Islanders 2011-2012 Game 9 Vs. Sharks Review:
OT/SO LOSS: Isles 2-3 Sharks
Record: 3-4-2
Summary:
This was a very frustrating game mainly due to how it ended, but overall it was a pretty well-played game (aside from the first period) by the Islanders. The night started off with the ceremonies devoted to the 1993 NY Islanders team, which were very nice. Honestly though, I felt a little embarrassed from it for two reasons. One was that the stadium was only half-full which was terrible for a special event on a Saturday night. Even though some will blame it on the weather, I don't think its as big a factor as some made it out to be. The other embarrassing aspect of it, was the fact that we are celebrating a team that didn't win, which just goes to show you how little this team has achieved in the past two decades or so. Anyway on to the game…it was a rough start for the team and in particular Rick DiPietro. This was Ricky's first game of the season and the Islanders faithful were giving him an earful, booing at every opportunity. To make it worse, within the first minute or so, DiPietro gave up a semi-bad goal which made the entire arena turn on him. The first period was not the team's best, but as soon as the 2nd began the team began to look like the same one that beat Tampa Bay and the Rangers on home-ice just a few weeks ago (I know it feels like years ago). They came out strong and were able to put two goals up on the board. Unfortunately, the Islanders allowed the Sharks to tie it up only a few minutes after the 2nd goal. It stayed tied into overtime when the referees would make a disgusting call against the Islanders. Less than a minute into OT, Travis Hamonic flipped the puck into the air from his own end, and it went out of play. It clearly deflected off of the glass, but the linesman who originally had the right call, was overruled and the two referees and two linesmen decided to call delay of game on Hamonic. The entire Islanders bench was livid including assistant coach Doug Weight who according to Islanders staff was still slamming and breaking things as the team went to the locker room following the game. Despite the protest by all Islanders, the call stood and the Sharks preceded to score the game winning goal just a few seconds into the power play. Tough way to lose, but in this one I don't blame any Islanders for the loss.
Three Positive Players Of The Game:
1- John Tavares-
I don't know how many times he will end up as my number one player of the game, but I am 100 percent sure he will have the most of any Islander and for good reason. He looked great tonight, but surprisingly it wasn't his goal or offense that had me happy with him, it was his play in his own zone which was extremely impressive, he was doing great.
2- Blake Comeau-
His best game of the season by far, he looked a lot better. He was throwing his body around all night and forced quite a few turnovers. I was hoping he'd put up some points, but they will come if he continues to play with that same tenacity.
3- Kyle Okposo-
Along with Comeau, this was my favorite game by Okposo this season. He was skating well and working very hard. There was one sequence of plays that stood out in my mind; the Islanders sent the puck down the ice and it looked like it was going to be an icing, but Okposo skated hard and beat it out and then he was fighting along the boards for the puck and was playing physical and playing that "power forward" style we need to see from him. Unfortunately he was handed a penalty for something in that board battle, but I won't complain because he was doing what we need him to do.
Three Negatives Of The Game:
1- Refs-
Horribly officiated game (even before the OT controversy). That call in OT was a freaking joke…they need to answer to someone for that.
2- Andrew MacDonald-
I miss old Andrew MacDonald…he looks like a completely different player (in a bad way). Way too many turnovers and he doesn't look as poised as he did last season.
3- Steve Staios-
His actual play wasn't bad at all, but he took some really dumb penalties that really were unnecessary. He needs to be a bit more disciplined.
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