Last call for the Isles? Did I write that just last Sunday?
Chances of a sudden turnaround against the Rangers and Toronto to remain alive for a playoff berth looked awfully grim at that point. The fact the Isles have pulled out of what looked like a season-ending nosedive to rally behind goaltender Wade Dubielewicz and reach their last two games with a chance is a testament to the leadership coach Ted Nolan and general manager Garth Snow brought in to the locker room.
The toughness defensemen Brendan Witt and Sean Hill have displayed all season was a critical factor in controlling the top scorers for the Rangers and Leafs, and Tom Poti has shown an edge to his defensive game when needed as well. But it was particularly heartening for the Islanders to see the Mike Sillinger-Trent Hunter-Ryan Smyth line produce the first two goals, one on the power play, in the Isles’ 5-2 win over Toronto.
All season long, the combination of Sillinger, Hunter and Andy Hilbert set the tone for responsible two-way hockey the Isles could count on game in and game out. Now that Hilbert is fighting to stay on the ice with a shoulder injury, Nolan has replaced him with Smyth at left wing the past three games. The impact finally showed up on the scoresheet against the Maple Leafs, but it was equally important against the Rangers in holding the Michael Nylander-Jaromir Jagr combination to one goal.
Dubielewicz has earned every bit of the praise his play has received, but Nolan felt compelled to point out the help he’s had in front of him. “I think probably the most important guy the last couple games was Ryan Smyth,” Nolan said. “He’s really leading this team with the way he’s preparing himself. The intangibles sometimes are missed because of lack of goals. Andy Hilbert, at the beginning of the year, was playing great hockey. He just wasn’t putting the numbers on the board. The last two games, Ryan’s leadership has really stepped up.”
Smyth and Sillinger have shown the chemistry they have on the power play, but putting Smyth on a line with Hunter is a little tricky because both like to work in front of the net. “We’ve talked about it,” Hunter said today after practice. “I think we’re both the kind of players that, when we get that puck down there, we like a little bit more space. When you know where a guy wants the puck and where he’s going to put it, we kind of read off that. It might have taken us a couple of games to get familiar with each other, but I think we’re comfortable now.”
The Islanders’ first goal against Toronto came with Hunter tying up the Leafs’ defense in front so Smyth had an open shot when a drive by Sillinger rebounded to him. The second goal on the power play was a thing of beauty with Hunter holding the puck below the goal line as Sillinger glided from the left side toward the slot with a Leafs defenseman caught in between.
“We kind of had that defenseman in a spot where he didn’t know whether to go with me or stay with Silly,” Hunter said with a smile. “We had a kind of two-on-one with him, and I was able to just slide it under his stick and Silly made a great shot.”
Sillinger said his line felt close to scoring against the Rangers but didn’t get the bounces. That didn’t stop them from working hard against Nylander and Jagr, and the goals came the next game as they were shutting down Mats Sundin.
“That’s the way you shut down those guys is you’ve got to be responsible defensively, but you have to make them work in their zone,” Sillinger said of matching up with opponents’ top lines. “Ryan and Hunts are fantastic in the corners and do a great job. They want that puck, and they want to score goals as well. That’s a way to keep them off the [scoreboard] is to make them play in their own end.”
It will be tougher to get the matchups they want Saturday in Philadelphia and Sunday against the Devils at the Meadowlands because the home team gets the last change. But if Sillinger, Hunter and Smyth – a line of leaders -- keep it going at both ends, that’s usually when the Islanders play their best hockey.
If Toronto provides the last bit of help the Islanders need to make the playoffs by beating Montreal Saturday night, a team that was on life support less than a week ago might control its own destiny in the last game Sunday, and who beyond the Islanders’ locker room would have bet on that?
“To control your own fate is a big thing,” Hunter said. “We’re not quite there. We need to win tomorrow and get some help. Our goal from the start has been to make the playoffs. The guys haven’t given up at all. The attitude has been very positive, and guys are getting more excited as we go.
“We’ve got some great leaders on this team, and they’ve done a great job keeping it positive. There’s no one in this room who doesn’t believe we can make it.”
Comments (325)
Whoda thunk it? There is still a chance. Go Leafs!
At any rate, speculation on player personnel for next season is futile. There are so many changes that can happen in the offseason for so many teams. The only thing I'm sure of is that the promotional staff is really going to have to step it up. The last game of the season, with so much riding on the outcome and only 14,000 show up. That's pitiful and the rest of the league is noticing. Please, let's not wind up as the Kansas City Scouts in a couple years!
I second that!!!!
The attendance at the Coliseum has been astounding to me, but the excuses are even worse. Nobody was making these excuses even 5 years ago when we had that great team with Yashin/Peca/Aucoin/Osgood, et al and sold out half our home games. How can things change so dramatically in such a short period of time? We have an energetic, hard-working team that we should embrace with all our hearts, but for some reason it hasn't happened. I think, in the off-season, Mr. Wang, Mr. Snow, and the rest of the Islanders operations staff need to do some major fan outreach. I suggest town hall meetings and online chats for fans to vent their frustrations and make clear the factors barring fans from attendance at the venerable old Coliseum. It breaks my heart that we as fans aren't supporting our team more, but it starts with us. We need to make clear to management how to create a better experience for us, the fans. I for one am excited I'll be back living on the Island so I can get a partial ticket plan and see the team live more often. Over the summer, I'd love to see the following issues addressed:
- Yashin
- Ticket Prices
- Coliseum Renovation/Replacement
- Smyth and other leaders/young players
However, we also need to remember the task at hand. We still have a chance, and we need to be ready to support our team.
LET'S GO ISLANDERS!
LET'S GO LEAFS!
I'm not ready to end this season yet, and here's hoping we're packing the Coliseum for the playoffs next week.
A loss to philly and saturday night and sunday afternoon mean squat... I just hope they don't underestimate the fly guys... they've looked decent since they got biron... even gave us a run for our money... the only time our destiny will be in our own hands will be on sunday if we're mathematically alive... right now we are just waiting to see what happens... good point stead fishler - the leafs would have to pull their keeper in a tie game situation... that is a little scary.... THIS IS SO FREAKING EXCITING... LETS GO ISLANDERS.
Bottom line is that the team is inspiring and I am enjoying the ride as long as it lasts. Eventhough I started paying attention because of the Ryan Smyth trade, I will likely still be hooked next season. Regardless of whether Ryan signs or not.
Even with the Doolan's Bar observations that FourCups made on the last Blog, I still think Smyth will sign.
As a result of what happened in Edmonton, Ryan has learned to play hardball with contracts. He won't show his cards.
I think that the fact he had his kids with him in a noisy bar has more to do with the way he acted. If the crowd was already rowdy, why would he want to crank them up more. It would have just freaked out his kids.
Nolan and the gang have already let it be known that they want him, bad. So why let your guard down.
One thing I feel strongly about is he's not going to be playing for Edmonton next year. So why not the Islanders.
Kevin T.
I will do anything to save my Islanders!! I am very excited about tommorow!! Can't wait until 1pm. Then tommorow night (hopefully watching TOR beat the Habs) I will be experiencing serious chest pains this weekend tommorow from 1 to 4 and then from 7 to 10. Please TOR do not have the game tied late cuz I will die if I have to watch an empty net situation tommorow night!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS!! You gotta believe!!
Wow... !!! tomorrow is going to be great....!!!!
Can't wait
Let's Go Islanders!
And you call yourself Mr. Islander??? Please keep your pessimism to yourself and let us keep believing for one more day. There are enough negative Ranjerks fans on here to do that.
Thanks.
A blog titled "THE LEADER LINE" and not a single mention of our fearless Captain Yashin. What a surprise, go figure! I think it's safe to say that the Yashin project is officially over come this summer when the Islanders have one more chance to buy his ass out! Let's Go Islanders!
Leafs need to win in regulation . . . if the game is tied late, Leafs will pull Raycroft in attempt to win in regulation and the Habs will put in an empty netter, thereby eliminating the Isles . . . all part of the league wide conspiracy to screw the Islanders.
Nobody said they will concede when Raycroft pulled. This game might easily go to overtime {yes, their motivation in OT would be ice cold} but we will be still in the game. And SO ... anything can happen. Yes, I agree that Leafs must win in regulation, but tie doesn't mean they will lost the game.
However, what's more important, we must beat Flyers. And WE CAN'T UNDERESTIMATE THEM. They are not underdogs, since they got Biron, they are solid team and the last time we beat was only thanks Hilbert's last minute goal.
Conclusion? Don't care about Leafs right now. I hope we all will start at 4 PM.
It's easy as 1-2-3
Step 1: Beat Flyers {regulation, OT, SO... I really don't care}
Step 2: Go Leafs! {regulation, OT, SO. Doesn't really matter for us. It does for them, actually...}
Step 3: Beat Devils. And guess what? DP will be in net, someone wants to bet?
Greetings from Slovakia!
The single reason attendance has gone down in the last 5 years is the huge increase in walk-up ticket prices. 5 years ago we could sit in the lower bowl, in the 200s, for about $50 a seat. When we go to games now we sit in the last two rows for $25 with no leg room and no view of the scoreboard. The $50 seats are two rows in front of us with the same obstructed view. Where's the value of that? I can neither afford the cash outlay for season tickets even with the substantial discounts nor do I even have the time to be able to attend weekday home games. The partial plans never seem to meet our needs as far as offering enough weekend games. We used to go to at least one game a month but this year we only went twice. If there was a partial plan which allowed us to pick the dates we wanted to attend (Ranger games could be excluded or limited to one per plan) or a weekend games plan I would seriously consider it provided there was a decent savings over walk-up prices.
Joe Divola: I guess that's why they call you crazy. If there is any kind of conspiracy, it's to get Montreal AND Toronto into the playoffs. There's a lot of hockey revenue in those two cities. I don't think the league is out to get us. They didn't like us much after Simon, but they're not going to intentionally hurt a weak (financially) franchise.
Miko, You haven't heard about the NHL's continuing campaign to screw the Islanders?
Joe Divola,
You are definitely the dumbest person I have ever seen on hockey blogs.
Congratulations!
Gee Joe Divola who told you that scenario?????....I may not be much of a writer, but I know what plagiarism is.....You can use my info. any time, just make sure you give the credit please..LOL
You cannot get enough of these Isles Posts huh?
Well since you're not going anywhere welcome aboard. Rather then taking cheep shots, how about adding some intellectual hockey talk??
Cincy ~ PLEASEEEEEEE add the "VEN" to MAVEN tonight at around 9:46pm......
Hey Darcey Tucker owes us right? How about he gets the goal to break the tie and give us a showdown in NJ tomorrow!! :)
Come on, "magic carpet ride"? "improbable wins over the Rangers and Leafs". Anyone who watched the Isles-Leafs game saw that the Islanders arer better and have more talent. The Isles are not a "fairy tale" story. They are better thna the teams ahead of them, and should make the playoffs. Just a few weeks ago, there was no way I thought the Leafs or Habs would finish ahead of the Isles, Dipi or no Dipi. Montreal is playing their backup as well. And Dubie is better than Raycroft.
Steady - Nobody owns information which any idiot (even me) can figure out . . . and even if I were so inclined to pick someone's hockey brain, like I'd pick the brain of someone like you - the man who touted Brain Noonan as the key pick up for the 1994 Rangers . . . hey Steady, don't you have some research to do on your option trading ??? . . . or did you simply purchase that options trading software that they pitch on those late night, infomercials??? You know, the one that guarantees to make you independently wealthy . . . is that the secret to your success???
This blog is about HOCKEY not personal insults...GROW UP and read what everyone keeps writing to you...
Why are you on this blog......ALL DAY AND NIGHT?? It is rather comical.
I agreed Noonan was a good pick up, but I said THE PEST was huge in my opinion. The writer DP said he liked Noonan...By the way he is a huge Rags fan and has written with nothing but class on this Blog and adds tons of hockey stats!! So basically you are now fighting with him and the guy from Woodbury who is also a Rags fan.
The real MVP was the POST that Bure hit!!! You remember Bure right? The guy you gave a zillion dollars to that played NO DEFENSE and got hurt?
EVERYONE ELSE: Huge games today boys....Enjoy!! My God we are rooting for Mother Tucker tonight! Now that is scary!!
Why grow up at this point in my life??? Don't worry, by tonight it will all be over for you and you can pick up your golf clubs . . . you do golf, don't you??? All you big Wall Street types are supposed to for those valuable networking opportunities.
Mr. Islander is a voice of reason . . . good chance that the Flyers will devour Scooby Dubie like Philly Cheese Steak . . . let's see if any Islander tough guy stands up to Eager or Cote
The Isles are playing inspired hockey right now, if they can beat toronto and the rangers i think they an handle the flyers. I think that if Dubie can lead the Isles to the playoffs he (wow), Hunter (hard work), Smyth (again hard work), Blake (hes just awesome), and DP (He got us here...) should be awarded with Most Valuable Islanders or something (Any Thoughts on that?). And even though Bergeron does have his lapses sometimes its amazing what he can do to an opposing team when the Isles are on the PP. He can open up teams so that we can get guys to the front and open in the slots.... good stuff.... All i can say is that these last few days have been as excited as ive been about the Islanders since Bates scored on that penalty shot goal against the Leafs in the playoffs.....GO ISLES!!!
The Isles better not be expecting the Refs to keep Eager and Cote in line on Philly's home ice . . . looks like someone will have to step up and be a man . . . at least Simon would have been up to the task, but sadly for you boys, I don't see any other willing candidates, especially if they caught the video of that heavyweight tilt between Cote and Cam Janssen . . . maybe Coach Ted was able to hide that film from his tough guys.
Joe DiVola~
You just keep digging yourself deeper huh?
Go look at the tape of the last time the Isles played Philly.....Isles fought them three times and won every fight.
The fact you think the isles will drop the gloves, with so much on the line tonight, shows how little you actually know. I think getting the 2 pts. is just a wee little more important. Look for some of them to do their best Avery impression and try and draw some penalties!
Not to mention Simon is out for giving Hollwig a KOHO tattoo on his forehead and Asham has a broken bone in his hand from CRUSHING Cote the last time they played.
Seriously...LEARN THE SPORT!
Keep watching our team though and posting on our blog....You are a true ISLANDER!
Just watch how Eager abuses you guys with cheap shots this afternoon
If Bergeron doesn't make huge mistakes this afternoon in Philly, and if Witt and Hill can avoid taking cheap penalties for retaliating against the Philly brutes, and if Dubie has another good/lucky game, and if the Islander shots from just inside the blue line find the upper parts of the Philly net... then I think the Islanders will win. Win win win! Let's go ISLANDERS!!!
Enjoy watching the Isles today Joe....It is kind of sad that your team being in the playoffs is not enough for you....Now you need to root for others to fail! Sad way to go through life my friend.
p.s You have been posting at least twice every hour for 24 hours straight....Yet you are a Rags fan ??? Try Sleeping pills and a new hobby!
I totally disagree with Logan's article in today's Newsday. The Islanders cannot take the approach that this is a cinderella story, glass sliper et al. The oldest are the second oldest team in the league. They gave up a substantial part of their future (in Garth Snow's words) to win the Stanley Cup. Yes they lost Dipi, but Montreal lost Huet. The Rangers and Leafs had injuries. This isn't an underdog stroy. As I see it, if the Isles do not make the playoffs, it's a diseaster.
The Isles time is likely up--I can envision a loss at Philly easily. Wade has captured our hearts, but,hes a flawed goaltender.
Here's hoping Yashin is in his last days as an Isle...
Win Today Guaranteed Boys!...F the rangers again...ahh..feels good to say if after having to root for those criminals thursday...Blakey another goal..this guy has to be signed in the offseason even over smyth. He is an Islander and we need to take care of our own and honestly if smyth doesnt want to be here good luck to him..i would rather have blake on the team anyway..Let's Go Loafs
While Montreal is not the same team on road as home they do have much better goaltending then the Leafs and that is the difference. Habs will win this matchup and the last one out should turn out the lights. Let's face it the ISLES had a playoof spot locked up 2 weeks ago and blew it. Snow signed his buddy Dunham (who hasn't stopped more then 85% of the shots faced in over 3 years) which turns out to be the fatal flaw for the ISLES. Let's stop the nonsense about being an underdog when 2 weeks ago you were 5 points ahead of the Rangers. ANd get ready for the real disaster which was giving up future talent for arental player (Smyth) who will bolt as soon as the golf clubs come out. He will return to the Western Conference wher he is most comfortable and certainly will be highly recruited. Calgary, San Jose and Vancouver will all be interested and I dare say the Wings will probably take a shot as well. The land of Wang will need to find some other solutions. The real compliment needs to go to Nolan who always has the ability to get more out of less, this ISLES team over achieved all season and finaly ran out of gas when they needed to lock down the playoff slot, and maybe they will muster up the the 8th slot so they can be swept by Buffalo. Personally I'd rather see Buffalo have to work a little harder to move to 2nd round. They will barely have to break a sweat to sweep the ISLEs and please don't tell me that anyone believes that the ISLES remotely match up with the SABRES. Not even one line match up is even. So win them all and best wishes for the Weekend.
Joe = Mr. Islander
pretty sad you had to switch names you post so much!
Get a clue!
Well, at least this blog is fun to read. It's an hour 'til gametime... 4 hours (or less) until we know what's what. I hope you all stop blogging and actually watch the game!
Joe D has a real infatuation with tough guys. When nobody is around he watches tough guy videos all night long.
Come out and play Joe D. You can do the Elephant dance with Avery,Orr and Hollweg.
Here's my thoughts:
1-trade yashin, get some young legs
2-release dunham
3-how could you have traded 2 good prospects for ryan smyth WITHOUT having him signed for future years? Did Nolan et al think this was a Cup year? Huh? This was like the idiotic Knicks Curry trade - not protecting the 1st round pick from the lottery, how incredibly stupid!
4-trade asham - 3 goals in 30 games? goalies Billy Smith used to get more points than that...
5-to get more fans in the seats, new ownership is needed. First ge thte county to help a new, established owner construct a new stadium - but do so without a-bankrupting Nassau county taxpayers b-having to charge insane ticket prices (is this possible?)
The end is nigh.
Back on the NHL Play-By-Play screen refresh. Any expansion on how their playing would appreciated.
Kevin T.
hey mr islander & joe di vola, do us all a favor and hold each other's hand and jump off the throgg's neck bridge together. you make everyone sick you losers!!!
Early biscuit in the basket by Miro Satan...PP goal....
Kevin....Go to NHL.COM and click on the Flyers feed and LISTEN to the game live !!!
thanks Barry. Radio feed not working for me. keeps cutting out.
Yashin shoots he scoressss!!
Thanks Eager...Moron!
Exactly the way I called it!
Wow, how can I Yashin bash now....
Looking good so far, let's keep it up and not get ahead of ourselves here.
I can see by the play-by-play that Sillinger is stinking up the face-off circle today. Hopefully he returns to form.
3:0 midway second ... Park just scored the third one. Shut this game out and focus on Air Canada Centre!
Go Leafs!!!
Isles leading 3:0 so I really dont want to be negative. But pairing Campoli with Quint SCARES me ... however, they are both plus 1 in this game, but still.... We'll see
Yah! Sillinger an stink it up all he wants he the team performs like this!
Are they playing well or is Philly not competing?
3-0 but we are falling asleep........Better wake up before its 3-3
3-1.....like I said !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wake up.......... Philly will not goive up.....
Nooo, protecting the lead in the 2nd period. Yuck.
3rd period, Sillinger's finally winning some face-offs..
3rd Period. Looks like Sillinger is starting to win some face-offs.
Did I read right, Dubbie was pulled, why?
Sorry for the duplicate.
Forget last post as well. Shows as pulled when penalty pending.
GAME OVER
4 minutes to go, leading 3:1, Eager 4 PIM plus game misconduct... two shorthanded goals in last four minutes seems to be very unlikely...
Thanks Dubie, I hope I will say the same to Leafs in few hours...
NO, NO, NO...
2:3 ... first shorthanded scored by Richards. I hope its the last one as well...
Isles playing 5 on 3 last minute of the game...
Let's go ISLANDERS!!! One more win tomorrow after the Leafs win tonight and WE'RE IN!!!
I like Nolan's new slogan for the guys: don't think, just play.
4:2 ... IT'S OFFICIAL! END OF THE GAME
Go Leafs go!!!
Heart rythm returning to normal....
GOOOOAAAAAL!
What an a-hole Eager is! Way to take your team out of the game.
GO LEAFS GO!
THERE'S your answer to Eager!! 4-2 Islanders.
Go Leafs Go!!
Hey Joe Divloa.....Leave the predictions to the big boys....Eager did exactly what I said.....Cost his team the game!!
Go Leafs Go!
Mother Tucker !!!!
Way to go, Steady. Now, we need Toronto and Mother Tucker HUUUUUUUGE tonight.
GO LEAFS GO!
LET'S GO ISLANDERS!
We're on the right track, ladies and gentlemen, we can put something together here.
(On an unrelated topic, Dubie NEEDS to be DP's backup from here on out)
Nice lay down by the Flyers in that first period with an assist by the officiating . . . I guess the league wide conspiracy against the Isles is to carry you along until you can almost taste the playoffs and then drop the pre-ordained hammer on your hopes. AHHHHH HAHAHAHAHA
Amusing anecdote:
If you go to the Toronto Maple Leafs website (www.mapleleafs.com) and click on "wallpaper," there is a choice that is a picture of the Leafs logo with the words "The Passion That Unites Us All."
On behalf of all Islander fans, I agree.
Joe Divola is mad b/c he has not seen a naked woman since I dumped him......
Although it is comical to read his ignorant posts!
Duhhhh I'm Joe Divola...Duhhhhhhh Isles stink duhhhhh I hate the isles more than I like my own team Duhhhhhh
Nice win (whew!), but we'll need better defensive play to beat the Devs. I will be there with my Brodeur voodoo doll.
Go Leafs Go! And go Michigan State!
What a day... go leafs go... hopefully raycroft learned how to play since thu
. . . and now, the deluge.
More ignorant comments again huh Joe....Now you show you are not just CLUELESS about hockey but you are a RACIST!!!
Logan shut this guy down!
Go Leafs Go....Uckkk I feel sick saying that....
DP ~ One more day of good fortune and you get to see me write what I thought I would never write...LOL
THE MAVE_!
Joe is still mad b/c I dumped him b/c he sits on the computer for 24 hrs straight and eats Frito's and dip from his huge belly button!
asham would flatten jodi's face...
hi, i'm a loser in life so i'm going to go onto an islander blog, call myself joe di vola, after the seinfeld character and say outrageous things so that i might get the attention that i so desire.everything is wrong in my life and nobody cares about me so maybe if i say ignorant things that rub everyone the wrong way, i can get the attention of a bunch of strange men. I should kill myself, but i'm too afraid
sincerely, joe di vola
Does anyone know if by chance we make the playoffs, will DP be ready to come back for any of those games?
"hi, i'm a loser in life so i'm going to go onto an islander blog, call myself joe di vola, after the seinfeld character and say outrageous things so that i might get the attention that i so desire.everything is wrong in my life and nobody cares about me so maybe if i say ignorant things that rub everyone the wrong way, i can get the attention of a bunch of strange men. I should kill myself, but i'm too afraid
sincerely, joe di vola"
----------------------------
Well, of course, because you are from the peasant wing of the clan that uses a space between Di and Vola . . . we DiVola's are of Italian nobility.
Sincerely, Joe DiVola
Leafs all over them man. Huet looks real sharp. Raycroft is not looking too solid.. 1 nil leafs baby
1-0 for Taronna!
leaf 1-0 1st period
lets go leafs
all tied 1-1
Montreal badly outshot but still tied it up, 1-1. I think this will be a nail-bitter!