The Battle of New York: Round 2

Did anyone see the John Tortorella presser after the Islanders handed the New York Rangers a loss last night? If not, I would search far and wide around the lovely world wide web to find a video on it.  ”Livid” is a term to use for the outburst, and that  is putting it nicely.

Tonight, the Islanders welcome the same Rangers team to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Colesium for round two of the battle of New York. It could very well be do or die for Rangers long term General Manager Glen Sather as well.  We will leave that speculation out of this discussion. Although, I hear a lot of Rangers fans starting the “Let’s Go Islanders” chant. You have to admire a passionate hockey community who have absolutely had it with mediocrity and want to put a winner on the ice. Again, I am done with that topic.

During his fierce press conference last night, Tortorella was asked what he thought about Tavares. His reaction, “I don’t give a damn about John Tavares. I care about my own team.”  Well Mr. Tortorella, that same John Tavares could wind up being your worst nightmare this evening, along with the rest of the Islanders team to take the ice.

There is never a dull moment when the New York Islanders and New York Rangers play each other. Whether it is played on Long Island or in midtown Manhattan, the crowds come out from under the wood work to support their team.

The cross town battle began last night at the famous Madison Square Garden. Rangers fans had the house packed, however, the Islanders fans invaded the enemy territory and to somewhat of a surprise, took over the crowd.

I make mention of this simply because of witnessing what went down after Blake Comeau scored what would be the eventual game winner. Islanders fans erupted with joy, and it made many of us watching as spectators from the comfort of our living rooms (or bedrooms) ponder for a second. It got so loud at the garden that one thought the home team was the team that scored. This was not the case last night. It was Comeau, who put the Islanders up 2-0, eventually going on to defeat the New York Rangers 2-1.

So Islanders nation, not only can the team crawl its way into a playoff spot with another victory against the Rangers tonight but a Florida Panthers loss to the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night is a very welcome addition.

Two points gained in a four point contest and currently the Islanders sit in ninth place in the East with 35 points. They have been able to separate themselves from the teams looking up at them, however it is only a two point margin. If the Islanders can add two more points in the standings tonight, in what everyone hopes will not be a three point contest, it is a huge step in climbing the standings ladder.

So the playoffs at this point in the season are without a doubt a reality. This young team has surpassed expectations and have shut many of the “experts” up. Slated to be a lottery pick team again at the start of the year, the Islanders have found team chemistry and have been able to defy the odds.

Although Nicklas Bergfors of the New Jersey Devils has John Tavares looking in the rear view mirror for the Calder trophy race, Tavares is performing at the level he has been expected to perform at. He is a natural goal scorer with very good play making abilities and has fit nicely in the first line center role.

Line mate and long time friend Matt Moulson is enjoying the ride playing on his wing as well. The two found instant chemistry and are able to provide a lethal offensive attack when on the ice.

Last night saw some unlikely sources obtain key points in the game. Jon Sim opened the scoring for the Islanders early in the first period. It was only his third goal of the season, but a key goal to score. The Islanders were able to build off of the Rangers coming out flat in the first.

The second period saw both goalies shut the door. Dwayne Roloson, again, was the story of the night for the Isles. “Rolie” stopped 25 of 26 shots and the only goal that got by him was more of a fluke goal due to youngster Andrew MacDonald screening the goalie. Roloson looked to be trying to direct MacDonald out of the way when Enver Lisin was able to slide the puck past him and into the net to erase the shut out bid.

There is no need to bring up negatives when the entire night was nothing but positives for the Islanders. Coming off a 7-1 debacle of a performance against the Panthers a few nights prior, the Islanders were able to bounce back with a very big win.

Tonight it’s round two of the home and home, back to back games. If rumors are true, Chad Johnson will be making his first Natoinal Hockey League appearance between the pipes for the Rangers. This could be a blessing in disguise for the Islanders. Scott Gordon’s message at practice the other day was “shoot the puck”. That message MUST be carried out tonight. Throw as many pucks on net as possible against the kid and do all you can to get the first goal in order to really pour salt into the wound.

There is a lot on the line tonight, for both clubs. The Islanders can continue to ride the playoff hopes that the team is currently starting to see. At this crucial point of the season, althought it is not totally make or break time just yet, a victory is still very important and will be nothing short of amazing.

Tonight’s starting line up (subject to change):
Matt Moulson – John Tavares - Blake Comeau
Josh Bailey - Frans Nielsen - Kyle Okposo
Jesse Joensuu - Rob Schremp - Trent Hunter
Jon Sim - Nate Thompson - Richard Park

Mark Streit - Freddy Meyer
Andy Sutton - Jack Hillen
Brendan Witt - Andy MacDonald

Dwayne Roloson

The defense played outstanding last night, and a repeat performance is the hope for tonights contest. Dwayne Roloson has been a brick wall, on most nights, for the Islanders and has proven to be an excellent off-season acquisition for this team.  The future looks bright, but the present is not something to overlook at all.