9:55 pm: This was one of the best games of the season; so said Jack Capuano. Both teaqms played exceptionally well and had their chances, but the Isles worked hard and took away time and space. Jack says that when they win. Tonight he had to hold back a smile when he did.
When asked about Kyle Okposo's game winner, Jack talked about how motivated he is, how hard he works and what a great leader he is in the room. He also said he was going to be a father in a few days. That is additional motivation for the man with the winning smile.
This is the third game the Isles have won, two against championship teams. "We have a certain style we have to play. It's a north South game. That's how we have to play, high percentage hockey."
If they maintain their work ethic and willingness to compete (two things Jack complained about when they were losing), then maybe - just maybe - this team can sneak into the post season.
9:32 pm: The game would go to over time with each team earning a point, but in the minut of the five minute overtime, Kyle Okposo would cash in on a John Tavares rebound off Keith's skate and offer up the fans the game winner. The cheers were overwhelming as the crowd began to chant "USA! USA!" That was the equivalent of giving USAHockey the finger.
The smile on Okposo's face was priceless as he tried to talk to Peter Ruttgaizer on the ice. The chants gave him chills and he tried to stay as composed as possible. Howie and Butch were giving USA Hockey the business all night. The game winner was just the exclaimation mark on their sentiments.
9:16 pm: Brian Strait is a lucky man. Shaw hit him in the numbers and his face bounced off the glass. He drew a penalty for the Isles, but that kid is going to have a headache.
The Isles had two shots on the power play and at least four good chances but the score remained tied at two.
8:55 pm: Just as the power play for the Isles expired, the BlackHawks tie the game with a goal after a scramble in the crease with both deHaan and Hamonic not able to get to a loose puck that Nabokov had kicked out of the paint. Shame.
So, it all comes down to the third period.
8:30 pm: After Kane had clanked off the crossbar twice, with Carkner in the box, Seabrook put the Hawks on the board and cut the Isles lead in half.
With 24.5 seconds left of the second, the Isles got a break as Sharp was called for crosschecking so they'll have a clean sheet of ice and a one man advantage to start the third period.
8:11 pm: Nabkov has been a thief so far this game robbing Toews and smiling at him. Brock Nelson had a few excellent shifts with great chances and Michael Grabner missed out on his chances a few times.
And then Thomas Vanek finds the puck in the paint after Andrew MacDonald shot it towards the net. The puck bounced around Okposo's skates and Vanek had the presence of mind to coax the puck around and lift it over a sprawling Crawfod.
7:40 pm: End of the first and the Isles managed only 5 shots on net and the only goal of the period. It got a little dicey in the last minute of play, but Nabokov held up to keep the Hawks from scoring.
There is a lot of complaining that the Coliseum has quite a few Hawks fans in attendance. Be glad they came out tonight. They may make a win even sweeter.
7:26 pm: Nabokov has made some excellent saves so far in the first period, and he's had to. The Isles had only 2 shots on net through the first 14 minutes to the Hawks 9. They've also blocked 7 shots while the Hawks blocked none.
At the 15:24 mark of the first, Casey Cizikas scored the first goal of the night playing in his 100th NHL game.
7:01 pm: Okay, now I am confused. It was Jiggs voice in the pre-game show. Now -- there's Howie with Butchie. Damn... Okay, Another good move by the Isles, Hot Dogs & sodas tonight are $2.
6:30 pm: WAIT!!! Jiggs McDonald IS there tonight?! can you say WINNER! Seriously, if the Isles do win this one, I want MSG to lock Jiggs up for the balance of the season!
The Isles announced officially they have recalled Matt Donovan from Bridgeport. Maybe the #FreeDonovan hashtag got to them.
4 pm: While USA Hockey did the WRONG thing, the NY Islanders are doing the RIGHT thing.
It has just been announced that those fans with tickets tonight's game can exchange the tickets for a future weekday game. Considering that we really DON'T know how bad this is going to be or when, that's really the right thing to do.
Those who CAN attend should still show up tonight to give Kyle Okposo the support he deserves.
Mark Herrmann was there this morning for skate. Crawford will face Nabokov tonight. Isles will have the same line-up tonight as they did on Tuesday, but it is said that Matt Donovan may have made his way back from Bridgeport. Bailey did skate today with the team, but perhaps isn't quite ready.
And guess what... There is STILL NO WORD on Visnovsky's condition or when he's returning. I'm telling you -- Where in Sydney Crosby concussion territory!
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