Islanders 3: Devils 2
It was long, at times it was frustrating, but the Islanders finally snapped a losing skid and managed to get their first road win of the season- albeit, at the expense of Zach Parise.
The recipient of a two-handed slash to John Tavares in the front end of this home-and-home (one that landed JT with a $2,500 fine), Parise thought he had gained retribution of sorts by scoring with two seconds left in the third period to tie it up at 3. (To be honest, I thought he had also- anyone who watched the 2010 Winter Olympics knows what he's capable of late in the game.) But after reviewing the play, the refs declared the goal disallowed because of a "kicking motion"- apparently, Parise had kicked the puck in rather than batted it with his stick.
Of course, the Devils captain was less than thrilled with the outcome; you could read his lips screaming "Horses***!" at the officials as he skated by. Well, I'm not sure about that, Zach. It looked awfully close to me; he was in the crease for a couple of seconds before the puck even came his way, and he was right on top of Al Montoya, who did everything in his power to fend him off and still maintain position on the puck. It could have definitely been argued that goaltender interference was there, if not the kicking motion.
Either way, the call was made, the goal erased, and the Isles finally caught a break and secured the two points. 3-2, final score.
It wasn't a pretty game to watch, though there were some great moments- for example, the three Islanders goals. Matt Moulson got the Isles up and running, finishing up a huge hustle play by PA Parenteau with a beautiful shot that tricked Martin Brodeur up high. 2011 draft pick Adam Larsson would tie it up at 4:20 of the second period. Josh Bailey then scored one that was also subject to a review after David Ullstrom dislodged the net, but it stood as a goal.
The Isles were unable to run away with the lead, however, as the Devils had The Adam Show going. Adam Henrique tied it up, taking advantage of Mike Mottau's turnover and walking through three Isles including Mottau before tucking it past an outstretched Montoya. Then came the barrage of opportunities, both on breakaways/odd-man rushes and during scrums in front, which the rock that is Martin Brodeur handled deftly. He completely robbed both Michael Grabner and Kyle Okposo in a matter of three seconds, and then stifled Grabner and Tavares on a number of breakaway attempts (Grabs more so than Tavares). Though Grabs would score shorthanded (his seventh of the year), the fact that he still has issues scoring on the breakaway is worrisome. For someone with his speed, his hands still need to work on catching up, and though anyone would have a tough time getting one past Brodeur even as he's nearing the end of his career, Grabner and Tavares both need to pick their spots better.
The defense also has to stop letting themselves get toasted on so many opportunities. Though Montoya is good, and a growing consensus is rising in favor of keeping him as our starting goalie, he cannot stop them all. The defense needs to step up. I personally would be in favor of dumping Mottau somewhere, just because the first memory that came to mind when we had first signed him was of him tumbling onto his ass against Josef Vasicek, and Vasicek deking Brodeur out of his pads to score the only Islanders goal for a win against New Jersey. Not a wonderful impression.
But there also has to be an adjustment with the rest of our D, starting with our captain. Maybe it was just a bad game, but Mark Streit's defensive choices have been a bit... off. For a guy who had been getting better defensively in his first two seasons with us, that isn't the best observation. Plus, he's been quiet on the scoresheet (probably due to lack of chances to shoot- he's been covered quite a bit, probably because of his booming shot from the point). He's also still trying way too hard to do too much out there, and it is hurting more than helping. Of course, there's a shallow defensive pool on the Island as is, so he isn't getting the help he needs, but he also needs to relax and stop trying to make so much happen.
Oh, and can we please get our other Swiss player- Nino Niederreiter- out of the press box and into play, thanks.
That's all I've got. Isles need to regroup and figure out where to go to build momentum from this skin-of-their-teeth win. This is only their first road win and sixth total win of the season, so something must be salvaged from today in order to keep going strong. On to the Sabres in Buffalo, a game that I WILL be at with my friend Jon! :D Lots of pictures, I hope, with that recap on Wednesday.
Until next time.
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