10/20/2011 Islanders Game Review

Islanders 2011-2012 Game 5 @ Lightning Review:

LOSS: Isles 1-4 Lightning

Record: 3-2-0

Summary:

I really don't understand this team. One night they look incredible, the next night they look like a lottery team. In this particular game, it was the lottery team that took the ice. From the moment the game began, the Islanders looked "off". Of coarse there was one player that came to play, as he has every game this season. John Tavares, despite being held off the score sheet, had another good game. He was back-checking hard and had a handful of quality scoring chances. The only other player that looked good was Mark Eaton, who made some very nice defensive plays and was in great position all night. Unfortunately the rest of the team looked awful especially the defensemen. One of the worst was Mike Mottau, who has been just dreadful thus far. Another defenseman that stood out negatively to me was Andrew MacDonald, who played one of his worst games I have ever seen him play. I am really concerned about MacDonald, thus far this season he has looked unimpressive and for a guy that is essential to the Isles defensive corps, it has greatly impacted the team. The rest of the defensemen were not good, but weren't noticeably bad. Along with the needed improvement of the defense, the Islanders forward group must improve. Brian Rolston has been a HUGE disappointment, and in this game he looked useless. Honestly the fact that he won't be playing against the Panthers (wife is giving birth), might be a positive for this team. I also feel like it was very obvious in this game that dressing Trevor Gillies over Blake Comeau was a big mistake. I'm all for having toughness in the line-up, but against a team like the Lightning, who has no real big enforcer, its a bit pointless. Either way, the entire team NEEDS to pick up their play if they want to be successful.

Three Positive Players Of The Game:

1- John Tavares- 

Even though he was held of the score-sheet, he had a great game. He played well in all three zones and created many nice scoring chances.

2- Mark Eaton- 

Was really well positioned all game, and made some very impressive defensive plays that stood out in my mind. 

3- Michael Grabner- 

Once he scored his goal, he once again turned on. He was speeding around the ice and created some chances, but by that time it was too late.

Three Negative Players Of The Game:

1- Mike Mottau- 

UGH…he is just awful. He looked absolutely horrible in this game, and I am hoping that Jurcina can get back ASAP because Mottau has been a hindrance for this club.

2- Kyle Okposo- 

I am really disappointed in Kyle, his play has been subpar and his level of play has been much lower than the Islanders management and fans have expected. 

3- Andrew MacDonald- 

He has been disappointing and I am really hoping he starts to look like he did last season because (like I have said) he is essential to the Islanders success.