When I first mentioned this morning on Twitter that a win tonight over the NYR would work wonders for everyone but the NY Rangers, my buddy (and excellent hockey writer) Christian Arnold mentioned it would make the post-game story 'funner' to write. Of course he was being a joker, and it did make me laugh. I'm sure he never thought I'd include it in my own 'funner' post-game.

The Islanders played well at MSG. They had to. Michael Grabner even scored -- TWICE. (Surely hell has frozen over.) The first of Grabner's goals was classified as a short handed, I'll classifiy it as 'text book.' Why? It was all the things he hasn't done. He kept his head up all the way, he kept his eye on the target and was patient before taking the shot and beating Lundqvist. He celebrated like he had just won the cup -- briefly -- until he remmeber he hadn't scored since opening night. His second goal was en empty netter at the end of the game. Also surprising since he has missed so many of them.

Cal Clutterbuck began the scoring with a penalty shot in the second period. Clutterbuck was excellent all game. He has actually become the one Islander I enjoy watching lately.

Of course even with a two goal lead, the Isles had to make it interesting by giving up a power play goal to Pouliot only 30 seconds after Grabner scored. It got REAL interesting when the Rangers scored the NEXT two goals early in the second. It also got really loud in my house. But then Brian Strait (the Isles 'best defenseman') evened up the score with helpers by Bailey and Strome.

It tookly less than two minutes of the third for Vanek to put the Isles ahead of the Rangers who spent the next 19 minutes trying to even up the score again. They didn't. Even with four power play opportunities and Lunqvist on the bench, the Isles prevailed and Grabner hit the empty net. How often has he missed it? Often.

Grabner was also credited with five hits, only two less than Matt Martin, the human pin ball. Hopefully this is the Michael Grabner we will be seeing for the balance of the season. Because they can use all the points they can get.

At least tonight -- they took two from the Garden. And that is all that matters for now.

Join the Discussion: » 9 Comments » Post New Comment

» Boychuk for Seven

» Good Ain't Good Enough NYR 2 - NYI 1

» The Return of Isles' Capt. America

» The JT Show in TO in OT

» Kennedy's Debut