Evgeni Nabokov

Is DP's Demotion A Reason For The Isles' Success?

April 25, 2013

The New York Islanders assigned goaltender Rick DiPietro to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on February 23rd, 2013. At that time, the Isles were 7-9-1 and appearing as a team that could miss the playoffs once again in another frustrating season (Photo credit: xjowell/Flickr).

Since DP's demotion, the Islanders have gone 17-7-5 due largely in part to a near flawless month of April (8-0-3). Leading the charge between the pipes has been Evgeni Nabokov, who boasts a 23-11-6 record that holds three shutouts - one coming in a 4-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres the night DiPietro was sent to Bridgeport.

Isles Fall In OT, Still Manage To Earn Playoff Glory

April 24, 2013

Donovan Brooks

0 Comments

The New York Islanders season-ending five game road trip continued last night in Raleigh as the team fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in the shootout.

The importance of the loss being in the shootout was that, in conjunction with the Winnipeg Jets regulation loss, the Isles earned their first playoff appearance since 2007. Had the Islanders lost in regulation, there would have been no clinch.

In essence, the Isles played just well enough.

Game Preview: New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes

April 23, 2013

Michael Willhoft

0 Comments

Raleigh, NC -- the New York Islanders haven’t beaten the Carolina Hurricanes in two previous meetings this season, but are hoping the third time is the charm tonight. The Isles will take a 14-5-2 road record into PNC Arena in search of their first victory against the franchise formerly known as the Hartford Whalers.

The Hurricanes are the only Eastern Conference team that the Islanders have yet to defeat during this truncated 2013 NHL season.

Isles Get A Huge Shoot Out Victory In Winnipeg

April 21, 2013

Jane Fisher

0 Comments

The Isles took a big step towards the playoffs yesterday afternoon with another road victory in Winnipeg. Brian Strait was back in the line up, so Matt Carkner sat yesterday.

This was one of the most exciting games this season, with so much on the line for both teams. In the beginning of the first, the Isles looked a little tired. That would not last long though, as Frans Nielsen scored his 6th of the season just 4:21 into the game on a nice play from Okposo and Bailey. (Photo: MVerminski/flickr)

Isles Hang Tough, Hand Leafs A Home Loss As The Quest For The Playoffs Continues

April 19, 2013

Donovan Brooks

0 Comments

There is a saying, most often associated with old time hockey, that says, "how can you beat em on the ice if you can't beat em in the alley?" Well, the New York Islanders certainly must have felt that way tonight as they skated to a 5-3 regulation victory over the hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.

Have the Islanders Surpassed Their Big Brother?

April 17, 2013

Steve Giangaspro

0 Comments

Are the Islanders finally better than the Rangers? It has taken years to ask that question and not be mocked for sheer insanity or stupidity. With the resurgence of the Isles’ play and unexpected rise up the Eastern Conference standings, fans of the Islanders would answer with a resounding yes.

Supporters of the contrary would argue the results of the 2013 season series between the heated rivals. The Rangers bested the Islanders 3 out of 4 times. Aside from the first meeting of February 7th, where the lifeless Isles were drubbed 4-1 at MSG, each game has been close.

The games were so close that, in reality each contest could have went to either side. Who could forget Saturday’s epic battle that saw the Isles fall in overtime? Fans of the orange and blue wanted to blame the referees but after the loss settled, it became evident that they just had a better goaltender. Henrik Lundqvist, when on, is the best goalie in the NHL.

Islanders Defeat Panthers 5-2 In Final Home Game Of The Regular Season

April 16, 2013

Rob McGowan

0 Comments

When the horn sounded at the end of the third period at the Nassau Coliseum on Tuesday night, Islanders fans rejoiced as their home squad defeated the visiting Florida Panthers 5-2. The Isles skaters removed their jerseys and signed them for the lucky fans who won them as a prize at the end of the game.

Typically, this is a moment at the end of the Islanders season filled with "better luck next year's" and "thanks for supporting us as we rebuild our team." But instead, this time, fans were salivating for more as the Islanders continued to tighten their grasp on their first playoff berth in six years.

"Everyone's been telling me how loud this arena can be," said Matt Martin...

Making Their Case

April 16, 2013

Chuck Gaston Jr

0 Comments

The season is beginning to find its end. It is a time that we usually reflect on what has occurred and a time where we joyfully anticipate the upcoming playoff battles. This time of the year always has a few major questions though. The question that continues to plague me; however, is the one that so many hockey writers continue to write about. Does Sidney Crosby still deserve the Hart Trophy after missing so many games with a fractured jaw?

It is a question that I am entirely sick of, to be completely honest. Mostly because the answer is yes and just about everyone knows this, but I highly doubt that hockey writers have to continue to post article after article on why he is s...

New York Islanders Face Florida Panthers: Playoff Push Continues On Long Island

April 16, 2013

Michael Willhoft

0 Comments

It’s generally assumed that 54 points will earn a team a berth in the 2013 NHL Eastern Conference playoffs. The New York Islanders (21-16-5, 47 points), currently 7th in the standings, need only seven more points in their last six games to capture the eighth seed in the postseason bracket...