11/5/2011 Islanders Game Review

Islanders 2011-2012 Game 11 Vs. Capitals Review:

WIN: Isles 5-3 Capitals

Record: 4-5-2

Summary:

This Islanders club is beyond unpredictable, but hopefully they will be able to gain some momentum from this game. Like the past few games prior, the Islanders had a rough start to the game by giving up two goals in the first period. The second goal that the Capitals scored led to some big uproar amongst the Islanders (un) faithful, as chants began to spring up against Rick DiPietro. Whether they were justified or not, it seemed to spark the Islanders a bit because when they came out in the second period they looked like a different team. That difference in play manifested itself in the way of a Frans Nielsen goal only 1 minute, 41 seconds into the period. Following the Nielsen goal, the Islanders played a very well-rounded period that also resulted in a late goal by Brian Rolston (who had a decent game). On both 2nd period Islander goals PA Parenteau was a big component, and he got assists on each. The solid play continued into the 3rd where Matty Martin was able to score a nice, dirty goal early in the period. Less than three minutes later though, the Capitals responded with a weak goal on Rick DiPietro that once again caused the boo-birds to come out. Granted the goal was on the Power Play, but I will agree that was a save Rick has to make if he is going to hold down an NHL job again. Luckily for the Isles, Vokoun continued to struggle and late in the third period he let a slap shot from Milan Jurcina trickle through his pads where PA Parenteau was able to pound home the puck for his 3rd point of the night. This was a very good game by Parenteau which is very impressive give-in the fact that he isn't playing on the 1st line like he did last season. Many of his critics have said that his production is ONLY due to his (former) line-mates John Tavares and Matt Moulson, but this game proves (for now) that he can play regardless of who is on his line. Honestly I don't know what to think of PA Parenteau because his inconsistency, even in the same game, is mind-boggling. If he can show up to play night-in and night-out then he will be able to continue his production. Following Parenteau's goal, the Islanders were able to get an empty-netter scored by John Tavares and assisted by Rick DiPietro. With all the haters in the building I am absolutely sure DiPietro was very happy to get an assist on that play. Along with that, its nice to see Tavares with another goal on his stats because honestly his all-around play has been so fantastic that its a shame whenever he's unable to officially get credit on the score sheet. The Islanders defense was fantastic as they have been most of the season, and were led by the surprising Mark Eaton. Eaton was unimpressive last season in his time before he was hurt, but this season he has been an extremely stabilizing force in the Isles own end. In this particular game he led all Islander players in blocked shots with 4 despite having the least average time-on-ice of any defenseman on the team. All around I am very happy with this game for a couple reasons. Firstly, this game was very important to win to break the losing streak and against a team like the Capitals it will provide a lot of confidence to the team. Also I loved to see the team come back from 2 to 0, to tie it up and eventually win it. Great game by the Islanders and it will be very interesting to see if they can carry over the momentum into Boston.

Three Positive Players Of The Game:

1- PA Parenteau- 

PA Parenteau has not played off the 1st line in a year or so which is why some people who dislike him believe that his place on the 1st line is the only reason he has been successful, but in this game he was bumped down to the 2nd line, and he was better than he's been in most other games on the 1st line. He was following through on hits and was getting under the other teams skin, as well as being a very productive offensive force. I have been much happier with Parenteau this season than I was last year.

2- Matt Martin- 

I am one of the biggest Matt Martin fans out there and the upside I see him is HUGE. His offensive awareness is great, and now that his comfort level has gone up, its looking as though he's beginning to utilize that talent. He is still the physical force he was last year as he leads the NHL and is also producing a lot more offensively and defensively. 

3- Frans Nielsen- 

He has disappointed me this season, but in this game we saw the Frans Nielsen that I was expecting to see all year long. He played well defensively and was a force in the offensive zone as he was using his great vision to help him distribute the puck all over the ice. 

Three Negative Players Of The Game:

1- Marty Reasoner- 

I have been very disappointed in Reasoner and I really think his signing might be the biggest mistake Snow has made in the free agent market. He has not provided any offense, nor as he proven to be anything special in his own end. He provides no toughness and has no special attributes. He is really just a "meh" player that provides nothing special, and it bothers me that Isles management decided to add him over a great team leader and fighter in Zenon Konopka.

2- Matt Moulson- 

As of late Moulson has not looked like himself and its affecting his line-mate John Tavares, in my opinion. His skating looks slower than ever and he has not been finishing his checks at all. I am really hoping to see some more from Moulson in the next few games. 

3- Brian Rolston- 

He was not terrible, but I still would like to see some more from him. His goal was all luck, and aside from it he was still playing a slow game. He needs to speed up his footwork and his decision making as he has been holding onto the puck for longer than he should and its resulting in bad turnovers. For a veteran like him he shouldn't be having these problems so I am expecting him to adjust soon.