10/13/2011 Islanders Game Review

Islanders 2011-2012 Game 3 Vs. Lightning Review:

WIN: Isles 5-1 Lightning

Record: 2-1-0

Summary:

What an amazing game…from the moment warm-ups began, the players in orange and blue seemed a bit more loose and focused than the past two games. That definitely gave me a good feeling heading into game-time, and the Islanders' start surly didn't disappoint. Under a minute in, Johnny T fired a shot on Roloson. It was stopped, but was knocked into the air where Tampa Bay defenseman, Victor Hedman knocked it indadvertedly, into his own net. With a lucky goal like that you could tell it was going to be a fun game for the Isles. That first period was one of the best this team has played in a long time. John Tavares was able to get two-goals and two-assists in just that one period (wow), and aside from that first lucky goal, they all were beautiful plays where JT really was able to display his ridiculous talent. Along with Tavares, his line-mate PA Parenteau, played one of his best games in an Islanders uniform. Parenteau was forechecking hard, making nice passes all over the offensive zone, and contributing in every area of the ice. Tavares' other line-mate, Matt Moulson, was solid as usual, putting up one goal and one assist. Unfortunately, the Lightning seemed to get upset about getting trampled over by Tavares and co. and they began to play a bit overly physical with them. Victor Hedman and Steve Downie were throwing cheap shots at Tavares as much as they could and its obvious that without Gillies and Haley in the line-up, teams will take liberties with us. Despite the absence of Gillies & Haley, the Islanders still have one tough guy in the line-up and thats Matt Martin. Through the first three games this season Matt Martin has looked terrific and tonight was his best game thus far. His skating is much better and has helped him forecheck more efficiently which is shown by his team leading six hits in last nights game as well as three take-aways. Even though he had nothing to show for it, I also thought Josh Bailey played a solid game. He was working hard, and showed some really nice offensive awareness and creativity. The name of the game for Bailey is confidence, he needs to get his back. Once he starts to believe in himself again then he will be able to play the best he can night in and night out. After the first period the Islanders continued to play well throughout the game, and during the 2nd and 3rd periods, it was a much more defense-orientated style of play by the Islanders. The 5th Islander goal was scored by Michael Grabner off a rebound of a Kyle Okposo shot. That goal turned a switch on for Grabby, who has not been bad at all, but hasn't had scoring opportunities as frequently as last year yet. After that, there was at least 5 legit scoring chances by Grabner. Al Montoya, once again, played a great game in net. It was not the most eye grabbing performance, but he did every little thing right and played his third straight great game. All-in-all one hell of a game by the Islanders.

Three Positive Players Of The Game:

1- John Tavares- 

I don't even know what to say about Johnny T…he is incredible. I said it last game; his skating and play without the puck has improved tremendously. His success in this game was bound to happen, and I believe we will see many more nights similar to this one.

2- PA Parenteau- 

This is the 2nd time this season I have Parenteau in my top three positive players…something I would have never expected, but he really does look like a different player. He is moving his feet, working hard, and making some very nice plays in the offensive zone. I hope he keeps this up.

3- Matt Moulson- 

I was trying to decide whether Moulson should get this spot or Montoya, but when I consider how dominant Moulson's line was last night you have to give him a spot with his other two line-mates. He was in the right spot all night, drove the net hard, and just played his normal effective style of play.

Three Negative Players Of The Game:

1- Brian Rolston- 

I honestly have not been impressed by Rolston once this season. He seems like he is coasting a bit, and he has shown no offensive spark in any of the Islanders three games thus far.

2- Blake Comeau- 

This is his 2nd straight game on the negative players list and he has gotta pick it up. Sure, he was throwing his body around a bit last night, but he showed no offensive prowl. He is not using his shot and turned the puck over quite a bit.

3- NONE-