Matt Moulson

Isles Cool Off Flames

December 30, 2011

The New York Islanders’ two games earlier this week against the New York Rangers showed how important a great goaltender is.

The Islanders found out tonight what it’s like to have one in their goal.

Evgeni Nabokov, after giving up a goal on the 1st shot he faced, stopped the next 29 as the Islanders got a much needed win 3-1 over the Calgary Flames.

On Christmas Eve Saturday, New Yorkers everywhere tuned in as the New York Giants faced the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Despite getting off to an excellent start, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive, the Jets looked very much like the weaker of the two teams all game long. They could not find a big play when they needed it, and made key mistakes – none larger than Victor Cruz’s 99 yard TD catch – which cost them the game.

On Monday night at Madison Square Garden two Atlantic division rivals faced off, and again New Yorkers tuned in to watch their teams compete. This time it was the New York Rangers facing the New York Islanders. And despite a few stretches of the game where the Islanders looked to control the play, the reality is that like the Jets, they played their part of weaker team to the Rangers for the majority of the game.

P.A. Parenteau: The Isles Unsung Hero

December 26, 2011

Rob McGowan

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(Photo Credit: bridgetds/Flick)

I wrote a piece back in October entitled, "P.A. Perfect?" that discussed whether or not the first line winger would be able to continue on his hot streak that began at the start of the season. As of now, according to TSN's calculations, he is on pace for a 68 point season. Those 68 points would be spread about 14 goals and 54 assists, a production total that his line mates Matt Moulson and John Tavares are more or less both on pace for as well.

I say that because when you look at the Islanders statistics, those three are the very top in the points category with Parenteau and Moulson tied for 28 for the team lead and JT right behind them with 27. After that, the offense dwindles with defenseman Mark Streit checking in with 18 points and Frans Nielsen being the next forward in line with a total of 15 points in 33 games.

Yikes.

But I am not here to talk about the Islanders terrible offensive production that has plagued them all season long. Parenteau, as stated in the past, is a player that many felt would be the odd man out, seeing himself off the Island by the end of the year

Dallas Stars - New York Islanders Preview

December 15, 2011

Ken Dick

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The New York Islanders will welcome the Dallas Stars to Nassau Coliseum this evening to conclude the season series between the teams. Dallas, the current Pacific Division leaders, has exhibited some streaky form of late. Their 35 points, however, leave them eleven points better than the struggling Isles, though New York has played one fewer game.

Fresh off of 1-0 shutout of a the New York Rangers, coupled with some recent unsteadiness in the New York crease makes Dallas a significant favorite tonight.

Canadiens Hold Off Islanders, Win 5-3

December 13, 2011

David Collins

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The New York Islanders were in town on Tuesday night, looking to steal two points from the Habs on home-ice. It didn't work out that way, however, and the Canadiens were able to win their second game in a row with help from a few unexpected scorers.

The first period featured a lot of scoring, for a Canadiens game anyway. Things didn't start off all that well as Lars Eller took an interference penalty just 40 seconds in, which put the Habs stellar penalty kill to work right off the bat. They managed to kill the penalty fairly easily, without the Islanders providing much of a threat. The first five minutes di...

Isles D-Men Are Stepping Up

December 9, 2011

Rob McGowan

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(Photo Credit: Dan4th/Flickr)

The Islanders, who are boasting the worst offense in the league with only a dismal 59 goals for (the second worst team is the L.A. Kings with 63), were heavily criticized for one specific thing over the past three months; not scoring enough goals. (Shocking, right?)

After being shutout several times this year, the Isles were becoming a one-trick pony; if the line of Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau wasn't scoring, then there wasn't anything to worry about if you were the opposing team. However, the Isles have been on a recent streak after coming away with points in their past six games played.

Islanders to NHL: "We're Still Here!"

December 8, 2011

Evan Pivnick

2 Comments

The Islanders have currently been riding a nice point streak and it has proven to the NHL that they are not just a small obstacle in the standings anymore.

Atlantic Division Holiday Wishes: New York Rangers

December 8, 2011

Brian Bock

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In this 5 part series, Brian Bock informs you about the letters to Santa he ‘intercepted’ from each of the teams in the Atlantic Division. First up, the New York Rangers.

Three Out Of Four Ain't Bad- Islanders/Blackhawks Pregame

December 7, 2011

John Madonia

1 Comment

The New York Islanders haven’t had many important December games recently.

That changes tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Balanced Attack Beats Tampa Bay

December 7, 2011

Ken Dick

2 Comments

When the New York Islanders last welcomed the Tampa Bay Lightning to Nassau Coliseum, it took just 36 seconds for them to establish their lead and roll to a 5-1 victory.

On Tuesday night, the Islanders allowed Tampa to score first, but the result would end up exactly the same.

Al Montoya, whose fine play has been carrying the Isles of late (with his 2.17 Goals Against Average and .931 save percentage coming in to the contest) started in goal. The Islanders faced Mathieu Garon in the other end.

Though they fired the first five shots of the game, none got past Garon. When Tampa Bay was able to get their first shot on net, a blast from the stick of Brett Clark near the point, Martin St. Louis redirected it past Montoya for his 800th career NHL point.