10/27/2011 Islanders Game Review

Islanders 2011-2012 Game 8 @ Penguins Review:

OT/SO LOSS: Isles 2-3 Penguins

Record: 3-4-1

Summary:

This was a tough loss for the Islanders as they squandered a two goal lead in the third period to ultimately lose in the shoot-out. The Islanders played decent in the first period and were able to come out with the lead with a late 1st period goal by Frans Nielsen. During the second period, the Islanders looked unimpressive, but luckily Evgeni Nabokov was standing on his head and able to keep the Penguins scoreless going into the third. Then 45 seconds into the 3rd period, Matt Martin was able to slide the puck under Fleury to make it a two goal game. The Islanders weren't playing great, but it seemed like the bounces were going there way. Immediately following the Martin goal, the Penguins were able to answer with a goal from Chris Kunitz. Once that happened the game changed and the Penguins grabbed a hold of the momentum. They were pressing hard in the Islanders end and were able to force some turnovers that eventually led to a James Neal game-tying goal. Regulation and overtime ended even and the Islanders were on to their first shoot-out of the season. In one of the oddest moments of this young season, the Islanders took Nabokov out for the shoot-out and opted to put in back-up Rick DiPietro, who hadn't played once this season. He surprisingly wasn't bad, but it wasn't enough for the Islanders as they were unable to score once in the shoot-out. 

Three Positive Players Of The Game:

1- Travis Hamonic- 

At only twenty-one years of age, this kid is already a top-pairing defenseman. He looked like one in this game, and personally my confidence in him is probably greater than any other Islanders defenseman. He blocked five shots in this one game alone and his play at both ends of the ice was impressive.

2- Matt Martin- 

I am a big Matt Martin fan, and this game shows what he really brings to the table. He threw his body around all game (as usual), and he was really effective offensively. He made some nice passes, but his goal was great. It may not have been the most beautiful, but it was a good hardworking one.

3- Frans Nielsen- 

He looked pretty good in this game, and his goal was nice. He has gotta keep playing like this because thus far he has been a bit of a disappointment. 

Three Negative Players Of The Game:

1- Blake Comeau- 

C'mon man, you gotta pick it up. Blake has been bad this season, he has no confidence in himself and his play is truly suffering. He is trying to do WAY too much by himself and its leading to many turnovers in the offensive zone. 

2- Brian Rolston- 

He looks horrible, slow, and unmotivated. The Islanders are paying him BIG bucks, he's gotta start performing soon.

3- Kyle Okposo- 

I love Okposo, but he has gotta pull his **** together, because right now he is playing like a third liner. Hopefully he gets his feet under him soon.