By my unofficial count, the Islanders have managed only five shots on goal in seven power-play opportunities (one of which lasted only seven seconds) through the first two games of their first-round series with Buffalo. I could be off because I’m often writing during games and could have missed something. But it’s clear the Isles have experienced great difficulty just getting into the Sabres’ zone to set up their power play.
On the plus side, their last PP shot by Marc-Andre Bergeron produced the winning goal in Game 2 to even the series. We all know Bergeron owns a cannon, but his frustration was evident when I asked if that was the only time in Game 2 that he was able to take his full windup. “It’s the only time in two games,” Bergeron said. “It’s like we haven’t been able to set up the play for so long. They don’t want to let me shoot.”
As the Isles’ coaching staff views the series, the power play has been the difference. In Buffalo’s 4-1 Game 1 victory, the Sabres were credited with two power-play goals, but it felt like three because one came four seconds after the PP expired before Randy Robitaille could come out of the box to get in the play. Then, Bergy got the only power-play score of Game 2.
“We haven’t been doing so good on the power play this series,” Bergeron said. “It’s huge. That’s part of the new NHL is having a good power play. It helped us to make the playoffs, and it’s been tough the first two games, but we came up big with that big goal. We just moved it around a little better. They put a lot of pressure on us. It’s an offensive team with a lot of skill, so, they read the play really well. They’re cheating a little bit on passes, and they’re making it hard on us with the pressure. Sometimes, it’s a matter of outsmarting them.”
Between Games 1 and 2, the Islanders’ coaching staff made some significant adjustments. Alexei Yashin and Miro Satan got no PP time in Game 2 because they were replaced by Robitaille and Richard Zednik and Viktor Kozlov’s time was increased. Jason Blake’s time was cut, but he was able to carry over the blue line twice in Game 2 to help the Islanders get set up.
“Ultimately, on the power play, you have to win a one-on-one battle sometime to get possession, and then, you have to make a couple skill passes,” Isles assistant coach Danny Flynn said. “We made a couple of adjustments, and I thought we were a little better in Game 2. If we look at our statistics on the power play, since we got Ryan Smyth and Marc-Andre Bergeron, our power play statistics have been one of the best in the league, and it’s made a substantial difference since the first half. In a series like this, we’ll constantly look at tape and meet as coaches and try to give our players information.”
Flynn said Blake’s ability to carry the puck is one of the options the Isles have to get set up, but they have other possibilities available that simply require the right read. Because of the obvious pressure Bergeron receives, he would like Tom Poti on the other point to take advantage of the room he’s getting to shoot more and Flynn agreed.
“Tom Poti is so unselfish that he looks to pass almost every time," Flynn said. "We’ve encouraged him a lot to shoot, and he’s taken some strides to put some pucks on net to keep them honest when they want to shade Bergy.”
Robitaille acknowledged the coaches were upset with the Game 1 PP performance, and he welcomed the changes and the chance to get involved on the power play. “It was more so just to get a different look and maybe jump-start some other guys,” he said of the lineup moves.
But as Flynn said, there are going to be times when the Islanders just have to dump the puck in and win the battle for possession against the speedy Sabres. “They’re very quick and they get on you and pressure you,” Robitaille said. “When you have control, they’re a little bit passive, but until you get control, they’re fighting tooth and nail to get control of it.”
GAME 3 PREVIEW: Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff sounded like a confident man coming into Game 3 this morning at the skate. He admitted the presence of Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro gave the Sabres problems in the first period, when they fell behind, 2-1. DiPietro’s puckhandling was a major adjustment from that of backup Wade Dubielewicz.
“We didn’t react well to it,” Ruff said. “After that, I thought we made some adjustments and covered lanes and covered areas. He’s still going to make plays. He has that capability. We want to limit that ability. We’ve played against him enough. It was a little adjustment from Dubielewicz to him. We know he’s going to take advantage, but we want to try to trap him at the same time.”
Ruff noted that he spent the middle portion of Game 2 shuffling his line combinations and moving players to different positions. After being outshot 16-10 in the first period, the momentum switched to give the Sabres a 24-16 advantage over the final two periods.
“We did have a period of time where I don’t think we gave up a shot for almost 17 or 18 minutes, and we had some real good chances,” Ruff said. “That last 30 minutes was typical of how we want to play. The first 30, I’m going to give them some credit for how hard they played and they won races to pucks. In the last 30, we started to win those battles, which made a difference.”
Sounds like Ruff believes the Isles got a one-game boost from DiPietro’s return, and he expects the Sabres to regain control tonight. The fly in his ointment might be the fact that Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller let in two long drives from the point. Miller was upset yesterday when questioned about it, admitting the goal by Bruno Gervais was soft. Anyone would have had trouble handling Bergeron’s booming shot. But clearly, the Isles need to put pressure on early to see if they can rattle Miller.
Comments (268)
This game will definately be more difficult than the last. Buffalo will adjust their game plan from last game.
Hopefully, Isles can weather than storm in the first. Sneak one in and give the Sabres the "here we go again" feeling.
Isles have to take a man when under pressure in their own end. Yes, they have to collaps in front, but not so that everyones lying on the ice.
Like Chris S, I'll be at home with my 4 year old. Sorry, couldn't make it to the game tonight guys. My private Jets on the fritz!
Kevin T.
I read that Nolan called Arbour before game 2 and asked if the isles did there part would he come up for game 3.Anybody know?? Would be nice to have Radar back in the building. Lets take Buffalos game and shove it down there throat..WHY NOT US
Sorry to bring this up, but its bothering me.
Everyone, dont boo Yash, please. He took his benching with good grace, used the time he did have well, and spoke of the team as far more importatnt than anything to do with himself. All he cares about is the success of the team, as well he should. Yash doesnt deserve that treatment, and IMO more importantly, neither does the whole team. Hearing that would DEFINITELY bring the whole rest of the team down, and doing THAT would be RETARDED. Cheer for the guy, please, and the whole team will appreciate it. The organization will deal with the Yashin situation AFTER the playoffs.
Lets rock Game 3!!!
Are we having rules now for fan booing?
yashin deserves the boos---if he cant handle it, screw him
Lets Go Isles!
Sabres are going to lose tonite. Can't wait to see their fragile little ego's snapped, and their team stomped tonite!
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Islanders are going all the way this year!
Tonite will be a great win for us!!!
Sabres are going down!!!!!
The city of Buffalo will never celebrate a championship. The end.
Sabres will be this years choke.....islanders will be a cinderella story as long as they dont have to play ottawa
this from the Wikipedia bio on NVMC:
Despite the obvious flaws of the outdated facility, the Coliseum is still considered to be one of the toughest arenas for opposing players, primarily because of the intensity of the crowd noise that echoes around the interior. For example, during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in 2002, in which the Islanders squared off against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Islanders won all three games played at home in a series dominated by home-ice advantage, as Toronto won all four of their home games.
The Islanders HAVE TO win tonight. The Coliseum has always been one of the toughest arenas to play in come playoffs time. The last few years (and the 1994 playoffs) threaten to kill that mystique. Let's get it back. Go ISLES!
Buffalo is all of a sudden selling out. Didn't the NHL once own your team because the fans abandoned it? YES!
The Isles PP is the key....?!!!!
That's disgusting!!!!!
"Are we having rules now for fan booing?
yashin deserves the boos---if he cant handle it, screw him
Lets Go Isles!"
tdog, if you dont see that the Islanders hearing ANY booing from their own friggin fans during a tied playoff race- for ANY reason- is a stupid thing for the fans to do, I cant help you.
BTW, crowd of 16,234 there at the crapiseum tonight- sell out! Hope everyone shuts the **** up about that now!
Drew Stafford just got decked by a linesman lol
TSN is reporting that Ryan Smyth is playing hurt. But they are not reporting what the injury is.
here is a box of tissues...
lets have it...
even the announcers are crying about the rangers game...
LOVE IT!
NHL don't want you to win!
I love it purely conclusive evidence that puck was in the net....... not
What a ripoff that 2nd Buffalo goal was!!! There was no conclusive proof that it went over the goal line!!!!!!! The refs are corrupt!!!!!!!!!
Either that or the "war room" in Toronto is staffed by a bunch of NHL morons.
they called it a goal because dp knee was behind the line bt tat realy is not good proof
they just showed the proof
The refs called TORONTO- need I say more???
Good for the Isles for takling it right back. This game is friggin TIED if there was any justice.
And now, since THAT happened, they will be putting us in the box constantly. But they were allowed to hook Smyth and have 9 guys on the ice in the first.
That is why you can have Poti and keep him!
not only a high stick but, he fell like he was hit!
Stop crying, Poti just blew your game.
Point in the right direction
f#$% refs..... poti got his stick up yes, but the ohter penalty was BS......smyth got pulled down in the first period but nothing was called and buffalo basically had their whole team on the ice at one point, but the refs didnt call those..... man they s%#%
they also didnt call Poti's first high stick to the face early in the 1st, why are't you arguing that one.
Blame the refs
Blame the NHL
Blame Toronto
BLAME CANADA, BLAME CANADA
Give a rest Cartman!
aiight, they got one. the refs have been inconsistent all year, so dont tell me what to think
Refs are making some even it up calls after that 5 on 3 double-call. But Isles should have scored at least one in the first period. They had too many quality chances to have nothing to show for it.
Isles have played well enough to prove they can compete against Buffalo, but they need to capitalize on their chances.
RYAN SMYTH+RANDY ROBATAILLE!!!!!
We can't blame Canada... most of the Islanders are Canadian. Yes, I take it back... TSN had the only proof, and it was not shown on FSN. 2nd goal was actually ok. The triple penalty on Poti was a ripoff though!!
Just get Ryan the puck in front of the net!!!!!
Very important goal at the end of the period.
Tampa Bay beat the Devils...
Low seeds rule!
Icelanders will lose again! let's go buffalo!
fsn showed the proof after the commerial break after the goal was scored
as islander fan if you look dp was behind the line and in the net..... it was a cheap one that dp should not have give up
but that is the last goal we give up
final score
islanders 5 sabres 3
lets go islanders
why not us?
hey icelanders fans, stop blaming the refs for your crappy team. buffalo will kick your ass. because they have more talent, period. case closed.
Regardless, I think it's pretty ridiculous that goals are reviewed by some faceless staff 500 miles away. At least in the NFL, the ref who reviews the play has to man up and explain the call for 70,000 fans.
And am I the only one who pictures Pat Burns whenever a play goes to Toronto for replay?
Miller is shaky tonight - we have to keep on the pressure and we will score.
dipietro's head is spinning. is it the concussion or buffalo's speed? icelanders suck!
Wow, TB beat Brodeur two games in a row. That's crazy!
the replays should not be done by Toronto...replays should be done by the on ice officals.....on ice officals should look at replay just like its done in nfl
Gary! Thought maybe you'd have a date tonight on the Rangers off night! Actually no I didn't, and since Skinemax doesn't kick in for a few hours I guess you are content to watch the Islanders.
Asked you last night - what's an "Icelander" and why do you think it's an insult? Do you have any clue?
is the mausoleum leaking tonight? pretty quiet crowd out there. buffalo totally taking the crowd out of the game.
Hey gary, I know the Rags aren't playing tonight so you have nothing better to do than make idiotic comments on this blog, but could you go kick your cat or play beer pong with your frat buddies and keep the useless chatter on this blog to a minimum?? Yeah, I thought not. OK, go ahead and flame me a couple dozen times.
Miller is shakey because he's been smacked in the head twice by slapshots. I wish he'd get his head out of the way so the puck can get in the net!!!
an icelander is a crappy hockey player.
buffalo in 5
Sharks-Preds should be a good fight tonight. I hope a hockey game breaks out eventually.
I think it's funny these kids think people actually care if they say a sports team sucks. I honestly haven't used the words "rules" or "sucks" since I was in 8th grade. Oh well. At the very least they're making mature ranger fans look bad.
geez, the icelanders are pathetic
ice lander horrible hockey player
We have better things to do than post nonstop on the blog of a team that we supposedly hate, as you can see by the 0 posts on the rangers blog. You finish your homework tonight?
yeah rangers rule, it is funny how easily you can ruffle the feathers of icelander fans, isn't it?
Thank goodness i have a life because otherwise id spend my life going on the rangers blog and making fun of their fans and team....... im glad the rangers have such high class citizens for fans though.... GET OFF THE ISLES BLOG
check the daily news blogs no icelanders comments on there. all rangers all the time.
ok then, why are you a rangers fan?
and the ny post as well
Gary and Rangers Rule have stopped using full sentences. You know what that means.
Who's making breakfast?
buffalo still leading. looks like a win. sorry icelanders fans you lose again.
i stopped using full sentences because icelander fans can't comprehend more than one sentence at a time.
If you guys don't think the Islanders are competing, you don't know hockey.
That is low, using my name.
Kevin T.
well, if the Islanders have more cups than the rangers (which is the goal of a hockey season), and the Islanders are "the worst organization in all of sports".....well then the rangers are a really pretty bad organization then, aren't they......
and it looks like the refs decide another one - literally
funny how it is always the refs fault when the icelanders lose.
funny how the Islanders beat the rangers 5-1-2 and you wont shut up about how much "better" the rangers are...
it was not 5-1-2 idiot. get your facts straight.
maybe its time for sean avery to go play crybaby and take another diving penalty
it was 5-3 moron, look it up.
you wish you had sean avery on your team, then maybe you wouldn't be down 2 games to 1. ha ha ha
what was it then Gary?
its a final buffalo wins again!!!!ha ha ha
real classy fans...throwing stuff all over the nice.
5-3 icelander fans never get the facts straight.
Oh what a botched job the refs did. That last penalty to Robitaille was crap! Where was the call on the Sabres for what they did to Campoli just a few seconds earlier??
It's too bad that some fans chose to shower the ice with debris. That's really not showing the rest of the world a great example of how Long Island fans are. Bah... terrible 3rd period, and the Islanders PP sucks again!! Oh well.
almost as classy as spitting on a girl
I am VERY proud of the Islanders tonight. The only way the Presidents trophy winners could squeak a win out of them was by Toronto deciding to overturn the on ice refs call of no goal.
I really have to say- the calls in this game were so biased it was unreal.
BTW as far as the Isles & the Rags record this year goes, if it wasnt 5-1-2 then WTF was it??? Dork.
icelander fans frustrated as usual.
2= OT losses BRILLIANT!!!!! GO CHECK YOUR FACTS
12/3- W
12/19- W
12/26- W
1/9- W
3/5- OL
3/8- L
3/25- OL
4/3- W
wow Gary, i need to go check my facts, right?
5-3? WRONG. If it was 5-3-0 then the Islander would have only had 10 points- and they got TWELVE off the Rags this year, NOT 10.
5-1-2
5 Islander wins
1 regulation Ranger win
2 overtime Ranger wins where the Islanders earned a point.
DEAL.
right Gary? we islander fans always get it wrong, right?
wtf overtime losses count as a loss dork same goes for you dork metal chick. check the standings a loss is a loss
Well Kevin T, you can put your 4yo to bed now & then go watch the Sharks-Preds beat the crap out of each other.
sorry buddy, overtime loses count separately in the standings, because both teams get a point once in overtime. it was 5-1-2. Ask dad to explain it to you.
guess what? the isles get points so they go into a third column, you know, W, L, OL. SO MY FACTS WERE RIGHT GET OUT OF HERE. YOU CAN SAY WHAT YOU WANT BUT GUESS WHAT, I WAS RIGHT AND YOU WERE WRONG TO TRY AND CALL ME OUT ON IT, NOW WHO NEEDS TO CHECK THEIR FACTS
a loss is indeed a loss... and The Rags LOST to us.
I find it funny (in a kid with snot hanging out of his nose kind of way) that youre SO juvenile that you want to "make pretend" that the Isles didnt get twice as many points off the Rangers this year. Get over it already.
Stan Fischler who is certaionly NOT biased to the Isles in any way, agrees that the calls were horrible tonight. Oh well, Im proud of the Islanders that the best the Presidents trophy winning team could do was win a game by overturning an on-ice no-goal call and letting the Dabres hook their way to victory. The Isles played a damn classy game and gave thenm a total run tonight!!!
thank you themetalchick. theres no point in arguing here. we know we're right so lets just ignore them..... 5-1-2
OK, it's waaaaay past bedtime for gary and that other kid who's typing in all caps. Eeesh.
Yeah, so the Islanders lost... so what? It's only 2-1. There are still 3 games to play - because it'll be Islanders in 6!
Let's go ISLANDERS! Let's go ISLANDERS! Let's go ISLANDERS! Let's go ISLANDERS! Let's go ISLANDERS! Let's go ISLANDERS! Let's go ISLANDERS!
we lost, but theres always next game.... the Islanders played well and gave buffalo a run for their money.... the Isles can do this, a few more bounces the isles way and maybe they pull tonights game out. o well, its a series for a reason
I've never seen a team get screwed worse by the officiating than the Islanders did tonight. What's with the Rangers fans on the board? Your team is in the biggest, most exposed market in the world and YOU SUCKED FOR 12 YEARS. THE RANGERS INABILITY TO COMPETE RUINED THE EXPOSURE OF THE NHL. So thank you. Go to the Rangers board. Right, no one reads the Rangers board, so you have to come here to talk smack on strangers frustrated w/ a loss.
It's just some kid trolling. Don't pay attention to him. Read a few posts above, he didn't even know that there is an overtime loss column in the standings.
Gary, you are a total loser. You should be embarassed of the Rangers franchise. Embarassed. If you're 17 years old (and It sounds like you are), you've experienced two playoffs wins for as long as you can remember.
James Dolan "The Butcher of Broadway" is the biggest joke in organized sports, and a spoiled brat with serious arrested development issues (that sounds like you, actually).
rangers suck, rangers suck...c'mon atlanta, keep hitting them hard so if they are lucky enough to get to the 2nd rnd, the next team WILL blow them out....ranger fans don't think they're winning the cup this year, do they???????HA HA HA AAAGH HA HA HA AAAAGH HA HA HA