could go on and on distributing my endless gratitude for being there to share my joy.
For sure, the Islanders' Ice Palace was "So Nice To Come Home To."
Thank you ALL for making it so memorable a lifetime night for The Maven.
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Islanders: To Be Or Not To Be A Survivor In Detroit Tonight, That's The Question
Will it be a requiem or a revival for the New York Islanders?
Will it be a requiem or a revival for the New York Islanders?
Tonight's THE night.
Realistically, only one team remains as a real target for Patrick Roy's skaters to take a bead on for the Wild Card berth and that's the Red Wings.
Detroit will be hosting our fallen heroes tonight, and by 11 p.m., for sure, we'll know whether they've launched another one-game winning streak or -- we hope not -- we begin X-rays of the dozens or so reasons for the abject demise of this team.
Frankly, it still strains credulity that not long ago, we were chirping about a six-game winning streak that lifted the club into Wild Card contention.
Then, wha' happen, Baby?
It could be that the team collectively spent itself capturing that sextet of W's and never refilled the gas tank. Or simply had no gas to put in the tank.
Could be that Le Royal Roy isn't the answer we thought he'd be.
Could be that Ilya Sorokin was overwhelmed with saves and just lost his way.
You can conjecture 'til the cows come home.
A win on the road in Motor City would be a terrific tonic, wouldn't it?
Whatever the case, all available alibis and excuses have been tossed into the round file.
They'll either have the goods or won't have the goods.
Requiem or revival? We shall see!
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What Previously Was Considered Impossible For The Islanders Now IS Possible
Had you told any citizen of New York Islander Country a few weeks ago that their favorite team had a chance to make the playoffs, you'd have gotten a horse laugh louder than anything heard at stable in Belmont Park.
Had you told any citizen of New York Islander Country a few weeks ago that their favorite team had a chance to make the playoffs, you'd have gotten a horse laugh louder than anything heard at stable in Belmont Park.
"Out of the question!" would have been the collective response for the pure and simple reason that the Islanders -- for all intents and purposes -- were out of the race.
Enter Patrick Roy promising nothing more than to do his best -- like they do at the LIRR Jamaica Station -- to put this team back on the right track.
As we all know, there were plenty of local stops -- like Woodside and Kew Gardens -- along the way but as of Monday morning the Isles are back into playoff contention for the first time since January 13.
The Maven will explain how it happened:
1. It took many painful weeks and crushing losses like that horrific night game at MetLife Stadium but Roy got a grip on what he had, and what to do with it to get a streak going.
2. He knew he had to ride -- for better or worse -- his thoroughbred, Ilya Sorokin, in goal and everyone's comrade obliged with wins.
3. When the streak reached five wins, the coach had to gamble on possibly rusty Semyon Varlamov and the vet delivered last night In Anaheim.
4. Roy's masterful line change -- putting Brock Nelson on the first unit with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal -- has, so far, worked to perfection.
5. The return of Kyle MacLean enabled Roy to insert assistant coach John MacLean's kid on the fourth line; and that was pivotal. Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin have been energized by the move.
6. That switch enabled the coach to promote Casey Cizikas to the third line with Pierre Engvall and Simon Holmstrom. It has proven to be an effective trio. The oft-maligned Engvall scored on a nifty breakaway last night while Casey also was a lamplighter.
7. Kyle Palmieri has turned hot on the second unit with Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
8. Defense finally has shaped up as an asset. Roy broke up the Adam Pelech-Ryan Pulock duet putting Noah Dobson with Pellech and Alex Romanov. That left Lou's super-get, Mike Reilly, with Sebastian Aho, and the latter pair have fared well.
That's the good news. The reality news is provided by the veteran Varly:"I'm sure it'll be a battle to the end with the tight standings. We know where we are and we know we have to stay focused on ourselves and keep winning."
The Isles will have an opportunity to make it a lucky seven in a row tonight against the Kings at Crypto.com. Arena.
As for The Maven, I'm still shaking my head in disbelief!
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The Night I Had Dinner With Butch Goring After He Became An Islander
Forty-four years ago today, the New York Islanders acquired Butch Goring before the 1980 NHL Trade Deadline.
Anytime the NHL Trade Deadline rolls around, the name Butch Goring gets thrown around.
Forty-four years ago today, on March 10, 1980, New York Islanders general manager Bill Torey acquired Goring from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Dave Lewis and Billy Harris.
It would be a franchise-altering trade, as Goring served as the final piece of a winning puzzle, with New York capturing their first of four straight Stanley Cup Championships that summer:
The Night The Mave Had Dinner With Goring After He Became An Islander
Shortly after the Goring acquisition, the Islanders and their media crew held their annual dinner.
I was there with my wife, Shirley, and just by chance, the guest player at our table was none other than the newest of the Nassaumen -- Butch, himself.
In those days, Butch's fashion ran toward the hayseed style -- he's very up-to-date these days -- and there was a lot of the Manitoba farmer in him that night.
Of course, we talked about the trade, and it was clear that he still was trying to get his Long Island bearings.
Just from that initial meeting, there was no way to know how good he would be and what effect Goring would have on the dynasty to be.
But to say the least, Shirley and I were astonished at what was to come. I mean 19 points in the playoffs and -- later on a Smythe Trophy and his eternal designation as "The Final Piece."
No, we could never have imagined what bounties Butch would bring to the team.
But I do recall I was admiring his jeans. Very Manitoba.
What bugs me and will bug me until it happens is trying to figure out why Butch Goring is not in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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The Islanders Drive For Five In San Jose Is In The Books; Time Now For Quest For Six In Anaheim
After defeating the San Jose Sharks for a fifth-straight victory, the Islanders now head into Anaheim, looking to continue their winning ways.
The New York Islanders "Drive For Five" is a done deal -- 7-2 over the Sharks last night in San Jose.
"It was a beautiful win for us," said coach Patrick Roy.
Now comes the "Quest For Six" consecutive wins in Anaheim on Sunday.
Roy did not want his team to take the lowly Big Fish With Sharp Teeth lightly, and for a time in the first period, Our Lads seemed to be in Jet Lag land.
Fortunately, they managed to get through the first period with no fatal bites, thanks to goals by Noah Dobson and Alex Romanov. Sebastian Aho added one a bit later for the D-corp.
"Our defense is part of our offense," Roy added. "It's a five-man unit."
With the score 3-2 Isles in the middle frame, the Anti-Shark pellets began working big-time when rookie Kyle MacLean notched the fourth goal for a 4-2 lead. Mathew Barzal -- from Brock Nelson and Bo Horvat -- and Aho closed the period for a comfortable 6-2 lead.
If nothing else, that 20-minute segment proved that the coach knew what he was doing when he inserted Nelson on the Horvat-Barzal unit.
With a key goal and two assists, Barzy is playing the best hockey of his life, and his give-and-go goal was something you see more often in Advanced Hockey 101 than actually view on the ice.
"Every win matters," Barzal noted. "This one and everyone down the line."
A tip of The Maven's fedora also to productive backliners Dobson, who notched his eighth red light of the season, and Romanov with his lucky seventh, each helping to oil what looked like a rusty first-period machine.
Just to prove that there will be no further third-period nonsense, captain Anders Lee scored at 8:18 of the closer, and -- happily—Pierre Engvall and Ryan Pulock got the helpers.
Without much fuss or fanfare the addition of the exuberant MacLean has jazzed up Matt Martin -- Matty assisted on Kyle's goal along with Adam Pelech. (Assistant coach Johnny MacLean's son looks like a sure-thing starter for next season.)
Make no mistake, it was vital for the Orange and Blue to launch the West Coast expedition with an emphatic win against a team that stunned them -- to put it mildly -- early in the season.
Likewise, the importance of every two-pointer at the juncture of the season cannot be exaggerated. This is especially true given that the Flyers, Capitals, and Devils all won last night.
Following the Anaheim match, the Islanders close out their trip to the Left Coast in Los Angeles and finish the excursion in Buffalo. They return to UBS Arena on March 16 with a return engagement with the Sabres.
Meanwhile, what Roy's Roadrunners are giving us is a fresh, entertaining brand of hockey with strong efforts up and down the line.
"We're getting more confidence," Romanov added. "Now our goal is six in a row."
Conclusion: Our guys did what they had to do, and now we shall see if they can keep the puck going. Based on what we've seen so far -- if a "Drive For Five" could be attained; then why not a "Quest For Six?"
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There's No Such Team As A 'Sure' Loser; Islanders Must Remember That Tonight
The New York Islanders are entering the Shark Tank on a four-game heater. The Sharks are a team that beat the Islanders earlier in the year, and they must take them seriously.
One of the silliest fan games is called "Check The Schedule For Your Next Two Points."
You get The Maven's drift; Do not take any foe for granted.
And for historical proof, just go back to the final week of the season last April.
Our New York Islanders were on life support when the lowly Blackhawks checked into Pittsburgh, and a Penguins victory seemed as certain as Connor McDavid's next scoring title.
Man, oh, man, this was a no-brainer win for Pitt, right?
Wrong. Chi turned the Penguins into little pits and then spit them out and won the game.
Which is the Maven's roundabout way of saying that the Islanders had better "Beware! Brother, Beware" tonight against the lowly -- though still dangerous -- Sharks.
Not to mention, the ocean predators erased an Isles 4-1 lead in the third period on Dec. 5. before losing 5-4 in overtime, a loss former head coach Lane Lambert called "a sin."
The hope, of course, is that Kyle Palmieri continues his scoring splurge and that Brock Nelson shows how much fun it is to play on a line with Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal.
And that Jean-Gabriel Pageau remains hot now that he's playing his best hockey of the season.
You know the rest. Pedal to the metal, lads. Take San Jose seriously. These Sharks still can bite!
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It's Now A Serious Islanders Bid For A Playoff Berth
The New York Islanders Drive For Five Is now Alive.
The New York Islanders Drive For Five Is now Alive.
So are coach Patrick Roy's line combinations that spurred the fourth straight win over the Blues last night at UBS Arena.
Kyle Palmieri and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, rallied their club from an 0-2 second period deficit while Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal completed the surge in the third.
"It's so important for us to stay in games," said Palmieri, "and to find ways and means to keep going (in the right direction.) Plus, we have Ilya Solorkin to help us do that."
When Roy placed Brock Nelson alongside Horvat and Barzal, it was an iffy move, no question. But it produced a positive chain reaction that energized the second, third, and fourth units.
While Horvat admittedly erred on a giveaway leading to a St. Louis goal, he compensated by coming right back with the game-winner.
"We didn't break (when down 2-0), and what we have to do moving forward is to play the same way," Horvat enthused. "Looking at the game, there's no question that we were the better team."
With wins over Dallas, Detroit, Boston, and now St.Louis, the Islanders have made a statement. But they cannot waver; the foot must remain on the gas pedal.
What's so marvelous about the Orange and Blue is that the Islanders seem as fresh as a showroom automobile.
The lines are working like perfectly meshed gears; the defense seems revitalized, and Sorokin provides the extra pound of confidence.
Special kudos to the Palmieri-Pageau-Anders Lee line, which has marvelously jelled in the last two games.
"They have been terrific," said Roy. "I'd say that Palmieri has been our best forward. The two goals they scored (to bring us back into the game) were so important."
What matters now is whether this surge can be maintained on the four-game road trip starting tomorrow in San Jose AND whether The Boss, Lou Lamoriello, chooses to. make a move or two before Friday's Trade Deadline.
"The team is playing where it's capable right now," Lou concluded. "Am I thinking of subtracting? No!"
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Revised Lineup Could Be The One That Keeps The Islanders Streak Going
Maybe it's by accident, or maybe it's a case of accidentally on purpose when it comes to a strategic change in the New York Islanders' attacking force.
Maybe it's by accident, or maybe it's a case of accidentally on purpose when it comes to a strategic change in the New York Islanders' attacking force.
But no matter how you shake it, the top unit with Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, and newcomer-to-the-unit Brock Nelson has "scoring chance" written all over it every time it takes a turn on the rink.
Of course one must take into consideration what this means to the second trio including Kyle Palmieri alongside Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
Then again, it can be argued that coach Patrick Roy has concluded that Pierre Engvall simply is not meant for either first or second line work and, -- d'ya know what? -- he's right.
Moving Casey Cizikas up to Line Three seems to The Maven a good idea because Double C's underrated scoring touch is more inclined to work with Engvall and Simon Holmstrom rather than the former Identity Line.
Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin -- and surprisingly adept rookie Kyle MacLean -- gives the Two-Thirds Identity unit a new kind of pizzazz and, frankly, I like that.
This is strictly a gut feeling, but my vibes tell me that Palmieri and Lee will squeeze better two-way hockey out of Monsieur Pageau than we've seen all season.
With a competitive St. Louis Blues team at UBS tonight, the Isles drive for four straight wins will be mightily tested.
This is more on point, with a playoff berth more visible than a week ago.
Last Tuesday, making the postseason appear to be as distant as the Island of Pago Pago. (And don't tell me, "I heard you the first time!")
The Flyers are catchable, and The Red Wings are as well. However, that's contingent on one -- and only one -- thing.
ISLES WINS!
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What A Difference A Week Makes With The Now Surging Islanders
A week ago, a wobbly New York Islanders team prepared for a road trip that included shaky stops in Dallas and Detroit. Now, they are riding a three-game win streak into Tuesday's game.
A week ago, a wobbly New York Islanders team prepared for a road trip that included shaky stops in Dallas and Detroit.
That's two daunting D's in succession and the ominous dread of defeat hung over Islanders Nation.
Perhaps, worse still, that road duet would be followed by a Boston sextet which has been hanging out at the NHL peak for many months.
Now if you had asked The Maven -- and any horde of hockey fans from Northern Boulevard to Northport -- whether Patrick Roy's skaters could go three-for-three, you'd get a horse laugh from here to the Belmont Stables.
Yet here we are in the National Hockey League's homestretch and -- yesiree, Bob -- our guys batted a thousand on the road and, as an added fillip, beat the Big, Bad Bruins on Saturday night at UBS.
Sorry, but we are not awarded a playoff berth on the strength of three-for-three, no matter how you shake it. As for four-for-four, we now have the St.Louis Blues in town for the Tuesday night challenge; and challenge is what it will be.
Perhaps it would have been easier had the team enjoyed the momentum carrying into a Monday night game; perhaps not.
Perhaps it's best that they obtained a bit of a rest before taking on the Blues. Only time will tell.
But The Maven will tell you this much: If, somehow, Kyle (Quick Hat Trick) Palmieri, Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat, Mat Barzal, Face-Off Man Pageau, and Ilya Sorokin duplicate their efforts, hey, we'll have something to crow about on Wednesday
Namely, a real streak -- and hope!
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An Isles Trifecta; Beating Dallas, Detroit & Now, 5-1 Over Boston
Now we're talking. Streak, that is. The 5-1 win over Boston last night at UBS Arena means that the New York Islanders mean business.
Now we're talking.
Streak, that is.
The 5-1 win over Boston last night at UBS Arena means that the New York Islanders mean business.
In the past week, they've beaten a team they have to catch, Detroit, and two elite clubs, Dallas and the Bruins.
"Nights like this one are fun for a coach," smiled Patrick Roy, "because everyone on the team played well.
As the three-straight momentum has built, so has total club confidence, as all the cats joined in, playing an ideal 200-foot game.
"We were strong in our end," added Roy, "and in the offensive zone. Our guys were on the puck."
Nor was there any fear of a third period collapse as Ilya Sorokin said nyet, nyet and nyet to any final frame failing which had been the club's bugaboo for much of the season.
The Hall of Heroes bulged with aces, starting with the Three Stars -- Natural Hat Trick Kyle Palmieri, Captain Anders Lee, and the King of the Crease, Sorokin.
"As a line, we had a lot of chances," said Palmieri, who recorded his third career three-goal game. "I couldn't have drawn it up any better."
But all hands were on deck for this one; the one The Maven said would be THE TEST. The Orange and Blue's leading lamplighter, Brock N elson got another biggie for himself and the club. He was emphatic that his mates had to follow the successful road trip with a winning homecoming.
"It may have been our best game of the season," said Nelson. "We wanted to have a good start and we did and then we just never let up."
With the Trade Deadline just around the corner, The Boss Lou Lamoriello needed reassurance that the team he recently verbally supported could produce a W more than twice.
Well he got a good answer at home with as total an effort as possible; not to mention with great speed. Palmieri's three goals turned out to be the fastest hat trick in club history.
Support for Sorokin was built by Lee and Nelson as well as s defense-minded outfit that limited Sorokin's work load.
But there's more work ahead with the Blues coming to town next.
Not to beat a dead quote, but as The Maven has been saying for two months; what this club needs is a strong streak. A playoff berth is in sight, but the streak must continue -- and why not at home?
Or, as the productive Palmieri so aptly concluded: "We've just got to keep rolling!"
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Tonight's Bruins-Islanders Game IS The Most Important Of The Season
How big is tonight's Islanders game against the Boston Bruins? Stan Fischler says it's the most important.
I have to admit that five months into this National Hockey League season, I have no clue -- none whatsoever -- what to make of this New York Islanders hockey club.
They go into Dallas and beat the Stars. They go into Detroit and beat the Red Wings.
It's enough to make one think that, yeah, there's a making of a streak and a serious run for a playoff berth.
But then, I think back to that horrendous third-period flop at MetLife Stadium against the Rangers -- not to mention the overtime blunder -- and wonder what this team is all about.
What we will know sometime later tonight should the Blue and Orange win, sure, let's get excited about a genuine winning streak.
But we've been burned with a build-up-to-a-letdown before.
The Bruins are an elite team, and their standing proves the point. Beat them, and I'll be impressed.
As for the victory over Detroit, what impressed me was coach Roy placing Brock Nelson on the line with Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal.
They produced big-time, which means the trick is to get the second and third-liners to deliver.
We got a goal from the Third Line (Cizikas with Engvall and Holmstrom) and Kyle MacLean gave the two-thirds Identity Line good energy.
Defense combos were interesting, to say the least -- Pelech-Dobson, Romanov-Pulock, Aho-O'Reilly. For the most part, they worked.
I have no idea whether Roy will keep them intact.
But this much I do know; Isles had better win at UBS!
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Islanders Nation Mourn The Passing Of Claire Arbour, Wife Of Legendary Coach Al Arbour
Claire Arbour was the foundation who enabled her husband, Alger (Al) to become the greatest coach in NHL history.
Claire Arbour was the foundation who enabled her husband, Alger (Al) to become the greatest coach in NHL history.
"When time were tough," former New York Islanders goalie, Chico Resch once told me, "Claire always was there to support.”
Claire's passing is mourned by hockey folks all over the world. After all, the love affair between Al -- then a Junior player from Sudbury, Ontario -- and Claire dates back to Al's Junior hockey days.
As the defenseman made his way through minor league hockey and eventually into coaching, it was always Claire by his side, attending virtually all his games and providing support for the team while at home as well.
"Claire was the one who worked with Al when he was pioneering video tape reviews to improve the team," Rich Torrey, Bill Torrey's son once told me. "Thanks to Claire, Al was able to be ahead of the game and why the Islanders remain the only NHL team ever to win 19 consecutive playoff series; let alone four straight Stanley Cups."
Vivacious and always with a smile on her face, Claire was a friend to everyone and a wonderful conversationalist. She understood her husband and was keenly aware of the nuances of being a major league coach. At times when Al might lose his temper over a hockey matter, his loving wife would calm him down.
"Claire was a very special lady," said Jim Devellano, executive vice president of the Detroit Red Wings, "a real pal and so smart about making sure that Al could his job while at the same time raising a family."
Jimmy D continued their friendship after Al retired, living near the Arbours in their Florida retreat.
Despite their public presence, both Al and Claire shunned publicity, preferring to live a quiet life away from the rink when games were not being played.
Both myself and author Zachary Weinstock tried to persuade the Arbours to do a book about their hockey lives but they graciously declined.
Claire Arbour's wonderful persona and love for her husband and hockey will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Claire.
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Barzal's Billiard Shot Gives Islanders A 5 -3 Win Over Detroit & A Playoff Race Lift
The Islanders are alive -- and well. Just how well will be determined tomorrow night (7:30 p.m.) at UBS Arena.
The New York Islanders are alive -- and well.
Just how well will be determined tomorrow night (7:30 p.m.) at UBS Arena.
The 5-3 victory over the previously hot Red Wings in Detroit last night was a spirit and confidence booster.
Having disposed of the Stars in Dallas and now snapping the Red Wings six-game win streak, Patrick Roy's squad is demonstrating that it can beat the biggies -- with Boston next on the list; this time in Elmont.
"This was a big win," said Mat Barzal, who scored the game-winner, shooting from the right of the net at an impossible angle but bouncing it off goalie Alex Lyon. "It was especially nice to put an exclamation on the game with an empty netter."
Pierre Envall tallied the fifth (ENG) goal after another evening of Isles-blown leads right into the third period, which was tied 3-3 until Barzy delivered.
"In this league," Roy explained, "you have a lot of blow leads. A one-goal or two-goal lead doesn't necessarily mean that much. Blown leads happen when you have a lead."
The fact that Engvall could find the empty net was a novelty for the Orange and Blue after the two missed chances against the Rangers at MetLife Field in the great outdoors.
The other nice novelty is a major line change. Roy has placed Brock Nelson on a trio with Bo Horvat and Barzal. The Skipper calls the unit "Game Changers."
It produced three goals -- two by Nelson -- and an assist, as well as ten shots on goal.
"We want these two wins to be the start of something," added Nelson. "We'll get some rest at home and get ready for Boston. It won't be easy for us."
That's why this two-win road trip was so vital to the Islanders. Beating the Stars in Dallas and then stopping the Detroit streak at six is an admirable accomplishment. Not to mention the fact that the special teams worked.
The penalty kill was a perfect two for two, and Nelson notched a power play goal. Although Horvat failed to obtain a point, he was a demon on face-offs, winning 16 of 21 for a hefty 76 percent success rate.
The Islanders' energizer bunny Casey Cizikas has been recharged with Engvall and Simon Holmstrom, with that line playing a part in two goals against Detroit and one against Dallas.
Determined to find a sustainable winning combination, Roy altered the defense. The coach split the Adam Pelech-Ryan Pulock unit. Pelech worked with Noah Dobson, while Pulock paired with Alex Romanov.
Sibby Aho rounded out the third set with Mike Reilly.
No question this club needs a hefty streak if it hopes to get back into the playoff mix. Hey, if Detroit can put six W's together it shouldn't be viewed as an Islanders fan's dream for the Locals to pull it off.
So, the quest resumes tomorrow at UBS against a team that knows all about winning streaks, the Beantown Bruins.
And here's a good playoff race incentive booster. The Isles are six points behind Tampa Bay, but the Nassaumen have three games in hand.
Win those three games and you have six points!
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Matchup Keys To Islanders-Rangers Stadium Series Game
Stan Fischler provides his keys to the 2024 Stadium Series showdown between the New York Islanders and New York Rangers.
The New York Islanders are out of a playoff berth at the moment and gasping for wins.
The New York Rangers are in first place and well-balanced enough to win The Stanley Cup.
Now you know why the Blueshirts are heavily favored going into this afternoon's encounter at East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium.
According to The Maven's "Most Interesting Matchups," the Rangers and Isles actually are not that far from being even.
Here's how I see it:
GOALTENDING:
The two away-from-the-rink pals, Igor Shesterkin and Ilya Sorokin, are very close. The Ranger has the better goals-against average -- 2.78 vs. 3.04, while Ilya takes the percentage comparison from .911 to .902. Sorokin is playing well -- sometimes great -- while
Iggie's last two wins ended a scary slump. Plus, Shesty's overall defense is significantly better than Ilya's.
Verdict: A draw.
BEST DEFENSEMAN -- NOAH DOBSON VS. ADAM FOX:
Over 53 games, Dobber is 7-48-55 and -- get this -- Plus 20. Injuries have limited Foxy to 44 games, 8-35-43, and Plus 10.
Noah is playing at over a point a game pace while Adam is just below.
Verdict: Dobson, who is a long shot to win the Norris Trophy.
BEST SECOND DEFENSEMAN -- ALEX ROMANOV VS. JACOB TROUBA:
Jake The Rake wins this on points after 52 games with 3-17-20 vs the same games, 5-8-13, and physical play. But Trouba is only Plus-5 while Romeo -- minus Juliet -- is a bulging plus-15.
Verdict: Draw.
LEADING SCORER -- BREADMAN PANARIN VS. MATHEW BARZAL:
The Pumpernickel fellow is a clear winner. After 54 games, he's a whopping 31-40-71. That puts him 15 points ahead of Barzy's 52 games at 15-41-56. Yet with all his inflationary points, Panarin is only a plus 2. Matty is plus 1.
Verdict: Rye Bread.
MOST INTERESTING MATCHUP -- RANGERS GOALIATH LINE VS. THE IDENTITY 3:
The Islanders aging trio of Matt Martin, Cal Clutterbuck, and Casey Cizikas will face a trio of
Man Mountains. It starts with Matt Rempe, 6-8.5, then Alan Elstrom, a mere 6-7, and, finally, tiny Barclay Goodrow, who barely can be noticed at 6-2.
Verdict: It's experience vs. tonnage. If the Isles trio escapes mashed potato-ism, I'll take the experience.
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A Historic Islanders Opportunity Under The Clouds, On The Ice
The Islanders-Rangers collision Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is far more than the novelty of an outdoor game before some 70,000 fans in a football stadium.
The Islanders-Rangers collision Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is far more than the novelty of an outdoor game before some 70,000 fans in a football stadium.
Islanders vs. Rangers is always entertaining because of the half-century-old rivalry. But this latest extravaganza means much more for the New York Islanders.
Much, much more.
It will be a test of character, a test of will, and, most of all, a test of competence before an audience that can best be called a gala.
If all goes well -- and that's chancy after the Islanders' last outing against Seattle -- it could mean that a playoff berth still is possible for Patrick Roy's loyalists.
If it turns out to be a totally negative result, well, we know what happened to Humpty Dumpty, don't we?
Objectively speaking -- or, perhaps I should say on paper -- there's enough talent on the Isles for the club to make one more gallant run down the homestretch.
Then again, you've heard that song before, and so have I, since The Maven has been the one who's been singing it since the turn of the new year.
Now it's all about results and not alibis. A defeat like the one to Seattle the other night will be a blow to any ardent Islanders fan's solar plexus. Not one of them wants to be disappointed the way he and she were after the shootout loss to the Kraken.
One press box pal offered this cogent capsule: "There was no jump besides Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat. " (And why not is what I want to know and still can't figure out.)
Experiments such as the one where disappointing Pierre Engvall winds up on the top line prove ineffective within a period.
Another veteran Isles reporter talked about "laziness, uninspired and bone-headed play."
After all, how many times can an outfit negate its own power play by then taking a penalty, as has been the case way, way too often this season?
The club carries a core of veterans that comprise what amounts to "a leadership group." Unfortunately, the group's results -- in terms of heady play -- have not been reflective of high I.Q. play.
And speaking of leaders, one may ask, is it time for coach Roy to decide whether his team should continue with Anders Lee wearing the "C."
History reminds us that during the 1979-80 season -- prior to the first Cup victory --popular Clark Gillies gave up the captaincy. Denis Potvin replaced Jethro, and the team went on to win four Cups under Potvin's "C."
Perhaps it's now Horvat's turn. Bo has all the ingredients of a leader, but then again, that's what we've been saying about Lee since he began wearing the letter that comes after "B."
This upcoming game against the Rangers will be an excellent stage for the likes of Lee, Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, and Scott Mayfield, among others, to lead rather than deliver cheery homilies after another dismal loss.
Fans of the Orange and Blue have one thing in common with coach Patrick Roy; they all have what The Maven likes to call "Hockey Street Smarts."
MetLife Stadium will be filled to the gills with critics. This will be an immense opportunity for what once was a promising hockey club to prove that there's still good reason for promise.
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