10/15/2011 Islanders Game Review

Islanders 2011-2012 Game 4 Vs. Rangers Review:

WIN: Isles 4-2 Rangers

Record: 3-1-0

Summary:

Ahh winning is SWEET, especially against the NY Rangers. As usual, the Rags fans were all over the Coliseum, but unlike most Islanders-Rangers games in the past few years, I felt as though the Islanders fans never let them truly take over the building. That resilience off the ice, mirrored exactly what was taking place on it. The Islanders played a really good game at both ends of the ice, even without Rangers killer, Blake Comeau, who was a mysterious healthy scratch. Offensively they poked wholes through a broken-down Rangers defense, and in their own end, they were able to keep the Rangers offense in check effectively. This game seemed to be a bit less physical than most Islander-Rangers games, but it had a very competitive feel to it, as the Rangers answered each goal the Isles scored up until the third period. The Isles played a textbook third period (which in recent years has been the teams downfall) in which they took the lead early and then shifted to a much more defensive orientated style to ensure the win in Evgeni Nabokov's first game as an Islander. Nabokov stopped 29 of 31 shots and had a decent outing. For a guy who hadn't played an NHL game in over a year, his angles were surprisingly good and his only noticeable problem was his five-hole, which looked weak throughout the night. Nabokov had a lot of help though, as I thought the Islanders defense played a good game, and the Isles forwards back-checked hard all night. Of the Islanders defensemen, Mark Streit stood out (as usual) and was quiet (a good type of quiet) in his own end, but offensively he was distributing the puck terrifically which earned him two assists. Also Travis Hamonic played a great defensive game, I really feel like this kid is a budding top-pairing defenseman. He looks so comfortable out there. But once again it was the Islanders first line that made the most positive impact for the club. John Tavares was magnificent again, this time putting up three goals and one assist. P.A. Parenteau is quickly forcing me to change my opinions on him as he too looked great. He put up three assists for his third multi-assist game of the four game season. His strength looks to have improved tremendously as well as his skating. One thing I have noticed about nearly every player on the team is that their skating has improved a lot over the off-season. I have praised P.A. and Tavares on their games, so I cannot leave out Matt Moulson, who continues to put up points. I believe through the past few seasons, there has not been one Islander more consistent than Matt Moulson. Every night he goes out to play, and he rarely gets stuck in a slump. Players like him are extremely valuable. Its great to see the team finish off the early home stand on such a high note, beating their heated rivals. Hopefully the team can avoid the "Ranger hangover" and pull out a win on Thursday in Tampa Bay.

Three Positive Players Of The Game:

1- John Tavares- 

SUPERSTAR….its the only way to describe him. HE HAS PUT UP 8 POINTS IN TWO GAMES. He looks unstoppable out there. He is hard on the puck, getting a ton of scoring chances, and coming back to help on defense. His skating once again looks terrific, and his vision on the ice was just incredible. There is NO reason why he shouldn't end the season with 90 points. 

2- PA Parenteau- 

Once again, a great game by a player that USED to be my whipping boy. He looks like a different player out there and so far has earned the time he's been given, unlike last year. He has thrown his body around and is currently 3rd on the team in hits with 8 and has been extremely productive offensively.

3- Mark Streit- 

His return has been a HUGE boost to this team and this game was a huge indication of that. He played a good game in his own end and was also very effective on the offensive side of the puck. Both of his assists were great plays by him and I look for his impact to be felt all season long.

Three Negative Players Of The Game:

1- Mike Mottau- 

I'm sorry, I know Mottau loves being an Islander and is a respected veteran, but he has been just awful thus far. He was the ONLY Islanders defenseman in this game to have a minus rating on the night, with a minus-2 and looked lost during much of his time on the ice. I hope that Jurcina gets back soon and Mottau can be pushed to the press box.

2- Marty Reasoner- 

For a guy that I was happy about signing, he has been disappointing thus far. He has not contributed at all offensively and has gotten caught flat footed defensively pretty frequently. In this game in particular he made an awful turnover and it directly led to a Rangers goal. He has got to pick it up a bit.

3- Andrew MacDonald- 

He wasn't awful, but he was not good, which is where I would expect him to be. He is one of the real deciding factors of this team because if his play goes to hell or he is injured, this Isles defense collapses. So far this season he has not looked like himself so one would hope he finds his game soon.